[Q] RAZR flashing for dummies - Motorola Droid RAZR

My last couple phones have been Samsung and flashing them is pretty straight forward. However I have a friend with a RAZR Maxx (XT912 I assume, since it's Verizon?) and I'd like to get a ROM loaded on his phone but reading through the forum it looks like flashing it will be much more complicated. I was wondering if someone could point me towards a walkthrough (if such exists) for flashing these phones, and a recommendation for a good, stable ROM to start with.
Thanks.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1964848
The 1st post in that thread has a pretty nice list of all the things you should know to get started. Read em carefully! I'd run either the Liquid Smooth Rom, or one of the Nightlies by the CM team. I go back and forth between them, they're both pretty stable.

If you go with CM10.1
I recommend using the latest nightly as of this post:
cm-10.1-20130418-NIGHTLY-spyder.zip
from here:
http://get.cm/?device=spyder
I've been using that build since about 6pm yesterday with no issues. It's probably a good idea to use mattlgroff's Droid RAZR Utility to fastboot back to stock, then root using the same utility before installing any new rom. I'm using hashcode's SafeStrap version 3.11 on Rom Slot 1
note: At this point CM10.1 will ONLY WORK with Rom Slot 1.

Related

[Q] droid 1 roms

i have done a bit of looking around on running roms on my phone, but just about everything i found is over 8 months old and apps used are no longer available. just looking for direction on updated apps or direction on running roms. i have a rooted droid 1 on version 2.2.1 build frg83d. any help would be great!
Thanks
So just install ROM manager, install the recovery and download a rom like CM 6.1 and flash it. Make sure you backup though. Try looking on youtube. That'll probably help you out more.
Have a Look in the Droid 1 section, yes the phone is old and developement is going slow at the moment
thanks, i did try rom manager but i was having problems yesterday with it. after your replies i tried it today and it is working fine now. thanks for the help.

[Q] Questions about flashing ICS for a friend

Hello everyone, I'm trying to do a buddy of mine a favor by upgrading his Vibrant to something a lot better (he's on stock) but I'm a bit unclear on a few things. First of all let me get out of the way that I'm a Fascinate (Verizon) owner that recently modded my own phone to run AOKP ICS Milestone 6 with great results, so I figured since he pretty much had the exact same phone I could do it for him. The problem I'm running into is the procedure I used to flash my phone doesn't seem to apply to the Vibrant (or at least what I was searching for) so I just wanted to clear up a few steps before I try to flash his phone.
He's not a very tech savvy guy, so he won't be updating ROMs on the bleeding edge or anything, he just wants his phone to run better so I figure ICZen is the way to go right, considering it's based off of what I'm using now (AOKP M6)? Everything needs to work, so that pretty much rules out any JB right now because of the GPS issues. Okay now onto the specific flashing questions:
1) This thread seems to be the go to thread for flashing the Vibrant, but it hasn't been updated since Dec '11, so would I just follow the same procedure for the newer ICS roms?
2) Here is the guide I used for my Fascinate (see section 4), which has a few extra steps that I notice are lacking for the Vibrant... namely installing cwm4 fixed for cm7 first, then installing THS Build 2, then flash over that with whatever ICS Rom you need.
3) Devil Kernel is what's considered best on my phone running AOKP M6... is that true as well for ICZen?
4) Since the Vibrant never got 2.3, what is the best modem to be using? On the Fascinate the EH03 (GB) stock modem is best, but I'm unsure what the deal is for the Vibrant since they never got an official GB update. Also along the same topic, Verizon has a code you can input that updates your PRL and improves reception... does T-Mobile have such a code or not?
I appreciate any and all input, as I want this to go as smoothly as possible. Thanks
You seem to have a pretty good grasp on what your doing.
From stock, install gingerbread bootloaders then go to recovery via volume rocker down and hold power button, until the logo. Might have to practice it a couple times.
Once in recovery click reinstall packages, might have to do it s couple of times. This installs your update.zip
From here I always perform wipes and flash a custom Froyo ROM. Maybe overkill but, only takes a second and I don't mind.
From here I flashed the latest CM9 nightly and on to Helly Bean.
Do your wipes in between flashes, and you should be fine.
I haven't ever heard about a T-Mobile code for tower updates, I think its automatic.
Well I didn't have to worry about bootloaders on my Fascinate since I was already on GB, so that's a bit new to me... but doing a quick google search I found this guide. Is that an accurate guide to follow? Alright so basically what you're saying is before I root at all I need to do this?
Also like I was saying earlier, he wants everything to work so I think Helly Bean is out of the question because of GPS, right? I was thinking ICZen looks the cleanest, with everything working nicely, and it's based on what I'm currently using on mine.
Can you clarify on why you're flashing a custom froyo rom? I won't mind to do that either, if it has any benefit.
Also, I checked his phone last night and it's on stock 2.2, not 2.1 if that makes any sort of difference. Thanks again
First root and get cwm recovery then flash bootloaders. The vibe never got an official GB, so that's why boot loaders are recommended. The guide you have is fine. Second the GPS on the vibrant has been notoriously hit or miss. I have a captivate, the GPS works great but my vibe couldn't get a lock to save my life.
Now as far as iczen or hellybean, you have to weigh the options:
Iczen is a great ROM and might have a better chance getting a GPS lock. IMO if you can get a lock with ICS you will probably get a lock with JB. But with ICS you have to be concerned with the EU bug. What's that you ask:
There has been an issue with people randomly looking at phone and a message saying encryption unsuccessful press to reset. If you press the button you have basically just locked up your internal SD card. If you don't press you MIGHT be able to recover it. There is a workaround if this happens, to use ext SD only but your friend will not like that.
I'm currently running hellybean on both of my devices and I love it. Like I said, cappy gps works great and my vibrant not so much. If you really want stable go with bionix as toast recommended or one of moped Ryder's ROMs . If you want to be wowed, go with hellybean.
There are some things you can try with it to get a GPS lock. The general consensus is turn on GPS, reboot, wait it out till you get an initial lock. After that locks will be quicker. I hope this helped in some way, if so hit thanks. As far as the guides etc you are good to go.
its peanut butter jelly(bean) time
That did help quite a bit, thank you. I have never even heard of that bug, do you know if that's Vibrant specific or can that happen on any of the others? I have been wanting to try Helly Bean on my Fascinate, but unfortunately my sdcard isn't very stable and I don't trust to flash anything until I can buy a new one. Honestly, I don't even think he cares much about the GPS, my original point was more along the lines of that I wanted to give him as much of a glitch-free experience as possible, so my fault for not being more specific. If Helly Bean is as stable as you're saying, then maybe I'll just do that instead then, especially after you explained that glitch. Also, since I don't have any Helly Bean experience myself, does it offer as much customization as AOKP? I've grown quite fond of all the little tweaks they include
Hellybean is pretty stable. When I did my vibrant I didn't have to use a boot loader I went straight to ICS then jellybean. If you want ICS then you may want to try aokp for his vibe its nice. If you end up trying aokp milestone 6 and have unknown baseband let me know and I'll link you to a linario build that should fix that
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app
I have a complete guide to install ICS ROMs in my signature if you feel so inclined. PM me if you need any of the files or I may just host them on my Dev-Host account. I'll be out most of the day, but I can upload them later on tonight.
When I need to go back to stock and root and flash cwm I use the AIO toolbox. I just put the rom on the internal flash and then use AIO to get cwm on it from the flash custom rom option. Then cancel the file and the phone will reboot into recovery where you install packages twice and should end up in cwm.
The EU bug has hit vibrant and captivates that I know of. It seems rare though, if you think about the number of users compared to the reported number of cases of the EU bug, its a small percentage.Hellybean doesn't have nearly as much customization but it does offer theming and some launcher/lock screen tweaks. You could always use a custom launcher. There are a few other jellybean ROMs you could try. Honestly any way you go will be better than stock!
*I forgot to tell you, you will need to Odin back to stock 2.1!
its peanut butter jelly(bean) time
Yeah.. I don't think root is actually necessary to do any of this. You'll be rooted when the process is complete however. The custom ROMs come with root access.
But to elaborate on Samsgun357's last post, if you are currently on Froyo 2.2 stock, you'll need to Odin back to stock 2.1 prior to starting, because Samsung fixed the bug that allows installation of custom recovery when they released 2.2
It's simple to do, search the forums and you'll find a guide on Odining back to JFD. That's stock Eclair. If I have time in a few I'll locate it for you and post it.
There are YouTube videos about it with links to the files as well. I think djeddie1west posted a good one with links to all files needed, if they are still working links.
Edit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1117990
There's the link for installing GB bootloader.
Also, I am on my phone and haven't tested links, but as long as they work, near the bottom of the post you'll find the files needed to Odin the JFD files.
Eh, I just gave up and told him to go get an iPhone instead, to increase his hipster status.
Or... that's right, I'd rather be dead than own one of those ugly bricks.
You have all been extremely helpful, and I think I have more than enough to go on. I think for now I'll just throw ICZen on his phone since it's based on the rom I'm most familiar with... and when I have more experience with Helly Bean (I finally ordered a new sdcard that's on the way, so I can play with it on my own phone soon enough :good I'll just flash his again. He'll be okay with the risks mentioned so far in this post, and honestly his upgrade is coming up soon so I'm sure I'll be drooling over his S3 when that time comes.
@Woodrube That guide you made to install ICS was exactly what I was looking for, and I wish I had found it earlier so thank you for making such an excellent post.
I'll post back here with the results, thanks for all the help once again

[Q] Just rooted my XT912, Now what's next?

I know that every method works for each version of your android system, I rooted my phone, I guess the next step is to install the boot Menu Manager, I am new @ motorola phones, I come from Samsung Droid Charge, I would like to install a fully working debloated rom, I currently have the latest update 4.1.2.
I am lost, but I know I have root, I just checked with root checker.
Please help me !!
Hi. Go to your browser and install safestrap 3.11. After that, just find a ROM and follow instructions. There's a guy named Tom on YouTube who has some good 'how-to' videos. Don't use ROM manager or ROM toolbox. They arent very reliable or up to date. Titanium backup is a good purchase that helps. Have fun and whatever you do, keep and backup your stock ROM!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
D-WIZ can satisfy your requirement.Stable,smooth,best battery life,no bugs.
My english is bad....Or even worse than bad....
jorge3687 said:
I know that every method works for each version of your android system, I rooted my phone, I guess the next step is to install the boot Menu Manager, I am new @ motorola phones, I come from Samsung Droid Charge, I would like to install a fully working debloated rom, I currently have the latest update 4.1.2.
I am lost, but I know I have root, I just checked with root checker.
Please help me !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you just check out droidrzr.com they are dedicated to xt 912 cdma and have lots of good support and live chat support as well. incase nobody helps you here
Is ROM Toolbox still a good/safe app for debloating my stock ROM?
I came from an HTC Thunderbolt and this phone is already very different.
Also, does anyone know of an EXTREMELY STABLE ROM that is 4.2.2 Jelly Bean for this XT912?
i wouldnt suggest using rom tool box. motorola have locked bootloaders things are done differently with them while samsung and htc and others have unlocked bootloader. this is where motorola gets tricky the website i referred to you have an active chat and lots of good support if you post there. somebody will respond to you fast.
razr is kind of dead in forums because of how difficult motorola is development. it really is painful.
naifs_br10 said:
i wouldnt suggest using rom tool box. motorola have locked bootloaders things are done differently with them while samsung and htc and others have unlocked bootloader. this is where motorola gets tricky the website i referred to you have an active chat and lots of good support if you post there. somebody will respond to you fast.
razr is kind of dead in forums because of how difficult motorola is development. it really is painful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I kinda figured it was.
Having to use the Smart Actions app during the root process is what made me think... wtf? Lol.
Check out the CM 10.1 and Avatar ROMs is you are going for a Jelly Bean rom. So far i have liked them. FYI, i just rooted my razr a few weeks ago as well. I am loving it. :laugh:

[Q] Looking for info/advice on what to do next

I got my GS4 back in the summer and I promptly rooted and I believe I even was able to unlock the bootloader. I then flashed Eclipse S4 TW edition (based on MDK) and its been so rock solid I haven't had a reason to touch is since. I'm been staring at my android 4.2.2 version and have been thinking no reason to upgrade. If it isn't broke don't fix it right? Well I'm starting to feel the flashing itch so I decided to jump back on XDA and see whats out there.
I'm trying to get a grasp on what all has changes since the last time I flashed my phone. It looks like there has been a few new builds to drop since I flashed. I'm confused on the details though. With my current state can I flash anything I want using the custom recovery or are there restrictions that I must follow. I have seen posts about using SafeStrap for flashing. I remember SafeStrap from my Razr days as a solution for phones with locked bootloaders. Does one of the OTA's relock the bootloader and make it impossible to unlock or are the SafeStrap posts for people that got the phones after me which already came with a locked bootloader?
Any reason why not to upgrade to the newest builds? I can't find any details on what is different between the builds but I have to imagine there is some new stuff that I might want to play with.
Lastly, can anyone suggest a good solid ROM to similar to Eclipse TW that is based on a newer build?
I appreciate any help you guys can give me. Being away this long and coming back is slightly overwhelming and who has time to navigate through every page of every thread for the past 6 months or so.
I would suggest to read some of the threads....custom Roms for 4.3 and 4.4 are a bit slow in coming. If you are mdk...no need for safestrap....you can still keep your phone rooted and loki'd..and move to 4.3 base
powered by hashcode safestrap hyperdrive 10.2
trevoryour said:
I got my GS4 back in the summer and I promptly rooted and I believe I even was able to unlock the bootloader. I then flashed Eclipse S4 TW edition (based on MDK) and its been so rock solid I haven't had a reason to touch is since. I'm been staring at my android 4.2.2 version and have been thinking no reason to upgrade. If it isn't broke don't fix it right? Well I'm starting to feel the flashing itch so I decided to jump back on XDA and see whats out there.
I'm trying to get a grasp on what all has changes since the last time I flashed my phone. It looks like there has been a few new builds to drop since I flashed. I'm confused on the details though. With my current state can I flash anything I want using the custom recovery or are there restrictions that I must follow. I have seen posts about using SafeStrap for flashing. I remember SafeStrap from my Razr days as a solution for phones with locked bootloaders. Does one of the OTA's relock the bootloader and make it impossible to unlock or are the SafeStrap posts for people that got the phones after me which already came with a locked bootloader?
Any reason why not to upgrade to the newest builds? I can't find any details on what is different between the builds but I have to imagine there is some new stuff that I might want to play with.
Lastly, can anyone suggest a good solid ROM to similar to Eclipse TW that is based on a newer build?
I appreciate any help you guys can give me. Being away this long and coming back is slightly overwhelming and who has time to navigate through every page of every thread for the past 6 months or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, So heres what you missed. After the MDK release they(Verizon/Samsung) patched the loki bootloader hack so thats why anybody whos not on the MDK release has an locked bootloader. That is where safestrap comes in. Safestrap is a custom recovery that was developed by Hascode, in order to provide those with a locked bootloader a way to get in on the rom action, while keeping there stock rom untouched.
Now that said i would advise you to update but not through the stock "Check Update" tab (as that will lock your phones bootloader). Instead you should just flash a rom that is built with the new update as the base (E.X. Hyperdrive 11). This will allow you to get the new update without locking your bootloader.
Now for roms, i believe there is an updated Eclipse TW Rom & Eclipse AOSP ROM on the Dev's site ( dont know the link but will post it once i find it).

[Q] Which ROM?

Years ago a friend installed CM7 on my Atrix and now it's pretty unstable. I would like to reinstall the ROM fresh. The question is, which ROM should I install. (He didn't backup before installing CM7)
I'm thinking it would be nice to go back to an official ROM but, there is CM10.1. I'm leary of going back to CM because the 10.1 ROM is not official and it doesn't seem there will be much improvements for CM on an Atrix 4G.
I'm leery of going to an official ROM because I see all the banter of bricking it with Gingerbread.
Suggestions?
Atrixor said:
Years ago a friend installed CM7 on my Atrix and now it's pretty unstable. I would like to reinstall the ROM fresh. The question is, which ROM should I install. (He didn't backup before installing CM7)
I'm thinking it would be nice to go back to an official ROM but, there is CM10.1. I'm leary of going back to CM because the 10.1 ROM is not official and it doesn't seem there will be much improvements for CM on an Atrix 4G.
I'm leery of going to an official ROM because I see all the banter of bricking it with Gingerbread.
Suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The real question is what version of android do you want to run? CM7/7.2 is the only official CM ROM. CM10.1 is not official b/c of the kernel issues, which is still being worked. Does it really matter if a ROM is official or not? No. "Doesn't seem there will be much improvements for CM on an Atrix 4G."? Really? I'm not even going to post the link, I'm just going to say go google android version history and see what CM9, 10, and 10.1 have that CM7 does not have, and then restate that noob statement. Seriously, you have no idea what you are talking about.
Multiple users, including myself, have unlocked, rooted, restored to stock, many times over the past 3 yrs. In addition, there are guides readily available to help you through the process of preparing your device for custom ROMs. So the concern of bricking is a non issue unless you don't know what you're doing. Banter of bricking it only exists if you flash the incorrect sbf. Its not that hard. Sit down, read guides, ask questions as needed.
Let me be the first to admit that I am a noob and have no idea what I'm doing because this is my first foray into the world of smart phones (we all have to learn somewhere).
I went ahead and put CM10.1 on there and after adding the fixed gapp package it seems to be working fine.
Does anyone have a working link to a gingerbread ROM that works for an AT&T Atrix 4G? The links on this tread are dead: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1163342

Categories

Resources