Trying to follow the threads

[Trashcooky]

I'm probably (I hope) going to be proved wrong, but so far I can't find a definitive guide that tells you how to:

1. Backup your existing ROM for safe keeping
2. Return your Tab to stock - 'out of box' state

As an old electronics engineer it's difficult learning new tricks, but I like to know what I'm doing (program wise) - simply following instructions is easy - until things go wrong, then a bit of knowledge comes in useful

I'll read, re-read and trawl through Suggsy's, Piers and KLRichards 'Im giving up.....' thread and eventually bite the bullet to try ICS 4.0.4 and/or CM9.

Thanks again for the info,

I think you are dead right on your 2 points and it is a subject that keeps repeating the same questions for each new model that SO release. I consider myself well versed in Windows but prior to buying a tablet I had no experience or understanding of android.
During my 6 months as a member of this forum I have, like you, trawled through reams and reams of threads trying to find the definitive answer. The trouble is (it seems to me) that if you are not there with the Dev's at the right time you unfortunately get left behind - I know I did.

This is in no way a criticism of the Dev's, who without their invaluable efforts and giving of their time we would not have a viable forum in the first place. There is however, the need for a facility for those who don't know anything at all to be able to visit and get some basic answers to their basic questions.

Unfortunately, to make this work requires several things, not least Stu our host, who provides the basic web facilities for us at his own expense, the Dev's who give their time voluntarily trying to desperately help the uneducated, the unwilling, and sometimes the unhelpful, keep their beloved tablets working as best as possible. Then there is the required webspace needed to host all the files that the devs produce, and all of this is done on a voluntary basis.

The reason why we can't always find the answer to a particular question is often because the existing answers are no longer relevant. The android scene, rather like Storgae Option tablets, changes and develops rapidly and this keeps unceasing pressures on the Devs, who need time to analyse and optimise new systems and firmware. It is during these times that we can so easily get lost and make mistakes, particularly if we are unsure to begin with.

I believe, however that there are some basics that are less likely to change which perhaps can be used for a forum section to cover in a broad sense. For instance, the different tools there are and ways a tablet can be modded such as with Clockwork Mod or Livesuite, and the fact that although someone may have used them on their tablet succesfully you can't seem to be able to on yours. There are basic reasons for this such as requiring the correct drivers for your tablet to be seen by your PC which will be different for each model and understanding things like ADB in order to push required files onto our tablets.

We all would love a 1.2.3 step - easy answer to follow - how can I do this or that - but many, including me are unwittingly like infants trying to mix with the senior's which can cause frustration to both schools.
I believe that having ready access to a basic set of android working principles thus providing an opportunity to understand not only what you need to do, but also why you need to do it could be very useful, if you like a Novices Corner. This would not necessarily provide you with a specific answer to a specific problem but would answer the generic reason to questions like "Why can't I get CWM on my tablet?"

I would like your feedback on this and if you feel you would like to contribute a themed Help topic for the beginners, leave your comments below.

MOD EDIT:
Well I have learned a bit since I wrote the comments above and I am now also a mod on this forum.
I have been able to produce a section which addresses many of my original concerns and you can view it here:
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=2757
I hope those who read this will find it useful.

[oldgit]

I agree with all the above.
But after a few months of playing with these things, I am amazed at how hit-and-miss getting stuff to work is.
True, some is down to different Windows versions/drivers etc. but I'm sure it's mainly down to one thing:
Once you switch on and use your Tab, it's different from anyone else's.

After all, a Windows PC slowly grinds to a halt as we install/remove cr@p on a daily basis - and I'm doing the same to the Scroll.
On my other Tab the best/most consistent results were working from scratch after giving it a good scrub, re-flashing the stock ROM and starting out fresh.
Seems to me that's what's needed for the Scroll and similar Tabs, a painless way of going back to Stock and using that as a starting point for any new flashing.

If I find out how, I'll let you know.

[Trashcooky]

I am sure you have seen from the threads that getting our hands on a stock ROM from 'Storage Options' is simply not going to happen - so we have to rely on our Devs or those with brand new tablets (and balls of steel) to manage to pull the ROM from their tablets for us. As this seems to be a rather complicated manouvre we need the Devs expertise - but they haven't got access to an official stock ROM either bcause SO simply won't release them.

This has created some confusion as the first unofficial stock ROM for the Excel came from a 'Tablo' and the first unofficial Stock ROM for the Extreme came from the 'Yarvic'. Both of these were initially provided by Suggsy89 who also tweaked them for better optimisation.