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Root Droid X Noob Looking for Root

K

knallmeannn

Newbie
Hi,

I've read multiple threads from various locations and still have a few unanswered questions when it comes to rooting my DX.

What is the most legit way to ensure I backup my DX properly?! I just got my DX less that 4 months ago and I would hate to brick my DX and deem it useless.

Is z4root the best application to use when rooting my DX?! If so, why isn't everyone using it and why are there so many options out there?! z4root just seems too easy I guess... Is that the case?!

My next question would then be... After obtaining root, where should I go from there?! Overclocking, ROMS, Tether?!

Also, I would like to apologize for my lack of knowledge. If you have any helpful tips, threads or information feel free to share!
 
knallmeannn said:
Hi,

I've read multiple threads from various locations and still have a few unanswered questions when it comes to rooting my DX.

What is the most legit way to ensure I backup my DX properly?! I just got my DX less that 4 months ago and I would hate to brick my DX and deem it useless.

Is z4root the best application to use when rooting my DX?! If so, why isn't everyone using it and why are there so many options out there?! z4root just seems too easy I guess... Is that the case?!

My next question would then be... After obtaining root, where should I go from there?! Overclocking, ROMS, Tether?!

Also, I would like to apologize for my lack of knowledge. If you have any helpful tips, threads or information feel free to share!
Click to expand...
Welcome friend! Ok first off z4 is the easiest way to root froyo and yes we all use it, your best way to make a backup.is after you root go to the market and download DROID x bootstrap recovery, this will help you make a full image backup to restore if need be and is the app that makes it possible to flash roms themes etc and is only $2 and is a must, also before you get into flaming roms and themes please read the stickies at the top pf this section as they will answer a ton of your questions and don't be shy to ask questions either, everyone here is great and loves to help!
 
gmenfan83 said:
Welcome friend! Ok first off z4 is the easiest way to root froyo and yes we all use it, your nest way to make a backup.is after you root go to the market and download DROID x bootstrap recovery, this will help you make a full image backup to restore if need be and is the app that makes it possible to flash rims, themes etc and is only $2sbf and os a must, also before you get into flaming roms and themes please read the stickies at the top pf this section as they will answer a ton of your questions and don't be shy to ask questions either, everyone here is great and loves to help!
Click to expand...
Hi, I appreciate your time. So you are saying to do a full backup AFTER I root my phone? I wouldn't do that prior to the root? Also, I've seen tons of people talking about Titanium Backup Pro. Is this the same thing as the Bootstrap Recovery?
 
knallmeannn said:
What is the most legit way to ensure I backup my DX properly?! I just got my DX less that 4 months ago and I would hate to brick my DX and deem it useless.
Click to expand...

Titanium Backup or MyBackup Pro seem to be the best options out there right now. Those will back up your individual apps and settings, and you can restore those apps and settings across ROMs - which is convenient.

You'll see a lot of recommendations for something called a "nandroid" which is basically a full backup of your entire system, which is great except if you get to modifying your phone, you really want the backup of the individual apps and settings so you can restore them no matter what you modify on your phone.

Is z4root the best application to use when rooting my DX?!
Click to expand...
Yep.

If so, why isn't everyone using it and why are there so many options out there?! z4root just seems too easy I guess... Is that the case?!
Click to expand...

Well, first of all, before Z4 came out, there were some options that were created. So some of those are legacy options. Plus, it seems that Z4 doesn't work for 100% of people (just most of them), so they stick around as viable options.

My next question would then be... After obtaining root, where should I go from there?! Overclocking, ROMS, Tether?!
Click to expand...

Do a lot of reading in the root forum before you jump in. It's best to gather knowledge first before wading in and finding yourself with an unusable phone, panicked, at 10pm.

That said, if you end up in that situation, people will certainly help you out.

Also, before you start doing things like installing ROMs, check out Rooler's guide at the top of the Root forum, and become familiar with the process of installing an SBF on your phone.
 
knallmeannn said:
Hi, I appreciate your time. So you are saying to do a full backup AFTER I root my phone? I wouldn't do that prior to the root? Also, I've seen tons of people talking about Titanium Backup Pro. Is this the same thing as the Bootstrap Recovery?
Click to expand...


Yes you can only create a backup after you root since the app to backup is only enabled by root, also titanium is good as it let's you backup your apps amongst other things lime freeze them etc but does not create a full backup like you can in clockwork recovery which the bootstrap app im explaining gets you into that recovery, but be careful with backing up and restoring data from apps with titanium, it can cause problems with data restore from one rom to the next so personally I don't use it
 
binary visions said:
Titanium Backup or MyBackup Pro seem to be the best options out there right now. Those will back up your individual apps and settings, and you can restore those apps and settings across ROMs - which is convenient.

You'll see a lot of recommendations for something called a "nandroid" which is basically a full backup of your entire system, which is great except if you get to modifying your phone, you really want the backup of the individual apps and settings so you can restore them no matter what you modify on your phone.


Yep.



Well, first of all, before Z4 came out, there were some options that were created. So some of those are legacy options. Plus, it seems that Z4 doesn't work for 100% of people (just most of them), so they stick around as viable options.



Do a lot of reading in the root forum before you jump in. It's best to gather knowledge first before wading in and finding yourself with an unusable phone, panicked, at 10pm.

That said, if you end up in that situation, people will certainly help you out.

Also, before you start doing things like installing ROMs, check out Rooler's guide at the top of the Root forum, and become familiar with the process of installing an SBF on your phone.
Click to expand...


Lol @ panicking at 10pm. The first time I put a rom on my x (rubix focused 1.9.5) I forgot to wipe data and was stuck in a bootloop, freaking out because I thought I had bricked my phone. Good times.....
 
+1 on being familiar with sbf'ing. Don't be intimidated by the process. It is good sometimes to start fresh anyways.
 
Welcome Knallmean. I have had a little extra time on my hands as I search for a job, so read up and have some familiarity and then PM me your email addy if you want me to help you walk through the process. It's all quite easy but I find that some folks get a little confused with where to put which file and when to wipe and when not. When to backup and with what. :)
 
If youre not rooted yet and you are on stock froyo you dont need to sbf. But should be ready to in case things go haywire.

Use z4 to get root.
Use rom manager to flash clockworkmod recovery.
Use D2 bootstrap to reboot into clockworkmod
Use clockworkmod to create a backup.
 
mhome said:
If youre not rooted yet and you are on stock froyo you dont need to sbf. But should be ready to in case things go haywire.

Use z4 to get root.
Use rom manager to flash clockworkmod recovery.
Use D2 bootstrap to reboot into clockworkmod
Use clockworkmod to create a backup.
Flash Gingerbread.
Click to expand...
op please dont get confused these here are gingerbread specific install tips, if i were you i would stay away from gb leaks ubtil you learn the basics as even us more experienced users had many issues with it
 
gmenfan83 said:
op please dont get confused these here are gingerbread specific install tips, if i were you i would stay away from gb leaks ubtil you learn the basics as even us more experienced users had many issues with it
Click to expand...
Great tip, I would agree. That list of instructions almost melted my brain.

:D
 
knallmeannn said:
Great tip, I would agree. That list of instructions almost melted my brain.

:D
Click to expand...


Lol well its not bad once you learn but you should learn the basics first, if gb were official like froyo right now that would be different but like I said its best for you to learn and ease into it, first thing I feel you should learn is sbf, it's your lifesaver and anyone learning this should learn it first, if you want as you learn I can walk you through the process so you know, then when (and you will ) f up you wont be scared and sending out a forum sos for help at 2 am like me and many others did, you can always not take my advice and jump in but im just trying to teach you from past experience
 
gmenfan83 said:
Lol well its not bad once you learn but you should learn the basics first, if gb were official like froyo right now that would be different but like I said its best for you to learn and ease into it, first thing I feel you should learn is sbf, it's your lifesaver and anyone learning this should learn it first, if you want as you learn I can walk you through the process so you know, then when (and you will ) f up you wont be scared and sending out a forum sos for help at 2 am like me and many others did, you can always not take my advice and jump in but im just trying to teach you from past experience
Click to expand...
Can you elaborate on what you mean by learning SBF first?! I understand that this is the System Boot File.

Since rooting, I've slowly started to poke around to see what lies within my path. I followed Rooler's Guide and created a "stock" backup file using Bootstrap. I also made a complete Application backup with Titanium as well.

As a test, even though I haven't done any flashing or any modifying, I went ahead and loaded Clockworkmod and ran a Restore using the backup file I had created. After running the process, my phone fired up and is working without any issues. So I'm guessing this means that my backup file is legit?!

Should I now dive into taking my rooting capabilities to the next level (Theme,ROM,ect.)?!
 
knallmeannn said:
Can you elaborate on what you mean by learning SBF first?! I understand that this is the System Boot File.

Since rooting, I've slowly started to poke around to see what lies within my path. I followed Rooler's Guide and created a "stock" backup file using Bootstrap. I also made a complete Application backup with Titanium as well.

As a test, even though I haven't done any flashing or any modifying, I went ahead and loaded Clockworkmod and ran a Restore using the backup file I had created. After running the process, my phone fired up and is working without any issues. So I'm guessing this means that my backup file is legit?!

Should I now dive into taking my rooting capabilities to the next level (Theme,ROM,ect.)?!
Click to expand...


Doing great so far man, ok what I mean by sbf is when you hose your x you will need to sbf flash it via a computer to fully restore it and make operable again ...you can also use the sbf if you have not screwed up and need a fully restored clean system say you did not make the backup you made and flashed a rom, on that rom you wont be able to accept an ota from vzw since through the rom system files are modified, the ota will fail so if you did not have that backup an sbf would be your only way to restore your system to get back to stock, just another example of why knowing the sbf process is needed, hope my explanation did not confuse you
 
gmenfan83 said:
Doing great so far man, ok what I mean by sbf is when you hose your x you will need to sbf flash it via a computer to fully restore it and make operable again ...you can also use the sbf if you have not screwed up and need a fully restored clean system say you did not make the backup you made and flashed a rom, on that rom you wont be able to accept an ota from vzw since through the rom system files are modified, the ota will fail so if you did not have that backup an sbf would be your only way to restore your system to get back to stock, just another example of why knowing the sbf process is needed, hope my explanation did not confuse you
Click to expand...

Ok, so basically (if I'm reading right), is that if I were to screw something up on my DX, I will need to be inclined on how to load the proper SBF back to my phone in order to restore it to working condition. But this is only if I screw something up correct?!

I would also need to know this process in case I need an OTA Update?!
 
knallmeannn said:
Ok, so basically (if I'm reading right), is that if I were to screw something up on my DX, I will need to be inclined on how to load the proper SBF back to my phone in order to restore it to working condition. But this is only if I screw something up correct?!

I would also need to know this process in case I need an OTA Update?!
Click to expand...


Yes correct and you would need this process also to ota UNLESS you didn't make the backup you made after rooting, that backup is your scape goat, ota rolls out and you restore that backup and ota will go through
 
gmenfan83 said:
Yes correct and you would need this process also to ota UNLESS you didn't make the backup you made after rooting, that backup is your scape goat, ota rolls out and you restore that backup and ota will go through
Click to expand...
Ok, Makes sense. Since there are various threads that show step by step instructions on how to restore SBF back to the stock VZW .sbf ... I should probably go ahead and move to the next step in modding?!

If so, is this flashing ROMS?

I do greatly appreciate your patience and information.
 
gmenfan83 said:
op please dont get confused these here are gingerbread specific install tips, if i were you i would stay away from gb leaks ubtil you learn the basics as even us more experienced users had many issues with it
Click to expand...

Actually only the last step is gingerbread specific, I edited my post so I don't confuse people. Oh and I guess the the part about using d2 bootstrap. You can use dx bootstrap if not going to gingerbread.

Please explain what is confusing to you about my post and I'll explain.
 
mhome said:
Actually only the last step is gingerbread specific, I edited my post so I don't confuse people. Oh and I guess the the part about using d2 bootstrap. You can use dx bootstrap if not going to gingerbread.

Please explain what is confusing to you about my post and I'll explain.
Click to expand...


First off I appreciate you helping with this thread bro and no I am not confused at at all lol but I did not want the op to be either since his questions had nothing to do with installing gb, it may not be wise to give someone instructions on gb when they are learning how to root etc in general, installing gb is a very dirty process that someone who is just learning basics honestly has no business installing
 
SBF for dummies (me included, had to do it today)
YouTube - How To Unbrick DroidX Droid X Factory Reset SBF 2.3.340

Next step can be "flashing" roms or just modding your stock rom. You can go through the list of apps that can be removed or frozen via titanium backup. You can also use an app like quickclock to over/underclock your phone or you can go to a custom rom.

I would recommend purchasing rom manager first. After you have made your backup via bootstrap you can go to rom manager and open. Scroll to sdcard/clockwork/backup and you should see your "stock' backup there listed as a date and time. If you long press on the file you can rename it to stock, or whatever just so you remember not to erase it later.

Pick a rom to download. Use wifi if you load directly to the phone and check to make sure your file size is the same as the size specified in the download. Different roms will deposit in different places on your sd card depending on where they are downloaded from. A standard download will be in the download file of your sd card while a rom like Liberty be in a "liberty" file on your sd card.

Boot to recovery with bootstrapper. Wipe data and then wipe cache. navigate to install rom and then to the rom you want to install. It will reboot and you can then sign back into your phone the way you did before. If you have made a backup via titanium backup it makes the restoring a bit faster. Also if you use launcher pro plus you can save your settings and when you restore everything except for widgets comes right back into place.

Rom wise I like Rubix a lot. Fission has worked well as has Liberty. Rubix and Liberty seem to be the easiest to get up and running. Liberty has more options for customization but Rubix just seems to run better for me. I use the built in overclock of Rubix and then changed the govenor to "interactive" and the rom is fast and smooth as butter. You can really try any of the roms, these are just my favorites but everyone has theirs as well. Good luck!
 
As someone who's no longer a stranger to this but is by no means an expert, some random advice-

Apex worked very well for me.

In order to get RSDLite (for SBF'ing) to run I had to load it from a command prompt with a switch (I think it's -f, program includes a readme). It's not very complicated but it was unexpected and wasn't a solution that immediately occurred to me. RSD claimed it wasn't finished when my phone started rebooting, but I ignored that without any problems. Otherwise it went fine. This was on Win 7 64-bit.

When I decided to install GB I completely forgot to backup via Titanium first. Felt like a bit of an idiot afterwards.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep copies of the Titanium, Z4 and Bootstrap app packages in a place you can easily remember and access later.

Happily (luckily?) I've never had any major problems rooting, installing ROMs, etc...

If there's someone who knows them off the top of their head (otherwise, Google is your friend), the key-combos needed to access the various recoveries wouldn't be a bad addition to this thread.
 
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