[Q] I'm confused about unlocking bootloader - Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I bought the atrix 4G from Egypt so i guess its the international one
i already rooted it ....however i dont have a custom recovery installed
I wanted to unlock the bootloader but in the instructions it says i should have a backup first which means i need CWM installed first to make a nandroid backup
when i go to install CWM it says i have to unlock bootloader first
I'm confused about which step should be done first, unlocking bootloader or installing CWM?
Can someone please walk me through this?

Think about it for a secon. Even if there was a way to make a nandroid backup without a custom recovery (and there actually ARE ways to do it), how exactly would you perform a restore of that backup if something goes wrong with unlocking the BL and/or installing a custom recovery?

ravilov said:
Think about it for a secon. Even if there was a way to make a nandroid backup without a custom recovery (and there actually ARE ways to do it), how exactly would you perform a restore of that backup if something goes wrong with unlocking the BL and/or installing a custom recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read that you lose all your data and application if during unlocking the bootloader
i'm just assuming if it went well , i dont wanna set up everything from the beginning i just want to restore it
but yeah that's something to consider you r right, i still want to know which step to do first ?

pepo36 said:
I read that you lose all your data and application if during unlocking the bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You lose nothing by unlocking the bootloader. However the procedure for doing that might at one point make your phone unusable until you flash custom recovery and then some ROM (custom or stock or whatever). And that is where you're likely to lose data.
You don't need a nandroid backup to retain data though. Just back it up using TiBu.
pepo36 said:
but yeah that's something to consider you r right, i still want to know which step to do first ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a nutshell:
make any backups using TiBu
download a fruitcake firmware you want (probably the same version you have right now)
unlock the bootloader
flash custom recovery
flash the fruitcake
boot
restore TiBu backup

I folowed instructions here and it worked flawlessly:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1302423

Related

Installing CWM on 4.2.2 (10.3.1.C.0.136)

I am sorry, I am a Noob, but I learn quick. I also have to post in the noobie forums for a while until I can grow some gills so here goes...
The goal - to install Clockwork Mod Recovery on my SGP312 running 4.2.2 (10.31.1.C.0.136)
Where I am at in the process - my tablet is rooted.
From what I have read, I am lead to believe that ROM Manager can't install just CWM because the recovery boot process on Sony tablets is integrated into the kernel. So I think I need to use adb to get into fastboot mode and flash a boot.img that contains CWM. I also believe that you can't flash a kernel with a locked bootloader. Am I correct so far?
At this juncture I only want to get CWM installed, I'm not ready to actually install an entire ROM yet. "One step at a time grasshopper"
Ideally, I would like to get CWM installed before I unlock my bootloader so that I can make a backup and return to a locked bootloader config if I ever have the need to.
So my question is this: Is there a way to get CWM onto my tablet without unlocking the bootloader? If what I would prefer isn't possible is following and using the boot.img in this thread the next best way of proceeding?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2433466
Thanks everyone for a) putting up with such a basic set of questions, b) helping me become less of a Noob and c) helping me accomplish what I need to get done.
dph3055 said:
I am sorry, I am a Noob, but I learn quick. I also have to post in the noobie forums for a while until I can grow some gills so here goes...
The goal - to install Clockwork Mod Recovery on my SGP312 running 4.2.2 (10.31.1.C.0.136)
Where I am at in the process - my tablet is rooted.
From what I have read, I am lead to believe that ROM Manager can't install just CMR because the recovery boot process on Sony tablets is integrated into the kernel. So I think I need to use adb to get into fastboot mode and flash a boot.img that contains CMR. I also believe that you can't flash a kernel with a locked bootloader. Am I correct so far?
At this juncture I only want to get CMR installed, I'm not ready to actually install an entire ROM yet. "One step at a time grasshopper"
Ideally, I would like to get CMR installed before I unlock my bootloader so that I can make a backup and return to a locked bootloader config if I ever have the need to.
So my question is this: Is there a way to get CMR onto my tablet without unlocking the bootloader? If what I would prefer isn't possible is following and using the boot.img in this thread the next best way of proceeding?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2433466
Thanks everyone for a) putting up with such a basic set of questions, b) helping me become less of a Noob and c) helping me accomplish what I need to get done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I can't answer you main question - but I can give a bit of advice:
I you are going to unlock your bootloader make sure to back up the "TA" partition first. This contains information such as DRM keys which are specific to your device and cannot be recovered once lost (unlocking the bootloader will wipe the TA partition). Google "Sony DRM TA partition" for more info.
I don't think you have to do a nandroid type backup via CWM before unlocking the bootloader. As long as you've backed up the TA partition I believe you can get back to locked, stock ROM. There is advice in these forums somewhere.
I would really think hard before unlocking the bootloader - why do you want to do this? The stock Sony ROM is pretty good.
Hope the above is of some use - hopefully someone else will reply (and correct me if I've mis-informed you!)
GretaLewd said:
Sorry, I can't answer you main question - but I can give a bit of advice:
I you are going to unlock your bootloader make sure to back up the "TA" partition first. This contains information such as DRM keys which are specific to your device and cannot be recovered once lost (unlocking the bootloader will wipe the TA partition). Google "Sony DRM TA partition" for more info.
I don't think you have to do a nandroid type backup via CWM before unlocking the bootloader. As long as you've backed up the TA partition I believe you can get back to locked, stock ROM. There is advice in these forums somewhere.
I would really think hard before unlocking the bootloader - why do you want to do this? The stock Sony ROM is pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for the advice. I don't really want to unlock the bootloader at this point in time. I would just like to get CMR installed and am looking for a way to do that without unlocking. I have read about backing up the TA but must admit don't fully understand the process. What does TA stand for and how does one go about backing it up?
Answer:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627

[Q] ADB backup question

i just ADB backed up my phone with the intentions of wiping it to unlock the bootloader and then rooting it.
do you know if a ADB backup when restored will relock the bootloader or should it stay unlocked?
kazelement said:
i just ADB backed up my phone with the intentions of wiping it to unlock the bootloader and then rooting it.
do you know if a ADB backup when restored will relock the bootloader or should it stay unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never attempted to backup/restore this way, but I believe that it shouldn't relock your bootloader, but depending what you restore (if /system) you might loose Root access.
megabiteg said:
Never attempted to backup/restore this way, but I believe that it shouldn't relock your bootloader, but depending what you restore (if /system) you might loose Root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good because i was planning on unlocking the boot loader, restoring the phone and then rooting it. so that i dont lose anything and it seemed like the best way to get this done without losing any data.

[Q] Installing CWM on a GO

I want to follow the guide below to instal CWM recovery on my Go ICS 4.0.4 build 6.1.1.B.1.10. However my phone's bootloader is unlocked. Can I still follow the guide or where can I find a guide for an unlocked bootloader?
Can I just relock the bootloader, how would I do that and what would the implications be?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1975112
Alansa said:
I want to follow the guide below to instal CWM recovery on my Go ICS 4.0.4 build 6.1.1.B.1.10. However my phone's bootloader is unlocked. Can I still follow the guide or where can I find a guide for an unlocked bootloader?
Can I just relock the bootloader, how would I do that and what would the implications be?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1975112
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can use it.
It really is for stock kernels, or custom kernels that do not have recovery in them, not necessarily locked bootloader.
ChikeD said:
Yes you can use it.
It really is for stock kernels, or custom kernels that do not have recovery in them, not necessarily locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks. So not going to run into issues down the road because I followed the guide using an unlocked bootloader
Alansa said:
Okay thanks. So not going to run into issues down the road because I followed the guide using an unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, however the charching led may not lit in offline charging.
I had this issue with my XP I don't know if it's the same with the Go version.
It's still charging I think and easy to fix.
Okay recovery installed. Did a backup in CWM but now can't locate it....
Alansa said:
Okay recovery installed. Did a backup in CWM but now can't locate it....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go to restore you wil see it or a list of backups you done by date.
It is located on internal storage, clockworkmod directory.
ChikeD said:
If you go to restore you wil see it or a list of backups you done by date.
It is located on internal storage, clockworkmod directory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually selecting 'backup current rom' just reboots the phone. So does "reboot into recovery"
Any idea why the phone simply roots normally?
Anybody got recover X working a GO?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1773227

[Q] help wih stock backup pre-root

I've had a lot of trouble upgrading to KitKat. After attempting to flash different image files for stock recovery/boot/system, I found it impossible to completely unroot the phone using the instructions posted because the phone kept re-rooting itself. Finally, I S-offed, wrote superCID, used the Telus RUU, applied the OTA downloaded to the phone, changed the CID back to GLOBA001 (my carrier is WindMobile). And finally! I know I relocked and unlocked the bootloader somewhere in the process, but I can't quite remember when.
Now, before I even think of re-rooting the phone or installing a custom recovery, I'd like to create a backup of the stock boot, recovery, and system. I tried running
Code:
fastboot boot openrecovery-twrp-2.7.1.1-zaracl.img
using the special KitKat TWRP. There's a message about boot.img being downloaded successfully but the phone reboots to a black screen.
I know that TWRP 2.7.1.0 downloaded from their website worked fine on my phone before I ran the RUU . So I'm not sure that the new TWRP is incompatible with my phone.
If I wanted to use adb instead, I'd need to root the phone before being able to pull the stock recovery, boot, and system images using adb shell. If I have to resort to rooting, is there any way to do so without flashing a custom recovery first? If there is, I might be able to unroot the phone afterward and make it stick. (Delete the supersu apk and su binary, right?)
I remember that the first time my phone attempted to download and apply the OTA automatically, my phone wiped itself. It was a lot of hard work to get it back to a usable state, but it was my own fault for not having a proper backup. I'd like to avoid making that mistake again, and have a stock backup handy on my computer in case there are carrier updates for my phone in the future.
To re-iterate, possible to back up stock everything without root? If not, possible to root without installing custom recovery?
You can no longer boot into a custom recovery, you have to actually flash it.
As far as having the stock recovery and boot, those are actually inside the OTA so you can pull it from there.
Since you'll have the stock recovery already, you can flash TWRP and use that to backup boot and system.
When you need to go stock, just use TWRP to restore your backup and then manually flash the stock recovery.
Since you made the device S-OFF, I recommend that if you need to lock/unlock the bootloader that you use the commands in this thread versus using the htcdev method as that wipes the /data/preload/ folder (as part of its normal /data wipe) which includes a few stock apps.
I had already re-locked the bootloader using the HTCdev method after the upgrade and before starting the thread. Do you think the potential loss of apps would cause any future OTAs to fail? If so, I don't mind re-doing the RUU (no important data on the phone right now). If not, I'll proceed with flashing TWRP.
Thanks for the tip on the alternate unlock method. I'll use that method the next time I need to re-unlock the bootloader.
EveKnight75 said:
I had already re-locked the bootloader using the HTCdev method after the upgrade and before starting the thread. Do you think the potential loss of apps would cause any future OTAs to fail? If so, I don't mind re-doing the RUU (no important data on the phone right now). If not, I'll proceed with flashing TWRP.
Thanks for the tip on the alternate unlock method. I'll use that method the next time I need to re-unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locking the bootloader won't do anything, it's only unlocking using the htcdev token that causes the data wipe. So if you haven't unlocked using the htcdev method since running the RUU you will still have the 2 - 3 apps.
I don't know if the /data/preload/ folder is a requirement for a successful OTA update or not but I checked inside my OTA zip for my phone and it does include the 3 items stored there for the VM variant.
The unlock was AFTER the RUU. I ran the RUU, then used the OTA to upgrade to KitKat, then unlocked the bootloader again. However, I didn't notice any apps disappearing and the OTA zip for Wind also has a /data/preload folder.
*Shrugs* Seems good enough to me. TWRP, here I come!
needing wind stock stuck with wind awsy amd wont connect
I have an unlocked desire 601 it finds only wind away I'm trying to get a backup of the stock Rom to flash it does anyone k ow if there any around or even a back up I can use to try to get my phone working on wind home
jayjsteez said:
I have an unlocked desire 601 it finds only wind away I'm trying to get a backup of the stock Rom to flash it does anyone k ow if there any around or even a back up I can use to try to get my phone working on wind home
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2804427
needing help for s-off
EveKnight75 said:
I had already re-locked the bootloader using the HTCdev method after the upgrade and before starting the thread. Do you think the potential loss of apps would cause any future OTAs to fail? If so, I don't mind re-doing the RUU (no important data on the phone right now). If not, I'll proceed with flashing TWRP.
Thanks for the tip on the alternate unlock method. I'll use that method the next time I need to re-unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey i have unlocked desire 601 but only says wind away and wont connect ive knoticed the wind version is the same as the other versions but im wondering do i need the wind rom in order for it to pick up the wind home i cant seem to find anywhere online the wind rom and everytime i try to s-off it saysfailed and ive followed everything is there any insite you could give me to help me with this issue if its fixable again my phone says wind away but wont connect to it and i need to get it working as its my only device and carrier i use thx
---------- Post added at 11:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 PM ----------
EveKnight75 said:
I had already re-locked the bootloader using the HTCdev method after the upgrade and before starting the thread. Do you think the potential loss of apps would cause any future OTAs to fail? If so, I don't mind re-doing the RUU (no important data on the phone right now). If not, I'll proceed with flashing TWRP.
Thanks for the tip on the alternate unlock method. I'll use that method the next time I need to re-unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey i have unlocked desire 601 but only says wind away and wont connect ive knoticed the wind version is the same as the other versions but im wondering do i need the wind rom in order for it to pick up the wind home i cant seem to find anywhere online the wind rom and everytime i try to s-off it saysfailed and ive followed everything is there any insite you could give me to help me with this issue if its fixable again my phone says wind away but wont connect to it and i need to get it working as its my only device and carrier i use thx
-Duir- said:
You can no longer boot into a custom recovery, you have to actually flash it.
As far as having the stock recovery and boot, those are actually inside the OTA so you can pull it from there.
Since you'll have the stock recovery already, you can flash TWRP and use that to backup boot and system.
When you need to go stock, just use TWRP to restore your backup and then manually flash the stock recovery.
Since you made the device S-OFF, I recommend that if you need to lock/unlock the bootloader that you use the commands in this thread versus using the htcdev method as that wipes the /data/preload/ folder (as part of its normal /data wipe) which includes a few stock apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand how you can pull the stock recovery from the OTA. I thought OTA's are immediately installed, instead of stored untill you want to install it? So, how do you backup the stock recovery?
It is saved until you want to install. When it go finishes Downloading, just choose install later. And you will be able to copy it into other storage devices and extract files and what not. I'm not sure if it stores in internal or external I'm 80% sure external sd if you have one.
Sent from my HTC0P4E1 using XDA Free mobile app

New Device - what to do???

I will soon be getting a new Z Ultra and I would like to know what to do:
I want to stay on the stock rom but root it and update it to the latest version
So should I downgrade/root/unlock bootloader/whatever before i start using it?
If so, can someone tell me the steps to doing it e.g.
1) downgrade to .623
2) unlock bootloader
3) flash kernel and recovery
4) backup TA
5) update to latest version
6) root
???
panyan said:
I will soon be getting a new Z Ultra and I would like to know what to do:
I want to stay on the stock rom but root it and update it to the latest version
So should I downgrade/root/unlock bootloader/whatever before i start using it?
If so, can someone tell me the steps to doing it e.g.
1) downgrade to .623
2) unlock bootloader
3) flash kernel and recovery
4) backup TA
5) update to latest version
6) root
???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If all you are wanting is latest firmware with root just let it update then follow this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
If you do decide to unlock bootloader then you have listed steps in wrong order.
1. Root
2. Backup TA
3. Unlock Bootloader
Alternately you could use the dualrecovery installer for step 1 as it has the root exploit built in.
adfurgerson said:
If all you are wanting is latest firmware with root just let it update then follow this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
If you do decide to unlock bootloader then you have listed steps in wrong order.
1. Root
2. Backup TA
3. Unlock Bootloader
Alternately you could use the dualrecovery installer for step 1 as it has the root exploit built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to have recovery installed and have a backup of my TA partition just in case
Can you tell me the whole process please?
1-> ?
panyan said:
I would like to have recovery installed and have a backup of my TA partition just in case
Can you tell me the whole process please?
1-> ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587
2.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
Backing up TA needs to be done before unlocking bootloader as that is when DRM keys become lost. Also want to mention that I made a Nandroid right after using dualrecovery installer and before unlocking bootloader. When that backup was restored my bootloader became locked again, but I can't swear that the DRM keys remained intact.
adfurgerson said:
If all you are wanting is latest firmware with root just let it update then follow this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
If you do decide to unlock bootloader then you have listed steps in wrong order.
1. Root
2. Backup TA
3. Unlock Bootloader
Alternately you could use the dualrecovery installer for step 1 as it has the root exploit built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adfurgerson said:
1.http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587
2.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the whole process would be:
1) root (http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587)
2) backup TA (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598)
3) unlock bootloader?
4) flash recovery
5) update to latest version OS
6) root
?
panyan said:
So the whole process would be:
1) root (http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587)
2) backup TA (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598)
3) unlock bootloader?
4) flash recovery
5) update to latest version OS
6) root
?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I am at work so my simple replies are even worse than normal.
The easyroot method (towelroot) and the dualrecovery exploit don't require downgrading, so just let it update to latest firmware. If you can't get the OTA for any reason you can flash the latest FTF for your region with flashtool. Then once on latest use dualrecovery installer and TA backup tool. That should have you rooted with recovery and backed up.
Edit...unlocking bootloader is only needed to flash custom ROMs or kernels.
adfurgerson said:
Sorry I am at work so my simple replies are even worse than normal.
The easyroot method (towelroot) and the dualrecovery exploit don't require downgrading, so just let it update to latest firmware. If you can't get the OTA for any reason you can flash the latest FTF for your region with flashtool. Then once on latest use dualrecovery installer and TA backup tool. That should have you rooted with recovery and backed up.
Edit...unlocking bootloader is only needed to flash custom ROMs or kernels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont apologise, I really appreciate your help.
I will want to flash custom roms in the future so should I unlock it on day 1?
So the process is:
1) update to latest 4.4.4
2) install dual recovery from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647492
3) go into recovery and make a backup
4) make a TA backup with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
5) root with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
panyan said:
Dont apologise, I really appreciate your help.
I will want to flash custom roms in the future so should I unlock it on day 1?
So the process is:
1) update to latest 4.4.4
2) install dual recovery from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647492
3) go into recovery and make a backup
4) make a TA backup with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
5) root with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Step 5 shouldn't be needed as the dualrecovery will take care of rooting. I didn't check the links you posted but if they are the same as I did you should be good.
adfurgerson said:
Step 5 shouldn't be needed as the dualrecovery will take care of rooting. I didn't check the links you posted but if they are the same as I did you should be good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, excellent
What would the process be if I wanted to unlock the bootloader too?
panyan said:
Ok, excellent
What would the process be if I wanted to unlock the bootloader too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a quick rundown....TA backup needs root to work, TA backup saves DRM keys needed for Sony proprietary stuff like audio, video and camera, also if warranty replacement is needed. DRM keys are lost when bootloader is unlocked, also internal storage is wiped. If unlocking a brand new phone then nothings lost, but if you have apps, pics, etc. then you will need to back them up first. I can't remember if I needed to rerun the dualrecovery after unlocking or if recovery was intact. I do know that restoring a Nandroid that I made before unlocking bootloader to phone after it was unlocked caused a soft brick until I unlocked it again. Maybe @blueether could double-check the info I have given you for accuracy as I may be over my head here.
adfurgerson said:
Here is a quick rundown....TA backup needs root to work, TA backup saves DRM keys needed for Sony proprietary stuff like audio, video and camera, also if warranty replacement is needed. DRM keys are lost when bootloader is unlocked, also internal storage is wiped. If unlocking a brand new phone then nothings lost only the DRM keys are lost, but if you have apps, pics, etc. then you will need to back them up first. I can't remember if I needed to rerun the dualrecovery after unlocking or if recovery was intact. I do know that restoring a Nandroid that I made before unlocking bootloader to phone after it was unlocked caused a soft brick until I unlocked it again. Maybe @blueether could double-check the info I have given you for accuracy as I may be over my head here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all looks about right, I would just change the above a little
blueether said:
It all looks about right, I would just change the above a little
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will root and recovery persist after unlocking bootloader? I can't remember if it does or not. Thanks for looking that over, the last I want is to give out erroneous advice.
adfurgerson said:
Will root and recovery persist after unlocking bootloader? I can't remember if it does or not. Thanks for looking that over, the last I want is to give out erroneous advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant unforget either, been too long since I've had a locked BL
1) update to latest 4.4.4 - See FTF thread
2) install dual recovery by [NUT]
3) go into recovery and make a backup - handy if you ever need to get back to stock - I'm not sure if it backs up the TA either
4) make a TA backup and save it on the cloud and on HDD
5) unlock the BL by visiting Sony's dev site and using flashtool
6) re-root / reinstall su if needed
7) make another backup of the TA and call this one unlocked - this can then be used to unlock the BL with out the data wipe
All off the top of my head and not done in ages
blueether said:
1) update to latest 4.4.4 - See FTF thread
2) install dual recovery by [NUT]
3) go into recovery and make a backup - handy if you ever need to get back to stock - I'm not sure if it backs up the TA either
4) make a TA backup and save it on the cloud and on HDD
5) unlock the BL by visiting Sony's dev site and using flashtool
6) re-root / reinstall su if needed
7) make another backup of the TA and call this one unlocked - this can then be used to unlock the BL with out the data wipe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant - thank you very much
You guys have been invaluable!

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