Develop Bugs

Help with ROMs - New to Android

For the last 3 years I've had an iPhone 3Gs and just upgraded to a Samsung Galaxy S3 yesterday. I have the Bell Mobility S3, which is the SGH-I747m.
So last night I rooted the phone using Odin and the stock OS. I then installed clockworkmod and tried out Cyanogen Mod 10.
First I tried the latest nightly build and it worked fairly well until I released that GPS and network data didn't work.
So after that I tried the latest stable build and that worked for a while, but eventually it got to the point where data no longer worked. Also I wasn't getting any alerts for texts or e-mails.
So after this I went back to my stock ROM (just used Odin and did essentially what I did to root the phone).
Then I realized that I couldn't uninstall all these ridiculous apps, and am getting annoyed by some of the features.
Am I doing something wrong with Cyanogen?
I'd like to try ROMs again, but I'd like to save my current setup.
If I reboot into restore mode, and use clockwork mod to backup, will I be able to restore all my settings and everything later, or is there more steps?

Is there a cm build where everything works? So no issues with data, notifications, GPS, or anything else?
When I re ran odin, my clockwork mod seems to have disappeared. Can someone explain to me exactly what clockwork mod does?
I tried flashing multiple times before with both the latest nightly build and the most recent stable build. Both of them had their issues.

When u install cwm and reboot it wipes out cwm and reverts to stock. When u Odin cwm uncheck auto reboot and then manually boot into recovery
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 12:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:02 PM ----------
Also for a good ROM i suggest 4.1.2 builds of aokp by task. Very stable. Search for it. Welcome to the android community
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

I had an issue today where maps and navigation refused to work. I had network data and GPS was working (it was able to find my location), but I couldn't navigate anywhere. When I typed in a destination it just infinitely loaded.
Also facebook timeline refused to refresh, kept saying network error, but I was able to use the browser.
All on CM10 stable build.
Any help?

nmunro said:
Then I realized that I couldn't uninstall all these ridiculous apps, and am getting annoyed by some of the features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To uninstall system apps, you need a root enabled file explorer (I use Root Explorer) to delete them from the /system/app folder. The other option is to download a system app remover from the Play Store. Be cautious when removing system apps though, as if you remove the wrong ones it can cause your system to be unstable/unbootable. Stick to the bloatware that you know shouldn't affect the rest of the ROM (AT&T apps, ect.)
nmunro said:
If I reboot into restore mode, and use clockwork mod to backup, will I be able to restore all my settings and everything later, or is there more steps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is called a nandroid backup, and it will be a complete system image. Once you restore it, your system will be exactly the same as it was when you did the backup.
As far as CM 10 stable goes, I have only had one real hiccup. When I open Maps, sometimes the GPS doesn't want to engage. Not sure why and haven't had time to troubleshoot. My favorite ROMs have always been CM though. Make sure when you flash, that you wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache, and wipe the divalk cache (advanced menu) from recovery before flashing to ensure a clean flash.
Welcome to Android, and happy flashing!

nmunro said:
For the last 3 years I've had an iPhone 3Gs and just upgraded to a Samsung Galaxy S3 yesterday. I have the Bell Mobility S3, which is the SGH-I747m.
So last night I rooted the phone using Odin and the stock OS. I then installed clockworkmod and tried out Cyanogen Mod 10.
First I tried the latest nightly build and it worked fairly well until I released that GPS and network data didn't work.
So after that I tried the latest stable build and that worked for a while, but eventually it got to the point where data no longer worked. Also I wasn't getting any alerts for texts or e-mails.
So after this I went back to my stock ROM (just used Odin and did essentially what I did to root the phone).
Then I realized that I couldn't uninstall all these ridiculous apps, and am getting annoyed by some of the features.
Am I doing something wrong with Cyanogen?
I'd like to try ROMs again, but I'd like to save my current setup.
If I reboot into restore mode, and use clockwork mod to backup, will I be able to restore all my settings and everything later, or is there more steps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
suprtrukr425 said:
To uninstall system apps, you need a root enabled file explorer (I use Root Explorer) to delete them from the /system/app folder. The other option is to download a system app remover from the Play Store. Be cautious when removing system apps though, as if you remove the wrong ones it can cause your system to be unstable/unbootable. Stick to the bloatware that you know shouldn't affect the rest of the ROM (AT&T apps, ect.)
Yes, that is called a nandroid backup, and it will be a complete system image. Once you restore it, your system will be exactly the same as it was when you did the backup.
Welcome to Android, and happy flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion making a nandroid backup of your stable stock rom is extremely important. This will allow you to restore back to a stable build should a ROM installation not work. Aside from that it gives you the ability to try different ROMS without having to redo the entire process should you go back to try one you have already installed.
There are a lot of options for removing "bloatware" out there. I have tried several but stick with Titanium Backup only because I like the layout and the option to backup apps and data (this can create its own issues of course). I can't stress enough on suprtrukr425's comment regarding removal of system apps from a ROM. Read, read, and read some more to ensure that you are removing apps that will not cause problems. If you are unsure leave it be. Generally speaking, I found that most of the carrier specific software is safe to remove.
Aside from that, good luck and have fun.

eukross and
What I usually try to do is this:
1. set up one ROM just how I like it with all the apps and settings
2. than do a FULL backup (backup with Titanium and backup thru clockwork)
3. load up a second ROM and get all the apps restored and settings how u like it
4. do a FULL backup.
Now you can switch from one to the other on daily basis to test one versus the other and which one you like better.
I recommend MIUI. I been a MIUI user for 3 years and i love their work.

Flashify

[New App] Flashify Lets Root Users Flash Boot, Recovery, And Zip Updates, Backup Kernels And Recoveries To Dropbox, And More
If you're a heavy custom ROM user or a dedicated modder, you want this app. Flashify is a brand-spankin' new tool for root users with a ton of advanced function, specifically tailored to those who use custom recoveries, kernels, and boot images. The app can flash any of them right from Android, automatically rebooting your phone and applying your changes. It can do the same with more generalized Zip update files as well.
But wait, there's more! Flashify can also backup your current recovery image and kernel, either to your device's internal memory or SD card, or straight to Dropbox. It works with Android's share menu, so you can send a ZIP or IMG file to Flashify from just about any app with file browsing capabilities. Flashify will keep a record of everything that it's done to your phone or tablet.
Developer Christian Göllner reminds users that flashing files of any kind is potentially dangerous to your device, and offers no guarantee of function or safety. The app has only been tested on Nexus devices so far, but should work for anything running Android 2.2 or later. In other words: make sure you've got a Nandroid backup handy before you start playing around. And of course, you'll need to have a rooted device to use the app.
Flashify is a free download, but it's limited to three flashes per day; a reasonable $1.99 in-app purchase will unlock unlimited use of the app.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/07/04/new-app-flashify-lets-root-users-flash-boot-recovery-and-zip-updates-backup-kernels-and-recoveries-to-dropbox-and-more/

Yes, it´s in the XDA Portal Posts, so no need to copy and paste. Better report if your tried it how it works on our SGW.

Works good on the SGW. I could flash CWM and TWRP forth and back. Didn´t try flashing kernels but should be the same.

[Q] 3rd Party apps cannot access internal storage

out of nowhere, my 3rd party apps aren't able to access the internal storage. Yahoo mail can't download attachments. Firefox can't download anything. Titanium Backup can't make backups. Etc.
I've tried:
Factory reset
Reinstalling SuperSU
Fixing Permissions through TWRP recovery
Fixing individual app permissions through an app.
Formatting internal storage
The only thing that fixed this it seems was to format the internal storage, factory reset and then flash stock 4.4.2.
Then everything was fine for about 2 weeks then suddenly my 4g went away. I had to factory reset because PRL/Profile and even reactivation wouldn't get it to stick.
So after a day of 4g again, once more I'm running into the same storage issue as above. WTF is going on?

I run into that issue when going from TW to a different rom and then try going back to TW. It's been irritating and stupid. I never had this problem prior to taking the Ota to the latest TW.

I've noticed when SuperSU says it's disabled Knox, I'll check the installed apps in app manager. Samsung Knox is right there. A) should it not be there and SuperSU goofed? B) if it is, does that make a difference?
Also on this other thread, there's a SELinux permissive kernal. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2747586#post54371724
Would that do anything? I'm nervous about flashing kernals just because that's where I hear people brick the most (because they downgrade) and that's where I'm the least familiar.

brokenmouse said:
I've noticed when SuperSU says it's disabled Knox, I'll check the installed apps in app manager. Samsung Knox is right there. A) should it not be there and SuperSU goofed? B) if it is, does that make a difference?
Also on this other thread, there's a SELinux permissive kernal. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2747586#post54371724
Would that do anything? I'm nervous about flashing kernals just because that's where I hear people brick the most (because they downgrade) and that's where I'm the least familiar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they brick mostly because they flash the wrong kernel and so use this one http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1800576 if on AOSP use the version for that if on TW use that version. After you flash the kernel flash the NDC Modem some have said this gave them better signal on the ND8 stock 4.4.2
PS. SuperSU disables Knox it just doesn't delete Knox Apps....there's a flashable zip that can delete those and one to that will also remove most Google/Samsung apps as well

6th_Hokage said:
they brick mostly because they flash the wrong kernel and so use this one http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1800576 if on AOSP use the version for that if on TW use that version. After you flash the kernel flash the NDC Modem some have said this gave them better signal on the ND8 stock 4.4.2
PS. SuperSU disables Knox it just doesn't delete Knox Apps....there's a flashable zip that can delete those and one to that will also remove most Google/Samsung apps as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll give that one a shot later today. I just can't figure out what's triggering the internal storage access from working to suddenly not working.
This is what i've done time and time again:
I format the internal storage and factory wipe through TWRP
I ODIN this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2738533
ODIN TWRP recovery
I flash the autoroot (found somewhere)
I flash the hotspot mod (odex)
I install Titanium Backup and try to restore my texts
I'm not doing anything crazy. No crazy apps. It's driving me nuts.

brokenmouse said:
Thanks. I'll give that one a shot later today. I just can't figure out what's triggering the internal storage access from working to suddenly not working.
This is what i've done time and time again:
I format the internal storage and factory wipe through TWRP
I ODIN this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2738533
ODIN TWRP recovery
I flash the autoroot (found somewhere)
I flash the hotspot mod (odex)
I install Titanium Backup and try to restore my texts
I'm not doing anything crazy. No crazy apps. It's driving me nuts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try also Philz Touch recovery....it works 100% of the time on stock ND8 and can root it so you wont need the auto root thing

[Q] Removing Knox so I can root/install custom recovery

So I've spent the past two hours trying to flash a custom recovery onto my phone so I can root and debloat.
I first tried to root following some instructions on this site and Odin, but that method failed. Then I tried to use towelroot and that method failed. I then googled the problem to find that it had to do with knox and a recent security update released by ATT. Then I flashed a custom recovery onto my phone so I could manually root and that triggered an auto stock recovery. After that I attempted to install cm11. It installed then before the rom could load, it asked me about disabling auto stock recovery and also rooting. I choose to disable it and then root. Then my phone reverted back to stock touchwiz.
How do I get rid of knox so I can root my phone?

Do you want to have a custom ROM on your phone? Root is not required to load a custom ROM.

I originally wanted to get rid of the bloatware on my phone since I don't mind some of the Touchwiz features, but if I can't gain root access due to the phones security features then I'll install something else if I have to. Right now I'm attempting to CM11 install again since I was able to install custom recovery( I had to pull the battery before Touchwiz rebooted though I superSU said it did not have binaries).

If you want TW features, flash a custom ROM based on TW.

Will doing so also give me root access?
I've rooted two devices in the past and they were never this hard so I want to be careful so I don't end up bricking my device.

UPDATE: Just tried to reinstall CM11 just to see what would happen and the same happened: it booted straight into stock touchwiz.
I've been at this for about 5 hours now and I'm at my wits end. Has anyone successfully rooted their phone from 4.4.2 over the past month?

What custom recovery is on your phone?

I had clockwork flashed.

Make sure you have the latest cwm and format the system before installing a ROM.
Before installing a custom ROM, make a nandroid backup of your current tw ROM.

I used the cyanogen installer on the website. I've installed CM before on previous devices so I'm familiar with installing roms. The CM installer is supposed to do that for me so I'm not sure if it's due to Knox and the latest ATT security update that's making it difficult to gain root access to do such as install custom mods. I've gone a google search and people seem to be having the same trouble and I don't know if a fix has been found since the last update that ATT pushed out last week.

Did you try installing a custom using the custom recovery? I have never used the installer so I can't comment, using the cm installer may not allow you to install non-cm roms.

I didn't.
Before I flashed CM11, I checked the Q/A from Cyanogen about the installer:
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/CyanogenMod_Installer
In it, they state that all you need to do is have your stock rom and software will do the rest for you. Keep in mind, that flashing CM11 was my backup option. My original intent was to simply root my device so I can remove some Samsung and ATT apps.
Here's the article from Android Central about the ATT update. Apparently I'm not the only one who is having issues trying to root:
http://www.androidcentral.com/att-brings-android-os-enhancements-galaxy-note-2-galaxy-s3-galaxy-mega
I might just have to wait out for the S6.

I have never used a CM installer even though I have used CM11 on an s3, Note2, Note3, and a Nexus 4.
I don't trust the installer and always did it the old-fashioned way with a custom recovery.

I'm going to try today since I have some time. Can you give me a link to a custom recovery? I'm going to install using odin and then try it.

Are there no stable builds for CM11?
https://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=d2att

You should be looking for d2lte builds, not d2att.

I also did that earlier since they're universal and all I see are nightlies and experimentals.
https://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=d2lte

The unified msm8960 ROMs have been out for a while and even though they are nightlies, they are at the stage where I would consider them stable.

Thank you.
I tried flashing another rom earlier today and it didn't install. I reloaded a backup I made before flashing and now the backup is stuck in a com.google. process. gapps loop.
What are my options?

I recommend flashing the latest Philz Touch tar.md5 recovery from here: https://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/d2lte/
Try re-flashing the latest CM11.

TW ROM with root and encryption

I am currently using stock ROM, rooted with Magisk and encryption of internal memory enabled. However, the update procedure is really annoying, you can't just flash an update from TWRP, you have to use ODIN and the whole Magisk patching procedure that comes with it.
Is there any other way to use encryption of internal memory while still being rooted?
- BeyondROM can be easily updated, but does not support encryption
- All the other AOSP ROMs have serious drawbacks, e.g. not possible to use the Samsung camera app and hence losing a main feature of this phone (the good camera)