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Just got my sony version - can say this phone is beast mode. There is a pending update to .257 and someone told me that if I update to this, i will be locked out of any ROMs, including any google edition ROM. Can anyone verify this or comment? I have NOT updated to .257 yet.
Thanks in advance.
It's not that dramatic. If you update now, you'll have to downgrade again to 532 if you want to root. You'll need root and Recovery if you want to flash the GPE ROM when it gets released, so you're only saving yourself one step by not updating to 257 now
LordManhattan said:
It's not that dramatic. If you update now, you'll have to downgrade again to 532 if you want to root. You'll need root and Recovery if you want to flash the GPE ROM when it gets released, so you're only saving yourself one step by not updating to 257 now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lord, good to see you again - remember you from the GT-N7000 forum! So since of course I want root, I shouldn't update to .257. Am I understanding this correctly?
LxMxFxD said:
Lord, good to see you again - remember you from the GT-N7000 forum! So since of course I want root, I shouldn't update to .257. Am I understanding this correctly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. There are currently no way to root 257, so we have to root 532 and update through OTA to keep root on 257.
- Use this tool to root
- Install OTA Root Keeper from the Play Store
- Since you've already received the OTA, you don't need to change the CDA in build.prop (to force the OTA), so...
- Update to 257
- The root app (i'm not sure what app it installs) may be gone, so just install SuperSU from the Play Store if it's not in your app drawer.
And you're done...
... unless you also want to unlock the bootloader:
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. You really want to take a backup of your TA partition. It holds all your unique DRM keys, and X-Reality won't work without it. Once you lose it, you can't get it back, so back it up and upload it to your Dropbox or something. So how do you backup your TA partition?
- Download this tiny tool on your computer and run it.
Are you done? Great! Let's move on to the bootloader:
- Go to Sony's dev site
- Request the unlock key and check your mail.
- Install Flashtool on your computer (follow the guide)
- Click the "lightning" icon
- Follow the steps and enter your unlock key
This may wipe your phone, so backup your stuff
And you're done...
... unless you want to install Recovery and TWRP!
Installing Recovery and TWRP is easy. Just run this tool on your computer.
Now you're all set to flash custom ROMs and all that stuff
Lord,
Thanks again. And for anyone googling this thread, you'll need the android SDK to get these scripts running. The android SDK can be downloaded here:
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
Once downloaded and extracted, add it to your environment path.
Actually... You only need ADB and Fastboot. You can install this Windows installer which will do all the work for you. I'm sorry if you installed the entire SDK I should have included it in the guide.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2317790
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Firmware link (532)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2463701
If the Hong Kong firmware is flashed would the interface be in english?
If not, does anyone have a link to 532 ftf english/international. Thanks.
CptAwesomeTT said:
Firmware link (532)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2463701
If the Hong Kong firmware is flashed would the interface be in english?
If not, does anyone have a link to 532 ftf english/international. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can select your language from set up wizard after installing rom. i too downloaded HK fw.
techpal said:
You can select your language from set up wizard after installing rom. i too downloaded HK fw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much.
I'm new to Sony flashing. Recently bought a XZU (6833) after learning about GPe release. I havent gotten it as yet but i've spent the last few days reading up on preparing for flashing AOSP roms. I'm still not 100% solid on the steps as information is all over the XZU section, not really organised too well. A lot of the information is out of date and there are many gaps that left me scratching my head...
As far as I can gather, these are the steps a new XZU non GPe edition owner should undergo if they would like to flash GPe roms(or any other)...please correct me if I am wrong.
1) Use flashtool 0.9 to flash older 532 firmware ftf file. (does not require root and can be done on a bone stock device non GPe device regardless of installed firmware version). Link here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2463701. Now I know Hong Kong version is ok. 532 is older than 257. 257 cannot be rooted directly hence the need to downgrade first.
2) Root using the Japanese rootkitZ Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2559009 (I assume this installs Superuser as there is a Superuser APK in the folder)
3) Install root keeper to retain root privilege. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.projectvoodoo.otarootkeeper. (temporary, must be kept installed at all times or only after OTA? If not doing OTA to 257, is this even necessary?)
4) Backup TA partition with TA backup tool 9.9 to retain original keys for xreality etc.(must be rooted to do this), If partition isnt backed up, these features would be lost forever. This works only with Sony roms anyway so if you plan on only running GPe roms, this isnt necessary?
5) Unlock bootloader using Sony method. Link:http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/
6) Performing OTA update not manditory if flashing to an AOSP rom anyway? I saw mention of changing some build.prop entries for this to before OTA update shows when you check for updates? Is that necessary? If so, what are the changes?
7) Flash cwm/twrp using xzu recovery 4. Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739. The instructions specify to run superuser.bat or supersu.bat. There is only a run.bat file in the folder and this is what you must run After launching there are several options. (If using the root method from step 2, I assume you have to use the SuperUser (option2) when running the tool).
8) Flash any rom (If going back to a Sony rom, must flash to 532 first to get root. Then update through OTA.
Please can someone edit and/or add details where necessary.
---------- Post added at 03:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:40 PM ----------
LxMxFxD said:
Lord,
Thanks again. And for anyone googling this thread, you'll need the android SDK to get these scripts running. The android SDK can be downloaded here:
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
Once downloaded and extracted, add it to your environment path.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To what scripts are you referring? Can you help me by fleshing out my above post?
3) Install root keeper to retain root privilege. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.projectvoodoo.otarootkeeper. (temporary, must be kept installed at all times or only after OTA? If not doing OTA to 257, is this even necessary?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're not planning on keeping the stock ROM, and you want to jump straight to a custom ROM, then no, it's not necessary to install OTA Root Keeper.
4) Backup TA partition with TA backup tool 9.9 to retain original keys for xreality etc.(must be rooted to do this), If partition isnt backed up, these features would be lost forever. This works only with Sony roms anyway so if you plan on only running GPe roms, this isnt necessary?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to back it up, but it's recommended even if you're going to use custom ROMs. What if you're having some issues with your ZU, and you have to send it in for repairs? Sony will notice if the DRM keys aren't there and they'll then know that you've unlocked the bootloader.
6) Performing OTA update not manditory if flashing to an AOSP rom anyway? I saw mention of changing some build.prop entries for this to before OTA update shows when you check for updates? Is that necessary? If so, what are the changes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, this part isn't necessary if you don't want to.
7) Flash cwm/twrp using xzu recovery 4. Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739. The instructions specify to run superuser.bat or supersu.bat. There is only a run.bat file in the folder and this is what you must run After launching there are several options. (If using the root method from step 2, I assume you have to use the SuperUser (option2) when running the tool).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, run the bat-file and choose SuperSU in the terminal.
8) Flash any rom (If going back to a Sony rom, must flash to 532 first to get root. Then update through OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you start flashing custom ROMs, make a NAND backup of the stock ROM. This way, if you want to go back, all you have to do is to flash a boot.img and restore it, and you'll end up exactly where you left off (with root).
I thank you for your patience I understand what you've said so far.Please bear with me a while longer.
Pertaining to point 7, that xzu recovery uses supersu apk so one would have to choose the supersu option and not superuser right?
Next, looking at the omni rom thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2548107), I am seeing one single download available in the OP (which is the rom itself), however on the last page (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48441587&postcount=273), I am seeing people referencing editing changing biuld.prop and flashing boot.img images.
1) How does one know when it is necessary to do any of the above.
2) I am comfortable with editing build.prop but where is the boot.img come from. How do I know when this needs to be flashed?
3) How do you flash the boot.img files? Through cwm or the flashtool?
4) Some gapps come with recovery? Why is that necessary?
A million thanks.
I gotta say, now having the phone for about 12 hours, this phone is simply impressive. I had a nexus 5 briefly which had the same cpu and ram, but it was not as smooth and speedy as the xperia z ultra. I miss the black contrast of the screen of samsung's super amoled but that is about the only thing I miss. Extremely satisfied with my purchase. First sony device.
And thanks to lord and the rest of this community for making getting root so easy!
LxMxFxD said:
I gotta say, now having the phone for about 12 hours, this phone is simply impressive. I had a nexus 5 briefly which had the same cpu and ram, but it was not as smooth and speedy as the xperia z ultra. I miss the black contrast of the screen of samsung's super amoled but that is about the only thing I miss. Extremely satisfied with my purchase. First sony device.
And thanks to lord and the rest of this community for making getting root so easy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see you're being taken care of welcome dude, good choice of phone, it's a screamer!
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
CptAwesomeTT said:
I thank you for your patience I understand what you've said so far.Please bear with me a while longer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I quite enjoy this (yes, i'm weird)
Pertaining to point 7, that xzu recovery uses supersu apk so one would have to choose the supersu option and not superuser right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends on which superuser app you're ending up with after rooting. I haven't used that root tool, so i don't know if it installs SuperSu or something else. If it installs SuperSU, then just choose SuperSU when you're going to install Recovery. Superuser isn't really being used that much these days.
Next, looking at the omni rom thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2548107), I am seeing one single download available in the OP (which is the rom itself), however on the last page (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48441587&postcount=273), I am seeing people referencing editing changing biuld.prop and flashing boot.img images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, there's currently a newer build being built right now, but that shouldn't stop you from flashing it. The thing with the current build is that data isn't working, so that's why you're seeing the talk about build.prop. By modifying the build.prop you'll get the data working again, so after flashing Omni, you should kick it into Airplane Mode ASAP (thorugh the notification center), use a file explorer to move the new build.prop to /system and overwrite the old one (remember to set the correct permissions to 644 or RW-R-R). After that you reboot and data will work again
- Open QuickIMG on your computer and execute fastboot on your Ultra (Power it off and hold Vol Up and plug your USB in at the same time. A Blue LED will turn on over you screen)
- Flash boot.img and after you're done, boot into Recovery (Power + Vol Up [or power it on as usual and when the Green LED turns on press and hold VOL UP until the light turns purple])
- Wipe everything
- Flash Omni and gapps
- Reboot
2) I am comfortable with editing build.prop but where is the boot.img come from. How do I know when this needs to be flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only times you'll have to flash boot.img is when you're coming from stock ROM and you want to jump over to AOSP (Omni, CM etc.) and when you want to go back to stock. You'll have to do it now when you're going to flash Omni. You don't have to do it when you're updating the ROM, or if you're going to flash CM, PAC or any other AOSP builds.
3) How do you flash the boot.img files? Through cwm or the flashtool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use QuickIMG, which is probably the easiest way. After you've flashed boot.img, flash Omni and gapps as usual. Have both of them on your device before you flash the boot.img
4) Some gapps come with recovery? Why is that necessary?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not right. Kernels come with recovery. Gapps are only Google Apps (Play Store, Maps etc.)
I'm thinking of flashing Omni today myself, so you'll probably read a lot (of cursing) from me around these parts later today :laugh: If you have some other questions, feel free to ask.
LordManhattan said:
No problem. I quite enjoy this (yes, i'm weird)
That depends on which superuser app you're ending up with after rooting. I haven't used that root tool, so i don't know if it installs SuperSu or something else. If it installs SuperSU, then just choose SuperSU when you're going to install Recovery. Superuser isn't really being used that much these days.
Yeah, there's currently a newer build being built right now, but that shouldn't stop you from flashing it. The thing with the current build is that data isn't working, so that's why you're seeing the talk about build.prop. By modifying the build.prop you'll get the data working again, so after flashing Omni, you should kick it into Airplane Mode ASAP (thorugh the notification center), use a file explorer to move the new build.prop to /system and overwrite the old one (remember to set the correct permissions to 644 or RW-R-R). After that you reboot and data will work again
- Open QuickIMG on your computer and execute fastboot on your Ultra (Power it off and hold Vol Up and plug your USB in at the same time. A Blue LED will turn on over you screen)
- Flash boot.img and after you're done, boot into Recovery (Power + Vol Up [or power it on as usual and when the Green LED turns on press and hold VOL UP until the light turns purple])
- Wipe everything
- Flash Omni and gapps
- Reboot
The only times you'll have to flash boot.img is when you're coming from stock ROM and you want to jump over to AOSP (Omni, CM etc.) and when you want to go back to stock. You'll have to do it now when you're going to flash Omni. You don't have to do it when you're updating the ROM, or if you're going to flash CM, PAC or any other AOSP builds.
You can use QuickIMG, which is probably the easiest way. After you've flashed boot.img, flash Omni and gapps as usual. Have both of them on your device before you flash the boot.img
That's not right. Kernels come with recovery. Gapps are only Google Apps (Play Store, Maps etc.)
I'm thinking of flashing Omni today myself, so you'll probably read a lot (of cursing) from me around these parts later today :laugh: If you have some other questions, feel free to ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh man you are so damn helpful!
Ok again I got 95% of what you said. Just to clarify:
Coming from a stock rom, going to an AOSP rom requires you to flash boot.ini prior to flashing the aosp rom. Is it correct to assume that that the boot.img in this case should be extracted from the destination (aosp) rom?
Lastly, other than the rootkitZ Japanese method of rooting an older firmware (532), what is your recommended method of acquiring root?
CptAwesomeTT said:
Oh man you are so damn helpful!
Ok again I got 95% of what you said. Just to clarify:
Coming from a stock rom, going to an AOSP rom requires you to flash boot.ini prior to flashing the aosp rom. Is it correct to assume that that the boot.img in this case should be extracted from the destination (aosp) rom?
Lastly, other than the rootkitZ Japanese method of rooting an older firmware (532), what is your recommended method of acquiring root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, just do this (i did it myself 30 minutes ago)
- Download the boot.img from here (this one is from the PAC ROM and works great)
- Download QuickIMG from here (and just follow the short guide)
Once you've flashed the boot.img:
- Unplug your Ultra and power it off (in case it powers on, press and hold POWER + VOL UP until you notice some rapid vibrations)
- Now Power it on again and press and hold VOL UP when the LED lights up (green i believe, and it should go purple)
- Once you're in Recovery, flash Omni and gapps (don't forget to wipe data and dalvik (under advance) before rebooting
This one is something i learned myself half an hour ago; pull your SIM out until you've had the chance to replace the build.prop, or else it'll just reboot by itself.
And yes, the japanese rooting tool is the recommended tool. The other ones aren't safe (IMEI collectors)
LordManhattan said:
Yeah, just do this (i did it myself 30 minutes ago)
- Download the boot.img from here (this one is from the PAC ROM and works great)
- Download QuickIMG from here (and just follow the short guide)
Once you've flashed the boot.img:
- Unplug your Ultra and power it off (in case it powers on, press and hold POWER + VOL UP until you notice some rapid vibrations)
- Now Power it on again and press and hold VOL UP when the LED lights up (green i believe, and it should go purple)
- Once you're in Recovery, flash Omni and gapps (don't forget to wipe data and dalvik (under advance) before rebooting
This one is something i learned myself half an hour ago; pull your SIM out until you've had the chance to replace the build.prop, or else it'll just reboot by itself.
And yes, the japanese rooting tool is the recommended tool. The other ones aren't safe (IMEI collectors)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've been so helpful. I think that's all my questions until I actually get the device in hand and start working on it. Thanks a mill.
atm the jap root method is the one I'd use. kingo might be safe and vroot might not be...
Use the one in the zip or download the v4 or v5 boot.img
v4 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739
v5 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426736
if going to omni i would flash the revolution kernel http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2548092
No problem!
CptAwesomeTT said:
Firmware link (532)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2463701
If the Hong Kong firmware is flashed would the interface be in english?
If not, does anyone have a link to 532 ftf english/international. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link to .532 is gone. Is there another?
Thanks!
I have a stock rom evo 4g LTE, rooted, with Android 4.0.3 on it.
I forget the root app I used, some one click thingy, I guess my bootloader is unlocked
because I get a boot menu every time I reboot, on that screen that says **TAMPERED**.
Anyway, I ignored the notification icon in my taskbar for OTA updates, for a very long time.
Since the day I bought it over a year ago.
Finally I decided "eh, screw it, why not." ...I'm sure I'll regret that.
I told it to do the OTA update, and it downloaded (I think??) and rebooted.
The icon went away. Seemed to be a done deal.
But once per day since then, my phone rings, and I see a prompt saying
there's an OTA update, and would I like to install it now?
I think it's the same OTA update being prompted repeatdly,
because the filesize is always the same (~42 megs).
What should I do? I can choose install, reboot, and be fine for the rest of the day,
or choose cancel, reboot, and be fine for the rest of the day.
Doesn't seem to matter. But would be nice to fix it for good.
Well, considering that you are about 4-5 OTAs behind the rest of the community, I would say that the notification is probably correct. HOWEVER, of you are not using the stock recovery, then the OTA did not flash. Yes, the phone rebooted, but that's because it is installed entirely through recovery, and the phone has to reboot to get into recovery mode in the first place.
Now, for the more important question at hand....why exactly are you still using ICS? Furthermore, if you are still using ICS, then why are you rooted? As far as I'm concerned, the OTAs are actually necessary updates for the phone. I'm sure that you will love Jelly Bean if you have never used it before.
And please, for the sake of us all who are cringing at the sight of the first sentence....PLEASE UPDATE your phone! If you have a good reason not to, please share.
Hi, thanks for the reply... Maybe they were all different updates after all.
I haven't been prompted to update again since my post.
Maybe I grabbed the 3 or 4 OTA updates that I needed to catch up on.
I do think I'd like Jelly Bean too, seeing some of the features is what prompted me to finally catch up.
Can you explain this part to me? I'm not familiar with this stuff.
HOWEVER, of you are not using the stock recovery, then the OTA did not flash.
Yes, the phone rebooted, but that's because it is installed entirely through recovery,
and the phone has to reboot to get into recovery mode in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, there's more than one recovery mode, the stock one, and ...whatever else you can install?
When I see the white screen that says **TAMPERED** (looks basically like this screen)...
should I have chosen Recovery instead of the usual reboot option?
If I no longer see the notification, does that mean the updates worked? My Android version still shows 4.0.3.
why exactly are you still using ICS? Furthermore, if you are still using ICS, then why are you rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I had no compelling reason to upgrade. I still don't really, the phone does what I want,
I just saw some of the features in the next version and thought "huh, that sounds pretty cool".
I'm rooted for all the usual reasons... I want to be able to browse, copy, move, rename files (including system files)
without incident... use nandroid for backups... wifi tether (still can't get that to work actually)... install unapproved apps...
tweak the OS, and so on.
Ok, my friend...let me educate you. Instead of giving you the simplest, fastest solution, I will actually try to answer all of your questions, since you did ask.
I do think I'd like Jelly Bean too, seeing some of the features is what prompted me to finally catch up.
Can you explain this part to me? I'm not familiar with this stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To give a very superficial explanation of Jelly Bean, it is everything that ICS does, and more. It just does it smoother. It also brings Google Now, which was – and still is – the selling point of Jelly Bean. The Sense launcher got a few changes, too, but you will have to explore those changes on your own (mainly because I don’t remember them off hand, and this post is beginning to become lengthy).
Maybe I grabbed the 3 or 4 OTA updates that I needed to catch up on.
If I no longer see the notification, does that mean the updates worked? My Android version still shows 4.0.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the first update didn’t update properly, then the phone is simply downloading and trying to install the same update over and over. When you boot back into Android after a successful update, you will be greeted by a welcome message congratulating you for installing the new version.
If you are rooted, odds are, you are using a custom recovery, such as TWRP or CWM. OTAs are only installed through the stock recovery & a locked bootloader. The stock recovery doesn’t make nandroids, or do anything of the sort. To install the stock recovery, go here:
http://downloadandroidrom.com/file/HTCEvo4GLTE/rooting/Evo4GLTERoot2.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock recovery is located somewhere within the zip file.
So, there's more than one recovery mode, the stock one, and ...whatever else you can install?
When I see the white screen that says **TAMPERED** (looks basically like this screen)...
should I have chosen Recovery instead of the usual reboot option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash install the stock recovery by using fastboot commands from the bootloader (which is the screen that shows the TAMPERED status on the top), or you can use Flash Image GUI. It is a paid app on the Play Store, or you can get it from XDA (the dev let XDA users download it for free…Google it).
Lastly, there are a few things that I suggest that you do. First, obtain S-Off (Google, Google, Google...very simple), so you can install the new firmwares directly, instead of using OTAs. Otherwise, if you accept the OTA, you will lose root, and you will have to root your phone again and again. Installing the firmware, then the new rom is the same as accepting the OTA, then rooting.
Another alternative is to get S-Off, then accept the OTA (after installing the stock recovery). Your bootloader does not need to be locked, and there are recovery zips floating around here that can be installed through the bootloader (therefore, you will not be stuck rooting the phone the hard way, just boot into recovery and flash SuperSU). I highly suggest achieving S-Off.
If you want to jump straight to the latest version (Android 4.3, Sense 5.0) by installing the RUU located somewhere in this forum. I actually suggest that you try Sense 4 with Jelly Bean first, but that is completely up to you. Keep in mind that using the RUU will wipe your internal memory, so back up what needs to be backed up. This doesn’t require you to be rooted, and the state of the bootloader does not matter. It will lock the bootloader, load the stock recovery, and you will lose root. You won’t be able to downgrade without S-Off.
Other Notes:
When using the 4.3 RUU, make sure that Android USB Debugging is enabled.
Bookmarking for later but I wanted to say thanks for the thorough reply!
I can confirm the update never worked, because I never got the confirmation message
and I got prompted again a few hours after I posted.
Are you willing to answer just a few more things?
Based on what I've read, it sounds like this is what I ought to do:
- Back up anything I need to. Just to confirm, updating firmware and flashing a new rom wipes out everything in the phone's internal memory, but not external SDcard? Or both?
Are apps considered "on the cloud" and I can reinstall by just redownloading, without paying again?
Except sideloaded apps? Or will I need to find all those APK files and save them somewhere else?
Is it safe to say they're all in \data\app and \system\app? Or would system\app be unwanted since it's what came with the old phone OS?
- Get my phone into S-OFF status.
- Update firmware (this is a separate process from updating the rom? Where do I get this firmware? Google google google?)
- Install a new ROM (stock or otherwise) which will have these updates built in, so I won't need to regain root.
- Not sure what my bootloader is, maybe TWRP, does it matter? Do the above steps affect it? Should I change it to stock anyway?
- You suggested trying Sense 4 rather than Sense 5 first... any special reason?
Are you willing to answer just a few more things?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As always, I'm open for questions. Not to sound egotistic, but I enjoy sharing my opinion.
Based on what I've read, it sounds like this is what I ought to do:
- Back up anything I need to. Just to confirm, updating firmware and flashing a new rom wipes out everything in the phone's internal memory, but not external SDcard? Or both?
Updating to the 4.3 firmware wipes your internal memory, not your sd card (although, that may be a very unfortunate circumstance, so it should be backed up as well). The other firmware updates do not affect your memory.
Are apps considered "on the cloud" and I can reinstall by just redownloading, without paying again?
Technically, yes they are "on the cloud." The fact that you paid is saved somewhere within your main Google account that you downloaded the app with. It is possible to pay for apps with your secondary gmail account, which can be switched within the Play Store app.
Except sideloaded apps? Or will I need to find all those APK files and save them somewhere else?
Use Titanium Backup if you can't find the apks. I do save my apks that I download, and I also upload them to Google Drive, since I have multiple Android devices, and I also have a faulty micro sd card that I am yet to replace. I can lose my data at any given moment, but everything is backed up, so I'm not worried.
Is it safe to say they're all in \data\app and \system\app? Or would system\app be unwanted since it's what came with the old phone OS?
Everything within the /system folder is wiped when you flash new roms. That data is NOT backed up while flashing between roms. Also, since it is from an older Android version, it's best to leave them alone. You may back up the data if you like, but I would refrain from restoring the apks along with the data.
The /data directory may be wiped, depending on the dev who built the rom zip. If they added the superwipe script, then /data will be wiped as well. Most devs do not include this, since many people "dirty flash," which is flashing new roms or updates of the current rom without wiping /data first.
- Get my phone into S-OFF status.
You will save yourself a LOT of headaches in the future. It was my S-Off status that allowed me to reflash my firmware when I lost the function of my data/voice antennas while carelessly flashing a port of a phone on a different carrier. Also, if you feel curious to try AOSP roms, then you do not need to do any extra steps to flash them.
- Update firmware (this is a separate process from updating the rom? Where do I get this firmware? Google google google?)
Yes, the firmware handles manages how the hardware of the phone operates. Updating the rom changes how the software looks and behaves. The kernel is sort of a bridge between the firmware and the software, since it manages the firmware (like battery life, processor speed, antennas, etc.), but the kernel is dependent on the software version. The firmware is not dependent on the software version, just as the software version is not dependent on the firmware version.
The only exception of the firmware/software independence is the 4.3 update, which requires a complete update of the firmware, and the older software cannot run on the new firmware without being modded by a dev.
- Install a new ROM (stock or otherwise) which will have these updates built in, so I won't need to regain root.
- Not sure what my bootloader is, maybe TWRP, does it matter? Do the above steps affect it? Should I change it to stock anyway?
Your bootloader is the white screen that shows the TAMPERED status on the top, and little Androids on skateboards on the bottom. With the exception of the firmware information in the top left corner, this screen does not change...ever.
TWRP is your recovery image, which is accessible through the RECOVERY option in your bootloader, or you can boot directly into it through different apps in Android - Titanium Backup is one of them (yes, that's one of the options, even for the free version).
The only reason to return your recovery to stock is to accept OTAs, and also to bring your phone back to the complete factory settings, just as the day when it was first purchased (for the sake of selling the phone, or returning back to Sprint for service}. Otherwise, don't bother with it. You may want to update your version of TWRP, though. If you update to 4.3, you will have to update it. I'm not going to take the time to get into that right now. I've given you enough homework.
- You suggested trying Sense 4 rather than Sense 5 first... any special reason?
I am a very patient person. To me, exploring Android takes time. I enjoy reading before I test, and testing before I settle (which I'm yet to "settle"). All of that being said, I suggested Sense 4 before Sense 5 because I wanted you to experience the both of them. They are truly two different versions of Sense, which one might not realize, as their version numbers are differentiated by one integer (in other words, 4 to 5). Sense 3 was a small step above Sense 2, and Sense 4 was a bigger step from Sense 3. Sense 5 is a complete overhaul of the Sense UI, save the flip clock.
I just feel that skipping from 4.0 to 4.3 is missing out on a great experience, but that is mainly if you actually want to try out different roms. Until the Sense 5 RUU, I still visiting ICS on occassion, but I usually didn't last more than 3 hours before I jumped back to JB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whew...you're making me work. But I like it. Anymore questions? Feel free to ask.
OK I've been working on this all afternoon and I'm at an impasse.
You've been a huge help so far and I hope you can guide me through this part.
I want to S-OFF and am following a tutorial: http://www.thefortressofnerditude.com/s-off-your-sprint-htc-evo-4g-lte/
Step 3 says root and install recovery. So I decide I need TWRP.
Already have nandroid and titanium backups both completed.
And I copied the whole SDcard to my computer after.
Annoyingly, TWRP's install page suggests that I need to be in S-OFF.
TWRP says I need S-OFF. S-OFF guide seems to suggest I need TWRP working.
I installed "TWRP Manager". Realize that might not be the same thing as TWRP.
Googled and found it on the TeamWin page.
The page asks first to input my device. I choose Evo 4G LTE (Jewel).
That brings me to this page: http://teamw.in/project/twrp2/98
They suggest I do the android app install method. I follow the first link (Market Link)
and install GooManager, and follow their steps.
Install the app and open it. Tap menu then hit Install OpenRecoveryScript. Tap Yes. Verify that the filename displays your device's code name and hit Yes. The file will download and your device will reboot and install the recovery automatically.
This all goes smoothly, but here's my issue.
It doesn't reboot automatically, or install anything automatically.
I see in the comments a recommendation to reboot into recovery mode.
I choose that in GooManager's menu, and after rebooting I get my bootloader screen with 4 menu options:
Bootloader
Reboot
Reboot Bootloader
Power Down
The only one that sounds sensible to me is bootloader so I pick that.
Now I get some new options:
Fastboot
Recovery
Factory Reset
Clear Storage
Simlock
Image CRC
Show Barcode
So, the only one that makes sense is Recovery. I choose it. The phone reboots.
Now I'm back at the first menu. So I'm in a loop.
Nothing I do in this loop seems to install anything.
So I just rebooted the phone normally and I'm back to my OS.
Where to go from here?
CreeDo said:
OK I've been working on this all afternoon and I'm at an impasse.
You've been a huge help so far and I hope you can guide me through this part.
I want to S-OFF and am following a tutorial: http://www.thefortressofnerditude.com/s-off-your-sprint-htc-evo-4g-lte/
Step 3 says root and install recovery. So I decide I need TWRP.
Already have nandroid and titanium backups both completed.
And I copied the whole SDcard to my computer after.
Annoyingly, TWRP's install page suggests that I need to be in S-OFF.
TWRP says I need S-OFF. S-OFF guide seems to suggest I need TWRP working.
I installed "TWRP Manager". Realize that might not be the same thing as TWRP.
Googled and found it on the TeamWin page.
The page asks first to input my device. I choose Evo 4G LTE (Jewel).
That brings me to this page: http://teamw.in/project/twrp2/98
They suggest I do the android app install method. I follow the first link (Market Link)
and install GooManager, and follow their steps.
Install the app and open it. Tap menu then hit Install OpenRecoveryScript. Tap Yes. Verify that the filename displays your device's code name and hit Yes. The file will download and your device will reboot and install the recovery automatically.
This all goes smoothly, but here's my issue.
It doesn't reboot automatically, or install anything automatically.
I see in the comments a recommendation to reboot into recovery mode.
I choose that in GooManager's menu, and after rebooting I get my bootloader screen with 4 menu options:
Bootloader
Reboot
Reboot Bootloader
Power Down
The only one that sounds sensible to me is bootloader so I pick that.
Now I get some new options:
Fastboot
Recovery
Factory Reset
Clear Storage
Simlock
Image CRC
Show Barcode
So, the only one that makes sense is Recovery. I choose it. The phone reboots.
Now I'm back at the first menu. So I'm in a loop.
Nothing I do in this loop seems to install anything.
So I just rebooted the phone normally and I'm back to my OS.
Where to go from here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you unlock your boot loader first? You don't need to be S-off to install a custom recovery. Unlock your bootloader at htcdev.com then install twrp.
Read here for more info:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2420916
Also, I suggest learning how to use fastboot commands. Install twrp using fastboot.
Sent from my EVO using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
OK, so I'm semi-bricked but not panicking yet.
Here's where I'm at.
• Unlocked boot loader successfully
• Installed TWRP using fastboot.
• Followed instructions as closely as I could on moonshine.io to get S-OFF working.
Several times during the process I got "installing device driver software" in my win7 system tray.
Not sure if that's normal. But the drivers seemed to install fine. At first.
But then, during this part of the process:
Moonshining .................(1)
Windows prompted me that it was installing some drivers again, But it failed to install the MTP driver.
After ten tries with the "Moonshining" step, I got "ERROR: don't drink and moonshine!" or something like that.
So, it seems like I need to get this MTP driver going. First I tried solutions on the computer:
• Uninstalled all HTC software, unplugged phone, rebooted,
installed HTC Sync Manager (setup name setup_3.0.52.0_htc.exe), then uninstalled it...
because a tutorial said this would keep the drivers but remove the software. Still no luck on the MTP driver though.
• Found "Mass Storage Device" (my phone) under device manager, removed it, unplugged, rebooted, replugged.
• Plugged cord into back of PC, so I'm using USB 2.0 rather than USB 3.0.
• One suggestion said a certain registry section might have an upperfilter key that shouldn't be there.
But I don't have that upperfilter key so that's not the issue.
Some fixes require getting into my phone (one guy suggests turning off USB debugging)...
but I no longer have a working OS. I can get into my bootloader, I tried Factory Reset.
But after choosing this I go into TWRP and I have no TWRP backups that I can restore.
So my next guess is, I need to get a recovery ZIP (is that basically a ROM?) that TWRP can install.
If that's correct, what ZIP should I get? I was on Android 4.0.3 Sense 4.0, can I download jellybean with Sense 5.0,
and install it via TWRP?
That was my goal all along, but I'm determined to get S-OFF working, so if doing that means my phone gets wiped again,
I guess I just want whatever ROM/recovery/whatever that allows me to change this USB debugging setting,
and try other phone-related fixes to the MTP driver issue.
First of all, flash an ICS rom. I'm assuming that you are still using the same ICS firmware, and you will want to have your phone operational (to enable USB debugging). The link for MeanRom ICS still works. http://old.androidfilehost.com/main/EVO_3D_Developers/mikeyxda/LTEvo/MeanROM-ICS-v65-jewel-ltevo.zip
Ok....since you are on the old HBoot, I think that you need to use the older S-Off methods (LazyPanda or DirtyRacun), if I'm not mistaken. You can not download and flash Sense 5.0 through TWRP as of yet, because you need to be using the new firmware to do so. You may want to pay http://unlimited.io/jewel.htm a visit. Also, to use LazyPanda or DirtyRacun, you need to be using Ubuntu. Another option that you have is to use the regular RUU and update directly to Sense 5.0. You will be stock, unrooted, but you can easily use the latest S-Off method.
Lastly, for your rooting/S-Off needs, you can also use a handy-dandy toolkit from @WindyCityRockr that can handle everything that you need to do. I usually encourage manual labor, but there are some exceptions. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2436217
Thanks again for jumping in.
I'm getting somewhere, but still so many difficulties.
Fix one thing, break two more.
I finally have a new working rom, but almost against my will it ended up
being CyanogenMod.
The short version:
- unlocked bootloader, got TWRP going, finally got ADB working (don't think it's the right driver,
but whatever, ADB commands work fine), wiped everything... factory reset, Dalvik, external storage.
- Didn't wipe Internal storage, I wiped only /data/ per some post's recommendation.
- I used ADB PUSH to get a few possible roms onto /sdcard/
PJ75IMG_1.13.651.1.zip (failed with "unable to open zip")
(ROM)_Stock_Rooted_OTA_(3.16.651.3)V2.zip (failed with "unable to execute updater binary in zip")
cm-10.2.0-jewel.zip (cyanogenmod) - success!
So, the phone works. It appears to be at least based on android 4.3... and I'm guessing CM, which updates
frequently, has all those OTA updates bundled into it. Any downsides to CyanogenMod?
I could just proceed from here to reinstall my old apps etc.
I'm still not "S-OFF" which annoys me, but I read a post suggesting it's not really that necessary.
The way they put it is, s-off allows you to access partitions so they can be modded,
but nobody is developing anything interesting for those partitions. Like nobody's doing custom radios and such.
Should I still pursue S-OFF anyway?
If so, is there a way to do it with CyanogenMod?
That awesome app (Windroid Universal Toolkit) doesn't recognize the phone.
Last question, how should I go about restoring everything?
I had titanium and nandroid backups copied to my computer.
Can it restore to such a wildly different version of the OS?
Can I get back not just apps, but stuff like my keyboard preferences, texting history, etc.?
Should I still pursue S-OFF anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! Being S-On is a complete pain in the BUTT when switching AOSP roms. Have you tried to flash the rom that I posted, MeanRom ICS? I'm really trying to get you to stay on Sense, because S-Off and other different tools work so much better while using Sense. AOSP is better after S-Off. But that's up to you.
If so, is there a way to do it with CyanogenMod?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure. You can try if you have the time. I suggest making a nandroid of your CM rom, and try to flash a Sense ICS rom, not JB...yet.
That awesome app (Windroid Universal Toolkit) doesn't recognize the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM might be the issue here, as well as it might not.
Last question, how should I go about restoring everything?
I had titanium and nandroid backups copied to my computer.
Can it restore to such a wildly different version of the OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, TB will still work. There are some apps that might cause the restoration process to freeze, so I suggest killing TB and skipping over the app that froze the process when you return.
Can I get back not just apps, but stuff like my keyboard preferences, texting history, etc.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your keyboard preferences was not backed up, then no. If you were using the stock Sense keyboard, then that is a no as well. As long as your texting history was backed up, it can be restored. Texts are not like apps...their data is typically stored in XML files which are readable through any version of Android (2.3+).
I'm still soliciting my help if you need it.
I'm for sure going to need it, so thanks very much for the ongoing support!
I got discouraged after all the failures but I'll download Meanrom now.
The thing is... now that Cyanogen mod works, I hesitate to wipe it and try a new one.
Especially since several other roms I tried mysteriously failed to install.
I like that it's jellybean and don't wanna move backwards to ICS.
And I like their goal of cutting out the fluff.
I still want S-OFF, will I end up having to wipe everything again to get it?
Also, I really don't feel confident I have the right drivers for my windows machine.
I can transfer files in USB mode, go into USB debugging, and do the usual ADB commands.
But the phone shows up as a nexus in device manager, but it's definitely evo 4G lte.
I tried installing an executable RUU and it failed after a bit saying it can't detect the device.
And there's that issue where Windroid doesn't detect it.
So I have the feeling that without the right USB drivers, tools like Moonshine will still fail.
I specifically got errors every time when anything tried to install MTP usb drivers. Do I really need them?
You think LazyPanda or DirtyRacun's tools will work even if I never get the MTP thing installed?
CreeDo said:
I'm for sure going to need it, so thanks very much for the ongoing support!
I got discouraged after all the failures but I'll download Meanrom now.
The thing is... now that Cyanogen mod works, I hesitate to wipe it and try a new one.
Especially since several other roms I tried mysteriously failed to install.
I like that it's jellybean and don't wanna move backwards to ICS.
And I like their goal of cutting out the fluff.
I still want S-OFF, will I end up having to wipe everything again to get it?
Also, I really don't feel confident I have the right drivers for my windows machine.
I can transfer files in USB mode, go into USB debugging, and do the usual ADB commands.
But the phone shows up as a nexus in device manager, but it's definitely evo 4G lte.
I tried installing an executable RUU and it failed after a bit saying it can't detect the device.
And there's that issue where Windroid doesn't detect it.
So I have the feeling that without the right USB drivers, tools like Moonshine will still fail.
I specifically got errors every time when anything tried to install MTP usb drivers. Do I really need them?
You think LazyPanda or DirtyRacun's tools will work even if I never get the MTP thing installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Feel free to try the facepalm S-off method as well. Works on devices with older software and is super easy. Look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2163013
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Evolution_Freak said:
Feel free to try the facepalm S-off method as well. Works on devices with older software and is super easy. Look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2163013
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers, it does look pretty straightforward.
Of course that's what I thought hours ago when I tried moonshine haha.
I'll give it a go.
To be clear, does this method wipe anything?
They don't actually say.
CreeDo said:
Cheers, it does look pretty straightforward.
Of course that's what I thought hours ago when I tried moonshine haha.
I'll give it a go.
To be clear, does this method wipe anything?
They don't actually say.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't remember if it wipes or not. Best thing to do is make a backup with TWRP and keep the backup on your external SD card. If it wipes you can always restore your backup.
Sent from my HTC device
Thanks for the help so far guys. I am currently really enjoying Cyanogenmod. I suspect it's eating battery more,
but then against I am on the phone for hours redoing everything that got changed/removed.
Does anyone know if there's a simple way (or even a difficult way) to restore my texts?
Because the app is totally different, and the old text app was the one that came
with the stock rom, I cannot restore it in titanium. But if I could extract even the raw text that'd be helpful.
Get back to Sense, or get someone with Sense to restore it for you, and save it using a different app. Or maybe try using SMS Backup & Restore from the Play Store. I'm not sure if it can read the backups saved through Sense, but it's worth a try. You just have to navigate to the location of the old backup.
It looks like I can import an XML in this messaging app so maybe if sense offers an export to XML option, I'll be set.
Sense is sort of an OS on top of the OS, right?
Can sense be loaded without flashing a new rom? or is it too integrated with the OS?
Hello everyone!
I've been very happy with my rooted M9 for the last few months but now a system update message on my screen and I'm trying to figure out what to do about. I seem to recall when I rooted my phone that there could be complications if I install a system update on a rooted phone (like making a Nandroid Backup) but I'm finding scarce information on the topic. Does anyone here have some advice about this?
Rom...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3083799
Firmware...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3073355
Follow the second link above.
You will need to restore the factory system.img using TWRP (exFAT or NTFS for external USB as file is > 4GB).
This puts the modified system (root) back to stock so the update will run successfully.
Flash the original recovery for you system version too.
Then you can accept the OTA and then root the phone again.
Thanks for the responses! I'm still uncertain about a few things so tell me if I have this right.
First I need to restore the factory image. Is that a guy named OJM is talking about on this thread? (http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-one-m9/general/rooting-guide-t3073004)
To restore your clean system backup to accept OTAs, you must use fastboot. If you are S-ON, you must be in download mode.
-copy your clean system.emmc.win to your adb/fastboot folder on your pc
-boot into download mode
-use cmd fastboot flash system system.emmc.win
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, what is a system.emmc.win?
Then I flash the original recovery...what are you refering to when you say "original recovery"?
After that my phone should be locked again and I can go to that second link, download the latest firmware and flash it. And then I can unlock and root my phone again.
Edit: So it looks like someone has made a guide on how to get the OTA updates (if you use the right words in your search). It looks no one done anything with it since May so maybe it still works? http://forum.xda-developers.com/one-m9/general/best-unlocking-bootloader-rooting-guide-t3087354
I would just run the official RUU, it's a one shot process will take care of everything including the radios. Much easier than messing around, just make sure you are S-OFF before you do it. When it's done just flash the latest TWRP and install your rom you will be done.
Sim-X said:
I would just run the official RUU, it's a one shot process will take care of everything including the radios. Much easier than messing around, just make sure you are S-OFF before you do it. When it's done just flash the latest TWRP and install your rom you will be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was what I ended up doing. Had few bumps on the way but I managed to get everything working. Thanks for the help everyone!
RUU
Sim-X said:
I would just run the official RUU, it's a one shot process will take care of everything including the radios. Much easier than messing around, just make sure you are S-OFF before you do it. When it's done just flash the latest TWRP and install your rom you will be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi sim I have a question the only thing I got to make sure is that the phone is S-OFF and nothing will happen because I read that also the bootlooder had to be lock again so I'm not sure
I am on rooted Thor with 13.3.2.4, with the Nexus Rom installed via safestrap. I have been reading all the threads on unlocking the bootloader and find all of the steps to be very scary. I would like to wait until there was some kind of "toolkit" for this rather than having to first downgrade and then use python through adb etc which I am somewhat uncomfortable with. Will there ever be such a simpler solution?
The bootloader unlock procedure is a no brainer, can't mess up anything there. Downgrading is a little risky, but you're on 3.2.4, thus you can even use the rollback images for Safestrap, take a look at this thread (page 1 is about 3.2.5/3.2.6 users who can NOT use the downgrade images). I'm afraid it won't get any easier than that.
If you don't want to use Python, just execute the adb commands to get your ID and serial (post them here, or PM me if you don't want anyone to see them), I'll create the .unlock file for you then. Downgrading and (actual) unlocking are tasks you have to do yourself though.
I think I might try it this weekend. Thanks for the help.
Cl4ncy said:
The bootloader unlock procedure is a no brainer, can't mess up anything there. Downgrading is a little risky, but you're on 3.2.4, thus you can even use the rollback images for Safestrap, take a look at this thread (page 1 is about 3.2.5/3.2.6 users who can NOT use the downgrade images). I'm afraid it won't get any easier than that.
If you don't want to use Python, just execute the adb commands to get your ID and serial (post them here, or PM me if you don't want anyone to see them), I'll create the .unlock file for you then. Downgrading and (actual) unlocking are tasks you have to do yourself though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have successfully downgraded to 13.3.1.0, but I am confused about how to install TWRP. Since I have not enabled wifi and registered, I can't install flashify or cwm, or even install a file explorer apk to access my storage, and I don't know how to get the twrp.img file (which I guess I can only install via adb?) Where do I get the correct twrp.img file? I'm kind of stuck....
kbs24 said:
I have successfully downgraded to 13.3.1.0, but I am confused about how to install TWRP. Since I have not enabled wifi and registered, I can't install flashify or cwm, or even install a file explorer apk to access my storage, and I don't know how to get the twrp.img file (which I guess I can only install via adb?) Where do I get the correct twrp.img file? I'm kind of stuck....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am by no means an expert but I just went through this process myself yesterday and it was relatively simple. Check this thread. It has a number of helpful posts in it, including my questions from yesterday.
The correct TWRP image is here. Just follow the instructions in that thread. It's super simple if you use the minimal adb and fastboot linked by Cl4ncy in the first thread I linked. If you have any other questions I'll do my best to help you.
kbs24 said:
I have successfully downgraded to 13.3.1.0, but I am confused about how to install TWRP. Since I have not enabled wifi and registered, I can't install flashify or cwm, or even install a file explorer apk to access my storage, and I don't know how to get the twrp.img file (which I guess I can only install via adb?) Where do I get the correct twrp.img file? I'm kind of stuck....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the late reply, @muunkin pointed you in the right direction already.
Be sure to (re-)root 3.1.0 and disable OTA via HDX ToolKit, and enable USB debugging in Fire OS, hope you installed minimal adb and fastboot, then copy the TWRP image for your HDX (Thor = 7", Apollo = 8.9") to the root of the sdcard (which is the directory you'll see in Explorer after connecting the HDX to your PC, i.e. don't open another directory), open a DOS box, change dir to the adb directory (enter cd\adb) and enter the commands mentioned in the TWRP thread. This will flash the TWRP image to the recovery parition.
Do a backup of your Fire OS in TWRP before you flash any custom ROM, and copy it to your PC, also look for the TWRP backup of the stock recovery (I think TWRP does a backup somewhere), and move that to your PC as well.
In case you don't know how to access TWRP: with the HDX powered off, you press and hold volume up, then press and hold the power button, release both when the grey Kindle Fire logo appears on screen. Some ROMs (e.g. CM12) offer the advanced reboot in developer options, this will add options to reboot into recovery, bootloader or a soft (quick) reboot to the power menu.
Cl4ncy said:
Sorry for the late reply, @muunkin pointed you in the right direction already.
Be sure to (re-)root 3.1.0 and disable OTA via HDX ToolKit, and enable USB debugging in Fire OS, hope you installed minimal adb and fastboot, then copy the TWRP image for your HDX (Thor = 7", Apollo = 8.9") to the root of the sdcard (which is the directory you'll see in Explorer after connecting the HDX to your PC, i.e. don't open another directory), open a DOS box, change dir to the adb directory (enter cd\adb) and enter the commands mentioned in the TWRP thread. This will flash the TWRP image to the recovery parition.
Do a backup of your Fire OS in TWRP before you flash any custom ROM, and copy it to your PC, also look for the TWRP backup of the stock recovery (I think TWRP does a backup somewhere), and move that to your PC as well.
In case you don't know how to access TWRP: with the HDX powered off, you press and hold volume up, then press and hold the power button, release both when the grey Kindle Fire logo appears on screen. Some ROMs (e.g. CM12) offer the advanced reboot in developer options, this will add options to reboot into recovery, bootloader or a soft (quick) reboot to the power menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you both @muunkin and @Cl4ncy for guiding me through this. It is clear now that I have to flash TWRP via adb. Unfortunately I did, however, last night briefly turn on wifi in order to get es file explorer, and very quickly the OS ugraded itself to 13.3.2.3. Then, stupidly, I decided to go back to Nexus rom 2.0.2, which I did by reinstalling safestrap. And, Nexus rom is installed on the Stock Rom slot, and I did NOT backup the 13.3.2.3 stock rom. SO, since I am on Nexus rom, do I understand correctly that I need to begin again by downgrading to 13.3.1.0? Right? (After printing out all of these threads and printing out a lot of it and carefully reading, it looks to me like if I had stayed on stock 13.3.2.3 I would not have had to downgrade.....but too late now anyway.) I do have the minimal adb and fastboot installed, and my device is recognized, so eventually this will work I'm pretty sure. I appreciate the help!
kbs24 said:
Thank you both @muunkin and @Cl4ncy for guiding me through this. It is clear now that I have to flash TWRP via adb. Unfortunately I did, however, last night briefly turn on wifi in order to get es file explorer, and very quickly the OS ugraded itself to 13.3.2.3. Then, stupidly, I decided to go back to Nexus rom 2.0.2, which I did by reinstalling safestrap. And, Nexus rom is installed on the Stock Rom slot, and I did NOT backup the 13.3.2.3 stock rom. SO, since I am on Nexus rom, do I understand correctly that I need to begin again by downgrading to 13.3.1.0? Right? (After printing out all of these threads and printing out a lot of it and carefully reading, it looks to me like if I had stayed on stock 13.3.2.3 I would not have had to downgrade.....but too late now anyway.) I do have the minimal adb and fastboot installed, and my device is recognized, so eventually this will work I'm pretty sure. I appreciate the help!
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Click to collapse
No, 13.3.2.3 is ok for both TWRP and unlocking the bootloader, i.e. no need to flash 3.1.0 again - a firmware below 3.2.4 is enough.
Cl4ncy said:
No, 13.3.2.3 is ok for both TWRP and unlocking the bootloader, i.e. no need to flash 3.1.0 again - a firmware below 3.2.4 is enough.
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Click to collapse
Even if I am not running on the stock rom? I can adb install TWRP while on Nexus rom?
kbs24 said:
Even if I am not running on the stock rom? I can adb install TWRP while on Nexus rom?
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Click to collapse
Hm, I'm not exactly sure about this - @ggow's answer here seems to point out that you really have to do it all over again.
Why did you install Safestrap again anyway? ADB-flashing TWRP and unlocking the bootloader before you install a custom ROM would've been the next steps. Also I told you to create a backup of your stock slot before you flash any custom ROM, didn't I?
Cl4ncy said:
Hm, I'm not exactly sure about this - @ggow's answer here seems to point out that you really have to do it all over again.
Why did you install Safestrap again anyway? ADB-flashing TWRP and unlocking the bootloader before you install a custom ROM would've been the next steps. Also I told you to create a backup of your stock slot before you flash any custom ROM, didn't I?
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Click to collapse
Yes you sure did, and that's why I said "stupidly" about me putting safestrap back and nexus rom. I was overanxious and acted impulsively, not having a recovery installed was freaking me out. Bad habit. About doing the backup, there did not appear to be enough room on the internal storage. Sorry. We'll start over no problem. Again thanks.
kbs24 said:
Yes you sure did, and that's why I said "stupidly" about me putting safestrap back and nexus rom. I was overanxious and acted impulsively, not having a recovery installed was freaking me out. Bad habit. About doing the backup, there did not appear to be enough room on the internal storage. Sorry. We'll start over no problem. Again thanks.
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I'm also not sure how to do this now. You don't have any Safestrap 3.2.3 Fire OS backup to restore, you shouldn't use the 3.2.4 rollback image, as you're not on 3.2.4, so what do you want to flash to the stock slot now? Or did I miss anything?
Cl4ncy said:
I'm also not sure how to do this now. You don't have any Safestrap 3.2.3 Fire OS backup to restore, you shouldn't use the 3.2.4 rollback image, as you're not on 3.2.4, so what do you want to flash to the stock slot now? Or did I miss anything?
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Click to collapse
I was going to look for a stock 3.2.3 to flash. If can't find, I do have a backup of stock 3.2.4 on the card which I would flash, thus requiring the downgrade.
kbs24 said:
I was going to look for a stock 3.2.3 to flash. If can't find, I do have a backup of stock 3.2.4 on the card which I would flash, thus requiring the downgrade.
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Click to collapse
I haven't seen a 3.2.3 Safestrap flashable Image, good luck. Regarding the 3.2.4 backup I'm not sure whether it works with the 3.2.3 bootloader.
Cl4ncy said:
I haven't seen a 3.2.3 Safestrap flashable Image, good luck. Regarding the 3.2.4 backup I'm not sure whether it works with the 3.2.3 bootloader.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I am probably screwed. But we'll see. I'm pretty sure I understand what the process should be at least.
kbs24 said:
Yeah, I am probably screwed. But we'll see. I'm pretty sure I understand what the process should be at least.
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Click to collapse
Not sure how far you got with this but you *should* be able to flash TWRP from Nexus provided the version of FireOS was 3.2.3.2 or lower prior to the installation of Safestrap v3. The customized version of twrp leverages a vulnerability in the HDX bootloader that is installed with FireOS. Neither Safestrap nor Nexus mess with the bootloader so the prerequisites should remain intact. I say should as interactions are complex - further complicated by a fussy device with limited recovery capability should something go wrong. To the best of my knowledge no one has attempted a twrp flash from Nexus while Safestrap v3 is installed.
Thoughts:
- grab flashify from the play store or here; make a backup of your current recovery environment (this step will also help to familiarize you with flashify)
- download the HDX customized version of twrp (here); use ES File Explorer to verify MD5
- use flashify to install twrp (can also be done via adb commands as shown in the twrp op)
Options:
- unlock the bootloader before attempting other remedial steps. Unlocking is a frustrating but low/no risk activity that yields substantially improved recovery capabilities once completed. Yep - you can do this without twrp (unlocking before flashing twrp is the recommended path according to several devs - although I prefer the opposite).
[-or-]
- flash 3.1.0 from here to the stock slot and then attempt to remove Safestrap v3. If successful you can proceed with flashing twrp unlocking, etc in the normal manner. As with any flash there is a risk something will go wrong or FireOS will not start up properly. To help mitigate the latter suggest installing a fallback version of Nexus v2 in a secondary slot. Don't forget to remove this slot before uninstalling SS.
The above is only an outline. Give it some thought and post any questions BEFORE taking action. I also suggest you let this post sit for a few days in case some of the rational is fatally flawed. Lots of smart people in the community who will jump in if my guidance is misdirected (which it has been shown to be on occasion). Don't risk a brick by acting too quickly. Proper preparation is essential for a successful outcome.
Sorry for sounding like your mum ... :angel:
Davey126 said:
Not sure how far you got with this but you *should* be able to flash TWRP from Nexus provided the version of FireOS was 3.2.3.2 or lower prior to the installation of Safestrap v3. The customized version of twrp leverages a vulnerability in the HDX bootloader that is installed with FireOS. Neither Safestrap nor Nexus mess with the bootloader so the prerequisites should remain intact. I say should as interactions are complex - further complicated by a fussy device with limited recovery capability should something go wrong. To the best of my knowledge no one has attempted a twrp flash from Nexus while Safestrap v3 is installed.
Thoughts:
- grab flashify from the play store or here; make a backup of your current recovery environment (this step will also help to familiarize you with flashify)
- download the HDX customized version of twrp (here); use ES File Explorer to verify MD5
- use flashify to install twrp (can also be done via adb commands as shown in the twrp op)
Options:
- unlock the bootloader before attempting other remedial steps. Unlocking is a frustrating but low/no risk activity that yields substantially improved recovery capabilities once completed. Yep - you can do this without twrp (unlocking before flashing twrp is the recommended path according to several devs - although I prefer the opposite).
[-or-]
- flash 3.1.0 from here to the stock slot and then attempt to remove Safestrap v3. If successful you can proceed with flashing twrp unlocking, etc in the normal manner. As with any flash there is a risk something will go wrong or FireOS will not start up properly. To help mitigate the latter suggest installing a fallback version of Nexus v2 in a secondary slot. Don't forget to remove this slot before uninstalling SS.
The above is only an outline. Give it some thought and post any questions BEFORE taking action. I also suggest you let this post sit for a few days in case some of the rational is fatally flawed. Lots of smart people in the community who will jump in if my guidance is misdirected (which it has been shown to be on occasion). Don't risk a brick by acting too quickly. Proper preparation is essential for a successful outcome.
Sorry for sounding like your mum ... :angel:
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your input. I am still on the nexus rom, but I am fairly sure that Safestrap was installed while on 13.3.2.4. Is there a way to tell? It is safestrap 3.75, based on twrp 2.7.
I had some time today to work on this, and after looking over the ideas from all of you (thank you very much!) it seemed that my only option is to restore my backup which will get me back to the Nexus 2.0.2 rom. So I did this successfully. Being on Nexus rom, I was then able to use the 13.3.2.4 rollback file to get back to 13.3.0.9. Then ran into trouble......the system update to 13.3.1.0 was not successful. the .bin file was located, but all that happened was a "validating update file" followed by forced reboot. I remain stuck on 13.3.0.9. There are threads discussing editing build.prop but I know I did not have to do this when I first did a rollback a few days ago. Not sure whether to give up or maybe someone has another idea how to get the system to use that .bin file? Should I turn on wifi and wait for an ota or is that too risky, will it jump me all the way up to the most current build? Will it maybe go incrementally?
kbs24 said:
Thanks for your input. I am still on the nexus rom, but I am fairly sure that Safestrap was installed while on 13.3.2.4. Is there a way to tell? It is safestrap 3.75, based on twrp 2.7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Also as you suggested, I did try flashing the zip 3.1.0 and it did not work, never rebooted successfully. So went back again to 3.0.9.)
kbs24 said:
I had some time today to work on this, and after looking over the ideas from all of you (thank you very much!) it seemed that my only option is to restore my backup which will get me back to the Nexus 2.0.2 rom. So I did this successfully. Being on Nexus rom, I was then able to use the 13.3.2.4 rollback file to get back to 13.3.0.9. Then ran into trouble......the system update to 13.3.1.0 was not successful. the .bin file was located, but all that happened was a "validating update file" followed by forced reboot. I remain stuck on 13.3.0.9. There are threads discussing editing build.prop but I know I did not have to do this when I first did a rollback a few days ago. Not sure whether to give up or maybe someone has another idea how to get the system to use that .bin file? Should I turn on wifi and wait for an ota or is that too risky, will it jump me all the way up to the most current build? Will it maybe go incrementally?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you were able to make some progress. I believe you could have flashed twrp from Nexus as I believe you successfully downgraded/upgraded to 13.3.2.3 which would then be the base version when you reininstalled Safestrap. But you found another path which is just fine.
It is possible the 13.3.1.0 is invalid (possibly corrupt). You can use ES File Explorer to validate the MD5 (c49c0363de4d8dfa5c87c1bdb88aa2ba) or download a fresh copy here. You can also upgrade directly to 13.3.2.3 instead of hopscotching through 13.3.1.0 and then applying the 13.2.3.3 bootloader update.
I strongly suggest you NOT connect to WiFi as it is unpredictable if/when you will receive at OTA and what version will be downloaded. Options for getting files onto you device:
- use HDX toolkit to root and block OTA on 13.3.0.9; you can then enable WiFi
- tether your device and drop files into "Internal Storage"
- use 'adb push' to transfer files
You should not need to mess with build.prop as the 3.2.4->3.0.9 rollback should have handed that. It's quite easy to brick your device if you get any of the edits or permissions wrong.
trying to find a flashable nc5 file or higher while currently running on the old rooted mj4 with twrp. Trying to preserve my data that way I don't do to do a full reset. If anyone has a file that'll flash via zip from the twrp recovery, i'd greatly appreciate it. That and I don't really know what the proper steps are to do a proper update. Lots of info here, though it's usually starting off with something else and I'm confused.
Nothing, really? :-/
rcflyer40t said:
Nothing, really? :-/
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I think I found something here http://www.rwilco12.com/downloads.p...msung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N900P)/Stock ROMs/NC5 there is a nodata restore verison 2.11gb that I think is flashable through a recovery I need to download it first and I'm trying to contact Rwilco12 to ask him if it is falshable .
Woohoo! Hoping it is. Thank you Jim! I've been trying to find something newer as well in case it's btr.
Have you seen this going to NH7? Usable?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2712205
And this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-sprint/help/question-upgrading-to-nc5-t2911173
rcflyer40t said:
Woohoo! Hoping it is. Thank you Jim! I've been trying to find something newer as well in case it's btr.
Have you seen this going to NH7? Usable?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2712205
And this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-sprint/help/question-upgrading-to-nc5-t2911173
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Click to collapse
Basically they would both work but you lose all your data. Anytime you Odin flash a stock OS (rom) it takes you back to bone stock and removes all your data ( i.e. pics, music, apps, and texts ect. . . ) like when you just bought the phone.
So what we are trying to do is find a flashable stock version or as close to stock as possible that can be flashed through your custom recovery where you can choose what to wipe and what to save. In this case your NOT going to wipe data, just wipe cache, dalvik-cache, and system do a dirty flash and try to save your personal data.
Let me see if I can find a copy of NH7.
OK checked out NC5 from Rwilco12 took an hour to download and it was not a useable version, will keep looking.
I am not able to find anything, your best bet at this point is to make a choice to stay where you are rooted mj4 or upgrade by going back to stock.
If you upgrade, to save your data connect the device to your PC. Copy and paste the DCIM, download, music, and video files to the desktop of your PC. Write down your apps on some paper, you will find you need a different version of your apps to run on the upgraded OS anyway so you will have to get them from the play store. Then go to my rom flashing basics and follow the instructions and get the link to Sammobile. This way you can download the version of the OS to your desktop you want Sammobile has them all. Make sure when you Odin flash the OS, you need to give it time to boot up !
It takes 3-5 min to boot the first time and ( sometimes it doesn't boot up DON'T PANIC ) this is normal. If it is caught in a boot loop just pull the battery, reinstall battery boot into download mode and Odin flash the OS again. It will boot the second time. Even if it boots the first time stop, boot into download mode and Odin flash the OS again.
You should always Odin flash a stock OS (rom) TWICE so you get a good clean install. Then install the right version of TWRP for the stock OS you have installed, then root and install your personal data back in the device ( connect device to PC and copy and paste data back in internal storage ).
jimzweb1 said:
I am not able to find anything, your best bet at this point is to make a choice to stay where you are rooted mj4 or upgrade by going back to stock.
If you upgrade, to save your data connect the device to your PC. Copy and paste the DCIM, download, music, and video files to the desktop of your PC. Write down your apps on some paper, you will find you need a different version of your apps to run on the upgraded OS anyway so you will have to get them from the play store. Then go to my rom flashing basics and follow the instructions and get the link to Sammobile. This way you can download the version of the OS to your desktop you want Sammobile has them all. Make sure when you Odin flash the OS, you need to give it time to boot up !
It takes 3-5 min to boot the first time and ( sometimes it doesn't boot up DON'T PANIC ) this is normal. If it is caught in a boot loop just pull the battery, reinstall battery boot into download mode and Odin flash the OS again. It will boot the second time. Even if it boots the first time stop, boot into download mode and Odin flash the OS again.
You should always Odin flash a stock OS (rom) TWICE so you get a good clean install. Then install the right version of TWRP for the stock OS you have installed, then root and install your personal data back in the device ( connect device to PC and copy and paste data back in internal storage ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at your thread of "basics", it says twrp won't work. is that still current, or does it work now?
My understanding is if I want to go to the lastest OS (NC5 or NH7), download it, flash it, then flash it again and pretty much be done? Curious do I still get the hotspot mod back? (as I currently have it with rooted mj4)
gotta go back and find either of those two versions as rooted...
Can you check on your phone if you can download and install Hexo+ from the googleplay store? That's where I'm getting at. If it works under your 4.4.2 nc5 then maybe I don't need to go any higher unless I experience issues, then I'll upgrade again.
Thanks.
rcflyer40t said:
Looking at your thread of "basics", it says twrp won't work. is that still current, or does it work now?
My understanding is if I want to go to the lastest OS (NC5 or NH7), download it, flash it, then flash it again and pretty much be done? Curious do I still get the hotspot mod back? (as I currently have it with rooted mj4)
gotta go back and find either of those two versions as rooted...
Can you check on your phone if you can download and install Hexo+ from the googleplay store? That's where I'm getting at. If it works under your 4.4.2 nc5 then maybe I don't need to go any higher unless I experience issues, then I'll upgrade again.
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
Ok TWRP or Philz CWM will work for both NC5 or NH7 just make sure you have the right version i.e. (the version for mj4 you have now, will not work for NH7). What mod are you using to run the Hotspot? I'm sure you can get the hotspot working with the same mod on both NC5 and NH7 just a newer version once you get the new OS rooted.
I'm running 4.4.4 NK4 I downloaded Hexo+ and it opened no problem.
jimzweb1 said:
Ok TWRP or Philz CWM will work for both NC5 or NH7 just make sure you have the right version i.e. (the version for mj4 you have now, will not work for NH7). What mod are you using to run the Hotspot? I'm sure you can get the hotspot working with the same mod on both NC5 and NH7 just a newer version once you get the new OS rooted.
I'm running 4.4.4 NK4 I downloaded Hexo+ and it opened no problem.
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Click to collapse
awesome good to know.
.... geez, sadly I can't remember how or what I used for the mod. brain cells way too invested in other things that I can't remember. hahahaha damn it. oh fml...
In regards to the right version, I need the .zip file, not the img or img.tar, correct?
You said your os was running smooth and no issues, same with battery consumption (nk4)?
got the NK4 file downloaded, but I'm confused as I didn't find the rooted version on your page. I read "rooting the phone" section under towelroot, am I correct in that the towelroot apk will root the stock NK4 file I've just downloaded from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2522638?
This was how I did the hotspot mod... Will this get wiped out? I'm assuming yes.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2505850