Hi XDA Devs & Members,
I'm a new member, and I've spent hours scouring over the forum to my answers but I'm still slightly confused.
I'm currently using Galaxy SII, hence the post in this forum under Q&A
Firmware:
Android: 2.3.4
Baseband: XXKH3
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKDD-CL161513 [email protected]#2
Build number: Gingerbread.XXKH3
I originally wanted to debrand the vodafail branding, and flashed the firmware of XXKH3 which is the "Frankenstein version" according to here
Then I messed up my sms by pressing the 'update' button in *#*#4636#*#* phone information menu which is another story, but I fixed that rooting the phone using Odin and SuperOneClick.
So basically, what I want now is to go back to basic, don't use one of those frankenstein firmwares, but a stock one, stay as close to stock as possible, root the phone, I know CF-Root has a made a post on this, but now that I've already rooted my phone using Odin, I don't know how to go back.
Also, I've been searching, but I haven't been able to find a comprehensive guide/information regarding how to understand the phone. I understand the individual parts, i.e. what rooting does, what roms are, what are firmwares, but I'm not able to put them together to give me a holistic understanding of the phone. Is there something I can read to understand this?
Thanks in advance. This is a great forum!
=====Added Questions=====
Also, does the firmware code represent anything? I.e. KE7, KG8 and so on...
How do I find out which is the latest firmware?
Who develops these firmwares?
Gigacross said:
Hi XDA Devs & Members,
Also, does the firmware code represent anything? I.e. KE7, KG8 and so on...
Yes year month and build number K 2011 A january 7 build number 7
How do I find out which is the latest firmware?
READ XDA
Who develops these firmwares
SAMSUNG
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks JJe!
I have another quick question, does factory reset reverts the phone back to original settings with the folders and everything else the same? I may be paranoid, I executed busybox installer multiple times and the folders look like a mess when I connect the USB to share files. All the additional folders that came with rooting and TitaniumBackup and other apps made the entire phone look like a mess. Is it worth doing a factory reset?
Factory resets reverts to the last firmware installed wiping phone and user apps . Out of the box setup then required .
jje
Related
First off, I'm completely new to this and wish to root my new sgs2, and I've done some reading on the forum about this but got some questions (or want to confirm what I think I know) before I actually go ahead with the process. I apologize if it's something others have already asked, but I would really hate for anything to happen to what has become my new baby...
I mainly just want root access on my phone as I've come across several apps and what not that required root access.
My phone's status right now:
Android version: 2.3.3
Baseband: I9100XXKG1
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100ZSKG2-CL361136 [email protected] #6
Build: GINGERBREAD.ZSKG2
I found (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399) about CF-Root. It seems like a lot of people recommend this method to root, so I thought I may try it out. Before I do though, I wanted to know:
- Just rooting my phone will not prevent me from receiving any new updates to my phone via Kies, right? (E.g. a new firmware or version comes out in the future...)
- What do I need to do if I wish to unroot in the future?
- For this method, this should be the one I should download and use right? (it's the closest one I found matching my current kernel): CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip
Again, sorry for asking what may be pretty simple questions, but I really appreciate everyone's help!
Hi,
You can follow this (http://knowmydroid.com/guide/root-samsung-galaxy-s-2) step by step guide to root your SGS2.
1) Yes, rooting your phone means you cannot use KIES anymore. Its highly not recommended
2) Download any official firmware from SamFirmware.com and flash via ODIN
3) You can flash the KH3 version of CF-Root as well.
Orangetato said:
First off, I'm completely new to this and wish to root my new sgs2, and I've done some reading on the forum about this but got some questions (or want to confirm what I think I know) before I actually go ahead with the process. I apologize if it's something others have already asked, but I would really hate for anything to happen to what has become my new baby...
I mainly just want root access on my phone as I've come across several apps and what not that required root access.
My phone's status right now:
Android version: 2.3.3
Baseband: I9100XXKG1
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100ZSKG2-CL361136 [email protected] #6
Build: GINGERBREAD.ZSKG2
I found (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399) about CF-Root. It seems like a lot of people recommend this method to root, so I thought I may try it out. Before I do though, I wanted to know:
- Just rooting my phone will not prevent me from receiving any new updates to my phone via Kies, right? (E.g. a new firmware or version comes out in the future...)
- What do I need to do if I wish to unroot in the future?
- For this method, this should be the one I should download and use right? (it's the closest one I found matching my current kernel): CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip
Again, sorry for asking what may be pretty simple questions, but I really appreciate everyone's help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
you will still receive updates via KIES.
Unroot is possible with SuperOneclick. I have not tried so far. Every new firmware overwrites root. So if you root with ODIN and flash the rooted Firmware to the original one, KIES will allow to upgrade.
You could also use ODIA's insecure original kernels and use the ones provided from INTRATECH to have the original back on.
Never tried CF myself.
This phone is practically impossible not to root! Read everything thoroughly and take the dive, see you on the other side
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Thanks~
Thanks for all the help! I did take the plunge ... and have no regrets!
I used CF's way, and have flashed back to my original stock kernel afterwards (courtesy of INTRATECH). Everything seems to be happy so far.
And now.. time to have some real fun with the phone
Thanks again everyone!
I also recently rooted with the CF-Root method. Congrats from a fellow HK/Taiwan phone user.
Check out this thread if you are interested in an XXKH3 rom with Chinese input: http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=568&t=2188818&last=30718996 (Note: I have not tried these myself.)
Hey all,
I'm a beginner in this rooting society, moving over from jailbreak development on iOS. I am wondering how I would be able to root a Galaxy S2 with model/kernel number ZSKF4 running 2.3.3.
Not sure if this is the proper place to put this, but I've searched everywhere and no place is providing an insecure/original rom for rooting with this kernel number on the file name.
Can somebody help me?
Many thanks,
Nicholas
UPDATE: Anyone know how to root ZSKI2 running on 2.3.5?
Root + CWM .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
Read the post in regard to versions /kernel matching first .
jje
Thank for your reply.
Many guides like the one you gave me, requires kernel matching first, but really, I'm entirely lost in this matching process. Can you give me some heads up on what to choose using my specs I list below?
My Galaxy S II:
Model Number: GT-I9100
Android Version: 2.3.3
Baseband Version: I9100XXKE4
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100ZSKF4-CL280225
Build Number: GINGERBREAD.ZSKF4
If you can help me, I will be very grateful.
Thanks a lot!
Nicholas
Instructions in the post are .
Don't worry too much, just find the matching download and use it. What if there is no matching download ? You can ask me to make one, but I can tell you right now, I very very rarely make CF-Root's for kernels on request, unless it is the very latest kernel that has been released by Samsung. In the latter case, be sure to let me know. If there's no match and I'm not making one, try finding the closest match. You should treat "KG1" as a number, but instead of 1-9, we have 1-9, A-Z (where A would be 10, and Z would be 35). "KG2" is really close to "KG1", "KF1" is not close to "KG1" at all.
You want then a KF4 kernel from post 5 .
jje
This one from post 4 should do it: CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KF4-v4.0-CWM4.zip
You have a HK/Taiwan phone? If you install Kies you should be able to upgrade to the official ZSKG2. Although that is still 2.3.3 so not much difference there.
Yes, I have a HK/Taiwan phone,
Thanks guys,
So if I have ZSKF4 right now, I'll use "CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KF4-v4.0-CWM4.zip"?
If I upgraded to the latest ZSKG2, will there be any difference comparing to ZSKF4? because you said its the same 2.3.3.
Okay, well after looking at the instructions, I got a little freaked out of how long it actually is, and was pretty worried if I do this, I would get a triangle at boot because I'm using Custom Kernel? Also I heard that many people don't want to use CF-Root because there's a higher risk of bricking comparing to SuperOneClick that I used to root my Galaxy Tab 7. So, I checked on something else.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414
Thats a one click rooting app for the S2, but what is this "Flashing an Insecure Kernel" and how do I get this kernel for either ZSKF4 or ZSKG2? I prefer the most easiest way so that I wouldn't run into a huge risk of bricking this device. Thanks for all the help on CF-Root above, but would you guys happen to know what exactly is going on in this link?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1101671
That contains all the insecure kernels for the S2 one click rooting application. Which one do I choose if I have ZSKF4 or ZSKG2?
Thank you everyone for helping me,
Nicholas
Rooting with CF-Root is very easy, just start up Odin, click the boxes like it says in the instructions, and it's done in less than a minute. You can use the other method, but if I were you I would just go with CF-Root because 1) so many people have done it and 2) at least you know one person (me) who did it on their HK/Taiwan phone and came out fine (and I was a complete root noob at the time).
I think whether you upgrade to ZSKG2 first depends on why you want to root. If you are rooting so that you can install a custom ROM, then no need to upgrade to ZSKG2. Just root your phone and install the new ROM and you're good to go.
But if you want to keep the Samsung firmware and only rooting so that you can run certain apps or do certain mods, then upgrade to ZSKG2 through Kies first, then root. There is nothing really bad about the Samsung firmware. I run Cognition 1.5.1 + SpeedMod, but it's mostly just for the fun of it. I don't do anything on it that I couldn't do with rooted 2.3.3 Samsung firmware.
And yes, you do get the bright yellow triangle at startup. There are ways to remove it, but I haven't tried. I like the triangle, it's like a little badge of honor for power users.
Yeah, I'm only rooting for just certain apps that require root/superuser requirements. Other than that, I won't put a load of mods on.
So, if I go to Kies, upgrade to ZSKG2, then I begin rooting, would I be using:
CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip
But the thing that scares me is that it says "ZS_OZS_KG2: Untested", does that mean it would be risky to do it?
Hey just noticed in the General forum that the official ZSKI2 is out - and its version 2.3.5 to boot. Check it out: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1281717
Yeah the "untested" means the author did not try it personally (can't really expect him to test every kernel from every region). I used it and it worked fine -- that's all I can really say.
Oh wow, that looks pretty cool....
I'm sure I can update to that, which I will, but, does this mean I have to wait for another rooting procedure?
I have a crazy "OCD" that I have to always stay up to date haha. So yeah, if I do this, logically if the CF-Root is able to root it, I will have to wait for a person to make the ZSKI2 kernel insecure version?
Actually, okay, when I upgrade to ZSKI2 kernel, which "CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip" do I use? I don't see a ZSKI2 kernel anywhere...and I'm assuming I can still use CF Root to root at 2.3.5?
You can use a version that is close -- in this case I think XX_OXA_KI3 is the best match. It will probably work with the ZSKI3 firmware -- but I have not tried. (Sorry I mistyped the name in my earlier post, it is ZSKI3 and not ZSKI2.) If you want to be safe then yes you will need to wait until there is a rooted ZSKI3 kernel that you can use.
If you plan to install a custom ROM, then it does not matter what kernel you use for root, since the custom ROM will generally come with its own rooted kernel and it will replace whatever you had before.
For some reason, Kies isn't letting me update.
It says: "This version of this device cannot be updated"
Do you know why this is happening?
By the way, I noticed when I plug in my phone to Kies, I see under CSC, in brackets are (KOR). What does this mean and does it affect any rooting?
UPDATE: I know what KOR means, it means it's a Korean region based device. Is there any difference to what I may be able to update to in Kies or any rooting differences?
No doubt this is going to turn out to be an idiotic first post and the information is already available on here, but here goes! I've checked through some posts and the helpful FAQs but couldn't find something to reassure me on this.
I have an Orange branded Samsung S2. Ideally I'd like to remove all the branding from the phone and get the latest stock firmware that is possible right now.
I followed this guide on how to root my phone. As my current kernal version was KE2, I took CF-Root-SGS2_XW_XEU_KE2-v4.0-CWM4.zip and used Odin to put that on. That all went on fine, so now I have a rooted phone. That's where I am now.
So now I understand I need to put on the stock firmware, which should be taken from this thread. My question here, which I can't seem to find an answer to (so perhaps isn't a problem), is are all "Samsung S2 i9100" firmwares compatible with all versions of the phone, or are there deviations in the hardware meaning I have to make sure I pick the right firwmare?
In the same way I needed to have the right kernal version before, is that the same for firmware? Does it need to stay in the format KEx? I think I just have a misunderstanding on how the firmware releases relate to each other here. I see a lot of firmwares in the thread with the format XWKyx and I'm not sure what one I would choose? Just keen to not kill my phone by going ahead and picking the wrong thing.
PirateKitten said:
No doubt this is going to turn out to be an idiotic first post and the information is already available on here, but here goes! I've checked through some posts and the helpful FAQs but couldn't find something to reassure me on this.
I have an Orange branded Samsung S2. Ideally I'd like to remove all the branding from the phone and get the latest stock firmware that is possible right now.
I followed this guide on how to root my phone. As my current kernal version was KE2, I took CF-Root-SGS2_XW_XEU_KE2-v4.0-CWM4.zip and used Odin to put that on. That all went on fine, so now I have a rooted phone. That's where I am now.
So now I understand I need to put on the stock firmware, which should be taken from this thread. My question here, which I can't seem to find an answer to (so perhaps isn't a problem), is are all "Samsung S2 i9100" firmwares compatible with all versions of the phone, or are there deviations in the hardware meaning I have to make sure I pick the right firwmare?
In the same way I needed to have the right kernal version before, is that the same for firmware? Does it need to stay in the format KEx? I think I just have a misunderstanding on how the firmware releases relate to each other here. I see a lot of firmwares in the thread with the format XWKyx and I'm not sure what one I would choose? Just keen to not kill my phone by going ahead and picking the wrong thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that you have root I recommend to backup you EFS folder. Search EFS backup and you will find the post on how to do it. Once that is done then you can flash any of the ROM's on the page you linked, I recommend the KI3 as it is the latest leaked Firmware. Just follow the instructions and you will be fine , remember you will loose root and will have to root again...
Thanks for the advice. Will backup - could you offer any advice on my questions about firmware? I am able to just go ahead and use the XXKI3 Frankenstein firmware (so it doesn't wipe my data?) on my current KE2?
As long as you have the international version of the SGS2 then the answer is yes.
Follow the guide on how to flash with Odin and you're good to go.
Thanks for that confirmation, it's much appreciated. EFS backed up on to my machine and now running stock 2.3.5
Hope the battery life has improved!
Modems Kernels firmware are generally interchangeable on this model .
2.3.4 KH3 firmware KI3 2.3.5 kernel KDD modem will work for instance .
jje
Look hard enough and you will find what your looking for. I was wondering the same thing. Good to know this info.
I am new to the Android scene (previously I had Iphones) and I recently bought a Galaxy S2.
I am having some problems where my phone is utilizing my data plan without my knowledge.
I have read that one of the culprit aps is Ap Mobile and the only way to remove it is by first rooting the phone.
I have read a lot of treads and it is still confusing with all the different kernels, basebands etc…
I have 2 questions requests:
1- My phone has Model number: GT-I9100, Android version: 2.3.3 (updated by KIES yesterday), Baseband version: I9100XXKG5, Kernel version: 2.6.35.7-I9100JPKH1-CL453266 [email protected]#2, Build number: GINGERBREAD.JPKH1
I would be very grateful if somebody could post clear instructions as to how to root the phone.
2- there are so many different Kernels, and some of them show android version 2.3.4 or 2.3.5. Can I update to the Firmwares\Kernels from my phone, if so, how?
I shall thank in advance anyone who are willing to help me with my questions
this thread is for updating your firmware and rooting
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
if you use data for a specific time like me
P.S you can turn off data settings>wireless and network>mobile networks
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
I want to have data on all the time because I have my work mail setup.
My data plan is 250 Mb and I only utilize it to access my work mail, it was never an issue on the Iphone, but on the galaxy my data plan was used in a couple of days.
feki3000 said:
I am new to the Android scene (previously I had Iphones) and I recently bought a Galaxy S2.
I am having some problems where my phone is utilizing my data plan without my knowledge.
I have read that one of the culprit aps is Ap Mobile and the only way to remove it is by first rooting the phone.
I have read a lot of treads and it is still confusing with all the different kernels, basebands etc…
I have 2 questions requests:
1- My phone has Model number: GT-I9100, Android version: 2.3.3 (updated by KIES yesterday), Baseband version: I9100XXKG5, Kernel version: 2.6.35.7-I9100JPKH1-CL453266 [email protected]#2, Build number: GINGERBREAD.JPKH1
I would be very grateful if somebody could post clear instructions as to how to root the phone.
2- there are so many different Kernels, and some of them show android version 2.3.4 or 2.3.5. Can I update to the Firmwares\Kernels from my phone, if so, how?
I shall thank in advance anyone who are willing to help me with my questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I have read the thread before but i do not know which firmware\ kernel to use.
feki3000 said:
Thanks I have read the thread before but i do not know which firmware\ kernel to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root with cf-root is the easy way: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
KH1 is the one you looking for
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
i used this method...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13319294#post13319294
No thanks....enjoy
Hi Guys, I've been searching and searching for several days now, and trawling endless requests and information about what kernels are compatible with what, but [blank look] huh?
Being an HTC user for the last 5 years, this all seems overly confusing, just when I think I have the info I need, I read a contradiction, then the thread dies!
So my question, and I apologise so much if this has been (and I'm sure it has) asked before:
I have a KH2 orange branded SGS2. I've flashed a new kernel (KH3) CFRoot, didn't put the original one back on because I don't want to lose CWM - it was invaluable on the hero, g1 etc.
Android Version: 2.3.3
Baseband: I9100BVKH1
Kernel: 2.6.35.-I9100XXKH3-CL479037 [email protected] #2
Build: GINGERBREAD BVKH2
But I still have the old Orange Firmware / Rom on the phone. I want to try some new unbranded ones, and check out how cyanogen works (and hunt out villainRom! My fave), but worried that if I use a rom with the wrong code (i.e based on XWKL1 or IML74K) I'm going to end up with an expensive (but very pretty) paperweight.
I see KH1, KH2 and KH3 in my phone info and I'm starting to get a little nervous that I messed up! lol
As far as I'm aware the code (XXKH3) (XWKL1) refers to the kernel?
The baseband would be the modem? If so, is this flashed with the rom/firmware?
How on earth do you decipher those codes?!
Thanks, and again, apologies if this is not a unique question but I'm sure the search feature is beginning to wear out now. If I had a touchscreen pc, there'd be a hole in the screen from pressing it so often!
The "codes" as you call them are just firmware version numbers
(Year)(Month)(rom number)
So KK5 would be a 2011 rom released in the 11th month and its the 5th rom built this month.
BVKH1
Bold: Country code
Underlined: Rom version
Baseband is the modem, you can mix/match any modem with any firmware (also our modem is almost unbrickable, had someone flash a i9000 modem and it was fixed by flashing a correct one ontop, but still be careful), there is no "best" modem, just find one that works for you.
Its best to keep your kernel and rom version the same, but it wont hurt to much if they dont match.
Recovery and kernel are fused together in samsung devices, so when you flash a kernel you flash recovery, so in order to get CWM you need a kernel with it (glad to see you worked this out!)
Dont worry about the base version, you can flash any i9100 rom on your i9100, the code is just a version+region code.
Also you dont need to worry about the region code, it doesnt have to match your region.
Also, this is a very good guide
ps make sure to backup your EFS asap, read that guide for more info!
Thank you very much!!
That's so much clearer And now I'm not terrified of turning my SGS2 into a plastic poptart let the fun begin!!
doofah said:
Thank you very much!!
That's so much clearer And now I'm not terrified of turning my SGS2 into a plastic poptart let the fun begin!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its generally a hard phone to brick
A few notes
1) you dont need to put a pit into odin
2) dont repartition in odin
Stock roms: clickme and howto flash guide