[Q] Noob - Where to Start - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hiya guys,
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 that I got this week. Im finding the phone is brilliant to use at the moment and works very well. It's alot better for me to use this device that it was when I had my previous phone which was an iPhone (don't shoot me)...
Anyway here we are. I've had the phone 4 days and i'm wanting to root it. The main reason for this is that I hate bloatwear. Samsung have filled it with all their own specific software that they find useful and I don't want that. All I want is a lovely OS with no Samsung to worry about etc.
Right a little about what i'm wanting. Ok so the phone is a Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100. The andoid version is 2.3.4, the Baseband is I9100XXKI1 and the Build is GINGERBREAD.
Im basically wanting to install the exact same version of Gingerbread but without all the bloatwear. Is this possible? Im completely new to this so any guides and tutorials that you can point me to would be brilliant. Is there anything I should be wary of when rooting my phone etc.
I have been looking around on the net and from what I can see Cyanogen M7 seems to be the same version as what im on now other than you don't get the touchwiz.
Any help would be brilliant on where to start.
If there are any questions then please ask.
Regards,

Just freeze the bloat yourself, rather than trying to find a ROM with it removed.
Root via zergRush, freeze bloat with one of the apps on the market.
However, if you do go down the CM7 route, just follow the instructions on http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176411
Other things to look out for. If any instructions are telling you to make a nandroid backup, do it, and back up your efs folder. You can use Hellcat's kTool for that.

Ok thanks for your post. So i guess my next question is What is Rooting and what does it actually do to your phone?
Do I need to root my phone in order to install new Roms??
Also the link to the M7 *Nightly* release you gave me. Is that stable? I read on their forums that I should only look at installing their *Stable* release and be wary of their *Nightly* release as its still buggy.

Since your first post said you were wanting to root, I kinda thought you'd know why. Bad assumption on my part, I know.
Anyway, before you flood the place with more questions, have a read for a while.
FAQS/Guide/Additional Info For Rooting S2 - High level summary
[FAQ] GT-i9100 Galaxy S II FAQ thread
Also, there is no so called "stable" CM7 build for the Samsung Galaxy S II.

Hi again.
Ok so I've had a read through the links provided to me and Im positive i want to root my device so that i can install new roms and unlock the phone and such. So next then can someone suggest what method i should do next. could someone also tell me what cf-root and clockworkmod is? Im confused as to what these are.
Regards

CF will give you root and clockwork, you can then reboot into clockwork and flash roms. Just make sure you read everything thoroughly and be sure to avoid the repartition option in odin.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

Thanks but could you explain to me what they both do? Im assuming that its better to use cf-root as it allows you to install roms also...

Love spoon feeding eh?
http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=cf-root
http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=clockworkmod+recovery

Please search before open a new thread. All the info you need is there to be found. Start you hunt.
Thread closed

Related

New phone and need a little assistance.

This is my first android phone. Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant. I plan on rooting my phone tomorrow and I was wanting to put 2.2 firmware on the phone. I have been told that there are different roms and such and I was hoping someone here could tell me which is the best way to go about upgrading my phone. I tried reading some threads but I am not sure which is the best way to go. Any help would be appreciated.
If you've never rooted your phone and installed a custom ROM before... Read, read, read these forums and especially the thread for the ROM you are thinking of installing. Know how to get yourself out of a jam before you even get in it.
Q&A Section
You might wish to begin your education here on this phone, Android, etc here:
NOOB GUIDE: HOW TO ROOT/ODIN/FLASH/RECOVER
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028
Vibrant Bible / Directory
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=771111
After reading this and understanding a few things, you should be able to flash new roms, backup, restore, fix a brick, etc.
epakrat75 said:
NOOB GUIDE: HOW TO ROOT/ODIN/FLASH/RECOVER
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1...This is what I followed when I flashed my wifes vibrant awhile back, and followed again just a few days ago when I picked mine up.
As for 2.2 ROMs...you will just have to play with them. I would recommend starting with flashable ROMs as they are a little easier to work with if you do not have a lot of experience with flashing
I might suggest this one if you want a no frills basic 2.2 stable, rooted ROM to work with
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=857974
Cheers
Aaron
Thread cleaned. Stop the flaming.
Thanks for the replies! I will start off with that nice guide on how to root the phone. I get the phone tomorrow so hopefully I will not be in here crying about how I ruined my phone. The last phone I modded was the first gen iPhone a few years back. There are so many different things to read that this is a little confusing. I mostly created this thread to get pointed to what works best for those on this forum.

Got a Galaxy S2. Now what?

Hello. I came here from the Xperia X10 mini forum, because i just got a S2
Thing is i don't know what to do with it. With the SE it was different, I was a SE user my whole life, so I was up to date with how to do things on SE droids (root, flash with flashtool, etc.). But i have 0 experience with samsung.
I have:
PDA: I91000XWKE2
BASEBAND: I9100XXKDJ
KERNEL: 2.6.35.7-i9100xwke2-cl187606 [email protected] #2
It's running droid 2.3.3 and I cant update with KIES because it gives me windows encountered a problem etc etc... the old send dont send but on windows 7 (x64).
So I would like to flash it to a 2.3.5 rom and root it. Can anyone explain how do I do this? I don't know what and where to search because I'm new to samsung.
So far i have downloaded ODIN 1.85 and a found this "GT-I9100_OXA_I9100XXKI3_I9100XXKI3_I9100OXAKI3" file. What do i do with it? (also explain steps plz).
I never had a smartphone in my life before I got my SGS2, and I managed to flash all the ROMs without creating threads with questions that are answered in stickies. But maybe I'm a genius, not anyone can be one.
So, try here for starters.. or just search around.
install this kernel and read all the texts.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
You should now be root and have cmw recovery, and you can flash pretty much any rom you want.
Not to familiar with teh sony's but i assume you had clockwock mod recovery?
Odin to flash, cf root to flash as kernel to allow root and get cwm, cwm to flash a custom rom as a quick guide on what to search. Generally reading around will help.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Ty for the reply guys. Really apreciate the help and am reading everything you posted.
But 1 thing: witha ll respect, stop acting like I'm using up your personal space, I opened this thread for a reason, because i dont understand sh!t, and reading wont help unless i start to read the very beginning.
When i was at the Xperia thread, i used a program called Flashtool to flash a new generic rom to my X10 mini pro. It also updated the baseband (and basebands where important when i flashed a custom ROM, you needed to have latest baseband and kernel to flash X,Y,and Z custom roms).
I just want to update to the original samsung 2.3.5 ROM with odin (as kies sucks and wont work) and the rest will be easy. Don't want CWM and root yet, just a plain stock 2.3.5 rom. I just wanted to know if i can flash THAT file (first post, long text) to my phone with ODIN.
Again, thank you very much for the support, and will continue to read everything you guys post here.
It's easy to say search for this and search for that when you know exactly what to search for. In my case, I dont even know where to begin. And i would like to finish this "job" in the next 2 hours, as after that its time to sleep :/
norbi_nw said:
Ty for the reply guys. Really apreciate the help and am reading everything you posted.
But 1 thing: witha ll respect, stop acting like I'm using up your personal space, I opened this thread for a reason, because i dont understand sh!t, and reading wont help unless i start to read the very beginning.
When i was at the Xperia thread, i used a program called Flashtool to flash a new generic rom to my X10 mini pro. It also updated the baseband (and basebands where important when i flashed a custom ROM, you needed to have latest baseband and kernel to flash X,Y,and Z custom roms).
I just want to update to the original samsung 2.3.5 ROM with odin (as kies sucks and wont work) and the rest will be easy. Don't want CWM and root yet, just a plain stock 2.3.5 rom. I just wanted to know if i can flash THAT file (first post, long text) to my phone with ODIN.
Again, thank you very much for the support, and will continue to read everything you guys post here.
It's easy to say search for this and search for that when you know exactly what to search for. In my case, I dont even know where to begin. And i would like to finish this "job" in the next 2 hours, as after that its time to sleep :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offence mate but when I moved from an HTC to a Samsung based device I was a newb then to, coming from another phone to different methods to another new method I got to grips with everything just reading around.
To answer your questions, yes you can flash a stock rom using odin, all you need is to check out intratechs thread in original development section, as of now KJ3 is the latest 2.3.5 firmware, download a frankenstein version and read his thread which had a guide on what to put where.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13712988
[ROM+Guide]Official i9100 Firmwares KG, KH1/2/3/4, KI1/2/3/4/8, KJ1/2/3 Download
Your original post mentioned you wanted to root it hence I gave you the easiest way of doing so is to flash cf root, searching cf root would have given you that thread plus instructions within that thread.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
well i flashed that rom i pasted there and it worked. Was simple once i knew i need to put that in PDA and start it.
Yes i know about CF root and will be my next move. Thank you so much for everythingyou posted (again). And will REread every post again for extra knowledge. Need to forget everything i know about SE and learn new stuff.

[Q] Custom ROMs, anything to do with root, what should i do?

Hey guys, this is my first post, so correct me if im in the wrong place!
So i've had my Samsung galaxy SII (GT-I9100) for about 3 months now, and i only found out about root probably 1 week ago! haha
So i have rooted my Galaxy with CF-Root, off xwkk2 kernal (link below), on Gingerbread 2.3.6 and i was wondering what i should do with it? I have tried a few custom roms, none of which seem to want to stay working, so do you guys have any good ones i should check out?
Also, i was wondering if anyone can point me towards a list of all root apps, as i am interested in more than just Titanium Backup (AMAZING) and the like.
Oh, and if you guys could tell me both how to "Thank" someone on the forums, and even how to install anything you have suggested, i will love you forever
Thanks a lot guys,
Tangent5
Ps Thank you everyone on this site who has helped me with boot problems, and special thanks to Chainfire!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399&highlight=running+different+kernel
A google of "android root apps" gives numerous lists.
Without knowing which custom ROMs you've tried, why they didn't work for you and how you use your phone, it's very difficult to recommend you anything.
You rooted thanks to doing your research and reading here, the same method will help you with installation queries etc. Check the links in my sig.
This thread is a good one if you're wanting to freeze/remove 'bloat' from your phone (I recommend freezing rather than uninstalling outright) using Titanium.
thanks a lot guys! deleted loads of bloatware
Oh and i tried the resurrectionv1.0_remix, it was good, but it didnt come with CWM, so i have to unroot then re-root to get everything fixed, as all recovery i tried went mad
So is there any other roms? I've heard DARKYROM is good, but i cant seem to find the best place to dl, and i cant really be bothered if there are some you can recommend
thanks again, sorry but how do i thank you /give your post karma?
No. Many people don't do recommendations for roms/kernels (I don't anyways).
Because everyone's phone is setup differently, everyone uses their phone differently & phones come out of the factory slightly different component-wise. Chances are you wouldn't have the same experience of a rom or kernel than me for those reasons.
Given how easy it is to backup/restore with CWM, I recommend having a look at the threads devoted to different roms in the development forum, usually reading the first page & the last 10/20 will give you a fair guide to the features/pluses/minuses & other users experience with the rom/kernel.
Then try out as many roms as you need to until you find one you like.
Edit to add - Also, this thread is a great source of info for Aus SGS2 users.
Tangent5 said:
Hey guys, this is my first post, so correct me if im in the wrong place!
So i've had my Samsung galaxy SII (GT-I9100) for about 3 months now, and i only found out about root probably 1 week ago! haha
So i have rooted my Galaxy with CF-Root, off xwkk2 kernal (link below), on Gingerbread 2.3.6 and i was wondering what i should do with it? I have tried a few custom roms, none of which seem to want to stay working, so do you guys have any good ones i should check out?
Also, i was wondering if anyone can point me towards a list of all root apps, as i am interested in more than just Titanium Backup (AMAZING) and the like.
Oh, and if you guys could tell me both how to "Thank" someone on the forums, and even how to install anything you have suggested, i will love you forever
Thanks a lot guys,
Tangent5
Ps Thank you everyone on this site who has helped me with boot problems, and special thanks to Chainfire!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399&highlight=running+different+kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you checked any MIUI roms so far???
you will really enjoy with its themes.....never get borred with the theme..
start with GB MIUI now, all ICS are in beta.....also not mutch themes supported yet.
if you like try this one : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1502664
very stable...
best way to get to know your phone is break it few times lol
this is what i did in 1 - 2 months when i bought my SGS2
flash alot of things > play around with tweaks/mods > soft bricked it twice > settled down onto what i found to be best
Tangent5 said:
Hey guys, this is my first post, so correct me if im in the wrong place!
So i've had my Samsung galaxy SII (GT-I9100) for about 3 months now, and i only found out about root probably 1 week ago! haha
In that case be aware that root custom roms or rom counter above zero void warranty .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
deleted my one unnecessory comment and appolagize.................................
zaheedahmed said:
<snip>
(removed at zaheedahmed's request)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That portion of his post was quoted from Tangent5, the OP. JJEgan's text started at "in that case..."

Vodafone UK S3, rooting and custom rom install

First post, hopefully someone will be able to answer some questions I've got.
I've previously had an HTC Desire and held off rooting it as I didn't feel I needed it. Towards the end of my contract I found I was running out of space but still held off rooting it incase I messed it up and rendered it bricked.
I've got a S3 16gb coming on Tuesday from UK Network Vodafone.
I've done a fair bit of researching in the last few days on this forum but just want a few things cleared up.
I'm aware I have to make sure I root using a guide for my version of phone. How would I find that out exactly? Is it going to be a network specific version or will 'International' cover it?
Once rooted I'm going to put Omega Mod on as it seems to be the one to go for. Will I still be able able to use all the features of the phone as standard (I'm thinking more along the lines of the play store and other things that require a sign in)
If I ever get bored of it or want an 'unrooted' phone again (if I were to sell it, or claim on warrenty for example), would I be able to flash back to my standard rom?
What are the main benefits/disadvantages to rooting and installing this particular rom?
Is there anything that will no longer work after rooting/flashing Omega?
Finally, is there ANYTHING else I need to take into consideration before beginning?
Thanks alot
Here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671969
[Guide+ROMS]Odin Flash+Root Guide & Stock Firmwares LE4/6/8/9/F/D, LF1/2
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
I will try and answer all your questions in the order you posted them.
1. Your device will be an international model so this guide will work and all the info you need to root and unroot is there http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
2. I am presuming here you mean Omega ROM and not Omega Aosp, if so Omega ROM is a stock Samsung ROM so all features that work on stock will work on omega. To find out the differences between different types of ROMs I suggest going to this thread and looking at the different ROM descriptions under different settings.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1674286
3.See the link in point 1. I smashed the screen of my first S3 and had to claim on insurance and this worked for me
4. This is a question that I cannot really answer as I feel it is specific to each person, however their are plenty of threads on XDA that answer this just use google or the seach bar.
5.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1663656 It looks stable and there are no bug reports in the OP (original post) so yes everything should be working but just in case before you flash any ROM always make a nandroid backup in recovery. (if unsure on nandroid backups seach XDA and google)
I think that answers all your questions but the best advice I can give you is to read and re-read every thing you can find on rooting and such. Like you I also had a desire before my S3 and before I rooted that I spent atleast a week reading around on various different forums about what to do. You need to be confident in what you are doing before you do it and know what is going on.
That way if something goes wrong you can provide as much info as possible and and get more help!
Hope this helped

[Q] How to root SG SII i9100 and install lastest Android OS?

I'm a noob, I don't understand what is kernel, custom rom, flashing, firmware, odin etc but I want to root my Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100 (running official 4.0.4) and update it to lastest android os (Jelly Bean?) in safest and easiest way, can any professional teach me? and explain what are kernel, custom room, flashing, firmware, odin etc...? Your help would be appreciated! And I'm new to forum, hi everyone hehe
Read a lot of the guides.Itll take about a week but well worth it.
4forum444 said:
I'm a noob, I don't understand what is kernel, custom rom, flashing, firmware, odin etc but I want to root my Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100 (running official 4.0.4) and update it to lastest android os (Jelly Bean?) in safest and easiest way, can any professional teach me? and explain what are kernel, custom room, flashing, firmware, odin etc...? Your help would be appreciated! And I'm new to forum, hi everyone hehe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No intention to immediatly burn you down when you're new here, but since you are new you should read the forum rules and the stickies first. Everything you ask is already explained hundreds of times, so don't start thinking about rooting yet if you don't know what you're doing.
As said above, first start reading and learning. It's the best way.
Sent from the Matrix
Welcome to forum!
You don't need to search so much to find how to root your device.. Well, i'll recommend you cyanogen mod, it's a very famous rom i've got installed and i love it. It works very well, it's JB, increases A LOT battery life.. and automatically adds rooot to your phone. http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/index.php?title=Install_CM_for_i9100
You should read guides and stuff, for learning more for your device. In the top of this web, there is a text box to search posts, threads.. If you type in "Custom ROM" you will find a lot of useful information, do the same with all that words you don't understand.
In the bottom of every post, there is a button called "Thanks", if this post was useful to you, click it (just information ). You should do it with every post useful to you, but there is a limit. You should read this post for learning the rules and other forum stuff: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1699450
EDIT: I forgot, please read about root, don't root the phone without knowing what is it. Check en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_rooting

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