[Q] How to properly install CM9

[Vitor_Hugo]

Hello, I got a Motorola Defy (MB525) red lens (Bayer Module). At the moment I'm using Froyo 2.2.1 Retail, without root. This is my first smartphone and I want try CM9 out, but I don't have any experiences about install custom ROMs, I've read many tutorials on the internet, but they are very different, so I would like that you solve those doubts:

1. Should I use build 120705 by Epyson or 120707 by Quarx?
2. Should I use Froyo or Gingerbread build?
3. If I should use Gingerbread build, which kernel should I use?
4. Should I install battery fix?

I MAINLY want to be able to go back to my stock ROM because if something goes wrong my phone still on warranty, what should I do then? After reading many tutorials I though the better way is like this:
1. Root phone
2. Install 2ndInit 2.0
3. Create a Nandroid backup
4. Flash the ROM
5. Flash the kernel (?)
6. Flash gapps
7. Done?

Then if I want everything back, I should just restore the Nandroid backup + uninstall 2ndInit 2.0 + unroot and everything on my phone will be like when I was running Froyo 2.2.1 and warranty will be back? Or should I flash a Full SFB?

Here are the informations at 'About the phone':
System Version: Version.34.4.709.MB525.Brasil.en.BR

Build number: 0

Model number: MB525

Android Version: 2.2.1

Version number: 3.4.2-107_JDNL-9

 

[Llamatron]

I'm using epsylon's build and it works flawlessly for me, didn't try quarx's so I can't compare.

If you want to keep downgrade ability you have to use froyo kernel so froyo build too.

For the battery fix afaik it's only needed for Defy+.

In your steps to upgrade you forgot doing wipe of user data, cache and dalvik cache (and also battery stats) before flashing.

 

[tdlr]

What llamatron said PLUS:

You can use a build for Defy, then flash CM7 kernel. Or you can use Defy+ build (works for red lens defy too) and flash the cm9 kernel.

Edit: obviously, in your case, you would have to use CM7/Froyo kernel + defy build.

Proper instructions can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1432100

After your step 3 wipe data as llamatron said. Then proceed with 4,5,6.

 

[Auris 1.6 vvt-i]

I'm using epsylon's build and it works flawlessly for me, didn't try quarx's so I can't compare.

If you want to keep downgrade ability you have to use froyo kernel so froyo build too.

For the battery fix afaik it's only needed for Defy+.

In your steps to upgrade you forgot doing wipe of user data, cache and dalvik cache (and also battery stats) before flashing.

It is not flashing a kernel that prevents the downgrade ability - it's the full SBF flashing that does this. As long as you stay away from RSD Lite and SBF files, you are safe.

Regarding GB or Froyo, IMHO GB builds are better - faster, smoother, longer battery life. I have a red lens Defy and prefer Quarx's Defy+ builds. The beauty of the red-lensed Defy is that you can try everything - Froyo builds, GB builds and decide which one suits you best. Green-lensed Defy is limited to Froyo builds only and most of Defy+ are limited to GB builds only. If the OP wants, he can try Quarx's latest GB and Froyo builds with fully functional HWA and Apps2SD. Check my thread in General - you will find anything you need, including Battery fix and when should you flash it.

 

[Llamatron]

It is not flashing a kernel that prevents the downgrade ability - it's the full SBF flashing that does this. As long as you stay away from RSD Lite and SBF files, you are safe.

That's right, sorry for the mistake I had read the all in one defy guide long time ago and didn't understand well this part apparently

 

[GrigoroiuAlex]

1. Should I use build 120705 by Epyson or 120707 by Quarx?

I reccomend you Epsylon's build. I use it on daily basis and hasn't disappointed me so far.
Also check out the new Froyo kernel release kernel-froyo-222-179-4-signed
Oh! And if you'll use both, don't forget to enable HWA. It will perform great!

 

[Vitor_Hugo]

Thanks, I'll go with Gingerbread builds, now I have more 2 doubts:
1. Would Nandroid backup restore my Froyo ROM successfully from a CM9 Gingerbread build?
2. I saw that there are 2 gingerbread kernels on Auris's topic: CM9 Kernel signed and 4.5.2_DHT-22_kernel. Which one should I use?

 

[Auris 1.6 vvt-i]

2. I saw that there are 2 gingerbread kernels on Auris's topic: CM9 Kernel signed and 4.5.2_DHT-22_kernel. Which one should I use?

Use CM9-kernel when first flashing CM9. If you flash 4.5.2_DHT the first time, phone won't boot. You can flash this kernel after the inital boot with CM9 kernel.

1. Would Nandroid backup restore my Froyo ROM successfully from a CM9 Gingerbread build?

No. In order to return your phone to stock, you need to flash Stock SBF file via RSD Lite. Before flashing an SBF file, make sure it is the correct one, as there is no downgrade, so if you flash wrong sbf with higher BL version (for example stock 2.3.6), you will never be able to go back to Froyo.

 

[Vitor_Hugo]

No. In order to return your phone to stock, you need to flash Stock SBF file via RSD Lite. Before flashing an SBF file, make sure it is the correct one, as there is no downgrade, so if you flash wrong sbf with higher BL version (for example stock 2.3.6), you will never be able to go back to Froyo.

Sorry, but why on your CM9 Thread you do recommend to make a Nandroid backup?

I've been reading CM9 topics and I came to the conclusion that it still unusable for me, so I'll try CM7.2 stable and wait for CM9 RC1.

Will gapps 20120429 works on CM7.2 or is there another version for CM7.2?