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So I've had my Atrix for a few months now, and it's mostly awesome. I'm coming from having owned an iPhone before, and it's just fantastic. I've stayed away from modding it too much however, since I knew the bootloader was locked and not a lot could really be done. But, according to several posts I see here, the bootloader seems to have been unlocked recently. Yay?
So, I ask that you forgive my ignorance. What does this mean? Does a given ROM need to be modified to work with every model of phone? If so, which ones presently work with the Atrix? Any? (It looks like the unlock was found very recently.) How does that process work exactly? Is there any way to ensure a recovery path if something were to go wrong, so that I don't brick my phone?
I'm just curious here. Presently, my phone is on the stock firmware without any upgrades at all, and I've simply rooted it and installed the webtop mod so I could play games on my TV. Other than that, it's been lots of Android Market for me. I'd like to branch out, and I don't even know where to begin.
There aren't any custom rom's for this yet, there's work being done, so it's just a matter of time. However, there is a developer build from Asia that can be flashed. There are a few issues with it, so if you are averse to troubleshooting or dealing with issues then just wait a few days.
One of the good things you can do right now though is to Unlock it, and then install the Clockwork Mod recovery port in the developer's section. You can use that to make full system backup that you can flash.
Can I flash the UK Firmware on a unlocked ATT Atrix now?
Pretty sure you can at least fastboot flash the CG from the SBF (need system and boot) not sure about flashing the whole SBF. You can try though.
schlupp88 said:
Can I flash the UK Firmware on a unlocked ATT Atrix now?
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_Dennis_ said:
Pretty sure you can at least fastboot flash the CG from the SBF (need system and boot) not sure about flashing the whole SBF. You can try though.
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Click to collapse
_Dennis_ is right. You should sbf_flash -x to extract the UK firmware and use fastboot to flash just boot.img (CG56 in Froyo) and system.img (CG57 in Froyo). If you want to flash the radio, use a custom .sbf (for AT&T) with only the radio. We don't yet know whether you can replace your bootloader with a UK bootloader. We still flashed a signed bootloader to our phone. In the worst case, if you flash a UK signed bootloader and your boot ROM is looking to find an AT&T signature in your bootloader: BAD! It is fairly unclear that the unlock ALSO tells boot ROM not to care about signatures, it may very well still care. And the order of RSD: erase,write,verify is a little dangerous...
I as well, don't know much about this... but as far as I know, this will mean that developers will be able to create real operating systems for the phone and not have to wait for att/moto to do that...
in the past it was an OS from att/moto, and all the "roms" in xda were actually the same OS but with some skins and mods added to them...
Yes, if you look at the development forums for just about any other android phone, you will see full customized ROMs that can be installed. That's where we are headed.
_Dennis_ said:
Pretty sure you can at least fastboot flash the CG from the SBF (need system and boot) not sure about flashing the whole SBF. You can try though.
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Click to collapse
I did a test with this.
I flashed 1.8.3 SBF over my unlocked bootloader to see if I could use moto-fastboot to flash over a 'stock' bootloader. It works to flash system (since it is still technically unlocked) but fails to flash boot.
So DO NOT TRY TO SBF FLASH A INTERNATIONAL VERSION unless you want to be stuck on the version with no way to get your phone back off.
I also would not flash the boot.img of a international version for the same reason.
beatphreek said:
One of the good things you can do right now though is to Unlock it, and then install the Clockwork Mod recovery port in the developer's section. You can use that to make full system backup that you can flash.
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Click to collapse
I just finished unlocking and installed the new CWM recovery, just waiting for some roms! About the full system backup with CWM, does is deposit a folder to the SD card I can remove for safe keeping like TIBu? I never used CWM to backup or restore.
climo said:
I just finished unlocking and installed the new CWM recovery, just waiting for some roms! About the full system backup with CWM, does is deposit a folder to the SD card I can remove for safe keeping like TIBu? I never used CWM to backup or restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that the backup will be found in a Clockwork folder on your sd card. I also think that when you do the backup you will get to choose the destination. Either sd or external sd.
I haven't used the bl unlock or the new ClockworkMod (Just waiting on a nice rom). But that is how it went for me on the previous CWM that didn't require the unlocked bootloader.
Maybe someone who has this newer stuff can shed a little more light on it.
beatphreek said:
One of the good things you can do right now though is to Unlock it, and then install the Clockwork Mod recovery port in the developer's section. You can use that to make full system backup that you can flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this essentially create an image of your device? Or does it just back up the firmware?
When CWM backs up ur files it creates a image file of
Boot.img
Cache.img
Data.img
recovery.img
system.img
so yes it does use a image.
Y'all talking about custom ROM's and such, no one seems to care about overcloking.. no one seems to realize what a beast a 1.4ghz Atrix would be.
Viamonte said:
Y'all talking about custom ROM's and such, no one seems to care about overcloking.. no one seems to realize what a beast a 1.4ghz Atrix would be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1.
ROMs will sometimes require you to have the custom kernel associated with them. CM7 for the Captivate comes to mind. With custom kernels, the Captivate was a beast. We had the VooDoo lagfix, which actually made the device usable on bootup. We were able to convert all partitions to ext4, and kind-of make the GPS work.
Overclocking is a possibility too. There's so much that is able to be done. It's a bit difficult coming from an iPhone where customization was limited, even with jailbreaking. But you'll soon get the hang of it.
GPS. Nice point too, but Moto itself promisses improvements on the 2.3.4 OTA. This is the most sorely needed fix for me, since my gps SUCKS. It can take anywhere up to 30 minutos to find my locations. Yes, you read that right.
Viamonte said:
GPS. Nice point too, but Moto itself promisses improvements on the 2.3.4 OTA. This is the most sorely needed fix for me, since my gps SUCKS. It can take anywhere up to 30 minutos to find my locations. Yes, you read that right.
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Click to collapse
Mine works great. You may have a hardware issue?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
JayRolla said:
Mine works great. You may have a hardware issue?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+2
It shouldn't take that long to lock on. Mine locks on instantly.
Hello,
I am getting a bit confused with all the threads and I really don't want to mess up my phone. I have rooted it and my background is the Xperia X10, on Rogers too. I would like to test out some different ROMs or maybe even the ICS Rom that just came out from the EternityProject team. However, if I understood, there is no way to revert back to stock since we have a locked bootloader. Can anyone could just guide me to threads step by step? I read the tutorial to flash the Arctic Rom, but I am not sure what to do. Is the bootstrap recovery this? If so I guess I can go from there... I was a bit scared since it was saying unofficial. Would it work for Rogers Canada? Most of the things I see are for US or Europe.. Please help me out, would be much appreciated!
I just reread the bootstrap thread.. Having a question regarding this. There is a note stating that you can only access it through Android.. I am guessing I need to reinstall the bootstrap everytime I flash a ROM.. right? Sorry, pretty lost. Thanks for any help! I just feel like it was wayyy easier with my X10..
I came from the X10 on rogers too!, I seems the X10 was way easier to understand and mod. I am so lost with all this motorola stuff too!
Advise
Hey there guys, well I would advise not to flash anything unless you have at least a ClockWork backup of your phone after you rooted and installed the bootstrap recovery. The bootstrap recovery is an .apk file which you install and run from the phone itself not in recovery mode like most other unlocked bootloaders.
I'm holding off myself because there is no full flash file from Rogers as of yet, the closest one is the Brazil Xt910 flash using RDSlite. Still if you flash that if something goes wrong with your tweaking you won't get the CSC files from the Rogers Rom unless I guess you back them up. I'm not quite sure if you can actually pull the csc files from the rogers and port it over but it's worth a try if your daring.
At the moment I'm content with root and backing up the system folders and other partitions just in case something goes wrong, remember to backup your efs as well.
Thx for ur input gdmuscle, makes more sense now. I might risk it once there is a stable Ice Cream Sandwich ROM. I admit for now it is kind of useless to risk that much with the lack of ROM choices. Much appreciated!
And Chriskwan, yea, was much easier with the X10 lol. Good to see some canadians feeling the same way! Btw I am in contact with Moto to see when the update should arrive at Rogers.. Will make a thread if i get an update
After playing around with a Rogers Droid Razr the past 3-4 days trying to figure out ROMs and such, I can safely say I will never actually BUY this device.
There is WAY more community support for the Galaxy S2, and it is a lot easier to manage. Flashing via odin, is MUCH simpler. The stupid fastboot crap is annoying.
well for the razr its much easier than using odin i can assure u that...
1. get the root package and root your phone ... its a simple script u run and it does the rest...
2. get bootstrap.apk and cwm-on-boot.zip ... put the cwm zip in the root of your sd card (external sd)... install the bootstrap ... reboot into your recovery using the app... and then install the cwm on boot zip...
3. make nandroid backup (mad slow)
4. get the deodexed rom needed for arctic... wipe, install that
5. install Arctic...
thats the condensed guide ofcourse... just a few setup steps u need to follow...
As opposed to what? Running SuperOneClick? Because that is all I did and it worked perfectly for my Galaxy S Captivate.
I should mention that just gives me root, but from there installing CWM was relatively easy, and there is nothing more complicated.
The Razr is a great device, but it is to me a PITA compared to the Galaxy S series in terms of Android Development.
gdmuscle said:
Hey there guys, well I would advise not to flash anything unless you have at least a ClockWork backup of your phone after you rooted and installed the bootstrap recovery. The bootstrap recovery is an .apk file which you install and run from the phone itself not in recovery mode like most other unlocked bootloaders.
I'm holding off myself because there is no full flash file from Rogers as of yet, the closest one is the Brazil Xt910 flash using RDSlite. Still if you flash that if something goes wrong with your tweaking you won't get the CSC files from the Rogers Rom unless I guess you back them up. I'm not quite sure if you can actually pull the csc files from the rogers and port it over but it's worth a try if your daring.
At the moment I'm content with root and backing up the system folders and other partitions just in case something goes wrong, remember to backup your efs as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish i read that before i started to mess with my phone. I used a tutorial to try to add a custom rom to my phone and read people with rogers with success but i guess i was one of those who messed up. Now my phone just turns on and stays at the motorola screen
can either of you post the backup file of your rogers ROM
Yes that would be very useful to try
where is the efs folder?
Is it possible for anyone to create/point me to a downloadable stock ROM? I mean literally STOCK, as in, nothing changed. I think that might be the only way for me to get back to being able to receive OTA updates without fastbooting (which I have tried to no avail).
Thanks!
there you go http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1416058
Yeah, see...fastboot doesn't work for me - already tried it a bunch of times. For some odd reason. I mean, does someone have a stock ROOTED ROM I could flash. As in, something with all apps preserved as if the device were not rooted. That way, I can take the OTA update (and break root, but at this point I just don't want to be trapped in OS 2.3.5 forever). Thanks (again)!
Are you able to access stock recovery?
Yes, I am. Will that help?
on my maxx, having the same issue as you, i factory restored, i guess that might have replaced/fix any corrupt files and i was able to fastboot. Unfortunately, i speak from personal experience and not knowledge of the operating system. good luck.
I did a factory data reset and it did not fix the problem, sadly. Looks like I'm in a hole with no ladder out lol. I can always hope that a stock rooted ROM is available so I can use my recently-recovered root to flash and then take the OTA over that, if possible.
http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/457-rom-totally-stock-rooted-748/page__pid__14816#entry14816
Link is dead; they're looking to fix it though I think. Thanks though! I'll give it a shot.
If you can take the update, this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1492708 can root the new 2.3.6
Doomlords method still can unroot if need be.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
Thanks! I'll keep it in mind. Right now I'm looking for a way to be able to get the update though
Yeah I'm in the same boat. Need this link to work!!! Can someone please post another working link?
http://forum.eternityproject.eu/mot...f7/official-motorola-razr-roms-thread-t4.html
I hope this helps
I think we just need a stock ROM, not the OTA. We can't flash the OTA (even an older one) like a ROM, right?
Atlas.rouge said:
I think we just need a stock ROM, not the OTA. We can't flash the OTA (even an older one) like a ROM, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the stock rom. The second post includes 2 stock versions and 2 OTA. Just download the stock Rom. Atleast i think thats a flashable ROM
Theres this also
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1362956
Is the only option to flash these via adb and rsd lite?
Question: (rather than creating new thread)
what's the different between ROM and Fastboot files? Examples?
Coz i downloaded Brazil.en fastboot, use RSD Lite, and flashed my GSM Rogers RAZR. works great.
But i also have SafeStrap installed, and I can make backup (and restore) from it. Are those ROMs? Or just backup files?
I thought people flash their phones using mod ROMs using CWM/Safestrap too?
I know OTA is over-the-air, but u can also download and manually install "OTA" updates? so... are they OTA ROM then?
or just OTA "files". like backup files CWM made?
thx for explanations
MBL85 said:
Is the only option to flash these via adb and rsd lite?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was the way I did it, Ive read about a few others like;
motofail
DroidRAZRUtility1.4LITE
vulnfactory.org/blog/2012/02/11/rooting-the-droid-4-a-failed-bounty-experiment/
But flashing with RSDlite was how I did it and it worked fine, just wish I had the original ROM with all the bloatware just in case....
Yeah, see for some reason fastboot doesn't like me, which is why I'm trying to get ahold of a complete stock ROM lol. I know that fastboot *works* all the time, but rather than go through the hassle I was just hoping someone had a spare total stock ROM floating around haha
Ok I recently got a tf201. I have finally decided 2 go for it and trying 2 get a custom rom.
Untill now (using a SGS) I needed 2 root the phone then get a custom kernel then apply the rom.
How is the procedure for a prime? I tried 2 root but shortly found out that i had the .21 update, Im guesing I can downgrade not sure.
does "unlock" = root?
can some1 clarify the process tree to get to a new rom?
http://transformerprimeroot.com/tra...ow-to-unlock-bootloader-on-transformer-prime/ <--- how hard is it 2 succeed this without bricking it?
b3ava said:
Ok I recently got a tf201. I have finally decided 2 go for it and trying 2 get a custom rom.
Untill now (using a SGS) I needed 2 root the phone then get a custom kernel then apply the rom.
How is the procedure for a prime? I tried 2 root but shortly found out that i had the .21 update, Im guesing I can downgrade not sure.
does "unlock" = root?
If any1 can redirect me 2 the appropriate topics I can never spot out what I want :/ and can some1 clarify the process tree to get to a new rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to unlock via the asus unlock tool (you can just google that and get it directly off of the Asus website). Then you will have to use Fastboot to flash CWM onto your device. From there the usual, back up the stock rom, and install any custom rom of your liking.
omac_ranger said:
You will have to unlock via the asus unlock tool (you can just google that and get it directly off of the Asus website). Then you will have to use Fastboot to flash CWM onto your device. From there the usual, back up the stock rom, and install any custom rom of your liking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlock tool from asus website. ok but can u explain 1 thing 2 me? if its on asus website why does it void your warranty? and root and unlock are different?
If you are planning to flash a custom rom, check out androwookie v1.2 its good.
Unlock gives you the ability to install a custom recovery e.g. cwm, you then use this to flash a pre-rooted rom. Root just means having access to the root directory. It enables access to features and functions that are normally made inaccessible.
Using the fastboot method is pretty simple and guides can be found easily. I just did it yesterday after having previously only rooted and installed cm 7+9 on my sgs2.
Thats my understanding anyway
b3ava said:
unlock tool from asus website. ok but can u explain 1 thing 2 me? if its on asus website why does it void your warranty? and root and unlock are different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just one of their stipulations. Most manufacturers are like that in regards to using their unlock tools.
Root = enhanced permissions to run apps like Titanium Backup, Root Explorer (if you're modifying anything in the/System directory), stuff like that.
Unlock = your bootloader is "unlocked," you can now put ClockworkMod recovery on your device, flash ROMs and kernels. These things can't be done while only being rooted.
I hope I cleared it up for you a bit
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Premium.
SteveG12543 said:
It's just one of their stipulations. Most
Root = enhanced permissions to run apps like Titanium Backup, Root Explorer (if you're modifying anything in the/System directory), stuff like that.
Unlock = your bootloader is "unlocked," you can now put ClockworkMod recovery on your device, flash ROMs and kernels. These things can't be done while only being rooted.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so with unlocking the device I wont have root privs? so things like you said titanium backup wont work?
1 more thing. is unlocking considered harder? and does any1 have a video of unlocking so that I know what I can expect b4 freaking out?
b3ava said:
so with unlocking the device I wont have root privs? so things like you said titanium backup wont work?
1 more thing. is unlocking considered harder? and does any1 have a video of unlocking so that I know what I can expect b4 freaking out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking doesn't instantly get you root, it just makes rooting a lot easier to do. Like they said, unlock, put CWM on it, flash a rooted ROM and bam, rooted. But correct, apps like Titanium won't work if you're only unlocked, you would need root.
As far as I know, unlocking just requires downloading the .apk from Asus' site, installing it and going through the prompts. It doesn't sound hard at all. I personally don't know the ins and outs of it, as I never unlocked my Prime, but that's all it really sounded like. Sounds pretty simple. I believe there's some videos on it on YouTube though.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Premium.
SteveG12543 said:
Unlocking doesn't instantly get you root, it just makes rooting a lot easier to do. Like they said, unlock, put CWM on it, flash a rooted ROM and bam, rooted. But correct, apps like Titanium won't work if you're only unlocked, you would need root.
As far as I know, unlocking just requires downloading the .apk from Asus' site, installing it and going through the prompts. It doesn't sound hard at all. I personally don't know the ins and outs of it, as I never unlocked my Prime, but that's all it really sounded like. Sounds pretty simple. I believe there's some videos on it on YouTube though.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buddy thanx for all of this info was just wondering if the link i posted is the process for this unlocking? as every1 is describing? and where do i get that CWM?
b3ava said:
buddy thanx for all of this info was just wondering if the link i posted is the process for this unlocking? as every1 is describing? and where do i get that CWM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem! And yep, the link in the first post is a great looking guide for unlocking. Nice and easy, step by step. And after you have unlocked, just download ROM Manager from the market and you can flash CWM through the app itself. From my understanding that's the easiest way to do it, at least. Sorry it's been a few days since I responded, I haven't really been checking out the Q&A section lately
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app.
Bootloader unlock:
Custom Kernel possible
Official updates impossible
Waranty impacted
CWM backups possible
Need to use community ROMs in future
improved but not great chance of recovering from bad ROM flash (really needs NVFLASH)
Rooted:
Now possible with firmwares up to .28
Permits write access to /system partition
Makes it easier to brick and block OTA updates
Should be reversable
Allows most tweaks to be applied except for replacing kernel (which is a prerequisite for some kernels)
Going to make this a FAQ I think...
I got Motorola Photon 4G with Android 2.3.4. Already rooted it and install Bootstrap.apk. I want to flash roms but I don't want to unlock bootloader so I can keep my 4G. So i dont need to flash SBF files thingy? And do i need to do Nandroid too? Also what are the some stable roms with working 4G? I heard about Rocko Locked and MOF 2.3.5ish Locked? Is both roms good? If you have any tips, please do tell me
silverhawknike said:
I got Motorola Photon 4G with Android 2.3.4. Already rooted it and install Bootstrap.apk. I want to flash roms but I don't want to unlock bootloader so I can keep my 4G. So i dont need to flash SBF files thingy? And do i need to do Nandroid too? Also what are the some stable roms with working 4G? I heard about Rocko Locked and MOF 2.3.5ish Locked? Is both roms good? If you have any tips, please do tell me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, there is no SBFing required if you don't want to unlock. If youve got bootstrap recovery installed (it doesnt come in an apk so im not sure what you mean) and can boot into it you can start flashing locked roms. The only one that you can flash that is still in development is Mof's rom, though. But it is a good upgrade from stock and everything works swimmingly. To flash it, just download the zip, throw it on your SD card, boot up into bootstrap recovery and flash the zip. No need to wipe anything, the installation will do it automatically.
Acvice said:
No, there is no SBFing required if you don't want to unlock. If youve got bootstrap recovery installed (it doesnt come in an apk so im not sure what you mean) and can boot into it you can start flashing locked roms. The only one that you can flash that is still in development is Mof's rom, though. But it is a good upgrade from stock and everything works swimmingly. To flash it, just download the zip, throw it on your SD card, boot up into bootstrap recovery and flash the zip. No need to wipe anything, the installation will do it automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great news ,
Acvice , could u plz educate me also where i can find the bootstrap recovery and how i can flash it
regards
Bootstrap Recovery is an .apk file needs to be side loaded like any app not installed from the Play Store. It can be located by searching the term Bootstrap Recovery Motorola Photon in the search bar.
It never hurts to ask for help, Ill try to help
Hey there mate. Once i had first purchased my photon, cm9 wasnt out as far as i remember, or maybe it was, but it was in really unstable alpha's, but anyways, off topic. Have you read around the developers section yet? As you go through and get farther into the pages, you'll see less of cm10, cm9, and you will see stuff like homebase rom, alien rom, yada yada. As for all of the older roms that dont require you have an unlocked bootloader, i recommend you use rocko. It offers great speed, stability, and it doesnt look half bad. I dont really know where to start as far as helping you in terms of explaining all of the flashing process, but i will point you in the right direction.
When i first began flashing roms these 2 threads became my best friend;
This one covers about it all
This one is even quite educational
For visual aid, qbking helped me just to assure i followed steps correctly with his line of tutorial videos (he also reviewed some roms if you are curious)
I hope those links at least get you pointed in the right direction. It seems like an aweful lot to take in, but, its organised allowing for quick navigation and in reality, you only really have to skim through it.
If you have any questions, feel free to reply and il get back to you when im available, best of luck flashing, and enjoy your photon! :good:
silverhawknike said:
I got Motorola Photon 4G with Android 2.3.4. Already rooted it and install Bootstrap.apk. I want to flash roms but I don't want to unlock bootloader so I can keep my 4G. So i dont need to flash SBF files thingy? And do i need to do Nandroid too? Also what are the some stable roms with working 4G? I heard about Rocko Locked and MOF 2.3.5ish Locked? Is both roms good? If you have any tips, please do tell me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlock the bootloader and use a custom recovery. bootstrap isn't a true recovery and should only be used if you can't unlock the bootloader.
so i'd go with the custom recovery that way you'll never have to flash an sbf to repair the phone if it gets messed up from flashing locked roms.
na7q said:
unlock the bootloader and use a custom recovery. bootstrap isn't a true recovery and should only be used if you can't unlock the bootloader.
so i'd go with the custom recovery that way you'll never have to flash an sbf to repair the phone if it gets messed up from flashing locked roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As the OP states he wants to keep 4g unlocking the bootloader will kill the 4g.
mof9336 said:
Bootstrap Recovery is an .apk file needs to be side loaded like any app not installed from the Play Store. It can be located by searching the term Bootstrap Recovery Motorola Photon in the search bar.
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Click to collapse
Woops, my bad on the false info about the bootstrap file Silver. Its been like a year since I had to install bootstrap. Just had a brain fart.
Acvice said:
Woops, my bad on the false info about the bootstrap file Silver. Its been like a year since I had to install bootstrap. Just had a brain fart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries bro.
Sent from my MB855 using xda app-developers app