How to install a custom ROM on ClockworkMod Recovery

You've rooted your phone, installed your favorite apps, setup a recovery, but you still want to change your system... or to make it quicker (less RAM, less resource usage), and you don't know how. But, there's a way to make it: installing a custom ROM. A ROM is basically a file with a Android system and special modifications to the way your phone works: coded to make your phone faster, etc.

You may have heard something about it, as custom ROMs are maybe the only reason and the way to use the potential of your phone specs. This subject is not only for ThL W100 phones and MTK6589 devices, this is for ALL Android terminals. Rooting is just the beginning.

Make sure you search custom ROMs for your device, there is plenty of websites and forums with it, users like you and me who want to "unleash the beast" and make special changes that don't come from factory and official ROMs.

But, take care and beware of it. Read the feedback from users that already installed the ROM you want to install, what it takes to install, and make sure that modifying your ROM won't void your warranty and is for your phone - seriously, don't install a ROM from other phone. Again, you are responsible for what you do with your phone. Read all the steps wisely and carefully and you'll be fine with it.

In my case, I have a MIUI ROM installed on my ThL W100, ported from another MTK 6589 device (I'll post here at the blog, don't worry).


OK, let's go. You have already downloaded a ROM, and have it ready to install. Next, you need to have a SD Card on your phone - because is there you will put the ROM file. Connect your USB cable to your phone, activate the USB transfer on your phone, and simply put the ROM file inside your SD Card, on in a folder destinated for it (that's what I do, to keep it organized).
Next, reboot your phone on recovery mode, and:

- Wipe data/factory reset
- Wipe cache partition
- In "Advanced", select "Wipe dalvik cache"
- Return to the main menu, and select "Install zip from SD card"
- Then you select the ROM file you transfered to your SD card.
- Let it install, and "Reboot system now".
- YOU'RE DONE!

Your phone will take a while booting but don't worry - it's first time on new ROM.
Then, let it start all apps, don't do nothing neither install anything.
After that, reboot your phone. The boot time will decrease, because it's not the first time on the new system.

Keep visiting the blog for more tutorials and how-to's.
And comment if you like it, or want a specific tutorial!