So I'm an idiot and I was super duper confused when I first started flashing android ROMs. I still am, but I think I got some things figured out and was hoping to make the install process easier. There's a lot of information out there and unfortunately nothing that ties everything together or provides contingencies when things just don't work right.
This guide is for flashing to a Froyo (DK28 / Android 2.2) ROM with EXT4 file system.
So you've got a stock Samsung Epic, probably with Android 2.1 (Eclair) and the default Samsung RFS. Probably with buggy GPS too.
Rooting: Gives you SuperUser permissions, allowing you to fully customize the phone and unleash its full potential.
Filesystem: Samsung uses RFS, typical Android uses EXT4. EXT4 is faster. Use it.
Recovery Mode: Samsung uses a stock Android Recovery Mode. Clockwork Mod 3.x is a more feature rich recovery mode. Think of this like a Bootloader or computer BIOS. It starts up BEFORE you boot into the actual operating system. Recovery mode allows you to backup your system, wipe your system, flash to a different ROM, or install themes.
Odin: Program that allows you to flash stock roms.
Odexed/Deodexed ROMs: Deodexed allows you to install themes. First bootup is slower than Odexed, but afterwards it's the same.
Overview:
Step 1. Upgrade to a stock Froyo ROM
a. Download and install the Samsung Drivers for your Epic 4G so when you plug it into your computer it will recognize it:
32-bit OS:
http://firon.net/xda/Samsung_Mobile_...00_Epic_4G.zip
64-bit OS:
http://firon.net/xda/usb_drivers_GalaxyS_x64.zip
b. Go here to install the stock Froyo ROM using Odin. Odin is used primarily to flash stock ROMs, and is capable of changing the ROM, File System, and Recovery Console back to stock:
http://wiki.ppcgeeks.com/index.php?t...x_Bricked_Epic
But instead of using SPH-D700-DG27-8Gb-REL.tar, use this instead:
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/sprint-epi...l-tar-md5.html
After following these directions, you should have an Epic running a completely stock Froyo (stock Samsung Recovery Mode, RFS file system, not rooted - perfect for if you need to return the phone to Sprint)
Step 2. Upgrade to a new Recovery Mode (Clockwork Mod 3.0), filesystem (EXT4), and root the phone.
a. Follow these directions:
Epic Lag Fix: RFS to EXT4 (Now w/Clockwork v3.0.0.5) - Android Forums
Step 3. Upgrade to a 3rd party Froyo ROM (midNight ROM)
a. I chose midNight ROM because it's easy for noobies like me.
b. Download midNight ROM and follow the directions:
Android Development
His ROM is awesome. Consider donating!
Before you upgrade to the new ROM within Clockwork Recovery, consider doing this from within CWM 3.x
-Select "wipe data/factory reset"
-Select "wipe cache partition"
-Do both of these 3 times to insure optimal results
Then go ahead and install the ROM from the SD card.
c. At the end of this you should be running a nice new Froyo ROM!
4. When crap hits the fan - and it will.
a. ROM installs don't always go smoothly. Your phone may be buggy as hell after a ROM install due to leftover code not being fully overwritten or erased between ROM installs. The general procedure is to:
Follow Steps 1 to 3 over again.
1. Flash to a bone stock Froyo ROM using Odin - reverts back to default ROM, file system, recovery mode. Don't use something like an "extended" ROM.
2. Install Clockwork Mod 3.x - roots, changes filesystem, changes recovery mode
3. Before installing the new ROM from the SD Card:
-Select "wipe data/factory reset"
-Select "wipe cache partition"
-Do both of these 3 times to insure optimal results
4. Install the new ROM via Clockwork.
I've had so many issues in the past:
a. Bootup hangs at SAMSUNG screen - flashed a ROM using Clockwork 2.x when I should have been using Clockwork 3.x.
b. Can't install Clockwork 3.x - files were read-only, failure to mount things, etc. If you have Clockwork 2.x already installed, installing Clockwork 3.x over it can produce errors. You have to use Odin to flash to a bone stock ROM and go back to a stock Android recovery mode.
c. Really WEIRD ROM functioning - GPS dies frequently, battery life plummets, etc. ROM install had leftover code from previous ROM. Follow Steps 1 to 3 over again.
d. Phone doesn't connect to computer - properly install the Samsung USB drivers.
If I have made any errors, let me know!