no support for bootloader unlocker - Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

Asus support just told me that they do not provide support for the unlocker. I've been trying to unlock this thing for weeks now, finally decided I'd call Asus about my "an unknown error occurred, possibly a network connection issue" error message and the guy on the phone just told me they can't help me because that utility will void my warranty. I pointed out that warranty is not yet void and in my opinion they still have an obligation to help, but they were impervious to my logic.

wtfdroidlol said:
Asus support just told me that they do not provide support for the unlocker. I've been trying to unlock this thing for weeks now, finally decided I'd call Asus about my "an unknown error occurred, possibly a network connection issue" error message and the guy on the phone just told me they can't help me because that utility will void my warranty. I pointed out that warranty is not yet void and in my opinion they still have an obligation to help, but they were impervious to my logic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Impervious to my logic" lol sounds like something I would say. Unfortunately MOST people are impervious to logic these days.
Sent from my Axiom MAXX!!

wtfdroidlol said:
Asus support just told me that they do not provide support for the unlocker. I've been trying to unlock this thing for weeks now, finally decided I'd call Asus about my "an unknown error occurred, possibly a network connection issue" error message and the guy on the phone just told me they can't help me because that utility will void my warranty. I pointed out that warranty is not yet void and in my opinion they still have an obligation to help, but they were impervious to my logic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm,
I can understand ASUS in that way. This example came into my mind:
you want to break into a house and couldn't manage that due to the lock pick.
So you ask a policeman: "Please show me how to use this lock pick".
He would say: "No, that's criminal". And you say:"It's not criminal". I didn't break in by now".
It's not exactly the same some somehow similar

They release their own tool, but do not support it.
This doesnt make any sense to me, since device is still locked. Another one to add to the list.
Sent from my i9250

handi1948 said:
Hm,
I can understand ASUS in that way. This example came into my mind:
you want to break into a house and couldn't manage that due to the lock pick.
So you ask a policeman: "Please show me how to use this lock pick".
He would say: "No, that's criminal". And you say:"It's not criminal". I didn't break in by now".
It's not exactly the same some somehow similar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This analogy might make sense if it was my house, and the police man not only sold me the house without telling me there were no keys, but handed me the lockpicking tools when I complained.

Use someone elses connection, sounds like its a firewall/port issue .. either that or open up all your ports for the TFP in your router (DMZ)

I've tried on at least 4 networks

wtfdroidlol said:
This analogy might make sense if it was my house, and the police man not only sold me the house without telling me there were no keys, but handed me the lockpicking tools when I complained.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, I think the police was quite fair in THIS case :
"Before you download, install, and use the Unlock Device App you acknowledge and assume complete risk to the quality and performance of this App, including but not limited to the following: once you activate the App you will not be able to recover your ASUS product (“Original Product”) back to original locked conditions..." (from the Asus site)

handi1948 said:
Hm, I think the police was quite fair in THIS case :
"Before you download, install, and use the Unlock Device App you acknowledge and assume complete risk to the quality and performance of this App, including but not limited to the following: once you activate the App you will not be able to recover your ASUS product (“Original Product”) back to original locked conditions..." (from the Asus site)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what the relevance of your quote is. It mentions before I use it, which I can't because it doesn't work, and then cautions that I can't relock my boot loader, which is irrelevant because I can't, because it doesn't work.

wtfdroidlol said:
This analogy might make sense if it was my house, and the police man not only sold me the house without telling me there were no keys, but handed me the lockpicking tools when I complained.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's the only way this analogy makes even a bit of sense. I have the same problem and I'm also trying to contact ASUS support.

We need SBK (since, afaik, we already have access to an updated version of nvflash which works with t3) as one way to solve these cases. Probably. Since Asus doesn't seem to be doing anything else to solve it either.
Sent from my i9250

is more easy unlock the ipad . this bis verry strange for a google os device. Afther 4mounths,stil no root. verry easy to brick this tablet and no support for custom roms.
Inviato dal mio Transformer Prime TF201 con Tapatalk 2

valentinrascu said:
is more easy unlock the ipad . this bis verry strange for a google os device. Afther 4mounths,stil no root. verry easy to brick this tablet and no support for custom roms.
Inviato dal mio Transformer Prime TF201 con Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root has been achieved with .28 already.
Sent from my i9250

Related

[Q] Any idea if you can RMA with a stuck pixel?

Don't want to RMA but have pixel that is stuck on at all times. Any idea if you can RMA for that?
eibison said:
Don't want to RMA but have pixel that is stuck on at all times. Any idea if you can RMA for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely, hell yes! Lol, don't settle for something like that, there's no way I could deal with dead pixels.
Just be sure to completely document your packaging and shipping process and to photograph your screen while your serial number is in view. You may not have to worry depending on where you are, but a number of people have had issues with either the repair center breaking/damaging the tablets, scamming people with images that aren't their tablet (in the case of bimbobo), or the freight courier inducing damage. Better safe than sorry!
you could always try. anyone ever read the warranty card on the part about displays? I'm not sure if only 1 stuck pixel will count. I would still try though but I remember the warranty card saying it has to be like 8 stuck pixels in one area or something. still go for it though. just warning you what the warranty card said. look at it.
demandarin said:
you could always try. anyone ever read the warranty card on the part about displays? I'm not sure if only 1 stuck pixel will count. I would still try though but I remember the warranty card saying it has to be like 8 stuck pixels in one area or something. still go for it though. just warning you what the warranty card said. look at it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'd raise a hell of a stink. I know the "rules" and all, but the jokes on you if you abide by them. Some supervisor somewhere will want to stop dealing with you and push it through. That's just me though
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD via my tethered HTC Vision
buxtahuda said:
Well, I'd raise a hell of a stink. I know the "rules" and all, but the jokes on you if you abide by them. Some supervisor somewhere will want to stop dealing with you and push it through. That's just me though
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD via my tethered HTC Vision
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good point. I'd still go for it.
I'd say go for it and raise hell, but BE AWARE you probably have to part with your tablet for ATLEAST A MONTH before you get it back(thats if you contact them non-stop after 14 business days and keep sending gary and hai emails)

One GOOD thing about a locked bootloader...

So many people complaining about locked bootloader and how it basically sucks, i have a counter to that, be it ever so small.
http://devicetracker.asus.com/select_lang.action
You can track your tablet with the serial, meaning that no matter if they wipe it, if they reinstall it, or if they reset it, it should still show up! I just found this out a few days ago and figured i'd share. Gives me a little peace of mind when i take this thing to school if it gets lost or stolen i can still find it again.
Feel free to discuss but please no flaming. Lets keep it civil
pileot said:
You can track your tablet with the serial, meaning that no matter if they wipe it, if they reinstall it, or if they reset it, it should still show up!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you're unlocked then it doesn't work lol. Nice find but there are apps that do the same thing. I use Lookout
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
paddycr said:
Unless you're unlocked then it doesn't work lol. Nice find but there are apps that do the same thing. I use Lookout
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find those tracker apps to be convenient but resource heavy. I usually just choose to remove as much of that bloat as I can and take the risk. But then again I never set my devices down for very long.
CharliesTheMan said:
I find those tracker apps to be convenient but resource heavy. I usually just choose to remove as much of that bloat as I can and take the risk. But then again I never set my devices down for very long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, good point. It works for me though and doesn't hog too many resources. At least it is opt in though. The tracking software that Asus put on the prime is neither opt in nor opt out unless you consider unlocking your boot loader and voiding your warranty opt out
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
So, it's either keep within the locked environment and deal with Asus's idea of timely updates (hint, they're not) or nuke the warranty and get a vastly better experience with AOKP, EOS or Virtuous.
Not a hard decision at this time sadly.
Hobbesian said:
So, it's either keep within the locked environment and deal with Asus's idea of timely updates (hint, they're not) or nuke the warranty and get a vastly better experience with AOKP, EOS or Virtuous.
Not a hard decision at this time sadly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed! I found the OTAs caused more problems than they solved. By the time I was running .21 my prime was practically unusable given the browser freezes and crashes. It lasted about 2 days before I unlocked. Unlocking and getting rid of stock was the best decision that I made in regards to this thing.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
I wonder how they track the device when it comes online. Is the stock firmware running CarrierIQ or some other form of privacy-concerning tracking software? This might finally drive me to install CM9.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
paddycr said:
Unless you're unlocked then it doesn't work lol. Nice find but there are apps that do the same thing. I use Lookout
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Got Ya
lattera said:
I wonder how they track the device when it comes online. Is the stock firmware running CarrierIQ or some other form of privacy-concerning tracking software? This might finally drive me to install CM9.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tracking website was posted in another thread a few days ago. I was really glad that it did not know what to do with my serial number (I am running Eos Cornerstone). This does remind me of CarrierIQ - I wonder what other info ASUS is collecting??
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
lattera said:
I wonder how they track the device when it comes online. Is the stock firmware running CarrierIQ or some other form of privacy-concerning tracking software? This might finally drive me to install CM9.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, I have yet to get this thing to actually work. I just use Prey or whatever it's called, doesn't actively start running until you tell it to unless I'm mistaken.
Wait, I have an unlocked bootloader on my Prime, and the device tracker was able to locate it, once I connected it to WiFi network. Even the remote ring worked. (Message and contacts lookup says that it only works on 3G models). I did not test the remote wipe or lock for obvious reasons.
I'm running rooted stock .21 ROM.
I use gotya too .... takes a pic of the person unlocking the screen and emails me the pic along with their location ..... but i guess there are pros and cons for locked and unlocked bootloaders ...... i had my prime for a day did the .21 update then decided to root.... man was that a lot of work but it was worth it in my opinion
nonpaq said:
Wait, I have an unlocked bootloader on my Prime, and the device tracker was able to locate it, once I connected it to WiFi network. Even the remote ring worked. (Message and contacts lookup says that it only works on 3G models). I did not test the remote wipe or lock for obvious reasons.
I'm running rooted stock .21 ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course the location software worked: you are using an ASUS rom that comes with the tracking software thoughtfully included . It has nothing to do with whether you are unlocked or not. I am running a non-ASUS rom - the tracking website doesn't work with my prime.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
paddycr said:
Of course the location software worked: you are using an ASUS rom that comes with the tracking software thoughtfully included . It has nothing to do with whether you are unlocked or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats my point... the thread title says "One good thing about a locked bootloader". The device tracker is not disabled by just unlocking the boot loader. Flashing the rom to a custom rom would. (Granted, the most likely reason for unlocking the bootloader would be for flashing to a custom rom.)
nonpaq said:
Thats my point... the thread title says "One good thing about a locked bootloader". The device tracker is not disabled by just unlocking the boot loader. Flashing the rom to a custom rom would. (Granted, the most likely reason for unlocking the bootloader would be for flashing to a custom rom.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I get it - good point
Wow, yeah, that is a good r...er, no, the locked bootloader continues to suck. Oh, and you better pray the person steals your GPS dongle and uses it if you want a location
Just change title of thread from "locked bootloader" to "stock firmware w/ locked bootloader".
You know, I do have a Windows Home Server, is there a version of this I can use from home without a complicated setup?
Actually, my device was located within a fairly small area using just WiFi locations. Not small enough to nab anyone who had my Prime, but at lease it would tell me its still in the neighborhood. Besides, GPS would not work indoors anyway, even with the dongle.
nonpaq said:
Actually, my device was located within a fairly small area using just WiFi locations. Not small enough to nab anyone who had my Prime, but at lease it would tell me its still in the neighborhood. Besides, GPS would not work indoors anyway, even with the dongle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still amazed anyone can use it :/ I just get some "command failed" error every time I try to add my Prime's serial number to the Device Tracker. Fails every time, lower case, upper case, even started swapping 0's and O's even though I know the correct placement.
I've pretty much given up on anything with ASUS being quite right, and definitely don't expect much of whoever upkeeps their website and services. I also just submitted an RMA early this week and have not heard a word from anyone lol, I can only assume this will be fun.
buxtahuda said:
I'm still amazed anyone can use it :/ I just get some "command failed" error every time I try to add my Prime's serial number to the Device Tracker. Fails every time, lower case, upper case, even started swapping 0's and O's even though I know the correct placement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep...same thing happened to me, until I realized I had a leading empty space after the serial number (I cut an pasted my SN and it added a trailing space).
Make sure there are no leading/middle/trailing spaces in the serial number...

Removing unlocked message

Hello.
Apparently it's possible to remove the "Your device is unlocked" message when the prime boots up.
How is that doable ?
Thx for the help :
CrazyKoala said:
Hello.
Apparently it's possible to remove the "Your device is unlocked" message when the prime boots up.
How is that doable ?
Thx for the help :
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i didnt think it was, where did you get the information from that its possible to remove it?
I encountered message in this forum implying it was possible, threads about swaps between prime and infinity, to finally have the wifi problems solved
i remember reading about something about unlocking the nvflash or something like that
if you're not experienced at these things i wouldn't even suggest looking at it
but if you are you'll know where to search for it
You can remove the message, but that is probably only useful if you want to defraud someone - you can't replace the DRM keys.
CrazyKoala said:
Hello.
Apparently it's possible to remove the "Your device is unlocked" message when the prime boots up.
How is that doable ?
Thx for the help :
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder why mine not showing. Seriously.... it showed when i first unlock my device and after i flashed aoKP, but then i moved to androwook, and lately i noticed tht it didnt show up... idk y...
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Not trying to fraud. I just want to avoid possible problem if I manage to get a swap.
I believe lilstevie had said something to the extent that the "your bootloader is unlocked" message was only added to the .21 and above bootloaders. If there was a way to move to previous ASUS bootloaders(the EBT partition), for example .15 without resulting in a brick, then I presume the message would not show anymore.
For example, flashing the ebtblob.bin for the AndroidRoot.mobi nvflash package will result in a different message showing up in place of the unlocked message.
If you have used nvflash, it won't show up. Also, there is a setting when installing androwook rom to remove the message.
CrazyKoala said:
I encountered message in this forum implying it was possible, threads about swaps between prime and infinity, to finally have the wifi problems solved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tshoulihane said:
You can remove the message, but that is probably only useful if you want to defraud someone - you can't replace the DRM keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nvdlash can remove it BUT that won't do anygood. As soon as you unlocked, your prime serial number was sent to Asus. As soon as they enter in your serial number for refund RMA, it will show you unlocked. Then they won't be allowed to proceed.
They have strict guidelines in place. Which they not even really doing refunds anyways. But in an extreme case, or more so at their descretion, there can't be any physical damage at all. You must have reciept. MOre importantly, the firmware can't be modified in any matter. They specifically mentioned rooting and unlocking as examples. Trust me, I know. Which is why I'm kinda pissed right now and kinda regret unlocking.
But they not really doing anymore refunds. People had the chance before GPS dongle was released. Now THST GPS dongle is out in the wild, the refunds from Asus are shutdown basically. Since Asus doesn't sell directly to the customer, the refunds they were doing before were only special cases. Now, its a no go on getting refund from Asus.
Maybe if enough gamestop prime owners make the call, they will adopt same policy as best buy. Its a long shot but worth the effort.
---------- Post added at 04:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:15 PM ----------
kokopuphz said:
I believe lilstevie had said something to the extent that the "your bootloader is unlocked" message was only added to the .21 and above bootloaders. If there was a way to move to previous ASUS bootloaders(the EBT partition), for example .15 without resulting in a brick, then I presume the message would not show anymore.
For example, flashing the ebtblob.bin for the AndroidRoot.mobi nvflash package will result in a different message showing up in place of the unlocked message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gage_Hero said:
If you have used nvflash, it won't show up. Also, there is a setting when installing androwook rom to remove the message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't matter, Asus still has serial number I'm their systems that whoever unlocked. Plus there are digital flags of sort that activated upon unlocking. So they have quite a few ways of telling you unlocked. No way around it.
demandarin said:
Maybe if enough gamestop prime owners make the call, they will adopt same policy as best buy. Its a long shot but worth the effort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's more a loophole than policy - if Prime was still in stock/ in the system to be serviced there, people would have to swap out for it instead of being able to apply it to something else. Don't really think theres anything anybody can do outside of 30 days in a normal situation.
NeoMagus said:
It's more a loophole than policy - if Prime was still in stock/ in the system to be serviced there, people would have to swap out for it instead of being able to apply it to something else. Don't really think theres anything anybody can do outside of 30 days in a normal situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are gamestops still carrying prime or they moved onto the infinity pad and nexus 7?
They've got all 3. Prime & Infinity
Gage_Hero said:
If you have used nvflash, it won't show up. Also, there is a setting when installing androwook rom to remove the message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe that's what happen in my prime... but i dont have any idea how....
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Well although GPS was an issue, I could go ahead with this. I am just not as nice when it comes to wifi which is a real problem for me and for a lot of prime owners.
tshoulihane said:
You can remove the message, but that is probably only useful if you want to defraud someone - you can't replace the DRM keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know anyone else, but I want to get rid of it because I think it looks ugly.

Green Camera - ASUS won't RMA - They know I have unlocked it!

We regret to inform you that your RMA application form is being rejected as it appears your device has been unlocked. This has voided the warranty and we are unable to offer you an in-warranty repair
Please be informed that there will be a payment involved in repairing this product further. The starting fee is 35 pounds (excluding vat) which is only for shipping. The full quotation will be sent to you by the repair centre after the inspection.
If you elect to continue with the out of warranty ASUS repair, please be kind enough to resubmit the RMA form agreeing for possible payment terms.
You may also contact your local PC shop in order to seek for an alternative option.
We regret for the inconvenience caused.
How do they know that!! I guess I need to take my tablet apart!
They know that because when you unlock it the unlock tool sends an identifier to the Asus' servers and it has your tablet's info in it...
sjrixon said:
How do they know that!! I guess I need to take my tablet apart!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's no secret that they record who grabs unlock tokens, and you did have to agree to a massive agreement when unlocking that your warranty was void.
Even if you do manage to get them to accept it for repair, they'll relock your device to rub salt into the wound.
Is there a video anywhere of a camera fix? Youtube is just full of people trying to fix their Wi-Fi
sjrixon said:
We regret to inform you that your RMA application form is being rejected as it appears your device has been unlocked. This has voided the warranty and we are unable to offer you an in-warranty repair
Please be informed that there will be a payment involved in repairing this product further. The starting fee is 35 pounds (excluding vat) which is only for shipping. The full quotation will be sent to you by the repair centre after the inspection.
If you elect to continue with the out of warranty ASUS repair, please be kind enough to resubmit the RMA form agreeing for possible payment terms.
You may also contact your local PC shop in order to seek for an alternative option.
We regret for the inconvenience caused.
How do they know that!! I guess I need to take my tablet apart!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wel, when you unlock, that info is sent to their servers, so they know.
Kind of sucks because I unlocked mine in March and since that time I have the green camera screen twice. Both times I contacted Asus through these forums (Gary Key the first time, then the Service Center Manager in Texas directly the second time) Both times they agreed to fix the issue as it was a hardware issue.
I would try and get that point across, that is in fact HW and nothing to do with unlocking. And since there are so many cases of the green screen issue, I would try and speak with someone there.
Good luck
GreginNH said:
Wel, when you unlock, that info is sent to their servers, so they know.
Kind of sucks because I unlocked mine in March and since that time I have the green camera screen twice. Both times I contacted Asus through these forums (Gary Key the first time, then the Service Center Manager in Texas directly the second time) Both times they agreed to fix the issue as it was a hardware issue.
I would try and get that point across, that is in fact HW and nothing to do with unlocking. And since there are so many cases of the green screen issue, I would try and speak with someone there.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.. i was able to RMA and mine is unlocked... hehehehe... .i recieved my unit yesterday and im all happy.
bashir111 said:
.. i was able to RMA and mine is unlocked... hehehehe... .i recieved my unit yesterday and im all happy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great... have u tried unlocking it again>? If so, ur lucky...
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
skarfreak said:
Great... have u tried unlocking it again>? If so, ur lucky...
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never heard of anyone being able to unlock again after being locked in RMA
They dont lock it again. Mine came back as i sent it, unlocked, rooted and running Virtuous ROM.
Only way its locked again is if they replace system board and thats essentially a new device
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
GreginNH said:
They dont lock it again. Mine came back as i sent it, unlocked, rooted and running Virtuous ROM.
Only way its locked again is if they replace system board and thats essentially a new device
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Refrain from making stupid claims please.
A friend of mine had this issue.. it was a hardware issue not software and ASUS replaced his prime under warranty, even though it was unlocked...
skarfreak said:
Great... have u tried unlocking it again>? If so, ur lucky...
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nuh i didnt try... because now im on jelly bean and i cant unlock... even if i was on ics.. i wouldnt be unlocking i dont want to risk things going wrong again.
Benefit to living in Canada. Tamper all you want, legally they can't do squat
Sent mine for RMA, unlocked and even though they didn't fix it they didn't say anything about it.
rma'd mine twice while being unlocked.
first time it came back locked.
second time it came back only nvflash removed but unlocked....
asus cannot deny your RMA... you have warranty by law! call them ........
ungraph said:
Refrain from making stupid claims please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Refrain from being an idiot please.
He's right. Sent mine in for rma on green camera. Unlocked and it came back exactly that way. They did not mess with the software at all.
But I'm sure you know better.
Tempie007 said:
asus cannot deny your RMA... you have warranty by law! call them ........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By law, after unlocking you have no warranty. Asus can service your device or not based on their discretion.
chamberc said:
By law, after unlocking you have no warranty. Asus can service your device or not based on their discretion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be nice to see them prove how a hardware issue was caused by unlocking. Probably why they just rather do it instead . Just becuae they say something that does not mean they have the last word.
Sent from the Mighty Note International!
Would someone please point me in the direction of how to RMA?
I really do not know where to begin.
Thank You
JohnDaddyo said:
Would someone please point me in the direction of how to RMA?
I really do not know where to begin.
Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanted to say just go to Asus.com and click support but Asus.com is coming up blank for me at the moment, so Google for Asus and click support there, then again support, then repair repair inquiries. (Sorry, can't post the link because I haven't enough posts here)
Simply fill in your info and the problem and send. I got a response within a few hours in the form of a RMA number from Asus and an email with date & time from DHL (I'm in the Netherlands) at the same time, they picked it up the next day (last Tuesday) and it's ready for shipping back to me at the moment.
I too had the green camera issue, pinching worked for a day or two. I was on stock. I had upgraded to Jelly Bean within days of this problem starting, I've read a few who had the issue start after the ICS upgrade, so even though the pinch strongly suggests it's a hardware problem, I do find it curious that for most it started after a major upgrade.
shaolin95 said:
It would be nice to see them prove how a hardware issue was caused by unlocking. Probably why they just rather do it instead . Just becuae they say something that does not mean they have the last word.
Sent from the Mighty Note International!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't have to. If you unlocked you agreed that they would not repair it under any circumstances.

Hacked by a phone call mythbust

Hello XDA community
A friend of mine with an android device has been hacked "by a phone call" has he said. The phone number of the believed "attacker" does not exist anymore and seemed to have existed only a few hours. This arose some questions about what I believed. Can some of you tell me what you think about the questions below. If you have some pointers to help me know more about these topics, I would appreciate. If I missed topics on xda forum regarding these questions, please forgive me, and points me to the topic I missed.
1st - Has he really been hacked by a phone call ? In my understanding, as long as you don't activate 3G/4G, your android is just a phone, and thus can just handle duplex audio data. What about exploit targeting the phone application that, with just GSM protocol or payload corruption, can hack your phone ? I thougt this fairly unprobable. Now if 3G/4G is activated, is phone is just a machine on the network, with some ports open, so he is vulnerable. What about exploit that could run over 3G if you accept a call ? Can a vulnerable phone apk enable a hacking of the phone receiving a phone call ?
2nd - How did the attacker procured a phone number without giving its ID papers in france ? Buying a sim card normaly require a valid ID paper like a passport. Is it always the case ? Is it possible to have a mobile phone number without buying a SIM card ?
3rd - Given the recent informations I google on internet, I guess he has been hacked by Stagefright.
As he rooted his device, I would avised him reset to factory device. As a paranoid, I would say this is unsufficient : if his phone is compromised, the attacker could have compromised his recovery too. So I would better say him : flash bootloader if possible, and flash a stock rom then boot into recovery. And after, rune an apk to test if vulnerable to stagefright and a patch to correct.
Than you for your answers
Hi
First I'm sorry that this happened to your friend.
1. In Switzerland, many people was also hacked by a phone call. But he/she only stoled user data (Photos/Music/Videos/etc.) If they had Mobile Data enabled, I don't know.
2. Some country's (like Portugal) hasn't number that are registered with the name of the person. You can simply go to a mobileshop and ask for a SIM-Card and they simply sell it to you (I know it's a really bad thing )
Good luck to your friend restore his phone
Thank me, by hitting the Thanks Button
AnDrOiiiD_YT said:
Hi
First I'm sorry that this happened to your friend.
1. In Switzerland, many people was also hacked by a phone call. But he/she only stoled user data (Photos/Music/Videos/etc.) If they had Mobile Data enabled, I don't know.
2. Some country's (like Portugal) hasn't number that are registered with the name of the person. You can simply go to a mobileshop and ask for a SIM-Card and they simply sell it to you (I know it's a really bad thing )
Good luck to your friend restore his phone
Thank me, by hitting the Thanks Button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello AnDrOiiiD_YT
Can you communicate some sources about the hacking of people via phone call in switzerland (like neswpaper article, tech article ?)
Thank you
AnDrOiiiD_YT said:
Hi
First I'm sorry that this happened to your friend.
2. Some country's (like Portugal) hasn't number that are registered with the name of the person. You can simply go to a mobileshop and ask for a SIM-Card and they simply sell it to you (I know it's a really bad thing )
Good luck to your friend restore his phone
Thank me, by hitting the Thanks Button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can walk into just about any side store km the states and buy a phone and reg it with any name you want. You would be amazed at the names people use for accounts. Some just leave it blank.
zelendel said:
You can walk into just about any side store km the states and buy a phone and reg it with any name you want. You would be amazed at the names people use for accounts. Some just leave it blank.
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This can be the case in US. In France on shall provide an ID card to legally buy a SIM card.
bernie.discale said:
This can be the case in US. In France on shall provide an ID card to legally buy a SIM card.
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Click to collapse
Interesting. Im sure you could find away around it if you try hard enough. Which is what he most likely did.
Now When you say someone hacked his phone, how does he know he was hacked? What are the issues that made him think so?
zelendel said:
Interesting. Im sure you could find away around it if you try hard enough. Which is what he most likely did.
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Yes, probably. I saw a video from a tech university with the POC on how to cheaply buy phone numbers to issue SMS campaign, I don't know if this is still applicable.
Now When you say someone hacked his phone, how does he know he was hacked? What are the issues that made him think so?
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I had a short conversation with him, and he described applications installing alone, sms sent from his phone... Since I still could not get my hands on the device itself, I agree there is still a doubt on that point. He just remembered a strange phone call some weeks ago, but I am not convinced by the phone call that hacked his phone.
bernie.discale said:
Yes, probably. I saw a video from a tech university with the POC on how to cheaply buy phone numbers to issue SMS campaign, I don't know if this is still applicable.
I had a short conversation with him, and he described applications installing alone, sms sent from his phone... Since I still could not get my hands on the device itself, I agree there is still a doubt on that point. He just remembered a strange phone call some weeks ago, but I am not convinced by the phone call that hacked his phone.
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To be honest I am as well. Things that he is talking about could not have been set up during a phone call. Unless the person gave enough info that the offender could have hacked into the account. This would allow install of apps. I have a feeling it is something else. A logcat will be able to help determine what is the issue but the best bet is a full wipe, flash and some password changes.
zelendel said:
. A logcat will be able to help determine what is the issue but the best bet is a full wipe, flash and some password changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A agree with both
bernie.discale said:
Hello XDA community
A friend of mine with an android device has been hacked "by a phone call" has he said. The phone number of the believed "attacker" does not exist anymore and seemed to have existed only a few hours. This arose some questions about what I believed. Can some of you tell me what you think about the questions below. If you have some pointers to help me know more about these topics, I would appreciate. If I missed topics on xda forum regarding these questions, please forgive me, and points me to the topic I missed.
1st - Has he really been hacked by a phone call ? In my understanding, as long as you don't activate 3G/4G, your android is just a phone, and thus can just handle duplex audio data. What about exploit targeting the phone application that, with just GSM protocol or payload corruption, can hack your phone ? I thougt this fairly unprobable. Now if 3G/4G is activated, is phone is just a machine on the network, with some ports open, so he is vulnerable. What about exploit that could run over 3G if you accept a call ? Can a vulnerable phone apk enable a hacking of the phone receiving a phone call ?
2nd - How did the attacker procured a phone number without giving its ID papers in france ? Buying a sim card normaly require a valid ID paper like a passport. Is it always the case ? Is it possible to have a mobile phone number without buying a SIM card ?
3rd - Given the recent informations I google on internet, I guess he has been hacked by Stagefright.
As he rooted his device, I would avised him reset to factory device. As a paranoid, I would say this is unsufficient : if his phone is compromised, the attacker could have compromised his recovery too. So I would better say him : flash bootloader if possible, and flash a stock rom then boot into recovery. And after, rune an apk to test if vulnerable to stagefright and a patch to correct.
Than you for your answers
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It's not important that the attacker used a real number, he/she could also use something like spoof card.... About your friends problem is he sure that he have got hacked ?
sdeepb said:
It's not important that the attacker used a real number, he/she could also use something like spoof card.... About your friends problem is he sure that he have got hacked ?
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No we are not sure ATM. I try to reach him, with no success. What could confirm a hack or not (by lets say stagefright ?)
bernie.discale said:
No we are not sure ATM. I try to reach him, with no success. What could confirm a hack or not (by lets say stagefright ?)
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Click to collapse
I don't think there's a way to detect a call stagefright....
Stagefright can't be activated by a call. The phones doesn't access the vulnerable files.
bernie.discale said:
Hello AnDrOiiiD_YT
Can you communicate some sources about the hacking of people via phone call in switzerland (like neswpaper article, tech article ?)
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't found anything, but I think your friend had an app (virus) that needed root access, he granted root access and the app removed those files...
Thank me, by hitting the Thanks Button
zelendel said:
Stagefright can't be activated by a call. The phones doesn't access the vulnerable files.
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Click to collapse
I agree. I think the call has nothing to do with the symptoms he observes... I did not took time to POC stagefright at home, but from what I read it can be done silently via MMS. It's one hypothessis. ATM there ar many. Still don't have news from him. I'll just wait now.
Thank you all for your answers.
If he really thinks it's a stagefright then tell him to verify it, there's an app that can do it
sdeepb said:
If he really thinks it's a stagefright then tell him to verify it, there's an app that can do it
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The app can verify if he is vulnerable. Can it verify if he has really been hacked ?
bernie.discale said:
The app can verify if he is vulnerable. Can it verify if he has really been hacked ?
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Click to collapse
Being vulnerable can be a big proof itself that he most probably have been hacked
sdeepb said:
Being vulnerable can be a big proof itself that he most probably have been hacked
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Click to collapse
In my experience with Nessus or Nexpose, a vulnerability scan cannot be assessed as a POC. Not being vulnerable certainly prove your immnunity, but the opposite is not true.
bernie.discale said:
In my experience with Nessus or Nexpose, a vulnerability scan cannot be assessed as a POC. Not being vulnerable certainly prove your immnunity, but the opposite is not true.
Click to expand...
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I didn't said that being vulnerable surely means he have got hacked..... But he can be considering the symptoms

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