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[Q] Which firmware is safe for my Bell I9000M

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GT-I9000M Question on firmware.
Postby icehunter » Sun Dec 19, 2010 8:45 am
Hi,
I bought my phone from bell canada and it came with JH2. I then flashed straight to JK4 with kies. My phone itself seemed to have no issues other than occasional black screen where I couldn't see anything.
I used oenclickroot to try and get clockwork mod on to backup phone, but it failed to unroot the phone after. So I forced another flash from kies. It seems the unroot is gone.
So i really have 2 questions.
1) Is the phone still rooted? SU is not present
2) Is it safe to use the froyo firmwares or are they bricking the phones?
I ask number 2 because I found JK3 on samfirmware.com
I9000UGJK3 ## 512.PIT Version 2.2 2010 November DOWNLOAD 1 file select NO .PIT
This seems to match my phone?
What should i do
Thanks very much

The only safe firmware is jh2, the one that came with the phone. That is, with no lagfix or root. Why? Because that's stock. If your looking for safe, don't bother hacking.
On the other hand, if you want to experiment, try different roms. I've used jk3 and 4 (which was pulled) with success and now I'm running docs rom with no lagfix just fine. Most problems people report aren't issues with the phone but mistakes made by not reading the instructions.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Since I used kies to put the JH2 on there, are the previous roots I've done completely gone? I want to make sure I don't have a trace of them on there ^^ And thank you for your reply

windraker said:
Since I used kies to put the JH2 on there, are the previous roots I've done completely gone? I want to make sure I don't have a trace of them on there ^^ And thank you for your reply
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably. I've never used Kies (well, I installed it, ran it, flashed jk4 over JH2 that I flashed with Odin and uninstalled it), but I'm assuming it would have wiped out the root. I wouldn't worry too much about having your phone rooted, it doesn't really affect anything unless you manage to mess something up with busybox.
If you aren't comfortable farting around with the phone, I'd just wait for Bell to officially release JK4. Who knows, maybe they'll skip right to 2.2.1. If you are, give Docs or Darkys firmware a shot, just make sure you follow all the instructions including backing up /efi, and making sure your 3 button recovery works. If you got those, you're all set, the worse that can happen is that your internal SD dies, which despite all the naysayers, isn't very common given the number of phones out there.
EDIT: I forgot to mention, if you flash JK3, just flash the tarball you downloaded under "PDA" in Odin, and uncheck re-partition (no pit, you're already at 512). JK3 worked much better for me than JK4 (buggy stuff), but YMMV. Again, search the forums and make sure you backup efi just in case.

shadoslayer said:
Probably. I've never used Kies (well, I installed it, ran it, flashed jk4 over JH2 that I flashed with Odin and uninstalled it), but I'm assuming it would have wiped out the root. I wouldn't worry too much about having your phone rooted, it doesn't really affect anything unless you manage to mess something up with busybox.
If you aren't comfortable farting around with the phone, I'd just wait for Bell to officially release JK4. Who knows, maybe they'll skip right to 2.2.1. If you are, give Docs or Darkys firmware a shot, just make sure you follow all the instructions including backing up /efi, and making sure your 3 button recovery works. If you got those, you're all set, the worse that can happen is that your internal SD dies, which despite all the naysayers, isn't very common given the number of phones out there.
EDIT: I forgot to mention, if you flash JK3, just flash the tarball you downloaded under "PDA" in Odin, and uncheck re-partition (no pit, you're already at 512). JK3 worked much better for me than JK4 (buggy stuff), but YMMV. Again, search the forums and make sure you backup efi just in case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm, i never thought I installed busybox, i teried z4root, which failed to unroot, error 7 or something and I did the superoneclick which always froze at end, I never actually downloaded busybox as far as i know
I'm gonna try odin tonight, unless I can somehow make kies install JK3 or JK4 again ^^, btw, I looked up EFI, do you mean backup my rom???

My bad, its /efs not /efi...i need to lay off the eggnog.
There is a great sticky in this forum that had the instructions. Basically flash jh2, use one click root and follow the instructions. Its always a good idea to back this up in case something nukes your IEMI
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

[Q] Root GT-I9000M Noob

Alright so after 2 days of researching and getting ready to root my Samsung Vibrant, I've realized since I'm in Canada it's considered a GT-I9000M.
Carrier: Virgin Mobile Canada (Essentially Bell)
Firmware: 2.2
Baseband: I9000UGL2
Kernel: 2.6.32.9 [email protected] #3
Build: FROYO.UGJL2
Phone is compatible of going into recovery (3E) and Download mode.
Been reading a lot of issues with one click so I found a noob guide by user s15274n http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028 that seemed pretty easy. Was going to use odin to bring back firmware to 2.1 stock JFD (t-mobile) and then root with update.
Now since I don't even know if I'm considered a vibrant or not and what would happen if I use T-mobiles stock on my Bell phone I'm back to being mind ****ed on this rooting stuff.
Anyway I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction.
Thanks

I am in the same boat
Dude, you just explained my situation. I have a Sasktel Vibrant and have been looking into rooting this darn thing for a while. Unfortunately, it at least appears more complicated for us with our different(?) phones. Our phones are almost the same one, unless you made a spelling error in your baseband version. Mine has a j in it. Here is my info:
Carrier: Sasktel
Firmware: 2.2
Baseband: I9000UGJL2
Kernel: 2.6.32.9 [email protected] #3
Build: FROYO.UGJL2
I did find this article here that appears promising:
androidforums dot com/galaxy-s-all-things-root/264530-flashing-darky-v9-gt-i9000m-minimal-risk.html
but I haven't convinced myself that it will work, and I sure as **** would hate to brick my phone over something silly. Lemmie know if you find something.

The easiest way to root is to use odin to flash a kernel that roots your phone. Check the development section. I'd recommend using speedmod's kernel-good kernel, and easy to follow instructions.. I'm running a i9000m as well, on SaskTel.

have done a lot of reading over the last week trying to work out how to root my SGS i9000M, checking both these forums as well as android & phandroid, as well as googling the issue and trying the Market. I've also checked out many youtube videos on this topic but they seem out of date now. I note the most recent thread on here by liv4air (march 2011) but it doesn't really help with my query.
I am a total noob with regard to this - only heard about rooting a couple of weeks ago but I definitely like the idea. My 1st handset had to be replaced due to a sound issue (it had 2.2 Froyo) - was replaced with a handset sourced for Canadian market (linked to Bell - has lots of stock apps from them that are useless to me). I'd like to get rid of them to start with, but this handset is running Eclair 2.1 - didn't realise this for awhile after it was replaced and didn't actually understand the differences between the builds and firmware.
So now i've got GT-i9000M, Eclair.UGJH2
kernel [email protected] #2, firmware version 2.1-update1 (updated via Kies).
I have tried the one click root download which put the 'update.zip' file on my SD but when I tried to install this in the recovery mode (have discovered that I have the download and recovery mode buttons - also totally new to me!) there was a red error message:
E:Error in /sdcard/update.zip
(status 7)
Installation aborted.
Have seen the Ryan ZA OCLF in Market too, but understand that the 'rooting' ability has been removed from that app.
Have downloaded the Odin3 program to maybe try to root it via this method but am confused about how to get kernels/which ones to get...or even if that's what I have to do! can find various kernels etc at SamFirmware but not really sure how to use them.
Am I even close to working out how to root this phone!?
Please help!

did you try to flash a kernel and root your phone from recovery ?

biscuit26 said:
did you try to flash a kernel and root your phone from recovery ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no I haven't - the only thing i've tried is the one click root method which brings up a box offering "root or unroot" and this is what put the 'update.zip file on my sd. In recovery mode I scrolled down to the update sd option (below reboot and above the reset to factory etc options - ie. 2nd of 4 options) and that is what led to the error message. Have seen this on other threads so assume it's an old technique that won't work on my handset?
I have Odin v3 and get open the program ok - at least so it looks like the screenshots i've seen posted in forums - but I haven't downloaded any kernels yet. This is the next step i assume. Have found some on Samfirmware.com (including one for my very own build) but no idea which of those i need eg if i download the one for my phone will that just be the same as what i've got now? How would i know if one contained a root? And once i download it do i have to save it to any special location in order to use it / when i open Odin will it automatically pop in as a kernel to flash?

if you are just looking to root.... on any 2.2 just download superoneclick program, make sure you are in debug mode, plug your phone in, hit start, 20 seconds later you are rooted... lots of videos on youtube fyi

dlockhart said:
if you are just looking to root.... on any 2.2 just download superoneclick program, make sure you are in debug mode, plug your phone in, hit start, 20 seconds later you are rooted... lots of videos on youtube fyi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now am just looking to root safely. 2nd step would be to play around a bit and look at other kernels/ROMs etc that would suit me, and upgrade firmware to either Froyo or Gingerbread...but all that other stuff is gonna require a lot more reading on my part before 'playing' as i've come across loads of threads describing various errors/problems people are having after flashing this or that.
i've been told to use lots of different methods eg. the superoneclick that you mention, Darky's 9.5, EZBase/EZOdin, using Heimdall etc etc and just as i think i'm onto something good, anothe method is advised. You mention on 2.2 but i'm on 2.1 Eclair - will the superoneclick method still work do you know?

I do not know if it will work with 2.1... i highly suggested upgrading to 2.2 your local mobile phone provider should do it for you if you take it in, it takes them like 30 mins maybe (just take it in with a full battery) other option is to download Kies which is free online provided by samsung, it should upgrade you to 2.2
I think if you can find z4root.apk in the forums or on google it used to be able to root 2.1
there maybe another version of OCLF with root option around in the forums or google.
I still suggested you upgrade to 2.2

dlockhart said:
if you are just looking to root.... on any 2.2 just download superoneclick program, make sure you are in debug mode, plug your phone in, hit start, 20 seconds later you are rooted... lots of videos on youtube fyi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
managed to upgrade form 2.1 to 2.2 via kies at last - didn't work a few weeks ago but worked the other day. so....back to trying to root! downloaded the superoneclick v1.9.1 - my antivirus did freak at it but i see that that's expected.
problem - when i open the rar file or try to extract the contents or run the application inside an error screen comes up saying there was 'unexpected end of archive' and that 'the achive is damaged or corrupt'.
could this be because my antivirus program did something to it? should i try to download the file again with my antivirus turned off?

terranq said:
The easiest way to root is to use odin to flash a kernel that roots your phone. Check the development section. I'd recommend using speedmod's kernel-good kernel, and easy to follow instructions.. I'm running a i9000m as well, on SaskTel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'll have a look at that section and at speedmod. just a quick Q though about flashing via Odin - is a kernel composed of the pit file and the 3 other files for pda/csc and modem ie would i expect to get ALL those components and put them in the relevant boxes in Odin? (I have Odin and can open it fine - have not connected my phone yet to check that the yellow box confirms connection).
Still struggling to find the easiest/safest way to root!

a kernel is only a zImage file. It is TARed to that you can flash it as PDA in odin. No PIT.

Go to the ezbase thread, read the comprhnsive instructions and go for it!
Sent from my GT-I9000

>>>Go to the ezbase thread, read the comprhnsive instructions and go for it!
Do you have a link for that?
I am in the same boat. I dl'ed oclf from the market and it doesn't root any more.
I tried the update.zip method and when I did "adb reboot recovery" my vol buttons allowed me to select "apply sdcard:update.zip" but when I press the power key it doesn't execute the process.
samsungvibranthacks.com/samsung-vibrant-hacks/how-to-root-samsung-vibrant-galaxy-s/
In the comments of the above article I tried the following process but in step 11/12 I couldn't get into recovery mode.
samsungvibranthacks.com/samsung-vibrant-hacks/how-to-root-samsung-vibrant-galaxy-s/#comment-248
So I am trying to unlock this phone and I understand I have to root it first?
bob.

slaphead20 said:
Go to the ezbase thread, read the comprhnsive instructions and go for it!
Sent from my GT-I9000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried EZBase too last week. No joy there either. Got the EZOdin, the PDA/CSC/MODEM files but could not get the .pit file - the link just goes to either a blank webpage on 2 different computers, on my macbook it goes to some webpage which only displays about 3 lines of gibberish - some complicated looking code.
I assume I need all the components? I've noticed the speedmod kernel only requires the PDA .tar file (this looked the most promising method recently but not sure if that kernel will actually root, or if i need to be rooted first in order to flash it via Odin).
Oh, the other problem with EZBase I found was that the PDA/CSC/MODEM files downloaded as .tar.md5 files
...shouldn't they just be.tar? Did I do something wrong/can I just rename them .tar? Hence my reasons for abandoning the EZBase method as haven't had any joy answering those questions!

You wouldn't think a phone should be all that hard to root?

It's not hard to root. I have the i9000M on stock UGJL2 (Froyo) Downloaded SuperOneClick v 1.8 by CLShortFuse from this forum as there are no rooting apps any more on Market. Put my phone in USB debug mode started the program then followed directions. Try here for detailed instructions and a video if you want a preview. The directions are very good though and I chose it because I didn't want to use the 3E method.

CASz said:
It's not hard to root. I have the i9000M on stock UGJL2 (Froyo) Downloaded SuperOneClick v 1.8 by CLShortFuse from this forum as there are no rooting apps any more on Market. Put my phone in USB debug mode started the program then followed directions. Try here for detailed instructions and a video if you want a preview. The directions are very good though and I chose it because I didn't want to use the 3E method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all sounds easy as pie...you convinced me to try again with the superoneclick method. However.....
1. v1.8 is not available via the thread link - only v1.9.1 and drivers for 1.9.1 or v1.7
2. the little youtube vid showing instructions (which also makes it look supereasy) advises to download the latest version, so i downloaded 1.9 - this time i disabled my antivirus in the hope that it would not interfere with the file which is what i assumed happened last time.
3. yet again when i go to extract the files form the .zip file there's an error saying the file is damaged or corrupt so I can't get the application to be extracted.
back to square one. haven't tried v1.7 yet. maybe i'll give that a go, but i assume it will have bugs that are why it's been updated to versions 1.8 and 1.9??
extracting the 1.9 drivers also does not work - "unexpected end of archive"; funnily enough the application does actually appear extracted but when i try to run it as administrator windows says there was an error and forces the application closed.
so no joy at my end with this method!
i'll try v1.7 (just to see if it extracts successfully really).

nope - get this warning when i try to download v1.7
didn't get this even with the 1.9 download when it contained a virus so have elected not to try to get v1.7.
and so endeth the superoneclick method as far as i can tell......

FINALLY!
Success via SuperOneClick after all! Was going nowhere with the links on the xda thread so went to shortfuse.org and downloaded the v1.9 via that site (see attached pic for the link to click on).
It downloads a folder with all the required files/drivers etc. The application is within the folder and it opened fine when run as administrator. Followed the guide which is to essentially just tick USB debugging, not to mount the SD card and clicked "root".
It sailed through the process fine and then asked if i wanted it to install busybox as it was not detected. I did, and it did.
Superuser icon in my application as it ought to be. Didn't have to reboot or anything. Only literally just done it so not sure if there are any bugs/ill effects as yet from having rooted it but will report if i come across any.
go for it bob!

[Q] newbie wants to root SGS I9000 - quick advice!

Dear all
Please bear over with this newbie question, but now I've spend around 10 hours searching/reading in this forum and on the internet so now I feel I've made a decent effort of trying to find the answer I'm looking for, before asking stupid questions.
I want to root my Samsung Galaxy S I9000 phone, in order to (primary reason) modify the hosts-file and avoid ads! The phone is 1 week old. I'm concerned about guarantee, but people has written that I should not be concerned because I can always revert back. I've used appbrain to export a list of applications and I'll unmount the SD-drive before attempting. I've found out that I'm running (typing *#1234#):
PDA: I9000XXJPY (= "baseband version" under settings)
PHONE: I9000XXJPY
CSC: I9000OXAJPY
Build Info: 2010.12
And from settings I know my:
Firmware version: 2.2.1
Kernel version: 2.6.32.9 (it also says: "[email protected] #1")
Build number: FROYO.XXJPY
MY IDEA:
------------
To begin installing Android SDK (on either windows or linux) + Odin3 (think version 1.7 is latest, it's only on windows, right?). Then I think I should install Clockwork Mod Recovery (CWM) + nandroid...
====> Question 1:
I think first step is Odin3 which will root the SGS I9000 phone... Correct? I guess it's as easy as here:
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/how-to-root-xwjvb-and-install-clockwork-mod-cwm-recovery/
Correct ?
====> Question 2:
Should I use z4root or superOneClick from http://shortfuse.org/ ? I think I've read that z4root is the best, however abedi here has the exact same software as me and he says/writes it hangs:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13025681&postcount=2878
??? Which to use?
====> Question 3:
I read this:
6.I want to install new firmware but I want to have a backup of my original firmware to go back to in case I need to go back for warranty reasons. Can I backup my original firmware somehow?
As of now, there is no way of backing up firmware entirely. However, there are firmwares out for every region and virtually all regions have received a 2.2 or 2.2.1 upgrade which can be applied through Kies or Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723596 )
So how do I restore everything if I need my warranty and if I need to return the phone?
====> Question 4:
If I have to root the phone before backup up, then how can I restore everything back to the state before I rooted it? I don't understand that. And is it nandroid or CWM I should use?
I still don't get it... In my opinion, making a complete backup of everything should be done before rooting - however it's a contradiction I think that you need to be root, in order to backup because then it's a rooted backup and not an unrooted backup???
====> Question 5:
When I've done the above, is it then a good idea to try this?
http://romkitchen.org/sgs/?s=generator
I've also read that this "Darky's ROM" should be good... I found something here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=814091
Is it correct, that this is good (the best that is currently available?)?
Finally: Thanks for your time - I appreciate your answers and any hints/suggestions. I've taken myself time to read a lot, however there's too much information out there and I need to clarify the above before taking the next step. Another problem is that google and the forum probably have some outdated information here or there and that discourages me a bit. Please help/advice!
Thanks in advance!

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=939752
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723596
I've also read that this "Darky's ROM" should be good... I found something here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=814091
Is it correct, that this is good (the best that is currently available?)?
Most help / broke my phone posts on this forum are Darky rom . You choice .
Rom Kitchen stable roms and help on dev thread .
FAQS here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=817703
I think first step is Odin3 which will root the SGS I9000 phone... Correct? I guess it's as easy as here:
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/how-to...-cwm-recovery/
BIG NO thats Beta Gingerbread .
personally i would wait for official Release of Gingerbread 2.3 . Download your official update via kies and back that up then go to rom kitchen and build a custom rom
.
jje

JJEgan said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=939752
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723596
I've also read that this "Darky's ROM" should be good... I found something here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=814091
Is it correct, that this is good (the best that is currently available?)?
Most help / broke my phone posts on this forum are Darky rom . You choice .
Rom Kitchen stable roms and help on dev thread .
FAQS here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=817703
I think first step is Odin3 which will root the SGS I9000 phone... Correct? I guess it's as easy as here:
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/how-to...-cwm-recovery/
BIG NO thats Beta Gingerbread .
personally i would wait for official Release of Gingerbread 2.3 . Download your official update via kies and back that up then go to rom kitchen and build a custom rom
.
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks a lot for your advice/comments.
I've already looked a bit into some of the links. And as I see it, there are still some questions that remains unanswered, but there are also some very good answers (and thanks for that, i.e. use ODIN for updating the rom).
An example where I'm still confused (hope I've not overseen something):
====> Question 2:
Should I use z4root or superOneClick from http://shortfuse.org/ ? I think I've read that z4root is the best, however abedi here has the exact same software as me and he says/writes it hangs:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...postcount=2878
??? Which to use?
And my question 3 is directly related to one of the links you posted and I'm asking for an explanation of the contradiction in the fact that some people say I can make a 100% backup/restore and the link below says it's impossible:
====> Question 3:
I read this:
6.I want to install new firmware but I want to have a backup of my original firmware to go back to in case I need to go back for warranty reasons. Can I backup my original firmware somehow?
As of now, there is no way of backing up firmware entirely. However, there are firmwares out for every region and virtually all regions have received a 2.2 or 2.2.1 upgrade which can be applied through Kies or Odin.
(from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723596 )
So how do I restore everything if I need my warranty and if I need to return the phone?
In Q4 I ask whether to use nandroid or CWM (not quite sure about both):
====> Question 4:
If I have to root the phone before backup up, then how can I restore everything back to the state before I rooted it? I don't understand that. And is it nandroid or CWM I should use?
I still don't get it... In my opinion, making a complete backup of everything should be done before rooting - however it's a contradiction I think that you need to be root, in order to backup because then it's a rooted backup and not an unrooted backup???

bit difficult for me to answer as i have just double bricked my phone .
Double brick = even Odin dont want to recover the phone .
jje

Ok, thanks jje.
I still hope somebody can/will answer Q2+Q3+Q4 in their own words, before proceeding (maybe with something stupid that'll void warranty and maybe something worser)...

As for rooting, I have never had a problem with Super One Click...I used it on both my phone and a coworkers.
Just remember if it hangs, change your USB debugging setting (either turn it on or off, depending).
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

You can't really do a full backup until you root. That first step just has to be a leap of fate. Once you are rooted, use the instructions for hardcore's speedmod kernel to flash a cwm enabled kernel via odin. Then, go into recovery mode and use the clockwork settings to make a nandroid backup.
As for the contradiction, some things will not change when you flash a nandroid backup, such as file system settings and modem. Therefore to return the phone to a warrenty state you need to download the original firmware and flash it via odin. However, for normal use, nandroid backups do just fine.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

rschenck thanks for both replies! My final question/comments comes here!
1) Super One Click didn't hang at all. Installed perfectly without problems (usb enabling was on the whole time). To answer my own question 2: I decided not to try z4root because I read that it is not maintained anymore - just for the record. Maybe some other newbie can use this info.
2) This is a perfect answer to the other things I was wondering about. However, please clarify if you by this "…use the instructions for hardcore's speedmod kernel to flash a cwm enabled kernel via odin…" mean that I should look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=822756 ???
THANKS!!! This wasn't that hard after all... Hopefully nothing will ever break and hopefully I'll never need/get warranty issues...

Firstly gaining root access to access the hosts file is SIMPLE
Superoneclick v1.6.5 roots every sgs I have ever come across (personally I have rooted 4 different ones now) and I have used it to root a xperia x8 as well
I would then recommend downloading the busybox installer from the market and letting that install the latest stable busybox.
then ADFREE also from the market will modify the hosts file and automate the process of keeping that up to date.
on the choice of z4 my only experience was of that not working at all for me so that's all I can add to that.
personally beyond that I use odin to flash the voodoo lagfix and sound mod kernel with CWM and I love that. It's brilliant but I recently did someone elses SGS and it didnt want to play so I used the speedmod kernel with CWM instead. The quadrant scores aren't as high but it seems stable enough and quadrant isnt everything.
CWM will effectively let you back up the whole rom but in order to make effective backup's a simple rooted phone is enough CWM is not a requirement. With something like titanium back up from the market you can make all the back ups you want on a stock phone as long as it is rooted. Personally I do a CWM backup every couple or three weeks, but I do 2 different nightly backups with a weekly full backup scheduled on titanium and I use the titanium media sync to push the backups to my dropbox. This way I always have "belt and braces".
Might seem like overkill but I have around 350-400 apps installed at any given point. 5 lots of push e-mail etc etc etc.
(that should cover question 2&3 I think)
question4
Superoneclick will allow you to remove the the hack and the superuser and busybox programs.
you seem a little confused, there is a difference between hacking the phone for superuser (root) access (which is all you really need and can be done above with one click and no odin etc) and hacking the phone to modify the boot loader which is what clockworkmod is. This changes the recovery area of the phone.
typically when you do this you use odin to flash a new kernel which will include the clockworkrom recovery bootloader.
this is more risky (but still almost always recoverable from in my experience) typically the new kernels include a root solution so flashing a kernel does not require the phone to be rooted already. Usually flashing a new kernel will add extra benefits or features such as the option to change the filesystem that the phone uses to a faster one than the default used by android (this is usually called lagfixing).
technically I would guess that any of these things COULD invalidate warranty but in reality I doubt they would and you should be able to reverse almost any of them prior to returning a device under warranty. personally so far I have screwed up my phone and others a number of times and I haven't once found something that darkyy's ressurection rom hasnt been able to rescue me from. Worst case I flash that then reflash with a stock rom. (I've been able to do this when I have forgotten to unlagfix a phone when I have checked efs or repartition by mistake all sorts, I have had phones in the condition where the wouldnt accept any sim card and darky's has got me out of all these states simply repartition with the resurrection rom and bob's yer uncle)
Hope that answers your questions and helps you understand the differences.

[Q] Downgrade 2.3.3 to 2.2.1?

Hi,
I have two issues - firstly, three button recovery didn't work on my phone from new. The latest Android upgrade(2.3.3) has enabled it on 3e, but I think that's due to an error in the firmware(Three branded) - it says "can't access to '/system/csc/H3G/system'.'
I'm not getting on at all with Gingerbread(battery sucks, ogg files not playing properly, browser doesn't scroll nicely), and would like to downgrade back to an unbranded 2.2.1. I've been looking around and have grabbed some ROMs, odin, the "Aries_P-SBL" file needed to enable 2e recovery - but I'm also seeing things about updated bootloaders after the Gingerbread update, and I'm not totally confident in what I'm doing.
I'd like to downgrade to "I9000XWJSD", 2.2.1 released May 2011. The handset is Three(UK) branded, but has been SIM-unlocked(using the code provided by Three, and an alternative SIM does work). *#1234# gives PDA as I9000NEJVD, PHONE as I9000NEJV5, and CSC as I9000H£GJV6, with a build date of May 4th 2011. "About phone" gives a Build number of GINGERBREAD.NEJVD, Baseband version I9000NEJV5.
Will I be okay to do the 2e recovery, then the downgrade to the stock Samsung 2.2.1 flash? I have made the USB 3-resistor jig, and that puts me into download mode without a problem.
Sorry it was long-winded! Thanks!

The first thing you have to do is installing a 2.2.1 stock rom with froyo bootloaders(search for it in the forum, you'll find a couple of threads about it.
Very easy very simpel. Hope this will help you out.

Thanks for the reply. So I just drop down to 2.2.1 before thinking about installing the 2e recovery thing? Most things I've read indicate I need to have 2e recovery before flashing...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1102881
On that page, "JSD" comes with bootloaders. Would that be safe to use on my handset?
Also, what is the "PIT" file for, and do I need to mess around with that?

EzBase is a good way of downgrading easily

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=991792
^That? I shall bookmark it and have a look tonight.

Right, I've read through. The PDF guide for EZbase suggests 2e recovery is needed - how important is this? The guide for installing it suggests I need to root my device and check a string somewhere - but I can't root it using superoneclick, it just hangs.
How do I approach this? I have a working jig here, will that be sufficient to risk the flash without 2e installed? Should I just bite the bullet and go for EZbase 2.2.1, in the hope that I can then root the phone and check for that string?

Anyone, please? I'm technically minded and fairly competent, but as I get my internet through my handset(tethering) I'll be up the creek without a paddle if the phone ends up bricked... I need to be sure I'm not likely to mess things up!

I did it a couple of weeks ago, using this guide:-
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1100906
Went down to JPU, then straight to JSD. After gaining confidence by not c*cking it up, I chopped and changed modems a few times. ZSJPG had nice battery life but relatively sluggish/poor data connection and signal strength, so I used the Gingerbread 3UK modem from my last firmware - it works well for me.

[Q] Bell Galaxy S i9000m running on Rogers... Gingerbread?

Hi All,
I bought the Bell version of the phone (Vibrant) because I wanted the front facing camera... Then unlocked and rooted it and inserted my Rogers SIM and have had no issues for quite a while. I successfully loaded Froyo when it became available on Kies without any sd problems. (had to re-root but no big deal).
Now I understand that Bell has released Gingerbread via Kies, but when I open Kies, it doesn't recognize my firmware at all... just shows blank.
I un-rooted and erased all data to see if that would allow me the upgrade but still nothing...
Can anyone offer any assistance or have the files that I can install using a different method?
Much appreciated,
Jamie

Use the search Luke....
Seriously, there is a huge thread detailing Bell's KG3, including dumps you can flash with Odin instead of using Kies. The best part? Even though it is only 9 posts down from yours, I ever got you the link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1211939
If you don't want to use KG3, just flash any of the Gingerbread roms in the development forum and flash an appropriate modem. 99% of those threads include flashing instructions.

shadoslayer said:
Use the search Luke....
Seriously, there is a huge thread detailing Bell's KG3, including dumps you can flash with Odin instead of using Kies. The best part? Even though it is only 9 posts down from yours, I ever got you the link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1211939
If you don't want to use KG3, just flash any of the Gingerbread roms in the development forum and flash an appropriate modem. 99% of those threads include flashing instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
I did read most of that thread but can't find anyone else who's using a Rogers SIM on an i9000m... I don't like or use Kies very often and I'm getting annoyed that it won't seem to even read my current firmware. MyPhoneExplorer seems to read it just fine but Kies seems to only want to be some kind of media toy.
I will borrow a Bell SIM to see if it will recognize long enough to use the Kies update, and if that fails I'll flash with Odin.
I assume I'll have to root again once I flash?

robinsonj said:
I assume I'll have to root again once I flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you will.

make sure you have the latest version of kies, also make sure your csc is set to BMC (open dialer *#272*"your imei"*), select BMC and isntall that will factory reset your phone btw... after that it should work... I am not sure that a Rogers Sim card is affecting it, have you tried just pulling the SIM altogether and connecting? Are you running any custom ROMs currently or have you in the past? Maybe flash back to UGKC1 with Odin if you are and then use Kies to update.

Ended up finding some detailed instructions on "MostlyIrrelevant" for installing 2.3.4 with a Rogers (and Bell) supported Modem. a couple more steps to install the ROM, but it's a deodexed version of the international release with the bloatware removed and TW Launcher removed and replaced by TouchWiz... nicely also has CWM and Titanium in it too, so flashes are much easier from now on. (small workaround to get Bluetooth working but the solution was also in the comments section.) Next step to get back a couple pieces of Samsung bloatware back on... mostly SocialHub and Samsung e-mail... so I can connect all my contact lists and e-mail accounts into one place. I bookmarked the link to Pharaohnough's posting of the apks for these apps (THANKS!) that I want back but will have to wait 'till after work to try them.