Rooting stock TAR image

[andriusst]

Hi,

Could someone explain what involves "rooting the phone"? Is it just changing few file system permissions and adding superuser? If so would it be possible to ROOT latest stock tar image for Odin without changing the kernel, drivers, etc...

[andriusst]

After some experimentation I think I have an answer: yes and no, depending on ROM. In our case no because of intentionally broken su binary is put in location which is very difficult (if not impossible) to extract or replace with a proper one without breaking the entire kernel. Leshak and Tom3q taken the approach of rebuilding kernel and entire ROM which leaves us where we are right now - potentially unstable phone and/or missing features which is a deal breaker for some people.

However there is another approach - with help of a certain exploit it is possible to gain root privileges which work until the phone is rebooted. This approach gives rock stability of a stock ROM and root privileges whenever needed. Of course stock ROM is missing all the bells and whistles but is more lightweight at the same time so the phone feels much snappier. I'm sticking to this combination for now as it worked really well for me for the last 4 days.

Should you be interested to try here's what to do.
1. Flash your favourite (or latest) stock Samsung ROM using Odin.
2. Download z4root app (use google to find it)
3. Install and run z4root, choose temporary root option.
4. Wait for 20 seconds or however long it takes to complete and enjoy ROOT freedom.
following steps are optional but it is very likely you will want to go ahead with them
5. After downloading/updating your favourite apps you might want to free room in /data/app by moving largest APK files to /system/app. You might also want to delete old versions and unused stock apps the latter location.