MyPhone A919 Duo: Easiest Way to Root and Install a Faster ROM (Xperia Mizwa Final)

MyPhone A919 Duo Running on Xperia Mizwa (Gaming+Battery Friendly) ROM.

Before anything else, let me list some basic points.

1. You will be expected to download some files from XDAForum and MyPhone A919 Duo User's Facebook Page.

2. You will need internet to download a couple of programs from the Google Play Store.

3. This process will require rooting and installing of CWM recovery before installing any ROM because you might end up getting the message "Signature Verification Failed".

4. You do not need to download any flashing software for this installation. 

Some terms to understand before we start.

• XDAForums- This is where new custom ROMs are released. Whenever people want to try something new with their phone (e.g. make it look cooler, make it run faster, or make it more customizable), this is where they usually go to download and try new Android OS.

• CWM (ClockworkMod) recovery- This like a computer's BIOS. It's where the magic happens without having to rely on the phone's stock rom.

• Stock ROM- This is your phone's original system. Meaning, if your phone was running with unRooted ICS or JB, then that's what your stock ROM is.

Note: Stock ROMs are usually unrooted. This means you can't change their system files and pre-installed software easily. You can't remove the add-ons the company has installed in your phone, and you can change permissions for rooted applications.

• Root- If you're simply the type who likes to install APKs, then rooting isn't necessary. However, if you're the adventurous type who prefers tweaking your system, boosting your RAM permanently, changing where your applications are automatically installed, or simply into wreaking havoc to your phone, then be my guest.

DISCLAIMER: This said, please remember that I will not be responsible for bricking your phone. And yes, I've rendered a MyPhone useless. It was bricked because I installed the wrong recovery.img. Fortunately, this following procedures won't be as complex.

• Superuser- This grants an application permission to change some of your system settings. One of the most practical reasons why people install Superuser is to allow a rooted application to do some juju on your phone e.g. remove bloatware or software installed by MyPhone.

• Boromir- the exploit used to install superuser into your phone. Boromir is probably some character in Lord of the Rings.

1. Procedures in Rooting your MyPhone A919 Duo

1.1. Download Framaroot from the XDAForums. 

One-Click-Root

Or you can download this directly via this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?s=7f4bbdc17184570184c1b955e3f8705f&attachmentid=2293503&d=1380569629

Question: Does Framaroot work for all Android devices? The answer is NO. For instance, the Lenovo IdeaPad K1 does not budge with Framaroot. It will simply show you that now exploit is available for it

1.2. Copy Framaroot from the Downloads folder of your computer to your SD card.

Side Note: While you're at it, you might as well download Final Mizwa (Battery and Gaming-Friendly ROM) and the recovery image we will be using.  You might as well copy this two files into your SD card.

Google docs showing the contents of Final Mizwa Z3.zip. Click on the image to view in actual size.

Final Mizwa Direct Link

Recovery Image Direct Link

My Google Chrome Downloads tab. Click on the image to see original size.

For backing up files, I manually copied my files from the phone to the SD card. Or you could try Wondershare's Dr. Fone for Android for your images and videos. I used SMS Backup for my messages.

1.3. Assuming you've copied all the necessary files into your SD Card--NOT YOUR PHONE MEMORY (Framaroot, Recovery Image, and Final Mizwa), then disconnect your phone from your computer, and we shall start the rooting process of our MyPhone A919 duo.

Conditions to ensure Framaroot (and the rest of the apps) will be installed smoothly:

a) USB Debugging must be checked. ( Go to Settings>Developer Options> USB debugging) 

b). Unknown Sources must be checked (Go to Settings> Security> (Under Device Administration) Unknown Sources.

1.4. Go to your File Manager and look for Framaroot.  If you saved it directly into the SD Card, then once you tapped into the SD Card, you'll immediately find Framaroot. Install it and open it.

Framaroot will have to editable segments. One will have "Install SU" and the word "Boromir" will also pop out. Don't change a thing, but tap on Boromir.

Once done, a pop-up message suggesting its success will show-up in your screen.

Note: In some occassions, Superuser doesn't show up in your App Menu. No worries, just go to Google Playstore and download it there.

Now that we're done rooting your device, the next thing to do is to install CWM recovery. In this part, I don't suggest downloading ROM Manager because it will simply tell you that it's still going to use the phone's recovery instead of CWM.

2. Procedure on Installing ClockwordMod Recovery and Installing Final Mizwa ROM in MyPhone A919 Duo

2.1. Go back to Google Playstore and download Mobileuncle MTK Tools.

2.2. Install and open it.

Note: There will be instances that MobileUncle MTK Tools require Superuser permissions. Just tap on ALLOW.

2.3. Once the application has opened, look for Recovery Update and tap it.

2.4. Under Recovery Update, locate your recovery.img file under SD Card. It's the file that you copied into your SD Card, found usually under Recovery file in SD Card. Check out the image from CaraKamu's blog.

Now, it should ask you to reboot your phone. Do it.

CWM-based Recovery v6.0.2.8. Click the image to view actual size.

Tada! We're in CWM Recovery.  Use the Volume buttons to move the selector up or down and the Power button to select the highlighted text (the text with blue background). Most people will usually install the ROM without formatting the system. This is fine because Xperia Mizwa does that for us. The following is optional:

2.4.a. Wipe Cache Partition
2.4.b. Under Advance, Wipe Dalvik Cache
2.4.c. Under Mount and Storage, Format System. Then, Format Data. Then, Format Cache.
2.4.d. To be on the safe side, I also do wipe data/ factory reset.

2.5. Select Install zip from SD Card.

Note: As an extra precaution prior to installing Mizwa Xperia Final, Before selecting "choose a zip from sdcard", select toggle signature verification and press the Power button twice. This should give you a message at the bottom. 

2.5.a Signature Check: Disabled.
2.5.b After doing the Toggle signature verification, select "choose a zip from sdcard". If you copied Final Mizwa.zip directly into the main folder of the SD Card (some people call it the root folder), then just locate it and select the file.

Note: Expect to select Yes a couple of times before finally achieving the screenshot below.

Now, we wait...

As you could see, formatting the partition is already done by the Xperia Mizwa ROM. The portion shown above "Installing: /sdcard/Final Mizwa Z3.zip" is done by following items 2.4.a to 2.5.a. Click on the image to view actual size.

And we're done. Bask in the glory of the XPERIA loading screen. 

Yay!!!

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How to Root Samsung Galaxy Y GT-S5360 (Newbie Guide with Pictures)

Last time, I discussed about restoring/ resetting/ reformatting your Samsung Galaxy Y. This helps with problems regarding slow android phones and frequent "forced close" apps.

For one, a friend of mine paid a whopping 250 php simply to have her phone reformatted because she couldn't text or call or do anything functional with it. That's a less-than-5-minute process. Others have actually charged her 500 php when all they had to do was do a hard reset/reformat.

So, for my first tip of the day: LEARN HOW TO REFORMAT/ HARD RESET YOUR SAMSUNG GALAXY Y.

Rooting a Samsung Galaxy Y GT-S5360 is actually easier than rooting a MyPhone A818g

Let's get down to business, shall we.

Rooting... Why should I root my phone? (in layman's words)

To be honest, I've barely rooted my phone. And to be more embarrassingly honest, I have bricked  a MyPhone A818 because I was dying to root it. So why do we root?

1. Rooting your android phone can help you adjust the parameters for which your phone is functioning e.g. kill bloatware and manufacturer apps that hog up battery life.

2. Rooting your Samsung Galaxy Y will allow you to install custom roms. Mine, at the moment, is running on ChobitsDigitalis ROM.

3. Rooting gives you that SuperUser icon that looks so cool because it shows you have the briefest idea of what you just did. Oh, and having superuser rights allow you to download the infamous ClockWorkMod/ ROM Manager.

FAQs:

1. Is rooting the Galaxy GT-S5360 difficult? 

No.

2. Do I need to back up my old files? 

In this case, no. They will remain there. 

However, just to be safe, when it comes to tweaking, rooting or installing custom roms, backing-up your files is an imperative.

3. What do I need to root my Samsung Galaxy Y?

a. your computer, to download the update.zip

b. a USB cable to transfer the files from your download folder to your SD card.

c. a Samsung Galaxy Y that has a minimum charge of 50%

d. your concentration

4. If I accidentally install the update.zip more than once, will I brick my phone?

Not to my knowledge. While doing this article, I actually rooted my Samsung Galaxy Y GT-S5360 3 times. Just don't try it for the sake of testing the theory.

5. Will this update.zip work on Galaxy Y Duos?

I haven't tried it (for the absence of a Duos phone). However, I strongly advice for you to look for a Samsung Galaxy Y Duos root instead. 

How do I root my Samsung Galaxy Y?

1. First, download the update.zip.

2. Attach your USB cable to your computer's USB port with the other end on your phone.

USB Connected notification in android phones.

3. Once you see the notification 'USB Connected', just press it and choose "Connect USB Storage". Press "OK" on the next prompt. Your green Android will turn orange and the phone's memory will become visible under 'Devices with Removable Storage'.

Some devices will have another pop-up message before green Android turns orange. Just press 'OK' if this notification pops out.

4. Copy the update.zip into the main folder.

Main folder just means the very first window that opens when you click on 'Removable Disk'

5. Once done, go to your phone again and select  "Disconnect USB Storage".

6. Turn off your phone in preparation for 'Android System Recovery'.

7. Once it's off, press the Volume Up, Home button and Power Button simultaneously. Once the Samsung Galaxy Y logo appears, just let it go  

8. Using the Volume Button as your scroll keys, just press it to go to "apply update from sdcard". Press the "Home" button to choose the update.zip package.

9. Scroll down again to highlight update.zip. Press "Home" again to install the zip.

Select update.zip. If you accidentally placed the zip file in another folder, just select the folder name (the one with a / after each word) and choose update.zip

10. It's a pretty quick process. Once it's done, your phone will have the message on its screen saying: You've been rooted! Install from sdcard complete.

11. Select "reboot system now" and we're done with rooting. You should now see the superuser icon in your menu.

Viola! Now, you've successfully rooted your Samsung Galaxy Y.

And that's how the cookie crumbles, folks.

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USB Device Not Found Solution with (Newbie Guide with Pics)

Picture this

-You've successfully downloaded a new custom rom for your android tablet. 

-You've got NVFlash and K1_JB_AOSP or CM9, CM10 and even CM10 v6.1. 

-You've successfully gotten your android device to APX mode which basically means pressing the Power, Volume Up and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for about 30 seconds more or less (as shown in the image below).

The IdeaPad K1 Android tablet in APX Mode.

Then, you attach it to the data cable where one end is on PC's your USB port. You click on flash-win.bat and nothing happens.

Clicking flash-win.bat to install new rom and no response.

-You take it up a notch and open the  "Command" or CMD window. 

-You see the message 'nvflash.exe' not recognized. You finally figured out that all you needed to do was make sure that your directory on the command window should coincide with where your nvflash.exe is (e.g. if you placed the custom rom's folder in C:\ then your command window should also show C:\(name of flash-win.bat folder)\>)

-You get it all right but are stuck with the dreaded "USB device not found" or "USB device not detected". 

What do you do? Scream and lash out!

Fortunately, there is a simpler solution to this problem. It's basically updating the APX drivers because, believe it or not, Windows 7 and even Windows XP will have the yellow triangle with exclamation point on APX as found in the Device Manager.

Brief Recap

1. Trying to install new rom in android tablet. No response after clicking flash-win.bat

2. Android tablet in APX mode is detected by PC (with bleep sound) but stuck with "USB device not found" when installing new rom.

3. Android tablet connects successfully when turned on, but isn't detected in APX.

4. Nvflash.exe is not recognized.

Note: Simple solution is to save android rom files in a single folder in drive C:\. When opening command window, type "cd .." (without clauses) until left with C:\> . Then type "cd (name of file folder)" to go directly to that directory. Example

C:\Users\Digitalbrew> cd ..

C:\Users> cd ..

C:\> cd K1Wifi_CM10_Flashable_v6.1

C:\K1Wifi_CM10_Flashable_v6>

*Bold letters are what you're supposed to type.

5. NVflash.exe is NOW recognized. But new command window message after running flash-win.bat is 'USB device not found'.

6. Scream and lash out, frustrated with the world.

How to install missing APX drivers succesfully

Step 1: Download the APX drivers.

Step 2: Extract APX Driver files into your Desktop or C:\

Step 3: Put Android tablet (mine is an IdeaPad K1) on APX mode. Attach Android tablet cable to USB Port.

APX driver for Android custom rom installation.

Step 4: Device driver software was not successfully installed because it could not find APX drivers (not yet anyway).

Step 5: Click on Start. Right-click on Computer and go to Properties. Or go to Control Panel> System and Security> System then click on Device Manager. Locate "Other Devices" and Right-click on "APX". Select Update Driver Software...

Step 6. Click on "Browse my computer for driver software"

Step 7: Browse for the location where you saved it. I put it on Desktop (not my computer).

Halfway through installing the APX driver so your Android Tablet baby gets a Cyanogen Mod Rom.

Step 8: Install this driver software anyway.

NVIDIA USB Boot-recovery driver for Mobile devices successfully installed!

Step 9: Scream and lash out, but this time with happier feelings as you won't have more USB issues on installing Clockwork, Khanning or Krook's ROMs anymore (unless your computer or your usb is busted).

Although you might still get stuck in Formatting partition 12...

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Upgrading Lenovo IdeaPad K1 to CM10 v6.1 (Newbie Guide w/ Pictures)

Finally, a new addition to my Android Newbie Guide posts.

This is how the K1 will end up looking like once you've successfully installed CM10 v6.1 for Lenovo's K1

It has been a month since I have used my IdeaPad K1 because of the "Sleep of Death". It just went on and on and on twirling those colors on the Jellybean logo.

Since I didn't mind wiping it out again, I didn't do a back-up anymore. However, the process I used in upgrading the Lenovo IdeaPad K1 to CM10 v6.1 didn't wipe out my programs. I even retained my saved games.

What if my IdeaPad K1 has existing issues or problems?

My tablet was still experiencing the sleep of death after installing CM10 so I did the entire process again. However, I did a 'wipe data/factory reset' prior to upgrading.

Note: If you have important data, settings and game saves, make sure to do a back-up before doing this. Assuming you haven't installed CM10 for IdeaPad K1 yet, it's better safe than sorry. Installing CyanogenMod on the Lenovo Android tablet was a lot easier than I anticipated. Although, it did take me two days to figure things out. I finally found the easiest way to install it based on my current set-up where my IdeaPad K1 had K1_JB_AOSP previously.

What's new with CM10 v6.1 (JB 4.1.2 JZO54K)?

According to the XDA Forum, here are its features:

• Wifi+GPS
• HD video/audio
• External SD
• Gyro
• Camera front/back
• Bluetooth
• Google Now with voice, Chrome
• Internal SD (fixed in v2)
• Paid apps (fixed in v2)
• Auto brightness, Wifi button in notification bar (fixed in v3)
• Overclock (1.2, 1.4Ghz) (v5)
• USB Storage - MTP only (v5)
• Tun.ko VPN support (v5)
• 3G (v5)Gapps Without Picasa
• Rotate lock switch (v6)
• Home button (v6)

The v2,v3... v5, v6 indicate when these new features or fixes were added in the CM10 for IdeaPad K1.

Note: I tried following the instructions in the forum for 'any other rom' installation. Alas, I spent a day epic-ly  failing at it.  Whether it was because I am using Windows 7 or my buggy USB port, I have no idea. The flash-win did not want to run even upon installing Android SDK.

Important Note: Before we go any further, please remember that modding your android tablet shall be at your own risk. I will not be held responsible if you damage or brick your IdeaPad tablet in the process.

What We Need...

1. A computer to download the images (zip files) listed below.

CWM Flashable image v6.1 for Wifi (md5: b46a0a5fbe2a20718574b4d2b8eba233)

http://www.multiupload.nl/MPKJA2ZSIL

http://www.load.to/ubCFHeCzLi/K1Wifi_CM10_Flashable_v6.1.zip

-- My K1 doesn't have 3G (or a sim slot) so I chose the one for Wi-Fi.

Gapps With Picasa or Gapps Without Picasa

-- Just choose between the two Gapps option.

2. A Working IdeaPad K1 with Play Store to download the Rom Manager

(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.rommanager)

-- You can either click on the link or search it once you've opened your IdeaPad K1's Google App Store.

This is how Rom Manager would look like if it is installed correctly.

3. An external SD card to save the two zip files from item 1.

How to Upgrade Lenovo IdeaPad K1 Jellybean to CM10 v6.1

1. Download CWM Flashable image v6.1 for Wifi and Gapps with Picasa (or Gapps without Picasa) to your computer.

2. Save the two zip files (also called flashable images) into your microSD card. Place the microSD card into the IdeaPad K1's slot.

Note:  It doesn't matter if your SD card has content or if you saved the files in one specific folder. Just make sure you're able to access this folder. You may also attach the K1's USB to copy these files to your microSD card while it is still in your IdeaPad. 3. Download Rom Manager from the Play Store.

Note: My Lenovo IdeaPad K1 is already running with Jellybean (rooted). I installed it using K1_JB_AOSP as mentioned in my previous guide. This means it already has Super User access which will be asked later.

4. Open the successfully installed Rom Manager and follow the steps.

To install a new rom, it says that it will need ClockworkMod Recovery.  Just press OK.

5. Select ClockworkMod Recovery under Install or Update Recovery.

Assuming you won't be shown the main screen of the Rom Manager yet, expect to be directed from the above image to this one.

6. It will ask you to choose the Android tablet model / phone model you are using.  Since the K1 isn't one of the choices, just select "Device Not Listed Above"

It will inform you that the IdeaPad K1 does not have an officially supported ClockworkMod Recovery.

Kindly ignore the arrow on this one. Just press YES!

Note: Truth be told, I had no idea what to press. I just decided to select 'Yes' and go for ClockworkMod 2.x when the Confirm Version message box popped out.

Upon selection, the bottom picture should appear. Bigger picture shows that my Rom Manager's currect recovery is ClockworkMod 2.x.x.x. 

6. Now that that's done, press 'Reboot into Recovery' and we're good to go!

Once you press Reboot into Recovery, it will ask you for a second time. Just press OK and Allow as indicated in these two screens.

7. Now that we're on Recovery Mode, we have to install the zip files we just saved in our microSD card.

Just follow the steps for both zip files. Use the Volume keys for up and down, Home key as 'enter', Power key as 'cancel' or 'escape'.

Step 1: Choose install zip from sdcard

Step 2: Choose zip from external sdcard (since we used a a microSD for our files). It's not advisable to save these files into your main memory as it might get corrupted while doing the process thereby bricking your tablet.

Step 3: Select the CM10 Flashable zip.

Step 4: Select Yes.

I videoed the entire installation process and it took less than a minute to be done with.

Step 5: Follow Step 1 and Step 2 (based on the picture above Step 1).

Step 6: When you get to Step 3, select Gapps.

Step 7: Scroll down again to "Yes- Install..."

Given that you'd successfully installed both zip files (K1WiFi_CM10_Flashabable_v6.1.zip and gapps-jb-picasa...), you should have this screen.

8. It's time to reboot and enjoy the fruits of your labor. A successful installation will show the CyanogenMod logo followed by a message box saying "Android is upgrading..."

Your Android tablet may have looked like it had been rebooted for the first time but it will still have your wallpaper down to the apps you have installed.

Things I have noticed with CyanogenMod CM10 for Lenovo IdeaPad K1 at first glance:

a. WiFi signal indicator is back. No need to second guess whether you are connected or not.

b. My game saves have remained intact. I opened them and my Cut the Rope boxes still have 3 stars in them. City Island also has the same buildings built in them.

c.  I now have a "Terminal Emulator", DSP Manager and Apollo (I think) in my Apps Menu.

d. There are certain additions to the Settings such as a Launcher category under Interface where you can FINALLY change the number of Homescreens!  There's also a whole lot of customization you can do with Lock Screen, Theme, System. and Profile. I have yet to tinker with Overclocking. e. You can choose "No Wallpaper" now! I chose a Cyanogen one to honor the great brewer of ROM that is Krook1.

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