Root [Virgin Mobile] I need help with upgrading from 4.1.2

[BigBossman]

Well it's a long time coming but I decided that I want to upgrade my S3. I have rooted-stock 4.1.2 with TWRP but I'm not sure on how to update while maintaining my personal data and root. Since so much has changed (I.E. Knox and such) I really need help.

What's the process.
What files do I need.
And how do I maintain my personal data (apps and all).

For the record I did read the guide but I was confused since I haven't done this for a while I don't want to screw my phone up (again). Any help at all is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[xstefen]

You're gonna have to start from scratch. You can backup your apps but restoring data across different Android versions is not recommended

 

[BigBossman]

Thanks so I've gotta use a 3rd Party app to back them up. What else?

 

[struckn]

Well it's a long time coming but I decided that I want to upgrade my S3. I have rooted-stock 4.1.2 with TWRP but I'm not sure on how to update while maintaining my personal data and root. Since so much has changed (I.E. Knox and such) I really need help.

What's the process.
What files do I need.
And how do I maintain my personal data (apps and all).

For the record I did read the guide but I was confused since I haven't done this for a while I don't want to screw my phone up (again). Any help at all is appreciated. Thanks!

Your root will remain intact, but you will want to only restore apps, not app plus data, from Titanium once you are up and running. I highly recommend making the jump to KitKat 4.4, but there are also some very nice 4.3 versions, both AOSP and TW based. Otherwise, assuming you want to go the AOSP KitKat route, you just need to make sure you download a d2spr ROM, modify it properly, download a matching 4.4 GApps package, and also flash one of the APN fixes provided by MopedRyder. Feel free to post further or PM me if you want any help or clarification!

 

[struckn]

Thanks so I've gotta use a 3rd Party app to back them up. What else?

I would recommend Titanium Backup, if you don't have it already, and go ahead and pay for the Pro version, it is more than worth it. Also, I recommend switching to Philz Touch recovery instead of TWRP, especially if you want KitKat. And make sure you do a Nandroid backup in recovery regardless before switching ROM's.

 

[BigBossman]

Your root will remain intact, but you will want to only restore apps, not app plus data, from Titanium once you are up and running. I highly recommend making the jump to KitKat 4.4, but there are also some very nice 4.3 versions, both AOSP and TW based. Otherwise, assuming you want to go the AOSP KitKat route, you just need to make sure you download a d2spr ROM, modify it properly, download a matching 4.4 GApps package, and also flash one of the APN fixes provided by MopedRyder. Feel free to post further or PM me if you want any help or clarification!

Thanks will do also is there a TouchWiz KitKat or just Aosp?

I would recommend Titanium Backup, if you don't have it already, and go ahead and pay for the Pro version, it is more than worth it. Also, I recommend switching to Philz Touch recovery instead of TWRP, especially if you want KitKat. And make sure you do a Nandroid backup in recovery regardless before switching ROM's.

What's the difference between Philz and TWRP?

 

[struckn]

Thanks will do also is there a TouchWiz KitKat or just Aosp?


What's the difference between Philz and TWRP?

TouchWiz is currently limited to 4.3; however, there are several nice options like Wicked Sensations, MOAR, and the stock/Knox free from @jdsingle76. Personally, I root mainly because I love AOSP and don't usually run stock, so my recommendation would be CM11 or CyanFox, and official Carbon is right around the corner.

As far as recoveries, Philz is CWM based, but far superior, like it's on steroids. Problems with flashing using TWRP or CWM just don't happen on Philz, it is very reliable. Plus, it is definitely your best option if you want KitKat, due to changes from 4.3 to 4.4 which caused issues on the other two recoveries. I used to swear by TWRP, but now I swear by Philz!

 

[Tokens210]

Totally agree with struckn

The philz recovery is touch like the twrp or like later cwm's but runs so smooth its crazy, its physical look looks more like a cwm recovery, but it also has so many built in customizations its crazy, it also has no issues viewing both our external and internal memory

Background color or images
Every single text color can be individually changed
Button sizes can be increased
Many more


And I'm the same as struckn on Roms as well, first time I loaded a cm ROM compared to the phones stock software it was game over lol

Roms in my option take the best of the stock and build purely awesome stuff on top of it, phone companies have actually started stealing things that you may have seen in roms first or only came on one device until the popularity blew up cause someone added it to a ROM
I believe led flashlights are one of the things they stole
I believe struckn has said a double touch wakeup feature was taking as well
I also believe some of the gesture features were "borrowed" as well lol


And here I was just talking about cm roms, typically after cm hits some final coding's ppl begin building roms from its source using things from here and there and usually some awesome result come out

 

[BigBossman]

Thanks you guys I will do it but what kit Kat Roms are available now that don't have any network issues?

 

[MopedRyder]

Thanks you guys I will do it but what kit Kat Roms are available now that don't have any network issues?

I shared the edited Carbon ROM
http://androidforums.com/virgin-mob...-port-carbon-kk-4-4-2-1-20-version-d2vmu.html

 

[BigBossman]

I shared the edited Carbon ROM
http://androidforums.com/virgin-mob...-port-carbon-kk-4-4-2-1-20-version-d2vmu.html

So all I need to do is wipe and flash? Btw if I nand-restore my data (apps) with Carbon (after I flash philz) will it work? Also do I change the recovery then flash or vice versa?

 

[upconvert]

You can use an app like titanium to backup and restore your apps. The paid version is worth it for automatic batch restore, but the free version will do it with enough clicks.

You should backup with titanium, flash the new recovery, make a nandroid, reboot to your ROM, make sure its still good, then flash your new ROM.

Generally its better to flash a new recovery and ROM separately. You can fix a borked ROM with a recovery, and you can fix a borked recovery with a ROM. If they are both broken thing get complicated.

 

[BigBossman]

So I should flash Carbon and then when I see all is well the recovery? Or vice versa? Also are there any radio issues (ie. Wifi, data, 4g, calling?)

 

[struckn]

So I should flash Carbon and then when I see all is well the recovery? Or vice versa? Also are there any radio issues (ie. Wifi, data, 4g, calling?)

Do it in the order laid out by @upconvert and you will be fine.