Heya there and thanks for looking!
I know that this might be a "Why does this thread even exist?" looking question here but I just want to go on the safe side before making any changes (like flashing with nvflash) on a "might unsupported" setup I have right now on my TF201.
Also it's good for myself too to learn a few things more before trying and maybe bucking the whole thing up
Okay, so let's start with the configuration on my TF201 first so you guys know what you're dealing with here:
ROM: Hairy Bean (AndroWook) 2.2
Bootloader: Unlocked
Bootloader Version: 10.6.1.8-20130225 (4.2.1)
Additional Infos: Device was OTA updated to JellyBean and not rooted/unlocked before using any nvflash or backup method.
If you need more infos I'll add them once you tell me that I forgot them, thanks!
Now the question:
I found the latest entry from AndroidRoot.mobi saying that nvflash will finally work with JellyBean updated devices too (as far as I read tho). (Link to Post)
Besides the Bootloader version it says that it's incompatible with Hairy Bean (aka the ROM I'm using right now).
Next step I would do is downgrading to the 4.1.1 bootloader with the flash-able ZIP AndroWook provides in their thread and flash another ROM (which all require to be on the 4.1.1 bootloader). (Link to Thread)
Now my worries are if this will work or not because I made the OTA update before and I heard/read from many that it's not easy to downgrade to a previous bootloader version.
I don't want to brick it in any way, that's why I better ask before do anything
Will nvflash work at all? Or did I just get something wrong here with reading all about that stuff on AndroidRoot.mobi? Because as mentioned above I heard some saying that it doesn't work at all on the JB bootloader.
Thanks much already for answering!
Related
The short story (MODS please move this to correct forum if required)
How do I:
Unlock the bootloader
Root the TF201
Install CWM or TWRP
Install a custom ROM
I have a TF201 on JB 4.1.1 build no: 10.4.2.15
It has never been rooted or bootload unlocked
The Long Story
Hi all
I am sure the above question has been asked about a thousand times but here goes (MODS move this thread to correct thread if in the wrong place)
I have owned an Asus TF201 since about March, bought brand new from ebuyer.com, as i was new to android back then i didn't dare root it or unlock the bootloader in case i voided my warranty etc.
Since then my Prime has received all its updates via OTA and the current build is 10.4.2.15 on JB 4.1.1, it has never been rooted or bootload unlocked, it is in pristine unmodified condition.
In the mean time i got a Samsung Galaxy S3 and having played around with that got brave, i rooted it using CF Root method which automatically installed CMW Recovery and then proceeded to flash the Wanamlite ROM and have been happy with it since.
I am now looking to install a custom ROM on my PRIME it but have come across the fact that its not as easy or straight forward as the S3
Firstly, as its never been bootloader unlocked, rooted or modified in anyway shape or form it might be a bit tougher.
I have stumbled upon the fact that to install a custom rom, i need TWRP or CWM (or both (not sure)) installed which needs it to be rooted and in order to root i need to unlock the bootloader.
I have googled high and low on XDA, youtube and while they all point to an official Asus Bootloader unlocker, the Asus website claims that this is for ICS only (i'm on JB now in case you missed it), also a lot of the info out there is out of date since Asus has made changes.
So my question is as follows:
How do i unlock the bootloader? Everyone keeps mentioning an official Asus unlocker but its says for ICS ONLY and how do i run it
How do i root? - is there something like CF Root which was for the SGS3
Once i have the above do i then use TWRP or CWM or both to install a custom ROM?
I am aware that unlocking the bootloader voids warranty, i am aware that installing a custom ROM increases the binary counter, i am ware that bricking is possible (but lets try and minimize that), i am aware of those as i was warned about them from general research on wanting to do this and from modifying my S3.
Basically to use a custom rom on this device you download the unlocker tool from Asus (Says ICS only but works on JB, know from experience. Did it myself). It is an application and all you do is connect to the internet and run it. Once unlocked you can flash TWRP/root your device. Use either the guide on their website or go on youtube and look at some videos. There are step by step guides that show it all on video. Once you have TWRP you can head over to the dev section for the TF201 and download one of the custom roms (Hairybean 1.4 is supposed to drop soon, I'd suggest that one) and use the in-thread guide to flash it.
My #1 tip to you is read. read, and read it again. Understand it all and then proceed. Asking questions before you flash is better than doing it wrong and posting in the thread saying you bricked your prime then the OP/devs have to help you through the unbrick process. Questions are almost always answered quickly and in a friendly manner. Hope I helped
I think what he is asking for... is a full step by step guide... from a full stock JB locked TF201.... and I think It would be nice for all...
See U.
Istarth said:
I think what he is asking for... is a full step by step guide... from a full stock JB locked TF201.... and I think It would be nice for all...
See U.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what i mean, all the information is fragmented all over, not just on XDA but also on other Android /TF201 forums, in some places its clearer in others a bit obscure or vague or worse out of date since them Asus c**ks keep changing stuff
The Galaxy S3 Dev forums are far clearer and have step by step guides on how to do this, personally i hate watching them youtube videos whilst they are trying to help and plus points for the effort they put in, a lot of the people doing it just waffle in them and i still prefer the old fashion of step by step guides.
I learned how to go from stock S3 to Wanamlite ROM all in one evening and it was quick and painless.
But thanks for your help regarding using the Asus official tool for ICS works for JB, might now try it tomorrow or the day after.
I started a guide thread.
Sent from my Zio using xda app-developers app
Wow that guide would be awesome. I'm in the same situation as Shizbazki and I find it hard to get all the info to one and do it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998359
Link to my guide thread in the general forum. If anybody has any questions you can PM me or comment there and it'll likely be answered quickly. I'll gladly guide anyone through this process if they need other information.
NM. thanks, McJesus.
Hi!
I'm a happy user of the ATP since this summer. When I buy it, it comes with ICS (Android 4.0), and when Android 4.1 was released, I didn't wait to an official upgrade: I follow the instructions and unlocked with the official ASUS application and then installed CWM 5.8.2.0 and a CyanogenMod 10 nightly.
Now, I want to move forward, but I read some thing about different bootloaders and I prefer to be more careful than I usually am.
First, I don't if I can return to an official ASUS ROM with my actual configuration (unknown bootloader, CWM 5.8.2.0 andCM10 nightly).
Second, I don't know if there is an thread about the official ROMs (I was unable to find any).
Third, I don't know if the latest ASUS ROMs are Android 4.2.1, 4.2 or 4.1.
[cry mode]In addtion, trying to look my bootloader version I made a mess and wipe my user data, so this is the perfect momentum to move backward/forward and put my ATP in the "right way".[/cry]
Thanks in advance and best regards
Ok, I just have found a thread about the official updates and it looks like ASUS is still on 4.1 (not bad!).
So, One of my questions is answered
I hope that when you say "unlocked" you mean after getting nvflash access:
http://androidroot.mobi/2012/07/15/nvflash-for-tegra3-transformer-prime/
http://androidroot.mobi/t3_nvflash/
(will save you from bricking)
Generally, you have the ICS bootloader and the JB bootloader. Most roms now require the JB bootloader, so if you're looking to flash new roms, especially something like craigmcgomez's unofficial AOKP/CM roms (based on 4.2), you'll need the JB bootloader. I simply used this rom:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1927494
This is the official worldwide ASUS update (there's also a US version in another thread, not sure if these are still the most up-to-date), but it's 4.1 (.2?), rooted and it comes with TWRP recovery (I prefer over CMW5), but most importantly, it comes with the new JB bootloader. I understand you won't be able to return to the ICS bootloader after you update to the JB bootloader, but I don't see a reason why you'll want to. Either way, you can flash this even if you're on the ICS bootloader (and if you're already on the JB bootloader).
After you flash this you can flash JB bootloader-compatible roms. I recommend AndroWook or AOKP. I'm on AndroWook, but I'm waiting for official CM10.1.
If I'm not mistaken, the CM10 nightlies work on the ICS bootloader, and 10.1 will officially support the JB bootloader only, so my guess is you're on the ICS bootloader. If you updated to stock 4.1.x or any rom that says it comes with the JB bootloader, then you know you've got the JB bootloader, otherwise you're probably on ICS bootloader.
Thanks WiW for your answer.
I don't know if I have unlocked the Nvflash...
I refer to using the Asus tool for being able to enter to the bootloader/recovery (when the message "This device is unlocked"appears on the top left corner when the Nvidia logo is on the screen.
I will check all your links now. A lot of thanks for you time!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Now reading your two first links I'm pretty sure that I didn't unlock my NVflash. I only unlocked my bootloader for being able to flash a recovery, just that.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Well, if you're not sure you can follow this guide and see if it works for you. If you did not follow the steps from the previous links I posted, I think there isn't much you can do about it...
Sorry for the misunderstanding. I was able and I successfully unlocked and backup my files with NVflash.
I installed the official Asus ROM and the JB bootloader and TWP Recovery.
After that I've installed the Androwook, as you suggested. It works fine, but I expected 4.2... my fault, I didn't read the entire AndroWook post.
A lot of thanks WiW
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Please let me start by saying that I feel like an incompetent idiot...
I have searched through the forums without find in a answer to my issue. I have not bee keep up with the tfp scene as I was pleased with how my prime has been running for months. I decided to move up to newer ROMs...thinking hairy bean
So I am rooted and unlocked....don't remember when I did the ladder. I just know when I boot, it says device unlocked I the upper left hand corner. I have twrp installed and am currently on Cm 10.1.
How do I know if I am ICS or jb boot loader?
How do I just upgrade to jb Boot loader to be able to install all these newer ROMs? Is there any easy way? I am hesitant to install a ROM which explicitly says I need to have jb boot loader if I am not sure what I have....
These may be stupid questions but given all the talks about bricking, etc....I am being cautious....thanks.
Leo
I guess my biggest issue is where to go from here....?
All the guides are for new users who are already on jb from factory or have upgraded via official Asus update....tough to find somthng for someone who is 3 months behind.
LeoLopezDO said:
I guess my biggest issue is where to go from here....?
All the guides are for new users who are already on jb from factory or have upgraded via official Asus update....tough to find somthng for someone who is 3 months behind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you power on the prime look where the "Nvidia" logo is. If it is in the bottom center it is ICS bootloader if it is bottom right it is Jellybean bootloader.
In the second post of the hairybean thread there is instructions for upgrading from ICS bootloader. These wont do any harm if you are already on Jellybean bootloader so you could run them either way.
If you are still on ICS bootloader tho I would highly advise that you do the nvflash process first to make your prime unbrickable.
Afternoon all,
I have a Prime that presently has Android version "4.0.3" and build number "AndroWook Prime v2.1". I am attempting to upgrade to the lastest Hairybean release, but I am uncertain as to which instructions to follow as I am unable to determine my bootloader version. Any suggestions?
Thanks
CoosaCounty said:
Afternoon all,
I have a Prime that presently has Android version "4.0.3" and build number "AndroWook Prime v2.1". I am attempting to upgrade to the lastest Hairybean release, but I am uncertain as to which instructions to follow as I am unable to determine my bootloader version. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got confused there for a minute but you are talking about Androwook 2.1 and not Androwook Hairybean 2.1.
By the Android version number you are still on ICS.
I would highly advise that you go thru the nvflash process first as you can only do it while on ICS and it makes you brick proof.
Once you have done that you just have to follow the instructions in the Hairybean thread for 2.2 which will upgrade your bootloader and recovery and then flash the rom.
I'd wait a week tho as 2.3 is due soon.
flumpster said:
I got confused there for a minute but you are talking about Androwook 2.1 and not Androwook Hairybean 2.1.
By the Android version number you are still on ICS.
I would highly advise that you go thru the nvflash process first as you can only do it while on ICS and it makes you brick proof.
Once you have done that you just have to follow the instructions in the Hairybean thread for 2.2 which will upgrade your bootloader and recovery and then flash the rom.
I'd wait a week tho as 2.3 is due soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the reply; I was unaware that they are two different roms. I am going to find how to follow the nvflash process as you advised.
Thanks again.
CoosaCounty said:
Thank you very much for the reply; I was unaware that they are two different roms. I am going to find how to follow the nvflash process as you advised.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Androwook was based off ICS. When it switched to Jellybean it became Androwook HairyBean.
nvflash is definitely worth it mate. There are people on here who would kill to go back to ICS so they could nvflash backup
Related question to this thread
flumpster said:
Androwook was based off ICS. When it switched to Jellybean it became Androwook HairyBean.
nvflash is definitely worth it mate. There are people on here who would kill to go back to ICS so they could nvflash backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My query is somewhat related, and apologies before it it has previously been addressed in another thread, so I won't start a new thread for my related query.
I have just purchased an ex-display model Asus EeePad Prime here in the UK on eBay for about the third of the price as a new one. So far, all seems to be working and running fine, dongleless Wi-Fi included, but I have a question.
As soon as I turned on Wi-Fi and connected with my router, my Asus Prime started 'automatically' downloading what I assume is (the latest) firmware, I couldn't find a way to cancel the download (no user-manual, unfortunately), so I immediately turned off Wi-Fi, as I have no idea what version firmware my Prime is downloading. Right at the moment, it's running stock 4.0.3, but I don't want it downloading some firmware that I may regret at some point later. So, may I ask, is it advisable to let the firmware download and do its thang, or wait for another, different or better firmware. I am totally new to using tablets and my only other Android device is a Samsung Galaxy S3 running JB 4.1.2,
Without reading through an online manual (probably a fruitless exercise anyway) or wading though hundreds of forum posts, would one of you more experienced in firmware than I, be good enough to advise me about which is the best, most stable firmware I should be running on my Asus Prime, as well as how to disable automatic firmware updates (I couldn't find an option for that in the settings yet), and any more cautionary steps I should be advised to take before I mess up or brick my new tablet....OR point me to a thread that already has the answers to my questions here?
I'm finding this a bit frustrating, as obviously, I can't use Wi-Fi for anything else until I have an answer as to how to stop automatic downloading of firmware via Wi-Fi.....help?!?
Many thanks before.
NB.
My Kernel version:-
2.6.39.4
android @venus #1
Al.Gray said:
My query is somewhat related, and apologies before it it has previously been addressed in another thread, so I won't start a new thread for my related query.
I have just purchased an ex-display model Asus EeePad Prime here in the UK on eBay for about the third of the price as a new one. So far, all seems to be working and running fine, dongleless Wi-Fi included, but I have a question.
As soon as I turned on Wi-Fi and connected with my router, my Asus Prime started 'automatically' downloading what I assume is (the latest) firmware, I couldn't find a way to cancel the download (no user-manual, unfortunately), so I immediately turned off Wi-Fi, as I have no idea what version firmware my Prime is downloading. Right at the moment, it's running stock 4.0.3, but I don't want it downloading some firmware that I may regret at some point later. So, may I ask, is it advisable to let the firmware download and do its thang, or wait for another, different or better firmware. I am totally new to using tablets and my only other Android device is a Samsung Galaxy S3 running JB 4.1.2,
Without reading through an online manual (probably a fruitless exercise anyway) or wading though hundreds of forum posts, would one of you more experienced in firmware than I, be good enough to advise me about which is the best, most stable firmware I should be running on my Asus Prime, as well as how to disable automatic firmware updates (I couldn't find an option for that in the settings yet), and any more cautionary steps I should be advised to take before I mess up or brick my new tablet....OR point me to a thread that already has the answers to my questions here?
Many thanks before.
NB.
My Kernel version:-
2.6.39.4
android @venus #1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are still on ICS and at the moment you can make nvflash backups that will make you completely brickproof. It will also allow you to go back to ICS from jellybean if you wanted to which people without the backups cannot do.
I would highly advise that you make these backups before upgrading anything.
You will need an unlocked bootloader to be able to do nvflash.
http://androidroot.mobi/pages/tegra3-guide-nvflash/
flumpster said:
You are still on ICS and at the moment you can make nvflash backups that will make you completely brickproof. It will also allow you to go back to ICS from jellybean if you wanted to which people without the backups cannot do.
I would highly advise that you make these backups before upgrading anything.
You will need an unlocked bootloader to be able to do nvflash.
http://androidroot.mobi/pages/tegra3-guide-nvflash/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that tidbit, certainly something I'll need to look into (after finding 'Nerves of Steel' <g> ).....but more concerned about disabling this (unknown) firmware update auto-downloading first?.......Diolch i ti ffrind!
NB.
Guess I should read up as much as I can on AndroWook too, eh?
Oddly, the automatic firmware update OTA download has (thankfully) stalled/stopped/stuck at 23% and I have no idea what I did to stop it downloading or even how. Anyone got a clue to help me figure it out? All other downloads via Wi-Fi are working as they should.
But, saying the firmware download has stopped, is there any way that anyone knows off to cancel/delete the 23% of it that has been automatically downloaded and taking up valuable space on my internal memory, please? (I'm guessing I'd need to root my Prime to do that?)
One last important (important to me anway lol), question.....is it advisable or not to make those nvflash backups before of after rooting my ICS 4.0.3 firmware (I was thinking of using 'Viper' to root it, or maybe you guys can suggest a better application to use?), or won't rooting it before I've made those backups make any difference? Please advise, thanks.
Hope that's not too many dumb questions, but hope one of you if good and has time enough to answer them for me........ANYone......please??
I need some help.... I just got a tf201 and it came with 4.0.3 with the . 28 so I thought it would be time to install a custom rom. So I read that nvflash was the thing to install and use but every page with instructions leads me to another page to download but the files are no longer on there...I have rooted and installed a couple different roms on my Kindle and Android phone so I know just enough to get myself into trouble and want to protect myself..... I have to do some searching on fastest also, I used it on my Kindle but that was over a year ago so I have to remember how to get into fastboot.....
OK I think I figure it out because of reading all the other post....It looks like the files were removed when they came out with the JB guide of doing it....So my question is then I should update to the 4.1 update then follow the guide over on mobi for the JB correct? I would really like someone to offer some suggestions before I go ahead and update and screw myself.....
easylistener said:
I need some help.... I just got a tf201 and it came with 4.0.3 with the . 28 so I thought it would be time to install a custom rom. So I read that nvflash was the thing to install and use but every page with instructions leads me to another page to download but the files are no longer on there...I have rooted and installed a couple different roms on my Kindle and Android phone so I know just enough to get myself into trouble and want to protect myself..... I have to do some searching on fastest also, I used it on my Kindle but that was over a year ago so I have to remember how to get into fastboot.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
easylistener said:
OK I think I figure it out because of reading all the other post....It looks like the files were removed when they came out with the JB guide of doing it....So my question is then I should update to the 4.1 update then follow the guide over on mobi for the JB correct? I would really like someone to offer some suggestions before I go ahead and update and screw myself.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you would be best off updating to the latest official 4.1.1 version (10.4.2.18) and using the guides and files designed for JB to make your NVFlash backups :good:.
Do read the official guide but there is also a clearer and more detailed guide to NVFlash for JellyBean HERE.
Note: it does say you need the 10.4.2.15 bootloader but the method and files work fine on the 10.4.2.18 also.
Do read the instructions carefully as the prime is a lot easier to brick than the other devices you have experience on.
Ok need some more help..... I found out my prime had twrp already installed.. So can I install nvflash after twrp has already y been installed?.. .. I have Ics on it and seems everything today is for jb......How or where can I find how to update my prime to jb since it has already been rooted and unload ked bootloader...... I don't want to brick it but want to get it updated to the point where these guides I can read and follow?