First, and foremost, hello. I am new here, and I'm glad to be a part of the forum. Secondly, I'd like to apologize if I am posting this in the wrong section.
The topic I'd like to ask you a few questions about today is ROM Flashing, and the steps I should be taking to stay safe. I originally started playing around with Android devices around a year ago, but I recently started to delve deeper. I am the proud owner of an AT&T ZTE Z998 Mustang, and I have rooted it successfully. While in the process of rooting, I saw all of the warnings of how I should do a NANDROID backup, so that was my first instinct. I tried installing Clockworkmod, but to my dismay, they did not have an official version for my phone. I did happen to get lucky and find a version someone ported on their own. I attempted for a whole night before falling prey to error after error, and decided to give up. I went on without any backups, fiddling with my device. Luckily, I did not mess anything up, except for "accidentally" deleting the AT&T startup animation. (Haha.) Tonight, though, I happened to get the urge again, so I made some more attempts. After receiving the same error, I decided to look that error up word for word, and found that I did not have enough room on my Micro SD. I managed to clear enough room, and jumped in joy when I saw that I could delete an app, then restore and have it be back again. It was quite a big accomplishment for me. I've decided that I want to try flashing a custom ROM. The ROM I have chosen is the MIUI ROM. It seems quite popular, and I enjoy the iOS-esq feel of it, as well as its seamless theme changing. The only problem is, there is not an official release for my device. In fact, I have yet to find any ROM with an official release for my device. That is why I am coming to you guys.
My Questions:
Can I use a ROM that has not been specifically made for my device?
Will I still be connected to the AT&T Network?
If so, can I expect errors?
Am I truly safe with this newly acquired backup?
Anything you think I should know?
I'd like to thank you for any help in advance.
BrendonButton said:
First, and foremost, hello. I am new here, and I'm glad to be a part of the forum. Secondly, I'd like to apologize if I am posting this in the wrong section.
The topic I'd like to ask you a few questions about today is ROM Flashing, and the steps I should be taking to stay safe. I originally started playing around with Android devices around a year ago, but I recently started to delve deeper. I am the proud owner of an AT&T ZTE Z998 Mustang, and I have rooted it successfully. While in the process of rooting, I saw all of the warnings of how I should do a NANDROID backup, so that was my first instinct. I tried installing Clockworkmod, but to my dismay, they did not have an official version for my phone. I did happen to get lucky and find a version someone ported on their own. I attempted for a whole night before falling prey to error after error, and decided to give up. I went on without any backups, fiddling with my device. Luckily, I did not mess anything up, except for "accidentally" deleting the AT&T startup animation. (Haha.) Tonight, though, I happened to get the urge again, so I made some more attempts. After receiving the same error, I decided to look that error up word for word, and found that I did not have enough room on my Micro SD. I managed to clear enough room, and jumped in joy when I saw that I could delete an app, then restore and have it be back again. It was quite a big accomplishment for me. I've decided that I want to try flashing a custom ROM. The ROM I have chosen is the MIUI ROM. It seems quite popular, and I enjoy the iOS-esq feel of it, as well as its seamless theme changing. The only problem is, there is not an official release for my device. In fact, I have yet to find any ROM with an official release for my device. That is why I am coming to you guys.
My Questions:
Can I use a ROM that has not been specifically made for my device?
Will I still be connected to the AT&T Network?
If so, can I expect errors?
Am I truly safe with this newly acquired backup?
Anything you think I should know?
I'd like to thank you for any help in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bump.
Hi there. Welcome to the forums!
Unfortunately, the bad thing about phones that aren't very popular in the grand scheme of things means less people have them = less people making stuff for it. Developers often end up picking phones that are going to have more support from the manufacturer and more people will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labors. This of course, is a general rule, and of course there are exceptions, but your phone doesn't seem to be one of them. Companies like ZTE aren't concerned about putting out the source code for phones like this means that it is hard, to almost impossible, to make a really custom rom work correctly due to driver issues among other things.
So to answer the questions:
1) Sometimes, but very dependent on the models, carriers, and which software updates. General rule of thumb is that if it isn't based off the same chipset, it won't have a chance of working. But there are lots of other things to consider to, like radio versions, bootloader status, partition layout, etc. Long story short, there's no easy answer and there are lots of caveats.
2) + 3) See above.
4) You SHOULD be safe if CWM told you that the nandroid was completed successfully, but just like any other software based things, things happen.
Best way to be safe is to be able to reflash the original firmware for the phone back to it, but not even sure if that's an option for you - which goes back to ZTE not giving a $^!* about these cheap little phones for small prepaid companies. They save money by not doing any extra work like providing firmware, updates, source code, etc.
The only forums I know that mess with these kinds of things are:
http://unleashedprepaids.com/forum-1491.html
Not for your phone specifically, but similar ones:
http://androidarea51.com/zte-phones/
So yea, slim pickings.
es0tericcha0s said:
Helpful Info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, thank you! I was waiting all day. I was a little disappointed with the answer, though. v.v Do you know if there are any ROMS that will work with ANY device? Like even bare minerals versions of AOSP ROMS that have yet to be touched?
Also, I am slowly saving for a 64GB Black Nexus 5, so I shouldn't be stuck but more than a month or more so.
BrendonButton said:
First, thank you! I was waiting all day. I was a little disappointed with the answer, though. v.v Do you know if there are any ROMS that will work with ANY device? Like even bare minerals versions of AOSP ROMS that have yet to be touched?
Also, I am slowly saving for a 64GB Black Nexus 5, so I shouldn't be stuck but more than a month or more so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, sorry. It's just not possible. Your best hope would be to use the debloated rom in the unleashed prepaids forum and use the Xposed Framework.
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8769.html
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8771.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/framework-xposed-rom-modding-modifying-t1574401
http://repo.xposed.info/module-overview
I have the Nexus 5 (don't think they come in 64 - only 16/32) but it's awesome and there are so many roms that it'll make your head spin. lol
es0tericcha0s said:
No, sorry. It's just not possible. Your best hope would be to use the debloated rom in the unleashed prepaids forum and use the Xposed Framework.
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8769.html
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8771.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/framework-xposed-rom-modding-modifying-t1574401
http://repo.xposed.info/module-overview
I have the Nexus 5 (don't think they come in 64 - only 16/32) but it's awesome and there are so many roms that it'll make your head spin. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, sorry, yeah, that's what I meant. xD
But, I can not wait for it!
Just some final thoughts and questions:
I do have Xposed installed already, but have yet to look around in it due to the hundreds of modules. Do you have any suggestions about which I should look at for cosmetic needs? I have tried to use Gravitybox, but it force closed upon entry every time I used it, so I deleted it.
I understand that the limitation is very high because of the fact that it is a closed sourced company, but many ZTE Devices are listed to have compatible ROMS, such as MIUI ROM. If I try to use a ROM specified for a different phone, do you know what could happen? I feel that it may not even open, or if it does, it'll have tons of errors and not work upon entry, or even work but have certain things like the camera that will not connect. I'm only worried about high margins of fatal breakage. If it is some silly error that I won't have to "worry" about, I'm okay with fooling around.
If I do try to install a new ROM, but want to go back, will it affect anything on my previous backup? I know backups copy EVERYTHING, but I'd just like to make sure I won't do serious damage.
Lastly, thank you for all the help. It means a ton.
BrendonButton said:
Oops, sorry, yeah, that's what I meant. xD
But, I can not wait for it!
Just some final thoughts and questions:
I do have Xposed installed already, but have yet to look around in it due to the hundreds of modules. Do you have any suggestions about which I should look at for cosmetic needs? I have tried to use Gravitybox, but it force closed upon entry every time I used it, so I deleted it.
I understand that the limitation is very high because of the fact that it is a closed sourced company, but many ZTE Devices are listed to have compatible ROMS, such as MIUI ROM. If I try to use a ROM specified for a different phone, do you know what could happen? I feel that it may not even open, or if it does, it'll have tons of errors and not work upon entry, or even work but have certain things like the camera that will not connect. I'm only worried about high margins of fatal breakage. If it is some silly error that I won't have to "worry" about, I'm okay with fooling around.
If I do try to install a new ROM, but want to go back, will it affect anything on my previous backup? I know backups copy EVERYTHING, but I'd just like to make sure I won't do serious damage.
Lastly, thank you for all the help. It means a ton.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gravity Box wouldn't work because it is for more AOSP based things. As far as theming goes, you can try HK Theme Manager or Ex Themer. For the idea of trying to install a rom for another ZTE phone, well, best case scenario is that it doesn't flash at all. Worst case is that it does flash, and you lose something like your IMEI, baseband, or one or more of your other partitions and all of those are potentially unrecoverable, no matter what kind of backups you have. This wouldn't be one of those, "Oh, shoot, that didn't work, I'll just factory reset or restore my backup and be good to go..." kind of situations.
es0tericcha0s said:
Gravity Box wouldn't work because it is for more AOSP based things. As far as theming goes, you can try HK Theme Manager or Ex Themer. For the idea of trying to install a rom for another ZTE phone, well, best case scenario is that it doesn't flash at all. Worst case is that it does flash, and you lose something like your IMEI, baseband, or one or more of your other partitions and all of those are potentially unrecoverable, no matter what kind of backups you have. This wouldn't be one of those, "Oh, shoot, that didn't work, I'll just factory reset or restore my backup and be good to go..." kind of situations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, wow! Thanks! I'm glad you pointed that out before I tried. So, I should be okay as long as I flash that ROM from the Unleashed Prepaid page? Now I am afraid, but curious.
Also, thank you for the theme modules names, I will kindly note them.
Should be fine. It's 95% stock and I'm sure they only had one version of android for the phone so should be pretty close to what you have now. Benefits would be the unsecured boot.img which is easier for root and other things to stick, init.d which allows you to run scripts (everything from being able to mount a partition of an SD card to use for extra space for apps to memory management stuff like V6 Supercharger), and a bit easier to theme and debloat.
es0tericcha0s said:
Should be fine. It's 95% stock and I'm sure they only had one version of android for the phone so should be pretty close to what you have now. Benefits would be the unsecured boot.img which is easier for root and other things to stick, init.d which allows you to run scripts (everything from being able to mount a partition of an SD card to use for extra space for apps to memory management stuff like V6 Supercharger), and a bit easier to theme and debloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
I'll look into it tonight. I will try and tell about what happens tomorrow-ish.
Cool. Good luck.
Related
OK so my G Tablet is on the way and I've been reading and came across a comment on another forum that the ROM's that exist are built on the original stock software and that the most recent update may be causing problems with CWM? I will be getting my G Tablet on Wednesday, should I not do the update if I am going to be flashing a custom ROM? Thanks in advance!
drum747,
I believe everyone should make their own decisions. But if you ask me -- I'd tell you to simply stick with a stock G-Tablet right now.
When you get yours and go to Settings/About you can see the version -- something
like 1.1.xxxx -- probably 3588. If not, just about as soon as you get wifi connected
it will offer you an OTA (on the air) update to 3588. That's the current working version, and compared to the crud we had back last November it really isn't bad software.
It will lack the Market and some other things...you may have to be patient there.
But you can still side-load apps and download apps directly from a number of places.
But we are waiting. Our devs have found that there is software for a possible
Update 3991. The hope is that OTA 3991 will come down in the next few weeks.
If so, at 3588 stock you will be in perfect shape for that update. And then once you
have worked with it a while, you will be able to decide whether to stick with it -- or look at other options.
It seems like everyone who come in here looks at the ROMs available like a "all-you-can-eat" buffet. The immediately start flashing ROMs and moving around software
until something goes wrong and they are stuck. Indigestion!
With a good 3588 tablet, you can read and interact here and find out the biggest and
the best, and you can learn what you need to that when you are ready you can
move up to whatever you want without problems.
Do what you want. Enjoy the G-Tablet. I think it pretty darn good!
Rev
I agree.........
Stick with the most current stock version 3588. The next update officially available from viewsonic should be very soon, but I don't think it will be 3991 as advertised
3558 was different than what it started as, or it would seem based on what I have gathered from reading old threads.
ale
You know, I have a Droid X and have really enjoyed rooting it and trying different ROM's and was really looking forward to the same type of experience on this tablet. What is the advantage of waiting until the next update? Can't I update, do a full backup and go back to that if I want? Once I install a different ROM, I am then stuck at whatever update and no further updates? Is that why you are saying to wait? Are you saying there will be even better ROM's down the road based on the new update that is coming? Or just that the new update coming might have all the things we would like?
The next update might have some cool stuff... might even be as good or better than the custom stuff here... maybe...
Question is... did you buy the tablet to use it for media consumption or tinkering?
Answer that and you'll know what to do. Just don't forget to make nvflash to factory stock your best friend ;-)
A little of both I guess. Part of the reason I chose this tablet over others is because of the support and customization (and price!) I will try to wait for the next update before I tweak it (if I can!) Heh!! Thanks for the responses guys!! I appreciate the input!
K J Rad said:
The next update might have some cool stuff... might even be as good or better than the custom stuff here... maybe...
Question is... did you buy the tablet to use it for media consumption or tinkering?
Answer that and you'll know what to do. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is without the best quote I could image. Tinkering without first using the tab and getting to realize it's not a giant phone is the first step I think everyone should understand.
And if you do tinker then you should expect it to have opportunities (problems ).
drum747,
Not addressing your abilities or anything about you.
But read all the crash and burn threads on this forum.
IMHO, to many people are trying to do to much too fast and are
messing up their tabs and have to be bailed out.
I'm just saying be cautious, move slowly and carefully and
don't get into trouble.
However, my advice still stands. If you move on to other
ROMS, etc. now, you will cut off access to offline updates.
Then you will have to go back to stock, etc. And
sometimes going back is as much as problem as going up!
It still would be easier to stay stock now and if an update
doesn't come down soon -- you will have read and learned
and be ready to make choices.
IMHO.
Rev
IMHO... if it ain't powering your pacemaker then learn how to nvflash and have fun.
Be part of the revolution or watch it happen... ;-)
Thanks guys! I get what you're saying!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
K J Rad said:
... learn how to nvflash and have fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
QFT.
nvflash is not hard to get working. With a properly set up nvflash procedure and all the info on these forums, the gTab is an unbrickable as it gets.
updates
I upgraded to the vegan 7, gingerbread, how do I go back to the original stock to get the latest updates from viewsonic when update arrives?
Second that
I absolutely agree to stick with the stock ROM and play for a while. The 3588 update is very stable and usable when you change to Classic Home. I have been using it till now, side loading apps and enjoying a lot without having to worry about custom ROMS and such.
The people who are saying stay stock for the updates are glossing over the fact that the Vs updates will just make the stock UI suck a little less.
Before I bought my G tab I had never had any experience with tablets or smart phones or even android for that matter. I have flashed 4 or 5 roms onto my tablet without incident, no boot loops, no dead tab, no anything that anyone would consider a bad experience. I'm using Vegan 5.1.1 for the record, for the third time.
Read a few of the reflash to stock with nvflash threads to prepare yourself in case something does go wrong, but there is no reason to stay stock on this tablet theres to much dev goodness and too much customizationability ( is that even a word?) not to try different things.
Roxxas049 said:
The people who are saying stay stock for the updates are glossing over the fact that the Vs updates will just make the stock UI suck a little less.
Before I bought my G tab I had never had any experience with tablets or smart phones or even android for that matter. I have flashed 4 or 5 roms onto my tablet without incident, no boot loops, no dead tab, no anything that anyone would consider a bad experience. I'm using Vegan 5.1.1 for the record, for the third time.
Read a few of the reflash to stock with nvflash threads to prepare yourself in case something does go wrong, but there is no reason to stay stock on this tablet theres to much dev goodness and too much customizationability ( is that even a word?) not to try different things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think it all boils down to what the individual wants and is willing to risk..this forum makes it easy and there are plenty of options to try just always prepare for the unexpected and dealing with the experimentals expect anything to happen!!
Who am I kidding?! There is no way I will be able to wait for the next update. I already have a ton of files set up to load on my G tablet. I will be Modding within hours of my full charge! Guess its just my nature! Thanks guys!
Butch, thanks I will be reading everything to make sure I do it right Thanks for the advice everyone!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Closing Word...
Everyone that has contributed to this thread--
I have tried to voice the side of conservatism and restraint and
good judgement in this thread. My intention was not to hurt any
feeliings or pick on anyone or rain on anyone's parade.
But if you read what's going on in these forums, there are a lot
of folks having problems. A lot of them are in over their heads and
some have been careless and others made honest mistakes.
I know for my part, I have been working hard to try to help folks
find the tools and make the decisions to get back on track. I'm sure
I have made mistakes and my opinions are mine!
But I speak for myself in saying that even though I am semi-retired
and have more time than most -- I can't keep up this pace. And I've
heard others of the helpers say the same thing.
I also call your attention to the "TwoTapsX" thread and the fact that
the moderators are aware of the problems people are having. Roebeet
has put together a splendid ROM that many think will be the next
generation of G-Tablet software. But because of the complexity of the
mods folks already have had in the tablets, and because of the human
factors listed above -- a lot of folks have messed up their tablets.
In My Humble Opinion: Somebody has got to say that in spite of all the
"opportunities" for mods in these forums -- folks have got to start
exercising more restraint, more good judgement, more common sense in
what they do.
The devs and the folks who are helpers here can't be expected to carry the
load of keeping everyone up and running with the current problem rates. I
sometimes don't agree with the moderators, but this time I see their point.
We users have a good thing here, but if it keeps being abused......
********
Having said that, I am done here. I wish you well.
Rev
/EOT
Just an update. Within an hour of booting up I had installed CWM and Vegan. It was an easy process and now I love my g tablet!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Welcome! Enjoy the koolaid... ;-)
Nice responce
Some months ago I rooted my Vibrant, and realized that was all I had done...rooted it. I had no idea where I was going after that point, so I unrooted and went about my day. I am taking a new approach, I would like some advice in rooting. Pros and cons (other than by rooting I have the chance of REALLY messing things up...i know that thanks.)
I would like to know what exactly rooting does for me, and if there are any articles anyone can point me to I would greatly appreciate the links.
ALSO I am dipping my toes into app development. the best way I could think to do so was with Google Labs App Inventor, but I think ive read that it limits you as far as developing and then sharing through the market, if someone could set me straight on that I would appreciate it, but this also goes in hand with rooting, I have read that alot of people who develop have rooted their phones.
I appreciate any help that you can give me.
Gore
Pro : Access to all the amazing ROMs this community has to offer.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
................................
Shortbus-Driver said:
................................
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, that was helpful...thanks. next?
First off if u didnt want to deal with something u could tinker with u could of gotten a iphone but u didnt? Androids are open source so u can tweak it the way u want it to be, leave it stock or u can add themes to ur stock froyo and make it look like u want it to. But if u want to go all the way and realy make the phone live up to its potential u can root it and do so many amazing things with it once its opened to the power of the Superuser. U can make ur phone run so much faster and once it runs that fast and smooth ull wonder how u lived with that dull slowness of ur phone before. And dont forget all the cool colors u can add to ur phone that dont come with just stock, ginger red theme, high voltage blue and so many more. And then theres the mods that u get with ur phone that the brilliant developers port from other phones. Theres just too many reasons to root and none not to. now u know...LOL
Let me count the ways...
You can install applications that need root:
* AdFree - block in-application ads
* Titanium Backup - backup/restore applications AND their data, and with the paid version you can also backup to your dropbox account
* Root Explorer: Lets you manage files that aren't in your user partition, including the files for the annoyingly loud T-Mobile jingle that plays on boot. Sometimes you do need to start up your phone discreetly, without letting everyone in a 50m radius know you're a T-Mobile customer.
You can also UNinstall applications that you don't need. Don't want T-Mobile TV cluttering your applications list? Gone. Don't want Slacker Radio? Byebye.
Also, you can flash ROMs (or just kernels) that are much faster than the stock, unoptimized Samsung one. There is a thing called the Voodoo lagfix that makes your storage access cached, so applications aren't held up by slow writes when they need fast reads. Some also come with kernels that support Voodoo Sound which makes the audio output sound much better by increasing the sampling rate on the DAC and tying the DAC to the clock to reduce jitter. Definitely a must whether you're an audiophile with $10k cans or just plugging the phone into a sound system.
Let's see, what else. With root, you can also add on wifi tethering without having to shell out more money to use T-mobile's version. You can also install Clockwork Recovery and use it to make a complete backup of your phone, so in case you break it and get another one, just root it, install clockwork recovery, and restore the image and you're back to your old configuration.
So yeah... hopefully at least some of this stuff interests you. If not... well, yeah there's really no point in rooting.
Root becuse your mom told you not to
Not to be rude but if you don't know why you should root then you shouldn't.
OP, if you want an answer to your question, read my Vibrant Guide (why root) and then the Noob root (detailed steps) guide if you need help doing it.
If you read anything on this forum...and still cant figure it out...then give up...you'll never understand
OP, rooting is for those who are not 100% satisfied with there phones. Samsung has given us an amazing device, but fell short in delivering in some areas. Rooting helps us add more functionality & personalization options. If you are happy with the phone and no issues using the way Samsung gave you the phone. Then I do not see a reason for you to root. But if you are like one of us, Then you need to get on the Root train and follow the wonderful guide maintained by "s15274n".
Statutory Warning: Rooting & flashing an android device is a serious addiction. Might lead to serious domestic and or job related issues.
Why shouldn't you?
Unless you want to become a flash junkie with an obsessive need to mod, update, enhance or customize; jonesin’ to flash something every few days, suffering from withdrawals if you ever have to ODIN back to stock due to error (has yet to happen to me, though), scrounging XDA daily for your next hit, do not concern yourself with something like AOSP. Simply turn away and do not look back.
rooting your hpone basically gives you Admin privalages.
You can install custom apps and ROMs with awesome features!
nomadrider123 said:
Not to be rude but if you don't know why you should root then you shouldn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not to be rude but if you didn't have anything helpful to say then why say anything at all?
Thanks to most!
I thanked those who gave me some helpful advice. I do appreciate the insight. I guess i'll give this another crack.
By the By, with the exception of the handful of mildly entertaining comments, if you didnt have anything helpful to say, why say it? No one should discourage anybody from trying anything. Weighing my pros and cons was just a way to decide if its something I really wanted to mess with again.
SO again, thanks to all who did help, and thanks was given
^ I can't vouch for everyone, but the one you quoted I am confident didn't mean it negatively. Way too hard to decipher words on the Internet.
If you want additional features, you should root. If you are content, do not.
gorealmighty said:
not to be rude but if you didn't have anything helpful to say then why say anything at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thing was, nomad had a point. If you genuinely don't know why you should root--and a Vibrant, of all phones--you probably shouldn't. You mention the con of messing up the phone in your original post, and if you don't know the advantages of applying custom ROMs and kernels to the Vibrant, there's a decent chance you may well brick the device.
The Vibrant is a great phone, but tends to be so only after it's rooted and customized. Without the rooting and customization, there are problems with lag, gps, battery life, and myriad other functions.
By rooting and customizing, you're essentially updating the software in various ways that will help ameliorate those issues. My Vibrant was unusable to the point that I upgraded to a Nexus S. However, with the Nexus S, I got comfortable with rooting, unlocking bootloaders, adb, and flashing ROMs and kernels. It became rather routine.
It became routine enough, in fact, that I ended up going back to my Vibrant, because I was comfortable enough to experiment and attempt to make it better than it had been.
But if you don't know that you have to root to correct the lag, say, you may well be better off getting a more midrange Android phone that's more feature than super. You don't want to bork anything, after all.
Just do yourself a favor--understand that rooting and customizing are individual things, and that the forum is great for technical help but less so when you want to know things like which ROM is "best"; there's no such thing. If you root, play with the device, and play with the different ROMs. Give yourself a week where every day you use a different one so you can get a feel for which one's your favorite.
willentrekin said:
Thing was, nomad had a point. If you genuinely don't know why you should root--and a Vibrant, of all phones--you probably shouldn't. You mention the con of messing up the phone in your original post, and if you don't know the advantages of applying custom ROMs and kernels to the Vibrant, there's a decent chance you may well brick the device.
The Vibrant is a great phone, but tends to be so only after it's rooted and customized. Without the rooting and customization, there are problems with lag, gps, battery life, and myriad other functions.
By rooting and customizing, you're essentially updating the software in various ways that will help ameliorate those issues. My Vibrant was unusable to the point that I upgraded to a Nexus S. However, with the Nexus S, I got comfortable with rooting, unlocking bootloaders, adb, and flashing ROMs and kernels. It became rather routine.
It became routine enough, in fact, that I ended up going back to my Vibrant, because I was comfortable enough to experiment and attempt to make it better than it had been.
But if you don't know that you have to root to correct the lag, say, you may well be better off getting a more midrange Android phone that's more feature than super. You don't want to bork anything, after all.
Just do yourself a favor--understand that rooting and customizing are individual things, and that the forum is great for technical help but less so when you want to know things like which ROM is "best"; there's no such thing. If you root, play with the device, and play with the different ROMs. Give yourself a week where every day you use a different one so you can get a feel for which one's your favorite.
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Click to collapse
with the initial quote in mind, I understand. But thank you just the same because this is in fact the kind of feedback I was looking for. DID get my phone rooted btw, now im just fighting with rom manager. I'm on my way though
gorealmighty said:
with the initial quote in mind, I understand. But thank you just the same because this is in fact the kind of feedback I was looking for. DID get my phone rooted btw, now im just fighting with rom manager. I'm on my way though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well good luck with it. It's a totally fun, very empowering process. And XDA is the Android equivalent of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; the users here are so knowledgeable and helpful, there's no reason to panic, ever. Pretty much everything you do to your phone will be mostly harmless.
ive read the thread in the general forum for noobs.
but i still dont quite understand all these things and what purpose they serve.
im SUPER new with all this stuff. so my apologies.
could someone help a brother out?
what is your question specifically?
just curious about what they are and do basically.
kevinallen4325 said:
ive read the thread in the general forum for noobs.
but i still dont quite understand all these things and what purpose they serve.
im SUPER new with all this stuff. so my apologies.
could someone help a brother out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try and help.
First you must ROOT your phone. This basically grants you access/permission to FIDDLE with a lot of things you can't normally. I use the word *fiddle* loosley, meaning you can install root tools (like overclock) custom Roms, change system settings, flash themes... the list goes on. It's kind of like the equivalent to "jailbreaking"
Rooting is the "first and foremost"... basically do this first. and all other things follow.
kevinallen4325 said:
just curious about what they are and do basically.
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Click to collapse
Well the sticky in the main forum really is a good place to start, as all these terms are defined there:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1483113
As well as step-by-step instructions how to root. That should get you started!
ok so root first. got it. would any of this benefit my phone in anyway? or is it mainly just to put custom themes and such on?
kevinallen4325 said:
ok so root first. got it. would any of this benefit my phone in anyway? or is it mainly just to put custom themes and such on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is much more than that. I wrote this out before, so I will copy it again:
People have problems when rooted because they are not careful or do not know what they are doing. Rooting gives you (to put in Windows terms) full Administrator rights to your phone. With this right comes responsibility, so you must be careful and do research. This is why rooting also voids the warranty. The phone is now open for the user to do whatever they want, and circumvent any restrictions put on the phone by the manufacturer (including those in place to prevent harm to the device). But like a computer with Admin rights, rooting allows you to install any application, any "OS theme", and tweak the hardware to do what YOU want with it, not what the manufacturer wants.
So please be sure to READ READ READ all you can before you start!!! You don't want a $600 phone coaster. Just browse the forums for a couple weeks and learn from the posts.
kevinallen4325 said:
ok so root first. got it. would any of this benefit my phone in anyway? or is it mainly just to put custom themes and such on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends what you consider a benefit. Sure..theming can be a benefit, but rooting provides the gateway to address any negative or less than ideal aspects of a device. For instance, The Note has been perceived as being somewhat laggy. So rooting allows you to free up system resources by eliminating unneeded bloatware that you can't remove if you remain stock. Also the lagginess has been addressed by overclocking, modding and building kernels that do specific things and of course making custom roms. The Note is still very early in the developmental process, so many things to improve the user experience of the device will become available over the course of time....but it all starts with being rooted.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note LTE™
kevinallen4325 said:
ok so root first. got it. would any of this benefit my phone in anyway? or is it mainly just to put custom themes and such on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android isn't like iOS. I had an iPhone for four years before my Note and I know where you coming from. What the other guy was saying is that rooting can be viewed similar to jailbreaking, but it is kind of completely different. You don't need to be rooted to use themes (or most of the stuff on Cydia). Rooting allows you to back up apps, flash custom ROMs, etc. Otherwise, you most likely don't need root.
tbran said:
It depends what you consider a benefit. Sure..theming can be a benefit, but rooting provides the gateway to address any negative or less than ideal aspects of a device. For instance, The Note has been perceived as being somewhat laggy. So rooting allows you to free up system resources by eliminating unneeded bloatware that you can't remove if you remain stock. Also the lagginess has been addressed by overclocking, modding and building kernels that do specific things and of course making custom roms. The Note is still very early in the developmental process, so many things to improve the user experience of the device will become available over the course of time....but it all starts with being rooted.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note LTE™
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Click to collapse
if i were to root it and do whatever else would that affect the notes ability to update itself when the time comes?
like if i were to put some custom rom or whatever on it and lets say ics came out (lulz) would it still be able to update to it, and would it basically remove everything i did to it
kevinallen4325 said:
if i were to root it and do whatever else would that affect the notes ability to update itself when the time comes?
like if i were to put some custom rom or whatever on it and lets say ics came out (lulz) would it still be able to update to it, and would it basically remove everything i did to it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me, if you go the root and custom rom way, you will never install an official update. not because you can't, but because it will be leaked and debloated months before it is official.
i installed saurom. with and ics theme. i like it alot. but i cant get into setcpu or any program that requires root access. which is kind of an issue. no one else seems to be having that as an issue.
I rooted my Note a couple days ago and am still trying to figure out the benefits of doing so. I guess just spend time reading through this forum for the answers. That's what I am doing, but so far I see no benefit at all. The phone does all I want it to do so far. Maybe I am missing something.
Also, When i run quadrant, the scores are consistently lower after rooting the device then they were before. Not sure why though.
You are correct that the Note and newer phones may need no help. Not like two years ago. But, the big advantage to rooting even if you don't want to flash roms is Titanium Backup for app mgt and nandroids or full image backups--imho. The other like mentioned is earlier os releases. I have had ICS on my N1 for quite awhile and is still not on most new phones.
Ken
kevinallen4325 said:
i installed saurom. with and ics theme. i like it alot. but i cant get into setcpu or any program that requires root access. which is kind of an issue. no one else seems to be having that as an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are sure you are rooted, a dialog box with a little Android head wearing an eyepatch will pop up asking if you want to allow the application to have root access. You must allow it here.
I'm currently running an 8.9" HDX with a working AOSP - thanks to all the help I got on this forum and specifically followed this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2582773
but the main applications that I now need to use for work are iOS only (don't ask... NOT happy) so I'm back to carrying an iPad around everywhere and as such I'm going to sell my HDX. Before I do that I need to return it back to stock... I found a number of threads referencing how to do this but wanted to be extra careful. At present I'm just running Safestrap with a second ROM slot that I boot with all the non-standard stuff, I got there via SuperSU.
What's the right sequence of de-activates / un-installs / magic incantations to get this thing back to "boring, stock" just like it would come from Amazon? Is it as simple as re-enabling over-the-air updates and letting it "fix" itself? Or do I need to specifically back out some of the safestrap/superSU stuff first?
Help? (and THANKS)
ljwobker said:
I'm currently running an 8.9" HDX with a working AOSP - thanks to all the help I got on this forum and specifically followed this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2582773
but the main applications that I now need to use for work are iOS only (don't ask... NOT happy) so I'm back to carrying an iPad around everywhere and as such I'm going to sell my HDX. Before I do that I need to return it back to stock... I found a number of threads referencing how to do this but wanted to be extra careful. At present I'm just running Safestrap with a second ROM slot that I boot with all the non-standard stuff, I got there via SuperSU.
What's the right sequence of de-activates / un-installs / magic incantations to get this thing back to "boring, stock" just like it would come from Amazon? Is it as simple as re-enabling over-the-air updates and letting it "fix" itself? Or do I need to specifically back out some of the safestrap/superSU stuff first?
Help? (and THANKS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on how you used SafeStrap. If you ONLY installed in the stock rom, then an update likely would do it. If you installed safestrap a second time from the working rom-slot as well, then updates won't work, because the BL & Kernel CANNOT be flashed.
The best thing is to remove all wifi connections with "forget network", then go into safe strap & activate stock rom. Then go back to the boot options & delete the rom-slot you created. Boot back into stock partition, uninstall Safestrap & then reconnect to wifi & check for updates.
I would HIGHLY recommend you follow my directions about forgetting nearby, if not all, wifi networks. If you turn wifi off in a slot, but not in stock, or vice versa, it can cause boot issues , as well as wifi issues.
I would not return it to stock. That device could go for a premium right now to other users simply because you can get AOSP and so many cannot yet.
EniGmA1987 said:
I would not return it to stock. That device could go for a premium right now to other users simply because you can get AOSP and so many cannot yet.
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Click to collapse
Why would it go for a premium? It is absolutely 100% rootable. It has not been patched against the VolumeManager/vold ASEC exploit. In fact, I am nearly certain the bootloader can bed unlocked from my investigation. Unfortunately that part is beyond my abilities & exceeds the time I would need to get caught up on the msm89xx+ SoC, but I would just about bet the farm that it can be done.
GSLEON3 said:
Why would it go for a premium? It is absolutely 100% rootable. It has not been patched against the VolumeManager/vold ASEC exploit. In fact, I am nearly certain the bootloader can bed unlocked from my investigation. Unfortunately that part is beyond my abilities & exceeds the time I would need to get caught up on the msm89xx+ SoC, but I would just about bet the farm that it can be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because when I posted that we had no root, and it was still a "hopefully sometime soon" with 9/10 of the HDX's on a version that couldnt be rooted.
It is nice that we have one Chinese method now and that you might get something soon, though I think you are suddenly pretty full of yourself on these forums with the little bit of knowledge you gained recently. Much better people at this have not been able to get the bootloader cracked. But best of luck to you.
EniGmA1987 said:
Because when I posted that we had no root, and it was still a "hopefully sometime soon" with 9/10 of the HDX's on a version that couldnt be rooted.
It is nice that we have one Chinese method now and that you might get something soon, though I think you are suddenly pretty full of yourself on these forums with the little bit of knowledge you gained recently. Much better people at this have not been able to get the bootloader cracked. But best of luck to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the little time I've been around is well over a decade. This ain't my first username. Secondly, there is already an ASEC based root that WAS created by someone better with this stuff than me, so it's not full of myself, it is FACT. I am rooted, have been each & every time, without blocking anything & without having to sacrifice connectivity, another FACT. Coincidentally, the reason it was never published, well I'd venture a guess that it's because of stupid posts & self-entitled people ignorantly writing or PM'ing to insist that things be done for them on their terms. Another fact, it was that kind of crap that made me leave this forum a few months ago. So, I don't know what "better people" you are talking about that have failed at it, but I do know the better people that have done it.
Another fact, anyone at all can read & discover just how small the patch for the ASEC vulnerability was. It doesn't take a genius to then decompile the vold & search for the that one event which was used to patch it, which subsequently tells all you need to know.
GSLEON3 said:
Actually, the little time I've been around is well over a decade. This ain't my first username. Secondly, there is already an ASEC based root that WAS created by someone better with this stuff than me, so it's not full of myself, it is FACT. I am rooted, have been each & every time, without blocking anything & without having to sacrifice connectivity, another FACT. Coincidentally, the reason it was never published, well I'd venture a guess that it's because of stupid posts & self-entitled people ignorantly writing or PM'ing to insist that things be done for them on their terms. Another fact, it was that kind of crap that made me leave this forum a few months ago. So, I don't know what "better people" you are talking about that have failed at it, but I do know the better people that have done it.
Another fact, anyone at all can read & discover just how small the patch for the ASEC vulnerability was. It doesn't take a genius to then decompile the vold & search for the that one event which was used to patch it, which subsequently tells all you need to know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol. I am glad you know your FACTS. No need to act so butthurt.
Oh god, I f**king hate OF1. As soon as I start removing system apps Link2SD stops working and the Play Store crashes on startup. I hate this phone, and might sell the thing. Lollipop for the S4 is by far the worst OS for this phone. I tried Stang5litre and it failed miserably. Is there any way to get back to KitKat? I don't care how dangerous any methods are, I'm willing to try them. This phone is so f**king awful. Please help me get off OF1.
SiberianLeopard said:
Oh god, I f**king hate OF1. As soon as I start removing system apps Link2SD stops working and the Play Store crashes on startup. I hate this phone, and might sell the thing. Lollipop for the S4 is by far the worst OS for this phone. I tried Stang5litre and it failed miserably. Is there any way to get back to KitKat? I don't care how dangerous any methods are, I'm willing to try them. This phone is so f**king awful. Please help me get off OF1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't do anything to brick your phone. It's obvious that Verizon has no grasp of the ramifications of its jack booted Nazi thug policies. They are alienating their loyal customer base, it is reprehensible and will eventually be the downfall of the Big Red! Look, before you do something disingenuous to your device, download Albe's 95 S6 Rom and install it with flash fire. Try using it for a day or two. It's easier to remove the bloatware and gives you some nice upgrades from Galaxy Note and Galaxy S6. And it gets that Verizon Boot image off, how refreshing! I found that I like it. I use Stang some but this is my daily device OS.
Who knows, maybe someday we'll come up with more options to deal with this locked boot loader or we'll develop a method to unlock it. Adapt and Overcome, my compatriot friend. If I can be of any assistance in this matter, don't hesitate to contact me.
cicuye said:
Don't do anything to brick your phone. It's obvious that Verizon has no grasp of the ramifications of its jack booted Nazi thug policies. They are alienating their loyal customer base, it is reprehensible and will eventually be the downfall of the Big Red! Look, before you do something disingenuous to your device, download Albe's 95 S6 Rom and install it with flash fire. Try using it for a day or two. It's easier to remove the bloatware and gives you some nice upgrades from Galaxy Note and Galaxy S6. And it gets that Verizon Boot image off, how refreshing! I found that I like it. I use Stang some but this is my daily device OS.
Who knows, maybe someday we'll come up with more options to deal with this locked boot loader or we'll develop a method to unlock it. Adapt and Overcome, my compatriot friend. If I can be of any assistance in this matter, don't hesitate to contact me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That ROM isn't for SCH-I545. Will it still work? I seem to have gotten the stock rom into a somewhat likeable state without messing anything up. Rooted with SuperSU and debloated. I also flashed a couple of zips pertaining to DSP Manager. Are there any scripts to deodex a ROM while it's running? Also, can I mess with SystemUI without killing it (making it FC alll the time)? I want to change a bunch of stuff within the APK and then reflash it through FlashFire.
https://newcircle.com/category/java
https://newcircle.com/instructor-led-training/android-bootcamp
That should get you started.
Also, the developers are always looking for new Guinea Pigs testers.
Albe's 95 Rom
SiberianLeopard said:
That ROM isn't for SCH-I545. Will it still work? I seem to have gotten the stock rom into a somewhat likeable state without messing anything up. Rooted with SuperSU and debloated. I also flashed a couple of zips pertaining to DSP Manager. Are there any scripts to deodex a ROM while it's running? Also, can I mess with SystemUI without killing it (making it FC alll the time)? I want to change a bunch of stuff within the APK and then reflash it through FlashFire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using Albe's 95 on my S4 with an OF1 build for quite a while now and it runs
fine for me and I like it. Now, as far as addressing these other issues of deodexing and manipulating your System UI, I do not possess the knowledge base efficiently enough to give you any input in those areas, but I am interested in knowing if and how it performs for you. I apologize for that, but I do not want to mislead you into thinking I know something that I am not completely proficient at. But I would try running Albe's if I were you and see if it better suits your needs. I'm also sorry for not following up with you in a more timely manner, but I just had a knee replacement and was out of commission for a short while.
cicuye said:
I have been using Albe's 95 on my S4 with an OF1 build for quite a while now and it runs
fine for me and I like it. Now, as far as addressing these other issues of deodexing and manipulating your System UI, I do not possess the knowledge base efficiently enough to give you any input in those areas, but I am interested in knowing if and how it performs for you. I apologize for that, but I do not want to mislead you into thinking I know something that I am not completely proficient at. But I would try running Albe's if I were you and see if it better suits your needs. I'm also sorry for not following up with you in a more timely manner, but I just had a knee replacement and was out of commission for a short while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh, don't worry about not replying. I'll ask the themers abut SystemUI.