Kernel Flashing Questions

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Ok, sorry for the newb questions but this is the first time i am going to do something to any smartphone so there's somethings I don't understand.

1. Will I loose all of my data on my phone? I understand with flashing a new ROM i would but flashing a different kernel is different right? Also, what's the difference between a ROM and a kernel?

1b. If I will loose my data, is there anyway to back up some of that app data without being rooted? I know that once I am rooted I can use Titanium Backup.

2. Would you recommend using Odin to flash the Charge or something else? All of the instructions in the dev section say to use Odin but I've also seen some people say that you should use Heimdall and idk what that is. If you think I should use Odin, what version should i use?

3. Which kernel are you using and which one would you recommend.

4. If something goes wrong, you guys got my back right? lol


Thank you very much

1. No data loss.

2. Kernel is what the rom uses to operate in a sense. The kernel is what drives the phone, rom is what dresses it up.

3. I flash my kernels via cwm... but I use Odin for a lot as well. I use version 1.3 on my laptop and 1.7 on my gf's. Both do the same thing.

4. If you have problems people can help. Just read a lot before committing.

thanks for the reply.

actually, reading more into it, i think I want to flash the altered beast rom. with that there would be data loss right?

Originally Posted by streetlightman

thanks for the reply.

actually, reading more into it, i think I want to flash the altered beast rom. with that there would be data loss right?

pretty sure when I flashed that it did wipe data.

I believe it doesn't touch data. It only has a system file no data or datadata

Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA Premium App

thanks for the replies. so basically, all i have to do is hook up to Odin and flash it and I'm done? I don't have to do a manual data wipe before I flash it correct?

I'm running stock non-rooted ED2 right now if that matters.

Originally Posted by papi92

I believe it doesn't touch data. It only has a system file no data or datadata

Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA Premium App

You may be right, I lost data once in the first couple days, but don't remember what I flashed anymore.

didn't do a data wipe for me. still have angry birds data :)

thanks for all your help