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Root Before installing Custom ROM questions on recoveries and S-ON

S

slip6

Newbie
Finally getting around to joining this forum and rooting my evOG, after I upgraded to Sprint Galaxy S3. I've been reading up on the 2.3.5 rooting guide, and as much else as I can (getting sidetracked reading up on all these cool custom roms :D ), but still not sure about a couple things. So far, I used the HTCDev method to unlock bootloader and installed amon ra 2.3 recovery. A few questions before I actually flash a custom rom...

1. It seems that Captain Throwback's method achieves S-OFF, and the guide says that it's for advanced users (or to remove watermark if phone is under warranty and I want to send back, which is NOT the case here). Why else would I want or I need this, since I can flash custom roms with S-ON no problem?

1b. If I want to, can I do this (achieve S-OFF) anytime I want in the future with the same ease as doing it now?

2. A decent # of roms out there recommend instead installing Smelkusmod. Clockworkmod seems to be popular as well. It seems that I can change recoveries any time...is there any downside or risks to flashing to either recovery at this point (from Amon ra 2.3, which I have now)?

3. I like to be as proactive regarding leaving options open and preventing any potential conflicts down the road. Any point in making a nandroid backup now (without have flashed a custom rom yet)?

4. If so, in the recovery menu, should I backup everything (boot, system, data, cache....android_secure)?

5. How to avoid bricking... Always check MD5 before flashing. I realize this is probably too broad, but anything else critical (generally) that I want to keep in mind? :)

Thanks!
 
slip6 said:
Finally getting around to joining this forum and rooting my evOG, after I upgraded to Sprint Galaxy S3. I've been reading up on the 2.3.5 rooting guide, and as much else as I can (getting sidetracked reading up on all these cool custom roms :D ), but still not sure about a couple things. So far, I used the HTCDev method to unlock bootloader and installed amon ra 2.3 recovery. A few questions before I actually flash a custom rom...

1. It seems that Captain Throwback's method achieves S-OFF, and the guide says that it's for advanced users (or to remove watermark if phone is under warranty and I want to send back, which is NOT the case here). Why else would I want or I need this, since I can flash custom roms with S-ON no problem?

1b. If I want to, can I do this (achieve S-OFF) anytime I want in the future with the same ease as doing it now?

2. A decent # of roms out there recommend instead installing Smelkusmod. Clockworkmod seems to be popular as well. It seems that I can change recoveries any time...is there any downside or risks to flashing to either recovery at this point (from Amon ra 2.3, which I have now)?

3. I like to be as proactive regarding leaving options open and preventing any potential conflicts down the road. Any point in making a nandroid backup now (without have flashed a custom rom yet)?

4. If so, in the recovery menu, should I backup everything (boot, system, data, cache....android_secure)?

5. How to avoid bricking... Always check MD5 before flashing. I realize this is probably too broad, but anything else critical (generally) that I want to keep in mind? :)

Thanks!
Click to expand...
welcome to the forums!!!!!

1. yes capt's methid gets you s-off. and for the og evo it is not a big difference now with s-on and unlocked vs s-off. on other phones it is. the main difference is that you will not be able to flash newer radios or anything that is not signed by htc via the bootloader and these days that would have been radios. if you have the latest radios then you should be fine. it is not necessary to update them either.

1b. yes you can always do capt's methid later if you want s-off.

2. smelkus uses amon ra 2.3 as a base and added touch screen capabities. and cwm ia popular on other phones. i would not recommend it for the og evo. it does not wipe well and thus creates bad flashes of roms. i have used amon ra for over 2yrs now on the og evo and it has never caused me any issues. i would keep amon ra 2.3, but that is up to you.

3. yes, if your are not sure about flashing yet, i would always make a nandroid backup. it has saved me many times over, so make them as much as you can.

4.when doing a nandroid backup i only backup the first three and then maybe sd ext (only if you have the card partitioned).

5. it is really hard to brick a phone. remember that as long as you have recovery you are not bricked. just make sure that you read the op of a rom and look for any special instructions.

there are two things that you can do to brick the phone and that is:
1. while flashing radios either the phone dies or you pull the battery out while in the process of flashing the radio.

2. flashing a rom that is not made for your phone.

do not do those two and you should be fine. please read the http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all...-rooting-gingerbread-2-3-5-dummies-guide.html. read the second post for more root info.

and some more reading for you:
http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all-things-root/389360-kernels-dummies.html
http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all-things-root/210253-setcpu-guide.html
http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all...net-tethering-w-evo-4g-3g-wireless-wired.html
 
1. You really don't news s-off you can do everything except flash radios on s-on
2. If you deciding to change go with smelk. Smelk can flash any rom. Clock recovery has a problem wiping
3.yes make sure to check wimax
4. Leave everything check and wimax
5.yes check the md5 and wipe the things that are said in developer instructions also check out 2.3.5 rooting guide
 
Thanks, ocnbrze! Appreciate the detailed response. A few followup questions, if you don't mind:

Regarding radios, before I rooted, the latest OTA I accepted was 4.67.651.3 [CL239674 release-keys] (This was before I read up on not accepting OTA's, and coincidentally, it is the same one that is recommended not to accept in the OTA section of the "Life After Root" part of the guide). I guess it doesn't matter for me, since I've already got the recovery on here, and according to the forums radio list, CM-EVO_Radio-2.15.00.12.19_PRI-2.33_WiMax_NV.zip is the latest radio, which I have (see below).

EDIT: Still reading the Life After Root section, but it seems nandroid backs up everything in the main partition. So if I have 100 apps on there, the nandroid image will contain all those if I choose to also backup sd ext. With a2sd, it seems I can just use Titanium Backup to separately backup those 100 apps to my SD card. or is it better to backup the whole nandroid image at once?
Regarding doing nandroid backups, I do have my SD card formatted and with in use (docs, music, videos), but not partitioned. If I do select sd ext when doing the backup, I am assuming that it would only backup a certain partition and not the main partition with the pre-existing docs, music, videos, etc.?

EDIT: Guide says yes. Still reading... :)
What about after I install apps and move them to the SD card, would I then need to make sure that I also backup the sd ext? (So that I backup the apps on the SD card)?

OTHER INFO (from stock system info):
Android Version: 2.3.5
Baseband Version: 2.15.00.12.19
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.10-g4b48446
htc-kernel@and18-2 #1
Wed Dec 21 16:37:11 CST 2011
Build Number: 4.67.651.3 CL239674 release-keys
Software Number: 4.67.651.3
Browser Version: Webkit/533.1
PRI Version: 2.33_003
PRL Version: 60690
 
slip6 said:
Thanks, ocnbrze! Appreciate the detailed response. A few followup questions, if you don't mind:

Regarding radios, before I rooted, the latest OTA I accepted was 4.67.651.3 [CL239674 release-keys] (This was before I read up on not accepting OTA's, and coincidentally, it is the same one that is recommended not to accept in the OTA section of the "Life After Root" part of the guide). I guess it doesn't matter for me, since I've already got the recovery on here, and according to the forums radio list, CM-EVO_Radio-2.15.00.12.19_PRI-2.33_WiMax_NV.zip is the latest radio, which I have (see below).

EDIT: Still reading the Life After Root section, but it seems nandroid backs up everything in the main partition. So if I have 100 apps on there, the nandroid image will contain all those if I choose to also backup sd ext. If I don't, can I just use Titanium Backup to separately backup those 100 apps to my SD card, or is it better to backup the whole nandroid image at once (I'm sure the guide will answer this, so I will come back and ask if it isn't answered).
Regarding doing nandroid backups, I do have my SD card formatted and with in use (docs, music, videos), but not partitioned. If I do select sd ext when doing the backup, I am assuming that it would only backup a certain partition and not the main partition with the pre-existing docs, music, videos, etc.?

EDIT: Guide says yes. Still reading... :)
What about after I install apps and move them to the SD card, would I then need to make sure that I also backup the sd ext? (So that I backup the apps on the SD card)?

OTHER INFO (from stock system info):
Android Version: 2.3.5
Baseband Version: 2.15.00.12.19
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.10-g4b48446
htc-kernel@and18-2 #1
Wed Dec 21 16:37:11 CST 2011
Build Number: 4.67.651.3 CL239674 release-keys
Software Number: 4.67.651.3
Browser Version: Webkit/533.1
PRI Version: 2.33_003
PRL Version: 60690
Click to expand...

If your card is NOT partitioned, then nothing will be on the sd-ext. (because that partition does not exist.)

If you move apps to the sd card, they are partially stored in the android_secure. Just make sure you select that option in recovery to back up. And not all apps can be moved as some widgets will not work. And also, moving apps to the sd card via the phone, will not move your entire app...just part of it.


Your nandroid backup will backup anything on your phone now, including apps. It's like a restore point on a computer, or a game save.

The guide that Ocnbrze linked you too will work to root your device.

:)

Had to throw a smiley in there.
 
G2435 said:
1. You really don't news s-off you can do everything except flash radios on s-on
2. If you deciding to change go with smelk. Smelk can flash any rom. Clock recovery has a problem wiping
3.yes make sure to check wimax
4. Leave everything check and wimax
5.yes check the md5 and wipe the things that are said in developer instructions also check out 2.3.5 rooting guide
Click to expand...

Thanks, G2435! I should've read all of the guide before asking these questions haha. You mention smelk can flash any rom. Ocnbrze mentioned some issues wiping with smelk, so at this point I'm kinda leaning towards keeping amon ra unless smelk has definite advantages...
 
slip6 said:
Thanks, G2435! I should've read all of the guide before asking these questions haha. You mention smelk can flash any rom. Ocnbrze mentioned some issues wiping with smelk, so at this point I'm kinda leaning towards keeping amon ra unless smelk has definite advantages...
Click to expand...

You misread the post by Ocn....Smelk has no wiping issues...it was Clockwork with some of the issues

edit: For most Evo users Smelk is now the benchmark of Recoveries The best advantage to me is that many of the different wipes are consolidated into one. Examples of some options.....can wipes both caches at the same time and also a superwipe that will wipe multiple times instead of going thru the process three times
 
Mikestony said:
If your card is NOT partitioned, then nothing will be on the sd-ext. (because that partition does not exist.)

If you move apps to the sd card, they are partially stored in the android_secure. Just make sure you select that option in recovery to back up. And not all apps can be moved as some widgets will not work. And also, moving apps to the sd card via the phone, will not move your entire app...just part of it.


Your nandroid backup will backup anything on your phone now, including apps. It's like a restore point on a computer, or a game save.

The guide that Ocnbrze linked you too will work to root your device.

:)

Had to throw a smiley in there.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Mikestony for explaining! For the 1st question, I was referring to the scenario where I had partitioned it. ;)

So since the first post, what I've done is make a Nandroid backup of the defaults (boot, system, data) and Wimax, and copied it onto my PC. This is my stock, no rom yet, only recovery backup.
I plan on doing another backup after I flash Superuser onto it, just in case I want to go back to stock.
I assume that I can immediately after follow the steps in the guide for installing a rom (flash superwipe, then flash rom) without any issues?

Do most people load apps onto the phone before flashing a rom, and then backup so that I can flash different roms and have the apps already there?
Or do they prefer to have backups of clean custom roms, and just load apps separately from Titanium Backup?

I'm also assuming that partitioning my SD card before installing any roms, and making a backup of that can't hurt?
 
biker57 said:
You misread the post by Ocn....Smelk has no wiping issues...it was Clockwork with some of the issues

edit: For most Evo users Smelk is now the benchmark of Recoveries The best advantage to me is that many of the different wipes are consolidated into one. Examples of some options.....can wipes both caches at the same time and also a superwipe that will wipe multiple times instead of going thru the process three times
Click to expand...

Got it, thanks biker 57! I'm gonna flash smelk!
 
slip6 said:
Thanks, Mikestony for explaining! For the 1st question, I was referring to the scenario where I had partitioned it. ;)

So since the first post, what I've done is make a Nandroid backup of the defaults (boot, system, data) and Wimax, and copied it onto my PC. This is my stock, no rom yet, only recovery backup.
I plan on doing another backup after I flash Superuser onto it, just in case I want to go back to stock.
I assume that I can immediately after follow the steps in the guide for installing a rom (flash superwipe, then flash rom) without any issues?

Do most people load apps onto the phone before flashing a rom, and then backup so that I can flash different roms and have the apps already there?
Or do they prefer to have backups of clean custom roms, and just load apps separately from Titanium Backup?

I'm also assuming that partitioning my SD card before installing any roms, and making a backup of that can't hurt?
Click to expand...

In reading all your post I'd say you have a good grasp of just what's going on with all the process.

When it comes to the backups and the process for flashing a new rom you have it all correct. When it comes to the apps I wouldn't worry about loading apps before or after flashing, but if there are apps you know need to be gone such as bloatware I would get rid of them. I would also suggest paying for Titanium pro (8 I think). It is well worth the price and the pro version will let you restore in batches and not one at a time. You also want to restore only user apps and not system ones.

I would also go with your suggestion for the sd partitioning.

You have really done your homework...congrats:D:D
 
biker57 said:
In reading all your post I'd say you have a good grasp of just what's going on with all the process.

When it comes to the backups and the process for flashing a new rom you have it all correct. When it comes to the apps I wouldn't worry about loading apps before or after flashing, but if there are apps you know need to be gone such as bloatware I would get rid of them. I would also suggest paying for Titanium pro (8 I think). It is well worth the price and the pro version will let you restore in batches and not one at a time. You also want to restore only user apps and not system ones.

I would also go with your suggestion for the sd partitioning.

You have really done your homework...congrats:D:D
Click to expand...

Thanks, appreciate it. I like to be thorough with my toys :D.
Quick Q - in Smelk recovery, when backing up...why is "cache" checked to backup along with the first 3 options by default? What situations would we want to backup the cache as well?
 
slip6 said:
Thanks, appreciate it. I like to be thorough with my toys :D.
Quick Q - in Smelk recovery, when backing up...why is "cache" checked to backup along with the first 3 options by default? What situations would we want to backup the cache as well?
Click to expand...

Every Situation....you will always backup both caches

When you do a backup it is a complete copy of the rom and when restored will put you back just where you were included text and so forth
 
Gotcha, I thought there might be a reason it was defaulted. I thought since in the nandroid section of the rooting guide, it says:

when doing a nandroid backup in amon ra, make sure to keep the first three checked then check wimax (you do not need to do this all the time.) just keep one nandroid backup with your wimax keys backed up on your computer. the rest of the time when doing nandroid backups, you can just backup the first three in amon ra. also if you have your sd card partitioned (see the Partitioning and Moving Apps to the Card section for the how to's) you should select sd ext as well. this wiil also backup all your apps.
Click to expand...

it wasn't necessary, but it makes sense.
 
slip6 said:
Thanks again for all your help, to all of you! Running Reloaded .500, it's pretty awesome, seems pretty comprehensive, still playing with it...

Is strike that much faster? I'm gonna play with Reloaded for a while...

What do roms you guys run for your daily drivers?
Click to expand...

I ran Decks for a good while and really enjoyed it, but I kept wanting to find a ICS or JB rom that would work on the Evo w/o lag time or issues. Up until last week Strike had been my daily for about a month. After flashing and using Jellybelly I think I'm sold. There is some tweaking you need to do with cpu speeds and a2sd has to be flashed with the rom, but so far I'm sold. Just be aware with any ICS/JB rom at the very least you will have no ffc (front camera) or 4g.

Try Deck's for a while and when you get ready for something new there will be plenty of help as you know.
 
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