Could really use some advice - Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I've been reading and reading but am not fully comforatable making a decision on what to do here, really want to avoid bricking my baby I'm running a Bell Atrix with Version 4.2.11.MB860.Retail.en.FR. I really want Gingerbread and am tired of waiting for Bell to release it, even if they did, I would have to somehow return to a stock Bell Rom. What is my best option to upgrade right now avoiding any kind of bricking, memory or battery issues? Links would be great

I don't have any links for you, as I'm on my phone right now, but as a first step you need to flash the IHOP_bell.sbf to unlock your bootloader.
This is probably the riskiest part since you're flashing an sbf, but it's small and quick. If you have osx or linux, sbf_flash actually feels safer to use than the glitchy rsd lite from moto. After that install cwm using moto-fastboot. Once you have the clockwork mod recovery system it becomes very easy to switch roms from directly on your phone. Look for gobstopper by nfhimself. He was kind enough to put together some really good stuff for us.
Something to note: 2.3.4 and cm7 are both somewhat buggy at this stage. Buggy enough that I've gone back to 2.2.2 for now. I can put up with fc's but I can't have my main phone rebooting or freezing, or having irregular battery so often
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App

Not sure of all the differences between the Bell and ATT versions but there is a great n00b guide here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1154600
You still have to look around a bit to find all the things you need. Unlocking the boot loader and rooting really aren't all that difficult.
Like maledyris said, its really easy to switch ROMs once you get CWM (Clockwork Mod) installed.
I'm a n00b and had no issues following Swiftks instructions.
Be sure to pay attention and don't try something for ATT only.
Have fun!

Related

Have a few questions about...everthing

So i waited for Verizon to do and OTA update for my Droid Eris beause i didn't want to take the chance of rooting it. However i'm tired of the little lag i get with this phone and i want to overclock it, too bad i need to root it. So i have a few questions.
1. What roms will work my Droid Eris. (I know they're everywhere but some people say they don't work, bugged, etc. Which one is the most dependent)
2. Is there a video guide anywhere that can show me how to root. (Again i know there's guides but i prefer a visual guide if I'm gonna take the risk of bricking my phone)
3. If anyone has overclocked their Droid Eris what is a safe GHZ and what ap works the best with this?
4. I've been reading that i will most likely have to downgrade my Droid Eris to 1.5 stock from 2.1 OTA update. Is there a way to do such a thing. There is a guide but it says something like it doesn't work anymore, unless im reading it wrong.
5. Just a question i've been wondering since recently, When could i be expecting a Froyo Rom if at all.
Yes, i know these are noob questions but i just recently got a Droid Eris and i want to take full advantage of this device. Thank you for your time reading this and Thank you again if you respond nicely and don't call me a noob.
1. Any of the ROMs. Choosing one is a matter of personal preference. The two I've been using lately are EvilEris 3.0 and CyanogenELB 2.5 (ErisLightningBolt). EvilEris is a Sense rom and looks a lot like the standard HTC OS you're used to. CyanogenELB is based off the standard android sources. CyanogenELB takes a little extra work to get it really workable (adding the google apps and installing the MMS fix with for 2.5) but it's pretty darn good.
2.Video: youtube.com/watch?v=_brg2NbBmx8 Can't post links but you can copy and paste. Any guide for 1.5 will work with 2.1 OTA.
3. Overclocking is dependent on your phone. Numerous reports say staying at or below 768MHz is safe for all phones. Just about everyone uses SetCPU which you can find in the Market for pay or on this forum for free.
4. You do NOT have to downgrade to root. Use the same 1.5 procedure to root a 2.1 OTA phone.
5. Read the KaosFroyo thread. It's a work in progress and loads, but doesn't function as a phone. He's busy with work, so kaos will work on it when time allows.
Thank you so much, Just helped me out alot. I really hope this goes well and i don't have that lag anymore(Extremely annoying). Thank you, seriously
So i have EvilEris on my phone now, works great and everything however i want to try the CyanogenELB 2.5 rom but I'm not sure what i have to download from the site...pretty noobish i guess. The thing im trying to say is a the download site he gives theres about 7 files and im not exactly sure what to download. I don't wanna flash the wrong thing and brick my phone. If you could point me in the right direction it would be appreciated.
dl CyanogenELB2.5.zip, CyanogenELB-GoogleApps-v2.zip, CyanogenELB-MMS-fix.zip, 5MPcamera.zip, and ClearVM.zip.
flash CyanogenELB2.5.zip and then flash CyanogenELB-GoogleApps-v2.zip (do NOT reboot in between those 2 flashes).
then, reboot phone... after you setup (google account, etc), shutdown and then flash the CyanogenELB-MMS-fix.zip, the 5MPcamera.zip, and ClearVM.zip (no need to reboot in between those either). then restart again.
should be good to go from there
tenzomonk said:
dl CyanogenELB2.5.zip, CyanogenELB-GoogleApps-v2.zip, CyanogenELB-MMS-fix.zip, 5MPcamera.zip, and ClearVM.zip.
flash CyanogenELB2.5.zip and then flash CyanogenELB-GoogleApps-v2.zip (do NOT reboot in between those 2 flashes).
then, reboot phone... after you setup (google account, etc), shutdown and then flash the CyanogenELB-MMS-fix.zip, the 5MPcamera.zip, and ClearVM.zip (no need to reboot in between those either). then restart again.
should be good to go from there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MMS doesn't work with the installed SMS app; the dev's notes say "must use Handcent".
Also, I can't get the IME_mod keyboard to do anything but FC ... do you have the same result?
Thanks Tenzo it works and everything but i think im gonna go back to EvilEris since i get a lag every now and then for some reason and sometimes it just reboots on itself. Thanks for the help though

Honestly...rooting and flashing seems like

...a pain in the ass for the Fascinate. The gf has one of these phones, and after seeing what I've done with my G2, she wants me to root and flash a nice rom.
Problem 1 (not so small): we both use macs at home.
Problem 2 (huge): after reading through the development forum - it doesn't look that easy to root, nor flash a decent rom on the Fascinate!
not only do some roms require you to have a specific kernel flashed to use them. Some roms require that you don't use the latest CWM. Also, none of roms seem to be using Gingerbread AOSP completely. They seem to be pieced together with Froyo.
Believe you me, I am not a dev in the slightest. Therefore, I am looking for a safe way to root and flash a decent rom to her phone. If there isn't, then I'll just let her run stock.
Is this easier than I'm seeing it?
enserio said:
...a pain in the ass for the Fascinate. The gf has one of these phones, and after seeing what I've done with my G2, she wants me to root and flash a nice rom.
Problem 1 (not so small): we both use macs at home.
Problem 2 (huge): after reading through the development forum - it doesn't look that easy to root, nor flash a decent rom on the Fascinate!
not only do some roms require you to have a specific kernel flashed to use them. Some roms require that you don't use the latest CWM. Also, none of roms seem to be using Gingerbread AOSP completely. They seem to be pieced together with Froyo.
Believe you me, I am not a dev in the slightest. Therefore, I am looking for a safe way to root and flash a decent rom to her phone. If there isn't, then I'll just let her run stock.
Is this easier than I'm seeing it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, it is not that difficult. Just takes some getting used to. Obviously you have done a bit of reading, I know it seems daunting, but I promise, once you have it down it is nothing. The kernels...Most ROMS are kernel switchable, within reason. MOST of our ROMS require the RED CWM, which honestly is not a big deal, the orange is just too glitchy. And as far as the ROM's being pieced together with Froyo...Well, I am no dev either, but yes, I believe most of the ROMS are a Frankenstein of sorts, but we don't even have a Froyo source to work with yet. So the dev's, in my opinion, have done an AMAZING job. In terms of flashing on a Mac, I am not sure if Odin works on a Mac, Heimdall does though I believe. Rooting is extremely simple, it is only the flashing the right CWM, modem, etc. that may confuse you. Honestly, if you just keep reading the right things, you'll see it is pretty simple. I recommend Adrynalyne's Super Clean 2.9, and Big Loof's Steel Blue theme, with the EB16 kernel (Also Adrynalyne's).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=948722
This thread has a good walkthrough, I'd follow it through Post #5... using Superclean. It's an incredibly performing full Froyo rom. Remember that Froyo is not officially out on this phone, she's running Eclair right now. Gingerbread is a ways off (though punk kaos is making great progress).
Before EB01, rooting for me was just clicking a single button.
I never had to root again since flashing EB01. For flashing itself, its just download, reboot to recovery, and flash. Not sure how its a pain in the as as it doesnt even take a minute or so.
I did end up installing 3.XX CWM from ROM manager, but I only reboot into orange CWM if i reboot using ROM manager. If I dont, I end up rebooting to red CWM.
Thanks for the responses. Put a few things in perspective. I totally forgot that she is still running Eclair and Froyo isn't officially out for these phones. My mistake, and now that makes complete sense to me why most of the roms are froyo based or patched. Another thing that made me hesitant is that Odin doesn't run on mac, and I would have anything to save the phone (unless I use one of the pcs at work) if something goes awry. I will read up on Heimdall and see if I can use that.
My apologies if I sounded bothered or uptight about the situation, thanks for the well-mannered responses to my mini-rant. Of to read up a bit more, starting with the link postd and Heimdall.
Found a quick guide for rooting the Fascinate with a Mac. Now my issue is...switching to EB01 without Odin because SuperClean needs it, correct?

[Q] re-unlock bootloader after Motorola service?

Any help/advice would be appreciated, thank-you!
Mine was purchased Mar/11, I had unlocked bootloader, and running Darkside ROM, all was good.
Then haptic feedback/vibration started cutting in/out.
Tried going back to CM7, Aura... no resolution. Read on xda re: some people having hardware issues with vibe mechanism, so loaded up NFHimself's Gobstopper (thanks!) to make phone appear as stock as possible, and took in to Bell for service. Came back from Motorola repair shop, vibes fixed, running GB 2.3.6. Battery life absolutely sucks, which is what started me down this whole road of custom ROMs in first place!! As I said, Darkside was awesome, almost double battery life for same usage.
So... I want to re-unlock and get going again, really unsure where to start. Some have said follow exact same steps and unlocking first time, others say no need to repeat fastboot oem unlock, and others say just jump in at flashing a custom (Romracers) recovery??
I am leery of using RSDlite and IHOP again, heard bad things about messing with .sbf files after phones software has been updated??
I read another thread on here about antifuses, and such, not sure if that's the case, but for sure the unlocked message no longer appears during boot.
The intro on NFHimslelf's Froyo Gobstopper thread alludes to the fact that you need to RE-unlock after flashing it, and now for sure after Motorola techs updated phone, so... kindly, where should I start &/or what steps should I skip to get back to where I was without bricking??
Thanks very much!
Just flash the IHOP unlock SBF. Even if it reports as failing the install just pull the battery then reboot. Should see unlocked on the boot screen. Then boot to fastboot, flash recovery, reboot to recovery and flash your ROM or backup.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium
d3athsd00r
Thanks very much for your reply! I will try tonight after work and report back!
I'm back in business! Thanks again

Help, bought an atrix for my mom

I recently purchased a rooted, and I believe an unlocked (says unlocked on startup screen) atrix for my mom.
Here's what I can tell you about it:
Android version 2.3.7
Baseband N_01.77.36P
Mod Version RedPill Hybrid V1
Build number GWk74
Now I have a few issues. The font on here is WAY too small for my mom, I'm looking for some sort of stock rom or a way to return to stock. I'm not an atrix owner, I own an unrooted SGS2. I've rooted phones before but I know nothing about this one.
Can anyone help me please with these two things? Sorry if I seem noobish, but I'd like her to have the best experience she can. And I really don't know much about these phones.
Thanks!
Oh and also, there's no google apps on the phone so I can't download another launcher :/
This is a good place to start. Should have everything you need just make sure you read all of it. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1154600
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
I ran across that earlier. I'm under the impression that using fruit cakes is where I want to head with this, but I'm not really sure where to get started. I didn't root this phone so I have absolutely no idea what version it was on before. I'm assuming it has an unlocked bootloader because it says unlocked when it's booting up.
I really don't want to brick a phone that my mom just paid for. Not to mention we got a multimedia dock with it which is unuseable with this rom
sawah said:
I ran across that earlier. I'm under the impression that using fruit cakes is where I want to head with this, but I'm not really sure where to get started. I didn't root this phone so I have absolutely no idea what version it was on before. I'm assuming it has an unlocked bootloader because it says unlocked when it's booting up.
I really don't want to brick a phone that my mom just paid for. Not to mention we got a multimedia dock with it which is unuseable with this rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes fruitcakes is what you'll need to return to stock rom and can be found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1163009 2.36 is the latest gingerbread version released
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
I appreciate your help so far, I apologize I've never really used an atrix. I apologze if I ask any completely dumb questions.
So using the 2.3.6 system and boot, I'm assuming. Will these return me to stock motoblur or just stock gingerbread?
After this, will I be able to get updates if there are any?
Also, I don't really see total directions on how to flash these. I assume I can use cwm from rom manager, or do I need some other recovery?
Edit: none of the links work for those files.
whatever you do, once you use fruitcake to get to stock 2.3.4 or 2.3.6 you should probably freeze Updater using titanium backup to prevent your mom from clicking 'ok' and install any future official OTA updates.
sawah said:
I appreciate your help so far, I apologize I've never really used an atrix. I apologze if I ask any completely dumb questions.
So using the 2.3.6 system and boot, I'm assuming. Will these return me to stock motoblur or just stock gingerbread?
After this, will I be able to get updates if there are any?
Also, I don't really see total directions on how to flash these. I assume I can use cwm from rom manager, or do I need some other recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the 2.36 system and boot will install stock Atrix gingerbread with motoblur on your device. Unfortunately you won't be able to update as they will likely brick your phone. Fruitcakes are the safest way to upgrade
Rom Manager's recovery is what I use just make sure you have the latest version and backup your current rom
Forgot the links were down on the fruitcakes thread let me see if I have the files somewhere
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
You guys have no idea what lifesavers you are. I can't get to the market because the phone has no google apps, how do I know if I have the latest rom manager? I'm assuming it will just automatically install the latest version of cwm?
I eagerly await your fruitcake files. Thankyou!
Honestly.. I wouldn't fruitcake.
The easiest thing for you to do would be to just install a custom GB ROM. She won't have all the sluggish bloatware, and it'll be almost identical to stock. Easier, too..
Just my opinion.
I'd really rather have her on stock.
However, can you recommend a rom in case I can't find these fruitcake files? I need something stable that's going to work with the hd multimedia dock.
sawah said:
I'd really rather have her on stock.
However, can you recommend a rom in case I can't find these fruitcake files? I need something stable that's going to work with the hd multimedia dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I don't use the GB ROMs anymore (they use entirely too many resources for my liking lol), but I've had good experiences with Aura, Alien, and Ninja.
GingerMod looks pretty solid as well - I tested it for a few minutes but had to go back to a CM based MOD due to preference.
I know the ones I've listed above all have functionality with the HDMI cable, so I assume they work with the multimedia dock, as well. I don't own one, so I've never been able to test/been interested in that functionality.
If I were in your situation, I'd download a bunch of different GB ROMs, test them all, see if any suit all of her needs - if none do, then go for stock
nthon9 said:
Personally, I don't use the GB ROMs anymore (they use entirely too many resources for my liking lol), but I've had good experiences with Aura, Alien, and Ninja.
GingerMod looks pretty solid as well - I tested it for a few minutes but had to go back to a CM based MOD due to preference.
I know the ones I've listed above all have functionality with the HDMI cable, so I assume they work with the multimedia dock, as well. I don't own one, so I've never been able to test/been interested in that functionality.
If I were in your situation, I'd download a bunch of different GB ROMs, test them all, see if any suit all of her needs - if none do, then go for stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm open to downloading a few, but is there any other way to go back to stock besides fruitcake that isn't going to blow up the phone? I don't want to brick it my mom would kill me.
Saw this the other day, might be worth a look in to: [Batch/Script] MFBSR - Moto-Fastboot: Stock Restore
This looks like good information, I think I can work with this. For fear of sounding stupid, I'm sorry Ive never done this stuff with an atrix.
Can you please give me a quick step by step for this:
1. Download MFBSR.
2. Boot into fastboot.
3. Run the script.
4. Your done!
I downloaded the script, I just have no idea how to boot into fastboot and run it. I don't have any of the stuff on my computer for this phone since I wasn't the one that rooted it. I'm going to read through the whole thread, but any help you could give would be great.
EDIT: Ooh because my rom is 2.3.7 some say I shouldn't flash this and I need a fruitcake instead, which I can't find a dang download for.
ATT 4.5.140 - 2.3.6
2.3.6 System and Boot
That's the fruitcake I need if anyone knows of a working download link.
fastboot (from briefmobile's instructions)
Put your device into Fastboot mode:
– Turn off your device.
– Hold down the power button and downward volume button until you see “Fastboot” on your screen
– Push the upward volume button
sawah said:
This looks like good information, I think I can work with this. For fear of sounding stupid, I'm sorry Ive never done this stuff with an atrix.
Can you please give me a quick step by step for this:
1. Download MFBSR.
2. Boot into fastboot.
3. Run the script.
4. Your done!
I downloaded the script, I just have no idea how to boot into fastboot and run it. I don't have any of the stuff on my computer for this phone since I wasn't the one that rooted it. I'm going to read through the whole thread, but any help you could give would be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you turn the phone off, and hold the VOL down key while it's powering back on (the boot screen (moto logo with unlocked in top left corner)), you should see "fastboot" pop up underneath the "unlocked" - hit VOL up key to select fastboot - have phone connected with USB.
If you pull up a cmd prompt and nav. to the dir. where the fastboot files are (I'm assuming they came with the script), type "fastboot devices" and see if it pulls anything. You should see an id for the atrix if it's connected.
---------- Post added at 06:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:03 PM ----------
Beaten to it
Is it safe to do this when I'm on redpill 2.3.7? Seems like downgrading might be a bad idea?
I'm not sure about going from RedPill straight to stock 2.3.4, but I know that many ROMs use different versions of android, and there are no repercussions for jumping from, say, 2.3.7 to 2.3.4. If you're worried, you could jump down to a custom ROM that uses that same version of android, and then run the script.
Alright, that seems like an alright idea. Going to go for it and I will get back to you guys. Thankyou again for the help. Messing with a phone that doesn't belong to me is rather scary.

Loving this Dev support but a little overwhelmed and in need of help.

I came from motorola phones so I'm used to locked bootloaders and the methods of hacking them. I've had the Rezound for almost 3 months now, and I'm currently running cleanROM 2.3. A few days ago I see we had a new ics leak, and from what I'm guessing, the rom bases have been updated for it. I'd like to flash the rooted leak, and install an ics rom, but I have a few questions. If I'm on ics already, what steps should I take? Do i have to go back to gb, and relock, or can I flash it through the current rom I'm on? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Insidious said:
I came from motorola phones so I'm used to locked bootloaders and the methods of hacking them. I've had the Rezound for almost 3 months now, and I'm currently running cleanROM 2.3. A few days ago I see we had a new ics leak, and from what I'm guessing, the rom bases have been updated for it. I'd like to flash the rooted leak, and install an ics rom, but I have a few questions. If I'm on ics already, what steps should I take? Do i have to go back to gb, and relock, or can I flash it through the current rom I'm on? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you don't have to go back to gb, but you do have to relock. as for the full instructions, they're somewhere on in the forum. searching helps. as for me, i'm got gonna update mine yet, so that's as far as i can help
Insidious said:
I came from motorola phones so I'm used to locked bootloaders and the methods of hacking them. I've had the Rezound for almost 3 months now, and I'm currently running cleanROM 2.3. A few days ago I see we had a new ics leak, and from what I'm guessing, the rom bases have been updated for it. I'd like to flash the rooted leak, and install an ics rom, but I have a few questions. If I'm on ics already, what steps should I take? Do i have to go back to gb, and relock, or can I flash it through the current rom I'm on? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong section bud, we have a Q & A
check out the 1st/2nd post on Wildstang's Twizted rom page. Very friendly instructions.
@mods - 'shut erdown
Ian
Here is the link from CleanRom to prepare you for new base ROMs:
http://www.scottsroms.com/showthread.php/856-HOW-TO-Prepare-for-CleanROM-4-0-Update?p=6527
It will take a while to flash and make sure you do reboot to boot loader the 2nd time so it flashes clean, but I would suggest backing up your SD card and internal storage. Good luck. I love the new leak, in the form of Clear ROM.
I'm having a bit of trouble updating my Rezound. I got the file named correctly and HBOOT detects it, however it loads/checks the RUU (blue/gold bars on the right) and then just goes back to the normal HBOOT menu without any error message or anything changing. I have relocked my Rezound.. Unsure of what else I can do. Any ideas?
You need to enter bootloader a second time for it to complete the full install.
It still isn't doing what it should be. It goes through loading/checking and then back into the normal bootloader menu. I then tried going into fastboot and back into bootloader, and the same process happened again. I also tried rebooting bootloader after it did the load/check process, but i'm not making any progress. By that, I mean it does the same exact thing.
After going through it the second time, what was the screen showing for your radio and hboot versions? Can't remember what the updated #'s off the top of my head but the radio should not be the .95### version.
Figured out the issue. I used an md5 checker and it came out wrong. guess I should try redownloading.. Must have gotten cutoff or something?
Sorry I got back so late, but thanks for the help everyone! Sorry about my post placement, I'm used to Droid forums and their Rezound section doesn't have a Q&A. Searching does help, but like I said, all of this dev support is a bit; overwhelming coming from a phone with little dev support, so people who can break it down for me are awesome.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Some advise
I will chime in and say that it is definitely worth it. As said before in the CleanROM thread Scott has a very detailed step by step guide. Just a few pointers before you jump in.
1) make sure you have a card reader for your computer that you can connect your removable micro-SD card to. Trust me, if you screw up somewhere in the process, having a reliable way to access the SD card is a life saver.
2) before flashing always wipe/factory reset 3 times, some think it is overkill, but if you end up with some odd glitch or bug when you just wiped once, you will most likely have to wipe and flash again to get rid of the bug...so of course you are actually saving time and hassle by just doing it 3 times in the first place.
3) make sure your battery is full or almost full before you start the process, you will avoid many problems by not having your phone battery die in the middle of a flash or update.
4) read, read and read again all the information and the instructions on what you are going to be doing, then make sure you understand and are comfortable Before you actually start. Reading through the forums and knowing beforehand what others have experienced, and the fixes, will make your life 100% better while you play with your phone.
All that said, the new RUU is awesome, better radio reception, better battery life for most (once you drain and recharge a few times), and ICS is very cool on the Rezound. Happy flashing people and hope you like ICS as much as I do.

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