Flashing ROMs (Newbie)

[BobSlob]

Alright... I've pretty much lurked around here for the past month or so, reading everything I can about the subject, but I still have a few questions I haven't been able to find answers too.

1- If I flash my rom... will a hard reset return it to the original firmware, or whatever I flashed with? If not, is it possible for me to backup my original Telus firmware before flashing?

2- As noted above, I'm on Telus, but I see most roms are based upon Sprint, is this a problem?

3- What are the real advantages, honestly. I know picking and choosing your apps and such, "de-branding" the phone, but is there any performance enhancements, new features, etc?

Thanks for the time, and I appologize if this has been asked before. I did use the search button, I swear =D

[sumner8]

Hi,

I too have a similar query. I tried finding it using the search function, but was unsuccessful in finding out how to backup my O2 XDA Trion ROM, as well as how to go ahead with installing a new one (an english ROM on a German XDA). Any tip will be helpful. In the meantime, I will go ahead and search some more. Thanks. :-)

[dew.man]

Depending on which rom you choose, you will be replacing the firmware on your phone. So if you ever want to go back, you will need to re-flash with the OE data/file.

OE roms consist primarily of 6 things:

1. SPL/bootloader
2. Radio
3. First splash screen
4. Second splash screen
5. Operating System
6. Extended Rom (carrier customizations)

Typically, to unlock a device, you will replace the bootloader with a hacked version that allows you to install roms that were not signed by the manufacturer for your device.

Most of the roms you'll find floating around are just OS and ExtRom updates, although some also include the radio. The splash screen is fairly irrelevant, and some cooks will replace it, while others don't even bother.

[jim256]

...1- If I flash my rom... will a hard reset return it to the original firmware, or whatever I flashed with? If not, is it possible for me to backup my original Telus firmware before flashing?...

alright, as for backing up your telus rom, be sure to check out dcd's vogue rom thread here, the last page says for you to pm him, and he will help you out there. there may now be one on the ftp however, since at least two others have already requested that he help them with the rom dump.

and no, a hard-reset will not restore your rom to the original. flashing your phone goes farther than a hard reset, and that is sort of one of the beauties of a custom rom as well; you can hard-reset at any time (to clear out footprints, screwed up files/reg keys/etc...) and not have to worry about installing all your apps again, re-setting up your email, re-editing your registry...etc.

hope that helps a slight little bit.