I don't know how to flash

[irocroe]

How do I flash? I am so new to all of this..... I am so sorry that I am sounding so stupid.

[fatboy97]

Originally Posted by irocroe

How do I flash? I am so new to all of this..... I am so sorry that I am sounding so stupid.

Read and follow this guide: [Guide] How to Backup, Restore & Install ROMs on The Thunderbolt

[recDNA]

[Guide] How to Backup, Restore & Install ROMs on The Thunderbolt

[TBolt2011]

Those guides are awesome, but when I was learning, they didn't feel like they were enough. I'll lay it out simply, and hopefully it'll be enough of a lift from the guide so you feel confident.


First of all, you need to root. Since you're asking how to flash ROMs, I'll assume you've done that part at least.

Normally a ROM Developer will post something in this forum saying the name of the ROM, what it is, etc. Find the one that interests you, and there should be a link at the bottom of his/her post to download the ROM as a .zip file (from Megaupload or something similar). The download is usually somewhere around 300MB, just fyi. DON'T unzip that file after you download it. Find it in your computer's downloads folder, connect your phone to the computer as a Disk Drive, and then drag the .zip you downloaded from your computer to you phone. Don't put it in any other folder. You want the ROM to be on the base level of your SD Card.

After you've done all that, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A WAY TO CREATE BACKUPS. ROM Manager, Titanium Backup, etc. If you don't know what those are, they're in the Market for rooted users, and you can explore them yourself.

IMPORTANT: Then make the backups (I do all my apps and system data to Titanium and then backup my current ROM with ROM Manager), and get to the bootloader of your phone.

Once you're in the bootloader and have your backups made, go to "install zip from SD Card" and choose the file you just put onto your phone from the computer. It will wipe ALL of your phone data, but will not touch anything on your SD Card whatsoever.


If you need more help after the guide and this, I'm sure someone will be nearby. I have to go to work now though.

Good Luck!!

[yodatom10]

Originally Posted by TBolt2011

Those guides are awesome, but when I was learning, they didn't feel like they were enough. I'll lay it out simply, and hopefully it'll be enough of a lift from the guide so you feel confident.


First of all, you need to root. Since you're asking how to flash ROMs, I'll assume you've done that part at least.

Normally a ROM Developer will post something in this forum saying the name of the ROM, what it is, etc. Find the one that interests you, and there should be a link at the bottom of his/her post to download the ROM as a .zip file (from Megaupload or something similar). The download is usually somewhere around 300MB, just fyi. DON'T unzip that file after you download it. Find it in your computer's downloads folder, connect your phone to the computer as a Disk Drive, and then drag the .zip you downloaded from your computer to you phone. Don't put it in any other folder. You want the ROM to be on the base level of your SD Card.

After you've done all that, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A WAY TO CREATE BACKUPS. ROM Manager, Titanium Backup, etc. If you don't know what those are, they're in the Market for rooted users, and you can explore them yourself.

IMPORTANT: Then make the backups (I do all my apps and system data to Titanium and then backup my current ROM with ROM Manager), and get to the bootloader of your phone.

Once you're in the bootloader and have your backups made, go to "install zip from SD Card" and choose the file you just put onto your phone from the computer. It will wipe ALL of your phone data, but will not touch anything on your SD Card whatsoever.


If you need more help after the guide and this, I'm sure someone will be nearby. I have to go to work now though.

Good Luck!!

Just want to make one small correction. If your flashing your rom through the bootloader. You need to wipe data and cache. The rom will not do it for you. If you don't wipe. You will run into issues. You may not need to wipe when upgrading the same rom unless the dev says so. But if u are flashing a new rom a wipe is mandatory

[CMRobinson]

Buy a trenchcoat, leave the rest of your clothes at home, stuff bail money in the hidden pocket.....


Seriously, there's nothing more I can add that these wonderful folks haven't already told you.

[defcon999]

Originally Posted by TBolt2011

After you've done all that, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A WAY TO CREATE BACKUPS. ROM Manager, Titanium Backup, etc. If you don't know what those are, they're in the Market for rooted users, and you can explore them yourself.

IMPORTANT: Then make the backups (I do all my apps and system data to Titanium and then backup my current ROM with ROM Manager), and get to the bootloader of your phone.

WHen you start ROM Manager, the top choice from within the app is "Flash ClockworkMod" (CWM)...install that.

Once you're in the bootloader and have your backups made, go to "install zip from SD Card" and choose the file you just put onto your phone from the computer. It will wipe ALL of your phone data, but will not touch anything on your SD Card whatsoever.


If you need more help after the guide and this, I'm sure someone will be nearby. I have to go to work now though.

Good Luck!!

Once you install ROM Manger, you can install ROM's from there by picking "Install ROM from SD Card". When you navigate to where you are storing your ROMS....in my case, I have a folder called funny enough....."ROMS", and you pick the ROM you want to flash too, it will ask you

1. Backup Exisiting Rom

2. Wipe Data and Cache

3. Wipe Dalvek Cache

I don't use #1. When I install a new ROM, I use #2, if I install patches (the DEV's will tell you if you need to wipe data or just cache), then I will use #3.

Have fun!

[FrankXS]

Originally Posted by irocroe

How do I flash? I am so new to all of this..... I am so sorry that I am sounding so stupid.

I'm not even rooted, but I know how... I know you can do it with the help of the folks here. They're terrific!

-Frank

[TBolt2011]

Originally Posted by yodatom10

Just want to make one small correction. If your flashing your rom through the bootloader. You need to wipe data and cache. The rom will not do it for you.

Thanks so much for adding that! I forgot to note them separately, wow >.<

[irocroe]

Ok, if I change ROMs, will I lose all my contacts? Will backup asst work to get them back? Will I lose my pictures?