Okay. Couple days ago, i got my new Samsung Galaxy S II. Fell in love with it. I previously had a Vibrant, but that met an unfortunate and violent demise. On the vibrant I hadn't been doing anything involving roms and such because i'd tried once, and completely fried the phone. LOL.
I managed to root my phone, and from what I've read, I didn't do the best method. What I did was get an unsecure kernel, and flashed that, then used a 1-click root type thing to root it. So one of my questions is, my clockwork mod isn't working, what's wrong with it? I downloaded ROM Manager, and flashed CWM. But when i reboot into recovery, i get the stock Samsung recovery screen. How can I get this to work?
And another question, is about roms such as Cyanogen mod. I really wanna get it. (I wont until I get CWM working, though.) And I'm just wondering. If I were to just go to ROM Manager, and flash cyanogen, would it work, or do i need to do more to my phone to be able to put on custom roms? I've never understood the concept of roms vs kernels vs firmware vs whatever else.
And if it matters, Samsung Galaxy S II, Android 2.3.3, rooted using SuperOneClick.
P.S Anything else that I should considering doing/putting onto my phone? And thanks in advance for halping.
Gutana said:
Okay. Couple days ago, i got my new Samsung Galaxy S II. Fell in love with it. I previously had a Vibrant, but that met an unfortunate and violent demise. On the vibrant I hadn't been doing anything involving roms and such because i'd tried once, and completely fried the phone. LOL.
I managed to root my phone, and from what I've read, I didn't do the best method. What I did was get an unsecure kernel, and flashed that, then used a 1-click root type thing to root it. So one of my questions is, my clockwork mod isn't working, what's wrong with it? I downloaded ROM Manager, and flashed CWM. But when i reboot into recovery, i get the stock Samsung recovery screen. How can I get this to work?
And another question, is about roms such as Cyanogen mod. I really wanna get it. (I wont until I get CWM working, though.) And I'm just wondering. If I were to just go to ROM Manager, and flash cyanogen, would it work, or do i need to do more to my phone to be able to put on custom roms? I've never understood the concept of roms vs kernels vs firmware vs whatever else.
And if it matters, Samsung Galaxy S II, Android 2.3.3, rooted using SuperOneClick.
P.S Anything else that I should considering doing/putting onto my phone? And thanks in advance for halping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, don't take this the wrong way, but it seems you're a bit lacking regarding knowledge about this phone... It'd pay to do your research beforehand in the SGS2 forum, read the FAQs, etc.
Okay, first off, all I can say is, go back to stock. Go flash a stock Samsung ROM for the device. Then, go into Chainfire's CF-Root Kernel thread, and download the appropriate kernel, and flash it using ODIN. After you've done that, you'll have ClockworkMod, and you'll be rooted. It is recommended that you flash another kernel though, after gaining root, as all the CF-Root kernel does it install ClockworkMod, and root the device. Personally, I recommend SiyahKernel.
If you need more detail or have any more questions, feel free to send me a PM.
Thanks,
screamworks.
screamworks said:
Okay, don't take this the wrong way, but it seems you're a bit lacking regarding knowledge about this phone... It'd pay to do your research beforehand in the SGS2 forum, read the FAQs, etc.
Okay, first off, all I can say is, go back to stock. Go flash a stock Samsung ROM for the device. Then, go into Chainfire's CF-Root Kernel thread, and download the appropriate kernel, and flash it using ODIN. After you've done that, you'll have ClockworkMod, and you'll be rooted. It is recommended that you flash another kernel though, after gaining root, as all the CF-Root kernel does it install ClockworkMod, and root the device. Personally, I recommend SiyahKernel.
If you need more detail or have any more questions, feel free to send me a PM.
Thanks,
screamworks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, I did what you said. I went to stock 2.3.4, used CF-root. And now about SiyahKernel, what are the advantages of it? And is there something wrong with just staying with the CF-Root kernel?
And as of where I am now, with just root and CWM, would i be able to switch ROMs and such?
Gutana said:
Alright, I did what you said. I went to stock 2.3.4, used CF-root. And now about SiyahKernel, what are the advantages of it? And is there something wrong with just staying with the CF-Root kernel?
And as of where I am now, with just root and CWM, would i be able to switch ROMs and such?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With a rooted device you'll be able to flash trough Odin or CMW recovery any rom you like.
Siyah kernel gives you a faster and more battery efficient phone and lets you set your own Voltage/ speed the processor has to use see this for the latest info
http://www.gokhanmoral.com/ and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1263838
DirkTeur Velserbroncx said:
With a rooted device you'll be able to flash trough Odin or CMW recovery any rom you like.
Siyah kernel gives you a faster and more battery efficient phone and lets you set your own Voltage/ speed the processor has to use see this for the latest info
http://www.gokhanmoral.com/ and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1263838
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, so i'm pretty much ready to go? Yayayayay.
And would you recommend any roms for me? XD
Gutana said:
Alright, I did what you said. I went to stock 2.3.4, used CF-root. And now about SiyahKernel, what are the advantages of it? And is there something wrong with just staying with the CF-Root kernel?
And as of where I am now, with just root and CWM, would i be able to switch ROMs and such?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SiyahKernel has a lot of advantages and improvements of CF-Root, which provides null, if I'm correct. Go check out the SiyahKernel thread in Original Development for details.
Yes, as stated, you can use CWM by itself to switch ROMs. Just remember that if you're switching ROMs (as opposed to performing a flash to a newer version of the same ROM), to perform a factor reset / wipe data, wipe cache, and wipe Dalvik cache (Advanced > wipe Dalvik cache) in ClockworkMod first.
Gutana said:
Alright, so i'm pretty much ready to go? Yayayayay.
And would you recommend any roms for me? XD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For a beginninger, I can't recommend MIUI highly enough. You could go with GalnetMIUI, which is a variant, but I personally prefer the official MIUI build. If you're looking for a more, 'pure' experience, go with CyanogenMod 7.1 stable.
screamworks said:
SiyahKernel has a lot of advantages and improvements of CF-Root, which provides null, if I'm correct. Go check out the SiyahKernel thread in Original Development for details.
Yes, as stated, you can use CWM by itself to switch ROMs. Just remember that if you're switching ROMs (as opposed to performing a flash to a newer version of the same ROM), to perform a factor reset / wipe data, wipe cache, and wipe Dalvik cache (Advanced > wipe Dalvik cache) in ClockworkMod first.
For a beginninger, I can't recommend MIUI highly enough. You could go with GalnetMIUI, which is a variant, but I personally prefer the official MIUI build. If you're looking for a more, 'pure' experience, go with CyanogenMod 7.1 stable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, one more question, sorry for the nooby-ness. Haha.
So going from my phone to for example Cyanogen, I'd backup in CWM, and Titanium backup (Or does CWM backup like, EVERYTHING?) and then factory reset, flash the rom using odin, and then use titanium backup to get my apps and settings back? orwhat.
Gutana said:
Alright, one more question, sorry for the nooby-ness. Haha.
So going from my phone to for example Cyanogen, I'd backup in CWM, and Titanium backup (Or does CWM backup like, EVERYTHING?) and then factory reset, flash the rom using odin, and then use titanium backup to get my apps and settings back? orwhat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM backup (called a NANDroid backup), backs up everything. If you perform a NANDroid back, there's no need to perform a backup in Titanium Backup - it creates a full image of your system (the advantage to TB though, is that you can backup all your download apps and settings, then install the new ROM, and restore the backed up apps - If you restore a NANDdroid backup, it'll restore the old ROM, exactly as it was when the backup was made).
So yes, the installation process is, for CWM: copy the ROM.zip to your phone, then boot into CWM recovery. Hit the 'factory reset / wipe data' option, the 'wipe cache' option, and then go to Advanced, and hit the 'wipe Dalvik cache' option. After that, choose 'install ZIP from SDCARD', and choose your ROM.zip. After it finishes installing, just hit 'reboot system now', and you're good to go!
Usually, it's not required to use ODIN to flash a new ROM, unless there's a problem with the recovery.
All that said, it pays to read the thread for the ROM beforehand, as sometimes when moving from ROM to ROM (especially from stock), there's a few small things that may be required, like flashing the ROM twice, or whatever
screamworks said:
CWM backup (called a NANDroid backup), backs up everything. If you perform a NANDroid back, there's no need to perform a backup in Titanium Backup - it creates a full image of your system (the advantage to TB though, is that you can backup all your download apps and settings, then install the new ROM, and restore the backed up apps - If you restore a NANDdroid backup, it'll restore the old ROM, exactly as it was when the backup was made).
So yes, the installation process is, for CWM: copy the ROM.zip to your phone, then boot into CWM recovery. Hit the 'factory reset / wipe data' option, the 'wipe cache' option, and then go to Advanced, and hit the 'wipe Dalvik cache' option. After that, choose 'install ZIP from SDCARD', and choose your ROM.zip. After it finishes installing, just hit 'reboot system now', and you're good to go!
Usually, it's not required to use ODIN to flash a new ROM, unless there's a problem with the recovery.
All that said, it pays to read the thread for the ROM beforehand, as sometimes when moving from ROM to ROM (especially from stock), there's a few small things that may be required, like flashing the ROM twice, or whatever
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, i got that done. I've tried both MIUI and Cyanogen, and both are working and lookin wonderful. But the problem is I dont get data on either one. I've tried reflashing, rebooting, factory reset. Idunno what else to try. Do you know what could be causing this?
Gutana said:
Alright, i got that done. I've tried both MIUI and Cyanogen, and both are working and lookin wonderful. But the problem is I dont get data on either one. I've tried reflashing, rebooting, factory reset. Idunno what else to try. Do you know what could be causing this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check your APN settings (should be somewhere in Settings under mobile network or whatever). Look your's up online ('APN settings carrier y, country z), and if they're not correct, add them in.
screamworks said:
Check your APN settings (should be somewhere in Settings under mobile network or whatever). Look your's up online ('APN settings carrier y, country z), and if they're not correct, add them in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got everything working, thank you very much. Thanked every one of your posts
And I've asked too many questions for one person in one thread, I happen to have one more. How can I get the Android Market on Cyanogenmod? I downloaded build 115, and there wasn't a market, so i'll be using MIUI till I get that fixed. ><
Gutana said:
Got everything working, thank you very much. Thanked every one of your posts
And I've asked too many questions for one person in one thread, I happen to have one more. How can I get the Android Market on Cyanogenmod? I downloaded build 115, and there wasn't a market, so i'll be using MIUI till I get that fixed. ><
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're more than welcome
If you've got any other questions, feel free to PM me
With CyanogenMod, there's a bit of a story to it, but basically, they're not allowed to package Market, Gmail, Maps, etc. with the ROM, so you need to download a zip file called Gapps and flash it in CWM Recovery, you can find it here. You don't need to wipe anything when flashing this.
Also, build #115 isn't the latest, build #117 is (in fact, there's another, even more current one, but there's really nothing to it), but I don't believe there's any major changes.
screamworks said:
You're more than welcome
If you've got any other questions, feel free to PM me
With CyanogenMod, there's a bit of a story to it, but basically, they're not allowed to package Market, Gmail, Maps, etc. with the ROM, so you need to download a zip file called Gapps and flash it in CWM Recovery, you can find it here. You don't need to wipe anything when flashing this.
Also, build #115 isn't the latest, build #117 is (in fact, there's another, even more current one, but there's really nothing to it), but I don't believe there's any major changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I was having troubles messaging you, since it didn't show anything in the sent box, i assumed it didnt go through. So i guess ill be still asking you on here.
So about Cyanogen, which build is the best? And if i'm going from one build to another, like from 115, to 116, would i still have to do a complete wipe? And any other roms besides MIUI and Cyanogen you recommend? cause MIUI is giving me and couldn't generate md5 errors, and i cant restore to it, and i hate starting off without it set up how i like it. D: and yeah, thanks.
Gutana said:
Hey, I was having troubles messaging you, since it didn't show anything in the sent box, i assumed it didnt go through. So i guess ill be still asking you on here.
So about Cyanogen, which build is the best? And if i'm going from one build to another, like from 115, to 116, would i still have to do a complete wipe? And any other roms besides MIUI and Cyanogen you recommend? cause MIUI is giving me and couldn't generate md5 errors, and i cant restore to it, and i hate starting off without it set up how i like it. D: and yeah, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only just the message 12 hours ago, if that helps?
Usually, your best bet is to go with the latest build, which you can get here. If it's stability you're looking for, go with the stable build, instead of nightlies.
Personally, out of all ROMs I've tried, I could only ever stand MIUI and CyanogenMod - but even then, MIUI started to annoy me with little things here and there. I think I'll be sticking with CyanogenMod for awhile. So, I'm not really the best authority on that. Just try some different ones, and see what appeals to you the most
Is it wise to make superwipe every time when flashing a new rom?
Can this damage the phone?Beacause every time when i flash a new rom i make superwipe.
Before the EVO i had an ideos x5 and before the flashing i was making clean cache ,dalvin cache and manualy format the system partition.
yannis_labs said:
Is it wise to make superwipe every time when flashing a new rom?
Can this damage the phone?Beacause every time when i flash a new rom i make superwipe.
Before the EVO i had an ideos x5 and before the flashing i was making clean cache ,dalvin cache and manualy format the system partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it won't damage the phone in any way.
Its always a good idea to do when flashing a new rom.
Only if your flashing an updated version of the same rom with same base, its not necessary and you would probably want to keep all your data and settings.
zcink said:
No, it won't damage the phone in any way.
Its always a good idea to do when flashing a new rom.
Only if your flashing an updated version of the same rom with same base, its not necessary and you would probably want to keep all your data and settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree in all counts except to add that sometimes it is necessary to wipe, even on the same Rom. For example, if the dev changes from odex to deodex or vice versa, you should wipe. I recommend you follow whatever is suggested by the dev.
Sent from my PG86100
I've never used super wipe and get along just fine. I've flashed GB roms, ICS roms, sense, cm, miui back and forth many times.
"How come you are not baptized?"
You dont really need it per-say but it always handy to have on the sd card. No damage is caused.
Latest Superwipe
hi all, sorry to bring up this thread back to front...some questions;
1. wondering if this thread's superwipe is still in use..?
2. i found other superwipes in the OP's ROM thread, which one is the latest? is it the 'Modified_Superwipe.zip (2.232 Mb)'
3. can i use this to flash any roms? (unless the OP has a particular included)
thanks in advance
RNZart said:
hi all, sorry to bring up this thread back to front...some questions;
1. wondering if this thread's superwipe is still in use..?
2. i found other superwipes in the OP's ROM thread, which one is the latest? is it the 'Modified_Superwipe.zip (2.232 Mb)'
3. can i use this to flash any roms? (unless the OP has a particular included)
thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I use it sometimes and it seems to work well.
2. Not sure if that's the latest, but I do use Chad's Modified Superwipe most of the time.
3. I believe so. The only thing I've heard lately is to NOT do a superwipe before flashing on of the CyanogenMod 9 ports as that has caused people to have bootloops.
Hi sirs,
The title says it all, I want to change back to stock rom or change to other custom roms but I am not sure what to do. I have cm12.1 nightly build 5.1.1 (i guess that's the name) currently installed in my phone. I followed a tutorial on how to do THINGS in my phone but I am unsure whether it will work or not. I am SO VERY VERY VERY new to these things and I don't know how to proceed. And also, i get confused of the terms like KERNEL or ROM and i kind of mixed them up. So I am here to ask for your help and clarification on my problem.
According to a tutorial that I've read, a custom recovery is needed. So, following a tutorial, I replaced the Cyanogenmod recovery with TWRP recovery. My questions are:
1. Is it safe to flash a ROM (like Omega Series Rom, which I kind of bumped in while doing research) over the current CM12.1 system?
2.Is there any patterns or magical incantations in order to flash a new rom into my device successfully? If so, can someone show me a step-by-step instructions?
3.Will it brick my phone if I missed a step?
I know this is too much to ask for, but please help me Sirs/Maams. I'm desperate. THANKS SO SO SO MUCH in advance.
P.S. Sorry if my english is so horrible. English is not my first language.
Sincerly,
Me
To install a new ROM, boot into recovery, and wipe /data and /cache and if you want also /system. After that install the ROM and Gapps zip files. Always double-check you're using & choosing the correct files. I recommend to always use the smallest possible Gapps package to make sure it fits into the /system partition.
Make sure you're using the right recovery. For example Cm12.1 needed a KitKat-compatible recovery for a successful install.
Notice that all apps and app data will be deleted at a new flash. In some cases, the recovery is included in the ROM, then it will overwrite the one you had before.
I personally think flashing a new ROM isn't that dangerous. There are more critical things, for example repartition. But there are some rare cases at almost every ROM where someone's phone dies, for whatever reason. So there's always a little risk. But even if you should succeed soft-bricking your phone, there already are some guides how to solve it.
And one more tip: in general, always read as much as possible about a ROM before flashing it. Avoid less documented ROM threads. You decide what you risk and do everything on your own responsibility.
I know this things are logical, but it seems as if there are still people flashing everything, reading nothing, spamming everything with their problems they get then
Hope I helped you a little bit.
BenjyTec said:
To install a new ROM, boot into recovery, and wipe /data and /cache and if you want also /system. After that install the ROM and Gapps zip files. Always double-check you're using & choosing the correct files. I recommend to always use the smallest possible Gapps package to make sure it fits into the /system partition.
Make sure you're using the right recovery. For example Cm12.1 needed a KitKat-compatible recovery for a successful install.
Notice that all apps and app data will be deleted at a new flash. In some cases, the recovery is included in the ROM, then it will overwrite the one you had before.
I personally think flashing a new ROM isn't that dangerous. There are more critical things, for example repartition. But there are some rare cases at almost every ROM where someone's phone dies, for whatever reason. So there's always a little risk. But even if you should succeed soft-bricking your phone, there already are some guides how to solve it.
And one more tip: in general, always read as much as possible about a ROM before flashing it. Avoid less documented ROM threads. You decide what you risk and do everything on your own responsibility.
I know this things are logical, but it seems as if there are still people flashing everything, reading nothing, spamming everything with their problems they get then
Hope I helped you a little bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply kind sir.
So it's safe to flash a new ROM over the current CM12.1 system? And if so, will my current recovery (which is TWRP recovery) suffice for flashing a new ROM? or do I have to replace my recovery? If ROMs have compatibility issues with recovery systems, can you please give or show me a list of ROMs that can be flashed using TWRP recovery (I'm so sorry, I have don't completely understand these kinds of things).
Thanks for your help sir. I really appreciate it. And sorry for the questions.
ZaorotheFirst said:
Thanks for the reply kind sir.
So it's safe to flash a new ROM over the current CM12.1 system? And if so, will my current recovery (which is TWRP recovery) suffice for flashing a new ROM? or do I have to replace my recovery? If ROMs have compatibility issues with recovery systems, can you please give or show me a list of ROMs that can be flashed using TWRP recovery (I'm so sorry, I have don't completely understand these kinds of things).
Thanks for your help sir. I really appreciate it. And sorry for the questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's safe to flash whichever rom you want over cm12.1. The only thing to keep in mind is whether it is a .zip file or .tar file(as for stock rom), which will tell you whether to use recovery(your TWRP is fine for this), or odin(for stock rom in .tar format)
But as BenjiTec said, READ, READ, READ before you go ahead and flash a rom. Always read the OP(first post) and maybe first 2 or 3 pages of the rom thread, plus the all the pages from when the rom version you want to flash was released(maybe 10-20 pages). You probably don't need to read ALL pages if it is an old version. Understand what you are doing, rather than follow steps blindly, and you will always know what to do in case of something going wrong
Thanks a lot sirs, both of you, BenjyTec and noppy22, for the clarification.
One last question (or sets of questions. sorry )
So I have decided that I will flash a stock ROM to my S2 from SamMobiles using Odin. Do I have to wipe the the /data, /system, etc. before flashing the stock ROM via Odin? Or i can just directly flash the ROM over the CM12.1 system and TWRP recovery? And I have searched a lot of the possible outcomes and failures (like Odin ROM installment failure). What are the chances that the installation will fail? And what do I do if it DID fail (let's hope not)?
I know that these kinds of questions have been already answered in many threads but I just want to have my answers DIRECTLY from experts. Not from old threads and guide thingies.
Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the clarifications and answers. GOD BLESS
ZaorotheFirst said:
Thanks a lot sirs, both of you, BenjyTec and noppy22, for the clarification.
One last question (or sets of questions. sorry )
So I have decided that I will flash a stock ROM to my S2 from SamMobiles using Odin. Do I have to wipe the the /data, /system, etc. before flashing the stock ROM via Odin? Or i can just directly flash the ROM over the CM12.1 system and TWRP recovery? And I have searched a lot of the possible outcomes and failures (like Odin ROM installment failure). What are the chances that the installation will fail? And what do I do if it DID fail (let's hope not)?
I know that these kinds of questions have been already answered in many threads but I just want to have my answers DIRECTLY from experts. Not from old threads and guide thingies.
Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the clarifications and answers. GOD BLESS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter so much whether you wipe before or after. The easiest way is:
1. Run odin on your pc
2. Connect your phone, after booting in download mode(turn off, then hold vol down, home, power buttons until samsung screen) Use a trusted data cable, not all cables work
3. Flash stock rom through odin until PASSED(untick reboot device/auto reboot before flash)
4. Disconnect phone, take battery out, then put it back in. Reboot to recovery(vol up, home, power buttons)
5. In stock(3e) recovery, do a factory reset
6. Reboot and leave it for 5-10 minutes until you get a brand new stock rom
Stock ROM installing succeeded! THANKS SO MUCH SIRS! THANKS for all the clarifications and answers to my questions! KUDOS to both of you!!!