Convert kernel zip to tar tool
It is time to create this thread to help people out who don't simply know how to convert a recovery flashable kernel to a ODIN flashable kernel. I know this is in other forums already but why not make it more convenient for others too?
Update: There are other guides too all over XDA, but it seems my one is better explained!
Check post #4 to see pre-made tar kernels: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57974756&postcount=4
Notice: I am no longer updating the files I provide now. If there is a newer kernel version available and you want to find a tar file for it, you will have to make it yourself.
Disclaimer
What you need:
- A kernel in .zip format
- The kernel conversion files (Provided in the attachments)
- A PC (preferably Windows, use JOdin for linux and OS X)
- A archiving/compression utility such as 7-zip or winrar. I recommend 7-zip because it is for free and it is open source.
- ODIN (to flash the kernel of course, again use JOdin for linux and OS X). Also, I have made ODIN installation easier with fewer options!
Instructions
1. Download the CreateTarForKernel.zip attached
2. Extract the CreateTarForKernel.zip, it is recommended to put all of these files in a new folder to avoid confusion
3. Download a kernel zip and extract it in the CreateTarForKernel folder.
4. If you haven't unticked hide extensions for known file types, go to start, search for folder options then go on it, click on the view tab and uncheck hide extensions for known file types, click apply and close the window.
5. Rename the boot.img (or whatever is the name .img) to zImage (remove the .img). If there is a zImage in the kernel zip already, you don't have to do this step. Some kernels have the zImage stored in different folders inside the archive, in this case, you will just have to find the zImage file and move it to the root directory of the createtarforkernel folder.
6. Launch tar.bat
7. Once completed, you can change the tar name to whatever you want, I personally like to keep the file name the same as the name of the kernel zip but I add '-for ODIN' at the end.
8. This is just an extra step but to ensure that you have done the conversion properly, look at the converted kernel tar file size. (It should be about the same size as the kernel zip file with the exception that some kernel zips have extra files in them such as dorimanX, kernels are usually more than 6.0 MB in size)
9. And flash KERNEL.tar or {whatever}.tar with Odin (AP or PDA)
If you like a kernel that has been included in a ROM but doesn't have a separate kernel zip file to flash, you can use this tool to do the same thing and flash the kernel that you like!
I've also included ODIN and Samsung drivers in the attachments
Thanks to exadeci for providing the conversion program to xda and thanks to TrollFactory for making the tool!
It is time to create this thread to help people out who don't simply know how to convert a recovery flashable kernel to a ODIN flashable kernel. I know this is in other forums already but why not make it more convenient for others too?
Update: There are other guides too all over XDA, but it seems my one is better explained!
Check post #4 to see pre-made tar kernels: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57974756&postcount=4
Notice: I am no longer updating the files I provide now. If there is a newer kernel version available and you want to find a tar file for it, you will have to make it yourself.
Disclaimer
#include <std_disclaimer.h>
/*
* Your warranty is now void.
*
* I am not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards,
* thermonuclear war, or you getting fired because the alarm app failed. Please
* do some research if you have any concerns about features included in this kernel
* before flashing it! YOU are choosing to make these modifications, and if
* you point the finger at me for messing up your device, I will laugh at you.
*/
What you need:
- A kernel in .zip format
- The kernel conversion files (Provided in the attachments)
- A PC (preferably Windows, use JOdin for linux and OS X)
- A archiving/compression utility such as 7-zip or winrar. I recommend 7-zip because it is for free and it is open source.
- ODIN (to flash the kernel of course, again use JOdin for linux and OS X). Also, I have made ODIN installation easier with fewer options!
Instructions
1. Download the CreateTarForKernel.zip attached
2. Extract the CreateTarForKernel.zip, it is recommended to put all of these files in a new folder to avoid confusion
3. Download a kernel zip and extract it in the CreateTarForKernel folder.
4. If you haven't unticked hide extensions for known file types, go to start, search for folder options then go on it, click on the view tab and uncheck hide extensions for known file types, click apply and close the window.
5. Rename the boot.img (or whatever is the name .img) to zImage (remove the .img). If there is a zImage in the kernel zip already, you don't have to do this step. Some kernels have the zImage stored in different folders inside the archive, in this case, you will just have to find the zImage file and move it to the root directory of the createtarforkernel folder.
6. Launch tar.bat
7. Once completed, you can change the tar name to whatever you want, I personally like to keep the file name the same as the name of the kernel zip but I add '-for ODIN' at the end.
8. This is just an extra step but to ensure that you have done the conversion properly, look at the converted kernel tar file size. (It should be about the same size as the kernel zip file with the exception that some kernel zips have extra files in them such as dorimanX, kernels are usually more than 6.0 MB in size)
9. And flash KERNEL.tar or {whatever}.tar with Odin (AP or PDA)
If you like a kernel that has been included in a ROM but doesn't have a separate kernel zip file to flash, you can use this tool to do the same thing and flash the kernel that you like!
I've also included ODIN and Samsung drivers in the attachments
Thanks to exadeci for providing the conversion program to xda and thanks to TrollFactory for making the tool!
Attachments
Last edited: