Good afternoon, XDA community, I've been searching the heck out of Google for an answer to what I'm trying to do, and haven't gotten anywhere.
I have a Motorola Backflip running the latest AT&T firmware, and I'd like to downgrade it back to Android 1.5.
Now, I learned early on the Radio/Bootloader cannot be downgraded. After some digging I've found a thread on ModMyMobile that instructs you on loading the Radio image from the newer firmware into an SBF containing the older Android version. This can then be flashed from RSD Lite, and it'll keep the new radio and bootloader while loading the system partition of old.
However, an update released after that was post was made put the kibosh on that approach. It now refuses anything that isn't an official, signed SBF.
Here's three ideas I think might work, and I'd like your feedback on them:
1.) I have the MBN files extracted from the Android 1.5 SBF sitting on my hard drive. Is it possible to extract the contents of the systemsec.mbn file, load it into a flash-able ZIP; and then flash it via the custom recovery I have on the phone?
2.) If someone out there were to provide me with a backup of the old firmware, created with jr00ds recovery, could it then be modified to remove everything but the system partition, and then simply restore the modified backup to my device?
3.) This is one I know will do the trick: if someone on these forums has an old, battered Backflip that still has Android 1.5 sitting on its ROM, I could just transplant the motherboard to my pristine unit. If any of you have one you're willing to sell cheaply, please let me know!
Before anyone asks the obvious "Why so much effort for an outdated device/version of Android?", it's purely for nostalgia. This was my first Android device, and part of me would like to relive it. Because, frankly, the 2.1 update was just plain terrible.
Related
I see a lot of people repeatedly asking the same questions regarding 2.1/root/etc, so I made an FAQ for them to be referred to. It is located here:
lostsync.net/erisfaq.html
It's perfectly ok with me if it is reproduced in any way. I'm also happy to make changes and corrections.
Following jcase's advice, the full text is also posted below:
__________________________________________________
What is root and why do I want it?
On UNIX-like systems, root is generally the only account that can do anything it wants without restriction. The root account is often disabled or access is not given to the end user for security reasons. Rooting a phone (or anything else, really) refers to obtaining root access through whatever means available. A person would want to root their phone because it allows for capabilities beyond those provided in the original software and gives third-party apps new possibilities (like wireless tethering, for example). It also allows the user to flash custom ROMs, boot images, and otherwise tinker with their phone in ways that it was not designed to let you do. If you are familiar with iPhone/iPod Touch jailbreaking or softmodding a game console, you can consider rooting analogous for all intents and purposes.
Can I root my phone?
Yes, Whether your phone is running 2.1 or 1.5 you can root it using this method
If I have 2.1 leak on my phone, can I root it?
Yes
What versions of 2.1 exist?
There are three 'official' versions of 2.1. These are generally referred to as 2.1 root, 2.1 leak, and 2.1 ota (or new 2.1 leak).
What version of 2.1 do I have?
The easiest way to determine this is to go back to where you got 2.1 and re-read. Barring that, use the following steps:
From the home screen, press the menu key
Select "Settings"
Select "About Phone"
Select "Software Information"
If you see "release-keys" under the "Build Number" heading, you have some version of 2.1leak. If you see "test-keys," you have 2.1root or some derivative of it (i.e. a custom ROM)
Is it possible to downgrade from 2.1 to 1.5?
Only if your phone is already rooted.
Is it possible to upgrade from 1.5 (rooted) to 2.1 and keep root?
Yes.
If I install 2.1leak (or any version of 2.1 currently available), will I be able to receive the OTA update from Verizon when it comes?
Nope
I have installed some version of 2.1. Some apps don't appear in the Market. What gives?
Use this tool made by Jcase
Can I install a custom ROM without root?
No.
I have root. How do I install a custom ROM?
Read Here and Here
Does <some custom ROM> contain <some feature I want>?
Check with the person or people responsible for the custom ROM in question.
Can you explain all this talk about signed ROMs?
It goes something like this: When HTC is ready to release a firmware version, they sign it. They do this by first creating something like an MD5 checksum based on the original contents of the file. That checksum is then encrypted with a key pair belonging to HTC. When the phone tries to flash firmware, it first decrypts the checksum using keys installed on the device. That checksum is compared against the firmware package you are trying to flash. If it matches, firmware installation can proceed. If not, the firmware is assumed to be broken, corrupt, or hacked and is rejected. Nobody outside of HTC knows exactly how they sign their ROMs and the above is really just an educated guess. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to reverse engineer the signing process as a way of obtaining root. Even if we did know the exact procedure, it would be very difficult to pull off.
I installed 2.1 leak. When will I be able to root my phone?
Yes, Use this method
How did they get root in 2.1 root?
2.1 root was leaked from HTC and was already rooted. Since no procedure was developed by the devs to root it, it's impossible to apply that procedure to other versions of 2.1 that have been leaked from HTC.
What is a 'gold card'?
A gold card is a memory card that has been converted to unlock your device's CID while it is in bootloader mode. It allows you to essentially turn your production phone (meaning one sold in stores) into a development phone (meaning one used internally at HTC for the development of ROMs), which will let you flash any ROM you like. No one has succeeded in creating a gold card for the Droid Eris.
It would be great if you included the whole FAQ in the post. Good write up.
jcase said:
It would be great if you included the whole FAQ in the post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point.
Nice job lostsync. Will definitely be pointing to this thread to help guide the
lost sheep and/or the"too damn lazy".
+1
this is defiantly a very good write-up FAQ. It answers almost all of the common questions new members are asking. i will be pointing to this often!
Sticky!
Great info
Stickying this, and unstickying the other thread. You should add a link to the rooting process, though.
And, of course, thanks for the write up .
Hello all. My name is Brian, I'm from Florida, receiving my first Android Device (Atrix 4g) in the mail hopefully tomorrow! My phone history is: Samsung A737 (few months), Blackberry 9000 (2.5 Years).
My plan is to get knowledgeable on how to use the android software on a very basic level over this week, and I plan to flash / customize my Atrix this weekend. This is where I have some questions / seek advice:
The first step being a flash to 1.2.6 This is the step I'm the most "worried" or "unsure" about due to the fact that I've seen youtube videos performing the other steps. But I'll just download the 1.2.6 files, and follow this guide.
Once successfully flashed back to 1.2.6, I'll use GladRoot to root my phone to 1.5.7.
I'm not yet familiar with android and the capabilities, but from what I understand, once rooted, my device can load an .APK from a SD card. This is for the next step when I place Tenfar's CWM onto my SD card as a .apk and load it? Once this is done I will have an application, according to this guide, which I will run, use Install Recovery (2 times), then Recovery Boot. This will put me in some mode from which I will install the .zip file (Gingerblur / Greyblur) that I put on my SD card in the first place. "Congratulations! You’ve installed your very own Atrix 4G custom ROM!" being the desired outcome .
My questions are: Does my Atrix come on 1.2.6, so I don't even need to do the first step at all? Is rooting as simple as it seems? What is a CWM, in simple terms ? Is my phone's insurance ($5/month through at&t) voided by flashing / customizing?
I know I'm rather redundant with the guides that have been provided, its just that I want to be sure I'm not making any mistakes because I'm so naïve with the android software (lol I'm -1 days experienced right now, assuming it comes tomorrow). These guides are wonderfully created and I will surely thank some of the great developers (in a monetary manner ) at the end of my android customization. Your help is greatly appreciated in advance!
Foraker said:
Hello all. My name is Brian, I'm from Florida, receiving my first Android Device (Atrix 4g) in the mail hopefully tomorrow! My phone history is: Samsung A737 (few months), Blackberry 9000 (2.5 Years).
My plan is to get knowledgeable on how to use the android software on a very basic level over this week, and I plan to flash / customize my Atrix this weekend. This is where I have some questions / seek advice:
The first step being a flash to 1.2.6 This is the step I'm the most "worried" or "unsure" about due to the fact that I've seen youtube videos performing the other steps. But I'll just download the 1.2.6 files, and follow this guide.
Once successfully flashed back to 1.2.6, I'll use GladRoot to root my phone to 1.5.7.
I'm not yet familiar with android and the capabilities, but from what I understand, once rooted, my device can load an .APK from a SD card. This is for the next step when I place Tenfar's CWM onto my SD card as a .apk and load it? Once this is done I will have an application, according to this guide, which I will run, use Install Recovery (2 times), then Recovery Boot. This will put me in some mode from which I will install the .zip file (Gingerblur / Greyblur) that I put on my SD card in the first place. "Congratulations! You’ve installed your very own Atrix 4G custom ROM!" being the desired outcome .
My questions are: Does my Atrix come on 1.2.6, so I don't even need to do the first step at all? Is rooting as simple as it seems? What is a CWM, in simple terms ? Is my phone's insurance ($5/month through at&t) voided by flashing / customizing?
I know I'm rather redundant with the guides that have been provided, its just that I want to be sure I'm not making any mistakes because I'm so naïve with the android software (lol I'm -1 days experienced right now, assuming it comes tomorrow). These guides are wonderfully created and I will surely thank some of the great developers (in a monetary manner ) at the end of my android customization. Your help is greatly appreciated in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone should come loaded 1.2.6 so no flash is required. After you get use to it run the gladroot very simple process to do. after that update to the newest 4.1.5.7 then run the after update so then you will be rooted on the newest 4.1.5.7 after your done with that do whatever you want. I am by far no expert. I too also recently got my atrix and was scared to death to do this on my own. Just read alot and ask alot of questions. Today i finally flashed gingerblur on my phone and love it along with the webtop mod. Rooting is simple the whole process on everything is simple now with that said i havent had to flash back stop through RSD yet so i dont know about that. Flashing will void your insurance unless if you can flash it back stock. Just go in the android development section on the atrix forums and everything is usually on page 1. Best thing you can do make a folder on your desktop with all the phones drivers and any files you download and also the rsd, in my folder i also copy and pasted instructions in each folder for each process so i wouldnt have to dig in the threads to find it. Hope this helps and like i said im not expert at this.
Seems like you're on the right track don't be too scared everything you want to do has very good instructions to go with so im sure you'll do fine. One thing though that will help you and also provide more of live help is get an irc cliet and go to the #moto-atrix channel alot of the devs and knowledgeable people hang out there and are very helpful, a lot of people on there were also on the same boat you're in not too long ago so they'll help a lot
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Thanks guys! Got my atrix in the mail, loving every minute of it compared to that garbage Blackberry. As far as an IRC client goes, I just downloaded mIRC, thanks for the advice!
Please don't be angry. I am severely confused over this whole update thing. With the bootloader, and the leaked rom, and the official ota rom.....good lord it's like my mind is trying to hump a doorknob.
Anyway... I have 2.2.2, rooted (although by which method, I cannot remember). I do not have any mods. I have side-loading enabled. I have tethering enabled.
What is the safest way, in plain english, to update to the newest version? I don't know what SBF means, I don't know what CWM means, I don't know what RSD means.
All I want as an end result is a rooted version of the latest, OTA update with an unlocked bootloader.
Please help the ignorant
Edit: I guess I should tell you that I'm in the US on an ATT atrix.
You may want to confirm with someone with more experience, but this worked for me (rooted 1.8.3, OTA 2.5.91), I'm too damn new to even post the link ... pm me I guess hah
k4zyn said:
Please don't be angry. I am severely confused over this whole update thing. With the bootloader, and the leaked rom, and the official ota rom.....good lord it's like my mind is trying to hump a doorknob.
Anyway... I have 2.2.2, rooted (although by which method, I cannot remember). I do not have any mods. I have side-loading enabled. I have tethering enabled.
What is the safest way, in plain english, to update to the newest version? I don't know what SBF means, I don't know what CWM means, I don't know what RSD means.
All I want as an end result is a rooted version of the latest, OTA update with an unlocked bootloader.
Please help the ignorant
Edit: I guess I should tell you that I'm in the US on an ATT atrix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you do the over the air update you will not have an unlocked bootloader unless you do it before there are custom roms that are just as good and stable as the official ones that will root unlock your bootloader and upgrade if you want to do all of this follow my guide here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1179506
Just to enlighten things a bit...
a SBF (i believe it stands for system binary file?) is a file that contains an official (made by the manufacturer) ROM for a cellphone. The entire operating system and kernel.
RSD (a.k.a. RSDlite) is a software designed by motorola, to use on your computer to install these SBFs on a cellphone via USB connection.
CWM is a piece of software for your phone that is accessible during boot, before the OS loads.
- After installed, to use it, you have to turn on the phone holding both the power button and the volume down buttons. The phone screen will show "fastboot". That's only one option in a series of options that you can scroll through using the "volume down" button, and that you select using the "volume up" button. Scrolling down, you'll find the option "Android Recovery", which will access whatever CWM you put in place.
- It's function is to allow the installation of ROMs and Kernels. Its basically a simpler alternative to RSD, requiring no pc to function.
And to update your device, first you must install RSDlite on your computer, and install the Pudding SBF on your phone using it. After that, You have to install Tenfar's CWM on your phone. Then you'll choose one of the avaiable ROMs (there's the stock one posted up by kennethpenn, a version of the stock one with a few upgrades, and several customized ones), which you will install using CWM.
The detailed steps are on the NOOB GUIDES fixed post on one of the Atrix's foruns, but I beleive those explanations shall make that road a little less bumpier.
Simple answer
Hi I'd just like to add my 2 cents from the update experience.
If you are rooted prior to the update, installing the official update of gingerbread from Motorola will make you lose root privileges-plain and simple.
In my case unlike you I did not have sideloading enabled. That was the only difference in your situation and mine. So that's a question for a Senior member to answer.
If I were you, I'd just go ahead and update regardless. This forum has a lot of information in resurrection of the bricked phones in the 1% chance that it may happen. 99% you will update to the gingerbready awesomeness.
Another piece of advice is that after exploring a lot of features of the stock rom, i felt that the launcher is the Achilles heel of motoblur or blur UI as they call it now. Try using adw launcher?. It's fast and fantastic. Completely customizable.
This ends my 0.02$.
The way to get unconfused is through education. Find a couple of hours and a pen/paper.
Read the wiki here.
Watch the videos here.
Take notes and follow up in the threads, if you have questions.
kind of a noob myself, but find everything pretty simple. This is an awesome ROM with what you are looking for.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1160649
So I need an SD card ey? Hmm. Ok, well, thanks for the info.
I thought we had a wiki somewhere. Oh wait! We DO!
I have a very similar problem on the lines of i have no idea what the hell is going on and what ppl are saying...!!
But what a bigger problem is is that i have a Orange UK version phone, tho i dont use Orange network... and apparently everything is for ATT phones... so im not sure if any of these things are even compatible with my phone...!?! im running froyo 2.2.2 and want to somehow get onto 2.3.4 but just dont know how...?!?!?!
For reference: We have two Motorola Moto E (XT1021) devices in our family. Both have been unlocked, rooted, and have TWRP installed. They are running Android 4.4.3.
We would like to upgrade to later versions of Android. However, I am getting conflicting answers on a few issues:
(1) If we just return to the stock bootloader and allow the Motorola update process to continue, will it brick our devices? (Some say yes, some say no... any solid answers?)
(2) In order to upgrade to Lollipop, most of the walkthroughs I have seen say to restore to stock firmware. Is this actually necessary?
(3) If it IS necessary to restore to stock firmware, does anyone have a working link to a current XT1021 stock ROM? Unfortunately, I seem to have lost my copy, and every single link that I have found so far is to http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=34 , which is a dead link.
Thanks in advance for your assistance!
1. Most likely. There have been many users reporting hard bricked devices when the did what you are telling. So you shouldn't risk it.
2. No, it is not necessary if you haven't changed the system a bit, and in such a case just unrooting would suffice. But as you were rooted and all, you may have altered it a little. So it is recommended to flash stock as it removes all chances of errors.
3. Working link:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=54872420
Hope I helped!!!
Harsh862 said:
Hope I helped!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answers. I'll definitely have to go back to stock then if we want to upgrade. I hate losing all my settings and high scores, but if that's what has to be done, that's what we have to do.
However, the link for the firmware is for Brasil. So it won't work for me. I'm in the United States, and need the US retail global version for the XT1021. Maybe someone else has this? Thanks in advance!
Also, not sure if it makes a difference or not, but we are still on 4.4.3.
LeiraHoward said:
For reference: We have two Motorola Moto E (XT1021) devices in our family. Both have been unlocked, rooted, and have TWRP installed. They are running Android 4.4.3.
We would like to upgrade to later versions of Android. However, I am getting conflicting answers on a few issues:
(1) If we just return to the stock bootloader and allow the Motorola update process to continue, will it brick our devices? (Some say yes, some say no... any solid answers?)
(2) In order to upgrade to Lollipop, most of the walkthroughs I have seen say to restore to stock firmware. Is this actually necessary?
(3) If it IS necessary to restore to stock firmware, does anyone have a working link to a current XT1021 stock ROM? Unfortunately, I seem to have lost my copy, and every single link that I have found so far is to http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=34 , which is a dead link.
Thanks in advance for your assistance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Que 1&2 are basically the same.
Here is a detailed explanation for both.
To update your OS via official OTA, you need unmodified system. The OTA doesn't simply copy files to the system, it patches those files so if a single file is modified the update won't be able to patch it and your phone will soft brick.
Now, to avoid that, it is recommended to flash stock ROM before updating. Its safe but its a lot cause you just need unmodified system. OTA doesn't care about anything else.(stock recovery is needed too.)
So you can just flash the system partitions and stock recovery. This will not remove your data & those high scores.
To flash just extract your rom and execute these commands ONLY.
Code:
mfastboot flash recovery recovery.img
mfastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0
mfastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1
mfastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2
You will have your stock recovery and unmodified system ready for update.
neo.ank said:
it is recommended to flash stock ROM before updating. Its safe but its a lot cause you just need unmodified system. OTA doesn't care about anything else.(stock recovery is needed too.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I guess I'm stuck because I do not have stock recovery files (I could have sworn I had them backed up but I can't find them anywhere) and I am unable to find them online at the moment (all credible links seem to point back to the dead droid-developers link).
If anyone has a copy of the stock files, I'd love to get them.
LeiraHoward said:
Thanks. I guess I'm stuck because I do not have stock recovery files (I could have sworn I had them backed up but I can't find them anywhere) and I am unable to find them online at the moment (all credible links seem to point back to the dead droid-developers link).
If anyone has a copy of the stock files, I'd love to get them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock recovery files are available on xda. Why are going to stock for lollipop upgrade. Use a lollipop flashable file which is given on this page. Don't screw up your device. Link-http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-e/development/rom-motorola-stock-rom-t2935429
I've done some research and it looks as though the file I need is Blur_Version.21.12.34.condor_retuglb.retuglb.en.US which should be Android 4.4.3 for the XT1021 for the GSM phone in the US. But I am unable to find this rom anywhere. The only file I've been able to get is the 4.4.4 and I don't think that flashing just parts of that one to my device is a good idea. I'd still kinda like to keep my original settings... does anyone have the Blur_Version.21.12.34.condor_retuglb.retuglb.en.US file or a link to it? I have done SO many searches on this site but keep running into dead links. (Whatever happened to droid-developers anyway? ALL the links go to them and nothing works....)
Thanks!
Hello, thank you all for the wonderful knowledge base we have growing of a device that is incredible but very particular.
Anyway, after utilizing various tools in the developer forums, I now have a 7 inch, with an unlocked bootloader, twrp, and running a sanitized version of 4.5.3. I cannot remember, but I think the version I used went all in and included the firmware updates.
Now, hypothetically, and though I have backed up my original stock system, if I made some stupid mistake and needed to start over, at that point would it be possible through roll back to a full oem image and start again?
If so, how would one go about that?
I am thinking flashing 2.3.2 from twrp or bootlaoder would be the best case scenario. However, I have no idea of the risk because of the Frankenstien system (different version bootloader, kernel, and os).
This is merely a question of intellectual curiosity; I also thought that now people are beginning to use alternate roms, it could help them revert back to stock if they so desire. Twrp backups do fail from time to time.
~leko