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I am a noob when it comes to the technology with phones. I rocked the samsung instinct for two years( Worst phone Ever). I am good with Pc`s and understand the majority of stuff including dos prompt. With so much info out there and all with different methods on how to get there I want to know if I am going about this right. Let me know if my order is off. And post a forum link to the correct number if there is a forum post with the correct anwser. Thanks for those who take time out to help me.
Questions I have:
When Rooting my phone, can I back it up so that when I restore the backup I will still have all my downloaded apps I currently have pre-root. If not, After rooting, when I restore a backup, will it just be the stock evo. Do I backup before or after rooting. Once rooted How Do I nandroid.
1) Backup phone: What should I use.
2) root my phone: Should I just use SIMPLE ROOT, and just follow those instructions. With the root
3)Nandroid backup.
4)Rom Manager- Load CyanogenMod-6 from there.
I am the type of person that needs video to learn things quickly, If there is a legit video that would show me step by step , that would be the most useful. Thank to all that are helping me out.
So, I have made a major boo boo when it comes to rooting devices and flashing custom ROMs; normally I am not a n00b when it comes to this, but I think I gone done something wrong this time. I have checked Diamondbacks thread as well as many other and have a whole slew of tools downloaded now and I cannot seem to get past the splash screen. ADB recognizes my device as well as Windows in Fastboot mode, just can't seem to figure out how to flash the stock ROM back on this device. I would be willing to donate money to the cause as this has cause me much undue frustration. If you are up and willing to the task, please PM me or even call my cell to walk me through this. Couldn't find XDA's chat, all I am asking is that someone have a heart and help a fellow techie out.
LivioDoubleFang said:
So, I have made a major boo boo when it comes to rooting devices and flashing custom ROMs; normally I am not a n00b when it comes to this, but I think I gone done something wrong this time. I have checked Diamondbacks thread as well as many other and have a whole slew of tools downloaded now and I cannot seem to get past the splash screen. ADB recognizes my device as well as Windows in Fastboot mode, just can't seem to figure out how to flash the stock ROM back on this device. I would be willing to donate money to the cause as this has cause me much undue frustration. If you are up and willing to the task, please PM me or even call my cell to walk me through this. Couldn't find XDA's chat, all I am asking is that someone have a heart and help a fellow techie out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what recovery you have now but I suggest you go here >>
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1615990 and install twrp recovery through the fastboot method. Boot into trwp recovery. After that, download the nvflash files from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1774352
Not saying you should use nvflash at this point but the file also contains a known good adb.exe file. Unzip the file and while in that directory press and hold the shift button while right clicking the mouse. This will bring up a menu select open command prompt here.
Put your rom into the same folder as the adb.exe then in the comand window type adb push /name of your rom.zip /sdcard/ if this doesn't work use /sdcard/media At this point you should be able to install the rom. As for the rom, a good starting point would be androwook rom since it seems to install quite easily (do not unzip). Also when you are performing commands in either fastboot or adb, it is best to copy (control c) from the webpage then in the command window right click and paste, this eliminates errors. Having the files you are flashing in the same directory of fastboot or adb eliminates the need to type pathways, this is where many people run into issues, 1 wrong letter make everything not work....
Thanks Gage_Hero, the TWRP tutorial was just what I needed in getting a custom ROM flashed to the device; however, my next question is, if I did not create a backup of the stock ROM like I should have, will I ever be able to get back to it should I need to update the OS or for any other reason? From what I have read, Asus stock ROMs have a unique ID to every device, making it virtually impossible to use someone else's backup for flashing. Much appreciated for any information you can provide.
LivioDoubleFang said:
Thanks Gage_Hero, the TWRP tutorial was just what I needed in getting a custom ROM flashed to the device; however, my next question is, if I did not create a backup of the stock ROM like I should have, will I ever be able to get back to it should I need to update the OS or for any other reason? From what I have read, Asus stock ROMs have a unique ID to every device, making it virtually impossible to use someone else's backup for flashing. Much appreciated for any information you can provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most people don't have a stock backup since once you are unlocked, trying to install the ota update can make the tablet inoperable. So basically when Asus updates the software then the developers here pick up the stock rom and enhance it. This goes anywhere from the base stock rom with root up to taking the rom and customizing it with options, kernel changes and such. The only thing I will say about changing kernels is only use kernels that were developed for the particular rom or you will have trouble. Kind of like taking a Ford motor and trying to mate it to a chevy transmission.
If you do change roms, make sure you wipe cache, dalvik and do the factory reset from within twrp. When you become comfortable, I suggest looking at the NVflash thread in the dev section. This will provide you with a bit of assurance that you can recovery from most software brick situations. Read over the instructions a few times before you go a head and take some time to read through the thread so you know what could potentially go wrong. It really isn't that difficult to do but you should be well informaed before proceding. If you need anything else don't hesitate to ask
Another thing that i find helpful, keep a stock rom in your sdcard. When i semi-bricked my 201, i was able to flash the stock rom using CWM, then do a factory reset. Once back to factory, i was able to boot and start over again.
Hey folks,
First time poster here, but have been following this awesome community for a few months now. So with that being said, I've landed myself in deeper water then I had hoped to see on my first foray into the world of tinkering on my tablet. I feel I should also disclose my epic newb moment, where in I ran headlong off the cliff with making proper (any) backups
I've been doing a lot of reading the last couple days to try and solve the issue, found lots of radical advice, but sadly haven't managed to get myself any further ahead. I was hoping that with a little list of what the TF201 is doing & what I've tried since, that you folks might be able to shed some light on what I've done and what I can try.
The Problem:
I've got a TF201, unlocked, TWRP 2.6.3.0. ADB access from command prompt. Sadly that's all I've got at this time (No OS, No fastboot). I cannot seem to install an OS now, but can still push files over to the tablet/view them. As far as I can tell, I'm have Brick 1a from this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1514088 . It references (CWM), so Im not sure these steps are applicable (My understanding is this is a recovery manager though I could be mistaken).
I've also explored:
[TOOL][WINDOWS-ONLY]WSG UnBricker V1.0.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1599991
But don't have fastboot access.
Unrecoverable bootloader error but not Bricked!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2179759
But don't have fastboot access.
[ROOT] Urkel's Fresh Start 1.0 (Jelly Bean - Unlocked bootloaders only)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1929189
Again appears to need fastboot access.
Etc.
So my question is, is there a process I can follow from TWRP to get me back to fastboot access? OR am I looking at the problem from the wrong angle? Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Apoligies in advance if this is addressed elsewhere! If there is any additional info I can provide please let me know.
***Update***
Now have fastboot access, continuing to proceed with caution. Attempting to install a rom now.
***Update 2***
Still have fastboot access, however now can't access recovery when I fastboot devices my device now shows up as ??????????? Fastboot, rather then the letters/numbers it used to show. Feeling like I've slid her a little deeper into the mud. Also a lot of "unrecoverable boot error 0x00000000"
***Update 3***
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2179759&page=2 Progress
Light_Canuck said:
Hey folks,
First time poster here, but have been following this awesome community for a few months now. So with that being said, I've landed myself in deeper water then I had hoped to see on my first foray into the world of tinkering on my tablet. I feel I should also disclose my epic newb moment, where in I ran headlong off the cliff with making proper (any) backups
I've been doing a lot of reading the last couple days to try and solve the issue, found lots of radical advice, but sadly haven't managed to get myself any further ahead. I was hoping that with a little list of what the TF201 is doing & what I've tried since, that you folks might be able to shed some light on what I've done and what I can try.
The Problem:
I've got a TF201, unlocked, TWRP 2.6.3.0. ADB access from command prompt. Sadly that's all I've got at this time (No OS, No fastboot). I cannot seem to install an OS now, but can still push files over to the tablet/view them. As far as I can tell, I'm have Brick 1a from this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1514088 . It references (CWM), so Im not sure these steps are applicable (My understanding is this is a recovery manager though I could be mistaken).
I've also explored:
[TOOL][WINDOWS-ONLY]WSG UnBricker V1.0.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1599991
But don't have fastboot access.
Unrecoverable bootloader error but not Bricked!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2179759
But don't have fastboot access.
[ROOT] Urkel's Fresh Start 1.0 (Jelly Bean - Unlocked bootloaders only)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1929189
Again appears to need fastboot access.
Etc.
So my question is, is there a process I can follow from TWRP to get me back to fastboot access? OR am I looking at the problem from the wrong angle? Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Apoligies in advance if this is addressed elsewhere! If there is any additional info I can provide please let me know.
***Update***
Now have fastboot access, continuing to proceed with caution. Attempting to install a rom now.
***Update 2***
Still have fastboot access, however now can't access recovery when I fastboot devices my device now shows up as ??????????? Fastboot, rather then the letters/numbers it used to show. Feeling like I've slid her a little deeper into the mud. Also a lot of "unrecoverable boot error 0x00000000"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get yourself back into fastboot. I'm guessing you got there by typing adb reboot fastboot from in TWRP.
You will need to make sure your fastboot and adb exes are compatible so try these. http://flumpster.lolcakes.com/android/adb-fastboot.zip
I know they are old but I also know they worked.
Next you would have to make sure you had the correct drivers installed. I've always used these. http://www.koushikdutta.com/post/universal-adb-driver
Now follow the instructions here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44244313&postcount=12
But where he says to get the TF300 firmware etc get the TF201 instead.
EDIT : Are you also sure you are in fastboot and not in APX mode. Explain how you got to fastboot please.
Thanks for the reply flumpster, I was actually working my way through that when you posted. So now I can get into fastboot, however I have no OS installed currently. I'll keep poking at it, I feel progress is being made
EDIT
I am powering down and holding volume down. I may have a terminology issue here, but that is what I believed was fastboot.
EDIT 2
Also confirmed adb and fastboot are working, and confirmed Im using the same driver you recomended. I am now sitting with 4 options, RCK, Android, USB & Wipe Data.
With much fandangling, have got myself back to a bootable environment running the rom located here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2147895
From what I gather I should get my backups made asap, NVflash seems to be the most commonly mentioned, but am getting an error with step 1 in wheelies. However, its another issue so I shall consider this thread case closed and go back to reading. Thanks again for the help!
Maybe the problem is that I don't know how to properly ask for what I want/need. First off, I am new, so let's pretend I know nothing about modding phones. Second, what I am trying to achieve is the following:
Marshmallow OS or newer (I have lollipop and I highly dislike it)
Complete removal of all AT&T software/bloatware from my M8
Ability to try out different ROMs (are those the same thing as operating systems?) like cyanogenmod.
Those are the highlights to my endgame.
I have found there are several steps to this, and it seems like each step has at least one prerequisite or sub-step and I get overwhelmed when reading up on how to achieve the above goals. Feels like I'm doing taxes for a poorly run business. Apparently I need TWRP on my phone. No clue why or what it does. In order to install it, I need to have root access or a previous version of TWRP already installed, or I need to install the SDK tools package, and from that, only install fastboot and adb. Then after that I need to already have some type of drivers on my PC for that to be useful. Like I said, it is overwhelming to someone who does not know all of the lingo. Especially when I know that if I mess up at certain intervals, I could very well turn my phone into a shiny paperweight or small cocaine tray. Anywhere I have read up on this, when it says download/install _______, I cannot determine whether that means download/install on my PC, or on my phone, bc it doesn't specifically say what goes where in every instance. To make matters more difficult, I do not have an internet connection other than on my phone. Anything that needs to go on my PC, I have to download it to my phone first, then transfer it over, then install it. I asked once for a step by step tutorial or a link to one, and I was given something that was just as confusing as what I have already found. These tutorials seem to be written for ppl who know a lot by ppl who know a lot. I am not one of those ppl. I am a green noob, still wet behind the ears. I apologize in advance for not knowing, but I am just not at the level where I can guess which things go where and If I temporarily render my phone unusable, I won't be able to easily go online to find the fix, nor will I be able to download anything else, if needed. Would greatly help me if I had a list of ingredients needed before I begin, and a sequence, much like a recipe for a cake. Again, I apologize for not knowing, and I'm sure all of you reading this were, at one point, uneducated on the matter. Thank you for any advice and/or reading my TL/DR post.
See my responses below, in red font:
Damagj said:
Apparently I need TWRP on my phone. No clue why or what it does. In order to install it,
TWRP is a custom recovery, and what that is, is explained in "that" thread I linked you to: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2744194
Think of TWRP as a kind of small installer program and backup/recovery tool. You need it to flash custom ROMs, and you can also use it to backup the current ROM. It's not used within the Android OS, but rather you can boot into it separately. Which is obviously handy, if for whatever reason you can't boot to Android OS, and need to "recover" (restore the OS).
I need to have root access or a previous version of TWRP already installed, or I need to install the SDK tools package, and from that, only install fastboot and adb. Then after that I need to already have some type of drivers on my PC for that to be useful.
Don't go by the install instructions on the TWRP website, they are not device specific (to the M8) and may misguide you (every Android device has it's own nuances).
To install TWRP, you need to unlock the bootloader. The bootloader is "locked" by default, which by definition means you cannot install a custom recovery. The following is a good step-by-step guide to unlock the bootloader and install custom recovery. Note, that you do not need to root, in order to install TWRP, or flash a custom ROM. So stop before you get to the step of root (flash SuperSU). Also, the version of TWRP you install should be current (3.1) or alternately 2.8.7 (which is a known "old reliable) version).
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2799796
Like I said, it is overwhelming to someone who does not know all of the lingo. Especially when I know that if I mess up at certain intervals, I could very well turn my phone into a shiny paperweight or small cocaine tray.
No, you actually can't. Your fear of bricking the phone (permanent damage) is unfounded. As with s-on, this phone is nearly impossible to brick. The phone is fully recoverable even if you screw up; since for what you describe, you are only touching a limited number of partitions (system which is the OS, and recovery). As long as you don't mess with "critical" partitions like hboot and radio, you can't actually brick this phone. And those partitions are actually protected, and you can't modify them even if you wanted, unless you s-off. So all the more reason to stay s-on, as I described in the other thread you posted in here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74107487&postcount=100
To make matters more difficult, I do not have an internet connection other than on my phone. Anything that needs to go on my PC, I have to download it to my phone first, then transfer it over, then install it.
but I am just not at the level where I can guess which things go where and If I temporarily render my phone unusable, I won't be able to easily go online to find the fix, nor will I be able to download anything else, if needed.
That part is difficult. While possible, doing what you describe is somewhat risky with no other device for internet. At some point, it's almost inevitable for anyone tinkering these phones, that something will go wrong. Either you forget a step, or you can't boot for no mistake of your own, at all. Even having done this stuff for years, it still happens to be, once in a while. It just happens. So without a way to ask for help, or download files, you can get stuck in a bad jam. You'll need to have some backup plan, even if it's a friend or family, letting you use their computer as a last resort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stick with it. Keep reading up, and trying to learn the basic terms, concepts, tools, and methods. I know it seems overwhelming, but it will all start to make sense. You really can't (and shouldn't) try doing these things, until you have some basic understanding. You wouldn't ask someone to tell you how to tear the engine out of a car, without knowing how any tools work, or what any of the parts of the car are called.
I would also suggest you refer to my (AT&T M8) index thread. It has a lot of links and basic info, you may find useful: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2751432
Hello, until now I avoided to root my device (SGP612 / Stock Marshmallow), because I did not want to risk to lose the drm-keys or do other damage.
Besides that, there some apps, which will not run on rooted devices as netflix (at least I suppose so).
Now working on Tasker and other tools the demand of root is increasing more and more. But still I want to take it restrained and looking for a way to limit the root via ADB. I'm not sure, if that is possible, but I think, that would be a good compromise. Online I found a huge amount of guides and threads "how to root", but all of them, at least it looks like that, ending with an unlocked bootloader, TPRP, SuperSU and so on. I did not read all of them, because that would take years and these guides may also be outdated or even worse incorrect.
Therefor I'm here to ask you about yours assessment.
My main goal would be to:
- Make a full backup
- Protect the DRM-Keys and other irreversible stuff
- No app should be able to detect that the device has been rooted respectively modified on system-level
- Void a reset of the current setup
- Install some apps to system via adb and grant some permissions, uninstall few oem-apps
- Tweak a few settings via adb
Is that possible? And if so, are there some good and simplified guides, which I should read?
Wrong forum. This is for Z3 Compact phone. What you want is https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-tablet-compact
You can root the phone without unlocking the bootloader, so I would assume that you can do the same with the tablet. You have to flash with an older ROM/kernel first, though, but it is doable.
temporary2010 said:
Wrong forum. This is for Z3 Compact phone. What you want is https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-tablet-compact
You can root the phone without unlocking the bootloader, so I would assume that you can do the same with the tablet. You have to flash with an older ROM/kernel first, though, but it is doable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will ask the moderation to move my thread, thanks for the hint.
That sounds complicated to flash an older ROM, especially if no suitable instructions are known to me.
BTW. I prefer to stay at stock.
I am pretty sure you posted in the right forum. Everything you mention is possible, except making a full backup. I wouldn't know how without root or twrp. You can backup your TA partition with a special tool to save your drm keys. It uses the 'dirty cow' exploit so you may need to downgrade first (which wipes your data).
I think root via ADB requires a custom rom. You need to unlock your bootloader, which wipes all data. Alternatively, you can root your device with Magisk. It can hide itself from detection for a set of apps that you select.
M1chiel said:
I am pretty sure you posted in the right forum. Everything you mention is possible, except making a full backup. I wouldn't know how without root or twrp. You can backup your TA partition with a special tool to save your drm keys. It uses the 'dirty cow' exploit so you may need to downgrade first (which wipes your data).
I think root via ADB requires a custom rom. You need to unlock your bootloader, which wipes all data. Alternatively, you can root your device with Magisk. It can hide itself from detection for a set of apps that you select.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thread has been moved by now, so that should be ok.
But still, I do not want any custom-rom. My experience with such on other devices in the past was very frustrating and a waste of time. Had always stability issues on driver-level and other misbehavior. On one samsung device I tested around ten or more roms and all of them was quite ****ty...
And until now it sounds like, I need to install a custom before I even can start to make backups and such. But I want a backup of the status quo, to which I could always rollback, if things gets ugly.
I like the current stock, is a good and stable base, a few tweaks and it would be perfect for me. Of course, I did not test any customs on my current device to be able to make some substantiated conclusion on that but I'm to distrustful to follow this path, especially not when there is no way back.
I miss any imagination what is possible and what is not, or what effect a particular measure entails. Therefor I can't estimate the accuracy of any guide and there are hundreds of them out there, and it looks like the approach is sometimes different. I started reading some of them, but stopped it because I could not retrace the content.
Can you recommend a good guide, which could work out for me and whats the name of the tool to backup the drm-keys? Thanks...
Check here for the TA backup https://forum.xda-developers.com/cr...rsal-dirtycow-based-ta-backup-t3514236/page47
I am very happy with this rom, the developer recently issued a Pie alpha (which I haven't tried yet)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3...m-aicp-android-ice-cold-project-o8-1-t3731197
There's a guide for rooting + recovery @ https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3...to-rooted-lollipop-locked-bootloader-t3083980
Be sure you follow the instructions very carefully, since you are flashing (the system partition) with the ROM from a Z3 phone.
The process is similar to the Z3 phones:
- flash to an older ROM
- root
- install custom recovery
- using custom recovery, flash with a prerooted, updated ROM
No need to unlock bootloader and no need for custom ROMs.
Asides from that, I don't know how to do the rest of the stuff in your list.
(I'm debating on getting a used Z3t, which is why I'm researching root possibilities .)