[Galaxy S I9000 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] jfxjfx:
Just want to start by saying this is a great forum, lots of information, and I've read alot of it, as there are so many twists and turns depending on your device.

Here is where I am at with my first time rooting/installing a custom rom

Started with stock Model GT-I9000M, Firmware version 2.2, Baseband version I9000UGJL2, Kernel 2.6.32.9 (shout.lee@SEP-09 #3), Build number FROYO.UGJL2.

Step 1, I rooted my device using SuperOneClick

Step 2, backed up /efs and /st13 folders via ADB and BusyBox

Step 3, Backed up apps, sytem data via Titanium Backup

Step 4, Installed CWM from Android Market, Flashed ClockworkMod Recovery, selected 'Galaxy S i9000' when prompted

(Honestly this was confusing as I tried to select 'GalaxyS i9000 (MTD)' as I have the i9000M, but was prompted with the 'GalaxyS i9000 (MTD) does not have an officially supported ClockworkMod Recovery yet.')

Now have 'ClockworkMod 2.5.1.2' installed, but was unable to boot into it, as I found out I have 3e reovery, which doesn't allow the installation of zip files without signature verification. So after much reading I learned I can get around this my installing a custom kernel, searching this link I realized there is no CF-Root kernel for my UGJL2 build, after more reading I came across this link which said if on stock Froyo with 3e recovery to use the latest Super Optimized kernel. I now have Kernel version 2.6.32.9 SOK@4_8_3#1725, and am able to boot into CWM recovery.

Step 5, I am following the instructions below to complete the installation of my choosen Deodexed Gingerbread ROM, and I get to the second last step which tells to upgrade to the GingerBread bootloader, but after doing so I'm reverted back to 3e reovery, with no access to CWM recovery.

Installation Instructions

1. Make sure you’ve backed up any apps / data you need to keep

I would recommend using Titanium Backup. Also, it is best when upgrading to a new version of Android to only backup your user apps and not to include any system data.

2. Copy the XXJVP_Deodexed_I9000M.zip ROM file to your phone.

3. Upgrade to the Gingerbread bootloader

You need to do this only if you’re currently running the original ROM (or any Android 2.2 ROM). Read and follow the instructions here carefully. (http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=14013450&postcount=1)

4. Flash the XXJVP_Deodexed_I9000M.zip update using CWM.​

So I have reinstalled the Super Optimized kernel, and am able to access CWM recovery, is it safe to upgrade this ROM without the GingerBread bootloader? I obviously won't be able to use the GingerBread Bootloader, as it blocks CWM. Any advice would be appreciated.

Two side questions,

1. When I was doing this post, I accidentally clicked the wrong phone in the 'Flash ClockworkMod Recovery', and had to redo the flash again picking the 'Galaxy S i9000', however, now when I reboot, there is no option for the Super Optimized Kernels 'advanced ulk features' so that I can ensure that the lagfix is disabled when I get to actually flashing the ROM. If I reinstall the Super Optimized Kernel again, will that option show up again?

2. When booting the phone now, I noticed the graphic that shows the model number of the phone starts out with 'I9000M' and then switches to 'I9000', dropping the 'M', is this an issue, or do I just ignore?

Thanks again.