[Q] Rom vs Flash? - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Okay I'm a noob and I've watched the noob video. I've tried but I just can't seem to find the answers to these questions...
I have a Bell locked SGS2. Do I have to unlock before I do any rooting?
What is the difference between flashing vs installing a custom ROM?
Are Cyanogen and MIUI roms? Are they firmware? What the heck is firmware?
Why does the Canadian guide tell me I have to download a firmware to root?
If I install this firmware (through Odin), then can I flash MIUI?
I thought I would be able to figure this out in afternoon. Guess not.
Thanks. If there's an FAQ for all this stuff that I missed, please direct me to it.

Ugh normally I would tell you to stop expecting things to get spoon fed to you, but I can't bother.
No you do not need to unlock before you root. Unlocking has nothing to do with android or system.
Flashing is the process of installing or copying a new system over to your phone. A custom rom is a rom derived from stock/manufacturer rom but altered. Be it apps removed, new kernel, or the source code was altered.
Cyanogen and MIUI roms are roms derived from google android source code but changed to make the system better. Firmware is software, it is the leader of the hardware, it tells the hardware what to do. In other words, without software, your phone cannot do anything.
Go search up on how to root, I stop spoon feeding you here. Get some independence, 13 yrs old? Great time to start developing independence. 16? Not bad, recommend you start developing now. 18? Woowhee kinda late, better late than never though. 21? Wow...
Go look at the MIUI guide to see how to install.
Google is your best friend. If you can't use it i'm sorry but this technological world is too much for you and I recommend you stick to a dumbphone or iphone.

nickdenis09 said:
What is the difference between flashing vs installing a custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two names for the same thing.
nickdenis09 said:
Are Cyanogen and MIUI roms? Are they firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both.
Two names for the same thing.
nickdenis09 said:
What the heck is firmware?
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Click to collapse
The IMO better term for the OS running on your phone.
nickdenis09 said:
Why does the Canadian guide tell me I have to download a firmware to root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
'cause they don't know better.
A root(able) kernel is enough already.

Related

Firmware #?

How do you know if you have the stock firmware on your phone.
By not flashing any other ROMs?
.. what kind of question is this?
zephiK said:
By not flashing any other ROMs?
.. what kind of question is this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done root, clock mod, AP mod, and changed the boot animation. The reason I was asking is I was just curious so I would know if I will get the OTA updates.
geocepe said:
I have done root, clock mod, AP mod, and changed the boot animation. The reason I was asking is I was just curious so I would know if I will get the OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you asked previously was "STOCK" firmware. If you haven't flashed a ROM then you're on "STOCK" firmware but you did modify some parts of it with MobileAP so I don't know how that would play about.
Simple Solution.. its on the stickied post
IF I ROOT, WILL I GET OTA UPDATES?
Yes. Rooting will not prevent this, unless you flash a custom ROM that will block receiving the OTA update. If you do receive and download the OTA update, you will lose root. Typically within hours of the OTA becoming available, thanks to some fine XDA folks you can get the update WITH root. You would simply need to download and flash the update like a normal ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you dont get OTA, you wouldn't want it anyway because OTA gives the update to people in GROUPS and not every single person gets the update at the same time. So you can get yours two weeks after the first batch got the update. When a OTA is released, somebody will post the link for rooted and non-rooted users to manually push the update. So there isn't a need for OTA. Just look around the forum for it when its actually out.
zephiK said:
What you asked previously was "STOCK" firmware. If you haven't flashed a ROM then you're on "STOCK" firmware but you did modify some parts of it with MobileAP so I don't know how that would play about.
Simple Solution.. its on the stickied post
Even if you dont get OTA, you wouldn't want it anyway because OTA gives the update to people in GROUPS and not every single person gets the update at the same time. So you can get yours two weeks after the first batch got the update. When a OTA is released, somebody will post the link for rooted and non-rooted users to manually push the update. So there isn't a need for OTA. Just look around the forum for it when its actually out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the info. Sorry I didnt word it correctly to begin with.
geocepe said:
Thank you for the info. Sorry I didnt word it correctly to begin with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it just seemed weird asking if you have stock or not. It honestly doesn't really matter because in the end, you're still going to get the update even if it isn't OTA.. you'll just end up manually pushing it which is better than OTAing.
zephiK said:
Yeah it just seemed weird asking if you have stock or not. It honestly doesn't really matter because in the end, you're still going to get the update even if it isn't OTA.. you'll just end up manually pushing it which is better than OTAing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its funny. The people you talk to in this forum know more than the people you talk to at the manufacturers. You have a great point in that i shouldnt care. Thanks again for the info
geocepe said:
Its funny. The people you talk to in this forum know more than the people you talk to at the manufacturers. You have a great point in that i shouldnt care. Thanks again for the info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because for them its a chore but to justify it they get paid. Here, we do it because its something we actually ENJOY doing (well.. not all of us like to help people) and we're more enthusiastic.
I never deal with customer support unless its something out of my hands.
When you flash simple mods like MobileAP or a new Battery icon, will it pose problems when you update, say to Froyo in the future?
zephiK said:
By not flashing any other ROMs?
.. what kind of question is this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see how he can get confused. I was a little when I 1st started paying attention to the whole Android scene.
Stock could mean a few different things to different people.
1. Stock = NOTHING CHANGED period at all. not even mods.
2. Stock = Rom that shipped with the phone with a few mods
3. Stock = A flashed "true stock" rom
4. Stock = an Google Android STOCK rom aka AOSP
I still go by the saying that their is no stupid questions just stupid answers.
another thing, thanks for at least posting this in the correct forum haha. A lot of the other members get really PEEVED when they see postings in the wrong area.
richan90 said:
When you flash simple mods like MobileAP or a new Battery icon, will it pose problems when you update, say to Froyo in the future?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't think that it would cause any issues updating to 2.2 with mods like the battery icon. I'm unsure of the MobileAP though cause 2.2 has it built in. I would prob remove that to be safe before you update. I'm still learning too so lets wait till a more seasoned member could give ya a better answer.
backslide311 said:
I can see how he can get confused. I was a little when I 1st started paying attention to the whole Android scene.
Stock could mean a few different things to different people.
1. Stock = NOTHING CHANGED period at all. not even mods.
2. Stock = Rom that shipped with the phone with a few mods
3. Stock = A flashed "true stock" rom
4. Stock = an Google Android STOCK rom aka AOSP
I still go by the saying that their is no stupid questions just stupid answers.
another thing, thanks for at least posting this in the correct forum haha. A lot of the other members get really PEEVED when they see postings in the wrong area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input. Im real new at this but Im starting to catch on. The group of people on this forum are real helpful.
backslide311 said:
I wouldn't think that it would cause any issues updating to 2.2 with mods like the battery icon. I'm unsure of the MobileAP though cause 2.2 has it built in. I would prob remove that to be safe before you update. I'm still learning too so lets wait till a more seasoned member could give ya a better answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2.1 has it built in too.. its just the U.S. versions of the Galaxy S has it removed because of the carrier.
Just think of "STOCK ROM" as the default ROM without any modifications. That's the best explanation of it.

[Q] Just got my SII - which ROM should I chose?

I am brand new
Which ROM?
R there any ICS ones?
WOuld love to hear ur thoughts
Thank you
Seriously, if you don't know whether or not there's even an ICS ROM available yet, maybe you shouldn't be flashing a $600+ phone, yeah? Or, you know... use the search tool?
screamworks said:
Seriously, if you don't know whether or not there's even an ICS ROM available yet, maybe you shouldn't be flashing a $600+ phone, yeah? Or, you know... use the search tool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do. Thanks!
screamworks said:
Seriously, if you don't know whether or not there's even an ICS ROM available yet, maybe you shouldn't be flashing a $600+ phone, yeah? Or, you know... use the search tool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
you should try with stock rom for a while, start reading about flashing roms and you will be ready to flash
I know it's annoying to have to wait, but it's better to do it, than wind up with a potentially ruined device.
@benyben123
I suggest trying out Checkrom 4.0. It is very stable
Stock ROM but ROOTED and your' good to go..................friendly recommendation
Dude, if You just got Your phone and don't know what rom to choose at first learn the device. You don't need neither custom rom nor root. These are just addons for great device. It's common that people don't use their device but play with it and it ends badly. You assumed that any rom is good apart from stock but stock rom is very good. Also You don't need to root it instantly. Some say that "phone is unusable in non rooted state" - it's bull s**t. Apps that require root are designed to meet very specific needs, not for regular users. It's because android is veery advanced and allow many things without administrator privileges (this is not an iphone !). Remember - people think that root is "something everyone should do at once" - no it's not, and it's very dangerous in hands of unexperienced user. One false move with root privileges and You will start learning many things about flashing at once just to recover your device. Also remember that this is not another "application privilege". App with root privs is capable of wiping entire system in a seconds including IMEI data etc.
It's really friendly advice - leave Your phone as it is for now, learn how it works, install some apps and read as much as You can. Then You will know what your device is capable of and what can be achieved by rooting / flashing kernels or roms. Flashing without a reason, just for fun is stupid and ends with full pants.
Regards
Slig
Thank you all for all your responses!!! Much appreciated!!!
Official MIUI without a doubt. The best ROM I've used on any device.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Fredriksen said:
Official MIUI without a doubt. The best ROM I've used on any device.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But is MIUI even supported? Isn't it ported (which means its not so good, but only kinda?)
benyben123 said:
But is MIUI even supported? Isn't it ported (which means its not so good, but only kinda?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...another thing worth to read about. What do You mean by supported ? It's supported by it's designers.
For SGS2 we have custom ROMs like CheckROM - modified Samsung officials, added some tweaks, apps, removed less usable apps. And ROMs like MIUI or CyanogenMod - they are AOSP (android open source project) and have little in common with Samsung official firmware, ex. no TouchWiz so some Samsung specific apps will not work on them. According to Wikipedia - MIUI is based on CM7.1 sources.
MIUI is not "ported", it's prepared for many devices including SGS2.
Don't do *anything* until you've done a *lot* of reading. Enjoy the phone. It's a fantastic device simply running stock firmware.
Once you're comfortable enough to be able to do it in your sleep (And not before. If you have to ask questions about this, you're not ready. It is an absolutely simple process), root your phone using a CFRoot kernel.
This will enable you to remove/freeze all the crap telcos/Samsung put on the phone and all the other joyful things that come with having a rooted phone. And do a lot more reading. Only this time read the threads devoted to the various roms/kernels. Read other users experiences with these. The features. Pluses. Downsides. Ask specific questions about them in these threads.
From there, you can make an informed decision about a rom/kernel combo to try. Believe me, if you do a couple of weeks of reading/research before you do anything, you'll reap the rewards.
If you jump in the deep end without understanding what you're doing, you could end up with a soft brick that might take you a few days to fix at best. Or returning the phone to Samsung /potentially having to pay to have it repaired out of your own pocket at worst.
Just a few things to consider

[Q] Questions about the basic firmware apps...

Hey, I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 and so far I think it's the best!
I have been checking this site a lot to get an idea of what I'm actually buying and now I would like you pros to teach me a few things if you've got the time.
1) I got my device already rooted, though i know how to do it myself.
When I got it there was SuperSU and ClockworkMod Recovery installed on it.
I checked a bit on the internet and couldn't quite get what ClockworkMod is for... When is it mainly useful?
2) I keep reading about CyanogenMod being used in order to update my firmware... but I also read about it being used with ClockworkMod... probably for backup purposes? Care to explain what it is used for?
3) Which leads me to my final question. I search a lot on the internet and came across posts that say that Android 4.2.2 should be released on May/June... I also noticed a lot of websites saying there are already ways to get the update with apps like CyanogenMod.
So is it really safe to get it already? I know I should backup everything anyways just in case but will it be any different from when the official update comes out?
Thank you for your patience and sorry for being a noob
unknown2u2a said:
Hey, I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 and so far I think it's the best!
I have been checking this site a lot to get an idea of what I'm actually buying and now I would like you pros to teach me a few things if you've got the time.
1) I got my device already rooted, though i know how to do it myself.
When I got it there was SuperSU and ClockworkMod Recovery installed on it.
I checked a bit on the internet and couldn't quite get what ClockworkMod is for... When is it mainly useful?
2) I keep reading about CyanogenMod being used in order to update my firmware... but I also read about it being used with ClockworkMod... probably for backup purposes? Care to explain what it is used for?
3) Which leads me to my final question. I search a lot on the internet and came across posts that say that Android 4.2.2 should be released on May/June... I also noticed a lot of websites saying there are already ways to get the update with apps like CyanogenMod.
So is it really safe to get it already? I know I should backup everything anyways just in case but will it be any different from when the official update comes out?
Thank you for your patience and sorry for being a noob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woah you've got everything upside down. Read some of the sticky threads and FAQ's as this is all answered there but you do appear to be massively confused.
rootSU said:
Woah you've got everything upside down. Read some of the sticky threads and FAQ's as this is all answered there but you do appear to be massively confused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read the sticky threads and the FAQs and it does not say what ClockworkMod and CyanogenMod do exactly... that's why I posted this thread.
Oh, and I watched the noob video :silly: I'm not posting this for no reason...
Would you please explain it to me?
unknown2u2a said:
I have read the sticky threads and the FAQs and it does not say what ClockworkMod and CyanogenMod do exactly... that's why I posted this thread.
Oh, and I watched the noob video :silly: I'm not posting this for no reason...
Would you please explain it to me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK.
It's quite complicated, so bear with me.
Your device before rooted, consists of:
An Android OS (Your Main phone operating system)
A Recovery OS (Another operating system that is used to do things like factory reset your device if you cannot boot into Android)
Bootloader (This is the first thing that boots. It wil choose if you boot into android or recovery, depending on if you press any buttons at boot up)
So that is the BASIC OS layout.
When you root, often your stock recovery is replaced with a custom one. This is usually ClockworkMod recovery. There are other alternatives though. This recovery can be used to take backups of the phone and flash Custom Android ROMs and mods (Flashable zips). Sometimes, ClockworkMod recovery (CWM) has an app (CWM manager) to help you reboot into recovery. Although you can just hold volume up and home, then press power to turn on the device and boot into recovery.
CyanogenMod are one of the most famous develiopment teams of custom ROMs. There are 2 types of custom roms on the S3. Those that are directly built on Samsung Android ROMs (with touchwiz and all that jazz) and ones based directly on Google source code (Known as AOSP or Android Open Source Project).
There are a few famous AOSP develpment teams.
CyanogenMod (CM)
AOKP (Android Open Kang Project)
Paranoid Android (AOSPA)
These are much more like what you get on a Nexus device instead of the Samsung devices.
When rooting, or if you have a custom ROM, you need an app called SuperUser or SuperSU which manages applications root access. Any app that needs root access, requests it from SuperSU or SuperUser which prompts you if you want to allow it. See it as a gatekeeper, or a layer of security for your benefit.
Hope this helps.
Not complicated at all
Thank you for clearing that out.
So what about 4.2.2? I read that I can install a custom mod of it but that the official s3 i9300 update isn't out yet.
Does that mean it's risky or might have different features from the official update?
Thanks again for your time!
unknown2u2a said:
Not complicated at all
Thank you for clearing that out.
So what about 4.2.2? I read that I can install a custom mod of it but that the official s3 i9300 update isn't out yet.
Does that mean it's risky or might have different features from the official update?
Thanks again for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung builds are up to 4.1.2 currently. There is an unoffical leak of 4.2.1
If you go to an AOSP build of 4.2.2, you will lose all the samsung features. We're unsure when the Sammy 4.2.2 will come.
Gotcha!
So I guess it's better to wait to the official update then take the risk...
Thank you very much for your help!!
unknown2u2a said:
Gotcha!
So I guess it's better to wait to the official update then take the risk...
Thank you very much for your help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on your outlook. I cant make that call for you
rootSU said:
Depends on your outlook. I cant make that call for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nahh... I can wait a few months without all the features they say come with 4.2.2...
Even if the custom ROM will be in any way better, it'll still exist...

App stripping for a moron

Hey guys, I really want to strip all the google apps and the samsung apps from a rom. Get it down to a cyanogen level. The stock rom is Odin but I can make a recovery rom.
I don't expect anyone to waste their time spoon feeding me and I am honestly too stupid and busy to learn. What I am looking for is a close to zero learning curve way of stripping a rom.
Is it possible and how?
P.S.
And yes, someone has already done it but they are gone and the links are dead.
Please, someone with more experience correct me if I'm wrong, but can't you just find a core version of Gapps.zip that is compatible with your kernel, boot to recovery, format system partition, then flash the Gapps?
jony121 said:
Hey guys, I really want to strip all the google apps and the samsung apps from a rom. Get it down to a cyanogen level. The stock rom is Odin but I can make a recovery rom.
I don't expect anyone to waste their time spoon feeding me and I am honestly too stupid and busy to learn. What I am looking for is a close to zero learning curve way of stripping a rom.
Is it possible and how?
P.S.
And yes, someone has already done it but they are gone and the links are dead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
smirciat said:
Please, someone with more experience correct me if I'm wrong, but can't you just find a core version of Gapps.zip that is compatible with your kernel, boot to recovery, format system partition, then flash the Gapps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds feasible. Though I think there are unofficial apk that you can just install rather than have to flash an update. I know cyanogen do that.
Did a lot of searching and got three good leads.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1568913
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=9879156
http://www.askabouthugo.com/mobile-technology/how-to-remove-unused-android-apps-from-custom-rom/
Last one is a bit much, don't want to risk dependency issues.

[Q] Alternative to CyanogenMod 11

I've been running CyanogenMod 11 for about a month now. I like it a lot, however there are instabilities. Youtube cannot play videos at all, for example; Snapchat totally fails to work; and one or two apps I've tried to install wouldn't even open. Occasionally a program will crash with a "Such-and such service has stopped" error notice.
Can anyone suggest a more stable ROM? I'm a newbie to flashing, I'm not experienced or interested in trying out different ROMs. I'm not a power user, I just want a stable, reliable ROM. Is cm11 known to have the issues I'm experiencing? Can anyone suggest an alternative?
Thanks.
AidanBell said:
I've been running CyanogenMod 11 for about a month now. I like it a lot, however there are instabilities. Youtube cannot play videos at all, for example; Snapchat totally fails to work; and one or two apps I've tried to install wouldn't even open. Occasionally a program will crash with a "Such-and such service has stopped" error notice.
Can anyone suggest a more stable ROM? I'm a newbie to flashing, I'm not experienced or interested in trying out different ROMs. I'm not a power user, I just want a stable, reliable ROM. Is cm11 known to have the issues I'm experiencing? Can anyone suggest an alternative?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
megalomanic14's MegaFire ROM works great. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2608110
AidanBell said:
I've been running CyanogenMod 11 for about a month now. I like it a lot, however there are instabilities. Youtube cannot play videos at all, for example; Snapchat totally fails to work; and one or two apps I've tried to install wouldn't even open. Occasionally a program will crash with a "Such-and such service has stopped" error notice.
Can anyone suggest a more stable ROM? I'm a newbie to flashing, I'm not experienced or interested in trying out different ROMs. I'm not a power user, I just want a stable, reliable ROM. Is cm11 known to have the issues I'm experiencing? Can anyone suggest an alternative?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since cm-11.0 for this device is not in nightlies major bugs should be expected. Sorry, I don't have a suggestion, but I have a question. Does the headphone jack work on cm11?
interloper said:
Since cm-11.0 for this device is not in nightlies major bugs should be expected. Sorry, I don't have a suggestion, but I have a question. Does the headphone jack work on cm11?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the headphone jack works fine.
I've made the decision to return to the official Samsung ROM, so if anybody could point me in the direction of a safe, reliable download for that I'd be very grateful.
Incidentally, what's "nightlies "?
AidanBell said:
Yes, the headphone jack works fine.
I've made the decision to return to the official Samsung ROM, so if anybody could point me in the direction of a safe, reliable download for that I'd be very grateful.
Incidentally, what's "nightlies "?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nightly is the first "Official" status of a device from CM. If the device is very stable, with all system working properly and with minimal buggy behaviors CM begins building the ROM officially as a "Nightly" assuming the dev is following best practices etc.
AidanBell said:
Yes, the headphone jack works fine.
I've made the decision to return to the official Samsung ROM, so if anybody could point me in the direction of a safe, reliable download for that I'd be very grateful.
Incidentally, what's "nightlies "?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that anyone has the stock rom for the Mega(s) yet, waiting patiently for the guys upstairs to crack the bootloader.
however you might try to restore with Kies.
Unicorn69 said:
I don't think that anyone has the stock rom for the Mega(s) yet, waiting patiently for the guys upstairs to crack the bootloader.
however you might try to restore with Kies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are not right, I for instance have stock ROM on my Mega and I am quite satisfied... Ohhh, maybe I'm a little lying... :silly: it is MegaFireMj2V5 from megalomanic14 which is based upon a stock ROM but is greatly improved - if you are looking for alternative to stock or CM11 rom's it's worth a shot.
As for return to stock ROM - be careful to choose right version: all new firmware (beginning from CNA1) are 'enhanced' with new bootloader and Samsung KIES which is new security system. If you upgrade your Mega by Kies or by Odin with newest firmware you will be lacked possibility to downgrade AND every attempt to root or flash custom recovery will result in tipping flashing counter without any possibility to clear it. So be extremely cautious if you want to mod your Mega with no problems.
You can choose older firmware on Sammobile an flash it thru Odin - then you will have fresh stock ROM on your unit. There are many tutorials how to do it.
trurl3 said:
You are not right, I for instance have stock ROM on my Mega and I am quite satisfied... Ohhh, maybe I'm a little lying... :silly: it is MegaFireMj2V5 from megalomanic14 which is based upon a stock ROM but is greatly improved - if you are looking for alternative to stock or CM11 rom's it's worth a shot.
As for return to stock ROM - be careful to choose right version: all new firmware (beginning from CNA1) are 'enhanced' with new bootloader and Samsung KIES which is new security system. If you upgrade your Mega by Kies or by Odin with newest firmware you will be lacked possibility to downgrade AND every attempt to root or flash custom recovery will result in tipping flashing counter without any possibility to clear it. So be extremely cautious if you want to mod your Mega with no problems.
You can choose older firmware on Sammobile an flash it thru Odin - then you will have fresh stock ROM on your unit. There are many tutorials how to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks, guys.
I've been on Sammobile and selected "I9205XXUCNA2_I9205BTUCNA1_BTU.zip", which I intend to install in the next couple of hours unless anyone on here screams at me that I shouldn't! I'm in the UK with a GT-i9250, so I believe that's the right version for me.
To be honest, I'm not worried about tipping the flashing counter (if I even understand properly what that means). I rooted my phone some time ago, and liked that. Two weeks ago I decided to try Cyanogenmod since I've never used a different ROM. I wasn't impressed, and have decided I want to go back to Samsung original. If, in the process, I prevent myself from ever being able to flash another alternative ROM, or I void the phone's warrenty in any way, I can live with that.
AidanBell said:
Many thanks, guys.
I've been on Sammobile and selected "I9205XXUCNA2_I9205BTUCNA1_BTU.zip", which I intend to install in the next couple of hours unless anyone on here screams at me that I shouldn't! I'm in the UK with a GT-i9250, so I believe that's the right version for me.
To be honest, I'm not worried about tipping the flashing counter (if I even understand properly what that means). I rooted my phone some time ago, and liked that. Two weeks ago I decided to try Cyanogenmod since I've never used a different ROM. I wasn't impressed, and have decided I want to go back to Samsung original. If, in the process, I prevent myself from ever being able to flash another alternative ROM, or I void the phone's warrenty in any way, I can live with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, it's your choice... in fact newest firmware do not offer nothing new but bootloder without return and KNOX. CNA2 it's firmware with KNOX embedded. For mundane user this means nothing special, but for somebody who plan to root and mod it could be pain in... Try to read a little about rooting firmware with KNOX... but as I said, you are warned... tipping counter means setting flag which shows to e.g. service so there was installed unofficial software and it means so you are lacking your warranty. With firmware with KNOX this is irreversible because setting such flag physically burns efuse in system making hardware change. Cheers...
I stay on firmware without KNOX because of possibility to change ROMs and easy install custom software. Waiting for KK which for sure will have 'new type' bootloader and then will be no choice...
trurl3 said:
OK, it's your choice... in fact newest firmware do not offer nothing new but bootloder without return and KNOX. CNA2 it's firmware with KNOX embedded. For mundane user this means nothing special, but for somebody who plan to root and mod it could be pain in... Try to read a little about rooting firmware with KNOX... but as I said, you are warned... tipping counter means setting flag which shows to e.g. service so there was installed unofficial software and it means so you are lacking your warranty. With firmware with KNOX this is irreversible because setting such flag physically burns efuse in system making hardware change. Cheers...
I stay on firmware without KNOX because of possibility to change ROMs and easy install custom software. Waiting for KK which for sure will have 'new type' bootloader and then will be no choice...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You make a good case, and perhaps I should install an earlier version, then. Thanks. However, I've looked on Sammobile and they seem to offer only the latest version. Where can I download an earlier KNOX-free version, please?
trurl3 said:
OK, it's your choice... in fact newest firmware do not offer nothing new but bootloder without return and KNOX. CNA2 it's firmware with KNOX embedded. For mundane user this means nothing special, but for somebody who plan to root and mod it could be pain in... Try to read a little about rooting firmware with KNOX... but as I said, you are warned... tipping counter means setting flag which shows to e.g. service so there was installed unofficial software and it means so you are lacking your warranty. With firmware with KNOX this is irreversible because setting such flag physically burns efuse in system making hardware change. Cheers...
I stay on firmware without KNOX because of possibility to change ROMs and easy install custom software. Waiting for KK which for sure will have 'new type' bootloader and then will be no choice...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like you,i still stay on old firmware,new firmware have knox,knox make your phone brick if you root.
rizky123 said:
Like you,i still stay on old firmware,new firmware have knox,knox make your phone brick if you root.
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Click to collapse
Agreed. You guys have convinced me that I should be flashing an old version of Samsung, not the latest with KNOX. But I can only do that if I can find one! Can anyone please point me in the right direction?
AidanBell said:
You make a good case, and perhaps I should install an earlier version, then. Thanks. However, I've looked on Sammobile and they seem to offer only the latest version. Where can I download an earlier KNOX-free version, please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm, you are right... In such case i recommend you to install custom ROM MegaFireMJ2V6 made by megalomanic14 on basis stock MJ2 which you can find HERE.
Actually I am using this ROM and can say it is very good - looks like stock but is much faster. It's rooted already. Version X offer firmware stripped from unneeded apps to the extent.
trurl3 said:
Hmmm, you are right... In such case i recommend you to install custom ROM MegaFireMJ2V6 made by megalomanic14 on basis stock MJ2 which you can find HERE.
Actually I am using this ROM and can say it is very good - looks like stock but is much faster. It's rooted already. Version X offer firmware stripped from unneeded apps to the extent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much. Most of that sentences was Greek to me, but I get the idea! The truth is, I put my foot into the water of flashing custom ROMS, and decided it wasn't for me. I just want one, reliable ROM that I can live with for many months without having to change it. That's why I decided to go back to Samsung, because there were too many bugs in Cyanogenmod and I don't want to start testing one ROM after the next. I just want to install a reliable, bug-free ROM now, and have done with it. So you think that MegaFireMJ2V6 would be such a ROM in my case?
PS:
It seems MegaFireMJ2V6 can't be downloaded from that link anyway?
Type your phone model in the link below and choose the one you want. Create a free account if you need faster download speeds.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/
Silesh.Nair said:
Type your phone model in the link below and choose the one you want. Create a free account if you need faster download speeds.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/
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Click to collapse
Thank you, but I've tried this several times, and the only download available is the most recent.
You are wrong. It shows all the firmwares released for a model. I can see all the releases for GT-I9200. Attached is a screenshot of the older firmware without knox....
As far as I understand it, these are all the same ROM, simply different versions for different countries. When I put in my phone, GT-i9250, I am presented with a similar page, but it's only the one ROM; 4.2.2 with KNOX.
Ok man, I am done trying to explain things to you. The list you showed only displays Knox firmware, but what you said is not true. Here is another site with older firmware displayed for the I9205. There is no I9250 model Mega afaik..
Silesh.Nair said:
Ok man, I am done trying to explain things to you. The list you showed only displays Knox firmware, but what you said is not true. Here is another site with older firmware displayed for the I9205. There is no I9250 model Mega afaik..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I apologise if I have offended you in any way, that certainly wasn't my intention. I'm simply new to all of this and don't understand it well. I appreciate the new link, and thank you for your help.

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