Root Support Requested-Clarification of root, etc.

[melissapugs]

yep the nandroid restore was the correct way to go back to stock... im currently running the newest build of cm7 and its practically perfect! no more data drops!!! yay!

I'm headed over to that thread as we speak lol. Thanks for everyone here's help/chiminig in/moral support

 

[todd612]

I think a lot of it seems more daunting than it really is. I'll try my best to answer some of your questions.

First off, Clockworkmod Recovery is considered a custom recovery because it takes the source code for the original Android recovery (something included with every Android device) and adds more functionality to it. The reason why it's necessary is because we can't flash 3rd-party packages with the original recovery. Furthermore, it allows us to really expand customization while simultaneously providing us a way to go backwards if need be. (Which brings me to the next point...)

A Nandroid backup, something done within CWM, is your safety net. You need it in case you royally screw something up. It's also very handy because it takes a literal freeze-frame snapshot of your device at that very moment (call logs, SMS messages, themes, browser history, etc.). You'll want to make a nandroid backup as soon as you get CWM on your phone. It's something that you don't have to do, but you'll regret it if something goes south and you didn't. Nandroids are also important because you can flash whatever you want and if you don't like it, you can simply restore your backup.

Technically, rooting isn't necessary. Having root access allows you the ability to change system files. This is disabled by default because manufacturers don't want to give us access to certain areas of the phone. This is mostly for our own protection. However, careful users shouldn't have any issues after gaining root access.

Installing a custom recovery on our phones is different than most devices. We have access to where the recovery is without the need for superuser permissions. However, if you want access to /system area on the stock ROM (useful for changing apps, themes, etc.), then you will need to root your phone. Custom ROMs, such as CM7 or MIUI, come "pre-rooted." If you're running CM7 or MIUI, you won't need to run any extra programs to gain root access.

MIUI and CM7 come as a complete package. You won't need anything extra after flashing either ROM. However, if you want extra features, such as battery mods or an overclocked kernel (which I advise against), then you'll have to find an extra package that you flash for your respective ROM.

Here's an example of going from the stock ROM to MIUI:

1) Add CWM to your phone
2) Download the MIUI zip package
3) Put the zip on your phone, turn off the phone, and boot into recovery
4) Make a nandroid backup (just in case)
5) Wipe your data and format /system
6) Flash the MIUI zip package
7) Once it finishes, reboot
8) Enjoy

Excellent post! Really want to thank you for this. You said it best when you said, "I think a lot of it seems more daunting than it really is."

I've been following threads from AllThingsRoot and tickerguy's CM7 thread since getting my MT back in July and your post explained it so clear and concise. For example, I wasn't sure if I need to root first or after to install CWM and CM7 as there was conflicting info on the web. I knocked my head when you said "Custom ROMs, such as CM7 or MIUI, come "pre-rooted." There are lots of good threads and videos on rooting, CWM and custom ROMs but there's not one thread that puts it all together for n00bs in a step-by-step fashion.

 

[MurugaDas]

The people working on the Triumph are great, and make everything so simple. Rooting can seem very daunting because there is not one solution for all devices, unlike the iPhone where there is only one device for that generation. What works for the Triumph will likely not work for most devices.

I am far from an expert, and actually compared to most who are active I would be considered a n00b. I can't wait til I get paid to throw some pennies Issac's way. He deserves more but pennies is all I got

I do have a question though, what is exactly is a bootloader, I understand the Triumph has an unlocked which makes things so much easier to hack away however I have been looking into AT&T or T-Mobile because I want fast data speeds and I can get on a family plan with either, but all the phones I looked at had a locked boot loader. Unlocking the boot loader looked confusing, and some times even dangerous.

Also if anyone has any experience with either with a T-MO or ATT phone that has a unlocked boot loader feel free to give suggestion. I don't want to divert to much off topic, I do think boot loaders is something useful to know however. The whole who, what, where, why type of thing

 

[agentc13]

A bootloader is part of the bios. It starts up and loads the OS. It is a bit more complicated than that, but that is basically what it does.

Here is a longer explanation. What Is Bootloader And How To Unlock Bootloader On Android Phones [Complete Guide]

 

[MurugaDas]

A bootloader is part of the bios. It starts up and loads the OS. It is a bit more complicated than that, but that is basically what it does.

Here is a longer explanation. What Is Bootloader And How To Unlock Bootloader On Android Phones [Complete Guide]

Thanks that really helped, I really wish manufacturers would just leave the bootloader unlocked. I mean if our phones are pretty much mini computers why not treat em as such.

Ironically Virgin Mobile has taken a strong stance against rooting and flashing custom roms, yet their phones are so easily rooted at least the optmus and the Triumph. I wonder if it's in response to making both devices vanilla.