Basic ROM questions

[igorjrr]

Hello all,

I have very simple questions and I'd appreciate if someone could help me!

- Flashing a new ROM will overwrite service provider lock? If no, why? A lock is not part of the ROM image? It's stored somewhere else? What's the technical name of the area where the lock settings are stored?

- Related to the question above, flashing a ROM will automatically root the phone? Or the root information is stored outside the ROM?

- Why there are different ROMs for MetroPCS and T-Mobile versions? Aren't they the same hardware wise? If not, what's is the key difference(s) that requires different ROMs for each?

- I see some ROMs are based in the original (MetroPCS/Tmobile) ones. How were they able to get the original source code? Is it possible to extract the ROM from the phone (any Android phone actually) and modify the source code?

- Kinda related to the question above, to start a new ROM for a given phone, what's the start point: modifying it's original ROM or there is a basic ROM that would work for any phone (then you start modifying this basic ROM)?

Thank you!

 

[scary alien]

Welcome to our AndroidForums, igorjrr .

As I'm sure you've already surmised p), we probably ought to move your thread to one of our two all-things-root areas since your questions are probably best addressed to the folks that hangout in one of those areas.

If you could let us know which carrier (T-Mobile or MetroPCS) you'd prefer me to move your thread to and I'll get that taken care of for you.

Thanks!

 

[viperdink]

Take a look at this thread I think this what you are referring to.

http://androidforums.com/metropcs-o...-tool-backup-restore-your-efs-partitions.html

This helped me a lot

http://playfuldroidz.com/wiki/Compiling_a_Kernel

 

[Hus]

Hello all,

I have very simple questions and I'd appreciate if someone could help me!

- Flashing a new ROM will overwrite service provider lock? If no, why? A lock is not part of the ROM image? It's stored somewhere else? What's the technical name of the area where the lock settings are stored?

- Related to the question above, flashing a ROM will automatically root the phone? Or the root information is stored outside the ROM?

- Why there are different ROMs for MetroPCS and T-Mobile versions? Aren't they the same hardware wise? If not, what's is the key difference(s) that requires different ROMs for each?


- I see some ROMs are based in the original (MetroPCS/Tmobile) ones. How were they able to get the original source code? Is it possible to extract the ROM from the phone (any Android phone actually) and modify the source code?

- Kinda related to the question above, to start a new ROM for a given phone, what's the start point: modifying it's original ROM or there is a basic ROM that would work for any phone (then you start modifying this basic ROM)?

Thank you!

1. No. This area where the service lock information cannot be accessed by any tools as far as I know.

2. I've yet to see a custom ROM that isn't rooted, but it's possible.

3. Hardware is identical and for the most part the ROMs are interchangeable as well. Plenty of TMO F6 users flash Metro ROMs.

4. Source code is usually available on LG open source site.

5. If there's a base ROM to work with you can use that. I'm not a developer so I can't answer this in detail.

 

[aboatright]

You have to be rooted with a custom recovery to be able to flash a ROM. Just having root doesn't mean you can flash yet...and there are Roms out there that are not rooted. ;-)
The original ROM is NOT stores outside the ROM....but if you make a backup with your custom recovery then you do have the original info. ;-)
The reason for different Roms for tmo or metro is usually the provider info/apps and prl that is different. ;-)
To get the original ROM code you can get it from different places but yes one place to start is an original backup of stock...it can then be modified from there...;-)

As for a new ROM...that's been a debatable question for awhile...
When does an original become another piece of work.
Its been defined as any change from its original becomes a new ROM or throm...or a new ROM is built from source and its a new monster all together...that question is for the individual to decide but ask as many questions as you can..take advantage of the many years of experience here and learn away!!!!! Hope that helped a little.