Root Baby Steps to Rooting SGS2

[Compubozo]

Before coming to the Forum, I always wondered why my phone appeared to have tethering capability that didn't function. So it looks like rooting may help with that and other things. I like the idea of being King of my phone.
As recommended, I've been doing a lot of reading, but on several occasions, I've found myself with 6 to 7 windows open wondering what the heck I was looking for! So I'd like to start with very basic items and work through this if anyone can help me.
I first want to prepare for getting back to stock. The possibility I envisioned was very similar to Bodyworks post from yesterday. Here's some information on my phone:

Model SGH-I727
Andriod Ver 2.3.6
Kernel Ver 2.6.35.11
Build GINGERBREAD.UCLA3

So what I'm looking for now is how to backup everything on my phone that I would need to put back after going to factory default and how to get back to factory default if I've made my phone inoperable.

Please accept my appologies in advance for what I may have missed from previously published help.

 

[Compubozo]

I should have waited a few minutes. I'll check out this further. AT&T Galaxy S2 FAQ | Galaxy S2 Root Thanks to lunatic59.

(Edit) More specifically:
How to Unroot AT&T Galaxy S2 to Gingerbread! http://galaxys2root.com/att-galaxy-s2/how-to-unroot-att-galaxy-s2-sgh-i777/ This link refers to the sgh-i777 but mine's a sgh-i727. I'm hoping this will work??

(edit 2) Ok, it looks like it'll be Keis software for backing up my data. (pre-root)

 

[lunatic59]

You need to be very careful in this regard. The i777 and the i727 are not the same phone and have some very distinct differences. The SGH-i727 is the Galaxy Skyrocket. (I'm moving the thread to the proper forum).

If you are looking for a recovery method in case of a failed flash, then you should find the stock rom for your phone and keep it on hand (on your PC) so you can flash it using odin. This works better than Kies, IMHO.

I would first make sure the method you find to root is specific to your model. The instructions for the i777 probably will not work, work poorly or completely $%&^#^7-up your phone, so I'd avoid them.

 

[Compubozo]

(I'm moving the thread to the proper forum).

Sorry for posting in the wrong place and thanks for moving it here. Looks like this is where I can find the specifics for my phone. (Already downloaded the stock ROM)

The instructions for the i777 probably will not work

I was worried about that. Many thanks for saving me from some big headaches. And thanks for your time to help out.