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Ok, first off i'll say i don't have much android knowledge. I did successfully root it following a video. I now have one click lag fix installed. Now, someone please answer these for me
1. Now that its already rooted successfully, is bricking still possible? or is that only something that happens during trying to root.
2. What is a good way to backup everything on my phone? and where do i find it?
3. What are cool apps or widgets to have that can only be used on a rooted phone?
4. Lastly, will someone point me in the direction of a manual or instructions on how to install custom roms and how to get froyo.
Thanks!!
i'd like to know that too...
C-4Nati said:
Ok, first off i'll say i don't have much android knowledge. I did successfully root it following a video. I now have one click lag fix installed. Now, someone please answer these for me
1. Now that its already rooted successfully, is bricking still possible? or is that only something that happens during trying to root.
2. What is a good way to backup everything on my phone? and where do i find it?
3. What are cool apps or widgets to have that can only be used on a rooted phone?
4. Lastly, will someone point me in the direction of a manual or instructions on how to install custom roms and how to get froyo.
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No
2. Titanium Backup from the market
3. I don't know but I don't care much for widgets.
4. Check sticky posts here and the dev board of galaxy s
try SetCPU for conserving/overclocking your device,
Titanium Backup is godsend! well worth the price
Try rom manager from the market, it will assist in making a more comprohensive backup
Most custom roms should have a good install guide with them and aslong as you read it first, download everything first, and not get scared off by the reference to all the diferent csc files its qctually fairly easy. In the event that it does go wrong it probably was a user error but easily fixed by going over the steps again (i myself only just flashed my first android last weekend, and the improvement is worth the time and small hassle of learning to do it your self).
Some good apps are ShootMe (screenshot app), rescan media root (controls the media scanner function), cache cleaner, and there are some wifi transfer app that need root to work (still fairly new/beta/buggy). Not root but the xda forum app aswell
Hope that helps a bit
Sent from my GT-I9000T using XDA App
oh and autokiller to alter the minfree setting. makes the phone fly!
Root file manager
C-4Nati said:
3. What are cool apps or widgets to have that can only be used on a rooted phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am looking for a good root file manager - one that allows me to see whole device. Anyone know of a good one?
reydoog said:
I am looking for a good root file manager - one that allows me to see whole device. Anyone know of a good one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root Explorer is the best file manager i've come across, works great and well worth the price.
Best apps (I know these dont all require root) I've come across are
"App 2 SD" - This moves your installed apps (that are compatible) to your external memory card to save phone memory
"Titanium backup" (root) - As mentioned above, its a great backup tool for your apps and settings
"CacheMate" (root) - clears your apps cache, helps speed things up
"MixGet" - increase headphone volume, very useful if you find output it quiet, be careful not to deafen yourself
"PhoneMyPC" - Connect via wifi to your computer and control, useful if you want to be lazy and sit back to move the mouse
Best thing to do is goto market and search "root", that will return the majority of them
"Handcent SMS" - Very customisable sms app, much better than stock samsung one
Good games:
Angry Birds - This is free but includes ad's (turn off internet on phone so they dont display)
Talking Tom cat - repeats everything you say in a funny voice
Need for speed Shift - Excellent graphics, really good racing game
Asphalt 5 - (can get this free from samsung apps)
Widgets I use:
Accuweather - self explanatory, great for the days weather, includes a clock (find this on samsung apps on F.W JPM) available in market
Facebook - Facebook Status updates
If I think of any others I'll let you know
I want to create a copy of my phone as it is (not just user data, but everything, firmware and databases too) - so TitaniumBackup is probably not sufficient for what I need.
The idea is to be able to explorw all aspects of the phone on my computer - things such as passwords etc.
I repeat, I do not just want the firmware, but everything from my current phone in its current state.
I have already rooted it, just not sure what I need to do from here? Assume it's something Linuxy or Telnet based? (I am using a Windows Machine, so ideally something I can do on there)
Thanks for your help
i think to access the complete ROM via a PC you would need some sort of linux OS. you can do a nandroid backup via CWM and find a compatible program to let you browse thru the md5 file format but then again im not sure thats possible via windows OS... perhaps you could ask one of the Dev's for advice as im sure not all them create roms, themes, apps using linux based OS's ???
I think I did try to post this in the Dev section, as I felt it was better suited there, but maybe by selecting the 'This is a question' option, it got moved into this forum.
I have a backup using CWM which has produced some IMG files - will take a look in them and see if it's got what i'm looking for it in there.
I thought maybe I would need ADB running, but maybe I don't.
ADB is like having some Chinese woman teaching you German...... totally confusing..... at least it is for me anyway but good luck hope you do what you set out to do
what you want is NAND back up.
Search for rom manager on the market.
You must be rooted for this.
NAND back up is like creating the back-up image of your current cell phone just like you do it for your computer.
it backs up your phone completely.
Do some googling and you will see.
[email protected] said:
what you want is NAND back up.
Search for rom manager on the market.
You must be rooted for this.
NAND back up is like creating the back-up image of your current cell phone just like you do it for your computer.
it backs up your phone completely.
Do some googling and you will see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rom Manager does not back up your kernel. Use sgs kernel flasher for this task.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Update Why are people using v0 & not v3? V3 has less issues & both have the "no visable dialer issue" for those using stock data. The dialer is fuctional but you have no access without a play dialer app. Now is the time to try out those ones with many features above stock, not really a problem. Stock cannot sort out non phone number contacts- just one limitation of the invisible dialer.
I really like this app! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=imoblife.startupmanager.full
Even the free version works well. Some apps show as user when they are not. I have it set to boot so that only 12 apps are running yet when I call for one of the "disabled" apps it works.
Use cwmr only.
Still no Dialer for those coming from stock ...79 or ...94.
Get this! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=intelgeen.rocketdial.pro
It has Many features. The bad review on the info page is a BAD REVIEW!
I am back on this as I still find it superior to even 98.30.1 for many things but Bluetooth in particular- connectivity & audio volume.
I found a path for all unlocked Vzw stock'ers, on 98.18.78 (same as 9.8.1Q-78) OR 98.18.94, to upgrade to a newer kernel and have a built in SD swap.
The first rom you flash is just a simple work around for Vzw users.
A facilitator that alters something in a way that Telstra needs to boot with your data partition.
Don't want to stay on this rom. Restore your former system & boot of any of the previous ones & keep your current data! That is right do not wipe data coming or going!
Those on Mhous33's DST or Deodexed roms may not need the Moparman371's facilitator flash. Testing.... Deodexed & DST works on their own!
Dialer & contacts show in launcher.:good::good::good:
Steps needed to install:
DO NOT WIPE ANY DATA!
Start on the newest ...94 OTA or Factory (or the one before ...78) [...66 alpha tester you are]
Start with your activated & rooted (vzw) stock (unlocked bootloader only)
Make sure you have booted up & done google login & used the stock messaging.
Go CWMR (6.0.1.3 or greater, TWRP will not install the attached rom). (see goodies for flashables)
Backup!
Mount system (& keep data- do not wipe anything)
Flash (install) http://d-h.st/2iE {Mhous33 rom users may skip}
Reboot system.
ReRoot on boot is ok but not needed.
Be sure stock messaging works.
Go cwmr
Wipe Cache & Dalvik
Flash/install the the attached rom.
Reboot. Answer NO at the disable recovery flash until xposed (or is it philz?) is set up & the nag is gone!
Update su binary.
Launch Xposed Installer.
Go Framework>Install/Update>reboot.
Ditto>Modules>Check the ones you want, there should be 4.
Reboot.
Enjoy.
Notes on this Rom:
Most important) DO NOT try to activate this system with Google login as you would a normal Rom.
It must be activated via your currently activated data partition.
Vzw users: You will never be able to do a privacy > factory data reset OR a recovery data wipe on this rom. Doing so & then rebooting will bork your radio partition & result is 3g only, but this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2391641
is the fix if you do.
Rarely): The Xperia launcher will need to be restarted when you see no home shortcuts visible right after a boot up. : Go app drawer> 3dots> launcher settings > swipe, move right to end > restart launcher.
I have found there were some apps causing this.
1) Use the Razr data widget at your own risk when on vzw it can break the radio.
2) Telstra base from ZaYAC-ua http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2246081
3) Updated with: ...94
a) SM_BP_101032.021.32.80P baseband. I did this BB change recently & I am now noticing that ...78p BB is better WiFi connector, SO v3 has this BB now. flash this from recovery to get the Rabbit's original BB back: http://205.196.123.79/enfc9t0cjpog/06j4ygdmdhxlm22/xt907-98.18.78p-radio.zip
b) contacts.apk
4) BusyBox 1.21.1 Stephen (Stericson)
5) Xposed Framework http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1574401
Something in the framework/modules does away with the nagging "disable recovery flash" yet install-recovery.sh is let to do it's init.d duties.
6) GravityBox 285 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2316070
7) USB Mass Storage: My note on use & original thread (at bottom) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2566065
8) Jeeko's ◢ PurePerformances™X ◣ mod: http://forum.xda-developers.com/editpost.php?do=updatepost&p=48390090
9) SD swap: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2566065
10) PureAudio mod: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2557240
11) /system/app mover
This is a handy tool to maintain the Xposed apps that are sys apps. Use it to update the FW/Modules & put them back in system as they work better there. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.j4velin.systemappmover&hl=en
12) Rom Manager is handy for a quick recovery reflash. I hope Phil3759 & crew will fix it so some of the home backup/restore features can work on our M. More on RM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44045970#post44045970
Notes on attachments & etc:
Lenovo cam & gallery up. Use only as a data app, will bomb if a sys app.
Lenovo Super Camera v3.5.5.0128.130812.19126.apk http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2427015
Philz v6 clone rom : Do not use "current rom" as the source in the creation steps, only "from a backup" has worked for me.
Other issues with Philz : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2545120
Notes are WIP
Mega link is up
V 3 is up.
stuck on boot up screen
Coming from DST...i didnt delete anything, wiped dalvik and cache, installed zip but phone wont boot up now - stuck on moto boot up image.
Any ideas?
---------- Post added at 09:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:17 PM ----------
Never mind, i did a factory reset and it worked...lost all data etc...
Radio seems better already tho
is this deodexed?
and how do i get a dialer and address book?
[bluetooth works btw, yay]
memetix said:
and how do i get a dialer and address book?
[bluetooth works btw, yay]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is there just no direct access. Touchpal contacts is best I found & free. There are many, dialer one is great but costs.
aviwdoowks said:
It is there just no direct access. Touchpal contacts is best I found & free. There are many, dialer one is great but costs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thanks for help...
Yea confirm that touch pal works fine, i found an apk online...everything else seems to be mostly working, including bluetooth which is great! subjectively it also seems to be getting better reception too, but its hard to say for sure.
Only problem i can see is that my sdcard and internal storage are swapped around...this is on the phone and also in windows. Not sure if i need to fix this or not...i cant get appextractor to run it cant find the sdcard.
memetix said:
Yea confirm that touch pal works fine, i found an apk online...everything else seems to be mostly working, including bluetooth which is great! subjectively it also seems to be getting better reception too, but its hard to say for sure.
Only problem i can see is that my sdcard and internal storage are swapped around...this is on the phone and also in windows. Not sure if i need to fix this or not...i cant get appextractor to run it cant find the sdcard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you running appex...? I doubt it works on xt907.
The swap is the point & works great. If want internal sd to hog internal memory just delete the the file 11extsd2internal from init.d. reboot.
Read the sd swap link in the op.
Ah ok i gettit now...i really like this rom, specially the cool swype with arrows keyboard.
Was trying to use appex to get old contacts n sms data etc...but i guess its waste of time trying to make it work?
Also can't get terminal emulator to work. I moved it to user and then upgraded to later version but it stops working whenever i try use it. tried moving it back to system but same prob.
Feel like this rom will either upgrade me from n00b or break my phone...or maybe even break me
aviwdoowks said:
It is there just no direct access. Touchpal contacts is best I found & free. There are many, dialer one is great but costs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been using touchpal for couple of weeks now it works fine for dialling etc. but i can't figure out how to load previous contacts. I tried using appex to restore contacts from previous backup. it says its working but i don't find any contacts in touchpal after reboot. I have also got all my contacts as vcf files on my sdcard but can't find a way to import them. Also in my text message app when i receive a text and try to save the number it says it can't find the app to save the contact with. After much messing around with permissions etc i finally made touchpal save a contact if i type it in. Also touchpal doesn't seem to be creating any call logs so i can't find any of the previous numbers i dialled. It's all a bit frustrating really.
So i am thinking there must be some way to tell the phone that the contacts app is not the default one it is now touchpal, and perhaps then this will allow me to access android contacts and then import the vcf files? I suspect this is something to do with permissions and/ or android wanting to find a different app to manage contacts. I have been googling a bit but can't find anything useful about how android contacts work and how i can make this all work without having the native contacts app.
memetix said:
Been using touchpal for couple of weeks now it works fine for dialling etc. but i can't figure out how to load previous contacts. I tried using appex to restore contacts from previous backup. it says its working but i don't find any contacts in touchpal after reboot. I have also got all my contacts as vcf files on my sdcard but can't find a way to import them. Also in my text message app when i receive a text and try to save the number it says it can't find the app to save the contact with. After much messing around with permissions etc i finally made touchpal save a contact if i type it in. Also touchpal doesn't seem to be creating any call logs so i can't find any of the previous numbers i dialled. It's all a bit frustrating really.
So i am thinking there must be some way to tell the phone that the contacts app is not the default one it is now touchpal, and perhaps then this will allow me to access android contacts and then import the vcf files? I suspect this is something to do with permissions and/ or android wanting to find a different app to manage contacts. I have been googling a bit but can't find anything useful about how android contacts work and how i can make this all work without having the native contacts app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you set touchpal for google contacts?
Will update op tonight.
aviwdoowks said:
Have you set touchpal for google contacts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, a) i don't know how to do that and b) i don't have any google stuff set up - i am trying to use the phone without using google's (skynet) services.
I remember importing vcf contacts before using the stock contacts app so i guess what i am really asking is if i can make touchpal do that...and it would be great if i could save numbers from text messages... many thanks as always
Can i upgrade from the original telstra to the v3 version here? And can it be done without losing apps/ messages/ data etc?
Thanks as always...
aviwdoowks said:
Will update op tonight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can i go from this one back to an XT907 ROM? How about v4.4 or even v5 ROMs?
Anything I need to be aware of to avoid the dreaded bricking.
Thanks...
My Samsung Galaxy ACE S5830 needs the kiss of life, so as to return to the 21st century.
It has slow responses and quite often freezes and messes up with my nerves.
It currently runs on a 2.3.5 android version.
I want to root it, take a backup, increase ram by creating a partition in my new sd card and install a light custom rom (like MIUI). For this purpose, I just bought a very fast Kingston 32GB, class 10 U3, sd card with theoretical 90MBs read and 80MBs write speed. I think that will suffice.
I am a simple user and I need basic functions. My main issue is to get a faster response from the phone. I don’t play games and I am not a major fun of social media. I just want to want to use it mainly as a phone, for calls, messages, Viber, and some extra facilities like emailing, web browsing, watching some videos online (news and youtube), occasional photos, listen to music, and install a GPS program like Sygic.
I’ve already read a lot about the whole process, but as I’m doing it for the first time in my life I want to make sure that I got it right. And I have a few ambiguities.
Please advise or freely suggest if any better/easier method is available.
1. Rooting.
I decided to use Kingo Root. So, I need to download Kingo Root to my pc and connect the phone (having enabled USB debugging) and just press Root. Then check if rooting is successful with Root Checker. Then download and install SuperSU app. And I’m done.
Do I need to unlock my bootloader, too?
2. Backup.
a) Take an image of the existing ROM.
Download and install ROM Manager, flash ClockworkMod Recovery and update. Boot in to recovery by using ROM Manager or manually by pressing simultaneously UP+POWER+HOME buttons. Then go to Backup and Restore and take a backup image. Right?
b) Backup apps and messages.
I want to take just 2 backups here, my text messages and my Viber messages. Do I use Titanium or something else? My contacts are already synchronized with Google. If I use a MIUI stock rom do I need to take a backup of my contacts too?
3. Increase phone's RAM
I think now is the right time to increase the phone’s RAM. Do I need to partition it with CWM? Or I just use an app like Ram Expander? Do I do both? I mean firstly partition the sd to the desired size and then use Ram Expander? None of the above? What do you suggest? I have read some other possible solutions like using INT2EXT+ after partition. And when I download a new app how will the phone know where to store it, in phone’s RAM or in sd card?
The key factor is speed and efficiency.
I’ve also read that “Even though the Internal Storage would read 2GB (or whatever is your partition size), the apps would still use some amount of REAL INTERNAL Storage for data, hence you need at least 100MB REAL Internal Memory for every 500MB SD-EXT memory.” Is this true? And if so, since I believe the Galaxy ACE S5830 has about 150 MB RAM the most I can actually get is 750 MB RAM?
It is important to get as much RAM as possible because I’ve read that Sygic (the GPS Navigator app) needs to be installed in phone’s RAM to work properly and it is about 700MB.
4. Install Stock ROM
Finally, the time has come to install a new stock rom. I am thinking about MIUI 6. I like its interface and I’ve heard it is light and fast. Any better suggestions? Can I do it in my phone?
My problem here is this, is MIUI a fully functional stock rom, which means I just download it and flash it or is it a “port rom” which means I have to previously install some android 4.4.x base rom? I have read in some article that is needs a compatible android rom to lean on before installing. Is that so?
Here I am stuck, I can’t decide how to proceed and I need your help.
Sorry, if the post is too long.
Hi there, long time galaxy ace user and MIUI lover here.
1. For rooting my device, I just flashed a zip in recovery mode. Can't find the link to that thread.
2. Yes, backup is very important right after rooting, especially for beginners.
As for sms backup, I recommend using SMS backup and Restore, which can be downloaded from the market. I haven't used viber, so I don't know which app would be the best for backing it up, but you can try Titanium backup. For contacts, you can sync them as long as you flash a g-apps package and sign in with the same google account. To be sure, you can try exporting your contacts to your sd card and import it later on (.vcf)
3. I did not even increase my phone's ram via swap, Even with a tiny ram, Miui on top of Cm7 is pretty fast and can handle any basic task such as browsing, youtube videos, music, calling, camera, camcording and messaging with minimal stutters. (I don't play games btw)
4. If you are a simple phone user just like me, who only need some calls, sms and browsing functionality, the best bet would be to use MIUI builds based on gingerbread (CM7). I found that MIUIv4 builds (ICS and JB) are poorly optimized for our device. Also, there are currently no MIUI v5 or v6 builds for armv6 devices.
My personal recommendation is: MIUIXXX http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1908444 which comes with FireKernel OC.
I use Gabreek's Miui v5 theme, which you can find it on his thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2280553 In my opinion, his v5 theme is the best, because of LOTS of app icons and the overall feel.
Also, be sure to flash a g-apps package for gingerbread after flashing the rom.
MIUI v4 snapseries build is too unresponsive for me, and missing some features like screen off animation. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1879323
MIUI v4 JB by msnnsm is also good, but consumes lots of ram http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2054460.
TL;DR: flash an miui gb rom. It is the best in terms of stability and speed.
Thanks for your prompt answer and suggestions my friend. I will follow them all.
One question please, which is the most important query for me:
After I have made all the preparations (root and have taken a backup image with CWM, messages, etc.), what is the next step?
a) I need to install and flash the phone with a CM7 first and then install and flash MIUIXXX?
or
b) I just flash MIUIXXX straight away?
Also, I am not sure I understood correctly, Gabreek's Miui v5 (which is now updated to v6) is an alternative MIUI rom or a theme? Because I have downloaded it and it is a zip file not an .mtz file.
I am sorry if these sound like very noobish questions but I want to make sure that I understand what I am doing before I actually do it.
Thanks again for your help.
tommycr7 said:
Thanks for your prompt answer and suggestions my friend. I will follow them all.
One question please, which is the most important query for me:
After I have made all the preparations (root and have taken a backup image with CWM, messages, etc.), what is the next step?
a) I need to install and flash the phone with a CM7 first and then install and flash MIUIXXX?
or
b) I just flash MIUIXXX straight away?
Also, I am not sure I understood correctly, Gabreek's Miui v5 (which is now updated to v6) is an alternative MIUI rom or a theme? Because I have downloaded it and it is a zip file not an .mtz file.
I am sorry if these sound like very noobish questions but I want to make sure that I understand what I am doing before I actually do it.
Thanks again for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's completely fine to flash miuiXXX right away (B)
gabreek's is another MIUI rom, but bluetooth is not working in his v6 build. The theme file (mtz) is somewhere in the bottom of the post, below some useful tips and just above the credits part of his post
Thanks again for your help.
I also thought the same, but I wanted to make sure.
I have already rooted my phone and I am in the process of taking various backups.
I will try the rom you have recommended and I will revert to report.
I think I owe you as much.
Btw do you know if Themer works in MIUI? It's quite an impressive app to have.
Cheers
as far as i know, themer does not work.
Also, MIUI comes with its own theme engine, and you can download online, which is very nice.
Remember that when Applying themes, do not include lockscreen (uncheck lockscreen) . Lockscreens from the Theme app are meant for HDPI device, and you won't be able to unlock your phone if you apply them. If you accidentally get stuck on the lockscreen, press volume up and back button at the same time. It will unlock your phone.
There are a handful of themes ported to MDPI which you can use over here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1428940
So far, so good, I have not experienced any major problems.
2 more things to ask if you dont mind.
a. Where do I get the gapps file to flash from? Is is a specific file for our rom (MIUIXXX) or any gapps file will do?
b. Can I add an extra language, in the android keyboard or do I have to use an app for this? Or even better in the system itself. I am from Greece and I would find it very convenient in some tasks of the phone. I mean since it is essentially a MIUI rom and MIUI has the greek language in its official roms, there must be a way that this can be done.
tommycr7 said:
My Samsung Galaxy ACE S5830 needs the kiss of life, so as to return to the 21st century.
It has slow responses and quite often freezes and messes up with my nerves.
It currently runs on a 2.3.5 android version.
I want to root it, take a backup, increase ram by creating a partition in my new sd card and install a light custom rom (like MIUI). For this purpose, I just bought a very fast Kingston 32GB, class 10 U3, sd card with theoretical 90MBs read and 80MBs write speed. I think that will suffice.
I am a simple user and I need basic functions. My main issue is to get a faster response from the phone. I don’t play games and I am not a major fun of social media. I just want to want to use it mainly as a phone, for calls, messages, Viber, and some extra facilities like emailing, web browsing, watching some videos online (news and youtube), occasional photos, listen to music, and install a GPS program like Sygic.
I’ve already read a lot about the whole process, but as I’m doing it for the first time in my life I want to make sure that I got it right. And I have a few ambiguities.
Please advise or freely suggest if any better/easier method is available.
1. Rooting.
I decided to use Kingo Root. So, I need to download Kingo Root to my pc and connect the phone (having enabled USB debugging) and just press Root. Then check if rooting is successful with Root Checker. Then download and install SuperSU app. And I’m done.
Do I need to unlock my bootloader, too?
2. Backup.
a) Take an image of the existing ROM.
Download and install ROM Manager, flash ClockworkMod Recovery and update. Boot in to recovery by using ROM Manager or manually by pressing simultaneously UP+POWER+HOME buttons. Then go to Backup and Restore and take a backup image. Right?
b) Backup apps and messages.
I want to take just 2 backups here, my text messages and my Viber messages. Do I use Titanium or something else? My contacts are already synchronized with Google. If I use a MIUI stock rom do I need to take a backup of my contacts too?
3. Increase phone's RAM
I think now is the right time to increase the phone’s RAM. Do I need to partition it with CWM? Or I just use an app like Ram Expander? Do I do both? I mean firstly partition the sd to the desired size and then use Ram Expander? None of the above? What do you suggest? I have read some other possible solutions like using INT2EXT+ after partition. And when I download a new app how will the phone know where to store it, in phone’s RAM or in sd card?
The key factor is speed and efficiency.
I’ve also read that “Even though the Internal Storage would read 2GB (or whatever is your partition size), the apps would still use some amount of REAL INTERNAL Storage for data, hence you need at least 100MB REAL Internal Memory for every 500MB SD-EXT memory.” Is this true? And if so, since I believe the Galaxy ACE S5830 has about 150 MB RAM the most I can actually get is 750 MB RAM?
It is important to get as much RAM as possible because I’ve read that Sygic (the GPS Navigator app) needs to be installed in phone’s RAM to work properly and it is about 700MB.
4. Install Stock ROM
Finally, the time has come to install a new stock rom. I am thinking about MIUI 6. I like its interface and I’ve heard it is light and fast. Any better suggestions? Can I do it in my phone?
My problem here is this, is MIUI a fully functional stock rom, which means I just download it and flash it or is it a “port rom” which means I have to previously install some android 4.4.x base rom? I have read in some article that is needs a compatible android rom to lean on before installing. Is that so?
Here I am stuck, I can’t decide how to proceed and I need your help.
Sorry, if the post is too long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi There,
To Root Your Device See The XDA's post.
Take The Backup of Current Rom Using CWM recovery or ROM Manager would do this too.
Then inorder to Increase Memory On Your Device By Partitining the SD Card.
Check My Guide over it in Galaxy Ace Development Section or General Android Dev Section.
If Helped Click Thanks
Hi,
1.
Try always to have on your sdcard a backup or a ROM that works ok.
Probe this a few times to be sure you can return anytime to the previous step.
2.
Take a notepad and make a change log with steps you made, so you can return to the previous step if something is not working ok.
3.
Try first to understand what you want to do, to be sure that you will not commit an error.
Try to learn from the mistakes of others.
It will be much easier for you.
Hello,
I'm a beginner lost in reading all the useful information on this forum.
I started with the idea to reduce the permissions of applications of my Razr I.
Google pointed to this http://www.xda-developers.com/protecting-your-privacy-app-ops-privacy-guard-and-xprivacy/
And I'm really happy and surprised about all information I can find here, thank you that much for
making this possible to all of you!
As today I feel ready to start playing around with my phone I wanted to ensure I understood the items right.
May be for you it takes only some seconds to verify my guess and can give a short notice
about Step 2 or 3 is easier to become implemented.
Step 1.) I wanted to do a full backup before I start, following this thread:
So I'll install ADB on my PC and run "adb backup -f FullBackup.ab -apk -all"
This works on a Razr I with 990.43.74.xt890.Retail.en.EU - of the shelf and is not risky at all - or?
Could you pls. tell whether it is really true I can switch back to my backup if I'm not happy with my System?
Step 2.) My first intention was to root my device and install Xposed framework
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2299428
http://repo.xposed.info/module/de.robv.android.xposed.installer
And to use Permission Master out from google play store
First of all I wanted to ask you whether this is feasible technicaly and esp. for a beginner?
Alternative to Step 2 Step 3?
Step 3.) In general I'm happy with my Razr I Android 4.4.2 (990.43.74.xt890.Retail.en.EU)
But I'm wondering whether it would be easier or has less risk to use a custom ROM instead of implementing Step 2.
By reading in this forum I found out there is a planty of features FM-Radio, enhanced stand-by current ,
to get rid of preinstalled aps and so on.
I'm an embedded developer but do not have the overview about the architecture of Android devices, what I got so far is:
There is a bootloader which needs to be changed from OEM closed to open.
There is a boot partition I flash ROMs in.
I need some tools on my PC combined with SDK and Motorola drivers to allow a USB-Debuging and flashing.
And sure as always once your bootloader is damaged you are lost, so I understand even backup will not help here.
So I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Thanking you in anticipation and pls accept my excuses about my english and stupid beginners questions.
Best Regards
gonso
PS:
As I main entry point I used the
http://forum.xda-developers.com/razr-i/general/index-razr-t2832722
from there I'll try to get ADB, drivers etc.
Hi GonsoXDA,
Step 1: I have never used it. Didn't even know that it existed. On the internet there are numerous people who uses it and it seems to work. Maybe someone else can give some info about this or just try it. U can try it with a non-important app and see if it works. Just backup it, delete it and restore it.
Step 2: This works just fine. But do know 3 things:
1. First root: To get root on stock rom, u need to use kingsdroot methode afaik. And that one sends your IMEI to some rare ip adress. I personnaly don't trust this and stay away from it, but there are many people who use it.
2. Xposed requires a recovery to install the framework. It can be done mannually or by the app i suppose. With only root u don't have a recovery on your device that can perform such action.
3. If something goes wrong only a full restore with RSD-Lite can most of the time help u out. Because u don't have a recovery that works than.
Step 3: We only have 2 full roms. 1 for JB (stock) and a working CM11 rom (kitkat).
Only the Jellybean roms support fm-radio, on every newer rom fm-radio is cut out of the audio firmwares. The risk of going to this is even less as Step 2, because u can do a full backup and restore of ur phone. ( I would chose for this if u want to play a bit with the phone and ur warranty is already out of years)
The gereneral idea about the android architecture is this (it is different for almost every device and the Razr I has many more thing to hold into account, but if u are here only for the roms and xposed, there is no more to know):
Bootloader: Is like an uefi bios for PC, but then for android. It also contains fastboot
Bootimage(boot): Has all the info like kernel and ramdisk to boot the system
Recovery: Is like 'boot', but boots into the recovery partition that lets u change every aspect of the device if u know how. Its mainly used to flash a custom recovery to, backup and restore a nandroid backup and flash/wipe roms, mods, (all/specific) data and packages.
Systempartition: Is the system the boot boots into. It's android.
Datapartition: Where all the user data is stored.
Cachepartition(dalvik): Where all cache is stored and in earlier android versions also dalvik. But not now anymore.
Fastboot: To flash/wipe the above partitions and many more (needs drivers)
Adb: To push, pull, command things in system or recovery (needs drivers)
Sdk: contain the abd and fastboot packages, but aren't needed for adb and fastboot because with the right drivers can work on there own (see the internet)
If u have a custom recovery and only change things on the system, data and cache partition there is almost no way to damage the phone. There is always a backup through recovery. As long as u stick to the things u can do in recovery.
The only thing tha can mesh up your phone beyond repair is doing wrong stuff withint the bootloader and other inner parts in the phone(like i did to get newer kernel working) or u are in bad luck and you internal memory blocks. See 'Super brick samsung phones' (emmc error).
I suggest:
- Unlock your bootloader
- Install custom recovery
- Make a backup with the recovery
- Do what u want, xposed on stock rom, try CM11?
- If things won't boot, restore through recovery
And always, read up before doing anything. There are thousands of articles about android, flashing things, repairing android, using adb and fastboot. AND ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PLAN!
Hello,
always having a backup seems not to be that easy.
So I unlocked my boot loader and tried to install twrp2850 and twrp2860 via mfastboot.
The mfastboot with 533.353kB caused the following "(bootloader) Variable not supported!"
I rebooted into bootloader and tried recovery -> horizontal Android man with a red !-rectangle
After reboot to normal power up my phone seems to be in factory reset, all my data is gone :crying:
ok crying dosn't help so I looked around and tried with another mfastboot 186.178kB and recoverycwm6.0.5.1.4.img.zip
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441224
The twrp I tooked from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2278483 seems not to work.
I did a backup with cwm is there a change to get back my data? I think I know the answer.
In the meanwhile I installed
http://forum.xda-developers.com/razr-i/development/rom-unofficial-cyanogenmod-11-t2966855
And will try to install
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/tool-installer-xposed-installer-zenfones-t2983589
Thank you for the help, work and excuse the stupid beginner posts.
Regards
gonso
gonsoXDA said:
Hello,
always having a backup seems not to be that easy.
So I unlocked my boot loader and tried to install twrp2850 and twrp2860 via mfastboot.
The mfastboot with 533.353kB caused the following "(bootloader) Variable not supported!"
I rebooted into bootloader and tried recovery -> horizontal Android man with a red !-rectangle
After reboot to normal power up my phone seems to be in factory reset, all my data is gone :crying:
ok crying dosn't help so I looked around and tried with another mfastboot 186.178kB and recoverycwm6.0.5.1.4.img.zip
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441224
The twrp I tooked from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2278483 seems not to work.
I did a backup with cwm is there a change to get back my data? I think I know the answer.
In the meanwhile I installed
http://forum.xda-developers.com/razr-i/development/rom-unofficial-cyanogenmod-11-t2966855
And will try to install
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/tool-installer-xposed-installer-zenfones-t2983589
Thank you for the help, work and excuse the stupid beginner posts.
Regards
gonso
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Than u know the answer, it is no I think.
Both twrp images should work just fine, but always chose the latest. The message "(bootloader) Variable not supported!" doesn't do anything So don't worry about that one. There should be a lot more in you log that the message if twrp didn't install. U did extract it and flash it with the command: mFastboot flash recovery <recovery-image>. Where <recovery-image> could be C:/users/*/Downloads/recovery.img.
Hello,
yes sure "The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future"
So I use CM11 now for about 2 days and I'm really impressed, so far everything works :good: THANK YOU!!!
As I asked already I installed XPosed and Permission Manager, but I found XPrivacy might be the better solution and switched to this.
(Today I do not have all the technical background to judge whether it is technically equivalent, but I'll investigate on it)
Esp. one thing I'm wondering, why XPrivacy is reading my Contacts once I check the permissions of an app?
But the more important thing I recognized differences between CM11 and the Stock ROM. One is the Entry
"Privacy" in the settings. It seems to be more or less the XPosed and XPrivacy, or?
But it seems the Restrictions are not shared, so I can restrict in the one and do not see the restriction in the other tool.
So first is there a risk to use both, is it useful or just doing the same twice.
Thank you
Gonso
gonsoXDA said:
Hello,
yes sure "The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future"
So I use CM11 now for about 2 days and I'm really impressed, so far everything works :good: THANK YOU!!!
As I asked already I installed XPosed and Permission Manager, but I found XPrivacy might be the better solution and switched to this.
(Today I do not have all the technical background to judge whether it is technically equivalent, but I'll investigate on it)
Esp. one thing I'm wondering, why XPrivacy is reading my Contacts once I check the permissions of an app?
But the more important thing I recognized differences between CM11 and the Stock ROM. One is the Entry
"Privacy" in the settings. It seems to be more or less the XPosed and XPrivacy, or?
But it seems the Restrictions are not shared, so I can restrict in the one and do not see the restriction in the other tool.
So first is there a risk to use both, is it useful or just doing the same twice.
Thank you
Gonso
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a sentence.
Why XPrivacy needs it i don't have a clue. For that sort of things u need to be by the dev of the app.
CM has a lot of features out of the box compared to stock, but stock is most of the time a bit more optimized in terms of proprietary stuff like camera.
So as u noticed, CM had an inbuilt security app. This app (CM) and XPrivacy don't share there settings, so that's the difference u see. But most likely if u disable something in one of the apps it is disabled even tho the other doesn't say it because it doesn't know of it.
I don't think it will be a risk. They both do the same thing, but they don't know about it. To be on the safe side, just use one and restore the other to default. U can always search on the web if they don't get along.
U can now make a full backup, so everything can be reverted and your data should be relative safe.
Hello,
thank you again - I now find the answer by reading in the development part of the forum. For me as a beginner it is sometimes not easy to interpret the discussions there.
If accepted I will use the thread now as a kind of diary, may be some other users will have similar destinations and my learn from my mistakes.
So to answer my question a little more detailed, but with less background know how than Hazou. Pls. do not trust me I'm a beginner, I have not analyzed the code just the behavior - feel free to correct or contradict my words!
The XPosed is in the area of permissions just a framework which allow other modules to put some code between an app requesting permissions and the Android core granting this permissions. The Xposed it self doesn't handle settings or permissions you did in modules like the CM Privacy, Permission Manager or XPrivacy.
As a result I came to the same conclusion it is not a risk, but an overhead to have more than one pice of code between the app requesting permissions and the Android core. -> My proposal: Do not use more than one of this Permission control apps in parallel.
From the privacy perspective the Permission is just a starting point, it allows you to hide your private information from the app. On the other side many apps will need access to the data to work and most of them are able to connect to the internet.
So I realized the next step would be the restriction of internet usage of apps. Here permissions are sword but we need a scalpel, to separate the necessary from the unwanted connections. This scalpel could be AFWall+ and "Netzwerk Log", this is a firewall and a sniffer.
What I can say to day the apps run on CM11 installed on my Razr I.
So it looks like I see my destination raising on the horizon and I will try to formulate it in the following order:
1.) Hide Contacts, Calls and SMS from Apps who do not need this to work -> XPrivacy
2.) Disable some Android features I think I don't need.
(e.g. Captive Portal Check - settings put global captive_portal_detection_enabled 0)
3.) Restrict the internet access of some apps to servers they need to connect. ( e.g. E-Mail client is restricted to connect to the mail server)
4.) Limit the access to my pictures, stored on SD card. [I have not found a solution so far]
If you read this I think 1 is reasonable for most of you, even if you do not have deep Android or Network know how (as I have), you just restrict the permissions - if app crashes or doesn't do the job you expect you may permit access or uninstall the app. (XPrivacy allows you also to fake data)
3 is a usual task of a network administrator, if you are used with iptables it is just work. I'll try to find out whether there is somewhere a source of "Templates". Usually the network admins share there common settings based on services, once I find out I'll post.
To restrict the access to SD Card I only see the change to extend the sandbox of Android to the SD and to hide files which does not belong to the app. As I would store my pictures on SD as I would store my Navi Data, but neither the Navi app should see my pictures nor the Cam and Gallery my Navi Data. ...
I don't know whether there is an app out there but It should be possible the same way like XPrivacy fakes the other data.
Thank you
Gonso
Hello,
Most of the time I used the numbers to just put in the extension, so if I want to call 0049 9876 54 321 I put the numbers 321 the Motorola dialer will show a list of all contacts where the number contains 321.
Some Numbers of contacts are not shown as well, seems if a contact has more numbers only one or two are shown.
The CM11 dialer doesn't show the number, is there a setting to get this feature?
I tried to get my Stock dialer back, so I copied dialer.apk from stock into the /system/sec-app/ directory of the CM11 and restarted the phone -> doesn't change the dialer ....
Any proposals? I'm terrible sorry for my stupid questions, I read several threads and still no idea about a possible solution
Gonso
PS: CM11 file manager shows a secure storage /storage/emulated/0/storage/secure - what is the algorithm used for the encryption.
gonsoXDA said:
Hello,
Most of the time I used the numbers to just put in the extension, so if I want to call 0049 9876 54 321 I put the numbers 321 the Motorola dialer will show a list of all contacts where the number contains 321.
Some Numbers of contacts are not shown as well, seems if a contact has more numbers only one or two are shown.
The CM11 dialer doesn't show the number, is there a setting to get this feature?
I tried to get my Stock dialer back, so I copied dialer.apk from stock into the /system/sec-app/ directory of the CM11 and restarted the phone -> doesn't change the dialer ....
Any proposals? I'm terrible sorry for my stupid questions, I read several threads and still no idea about a possible solution
Gonso
PS: CM11 file manager shows a secure storage /storage/emulated/0/storage/secure - what is the algorithm used for the encryption.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock CM dialer doesn't have that function afaik. The moto one doesn't work because it needs the Moto framework to work. Just download a dialer U trust from the playstore.
I don't have any clue about the secure storage, sorry.