Database Develop

First time using Android, please give some advices!

Hi all, in a couple of days time I will be receiving my first ever Android device, the Motorola Milestone. I've already done some research on the phone as well as on Android itself, and understood most of the necessary basics. However, there are still many things I don't understand quite yet, and would like some help with clarifying them.
My first question is regarding the custom roms. I myself have been a long time user of Windows Mobile so I know most of the stuff that is relevant to Android as well. From what I know, the bootloader on the Milestone is still locked, but people have found ways to load custom roms on it. Can someone link me to the guide on how to do this? Now before someone tell me to search on the forum or on Google (which I already have), I just want to point out that the ones I found seemed to be outdated, and that they're for older Android versions??
My 2nd question is, do custom roms like IceandFire or Froyomod come with their own custom kernels? Because I want to be able to overclock my phone, and if it comes installed with its own kernel then I don't want to risk bricking it by flashing another kernel on top of it......I hope that makes sense??
3rd question is, which rom is the best for speed and battery? I'm guessing it's IceandFire and it builds upon the latest CM7?
And lastly, are there any crucial apps that you guys recommend I should install, or any tweaks etc I should use?

chaoscreater said:
Hi all, in a couple of days time I will be receiving my first ever Android device, the Motorola Milestone. I've already done some research on the phone as well as on Android itself, and understood most of the necessary basics. However, there are still many things I don't understand quite yet, and would like some help with clarifying them.
My first question is regarding the custom roms. I myself have been a long time user of Windows Mobile so I know most of the stuff that is relevant to Android as well. From what I know, the bootloader on the Milestone is still locked, but people have found ways to load custom roms on it. Can someone link me to the guide on how to do this? Now before someone tell me to search on the forum or on Google (which I already have), I just want to point out that the ones I found seemed to be outdated, and that they're for older Android versions??
My 2nd question is, do custom roms like IceandFire or Froyomod come with their own custom kernels? Because I want to be able to overclock my phone, and if it comes installed with its own kernel then I don't want to risk bricking it by flashing another kernel on top of it......I hope that makes sense??
3rd question is, which rom is the best for speed and battery? I'm guessing it's IceandFire and it builds upon the latest CM7?
And lastly, are there any crucial apps that you guys recommend I should install, or any tweaks etc I should use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=983516
This is still the best way to get a custom ROM loaded up onto your phone. What you want to start with is flashing the vulnerable recovery from http://android.doshaska.net/rootable by using RSD Lite. To do so, you need to put the phone into Bootloader mode (power+Dpad-up) You can google RSD Lite, make sure you use the latest version along with the latest USB Driver version from Motorola.
RSD Lite is a very finicky program, if you have any errors flashing, your best bet would be to try this post: http://androidforums.com/droid-all-...hing-process-0x7100-rsd-lite.html#post1274587
Once you flash the VR (vulnerable recovery), you will want to put OpenRecovery on your SD Card. I recommend using OR 1.46 and placing FuFu's minimod on the SD Card as well. It will overwrite existing files in OR (look for it in Milestone Development). From here you can root the phone in OR (by using power+x, then camera+volume up) and reboot, backup all data you want saved, before flashing a ROM.
Once that is done, get the custom ROM that you want (I find speed + battery can be Cronos, CM7 or FroyoMOD for a Froyo ROM) and place it in OpenRecovery/updates. You will also want the most up-to-date version of Google Apps for Cronos or any Gingerbread ROM (except MIUI).
Gapps: http://goo-inside.me/gapps/gapps-gb-20110613-signed.zip
Now, turn the phone off, and put it into recovery mode (power+x, then camera+volume up), select apply update.zip and you are now into OpenRecovery.
Here is where you will flash your custom ROM and Gapps. Wipe both cache partition and dalvik cache, then wipe all data. Select Apply Update under Miscellaneous Menu and select the ROM you want. Once it is done, wipe both caches (not data) and flash Gapps. Wipe caches again. Finally, change the baseband to your country and reboot.
The first reboot will take a while, as the ROM is configuring itself for first time use.
That is how to flash a custom ROM and get started.
2- Custom kernels are not available for Milestone, as our bootloader is locked. Overclocking the phone is done through the 10overclock file in system/etc/init.d . All ROMs that I know of are overclock, most to 1GHz (from 550MHz). You will not be able to flash any kernels, and DO NOT try ROM Manager, it will temporarily brick your phone.
Crucial apps, I would say are Root Explorer, TitaniumBackup. Those are the two that are very useful for root users, if you flash multiple ROMs or need to access system files.
Hope this helped.

awesome, thanks for the reply mate!
Hmm 2 things i'm confused with. Isn't there an app called "Milestone Overclock" that lets u overclock without installing custom kernels?
Also, from what I know you need to have the bootloader unlocked in order to install custom roms. I already know that Motorola is still keeping the bootloader locked and that as of now, there isn't a way to unlock it. Then how come we can install custom roms?
Also, since you mentioned ROM Manager, I did a quick search and it seems to be able to manage multiple custom rom installs that you have. But then you said don't try it or it will brick the phone, so I don't understand whether I can install it or not?? Personally, I love testing out different roms as well as new builds. It would be nice to dual boot or choose between different roms to use. But i'm not sure whether I want to go forward with this since your comment implies to me that I shouldn't install Rom Manager?
Lastly, this is the part I found most confusing with Android (or with Windows Mobile as well). I found some guides that tells you to install Clockwork Recovery Mod or something like that. Some of them even mentioned using Nandroid or something. There seems to be different methods & tools/softwares for different devices (or even the same device) and it can be confusing to keep up with them. My question is, are there major differences between them? Which one is better and should I keep them up to date?

chaoscreater said:
awesome, thanks for the reply mate!
Hmm 2 things i'm confused with. Isn't there an app called "Milestone Overclock" that lets u overclock without installing custom kernels?
Also, from what I know you need to have the bootloader unlocked in order to install custom roms. I already know that Motorola is still keeping the bootloader locked and that as of now, there isn't a way to unlock it. Then how come we can install custom roms?
Also, since you mentioned ROM Manager, I did a quick search and it seems to be able to manage multiple custom rom installs that you have. But then you said don't try it or it will brick the phone, so I don't understand whether I can install it or not?? Personally, I love testing out different roms as well as new builds. It would be nice to dual boot or choose between different roms to use. But i'm not sure whether I want to go forward with this since your comment implies to me that I shouldn't install Rom Manager?
Lastly, this is the part I found most confusing with Android (or with Windows Mobile as well). I found some guides that tells you to install Clockwork Recovery Mod or something like that. Some of them even mentioned using Nandroid or something. There seems to be different methods & tools/softwares for different devices (or even the same device) and it can be confusing to keep up with them. My question is, are there major differences between them? Which one is better and should I keep them up to date?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried Milestone Overclock, but I never really used it to overclock the phone. I prefer changing the voltages and speeds with the 10overclock file. If you read the description of Milestone overclock, it "tricks" the kernel into thinking it's supposed to run at a certain speed.
ROM Manager and Clockwork Recovery Mod do not work on Milestone. The only recovery that works with the Milestone is OpenRecovery or Androidiani OpenRecovery. Unfortunately, the only way to flash the ROMs is through OR or AOR, so you will have to repeat the processes every single time. I have gotten used to where all of the options are for FuFu's Minimod, so I am able to do it quite efficiently
The best way to backup a ROM, system data and the such is by Nandroid backup. That is the only sort of backup that you can do. It is recommended to do one every time you flash a custom ROM, but I only did it after I rooted and before I flashed my first custom ROM. You can do it through OR. That is the only way that will work. CWM and ROM Manager will just temp brick the phone and you will have to reflash a stock SBF all over again.

i see.....in that case there's no way to install 2 different roms to allow dual booting then? What about the app "Boot Manager", will that work? I found it on this site here:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...ted-user-should-know-about-part-4-apps-26-33/
One last question, I came across this popular app that is recommended by many Android users, called Apps2SD. My understanding to this is that by default, any apps/games that you install on your device will install to the internal memory, and that this Apps2SD app basically lets you install to your memory card? So my question is, does this lag the phone somehow? I like to have many apps and especially games installed on my phone, would doing this affect the performance or something? I know this is the case for Windows Mobile, but not sure about Android.....

chaoscreater said:
i see.....in that case there's no way to install 2 different roms to allow dual booting then? What about the app "Boot Manager", will that work? I found it on this site here:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...ted-user-should-know-about-part-4-apps-26-33/
One last question, I came across this popular app that is recommended by many Android users, called Apps2SD. My understanding to this is that by default, any apps/games that you install on your device will install to the internal memory, and that this Apps2SD app basically lets you install to your memory card? So my question is, does this lag the phone somehow? I like to have many apps and especially games installed on my phone, would doing this affect the performance or something? I know this is the case for Windows Mobile, but not sure about Android.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I follow AndroidPolice as well. I don't know about Boot Manager, I heard about it, but I haven't heard any reviews of it yet.
Two things when it comes to phone storage and apps on the Milestone: Old hardware makes for a lot of games to not work at all, and low phone storage space.
Almost every ROM comes with apps2ext support, which is a more advanced version of Apps2SD. You can follow this tutorial here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10994672&postcount=226
Apps2ext will trick your phone into thinking space on the SD Card (the ext partition) is actually part of the phone's internal memory. You will be able to get a lot more apps on the phone this way.

Ahh cool, that saves me the trouble of me having to install an extra tweak.
Hmm I know Milestone is old, but not that old is it?? I don't know of any games now days that require heavy hardware specs or anything......i'm just hoping that emulators will work fine on it. I mean, my iPod Touch 3rd Gen only has about 120MB of free RAM, and the CPU is crap as hell and yet I could run GBA games like Pokemon or Golden Sun fine no problem (with sound of course). I'm hoping it'll at least work smoothly on the Milestone since I'll be attempting to overclock it to 1Ghz, which should run it significantly faster in theory.
BTW I found this great tweak for the CM7, here's the link:
http://chromloop.com/2011/07/how-to-make-cyanogenmod-7-for-milestone-a853-lighter-and-faster/
are there any ones similar to this? I'm a tweak junkie addict, I like to make my device run as smooth and as fast as possible. When I still had my HTC Touch Pro and Xperia X1, and even Nokia N900 (which uses Maemo 5), I tweaked the crap out of them and got more juice and power and made its performance so much better. I'm hoping I can at least do the same for the Milestone, except I couldn't seem to find many tweaks...
Oh lastly, I know one of the big problems with Android is fragmentation. There're already some apps out there in the Android market that are exclusive to certain Android versions. The same app has a version for Froyo (v2.2) and Gingerbread (v2.3). This is true for some of the mods or tweaks on XDA. So my question is, are custom roms like CM7 using Gingerbread? I'm guessing yes since it says 2.3.5? In that case, would I be able to simply install the latest mod/tweak or apps/games from XDA or the Android market? Or must I find the versions that is identical to mine?
E.g. if I install CM7, can I still install a mod that is for Froyo?

chaoscreater said:
Ahh cool, that saves me the trouble of me having to install an extra tweak.
Hmm I know Milestone is old, but not that old is it?? I don't know of any games now days that require heavy hardware specs or anything......i'm just hoping that emulators will work fine on it. I mean, my iPod Touch 3rd Gen only has about 120MB of free RAM, and the CPU is crap as hell and yet I could run GBA games like Pokemon or Golden Sun fine no problem (with sound of course). I'm hoping it'll at least work smoothly on the Milestone since I'll be attempting to overclock it to 1Ghz, which should run it significantly faster in theory.
BTW I found this great tweak for the CM7, here's the link:
http://chromloop.com/2011/07/how-to-make-cyanogenmod-7-for-milestone-a853-lighter-and-faster/
are there any ones similar to this? I'm a tweak junkie addict, I like to make my device run as smooth and as fast as possible. When I still had my HTC Touch Pro and Xperia X1, and even Nokia N900 (which uses Maemo 5), I tweaked the crap out of them and got more juice and power and made its performance so much better. I'm hoping I can at least do the same for the Milestone, except I couldn't seem to find many tweaks...
Oh lastly, I know one of the big problems with Android is fragmentation. There're already some apps out there in the Android market that are exclusive to certain Android versions. The same app has a version for Froyo (v2.2) and Gingerbread (v2.3). This is true for some of the mods or tweaks on XDA. So my question is, are custom roms like CM7 using Gingerbread? I'm guessing yes since it says 2.3.5? In that case, would I be able to simply install the latest mod/tweak or apps/games from XDA or the Android market? Or must I find the versions that is identical to mine?
E.g. if I install CM7, can I still install a mod that is for Froyo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course you still can. The best tweak for Milestone is under Android Hacking, it's zeppelinrox's supercharger script, which you run through Script Manager. That's the best you can get.
Sent from my Milestone using XDA Premium App

I thought custom roms like CM7 or IceandFire come with the supercharger script included?

chaoscreater said:
I thought custom roms like CM7 or IceandFire come with the supercharger script included?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some do, such as HO!NO!, but not all of them do.
Sent from my Milestone using XDA Premium App

Ok so I finally got my Milestone today!
I'm about to start rooting it and install CM7 on it. But before I do that, I have one important question. I know for Windows Mobile, almost all of the device requires you to do a hard reset after flashing a custom rom. I was wondering if the same needs to be applied to Android custom roms? Because it doesn't seem like it, I did a quick Google search and found this:
http://androidforums.com/optimus-v-...4-do-not-factory-reset-your-rooted-phone.html
So ya I'm not sure....
UPDATE:
Ok so I got my Milestone rooted, and installed CM7 on it. I came across a weird problem while doing it though. First of all, I'm using a 8GB Kingston microSD class 2, and it's brand new and hasn't been used before, so it obviously has nothing stored on it as it's empty to begin with. Ok, so as I followed the instructions, the first step is obviously rooting the Milestone, so I simply copied OpenRecovery to the memory card while my Milestone was connected to my PC. The weird thing is, when I opened "My Computer", I didn't see my memory card. Instead, I see "Milestone", so I opened it and then I see my memory card "Removeable Storage". I opened it again and here's the actual weird part, there're 2 files stored in it, called:
DevIcon
DevLogo
At first, I didn't think it was a problem because I thought they were just some dummy file or something. Also, the memory card is empty other than those 2 files. So after copying OpenRecovery to it and rooting it successfully, I then proceed to copy the CM7 custom rom file to the memory card. But this time, I still see the same thing. I don't see my OpenRecovery folder on it at all, there're no other files other than those 2 files on it. I tried Unmount and Mount in the SD Card settings, also unplugging my USB cable and re-plugging back in but it's the same. In fact, after 'Unmounting' the memory card, I couldn't even access it on "My Computer", as nothing shows up after I open "Milestone". Only 'Mounting' works, but again I only see those 2 files and nothing else.
HOWEVER, I then tried to take out the memory card and use my own microSD card reader, and bam I can see all the files on it, such as OpenRecovery and even the nanDroid backup that I made while following the instructions on that guide. So this is weird, why can't I access or see the contents on my memory card while the phone is connected to the PC??

I don't wanna create another topic for this since it's unnecessary, so here's my final question. In case something goes wrong in the future, what's the best way for me to revert back to stock?
I know I can use nandroid for this, but here's what i'm confused about. Nandroid makes a backup of the complete system, including the settings and apps installed correct? But what if you flash a custom rom, and then use a nandroid backup of the stock rom, will that still work? Or would you have to install the stock rom first for you to be able to use the nandroid backup?
Lastly, if the nandroid backup works regardless of whether you're using a different rom than the rom that the nandroid backup was made, then which option is better:
use nandroid to revert to stock, or using this guide here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=11902513&postcount=7
Now I understand that for Milestone, custom roms are not actually flashed since the bootloader is locked. So would using nandroid be good enough?

chaoscreater said:
I don't wanna create another topic for this since it's unnecessary, so here's my final question. In case something goes wrong in the future, what's the best way for me to revert back to stock?
I know I can use nandroid for this, but here's what i'm confused about. Nandroid makes a backup of the complete system, including the settings and apps installed correct? But what if you flash a custom rom, and then use a nandroid backup of the stock rom, will that still work? Or would you have to install the stock rom first for you to be able to use the nandroid backup?
Lastly, if the nandroid backup works regardless of whether you're using a different rom than the rom that the nandroid backup was made, then which option is better:
use nandroid to revert to stock, or using this guide here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=11902513&postcount=7
Now I understand that for Milestone, custom roms are not actually flashed since the bootloader is locked. So would using nandroid be good enough?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best way to revert to stock will be to flash an sbf for your region that will wipe everything. They have those sbf's on and-developers.
Sent from my Milestone using XDA Premium App

Ahh I see, so in what situations will we be using nandroid to restore from the backup?
Also, the SBF file i'm using is from the guide that you linked me in your 2nd post. I'm using the EUROPE one because apparently it covers most of the countries around Europe, which includes New Zealand (where I live). I've had no problems with it, but just then I checked out the AND-Developers site like you suggested, and found this here:
http://and-developers.com/sbf:milestone221
It doesn't seem to have New Zealand but it does have Australia, which is like a neighbour to us. Will it be better if I flash the SBF to that instead?
Also, will flashing a SBF change the radio? Or does only changing the baseband change the radio? Because i'm getting weak signals from 2G/3G sometimes, and my Wifi has problems sometimes not being able to connect properly. Either that, or it shows that i'm connected but i'm not getting any data, apparently a lot of people have problems like this after I did some searching around.

chaoscreater said:
Ahh I see, so in what situations will we be using nandroid to restore from the backup?
Also, the SBF file i'm using is from the guide that you linked me in your 2nd post. I'm using the EUROPE one because apparently it covers most of the countries around Europe, which includes New Zealand (where I live). I've had no problems with it, but just then I checked out the AND-Developers site like you suggested, and found this here:
http://and-developers.com/sbf:milestone221
It doesn't seem to have New Zealand but it does have Australia, which is like a neighbour to us. Will it be better if I flash the SBF to that instead?
Also, will flashing a SBF change the radio? Or does only changing the baseband change the radio? Because i'm getting weak signals from 2G/3G sometimes, and my Wifi has problems sometimes not being able to connect properly. Either that, or it shows that i'm connected but i'm not getting any data, apparently a lot of people have problems like this after I did some searching around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. when you're phone will not start anymore, it's good to have one before every new flash cause you never now what's gonna happen.
2. funny thing is i know where New Zealand is (not near Europe) . about the baseband ... yes every sbf has the region specific baseband 's (you cant flash a radio only change baseband 's).
baseband can be found on dexter's (http://dext3r.komodin.org/) page but they are already included in OR (not sure about fufu's). i can't be very precise because i don't remember.
custom rom's don't think they change baseband 's, (the .zip ones)

Ya ur right, NZ is not anywhere near Europe lol
but I did do some research on which SBF I needed before I flashed it, and I found out that the Europe SBF works for NZ as well, it was mentioned somewhere I can't remember.
About the baseband, I'm still a little bit confused. First off, I already know that you can change the baseband under OpenRecovery. The thing is, there are no options to change the baseband to New Zealand, so which one should I pick? Also, here's the part I'm confused about. You said that the baseband are region specific, and yet we can choose the baseband we want in OpenRecovery.
So since I flashed the SBF for Europe, what will happen if I then change the baseband to say Argentina (one of the options under OpenRecovery)? Will it crash or something?? I don't even know what baseband i'm using right now, I haven't changed anything, I only flashed the SBF for Europe and that's it. I can still go online using 2G/3G and txt no problem, but I'm just not sure if the baseband i'm using is suppose to be correct for New Zealand or not...
BTW just another side question (sorry I'm really new to the Android scene!):
I've found a few custom roms that doesn't use the current kernel we have for Milestone. As far as I know, the bootloader for Milestone is locked, therefore we can't properly flash a custom rom onto it, as well as replacing the kernel as well. So what I'm confused with is, if some of these custom roms don't use the current kernel on the system, then how does it work? Does it use its own kernel, and if so then shouldn't that replace the system's own kernel before it can be used??
Here's one of the custom rom topic where I read from, in case ur wondering:
This is the Froyo FRG22 image for our Milestone. but as this is not using the kernel, there are some limit to functions based on kernel requirement. But its close, and works great and is alot faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=734802
The same goes for the custom roms. I don't understand how they can run on Milestone even though it's not properly flashed. Like some others have mentioned, the so-called "custom roms" that we have now are just a layer of image or skin on top of the stock rom. The weird thing is, it runs faster and most of the pre-installed stock apps that came with the stock rom are removed, thus giving us more space for internal storage. But how does this work if the custom roms haven't actually flashed onto our phone? Or did it overwrite/modify the files on the stock rom? If so, then isn't that just flashing onto the phone then?

chaoscreater said:
About the baseband
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
changing baseband's that are not supported by your network op will lead to no signal whatsoever.. i don't remember if there is a problem with only data. try other baseband, in theory it will not crash anything, so do a nandroid backup before
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=734802
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is an old post from "25th July 2010, 05:52 AM" moto started to leak kernel from January 2011 give or take a month, so back then froyo was used with the eclair kernel. kernel from milestone was never changed to other than moto signed, only modules loaded at an early stage, thanks to kabaldan/nadlabak and other if exists
custom roms =
moto kernel
kernel modules (this helps on overclock , app2ext ... others)
mods to system files, apps
hope you understand cause i don't know if i make it clear at the end of the post
edit:
The same goes for the custom roms. I don't understand how they can run on Milestone even though it's not properly flashed. Like some others have mentioned, the so-called "custom roms" that we have now are just a layer of image or skin on top of the stock rom. The weird thing is, it runs faster and most of the pre-installed stock apps that came with the stock rom are removed, thus giving us more space for internal storage. But how does this work if the custom roms haven't actually flashed onto our phone? Or did it overwrite/modify the files on the stock rom? If so, then isn't that just flashing onto the phone then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i doesn't make any sense, you will end up with no memory , only kernel remains, other things gets rewritten.
Code:
http://www.vodafone.co.nz/roaming/welcome-to-nz.jsp
this get out of what i know. with the frequencies,
basebands/frequency i have 900/1800
for data check if there is a problem with your apn settings

I see, thanks for your thorough explanation
Ya I know that changing my baseband will probably give me better signals, but I'm asking which one is best for Vodafone NZ because there isn't a baseband for New Zealand.
For the data part, were you talking about my wifi problem, and suggesting I check the APN settings? Don't worry that's been solved already. I flashed to the New Zealand v2.1 SBF and now it's working very stable. But like I said, after flashing to that I now have problems with connecting to my operator whenever I switch to 2G. However, 3G works fine so there's no problem with that.
BTW, I have another problem. After flashing to the New Zealand v2.1 SBF, I couldn't access my OpenRecovery anymore. I didn't delete or change any files on my memory card, so if I could access OpenRecovery and root my device as well as flash a custom rom when I was still on Froyo, then why can't I do it again when I flash to Eclair?
I *think* I know the reason, is it because it patched the vulnerable recovery or something? I think this is what I need to do to fix this:
http://android.doshaska.net/rootable
I haven't done it yet coz i'm busy these days, but i just need a confirmation so I know that it is indeed the case.

I *think* I know the reason, is it because it patched the vulnerable recovery or something? I think this is what I need to do to fix this:
http://android.doshaska.net/rootable
I haven't done it yet coz i'm busy these days, but i just need a confirmatio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
true story . it should say something about eocd marker and fail.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=698059
For the data part, were you talking about my wifi problem, and suggesting I check the APN settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry... i don't know, last night i thought i read something else, about working 3g and 2g not ..must be the skittles... to much rainbow
i suggest finding out what country baseband are similar to New Zealand and flash/apply that one )

HyperDrive Tweaks

Does anyone know if there is a way to install HyperDrive Tweaks 2.0 on an SGH-i537 running 4.2.2 and MF3? How about just the Device Menu(shutdown menu)? I really like HyperDrive and run 10.2 from slot 1, but since I can't run it as my stock ROM, I was looking for ways to customize my stock ROM.

monkeyhouse said:
Does anyone know if there is a way to install HyperDrive Tweaks 2.0 on an SGH-i537 running 4.2.2 and MF3? How about just the Device Menu(shutdown menu)? I really like HyperDrive and run 10.2 from slot 1, but since I can't run it as my stock ROM, I was looking for ways to customize my stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know we've been talking a bit in the other thread, but is there a reason you want to customize your stock ROM with tweaks rather than just using Hyperdrive in slot 1? Ideally here's what I would do if I ever had to start over:
Flash phone to stock MF3 at local Best Buy
Before setting up my phone again, copy the entire phone and post a zip for the community
Do not set up stock ROM, simply root and install SafeStrap
Max out the memory settings on slot 1 and only use slot 1.
The benefit to doing this is I would have an almost completely untouched stock ROM that I could always use to receive official updates while still running a custom ROM as my default.

Devo7v said:
I know we've been talking a bit in the other thread, but is there a reason you want to customize your stock ROM with tweaks rather than just using Hyperdrive in slot 1? Ideally here's what I would do if I ever had to start over:
Flash phone to stock MF3 at local Best Buy
Before setting up my phone again, copy the entire phone and post a zip for the community
Do not set up stock ROM, simply root and install SafeStrap
Max out the memory settings on slot 1 and only use slot 1.
The benefit to doing this is I would have an almost completely untouched stock ROM that I could always use to receive official updates while still running a custom ROM as my default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, so far, my experience has been that the stock ROM is the most stable. Since I have seen HyperDrive and GPE and have even added some things from Sony Zperia, I see things I like in all of those. If I can tweak my stock and have all the parts from other ROM's that I like, why wouldn't I? There is no local Best Buy here, but I rarely take my equipment to a business for service, too many kids who don't really know what they are doing, I guess. Also, I thought I read somewhere that unlocking my phone was what would prohibit me from installing updates? But since you mention that subject, couldn't I clean the slots, un-root, remove safestrap and do a factory rest and have my original ROM? I know last week I was trying to flash a widget and I did a factory reset, wiped cache and it seemed to be stock to me. I know I had to re-setup my accounts and re-download my apps. I was able to download the last AT&T update, just couldn't install, but I still had root and safestrap. So, from what I read, I could probably install the update if I wanted to and took care of root.
So, I guess to answer your question, I get a kick out of making changes in general, whether if be with my stock ROM or an added one. I'm not a developer, but I do wish I knew more about the OS so I could help with the bootloader issue.
One thing for sure, I definitely appreciate the help I get from the folks here. Pretty fun stuff.

[Q] Quick question about safestrap and ROM slots

If I understand safestrap correctly, at this time we can't use ROM slots other than stock. So when I flash a ROM, I have to use the stock slot, and I'm overwriting the original AT&T ROM. OK. So I should keep a copy of the original stock AT&T ROM on my SD card and flash that back to the stock ROM slot if I want to go back to regular old AT&T ROM.
If I want to flash something like Cerberus so that it's part of the system and isn't removable if someone steals my phone and wipes it, then I can simply go into safestrap and flash it, even over the unchanged AT&T ROM.
I should also ask, I have been using Xposed (wanam and others). Can I reinstalled Xposed now that I have installed safestrap?

I tried installing visix using a rom slot anyways. It worked fine for a day and then started acting very buggy. Had to go back to stock. I will hold off until we are told can use the rom slots. I much prefer that option vs completely removing stock.

kettir said:
If I understand safestrap correctly, at this time we can't use ROM slots other than stock. So when I flash a ROM, I have to use the stock slot, and I'm overwriting the original AT&T ROM. OK. So I should keep a copy of the original stock AT&T ROM on my SD card and flash that back to the stock ROM slot if I want to go back to regular old AT&T ROM.
If I want to flash something like Cerberus so that it's part of the system and isn't removable if someone steals my phone and wipes it, then I can simply go into safestrap and flash it, even over the unchanged AT&T ROM.
I should also ask, I have been using Xposed (wanam and others). Can I reinstalled Xposed now that I have installed safestrap?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can go ahead and install xPosed however it has been reported that some modules can behave badly so just a tip to watch out for. I'm not 100% familiar with cerberus but i would think the drawback is if the thief knows how to use odin they can completely revert the device so all in all security software is great but if its stolen still best to call the carrier and have it blacklisted just my two cents.

Need help again....pls

ive got safestrap installed. created rom slot. tried to load a rom and nothin. it boots to a wiped stock rom. nothin happens. nothin changes

harley1rocker said:
ive got safestrap installed. created rom slot. tried to load a rom and nothin. it boots to a wiped stock rom. nothin happens. nothin changes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to provide a lot more information if you want some help. What firmware are you on? What version of SafeStrap did you install? What ROM did you try to install? What steroids did you take? Which modules did you flash? Does your stock ROM boot?
Always provide as much information as possible, it will increase your chances of getting help.

Devo7v said:
You need to provide a lot more information if you want some help. What firmware are you on? What version of SafeStrap did you install? What ROM did you try to install? What steroids did you take? Which modules did you flash? Does your stock ROM boot?
Always provide as much information as possible, it will increase your chances of getting help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me try, because I think I have the same issue. I'm running 4.4.2, and I used safestrap 3.73 to create a rom slot and install Hyperdrive. I wiped everything it said to before I installed it, and installed the latest masterpatch after and rebooted. When it rebooted, it appears to have gone into my stock ROM. Everything is the same, except my network doesn't work because it says my SIM card isn't inserted. Any ideas?
---------- Post added at 12:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:20 AM ----------
Caboose27 said:
Let me try, because I think I have the same issue. I'm running 4.4.2, and I used safestrap 3.73 to create a rom slot and install Hyperdrive. I wiped everything it said to before I installed it, and installed the latest masterpatch after and rebooted. When it rebooted, it appears to have gone into my stock ROM. Everything is the same, except my network doesn't work because it says my SIM card isn't inserted. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And now I tried to wipe it again, and that ROM slot is gone, and I suddenly don't have room to make a new one.
*edit* apparently a wipe this time around reset my entire phone. No idea why. Is there a manual on this program somewhere? I keep getting told to search and I'll find it, but all I've found is about five lines worth of instructions.

Caboose27 said:
Let me try, because I think I have the same issue. I'm running 4.4.2, and I used safestrap 3.73 to create a rom slot and install Hyperdrive. I wiped everything it said to before I installed it, and installed the latest masterpatch after and rebooted. When it rebooted, it appears to have gone into my stock ROM. Everything is the same, except my network doesn't work because it says my SIM card isn't inserted. Any ideas?
---------- Post added at 12:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:20 AM ----------
And now I tried to wipe it again, and that ROM slot is gone, and I suddenly don't have room to make a new one.
*edit* apparently a wipe this time around reset my entire phone. No idea why. Is there a manual on this program somewhere? I keep getting told to search and I'll find it, but all I've found is about five lines worth of instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot use ROM slots with SafeStrap 3.73. You have to install ROMs to your stock ROM slot overwriting your stock ROM. So make a backup before you flash anything. The developer of SafeStrap took a new job and had to abandon development before he could fully implement ROM slots on 4.4.2. I know it's difficult to find but the information is there. Thank you for trying to find it before posting.
EDIT: just so you're aware, I'm still on 4.2.2, so I haven't actually had any experience with SafeStrap on 4.4.2. I'm just relaying information I've read. So definitely do some reading before you do anything in case I'm wrong. If you have more questions I'll do my best to answer them, but make sure you fact check me because i wouldn't want to brick your phone.

Devo7v said:
You cannot use ROM slots with SafeStrap 3.73. You have to install ROMs to your stock ROM slot overwriting your stock ROM. So make a backup before you flash anything. The developer of SafeStrap took a new job and had to abandon development before he could fully implement ROM slots on 4.4.2. I know it's difficult to find but the information is there. Thank you for trying to find it before posting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if that information is out there, it's pretty deep. Like, Mariana's Trench deep. At least now it'll be up front. So basically, SafeStrap is a custom recovery in itself, bypassing the need for an unlocked bootloader?

Caboose27 said:
Yeah, if that information is out there, it's pretty deep. Like, Mariana's Trench deep. At least now it'll be up front. So basically, SafeStrap is a custom recovery in itself, bypassing the need for an unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same version of bootstrap. same prob here. and let me get this str8...over write stock rom slot? isnt that suppose to be like the "safe zone"

Caboose27 said:
Yeah, if that information is out there, it's pretty deep. Like, Mariana's Trench deep. At least now it'll be up front. So basically, SafeStrap is a custom recovery in itself, bypassing the need for an unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SafeStrap does not bypass the bootloader, it loads after the kernel loads so there is no way to install a custom kernel. This means that you can only use ROMs that are compatible with your stock kernel, no AOSP ROMs and no CM. You can only use TouchWiz-based ROMs.
harley1rocker said:
same version of bootstrap. same prob here. and let me get this str8...over write stock rom slot? isnt that suppose to be like the "safe zone"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the way it was intended to work, but Samsung changed some things in 4.4.2 and the developer didn't have time to reimplement ROM slots before he left.

Devo7v said:
SafeStrap does not bypass the bootloader, it loads after the kernel loads so there is no way to install a custom kernel. This means that you can only use ROMs that are compatible with your stock kernel, no AOSP ROMs and no CM. You can only use TouchWiz-based ROMs.
That is the way it was intended to work, but Samsung changed some things in 4.4.2 and the developer didn't have time to reimplement ROM slots before he left.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it working. I have the 4.4.2 kernel and the Graviton ROM flashed after using Safestrap to make a backup. After I flashed the rom, I wiped dalvik and cache, flashed the master patch v.2, wiped again, and rebooted. Everything works except the stock camera app, which I'm currently looking for a fix.

master patch link??

Devo7v said:
You cannot use ROM slots with SafeStrap 3.73. You have to install ROMs to your stock ROM slot overwriting your stock ROM. So make a backup before you flash anything. The developer of SafeStrap took a new job and had to abandon development before he could fully implement ROM slots on 4.4.2. I know it's difficult to find but the information is there. Thank you for trying to find it before posting.
EDIT: just so you're aware, I'm still on 4.2.2, so I haven't actually had any experience with SafeStrap on 4.4.2. I'm just relaying information I've read. So definitely do some reading before you do anything in case I'm wrong. If you have more questions I'll do my best to answer them, but make sure you fact check me because i wouldn't want to brick your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DONT TRY OVERWRITING YOUR STOCK ROM SLOT WITH HYPERDRIVE ROM. YOU WILL LOSE SAFESTRAP AND IT BREAKS CAMERA WIFI,basiclly your phone wont work. Ive done it ant now have a s4 active paperweight. Ive tried odin and all the tar,pit and rar files you can find. NOTHIN WORKS. Before any1 says take it to bestbuy....i did. Kies and all the merry samsung reps culdnt put it back together. So before flashing anything over your stock rom slot make dam sure your a rocket scientist or at the very least a software engineer for samsung...

harley1rocker said:
DONT TRY OVERWRITING YOUR STOCK ROM SLOT WITH HYPERDRIVE ROM. YOU WILL LOSE SAFESTRAP AND IT BREAKS CAMERA WIFI,basiclly your phone wont work. Ive done it ant now have a s4 active paperweight. Ive tried odin and all the tar,pit and rar files you can find. NOTHIN WORKS. Before any1 says take it to bestbuy....i did. Kies and all the merry samsung reps culdnt put it back together. So before flashing anything over your stock rom slot make dam sure your a rocket scientist or at the very least a software engineer for samsung...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to flash the modules after flashing the ROM to get everything working again. Make sure you do it before you allow Hyperdrive to boot for the first time.
Also, in order to use Odin you cannot have Kies installed.

Devo7v said:
You need to flash the modules after flashing the ROM to get everything working again. Make sure you do it before you allow Hyperdrive to boot for the first time.
Also, in order to use Odin you cannot have Kies installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Way past that dude. The phone only allows me to enter into DL mode as of now. I know i was on ne3 htperdrive when this happened. Can you pls post a link for the correct tar file to use in odin? Ive tried most of those files but none worked. Can u post the correct ones for odin? May the software gods be with me....ima gonna need em....thanx dude

harley1rocker said:
Way past that dude. The phone only allows me to enter into DL mode as of now. I know i was on ne3 htperdrive when this happened. Can you pls post a link for the correct tar file to use in odin? Ive tried most of those files but none worked. Can u post the correct ones for odin? May the software gods be with me....ima gonna need em....thanx dude
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the instructions and you'll be fine. Remember, since you're on NE3 you can only flash NC9 or NE3.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2835481

[Q] Galaxy S5; Confirm my understanding before I start messing around

Hi guys, longtime lurker here, I just want to confirm I understand the current process for the AT&T S5 before I begin -- that way hopefully minimize operator error. I have past experience tinkering with my S3 (flashing custom roms and such), but I just upgraded to S5 last week and it seems less straightforward. I've been reading a lot of your posts which have all be very helpful. Yes/No confirmation that what I write below is correct would be greatly appreciated!
My device is running unrooted stock 4.4.4 OA1 build from OTA update. In order to gain root and start uninstalling bloatware, I will:
1.) Root with the instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...to-root-g900aucu2aoa1-4-4-4-2-3-2015-t3021120
2.) Install Safestrap with the instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=53659958#post53659958
3.) Use safestrap to clone my stock rooted setup to a new ROM slot.
4.) Tinker around with that ROM slot.
Final questions:
1.) I found a lot of instructions for installing safestrap on this device, but couldnt find information about removing it. Can you uninstall through the safestrap app once booted into stock with safestrap disabled? Then factory reset? Just want to make sure I can undo everything if I need to return for any reason.
2.) Would I be able to upgrade the stock portion to lollipop when it releases? I assume this may break root, but I'm wondering if it would still leave safestrap and alternate ROM functioning.

You can run a rom slot but your battery life will suffer. I'd make a backup of your stock rom and keep it on the sd card then flash the custom rom in the stock slot. I'm not sure what the deal is with the rom slots but it is not battery friendly.
Edit : and yes i used that method to root my phone as well and used the safestrap method. Remember that you must have Busy box and super su to use stafestrap.

dirtydodge said:
You can run a rom slot but your battery life will suffer. I'd make a backup of your stock rom and keep it on the sd card then flash the custom rom in the stock slot. I'm not sure what the deal is with the rom slots but it is not battery friendly.
Edit : and yes i used that method to root my phone as well and used the safestrap method. Remember that you must have Busy box and super su to use stafestrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that sounds like good advice regarding battery life. Good to hear you used the same methods too.