Related
why flash the rom on your phone?
which custom rom does what?
any specific rom for specific purposes?
and finally, what is the best place to start learning about how to do this...
Dan
pierhogunn said:
why flash the rom on your phone?
which custom rom does what?
any specific rom for specific purposes?
and finally, what is the best place to start learning about how to do this...
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get certain things that stock ROMS don't have. Like: Speed, not loaded with Carrier crap.
The ROM post should have info about what is included and what isn't.
Some are made to have more RAM some are made to run Smoother.
Wiki.
I might be wrong, but that is what I have learned overtime.
pierhogunn said:
why flash the rom on your phone?
which custom rom does what?
any specific rom for specific purposes?
and finally, what is the best place to start learning about how to do this...
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who is your carrier?
Good Question
I am glad you asked this because I have been wondering the same thing.
I have the VZW Touch Pro and was reading a LOT on unlocking and then flashing ROMs. I didnt know really what the benefits were besides speed and making it smoother. Does the ROM allow you to have better themes?
Eventually (sooner than later I think) they will be able to unlock the GPS on VZW as well.
I really wish somebody could post a video or something on YouTube on either how to go about the process or what it looks like after flashing a custom ROM.
Cranemachine said:
I am glad you asked this because I have been wondering the same thing.
I have the VZW Touch Pro and was reading a LOT on unlocking and then flashing ROMs. I didnt know really what the benefits were besides speed and making it smoother. Does the ROM allow you to have better themes?
Eventually (sooner than later I think) they will be able to unlock the GPS on VZW as well.
I really wish somebody could post a video or something on YouTube on either how to go about the process or what it looks like after flashing a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom ROM"s are highly varried. You need to try them out.
I created a Custom ROM that allows you to stay with the 100% stock look, MUCH MUCH faster than ROM that came with phone.
Lots of others add a bunch of crapware and bloatware to the ROM. I didint do that to this one. I left it stock. It runs very fast.
Custom ROM"s also remove some securuity features like when youa re installing an app you are not questioned if its what you really want to do... Etc...]
Custom ROM's can also c ome with differnt themes like you inquired. They can com completly set up or come completely base. It all depends on what you want to download.
My Carrier is Sprint,
I am fairly happy with the phone as is
My only gripes are that:
it is not as responsive going from app to app as I would like
some of the apps I will never use, like the Sprint music store...
I love to diddle and play with my hardware
I do like touch-flo 3D, I think it's a nice UI, I just wish it was a bit more responsive
Dan
scrosler said:
Custom ROM"s are highly varried. You need to try them out.
I created a Custom ROM that allows you to stay with the 100% stock look, MUCH MUCH faster than ROM that came with phone.
Lots of others add a bunch of crapware and bloatware to the ROM. I didint do that to this one. I left it stock. It runs very fast.
Custom ROM"s also remove some securuity features like when youa re installing an app you are not questioned if its what you really want to do... Etc...]
Custom ROM's can also c ome with differnt themes like you inquired. They can com completly set up or come completely base. It all depends on what you want to download.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the information scrosler! I also read your other thread about the custom ROM you made. I am very thankful for you taking the time to do this for us VZW allies. I am a first to admit that I am a noob at unlocking and flashing ROMs. I dont doubt that I could simply follow the detailed instructions that you have given us. I just want to make sure that the payoff is worth it.
Is there anyway (this really may be asking too much) that you could post a video so we could see exactly what your ROM looks like and the increased speed. Or even a video of the process? Maybe even some screen shots.
I know I will end up unlocking and flashing any day. I have my phone set up just the way I like it with many beneficial programs installed, but it is not fast enough or responsive enough. I personally don't use the Touch Flo (as sexy at it looks) just because the WinMo UI works a lot better for me and is more responsive.
Again, thank you for being so kind and sharing your knowledge and not demeaning us or being rude for all the questions we ask I greatly appreciate the time and dedication it takes to create something like this and I respect it!
Cranemachine said:
Thank you so much for the information scrosler! I also read your other thread about the custom ROM you made. I am very thankful for you taking the time to do this for us VZW allies. I am a first to admit that I am a noob at unlocking and flashing ROMs. I dont doubt that I could simply follow the detailed instructions that you have given us. I just want to make sure that the payoff is worth it.
Is there anyway (this really may be asking too much) that you could post a video so we could see exactly what your ROM looks like and the increased speed. Or even a video of the process? Maybe even some screen shots.
I know I will end up unlocking and flashing any day. I have my phone set up just the way I like it with many beneficial programs installed, but it is not fast enough or responsive enough. I personally don't use the Touch Flo (as sexy at it looks) just because the WinMo UI works a lot better for me and is more responsive.
Again, thank you for being so kind and sharing your knowledge and not demeaning us or being rude for all the questions we ask I greatly appreciate the time and dedication it takes to create something like this and I respect it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant do a video, lack the ability, hehehe... I can however tell you this:
It looks and actis identical to the Stock ROM from VZW except is was built on a new CE OS. Its considerably snapier than the stock ROM in everything from boot up to touchflo scrolling.
Its 99.99% stock. The only differnece is the speed, IE 6, ICS, and Net CF 3.5 is all cooked in. It, unlike all other custom ROM's, has all stock VZW apps and the VZW touchFlow. Its a straight rip from a stock VZW leaked ROM. The details ont he ROM and the kitchen used are in the new thread.
Its just to easy to do.
Download file A, run it. Download file B, run it. Its not that much harder in all honesty.
pierhogunn said:
My Carrier is Sprint,
I am fairly happy with the phone as is
My only gripes are that:
it is not as responsive going from app to app as I would like
some of the apps I will never use, like the Sprint music store...
I love to diddle and play with my hardware
I do like touch-flo 3D, I think it's a nice UI, I just wish it was a bit more responsive
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread will make your day.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44583
Also see this one.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=42730
Have fun.
Very Useful
cforster said:
This thread will make your day.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44583
Also see this one.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=42730
Have fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome Link!!! I just wish they had this same thing for the VZW Version!
Another stupid question...
Well I think this would be the appropriate thread to ask this.
I was wondering if there was any way to put 2 today screens into one instead of having to switch. Basically I am wanting a Touch Flo today screen at the top and the bottom half I would like to have a WinMo today screen with the two quick buttons at the bottom. Is this possible or am I just wanting too much? It seems like the themes for the Touch Flo look much better and I LOVE the black themes.
Any info. would be much appreciated!
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.
Click to expand...
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.
I apologize if this subject has been covered before but my searches did not turn up anything. I am an Android newbie with a new Tab 10.1. It seems to work quite well but since the OS allows for easy customization and many people do it, I feel like I am probably missing something. What is there to be gained by moving away from stock? With so many options out there, how does one choose between them?
If there is an article or forum thread that covers this subject in language that newbies will understand, I would really appreciate being pointed in that direction. If such a document does not exist, hopefully someone can answer the questions here.
Visual mods to performance enhancemants are why people tinker with Android ad their devices.
Read as much as you can before you do anything or make any changes.
As far as which is best. That's up to you. Try them all until you find what you like.
Beezer80 said:
Visual mods to performance enhancemants are why people tinker with Android ad their devices.
Read as much as you can before you do anything or make any changes.
As far as which is best. That's up to you. Try them all until you find what you like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree Beezer that reading is the key to android world. try as much as you like because it is very hard to brick android devices
Thanks guys, I am sure that you are right about reading as much as possible. The problem is that I am so green that I do not even know what I don't know. Any suggestions on where to start my research?
dsafety said:
Thanks guys, I am sure that you are right about reading as much as possible. The problem is that I am so green that I do not even know what I don't know. Any suggestions on where to start my research?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Galaxy Task ftw...
I have been running Task's roms since I got my tab. His current rom GalaxyTask v6.3 is as smooth it gets at least until an ICS variety is available.
Link is in my signature.
I think the thing to do is just use your Tab for a while before getting stuck into rooting it, give yourself chance to discover it's shortcomings (if any), if you feel it isn't quite up to par, look around for the most suitable fix.
I've had my Tab since August and I haven't yet felt the need to root it, I do keep looking at the threads in the dev section though, one day I'll get tempted but that's not today.
I'll try and hold out for official updates, unless I get really bored and decide to risk my warranty status.
turn to the darkside of rooting and adding a rom. at first i was nervous but after you get a feel of the roms like tasks roms.. omg there is no turning back. it is like night and day and you'll never want to go back to stock
All-In-One Guide
By: ilxaot
9-27-13
Introduction -
Okay, so our phone's a tad.. odd. At least, the American variant is. Thanks to T-Maybe and LGay our bootloader is locked, and has baffled plenty of users. Look at our forum views and the people that visit, but don't become members? I understand some of them are lazy and such, but many are driven away by the current "methods" to unlocking the bootloader for full customization. So, I've come here to sort everything into one nice little thread, because I'm bored and I have nothing to do on my Friday night. Unlike much of my generation, I don't leave high school to go to parties and consume kegs until I puke, roll blunts until I fly, or get on speed and run around around naked eating people's eyeballs out. I prefer to sit inside and type guides ^-^ So, without further ado, let's begin, shall we?
BTW: To anybody (Many people) who saw my Unlocked Bootloader Mods thread, this will include much of that, and other sections. Read onn maties.
Table of Contents
-Introduction (You read this.. I hope)
-Table of Contents (I wonder where that would be?)
-Getting Started (This is for the newbzors. Veteran users, read on)
-What's this bootloader thing? (A spiral of condemnation)
-The Fork in the Road (Choices, choices, choices)
-Now, what can I do with root? (Gee, I wonder what.)
-My phone is slow, can I have mods? (Sure!)
-My apps suck, can I have apps? (Of course not.)
-Bye (Read this and I'll feel cared for)
Getting Started
Okay, so, first off, if you're new, welcome to the forums! There's a lot of great guys here. Some are complete.. Well, I won't say that publicly. There are certain characters who I'm not fond of, but most of them are a fantastic group of guys! So, if you ever need help with something, ask one of these guys: @kuma82, @BioDesigner48, @Lelus, @carloswii5. They're awesome ^-^
So, with that being said, here's our current situation. We have a nice mid-high range phone. We CAN root it easily, however, we cannot unlock our bootloader using the standardized "adb reboot oem-unlock" command. Don't panic! It's really no need to get confused. I'll make this as simple as possible, until even the stupid little iSheep can understand a portion(;
So basically, we have root on the majority of our devices. What we do NOT have, is a majority of unlocked bootloaders. It seems quite randomized and pretty thrown-together if you ask me, so I haven't exactly gotten into it. BUT! I have experimented with modifications and tweaks that affect the stock ROM, to make it more intense. So basically, this thread is about everything on this phone. Because I'm bored. That's why.
What's This Bootloader Thing?
Remember how I said I'd make it simple to where iSheep, iDiots, iTards, and iPreps could understand? Well, here we go. Experienced users brace yourselves! Unspecific noob answer inbound! The bootloader, can be thought of, as what "loads" the "boot." I'll leave it at that. Since it's locked, you can't modify the "boot," therefore the system is left largely unchanged. There are a great plenty questions and a great less amount of confident answers, but with luck, and some faith, you can unlock it! Here are some links to some guides if you're interested.
Unspecific, outdated - HERE
Specific, Recent - HERE
Video, Specific - HERE
Best of luck. If you're intimidated, keep reading this post. Honestly, there's still some work left to be done ^-^
The Fork In The Road
Well, now you have a choice. You can either root, install busybox, obtain a "bootstrap" recovery, and flash mods to your build.prop and stuff for dayzzz. Or, you can take the dark, usually antagonizing way out, the unlocking of the bootloader. Best of luck ^-^ Simply remember that if you FUBAR your phone we aren't liable.
Personally, I recommend sticking with root and not unlocking the bootloader. But that's just me. Have I tried to unlock before? Yes, and I didn't succeed (PC hates me...) but I'm happy enough on my modded stock ROM.
Now, What Can I Do With Root?
This is as easy as it gets. HERE
Rooted? That's right! Go get 'em boy! Kidding, that's easy. Now, go to the Play Store and download a "Busybox" app, and install busybox. Then, go to THIS thread and install the L9 Bootstrap Recovery. It's easy as 1,2,3. Download, open, install. ^-^ I'd also recommend finding some "Xposed" framework modules, they're increasing in popularity. Plenty of them can be found on the web and especially these forums. (derp) You're incredibly welcome
Now, here's a brief list of things you can do!
-Theme your phone with XThemes here!
-Get more memory on your phone here!
-Overclock your phone here!
-Kick people from your WiFi here!
-Snoop through people's data over WiFi here!
-Hack your games here!
-Backup your phone here!
-Tether your phone here!
My phone is slow, Can I have mods?
Sure! I'll post a link to the Development and Hacking section of the General XDA forums. This is where developer modify and tweak stock Android files such as the build.prop (incredibly modifiable) and init.d scripts. Go to the Play Store and search "init.d" and find an app that installs it for you. It's quite simple, really. Now, are you ready?!
Go here. You're welcome. Find a mod that suits you, download it to your SD card, boot into recovery, and FLASH IT! MUAHAHA.
Now, if you'd like an old thread of mine with mods I found to work well together to improve our specific device, go visit this thread. It got popular at one point ^-^ Then I got tired of updating it with new mods. Lulz.
P.S. My personal favorite is the CrossBreeder mod.
My apps suck, can I have apps?
Sure! When I decide to make this section. It's 11:48 and I'm incredibly tired and craving a nice, tall glass of water. So, when I get bored again, I'll update this section. (Forewarning: There's a good bit of apps ;D) So, yeah. Sorry about this whole "I'm too lazy to finish this guide come back later" thing.
Bye
^^ Yepp. Adios. Tankzz ferr reeding. :3
My name is, my name is, not slim shady, lol
:good: Thanks for helping everyone out, and thanks for you kind words.
lol The only problem is @Kuma won't be able to help anyone, if they send him(or her) a PM.
Just thought I'll let you know
Lol I wonder if that's an old account I made way back when. I kind of remember making a account, but can't really remember.
Oh crap! Kuma82. My bad XD I'll fix it when I update it. On my phone ATM/:
Sent from my LG-P769 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
This is so helpful! And you're not the only one that doesn't party. First, I don't drink or smoke. Second, I would suffer an instant death if I get caught. Lol....my family is very strict.
Sent from my LG-P769 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
thanx for the thread bro u helped so much :good:
Glad to help ^-^ Got bored one day
Sent from my LG-P769 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Thank you.
I'll look into it tonight. I will try and tell about what happens tomorrow-ish.
Cool. Good luck.