So, I have made a major boo boo when it comes to rooting devices and flashing custom ROMs; normally I am not a n00b when it comes to this, but I think I gone done something wrong this time. I have checked Diamondbacks thread as well as many other and have a whole slew of tools downloaded now and I cannot seem to get past the splash screen. ADB recognizes my device as well as Windows in Fastboot mode, just can't seem to figure out how to flash the stock ROM back on this device. I would be willing to donate money to the cause as this has cause me much undue frustration. If you are up and willing to the task, please PM me or even call my cell to walk me through this. Couldn't find XDA's chat, all I am asking is that someone have a heart and help a fellow techie out.
LivioDoubleFang said:
So, I have made a major boo boo when it comes to rooting devices and flashing custom ROMs; normally I am not a n00b when it comes to this, but I think I gone done something wrong this time. I have checked Diamondbacks thread as well as many other and have a whole slew of tools downloaded now and I cannot seem to get past the splash screen. ADB recognizes my device as well as Windows in Fastboot mode, just can't seem to figure out how to flash the stock ROM back on this device. I would be willing to donate money to the cause as this has cause me much undue frustration. If you are up and willing to the task, please PM me or even call my cell to walk me through this. Couldn't find XDA's chat, all I am asking is that someone have a heart and help a fellow techie out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what recovery you have now but I suggest you go here >>
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1615990 and install twrp recovery through the fastboot method. Boot into trwp recovery. After that, download the nvflash files from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1774352
Not saying you should use nvflash at this point but the file also contains a known good adb.exe file. Unzip the file and while in that directory press and hold the shift button while right clicking the mouse. This will bring up a menu select open command prompt here.
Put your rom into the same folder as the adb.exe then in the comand window type adb push /name of your rom.zip /sdcard/ if this doesn't work use /sdcard/media At this point you should be able to install the rom. As for the rom, a good starting point would be androwook rom since it seems to install quite easily (do not unzip). Also when you are performing commands in either fastboot or adb, it is best to copy (control c) from the webpage then in the command window right click and paste, this eliminates errors. Having the files you are flashing in the same directory of fastboot or adb eliminates the need to type pathways, this is where many people run into issues, 1 wrong letter make everything not work....
Thanks Gage_Hero, the TWRP tutorial was just what I needed in getting a custom ROM flashed to the device; however, my next question is, if I did not create a backup of the stock ROM like I should have, will I ever be able to get back to it should I need to update the OS or for any other reason? From what I have read, Asus stock ROMs have a unique ID to every device, making it virtually impossible to use someone else's backup for flashing. Much appreciated for any information you can provide.
LivioDoubleFang said:
Thanks Gage_Hero, the TWRP tutorial was just what I needed in getting a custom ROM flashed to the device; however, my next question is, if I did not create a backup of the stock ROM like I should have, will I ever be able to get back to it should I need to update the OS or for any other reason? From what I have read, Asus stock ROMs have a unique ID to every device, making it virtually impossible to use someone else's backup for flashing. Much appreciated for any information you can provide.
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Click to collapse
Most people don't have a stock backup since once you are unlocked, trying to install the ota update can make the tablet inoperable. So basically when Asus updates the software then the developers here pick up the stock rom and enhance it. This goes anywhere from the base stock rom with root up to taking the rom and customizing it with options, kernel changes and such. The only thing I will say about changing kernels is only use kernels that were developed for the particular rom or you will have trouble. Kind of like taking a Ford motor and trying to mate it to a chevy transmission.
If you do change roms, make sure you wipe cache, dalvik and do the factory reset from within twrp. When you become comfortable, I suggest looking at the NVflash thread in the dev section. This will provide you with a bit of assurance that you can recovery from most software brick situations. Read over the instructions a few times before you go a head and take some time to read through the thread so you know what could potentially go wrong. It really isn't that difficult to do but you should be well informaed before proceding. If you need anything else don't hesitate to ask
Another thing that i find helpful, keep a stock rom in your sdcard. When i semi-bricked my 201, i was able to flash the stock rom using CWM, then do a factory reset. Once back to factory, i was able to boot and start over again.
i have been seeing a lot of threads about rooting this phone, but, they all have windows scripts, even the thread that is said to have a runme.sh does not have it in any of the links that i unzipped - only a runme.bat, but yet, people keep mentioning a runme.sh in it... also, i really don't see any one lying out the steps for doing this with linux.
i'm a noob, and dont really know much about this stuff, but i've done this ONCE before with a galxy exhibit, but it was very easy, i just copied a file to the phone (stock rom?), rebooted into recovery, told it to recover from that file, and i was done.
i have no idea how to do it with my new phone, and so i'm wondering:
1: where can i find the files i need to do this with linux - i just want root, nothing special
2: where can i find the steps necessary to do it - in the easiest manner possible?
3: it says i have droid 4.0.4, ICS, but every one who talks about lg l9 p769 says its JB, so, thats a bit odd...
any help is appreciated.
sentientsystem said:
3: it says i have droid 4.0.4, ICS, but every one who talks about lg l9 p769 says its JB, so, thats a bit odd...
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Click to collapse
Your phone is running ICS 4.0, that is the version which it shipped with. Pretty much everyone on here has upgraded to JB either with software update on the phone or they have manually updated with the offline KDZ flash method.
I dont have any experience in linux so I cant help. I hope you can get your phone rooted!
Sent from my LG-P768 using xda app-developers app
i just started to restart my phone into recovery mode to see if i could put cyenogenmod on it without having to root it first, and it's saying "software upgrade ... please wait while upgrading...", so, i guess it's upgrading to JB right now... i'll see shortly.
but even if it does upgrade to JB, i still wouldn't know how to do it on linux. i figured there would just be some files to download, and a sequence of adb commands that i could type into bash, but, i'm kinda lost. i guess i'll wait and see if it upgrades to JB before asking more questions.
thanks.
sentientsystem said:
i just started to restart my phone into recovery mode to see if i could put cyenogenmod on it without having to root it first, and it's saying "software upgrade ... please wait while upgrading...", so, i guess it's upgrading to JB right now... i'll see shortly.
but even if it does upgrade to JB, i still wouldn't know how to do it on linux. i figured there would just be some files to download, and a sequence of adb commands that i could type into bash, but, i'm kinda lost. i guess i'll wait and see if it upgrades to JB before asking more questions.
thanks.
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Click to collapse
You would need wine and then set it up...
Sent From My Xperia Themed P769
well, i tried that "LGpwn" and it didn't work, as well as a fake lg-recovery app. i figured out that i've got a "10g" phone (P769 V10G ICS). i'm not sure what the next step is. some one mentioned downgrading to JB... is there some where you can point me to for that???
i've GOT to get this t-mobile junk off my damned phone... i've even TRIED to install cyenogenmod, but i can't figure out how to get my phone to go into recovery mode (NOT factory rest) - i've tried volup+power+home and volup+power, and neither seem to be working.
Setup a sandbox, windows xp. LG uses windows, no other way to root as of right now for the t-mobile version.
Sent from my LGMS769 using xda app-developers app
yeah, it's starting to look like i'm gonna have to try this with a virtual machine, or, pay some one else to do it, or, go get my money back and downgrade to a samsung galaxy exihibit (not sure if the new model of that phone is just as easy as the exhibit 4g, but, it's screen is about an inch smaller than the lg, and they're all 3 the same price, so i'd rather keep the lg).
just out of curiosity, how do you get this phone to boot into recovery mode? you don't have to root it for that, or have windows, right? you just hit the right keys on the phone, right? i couldn't get it to work, but, maybe i was doing it wrong. and, if you can go into recovery, does it have to be rooted to use a cyenogenmod image, or will it not really know the difference?
thanks again. i'm sure this thread may help other noobs as well.
sentientsystem said:
yeah, it's starting to look like i'm gonna have to try this with a virtual machine, or, pay some one else to do it, or, go get my money back and downgrad to an samsung galaxy exihibit (not sure if the new model of that phone is just as easy as the exhibit 4g, but, it's screen is about an inch smaller than the lg, and they're all 3 the same price, so i'd rather keep the lg).
just out of curiosity, how do you get this phone to boot into recovery mode? you don't have to root it for that, or have windows, right? you just hit the right keys on the phone, right? i couldn't get it to work, but, maybe i was doing it wrong. and, if you can go into recovery, does it have to be rooted to use a cyenogenmod image, or will it not really know the difference?
thanks again. i'm sure this thread may help other noobs as well.
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Click to collapse
Option #1
If you are rooted on stock T-Mobile 10e or 10g ROM and have the CWM installed from this thread:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2095825 follow my instructions.
Place one of these CWM ROM images on your SD-Card:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2136204
Place this JB radio firmware from T-Mobile 20d ROM on your SD-Card:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2256350
Power off the device.
After power on the back/menu capacitive buttons will flash repetedly. Press Volume down while the lights are flashing and the phone should go into recovery.
Flash the ROM first.
Flash the radio second.
Reboot.
***Notes***
1.) 20d is the latest T-Mobile, 21b is the latest Wind Mobile. Both work.
2.) 21b is lighter/faster but has no wifi-calling.
3.) 21b will require you to manually enter your APN settings for cellular data and MMS. Be sure to write down your APN settings before flashing this ROM.
4.) Some users say battery life sucks on JB. I notice that 21b is better on battery life than 20d.
Option #2.
In Linux install a Windows VM and follow the standard instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2173465
Use KVM with a GUI or even easier use VirtualBox.
I'm a die hard linux geek too. I even run linux at work while all of our msp software was written for windows. You are better off just running an old copy of xp inside virtualbox trust me its just easier that way. You can use adb if you like (its the same thing the windows users use in their batch files and just rewrite the bash script, but you will save yourself lots of headaches just using virtualbox. -- my .02
Sent from my LG-P769 using xda premium
i'm not exactly sure what the end result of your instructions are, as i assumed it was to BE rooted, but the first line of your post says "if you are rooted ...", so, i'm guessing you're telling us how to ... unlock the boot loader?
by the way, that reminds me, i still haven't come across any posts on this site that tell noobs:
# what's the unlocked boot loader FOR - why do you need this - what does it do?
# what's the difference between unlocked boot loaders and being rooted?
# do you have to unlock the bootloader to get root access?
all some one like ME needs, is root access, so that i can edit the /etc/hosts file and test mobile compatibility of web apps on the development server before making them live - and to remove t-mobile damned bloat-ware. i hope this helps others who are trying to understand the basic concepts of getting control over the phone they paid money for.
thanks again. now to find a winxp image to load into a virtual machine...
My bad. I should have read through your original question all the way before posting. I see that you are not rooted.
If you are on 10e ROM you can root in Linux:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1990705
It will require rewriting the batch script as a Linux shell script. It is possible but nobody has done it yet.
If you are on 10g you will need Windows. I have also answered your questions below.
sentientsystem said:
i'm not exactly sure what the end result of your instructions are, as i assumed it was to BE rooted, but the first line of your post says "if you are rooted ...", so, i'm guessing you're telling us how to ... unlock the boot loader?
by the way, that reminds me, i still haven't come across any posts on this site that tell noobs:
# what's the unlocked boot loader FOR - why do you need this - what does it do?
It allows you to boot an un-signed kernel. You can boot custom ROMs basically.
# what's the difference between unlocked boot loaders and being rooted?
Root allows you to `su -` to the root user and own the whole system.
# do you have to unlock the bootloader to get root access?
No.
all some one like ME needs, is root access, so that i can edit the /etc/hosts file and test mobile compatibility of web apps on the development server before making them live - and to remove t-mobile damned bloat-ware. i hope this helps others who are trying to understand the basic concepts of getting control over the phone they paid money for.
thanks again. now to find a winxp image to load into a virtual machine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, the one t-mobile is selling now is a v10g - so, it's time to play with virtual machine, and hope that usb-access is passed through from ubuntu to the VM.
thanks for answering the other questions. i think this essentially sets things straight.
peace! \m/ (>_<) \m/
sentientsystem said:
yeah, the one t-mobile is selling now is a v10g - so, it's time to play with virtual machine, and hope that usb-access is passed through from ubuntu to the VM.
thanks for answering the other questions. i think this essentially sets things straight.
peace! \m/ (>_<) \m/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome!
I know that a long time ago when I ran VirtualBox in Ubuntu there was something I had to do to allow USB access to the VM.
Here are the current instructions directly from Ubuntu:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/VirtualBox/USB
Good luck.
hey, i've got 1 more quick question: is there a way to simply load a pre-rooted ROM onto it, like i did with my samsung? where you put it onto the device, the go into recovery mode and choose the pre-rooted ROM? i haven't seen any mention of that, so i'm not sure if that's an option...
also, how the hell do you make this boot into recovery mode? i still haven't been able to get it to do that?
thanks \m/ (>_<) \m/
sentientsystem said:
hey, i've got 1 more quick question: is there a way to simply load a pre-rooted ROM onto it, like i did with my samsung? where you put it onto the device, the go into recovery mode and choose the pre-rooted ROM? i haven't seen any mention of that, so i'm not sure if that's an option...
also, how the hell do you make this boot into recovery mode? i still haven't been able to get it to do that?
thanks \m/ (>_<) \m/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can flash a pre-rooted image. They are available. Use the search?
I posted instructions on the first page showing how to boot recovery.
that's great news - that's all i really needed - i didn't see them before, at least, not conspicuously, but i'll search around again.
and, i must have some how missed your instructions, i'll look again.
thanks!
kevev said:
I posted instructions on the first page showing how to boot recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
those steps assume i have CWM installed, and i don't. i looked at installing CWM, and it doesn't have an official recovery app for the p769, and when i went to look at that thread you linked to, it says you must be rooted already. this is the aggravating part of us ignorant people dealing with people who know many things: it appears to us that you have to do some thing that requires that it is already done before you can do it. it doesn't make any sense - just a bunch of circualar requirements, with no beginning.
so, let me ask this a different way: how do i reboot into recovery mode, on a STOCK LG P769 v10g? the lights do not flash, and i'm assuming that is a CWM feature - but CWM is not installed - this is COMPLETELY STOCK - fresh out of the box. so, what do you press, when turning it on, to make it go into recovery mode, so that you can recover from a pre-rooted rom (which i am still looking for)?
i just want to "recover" to a pre-rooted rom, that's it, so that i can delete bloatware and edit the /etc/hosts file (for web app testing). this thread says you cant do this for LG phones http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2174767 - i got the same result the last guy got . trying to borrow a windows computer now...
also, does any one know if it is safe to put a jelly bean rom onto a device that was using ice cream sandwich? is there a difference between the versions that would brick the device? is it not recommended, or is it highly recommended?
thanks again. sorry for all the confusion.
you know, as a side note: it may help more noobs understand this stuff if there was a sort of simplified glossary, perhaps as an official site thread, for the orientation of noobs, that would give an outline of the basic concepts, AND their order of operation. exmaple: "rooting is when you... bootloader unlocking is when you... CWM is for people who want to... you MUST do A before you can do B and then you can optionally do C if so desired...". that would help them understand where to START, then, where to GO next.
well, borrowed a windows computer and i got it rooted, but, i found out a few things about this exact model: it has no "boot to recovery" option, by default - it's locked down pretty good. you can not use any of the other root methods on this model, and you can not do it from linux (f*ck me).
so, that long-winded fake-software-update-while-switched-out-a-hex-edited-binary-file is the ONLY way for this exact model, it seems...
but, at least i can confirm that this exact model CAN be rooted at all
now to remove alllllllll the bloatware... and look into this CWM more and learn more about what is actually IS and WHY so many people install/use/flash it...
hey, does any one know if cyenogenmod ever got themselve's an "app/marketplace"??? that was one of the draw-backs to installing it, last i checked.
thanks @everyone for your help.
sentientsystem said:
those steps assume i have CWM installed, and i don't. i looked at installing CWM, and it doesn't have an official recovery app for the p769, and when i went to look at that thread you linked to, it says you must be rooted already. this is the aggravating part of us ignorant people dealing with people who know many things: it appears to us that you have to do some thing that requires that it is already done before you can do it. it doesn't make any sense - just a bunch of circualar requirements, with no beginning.
so, let me ask this a different way: how do i reboot into recovery mode, on a STOCK LG P769 v10g? the lights do not flash, and i'm assuming that is a CWM feature - but CWM is not installed - this is COMPLETELY STOCK - fresh out of the box. so, what do you press, when turning it on, to make it go into recovery mode, so that you can recover from a pre-rooted rom (which i am still looking for)?
i just want to "recover" to a pre-rooted rom, that's it, so that i can delete bloatware and edit the /etc/hosts file (for web app testing). this thread says you cant do this for LG phones http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2174767 - i got the same result the last guy got . trying to borrow a windows computer now...
also, does any one know if it is safe to put a jelly bean rom onto a device that was using ice cream sandwich? is there a difference between the versions that would brick the device? is it not recommended, or is it highly recommended?
thanks again. sorry for all the confusion.
you know, as a side note: it may help more noobs understand this stuff if there was a sort of simplified glossary, perhaps as an official site thread, for the orientation of noobs, that would give an outline of the basic concepts, AND their order of operation. exmaple: "rooting is when you... bootloader unlocking is when you... CWM is for people who want to... you MUST do A before you can do B and then you can optionally do C if so desired...". that would help them understand where to START, then, where to GO next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've decided to help you out This page will give you some more info on the P769 and several kdz (roms) for the P769
The fastest way to root is to flash the V21B kdz (this is the Jelly Bean version for Canada) using this guide, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=36351786
The reason why you want this rom is because it has a vulnerability that is easy to exploit with Jcase apk
Once your followed everything (and rooted), install Super Su and Busybox
Next install artas182x second init CWM (in case you can't find it on his page, the link is here )
Note: you will see blinking led lights when you see the LG logo (booting up) appear after a couple of seconds. To enter the CWM press the vol (-) when the lights start flashing.
After you installed Artas182x CWM you can recover from someones clockworkmod backup.
following info from Cmahendra's thread
Note: only restore CWM backups from P769 versions or MS769!!!!
Or check out the V10B (MetroPCS "JellyBean") CWM backup
Now the only 2 reasons to unlock the bootloader are:
1. Install a safer and better CWM
The reason why is because Artas182x CWM is a second init (bootstrap), so if you mess around with a busybox apk and something goes wrong or you remove a file that is required (for CWM), it will stop operating. You will have to reflash the kdz or fix what you changed to get it working again.) I've had this problem several times while messing around with different busybox apps and etc.
2. Custom roms
(which you stated you are not looking for) not worth talking about right now.
Answer to questions
The only pre rooted roms are clockworkmod backups, lol
The default recovery is useless to us (unless you feel like solving the problem)
Flashing back and forth (ice to jelly) comes with risk, the program used on Windows to flash is buggy at times. The best way (in my opinion) is to flash only when really required and mostly restore from clockwormod backups. The device is actually hard to hard brick, but it will require at lot more knowledge to get your device running again.
---------- Post added at 07:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:16 PM ----------
sentientsystem said:
well, borrowed a windows computer and i got it rooted, but, i found out a few things about this exact model: it has no "boot to recovery" option, by default - it's locked down pretty good. you can not use any of the other root methods on this model, and you can not do it from linux (f*ck me).
so, that long-winded fake-software-update-while-switched-out-a-hex-edited-binary-file is the ONLY way for this exact model, it seems...
but, at least i can confirm that this exact model CAN be rooted at all
now to remove alllllllll the bloatware... and look into this CWM more and learn more about what is actually IS and WHY so many people install/use/flash it...
hey, does any one know if cyenogenmod ever got themselve's an "app/marketplace"??? that was one of the draw-backs to installing it, last i checked.
thanks @all for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what version are you on right now
Ice? Jelly?
i'm still on ICS for the moment. still trying to understand what i need to do next. re-reading your post for the 2nd time, and all the threads it references. making sure i don't screw any thing up. thinking about upgrading to JB, and trying this CWM. and looking into this "cyanogenmod" some more, to understand why i never see any one on this site mention it, and what all these "other roms" are about. lmao, like i said, i'm way new to this . it's a lot to take in, even for a web developer .
thanks \m/ (>_<) \m/
Warning: Potentially long post ahead with mini-intro/rant
Hi XDA! I'm a noob new user/newbie when it comes to rooting. I have some (little) experience with jailbreaking my iPhone previously (It turned out very well), when the guy I paid to do so practically bricked my old one (SHEESH, you can't count on other people to do these things, better do them yourself) but have not tackled rooting Android devices yet.
I have a 3rd gen Kindle Fire HDX 7" (Thor).
Don't get me wrong, I love my Kindle. It's been an awesome pal for the past two years, aside from the loose charging port, the lack of interesting stuff on the Amazon appstore, and the inability to change or customize YOUR device, I decided it was time to "get my feet wet". I've been coming back to these forums over the past few months, in hopes of finding a root for 4.5.5.2 but I'd always chicken out in fear of bricking it. Eventually, I learned that to root, I need to rollback to a certain firmware.
OKAY, so I've done a little reading here and there in the past two hours (or more) and have gathered the following information so far (if there's something worth clarifying or expounding, please do!):
Point 1: The steps are, in order: Rollback to 3.2.8, upgrade to 4.5.2, root, block OTA, install Safestrap v4, and (optional) flash custom ROM.
My options are CM11 and Nexus 4 as of the moment (from what I've seen on these forums, but CM11 has been discontinued[????] and there's a newer version of HDX Nexus ROM v4 called Fire Nexus ROM somewhere if I'm not mistaken)
Question: Which do you suggest? CM11 or Nexus 4? What are the pros and cons of each?
Point 2: I understand that I need to download everything in advance and store them in a unique folder so that it'd be easier for me later on.
Question: Do you recommend that I factory reset my Kindle before anything else and THEN download everything I need in preparation? Won't these downloads be deleted/removed if I rollback my device to 3.2.8? I'm planning on creating a backup of these files on my PC in case something goes wrong or missing.
Point 3: I saw something that said
It was only tested with 14.4.5.2, but should also work with 13.4.5.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question: What's the difference between 14.4.5.2 and 13.4.5.2? I haven't dug deep enough in the forums to know if there's an answer to the question, but I made this thread to clear up everything I'm unsure of.
Point 4: Before anything, I know I've got to understand the basics of ADB before even attempting any of this (like commands and such). In one of the threads, I saw this:
"Install minimal adb + fastboot......"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question: What's the difference between minimal adb versus the whole package/thing? Shouldn't it be better to just download or install the full thing (no matter how big the file/program/application is)? What are the pros and cons?
YES, I know I have to understand what USB debug means and/or how to enable it. (I bookmarked an article for further reading soon, but already have enabled the setting within my device).
Other things I've gathered so far:
-Always have a copy of ES File Explorer along with other important files.
Never perform a factory reset unless specifically advised to do so by someone experienced with HDX devices....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Use a Windows PC/laptop. I'm using a mac, which is basically useless for games and the like not ideal when rooting. (Tiny question. Do I really need to install Linux/Ubuntu even if I can use someone's Windows PC/lappy to root?
-To root successfully, I've got to enable mock locations from developer options (already did).
-Before installing/flashing custom ROMS, I need to make a backup of the stock ROM.
CONCERNS:
Known issues regarding safestrap include secondary slots which boot but the WiFi module doesn't load (Which means I have to flash Nexus v4 to the STOCK SLOT for now [?????] is there any workaround for this? Because from what I've read so far, tampering with the stock is a big NO-NO unless you know what you're doing or in this case, "...unless I know what I'm doing.".) Or at least any reassurance? A safe, fool-proof way of doing this without at least bricking my device (likely)?
That's all I've got so far. I've compiled everything the basic things I need to know in a notepad, from steps and instructions, to tuts and download links.
Apologies for my english, this is not my native language
Thanks to whoever can answer some of my questions! Cheers and good day :laugh:
Don't even think about using safestrap, it might as well be a death trap if u brick ur device ur screwed. The best thing u could do is downgrade to 3.2.8 https://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/rollback-13-3-2-8-rollback-ota-captured-t3046204 unlock your bootloader https://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/thor-unlocking-bootloader-firmware-t3463982 (maybe get a tech savvy friend to help u with that one) it looks hard but it's actually very simple the way he explains it makes it more difficult than it really is. And if you want a stable rom with good user customization I'd get cm11. Also u don't really have to upgrade to 4.5.2 everything works great starting out from 3.2.8
CocoBun said:
Don't even think about using safestrap, it might as well be a death trap if u brick ur device ur screwed. The best thing u could do is downgrade to 3.2.8 https://forum.xda-developers.com/ki...lback-13-3-2-8-rollback-ota-captured-t3046204 unlock your bootloader https://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/thor-unlocking-bootloader-firmware-t3463982 (maybe get a tech savvy friend to help u with that one) it looks hard but it's actually very simple the way he explains it makes it more difficult than it really is. And if you want a stable rom with good user customization I'd get cm11. Also u don't really have to upgrade to 4.5.2 everything works great starting out from 3.2.8
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Agreed. Be sure to stay off the network while on 3.2.8; if the device takes an OTA update it WILL brick with no possible recovey. Use TowelRoot to root; quick/reliable on FireOS v3. No need to update to 4.5.2; doing so adds risk/complexity with no corresponding benefit.
KingOroot PC edition (yes KingORoot not Kingroot) will root 4.5.5.2 in less than a minute, used it very recently having previously rooted 4.5.5.1 with Kingroot. In both case unlock the bootloader flashed twrp and put nexus ROM on without issue
Mr McBoatface said:
KingOroot PC edition (yes KingORoot not Kingroot) will root 4.5.5.2 in less than a minute, used it very recently having previously rooted 4.5.5.1 with Kingroot. In both case unlock the bootloader flashed twrp and put nexus ROM on without issue
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Yes, kingOroot was previously identified as a potential root solution for 4.5.5.2. Sometimes it works...other times not. Kinda like KingRoot on the 5th gen Fire. When it fails the leftovers can be onerous to deal with on unrooted device. If root is secured I recommend immediately unlocking the bootloader following by a comprehensive wipe before flashing a custom ROM. KingOroot does not enjoy a stellar reputation.
Maybe the problem is that I don't know how to properly ask for what I want/need. First off, I am new, so let's pretend I know nothing about modding phones. Second, what I am trying to achieve is the following:
Marshmallow OS or newer (I have lollipop and I highly dislike it)
Complete removal of all AT&T software/bloatware from my M8
Ability to try out different ROMs (are those the same thing as operating systems?) like cyanogenmod.
Those are the highlights to my endgame.
I have found there are several steps to this, and it seems like each step has at least one prerequisite or sub-step and I get overwhelmed when reading up on how to achieve the above goals. Feels like I'm doing taxes for a poorly run business. Apparently I need TWRP on my phone. No clue why or what it does. In order to install it, I need to have root access or a previous version of TWRP already installed, or I need to install the SDK tools package, and from that, only install fastboot and adb. Then after that I need to already have some type of drivers on my PC for that to be useful. Like I said, it is overwhelming to someone who does not know all of the lingo. Especially when I know that if I mess up at certain intervals, I could very well turn my phone into a shiny paperweight or small cocaine tray. Anywhere I have read up on this, when it says download/install _______, I cannot determine whether that means download/install on my PC, or on my phone, bc it doesn't specifically say what goes where in every instance. To make matters more difficult, I do not have an internet connection other than on my phone. Anything that needs to go on my PC, I have to download it to my phone first, then transfer it over, then install it. I asked once for a step by step tutorial or a link to one, and I was given something that was just as confusing as what I have already found. These tutorials seem to be written for ppl who know a lot by ppl who know a lot. I am not one of those ppl. I am a green noob, still wet behind the ears. I apologize in advance for not knowing, but I am just not at the level where I can guess which things go where and If I temporarily render my phone unusable, I won't be able to easily go online to find the fix, nor will I be able to download anything else, if needed. Would greatly help me if I had a list of ingredients needed before I begin, and a sequence, much like a recipe for a cake. Again, I apologize for not knowing, and I'm sure all of you reading this were, at one point, uneducated on the matter. Thank you for any advice and/or reading my TL/DR post.
See my responses below, in red font:
Damagj said:
Apparently I need TWRP on my phone. No clue why or what it does. In order to install it,
TWRP is a custom recovery, and what that is, is explained in "that" thread I linked you to: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2744194
Think of TWRP as a kind of small installer program and backup/recovery tool. You need it to flash custom ROMs, and you can also use it to backup the current ROM. It's not used within the Android OS, but rather you can boot into it separately. Which is obviously handy, if for whatever reason you can't boot to Android OS, and need to "recover" (restore the OS).
I need to have root access or a previous version of TWRP already installed, or I need to install the SDK tools package, and from that, only install fastboot and adb. Then after that I need to already have some type of drivers on my PC for that to be useful.
Don't go by the install instructions on the TWRP website, they are not device specific (to the M8) and may misguide you (every Android device has it's own nuances).
To install TWRP, you need to unlock the bootloader. The bootloader is "locked" by default, which by definition means you cannot install a custom recovery. The following is a good step-by-step guide to unlock the bootloader and install custom recovery. Note, that you do not need to root, in order to install TWRP, or flash a custom ROM. So stop before you get to the step of root (flash SuperSU). Also, the version of TWRP you install should be current (3.1) or alternately 2.8.7 (which is a known "old reliable) version).
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2799796
Like I said, it is overwhelming to someone who does not know all of the lingo. Especially when I know that if I mess up at certain intervals, I could very well turn my phone into a shiny paperweight or small cocaine tray.
No, you actually can't. Your fear of bricking the phone (permanent damage) is unfounded. As with s-on, this phone is nearly impossible to brick. The phone is fully recoverable even if you screw up; since for what you describe, you are only touching a limited number of partitions (system which is the OS, and recovery). As long as you don't mess with "critical" partitions like hboot and radio, you can't actually brick this phone. And those partitions are actually protected, and you can't modify them even if you wanted, unless you s-off. So all the more reason to stay s-on, as I described in the other thread you posted in here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74107487&postcount=100
To make matters more difficult, I do not have an internet connection other than on my phone. Anything that needs to go on my PC, I have to download it to my phone first, then transfer it over, then install it.
but I am just not at the level where I can guess which things go where and If I temporarily render my phone unusable, I won't be able to easily go online to find the fix, nor will I be able to download anything else, if needed.
That part is difficult. While possible, doing what you describe is somewhat risky with no other device for internet. At some point, it's almost inevitable for anyone tinkering these phones, that something will go wrong. Either you forget a step, or you can't boot for no mistake of your own, at all. Even having done this stuff for years, it still happens to be, once in a while. It just happens. So without a way to ask for help, or download files, you can get stuck in a bad jam. You'll need to have some backup plan, even if it's a friend or family, letting you use their computer as a last resort.
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Stick with it. Keep reading up, and trying to learn the basic terms, concepts, tools, and methods. I know it seems overwhelming, but it will all start to make sense. You really can't (and shouldn't) try doing these things, until you have some basic understanding. You wouldn't ask someone to tell you how to tear the engine out of a car, without knowing how any tools work, or what any of the parts of the car are called.
I would also suggest you refer to my (AT&T M8) index thread. It has a lot of links and basic info, you may find useful: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2751432