[Q] encrypted s3 running archidroid 3.4 - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi guys,
hope you might be able to help.
I was fiddling around trying to access my work emails from home yesterday and G mail asked me to install android device manager so that my work could control security protocols on my phone in case it was lost. It asked me to encrypt my device which i did and left it plugged in for a few hours while it did it's stuff. On reboot it loads into the usual registration stuff after installing a new ROM, but the keyboard is not usable it will only use speech recognition input and then the installer stops working.
All i really want is to get my photos off of my phone the rest is backed up to my g mail contacts list etc. can anyone help me out of this mess i made?

I will guess you have Archi 2.4. And about the photos, are they on the external SD crd or on the phone ? if they are on the SD card, then you can simply format everything and install another ROM (let's say archi 2.4.1 updated in the morning )
First I would try to download the Archi 2.4.1 to my SD card and flash it. (select in Aroma to update it, as you already have ArchiDroid installed). Flash it without wiping, first. It should install the element that are missing from the keyboard (I would reccomend to select in Aroma both keyboards. If one does not work, you have the other one).
If that does not work, flash the ROM again, now select that you don't have the ROM installed. And it will flash it entirely. Repeat the part with the keyboards.
Third solution would be to flash a stock ROM via Odin.
Come here and report on what you have done.

Related

[Q]GoClever A93 Tablet issue

First of all - if this is the wrong section, then i'm terribly sorry.
I have a serious issue with my Goclever A93 tablet. Some time ago i've decided to root the device as well as remove some of the useless, bundle apps however i do think i've removed a little too much.
The problem is the tablet properly uses the sync option to sync emails with my google account however i'm not able to download ANY app from Google Play Store. Whenever i'm trying to do so (either update a pre-installed app or simply download a new one), the download simply freezes.
IN other words, i select either UPDATE or DOWNLOAD for an app, then hit the ACCEPT & Download button and that's it. There is an information "Downloading ...", the progress bar is moving HOWEVER the download never starts!
I've tried a huge variety of solutions - i've updated the tablet's software (from 4.0.4 to 4.0.4 but a newer build), updated Google Play app to 3.5.19 (newest i guess), removed external SD card, did dozens of factory resets -still nothing.
I'm guessing, again, that i've removed too much system apps while in the root mode, nevertheless i do not know which ones i'm missing ;(
The device still has a warranty however if anyone has any idea how to fix the issue without sending the device for a repair - i'd be much obliged.
plz hlp ;( ;( ;( ;(
I had simillar problem after the root with my goclever. You need to do a full format via Livesuite. At the beginning the software ask for the format mode; manditory or upgrade you need to choose the 1st one and confirm twice. suggested upgrade mode doesn't help in case of this problem.
Thank you Pawel, unfortunately this is not the case :/
I've tried simply every method i found on the net - i've flashed the device using the newest IMG from goclever.com site (dated to 29072012), i've installed the newest G Play App (3.8.19 i assume), i've formated the device like bilions of times, removed the external SD card.
The only apps/games i can install from the market are those over 50MB (which require donwloading additional file through WiFi); i've managed to install Batman and some other games but only because the additional file was required for download. As for the rest of the apps - NO method works.
I guess i'll need to send this since the warranty is still valid
ok, found a solution. It turns out GoClever screwed the system IMAGE up. Reverted back to the older rom and it's working fine.

[Q] CyanogenMod help for P768

Today I unlocked my bootloader and installed CM on my P768. Because I had problems using fastboot, I used ROM Manager to install the CWM.
Before I used a different ROM, I used the official one that came from the website. In the end it had a lot of problems:
Camera not responding
Call not responding
home button unfunctional
messaging 'says' it is not working
can't be recognized by my computer(recognized a phone, not the internal storage and sd card inside)
Now, I installed a modified CM (link at the bottom). Camera works and some other stuff works. But still, i had problems:
cannot receive calls (can call someone)
home button still doesn't work (only to unlock the device
can't be recognized by my computer(recognized a phone, not the internal storage and sd card inside)
Now, I have two choises:
Fix the 'bugs'
Reinstall the retarded-looking stock ROM that came with the box from LG (opinions!)
Can somebody help please to either:
make the fixes
find a way to reinstall my stock ROM
ASAP PLEASE! :crying: I am in need of fixing this ASAP.
Links
modified CM I used
Method of unlocking bootloader and installing CM
P.S. I am a noob at flashing things
To those who are reading this, the problem was that I restored apps through Titanium Backup including some stock apps. Therefore breaking the call app, messaging, etc.
So those who are in need to get rid of the STOCK ROM:
DO NOT RESTORE STOCK APPS IN CYANOGENMOD. YOU WILL SUFFER FROM MANY THINGS JUST LIKE THE THINGS FROM ABOVE!

Need help flashing Galaxy Payer 5.0 // EDIT -- FIXED

EDIT:Turns out I just needed to try some different ROMs. Everything went fine when I installed SlimBean 4.3, then Carbon ROM 4.4, then gapps. Sorry for the useless thread.
I have been periodically attempting to get a custom ROM onto my device for weeks: In recovery mode I would get error messages about failing to mount the external SD card, backups would all disappear, roms stored on the SD card would get an error message telling me the file was bad even after moving them to USB storage (and Kies won't recognized the device, so I couldn't even upgrade back to 2.3.6 after flashing the stock rom) ... anyway, after replacing and reformatting my external SD today I finally managed to flash CyanogenMod 9. That's the good news.
The bad news is that I'm missing gapps, making the new ROM kind of useless. When I try to flash gapps in recovery mode it gets far enough to show the ASCII art logo (whereas in GB it used to just tell me it couldn't open the file), then immediately quits with an error message along the lines of "build.prop not found". The same thing happens if I try to install CM 11.
Some things I've seen made me think that maybe I should update ClockworkMod using ROM Manager but it asks me to choose my device from a list which doesn't include the Galaxy Player.
I'm currently redownloading gapps in case that file is one of the one's that's been messed up by being put on my old SD card, as well as some other ROMS in case one of them will work (maybe if I try Jelly Bean instead of going straight to KitKat?) I'm not actually attached to installing CM in particular, in fact I'd probably rather try Carbon or Beanstalk, and really at this point I'll take anything that works.
So anyway, help would be really, REALLY appreciated here because I'm really tired of spending my entire afternoon downloading files only to have none of them work.

Re-rooting?

I have a Note 2 (obviously), and I have rooted my phone the first day I got it and have never updated the phone since I purchased it. So, I am still on 4.1.2. My phone has been super laggy and I want to take the oppurtunity the when I reset my phone that I can take advatages of the new features that mobile phones have by upgrading all the way to 5.1.x.
So, I downloaded CM 12.1 by wilson3q with 5.1 system. I first tried the 5.0 version since the 5.1 looked too new, and did not have time to deal with the bugs. When I flashed the 5.0 version, I got errors of not being able to flash gapps for 5.0 and that I lost my root. I tried downloading the new TWRP to see if I can get a newer version that would work better, but no luck. I got an error saying that I lost my root privileges and did I want TWRP to fix it. I slid yes to fix, but no luck.
The same problem occurred when I tried with 5.1.
So, I ended up restoring my nandroid backup and I am back on 4.1.2 again with root working again.
I am thinking that I am probably supposed to 'step up' the updates, but not sure. Does anyone have a solution or a link to the solution that they can help with?
PS: I did not like the camera that came with the new mod. I do like the stock one. Are there flashes of cameras that I can use as well when I do end up upgrading?
Thank you in advance!!!
geske001 said:
I have a Note 2 (obviously), and I have rooted my phone the first day I got it and have never updated the phone since I purchased it. So, I am still on 4.1.2. My phone has been super laggy and I want to take the oppurtunity the when I reset my phone that I can take advatages of the new features that mobile phones have by upgrading all the way to 5.1.x.
So, I downloaded CM 12.1 by wilson3q with 5.1 system. I first tried the 5.0 version since the 5.1 looked too new, and did not have time to deal with the bugs. When I flashed the 5.0 version, I got errors of not being able to flash gapps for 5.0 and that I lost my root. I tried downloading the new TWRP to see if I can get a newer version that would work better, but no luck. I got an error saying that I lost my root privileges and did I want TWRP to fix it. I slid yes to fix, but no luck.
The same problem occurred when I tried with 5.1.
So, I ended up restoring my nandroid backup and I am back on 4.1.2 again with root working again.
I am thinking that I am probably supposed to 'step up' the updates, but not sure. Does anyone have a solution or a link to the solution that they can help with?
PS: I did not like the camera that came with the new mod. I do like the stock one. Are there flashes of cameras that I can use as well when I do end up upgrading?
Thank you in advance!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Phiz recovery, I've never had trouble with "[I605][CWM Advanced Edition] PhilZ Touch". If I recall we had to start using that one when kit-kat was released (i reserve the right to recall poorly)
I have a link to download mirror here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60899023&postcount=146
from your new recovery, you should be able to install CM12.1 and 5.1 gaaps recommended in the Wilson3Q i605 thread. from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-2-verizon/development/rom-unofficial-build-i605-t3069506
FWIW, I am on the 20150803 build and still using the GApps Minimal Edition 2015-04-04 for Android 5.1 (91 MB) from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/gapps-google-apps-minimal-edition-t2943330
with no issues to report.
You may also need to track down updated radios (to flash from CWM). I think you can find a link to the updated ND7 Modem/Baseband here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2765021
somewhere in middle of first post
Good Luck!
PS you may want to flash superSU from recovery... get the zip from chainfire's xda thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
(I've been dirty flashing for so long I dont' remember if the rom came with SuperSU or superuser... as such I can't recall if I had to flash this zip or not, but I probably did if I had issues with root)
Note you may also need to enable root from the settings menu after enabling developer mode.
there should be a "root access" option (or somehting like that there)
PPS are you also remembering to wipe data & clear cache/dalvik?
I have found zoot's mega wipe useful...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1983489
it is for the N7100/N7105, butI have used it on the i605 quite a bit. Initial test result reported here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44093932&postcount=117
that said zoot's script is probably overkill
jheide44 said:
Try Phiz recovery, I've never had trouble with "[I605][CWM Advanced Edition] PhilZ Touch". If I recall we had to start using that one when kit-kat was released (i reserve the right to recall poorly)
I have a link to download mirror here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60899023&postcount=146
from your new recovery, you should be able to install CM12.1 and 5.1 gaaps recommended in the Wilson3Q i605 thread. from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-2-verizon/development/rom-unofficial-build-i605-t3069506
FWIW, I am on the 20150803 build and still using the GApps Minimal Edition 2015-04-04 for Android 5.1 (91 MB) from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/gapps-google-apps-minimal-edition-t2943330
with no issues to report.
You may also need to track down updated radios (to flash from CWM). I think you can find a link to the updated ND7 Modem/Baseband here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2765021
somewhere in middle of first post
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume that you are giving steps in order, BUT I feel that I should flash the radio to 4.4.2 first, in which the link was broken. I have spent a couple hours trying to find another link, but I am afraid that I may be using an incorrect one. Do you have a good link for that, please?
Also, I have ready the newest Samsung 3.10 Odin downloaded and installed, as well as the USB driver installed and downloaded the ADB fastboot. If I remember correctly, I am supposed to move this onto C: and run it to access the device (Note 2). It has been since Android first came out since I have used the ADB though. So, I apologize for the ignorance. So, do I just make sure the adb is in the same directory and run Odin or did I not need ADB and just run Odin?
I also assume that I run the Philz touch after I have gotten to 4.4.2 rooted first. Am I correct by assuming that?
jheide44 said:
Good Luck!
PS you may want to flash superSU from recovery... get the zip from chainfire's xda thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
(I've been dirty flashing for so long I dont' remember if the rom came with SuperSU or superuser... as such I can't recall if I had to flash this zip or not, but I probably did if I had issues with root)
Note you may also need to enable root from the settings menu after enabling developer mode.
there should be a "root access" option (or somehting like that there)
PPS are you also remembering to wipe data & clear cache/dalvik?
I have found zoot's mega wipe useful...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1983489
it is for the N7100/N7105, butI have used it on the i605 quite a bit. Initial test result reported here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44093932&postcount=117
that said zoot's script is probably overkill
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I have done a cache/dalvik wipe a few times (because I have tried reflashing to get it to work with no luck).
I have downloaded the .zip version of superSU as well, and gapps minimal 5.1 with wilson3q's 5.1 ROM. So, I am almost ready to go with the exception of the correct radio upgrade file.
Thank you so much for your help!!! Much appreciated!
PS Will my old WifiTether apk files still work with 5.1 or do I need to get a new one?
Thanks Again!
No need for Odin....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=35396049&postcount=1
(Good read)
Just flash philz from twrp. Reboot recovery wipe/reset... then flash new ROM gaaps... Wipe/reset... Then reboot.
I can post the radio zip to my site later tonight. I believe you can flash that last, or later (from philz cwm, after getting on cm12.1)
Same as superSU. Check out ROM first. It comes with root that can be enabled in developer options. you can always reboot to recovery later and flash the zip.
PS. WiFi tether built into ROM "hotspot" (no VZW subscription required)
Pps try this for the nd7 radios
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=23501681358546508
Sent from my SCH-I605 (VZW Note 2) on CM12.1 using Tapatalk
jheide44 said:
No need for Odin....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=35396049&postcount=1
(Good read)
Just flash philz from twrp. Reboot recovery wipe/reset... then flash new ROM gaaps... Wipe/reset... Then reboot.
I can post the radio zip to my site later tonight. I believe you can flash that last, or later (from philz cwm, after getting on cm12.1)
Same as superSU. Check out ROM first. It comes with root that can be enabled in developer options. you can always reboot to recovery later and flash the zip.
PS. WiFi tether built into ROM "hotspot" (no VZW subscription required)
Pps try this for the nd7 radios
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=23501681358546508
Sent from my SCH-I605 (VZW Note 2) on CM12.1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try this later. Thank YOU! I have to take kids to practice now.
jheide44 said:
No need for Odin....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=35396049&postcount=1
(Good read)
Just flash philz from twrp. Reboot recovery wipe/reset... then flash new ROM gaaps... Wipe/reset... Then reboot.
I can post the radio zip to my site later tonight. I believe you can flash that last, or later (from philz cwm, after getting on cm12.1)
Same as superSU. Check out ROM first. It comes with root that can be enabled in developer options. you can always reboot to recovery later and flash the zip.
PS. WiFi tether built into ROM "hotspot" (no VZW subscription required)
Pps try this for the nd7 radios
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=23501681358546508
Sent from my SCH-I605 (VZW Note 2) on CM12.1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to bother you, but I still am getting errors with Failed root access for Titanium Backup Pro. I also cannot find Developer Options in the settings menu.
I have tried flashing the radio before and after wiping and installing the ROM then gapps then superSU. I get into superSU and it asks me for root access and I grant it, but Titanium Backup Pro still says that it has no root access.
Any ideas? Thank YOU!!
geske001 said:
Sorry to bother you, but I still am getting errors with Failed root access for Titanium Backup Pro. I also cannot find Developer Options in the settings menu.
I have tried flashing the radio before and after wiping and installing the ROM then gapps then superSU. I get into superSU and it asks me for root access and I grant it, but Titanium Backup Pro still says that it has no root access.
Any ideas? Thank YOU!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
with SuperSU installed, you may need to just need to update binaries. open SuperSU and it should prompt you if necessary. the "normal" option should work (no need to flash from recovery)
for TiBu...
--within SuperSU settings you may need to disable (uncheck) "mount name separation".
--You may also have to enable unknown sources (under settings, security).
-- there might be something to enable for USB debugging as well (TIBU should prompt for it)
FWIW, you can restore user apps/data... but I would not attempt to restore any system data. Personally, I have found it best to get to know a fresh ROM for a while before trying to restore crap from an older ROM . there might be value in re-configuring apps manually and/or restoring them one at a time (after making sure the ROM is working properly) i.e. you won't need any of those aforementioned WiFi tether apps since it is built into the ROM now.
Instructions on enabling developer options in CM ROM, from here: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Doc:_developer_options
1- In the Settings app, select About Phone (or About Tablet).
2- Scroll down, and tap the Build number entry seven times. On the seventh tap, you will be notified that "You are now a developer."
3- Return back to the main Settings menu. Developer options and Performance entries should now be visible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(that is likely how to enable superuser that is "baked" into the rom, given you already installed SuperSU it may only complicate matters)
You may be rooted and just having TiBu issues. If all else fails you can check with an app. A long time ago, I've used "Simple Root Checker" by SimoneDev to check root/busybox. It is still in the play store.
Good Luck!
jheide44 said:
with SuperSU installed, you may need to just need to update binaries. open SuperSU and it should prompt you if necessary. the "normal" option should work (no need to flash from recovery)
for TiBu...
--within SuperSU settings you may need to disable (uncheck) "mount name separation".
--You may also have to enable unknown sources (under settings, security).
-- there might be something to enable for USB debugging as well (TIBU should prompt for it)
FWIW, you can restore user apps/data... but I would not attempt to restore any system data. Personally, I have found it best to get to know a fresh ROM for a while before trying to restore crap from an older ROM . there might be value in re-configuring apps manually and/or restoring them one at a time (after making sure the ROM is working properly) i.e. you won't need any of those aforementioned WiFi tether apps since it is built into the ROM now.
Instructions on enabling developer options in CM ROM, from here: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Doc:_developer_options
(that is likely how to enable superuser that is "baked" into the rom, given you already installed SuperSU it may only complicate matters)
You may be rooted and just having TiBu issues. If all else fails you can check with an app. A long time ago, I've used "Simple Root Checker" by SimoneDev to check root/busybox. It is still in the play store.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! It ended up being my version of Titanium Backup. I downloaded a new version and it is good. As far as restoring is concerned, I do not even want the apps themselves restored from there, because there may be a new version and would like a fresh install of those apps. I just want my data restored. For example, I have a surveillance software that I would just like to restore the entries (IP's usernames and passwords). I would like my email settings to be there, so that I do not have to re setup my 7 email addresses. My Text/SMS messages and my alarms. So, I am not trying to do a full restore.
On another note, I am trying to get my calendars back into my phone with no luck. I cannot install google calendar and get my google calendars to populate into my task widget, and the ROM is not letting me set up my POP email addresses. Also, I see no ringtones, so I have no ringers to ring my phone nor tones for my alarm clock. I flashed gapps for 5.1 and I see nothing extra from the ROM. I thought gapps was google apps. Am I trying to do stuff differently than you? There seems to be a few problems in that manner that I am trying to work with.
I am thinking of downgrading to 5.0. Maybe the 5.1 is too new?
Again, THANK YOU for your help!
geske001 said:
Thank you! It ended up being my version of Titanium Backup. I downloaded a new version and it is good. As far as restoring is concerned, I do not even want the apps themselves restored from there, because there may be a new version and would like a fresh install of those apps. I just want my data restored. For example, I have a surveillance software that I would just like to restore the entries (IP's usernames and passwords). I would like my email settings to be there, so that I do not have to re setup my 7 email addresses. My Text/SMS messages and my alarms. So, I am not trying to do a full restore.
On another note, I am trying to get my calendars back into my phone with no luck. I cannot install google calendar and get my google calendars to populate into my task widget, and the ROM is not letting me set up my POP email addresses. Also, I see no ringtones, so I have no ringers to ring my phone nor tones for my alarm clock. I flashed gapps for 5.1 and I see nothing extra from the ROM. I thought gapps was google apps. Am I trying to do stuff differently than you? There seems to be a few problems in that manner that I am trying to work with.
I am thinking of downgrading to 5.0. Maybe the 5.1 is too new?
Again, THANK YOU for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't downgrade, nobody is actively working on 5.0.2 anymore.... that thread is basically dead. Also, it is likely less "stable"/mature than what you have installed now (that is currently being maintained). i.e. you have the ROM that I would stick with.
like I said I wouldn't restore any thing into system (apps or data)... you can do whatever you please. (but it could be causing you more issues than just biting the bullet & configuring manually) i.e. restoring accounts might result in unanticipated issues, you came from a much older version of android.
all I had to do was install google calendar from play store and then the CM12 calendar stuff all worked (I might have had to restart and/or install the google calendar prior to setting up primary gmail). you might need to remove all your accounts and load them again (a factory reset might be faster though.)
also you might have to update google services and the play store before certain things "play nice".
I know you don't want to hear this but...
from here on out i'll likely point to all your issues being based on restoring system data. (based on my limited knowledge and personal experience). FWIW, I'd try to reconfigure/setup everything manually and you will likely have much better results.
jheide44 said:
I wouldn't downgrade, nobody is actively working on 5.0.2 anymore.... that thread is basically dead. Also, it is likely less "stable"/mature than what you have installed now (that is currently being maintained). i.e. you have the ROM that I would stick with.
like I said I wouldn't restore any thing into system (apps or data)... you can do whatever you please. (but it could be causing you more issues than just biting the bullet & configuring manually) i.e. restoring accounts might result in unanticipated issues, you came from a much older version of android.
all I had to do was install google calendar from play store and then the CM12 calendar stuff all worked (I might have had to restart and/or install the google calendar prior to setting up primary gmail). you might need to remove all your accounts and load them again (a factory reset might be faster though.)
also you might have to update google services and the play store before certain things "play nice".
I know you don't want to hear this but...
from here on out i'll likely point to all your issues being based on restoring system data. (based on my limited knowledge and personal experience). FWIW, I'd try to reconfigure/setup everything manually and you will likely have much better results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured that, and feared that and the same time. So, what am I flashing onto the phone with gapps then? Also, one of the reasons I was wanting to go back was because there are a few apps that are not 'compatible' with this system. Meanwhile, I am going to wipe and reset again, and do what you suggested and just reconfigure.
Thanks again!
geske001 said:
I figured that, and feared that and the same time. So, what am I flashing onto the phone with gapps then? Also, one of the reasons I was wanting to go back was because there are a few apps that are not 'compatible' with this system. Meanwhile, I am going to wipe and reset again, and do what you suggested and just reconfigure.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GAaps are the google apps... good read:
http://wiki.rootzwiki.com/Google_Apps
(hopefully I am not out of line for posting a link to that wiki)
many ROMS like CM don't' include gaaps due to licencing/legal issues. which is why the AOSP roms devs often have you flash the GAAPS package separately (also you can pick your package for your fact pattern... full gaaps/minimal gaaps/etc.).
Also the gaaps zip files you flash from recovery install the files into system. a lot of folks like the minimal editions of GAaps because it doesn't force all the apps into system. instead it just gets you up and running with the play store and a few essentials... that lets the user install all the other google apps as user apps, from the play store.
basically taking the "debloat" mentality as far as you can... keep stuff out of system and let the user decide what to install.

[ROM] X96 2/16GB with full root SuperSU and TWRP Recovery

This is my first attempt of creating any Android Rom myself, so don't expect too much.
Changes to the original OTA update which was the base for all:
Removed Superuser in favour for a fully integrated SuperSU by Chainfire.
Changed some root related settings in the kernel to allow a full root instead of factory default.
Keyboard bug fixed for all included keyboards and added a definition for those cheap wireless keyboards with touchpad you often get with the box.
This means pressing ENTER or OK really does just that instead of only producing unwanted characters.
Several versions for download (once I managed to test and upload all), all include a power menu for Kodi to shut down the box without the need for the IR remote.
General instructions:
Download the RAR archive of your choice and unpack the contents to a micro SD formatted in FAT32.
Insert SD into box and press the little button inside the AV port while you power the box up.
Once the logo appears release the button.
TWRP recovery will start and you should do a full backup of your box first!
I do recommend a full wipe after the backup to avoid conflicts after the firmware installation.
Install the ZIP and reboot once done.
Take your time as the initial boot will take quite some time, especially for the versions with more added programs.
Just the recovery image - for those who need it.
X96 stripped down...
In this version I removed all content from the OTA update that might be considered to be a concern in legal terms.
So no Kodi addons, no streaming apps, just a naked system with the standard Google apps and a modified Kodi.
The crappy file browser was replaced by the FX filebrowser.
For those with the need for more than the Media Box Launcher I added the ADW Launcher as well as the XMBC Launcher to have Kodi as the homescreen.
After the boot is finnished I strongly recommend to update the SuperSU binary.
I left this part manual as a confirmation that the first boot and setup really completed.
Only then can SuperSU update the binary in normal mode with success.
After that reboot to clear the memory and all leftovers.
Once you are done with all modifications and app installations you might need do a full backup trough TWRP again to safe you the time if something goes wrong.
Download RAR
After a lot of swearing, flashing, more swearing and flashing I finally managed to create a fully unbranded system that can be installed through TWRP.
If you still know how the original X96 looks with the original firmware you will be surprised
What has changed from the branded firmware:
Bootlogo original S905X.
Google bootanimation - that was the hardest part, allowing for a custom animation...
Media Box Launcher unbranded and with unbranded theme.
Unbranded Kodi completely removed so the rom will comply with all piracy laws and restrictions - more in the added apps section.
OTA updater removed.
All programs from the branded version removed, so no social media, Chrome, Netflix and so on.
Apart from the naked system with Google apps I included:
AdAway
ADW Launcher
XMBC Laucher for Kodi
File browser replaced by FX filemanager
Power Menu added - still requires to root the box! More under added apps.
Added apps and modifications:
Kodi was removed, but the install script for the addon packs is still valid.
The script no longer refers to the system folder but to /sdcard/apps
This means if you decide to install Kodi you can place the tar.gz archive for the addons in the apps folder of the internal SD.
Kodi itself is not included.
The additional apps I thought to be of use will be in the apps folder of the internal SD.
In FX file explorer it is called "Main Storage".
Here you will find:
Chrome
Facebook
Film On (from the branded firmware)
Lucky Patcher
Mobdro (from the branded firmware)
Netflix (from the branded firmware)
Showbox (from the branded firmware)
Skype
SuperSU by Chainfire
Twitter
VLC for Android
Three different Youtube apps to choose from, including a TV version.
How to install SuperSU:
All modifications to the boot image, scripts, libraries and so on are done and included.
This means the system is rooted except for the actual Superuser app.
Install from the apps folder and let the binary update, once done reboot and enjoy.
Ads...
Not all ads in programs or while surfing can be disabled by AdBlock.
For example everything coming from "trusted sources" like Google will still be allowed.
This is the only reason I included Lucky Patcher as it can be of use for some apps to enjoy without ads.
Install and use at your own risk!
Installation of the ROM:
As before wipe all through TWRP then install the ZIP file from extracted RAR archive - so unpack the RAR first to your SD card.
Installation through TWRP does take a few minutes due to the hash verification.
Since all included apps are integrated into the system the first boot is a bit faster compared to the above ROM.
And the additional apps land on the internal SD for everyone to choose or delete if not wanted.
Please allow about 5 minutes after after the launcher selection appeared before you actually start using the apps - some things are still installing in the background!
Once you finnished the network and personal setup of accounts and such bott into TWRP and make a full backup in case you need it.
A factory reset will set you back to the point of the installation of the rom - so no SuperSU and the added apps folder might be gone too.
Known bugs:
Just noticed the WiFi is not available at first activation.
As the chipset is identified during activation you might have to select the network twice until you see WiFi available.
Watch the boot on Youtube
Download from Filefactory
Beta2 with shutdown using F12 on the Wifi Keyboard and some other fixes. - This is just with the most basic apps.
I finally found a neat way to use the WiFi remote to shut down the box the same way the power button on the IR does.
Just press F12 and you will be asked if you want to power down
Will upload the Beta2 with this fix soon.
What's left to do?
Well, now that there is an unbranded and working S905x system out there it means someone could use it to make a ROM that works on all S905X systems out there...
Just needs including WiFi and where existant BT drivers, libraries and calls....
And of course a recovery capable of working on all boxes but that should not be too hard actually
Update: 12/05/2017:
Beta 3 and a Fully Naked Rom is available now.
The Fully Naked Rom has the FX File Explorer and SuperSU included, apart from that it is a naked Android without any Google apps left - great if you want to play around with different GAPPS packages.
The Beta 3 has some minor fixes and most apps moved into the system area instead of the user space.
If you need more apps or launchers then please check the Playstore.
Both have a system partition inflated to 1536mb, which is the same size as the factory OTA update.
On the Fully Naked Rom you can only install apps through the filemanager as no store of any kind is included.
Update 17/07/2017:
A new firmware was released and finally we have a navbar and notification shade "out of the box".
Other changes include the launcher and Kodi, now you find KD Launcher and KD Player...
The OTA can be found here, just unpack to the SD and use as usual, either with the supplied original recovery or your favourite TWRP.
Only downside is we have a locked bootanimation again
A cleaned rom with the usual fixes for keyboard and root can be found here as my Beta 4.
All removed and some additional apps can be found in this archive, just unpack to your SD and install with FX.
Those with just 1GB system memory or wanting to customise all themself can try the Beta 5, which is made small enough to fit on 1GB systems.
Use the above archive to add the programs you need.
Libreelec for SD or USB install.
Unpack the archive to your PC and use Rufus to get the tar.gz image to your SD/USB stick - all existing data will be wiped.
Copy the dtb.img to the SD, overwriting the existing file.
Plug in the box and boot using a toothpick.
Once Libreelec is set up it will work with the SD/USB inserted without you boot the normal Android from the internal memory.
Videoboot
With this version you can use a MP4 video file instead of a bootanimation.
Works with sound of course and should support every MP4 video the normal video player can play.
For your own video simply replace the bootvideo.mp4 in the systems media folder.
Update 04/06/2017: Finally with Open GAPPS!
The X96 showed some real resistance to overcome the chinese limitations and to allow a working installation of updated Google Apps.
As I already spent a lot of days trying to get it to work I only focussed on Open GAPPS but no manual install or the XIAOMI Gapps installer.
With the troubles in the beginning I created a way of installing it all that worked with no errors for me - I suggest to follow it before you try other ways.
This Beta is right now considered to be in an experimental stage until users provided enough feedback to confirm it indeed works fine.
All is based on a naked and slightly modified Beta 5.
The system itself is pretty much naked except for the usual fixes, everything that could make troubles was removed, this includes:
Camera, video and music, wallpapers and so on - install what you want and need through the playstore once all is working.
Main reason for this was to avoid problems with the GAPPS package and to allow the use on 1GB systems as well.
How to install:
Unpack the RAR archive to your favourite SD card or USB stick.
Plug into the box and start with a toothpick - TWRP will show up.
Go to Wipe, Advanced Wipe and wipe Dalvik/Art cache, Data, Internal Storage and Cache.
Go back and install the X96-no-gapps archive and add the opend gapps archive into the line.
Upgrading the neural network takes a few minutes, once the AI is fully operational the GAPPS package will install.
Simply ignore the fact that some of the listed apps will not be available, like Faceunlock - this is due to the removed camera and other things but also because of our harware platform.
After that reboot.
If all goes well and the intial boot goes well you can simply follow the on screen instructions from the wizard.
In case after 10 minutes the Google animation is still going you have to try again but with a different approach (50/50 chance for the first to work).
Start over with a another wipe as above, then install only the X96-no-gapps firmware.
Reboot and do your usual setup of network and screen settings - don't start any apps or mess with SuperSu yet!
Once all is good reboot into the TWRP recovery and install the Open GAPPS package.
Reboot.
Now all should go according to plan.
Troubleshooting and additional infos:
If neither the first nor the second way of installing works for I suspect that your previous ROM was not based on mine or the OTA firmware.
In this case try one of my other beta firmwares if the included firmware itself already failed to boot.
The initial connection to Google can take 4-5 minutes instead of the advertised 2 minutes, so please allow 5 minutes before you panic.
The additional Google apps are not available at this stage and the loading will stay on the screen until you click next - simply add whatever Google app you need from the playstore.
This included Google Music and Google Play TV.
Again: no additional apps of any kind are included, I suggest to use VLC for audio and video or simply whatever you prefer.
Oh, before you ask: Navbar and notification shade are active and working.
Allow some time and check the notification shade for the updates once the system is running, I did not include all updated versions at this stage.
Download the new Beta 6 - Open Gapps version.
Update 15/11/2017:
They finally released another update, got available two days ago but file date is a bit older.
You can check on the Baidu servers yourself if you like Baidu X96 Downloads
Password there is: hp7u
Download as a RAR from Filefactory.
Once I find some time I will check if and what fixes are needed that I can do.
My new x96 arrived yesterday also I found this thread and instructables yesterday. I'm really glad that you take care of this little machine.:good:
Sent from my I9195I using XDA Labs
Guess I was just in the same boat as everyone else with these noname things.
Figured almost everything out I need, ecxept how to change the bootloader/kernel to allow for a custom bootanimation.
Main thing though was to have a working recovery to avoid weird UBS cables and manual flashing.
I wish I was 2 weeks further so I could test your build but I have to look through these things atm. Its interesting that the youtube tv app hasn't changed for a while.
Too many boxes available but I do think x96 is a solid little machine.
There's also opportunity to work with libreelec.
On my s4mini I have a dolby atmos app running modded by ahrion here on xda. Maybe it would be interesting.,wheather it runs on our little devices or not.
I am working on a fully unbranded firmware for the X96 atm.
The problem of converting USB burn images into flashable ZIP was one problem to get the "unbranded" original firmware to at least install another.
They really don't like you messing with their toys in china LOL
If I can't solve the bootanimation problem I will at least upload the otherwise unbranded version with a choice of launchers and updated apps.
Chinese toys. LOL.
Who has made the custom rom from February 16th. Rar @entertainmentbox?
No clue as I did not do it and did not check either.
But the fully unbranded firmware is on the way to upload
Finally custom bootanimations are possible
The pictures I've seen on instructables are awesome. Nice launcher.
Hope you're having fun tuning these Chinese toys.
Sent from my I9195I using XDA Labs
Congrats to your unbranded system. Hope there will be soon more users for testing and enjoying your work
Fixed the shutdown through WiFi remote problem
Is it possible to have look like the normal android tablet/phone?
Hey Downunder35m http://www.tvboxforum.com/archive/index.php?thread-671.html
Just curious is the remote working? I btw changed the keyboard layout so the annoying enter key is fix as well as added the F1 = Power function
Nevermind I fixed my issues with the remote too. Now it is 100% working.
Wasn't aware that the keyboard needs fixing as it works fine here, including powering down the box
I didn't upgrade to the Beta2

			
				
Hello!
I have the X96 box mentioned here. Exactly this 2GB model: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot...32779857015.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.dF9x4G
The problem is... No matter what i do, i get the error 7 in TWRP. I tried beta1 and beta2, but same error.
I have tried retrying, rebooting, but no effect.
Any suggestions?
What i did was;
-backup files (to internal memory)
-wipe all (byebye backup )
-try to install image from sd-card or usb-stick (both fat32)
-installed TWRP recovery (which caused SD card not to be recognized anymore)
The recovery is specifically for the X96, I had no time to make a generic recovery for all S905X boxes, but seems it should be the next step here.
The error 7 through TWRP is caused by two things (at least during all my tests):
a) The system is totally wiped and the updater script is unable to find the correct hardware info as the build.prop is no longer present.
For this problem and during my tests it just works if you flash again without a wipe.
So right after the error 7 go back and install the firmware again without any reboot or anything else and it should flash successfully.
b) Your system uses different space allocations for the boot, bootloader and recovery partitions.
For this problem the only real cure is to first use the OTA installer for the genuine firmware to get the system working again.
Then only wipe Dalvik, cache and data - the system partition will be overwritten once the update starts but then the installer can find the build prop and if compatible will continue.
If you have a download for the original firmware I will try to incule your system stuff into the next recovery I make.
Otherwise you can always try the hard way if the system is currently toast anyway:
Open the updater script in the META-INFO folder (down in the last subdirectory) and remove the device check for the X96.
That would be the first two lines of the script- everything before th OTA check.
Downside of this approach is that your entire system will be replaced by mine and if your hardware is differernt or the partition sizes won't match then it still won't boot.
Let me know how you go and I will see that by tomorrow evening I have a universal TWRP for all S905X ready.

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