SHOstock2 FAQ - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II SGH-I777

This may end up in the SHOstock2 thread but for now, since it is in very early development, I will keep it here.
Newbies: You may want to read the following posts for more information before you begin this process:
ATTENTION: AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II General Guide/Walkthrough/FAQ/hints and tips
Install Guide:
Note: If you already rooted your phone and installed (a kernel with) CWM then please do a nandroid backup before moving on. Read more about this here if you are unfamiliar.
Method 1:
If you are on an AT&T stock rom (UCKH7/KK6) first you will have to root your phone. Read through this thread to do so. Once your stock rom is rooted you will need ClockworkMod Recovery. One way to do this (without getting the dreaded yellow triangle when the phone turns on) is via Mobile ODIN. See this thread for more ideas. You can get the free lite version here or the Pro version here. You can also use Super Manager to do this. Using either of these tools you can install the latest CherryPicker kernel. After that you can reboot into recovery mode and flash this rom. Note: You should check the MD5 sum of the .zip file on your computer and your phone before flashing it. You can find the expected MD5 sum just below the download link.
Once you flash SHOstock2 you can uninstall Mobile ODIN as you probably will not use it again.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What kernel comes with this rom? And why?
As of 2.0 it comes with CherryPicker (by drowningchild). See post #3 for more details.
"Quality of entropy and the personal touch. But and tested for my ROM by himself. We don't like ex tweaks implementation of that and would rather use voltage control or set CPU." -shoman94
I used Titanium Backup to backup all my apps. Should I restore System apps and data?
No. In order to avoid causing any number of issues you should not restore system apps or data. User apps and data should be fine though.
I just flashed the latest SHOstock2 or my kernel of choice. Battery life seems bad. What should I do?
You should really wait a couple of days before you can gauge battery usage.
Okay, a couple of days have passed and I suspect something is using too much battery. Now what should I do?
A good idea is to use BetterBatteryStats to find out what is going on.
I cannot get the default messaging app to launch from the icon on the home screen or in the app drawer. What is wrong?
This happens sometimes after the initial install. Just delete and re-add the shortcuts and they should work just fine.
I use SMS Popup and I am having some weird issues with it. Is it compatible with this rom?
SMS Popup will work just fine if you keep 'Quick Reply' unchecked.
How can I get the weather on my lock screen?
First, you have to enable the Circle (and not AOSP) lockscreen. Go to Settings -> Display and uncheck 'Enable AOSP lockscreen. In the same place you should check 'Weather'.
How do I take a screenshot?
Hold Power + Volume Down for a second or so.
How do I disable the lower power alert sound?
Using a third-party file explorer (such as ES File Explorer), or via adb, delete or rename /system/media/audio/ui/TW_Low_Battery.ogg.
How do I disable the camera shutter sound (when taking a picture)?
Using a third-party file explorer (such as ES File Explorer), or via adb, delete or rename /system/media/audio/ui/Shutter_01.ogg.
I saw this rom has call recording. Is there an app to listen to those?
Yes, though you do not *need* one. Check this app out.
Apex Launcher is notifying me of an update. How do I stop this?
First of all, you can install the update. If you do not want to then go to the Apex settings and find About Apex Launcher. Click 'Automatically Check for Updates' and select 'Never'.
Can I use the TouchWiz launcher with this rom?
Thanks to LiLChris06 you can give this one a try.
Where did this app switcher come from?
It was ported from HTC Sense 4.
Does Swype work with this rom?
Yes, just install the Swype Installer.
I would like to use the Samsung keyboard. Where can I get a compatible one?
Thanks to LiLChris06 you can grab it here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20447007/Update/apps/SamsungKB.zip
Do you have any tips for increasing battery life?
Yes. Remove apps (such as Twitter, Facebook, etc) and use their mobile web sites instead.
Is there a way to turn off the wifi when the screen is off?
Sure. Go to Settings -> Wifi -> menu button -> Advanced. Set Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep to whatever you prefer.
I do not like the default messaging app. Are there any good third-party apps?
Definitely. Check out GO SMS Pro, Handcent SMS, chompSMS for example. Make sure you grab the latest version (with ICS support).
I do not like the order of the toggles. Can I rearrange them?
Yes. Go to Applications -> QuickPanel Settings
Does this rom support BLN?
Yes, though it is disabled by default. Grab BLN control - Free or BLN Control - Pro from the Google Play Store to enable BLN. Once you enable BLN you will have to enable this option in whatever apps you want.
I do not like the CRT animation when the screen turns off. Can I get rid of it?
If you want the screen to turn off right away go to Settings -> Developer options -> Window animation scale and choose 'Animation is off'.
I cannot get Samsung Kies to work with my phone. Is this a known issue?
Samsung Kies is not supported on our phone (only the international version is) and was therefore removed.
I get an error about my charger's voltage. Can you fix that?
It is a problem with your charger, not the rom. This is especially true of car chargers. You will have to try a different charger.
Can I change the CPU governor?
Sure, grab Voltage Control to do this. You can also use SetCPU.
Make sure you read one or both of the following threads for more information:
[REF] Quasar kernel governors and I/O schedulers manual
[REF][TWEAKS] Kernel Governors, Modules, I/O Schedulers, CPU Tweaks, AIO App Configs
Can I use ExTweaks with this rom?
It does not work with the default CherryPicker kernel. If you really want to use it then you can install the Siyah kernel instead and then you can use ExTweaks.
Can I use Google Wallet with this rom?
As of now, no.
Can I use init.d with this rom?
Yes, CherryPicker's supports it. Read over this thread for more information.
When my phone first turns on there is a yellow triangle. How can I get rid of that?
You can use Triangle Away. I have used it a couple of times without any issues but make sure you understand what you are doing before using it. Note: If you used Mobile ODIN as described in the install guide above you should not have the yellow triangle.
My cellular signal does not seem that great. Is there anything I can do?
Head over to the modem thread and grab a couple of older modems to try. Reboot in recovery mode to flash one.
Can I use ROM Manager with this rom for backups?
No, boot into Recovery Mode and do it from there.
What is fast dormancy, how can I toggle that setting, and should I bother?
It is recommended that you not change this setting but it seems there is a lack of clarity on whether AT&T uses it for our phones. If you really want to, first you should read more about it. This thread is a good starting place. To change the setting dial *#9900#
What kernels are compatible with this rom?
Here are three: Entropy’s - N.E.A.K. - Siyah (get WITH mic swap version)
If I want to try a different kernel do I need to clean anything first?
jivy26’s Kernel Cleaning Script can take care of this for you. Flash it before flashing the new kernel.
I would like to do some benchmarking. What do you recommend?
If you really want to do that try AnTuTu Benchmark.
Can I download a previous version of this rom?
You can look here: http://streamingfreebies.com/android_themes/SGS2/ROM/SHOstock2/
I need to return the phone to its stock state. How should I do that?
Sorry to see you go. Read this thread.

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Changelog:
2012/05/16 - Added a Q & A
2012/05/09 - Added a Q & A
2012/05/04 - Added a couple Q & A's
2012/05/03 - Added a few Q & A's and made a bunch of updates
2012/05/02 - Initial release; made a bunch of updates

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thanks for making this, good first draft. a couple points I'd like to offer.
Nobody needs to download and use Mobile Odin. Flashing kernels through CWM recovery works fine and is perfectly safe. Using Mobile Odin as a special case recovery tool for flashing over a buggy/ dangerous kernel is another story, but strictly speaking, people shouldn't be led down a road that isn't totally necessary.
Wifi won't disconnect when the screen is off, even with the correct settings, I believe this has been verified by more than a few users. (I could be wrong).
CRT OFF behavior looks like slow crap when disabled, so, for a crisp shut-off, one should/ can, go into Dev Options, under Windows Animations, and select .5 for a value. (CRT Animation needs to be checked)
Last little bit, I would steer clear of saying too much about battery life, or giving advice about how long to let a ROM/Kernel settle in (more of an art than a science). Suffice to direct folks to XDA threads on the subject.
Keep up the good work, initiative is very good!

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Nice write up.
If your going to link my dropbox let me know before hand so I don't move it.

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Nobody needs to download and use Mobile Odin. Flashing kernels through CWM recovery works fine and is perfectly safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took that basically straight from what shoman said in the thread. It's been so long since I rooted this phone I don't remember how I did it. I think his point was to use Mobile ODIN to install CWM Recovery.
Wifi won't disconnect when the screen is off, even with the correct settings, I believe this has been verified by more than a few users. (I could be wrong).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noted. Will add a comment.
CRT OFF behavior looks like slow crap when disabled, so, for a crisp shut-off, one should/ can, go into Dev Options, under Windows Animations, and select .5 for a value.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also noted.
Last little bit, I would steer clear of saying too much about battery life, or giving advice about how long to let a ROM/Kernel settle in (more of an art than a science). Suffice to direct folks to XDA threads on the subject.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I'll add that, too.

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LiLChris06 said:
Nice write up, if your going to link my dropbox let me know before hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I can link to the post instead. Would that be better?
- Aaron

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rogersa2k said:
Sorry, I can link to the post instead. Would that be better?
- Aaron
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah its cool, btw here is Samsung Keyboard you can add to the OP.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20447007/Update/apps/SamsungKB.zip
Reupload them if you like, I didn't mod them so I don't care.

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rogersa2k said:
I took that basically straight from what shoman said in the thread. It's been so long since I rooted this phone I don't remember how I did it. I think his point was to use Mobile ODIN to install CWM Recovery.
Noted. Will add a comment.
Also noted.
Okay, I'll add that, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're awesome. Regarding M.O., I wanted to ensure that noobs didn't think they HAD to do it that way. In fact, now that I think about it, I'd just assume that people are rooted and good to go, you can even say so, like, "...it's assumed you're rooted, running a kernel with CWM, and capable of either downloading vis wifi to your SD Card, or transfering the rom from your computer...". I mean, they gotta have a pulse.

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OKAY AFTER A LONG DAY OF READING AND A HUGE HEAD ACHE, This is what i have come up with PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I AM MISSING ANY STEPS OR ANYTHING... THANK YOU!!!!!
how to root sg2
1. Use Odin to flash stock UCKH7 with Root, available here. Be aware that doing this will require a full wipe, so do what you can to back up your sms/mms/contacts and other data. READ EVERY STEP CAREFULLY. Do not flash a kernel with Odin.
TO USE ODEN, How to root by flashing Entropy512's Return/Unbrick to Stock, Kernel + Rooted System Package with Modem using Odin3 One-Click Downloader (Windows)
Download the "Odin3 One-Click Downloader Stock I-777 UCKH7 with Root no BL" package from MultiUpload or MegaUpload. Extract the contents of the zip file to a directory on your hard disk drive. This is a One-Click version of Entropy512's Return/Unbrick to Stock, Kernel + Rooted System Package plus stock modem from the development forum. (Contains stock zImage, factoryfs.img with root, and modem.bin.)
Start the Odin3 One-Click Downloader program by double clicking on "I777UCKH7 OCD Root No BL.exe".Now Enter Download Mode:
With the phone powered off, plug in the usb cable while holding the vol up + vol down buttons (but not the power button).
When the warning screen appears, press Volume up to continue into download mode.
In Odin, the small edit box in the upper left corner will turn yellow, and say something like [0:COM8].
Click Start. Watch the progress bar advance in green while the message box in the lower area describes the steps. When the flash is finished, the top left larger edit box will turn green and say PASS! and your phone will automatically reboot.
Unplug the usb cable from you phone after it boots up. Success. You're Rooted.
2. Now that you have root access, download Mobile Odin from the Play Store. Use it to flash either Entropy's DD or Siyah. This will install CWM Recovery. THE APP AND KERNEL,"DD-012.." ARE IN THE FOLDER ON THE DESKTOP.
3. Boot into CWM Recovery and make a nandroid backup.
4. Use CWM to flash SHOStock or CM9. SHOSTOCK IS LOCATED IN FOLDER ON DESKTOP
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA

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rogersa2k said:
I took that basically straight from what shoman said in the thread. It's been so long since I rooted this phone I don't remember how I did it. I think his point was to use Mobile ODIN to install CWM Recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. You generally only want to use Mobile Odin right after initial root to flash a kernel with CWM.
The only other time I can see it being useful is if you want to flash a stock firmware, but want to retain root. The everroot option works well for this.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium

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Galaxy_Cat said:
thanks for making this, good first draft. a couple points I'd like to offer.
Nobody needs to download and use Mobile Odin. Flashing kernels through CWM recovery works fine and is perfectly safe. Using Mobile Odin as a special case recovery tool for flashing over a buggy/ dangerous kernel is another story, but strictly speaking, people shouldn't be led down a road that isn't totally necessary.
Wifi won't disconnect when the screen is off, even with the correct settings, I believe this has been verified by more than a few users. (I could be wrong).
CRT OFF behavior looks like slow crap when disabled, so, for a crisp shut-off, one should/ can, go into Dev Options, under Windows Animations, and select .5 for a value. (CRT Animation needs to be checked)
Last little bit, I would steer clear of saying too much about battery life, or giving advice about how long to let a ROM/Kernel settle in (more of an art than a science). Suffice to direct folks to XDA threads on the subject.
Keep up the good work, initiative is very good!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using mobile Odin to put cwm after touting the phone is the best way IMO and eliminates the need for triangle away. Especially when coming from stock kk6.
Crt unchecked is not a crt off animation. The screen does fade some before turning off but that's it. Doing what you state gives it an instant off. I can't believe people would be picky about a split second delay..... Crazy.
Battery after flash..... There is no doubt you need to wait a few charge cycles before studying about battery. There are way to many variables on what effects the battery but bbs can help you work finding the culprit.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

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Currently ex tweaks is not supported with cherry picker kernel.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

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Multi post.. I'll think of something....

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shoman94 said:
Using mobile Odin to put cwm after touting the phone is the best way IMO and eliminates the need for triangle away. Especially when coming from stock kk6.
Crt unchecked is not a crt off animation. The screen does fade some before turning off but that's it. Doing what you state gives it an instant off. I can't believe people would be picky about a split second delay..... Crazy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crazy like an aesthete.
Not to get into a pissing contest, but (here he goes) this Q and A is about the ROM, and Kernel, not flashing in general, or rooting.
Love ya Sho, you're a great man (or a half naked tranny in newark). I don't even care, I love this rom!

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Galaxy_Cat said:
Crazy like an aesthete.
Not to get into a pissing contest, but (here he goes) this Q and A is about the ROM, and Kernel, not flashing in general, or rooting.
Love ya Sho, you're a great man (or a half naked tranny in newark). I don't even care, I love this rom!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which includes flashing my ROM from stock. So yes it pertains to installing/using the ROM.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

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shoman94 said:
Which includes flashing my ROM from stock. So yes it pertains to installing/using the ROM.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it, understand.

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Galaxy_Cat said:
thanks for making this, good first draft. a couple points I'd like to offer.
Nobody needs to download and use Mobile Odin. Flashing kernels through CWM recovery works fine and is perfectly safe. Using Mobile Odin as a special case recovery tool for flashing over a buggy/ dangerous kernel is another story, but strictly speaking, people shouldn't be led down a road that isn't totally necessary.
Wifi won't disconnect when the screen is off, even with the correct settings, I believe this has been verified by more than a few users. (I could be wrong).
CRT OFF behavior looks like slow crap when disabled, so, for a crisp shut-off, one should/ can, go into Dev Options, under Windows Animations, and select .5 for a value. (CRT Animation needs to be checked)
Last little bit, I would steer clear of saying too much about battery life, or giving advice about how long to let a ROM/Kernel settle in (more of an art than a science). Suffice to direct folks to XDA threads on the subject.
Keep up the good work, initiative is very good!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the wifi does turn off but it doesnt show so in the battery stats

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While a guide like this could be helpful, in my opinion trying to answer almost every question a person could think of just makes people not have to search. Which makes them ask dumb questions and start stupid threads. For someone brand new to flashing or coming from bone stock, definitely helpful.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

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Phalanx7621 said:
While a guide like this could be helpful, in my opinion trying to answer almost every question a person could think of just makes people not have to search. Which makes them ask dumb questions and start stupid threads. For someone brand new to flashing or coming from bone stock, definitely helpful.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This really isn't a guide. It's a faq for my ROM that has questions that are asked multiple times which become redundant. It's purpose is to lead you in the right direction for installing and using SHOstock.
Really I wanted/want this inserted into the ROM thread.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

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LiLChris06 said:
...here is Samsung Keyboard you can add to the OP.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20447007/Update/apps/SamsungKB.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added this to FAQ. Thanks!
shoman94 said:
Currently ex tweaks is not supported with cherry picker kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I went back and forth on that and finally installed ExTweaks to test. Once I saw it didn't work I updated the FAQ.
shoman94 said:
Really I wanted/want this inserted into the ROM thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I have every intention of putting it there. I thought that filling up the (already bloated) thread with discussions about the FAQ was not useful. My hope is that I can get most of the silly Q & A's added within a week.
- Aaron