[Q] Help! My tablet is messed (Edited some build.prop files) - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello there,
I just registered on this forum to hopefully resolve my problem with the Kobo Arc tablet. I apologize if any similar issue regarding this was posted. So basically, my Uncle bought me a Kobo Arc tablet about 2 months ago and I know quite alot of things about it. Due to my stupidity I couldn't play a game I really wanted to and so I edited my build.prop to make my tablet compatible with the game. In build.prop I changed the product model to: "GT-I9100", product brand to: "Samsung" and product manufacture to: "unknown". After this I restarted my device. As I did, the kobo arc logo appeared and then a never ending start-up boot. I restarted my device many times but still couldn't get my device to fully on. I entered recovery mode by holding the up volume and power button together and tried to reset to factory, but my Kobo Arc just still won't go pass the never ending start-up screen. I even tried to connect it to my computer but it doesn't recognize it. I'm assuming it's bricked, is there any possible fix for this? if so I need to know asap.
Someone please help me, it would be so kind, and I'll appreciate it soo much.
Thanks in advance
SmootZ

Please, I'm in urgent need of help. I really want to go on my tablet again..
Any help to get my kobo arc to its original state and working properly again, I would be sooo grateful.

Do you have a nandroid backup? If so, restore it.
Otherwise, do you still have access to your SD card (probably using an adapter and connecting it to your PC)? Try using AROMA FM to edit build.prop to the original values.
If not, I'd suggest installing ADB (GIYF) and using that to edit build.prop.
For the last two solutions, you'll need to use the shell, and use a text editor such as nano, pico or vi (depending on what's available). BTW, how did you edit build.prop?
You can also flash back stock/any ROM. Restoring to factory settings doesn't restore build.prop AFAIK.
EDIT: Just noticed your PC doesn't recognize your phone. That rules out solution #3. Are you sure the required drivers installed on your PC?

Yes, I'm sure. But when I plug my tablet into my PC through my usb cable it makes a noise connoting its connected but it won't appear.
Could you possibly give me instructions on how to do a nandroid back-up or something that will get my device back with the following condition:
-My device not able to be recognized on my computer
EDIT: When I connect my device to my computer it charges, but it won't appear on my computer or anything, if this helps.

It's too late to make a nandroid backup now. Try using AROMA FM.

GermainZ said:
It's too late to make a nandroid backup now. Try using AROMA FM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you possible give any instructions, I'm kinda new to this stuff.

SmootZ said:
Could you possible give any instructions, I'm kinda new to this stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click the link I posted.
Read the first few posts in full.
Ask about the specific part you don't understand.

I cannot even access my device apart from putting it in recovery mode since my device gets stuck at the start-up and loops, In addition I don't know how to access my sd card since my computer doesn't recognize my device as I said. Will this be a problem?and can I still do it?How do I access my sd card?
Sorry if this question seems stupid

Is your device still not detected in recovery mode?
To access your SD card directly from your PC you'll need a special reader/adapter.

Nope, it doesn't recognize it even in recovery mode. What is this "special" reader/adapter and where can I get it? Could you provide me a link or something?

Well, I'm out of ideas. Just Google "SD card adapter".

Actually my device does not offer any external memory card slot. Meaning There is no support for MicroSD or SD cards on my Kobo Arc.
What shall I do now?

Hey Germain or anyone else,
Is there any other possible way I can unbrick my tablet from this? Any solution would be grateful.

SmootZ said:
Hey Germain or anyone else,
Is there any other possible way I can unbrick my tablet from this? Any solution would be grateful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm out of ideas you could try yourself. I'd try triple checking the drivers on your PC and see if you can get ADB to work.
Is sending your tablet to repair an option?
EDIT: Can't you update to the latest update using fastboot?

Hey.
First of all, messing with build.prop without backup wasn't the brightest idea in your life, but crap happens, like Forrest Gump used to say.
What is the exact model of your tablet? Kobo Arc? Kobo Arc 10 HD? Maybe Kobo released an update and you can update it directly by fastboot.
If not try to use Linux as it handles ADB much better than Windows, go to system and edit you build.prop back and wipe cache and dalvik cache. You need to have a working ADB to even think about reversing your changes.
Good luck.

Well thanks for the help.
Can I try taking this adb method without my device giving permissions for USB debugging? Since I haven't enabled this in my developer options as far as I know, in addition I cannot really check since my device is bricked but I'm 100% sure it's NOT enabled. Will this stop me from carrying an ADB method?

Related

help me please

I have messed up my tablet, my tablet is rooted i went and replaced couple of the system apps by using root explorer and that completely made my system go crazy so i then did a system reset and now i keep getting unfortunately, setup wizard had stopped and i cant go anywhere from there. my boot loader is not unlocked. is there any way to reinstall the stock ROM like from adb or something. please any help is appreciated. I have also tried to reset the rom by holding down power and vol down and wipe data from there, and still the same thing. when i plug it in the computer i am still able to see the transformer so i can transfer files to and from the transformer i just cant get it passed the welcome screen.
spencerj2001 said:
I have messed up my tablet, my tablet is rooted i went and replaced couple of the system apps by using root explorer and that completely made my system go crazy so i then did a system reset and now i keep getting unfortunately, setup wizard had stopped and i cant go anywhere from there. my boot loader is not unlocked. is there any way to reinstall the stock ROM like from adb or something. please any help is appreciated. I have also tried to reset the rom by holding down power and vol down and wipe data from there, and still the same thing. when i plug it in the computer i am still able to see the transformer so i can transfer files to and from the transformer i just cant get it passed the welcome screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does adb on your computer see your device, since it's not fully booted?
Connect your tablet with USB cable.
On your PC, in the same folder as your adb files, open a command prompt in that location (shift+right click).
Type "adb devices" and see if yours come up as connected.
I doubt it will though, sounds like how I bricked my first prime, when I pushed a deodexed framework to it.
Might also want to try looking in the Dev section, under the how to unbrick your device thread, and see if you can attempt to revert to a different firmware via installing a blob file, but if you can't access your internal or external SD cards, to read/write the blob file (b/c your device won't fully boot) you may be SOL.
Next time unlock the boot loader first an make a nandroid backup, before messing w/ system files, that way you can easily restore. If your still in your 30 day window of purchase, you might consider a quick return/swap... would be the eaisest thing to do.
Sent from my CM7 Atrix 4G
no adb does not see my device but i can access the internal sd card
Swiftks said:
Does adb on your computer see your device, since it's not fully booted?
Connect your tablet with USB cable.
On your PC, in the same folder as your adb files, open a command prompt in that location (shift+right click).
Type "adb devices" and see if yours come up as connected.
I doubt it will though, sounds like how I bricked my first prime, when I pushed a deodexed framework to it.
Might also want to try looking in the Dev section, under the how to unbrick your device thread, and see if you can attempt to revert to a different firmware via installing a blob file, but if you can't access your internal or external SD cards, to read/write the blob file (b/c your device won't fully boot) you may be SOL.
Next time unlock the boot loader first an make a nandroid backup, before messing w/ system files, that way you can easily restore. If your still in your 30 day window of purchase, you might consider a quick return/swap... would be the eaisest thing to do.
Sent from my CM7 Atrix 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
spencerj2001 said:
no adb does not see my device but i can access the internal sd card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can access the internal card, its weird that adb can't see your device... oh well... try reverting to a earlier/different firmware via a blob. See thread in dev section.
Sent from my CM7 Atrix 4G
i did exactly the same mistake: i uninstalled some system apps (the asus preinstalled apps, with titanium) without unlocking the bootloader, and after a wipe from the stock recovery i'm not able to go beyond setup configuration, it always stops. but i can see and use internal and external memory from my computer. did you find a solution?

[Q] Is it possible to manually root a tablet with no USB port?

Hello, I have several questions about rooting and backing up my Android tablet but I'm not really sure where to begin.
My (current) goal is to back up the firmware that's currently on the tablet so that I can later restore to it in the event that something goes wrong. The only problem is I seem to have a newer version than the latest-offered version that was posted on the manufacturer's website, but the latest-offered version doesn't work. To make matters worse, the manufacturer's website is no longer online so there's no chance that the firmware I have will ever be uploaded. In other words, I need to root my tablet so that I can make a backup of the stock firmware to revert to if necessary.
The tablet in question is a Panimage Media Tablet R79RT2W5 that I picked up for $20. Before you tell me not to bother or that it's a piece of crap, don't worry; I'm VERY aware. The entire reason I bought this to begin with was BECAUSE it was a piece of crap. I was hoping that at the very least I could screw around with it and use it as a testbench to learn Android programming on with hardware I don't care about possibly bricking. (In other words, I wanted a cheap tablet to play around with so I wouldn't risk bricking my phone.)
I'll try to give you all the possible information I have on it. If you need any more information, pictures, screenshots, uploaded files, etc. I'll try to get what I can for you.
Panimage Media Tablet
Model Number R79RT2W5 (according to the physical sticker on back)
Model Number R79RTW5 (according to the 'About Device' page; note the lack of the 2 in the model number there.)
256MB of RAM
Firmware Version 1.6 (Donut, apparently?)
Kernel Version 2.6.29
Build Number WMT2.1.7_PD
2GB Internal Flash Memory (according to the box)
- Apparently it's a Gome Flytouch clone?
- It has a whole bunch of software made by WonderMedia Technlogies. (Which makes sense considering that it has a WMT-based processor.)
- It has "App Market" com.wonderappstore instead of Google Market. In other words, I basically have to sideload apks to get anything worth using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Things to take note of:
- It has no USB port so I can't hook it directly to a computer (meaning regular ADB won't work), but it does take microSD cards.
- I can sideload applications, but they need to be able to work on 1.6, obviously.
- I have FTPServer installed so I can send files to/from my computer, but I can't access protected directories.
- I have run BOTH Universal Androot and z4root. Neither program rooted the tablet. z4root DID install SuperUser (which I'm assuming only worked because USB debugging was turned on), but SuperUser doesn't work.
- I'm willing to work with terminals or command prompts so long as I have someone able to walk me through the process.
Is rooting this thing a possibility?
Alternatively, the way that the firmware update process works is that you put a folder named "script.zip" on the root of the microSD card and then boot the tablet with the card inserted. The tablet will then proceed to automatically install the firmware on it.
Would it be possible to take advantage of this function to allow me to run a script that will back up the firmware to the microSD card before it boots that I would then later be able to restore onto the tablet as necessary?
I can upload a copy of the latest script.zip I have so that you can take a look at it if you'd like.
What do you mean by their isn't a USB port what do you use to charge.
Sent from my HTC Velocity 4G using Tapatalk 4 beta
WildfireDEV said:
What do you mean by their isn't a USB port what do you use to charge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has a generic electrical plug; one of the round ones with a single prong in the middle.
It doesn't charge through USB like most other phones/tablets, because there's no USB port on it.
you can possibly back up your phone's firmware even without a usb port...
using the stock recovery, you can flash a custom recovery like clockworkmod which gives you a back-up option... and you can also root it with that...
WisdomSky said:
you can possibly back up your phone's firmware even without a usb port...
using the stock recovery, you can flash a custom recovery like clockworkmod which gives you a back-up option... and you can also root it with that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a bit of a problem... the tablet doesn't appear to have a stock recovery available.
I've tried as many button combinations upon boot as I can think of (Power + Vol. Down among many other things) and none of them boot into any sort of recovery mode.
I've even gone as far as trying to force my way in using the SysRq trick that someone got to work for the Ouya:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42516267&postcount=6
...but unfortunately that doesn't work either. No mater what Alt + SysRq combination I use (out of the ones that actually work, that is), the tablet automatically restarts. Every time.
However, as I said in my OP, I think that there may be a small bit of hope.
Alternatively, the way that the firmware update process works is that you put a folder named "script.zip" on the root of the microSD card and then boot the tablet with the card inserted. The tablet will then proceed to automatically install the firmware on it.
Would it be possible to take advantage of this function to allow me to run a script that will back up the firmware to the microSD card before it boots that I would then later be able to restore onto the tablet as necessary?
I can upload a copy of the latest script.zip I have so that you can take a look at it if you'd like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After a bit of messing around, I've found that the firmware update process looks for a file named "prepare.bin" and then loads it, which starts the automatic firmware update process.
While I'd rather try doing some sort of manual root on the tablet if possible, I'd be willing to try to make my own version of "prepare.bin" that will allow me to essentially hijack the firmware update process before it begins, which should essentially give me system-level control over the tablet.
...In theory, that is.
Do you think this would be a possibility?
I'd post pictures and screenshots and links and other information I've found, but I don't seem to have enough posts to do that yet...
edit- To be more direct, I'm willing to try to hijack the boot process to run my own code if possible, but I'd much rather do some sort of manual root or something if possible so I don't risk screwing up my tablet. As I said before, neither z4root nor Universal Androot work for my tablet, so I was wondering if there's some sort of manual exploit I can use to get in from within Android. If that's possible, I'd much rather take that approach as opposed to basically brute forcing my way into system-level access and risk bricking something.

[Q] I'm stuck on a boat without paddles!

I WANT TO START OFF BY SAYING THAT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE MADE A THREAD ON THIS SITE.
I FEEL MY ISSUE IS UNIQUE AND ALL HELP WILL BE MUCH APPRECIATED. THANK YOU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tablet that I am dealing with is a "Cruz Velocity Mini Tablet" running android 2.0 and no means of installing apk's.
Currently this is the situation:
A friend of mine lent me her Chinese reader tablet.
I told her that I could probably flash a newer version of Android on it, thinking that I could finally try my hand at making a ROM because I know for a fact that there aren't many ROMs if any at all out there for a chinese off brand reader like this.
After rooting the tablet I deleted the pre installed bloatware via ADB commands (shell) including a file manager (Astro) that I believe was the only way that you could browse files on the tablet, as well as some other pre installed applications that must have been necessary in retrospect. There is no existing vending capability or market application.
I am looking to make a custom ROM (Using android Kitchen and Cywign) through following this tutorial by lokeshsaini94 yet I feel like following that tutorial won't even get me where I need to be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Things that I have tried at this point include:
Attempting to connect the tablet to my computer with the SD inserted (with and without debugging turned on) [Failed to show up on my computer as a device or anything]
Downloading the APK that I need from a file sharing website [Downloads fail]
Uploading the APK that I need to my Google drive and downloading it from the tablet [Says waiting for data connection and doesn't download even though connected to our WiFi]
Inserting the SD card into my computer, copying the APK I need over to it, then inserting the SD card back into the tablet, going into the browser and typing "File:///sdcard/<name here>.apk" to install an APK but getting an error in the installer after pushing 'install' -> 'Application not installed'
Trying to perform a factory reset; this simply makes the tablet reboot with everything the same as it was before.
Essentially guys and gals, my tablet here is running Android 2.0, I want to update it by making my own rom for it to something at least >4.0, and it seems that I've made things worse and have no way out of this mess. I think I've essentially bricked it even though it still works. :silly:
What do I need to do to make a custom ROM let alone flash/wipe this tablet?
All help will be incredibly valuable
There should be plenty of info here http://www.slatedroid.com/forum/93-velocity-micro-cruz-reader/ to get you on the right track. Not likely you'd be able to get anything beyond Gingerbread on there running due to lack of source code. Your only hope would be to see if there is a newer tablet with the same chipset that has something newer on it to port over.
Still no paddles
es0tericcha0s said:
There should be plenty of info here < > to get you on the right track. Not likely you'd be able to get anything beyond Gingerbread on there running due to lack of source code. Your only hope would be to see if there is a newer tablet with the same chipset that has something newer on it to port over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your response. It looks like on that website I've already found multiple useful roms!
In fact I already downloaded one and put it onto the SD card. Apparently for these tablets you're supposed to, while powered off, turn it back on by holding the power button and the volume up button but all this seems to do as a whole load of nothing.
I fear that what I've done to it by deleting potentially sensitive programs previously, I have somehow managed to make this process impossible.
Is there some kind of way that I can plug this tablet into my computer and be able to completely wipe it so I can, at the very least, have a functional tablet that will work at all? I've done approximately 5 factory data resets yet the background image that my friend has on the tablet as well as seemingly every single setting and application is remaining untouched..
Try the ones here that also install a custom recovery: http://www.slatedroid.com/topic/33586-a-clockworkmod-rom-compendium-for-the-cruz-reader/
You'll want to make sure and rename the file exactly as mentioned there on the OP. Install instructions are included too. I don't think there is a way to reload via the PC. The right zip should get everything working properly.

[Q] Lenovo K910 sdcard not found, phone basically dead :(

Hi everyone,
I'm trying to fix my mistake since several days but no luck.
Few days ago I rooted and updated my phone to version VIBEUI_V1.5_1423_10_ST_K910 with Gapps. Everything went fine but then while I was cleaning up the phone from useless apps I made a huge mistake by unistalling a file or apk called Idea….something(can’t remember the entire name)! I thought it was a theme file as the name was very similar to another real one. After that a neverending popup started to appear and I decide to restart the phone. Never got it back! It remains stuck on Lenovo log. I’m able to get into stock recovery where on every test or sd card format it says sdcard not found. Same when I connect it on the pc, the autorun popup only, no storage.
Seems like the sdcard is not recognized anymore so I can’t even launch an sd update.
I’m pretty new on Android systems so I’m about to give up, I don’t really know what to do anymore.
I’m beg you for some help. Any advice will be more than welcome.
Thanks
cianomanera said:
Hi everyone,
I'm trying to fix my mistake since several days but no luck.
Few days ago I rooted and updated my phone to version VIBEUI_V1.5_1423_10_ST_K910 with Gapps. Everything went fine but then while I was cleaning up the phone from useless apps I made a huge mistake by unistalling a file or apk called Idea….something(can’t remember the entire name)! I thought it was a theme file as the name was very similar to another real one. After that a neverending popup started to appear and I decide to restart the phone. Never got it back! It remains stuck on Lenovo log. I’m able to get into stock recovery where on every test or sd card format it says sdcard not found. Same when I connect it on the pc, the autorun popup only, no storage.
Seems like the sdcard is not recognized anymore so I can’t even launch an sd update.
I’m pretty new on Android systems so I’m about to give up, I don’t really know what to do anymore.
I’m beg you for some help. Any advice will be more than welcome.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi guys, is there any way to get access into the phone root by using some tool?
I can't see the sdcard and I can't boot the phone with fastboot.
Please help.
Unfortunately I didn't get many answers but fortunately I solved the problem so I believe it would be nice to share with whom may need it:
here you have the steps I followed:
- buy a OTG cable
- Buy a USB stick 2-4GB
- Format USB stick with FAT (!)
- Put sdfuse directory on it and a K910 .qsb image inside the directory
- Plug stick via OTG in the phone
- start phone with Vol- & Power
- Choose point 4 - SD Update from the Lenovo recovery Menu
Phone will show this picture then:
Attachment 2826922
- Hit "start"
- Wait
- Be Happy
- Buy me a cigar (Partagas Series D No.4 preferred)
That's it!
Cheers

Cannot access sd card to install new android version

Hello and thanks for reading / helping if you can.
In brief, I have a Samsung Tab 2 GT-P3110 tablet which was running android 4.2.2. It's main use was as a controller for my sonos sound system which no longer supports my device. I thought I'd try and update it rather than simply chuck it into landfill for no good reason other than it was old like me! I know almost nothing about what I am doing, sorry!
So far I have I think 'rooted' the device using something called odin, and installed the clockwork recovery mod. I have also installed the Samsung drivers onto my PC and I have on my pc a zipped file which I believe will install a newer version of android (perhaps some guidance might be required for best file to go for). Unfortunately I am unable to see my tablet's sd card (or anything to do with the tablet) when connected to my pc via USB in order to copy it. Moreover I have copied the same file to a micro sd card but when I put this directly into the tablet and try and boot off the external card I get an access error and the card is not read.
I am out of ideas now and wonder if one of you clever people might be able to help me? I think I read somewhere about having to switch on USB debugging and USB sharing or the like BEFORE rooting. The instructions I used only mentioned the former and so that's all I did. Maybe I've locked myself out for good.
Thanks again, Pezos
Blimey, I really must have killed it! Surely someone out there can help me fix it?

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