Hello everyone,
Well might as well say hi. I'm Ryukouki. I use this handle on a lot of forums, so if this is familiar you most likely know me elsewhere. So, anywho! I purchased a VZW Samsung Galaxy S4 two weeks ago, and I'm really curious. I rooted my phone, installed Clockwork Mod and backed up my data (I THINK) and I'm looking into ROMs for the Galaxy S4. What is the best mod for speed and performance, with good ease of use, and does not require a data wipe on installation? And is there a tutorial to go about doing this? I'm kind of new to the whole smartphone thing (used a feature phone for seven years!!), but I'm not too afraid to try new things out.
Ryukouki said:
Hello everyone,
Well might as well say hi. I'm Ryukouki. I use this handle on a lot of forums, so if this is familiar you most likely know me elsewhere. So, anywho! I purchased a VZW Samsung Galaxy S4 two weeks ago, and I'm really curious. I rooted my phone, installed Clockwork Mod and backed up my data (I THINK) and I'm looking into ROMs for the Galaxy S4. What is the best mod for speed and performance, with good ease of use, and does not require a data wipe on installation? And is there a tutorial to go about doing this? I'm kind of new to the whole smartphone thing (used a feature phone for seven years!!), but I'm not too afraid to try new things out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No ROMs 'require' a data wipe per se. You may, however, run into problems with any ROM if you don't completely wipe data when installing (especially the first time you go from stock to a ROM).
Why are you so afraid of wiping data? You could very easily download a few backup apps and have everything back up and running in 20 minutes.
trebb said:
No ROMs 'require' a data wipe per se. You may, however, run into problems with any ROM if you don't completely wipe data when installing (especially the first time you go from stock to a ROM).
Why are you so afraid of wiping data? You could very easily download a few backup apps and have everything back up and running in 20 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume that this requires backup to my SD card though? And can you explain how I go about doing this? Do I just pick up things like App Restore and Backup (I think it's the other way around...) and then backup and restore? I don't want to screw this up, because I have a few apps where I've dumped a couple hundred dollars into and if I delete it or wipe it, I lose all the data, and I for sure as hell don't wanna do that!
You are rooted, so grab Titanium Backup, and use it. Just don't backup up system data. App data is fine (at least it always has been on AT&T).
I haven't seen a ROM yet that is stable enough to flash, IMHO. Give it a couple of weeks. I ran AOKP on my GS2 for a long time, and am looking forward to it here.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
If I was you man , I wouldnt never install a rom without a full wipe. That will keep you from running into problems. I know that from experience. Like Sbreen say, no wipe , no gripe
DroidHead214 said:
If I was you man , I wouldnt never install a rom without a full wipe. That will keep you from running into problems. I know that from experience. Like Sbreen say, no wipe , no gripe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very well then, I guess a wipe it is.
Now, let me get this straight. I rooted my phone. I have TWRP Custom Recovery on my phone, and I have backed up the thing in the recovery menu to my micro SD card. I also Titanium Backup'd my system with apps and whatnot. So when I decide to flash my phone to a new ROM, I'd first wipe the data, factory reset, and wipe the dalvik cache, then flash it, do the setup garbage, and then from there, redownload Titanium Backup and restore whatever I want to restore, correct?
Ryukouki said:
Very well then, I guess a wipe it is.
Now, let me get this straight. I rooted my phone. I have TWRP Custom Recovery on my phone, and I have backed up the thing in the recovery menu to my micro SD card. I also Titanium Backup'd my system with apps and whatnot. So when I decide to flash my phone to a new ROM, I'd first wipe the data, factory reset, and wipe the dalvik cache, then flash it, do the setup garbage, and then from there, redownload Titanium Backup and restore whatever I want to restore, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got it! However the "factory reset" option in TWRP actually wipes data/cache/dalvik, I believe. (It tells you at the top of the screen what its going to wipe) Once you got your new rom you're all set to start restoring your apps with TB and enjoy the smoothness. After the setup process when your phone goes to the home screen, it's a good idea to let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. (some developers advise this)
whiskerz said:
You got it! However, the "factory reset" option in TWRP actually wipes data/cache/dalvik I believe. (It tells you at the top of the screen what its going to wipe) Once you got your new rom you're all set to start restoring your apps with TB and enjoying the smoothness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try it either tomorrow...or, later in the week if my courage decides to run away. Now, in the worst case scenario, let's say I completely screw up and get stuck with a bootloop or, I just completely hate the ROM itself. To restore to my current configuration do I just go back to TWRP and hit restore, and it basically reverts itself? I'm so sorry if I'm asking really stupid questions, I just REALLY want to do it right, and not have any hassles whatsoever. I am extremely careful and I really want to feel comfortable doing this.
Some guides I see mentioned backing up the IMEI information on the phone. Do I really need to do that, or is that all automated and I shouldn't run into issues? And is there a GApps.zip file thingy that I need to download for the "stock" applications? But wait a second, TB should take care of all of that correct?
Ryukouki said:
I'll try it either tomorrow...or, later in the week if my courage decides to run away. Now, in the worst case scenario, let's say I completely screw up and get stuck with a bootloop or, I just completely hate the ROM itself. To restore to my current configuration do I just go back to TWRP and hit restore, and it basically reverts itself? I'm so sorry if I'm asking really stupid questions, I just REALLY want to do it right, and not have any hassles whatsoever. I am extremely careful and I really want to feel comfortable doing this.
Some guides I see mentioned backing up the IMEI information on the phone. Do I really need to do that, or is that all automated and I shouldn't run into issues? And is there a GApps.zip file thingy that I need to download for the "stock" applications? But wait a second, TB should take care of all of that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if your phone goes into a bootloop or you absolutely hate the rom, then pull the battery and boot into recovery. (If you just hate the rom no need to pull battery just power off)Make sure you have a backup of your system created within TWRP with the "backup" option. If you have a backup in TWRP you would just hit the "Restore" button and find your system backup and wait for it to restore. I've never heard anything about backing up IMEI info, you will probably not run into any issues. I've flashed tons and tons of roms on numerous devices and have NEVER had to do any of that. Gapps (google apps) are ONLY needed when you're going to run an AOSP rom. That means when the rom doesn't have the touchwiz skin over top of it. AOSP roms are pure vanilla android and have zero touchwiz features. You can find the touchwiz based roms in the "Android development" section while the AOSP roms are found in the "Original development" section. Also, it's fine to ask questions. That's how you learn!
whiskerz said:
Yes, if your phone goes into a bootloop or you absolutely hate the rom, then pull the battery and boot into recovery. (If you just hate the rom no need to pull battery just power off)Make sure you have a backup of your system created within TWRP with the "backup" option. If you have a backup in TWRP you would just hit the "Restore" button and find your system backup and wait for it to restore. I've never heard anything about backing up IMEI info, you will probably not run into any issues. I've flashed tons and tons of roms on numerous devices and have NEVER had to do any of that. Gapps (google apps) are ONLY needed when you're going to run an AOSP rom. That means when the rom doesn't have the touchwiz skin over top of it. AOSP roms are pure vanilla android and have zero touchwiz features. You can find the touchwiz based roms in the "Android development" section while the AOSP roms are found in the "Original development" section. Also, it's fine to ask questions. That's how you learn!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. Phew, I was like what why do I need to backup my IMEI information? I'm planning on installing Hyperdrive, is that a touchwiz based rom by any chance? And hah, yeah I know, I usually have really meticulous instructions for myself when I flash video game consoles, so I know the routine like the back of my hand.
Ryukouki said:
Awesome. Phew, I was like what why do I need to backup my IMEI information? I'm planning on installing Hyperdrive, is that a touchwiz based rom by any chance? And hah, yeah I know, I usually have really meticulous instructions for myself when I flash video game consoles, so I know the routine like the back of my hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Hyperdrive is a touchwiz based rom! The file is going to be a little over a 1gig, and already includes all of the apps you'll need.(Don't flash Gaaps) I'm heading off XDA for the night if you have anymore questions/concerns feel free to PM me and I'll try to help
whiskerz said:
Yes, Hyperdrive is a touchwiz based rom! The file is going to be a little over a 1gig, and already includes all of the apps you'll need.(Don't flash Gaaps) I'm heading off XDA for the night if you have anymore questions/concerns feel free to PM me and I'll try to help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh good! And at least my internet is reasonable now, so 1GB shouldn't be too bad. ;D I should head off too, its a bit late over here. Thanks for your help, you've answered a lot of my concerns!
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All ROMs are the best and data wipes are always recommended
Hey Guys -
After being an iPhone / Jailbreaking fanboy for a few years, I got frustrated with Apple locking things down so decided to go the Android route and chose the HTC One. After purchase, I unlocked the bootloader and rooted the device. Over the past 2 months, I've also tried / used a total of 3 different Custom ROMS to see what I liked and to play. Most recently, I ran RumRunner to obtain S-OFF. AT&T is my carrier and obviously located in US.
Currently, I'm on ViperOne and about to flash Android Revolution 40.3. I'd really like to do some kind of factory reset if possible to remove all junk I don't need anymore. I read that HTC One has a factory Restore option here, but didn't want to try (or even know if it would work) with Custom ROM.
With that being the case, what's the best option to perform a factory restore of sorts for my phone?
Thanks!
bzowk said:
Hey Guys -
After being an iPhone / Jailbreaking fanboy for a few years, I got frustrated with Apple locking things down so decided to go the Android route and chose the HTC One. After purchase, I unlocked the bootloader and rooted the device. Over the past 2 months, I've also tried / used a total of 3 different Custom ROMS to see what I liked and to play. Most recently, I ran RumRunner to obtain S-OFF. AT&T is my carrier and obviously located in US.
Currently, I'm on ViperOne and about to flash Android Revolution 40.3. I'd really like to do some kind of factory reset if possible to remove all junk I don't need anymore. I read that HTC One has a factory Restore option here, but didn't want to try (or even know if it would work) with Custom ROM.
With that being the case, what's the best option to perform a factory restore of sorts for my phone?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both TWRP and CWM Recovery's have factory reset in the options before flashing a new rom. If your wanting to delete everything including the sdcard you have to go into advanced options and wipe the sdcard. Keep in mind you would do this step after flashing the new rom to your phone or else the rom will be gone as well and you'll be forced to adb / push or sideload a rom back to your phone to flash.
so in the correct order
download rom / copy to sdcard
reboot to recovery
choose factory reset ( this deletes /data and /system )
choose install / find the arhd.rom you downloaded
during it's install choose full wipe
when it complete don't reboot
go to advanced and wipe the sdcard.
you should boot to a brand new phone with ARHD installed
Edit: Make sure you on the most current recovery TWRP 2.6.3.3 or CWM 6.0.4.5 it's required for KitKat Roms
I've flashed my phone a few times before, but the last time I've done so, Titanium Backup decided not to work, so I had a newly flashed ROM but no data to go with it. I backed up everything on my phone once (by means of copying&pasting all of the folders) on my computer, but putting them back on my phone didn't do anything.
Now I want to flash again, but I'm clueless as to what app I should be using to back up my phone, and which app would make it possible for me to have my data backed up. I know it sounds a bit vague, but basically, I'm looking to back up my phone so that when I clear everything and flash it, I'd like to restore my apps as well as the data along with it (like high scores in games). Does anyone have any idea what I should do? I currently backed up my current ROM (Android 4.3 and HTC Sense 5.0) with ROM Manager (v5.5.3.7), but I don't know if I can use that back up since I'm looking to flash Android 4.4.2 onto it.
Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
EDIT: And I have one off-topic question... Should I flash gapps before or after flashing the ROM? I flashed gapps before and after last time and it worked fine, but I'm curious to know what the correct order is.
I was wondering a few things if anyone could help. I have the metro version
of the mega. Id like to know if it is possible to get back to complete stock. I flashed
twrp, which is awesome. Also I bought a sd card reader from Walmart so
I can add and remove files to the sd if I ever brick the phone. I have
tried cm11 wasn't for me. I have rooted the phone etc. I'm trying
to get back to the state of when I first got the phone. Currently I flashed
bnb's clean twrp files and am back to stock. I want to get rid
of twrp and go back to thr original bootloader if theres
a way. From what I know the bootlaoder is locked up.
Im thinking about taking the phone back to the store as the
owner knows exactly what I'm talking about when I start grilling
him with questions about different roms and such. Do you
think at the store they may be able to reflash it? I've
tried via odin, but can only flash the twrp and then from there
I am able to flash the clean backup. I totally want to go back
to original. If you guys have any tips, questions or comments
please and thank you.
QUOTE=metropcsmegauser;49130903
I was wondering a few things if anyone could help.
I have the metro version of the mega.
Id like to know if it is possible to get back to complete stock. I flashed
twrp, which is awesome. Also I bought a sd card reader from Walmart so
I can add and remove files to the sd if I ever brick the phone. I have
tried cm11 wasn't for me. I have rooted the phone etc. I'm trying
to get back to the state of when I first got the phone. Currently I flashed
bnb's clean twrp files and am back to stock.
I want to get rid of twrp and go back to thr original bootloader if theres
a way. From what I know the bootlaoder is locked up.
Im thinking about taking the phone back to the store as the
owner knows exactly what I'm talking about when I start grilling
him with questions about different roms and such. Do you
think at the store they may be able to reflash it? I've
tried via odin, but can only flash the twrp and then from there
I am able to flash the clean backup. I totally want to go back
to original.
If you guys have any tips, questions or comments
please and thank you. [END]
Now we read better
bump
Bump......anyone? I'm also noticing I'm Haveing to problems with
the playstore , its throwing a code cant connect to server it seems
every other day. I have to resign into google. Any thoughts?
Hi. I bought a near-mint S4 on Swappa from a seller who had already rooted it and installed a custom ROM (one similar to Samsung stock). After verifying that it worked I did a factory wipe, deleted the caches and used the existing TW recovery to install CM11, which so far I just love -- it's extremely close to the stock Android on my Nexus tablet, only with other great options like running Titanium backup and a firewall, etc. The lack of VZW and Samsung bloat is also great, of course.
However, do I need to worry that the phone could still be infected with or vulnerable to malware, perhaps because of something left over from whatever process the seller used to root the phone and install recovery? Would using the Avast firewall protect me, or would I be wiser to unroot the phone, take it back to stock and start all over again? (I'm reluctant to do that because it has the MK2 baseband and I'm afraid of not being able to get back to having a custom recovery.) Am I worrying needlessly, because the willing and installation of CM would have deleted any dangerous stuff that may have been lurking?)
This is my first time dealing with a rooted phone or a custom ROM. I really like the idea of having more control over what I run on my own phone (similar to running Linux on my computers, which I've been doing for years), but want to make sure I'm not being foolish somehow.
Aquifer122 said:
Hi. I bought a near-mint S4 on Swappa from a seller who had already rooted it and installed a custom ROM (one similar to Samsung stock). After verifying that it worked I did a factory wipe, deleted the caches and used the existing TW recovery to install CM11, which so far I just love -- it's extremely close to the stock Android on my Nexus tablet, only with other great options like running Titanium backup and a firewall, etc. The lack of VZW and Samsung bloat is also great, of course.
However, do I need to worry that the phone could still be infected with or vulnerable to malware, perhaps because of something left over from whatever process the seller used to root the phone and install recovery? Would using the Avast firewall protect me, or would I be wiser to unroot the phone, take it back to stock and start all over again? (I'm reluctant to do that because it has the MK2 baseband and I'm afraid of not being able to get back to having a custom recovery.) Am I worrying needlessly, because the willing and installation of CM would have deleted any dangerous stuff that may have been lurking?)
This is my first time dealing with a rooted phone or a custom ROM. I really like the idea of having more control over what I run on my own phone (similar to running Linux on my computers, which I've been doing for years), but want to make sure I'm not being foolish somehow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you're able to run CM11, it must be running the MDK build, which is pretty amazing as you can run what you want with the Loki exploit allowing you to bypass the locked bootloader.
If you really are concerned about what's on the phone, you can always flash a full-wipe factory MDK ROM image and start over.
DO NOT - Don't - no - never- take any factory updates. Or flash anything past MDK from Verizon. Ever.
Thank you -- I do indeed feel fortunate about having the MDK build and don't want to do anything to mess it up.
How reasonable are my concerns about some vulnerability being left on the phone by the prior owner? I did two wipes of the phone (system, data, cache and dalvik cache each time) before installing CM.
Aquifer122 said:
Thank you -- I do indeed feel fortunate about having the MDK build and don't want to do anything to mess it up.
How reasonable are my concerns about some vulnerability being left on the phone by the prior owner? I did two wipes of the phone (system, data, cache and dalvik cache each time) before installing CM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll be fine if you hop into recovery and do a Factory Reset where it includes the Internal Card.
Most likely your all set though with what you've done. Enjoy that MDK phone! I also have one and being able to run non Touchwiz Roms is the only way to go if you ask me.
If you have anymore questions regarding MDK feel free to hit me up or ask here... Were all here to help
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk