Last night I was reading Twitter before going to bed when I noticed that my GPS kept ticking on and off after I'd posted an update (I let my Twitter app access GPS to assign my location to tweets). Thinking that odd, I rebooted.
Talk about the reboot from hell.
Approximately 30 seconds after booting back up, the phone locked: I could tap buttons and feel haptic feedback, but no changes to the screen occurred. I eventually got the bright idea to lock it and unlock it; pressing the lock key blacked the screen, but pressing it again did not bring the screen back. Scared, I eventually pulled the battery and started up again.
It happened again. And again. In the midst of all this, I slowly learned a few things: it wasn't tied to any of the new apps I'd installed (I had enough "functional time" each boot to uninstall a couple of things), it wasn't tied to internet connectivity or GPS (I had time to turn both off), and the SGS3 has a dev option to monitor CPU usage of various apps/threads. That little HUD, which overlayed everything else, would remain updating through a lockup, and I found that a process named "df" was starting up and immediately sucking up the entire CPU and not letting go.
I eventually found that it worked the processor so hard that the phone would overheat if left alone and "soft reboot" (OS restarts, but no Verizon/Samsung loading screens), so I was able to at least stop pulling the battery!
Finally, I turned it off and let it cool down for a few hours whilst Googling: no results anywhere for a similar problem or regarding the "df" process. Turning the phone back on after its reset didn't help at all. The lockup time was so quick that I couldn't even initiate a factory reset--it would lock up in the midst of preparing to perform it!
I eventually restarted it into the bootloader (meant to go for recovery, oops) to poke around and got a really scary image: a "Custom" screen before the bootloader starts that the devs are saying means that system apps/files have been modified. Now, since I don't have root yet (no hacking/voiding warranty JUST yet), I am not ABLE to modify system apps, which means that something got tweaked all by its lonesome, and THAT isn't supposed to happen. It was probably what was causing the lock, though--some driver somewhere that's supposed to say "Processor, don't try to calculate pi to infinity" got hosed or whatever.
I eventually got into stock recovery and was able to initiate the factory reset from there without the use of the actual OS (thus avoiding the hard lock). The phone rebooted fine, let me sign into Google, and spent the rest of the night redownloading apps. It's fine now.
EXTREMELY worrisome. Possibly a hardware fault with the EMMC chips holding my OS or something--there's not a lot that can knock out system files on a non-rooted device. At least it doesn't appear common, insofar as all my Googling leads to no results at all.
Any ideas as to what the heck happened?
My 4G will be 2 years old in February. It is quite buggy now, it likes to lag a lot or glitch, it's definitely not the lightning machine that it used to be. I saved all of my data and am going to perform a wipe/factory reset and wipe the cache partition (hopefully I am allowed to do that, if not, oh well too late).
Is there something more potent then a factory data reset using the Android Recovery mode while not in the phone OS? It resets the phone but I have the latest OS, which I think could end up keeping all of my bugs. Can I go back to the original OS when the phone shipped and legitimately start over and re-update everything? I logged back in and an app widget was still there with writing on it, some of my pictures, and some icons I moved around. this is after I did a rest outside of the phone, then went in the phone and did another reset. So much for wiping all of my data I guess.
So, if this does not fix the buggyness of the phone, what should I do? The phone likes to press buttons randomly and I have to hit the power button to lock it, and then unlock it for the magic button pressing to stop. This is common. Apps are slow or time out a lot and it takes the phone FOREVER to reboot. It love to randomly restart, especially using pandora or spotify. It takes a long time to connect to Wifi, sometimes I have to go to the wifi settings to wait for it to automatically choose my saved network, which baffles me like crazy.I did have the most recent update of course. I think the finger print scanner also stopped working... or it never did work. Lastly, the vibrating unit doesnt always vibrate, it likes to vibrate on a few keystrokes and it randomly stops, then starts up again. **** this phone. It really makes me want to go to an iPhone... and I am a hardcore windows computer tech and I hate apple, but ****, why cant anyone build a stable OS?
So, assuming my phone works correctly, what should I do to it once it's up and running? I am ready to Root the phone and try some new apps and hacks and what not, especially if it makes the laptop dock mode faster, cause right now it's slow as ****.
Factory reset basically wipes the /data partition.
I would also recommend you do a format of the internal sd, after the factory reset (see storage in the system settings). This way, files on the sd will have no impact on apps as you reinstall things.
Regarding returning to an earlier Rom version, I would not recommend as being part of the solution. Newer Rom version are better usually. Gb by motto is solid.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2
Hi All,
I have purchased a 2 DIN Chinese Car Audio System from Chinavision which runs on two OS's. WinCE and Android 4.0.4. The WINCE Partition apparently runs hardware for Bluetooth Handsfree calling etc, USB port for external USB memory/storage (media), 1 x micro SD crd marked on the box as GPS (to store the GPS maps due to internal memory size limitations (4Gb standard with 8Gb upgrade by manufacturer), DTV, analogue radio, 1 x USB that when hubbed will connect to ext drives usb memory sticks while also being read and utilised for wifi dongle/3g dongle (controlled by android OS). The WinCE UI is uite poor with clumsy controls and limited user interface actions.
The Android OS is a little better however seems quite unstable. often hanging and freezing, loss of data from storage, app remnants following uninstalling apps. This OS controls, USB media access, 1 x SC card, 3G and Wifi (though not phone use on 3g as it always freezes and required a hard power down (disconnection of batters/power).
For one or two posts I can see there are others here that have such systems and serge/Gibroid is mentions however I don't seem to be able to get contact..
My questions/goals are to replace the systems android firmware with a smoother running, more stable build of ROM whilst keeping the original functionality (at least) and maybe (if possible) to add the functionality that is missing within the android OS.. such as Bluetooth access, phone access for calls etc..
Also, if at all possible, to upgrade/replace the WinCE OS with a more user friendly version, with a better UI, and the functionality of the original if not better. Basically opening this system to its full potential.
Now, I have to say I am a noob and am not knowledgeable nor experienced at this sort of thing (I have flashed a few phones etc) so would need to know
1) where to get the firmwares
2) where to get the required installation software
3) how to install via sd card input/external storage input as the unit seems not to be able to be connected to a PC
4) how to do a complete system image backup and how to restore should it all go horribly wrong
and
5) step by step instructions on how to do it.. or if a user out there is local and can do it I'd come to you and get it done that way.. (and compensate for your time and expertise)
The system/car unit is liveable as it is (just) but it has the hardware in it that means it is capable of so much more.
Anyone out there that can help??
Cheers
Cheeks :silly:
I also have a N708 based stereo
cheekyleebo said:
Hi All,
I have purchased a 2 DIN Chinese Car Audio System from Chinavision which runs on two OS's. WinCE and Android 4.0.4. The WINCE Partition apparently runs hardware for Bluetooth Handsfree calling etc, USB port for external USB memory/storage (media), 1 x micro SD crd marked on the box as GPS (to store the GPS maps due to internal memory size limitations (4Gb standard with 8Gb upgrade by manufacturer), DTV, analogue radio, 1 x USB that when hubbed will connect to ext drives usb memory sticks while also being read and utilised for wifi dongle/3g dongle (controlled by android OS). The WinCE UI is uite poor with clumsy controls and limited user interface actions.
The Android OS is a little better however seems quite unstable. often hanging and freezing, loss of data from storage, app remnants following uninstalling apps. This OS controls, USB media access, 1 x SC card, 3G and Wifi (though not phone use on 3g as it always freezes and required a hard power down (disconnection of batters/power).
For one or two posts I can see there are others here that have such systems and serge/Gibroid is mentions however I don't seem to be able to get contact..
My questions/goals are to replace the systems android firmware with a smoother running, more stable build of ROM whilst keeping the original functionality (at least) and maybe (if possible) to add the functionality that is missing within the android OS.. such as Bluetooth access, phone access for calls etc..
Also, if at all possible, to upgrade/replace the WinCE OS with a more user friendly version, with a better UI, and the functionality of the original if not better. Basically opening this system to its full potential.
Now, I have to say I am a noob and am not knowledgeable nor experienced at this sort of thing (I have flashed a few phones etc) so would need to know
1) where to get the firmwares
2) where to get the required installation software
3) how to install via sd card input/external storage input as the unit seems not to be able to be connected to a PC
4) how to do a complete system image backup and how to restore should it all go horribly wrong
and
5) step by step instructions on how to do it.. or if a user out there is local and can do it I'd come to you and get it done that way.. (and compensate for your time and expertise)
The system/car unit is liveable as it is (just) but it has the hardware in it that means it is capable of so much more.
Anyone out there that can help??
Cheers
Cheeks :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
My N708 also has the same issues, unfortunately I have not been able to use none of serg090909 images to improve my android system.
I have noticed that my system works better if I don't turn it off and on using the button on my stereo, I almost always reconnects fine if i just turn the car's key.
I have also discovered that the volume between the two systems is very different, if you play music, audio-books or use the Gps you will notice a huge difference in volume between the two systems... I'm using a volume booster to soften the difference.
I too am searching for something that can improve the WinCe side... it sucks... My bluetooth phone app is just useless! (I'm not able to synchronize any contacts).
You can go here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2607632) to find out how to make an image of your system (at least of its android side).
Cheers
Norvati
Hi
I have the same system.
I am currently talking with the seller to try and sort the unfortunate bug I keep getting. The android part stops accepting touch screen input. Happens when I initially boot the system by switching the car on and will only clear if I power it down for 25 seconds then power up. The android side then reboots.
You can reinstall-initialize the android side by removing your key, holding the reset button down, inserting key and starting car while holding down the reset button, hold for 10 seconds, then release and turn on the stereo. When you go into the GPS/android side after that, you will be asked to calibrate the screen again and the android startup wizard begins.
I managed to get the Gibroid system running, so ask me any questions you have about doing that. It gives a much nicer, larger storage space android section, but I still suffer from the android side not accepting screen input when i start the car 50% of the time.
I agree the bluetooth functionality in the WINCE part is borderline criminal with no sorting of phone book. Would love to be able to tinker with it.
Gibroid install help
naivri said:
Hi
I have the same system.
I am currently talking with the seller to try and sort the unfortunate bug I keep getting. The android part stops accepting touch screen input. Happens when I initially boot the system by switching the car on and will only clear if I power it down for 25 seconds then power up. The android side then reboots.
You can reinstall-initialize the android side by removing your key, holding the reset button down, inserting key and starting car while holding down the reset button, hold for 10 seconds, then release and turn on the stereo. When you go into the GPS/android side after that, you will be asked to calibrate the screen again and the android startup wizard begins.
I managed to get the Gibroid system running, so ask me any questions you have about doing that. It gives a much nicer, larger storage space android section, but I still suffer from the android side not accepting screen input when i start the car 50% of the time.
I agree the bluetooth functionality in the WINCE part is borderline criminal with no sorting of phone book. Would love to be able to tinker with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
You say you were able to get the gibroid working on your system can you explain to me how and what you did? I use all the tools that are recommended apart from thelivesuit, It simply doesn't accept any of the gibroid img files available here and on 4PDA that I was able to find. The touch screen on my unit just binks (black on black). I also have tried maybe 5 different sd cards.
Thanks in advance for your help.
P.S. At the moment my system doesn't even work it just gets stuck on the android (word) screen.
Cheers
Norvati
Hi
I to would like to hear how you got gibroid to boot, as I to only gets black screen trying to boot.
Have tried with 4 different sd cards, 2 different sdcard to pc adapters without luck !
Regards Bo
same here
xdabca said:
Hi
I to would like to hear how you got gibroid to boot, as I to only gets black screen trying to boot.
Have tried with 4 different sd cards, 2 different sdcard to pc adapters without luck !
Regards Bo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine wont connect wifi. Says nothing about the hardware but is got the option to do it and the usb too. I have all the exact problems. Wish I knew what to do...
i am having a few issues too.
i tried serge images but it was very unstable and SO didnt run every times and when it did it its very laggy, screen blinks and others issuses.
on the native system its usualy to ask me for calibrate screen and restart all the SO to factory stage.
but now its stuck on android green logo screen. i already try to reset it but still on the same. can anyone help please?
arantes87 said:
i am having a few issues too.
i tried serge images but it was very unstable and SO didnt run every times and when it did it its very laggy, screen blinks and others issuses.
on the native system its usualy to ask me for calibrate screen and restart all the SO to factory stage.
but now its stuck on android green logo screen. i already try to reset it but still on the same. can anyone help please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have same problem stuck on Android loading screen how to hard rest with recovery mode ?
what is the combination for go to in recovery ?
I recently restarted my phone after the battery died, and now everytime it gets to the lock screen, I can unlock it, and it'll function seemingly fine for up to 30 seconds (usually more like 5-10), but then it automatically restarts.
The only apps I've installed since last restarting, maybe a week ago, are FolderSync and Tasker. It's possible I haven't restarted since installing AnyConnect and OpenConnect, although I'm pretty sure I did restart at least once after those, and haven't touched them since. OpenConnect did have some permissions fix item in the settings menu that would supposedly attempt to get it to work on devices where it wouldn't (it didn't work on mine), so that has me suspicious, especially since it seems sometimes these boot loops are related to permissions errors.
I'm running Philz recovery, which I can get into fine. I read about a permissions fix in some recoveries, but Philz (at least mine) doesn't seem to have it.
When the battery died, I was connected to a bluetooth speaker, playing music with Spotify. Not sure if something could have gotten corrupted having it die while the bluetooth connection was active.
It's a T-Mobile S5 and the ROM I'm running XtreSoLite 2.1 Lollipop XXU1BOC7.
Any suggestions for things to check to get it to stop restarting? If I have to wipe it, are there any ways to sort of partially wipe it? Are there a series of things I can try that would go from least extreme (not losing anything) to most extreme (fully re-flashing)? I have been able to open an adb shell and pull everything from internal storage that I don't want to lose.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Hi all,
I've got an LG G Vista 2 that I've been trying to turn into an audiobook/podcast/mp3 player after decommissioning it from use as a cellphone about a year ago. However, whenever I boot the phone the screen remains black and a popup appears saying: "Unfortunately System UI has stopped". When tapping "ok" to close the popup the screen remains black and shortly later another popup appears, effectively preventing any interfacing with the device. Even keeping the power down menu open long enough to turn off the phone is a struggle.
It seems like the most common recommendation online is to factory reset the phone through recovery mode - I have tried that several times, each time the popup comes up even before going through the Android setup process. The same popup comes up even in safe mode. I'm at a loss of what to do: I have no way to interface with the phone, through the device still seems to work fine. I'm wondering if this issue is possibly caused by a hardware fault that is manifesting in a software issue, or if the OS install is just incredibly corrupted.
Is there any way to reinstall Android on the phone without being able to access its GUI? Being a lower-end phone from several years ago it is rather hard to find OEM ROMs online, though even if I had a ROM I wouldn't know exactly what to do. I would appreciate any recommendations on where to go from here.
Thanks.
Were you able to solve this issue?
No, unfortunately not. It doesn't seem to be a straightforward fix and I haven't gotten around to really working on it. I'm still open for sugustions if anyone has any tips.