Here is an app to block OTA. Click it once an a message will pop up to indicate if it was successful or not. Your device must be rooted. You version number should contain OTA Blocked if successful.
http://www.multiupload.com/TEQGTBV2G4
This is likely unnecessary for anyone using snowball-mod.
Without knowing the details of what this app does, I can't say for sure, but it would likely do no more than what snowball-mod does automatically.
cfoesch said:
This is likely unnecessary for anyone using snowball-mod.
Without knowing the details of what this app does, I can't say for sure, but it would likely do no more than what snowball-mod does automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is for people that do not want to lose the BN apps. This will just block OTA and nothing else.
brianf21 said:
This is for people that do not want to lose the BN apps. This will just block OTA and nothing else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wanna block OTA updates? There's an app for that. Brilliant!
brianf21 said:
This is for people that do not want to lose the BN apps. This will just block OTA and nothing else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, totally. It's good at what it does, I just wanted to remind people that the snowball-mod doesn't need it, so random peoples with it installed don't think they need to download this and apply it.
Great news though to those who want to keep a mostly-stock Nook Tablet.
BTW, what does it do precisely? Just update values in the devicemanager.db? Just trying to get an understanding of what people are doing to block OTAs. I'm super paranoid about things like that. After all, if I'm forced back to stock B&N NT, it's going back, because it's a $250 lump of coal at that point to me.
cfoesch said:
Yeah, totally. It's good at what it does, I just wanted to remind people that the snowball-mod doesn't need it, so random peoples with it installed don't think they need to download this and apply it.
Great news though to those who want to keep a mostly-stock Nook Tablet.
BTW, what does it do precisely? Just update values in the devicemanager.db? Just trying to get an understanding of what people are doing to block OTAs. I'm super paranoid about things like that. After all, if I'm forced back to stock B&N NT, it's going back, because it's a $250 lump of coal at that point to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It verifies root, extracts sqlite3 and libncurses.so if needed then it updates fota and appends OTA Blocked to the version number.
Nice work on your package. It's pretty sweet. You could integrate this into your scripts and launch an intent via the nook's cli using the am command. Since there are no buttons to press, there is no need for human interaction.
Interesting.
Is there any point in running this if we've already used Indirect's method of changing the device manager? Or should we do both? Would they contradict each other somehow?
jimmysuggs said:
Interesting.
Is there any point in running this if we've already used Indirect's method of changing the device manager? Or should we do both? Would they contradict each other somehow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I made this with future versions in mind. So when they come up with a way to root 1.4.1 and later, then this could be used.
brianf21, thanks for taking the time to create stuff like this, it's greatly appreciated.
Question: would it make sense for me to run your app now, even though I've already used indirect's method? It sounds like doing so might protect me against future updates, am I reading this correctly?
brian, why not just update FOTA Checkin timer to 0?
Indirect said:
brian, why not just update FOTA Checkin timer to 0?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would have required forethought and planning. Thanks for all the work you have done. I am going to check out your latest script here in a little bit.
jimmysuggs said:
brianf21, thanks for taking the time to create stuff like this, it's greatly appreciated.
Question: would it make sense for me to run your app now, even though I've already used indirect's method? It sounds like doing so might protect me against future updates, am I reading this correctly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you shouldn't need to.
Thanks
Sent from my BNTV250 using Tapatalk
I used the app and it came back with "failure." any ideas why?
Sent from my Nook Tablet using (((sonicboom)))
Thanks again
Sent from my BNTV250 using Tapatalk
"Failure! Over the air updates set to"
Sent from my BNTV250 using xda premium
Thanks, Brian. Is there a way to re-enable OTA updates? Or is this a one-time, one-way thing? Just asking before I try it.
Failure! Over the air updates set to
For those of you running this app and it saying failure, you have to install and run indirect's ADB Root Hijack first, then run the OTA block app.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1419598
That is the link to Indirect's ADB Root Hijack.
I did that and it worked like a charm.
OK, I got the NT back to 1.4.0, ran the hijacker, ran the OTA blocker, but my "n" button doesn't work. Any suggestions w/o restoring it and losing all my content?
Related
I've got a corporate email app (Good for Enterprise) that my administrators have locked from running on rooted devices. Despite my protestations that rooting is not evil, they don't want me to run it unless I am stock. So.... is there any way to "hide" the root? Its incredibly annoying to be forced to choose between root and email access
madpoet said:
I've got a corporate email app (Good for Enterprise) that my administrators have locked from running on rooted devices. Despite my protestations that rooting is not evil, they don't want me to run it unless I am stock. So.... is there any way to "hide" the root? Its incredibly annoying to be forced to choose between root and email access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe in Launcher Pro, you can hide Icons without uninstalling the app. May be an idea?
Yeah but the program itself is detecting if the device is rooted Was hoping there was some way to sandbox the app or something to make it not think it was on a rooted system. Thanks though!
They have an app that detects root access and reports back?
Couldn't you just deny it root access when it asks for permission?
thunderpack said:
Couldn't you just deny it root access when it asks for permission?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea! Then hide Superuser if need be.
That sucks but I can appreciate their decision not to compromise their security. Someone came on here asking how to physically remove his camera for work related purposes. What a bummer!
Run LP....u can hide apps from showing up in the app drawee
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
U get flash back to 4.1.26 using sbf... run the gladiroot before update... then update...
Let their app run... it wont be able to find or get root... They set you up...
Then you run the after root...
Bam... Root and email access ^_^
tianqi said:
U get flash back to 4.1.26 using sbf... run the gladiroot before update... then update...
Let their app run... it wont be able to find or get root... They set you up...
Then you run the after root...
Bam... Root and email access ^_^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume it checks every time it's launched not just once.
I did deny it root but it still saw it. It does seem to check on every launch also.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
I myself am looking for the same thing for the DX. GFE checks at launch or at anytime it wants. There is no way to tell when it will check. I do know if I remove root with Z4 app it works fine while leaving the SU icon in the apps. This tells me it looks for either permissions or something else.
I have offered $$ for a work around to JRummy but havent heard back from him
You can't "hide" root. It's not an app that's installed, and I doubt anything that's checking for root access is checking for just superuser.apk. "root" means you have the su binary in your /system directory, and this is likely what it's checking for. You can't "hide" it without breaking every app that needs root to function.
Surely someone must know what GFE checks????
bongd said:
They have an app that detects root access and reports back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be this...
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.joeykrim.rootcheck
bretto69 said:
Surely someone must know what GFE checks????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It checks for root access no way to deny it, except for removing root. Their is a reason why GFE checks for root because in order for your phones to be secure you actually dont want root, if you lost your phone with root on them and secure corporate emails the attacker would only have to plugin in the phone to the computer and run ADB to get all your passwords
Get yourself a friend in the IT department.
Answer................don't root!
Problem solved!
Next!
CaelanT said:
Answer................don't root!
Problem solved!
Next!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh yea.....
Just a suggestion but do you think droid wall could help?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Circumventing security controls, could very well be grounds for termination, tread with caution.
I may be missing something here, but I was just wondering:
With the ability to sideload apps, what's the point in rooting? What can you do with a root that you can't do via sideloading?
I could understand if the root was permanent and couldn't be removed via a software update, but as I understand it, this is not the case.
So why root? What are the benefits? I'm willing to give it a shot, but before I do, I really need to understand what the upside is. Possibly I'm just not educated enough on the subject, so if anyone has any thoughts- I'd love to hear them.
jimmysuggs said:
I may be missing something here, but I was just wondering:
With the ability to sideload apps, what's the point in rooting? What can you do with a root that you can't do via sideloading?
I could understand if the root was permanent and couldn't be removed via a software update, but as I understand it, this is not the case.
So why root? What are the benefits? I'm willing to give it a shot, but before I do, I really need to understand what the upside is. Possibly I'm just not educated enough on the subject, so if anyone has any thoughts- I'd love to hear them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ability to side load apps doesn't mean we can get all apps to work. For example: android market, 3rd party keyboards, etc... Will not work on this device without root permissions to change what the permissions of the app is itself. I believe the developer who was able to override the n button to take you to a 3rd party home launcher also requires root. You can remove unwanted apps (chess, whatever other lame games were built in) that you wouldn't be able to otherwise.
MOST importantly (at least for me) you can run titanium backup and backup apps+data to avoid losing info and having to re-download everything all over again in the event of a reset.
Okay, good points, thanks for the info.
I'm a little scared to give this a shot but maybe I'll bite the bullet and try it.
The n button app doesn't require root, least not the original. Haven't check it since then as it worked perfectly for me in the first iteration.
Until we can load CM on it, mine will be staying unrooted. Got everything else I needed with sideloading.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You can sideload everything, but will you be able to receive updates?
Dfroelich said:
You can sideload everything, but will you be able to receive updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite a few of us hope that we can not receive updates. BNs handful of crappy apps really can't benefit from updates and the truncated version of Android they've used doesn't have enough substance to be worth updating. Those of us who have sideloaded this into a modern, useful device often prefer to be left to our own devices (pun intended).
I think he may have meant can you get updates to the apps you sideload. And I'm pretty sure the answer to that is no. But I could be wrong about that.
jimmysuggs said:
I think he may have meant can you get updates to the apps you sideload. And I'm pretty sure the answer to that is no. But I could be wrong about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, you may be correct. If that was the question then what I'm finding is that I'm getting market updates just fine. Some of the apps I have sideloaded from non-market sources are updating too, some might not be but how would I know? The few apps I have needed to copy to the root will not be able to update as far as I know.
My first response incorrectly assumed you meant OTA (over the air) updates of the whole shebang from BN.
You can always update the same way you got the initial program, sideloading. I haven't had any trouble updating my Amazon Market apps though.
I don't have googles market currently.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Installing adfree is worth it.
Sent from my HTC Mecha using Tapatalk
jimmysuggs said:
I think he may have meant can you get updates to the apps you sideload. And I'm pretty sure the answer to that is no. But I could be wrong about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the sideloaded app installs appropriately then updates should not be a problem. It your choice to accept the update or not.
...btw, yes I was referring to app updates, and not OTA.
skeeterpro said:
If the sideloaded app installs appropriately then updates should not be a problem. It your choice to accept the update or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you get updates to sideloaded apps? Do you just download the updated apks and install? I'd imagine that would not be able to save any app data. You could use titanium...but no root!
Dfroelich said:
...btw, yes I was referring to app updates, and not OTA.
How do you get updates to sideloaded apps? Do you just download the updated apks and install? I'd imagine that would not be able to save any app data. You could use titanium...but no root!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On unrooted devices I have sideloaded apps with when an update to that program is posted by the developer, a notification is automatically sent out. Granted, that is with Market apps but I have not seen a difference between Google Market apps, AppBrain, Amazon or Android Market. Don't recall ever loading anything from BN Market as I never wanted anything from there. They have a habit of charging for apps that can be had for free on other Markets.
You could always manually login and check each app for an update, too.
I haven't opened my Nook Tablet yet, but was wondering about the over the air updates.
Does the tablet automatically update, without your knowledge, to the newest OS... or is it more like the iPhones over the air updates that tell you there is one available and you then can download and install it?
moviecouple said:
I haven't opened my Nook Tablet yet, but was wondering about the over the air updates.
Does the tablet automatically update, without your knowledge, to the newest OS... or is it more like the iPhones over the air updates that tell you there is one available and you then can download and install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does so automatically and without your consent as long as your device is "on" (e.g. asleep) with WiFi on. Turn off WiFi and you are apparently safe. My interpretation of other posts is that it won't happen while you are actively using the device but I've seen no hard proof of this.
Then I have a follow-up question. If it does this automatically... then how can I prepare my device for rooting and sideload apps. You need to be connected to the internet to do this at certain points. Won't it auto update before I have a chance to do all this?
Although mine is still sitting under the Xmas tree, you would have to connect to a router first before you could recieve a FOTA, so you should have the opportunity to turn off Wifi.
moviecouple said:
Then I have a follow-up question. If it does this automatically... then how can I prepare my device for rooting and sideload apps. You need to be connected to the internet to do this at certain points. Won't it auto update before I have a chance to do all this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
takes 3-5 minutes to download OTA update. Only turn on wifi long enough for downloads needed for root or just sideload them and you should be just fine. Follow video's on my channel if you need a walk through. I am uploading one now on how to block ota using indirects titanium backup apk patch
Since I already have Fotakill.apk on a SD card (transferred from my Galaxy Tab), couldn't I just sideload that into my Nook Tablet first before I do anything else to block the OTA? Will that work and then start the rooting/sideload steps?
moviecouple said:
Since I already have Fotakill.apk on a SD card (transferred from my Galaxy Tab), couldn't I just sideload that into my Nook Tablet first before I do anything else to block the OTA? Will that work and then start the rooting/sideload steps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone posted that the Fotakill apk didn't keep them from getting the update. Need to either freeze devicemanager or edit the settings file for it. There's an easy tutorial in the development section that does the settings file change for you using Titanium Backup.
So then what's the overall best way right now to Root/Sideload and kill the OTA's? I can use either windows or Mac and I also have a Galaxy Tab to grab apk's.
Too many threads on what works or doesn't work.
Can anyone confirm that the update will not hit will actively using devise. I can side load the five apk's that I want in short order. Then if I understand how the update works, I will still have access to the pre-update apps. after 1.41 is downloaded. I'm just not comfortable rooting right out the box at the moment. Long time member but first time poster, thanks to everyone for all info. on this site.
So if I just wanted to sideload apps without rooting... all I would need to do is
Enable "Unknown Sources"
Enable "USB Debugging" and other USB debugging further down
Untick Automount
moviecouple said:
So then what's the overall best way right now to Root/Sideload and kill the OTA's? I can use either windows or Mac and I also have a Galaxy Tab to grab apk's.
Too many threads on what works or doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows Root
Mac Root
Block OTA
I don't think anyone truly knows. I got hit by 1.4.1
Sucks...
curtym said:
I don't think anyone truly knows. I got hit by 1.4.1
Sucks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto. I wish we had a moderated sticky post at the top of the forum, with no commentary and no questions that provides the current known state of affairs with respect to preventing the over the air update. I know many of the devs here are tech wizs and while it may be obvious to them and think it is reasonable to squirrel through multiple forums and threads to figure it out, it would be so much easier for everyone concerned to have a one-stop location that a select few folks could keep updated.
Thanks and keep up the good work
If you were smart, you would've backup your apps and data with Titanium backup or similar app. If you got 1.4.1, do factory restore, reroot, and block the ota update.
OTA update are automatically. It happen when your NT is asleep and charged. Same with NC. You can do manually update too by copying the update zip to the media folder, I think from NC experience.
I have been nagged enough times, I am shooting a video today on restoring back to 1.4.0 and rerooting then blocking OTA
I see over at the B&N forums that B&N is working on a fix for the email problem that came up with the 1.4.1 update. If this comes about would it be another ball breaker that puts us back where we started? I guess they could put up a new free email app instead of a complete update or is a problem like this something they usually fix with updates instead of replacement apps.
Wouldn't Indirect's method of blocking OTA's also block this one too? I assumed it was a universal block and not specific to 1.4.1. At least I hope this is the case because if we have to use a new method of blocking every time they release an update, I'm not sure the nook tablet is worth keeping. I don't want to live in fear of updates and always have to have my wifi off, lest B&N cripple my tablet with an update before I can stop it, etc.
jimmysuggs said:
Wouldn't Indirect's method of blocking OTA's also block this one too? I assumed it was a universal block and not specific to 1.4.1. At least I hope this is the case because if we have to use a new method of blocking every time they release an update, I'm not sure the nook tablet is worth keeping. I don't want to live in fear of updates and always have to have my wifi off, lest B&N cripple my tablet with an update before I can stop it, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it should prevent any future OTA updates from automatically downloading and installing.
CapsLockKey said:
Yes, it should prevent any future OTA updates from automatically downloading and installing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, until 9.9.10 comes out
conundrum768 said:
Well, until 9.9.10 comes out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Laughed hard at this, well played
conundrum768 said:
Well, until 9.9.10 comes out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean 9.9.91 or above
Maybe I'm missing something but what is there to prevent them from adding an additional argument telling the installer to go ahead if the version number present != 1.4.0 or 1.4.1?
CRE said:
Maybe I'm missing something but what is there to prevent them from adding an additional argument telling the installer to go ahead if the version number present != 1.4.0 or 1.4.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As my understand is, it also blocks the lookup of where to look for the updates as well. Indirect said he changed this recently, and I don't know the internal details of how his OTA blocker works, so I can only guess. However, snowball-mod's OTA block blocks even looking up newer versions.
CRE said:
Maybe I'm missing something but what is there to prevent them from adding an additional argument telling the installer to go ahead if the version number present != 1.4.0 or 1.4.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be a poor programming practice, as this would them clobber any future legit updates from B&N too. So they would be fielding support problems because customers installed the patches in the wrong order for whatever reason.
It would be better, but still ugly, if they just excluded/included the one version (9.9.9) for the install.
But I think cfoesch is right about the additional steps in place too, that Indirect had to prevent an update.
It wouldn't clobber their own updates... If each update has code to install if the version number is not equal to the that update and they remove the old updates from their server. The only downside would be that they'd have to build each one as a full update not incremental.
Yes, I'm sure Indirect and other have considered this and implemented something more thorough... I was really just replying to the general belief that's going around that just changing the version number will save the day.
CRE said:
Maybe I'm missing something but what is there to prevent them from adding an additional argument telling the installer to go ahead if the version number present != 1.4.0 or 1.4.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The logic for checking for valid updates is in the Nook's software and there is no separate installer except what scripts are in the update package that your Nook pulls from the server. In other words, the process is entirely controlled by the Nook itself and all B&N does it place the update packages in the right place on their server where the Nook searches. They could change how your Nook checks for updates but to do so they would first have to release an software update to change it and your device would have to pull that update. So as long as the Nook's update software is properly deceived then you're safe
CRE said:
It wouldn't clobber their own updates... If each update has code to install if the version number is not equal to the that update and they remove the old updates from their server. The only downside would be that they'd have to build each one as a full update not incremental.
Yes, I'm sure Indirect and other have considered this and implemented something more thorough... I was really just replying to the general belief that's going around that just changing the version number will save the day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, okay. Still poor programming practice. As long as B&N allows download of software updates, it opens the option of aligning version numbers.
And I do think they build each download as a complete update, ie. that it can update any prior release version to the latest (#include case version options).
---------- Post added at 02:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:31 PM ----------
boomn said:
The logic for checking for valid updates is in the Nook's software...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, so we *theoretically* should be safe for now.
Hi everyone,
Just bought a nook touch today and while I really like the device I am a bit disappointed that I am unable to use some of the apps I have on my phone. I have previously rooted my Galaxy S 4G using a one click software from these forums so that is the extent of my rooting experience.
I looked and it does have 1.4.1 which as I understand is the cause of my problem not being able to use some of the apps I want to use. I also noticed that there are a few different methods of rooting this device which I find a bit confusing.
Does anyone know which is considered to be the easiest and possibly most reliable for people with limited rooting experience?
Hello , this is nook tablet forum not Nook touch, if you have the right device then there are many threads discussing this, there 3 methods the normal using a computer installing drivers and root, using an sdcard format it and root from it or after you install CWM restore/flash one of the ROM' s that already come with root, appspot and tweaks. Use the one you think is easier for you.
If you use the normal method as you're in 1.4.1 you need to first use the acclaim_update.zip "magic card" by adam outlet to go back to stock 1.4.0 . Lastly once you're rooted install CWM and wait for another release of CM7 or CM9.
PS:read the FAQ there is good information and a video section to make it easier for you to root
~ Veronica
Sent from XDA premium using my Nook Tablet
Wow, sorry I dont know why I typed nook touch. I meant to say I have a nook tablet. Lol... I guess I should get more sleep hehe.
Is there a way to just get one or two apps loaded? Really thats all I am doing this for so I can load a Manga reader app I use on my android phone.
Elazul2k said:
Wow, sorry I dont know why I typed nook touch. I meant to say I have a nook tablet. Lol... I guess I should get more sleep hehe.
Is there a way to just get one or two apps loaded? Really thats all I am doing this for so I can load a Manga reader app I use on my android phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately you can't because your NT came with 1.4.1 and B&N took down the ability of sideload apps, in 1.4.0 that is not aproblem.
~ Veronica
Elazul2k said:
Wow, sorry I dont know why I typed nook touch. I meant to say I have a nook tablet. Lol... I guess I should get more sleep hehe.
Is there a way to just get one or two apps loaded? Really thats all I am doing this for so I can load a Manga reader app I use on my android phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do NOT need to "root" in order to do what you want but you WILL need the ability to side-load app's which is only available in version 1.4.0.
Your option would be to "revert" (As Veronica Said) to 1.4.0 and install the app's you want. If you don't block OTA's however, your tablet will eventually be upgraded without your input back to 1.4.1 and the side-loading capability would disappear.
See This Valuable Post by AdamOutler for additional information.
Land Master said:
You do NOT need to "root" in order to do what you want but you WILL need the ability to side-load app's which is only available in version 1.4.0.
Your option would be to "revert" (As Veronica Said) to 1.4.0 and install the app's you want. If you don't block OTA's however, your tablet will eventually be upgraded without your input back to 1.4.1 and the side-loading capability would disappear.
See This Valuable Post by AdamOutler for additional information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link. That is exactly what I am looking for. Quick question though. After downgrading to 1.4.0 and then loading the apps I want if I do not block nt from going back to 1.4.1 would I lose the abilty to use the apps I had loaded?
Elazul2k said:
Thanks for the link. That is exactly what I am looking for. Quick question though. After downgrading to 1.4.0 and then loading the apps I want if I do not block nt from going back to 1.4.1 would I lose the abilty to use the apps I had loaded?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe so but I'm not 100% sure. I think Once they have been side-loaded they will still work but adding more app's in the future will be blocked.
I have performed the steps in This Thread to block the updates (OTA's) if you are interested in taking it a step further.
Land Master said:
I don't believe so but I'm not 100% sure. I think Once they have been side-loaded they will still work but adding more app's in the future will be blocked.
I have performed the steps in This Thread to block the updates (OTA's) if you are interested in taking it a step further.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any reason to actually keep the 1.4.1 update? Like were any bug fixes actually addressed or was it just a big middle finger more or less? Also, was there any chance of a 1.4.2 update in the future and would my nt be able to even update if I blocked the 1.4.1 update. Assuming no on that one?
Elazul2k said:
Is there any reason to actually keep the 1.4.1 update? Like were any bug fixes actually addressed or was it just a big middle finger more or less? Also, was there any chance of a 1.4.2 update in the future and would my nt be able to even update if I blocked the 1.4.1 update. Assuming no on that one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nop there is no reason to keep 1.4.1. About what is fixed in 1.4.1 or what is new, well the only noticeable "new" feature is the lack of sideloading, the rest is a myth because anyone here have been able to see any difference beyond the sideloading thing.
Someone wrote that it supposedly have better battery life but so far no proofs nada de nada mi amigo.
~ Veronica