I have a Sprint HTC hero with original everything.
I've been wanting to do a mod but that brings up a few questions.
1) A lot of places say the CM7 mod from here is great for this phone but I clicked around and can't find a list of things it changes/improves. Why would I install a mod and will most things continue to work (market places, email, phone utilities, purchased apps).
2) All roms have those warnings that they void warranty. How often do they brick the device? Is this something I should worry about?
Sorry for the noobish questions but I am looking towards modding the hero but I want to make sure I don't make it worse.
1.) well basically MOD's are roms that people cook themselves from the scratch android or from a base like for example the DesireHD android base. They can do things varying from the look and feel of android to adding elements like being able to browse Privately on your browsers. i know that CM7 allows you to do that. Being able to flash different roms opens up a even bigger Android World.
2.) I have been flashing back and forth for a long time and not once have i bricked the device. Besides not like a little system restore wont fix anything. Also if you happen to send you device into maintenance or repair just restore you phone back to factory settings. All of it is reversible. When i first started out it helped me to really read NOOB forums so i didn't do something i would regret, but you should have nothing to really worry about.
reply from a still nearly noob, although i read alot about roms already and flashed my sgs2. ill just attemt to help you a little here.
1) i now flashed lite'ning rom on my phone as there is no cm7 for it yet. once realeased i will also flash it as i also read that it is the most widely used rom with best support. within a thread of the specific rom there should be a list of improvements/major changes or what will be added if you flash the rom. these and mostly more battery life and/or more speed are the reasons people flash roms. after flashing the phone you will have all the things still working, sometimes even better. for apps it depends on the rom. mine for example didnt require a wipe that delets all you data on the phone. others (as i think cm7 also) require a wipe of all you on-phone personal data apps and so on (not sd card if im not mistaken, please correct me!)
2)yes, you void warranty if you flash a custom rom, root or do sth else on the firmware not published by the manufacturer. when i flashed and overflashed my phones rom for several time already i haven't had any problems. and as i read all over the net/xda there is just a very little chance to brick your phone and even there you might have possibilities to revive it, i think. but im not sure on this, cosider others informations first!
hope i could help you a little from noob to noob and enjoy flashing roms. oh and of course have a look in the htc hero android development section for roms!
cheers!
IQHU
Damn - too late, and didnt recognize until now...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Go to this thread and start reading some of the linked threads. All your answers can be found there.
Related
Is there a thread that shows the users marginal picks of the best combo's of mods, roms, hardware, and apps? I tried to search for it but didn't seem to find it.
(Please keep in mind most of the stuff I have found is dated from 2009 and CM6 was released yesterday)
Basically, I am interested in rooting my G1 and updating it to CM6.??? But the radio (danger/death.spk) scare has a hold of me. I want to make sure that I can go back to factory without problems. (In case I sell the phone)
What about running apps from SD? Is it effective on a 8GB class 2 card? And if so what are the advantages of it? (Speed increase, load times, ect.) Can this be done without flashing/rooting?
Is there a way to transfer files over bluetooth or Wi-Fi without having to root?
There are quite a few things other than this but, these are the most important that I can think of. And since I have never messed with rooting or ROMS I have no idea if it is even possible to install apps after flashing with a new ROM.
Once again, forgive me in my wonderment of noobness! I am another droid that has seen the fading light of win-mo and has crossed over!
Thank you to all in advance for their help!
Ragewerx said:
Is there a thread that shows the users marginal picks of the best combo's of mods, roms, hardware, and apps? I tried to search for it but didn't seem to find it.
(Please keep in mind most of the stuff I have found is dated from 2009 and CM6 was released yesterday)
Basically, I am interested in rooting my G1 and updating it to CM6.??? But the radio (danger/death.spk) scare has a hold of me. I want to make sure that I can go back to factory without problems. (In case I sell the phone)
What about running apps from SD? Is it effective on a 8GB class 2 card? And if so what are the advantages of it? (Speed increase, load times, ect.) Can this be done without flashing/rooting?
Is there a way to transfer files over bluetooth or Wi-Fi without having to root?
There are quite a few things other than this but, these are the most important that I can think of. And since I have never messed with rooting or ROMS I have no idea if it is even possible to install apps after flashing with a new ROM.
Once again, forgive me in my wonderment of noobness! I am another droid that has seen the fading light of win-mo and has crossed over!
Thank you to all in advance for their help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't believe there is a thread of that nature.
You don't need the danger spl anymore. Do a search for firerat's mtd patch and that will work for you. As long as you read and do follow the instructions there is no fear involved even with danger spl. Just dont make a mistake. You can always go back with the dreaming.nbh file. Always a way to unroot. You will want to get amonra 1.7.0 for recovery. And for your sake nandroid.
If you're not running out of internal memory i dont believe there is a real advantage to using a2sd but the new roms have a new method implemented. I dont think you can use a2sd with stock.
Do a search for blue tooth file transfer in the market. Don't believe you need root access to use it.
You can always install apps after rooting and flashing a custom rom. You will still have market and everything. Just makes your phone better/faster. Just keep reading and you will find a huge amount of info here in these threads.
Good luck.
Firerats mtd hack can fake your spl for you. So you don't have to worry about flashing danger spl and bricking. Its just what all of us old guys run. Because when we first started. There wasn't any other way for us. So read up on rooting and firerats hack and you should be good. No need for 1.33.2005 death anymore.
sent from my superfroyo dream
Strange we have many FAQ's WIKI's, Great topics on <x> subject - but not one place for the suffering new user to go to. After even myself duplicating topics that have been posted multiple times it is my hope to create this topic to help guide the newly wayward Captivate user to the correct topic and keep the repeated topics down a bit.
I AM IN NO WAY RESPONSIBLE IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO YOUR DEVICE - YOU THE OWNER OF YOUR CAPTIVATE TAKE 100% RESPONSIBILITY.
This is going to be a long long post - so make sure you use your CTRL-F in your Browser
Special Credits go to the following for putting together the information. I'm just the one gathering it up. So if something you read here helps - make sure to DONATE to them. Also if I have forgot to list you and you wish to be credited? PM me and I'll be happy to add you.
Mikey1022
CLShortFuse
Design Gears
bobbylx
nbs11
BEFORE EVEN READING THIS POST IT WOULD BE WISE TO READ THE WIKI FIRST!
Also some tips before Posting your Question!
Use the SEARCH FEATURE on the Forum and keep your search simple. (ex. GPS, Bricked, Shutdown etc..) Odds are your issue has been posted and answered a few times.
Follow the Rules: Failure to do so could get you banned or worse ridiculed!
Be Courteous and Patient! - If your posted is filled with expletives and I hate this phone, and you come off as being overall rude? Don't expect an answer and expect your post to get removed and you possibly banned.
1) What USB Drivers should I get for my computer to recognize my Captivate? These are the drivers I have used on both a Windows XP 32-bit and Windows 7 64-bit machines - so I know they work.
For Windows 64bit Click here.
For Windows 32-bit Click here.
2) How do I Root my Captivate?
By far the easiest method that I've been able to use is CLShortFuse's One-Click Root and Allow Non-Market Apps. It is a VERY SIMPLE application to use.: Click HERE to go to the post to read about it and download the application.
There is a new tool out there that is a "do-it-all-in-one" called AIO - I would check out the post here and check out the youtube video. This tool appears to do it all.
And users have asked what do I lose if I root my phone. The short answer is nothing! You will not lose any settings, pictures, media, application data etc. But you do gain a lot! I would suggest reading about rooting your device here to learn more about the benefits to rooting your phone.
3) Oh crap I have "bricked" my device!
Um no you didn't. Unless you are unable to get the phone to power on, or it will not be recognized by your computer it is not bricked. "Most" (as in 99.99999%) of the time you can get the phone back into download mode and then ODIN 1-Click back to stock. I would highly recommend going to the links posted before reading the methods I have below them.
Go to DesignGears Odin3 One-Click back to Stock thread and do what it says there.
You should also go to bobbylx's READ ME BEFORE FLASHING!!!! Thread as well by clicking here.
If your phone is still able to get to CWM You can download the stock OTA JH7 from this thread here! I would still recommend the Odin 1-Click method as it will definitely wipe all the gremlins from your phone.
You can watch this tutorial on youtube here if you wish. Credit to BlinkPhaseVideos for the tutorial.
If for some strange reason you absolutely cannot get the phone into download mode you can try one of two things:
The first method - It will take a few tries to get the timing just right so be patient:
Unplug your Device
Pull out the SIM, External SD Card, and Battery
Plug in the mini-USB Cable back into your phone.
While holding down BOTH Up/Down Volume Buttons re-insert the battery.
If you get the "grey battery charging" screen. Then you will need to try and re-attempt it as it didn't work. You should get the download screen and be ready to go back to stock.
Build a Jig to force the phone to go into download mode by reading this thread here.
Mind you this is not for the feint at heart and AT&T warranty centers might be a better option then completely frying your phone.
4) My Phone is Randomly Rebooting or Shutting down after I do <insert whatever action it was doing when it did it here.>
I was informed of two separate posts here and here and now here.
If you have a build 1008 phone and the IMEI # matches what is in this thread here then you might get a replacement device.
Feel free to try what they are posting on there and who knows? You might get lucky. But the overall consensus from what I've read is that if your phone is shutting down and it's not related to some errant application, a custom ROM, or you dipped it in water then it is hardware related and you will want to do a warranty replacement. (No warranty - OUCH! That $4.99 a mo seems pretty trivial now eh?)
5) My GPS is not working because of <insert your random thought/idea here>?
There are two awesome posts on the developer forums on thought, ideas, potential fixes that will at least help if not completely fix your GPS. Keep in mind a lot of this is speculation, personal user experiences, and some folks just madly mashing buttons and getting lucky and having no clue as to how they fixed it.
If your not having GPS issues GREAT! You don't need this then!
My personal favorite thread as it has a lot of information about how GPS works is the [GPS/AGPS] REAL solution analysis thread (Jupiter Tweaks) thread. ***Note: This is most likely only for Froyo 2.2 ROM's.
Another one that has a lot of information and might possibly work for your is:
GPS Flawless/I am requesting XDA Community and Developers to please read!!
6) So.. You think your ready to Install that Awesome <insert Name of ROM here> ROM that will CHANGE YOUR LIFE?
Uh-uh... not until you have read here first. This is that sticky topic that says "Read BEFORE flashing!!". This is probably THE MOST IMPORTANT reading you can do before you start flashing as it shows you how to backup and restore your device.
Then you need to read up on nbs11's guide on his [GUIDE] How to Install a Custom ROM by going here. This guide is VERY easy to read and can apply to most of the custom ROMs that utilize a *.zip to install. ***edit - now includes a video(s) on youtube on how to install that custom ROM.
And failing to follow the developer/cooker's instructions to the "T" could cause catastrophic issues with your phone and yes... possibly bricking your device. Make sure when you go to the ROM you wish to install that you read their install instructions as it could slightly differ from other ROMs out there.
7) So your Battery is Going Down to 0% faster than your USB can Charge Your Phone?
This - by far is probably the best thread I have read about the subject. Although some of it might be speculation - it does seem to be pretty solid work. I would suggest reading this post:How to isolate and fix battery drain (and maybe lag, too) and then see if your battery performance improves.
I hope this guide helps you out. I wish I had known this information before I started flashing ROMs.
Important Links with Additional Information about your Captivate
I have found all of these quite helpful. If you think your post should be added please PM me!
Wiki's and How-TO Basics!
The XDA Samsung Captivate Wiki
XDA and Android Terms and Acronyms Thanks to jmtheiss for creating this. Basic guide to XDA and your Captivate
AIO Captivate Toolbox: This is the all in one tool that allows you to do everything from install drivers, root your phone, and install custom ROM's. If your new this might be the tool for you to use.
Samsung HOW-TO Wiki (3rd Party Link)
The Main XDA Wiki: Lists all the phones that XDA has in their forums. Also has additional information there.
ADB for Dummies! - ADB is probably one of my best tools for tweaking my phone (and restoring stuff I break). If your going to be changing your phone around at all - READ THIS THREAD
Theming Your Phone
Captivate Theme Sticky: Go here to see all of the different themes/tweaks/mods for your Captivate phone.
MetaMorph Home Page on XDA - This is a 3rd party application that will modify the look of your phone without you having to modify any type of *.apk files yourself.
Circle Battery Mods - How to change your default Battery Icon on your status bar.
Transparent Widgets - Just what it says. But please be careful and understand what you are doing before attempting these mods.
Common Sense Before Posting Your Question - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE READ
Before you post a question on XDA - Please make sure you have utilized the SEARCH Feature - as your issue has probably been answered at least once.
If your going to post a question, make sure it makes sense! i.e. a bad example is ZOMFGBBQSAUCE WTF DO I DO!!!1111!!!!111!!!!!! vs. Phone is Soft Bricked After Attempting to Odin 1 Click. Which one do you think people are going to know how to answer by looking at the topic? Just saying..
In the body of your text it will be very helpful if you do the following:
State clearly the issue - bricked my phone etc.
What ROM are you currently using?
What is the EXACT ERROR of the issue you are reporting?
Is your phone rooted?
Did you have USB Debugging turned on?
If you fail to put pertinent information such as the above - there is no way for anyone to answer your question.
And.. this shouldn't need to be said but I'm adding it anyways...
Be patient. Be polite. Just because you cannot understand something does not mean u can show your frustration at folks here.
Of course this does not encompass all questions - mainly this is useful for when something goes wrong with your phone.
Good resource to put everything together.
w00t Sitckied! Thanks!
JF6 to JF7 Kies Mini Update. Is it necessarily?
Question guys. After using Odin to obtain JF6, do I need to use Kies mini to get to JF7 to be able to use another ROM or I can just master clear everything and from JF6 install a new ROM? Asking because I bricked my phone trying to do OTA to JF7. Got a replacement phone. The boot loader is shot probably so its safe to say my Captivate is bricked. It won't power on at all. I think upgrading to JF7 is pointless but need your expert advice. Thanks.
I have never upgraded from jf6 to jf7 before I flashed another rom, never had any issues. Think it would be an unnecessary step if you are planning to flash over out anyway.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Mr.Pirate said:
Question guys. After using Odin to obtain JF6, do I need to use Kies mini to get to JF7 to be able to use another ROM or I can just master clear everything and from JF6 install a new ROM? Asking because I bricked my phone trying to do OTA to JF7. Got a replacement phone. The boot loader is shot probably so its safe to say my Captivate is bricked. It won't power on at all. I think upgrading to JF7 is pointless but need your expert advice. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you use ODIN back to JF6 - you can then upgrade back up to any ROM the Dev Forums have available.
The only caveat to this - is READ THEIR INSTRUCTIONS! Some are highly experimental and require you to install them different from the standard CWM install method. (i.e. Cyanogen and the Gingerbread port going around).
i wish this thread was around when i first started out a while back. good job on this one guys.
Can someone post something that shows how to install a theme? I have flashed a custom rom and see a theme I wanna install on it. (Already downloaded the .zip file for it, not sure what to do next)
Thanks.
nice stuff
I find that installing PDAnet as my drivers for my Captivate works well for rooting.
Nice thread. I wish I had seen this before I started flashing.
I think the OP needs to be updated with the line "Be patient. Be polite. Just because u cannot understand something does not mean u can show ur frustration at folks here."
A couple of questions. I've rooted my phone installed a custom rom (serendipity 5.5) and installed that steam. What does jpy and all those others mean? and where would I find out what mine is?
Deadclown said:
A couple of questions. I've rooted my phone installed a custom rom (serendipity 5.5) and installed that steam. What does jpy and all those others mean? and where would I find out what mine is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think all of that is listed in the WIKI with definitions.
When you see JPY - it is the last 3 letters of the Baseband Version typically - but could be the Modem or Kernel being utilized in the ROM your running. You can see what baseband you are currently running by going under Settings -> About Phone and you will see under Baseband Settings something like: "I9000UGJK4"
But... you would be better off going to the Dev's forum and looking at their release notes. 99% of the time tell you what build the kernel is based off of and the modem they are using.
LOL and yes being patient and courteous is kind of a given. If you guys have any updates, ideas, etc.... to add to the post please let me know.
diablo009 said:
I think the OP needs to be updated with the line "Be patient. Be polite. Just because u cannot understand something does not mean u can show ur frustration at folks here."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol Added it!
Thanks This is helpful
thanks for posting this.
How do you upgrade a ROM?
I just flashed Super Nova 2.0.2 last night. It was updated to 2.0.6 since I flashed. How do I update? Do I have flash back to factory?
I'm new to Android from iPhone. I've searched the forums but I'm still confused. I would like vanilla 2.2 on my Captivate. I think. Idk what I want, really. I don't know the difference. I want it to be faster, reliable, bloatware deleted, and wifi hotspot. I don't know where to start. What's the best method? I just got it so I don't have alot to backup. I'd just like to be pointed in the right direction...
I'd like it to be stable, trouble free, and able to undo. I wanna be able to go to bone stock.
I think before you start flashing you should learn how to recover.
If I our anyone suggest something and you do not like it out something goes wrong you need to know how to get back to square one.
If you want some help send me a pm
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
go to the dev forum and read the post - READ ME BEFORE FLASHING
As for what you want? Um... There are a bunch of different ROM's out there that will fix/break your phone in new and interesting ways. I would not recommend getting the "Stock" leaked Froyo 2.2 as it is pretty much crap.
Although flashing a new ROM is somewhat risky (as in a .000001% chance of bricking your phone) It is helpful to understand how to flash. Go to that post I mentioned then look on youtube on how to install a custom ROM onto your phone.
And remember... YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR PHONE ONCE YOU VOID YOUR WARRANTY
First off, Thank you to all the dev's who've put out all the great roms (too many to mention)....
But, as I was reading through some of the most recent releases of roms, I found myself more and more frustrated with confusion. It wasn't the screenshots (thanks, it helps), it wasn't the list of changes/additions/subtractions (that really helps), it was more the complex install info.
I'm not trying to hurt anyone's feelings, but why would you go off on a tangent to left field while your writing down how to install something? Can we get a universal install procedure?
Most roms are released within hours and in some cases days of one another. Lets assume that rom a has what newest rom b needs and create something from that. Then if you need to express random thought for the new guy, that could be post #2. I guarentee that most of the people here have flashed and re-flashed and soft bricked and flashed again.
Guess what I'm trying to say is, rom dev's are releasing things that probably no one will use cause they aren't clear and concise on the install procedure.
FroztIkon said:
First off, Thank you to all the dev's who've put out all the great roms (too many to mention)....
But, as I was reading through some of the most recent releases of roms, I found myself more and more frustrated with confusion. It wasn't the screenshots (thanks, it helps), it wasn't the list of changes/additions/subtractions (that really helps), it was more the complex install info.
I'm not trying to hurt anyone's feelings, but why would you go off on a tangent to left field while your writing down how to install something? Can we get a universal install procedure?
Most roms are released within hours and in some cases days of one another. Lets assume that rom a has what newest rom b needs and create something from that. Then if you need to express random thought for the new guy, that could be post #2. I guarentee that most of the people here have flashed and re-flashed and soft bricked and flashed again.
Guess what I'm trying to say is, rom dev's are releasing things that probably no one will use cause they aren't clear and concise on the install procedure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see your on super nova. Have you looked at Mosaic. I tried to make the directions as simple as i could
right now with the recent port of the i9000 2.3.3 things have changed.
and changed very recently.
soon enough there will be an easier, more standard way to upgrade.
but keep this in mind....
what we are doing here is programming a phone. the devs AND YOU!
programming an electronic device is not a simple thing, and is not childs play.
the devs have YEARS of experience in programming to bring us the software,
we need to understand what we are doing in order to do it.
so we need to understand programming.
this cannot be done in 10 minutes by just reading instructions.
and this SHOULD NOT be able to be done in 10 minutes by reading instructions.
there are real risks in doing this, that is why it voids your warranty.
you need to understand what you are doing to be able to do it.
thats why you must LEARN in order to do this.
nobody ever learns with brain-dead instructions.
the more you LEARN first, before flashing, the better your chances at success.
the easier the instructions the easier noobs run into problems! Brick their device or get scared and confused about very simple things that they should have understood first!
so the complexity has a dual purpose, it forces you to go out and LEARN before you do anything AND also provides you with alot of information to start learning
<<Captivate Post of the Week>>
TRusselo said:
right now with the recent port of the i9000 2.3.3 things have changed.
and changed very recently.
soon enough there will be an easier, more standard way to upgrade.
but keep this in mind....
what we are doing here is programming a phone. the devs AND YOU!
programming an electronic device is not a simple thing, and is not childs play.
the devs have YEARS of experience in programming to bring us the software,
we need to understand what we are doing in order to do it.
so we need to understand programming.
this cannot be done in 10 minutes by just reading instructions.
and this SHOULD NOT be able to be done in 10 minutes by reading instructions.
there are real risks in doing this, that is why it voids your warranty.
you need to understand what you are doing to be able to do it.
thats why you must LEARN in order to do this.
nobody ever learns with brain-dead instructions.
the more you LEARN first, before flashing, the better your chances at success.
the easier the instructions the easier noobs run into problems! Brick their device or get scared and confused about very simple things that they should have understood first!
so the complexity has a dual purpose, it forces you to go out and LEARN before you do anything AND also provides you with alot of information to start learning
<<Captivate Post of the Week>>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice long post. Although alot of rambling Tru but I like your last line
As for a standard set of installation instructions, I dont think we will ever see it. Each rom is as unique as the person that developed it, and with that individuality comes an individual requirement for implementation.
ATM some ginger roms are wipes, some arent, this used to be true for all froyo/eclair roms.
that is why we USED TO have to flash to stock each time. same now. (for non wipe roms)
that changed! it can again!
as for getting the bootloaders, if you are installing a WIPE rom you dont need to flash the whole i9000 package. Just the bootloaders alone and ONLY ONCE. some roms currently use this method.
other roms that arent wipe roms depend on apps and framework to be there, or might not like other stuff left over that may still be there. so it is necessary to flash back to i9000 stock, this can be done with or without bootloaders if you already have them. but most of the non bootloaders packages have been taken down. once again you only need to get the bootloaders once.
once again all this can change and standardize again. with the following intructions:
from eclair or froyo
1. odin flash GB bootloader and CMW3 kernel in a single package. (small 4 MB package!)
2. boot into CWM3 and flash a WIPE ROM.
done and upgraded.
my fastest upgrade was one extra step. the bootloader package had re-orient kernel with no cwm3 so i had to reboot and odin flash talon between step 1 and 2.
still pretty easy with a wipe rom.
we grow up so quickly...
I have been trying to find answers for a week now and have found a lot of info. The problem is most of the info is contradictory and I'm not really sure which is good and which is not. I currently have an AT&T Samsung Captivate, firmware ver 2.2, kernel ver. 2.6.32.9 build# FROYO.UCKB1. I believe that is the stock At&t froyo build. It is rooted, I do have SGS tools (which I don't really understand what all it can do for me) and Titanium backup (which I've not tried to use yet for fear of breaking my phone). I run 91PandaHome and a bunch of apps I like.
My problem is that the phone sometimes is just really sluggish, certain programs really kill it. For example, I have PlantVsZombies which mostly runs ok, but sometimes slows down and worse 3 out of 5 times I play will not close. I have to power/volume up reboot to get out of the game. Other programs occasionally do this to me, but not as often.
I've been reading up and see that there are lagfixes, and understand that samsung apparently chose a ****ty file system, but I don't understand android well enough to know what's safe. What I want to know is what is as of today the safest, easiest way to fix the lag. I think I am going to be told something that changes the file system to ext4 is what I want, but I really don't understand what will be safe to use for that. I thought I wanted OneClickLagFix, then I found that maybe Voodoo was what I wanted, and now it seems that neither is currently being developed. Reliability, ease of transition and ease of putting it back to stock are important factors for me.
Suggestions, links and general help will be greatly appreciated.
Try going to a custom rom where all of that is done for you. Since you are new to this, I suggest you go look up the rom Serendipity 6.4, it's very easy to install and has it's own thread in the development section.
fianor said:
I have been trying to find answers for a week now and have found a lot of info. The problem is most of the info is contradictory and I'm not really sure which is good and which is not. I currently have an AT&T Samsung Captivate, firmware ver 2.2, kernel ver. 2.6.32.9 build# FROYO.UCKB1. I believe that is the stock At&t froyo build. It is rooted, I do have SGS tools (which I don't really understand what all it can do for me) and Titanium backup (which I've not tried to use yet for fear of breaking my phone). I run 91PandaHome and a bunch of apps I like.
My problem is that the phone sometimes is just really sluggish, certain programs really kill it. For example, I have PlantVsZombies which mostly runs ok, but sometimes slows down and worse 3 out of 5 times I play will not close. I have to power/volume up reboot to get out of the game. Other programs occasionally do this to me, but not as often.
I've been reading up and see that there are lagfixes, and understand that samsung apparently chose a ****ty file system, but I don't understand android well enough to know what's safe. What I want to know is what is as of today the safest, easiest way to fix the lag. I think I am going to be told something that changes the file system to ext4 is what I want, but I really don't understand what will be safe to use for that. I thought I wanted OneClickLagFix, then I found that maybe Voodoo was what I wanted, and now it seems that neither is currently being developed. Reliability, ease of transition and ease of putting it back to stock are important factors for me.
Suggestions, links and general help will be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a few quick things:
Titanium backup is a good friend to have on your phone. It won't break it - it will just take snapshots (for lack of a better phrase) of your apps so that you can restore them later if you need to.
Most lagfixes are cooked into kernels, so using lagfix will most likely go hand-in-hand with flashing to a custom rom. Not that you can't lagfix stock, but statistically speaking, lagfix will be done with a new kernel via the Clockworkmod Recovery Menu.
As for general fixing of lagginess... (READ UP FIRST) Flash a custom Rom (READ MORE). Most of the problems you're experiencing (ARE YOU READING UP ON FLASHING?) should be fixed by flashing (DO MORE READING) a custom rom. Do some research on roms and pick one that you think you'll like. (Note - don't post questions asking which one to do, it tends to be a bit of a touchy subject on the forum.) If you're wanting to be cautious, it would be safer to stay with a Froyo-based rom, as they're more tested and there's less danger involved (specifically, you don't have to flash bootloaders, which is the area where you can get a real brick).
Oh, and (shameless self plug) if you need to know what different terminology and items on the forum mean, just click the link in my signature.
jmtheiss said:
Just a few quick things:
Titanium backup is a good friend to have on your phone. It won't break it -
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Actually, it CAN break your phone if you don't know how to use it. Backing up is safe, but never, ever restore system data with TiBu when changing ROMs and only restore app data you know is safe.
I would recommend staying away from any Gingerbread-based ROMs until you have a better understanding of the phone and the process. Andromeda 3 is a good choice for a Froyo-based ROM and is very easy to flash, but do your research on the process before you attempt it. Almost any custom ROM will have a lagfix in the kernel and performance will be noticeably better than stock. You will likely have to redo your root after installing a new ROM, so read up on that process, too.
jmtheiss said:
As for general fixing of lagginess... (READ UP FIRST) Flash a custom Rom (READ MORE). Most of the problems you're experiencing (ARE YOU READING UP ON FLASHING?) should be fixed by flashing (DO MORE READING) a custom rom.
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I lol'd at the "()" parts
To build on jmtheiss post. For "reliability" look for a KB1 based ROM as this is what your phone is currently running, and is the newest version of firmware written specifically for the AT&T captivate. You won't come across any major issues that make the phone unusable, nor any "annoying" bugs. Then if your feeling more adventurous, and have gotten a solid understanding of the process of flashing ROMs, look to I9000 based 2.2.x ROMs, and lastly 2.3.x based ROMs.
For "ease of transition" start by getting the SGS Kernel Flasher or Heimdall to change the kernel. From there you can get past 3e recovery and you'll be free to make other changes.
For "ease of putting it back to stock" first find out what is your stock. Since this phone technically has 3 different "stock" firmwares. Then get a copy of that firmware (and steps on how to flash it) and keep it on your computer, in a location you'll be able to find easily in case of problems. Depending on how far "to the dark side" you go, will effect just how much of the "stock" files you'll need to keep as backups.
Personally I'd suggest this ROM as it's whats currently on my phone. Many have started off with Cognition and it's still a crowd fav. Both are KB1 based ROMs