yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] hduty:
I have just gotten myself a SG2, my first Android device.

I probably wouldn't want to root, at least so early, if it weren't for Root Call Blocker Pro which I want/need to install.

So I wanted to ask a couple of related questions:

1. Is there a way of rooting without losing all the apps + settings? If not, can you recommend a could backup app?

2. Could someone please point me to the EASIEST step-by-step guide on how to root a SG2? I have found a couple of threads but am not sure if they are the most up-to-date/best/most appropriate for a novice.

3. Will I be able to apply the official SG2 updates from Samsung after rooting? (OK, so that was three questions....)

Thanks!
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] B3311:
This is what you need - failsafe;)

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1126522
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] LeWildDroid:
Hi everyone. I also have a question regarding stock rom. I know that you'll say I am an idiot but stock rom is deodexed, right?

Sent from my GT-I9100
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] hduty:
Thanks for the replies!

@B3311

Now THAT is detailed! :)

A follow up question though:

Exactly how does this rooting work under the hood? Why do we need to look for a compatible file that we then use to replace.... what?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] veyka:
Stock rom directly from samsung is odexed.

Rooting using CF-root replaces the phones kernel (core of the OS) with a modified one, with clockworkmod recovery (nandroid backup, etc), it also includes insecure adb (adb that can run as root not just standard user) and copy's the superuser apk to the system dir and sets permissions.

This is all done via a special initramfs attached to an otherwise stock kernel.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] wibbsy:
why would you want to root and then use OTA stock roms?

If you find you can't get OTA stock updates after a root (i.e. if Samsung decide to utilise some mad kernel reset counter ban hammer) then simply check XDA where I guarantee the OTA stcks will appear pretty quickly!

Things to consider:

1. Rooting is very very good for numerous reasons that can be found everywhere on XDA - and google.

2. You can replace the kernel for root but continue to use stock rom (and use a jig to replace the reset counters) for pretty much stock functionality.

3. If you root and don't like what you get (i.e. you're mental) then it is just as easy to replace all factory rom/kernel information (which are always available in the original development thread) but you should invest in a jig (from ebay) so you can reset the counters (you can do this via software but I find a jig far simpler).
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] m4rshall:
What JJEgan said.

Rooting won't lose your apps. Titanium Backup Pro is the best way to go.

Install Kies, exit Kies, open Odin, phone in download mode + plug it in, don't touch any of the Odin settings, load "PDA" with chainfire's kernel -> go!

It's really straightforward, but it can be a little nerve wracking the first time.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] hduty:
Thanks a lot guys!

I just rooted, and it "only" took me about 15 min including the downloading of the various files (still way more though than the 30 sec. it should take according to the Chainfire post!! :) ).

@m4rshall's summary made it clear that the steps are really very few and simple, because when you read the other posts, it seems like a much more complex process due to their size, though they are absolutely necessary to get all the details.

Some follow up questions:

1. What would I need to do if I wanted to the original, factory state?

Not that I'm planning to, but in case I notice some issue that makes me decide to go back (I read in that loooong thread that some people noticed slower connections after rooting??)?

2. From what I've gathered, the yellow exclamation mark at boot is purely "cosmetic" and does not effect in any way at all the performance of the device. Correct?

3. The USB jig: exactly what does it do?? How does it do its magic?? How is it different from a normal cable? Are they only used for Android rooting?

Thanks again!
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] hduty:
Thanks JJEgan!

One last question: I already figured out that superuser lists all apps that have root access. But what does CWM do?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] veyka:
Clockworkmod recovery is a replacement recovery, it allows you to preform full device snapshot backups, to allow you to restore your phone to any point in time.

Allows you to flash CWM compatible zips.

Mount your SD to a computer while in recovery to copy things to it.
[Galaxy S II General] floppy__:
Hi,

I got my Galaxy S (called Captivate for AT&T) a few day before it hit the store (more than one year ago. I remember that for rooting my capy I just had a update.zip to install and do an update.

I will soon get a new Galaxy SII and was wondering if there was a way to root it like I used to do it with my capy or do I HAVE to go thru odin?

Thanks
[Galaxy S II General] Lennyz1988:
You need Odin or Heimdall, there is no other way.
[Galaxy S II General] peachpuff:
Is odin difficult to use or something? I don't understand... you select the cf-root kernel, make sure odin detects the phone and flash away, easy as pie.
[Galaxy S II General] floppy__:
It's not that Odin is hard to use, it's just that you need a computer... With the update.zip you can root on the go
[Galaxy S II General] sxi200:
Pretty sure you can root the s2 without a computer.

1 - Download rom manager from the market.

2 - Flash clockworkmod for s2 from within rom manager.

3 - That would create an update zip to install cwm to the phone. So reboot into stock recovery and select update zip. Might need to run it twice and you should now have cwm recovery on your phone.

4 - Simply download a kernal (from xda development section) which has root built in. I would recommend either cf-root or speedmod. Reboot into cwm recovery and select flash zip from sd. Navigate to where the kernsl is saved and flash away. Your phone should now be rooted.

Probably download the kernal first so you can flash it as soon as cwm recovery gets installed after flashing the update zip.

I always did it that way on my s1 but maybe things have changed since then.
[Galaxy S II General] Deleted member 4038153:
ROM Manager requires root. :rolleyes:
[Galaxy S II General] peachpuff:
There was a flaw in the 2e recovery that allowed non signed zip's to run on the sgs1, that's why you could root the phone just by running a zip, later samsung patched that hole with 3e recovery.

All sgs2 phone now run 3e recovery so the only way to root them is by flashing a modified kernel. However there is a new exploit that can root your phone without using odin, but you still need the phone connected to a computer to easily do it.

However running all of the commands from the phone in terminal emulator should work also, its just that there's a ton of them to type out.

@files\adb wait-for-device

@files\adb shell "cd /data/local/tmp/; rm *"

@files\adb push files\zergRush /data/local/tmp/.

@files\adb shell "chmod 777 /data/local/tmp/zergRush"

@files\adb shell "./data/local/tmp/zergRush"

@files\adb wait-for-device

@files\adb push files\busybox /data/local/tmp/.

@files\adb shell "chmod 755 /data/local/tmp/busybox"

@files\adb shell "/data/local/tmp/busybox mount -o remount,rw /system"

@files\adb shell "dd if=/data/local/tmp/busybox of=/system/xbin/busybox"

@files\adb shell "chown root.shell /system/xbin/busybox"

@files\adb shell "chmod 04755 /system/xbin/busybox"

@files\adb shell "/system/xbin/busybox --install -s /system/xbin"

@files\adb shell "rm -r /data/local/tmp/busybox"

@files\adb push files\su /system/bin/su

@files\adb shell "chown root.shell /system/bin/su"

@files\adb shell "chmod 06755 /system/bin/su"

@files\adb shell "rm /system/xbin/su"

@files\adb shell "ln -s /system/bin/su /system/xbin/su"

@files\adb push files\Superuser.apk /system/app/.

@files\adb shell "cd /data/local/tmp/; rm *"

@files\adb reboot
[Xperia Play General] SkyHighClaw:
hey I'm using the verizon xperia play and i want to use on the metro pcs network, would it work? sorry if some 1 else asked this before i searched and searched and found nothing.

has anyone does this before or knows if it'l work?
[Xperia Play General] Rogue Leader:
Not to be skeptical but your post sounds suspiciously like one by another first time poster a few lines down that got flamed out.

If you're for real I believe Metro PCS is able to hook up the phone via its ESN which is behind the battery, assuming it isn't flagged. Go to a Metro PCS shop and try it, worst they could say is no. Otherwise you're SOL.
[Xperia Play General] captain67:
I think the mods need to do an IP check on this guy to see if it's multiple accounts..

Sent from my R800
[Xperia Play General] SkyHighClaw:
lol no this is litterally the 1st time ive ever posted on this site. i dont like posting usually cause some 1 else already asked the same question
[Xperia Play General] JDMpire:
I would like to know this as well. I am using it my CDMA xperia play as a game device only. I have T Mobile and obviously the phone won't work on that network. If you wondering why, I got a great deal on the phone via Craigslist and it was a while ago when people were still unsure about the sim card slot on the rear of the device and I thought it might be worth a gamble if for some way we got the sim slot working and I could put my T-mo card in it and get service.

Back to the MetroPCS question. I've never activated a 3rd party CDMA phone on a carrier before. Is it as easy as calling metro customer service and giving them the make, model and ESN? I know for certain the phone is not activated on verizons network, it never was as long as I owned it. Does Vz need to "release" the phone from their network before it can be activated somewhere else?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm familiar with GSM tech, not so much with CDMA... :)
[Xperia Play General] solitaire4eva:
You are going to have to get metropc to do the flashing for you. They only do it in certain areas and I believe they check for dirty ESNs. Some places charge $40 but other people can charge you whatever they want since they are basically doing you a favor. Also you won't be able to access all of the things you are paying for like "Internet Access".

Also if they brick your phone while flashing, that is on you.
[Xperia Play General] edokassiah:
you must know a bit of knowledge to flash it to metro pcs

if you dont id suggest to take it to someone to flash it for you but goodluck not to many people are doing it

but if you wanna go at it yourself ill run you thru real quick

download and install cdma workshop and qpst

turn on usb debugging on your xperia

after that open up your phone dialer and type in ##3424 and hit call itll take u back to your home screen now hook up the phone to the computer and if ur using win 7 itll auto download the drivers etc

this will go you a diag port go into your device man on your computer and check what port its under crucial part

now fire up cdma work shop and connec to the port your xperia is on and read and then write 000000 as the spc code

now fire up qpst and inject your metro pcs prl file and mess witht he internet settings thru qpst

will make a full tutorial soon as i get a chance
[Xperia Play General] cristian6693:
you don't need to connect the xperia play to the computer or use any softwar to flash it all you need to do is download the metroPCS prl and you do that by filing on the phone *22804 that will connect u to metroPCS then you press 5 or option 5 that will download the metro roaming list which are the prls after that your done dile *228 and you will hear the metro pcs hello hello this also works for iPhone 4 on verizone
[Xperia Play General] solitaire4eva:
Still have to get the ESN added by physically going into a metropcs store that has the houdini software. You can't just sit home and jump to metropcs database lol.
[Xperia Play General] solitaire4eva:
By the way this don't work! I tried it on the xperia R800x that has been added already to the inventory. *228 gets an error and *22804 calls verizon. I tried multiple prls and changed network locations.
[Xperia Play General] solitaire4eva:
Is there anyone who has successfully activated VZ Sony Ericsson Xperia Play on Metropcs?

These are the steps I took:

1) I have unlocked the phone

2) Rooted the phone

3) Installed Metropcs PRL

4) Inventory Added to Database

Now when I dial *228 I I get a recording "The number or code you dial is incorrect"

Now when I dial *22804 I hear a beep like a pager.

Now when I dial *611 or 611 I am connected to verizon.

Can anyone out there point me in the right direction?
[Xperia Play General] butters0chaos:
xperia play on metro pcs network

from the supported devices list from the houdinisoft site

Sony Ericcson	Sony Ericsson R800x Xperia Play	Verizon	MTC	Bear	Active	Dual Band

source: houdinisoft com site

google search "metro pcs flash" and watch the video from ehow site (my top link)

the process is called "metroflash" and costs $30 at your local metro pcs location

(although the original post with the price is from 2008 so call and check; and yes it is still offered)

**go to the metropcs store and have them flash it for you!!

***remember you wont be able to use picture mail or internet afterwards (although i have heard that there are hacks)

im sorry no one else has answered your question yet
[Xperia Play General] CZroe:
Why would a flashed Xperia PLAY be unable to get online?
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] locke_03:
Wow I’m really drained I’ve spent a lot of hours trying to update to gingerbread (OTA) but just can’t get anything to work.

My phone Atrix 4G currently running build OLYFR_U4_1.8.3, the phone is rooted and has the webtop hack.

What I have tried so far

I have tried to flash the spf file using RSD lite with the new gingerbread update. No luck about 10 min in the program stops and says flash failed . I tried using RSD lite to flash back to an earlier version again same problem flash fails .

I have tried the over the air update and it failed; I got the yellow triangle, when I got the yellow triangle I swiped the bottom of the screen and it said DockService.apk failed, so I searched and found numerous people saying I had to revert back to the orginal files if I did the webtop hack. I reverted back to the orginal files using super manager but now my DockService.apk, PhonePortal.apk, and DockProvider.apk all say (no install); it looks like this:

DockService.apk(no install)

I tried installing the apk files using super manager and it attempts to but fails .

I’m really at a loss here I have no idea what to try anymore this is just really kicking my butt, could someone please help me or point me in the right directions. Thank you in advance.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] spitefulcheerio:
are you trying to unlock your bootloader? or just upgrade?
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bamastang:
Have you tried flashing the pudding SBF?

I had a problem with the update and originally flashed the Fruit Cake img files using fastboot. Maybe that will work. Look for the Fruit Cake Thread in the Dev section, or try the pudding SBF..
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] spitefulcheerio:
thats why I asked if he wanted to unlock the bootloader.

He can't use pudding if doesn't want to unlock
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] locke_03:
I just want to upgrade.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] spitefulcheerio:
your best bet would be flashing back to 1.8.3 stock and then trying to upgrade
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] locke_03:
I saw the fruit cake thing last night, but I’m confused how to use it.

I know I see an option for fastboot when I turn the phone on holding the power and down volume button but that’s where my knowledge ends, can you tell me or point to a thread on how to Fastboot?

I haven’t heard of the pudding SBF I will look more into that now, thanks.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] locke_03:
I have the spf file for 1.8.3 but when i try using RSDlite to flash back it fails??

Is there another way to flash back??
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] spitefulcheerio:
fastboot works in conjunction with the command prompt on your pc. It's much better than rsd
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] locke_03:
Anyone got any ideas on why in super manager my dockservice, portal, and dockprovider all say no install in the GUI??

Is this going to affect me in anyway?
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Stephen Who:
Not true, he can flash pudding and not unlock. I hadn't unlocked for a month or so after I had pudding. It runs fine without running command line oem unlock. ^_^
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] kukupuku:
I had the same problem.

I update my phone successfully only thru my PC.

Download and install automated update tool from motorola support site which will guide you through the update process. This tool will upgrade your device to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) from any previously released version.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] locke_03:
yep tried that too, when i connect my phone the program doesnt read the phone?
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] locke_03:
so its offical gotten worse now, i dont have any data???

Calls and Wifi do work though.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] locke_03:
I'm going to guess this has to do with my files that say (no install)

namely the phone portal one, I believe that controls data :(

O god let us pray :(
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Mman14:
I believe I'm having the same problem as you. NOTHING WORKS to update this damn thing. I even wiped it.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] locke_03:
Yep I wiped mine too and that didn’t do anything for me.

I ran across some good guides that may help us out:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1139715

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1202883

I’m going to try this tonight.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] locke_03:
How to unlock bootloader:

http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/unlock-motorola-atrix-4g-bootloader-on-froyo-gingerbread/
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] locke_03:
One last link i found, this appears to be the easiest to follow guide I have seen. He even tells you how to install and run the CWM Recovery(tenfar's) which is epic in it's own right.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1167373

After work I am determined to get this dame thing up and running, I will post my results tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for the help.
[Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] locke_03:
The guide worked perfect for me, easy to follow and straight forward. I am now updated and running the Alien Rom:D
[Desire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] romeospadre:
Hi

I have purchased a HTC Desire HD and it is running MoDaCo Custom Rom r3

Can I install "Android Revolution HD™ 5.2.5" without downgrading?

The software number is 1.72.405.3

Kernel - 2.6.32.21- g3d0aaff

Thanks in advance
[Desire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] alex6vasy:
yes,you can...through recovery
[Desire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] romeospadre:
Hi Mate

Thanks for the reply

I have never rooted a phone so can you please explain what you mean by recovery?

Is it a case of downloading the zip file and transferring this over to the SD card then booting the phone into recovery mode via vol+power button and selecting an option in there?
[Desire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Stilleh:
Yes. Do a backup (nandroid) in recovery and do a complete whipe and then flash the new ROM you want. Be sure to read all the steps in the ROM install guide.
[Desire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] superstick1:
You need to root your device in order to perform activity or processes that otherwise cannot be done. It basically means, sort of like "hacking" the device so that you can do anything with it. (eg modifying system data)

You have to downgrade your device to 1.32xxxxx so that you can use Visionary app to root your device. Here is your guide: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=964996

You must have S-OFF first to install recovery image.

Cheers.
[Desire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Flacid Monkey:
I thought if it already had a custom rom it would be rooted already?

See if you have an app caled rom manager as you should be able to go through that.

Have a look in mikes thread, read everything!

google search etc... I did 4-5 hours reading before fiddling to make sure I understood what I was doing and in which order.
[Desire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Agoattamer:
I think superstick1 misread the OP. Phone already has a custom ROM as stated by the OP.
[Desire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] romeospadre:
Thanks for the replys, the is already rooted so I have placed the image on my SD card and installed it that way, i thought id messed up as the HTC white screen on boot stayed that way for a few minutes before giving me the setup.

Pleased with it, now hoping to customise it, any add ons recommended?

Cheers
[G1 General] pkilla:
I got a nexus s but I still love my g1

I really use my g1 to test stuff out on it is there any

other hacks or stuff that I can do with this phone besides

Trying out different roms and kernels
[G1 General] KRAZYADROIDMASTER:
Kids use it as a PTT, like a 2 way Nextel.
[G1 General] blacra:
I use it as a streaming media player, with Pandora and TuneIn Radio. It works great for this. Also, I let my kids use NESoid on long car trips to play old NES games.

Sent from my CM7.1 Vibrant.
[G1 General] alohajacks:
I use mine with Gmote as a wireless mouse and keyboard connected to my tv computer. And as a little portable listening device: NPR streaming via wifi, Toddler Lock to stall the girls momentarily.
[G1 General] pkilla:
Haha nice the g1 still a baby beast
[G1 General] jmollabi:
used it as a frisbee once

Nexus One 3g
[G1 General] tokimaromi:
the g1 is still my main phone sadly :/ only one more month and i can finally upgrade
[G1 General] Litesorrows:
I've had my G1 since it came out. :O 1st Smartphone. :D I use it as my Daily Phone. I have n iPhone 3G and 3G's. My iPhone 3G runs Android *2.3.5 AOSP Build* and my 3Gs is my iPod. I could never Drop my G1. The only reason I'm getting a new phone is because I'm getting a massive deal on a MT4Gs. I'm probally going to just Keep my G1 in Airplane mood, load up FBL, and play emulators on it. :3
[G1 General] Simco80:
My 3 year old has been using it for a play phone. Just charged it and still works perfectly except a few dings. No scratches on the screen though. Going to root it now for fun.
[G1 General] bizarre.static:
Use it to test roms and such, but my main phone is a mytouch 3g so is the same lol
[G1 General] mindstate:
If you can believe i just got a g1 a couple days ago, Thought it'd be cool to play around with an older droid like this. I love it actually still a great device and good phone. I use it for my daily phone.
[G1 General] guille26:
It's my phone, it works so well I'm not thinking in getting another.
[G1 General] KoruptedKernel:
Its the remote control for my htpc! With the radio for cell off the battery lasts forever. Keyboard lets me search easy for shows and through Netflix interface.
[G1 General] theROMinator:
I'm interested in doing the same thing! Where did you get your

g1? I'm looking for a brand new one, if there still are any..
[G1 General] azrash:
you can try swappa.com or search at craiglist, can get if for a very cheap price if you are lucky :)
[G1 General] sharphooter:
i still use it as my daily phone :(
[G1 General] AndDiSa:
i still use it as my daily phone :)
[G1 General] shadowch31:
Still use and love my little ole G1! In fact half my family have G1's because of me and my constant ranting about them :D
[G1 General] G1 user:
I use it as a streaming media player, and whatsapp