Database Develop

[Q] ODIN, Download Mode, JH7, Modems, Kernels... somebody school me

I've searched and read FAQs a lot already. I read the threads that XDA suggested before posting this.
I've been doing a lot of reading and I'm a little fuzzy. Want to root my gf's AT&T Captivate (JH7) and install Froyo for her but still a little unclear on exactly how everything fits together.
From what I've gathered so far I can use the update.zip method to install Clockwork Recovery and make a nandroid backup of her current configuration without even rooting it, right?
Then can I just flash whichever ROM I want? Will the ROM.zip update her to the correct modem/kernel at that time?
About using ODIN to restore - do I restore to the version she is on NOW or the version the phone originally shipped with, if different? And do I REALLY need to ODIN restore between ROMs or is a full wipe with CWM recovery enough?
Also read that CWM recovery doesn't work with Froyo at this time so can't do nandroid backups of Froyo ROMs?
Somebody catch me up... with my mt3g and mt4g I'm totally comfortable but this stuff is confusing me. I'm fairly comfortable with adb and already used it to sideload an app for her without rooting.
Thanks for your help guys.

I'm pretty new at this too so I'll try to answer what I can.
Before you try anything, just make sure you can get into recovery and download mode.
Recovery:
- Hold Vol Up + Vol Down + Power button.
- from adb type reboot recovery
- from Rom Manager, select the Reboot to Recovery option.
Download
- Hold Vol Up + Vol Down and insert the usb cable. This works for me. Getting Odin to detect it can be a bit tricky. I usually start Odin first, then connect phone.
- from adb type reboot download (I think)
From what I've gathered so far I can use the update.zip method to install Clockwork Recovery and make a nandroid backup of her current configuration without even rooting it, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure to be honest. The way I do it is that I install Rom Manager from the market first. It will ask you for root though. I like this way better as you can download and install the appropriate update.zip from the app. Rooting is very very easy. You can use this tool:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=739304
Then can I just flash whichever ROM I want? Will the ROM.zip update her to the correct modem/kernel at that time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be safe, I only try ROMs that I find in the Captivate Development sub forum. Most of them can be installed with CWM. Place the *.zip in the root of your internal SD card, reboot into CWM and select the install .zip from card option. Don't freak out.
There is also a way to flash roms from Odin but I've never tried it to be honest.
About using ODIN to restore - do I restore to the version she is on NOW or the version the phone originally shipped with, if different? And do I REALLY need to ODIN restore between ROMs or is a full wipe with CWM recovery enough?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it will restore to Samsung's stock version (I897UCJF6). Check this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731989
Remember that this is only for the Captivate. It is safer to do a full restore whenever you are trying a new rom. The only exception, I think, is when you are upgrading versions (say, Darky's 7.8 to 8.0)
Also read that CWM recovery doesn't work with Froyo at this time so can't do nandroid backups of Froyo ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always install it using ROM manager and it works fine.
Now, from what I've been reading and doing this week, I learned that apart from the ROM, you can also flash the kernel and model separately, in case you have specific needs. For instance, I flashed glitterball's kernel to overclock the phone. Just remember that 2.1 Roms need 2.1 kernels and modems, the same applies for 2.2. Here is a list of modems: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=835272
I'm currently trying out the TLJL3.
Remember that there are many ways to get to Rome. Also, use Titanium Backup to save your apps.
tl;dr:
1. Root.
2. Install CWM.
3. Verify that you can access recovery and download mode.
4. Download ROM (CWM .zip installable).
5. Read read read.
Much more detailed guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=884364

LOADING CUSTOM ROMs
Phateless said:
I've searched and read FAQs a lot already. I read the threads that XDA suggested before posting this.
I've been doing a lot of reading and I'm a little fuzzy. Want to root my gf's AT&T Captivate (JH7) and install Froyo for her but still a little unclear on exactly how everything fits together.
From what I've gathered so far I can use the update.zip method to install Clockwork Recovery and make a nandroid backup of her current configuration without even rooting it, right?
Then can I just flash whichever ROM I want? Will the ROM.zip update her to the correct modem/kernel at that time?
About using ODIN to restore - do I restore to the version she is on NOW or the version the phone originally shipped with, if different? And do I REALLY need to ODIN restore between ROMs or is a full wipe with CWM recovery enough?
Also read that CWM recovery doesn't work with Froyo at this time so can't do nandroid backups of Froyo ROMs?
Somebody catch me up... with my mt3g and mt4g I'm totally comfortable but this stuff is confusing me. I'm fairly comfortable with adb and already used it to sideload an app for her without rooting.
Thanks for your help guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... Most of your answers can be found in
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=884364
The ROM file would contain a kernel and a modem that will update her current kernel and modem. She can flash the kernel and modem of her choice after installing a custom ROM without breaking anything.
For Backing up use Titanium Backup, u need to ROOT your phone using directions in the earlier link provided.
When using custom ROMs it is always better to do a full wipe and flash to stock and master clear, i.e JF6 (using Odin one-click, or Odin with 3-button) or JH7 using the DG version.
You can follow
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10056254&postcount=36
Update.zip file once installed would load CWM from which you can install custom ROMs. Once you install custom ROMs, they are always rooted, and you needn't root again. It's a one time thing.
Hope this resolves everything..

Thanks for your replies, guys, I'm actually very familiar with rooting and flashing. To clarify, I already know HOW to install a custom ROM, that's not the issue. I'm more concerned about compatibility once I start installing custom stuff, and about UNROOTING if I need to. It sounds like if all I'm doing is installing a custom recovery and then a custom ROM, I don't really need to worry about it.
I always opt for manual method through recovery as opposed to Rom Manager.
I would use SuperOneClick for the stock ROM as I've used it before without issues. Most likely I would use the update.zip method to install clockwork recovery so I can make a nandroid backup of her completely unrooted stock setup before proceeding.
I can get into stock recovery just fine but haven't tried download mode yet.
And yes I would ONLY flash ROMs for the Captivate specifically, unless someone manages to complete a port for Sense.

Sounds like your good to go then.
... and Odin is just the cheap and easy method to return the phone back to stock.
So if you ever need to give it back and need it restored this is the easiest method to do it. But I would suggest formatting the internal SD Card to make sure there are no remnants of you playing around with the phone.

avgjoegeek said:
Sounds like your good to go then.
... and Odin is just the cheap and easy method to return the phone back to stock.
So if you ever need to give it back and need it restored this is the easiest method to do it. But I would suggest formatting the internal SD Card to make sure there are no remnants of you playing around with the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, will definitely do that.
I also heard that when using ODIN to restore to JF6 the OTA update to JH7 won't come back on its own?

lol yea.. but it doesn't matter unless you were wanting to keep it on "stock".
If your flashing or returning the phone your ok with keeping it on JF6.

If your phone came with JH7 and you have issues with Odin one-click, you might want to look at this guide, it has worked great for me and many others:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10056254&postcount=36

How do I know what build number her phone is? I see references to build number 1010, but I don't know if this phone CAME WITH jh7 or if that was an update. I bought it used. If I try to restore to JF6 will that brick it??
EDIT - found it. She's a 1007. So if I used ODIN-3 to restore to JF6, how do I get back to JH7? Reading elsewhere it seems that a nandroid restore won't include the baseband?

Phateless said:
So if I used ODIN-3 to restore to JF6, how do I get back to JH7? Reading elsewhere it seems that a nandroid restore won't include the baseband?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the Mini Kies from here Download Center for SEG-I897ZKAATT.
Make sure the phone asks for USB on connection and select Kies mode when you plug into pc. Then open Mini Kies, it should recognize your phone and tell you an update is available. Follow the instructions from there.

cappysw10 said:
Download the Mini Kies from here Download Center for SEG-I897ZKAATT.
Make sure the phone asks for USB on connection and select Kies mode when you plug into pc. Then open Mini Kies, it should recognize your phone and tell you an update is available. Follow the instructions from there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok cool, thanks for your help! Already downloaded Kies from the Samsung website.
About to flash her phone but saw something somewhere about backing up some *.nv file to preserve her IMEI# and stuff? Can you link me to a guide on that? Can not for the life of me remember where I saw that.

[Q] CWM flashing without ODIN

Hi,
I'm researching flashing via CWR, ROM over ROM without flashing to Stock via ODIN. Specifically, I'm at Cog 3.02 with "base" Cognition Kernel/Modem thinking about going to Andromeda...both employ Voodoo/EXT4, so shouldn't need to disable lagfix (I think?)...
I read at this link (apologies for spaces, but I'm new so can't post actual links): h t t p : / / forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=900463
a spirited debate starting about page 4 that flashing to ODIN is effectively doubling your chances for a bad flash, and that recovering a bad flash via CWM is far easier (just try re-flash again...and again(?) until fail back to trying ODIN) than recovering a bad ODIN flash.
If that's true, what prep should I do first via CWR?
1. Andromeda says requires wipe, does ROM install do this or do I do it via CWR first (wipe data/factory reset in recovery)? How 'deep' is a wipe...what do I need to save prior to this?
2. Wipe Dalvik Cache and/or wipe cache partition?
3. Save /efs folder?
4. Aside from TiBu backup to PC, am I missing anything else to save? I forgot to save my Android ID on my first flash, so it's my understanding I can only get that back via flash to Stock...I'd prefer to only go to ODIN if I have to.
Another question I had was regarding nandroid. I made a nandroid backup right after flashing to Cog. Do I really even need this? Since I haven't changed kernel/modem, wouldn't I be better off just flashing my initial Cog zip file?
Finally thanks to all who make this site kick_ss. Connexion2005's videos are indispensable for a newbie like me. People actually answer questions here, and the Devs suceed in delivering onto us a wolf in (out of the box) sheep's clothing...something AT&T and Samsung have failed to do.
Cognition 3.02 is my first and only custom ROM and DG, you have literally saved me from making my phone a brick the old fashioned way: throwing it against a wall. Running flawlessly since Jan 17th...at the same time, I am eager to see what else is out there, ***safely*** as possible.
Thanks in advance.

Since they are both ext 4 you should be ok.
The rom wipes, I clear davlik cache before flash and after, but there our no good reason as to why
Efs files, do you use kies? If so you may want to back them up, if not don't worry, I have never backed then up
Odin flash is not needed but my opinion is you should know how to use odin prior to flashing. Why panic to figure it out if something goes wrong,?
NANDROID only needed if youare going back to cog and after you have flushed the rom you want to restore settings
I think I got everything you asked

Thank you.
So really just the Dalvik cache wipe in CWR prior to.
Kies...soooo failed ever getting that working, and don't seem to need it.
Yeah I actually flashed ODIN1 unnecessarily prior to my flash to Cog. I was at stock and somehow thought ADW would mess it up...rook. I have build 1006 so good to know ODIN's there if I need it.
Re: Nandroid, but if I kept the initial zip for my flash to Cog wouldn't I just use that? Or does Nandroid do better job of ensuring good flash back to what I have right now?
Not familiar with flushing...Would I be able to restore Nandroid directly on top of ROM I'm switching off of?
Thanks again.

OP,
You'd double the chance of failure if all else were equal. I don't have statistics, but I have no doubt that failures happen far more often with odin flashes, though.
1. Andromeda says requires wipe, does ROM install do this or do I do it via CWR first (wipe data/factory reset in recovery)? How 'deep' is a wipe...what do I need to save prior to this?
2. Wipe Dalvik Cache and/or wipe cache partition?
3. Save /efs folder?
4. Aside from TiBu backup to PC, am I missing anything else to save? I forgot to save my Android ID on my first flash, so it's my understanding I can only get that back via flash to Stock...I'd prefer to only go to ODIN if I have to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ROM install script does the wipe. This simply means all your apps and data will be erased (your pictures and anything on the internal and any external sdcard will not be deleted).
I never wipe the dalvik cache or cache partition before flashing. I only do that if I'm having issues like FCs (sometimes happens after a bad theme install, for example).
You probably should have backed up /efs before flashing anything, but that's not to say a backup now isn't a good idea. You only need to do this once.
If I recall, you do need to flash 2.1 to get the ID back. I'm not 100% sure there isn't another way.
WRT the nadroid backup, you don't really need it. What I do is keep 2 or 3 good CWM flashable ROMs and the CWM update.zip on my sdcard in case of problems. I also keep TiBU backup of my stuff there (which I also occasionally backup to my PC just in case my sdcard gets wiped for some reason).
One thing I would suggest is to be sure you have working button combos in case you ever need download mode (hopefully you never will, but it's always possible). If you don't have that, there is a clockwork flashable fix or you could just flash cognition or perception once and then flash whatever you want over them (you can do both flashes all without ever leaving recovery). That should fix the button combos since DG's ROMs include a good sbl.bin (I'm not a fan of that inclusion, but it is useful in this case). Since you are running Cog, I assume your download mode is already working.

Thanks opcow.
Yeah I made sure I could get into d/l and recovery mode with button combos before I even rooted.
So would you ever use a Nandroid backup if you added a different kernel/modem to a ROM? Or would you just go back to the initial zip and SGS Kernel to flash kernel/modem? I haven't done kernel flash...yet...

Madtowndave said:
Thanks opcow.
Yeah I made sure I could get into d/l and recovery mode with button combos before I even rooted.
So would you ever use a Nandroid backup if you added a different kernel/modem to a ROM? Or would you just go back to the initial zip and SGS Kernel to flash kernel/modem? I haven't done kernel flash...yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the ROM you were running when you backed up is compatible with the new kernel then I don't see why there would be a problem. I don't do it, myself, but I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I have the paid TiBU and I just use that.

Thanks again...
Yeah I bought full TiBu, so obviously that should work for the apps/data.
Did some more digging tonight and apparently Nandroid backup is ROM only, not Kernel...So seemingly would need to be on same Kernel at least to do proper Nandroid restore.
...that being the case, I guess I don't understand why people stress importance of running a Nandroid prior to and/or post ROM flash...am I missing something?

If you like a rom and set everything up but want to try another doing a nandroid allows you to restore once you flash the rom again.
Also good to run nandroid on new flash, so if you play with themes and something goes wrong you can restore

That makes sense.
Showing me newbie-ness since I haven't played around with themes yet...
...Figured I'd at least get 2nd ROM flash out the shoot before playing with kernels, modems or themes...
This thread is helpful for me. I appreciate your time.

This is along the lines of the question that I was going to post so figured would ask here. I too am considering trying out the new Andromeda. I am currently using Cog 3.04 and want to test out the new Andromeda. The TiBu I have right now is from when i was on stock as I just recently purchased this and Cog was my first flash.. Would i want to continue to use that backup when i flash to andromeda, or would it be better to run a full backup with tibu while cog is on there and then flash to andromeda and use the cog backup??
also,, from above, i could possibly just skip the step with odin and go straight to andromeda? or do I need to run odin and put it back to stock before going over to andromeda?
thanks
zug

Hey Zug,
Just flashed andromeda last night via method outlined above...did not revert to stock at all (no odin). Only issue thus far is market only showing very few installed apps under 'My Apps', but I think this is a common issue. Will research solution tonight (I did have some issues getting back all apps from TiBu, but after I restored missing apps twice and rebooted a few times they all appear to be back). Also my simi clock widget comes and goes, not sure why...might clear dalvik cache to see if that helps.
Regarding TiBu, it saves apps and data. It is not ROM specific...you just back it up, then after you flash new ROM you restore missing apps with data (do NOT restore system data).
EDIT: Resolved the My Apps Market issue (only a few were showing after flash) by going to Settings, Applications, Manage, go to Market, Clear Data, reboot. Search is my friend.
i897 running Andromeda 2.0

Thanks Madtowndave.. i might give that a try.. so, since my phone is rooted and what not, i can just go to the guide and start at the portion about puting the new rom on the sd card, rebooting it and what not in recovery and select that zip and flash it right ? (well condensed version of course) and it should all be good?? guessing if this fails can always use the odin and wipe it and go back?
since i added a few new apps, guessing then that i should use tibu and go ahead and reback up everything since this rom does the master clear and then reload them right?? and hate to ask.. but how do I do the nandroid? newbie still to android and i know that just backs up the rom, but is it a app to dl from market? was fishing around in phone and didnt quite see it yet. .but figured i would do a nandroid in case i want to go back to cog.. this smart?
thnx again
zug

I think most of your questions are answered by others in this thread...
One thing I noticed last night is that I only got red (voodoo) cwm recovery menu via 3 button or long press power and reboot to recovery...when I rebooted to recovery via ROM Manager, I got the green cwm recovery menu. Not sure if this matters, but in another forum (on Vibrant phone, our sgs cousin), they said to flash ROM via the red voodoo cwm menu (since cog and andromeda both employ voodoo you can leave it enabled).
Nandroid backup you can do either from ROM manager or in cwm recovery...
Also andromeda wipes the system data, not a master clear...your data on 16 gig internal memory should not be affected, but is very good idea to backup everything to pc per the flash custom ROM guide.
i897 running Andromeda 2.0

Thanks again madtown.. going to give it a try now.. as andromeda just finished DL'ing

Good luck, hope it goes smooth for you as it seemingly has for me...Feel like a bit of a heretic for not flashing to odin first...maybe I'm just lucky.
i897 running Andromeda 2.0

hmm. ok. .so did the reboot to recovery and installed andromeda.. did it take a tad bit for yours to boot into the phone portion after it got to the andromeda screen?? mine seemed like it was hanging and was about to worry.. but finally booted in.. so figured would see if yours did too? .. gonna test stuff out now and restore tibu

Yeah, did for me too...and yes I was worried. Pretty sure this is very normal on first boot into new ROM in general. Like I said, TiBu was a bit cranky for me and required 2 restores and reboots...
Really enjoying this ROM, btw.
i897 running Andromeda 2.0

yeh.. im still doing the install from tibu (getting paid version after tomorrow since payday since im hating have to select install for every app ) .. and then will reboot and test .. though one thing ive noticed that is diff from the video is the lock screen.. in his review it was the lock button and he swiped it up.. mine is set to a puzzle piece by default?? any idea??
edit.. k mine was a 1st time go for apps restored with tibu .this is pretty nice.. it does appear to be a lot faster/smoother than cog so far.. though the Keep the lights on app should keep my bottom buttons on all the time right? least thats what i thought i was from the video and mine seem to still fade out.. even though i hit the app and it said it was enabled..

changing unlock is in settings, display...
Dunno about lights, mine just worked. Make sure service started and reboot I guess.
i897 running Andromeda 2.0

ok.. that was what it was for the lock part.. thnx .. didnt know that was there for those 4 choices.. thought only could do the none, pattern, pw etc..
everything went fine until i decided to load my contacts/sms etc from tibu.. now when i rebooted to add them, i keep getting the message "Sorry, The application Swype (processcom.swype.android.inputmethod) has stopped unexpectedly.. please try again" constantly getting things like that about swype.. any idea what happened or what i need to do?
edit.. sucked it up and re-flashed ;( will just sync contacts and deal with the ones missing for now ;(

MIUI install on the captivate

Hi, If your are a noob as i was, you may have to a lot of reading inorder to flash a MIUI or CM7 rom. Here is a collection of my experience, hope it will make yours a bit better. As always, I am not responsible for what your phone will, can and may do as a result of incorrect flashing
1. Make sure that you have a gingerbread (From here on refferred to as GB) bootloaders. If you have eclair/froyo, here is an odin1click link to flash the leaked GB
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1127249 Keep this odin1click close at hand, incase of soft bricking. Remember to root!
Do you have Captivate usb drivers installed? If not download kies mini and install. The link is below
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/SGH-I897ZKAATT
2. Once you have flashed the odin package, go to market and download rom manager, and flash the clockworkmod recovery.
3. After that, things get a whole lot easier. Download the miui rom from the following sources:
http://miuiandroid.com/roms/miui-development-roms/
http://www.galnetmiui.co.uk/content/forum/index.php?topic=1609.0
Save them in your sd card and not in a folder!
4.Boot into recovery, flash the package and voila! you have miui installed!

To the future and beyond!

briankariu said:
Hi, If your are a noob as i was, you may have to a lot of reading inorder to flash a MIUI or CM7 rom. Here is a collection of my experience, hope it will make yours a bit better. As always, I am not responsible for what your phone will, can and may do as a result of incorrect flashing
1. Make sure that you have a gingerbread (From here on refferred to as GB) bootloaders. If you have eclair/froyo, here is an odin1click link to flash the leaked GB
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1127249 Keep this odin1click close at hand, incase of soft bricking. Remember to root!
Do you have Captivate usb drivers installed? If not download kies mini and install. The link is below
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/SGH-I897ZKAATT
2. Once you have flashed the odin package, go to market and download rom manager, and flash the clockworkmod recovery.
3. After that, things get a whole lot easier. Download the miui rom from the following sources:
http://miuiandroid.com/roms/miui-development-roms/
http://www.galnetmiui.co.uk/content/forum/index.php?topic=1609.0
Save them in your sd card and not in a folder!
4.Boot into recovery, flash the package and voila! you have miui installed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've run Miui for a long time, and I've never once installed GB or GB boot loaders, before loading Miui. I've always come straight from stock JF6. Also, if you have 3 button recovery you don't need to download ROM Manager, all you need to do is drop the CWM.zip, and the Miui ROM onto your internal SD, boot into recovery, select "install zip", "choose zip", select your CWM, you'll have to do this twice for CWM, then once booted into CWM repeat it a 3rd time, this time selecting your ROM, and you've installed Miui

kangi26 said:
I've run Miui for a long time, and I've never once installed GB or GB boot loaders, before loading Miui. I've always come straight from stock JF6. Also, if you have 3 button recovery you don't need to download ROM Manager, all you need to do is drop the CWM.zip, and the Miui ROM onto your internal SD, boot into recovery, select "install zip", "choose zip", select your CWM, you'll have to do this twice for CWM, then once booted into CWM repeat it a 3rd time, this time selecting your ROM, and you've installed Miui
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incase 3-button recovery is not working, i had to include the rom manager. The first time i flashed my captivate, it did not have 3-button recovery.
Again, the first time i flashed miui from stock eclair, i was caugt in a boot loop.
Remember this is a total sum of my experience flashing my cappy...be warned experiences may vary

So.. If i'm currently on another rom.. Dlev's ver 5.0.. with captivate gingerbread bootloaders.. all i need to do is put MIUI 1.9.9 on my sd card, boot into recovery.. wipe.. and install?

Yeah, pretty much.

@OP MIUI/CM7 does not require GB BL, Where have you read this ?

rkkaranrk said:
@OP MIUI/CM7 does not require GB BL, Where have you read this ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, MIUI/cm7 do not require GB bootloaders. MIUI is compatible with I897 GB bootloaders (I use them), but I don't know about CM7(never flashed it). Also, about installation.
When you initially d flash MIUI, it will reboot into cwm. Do a factory reset and flash it again. No need for clearing anything the second time. First time, just do a factory reset before flashing.

Im running cm7 on froyo you do need GB bl for both MISI and CM7, Just wanted ask OP as the info he has posted is wrong which is misleading for new member's.

"/efs" folder backup
I would like to add, before flashing any custom roms, back up (copy) your "/efs" folder (in phones root directory) using root explorer (or similar application), and place the copy on your SD card, *and* on your computer for safety. I don't think this is stressed enough.
I have read of some of these roms altering the product code / IMEI of the phone (also happened to me when I flashed CM7 a while back), and having a backup of the original "/efs" makes it way easier to get the original product code and IMEI back. I think the product code / IMEI can be restored without a backup, but it isn't much fun to do.

Restoring correct imei without backup of efs/nv_data is a nightmare/impossible, so take a backup of ur efs folder right now
Sent From I9100®

The efs data file was a nightmare for me. I had not saved it the first time i flashed.. and unlocking the phone was nearly impossible after.
+1 save the efs file

Read somewhere (I guess in the MIUI thread) that GB bootloaders were necessary to flash MIUI. Ii didn't try to flash it from stock Froyo.

GB bootloaders are not required for MIUI/CM7, but the i897 loaders are compatible with them.

[Q] Android curiosity

Hey forum, pretty much a noob (not even 10 posts) I would like to get off my stock AT&T Gingerbread rom (KK4 2.3.5) and I keep looking through the posts for a lil explanation, can't find any. So I'm hesitant to flash roms without properly knowing what is actually going on within. Essentially I would just like to test the water first by rooting so I could get rid of the AT&T crap, and possibly progress to a full-on custom rom. If there are any devs, or passers-by that could assist, I would be more than grateful.
I suppose comparing it to regular PC terms would help best, as i feel I am somewhat savvy with PC's.

Root can be acquired through the [APP]SuperOneClick, or gained through [MOD] FuguRoot: root _any_ stock SGS ROM safely (froyo, GB) or by means of Flashing a Custom Rom (all have Root). See this 【Guide】How To flash Captivate ROMs from Stock (inc. Gingerbread ROMs) or U could flash a Developer's Kernel that has the CWM Recovery baked in and the option to install Root through said recovery (Corn Kernel is one that is based on KK4. I recommend v6.03 because it is very stable).
And be sure to read the Stickied Threads View attachment 868387 in the Captivate General, Q & A, and Delelopment Forums. That will prove to be most helpful.

Very cool. Now i suppose I'm being a pansy about this, but you seem pretty knowledgeable; if (rather when) I take the plunge to a new rom, will that wipe the whole card (which is where I'm assuming that the system is mounted), including any apps that I have gotten, and/or erase the SIM card (I hope not)?

Yes it wipes apps, although those aren't stored in /system they're in /data but a full wipe ROM will clear data. Use titanium backup to backup your apps, move contacts to Sim card or backup to your gmail.
It will not touch your Sim card.

When I attempt to root using SOC it locks up at step 7 (shell root), it freezes. Of any assistance, I look at my task panel, it runs 2 instances of adb.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Use the FuguRoot method or just use Odin3 v1.83 to flash the .tar v6.03 of Corn Kernel. The .tar file goes in the PDA slot of the Odin.
Open Odin 1st, Select the PDA tab, Navigate to the .tar kernel (that u sould have downloaded) Connect ur phone to ur pc in Download mode and once Odin recognizes it, select Start. Kernel will get installed and phone will reboot. Afterwards use button combo to get into CWM Recovery (hold volume up and volume down and power button at the same time until u see the att splash screen then release the buttons). U r now in cwm recovery and can install root from there. Look under Reformatting, tweaks and more. There u will find the option to install root.
Sent by XDA Premium App

4-2ndtwin, I would like to verbally thank you, in addition to the "digital" thanks given already, I'm running the Corn Kernel right now, and from what I can see, it's a re-packaged KK4 with CwM to allow installation of root from the Bootloader menu. Now what I'm wondering, is what is the difference between the available kernel's for i897 (Captivate), more specifically those running the 2.3.5 kernel, e.g. corn kernel is re-packaged and does not have VooDoo sound, in PC terms could that be equated to a specific driver for the sound processor vice a generic driver included in the kernel?
Secondarily, just prior to appying root, I backed up everything using Nandroid, is that essentially a 1-to-1 image of what's on the rom?
Third(arily) , does Ti Backup save apps in such a state that I can move the .apk's to my pc desktop, install a custom ROM w/wipe, and re-install the apps as if they were there the entire time?
I appreciate any help.

Voodoo sounds is kinda like that, its a module compiled in the kernel that allows the tweaking of audio levels by the user with an app called voodoo control.
A nandroid is a system image yes, but it is not 1 for 1. They do not contain kernels or modems. Just the firmware and user settings and stuff. So, if you were to flash a different ROM, you would have to flash back to what the backup was made on, then restore the nandroid and it'll be like you never flashed anything.
Tibu backs up the apps and their data top a folder in your sdcard called "titanium backup" just move that whole folder back and forth and it'll work fine. Hell you can even put that folder in a different phone and restore those backups

The reason I was inquiring about Voodoo sound is (call me crazy) the volume reference has gone up a few notches since Froyo i.e. the lowest earpiece volume is twice what it was with Froyo. It's too bad there isn't a "Patchable" kernel that one could add that into.
I hate to admit this, but I always get confused at the term SD Card, as i usually think of dynamic storage that can be removed, not a static, soldered-to-mainboard storage that it is. So if I got a ROM that wiped the entire static storage, wouldn't I also lose the backups that Nandroid made?

Sdcard reffers to the /sdcard partition on the internal sdcard.
A ROM does not wipe this partition, that's where they are flAshed from, it can't wipe itself from existence and still continue the flash.

[Q] Need a little help and clarification upgrading to AOKP

Hey everybody. So im intrested in upgrading my Froyo 2.2 to the ICS AOKP rom. Earlier i screwed everything up by installing the wrong kernel and had to reinstall Froyo because my phone wouldent boot. Anyway, i wanted to list what im going to do to make sure im doing it right.
Right now my info is:
Phone model: Samsung sgh i897
Radio (baseband): I897UCKB2
Firmware and Build number: 2.2 FROYO.UCKB2
Kernel: 2.6.32.9
1. I will first upgrade to Gingerbread 2.3 using Kies and whatever the samsung website tells me to
1.5 Root and allow sideloading
2. i will put on CWM using odin and this link
(question: i should put on speedmod-kernel-i897-k13e-500hz.tar if my kernel is 3e, correct? or should i just use the first one on the top of the dl list? )
3. follow the AOKP installation instructions but get the actual rom from here
3.5 wipe my data, install rom, then wipe data again
4. Use Titanium Backup and APN Restore to get all my shizz back
5. Finish
couple of questions though. On the AOKP installation instructions, how do i make a nandroid? Do i just go to backup and backup whatever is there? and do i have to Flash Team Hacksung's latest build? If so, where would i find it? i can only find one for the samsung fascinate here.
or should i just use this?
Also, thank you in advanced. I sure did say a lot.

You can combine steps 1-2 into one easy step by going here and grabbing the "I897UCKH3 Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, With Bootloaders, With CWM Injected Kernel from Boog" flash package. That will flash your bootloaders, stock rom, and give you root access and CWM all in one easy step.
The rest of the steps look good.
As for making the backup, once you have installed the AOKP rom and have successfully booted once, reboot into CWM recovery and go to "backup and restore" and choose the backup option. That's a nandroid backup.

Thanks! ill try that stuff out when i get home. Hopefully it will all work out! Quick question: To install any other rom (assuming its compatible with my phone), i do the same thing?

In general it's a similar procedure, with a few changes:
1. If you're going from any of the ICS roms back to a non-CM7 or MIUI rom, you have to flash back to stock GB first (without bootloaders). This resets the partitioning scheme to the correct form.
2. Once you've flashed the GB bootloaders, don't flash them again - there's no need and it puts your phone in unnecessary danger.
3. To flash between ICS roms, it's generally just a matter of wiping data, flashing the rom, and reinstalling your apps. Same between GB and Froyo roms.

im having a problem. The bootloader you directed to me doesnt work. I downloaded the I897UCKH3 Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread
With Bootloaders - Link 1 / Link 2 [With CWM Injected Kernel from Boog]
put it on my desktop, running it as admin. I also took out the sim of my capvitate and put it on download mode and connected it. However nothing happens. All i get is <OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 0)
should i have any other files other than the I897UCKH3_withBL?
What do?

That should be all you need. Take a look at the captivate connection issues thread in my signature for some more ideas.
You can also try one of the Heimdall-based one-clicks, or try getting full Odin or full Heimdall setup and flash a stock package from those.

Hey jmtheiss. I ended up using a different computer to try the bootloader again, and it worked. I was also able to do the rest of the steps and install ICS AOKP. Thanks! Its really packed with a lot of features so it will be intresting to learn. Thanks!