- Nov 25, 2010
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[note]
This is a section aimed at some of the most common questions that visitors have when they take their journey through ups and downs of rooting, ROMS, programs and methods used. This is not meant to be a replacement for the well written guides we already provide, only as a quick "go to" reference guide to help explain some of the terms and different things we discuss daily. My other goal behind this thread is to help Ragnarokx and other mods out from having to chase down numerous, random threads and questions being posted multiple times, thus reducing the amount of house cleaning they have to do in the forums.
Please take into consideration the time that is put into these threads, patches, fixes and updates. Our administrators, moderators, advisers and even knowledgeable visitors take great pride in what we have to offer and do it all to make your overall experience better, so please at least give them a THANKS whenever something they do helps.
[warn]
Disclaimer: As stated before in others threads in this section, rooting & installation of custom ROMs other than official Froyo EC05/EB13 or Eclair 2.1 DI18 is considered a void of warranty. Proceed at your own risk and I nor anyone else at Android Central will be held responsible for your actions. [/warn]
[info]
- Odin, what is it and what does it do?
Odin is a utility that Samsung used and it was "leaked". It is used most commonly to restore your phone from whatever state it is currently in to stock factory form. In this case official Eclair 2.1 (DI18) or Froyo EB13. It can also be used to perform upgrades to different ROMs/OS's, flash (install) a outdate modem or a newer modem. Everyone will use Odin at one time or another, its required software so please take the time to read the section pertaining to it.
- ClockWorkMod or (CWM), what is it?
ClockWorkMod was developed to allow us to flash (install) ROMs, kernels, themes or add ons. It also allows you to perform a full backup/restore of your system (a secondary backup/restore utility is still recommended). You can also perform what is called "wipe" with CWM. It can do a full system wipe or in stages, this is always required before flashing a new ROM unless otherwise stated. There are other options available in CWM but should be left to more advanced users that fully understand them. The most current and recommended version is ClockWorkMod v3.0.0.5 on leaked Froyo DK28. If your running the official Froyo EB13/EC05 the most current CWM is v.3.0.0.6.
Backup utilities and other programs
- Titianum Backup/MyBackup
These two programs are the most two commonly used for secondary backups/restores. They are used before/during the rooting and ROM flashing processes. They are available from the Market in free versions if you are already rooted and then there is the Pro versions which allows you to use them if your NOT rooted. They can perform everything from full system backups & restores to individual apps/data/settings. Caution should be used when doing full restores or system files because they can cause conflicts with certain apps and settings. We normally suggest doing DATA only restores to minimize the chances.
- Astro/ES File Explorer/Root Explorer/other equivalent programs
These programs are also available from the Market. They are used commonly in file management and also are used in the rooting/custom ROM environment for exploring system files and folders for modifying. Some of these programs offer features for installing what is known as .apk files. The .apk's are the actual application/addon. Example, your phones Dialer application is known as DialerTabActivity.apk found in location "/system/app" . Some add ons or apps require that you install them directly from your SD card using this method instead of the normal flashable zip's used in CWM.
Common terms/questions
- What is this CIQ removal I hear/read about? The best place to learn what it is and exactly how it has been dealt with. What is CIQ? (credit: k0nane at ACS, xda - developers)
- Has anything really changed in the methods of rooting and converting to EXT4 on Froyo EB13/EC05? No, the same programs are still used and I don't think anything in the coding has changed either.
- I still have all my old themes/addons from older versions of Froyo DK28/EB13 can they be used still? Yes some can, but also now many ROMs support CIQ removal (see up above) and if the theme isn't CIQ removal compliant it cause conflicts.
- I'm running the leaked DK28 Froyo can I boot into CWM and flash a EB13 ROM? No, you have to upgrade to Froyo EB13 to flash Froyo EB13 based ROMs.
- I have DK28 Froyo 2.2 installed will I be able to still get the official update when its released? Yes, either we will provide an update method directly from whatever version of Froyo your running (leaked stock/custom) or you can use Odin and the method found in the [How to] Factory Restore (or Fix a Bricked Phone) section to restore stock Eclair 2.1 (DI18) and receive the OTA update.
- I just flashed a new theme can I reverse it? No. Only options are flash the ROM again to reset or if you created a backup in CWM before you flashed you can restore.
- Can I flash multiple files at once in CWM? Yes, but I still recommend doing it one at a time and rebooting to see if there are any conflicts. Makes troubleshooting any problems easier. Our more advanced users that feel comfortable in what they are doing and what to expect feel free to flash multiple zips, I never had any troubles doing so.
- Is it normal to have a longer bootup after flashing? Yes, this happens the first boot after you flash.
- I just flashed something and now it just keeps rebooting over and over again what is this? Normally if your going to have problems with a bad flash it will start here with what is called "boot looping". This is where you will continuously loop over and over again through the boot up animation and never fully starts. Exit/Resolve by pulling your battery and then rebooting into CWM or by using the volume up+camera+power then follow up with volume down+camera+power to boot into CWM. Then either restore a previous backup to remove the bad flash or re flash the ROM to reset everything.
- Do I need to perform a wipe before flashing themes/add ons/apps? Themes, yes wipe "cache" and "dalvik cache" 3x. Add ons/apps/kernels, normally you can just flash unless otherwise noted.
- If I flash a battery modification what effect will this have on my current theme? It all depends on the theme you are currently using. If the theme is heavily modded with different status bar colors/shading and other changes there is a good chance it will "break" or change the theme.
- I want more speed, can Froyo be overclocked? Yes, there are many custom kernels available now to overclock your device as high as 1.45 Ghz.
- I'm considering upgrading from Eclair 2.1 (DI18) to Froyo EB13/EC05 can I restore my apps/settings/data once I'm on Froyo? No you cannot restore apps/settings, since your coming from a odexed (Eclair) to deodexed (Froyo) system and there will be conflicts. Data is normally the only thing I would even consider trying to restore when upgrading, but there is still no guarantees there won't be conflicts. We recommend making a list of what you need and re download it once you get to Froyo. Market paid apps can be restored through the Market>My Apps.
- How long does Odin take to usually to restore/install? Usually only a few minutes. If its stopped at a certain point in the process for more than a few minutes then try again.
- I just flashed a new dialer or other application that has been modded can it be reversed without having to reflash the ROM? Yes it can be reversed if you made a backup to restore to before the change or check the list you downloaded the dialer/app from to see if there is a restore/revert file.
- Can I switch between other ROMs without having to re download all my apps again? Yes if the ROM your going to has the Android Setup Wizard (Froyo only feature) included/activated. (Most do unless otherwise stated, check the Change Logs on the individual ROM threads of your choice) They will be automatically re downloaded again along with your settings for you once you boot up your new ROM for the first time.
- How do I flash something? Use CWM to flash (install) the file. Don't unzip the file and try to do it any other way.
- What is this RFS, EXT4, Amend and Edify I keep reading about? Without getting complicated, RFS file system and Amend scripting is what your phone is formatted to run when your using Eclair, Stock DK28 Froyo and early custom DK28 roms. EXT4 file system and Edify scripting is the newer and more efficient setup that all the newest ROMs are being built around now. ** See your ROM of choice Change Log or setup instructions to determine your course of action to install **
- I upgraded to EXT4/Edify Scripting w/CMW v3.0.0.5 can I revert back to the older format/setup? ** New Method ** Restore to RFS Filesystem/CWM2/Froyo (Flash in CWM3)
Yes you would have to Odin back to stock Eclair to reset everything.
- Help! Phone stuck at Samsung black screen. Did you convert to EXT4? If so you need to flash a compatible EXT4/CWM3.x.x.x ROM to boot up. Another solution, remove and replace your battery.
- How do I enter download mode? Assuming your phone is powered down/shutoff, hold down number 1 on your keypad and press/hold power button. You will be taken to the download mode (Android guy shoveling)
- The theme or add on I just installed isn't working properly or causing FC's and it says Edify/CWM 3.0.0.5 ready. Unfortunately not all themes that were converted from earlier pre-Edify/CWM3.0.0.5 work properly. There isn't too many reported issues but there are some that just don't seem to work right.
- My GPS still doesn't work properly and the ROM says GPS fix/hack. See the Four Ways to Fix GPS Problems in Froyo. Note: GPS issues are very random. Some people have problems since day one, others do not. There is no real pinpoint answer to what the problem is and the fixes available don't guarantee anything either.
- Will upgrading to Froyo or using Odin to restore erase my SD card? No your SD card is left untouched.
- My battery life isn't as good as when I was on Eclair 2.1 why? Simply put, welcome to Froyo. Battery life is still better on Eclair.
- Can I use different launchers and what effect will they have? Yes you can flash different launchers. There is the possibility of unknown conflicts, this is more of a trial and error deal.
- I keep reading about switching USB ports when trying to establish a connection with Odin or OneClickRootCWM3.zip. Yes this is probably the hardest part of it all. If you can't establish a connection your not going anywhere. What works for USB mass storage connection or charging may not work for Odin/OneClickRoot. Try to use the REAR USB ports on laptops or desktops as those are usually straight off the PCI card/motherboard. The side or convenient front USB ports maybe "wired" & for whatever reason don't work right. Also try and stay away from using USB hubs or extenders. If you have access to more than one USB cable, keep trying until you find one that works. Older desktops/laptops may have both the old USB 1.0 ports & newer USB 2.0 ports, the USB 2.0 ports are going to be your best bet. Don't forget to install your drivers then plug your phone in and let the computer recognize the phone and install the drivers (may take a few minutes to complete).
- Can I flash one theme over the other without wiping and what effect will it have? Yes you can flash one theme over the other. What effect it will have is entirely up to whatever the new theme has written/designed. Experimenting with this can be fun. Create a backup before you start as usual so you can return if you don't like it.
- What about wireless tethering? [How To] Wireless Tethering for Root Users
- I'm on a older version of Eclair 2.1 (DG17/DG27/DI07) how can I upgrade/update to the newest Eclair 2.1 (DI18) ? See post Use this method if manually updating threw the Settings fails.
Some do's and don'ts...
- When using Odin/OneClickRoot (ADB) don't, I repeat don't pull the cord when things stop or freeze during the installation until you have waited at least 5 minutes to make sure it really is frozen or locked up. Early removal can result in a unrecoverable bricked phone. See posts #214 - 226.
- Don't try to restore apps/settings from Eclair when upgrading to Froyo. Normally this will lead to conflicts and you will have to flash the ROM and start all over again. Restoring data after you manually re download your apps is usually the only safe option.
- Use the scheduled backups in Titanium/MyBackup. Try and schedule a daily backup of at your data so you have something to fall back on incase of the unknown happening.
[/info]
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Samsung Epic 4g
This is a section aimed at some of the most common questions that visitors have when they take their journey through ups and downs of rooting, ROMS, programs and methods used. This is not meant to be a replacement for the well written guides we already provide, only as a quick "go to" reference guide to help explain some of the terms and different things we discuss daily. My other goal behind this thread is to help Ragnarokx and other mods out from having to chase down numerous, random threads and questions being posted multiple times, thus reducing the amount of house cleaning they have to do in the forums.
Please take into consideration the time that is put into these threads, patches, fixes and updates. Our administrators, moderators, advisers and even knowledgeable visitors take great pride in what we have to offer and do it all to make your overall experience better, so please at least give them a THANKS whenever something they do helps.
[warn]
Disclaimer: As stated before in others threads in this section, rooting & installation of custom ROMs other than official Froyo EC05/EB13 or Eclair 2.1 DI18 is considered a void of warranty. Proceed at your own risk and I nor anyone else at Android Central will be held responsible for your actions. [/warn]
*** Please note this is a work in progress I will add/update things as needed ***
[/note]
- Odin, what is it and what does it do?
Odin is a utility that Samsung used and it was "leaked". It is used most commonly to restore your phone from whatever state it is currently in to stock factory form. In this case official Eclair 2.1 (DI18) or Froyo EB13. It can also be used to perform upgrades to different ROMs/OS's, flash (install) a outdate modem or a newer modem. Everyone will use Odin at one time or another, its required software so please take the time to read the section pertaining to it.
- ClockWorkMod or (CWM), what is it?
ClockWorkMod was developed to allow us to flash (install) ROMs, kernels, themes or add ons. It also allows you to perform a full backup/restore of your system (a secondary backup/restore utility is still recommended). You can also perform what is called "wipe" with CWM. It can do a full system wipe or in stages, this is always required before flashing a new ROM unless otherwise stated. There are other options available in CWM but should be left to more advanced users that fully understand them. The most current and recommended version is ClockWorkMod v3.0.0.5 on leaked Froyo DK28. If your running the official Froyo EB13/EC05 the most current CWM is v.3.0.0.6.
Backup utilities and other programs
- Titianum Backup/MyBackup
These two programs are the most two commonly used for secondary backups/restores. They are used before/during the rooting and ROM flashing processes. They are available from the Market in free versions if you are already rooted and then there is the Pro versions which allows you to use them if your NOT rooted. They can perform everything from full system backups & restores to individual apps/data/settings. Caution should be used when doing full restores or system files because they can cause conflicts with certain apps and settings. We normally suggest doing DATA only restores to minimize the chances.
- Astro/ES File Explorer/Root Explorer/other equivalent programs
These programs are also available from the Market. They are used commonly in file management and also are used in the rooting/custom ROM environment for exploring system files and folders for modifying. Some of these programs offer features for installing what is known as .apk files. The .apk's are the actual application/addon. Example, your phones Dialer application is known as DialerTabActivity.apk found in location "/system/app" . Some add ons or apps require that you install them directly from your SD card using this method instead of the normal flashable zip's used in CWM.
Common terms/questions
- What is this CIQ removal I hear/read about? The best place to learn what it is and exactly how it has been dealt with. What is CIQ? (credit: k0nane at ACS, xda - developers)
- Has anything really changed in the methods of rooting and converting to EXT4 on Froyo EB13/EC05? No, the same programs are still used and I don't think anything in the coding has changed either.
- I still have all my old themes/addons from older versions of Froyo DK28/EB13 can they be used still? Yes some can, but also now many ROMs support CIQ removal (see up above) and if the theme isn't CIQ removal compliant it cause conflicts.
- I'm running the leaked DK28 Froyo can I boot into CWM and flash a EB13 ROM? No, you have to upgrade to Froyo EB13 to flash Froyo EB13 based ROMs.
- I have DK28 Froyo 2.2 installed will I be able to still get the official update when its released? Yes, either we will provide an update method directly from whatever version of Froyo your running (leaked stock/custom) or you can use Odin and the method found in the [How to] Factory Restore (or Fix a Bricked Phone) section to restore stock Eclair 2.1 (DI18) and receive the OTA update.
- I just flashed a new theme can I reverse it? No. Only options are flash the ROM again to reset or if you created a backup in CWM before you flashed you can restore.
- Can I flash multiple files at once in CWM? Yes, but I still recommend doing it one at a time and rebooting to see if there are any conflicts. Makes troubleshooting any problems easier. Our more advanced users that feel comfortable in what they are doing and what to expect feel free to flash multiple zips, I never had any troubles doing so.
- Is it normal to have a longer bootup after flashing? Yes, this happens the first boot after you flash.
- I just flashed something and now it just keeps rebooting over and over again what is this? Normally if your going to have problems with a bad flash it will start here with what is called "boot looping". This is where you will continuously loop over and over again through the boot up animation and never fully starts. Exit/Resolve by pulling your battery and then rebooting into CWM or by using the volume up+camera+power then follow up with volume down+camera+power to boot into CWM. Then either restore a previous backup to remove the bad flash or re flash the ROM to reset everything.
- Do I need to perform a wipe before flashing themes/add ons/apps? Themes, yes wipe "cache" and "dalvik cache" 3x. Add ons/apps/kernels, normally you can just flash unless otherwise noted.
- If I flash a battery modification what effect will this have on my current theme? It all depends on the theme you are currently using. If the theme is heavily modded with different status bar colors/shading and other changes there is a good chance it will "break" or change the theme.
- I want more speed, can Froyo be overclocked? Yes, there are many custom kernels available now to overclock your device as high as 1.45 Ghz.
- I'm considering upgrading from Eclair 2.1 (DI18) to Froyo EB13/EC05 can I restore my apps/settings/data once I'm on Froyo? No you cannot restore apps/settings, since your coming from a odexed (Eclair) to deodexed (Froyo) system and there will be conflicts. Data is normally the only thing I would even consider trying to restore when upgrading, but there is still no guarantees there won't be conflicts. We recommend making a list of what you need and re download it once you get to Froyo. Market paid apps can be restored through the Market>My Apps.
- How long does Odin take to usually to restore/install? Usually only a few minutes. If its stopped at a certain point in the process for more than a few minutes then try again.
- I just flashed a new dialer or other application that has been modded can it be reversed without having to reflash the ROM? Yes it can be reversed if you made a backup to restore to before the change or check the list you downloaded the dialer/app from to see if there is a restore/revert file.
- Can I switch between other ROMs without having to re download all my apps again? Yes if the ROM your going to has the Android Setup Wizard (Froyo only feature) included/activated. (Most do unless otherwise stated, check the Change Logs on the individual ROM threads of your choice) They will be automatically re downloaded again along with your settings for you once you boot up your new ROM for the first time.
- How do I flash something? Use CWM to flash (install) the file. Don't unzip the file and try to do it any other way.
- What is this RFS, EXT4, Amend and Edify I keep reading about? Without getting complicated, RFS file system and Amend scripting is what your phone is formatted to run when your using Eclair, Stock DK28 Froyo and early custom DK28 roms. EXT4 file system and Edify scripting is the newer and more efficient setup that all the newest ROMs are being built around now. ** See your ROM of choice Change Log or setup instructions to determine your course of action to install **
- I upgraded to EXT4/Edify Scripting w/CMW v3.0.0.5 can I revert back to the older format/setup? ** New Method ** Restore to RFS Filesystem/CWM2/Froyo (Flash in CWM3)
Yes you would have to Odin back to stock Eclair to reset everything.
- Help! Phone stuck at Samsung black screen. Did you convert to EXT4? If so you need to flash a compatible EXT4/CWM3.x.x.x ROM to boot up. Another solution, remove and replace your battery.
- How do I enter download mode? Assuming your phone is powered down/shutoff, hold down number 1 on your keypad and press/hold power button. You will be taken to the download mode (Android guy shoveling)
- The theme or add on I just installed isn't working properly or causing FC's and it says Edify/CWM 3.0.0.5 ready. Unfortunately not all themes that were converted from earlier pre-Edify/CWM3.0.0.5 work properly. There isn't too many reported issues but there are some that just don't seem to work right.
- My GPS still doesn't work properly and the ROM says GPS fix/hack. See the Four Ways to Fix GPS Problems in Froyo. Note: GPS issues are very random. Some people have problems since day one, others do not. There is no real pinpoint answer to what the problem is and the fixes available don't guarantee anything either.
- Will upgrading to Froyo or using Odin to restore erase my SD card? No your SD card is left untouched.
- My battery life isn't as good as when I was on Eclair 2.1 why? Simply put, welcome to Froyo. Battery life is still better on Eclair.
- Can I use different launchers and what effect will they have? Yes you can flash different launchers. There is the possibility of unknown conflicts, this is more of a trial and error deal.
- I keep reading about switching USB ports when trying to establish a connection with Odin or OneClickRootCWM3.zip. Yes this is probably the hardest part of it all. If you can't establish a connection your not going anywhere. What works for USB mass storage connection or charging may not work for Odin/OneClickRoot. Try to use the REAR USB ports on laptops or desktops as those are usually straight off the PCI card/motherboard. The side or convenient front USB ports maybe "wired" & for whatever reason don't work right. Also try and stay away from using USB hubs or extenders. If you have access to more than one USB cable, keep trying until you find one that works. Older desktops/laptops may have both the old USB 1.0 ports & newer USB 2.0 ports, the USB 2.0 ports are going to be your best bet. Don't forget to install your drivers then plug your phone in and let the computer recognize the phone and install the drivers (may take a few minutes to complete).
- Can I flash one theme over the other without wiping and what effect will it have? Yes you can flash one theme over the other. What effect it will have is entirely up to whatever the new theme has written/designed. Experimenting with this can be fun. Create a backup before you start as usual so you can return if you don't like it.
- What about wireless tethering? [How To] Wireless Tethering for Root Users
- I'm on a older version of Eclair 2.1 (DG17/DG27/DI07) how can I upgrade/update to the newest Eclair 2.1 (DI18) ? See post Use this method if manually updating threw the Settings fails.
Some do's and don'ts...
- When using Odin/OneClickRoot (ADB) don't, I repeat don't pull the cord when things stop or freeze during the installation until you have waited at least 5 minutes to make sure it really is frozen or locked up. Early removal can result in a unrecoverable bricked phone. See posts #214 - 226.
- Don't try to restore apps/settings from Eclair when upgrading to Froyo. Normally this will lead to conflicts and you will have to flash the ROM and start all over again. Restoring data after you manually re download your apps is usually the only safe option.
- Use the scheduled backups in Titanium/MyBackup. Try and schedule a daily backup of at your data so you have something to fall back on incase of the unknown happening.
[/info]
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