I originally asked in this in the Noob Guide thread, but this its driving new crazy so I figured id make a thread
Ok so I'm rooted now and have been trying to get CW recovery image installed but am having done difficulty.
I choose flash recovery from ROM manager, then reboot into recovery, stock 3e recovery so I reinstall packages, it comes back to the 3e image, reinstall packages again and now I have clockwork.
Now when I reboot the phone and then reboot to recovery again, I'm once again at the 3e recovery..if I reinstall packages again it will reboot me to clockwork, but it just won't stick.
I've done this multiple times now to no avail. Can anyone help me out here? Is it possible just to adb push the cw recovery image? I'm not a noob by any means, but this phone has been giving me a hell of a time, I would greatly appreciate any assistance here. Thanks in advance.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I posted in the noob guide back, I suppose a custom rom is out of the question?
They can replace the stock recovery.
If you want to stay stock, it must be possible... hopefully others can chime in if that was your intent.
Thank you for the response sir, a custom rom is the goal, since I couldnt find anyone else reporting the same problem, I was just scared to flash a rom when the recovery wouldn't flash.
I'll be flashing tonight when I get time. Thanks again for your help.
Not sure what OS you want, but I would suggest Trigger for stability.
Awesome, that's what I was leaning towards so that makes my decision easier. I wish CM7 or miui were more stable, so I guess froyo it is..
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
CM7 IS stable as far as using your phone as a phone and playing apps.
It does have battery drain issues (though not as bad as before), you can't charge the phone with it powered off, NO gps and 3d graphics is lacking.
Other than that, CM7 runs great. I've had it for a week now with no issues.
All that said, I would still suggest trigger.
Samsung wants me to send them my Vibrant to "reflash" it. Can I do it myself?
Hey all. I've been having a couple of problems with my Vibrant -
1. About once a day, when trying to play an MP3, the phone says that the audio files can't be played because they don't exist. Reseting the phone allows the audio files to be played again.
2. The wifi radio frequently will not turn on properly. When trying to turn it on in the wifi settings menu, the wifi will say "turning on...", and about 30 seconds later it will say "error". After a few tries, it will eventually work.
I called Samsung, and they want me to send it to them to "reflash" it. I'm wondering if this is something I can do myself. I've been reading about all of the flashing of roms you guys do here, but I've never done it. Would using Odin or whatever to reflash to stock be the same thing Samsung is going to do?
Thanks for bearing with a n00b!
Yes to all your questions.
You can do it yourself. It will be the EXACT same procedure Samsung will do (except here you have the option of using ROMs that are MUCH cooler).
}{Alienz}{ said:
Yes to all your questions.
You can do it yourself. It will be the EXACT same procedure Samsung will do (except here you have the option of using ROMs that are MUCH cooler).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Thank you! Two quick questions-
1. What's the risk level to this? Would I be running the risk of creating a shiny paper weight if I start flashing?
2. What's your favorite ROM? Any recommendations?
Thanks again!
If you can read and follow simple directions then, it is a no-brainer. 1st read the noob bible it has all the instructions to flash anything you want. Go to Unlockr.com or Youtube type in: --Odin back to stock --- rooting a vibrant--- flashing a custom rom.
Simply put Odin is a program that allows you to restore the original 2.1 JFD rom (stock) from there you would Root the phone> then download Rom manager>download Titanium backup> then backup your phone using it> then download a custom rom and put on you internal sd card > then using Rom manager you would flash it
and you have flashed a custom rom. All this takes les than an hour (more like 30-40 min)
Hope that helps you understand more......cheers
I'm not sure if I should put this in another thread, but as I was following the steps, I hit a wall - Titanium backup is force closing when I'm trying to open it. It will show a message saying that it got root access, then immediately crash. Any troubleshooting hints?
Thanks!
lewishollow said:
I'm not sure if I should put this in another thread, but as I was following the steps, I hit a wall - Titanium backup is force closing when I'm trying to open it. It will show a message saying that it got root access, then immediately crash. Any troubleshooting hints?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NM - it's the new 3.7.6 version they released - it has known FC issues. I got the apk for 3.7.5 and it works like a dream. Thanks!
Just a thought could it be that you do not have busybox installed? Or perhaps the most recent busy box.
Thanks to your help and encouragement, I took the plunge and flashed a custom ROM! It may not sound like much to you guys, but it was big for me!
I chose trigger for my first try, and it's incredible so far! It's SO much better than what Samsung is putting out!
Thanks for you help everyone!
Trust us, the fun is just starting for you!! Once you flash, you can't stop!
Battery Life
lewishollow said:
Thanks to your help and encouragement, I took the plunge and flashed a custom ROM! It may not sound like much to you guys, but it was big for me!
I chose trigger for my first try, and it's incredible so far! It's SO much better than what Samsung is putting out!
Thanks for you help everyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I think you chose the right ROM! Trigger is the shizznessttt!!! If you don't mind me suggesting though, make sure you charge your phone at 100% before flashing anything. It actually made a difference in my battery life, no bs. I guess there is a difference why the devs write and suggest you are fully charged and not just so it dont die midway through flashing procedures lol. Good luck fam.
lewishollow said:
Awesome! Thank you! Two quick questions-
1. What's the risk level to this? Would I be running the risk of creating a shiny paper weight if I start flashing?
2. What's your favorite ROM? Any recommendations?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is allways the chance you could brick your phone. I suggest reading the noob handbook at the top of the vibrant Q&A page, take your time and follow all directions and you should not have any problems.
Girlfriend got a Fascinate yesterday and deemed me worthy enough to root it so she can kill all the bloatware (yay for me!). I've got root on the phone, and I understand that if I don't flash a custom kernel for the phone, it'll just break the recovery (using "cwm-recovery-all.tar") as soon as the phone boots up. She likes the overall touchwiz experience and all that, so I'm not sure of any rom's that are pretty stock cept for bloat, and any kernels I should use so recovery doesn't break.
I'm just concerned about getting recovery to stick so that I can perform a backup in case anything should happen.
I have a OG Droid, so all this bending over backwards for root and recovery is new to me and threads seem either too full of info or not enough for me, so here's me asking for help!
Either way, thanks!
Dustin
seraph_harim said:
Girlfriend got a Fascinate yesterday and deemed me worthy enough to root it so she can kill all the bloatware (yay for me!). I've got root on the phone, and I understand that if I don't flash a custom kernel for the phone, it'll just break the recovery (using "cwm-recovery-all.tar") as soon as the phone boots up. She likes the overall touchwiz experience and all that, so I'm not sure of any rom's that are pretty stock cept for bloat, and any kernels I should use so recovery doesn't break.
I'm just concerned about getting recovery to stick so that I can perform a backup in case anything should happen.
I have a OG Droid, so all this bending over backwards for root and recovery is new to me and threads seem either too full of info or not enough for me, so here's me asking for help!
Either way, thanks!
Dustin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're just a few steps away.
First download this stock ed01 debloated/debinged stock ROM from link below and place in root directory of SD card:
http://www.multiupload.com/BKHF5DKJ18
also, choose a kernel and place on sd card. I recommend imnuts' PB&J variety-you might want to stick with stock voltage or -50uv for now. Be mindful to get non-voodoo if you aren't planning on getting into this. found here (try the 3rd or 5th option):
https://sites.google.com/a/imnuts.net/android/kernels
Next, use Odin to install your CWM again. When you boot up this time, boot directly into CWM by turning phone off, and holding volume down, volume up, and power (all 3) until CWM appears. flash your rom, and kernel. If you don't boot into cwm directly by this method, the stock kernel will overwrite CWM, which is what was happening to you, i believe.
after rom/kernel is installed, choose reboot system now from cwm.
Yeah, I just wasn't sure about what kernel would be good for her phone, so I just was kinda "stuck" at that point. ^^;;
But I will give it a go and she how it works out! thanks much!
Everything was a success, and there was much rejoicing!
They only thing I noticed was after the Samsung bootloop animation, it goes to the default "android" one instead of Verizon's... I'm sure there's a way to get that back, but its not in the system dump I have. I'm currently searching for it on the net ^^;;
Thanks again!
Edit: I was able to find a boot animation that had the first part of the Galaxy S bit without the Verizon part. When it booted it just repeated the "Galaxy S" animation. I thought by adding, renaming, and reversing the shutdown animation would at least give that back, but now I just get a black screen for that segment...Still working on it....I think it has to do with the txt file inside, but i'm not sure.
The PowerOn.wav is still present on the phone, but it doesn't play either.... >_<
Are you certain you put poweron.wav in /system/etc folder?
Yup, its there and plays fine in the media player, but I just noticed that there's also a PowerOn.snd file right above. Could that be interfering?
Make a backup elsewhere of that file, then delete it and see if that works.
Sent from mah Fascinate using XDA Premium App
The sound won't work with most kernels that are not stock because the boot sounds aren't actually turned on in the kernel
Swyped from my CM7 fascinate
Oh okay, any chance to get the default boot animation from any of you guys? She doesn't mind the sound "missing," but she would like the boot animation at least.
Eitiher way, thanks much for the info!
since it seems like you're using a stock Rom just debloated and rooted, you may want to think about just using the stock Kernel with the recovery wipe removed, it has two options one that sticks with the stock boot animation and may still have sound and one that allows custom boot animations. This kernel was created by imnuts and can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1060457
Awesome, thanks! I'll give that a try and see how it turns out!
And it worked! Thanks again!
Big problem with my I777 running stock Jellybean...
I deleted the wallpaper file from data\system\users\0 and now my phone will not boot. It powers on and gets to the lock screen, but won't allow me to slide to unlock. The phone isn't entirely unresponsive as the clock still updates every minute. But it won't do anything else.
I have my old wallpaper file handy on the computer, so I can surely copy it back to the phone. Question is: how?? I have USB debugging enabled so ADB is possible, but I have absolutely no idea how to use it. If I boot to system recovery the only option I get for ADB is sideload. I can execute ADB on my computer, it finds the device. But when I try to use the "push" command, ADB responds with "error: closed." I tried to use the "sideload" command (with a dummy file) just to see if ANY ADB command would work. "Sideload" works (the phone reports an error about the file being invalid), so I know the connection is fine.
Help appreciated, thanks. I'm stuck with a ****ty iPhone until this situation is resolved.
You're still on the stock kernel/recovery, so I'm not sure that you have any easy options. It is also relevant to know just how much information you want to recover.
File replacement:
Using desktop ODIN to flash a syiah kernel, then reboot to recovery:
You might then be able to adb-push the necessary item to /system, but this is a hack-approach to a problem better suited by a proper flash. <-- will retain all existing data & customization. Maybe worth a try, but I don't recommend it
Dirty-flash:
Using desktop ODIN to flash a syiah kernel, then reboot to recovery:
You will be able to flash a (custom) samsung-based firmware, which WILL overwrite /system, but will NOT overwrite your /data partition, likely allowing you to boot and properly back-up the stuff you want to keep, or even create a nandroid of the existing setup. <-- Will retain all existing data, will lose /system customisations. I have used this method.
Start-fresh:
Use desktop-Odin to flash the official firmware may be your only other option, which will retain everything in internal memory (photos, downloads, music, nandroid backups), but not messages, or any app data.
-Cyril
Mr. Barker said:
Big problem with my I777 running stock Jellybean...
I deleted the wallpaper file from data\system\users\0 and now my phone will not boot. It powers on and gets to the lock screen, but won't allow me to slide to unlock. The phone isn't entirely unresponsive as the clock still updates every minute. But it won't do anything else.
I have my old wallpaper file handy on the computer, so I can surely copy it back to the phone. Question is: how?? I have USB debugging enabled so ADB is possible, but I have absolutely no idea how to use it. If I boot to system recovery the only option I get for ADB is sideload. I can execute ADB on my computer, it finds the device. But when I try to use the "push" command, ADB responds with "error: closed." I tried to use the "sideload" command (with a dummy file) just to see if ANY ADB command would work. "Sideload" works (the phone reports an error about the file being invalid), so I know the connection is fine.
Help appreciated, thanks. I'm stuck with a ****ty iPhone until this situation is resolved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cyril279 said:
You're still on the stock kernel/recovery, so I'm not sure that you have any easy options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I do have CWM installed, but am curiously (and annoyingly) unable to boot to it now, for whatever reason. It boots to stock recovery instead, every time.
cyril279 said:
Using desktop ODIN to flash a syiah kernel, then reboot to recovery:
You might then be able to adb-push the necessary item to /system, but this is a hack-approach to a problem better suited by a proper flash. <-- maybe worth a try, but I don't recommend it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's worth a try. I really would prefer to get my phone back working as it was, quickest way possible, because I've done a lot of heavy customization that would take many many hours to have to do over if I flash the official firmware again.
Could you please point me in the right direction of the syiah kernel, and proper instructions as to how to flash it? Would be much appreciated.
If it doesn't work out so hot, I'll try one of the other methods you mentioned. Thanks.
Mr. Barker said:
I think it's worth a try. I really would prefer to get my phone back working as it was, quickest way possible, because I've done a lot of heavy customization that would take many many hours to have to do over if I flash the official firmware again.
Could you please point me in the right direction of the syiah kernel, and proper instructions as to how to flash it? Would be much appreciated.
If it doesn't work out so hot, I'll try one of the other methods you mentioned. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be glad to provide more detailed information, but I prefer to do so from a desktop computer, and I won't be near one for several days, so this may be a slow process unless one of our peers steps in to help.
In the meantime, you should gather:
-Odin 1.85 or 3.07
-A Siyah s2-v5.x or s2-v6.x .tar.md5 kernel (for the i777 or i9100)
The latter you can find at http://www.gokhanmoral.com
I will outline the process in a later post, explaining the purpose of each step.
Sure, I'm OK waiting a few days. I appreciate the help, I haven't done any flashing in quite some time and don't want to make a mistake, especially with all the important data that's at stake.
Thanks.
File Replacement Method
1) Use desktop Odin to flash Siyah kernel
-Installs a kernel that will allow you to perform a nandroid backup, and MAY allow you to adb push the missing file to the device.
-This WILL change the initial boot screen (can be corrected later, but does not affect the function of the firmware), and will notch the flash counter (simply doesn't matter).
2) Boot to recovery
3) Create nandroid backup
-If things go sideways, you have a snapshot of where you are. If you have to start from scratch, there are apps that can restore Apps, settings, and more, from a backup.
4) Adb push missing file to /data/path_file_belongs
5) Shell chmod XXX the missing file
-to correct file permissions; that 0.xml file has -rw------ on my device, which translates to 600 (I think)
6) Flash appropriate ajk kernel
-for stock jb, use "NoSwap" http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2110542
-custom kernel that will boot stock rooted android.
7) Attempt Reboot into android
-If successful, reboot to recovery and perform another backup.
-If not successful, then we use a different method.
This is the trickier method of the three, but will retain all customization if it works. I have not tried it, and we're assuming that the missing file is actually the problem.
Please be sure that you are comfortable with all of the steps before attempting any of them. I will be able to provide step by step instructions, but not for several days.
Happy flashing,
-Cyril
Well, that was fun. Followed the instructions to a "t" and even learned some things. But, sadly, did not achieve the results I'd hoped for.
I was indeed able to push the wallpaper file over to data\system\users\0 and CHMOD it. But after flashing AJK "NoSwap" the phone shows the "Android is upgrading..." message, with "Starting apps." trying to process. But it doesn't. The little circle swirls a bit, then the screen goes black. The "Starting apps." message appears again, then the screen goes black again. And then it repeats this cycle forever. I eventually got irritated and yanked the battery.
So... *sigh*... what's my next best option?
The Nandroid backup completed successfully? If so, that's great, any APP customization is likely captured in the backup. How well they will restore is a different concern, but we need to get the device booted completely into android first.
Before moving onto the next step, lets reboot to recovery, clear cache and dalvik, and fix permissions. It's a bit of a shot in the dark, but I prefer to exhaust the possibility before abandoning this approach.
@Mr. Barker, You say that you've done a lot of heavy customization. What is the nature of the customization? app related? build.prop tweaks? I'm trying to determine how much might be lost by each of the next recovery methods.
@mrcook, what do you think of an attempt to dirty-flash cooked over a stock setup with corrupt /data?
cyril279 said:
Before moving onto the next step, lets reboot to recovery, clear cache and dalvik, and fix permissions. It's a bit of a shot in the dark, but I prefer to exhaust the possibility before abandoning this approach.
@Mr. Barker, You say that you've done a lot of heavy customization. What is the nature of the customization? app related? build.prop tweaks? I'm trying to determine how much might be lost by each of the next recovery methods.
@mrcook, what do you think of an attempt to dirty-flash cooked over a stock setup with corrupt /data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I say wipe caches and fix permissions first. If that doesn't work format /system, and install a ROM of the same version of android.
After that if it's still not booting suck it up do a full wipe and start from scratch.
Sent from my SGH-S959G
@Mr. Barker
If the cache wipes / permissions fix doesn't help, then our next attempt is:
**this assumes that you were running stock Android 4.1.2 when the trouble began**
get i777UCMD8 cooked v2.2 onto a flashdrive, (or prepare it for sideload)
reboot to recovery
format /system
install cooked v2.2
attempt to boot into android
OK, I'll give it a try, thanks.
Hooray! All's well that ends well. Flashing i777UCMD8 cooked v2.2 got me up & running again, near-same as I had everything before. Just a little work to do to get it right back how I had it. Thanks a million, gents! :victory:
Two questions remain, for the moment:
+ How can I get the "AM/PM" to display on the notification bar? I'm in the US, and prefer to have this for the 12-hour clock. But using this ROM, it is omitted even when time is set to 12-hour clock.
+ How can I restore the default battery charging icon from the stock firmware? The one that comes bundled with this cooked ROM is needlessly flashy.
Mr. Barker said:
Hooray! All's well that ends well. Flashing i777UCMD8 cooked v2.2 got me up & running again, near-same as I had everything before. Just a little work to do to get it right back how I had it. Thanks a million, gents! :victory:
Two questions remain, for the moment:
+ How can I get the "AM/PM" to display on the notification bar? I'm in the US, and prefer to have this for the 12-hour clock. But using this ROM, it is omitted even when time is set to 12-hour clock.
+ How can I restore the black notification pull-down menu? This ROM sets it transparent by default, which doesn't work for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am/pm is gone forever. I removed because I think it looks better without it. Use the sun. You'll get used to it after a couple days and never miss it.
To change the notification background go to the mods section of the installer, and just install the black notification background.
Sent from my SGH-S959G
mr-cook said:
Am/pm is gone forever. I removed because I think it looks better without it. Use the sun. You'll get used to it after a couple days and never miss it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, no, I was afraid you were going to say that. *sigh*
Unfortunately I will not get used to it, and will miss it. It's the little things that really matter to me, and this is one of them.
Is there absolutely no way I can add it back in? Maybe by editing or replacing a certain file? Or perhaps there's a notification bar replacement that will facilitate this need?
Also, how can I restore the default battery charging icon from the stock firmware? The one that comes bundled with this cooked ROM, I feel, is needlessly flashy.
Other than these two points, I am quite pleased with this ROM. Is it just me or does it run a little quicker than the stock one?
"needlessly flashy"
Simply asking 'how to change the icon' is sufficient, and inherently implies that you prefer something different.
Cooked v2.2 is definitely quicker than stock;
The premise of both cooked and shostock are that they have taken the stock firmware, and stripped it down of unnecessary junk, and run it over a well-optimized kernel for the best touchwiz experience that you could possibly have on this device.
If your firmware desires are different than what cooked v2.2 provides, then I suggest creating a nandroid backup, wiping /system, and giving shostock a try. It's the other touchwiz favorite for the i777, packaged with a different very good kernel, and also runs quicker than stock.
Mr. Barker said:
Oh, no, I was afraid you were going to say that. *sigh*
Unfortunately I will not get used to it, and will miss it. It's the little things that really matter to me, and this is one of them.
Is there absolutely no way I can add it back in? Maybe by editing or replacing a certain file? Or perhaps there's a notification bar replacement that will facilitate this need?
Also, how can I restore the default battery charging icon from the stock firmware? The one that comes bundled with this cooked ROM, I feel, is needlessly flashy.
Other than these two points, I am quite pleased with this ROM. Is it just me or does it run a little quicker than the stock one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To close the loop, now your initial boot screen is a yellow triangle with an exclamation point? It doesn't affect the functionality of the firmware at all, but if you prefer to have the correct initial boot animation, then you'll need to follow an additional procedure.
Summary:
Nandroid-backup desired setup
Flash official stock-firmware to the device via Desktop-Odin (clears the warning)
Root & recovery via Framaroot/Mobile-Odin (a method that does NOT trip the custom-flash monitor)
Restore nandroid to return to the established custom setup
Procedure:
gather onto internal memory, or micro-sd:
-Framaroot
-Mobile Odin APK
-Mobile Odin flash kernel for i777
-Boot.img (extracted from your chosen firmware.zip)
boot to recovery
perform nandroid backup
^^ this MUST complete successfully
perform factory reset
boot to download mode
flash official UCMD8 using Desktop ODIN
^^ clears the custom-flash warning
install and use framaroot
^^ uses an exploit to establish and manage root access
install mobile Odin and the mobile Odin flash-kernel
^^ the method that will NOT trip the custom-flash monitor
flash the boot.img via Mobile Odin
^^ flashes the kernel and recovery of the firmware that you are going to restore
boot to recovery
restore nandroid backup
enjoy
-Cyril
If I am going to be restoring the nandroid backup, must I install & use the very same firmware that was installed when I made the backup? Or could I, say, simply flash the stock firmware and be done with it? (i.e. not use mobile odin to install a custom firmware afterwards) My point is, are nandroid backups firmware-specific?
If I opt to go the custom firmware route, how do I go about getting the boot.img file? Simply rename zimage, or ???
Before all this I've never flashed anything but stock firmware, and never had to create nor restore nandroid backups. So most of this is all new to me. But I enjoy the learning process.
Mr. Barker said:
If I am going to be restoring the nandroid backup, must I install & use the very same firmware that was installed when I made the backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different custom firmwares may be structured differently, so for the lowest likelihood of compatibility issues, nandroid backups should be considered firmware specific.
Edit: As Mentioned below, a CWM nandroid will restore the entire backed-up firmware installation, which can be done over ANY firmware.
If the goal is to keep your App data across different firmwares, then a Titanium backup restoration may be what you're after. /Edit
Mr. Barker said:
[...]could I, say, simply flash the stock firmware and be done with it? (i.e. not use mobile odin to install a custom firmware afterwards)[...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that the stock recovery allows to restore nandroid backups at all. The restrictive nature of the stock recovery is one of the more practical reasons to root the device & use a custom kernel.
Mr. Barker said:
If I opt to go the custom firmware route, how do I go about getting the boot.img file? Simply rename zimage, or ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mobile Odin will flash a zImage, no need to rename it. I didn't check to see that shostock or cooked use a zImage instead of boot.img.
cyril279 said:
Different custom firmwares may be structured differently, so for the lowest likelihood of compatibility issues, nandroid backups should be considered firmware specific.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
?? I thought that because a nandroid copied (backup) and then formatted/recopied the 5 partitions (restore), that it didn't matter what firmware you had installed?