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Root Support Requested-Clarification of root, etc.

melissapugs

melissapugs

Android Enthusiast
So, first off, I hate to gum up the works with yet another 'I'm a newb, help me root' post...but I'm doing it anyway. As you can see by my history in the forum and this post, I am a newb to all things root, but I have managed to figure out a few other Android things along the way. I've gone through the how to's and guides posted here, AC, XDA, etc...and a lot of the terminology is just flying over my head. My biggest problem is understanding what I need to do or not do in preparation for trying Isaac's MIUI, since a lot of the how to's don't really explain the why's or some of the how's. I have been hesitant to go into rooting and theming territory because I don't understand many of the things people discuss. I guess this is my SOS after months of wondering what if.

So I've read about nine thousand how-to's on rooting, CWM, etc. I am almost certain that I understand the processes, but I'm still fuzzy on a couple of things:
1. So...Gingerbreak to root seems simple enough.
2. CWM...not sure why or what exactly it is, but I get the gist from the well documented how to's.
3. Is it after that that I do a Nandroid backup?
4. I read a few guides that mentioned apps that allow for superuser permissions (or some such).
5. Am I missing some steps/apps/etc?

I guess I'm asking if there's anything else I need to go from rooting to theming. Is a stock Custom Recovery something I need to have on hand if I decide I don't like/want MIUI? Do I need a Kernal? Is there anything else I need to do/know in preparation of trying out the latest MIUI? Can one theme the stock without using a ROM?

Sorry if this is entirely too basic for someone to give me some pointers. Any help would be most appreciated, and thanks in advance :)
 
melissapugs said:
So, first off, I hate to gum up the works with yet another 'I'm a newb, help me root' post...but I'm doing it anyway. As you can see by my history in the forum and this post, I am a newb to all things root, but I have managed to figure out a few other Android things along the way. I've gone through the how to's and guides posted here, AC, XDA, etc...and a lot of the terminology is just flying over my head. My biggest problem is understanding what I need to do or not do in preparation for trying Isaac's MIUI, since a lot of the how to's don't really explain the why's or some of the how's. I have been hesitant to go into rooting and theming territory because I don't understand many of the things people discuss. I guess this is my SOS after months of wondering what if.

So I've read about nine thousand how-to's on rooting, CWM, etc. I am almost certain that I understand the processes, but I'm still fuzzy on a couple of things:
1. So...Gingerbreak to root seems simple enough.
2. CWM...not sure why or what exactly it is, but I get the gist from the well documented how to's.
3. Is it after that that I do a Nandroid backup?
4. I read a few guides that mentioned apps that allow for superuser permissions (or some such).
5. Am I missing some steps/apps/etc?

I guess I'm asking if there's anything else I need to go from rooting to theming. Is a stock Custom Recovery something I need to have on hand if I decide I don't like/want MIUI? Do I need a Kernal? Is there anything else I need to do/know in preparation of trying out the latest MIUI? Can one theme the stock without using a ROM?

Sorry if this is entirely too basic for someone to give me some pointers. Any help would be most appreciated, and thanks in advance :)
Click to expand...

I think a lot of it seems more daunting than it really is. I'll try my best to answer some of your questions.

First off, Clockworkmod Recovery is considered a custom recovery because it takes the source code for the original Android recovery (something included with every Android device) and adds more functionality to it. The reason why it's necessary is because we can't flash 3rd-party packages with the original recovery. Furthermore, it allows us to really expand customization while simultaneously providing us a way to go backwards if need be. (Which brings me to the next point...)

A Nandroid backup, something done within CWM, is your safety net. You need it in case you royally screw something up. It's also very handy because it takes a literal freeze-frame snapshot of your device at that very moment (call logs, SMS messages, themes, browser history, etc.). You'll want to make a nandroid backup as soon as you get CWM on your phone. It's something that you don't have to do, but you'll regret it if something goes south and you didn't. Nandroids are also important because you can flash whatever you want and if you don't like it, you can simply restore your backup.

Technically, rooting isn't necessary. Having root access allows you the ability to change system files. This is disabled by default because manufacturers don't want to give us access to certain areas of the phone. This is mostly for our own protection. However, careful users shouldn't have any issues after gaining root access.

Installing a custom recovery on our phones is different than most devices. We have access to where the recovery is without the need for superuser permissions. However, if you want access to /system area on the stock ROM (useful for changing apps, themes, etc.), then you will need to root your phone. Custom ROMs, such as CM7 or MIUI, come "pre-rooted." If you're running CM7 or MIUI, you won't need to run any extra programs to gain root access.

MIUI and CM7 come as a complete package. You won't need anything extra after flashing either ROM. However, if you want extra features, such as battery mods or an overclocked kernel (which I advise against), then you'll have to find an extra package that you flash for your respective ROM.

Here's an example of going from the stock ROM to MIUI:

1) Add CWM to your phone
2) Download the MIUI zip package
3) Put the zip on your phone, turn off the phone, and boot into recovery
4) Make a nandroid backup (just in case)
5) Wipe your data and format /system
6) Flash the MIUI zip package
7) Once it finishes, reboot
8) Enjoy
 
Isaac,Thanks so much for taking the time to write back. First off, can you tell I'm guilty of overthinking? :rolleyes: Secondly, I think your reply has done more for my understanding of this whole shebang than about four hours of googling lol.
I believe I shall take the plunge. There are plenty of guides for CWM and rooting. I will find one on Nandroid. Glad nothing else seems completely necessary to try out your MIUI.
Thanks for all your help and contributions to developing our phone :)

isaacj87 said:
I think a lot of it seems more daunting than it really is. I'll try my best to answer some of your questions.

First off, Clockworkmod Recovery is considered a custom recovery because it takes the source code for the original Android recovery (something included with every Android device) and adds more functionality to it. The reason why it's necessary is because we can't flash 3rd-party packages with the original recovery. Furthermore, it allows us to really expand customization while simultaneously providing us a way to go backwards if need be. (Which brings me to the next point...)

A Nandroid backup, something done within CWM, is your safety net. You need it in case you royally screw something up. It's also very handy because it takes a literal freeze-frame snapshot of your device at that very moment (call logs, SMS messages, themes, browser history, etc.). You'll want to make a nandroid backup as soon as you get CWM on your phone. It's something that you don't have to do, but you'll regret it if something goes south and you didn't. Nandroids are also important because you can flash whatever you want and if you don't like it, you can simply restore your backup.

Technically, rooting isn't necessary. Having root access allows you the ability to change system files. This is disabled by default because manufacturers don't want to give us access to certain areas of the phone. This is mostly for our own protection. However, careful users shouldn't have any issues after gaining root access.

Installing a custom recovery on our phones is different than most devices. We have access to where the recovery is without the need for superuser permissions. However, if you want access to /system area on the stock ROM (useful for changing apps, themes, etc.), then you will need to root your phone. Custom ROMs, such as CM7 or MIUI, come "pre-rooted." If you're running CM7 or MIUI, you won't need to run any extra programs to gain root access.

MIUI and CM7 come as a complete package. You won't need anything extra after flashing either ROM. However, if you want extra features, such as battery mods or an overclocked kernel (which I advise against), then you'll have to find an extra package that you flash for your respective ROM.

Here's an example of going from the stock ROM to MIUI:

1) Add CWM to your phone
2) Download the MIUI zip package
3) Put the zip on your phone, turn off the phone, and boot into recovery
4) Make a nandroid backup (just in case)
5) Wipe your data and format /system
6) Flash the MIUI zip package
7) Once it finishes, reboot
8) Enjoy
Click to expand...
 
melissapugs said:
I followed this video for Gingerbreak. I appear to have this done successfully. I updated Super User in the market, since the vid and other guides seem to have done so.
My device is no longer activated, which happened to the guy in the vid, too. Should I reactivate now, or wait until CWM? TIA.
Click to expand...

That's odd. That didn't happen to me when I originally rooted. Either way, you'll need to activate now as there's no way to activate within CM7 or MIUI.
 
Yeah, I thought so...happened to the guy in the pic, so I didn't worry at first. Except when I've tried to activate, it says "Service is not aavailable: Error 06-075910 Contact VM" Just a LITTLE freaked out ATM :(


EDIT: DUDE! It activated itself 5 seconds after I put the frown on this post. Dude. Just...dude. WHEW! Dude. Okay. Moving on to CWM. Thanks bunches Isaac
isaacj87 said:
That's odd. That didn't happen to me when I originally rooted. Either way, you'll need to activate now as there's no way to activate within CM7 or MIUI.
Click to expand...
 
The first time is always the scariest... :)

Soon you'll be just like the rest of us in this All Things Root section and be flashing roms back and forth every other day. lol.
 
I hope so LOL. I don't think I took a breath for a few minutes there and I'm down half a pack of smokes today already. And I'm still smiling like an idiot since I apparently didn't screw it up so far :)
 
I HAVE MIUI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks so much Isaac - threw you some subway moolah, wish it could be more.
So...do I restore my apps from the titanium backup I made? Heck, I don't even care, I didn't brick my phone! YEAH! Have a great weekend!
 
Okee dokee. So I installed Titan. Backup. It says Error: could not acquire root privileges. Please verify that your ROM is rooted and includes busybox, and try again.
XDA posts on similar topics led me to attempt to install Busy Box from the market. It says it cannot install correctly.
:confused:
Edit-worked after reinstall, sorry :)
 
Yeah the first time i flashed a rooted kernel on my intercept, I was so nervous it wouldn't reboot, but it did and it's been full on since then. I flash stuff to my phone alot testing my ROM out, and isaac is right on the nandroids, dude they are like life jackets! And from what I have experienced this phone is nearly unbrickable, on the intercept you could flash over a boot logo that was too big(over like 130kb's) and your phone was instantly toast with no way to recover it. This phone is setup alot different and even when people formatted the partition where the recovery and boot logo and other stuff(really important stuff) was, they were able to recovery it in downlod/bootloader mode. I think besides wiping every partition while in bootloader mode hooked up to linux where you got access to every partition on the phone would be about the only way to permanently destroy it. However you may even be able to recovery from that if you knew what you were doing.

But i agree, the first time you do anything risky, you will about have a heart attack and just pray that the phone turns on lol!!!
 
yep! thats why you can never have too many nandroids! :p i have 2 on my sdcard and 5 on my pc just to be safe...

@b_randon... why didnt they even add the nandroid backup feature to the intercepts recovery? :confused:
 
b_randon14 said:
Yeah the first time i flashed a rooted kernel on my intercept, I was so nervous it wouldn't reboot, but it did and it's been full on since then. I flash stuff to my phone alot testing my ROM out, and isaac is right on the nandroids, dude they are like life jackets! And from what I have experienced this phone is nearly unbrickable, on the intercept you could flash over a boot logo that was too big(over like 130kb's) and your phone was instantly toast with no way to recover it. This phone is setup alot different and even when people formatted the partition where the recovery and boot logo and other stuff(really important stuff) was, they were able to recovery it in downlod/bootloader mode. I think besides wiping every partition while in bootloader mode hooked up to linux where you got access to every partition on the phone would be about the only way to permanently destroy it. However you may even be able to recovery from that if you knew what you were doing.

But i agree, the first time you do anything risky, you will about have a heart attack and just pray that the phone turns on lol!!!
Click to expand...

So glad it went well, thanks to Isaac and a couple buds at XDA. Now if I can wrap my head around how iphoney this MIUI business is looking - and what I can do to rip it all apart - then we'll be in business. :)
 
melissapugs said:
So glad it went well, thanks to Isaac and a couple buds at XDA. Now if I can wrap my head around how iphoney this MIUI business is looking - and what I can do to rip it all apart - then we'll be in business. :)
Click to expand...

there's a theme that "exactly" mimics ios! its really cool :D and it pisses iphone owners off...
 
melissapugs said:
So glad it went well, thanks to Isaac and a couple buds at XDA. Now if I can wrap my head around how iphoney this MIUI business is looking - and what I can do to rip it all apart - then we'll be in business. :)
Click to expand...

It's a great ROM, but you have to take the time to learn it. (I didn't want to have to learn the new interface. I'm used to GB stock. LOL)
 
lifeblows10 said:
It's a great ROM, but you have to take the time to learn it. (I didn't want to have to learn the new interface. I'm used to GB stock. LOL)
Click to expand...

I really like the interface. I HATE the home lol - already back to ADW Ex. I have already themed it to the ninth - so awesome, I've never done so. Only thing that sticks in my craw even remotely is the wifi/locking issue, but I'll get used to it. And...check it...by GPS works - it hadn't on stock. :confused: Whatever, I'm so jazzed, I can't even waste ticks imagining why that happened.
 
Ohhh. Coolness. I like MIUI and the GPS fix, but I'm having a lot of trouble with wallpaper settings/gradients and can't get decent screen caps using sdk. I will have to try and make it work, since it also seems to be pretty okay on the battery.
agentc13 said:
Pretty sure Isaac used ticker's gps fix from cm7.
Click to expand...
 
Considering the MIUI. Mainly just because Isaac's using it. Lol. Sorry, dude, but you're kind of an icon around here. Lol!!
 
melissapugs said:
Okee dokee. So I installed Titan. Backup. It says Error: could not acquire root privileges. Please verify that your ROM is rooted and includes busybox, and try again.
XDA posts on similar topics led me to attempt to install Busy Box from the market. It says it cannot install correctly.
:confused:
Edit-worked after reinstall, sorry :)
Click to expand...

Just so you know for next time, if you ever that message again on either CM7 or MIUI you don't need to re-install. just press menu and reload the application
 
mantera said:
Lol. See what I mean about flashing a rom every other day?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I do :) Had problems -see here. SMS wouldn't work, so I reflashed, all working again. Getting to know the process pretty darn well know lol.
Update: severe problems with SMS continuing, theme manager for MIUI keeps FC'ing and themes won't apply correctly. For the SMS and wifi sleeping, returning to stock for a bit. Found my way back to pre-MIUI using nandroid restore - hope this was the right way to do that lol.
 
melissapugs said:
Yeah, I do :) Had problems -see here. SMS wouldn't work, so I reflashed, all working again. Getting to know the process pretty darn well know lol.
Update: severe problems with SMS continuing, theme manager for MIUI keeps FC'ing and themes won't apply correctly. For the SMS and wifi sleeping, returning to stock for a bit. Found my way back to pre-MIUI using nandroid restore - hope this was the right way to do that lol.
Click to expand...

yep the nandroid restore was the correct way to go back to stock... :D im currently running the newest build of cm7 and its practically perfect! no more data drops!!! yay! :p
 
Yep, having the safety net of a backup gives peace of mind when trying to mess around changing system files.

>OMG, it won't boot!
>No worries, restore backup. I'm all set! Back to messing up phone again... :)
 
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