HOW TO: Flash ROMs with Odin3 v1.82 UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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neyenlives

Senior Member
Oct 11, 2010
3,415
868
on this flashing process does it require the phone to be rooted?

no, typically when you are flashing a custom firmware (rom) it is going to be rooted already, it's cooked into the rom, so you start with a stock phone, not rooted and when you use Odin to flash a custom rooted rom to your phone you are now rooted. Make sense? If you took the time to root your phone ahead of time it would be time wasted because whatever you flash onto it afterwards will override whatever you had before. So in the same manner if you were on a rooted custom rom and wanted to go back to stock unrooted, you just Odin the stock rom package, no ned to go through any root or unroot steps
 

mickrg123

Senior Member
Jul 21, 2011
160
2
Coming from rooting and installing roms on Droid2 and Thunderbolt. Do all roms have to be installed with the Odin program with the Charge? I am put a couple roms on my SD and tried to install but CWM does not see the zip files on SD card. Am I missing something?
 

DaleV

Senior Member
Dec 12, 2010
200
61
Mesa, AZ
Great and safe write up. Not exactly correct about what buttons to use for what, but it will work and is noob freindly. Just a few fyi's though, no need to remove sim unless told to do so by dev. Use vol down button with batt out to get into DL mode (again being safe) then install batt so it will not fail during slb. Most important though is if anything happens during a flash, unplugged, fails, PC crashes, whatever, as long as you can get into DL mode just do it over. If it still won't work check your files for a bad DL. I have quite a bit of experience with Odin and heimdall with the Fascinate. The Fas and the Charge are remarkably similar so the concept is the same with a few adjustments. Here is a walk-through for Odin and heimdall for the Fascinate I put together. The files will of course be different, but the programs and the process is (almost) the same. Good reference material anyway. And lastly Odin and PST were made by Samsung for Samsung, never use it for another device unless a dev for your device specifically calls for it to be used.

OP feel free to take anything you want, if you decide to make this a more step by step thread, from the link I posted. Just remember to credit the devs they do all the hard stuff. And if you need a tester for your process just PM me I am always down for bricking my phone cause it CAN be recovered. Just like most other Sammy phones, these things are practically impossible to permanently brick.

Sent from my Droid Charge using XDA premium
 
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scarygood536

Senior Member
Jul 7, 2011
495
203
Rochester, NY
Great and safe write up. Not exactly correct about what buttons to use for what, but it will work and is noob freindly. Just a few fyi's though, no need to remove sim unless told to do so by dev. Use vol down button with batt out to get into DL mode (again being safe) then install batt so it will not fail during slb. Most important though is if anything happens during a flash, unplugged, fails, PC crashes, whatever, as long as you can get into DL mode just do it over. If it still won't work check your files for a bad DL. I have quite a bit of experience with Odin and heimdall with the Fascinate. The Fas and the Charge are remarkably similar so the concept is the same with a few adjustments. Here is a walk-through for Odin and heimdall for the Fascinate I put together. The files will of course be different, but the programs and the process is (almost) the same. Good reference material anyway. And lastly Odin and PST were made by Samsung for Samsung, never use it for another device unless a dev for your device specifically calls for it to be used.

OP feel free to take anything you want, if you decide to make this a more step by step thread, from the link I posted. Just remember to credit the devs they do all the hard stuff. And if you need a tester for your process just PM me I am always down for bricking my phone cause it CAN be recovered. Just like most other Sammy phones, these things are practically impossible to permanently brick.

Sent from my Droid Charge using XDA premium

great! I will throw a link in the OP to your unbricking tutorial.This thread was meant to be openly written so and tips and additions are welcome.
 

free_spoons

New member
Feb 12, 2011
2
0
(remember some people have better luck flashing with out the battery. From personal experience I can only pass a flash with it in)

Thank you for that line. I was spacing on why my flash kept failing. Then I re-read your tutorial, put my battery in and success! Thank you!
 

mr.terry

Member
Mar 15, 2011
11
2
regarding the battery in/battery out situation... i wonder if it has something to do with how much chage the battery has at the time of flashing? mine wouldnt go into dl mode with the battery in, but it was fully charged. I wonder if a low-charge battery might allow it to flash with the battery in? just something that popped in my head while trying.
 

scarygood536

Senior Member
Jul 7, 2011
495
203
Rochester, NY
regarding the battery in/battery out situation... i wonder if it has something to do with how much chage the battery has at the time of flashing? mine wouldnt go into dl mode with the battery in, but it was fully charged. I wonder if a low-charge battery might allow it to flash with the battery in? just something that popped in my head while trying.

from what i seen you should always flash with the battery in. It is backup in case you lose power to USB. If you lose power mid flash and had no backup you could risk bricking your phone for good. Some phones do not like batteries in for flashing. But from what I have seen on the forum most failed flashes are due to people forgetting to put in the batter after entering DL mode or bad rom download. To go into DL mode you "should" take it out, it is easier and works pretty much 100% of the time (providing nothing is wrong with the phone).
 

infg3570

Senior Member
Mar 4, 2010
83
5
Okay - maybe screwed here. I followed the instructions (note, clicked PDA) but for some reason, the progress indicator has been stuck on three bars for the last 15 or so minutes and there is a strange notification on the phone (upper left of the yellow triangle - "AX_Timeout")

Can anyone help?

Thank you
 

anoninja118

Senior Member
Mar 31, 2011
1,866
273
L.A.
Okay - maybe screwed here. I followed the instructions (note, clicked PDA) but for some reason, the progress indicator has been stuck on three bars for the last 15 or so minutes and there is a strange notification on the phone (upper left of the yellow triangle - "AX_Timeout")

Can anyone help?

Thank you

sounds like the connection to your pc may have timed out... if battery's out put it in for odin flash, if you're on a laptop try a back usb port and make sure the power cord is plugged in. If possible use the usb cord that came with the phone
 
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infg3570

Senior Member
Mar 4, 2010
83
5
sounds like the connection to your pc may have timed out... if battery's out put it in for odin flash, if you're on a laptop try a back usb port and make sure the power cord is plugged in. If possible use the usb cord that came with the phone

Thanks for such a speedy response... The cord is the original that came with the phone (only a month old) and the battery was in and it's hooked up to the back of the pc... is it safe to turn off and start over? If yes, I'll try a different usb port in the back
 

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    Flashing Roms with Odin and CWM from a stock phone and of course gaining root!​


    Warning!:I am in no way what so ever so help me Tom Cruise for any damage caused to your device. Although flashing is rather simple and straight forward you still run the risk of bricking your phone. Rooting and installing non-supported Roms does void and warranty you have with Verizon or Samsung. Warranty can be restored only if you flash back to stock firmware unrooted. Do NOT ever unplug your phone in the middle of a flash even if it appears to be locked up! Doing so will probably brick your phone and render it useless (well it sure would make for a fancy paperweight). ALWAYS make sure you have a reliable usb connection (take care of your usb cord and plug into a usb in the back of the machine). Download all Roms from credible sources and make sure they are complete and not corrupt. READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY. If you don't pay attention you can forever kill your phone!​

    "Updated, but waiting for DLSR camera for better pictures" T- probably next weekend


    Everyone download these tools:


    Windows Flashing utility called Odin: (if you decide to go this route

    (I've included the links to both 1.85 and 1.83. Some users report errors while flashing and have better luck flashing with 1.83 or the other way around)

    Odin3 1.85
    Odin3 1.83


    Samsung's phone drivers
    Download

    Latest Recovery CWM
    Download

    A way to open zip and .rar files I suggest Download"]WinRar[/URL]

    Rom of choice! ~Only download ROMS of both odin and CWM zips from The Droid Charge forums. No other phones ROMs will work and you will break your phone.

    Odin Roms *Also note only flash .md5 files


    Stock latest ROM: Download *if you have stock fp1 ROM from verizon already, Follow instructions from CWM flashing "Part A"

    Stock latest ROM "debloated" (no bloatware): Download


    Tweakstock (custom developer created ROM): Found at this thread. Sometimes developers will make odin packages that contain a custom ROM,kernel,CWM packaged as on .md5 file. With these packages you can just flash with Odin and can omit flashing Recovery CWM

    Download plain custom Rom

    Download Packaged Rom that includes custom Kernel,ROM,CWM

    CWM ROMS Flashable after Latest CWM is flashed to phone with the help of Odin ;)

    Stock Kernel
    Download

    Stock Debloated rooted
    Download

    SU Binary- Will "Root the device" No UI or system changes
    Download

    Tweakstock 2.0 ROM only~ 2.2 is current but you have to update through Tweaktools (a web based utility for modifying Tweakstock)

    Download

    Tweakstock with PBJ Kernel
    Download

    Tweakstock with PBJ Kernel and File system formatted to ext4 (improves read and write of the physical memory) you will lose all data
    Download



    Dictionary....
    Odin 1.82or 1.85- Odin is the flashing utility you will run on your windows computer to flash your Droid charge. Pay close attention to what options you press and double check what you click as to prevent fatal mistakes. Remember to give Odin "administrator rights" by right clicking on the icon and selecting "Run as Administrator" if using Windows Vista or 7

    Samsung Drivers- these are non-negotiable, download them and install them even if you think you already have them. They are necessary to connect your phone to your computer. Installing these drivers can elude problems that might occur when flashing with Odin

    ROM of Choice- This is the Modified or stock "Operating system" if you will. These have to be flashed using either ODIN or CWM depending on what you downloaded.

    Bloated (stock)- Contains all the (sometimes) useless garbage that both Verizon and Google put on your phone pre-loaded. This can sometimes cause lower performance and shorter battery life.​
    De-Bloated- Basic app's and packages are loaded and nothing else. The OS is stripped of its extra goodies(usually preloaded apps like "Let's Play Golf"). This version tends to be faster and leaves you with maybe a little better battery (due to less apps running in the background), but lacks some features or programs you might want from the stock ROM​

    Latest CWM- This also needs to be flashed to your device. It is an added safety feature that can help when flashes go wrong. As well as it contains system tweaks. Also, some roms update through this. Flash this!

    WinRar- A utility for your computer to unpackage many different file types. Specifically rar files and 7z files. The trial never stops working. Good program to have on your computer.

    Kernel- Pretty much a under laying code that functions under the ROM. Generally this is where the Operating system is told it's limitations and how to do certain functions like charging, processor speeds, GPU speed, etc...

    ROM- Stands for "Read only memory". this is because once it is flashed to the phone it cannot be edited or modified. This is where the majority of OS resides.

    CWM- Stands for Clockworkmod. This is the Recovery program that will replace the stock program. The stock recovery isn't powerful enough and doesn't allow us to flash custom roms.

    Ext4- A file system type. Similar to Fat32 or Ntfs filesystems found on windows hard drives. Stock file system is "rfs". While Ext4 may boost read and write speeds of the device, I find rfs to be more stable and produce less problems. Ext4 conversions will wipe all data.

    PBJ Kernel A modified kernel by our dev Imnuts. you can find out more about it here at this >Thread

    SuperUser- This is the elevated privilege level know as root. This allows you to read and write the system. This is why it is dangerous for rogue apps to gain root privileges. An app, SU manages apps that are allowed root and will prompt you when an app is requesting to gain elevated privileges.

    If you would like more explained feel free to request a definition



    ****Now is the time to back up all your contacts. I recommend doing it with Google or by sending them to the Sim card. Verizon's backup isn't as reliable in my experiences. Some ROMs my not have Verizon's backup in them as they run in the background.****


    What everyone must do: **Programs found above in Downloads section**

    -Install Odin3 1.82 or 1.85 (1.85 recommended)
    -Install Samsung Drivers
    -Download CWM
    -Create a folder on your computer to store all your phone download goodness
    -Download whatever Rom you want to flash (CWM or Odin) this will take a while so might as well do it while you read.




    Ok begin!: Choose you method for flashing! 8 I recommend Part A: CWM, It is the easiest and it harder to screw up your phone. Not to mention almost all new Roms are published as a flash-able .zip file not a odin .md5 file. HOWEVER, I also recommend learning Odin as if anything goes wrong Odins the only program that can save the day( Kind of ironic that it's also the program that can kill your day if you mess up. Don't fear though, if you follow the directions you will be fine).

    NOTE: When you flash with Odin you will Lose all data, Also, With CWM flashes I HIGHLY recommend wiping and restoring to factory, but it is not necessary. (less problems occur after flashing between ROMS)

    Part A= CWM Method or Part B= Odin Method


    Pre-Method​
    - CWM flashers do this first
    *omit for Odin flashers.

    1. Confirm all downloads are complete and move files to desktop or a dedicated folder.

    downloadfiles.png


    3. Open location where you downloaded Odin to and drag Odin icon to desktop

    4. Install samsung Drivers (I'm guessing you all are capable of doing this without explaining but if you need help let me know)

    installsamsungdrivers.png



    5. Open Odin 1.82

    openodin.png


    6. Turn OFF your phone

    turnoffphone.jpg


    7. Now put your phone in download mode
    Hold the "Volume down" key and plug phone into usb.
    Alternative: Hold Volume Down and press power.​
    HINT: if that is a no go, take out the battery. While holding volume down, plug your usb cable in. Download mode should appear. Put battery back in.​
    downloadmode.jpg


    8. Connected to computer via a good OEM usb cable if you haven't done so already. (it is recommended to use the usb at the back of your computer, If flash fails switch to a different one and try again)

    pluginusb.jpg



    9. Notice Odin will pick up the device.
    First bottom white slot should now be yellow with a "[COMx] x~ notates any number can be here​

    odinrecognize.png



    10. IMPORTANT: Check PDA and only PDA (under Files [Download])

    checkPDA.png



    11. Click PDA button


    12. Browse to where your "Recovery MD5" ~you should have downloaded this in the beginning of the post.

    Odinbrowseforfileopenrecovery-1.jpg


    13. Double check that you only selected PDA

    14. Triple check you only checked PDA

    Odin3185freshscreenpressthese.jpg


    Re-Partition--- Unchecked
    Flash Lock--- Unchecked
    Auto Reboot--- Checked if you would like your charge to reboot after the flash
    F. Reset Time--- Checked
    phone EFS Clear--- Unchecked
    Phone Bootloader Update--- Unchecked
    BOOTLOADER--- Unchecked
    PDA--- Checked
    Phone--- Unchecked
    CSC--- Unchecked​


    15. Now click Start button

    start.png


    16. WAIT

    17. yellow bar should go green and a message should display on the page saying it Passed
    OdinRecoveryflashcomplete.jpg



    18. If flash "FAILED" don't fret. Try it again. play around with flashing with and flashing without the battery in. If continues to fail re-download the Recovery and try again.


    19. Custom "Recovery" now installed on device

    20. Reboot phone if it hasn't done so already


    letphonereboot.jpg




    If flashing process fails or you boot loop (Samsung logo keeps appearing)...

    Turn off your phone or remove the battery.
    Place phone in download mode (volume down then plug phone into a power source)
    Put battery back in
    reflash in odin

    Pre-Method Finished​



    Method "A" CWM Flash

    1. Complete the Pre-Method

    2. If you are just rooting and do not want to flash a custom rom download "Su Binary zip" Here.
    If not proceed to step 3

    3. While device is on, Connect usb to computer

    4. On your Droid Charge, Press "Connect storage to PC" button

    5. Click "Continue without scanning" on your PC, if it shows up

    6. Browse to the Droid Charges SD card via " Computer" if it doesn't automatically launch

    7. Place your "Su Binary" (if just rooting) or Rom of choice either on the root of the card or in a folder of your choice

    8. Turn off your phone

    SC20120722-170605.png


    9. Now reboot into CWM Recovery on your phone


    To boot into Recovery- Hold: Power+ Volume up+ Home buttons when phone is "OFF" until samsung is displayed. Boot should then take you to CWM should be a cyan colored menu screen.


    IMG_0719.jpg



    10.Navigate to "Mounts and Storage". (using the volume buttons and power to select)


    IMG_0722.jpg



    11. Select mount /System (it will change to /unmount when properly mounted)

    IMG_0723.jpg



    12.Select mount /Data (I do this just in case)


    13. Select +++++Go Back+++++


    14. Select "Install zip from sdcard


    15. Find you Rom or the Su Binary zip, select it


    16. Select Install

    17. WAIT until flash finished

    18. select "reboot system now"

    19. Let system reboot (will take longer than normal on first boot)

    20. Congratulations and pat yourself on the back for a new rooted and\or a fresh new custom ROM

    • Remember you can substitute the Rom with another ROM, a Kernel, updated CWM, Or any other updated .zip file designed for the charge



    Method B



    1. Confirm all downloads are complete and move files to desktop or a dedicated folder.

    downloadfiles.png


    2. Install WinRar to unzip or unrar .md5 file if applicable

    3. Open location where you downloaded Odin to and drag Odin icon to desktop

    4. Install samsung Drivers (I'm guessing you all are capable of doing this without explaining but if you need help let me know)

    installsamsungdrivers.png



    5. Open Odin 1.82

    openodin.png


    6. Turn OFF your phone

    turnoffphone.jpg


    7. Now put your phone in download mode
    Hold the "Volume down" key and plug phone into usb.
    Alternative: Hold Volume Down and press power.​
    HINT: if that is a no go, take out the battery. While holding volume down, plug your usb cable in. Download mode should appear. Put battery back in.​
    downloadmode.jpg


    8. Connected to computer via a good OEM usb cable if you haven't done so already. (it is recommended to use the usb at the back of your computer, If flash fails switch to a different one and try again)

    pluginusb.jpg



    9. Notice Odin will pick up the device.
    First bottom white slot should now be yellow with a "[COMx] x~ notates any number can be here​

    odinrecognize.png



    10. IMPORTANT: Check PDA and only PDA (under Files [Download])

    checkPDA.png



    11. Click PDA button


    12. Browse to where your Rom is located ~you should have downloaded this in the beginning of the post.

    openrom.png


    13. Double check that you only selected PDA

    14. Triple check you only checked PDA

    Odin3185freshscreenpressthese.jpg


    Re-Partition--- Unchecked
    Flash Lock--- Unchecked
    Auto Reboot--- Checked if you would like your charge to reboot after the flash
    F. Reset Time--- Checked
    phone EFS Clear--- Unchecked
    Phone Bootloader Update--- Unchecked
    BOOTLOADER--- Unchecked
    PDA--- Checked
    Phone--- Unchecked
    CSC--- Unchecked​


    15. Now click Start button

    start.png


    16. WAIT

    17. yellow bar should go green and a message should display on the page saying it Passed
    OdinRecoveryflashcomplete.jpg



    18. If flash "FAILED" don't fret. Try it again. play around with flashing with and flashing without the battery in. If continues to fail re-download the Recovery and try again.


    19. Custom Rom should now installed on device

    20. Repeat but now flash the custom recovery and a custom kernel if your Rom was not a "Packaged" Rom


    If flashing process fails or you boot loop (Samsung logo keeps appearing)...

    Turn off your phone or remove the battery.
    Place phone in download mode (volume down then plug phone into a power source)
    Put battery back in
    reflash in odin

    Tips:

    If you lose "root" flash the "SU Binary" through CWM

    Be patient and pay attention!




    ~Made for noobs by a noob ;)



    if reflashing doesnt work revert to DaleV's unbricking tutorial HERE


    CREDITS: A BIG Thank You!- I am not asking for donations, but please consider donating to these great developers
    IMNUTS- created the recovery
    P3Droid- Provided original leak to us all
    danalo1979- Provided a nice reference to links and compiled recovery into ROM for ease of use.
    DaleV- recovering after fail tutorial http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1026746
    Other Devs- that are working around the clock to tweak these ROMs and make them better
    2
    i installed debloated and it says to omit installing CWM if using the roms you posted and for some reason i cant boot into recovery. :confused:

    Long press power and from the menu choose Recovery, it will then reboot into recovery. Unless that option isn't there for you, in which case you may simply need to flash CWR again.
    1
    Scary..great explanation...the only thing I will add is to go into download mode...you do not have to press the power button....if you hold down the volume down button...it will go into download mode.......

    :)
    1
    What's the skinny on removing the SIM card?
    I have seen it mentioned that it must be removed, that it interfered with odin-flash when removed, and not mentioned at all. Any definitive answers? I have personally odined both with it in and out, and have not encountered difficulty either way. Sometimes battery out works, sometimes it fails, same with different usb ports. Fickle little device, but it is forgiving :)
    1
    ok coming from a noob,

    This is perfect.
    Had my DC for 1 day, then rooted, and running froyo humble 1.3,

    Tonight, now the GB 2.3.4.

    This really should be sticky'd.

    Thanks,

    John