[kvswim]

Just to clarify, this is my first attempts at rooting a phone.

I've successfully tried several of the custom ROMs and while there are some things I like about them I've decided I really like the look and feel of the stock ROM. I downloaded one of the debloated and deodexed ones from the list. However, these are tar files and not zip so they don't install like the others I've tried. I tried using some instructions I saw on how to put your phone back to stock, but I just used the debloated file instead. Well the Samsung software didn't like that and for some reason Odin fails when trying to install from there. So at this point I'm stuck. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

Tars and MD5s are for Odin.
Quick How-To:
Run ODIN. Hit PDA, then pick the .tar. Then, power off your phone, pull out the battery, plug it in, and hold down vol. down. This should set your phone into Download Mode, and it should be recognized in odin in a little yellow box ("COMxx"). Slip your battery in and press start. And wait. Done!

Sent from my Droid Charge running Infinity Beta

 

[kvswim]

I tried the rar version and the full version. Same result with both.

I have the factory cable and the battery was in during flash.

Oh, you have to decompress first (if you aren't doing so) use 7Zip or WinRAR.

Sent from my Droid Charge running Infinity Beta

 

[kvswim]

I did the decompression on the zipped file. I'm downloading the one that isn't deodexed. We'll know something in about an hour.

As a last resort, do you want to record the screen while you're trying to flash, post it on youtube, and we'll try to see what you're doing wrong?

Sent from my Droid Charge running Infinity Beta

 

[kvswim]

The instructions I have specify that I need to check the Re-Partition box and uncheck the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time boxes. Is that correct?

If you're not using a PIT, do not check Repartition. Auto reboot and Reset Time can stay check.

Sent from my Droid Charge running Infinity Beta

 

[kvswim]

I'll reset it back to stock and try again.

As a side note. Can I use custom kernels and such with the rooted stock ROM?

Yes. LeanKernel and PBJT both work with stock deodexed debloated.

 

[kvswim]

OK, next newbie question. I thought LeanKernel and PBJT were for Froyo and this is GingerBread. Are they interchangeable?

I must've missed where you said GB... sorry