[FAQ] Q & A on Rooting/ROMs/Methods

[StoneRyno]

Questions concerning backup, rooting, custom rom, and official OTA update...

My ultimate goal is to go CM7 once it is ready or close to ready for release. And in light of the 2nd take at the official release it had me thinking about backing up my data etc. If I understand correctly in order to go with the custom ROM I'll have to root. And it appears the free version of titanium backup requires root as well. Though it is my understanding the paid version doesn't. I also assume other backup options are the same way. I also don't know about if I need or want the advanced features. The only stuff I definitely want to have backed up are: app data and settings, SMS/MMS, call logs, launcher settings etc (ADWlauncher), and system settings. Contacts and calendar data I'm almost certain is all stored in google, yahoo, or from facebook. I don't think I'm missing anything else that should be backed up.

Anyways to the questions. I understand there is a one click root thing which I assume is the best way to root? Which I'm guessing 2.5.5 is the newest version of that? I'm still new to android so other than bits I've gotten from google searching I know nothing. The rooting section of android central points to here but I couldn't find a step by step root guide. Do I need to be concerned with losing any data during rooting? Since one of the reasons to root would be for backing up all of that data I previously mentioned. Unless I'm mistaken and I can backup all of that without rooting for now prior to the official OTA update. And then root when I CM7 is to a point which I would be going to it. Any other advice or stuff I need or would want to know?

 

[Rattlehead7291]

Before rooting

I'm just wondering what will I all lose when i root my phone, and change to another ROM?...

Will it keep all my apps, contacts and everything like i had it....kind of like upgrading windows??

or do i lose everything and start over with the new ROM and everything..

 

[Rattlehead7291]

Rooted ROMs, using Swype?

Once i root and change to a different ROM.. Is there any way to make "Swype" come up as my default keyboard???... or do i have to change it to swype every time i want to type something...

 

[robyn25]

my swype works the same as it did on stock on syndicate 1.0.2

 

[robyn25]

You will have to do a wipe and start fresh. But don't just do that, follow the instructions in these threads

http://forum.androidcentral.com/epic-4g-rooting-roms-hacks/55379-faq-q-rooting-roms-methods.html

http://forum.androidcentral.com/epic-4g-rooting-roms-hacks/63130-froyo-eb13-pre-rooted-deodexed-clockwork-rfs-ext4.html

I followed the instructions in these threads, with others, and was able to succesfully root and rom my phone for the 1st time.
Good luck.

 

[sinfony78]

I'm just wondering what will I all lose when i root my phone, and change to another ROM?...

Will it keep all my apps, contacts and everything like i had it....kind of like upgrading windows??

or do i lose everything and start over with the new ROM and everything..

when you install a new ROM, they tell you to wipe your phone several times before installing, which will delete everything except what you have in your SD card. i think i've seen 1 or 2 ROMs (i could be wrong) where you don't have to do this, or, for example, baked snack 2.2 can be installed over baked snack 2.1 without wiping

i'm haven't used this app yet, but Titanium Backup may be able to restore apps and settings, altho coming from a different file system (RFS to EXT4) it may cause issues? maybe someone can clear that up and how/when titanium backup will have restore issues

i always create backups in ClockworkMod for each ROM i use, so that if i ever decide to go back, i have it all set up to the last time i used it...but whenever i go to a new ROM, i pretty much start from scratch and have to set up my contacts, google accts, install apps, change settings etc....again, maybe someone can clear up how titanium backup can help, but i've only used 2 ROMs so it really isn't that much effort

------------------

if you want to backup your apps, you can do it with Astro File Manager, and that will put all your .apk files in one folder on your SD card...then you can install from there rather than having to search the market for everything, however i'm not sure if it will let you automatically update if you clicked that option in the market

 

[StoneRyno]

I've successfully rooted my epic 4G with one click root 2.5.5. So I can now use titanium backup and also ready for when CM7 is ready for me to use. I'm not sure I understand everything that is listed in titanium backup. I'm assuming it backs up every little thing so that if I were to wipe the device and restore from titanium backup that it would be as if I never wiped the device right? So things like sms/mms messages, call logs, app and system data and settings aren't lost. Other than that I think my only other question I have at this time is; will there be issue(s) restoring sms/mms messages, call logs, system data and settings after I have CM7?

 

[Paul627g]

I've successfully rooted my epic 4G with one click root 2.5.5. So I can now use titanium backup and also ready for when CM7 is ready for me to use. I'm not sure I understand everything that is listed in titanium backup. I'm assuming it backs up every little thing so that if I were to wipe the device and restore from titanium backup that it would be as if I never wiped the device right? So things like sms/mms messages, call logs, app and system data and settings aren't lost. Other than that I think my only other question I have at this time is; will there be issue(s) restoring sms/mms messages, call logs, system data and settings after I have CM7?

We usually only do Data Only restores. Apps you should always redownload manually for any differences in OS's, example Eclair to Froyo..... I would do the same for CM7 (Gingerbread).

 

[StoneRyno]

We usually only do Data Only restores. Apps you should always redownload manually for any differences in OS's, example Eclair to Froyo..... I would do the same for CM7 (Gingerbread).

I think I'm a bit confused as to how exactly I do data only restore. In titanium backup I see the following options for restore:

restore missing apps with data
restore newer versions of user apps
restore all apps with data

For backup it is my understanding to make sure I have everything backed up I choose backup all user apps and system data and also after that is done go down the list and make sure everything color coded green is also backed up for bookmarks, call log, calendar, launcher, WiFi, etc. Basically as long as everything in the backup/restore list tab indicates it is backed up then I have everything that I would want or need to have backed up for purposes of restoring some or all of it if need be.

I just got the prompt to let me know the latest update is available for me so as soon as i have the backup completed I will probably be updating as it will just keep asking me. At least until CM7 is ready. I'm assuming the OTA update isn't wiping the device and is just updating things. Oh which leads to a new question. Some bloatware etc that I have no need or want for the stuff to remain I'm not sure I know exactly the items I should be selecting for uninstalling from the list in titanium backup. Should I post a list of the stuff I want to get rid of for guidance on what items I need to remove?

 

[Paul627g]

When you "manually" redownload as I stated your apps, the list will update in Titanium backup and when you individually click on say "Angry Birds" it will give you the option to restore DATA only, along with other options..

 

[StoneRyno]

I see so I will have to do that for all of my apps and system settings and sms, call logs etc? Also for some reason the OTA update keeps failing after it reboots. I'm not sure if the OTA download is corrupt. I'm assuming it is because the error occurs at the verification step. Not 100% sure. Each attempt I got to wait for the device to tell me there is an update because when I go to system updates > update android it tells me it is up to date. Note that after I get the prompt then repeating those steps would provide the details of the update.

 

[Paul627g]

I see so I will have to do that for all of my apps and system settings and sms, call logs etc? Also for some reason the OTA update keeps failing after it reboots. I'm not sure if the OTA download is corrupt. I'm assuming it is because the error occurs at the verification step. Not 100% sure. Each attempt I got to wait for the device to tell me there is an update because when I go to system updates > update android it tells me it is up to date. Note that after I get the prompt then repeating those steps would provide the details of the update.

For call logs, sms, settings, I would highly recommend MyBackup Root. The design for backup and restore on those things is much easier and efficient than Titanium.. Titanium is good for apps & data of apps.

 

[StoneRyno]

In that case then it would be better for me to use that one instead. Unless there is something titanium does the other doesn't. Or unless it would be a good idea to use both. As far as the official update goes it appears I need to somehow obtain the update zip to manually apply the update because the OTA isn't working and is no longer offering the option to update no matter what I did before to get it to re-offer the update. Problem is when I search for where to get it everyone points to the download page on samsungs site and there is only USB drivers there. I was hoping it would offer again so I could write down everything for posting for help.

 

[Paul627g]

In that case then it would be better for me to use that one instead. Unless there is something titanium does the other doesn't. Or unless it would be a good idea to use both. As far as the official update goes it appears I need to somehow obtain the update zip to manually apply the update because the OTA isn't working and is no longer offering the option to update no matter what I did before to get it to re-offer the update. Problem is when I search for where to get it everyone points to the download page on samsungs site and there is only USB drivers there. I was hoping it would offer again so I could write down everything for posting for help.

The update.zip method for the Official update can be found in this thread. This will just give you stock unrooted Froyo EC05 and it will retain your data.

Sprint Samsung Epic 4g Official Froyo EC05 [update.zip method/Custom Odin Packages]


Or you can go the other route and use one of the two Odin packages to obtain a prerooted w/CWM version of Froyo EC05. One wipes your phone clean, the other retains data.

Pick your poison..

 

[StoneRyno]

The update.zip method for the Official update can be found in this thread. This will just give you stock unrooted Froyo EC05 and it will retain your data.

Sprint Samsung Epic 4g Official Froyo EC05 [update.zip method/Custom Odin Packages]


Or you can go the other route and use one of the two Odin packages to obtain a prerooted w/CWM version of Froyo EC05. One wipes your phone clean, the other retains data.

Pick your poison..

Excellent, somehow I missed this thread I seen the older one from their first attempt at releasing 2.2, I was just about to check and see if I had missed any threads when I saw there was a new post in this thread. I think there are 10 or 11 preloaded apps I don't want so after updating I'll see how things go after the update before I go ahead with removing the stuff.

 

[mauricio36]

hello I need. help flashing a custom rom ....I have an epic and

 

[mauricio36]

help

I need help installing a custom rom I have rom manag

er and I have a samsung epic

 

[ragnarokx]

http://forum.androidcentral.com/epic-4g-rooting-roms-hacks/47860-rom-installation-handbook.html

 

[rabidgeek]

rooted wrong, need guidance...

I got the EC05 update last week, and noted it was buggy. programs would quit when I went into horizontal mode, especially when I want to use the physical keyboard. I decided to go ahead and root it, and downloaded CWM 2.5 not 3.0. I'm using a mac, running parallels with windows vista. I've downloaded odin3_v1.61andepic.pit.zip, SPH-D700-DG27-8Gb_REL.tar and am confused here - aren't I supposed to odin to DI18, then to EB13, and finally EC05? would love some guidance before I proceed...

 

[Paul627g]

I got the EC05 update last week, and noted it was buggy. programs would quit when I went into horizontal mode, especially when I want to use the physical keyboard. I decided to go ahead and root it, and downloaded CWM 2.5 not 3.0. I'm using a mac, running parallels with windows vista. I've downloaded odin3_v1.61andepic.pit.zip, SPH-D700-DG27-8Gb_REL.tar and am confused here - aren't I supposed to odin to DI18, then to EB13, and finally EC05? would love some guidance before I proceed...

If you would like to go to a prerooted version of EC05 with CWM already installed then you can check the link below. Its an Odin package ready to go.
[Odin-EC05] Froyo EC05 Prerooted/CWM v2.5.1.0 RFS (Odexed)

or you can select procedure #1 to Odin to Froyo EB13 or Procedure #2 to Odin to Eclair 2.1 (DI18) from the link below. Then you will have to root your phone from there if you choose.

[How to] Factory Restore (or Fix a Bricked Phone)


The Odin package you stated in your OP was for Eclair 2.1 (DG27) which is far outdated. I think you will find a suitable solution in the recommendations above, otherwise drop us another post with any questions.