[REF][GUIDE]Another Way to Successfully Flash AOSP/AOKP/CM9 ICS Roms from Gingerbread

Until now we all had to use LP1 Repack as a stepping-stone between Gingerbread and custom ICS Roms.
However, thanks to thechints, we have found an easier way to get to a fully rooted AOSP/AOKP/CM ICS from Gingerbread.

The following procedure was tested by thechints, vviz, abhisahara, and moi, and it works.

It was tested on Stunner and CM9, but could work for any ICS Rom that currently has "flash LP1 Repack" as one of the steps in its flashing instructions.
I emphasize the word 'could'. Give it a try and tell us what happened. The suggested method is safe insofar as it won't brick your device. You have a safe way back to GB via nAndroid backup or PC Odin if it fails.

The only tool that you need for the following procedure to work is AbyssNote 4.2 Kernel --> props to angelom and Chris X.

Get AbyssNote 4.2 kernel HERE.

Do not use earlier AbyssNote Kernel versions for the following procedure.

So, how to do it?

When on any rooted GB Rom:

First and foremost

Double- and triple-check if you have proper GB root!

Do not put faith in the fact that your Titanium Backup or some other root app works.
Do not use various root checkers from the Market.

Do that by trying to paste a file in /system folder -that's the only way for you to really know.
If you can do the pasting, you have root. If not, this thread is not for you.

I got several PMs from users who managed to achieve soft-bricks while still on GB. They tried to
flash AbyssNote kernel and got stuck. Do not let that happen to you.

After that:

1. download AbyssNote 4.2 kernel and place it on your internal/external SD Card
Also download the ICS Rom you want to install and put it on your SD card.
2. reboot to CWMR (press and hold volume up + home + power button) and do a backup of your current system
3. after your backup is done, stay in Recovery
4. go to install a zip from SD card --> select AbyssNote 4.2 zip and flash it
5. go back to CWMR's root menu --> advanced --> reboot recovery
6. you'll find yourself in AbyssNote's Touch Recovery (select options by tapping them, not by using the volume rocker and home button)
7. factory reset --> wipe cache --> wipe dalvik
9. flash the ICS Rom of your choice
10. reboot and let the Rom settle for a couple of minutes

Now comes the important part...check if you have root.

Start any Explorer with root permissions (Root Explorer, Es Explorer, X Explorer etc.).
Copy any file (a picture, txt file, MP3, whatever).
Navigate to /system folder
Change the /system folder's permissions to R/W.
Paste the file you have copied into /system.
If the pasting goes through OK, you're fully rooted.
Delete the file you've just pasted and set /system as R/O again

And that's it. Enjoy your rooted ICS Rom.

Once again, massive thanks to thechints, abhisahara, vviz and ubiquitous Dr. Ketan.

What to do if this procedure doesn't work, i.e. you don't get full ICS root

As we all know, our Notes are quirky devices. What works for most doesn't necessarily have to
work for your phone. So, if you fail to get full root:

Option 1. You will still have 90% functional ICS on your Note. Your phone will do all the usual stuff
normally. You'll probably even be able to use root apps, like Titanium. However, bear in mind that
you are stuck in the Rom you have just flashed - there is no going anywhere because your CWMR
doesn't have proper root privileges to flash things - DO NOT USE CWMR.
What you won't be able to do on your Note is
- apply themes and mods (because that involves flashing stuff through CWMR with no proper root)
- change DPI settings on your Note (you won't be able to switch to tablet mode, for instance)
Everything else should work properly. If you can live with that for a couple of weeks until the
official ICS arrives, then fine. Relax and enjoy your Rom.

Option 2. If you can't stand the thought that you don't have full root permissions then
- you can try to reboot to CWMR, flash AbyssNote 4.2 again, and try to run a GB restore.
This doesn't have high chances of success, but all is not lost even if it fails. Then
- you can use PC Odin to flash pre-rooted KJ1 stock Rom as explained by Dr. Ketan.

dr.ketan said:

When No Any other method works to Root your device, use this[/B]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note that, this will downgrade your ROM to KJ1, after that you can update it.

Download: https://rapidshare.com/files/369028110/SGN_XX_OXA_KJ1_FACTORYFS.zip
(special thanx to schiwa for providing premium a/c to host file)

Code:

Mirror for Above file  (in case above link not works then only)
Download this three files

[url]http://www.mediafire.com/?7vf637co8frdqqg[/url]
[url]http://www.mediafire.com/?kkvdsf5vh8zipzi[/url]
[url]http://www.mediafire.com/?l6qqicvibzhxt18[/url]

- Tool to join them, run the following file and locate the .001 file.
[url]http://www.mediafire.com/?btrusgmd1v2d72q[/url]

- Make sure your SGN is NOT connected to your computer
- Reboot your SGN into "download mode" (Vol Down + Home + Power)
- Start ODIN
- Click the PDA button, and select the "SGN_XX_OXA_KJ1_FACTORYFS.tar" file
- Connect the SGN to your computer
- Make sure "repartition" is NOT checked
- Click the START button
- Wait for the phone to reboot TWICE
- Done.
Now that you have a rooted GB stock Rom, Install Mobile Odin Pro n update your device to any new Rom with Mobile Odin

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

After that you can flash whatever you like from its CWMR or use Mobile Odin to upgrade.

matius44 said:

Nice mate!

Very useful thread, hats off to you

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

This will probably become obsolete in a matter of minutes thanks to neo's kernel.

matius44 said:

What does it have to do with Neo's new kernel?

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

If Neo's kernel root sticks properly, one should be able to flash an ICS Rom straight from GB, just like you would flash a GB rom from another GB rom. No need for Abyss, Repack etc.

veasna.kelly said:

So we don't need to flash cf repack through mobile Odin or PC odin anymore and just flash 1st Abyte kernel, then 2nd flash any rooted & custom ics roms? Is it correct?

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

That is correct, yes.

veasna.kelly said:

Meaning any custom & rooted ics rom will not cause any bootloop..etc when do this directly with CF Repack. I have heard some users mentioning in other threads that bootloop will be there is no CF repack LP1 before flashing any ICS roms.......

Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

No bootloops with this procedure.

matius44 said:

Either ways, amazing job here, credit is due where it's deserved

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Click to collapse

Fq, out of thanks for today.

julian071 said:

It worked for me!!

Now trying to find a way to mod the density of my ICS rom to 240, have not found anything working as of yet =/

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

You can also download Rom Toolbox from the market and do it from there.