Related
I understand that this may have been asked, and I've been looking at similar threads, but I'm having a hard time finding a direct answer, so I apologize.
I have some experience rooting with an Atrix, but I just got this phone two days ago, this morning I used the 1-click method from rootwhiz to install the ICS leak. No problems having it run at all. I need to know, directly, did this install change my bootloader and change the binary count? I can't remember if I saw anytime of yellow triangle as people talk about. If it changed the bootloader what is there a safe method to return to the older bootloaders, and or do I even need to do so to root and install other roms?
I know that the Atrix had some problems in terms of returning to prior versions of things, and in my research I haven't found a direct answer to this question too.
Basically, did my bootloader change? Can I root using the heimdall method I keep seeing about safely? What would be the best way to root and install custom roms, neglecting the binary counter if I can get a jig or something?
Forgive me again for asking, I just need to have better answers before I try anything.
Are you asking for info for your Atrix or SGS2 device?
Sorry, I am asking about the SGS2.
ds1904.ds said:
I understand that this may have been asked, and I've been looking at similar threads, but I'm having a hard time finding a direct answer, so I apologize.
I have some experience rooting with an Atrix, but I just got this phone two days ago, this morning I used the 1-click method from rootwhiz to install the ICS leak. No problems having it run at all. I need to know, directly, did this install change my bootloader and change the binary count? I can't remember if I saw anytime of yellow triangle as people talk about. If it changed the bootloader what is there a safe method to return to the older bootloaders, and or do I even need to do so to root and install other roms?
I know that the Atrix had some problems in terms of returning to prior versions of things, and in my research I haven't found a direct answer to this question too.
Basically, did my bootloader change? Can I root using the heimdall method I keep seeing about safely? What would be the best way to root and install custom roms, neglecting the binary counter if I can get a jig or something?
Forgive me again for asking, I just need to have better answers before I try anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you used the 1-Click method, yes. Your bootloaders are changed. Wouldve been much better to use the Heimdall method or just root your phone then flash the Leak ROM that task650 and Fenny made. As far as reverting bootloaders to stock, thats out of my range of knowledge. Im sure there is a way to do it though.
EDIT: For rooting, best way is to be on stock 2.3.4 and use the Zergrush exploit.
I've seen you're using the past tense a lot, I thought you already DID.
Anyway, for rooting and installing custom ROM, follow this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311081
I can't pinpoint exactly what to do since having no info.
Thanks for the answers so far, now that I know my bootloaders have been changed I need to figure out how to either change back / and how to safely root. I may just have to wait it out I think though, no problem with that really, working just fine now. And never use the alarm
For clarification, my rooting experience is limited to the Atrix, the SGS2 is new as of Monday, and I am having trouble sifting through information. What I've learned so far is that maybe it was a little hasty to install the ICS leak the way I did. Prior to the ICS leak there was nothing changed on the phone.
You're going to have to get some experience with ODIN. Here is the bootloader you'll want to flash back to, however, then you'll probably need to flash a kernel with CWM (clock work mod) and then boot into cwm to flash a rom such as Tasks stock ICS leak. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1316726
So if I follow correctly the ICS leak I installed added newer bootloaders that prevent jigging in the future if it was needed. My two options are apparently to use the method that bypasses the counter, which was posted, or to use ODIN and flash the older bootloader, but this can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
The danger of bricking scares me a little, but I successfully used RSD Lite to unlock the bootloader on my Atrix, don't know if it's similar. Perhaps I should take the Atrix and attempt to install an older bootloader on it to get a feel for things? I figure that it wouldn't make much of a difference however...
I figured out that even though I have a newer bootloader now I still have a 0 for the binary counter, as the leak is considered a samsung official release, of course I don't know how that would effect any given warranty.
So, I still feel that these following questions are unanswered, I apologize if I am not understanding correctly:
1. Is it safe for me to root with the heimdall method even with the newer bootloaders
2. Is it safe for me to install custom roms without reverting the bootloader, as long as I am using the bypass method to prevent my counter from changing?
3. What is the exact risk to flashing the older bootloader, and what precautions should I take before doing so? If I flash the older bootloader without reverting to stock firmware will that cause a brick? Or is the risk just associated with fudging up the process of the flash itself, and hoping that the connection doesn't get cut (on that note, the phone, usb cord, and computer I'm using are all less than 4 months old, so that risk doesn't concern me a whole lote).
Sorry if these are stupid questions, I hope I am asking good enough questions to help others out in the future
After some more reading, here's another question as well:
Does the SGS2 technically have an unlocked bootloader already? It just counts how many times you install non samsung firmware?
Also just so I know that I'm not wrong, are Kernal, Firmware, and "Roms" all the same thing? How can you tell if a "package" or "rom" comes with bootloaders, as this is something I apparently am supposed to avoid.
ds1904.ds said:
1. Is it safe for me to root with the heimdall method even with the newer bootloaders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont believe you can root since you already flashed it with ODIN 1-Click
ds1904.ds said:
2. Is it safe for me to install custom roms without reverting the bootloader, as long as I am using the bypass method to prevent my counter from changing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot install custom ROM's because you dont have CWM.
ds1904.ds said:
3. What is the exact risk to flashing the older bootloader, and what precautions should I take before doing so? If I flash the older bootloader without reverting to stock firmware will that cause a brick? Or is the risk just associated with fudging up the process of the flash itself, and hoping that the connection doesn't get cut (on that note, the phone, usb cord, and computer I'm using are all less than 4 months old, so that risk doesn't concern me a whole lot).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really not sure on these questions. Any takers?
ds1904.ds said:
After some more reading, here's another question as well:
Does the SGS2 technically have an unlocked bootloader already? It just counts how many times you install non samsung firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No; Only download mode (Odin/Heimdall) flashes trigger changes to the warning screen.
ds1904.ds said:
Also just so I know that I'm not wrong, are Kernal, Firmware, and "Roms" all the same thing? How can you tell if a "package" or "rom" comes with bootloaders, as this is something I apparently am supposed to avoid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kernel is a set of drivers that tells the hardware what to do. Firmware is like a new base. (XXLPQ, DXLP7 etc.) A ROM is the whole package.
Please if I missed anything or am incorrect about some/all of this, somebody correct me.
Okay I think I'm starting to figure this out. I downgraded to 2.3.4 using an unroot/stock method I found, using odin and it worked. It would not accept the OTA update however, but I believe this is due to the ULCL2 baseband? Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Now I am going to use method 2c found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311081
to root and restore to the other baseband, which also happens to be the one that's best for my area I believe. From there, I can install CWM using one of the 31-c methods, and use CWM to install custom roms as long as they don't have bootloaders, correct? Or does it not matter if the packages have bootloaders.
Someone correct me if I am wrong, I don't want to ruin anything here. I think it's safe to install the files that come from the 2c method but wont be doing anything else until I know it's safe.
ds1904.ds said:
Okay I think I'm starting to figure this out. I downgraded to 2.3.4 using an unroot/stock method I found, using odin and it worked. It would not accept the OTA update however, but I believe this is due to the ULCL2 baseband? Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Now I am going to use method 2c found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311081
to root and restore to the other baseband, which also happens to be the one that's best for my area I believe. From there, I can install CWM using one of the 31-c methods, and use CWM to install custom roms as long as they don't have bootloaders, correct? Or does it not matter if the packages have bootloaders.
Someone correct me if I am wrong, I don't want to ruin anything here. I think it's safe to install the files that come from the 2c method but wont be doing anything else until I know it's safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be fine. NONE of the ROMs you find on the I777 boards in Ported or Original will have bootloaders so no worries. And yes after root use Mobile ODIN to install a zImage which will give you CWM. Highly recommend Siyah 2.6.14. Please stick to just trying some GB ROM's and get the hang of making nandroids etc before moving on the ICS ROM's.
D3M3NT3D_L0RD said:
Should be fine. NONE of the ROMs you find on the I777 boards in Ported or Original will have bootloaders so no worries. And yes after root use Mobile ODIN to install a zImage which will give you CWM. Highly recommend Siyah 2.6.14. Please stick to just trying some GB ROM's and get the hang of making nandroids etc before moving on the ICS ROM's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I get is an apk file, I've been searching all night for a zimage... The file says i777 flashkernal, and it's just an .apk. Mobile Odin can't see it unless I name it zimage with no file extension. I tried that and it seemed like it was soft-bricked so I used odin on the PC to reflash the stock root think mentioned in the thread.
I was thinking of CM7 if it will work flashing as a zip from CWM, if I can get CWM on there that is.
ds1904.ds said:
All I get is an apk file, I've been searching all night for a zimage... The file says i777 flashkernal, and it's just an .apk. Mobile Odin can't see it unless I name it zimage with no file extension. I tried that and it seemed like it was soft-bricked so I used odin on the PC to reflash the stock root think mentioned in the thread.
I was thinking of CM7 if it will work flashing as a zip from CWM, if I can get CWM on there that is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where in the hell are you getting an apk from? If you dl Siyah or Entropy kernel, the zImage is in the zip. Pull that and put it on your SD card
I am interested because I was in your position. Did the ICS leak 1 day too early and lost root. So what method did you use to go back to GB? Did you have to flash a new bootloader or was that all done in one package? Was it Entropy's "return" method?
I was seeing if I can keep the ICS leak and root. A dev here advised that all I need to do is re-flash the zip filed ICS leak. However since I have no root, I can't CWM recovery...I don't know another method to flash the rooted ICS leak.
So I'm thinking I have to wait for an exploit, or flash back to an old GB, root, ensure I have CWM, nandroid (I nandroided my rooted GB before upgrading to ICS leak), then flash the zip ICS leak.
Does anyone else have alternatives?
ds1904.ds said:
Okay I think I'm starting to figure this out. I downgraded to 2.3.4 using an unroot/stock method I found, using odin and it worked. It would not accept the OTA update however, but I believe this is due to the ULCL2 baseband? Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Now I am going to use method 2c found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311081
to root and restore to the other baseband, which also happens to be the one that's best for my area I believe. From there, I can install CWM using one of the 31-c methods, and use CWM to install custom roms as long as they don't have bootloaders, correct? Or does it not matter if the packages have bootloaders.
Someone correct me if I am wrong, I don't want to ruin anything here. I think it's safe to install the files that come from the 2c method but wont be doing anything else until I know it's safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SMH...root is not needed for CWM... a custom kernel is
Pirateghost said:
SMH...root is not needed for CWM... a custom kernel is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True but to do it with Mobile ODIN you need root
ds1904.ds said:
After some more reading, here's another question as well:
Does the SGS2 technically have an unlocked bootloader already? It just counts how many times you install non samsung firmware?
Also just so I know that I'm not wrong, are Kernal, Firmware, and "Roms" all the same thing? How can you tell if a "package" or "rom" comes with bootloaders, as this is something I apparently am supposed to avoid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"ROM" is an improper name for the firmware flashed to a phone. (the memory in question isn't read-only by any means. In Windows Mobile devices, you had to flash the firmware image all in one go - but on Android, /system contents can be modified on the fly as they're a normal file system.) garyd9 started a little crusade against the term ROM and I try to continue it (but I slip up sometimes).
Kernel contains the most basic low-level hardware drivers for a device. It's a small portion of the firmware for a phone. The remaining portion is the system partition - /system - kernel and /system together make a complete firmware package.
And you are correct - our bootloaders are fundamentally unlocked, the only code signing enforcement is the custom binary counter. It can be reset either with the jig or with TriangleAway (TriangleAway requires ICS)
Entropy512 said:
"ROM" is an improper name for the firmware flashed to a phone. (the memory in question isn't read-only by any means. In Windows Mobile devices, you had to flash the firmware image all in one go - but on Android, /system contents can be modified on the fly as they're a normal file system.) garyd9 started a little crusade against the term ROM and I try to continue it (but I slip up sometimes).
Kernel contains the most basic low-level hardware drivers for a device. It's a small portion of the firmware for a phone. The remaining portion is the system partition - /system - kernel and /system together make a complete firmware package.
And you are correct - our bootloaders are fundamentally unlocked, the only code signing enforcement is the custom binary counter. It can be reset either with the jig or with TriangleAway (TriangleAway requires ICS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you chimed in. I now feel stupid at my lack of knowledge
I almost think that the issue is that your "unzipping" the zip image files that you are downloading.
Why is it so important that you keep the phone in a reversable mode? Are you planning on returning it or perhaps selling it and do not want it to be known that you have flashed it?
Personally I am not knowledgeable enough to offer much advice, I just read the forums as most and try to put together the peices of information that fit my situation.
The Dev forum is by far the best place to look and get your questions answered and there are a bunch of guides on step by step processes. The only real advice I can give you is to google each term and understand what it is you need and then post your question.
I just got a TF201. It's my first Android device, so please bear with me for this newbie issue. I wanted to root it so I tried PrimeTime without considering that I was already running version .21. Obviously it screwed up... The worst that happened is seeing a caput droid while trying to load CWM. Don't know what's the deal with that, I guess it just didn't install properly.
The device otherwise still boots fine so I'm left wondering what to do with it. Can someone explain what PrimeTime does exactly, I'd like to know in what state is my TP now...
Is there a risk that an OTA could brick it?
Can I fix CWM and flash a rooted firmware (i.e. Virtuous)?
Can I factory reset everything and lock the bootloader?
Thanks
install touch cwm or twrp and it should be fine, obiesly ota will brick it. Dunno about reseting data.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium App
vanista said:
I just got a TF201. It's my first Android device, so please bear with me for this newbie issue. I wanted to root it so I tried PrimeTime without considering that I was already running version .21. Obviously it screwed up... The worst that happened is seeing a caput droid while trying to load CWM. Don't know what's the deal with that, I guess it just didn't install properly.
The device otherwise still boots fine so I'm left wondering what to do with it. Can someone explain what PrimeTime does exactly, I'd like to know in what state is my TP now...
Is there a risk that an OTA could brick it?
Can I fix CWM and flash a rooted firmware (i.e. Virtuous)?
Can I factory reset everything and lock the bootloader?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another example of what may happen when people don't have patience, not reading everything.
Q: Is there a risk that an OTA could brick it?
Q: Can I fix CWM and flash a rooted firmware (i.e. Virtuous)?
A: Have you used ASUS Unlocker Tool to unlock your bootloader (thus voiding your warranty)? If you did, the awnser is yes for the first 2 questions.
Q: Can I factory reset everything and lock the bootloader?
A: Relocking bootloader isn't possible; You can factory reset everything through Android UI/stock rom only if you didn't install CWM as of yet.
bk201doesntexist said:
Q: Can I factory reset everything and lock the bootloader?
A: Relocking bootloader isn't possible; You can factory reset everything through Android UI/stock rom only if you didn't install CWM as of yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply
Can you elaborate, I don't know how far PrimeTime went trying to install CWM. What happens if I reset with CWM present? Can it be cleaned?
vanista said:
Thanks for the reply
Can you elaborate, I don't know how far PrimeTime went trying to install CWM. What happens if I reset with CWM present? Can it be cleaned?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that if you try to factory reset with CWM installed it will bootloop/brick, I've read it somewhere here on xda.
Again, CWM can only be installed if bootloader has been unlocked. If you didn't and PrimeTime doesn't as well, you cannot have cwm installed.
I believe there was some information laying around about returning to stock, not sure if it's possible to return to stock recovery after flashing cwm.
bk201doesntexist said:
Again, CWM can only be installed if bootloader has been unlocked. If you didn't and PrimeTime doesn't as well, you cannot have cwm installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bootloader is unlocked but I'm not rooted, apparently I cannot install CWM from ROM Manager. Is it possible through fastboot? When I try to go into recovery mode I get the laid down dead droid... Is that caused by a faulty CWM or just that I don't have a recovery image anymore?
I modified ViperMODS tool to add Xda user wolf849's method of downgrading a transformer without root, so you can use this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25508554&postcount=52 to downgrade to .15 then root, then install OTA rootkeeper then update via ota to .21 again. Or you can just unlock and install cwm if you want to void warranty.
Okay this is just getting more and more confusing. Everywhere I read about CWM and custom ROMs it says you have to be rooted. If that is true then I'm in a dead end because I cannot downgrade to .15 without bricking and I can't properly install CWM either.
I finally found some official doc on fastboot source.android.com/source/building-devices.html , if its accurate you don't even need CWM to flash a custom rom. That seems to be much more reliable. Isn't CWM just a wrapper for what can all be done manually through adb??
Finally found some precise instructions... androidroot.mobi/2012/02/22/introducing-cwm-for-asus-transformer-prime/
Instructions for non-rooted Primes (or those who’d rather use fastboot):
Get fastboot from here, and extract it.
Download the blob file (tfp_CWM5_androidroot.blob), and put it in the same folder as where you extracted fastboot.
Power off your prime.
Boot with Volume-down pressed. Wait when you see text appearing. The prime will then allow you to start “fastboot”.
Open up a command-line prompt, and navigate to where you extracted fastboot with “cd”.
Enter the following commandline to flash recovery: fastboot -i 0x0b05 flash recovery tfp_CWM5_androidroot.blob
Profit!
vanista said:
My bootloader is unlocked but I'm not rooted, apparently I cannot install CWM from ROM Manager. Is it possible through fastboot? When I try to go into recovery mode I get the laid down dead droid... Is that caused by a faulty CWM or just that I don't have a recovery image anymore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you awnsered yourself below
bpear96 said:
I modified ViperMODS tool to add Xda user wolf849's method of downgrading a transformer without root, so you can use this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25508554&postcount=52 to downgrade to .15 then root, then install OTA rootkeeper then update via ota to .21 again. Or you can just unlock and install cwm if you want to void warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
he's unlocked, he can't run an official blob, that method does not work for him
vanista said:
Okay this is just getting more and more confusing. Everywhere I read about CWM and custom ROMs it says you have to be rooted. If that is true then I'm in a dead end because I cannot downgrade to .15 without bricking and I can't properly install CWM either.
I finally found some official doc on fastboot source.android.com/source/building-devices.html , if its accurate you don't even need CWM to flash a custom rom. That seems to be much more reliable. Isn't CWM just a wrapper for what can all be done manually through adb??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't look on source.android.com, aosp doesn't support transformer prime directly, and as you might have noticed, fastboot commands are a bit different for the prime that of galaxy nexus, for example.
why some say you need to be rooted to flash cwm? because they use ROM Manager nice UI to do it, instead of teaching people how to do it without an UI. Rom Manager needs root, as you know.
vanista said:
Finally found some precise instructions... androidroot.mobi/2012/02/22/introducing-cwm-for-asus-transformer-prime/
Instructions for non-rooted Primes (or those who’d rather use fastboot):
Get fastboot from here, and extract it.
Download the blob file (tfp_CWM5_androidroot.blob), and put it in the same folder as where you extracted fastboot.
Power off your prime.
Boot with Volume-down pressed. Wait when you see text appearing. The prime will then allow you to start “fastboot”.
Open up a command-line prompt, and navigate to where you extracted fastboot with “cd”.
Enter the following commandline to flash recovery: fastboot -i 0x0b05 flash recovery tfp_CWM5_androidroot.blob
Profit!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly, use these steps from androidroot.mobi to flash cwm with fastboot. these are correct, and the only way to flash cwm, if you're unlocked but not rooted.
food for thought: i believe linux+fastboot is way safer than windows+fastboot.
Great! Thanks for the confirmation, quite reassuring, now I know where I'm headed... I'll at least fix my recovery with CWM. From there I don't know, I feel I have to do some more reading before I go ahead and flash any custom rom...
I may not know much on android yet, but I have 10 years experience in linux software dev, with a few pointers like this to get me started I should be able to do anything with this toy soon enough ;-)
Done, just flashed CWM as per the instructions and it works flawlessly. Backing up right now... I'm tempted to go ahead and flash Virtuous.
Done, totally virtuous now ... That was easy Thanks again for the help! Now I only hope I won't regret voiding the warranty
OK I have a transformer prime tf201. My friend rooted it and have a custom on. Well I don't like it. I like the stock version with all the apps and stuff. When I try to unroot it, it say I unroot it but SU is still on there, and when I reboot it, it still say this device is unlock. But then when I try to use clockwork mod it say that my device need to be rooted and that SU need to be installed. I guess my question is how can I start over fresh? What would happen if I try to put the stock software back on my prime?
You cant return to a locked state but you can flash a stock ish rom ... i'd recommend Androwooks rom which has various options including full fat install which installs all of the Asus apps that come as standard.
Make sure you read the full install guide in the first post (of any rom, not just Androwooks)
Unlocked you have the best options available, you just need to find the rom that you like the best.
Danny-B- said:
You cant return to a locked state but you can flash a stock ish rom ... i'd recommend Androwooks rom which has various options including full fat install which installs all of the Asus apps that come as standard.
Make sure you read the full install guide in the first post (of any rom, not just Androwooks)
Unlocked you have the best options available, you just need to find the rom that you like the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much
scratch that, dont want anyone to brick it.
hx4700 Killer said:
You can DL the stock roms from ASUS and flash them with your recovery tools installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression that you cant just download and flash a stock rom ? afaik you need to mess about with blob files and repackage it otherwise it bricks.
Danny-B- said:
I was under the impression that you cant just download and flash a stock rom ? afaik you need to mess about with blob files and repackage it otherwise it bricks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As i understood it twrp could be used to flash any blob. Don't take me word on it though Im too new to android.
see this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1708613&page=10 ...
They talk about creating a safe to flash package, so i wouldnt want to flash a download from Asus.
Danny-B- said:
see this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1708613&page=10 ...
They talk about creating a safe to flash package, so i wouldnt want to flash a download from Asus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading the guide he is just unblobbing to make any mod you want and then remod.
I had nvflash enabled so I took a risk and wanted to see what happens when I flash a stock rom directly from asus.. I downloaded the WW jelly bean zip and flashed it in twrp after wiping and factory reset.. rom booted up just fine.. no problems with it so far
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone without nvflash though... in case something goes horribly wrong
Well, I've pretty much had it with this latest update (ATT, 4.5.145). I'd like to go back to .141 as its easily rootable. My Atrix is boot unlocked, and I have no interest in the custom ROMs. I dont have squat on the phone I need to keep, so I can blow the whole thing away as needed. I have the latest USB drivers and RSDlite ready to go.
I located the following ROM, and downloaded it... "1FF-olympus-user-2.3.6-4.5.141-111212-release-keys-signed-ATT-US-GAS_NA_OLPSGBATTSPE_P012.sbf", appears to be the correct one.
I've been reading and reading and reading on the forums here (i.e. I've searched a lot), but theres a lot of cross-info, its hard to tell whats applicable in some situations.
So the question....
Which HowTo/Method/Guide would be most appropriate for my situation? Or is there something that would prevent this back-rev?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
K
KetoSoi said:
Well, I've pretty much had it with this latest update (ATT, 4.5.145). I'd like to go back to .141 as its easily rootable. My Atrix is boot unlocked, and I have no interest in the custom ROMs. I dont have squat on the phone I need to keep, so I can blow the whole thing away as needed. I have the latest USB drivers and RSDlite ready to go.
I located the following ROM, and downloaded it... "1FF-olympus-user-2.3.6-4.5.141-111212-release-keys-signed-ATT-US-GAS_NA_OLPSGBATTSPE_P012.sbf", appears to be the correct one.
I've been reading and reading and reading on the forums here (i.e. I've searched a lot), but theres a lot of cross-info, its hard to tell whats applicable in some situations.
So the question....
Which HowTo/Method/Guide would be most appropriate for my situation? Or is there something that would prevent this back-rev?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never flash an SBF unless you have no other choice. Major hard brick risk.
In this section I have a stickied thread with the answers you need.
If your bootloader is still unlocked and you still have a custom recovery installed, flashing a fruit cake should work fine.
upndwn4par said:
Never flash an SBF unless you have no other choice. Major hard brick risk.
In this section I have a stickied thread with the answers you need.
If your bootloader is still unlocked and you still have a custom recovery installed, flashing a fruit cake should work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point, I dont have much choice. Unless some one figures out what motorola/att did with 145 to completely screw root (its beyond my abilities), I need to press forward. If I brick it, I brick it. I'll use your sticky as my guide then, seems reliable.
Bootloader is unlocked, though I've never installed a 'custom recovery'. Looks like the various fruitcakes links are unavailable for download?
What is the advantage of the fruitcake version over the version I posted?
Thanks for the guidance
K
KetoSoi said:
At this point, I dont have much choice. Unless some one figures out what motorola/att did with 145 to completely screw root (its beyond my abilities), I need to press forward. If I brick it, I brick it. I'll use your sticky as my guide then, seems reliable.
Bootloader is unlocked, though I've never installed a 'custom recovery'. Looks like the various fruitcakes links are unavailable for download?
What is the advantage of the fruitcake version over the version I posted?
Thanks for the guidance
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just sold mine but will look in PC history. My matrix was stock 4.5.145 and I rooted it. I remember failing a few methods till I found one that worked. If I figure out what I did I will post it for you. If not fruitcake is best way
KetoSoi said:
At this point, I dont have much choice. Unless some one figures out what motorola/att did with 145 to completely screw root (its beyond my abilities), I need to press forward. If I brick it, I brick it. I'll use your sticky as my guide then, seems reliable.
Bootloader is unlocked, though I've never installed a 'custom recovery'. Looks like the various fruitcakes links are unavailable for download?
What is the advantage of the fruitcake version over the version I posted?
Thanks for the guidance
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The difference between what you posted (an SBF) and what I suggest (a fruit cake) is that an SBF is full stock firmware (bootloader, boot, system, radio, etc). It is the bootloader that causes the problems. Flashing an SBF is a crap shoot. You might do it 10 times without a problem, and the 11th time you hard brick your device. By hard brick I mean hard brick = your device is now a paperweight.
A fruitcake is essentially the same as a custom ROM. You are only flashing the boot and system images. This is always the best option for returning to stock.
However, you are in a different situation - uncharted waters so to speak. No one knows what to expect from 145. And since you don't have a custom recovery installed (CWM, TWRP, etc.) you can't just flash a fruit cake like you would flash a ROM. You should be able to use the fastboot method to flash the fruit cake, but again...uncharted waters.
I suggest trying the following in this order based on your current situation (options 1 and 2 assume you do in fact have an unlocked bootloader):
1) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then try to flash the zip I posted on my rooting guide thread. If this works you will have rooted 145.
2) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then flash the 141 fruit cake I made.
3) Fastboot flash the boot and system fruitcake images.
All the files and info you need can be found on my "Answers" thread and my rooting guide.
Do not flash an SBF until all else has failed. Let me know how things go with the above before you even consider this.
Edit:
Before you try any of the above, did you try UnlockRoot? It may work.
upndwn4par said:
A fruitcake is essentially the same as a custom ROM. You are only flashing the boot and system images. This is always the best option for returning to stock.
I suggest trying the following in this order based on your current situation (options 1 and 2 assume you do in fact have an unlocked bootloader):
1) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then try to flash the zip I posted on my rooting guide thread. If this works you will have rooted 145.
2) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then flash the 141 fruit cake I made.
3) Fastboot flash the boot and system fruitcake images.
All the files and info you need can be found on my "Answers" thread and my rooting guide.
Do not flash an SBF until all else has failed. Let me know how things go with the above before you even consider this.
Edit:
Before you try any of the above, did you try UnlockRoot? It may work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understood, thanks for the explanation.
UnlockRoot couldnt gain root access
I will attempt your suggestions Thanks very much for the guidance, its invaluable
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1769497.
I am pretty sure this is the method I used to root 4.5.145 before I sold it
KetoSoi said:
Unless some one figures out what motorola/att did with 145 to completely screw root ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I hear, the only thing that Moto "screwed up" (I wouldn't really call it that) is that on .145 they filled up /system. That is actually trivial to resolve - delete a few apps from /system/app that you don't need/want (you can install them later if you want to, some can live happily on /data) and - this is crucial - wipe /preinstall, since that is what fills up /system. If you don't wipe /preinstall, just deleting apps from /system will only last until next boot. Or, well, you don't need to wipe /preinstall, you can just flash the rooting preinstall image.
upndwn4par said:
Let me know how things go with the above before you even consider this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to flash CWM Recovery no problem. I was able to flash your superuser zip as well, however it did not root the system. All indicators showed it as being successful, but ultimately it was a no-go.
At that point I flashed your fruitcake 141 images, good to go there. I then applied the preinstall method, and viola, rooted again.
I am good to go, thanks to your knowledge and skills Thank you!
Now, all I have to do is email a scan of my middle finger to motorola/att.... lol
ravilov said:
From what I hear, the only thing that Moto "screwed up" (I wouldn't really call it that) is that on .145 they filled up /system. That is actually trivial to resolve - delete a few apps from /system/app that you don't need/want (you can install them later if you want to, some can live happily on /data) and - this is crucial - wipe /preinstall, since that is what fills up /system. If you don't wipe /preinstall, just deleting apps from /system will only last until next boot. Or, well, you don't need to wipe /preinstall, you can just flash the rooting preinstall image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried several variations of what youre refering to, however it was to no avail.
I went as far as to delete several useless items (apps) out of the dir, the free space indicated never changed. The amount I removed was more that enough copy su in... yet, it always reports not enough space.
I tried an experiment. I renamed the 'fake' su (always zero bytes) in the bin dir to 'su.old'. Within 30 seconds, *something* renamed it back to 'su', happened right in front of my eyes in Root Explorer.
When you say 'wipe preinstall', specifically you mean?
KetoSoi said:
I tried several variations of what youre refering to, however it was to no avail.
I went as far as to delete several useless items (apps) out of the dir, the free space indicated never changed. The amount I removed was more that enough copy su in... yet, it always reports not enough space.
I tried an experiment. I renamed the 'fake' su (always zero bytes) in the bin dir to 'su.old'. Within 30 seconds, *something* renamed it back to 'su', happened right in front of my eyes in Root Explorer.
When you say 'wipe preinstall', specifically you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that's just bizarre. Not sure what to think here.
I meant something like
Code:
moto-fastboot erase preinstall
KetoSoi said:
I was able to flash CWM Recovery no problem. I was able to flash your superuser zip as well, however it did not root the system. All indicators showed it as being successful, but ultimately it was a no-go.
At that point I flashed your fruitcake 141 images, good to go there. I then applied the preinstall method, and viola, rooted again.
I am good to go, thanks to your knowledge and skills Thank you!
Now, all I have to do is email a scan of my middle finger to motorola/att.... lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome!
I really don't understand why the superuser zip did not give you root access.
Moreover, I don't understand why some users seem to be able to root 145.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised since this device has always been a PITA.
upndwn4par said:
Awesome!
I really don't understand why the superuser zip did not give you root access.
Moreover, I don't understand why some users seem to be able to root 145.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised since this device has always been a PITA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very odd some cannot root. I was on permalocked bootloader and still rooted after soak
Its sad, because the 145 update seemed like it made the phone a little snappier, and the screen was a pinch smoother.
What do you guys think about applying the CWM Zip for update 4.5.145 in my situation? Would that be safer?
Uh oh.... you guys ran away! LOL
I was able to flash the 145 update via CWM from NYG-SBXLII's handy zip file
No real problems, 145 running fine WITH root intact. Awesome
Had to blow away the recovery-from-boot.p file afterwards, and re-flash CWM Recovery, but it was all good.
Updated SU and bin's, good to go.
affiatic said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1769497.
I am pretty sure this is the method I used to root 4.5.145 before I sold it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worked for me too with 4.5.145, followed it exactly and had no problems. Thanks!
KetoSoi said:
Well, I've pretty much had it with this latest update (ATT, 4.5.145). I'd like to go back to .141 as its easily rootable. My Atrix is boot unlocked, and I have no interest in the custom ROMs. I dont have squat on the phone I need to keep, so I can blow the whole thing away as needed. I have the latest USB drivers and RSDlite ready to go.
I located the following ROM, and downloaded it... "1FF-olympus-user-2.3.6-4.5.141-111212-release-keys-signed-ATT-US-GAS_NA_OLPSGBATTSPE_P012.sbf", appears to be the correct one.
I've been reading and reading and reading on the forums here (i.e. I've searched a lot), but theres a lot of cross-info, its hard to tell whats applicable in some situations.
So the question....
Which HowTo/Method/Guide would be most appropriate for my situation? Or is there something that would prevent this back-rev?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you unlock the bootloader for firmware 4.5.145? I've been looking everywhere on how to do it safely!
upndwn4par said:
The difference between what you posted (an SBF) and what I suggest (a fruit cake) is that an SBF is full stock firmware (bootloader, boot, system, radio, etc). It is the bootloader that causes the problems. Flashing an SBF is a crap shoot. You might do it 10 times without a problem, and the 11th time you hard brick your device. By hard brick I mean hard brick = your device is now a paperweight.
A fruitcake is essentially the same as a custom ROM. You are only flashing the boot and system images. This is always the best option for returning to stock.
However, you are in a different situation - uncharted waters so to speak. No one knows what to expect from 145. And since you don't have a custom recovery installed (CWM, TWRP, etc.) you can't just flash a fruit cake like you would flash a ROM. You should be able to use the fastboot method to flash the fruit cake, but again...uncharted waters.
I suggest trying the following in this order based on your current situation (options 1 and 2 assume you do in fact have an unlocked bootloader):
1) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then try to flash the zip I posted on my rooting guide thread. If this works you will have rooted 145.
2) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then flash the 141 fruit cake I made.
3) Fastboot flash the boot and system fruitcake images.
All the files and info you need can be found on my "Answers" thread and my rooting guide.
Do not flash an SBF until all else has failed. Let me know how things go with the above before you even consider this.
Edit:
Before you try any of the above, did you try UnlockRoot? It may work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello, ive been using 4.5.145 and was unable to root it, the problem with mine is that when I try to use the preinstall method it chokes when i type the "cp /preinstall/su /system/bin/... there was a message cp write error: no space left on device.. I have tried everything (almost) to root it but was unlucky.. then i saw this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2153422 ... i wanna try your suggestion but cant find the zip file in suggestion 1 and the 141 fruitcake you made on suggestion 2 and cant find file on option 3.. please do help me.. I have unlocked bootloader and have rom racers cwm.. thank you and more power..
Hey guys, I've rooted, installed CWM Recovery, Unlocked Bootloader, and installed CyanogenMod on another phone before.
The thing is, I've had this phone for about 6 months and wanted to do the same. However, after browsing through the forums, man are there a lot of scary sh*t going down. I would like the request the procedure to install CyanogenMod safely, without losing any Keys/IMEI/XReality/DRMkeys/Etcetera.
I dont know if the method given by FXP is supposed to be this straight forward, but I too like others, do not want to risk losing important stuff if it can be avoided (Keys/IMEI/XReality/DRMkeys/Etcetera).
HOWTO
Install instructions:
first time
- power off the phone:
- hold vol+ and plug usb to boot into fastboot (blu led)
- fastboot flash boot boot.img (from cm10 zip)
- fastboot reboot
- enter recovery, on boot led will be violet for 3'', during this period press vol+
- flash rom zip
- flash gapps zip
- wipe
- reboot
for update just flash rom zip from recovery
Google Apps are not included in this ROM. You'll need to find those yourself if you want them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Frankly speaking, the forums is pretty much jumbled up, and the existing [Guide] Threads are either incomplete (Lacking important steps), or Unclear (Non-Specific steps).
Perhaps someone could do me a favour by using the template that I have below to help me, and possibly others, to install CM 10.2 on our beast of a phone.
Template:
1. Backup TA and DRMkeys and stuff: http://forum-xda-developers-com/backup
2. Root: http://forum-xda-developers-com/root
3. Recovery : http://forum-xda-developers-com/recovery
4: Unlock Bootloader: http://forum-xda-developers-com/ulbl
5: Install FXP's CM 10.2 :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2461286
Something like that would suffice I think, as long as no important steps are missing that would cause me to lose stuff unique to my phone, that cannot be recovered if I didn't back it up.
P.S. My version is 14.1.B.2.257
P.P.S. Thank you in advance.
1. Root
2. Backup TA (VERY IMPORTANT)
3. Install Recovery and unlock the bootloader, or the other way around. Both ways work.
4. Install ROM by following the "guide" that you quoted above.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
I'm on 14.1.B.2.257, I believe reverting to the previous version causes data to be lost unless you back it up right. *Sighs* How troublesome.
Xenogenics said:
I'm on 14.1.B.2.257, I believe reverting to the previous version causes data to be lost unless you back it up right. *Sighs* How troublesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you will have to back up the data anyways. I think unlocking the bootloader does a factory reset, as well one is needed going from stock to CM if i unforget correctly
I am also wondering about this. I'm currently running firmware .257.
I understand that I need to back up the TA partition first (though I'm not exactly sure on what I will loose if I don't). I also understand that to do this I need to root the stock rom. I understand that in order to root, I'll need to first downgrade to an earlier firmware using flashtool. However, after that I'm not so sure what I need to do. As far as I can see, the only method of gaining root currently is to use vRoot, which is currently under investigation for IMEI mining.
How else can I root the device? I was thinking of maybe using the recovery for locked bootloaders here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739
Following by flashing SuperSU from recovery as per usual.
Will this work, keeping the TA partition intact so that I can back it up before flashing CM? Assuming so, would I even need to downgrade from the .257 firmware at all?
Thanks,
i have CWM now so can flash custom roms like i did on other phones right?
what does unlocking the bootloader give me? unless i'm wrong and i have to unlock to flash?
all i've done so far is do a backup is all. (did a TA backup a while back though)
stiggy2012 said:
I am also wondering about this. I'm currently running firmware .257.
I understand that I need to back up the TA partition first (though I'm not exactly sure on what I will loose if I don't). I also understand that to do this I need to root the stock rom. I understand that in order to root, I'll need to first downgrade to an earlier firmware using flashtool. However, after that I'm not so sure what I need to do. As far as I can see, the only method of gaining root currently is to use vRoot, which is currently under investigation for IMEI mining.
How else can I root the device? I was thinking of maybe using the recovery for locked bootloaders here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739
Following by flashing SuperSU from recovery as per usual.
Will this work, keeping the TA partition intact so that I can back it up before flashing CM? Assuming so, would I even need to downgrade from the .257 firmware at all?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so looking into this further, you already need to have root to be able to flash the "CWM for locked bootloader" rocovery. So as far as I can see, the only way to get root in order to back up the TA partition is to give your IMEI to the Chinese via vRoot?
Thank god the stock rom is so good.
tommo123 said:
i have CWM now so can flash custom roms like i did on other phones right?
what does unlocking the bootloader give me? unless i'm wrong and i have to unlock to flash?
all i've done so far is do a backup is all. (did a TA backup a while back though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to unlock the bootloader to flash custom ROMs. You can flash stock ROMs without unlocking it, but you have to unlock it if you want CM, PAC, PA etc.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
really, so what would happen if i tried to flash an aosp rom now? would the system partition essentially be read only?
sorry for the Qs but haven't had a locked bootloader since the htc desire (although the s-off for that one was to remap the partitions to allow more room for data) and the reasons for unlocking don't seem to be the same.
tommo123 said:
really, so what would happen if i tried to flash an aosp rom now? would the system partition essentially be read only?
sorry for the Qs but haven't had a locked bootloader since the htc desire (although the s-off for that one was to remap the partitions to allow more room for data) and the reasons for unlocking don't seem to be the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing will happen if you try it now. You can easily unlock the bootloader by going to Sony's Dev site, request your key and use Flashtool to unlock it. It takes a couple of minutes once you have Flashtool and the drivers installed. It's also perfectly safe to unlock it and you will lose your warranty. BUT you can easily relock it again if something happens to your ZU and the warrenty will be back.
Remember to backup your TA before you unlock your bootloader. It contains a lot if device info and your unique DRM keys. Unlocking the bootloader will wipe the system partition, but you will still have root, photos, music etc. (But do a backup of those just in case).
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
i think that's where i got confused with drivers - unlocking.
i have already done a backup of my TA part so that side of it is ok. i'll leave unlocking until there's a rom i want to try. possibly a complete 4.4 or something.
cheers LM
tommo123 said:
i think that's where i got confused with drivers - unlocking.
i have already done a backup of my TA part so that side of it is ok. i'll leave unlocking until there's a rom i want to try. possibly a complete 4.4 or something.
cheers LM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've already backed up your TA, it means that you have the drivers installed, so job done All you have to do is to install Flashtool and get your key from Sony (which you will get on your email straight away). Either way, just ask here if/when you want to unlock it so we can guide you through it (it's very easy though).
ran flashtool but gave me driver errors - missing. unable to install the drivers included (i guess due to windows 8 driver signing)