Database Users

Updating HBOOT 08x to 1.01.000 on HTC Wildfire (including Rooting & S-OFF)

Hi guys
I just updated my HTC Wildfire from HBOOT version 08… to 1.01.0001 and I ran into many problems on the way. I’m just writing this guide to help out any other people that are in the same situation as me and don’t want to be searching Google for half a day finding solutions to every tiny problem. Please note this worked for me but I cannot guarantee it will work for you so follow this tutorial at your own risk!
Step 1: Find the RUU that has HBOOT 1.01.0001
I used RUU_Buzz_Froyo_HTC_WWE_2.22.405.1_Radio_13.55.55.24H_3.35.20.10_release_160191_signed.exe which you can find here.
And more specifically the download link is here (Credits to 3xeno for the RUU list and uploads).
Step 2: Extract the rom.zip from the RUU
There are many ways of extracting rom.zip the method I used is:
1. Run the RUU installer.
2. Go to your windows temporary folder.
3. Search for rom.zip
Another method that will definitely work and you can be sure you have the correct zip file is given here.
Step 3: Create a goldcard (easy way)
I found that flashing the above RUU was impossible without a goldcard and after lots of searching I found a link for downloading the GoldCardTool - a software that automates most of what you have to do and saves you lots of time.
Note: You need to format your SD card so backup anything important and then go to
Settings -> Storage -> Unmount SD Card
Then hit Erase SD card.
Now you are ready to create a Goldcard.
You can download the software here and follow the instructions in the readme file, they are very straight forward.
Step 4: Prepare the ROM for flashing
Rename rom.zip to PC49IMG.zip and place it on your SD card (in the root folder of your SD card ie. No folder within the SD card).
Now reboot your phone into the bootloader. Mine always starts with FASTBOOT in focus and I have to press the power button over BOOTLOADER to get it to scan the SD card for PC49IMG.zip. Once it finds the zip file it will open and parse the file and then ask you if you’d like to update. Press volume up to confirm then DON’T TOUCH ANYTHING.
Once the update is complete reboot the bootloader and make sure the HBOOT is 1.01.0001. Once that is confirmed you can boot into Android.
Step 5: Use AlphaRevx to get S-OFF and Clockwork recovery
Before you use AlphaRevx you will need to make sure you have the correct drivers.
Download the HTC Fastboot drivers which you can get here.
Also download Superuser which you will use later from here and copy this onto your SD card when you find the time!
(Credits for the links go to the guys at unrevoked for their wiki)
Now it’s time to get the Revolutionary software.
Go to http://revolutionary.io/ and download Revolutionary.
Now plug in your phone and make sure USB debugging is on, if it is not then go to Settings -> Applications -> Development and Enable USB debugging.
Now extract and run the Revolutionary software. It should open a command prompt and it will walk you through the installation, the serial number that you give in the website is given in the command prompt (it is not the same as the serial number on the back of your battery!). If you find an error right from the start it probably means you don’t have ADB drivers – Google sdk can help you out with that one. At the end of the installation it gives you the option to download and install Clockwork recovery mod – say yes (Y) to this option!
Step 6: Rooting your phone
Now that Revolutionary is complete you can reboot your phone into Clockwork Recovery. Select install application from zip file. Choose to select the zip file and then find the Superuser zip file that you download earlier (Superuser-3.0.7-efgh-signed.zip) and install it. If you forgot to put it on DON’T reboot your phone just go to the main menu of Clockwork Recovery. Go to mounts/partitions (I can’t remember the exact name) and at the bottom it says “mount SD card”. Select that and copy the file over to the SD card and then flash it using the directions given above.
Step 7: Flashing a custom ROM (or Fix for if your phone stops on boot screen)
You can either stop at Step 6 or continue to this step and flash a custom ROM.
To do this boot into Clockwork Recovery and do the following:
1. Wipe data
2. Clear cache
3. Clear Dalvik cache in advanced menu
I found that after I flashed a ROM without doing the above 3 steps it got stuck on the boot screen so please do the above 3 steps!
Now flash the ROM by choosing to install from a zip file. Reboot and you’re done!
I updated to Cyanogen mod 2.3.7 and I just want to throw in that Radio_13.55.55.24H_3.35.20.10.zip worked for me !
I really hope this tutorial helped. I just did it with my phone and it’s working well so I wanted to share what I did. Credits go out to everyone that put up tutorials on how to solve problems and all the download links and especially to the guys that wrote Revolutionary – it is an amazing software keep up the good work !
Cheers guys
Kerren

A very thorough guide and many people will benefit from this.
This is nearly exactly the same routine I followed from a guide which I can't remember where from now lol and very grateful help from 3xeno (yoda) but I don't think I did anything with alpharevx though and also I just flashed my cm7 nandroid after revolutionary to gain my superuser and I'm sure the serial part WAS my serial on phone but can't remember exactly.
Anyway my point is that after reading through your post it brought back the memory of the satisfaction of successfully s-offing my phone. great work.
"sent from me2u"

Cool!
Haha thanks man glad I could bring back memories
When it comes to the serial number I'm not completely sure, I had generated a code from the serial on the back of my battery and that didn't work. I then read the serial from command prompt and it seemed a lot shorter (also I got a code that worked ).
Maybe I made a mistake originally but all I know is that you don't have to rip your battery out to get the serial number - they give it to you anyway .
Thanks very much for the reply!

Ah yes that sounds familiar now.
"sent from me2u"

From stock 4.5.141 to CM7.2RC2 (a brief how-to)

There are some noob tutorial around, but none of them specifically says
anything about 4.5.141 unless you dig quite some pages at the end of the
threads. This post is not going to be a complete guide or tutorial, nor it is
going to be a detailed how-to. It will be a breif how-to that tells you what
works on 4.5.141 and give you some confidence when rooting and unlocking
4.5.141.
Before flashing a new rom on your stock atrix, you should understand the risks
of losing data, voided warranty, malfunction of the new rom, or even get your
phone hard bricked. if you were worried, and still are worried after reading
many XDA threads, a new rom is not for you. The stock ROM is not that bad.
Enough talk, let's get to the point of how to get CM7.2RC2 running on your
phone.
Table of Contents
1 PRE-CONDITIONS
2 BRIEF PROCESS
3 DETAILS
1 PRE-CONDITIONS
Atrix phone.
Stock rom running 4.5.141, stock bootloader.
If you have rooted your phone, or have unlocked your bootloader, just skip
the corresponding step.
If you are running versions below 4.5.141, there are ready-made scripts to
do things.
I myself use an SD card, but I don't think it's necessary to flash
CM7.2RC2 or gapps. (Please correct me if I'm wrong.)
Windows OS.
Motorola only offers phone drivers to Windows OS.
Internet access.
You will need to download files from some file sharing websites.
USB Cable.
For connecting your phone to Windows PC and run commands.
Know how to run a command line application in Windows.
I won't tell you how to use unzip, cmd.exe, and cd commands. I won't tell
you about PATH, directorys and file names. If you are looking for a
word-by-word tutorial, stop now.
2 BRIEF PROCESS
Download CM7.2RC2 zip file and gapps.
Backup important user data.
Root your phone so that you can run Titan Backup.
Backup all your data, including app data that you wish to keep.
Unlock bootloader.
[Root again &] flash recovery. //read why I root again in details.
Flash rom and gapps.
Config CM7.2, restore app data.
3 DETAILS
Before I start, I need to say I only own an AT&T atrix, other atrix could have
some differences, please read the threads that I refer to to get more
information.
Download CM7.2RC2 zip file and gapps.
CM7.2RC2
http://download.cyanogenmod.com/?device=olympus
download update-cm-7.2.0-RC2-olympus-signed.zip
gapps
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Latest_Version/Google_Apps
download the one for CyanogenMod 7.
Store CM7.2RC2 to your internal storage.
Store gapps to your SD card. [I don't know why.]
Store them to both place if you are unsure. [That's what I did.]
On stock rom, internal storage is mounted at mnt/sdcard, SD card is
mounted at mnt/sdcard-ext.
# Could someone tell me why where to store the zip file matters?
# I see Romracer's Recovery can flash zip file in either place.
Back up important user data.
Everyone has different things to back up.
My list includes:
Contacts.
App settings & data
if the app support "backup to SD card" alike function, do it.
if the app support syncing, do it.
this includes syncing all items on google account.
for other apps, you may use Titan Backup later to backup data.
bookmarks.
ssh keys stored on phone.
icons on Home screen.
a list of installed apps.
Photos/Camrecords.
Musics
PDFs
network and VPN settings
I purposely do not mention apps I am using to avoid advertising.
Root your phone so that you can run Titan Backup.
I don't think rooting your phone is necessary at this stage, but I did it
in order to use Titan Backup. If you have nothing worth backing up, you may
skip this. (Please tell me if I'm wrong here.)
[install Motorola USB drivers]
http://www.motorola.com/Support/US-EN/Support-Homepage/Software_and_Drivers/USB-and-PC-Charging-Drivers
download the all-in-one driver and install it.
[download the tools and preinstall.img file.]
http://hotfile.com/dl/147091460/bb5f4c5/moto-fastboot-win32.7z.html
download the 7z file, and unzip it using winrar or 7-zip.
7-zip is free software, google it for download.
boot to fastboot mode.
Power off your phone. hold Volume Down, press Power.
when the screen show fastboot, press Volume Up to enter fastboot mode.
(Press Volume Down will cycle all mode choices, press Volume Up selects the
mode that is shown on the screen.)
flash preinstall, reboot.
unzip the 7z file you downloaded, start cmd.exe and go to that dir.
connect phone to Windows PC using usb cable.
run these commands:
Code:
moto-fastboot flash preinstall preinstall.img
moto-fastboot reboot
replace /system/bin/su with /preinstall/su and set permission to 6755.
when phone is fully rebooted, enable USB debugging.
Settings > Application > Development > USB debugging
Disconnect and reconnect the cable if windows does not find your phone.
run these commands:
Code:
adb shell
/preinstall/dosu
/bin/mount /system -o remount,rw
cp /preinstall/su /system/bin/su
chmod 6755 /system/bin/su
PATH=/system/bin:$PATH pm install /preinstall/Superuser.apk
exit
exit
Notes:
If "adb shell" fails, try disconnect and reconnect cable.
On success, it shows "$" on a new line.
when running "/preinstall/dosu", you can ignore this error:
"bash: groups: command not found".
done.
now you are rooted, you can disconnect USB cable if you wish.
Backup all your data, including app data that you wish to keep.
More backups won't hurt. Now it's time to backup all your apps and files.
Now that you are rooted, you can install Titan Backup and backup the
non-system apps. Back up other apps as you wish. I'm completely new to
Titan Backup. I only used it to backup non-system apps, for the purpose of
restoring app data later.
Note that CM7.2RC2 is based on android 2.3.7, while 4.5.141 is based on
android 2.3.6. I did not try to restore 2.3.6 stock app data to 2.3.7
myself to avoid any possible error.
If for some reason, Titan Backup told you you are not rooted, just do the
root step again. It does no harm to your phone.
Unlock bootloader.
[install motorola USB drivers]
if you haven't done this. Do it now. see download link at step 3.
[download RSD, fastboot, and the small 1MB SBF file.]
moto-fastboot is included in the 7z file in step 3.
RSDLite and the 1MB SBF file download:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1136261
scroll to the "Unlock:" section.
"Unlocker only SBFs - These small 1mb SBF files will get your phone ready
to fasboot oem unlock. They are the files most people should use."
Notice that the 1MB SBF file is different for ATT and other atrix.
Choose the correct version.
Power off atrix. take out microSD card and sim card. [not sure why]
Flash the small SBF file using RSD Lite.
Unzip the downloaded small SBF file.
Install RSDLite.
Boot phone to RSD mode. Connect USB cable. Run RSD Lite on Windows PC,
select the unzipped .sbf file, press Start.
[I guess you know how to boot to different modes now. But just in case,
first Power off your phone, hold Volume Down and press Power, when screen
show "fastboot", press Volume Down to cycle between choices, when it show
"RSD", press Volume Up to confirm.]
The phone will disconnect and connect again and may goto other modes
automatically. Watch the progress shown in RSDLite window.
Here is a side story: while I'm flash this, the phone switch to fastboot
mode automatically, when RSDLite is waiting for the phone to go to BP
pass ?? mode, at progress 98%. I didn't notice it is still waiting for
the phone, when I see it goes to fastboot, I just run the fastboot oem
unlock command in the next step, and the phone get unlocked successfully,
then I reboot it with fastboot reboot. But when the reboot finished, the
phone asks me to setup moto blur and google account. apps and user
configs are gone. But I don't care, becaue I have all important things
backed up. I just skipped most of the setup because I'm going to flash a
new ROM. So it looks like the phone did a factory reset after the
unlock. I also lost root after this. Could someone tell me is this
expected behavior of a normal unlock, or is this a consequence that I
failed to let RSDLite work to the full 100% progress?
Do fastboot oem unlock.
Boot phone to fastboot mode. connect USB cable.
Switch to the dir that contains moto-fastboot, then run these commands:
Code:
moto-fastboot oem unlock //It will print your device ID.
moto-fastboot oem unlock <your-device-ID>
moto-fastboot reboot
Done.
When your phone reboot, you will notice the unlocked red text on motorola
screen.
I hope you did not get a factory reset. But if it did, don't panic.
[Root again &] flash recovery.
I definitely do not want to root again here, but my phone looks as if it
has got a factory reset when I was unlocking the bootloader. And I lose
root as a result. I could just go ahead and flash recovery, but it turns
out I need to delete a file in /system partition before I can boot into
Romracer's Recovery. To delete that file, I need root.
[download Romracer's Recovery]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1204500
You can download any of the recovery file listed there under "ALL USERS".
To root again, just redo step 3.
Rename (or delete) /system/etc/install-recovery.sh using a root file
manager.
When you are fully rebooted, install a root file manager (for example, ES
file explorer), and rename /system/etc/install-recovery.sh to
install-recovery.sh.bak
Until you rename or delete this file, you can't boot into the recovery
you are going to flash. Because the recovery file will be replaced when
the phone boots.
flash recovery.
If you downloaded zip file, unzip it.
Then copy img file to the dir that contains moto-fastboot.exe.
Boot phone to fastboot mode, connect phone to Windows PC, go to
moto-fastboot dir, run these commands:
Code:
moto-fastboot erase recovery
moto-fastboot flash recovery recovery-atrix5.img
moto-fastboot reboot
Flash rom and gapps.
Preparation
If your battery is low, replace battery now. There is no stop and resume
support when making a backup or flashing a new ROM.
If you have taken out microSD card and sim card when unlocking
bootloader, you should put it back now.
Boot into recovery mode.
Inside recovery, press Volume Up and Volume Down to go up and down.
Press Menu soft key to confirm.
Do a backup.
Go to Backup & Restore and create a backup.
You will be asked whether to include webtop in the backup.
If you do, expect the backup to take a long time. (~30 minutes)
Flash CM7.2RC2 and gapps.
In recovery menu, choose install zip file from SD card.
Locate the CM7.2 zip file, and confirm flash.
When done, you need to wipe some data/cache, confirm wipe in each step:
wipe data/factory reset
wipe cache partition
Advanced > wipe Dalvik Cache
When asked whether to include sdcard-ext, I chose yes.
Done.
You are ready to reboot the CM7.2RC2.
Config CM7.2, restore app data.
Some configs you may want to tweak:
Home Screen > Menu > More > Wallpaper
CM settings > Display Settings > Screen-off animation > off
Display > Brightness > [auto]
Display > Animation > none
Date & Time > Select time zone
Sound > Phone ringtone
Sound > Notification ringtone
Sound > Haptic feedback > off //vibrate when pressing soft keys
CM settings > Sounds > Mute camera shutter
CM settings > Input > Long-press menu > soft keyboard
Some first impressions of built-in apps and the CM7.2 ROM.
The Motorola stock quickoffice is gone. you might want to instal Adobe
Reader for PDFs.
Stock gallery is unusable, it's worse than Motorola stock Gallery. Just
use Quickpic and set your image/photo directories.
ADWLauncher has 3 icons in the stock, you can change it to 5 icons.
ADWLauncher > UI Settings > Main Dock Style > 5 Icons
Now you can go ahead and install apps you use from Market(Google Play).
You can restore user app backups from Titan Backup.
Enjoy CM7.2
All credit goes to XDA members, CyanogenMod team and Motorola Corp for the mod, tools, files and drivers that they developed and released. Without them this how-to won't be possible.
This code is translated from org-mode text to html then to BBCode, I'm sorry if the formatting looks a bit alien.

Thank you for your great work (not found the thank button). I think this tread may be added to the top, found it only accidentally

Great thread for noobs! Bump so it doesnt get lost. Thanks for your time writing this.

HELPPP
So i bought an atrix 4g and i cant root because im on 2.3.6 4.5.141 and cant root i unlocked bootloader but cant root I dont know why i do everything step by step on root but i dont know why Command Prompt wont let me It says something like "Moto" is not recognized as an internal or external command something like that--

jesusitox12 said:
So i bought an atrix 4g and i cant root because im on 2.3.6 4.5.141 and cant root i unlocked bootloader but cant root I dont know why i do everything step by step on root but i dont know why Command Prompt wont let me It says something like "Moto" is not recognized as an internal or external command something like that--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't the proper command "moto-fastboot" ?
MB860, CM7.2.0, Faux 026b1 1Ghz

jesusitox12 said:
So i bought an atrix 4g and i cant root because im on 2.3.6 4.5.141 and cant root i unlocked bootloader but cant root I dont know why i do everything step by step on root but i dont know why Command Prompt wont let me It says something like "Moto" is not recognized as an internal or external command something like that--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
perhaps after you unzipped the moto-fastboot stuff you didn't direct your command prompt to the directory?
or missing the path to it in system variables or something?
i remember i just have the directory with moto-fastboot in flash drive which i just navigate to in command prompt just to be able to run the moto-fastboot command
hope that helps?

[Guide] Ultimate Nexus 4 Root Guide

Post One: Unlocking and Rooting
Post Two: Installing Roms / Kernels / Tweaks
Post Three: Panic Section / FAQ / Miscellaneous
Unlocking The Bootloader And Obtaining Root
*This part of the tutorial is geared towards Windows users. The MAC instructions are very similar, from what I understand. Install the package the same way. All ADB/Fastboot commands may need to start with "adb-mac" (no quotes) rather than "adb" (no quotes). Due to the vast amount of Linux distros available; instructions will vary for your device. Once ADB/Fastboot are set up all command will begin with "./adb" (no quotes) rather than "adb" (no quotes). Once ADB/Fastboot are set up; this guide is relevant to everyone.*
Time required:
20-40 minutes.
Setting up ADB for our device:
Download the AndroidSDK onto your computer.
Note: Google changes their mind every other week as to if this will be distributed as a .zip or an .exe. If you get an .zip file, simply extract the contents to your C:\ drive. For an .exe install it like you would any other program, but set the path directly to the C:\ drive when the installer asks.
Or...you can use this page to download the "ADB for Dummies AIO App."
This will automatically install ADB for you to your C:\ directory. It's very very simple this way.
If your platform-tools folder doesn't have a fastboot.exe, place this fastboot.exe file in your C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools (or possibly simply called tools, if you set up ADB ages ago) folder.
Now you have ADB installed! Congratulations.
Unlocking the Bootloader:
***NOTE***
This will perform a factory reset on your device. You will lose all applications. Even the data on your SD Card! I'd recommend making a Backup to your computer BEFORE performing this. There is a method for backing your data up, detailed HERE.
For the time being, there is a method available that will allow you to unlock your device (and root it) without losing your data.
For instructions, click HERE. Please note: this is a hack and isn't the "conventional" and "accepted" way of unlocking your bootloader on a nexus device. The wipe requirement is there for your safety, really, and I'm certain this will be patched in the upcoming releases.
Get the drivers:
Uninstall any previously attempted drivers if they don't work and move to the next.
Option One:
Navigate to the "Device Manager" (Control Panel > Device Manager) in Windows and Select the android device. Open the properties and select the "Install Driver" option. Pick the driver with "Install from disk." Ignore any warnings about the driver not being signed properly.
PDAnet's drivers may work if the above options don't. Simply install PDAnet (after uninstalling any previous attempted driver installations) to get the drivers.
While that is downloading, on your Nexus 4: turn USB debugging on.
To do so; you must first go to Settings>About>Build Number and click seven times.
The actual setting can then be found in Settings>Developer Options>USB Debugging
Once the drivers are installed, navigate to the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder on your computer.
Hold shift and right click. Select "Open Command Window Here."
Plug your phone into the computer. Now in this command window type:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
(Hit Enter)
Your phone should now boot into a screen with a green android with his chest exposed.
Type this:
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
(Hit Enter)
If your Command Prompt displays the message "waiting for device" your driver wasn't successfully installed.
Close the Command Prompt window and open Device manager while your phone is still plugged in. (Search for it using the search option).
Right Click the "Android" option and select Update Driver. Choose to "Browse My Computer" and "Let Me Pick From A List." Pick the Driver with the newest date and install it. Now retry the code above.
Your phone will ask if you want to unlock it. Select "Yes" by using the volume keys and use power to select it.
Now, navigate to "Recovery Mode" with the volume keys. Use power to select.
A screen with another Android will pop up. Press Volume Up and Power at the same time.
Select Factory Reset. This process may take a few minutes. Be patient and let it work.
Once finished, select "Reboot."
Your phone is now unlocked!
Obtaining Root Access and Custom Recovery:
Turn on USB Debugging.
To do so; you must first go to Settings>About>Build Number and click seven times.
The actual setting can then be found in Settings>Developer Options>USB Debugging
Download the following:
SuperSU (CWM .zip)
CWM (Pick the version for your device)
Place the recovery-clockwork-VERSIONNUMBER-mako.img file into your C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder.
Put the SuperSU.zip on your phone.
Open another Command Prompt if it isn't still open. (Navigate to C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools and shift + right click. Select "Open Command Window Here.")
With your phone plugged in type:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
(Hit Enter)
And wait for your phone to boot into the android again.
Now type:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery IMAGENAME.img
(Change the file name to the correct file name and Hit Enter)
Once that is finished: select the "Recovery Mode" option again on your phone.
You should get a new recovery menu here. Select "install zip from sd card" and "choose zip from sd card."
Find the SuperSU.zip that you transferred earlier and select "Yes" to installing.
Navigate back to "Reboot" and reboot your phone.
You're now rooted!
However, ClockworkMod Recovery won't continue to load after this.
To fix this, find "Rom Manager" from the market. (The free version is fine.) Use the "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery" option.
If your recovery still doesn't stick around after a reboot, you have another couple options. Find a file explorer that allows root access, such as Root Explorer. Use this program to rename /system/etc/install-recovery.sh to /system/etc/install-recovery.bak. You'll need to mount the system as r/w to do this. Root Explorer provides a button at the top to do so.
Or, you can do this completely manually by firing up ADB again and running a few commands:
Code:
adb shell
(Hit Enter)
Code:
su
(Hit Enter)
Code:
mount -o remount,rw -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 /system
(Hit Enter)
Code:
mv /system/etc/install-recovery.sh /system/etc/install-recovery.bak
(Hit Enter)
Congratulations!
Your phone is now unlocked, rooted, and has a custom recovery!
Continue reading the next posts for info on getting custom roms, kernels, tweaks, and more!
***I take no responsibility for what happens to your phone due to following this guide! That being said, not only am I sure you'll be fine...but there are an endless amount of users who would be glad to help if you need it.***
Thanks:
Google, for making Android a reality.
VanillaTbone, for the ADB AIO app.
Efrant, for posting about a bootloader locking utility without USB.
ClockworkMod team, for being a part of making our phones as awesome as they are.
The assorted developers, who continue to push out amazing material for us to use.
The awesome community, for endlessly supporting both Android itself and its users.

Installing Custom Roms Kernels and Tweaks
All of the instructions below require your bootloader to be unlocked. Please follow the guide above and return here when you're done.
Backing Your Files Up:
Time required:
15-25 minutes.
Making a Nandroid
The first thing you're going to want to do is back up your phone's entire system. This is done by making a "nandroid."
To do this, boot into ClockworkMod Recovery. To accomplish this: Turn your phone off. Once it is completely off: hold both volume buttons and the power button until the Android with his chest exposed is displayed. Navigate to the "Recovery Mode" option and select "backup."
This will take some time. Be patient and let it finish. This process is important! You should always have a recent nandroid available on your device.
Backing Your Data Up
Install Titanium Backup from the market.
Open Titanium Backup. A Superuser request should pop up. Allow it. Note: if Titanium Backup then says it failed to obtain root access; press the menu button and select more>reload application.
Press menu>batch. Select "Backup all User Apps." Select all and "Run the Batch Operation."
Let the process complete. This may take quite some time: depending on how many applications you have installed.
You can now backup your Text Messages, Bookmarks, and WiFi addresses with Titanium Backup as well.
Press Menu>Backup Data To XML to do so.
Backing Your Contacts Up
Note: This process may or not be useful to you. The Google servers should automatically import any contacts you have stored back whenever you install a new rom. Also note that Facebook/Google+/etc contacts will need to be synced again through their respective applications.
Open the Contacts application.
Press the Menu button.
Select import/export.
Export to storage.
Installing A Rom (Or Kernel/Radios/Tweaks/Themes/etc.)
Time Required:
5-10 minutes.
Note:
Follow the guide above about backing your phone up before attempting!
This guide will also work for flashing kernels/radios/themes/tweaks/etc. Simply ignore the part about wiping data and wipe whatever the thread says you should. You only need to restore data after a rom install.
Find a Rom You'd Like To Try:
Nexus 4 Original Development
Nexus 4 Development
Download the rom you'd like to try on your device.
Most roms also require you to install "gapps" as well.
You can find the correct ones for the rom you're using in the rom thread.
Make sure the Rom and Gapps are on your SD card.
Now, open Google Wallet (if you have it installed) and press Options>Settings>Reset Google Wallet. This will prevent the "Secure Element" errors some users have experienced.
Boot into ClockworkMod Recovery by turning your device completely off. Hold volume up, volume down, and power until the green Android with the open chest is displayed. Navigate to "Recovery Mode" with the volume buttons and select using the power button.
Remember to have a recent nandroid before continuing!
Navigate to "wipe data/factory reset" and select it. Select "yes."
Wait for the process to complete. This may take some time. Be patient!
Once complete: Navigate to "Install Zip from SD card" and "Choose zip from SD card."
Find the rom's .zip and install it. Once that completes install any applicable gapps' .zip.
Select the "Reboot" option.
Congratulations! Your phone should now boot into the custom rom!
Follow the prompts to re-activate your phone.
Restoring Your Applications / Contacts / Nandroid
Time Required:
5-15 minutes.
Restoring Your Applicaions
Install Titanium Backup. Note: you may want the pro key. If you have it, you won't have to manually click "install" on each application. The process is completely automated. Open Titanium Backup (grant root access. If titanium says it failed to obtain root access, press menu>more>reload application). Press menu>batch>restore missing apps with data. Now, here you have a choice to make. Do you want a completely clean install? Select "app only" and run the batch operation (Deselect Google Wallet first. We don't want to risk restoring wallet in any way. Install it manually through the Play Store.). Do you want all of your application data (saved games/settings/etc)? Select "app+data" and run the batch operation (Deselect Google Wallet first. We don't want to risk restoring wallet in any way. Install it manually through the Play Store.). This MAY cause you problems or it may not. Personally, I often restore application data and seldom run into any trouble. If you do find that restoring data caused problems, follow the guide above to re-install your rom and restore without data. This process will take some time. Be patient (I'd suggest turning your screen off so the screen doesn't burn, but that's just me.) It will vibrate upon completion.
You can now restore your Text Messages, Bookmarks, and WiFi addresses if you backed them up by pressing Menu>Restore Data From XML.
Note:
Overclocking/CPU tweaking applications should never be restored with data. Simply deselect it from the list.
Facebook/Haxsync/Google+ may have problems restoring your contacts when installed through Titanium Backup. Simply uninstall and reinstall through the market (and be sure to log in and select to sync your contacts again).
Also, if you have NFC Task Launcher successfully launching Tasker tasks with your stickers: they may not immediately work.
Through my testing, it's as simple to fix as uninstalling NFC Task Launcher and Tasker. Restore Tasker first. Then restore NFC task launcher.
Restoring Your Contacts
If google fails to restore your contacts (not facebook/haxsync/google+/etc) you may import them manually if you backed them up.
Open the contacts application and press menu>import/export>import from storage.
Restoring A Nandroid
If your phone is acting funny or won't boot...restore a nandroid from a previous rom or working set-up.
You may also use a Nandroid to switch back to a previous rom if you decide you don't like the one you're on.
Do this by booting into ClockworkMod Recovery (hold volume up, volume down, and power while your phone is off and navigate to "Recovery Mode").
Simply select "restore" and find the most recent (or relevant) backup.
This process will take some time. Be patient and let it complete! Once done, select "Reboot."
Note:
Nandroids are stored in the "clockworkmod" folder on your SD card. They take up quite a bit of space. ALWAYS have at least one recent one on your SD card. However, since these are huge files: you may like to delete old ones to save space. You must delete backups by booting into CWM and navigating to Backup and Restore>Delete.
Important Notes About Restoration
I outline the method of using Titanium Backup above for a reason. Restoring system applications and data is the most common cause of problems on custom roms. For this reason, always ONLY restore "missing applications" from "user applications" that were backed up when restoring onto a new rom. Every time you restore system data or applications a narwhal sodomizes your favorite childhood cartoon. This is FACT.
Installing Alternate Custom Recoveries
If you find a custom recovery (such as the touch-recovery options) that came as a .img file:
Use these instructions to flash. Plug your phone into the computer. Open up ADB. Move the .img to the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder.
Type the following:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
(Hit Enter)
You can also manually boot to the bootloader by powering off and holding volume down, volume up, power buttons until the green Android with his chest exposed is displayed.
Then type:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery FILENAME.img
(Replace the file name with whatever the .img is called and Hit Enter).
Wait for the process to complete and reboot.
***I take no responsibility for what happens to your phone due to following this guide! That being said, not only am I sure you'll be fine...but there are an endless amount of users who would be glad to help if you need it.***

Panic Section! (Something is Wrong)
Q: My phone won't boot!
A: The easiest option is to get into recovery and restore a nandroid using the above guide (pull battery to put phone in an off-state if needed).
However, more advanced options are available if you don't have a nandroid available (You're naughty).
Do you have another rom .zip available on your SD card? If so, simply use the above guide for installing a rom to get you booting again.
If not, you can download one on your PC. Boot into fastboot (the green Android with open chest menu). Navigate to recovery and select it with the power button.
Move the .zip to the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder.
Open ADB.
Change the NAMEOFZIP.zip below to the correct file name...and perform the action.
Code:
adb push NAMEOFZIP.zip /sdcard/NAMEOFZIP.zip
(Hit enter)
You may have to reboot recovery to get the file to show up. Now follow the guide above for flashing a rom to get you booting again.
Did you install a tweak that modified only a file or two on your phone? (Find this out by opening the .zip and looking in the folders (ignore META-INF). Good news! We MAY be able to recover you completely. If this doesn't work...you'll have to follow another method.
Get your phone into fastboot (the boot-menu that allows you to select recovery/reboot/etc). Navigate to Recovery. Start up ADB. Pull the files that were modified out of the stock rom's .zip (using whatever tweak you were installing as reference to find what was changed) that you're on into the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder. Now we're going to push these files onto your phone...replacing the tweaked ones and hopefully getting you booted again. Use this code, but change the values of the file name and where it should reside. This is only an example!
Code:
adb shell
(Hit Enter)
Code:
su
(Hit Enter)
Code:
mount -o remount,rw -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 /system
(Hit Enter)
This will mount your system so you can write to it.
Code:
exit
(Hit Enter)
This should exit shell and allow the use of adb commands again. You may need to type it a couple of times (until the #_ changes back to the platform_tools> prompt).
Code:
adb push framework-res.apk /system/framework/framework-res.apk
(Press enter after each file that you need to replace).
Note: This last option probably won't work. I'd just skip over it unless you're absolutely adamant about restoring your current setup and want to try everything possible.
Q: I want my SDcard files from my phone...but I'm in a situation where I need to flash stock images! This will erase my SD content. What can I do to save it?
A: Do you have a custom recovery installed? If not, download a custom recovery from post one in this guide and flash it using those instructions. You'll need to be in a custom recovery in order to obtain ADB access without booting your phone. Boot into recovery (With phone turned off: hold Power and Volume+ and Volume- until the bootloader pops up and navigate to "Recovery"). Run the command:
Code:
adb pull /sdcard/ /SDCARD/
(Hit Enter)
This will put all of your files into a folder called "SDCARD" in your C:\ drive. Keep in mind that this will take a LONG time. Maybe a couple of hours.
To restore once you're booting again:
Move the "SDCARD" folder you created from your C:\ drive to the platform-tools folder. *Then input:
Code:
adb push SDCARD /sdcard/
(Hit Enter)
Q: How do I make an "ADB Backup?"
A: An ADB Backup will backup your phones data (applications and their settings). Follow the guide HERE about ADB Backups.
Q: My phone gets really sluggish and often turns off or reboots on its own.
A: Without knowing anything about your situation...I'd say you either have severely bad data somewhere or some bad kernel tweaks. Use the rom install guide above, paying close attention to the part about backing up and restoring if you haven't already. In the case of a kernel problem, you're likely undervolting too low. Restore the stock kernel values and see if your problems subside.
Q: My phone screen won't turn on! This requires a battery pull to fix.
A: This is called a "Black Screen of Death" or BSOD. This is generally due to using a hotplug governor (one that turns cores off with the screen off) or possibly undervolting your device too low. Change governors or up your slots a bit.
Q: My phone is doing really weird things. Regardless of kernel/rom and even if I don't restore any data at all! Either that or I simply cannot boot up! My phone is possessed no matter what I do!
Download the stock IMAGES for your device and extract the files using 7-zip. Move all of the extracted files to your platform-tools folder. Open the flash-all.sh file with a text editor. Copy and paste the commands (one by one) and wait for each process to complete for continuing.
FAQ
Roms/Kernels
Q: What is the best rom?
A: The "best" rom is a matter of opinion. Do you like a certain customization and can't live without it? Use a rom that has that option.
Q: What is the best rom for battery life?
A: Roms themselves really shouldn't impact your battery all that much. They can have an impact, but if you're really looking for better battery I'd suggest swapping kernels or tweaking yours.
Q: What is the best rom for stability?
A: All of the roms out are "stable." They may have options that don't work correctly, but generally: this is user error. If you follow my advice on installing a rom, you'll end up with MUCH fewer bugs.
Q: What is the best kernel?
A: The best kernel is a matter of opinion. Some users may love one, while others swear by another. Find one you like and tweak it accordingly.
Q: How do I tweak a kernel for better battery?
A: Generally, you'll want to either change your governor and or undervolt and or underclock your kernel. This is done either by using SetCPU or similar apps, or with an option in your rom (usually labeled "performance" or something similar). Take note: extremely high/low voltages may cause instability. Never "set at boot" until you've thoroughly tested the options you've set. Testing includes low strain (like turning your screen off for an hour) and high strain (like playing a game for an hour) scenarios. To be extra safe: run the values for a couple days before setting them at boot. Follow the users ideas in the kernel's threads for some guidelines. However, remember that not all values will play nicely with all phones.
Miscellaneous
Q: Why isn't Google Wallet working at [store]?
A: I'm not sure if it's a Google Wallet problem, or a problem with the terminal. But I personally struggle to find a terminal that consistently works in my area. Something that has generally worked for me is to open wallet and go to Options>Reset Google Wallet. You must then re-add any cards you had.
Q: Does my ass look good in these shorts?
A: Yes.
Neat Ideas / How to Show Off the Nexus 4
-Get some NFC stickers. Tagstand has them available.
You can use these to make your phone perform certain tasks when you touch the sticker. Use NFC Task Launcher to define the tasks. These are capable of doing simple things like muting your volume to the more complex like turning on Tasker tasks that do things like auto-reply to text messages while you're at work.
-Do you have any suggestions? Submit them below!
***I take no responsibility for what happens to your phone due to following this guide! That being said, not only am I sure you'll be fine...but there are an endless amount of users who would be glad to help if you need it.***

ADB Backups:
SDcard backup:
Code:
adb pull /sdcard/ /sdcard/
(This will pull all of your sdcard contents to an "sdcard" folder in your C:\ directory)
Applications and their data:
Take note, that you'll need to be using CyanogenMod's method for setting up ADB to do this. The ADB AIO application installs an older SDK without this functionality. First, get your drivers installed (detailed in post one). Once you get ADB installed (post one), navigate to the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder on your computer. Hold shift and right click. Select "Open Command Window Here."
Input this while your phone is turned on and USB Debugging is Enabled:
To do so; you must first go to Settings>About>Build Number and click seven times.
The actual setting can then be found in Settings>Developer Options>USB Debugging
Type this:
Code:
adb backup -apk -noshared -all -nosystem
(Hit Enter)
Your phone will ask for a password. Input one and remember it.
Once the process completes: continue with unlocking and rooting your phone.
Restoration:
Upon unlocking and rooting your phone: open up ADB again.
Enter this code:
Code:
adb restore backup.ab
(Hit Enter)
Input the password you saved to this file earlier, and wait for the restore to complete.
To restore your SDcard backup, first move the "sdcard" folder that was made in the backup process to your platform-tools folder.
Then run:
Code:
adb push sdcard /sdcard/

Do you have to install "ADB" ?

As far as like...clicking it and letting the windows installer install...no.
The exe file will read the commands in cmd without "installation."

Nice Work!

I've just added this guide to the Nexus 4 Complete Index
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

Great work!!! nice and clean reading!

Can this guide include information on how to re-lock bootloader and unroot the device? Does this informaiton exist?
I need to RMA my phone due to dead pixels and I want to make sure I dont have any issues with the warranty.

jayluke said:
Can this guide include information on how to re-lock bootloader and unroot the device? Does this informaiton exist?
I need to RMA my phone due to dead pixels and I want to make sure I dont have any issues with the warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post 3.
fastboot oem lock
Locks the device.

How long is the first boot, after unlocking the bootloader, supposed to take? Mine's sitting there for quite a while already. (I had a lot of stuff installed, but still, this is really long.)
EDIT: When rebooting the custom recovery, you have to say "yes" to the message it gives you, something about keeping some recovery. I had originally said no because I didn't flash it, I just booted it once.

I just got my nexus yesterday, and this isnt the first phone that I have rooted.... however... my settings on the thing are extremely basic..
How do I enable usb debugging if I dont have the option in the settings?
Thanks
Chris
---------- Post added at 03:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 PM ----------
I just got my nexus yesterday, and this isnt the first phone that I have rooted.... however... my settings on the thing are extremely basic..
How do I enable usb debugging if I dont have the option in the settings?
Thanks
Chris
Edit: Got an app to enable it... still not in the menu though.

wizshaw said:
I just got my nexus yesterday, and this isnt the first phone that I have rooted.... however... my settings on the thing are extremely basic..
How do I enable usb debugging if I dont have the option in the settings?
Thanks
Chris
---------- Post added at 03:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 PM ----------
I just got my nexus yesterday, and this isnt the first phone that I have rooted.... however... my settings on the thing are extremely basic..
How do I enable usb debugging if I dont have the option in the settings?
Thanks
Chris
Edit: Got an app to enable it... still not in the menu though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh geeze!
I forgot.
Settings>about>version number I think...
Click 7 times to enable developer options.
Will update op soon.

Quick question: is there a reason the first post links to SuperSU version 0.98, when version 0.99 is the most recent? If version 0.99 has known issues with the Nexus 4, I don't want to use it on my device.

The 0.99 version came out after this guide was posted. I was offered to upgrade to the new version of supersu from 0.98 and so far no problem at all.

Does this work on the latest version of JB (4.2.1)?

When installing a new ROM it says to perform a factory reset through CWM, which will remove all apps and data but should keep all your pictures, videos, songs etc.
It doesn't mention to wipe the System partition as well. Is this not necessary when flashing ROMs on a Nexus?
Prior to owning the N4 I had the Galaxy S 2 and it was always stated in the OP instructions to wipe data/factory reset, wipe system, clear cache, clear dalvik and then flash ROM and Gapps.
However, I don't notice in any guides or instructions for N4 ROMS to wipe the system partition, just the data partition. Is there a reason for this or is it not necessary to wipe the system partition? Thanks. Great guide by the way.
Peace

thank u for ur effort

Chochiwpg said:
When installing a new ROM it says to perform a factory reset through CWM, which will remove all apps and data but should keep all your pictures, videos, songs etc.
It doesn't mention to wipe the System partition as well. Is this not necessary when flashing ROMs on a Nexus?
Prior to owning the N4 I had the Galaxy S 2 and it was always stated in the OP instructions to wipe data/factory reset, wipe system, clear cache, clear dalvik and then flash ROM and Gapps.
However, I don't notice in any guides or instructions for N4 ROMS to wipe the system partition, just the data partition. Is there a reason for this or is it not necessary to wipe the system partition? Thanks. Great guide by the way.
Peace
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually have a question along these lines.
I just came from a LG G2X so things were different for me whenever I flashed ROM's/kernels. For one thing, I had an external sd card so whenever CWM made it's backups, they went to that automatically and I didn't have to worry about wiping since everything was on the external. This phone doesn't have an external so where do the backups go? From the looks of the new CWM 6.0.2.0, the backups (and blobs now apparently) go to /data/media/clockworkmod. Well I guess my question here is if you have to wipe /data for installing new ROM's, how would I restore a backup because they would have been deleted off the /data partition. I tried adb pulling /data/media/clockworkmod to my computer but it won't go. Don't know if it's because that partition is mounted while the phone is in use or what. I tried the mount/umount command that OP listed but it won't work for me. Don't want to flash ANYTHING on this phone until I know for a fact I can get to the backups that I'm creating.

[Complete Guide] What Is ClockworkMod And How To Use It

Schedule Post:
#1 - What Is ClockworkMod Recovery And How To Use It On Android
#2 - Nandroid Backup & Restore
#3 - Onandroid Backup
What Is ClockworkMod Recovery And How To Use It On Android
ClockworkMod – also known as Clockwork or CWM – is 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. In what follows, we will cover all that this recovery is capable of doing, and how to do it. We do not discuss about TWRP (TeamWin Recovery Project) in this thread.
1.All About Android Recovery
All Android devices ship with a recovery console that is basically a partition on the device’s internal memory and can be booted into. The stock recovery of almost all Android devices provides a few basic yet handy options that allow you to factory reset your device and also to recover its operating system using an official ROM in zip format, but that’s all you can do with it. That’s where a custom recovery comes handy.
A custom Android recovery basically replaces the stock recovery with one that lets you do all you can do with the stock recovery, plus a plethora of more options to give you a lot more control on your device. With a custom recovery, you can install official and unofficial ROMs as well as other updates including apps, themes, kernels etc. using zip files, wipe not just user data but pretty much every partition on your device, mount the storage card for USB mass storage access without leaving recovery, partition your SD card, wipe Dalvik cache and battery stats, fix permissions, perform, manage and restore backups and so on.
2.Introduction to ClockworkMod
ClockworkMod recovery is one of the most widely used custom Android recoveries that is available for most mainstream Android devices. It is the needed recovery for AOKP, AOSP, CM. ClockworkMod recovery has been developed by Koushik Dutta (also known as Koush) – the same guy who brought us the Android ROM Manager.
3.Booting into ClockworkMod
On most Android devices including ones by Samsung, you can enter recovery by powering your device off and then powering it back on while keeping either the Volume Up+Home+Power buttons pressed in the same time. This will enter the bootloader from where you can select the ‘RECOVERY’ option by navigating to it with the Volume key and entering it with the ‘Power’ key.
Tour
1. reboot system now
Reboot/restart your phone.
2. apply update from sdcard
This can be used for installation of any official or unofficial update, ROM, kernel, theme etc. That is in a zip format installable from recovery, as long as the file is named update.zip and it has been placed on the root of your SD card (i.e. not in any sub-folder). Selecting this option (and most of the options featured below) will bring up a rather annoying confirmation prompt but this has saved us on multiple occasions from a lot of trouble we would have been into due to accidental key presses. This is what we are talking about:
3. wipe data/factory reset
This option wipes all user data on the device as well as cache. Doing this will leave your phone in the state it was in when you bought it or when any custom ROM was first installed. It will also wipe any sd-ext partition that you might have setup (more on this later).
4. wipe cache partition
Wipes the cache partition of the device to clear all the data accumulated there over use. This is often used before installing a new ROM, app, kernel or any similar mod via recovery.
5. install zip from sdcard
This option brings up the following sub-menu:
a. apply /sdcard/update.zip
This one is essentially the same as the ‘apply update from sdcard’ option of the main menu.
b. choose zip from sdcard
Lets you install any zip file (with any name) from any location on your SD card. The file can be for a ROM, a kernel, an application, a theme or any mod as long as it is in recovery-flashable zip format. This is the most widely used option for installing a ROM that you have downloaded and copied to your SD card.
c. toggle signature verification
Turns the signature verification on and off. When signature verification is on, you will not be able to install any custom ROMs that haven’t been signed by the developers (most custom ROMs aren’t signed). Switching it off skips the signature verification check and proceeds with the installation.
d. toggle script asserts
Seldom-used option for a vast majority of users. It simply turns script asserts on or off. If you don’t know about these (we don’t), it’s best not to change this option.
e. +++++Go Back+++++
Takes you back to the main recovery menu, obviously!
6. backup and restore
Undoubtedly one of the most important features provided by a custom recovery, the backup and restore feature – also known as Nandroid backup – allows you to take a snapshot of your phone’s entire internal memory including all partitions, and save it on the SD card.
a. Backup
Takes a Nandroid backup, as explained above.
b. Restore
Lets you restore a previously taken backup. Entering this option presents you with a list of existing backups from the SD card that you can choose from for restoration.
c. Advanced Restore
This option is similar to the Restore option but once a backup has been selected to be restored, this option allows you to choose what parts of it to restore. You can choose to restore the boot, system, data, cache and sd-ext partitions.
7. mounts and storage
Allows you to perform maintenance tasks on all the internal and external partitions of your android device
a. mount/unmount /system, /data, /cache, /sdcard or /sd-ext
These options let you toggle between mounting or unmounting these respective partitions. Most users don’t need to change these options.
b. format boot, system, data, cache, sdcard or sd-ext
These let you directly format any of these partitions. Take extreme care with this option as formatting any of these partitions will result in losing all data on them, especially the boot and system partitions. Formatting the system partition will remove your ROM and leave your phone without an operating system while wiping the boot partition may brick your phone unless you restore or flash another one before rebooting your device.
c. mount USB storage
Lets you enable USB mass storage mode for your SD card right from recovery so that you can connect it to your computer via USB and transfer any files to/from it without having to leave recovery.
8. advanced
This section contains a few options most users will not require, though these can come handy quite often, especially wiping Dalvik cache, which is required before most ROM installations.
1. Reboot Recovery
Lets you directly and very conveniently reboot from recovery right back into recovery. This is useful option for certain back-to-back installations that require the device to at least boot once between them.
2. Wipe Dalvik Cache
Allows you to wipe the cache for the Dalvik virtual machine (the custom-built Java virtual machine for Android).This is required before most ROM installations and at other occasions too, for fixing some problems.
3. Wipe Battery Stats
Wipes the saved battery usage statistics and effectively recalibrates the battery. Useful in various scenarios when Android isn’t showing correct battery levels.
4. Report Error
In case of errors, this feature can be used to save a log of recent ClockworkMod recovery operations on the SD card that you can later report from Android using ROM Manager.
5. Key Test
Lets you press any of the hardware keys to see if they are properly functioning, and to see their key codes.
6. Partition SD Card
This option gives you a no-frills way to partition your SD card properly for use with ROMs that support data2ext (a very handy hack for low internal memory devices that enables an /sd-ext partition on the SD card to be used as the internal user data storage i.e. as the /data partition). Once this option is selected, you will be given options to choose the sizes for the /sd-ext partition as well as an optional /swap partition on the SD card, and will then automatically format it for you, leaving the remaining space for normal SD card usage. This option will wipe all data from your SD card so use it with caution!
7. Fix Permissions
Fixes the file permissions for the internal memory partitions back to default. This is very useful as a fix for several errors and Force-Closes that start appearing after you or an application you installed and provided root access end up messing up the permissions of important files.
4.Using ClockworkMod for ROM, kernel, apps, theme or mod installation
While in the complete feature tour we have already shown you how to install a ROM, kernel, app, theme or any similar mod from a recovery-flashable zip file using the recovery options, those of you who jumped straight to this section expecting to get just this information quickly are at the right place!
This guide is primary focused on a full feature tour of CWM but in our previously written guide on how to flash a ROM or app from a zip to an Android device file from recovery, we have already covered in detail how to use ClockworkMod for installing any ROM, kernel, app, theme or mod using a recovery-flashable zip file. While that guide is based on an older version of ClockworkMod recovery, everything in it still applies to the latest versions and should work flawlessly.
5.How To Install A ROM or App from zip file to Android device from recovery
Please note that the terms ‘installing’ and ‘flashing’ can be used interchangeably here and will mean the same thing.
Rooting your device renders its warranty void.
ALWAYS take backups before rooting or flashing a custom ROM or app to your phone.
Flashing a defective ROM or app to your phone might brick it so choose the ROMs and software that you flash wisely and never install a ROM or application from an untrusted source.
AddictiveTips will not be liable if your device gets damaged or bricked during the process.
Official ROM updates from device manufacturers or carriers are released in conveniently packaged installation files that you can run on your computer while your Android device is connected to it, and they automatically take care of updating your phone’s system. Similarly, most applications are available directly in the Android Market for easy installation, or come packaged as convenient ‘.apk’ files that you can just run on your Android phone to install. The case is not the same with most custom ROMs and several custom applications, which come in .zip files rather than PC installers or .apk files.
The idea of installing a customized operating system to their smartphone can be quite intimidating for inexperienced users. Though once they get used to it, some of them end up trying out different ROMs for their devices several times a day. While I don’t exactly recommend that you flash every new ROM that is made available for your Android phone, we are here to help you get over the fear of flashing a ROM that enhances the capabilities of your device so that you can use it to its fullest potential.
Here is a quick look at what we will be covering in this guide. Feel free to skip to the real deal if you already meet the prerequisites.
• Before We Begin: Battery Check
• Before We Begin: Unlocking the Bootloader (Stock Android Devices Only)
• Before We Begin: Rooting
• Before We Proceed: Installing a Custom Recovery
• The Real Deal: Installing a Custom ROM to your Phone
• The Real Deal: Installing an App From a Zip File to your Phone
There are certain steps that you might not require, and we shall be mentioning them in each section.
Before We Begin: Battery Check
Before you proceed with any of the following steps, make sure your phone’s battery level is not too low. It is recommended to have it at 50% or more. Do NOT take this lightly. If your phone’s battery runs out while you are attempting to flash a custom ROM, there is a significant chance of your phone getting bricked and becoming unusable PERMANENTLY.
Before We Begin:Unlocking the Bootloader (Stock Android Devices Only)
Note: This step applies only to Android devices with stock version of Android installed. At the moment, Google Nexus One and Nexus S are the only two such devices available. You may skip this step if you are using any other Android device.
Users of stock Android devices such as the Google Nexus One or Nexus S also need to unlock its bootloader before they can proceed. Once you have done this, you may proceed to the next step.
Before We Begin: Rooting
Note: You may skip this step if your device is already rooted, or if you already know how to root it.
Before you can install a custom ROM to your device, your phone needs to be rooted. Rooting is basically administrator or root level access required to perform administrative tasks on your Android device. Once you are done with the rooting process, you may proceed to the next step.
Before We Proceed: Installing A Custom Recovery
Note: You may skip this step if you already have a custom recovery installed on your device.
Rooting grants you the necessary access level to execute administrative tasks on your Android device but it is the recovery that provides the tools necessary to actually perform those tasks. While every Android device ships with a recovery, the stock recovery is quite limited in what it lets you do, and you need a custom recovery image to perform advanced operations on your device. Once you have a custom recovery installed on your phone, you will be ready to proceed to the next step.
The Real Deal: Installing a Custom ROM to your Phone
Now that you have a custom recovery installed on your phone, you can perform all sorts of wonderful advanced operations on your device and this includes the ability to flash a ROM or application from a zip file. The procedure is pretty standard for most ROMs, though there are certain ROMs which require additional steps for their installation. Since those steps differ from ROM to ROM, pay attention to instructions and this includes only the standard instructions here.
• Manually
1. Download the ROM from the link given in the article featuring that ROM. It should be a zip file.
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB and mount its storage card.
3. Copy the downloaded ROM to the root of the storage card.
4. Power your phone off and reboot it into recovery. This will involve using a combination of your device’s hardware keys. Once in recovery, you can navigate its menu using the volume up and volume down hardware keys or your phone’s trackball / optical track pad if it comes equipped with one.
5. Use the ‘backup and restore’ feature of recovery to backup your existing ROM installation, software and data. This step is known as performing a nandroid backup. ALWAYS perform a backup before flashing a custom ROM, UNLESS you can afford to lose everything that’s on your phone at the moment.
Note: ALWAYS choose to perform the following steps 6, 7 and 8 UNLESS the ROM you are attempting to flash is an updated version of the same ROM that you are currently using, and is compatible with the current installation’s data. It is usually mentioned with the update whether you can install it over a previous version without wiping its data or not.
6. Get back to the main recovery menu and use the option ‘wipe data/factory reset’. You will be prompted to confirm this action. Select “Yes – Delete all user data”.
7. From the main recovery menu, select ‘wipe cache partition’. You will be prompted to confirm this action. Select ‘Yes – Wipe Cache’.
8. From the main recovery menu, enter the ‘advanced’ menu. From this menu, select ‘Wipe Dalvik Cache’. You will be prompted to confirm this action. Select ‘Yes – Format/System’.
9. From the main recovery menu, enter the ‘Mounts and Storage’ menu. From this menu, select ‘Format/System’. You will be prompted to confirm this action. Select ‘Yes – Wipe Dalvik Cache’.
10. Go back to the main recovery menu by pressing the back button and select the ‘Install zip from SD card’ option.
11. Select ‘choose zip from sdcard’ to get a list of the files and folders on your SD card. Scroll to the ROM’s file that you copied there in step 3, and select it. You will be prompted to confirm this action. Select ‘Yes – Install file_name.zip’ where file_name.zip is the name of the zip file that you are trying to install.
12. Wait patiently while the ROM is flashed to your phone via recovery.
13. Once the installation is complete, head back to the main recovery menu if you aren’t there, and select ‘reboot system now’. Your phone will now boot into the newly installed ROM.
The Real Deal: Installing an App From a Zip File to your Phone
While most apps for Android devices are available at the app store for direct download and installation or as .apk files for direct installation, there are certain apps which are only available as zip files installable from recovery. Their installation procedure is the same as installing a custom ROM that we just featured above. However, there are a few minute differences.
• When installing an app from a zip file, you do NOT need to perform the ‘wipe data/factory reset’ or ‘wipe/system’ step so NEVER do that unless you know what you are doing, have a complete backup and want to start using your ROM as a fresh installation with the new app added.
• You might or might not need to wipe the cache and the dalvik cache for installing apps from zip file. This varies from app to app and the developers of such apps as well as many reviewers including us mention when featuring an app whether it requires a cache and dalvik cache wipe or not. However, it never hurts to wipe these caches anyway, and it does not effect the data on your device or its storage card.
There you go, this concludes the guide on how to flash a ROM or app from a zip file to your Android device using a custom recovery. To try out the skills that you just learned, search our site for custom ROMs for your phone and start flashing, always remembering to take backups first!
Important note: This guide is retrieved from the VeNum Complete Guide with only few additions and corrections by me, so All thanks should go to him!
PS: If you see any error, please contact me to edit the OP.

Nandroid Backup - CWM
What is a Nandroid Backup?
It is a full backup of the partitions on your device’s NAND flash (NAND actually stands for NOT AND, which in simple terms means an electronic gate). Basically a backup of your phones hard drive if you will...
The Nandroid Backup is a snapshot of your device (it means everything on your phone – your apps, data, your current ROM and even the kernel is backed up) at the time you do the back up. If you restore the back up, it changes your phone BACK to that state. You will need custom recovery (CWM/TWRP). So make sure you have CWM or TWRP on your device.
The SD Card data is not backed up in the process. Although, the Nandroid Backup itself is created on your SD card. Make sure you have enough space on your SD card to make a COMPLETE copy of your phone.
It’s highly recommended that once you have done a backup, you manually copy it to your computer in case your sd card is wiped or corrupted.
Pre-requisites:
1. Rooted Device:
2. Custom Recovery (CWM or TWRP)
While the OS is running you cannot do a backup. The bootloader in the recovery enables you to take a backup of the OS while it’s not running.
How to Make a Nandroid Backup via CWM:
Backup via CWM:
1.Boot into Recovery pressing in the same time Volume Up + Home + Power buttons for our Galaxy S4 mini LTE/3G phones
2. Select ‘Backup and Restore’ from the recovery.
Once you are in recovery, scroll down to the option ‘Backup and Recovery’ with volume Up/Down and select it (Power button for select).
3. Start the backup.
Once you are on the Nandroid screen, select ‘Backup’ to start the backup process. You have the option to ‘Restore’ backup on the same screen.
The backup process may take a while. Take a break for a coffee.
4. Transfer the backup to your computer (recommended).
Once you reboot, you can see the backup in the ‘clockworkmod/backup/…’ (or similar file) directory on your SD card.
Move, copy, or paste this folder on your PC safely.
Restore from a Nandroid Backup via CWM:
1. Boot your device into CWM and navigate to the Nandroid screen.
2. Choose ‘Restore’ and begin the process.
If you select ‘Advanced Restore’ option, you may select which part of the backup to restore – i. e. the boot,system, data or cache. Or choose the whole backup.
3. Reboot your device. Your system is now restored and is exactly the same as the time when the backup was taken.
Video guide (ignore phones from videos ) :
CWM guide
TWRP guide

[app] Online Nandroid Backup
Online Nandroid Backup - FULLY SUPPORTED with our Samsung S4 mini GT I9195/I9190/I9192
Online Nandroid - Supported Devices
Nandroid backups are usually performed in recovery mode. This means you would have to turn off your phone and reboot in recovery mode, which wastes a whole lot of time rebooting and a lot more time offline. With this tool you can do nandroid backups without switching off your device.
Requirements:
1. Rooted android phone
2. A terminal emulator installed on phone
3. Latest version of Busybox
4. A working CWM or TWRP
5. Patience
Features:
* Creates backups in the CMW 5 and 6 style or TWRP!
* Full support of the onandroid script.
* Create custom names for your backups.
* Choose what partitions get backed up.
Important: This tool requires a rooted phone with busybox to work!
Download from market: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.h3r3t1c.onnandbup
Or from original thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1620255

Reserved, for future.
I will complete with more info's and screenshots in few days.
Please, keep thread clean and don't post "Thanks".
Regards

I assume this guide was written for nexus devices because the nexus one and nexus s are mentionend and you wrote that the bootloader has to be unlocked (Which has to be done on most devices. Only Samsung(?) has unlocked bootloaders. You could add that unlocking wipes user data.)
The second thing is: Your phone doesnt have to be rooted to install a custom recovey. Either you flash a recovery with Odin (add this aswell) and wipe everything to install a custom rom or you the superuser app to root your stock firmware.
But excuse me if you weren't finished with the post

Did you read carrefully OP and the note from the end?
Important note: This guide is retrieved from the VeNum Complete Guide with only few additions and corrections by me, so All thanks should go to him!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Excellent guide, thank you!

R_a_z_v_a_n said:
Online Nandroid Backup - FULLY SUPPORTED with our Samsung S Advance GT I9070 (Janice)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying that the onandroid Partition Script for I9070 works perfectly fine with S4 Mini i9195?

impactor said:
Are you saying that the onandroid Partition Script for I9070 works perfectly fine with S4 Mini i9195?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep its fully supported, that post its copy/paste from my previous phone/thread. :highfive:
Edited my post, thanks for report.
Check here compatibilities:
Online Nandroid - Supported Devices

Nice really great information Thanks again:good:

ZTE Blade L2 Kitkat Firmware

Android Kitkat based ROM for the ZTE Blade L2
SwitchBL2de
ROM Features:
PreRooted
Apex Launcher
Debloated
Micro SD switched with Phone Storage
Zipalligned
ZRAM
build.prop Tweaks for the following :
Video and Photo Quality
Internet Connection Speed/Quality
Network Performance
Download Link:
Removed - Recompiling Rom, My sincerest apologies to DeviRSilva.
I used an earlier version of his kernel for the build - http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/kernel-devir-blade-l216-11-2014-t2945103
MD5 : a719cb770585f24c891fe47da9e56245
Note - Updated hosts file for ad blocking (Use xposed module "hosts Enabler" to prevent adverts)
Once Rom is installed and you restart phone from recovery
It may give the following warning "Root access possibly lost. Fix? THIS CAN NOT BE UNDONE"
Select "Yes - Fix root (/system/xbin/su)"
Credits to BSDgeek_Jake for the hosts file (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1916098)
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
Custom Recovery
Please have a read through the information in this link : http://www.howtogeek.com/193055/what-is-a-custom-recovery-on-android-and-why-would-i-want-one/
Flashing a custom recovery on the L2 is a simple process.
Things Required for this process:
Rooted Phone - (Please see the post on Rooting)
Mobile Uncle Tools APK
Recovery Image
First you have to allow the phone to install apps that dont come from Google Play Store.To do so,follow the guide :
1.Settings Menu
2.Security
3.Enable(tick) Unknown sources
4.Untick Verify apps
You can always reset these back to how you found them when you are done.
Download Mobile Uncle Tools
Mega Link: http://goo.gl/IkyVDo
or
MediaFire Link : http://goo.gl/c5q6Jh
Copy APK file to your SD card,use your file manager to install it.
Run Mobile uncle tools,allow root permissions when menu pops up.
You can close the app for now.Next thing we need is the actual recovery file itself.I've attached the recovery i find works best
Carliv Touch Recovery v2.2 - MTK CWM-based v 6.0.4.4
Download Recovery.img file
Mega Link: http://goo.gl/1f8OwX
or
MediaFire Link :http://goo.gl/U1D2Zu
MD5 :9f770b95df8e1beabd7417fc112190bc
Once the file has downloaded,copy to the root of your SD Card.
Open Mobile Uncle Tools and Select "Recovery Update".
Be sure to Select the downloaded recovery image,not anything else.
Select the file and proceed with installation.Mobile uncle tools will then prompt you to reboot into recovery if the update was successful.Select Yes and the phone will reboot into the new recovery menu
Credits to :
eddy.rugal - Base Rom
Carliv - For Recovery
njava - For Mobileuncle MTK Tool

Update
Resize Apps Partition
WARNING! This can BRICK your phone if done incorrectly.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL STEPS CORRECTLY.
Please make a backup of all your important stuff.
Make a backup in the recovery.Make 100% sure the backup completes without any errors
Reboot into recovery mode (Hold the Up button and press power button to turn device on)
1.Select Backup and Restore
2.Select Backup and Confirm(Proceed)
Once the backup is complete,the backup is located in "clockworkmod" folder on SD Card
You have to factory reset device,so be prepared to reinstall apps/games (You are going to lose data)
If you are fine with all of the above,The following mod increases the App Partition size from 1GB to 2GB.It rewrites the Internal Storage to 513MB(Used for videos/pictures,which is fine since we use our Micro SD cards for that)
If you are happy with all of the above,you can proceed with the next step :
Firstly,Download all files required and copy to SD Card
2 GB for apps_Jellybean_4.zip (232.63 KB)
Mega Link - http://goo.gl/ao3NFO
or
Media Fire Link - http://goo.gl/3j9RWm
AND
MTK_Nvram_Tool.zip (2.9MB)
Mega Link - http://goo.gl/Z2Chpx
or
Media Fire Link - http://goo.gl/sjah8X
Once on SD Card,reboot into recovery mode (Hold the Up button and press power button to turn device on)
1.Select "Install Zip"
2.Select "Choose zip Sdcard"
3.Choose "MTK_Nvram_Tool.zip"
4.Select "Yes - Install MTK_Nvram_Tool.zip"
5.Click Next
6.Select "I Agree with this Terms and Conditions" and click Next
7.Click Next again
9.Choose 'Nvram Backup"
Once its done it should say "Backup Completed"
Under that it should say "Nvram Backup Successfully Completed"
It give the location for that backup,always keep that file (Copy to the PC Later)
10.Click OK
11.Click Exit
12.Click Yes
Now you are back at the install update from zip file screen.
13.Select "Install Zip"
14.Select "Choose zip Sdcard"
15.Choose "2 GB for apps_Jellybean_4.zip"
16.Select "Yes - Install 2 GB for apps_Jellybean_4.zip"
17.Go back to main menu
18.Choose Wipe menu
19.Choose Wipe Data (Factory Reset) -THIS WILL ERASE YOUR DATA
20.Wipe Cache
21.Wipe Dalvik Cache
22.Go back to main menu and reboot phone
The phone should reboot.If you get a message saying you have to format phone storage,click yes to format.
Go to Settings,Storage and See Total space is now 1.97GB
If the phone wont boot,power down,then hold up key and turn on to get into recovery mode.
1.Select Backup and Restore
2.Select Restore and Confirm(Proceed)
Restore the backup you made earlier.
This should let the system load when you reboot again,even if it asks you to format the phone again.
Copy NVRAM Backup to PC for safe keeping.
If you want to return to original/stock
Follow the same procedure as above but use the following file instead of the 2GB File
Stock Partition_Jellybean_4.zip (232.63KB)
Mega Link - http://goo.gl/pMn0ea
or
Media Fire - http://goo.gl/KJfRF7
Credits to :
AnoopKumar - MTK Nvram Tool

Andalitez said:
Hi Guys
Just an update.I downloaded the update from the website again,used winRAR and replaced the modem file in the system.
Everything works great now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man can u yplease hook me up with the modem file im kida stuck with unkown baseband too

Replied
BlaqueDroid said:
Hey man can u yplease hook me up with the modem file im kida stuck with unkown baseband too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man.
Sent you a PM.Currently working on a rom,will only be able to upload it for you in afew hours

ZTE
ztedevices.com/search.html?keyword=blade l2 look on there for the firmware for your device , push via adb sideloading and you should be set

noob problem...
guys, can you please help me...I also have the same problem when I flashed the kitkat rom...my blade l2 now can't read my simcard...what should I do?...

No Sim Detected
eochi18jhae said:
guys, can you please help me...I also have the same problem when I flashed the kitkat rom...my blade l2 now can't read my simcard...what should I do?...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay,you have to download the firmware version for your country,and have custom recovery installed on the phone.
So if you in UK,download the rom for your phone from UK provider.(doesnt matter if its JB or KK)
http://www.ztedevices.com/support/index.html
Once you have the rom,Use winRAR to do the following:
1.open the rom from your country in winrar so you can see the contents.
2.Open system folder (dont extract,just navigate into the folders in winrar)
3.Open "etc" folder
4.Open Firmware folder
5.Select "modem_1_wg_n.img" and extract it(i just drag and drop on desktop)
6.Open the Kitkat firmware you've downloaded using winRAR
7.Open System folder
8.Open "etc" folder
9.Open Firmware folder
10. Copy the "modem_1_wg_n.img" into that location(drag and drop from desktop)
11.winRAR asks if you want to :Add/Replace file/s? Select Yes or OK to allow it to
12.copy entire firmware to phone and reflash it on the phone from the SD card
I dont know if you can just replace the modem file after having loaded the firmware.I didnt try or test it.it may or may not work.
I am working on Custom Firmware for this phone though.
latest achievement was i managed to get the phone to see the SD card as phone storage thanks to various xda guides.this will be built in
FIrmware should be ready in a few days after testing.if anybody is interested in trying it out,let me know

problem solved...
Thank you sir...problem solved...it's really hard to be a noob...have to understand a lot of things now....I'm willing to try your firmware on my phone...upload it when done...keep up the good work...sorry for my english...

Post has been updated

I need to talk to you.... Go read my PM

installation is always aborted.. PLEASE HELP

Replied

Thanks
The thread is so useful... Keep up the good work, I don't have patience to try the new ROM!
Is there any chance for kernel supporting overclocking and undervoltage, also with more Gvernor and I/O Sheduler options?
Also Would be gorgeous if there's tap screen to wake option, this would need custom kernel too...
I'm now using DeviRSilva's kernel, which is doing great! Man, don't be afraid to relese it and continue tweaks
Still I'm a noob and maybe half of theese wishes are impossible, but would be so cool if they're possible to develop!
PD: I saw a site promoting Lollipop ROM for our L2 is that real?
PD2: Sorry for my awful English and probably stupid requests and questions...

helpppp
I have probelm, phone do not show sim card, on official site there is no serbia rom please how to fix it?

Andalitez said:
Replied
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It fails to flash the ROM with the updated radio file. Just stops at Can't open... file.zip '(bad)'. Installation aborted.
How to fix?

Hi how do i unroot the zte blade l2?
And how to I remove costum recovery and reinstall stock recovery and stock rom?
Thanks just asking in case of sending it back for repairing.
Just noticed that the download link has been remoded.
Can someone provide a link for this rom?
Thanks.

Does this ROM have Greek language installed ???

no links are working
I need a copy of carliv recovery and backup of stock recovery as u think although my mobile mainly working I think the recovery is corrupt and has screwed my sound thanks in advance as I am taking a giant leap and biting bullet to try this recovery hope it can flash the legit kit kat if ever released by zte or virgin UK thanks
Andalitez said:
Android Kitkat based ROM for the ZTE Blade L2
SwitchBL2de
ROM Features:
PreRooted
Apex Launcher
Debloated
Micro SD switched with Phone Storage
Zipalligned
ZRAM
build.prop Tweaks for the following :
Video and Photo Quality
Internet Connection Speed/Quality
Network Performance
Download Link:
Removed - Recompiling Rom, My sincerest apologies to DeviRSilva.
I used an earlier version of his kernel for the build - http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/kernel-devir-blade-l216-11-2014-t2945103
MD5 : a719cb770585f24c891fe47da9e56245
Note - Updated hosts file for ad blocking (Use xposed module "hosts Enabler" to prevent adverts)
Once Rom is installed and you restart phone from recovery
It may give the following warning "Root access possibly lost. Fix? THIS CAN NOT BE UNDONE"
Select "Yes - Fix root (/system/xbin/su)"
Credits to BSDgeek_Jake for the hosts file (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1916098)
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
Custom Recovery
Please have a read through the information in this link : http://www.howtogeek.com/193055/what-is-a-custom-recovery-on-android-and-why-would-i-want-one/
Flashing a custom recovery on the L2 is a simple process.
Things Required for this process:
Rooted Phone - (Please see the post on Rooting)
Mobile Uncle Tools APK
Recovery Image
First you have to allow the phone to install apps that dont come from Google Play Store.To do so,follow the guide :
1.Settings Menu
2.Security
3.Enable(tick) Unknown sources
4.Untick Verify apps
You can always reset these back to how you found them when you are done.
Download Mobile Uncle Tools
Mega Link: http://goo.gl/IkyVDo
or
MediaFire Link : http://goo.gl/c5q6Jh
Copy APK file to your SD card,use your file manager to install it.
Run Mobile uncle tools,allow root permissions when menu pops up.
You can close the app for now.Next thing we need is the actual recovery file itself.I've attached the recovery i find works best
Carliv Touch Recovery v2.2 - MTK CWM-based v 6.0.4.4
Download Recovery.img file
Mega Link: http://goo.gl/1f8OwX
or
MediaFire Link :http://goo.gl/U1D2Zu
MD5 :9f770b95df8e1beabd7417fc112190bc
Once the file has downloaded,copy to the root of your SD Card.
Open Mobile Uncle Tools and Select "Recovery Update".
Be sure to Select the downloaded recovery image,not anything else.
Select the file and proceed with installation.Mobile uncle tools will then prompt you to reboot into recovery if the update was successful.Select Yes and the phone will reboot into the new recovery menu
Credits to :
eddy.rugal - Base Rom
Carliv - For Recovery
njava - For Mobileuncle MTK Tool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

any news on the kitkat rom yet? super excited to try this out!

is the link for the rom gone?
i dont see it