Uninstall updated Android version

[roedhunt]

I have searched the forums trying to find out about downgrading my Sprint Intercept phone back to the previous version of Android and found nothing. If this is not the correct area to post this, please advise where to go as I am new here.

Problem:
I cannot stand the new version of Android - I lost important information AND the theme is a disgusting neon green AND the new locking system is horrendous (I have many other complaints) - and I want it back to the original version.

BTW, I do not understand anything regarding the 'root' of the phone nor how to get there. However, I am not a simpleton and I'm a fast learner, so any help would be extremely appreciated.

 

[InstantKarma]

You'd probably find better info here: Samsung Intercept (Sprint) - Android Forums

Quick answer, though: You're not going to be able to simply rollback the OS. What you'll need to do is get root access and then you can try different ROMs, or more simply theme your phone they way you want it.

I didn't look into the Root thread on that forum, so I can't say how difficult it will be for your phone. Some phones are extremely easy to root, others not as much.

 

[roedhunt]

I recently uploaded the new version of Android, and I cannot stand it! There are too many problems to name why I hate it. I just want it removed and back to the original version, but do not how to do it. I searched this forum and a few posts asked the same thing, but the answers talk about 'going to the root' of the phone and downloading a program on my computer.

I have no idea about the root nor how to get there. Any help and/or explanation would be sincerely appreciated. I really would hate to throw this phone away (I can't return it) and get another phone.

If there is another post like this one, please do not be rude and scold me (I've seen many of you make rude and snide comments), but rather post a link.

 

[roedhunt]

I thank you very much for posting a link for me. ~

I searched the forum there as well and they talk about going to the 'root' of the phone, but don't tell you how to get to it or what it means TO root.

I figured there probably was no way to re-set it, so it means I have to throw it away and get a new phone (I can't return it or exchange it). This is my first Android/touch phone, but I could care less about playing with the 'neat' features or playing music on it. Just text, phone, emails and navigation. Simple gal with simple needs. ~

 

[pastafarian]

Taken from here, but cleaned up for you.

>warning< I do not have an Intercept and have not done these step myself. These are almost identical to the steps used to do the same with the almost identical (hardware wise) Moment that I do have experience with.

1. Download the following files:

• 
  SWupdater

• Patch for Updater

• 
  Stock Sprint 2.1 image

2. Install SWUpdate.

3. Patch SWUpdate.

4. Copy the stock Sprint image (SPH-M910_MR_DF27_REL_156.tar.md5) to C:\Program Files (x86)\Samsung Electronics\SWUpgrade\Models\Binary (Program Files will only have x86 next to it if you're on a 64 bit system).

5. DELETE ANY OTHER FILES IN THE BINARY DIRECTORY OR YOU MAY BRICK YOUR PHONE

6. Remove the .md5 from the SPH-M910_MR_DF27_REL_156.tar.md5 name so that it is named SPH-M910_MR_DF27_REL_156.tar

7. Unhook your phone from USB if it is conneceted to your pc.

8. Put your phone in download mode: with the phone off hold down volume down, camera and hang up button.

9. Launch SWUpdate on your pc

10. Follow the prompts and hook up the phone to the computer when told to. When you first run this it will tell you to pull your battery out at one point, you should do this. You don't need to do that the next time you run it.. just click through.

11. When the default image is done flashing your phone will reboot. Then it's time to set it up and install whatever apps you like.

Before you do this, it would be a good idea to mention what issues you're having with 2.2. For the vast majority of users, 2.2 is a major and successful upgrade over 2.1. Witness how hard it is to find rollback instructions, very few are doing it. It may be that the issues you're having aren't because of 2.2 but due to a unsuccessful (and likely repairable) 2.2 upgrade.

 

[pastafarian]

I recently uploaded the new version of Android, and I cannot stand it! There are too many problems to name why I hate it. I just want it removed and back to the original version, but do not how to do it. I searched this forum and a few posts asked the same thing, but the answers talk about 'going to the root' of the phone and downloading a program on my computer.

I have no idea about the root nor how to get there. Any help and/or explanation would be sincerely appreciated. I really would hate to throw this phone away (I can't return it) and get another phone.

If there is another post like this one, please do not be rude and scold me (I've seen many of you make rude and snide comments), but rather post a link.

Next time, one thread for a topic is all that's necessary.

 

[roedhunt]

Actually, I only posted once here. The other was on the link you gave. I have no Idea why it posted twice. Thanks very much for the info!

 

[roedhunt]

I totally spaced out your last comment regarding the issues i'm having with the phone. It may sound like petty anti things, but it was like a major shock to me and very frustrating.

The main issue I had was the new sliding lock. Not only on the start up but when trying to use the phone on answering and hanging up. Many times I hit the end call button (lower right), only to find out it turned the screen off but not the call. Getting to the speakphone is a bitch as well. I don't always wear my glasses and the extra step of hitting the menu button and then trying to find the speakerphone icon makes it twice as hard. It's hard enough using a sensitive touch phone. In the previous version the speakerphone icon was on the dial pad.

And then there was several things that were lost on the new version. My contact numbers for one. I never knew that I could back up the contacts on my sd card. For the record, I despise the fact that my contacts are online. I never have anything personal online. Yes, I hid them, but that's not the point. It doesn't help that all my email addresses uploaded to my phone. I use those ONLY online. Yes, I hid them on my phone, but to me, it shouldn't have done it in the first place. I know Android runs through google and gmail (which I RARELY use) and so I have no choice.

The other things that were lost was the speed dialing and the memo pad. Since I had posted this, I downloaded two programs to take care of speed dialing and memo pad, but it was annoying I had to do it in the first place.

The other thing that was lost was the notification at start up that I had missed a call or text message. Now it's a teeny icon up at the top. Keep in mind this is my first touch phone and my previous one (a Rant) had a led light - which was perfect for me.

And lastly I was told that the ONLY way I can get email updates is through gmail. They told me Hotmail doesn't work so I have to forward my email to gmail. *gag*

And last but not least, the theme was completely changed to a disgusting neon green. I have neither the patience nor desire to fiddle around with themes - it's not a big deal to me - so I just use the standard issued one. But this new one is horrendous.

So with all this crap that was changed, it was just a simple solution for me to convert back to the old one.

Petty, yes? ~

 

[InstantKarma]

The main issue I had was the new sliding lock. Not only on the start up but when trying to use the phone on answering and hanging up.

No Lock will take care of that.

At first I was wondering how the hell you lost your contacts when they're uploaded to the cloud automatically, then I read how you did it. If you refuse to use the phone how it's designed, what do you expect?

 

[pastafarian]

You need a gmail account for market access and online backup of your contacts, but hotmail should work just fine for email. You can use the default mail app (not gmail!) or download a free app like k9 if you want more functionality. My wife still accesses hotmail account via her Epic without issue. I can't see how changing a theme, a 2-3 click process is not easier than flashing an OS?

 

[roedhunt]

It's not a question of using the phone or how it was designed. It's about the application android. Did you like Windows version ME or 2000? Or even XP when it first came out? Vista removed many things - like finding ie temp files - however, some Microsoft updates helped. I spoke to Sprint reps and they all say the same thing: there are so many complaints on this new version of Android!

So to answer your question: I expect a user-friendly phone & application - which this new version of app is NOT.

 

[roedhunt]

No Lock will take care of that.

Luckily, someone at Sprint rec'd that. Thanks anyway.

 

[pastafarian]

It's not a question of using the phone or how it was designed. It's about the application android. Did you like Windows version ME or 2000? Or even XP when it first came out? Vista removed many things - like finding ie temp files - however, some Microsoft updates helped. I spoke to Sprint reps and they all say the same thing: there are so many complaints on this new version of Android!

So to answer your question: I expect a user-friendly phone & application - which this new version of app is NOT.

Just as a clarification, Android is an OS, not an app. I also don't see "so many complaints" about 2.2. Just the opposite, the complaints are from users who want 2.2 but can't get it yet. The UI differences from 2.1 to 2.2 aren't that great, though I've read the some non native Android features Samsung added to the Intercepts 2.1 didn't make it into 2.2? In the end, I understand that you want what you want and taking away features in an update is never without issue.
I've used almost every version or Android released and it's been a progression of rapid improvements. From my point of view, there's been no ME or even Vista like missteps. As for the question if I liked ME,2000 or XP? ME was an abomination, 2000 and XP were very far from that. 2000 and XP were arguably the most successful releases of Windows ever. Vista was a bit annoying until it was patched.

 

[Billkwando]

What's all this about neon green? 2.2 is white (or "slate gray", if you prefer). Do you mean wallpaper (you know the phone comes with more than one)? The speakerphone slider is right there on the call screen, and the end call button does work (the screen turns from green to red when it disconnects...something wrong with your phone?). As was already mentioned, your complaint about email makes no sense. I use Yahoo mail, which charges for pop3 access, yet I can still get my mail (for free) with the android email app. I can't imagine hotmail would be any different.

I have a couple issues with 2.2, but I don't get the thimbleful of people who rage like it's the worst thing since taxes. I do find it appropriate that your last phone was a "rant".

Edit: Lastly, if you had simply googled "root" or "rooting", you wouldn't sound like a granny on a tech support line who's been asked if she's using a mac or a pc ("Uh.....I think it's a Dell"). The info is out there if you make the slightest effort to look for it.

Also, please point me toward the people making snide comments on the Sprint Intercept board (until now anyway). Nothing makes folks wanna go out of their way to help you like a preemptive attack.

It's ok to be mad at Sprint or Google, but we're here to share info and help you. Fortunately, Pastafarian is a saint.

 

[pastafarian]

Fortunately, Pastafarian is a saint.

NO!

 

[Christcares]

I uploaded android 2.2 to my Sanyo zio and as soon as it finished installing my phone has continuely turned itself on and off . It will not let me make calls, message , anything really, I tried setting it back to its factory settings (which I am not sure that would of helped) but it would not let me restore it to factory settings! What Do I do ? I hadnt done this until I updated to 2.2? Do I need to take it to the store or is there a way I can fix this myself? Thank you so much!