Finally Got My G1, Should I Root? - G1 General

Well I finally got my G1 and dont have to use my Wing anymore. I got the unlimited G1 plan so im all set with that. Ive been lookin on the Development forums about rooting, and everything, but is it really worth it? There seems like theres alot I gotta do, and everything is getting updated fast, should I root my G1?

no, you should hack your Wing, now that you dont "need" it. Or go root, it just requires a little reading and some understanding of what you read. I am a noobenstein with android but I got it to work and have a few themes installed. The only thing you might not like is that OTA (over the air) updates wont work, so if they release cupcake wyou will prolly be waiting for it from here.

I have modded my Wing, but im going to get rid of it. That is my main concern with Rooting my G1, is the OTA updates

If you have no interest in themes or development theres no point in getting root and voiding the warranty. I would just play with the phone for a while and get used to it and then later decide whether here or not you want to root it.

you say you are concerned about OTA updates. What exactly are you concerned about?

rsfaze said:
you say you are concerned about OTA updates. What exactly are you concerned about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question, but what I will be concerned about will depend on what is updated ota, but im sure what I use on my rooted G1 will be bettr than what is updated ota.

Ya rooting is easy. As I remember you from the Herald forums. Also with a rooted phone you can install a Jesus Freak Modded version of OTA updates. Finally as said before when an OTA update comes out Tmo-GooG don't just drop it on every market they "roll it out" so chances are you can probably get it here and flashed well before your "market area" is pushing the updates on to the G1s

diabolical28 said:
...of OTA updates. Finally as said before when an OTA update comes out Tmo-GooG don't just drop it on every market they "roll it out" so chances are you can probably get it here and flashed well before your "market area" is pushing the updates on to the G1s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a big plus to me

I was undecided too - here's what swung it -
1 - Task Manager for root - this app in the market allows you to actually close apps that are running constantly in the background - it saves a LOT of battery and (to me it seems) makes the stuff you do run after a lot faster. Not to be confused with Power Manager, which can change display settings and stuff, but can't close any apps down.
2 - You can move the Market Cache (which grows like a mo fo) and the Browser Cache (Again with the growing) to your SD card quite easily using the terminal thingy. (Plus other Caches, but those are the two that made most difference for me )
I'm a total noob to Android and linux, but if you follow the clear instructions on here, it doesn't seem that hard and mostly is salvagable - Nothing too scary that can't be recovered from.
Daisy xxx

Current Benefits of Root
1. Multi-Touch Browser - Ipod like pinch/unpinch to zoom
2. Recovery from Bootloader (Think of it kind of like Windows F8 Safe mode)
3. Back-up from boot loader
4. Use of Task Manager (Root Only) - Shut Down Apps
5. Auto Rotate
6. Themes (Currently maybe 10-15 Themes, Check 'em out)
7. Cache to SD Card (Saves alot of Phone memory for application use)
8. Install to SD Card (Better than just cache-ing) Cons: little more tricky than cache-ing to SD Card, but not much, if you have gotten this far, then you can do it.
9. Install Debian (For true hacks that know how to use Linux)
10. Mod your Start up screens.
All of these things are just for starters. The Cupcake, IF and WHEN it comes out, will surely be hacked (Probably faster than you will get it over the air). All these things will likely be added or improved upon in future updates.
I definitely recommend thoroughly reading these forums, and then start small.
Good luck on your decision.

Ok, ive been convinced, looks like I will root my G1. But it seems like there are different ways to do it? What are the differences with these ways?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442480
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=443797
http://www.webnetta.com/2009/01/02/t-mobile-g1-rc30-to-jfv13/
Also would I need to Hard SPL?

Ways to do it.
Basically all of the "ways" are the same. The differences are just whether your a Windows/Linux/Mac user.
You can Push stuff to your phone using USB. Its much like using the command line in DOS (C Prompt C:\). I prefer to just copy the files over and use the Astro Application (Available on Market). It lets you use the file system like Windows Explorer. You can copy and paste back and forth. The push sytem is a little safer to start in case you have any problems, but if you follow instructions exactly it shouldn't be a problem. There are even Video Tutorials and if you have any questions there is always someone here that can help.
As for HardSPL, yes you will end up with a SPL which is either Hard SPL RC30 ver. 1.41 Mod (Recommended version) , or Engineering MOD which is the version on the DEV phone, or the G1 Original SPL. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=455860
Basically its like this, you will revert back to the original RC29 Software version where the Root Loophole was before T-Mobile Closed it. Using Dreamng.ing you will then download Terminal Emulator from the Market. Type in Telnetd, you will then have Root. Then you will upgrade to JF ver. 1.41, No need to go through 1.31. Then you will be at the most recent Mod update.
From there you can just browse this website for all the tips and tricks associated with a rooted G1.
Hope this helps for starters.

Video for Moding.
http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f28/video-on-how-to-mod-jailbreak-get-root-from-g1-11598/

It sounds like you know what you're doing, but I'll offer my advice. Previous to the Android I'd flashed roms to a few WinMo devices. The first time is always the most nerve racking, but after that you see how easy it is and it's addictive.
Before I rooted and went to JF's 1.41 firmware I read all the modding threads that had instructions.. they're all pretty much the same thing, just said different ways. I wound up using the ones found here:
http://android-dls.com/wiki/index.php?title=Quick_Root (skip to "Downgrade to RC29")
Just make sure you have everything downloaded beforehand.
The only snag I ran into was that I couldn't get from RC29 to JFv1.41 the first few times, I kept getting a error saying that a file wasn't found in the update.zip file. Once I installed HardSPL this went away and everything has been peachy since.
The main reasons why I wanted root was custom boot splash screens and the Root Task Manager. Enabling auto-rotation is cool, but I find it anoying sometimes when viewing the device when I'm laying on my bed (it constantly switching on me!)

Thanks for all the help everyone, I read that I had to upgrade to JF v1.31 before going to JF v1.41 otherwise I will need to wipe, what will wiping do? Im guessing delete everything?

AsaSpades said:
Thanks for all the help everyone, I read that I had to upgrade to JF v1.31 before going to JF v1.41 otherwise I will need to wipe, what will wiping do? Im guessing delete everything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it will get rid of your apps and data... however, there's an app in the market called MyBackup. The icon is a flotation ring. If you really don't want to re-install your apps you can use it to back everything up --- but really it's not THAT much of a hassle to install apps as you want to use them. I used it to back up my contacts, home screen icons, my bookmarks and my SMS messages.
A few things to remember about MyBackup:
If you restore your homescreen icons before you install the corresponding programs, you'll have a bunch of broken icons ... not earth shatter, but you'll be all "uhg, ****" afterwards.
Do not restore your google contacts using MyBackup. You will get duplicates on your phone that will then get passed on to your google account. If you do this (don't do this, trust me) do not remove the dupes using the phone -- remove them via google on the website itself. If you use the phone to do it you will no longer be able to sync contacts and you'll have to wipe all over again to fix it. It's much easier to just sycn your contacts to google anyway.

nolageek said:
Yes, it will get rid of your apps and data... however, there's an app in the market called MyBackup. The icon is a flotation ring. If you really don't want to re-install your apps you can use it to back everything up --- but really it's not THAT much of a hassle to install apps as you want to use them. I used it to back up my contacts, home screen icons, my bookmarks and my SMS messages.
A few things to remember about MyBackup:
If you restore your homescreen icons before you install the corresponding programs, you'll have a bunch of broken icons ... not earth shatter, but you'll be all "uhg, ****" afterwards.
Do not restore your google contacts using MyBackup. You will get duplicates on your phone that will then get passed on to your google account. If you do this (don't do this, trust me) do not remove the dupes using the phone -- remove them via google on the website itself. If you use the phone to do it you will no longer be able to sync contacts and you'll have to wipe all over again to fix it. It's much easier to just sycn your contacts to google anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, ill get to it now.

Can also use mybackup to backup system settings which is a time saver as well. Take your time on root steps and download everything before you get going. As far as root goes i wouldnt hesitate, you can always go back if needed.

Thanks every1, I have successfully rooted my G1, with no errors at all.

AsaSpades said:
Thanks every1, I have successfully rooted my G1, with no errors at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good deal man have fun!

Related

Confused. >.< I Have JF 1.43 RC33, Do I upgrade?

Hey I have the Fat32/EXT2 setup on my memory card, so if I wanted to upgrade, will it still work fine and also this new 1.51 I would grab the US version wouldnt I? Then would it be a smooth upgrade or what? I swear I hate when so many different firmwares come out, then cupcake etc. Not even sure if JF has cupcake or what that was all about, cause I thought things still had issues?
Anyways do I just upgrade or is there more I would have to do? And is JF cupcake in anyway?
when you flash the new firmware you will delete the files, so most likely all you'll need to do after you flash is to copy the files back to flash0 and reboot. you may have to reinstall your apk's but they should still be on your sdcard, so just run linda's file manager to access them.
So if I do upgrade, I am going to have to copy what back to flash0? I hate being confused, been sitting here the past hour reading threads and not sure what exactly I am supposed to be doing. >.< Thing about me is I always research before playing with my toys... Never wanna make a mistake. So many mods one can do on a G1 not sure when someone upgrades what has to be done again >.< Got too many apps to reinstall one by one.
goto the thread about appstosd program.
Looking at the comparison chart right now. Seems JF ADP is better now since I guess it has built in apps to sd already? Should I just convert from the Tmobile version to the ADP one? If so would I have to "wipe" to do that?
Edit: Ok I just learned of JF Rom update app on the market, If I use that and update, I take it update radio 1st then the to 1.51? Also after I would do that, to relink my apps, Do I need to use the script or would it auto do that? Which steps am I using here?
Well ok I see if I wanted to change build types I would wanna wipe then start up. So I would assume then If I wanted to change builds, I need to go back and install 1 by one again? Or whats the deal with that? Not sure what nandroid would do for that.
All jf builds now support a2sd, but it does not link for you. After you install them, you'll hav e to manually link say /data/app to the folder in sd. Read the various a2sd posts and you'll know how.
Also, perform a nandroid backup before you upgrade. You could choose not to wipe and see if the phone works. (But you're strongly advised to delete dalvik-cache after loading a new build.) If it doesn't, you can always go back to recovery mode and do a wipe. (Wiping will not clear the system you've just updated.)
Ok update. Here is what I have done, In the past I used Lucids for the app to sd and then the data and cache move. That was for RC33.
Now I used JF Rom Upgrader to download and install the new cupcake radio. I installed that one 1st, installed fine.
I then uploaded the update.zip from Lucids post with 1.51 Tmobile build, USA. The update went through fine.
G1 reboots, Im happily surprised, my apps are still there! And work! (In otherwords my apps were still reading off the SD card and cache too I am assuming)
Now the glitch part. Anything requesting root access is glitching up on me, You know the screen that comes up and says "Grant root access" Well the top part shows "SU Request" but the screen is blank, cant pick anything, I can hit home and go back to the main page. Not sure what that is about, or if thats implying I need to do a wipe and start over or if there is something missing. But so far least things are still working and so. Just the SU glitch, cant use SU in terminal either since that page popping up will be blank. =/ Ideas anyone? Thanks.

Root Q/A

Hey guys.
So, I just got my Magic and im frustrated that I cant dl apps from market that cost money. Sadly im living in scandinavia making it not possible for me to do so.
Now I've been reading about ROoting and trying to understand what it is and wich purpose it fullfiles.
I'd appriciate a link to a "General questions regarding rooting" or something similar so I can read up and maybe, just maybe root my device without bricking it.
I've searched but nothin, read the wiki about rooting but that just explained HOW to root and not which functions it brought with the device actually being rooted.
I'd appriciate some REAL infomation and not "lol nub go google" because I have and I havent found anything yet.
The help is appriciated and I will donate some money for those that make things clear to me
Swedish guide
gagg3 said:
Hey guys.
So, I just got my Magic and im frustrated that I cant dl apps from market that cost money. Sadly im living in scandinavia making it not possible for me to do so.
Now I've been reading about ROoting and trying to understand what it is and wich purpose it fullfiles.
I'd appriciate a link to a "General questions regarding rooting" or something similar so I can read up and maybe, just maybe root my device without bricking it.
I've searched but nothin, read the wiki about rooting but that just explained HOW to root and not which functions it brought with the device actually being rooted.
I'd appriciate some REAL infomation and not "lol nub go google" because I have and I havent found anything yet.
The help is appriciated and I will donate some money for those that make things clear to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here i found a swedish guide, it's not finished tho and i've not tried this
http://www.swedroid.se/wiki/index.php?title=Så_här_rootar/flashar_du_din_Magic
robocik said:
Here i found a swedish guide, it's not finished tho and i've not tried this
http://www.swedroid.se/wiki/index.php?title=Så_här_rootar/flashar_du_din_Magic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, as stated I dont need a "how to root your magic" I need explantion of the rooting status, why, what does it do, pro/cons? etc.
Thanks anyways
gagg3 said:
Thanks, as stated I dont need a "how to root your magic" I need explantion of the rooting status, why, what does it do, pro/cons? etc.
Thanks anyways
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, misunderstandig there...
This thing with root, i think that is like with my ubuntu linux, when you login as root or superuser, you, as it stays here "has all rights or permissions (to all files and programs) in all modes", so it has it's advantage but can be dangerous when you do something stupid.
i'm not sure if it's the same for android, but it is linux under the hood after all.
Hope it helped a little bit.
I'm sure there were a few threads early on in the Dream forum about why people should bother rooting - the benefits and such. Might be worth a specific search in there for threads like Why should I bother rooting or what are the benefits of having root? etc.
Here's how I understand it -
Seems to me Root was more important on the Dream, because it meant you could do stuff like putting a different ROM on with extras like Soft Keyboard and Latitude, and also move stuff like caches to SD Card, and more recently, move apps themselves to SD Card. This was damned near essential, due to the much smaller space on the handset for apps etc (In my experience it was about 75MB after a wipe - tiny) and the fact that the Market Cache wasn't easily clearable. Without Root, you couldn't alter those annoying things even if you had the knowhow, because you were "locked out" of changing the main ROM. So Root allowed you the freedom to modify stuff.
Other things you can do if you have root include ADB push stuff, so you can alter small parts of the system folder to suit you - like adding languages or keyboards or modified boot images etc. You can do Nandroid back ups of your whole system including installed apps, so that you can restore the apps after a wipe, or backup a ROM that works so that you can go back to it if you load one that doesn't work. Also you can install custom themes to make your fone look less generic. I believe there are ways to get tethering to work (Using the modem/internet access on the device/fone to link up via bluetooth with a laptop or netbook and surf as if you have a USB Dongle.
Some of the reasons I rooted my G1 are mute now or don't apply to the Magic
eg - More space on the magic for apps so I don't need to make more room by putting caches on SD or moving apps to SD
Cupcake update has soft keyboard anyway, and latitude
Also we now seem to be able to clear the caches for most apps via the Apps Manager, so stuff like Market and Browser doesn't grow with use and get out of hand.
Home app replacements are far more stable and are great for having different themes so no need to alter the main themes using root.
So, I haven't rooted my Ion/Magic as yet. If and when theres a really stable ROM without gliches I might go for it, but no real need for me as of yet so not gonna mess. I'm sure other folks can give you more reasons to either go for root, or leave it as it is.
Dayzee xx
Dayzee said:
I'm sure there were a few threads early on in the Dream forum about why people should bother rooting - the benefits and such. Might be worth a specific search in there for threads like Why should I bother rooting or what are the benefits of having root? etc.
Here's how I understand it -
Seems to me Root was more important on the Dream, because it meant you could do stuff like putting a different ROM on with extras like Soft Keyboard and Latitude, and also move stuff like caches to SD Card, and more recently, move apps themselves to SD Card. This was damned near essential, due to the much smaller space on the handset for apps etc (In my experience it was about 75MB after a wipe - tiny) and the fact that the Market Cache wasn't easily clearable. Without Root, you couldn't alter those annoying things even if you had the knowhow, because you were "locked out" of changing the main ROM. So Root allowed you the freedom to modify stuff.
Other things you can do if you have root include ADB push stuff, so you can alter small parts of the system folder to suit you - like adding languages or keyboards or modified boot images etc. You can do Nandroid back ups of your whole system including installed apps, so that you can restore the apps after a wipe, or backup a ROM that works so that you can go back to it if you load one that doesn't work. Also you can install custom themes to make your fone look less generic. I believe there are ways to get tethering to work (Using the modem/internet access on the device/fone to link up via bluetooth with a laptop or netbook and surf as if you have a USB Dongle.
Some of the reasons I rooted my G1 are mute now or don't apply to the Magic
eg - More space on the magic for apps so I don't need to make more room by putting caches on SD or moving apps to SD
Cupcake update has soft keyboard anyway, and latitude
Also we now seem to be able to clear the caches for most apps via the Apps Manager, so stuff like Market and Browser doesn't grow with use and get out of hand.
Home app replacements are far more stable and are great for having different themes so no need to alter the main themes using root.
So, I haven't rooted my Ion/Magic as yet. If and when theres a really stable ROM without gliches I might go for it, but no real need for me as of yet so not gonna mess. I'm sure other folks can give you more reasons to either go for root, or leave it as it is.
Dayzee xx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANKS Alot dayzee, that cleared things up.
Much appriciated!!!

Some Questions Before I Root

I've considered rooting and installing a custom ROM dozens of times ever since I got my Droid X back in August and I've finally decided I'm just going to do it, but i just want to double check a few things before I root my phone and install Fission:
1. I know that rooting voids your warranty, but if I have problems with my phone and I end up needing repairs, can I just unroot my phone back to stock and still have my phone be covered under the warranty?
2. Will my phone be secure rooted with a custom ROM? I don't want people having access to my personal info contact data, and my passwords.
3. If I Overclock to say 1.2 or 1.3 Ghz with ULV, will I have stability problems with demanding 3D games or other demanding apps?
4. After I root and install my Custom Rom, will I need to reactivate my phone or need to re-add my phone contacts/apps?
5. Will Z4Root work on system version 2.3.340?
I have unrooted and exchanged under warranty with no problems. Your phone will be just as secure. 1.2-1.3 are very stable on my phone. If you do have to reactivate it's as easy as dialing *228 and following the prompts. If your contacts are "google" contacts they'll return to your phonebook. Your apps from the market shall return without a problem. And yes, z4root will work with your system version.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
I am having difficulty rooting my droid x. I am an android noob, but am a pretty savvy user. I used z4 (permanant) and it says it has been rooted when i launch the app. However i see no appreciable difference in access. My terminal still shows a $ prompt and i cannot uninstall verizons crapware. I used rage against the cage prior to z4 with similar results, but i was able to at least get temporary su access and install the bootstrap recovery and perform a system level backup. It reverted to user access after rebooting. Please help.
Superuser confirmation
alright, if you want super user privileges in terminal type "su", then once you hit enter, you get "#" instead of "$" To test if you have root access, first check app drawer for "Superuser" if its there, open an app that requires it, (wifi teather, root explorer, rom manager to name a few) you should get a pop up similar to this
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...=1&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0&biw=888&bih=638
that would be a diffinitive confirmation that you have superuser permissions.
The way I remove verizons crap once rooted, is to use root explorer, go to system/app and find the .apk files you want to remove. There are lists around the forums what is safe to remove. I highly recommend simply renaming the files. For example, the 3g hotspot app is called mynet.apk, so I would just rename it to mynet.bak, or mynet.apk.bak, really anything that lets you know what it is, but removes the .apk extension.
Ok, I have confirmed su access, but am unable to rename any of the offending .apk's. I am simply told that the operation was unsuccessful. I have tried a couple of different file managers, as well as trying from a terminal, still no luck. I like 2.2.1 alright, but if i can't control what apps are running on my phone with root access, I may want another ROM. Any suggestions are appreciated, aswell as any links to a rom installer that is pc-less.
I usually rename apk's from Root Explorer, just prefer the graphical interface, so I can't really help you on the terminal process.
Rom manager is "pc-less" although most roms are posted in forums first it is often the easiest route, also lets you make backups and restore. There are a few posts around on how to install a rom you might want to read first. Also, you should find the thread for the rom before you flash it, in favor of size and speed, some developers go down to bare minimum and may remove something you need/want.
I have not used it, but I hear Titanium Backup allows you to "Freeze" apps, so that is a possible route also.
2.2.1 is not exclusive to people running official vzw builds, many of the roms on the forum (and rom manager) are running 2.2.1, so you will not be taking a step back to an earlier release.
SharkBaitDave said:
I usually rename apk's from Root Explorer, just prefer the graphical interface, so I can't really help you on the terminal process.
Rom manager is "pc-less" although most roms are posted in forums first it is often the easiest route, also lets you make backups and restore. There are a few posts around on how to install a rom you might want to read first. Also, you should find the thread for the rom before you flash it, in favor of size and speed, some developers go down to bare minimum and may remove something you need/want.
I have not used it, but I hear Titanium Backup allows you to "Freeze" apps, so that is a possible route also.
2.2.1 is not exclusive to people running official vzw builds, many of the roms on the forum (and rom manager) are running 2.2.1, so you will not be taking a step back to an earlier release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are trying to rename apps in the /system/app portion of the OS, you will need to mount /system as RW first.
from terminal: mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system
After it has been mounted read-write, you should be able to rename...
to remount as read-only: mount -o ro,remount /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system
zwade01 said:
I have unrooted and exchanged under warranty with no problems. Your phone will be just as secure. 1.2-1.3 are very stable on my phone. If you do have to reactivate it's as easy as dialing *228 and following the prompts. If your contacts are "google" contacts they'll return to your phonebook. Your apps from the market shall return without a problem. And yes, z4root will work with your system version.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your response. Just out of curiosity, did you (or anyone else for that matter) have to reactivate your phone after rooting and installing a custom ROM? I'd rather not have to re-activate my phone every time I want to update a ROM or change to a different ROM.
Thank all of you for the great info. Here's what I've learned after a day of rooting and romming: titanium freezes apps only in the paid version, z4 was the most user friendly app for rooting noobs, milestone overclock works well if you have the patience to lock up your phone several times finding the right settings, and I'm digging apeX 1.3.1. Thx to everyone for your help, i will definately be checking here frequently. One last question: where might i find a side by side comparo of roms with things like features and memory footprint, etc.? Or am I asking for too much. Im not scared of the search button, but i will defer to the more experienced of you. Thanks again.
galaga4991 said:
Thank you for your response. Just out of curiosity, did you (or anyone else for that matter) have to reactivate your phone after rooting and installing a custom ROM? I'd rather not have to re-activate my phone every time I want to update a ROM or change to a different ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used rom manager to load apeX 1.3.1 and did not need to #228. I did not clear the user data or cache, but I do not know if that affected my results or not. Your mileage may vary.
stpvapor said:
Thank all of you for the great info. Here's what I've learned after a day of rooting and romming: titanium freezes apps only in the paid version, z4 was the most user friendly app for rooting noobs, milestone overclock works well if you have the patience to lock up your phone several times finding the right settings, and I'm digging apeX 1.3.1. Thx to everyone for your help, i will definately be checking here frequently. One last question: where might i find a side by side comparo of roms with things like features and memory footprint, etc.? Or am I asking for too much. Im not scared of the search button, but i will defer to the more experienced of you. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know that anyone has really done a side by side per say. Since you say you are apeX, then if you are looking for more ROM's that contain blur features, then I would recommend looking into ZapX Bazinga, or Fusion (from the same creator as Fission, but just with blur). I have not worked with any of the Blur ROM's so far...
If you are looking for ROM's that do not have blur, then the big ones are Liberty, Fission 2.5.7, GummyJar 2.5, and Rubix Focused 1.9.5. Liberty is the big one right now, because it just came out and combines the great talents of Kejar31 and Jrummy. Most others I believe are using Fission. All are great choices, as the dev's do some AMAZING work.
Each has their owns unique feel...so I woudl recommend just digging through each thread for their respective ROM's as they usually include what components are built into each ROM on the original post of each thread.
Hope this helps somewhat =)
another ROM to try is DarkSlide. It comes in both flavors, Blurred & Blurless. It's fast, stable & well supported. You only have to re-activate if you wind up bricking your phone & have to flash an SBF. My advice it to spend the $$ on DroidXBootstrapper (available in the market) to make a nandroid backup prior to flashing your new ROM. This way you have a base to go back to in the event you run into problems, or want to try multiple ROMS. One other suggestion is to rename each backup into something that will let you know what the backup actually is, like StockROMBU or the like.

[Q] what are the advantages and disadvantages of rooting and are there any risks?

Could somebody please tell me what the advantages and disadvantages of rooting the flipside are, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, are there any risks??
Will I be able to take of all of these ATT apps?
Will I be able to move my apps from the phones memory to the SD card?
Can the phone be unrooted?
Will all of my apps still work?
What is the best route to root? I have the z4root.
I am much indebted to anyone who will answer these questions. Thanks.
z4root will work fine, it's nice an easy to use. Rooting won't give you an easy way to move apps to the sd card, but you can remove the AT&T (and other system) apps. You can either do it by hand, or with any number of apps on the market. I prefer titanium backup, personally. All of your existing apps will work, there's no change there.
The only real disadvantage is that you'll have the power to screw up your phone. You can potentially screw up bad enough that you'll need to reflash the stock .sbf file. Generally, this takes some real screwing around, but just thought I'd point it out.
Thank u for your thourough answer. What do you mean by screw it up. How could I do that and how do i avoid it. Are you saying by virtue of the fact that i'm rooting that i'll screw it up, or it's something that i may do afterwards that may do it? Thanks.
also, are there any other advantages to rooting other than taking off the apps?
The act of rooting itself shouldn't screw anything up, but having root means you could possibly do something later that would. Generally, you'd have to be messing with stuff you have no business messing with. With root, you can remount the system directory as read/write, and then end up deleting or modifying a file that won't let the phone boot, which means you'd need to reflash. Stay away from the command line if you don't know what you're doing, and don't grant root access to apps you don't trust, and you're reasonably safe.
Other than removing system apps, like the AT&T garbage, you can also backup and restore apps and their data, which is great for if you need to reflash, if you switch phones, etc. There's not a TON of stuff that requires root, but honestly, removing the AT&T junk is definitely a good reason to root, the phone feels much faster after scrapping a lot of the blur and AT&T stuff.
I'm assuming then that any android/att/Motorola updates will not be problem either? BTW, do you if and when Motorola will bupdating the flipside to 2.2? Thanks.
There shouldn't be any problem updating with an official update if/when we get one, but you'll need to re-root and remove the AT&T stuff again. There's no word on when we'll get 2.2, but I'd assume we'll get it at some point.
Ok. I just rooted! Yeah, it worked! But i cannot figue out how to delete the att bloatware. I go into the apps manager and click on one of the att apps, and there is still no option to uninstall; only to clear the cache. Also, I downloaded the titanium and I cannot figure out how to do it from there either. Plus, I still had to sideload the titanium which i tbought that i would not have to do once i rooted.
mordechai said:
Plus, I still had to sideload the titanium which i tbought that i would not have to do once i rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to enable Unknown Sources before you can install non-Market apps
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=867637
This is also an example of how you can mess up your phone by having root access.
That is part of the problem that i do not have that option in two.one. that is why i had to sideload all of those programs. are you saying that i screwed up my phone. i tried clicking on the link but this googlw ad comes up and i cant get past it.
Ok, i got through to the link. But the guy seems pretty shaky as to whether you should follow his instructions. Is this legit or what?
Maybe one of you guys can help. I'm new to alot of this but my last droid x was rooted and it was great I used z4root worked perfectly. But now I have a new X and a z4root apk. On my laptop, now what? Last rooted X, I was fortunate enough to catch z4root on the market, like a day before they updated. HELP!!!!!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
There are instructions in another post in this forum on how to enable Non-Market Apps, also known as Unknown Sources. With Titanium Backup, make sure that you grant it root permissions when it asks, and that it says something like this on the overview:
Root access: OK (BusyBox 1.17.2 from system)
HyperShell (FAST!): YES
Fast/Auto app install: Yes (using HyperShell)
SQLite: YES (SQLite 3.7.2 included)
Then just click on Backup/Restore at the top, and you'll get a list of all your apps. If you don't have backup/restore at the top, your sd card isn't mounted on the phone, unplug your usb cable and hit Menu > More > Reload application.
From Backup/Restore, you get a huge list of all the apps on your phone. Just scroll down to the AT&T stuff, tap them, and click uninstall in the top-right corner. If you're not sure if you want to uninstall something, because it might belong to something important, click Freeze instead. Freezing will stop the app from running, and stop it from showing up in your tray, but you can easily unfreeze it to restore it if it turns out it was important.
Here's the list of stuff I have frozen/uninstalled:
AdService 1.0
all of the "AT&T" apps
all of the "com.motorola" apps
Data Manager and Data Manager Service
Help Center
Home (I use ADWLauncher, don't remove this if you don't already have an alternative launcher installed)
MediaSync
Mobile Video
all of the "MotoBlur" apps
My Uploads
Phone Portal
Quick Contact
Social Messaging, Social Messaging Service, Social Networking, and Social Status
Sticky Note
Video Editor Lite
Vlingo Voice
Weather 2.1
WHERE
Work Contacts
Mobile Banking
Magic Smoke Wallpapers
Kodak Perfect Touch
AT&T Address Book
Quickoffice
YPmobile
As for enabling unknown sources, it's a bit of a pain, you'll need to be comfortable with a command line to do replace the files, and comfortable with a hex editor if you want to edit your own instead of reusing someone else's files. I managed to screw up my phone in the process and had to completely reflash and start over, it wasn't fun.
His instructions do work, but his .sh file doesn't work, you'll need to paste the commands one by one into your command prompt. I preferred to edit my own files, so I wouldn't have the same market ID, and that's just slightly more complex. I can help you through it either way though, just make a post over in that thread if you're having problems.
bubba90744 said:
Maybe one of you guys can help. I'm new to alot of this but my last droid x was rooted and it was great I used z4root worked perfectly. But now I have a new X and a z4root apk. On my laptop, now what? Last rooted X, I was fortunate enough to catch z4root on the market, like a day before they updated. HELP!!!!!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just need to get z4root installed on your phone, it should be pretty straightforward. The Droid X shouldn't be blocking non-market apps, so just download it from your phone and run the .apk to install.
So do I hook my phone up to my laptop, and put the apk. on my sd?
Or download the apk. directly to my phone from the site?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
I found the link, but the directions are too complicated for my novice understanding of technology. It looks like I am stuck. I don't want to try what he's saying and take any chances. Are there any other alternatives? Or do you have any other suggestions as to how to make the most of the space that I do have with the att bloatware, because I am constantly running out of room. It is a strange phenomenon that I don't understand, that when I turn on the phone it will have around 40mb to play with, and after a few hours it is down to 16 and then 10, and then before I know it, the phone is telling me that my memory is full. So then I reset and it's back to ~40 again. Do you have an explanation? Thanks.

Help/info help please,

HEY GUYS
i have just brought my son the xperia play for his birthday sunday.
and before he gets it i want to set it up to work the best it can so i would like to know please is there anything i should know or do to get the best out the phone for him. like updates software that should be added or anything like this that you can recommend.
also how.where is the best place to download the games from or is this all done via the phone,
thank you for all and any help
sut1576 said:
HEY GUYS
i have just brought my son the xperia play for his birthday sunday.
and before he gets it i want to set it up to work the best it can so i would like to know please is there anything i should know or do to get the best out the phone for him. like updates software that should be added or anything like this that you can recommend.
also how.where is the best place to download the games from or is this all done via the phone,
thank you for all and any help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well first thing you probably would want to do is root the phone and get rid of all the bloatware. It will speed up the phone a bunch, then move dalvik cache and that will increase internal memory quite a bit(its pretty pathetic internal memory) and also move as many apps as you can to sd card which will give you a bit more memory. On the gaming issue there are lots of emulators on the market available and games too. Plus you can use the fun& downloads app which is basically a direct source for most of the games. Sorry for no links but just head over to development section and you will find how to do the dalvik cache moving, rooting and everything you'll need to get that baby running the way you want it. Hope this helps you out a bit. Have fun
Sent from my R800a using XDA App
thank you for the info look slike i have a fair bit of reading to do lol.
but again thanks
I would like to ad some info.
Moving dalvik cache on the newest firmware build (2.3.4) is not recomended cuz the cache partition is sized down to a 100mb and can cause you not to be able to download from market as dalvik cache would fill it up to much and leave to little free space.
Haven't tried it myself, just some info i read here in the play subforum i would like to share.
Regards Dousan...
What model is the xplay you bought? R800i? As long as your phone is not the R800x you can follow the guide here. Which will give you root then just see this thread for what bloat is safe to remove from the phone.
If you uninstall the apps after rooting then you will not be able to ota update to the latest fw since ota requires all the bloat still on the phone. If you freeze the bloat rather than uninstall it still gives you the same effect uninstalling them would (faster boot up e.t.c) but still allows you to receive the latest updates. If you follow the guide above to gain root then ota update you will be on the latest software SE has released.
No need to move the dalvik cache, i have not moved it and i still have enough internal memory to spare.
You can still grab Yongzh's emulators for free from here. Other than that the android market has everything you could want.
wow thank you for all that info Mozza2k11,
a few questions thou if you dont mind. how do i know what version i have i dont know if its the 800i or 800x.
my phone is on contract to T-mobile can i still root the phone? after reading your comments i think if i can do all this i will just freeze the apps instead of removing so the phone wil still update.
what is rooting yoru phone?
thanks
sut1576 said:
wow thank you for all that info Mozza2k11,
a few questions thou if you dont mind. how do i know what version i have i dont know if its the 800i or 800x.
my phone is on contract to T-mobile can i still root the phone? after reading your comments i think if i can do all this i will just freeze the apps instead of removing so the phone wil still update.
what is rooting yoru phone?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have t-mobile its not the x. My advice is this though. Unless your interested in tinkering with your sons phone all the time / think he would have fun tinkering. Don't root it. While root can give you incresed functionality, it can and will however break functions on the phone from time to time.
This is something you'll need to be aware of.
Of course, if you do. Have fun, cause its awesome!
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
sut1576 said:
wow thank you for all that info Mozza2k11,
a few questions thou if you dont mind. how do i know what version i have i dont know if its the 800i or 800x.
my phone is on contract to T-mobile can i still root the phone? after reading your comments i think if i can do all this i will just freeze the apps instead of removing so the phone wil still update.
what is rooting yoru phone?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If when on the home screen you press the menu key (3rd from the left) then go > Settings > About phone. Its says model number (in my case R800i).
Rooting your phone gives you admin rights basically the same as you would get on a pc (allowing you to access to all files). Once rooted you can use apps you normally could not have such as titanium backup, adfree (blocks pop up, ads in free games its very handy) e.t.c
You can root any xplay with the guide i posted in my last post execpt the r800x, it doesnt matter what carrier you are on.
Tbh mate i dont know how old your son is or if he is into modifiying his phone. If you just run the ota update (settings > about phone > software update) or use pc companion and get the latest software on. He should be good to go for now. This was my first android phone and i didnt root my phone till i had it for a month or so and it still worked great.
If you decide to root the phone look @ my posts in this thread mainly the one towards the bottom for an easier to follow guide.
thank you so much for your help.
i have been told by a friend to install " snappz market " is this good idea or should i stay away from it. must be honest not to sure what it is
if i root the phone so it runs faster by removing some of the crap am i right in thinking i cant ota update? but if i freeze the crap i dont want/use then i will still get the same performance increase and still be able to update?
so if im understanding correct it make sense to just freeze all instead of remove nothing,
sorry if im asking newbie questions
Never even heard of snappz market. Id just stick with android market it has everything you could need.
You cannot ota update if you uninstall the bloat (remove it fully from the phone). If you freeze the bloat it stops it from running but is still hidden on the phone and allows you to ota update. Once an update is out just unfreeze the bloat, run the ota and then refreeze what you had frozen before.
I freeze all the bloat i dont want running now (from the safe apps to remove list). I previously uninstalled them and when the update came out it would not apply so i had to reinstall the software on my phone. Wiping all my apps, game saves e.t.c.
So freezing bloat saves you from having to reinstall the software to get back the stuff you might have uninstalled. Plus you get the benefits of the bloat not running, better battery life e.t.c

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