Database Develop

Few questions before flashing new ROM

Hi all,
Just a few, hopefully fairly straightforward yes no answer, questions for someone to kindly help me out with. I have been S-OFFed for quite a while now and also rooted and want to finally take the plunge and try out a modded ROM...not sure which one yet though, but hopefully ill work that one out for myself! I have a few questions before hand:
1. What is and do I need 4EXTrecovery to flash all ROMs? I have the latest ClockWorkMod recovery installed via ROM Manager, 5.0.2.0. Is this sufficient? If I do need it do I flash it the same way as a ROM?
2. In theory all I need to do now is choose the ROM, rename as .zip file and download to my SD card, open up recovery and install? Should be able to do this using ROM manager?
3. What are kernals and do I need to flash new kernals/radios for the new ROM to work properly, or is this dependant on the ROM? Can I do this with only ClockWorkMod?
4. Will backing up my current ROM back up all my apps and music etc or do I need to use Titanium backup for this? Don't really want to have to reinstall all my apps and thousands of songs!
I think that's it. Thanks to whoever for sparing the time.
M
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using XDA App

Pleaaase....!
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using XDA App

VaderXI said:
Hi all,
Just a few, hopefully fairly straightforward yes no answer, questions for someone to kindly help me out with. I have been S-OFFed for quite a while now and also rooted and want to finally take the plunge and try out a modded ROM...not sure which one yet though, but hopefully ill work that one out for myself! I have a few questions before hand:
1. What is and do I need 4EXTrecovery to flash all ROMs? I have the latest ClockWorkMod recovery installed via ROM Manager, 5.0.2.0. Is this sufficient? If I do need it do I flash it the same way as a ROM?
2. In theory all I need to do now is choose the ROM, rename as .zip file and download to my SD card, open up recovery and install? Should be able to do this using ROM manager?
3. What are kernals and do I need to flash new kernals/radios for the new ROM to work properly, or is this dependant on the ROM? Can I do this with only ClockWorkMod?
4. Will backing up my current ROM back up all my apps and music etc or do I need to use Titanium backup for this? Don't really want to have to reinstall all my apps and thousands of songs!
I think that's it. Thanks to whoever for sparing the time.
M
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) To be sure i would install 4Ext.
2) When you download the ROM it's already a .zip. I prefer to boot manualy (restart and hold vol down and Power buttons).
3) Some Rom's has kernel included. If not, the thread should list the recomended kernel and Radio. Can be flashed from Recovery.
4) You should always flash SuperWipe befor installing a new Rom. A backup from Recovery (Nandroid) will take a image of your current Rom that you can flash back to. Apps can eaily be backup'ed and restored with Titanium. Songs is on your SD Card.

jkolner said:
1) to be sure i would install 4ext. done
2) when you download the rom it's already a .zip. I prefer to boot manualy (restart and hold vol down and power buttons).
3) some rom's has kernel included. If not, the thread should list the recomended kernel and radio. Can be flashed from recovery. can i flash new radio even though do not have radio s off?
4) you should always flash superwipe befor installing a new rom. A backup from recovery (nandroid) will take a image of your current rom that you can flash back to. Apps can eaily be backup'ed and restored with titanium. Songs is on your sd card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

You don't have to worry about flashing a new kernel. If your phone is already gingerbread 2.3 you won't have to worry about a new radio. Backing up your apps isn't really a big deal once you reset your phone with the new ROM and sync Google.com the market will remember what you've already downloaded and it'll show up under "my aps". As for your music its under sd/. Just download the ROM and place it on your SD card anywhere. Hard reset into recovery menu and wipe all cache as well as factory reset. Than select "update from .zip" select the file from where you placed it and away you go!

All sorted....thanks for your help

Good info from this thread..
thanks..

[Q] sgs cwm recovery problem

hello .
i am using galaxy s i9000 , with stock ddjv9 , n speedmod kernel .
i flashed speedmod kernel n i was able to reboot into cwm recovery using 3 buttons .
then i installed rommanager from market but it was not recoznising the cwm recovery version , so i flashed cwm recovery again frm rom manager .
but when i select reboot into recovery or back up rom frm rom manager it reboots to stock 3e recovery , n doesnt perform any backup .
i can still boot into cwm recovery 2.5.1.2 using 3 buttons .
plzz help . i want to use rom manager to perform backup .

Forget from manager and you your recovery to perform a backup. It's called a nandroid back up, it saves your whole system in its current configuration.
You restore this backup if something goes wrong and you can't boot up to your home, but you can still use recovery. If you want to backup apps and stuff then use other means such as titanium backup. If you want specific backups then let me know and I will give you a list of what i use.
As far as I know rom manager does the same thing however automates it so you don't have to go to recovery and go through the selections. Another thing you may need to be aware of is if rom manager doesn't recognise your recovery, any backup you attempt to make may be corrupt and un usable. If you want to fix recovery you may need to reflash your kernal. Not just CWM. This should retain all data and settings.
Hop that helps
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA

But i cant do back up frm cwm recovery too . Its reboots into 3e recovery n nothing happens .
I want to use rommanager to flash custom roms after making a backup .
So my main aim is to make cwm recovery working thru rom manager .
My rommangaer can detect cwm recovery . After i selected flash recovery frm rommanager. But cant reboot into it or do other functions.
Plz help. With steps to perform.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA

i have same problem i think .
1. i tried to install a new rom downloaded it and put it into phone & sd card.
2. i have tried to apply update from sdcared first i found it it seems to run fine but after that phone keep turning on seeing "galaxy s i9000 " and than showing it again in loop .
3. i can get into clockworkmod recover v 3.0.0.5 by pression those 3 buttons.
4 . when i plug it into the computer i cannot do anything with the data.
hope someone can help me.
and sorry if that is not connected to the thread
thanks~!.
p.s
my phone is rooted

dhillon7 said:
i can still boot into cwm recovery 2.5.1.2 using 3 buttons
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thought you could get into this recovery??
Are you saying when you use the 3-button combo to get to this recovery it works, but then trying to make a backup does not work??
To fix recovery...
Talon26 said:
If you want to fix recovery you may need to reflash your kernal. Not just CWM. This should retain all data and settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dhillon7 said:
I want to use rommanager to flash custom roms after making a backup.
So my main aim is to make cwm recovery working thru rom manager.
My rommangaer can detect cwm recovery . After i selected flash recovery frm rommanager. But cant reboot into it or do other functions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what your saying is although rom manager detects it (recovery), it is useless as you cannot get into it to make a backup via rom manager
I suggest first go to manage apps and clear data for rom manager>>>open up rom manager>>>make a backup.
*CWM not detected?>>>flash via Rom manager>>>Backup...Remember because you are on stock your device is Galaxy S not Galaxy SMTD. As i believe MTD is for cyanogen based roms (I am 99% sure of this)
*If this still does not work, clear data again>>>do not open Rom manager but turn off phone>>>go to recovery (via 3-button combo)>>>Backup/restore>>>backup
If that does not work then Reflash your kernal as you did before, or any other kernal that you want that is compatible with stock roms. You will probably need Odin flashable kernals as your CWM is not working. You can try flash the kernal via rom manager, not sure what the result of this would be if CWM is not being installed properly. Instructions for installing the kernal will be from where ever you download the kernal.
So all the above should enable you to bypass Rom manager for the backup, or fix the backup/recovery which should fix the rom manager backup/compatibility whatever issues, Hopefully
HarryGN said:
1. i tried to install a new rom downloaded it and put it into phone & sd card.
2. i have tried to apply update from sdcared first i found it it seems to run fine but after that phone keep turning on seeing "galaxy s i9000 " and than showing it again in loop .
3. i can get into clockworkmod recover v 3.0.0.5 by pression those 3 buttons.
4 . when i plug it into the computer i cannot do anything with the data.
hope someone can help me.
and sorry if that is not connected to the thread
thanks~!.
p.s
my phone is rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean the phone runs fine?? Did it ever boot up properly, as in get you to the home screen??
Have you tried reflashing the rom via recovery as you said it works...
If you use ADB you should be able to transfer back and forth, but there is a fairly long winded process to set it all up! However after this it should be easy..
If that doesn't work restore your backup which you should always make before flashing! (Im guessing your in this situation because you didn't do that? )
So if you don't have a back-up get an odin flashable rom either from stock firmware on sammobile.com or from the general forum where Ramad has made an extensive collection. Also you could flash DarkyROM 10.2 RE Odin ROM which is a custom rom and odin flashable..

I have heard frm sumwhere that we have to apply some update.zip two time to make cwm recovery working on sgs. Is it true ?
N which update .zip?
After reflashing kernel . Should ma rommanager detect recovery automatically or i have to do sum thing?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA

n plz i dont want to bypass rom manager ,
i want to use rommanager , help me to make cwm recovery working thru rommanager .
i tried clearing data frm rommanager but it didnt helped .

dhillon7 said:
I have heard frm sumwhere that we have to apply some update.zip two time to make cwm recovery working on sgs. Is it true ?
N which update .zip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have not heard of this... Sometimes you do have to flash roms twice that have kernals to avoid problems which may be what you are talking about. All custom kernals use CWM as it has many extra features. If you follow the instructions of the rom/kernal you should never have any problems.
dhillon7 said:
After reflashing kernel . Should ma rommanager detect recovery automatically or i have to do sum thing?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work, possibly its a problem with the kernal I'm not sure. But I can say that every time i have installed and used Rom manager (I dont usually use it, so i uninstall it ) I have had to re-install CWM. What happens is i get a popup telling me to install the latest CWM, I then have to pick my device, I do so and then the pop up just disappears and all downloads are available to me. So in my case it doesn't even look like it installs anything as it doesn't reboot etc.
Soooo the answer is that it will probably tell you that you need to install the latest CWM, so just follow the prompts and if it installs the latest then great. Hopefully it will work after this. If it doesn't you may have to try a more recent kernal. If that still doesn't work, then use Odin to flash a rom.
Odin flashable custom rom that usually never fails for anyone This rom is usually recommended to people with problems. After this you should have CWM and be able to use Rom manager like it should be used
dhillon7 said:
n plz i dont want to bypass rom manager ,
i want to use rommanager , help me to make cwm recovery working thru rommanager .
i tried clearing data frm rommanager but it didnt helped .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you so attached to rom manager?? You think its safe? Probably agree but you may have to dump it for the first flash and then get back to it once you can get it working.. If changing kernals doesn't work then it may be your stock rom, and to change will either have to be odin or a zip via recovery...
Hopefully all goes well, Good Luck
REALISATION...
This is all because you cannot get a backup... If the above does not work then forget the backup and just flash the rom via rom manager. Because even if you have the backup you wont be able to use it as you don't have a CWM recovery right??
The apps i use for backup
App list backup
Sms backup and restore
titanium backup

Is Galaxy S advance supported with Rom Manager? If Not, other ways to change ROMs?

Hello,
I have recently purchased a Galaxy S Advance phone, and I am quite new to the android os.
I have read already many guides and forums about the whole process of rooting / flashing etc, so I have some knowledge of the terminology.
I already have a rooted phone with GB on it (yes, I know JB is about to come out officially ) and I wanted to change some of the UI elements.
I installed the rom manager app by koush, but yet to use it because I saw that in the past that the phone wasn't supported.
My question is: Does ROM Manager support this phone? Can I go ahead and flash CWM on it from the rom manager app, and then use it to flash other roms?
If not, which is the best solution to backup and replace roms? ODIN?
Thanks,

Одг: Is Galaxy S advance supported with Rom Manager? If Not, other ways to change ROM
YMatrix said:
Hello,
I have recently purchased a Galaxy S Advance phone, and I am quite new to the android os.
I have read already many guides and forums about the whole process of rooting / flashing etc, so I have some knowledge of the terminology.
I already have a rooted phone with GB on it (yes, I know JB is about to come out officially ) and I wanted to change some of the UI elements.
I installed the rom manager app by koush, but yet to use it because I saw that in the past that the phone wasn't supported.
My question is: Does ROM Manager support this phone? Can I go ahead and flash CWM on it from the rom manager app, and then use it to flash other roms?
If not, which is the best solution to backup and replace roms? ODIN?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other way to change roms is custom recovery. On GB TWRP, on JB CWM.
Sent from Galaxy S Advance

Thanks fro your quick reply!
And what about ROM Manager? Does it work in this device?

YMatrix said:
Thanks fro your quick reply!
And what about ROM Manager? Does it work in this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it is not working. It is not supported. Way we install custom ROMs: download ROM zip, transfer to SD, then go to recovery and install it from there.

I checked TWRP supported devices list (tried to link it but forum wont allow new users to link ) and I don't see the galaxy advance S on their list either.
Is there a special mod version for this device?
And another question, if installed, will this wipe the current phone data or just the recovery loader? Since I want to backup my current ROM (+ contacts, settings etc.) before doing anything sketchy...

YMatrix said:
I checked TWRP supported devices list (tried to link it but forum wont allow new users to link ) and I don't see the galaxy advance S on their list either.
Is there a special mod version for this device?
And another question, if installed, will this wipe the current phone data or just the recovery loader? Since I want to backup my current ROM (+ contacts, settings etc.) before doing anything sketchy...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have GB? Look here.
On I9070 recovery is on the same partition as kernel. So it can't be installed separatly. It is ported. You need to install this kernel, or CoCore. If you install with Odin - you will increase binary counter. For installation with ADB shell, or Terminal emulator (app from market) you need root - and it will not increase bc.

So I am guessing I will use the dd command line way since it doesn't increase the binary counter (why would we want to do that ).
Is it possible to backup the current ROM before flashing it with the TWRP modified ROM?
And another thing, since I will be using other ROMs, how can i add the TWRP recovery loader to them (you said that the recovery is on the same partition as the kernel, making me believe that each ROM I load will need to have TWRP on it)?

YMatrix said:
So I am guessing I will use the dd command line way since it doesn't increase the binary counter (why would we want to do that ).
Is it possible to backup the current ROM before flashing it with the TWRP modified ROM?
And another thing, since I will be using other ROMs, how can i add the TWRP recovery loader to them (you said that the recovery is on the same partition as the kernel, making me believe that each ROM I load will need to have TWRP on it)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, only JetMOD have embendend kernel too. And it have TWRP.
Hm, another thing. You better use non binary counter increaing root method. But it need you to flash whole firmware with Odin. And maybe you loose data. But if you do not do factory reset - it will be ok.

Sorry, I didn't understand your last post.

YMatrix said:
Sorry, I didn't understand your last post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to get TWRP with dd command you need to root your phone first.
There are 2 root methods. One that increase binary counter, and one that do not..
With one that do not increase - you need to flash whole firmware with Odin. And by doing that you might need to do factory reset. That will cause your data and app delete. You can try to boot, maybe it will be ok.

Oh, I already said I have a rooted device, so this wont be an issue.
What I asked was:
1) If I can backup my current ROM before installing the TWRP ROM you linked (in case something goes wrong).
2) When I install other modified ROMs, will they override the TWRP I installed, or just change the kernel system leaving TWRP in the recovery?

Одг: Is Galaxy S advance supported with Rom Manager? If Not, other ways to change ROM
YMatrix said:
Oh, I already said I have a rooted device, so this wont be an issue.
What I asked was:
1) If I can backup my current ROM before installing the TWRP ROM you linked (in case something goes wrong).
2) When I install other modified ROMs, will they override the TWRP I installed, or just change the kernel system leaving TWRP in the recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't pay attention.
You have backup option in TWRP, and you can restore it.
Custom roms do not have connection with kernel, just JetMod who do have kernel with TWRP too.
P.S. lol you confuse me. TWRP is kernel related, nothing to do with ROM.
When you want stock kernel back, just flash your firmware from sammobile.com.
So you need to change kernel to get TWRP. And with TWRP you do backup of system.
Sent from Galaxy S Advance

Bos manForu
Hmmmm, now I am a little confused.
Since I don't want to touch the kernel (yet), all I want to do is change the ROM (as in UI changes etc...).
I wanted to backup my current ROM and then load other ROMS.
I started off with ROM Manager because it seemed to answer what I wanted to do, but as you said ROM Manager doesn't support this phone and we went from there to TWRP.
Since I now get that TWRP is kernel related only and not ROM management, what would you advise right now for:
1) Backing up the current ROM
2) Loading other ROMs to the device?

YMatrix said:
Hmmmm, now I am a little confused.
Since I don't want to touch the kernel (yet), all I want to do is change the ROM (as in UI changes etc...).
I wanted to backup my current ROM and then load other ROMS.
I started off with ROM Manager because it seemed to answer what I wanted to do, but as you said ROM Manager doesn't support this phone and we went from there to TWRP.
Since I now get that TWRP is kernel related only and not ROM management, what would you advise right now for:
1) Backing up the current ROM
2) Loading other ROMs to the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do that only with TWRP.
And did you read ROM manager description?
* Flash your recovery to the latest and greatest ClockworkMod recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For ROM manager you need custom recovery. And for I9070 that is embended in kernel. Full stop.
And it is connected to CWM, not to TWRP. We do not have CWM for Android 2.3.6. ported.
P.S. So to close this:
- You can't do any backup, installation of ROMs without custom recovery (in our case TWRP) on our phone.
- Custom recovery couldn't be installed separatly - it is embended inside kernel file - and has nothing to do with ROM.
It is clear now?

I think I got you now
1) CWM doesn't work on my phone because the recovery is attached to the kernel.
2) In order for me to backup my ROM I need to install the kernel with TWRP embedded (the one you linked me).
3) I also can't backup my current kernel without TWRP so in order for me to have TWRP I will be doing #2 without any backup? I am guessing this is the part where bricking has a chance of occurrence?

YMatrix said:
I think I got you now
1) CWM doesn't work on my phone because the recovery is attached to the kernel.
2) In order for me to backup my ROM I need to install the kernel with TWRP embedded (the one you linked me).
3) I also can't backup my current kernel without TWRP so in order for me to have TWRP I will be doing #2 without any backup? I am guessing this is the part where bricking has a chance of occurrence?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM = TWRP
Both are custom recoveryes. Not the same, but same purpose.
1) Our phone have same partition for kernel and recovery. So we can't install it separatly
2) You can backup kernel, but you will need Terminal emulator, and similiar command like instalation of other kernel
Code:
$ su
# dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p15 of=/sdcard/boot.bin
# reboot
This will backup your stock kernel on your sdcard. You can install it later this way (ofcourse if boot.bin file is on your sd)
Code:
$ su
# dd if=/sdcard/boot.bin of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p15
# reboot
You always can flash your stock kernel, Download mode do not have anything to do with kernel and recovery partition.
If this is little hard for you, just install custom kernel with TWRP. Or do not do anything. :laugh:
P.S. Trust me, you can't hard brick device with installing kernel. I am tester, and I flashed at least 10 non booting kernels, and 50+ booting ones.

I do trust you, just trying to get an understanding of how the things work on these devices.
So I now understand the backing up and flashing commands (I would like to know how you knew the mmcblk0p15 was the kernel partition for this phone), so where does the "Download mode" come in handy if u can flash directly from a terminal window?
If for some reason the flash wasn't successful, can you enter download mode and restore the backup you created?

YMatrix said:
I do trust you, just trying to get an understanding of how the things work on these devices.
So I now understand the backing up and flashing commands (I would like to know how you knew the mmcblk0p15 was the kernel partition for this phone), so where does the "Download mode" come in handy if u can flash directly from a terminal window?
If for some reason the flash wasn't successful, can you enter download mode and restore the backup you created?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely you will have to flash whole firmware if something goes wrong. I told you what I know.
And if you can go in TWRP recovery, it can restore krenel with other things you backed up. And you can flash new kernel in TWRP too.
Somewhere is written what partition is for what. I do not know that. And developers told us what partition is for kernel and recovery.
I do not think that that thing with restoring downlaod mode will work. Newer tried or heard of it.
I tried to explain you, but maybe I was little confusing. :angel: My english is not great, and I didn't provide 1, 2, 3... steps explanation. Like I throw everything to you. :laugh::laugh::laugh:

:laugh: More or less I understand you :laugh:
So to sum up:
1) Create a backup of the current kernel
2) Flash Stock Kernel + TWRP
if all goes well....
3) Create full phone phone backup from TWRP
4) flash custom ROMs (or kernels) with TWRP
Hows that?

YMatrix said:
:laugh: More or less I understand you :laugh:
So to sum up:
1) Create a backup of the current kernel
2) Flash Stock Kernel + TWRP
if all goes well....
3) Create full phone phone backup from TWRP
4) flash custom ROMs (or kernels) with TWRP
Hows that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is ok.
And you backup old kernel that you can easy go back to stock one. Without flashing whole firmware, when you want stock. Like you want to go to service for warranty or something like that...

CWM Recovery Won't Install

I'm following this tutorial on how to root my Orange UK GT-I9305 LTE Unlocked phone running 4.1.2.
Everything goes fine with Odin the phone reboots, then I unplug and turn off my phone, and boot into recovery mode only to find it hasn't installed and Android system recovery 3e is still there.
Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

synthecypher said:
I'm following this tutorial on how to root my Orange UK GT-I9305 LTE Unlocked phone running 4.1.2.
Everything goes fine with Odin the phone reboots, then I unplug and turn off my phone, and boot into recovery mode only to find it hasn't installed and Android system recovery 3e is still there.
Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not flashing as instructed is the usual .Like unzipping the file or wrong file faulty file download .
Try another recovery.
jje

JJEgan said:
Not flashing as instructed is the usual .Like unzipping the file or wrong file faulty file download .
Try another recovery.
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did follow them to the letter, does installing CWM Recovery actually root the phone or is "rooting" the phone a different process entirely that's required for installing CWM Recovery?.
:laugh:
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE
Model Number: GT-I9305
Build Number: JZO54K.I9305XXBMF1

synthecypher said:
I did follow them to the letter, does installing CWM Recovery actually root the phone or is "rooting" the phone a different process entirely that's required for installing CWM Recovery?.
:laugh:
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE
Model Number: GT-I9305
Build Number: JZO54K.I9305XXBMF1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All depends upon the package but most CWM are root and recovery .
TRYhttp://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2002953

Ended up using Auto-Root which seemed to work no problem.

synthecypher said:
Ended up using Auto-Root which seemed to work no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I initially had a rooted stock ROM that i was using for ages then upgraded to a custome ROM but for personal reasons decided to go back to stock.
Loaded stock ROM with intention of rooting only to get rid of bloatware, but not one of the ODIN Flash recoveries work at all, not one, so like you ended up using CF Auto and that worked but now im still stuck with Stock Recovery. I dont understand why none of the recoveries flash when they did before.
Cheers

trouble with cwm/ twrp
Hi all. Yes I'm a noob and I wouldn't ask If hadn't tried a plethora of ways to install either cwm or twrp.
It took me a good hour to find this thread so hope I'm in the right place.
Ok I used odin to root and cwm didn't stick so still on stock rec. However I used framaroot to get super su working and titanium says I'm all rooted up. Other apps only for root also work.
I've since tried using goo manager and Rom manager to install cwm or twrp and both say unsupported.
I've searched these here threads and found a few with same problem namely when using odin cwm wont stick and android reinstalls stock recovery.
So I'm a bit stuck, I'm rooted but have no cwm or twrp.
Any help would he much appreciated.

Try Philz recovery .

I have never used a custom recovery on this phone but i think i read somewhere that when flashing by odin the thing to do is not let odin reboot the phone. untick the reboot option. then when odin is done flashing and says pass shut down the phone . dont let it boot up.once phone is off you can boot into recovery by vol up+hom+power Here is the tricky part. as soon as you see the white samsung start to load aka bootloader screen release the power button but continue to press volume up and home. you should see the circle with the hat symbol. and enter into clockworkmod once in clockwork mod you will need to wipe data cache and dalvick DO NOT WIPE SYSTEM then flash a custom rom zip that you have previously copied to either your extsdcard or sdcard0 at the same time you probably will want to flash gapps as well. the thing is if you boot up before entering recovery . the default native recovery from samsung will take its place back. maybe it is easier to just flash rom manager in the play store. flash clockworkmod and then boot into recovery from the app itself. I9300 is supported . dont know about I9305

thanks !
ashraf sharif said:
I have never used a custom recovery on this phone but i think i read somewhere that when flashing by odin the thing to do is not let odin reboot the phone. untick the reboot option. then when odin is done flashing and says pass shut down the phone . dont let it boot up.once phone is off you can boot into recovery by vol up+hom+power Here is the tricky part. as soon as you see the white samsung start to load aka bootloader screen release the power button but continue to press volume up and home. you should see the circle with the hat symbol. and enter into clockworkmod once in clockwork mod you will need to wipe data cache and dalvick DO NOT WIPE SYSTEM then flash a custom rom zip that you have previously copied to either your extsdcard or sdcard0 at the same time you probably will want to flash gapps as well. the thing is if you boot up before entering recovery . the default native recovery from samsung will take its place back. maybe it is easier to just flash rom manager in the play store. flash clockworkmod and then boot into recovery from the app itself. I9300 is supported . dont know about I9305
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats exactly how I understood the cwm not sticking problem. I have tried rom manager and said not compatable with my device as did goo manager for twrp. I think odin is the only way I get it to stick. So il flash in odin and il try to get into cwm as it boots and wipe those two files you mentioned.
But then can I just boot up as normal ? or will android try to reflash its stock rom ? Damn my phone for being so difficult
I only ask because I haven't decided what CR to use yet (or even looked for any). I was gonna get it all ready first then learn how to install a CR - 1 thing at a time i thought.
Anyway thanks for your help :good:
JJEgan I found Philz thread to be helpful but something I feel Im just not ready for. Im new to this and although the updated cwm looked cool there were just to much going on, maybe for a later day.
Thanks all the same :good:

wiping data plus cache plus dalvick cache is done to prepare your phone for the custom rom that you are going to flash. the wiping is to clean those partitions because if they are not erased you will have problems. especially if you go from one android version to another or touchwiz to aosp. it is done so you get a clean install with minimal issues. if it is not done you will most likely bootloop. effectively it is a factory reset. all of your apps and app data will be gone so you do not want to do that unless you have backed up your apps . however sometimes google automatically installs them after you sign in.
I am not sure why clockwork mod does not stick but if you copy the rom you want to your phone install clockworkmod with odin and then use clockwork mod to flas the rom and gapps package then factory reset you will not have the stock recovery anymore. but this has to be done without booting into android stock . PLEASE FOLLOW THE FLASHING INSTRUCTIONS TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY. AND UNDERSTAND ANYTIME YOU FLASH OR MODIFY YOUR PHONE YOU VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND POSSIBLY CAN CAUSE IRREPARABLE DAMAGE. BEST OF LUCK!
---------- Post added at 04:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:24 PM ----------
Also philz recovery is highly recommended
HERE IS SOME VERY GOOD READING http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2362743&highlight=philz+recovery http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2344125

think I got it lol
Ok that's sounds good. However I've just read the threads you linked and now I've got to back up my imei and NV files first or il loose them when flashing. The procedure is all there and seems doable for a noob but i read some peeps are having trouble just doing that. I really wanted to root/install a CR regardless of the troubles cos I want full access and more importantly want to learn all the ins and outs so I can get the best use from my phone so glad I found this forum cause I'm sure I would have bricked my phone otherwise.
Might I ask if I've got this right tho?
1: backup imei/NV files
2: use odin to get cwm to stick using your method
3: boot into cwm to wipe data/dalvick cache and gapps
4:use cwm to flash a CR
5:factory reset
I think that's right?

CLOSE
1 BACKUP EFS FOLDER(IT CONTAINS imeiAND SERIAL NUMBER AND OTHER NETWORK SETTINGS) MAKE AT LEAST 2 BACKUPS ONE FOR EXTERNAL SDCARD AND ONE TO KEEP ON YOUR PC
2 INSTALL CWM RECOVERY USING ANY WORKING METHOD. byTHE WAY PHILZ CAN BACKUP EFS.
3 IN CWM RECOVERY MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP OF YOU CURRENT ROM. I FORGOT TO TELL YOU THAT ,THIS IS IN CASE YOUR FLASH FAILS YOU CAN RESTORE CURRENT ROM FROM BACKUP. ALWAYS BACKUP BEFORE A FLASH
4 IN CWM RECOVERY WIPE DATA, CACHE , AND DALVIK CACHE
5 IN CWM RECOVERY FLASH ZIP FOR ROM AND FLASH ZIP FOR GAPPS "GOOGLE APPS"
6 BOOT ANDROID THIS MAY TAKE UP TO 10 MINUTES FOR THE INITIAL BOOT. BE PATIENT. IF IT BOOTS YOU ARE DONE
7 IF PHONE DOES NOT BOOT THEN IN RECOVERY WIPE DATA AND CACHE AND DALVIK AGAIN
8 STILL NOT BOOTING FLASH ROM ANG GAPPS AGAIN
NOT BOOTING? RESTORE NANDROID
FACTORY RESET=WIPE DATA AND CACHE
DONT EVER WIPE SYSTEM UNLESS YOU HAVE A RECENT NANDROID. NANDROID IS GOOD BUT THE OLDER IT IS THE MORE LIKELY IT IS TO GET CORRUPTED
ALSO IF YOU GET FORCE CLOSES FIXING PERMISSIONS USUALLY WORKS FOR THAT.
SOME ROMS ARE FLASHED IN DIFFERENT WAYS .ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DEVELOPERS INSTRUCTIONS

i had the same Problem before.
I Just disassembled the battery after a full-wipe for few minutes and it works... i don't know y, but that was the only way... ?!

brilliant thanks!
ashraf sharif said:
CLOSE
1 BACKUP EFS FOLDER(IT CONTAINS imeiAND SERIAL NUMBER AND OTHER NETWORK SETTINGS) MAKE AT LEAST 2 BACKUPS ONE FOR EXTERNAL SDCARD AND ONE TO KEEP ON YOUR PC
2 INSTALL CWM RECOVERY USING ANY WORKING METHOD. byTHE WAY PHILZ CAN BACKUP EFS.
3 IN CWM RECOVERY MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP OF YOU CURRENT ROM. I FORGOT TO TELL YOU THAT ,THIS IS IN CASE YOUR FLASH FAILS YOU CAN RESTORE CURRENT ROM FROM BACKUP. ALWAYS BACKUP BEFORE A FLASH
Am I backing up to ext SD card?
4 IN CWM RECOVERY WIPE DATA, CACHE , AND DALVIK CACHE
5 IN CWM RECOVERY FLASH ZIP FOR ROM AND FLASH ZIP FOR GAPPS "GOOGLE APPS"
Are these seperate zips?
6 BOOT ANDROID THIS MAY TAKE UP TO 10 MINUTES FOR THE INITIAL BOOT. BE PATIENT. IF IT BOOTS YOU ARE DONE
7 IF PHONE DOES NOT BOOT THEN IN RECOVERY WIPE DATA AND CACHE AND DALVIK AGAIN
8 STILL NOT BOOTING FLASH ROM ANG GAPPS AGAIN
NOT BOOTING? RESTORE NANDROID
FACTORY RESET=WIPE DATA AND CACHE
DONT EVER WIPE SYSTEM UNLESS YOU HAVE A RECENT NANDROID. NANDROID IS GOOD BUT THE OLDER IT IS THE MORE LIKELY IT IS TO GET CORRUPTED
ALSO IF YOU GET FORCE CLOSES FIXING PERMISSIONS USUALLY WORKS FOR THAT.
SOME ROMS ARE FLASHED IN DIFFERENT WAYS .ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DEVELOPERS INSTRUCTIONS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank-you for all that,I really appreciate it.
Can I ask the difference between the apps nandroid manager and titanium? I've backed up with both and wondered if i really needed to? The nandroid backup was nearly 3gb!
Also I was gona backup with qpst for imei and NV files but then read its only for US versions? Will the backup of efs folder include those?

honestly i really dont know what the differences are. l do not use custom recoveries or custom roms. i dont use titanium backup .Any rom I flash i get from sammobile.com. one reason i do not use custom roms is that none can support mhl. I use a monitor and bluetooth mouse and keyboard . without mhl I cant mirror my screen so i always stay with stock roms. i use Xposed framework for modifications.

ashraf sharif said:
I have never used a custom recovery on this phone but i think i read somewhere that when flashing by odin the thing to do is not let odin reboot the phone......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx you so much. this was the secound s3 that had this issue. deactivating auto reboot did the job!!!!

Re-installing OS -- Help Needed

Hello,
I am on latest stock firmware, and want to completely erase my phone and install a fresh copy of latest OS.
Now, I am not at all feeling comfortable in flashing myself as I am having limited knowledge and I fear I will end up screwing phone.
If I visit Samsung service center, they just reset the phone... when told to install fresh copy of OS.
So, what to tell them so they understand that I want all old OS related things to be deleted and install a fresh copy of OS. Also what I have to see to make sure they are indeed doing what I am saying... what will screen display ?
Sum pointers plz.

craige said:
Hello,
I am on latest stock firmware, and want to completely erase my phone and install a fresh copy of latest OS.
Now, I am not at all feeling comfortable in flashing myself as I am having limited knowledge and I fear I will end up screwing phone.
If I visit Samsung service center, they just reset the phone... when told to install fresh copy of OS.
So, what to tell them so they understand that I want all old OS related things to be deleted and install a fresh copy of OS. Also what I have to see to make sure they are indeed doing what I am saying... what will screen display ?
Sum pointers plz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pointers:
1. Install a philz kernel.
2. Wipe all the partitions after that.
3. Download the stock firmware from sammobile.com or Dr Ketans thread from XDA (this thread also has instructions/how-to for how to flash using odin)
4. Use odin to flash stock rom in download mode.
Before you proceed and make any mistake read about all the above and understand the risk associated.

LOL. ok ill try not to laugh
goto settings about phone. check your version ... there may not be a update.
restart your phone "hold volume up and the menu button" when u get to factory recovery. use the "wipe/factory reset" that is as close as your going to get, (without using a custom rom). once done. u can goto the same "settings / about phone" and check "software update". if there is an update, you can download and apply it from there.
also check you have enough battery life before doing this.

R0B3RTF1SH3R said:
restart your phone "hold volume up and the menu button" when u get to factory recovery. use the "wipe/factory reset" that is as close as your going to get, (without using a custom rom)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cant I just go to settings and under backuo & reset --> factory data reset.
Is the this the same as the method u suggested above ?

First of all make sure wat u want to do, if updated stock firmware is wat u want then reset your phone and then update it if there is any.. this is the safe mode.
Now the other option u got is root it, install cmw, install kernel, n lastly custom ROM it will allow you to change CPU frequency and much more.. choose any custom ROM its olwAys better in the most criterias. But if you wanna stick to the stock ROM. . Just reset it.
Sent from my Xperia Neo L using xda app-developers app

craige said:
Cant I just go to settings and under backuo & reset --> factory data reset.
Is the this the same as the method u suggested above ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, almost the same, except. none of the files will be in use. if you use the restart method.
actually i think if you do the FACTORY reset from the phone while its booted. it will just restart and do the same "recovery" method? right?
sorry been a while since i did booted WIPE.
@ sushantp606
judging from the responses and stuff here. I am thinking this user is not at the stage to consider the stuff you posted, they are only after a basic wipe and update of the rom.

The problem is everybody always speak abt wipe... I don't wana wipe, I wana install fresh clean copy of latest official OS.

Stock Rom Flashing
Hello Ketanji
I am a newbie ,but i have done few things and want to flash original rom .So i needed your help and suggestion .
I have rooted my phone into clockword recovery using some phzil zip file ,and tried several roms like jelly bean ...slim roms etc .But didnt liked it so restored my orginal which i took backup using clockword recovery before installing this rom .
So i wanted to know whether i can flash my note gt7000 or not ..I have read few forums which says its not safe to flash before knowing whether one has safe kernel or not ..and other things ...Can you please tell me how i should go about . And if i need to install safe kernel ..how can i do the same .
Please tell me more about the risks associated .And also can anyone send me link to download directly rootable or rooted original ROM for this mobile .
Hope to receive your repy soon .
Thank You.