[Q] Idiot's guide to ROMs, Kernels, CWM, rooting etc - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

[Q] Idiot's guide to ROMs, Kernels, CWM, rooting etc - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi there
Having spent most of yesterday evening trying to work out why my attempt to root my S2 failed whilst getting confused with rooting, roms, kernels etc, I spent the rest of the evening trying to find an idiot's guide to it all, I did not find one.
When I rooted my HTC Hero I find a very helpful idiot's guide that both guided me through the process of rooting, and explained, in layman's terms, how the different bits worked together; I would love to find such a guide for the S2.
I have found some semi-helpful guides to how to root, but these were still written in rather technical language. i.e."install the unsecure kernel then the CWM will update from the download screen; however if you update the ROM an unsecure is not needed because they include a kernel" add to this things like wiping the partition etc it seemed rather confusing, which I am sure it is not, I just need it explaining in layman terms so i can see how the jigsaw fits together.
Having probably been too screened out last night I could well have missed the idiot's guide, so apologies if I did; would you be able to point me in the right direction please?
Thanks
Andy

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
Follow the "Instructions - ODIN (long)"

That is helpful, thanks.
Unfortunately it still does not make much sense
"This rooted kernel is for the "rooting beginners" and those who want to keep as close to stock as possible. CF-Root takes the kernel from an original Samsung firmware, and just adds root, busybox, and ClockWorkMod (CWM4/5) recovery
THIS IS NOT A ROM - it is only a modified kernel. You need to have the relevant firmware already on your device. You do NOT need to wipe anything for this patch. You DO need to read the instructions. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST!"
I have no idea what this means. What is a kernel, firmware, CWM etc. What is the difference between this and a ROM (which it is not for some reason)?
I know these might be as simple as asking the difference between a letter and a number, but I have yet to come across a clear explanation.

AR2000Dwain said:
That is helpful, thanks.
Unfortunately it still does not make much sense
"This rooted kernel is for the "rooting beginners" and those who want to keep as close to stock as possible. CF-Root takes the kernel from an original Samsung firmware, and just adds root, busybox, and ClockWorkMod (CWM4/5) recovery
THIS IS NOT A ROM - it is only a modified kernel. You need to have the relevant firmware already on your device. You do NOT need to wipe anything for this patch. You DO need to read the instructions. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST!"
I have no idea what this means. What is a kernel, firmware, CWM etc. What is the difference between this and a ROM (which it is not for some reason)?
I know these might be as simple as asking the difference between a letter and a number, but I have yet to come across a clear explanation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) what is a kernel?
A)The central module of an operating system. It is the part of the operating system that loads first, and it remains in main memory. Because it stays in memory, it is important for the kernel to be as small as possible while still providing all the essential services required by other parts of the operating system and applications. Typically, the kernel is responsible for memory management, process and task management, and disk management.
The definition of kernel is "the portion of an OS (Operating System) that is responsible for interacting with the hardware. It is the operating system software that runs in kernel mode on the computer's processor and which provides low-level intelligence for the operating system. In other words, the kernel is the "heart" of an operating system.
2) What is a Rom?
A) its a mobile operating system for ur phone, just like windows xp or windows 7 for ur computer.
3) what is CWM?
A) CWM- Clock Work Mod , its a custom recovery where u can choose to install custom roms,kernels,themes etc and also u can wipe data,format system etc
hope the above Info will be of some help 2 u

OK. Best bit of advice I can give you is to read the Stickies. Thoroughly. There are no shortcuts. Taking shortcuts leads to borked phones.
The answers to all your questions are in those threads. Yes, you have to do some reading/learning, but that's the way it is (refer to/read my comment above again re: borked phones).

How to install Xenon ROM - I am new
I am new in installing ROMs and rooting the phone.
I have a lot of info about different ROMs and methods how to install it.
I am interested in installing
[ROM][ICS 4.0.3] Xenon ROM v1.1 [18/6/12][Themed + Touchwiz][CF-Root][XWLPD]
I have rooted my phone using the following method:
[GUIDE] ROOT/UNROOT Stock ICS Firmware without flashing unsecure kernel
As per installation instruction of Xenon ROM, I have to Choose "install zip from sdcard", but instead of it, I have only "install zip from sdcard or external SD"- is it the same?
Please advise, if possible with links what should I do.
Thank you very much for your support and patience.

gersla said:
As per installation instruction of Xenon ROM, I have to Choose "install zip from sdcard", but instead of it, I have only "install zip from sdcard or external SD"- is it the same?
Please advise, if possible with links what should I do.
Thank you very much for your support and patience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, select that option. It will take u to the next screen where you have to select the zip file you have copied. Navigate to the path where the zip file is and install.

iamafrk said:
Yes, select that option. It will take u to the next screen where you have to select the zip file you have copied. Navigate to the path where the zip file is and install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried, and got a message "E:signature verification failed",
Please advise,

gersla said:
Just tried, and got a message "E:signature verification failed",
Please advise,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because of the way you've rooted, you still have stock recovery. To achieve what you want, follow the first four steps of your link first.

oinkylicious said:
Because of the way you've rooted, you still have stock recovery. To achieve what you want, follow the first four steps of your link first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I understand correctly I have to flash Cf-Root or Clockworkmod- what is better and less risky?
I am using the following original ROM - see below.
Model: GT-I9100T
Android Version: 4.0.3
Baseband version: I9100TJILP9
Kernel version: [email protected]#3
Please advise,

To [Q] of AR2000.
Go through STICKY THREAD in the starting to clear most of your ideas.(you will find sticky thread as soon as you open Galaxy S2 General Forum in xda)
Also i found this thread pretty helpful during my root it has step by step explanation in simple language.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1126522
Also you are still in the root phase but when once you done with rooting BEFORE you move on to FLASHING check this tread out for sure
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1502526

gersla said:
If I understand correctly I have to flash Cf-Root or Clockworkmod- what is better and less risky?
I am using the following original ROM - see below.
Model: GT-I9100T
Android Version: 4.0.3
Baseband version: I9100TJILP9
Kernel version: [email protected]#3
Please advise,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally, I did it using:
1. [GUIDE] ROOT/UNROOT Stock ICS Firmware without flashing unsecure kernel
2. I installed ROM Manager from a marked, and CWM using this program.
3. Rebooted in to recovery mode.
4. Done
After it I changed at least 5 ROMs!!! now yellow triangle!
Stayed with ☆☆☆☆☆[ROM-ICS]-[--VK--™]-[-XWLPG-V5.1.2]-[Fast-Stable]-[Jkay Support]-[MultiLanguage]

Related

Suggestion needed what to do after rooting.

Alright this is not the question you think it is! After rooting from THIS THREAD, I already googled and installed Link2SD, ROM Manager, Titanium Backup, Super Manager, BusyBox, Quick Boot and SetCPU. I have tested all of them except Titanium Backup and ROM Manager.
What I am confused is, CF-Root and ClockWorkMod Recovery. My plan is definitely to install Latest CWM v5 so that I can apply CM7 later (at least after more 5 months till I'm working on one development project related to Maps & GPS of Android platform). But as I heard, some themes & customizations needs CF-Root from THIS LINK. Which i find quite confusing how to apply. My questions are:
1) How to apply CF-Root? Please explain steps and Give me Attachments to download. Will my device work same as right now? Because I need my device to run fully so that I can test my written android applications directly via USB Debugging.
1-A) Do I need to unroot before applying CF-Root? If yes, what about the soft links of apps I have made into SD Card through Link2SD?
1-B) Will CF-Root include CWM?
2) Suppose I have CF-Root or CWM installed successfully and what happens to my stock recovery? Is there any way to keep it backed up so that When I need to send it to service station they wouldn't know about it? (By the way, what is the Stock Recovery image's location?)
3) Please also give some suggestions which you think I should keep in mind. I want to keep my ace as close to stock as possible. I also don't know about how to take snapshot of current ROM from Custom Recovery Mode and of Applications from Titanium Backup so that if anything could go wrong I could recover from CWM.
My Device info:
SGA (of course)
Android Version: 2.3.4
Baseband Version: S5830DDKQ5 (STOCK ROM)
Kernel Version: [email protected] #1
Build Number: GINGERBREAD.DDKQ5
Applied Root (for GingerBread) FROM THIS THREAD
XDA RULE!!

Thanks for your suggestion buddy. I know it bricks smartphones.. But also it doesn't work without CWM so I could not use it.
Thanks for quick suggestion.
EDIT:
I highly admire your suggestion and just removed it.

Rushyang said:
Thanks for your suggestion buddy. I know it bricks smartphones.. But also it doesn't work without CWM so I could not use it.
Thanks for quick suggestion.
EDIT:
I highly admire your suggestion and just removed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your welcome bro , but be carefull ! Watch your steps

Rushyang said:
Alright this is not the question you think it is! After rooting from THIS THREAD, I already googled and installed Link2SD, ROM Manager, Titanium Backup, Super Manager, BusyBox, Quick Boot and SetCPU. I have tested all of them except Titanium Backup and ROM Manager.
What I am confused is, CF-Root and ClockWorkMod Recovery. My plan is definitely to install Latest CWM v5 so that I can apply CM7 later (at least after more 5 months till I'm working on one development project related to Maps & GPS of Android platform). But as I heard, some themes & customizations needs CF-Root from THIS LINK. Which i find quite confusing how to apply. My questions are:
1) How to apply CF-Root? Please explain steps and Give me Attachments to download. Will my device work same as right now? Because I need my device to run fully so that I can test my written android applications directly via USB Debugging.
1-A) Do I need to unroot before applying CF-Root? If yes, what about the soft links of apps I have made into SD Card through Link2SD?
1-B) Will CF-Root include CWM?
2) Suppose I have CF-Root or CWM installed successfully and what happens to my stock recovery? Is there any way to keep it backed up so that When I need to send it to service station they wouldn't know about it? (By the way, what is the Stock Recovery image's location?)
3) Please also give some suggestions which you think I should keep in mind. I want to keep my ace as close to stock as possible. I also don't know about how to take snapshot of current ROM from Custom Recovery Mode and of Applications from Titanium Backup so that if anything could go wrong I could recover from CWM.
My Device info:
SGA (of course)
Android Version: 2.3.4
Baseband Version: S5830DDKW5
Kernel Version: [email protected] #1
Build Number: GINGERBREAD.DDKQ5
Applied Root (for GingerBread) FROM THIS THREAD
XDA RULE!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please please please CMIIW.
Now to answer your questions, but firstly:
CF-Root is a kernel, adapted by the awesome ketut.kumajaya. CMW is a custom recovery. I'm saying this because I'm getting the impression that you think CF-Root and CMW are the same thing.
1. Most recent custom ROMs already provide CF-Root, so once you install the ROM, you'll have CF-Root.
1.a. No. At least, I don't think so, because flashing a kernel/ROM doesn't require root access as a dependancy
1.b. Not to my knowledge. I've been using CF-Root for so long, I forgot what the stock kernel feels like.
2. You know what? I actually have no idea. The only way I can think of to restore the stock recovery is by flashing a stock ROM via Odin. If you take it to a service counter, I doubt the counter will notice, but I would be pretty doubtful for the people who actually service your phone.
3. If you want it to be as close as stock ROM, use the stock ROM; it's that simple!
But if you want to use a custom ROM with the closest resemblance to stock ROMs, I would recommend the GingerReal ROM; it's essentially stock ROM, spiced up with performance tweaks.
3.a. You can do an entire system backup (Nandroid backup) with CWM. Just boot into CWM (hold Power+Home button when the phone is off), and choose "backup and restore" > "Backup" and wait. To restore, do the same things, except pick "Restore"
3.b. Doing a Titanium Backul is... complicatedly simple to answer. I'd recommend you to look up their FAQ or something.
Hope that helps!
Sent from my GT-S5830

adeklipse said:
CF-Root is a kernel, adapted by the awesome ketut.kumajaya. CMW is a custom recovery. I'm saying this because I'm getting the impression that you think CF-Root and CMW are the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello adeklipse,
First of all thanks for replying. And sorry I have messed up to explain my question more clearly... But, I do perfectly understand difference between two of those. CF-Root is custom kernel and CWM is custom recovery mode which provides a lot more facilities that stock recovery wouldn't.
First of all, I am on Stock ROM 2.3.4 DDKQ5 and I want to stay on it without flashing ROMs. Because I need my phone working super fine till I complete my project of android application development.
In what I am confused is, I want to apply some themes/bootanimations which according to what I read, requires CF-Root (which already covers root, Super User, CWM and BusyBox)... I have all of them except CWM in my phone.. What I think of a possibility that I could just apply CF-Root and use themes etc. which automatically will install CWM helpful for me taking snapshots of stock ROM as backup before I change even theme.
My question is: Chainfire's Post says different method to apply CF-Root and Ketut.Kumajaya says different method to apply CF-Root. However, I understand only the method which says go into recovery mode and apply update. But that post fails how CWM 4 automatically booted.
I want to be on safe side asking proper procedure before I proceed.
Also, ChainFire says his custom kernel is tested on "stock Gingerbread XXKPH, XWKPN, and DXKPB" which I assume are stock firmwares of different regions. So another question about compatibility in my region's (India's) stock firmware.
Thanks

U can theme your stock rom without root just copy th systemui apk and frameworkres apk to pc extract them change items and your done
Sent from my stock.unrooted.white painted 2nd GT-S5830 using xda premium

Rushyang said:
Hello adeklipse,
First of all thanks for replying. And sorry I have messed up to explain my question more clearly... But, I do perfectly understand difference between two of those. CF-Root is custom kernel and CWM is custom recovery mode which provides a lot more facilities that stock recovery wouldn't.
First of all, I am on Stock ROM 2.3.4 DDKQ5 and I want to stay on it without flashing ROMs. Because I need my phone working super fine till I complete my project of android application development.
In what I am confused is, I want to apply some themes/bootanimations which according to what I read, requires CF-Root (which already covers root, Super User, CWM and BusyBox)... I have all of them except CWM in my phone.. What I think of a possibility that I could just apply CF-Root and use themes etc. which automatically will install CWM helpful for me taking snapshots of stock ROM as backup before I change even theme.
My question is: Chainfire's Post says different method to apply CF-Root and Ketut.Kumajaya says different method to apply CF-Root. However, I understand only the method which says go into recovery mode and apply update. But that post fails how CWM 4 automatically booted.
I want to be on safe side asking proper procedure before I proceed.
Also, ChainFire says his custom kernel is tested on "stock Gingerbread XXKPH, XWKPN, and DXKPB" which I assume are stock firmwares of different regions. So another question about compatibility in my region's (India's) stock firmware.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chainfire's method invloves flashing via Odin if i saw it right.
Ketut's method is of flasihng CF-Root via recovery
I recommend flashing via recovery,its safer,easier and faster.
Don't worry,theres nothing such as Firmware compatibilty,its all about stability and perfomance.I am from India too and is using KPH firmware which is European firmware.I syggest you flash the KPH firmware,its the most widely used firmware.You would not face any problem if you flash another region's firmware.Flashing a different firmware is not easy atleast in my opinion.You just need Odin to do that.I suggest you read hubix's step by step detailed tutorial on that.

Prawesome said:
Chainfire's method invloves flashing via Odin if i saw it right.
Ketut's method is of flasihng CF-Root via recovery
I recommend flashing via recovery,its safer,easier and faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.. what I don't understand is there are bunch of files under Ketut's attachment. Which ones to apply in recovery mode and in which order??
Please help me out with that.
Also, if there's any bug like Wi-Fi or anything else pesters me, how would I revert it back to original custom ROM?
PS: I have just rooted my phone. CWM is not installed yet. Hope it will be installed by CF-Root directly.

If you have a bug,you could always restore a backup by using CWM.
I suggest you flash CWM before you flash cf-root.
About the files,ask in ketut's thread

Seriously I never tried cf-root. huh prawsome should i try it oR should I stick to oc kernel of ketut?
sent from my phone
plzzzz hit thanks if I helped you in any means .......

xdaboy122 said:
Seriously I never tried cf-root. huh prawsome should i try it oR should I stick to kernel of ketut?
sent from my phone
plzzzz hit thanks if I helped you in any means .......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol...ketut cf-root kernel is the only kernel for stock(samsung) ROMs present here.Of course it is made by ketut . All other kernels are for cm7.

I mean oc kernel bro
sent from my phone
plzzzz hit thanks if I helped you in any means .......

I never used oc
I say you stick with oc bro

[Q] Installing a clean Android on Galaxy S

Hello,
I am kind of new around here.
I am trying to learn about Android. I have a Samsung Galaxy S (i9000) with Android 2.3.3.
Base band (?) versión says I9000BGJV1
Kernel version: 2.6.35.7-I9000BGJVS-CL307695 [email protected]#2
Compilation number GINGERBREAD.BGJVS
My phone comes from the Telefonica company and I want to install a new clean copy of Android mainly because mine is working way too slow and because it is giving me problems with the modem (it gets stuck when changing from G to 3G or HSPA).
I have downloaded Android 2.3.6 Open Europe from "samfirmware" and want to installed it with the idea of installing afterwards the Semaphore kernel.
I have tried rooting my phone with z4Root but it gave me an error. Later I have found this is not the apropriate way of doing it in Gingerbread. Do I need to be root to install a new copy of Android?
I have some BIG doubts with all this process:
1.- Is the Android version chosen a good one?
2.- In some tutorials that use Odin indicate that I need to be root. Is this correct?
3.- In some tutorials for Odin, they say that the "Repartion" option has to be markede and in some others they do not mark this option. Which one is the correct one?
4.- In case I have to root my phone first, where can I find a tutorial for DUMMIES like me?
Well, I have been trying to find a post that solves all my doubts, but what I have found has only messed me up.
I hope I am posting this in the correct place.
Thanks in advance for your help.

airgus1 said:
Do I need to be root to install a new copy of Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
airgus1 said:
1.- Is the Android version chosen a good one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your choice (personal preference)
airgus1 said:
2.- In some tutorials that use Odin indicate that I need to be root. Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on what you are doing. So if whatever the tutorial is for, it is required.
airgus1 said:
3.- In some tutorials for Odin, they say that the "Repartion" option has to be markede and in some others they do not mark this option. Which one is the correct one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, it depends on what you are doing (so all of them are correct).
airgus1 said:
4.- In case I have to root my phone first, where can I find a tutorial for DUMMIES like me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1330252.

OK, thank you very much.
Then, what is exactly what I need to do to install a clean Android copy with a Semaphore kernel (for example)?
I understand that I just need to use Odin to install the clean copy and then the same thing with the Semaphore kernel. Do I need to be root to install this kernel?

airgus1 said:
OK, thank you very much.
Then, what is exactly what I need to do to install a clean Android copy with a Semaphore kernel (for example)?
I understand that I just need to use Odin to install the clean copy and then the same thing with the Semaphore kernel. Do I need to be root to install this kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need a rooted device to install any custom kernel.

Theonew said:
You need a rooted device to install any custom kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then, what is the order?
Should I install the clean copy of Android 2.3.6, then root it and then install the custom kernel? Or should I root it in the first place?
Thanks again.

airgus1 said:
Then, what is the order?
Should I install the clean copy of Android 2.3.6, then root it and then install the custom kernel? Or should I root it in the first place?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install the rom, root it, then install the kernel (make sure it is stated as compatible with that rom).

Thanks a lot. I think I got it

airgus1 said:
Hello,
I am kind of new around here.
I am trying to learn about Android. I have a Samsung Galaxy S (i9000) with Android 2.3.3.
Base band (?) versión says I9000BGJV1
Kernel version: 2.6.35.7-I9000BGJVS-CL307695 [email protected]#2
Compilation number GINGERBREAD.BGJVS
My phone comes from the Telefonica company and I want to install a new clean copy of Android mainly because mine is working way too slow and because it is giving me problems with the modem (it gets stuck when changing from G to 3G or HSPA).
I have downloaded Android 2.3.6 Open Europe from "samfirmware" and want to installed it with the idea of installing afterwards the Semaphore kernel.
I have tried rooting my phone with z4Root but it gave me an error. Later I have found this is not the apropriate way of doing it in Gingerbread. Do I need to be root to install a new copy of Android?
I have some BIG doubts with all this process:
1.- Is the Android version chosen a good one?
2.- In some tutorials that use Odin indicate that I need to be root. Is this correct?
3.- In some tutorials for Odin, they say that the "Repartion" option has to be markede and in some others they do not mark this option. Which one is the correct one?
4.- In case I have to root my phone first, where can I find a tutorial for DUMMIES like me?
Well, I have been trying to find a post that solves all my doubts, but what I have found has only messed me up.
I hope I am posting this in the correct place.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.It completely depends on you.The higher the number,the latest the firmware is.
2.In some cases the file you try to flash require root.But in your case of flash a new firmware it doesn't require root.
3.checking repartition is done when your downloaded firmware contains 3 files.i.e.PHONE,PDA and CSC.
When using repartition be careful to use a right pit file which should go into pit in ODIN.In your case the pit file is 512.There are some exceptions where repartition is used for firmware with single file also.If repartion is used wrongly your phone might not boot.
4.Flash a custom kernel like semaphore as you said and install "super user" from market.Now your mobile is rooted.Note:before flashing check whether the kernel is supported for your firmware.
Note:Before flashing make sure you have the correct drivers installed and kill kies with task manager before flashing as kies may interrupt the flashing process.
My opinion is rather than rooting your devices you could flash custom rom which has more benefits than stock rom and has been already rooted.So no hassles.
Finally hit thanks if I helped you.Hope I have not confused you

vijai2011 said:
1.It completely depends on you.The higher the number,the latest the firmware is.
2.In some cases the file you try to flash require root.But in your case of flash a new firmware it doesn't require root.
3.checking repartition is done when your downloaded firmware contains 3 files.i.e.PHONE,PDA and CSC.
When using repartition be careful to use a right pit file which should go into pit in ODIN.In your case the pit file is 512.There are some exceptions where repartition is used for firmware with single file also.If repartion is used wrongly your phone might not boot.
4.Flash a custom kernel like semaphore as you said and install "super user" from market.Now your mobile is rooted.Note:before flashing check whether the kernel is supported for your firmware.
Note:Before flashing make sure you have the correct drivers installed and kill kies with task manager before flashing as kies may interrupt the flashing process.
My opinion is rather than rooting your devices you could flash custom rom which has more benefits than stock rom and has been already rooted.So no hassles.
Finally hit thanks if I helped you.Hope I have not confused you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have been really really helpful. I will see if I do not get stuck in the process.

airgus1 said:
You have been really really helpful. I will see if I do not get stuck in the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad that I have helped you.

Well, Android 2.3.6 installed, Semaphore 2.3.0bm installed and superuser installed.
Everything working OK.
The only problem is that I used a backup tool for my applications (App Backup & Restore) that promised to backup my app data and when I restored them I found out that it only copied the clean apps without any other settings.
Next time I will use Titanium backup to see if it works better.
Thanks again.

airgus1 said:
Well, Android 2.3.6 installed, Semaphore 2.3.0bm installed and superuser installed.
Everything working OK.
The only problem is that I used a backup tool for my applications (App Backup & Restore) that promised to backup my app data and when I restored them I found out that it only copied the clean apps without any other settings.
Next time I will use Titanium backup to see if it works better.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I always use titanium backup.But sometimes when restoring apps with data will cause the app to fc.

[GUIDE][HOW-TO] Flashing a Custom ROM

Before I begin, Mods, PLEASE pin this. I (when I was a noob) had absolute difficulty installing ROMs. This is very noob-friendly, fixes Status 7 errors, and is easy to follow.
Alright friends and future flashers. I used to have difficulty installing ROMs. Now that I know how (after going through numerous tutorials), I'd like to make it easy for ALL of you. Enjoy your Custom ROM!
Before beginning, you need Android's SDK,Flashtool and The latest Official firmware.
If ever your phone needs to install drivers, let it install, don't unplug the phone or whatever.
And, battery at least 30%. Mine does it at even 20% without issues, but just to be safe.
Step 1: Revert to Stock
You don't need to downgrade. After flashing the latest stock kernel, I have flashed every single GB and ICS ROM in existence without issues, so you don't need to flash a specific one. But, latest one tends to be more stable. Here's what you do:
Get the latest Global ftf for your phone. Then, flash it using Flashtool. I won't go into specifics, but PM me if needed
By Now, you should have a stock EVERYTHING. Boot up the phone, run through the whole set up process. Once you are done, you need to get your IMEI number. Do this by following the steps here.
In the end, you should have the bootloader unlocked. If you come up with something like bootloader already unlocked, then you are good to go. Now onto......
Step 2: Preparing your Flash.
Download the ROM of your choice. I'd recommend FXP's Unofficial CyanogenMod9 as it has the best stability and no ICS Multitouch issues. If it is GB, any ROM will do. Most of them are stable.
Now, in the case of CyanogenMod, they often come with their own custom Kernel. It is in the zip file, known as boot.img, and you simply extract it to your platform-tools folder in the android-sdk folder you downloaded to unlock the bootloader. This is also true for some MIUI ROMs I've come across. Read their forum posts for more info on which kernel to use.
Copy the ZIP file to your sdcard. It does not have to be the root of SDcard, anywhere will do.
By the end, your Custom ROM's ZIP file will be in your SDCard, and the kernel file (a.k.a. boot.img or whatever_the _kernel_name_is.img) will be here:
32bit Windows: C:/Program Files/Android/android-sdk/platform-tools
64bit Windows: C:/Program Files(x86)/Android/android-sdk/platform-tools
Now we can
Step 3: Flash your Custom ROM
In the folder above (depending on OS version) press Shift+RightClick. Options will show up. Select "Open Command Prompt Here". A Command Prompt will open (duh).
Turn off your phone. Wait 10 seconds. While plugging in your phone, press the Menu button (the Right button). The LED Indicator should turn blue. This shows your in fastboot mode. If it starts to boot, rip out the battery and try again. DON'T STOP PRESSING UNTIL IT TURNS BLUE.
Now, type EXACTLY AS FOLLOWS, ONE AT A TIME. Just type in the lines with the "-" before it, but don't put in the "-" when typing it. The line underneath in brackets is an explanation, so you understand what is happening.
-fastboot devices
(This is actually a quick test I do to see if my phone is connected in flash mode or not. If nothing happens, it is not in flash mode or the drivers are installing)
-fastboot flash boot boot.img
(This is telling fastboot to FLASH the BOOT partition of your phone with the file specified. If you are using a different kernel, simply replace boot.img with the name of the kernel, ending with .img and wait for it to finish. Won't take long)
-fastboot reboot
(This causes the phone to reboot)
Now, while it is starting up, keep repeatedly pressing the Volume Down button until you are in ClockWorkMod Recovery (Assuming you are using it. CWM is the most popular and most kernels use it) Then, If you choose to, make a backup. I personally don't, as it is not too big an issue and I never revert to an old ROM anyway.
After that, choose Factory Reset. This will remove ALL data in your phone except your Stock ROM. Then, Clear Cache. You might've noticed it already did that when you Factory Reset, but this is for safety. Finally, in advanced, Wipe Dalvik-Cache and Wipe Battery Stats. I do this all the time for safety.
Now, the fun bit. GO to Install ZIP from SDCard. Select Choose ZIP, find your ROMs ZIP file, and install. It might take awhile, but not too long. Just be patient. When it finishes, flash anything else the ROMs forum post says to flash (Gapps, Patch, etc) and select Reboot Phone.
Step 4: Done!
Your phone will start up. First time is always slow, but this WILL WORK. Congratulations. You now have a Custom ROM
If you get a Status 7 error while flashing a ROM, reboot recovery and wipe everything again. If that doesn't work, flash official firmware and try again.
Credits to:
-Google: Providing Android SDK and Gapps
-Androxyde: Flashtool
-Madfysh: List of Official ICS ROMs
FXP: Creating CyanagonMod9
-And YOU!
P.S.: If you're confused, or feel this could use something extra PM me.

And uh, if it needs to be moved, please do so. Thanks!

I do know there is THIS but I felt some of his steps were unnecessary. Example, rooting. Any custom ROM will be rooted, so there will be no need to worry about that. And he also provided overclocking tips and an unofficial bootloader unlock which are hazardous and potentially permadamaging to the phone.

PLEASE Don't spoil the mood man!!
This is a development section where even Noob Devs know how to flash a Custom Rom!! PLeaseee Pleaseeee ... Move it

Alright man. How would I move it? Cause, I only RECENTLY started being active on the forums.

Jass5991 said:
I do know there is THIS but I felt some of his steps were unnecessary. Example, rooting. Any custom ROM will be rooted, so there will be no need to worry about that. And he also provided overclocking tips and an unofficial bootloader unlock which are hazardous and potentially permadamaging to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't say that thread is unnecessary; they put everything in one thread cause it's easy to find. the first step we should do is rooting if we are noops. Then we will be curious about unlock or custom rom later.
Sent from Xperia Neo using AOKP B40

Still dev thread so if you don't know how you should not be trying
It goes like this no dl link no thread
but still is a good post
some unnecessary parts
some dodgy parts
But good for noob never-ending Questions
Maybe Q&A

Reck1993 said:
Don't say that thread is unnecessary; they put everything in one thread cause it's easy to find. the first step we should do is rooting if we are noops. Then we will be curious about unlock or custom rom later.
Sent from Xperia Neo using AOKP B40
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. I will add an easy rooting instructions to it.
kormatoes said:
Still dev thread so if you don't know how you should not be trying
It goes like this no dl link no thread
but still is a good post
some unnecessary parts
some dodgy parts
But good for noob never-ending Questions
Maybe Q&A
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks kormatoes. Could you gimme some of the unnecessary/dodgy parts?

Jass5991 said:
I do know there is THIS but I felt some of his steps were unnecessary. Example, rooting. Any custom ROM will be rooted, so there will be no need to worry about that. And he also provided overclocking tips and an unofficial bootloader unlock which are hazardous and potentially permadamaging to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) actually that(which you linked) tutorial is good, it just need some updating. but your tutorial is different than that.
2) root is certainly not unnecessary! not all people will go for custom roms, specially as most of them are for unlocked BL.
3) unofficial unlock is not hazardous, it is tricky, but it paid of if we look on the advantage against official unlock
Nice from you that you wrote all this, it's based only for custom roms's, thread which is already sticked is for basic things, which any noob should know.
But still, this looks kinda cluttered, and from noob(which you intend this to) point of view, to long/complicate to read

Madfysh said:
1) actually that(which you linked) tutorial is good, it just need some updating. but your tutorial is different than that.
2) root is certainly not unnecessary! not all people will go for custom roms, specially as most of them are for unlocked BL.
3) unofficial unlock is not hazardous, it is tricky, but it paid of if we look on the advantage against official unlock
Nice from you that you wrote all this, it's based only for custom roms's, thread which is already sticked is for basic things, which any noob should know.
But still, this looks kinda cluttered, and from noob(which you intend this to) point of view, to long/complicate to read
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you all big guns
but there should be a start-up kit for newbie
There can be a Starter Section with due permission

lalit387 said:
Thank you all big guns
but there should be a start-up kit for newbie
There can be a Starter Section with due permission
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As it is, I am attempting to code a batch file to automatically run the entire flashing process, including kernel and ROM. Having a small issue where it does not wipe dalvik and cache. It also doesn't flash the custom ROM

[Q] Help me with Basic Android development tools

Ok, at the outset I would like to make it clear I am the beginner of all beginners when it comes Android tweaking and the doubts are related to it.
I have Samsung Ace GT S5830i phone. Its rooted and CWM installed. Kindly help me clear the following doubts regarding custom roms, kernel and firmware.
1. What is a kernel and What is a stock firmware. Are there any differences between it.
2. If I am installing a custom ROM, which has a custom kernel. Which do I install first? ROM or KERnel? Or whether both are bundled together as a single installation.
3. What is Odin and for what is it used for
4. If I have a CWM backup of my phone, and while installing a custom rom with custom kernel, If my phone gets bricked. Can I unbrick it by restoring cwm backup I have taken, or should I have to go via Odin (also how do i do it via Odin)
5. Can I install a different kernel on the existing rom, will it wipe of all my applications and settings?

kungfuEngineer said:
Ok, at the outset I would like to make it clear I am the beginner of all beginners when it comes Android tweaking and the doubts are related to it.
I have Samsung Ace GT S5830i phone. Its rooted and CWM installed. Kindly help me clear the following doubts regarding custom roms, kernel and firmware.
1. What is a kernel and What is a stock firmware. Are there any differences between it.
2. If I am installing a custom ROM, which has a custom kernel. Which do I install first? ROM or KERnel? Or whether both are bundled together as a single installation.
3. What is Odin and for what is it used for
4. If I have a CWM backup of my phone, and while installing a custom rom with custom kernel, If my phone gets bricked. Can I unbrick it by restoring cwm backup I have taken, or should I have to go via Odin (also how do i do it via Odin)
5. Can I install a different kernel on the existing rom, will it wipe of all my applications and settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even though you posted in incorrect section I will help you with some answers.
1. a) What is a kernel?
b) Stock firmware is like the root of your machine. I would take windows for simple example as i think you are not aware of that.
-Your computer was firstly installed with Windows Vista and you later upgrade to a higher version of windows. Stock ROM in this case is Windows Vista.
- What is "firmware"?
Firmware refers to the applications and operating system that control how a cellphone or smartphone operates. It is called firmware rather than software to highlight that it is very closely tied to the particular hardware components of a device. Firmware is generally flashed into a phone's ROM rather than simply being loaded into normal phone storage, where it could more easily be erased and lost in the event of a crash. Firmware updates are sometimes provided by a company as a way to fix bugs or introduce new functionality. Unfortunately Samsung has abandoned firmware updates on low-end devices such as our Galaxy Ace.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2. If the ROM zip contains the kernel there is no need of installing a custom kernel afterwards. Always when you flash something don't forget to mount /system, /data, /cache and /sdcard. It seems you have installed CWM Recovery so you should know about mounting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3. Odin was software that was first leaked back a couple years ago from Samsung. Samsung uses or used it to "flash" or "install" firmware/os/kernels/radio's onto the devices. Samsung still uses it or a form of it in certain releases as a Window's Upgrade Tool as its been known. Its still basically old Odin underneath a custom Window's UI skin.
Odin is your friend, respect it. If used improperly it can brick a device since it has the ability to flash very vulnerable sections of your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4. a) If your phone can access through CWM then you can probably unbrick your device restoring your nandroid backup. In such case, the brick is called a soft-brick.
b) If your phone stucks on boot logo and has no access on CWM then, you should use ODIN to unbrick it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5. You can. I don't know if you loose some of your settings but what is certainly you won't loose is data (Unless you wipe it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use Google too for such questions. Also, you seem to be new here so please keep in mind these things :
- Never ask for ETAs (Expected Time of Arrival)
- For reporting bugs or asking questions about a ROM use its Discussion thread. If it has no discussion thread you are free to post in development thread.
- Do not post OFF-Topic replies on such threads. You are free to do such thing on the OFF-TOPIC thread on general section of this device.
- Follow XDA rules even if you feel embarrassed or offended. Report the user which does this to you instead.
- Instead of Replying "Thank you. It worked!" Just click Thanks button instead.
Good luck!
Regards,
Teddy

Search on google for all this questions..u definately find all solutions..
Sent from my GT-S5830i using Tapatalk 2

[Q] What does the custom recovery do?

I'm following the steps in the link below to root my phone:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1426377
At step 3, I did get a successful message (I can't remember the message now, but, it seemed successful), but, what exactly does it do? Should I have an extra recovery file on my computer or phone? I don't see any new file created on my computer. So, I just want to make sure it worked properly before moving on.
Thanks.

new file
mordsith said:
I'm following the steps in the link below to root my phone:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1426377
At step 3, I did get a successful message (I can't remember the message now, but, it seemed successful), but, what exactly does it do? Should I have an extra recovery file on my computer or phone? I don't see any new file created on my computer. So, I just want to make sure it worked properly before moving on.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, overlooked this question. If you were communicating with your phone using adb, i don't think anything was created on the computer. The successful thing was unlocking the phone I think, so you could install a custom recovery, which lets you install custom roms. If you've already installed a new rom and run through the setup, I gotta figure the installation of the recovery was successful, as you can't flash custom rom without having a custom recovery installed first. Remember that with some roms you must download the appropriate gapps to provide a handful of the google apps that couldn't be included in the custom rom.

What does the custom recovery do?
pbergonzi said:
Oops, overlooked this question. If you were communicating with your phone using adb, i don't think anything was created on the computer. The successful thing was unlocking the phone I think, so you could install a custom recovery, which lets you install custom roms. If you've already installed a new rom and run through the setup, I gotta figure the installation of the recovery was successful, as you can't flash custom rom without having a custom recovery installed first. Remember that with some roms you must download the appropriate gapps to provide a handful of the google apps that couldn't be included in the custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, it's probably better that this question is separated in a new thread, anyways.
I didn't move on. I restrained myself from going ahead! Thank goodness you answer pretty fast . Learned the hard way in other experiences.
So, I didn't install a custom rom and based on the original post, I gather, there is no need to., so I'll skip it for now. However, can I install it later, correct, after following the remainder of the instructions?
Thanks.

custom rom
mordsith said:
However, can I install it later, correct, after following the remainder of the instructions?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do ANYTHING!!! You are an infinite soul, unbound by nature and the laws of physics.
And I'm sure you will be able to flash a custom rom following the instructions when you want to, seeing as you have the good sense to read and be cautious.

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