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Help with picking rom and rooting option!

S

SwannyBhoy

Lurker
Hello Android Forum!

I have a Samsung Galaxy SII white with T-mobile in the UK. I am currently having problems finding the right firmware and kernel for this.

I had Galaxy S previously and managed to flash a custom firmware to root but never successfully got the right guide on to doing it as most forums out there are very vague on what to do with the CF file.

Could someone point me into the right direction on the recommended firmware and/or kernel? I have also seen people have rooted then put stock firmware on and still be rooted?

Phone Details:

Mobile: Samsung Galaxy SII
Carrier: T-Mobile (UK)
Android Version 2.3.5

Baseband Version: I9100BOKJ1

Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100BOKK1-CL511356 root"DELL150 #2
Build Number: GINGERBREAD.BOKK1

PDA: I9100BOKK1
Phone: I9100BOKJ1
CSC: I9100TMUKK1
Build Info: Nov 3 2011 (Offical Stock Firmware from Kies)
 
Thank you for the links these are helpful but I don't know what CF-Root to pick for my firmware. I am also not sure what firmware can be flashed to my phone.
 
I am totally confused with this bit :confused: There is no kernel available for my current firmware. I am on a stock firmware and none of these matches up or unless I've over looked it.

I am also vary about what I am flashing on my device as I nearly bricked my previous Galaxy S. Could you guide me into the right direction on picking a kernel? Or a firmware.

I understand everything apart from picking the right files!
 
SwannyBhoy said:
I am totally confused with this bit :confused: There is no kernel available for my current firmware. I am on a stock firmware and none of these matches up or unless I've over looked it.

I am also vary about what I am flashing on my device as I nearly bricked my previous Galaxy S. Could you guide me into the right direction on picking a kernel? Or a firmware.

I understand everything apart from picking the right files!
Click to expand...

Personally I would say... KK2, in this post:-

xda-developers - View Single Post - [14.01.2012][CF-Root 5.2] K/EFGHIJKL*, KP1/2/4/8/A, LA2, LP1/2 -su+bb+CWM4/5

but I would like confirmation first.

Anybody?
 
ironass said:
I would like confirmation first.

Anybody?
Click to expand...

Looks like the right choice to me. ;)

SwannyBhoy said:
If I was to go ahead and use KK2, would I not need to flash my firmware to a different one?
Click to expand...

Nope, the two are not dependent to that extent. It's advised to use the same (or a closely-related) kernel when rooting simply for compatibility - the important thing is that both are based on the same OS version e.g. 2.3.5 in your case.
 
Slug said:
Looks like the right choice to me. ;)



Nope, the two are not dependent to that extent. It's advised to use the same (or a closely-related) kernel when rooting simply for compatibility - the important thing is that both are based on the same OS version e.g. 2.3.5 in your case.
Click to expand...

What is my option then to root this phone for the first time? Most people say you must already have a CWM with root etc first but how do I get to this stage like everyone else?

I feel as if I'm missing something... :(
 
SwannyBhoy said:
What is my option then to root this phone for the first time? Most people say you must already have a CWM with root etc first but how do I get to this stage like everyone else?

I feel as if I'm missing something... :(
Click to expand...

You wont have CWM Recovery yet.
The rooting process itself will give you this (using Chainfire's cf-root method)
 
SwannyBhoy said:
What is my option then to root this phone for the first time? Most people say you must already have a CWM with root etc first but how do I get to this stage like everyone else?

I feel as if I'm missing something... :(
Click to expand...

You are!

The kernel that I referred you to, contains the CWM app which is installed when you root your phone using this method...

http://androidforums.com/galaxy-s2-...t/482994-rooting-galaxy-s2-dummies-guide.html

In post #2 of the guide it tells you that CWM, along with other app's, is installed automatically.

That guide is all you need to root your phone successfully.

I suggest getting yourself a cup of tea or coffee and spending some time reading those first two posts.
 
SwannyBhoy said:
Hello Android Forum!

I have a Samsung Galaxy SII white with T-mobile in the UK. I am currently having problems finding the right firmware and kernel for this.

I had Galaxy S previously and managed to flash a custom firmware to root but never successfully got the right guide on to doing it as most forums out there are very vague on what to do with the CF file.

Could someone point me into the right direction on the recommended firmware and/or kernel? I have also seen people have rooted then put stock firmware on and still be rooted?

Phone Details:

Mobile: Samsung Galaxy SII
Carrier: T-Mobile (UK)
Android Version 2.3.5

Baseband Version: I9100BOKJ1

Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100BOKK1-CL511356 root"DELL150 #2
Build Number: GINGERBREAD.BOKK1

PDA: I9100BOKK1
Phone: I9100BOKJ1
CSC: I9100TMUKK1
Build Info: Nov 3 2011 (Offical Stock Firmware from Kies)
Click to expand...
Hello Swannybhoy, I have just got the exact mobile as yours on T-Mobile but unlocked (same OS, same kernel, baseband, BOKJ1 firmware, etc.). Rather than start a new thread on this, I would like to ask you if you succeeded in finding the right kernel and firmware and if the CF Root flash files did the job for you. Like you I am wary of bricking or damaging my phone. Any assistance very much appreciated. If you find it easier you can email me directly on trnet@onetel.com
 
Hi, I should add I am new to the Forum, and new to the Galaxy S2 lol. In case someone else can also help for a smooth root, my phone details are:

Mobile: Samsung Galaxy SII
Carrier: T-Mobile (UK) Now unlocked and currently on Vodafone and Virgin)
Android Version 2.3.5

Baseband Version: I9100BOKJ1

Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100BOKK1-CL511356 root"DELL150 #2
Build Number: GINGERBREAD.BOKK1

PDA: I9100BOKK1
Phone: I9100BOKJ1 (until Jan 12 used to be BOKK1)
CSC: I9100TMUKK1
Build Info: Jan 2012 (Offical Stock Firmware from Kies)
 
GAFFEPR said:
Hi, I should add I am new to the Forum, and new to the Galaxy S2 lol. In case someone else can also help for a smooth root, my phone details are:

Mobile: Samsung Galaxy SII
Carrier: T-Mobile (UK) Now unlocked and currently on Vodafone and Virgin)
Android Version 2.3.5

Baseband Version: I9100BOKJ1

Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100BOKK1-CL511356 root"DELL150 #2
Build Number: GINGERBREAD.BOKK1

PDA: I9100BOKK1
Phone: I9100BOKJ1 (until Jan 12 used to be BOKK1)
CSC: I9100TMUKK1
Build Info: Jan 2012 (Offical Stock Firmware from Kies)
Click to expand...

Hello and welcome to Android Forum GAFFEPR!:)

For a complete beginners step-by-step guide, and video, on how to choose a kernel and root your phone, see here:-

http://androidforums.com/galaxy-s2-...t/482994-rooting-galaxy-s2-dummies-guide.html

Hope this helps.
 
st gubeibf
SwannyBhoy said:
What is my option then to root this phone for the first time? Most people say you must already have a CWM with root etc first but how do I get to this stage like everyone else?

I feel as if I'm missing something... :(
Click to expand...

Not that I am putting you off (I always root my phones) but a piece of healthy advice I give to you and anybody else wanting to play with root.

READ, READ, READ all the information and guides, making sure you know everything before you jump in. Ask questions if you are unsure beforehand.

Just witnessed on another thread someone bricking their phone, so just be confident before you start.

Sorry, just a friendly health warning:)
 
Amen to that daffyduck!

One of the first things I put into the rooting guide was...

"Is it difficult

That really depends on your level of competency and your ability to read and follow instructions. I would strongly suggest that you read all the links published here to help you understand the process before attempting to root your phone."

The motto should be... "Flash in haste. Repent at leisure"

It's very hard indeed to brick an Android phone but, yanking a cable out in the middle of flashing should do the trick nicely! :eek:
 
ironass said:
Hello and welcome to Android Forum GAFFEPR!:)

For a complete beginners step-by-step guide, and video, on how to choose a kernel and root your phone, see here:-

http://androidforums.com/galaxy-s2-...t/482994-rooting-galaxy-s2-dummies-guide.html

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Wowwww... Ironass I take my hat off to you and to Chainfire et al for all the patience you have, impressive work and guide !! I agree with Sydney99. I have looked up all possible methods available as posted on the wider net, and it seems there is significant success experience in the Chainfire rooting method. Nevertheless, I can understand how SGS2 noobs like myself are very wary of bricking or losing data. Wonder if I should back up ALL my data to Kies before rooting but this brings another question if Kies does not recognise the rooted phone ? Is there another way to back up data outside Kies ? And about freezing the bloatware, will a new ROM allow me to get rid of it and not just to have it there frozen? Another important question for me is if I should root before debranding my network-unlocked SGS2 or I should debrand it first. Perhaps there are some answers here to these questions but I can't find them.
Many thanks once again.
Thanks for the tips on loading useful stubs and apps from the market.
 
GAFFEPR said:
Wonder if I should back up ALL my data to Kies before rooting but this brings another question if Kies does not recognise the rooted phone ? Is there another way to back up data outside Kies ?
Click to expand...

It can't hurt to back up your phone using Kies, prior to rooting although, providing you root correctly, your data, etc; is safe.


GAFFEPR said:
Is there another way to back up data outside Kies ?
Click to expand...

If you are sync'd to your Google mail account, then your contacts, calendar, app's, tasks, etc; can be restored by re-sync'ing. You can also back-up your contacts to your external SD card by...

Contacts > Menu > Import/Export > Export to SD card.

Once you are rooted, then you can use Titanium Backup Pro to backup data/settings/app's as well as making nandroid, (mirror image), backup's, using CWM Manager.


GAFFEPR said:
And about freezing the bloatware, will a new ROM allow me to get rid of it and not just to have it there frozen?
Click to expand...


Some ROM's, notably CheckROM v4, come without a lot of the Samsung, "bloatware", to begin with. Freezing any other functions is a better option. They do not operate and you never know... you might need them in future.


GAFFEPR said:
Another important question for me is if I should root before debranding my network-unlocked SGS2 or I should debrand it first.
Click to expand...

Rooting just replaces the stock kernel with a ChainFire rooted one. Then you could decide to either keep the ROM you are on or go for a custom ROM which will be, "debranded", anyway.

Hope this helps. :D
 
ironass said:
It can't hurt to back up your phone using Kies, prior to rooting although, providing you root correctly, your data, etc; is safe.




If you are sync'd to your Google mail account, then your contacts, calendar, app's, tasks, etc; can be restored by re-sync'ing. You can also back-up your contacts to your external SD card by...

Contacts > Menu > Import/Export > Export to SD card.

Once you are rooted, then you can use Titanium Backup Pro to backup data/settings/app's as well as making nandroid, (mirror image), backup's, using CWM Manager.





Some ROM's, notably CheckROM v4, come without a lot of the Samsung, "bloatware", to begin with. Freezing any other functions is a better option. They do not operate and you never know... you might need them in future.




Rooting just replaces the stock kernel with a ChainFire rooted one. Then you could decide to either keep the ROM you are on or go for a custom ROM which will be, "debranded", anyway.

Hope this helps. :D
Click to expand...

Many thanks for your tips and your time. Seems a lot for me to take in ... but slowly with a firm step by step approach and the guide for dummies :o should do it, 3 cheers to you
 
GAFFEPR said:
Many thanks for your tips and your time. Seems a lot for me to take in ... but slowly with a firm step by step approach and the guide for dummies :o should do it, 3 cheers to you
Click to expand...

Hi Ironass, apologies for taxing your time once more. I believe I have identified the correct rooting kernel for my SGS2 GT i9100, but would like you to give me your reassuring opinion.
I am now (prior to rooting) running kernel version 2.6.35.7-i9100BOKK1.

I would use CF-Root-SGS2_XW_XEN_KK2-v5.0-CWM5.zip as
there is no KK1 kernel listed and my choice is to go one number up as in the guide. The more distant kernel in the downloads list is KJ1 but appears very distant to KK1 according to numbering rules. Oddly, my "Baseband Version" appears as i9100BOKJ1. Does this put a spanner in the works?
Would you personally support using KK2 here?
Very many thanks for your patience. :)
 
ironass said:
I'd go for KK2 personally. :)
Click to expand...

If after rooting with the KK2 Kernel I stay with the ChainFire ROM, will my phone still be branded ? If it stays branded then I would go for a custom ROM as it is rather annoying to have the whistles and bells whenI switch on and switch off. What custom ROM would you recommend ? Tks a lot :o
 
GAFFEPR said:
If after rooting with the KK2 Kernel I stay with the ChainFire ROM, will my phone still be branded ? If it stays branded then I would go for a custom ROM as it is rather annoying to have the whistles and bells whenI switch on and switch off. What custom ROM would you recommend ? Tks a lot :o
Click to expand...

Rooting only changes the kernel. Your phone will look exactly the same after rooting as it did before rooting.

If you want to change the look of the phone and get rid of the operator bloatware, then install a custom ROM after rooting. Something like CheckROM RevoHD v4 would be my recommendation. See here:-

http://androidforums.com/galaxy-s2-...1620-checkrom-dummies-guide-installation.html
 
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