Related
I am currently a G1 owner on the fence about rooting my phone, as are many others. One of the first issues I've come across is being overwhelmed by forum threads. Unless I have missed something (and if I did, please point me in the right direction!), everything is posted in forums here, requiring people to pour through tons of posts and pick through the right information.
Is there an official wiki or something where all the latest news, guides, FAQs, etc. are being updated? If not, I'd love to start one, but unfortunately I don't have the knowledge to do so (yet, at least). I'm thinking of a super simple, jargon-free site for users to find answers to their questions, and a simple outlined "official" process for how to begin and where to go from there.
For example, some FAQs..
Can T-Mobile/Google "cut me off" in any way if they determine I have rooted my phone?
If I change my mind later, can I go back to original firmware and leave no trace that I ever rooted the phone in the first place? Future over-the-air updates will install with no issues?
Let's say I mess up during the rooting process. Is there always a way out, or am I screwed?
How safe is storing apps on the SD card? What can happen to my phone, and how do I avoid problems?
What are the JFvX.XX firmware releases? How do they work? Are they required? Are there other alternatives?
What if a future OTA can't be hacked, will we miss out on features?
I've seen various different methods of rooting the G1, which one is the most popular and why?
etc.
This is just an idea, but there's all these questions like this that I know many people have. While these questions can easily be answered in forums, I'm looking for a more convenient solution for the community. As official answers are nailed down, it would be great to have a reference to check with rather than flooding forums with questions.
Anyway, thanks for all the hard work from the developers here. It's really exciting to follow, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the G1!
they have one:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Dream
look first
kay11224 said:
they have one:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Dream
look first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link, but unfortunately this doesn't seem user friendly (it's filled with unexplained links and jargon), and seems pretty outdated. I'm thinking about info aimed the average n00b end-user here, not developers or people actively following the forums and progress made.
I'm not sure if you understand fully what you're asking. Keeping your phone updated without "actively following the forums and progress made" is a simple task right now, just wait until Google pushes an update for you. If using the search function is too hard for you, I think root access is biting off more than you can chew. All of your FAQ's can easily be found in the development section of the forums. As far as step by step guides are concerned, read the stickies, use the search function, and then ask. It's not complicated at all.
dudinatrix said:
Can T-Mobile/Google "cut me off" in any way if they determine I have rooted my phone?
If I change my mind later, can I go back to original firmware and leave no trace that I ever rooted the phone in the first place? Future over-the-air updates will install with no issues?
Let's say I mess up during the rooting process. Is there always a way out, or am I screwed?
How safe is storing apps on the SD card? What can happen to my phone, and how do I avoid problems?
What are the JFvX.XX firmware releases? How do they work? Are they required? Are there other alternatives?
What if a future OTA can't be hacked, will we miss out on features?
I've seen various different methods of rooting the G1, which one is the most popular and why?
etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) as far as i'm aware no. They can remove apps from peoples phones (allegedly) but i can't see how they would know you have root, or even care. It's good publicity for the phone if anything.
2) Yup, you can easily un-root your phone and the updates should work correctly.
3) Once you have the hardSPL bootloader loaded it's pretty much impossible to brick your phone, see this thread for details.
4) Not sure about this, so i can't comment
5) the JF firmware releases are essentially hacked firmwares, created by JesusFreke, that allow us to get root access (among other things ). they are incredibly easy to install and they are required for certain things such as, multi-touch. as far as i know, there are no alternatives.
6) They will be as everything is open source. I imagine xda will have a firmware hacked within hours of it's release
7) personally, i find this way the best. nice n simple and easy to follow.
have fun
Iceucold said:
I'm not sure if you understand fully what you're asking. Keeping your phone updated without "actively following the forums and progress made" is a simple task right now, just wait until Google pushes an update for you. If using the search function is too hard for you, I think root access is biting off more than you can chew. All of your FAQ's can easily be found in the development section of the forums. As far as step by step guides are concerned, read the stickies, use the search function, and then ask. It's not complicated at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am perfectly capable of handling root access. I am a Linux system administrator (among other things) by profession. I admit, this would be my first attempt at "hacking" a device and thus voiding the warranty, hence my hesitation and "noob" questions. Using the search function is not my concern here, but I can appreciate where you're coming from.
What I'm talking about, and what appears to be misinterpreted, is an information source for common end users, not developers or tech-savy users. If I have questions about rooting the G1, certainly those less technically inclined do as well. And unfortunately for them, they don't necessarily even know where to begin looking. I'm talking about people like my brother in law, for example... who probably never used a forum in his life, but wants to have multi-touch on his phone, or change his themes, or find a solution to his constant "low storage" warnings. People like him don't care about hacking into the phone and getting all this flexible access for himself. They just want to take advantage of what's already been achieved, but unfortunately require root to do so.
I agree that it is pretty simple to root the phone, but face it you have to be somewhat comfortable with technology first, even just to obtain the information.
Perhaps now isn't the appropriate time to wrap things up in a bow and give to the general G1 user base in a tidy little easy-to-digest package. As things develop further it may just naturally come about, perhaps via installers or something. I just think it would be helpful to many to have a source written for the common folk with jargon-free information... considering the more people get their hands on it, the more successful the platform can become.
And to Metlus, thanks for being receptive and answering my questions kindly without making me feel judged for asking what I assume many think is a "just search for it" type of post.
Meltus said:
1) as far as i'm aware no. They can remove apps from peoples phones (allegedly) but i can't see how they would know you have root, or even care. It's good publicity for the phone if anything.
2) Yup, you can easily un-root your phone and the updates should work correctly.
3) Once you have the hardSPL bootloader loaded it's pretty much impossible to brick your phone, see this thread for details.
4) Not sure about this, so i can't comment
5) the JF firmware releases are essentially hacked firmwares, created by JesusFreke, that allow us to get root access (among other things ). they are incredibly easy to install and they are required for certain things such as, multi-touch. as far as i know, there are no alternatives.
6) They will be as everything is open source. I imagine xda will have a firmware hacked within hours of it's release
7) personally, i find this way the best. nice n simple and easy to follow.
have fun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great post meltus!
If and when you do decide to root g1 take your time and breathe, really isn't too hard just nerve racking the first time. I did it and im not a pro at all so you will probably breeze through it! The advancements made so far are unreal, auto browser, themes and many more make rooting well worth it in my opinion
I'm not sure if it gets any easier than this, but gizmodo today posted what looks like the easiest "recipe" yet for rooting the G1:
How To: Hack Android For Multitouch Web Browsing on the T-Mobile G1
I have a G1 that I love and except for market apps is pretty much stock. I've read the forum but most of the talk is geared for people with more technical skill and knowledge then me so I need some answers in plain english. What would you do with it (including memory cards) to get the most out of the phone and why? Thanks guys!
If you don't know why you should do something - don't do it.
However, there are things you might like to do or want, that requires a rooted phone. If (when) that's the case, this site has very good instructions on how to do that.
/Mats
I had no technical background before doing anything that is possible with "modding your phone", but I read for weeks till I felt safe enough to do it and now I've taken most of the advantages that the community has brang forward.
I loved this phone before rooting and I love it even more after. I would say research root till you feel like you can take the plunge, if you dont feel comfortable, dont do it. Just my .02
if you have no technical brackground and woul like to root your phone there is an app now that does it with very little user input. there are all kinds of great things you can do with this phone and i am not gonna tell you that you should or have to do any of them, but odds are there is going to be something that you find that makes you go "damn i wish i had rooted my phone" at that poing in time you can go find the "app that roots your phone" (search that on the main dream forum or in the development subforum and you will find it) and then you will be able to do just about whatever you want with your awesome phone.
as a warning i would suggest that before you do anything on your phone you should read the entire thread or article about the modification, and read al user comments, that way you are familiar with what to do if you mess something up.
Hey i'm a new guy to the whole rooting scene, and i have a bunch of questions. I have a Vibrant, and the only real reason i see for me rooting is so that i can get froyo ASAP, because being with T-mobile i've realized that we always get all the updates late. Other than that what other reason would there be to root? I read the whole Q+A and watched the videos and blogs and read all these posts on how to root the phone, and what rooting is, but my question is what happens after that? Everyone is talking roms and black market apps, and froyo how would i put any of that stuff on my phone once i've rooted, and what, if anything, is there to put on the vibrant since it's such a relative new phone. As you can tell i'm lost in the sauce and having spent a little over $2000 in the last 14 months on cellphones (Long story, just know i left android with my g1 and went windows mobile a few times, worst damn mistake ever windows phone's blow!!!!), and finally found one that i can stomach without wanting to smash it against the wall, i would hate to do something stupid and be out another phone. Is rooting even for me? I really just want less crapware, no adds, and a little faster performance thru froyo HELP!!! and i don't really speak too much computer talk, i'm an accountant not a progammer. and answers would be very helpful. i'm so confused right now!!!
P.S if i root, can i get rid of all this crapware that t-mobile has on this phone, and if so, how? And
I would try to learn a whole lot more on my own before even thinking about rooting. You can really mess things up if you don't know what you're doing.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Read the first post of the tips and tricks thread at the to. It should clear this up for you. If not, ask a question AFTER reading that post.
To clarify things: "Rooting" does not give you access to loading custom ROMs. Rooting only gives you administrative permissions to do more things with your phone and access to apps on the market that require root access.
Froyo is not out on custom ROMs for Vibrant yet (don't ask for ETAs either). Some other reasons to root as I mentioned above is to gain access to apps that require root access.
Yes rooting can help you get rid of the bloatware. To gain access to flash custom ROMs, you need to do it thru Clockwork's Recovery, but there aren't any custom ROMs available YET.
Would you dismantle the engine under the hood of your car if you don't know what the parts are?
If you have to ask such basic questions after reading the FAQs, etc., rooting is not for you.
Now I'm fully aware of my n00b status, and will not deny it at all, however last night when I was in the midst of my ROM installation fiasco (worked out well in the end!) I thought of something that might be pretty useful when doing all this flashing back to stock in order to load a custom rom...(and then messing up the custom rom, then loading backup, then messing that up, then almost bricking, then freaking out over possible brick, then figuring out how to really use ODIN3, then starting stock, lol....the past 12 hours has been a serious learning experience, but fun now that it's done)
The process I followed to install the Cognition ROM involved taking my bone stock captivate and rooting it, then installing ROM Manager, then backup, etc....Here's my suggestion, take it for what it's worth, and if I'm overstepping my boundaries, try to be nice about letting me know
I've noticed that there are many root "packages" where it installs root, and lagfixes, and a ton of other stuff, but (and maybe I haven't looked hard enough, but I've looked...) I noticed there isn't just a root "package" that ONLY roots the phone and installs ROM Manager only...this is my suggestion- make one! Maybe include Titanium backup, but since I was a bone stock Captivate, I didn't really have too much invested in apps, since I knew I was going to be going back and forth, and I intend on keeping it that way for a while, since I am still learning. But yeah- Root, ROM Manager, and Titanium Backup package would pretty much be the sh*t!
Now, I know I haven't contributed a damn thing to this forum, but this seems like it would be a handy tool to have, and while it's benefits are marginal (you save the whole 3 or 4 minutes to go to the market and install these apps) it makes life a little easier in a world where life isn't always easy (as I found out last night/this morning
If something like this exists already, forgive me for my ignorance and please point me in the right direction. I'm not trying to step on any toes or offend anyone, I just think this would be handy to have, and judging from the knowledge floating around this forum, it *seems* like it would be something fairly elementary for some of you extremely knowledgeable folks to do..
My apologies for such a long-winded post, but I tend to be that way, and again...thanks to all on this forum for a treasure trove of information to read through and slowly acquaint myself with the Android OS...It's hella better than the 3gs Iphone I previously had.......
Welcome aboard. I will say this first, post in the proper area of the forum, this belongs in the general discussion area, for future reference, this is the developement forum.
There are one click root methods, there are other packages that remove AT&T bloat and toss in a few other goodies. A word of caution, read, read, read, learn as much as you can from all of our mistakes before you go making the same ones. You should read an entire thread before jumping ahead and flashing, that way you avoid fiascos and possible brick your phone. Read all of the stickies at the top of the page, then browse all of the topics discussed, usually if you read an entire thread your questions will be answered in it. If you run into trouble and need help you will find it here. Happy hunting!
Root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=739304
ROM Manager and Titanium: Get them from the market.
Rhiannon224 said:
Welcome aboard. I will say this first, post in the proper area of the forum, this belongs in the general discussion area, for future reference, this is the developement forum.
There are one click root methods, there are other packages that remove AT&T bloat and toss in a few other goodies. A word of caution, read, read, read, learn as much as you can from all of our mistakes before you go making the same ones. You should read an entire thread before jumping ahead and flashing, that way you avoid fiascos and possible brick your phone. Read all of the stickies at the top of the page, then browse all of the topics discussed, usually if you read an entire thread your questions will be answered in it. If you run into trouble and need help you will find it here. Happy hunting!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 to this and yes there is indeed a one-click root already (as bare as you can get). installing ROM manager and titanium can be your job after that (how hard is that? takes like 5 seconds). and yes, read! reading is your friend! read read read read and then when you feel like you've learned everything you can, read more because you still haven't figured it all out. and again, because this doesn't provide anything NEW or unique to Android running on the Samsung Captivate, please keep it to General.
Thanks and enjoy your phone
Rhiannon224 said:
Welcome aboard. I will say this first, post in the proper area of the forum, this belongs in the general discussion area, for future reference, this is the developement forum.
There are one click root methods, there are other packages that remove AT&T bloat and toss in a few other goodies. A word of caution, read, read, read, learn as much as you can from all of our mistakes before you go making the same ones. You should read an entire thread before jumping ahead and flashing, that way you avoid fiascos and possible brick your phone. Read all of the stickies at the top of the page, then browse all of the topics discussed, usually if you read an entire thread your questions will be answered in it. If you run into trouble and need help you will find it here. Happy hunting!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. I will be sure to post correctly next time. Maybe a mod can move this thread.
As far as reading, that's all I've been doing for the past 2 months (hence, my low post count...didn't want to post when an answer is around the corner) Coming from the Iphone, this is a whole new monster, and all the reading I've done has benefited me infinitely
pyrplhaze said:
Cool. I will be sure to post correctly next time. Maybe a mod can move this thread.
As far as reading, that's all I've been doing for the past 2 months (hence, my low post count...didn't want to post when an answer is around the corner) Coming from the Iphone, this is a whole new monster, and all the reading I've done has benefited me infinitely
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Enjoy your phone, I love mine, I'm a noob too and I spend hours everyday studying these forums. Everyone on here is very helpfull, I use Designgears stuff and love it. His new ROM is amazing it will make your phone fly. My phone has never worked like this, my battery life has improved drastically since flashing this ROM last night. Here's a link to the thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=786532
Rhiannon224 said:
Enjoy your phone, I love mine, I'm a noob too and I spend hours everyday studying these forums. Everyone on here is very helpfull, I use Designgears stuff and love it. His new ROM is amazing it will make your phone fly. My phone has never worked like this, my battery life has improved drastically since flashing this ROM last night. Here's a link to the thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=786532
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but she needs to show it off in her signature... =)
techmik67 said:
Yes, but she needs to show it off in her signature... =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was enjoying it so much I forgot to update my signature. I've been hanging out here trying to help answer some questions, thanks for catching that.
Hey all, new to the android phones... have my self a desire z with bell, looking for the best over all root out there, someone suggested i check out this site as they probably have some optimized setups already...
any suggestions for the phone would be amazing
Cheers
Next time, before you post and add to the clutter in these forums, take ONE MINUTE and SEARCH or READ some threads.
There are numerous guides in Android Development that walk you through the root process step by step.
kneedraggin101 said:
Hey all, new to the android phones... have my self a desire z with bell, looking for the best over all root out there, someone suggested i check out this site as they probably have some optimized setups already...
any suggestions for the phone would be amazing
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gbarayah said:
Next time, before you post and add to the clutter in these forums, take ONE MINUTE and SEARCH or READ some threads.
There are numerous guides in Android Development that walk you through the root process step by step.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like gbarayah said all you need to do is use the search button next time, but since this is your first post I'll skip the flaming and point you in the right direction, there are three ways to root your HTC Vision but the safest and most reliable way is to temp root with Rage + Perm root with Gfree, the instructions to do this can be found HERE on the XDA Wiki for the Vision.
i did look, and there is 30 pages of ppl talking about this one or that one or this that this that, and on the phone its a big pita.....
so its not clutter, im asking for a no bs answer to which is the best for a phone to which i use and enjoy the sense ui it has...
also since im new, i figured it would be a nice way to have ppl explain to me what i need to know, with the ability to ask questions and have them answered in MY OWN WAY, vs reading what others have said
thnx for the snotty reply tho ( to the first post)
kneedraggin101 said:
i did look, and there is 30 pages of ppl talking about this one or that one or this that this that, and on the phone its a big pita.....
so its not clutter, im asking for a no bs answer to which is the best for a phone to which i use and enjoy the sense ui it has...
also since im new, i figured it would be a nice way to have ppl explain to me what i need to know, with the ability to ask questions and have them answered in MY OWN WAY, vs reading what others have said
thnx for the snotty reply tho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People are explaining what you need to know, Please refer to the XDA forum rules HERE and look at rule number one. Please don't be too sensitive here, its just there are so many redundant thread in this forum on the same thing.
so your telling me, that when someone is NEW to something, and has ZERO idea on what most of that stuff means in the link provided above, that im not permitted to ask about which ppl suggest, and how to go about making it happen??
wow good to know
kneedraggin101 said:
so your telling me, that when someone is NEW to something, and has ZERO idea on what most of that stuff means in the link provided above, that im not permitted to ask about which ppl suggest, and how to go about making it happen??
wow good to know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I am telling you is that I have read the majority of threads in this forum and what you asked has been asked at least 50+ times, thats what I mean, If your having an issue with rooting and have searched for an awnser to your problem and can't find an awnser by all means, please post a new thread but I can guarantee all the problems people have ran into with rooting have been solved and the solutions posted. Like I said don't be so sensitive and over dramatic.
kneedraggin101 said:
Hey all, new to the android phones... have my self a desire z with bell, looking for the best over all root out there, someone suggested i check out this site as they probably have some optimized setups already...
any suggestions for the phone would be amazing
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand how confusing it can be, trying to sift through a ton of threads and posts, reading lingo, terms, and abbreviations that you don't understand. It's like trying to learn something new and the instructions are written in another language.
I can also understand how frustrating it can be to KNOW all this information and have the same basic questions asked all the time when the information is easily available.
You should start by reading THIS, it is an over view of the phone, some step by steps, and links. It will get you started. Also HERE, and HERE.
Personally, I would play with your new phone for a while first. Get used to Android in general, and get to understand your phone. While you are doing that, read those links and then start reading some other threads in the forums. Get hands on first, then start to look deeper into rooting and modifying. The G2/Desire Z is already a great phone. Jumping right into rooting when you are still new to Android is like buying a brand new Mustang and wanting to start modifying it before you ever really drive it. But that's just my opinion. I started with the G1 when it first came out, moved onto the Slide, and now the G2. I didn't root my G1 until after a year when it was pretty much announced that they weren't going to upgrade it. Then the Slide when I got my G2, and I haven't even rooted my G2 yet......I'm still waiting to see the official 2.3 upgrade until I decide to root.
Just be patient, read as much as you can and it will all start to make sense. Play with the phone for a while, THEN decide if you want to take on rooting. It's not the easiest thing in the world to do, but there are plenty of step by step's out there. Good luck.
kneedraggin101 said:
so your telling me, that when someone is NEW to something, and has ZERO idea on what most of that stuff means in the link provided above, that im not permitted to ask about which ppl suggest, and how to go about making it happen??
wow good to know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I apologize for the 'snotty' remarks above, but over the past few months there has been a significant increase in the number of redundant threads opened on these forums. It makes them cluttered and frustrates many users, myself included.
Referring to your post above, think about how many threads would be opened if every new member of the community who was new to Android started their own thread on how to root.
99.5% of the questions that people ask when they are 'new' to Android have already been answered somewhere else. Most of the time, a search and some reading will lead you in the right direction.
I would be more understanding if you had read the wiki or some of the other guides but based on the question you asked in your first post, it didn't appear that you had made the slightest effort to do so. The threads can be a bit overwhelming when you are new, but like someone said earlier, rooting isn't something you should jump straight into if you are not comfortable with your device.
This community is very helpful but make sure you follow the FORUM RULES and do some research before starting your own thread. If you have questions about a specific step in the rooting process, there are other threads that are already open where your question should go.
well ok, so let me ask you this,, i used the method mentioned here
hxxp://theunlockr.com/2010/11/15/universal-android-rooting-method-visionary-method/
and it shows i still have SU permission... but everytime my phone re starts, it opens visionary and says rooting phone...
but the thing is, my phone is snail slow now... and when i go back to the main screen, it takes forever and says loading... then my normal screen shows up... its also taking forever to do simple things, such as open text msg's
any suggestions on this problem?
That's temp rooting, and isn't the same thing as modifying the phone, giving you true root and installing a custom ROM. It's basically just allowing you root access to run SU and other apps that require root access.
I personally think it's great for those who want to use some apps that require root, like "Shoot Me". But it's not true root. I used it on my G2 and found the same things you found, that it slows the phone down. I figure it's because the reason rooted phones are normally faster than original is because of the custom ROMs that you install. It really has nothing to do with root itself, rooting just allows you to run a custom ROM. And it's the ROM that makes the phone faster, usually due to less things running in the background and overclocking the processor.
I still have VISIONary on mine, but I don't have it set to temp root on startup, I only run it if I want to use an app that requires root.
it shows on visionary that you can do a perm root via the software, and i did that, so when the phone restarts, it still shows i have su....
so are you telling me that if i unclick temp root and restart my phone it should be better??
basically i just want to keep the stock rom, or find a better one that still uses sense, as its super usefull for me.... i just wanted to root, so i can use the cpu thing to speed up the phone and scale it down when its in my pocket etc....
so i need help, i ran a stock bencmark and i got almost 1500, now im gettin 1000... which seems to be a huge diff and thats all ive changed was rooting the phone...
suggestions on a great sense rom then?
You are very luck you didn't brick your phone running visionary perm root. Don't try that again, you might not be so lucky ^_^
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 running Cyanogenmod.
kneedraggin101 said:
it shows on visionary that you can do a perm root via the software, and i did that, so when the phone restarts, it still shows i have su....
so are you telling me that if i unclick temp root and restart my phone it should be better??
basically i just want to keep the stock rom, or find a better one that still uses sense, as its super usefull for me.... i just wanted to root, so i can use the cpu thing to speed up the phone and scale it down when its in my pocket etc....
so i need help, i ran a stock bencmark and i got almost 1500, now im gettin 1000... which seems to be a huge diff and thats all ive changed was rooting the phone...
suggestions on a great sense rom then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PermaRoot and TempRoot via VISIONary gives you root access, but it is not the same as rooting and running a custom ROM. Like I said before, the key in making the phone faster is not having root access. Having the phone run faster is all in the ROM you are running. Rooting is just the first step in loading a custom ROM.
I personally have not run any custom ROMs on my G2 yet, because I find that the stock 2.2 runs very fast as it is. However, I find that cm7 on the Slide runs very fast and works great, even though it is still considered an experimental rom. You could run the latest CM6 stable version.
I am personally waiting for the official 2.3 to come out for the G2 before loading a custom ROM, just because I don't see the need to run one yet. The phone runs very fast out of the box.
Let me ask, what are you trying to get out of rooting?
i was just looking to have the ability to speed up the phone a lil bit, have some scaling, since the battery life is horrible, and if there was a nice optimized sense rom out, id look into that...