Question

My Galaxy Mini GT-S5570 comes with following details :

Android Froyo 2.2.1
COMPILATION : FROYO.XWKAC
KERNEL : 2.6.32.9-PERF
ROOT@DELL91 #1

*#1234# INFO :
PDA: S5570XWKAC
PHONE: S5570XXKA5
CSC : S5570TMNKB1

Now, I've decided to go for a custom Rom instead (cyanogenmod) because my device is lacking support from my carrier/provider (TMN). So, I need advice/help with following queries. I'd appreciate if  you can help me with all this.

1. Shall I install CWM recovery for froyo and backup or just update the rom by flashing custom one?
2. As I'm aware it's not possible to backup a stock ROM (even with Odin) ??!! Isn’t that true?
3. But can I use Titanium to backup apps and stuff from stock rom?? Is this in anyway useful?
4. Can I flash or update a custom rom like cyanogenmod directly over Froyo or shall I first flash GB stock rom with Odin?
5. Also, in your opinion which is the best stable custom rom to use/flash in my GT-S5570 that supports Portuguese language? 
6. Which version of clockwork mod (CWM) recovery is best to use?

Reply

Thank you for submitting your query to us. I see you still are left with Android 2.2 Froyo, while official Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread firmwares are already available for many regions. Also, it would have helped me if you told me from which country of region you are. But, let it go now for now.

So, let me start by replying to your queries. I would not recommend installing clockwork mod recovery for froyo and then doing a backup. At first it's not possible to take backup of stock firmwares like Froyo or Gingerbread. Also, most custom roms require you to have Gingerbread as a base firmware on your handset, before they can be installed on your galaxy mini. So, the first thing you'd do is upgrade your firmware to latest GB version.

The GB firmware I recommend for you can be downloaded from below. It's a the latest Android v2.3.6 firmware and should work fine on your phone. Using the firmware from below and following instructions at http://yagyagaire.blogspot.com/2011/08/upgrade-samsung-galaxy-popmini-gts5570.html (these are instructions to flash galaxy mini using Odin but for other firmware. However, you can follow the same steps to upgrade your handset with the firmware listed below.

Firmware : S5570XWKTN
File Name : GT-S5570_S5570XWKTN_S5570OXXKTB_S5570XWKT6.rar
Android : 2.3.6
Download :  Mirror

And, yes as I said above, you can't backup any firmware with Odin. It's custom recovery that is used to backup roms/system.

Titanium backup is one of the mostly used application, that can help you backup games and applications on your android smartphone. However, you can't backup call logs, contacts, sms, etc. using this app. One way (the simple one) to backup these things is to sync your handset with a powerful phone management app called MyPhoneExplorer. I've detailed more about this software at this article. However, you can also look for other apps at Play Store that can save/backup your calls, contacts, APNs, etc.

Most of your queries seem to be related. Anyway, as mentioned above, you can't install cyanogenmod or other custom roms like emanoN, minisense, etc. on Froyo. These custom rom require that you have gingerbread boot-loader installed on your handset. For this you'll need to upgrade your Samsung Galaxy Mini S5570 to Gingerbread firmware using Odin. Follow details mentioned above.

Again, I'm not sure about languages, however, latest official cyanogenmod 7.2 stable should support Portuguese and should also run fast and smooth. I suggest you to try this rom first. If you don't like it want something more then, you can search for other custom roms at http://yagyagaire.blogspot.com [I've got screenshots, and details there, it shouldn't be difficult for you to choose one.]

I'd recommend to use clockwork mod recovery v4.0.0.5 for those who are flashing any roms for the first time. Because many have faced issues while flashing via latest clock work mod recovery. However, later you can upgrade your clockwork mod recovery to latest v5.0.2.6 version if you want.

That's all with your problems/doubts. I hope everything is clear now. However, if you have any further questions then, please post a comment below and I shall reply to your queries.

Galaxy Ace GT-S5830L is a variant of Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830 smartphone and the models which are sold in Americas are especially know by this (GT-S5830L) model number. In this article, I'll explain to you in details the step by step instructions to upgrade your handset with latest Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread firmwares. So, to begin with download a firmware for your region below and provided you have give requirements already (if you don't have them then download them too) we are ready to move ahead.

GT-S5830L 2.3.6 Firmwares Downloads

Questions :
Could you please answer following two questions about Samsung Galaxy Ace?

1. How do I root Android 2.2.1 (JXKC1) ? I've tried some ways but they didn't work; such as "z4root" or "supper one click". My friends say i should first upgrade it to Gingerbread 2.3.3 but I don't want to lose lots of installed apps and a calendar with hundreds reminder points!

2. Is there any app to lock the screen? I know this feature is on phone but it locks it in period of time like every 30s . I wanna do it myself when I need.

Replies :
It simple to root Android 2.2.1. Most probably Super One Click can root it so, I suggest you try it again following these simple instructions. However, if you are still unable to root with it try using Unlock Root app, which is a one click simple root utility that supports and roots many devices in no time. You can find more information about it and download it from here. If you are still unable to root, post a comment below and we'll work out something for it.

However, I too would recommend you to upgrade to latest Gingerbread 2.3.6 version since you'll get a lot of improvements in your device and smooth performance after the update. I can see that you are afraid of losing your apps and data. But, there's no need to worry about it. You can use a powerful mobile management tool called MyPhoneExplorer  to backup most of your data including contacts, SMSs, Calls Lists, Calender, Notes, Alarm, etc and many others.

Just connect your device to the PC and run MyPhoneExplorer app then, sync everything to your PC as well as do a backup from Extras menu. Later you can sync the data again back to your device. Most probably it can help you backup applications too, but, if you are unable then use App Control app to backup your applications. Also, calender is in constant sync with Google servers, so, you won't lose your remainders even if you don't back it up. So, grab MyPhoneExplorer from here and give it a try. You can alternatively use Smasung Kies to sync your apps, however the difference is Samsung Kies is not compatible with custom roms while MyPhoneExplorer stand out with most android devices with any rom out there.

Then, follow these simple step by step instructions to upgrade to latest Android 2.3.6 version. When you are done upgrading you can simply root your galaxy ace gt-s5830 smartphone by flashing a small zip file on your recovery. Detailed steps on rooting galaxy ace running gingerbread are given in this article.

I'm not sure about the lock screen thing. I can't understand why you'd like to keep your screen awake as it will consume some battery. So, it is better to lock your screen while not in use. However, I think I got what you are trying to do and a simple solution is change the screen lock time to 15 minutes or 30 minutes depending upon your preferences. Then, it won't turn off in 30 seconds, but if you'd like to turn it off you can press the Power (aka Lock) button and lock the screen whenever you want. This is quite secure method, since it will lock the screen anyway in 15 or 30 minutes even if you forget to lock it by yourself.

I hope this solves your problem and all your queries are answers. If you have any doubts, do post a comment below and I'll try my best to clear it out. Have a nice time rooting and upgrading.