Whyzor

This is a simplified guide for those new to rooting & flashing a custom ROM on the Optimus V. No need to type complex commands that are hard to follow and prone to mistakes. Basically there are 3 main steps: Root, Install custom recovery, & flash custom ROM.

Windows Drivers for the Optimus V (Optional but suggested):
http://www.lg-phones.org/wp-content/uploads/LG-Optimus-V.zip

Rooting

Rooting is the process of gaining administrative rights to the phone so one can do customizations that aren't normally allowed. Root by itself doesn't do anything cool, unless there's an app that needs it. The fancy stuff comes from custom ROMs. Just remember Virgin Mobile Activation only works on Froyo ROMs, so do it before going to Gingerbread. The easiest way to root nowadays is to use GingerBreak. It can be found here:

[26.04.2011][v1.2] GingerBreak APK (root for GingerBread) - xda-developers

Instruction Steps:

1. Turn on USB Debugging (Settings - Applications - Development)
2. Copy the GingerBreak.apk to a /sdcard dir, then using a 'file manager' app (search for one in Android Market) install it like a regular app.
3. It can take up to 10 minutes, and will reboot automatically when complete (rooted), if attempt fails, reboot manually & run it again.

Install custom recovery image

The recovery image is an alternative bootup instead of normal Android Operating System. It allows low-level operations such as backup/restore a ROM, wipe partitions, and flash ROMs.

4. Download and copy the recovery image VM670NH_recovery.img (works with new & old OV screens) onto your /sdcard.
5. Install the Flash Image GUI app (save the .apk to a /sdcard directory, then open it with file manager). Run the app & select 'Recovery Image' option with the file above.


Flash Custom ROM

[ROM][WIP] BACKside ROM (CM7) + Green Machine Theme

6. Copy the unextracted ROM .zip that you wish to install to the /sdcard dir. Also if installing a CyanogenMod Gingerbread ROM, the unextracted gapps.zip version 20110828, also needs to be placed in the same dir to flash right after the ROM .zip.
7. Boot into Clockworkmod recovery mode (From powered off state, hold vol-down, home, and power button until the LG logo appears).
8. FIRST, BACKUP ORIGINAL ROM! Don't continue until this is successful. Use vol-up/down, camera, & back keys to navigate in recovery.
9. Wipe Data/Factory Reset, wipe cache partition. Under Advanced submenu, wipe dalvik-cache. Then uner Mounts & Storage submenu, format all partitions EXCEPT /sdcard.
10. Install the custom ROM.zip from sdcard and gapps.zip too if going to a CyanogenMod ROM
11. Reboot and enjoy the new ROM, the first boot takes longer than usual, also some problems may disappear after rebooting.

NOTES:

- NEVER use Android Settings 'Factory Reset' from now on, only do factory reset & wipes from within recovery mode. Most ROMs should have this option removed from the Android settings.

- Some newer Optimus V screens hardware changed, see link: [FIX]Black screen with custom recovery and custom roms (BobZHome's IHO recovery from the Wiki binary -> recovery page also works with newer screens.)

- If restoring a backed up ROM in CWM recovery gives 'MD5 mismatch' error (likely caused by renaming a ROM backup). Try this fix:
# cd /sdcard/clockworkmod/backup/<name_of_backup>
# rm nandroid.md5
# md5sum *img > nandroid.md5

- If you ever want to restore to original stock ROM (ONLY on OV's with older screen), with original recovery and UNrooted:
How to restore your Optimus V to almost original condition - Prepaid Android

Last edited by Whyzor; December 7th, 2012 at 05:27 PM. Reason: Edited out Mediafire link and added developer's forum post for FlashGUI

pureds

Can you please remove the gingerbreak reference/method?

I see this was started yesterday, but from what Ive found in recent forums @ XDA, and from my previous attempt (it broke data and didnt work...yay) it doesnt work.

Maybe I'm wrong but at at least this will cause people to double check first so the same doesnt happen to them.

Whyzor

Gingerbreak to root does work, for me & others. I have been following some threads on XDA & AndroidCentral. It basically came down to user error and not following directions closely.

Just curious, how exactly did it break data? is 3G Data not working after reboot? Or after you installed a custom ROM?

AndyOpie150

EDIT: The info I posted originally is now out of date and conflicts with the new info presented by the OP.

Last edited by AndyOpie150; December 9th, 2011 at 08:30 PM. Reason: info is old and conflicts with the new info presented by the OP

jsthrower

I did read on xda that gingerbreak was not working on some phones because of recent updates to phones. I'm sure an update is why Quick Setting will not work properly for tethering on my new optimus. It is seen by my nook color and my laptop but will not connect to the server. I don't really need that function but I tried anyway. I mainly want a few newer ideas before I try to root with outdated info.
So technically this is a gingerbread root but will work for 2.2 stock... But the cm7 rom upgrades to 2.3 correct. And the rom you suggest above does not inhibit any of the native functions of the phone. I can live with the stock rom but I want mainly to be able to have a few more apps withing memory issues and thought a root, backup and link2sd was really all I need to make me happy enough, although overclocking in the future might be okay too.

Last edited by jsthrower; August 6th, 2011 at 03:41 AM.

AndyOpie150

Gingerbreak.apk will work even on the Froyo 2.2.2,It was originally designed to root Stock 2.3 ROM's
If you just want to overclock the stock ROM, pickasticks-07a Kernel will work nicely on 2.2.1. If you have 2.2.2 you will need the picasticks v7 remix any kernel found here http://forums.androidcentral.com/optimus-v-rooting-roms-hacks/113762-fix-black-screen-custom-recovery-custom-roms.html All you have to do is wipe cache partition and Dalvik cache.

Last edited by AndyOpie150; December 9th, 2011 at 08:53 PM. Reason: delete outdated info

deviljin102

I gave this a try and it worked, followed everything step by step, and the green theme is awesome. Thanks for the guide!

esploded

I'm really confused about these instructions...
so I "backed up" via clockwork, but how do I get my old application data back? Or did I completely miss/screw up and I will not get all my texts and contacts back... ?

Whyzor

The recovery backup feature, backups the whole ROM, in case you mess it up in the future, you can go back to it. If you want, you can restore the backed up ROM, it should have everything you had before. At this point, use an app like Titanium backup to actually backup your SMS & other stuff (I've never used it myself, but you can search for other apps that backup SMS). Then continue with the instructions about flashing a new ROM, and once everything is setup on the new ROM, you can restore your SMS from the original. But be warned, restoring a lot of apps & data from a different ROM can cause problems, it's better to start the new ROM with a clean slate and just re-install all the apps from the market. But once this is done, upgrading to a new version of the same ROM shouldn't have to require you to reinstall all the apps every time, usually it's just a simple wipe cache and dalvik-cache in recovery mode before flashing the update.

GymelSmythe

Hi! I'm new here! but personally i haven't had any issues when using Gingerbreak to root my V or my friends....Idk, it might just be because of updates or what not, but no issues over here....

atraum

I am desperately in need of more room and am sick and tired of choosing which app I like must be deleted so I can try something else out. I wanted to get a quick confirmation before I move forward with the Gingerbreak root. In the past I have read several other root methods "breaking" certain items such as MMS or bluetooth. Has this been resolved with Gingerbreak? Will all my current stock features work? TIA

GymelSmythe

Nope, all your stock items and appear should still be there, you're just rooting. Unless your phone crashes during, in which case.....well, you k ow. But everything is still stock until you ROM it.......That's when titanium backup and apps of that nature come In...Y don't you upgrade your SD card for more room?

phw8558

Hey first time on here and ready to root my new optimus v. Been forum hopping reading up on it and have a couple questions yet. My phone is running android 2.2.1. Does this factor in to the rooting process or are these directions up to date for all optimus vs? Also can I stop after step 3 once the phone is rooted? And if I do continue on to a CM7 rom have all bugs been worked out at this point for optimus v? THANKS!

GymelSmythe

Hey.......You should follow every step that's posted to the LETTER. There's no room for shortcuts, unless u want a paperweight. You need Rom manager in order to install clockwork after you root. TiBu to back up your files. As for as CM 7? There are nightlies constantly being pushed out.....just read the changelogs; they'll tell you what bugs have been fixed from a previous version. Do some more research before you do anything, the VITAL. have a back up plane in case things don't go right, so that you can recover. Other than that? Welcome to the Darkside!!!!

phw8558

Thanks for the info. The directions also mention a fire manager app. Is there any particular one? Final questions on this topic are; 1. do installed apps get deleted when you root or do you only delete them when you flash a custom rom? 2. Do you have any pre-root backup suggestions. Thanks for quick reply too.

GymelSmythe

Hey. Your apps will stay put until after you flash your Rom.use TiBu to back everything up after you root. You can do a batch backup. Once that's done, open Rom manager and flash clockwork. You can't flash a Rom until you have clockwork installed. Once you have that installed, reboot into recovery(R.M. does it for you, you'll see the option) and make a Nandroid backup. Use your volume keys to scroll down to backup/restore ,use the camera button to select, and wait while everything backs up. Once that's done, use the back button on your phone to get back to reboot phone, not reboot recovery.use camera button to select. Phone will reboot, and voilà! Nandroid done. As far as file managers, if ur going to flash cm7, it comes with one, but for more flexibility download Astro file manager from the market. Pre root gameplan: copy everything on your SD card into a folder on ur PC (optional).. And make sure you read re-read, and read again the instructions for ur particular build.

phw8558

Sounds good,thanks for the tips!

GymelSmythe

No prob man keep me posted on your progress! !

phw8558

OK, might sound like a dumb question but how do you get the file to the sd card when the phone is in debugging mode?

OK figured it out, the usb mount wasn't automatic with debugging on so I had to click on it in notification area. However the zip files from the link above don't seem to work.

I formatted my sd card so I have three files named .android secure, android, and LOST.DIR in that order. Which file should i copy to?

Last edited by phw8558; August 19th, 2011 at 10:11 AM. Reason: solved

GymelSmythe

Definitely not a dumb question. Are you downloading ur zip via ur phone or USB? If thru the phone, go ahead and dl astro file manager Now, and search search ur downloads folder if u already downloaded via phone. Whatever browseru used to dl is where the file will be. If using the PC, hook it up, go to my computer, and look for ur phone (it should be in USB mass storage mode) when u find it, locate the file ur looking for.place it on the root of ur SD....(u should see things like music,Android,download). Once file is copied, exit USB mass storage mode. Use whatever file manager to navigate back to zip. (Is this for gingerbreak? Or is this for your rom?) If its for gingerbreak, click on it and install.follow prompts. But I need to know if its for gingerbreak or a rom before I can go further

phw8558

Hey thanks I was doing it through my phone and saved it to the LOST.DIR used astro manager to install it and got a quick reboot(under 5 minutes). So I think i'm good to go for rooting. I'll grab some stuff from the market to make sure. Thanks again.

Last edited by phw8558; August 19th, 2011 at 10:26 AM.

phw8558

I'll no doubt be back in a couple days with questions on flashing ect.. Thanks!

GymelSmythe

What did u install? Cuz probably just rooted lol....no prob!! Always here!

Last edited by GymelSmythe; August 19th, 2011 at 10:30 AM.

phw8558

HM, i installed the gingerbreak.apk v 2.1. However, titanium backup says it could not gain root privaleges. What should I do now?

:Busy box says my phone is rooted, tibu still cannot access root??

---OK seems to be working now, do you always need to be running supersuser?

Last edited by phw8558; August 19th, 2011 at 10:36 AM.

GymelSmythe

Uninstall. Gingerbreak.reboot your phone.then take it out of lost.did and place it on the root of ur SD card. Its the same directory as lost.did,just take it out of lost.did and paste. U should see things like media,bootanim.,umm...its the directory than pops up as soon as u open ur file manager.once its there,click on it, reinstall, try titanium again,and get back to me..

GymelSmythe

Yeah, when superuser ask for permission again? Click the remember check box,that way everytime it needs access, it'll remember. Keep me posted.

phw8558

I think I'm good with the rooting do I still need to uninstall ginger break or can I leave it for a while

GymelSmythe

U can uninstall and save to ur desktop incase you or a friend ever needs it.just.copyt the. Apk to a folderlike my documents or something.

phw8558

Think I'm ready to move on to the cm7 rom as one of the 2 reasons for rooting was to oc. Do you need to format the sd card again or just make sure to use titanium backup?


*also in tibu should I do all user apps + system data for my backup?

Last edited by phw8558; August 20th, 2011 at 03:12 PM.

GymelSmythe

This is where it gets tricky......lol

phw8558

Lol yea.. I think ill be ok following these instructions and the ones in the link. Do you need usb debugging on when putting the roms on the sd card?

Also when putting gapps and rom onto sd card they have the same file names and it asks to replace. What should I do here and is it ok to use the LOST.DIR again? --or do I not extract them into the folder but rather just put the whole zip file?

Nand backup complete just waiting for a solution to these last couple problems for the go ahead. Thanks again.

Last edited by phw8558; August 20th, 2011 at 03:55 PM.

GymelSmythe

Keep debugging on....did u already download a rom and gapps? that's the only reason i can think of wwhy it would ask to replace.....double check. DONT EXTRACT!!!!! The rom and gapps .zip's go on the root of the SD....Don't place ANYTHING in the LOST.dir ......

phw8558

Ok thanks man. I was trying to extract them and I re-read the directions and realized that it's the other way around. ( found another post that verified this) Ok I'm going to go ahead and move on, I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks.

GymelSmythe

Yessir!!

phw8558

Under the mounts and storage menu do I do everything that doesn't have a /sdcard?

NM. Thanks

-I think I'm good to go. Setup and running. Thanks for the quick replies to all my "panic posts" :/

Couple last questions, If I update this rom or a new one and make a new nandroid backup will it overwrite my original? And can you flash new themes without doing all of the formentioned.

Last edited by phw8558; August 20th, 2011 at 04:29 PM.

GymelSmythe

Under mounts and storage format: System, cache, data, and i think boot. Don't quote me on the boot, but i think that gets formatted too..

This is from Whyzor's OP:

BACKUP ORIGINAL ROM! use vol-up/down, camera, & back keys to navigate in recovery.
9. Factory Reset, wipe cache & dalvik-cache, then format all partitions EXCEPT /sdcard.
10. Flash the custom ROM.zip from sdcard and gapps.zip too if going to a CyanogenMod ROM
11. Reboot and enjoy the new ROM, the first boot takes longer than usual, also some problems may disappear after rebooting.

@Whyzor: I hope i didn't overstep any boundaries, if i did plz let me know!

Last edited by GymelSmythe; August 20th, 2011 at 04:28 PM. Reason: Needed to be sure....

GymelSmythe

Depends on the theme....I believe Nandroids succeed each other.....No problem my friend...this forum helped me out TREMENDOUSLY when i started...Just helping out another Androidian in need lol....Always here if u need support, 24/7...Enjoy CM7!!! SN: Let it get used to your phone and get comfy with all the features before u decide to OC or anything like that....Once it settles in, the phone will get snappier.

phw8558

Glad I went ahead with this, because it is an awesome rom so far. Why don't the phone companies hire these guys?? My only downside is I can't figure how to get swype back but the predictive text is probably just as fast.

GymelSmythe

It's so worth it....wait until u really get into it...i swap roms on my V every day...It's so addictive!!! And, you're welcome for the help!

phw8558

My live wallpapers are gone also, I'm not really understanding whats going on with this. At first I could hit wallpapers and there was an offshoot of gallery which took me to cm7 wallpapers. However that option is gone now and I can't find my way back to it. If you have no idea what im talking about it's cool because I can live without them.

GymelSmythe

your stock live wallpapers are gone? ok...do you still have cm7 wallpapers? Depending on what build of CM7 you have, they were taken away when you flashed, which is normal. When mine first disappeared i was freaking out thinking i had messed up majorly! lol, but ur good...What RoM did u flash? I'm curious...

phw8558

I can't find the cm7 live wallpapers, they were there at first then I changed it to a nonlive paper and now they are gone. Do you know another way to find them? I installed the latest Backside rom from the link above.

GymelSmythe

Thats why. The Backside build is slimmed down, some apk's got removed . Same RoM i run...actually? i really don't miss them because we have a Theme Chooser built in. And u can download The Theme Chooser Wallpaper App from the Market.

phw8558

I did have live wallpapers post flash and now they are gone. I can't install any from the market either. That wallpaper chooser didn't work for me either. I think I am going to retry the flash...


*Ok after the reflash the live wallpaper is back. When I click the wallpaper option I get two gallery icons and one says gallery and the other says configure. When you select configure your taken to "nexus wallpaper settings" where you can edit the color scheme/background. I still have no way of makeing live wallpapers from the market work. Let me know what you think.

Last edited by phw8558; August 20th, 2011 at 10:01 PM.

phw8558

NM found the fix. The solution is here. http://androidforums.com/3069327-post252.html

OptimusG

Thanks

AlvinChien

[QUOTE=Whyzor;3028405]This is a simplified guide for those new to rooting & flashing a custom ROM on the Optimus V. No need to type complex commands that are hard to follow and prone to mistakes. Basically there are 3 main steps: Root, Install custom recovery, & flash custom ROM.


re: OP...

Excellent, thank you for posting this! (I also thanked you over at another forum).

Super stupid question (blame the pinot grigio I've been swilling like water after a hike across the Sahara)...

Is there any way to get all my apps and settings and perfect sizings and colors and all that back? Or do I have to start over?

I flashed the bumblebee ROM and before I did anything I copied everything (that I could see) from my phone to my PC.

Thanks in advance, and the pinot grigio apologizes for what it's done to my intelligence.

Thanks!

Whyzor

It's safer to just reinstall everything from market & set things up manually. Restoring from another ROM can introduce random problems. Fortunately after you set things up the first time, later upgrades on the same ROM just require a cache & dalvik-cache wipe before flashing. All apps & settings should stick.

mikeyr29

hello new to this board and new to custom mods. 2 questions:

1: I have been reading some material that claims that TiBu is not the way i should go when it comes to backing up and restoring my apps and texts/contacts/call log etc. They all claim that it does not restore all the apps that it backs up in the previous rom and that it doesnt bring back the data either. However, all of the posts ive read are all dated at least 5 months previous to now. Has anything changed? Im just about ready to flash over to CM7, but if i cant have my contacts, texts, and app data im not sure i will flash over until i know i can have it. any help?


2: Once i actually flash CM7, (using the rom manager "install rom from sd card") i know i have to flash the gapps to make the market and other g apps to work... do i flash that (and the green machine theme) the same way as i flashed the rom itself or do i have to do it another way?

thank you so much for the help!

GymelSmythe

1.Personally, never had an issue with TiBu....and u can back up your contacts online with gmail.....text msgs I think with TiBu....Just remember: never restore system apps....user apps and data in TiBu is okay...But not system apps.
2. You would flash your ROM first, and Gapps right after (while still in clockwork). I didn't flash Green Machine until after I booted up and backed up....then did a nandroid just to be safe; went back to clockwork, and flashed the theme....rebooted, and no issues....well, I hoped that helped!