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[STICKY] [FAQ] Official Atrix "Ask A Dev" & FAQ Thread (Last Update: 05/31/2011)
Official Atrix "Ask A Dev" & FAQ Thread
So, there's a ton of misinformation and confusion going around about the Atrix. I'm gonna go through this section best I can and pick out questions that I think should be in here. If you have one you'd like added or have a question to ask, post here and I'll answer and update the first post with the results. I will do my best to provide links, explain as best I can, and keep things UP TO DATE (which is the most important thing). I hope that users will see this thread and use it to their advantage. There's a lot of info out there, and I know it can be confusing, so I want to give everyone a place they can come ask questions or read information they know will be up to date. Feel free to ask anything you wish to know and I'll do my best to answer
PLEASE try to keep the thread clean. Post questions, keep discussion at a minimum (if there's a relevant discussion thread, I will link it here), and be polite.
Without further ado, let's get started with the basics.Frequently Asked Question - Updated 05/31/2011
Q: "What is"/"How do I" root?
A: If you don't know what root is, chances are you don't need it. This is the basic of the basics of Android modification. Go ahead and do a little research first if you don't know what it is. You can root almost all Atrix devices using the method in this thread, just identify what device you have an follow the appropriate tutorial: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1016060
If your device isn't supported by GladRoot, you can follow this guide by jug6ernaut: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046626
Q: What is a ROM/P-ROM?
A: This is one of the more tricky questions when it comes to the Atrix. Designgears set the standard by calling Adeo a ROM. This is loosely based in truth. When we refer to an Atrix ROM, what we are doing is basic Android customization. It could be themes, a few added features (reboot/recovery in power menu, sideloading, adding a tethering APN for certain carriers, etc), or just an automated install for a deodexed system. They are not true ROMs, but we'll take what we can get.
As of GladiAtrix3 beta, I changed the name of these mods to Pseudo-ROM, or P-ROM for short (yes, pronounced 'prom').
Q: What is an SBF? How do I flash it?
A: An SBF file is the Motorola base firmware. There are only a few SBF files available, and instructions (Thanks to seven2099) to use them can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13604217&postcount=2. The guide was written with the Bell Atrix in mind, but this process will work with any version provided you have the correct SBF for your device. This guide by kennethpenn contains links to a few of the SBFs for AT&T devices: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=991072
It should also be noted that these files are NOT community provided. They are leaked from Motorola, are are technically for internal Motorola use only. Do NOT ask where we get them, how we get them, or if we can make you a custom one. We cannot.
Q: What does "deodex" mean?
A: This guide has a pretty good explanation of what the difference between odexed and deodexed is: http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-odex-and-deodex-in-android-complete-guide/
Q: What is sideloading?
A: Sideloading lets you install any applications, regardless of carrier or market restrictions. This is also sometimes called "Unknown sources." It can be enabled several different ways. Both the GladiAtrix (for 4.1.26, 4.1.52,, 4.1.57, and 4.1.83) and GingerBlur ROMs contain it. You can also enable it using the GladiAtrix Enabler.
Q: <app> in the market doesn't work! Help!
A: There are several applications still that have not been updated to support the Atrix. It uses a lot of new hardware, and does things a little differently. Before jumping on and making a thread saying Motorola sucks for your app not working, contact the developer first and ask them to update.
User Submitted Questions - Updated 04/27/2011
Q: Is there a way to install an apk without finding it and tapping on it? Maybe through terminal emulator and if so what would the command lines be? (submitted by drock212)
A: Yes! You can install applications through ADB on your PC with the command 'adb install <app>.apk' where <app> is the filename of the app you want to install. You can also use a file manager, or as [email protected] mentioned, the Android Market website. Finally, there is a command line that you can use to install: pm install <app>.apk
Q: I have a Bell Atrix (unlocked to work with Rogers). Are there any precautions I need to keep in mind when flashing ROMs, installing the new 1.5.7 update and rooting it all using the At&t files in the Dev forum? (submitted by TareX)
A: Absolutely. As far as I know, you cannot flash any of the AT&T firmwares on a Bell Atrix. This will cause a brick and you will be unable to recover since there isn't a Bell firmware SBF available right now. If anyone has been brave enough to try and flash a Bell Atrix with AT&T firmware and has SUCCEEDED, please let me know.
Q: The atrix has 1GB of ram. Is all of that memory used on the phone or is it like what was rumored and some of it is reserved for the webtop? (submitted by RacecarBMW)
A: The webtop shares memory with the phone side. There is about 800mb free for use by both, with roughly 200mb reserved for system processes.
Q: Are more ROMs in the works? (submitted by danboard)
A: I've been working hard at getting GladiAtrix 2 to a point where I feel comfortable releasing it in CWM format. Unfortunately, I can't speak for other developers. The tools available for the Atrix are relatively limited, and we don't have a very strong base of talented people like other Motorola phones do. I'm pretty proud of what we've managed to accomplish even with such a small userbase.
Q: Can I use my phone on a carrier other than AT&T or Bell? (submitted via PM by [email protected])
A: You can, but you need to make sure that the carrier you want to use the phone on supports the same frequencies as AT&T/Bell. There are a few different ways you can get the phone unlocked. The easiest, and honestly best, way to do it is to call the carrier and ask them for an unlock code. If you're persistent and polite enough, make your case as to why you need the phone unlocked, there's a good chance they'll accommodate. Getting mad and upset rarely works. You can also get an unlock code through several different online sites. This thread talks about sites with unlock codes, and gives you a good idea which to trust. General consensus seems to be that cellunlock.net worked for most users and has a 20$ rebate coupon code: android50
Q: Can I use the Webtop without a dock? (submitted via PM by [email protected])
A: You sure can. It requires modifications to the system files, so if you don't fee comfortable making permanent changes to your phone's OS, you shouldn't be doing this. This thread has a very detailed explanation on how to get it working on your phone, but make sure you match up the proper firmware version or can potentially brick your phone.[/B]
Q: Is there a way to install a full version of linux on the Webtop? (submitted via PM by [email protected])
A: There is a project running to unlock the Webtop OS and allow you full access to install anything you wish. You can read about the progress here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000316
Q: I don't use the webtop. Is there any way to remove it completely to regain the space on the phone? (submitted by Girgizzlemuf)
A: Unfortunately, you cannot. The Webtop is directly integrated into the Android OS, so removing it would render your phone inoperable. I'm unsure if an unlocked bootloader will allow it to be removed either, as the entire build of Android running on the Atrix was built around the Webtop.
Q: Do I need to unlock before rooting, or are the two completely independent from eachother? (submitted by dropshipinc)
A: Unlocking and rooting are not tied together. You can root without unlock, and you an unlock without root. Unlocking is, in most cases, referring to the ability to use the phone on any carrier. This is called SIM unlocking. Rooting gives you root access to your device. On the Atrix, you cannot unlock your phone by having root. Some devices this is the case, but the Atrix is not one of them.
Q: Will installing a rom prevent OTA updates? If so, can they be easily removed so that we can install OTA updates? (submitted by ratkid2271)
A: Installing any of the currently available ROMs will prevent the phone from applying an OTA update. You should still be able to download them, but the installation will fail. As for uninstalling, you should be making a nandroid backup of your phone with CWM before installing any of them. A simple restore of that backup will prep you for an OTA update.
Special Thanks
Thanks to: drock212, TareX, RacecarBMW, danboard, [email protected], Girgizzlemuf, ratkid2271, and dropshipinc for their submissions.
Is there a way to install an apk without finding it and tapping on it? Maybe through terminal emulator and if so what would the command lines be?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
It is possible through site of Android Market. Just log-in and you can search and install any app on your phone
That's the problem market doesn't work. I have the apk on an sd card but phone I need to install apk on does not have a file explorer.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
So propably you need to enable sideloading and apply root then instal this .pak or just use the adb tool (search for "instal apk adb")
drock212,
The Atrix has a default file manager in the app menu called "Files". Once opened, just navigate to "SD card" and click the .apk.
-Opish
Yeah lol the issue isn't with my Atrix its for another phone that im trying to port stuff from my Atrix to it but the other phone is all messed up and the market wont connect and it has no file explorer lol
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
I have a Bell Atrix (unlocked to work with Rogers). Are there any precautions I need to keep in mind when flashing ROMs, installing the new 1.5.7 update and rooting it all using the At&t files in the Dev forum?
I bought it off ebay so if I brick it, it's over.
The atrix has 1GB of ram. Is all of that memory used on the phone or is it like what was rumored and some of it is reserved for the webtop?
drock212 said:
That's the problem market doesn't work. I have the apk on an sd card but phone I need to install apk on does not have a file explorer.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is a file explorer on the phone, it's called "Files"
Please take the discussion to a new thread. I understand you're trying to help, but send a PM. This is Q&A only. Thanks. Updating first post with answers to the questions shortly.
Are more ROMs in the work? Correct me if I m wrong (as I don't know all that much about what the bootloader limits) but since we now have a CWM of sorts, we're able to pretty much change most parts of the android OS excluding the kernel and radio.
In this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=12710040&postcount=6
Kenneth stated that the Milestone had more tools and devs than the atrix to get custom roms like miui to work; the dev part I can understand but which tools exactly was he referring to? A few of the things I could think of were the script mods that were available in the open recovery for the milestone but I believe the Atrix already have these features (just not in the CWM).
So I m just wondering is the Atrix at a point where devs are able to mod it as much as the milestone? or is there still quite a ways to go?
Updated first post! Check it for your answers.
So I understand the awesomeness that is the webtop. However, I have no use for it other than to say 'HAY i got a netbook in my phone wanna see??'
Having said that... is there a way to *remove* the webtop entirely, or is this something we are going to have to wait for in the form of a custom rom / unlocked bootloader?
Girgizzlemuf said:
So I understand the awesomeness that is the webtop. However, I have no use for it other than to say 'HAY i got a netbook in my phone wanna see??'
Having said that... is there a way to *remove* the webtop entirely, or is this something we are going to have to wait for in the form of a custom rom / unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, you cannot. The Webtop is directly integrated into the Android OS, so removing it would render your phone inoperable. I'm unsure if an unlocked bootloader will allow it to be removed either, as the entire build of Android running on the Atrix was built around the Webtop.
I've accidentally partitioned my internal SD storage rendering my phone useless. Had to flash and tried all three AT&T SBF files to no avail. Bottom inch of my touch screen is horrendously off.
Anyway to get this back to the OEM settings? Flashing is no help and I'm getting daemon errors in ADB when I try manually formatting and partitioning it. Any way I could commission you to write a script? Talking to a couple others with this problem too. You'd be a hero!
Nice OP Ririal Thanks for being oh so helpful and contributing to the Atrix! Keep up the good work! I wish I can play with your ROMs Hoping that the Bell's SBF will be leaked one of these days (yes I know...wistful thinking...)
bongd said:
I've accidentally partitioned my internal SD storage rendering my phone useless. Had to flash and tried all three AT&T SBF files to no avail. Bottom inch of my touch screen is horrendously off.
Anyway to get this back to the OEM settings? Flashing is no help and I'm getting daemon errors in ADB when I try manually formatting and partitioning it. Any way I could commission you to write a script? Talking to a couple others with this problem too. You'd be a hero!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I'm not sure what you all changed, but this is something that should not have been messed with. Especially with a locked bootloader, you should NOT be repartitioning your device. I would assume that flashing the SBF would fix this, but again, as I'm not sure what you all did I don't really know for sure.
Ririal said:
Unfortunately, I'm not sure what you all changed, but this is something that should not have been messed with. Especially with a locked bootloader, you should NOT be repartitioning your device. I would assume that flashing the SBF would fix this, but again, as I'm not sure what you all did I don't really know for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I know it was erroneous but it was late at night and my contacts were all gunky. I clicked on the wrong thing and the way I was holding my device I had already gotten too far into the menu by clicking too fast
Internal SD was partitioned. Flashing didn't help. Was hoping you may know but that's okay... I'll keep trying.
bongd said:
Thanks. I know it was erroneous but it was late at night and my contacts were all gunky. I clicked on the wrong thing and the way I was holding my device I had already gotten too far into the menu by clicking too fast
Internal SD was partitioned. Flashing didn't help. Was hoping you may know but that's okay... I'll keep trying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I wish I could be of more help If you do find out a way to fix it, be sure to let me know or post here, I'll add it up to the FAQ just in case anyone else makes the same mistake. Hope you get it sorted out!
I want to back-up some things--mainly the wife's angry birds stats. Trouble is that every post I read talks about loading things using the market after the tablet is ROMmed.
I've tried putting superuser on manually but it doesn't seem to recognize root explorer. All this after following the root instructions found here.
Angrybirds backup, superuser ... is not available in the gtab market (hadango) found on the device when stock. AppBrain doesn't seem to have any way to get the appbrain app onto the tablet.
I need advice on how to get apps on the tablet or to get superuser to recognize root explorer, or perhaps just how to get angrybirds backed up.
I use titanium backup or mybackup root!
Sent from my Flashback HC-TAB using XDA Forum App
barqers said:
I use titanium backup or mybackup root!
Sent from my Flashback HC-TAB using XDA Forum App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Respectfully, what you use isn't the question really. If I can't get superuser to work with it then I'm still stuck.
So to restate here, I need a way to get these apps onto the tab before its rommed, or to make superuser to work.
honestly, I thought my wife would freak when I lost all of her angry birds saves, but she said it was "fun" to have to do it all again.
For superuser:
Install ES File Explorer from market
Use ES to install Z4root from xda
Run Z4root to root tab
Test root using Root Explorer
For backup:
Install Titanium
Perform backup of User Apps
Flash ROM
Install Titanium
Restore User Apps backups
According to this link: http://viewsonic-gtablet-for-dummies.webs.com/ which I got from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1008245 I am rooted.
Unless I shouldn't trust that link.
Fr33th0t said:
According to this link: http://viewsonic-gtablet-for-dummies.webs.com/ which I got from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1008245 I am rooted.
Unless I shouldn't trust that link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can trust the link. Lots of good info there.
If you are on a stock rom, you are not rooted (unless have you used something like Z4 to root it). All custom roms are already rooted for you. Anytime you nvflash back to stock you will not be rooted.
Al
Well I remember looking for an answer to root and finding several places saying that I would have root after following those instructions. I guess I let my experience with rooting got in the way of understanding. That or nobody thought to mention that you don't need root to load a new recovery image or a ROM.
z4root it is. Thank you for your time and attention to my small problem.
Fr33th0t said:
Well I remember looking for an answer to root and finding several places saying that I would have root after following those instructions. I guess I let my experience with rooting got in the way of understanding. That or nobody thought to mention that you don't need root to load a new recovery image or a ROM.
z4root it is. Thank you for your time and attention to my small problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. It's all a learning experience. I knew absolutely nothing about android 3 months ago. When installing signed zips (which is what you install via recovery or cwm, the install scripts set permissions to perform the installations. Nvflash, also has root access. It' only you the user that doesn't have it when android boots on the stock rom.
Android is a big learning experience. There are no manuals and the only place this all exists is either in a post somewhere or in our minds. What 'goodintentions' did by creating the dummies site was try to make it as much a one stop shop as possible for new (and old) users to get the most out of their gTabs, but, there is just so much and each rom has different nuances that it's not possible to put everything there. Especially since he alone is footing the bill to keep the site going.
You also have to remember that not everyone is an expert and we all benefit by putting our collective minds together and helping each other. What one person doesn't remember another user may & hopefully help out. Just as hopefully you can do the same to someone else with your experieces.
Anyway, didn't mean to preach...time to get off the soapbox. Hopefully you can now do what you set out to do & if you need more info, feel free to post again.
Al
Yea, well so much for z4root. It does do a good job of restarting the tab though.
Fr33th0t said:
Yea, well so much for z4root. It does do a good job of restarting the tab though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying it didn't work? I used it on my gTab & Cruz Reader without problems. It's really simple. Install, single butten press & it will reboot. Where did you download from? How do you know it didn't work? After install/button press/reboot, open Terminal Emulator, type su & return. Does it respond with a # prompt...if so you have root access.
Al
I've been using Alien 4 as my daily driver for a month or so now. Occasionally, I'll run a nandroid, and install something else to "try things out", but I always come back to Alien. Most recently, my SU access on my phone seems to have disabled itself. One day, I'm clicking alond nicely, using titanium for app backup, working with a bunch of other apps that require root, and suddenly, nothing with root works. I was prompted to update Superuser.apk from the market a few weeks ago (memory is a little fuzzy on exact timeline), but I'm thinking that has something to do with it. I have disabled / enabled debugging, attempted to reroot via the howto over at briefmobile, and have pretty much exhausted my googlefu. Has anyone run into this? Does anyone have any thoughts on how to get SU either downgraded, or reinstalled? Keep in mind that because I've lost root, using tools like root explorer or ADB are pretty limited. I wanted to post this over to the Alien Rom thread, but because I'm mostly a lurker, I'm apparently verboten from posting in Dev threads. Thanks for the help in advance.
-BigdogBTS
bigdogbts said:
I've been using Alien 4 as my daily driver for a month or so now. Occasionally, I'll run a nandroid, and install something else to "try things out", but I always come back to Alien. Most recently, my SU access on my phone seems to have disabled itself. One day, I'm clicking alond nicely, using titanium for app backup, working with a bunch of other apps that require root, and suddenly, nothing with root works. I was prompted to update Superuser.apk from the market a few weeks ago (memory is a little fuzzy on exact timeline), but I'm thinking that has something to do with it. I have disabled / enabled debugging, attempted to reroot via the howto over at briefmobile, and have pretty much exhausted my googlefu. Has anyone run into this? Does anyone have any thoughts on how to get SU either downgraded, or reinstalled? Keep in mind that because I've lost root, using tools like root explorer or ADB are pretty limited. I wanted to post this over to the Alien Rom thread, but because I'm mostly a lurker, I'm apparently verboten from posting in Dev threads. Thanks for the help in advance.
-BigdogBTS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you tried using the preinstall method to re-root that eval- posted here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=15023022&postcount=2
Apparently I just needed to look one link further:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1255548
Pete's Motorola Root Tools method re-rooted my Atrix. On a side note though, it reinstalled the older version of superuser, which is behaving appropriately. My issues must have been related to the new version.....
Hi,
I am new to the Atrix, but have a background in software development and was a sys admin on unix for a number of years.
I would like to know if, after a phone is rooted, do all apps run as root? or does routing simple install a setuid "su", and root apps call that when they need root access?
The webtop2sd post looks very complete and also something I will try soon. Do I need to unlock the bootloader to run a modified webtop from my sd card?
I would like to keep my phone as stock as possible, but enable a hacked webtop on the sd card.
Also there are 1000's of root threads, what is the safest canonical method (that can easily be undone)?
Many thanks and sorry for asking for your time. I have not found these answers around, but then again, there is a great amount of mis-information out there.
thx,
Scott.
Hi Scott.
I can only partially help you out; someone with more experience will answer at some point I'm sure. I'm running stock Gingerbread & rooted.
Regarding rooting: I followed the instructions on this site (which are duplicated across multiple sites, I'm sure). It worked just fine with no errors or other reasons to cause concern. That said, I'm not sure how to undo the rooting process other than by accepting an over-the-air update to ICS. Which is totally going to happen. ... <crickets>
I might be able to answer your root-app question: whenever an app requests root access, a dialog box pops up prompting me to allow or deny it. While I'm sure it's possible for a rogue rootkit to get in there if installing shady programs is your thing, I haven't yet had a problem. (A sidenote: there's an app on the market called LBE Privacy that gives you full control over app permissions: access to phone state, contacts, SMS, etc.)
Can't really help you on the webtop2sd thing, though I did install this modification to run the webtop over my HDMI cable, no lapdock required.
Look, I know that some of these questions may have been already answered , but others probably not. I'm not a lazy one... I've looked up on the internet already but some of them are kinda too specific.
I've never rooted a phone or a tablet before and this is my first android device.
I know that rooting can be dangerous, but i wanted to use the transformer prime to take handwritten notes using adonit jot stylus. As far as I know, in order to be able to properly write with it, you need to use this app: touchscreentune
Unfortunedly, the app requires root access. Note that I tried by myself to write with the adonit in my transformer and the results were not good.
So it looks like I need to root, but i dont need any custom roms, etc..Just the minimum enought to get that app working. I heard that there is a few clicks tool to do this easily.
I'm not experienced when it comes to mobile devices. On the other hand, i'm a computer science/engineering student and i'm at least "experienced" in what comes to computers .
So you know my problem and you know my background as a computer/tablet user. Now help me, please:
1. In a scale from 1 to 100, how risky do you think it is rooting for me?
2. If I root my tablet it voids warranty. If i unroot it, is there any traces left? i.e Will i be able to use the warranty after a root-unroot? (What do think is the probability of loosing warranty after root and unroot?)
3. Does the tool (viperMOD ?) work with the most recent android and firmware versions (I think yes, but just to make sure)
4.Do you think my reasons to root are legit and do you advice me to root?
5.Can you point me an updated tutorial (I've seen many tutorials but I don't know if they are updated) on rooting the prime?
6.If i change the touch screen setting and then unroot, will it keep the settings?
I know that they are a lot of questions, so if you only know the answer to some of them, please reply... I will appreciate it a lot.
Well, thanks, and btw hi xda developers forum and sorry for my english.
And I want root my prime! But I'm noob and I'm afraid to do this. I need root prime for CPU Clock to 1.6ghz and i need root for apps! Help
1. 1.... not a big deal...root it.
2. Probably will if you send it in with it rooted. You can unroot with Viper.
3. viper works with all of them.
4. I advice you to root, theres plenty of apps that require it and you'll feel cool.
5. Use vipermod. best easy root there is. (if you installed asussync, make sure you kill it on your comp)
6. probably not as it asks everytime you unlock screen for permission
Why root:
1. Change bootanimation
2. you'll be ready when roms and kernels are released
3. you'll be able to install a recovery, so you'll have more control of your device, so if anything EVER happens you can make a backup and restore it
4. You can overlock to 1.5ghz or 1.6ghz (stock is 1.3ghz)
5. Very coop apps like Ram Manager or Task Control need root
6. You can install Ubuntu/Backtrack and actually use Ubuntu (currently only chroot)
7. You can install mods like change the icons ect. (not adviseable until we get a recovery)
8. If you ever wanted to sell your prime, the fact that its rooted (or hacked) it would be more valuable)
9. so many more...
10. so many more more
BTW, if you want to return it, and you want to unroot it, you can. Just make sure every unroot it the SuperApp is not there. If it still is, theres plenty of tutorials to do it. you'll need adb though. (learn adb, simple commands to control your phone from the pc)
you can always just wait till roms come out. you'll be more enticed to do it then.
With the viper unroot the superuser app remains there?
I have slastop instaled in my computer. Ill make sure it isnt open when i root.
Im not interested in roms. But being able to run ubuntu would be cool. But it would be much better if it was native.
One thing im wondering is if the tablet has a hardware problem and i cant turn it on, then i wouldnt be able to unroot, would i?
ive never tried it but it should remain there.
not splashtop im talking about the AsusSync.
Im sure native will be available once the unlocker tool is released...any second.... (announced by february)
chances are nothing will happen like that, unless you start to edit stuff
hasnt happened to me, and i know it has to someone that edit their build.prop