I attempted to flash my gtab with Android OS 3.0. I am not a noob to flashing a new FW so I am not sure what happened. But now my gtab sits at the viewsonic screen and that's it. I try to boot into CW but when I press the Vol+ key I get the message at the top:
"Detect a recovery key pressed"
"Booting recovery kernel image"
And that is it. So I can't boot into CWM to mount my storage. Can ANYBODY please help me?!?!?! I'm freakin out that I have ruined my gtab.
Thanks
-Buddah
You tried to jump a cliff and fell down the great chasm. What you need to do is visit my website (just put it up today) and follow the procedure to nvflash. It's written for beginners like yourself so I'm sure you won't have any problem with it.
http://viewsonic-gtablet-for-dummies.webs.com/nvflash.htm
What happened was you tried tried to use the wrong CWM. Just read my website and you'll see what I mean.
Added by edit.
Also, visit my ROM page for the appropriate way to flash a ROM.
Assuming you used Bottle of Smoke, were you on a 1.1 ROM (ie. 3588 stock, VEGAn-TAB or CM7) and then flashed with cwm? If so, that's your root cause (1.1 ROM jumping to a 1.2 ROM with cwm = soft brick).
As mentioned, you need nvflash to fix it. It's most likely a soft-brick, not a hard brick.
dun dun dun....another one bites the dust, da da dun dun dun
Many many thanks! I NVflashed my gtab and I am back up and running.
There's been a wave of people soft-bricking their gtab because they were not aware of the 1.1 - 1.2 issue. Wonder if that has anything to do with the recent woot and tigerdirect sales...
buddah77 said:
Many many thanks! I NVflashed my gtab and I am back up and running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious. Did you use my nvflash instructions or the ones in this forum? I just want to get a feel of if my site is helpful to beginners at all. I've simplified the instructions as much as I could without giving up the technical stuff.
goodintentions said:
There's been a wave of people soft-bricking their gtab because they were not aware of the 1.1 - 1.2 issue. Wonder if that has anything to do with the recent woot and tigerdirect sales...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I, for one, want to again thank the power users here for their excellent user support. YOU have the hardest job of all and I appreciate anyone who helps do post-support for my own ROMs. It is very much appreciated.
goodintentions said:
There's been a wave of people soft-bricking their gtab because they were not aware of the 1.1 - 1.2 issue. Wonder if that has anything to do with the recent woot and tigerdirect sales...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*raises her hand slowly*
I got a gtab from woot. I soft-bricked it because it came with the 1.2 bootloader and I installed CWM on it (wanted to install CM7) Luckily the instructions on this forum got me back up and running with nvflash.
P.S. Wish I would've know about your website good intentions. The post I followed was very good, but I always like to see more than one set of instructions before doing something I'm not comfortable with. Acutally I wish I would've seen that stuff before I soft-bricked my gtab :-(
I will say this, once you know how to use NVFlash you can do a lot more experimenting...the worst case is you lose a configuration and have to re-load apps.
I think its sad to know so many GTabs are out in the wild running stock, with people going "These Android tabs are Crap!"....
@goodintentions:
I followed your instructions to the letter and that is what did it for me. It was very accurately detailed and left no room for interpretation. I work in IT Support so I have a fair amount of experience reading crappy instructions. Yours was very helpful and again, thank you for saving me so much time and frustration.
HeadRusch1 said:
I will say this, once you know how to use NVFlash you can do a lot more experimenting...the worst case is you lose a configuration and have to re-load apps.
I think its sad to know so many GTabs are out in the wild running stock, with people going "These Android tabs are Crap!"....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's one of the problems with Android vs *gasp* Ipads, the fragmentation and butchering by some vendors leave a bad taste in some peoples mouths, so to speak.
If not for the developers working on the Gtab, I would have probably taken mine back way before now. Some people aren't all that tech savvy and even me, having worked with PC and various gadgets hardware and software wise for many years, and I still scratch my head from time to time.
I've never had stock but keep testing ROMS. Even the more stable ones had bugs. I wish there was a really good stable Honeycomb out I'm considering the Asus tablet but want to wait for Kal-El. Partly because of the better screen/ram. Things that will never get fixed/upgraded with software.
I think part of the problem is that a lot of the times communication is hard between the tech savy and the not-so tech savy.
In the android world, we say "flash" instead of "install". Believe it or not, but this is a source of confusion for a lot of people out there. For kicks, I did a search and couldn't find a single explanation that says something like flash = install. Remember that we're dealing with people who came from the PC world.
The confusion gets progressively worse from there. What's clockworkmod? What's recovery? What's nvflash? Try searching for these terms and you will find explanations that only induce more questions.
I regularly have to instruct totally tech-illiterate people how to use their devices. This has given me an insight into how to communicate with people who are not tech savy.
I remember my first PDA (a DELL AXIM) and had a hard time wrapping my head around how the OS and firmware were integrated. I was used to the the whole hardware / OS separation on PC's and this was hard to ween myself off of. My DAP's were the same way as my PDA, and so when I started messing with Android it at least made some sense to me.
goodintentions said:
In the android world, we say "flash" instead of "install". Believe it or not, but this is a source of confusion for a lot of people out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This did confuse me at first, but something dawned on me as to why it may be like this. In the android world, we do install apps. So saying that we are installing a rom would possibly lead to more confusion. "where's the APK for me to install Brilliant Corners?" etc.
Seems we use Flash when speaking of operating systems, but install when speaking of applications.
But we don't ever hear people say "I flashed windows 7 last night."
goodintentions said:
But we don't ever hear people say "I flashed windows 7 last night."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updates to hardware devices (BIOS, video firmware, cdroms, etc) usually are refered to as flash... pretty much forever
goodintentions said:
But we don't ever hear people say "I flashed windows 7 last night."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fortunately (or unfortunately ependong on your outlook) we don't have 17 different interpretations of one Windows OS version. And most lay users really don't repetatively install different operating systems, either.
TJEvans said:
fortunately (or unfortunately ependong on your outlook) we don't have 17 different interpretations of one Windows OS version. And most lay users really don't repetatively install different operating systems, either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, back in my youthful days (before I turned 103) I tried out every operating system in existant at the time. This included all the windows versions and linux distros. I also tried (sometimes succesful) to flash mac os into pc platform. Fun times.
Related
OK so my G Tablet is on the way and I've been reading and came across a comment on another forum that the ROM's that exist are built on the original stock software and that the most recent update may be causing problems with CWM? I will be getting my G Tablet on Wednesday, should I not do the update if I am going to be flashing a custom ROM? Thanks in advance!
drum747,
I believe everyone should make their own decisions. But if you ask me -- I'd tell you to simply stick with a stock G-Tablet right now.
When you get yours and go to Settings/About you can see the version -- something
like 1.1.xxxx -- probably 3588. If not, just about as soon as you get wifi connected
it will offer you an OTA (on the air) update to 3588. That's the current working version, and compared to the crud we had back last November it really isn't bad software.
It will lack the Market and some other things...you may have to be patient there.
But you can still side-load apps and download apps directly from a number of places.
But we are waiting. Our devs have found that there is software for a possible
Update 3991. The hope is that OTA 3991 will come down in the next few weeks.
If so, at 3588 stock you will be in perfect shape for that update. And then once you
have worked with it a while, you will be able to decide whether to stick with it -- or look at other options.
It seems like everyone who come in here looks at the ROMs available like a "all-you-can-eat" buffet. The immediately start flashing ROMs and moving around software
until something goes wrong and they are stuck. Indigestion!
With a good 3588 tablet, you can read and interact here and find out the biggest and
the best, and you can learn what you need to that when you are ready you can
move up to whatever you want without problems.
Do what you want. Enjoy the G-Tablet. I think it pretty darn good!
Rev
I agree.........
Stick with the most current stock version 3588. The next update officially available from viewsonic should be very soon, but I don't think it will be 3991 as advertised
3558 was different than what it started as, or it would seem based on what I have gathered from reading old threads.
ale
You know, I have a Droid X and have really enjoyed rooting it and trying different ROM's and was really looking forward to the same type of experience on this tablet. What is the advantage of waiting until the next update? Can't I update, do a full backup and go back to that if I want? Once I install a different ROM, I am then stuck at whatever update and no further updates? Is that why you are saying to wait? Are you saying there will be even better ROM's down the road based on the new update that is coming? Or just that the new update coming might have all the things we would like?
The next update might have some cool stuff... might even be as good or better than the custom stuff here... maybe...
Question is... did you buy the tablet to use it for media consumption or tinkering?
Answer that and you'll know what to do. Just don't forget to make nvflash to factory stock your best friend ;-)
A little of both I guess. Part of the reason I chose this tablet over others is because of the support and customization (and price!) I will try to wait for the next update before I tweak it (if I can!) Heh!! Thanks for the responses guys!! I appreciate the input!
K J Rad said:
The next update might have some cool stuff... might even be as good or better than the custom stuff here... maybe...
Question is... did you buy the tablet to use it for media consumption or tinkering?
Answer that and you'll know what to do. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is without the best quote I could image. Tinkering without first using the tab and getting to realize it's not a giant phone is the first step I think everyone should understand.
And if you do tinker then you should expect it to have opportunities (problems ).
drum747,
Not addressing your abilities or anything about you.
But read all the crash and burn threads on this forum.
IMHO, to many people are trying to do to much too fast and are
messing up their tabs and have to be bailed out.
I'm just saying be cautious, move slowly and carefully and
don't get into trouble.
However, my advice still stands. If you move on to other
ROMS, etc. now, you will cut off access to offline updates.
Then you will have to go back to stock, etc. And
sometimes going back is as much as problem as going up!
It still would be easier to stay stock now and if an update
doesn't come down soon -- you will have read and learned
and be ready to make choices.
IMHO.
Rev
IMHO... if it ain't powering your pacemaker then learn how to nvflash and have fun.
Be part of the revolution or watch it happen... ;-)
Thanks guys! I get what you're saying!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
K J Rad said:
... learn how to nvflash and have fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
QFT.
nvflash is not hard to get working. With a properly set up nvflash procedure and all the info on these forums, the gTab is an unbrickable as it gets.
updates
I upgraded to the vegan 7, gingerbread, how do I go back to the original stock to get the latest updates from viewsonic when update arrives?
Second that
I absolutely agree to stick with the stock ROM and play for a while. The 3588 update is very stable and usable when you change to Classic Home. I have been using it till now, side loading apps and enjoying a lot without having to worry about custom ROMS and such.
The people who are saying stay stock for the updates are glossing over the fact that the Vs updates will just make the stock UI suck a little less.
Before I bought my G tab I had never had any experience with tablets or smart phones or even android for that matter. I have flashed 4 or 5 roms onto my tablet without incident, no boot loops, no dead tab, no anything that anyone would consider a bad experience. I'm using Vegan 5.1.1 for the record, for the third time.
Read a few of the reflash to stock with nvflash threads to prepare yourself in case something does go wrong, but there is no reason to stay stock on this tablet theres to much dev goodness and too much customizationability ( is that even a word?) not to try different things.
Roxxas049 said:
The people who are saying stay stock for the updates are glossing over the fact that the Vs updates will just make the stock UI suck a little less.
Before I bought my G tab I had never had any experience with tablets or smart phones or even android for that matter. I have flashed 4 or 5 roms onto my tablet without incident, no boot loops, no dead tab, no anything that anyone would consider a bad experience. I'm using Vegan 5.1.1 for the record, for the third time.
Read a few of the reflash to stock with nvflash threads to prepare yourself in case something does go wrong, but there is no reason to stay stock on this tablet theres to much dev goodness and too much customizationability ( is that even a word?) not to try different things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think it all boils down to what the individual wants and is willing to risk..this forum makes it easy and there are plenty of options to try just always prepare for the unexpected and dealing with the experimentals expect anything to happen!!
Who am I kidding?! There is no way I will be able to wait for the next update. I already have a ton of files set up to load on my G tablet. I will be Modding within hours of my full charge! Guess its just my nature! Thanks guys!
Butch, thanks I will be reading everything to make sure I do it right Thanks for the advice everyone!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Closing Word...
Everyone that has contributed to this thread--
I have tried to voice the side of conservatism and restraint and
good judgement in this thread. My intention was not to hurt any
feeliings or pick on anyone or rain on anyone's parade.
But if you read what's going on in these forums, there are a lot
of folks having problems. A lot of them are in over their heads and
some have been careless and others made honest mistakes.
I know for my part, I have been working hard to try to help folks
find the tools and make the decisions to get back on track. I'm sure
I have made mistakes and my opinions are mine!
But I speak for myself in saying that even though I am semi-retired
and have more time than most -- I can't keep up this pace. And I've
heard others of the helpers say the same thing.
I also call your attention to the "TwoTapsX" thread and the fact that
the moderators are aware of the problems people are having. Roebeet
has put together a splendid ROM that many think will be the next
generation of G-Tablet software. But because of the complexity of the
mods folks already have had in the tablets, and because of the human
factors listed above -- a lot of folks have messed up their tablets.
In My Humble Opinion: Somebody has got to say that in spite of all the
"opportunities" for mods in these forums -- folks have got to start
exercising more restraint, more good judgement, more common sense in
what they do.
The devs and the folks who are helpers here can't be expected to carry the
load of keeping everyone up and running with the current problem rates. I
sometimes don't agree with the moderators, but this time I see their point.
We users have a good thing here, but if it keeps being abused......
********
Having said that, I am done here. I wish you well.
Rev
/EOT
Just an update. Within an hour of booting up I had installed CWM and Vegan. It was an easy process and now I love my g tablet!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Welcome! Enjoy the koolaid... ;-)
Nice responce
Just wondering if the OTA servers are back and if a new update is available?
They have been down several days. You can be patient and wait, or you can go over
to one of the threads in Developers and download the file version -- say 3588.
Usually you have to win-rar the download to get the update.zip and recovery folder.
Hook up your PC to you G-Tablet and copy both files to the /sdcard directory.
The shut down and boot into recovery using power/volume + and that you cause the update to load.
Hope this helps.
Rev
I was just hoping (maybe plz)
That a new release would bring us some honey happiness!
I am content with VegaN for now..
Sorry, but I don't frankly think we see honey-anything for a long while
unless its an out and out hack.
Google is being stupid and it seems to me the tablet companies are not
moving that fast either.
IN THE END, I think whether you are really happy with something -- as in
tablet -- depends on how you use what you've got to work with.
Rev
butchconner said:
Sorry, but I don't frankly think we see honey-anything for a long while
unless its an out and out hack.
Google is being stupid and it seems to me the tablet companies are not
moving that fast either.
IN THE END, I think whether you are really happy with something -- as in
tablet -- depends on how you use what you've got to work with.
Rev
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not google that is holding up things. Its the tablet manufacturers. We could have honeycomb if viewsonic released source code for the drivers we need. What viewsonic should be doing is using the developers here to improve there products!
But couldn't you....
tnerb123 said:
Its not google that is holding up things. Its the tablet manufacturers. We could have honeycomb if viewsonic released source code for the drivers we need. What viewsonic should be doing is using the developers here to improve there products!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not an expert or anything, but if the Xoom and the G-tab are as close in hardware as I've read, couldn't someone extract the drivers from a Xoom and use them in a G-tab? I hope I'm asking this correctly. I'm not sure how the dirvers are implimented in Android since I come from a PC background.
IndyLateNite said:
I'm not an expert or anything, but if the Xoom and the G-tab are as close in hardware as I've read, couldn't someone extract the drivers from a Xoom and use them in a G-tab? I hope I'm asking this correctly. I'm not sure how the dirvers are implimented in Android since I come from a PC background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They aren't the same, that's the problem. Completely different system boards - the only thing the "same" that we know of is the CPU, and I believe the Wifi. The only issue is that the frame buffer seems to have moved to either the kernel or the bootloader, so even though we can boot up Honeycomb on the GTAB, no one's been able to activate the LCD (yet).
What we really need, from my "hacker" perspective, is another Harmony device like the Adam or VEGA to get Honeycomb. That's something we can use on the GTAB, since the boards are similar. Or, at the very least, for Nvidia to release a Honeycomb dev kit for the Harmony board. But so far none of these things have happened yet.
Imo, don't go on Honeycomb as your reason to own / keep a GTAB. I'd be more concerned about optimizing Froyo at this point. Google (and Nvidia) have really locked down Honeycomb so far, so who knows when a Harmony-based version will show up.
roebeet said:
They aren't the same, that's the problem. Completely different system boards - the only thing the "same" that we know of is the CPU, and I believe the Wifi. The only issue is that the frame buffer seems to have moved to either the kernel or the bootloader, so even though we can boot up Honeycomb on the GTAB, no one's been able to activate the LCD (yet).
What we really need, from my "hacker" perspective, is another Harmony device like the Adam or VEGA to get Honeycomb. That's something we can use on the GTAB, since the boards are similar. Or, at the very least, for Nvidia to release a Honeycomb dev kit for the Harmony board. But so far none of these things have happened yet.
Imo, don't go on Honeycomb as your reason to own / keep a GTAB. I'd be more concerned about optimizing Froyo at this point. Google (and Nvidia) have really locked down Honeycomb so far, so who knows when a Harmony-based version will show up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the explaination. I'm very new to the Android world so I'm still struggling to get a "windows" reference to everything. I've tried a few of the gingerbread roms and really don't see much diference than the stock one. Apps appear to work the same and other than a speed increase, it was the same "experience" if you know what I mean. I just wish there were apps that took full use of the tablet experience.
IndyLateNite said:
Thanks for the explaination. I'm very new to the Android world so I'm still struggling to get a "windows" reference to everything. I've tried a few of the gingerbread roms and really don't see much diference than the stock one. Apps appear to work the same and other than a speed increase, it was the same "experience" if you know what I mean. I just wish there were apps that took full use of the tablet experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same learning curve - Android is more like Windows CE than Windows, imo. As for Gingerbread, it's not a major update but it is a bit more polished and there are speed improvements - think of it as a "service pack", almost.
Team,
has anyone tried this and had it work?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-962023.html
It talks about Ubu 10.1 with lxfe running on a phone, but several outside sourses have said that would make it usable by any android device
that sounds shaky, but when i followed the instructions, i didnt et ANY errors.
of course it wouldnt boot, at least waiting 10 minutes and i still saw the boot messages, so i figured that there IS hope, i just know i dont knoe enough to poke around myself.
anyone with suggestions, im all ears
help please
thanks
mindwave,
There have been people here working with ubuntu up through the latest Narwhal.
A couple of quick searches should turn up the threads.
Rev
Check this out:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=981688
then follow this:
http://www.androidfanatic.com/community-forums.html? func=view&catid=9&id=16
I have this setup and running great on my gtab running vegan ginger.
butch,
i know there have been folks here working on them, but this one has 2 attractive features.
1) it runs soley from the SD card. I know some folks flash daily, but personally i really only want to re flash my tablet for a good reason.
2) its SIMPLE, Im in the midst of perforiming a MAJOR systems upgrade at my office PLUS raising a 5yo AND publishing 5 books, so for me, simple is awesome.
but i agree i think there are some folks here that have done some AMAZING work and I appreciate them all. matter of act I sa VS was selling GTABS for $279 yesterday on Amazon, and If i hadnt JUST biought the wife a NC I would have certainly ordered another one JUST to play with
farmer bobathan said:
Check this out:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=981688
then follow this:
http://www.androidfanatic.com/community-forums.html? func=view&catid=9&id=16
I have this setup and running great on my gtab running vegan ginger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is that second link supposed to go to? It looks empty to me.
I use ubuntu as my daily driver, and think it'd be awesome to try on my gTab. I followed one of the guides that used the VNC method. It was neat, but also annoying and wasteful because it was running inside Android. So, I'm really interested in getting this other method working.
I have a Nook Tablet 8gig that I rooted about 10 months ago with no problems. I have had no complaints so I have not mucked around with it, but now I am wondering about updating a bit. The issue is that I want to be able to use an external keryboard dock with my NT, and I read that it was only possible with CM7 (not sure if that means CM7 and above). I rooted the NT using the great instructions and files recommended in the developers thread, but to be honest I have no idea what my nook is rooted with- it works well so I have not messed with it.
I am essentially looking for instructions on how to re-root my NT after I re-set it to factory, or how to alter my current root to run CM7. My screen is half wonked, and I may take it back since I got the extended warrenty, especially if I have to re-root it for this anyway.
Also...what is CM7? Is that an Android version?
As a side note: Can anyone confirm that you can use an external keyboard with CM7 or above?
What do you want to do first?...do you want to return to stock so that you can return your nt...or do you want to flash cm7? (cm7 is a ROM by the way a version of Android os)
Sent from my Dark Unicorn Resurrected v.2.5 using xda premium
systems6 said:
What do you want to do first?...do you want to return to stock so that you can return your nt...or do you want to flash cm7? (cm7 is a ROM by the way a version of Android os)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ultimately what I want to do is run an external keyboard, and the information I have is that they will run on CM7. I will probably (assuming my warranty will cover this) be getting this one fixed to replaced soon, so I will need to re-root when I get it back, but for now I don't see the need to re-root if I don't have to.
What does it mean to "flash" cm7?
drworm73 said:
What does it mean to "flash" cm7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your nook is broken already, why bother doing anything to it? Just get it fixed then address the things you want to address. And while you are waiting for the replacement see the next line.
After reading above quote along with your original post you honestly need to read...A LOT. You need to learn at least the basic lingo before you even make an attempt to do anything. Failure to have even an iota of understanding will only lead to failure, complaints, and frustration. Spend a few hours going through the posts on here. There are several new user guides. Read them. Re-Read them. Read them again. Learn to understand what people are talking about when someone says something like "Flash x, y, or z".
As for the keyboard question, I am fairly certain that it doesn't work on ANY rom. They are working on getting the OTG portion of the kernel ironed out. While it is called a tablet it is a glorified E-Reader. The devs have done an awesome job making the Nooks into what they are today (for those of us that have modified them),
SlowCobra96 said:
After reading above quote along with your original post you honestly need to read...A LOT. You need to learn at least the basic lingo before you even make an attempt to do anything. Failure to have even an iota of understanding will only lead to failure, complaints, and frustration. Spend a few hours going through the posts on here. There are several new user guides. Read them. Re-Read them. Read them again. Learn to understand what people are talking about when someone says something like "Flash x, y, or z"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any good links to layman information sites or tutorials? I was able to Root it easily (it is pretty simple), but I will admit that some of the android specific terminology does go over my head.
As for the keyboard question, I am fairly certain that it doesn't work on ANY rom. They are working on getting the OTG portion of the kernel ironed out. While it is called a tablet it is a glorified E-Reader. The devs have done an awesome job making the Nooks into what they are today (for those of us that have modified them),
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read several places where cm7 has allowed keyboard use for users. They are not expensive, and I would really like to try.
As for getting it fixed...well I love my nook and use it every day, so I have been loathe to take it in. I suppose that is silly.
drworm73 said:
Any good links to layman information sites or tutorials? I was able to Root it easily (it is pretty simple), but I will admit that some of the android specific terminology does go over my head.
I have read several places where cm7 has allowed keyboard use for users. They are not expensive, and I would really like to try.
As for getting it fixed...well I love my nook and use it every day, so I have been loathe to take it in. I suppose that is silly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will love it more when it works completely and isn't "wonky". You will survive without it for a little bit. Trust me you won't die. Also because CM7 allows for a keyboard doesn't mean every device running CM7 will. Search the forums for more information. I know that some of the developers have been working on it for CM10 but I don't recall seeing any posts saying that they have it working definitively.
As for specific sites or tutorials. Just visit the various android boards and look for the Noob guides. Search google for more details on subjects you want to know about.
SlowCobra96 said:
You will love it more when it works completely and isn't "wonky". You will survive without it for a little bit. Trust me you won't die. Also because CM7 allows for a keyboard doesn't mean every device running CM7 will. Search the forums for more information. I know that some of the developers have been working on it for CM10 but I don't recall seeing any posts saying that they have it working definitively.
As for specific sites or tutorials. Just visit the various android boards and look for the Noob guides. Search google for more details on subjects you want to know about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank, I just took it back to Best Buy and they replaced it with an HD. I thought about an HD+, but I use my nook for reading more than anything (lots of comics, some novels), and the 9" is much less comfortable for that. Now I need to root this bad boy, and I don't have to monkey around with roms other than rooting because the HD already has support for an external keyboard.
This can be closed, as far as I am concerned. Thanks.
First, and foremost, hello. I am new here, and I'm glad to be a part of the forum. Secondly, I'd like to apologize if I am posting this in the wrong section.
The topic I'd like to ask you a few questions about today is ROM Flashing, and the steps I should be taking to stay safe. I originally started playing around with Android devices around a year ago, but I recently started to delve deeper. I am the proud owner of an AT&T ZTE Z998 Mustang, and I have rooted it successfully. While in the process of rooting, I saw all of the warnings of how I should do a NANDROID backup, so that was my first instinct. I tried installing Clockworkmod, but to my dismay, they did not have an official version for my phone. I did happen to get lucky and find a version someone ported on their own. I attempted for a whole night before falling prey to error after error, and decided to give up. I went on without any backups, fiddling with my device. Luckily, I did not mess anything up, except for "accidentally" deleting the AT&T startup animation. (Haha.) Tonight, though, I happened to get the urge again, so I made some more attempts. After receiving the same error, I decided to look that error up word for word, and found that I did not have enough room on my Micro SD. I managed to clear enough room, and jumped in joy when I saw that I could delete an app, then restore and have it be back again. It was quite a big accomplishment for me. I've decided that I want to try flashing a custom ROM. The ROM I have chosen is the MIUI ROM. It seems quite popular, and I enjoy the iOS-esq feel of it, as well as its seamless theme changing. The only problem is, there is not an official release for my device. In fact, I have yet to find any ROM with an official release for my device. That is why I am coming to you guys.
My Questions:
Can I use a ROM that has not been specifically made for my device?
Will I still be connected to the AT&T Network?
If so, can I expect errors?
Am I truly safe with this newly acquired backup?
Anything you think I should know?
I'd like to thank you for any help in advance.
BrendonButton said:
First, and foremost, hello. I am new here, and I'm glad to be a part of the forum. Secondly, I'd like to apologize if I am posting this in the wrong section.
The topic I'd like to ask you a few questions about today is ROM Flashing, and the steps I should be taking to stay safe. I originally started playing around with Android devices around a year ago, but I recently started to delve deeper. I am the proud owner of an AT&T ZTE Z998 Mustang, and I have rooted it successfully. While in the process of rooting, I saw all of the warnings of how I should do a NANDROID backup, so that was my first instinct. I tried installing Clockworkmod, but to my dismay, they did not have an official version for my phone. I did happen to get lucky and find a version someone ported on their own. I attempted for a whole night before falling prey to error after error, and decided to give up. I went on without any backups, fiddling with my device. Luckily, I did not mess anything up, except for "accidentally" deleting the AT&T startup animation. (Haha.) Tonight, though, I happened to get the urge again, so I made some more attempts. After receiving the same error, I decided to look that error up word for word, and found that I did not have enough room on my Micro SD. I managed to clear enough room, and jumped in joy when I saw that I could delete an app, then restore and have it be back again. It was quite a big accomplishment for me. I've decided that I want to try flashing a custom ROM. The ROM I have chosen is the MIUI ROM. It seems quite popular, and I enjoy the iOS-esq feel of it, as well as its seamless theme changing. The only problem is, there is not an official release for my device. In fact, I have yet to find any ROM with an official release for my device. That is why I am coming to you guys.
My Questions:
Can I use a ROM that has not been specifically made for my device?
Will I still be connected to the AT&T Network?
If so, can I expect errors?
Am I truly safe with this newly acquired backup?
Anything you think I should know?
I'd like to thank you for any help in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bump.
Hi there. Welcome to the forums!
Unfortunately, the bad thing about phones that aren't very popular in the grand scheme of things means less people have them = less people making stuff for it. Developers often end up picking phones that are going to have more support from the manufacturer and more people will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labors. This of course, is a general rule, and of course there are exceptions, but your phone doesn't seem to be one of them. Companies like ZTE aren't concerned about putting out the source code for phones like this means that it is hard, to almost impossible, to make a really custom rom work correctly due to driver issues among other things.
So to answer the questions:
1) Sometimes, but very dependent on the models, carriers, and which software updates. General rule of thumb is that if it isn't based off the same chipset, it won't have a chance of working. But there are lots of other things to consider to, like radio versions, bootloader status, partition layout, etc. Long story short, there's no easy answer and there are lots of caveats.
2) + 3) See above.
4) You SHOULD be safe if CWM told you that the nandroid was completed successfully, but just like any other software based things, things happen.
Best way to be safe is to be able to reflash the original firmware for the phone back to it, but not even sure if that's an option for you - which goes back to ZTE not giving a $^!* about these cheap little phones for small prepaid companies. They save money by not doing any extra work like providing firmware, updates, source code, etc.
The only forums I know that mess with these kinds of things are:
http://unleashedprepaids.com/forum-1491.html
Not for your phone specifically, but similar ones:
http://androidarea51.com/zte-phones/
So yea, slim pickings.
es0tericcha0s said:
Helpful Info.
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Click to collapse
First, thank you! I was waiting all day. I was a little disappointed with the answer, though. v.v Do you know if there are any ROMS that will work with ANY device? Like even bare minerals versions of AOSP ROMS that have yet to be touched?
Also, I am slowly saving for a 64GB Black Nexus 5, so I shouldn't be stuck but more than a month or more so.
BrendonButton said:
First, thank you! I was waiting all day. I was a little disappointed with the answer, though. v.v Do you know if there are any ROMS that will work with ANY device? Like even bare minerals versions of AOSP ROMS that have yet to be touched?
Also, I am slowly saving for a 64GB Black Nexus 5, so I shouldn't be stuck but more than a month or more so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, sorry. It's just not possible. Your best hope would be to use the debloated rom in the unleashed prepaids forum and use the Xposed Framework.
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8769.html
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8771.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/framework-xposed-rom-modding-modifying-t1574401
http://repo.xposed.info/module-overview
I have the Nexus 5 (don't think they come in 64 - only 16/32) but it's awesome and there are so many roms that it'll make your head spin. lol
es0tericcha0s said:
No, sorry. It's just not possible. Your best hope would be to use the debloated rom in the unleashed prepaids forum and use the Xposed Framework.
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8769.html
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8771.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/framework-xposed-rom-modding-modifying-t1574401
http://repo.xposed.info/module-overview
I have the Nexus 5 (don't think they come in 64 - only 16/32) but it's awesome and there are so many roms that it'll make your head spin. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, sorry, yeah, that's what I meant. xD
But, I can not wait for it!
Just some final thoughts and questions:
I do have Xposed installed already, but have yet to look around in it due to the hundreds of modules. Do you have any suggestions about which I should look at for cosmetic needs? I have tried to use Gravitybox, but it force closed upon entry every time I used it, so I deleted it.
I understand that the limitation is very high because of the fact that it is a closed sourced company, but many ZTE Devices are listed to have compatible ROMS, such as MIUI ROM. If I try to use a ROM specified for a different phone, do you know what could happen? I feel that it may not even open, or if it does, it'll have tons of errors and not work upon entry, or even work but have certain things like the camera that will not connect. I'm only worried about high margins of fatal breakage. If it is some silly error that I won't have to "worry" about, I'm okay with fooling around.
If I do try to install a new ROM, but want to go back, will it affect anything on my previous backup? I know backups copy EVERYTHING, but I'd just like to make sure I won't do serious damage.
Lastly, thank you for all the help. It means a ton.
BrendonButton said:
Oops, sorry, yeah, that's what I meant. xD
But, I can not wait for it!
Just some final thoughts and questions:
I do have Xposed installed already, but have yet to look around in it due to the hundreds of modules. Do you have any suggestions about which I should look at for cosmetic needs? I have tried to use Gravitybox, but it force closed upon entry every time I used it, so I deleted it.
I understand that the limitation is very high because of the fact that it is a closed sourced company, but many ZTE Devices are listed to have compatible ROMS, such as MIUI ROM. If I try to use a ROM specified for a different phone, do you know what could happen? I feel that it may not even open, or if it does, it'll have tons of errors and not work upon entry, or even work but have certain things like the camera that will not connect. I'm only worried about high margins of fatal breakage. If it is some silly error that I won't have to "worry" about, I'm okay with fooling around.
If I do try to install a new ROM, but want to go back, will it affect anything on my previous backup? I know backups copy EVERYTHING, but I'd just like to make sure I won't do serious damage.
Lastly, thank you for all the help. It means a ton.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gravity Box wouldn't work because it is for more AOSP based things. As far as theming goes, you can try HK Theme Manager or Ex Themer. For the idea of trying to install a rom for another ZTE phone, well, best case scenario is that it doesn't flash at all. Worst case is that it does flash, and you lose something like your IMEI, baseband, or one or more of your other partitions and all of those are potentially unrecoverable, no matter what kind of backups you have. This wouldn't be one of those, "Oh, shoot, that didn't work, I'll just factory reset or restore my backup and be good to go..." kind of situations.
es0tericcha0s said:
Gravity Box wouldn't work because it is for more AOSP based things. As far as theming goes, you can try HK Theme Manager or Ex Themer. For the idea of trying to install a rom for another ZTE phone, well, best case scenario is that it doesn't flash at all. Worst case is that it does flash, and you lose something like your IMEI, baseband, or one or more of your other partitions and all of those are potentially unrecoverable, no matter what kind of backups you have. This wouldn't be one of those, "Oh, shoot, that didn't work, I'll just factory reset or restore my backup and be good to go..." kind of situations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, wow! Thanks! I'm glad you pointed that out before I tried. So, I should be okay as long as I flash that ROM from the Unleashed Prepaid page? Now I am afraid, but curious.
Also, thank you for the theme modules names, I will kindly note them.
Should be fine. It's 95% stock and I'm sure they only had one version of android for the phone so should be pretty close to what you have now. Benefits would be the unsecured boot.img which is easier for root and other things to stick, init.d which allows you to run scripts (everything from being able to mount a partition of an SD card to use for extra space for apps to memory management stuff like V6 Supercharger), and a bit easier to theme and debloat.
es0tericcha0s said:
Should be fine. It's 95% stock and I'm sure they only had one version of android for the phone so should be pretty close to what you have now. Benefits would be the unsecured boot.img which is easier for root and other things to stick, init.d which allows you to run scripts (everything from being able to mount a partition of an SD card to use for extra space for apps to memory management stuff like V6 Supercharger), and a bit easier to theme and debloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
I'll look into it tonight. I will try and tell about what happens tomorrow-ish.
Cool. Good luck.