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So hi all, I got my SGS2 about 2 weeks ago and so far am really liking it. I, however, am intrigued about the features that a custom ROM could provide.
Currently I'm looking at Cognition S2. I've read the installation instructions and browsed around the forums reading about this stuff. There are, however, a couple of questions that have risen.
1) Do I need to root my phone before being able to flash Cognition S2? If so, is the best way to do this by getting CF-Root?
2) If I flash said ROM, will I lose all applications and data? If so, is there a way to back them up first? I've read about people recommending Titanium Backup, but even that requires the phone to be rooted so this seems like an egg and a chicken -type of thing to me.
3) If I flash a custom ROM, is there a way to reset the phone back to it's "original" state so that, in case it dies during the warranty, Samsung won't just tell me to get lost because I've flashed it myself?
Basically I'd like to flash, but not if I jeopardize such an expensive toy.
zelectral said:
So hi all, I got my SGS2 about 2 weeks ago and so far am really liking it. I, however, am intrigued about the features that a custom ROM could provide.
Currently I'm looking at Cognition S2. I've read the installation instructions and browsed around the forums reading about this stuff. There are, however, a couple of questions that have risen.
1) Do I need to root my phone before being able to flash Cognition S2? If so, is the best way to do this by getting CF-Root?
2) If I flash said ROM, will I lose all applications and data? If so, is there a way to back them up first? I've read about people recommending Titanium Backup, but even that requires the phone to be rooted so this seems like an egg and a chicken -type of thing to me.
3) If I flash a custom ROM, is there a way to reset the phone back to it's "original" state so that, in case it dies during the warranty, Samsung won't just tell me to get lost because I've flashed it myself?
Basically I'd like to flash, but not if I jeopardize such an expensive toy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes.
2. Yes but once you have root, install Titanium, do a back up and then flash Cognition rom.
3. Yes provided you find the correct version of your carrier's software. But beware : if you don't read carefully and screw your phone up with a bad flash, you might not be able to do it yourself.
Read more and then follow instructions exactly.
zelectral said:
1) Do I need to root my phone before being able to flash Cognition S2? If so, is the best way to do this by getting CF-Root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, your phone must be rooted before flashing (most ROMs). Simply flash CF-Root kernel via ODIN and you are done. Really easy.
zelectral said:
2) If I flash said ROM, will I lose all applications and data? If so, is there a way to back them up first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely all your apps and settings would remain, BUT. I would highly recommend to boot into CWM recovery (you'll get it by flashing CF-Root kernel), do full wipe and only then flash new ROM.
To backup your apps use AppAdmin/AntTek app Admin/Titanium Backup or some similar app. Titanium Backup has an option to backup app settings/data. Personaly i would NOT use it, but that's another story.
zelectral said:
I've read about people recommending Titanium Backup, but even that requires the phone to be rooted so this seems like an egg and a chicken -type of thing to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Flash CF-Root kernel.
2. Backup your apps/contacts/text messages and so on.
3. Boot into CWM recovery and backup your current ROM.
4. Wipe.
5. Flash new ROM
zelectral said:
3) If I flash a custom ROM, is there a way to reset the phone back to it's "original" state so that, in case it dies during the warranty, Samsung won't just tell me to get lost because I've flashed it myself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And yes and no. you can restore phone firmware (if you made a backup on step3), you can flash back stock kernel, but SGS2 have two(?) hidden counters that shows how many times you have flashed custom kernels. If counter shows something else then 0 - your warranty is lost. At least it should be like that but friend of mine got repaired his SGS2 with no problems while his counter was showing "3". Perhaps it depends on person who work at repair center.
I am currently learning and experimenting with rooting, custom roms etc.
Wondered if someone that knows more than me can help me with a few questions I have?
I have rooted my GS2 using CF Root XWKI8 kernel on Odin. I have full root access now and I have made a backup of my factory ROM which is Three firmware.
The questions I have are:
1) How do I remove root access if I need to? Would that be by putting the original kernel back on?
2) Some people have said you can remove the yellow warning triangle by re-loading the original kernel but would that remove the root access if this is how you unroot a CF rooted phone?
3) I am thinking about loading CM7 on the phone using clockword mod. When you load up a new firmware does it have its own kernel that is then put on the phone?
4) If after loading up CM7 onto the phone I then decide to restore the original Three firmware using clockwork mod, what kernel would go back onto the phone? Would it be the CF rooted kernel as that would have been the current kernel when I performed the backup?
Its important to me that I understand everything completely before I play about anymore!
Many Thanks
Dave
1) You can flash a Stock Kernel with Odin to remove root.
2) To remove the yellow warning you first flash a rooted kernel (such as CF-Root), then you flash a Stock Kernel and when it reboots, you use CWM Manager to flash the image kernel from there. That way you keep root and CWM, but the yellow warning doesn't appear any more.
3) Many ROMs have their custom kernel in the same package, so it will overwrite your current kernel. All custom ROMs have a rooted kernel, so despite changing the kernel, you will still have root and CWM.
4) If you did a nandroid backup, you could restore the kernel from which the nandroid was done. If you don't have a nandroid backup, you can flash a Stock ROM to leave the phone as you bought it.
Many thanks for your help.
As I first of all rooted my phone using a CF Root kernel and then did a nandroid backup in clockwork mod of the Three firmware. Would the backup now include the CF Root kernel when I restore from CM7 back to Three firmware or would the original kernel still reside within my Three backup and be restored instead?
If you have the European Galaxy S II (I9100) can you use the CM7 stable build thats on the official CM website or do we need to find one within the dev section here? Anyone know please?
@DJGREEN1980: Since you've done your nandroid backup with CF-Root, when you restore it you will have CF-Root again. If you want to revert CM7 to Stock you can directly flash a Stock ROM, instead of restoring your nandroid backup.
@mikeDCMDVA: There are only 2 versions of CM7 for SGS2. One is for AT&T mobiles and the other is for the rest, so you should be able to flash this last one on your phone. If you have further questions about CM7 I would suggest you post them on CM7 post on XDA or CM7 forum, since CM7 users would surelly have more knowledge than me about that.
Do you know where I would get the stock rom from? My phone is locked and branded with Three firmware.
Thanks for your help
There's a post with all stock ROMs up to date here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
Brilliant. Thanks. So restoring to the latest Three rom XWKI8 would bring the warranty back for the phone after using a custom rom?
Dave
DJGREEN1980 said:
Brilliant. Thanks. So restoring to the latest Three rom XWKI8 would bring the warranty back for the phone after using a custom rom?
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not that it will bring the warranty back, its more that you could send it to Samsung Support without them noticing you've used a custom ROM. I recently send my HTC Desire to HTC support reverting it to a Stock ROM without problems.
AzureusPT said:
Its not that it will bring the warranty back, its more that you could send it to Samsung Support without them noticing you've used a custom ROM. I recently send my HTC Desire to HTC support reverting it to a Stock ROM without problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unless u reset the binary counter how will this work ??? of course buy a jig from ebay which im sure he forgot to mention
Alright, I just got my GS2 delivered today. I'm coming from a Captivate where I flashed a lot of different ROMs and I'm already ready to dive it with my GS2. I've read the very helpful posts for Root and flashing ROMs but I want to make sure I cover all the backups and stuff I need to do before jumping in (which I didn't do for my Captivate). Can you suggest a checklist of the prep work I need to do before flashing my first ROM? So far I've seen post on the following:
Root
Flashing w/o incrementing counter
Now I see messages on efs and IMEI backup (which I'll need to study up on). Is there anything else I'm missing?
Thanks
all I did was root with Odin and backed up with CWM. Then flashed Unamed Rom. It was that easy...You can use titanium back-up for the rest.
Backing up IMEI is not very critical, but would not be a bad idea. I have only seen one person post about deleted IMEI info. Flashing a rom normally does not touch the efs partition. I have just backed up my efs partition, but only because of the one person who posted recently with an IMEI problem. And I never backed up the efs partition on the captivate, which reminds me I should do that, since my wife now uses that phone.
Some careful individuals would install a ClockworkMod Recovery enabled kernel over the stock kernel, and then do a nandroid backup of the stock rooted system before flashing a full rom.
Since your phone is new, you probably don't have a ton of apps installed, but Titanium Backup for restoring apps and data after a wipe, and SMSBackup to back up your text messages. These can be added after you flash a rom though.
Can't think of anything else.
By the way, the previous poster gave misleading info. You don't root with Odin, and it is actually unnecessary to have root to install a CWM enabled kernel with odin. I think what he meant was that he installed a CWM enabled kernel with Odin, and then used CWM Recovery to install UnNamed rom, which would then give him root. But either way, the two are separate issues. Also, he would have the yellow warning triangle at boot, and an increment on his flash counter.
Every time I think I get a grasp on the whole root/flashing/rom thing I read more and get confused.
I just received my GS2 today in the mail. I plan on rooting and flashing UnNamed. Since there is nothing on my phone, is it wise to make a back up first or will it not matter? I mean if something ever happens and I need to go back to stock will I have to have a back up to do it?
So I don't need to root for CWM?
You don't need a backup unless you have personal modifications you want to save for any reason. You can return to stock with Entropy512's unbrick/return to stock package.
You can install a ClockworkMod Recovery enabled kernel using Odin or Heimdall, but it will increment the flash counter and cause the yellow warning triangle on the boot screen. If you want to install custom software without incrementing the flash counter, then you must root first, and then install a custom kernel by some method other than Odin or Heimdall. That does require root first.
Thanks for the input. In regards to Titanium backup, I have the pro version with about 100 apps Backed up from my cappy. Can I simply restore those to my gs2 without the data or am I asking for problems?
I don't have any experience with that. If you are starting from pretty much straight out of the box, you have nothing to lose. I would think you would be ok restoring missing alps with data, but if you try it and out goes bad, lots of fc's etc. then
just wipe data/factory reset and start over. If you've already done lots of customization, you'd have to redo it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
I have a question regarding the flash counter. If I rooted via the doomlord method and then install a CWM injected kernel using mobile Odin. Will that keep the counter from incrementing?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
mfreywald said:
I have a question regarding the flash counter. If I rooted via the doomlord method and then install a CWM injected kernel using mobile Odin. Will that keep the counter from incrementing?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes.......
Thanks!! I was able to root and flash Unnamed! Loving it! Thanks for all the work and help. Greatly appreciate it.
Hey all,
I just received my i777 and I'm impressed. Coming from a sgs4g seems like a huge improvement, though the devices look physically the same LOL (with the i777 being a bit on the larger side).
Anyways, I've been flashing roms for about a year now with my sgs4g. The forums for the sgs4g had very detailed instructions when flashing, instructions like, what to do if coming from stock, but on this forum ppl just assume you have CWM installed.
What I want is a safe way to upgrade to, let's say, phone bricker. I've noticed that all roms are installed through CWM, and all OP say is "make sure CWM is installed", but there's no mention whatsoever on how to install CWM on this phone.
Maybe i'm complicating things a little bit. On my previous phone, Rom Manager downloaded from market was a NO NO because it'd brick it. So we had to flash a modded CWM via odin made specifically for our phones. Maybe for this phone installing rom manager is all that is needed? yes? OK, found the FAQ. no ROM manager.
Also, somehow this phone came rooted... I bought it new from a store but the unlocked version since I live outside USA.
So, if I'm not mistaken, I should just install rom manager, select my phone from the list, flash CWM recovery and flash away roms on the dev section. Am I correct? I don't want to brick my phone
I would not use Rom manger it's proven to be more of a headache for this device. Look on the dev section there are a couple of packages that you can use to get cwm. If your already rooted you could simply flash a custom kernel like entropys daily driver which already has cwm included in kernel.
Again, if your rooted, easiest way could be to simply use mobile Odin to flash custom kernel(I'm assuming your running gingerbread).
I bought the full version of mobile ODIN. makes life a little simpler when flashing, in my opinion. It's worth the few bucks.
eep2378 said:
I would not use Rom manger it's proven to be more of a headache for this device. Look on the dev section there are a couple of packages that you can use to get cwm. If your already rooted you could simply flash a custom kernel like entropys daily driver which already has cwm included in kernel.
Again, if your rooted, easiest way could be to simply use mobile Odin to flash custom kernel(I'm assuming your running gingerbread).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running GB, yes. It's (i think) completely stock: GB KJ4.
I've checked and I have standard recovery, so I'm looking for the best and safest way to get cmw.
Mobile odin looks like a good option, but would I need the full paid version?
mikeflash said:
Running GB, yes. It's (i think) completely stock: GB KJ4.
I've checked and I have standard recovery, so I'm looking for the best and safest way to get cmw.
Mobile odin looks like a good option, but would I need the full paid version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need pro version, lite version will do just fine. Are you sure you're rooted? You have superuser app? Whether you're rooted or not look here(if you are rooted look at #3 : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311081
Check out this thread, was my experience and I'm running PhoneBricker just fine!
However, backup your apps before flashing and factory reset, wipe cache and dalvik after (possibly before as well) and you should be fine! Will root then you can flash away.
Clay
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
One other point for you. Your phone was flashed, in most probability by the folks who sold it to you, with a leaked version of Gingerbread, UCKJ4. As a result, your flash count is probably at 1, and the secondary bootloader was probably replaced with one that disables the ability to clear the flash counter with a usb jig. If this matters to you, you can test first with a jig to see if it will reset, and if not, you can flash the original UCKH7 secondary bootloader to fix it. Needed files can be found in the Download Repository.
Oh, and my guide explains how to flash a modified kernel containing ClockworkMod Recovery if you need it.
Well, I flashed my phone last night. Used mobile odin for flashing a kernel (siyah) to get CWM, then flashed phone bricker via CWM like I used to do on my old phone. Everything went smooth.
Though I'm not fond on this "4.0.3", it's just a launcher that looks like ICS but I don't want to believe it's a true ICS ROM, because it feels weird, I certainly prefer stock GB (or a custom GB rom) instead of some heavily modded rom with ICS theme.
creepyncrawly said:
One other point for you. Your phone was flashed, in most probability by the folks who sold it to you, with a leaked version of Gingerbread, UCKJ4. As a result, your flash count is probably at 1, and the secondary bootloader was probably replaced with one that disables the ability to clear the flash counter with a usb jig. If this matters to you, you can test first with a jig to see if it will reset, and if not, you can flash the original UCKH7 secondary bootloader to fix it. Needed files can be found in the Download Repository.
Oh, and my guide explains how to flash a modified kernel containing ClockworkMod Recovery if you need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There're several new terms I need to learn about this phone that weren't used on sgs4g. Such as DPI (i.e lowering it, what for? isn't that a step back?) and flash counter.
I suppose flash count is just a counter for how many times you have flashed the phone with custom Roms, so that warranty people can check if a returned phone was damaged due to bad flash, or something like that. Am I correct?
If that's the case, then I'm not too worried about flash count because I live outside US, and my AT&T phone wouldn't get warranty over here, but I'll definitely look into that, to check where my counter is at and to check if resetting it back to 0 is still possible.
I'll be checking up on the links you provided.
Thanks a lot.
mikeflash said:
Though I'm not fond on this "4.0.3", it's just a launcher that looks like ICS but I don't want to believe it's a true ICS ROM, because it feels weird, I certainly prefer stock GB (or a custom GB rom) instead of some heavily modded rom with ICS theme.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a true ICS rom. Samsung didn't do a lot of cosmetic changes when they moved the S2 to ICS though...most changes are under the hood.
If you want something that looks and feels more like true ICS, you should consider trying either CM9 or AOKP. They are both based on Google's source code, nothing Touchwiz about them.
Or if you'd rather stick with what you have, you can always try different launchers. I'm running ICS, but I use Go Launcher and it runs beautifully.
mikeflash said:
There're several new terms I need to learn about this phone that weren't used on sgs4g. Such as DPI (i.e lowering it, what for? isn't that a step back?) and flash counter.
I suppose flash count is just a counter for how many times you have flashed the phone with custom Roms, so that warranty people can check if a returned phone was damaged due to bad flash, or something like that. Am I correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is mostly correct. You're right about the purpose of the flash counter, but it actually counts how many times you flash kernels, not roms. And even then, it only increments if you flash a kernel via Odin in download mode. Flashing a kernel in Mobile Odin or CWM doesn't touch the counter.
Incrementing the flash counter also places that possibly annoying yellow triangle on bootup on your phone. Since you're on ICS, you can just use triangle away app from play store (free version is on here somewhere) to get rid of it, though I'm not sure if that'll fix the whole secondary bootloaders thing (probably not). I think it'd be worth it to fix that just so you don't run into anymore problems later if you decide to change something, especially since after the fixes you can just nandroid back to your current setup, but it's not essential and completely up to you.
Sent from my Samsung SGH-I777 using XDA
I'm confused why this thread was started. There ARE detailed instructions in the stickies and by using Google search along with the words XDA after the search u would easily find any and all information needed. Why do we need a thread dedicated to helping one person read stickies which already have this information.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
Phalanx, did you not read the Title?
It says be nice!
crawls back into hole
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
Phalanx7621 said:
I'm confused why this thread was started. There ARE detailed instructions in the stickies and by using Google search along with the words XDA after the search u would easily find any and all information needed. Why do we need a thread dedicated to helping one person read stickies which already have this information.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you friend.
To sum up for OP
1. Strongly suggest NOT to use ROM Manager on any custom ROMs unless you are surely running CyanogenMod ROM.
2. Check the "About phone" to see if it is true ICS or ICS-theme GB.
So Im probably ging o get flamed for this......but here goes.
I have searched and searched, ive put bits and pieces together, but still missing components,
So for some reason MY phone is not recognized on ANY PC, My phone with charge, but not recognizable. Yes I installed samsung drivers, fooled with phon usb settings, tied rebooting phone, removing battery, flashing other roms, no luck.
Currently Running the most recent version of the following ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1676086
So to send my phone back to samsung(got them to agree to give me a free Galaxy S3), I need to do a full restore, however, I cannot find a way to flash to stock without Odin.
I have this theory, I want feed back to see if its possible.
1. Flash a stock ICS 4.0.3 ROM Back onto my phone via CWM\TWRP
2. Flash stock kernel
3. Reset flash counter
4. Push stock recovery though Terminal Emulator (heard this was possible but no experience)
5. Of course a full factory wipe\format.
Please if you think this can work and can help in any way please do.
The galaxy note everything thread has two methods too return to full stock ..
It is stickied at the top of the general section ....g
gregsarg said:
The galaxy note everything thread has two methods too return to full stock ..
It is stickied at the top of the general section ....g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this is the link you are refering to, then please specifically point out the full sock recovery without using ODIN viaUSB cable.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1586223
If you have CWM you can flash a stock gb or ics rom and modem easily enough. That gets you 75% of your goal. I think you can flash 3e recovery too with CWM.
To unroot maybe flash an unrooted rom like the original ULF6 as your first step.
For warranty return several have mentioned they didn't unroot and were able to send in phone and didn't get any charges.
P.S. this topic was covered in a thread about two weeks ago. Perhaps a google search will locate it for you to get all the links and details.
I sent in a rooted note directly to samsung and they didnt charge me for it. All i did was factory data reset and flash the stock rom. Oh yeah and i reset my flash counter
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
The answer is no ...
You cannot fully recover to stock , unless you can find a factory GB or ICS rom, in a flashable form ..
But....for warranty purposes you don't need to ...
Just download a stock rooted rom to the device ...along with the flashable stock recovery and counter reset file.
It isn't perfect ...but close enough.
And try a few different roms ...as they may fix your connection issues.
I'm thinking you have a USB driver issue ....g
I didn't think you could either but take a look here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1800231
They won't care. Its going into the pile to be reflashed, boxed and sold as a refurb. No sweat off their back.
.muimerp adx gnisu 717I-HGS-GNUSMAS ym morf sdrawkcab tneS
Thanks for the help all, I Think its possible, will post results.
If you flash a stock rom then flash a stock recovery then delete all your apps, the only way they would know is to install a root check app, and I just don't think they would. Also, your rom and root habits didn't break the usb hardware.