Database Users

First time ROMing, Rogers HTC Magic, Lessons Learned

So, i'm sure there's many posts about this, but I thought I'd drop in my 2 cents. Basically, the purpose of this post is to try and help completely new users get acquainted with the world of Android "ROMing". I know there's beginners tutorials and wiki's and such, and I'm very grateful for all the time put into them by their writers, but the fact remains that they're written by experts, and as such, their expertise shines through and can sometimes confuse new users such as my self.
Up front: I'm an AT&T customer who's using a Rogers branded HTC Magic purchased from ImportGSM. I'm using Rogers cause Rogers has the same 3G bands as AT&T. I am coming from a Sony-Ericsson dumbphone. I use Gmail for my primary email and applied for a Google Voice account a while ago (got the account before getting the phone). I'm a practicing computer engineer so if I lapse into jargon, I apologize.
READ THE ENTIRE POST BEFORE PERFORMING THESE ACTIONS
OK, so you got an android phone (if you're on this forum, its most likely an HTC Magic/Dream/Hero) and you want to install new ROMs onto it (for whatever reason, just to do it, to get more functionality, to remove the carrier 'branding', whatever). You've done your research. You've read through the wikis (http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Sapphire_Hacking) and you're still a little confused as to where to start, or you're worried you're gonna brick your phone.
First, relax, as long as you follow the instructions, there's little chance of bricking your phone.
Second, some vocab:
SPL: Secondary Program Loader. don't worry too much about this, you shouldn't have to mess with it. I like to think of it as your phones BIOS. There's an off chance that you'll have a "perfected" SPL (.0006 or .0010), which basically means that you have a phone that is hardened against hackers, but as long as you use the one touch root method described below, you won't even notice it. You won't be able to use the Adb/Fastboot/Android SDK method mentioned below, you'll just get a "no access" error when you try to terminal into your phone.
ROM: Catch all term for software to be loaded onto your android. Generally comes in two flavors, a Recovery ROM, and what I call an Operating System ROM. A Recovery ROM is what gives you root access. An Operating System ROM is the user experience (where Amon_Ra or Cyanogen or others mix and match features to make a better user experience). I know that Operating System ROM might be misleading, but its the closest computer analogy I could come up with.
Now, this process will completely refresh your phone, removing all of your contacts, apps, etc. So before you start, if you have stuff on your phone you want to save, best copy them somewhere off your phone now. There's free apps out there to do all of this.
Lets get started.
Now, the first thing you're gonna wanna do is get something called "root" access to your phone. This allows you to install those fancy homebrewed ROMs that people are talking about. To get root, you have to install a recovery ROM. Installing a recovery ROM is is roughly similar to flashing a new BIOS on your computer. Except in this case, its on your phone and it gives you unrestricted access to the phone (like the Root user in Linux). There's two ways of getting Root. The first way is to install the Android SDK onto your computer and image your android with one of the recovery ROMs via your computers command line. I won't get into details on this one because its not the method I chose, and instructions are all over the web on this one. NOTE that this method doesn't work with updated Rogers phones. They installed the 'Perfected' .0010 SPL effectively removing remote command line access thus making this method a non-starter. The other way is to use the "one click root" program, which is a program you install on your Android phone. To do this, go to the one click root website (http://www.ryebrye.com/blog/2009/08/16/android-rooting-in-1-click-in-progress/). Download the .apk file and drop it onto the SD card in the Android phone (you'll have to connect the phone to your computer via USB, and select "Mount SD card". then simply drag and drop the .apk onto the SD card in your computer's file browser). Then, on the android phone, open up your file browser (I suggest Astro or Linda, both free downloads from the market) and open the .apk using the default Android application launcher. It should be a dark screen with a text box and a few buttons. The textbox should have a URL in it pointing to a .img recovery image (This is the cyanogen one). You'll first want to make a backup of your current (factory) ROM by pressing the (i believe) botton button. It'll work for a few seconds. Then you're ready to flash the recovery ROM. You can either accept the default (the cyanogen, which works fine) or specify a different ROM (such as Amon_Ra's which has slightly more capabilities) by entering in a different path (URL or path to SD card if you have a recovery image stored on the SD card). Then hit the first button to begin the flash. Wait for it to finish. DO NOT DISTURB THE PHONE WHILE FLASHING.
Once its finished flashing, congrats, you've rooted your phone. Now power off the phone, and power it back on while while holding power and Home. Hold Power and Home the entire time till you see an 'old computer' style menu come up. Should have some options such as reboot, install update.zip, install other .zip, wipe data/factory reset, etc. you should be able to use the trackball to cycle through the selections. The botton should have something like <cyanogen/Amon_Ra> recovery vX.X.X. If you see this screen, then you've successfully rooted your phone. Congrats.
Now, before you do anything else, IMMEDIATELY perform a nandroid backup. This should be on of the options in the recovery ROM. What this is doing is creating a backup of your current phone configuration so if anything goes wrong with installing the hacked ROM, you can revert to the state the phone is in now.
Next, perform a data wipe. There should be a selection for "wipe data/factory reset" or something similar. Select that. Wait for it to finish wiping your data from the SD card.
Now to install other hacked ROMs, just download whatever ROM you want to install from the xda site. Check the bottom of this page for a listing of the main ones (http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Sapphire_Hacking). It should download as a .zip. Copy the .zip file (DON'T UNZIP IT) onto the root of the SD Card (you can do this while in recovery mode by mounting the SD card or by physically removing the SD card from the phone and putting it into a card reader on your computer and copying the files). Once you have the ROM .zip on the SD card, with the SD card in the phone, select "install other .zip" or something similar and select the .zip file of the ROM you want to run. Should be some combination of the creators name (Amon_Ra or CM (for CyanogenMod)), what board the .zip is for (32A, 32B), what version the ROM is (4.1.1 or something). Then select "home" to confirm that you want to do this and wait for the periods to stop appearing. Once it stops, you should be able to select "reboot".
After it reboots (you should see different splash screens than when it was factory configured, except for the very first screen which on mine is "Rogers". Mine goes from Rogers to "Android" spelled out in blue text) you should have a fully functioning phone running a hacked ROM.
If it doesn't boot fully (which mine did a few times), try a different ROM or try wiping your data again. If all else fails, go into your recovery ROM (power and Home) and restore the Nandroid recovery image you made earlier.
Once it boots, it should have a tutorial on how to use Android.
When you get to the google login, I would suggest setting up your APN settings prior to doing that. At the google login screen, hit the menu button and select "APN Settings". Select add new APN (either an on screen choice or brought up by the menu button) and add in the APN details for your provider. You can find these easily by googling "<your provider> APN settings". Log into Google and you should up and running.
I just kinda threw this semi-tutorail together, so it may be a little confusing, but I tried to explain everything as best as I could. I know that i found all of the different ways to get root and the different ROMs and such to be very confusing. Just throwing out how I went about doing it.
Disclaimer: one click root works by exploiting a vulnerability in Android, which was closed by Google on Aug 11 or so. Therefore, if you have a factory Android build from that was released after Aug 11, one click root may not work for you, and you'll have to go the SDK route. I updated my Rogers phone in mid oct 2009, and my build was still prior to Aug 11, so don't just assume cause its after Aug 11 that it won't work on your phone.

thanks alot for the tutorial! you're a saint, i've been looking all over for something exactly like this!
i will test this out and let you know!
Edit:
I was successful! Huzzah! Thanks for the guide again!
What rom did you load onto your phone?
Also,
Could you give a brief tutorial on what exactly changing the radio and spl are?

[HOWTO] [REF] [FAQ] [Guides] [Tutorials] Flash/Root/ADB/ROM [MUST READ!]

Dear xda'er from the USA: To the disappointment of some in this forum, the xda-team has decided to split the sections on the Samsung Galaxy S i9000 and its US-counterparts into SEPARATE sections! You will be able to get some help here but you will likely be better helped/supported/suited in the forums that belong to your specific device!
Note: Many of the FAQs may still apply to you and you are welcome to make use of our setup. However, if you have open questions I suggest directing them to the above mentioned forums.
IP-Notice: You are welcome to use the information in this thread! If you do, please link the original source.
I try to give credit where due. If you feel I am using your content without your authorization or proper credits, please contact me!
General Note: There are now four official models of the Samsung Galaxy S outside the US: the GT-I9000 (International), GT-I9000M (Canada), GT-I9000B (Brazil), GT-I9000T (Mexico). All information in this FAQ is based on the GT-I9000 International version. Most of them also apply to the other models. The I9000M and I9000T are virtually identical to the I9000 and are mostly compatible with I9000 software. The I9000B has an added digital television receiver and is generally not as compatible. Please check carefully before starting to mess with the firmware on your device, check for possible compatibility issues beforehand and ALWAYS make sure you have three button recovery (see FAQ#A12)
Note: The I9000B has a separate FAQ
Note2: For the Korean Galaxy S SHW-M110S, please see this separate FAQ
Disclaimer: This FAQ is provided as-is without any warranties to completeness/correctness. I will take no responsibility if you break/brick/damage your phone.
Contents:
Post#1: Frequently Asked Questions
Post#2: HOWTO Section
Post#3: ADB Tutorial
Post#4: Tutorials and Fixes
Post#5: Tips & Tricks
Post#6: Firmware Selection Guide
FAQ Sections:
A. General
B. Firmware
C. Modding
D. Applications
E. Recovery
(A) General:
1.How can I reset my phone?
2.I have flashed a new firmware and now my phone won't connect to 3G. What's wrong?
3.Can I disable 2G broadband like on the Desire/N1?
4.I flashed a new firmware and now I cannot download protected apps and Market-enabler doesn't work. How can I still install protected apps?
5.My phone takes forever to get a GPS-fix? Is there a solution to this problem?
6.I am experiencing long loading times when opening apps/intermittent lags when switching screens. What is the problem?
7.My G-sensor seems to be off. How can I calibrate it?
8.I have a SIM-Locked phone. Is there anything I need to look out for?
9.When will Ice Cream Sandwich be released for my shiny new phone?
10.I'm running Linux. Can I still flash my firmware? Do I need to install Windows?
11.Most phones have a bunch of codes that can be entered in the dialer for special functions. What are they on the SGS?
12.My phone cannot enter download mode or recovery mode using the buttons combos. What can I do?
13.I live in Canada/Mexico (The Americas in general). Can I get my phone to use the 850Mhz bands with I9000 Modems?
1.How can I reset my phone?
On the Galaxy S the soft-reset is achieved by pressing and holding the power button. A hard-reset can executed by pressing and holding VolumeUP+Home+Power. There you will find the options "reboot", "apply sdcard:update.zip", "wipe data/factory reset" and "wipe cache partition". (Note: The list of options can vary considerably after installing modified firmware/kernels)
The "wipe data/factory reset" option will restore your phone to the original configuration of the firmware YOU LAST INSTALLED (including any updates made via update.zip). This will NOT bring your phone back to the firmware installed when you originally bought it unless you haven't flashed your phone.
You can navigate the recovery screen using VolumeUp & VolumeDown and use the Home button to select.
2.I have flashed a new firmware and now my phone won't connect to 3G. What's wrong?
The CSC you used is most likely not intended for your area. This means that the broadband provider settings are not included and need to be configured manually. To do this, go to Settings->Wireless and Networks->Mobile Networks->Access Point Names, press the settings-button and select "New APN". You will then need to enter the respective data as provided by you mobile operator. APN settings can usually be found on the operators website.
3.Can I disable 2G broadband like on the Desire/N1?
As of firmware XWJM1 (July 2010), this function is available in the wireless settings. All current firmwares now have this feature.
4.I flashed a new firmware and now I cannot download protected apps and Market-enabler doesn't work. How can I still install protected apps?
This is done by google to protect commercial applications from piracy. This usually only happens on internal beta firmwares. Use Eris Market Fix from the Market or the tutorial in P#4,T#1. Both fixes require root privileges (See FAQ#C1)
5.My phone takes forever to get a GPS-fix? Is there a solution to this problem?
It appears that the XWJM1 and XWJM2 firmwares have mostly fixed the major GPS issues and the general consensus is that these firmwares deliver consistently better GPS results than previous firmwares. The usability, however, still varies per location and sometimes the software gets no fix despite seeing plenty of satellites.
To date, there appear to be no better fixes available. There are still many reports that GPS is flaky and it appears as if Samsung is no longer working on improvements in this area.
6.I am experiencing long loading times when opening apps/intermittent lags when switching screens. What is the problem?
The Samsung Galaxy S uses the internal SD to store cache data by default. This storage uses the severely outdated RFS (FAT-related) filesystem. Next the to poor performance in a good state, RFS appears to rapidly manifest massive amounts of filesystem errors which cause the experience on the SGS to degrade over time.
Currently almost all custom kernels fix the problem by replacing the RFS filesystem with ext4 on (virtually) all partitions (some do not touch the /efs partition). Original credit for the discovery that the filesystem was the problem belongs to mimocan and the fix has since been refined by RyanZA, z4ziggy, sztupy and most notably supercurio.
7.My G-sensor seems to be off. How can I calibrate it?
The G-sensor calibration appears to be off in a lot of shipped devices. Current firmwares can calibrate the accelerometer in the Display menu.
8.I have a SIM-Locked phone. Is there anything I need to look out for?
As of now there are several reports of successfully flashed SIM-locked phones and no reports of any (related) problems.
This means that as of now (there seem) to be no specific restrictions for SIM-locked phone except the lock itself. However, the lock on the Galaxy S can be easily removed. Please refer to T&T#20 for unlocking your phone.
9.When will Ice Cream Sandwich be released for my shiny new phone?
At the moment, there are no indications that Samsung will release a fully featured Android 4.0 firmware for the Galaxy S. They are, however, porting several ICS features to Android 2.3. While this is very disappointing, there are several ICS ports based (in part) on the sources for the Nexus S available already which will probably result in a relatively stable build in the long term.
10.I'm running Linux/OSX. Can I still flash my firmware? Do I need to install windows?
If you are running Linux or OSX you do not need to install Windows. You can either run Odin in a virtual machine or alternatively use Heimdall by Benjamin Dobell. Heimdall runs natively on Linux and OSX and has reached a well tested release state.
11.Most phones have a bunch of codes that can be entered in the dialer for special functions. What are they on the SGS?
There is a list of "secret codes" here. There are also several apps in the market with these features in the market.
12.My phone cannot enter download mode or recovery mode using the buttons combos. What can I do?
Some batches in various countries seem to not have this feature. However, Samsung Canada has released a fix via Kies (for the I9000M) and it has been adopted to suit a larger audience (I9000 and I9000M). Instructions on how to update your phone to get the three-button-combo can be found here or here. Note: Follow the instructions in that post CAREFULLY and read it completely BEFORE attempting to do anything on your phone. If done improperly, this can still brick your device!!!
13.I live in Canada/Mexico (The Americas in general). Can I get my phone to use the 850Mhz bands with I9000 Modems?
Users in the Americas will find that the I9000 modems use the 900Mhz band which is not used in the Americas. However, since the I9000 is virtually hardware-identical to the I9000M and others which do use the 850Mhz band, the band can enabled on the I9000 modems. There is a guide here.
(B) Firmware:
1.What is a ROM/firmware?
2.Can I update my firmware?
3.Why are there sometimes multiple files in the firmware archive/folder?/Why do I get three different versions when using *#1234#?
4.Can I mix PDA/Modem/CSC files from different firmwares without bricking my phone?
5.My phones software version says I9000XXJF3/XXJF5/xxxxx. What does this mean?
6.I want to install new firmware but I want to have a backup of my original firmware to go back to in case I need to go back for warranty reasons. Can I backup my original firmware somehow?
7.Can I flash an Asian ROM on my European device or vice versa?
8.What is the .pit file? Why are there different versions?
9.I flashed a new firmware using Odin (or Kies) and now my phone is acting weird (force closes etc)? Also, my settings are also still there.
1.What is a ROM/firmware?
The firmware/ROM is the software that runs on the phone. In case of the Galaxy S this is (currently) Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread. The Galaxy S was initially released with Android 2.1 Eclair and will most likely not receive any major firmware upgrades anymore. Samsung is porting several features from newer Android versions but has refused to bring a fully-featured Android 4.0 release on the grounds that the TouchWiz UI together with ICS would be to big for the normal system partition.
2.Can I update my firmware?
Most likely: Yes. You can update your firmware through Samsungs official application (Kies) and with firmwares that have been leaked or otherwise been obtained for installation without using the Samsung Kies software. You can find firmwares made by Samsung for phones all over the world, here. You will also find a guide to the installation in HOWTO#1 in the second post of this thread.
Note: Please also keep in mind that not all firmwares that come with phones are available. Reflashing to stock may not be possible because the specific firmware isn't available!
3.Why are there sometimes multiple files in the firmware archive/folder?/Why do I get three different versions when using *#1234#?
Galaxy S firmware updates come in three parts (which are sometimes packaged as one file):
-The CODE itself (called PDA). This is android and all the applications that come with it. (The archives/folders will be named after the version of this file)
-The MODEM (called Phone). This is the firmware of the wireless chipset of the device and will operate you WiFi, Blutooth and 3G/2G/GSM connections. (ie Radio ROM)
-The CSC (short for Customer Specific Customization). This includes connection data for the broadband networks as well as apps that are only available in certain languages/intended for a specific area.
If we ask for your firmware, we want to know all three!
Since not all of these require updates simultaneously, often then CSC and MODEM files will have lower version numbers.
(Also when packaged in one file the repartition option should NEVER be checked in Odin because it will mess up your partition layout and will require a reflash with three-part firmware!)
Most firmwares that are currently available are no longer split up into the three parts and instead delivered as one which can be flashed by entering it as the PDA/CODE in Odin.
4.Can I mix PDA/Modem/CSC files from different firmwares without bricking my phone?
Yes. Most Modem/CSC files will work with any PDA. However, there may be compatibility issues which may force you to reflash your phone. Note also that newer CSCs usually include newer versions of the software that comes with them (Some of which may not be upgradable via the market or other means).
5.My phones software version says I9000XXJF3/XXJF5/xxxxx. What does this mean?
The first two letters describe the country while the third gives the year, the fourth gives the month and the last number/letter is the version of the firmware (from that specific month. Numbering starts at 1-9 and then uses letters from A-Z). For an extensive list of the country codes, see this thread.
Note: To better distinguish the firmware releases based on a new Android version (2.1 vs 2.2 vs 2.3 etc), Samsung has shifted the use of the third and forth letter and these are now no longer coherent with the year and month according to Samsung's old system.
6.I want to install new firmware but I want to have a backup of my original firmware to go back to in case I need to go back for warranty reasons. Can I backup my original firmware somehow?
You can backup most of your firmware through Clockwork Recovery, however, since this already requires root it is not suitable for a warranty return. Nevertheless virtually all firmwares that are currently being shipped with the phone are available and thus a restoration is almost always possible.
7.Can I flash an Asian ROM on my European device or vice versa?
Flashing firmwares between several areas is easily possible. Please make sure you have the correct model before flashing. The international SGS has the model I9000. The Korean version and the US variants have significantly different model numbers and firmwares for those phones should NEVER be flashed on the I9000 or vice versa.
8.What is the .pit file? Why are there different versions?
There are now three different versions of the .pit file. 513.pit, 512.pit and 803.pit. Most firmwares since the end of 2010 do not require a .pit file to be selected. Generally only the 512 version is used. The .pit file is only necessary if you intend to repartition the phone. If you do, you inadvertently wipe all your data (not the internal SDcard). Since the partitioning of the device has not changed for more than a year, repartitioning is almost never necessary unless you used a custom firmware like cyanogenmod, which changes the partition sizes.
The .pit file maps partitions on the NAND storage.
9.I flashed a new firmware using Odin (or Kies) and now my phone is acting weird (force closes etc)? Also, my settings are also still there.
Some firmwares that can be flashed via Odin and the firmwares that are flashed using Kies, do not touch your settings and they do not empty your cache and appdata partitions. As a results, there is data there from previous firmwares which may lead to unforseen complications. Especially so, if your previous firmware was based on a different android version (i.e. flashing from XWJM6(android 2.1) to XXJPC(android 2.2)). You can attempt to overcome this by wiping the cache. Usually, to resolve this, you have to do a factory reset according to FAQ#A1
(C) Modding:
1.What is root/rooting?
2.What are customROMs? How do I get them?
1.What is root/rooting?
root is the user account in Linux with all privileges. The root user can edit anything on the system. For safety reasons, users do not have all those privileges. When you root your phone, you will gain write access to areas of the phone you couldn't previously access and are allowed to run more commands in the terminal. Because applications do not get a lot of priviledges, some of them require you to root the device in order for them to function properly (or fully). There is a tutorial for rooting in the Post #2 and there is a Chainfire Root that works most firmwares. CF-Root essentially is a kernel that is flashed over the original kernel.
If all of this means nothing to you then you are probably wise to NOT root your phone. Mistakes using root can break your phone very easily. (Usually, but not always, these can be solved with a reflash)
2.What are customROMs? How do I get them?
Custom ROMs are modified versions of the Samsung firmware or complete rewrites of the Android OS for the Galaxy S such as Cyanogenmod (and the derivative MIUI). Almost all current custom ROMs are based on Android 2.3 with some now being based Android 4. They can be found in the Android Development Subforum.
(D) Applications:
1.I tried using Allshare/DLNA but it will not recognize my device/play any files?
2.Can I change the default homescreen of the Touchwiz Launcher?
1.I tried using Allshare/DLNA but it will not recognize my device/play any files?
As of now a lot of DLNA certified devices/software do not work with Allshare. However, Samsung TVs should work and Windows Media Player 12 as well as Samsung's PC Share Manager work in most cases.
2.Can I change the default homescreen of the Touchwiz Launcher?
You cannot change the default Homescreen in the settings. However, if you are rooted, there is a way to change the default homescreen. See T&T#5 for more info.
(E) Recovery:
1.WHAAAA! I think I bricked my phone. My flash was unsuccessful/My device boots to a black screen/similar scenarios. Can I still save my device?
1.WHAAAA! I think I bricked my phone. My flash was unsuccessful/My device boots to a black screen/similar scenarios. Can I still save my device?
Most likely: YES! In almost any case, you should still be able to turn off the device (if necessary by removing the battery) and start into download-mode (VolumeDown+Home+Power) or recovery-mode (VolumeUp+Home+Power). After (for example) an unsuccessful flash, you can retry the flash in download-mode (same steps as when flashing a functioning device). If a flash to a functioning f/w (without applying any update.zip) doesn't help or you cannot get your PC to flash at all, you can ask for help here.
If you see a symbol asking you to connect to the PC, depending on how you arrived at this point, it may be sufficient to connect to the PC and run Odin (i.e. press "start" when the phone is recognized) without adding any files. This may, however, leave some residual issues if (for example) had an incorrect/incomplete flash so you may want to do a normal flash after this!
If you do not have download mode and for some ludicrous reason felt the need to go ahead and modify your firmware regardless of this lacking, there is now a guide on creating a home-made JIG which will force your device into download mode without the actual button combo here. Also pre-fabricated JIG dongles can be purchased on ebay for a couple of EUR/USD.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Changelog:
[12th July] FAQ created.
[12th July] Added Flash HOWTOs in Post#2
[13th July] Added list of CustomROMs in FAQ#10
[16th July] Added notification for US phone users
[18th July] Added rooting to HOWTOs
[18th July] Added ADB tutorial in Post#2
[19th July] Moved ADB tutorial to Post#3
[19th July] Added Tutorial/Fix section in Post#4
[19th July] Added "Protected Apps Market Fix" in Post#4, Tutorial#1
[24th July] Removed SIM-Unlocked as a requirement from flash HOWTO (Post#2, HOWTO#1).
[24th July] Added Tags for categorizing the FAQ
[26th July] Added Tip&Tricks section in Post#5
[20th August] Added a ROM-Selection Guide in Post#6
[30th August] Major Rework of the FAQ section
[8th October] Added "Installing any official firmware using Kies" in Post#4, Tutorial#2
[17th October '10] Added "Extracting Samsung Phone Drivers from Kies Installer" in Post#4, Tutorial#3
[2nd March '11] Began Major Update
[5th November '11] Updated to recent release of Android 2.3 and other changes
[7th January '12] Some updates to reflect recent changes regarding software and Android 4.
[6th April '12] More updates regarding Android 4.0 and some other updates.

Flash/Update Guides
!!!READ THE GUIDES AND NOTES COMPLETELY!!!
General Note:Flashing may refer to both methods. However, Method 2 requires files to already be on the phone. Therefore if you semi-bricked your phone, method 1 is usually the preferred way to fix it.
General Note 2: Flashing firmware and/or factory resets will WIPE your APN settings. Make sure you are using the right APN if that is a possible issue with your provider.
Important General Note: Several batches of phones that were sold have the download-mode button combo disabled (VolumeDown+Home+Power or alternatively Home+Power on some phones). Check if the download-mode combo works BEFORE flashing! Please refer to FAQ#A12 and T&T#23 for a fix for the download mode if it doesn't work on your phone!
HOW TO:
1.Flash Firmware and kernels using Odin.
Note: This will in (almost) all cases erase all your data and applications (includind root!). It will NOT touch the internal or external SD card.
Requirements:
-Odin3 version 1.82 (Note: Odin should be on the system partition (the partition where windows is installed) to avoid possible issues)
-".PIT" file for the Samsung Galaxy S (See FAQ#B9 or the source of the FW for the version to use! Not needed for kernel flashes.) .PIT files are usually not necessary anymore since the partition layout of the SGS hasn't changed since the end of 2010
-USB cable
-Desired firmware package or desired kernel package
Procedure:
1.Open ODIN. (And close Kies, if you have it open. It is important to have ODIN open BEFORE connecting the phone via USB!)
2.Select the PDA/Modem/CSC/.PIT files in Odin. (For kernel flashes, only PDA is required. For FW flashes, at least a PDA is required. Some PDAs have Modem and CSC integrated. If you decide to repartition, make sure you choose the right file, currently almost always the one with the ending 512.PIT)
[Optional]3.Check the "Re-Partition" checkbox. (Only do this if you have separate packages for PDA, Modem and CSC AND you have a .PIT file selected! Don't do this for single PDA flashes or kernel flashes!)
4.Turn the phone into the download mode by pressing and holding VolumeDown+Home+Power.
5.Connect your phone with your computer and wait until the drivers are installed.
6.When the drivers are installed, click Start.
7.The phone will be flashed and once it’s finished, it will boot up. (Do NOT disconnect the usb-cable, remove the battery or otherwise interrupt this process!)
8.You have successfully flashed your phone.
2.Update to CustomROMs/Mods/Root using .zip files
Note: Depending on the firmware you selected, this may or may not wipe your applications and the respective data. In any case, it will not touch your internal and external SDcards!
Requirements:
-ADB (from the Android Software Development Kit) -- Optional
-CustomROM File
-USB-cable
-2e recovery, Clockwork recovery (can be installed using HOWTO#1 and an appropriate kernel) (Note: 3e recovery will not allow the installation of .zip files that aren't signed by Samsung and is as such not usable for this procedure)
There are two methods for applying the update. Procedure A requires some basics in using a terminal (and ADB). Procedure B can be carried out by anybody but usually isn't available if the bootloader does not have download mode. See FAQ#A12 for more information on download mode using the button combo.
Note: The recovery screen can be navigated using the Volume Up and Volume Down Buttons (Up and Down) and the Home Button (To Select)
Procedure A: (Requires ADB)
1.Copy the CustomROM/root file to the "/sdcard/" folder on the phone and (if not already the case) rename to "update.zip"
2.On the phone go to Settings->Applications->Development and check "USB debugging"
3.Extract the Android SDK and navigate to the /tools/ subfolder of the SDK folder using cmd.exe.
4.Run "adb reboot recovery" to enter recovery mode
5.Wait for the recovery screen en select "apply: /sdcard/update.zip"
6.Wait for it to finish and reboot.
Procedure B: (Does NOT require ADB)
1.Copy the CustomROM/root file to the "/sdcard/" folder on the phone and (if not already the case) rename to "update.zip"
2.Restart in Recovery Mode by pressing an holding VolumeUP+Home+Power.
3.Wait for the recovery screen en select "apply: /sdcard/update.zip"
4.Wait for it to finish and reboot.
If you encounter trouble with the ROM afterwards, enter recovery mode again and select "factory reset/wipe data/cache" and confirm before seeking help.

ADB Tutorial
ADB Tutorial
Many tutorials, fixes and mods are written assuming a basic knowledge of ADB. ADB is a command-line tool that is part of the Android Software Development Kit (a.k.a. Android SDK or ADK). This tutorial is aimed at getting you acquainted with the basic functions/workings of the ADB tool.
(Note: I do not currently use/have Linux installed. For now, this tutorial will be Windows-only. However, I suspect Linux users are versed in command-lines already and do not need a tutorial like this to open adb)
Requirements:
-Android Software Development Kit (you do not need to run "SDK Setup.exe" to use ADB!)
-Rooted Samsung Galaxy S
-Busybox (installed from market and updated!)
Basic Setup:
In order to use ADB you will first need to decompress the Android SDK. For simplicity, decompress the folder "android-sdk-windows" into the root of one of your partitions. (I am using the root folder of my D: partition for the purpose of this tutorial)
You now need to start the Windows Command-Line tool "cmd". This differs per Windows version:
XP: Go to the start menu and click "Run", type "cmd.exe" and confirm with "Run"
Windows Vista/7: Go to the start menu, type "cmd.exe" and hit enter.
You will now see a command-prompt open (I erased my username):
As stated before, my "android-sdk-windows" folder is located on my D: partition. You will now need to navigate to the "platform-tools" subfolder of the "android-sdk-windows" folder:
Before we go any further we will now have to complete some steps on our phone:
-Make sure the phone is rooted (find the application "Superuser Permission")/has the latest version of busybox installed (Run "BusyBox installer" and make sure it says, that the latest version is installed). If not, root your phone according to the HOWTO in Post#2 and install busybox from the market (and follow the instructions in the description) respectively.
-Put your phone in USB debugging mode: "Settings"->"Applications"->"Development" and check "USB debugging"
-Close all other applications on your phone and go back to the TouchWiz Launcher Home Screen
-Connect the phone to your PC
Now, we are ready to run ADB:
I hope this helps all those who were clueless so far on all the adb-based tutorials for fixes etc.

Tutorial for Market Fix
Note: This section is strictly a work in progress and new tutorials will be added when they become available and have been confirmed as working!
Content:
1.Market Protected Application Fix
2.Installing any official firmware using Kies
3.Extracting Samsung Phone Drivers from Kies Installer
4.Backing up the /efs folder
Tutorials/Fixes:
1.Market Protected Applications Fix
Background: In order to prevent the illegal copying of copyrighted applications google has integrated what are called protected apps. These applications have some copying protection which means they cannot be backup-ed without root. In order to prevent rooted/modified phones from getting those applications, google market checks the build.prop file in the /system/ folder against a verified list to see if the version of your firmware is an official release. This tutorial will show you the steps to replacing the build.prop of the firmware you installed with that of a firmware that is verifiedand accepted by google.
Note: MoDaCo's r2 and the derivatives thereof have a fix included for this in the ROM (can be found in "MCR Scripts").
NOTE: As of now, "Eris Market Fix" from the android market seems to work on the SGS. It uses a similar procedure and should achieve identical results (for now). The app itself can be uninstalled after the fix is working.
Requirements:
-Rooted Samsung Galaxy S
-ADB (from the Android Software Development Kit)
-build.prop from a recognized official firmware
Procedure:
1.Download and extract "build.prop".
2.Copy the "build.prop" to the root of your internal SD card (to the folder "/sdcard")
3.Make sure the phone is rooted (find the application "Superuser Permission")/has the latest version of busybox installed (Run "BusyBox installer" and make sure it says, that the latest version is installed). If not, root your phone according to the HOWTO in Post#2 and install busybox from the market (and follow the instructions in the description) respectively.
4.Run the following commands in ADB (for a tutorial on ADB, see Post#3):
Code:
adb shell
su
mount -o remount,rw -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
busybox mv /sdcard/build.prop /system/build.prop
reboot
5.Wait for the phone to reboot. Check if can see protected apps (for example the paid version of tapatalk)
6.If you cannot see protected apps, you may have to wait a while in order for market to recheck the build.prop. This process can be helped bu setting the system time (manually) to 23:59 (i.e. 11:59PM) and wait for it to pass the 0:00 (i.e. 12:00AM) mark. Then return the time to the correct time setting and reboot. (You may still need to wait a few minutes before you can actually see protected applications)
7.If you still can't see protected applications, restart in recovery mode ("Volume Up"+"Home"+"Start") and wipe the cache of your phone. (You may still need to wait a few minutes before you can actually see protected applications)
For the interested, here a explanation of the code:
mount -o remount,rw -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
mount is the linux routine to mount a device to a specific path
-o will allow you to issue several commands to the mount routine, separated by commas
remount will unmount and then mount the filesystem again
rw will cause the filesystem to be mounted with read/write permissions
-t is the parameter used to define the filesystem
yaffs2 is "yet another flash file system 2"
/dev/block/mtdblock3 is the hardware-location of the system path
/system is the path to which you want to remount the hardware location
busybox mv /sdcard/build.prop /system/build.prop
busybox causes the following commands to be executed by busybox instead of default android
mv moves files from one location to another
/sdcard/build.prop is the path to the file that is being moved
/system/build.prop is the path where the file gets moved to
2.Installing any official firmware using Kies
Background: In August 2010 Samsung started (if only scarcely) to release official and test updates for the i9000 firmware. Since many users have flashed different firmware and the ways of backing up original product codes were not know at the time, most people who flashed their phones do not have the original settings from their country and/or provider and can thus not get the official updates for their area. Forthermore, some updates were only released in one or a few areas and people outside those areas wanted access. Consequently, Zangieff figured out a way to fake the phone information for Kies in order for it to find and install updates from a specific area. This is a slightly adapted version of his fix.
NOTE: There have been no firmware releases for some areas and providers through Kies. This fix is only able to upgrade to versions that have actually been released on Kies.
Requirements:
-Samsung Galaxy S
-Samsung Kies
-Basic knowledge of regedit
Procedure:
1.Run Kies, connect the phone and make sure it is properly recognized.
1.1.If you have never before opened the firmware upgrade widget with your phone connected before, open it now and then close it again (Do NOT close Kies!)
1.2.Optional: (Only do this if you are looking for experimental updates!)
1.2a. Open the firmware upgrade widget in Kies
1.2b. Press Ctrl+Alt+U+P simultaneously. Kies will confirm the correct sequence with "Test Mode is ON".
1.2c. Close the firmware upgrade widget of Kies
2.Run regedit (Start-->Run...-->Type "regedit"-->Press Ok) (Windows XP)/(Start-->Type "regedit"-->Press Enter) (Windows Vista/7)
3.Use regedit to navigate to "HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Samsung/Kies/DeviceDB/". You will find a number of folders in numerical order (usually) starting from 1. Find the folder with the relevant keys (see below) and make sure it is the one currently in use. [If you find several folders with the keys and don't know which are the right ones, delete all of them, repeat step 1 and 1.1 and find the folder with the lowest value. (You may have to use F5 or View--->Refresh to get to see the new folders)]
4.Find the registry keys "HIDSWVER" and "ProductCode"
5.Replace them with the appropriate keys as needed for your desired upgrade.
6.Open the upgrade widget in Kies and enjoy updating.
To find the appropriate values for HIDSWVER and ProductCode, check this thread for an extensive list of codes.
Note: If you close Kies, you will have to repeat the process.
Note2: You can upgrade to the most recent official firmware version from any firmware version even if you already have the same version or a newer one installed
3.Extracting Samsung Phone Drivers from Kies Installer
Background: Not all users are interested in installing the full software package Kies in order to get to flash their phone via Odin or Heimdall. The Kies installer turns out to be extractable using 7-zip and the phone drivers have a separate installer. This allows for installing only the phone USB drivers and lets you avoid installing Kies and the included bloatware.
Requirements:
-Samsung Kies installer package (found here)
-7-zip (found here)
Procedure:
1.Install 7-zip
2.Right click the Kies installer and Find 7-zip->Extract to "Kies_x.x.x.xxxxx_xx\"
3.Navigate to "Kies_x.x.x.xxxxx_xx-->CabFile-->USB Driver"
4.Right click the "SAMSUNG_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones.exe.cab" file and 7-zip->Extract to "SAMSUNG_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones.exe\"
5.Open the folder SAMSUNG_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones.exe\ and execute SAMSUNG_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones.exe and follow the installer instructions.
6.Enjoy connecting your phone without the full Kies install.
4.Backing up the /efs folder
Background: Some experimental firmwares modify the /efs folder. This can cause IMEI corruption and/or change the product code your phone reports.
Requirements:
-Rooted Phone
Either (A):
-ADB (from the Android Software Development Kit)
Or (B):
-Root Explorer (from market)
Procedure:
1.Make sure your phone is rooted (and busybox is installed for ADB procedure)
A:
1A.Enable USB debugging mode (Settings-->Application-->Development-->USB debugging)
2A.Connect the phone to USB
3A.Open a command prompt and enter adb (see tutorial)
4A.Acquire root privileges (type "su"). (Make sure you accept the root-prompt on the phone)
5A.Execute "busybox cp -a /efs /sdcard/"
6A.Disconnect the phone, deactivate USB debugging, reconnect the phone and backup the copy of the efs folder to your PC
B:
1B.Use root explorer and navigate to the root of the filesystem /
2B.Press "Mount R/W"
3B.Copy the efs folder to your sdcard
4B.Connect the phone to the PC and backup the copy of the efs folder to your PC.
2. Restore the backup if your IMEI gets corrupted or your product code is changed by a firmware.

Tips&Tricks
Handy Tip&Tricks
by Forum Members
This is for all Samsung Galaxy S users (GT-i9000 only. Some might work on US versions). It is a collection of handy tutorials that were posted in the development section but that do not need to be on the first page constantly.
Note: These links are provided as-is and most are untested by me! All credit for the procedure goes to the respecitve poster/involved parties.
1. Changing Fonts (for free) by socket84
2. Replacing Samsung Media Player with Android default by aditya_t90
3. Generating TUN.KO for OpenVPN on SGS by newmail
4. Replacing TouchWiz calendar with Android default by tommy34
5. Setting default homescreen in TouchWiz launcher by socket84 or the derived SGS Screen Changer by pedrodh
6. Installing Samsung Phone drivers WITHOUT Kies
7. OneClick Lagfix by RyanZA
8. CFLagFix by Chainfire
9. LagFix using update.zip by Tayutama
10. SuperOneClick Root by CLShortFuse
11. Headphone SoundQuality Fix or MixGet from Market by gilsken
12. AMOLED Screen for Notifications App by madmack
13. Using LED-Button Backlights for notifications by neldar
14. Comparing Firmwares on Packages by GAda
15. Stopping automatic media scan & scan on demand by aditya_t90
16. Overclocking/UnderVoltaging the CPU by raspdeep
17. Creating FlipFont APKs by ritalin
18. Circle Battery Indicator Mod by Fightspit (ported to SGS by designgears)
19. Official Firmware Update without running Kies by miki4242
20. Unlocking/Unfreezing Samsung Galaxy S for Free (collaboration, see thread for credits)
21. Choosing between GlassLock and Android's stock lock screen by Ateisti or Android Stock Lockscreen for JM8,JPH,JPK,JM9,JPM,JPA,JP6 by Project1.exe
22. Flashing under Linux and MacOS X using Heimdall by Benjamin Dobell
23. Restoring the three button recovery/download combo by Richthofen
24. ADB filesystem plugin for Total Commander by sztupy
25. Enabling Landscape Mode in TouchWiz Launcher by scheichuwe

Firmware and LagFix Selection Guide
Last Updated: April 3, 2010. Up-to-date as of April 3, 2011 15:53 CEST
As you may have noticed, there are a lot of firmwares on samfirmware.com and it's not very clear which ones are best/least buggy etc.
In this section, I will give a general guide to which firmware to use depending on your preferences:
If you like the stock Samsung Galaxy S experience and are looking for the most stable/bugfree version:
-Flash I9000ZSJPK or I9000XWJS8 according to HOWTO#1.
-Install the one of the kernels below or one of the lagfixes from FAQ#A6.
If you would like have the latest firmware and are willing to tolerate some bugs (this is beta firmware):
-Flash I9000XWJVK according to HOWTO#1.
For a list of current custom ROMs, see this thread
Lagfixes and Kernels:
In FAQ#A6 the currently used methods for lagfixes are described. There are a number of enhanced kernels (most of which use at least one of the lagfixes) that add features such as more accessible RAM, enhanced compiling, Clockwork Recovery, Blacklight Notification and several various features depending on the Kernel. Here is a list of the popular, well tested, optimized kernels (Note: Some of them include an overclock):
-hardcore's speedmod Froyo
-laststufo's Super Optimized Kernel
-supercurio's Voodoo Lagfix
-DamianGto's Ultimate Kernel
-tegrak's lagfix build Kernel
There is a frequently updated list here
General Note:
If you want to take the modding further, look at FAQ#D2 in Post#1 for a list of Custom ROMs and chose one you like. Depending on whether or not there is a lagfix integrated, you should then apply one of the lagfixes from the first suggestion. I would also suggest avoiding loop-mount fixes like OCLF and CFLF (see FAQ#A6) because performance rapidly declines over time.
Note: None of the available ROMs completely fix the poor GPS. Most of the ROMs noted above are provide roughly the same GPS performance. Samsung is hoping to release a full GPS fix in september (hopefully with the froyo release) It is not clear if or when Samsung will release a full fix for the GPS issues. However, it is doubtful since there are now many indications that the issue is in fact hardware related and even the final Froyo release doesn't completely fix the GPS.

For us coming from HTC devices if we hose the recovery partition is there a way to recover the phone. It was HBOOT (FastBoot) in the HTCs. Does ODIN provide the ultimate "debricking" feature. I realize there are ways to brick that are unrecoverable, but if I hose the recovery and I am done I will be very hands off on modding.

thanks for this. a good starting point to gather all the info!
should sticky this

I think we are still out of a mod for this forum...

might wanna add this for calibration of the orientation sensor:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6999499&postcount=8

tommy34 said:
might wanna add this for calibration of the orientation sensor:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6999499&postcount=8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added! Thanks =)

can this be a sticky, its very informative?

Great! I've acctually been waiting for a thread like this!
In Sweden one operator(Tele2) seems to have issues with the device not switching to 3G even when available. Does anybody else have these issues with their operators?

FrezoreR said:
Great! I've acctually been waiting for a thread like this!
In Sweden one operator(Tele2) seems to have issues with the device not switching to 3G even when available. Does anybody else have these issues with their operators?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you check your APN settings? Did you contact the provider concerning the issue?

Darkstriker said:
It appears it doesn't take long for this reserved post to become useful. I'll post short guides on flashing firmware here. (...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the Flash Firmware using Odin guide didn't you forget to add "SIM unlocked phone" as a requirement?

Akerfeldt said:
In the Flash Firmware using Odin guide didn't you forget to add "SIM unlocked phone" as a requirement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it says so in the guide but I recall having read that SIM-locked phones can be flashed as well. Don't quote me on that!
Added it as a requirement for now.
Edit: I did read it here. However, it seems that those phones aren't actually SIM-locked, so for now, SIM-Unlocked is definitely a requirement.
Thanks for pointing it out! =)

Darkstriker said:
Did you check your APN settings? Did you contact the provider concerning the issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The APN settings should be fine, the phone works on both 2G, 3G and HSPDA, but when it at some point have switched to 2G it will stay in 2G and you would have to manually set it to 3G.
Yeah we are a group on a Swedish android forum where someone have contacted both samsung and tele2 about the problem. But if not anyone here has the same problem it surely must be tied to the operator, which is what I have thought all along.

efbenson said:
For us coming from HTC devices if we hose the recovery partition is there a way to recover the phone. It was HBOOT (FastBoot) in the HTCs. Does ODIN provide the ultimate "debricking" feature. I realize there are ways to brick that are unrecoverable, but if I hose the recovery and I am done I will be very hands off on modding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry efbenson, I seem to completely have missed your post.
I'm not sure how this works on HTC android devices since I have only had a Windows-mobile version. What seems to be the equivalent of the features you are "describing" is the download-mode (VolDown+Home+Power) which can be reached even after interrupted firmware-flashed (experienced it myself. Still scary as hell!)
However, I don't think I'm fully qualified to answer your question. Maybe you could reformulate it, since it's not very clear right now.

This definitely deserves a sticky, thanks for this DS

FrezoreR said:
The APN settings should be fine, the phone works on both 2G, 3G and HSPDA, but when it at some point have switched to 2G it will stay in 2G and you would have to manually set it to 3G.
Yeah we are a group on a Swedish android forum where someone have contacted both samsung and tele2 about the problem. But if not anyone here has the same problem it surely must be tied to the operator, which is what I have thought all along.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had such problems and I dont remember reading anything of the kind so far so this likely is an issue with your provider. Maybe you can check if this occurs everywhere or only in specific areas (like cities) or something like that.

[REF] All in One New User Guide With Video Tutorial

If you just switched from iPhone or BB or this is ur first android. Read this thoroughly and see ur questions get eliminated by this guide. if you find this helpful than show your appreciation and hit that thnx button.
All Credit Goes to appdroid for this amazing post.
I don't take any credit I Googled everything. I do take credit of modifying some stuff in word. I won't have this Phone but I am just being helpful to the community.
Little in-depth information about Android. Must Read. Thank You Pirateghost.
ADB → Android Debug Bridge (adb) is a versatile command line tool that lets you communicate with an emulator instance or connected Android-powered device..
Android →Unveiled on 5 November 2007, Android is a mobile operating system running on the Linux kernel developed by Google.
AOSP → Android Open Source Project
Apps2SD → Move applications from the internal NAND memory on the device to a removable SD Card.
BLN → BackLight Notification
Bloatware → Software bloat is a process whereby successive versions of apps include an increasing proportion of unnecessary features that are not used by end users, or generally use more system resources than necessary, while offering little or no benefit to its users. Like all the crap that comes from At&t
Brick → When used in reference to consumer electronics, "brick" describes a device that cannot function in any capacity (such as a device with damaged firmware). This usage derives from the fact that some electronic devices (and their detachable power supplies) are vaguely brick-shaped, and so those which do not function are useful only as actual bricks. The term can also be used as a verb. For example, "I bricked my phone when I tried to modify its firmware."[
Hard Brick → When your phone does not turn on at all. When you can’t get in to CWR/CWM Or Stock recovery. You are basically screwed.
Soft Brick → When your phone bootloops. When you can get into CWR/CWM. When You can use jigtag to get into download mode.
Busybox → BusyBox provides several stripped-down Unix tools in a single executable. It runs in a variety of POSIX environments such as Linux, Android, FreeBSD and others, such as proprietary kernels, although many of the tools it provides are designed to work with interfaces provided by the Linux kernel. It was specifically created for embedded operating systems with very limited resources. Platforms counterparts, but they are pretty close and useful nonetheless.
CWR OR CWM ClockworkMod Recovery →A custom recovery for Android phones and tablets that allows you to perform several advanced recovery, restoration, installation and maintenance operations on your Android device that aren’t possible with the stock recovery.
DEODEX → Apk files have respective odexes that devs use to supposedly save space. Deodexing means you convert it back to a .dex file and put it back inside the apk. This allows you to easily replace file (not having to worry about odexes), but the main point was to deodex services.jar so that you can change all text to different colors (such as the clock color to white) and to deodex services.jar, you need to deodex everything.
Flashing → The process of applying a firmware image (or ROM) to a device. It generally entails a very specific order of steps. Failing to complete any one of these steps properly may result in bricking the device.
Firmware → is a term often used to denote the fixed, usually rather small, programs and/or data structures that internally control various electronic devices. Programs stored in the ROM, EPROM, or flash memory that usually control various internal electronic devices (Hard Drives, Keyboards, Displays, etc). Firmware is typically 'fixed' software that is not updated in consumer devices, however it is often updated (or 'flashed') by advanced users to fix bugs or add features to the device. Flashing firmware designed for one device onto a different device, or not following a specific procedure while flashing will often render the device unusable.
Kernel → is the main component of most computer operating systems; it is a bridge between applications and the actual data processing done at the hardware level. The kernel's responsibilities include managing the system's resources (the communication between hardware and software components
Radio → The cellular radio on the device which needs control software called firmware to control it.
ROM → Read Only Memory. In the context of an Android device, ROM is the internal flash memory where the core operating system resides. It can also refer to a specific version firmware that can be applied to a device through a process usually referred to as flashing. An improperly flashed ROM can often brick the device, rendering it unusable.
Superuser→ A program, which gives unlimited access privileges to perform any or all operations on the operating system.
ODIN → Odin is the Samsung software used to update Samsung phones. It does not work with any other devices other than official Samsung phones.
OTA or FOTA → (F)OTA stands for (Firmware) Over The Air and is the process by which required updates and enhancements to your phone's basic operating system can be sent to you through the cellular network. The Galaxy S II software update will be sent via FOTA and is available through Samsung Kies mini.0
ODEX → In Android file system, applications come in packages with the extension .apk. These application packages, or APKs contain certain .odex files whose supposed function is to save space. These ‘odex’ files are actually collections of parts of an application that are optimized before booting. Doing so speeds up the boot process, as it preloads part of an application. On the other hand, it also makes hacking those applications difficult because a part of the coding has already been extracted to another location before execution.
SDK → Software Development Kit.
Logcat → A debugging tool built into Android devices that displays system logs as they occur. See Logcat.
NANDroid → A set of tools that will enable anyone who has root on their Android device to make FULL system backups, in case something goes wrong or you want to try out that new experimental ROM/theme. NANDroid will backup (and restore) /system, /data, /cache, and /boot partitions.
Recovery Mode → A special environment that you can boot into for troubleshooting and upgrading purposes.
Kang → The process of creating a code based of someone else's code or reapplying code that someone else created into your own code (e.g. git cherry-pick)
Rooting → is a process that allows users of mobile phones and other devices running the Android operating system to attain privileged control (known as "root access") within Android's Linux subsystem with the goal of overcoming limitations that carriers and manufacturers put on some devices.

HOW TO ROOT YOUR SAMSUNG GALAXY SIII I9300
Step 1. Download Odin3.07 from HERE
Step 2. Power off your Galaxy S3. Then hold down Volume Down, Center Home, and Power buttons together until you see the warning screen.
Step 3. Hit Volume Up button to enter Download mode and connect a microUSB cable from your Galaxy S3 to your computer.
Step 4. Next, download GalaxyS3RootNew.zip, unzip the files and run odin3.07.exe by double-clicking on the file.
Step 5. When ODIN program opens, you should find a highlighted yellow box with a random COM number. If you don’t see this, download and install Samsung USB drivers below:
SAMSUNG_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones.exe
Step 6. DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE, hit “PDA” button and select the file CF-Root-SGS3-v6.4.tar.
Step 7. Hit “Start” button. This will install ClockworkMod Recovery on your Galaxy S3 i9300. If you get stuck on this step, just try a different USB port.
Step 8. Once ODIN is done flashing, you will see “PASS!” in green highlighted box.
Step 9. Your Galaxy S3 will reboot once into CWM Recovery and automatically install root and Superuser app.
Step 10. Once your phone reboots, you will find an app called “SuperSU”, this is your superuser app.
Step 11. Download and install Titanium Backup app from Play Store to verify you have root, a Superuser request window should pop up.
That’s it! This should take you less than 5 minutes to do and does not affect your phone in any way but give you Superuser, root, and custom ClockworkMod Recovery.
I highly recommend you to boot into ClockworkMod Recovery and make your first backup ROM at this point, which will save everything including the stock ROM, your apps and settings.
Thanks to galaxys3root.com for sources

HOW TO DO A NANDROID BACKUP
Step 1. We will first reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery by holding down Volume Up, Center Home, and Power buttons together for about 10 seconds.
Step 2. Once in ClockworkMod Recovery on your rooted Galaxy S3, choose “backup and storage”.
Step 3. You will have an option to “backup” or “backup to internal storage”. The first option will backup to your microSD card while the latter to the internal storage.
Step 4. Your rooted Galaxy S3 should now be backing up. Backing up ROM takes 5-10 minutes so go ahead and get your cup of coffee and come back.
HOW TO RESTORE FROM A BACKUP
Step 1. To restore ROM, simply use the same “backup and restore” menu then choose “restore” or “restore from internal sdcard” depending on where you backed up your ROM.
That was easy right?
So, don’t delay and make a backup ROM if you just rooted your phone, you will thank me later and save yourself time and headache when things go wrong.
Thanks to galaxys3root.com for sources

HOW TO FLASH A ROM
Basic Steps
! Choose the ROM that you want and download its .zip file
!! Transfer the zip file to your phone’s sd card. Do not put it into any folder.
!!! Turn off your phone and reboot into recovery, usually by holding the down button and power button at the same time.
!!!! Do a Nandroid backup
!!!!! Do a full Data wipe, wipe the Cache and also wipe Dalvik
!!!!!! Flash the zip file that you put on your sd card
!!!!!!! Reboot phone
You can find all ROMS HERE

HOW TO FLASH A KERNEL WITH CMW
_Download the Kernel You want to flash and put it in sd card.
__Boot in to CWM!
___Wipe cache & Dalvik Cache
____Press install from Sd card!
_____Select the kernel that you dloaded!
______Flash it!
_______Reboot!
________Check in CPU SPY to see if you successfully flashed Kernel.
All Kernels Can Be Found In The Development Section

HOW TO GO BACK TO UNROOTED STOCK
Step 1 - Download an Official Stock Rom from - HERE
Step 2 - Extract the Firmware
Step 3 - Open up Odin
Step 4 - Turn OFF your device
Step 5 - Put your device into Download MODE (Home + Volume Down + Power)
Step 6 - Click PDA and select *.tar.md5
Step 7 - Then finally click START!

Great noob dictionary!
But why reserve so many posts?
I guess they're free right?

nfsmw_gr said:
Great noob dictionary!
But why reserve so many posts?
I guess they're free right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You. I have only edited this Guide to adapt to this Phone.
And now you should be able to see why I reserved so many posts lol

Nick Fury said:
Thank You. I have only edited this Guide to adapt to this Phone.
And now you should be able to see why I reserved so many posts lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it,now it makes sense...great work mate.

Nick Fury said:
!!!!! Wipe the phone 3 times by clearing cache/factory restore 3 times and wiping dalvik cache and system format
!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3 times is a little overkill don't ya think? In fact I remember seeing a ROM thread in the development section waaay back in the first few weeks of launch and a dev had in his set of instructions to wipe and factory reset 3 times before flash. A moderator made him change it because it was unnecessary to wipe that many times and stated that it would cause issues... what exactly, I can't remember but it sounded legit. Just my 2 cents
But.. great reference guide!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Coreym said:
3 times is a little overkill don't ya think? In fact I remember seeing a ROM thread in the development section waaay back in the first few weeks of launch and a dev had in his set of instructions to wipe and factory reset 3 times before flash. A moderator made him change it because it was unnecessary to wipe that many times and stated that it would cause issues... what exactly, I can't remember but it sounded legit. Just my 2 cents
But.. great reference guide!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You for the Feedback and the post has now been edited with the Correct information.

If anyone finds that any of the information above is incorrect or needs updating then please let me know and I will get the Guide updated.
Thank You for reading.

Nice one
Nick Fury said:
If anyone finds that any of the information above is incorrect or needs updating then please let me know and I will get the Guide updated.
Thank You for reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for setting up this guide.
"account currently disabled" ??

Great guide for newbies.
Cheers!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

Thanks
Hi,
Great intro for noobs.
Keep up the good work.

another great thread nick
i'm in the process of researching both the language and process of rooting my s2. i've been reading articles and watching videos and will write out a "script" for me to follow before i root and flash a ROM. would it be OK to ask a few questions prior to this endeavor to clear up any uncertainties i might have? i know XDA has rigid rules as to where to discuss certain topics (which i completely respect and understand).

bk11222 said:
i'm in the process of researching both the language and process of rooting my s2. i've been reading articles and watching videos and will write out a "script" for me to follow before i root and flash a ROM. would it be OK to ask a few questions prior to this endeavor to clear up any uncertainties i might have? i know XDA has rigid rules as to where to discuss certain topics (which i completely respect and understand).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please feel free to to ask any questions. This would be the perfect spot as it is topic related.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

thanks!
great guide includes everything thanks :good:

R: [REF} All in One guide for NOOBS! With Videos Now!
Glad Thatcher tour thread seems to have more success than mine which id similar but with some others tutorials
You can see it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2113656
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

R: [REF} All in One guide for NOOBS! With Videos Now!
Since my thread was closed ( i don't know if it was reported to admin by someone asking to close it) i could paste my tutorials here if you want
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

[REF} All in One guide for NOOBS! With Videos Now!

If you just switched from iPhone or BB or this is ur first android. Read this thoroughly and see ur questions get eliminated by this guide. if you find this helpful than show your appreciation and hit that thnx button.
All Credit Goes to appdroid for this amazing post.
I don't take any credit I Googled everything. I do take credit of modifying some stuff in word. I won't have this Phone but I am just being helpful to the community.
Little in-depth information about Android. Must Read. Thank You Pirateghost.
ADB → Android Debug Bridge (adb) is a versatile command line tool that lets you communicate with an emulator instance or connected Android-powered device..
Android →Unveiled on 5 November 2007, Android is a mobile operating system running on the Linux kernel developed by Google.
AOSP → Android Open Source Project
Apps2SD → Move applications from the internal NAND memory on the device to a removable SD Card.
BLN → BackLight Notification
Bloatware → Software bloat is a process whereby successive versions of apps include an increasing proportion of unnecessary features that are not used by end users, or generally use more system resources than necessary, while offering little or no benefit to its users. Like all the crap that comes from At&t
Brick → When used in reference to consumer electronics, "brick" describes a device that cannot function in any capacity (such as a device with damaged firmware). This usage derives from the fact that some electronic devices (and their detachable power supplies) are vaguely brick-shaped, and so those which do not function are useful only as actual bricks. The term can also be used as a verb. For example, "I bricked my phone when I tried to modify its firmware."[
Hard Brick → When your phone does not turn on at all. When you can’t get in to CWR/CWM Or Stock recovery. You are basically screwed.
Soft Brick → When your phone bootloops. When you can get into CWR/CWM. When You can use jigtag to get into download mode.
Busybox → BusyBox provides several stripped-down Unix tools in a single executable. It runs in a variety of POSIX environments such as Linux, Android, FreeBSD and others, such as proprietary kernels, although many of the tools it provides are designed to work with interfaces provided by the Linux kernel. It was specifically created for embedded operating systems with very limited resources. Platforms counterparts, but they are pretty close and useful nonetheless.
CWR OR CWM ClockworkMod Recovery →A custom recovery for Android phones and tablets that allows you to perform several advanced recovery, restoration, installation and maintenance operations on your Android device that aren’t possible with the stock recovery.
DEODEX → Apk files have respective odexes that devs use to supposedly save space. Deodexing means you convert it back to a .dex file and put it back inside the apk. This allows you to easily replace file (not having to worry about odexes), but the main point was to deodex services.jar so that you can change all text to different colors (such as the clock color to white) and to deodex services.jar, you need to deodex everything.
Flashing → The process of applying a firmware image (or ROM) to a device. It generally entails a very specific order of steps. Failing to complete any one of these steps properly may result in bricking the device.
Firmware → is a term often used to denote the fixed, usually rather small, programs and/or data structures that internally control various electronic devices. Programs stored in the ROM, EPROM, or flash memory that usually control various internal electronic devices (Hard Drives, Keyboards, Displays, etc). Firmware is typically 'fixed' software that is not updated in consumer devices, however it is often updated (or 'flashed') by advanced users to fix bugs or add features to the device. Flashing firmware designed for one device onto a different device, or not following a specific procedure while flashing will often render the device unusable.
Kernel → is the main component of most computer operating systems; it is a bridge between applications and the actual data processing done at the hardware level. The kernel's responsibilities include managing the system's resources (the communication between hardware and software components
Radio → The cellular radio on the device which needs control software called firmware to control it.
ROM → Read Only Memory. In the context of an Android device, ROM is the internal flash memory where the core operating system resides. It can also refer to a specific version firmware that can be applied to a device through a process usually referred to as flashing. An improperly flashed ROM can often brick the device, rendering it unusable.
Superuser→ A program, which gives unlimited access privileges to perform any or all operations on the operating system.
ODIN → Odin is the Samsung software used to update Samsung phones. It does not work with any other devices other than official Samsung phones.
OTA or FOTA → (F)OTA stands for (Firmware) Over The Air and is the process by which required updates and enhancements to your phone's basic operating system can be sent to you through the cellular network. The Galaxy S II software update will be sent via FOTA and is available through Samsung Kies mini.0
ODEX → In Android file system, applications come in packages with the extension .apk. These application packages, or APKs contain certain .odex files whose supposed function is to save space. These ‘odex’ files are actually collections of parts of an application that are optimized before booting. Doing so speeds up the boot process, as it preloads part of an application. On the other hand, it also makes hacking those applications difficult because a part of the coding has already been extracted to another location before execution.
SDK → Software Development Kit.
Logcat → A debugging tool built into Android devices that displays system logs as they occur. See Logcat.
NANDroid → A set of tools that will enable anyone who has root on their Android device to make FULL system backups, in case something goes wrong or you want to try out that new experimental ROM/theme. NANDroid will backup (and restore) /system, /data, /cache, and /boot partitions.
Recovery Mode → A special environment that you can boot into for troubleshooting and upgrading purposes.
Kang → The process of creating a code based of someone else's code or reapplying code that someone else created into your own code (e.g. git cherry-pick)
Rooting → is a process that allows users of mobile phones and other devices running the Android operating system to attain privileged control (known as "root access") within Android's Linux subsystem with the goal of overcoming limitations that carriers and manufacturers put on some devices.

HOW TO ROOT YOUR GALAXY SII I9100
For those of you who want to root your Galaxy S2 GT-i9100 on ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0+), here’s how to do it by flashing a new kernel.
Step 1. First, put your Galaxy S2 into download mode by holding down Volume Down, Center, and Power button together for about 10 seconds.
Step 2. When you see the warning screen, hit Volume Up button to enter download mode.
Step 3. Connect a micro-USB cable from your Galaxy S2 to your computer.
Step 4. Download ODIN program and CF Kernel. Then unzip both files. - Odin3v1.85.zip - CF Kernel
Step 5. Run the ODIN program. You should see a yellow highlighted rectangle box with a number. If you don’t, you need to install Samsung Kies. - Samsung Kies
Step 6. Hit “PDA” and choose the “CF-Root-SGS2_XX_XEO_LPQ-v5.3-CWM5.tar” file you unzipped earlier.
Step 7. Hit “Start” and the kernel will start flashing to your phone.
Step 8. Your phone will reboot when it’s done.
Step 9. Once you reboot, check that you have the SuperSU app. If you do, you are rooted. Congrats!

HOW TO DO A NANDROID BACKUP
For those of you who’ve recently rooted your Samsung Galaxy S2 Android smartphone, you will probably want to learn how to backup/restore ROMs on your phone using ClockworkMod Recovery. By backing up your rooted ROM, you will have an insurance in case something goes wrong in the future such as bricking your phone while installing a new kernel or ROM.
After rooting, we highly advise you to backup your rooted stock ROM as you will also need this to unroot if needed later on.
Here’s how to backup/restore ROM on your Galaxy S2:
Step 1. Power off your phone then reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery by holding down Volume Up, Home button, and Power button together
Step 2. Once in ClockworkMod Recovery, choose “Backup and Restore” and hit the Power button.
Step 3. Choose “Backup” and hit the Power button.
Step 4. When backup is done, it will be backed up to a folder with current date and time. You can always change this folder name to something more memorable like “rooted stock ROM”.
HOW TO RESTORE FROM A BACKUP
Step 1. To restore, simply hit “Restore” instead of “Backup” and choose the backup folder you want to restore.
Backup will backup everything including your ROM, kernel, contacts, apps, etc…etc… The only thing that won’t be backed up are the contents of your SD card.

HOW TO FLASH A ROM
Basic Steps
! Choose the ROM that you want and download its .zip file
!! Transfer the zip file to your phone’s sd card. Do not put it into any folder.
!!! Turn off your phone and reboot into recovery, usually by holding the down button and power button at the same time.
!!!! Do a Nandroid backup
!!!!! Do a full Data wipe, wipe the Cache and also wipe Dalvik
!!!!!! Flash the zip file that you put on your sd card
!!!!!!! Reboot phone
You can find all ROMS Here

HOW TO FLASH A KERNEL WITH CMW
_Download the Kernel You want to flash and put it in sd card.
__Boot in to CWM!
___Wipe cache & Dalvik Cache
____Press install from Sd card!
_____Select the kernel that you dloaded!
______Flash it!
_______Reboot!
________Check in CPU SPY to see if you successfully flashed Kernel.
All Kernels Can Be Found In The Development Section

HOW TO GO BACK TO UNROOTED STOCK
Step 1. Download and UNZIP Latest Stock Rom Here
Step 2. Put your Galaxy S2 i9100 into download mode by holding down Volume Down, Center button, and Power button together for about 10 seconds until your phone reboots and you see the warning sign. Press Volume Up button to enter download mode.
Step 3. Connect a micro-USB cable to your Galaxy S2 from your computer.
Step 4. Download ODIN, unzip, and run the program - Odin3v1.85.zip
Step 5. When ODIN runs, you should see a yellow highlight with a COM appearing. If you don’t see it, Download Samsung Kies Here and install. Then plug-out and plug in your micro-USB cable to your phone, you should see it now.
Step 6. Choose “PDA” in ODIN and choose the stock ROM file you downloaded/unzipped earlier.
Step 7. Hit “Start” and your phone should start unrooting/unbricking back to ICS official stock ROM.
Step 8. Your Galaxy S2 i9100 will reboot after 5-10 minutes.
Step 9. Your phone should now be on stock ICS.

Great idea for a thread.
I hope it will help all the noobs out there.

If anyone finds that any of the information above is incorrect or needs updating then please let me know and I will get the Guide updated.
Thank You for reading.

Thanks. Indeed a helpful guide. The stock rom for ICS is applicable for all regions ?
Sent from my GT-I9100

kt_samuel said:
Thanks. Indeed a helpful guide. The stock rom for ICS is applicable for all regions ?
Sent from my GT-I9100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Each stock ROM has a different modem inside for a specific model/region . Quick answer, it should work for all i9100 models. If you are on other variants like G or P or T, get the specific stock ROMs meant for them, the i9100 stock will not work.

Very nicely done OP.

I think this has been one of the better ideas on forums, making threads like this that explain the basics to people. Now, if we can just get people to READ them! haha.

thanks guys! this is very helpful

Hi I'm trying to root my sg2 for step 6 does it matter that the last 3 letters don't match my existing kernel?
I'm on Ics 4.0.4 my letters are LPT.
I've been reading and reading all these posts and guides and I'm confused :-\
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

brilliant idea & big thanks for the effort involved.
I have just acquired the phone (moved from the HTC Desire)
The links in post #6 are not working - ?any mirrors
Cheers

shamonee said:
Hi I'm trying to root my sg2 for step 6 does it matter that the last 3 letters don't match my existing kernel?
I'm on Ics 4.0.4 my letters are LPT.
I've been reading and reading all these posts and guides and I'm confused :-\
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it doesnt matter about the last 3 letters. And by flashing the CF Root Kernel only roots the device and gives Root Access for the user. Hope this clears things up abit mate.
cifa said:
brilliant idea & big thanks for the effort involved.
I have just acquired the phone (moved from the HTC Desire)
The links in post #6 are not working - ?any mirrors
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I have just personally tested all the download links provided in all posts and can confirm them all to be working.
Hooe the problem is sorted for you now.
If you are still unable to download the files needed then please let me know and i will provide alternative links
Thanks
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

@ Nick Fury
Thanks for the headsup - links working again - & files downloaded.
what version of ICS is in the stock - I want to take my S2 which is on 2.3 up to ICS - but want to avoid ICS 4.04 (been reading about hard brick potential)
my S2 Model number is GT-I9100P - the stock you link to is definitely compatible with my model?
Thanks in advance....

cifa said:
@ Nick Fury
Thanks for the headsup - links working again - & files downloaded.
what version of ICS is in the stock - I want to take my S2 which is on 2.3 up to ICS - but want to avoid ICS 4.04 (been reading about hard brick potential)
my S2 Model number is GT-I9100P - the stock you link to is definitely compatible with my model?
Thanks in advance....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not completely sure if the linked Rom is compatable with your version 100% as I dont own this device any longer.
Might be worth asking around for the compatability listing.
I confirm that all information is correct with GT-I9100.
I honestly wish I could help more but its just the compatibility with your Model im unsure of.
If you find that listed Rom is compatible with your Device then please follow all the steps as listed in the Posts and there will be no problems.
But if this is your first time then I do advice to also download the Android Stock 2.3 Firmware aswell as a backup.
So if something does go wrong then you can always Flash back to 2.3 through odin and be back up and running again.
Hope this helps.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Great mate, nice to see someone helpful instead of the usual "get lost n00b" crap!
Everyone had to start somewhere!
Is there a CWM flashable easy root, as there is on galaxy ace, i found it much easier and less daunting than odin?
NeatROM -The Best!

@ Nick Fury
Thanks mate - your attitude & info much appreciated. Whilst I am a noob with the S2 - I had a lot of experience of ROM'ing the Desire.
I dont want to f**k this up - hence the questions
I'll research it out more.
Cheers

Z3 Compact from MarshMallow to Oreo step by step

Introduction
XDA members devil188, nailyk and Dobsgw created an Omni ROM for Xperia Z3 Compact. https://goo.gl/omqsSP
A great job.
It works, still has some bugs (20171213) but it is good enough to use as replacement for MM as it is now.
Many are afraid to root their device.
- Warranty void
- Device going black
- Not familiar with the steps to take.
Now is the moment to upgrade your device to Oreo
- Warranty is void anyway because your device is more than 2 years old. (test by clicking on the Support app on your device)
- Device going black ( that is your own risk and I take no responsibility whatever if you brick your device)
- This guide takes you by the hand (step by step)
- The rewards are manifold.
Your devices will be as new.
- Oreo has the latest security updates
- You can allways revert to stock MM
The biggest risk in my opinion is unlocking the device and losing DRM keys which affects low-light photo quality.
This risk can be overcome by making a backup of the TA partition and in case that does not work it can partly be repaired.
Let's start.
STEP 1 Backup
You don't want to lose important stuff, so you want to make a backup first.
Method 1
Use Xperia Companion and make a backup to your PC
Method 2
Use the Xperia Transfer Mobile app
Make a backup to the cloud or to SD card.
Method 3
Use Google.
A good explanation can be found here.
Method 4
Use adb
With adb you cannot restore on a non rooted device but we will go rooting the device anyway.
To read about adb look here.
When begin your backup take some extra safety precautions.
- Whatsapp -> settings -> chats -> backup, for a fresh backup
- Whatsapp extra security copy the Whatsapp directory from device memory to SD card or to PC
- Signal -> Import and Export and copy SignalPlaintectBackup.xml to SD card renaming it to SignalPlaintextBakup-201712XX.xml
- Copy DCIM (your pictures) from internal memory to SD card or to PC
- Google backup settings -> accounts & sync -> sync everything
- Copying can be done with TotalCommander
I suggest to try the different methods of backing up and don't forget to test restoring.
STEP 3 Install and use ADB
Because you will root your device and need to make a backup of the ta partition it is important that you are able to use adb.
I made a post on that subject here.
Most of you probably are on Windows 10.
In this ADB and Fastboot for dummies is explained how to install the drivers for Windows 10 (and 8)
When you read it carefully it will be no problem to set it up.
Warning!
Flashtool, which is mentioned in the setup for installing the drivers on Windows, can be polluted on some download sites with virus and/or malware.
Take care!
Drivers from Sony can be downloaded from here.
STEP 4 Root your Locked device
You can root your locked device by following the steps from this thread carefully.
I did'nt manage so I unlocked my device.
STEP 5 Backup DRM keys & TA partition.
As I said, I didn't manage to root the locked device.
It didn't restart into recovery and I couldn't install Superuser.
The original thread for TA backup can be found here.
STEP 6 Unlocking the device
Now that the problem of backing up the TA partition no longer exists the rest of the steps are rather easy.
Go to the Sony website to unlock your device and follow the instructions carefully.
The link on how to unlock is here.
STEP 7 Get the necessary files
You will need:
- TWRP to have recovery from here.
- The Oreo ROM from here.
- Gapps from OpenGapps. (choose ARM, 8.0 and stock)
- TA partition repair from here. Choose the Z3C version and download from Mediafire.
Download everything in one directory.
Websites where information can be found:
How to Root And Install Official TWRP Recovery For Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Restore Lost Functionality on Your Unlocked Xperia Device
STEP 8 Putting it all together
We are almost finished.
- Connect your (running) device to your computer and copy OmniROM, SuperUser, OpenGapps and DRM Function Restore V3 to the Download directory on your device.
- Goto settings -> developer options -> switch USB debugging on (you have done this long before)
- Copy TWRPxxxx.img to your adb directory on your PC
- Find the adb directory (Minimal ADB and Fastboot), press the Shift key and right-click on the directory -> choose Open PowerShell window here.
- In the command window type <./adb devices> (without the ./ it won't work) (without the < and the> of course)
- On your Phone you have to permit adb debugging from your PC (you have done this long before)
- Device connected, positive answer on your screen
- issue the command <./adb reboot bootloader> to go into fastboot mode
- type <./fastboot devices> to see if all goes well
- type <./fastboot flash recovery twrp.img> or whatever the name of the twrp image is. twrp-3.0.2-1-z3c.img
- It takes just as sec and the screen shows its OK
- Boot up your phone by pushing vol-down and on/off together to go into recovery mode and TWRP will show.
- TWRP asks to change the system partition from read only -> Swipe to allow modification
- Choose WIPE -> Swipe to factory reset (patience)
- Go back twice (do NOT reboot) to goto the main menu and choose Install
- Goto the Download directory and choose
-> omni -> add more zips -> superuser -> add more zips -> open gapps -> add more zips -> DRM function restore
-> Swipe to confirm flash
- If you only install Omni and forget superuser and gapps you will end up with a non-system. DRM function restore is luxury.
- Wipe cache and Dalvik cache
- Automagic reboot will follow
- Unplug
- Be patient , the first boot of your Oreo loaded Z3 Compact will take a while.
Step 9 Hurray
You did it!
You ended up with a superb Z3 Compact!

@HvdW Please check your PMs
Also, there is some inaccuracies in your advice and statements in the above guide.

Thanks for your step-by-step guide. I think you don´t need the drm fix if you aren´t using a stock rom with unlocked bootloader.
Omni-ROM will bypass the loss of camera quality.
Since nougat (lineageOS, omni, carbon) developers found a way to have the camera working with the same picture quality as in stock rom.

SkyHigh76 said:
Thanks for your step-by-step guide. I think you don´t need the drm fix if you aren´t using a stock rom with unlocked bootloader.
Omni-ROM will bypass the loss of camera quality.
Since nougat (lineageOS, omni, carbon) developers found a way to have the camera working with the same picture quality as in stock rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you do. Once you unlock the bootloader DRM functionality is gone. So on a stock ROM with unlocked bootlader you will need the DRM fix in order to fix the DRM functionality. If you use a custom kernel with the DRM fix already incorporated into it then you do not need to add it again as you are already using it. In either case, it is needed though...
@HvdW
I tidied up your OP. The missing step 2 is down to you. The original posts did not have a step 2, it went from step 1 to step 3.

Nice, I will try this early January, after Christmas

Thank You!
HvdW said:
Introduction
XDA members devil188, nailyk and Dobsgw created an Omni ROM for Xperia Z3 Compact. https://goo.gl/omqsSP
A great job.
It works, still has some bugs (20171213) but it is good enough to use as replacement for MM as it is now.
Many are afraid to root their device.
- Warranty void
- Device going black
- Not familiar with the steps to take.
Now is the moment to upgrade your device to Oreo
- Warranty is void anyway because your device is more than 2 years old. (test by clicking on the Support app on your device)
- Device going black ( that is your own risk and I take no responsibility whatever if you brick your device)
- This guide takes you by the hand (step by step)
- The rewards are manifold.
Your devices will be as new.
- Oreo has the latest security updates
- You can allways revert to stock MM
The biggest risk in my opinion is unlocking the device and losing DRM keys which affects low-light photo quality.
This risk can be overcome by making a backup of the TA partition and in case that does not work it can partly be repaired.
Let's start.
STEP 1 Backup
You don't want to lose important stuff, so you want to make a backup first.
Method 1
Use Xperia Companion and make a backup to your PC
Method 2
Use the Xperia Transfer Mobile app
Make a backup to the cloud or to SD card.
Method 3
Use Google.
A good explanation can be found here.
Method 4
Use adb
With adb you cannot restore on a non rooted device but we will go rooting the device anyway.
To read about adb look here.
When begin your backup take some extra safety precautions.
- Whatsapp -> settings -> chats -> backup, for a fresh backup
- Whatsapp extra security copy the Whatsapp directory from device memory to SD card or to PC
- Signal -> Import and Export and copy SignalPlaintectBackup.xml to SD card renaming it to SignalPlaintextBakup-201712XX.xml
- Copy DCIM (your pictures) from internal memory to SD card or to PC
- Google backup settings -> accounts & sync -> sync everything
- Copying can be done with TotalCommander
I suggest to try the different methods of backing up and don't forget to test restoring.
STEP 3 Install and use ADB
Because you will root your device and need to make a backup of the ta partition it is important that you are able to use adb.
I made a post on that subject here.
Most of you probably are on Windows 10.
In this ADB and Fastboot for dummies is explained how to install the drivers for Windows 10 (and 8)
When you read it carefully it will be no problem to set it up.
Warning!
Flashtool, which is mentioned in the setup for installing the drivers on Windows, can be polluted on some download sites with virus and/or malware.
Take care!
Drivers from Sony can be downloaded from here.
STEP 4 Root your Locked device
You can root your locked device by following the steps from this thread carefully.
I did'nt manage so I unlocked my device.
STEP 5 Backup DRM keys & TA partition.
As I said, I didn't manage to root the locked device.
It didn't restart into recovery and I couldn't install Superuser.
The original thread for TA backup can be found here.
STEP 6 Unlocking the device
Now that the problem of backing up the TA partition no longer exists the rest of the steps are rather easy.
Go to the Sony website to unlock your device and follow the instructions carefully.
The link on how to unlock is here.
STEP 7 Get the necessary files
You will need:
- TWRP to have recovery from here.
- The Oreo ROM from here.
- Gapps from OpenGapps. (choose ARM, 8.0 and stock)
- TA partition repair from here. Choose the Z3C version and download from Mediafire.
Download everything in one directory.
Websites where information can be found:
How to Root And Install Official TWRP Recovery For Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Restore Lost Functionality on Your Unlocked Xperia Device
STEP 8 Putting it all together
We are almost finished.
- Connect your (running) device to your computer and copy OmniROM, SuperUser, OpenGapps and DRM Function Restore V3 to the Download directory on your device.
- Goto settings -> developer options -> switch USB debugging on (you have done this long before)
- Copy TWRPxxxx.img to your adb directory on your PC
- Find the adb directory (Minimal ADB and Fastboot), press the Shift key and right-click on the directory -> choose Open PowerShell window here.
- In the command window type <./adb devices> (without the ./ it won't work) (without the < and the> of course)
- On your Phone you have to permit adb debugging from your PC (you have done this long before)
- Device connected, positive answer on your screen
- issue the command <./adb reboot bootloader> to go into fastboot mode
- type <./fastboot devices> to see if all goes well
- type <./fastboot flash recovery twrp.img> or whatever the name of the twrp image is. twrp-3.0.2-1-z3c.img
- It takes just as sec and the screen shows its OK
- Boot up your phone by pushing vol-down and on/off together to go into recovery mode and TWRP will show.
- TWRP asks to change the system partition from read only -> Swipe to allow modification
- Choose WIPE -> Swipe to factory reset (patience)
- Go back twice (do NOT reboot) to goto the main menu and choose Install
- Goto the Download directory and choose
-> omni -> add more zips -> superuser -> add more zips -> open gapps -> add more zips -> DRM function restore
-> Swipe to confirm flash
- If you only install Omni and forget superuser and gapps you will end up with a non-system. DRM function restore is luxury.
- Wipe cache and Dalvik cache
- Automagic reboot will follow
- Unplug
- Be patient , the first boot of your Oreo loaded Z3 Compact will take a while.
Step 9 Hurray
You did it!
You ended up with a superb Z3 Compact!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! Excellent step by step baby guide. However <b><i>do</b></i> wish to point out to future people unlocking their bootloader that it is HIGHLY essential that you backup your TA before unlocking the bootloader.

What i did is: unlocked bootloader before i ever sow this post, installed custom stock based rom, red this post, backuped DRM, and DRM found and successfully backuped intact just like it was before unlocking on Z3Compact

OpenGapps 8.0 not working, you need 8.1.0 gapps.

Thanks for posting this guide. Is it ok to ask questions in this thread? Because I'm kind of stuck
I successfully completed every step until #6 "Unlocking the device". For some reason I can't get into fastboot mode anymore. The device shows a black screen, the LED is lighting up blue. Kernel version is 291. Phone has root access and SuperSU installed.
adb recognizes the device, fastboot does not - see attached image.
Any advice?

vinc9876 said:
Thanks for posting this guide. Is it ok to ask questions in this thread? Because I'm kind of stuck
I successfully completed every step until #6 "Unlocking the device". For some reason I can't get into fastboot mode anymore. The device shows a black screen, the LED is lighting up blue. Kernel version is 291. Phone has root access and SuperSU installed.
adb recognizes the device, fastboot does not - see attached image.
Any advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u see blue led u are on fastboot.
Try adb fastboot comand after mast see same help comand, now try fastboot device.
Don't worry, take,it easy. GL
Maybe u are flashtool open, close flashtool.

yo7fb said:
Try adb fastboot comand after mast see same help comand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think I understand what you mean.
I think the bootloader is stuck somehow. Maybe something to do with the .291 ROM being incompatible with the bootloader? I'm pretty sure I should see the fastboot screen like so:
EDIT: Got it working!
Had to reinstall adb/fastboot drivers from the flashtool installation.

HvdW said:
Introduction
-> omni -> add more zips -> superuser -> add more zips -> open gapps -> add more zips -> DRM function restore
-> Swipe to confirm flash
- If you only install Omni and forget superuser and gapps you will end up with a non-system. DRM function restore is luxury.
- Wipe cache and Dalvik cache
- Automagic reboot will follow
- Unplug
- Be patient , the first boot of your Oreo loaded Z3 Compact will take a while.[/hide]
Step 9 Hurray
You did it!
You ended up with a superb Z3 Compact!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the detailed tutorial. I have a question because I stuck in the last steps. When says "superuser" refers to the superuser_238_291.zip file??? because I take that and I waited for more than 1 hour with following Oreo starting screen and never overcome that screen.

Hi guys! Thanks for the manual. I've followed all steps and I upgraded to 8.1.0
All is ok, but when I recive a call doesn't appear anything in screen. Only sound the ring, but I can't answer the call.

jhalvico said:
Thanks a lot for the detailed tutorial. I have a question because I stuck in the last steps. When says "superuser" refers to the superuser_238_291.zip file??? because I take that and I waited for more than 1 hour with following Oreo starting screen and never overcome that screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello.
I'm sadly in same situation as you are (or was). Did everything according to guide but it is 1.5 houre since it started booting.
Do any of you guys have tip what to do?
Btw: thanks for this guide
Edit:
So i managed to get it working by following steps from the Oreo rom page.

the battery on which version lives more?

probably google dialer?
uilino said:
Hi guys! Thanks for the manual. I've followed all steps and I upgraded to 8.1.0
All is ok, but when I recive a call doesn't appear anything in screen. Only sound the ring, but I can't answer the call.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you install google dialer? if so, go to
Settings--> Apps&notifications -->Advanced-->Default apps --> Phone app --> Select "Phone"

Error 7/6 when I try to install ZIP File via TWRP
Hey there, thank you very much for that easy install guide. Unfortunately I get stuck in my TWRP when I try to install the omnirom Zip. It showed error 7, then i edited the binary script file and it changed to error 6. Any kind of solutions here?

Hovenzius said:
Hey there, thank you very much for that easy install guide. Unfortunately I get stuck in my TWRP when I try to install the omnirom Zip. It showed error 7, then i edited the binary script file and it changed to error 6. Any kind of solutions here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, i have got the same problem and i found this solution : https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2522762

Restore with Xperia Companion
HvdW said:
STEP 1 Backup
You don't want to lose important stuff, so you want to make a backup first.
Method 1
Use Xperia Companion and make a backup to your PC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First thank you for your great post!
I try to restore my data after a successful upgrade and after having saved them with Xperia Companion but I can't succeed to make it detect my phone, so I can't use restore function... Do you know how can I achieve that? Is there some apk to install on the phone in order to make Xperia Companion recognize my phone and make restore function work?
Thanks!

Hi guys,
I have successfully followed this step-by-step:
How-to: root, keep and backup DRM keys, etc. [KitKat/Lollipops/Marshmallow/etc.]
and I also have unlocked the BL.
So, my Z3c has
- DualRecovery installed
(Z3C-lockeddualrecoveryX.Y.Z-RELEASE.installer.zip)
- superSU
- pre-rooted D5803 23.5.A.1.291
- backed-up TA
- unlocked BL
My question:
Do I still need to install Twrp or could I just boot into DualRecovery and flash CARBON-CR-6.1 + gaps from internal storage of phone?
Btw, if it isn't already blatantly obvious, I'm a total noob and without all the fine tutorials wouldn’t have a clue what I was doing.
Thanks for reading.