How to flash custom rom after rooting with CF-root - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello, im new to androids and rooting, and i own a galaxy s2 which i have just rooted with Chainfires CF-root which also installed Clockwork mod recovery. I have a couple of questions on how to install custom roms, for example if i would like to flash villainrom, what are the exact steps i need to take? I have read as much as possible but im not sure if the same applies to custom roms in general.
So far im thinking i have to put the custom rom on my phones sd card and then flash it via clickwork mod, however i have read something about doing a nandroid backup and data wipe bdfore flashing the rom. Ideally i would hope somebody can do a quick step by step guide explaining the above, and tell me weather this applies to custom roms in general?
Im very grateful for any help, thx in advance

Once you have rooted your phone make sure you have enabled usb debugging.
Go to settings, applications, development, enable usb debugging.
Then connect phone to pc, and transfer rom.
Then boot into recovery mode, to do this switch phone off, then press vol up, home and power.
Then wipe data, wipe cache, go to advanced and wipe dalvik cache.
Then go to install zip from sd card, select zip, click ok and cwm will take care of the rest

Thx so much for the breakdown of how to do this, will this cause me to loose all data?

Baz-L said:
Thx so much for the breakdown of how to do this, will this cause me to loose all data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you will lose all data.
It's worth doing a backup, you can use titanium backup.
Download it from the market.
I don't tend to back things up, as contacts etc are synced and backed up with my google account.
And I just redownload my apps.
You'll find some roms don't wipe data, but it's generally advisable to always wipe before flashing any rom, and therefore backup if you have a lot of data.

JGS2 said:
Yes you will lose all data.
It's worth doing a backup, you can use titanium backup.
Download it from the market.
I don't tend to back things up, as contacts etc are synced and backed up with my google account.
And I just redownload my apps.
You'll find some roms don't wipe data, but it's generally advisable to always wipe before flashing any rom, and therefore backup if you have a lot of data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so its basicaly that same process when flashing any custom rom? just needed it step by step, thx for the tip on titanium bu, and thx again for ur help, much appreciated;-)

Baz-L said:
Ok so its basicaly that same process when flashing any custom rom? just needed it step by step, thx for the tip on titanium bu, and thx again for ur help, much appreciated;-)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah pretty much the same for every rom.
It's always worth reading the first post in every thread though, as I came across a rom recently that could only be flashed using odin, I think it was litening rom.
But if not 99% of custom roms can be done the way I described
And I know what you mean about needing things step by step, these forums seem very complicated at first, the best advice I can give you is to read read read.
When I first joined earlier this month everything seemed so complicated but it's fairly straight forward when you get used to it.
I now flash about ten times a day, but I have a problem lol

JGS2 said:
Yeah pretty much the same for every rom.
It's always worth reading the first post in every thread though, as I came across a rom recently that could only be flashed using odin, I think it was litening rom.
But if not 99% of custom roms can be done the way I described
And I know what you mean about needing things step by step, these forums seem very complicated at first, the best advice I can give you is to read read read.
When I first joined earlier this month everything seemed so complicated but it's fairly straight forward when you get used to it.
I now flash about ten times a day, but I have a problem lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the delayed reply, lol jeez 10 times a day, i get how it can be so fun and addictive though, trying custom roms and themes etc.
As i said though im new to android, came from an iphone 4 which i always used to jailbreak.
And yeah i know what you mean, im doing my best to read as much as i can, but here on xda things move so fast and theres that many different things to learn it gets scary hehe.
Im still to try and flash a rom, i was going to try villainrom first, but do you have any other suggestions on which devs/roms i should check out, seeing as all this is new i might aswell get some practice in....
I do have another quick question, when i connect my fone via usb, which folder do i put the zip rom file into, is it External SD?
Anyways thanks again for your help, really appreciated!
EDIT* got it sorted!

Yeah ten times a day isn't an exaggeration either lol
I find what happens is I flash a rom, then a dev releases an update for another rom then I flash that, then I flash a different modem, then I find another rom, then another update and the cycle continues
You said you sorted it, but the rom zip file just goes in the root of your internal memory.
It's not overly important as you can find the file through cwm anyway.
As sometimes I'll download a rom through my browser and then it goes to the downloads folder.
But if I download it on my pc, I will just transfer the file to the root of my internal memory on my phone.

JGS2 said:
Yeah ten times a day isn't an exaggeration either lol
I find what happens is I flash a rom, then a dev releases an update for another rom then I flash that, then I flash a different modem, then I find another rom, then another update and the cycle continues
You said you sorted it, but the rom zip file just goes in the root of your internal memory.
It's not overly important as you can find the file through cwm anyway.
As sometimes I'll download a rom through my browser and then it goes to the downloads folder.
But if I download it on my pc, I will just transfer the file to the root of my internal memory on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thanks again i managed to get it sorted i guess i overthink things sometimes, but i followed your guide above and now im running villainrom
had to do a bit more reading/asking on the backup/restore front, knowing what the diff between nandroid/titanium is etc, and how and which to use to restore.
Also you mentioned above about backing up your contacts with google, i tried to do that but couldnt seem to, how did you manage it? as i cant restore contacts from my windows pc via kies right? now that im rooted with a custom rom.
Anyways thx again for the help pal, you've been awesome!

Related

[Q] Backup with odin?

This may be a newb-ish question, but I was wondering if it's possible and how to make a backup (including kernel) with odin. If not, how would one go about doing so? I have a very nice setup right now with a custom kernel and a heavily modified stock rom that I don't want to lose, but I also want to try out the voodoo lag fix with ext4.
EDIT: If this has been addressed somewhere else, please post a link for me. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Use ROMmanager is has option to backup ROM you can download from the market.
It save your backup image to your internal SD card.
It also comes with clockwork recovery.
some info
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=734164
demo23019 said:
Use ROMmanager is has option to backup ROM you can download from the market.
It save your backup image to your internal SD card.
It also comes with clockwork recovery.
some info
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=734164
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that rom manager does not backup the kernel. What I really want is a way to create a full backup of my entire phone, not just the rom and apps/settings/etc. It seems to me that odin should be capable of such functionality.
I heard once kernel is on it's on for good and independent of rom somehow.. so only way to get rid of kernel is by pushing it out with another- you should be fine with it, just back up your rom in clockwork
jereader said:
My understanding is that rom manager does not backup the kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i missed that in your post but yea it doesnt back it up
This is great and all, but I really want a full system dump that I can flash back to my phone when those OH **** moments happen. Kernel and all. I just got odin working, and I really like the idea of being able to load up a full system backup and being back to where I am right now in a matter of minutes.
jereader said:
This is great and all, but I really want a full system dump that I can flash back to my phone when those OH **** moments happen. Kernel and all. I just got odin working, and I really like the idea of being able to load up a full system backup and being back to where I am right now in a matter of minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know of anyway to do what you want to do. Best thing I could say is do a Nandroid back up, that would take care of everything but your kernal. If you screw something up just flash back to stock with odin, flash the rom you were using then restore with nandroid.
This is why questions get posted in the dev section. Devs (AKA the people who know this ****) don't read the q&a section.
Go post it in developer section just make note that you searched and tried asking in Q&A and got no answer.... so you dont get reamed
jereader said:
I just got odin working, and I really like the idea of being able to load up a full system backup and being back to where I am right now in a matter of minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see asking just to have some learning experience with Odin but seriously dont see how backing up everything with Odin is any faster/better than nandroid.
For one restoring with Odin requires you to be hooked up to PC. Nandroid restore can be done from your phone with backup from internal SD card and it takes mins to restore. And you can store your favorite kernel .zip file on internal SD as well and takes like 5 secs to flash.
I rarely, if ever, find myself tinkering with roms and such unless I'm at my computer, and I do keep nandroid backups, but I like the idea of having a comprehensive backup that I can load up and flash quickly. I actually find flashing with odin to be substantially faster than nandroid.
I know we all get to messing around trying to add "cool new feature x" and next thing you know something is hosed. This, to me is why a custom odin backup would be ideal.
I think I will go ahead and ask in the dev section, but thank you guys for the suggestions. Like I said, any help is appreciated.

[Q] Some out of the way n00b questions.

Hi All,
Just got my S2 last week. Planning to move to CM7 this weekend. I have rooted the device and am on the Codeworkx kernel. I had a few questions:
1. Is there a problem while flashing via Odin if Debugging is not enabled (I think it is more of a OS feature which we haven't entered when in download mode, so shouldn't matter according to me.) ? I tried to disable debugging, and then went to download mode and Odin did detect the phone, but I did not try to flash anything so if anyone has tried that, your input is more than welcome.
2. The reason for above question is: What if I completely brick my phone (with debugging disabled) and no ROM .zip in the sd storage, how do I get the phone up and running ? I understand that I can flash kernels via Odin, but is it true for ROMs as well ?
3. What's the issue with ROM manager ? Is it recommended to stay away from it for S2 ? I have tried to do a Nandroid backup and it always takes me to the Android robot with a exclamation mark screen. Then I have to reboot and the backup magically restarts and completes successfully. Most people have suggested to use CWM recovery directly, so not sure if I should get rid of the ROM manager altogether.
That should be all for now. I have a jig ready by the way, so am not that worried about the process and plan to do a fair bit of reading before proceeding, however, the answers to above queries would be really great !
Thanks in advance,
Ish
I can answer some of your doubts.
I don't know if you can flash via odin in case you don't have the usb debuggin enabled so I'm not going to say anything about it.
Anyway if something happens to your phone and you dont have any ROM on your sd card but you have CWM recovery installed (which is almost everytime the case) then in CWM there is a mount usb stoage option. With it you can easily transfer .zip ROM files to flash, or even a nandroid backup you saved in your PC.
ABout ROM manager, this is what I suggest you. The first time you flash CM7 don't use ROM Manager (I even tried using it with the codeworkx kernel with no luck). Now, once you are in CM7 it works perfectly and it's really helpful to flash nightlies withouth wiping data (I flash half the nightlies as they are realeased). So the first time you flash CM7 wipe everything (do a nandroid backup first), even wipe /system, /data, cache partition, dalvik cache, so you don't have any problems. THen install zip from sd card and when it finish install the zip file again (just two installs in a row no wiping in beween, trust me, the first time I tried I didn't do that and couldn't boot the phone).
Hope it helps.
EDIT: You can flash stock ROM via odin, there is a thread by infratech were this is explained and you have a list of downloable stock ROMS you can flash with Odin, these are region and carrier specific and you probably will get the one for your carrier. I found the stock ROM for my carrier and I'm from chile, you shouldn't have any problems with that. Well, good luck, CM7 is by far the best ROM I've flashed.
Oh another thing, go for the latest nightly since the battery life is incredibly improved over the RC (or was it stable?) version.
Thanks !
tomascunill said:
Anyway if something happens to your phone and you dont have any ROM on your sd card but you have CWM recovery installed (which is almost everytime the case) then in CWM there is a mount usb stoage option. With it you can easily transfer .zip ROM files to flash, or even a nandroid backup you saved in your PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome ! This is exactly what I was looking for. I haven't dived into all the options of the CWM, so didn't know that this feature existed.
Also, many thanks for explaining most of the things in a single concise post, it was very helpful. I'll have to check the ROM flash with Odin, so I will search for that thread and have a go through it later today.
Once I get a hang of CM7, I'll go in for the nightlies as well. And yes, I did read about the CM7 guys revert the status to an RC because of the bugs reported, so will give it a try once I definitely know what I'm getting into .
Thanks again,
Ish.
cheemais said:
Awesome ! This is exactly what I was looking for. I haven't dived into all the options of the CWM, so didn't know that this feature existed.
Also, many thanks for explaining most of the things in a single concise post, it was very helpful. I'll have to check the ROM flash with Odin, so I will search for that thread and have a go through it later today.
Once I get a hang of CM7, I'll go in for the nightlies as well. And yes, I did read about the CM7 guys revert the status to an RC because of the bugs reported, so will give it a try once I definitely know what I'm getting into .
Thanks again,
Ish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well good luck! Tell me if you get any problem.

Couple of questions regarding ROMs and such.

Okay. Couple days ago, i got my new Samsung Galaxy S II. Fell in love with it. I previously had a Vibrant, but that met an unfortunate and violent demise. On the vibrant I hadn't been doing anything involving roms and such because i'd tried once, and completely fried the phone. LOL.
I managed to root my phone, and from what I've read, I didn't do the best method. What I did was get an unsecure kernel, and flashed that, then used a 1-click root type thing to root it. So one of my questions is, my clockwork mod isn't working, what's wrong with it? I downloaded ROM Manager, and flashed CWM. But when i reboot into recovery, i get the stock Samsung recovery screen. How can I get this to work?
And another question, is about roms such as Cyanogen mod. I really wanna get it. (I wont until I get CWM working, though.) And I'm just wondering. If I were to just go to ROM Manager, and flash cyanogen, would it work, or do i need to do more to my phone to be able to put on custom roms? I've never understood the concept of roms vs kernels vs firmware vs whatever else.
And if it matters, Samsung Galaxy S II, Android 2.3.3, rooted using SuperOneClick.
P.S Anything else that I should considering doing/putting onto my phone? And thanks in advance for halping.
Gutana said:
Okay. Couple days ago, i got my new Samsung Galaxy S II. Fell in love with it. I previously had a Vibrant, but that met an unfortunate and violent demise. On the vibrant I hadn't been doing anything involving roms and such because i'd tried once, and completely fried the phone. LOL.
I managed to root my phone, and from what I've read, I didn't do the best method. What I did was get an unsecure kernel, and flashed that, then used a 1-click root type thing to root it. So one of my questions is, my clockwork mod isn't working, what's wrong with it? I downloaded ROM Manager, and flashed CWM. But when i reboot into recovery, i get the stock Samsung recovery screen. How can I get this to work?
And another question, is about roms such as Cyanogen mod. I really wanna get it. (I wont until I get CWM working, though.) And I'm just wondering. If I were to just go to ROM Manager, and flash cyanogen, would it work, or do i need to do more to my phone to be able to put on custom roms? I've never understood the concept of roms vs kernels vs firmware vs whatever else.
And if it matters, Samsung Galaxy S II, Android 2.3.3, rooted using SuperOneClick.
P.S Anything else that I should considering doing/putting onto my phone? And thanks in advance for halping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, don't take this the wrong way, but it seems you're a bit lacking regarding knowledge about this phone... It'd pay to do your research beforehand in the SGS2 forum, read the FAQs, etc.
Okay, first off, all I can say is, go back to stock. Go flash a stock Samsung ROM for the device. Then, go into Chainfire's CF-Root Kernel thread, and download the appropriate kernel, and flash it using ODIN. After you've done that, you'll have ClockworkMod, and you'll be rooted. It is recommended that you flash another kernel though, after gaining root, as all the CF-Root kernel does it install ClockworkMod, and root the device. Personally, I recommend SiyahKernel.
If you need more detail or have any more questions, feel free to send me a PM.
Thanks,
screamworks.
screamworks said:
Okay, don't take this the wrong way, but it seems you're a bit lacking regarding knowledge about this phone... It'd pay to do your research beforehand in the SGS2 forum, read the FAQs, etc.
Okay, first off, all I can say is, go back to stock. Go flash a stock Samsung ROM for the device. Then, go into Chainfire's CF-Root Kernel thread, and download the appropriate kernel, and flash it using ODIN. After you've done that, you'll have ClockworkMod, and you'll be rooted. It is recommended that you flash another kernel though, after gaining root, as all the CF-Root kernel does it install ClockworkMod, and root the device. Personally, I recommend SiyahKernel.
If you need more detail or have any more questions, feel free to send me a PM.
Thanks,
screamworks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, I did what you said. I went to stock 2.3.4, used CF-root. And now about SiyahKernel, what are the advantages of it? And is there something wrong with just staying with the CF-Root kernel?
And as of where I am now, with just root and CWM, would i be able to switch ROMs and such?
Gutana said:
Alright, I did what you said. I went to stock 2.3.4, used CF-root. And now about SiyahKernel, what are the advantages of it? And is there something wrong with just staying with the CF-Root kernel?
And as of where I am now, with just root and CWM, would i be able to switch ROMs and such?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With a rooted device you'll be able to flash trough Odin or CMW recovery any rom you like.
Siyah kernel gives you a faster and more battery efficient phone and lets you set your own Voltage/ speed the processor has to use see this for the latest info
http://www.gokhanmoral.com/ and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1263838
DirkTeur Velserbroncx said:
With a rooted device you'll be able to flash trough Odin or CMW recovery any rom you like.
Siyah kernel gives you a faster and more battery efficient phone and lets you set your own Voltage/ speed the processor has to use see this for the latest info
http://www.gokhanmoral.com/ and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1263838
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, so i'm pretty much ready to go? Yayayayay.
And would you recommend any roms for me? XD
Gutana said:
Alright, I did what you said. I went to stock 2.3.4, used CF-root. And now about SiyahKernel, what are the advantages of it? And is there something wrong with just staying with the CF-Root kernel?
And as of where I am now, with just root and CWM, would i be able to switch ROMs and such?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SiyahKernel has a lot of advantages and improvements of CF-Root, which provides null, if I'm correct. Go check out the SiyahKernel thread in Original Development for details.
Yes, as stated, you can use CWM by itself to switch ROMs. Just remember that if you're switching ROMs (as opposed to performing a flash to a newer version of the same ROM), to perform a factor reset / wipe data, wipe cache, and wipe Dalvik cache (Advanced > wipe Dalvik cache) in ClockworkMod first.
Gutana said:
Alright, so i'm pretty much ready to go? Yayayayay.
And would you recommend any roms for me? XD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For a beginninger, I can't recommend MIUI highly enough. You could go with GalnetMIUI, which is a variant, but I personally prefer the official MIUI build. If you're looking for a more, 'pure' experience, go with CyanogenMod 7.1 stable.
screamworks said:
SiyahKernel has a lot of advantages and improvements of CF-Root, which provides null, if I'm correct. Go check out the SiyahKernel thread in Original Development for details.
Yes, as stated, you can use CWM by itself to switch ROMs. Just remember that if you're switching ROMs (as opposed to performing a flash to a newer version of the same ROM), to perform a factor reset / wipe data, wipe cache, and wipe Dalvik cache (Advanced > wipe Dalvik cache) in ClockworkMod first.
For a beginninger, I can't recommend MIUI highly enough. You could go with GalnetMIUI, which is a variant, but I personally prefer the official MIUI build. If you're looking for a more, 'pure' experience, go with CyanogenMod 7.1 stable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, one more question, sorry for the nooby-ness. Haha.
So going from my phone to for example Cyanogen, I'd backup in CWM, and Titanium backup (Or does CWM backup like, EVERYTHING?) and then factory reset, flash the rom using odin, and then use titanium backup to get my apps and settings back? orwhat.
Gutana said:
Alright, one more question, sorry for the nooby-ness. Haha.
So going from my phone to for example Cyanogen, I'd backup in CWM, and Titanium backup (Or does CWM backup like, EVERYTHING?) and then factory reset, flash the rom using odin, and then use titanium backup to get my apps and settings back? orwhat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM backup (called a NANDroid backup), backs up everything. If you perform a NANDroid back, there's no need to perform a backup in Titanium Backup - it creates a full image of your system (the advantage to TB though, is that you can backup all your download apps and settings, then install the new ROM, and restore the backed up apps - If you restore a NANDdroid backup, it'll restore the old ROM, exactly as it was when the backup was made).
So yes, the installation process is, for CWM: copy the ROM.zip to your phone, then boot into CWM recovery. Hit the 'factory reset / wipe data' option, the 'wipe cache' option, and then go to Advanced, and hit the 'wipe Dalvik cache' option. After that, choose 'install ZIP from SDCARD', and choose your ROM.zip. After it finishes installing, just hit 'reboot system now', and you're good to go!
Usually, it's not required to use ODIN to flash a new ROM, unless there's a problem with the recovery.
All that said, it pays to read the thread for the ROM beforehand, as sometimes when moving from ROM to ROM (especially from stock), there's a few small things that may be required, like flashing the ROM twice, or whatever
screamworks said:
CWM backup (called a NANDroid backup), backs up everything. If you perform a NANDroid back, there's no need to perform a backup in Titanium Backup - it creates a full image of your system (the advantage to TB though, is that you can backup all your download apps and settings, then install the new ROM, and restore the backed up apps - If you restore a NANDdroid backup, it'll restore the old ROM, exactly as it was when the backup was made).
So yes, the installation process is, for CWM: copy the ROM.zip to your phone, then boot into CWM recovery. Hit the 'factory reset / wipe data' option, the 'wipe cache' option, and then go to Advanced, and hit the 'wipe Dalvik cache' option. After that, choose 'install ZIP from SDCARD', and choose your ROM.zip. After it finishes installing, just hit 'reboot system now', and you're good to go!
Usually, it's not required to use ODIN to flash a new ROM, unless there's a problem with the recovery.
All that said, it pays to read the thread for the ROM beforehand, as sometimes when moving from ROM to ROM (especially from stock), there's a few small things that may be required, like flashing the ROM twice, or whatever
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, i got that done. I've tried both MIUI and Cyanogen, and both are working and lookin wonderful. But the problem is I dont get data on either one. I've tried reflashing, rebooting, factory reset. Idunno what else to try. Do you know what could be causing this?
Gutana said:
Alright, i got that done. I've tried both MIUI and Cyanogen, and both are working and lookin wonderful. But the problem is I dont get data on either one. I've tried reflashing, rebooting, factory reset. Idunno what else to try. Do you know what could be causing this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check your APN settings (should be somewhere in Settings under mobile network or whatever). Look your's up online ('APN settings carrier y, country z), and if they're not correct, add them in.
screamworks said:
Check your APN settings (should be somewhere in Settings under mobile network or whatever). Look your's up online ('APN settings carrier y, country z), and if they're not correct, add them in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got everything working, thank you very much. Thanked every one of your posts
And I've asked too many questions for one person in one thread, I happen to have one more. How can I get the Android Market on Cyanogenmod? I downloaded build 115, and there wasn't a market, so i'll be using MIUI till I get that fixed. ><
Gutana said:
Got everything working, thank you very much. Thanked every one of your posts
And I've asked too many questions for one person in one thread, I happen to have one more. How can I get the Android Market on Cyanogenmod? I downloaded build 115, and there wasn't a market, so i'll be using MIUI till I get that fixed. ><
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're more than welcome
If you've got any other questions, feel free to PM me
With CyanogenMod, there's a bit of a story to it, but basically, they're not allowed to package Market, Gmail, Maps, etc. with the ROM, so you need to download a zip file called Gapps and flash it in CWM Recovery, you can find it here. You don't need to wipe anything when flashing this.
Also, build #115 isn't the latest, build #117 is (in fact, there's another, even more current one, but there's really nothing to it), but I don't believe there's any major changes.
screamworks said:
You're more than welcome
If you've got any other questions, feel free to PM me
With CyanogenMod, there's a bit of a story to it, but basically, they're not allowed to package Market, Gmail, Maps, etc. with the ROM, so you need to download a zip file called Gapps and flash it in CWM Recovery, you can find it here. You don't need to wipe anything when flashing this.
Also, build #115 isn't the latest, build #117 is (in fact, there's another, even more current one, but there's really nothing to it), but I don't believe there's any major changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I was having troubles messaging you, since it didn't show anything in the sent box, i assumed it didnt go through. So i guess ill be still asking you on here.
So about Cyanogen, which build is the best? And if i'm going from one build to another, like from 115, to 116, would i still have to do a complete wipe? And any other roms besides MIUI and Cyanogen you recommend? cause MIUI is giving me and couldn't generate md5 errors, and i cant restore to it, and i hate starting off without it set up how i like it. D: and yeah, thanks.
Gutana said:
Hey, I was having troubles messaging you, since it didn't show anything in the sent box, i assumed it didnt go through. So i guess ill be still asking you on here.
So about Cyanogen, which build is the best? And if i'm going from one build to another, like from 115, to 116, would i still have to do a complete wipe? And any other roms besides MIUI and Cyanogen you recommend? cause MIUI is giving me and couldn't generate md5 errors, and i cant restore to it, and i hate starting off without it set up how i like it. D: and yeah, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only just the message 12 hours ago, if that helps?
Usually, your best bet is to go with the latest build, which you can get here. If it's stability you're looking for, go with the stable build, instead of nightlies.
Personally, out of all ROMs I've tried, I could only ever stand MIUI and CyanogenMod - but even then, MIUI started to annoy me with little things here and there. I think I'll be sticking with CyanogenMod for awhile. So, I'm not really the best authority on that. Just try some different ones, and see what appeals to you the most

[Q] Slow, Laggy Phone

My phone is quote slow and laggy and it's quite surprising seeing as this phone is meant to be known for it's speed and power.
I have rooted with cf-root , I don't really know if this means if I have a custom kernel.
All I want to know is if there is a custom ROM or kernel to help with this. If yes, which one. Many developers claim there stuff speeds up phones but obviously they're bias. I want neutral opinions from people with experience of different things.
Before people tell me to search I can only access the net through my phone and the drop down search button don't work.
First of all rooting your phone is good cos it now means that you can flash a custom ROM.Something that cant be done on stock.For the moment stay with CF-Root as they are basically stock rooted kernels and at the moment I dont think you need to get into overclocking and undervolting and all that stuff that more advanced kernels can do cos if you do it wrong yourve got problems.As for ROMs your right.All Devs will say that they have the best one and all happy users,yes like myself,will say they use the best one too.The problem is that everyone has different likes and needs.No one who has spent time on this site has ever only had ONE ROM on their phone.Its impossible to not turn into a flashaholic at some stage.The best you can do is read threads and try some.Not the answer you wanted but its the best and only way to find what you want.Try mine.I love it.The link is below the big blue Omega sign.Its the one that says "GB".If you dont like it then try something else.Theres really no other way to find out what you want unless you try for yourself.
I see.. So I simply download the custom ROM and install it through clockwork mod?
Do I have to back up my phone with titanium back up before I install custom roms?
anz2k8 said:
I see.. So I simply download the custom ROM and install it through clockwork mod?
Do I have to back up my phone with titanium back up before I install custom roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Step 1 - backup with titanium.
Step 2 - reboot into cwm or with the cwm app, create a backup. So, if you flash something that you don't like or if it wont boot, you can restore it. This is a complete system and data backup. A 1:1 copy of your phone setup, excluding modem which defaults to whatever you are running at the time of restore.
Step 3 - try some custom roms. I use Checkrom (older version - v2) and phone flies.
Anyway, something must be wrong with your setup because every rom I've used has been fast, even stock.
ps : sent you a pm.
Sent from my GT-I9100T
Once you get sorted then do an EFS backup.The EFS folder contains your IMEI number and if for whatever reason you should loose it or it becomes corrupt then you are in the poo.Download the "release.zip" and follow the easy instructions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1308546
I was using checkrom v4 and then v6 for a little while both with SiyahKernel which worked really well.
Currently using CM9 but I wouldn't go there until your comfortable fixing things and regularly flashing.
But definately select your rom and then try changing kernels if you think it will benefit you.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
@cooza when should I back up this eps, everyone time I change ROM or everyone I change kernel? I don't even know what it is lol
@sxi200 you say there must be something wrong with my setup, could you explain in a little more detail what you think I should change please?
Just thought I would *Bump* the thread as i'm slightly desperate for the random rebooting. It happens approximately once or twice a day.
did u use wipe data/factory reset while installing a new rom?
expierienced some funny things like lag etc also while trying different roms,
my fault was not wiping the cache ...
anz2k8 said:
Just thought I would *Bump* the thread as i'm slightly desperate for the random rebooting. It happens approximately once or twice a day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One Factory reset the phone this will wipe all data
Two upgrade firmware via Kies if firmware is available .
Three flash a later stock Samsung rom .
Four any of the answers already posted .
Five wait for Samsungs ICS update .
i see you have rooted but dont know what root is for or even any of the basics .
Read the guides and stickies .
Guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125282
Its possible that you have rooted with a wrong file .
But you give zero information .
jje

[Q] What's the best ROM for the Galaxy S4 (VZW) that doesn't require data wipe?

Hello everyone,
Well might as well say hi. I'm Ryukouki. I use this handle on a lot of forums, so if this is familiar you most likely know me elsewhere. So, anywho! I purchased a VZW Samsung Galaxy S4 two weeks ago, and I'm really curious. I rooted my phone, installed Clockwork Mod and backed up my data (I THINK) and I'm looking into ROMs for the Galaxy S4. What is the best mod for speed and performance, with good ease of use, and does not require a data wipe on installation? And is there a tutorial to go about doing this? I'm kind of new to the whole smartphone thing (used a feature phone for seven years!!), but I'm not too afraid to try new things out.
Ryukouki said:
Hello everyone,
Well might as well say hi. I'm Ryukouki. I use this handle on a lot of forums, so if this is familiar you most likely know me elsewhere. So, anywho! I purchased a VZW Samsung Galaxy S4 two weeks ago, and I'm really curious. I rooted my phone, installed Clockwork Mod and backed up my data (I THINK) and I'm looking into ROMs for the Galaxy S4. What is the best mod for speed and performance, with good ease of use, and does not require a data wipe on installation? And is there a tutorial to go about doing this? I'm kind of new to the whole smartphone thing (used a feature phone for seven years!!), but I'm not too afraid to try new things out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No ROMs 'require' a data wipe per se. You may, however, run into problems with any ROM if you don't completely wipe data when installing (especially the first time you go from stock to a ROM).
Why are you so afraid of wiping data? You could very easily download a few backup apps and have everything back up and running in 20 minutes.
trebb said:
No ROMs 'require' a data wipe per se. You may, however, run into problems with any ROM if you don't completely wipe data when installing (especially the first time you go from stock to a ROM).
Why are you so afraid of wiping data? You could very easily download a few backup apps and have everything back up and running in 20 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume that this requires backup to my SD card though? And can you explain how I go about doing this? Do I just pick up things like App Restore and Backup (I think it's the other way around...) and then backup and restore? I don't want to screw this up, because I have a few apps where I've dumped a couple hundred dollars into and if I delete it or wipe it, I lose all the data, and I for sure as hell don't wanna do that!
You are rooted, so grab Titanium Backup, and use it. Just don't backup up system data. App data is fine (at least it always has been on AT&T).
I haven't seen a ROM yet that is stable enough to flash, IMHO. Give it a couple of weeks. I ran AOKP on my GS2 for a long time, and am looking forward to it here.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
If I was you man , I wouldnt never install a rom without a full wipe. That will keep you from running into problems. I know that from experience. Like Sbreen say, no wipe , no gripe
DroidHead214 said:
If I was you man , I wouldnt never install a rom without a full wipe. That will keep you from running into problems. I know that from experience. Like Sbreen say, no wipe , no gripe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very well then, I guess a wipe it is.
Now, let me get this straight. I rooted my phone. I have TWRP Custom Recovery on my phone, and I have backed up the thing in the recovery menu to my micro SD card. I also Titanium Backup'd my system with apps and whatnot. So when I decide to flash my phone to a new ROM, I'd first wipe the data, factory reset, and wipe the dalvik cache, then flash it, do the setup garbage, and then from there, redownload Titanium Backup and restore whatever I want to restore, correct?
Ryukouki said:
Very well then, I guess a wipe it is.
Now, let me get this straight. I rooted my phone. I have TWRP Custom Recovery on my phone, and I have backed up the thing in the recovery menu to my micro SD card. I also Titanium Backup'd my system with apps and whatnot. So when I decide to flash my phone to a new ROM, I'd first wipe the data, factory reset, and wipe the dalvik cache, then flash it, do the setup garbage, and then from there, redownload Titanium Backup and restore whatever I want to restore, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got it! However the "factory reset" option in TWRP actually wipes data/cache/dalvik, I believe. (It tells you at the top of the screen what its going to wipe) Once you got your new rom you're all set to start restoring your apps with TB and enjoy the smoothness. After the setup process when your phone goes to the home screen, it's a good idea to let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. (some developers advise this)
whiskerz said:
You got it! However, the "factory reset" option in TWRP actually wipes data/cache/dalvik I believe. (It tells you at the top of the screen what its going to wipe) Once you got your new rom you're all set to start restoring your apps with TB and enjoying the smoothness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try it either tomorrow...or, later in the week if my courage decides to run away. Now, in the worst case scenario, let's say I completely screw up and get stuck with a bootloop or, I just completely hate the ROM itself. To restore to my current configuration do I just go back to TWRP and hit restore, and it basically reverts itself? I'm so sorry if I'm asking really stupid questions, I just REALLY want to do it right, and not have any hassles whatsoever. I am extremely careful and I really want to feel comfortable doing this.
Some guides I see mentioned backing up the IMEI information on the phone. Do I really need to do that, or is that all automated and I shouldn't run into issues? And is there a GApps.zip file thingy that I need to download for the "stock" applications? But wait a second, TB should take care of all of that correct?
Ryukouki said:
I'll try it either tomorrow...or, later in the week if my courage decides to run away. Now, in the worst case scenario, let's say I completely screw up and get stuck with a bootloop or, I just completely hate the ROM itself. To restore to my current configuration do I just go back to TWRP and hit restore, and it basically reverts itself? I'm so sorry if I'm asking really stupid questions, I just REALLY want to do it right, and not have any hassles whatsoever. I am extremely careful and I really want to feel comfortable doing this.
Some guides I see mentioned backing up the IMEI information on the phone. Do I really need to do that, or is that all automated and I shouldn't run into issues? And is there a GApps.zip file thingy that I need to download for the "stock" applications? But wait a second, TB should take care of all of that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if your phone goes into a bootloop or you absolutely hate the rom, then pull the battery and boot into recovery. (If you just hate the rom no need to pull battery just power off)Make sure you have a backup of your system created within TWRP with the "backup" option. If you have a backup in TWRP you would just hit the "Restore" button and find your system backup and wait for it to restore. I've never heard anything about backing up IMEI info, you will probably not run into any issues. I've flashed tons and tons of roms on numerous devices and have NEVER had to do any of that. Gapps (google apps) are ONLY needed when you're going to run an AOSP rom. That means when the rom doesn't have the touchwiz skin over top of it. AOSP roms are pure vanilla android and have zero touchwiz features. You can find the touchwiz based roms in the "Android development" section while the AOSP roms are found in the "Original development" section. Also, it's fine to ask questions. That's how you learn!
whiskerz said:
Yes, if your phone goes into a bootloop or you absolutely hate the rom, then pull the battery and boot into recovery. (If you just hate the rom no need to pull battery just power off)Make sure you have a backup of your system created within TWRP with the "backup" option. If you have a backup in TWRP you would just hit the "Restore" button and find your system backup and wait for it to restore. I've never heard anything about backing up IMEI info, you will probably not run into any issues. I've flashed tons and tons of roms on numerous devices and have NEVER had to do any of that. Gapps (google apps) are ONLY needed when you're going to run an AOSP rom. That means when the rom doesn't have the touchwiz skin over top of it. AOSP roms are pure vanilla android and have zero touchwiz features. You can find the touchwiz based roms in the "Android development" section while the AOSP roms are found in the "Original development" section. Also, it's fine to ask questions. That's how you learn!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. Phew, I was like what why do I need to backup my IMEI information? I'm planning on installing Hyperdrive, is that a touchwiz based rom by any chance? And hah, yeah I know, I usually have really meticulous instructions for myself when I flash video game consoles, so I know the routine like the back of my hand.
Ryukouki said:
Awesome. Phew, I was like what why do I need to backup my IMEI information? I'm planning on installing Hyperdrive, is that a touchwiz based rom by any chance? And hah, yeah I know, I usually have really meticulous instructions for myself when I flash video game consoles, so I know the routine like the back of my hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Hyperdrive is a touchwiz based rom! The file is going to be a little over a 1gig, and already includes all of the apps you'll need.(Don't flash Gaaps) I'm heading off XDA for the night if you have anymore questions/concerns feel free to PM me and I'll try to help
whiskerz said:
Yes, Hyperdrive is a touchwiz based rom! The file is going to be a little over a 1gig, and already includes all of the apps you'll need.(Don't flash Gaaps) I'm heading off XDA for the night if you have anymore questions/concerns feel free to PM me and I'll try to help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh good! And at least my internet is reasonable now, so 1GB shouldn't be too bad. ;D I should head off too, its a bit late over here. Thanks for your help, you've answered a lot of my concerns!
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A and help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
All ROMs are the best and data wipes are always recommended

Categories

Resources