[HOW TO] Gain Permanent Root on CL14 Out-The-Box and Backup/Restore Customizations

[rainfreak]

It helped me because I didn't know. I am going to see what happens with 2.1 at the end of the month. If that fails to happen (I am NOT holding my breath) I am going to decide whether I want to flash Zeife's most recent kernel or try Joey's most recent kernel.

[wkj]

Couple questions before I do this root business.

1. Will I have to do anything when and if 2.1 comes around? Can we just update with whatever Sprints gives us or do we have to custom upgrade?

2. My 30 days is not up yet. If CTIA has good things to come (new Android phones) within say, a month, I may be taking the Moment back and getting or waiting something else. Is it possible to go back to "stock" with the Moment before I take the phone back?

Thanks for your help!

wkj

[elephant007]

Originally Posted by wkj

Couple questions before I do this root business.

1. Will I have to do anything when and if 2.1 comes around? Can we just update with whatever Sprints gives us or do we have to custom upgrade?

We won't know until 2.1 comes out

Originally Posted by wkj

2. My 30 days is not up yet. If CTIA has good things to come (new Android phones) within say, a month, I may be taking the Moment back and getting or waiting something else. Is it possible to go back to "stock" with the Moment before I take the phone back?
Thanks for your help!
wkj

It would be possible to go back to stock by using the Sprint Utility and the Official CL14 Update

[ps3evader]

Originally Posted by elephant007

Edited to have consistency with RainFreaks How To

WARNING! THE FOLLOWING TUTORIAL IS POSTED IN HOPES OF HELPING PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE PERMANENT ROOT. NEITHER PPCGEEKS NOR I WILL BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED TO YOUR PHONE

Thanks to Zeife for making the custom kernels; RainFreak and CarlaDarla for willingness to share their knowledge

If your phone does not have CL14 Maintenance Update or the Official Sprint CL14 Update on it this how to is not intended for your phone. All others need to read RainFreaks How To Guide here.

How To: Gain Root Access on CL14 Out-The-Box (or Officially Updated CL14 from Sprint), Backup/Restore Customization (non-rooted Official Sprint CL14 Updated phone only) and remove system apps

Purpose:

The purpose of this how to is to explain to uses that have CL14 on their phones out the box (or Official Sprint CL14 Update on phone non-rooted) how to update and gain root access. This is going to be done using Zefie's instructions (which I hope I've simplified) and using Zefie's Kernel (As of this how to he was on version ZE13.3) Most of us that have CL14 already on our phones whether we went to Sprint and received the update or if our phone just came with CL14 have had difficulties rooting our phones. Usually this would take downgrading your phone and then upgrading with the appropriate tar file to gain CL14 and root. Another thing I hope to explain is how to backup your entire phone with all of your personalized settings. After backing up your phone, you will then be able to factory reset your phone, restore the phone with your backup with all your personalized settings. I have tested these method and it worked great.

Info:

Here's where I got my initial information (http://midnightchannel.net/kernelrom...e%27s-kernels/)
The HOW TO is written from the experience I had following that very broad description, this was my first time
I'd also like to thank RainFreak and CarlaDarla for all the information they provided throughout the Samsung Moment thread(s)

Note:

I flashed my phone using the Sprint Utility on Windows 7. If your phone has been previously rooted, please install Sprints Official CL14 Update first. These instructions will only work on non-rooted CL14 updated phones.

Need:

Sprint Utility (http://www6.sprint.com/downloads/sam...ent_Update.exe) Download/Install
Find the latest Zefie kernel and download it
Latest Kernel info (http://wiki.midnightchannel.net/inde...ie%27s_Kernels)
Latest Kernel list (http://www.megaupload.com/?f=HMZJZUQW)
7-Zip (http://www.7-zip.org) Download/Install

Steps:

1. Make sure your phone is not connected to your computer
2. Install Sprint Utility using default settings
3. Uncompress Zefie's kernel using 7-Zip
4. Browse to C:\PROGRAM FILES\SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS\SWUPGRADE\MODELS\BINARY
5. Copy existing file name including extension(SPH-M900_CL14_MR.tar) then rename the file
6. Copy Zefie's kernel to the BINARY folder and rename it to the file name you just copied in step 5
7. Run SWUPDATE.EXE and follow the prompts, when successful you phone will reboot
8. Check build MENU>SETTINGS>ABOUT PHONE>BUILD NUMBER equals ZEFIE KERNEL VERSION you've rooted
9. Install all the apps you want, configure/customize your phone to your liking
10. Power off your phone
11. Volume Down + Talk + End/Power (in that order) you will enter the recovery mode
12. Using Optical joystick, navigate to DATATOOL press joystick for OK
13. Select BACKUP on next menu, press HOME to start the backup
14. After backup is complete press BACK to go back to main menu and select REBOOT SYSTEM NOW
15. Let system reboot, now test your backup
16. Power off phone
17. Volume Down + Talk + End/Power to enter recovery mode
18. Use Optical Joystick to scroll down menu to DATATOOL, press Optical Joystick for OK
19. Choose RESTORE LAST BACKUP press Optical Joystick for OK
20. Press HOME to start the backup you selected, wait for backup to complete
21. After complete, use joystick select CLEAR DALVIK CACHE (Per Zefie's suggestion) press HOME to start
22. Press BACK and select REBOOT NOW
23. If you followed the steps above you will now have a completely restored phone, congratuations!

If your phone is not noticed or connected to the Sprint Utility, close the program and go here
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS\SWUPGRADE\DRIVER and install SAMSUNG_MOBILE_USB_DRIVER(V.5.2.0.0)__V1.2.1060.0. MSI reboot and try again.

I have tested the steps above and did successfully restore my phone, even OpenHome and all its settings... very pleased!

Disclaimer:

I'm not responsible for any of your actions or results, especially if you brick your phone. You should read and reread the instructions and make sure that you understand the necessary steps before you start making any changes to your phone. Keep an eye on Zefei's thread http://wiki.midnightchannel.net/inde...ie%27s_Kernels to see what other users are experiencing with his kernels. Remember, gather all the information you can then decide if rooting your phone is something you want to peruse. Good Luck!

Remove System Apps:
(Info I found on another forum)

1. Download ConnectBot from Market (open ConnectBot, connect to Local) or some other terminal emulator
2. Type su and press enter
3. Remount the file system as read/write to allow system file removal. Type remount rw press enter
4. Type in cd system/app press enter
5. Use the following command to backup Bejeweled to SDCard

cat Bejeweled.apk > /sdcard/Bejeweled.apk
rm Bejeweled.apk

6. Follow the same steps to remove other System Apps.
7. When complete type remount ro to put the file system back into read-only state, and press enter.
8. Type reboot to reboot the phone.
Note: Make sure the app you're removing isn't running
RainFreak has an extensive writeup on removing system apps in his HowTo, he also posted it in this thread http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showpost.p...3&postcount=14

when i try to delete the app. it says that i cant because its a read only file system. i have the rotted kernal...im using connectbot

[rafaelvargas_85]

The process worked flawlessly for me, but now I've run into one problem. I used the Better Terminal Emulator to remove the app Voice Control, using the command rm VSuite.apk and it did remove it, because I kept getting an error that the problem crashed and to force close it. I hit "force close" and it kept popping up, so inbetween each error, I typed in r.e.b.o.o.t and mashed enter, and my phone restarted and the program was gone.
When I opened back BTE, I tried to remove some other sprint crap and now I get this error "rm failed for Sprint_App_Updater.apk, Read-only file system". I made sure to type mount -oremount,rw .etc but for some reason, I can't remove any other apps anymore. Is there anyone that can help? Thanks!

[ps3evader]

how can i get a list of apps that i have to delete through connectbot

[elephant007]

Originally Posted by rafaelvargas_85

The process worked flawlessly for me, but now I've run into one problem. I used the Better Terminal Emulator to remove the app Voice Control, using the command rm VSuite.apk and it did remove it, because I kept getting an error that the problem crashed and to force close it. I hit "force close" and it kept popping up, so inbetween each error, I typed in r.e.b.o.o.t and mashed enter, and my phone restarted and the program was gone.
When I opened back BTE, I tried to remove some other sprint crap and now I get this error "rm failed for Sprint_App_Updater.apk, Read-only file system". I made sure to type mount -oremount,rw .etc but for some reason, I can't remove any other apps anymore. Is there anyone that can help? Thanks!

Sounds like you should either do a hard reset on your phone or try flashing it again... something squirrely happened I think

Originally Posted by ps3evader

how can i get a list of apps that i have to delete through connectbot

do the following in connectbot

su
ls system/app

This will give you a list of apps, you shouldn't delete all of them though. RainFreak has listed apps that are safe to remove in his stickied how to

[darkhelmet]

I appreciate anyone that tries to help others, but as a total 'root' noob I have got to say your instructions are pretty atrocious. Obviously all these folks that successfully followed them must have had previous insight into rooting their phone because after step #3 I just started scratching my head!

1. Make sure your phone is not connected to your computer

Okay that's pretty straightforward

2. Install Sprint Utility using default settings

Did that fine

3. Uncompress Zefie's kernel using 7-Zip

Did that but not sure why

4. Browse to C:\PROGRAM FILES\SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS\SWUPGRADE\MODELS\BINARY

Understood and did that one

5. Copy existing file name including extension(SPH-M900_CL14_MR.tar) then rename the file

Totally lost! Rename what file???

6. Copy Zefie's kernel to the BINARY folder and rename it to the file name you just copied in step 5

Copy Zefie's kernal? Is this the ZIP file I downloaded from Megaupload, and if so, why did I have to extract it in step #3?

7. Run SWUPDATE.EXE and follow the prompts, when successful you[r] phone will reboot

This all happens wirelessly? Because I followed step #1 and disconnected my phone from the computer.

[Carla]

Originally Posted by darkhelmet

I appreciate anyone that tries to help others, but as a total 'root' noob I have got to say your instructions are pretty atrocious. Obviously all these folks that successfully followed them must have had previous insight into rooting their phone because after step #3 I just started scratching my head!

1. Make sure your phone is not connected to your computer

Okay that's pretty straightforward

2. Install Sprint Utility using default settings

Did that fine

3. Uncompress Zefie's kernel using 7-Zip

Did that but not sure why

4. Browse to C:\PROGRAM FILES\SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS\SWUPGRADE\MODELS\BINARY

Understood and did that one

5. Copy existing file name including extension(SPH-M900_CL14_MR.tar) then rename the file

Totally lost! Rename what file???

6. Copy Zefie's kernel to the BINARY folder and rename it to the file name you just copied in step 5

Copy Zefie's kernal? Is this the ZIP file I downloaded from Megaupload, and if so, why did I have to extract it in step #3?

7. Run SWUPDATE.EXE and follow the prompts, when successful you[r] phone will reboot

This all happens wirelessly? Because I followed step #1 and disconnected my phone from the computer.

Is your phone already on the CL14 update? The phone has to be disconnected to enter download mode, once you have entered downloader (vol down, camera, end) you can plug the phone back in.

You have to extract the .tar file out of the zip file, you can't flash a zip file through the updater, that is why you have to extract his Kernel, which is the .tar file, out of the zip file.

Make sure when you copy the .tar file into the Binary folder, you take out the Sprint .tar already in the Binary folder and save that file.

[elephant007]

Originally Posted by ps3evader

when i try to delete the app. it says that i cant because its a read only file system. i have the rotted kernal...im using connectbot

make sure you're making mounting with read/write

remount rw

Originally Posted by darkhelmet

I appreciate anyone that tries to help others, but as a total 'root' noob I have got to say your instructions are pretty atrocious. Obviously all these folks that successfully followed them must have had previous insight into rooting their phone because after step #3 I just started scratching my head!

1. Make sure your phone is not connected to your computer
Okay that's pretty straightforward
2. Install Sprint Utility using default settings
Did that fine
3. Uncompress Zefie's kernel using 7-Zip
Did that but not sure why
4. Browse to C:\PROGRAM FILES\SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS\SWUPGRADE\MODELS\BINARY
Understood and did that one
5. Copy existing file name including extension(SPH-M900_CL14_MR.tar) then rename the file
Totally lost! Rename what file???
6. Copy Zefie's kernel to the BINARY folder and rename it to the file name you just copied in step 5
Copy Zefie's kernal? Is this the ZIP file I downloaded from Megaupload, and if so, why did I have to extract it in step #3?
7. Run SWUPDATE.EXE and follow the prompts, when successful you[r] phone will reboot
This all happens wirelessly? Because I followed step #1 and disconnected my phone from the computer.

Okay let's see how I can help you on this one
1. I see your phone isn't connected via USB to your computer, that's good
2. You were able to install the Sprint Utility without problem, again good
3. You need to uncompress, more commonly known as unzip, the Zefie file you downloaded, the actual file you need for rooting your phone is within the compressed file.
4. This step is the one I think is more complicated than some others, you understood it, that's good
5. Okay on this step you want to copy the existing file name SPH-M900_CL14_MR.TAR, you can do this by right clicking on the file name, the left click on RENAME after the name highlights, reselect the entire name including the TAR extension, right click and COPY. When you're done copying the file name, again right click, rename and named the file to SPH-M900_CL14_MR.TAR.OLD
6. Zefie's kernel has a TAR extension not a 7z extension, this is why you were supposed to uncompress the 7z file so you could extract the TAR file. After getting the TAR file, name it to SPH-M900_CL14_MR.TAR and put it in the BINARY folder of the previous path given C:\PROGRAM FILES\SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS\SWUPGRADE\MODELS\BINARY
7. As this step states, Follow the prompts... the Sprint Utility will tell you when to plug your phone to the the computer via USB and when to unplug it and again when to replug it. I didn't type these steps in because you're to follow the prompts given to you by the Sprint Utility.

I hope these help you better. So far you're the only person to mention anything about the difficulties of following this how to, other root noobs have either thanked me for the instructions here or via PM. I edited my how to in hopes of clarifying some of the things you pointed out. Try it again and let us know how it goes for you... good luck!