Confused about 4.3.1 jailbreak!

[Dayvidpriddy]

At first I wasn't going to bother with this but I figured what the hell...

I'm confused between redsn0w and ptool...if I'm just jailbreaking which tool do I use and what are the steps that I need? I can't find a guide and there are about 100 different "this is how you do it" on this site alone.

Can someone list the steps for me if you don't mind?

Thanks

P.S. iPhone 4 here

[Orby]

If you do not need an unlock and are already on iOS 4.3.1, use redsn0w.

If you need an unlock (i.e., you need ultrasn0w for cell service) or aren't already on iOS 4.3.1, use PwnageTool for Mac (or sn0wbreeze for Windows) to make a custom IPSW and restore to it in iTunes.

Either way, I'd actually advise you stay from iOS 4.3.1 if you have to restore to it (e.g., your device isn't already running iOS 4.3.1).

[Dayvidpriddy]

4.3.1 is already on my phone. So are you saying you can't even jailbreak your phone without using a ipsw? Also, is it a must that I do a fresh restore before jailbreaking in general? I really don't feel like doing that as this is just starting to get old now lol.

Jailbreaking was cool with the original phone but it's kinda rubbing off on me now the wrong way and just doesn't seem to be worth it anymore.

Eh ok I think I got it now but with regards to doing a clean install before jailbreaking, is this really necessary?

[Orby]

4.3.1 is already on my phone. So are you saying you can't even jailbreak your phone without using a ipsw? Also, is it a must that I do a fresh restore before jailbreaking in general? I really don't feel like doing that as this is just starting to get old now lol.

Jailbreaking was cool with the original phone but it's kinda rubbing off on me now the wrong way and just doesn't seem to be worth it anymore.

Eh ok I think I got it now but with regards to doing a clean install before jailbreaking, is this really necessary?

Redsn0w doesn't require a restore before using it, but it does require a 4.3.1 IPSW for the iPhone 4 to make its jailbreak package (and to already be on iOS 4.3.1 unjailbroken).

You may also use PwnageTool/sn0wbreeze for jailbreaking your phone already at 4.3.1, it's just not as convenient as redsn0w in my opinion.

You don't have to do a fresh restore if you're using redsn0w or similar from a virgin state and are on the same FW version you want to be jailbroken on. However, once you jailbreak and need/want to re-jailbreak, a restore (either to a stock 4.3.1 and then redsn0w or a custom PwnageTool/SB firmware) will be necessary.