Hello, I'm brand new to these forums, but I've been browsing them for the past week, and Im thinking about making the plunge to CM7. I've never done anything like this before, so could you guys answer a few of my questions, and maybe put my fears to rest?
First off, let me say that I read the Moto Atrix noob guide and updated thread.
This is my phone info:
System Version: 4.5.141.MB860.ATT.en.US
Android Version: 2.3.6
I have had this phone for over a year, and everything is completely stock.
Questions:
1. I have seen various threads about the latest firmware from Motorola causing an inability to change the OS. Is this true? And if not, do all the guides I've read regarding flashing, roms, backup, etc. still applicable?
2. I want to run CM7, but is it better to install CM7 directly from their website, or use some of the versions that I have seen members offering here. What are the main differences? What do you recommend?
3. Is CM7 as stable as stock?
4. Is it possible to flash different kernels to see what type of battery life difference they make, and can you do this without changing the OS?
5. I've seen multiple times of the importance of backing everything up. My only concerns are the contacts and sms. My contacts are stored on "Motorola Services." How can I back them up? As for sms, I use an app called SMS backup and restore. It creates an xml file I think, so when I go to restore my sms messages, everything should be as i was before, right? I'm worried about formatting issues here.
I just want to make sure I understand everything so I dont mess anything up. Thanks for your help!
yep. being a virgin and knowing it has to happen gives ya them butterflies in the tummy. Don't worry, you'll be fine, WE were all virgins at one time also. There will be somone here to assist you if you need it.
1.Follow the automatic bootloader thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1182871
2. Read a little on the roms you are considering. The ones based on cm7 are basically the same. differences will be in themes, and extra/different features like diff apps and launchers & more or less customization options such as for settings. Have to choose which one appeals to you, and go with it. Beauty of this is if you want to try something else, only takes a matter of minutes and you can change to a differnt cm7 rom. In a lot of instances, once you are on cm7, flashing a different cm7 rom, you don't have to erase or lose your data, just wipe system and caches and load new flavor. Only takes a couple of minutes to flash a new rom, or kernal, or radio, and your data stays intact. Changing to a CM9 or a different base rom is when you will need to wipe the whole phone including data.
3. Yes, cm7 was the last revision when devs were still able to use OEM drivers, so they are stable.
4. Answered in #2
5. I don't recall which apps were good for saving your sms stuff on cm7. Seems like ages ago since I was using that! Might want to consider moving your Motorola based stuff over to Google. Contacts will be availabe there and will load automatically when you initiate your new rom. You don't need to do any formatting, but erasing will wipe areas, and will erase personal data if that option is chosen, so your concern is noted. Pay attention to what you are doing, don't wipe data from CWM when flashing if you intend on keeping your user data. You can wipe system and caches and not lose your data.
Yes back everthing up. Make a copy of your PDS folder and stash it away on your pc (do this before starting flashing), this has your phone id stuffs and a couple other valuables. Don't share that with anyone either. Make a nandroid b/u (an option in your new CWM) as soon as you can after installing CWM. You can reload that if things don't go good, and be back where you started. Install SuperuserSU (not the plain Superuser) from google play.
Just do it, you'll like it! become one of the elite!
If you ask me... You'll need a custom recovery to be able to flash CM7 anyway, so why not use it to make a proper full nandroid backup too?
I mean sure, you can try messing around with specialized apps to save and restore only the parts most critical to you (like contacts and texts), but if for any reason you'll want to completely go back, at least you'll know you can.
ravilov said:
If you ask me... You'll need a custom recovery to be able to flash CM7 anyway, so why not use it to make a proper full nandroid backup too?
I mean sure, you can try messing around with specialized apps to save and restore only the parts most critical to you (like contacts and texts), but if for any reason you'll want to completely go back, at least you'll know you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this full backup allow me to then only restore the data I wanted to keep? Because I know I wouldnt want to restore the whole thing.
wvcaudill2 said:
Will this full backup allow me to then only restore the data I wanted to keep? Because I know I wouldnt want to restore the whole thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM will allow you to restore individual partitions. So you can, say, restore just /data and leave others intact. It won't let you restore specific folders in /data though. Basically such a backup is most useful if you need to restore the entire phone to a specific state.
wvcaudill2 said:
Will this full backup allow me to then only restore the data I wanted to keep? Because I know I wouldnt want to restore the whole thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use titanium backup to restore individual apps and their data...
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2
ravilov said:
CWM will allow you to restore individual partitions. So you can, say, restore just /data and leave others intact. It won't let you restore specific folders in /data though. Basically such a backup is most useful if you need to restore the entire phone to a specific state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what all is stored in the /data partition?
Also, is there some comparison of roms out there? I've been searching through the forum, and can't seem to find any. I see NottachAtrix4G alot. Is this based off of CM7? Also, does the fingerprint scanner work in cm7?
wvcaudill2 said:
what all is stored in the /data partition?
Also, is there some comparison of roms out there? I've been searching through the forum, and can't seem to find any. I see NottachAtrix4G alot. Is this based off of CM7? Also, does the fingerprint scanner work in cm7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The data partition is where your contacts, messages, settings and apps that you have installed go to.
I'm sure I saw some threads comparing ROMs, even though I recommend you try all the ROMs and see which one best fits your needs. Back when I had my old Milestone 2, everyone talked about the CM7 ROM, as it was the best to the device, but as soon as I tried the MIUI 2.3.7, never came back to CM7 (at least with M2, used it again with atrix)
Nottachtrix isn't based off CM7, it's a stock gingerbread ROM with modifications.
Yes, the fingerprint scanner works (at least on Neutrino CM7).
MaxK47 said:
The data partition is where your contacts, messages, settings and apps that you have installed go to.
I'm sure I saw some threads comparing ROMs, even though I recommend you try all the ROMs and see which one best fits your needs. Back when I had my old Milestone 2, everyone talked about the CM7 ROM, as it was the best to the device, but as soon as I tried the MIUI 2.3.7, never came back to CM7 (at least with M2, used it again with atrix)
Nottachtrix isn't based off CM7, it's a stock gingerbread ROM with modifications.
Yes, the fingerprint scanner works (at least on Neutrino CM7).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for a good answer. I have yet another question though.
Some of the ROMS I have been looking at advertise that they are packaged with a certain kernel. Do all ROMS contain a kernel, or will I have to flash my own depending on which ROM I choose?
Again, sorry for all the questions, I just want to make sure I dont screw this up!
Every ROM is a complete system, so it must come with a kernel. In most cases after flashing a ROM you're ready to go. You'd only want to flash a different kernel if for some reason you're not happy with the one supplied with the ROM.
Related
I hadn't done much with my Vibrant and now I want to take advantage of it! What should I do? I'm a complete novice. I've only rooted and used Odin. Is there a good rom that doesn't wipe because I like to keep my data.
The only thing i've done is ODIN to the JI6 update and rooted my phone.
I would say look through the bible in the dev section, it has good options to read through and do to your phone. But to take full advantage of your phone, i would say flash a good rom ( i recommend axura or anderdroid's aospish jk2 1.1) and flash either a voodoo, or an overclocked kernel, or both! Thats really all the major improvements i can think of right now. You can also read up on how to flash roms (if you dont know already) in the bible. sorry there might be other things, but my minds a blank
rubberwheels said:
I hadn't done much with my Vibrant and now I want to take advantage of it! What should I do? I'm a complete novice. I've only rooted and used Odin. Is there a good rom that doesn't wipe because I like to keep my data.
The only thing i've done is ODIN to the JI6 update and rooted my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the ROMs will wipe your data. This generally means that your apps and associated data will get wiped. As a general rule, other things (like photos or videos or music) tend to stay. But always make a back up, just in case, because the general rule doesn't always apply. You can use something like Titanium Backup to backup and then restore your apps (and associated data).
roguly said:
I would say look through the bible in the dev section, it has good options to read through and do to your phone. But to take full advantage of your phone, i would say flash a good rom ( i recommend axura or anderdroid's aospish jk2 1.1) and flash either a voodoo, or an overclocked kernel, or both! Thats really all the major improvements i can think of right now. You can also read up on how to flash roms (if you dont know already) in the bible. sorry there might be other things, but my minds a blank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. That's the best place to start. Also, check out the threads for any of the ROMs you're interested in. Flashing is easy. And if you're already using ODIN, you can pretty much recover by re-flashing JI6 should anything seriously go wrong.
Good luck
ScratchSF said:
Most of the ROMs will wipe your data. This generally means that your apps and associated data will get wiped. As a general rule, other things (like photos or videos or music) tend to stay. But always make a back up, just in case, because the general rule doesn't always apply. You can use something like Titanium Backup to backup and then restore your apps (and associated data).
Agreed. That's the best place to start. Also, check out the threads for any of the ROMs you're interested in. Flashing is easy. And if you're already using ODIN, you can pretty much recover by re-flashing JI6 should anything seriously go wrong.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will i be able to recover the data like texts, etc... using a nandroid backup?
rubberwheels said:
Will i be able to recover the data like texts, etc... using a nandroid backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, a nandroid doesnt backup your texts. And im not really sure how to backup texts, but if you have an important picture (nudes?!?!?! jkjk) then i guess you can just transfer them to your computer. sorry i cant be more helpful haha
Smsbox is free in market, saves all texts and calls to online logs. You cannot however restore to phone. Handy app though, you'll never misplace a text you want to save.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Thank lol. I guess I'll delete all my texts I racked up lol.
The only thing left for me to do is to flash a new rom
.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Go get em
Still flashing , thanks to odin & tw
So now I can grab any ROM. Lets say the Axura Froyo ROM. I just dump it into my phone and flash via CWR?
That's right but make a back up of your current rom first then go ahead and flash away use titanium backup to backup and restore any apps your running its in the market
Still flashing , thanks to odin & tw
Hi,
I am new to Android and the Gtab. I am basically curious as to what the best way is to backup my Gtab. What software and the steps to take (what is the difference between cwm and nvflash?).
I actually like the stock rom but my biggest frustration is the lack of the market which I would like to have. Having that said, I would like to run something different on the Gtab which will support the market app and not the Gmarket app. I looked around the forums and I see lots of good tutorials but it confuses me on how I backup with my stock rom before I begin any of the tutorials to upgrade to a new rom. I feel like backing up is the biggest step and don't want to mess this up so that I can revert back if I do make a mistake down the road. I'm sure once you do this a couple of times it starts to make sense but I have not done it yet and want to make sure I understand everything before I move forward.
I am a beginner but want to be able to get more out of my Gtab. Please help.
It needs to be modded right out of the box, so how much could you have possibly gotten installed?
Ok, I'm kidding.
What are you trying to "backup"? If it's DOC's and Books, music, etc, either dump it all onto a secondary memory card, or dump your data to a PC using usb connection. As for settings like email, etc. I say skip the backup and just reinstall the stuff.
I keep all of the working installers I've found on my external SD card so if I need to wipe & start over, I just go through and click/install them again.
bnovak said:
It needs to be modded right out of the box, so how much could you have possibly gotten installed?
Ok, I'm kidding.
What are you trying to "backup"? If it's DOC's and Books, music, etc, either dump it all onto a secondary memory card, or dump your data to a PC using usb connection. As for settings like email, etc. I say skip the backup and just reinstall the stuff.
I keep all of the working installers I've found on my external SD card so if I need to wipe & start over, I just go through and click/install them again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for the post. I think I may have not worded my question right. My fault since I am new. What I mean is what do I need to do to backup my current OS I suppose. For instance, it has android 2.2 correct? I upgraded OOTB to firmware 3588 which works well but no market. What do I need to do to back this OS up so that I can revert back to it in case of any problems? Sorry if I am still confusing you guys but like I said earlier, I am completely new and still learning the phraseology and such. Thanks!
jetguy35,
Most people get Titanium Backup and backup the apps and system with a batch file in that.
That takes care of apps.
If the whole tablet gets messed up you either NVFlash back to the bekit 1105 version
per the NVFlash recovery thread in developers, if its not too bad you reinstall the
current 3588 version from a download.
There are other ways some people suggest, but I don't recommend what I haven't used and don't know about.
Good Luck!!!
Rev
An app called Titanium Backup will allow you to back up your apps and their data.
To do a complete system backup, you'll need to get clockworkmod installed (bekit .8 version), once booted into clockworkmod there is a back up option which will back up all system files and apps.
Check this thread in the development section for installing clockworkmod:
[Sticky][Guide]Install ClockworkMod, A ROM, Flash Player, and the Market Fix
Insall clockwork mod .8 and boot to recovery and backup entire rom. ..then save a copy from internal to external sd card in case you need it.
Sent from my VEGAn-TAB-v1.0.0b5.1.1 using Tapatalk
personally (and I was in your shoes last week)
I would just go through the TNT Lite post and flash that ROM onto the tablet. If you go TNT 4.4.0 you DO NOT WANT CLOCKWORK.
It's really simple - plug in USB, copy the correct files to the tablet, push and hold pwr-volume up and give it a couple minutes.
I think the vanilla ROM is floating around so if you don't have a bunch of personalized files, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Anytime you flash it, you are going to have to add some of the programs back in anyway.
Roebeets TnT build is super fast and super stable. You won't know what hit you when you turn it on the first time.
bnovak,
That's a good idea, but not everyone is ready, or has the expertise or even wants
to move up to a ROM.
I have two tablets and one is running the experimental next generation TwoTabX ROM
that is on hold waiting for VS to do something -- and the other most of the time is
pure stock (so I can test stuff and get OTA updates etc.
When I go to work, doesn't matter which I take because both work well.
Stock is not bad!!! You should have seen the original software!!!
Rev
I knew I might have problems when using Titanium Backup to restore my apps and data from my Captivate to my new SGS2. I did some research prior and could not find any information that said there would be a problem for sure, so I went ahead.
Now I am having a bunch of force closes... Messenging, e-mail, bunch of things not working at all. Suggestions?
Information: Rooted SGS2 running 2.3.4, build GB.UCKH7
I think the best thing to do now is a complete wipe... But I am not sure how to do that without messing up my phone since it is rooted. Also, even if I do wipe it, how do I restore my text messages, phone log, etc, without messing it up again? Is this even possible or should I give up?
FYI: I have never restored to a different phone before, only from Captivate to Captivate.
Thanks in advance.
It is not recommended to restore system apps going from one rom to another, so I can only assume coming from another phone is such a bad idea.
Restoring user apps is all you should do, but from another phone I don't know how that works exactly.
For messages, call logs, check the market for a few apps that will do that for you.
Did you try to restore your mms and phone log by restoring the apk? I do not think you can do that from one phone to a different phone.
You should backup and restore with something like "SMS Backup +" from Google Play.
EDIT// Damn I'm too slow
restoring from device to device is fine...however it would appear that you restored SYSTEM data
or
you restored all apps + data instead of MISSING apps+data....big difference.
Pirateghost said:
restoring from device to device is fine...however it would appear that you restored SYSTEM data
or
you restored all apps + data instead of MISSING apps+data....big difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I selected the option "Backup all user apps + system data," which I already figured out was the WRONG option. Grrr.
What is the best way to fix this situation I am in? Since my phone is rooted, I am hesitant to use the menu systems to reset since that might mess up my phone.
I suppose installing a custom rom will fix the issue for sure, right? I was not sure I wanted to get into that with this phone.
Install a custom rom and be done with it.
If you like stock give that latest leak a try and enjoy ICS.
I'm with lilchris on this one. Just do a clean install of a custom rom then only restore user apps. In my experience restoring system data is just way more trouble then its worth. Google stores your critical information (contacts etc.) and everything else is not worth the pain.
LiLChris06 said:
Install a custom rom and be done with it.
If you like stock give that latest leak a try and enjoy ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you recommend stock or your ICS Rom? I actually prefer custom roms, I was just not sure I wanted to spend all the time putting one on... I guess I have to now!!!! Might as well get a custom one. I miss the custom one I had on my Captivate already!!!
As far as ICS roms go, how does yours rank? It looks pretty awesome.
Thanks.
Phone Bricker ICS Rom
Just installed Chris's Phone Bricker ICS Rom and it truly is AMAZING!!!! ICS has got to be the best Android Rom I have seen yet. I am loving it so much.
Thanks Christ, you are awesome. As soon as my phone finished downloading all my apps (which is did automatically!!! never had that happen with any prior Android Rom!), I will install the update you provided.
ok so basically i want to find a way to get to 4.3 either rooted or unrooted, my problem is that i have pretty bad ocd and one of my major major problems with that disorder is my tech devices, i will most likely have an anxsiety attack or 2 if i have to set up my phone from scratch and i will spend hours making it look exactly the same. anyway, i want to know:
1:how to update rooted gs3 Gt-i9305t 4g/lte model without loosing data (if possible )
2: update to 4.3 and un root without loosing data (im sure thats impossible )
i would really appreciate the help as i cannot find anyone looking for the same help as me (kinda strange how no one cares about there data at all, but meh)
also on a side note, i have the problem with my s3 where any sd card i put into the machine will eventually kill itself and never work again as far as i know, it has killed 3 32gb sd cards now and its starting to piss me off to the point where i am no longer using an sd card at all. why does the phone do this and is there any way to fix it? either software wise or hard wear wise? thanks !!! :fingers-crossed:
4.3 source code has only just been released. 4.3 roms are not fully functional and have bugs. There are no official releases so they are all "rooted".
You really do need to wipe when making version updates. Theres no way around this.
Stick with what you've got.
that just sucks.
rootSU said:
4.3 source code has only just been released. 4.3 roms are not fully functional and have bugs. There are no official releases so they are all "rooted".
You really do need to wipe when making version updates. Theres no way around this.
Stick with what you've got.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that honestly sucks so much, thanks for the info though.
hey another quick question, is there a way to so a full backup, like im talking FULL, like down to the point of where ur apps are placed and all there data, like apple devices have through itunes?? (restore from backup option) cus if so then i dont mind wiping at all, i just hate apple so i will never go back to one of there piece of **** devices again (i like features with my shiny brick) but yeah anything like that? or can kies do that?
i'm using temasek 4.3 preview 3 atm, you should check it out since developer is extremely helpful
and he updates regularly (which is important)
There are a number of ways to keep your data. Including ones that will let you change the ROM and still have your data. Titanium Backup - not sure if it is only Pro version but the one I have lets me create a backup on the extSDcard so I can flash it in a new ROM and restore all my apps and data straight off. SMS Backup and restore and Call Backup and restore both save out your data to the extSDcard so you can bring them back. I used to use My Backup Root as well but it ceased to work on the last update so I nuked it.
Add in a nandroid backup on something like Philz Recovery (where you can do an Advanced Restore from External SDCard and bring back just parts of your current ROM) and you can always get back to your look & feel in any new ROM.
The one thing I ahve NOT found a solution for is replacing my widgets back on the screens they are on - I run 7 screens and it pisses me off a full recovery in something like Titanium doesn't restore my widgets. The only way it happens is a full nandroid restore but that nukes the new ROM I have just installed so that's not an option.
I run Purelook HD as my 1st ROM, GoogyMax kernel and SlimBean as my 2nd ROM. I can nuke either or both and be back to my set up (including widgets) in about 45 minutes.
Journyman16 said:
There are a number of ways to keep your data. Including ones that will let you change the ROM and still have your data. Titanium Backup - not sure if it is only Pro version but the one I have lets me create a backup on the extSDcard so I can flash it in a new ROM and restore all my apps and data straight off. SMS Backup and restore and Call Backup and restore both save out your data to the extSDcard so you can bring them back. I used to use My Backup Root as well but it ceased to work on the last update so I nuked it.
Add in a nandroid backup on something like Philz Recovery (where you can do an Advanced Restore from External SDCard and bring back just parts of your current ROM and you can always get back to your look & feel in any new ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lets dissect this a little.
A Nandroid backup will take a snapshot of your phone. If you flash something wrong, it can be used to restore your data / settings and rom exactly how it was. This will not help restore your data and settings on a new ROM where you had to perform a wipe. (You have to perform a wipe to prevent data and settings incompatibilities with the new ROM that will cause problems.)
Titanium backup is great. However, if you had to perform a wipe, you cannot simply restore everything using Titanium. This is because you will be restoring the incompatabilities (System data) and restoring the problems (negating the point of the wipe in the first place). You can restore user apps and data with titanium but there will be an element of manually setting all your rom settings.
OP - Please read the "Read before rooting" thread in my signature for more info.
**** that
screw it, ill just stay on 4.2.1 i mostly want it cus they (****ING FINALLY ) partially fixed the setting wallpaper problems so you can get at least most of the photo in the screen now, i have it on my nexus 7 but now cant get it on my phone : / screw ocd, it has plagued me since i was little
adex9 said:
screw it, ill just stay on 4.2.1 i mostly want it cus they (****ING FINALLY ) partially fixed the setting wallpaper problems so you can get at least most of the photo in the screen now, i have it on my nexus 7 but now cant get it on my phone : / screw ocd, it has plagued me since i was little
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We all spend hours making it look exactly the same. It's annoying but essential.
rootSU said:
Lets dissect this a little.
A Nandroid backup will take a snapshot of your phone. If you flash something wrong, it can be used to restore your data / settings and rom exactly how it was. This will not help restore your data and settings on a new ROM where you had to perform a wipe. (You have to perform a wipe to prevent data and settings incompatibilities with the new ROM that will cause problems.)
Titanium backup is great. However, if you had to perform a wipe, you cannot simply restore everything using Titanium. This is because you will be restoring the incompatabilities (System data) and restoring the problems (negating the point of the wipe in the first place). You can restore user apps and data with titanium but there will be an element of manually setting all your rom settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Advanced Restore in Philz lets you restore Data. The choices are, Restore Boot, System (+or- reload) Data, Cache and sd ext. The Data restored my latest personal stuff from the BU I tried just before a new ROM experiment. So not all Restores are the same. You don't have to bring it ALL back from a nandroid.
Journyman16 said:
The Advanced Restore in Philz lets you restore Data. The choices are, Restore Boot, System (+or- reload) Data, Cache and sd ext. The Data restored my latest personal stuff from the BU I tried just before a new ROM experiment. So not all Restores are the same. You don't have to bring it ALL back from a nandroid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Journyman16
You seem to be missing my point.
If you can restore just data via recovery (which you can) then you didn't need to wipe in the first place.
ROM goes in /system. We all know that. Our apps go in /data/app. We all know that. Our data for our apps goes in /data/data but what some may NOT know is that /data/data contains all your system data too. When you set a ring tone or wallpaper, its in /data/data.
If you go from 1 ROM to another, you may not have to wipe. Or you may HAVE to wipe. It depends if there is incompatible system data in /data/data or not.
When you do wipe, you wipe /data/* (includes /data/data). If you nandroid restore /data and your phone works perfectly, you didn't need to wipe. So my point remains.
If you HAD to wipe, you cannot simply restore data via recovery and have a fully working phone.
rootSU said:
@Journyman16
You seem to be missing my point.
If you can restore just data via recovery (which you can) then you didn't need to wipe in the first place.
ROM goes in /system. We all know that. Our apps go in /data/app. We all know that. Our data for our apps goes in /data/data but what some may NOT know is that /data/data contains all your system data too. When you set a ring tone or wallpaper, its in /data/data.
If you go from 1 ROM to another, you may not have to wipe. Or you may HAVE to wipe. It depends if there is incompatible system data in /data/data or not.
When you do wipe, you wipe /data/* (includes /data/data). If you nandroid restore /data and your phone works perfectly, you didn't need to wipe. So my point remains.
If you HAD to wipe, you cannot simply restore data via recovery and have a fully working phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the explanation - that helps me understand better what goes on. Would that explain perhaps why, after some Restores, I had to run Fix Permissions to stop the FC's?
Journyman16 said:
Thanks for the explanation - that helps me understand better what goes on. Would that explain perhaps why, after some Restores, I had to run Fix Permissions to stop the FC's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, it could do.
Any updates (I am facing the same problem)?
BTW, OTA updates seem to be able to keep most if not all settings. How they manage to do this?
moshepupkin said:
Any updates (I am facing the same problem)?
BTW, OTA updates seem to be able to keep most if not all settings. How they manage to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I've been looking for the exact method to do this, but haven't had any luck so far.
I ended up using Kies to update to 4.3 - it does not check root status.
moshepupkin said:
I ended up using Kies to update to 4.3 - it does not check root status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, it says that my current firmware is the latest version, rather than 4.3. Is there anything special you're supposed to do?
AriaOfSorrow said:
Hmm, it says that my current firmware is the latest version, rather than 4.3. Is there anything special you're supposed to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who says there is a 4.3 for your phone ???
JJEgan said:
Who says there is a 4.3 for your phone ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, let's see... there's everyone I know that also has this phone. People online that say they have this phone. Web sites saying that this phone has officially received 4.3. The phone itself saying there is an update for the firmware. So, basically everyone/thing except the Kies program.
Who says their is an update for your phone repeat your phone not some other guys phone and as you failed to give any firmware details impossible to check .
Kies/ Samsung says not for your phone yet.
Contact your vendor .
See multiple identical posts .
Flash stock rom through Odin from sammobile .com
JJEgan said:
Who says their is an update for your phone repeat your phone not some other guys phone and as you failed to give any firmware details impossible to check .
Kies/ Samsung says not for your phone yet.
Contact your vendor .
See multiple identical posts .
Flash stock rom through Odin from sammobile .com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already told you who said there is an update for my phone. Unless my phone is disguised as some one of a kind phone, I'm supposed to be able to update to 4.3.
Hi all,
This is the first time I've tried installing a custom ROM on my VZW S4 (i545) (MDK firmware. Yes, I held out on the OTA since May). I've got a few thoughts and a couple of questions I was hoping could be addressed. I consider myself familiar with flashing ROM's and whatnot, so I won't need hand-holding steps in answer to my questions.
Some info:
VZW S4
MDK Firmware
Recovery: OUDhs CWM Touch Req0very v1.0.3.5
I haven't taken any OTA since I got the phone back in May. This leads me to believe (correct me if I'm wrong) that I'm on Android 4.2.2?
Current ROM: AOKP Nightly Build for 10/31/2013 (MR2)
Thoughts: Holy hell, this ROM is BLAZING fast. I am missing a few features, but none I use regularly (I don't use any of the TouchWiz "smart" features. Damn battery hogs). I was able to flash this over and install GAPPS without any problems. Loading time is incredible, and I love how clean the interface is.
Questions:
Can anyone help me figure out why I cannot install CM10.2? Not sure if that's because I downloaded the wrong version or something, but after flashing it, the screen stays stuck at the Galaxy S4 logo and doesn't move. Maybe I didn't wait long enough, but it surely didn't move in any reasonably expected time (AOKP, by comparison, loaded probably <1 minute). Any thoughts on why this might be? I really want to try CM10.2, so perhaps I should try a different build?
Another question/concern: I downloaded a few different ROMs last night -- CM10.2, AOKP and st0ckdr0id. AOKP installed fine, CM10.2 froze up, but when I installed st0ckdr0id (after wiping out, of course), I got what I think is referred to as a kernel panic. The message was similar to "This phone has software installed on it that Verizon Wireless has determined to be unsafe. Please power off the phone and take to the nearest Verizon Wireless store for help". In the top-left corner, it had in bold RED letters "Kernel secure: FAIL" (or similar wording). I fixed this by booting back into recovery, wiping out, and then installing AOKP again. Can anyone help me understand why this happened?
Why is only ~10GB of space still available when I -thought- I wiped out everything?
What I'm really searching for is an AOSP ROM that is very clean and light, but has SOME of the TouchWiz features. Any recommendations?
My phone only shows me as having a 3G connection, where normally I have 4G LTE. Anything I can do to fix this? Is this an issue with the ROM not detecting the right kind of radio? Bug report, perhaps?
I can't mount my external_sd in my CWM anymore. Yes, I used to be able to do it at one point, because I've done an external nandroid backup to it from within CWM in the past (as of October 29th, if the date on the backups is correct). I've read in other Google searches that it has something to do with the formatting of the SD card, but I haven't removed that SD card from my phone in a few months to have adjusted anything to do with formatting. I plugged the memory card into my Linux laptop this morning while diagnosing this and got an error about an unknown exfat partition. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Stupid question: Is there a way to -completely- wipe my internal SD card clean of all my current files? I know when I "wipe" /data I can still see all of my files from the previous installation, and I'm not ballsy enough to wipe /sdcard. I guess the question that then coincides with this is if I were able to completely wipe the phone, I assume that would wipe the recovery as well?
Sorry for some of the novice questions -- I have no problem messing with my old TF300T tablet (because NVFlash will save the day), but this is my only phone, only line of communication and SOLE way for me to answer calls for work (24/7 rotating on-call), so it is VERY important to me to ask questions and not go down for more than 1 hour.
Thanks for all help guys, its much appreciated. I hope to be able to test ROMs regularly and maybe start posting video reviews or something, who knows?
Thanks,
Opethfan89
opethfan89 said:
Hi all,
This is the first time I've tried installing a custom ROM on my VZW S4 (i545) (MDK firmware. Yes, I held out on the OTA since May). I've got a few thoughts and a couple of questions I was hoping could be addressed. I consider myself familiar with flashing ROM's and whatnot, so I won't need hand-holding steps in answer to my questions.
Some info:
VZW S4
MDK Firmware
Recovery: OUDhs CWM Touch Req0very v1.0.3.5
I haven't taken any OTA since I got the phone back in May. This leads me to believe (correct me if I'm wrong) that I'm on Android 4.2.2?
Current ROM: AOKP Nightly Build for 10/31/2013 (MR2)
Thoughts: Holy hell, this ROM is BLAZING fast. I am missing a few features, but none I use regularly (I don't use any of the TouchWiz "smart" features. Damn battery hogs). I was able to flash this over and install GAPPS without any problems. Loading time is incredible, and I love how clean the interface is.
Questions:
Can anyone help me figure out why I cannot install CM10.2? Not sure if that's because I downloaded the wrong version or something, but after flashing it, the screen stays stuck at the Galaxy S4 logo and doesn't move. Maybe I didn't wait long enough, but it surely didn't move in any reasonably expected time (AOKP, by comparison, loaded probably <1 minute). Any thoughts on why this might be? I really want to try CM10.2, so perhaps I should try a different build?
Another question/concern: I downloaded a few different ROMs last night -- CM10.2, AOKP and st0ckdr0id. AOKP installed fine, CM10.2 froze up, but when I installed st0ckdr0id (after wiping out, of course), I got what I think is referred to as a kernel panic. The message was similar to "This phone has software installed on it that Verizon Wireless has determined to be unsafe. Please power off the phone and take to the nearest Verizon Wireless store for help". In the top-left corner, it had in bold RED letters "Kernel secure: FAIL" (or similar wording). I fixed this by booting back into recovery, wiping out, and then installing AOKP again. Can anyone help me understand why this happened?
Why is only ~10GB of space still available when I -thought- I wiped out everything?
What I'm really searching for is an AOSP ROM that is very clean and light, but has SOME of the TouchWiz features. Any recommendations?
My phone only shows me as having a 3G connection, where normally I have 4G LTE. Anything I can do to fix this? Is this an issue with the ROM not detecting the right kind of radio? Bug report, perhaps?
I can't mount my external_sd in my CWM anymore. Yes, I used to be able to do it at one point, because I've done an external nandroid backup to it from within CWM in the past (as of October 29th, if the date on the backups is correct). I've read in other Google searches that it has something to do with the formatting of the SD card, but I haven't removed that SD card from my phone in a few months to have adjusted anything to do with formatting. I plugged the memory card into my Linux laptop this morning while diagnosing this and got an error about an unknown exfat partition. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Stupid question: Is there a way to -completely- wipe my internal SD card clean of all my current files? I know when I "wipe" /data I can still see all of my files from the previous installation, and I'm not ballsy enough to wipe /sdcard. I guess the question that then coincides with this is if I were able to completely wipe the phone, I assume that would wipe the recovery as well?
Sorry for some of the novice questions -- I have no problem messing with my old TF300T tablet (because NVFlash will save the day), but this is my only phone, only line of communication and SOLE way for me to answer calls for work (24/7 rotating on-call), so it is VERY important to me to ask questions and not go down for more than 1 hour.
Thanks for all help guys, its much appreciated. I hope to be able to test ROMs regularly and maybe start posting video reviews or something, who knows?
Thanks,
Opethfan89
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that's a lot. Let's see if we can get you answers.
1. Switch recoveries to twrp 2.5.0.2. I can't stress the importance of the particular version enough. There are others. This is absolutely the most stable. It's what the devs use. I think then your cm issue will be resolved.
Correct way to wipe with twrp.
1.wipe - >factory reset.
2. Advanced wipe - >check system, data, davlik, cache then wipe.
3. The go back to main screen and install rom.
2. Answered by answer one. Lots of people have lots of opinions about the various recoveries. All I can tell you is this is what all the devs use for their recovery. Can't argue with that.
3. Reserved space. It might say you have 16 gigs but a good size chunk is taking merely by formatting. Then the ROM and programs you have installed of course.
4. Honestly they are all freaking great. The aosp roms. You do the answer to number one and you can find out. DU is my fav @ this moment. Followed by beanstalk.
5. Go to mobile networks make sure your network mode is set to cdma +lte/evdo.
6. Answer 1.
7. You don't really want to wipe the entire internal SD card. Sounds good when you think it might screw you if you did it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Mightycaptain said:
Wow that's a lot. Let's see if we can get you answers.
1. Switch recoveries to twrp 2.5.0.2. I can't stress the importance of the particular version enough. There are others. This is absolutely the most stable. It's what the devs use. I think then your cm issue will be resolved.
Correct way to wipe with twrp.
1.wipe - >factory reset.
2. Advanced wipe - >check system, data, davlik, cache then wipe.
3. The go back to main screen and install rom.
2. Answered by answer one. Lots of people have lots of opinions about the various recoveries. All I can tell you is this is what all the devs use for their recovery. Can't argue with that.
3. Reserved space. It might say you have 16 gigs but a good size chunk is taking merely by formatting. Then the ROM and programs you have installed of course.
4. Honestly they are all freaking great. The aosp roms. You do the answer to number one and you can find out. DU is my fav @ this moment. Followed by beanstalk.
5. Go to mobile networks make sure your network mode is set to cdma +lte/evdo.
6. Answer 1.
7. You don't really want to wipe the entire internal SD card. Sounds good when you think it might screw you if you did it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response Mightycaptain! I used CWM as my first ever recovery and am kinda pressed on it, which is why I use it, but I have no issues going to TWRP if that means fixing my issues. Can you elaborate on how to install TWRP in place of my current CWM? I'll do some Googling in the meantime to try to find the answer myself. (I haven't done any flashing or rooting stuff since I got the phone in May!!)
Thanks for your answer in #5. Fixed the issue I was having.
My reason for wanting to wipe the entire internal SD card is there are still files, folders, logs and backups from when I had my previous ROM. I'm having issues restoring my nandroid backup from the night of the 7th so is it at all possible for me to salvage some of my settings, apps and file backups from those existing files? Once I fix my nandroid, I'm going to keep the nandroid backup in a safe place and I ideally want to have a completely clean phone to start from: That means getting rid of all those old files and other nonsense from before. Is this a possibility?
I'm going to spend my time today trying to extract data from my nandroid backups using ROM Toolbox Pro. If that doesn't work, I have a nandroid backup from the 31st that has 99% of the stuff I need so I'll try to restore that. If THAT doesn't work, then I'm going to cry myself to sleep while trying to remember all of my contacts
Wish me luck, and hopefully I can get some answers to my last few questions!
Thanks,
Opethfan89
opethfan89 said:
Thanks for your response Mightycaptain! I used CWM as my first ever recovery and am kinda pressed on it, which is why I use it, but I have no issues going to TWRP if that means fixing my issues. Can you elaborate on how to install TWRP in place of my current CWM? I'll do some Googling in the meantime to try to find the answer myself. (I haven't done any flashing or rooting stuff since I got the phone in May!!)
Thanks for your answer in #5. Fixed the issue I was having.
My reason for wanting to wipe the entire internal SD card is there are still files, folders, logs and backups from when I had my previous ROM. I'm having issues restoring my nandroid backup from the night of the 7th so is it at all possible for me to salvage some of my settings, apps and file backups from those existing files? Once I fix my nandroid, I'm going to keep the nandroid backup in a safe place and I ideally want to have a completely clean phone to start from: That means getting rid of all those old files and other nonsense from before. Is this a possibility?
I'm going to spend my time today trying to extract data from my nandroid backups using ROM Toolbox Pro. If that doesn't work, I have a nandroid backup from the 31st that has 99% of the stuff I need so I'll try to restore that. If THAT doesn't work, then I'm going to cry myself to sleep while trying to remember all of my contacts
Wish me luck, and hopefully I can get some answers to my last few questions!
Thanks,
Opethfan89
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check my post here for twrp 2.5.0.2.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=47275165
You can flash it in your current recovery. It overwrites CWM. I would make sure you have a flashable for CWM just in case you need to go back for some reason. Also the backups between those 2 recoveries are not compatible. But I would nandroid with CWM before flashing twrp. I would also change were you recovery is pointing to for storage to the external SD if you haven't already. After you have cut your current backup and past it there. You can use rom toolbox pro to back up your contacts and restore it once you flash a new ROM.
Now as good advice going forward I would add your contacts to your Google account. That way when you flash new stuff or drop your phone in the toilet as soon as you add your Google account to the phone all those contacts will automatically download. But it is always a good idea to use tibu or rom toolbox pro to back up all your apps and seeing and use that after flashing roms to restore apps and settings.
But honestly I'd nandroid, move my contacts to Google, make app backups. Flash twrp. Then start flashing roms. You could be doing it in an hour. After you flash twrp make another nandroid so you have a twrp compatible backup. Then in a day or so of you are happy with everything delete the CWM backups for space.
Edit: as to extracting things from your current nandroid. Not sure if that is possible for one thing it is compressed not sure how that would work unless you are doing a full restore.
Also for future reference with TWRP. When restoring nandroid wipe like your flashing a new rom before restoring.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Mightycaptain said:
Check my post here for twrp 2.5.0.2.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=47275165
You can flash it in your current recovery. It overwrites CWM. I would make sure you have a flashable for CWM just in case you need to go back for some reason. Also the backups between those 2 recoveries are not compatible. But I would nandroid with CWM before flashing twrp. I would also change were you recovery is pointing to for storage to the external SD if you haven't already. After you have cut your current backup and past it there. You can use rom toolbox pro to back up your contacts and restore it once you flash a new ROM.
Now as good advice going forward I would add your contacts to your Google account. That way when you flash new stuff or drop your phone in the toilet as soon as you add your Google account to the phone all those contacts will automatically download. But it is always a good idea to use tibu or rom toolbox pro to back up all your apps and seeing and use that after flashing roms to restore apps and settings.
But honestly I'd nandroid, move my contacts to Google, make app backups. Flash twrp. Then start flashing roms. You could be doing it in an hour. After you flash twrp make another nandroid so you have a twrp compatible backup. Then in a day or so of you are happy with everything delete the CWM backups for space.
Edit: as to extracting things from your current nandroid. Not sure if that is possible for one thing it is compressed not sure how that would work unless you are doing a full restore.
Also for future reference with TWRP. When restoring nandroid wipe like your flashing a new rom before restoring.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks again for your quick response!! I'm glad I checked this first, because I'm in my ROM Toolbox app atm and it has an option to let me install TWRP 2.5.0.2 from within the app itself. Should I do it this way?
I will be adding all contacts to Google from now on. Unfortunately I saved all my stuff to my Verizon backup assistant so I just need one last shot at my phone to save all those contacts (manually, if I must) and be able to enter them onto the new ROM.
By "flash it in your current recovery" I assume you mean download the .zip, place it on my internal /sdcard, and then "flash" it just like I would flash a ROM, right?
I'm sure I have a "flashable" for CWM somewhere but like I said, I haven't done any of this stuff on this phone since I first bought it, and things have changed so much with everyone having OTA's and being locked out that I'm not sure what process is the same or what has changed. I can't afford to lose this phone so I'm hesitant to go balls to the wall to try things.
I will try the things you've listed here. Seems like a nandroid + TiBu + Google Contacts is my best bet to get up and running each time I decide to try a new ROM.
Thanks again!
opethfan89 said:
Hey thanks again for your quick response!! I'm glad I checked this first, because I'm in my ROM Toolbox app atm and it has an option to let me install TWRP 2.5.0.2 from within the app itself. Should I do it this way?
I will be adding all contacts to Google from now on. Unfortunately I saved all my stuff to my Verizon backup assistant so I just need one last shot at my phone to save all those contacts (manually, if I must) and be able to enter them onto the new ROM.
By "flash it in your current recovery" I assume you mean download the .zip, place it on my internal /sdcard, and then "flash" it just like I would flash a ROM, right?
I'm sure I have a "flashable" for CWM somewhere but like I said, I haven't done any of this stuff on this phone since I first bought it, and things have changed so much with everyone having OTA's and being locked out that I'm not sure what process is the same or what has changed. I can't afford to lose this phone so I'm hesitant to go balls to the wall to try things.
I will try the things you've listed here. Seems like a nandroid + TiBu + Google Contacts is my best bet to get up and running each time I decide to try a new ROM.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understand the hesitancy completely. But with nodding comes risk. It is always about whether you can accept the worst possible outcome.
Rom toolbox pro flashing recovery? I don't know never tried it.
Yes I would download the recovery. Leave it on SD card reboot to recovery and flash like a rom.
Yes nandroid tibu and saving your contacts to Google is the quickest way to get up and running again.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Mightycaptain said:
Understand the hesitancy completely. But with nodding comes risk. It is always about whether you can accept the worst possible outcome.
Rom toolbox pro flashing recovery? I don't know never tried it.
Yes I would download the recovery. Leave it on SD card reboot to recovery and flash like a rom.
Yes nandroid tibu and saving your contacts to Google is the quickest way to get up and running again.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mighty, just wanted to report that flashing TWRP 2.5.0.2 from within ROM Toolbox Pro worked like a charm. I'm on TWRP as we speak.
Thank you so much for your responses. If anyone else has anything to add, or a different response to my questions, please do so! In the meantime, I'm going to try to figure out how to get my nandroid backup working...
Cheers!
*EDIT* Made a backup with TWRP (whose interface is bloody phenomenal, btw), flashed CWM and its working like a charm!! Going to try the st0ckdr0id one as well. Still working on getting that nandroid working so I can recover my stuff and get to customizing!