Quick question. - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys.
Getting my GSII in a few days and my first task is too root & flash a new rom.
As the bootloader is unlocked on this, can I just flash CWM onto it, make a nandroid backup and install a new rom. In this case Hyperdroid. Will this work fine and then I can use superoneclick to root it.
I am coming from a Wildfire S so I am assuming there is a different way to do all this. Just want to see if I have the main concept correct

Best way is to read all the How to Threads!
IMHO the easiest way is to flash a CWM Kernel then nandroid then flash your ROM of choice.
Try these two threads to get you started.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134290
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399

Thanks for the help, I have knowledge in flashing etc, but coming from an entirely different phone I thought I would be safe and ask making sure I had the same idea of doing it.

Related

[Q]First time unlocking/rooting SGII

Although I've flashed non-phone devices in the past (routers, PAP2, Ipod classic, etc.) This is the first time I'm going to be flashing a SmartPhone that I've ordered which I should be getting very soon.
I ordered a Samsung Galaxy S II and have been crawling the forum trying to learn all I can before I try rooting and unlocking my phone when I get it. But I'm having trouble deciding on a few things.
Hopefully my question can become a guide for other new people who are just starting off like me.
Rooting:
To begin, I'm trying to figure out what's best for rooting.
I've looked at a few different methods..
Chainfire's direct method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
lyriquidperfection's one-click method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414
CLShortFuse's one-click method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
LitePro's ROM and Root method all-in-one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1095274
All of these have their own merits. But I'm trying to figure out the best approach for myself.
Although Lightn'ing (LitePro's) looks interesting and I may try that ROM later, for now I want to avoid changing the ROM till I know I like the phone. So I'm looking at the first three choices.
The one that I think I would be able to do easiest is either lyriquidperfection's or CLShortFuse's methods as they both are one-click solutions and I just need to grab the right kernels.
I don't know if there's any reason I would want to go with Chainfire's instead of the two previously mentioned. If there is please let me know.
I asked this question on the respective threads but as of posting haven't gotten an answer of if there's any reason to flash the original kernel back after rooting and if I keep root if I flash it back.
I also don't know much about the use of Jigs to avoid the flash counter going up. Is there any reason I need to worry about the flash counter going up? Is there a limit on number of flashes on a phone?
Unlocking:
For unlocking I looked at:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1092451
However it seems for my specific phone (Virgin/Bell) we use this method as posted in the same thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16482293#post16482293
This seems pretty much straight-forward. I just got to root the phone then get and run the app mentioned. Phone will crash/reboot and then no SIM lock.
If there's anything that seems wrong with this let me know please.
Other stuff:
At some stage here I want to be able to back up the stuff on the phone and get other typical tools.
I keep hearing about ClockWorkMod constantly and it seems to be a tool for backing up the phone data and making it easier to flash stuff in without use of ODIN.
I haven't found clear documentation on how I would do this on the SGII specifically.
I also here Titanium backup (sp?) is also a good idea to install at some point.
Is there other apps or otherwise I should be looking into before I start this journey into the wonderful world of hacked smartphones?
-This is a place marker for me making amendments so that later this may be more or less a guide for other beginners-
Dav_Edward said:
Although I've flashed non-phone devices in the past (routers, PAP2, Ipod classic, etc.) This is the first time I'm going to be flashing a SmartPhone that I've ordered which I should be getting very soon.
I ordered a Samsung Galaxy S II and have been crawling the forum trying to learn all I can before I try rooting and unlocking my phone when I get it. But I'm having trouble deciding on a few things.
Hopefully my question can become a guide for other new people who are just starting off like me.
Rooting:
To begin, I'm trying to figure out what's best for rooting.
I've looked at a few different methods..
Chainfire's direct method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
lyriquidperfection's one-click method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414
CLShortFuse's one-click method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
LitePro's ROM and Root method all-in-one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1095274
All of these have their own merits. But I'm trying to figure out the best approach for myself.
Chainfires simplest method less problems for most .
Root + CWM .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
I also don't know much about the use of Jigs to avoid the flash counter going up. Is there any reason I need to worry about the flash counter going up? Is there a limit on number of flashes on a phone?
Zero as Samsung will invalidate warranty for custom roms or rooted phones .
Other stuff:
At some stage here I want to be able to back up the stuff on the phone and get other typical tools.
I keep hearing about ClockWorkMod constantly and it seems to be a tool for backing up the phone data and making it easier to flash stuff in without use of ODIN.
I haven't found clear documentation on how I would do this on the SGII specifically.
Their is no documentation its probably written up in the FAQ or Wip but is a relativity simple tool anyway .Backup restore phones rom install custom rom wipe data factory reset reset battery stats to zero .
FAQ
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065995
Wip
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125282
I also here Titanium backup (sp?) is also a good idea to install at some point.
On a rooted phone Titanium pro allows you to back up your apps and also to freeze apps .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thorough stuff, props to you sir - you know search so you'll get your first thanks...
I would advice you to go with Chainfire's method. It's the easiest and most versatile method IMO. Definitely the best for beginners because you keep your stock ROM yet still are rooted and get Clockwork Mod.
The installed CWM (Clockwork Mod) Manager app with Chainfire's work is an easy way to see what it does - basically you can backup and restore your whole system/device, plus flash custom ROM/kernels/themes etc. Look into the flashing part later - baby steps are good here!
Titanium Backup is an excellent backup app for backing up/restoring apps and data, as opposed to the whole system. Buy the Pro version, definitely worth it.
I also like My Backup (also on Market), excellent for backing up contacts/SMS/MMS. The free version is a 30 day trial.
Can't help with unlocking, never needed to - sure others can help.
Good luck
Edit - JJ beat me too it, hadn't seen his post. Must type faster...
@JJEgan & @B3311, thanks for the useful information.
I was going to try those one-click methods because I thought those were the more newbie friendly methods. Thanks for the information to try using Chainfire's instead.
I will try using Chainfire's method instead with your advice when I get the phone. Having the tools like his CWM hopefully will make things easier.
I am a bit concerned though about his mention that Rom Loader won't work with his version of the build. I'd still like the ability to use custom roms down the road once I learn how to properly back up the phone so I can experiment with various roms till I find the one I like most.
Any advice about using rom loader or other possible difficulties using Chainfire's kernel?
Dav_Edward said:
@JJEgan & @B3311, thanks for the useful information.
I was going to try those one-click methods because I thought those were the more newbie friendly methods. Thanks for the information to try using Chainfire's instead.
I will try using Chainfire's method instead with your advice when I get the phone. Having the tools like his CWM hopefully will make things easier.
I am a bit concerned though about his mention that Rom Loader won't work with his version of the build. I'd still like the ability to use custom roms down the road once I learn how to properly back up the phone so I can experiment with various roms till I find the one I like most.
Any advice about using rom loader or other possible difficulties using Chainfire's kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most just put custom rom on sd card and flash via CWM .
Sorry no nothing about Rom Loader .
jje
I would also advice using CF-Root. I was scared of rooting my phone, but after using CF-Root, I don’t know why I was so scared. The process took a little over 30 seconds (I need practice). To me at lease I think it’s the easiest method, you just need to make sure to download the right kernel.
EDIT:
Get a UBS jig, After rooting, I had the "yellow triangle" I turned off phone, removed battery, inserted jig, put back battery, entered download mode, restarted phone and no more "yellow triangle"

[Q] Flash ROM in Canada (Rogers)?

Hello,
I am getting a bit confused with all the threads and I really don't want to mess up my phone. I have rooted it and my background is the Xperia X10, on Rogers too. I would like to test out some different ROMs or maybe even the ICS Rom that just came out from the EternityProject team. However, if I understood, there is no way to revert back to stock since we have a locked bootloader. Can anyone could just guide me to threads step by step? I read the tutorial to flash the Arctic Rom, but I am not sure what to do. Is the bootstrap recovery this? If so I guess I can go from there... I was a bit scared since it was saying unofficial. Would it work for Rogers Canada? Most of the things I see are for US or Europe.. Please help me out, would be much appreciated!
I just reread the bootstrap thread.. Having a question regarding this. There is a note stating that you can only access it through Android.. I am guessing I need to reinstall the bootstrap everytime I flash a ROM.. right? Sorry, pretty lost. Thanks for any help! I just feel like it was wayyy easier with my X10..
I came from the X10 on rogers too!, I seems the X10 was way easier to understand and mod. I am so lost with all this motorola stuff too!
Advise
Hey there guys, well I would advise not to flash anything unless you have at least a ClockWork backup of your phone after you rooted and installed the bootstrap recovery. The bootstrap recovery is an .apk file which you install and run from the phone itself not in recovery mode like most other unlocked bootloaders.
I'm holding off myself because there is no full flash file from Rogers as of yet, the closest one is the Brazil Xt910 flash using RDSlite. Still if you flash that if something goes wrong with your tweaking you won't get the CSC files from the Rogers Rom unless I guess you back them up. I'm not quite sure if you can actually pull the csc files from the rogers and port it over but it's worth a try if your daring.
At the moment I'm content with root and backing up the system folders and other partitions just in case something goes wrong, remember to backup your efs as well.
Thx for ur input gdmuscle, makes more sense now. I might risk it once there is a stable Ice Cream Sandwich ROM. I admit for now it is kind of useless to risk that much with the lack of ROM choices. Much appreciated!
And Chriskwan, yea, was much easier with the X10 lol. Good to see some canadians feeling the same way! Btw I am in contact with Moto to see when the update should arrive at Rogers.. Will make a thread if i get an update
After playing around with a Rogers Droid Razr the past 3-4 days trying to figure out ROMs and such, I can safely say I will never actually BUY this device.
There is WAY more community support for the Galaxy S2, and it is a lot easier to manage. Flashing via odin, is MUCH simpler. The stupid fastboot crap is annoying.
well for the razr its much easier than using odin i can assure u that...
1. get the root package and root your phone ... its a simple script u run and it does the rest...
2. get bootstrap.apk and cwm-on-boot.zip ... put the cwm zip in the root of your sd card (external sd)... install the bootstrap ... reboot into your recovery using the app... and then install the cwm on boot zip...
3. make nandroid backup (mad slow)
4. get the deodexed rom needed for arctic... wipe, install that
5. install Arctic...
thats the condensed guide ofcourse... just a few setup steps u need to follow...
As opposed to what? Running SuperOneClick? Because that is all I did and it worked perfectly for my Galaxy S Captivate.
I should mention that just gives me root, but from there installing CWM was relatively easy, and there is nothing more complicated.
The Razr is a great device, but it is to me a PITA compared to the Galaxy S series in terms of Android Development.
gdmuscle said:
Hey there guys, well I would advise not to flash anything unless you have at least a ClockWork backup of your phone after you rooted and installed the bootstrap recovery. The bootstrap recovery is an .apk file which you install and run from the phone itself not in recovery mode like most other unlocked bootloaders.
I'm holding off myself because there is no full flash file from Rogers as of yet, the closest one is the Brazil Xt910 flash using RDSlite. Still if you flash that if something goes wrong with your tweaking you won't get the CSC files from the Rogers Rom unless I guess you back them up. I'm not quite sure if you can actually pull the csc files from the rogers and port it over but it's worth a try if your daring.
At the moment I'm content with root and backing up the system folders and other partitions just in case something goes wrong, remember to backup your efs as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish i read that before i started to mess with my phone. I used a tutorial to try to add a custom rom to my phone and read people with rogers with success but i guess i was one of those who messed up. Now my phone just turns on and stays at the motorola screen
can either of you post the backup file of your rogers ROM
Yes that would be very useful to try
where is the efs folder?

[Q] Clarification - The-Unofficial & Steps

Hi, sorry for the new thread, but I've been searching for this info over the past week or so and haven't been able to find a Q&A for The-Unofficial rom nor an answer to my question (and can't post in the dev forum). Just wanted to clarify the steps I'll be taking to get everything done from unrooted to The-Unofficial flashed.
This is probably a stupid question but, should I flash the kernel that comes with the rom first? (Da_g's overclocked is included) I don't have to root with a different kernel and then flash the whole zip (kernel included)?
After the root, I need to use Clockwork Recovery and then flash the rest of the zip from there?
This is my first attempt at trying it, so I just wanted to make sure I'm not going to seriously screw it up. Thanks.
Root to run a backup and get clockwork recovery, then flash the ROM zip.
Thanks for the quick response!
Would it make the process easier if I root with the included kernel? Or doesn't it matter?
Doesn't matter. Root is root. As long as you get clockwork you're good.
Okay, thanks so much for the help
Looking forward to the ROM, I've heard great things.

[Q] Doubt about nandroid backup

Hi out there! First should say im new on Android, and want to learn at least to a medium level user (flashing diferents ROMS, testing them, setting my phone how i like to, etc). Im now learning the basic vocabulary, looking and reserching about my android model and software. And the question is the next one:
I want to root my phone(SGS2/GT-I9100) by this method because i read the whole 44 pages of the thread and sounds safe, easy and all the people talks great about it (except one user that brick his phone ).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1501719
And i have read too that the first thing you should do after rooting is an nandroid backup, so you can get to this point in a future if something doesn´t work rigth.
Usually the nandroid backups are made with CWM or Titanium backup. I would like to use CWM, and my question is:
When I follow below rooting guide, the CWM isn´t permanent no? it just used to flash de SU-Busybox. So should i download and install it to make the "holy" nandroid backup?? I found this other thread where is explained how to make this nandroid backup, with RM and then using CWM.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1592104
So after rooting, i should follow those steps no?( i mean, getting RM) Because my doubt is that the first CWM (the one i use for rooting) is the same i can use for de nandroid backup?? or this one its just to flash the SU intaller and i need to download and install it (CWM)? So i can follow both guides without any problem? im not doing the same thing 2 times no?
Thanks, and sorry for my english, it´s a little rusty... Im a noob and hate my self (xD), but want to learn.
CF Root
I'd recommend rooting with the cf root method. It installs SU, Busybox and CWM recovery. In recovery you can make a nandroid back up. It's quick and easy.
The links you posted came up with a 404 error.
Cf root is always the best way to root ur phone, since it also installs the CWM recovery for u, so that u can do the nandroid bkp for future use if any issue peeps while flashing any roms r mods
ps- please ensure u choose the right cf-root kernel to root ur phone
So i should follow this guide (i assumpt):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
But i have looked to my kernel version (wich is LPB) and boths files give an error when mounting secure storage (said by CF)...
rolfer said:
So i should follow this guide (i assumpt):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
But i have looked to my kernel version (wich is LPB) and boths files give an error when mounting secure storage (said by CF)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that is what you fear I suggest installing a different official ROM which doesn't have the same problems with CF Root. Here is a thread where you can find many of them...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
After flashing official firmware, THEN you can flash the appropriate CF Root
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
rolfer said:
So i should follow this guide (i assumpt):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
But i have looked to my kernel version (wich is LPB) and boths files give an error when mounting secure storage (said by CF)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To make a nandroid backup, just use the same steps to launch CWM from stock recovery. You will be able to make a nandroid backup. To restore, it is same thing, you have to launch the CWM from stock recovery each time. That is the only difference with CF_Root, you have to launch CWM with an extra step as you keep your original stock CWM
As if you should use my superSU zip or original superuser one, I advise my zip for 2 reasons:
- SuperSU offers the possibility to easily unroot or migrate to superuser if you like (superuser does not natively offers this)
- it is the last version of busybox and fixes issues with some applications like adaway
Great! So i don´t need to install CWM then? I can do everything i need through it by this way? like nandroid backups, flashing ROMS, etc...? I want to make a nandroid backup just after rooting, to have a secure save if i need it in the future (I hope I don´t xD)
And then ill take your files cause are latest Today i don´t have enough battery to root the device securly, so i´ll do it tomorrow. I´ll tell here if it was succesfull for future readers with same doubt like me.
Thanks again!
Yes, you can do all that you like from the included cwm custom recovery. After reboot, you are still on your original stock CWM as it vanishes. That is really the only difference with a permanent cwm recovery (except maybe some custom mods/tweaks by kernel developers)
That way, no yellow triangle or custom flash counter increase

[Q] Stock recovery overwrite, flash CWM

In the procees of rooting, I had flashed CWM using Odin using recommened settings and it passed and rebooted to ROM(stock) itself. Then I rebooted to recovery mode but what I could see is the stock system recovery instead of the flashed CWM, and I know it was overwriiten by stock recovery by the system itself. I again did this flashing via ODIN but this time with UNCHECKED AUTO-REBOOT, and maually tried to reboot to recovery with button combinations, but instead rebooted to ROM itself. What should I do now to root my device?
Looking forward for your humble reply.
Thanks in advance ;P
regards,
riocrag
You can't have custom recovery with stock firmware, it will restore stock recovery on each boot.
Root doesn't require custom recovery, go read the sticky threads in general forum, search for cf auto root.
I'm don't want just root, I want to flash ROM also.
boomboomer said:
You can't have custom recovery with stock firmware, it will restore stock recovery on each boot.
Root doesn't require custom recovery, go read the sticky threads in general forum, search for cf auto root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For your information what I want is not just root but want to flash ROMS through recovery. Since the method I used isn't successful, can I flash recovery after going through CF AutoRoot process? If Yes, how to do it bro?
@Sarun said:
For your information what I want is not just root but want to flash ROMS through recovery. Since the method I used isn't successful, can I flash recovery after going through CF AutoRoot process? If Yes, how to do it bro?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root your phone with CF Auto Root
Download and flash a recovery with Rashr (You can donwload it from the PS)
And after this find a rom you want and install it with the recovery BUT always read the section on "How To Install It"
Galaxy S3 International
efeXTREME Lite Rom v5.1
Arter97 Kernel v4.0 beta 3
Finally done,
Read that, read this and all. Especially you boomboomer you have been harsh, I almost spend a whole day on rooting this device that's actually some matter of minutes. First of all let me make you clear that I have gone through each stickies particular to this device and followed the linked tutorials also finally I figured a way out of this stuffs and finally with CWM and ROOT. A little advice from my part, for the sake of getting THANKS just don’t get your head into as many threads as possible. Since I was having deep knowledge about rooting and stuffs (not much about SAMSUNG stuffs), I was able to figure it out. What about if I was a complete noob? Your words should have left me in no hope.
As you leave notes always under your words about what is XDA becoz of noobs,
REMEMBER YOU WERE NOT BORN GEEK
No harsh feelings my friend what you felt by reading this is what I felt when I read yours. Chill bro.
riocrag said:
Read that, read this and all. Especially you boomboomer you have been harsh, I almost spend a whole day on rooting this device that's actually some matter of minutes. First of all let me make you clear that I have gone through each stickies particular to this device and followed the linked tutorials also finally I figured a way out of this stuffs and finally with CWM and ROOT. A little advice from my part, for the sake of getting THANKS just don’t get your head into as many threads as possible. Since I was having deep knowledge about rooting and stuffs (not much about SAMSUNG stuffs), I was able to figure it out. What about if I was a complete noob? Your words should have left me in no hope.
As you leave notes always under your words about what is XDA becoz of noobs,
REMEMBER YOU WERE NOT BORN GEEK
No harsh feelings my friend what you felt by reading this is what I felt when I read yours. Chill bro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"brief" unequals "harsh", that's all there is to it. This kind of talk is exactly what booboomers sig is intended towards. You discourage the people that wanna help. They tell you where you can find the info you need and you argue about semantics. Not everybody has the time to write a nice novel for everybody asking a question that has been aswered before again and again. I for one have a life that's not electronic. Sometimes less is more and in your case "less" was all boomboomer had time for. So please...

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