Question about rooting Galaxy S II - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I really want to get pure ics on my galaxy s II. Currently i'm on 2.3.4 gingerbread, unrooted.
I have asked a few questions about how to root my phone, and found a pretty straight forward tutorial, that users on xda have said is great to follow:
jayceooi.com/2011/08/04/how-to-root-samsung-galaxy-s2-with-cf-root-video
Rooting the phone appears to be pretty straight forward using the above tutorial, but finding the correct rom is what im not so sure about.
Users on xda have told me to use:
forum.xda developers.com/show....php?t=1075278 , to find a rom, specifically the ones just above ++++++ [Frankenstein Firmwares] +++++++
The only problem is, how do i know which one to use, i gather its going to be the 4.0.3 roms, but there are so many varients for different countries, which one is for me?
Does it matter which one i choose? Is there differences between them?
Thanks,

correct country
Hi, I'm not sure what other differences there are, but I know if you use the wrong countries Rom, the keyboard layout will be different to the one you are expecting, and as far as I know, there is no way of correcting this.

If you are going to use English as your main language then you can update to any rom as all the rooms support English primarily .
You can upgrade to the latest ics rom which is xwlp4, you can also find the matching cf root for the rom if you need root
#*posted on the move *#

Does that mean I would have to use another rooting method in order to use the new ics rom, or can I use the tutorial I posted previously?
Currently my kernel is XWKI4, and according to that tutorial I must find the insecure kernel that is closest to mine, what must be done differently?

Just flash any root kernel and your done. This will give root, su, super user, busy box and custom CWM Recovery for flashing, wiping, restore & backup etc.
Siyahkernel for example, can flash via Odin .tar or CWM recovery .zip
http://www.gokhanmoral.com/gm/2012/04/06/siyahkernel-v3-0-2/
Use could also use Chainfire CF-root kernel also found in XDA.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

I'm sorry I don't understand what your trying to say.
Are you saying I need to use another kernel for cfroot, which will be capable of booting the new ics rom

Kernels are specific to GB or ICS. Not interchangeable.
Sorry, gave you the wrong link for siyahkernel GB.
http://www.gokhanmoral.com/gm/2012/03/19/siyahkernel-v2-6-14/
From there you can nandroid backup in cwm recovery and also backup and user apps and data with bavkup root apps such as; my backup root or titanium backup.
Then you can flash any custom ICS ROM of your choosing. Listening ROM is excellent with few bugs. It will come with a earlier version of siyahkernel, which has a few issues with wifi toggle, so suggest to flash the latest ICS kernel from the link I previously posted or from his thread here in XDA.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1095274
Edit; important to do a full system wipe when changing rom from a different Android base. Wipe system,data, cache,dalvik in cwm recovery.
Another method would be to factory reset, wipe cache in recovery and power off. Enter download mode (volume up+power) release only when on dl mode. Have lies drivers on PC,but shut down lies and use Odin to flash the .tar litening rom. Done
Many methods and choices
..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

OP, why not entering the Samsung Galaxy S2 forum and ask, I'm sure you will have much more support.

Will do, thanks
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

You're welcome .....
Sent from my GT-P6810 using xda premium

Related

[Q] Kernel

Is it ok to flash a custom kernel on top of another custom kernel?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
You dont need to revert on the original one before flash another custom. But you need to format dalvik cache and cache in recovery before flashing or you probably have a bootloop.
I suggest to make a backup of the rom in recovery, so If something goes wrong you can enter recovery and have the latest known working rom back in 2 minutes.
Please note flashing kernels always have a very small chance to corrupt your efs partition, its suggested to backup your efs folder before start play with roms and kernels. How to backup the efs, use the search tool of the forum
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
rembrandtlnx said:
You dont need to revert on the original one before flash another custom. But you need to format dalvik cache and cache in recovery before flashing or you probably have a bootloop.
I suggest to make a backup of the rom in recovery, so If something goes wrong you can enter recovery and have the latest known working rom back in 2 minutes.
Please note flashing kernels always have a very small chance to corrupt your efs partition, its suggested to backup your efs folder before start play with roms and kernels. How to backup the efs, use the search tool of the forum
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. I know how to backup efs. Can i just use nitrality instead of ADB? To flash ROMs does it need to be in a specific firmware like sgsl or is it ok to have different firmware from the base of a custom rom?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
I know my english sux sry:
Depends on the kernel but usually it is listed in the kernel thread the how to (odin or clockworkmod), clockworkmode is already on your phone if you rooted it with cf-root.
Now, to enter clockworkmod recovery, just push volume up + home + power button until the S2 bootlogo appears, then wait few seconds.
About the kernel type, i always flashed any kernel despite of my baseband, the difference is not so big.
if something is not working, you can always youse the nandroid backup (the backup done with the recovery cwm (up+home+power) and get back to the previous rom with previous kernel.
Im not really in the kernel "how to" someone else can prolly give you more detailed info, but as for me, i flashed ninphetamine 2.05 and 2.1.3 in cwm and it worked.
But.. as always, the kernel developers got a how to install in their kernel thread, so just read those and be sure about if you need odin or clockworkmod, if you are not sure, DONT flash anything until you are sure on how to proceed or wich system to use for flashing, better keep an old kernel with a working phone than have a brick to hold the papers
PS: also almost all the roms on the S2 forum are flashable with the clockworkmod, only few (like the lite'ning) are flashable with odin.
Again, i know im boring, dont proceed if you are not sure, better ask 10 times instead brick your phone
ephraim033 said:
Is it ok to flash a custom kernel on top of another custom kernel?
Yes not a problem flash as per the custom kernel instructions .
Kernel can be changed within an individual firmware or custom rom .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply guys. Coming back to my second question. What if i have KF1 and the rom i want to flash has a base of KI3, should i flash to stock KI3 first before flashing the custom rom or is it ok to flash a KI3 custom rom without flashing first to stock KI3?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
The custom rom first, the kernel after.
I got the habbit to boot succesfully at least once the custom rom. If everything is ok i then flash the kernel. Better do 1 task at time.
You can decide to try the rom without change the kernel..and try a different one if you experience battery drain or other problems.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
If i am on KH3 and want to flash a custom rom based on KI4 then i would flash stock KI4 and KI4 root first .
Custom rom flashed i will often try a different kernel later .
jje
from my experience
I have found that when i upgraded rom from gingerbread to ics that most custom kernals work with these roms ie now running with xxlpw ics (from gingerbread) with xwlp7 kernal. from what i have read on other posts and threads i could swap kernal to siya or any other as the mega good developers have made them (hotswappable) interchangeable as previous reply said swapping kernal might give you better battery or solve overheat probs.
Eg iwas running darkys rom with siya kernal v?something my phone rocketed temp in short time so i swapped kernal for an up to date one (could have used older one) it solved problem.
Anyone feel free to correct explination im still learning too lol
linuxnubee said:
I have found that when i upgraded rom from gingerbread to ics that most custom kernals work with these roms ie now running with xxlpw ics (from gingerbread) with xwlp7 kernal. from what i have read on other posts and threads i could swap kernal to siya or any other as the mega good developers have made them (hotswappable) interchangeable as previous reply said swapping kernal might give you better battery or solve overheat probs.
Eg iwas running darkys rom with siya kernal v?something my phone rocketed temp in short time so i swapped kernal for an up to date one (could have used older one) it solved problem.
Anyone feel free to correct explination im still learning too lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll just point out this thread was dead since Sept 30 before you posted...

[Q] backing up rom/kernel

Hi!
I'm a total noob. This is my first android phone. I've read everything about rooting, and I'd like to install a custom rom, but I'd like to save the stock rom/kernel first. I've found this topic: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
I don't really know if these are what I need. Also, I have an xwkf3 device, but it's slightly branded for hungarian T-mobile (the browser has a different name and icon, and it also had every network setting by default).
So, basically I either need someone to tell me which one to download, or better yet, how to create a backup of the whole thing.
Yet again, I'm sorry for asking something probably really stupid. I've tried to google it many times, but I failed to find an answer. Thanks for everyone in advance.
Are you rooted already? If so just boot into ClockworkMod recovery (cwm) and then navigate to backup. (navigate using volume buttons and use home to select)
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Here is the kernel rooting thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
Dial *#1234# into the phone dialer to find out what firmware you have installed.
Root using chainfires method and make a full backup via CWM.
Flash away. But make sure the Rom/firmware is for your device. Eg i9100 international.
Good luck.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
I'm not rooted yet. If I understood everything correctly, the safe kernel is the same for branded/unbranded devices, and only the rom is different?
I'm currently downloading both secure and insecure kernels. After rooting, can I revert back to the secure one to install custom roms?
BTW, thank you for your quick answer
Beco.91 said:
I'm not rooted yet. If I understood everything correctly, the safe kernel is the same for branded/unbranded devices, and only the rom is different?
I'm currently downloading both secure and insecure kernels. After rooting, can I revert back to the secure one to install custom roms?
BTW, thank you for your quick answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not positive but I think if you are rooted and install a stock kernel (without root) you will lose root and won't be able to flash custom roms or make Backups. Its really easy to root, just find the appropriate insecure kernel, flash it with Odin, make backup, and then try new roms!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
King Shady said:
I'm not positive but I think if you are rooted and install a stock kernel (without root) you will lose root and won't be able to flash custom roms or make Backups. Its really easy to root, just find the appropriate insecure kernel, flash it with Odin, make backup, and then try new roms!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't flash back to stock kernel.
Use a jig if you want to get rid of the yellow triangle.
Edit: after flashing one of the cfroot kernels make sure you can get into CWM recovery mode. Vol up+power+home
If you can then you're ok to follow the instructions of the Rom you want to flash.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Thank you. One last question, if I may. Some of the roms I'd try use different kernels, then mine. If I install one of those, and want to revert the phone to factory rom, and kernel, should I root it again with an insecure kernel according to the rom, or one according to my device's current, factory rom?
You will probably find that the Rom kernel will be rooted and have CWM. Just check in the 1st post or 2 of the roms thread.
If you use CWM and make a backup of your stock Rom, after you root now but before you flash any other Rom, you can restore with CWM to get back to stock firmware.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Beco.91 said:
Thank you. One last question, if I may. Some of the roms I'd try use different kernels, then mine. If I install one of those, and want to revert the phone to factory rom, and kernel, should I root it again with an insecure kernel according to the rom, or one according to my device's current, factory rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To fully return to stock you have to flash a stock rom and stock kernel from Odin. The rom that you want to back up will be a stock rom but it will be rooted because of the rooted kernel. So yea, flashing stock firmware and kernel is the only way to get back to fully stock.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
But if I restore my backup rom, and flash it with an original kernel, it would be unrooted, and basically the phoen would be just as it is right now. Is that right?
bck
hi i have the same problem i want to root my gt 2 p5110 but i have to come back at the original values before june and can't loos the warranty....can you help me?

[Help] To-Do order from Stock to Custom rom

Hi, im getting my Galaxy S3 International version very soon and want some help.
Im a super know it all when it comes to android so i know alot. Ive been with the scene since the very first android releases, i still remember using 1.6 8) (alot of phones ive had arent on the history list as it would be too long so ive left the best
I would like to ask,before i mess anything up if this is correct.
1. To install a custom rom from stock on a s3 i must
install root>install recovery>backup rom>install rom>wipe everything>install gapps.
Is this correct? Are there any sections which i dont have to do, like root?
2. Do i have to unlock the bootloader to flash custom kernals like other phones?
3. Does my device have to be unlocked to all networks or is it ok if its locked (ie on the Three network)?
Thanks in advance!
As much as I'd love to explain. It's far easier for you to search. Honestly if you Google search and take the result that leads back to xda you will 99% of the time find a very helpful guide. But yeah ur mostly right. Need up on root instructions. read Roms installations instructions. Done
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
1 yes. When u root via Odin with cfroot it installs cwm recovery aswell.
2 no
3 no
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
ok thanks! I have done my research but i would just like a confirmation before doing anything!
Phew, its ok to use a locked phone which is great!
Yeah the latest version of CF-Root doesnt use the latest CWM. Also CF-Root is used when keeping the phone stock so im just going to use the tool by mskip. Thanks!
1. Only CM/AOSP/AOKP ROMs must you install gapps. And maybe Root -> CWM -> Backup (optional) -> Full wipe -> Install rom -> Gapps (if have) -> Reboot

updated method?

Hey guys new to this device coming from another device forum which was not a Samsung however I am familiar with Odin and ways to use it. I don't care about raising my counter at all I just want to root and install the latest cwm that way I can flash all the ROMs I please. My question is this. Is there an updated method to doing all this is one swoop with Odin imputting all nessecary files at once and flashing with Odin in download mode? If so can someone point md in the direction of the thread explaining this and the files I would need for Odin? I have the attached sgh i717 and my baseband and build both match at UCLA1. Apparently the guy I bought it from never updated it.. thanks in advance guys for all the help, I really appreciate it.
Sent from my HuaweiX6 using xda premium
Root method is the same as it has always been. Easiest here:
http://rootgalaxynote.com/galaxy-no...y-note-sgh-i717-icsgingerbreadeasiest-method/
Now after I use Odin to flash cwm and then I use that to flash a safe kernel of my choice to be able to flash the rom of my choice? And what is the most compatible kernel or most recommended at this time.
Sent from my att galaxy note using xda premium
You do not have to flash a kernel if you do not wish. Use Odin to flash CWM recovery and then use CWM to install Super User. You are all done and rooted. Flashing a kernel is optional. There are many to choose from. What works best for you depends on what you want to do such as overclock or installing a specific ROM, or extra modding ability.

[Q] Advice needed for rooting GT-I9300

Guys I know this is long but PLEASE don't freak out! I really need some advice from you experts on this! I hope you could spend your time reading everything here and give me some advices! Thanks!
Phone details:
Model number: GT-I9300
Android version: 4.3
Baseband version: I9300DXUGNB1
Build number: JSS15J.I9300XXUGNA5
Hello guys, since I'm not really a rooting expert (previously I rooted a motorola device), I would like to ask for some advices regarding rooting our S3 because I have only one phone and I can't afford to brick it.
1. So basically I'm referring to the guide here. However, that rooting guide is for Samsung Galaxy S3 on I9300XXUGNA7 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, which is different from my build number (I've checked software update on my device over OTA and Kies3 but it says I have the latest firmware), will it works for my phone? Also in the guide it says to use odin3 v3.09, however in CF_auto_root page here it says to use odin3 v1.85, so which one is working for my device or which one is better?
2. Next I would like to ask is it necessary to install CWM recovery to replace the stock one? After searching around, I found that there are some people who installed CWM recovery even before rooting, is that even possible? So basically to install CMW recovery I think I will follow the steps here, is this working for my device?
3. Okay I know this is the dumbest question... but is there anything else I need to do after the above 2 steps (flashing kernel, modem etc.)?
Thank you very much for spending your time reading my post. I hope you can clear those doubts for me!
You are posting in the wrong section my friend you need to post your question here >> http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help << you will find you will get alot more replies...Ask a mod to move your post....
tallman43 said:
You are posting in the wrong section my friend you need to post your question here >> http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help << you will find you will get alot more replies...Ask a mod to move your post....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops I see... thanks for telling!
nikctsh said:
Oops I see... thanks for telling!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to see you in the right place now
Have a look at this thread >> http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/howto-rooting-wiping-flashing-ultimate-t1911726 << it may help you answer a few questions...
Also if you are planning to flash custom roms you do not need to root if you are doing it to mod your phone only then you will need to root..
nikctsh said:
Guys I know this is long but PLEASE don't freak out! I really need some advice from you experts on this! I hope you could spend your time reading everything here and give me some advices! Thanks!
Phone details:
Model number: GT-I9300
Android version: 4.3
Baseband version: I9300DXUGNB1
Build number: JSS15J.I9300XXUGNA5
Thank you very much for spending your time reading my post. I hope you can clear those doubts for me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing your phone in any way doesn't guarantee not bricking it, see this thread
Scroll down to the quoted section headed Quick Root from there
Download Odin
Download CF-AutoRoot for your phone
Read the link on rooting
It is really straight forward just read up on it but don't read too much into it a frighten yourself
tallman43 said:
Glad to see you in the right place now
Have a look at this thread >> http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/howto-rooting-wiping-flashing-ultimate-t1911726 << it may help you answer a few questions...
Also if you are planning to flash custom roms you do not need to root if you are doing it to mod your phone only then you will need to root..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great that thread helps a lot! I cleared most of my doubts now, but one more question please, after rooting, I wished to install ported apps like S5 launcher and accuweather, and in order to install these I need to flash from recovery. Is it possible to flash this using stock recovery? Or I need to install custom recovery like CMW?
You can't install anything with stock recovery, you'll need a custom recovery.
Make sure you have a full nandroid and efs backup before you flash anything -ported apps can break the framework and produce bootloops.
Seriously though, all this information is available in the sticky or by searching -why do need people to write it all out for you?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
boomboomer said:
You can't install anything with stock recovery, you'll need a custom recovery.
Make sure you have a full nandroid and efs backup before you flash anything -ported apps can break the framework and produce bootloops.
Seriously though, all this information is available in the sticky or by searching -why do need people to write it all out for you?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your information. I did search around and try to understand the things myself, but still there are some doubts remain, that's why I opened this thread hoping that someone can clear the doubts for me. This is my only phone and I really can't afford another (I'm from a low-income family), I just want to make sure everything is alright so that I don't mess up my device. Thanks for your understanding
If this is relevant for Samsung galaxy s3, I got this done the other day using Odin to unlock and root, ran the root app to confirm root. The ROM manager to found CWM recovery flash. So far all good, should take 5 mins in all but an hour in prep and homework.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Don't use rom manager, it can soft brick your phone.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Hello! I agree that it would be better NOT to use Rom Manager. Many users had problems because of it. The safest way, in my opinion, is to flash a custom kernel using Odin. For example, I had stock rom and used Odin to flash boeffla kernel (not advertising it, just saying what I did) because that kernel had both a .tar version and a .zip one. I downloaded the .tar version and flashed it with Odin by putting the .tar file in the PDA column. That's for root.
For recovery I'm using PhilZTouch and I love it. It supports both JB and KK roms and that is preety cool. Also it's full touch so I don't need to stress my hardware buttons. It's also available as .tar file so you can flash it with Odin just like the kernel.
That's how I'd recommend anyone to root and install a custom recovery on a Sammy phone because I believe it's the safest way. PS: before launching Odin make sure the phone is NOT connected to the PC and that Kies isn't running in the background (use Task Manager to check) Goodluck! !! :thumbup::thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9300
fatcarrotcake said:
If this is relevant for Samsung galaxy s3, I got this done the other day using Odin to unlock and root, ran the root app to confirm root. The ROM manager to found CWM recovery flash. So far all good, should take 5 mins in all but an hour in prep and homework.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that's great. By saying unlock, do you mean unlock the bootloader? Wait, is the bootloader locked in our S3?
AlexVat said:
Hello! I agree that it would be better NOT to use Rom Manager. Many users had problems because of it. The safest way, in my opinion, is to flash a custom kernel using Odin. For example, I had stock rom and used Odin to flash boeffla kernel (not advertising it, just saying what I did) because that kernel had both a .tar version and a .zip one. I downloaded the .tar version and flashed it with Odin by putting the .tar file in the PDA column. That's for root.
For recovery I'm using PhilZTouch and I love it. It supports both JB and KK roms and that is preety cool. Also it's full touch so I don't need to stress my hardware buttons. It's also available as .tar file so you can flash it with Odin just like the kernel.
That's how I'd recommend anyone to root and install a custom recovery on a Sammy phone because I believe it's the safest way. PS: before launching Odin make sure the phone is NOT connected to the PC and that Kies isn't running in the background (use Task Manager to check) Goodluck! !! :thumbup::thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9300
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Will check out PhilZTouch recovery :fingers-crossed:
Currently struggling with deodexing/odexing the stock rom, after reading around I can differentiate between the odex and deodex rom, still digging on how to deodex a rom though (since I want to install some S5 mods). After searching around, it seems like titanium backup can do the deodexing/odexing just nice Gonna do some more preparation, hopefully I can have my device rooted by this week
You could flash PhilZ Recovery and make a nand backup of your rom. This way you'd have an emergency copy if something goes wrong or if you break something in the system. Just my thought
Sent from my GT-I9300

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