Root Samsung Galaxy Y - backup phone first? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi All,
New user, and so far browsing has returned a lot of interesting threads, hopefully I can make myself at home here soon!
In the interim, I am looking for some assistance on rooting. I have heard a bit about it and the first thing that comes from it is "it invalidates your warranty", many questions such as "does this include software, and hardware" or "just software"...
Anyway, the main question I came to ask!
I am looking at potentially rooting my Galaxy Y, as it is very limited in local storage space, and I am looking to "extend" the phone memory into a partition on the SD (or just use the SD solely where possible), however, I have seen a few things on rooting, but so far I have yet to see a means by which you can "ghost" or take an "image" of your phone before rooting it, so that you can revert to this image in the event of disaster?
1) Is it possible to do this, or can you only use other ROM images?
2) what are the disadvantages to rooting your phone?
3) would "unrooting" your phone result in warranty being restored, or is it a case of 'once the phone has seen sight of rooting, its done for!'?
Many Thanks, and I look forward to many future postings!

Related

[Q] and on the 7th day it died

So, everything was fine as I shut down last night after reading a few pages from a book. Tried to power up this evening and it just won't cooperate. It won't turn on unless I hold the power button down for nine seconds. It starts up "with tap n tap" screen, then the n logo shows, then the "with tap n tap" flashes and returns to black screen then shows the "with tap n tap" for a total of eight times then stays black. No rooting, totally stock, used very little, few apps, added some reader stuff, tried a barcode thing to no avail - nothing more. Please advise. Take pity on someone like your mother! Any ideas on how to fix this? Should I contact Viewsonic or Woot? (yes, it's fully charged - first thing I tried). I'm so disappointed : (
Thank you
I've seen this happen a few times with both stock and modded devices. I think it's caused by corruption in data files that are used by some of the system firmware but I'm not 100% certain of that. A data wipe could very well get you going again. Without being able to boot all the way you're options for doing that are somewhat limited. One would be to install and use ClockworkMod, a very minor and extremely common modification to the firmware. The other option that I have used successfully is a script I've written that will delete those system prefence files and clear the machines cache without modifying your firmware. Neither is terribly complicated to implement.
All that being said... it is really up to you as to how comfortable you would feel performing those options. I can say that you will find plenty of people here that will be willing to stay right with you until it's fixed and we have a very high success rate when it comes to recovering from this kind of issue. On the other hand, Woot has been very responsive to customers with problems so it's really your call.
This thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245 has instructions for installing ClockworkMod. It has a lot of other information in it also but the important part would be installing CWM. It also has download links to the files. Once it is installed it is a fairly simple matter of booting the machine up while holding down the volume up key and you'll be presented with a menu of options that will include wiping data. Selecting that will clear out any apps you've downloaded and associated data along with the system data. Once done you simply reboot the machine from another menu option and you should be off and running.
My script is run very much like installing ClockworkMod but will simply do the deletion without any user intervention. When done it reboots automatically and in two or three minutes you should be back to the initial setup screen for the tablet.
All of this probably sounds a lot more difficult than it really is but I think if you take a look at that thread I listed above and do a little searching on terms like "ClockworkMod Data Wipe" you'll find there are lots of folks who have done this and plenty of help if you need it.
KJ and LynnyW,
Since he can't boot, he will either have to make a microSD with a CWM update.zip and recovery folder (with command file edited to point to SDCARD2 instead of SDCARD) and boot that into recovery with power/volume + .
Or, he will have to NVFlash the CWM by itself.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1020747
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1030042
The two links above have most of the info.
If he can get CWM up by one method or the other, need to go to Advanced Menu and tell it to Partition (2048 and 0), Fix Permissions and Wipe Dalvik Cache -- and then return to Main Menu and Wipe Cache and Wipe/Reset Factory Data. Then reboot.
If the tablet comes up fine we're good to go. Otherwise may need to talk about a
stock rom flash.
Hope this helps.
Rev
I am running a stock system. Amazon market and a couple bird games are all that's really on it as I use it mostly to browse the web with. No flash no email, it's stock. So far I've limped through how to recover from the acore.process problem, then ended up learning how to use nvflash after what this user described happened twice so far. I am debating updating to a Dev rom if they are more stable as otherwise this is just a fragile toy that I can't take out of the house on trips.
wetzk said:
I am debating updating to a Dev rom if they are more stable as otherwise this is just a fragile toy that I can't take out of the house on trips.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update. So much better it's unreal. Go with something stable like Caulkin, Vegantab, or TnT lite. Not only will you get the real Market, you'll be much happier all around. It can be much more than a fragile little toy.
butchconner said:
KJ and LynnyW,
Since he can boot, he will either have to make a microSD with a CWM update.zip and recovery folder (with command file edited to point to SDCARD2 instead of SDCARD) and boot that into recovery with power/volume + .
Or, he will have to NVFlash the CWM by itself.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1020747
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1030042
The two links above have most of the info.
If he can get CWM up by one method or the other, need to go to Advanced Menu and tell it to Partition (2048 and 0), Fix Permissions and Wipe Dalvik Cache -- and then return to Main Menu and Wipe Cache and Wipe/Reset Factory Data. Then reboot.
If the tablet comes up fine we're good to go. Otherwise may need to talk about a
stock rom flash.
Hope this helps.
Rev
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the decision needs to be made as to whether LynnyW actually wants to start mucking about before we go suggesting modifying the recovery and repartitioning the tablet. In this case I think all that's necessary is a data wipe and that can be done without starting down a path that LynnyW may not care to follow. I certainly wouldn't recommend anything as extreme as repartitioning when the question asked is whether or not a call should be made to the manufacturer and vendor.
KJ,
Take him where you want to go -- but if he can't boot up he's going to have to
get inside somehow. That's why I said I thought he would have to install CWM.
If you know some way to wipe or reset without CWM, go for it.
Rev
P. S. -- And I assume anyone that posts here wants to fix it unless that is not
possible -- and then they want us to tell them to go to VS or Woot or
whatever.
I meant no offense, Rev. She asked whether she should call woot or Viewsonic. I was just pointing that out. Not everyone is ready to jump into modding when they have the option of warranty return/replacement.
waiting for Viewsonic call
Thanks folks. I don't want to go mucking about until necessary. I guess I was hoping for an easy fix/reset. I prefer not to send the tab for repair unless replacement is necessary. Not yet willing to put my toe in water of this vast new world of acronyms I know nothing about. My brother's voice echos in my head "you know just enough to be dangerous" (re windows). I don't want to void the warranty. I called Viewsonic and had to leave my telephone number for a return call. I'm hoping they can e-mail a file which I can copy to a microSD, pop in, turn on, and resume - until I have the nerve to install something more stable. I will let you know what Viewsonic has to say. They no longer operate at the toll free number listed on the website. Directed to another number where they answer the phone "can I help you?". I wonder what service they are using for tech support.
Lynny
I have just such a file that might get you going. Posted it this morning here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1030915
Feel free to look that over and let me know if you have any questions. The main caveat is that it will delete any user apps that have been installed. That may include factory installed apps that are stored in the user app area. If that is a problem I can modify the script to preserve them but then we might not be clearing the problem file.
Viewsonic should hire you!
Well, I received a call from Viewsonic tech support. The moment I finished explaining what happens on the screen, the tech said "I never heard of this. Ship it back." Whoa, no attempt to troubleshoot? I asked was there not a bootable file I could be e-mailed? After rephrasing and getting nowhere, I was not happy to be told to send this to LA for an unknown amount of time at my expense. I was told I could call back later when the manager was back from lunch. This is a far cry from the claim on the Viewsonic website:
"Got a question? We have the answers right here: documentation, downloads, tech support, software updates, product warranty and registration. Get the assistance you need, when you need it – right now. Find out how we stand behind our product, all the way."
The lack of speculation regarding what the problem might be makes me feel that Viewsonic farmed this out to a fly-by-night call center and the folks there were told to have callers just send in the hardware.
Sorry, I had to rant.
KJ, Viewsonic should hire you and your xda brethren. The files to clear the data worked. Yes, it did wipe out factory and user apps, but it got the tab working in five minutes. It also gave me a little courage. I will, after all, start reading about modifying this thing. I don't want to set it all up only to have it faint on me again.
If you have any recommendations for the least-likely-to-brick-it route, please advise. I have read a number of threads but there is so much information, and although there are numerous step-by-step instructions, I have no idea what the different roms do. I don't know where to start reading and I don't want to become an annoyance here. I will do my homework before I ask too many newbie questions.
THANK YOU!
Lynny
We understand the need to rant from time to time. No problem ;-)
Glad it got you going. I do want to recommend that you do a factory reset from the system settings also just to make absolutely sure everything was cleaned properly. It's under "Security" in the System Settings.
As for modding... read, read read. Start with the "Stickied" items in the General and Developer sections. You'll find references to basic procedures and cautions but always make sure to follow the developers instructions attached to the specific ROM you choose. As for the "Least likely to brick it..." I may not be the best person to ask since I routinely run experimental ROMs. I do like the TnTLite path for its stability, reasonable speed and close association to the stock ROM. Read as much of the threads attached to each one and ask questions if you need to. That's why we're here.

[Q] CWM Installation Queries - SGS2

Hi guys,
First off, I'm a total newbie to custom ROMs, root etc - so whilst I'm considering following ChainFire's directions to install CWM, it makes me nervous... I did read all 20 pages of the thread, but am still left wondering about a few things:
1) Once installed, is that it? Have I voided my warranty? It states that you can still update firmware or re-install stock ROM, but I got the impression that it left a trace behind which Samsung could find. Is this correct?
2) Presumably before attempting this, I should completely back up my phone. But how? I can copy files from readable SD card (int & ext), but what about the 'hidden' parts of my phone?
3) Finally, how risky is this? I have been tempted to root for ages now (had an HTC Magic, then N1), but just felt my complete lack of knowledge (have been using Android for 2 years now and regularly read tech sites, but more from a user POV rather than dev) has kept me from attempting it. I know, bravery is the key! But is it really worth me trying it if I'm that lost in the world of dev-speak...???
In advance, I really would like to thank anyone who can spare me their time to help me through this...! I feel so out of my depth, yet am actually really comfortable with Android (since cupcake), so feel as though I should be able to get more from the OS.
Once again, thanks.
Jamie

[Q] New Viewpad 7

hi, i am new on the forum so hello to everyone. I joined as i have recently been given a Viewpad7 as a present. i only wanted a 7 inch tablet and didnt have the funds for an ipad/transformer etc, they were a bit on the large size.
i have read a bit about the device and have had a chance at trying it out at one of our local shops. it certainly was a lot faster and more sturdy that the storage options 7" device.
i may be interested in rooting the device and have read up a bit about it on various threads on this forum. i get 50% of what is being said but 50% goes over my head at the moment.
i have an htc android phone and one of the things that is really frustrating is the fact that the memory fills so quickly if you add too many apps. i have been told rooting a device will allow more apps as it allows install to the disc rather than the internal memory...i am presuming this will be the same for a tablet allbeit most have a larger internal memory??
i have heard that the android 2.2 is not great with tablets as it is designed really for the moblie phone? is this the case for the viewpad?
i am presuming that a rooted tablet can use slightly amended operating systems with some tweaks?
can anyone tell me what other benefits there are...
Gingerbreak sounds a good one from what i have read as it is based on the android 3 software...
if there isnt a need to root it i will carry on as is but if there are a lot of benefits i might as well root it when i first get it before i load anything onto it...i will have to learn some of the jargon like 'adb shell' to make sure i dont end up with a brick.....what are the risks in rooting and how often do things not turn out better?
sorry for all the questions....
atb
forgot to ask is there a youtube guide to rooting where i could watch someone going through the stages etc
Hi
Here is the link to video guide for rooting viewpad 7 (or variant like mine - commtiva lynx n700): http://www.techofweb.com/technology/root-viewsonic-viewpad-7-superoneclick.html
With rooted system you can actually do a lot of tweaks like flashing altered core, which will give you possibility to overclock a bit, it will also give the ability to install applications which can require root like Titanium Backup (total backup of all applications, their settings and data) and others.
With rooted device you can also change how your desktop looks, changing even notification icons or dialogue windows or buttons.
Then as you mentioned rooting opens a way to use cores which allows you to store applications, data and java machine cache to a partition on SD card (ext2, 3 or 4) and this will give you a way to install lot more apps than on non rooted tablet.
I can see a lot of benefits in rooting tablet, I have done it 2 days after purchasing n700. Installing new roms will not always give you a stable, fast working tablet, there are reboots sometimes for no apparent reason, there is sometimes a lot of fun flashing another rom and restoring all your apps and data and rearranging desktop to how is was.
What are the risks - if you start wisely and flash proper recovery first and do a system backup first - chances to brick your device permanently are slim. But if you start flashing a device with a new rom right away - you may end up with a non working device and a need to find a stock rom. Because before you can flash rom you must flash recovery, which gives you the ability to flash a rom designed for your device. I haven't read of anyone who bricked tablet when trying to root it.
I've heard about some stack with non working rom (boot loop) and asking for stock one. But there is always a way to flash non altered rom for your device (after flashing recovery which is kind of application like bios but without all those options to change device settings).
But behind all this, which is for altered pads lovers just a fun - you will have a device which is far more functional then the stock one.
Have fun
Jaredj
hi...i think i will root it at least, but not sure if i will bother with any of the roms. doesnt look like there are many available for this tablet, although i may be looking in the wrong places...
atb
rooted it...use the one click but it wouldnt do it with the latest so i used one of the older versions and it did it...
now...now that it is rooted can i get rid of any of the clutter like the stock browser and any of the other stuff i wont use as i will download other apps??
will titanium backup copy the whole system for me, i have seen a post about backing up the viewpad but it was using the command prompt and i am not confident doing this...what is the easiest way of doing a full backup in case i brick it??
atb
another question i have is will rooting the pad now mean that i can save more apps onto it...it is showing about 80mb of space left at the moment...if so how do i get it to save everything to my sd card?
atb
Another point....now i am getting into this device. i have copied some of my films onto disc to put in this... some mp4 some h.264 [i think] files both with mp3 audio but the player on the viewpad just says it cant play them...it hasnt opened any video files yet!!!!
atb
nothing seems to be working here...i have emailed viewsonic support and have now been told this unit only supports 3GP playback????????
atb
Install a better video player app, I use rockplayer myself to play avi files.
Further I would recommend you search and read the forums, there is a lot of info to be found and most of your questions will already have been answered in the past.
have now tried rockplayer but still no joy. it will play small files up to 70mb but anything bigger seems to bring the sorry cannot play video warning... have tried altering some of the settings in the 3GP format but still no joy. have also noticed it wont paly any of the youtube videos through the app at HQ, but it will play them all at a lower quality...really did want this to hold films to play on the move but as yet cannot seem to get them to play no matter which palyer... not sure if it may be a problem with the unit?
will do some more reading!!
atb

Help with rooting Nook Tablet (1.4.3) for 1st time

I have never rooted anything before, as I've heard horror stories about people turning their new device into a door stop. But I would now like to try. I have a Nook Tablet, version 1.4.3. Never been rooted before, as previously mentioned. I have read some of the other threads related to rooting but am not certain if the answers apply to my specific situation, as most others seem to have already rooted previously:
1) What is the simplest way to do this? (I am a novice, so speak slowly.)
2) Do I risk bricking my device? Stated differently, if I screw this up, can I reset the device to factory settings and start over, or does it become the door stop with no going back?
3) Curious - I have an Android phone. If after rooting, I link the Nook to my Google account, will I be able to download software I have already purchase and have installed on my phone, or no? Do I have to buy a second license?
4) Anything else I need to know?
Thanks in advance.
mpotts7 said:
I have never rooted anything before, as I've heard horror stories about people turning their new device into a door stop. But I would now like to try. I have a Nook Tablet, version 1.4.3. Never been rooted before, as previously mentioned. I have read some of the other threads related to rooting but am not certain if the answers apply to my specific situation, as most others seem to have already rooted previously:
1) What is the simplest way to do this? (I am a novice, so speak slowly.)
2) Do I risk bricking my device? Stated differently, if I screw this up, can I reset the device to factory settings and start over, or does it become the door stop with no going back?
3) Curious - I have an Android phone. If after rooting, I link the Nook to my Google account, will I be able to download software I have already purchase and have installed on my phone, or no? Do I have to buy a second license?
4) Anything else I need to know?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just search for Manual Nooter 5.02.20 and flash it with a CWM bootable SD. You can get the image for the bootable SD in my tips thread linked in my signature.
And no to bricking, it is a pretty safe procedure.
Once you log in your previous purchases are available.
This is the wrong forum for the Nook Tablet..no? This is Nook Color Forum and you say you have the tablet.
I was not aware that Manual Nooter would work on the Nook Tablet.
davidr415 said:
This is the wrong forum for the Nook Tablet..no? This is Nook Color Forum and you say you have the tablet.
I was not aware that Manual Nooter would work on the Nook Tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right. I misread the post. Disregard what I said about Manual Nooter. The part about purchases was right though.
I had the dual boot you can get from the link Im posting. My girlfriend and I both have it done, and shes not tech savvy at all, and is still able to use it. Its nice not having to swap out SD cards and everything. But if you want to remove it, its a bit of a PITA as Im having an issue with getting back all of my memory from the second partition thats created.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=959461&page=1

Question: Help on Debloating a M4 Aqua E2303 6.0.1 (Single SIM)

Hello everyone.
I am very new to all of this so I figured I ask first before I accidentally do some stupid things to my phone.
I was thinking of rooting the phone since a while because of the constant storage issues. It was advertised as a 4gb model but since it is my first smartphone of the newer generations I haven't thought of it having only a couple of megabytes storage left after all the system files and bloatware. Now I am regretting not buying an 8gb dual model.
At first it was somewhat manageable, but now after the 6.0.1 update I can barely somehow hold my everyday social media apps updated, let alone be able to have any utility apps or games installed, despite having a 16gb sd card. Since the phone requires some files to be installed on the device itself it makes it rather unusable. I have now come to a point where I cannot install a new very needed app because of storage insufficiency so I came to search for help on how to remove all these useless preinstalled apps.
I searched a bit trough the forum but all these apps and roms... are confusing me. As I don't which of those I would need just to get rid of the bloatware. I don't really need any other changes to my phone. Just something that makes me able to remove the bloatware and has the least amount of risk bricking my phone.
What would I need to do to be able to remove the unwanted apps? Just the root? Some app after that? Or a new rom?
And if you could point me in a direction of a detailed or low risk guide I'd be grateful.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
emaciop
You have several solutions but of course, root is the best way to be able to to the more.
A lot of solutions need your phone to be rooted.
But it is not so simple to do, look at the different tuto on this forum.

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