[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] jbarol:
Hello,

After reading a lot and asking for advice/thoughts/suggestions, I have decided to root my phone to install a new kernel on stock firmware to attain better battery life and performance. I like the stability of stock roms, and it was pointed out to me that any other rom will be unstable to some extent (here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=21354863#post21354863)

First, my phone info:

Model: GT-I9100

Android Version: 2.3.4

Baseband Version: I9100XXKI1

Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKI4-CL575468

root@dell143 #2

Build number: GINGERBREAD.XWKI4

At this point I think I will flash this firmware:

XILA2

Firmware info
PDA:XILA2
PHONE: XWKI1
Date: 12/01/2012
Android 2.3.6

ITV (Italy):http://www.multiupload.com/DCYIJJ47I5

XILA2 Stock Kernel: http://www.multiupload.com/U7GK3FPHXF
Password: intratech@XDA

Source: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1075278

And I will also flash whichever is the most updated version of SpeedMod

Question 1) Is this possible?

Yes. ~MistahBungle

Question 2) Would this be stable, as claimed by http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=21493150&postcount=14

yes ~MistahBungle

Question 3) Is there anything special about the country specific versions of the firmware on http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1075278 ?

I.E. I am in Russia, so do I have to install the Russian one? Or can I install XX, etc.

(question was also asked here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=21564834&postcount=1)

no~MistahBungle

4) Is there any way to save the apps I have now before rooting?

Not really before rooting, use speedmod to root your current rom then use titanium backup to backup *USER* apps ~veyka

5) Speedmod says that it includes root. Does that mean that I can just, using odin, skip the step for CF root, and install speedmod?

Yes ~http://touristinparadise.blogspot.com/2010/11/samsung-galaxy-s-how-to-install.html

6) Should I flash XILA2 first or Speedmod first?

Speedmod

6b) If I flash speedmod first to get root, then XILA2, do I loose SM?

when you flash the rom it will come with its own kernel, that will replace speedmod, just flash speedmod again over the top, you wont lose the rom ~veyka

7) At the end of the process below, will I still have the yellow triangle (theoretically?)

Yes, easiest way to get rid of it and keep speedmod/CWM is to buy a USB jig. ~veyka

8) On the Intratech thread, as quoted in the code box above, there are 2 links for the firmware. What is the difference? I asked the question on that thread, but have not gotten a response yet. Search is down.

2nd is full firmware

9) Where can I get ADB codes to use for zergRush?

Kies ~It_ler

10) At what points along this crazy process should I be wiping what?

If I am going to flash the kernel and/or firmware, I understand that there are many steps to take which have been outlined 100 times. I would like to list them below to make sure I have them right. If I make a mistake, can someone please comment to let me know?

1) Root phone using ZergRush

2) Nandroid Backup

3) I understand that I need to backup my EFS folder, which I plan on doing using ktool

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1314719

4) Download Mobile Odin

5) Backup userapps using Ti

6) Use smsbackup+ to backup sms to gmail (doesnt need root but useful app anyway)

7) Flash XILA2 using EverRoot on Mobile Odin

8) Flash SpeedMod on MO

9) nandroid backup again

I appreciate your help and time. Any helpful answer gets “thanks”!