I am trying to convert a user app (cerberus anti-theft) to a system app using link2sd (also tried titanium). Worked perfect on my other phone with link2sd.
Does this require S-off? If not, any help or pointers would be appreciated.
I have android 5.0.2 I checked and I do have enough space on my system partition. I know I can flash zip file, have done that, but not what I am trying to do.
System partition is write-protected on this device, even with unlocked bootloader and root.
S-off is one way, but I don't personally suggest spending $25 on sunshine s-off just to remove system write protection; since it can be accomplished with s-on and the proper kernel mod.
What you need is the wp_mod kernel mod. I don't think the specific mod was ever posted for Lollipop. But since most custom ROMs have this kernel mod applied; you can extract boot.img from a custom ROM with same/similar software number, and flash in fastboot. Or just use a custom ROM to begin with.
Make a TWRP backup before trying to restore a modded kernel, just in case you need to revert. I've seen a couple folks fail to boot afterward, and while I'm not sure why that happened; I don't want you getting unnecessarily stuck due to a recommendation of mine.
Thank you so much for you answer. My confusion was the fact that I did not think with the HTC M8, S-on, that you could flash custom ROM's.
rockfordpi said:
My confusion was the fact that I did not think with the HTC M8, S-on, that you could flash custom ROM's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not true. Custom ROMs flash fine with s-on. The only exception is the Verizon M8; for which indeed you cannot unlock the bootloader or flash custom ROMs unless you s-off first.
Your firmware (hboot, radio, etc.) also needs to be up-to-date (compatible with the custom ROM). Updating firmware is "easier" with s-off; but it can also be done by s-on by installing OTA or RUU update.
Yes, I have flashed the official RUU updates, I knew that could be done, it was the custom ROM issue that confused me. I think a lot of my confusion was semantics. I am slowly learning.
Related
Im no pro at this stuff by any means, but I have modded the heck out of 5 personal phones and numerous other devices for friends and co workers.
I see a lot of talk of radio's and RUU, are these the same thing? The names are so confusing to me at the moment. Im used to 4 digit Radio names that tend to work on every rom. It seems as if some of the roms are coming with their own modified radios ( RUU's? ) Just wondering if anyone could clarify some basic information on this whole deal.
Secondly it seems as if these RUU/Radio 's are flashed via stock recovery. How does one boot their TB into stock recovery and what are the controls once in stock recovery ( stock recovery and bootloader are the same thing, correct? )
How do I boot into CWR from a dead phone? If I should happen to soft brick my phone or something in the future, how do I get into CWR without being able to boot?
And lastly, can someone give me a brief explanation of what S-on and S-off are? I assume anyone thats rooted is running s-off, correct?
So far I'm rooted running the battery sipper Kernel and I don't really know what direction to take, just trying to do my research. Might wait for CM7 support to start flashing, as this phone really isn't that bad..
Thanks in advance!
I'm still pretty new to all of this, but this is what I've learned so far.
RUU and the radio are different. RUU has everything, the apps the firmware and radio in it. Basically what you need when you wipe your phone and go back to completely stock. Where as radio just updates your radio or baseband.
It's kind of confusing the terms that are thrown around. Some people call it Hboot some call it bootloader. To get into it, turn off your phone, hold Vol down and then the power button. Let go and you should boot into bootloader.
Having S-Off just means your phone is unlock. You're able to access files and folders that are normally locked from you. Which lets you flash roms etc.. S-on, those files/folders are locked.
RUU is short for ROM Upgrade Utility - it's an historical name, based on a utility used to upgrade older HTC phones. For HTC Android phones, the HUU files contain images which get flashed to the phone.
Bootloader is a generic term on Android phones - the HTC one is call Hboot.
Recovery is a separate app/partition, it can be started from Hboot. If you root, you'll probably install Clockworkmod Recovery, which lets you backup/restore the partitions. It should also prevent an OTA update from being installed.
S-On/S-Off refer to a security feature which prevents unsigned images from being flashed. Rooting should set S-Off, which lets you make changes.
Every time I boot into hboot it wants me to confirm an update after it performs an operation it did during the root process. Should I remove that file from my sd?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
If you have an PG05IMG.zip on your sdcard, remove it. You don't want to leave it laying around after it's been flashed.
mike.s said:
RUU is short for ROM Upgrade Utility - it's an historical name, based on a utility used to upgrade older HTC phones. For HTC Android phones, the HUU files contain images which get flashed to the phone.
Bootloader is a generic term on Android phones - the HTC one is call Hboot.
Recovery is a separate app/partition, it can be started from Hboot. If you root, you'll probably install Clockworkmod Recovery, which lets you backup/restore the partitions. It should also prevent an OTA update from being installed.
S-On/S-Off refer to a security feature which prevents unsigned images from being flashed. Rooting should set S-Off, which lets you make changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a pretty good idea what these were, but great explanations. Thank You
mike.s said:
RUU is short for ROM Upgrade Utility - it's an historical name, based on a utility used to upgrade older HTC phones. For HTC Android phones, the HUU files contain images which get flashed to the phone.
Bootloader is a generic term on Android phones - the HTC one is call Hboot.
Recovery is a separate app/partition, it can be started from Hboot. If you root, you'll probably install Clockworkmod Recovery, which lets you backup/restore the partitions. It should also prevent an OTA update from being installed.
S-On/S-Off refer to a security feature which prevents unsigned images from being flashed. Rooting should set S-Off, which lets you make changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, Simple explanations. Very clear and helpful. Thanks.
Hello all, I've been a long time lurker around here, and I first want to thank all the devs for all their hard work in making this such a great device. In anticipation of a fully working ICS build in the near future, is there anything I need to do before flashing an ICS ROM? I'm currently running CM7 with HBOOT 0.57 with S-On. Do I need to get S-off in order to flash ICS, or can I just flash it as I would any new Gingerbread ROM? Also, what other, if any, benefit is there to obtaining S-off?
you are using CM7 but with S-On? i thought before rooting the phone, we need to s-off the first?
lokodoe said:
you are using CM7 but with S-On? i thought before rooting the phone, we need to s-off the first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting does not require to remove security (s-off).
S-off allows you to flash recoveries, hboots, radios via fastboot, which I think is classed as being safer than via recovery.
It also allows you write access to system while android is booted.
lokodoe said:
you are using CM7 but with S-On? i thought before rooting the phone, we need to s-off the first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I originally had the old version of Froyo (or was it Eclair?) that came with the phone. This was before an update that made S-on prevent the installation of CWM. Back then, I was able to use the Unrevoked method to root and install clockwork recovery. I can't remember all the details, but needless to say, S-on with HBOOT 0.57 back then did not prevent root, CWM, or the flashing of ROMs, and possibly kernels. I've flashed new CM7 ROMs up to one that was stable and after the gps was fixed, so everything works fine. I believe I'm running CM nightly 184.
This is why I'm wondering if the installation process if different for CM9 than for CM7. I don't know if S-On will interfere with the new version of android.
Edit: Here is the thread for unrevoked that I followed way back when. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788737
DanGeorges said:
Rooting does not require to remove security (s-off).
S-off allows you to flash recoveries, hboots, radios via fastboot, which I think is classed as being safer than via recovery.
It also allows you write access to system while android is booted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for my noobishness, but does this mean I can still flash an ICS ROM through my usual way in recovery? I remember reading somewhere that the flashing process for ICS is slightly different than Gingerbread ROMs. Also, I don't really care about being able to write to the system directory unless that has some advantage that I am unaware of.
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Sorry for my noobishness, but does this mean I can still flash an ICS ROM through my usual way in recovery? I remember reading somewhere that the flashing process for ICS is slightly different than Gingerbread ROMs. Also, I don't really care about being able to write to the system directory unless that has some advantage that I am unaware of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes - you should be able to flash ICS without s-off.
DanGeorges said:
Yes - you should be able to flash ICS without s-off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright. Thanks for clearing that up. I'll of course be sure to make a full backup and wipe everything before flashing ICS (I'm holding out until gps and camera are fixed because I use both quite freqently).
I tried looking around, but a lot of the posts were from mid/late 2011 about this.
Currently my EVO 3D is still on stock Gingerbread.
I tried to lookup a stock ICS rom, but almost all of them are custom roms based on the stock rom. Basically, ATM all I want to do is upgrade to a rooted version of the sprint ICS rom, not install a completely custom rom. Also, I have heard that with the official rom you can upgrade without losing any information. Is it possible to do that with ANY of the custom roms or would they all require me to backup my data because it will have to reformat my phone? ATM I am not looking for a custom rom and really, just want to be able to upgrade to the stock ICS while still having root purely so I can delete all those annoying preinstalled apps.
Will backing up data from a gingerbread rom and then restoring it to a ICS rom cause any problems?
And I have no idea how to go about doing it, I know I should at first use the temp root just to backup my information.... but I am lost on the whole S-OFF and flashing from past that point thing.
Cyber Akuma said:
I tried looking around, but a lot of the posts were from mid/late 2011 about this.
Currently my EVO 3D is still on stock Gingerbread.
I tried to lookup a stock ICS rom, but almost all of them are custom roms based on the stock rom. Basically, ATM all I want to do is upgrade to a rooted version of the sprint ICS rom, not install a completely custom rom. Also, I have heard that with the official rom you can upgrade without losing any information. Is it possible to do that with ANY of the custom roms or would they all require me to backup my data because it will have to reformat my phone? ATM I am not looking for a custom rom and really, just want to be able to upgrade to the stock ICS while still having root purely so I can delete all those annoying preinstalled apps.
Will backing up data from a gingerbread rom and then restoring it to a ICS rom cause any problems?
And I have no idea how to go about doing it, I know I should at first use the temp root just to backup my information.... but I am lost on the whole S-OFF and flashing from past that point thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Virus has a thread with the stock rooted rom in the development form. As for restoring apps, you shouldn't have a problem, if you do clear caches and reboot
Sent from my EVO 3DMA with a little "Common Sense"
Thanks for the help
I'm guessing thats this one?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1808150
So, he mentioned I won't loose root if I am dev unlocked? What about if I use a 3rd party unlock method? I remember reading that HTC's unlock method still leaves some aspects unlocked while the 3rd party methods can fully unlock the device.
And can anyone help me with the other questions I asked?
Thanks
Cyber Akuma said:
Thanks for the help
I'm guessing thats this one?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1808150
So, he mentioned I won't loose root if I am dev unlocked? What about if I use a 3rd party unlock method? I remember reading that HTC's unlock method still leaves some aspects unlocked while the 3rd party methods can fully unlock the device.
And can anyone help me with the other questions I asked?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HTC method will leave you with unlocked, s-on. That is what some folks seem to to refer to as the partially still locked issue.
I would just use the HTC method, and then use the wire trick method to get s-off. Then you are unlocked and have control of what ever you want to do.
When it comes to the roms, you need to do a little research and make sure you have compatible components. If you upgrade to the latest H-boot, then certain roms will no longer run. Personally I am running the cool rom as of last night, but have been on mean rom for the last couple of weeks. I have been using the "other kernel" with hboot 1.58 and things have been pretty good.
The meanrom 2.6 is a good choice for you in my opinion as it will give you root access with as close to stock as you can get. It has the kernel and new hboot instructions in it also so I would consider it a good fit for what you are looking for. I do not believe you can overclock the kernel it comes with, but you did not request that.
As to backing up your data. Everyone will have their preferred program or method. I have purchased the rom tool box pro edition from market, I use it to back up apps and data. Regardless of what you use, be careful when restoring the backups. I restore data like wifi, messages, contacts. I do not restore the system data, especially if I am changing between roms as it is much easier to type in a little data than to figure out why the thing is unstable.
It just takes a bit of research, but all the information you need is available.
Have a good weekend.
sonza said:
The HTC method will leave you with unlocked, s-on. That is what some folks seem to to refer to as the partially still locked issue.
I would just use the HTC method, and then use the wire trick method to get s-off. Then you are unlocked and have control of what ever you want to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But dosen't the HTC method force me to reformat my memory, thus requiring me to do the temporary root so I can run titanium backup before doing it?
On a related note, I am not sure just how I would restore my apps actually. I mean, the first thing my phone would ask me to do is to sign into my Gmail account, and when I do that, it will automatically attempt to re-download all of my apps wouldn't it? (And fail spectacularly since I don't have enough space, nearly all of my apps are on my SD card and my internal memory is still full, lousy preinstalled bloatware that you cannot remove...)
sonza said:
When it comes to the roms, you need to do a little research and make sure you have compatible components. If you upgrade to the latest H-boot, then certain roms will no longer run. Personally I am running the cool rom as of last night, but have been on mean rom for the last couple of weeks. I have been using the "other kernel" with hboot 1.58 and things have been pretty good.
It just takes a bit of research, but all the information you need is available.
Have a good weekend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, I just want a rooted stock rom for now, not a custom rom.
Cyber Akuma (is that a reference to "D.Gray.Man?)
Shameless self promoting here but, for some background info have a look at:
[Guide]My Hboot 1.5x HTC Unlock/recovery/rom/kernel flashing notes
Evo3d(CDMA)HBoot/S-off Differences & Rooting Background Info
I've been using MeanRom ICS since it came out. Very solid, very similar to stock, smooth, reliable, fast, but all the extras. S-Off is strongly recommended b/c HTC Unlocked (S-on) users are hit or miss on being able to install ICS Roms. If you are still on Hboot 1.50 you can get s-off by downgrading Hboot to 1.40 or the Jbear wire Trick. If you take the official ICS update Jbear is your only option at the moment.
You may be able to use EsFileExplorer to back up your user apps w/o rooting, but an option to consider is to HTC Unlock, install a recovery, flash SuperUser and have a full rooted stock (S-On) phone that you can backup with Ti Backup or the custom recovery (don't think you will lose anything in the process).
With HTC Unlock, you wont be able to update to ICS while rooted, you'd have to relock and flash the full RUU (erasing the phone) and unlock/root again.
Upgrading to ICS, you should be able to restore your user apps, but system settings/google accounts (especially GB backups) etc will cause issues so you will most likely need to just bite the bullet and plan on re-entering things the first time through. FYI, Virus's update thread only works for S-off users.
Wait, if I do S-OFF and then use an official rom, would I be stuck with S-ON again?
Cyber Akuma said:
Wait, if I do S-OFF and then use an official rom, would I be stuck with S-ON again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if it's a rooted version of the rom found in the Dev section.
Cyber Akuma said:
Wait, if I do S-OFF and then use an official rom, would I be stuck with S-ON again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once s-Off, always s-Off. (unless u send the command via fastboot)
S-Off trumps unlocked bootloader (htc unlocked)
Running a full stock Ruu will not reset to S-on
Sent from my "Up all night, Sleep all day" EVO3D!
But when you htc unlock yes it will format the device, so temp root, titanium backup, htc unlock, jbear, then custom recovery and finally flash stock rooted....
Good luck its all not too complicated. Just allot of steps
J.eremy said:
But when you htc unlock yes it will format the device, so temp root, titanium backup, htc unlock, jbear, then custom recovery and finally flash stock rooted....
Good luck its all not too complicated. Just allot of steps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A word of warning about temp rooting: it caused my phone to bootloop so I personally was unable to save my data. Hopefully you'll have better luck.
Read, Search, Read again, ... Then Ask with Tapatalk 2
Just started reading up on EVO 4G LTE, i see how to root, but also S-Off. Do i need to do both? Do i need to do one before the other?
Any suggestions? I've had the original EVO and HTC Thunderbolt, i just rooted and i think it did root and S-off all at once.
What's S-OFF needed for? Sorry thought i knew what i was doing, used to flash a ROM every week on original EVO but now i'm a bit confused.
thanks in advance.
pdub110 said:
Just started reading up on EVO 4G LTE, i see how to root, but also S-Off. Do i need to do both? Do i need to do one before the other?
Any suggestions? I've had the original EVO and HTC Thunderbolt, i just rooted and i think it did root and S-off all at once.
What's S-OFF needed for? Sorry thought i knew what i was doing, used to flash a ROM every week on original EVO but now i'm a bit confused.
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to S-OFF to flash roms but... it makes other tasks easier such as flashing the firmware bits (radio,PRI,ect)
Oh and the other advantage with being S-OFF you don't need to flash kernels separatly if there is not a kernel installer added to the rom script.
The term "Rooting" is usually used to describe the process of unlocking the bootloader and installing binaries that give you root access to the android operating system. Unlocking the bootloader gives you the ability to modify some partitions in the phone's internal memory (which is required to flash custom roms). Pretty much every custom ROM has the superuser binaries already included, so all you really need to do is unlock the bootloader and flash a custom ROM to be rooted.
S-off allows you to modify ALL partitions on the internal memory, so it's preferable to simply unlocking...but it's a more involved process and there's some risk associated with it.
Check out the OP of this thread, it has lots of good info for new users of this phone (and android phones on general):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1869377
Sent from my EVO LTE
pdub110 said:
Just started reading up on EVO 4G LTE, i see how to root, but also S-Off. Do i need to do both? Do i need to do one before the other?
Any suggestions? I've had the original EVO and HTC Thunderbolt, i just rooted and i think it did root and S-off all at once.
What's S-OFF needed for? Sorry thought i knew what i was doing, used to flash a ROM every week on original EVO but now i'm a bit confused.
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I quote from this thread:
xmoo said:
HTC have installed a sort of security check whose level is determined by S-OFF/S-ON. Essentially, this security level is a flag stored on the device’s radio that checks signature images for any firmware before it is allowed to be written to system memory. This hinders using any custom ROMs, splash images, recovery etc., and also restricts access to the NAND flash memory. However, when security level is set to S-OFF, the signature check is bypassed, allowing a user to upload custom firmware images, unsigned boot, recovery, splash and HBOOT images, as well as official firmware that has been modified, this enabling maximum customization of your HTC Android device.
Furthermore, S-OFF also reduces restrictions on accessing the NAND flash memory on the device, allowing all partitions (including /system) to be mounted in write mode while the operating system is booted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In short, there's not really an argument against going through the process. It'll make your life easier. If you do want both S-OFF and root, go through the S-OFF process completely first before you install a custom recovery and superuser.
I'm assuming you have a newer device, so you probably have HBOOT 1.15 or 1.19, in which case you should go here for S-OFF. You'll need a Windows machine for that. Give the instructions a good once over before going through the process; follow them to the letter and you won't have any problems.
If your firmware version is 1.22.651.3 or higher, use this method to root. Again, give the instructions a once over before going through the process.
hi i need to get some clarification. i want to unlock and s-of with sunshine ut to install a custom recovery before i need to do a nandroid back up of my stock rom and recovery how could i do that if i dont know how to use adb i havent messed with my htc ever i used a g2 so i know rootinf i just need help with this
You can't make a nandroid of your stock recovery without adb; at least any method that I know of. adb is not difficult to learn, and its quite critical to know, both for performing a variety of functions, and an invaluable tool for recovering from problems. I highly recommend having adb setup, and knowing the basic functions (and that is really all that is needed).
That being said, making a nandroid of your stock ROM and recovery isn't really necessary, as the AT&T version of the M8 has RUUs that will easily return your phone to (nearly) stock condition if needed.
Thanks for that I also wanted to know if I flash that ruu to go back to stock how can I get the stock recovery or is it included
Jacobz1996 said:
Thanks for that I also wanted to know if I flash that ruu to go back to stock how can I get the stock recovery or is it included
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock recovery is included in the RUU, as implied in my previous post. RUU is a complete image, includes all partitions (recovery, hboot, radio, ROM, etc.).
So from my twrp I just flash the ruu and that's it ?
Jacobz1996 said:
So from my twrp I just flash the ruu and that's it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't flash an RUU from recovery. Its a .exe that you run with your computer connected to a PC.
Or there is a bootable version that was created by an XDA user, that doesn't require a PC (posted in General forum section).
Either way, once its running the RUU will walk you through step-by-step, its very easy to use. Just backup any personal data before you RUU, as the phone will be wiped.