Related
Fair warning: I've never rooted a phone before. I've dabbled in ADB with my nook color, but am far from comfortable with it. I installed Honeycomb on the nook color, then decided to just go simple with autonooter.
Now, I'm thinking of rooting my new Thunderbolt. Mostly because I'd like to get rid of all of the bloatware and try to get all of the performance out of my phone as I can get. After having the Droid1 for a couple of years, I do not want to see my phone get laggy like my D1 did.
So here come the beginner questions: once I root the phone, I know I need to get ROM Manager and Titanium Backup. Those apps will let me be able to get back all of my data and preferences, etc once I switch ROMs right?
What else will I need after rooting? Is it a simple process to flash a new ROM?
Can anyone suggest a (mostly) stock ROM that just gets rid of the bloatware and gives the phones performance a boost?
Also, does a rooted phone require a lot of maintenance? For instance, will I have to be updating ROMS often? Also, if an OTA comes out for non-rooted phones, do these updates get worked into the ROMs quickly? I dont want to be without a necessary update, ya know?
Last question: Once I root my phone, should I just cancel the insurance on the phone? Or does "voiding the warranty" only mean that VZW wont fix it for free?
Thanks!
First off, I highly recommend following this rooting method http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=996616 and not using the easy root method. If you have any problems at all, you can log into http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=951190 and get some help. I also highly recommend reading up a bit on ADB, what it is and how it works http://www.xda-developers.com/android/adb-easy-tutorial/
Then...once you get rooted use ROM Manager to flash the clockworkmod recovery. In ROM Manager there's a little fix that everyone's been doing: open ROM Manager, menu>clear download cache, then settings>erase recovery. Then do your backup before you do anything else like flashing another ROM. Use Titanium to backup all your apps. I recommend the paid versions of both since you will be using them a lot.
Added: What I usually do the first time: Root, backup rom, install debloated rom, set everything up like I want it and then backup again. Each time I flash a new ROM, I create a backup of it all set up and with the name so that I can easily switch back and forth. I like change
The basic debloat rom is http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000103
It's easy to flash a new ROM, just download the one you want, put it on your sdcard and then use ROM Manager to 'install from sdcard'
You are going to be flashing ROMs left and right because they come out so fast. Each time an update is out, it'll be put into a ROM and released for all of us here so that you stay current. Most OTA updates will remove your root, so I wouldn't suggest applying them. Many ROMs will block the OTA updates, but not all of them do; at least in my experience.
I would not recommend getting rid of your insurance, it is different than the warranty and you can get your phone replaced if it's ever damaged. I've used it 3 times now all on rooted phones. It indeed will void the warranty.
Happy rooting!
^ +1. I did use the easy root method and had no problems with it but it is truly still hit or miss. I am sure it will get better as more developers start pushing new stuff out.
Good luck
Thanks for the reply!
Why dont you recommend using the easy root method that I've been reading so much about? I realize it has some faults, but I'm planning on waiting until an updated version comes out. I'm a bit afraid to brick my phone while trying to root the phone myself.
Also, after rooting, how can i do a backup of my apps? Doesnt rooting wipe all of the data on my phone?
Learning ADB would be helpful...I must admit, I am an easy root junkie. I just don't have the time to learn ADB. Maybe someday that will change.
Rooting will wipe your phone and I use Titanium Backup to back up my apps. It does make it a lot easier once you start flashing ROMs on a daily basis
Because the non-easy method doesn't have any flaws, thus has a lot less chance of bricking your phone. If you copy and paste, then you reduce your chance to brick to practically 0.
-Gilgamesh- said:
Because the non-easy method doesn't have any flaws, thus has a lot less chance of bricking your phone. If you copy and paste, then you reduce your chance to brick to practically 0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! After watching a video of someone rooting, I think I will be able to do the non-easy method.
-Gilgamesh- said:
Because the non-easy method doesn't have any flaws, thus has a lot less chance of bricking your phone. If you copy and paste, then you reduce your chance to brick to practically 0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This reason as well as you can get instant support in irc.
Zalyia38 said:
This reason as well as you can get instant support in irc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
So to answer my previous question: When rooting, I'm still going to lose all of my current information including apps, sms, etc. However, its good to backup my phone before installing the debloated rom.
Is that correct?
Correct - when you root your phone, you're wiping everything except the sdcard, so you need to backup your apps and such.
And we should stop using the term 'not-easy' root ... how about 'less easy', it's not as scary
Another quick question: I downloaded all of the necessary files.
When I try to open up the RUU_Mecha zip file, it tells me that the file is invalid or corrupted.
I've downloaded it twice from different sources and this happened both times.
Any idea why this is the case?
Can anyone point me to where I can get a non-corrupt version?
CorporateGoth said:
Correct - when you root your phone, you're wiping everything except the sdcard, so you need to backup your apps and such.
And we should stop using the term 'not-easy' root ... how about 'less easy', it's not as scary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even better call it the Original Root Method........
pman555 said:
Another quick question: I downloaded all of the necessary files.
When I try to open up the RUU_Mecha zip file, it tells me that the file is invalid or corrupted.
I've downloaded it twice from different sources and this happened both times.
Any idea why this is the case?
Can anyone point me to where I can get a non-corrupt version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you don't open the files. The exploit one is the one you unpackage to your tools directory. The other you will put on your sdcard when told too. you can join #root and get help if you want.
as far as apps, the market 'should' reload all your apps when you wipe data just give it time. Then use titanium to back them all up.
So ADB is basically finding the root copy and paste and run ? .
Capt.D said:
Even better call it the Original Root Method........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like that one
jawonder said:
So ADB is basically finding the root copy and paste and run ? .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADB is learning what you are doing to your phone instead of letting a program do it for you. Copy/paste is just so there are no typos if you don't feel as comfortable typing it all out. I recommend reading up on ADB so that you have a bit of knowledge of what you are doing.
do i need to use the titanium backup before i try and root or after i'm rooted
Irish Whiskey said:
do i need to use the titanium backup before i try and root or after i'm rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium backup only works after you're rooted.
You can use a program like Mybackup Pro to backup stuff like sms mms, etc.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
As a first time rooter myself, I ended up doing the original root process. The well written instructions helped me not to feel paranoid and I breezed through the steps. While, I was confident in rooting the phone because of the instructions, I don't feel so confident post root because I don't know how to do many of the elements like flash roms, kernels, apply mods, etc. So my question is, are there any guides for flashing new roms and the steps taken before and after? For instance, let's say I wanted to flash adrynalyne's no bloat rom, and his mod package, how do I go about doing it? Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Zalyia38 said:
Most OTA updates will remove your root, so I wouldn't suggest applying them. Many ROMs will block the OTA updates, but not all of them do; at least in my experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I root and remove bloatware manually, will OTA updates occur automatically, or do I have the option of blocking them. Would they re-install all of the bloatware I removed?
Just had my tablet rooted but it doesn't say 9.9.9 software version. Is something wrong? My friend said he followed the steps by indirect. it still says software version 1.4.0
Hello @jumpman23j welcome to the forums, WHICH ROOT METHOD DID YOU USE?
ok i'll guess and say Indirect's, if so please follow his other thread specificly to stop OTA: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1405418
Veronica
lavero.burgos said:
Hello @jumpman23j welcome to the forums, WHICH ROOT METHOD DID YOU USE?
ok i'll guess and say Indirect's, if so please follow his other thread specificly to stop OTA: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1405418
Veronica
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indirect's, I followed the thread and it now it states 9.9.9 Am I good to go now? All further updates should be blocked now right? Thanks for your help.
jumpman23j said:
Indirect's, I followed the thread and it now it states 9.9.9 Am I good to go now? All further updates should be blocked now right? Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you should be good now but i would even recommend to freeze device manager an unfreeze whenever you need to download from B&N app. You need titanium backup pro for that purpose.
Veronica
lavero.burgos said:
Yes you should be good now but i would even recommend to freeze device manager an unfreeze whenever you need to download from B&N app. You need titanium backup pro for that purpose.
Veronica
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please explain the need for titanium backup pro again? So since I blocked the OTA I can't currently download from B&N? Sorry for the stupid questions. And thanks for your help and time.
Have you rebooted it at all. Mine only showed 9.9.9 after I did this
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk
jumpman23j said:
Can you please explain the need for titanium backup pro again? So since I blocked the OTA I can't currently download from B&N? Sorry for the stupid questions. And thanks for your help and time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TiBU Pro is so you can freeze DeviceManager.apk, which, if you want to feel truly safe from OTA's, you can do. the problem with doing that is that if DeviceManager is frozen, you can't dl from B&N. You would need to unfreeze (thaw) it, dl what you want, then freeze it again.
I am not sure this is absolutely needed, but hey, an ounce of prevention...
shawner47 said:
TiBU Pro is so you can freeze DeviceManager.apk, which, if you want to feel truly safe from OTA's, you can do. the problem with doing that is that if DeviceManager is frozen, you can't dl from B&N.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question: If I never ever plan to download from B&N, can I leave device manager frozen? Or would that screw something else up down the road?
jimmysuggs said:
Question: If I never ever plan to download from B&N, can I leave device manager frozen? Or would that screw something else up down the road?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think if you freeze device manager, the info for the owner of the device under device info becomes unavailable... not sure if thats important to you but yeah...
aside from freezing the B&N app store it also turns your owner info into unavailable.
if you did the extreme debloat from indirect's nook and zergy then the unavailable thing has already been applied...
Well I did nook and zergy way back, to root the tablet. But I don't know if I did extreme debloat, unless that's just automatically part of the nook and zergy process.
Is there a way to apply the extreme debloat option without running a whole new root?
jimmysuggs said:
Well I did nook and zergy way back, to root the tablet. But I don't know if I did extreme debloat, unless that's just automatically part of the nook and zergy process.
Is there a way to apply the extreme debloat option without running a whole new root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think adb hijack is what your looking for... i don't really know how to use it though lol, might learn how soon though so i can push some vid files directly to /data instead of having to transfer to sd card first and then to /data
still have 2.5 gb of internal left...
Hello, my healthy advice is research a bit more until you understand more of how all this works. If you want to re-root and you do it wrong you can brick you device and get a big exclamation mark, read carefully and ask whatever you don't understand before you do things. If I be you first of all i will ask myself exactly how I want my nook to act, in the end you be sure if you want full debloat or not but if you do you wont have support on indirects thread (that is stated in his start post [OP]) is why I say read carefully.
Now for re-root with a newer version of nook&zergy by Indirect you need (must) to install his adb hijack application, you can find that application (app) in apps and themes section of this forum.
Have fun.
Veronica
Sent from XDA using one of my Android Toys
Veronica, thanks for the input, I appreciate it.
Question: What IS the adb highjack app? Do I need that?
jimmysuggs said:
Veronica, thanks for the input, I appreciate it.
Question: What IS the adb highjack app? Do I need that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
0. Get a sandwitch and a soda
1. http://www.androidcentral.com/what-adb - That being explained...
2. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20774764&postcount=2
3. San Google is your friend
4. Yes you need that to re-root basically but is always good to have anyways - explained in step 2.
Veronica
Picked up an NT finally now that the CM9 looks like it is around the corner.
NT came OOB with 1.4.1... but I'm confused as to which way to best root it? Mind you I've never rooted a device before, JB iPhones yes... first real Android device (other than my Android running over WM on my HTC Touch Pro 2).
From the DEV section it looks like 1.4.1 can be rooted without having flash back to 1.4.0... but it appears it's not 100%. I try to avoid flashing whole updates as much as possible... I'm an old school electronics guy where EEPROMs were good for 20-30 writes before they went in the bin.
So if it's possible I would rather root a 1.4.1 and block OTA... or should I just do the 1.4.0 downgrade that also installs CWM?
IMHO I would revet back to 1.4.0 using This
And then Root using This
From your comments I believe you have already visited the the 2nd thread I linked. Do NOT use any of the files from the OP. Brianf21 posted a file yesterday that is the zero'd out image (smaller) with his latest Update.zip all in one file. It's the only file you will need. Use that file and skip any steps that say to copy update.zip to the Root of the SD card.
There is controversy as to if rooting 1.4.1 using that method leaves side-loading intact. Some say yes, some no. Avoid the controversy and REVERT to 1.4.0.
My .02
Edit: I spoke incorrectly. You will need the file linked in post 14 if you will be using the windows method as it contains the Image Flashing routine. Just use Brian's file when the instructions tell you to browse for the image.
I ended up just using Brian's image from yesterday over 1.4.1... so far so good, have the GApps, can DL from the market, etc.
If anything gets weird, I'll drop down to 1.4.0 and re-root.
quid246 said:
I ended up just using Brian's image from yesterday over 1.4.1... so far so good, have the GApps, can DL from the market, etc.
If anything gets weird, I'll drop down to 1.4.0 and re-root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you side-load app's?
Does the unknown sources toggle remain checked?
Is NTHiddenSettings functioning properly?
Thanks!
Edit: Saw your post in the other thread. Guess the answer to the above is NO...
Yeah, I think the 1.4.1 sideloading isn't a 100% guarantee. Perhaps if the NT was at 1.4.0 and then upgraded, there might be something that allows it to be re-opened.
But for a factory fresh 1.4.1... I think it's a no-go.
Will revert to 1.4.0 tomorrow and re-root.
Do I still need to block OTA with Brianf's image or does it cover that?
quid246 said:
Do I still need to block OTA with Brianf's image or does it cover that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did .... using the Titanium Method (3 files). My version now shows 9.9.9
I too am running 1.4.1 and rooted using Brian's update.zip. The Unknown Sources doesn't stay ticked, and the hack to get it working doesn't work. But I can sideload apps using adb, no problems. I've gotten several live wallpapers I'd be collecting over the last few weeks installed.
I managed to sideload SQLite Editor and manually did the FOTA changes and also edit the "Install_Non_Market_Apps" key in the Settings.db file.
Managed to install Amazon and side-load a bunch of other stuff since. Dunno if the key setting will survive a reboot, will try later tonight.
EDIT: It appears as if doing a manual edit in Settings.db will allow sideloading even after reboot.
I have read though all topics for Prime and found that there is no way at the moment to root ICS .21 without unlocking bootloader. I have an idea below Is it possible or not guru?
Anyone who has installed and done backup root by using OTARootkeeper, pls locate its backup data (.zip or xml or whatsoever) then send to users who already upgraded to .21 to restore it. It maybe restores a root.
If you are able to locate and have backup file for OTARootkeeper pls send it to me I will give it a try and report.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using xda premium
I think the same way I previously wrote on this subject.
akncan said:
Hi all,
Prime Transformer using Asus for a month. Detail the issues which the forum for a while and looked, I tried some of the root methods. Authorities, however, and 9.4.2.21 update lost. I am writing this message I can think of something to consult.
Pending the development of a new method, like helping a friend with OTA Root Keeper backups can tell us where can we solve this problem?
For example, you share with us to take backups of AppBackup Rootkeeper OTA with the application?
Best regards from Türkiye.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=24492773&postcount=4
No, it's not possible. If you think about this for a moment, if this were possible, it would be a most trivial way of distributing a root exploit - and would already be common knowledge.
Without root, only certain well controlled files can be executed. It's not possible to add files to this set on any device which is not rooted unless there is an alternative way of accessing the internal file system (bootloader, flash from PC or recovery mode).
OTA rootkeeper relies on being able to _use_ a backup copy of the files needed to gain root priviledges - this file must already be present on the device in the right place. You should change the title of your thread to clarify that it's not useful...
With the coming update to .28 dont make the same mistake many of us did with .21. Use rootkeeper, takes a minute and saves a hassle. I've read that .28 fixed the workaround to downgrade so you really dont want to forget to use rootkeeper unless you want to go without root or unlock for a while.
nyijedi said:
Another important reminder before applying the update: If you manually removed or renamed any stock .apks to disable them, be sure to put them back before doing the update, or your Prime could be screwed up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, forgot that!
Just a general shoutout, dont say you werent warned!
(If you have experiences with the .28 update why not keep it in this thread? no use having a dozen threads about the same thing like we do most updates )
EDIT
felisen said:
So I have been meaning to factory reset my prime to get rid of some of the bugs from the HC to ICS update. My plan was to do it after this next update, but your post just reminded me that I would lose root when I reset. Is that correct? Any way to keep it?
Can we root the current update? I'm wondering if I should reset now and root before this upcoming update?
Any info is welcome, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to revert to stock and KEEP ROOT do the following (worked for me, ymmv)
Download the firmware you are CURRENTLY ON (for me its .21)
Put that firmware in the ROOT DIRECTORY of your prime (not the removable SD card)
Restart your prime, it should detect that there is an update available and update you to .21 (the same FW you are on)
NOW that you are stock (all stock apps are there) you can go about reverting back to .15 (or your favorite pre-.21 update), use wolf's guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622628
Get blob file for firmware (download firmware, extract, find blob file. I used .15) MAKE SURE ITS FOR YOUR AREA (Mine is WW)
copy blob file to root dir of the prime
In shell execute: ADB Reboot
let it reboot, dont touch anything
In shell execute: dd if=/sdcard/blob of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p4
it will appear nothing is happening for 3 to 10 minutes. Mine took closer to 15 minutes. BE PATIENT THIS BIT TAKES A WHILE
when you see records in/out in how many seconds you know its done.
in shell execute: ADB Reboot
you should now have a clean, freshly installed prime on .15 Root with your flavor of root tools, use OTA rootkeeper and OTA to .21, then when the OTA to .28 is ready in your area your good to go!
Credit to wolf, go to his thread, hit the thanks button.
Hit my thanks button if i helped! Good luck and i will try to bring forward important info as it happens.
Unless of course Asus do a **** move and completely overwrite /system or rm the voodoo rootkeeper backup specifically in the update script.
Thanks for the reminder.
Maybe Demandarin tells us how he lost his root. Clumbsyness or override by Asus?
Tell us the story bro.
131313 said:
Thanks for the reminder.
Maybe Demandarin tells us how he lost his root. Clumbsyness or override by Asus?
Tell us the story bro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I had to guess it would be because he had to manually install the update from his micro-SD card. OTA Rootkeeper won't work that way.
Hi everyone
I rooted .15 and use OTA Rootkeeper and then OTA to .21.
When the .28 will be released do I have to do something with Rootkeeper or I just OTA to .28...then open Rootkeeper and recover root from .15?
Thx for answer and sorry for my english
phree1 said:
If I had to guess it would be because he had to manually install the update from his micro-SD card. OTA Rootkeeper won't work that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ouch !!
Edit:
Let's see; I am on my forth prime since early april now. Three of them on .21 and I had to update all the three via an update.zip from the micro-sd. Do I remember this? Or is it wishful thinking??
... Yeah, I did it from the micro-sd card.... Pure speculation: otarootkeeper will work... Also Demandarin mentioned that GK asked him to do whatever test on his formerly rooted device, so this implies it should still work...but then GK probably doesn't even know how to power on the prime..........................................hell.................
@
lukcinek said:
Hi everyone
I rooted .15 and use OTA Rootkeeper and then OTA to .21.
When the .28 will be released do I have to do something with Rootkeeper or I just OTA to .28...then open Rootkeeper and recover root from .15?
Thx for answer and sorry for my english
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't have to do anything, but to be safe, open the app and ensure that it says something along the lines of "Root backed up/protected."
Another important reminder before applying the update: If you manually removed or renamed any stock .apks to disable them, be sure to put them back before doing the update, or your Prime could be screwed up
nyijedi said:
Another important reminder before applying the update: If you manually removed or renamed any stock .apks to disable them, be sure to put them back before doing the update, or your Prime could be screwed up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Say what? This is true?
cam30era said:
Say what? This is true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your prime won't be screwed up, but you will be unable to load the update.
I speak from personal experience.
I have heard it looks at the 'preinstall' folder.
Where else I do not know? Help
razr maxx - stock rom
cam30era said:
Say what? This is true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
phree1 said:
Your prime won't be screwed up, but you will be unable to load the update.
I speak from personal experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never made this mistake, so I can't speak from personal experience, but I thought I remember people having problems as a result of this. However, I very well may have just been thinking of being unable to load the latest update.
Regardless, you don't want to experience either of these issues
phree1 said:
Your prime won't be screwed up, but you will be unable to load the update.
I speak from personal experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which .apk's have to be "in place" for the update load? All of the Google and Asus ones?
So I have been meaning to factory reset my prime to get rid of some of the bugs from the HC to ICS update. My plan was to do it after this next update, but your post just reminded me that I would lose root when I reset. Is that correct? Any way to keep it?
Can we root the current update? I'm wondering if I should reset now and root before this upcoming update?
Any info is welcome, thanks!
cam30era said:
Which .apk's have to be "in place" for the update load? All of the Google and Asus ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the simple rule of thumb is that anything that cannot be uninstalled the normal way (e.g., through the settings menu without rooting and deleting/renaming .apks) must be present.
Where is the backup file made by Root Keeper saved?
Mine is rooted and su file is saved, but will the OTA delete the restore file when installing the new fw?
Should the Ota RK file be saved on the SD Card instead?
bimbobo said:
Where is the backup file made by Root Keeper saved?
Mine is rooted and su file is saved, but will the OTA delete the restore file when installing the new fw?
Should the Ota RK file be saved on the SD Card instead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will be fine unless you choose to factory data wipe.
I saved a copy on the SD, just in case.
Appreciate the reminder. Rootkeeper looks to be in order and I think all I changed was the build.prop mod and the gps mod. I just put them back to stock so hopefully I'll be okay. Now comes the wait.
For those who forget how to revert to stock i wrote up a quick guide and posted it to OP.
Basically:
Download current FW
Install current FW
Use Wolf's guide to revert
Root
Use OTA rootkeeper
OTA to current version.
Good luck!
If I disabled some apps in app info will that be OK when updating
Or do I have to enable them all again
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2