[Q] So I'm Considering Rooting My S2... ? - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey everyone,
I really want to root my Galaxy S2 to take advantage of all the benefits, but I do have a few worries:
- I bought my phone from Virgin Mobile Canada (same as the Bell version) - the Canadian version - i9100m. I have no intention to unlock it as I am on contract with Virgin for 3 years.
- My kernel is the "UGKG2" kernel, and I know that it is not available to download as of yet.
- I know I should use CF-Root, but what kernel should I use to root it? There are several KG2 kernels, and since none of them are stock Bell kernels, which one would be the closest to UGKG2?
- Would flashing the non-stock kernel give me any issues with connectivity (3G, Data, GPS, HSPA+, etc.)? If I do run into any issues, flashing the Bell Modem would fix those, correct?
- When a stock UGKG2 does come out, I will be able to flash that kernel using Odin and have no problems, right? And since it will be stock, would I be able to update using Kies? Also, would root remain, and would the yellow triangle at boot disappear?
I am brand new to rooting and am very worried if something were to go wrong with my phone due to flashing a non-stock kernel. By the way, the yellow triangle doesn't bother me much.
Also, how much longer would it even take for a UGKG2 stock kernel to come out?
So, what would be the best way to go about rooting my phone, and will I run into any problems? How do the rest of you Bell/Virgin SGS2 owners like having root privileges, and what problems have you run into so far (if any)?
Thank you so much!

*bump*
C'mon, nobody has any answers?

I bought a phone to another Mobile provider.
It was flashed and unlocked in the day after.
I use a another mobile network SIM Card on it and the original on another phone.
I have the rom of the original network. I download it from a site.
And I bought a jig to reset the counter just in case!
I ask the same as u!
Will I have any problem?

Look here for more info http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1189921

1.cf root is the kernel used to root by staying as close as possible to stock kernel.
2.no issues with connectivity
3.Yes u would be able to update through kies if u flash back stock kernel and root should stay and yellow triangle will disappear since its an official firmware
If you wanna try custom roms you can do so by flashing through odin as they will have root preinstalled

Related

Litening rom

Hi,
Being a noob in custom rom's, can I use litening rom with my SG2 with following specs:
PDA - I9100 XWKE8
Phone - I9100 DDKE2
CSC - I9100 ODDKE2
Also how do I backup my stock rom for warranty?
TIA
KingDude26 said:
Hi,
Being a noob in custom rom's, can I use litening rom with my SG2 with following specs:
PDA - I9100 XWKE8
Phone - I9100 DDKE2
CSC - I9100 ODDKE2
Also how do I backup my stock rom for warranty?
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
yes you can update to lite'ning rom.
But it's better to flash an original samsung rom first if you are running a branded one.
The roms are available for download (check dev threads)
You can flash back your stock rom by the same way as flashing lite'ning rom.
cheers!
dany__ said:
Hi,
yes you can update to lite'ning rom.
But it's better to flash an original samsung rom first if you are running a branded one.
The roms are available for download (check dev threads)
You can flash back your stock rom by the same way as flashing lite'ning rom.
cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the same rom, almost same question:
I am on unbranded CSC: XENKE1 (Netherlands); (PDA:XWKE2; Phone: XXKDJ)
Can I flash latest Litening rom, based on KF1, to my phone? Will this give me a UK-CSC? Or will I keep my Dutch localization?
Sorry to thread jack this, but i didn't see the need to create a new one, i bought an unbranded sgs 2 and i have
PDA: XWKE2
PHONE: XXKDJ
CSC: OXXKE2
Seeing as the lite'ning rom is based on XWKE7 should i flash this firmware first? is this thread reliable, do these roms restore warranty ?
I am also interested i hearing about backups for warranty purposes since this is my first flash.
NVM: i just realized those roms are rooted, where can i find stock ones, does anyone have a link?
xympa said:
Sorry to thread jack this, but i didn't see the need to create a new one, i bought an unbranded sgs 2 and i have
PDA: XWKE2
PHONE: XXKDJ
CSC: OXXKE2
Seeing as the lite'ning rom is based on XWKE7 should i flash this firmware first? is this thread reliable, do these roms restore warranty ?
I am also interested i hearing about backups for warranty purposes since this is my first flash.
NVM: i just realized those roms are rooted, where can i find stock ones, does anyone have a link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just flashed from an unbranded i9100, Dutch edition (XEN) To Litening rom 1.4, without a problem - All apps remain, all localized settings remain; Done in a jiffy!
(btw: it was my first android-flash... w0000t! Coming from iPhone 3g, jailbroken)
(PDA: XWKE2 / PHONE: XXKDJ / CSC: XENKE2 - so almost like yours, only different localization)
Regarding your 'no-root'-question, and warranty:
-When u flash a custom rom, a counter goes up, assuring Samsung can check if u flashed custom stuff to your phone
-It does not matter whether you flash a rooted or unrooted CUSTOM rom: the counter is to check for custom flashes, not for root versus no-root
-It is uncertain but highly likely that Samsung will check the custom-rom-counter to deny warranty
-BUT: in-case-of-emergency you can reset the counter using a special USB-jig (cheap)
-BUT: there might be a 2nd counter (hypothesized, not proven as far as I know), counting the number of counter-resets using the jig (still following me?)
-The bright side: in the Netherlands/Europe the company you buy your phone from is responsible for the warranty, not Samsung; Customer rights are pretty tightly regulated by European law, protecting customers from companies denying warranty... As long as the damage is (reasonably) not due to the flashing, you're still good for warranty over here (in THEORY - try to explain this though to some dumbass uptight salesman)
Thanks for enlightening me, but what if i don't like a feature in the rom and i want to flash back to stock, i can't find any definitive stock roms thread, other than the one i have mentioned in the post, which should be ok, since it's stock asides from the root, i'm gonna try lite'ning, have any favorite roms yourself?
I've never actually had a smartphone, i come from an iPod touch which is close enough , always bothered me that i couldnt do anything with it, i consider myself an explorer
EDIT: Just flashed lite'ning, got a little bit scared cause it took a bit to boot, but everything's fine now
Noob questions
another hijacker! but relevant i think
Ok so iv just moved from a iphone to the samsung s2 and im loving it i have had it for about a week now and a iphone just feels wrong! lol im new to flashing android phones etc but have a lot of experience in jail-breaking and from what i have read and see it seems a lot easier to root and flash android phones! bonus! i have a orange samsung galaxy s2 ;
PDA : I9100KVKE2
PHONE : I9100BVKE2
CSC : I9100ORAKE2
Build info wed 11may
i have read all the root de-branding stuff . custom roms etc and i understand it to a degree but i just want to know where do i start? should i de-brand first using the page on the developers area then root then flash a custom rom? i wanna lose all this orange crap. plus is the orange firmware/rom available to go back to if i ever need to take it back? i would appreciate someones guidance on where to start. i quite fancy the lightening rom.
Fortunately from what I've read so far, lite'ning won't "wipe" your data aka contacts, applications, etc. So all of your applications including orange applications should stay, about going back i can't help you, though i'm interested in hearing from someone who knows more about this.
You should know that just by updating to a version outside of your carrier's allow zone, you automatically lose warranty (custom or not, root or not).
Offtopic: Glad i bought mine unbranded, from i've read around the webz before making my decision, it's well worth the money not having to deal with carriers.
xympa said:
Fortunately from what I've read so far, lite'ning won't "wipe" your data aka contacts, applications, etc. So all of your applications including orange applications should stay, about going back i can't help you, though i'm interested in hearing from someone who knows more about this.
You should know that just by updating to a version outside of your carrier's allow zone, you automatically lose warranty (custom or not, root or not).
Offtopic: Glad i bought mine unbranded, from i've read around the webz before making my decision, it's well worth the money not having to deal with carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but if you can restore it to the orange original rom stock and use the jig to restore the counters. if there isnt a hidden counter they wouldnt know,
Thanks all for the response. No issues in hijacking, i was going to ask those questions anyways
I have a rom that is specific for India (localization, etc), so when I into the Android Market I can see the price of the apps in the local currency. I havent bought one right now so dont know how the payments work.
Secondly, the warranty - thats a problem. If I flash it and have to take it back to Samsung for any reason I am stuck, especially when you know you might have a hidden counter.
So as much as I would like to go with Litenin ROM, losing warranty for me right now (since the phone is just couple of days old) doesn't make sense. I will rather wait for some more time till all info about GS2 is available before taking the risk.

[Q] ICS dilemma

Hello everybody,
I have a SGS2 from Bell Canada. I upgraded the stock firmware following various guides here. I managed to root it and to unlock it using Galaxy S unlock from the market.
The phone is running well now, battery life is about 2-3 days (I have Juice Defender and it helps).
I would like to upgrade to ICS but after reading a few threads I am very confused...
My first question is: will I lose my unlock?
Then, Kies does not recognize my phone any more; should I flash back to stock and wait for ICS to be available for my carrier and take it from there? Or should I go through Odin and just flash one of the ROMs released for Europe (or another region).
I am even willing to pay for Mobile Odin Pro and flash it directly from the phone, I read that it's safe and you don't lose any data, although other people were saying that it's better to just start from scratch.
Right now my phone info is the following:
PRODUCT CODE: GT-I9100LKMBMC
pda: I9100XWKK5
PHONE: I9100XXKI3
CSC: I9100XEUKH2
Model: GT-I9100 (shouldn't it have a M at the end?)
Android version: 2.3.6
Baseband version: I9100xxki3
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-I9100xwkk5-CL754841
[email protected] #2
Build number GINGERBREAD.XWKK5
So, could anyone point me to the right direction?
Thanks in advance
I think you have the international sgs2. I have tried flashing the xxlpq ics update and then flashed a custom rom but I encountered a lot of issues. I think the ics update still has lots of bugs so I rolled back to gingerbread using checkrom revoHd v6. So as of the moment all you need to do is root your phone with Odin and CF-root kernel and wait for a stable ics rom
pedro.coba said:
permission to listen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also waiting for othjer members' ideas so we can all listen and learn
gixie said:
Hello everybody,
I have a SGS2 from Bell Canada. I upgraded the stock firmware following various guides here. I managed to root it and to unlock it using Galaxy S unlock from the market.
The phone is running well now, battery life is about 2-3 days (I have Juice Defender and it helps).
I would like to upgrade to ICS but after reading a few threads I am very confused...
My first question is: will I lose my unlock?
Then, Kies does not recognize my phone any more; should I flash back to stock and wait for ICS to be available for my carrier and take it from there? Or should I go through Odin and just flash one of the ROMs released for Europe (or another region).
I am even willing to pay for Mobile Odin Pro and flash it directly from the phone, I read that it's safe and you don't lose any data, although other people were saying that it's better to just start from scratch.
Right now my phone info is the following:
PRODUCT CODE: GT-I9100LKMBMC
pda: I9100XWKK5
PHONE: I9100XXKI3
CSC: I9100XEUKH2
Model: GT-I9100 (shouldn't it have a M at the end?)
Android version: 2.3.6
Baseband version: I9100xxki3
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-I9100xwkk5-CL754841
[email protected] #2
Build number GINGERBREAD.XWKK5
So, could anyone point me to the right direction?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you planning to upgrade to stock ICS firmware or any other custom ICS ROM???
gixie said:
Hello everybody,
I have a SGS2 from Bell Canada. I upgraded the stock firmware following various guides here. I managed to root it and to unlock it using Galaxy S unlock from the market.
The phone is running well now, battery life is about 2-3 days (I have Juice Defender and it helps).
I would like to upgrade to ICS but after reading a few threads I am very confused...
My first question is: will I lose my unlock?
Then, Kies does not recognize my phone any more; should I flash back to stock and wait for ICS to be available for my carrier and take it from there? Or should I go through Odin and just flash one of the ROMs released for Europe (or another region).
I am even willing to pay for Mobile Odin Pro and flash it directly from the phone, I read that it's safe and you don't lose any data, although other people were saying that it's better to just start from scratch.
Right now my phone info is the following:
PRODUCT CODE: GT-I9100LKMBMC
pda: I9100XWKK5
PHONE: I9100XXKI3
CSC: I9100XEUKH2
Model: GT-I9100 (shouldn't it have a M at the end?)
Android version: 2.3.6
Baseband version: I9100xxki3
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-I9100xwkk5-CL754841
[email protected] #2
Build number GINGERBREAD.XWKK5
So, could anyone point me to the right direction?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a whole lot of options to play with, it all depends how comfortable you feel and what do you want.
For starters, you have upgraded from KG2 to KK5, which is a firmware other then Bell, as Bell never released and update. Because of this upgrade your phone says it’s a I9100 and not I9100M. Mine says the same after I upgraded as well.
I updated my Bell KG2 to ICS (LP7) and so far I don’t have any problems with it. I did have an issue with calls going straight to voicemail, so I installed the LPQ modem, and things have been well. People have complained about battery life, but I don't think it’s bad. I would say pretty close to stock GB if not better.
What you can do is make a Nandroid backup and then upgrade to ICS. You can do it through Odin Mobile if you like, as it won't upgrade your Custom Rom Counter, if that is an item of concern to you. There are other ways to clear the custom rom counter, if you go through ODIN.
I would suggest doing a factory reset with CWM, and clear cache/dalvik cahce. This will be like setting up a new phone. You can also upgrade without the reset that and it will keep all your settings and unlock. You will lose root though, but you can re-root.
I have done it both ways, and I went with the reset in my 2nd try just for my peace of mind. I didn’t have any problems without the reset either.
If you don’t like it, you can always go back to your Nandroid backup, which is what you currently have using CWM.
If you want original bell firmware, then you have to wait until bell releases it.
In the end you are the one to decide. Hope this helps.
Once u unlocked network it won't relock after u flash/update software
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-2
Hi everyody, thanks for the answers...
I guess I want to try the stock first and then move on to some custom roms...
I read a thread about the XEO Rom and was going to try that
What do you think about this?
@sahib - thanks, I was not aware of that...
@warhawk_la - thanks a lot, very helpful bits and pieces; what is the difference between the LP7 rom and the XEO and where did you get the files from (I see tht you flashed a different modem)
gixie said:
Hello everybody,
I have a SGS2 from Bell Canada. I upgraded the stock firmware following various guides here. I managed to root it and to unlock it using Galaxy S unlock from the market.
The phone is running well now, battery life is about 2-3 days (I have Juice Defender and it helps).
I would like to upgrade to ICS but after reading a few threads I am very confused...
My first question is: will I lose my unlock?
NO its un locked .
Then, Kies does not recognize my phone any more; should I flash back to stock and wait for ICS to be available for my carrier and take it from there?
May not work as Kies needs correct codes .
Or should I go through Odin and just flash one of the ROMs released for Europe (or another region).
Your choice but rom for your region and actual phone is always best even as a backup for warranty .
Personally i would not jump on the ICS bandwagon yet .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
download odin 1.85, official XXLPQ rom, siyah kernel.
flash the lpq rom first
flash the siyah kernel second
now you have last ics and root.

[Q] Galaxy S2 DVLB1 Root Request

Australia's biggest telecommunication provider Telstra have recently released (after much delay) an update to Gingerbread 2.3.6 for the GT-I9100T, however after much searching i have been unable to find a rooted kernal for 2.6.35.7-I9100DVLB1, Could someone please help me and the many Australian Telstra GS2 users gain root access?
Cheers,
You won't get a CFRoot or insecure kernel made posting in Q&A. Post in the CFRoot thread, attach a copy of the LB1 stock kernel to your post & ask Chainfire nicely if he'll make one. Don't hold your breath tho, might be a while.
You can use Hellcat's kTool to dump your kernel (zImage) to your internal sdcard, grab a copy of this zImage, label it properly (call it LB1 stock kernel or something), zip it up & attach it to your post in the CFRoot thread.
Down Under Aussie said:
Australia's biggest telecommunication provider Telstra have recently released (after much delay) an update to Gingerbread 2.3.6 for the GT-I9100T, however after much searching i have been unable to find a rooted kernal for 2.6.35.7-I9100DVLB1, Could someone please help me and the many Australian Telstra GS2 users gain root access?
Cheers,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just released ??? they have ICS as latest according to checkfus
I9100TDVLP4/I9100TTELLP2/I9100TDVLP3/I9100TDVLP4
your best option is try any cfroot closer to yours and check.
if it fails you can flash the whole rom again using Odin, its available at sammobile.
other option is if you want to remain branded, flash the old 2.3.3 / 2.3.5 rom root it using zergrush or cf-root.
install mobile odin and flash this rom with root option

Official Branded Kernel/ROM

Hello,
I'm attempting to return my I9100 to stock so I can update via KIES as I wish to sell it, after rooting, flashing ICS, playing around for a month etc...
It was originally a T-mobile handset, I used checkfus to find the original stock ROM, and I've downloaded it, however, I cannot get hold of the stock kernel for love nor money! (I've googled it, found one apparent alternative source, but for some reason it wont boot using this and just keeps looping through the T-mobile branded load-up screen)
The kernel I'm after is the following:
UK
BOKE3:http://www.multiupload.com/GY05UJM6DQ
Firmware info: PDA:BOKE3|PHONE:BOKD1|CSC:TMUKE3
BOKE3 Stock Kernel: http://www.multiupload.com/I41CAJ2BLS
Password: [email protected]
From this thread:
[ROMS]Official i9100 carrier branded firmware download for Odin Flash
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113928
I've read the thread and checked both Sammobile and Samsung-update and neither has the BOKE3 Kernel.
If anyone has this, please, please could you upload it so I can return my handset to stock, I would really appreciate it.
Also, if I'm doing anything obviously wrong, please point me in the right direction, I am a n00b at this. (I've successfully reset my counter using triangle away, and flashed the ROM from checkfus, but KIES still says NO!)
Many thanks!
Luke
ps. I realise now I should have backed up my stock kernel and ROM before tweaking, stupid stupid stupid...
I stopped reading somewhere when you say you downloaded using checkfuS and now after a stock kernel.........
Buddy ROM package like you get from checkfus is whole thing including kernel.
Just flash the ROM using Odin.
But be sure its for i9100 if you have that.
andjusticeforall said:
Hello,
I'm attempting to return my I9100 to stock so I can update via KIES as I wish to sell it, after rooting, flashing ICS, playing around for a month etc...
It was originally a T-mobile handset, I used checkfus to find the original stock ROM, and I've downloaded it, however, I cannot get hold of the stock kernel for love nor money! (I've googled it, found one apparent alternative source, but for some reason it wont boot using this and just keeps looping through the T-mobile branded load-up screen)
The kernel I'm after is the following:
UK
BOKE3:http://www.multiupload.com/GY05UJM6DQ
Firmware info: PDA:BOKE3|PHONE:BOKD1|CSC:TMUKE3
BOKE3 Stock Kernel: http://www.multiupload.com/I41CAJ2BLS
Password: [email protected]
From this thread:
[ROMS]Official i9100 carrier branded firmware download for Odin Flash
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113928
I've read the thread and checked both Sammobile and Samsung-update and neither has the BOKE3 Kernel.
If anyone has this, please, please could you upload it so I can return my handset to stock, I would really appreciate it.
Also, if I'm doing anything obviously wrong, please point me in the right direction, I am a n00b at this. (I've successfully reset my counter using triangle away, and flashed the ROM from checkfus, but KIES still says NO!)
Many thanks!
Luke
ps. I realise now I should have backed up my stock kernel and ROM before tweaking, stupid stupid stupid...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you just download and flash latest ICS ROM with UK support?
Do you really need the branded version?
Just have a look at Intratech's other thread => http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
I recommend XWLPD, as this has best balance between performance and battery life on my phone.
If you want to go bak to GB, then flash XWLA4, which was best GB ROM IMO.
Thank you so much atifsh!
I did wonder whether the firmware download from CheckFus included the kernel, but couldn't figure it out (I'm stupid, I know! I'm new at this stuff...)
It's definitely the i9100 (checked under battery), it's definitely a T-mobile UK handset (bought it from a T-mobile customer who provided the contract paperwork).
Last night I tried flashing the latest T-mobile firmware, but KIES didn't like it, so tried flashing the BOKE3 firmware (oldest T-mobile branded firmware) and it didn't like that either.
Someone mentioned that when flashing you need to add the firmware file to the CSC section of odin to reset the CSC code, is this correct? I normally only include it in the PDA section.
This may be the problem I'm having as when I check my CSC using *#272*IMEI# it only lists CPW (carphone warehouse) and not TMU (T-mobile). Does this make sense as to why KIES wouldn't recognise the firmware?
I really appreciate your input and help here. Many thanks!
Luke
Hi It_ler,
Thanks for the advice, I was running the latest ICS firmware from the official thread, however I've decided to sell the device and would like to restore it to stock so that whomever I sell it to can update it through the official methods if they so wish.
Hope that makes sense!
Luke
Remove Sim, remove external sdcard.
Put the firmware.md5 in pda
Put your phone in download mode
after flash and boot dial *2767*3855#
It will wipe your phone and hopefully fix your csc.
Atifsh,
Thank you SO much! You saved my bacon. It worked when I did the *2767*3855# reset, this fixed the CSC and then the phone could update via KIES.
I really appreciate you help,
Many thanks,
Luke

[Q] GT i9100 from Claro to ???

Hi,
I am not brand new and have usually been able to find what I need on my own. This time it's not so easy.
I bought a GT i9100 from EBAY. It had a broken lcd. I replaced it, turned it on and noticed it had CLARO version of ANDROID. So I flashed with Odin to an official GT i9100 ROM from SAMMOBILE that I have used on many GT i9100's. Then I connected to KEIS(KIES) and was notified of a firmware update which put me on 4.1.2 baseband I9100xxms2. BUT it is sim locked??? I thought these were International versions with no locking?? I know I could probably use GALAXSIMUNLOCK which I used once before but would rather try to complete the FLASH to International version if my understanding of that is correct.
Does anyone know of a ROM/KERNEL that would achieve this?
Thanks, Steve
Claro's firmware are all branded and it's devices are all network locked to any carrier but claro (obviously).
Hence you need to root it and unlock it, you can do this with any firmware, stock or custom.
And stay away from kies, use odin.
Sent from the little guy

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