Still Lost, but Learning

[iamz3r0]

I just recently jumped into the Android game (although I've done phone hacking and such with my other phones), and from what research I've done, it seems like the Samsung Fascinate may not be the easiest phone to start off modding with. I've followed the guide (located here, in post #5), and successfully rooted my phone, but I'm still somewhat lost with how it worked.

From what I understand, and correct me if I'm wrong, the Clockworkmod (CWM) I used to apply the root was a temporary "bootloader" to modify system files. After your phone boots normally, pressing VOL+, VOL-, and the power button will simply take you to the default bootloader.

My first question: How does one install a custom bootloader that can be booted using the key combination, instead of the "Android system recovery (3e)", without using Odin every time?

I'll post the rest of my questions as I go on.
Many thanks to anyone willing to tolerate a newbie.

- iamz3r0

 

[JOrtenzi]

Hi... welcome!

OK... just so I am on the same page.... you are successfully rooted, correct?

What are you trying to do now?

 

[iamz3r0]

Yes. I've rooted my phone and I am able to grant superuser permissions. I want to be able to 1.) change my boot animation, 2.) Learn more about the terminology (clockwork, kernel, ROM, etc.), 3.) Learn how to apply themes, and 4.) Find out pros/cons of custom ROMs and other ways of "hacking" the Fascinate.

I've got Froyo 2.2, if it helps.

 

[jpx213]

For changing your boot animation, you can look at this thread
http://forum.androidcentral.com/ver...s-combined-resource-5-08-11-a.html#post745524

I flashed the Evil Fascination rom, and that already comes with a changed boot animation.
From my understanding, my research and my little experience with the Evil Fascination rom, a rom is pretty much like the operating system for your phone.

 

[anon(94115)]

There is an android to human dictionary around here somewhere (seriously), I know it helped me immensely to get the lingo down. Give me a second to find the post

Here, try the stickies in this forum: http://forum.androidcentral.com/general-help-how/

Oh and welcome to AC and your newest addiction!

 

[iamz3r0]

Thanks, guys.

So far I've bricked one, and infinite-boot looped the other. I fixed the boot loop, but now I'm back to the stock Android version for the Fascinate. I just downloaded ROM Manager, and I'll look into a Super Clean ROM first (my research says they're the most stable).

I've realized I can get the phone replaced if it won't turn on, but not if it boots to a CWM, so I'm poking around until something clicks.

 

[anon(94115)]

Thanks, guys.

So far I've bricked one, and infinite-boot looped the other. I fixed the boot loop, but now I'm back to the stock Android version for the Fascinate. I just downloaded ROM Manager, and I'll look into a Super Clean ROM first (my research says they're the most stable).

I've realized I can get the phone replaced if it won't turn on, but not if it boots to a CWM, so I'm poking around until something clicks.

STOP>>>>>>> ROM Manager and the fassy do not get along at all!

 

[anon(94115)]

Super Clean is stable, and the newest best thing is the ComRom (AKA Kangbag, Community Rom)

Evil Fascination is a good ROM too

most everything on this list works well, just be sure to match your versions or you can find yourself in Boot loop hell. Easily resolved but a pain

http://forum.androidcentral.com/ver...t-animations-combined-resource-5-08-11-a.html

 

[anon(94115)]

More stuff to read:

http://forum.androidcentral.com/ver...l-froyo-ed01-packaged-custom-roms-w-root.html

 

[iamz3r0]

STOP>>>>>>> ROM Manager and the fassy do not get along at all!

Okay, okay, it didn't really do well. Thanks for the warning. I'll go ahead and look into Evil Fascination and install it using CwM Voodoo Lagfix Recovery v2.5.1.x. Unless that would be an issue.

EDIT: So far, so good. I'm being talked to by the Android lady after installing from the Evil Fascination ROM from the SD Card using the CwM itself instead of using ROM Manager. It's booting up okay, the animations are changed, so I'm guessing I did something right. The giant blue lettering during installation kinda freaked me out, but all is good.

New question: Voodoo or Non-Voodoo?

 

[anon(94115)]

Nope no issue there, done it more than once

 

[Mellen_hed]

EDIT: So far, so good. I'm being talked to by the Android lady after installing from the Evil Fascination ROM from the SD Card using the CwM itself instead of using ROM Manager. It's booting up okay, the animations are changed, so I'm guessing I did something right.

New question: Voodoo or Non-Voodoo?

If you heard the android lady, it's too late. You're already voodoo. Good accident, though.

 

[iamz3r0]

Haha, as long as I didn't break anything. What's the difference?

 

[anon(94115)]

Like the other post said good accident. Voodoo has better sound and color, and a few other minor details. Where people get into trouble is switching back and forth between the two. Now that you have done the Voodoo, stay that way. You will only cause yourself pain if you try to flash a non-voodoo kernel.

 

[anon(94115)]

http://forum.androidcentral.com/ver...11-kernel-built-source-sound-undervolted.html

Voodoo Primer

 

[iamz3r0]

Gotcha. I've successfully updated to CwM Voodoo Lagfix Recovery v3.0.2.8x.ti, and installed Ultimate KangBang v1.3. I'm currently working on making it look more "professional", the graphics don't seem to match together too well. Installing a theme is just like installing a ROM. Use CwM to install the zip from the SDCard right?

EDIT: I got an error saying I should use Edify. Whassat?

 

[MegaSoundwave76]

Some Themes won't work with some ROM's. Make sure you got the right theme to match up to your ROM. I think that's what the Edify error is. What theme are you trying to flash over which ROM?

 

[Mellen_hed]

EDIT: I got an error saying I should use Edify. Whassat?

Edify is scripting language, and anything you flash in OTB CWM needs to be written in this language. Cwm 2.5.x will flash amend and edify.
Also themes and roms need to match, as stated above

 

[iamz3r0]

Thanks again guys for clearing things up.

I'm almost done. Now, is there a way to edit the phone's filesystem (like you would a CDMA phone using BitPim or something similar) without using an on-phone app that requires a root? I want to find a simpler way to transfer files other than pushing them using ADB. Plus, my boot animation is missing. I'm not sure what got changed, but now the boot animation consists of a blank black screen.

EDIT: I put the bootanimation.zip in /data/local/, and now it uses the custom boot animation.
EDIT II: I'm using Droid Explorer to modify my system files now.

 

[anon(94115)]

Thanks again guys for clearing things up.

I'm almost done. Now, is there a way to edit the phone's filesystem (like you would a CDMA phone using BitPim or something similar) without using an on-phone app that requires a root? I want to find a simpler way to transfer files other than pushing them using ADB. Plus, my boot animation is missing. I'm not sure what got changed, but now the boot animation consists of a blank black screen.

EDIT: I put the bootanimation.zip in /data/local/, and now it uses the custom boot animation.

I am not sure what you mean, can you throw me an example?