We've talked about how to flash an image using ROM Manager, but if you're more comfortable with a keyboard and mouse, fastboot might be easier for you to use. You'll need to be aware of some limitations and details before you dig in. Hit play, and let's find out just what it take to flash an image using fastboot.

Fastboot vs. ROM Manager

Fastboot doesn't flash ROMs the same way as ROM Manager. Rather than flashing pre-packaged ROMs, flashboot lets you target the partition that you want to flash: data, recovery, system, etc.

Image.img vs. Update.zip

When using fastboot, sometimes ROMs come pre-packaged complete with a script to run that will automate the process of wiping the contents of your existing partitions and replacing them. Other times you'll only be given an image file (.img) and you'll need to know how and where to flash it. ROM Manager uses the "update.zip" method where everything that needs to be done and all the required files are bundled up into a specially constructed .zip file.

Let's get to it!

In this video I'll show you how to flash a system.img file to the system partition using fastboot so you can get an idea for the steps involved. It's not so bad, once you know what you're doing.