FIRMWARE MEDIAPAD ICS 4.0.3 HWMOD C232B005
Kernel: 3.0.8 ([email protected]_server) Thu Jun 7 17:50:45 CST 2012
Compiler: (gcc version 4.4.3 (GCC)) #1 SMP PREEMPT
Baseband: 314007 - Android: 4.0.3 - GAPPS: 4.0.4
Incremental Build: V100R002C002B010SP030
This is a modified copy of the official firmware released by Huawei C232B005 General Version (June 2012). It doesn't require running "sanix" patches nor modifications to the system partitions "boot.img"/"system.img".
As in the original, the zip file contains instructions on how to upgrade from a MicroSD memory card. The firmware contains updated GAPPS ICS 4.0.4 (gapps-ics-20120429-signed.zip).
It has been said several time however you know you will void your warranty by modifying your device.
I have tried these modified firmware several times on my MediaPad before rendering them available.
On "Androidiani.com", in the MediaPad forum, I have been releasing these same kind of modifications for the following firmwares:
C232B002, C167B003, C170B008, C170B009 and currently C232B005
I have to say thanks to many users on that forum for their contributions and suggestions.
Before you start the upgrade
Download the firmware ZIP file, unpack the file on your PC and copy the "dload" folder found in the archive on the external MicroSD card. In the same archive you will also find Huawei original PDF document in English explaining how to upgrade the device and a "readme.txt" file that lists version numbers of the various components of the firmware (kernel, baseband, build etc.).
Remember to use Huawei's "All Backup" (suggested) or similar tools to backup all the applications and data on the external MicroSD card before proceeding with the update. In this firmware it is possible to activate a remote Google backup of the applications installed from the Market using a personal Google account ("Setting -> Backup and reset -> Backup account").
Standard update method
Only copy the "dload" folder in your MicroSD card, reset the device by switching the device off (press "power" button for 10 sec). If the device doesn't start automatically again press the power button. If the update does not start repeat the operation and additionally keep pressing the Volume+ button (on the right).
Alternate update method
Use the phone application to dial the following number * # * # 2 8 4 6 5 7 9 # * # * then, from the menu that appears, select:
"Project Menu Act -> Upgrade -> SD Card Upgrade -> SD Card Upgrade External Storage".
For both methods
Follow the instructions on the device screen (in green), the complete update process will be about 10 minutes, then the device will reboot a couple of times, be patient and let the device be quiet a couple of minutes more before touching it (while updating the sim, sn, touch & coulometer firmware).
I always suggest executing a "Factory reset" after a firmware upgrade. You can do that from "Setting -> Backup & reset -> Factory data reset" and if possible also check the box related with the formatting of the device internal memory (after ensuring you have made a backup of all you may need).
IMPORTANT !!!
To avoid touching key partitions of the Android OS and the original firmware I decided to leave the duplicated "Gallery2" application (found in the "system" partition). For this reason, after the upgrade you will end up with two "Gallery" applications. Deactivate or remove the first one of the two, the one which is smaller in size. The second one has more options (Google+/PicasaWeb sync) than the one pre-installed by Huawei. Since the device is "rooted" any file manager capable of browsing folders with "root" privileges will be enough to perform the removal.
Informations
This firmware uses an alternate method to obtain "root" permissions on the MediaPad avoiding modifications to important parts of the original firmware ("boot" and "system"), at the same time it adds missing Huawei/Google applications and enable some of the functionalities that were not enabled in the original firmware.
Modifications have been applied exclusively to the device "cust" partition ("cust.img.ext4") all the remaining partitions and files have been left untouched compared to the originals Huawei ICS 4.0.3 firmware released 21 June (C232B005).
Updated:
all ICS Google Apps (gapps-ics-20120429-signed.zip)
modified permissions for "busybox" executable (755)
International language selected as "default" (English)
International wifi settings for channels (13)
Added:
Huawei applications missing in the official version
GenieWidget application included in newer gapps-ics
Removed:
"Huawei Input Method" add-on keyboard and all related Language Packs (42)
Gmail, Maps, Music2, PlusOne, Street, TagGoogle, Talkback, Youtube
Aldiko, Facebook, FoxitReader, Twitter, YozoOffice and related libraries
two space hungry games, Asphalt6, LGolf and related libraries
images and demo animations (media)
List of added/updated applications and their versions:
AccountAgent-1.1.17.apk
AllBackup-4.1.33.apk
HiDisk-3.0.21.apk
HwOUC-2.3.8.apk
PhoneFinder-2.2.0.apk
PushAgent-2.2.1.apk
Superuser-3.0.7.apk
List of functionalities added to this firmware:
"root" permissions, Superuser.apk, busybox v1.20.1, su v3.0.3.2
firmware updates from "Settings" (Huawei/Google components)
Google GenieWidget & Google Backup Transport functional
Huawei applications: All Backup, HiDisk, PhoneFinder
* FIRMWARE DOWNLOAD *
ZIP containing firmware and software (essential: huawei_apps + google_apps):
Download size: 258.649.399 bytes (247Mb) - md5: 8c8bac1094d7dcb87d959a3be1482f6f
MIRROR 1 (GameFront)
* HUAWEI KEYBOARD DOWNLOAD *
ZIP containing the new keyboard and 42 additional language packs (Huawei Input Method):
Download size: 16.266.684 bytes (15Mb) - md5: 22b4aeddd6c214ffc7e5ef753216d68b
MIRROR 1 (GameFront)
Have fun,
.:HWMOD:.
HWMOD Linux kernel 3.0.42 Overclocked + customizations update
This update replaces (overwrite) the "boot" and "cust" partitions of the device.
The update process should retain all installed applications and data.
To achieve "non destructive" update I used the same method used in OTA updates.
At the end of the update process the tablet will reboot once more after restoring the
serial number, sim/imei, firmwares for touch-screen and coulometer etc.
The update methods remain unchanged (no need to use "fastboot/adb"):
1) download the compressed ZIP archive and unpack it on your PC
2) copy the "dload" folder contained in the archive on the external SD card
3) restart the device and follow exactly the on-screen instructions (in yellow)
The "boot" contains the new kernel 3.0.42 Overclocked and the initialization "ramdisk".
The "cust" partition has been updated with the new "Superuser.apk", "su" and "busybox".
Inside the ZIP compressed archive you will find a "readme.txt" with expanded informations and instructions.
Credits to "arkusuma" for the modifications related to the touch screen driver and to "contributors/modders" on XDA.
* FIRMWARE DOWNLOAD (updated 2012/09/10) *
ZIP contains kernel (boot.img) and customization software (cust.img)
Size: 82.463.617 (∼80Mb) - md5: 05dc4f0a5aa564dc8f628659540bbb8d
MIRROR 1 (GameFront)
* HUAWEI KEYBOARD DOWNLOAD *
ZIP containing the new keyboard and 42 additional language packs (Huawei Input Method):
Download size: 16.266.684 bytes (15Mb) - md5: 22b4aeddd6c214ffc7e5ef753216d68b
MIRROR 1 (GameFront)
Have fun,
.:HWMOD:.
what modifications did you made?
441Excelsior said:
what modifications did you made?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the short description, really, many more info are missing. I will do my best to update and translate asap the rest of what I have published on "Androidiani" forum.
Basically I have added "root" permissions, removed all the extra applications and updated the Google Apps to a newer version (gapps-20120429-signed.zip).
I also added a few missing Huawei utilities like AllBackup, HiDisk and PhoneFinder that were found on previous Huawei releases.
The method I used to add "root" permissions is a bit different than on other modified firmwares. I only changed "cust" partition to achieve that, all the other partitions have been left untouched as the originals from Huawei.
I probably trust Huawei developers a bit more than others
441Excelsior said:
what modifications did you made?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I added the expected informations in the op.
I will add more info and corrections.
How bout the edge to.H/3G? In 002 when there's still stuck problem..
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
It should work in this firmware (also I haven't tried yet).
The problem you mentioned was already fixed in both Russian releases.
There are no known problems for the phone to switch between 3G <-> HDSPA.
no gmail in this release? Noticed it when i was to replace gmail apk with a modified one.
mangoman said:
no gmail in this release? Noticed it when i was to replace gmail apk with a modified one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right ... not there. Why include Gmail if you wanted to replace it anyway ?
It would have happened anyway at first update (if you decided to install it).
I have tried to remove everything that can be installed later through the Market or by placing the file in the SD card. That gives end users more freedom and let them sort out OS/firmware related problems vs. applications bugs/problems.
This also avoid keeping duplicates in your device.
Since this firmware have "root" privileges, I suggest users to install their "preferred" applications in "/cust/channel/normal/delapp/" folder so if they later want to do software reset (Factory data reset) they will not loose their "preferred" applications.
Copying the ".apk" in that folder has to be done using a file manager that works and let you browse folder with "root" privileges (read/write).
Hope I answered the question and left additional informations.
There's a bug on HWMOD b005.
Double Galery icon.
I've big mistake to disable it, and my device freeze.
fortunately i can recover it with hard reset.
I think it'll better if you add V6Supercharger too.
Thank you very much
arekwaru said:
There's a bug on HWMOD b005.
Double Galery icon.
I've big mistake to disable it, and my device freeze.
fortunately i can recover it with hard reset.
I think it'll better if you add V6Supercharger too.
Thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has both galery applications, one from the ICS and another from Gapps pack. You can safely uninstall anyone using Titanium Backup. I uninstalled the default ICS one. No problems so far...
Sent from my HUAWEI MediaPad using XDA Premium HD app
arekwaru said:
There's a bug on HWMOD b005.
Double Galery icon.
I've big mistake to disable it, and my device freeze.
fortunately i can recover it with hard reset.
I think it'll better if you add V6Supercharger too.
Thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you right agan gigiku.com
shiranmotha said:
This has both galery applications, one from the ICS and another from Gapps pack. You can safely uninstall anyone using Titanium Backup. I uninstalled the default ICS one. No problems so far...
Sent from my HUAWEI MediaPad using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, you are correct, this is not a bug, it was on purpose.
No freezing and no crashes that we know about in C232B005.
I wanted to leave the choice to the users installing this firmware.
Users can remove the one they want/prefer, one is part of the manufacturer ICS release the other is in Google Apps, they have similar options but different functionalities. The one from Google can sync your picture with those uploaded in G+/PicasaWeb. I personally prefer to keep the second one, the bigger in size.
Since this firmware has "root" privileges it will be easy to remove the duplicate Gallery2 application by using a file manager or Titanium Backup as suggested.
I have not included V6 Supercharger and other stuff because it is not sure everybody wants it on their devices. It can be installed though, for those that want it, however I doubt it's needed on the MediaPad.
Updated the OP with needed informations for applying the upgrade process.
Added an additional mirror for the download of the firmware.
Please tell if you find mistakes or have suggestions.
.:HWMOD:.
hwmod said:
Exactly, you are correct, this is not a bug, it was on purpose.
No freezing and no crashes that we know about in C232B005.
I wanted to leave the choice to the users installing this firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your respond. I don't know exactly how my mediapad freeze. Now I reinstall your ROM again, and no problem so far.
If you don't mind, I have request. How about change boot animation? may be like OsiMood.
actualy, I love OsiMood User Interface, but cause They stop updating, I'm not using it anymore.
But, If you don't want to add it on HWMOD, could you tell me how to change it, please. I've try many application to change it, and change from /system/media/bootanimation.zip . But, it still not change.
Thank you very much.
arekwaru said:
Thank you for your respond. I don't know exactly how my mediapad freeze. Now I reinstall your ROM again, and no problem so far.
If you don't mind, I have request. How about change boot animation? may be like OsiMood.
actualy, I love OsiMood User Interface, but cause They stop updating, I'm not using it anymore.
But, If you don't want to add it on HWMOD, could you tell me how to change it, please. I've try many application to change it, and change from /system/media/bootanimation.zip . But, it still not change.
Thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never did it myself and it depends on what are your objectives.
If you want to just change the boot animation in your device doing what you did should be enough (make sure you use a correctly formatted/packed "bootanimation.zip") and give the right attributes to the files you modify.
If you need to modify an existing firmware and add a different boot animation then you have to handle "ext4" partitions images files under Linux ("system.img.ext4" in the update archive) and substitute that file in the "ext4" image.
If you just want to modify the boot logo, not the animation, you have to rewrite the "splash" partition using "fastboot" (called "logo" in MediaPad mmcblk0p10).
I need to do a test on a brand new Mediapad (not "rooted") but I don't have access to one.
Could someone execute the following "fastboot" command on a new device:
Code:
fastboot oem device-info
and report their results here ?
I have used 2-3 roms in my mp, is it ok?
dark_fighter said:
I have used 2-3 roms in my mp, is it ok?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post them anyway, also they shouldn't be different from mine (more or less):
Code:
[email protected]:~# fastboot oem device-info
...
(bootloader) Device tampered: true
(bootloader) Device unlocked: true
OKAY [ 0.294s]
finished. total time: 0.294s
[email protected]:~#
I am not sure the internal "fuse" is set up to allow people some chance
I believe it is a one shot only sw "fuse", that's why I asked for a brand new device, one with the original manufacturer firmware and never rooted/unlocked.
Thank you.
Hotmail over active sync as a cooparate account not works for me. Any other faced the same issue? It says couldn't connect to server.
Sent from my HUAWEI MediaPad using XDA Premium HD app
I'm on 13.3.1.0. But if I want to update to 13.3.2.2, do I need to update in order up to 13.3.2.2 or just update with the 13.3.2.2 bin?
I not a 100% sure but I want a correct answer.
Faznx92 said:
I'm on 13.3.1.0. But if I want to update to 13.3.2.2, do I need to update in order up to 13.3.2.2 or just update with the 13.3.2.2 bin?
I not a 100% sure but I want a correct answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you put the 13.3.2.2 .bin file in the /storage partition of the kindle you can then swipe down to settings -> device -> software updates and it will be there. Then click update. If you switch on the internet and it will automatically do things for you, and rebooting and all that. I think that should answer your question.
ferrouskid said:
If you put the 13.3.2.2 .bin file in the /storage partition of the kindle you can then swipe down to settings -> device -> software updates and it will be there. Then click update. If you switch on the internet and it will automatically do things for you, and rebooting and all that. I think that should answer your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know about manual updating and over the air updating (which I'll never use). I'm looking for a sure answer, is each update bin the full system update or is it upgraded in update steps (ex. On 13.3.1.0 --> 13.3.2.0 --> to upgrade to 13.3.3.0)? I think the bin file holds the full updated system but I'm not quite sure.
Faznx92 said:
I know about manual updating and over the air updating (which I'll never use). I'm looking for a sure answer, is each update bin the full system update or is it upgraded in update steps (ex. On 13.3.1.0 --> 13.3.2.0 --> to upgrade to 13.3.3.0)? I think the bin file holds the full updated system but I'm not quite sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have opened one up before with 7zip archive manager, seemed to have absolutely everything, including all the preloaded apps (Silk, Camera & etc.). Based on that I made a little hunch, that the build.prop is the key to the update.I got it modified and put together back into a .bin, the kindle DID recognise it as an update but it failed to validate. Now I think that is because I didn't get it signed, and after some reasearch I found the Dalvik VM signature and and try to sign the "update" with that. If that fails, then I would like to use binwalk -a linux tool that allows people to analyse .bin files. With that I want to get the file signature from the new update- sign the 13.3.1 with that sginature and "update". I will attempt live booting ubuntu or something- and then use binwalk, but I'll try and see how it goes. Im telling you about this because I think that if I were to make a new thread Amazon would patch that sort of stuff.
I hope this might work- cuz if it does no waiting for ninety days, right?
If it works.
Which it might.
Faznx92 said:
I'm on 13.3.1.0. But if I want to update to 13.3.2.2, do I need to update in order up to 13.3.2.2 or just update with the 13.3.2.2 bin?
I not a 100% sure but I want a correct answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just update to 13.3.2.2. The only differences between 13.3.2.1 and 13.3.2.2 are mainly with WhisperLink and WhisperPlay to support the release of Amazon's fireTV:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51487613&postcount=12
FYI.
WARNING - THESE TOOLS WRITE TO THE DEVICE PARTITIONS DIRECTLY
If you don't know what that means...
THIS CAN REALLY SCREW UP YOUR ---
I HAVE ONLY TESTED THESE ON THE A2020U (NON-5G) - I CANNOT SAY THEY ARE SAFE ON ANY OTHER VERSION OF THE PHONE (YET)(If you want to test it on a specific model you own, send a PM or post and I can tell you to run a few (safe) things from these tools to make them compatible your phone.)
See my next post down for some more "beginner friendly" general tips and tricks for this phone, including some fixes for common problems and a quick guide for installing Magisk!
If you can't afford to brick your phone, these tools aren't made for you.
There aren't really any protections from doing damage. I made them for myself because doing them on a command line constantly is a pain. I'm just sharing them for two reasons:
1) So myself or other people have tools available to make it easier when advising someone on how to fix their phone.
2) For tinkerers who are okay taking the risk that they'll mess something up.
Thanks to @djkuz / @Unjustified Dev for the EDL tool. These scripts really just expand the use of fh_loader commands in that tool. If you are able to read C++ and want to understand fh_loader I suggest searching on google, the source code is available and from that you can better understand what the tool does / what the command line options do. Feel free to ask here too, I'll do my best to share what I know.
Anyway - below I'll go into plenty of detail of what each "tool" does and some helpful information about using them.
I write in a kind of permanent verbose mode, so if you're impatient and need a TL;DR for these... tough. =)
CURRENT VERSION: Version 1.1d
Changelog:
Version 1.1d:
- Fixed reset scripts
Version 1.1c:
- Fixed a typo in backup_GPT ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Version 1.1b:
- Fixed errors in GPT_Tools - apparently these existed since v1.0 DO NOT USE PREVIOUS VERSIONS
- Removed the v1.1a download (use 1.1b)
Version 1.1a:
- Added script to find the COM port automatically
- Updated all scripts to use the COM port in the file COMPort (created by the above script)
- Added the missing AB Partition manipulation files (accidentally left out of v1.0)
- Added script to run the phone reset EDL command
- Fixed all the filename inconsistency in the XML files - HOPEFULLY. Please post any errors you find. Unfortunately this will make this version incompatible with v1.0 backups without some work - either rename your backup files to match the new format or use the old XML files included.
-- Especially fixed the XML typo of "uefi_sec.mbn" being backed up from both A and B to the same file (overwriting the A copy with B during an ALL backup).
- Added support for installing firmware packages created for this tool. Put them in the Firmware_Package_Restore directory and use the scripts included with them.
Basic Instructions:
1) Download zip (See attachment at the bottom, or here - Download from AndroidFileHost)
2) Unpack zip
3) Move folder to the root directory, or inside any chain of directories that do NOT have spaces in any of the names
4) Right-click on scripts and select "Run with Powershell" to run
5) If running scripts fails due to permissions, see these instructions: https://superuser.com/questions/106360/how-to-enable-execution-of-powershell-scripts
Make a "Complete Backup" (minus userdata):
1) Run Load Programmer
2) Run "backup_all"
3) Check the backup directory and verify the files were backed up and sizes make sense - a full backup should be 10,387,202,048 bytes / 39 files for the critical files and 1,626,697,728 bytes / 64 files for the non-critical (Don't include the port_trace log file when checking size)
Note: You will see a lot of "warnings" before the files begin to download, the program checking if the files already exist.
How to Use These Tools:
Important:
When the scripts run there will be a lot of information dumped to the console. It's not necessary to read all of that BUT - IF YOU DO NOT SEE THE ASCII ART "DONE" AT THE END of running any of these scripts it is likely the script encountered a serious issue. "WARNING" art is normal for some scripts, but "ERROR" means something went wrong.
None of these find the COM port automatically. It is possible (the EDL tool does) but it's just extra work I'm not paid to do =P
You will need to edit each program and change the variable at the top (usually $COMPort = "6") to whatever port number your phone shows up on.
Sorry that's inconvenient, but it should just be once per script - my port number never changes so it wasn't worth implementing automatic port finding.
This is no longer needed after v1.1a.
1. Load Programmer
This is a simple but extremely important tool! You need to run this before running anything else. This script will open a window that runs a command to open a connection to the phone (when it is in EDL / "9008" mode). The window will stay open until you close it. When working on backups I often need to re-connect the programmer, so this makes that easy - just alt-tab to it and hit enter. If you look at the script, it's fairly straightforward - just read the instructions on the screen after running it. The "secret sauce" for this is really the firehose protocol for our chipset that Unjustified Dev provided in the EDL tool.
2. Backup / Restore:
backup_all: This will backup everything on the phone EXCEPT for the huge userdata partition. It will create a backup in two directories, which I'll explain.."critical" / "non-critical": You can see that I have scripts to run these two "types" of backups. Non-critical DOES NOT MEAN NOT IMPORTANT. It means that it is not critical TO ME to back up those files EVERY time I do a backup, because they rarely change. They're EXTREMELY important to have at least one backup of for your phone. The "critical" backup files are files that change often, although some of them are extreme non-critical (cache for example). Use a different name than "critical" if you like, but the point is that only with BOTH backups run (which is what backup_all does) will you have a complete backup.restore_all: This will restore a full (both critical and non-critical) backup set. The backup files have to be in the "restore_critical" and "restore_non-critical" directories respectively. If you didn't make the backup you're trying to restore with this tool CHECK THE FILENAMES, e.g. if you used Unjustified's EDL tool you have to rename the "abl.elf" file his backup generates to "abl_a.elf" for mine. I put _a and _b on every partition that has an a/b version because I got tired of getting them confused. Of course you can always install a backup to either slot.Files moved to the "restore_" directories won't be changed at all by the restore process so you can cut/paste the files from your backup into the directory instead of copying them.
3. A/B Partition Manipulation
These are no more complicated than the backup/restore tools. But they are written to make manipulations of the A/B partitions easier.My main use for these is when I know I have a good, working ROM setup on slot A, I run A2B copy. Then no matter which slot I end up booting I'm sure it will work. (That is, if you have a working, booting slot, copying all the files from that slot to the other slot using this tool will make both slots the same.)Backup/Copy:run_AB-partition-backup: As it says, it will backup both the A/B partition files - WARNING this is NOT a full backup of the phone.run_AB-partition-swap: This will backup all the A/B partition files, then it will write the B files to A and A to B, effectively swapping the partitions and leaving you with a backup in case it screwed up. This backup is ONLY OF THE A/B FILES.. NOT the whole device!run_A2B-partition-copy (and run_B2A-partition-copy): These will do a backup of both A/B partition files, then write the A partition onto the B partition (A2B) or vice versa (B2A), effectively mirroring that partition.
Write/Restore:All the restore scripts try to find their files in the "restore_Partitions" directory - place the files from one of the backups to be restored there.restore_AB-partition-backup: Restore a backup of both the A and B partition files.restore_A-partition-backup (and B): Restore just the backup of one partition to the same partition it was taken from (A to A and B to B).restore_A2B-partition-backup (and B2A): These write from one partition backup to the other partition as the name suggests.
4. GPT Tools
These are some basic tools to directly interact with the partition tables - these are not going to be of any use to 99% of people, so just ignore them if you don't know what they do.run_fixGPT: This issues the --fixgpt command to each of the LUNs. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. As I understand it, this will use the onboard device configuration information from each LUN (e.g. logical size) and try to rebuild the GPTs. It's similar to running patch XMLs, it can clean up flashing messes. It isn't magic and won't fix everything.Rarely will anyone need it unless they've been messing around with the flash tools recklessly... I certainly don't know anyone who would do something that dumb backup_GPT: Backup all of the header and footer (main/backup) GPTs for all the partitions (lun 0-5). I am not aware of whether any other models of the phone have more LUNs, so be careful if you're using this on a non A2020U phone.restore_GPT: Simply write an entire GPT backup set (both main and backup 0-5) onto the phone. The backups must be in the restore_GPT folder. This DOES NOT BACKUP before it runs so make sure you did your backup.
6. Set Bootable Partition:
Alright this one is important for everyone. There are two scripts here - one for slot A and one for slot B. These just run a simple command, but they will fix a common problem I (and probably others) have - when the ROM active-slot information does NOT match the partition (hard drive) bootable flag, the phone will bootloop EVEN THOUGH EVERYTHING IS GOOD.So when you flash an EDL backup (depending on which files you flash, I believe this happens because of either the bootloader or the GPT files) there is a chance the backup you're flashing was originally from a different slot than the one you're restoring it to. The config thinks it should be on slot A while the hardware thinks slot B should be booting.This will result in a fast ~3 second bootloop as the two disagree and reset.This tool changes which partition is expecting to boot - "1" for slot A and "2" for slot B.This does NOT change the active slot - the phone will continue to boot the same slot it's trying to boot. You just need to make the partition that it is trying to boot has a bootable flag.AFAIK there is no way to change the active slot (the one XBL (I think) is trying to boot), except through fastboot or when the phone fails to load the OS 8 times in a row (note - if it fail to load the OS - if the phone bootloops before "boot" is called it won't ever switch slots on its own).This was a common cause of fast bootloops for me before I figured this fix out.
It does no harm to try this as you can always switch again. If neither one works for you, then it's something wrong with the files you're flashing. If you know which slot the phone is trying to boot (the one it was on last), run the script that matches that slot.
7. Write "Unlocked" Bootloader and FRP:
Just like the original EDL tool, these very simply overwrite your existing (probably stock) bootloader (abl) files with the fastboot enabled version, and/or your FRP with the "unlocked" flag on (see description below). This will allow you to enter the bootloader menu (Vol+/- on booting) and use fastboot to unlock the bootloader.backup_FRP-and-bootloaders: As it says, this will make backups of both the FRP file and current bootloader files (ABLs).run_all: Literally just runs both of the below scripts *shrug*write_UD-bootloader: This automatically backs up both your existing A/B bootloaders before overwriting them (BOTH) with the unlocked/fastboot bootloader.WARNING - an unfortunate fact is that if you're using the stock ROM and you have this bootloader installed, it borks the USB mode so it's stuck in charge only. There's a way to fix it temporarily, I'll post it in my "tips" thread, but you have to do it every time you boot, very annoying. I can't fix it permanently because I don't know how the bootloader file was built!WARNING 2 - Android 10 will NOT BOOT with this bootloader installed. You can still install it, trying to boot will bootloop, but you can get into the bootloader menu and use fastboot - but there are no recoveries I know of that work with Android 10 right now, so there's very limited use to having fastboot right now. Hopefully we can get a port of TWRP 3.4 going for this phone..write_unlock-frp: This is also in the EDL tool, but maybe poorly explained - the FRP file holds the flag you change in the OS Developer Options to designate "allow bootloader unlock". If you FORGOT to switch that flag on and unlock, as I understand it, you get bootlooped. This can fix that for you without having to go through all the work of undoing that mess.WARNING - I have only tested this with a brand new factory reset OS WITHOUT any fingerprint/code set. It may not work if you set one. I warn against using this if you are not ready to lose your data. It's convenient if you just forgot, but if you set a pattern/fingerprint security and encrypted the filesystem overwriting the FRP might remove your ability to decrypt which would force you to factory reset. Again, I haven't tested it for that so it may work, but be careful.If you already screwed up and ran this to set the flag - the script runs a quick backup of your old FRP just in case. So you can try to restore that FRP and pray lol)
8. Specific Files:
This is just a generic program to backup/write(restore) "specific files".I include a "Reference.XML" which has a full <program> line for every partition you might want to write/read on the phone. To use this, you need to copy the lines from the reference XML into "rawprogram-specific-files.xml" for the files you want to read/write.As an example I already set up "rawprogram-specific-files.xml" with the two lines for "abl_a" and "abl_b" in it. So the script will backup or restore those files (provided you put the abl's you want to restore in the restore_files directory).I personally use this template a lot - I have one for ABLs, one for AOPs, one for BOOTs, and so on. If you are trying to fix a specific file(s) it's convenient.
9. Userdata Backup:
I put this last because, to be honest, I'm not sure how good of an idea including this even is.VERY IMPORTANT - DO NOT USE THIS USERDATA TOOL IF YOUR PHONE IS NOT THE 256GB VERSION!!!!!I will need someone with the 128GB version to send me their GPT files if they want me to make an XML that works for them. Because the userdata size for SURE depends on your phone version.Also, I wrote a script that breaks up the file into download slices (and can be written back to the phone in slices, of course) - one, to see if I could do it and if it would work (it does)... and two, so that in the horrible case that something goes wrong during the... nearly 2hrs of transfer time, for my 256gb image ... that I can at least not have to start all over. If something happens, you should be able to remove the entries in the XML for what you already have and start again.Finally - is it even worth doing? Is backing up the userdata even useful?I don't know yet.For an unecrypted pre-A10 phone I do know it works to fully flash ALL the files on the phone + the userdata all at the same time to return the phone to the exact "state" it was backed up in - all the apps and settings and everything, exactly as they were.But A10 is encryption enabled always, and it uses file encryption which sounds even worse for this idea.. and I don't know if the crypto keys change and when. So flashing an entire encrypted partition might just leave you unable to decrypt all, some, or none and you lose everything.OR it might just work - you throw the whole image on there and the decrypt key is the same, boom, easy backup.If anyone tries it, let me know how it goes (or doesn't). I'll update with any results I find.Update 1: I have confirmed that for the 256gb A2020U backing up the full phone and userdata allows you to restore the phone to that exact state. Doesn't matter if it's encrypted, password set or not, etc. If you backup the entire userdata image and reflash it that is where the phone will be. In most cases you also need all the other partitions too, but if they have not changed they don't have to be reflashed. (I confirmed going from encrypted with password -> encrypted with no password -> back up encrypted with password.. This is on Android 10 with its more complicated encryption).Another nice thing to note - of course the image of the phone will be the size of the partition (ie. 256gb for mine, 128gb for others). But if your phone storage is largely empty, you compress the backup using something like 7z once the image has been backed up. It won't take up so much space then. How much less? My 256gb image compressed is 4.5gb. lol.... it makes sense, the phone is new and there's basically no information on the userdata. Many of the pieces of my userdata backup have the same exacty hashes - meaning they are literally just all 0's... 260gb of zeros. Unfortunately you can't get away with just backing up part of the image as data could be anywhere. And over time as the sectors get written to, it will get more difficult to compress.Anyway, if anyone has a 128GB version they want to donate to science (kidding - I just need backups of the GPT) I can make the XML file to use for backing those up too.
Extra Note: All the programs automatically build a log of the console window, so if something goes by too fast just check the log. The fh_loader also creates a log and dumps it somewhat randomly about... lol.. the filename is port_trace.txt. This tends to get deleted and overwritten easily so if you want to keep it, move it when the script finishes,. it does often contain more information than the console shows - it can be useful understanding what's going on.
Extra Note 2: You'll notice a script "Create Hash List" in practically every directory. That's to strongly hint that using that script is super useful. All the files backed up through these tools, by definition, have the exact same size. If you hash your files though, you can tell if they have changed at all. This is extremely useful in troubleshooting problems.
How to install an EDL firmware package:
Note: This tool is specifically made for the firmware packages I posted. It won't work with any other package (although it can, with a little work).
1. Install the EDL tools
2. Run a backup of your phone! Even if it isn't booting.
3. Download a firmware package from this thread: [ROM][STOCK] Stock Firmware Packages (For Expanded EDL Tools)
4. Unpack the firmware archive into the tool directory "Firmware_Package_Restore"
5. Put phone in EDL mode and run Load Programmer
6. Run whichever "Write Firmware vX to Y.ps1" you want (X = firmware version, Y = A or B partition) (If you don't know which partition is currently booting, just install both.)
7. Wait for the install to finish ("done"), then reset the phone with either the power button or the reset tool
8. You might see a few bootloops and then the phone ask you to do a factory reset / system wipe.
9. Done.
PLEASE POST IN THE FIRMWARE THREAD _NOT HERE_ IF YOU RUN INTO ANY ISSUES!
Enjoy!
Also, while I'm here... some other helpful notes for this phone:
-------------------------------
General Information:
As of right now there are a lot of working options for Android 9 and quickly expanding thanks to work @Unjustified Dev did and work @rafyvitto is continuing to do! Check out some of his sGSI ROMs, lots of options!
Thanks to Unjustified LOS 16 is available for Android 9 also, and is the base install for most ROMs. See his threads for that. I may write up an install guide here that's a little more in depth than his.. not today though.
Upgrading to Android 10 with the bootloader unlocked is possible but requires a workaround:
You must unlock on Android 9 then use recovery to side-load the Android 10 update available from ZTE USA (HERE).
This will remove the fastboot enabled bootloader and requires a complete system wipe.
You will retain bootloader unlock.
Once you have updated to A10 you can run OTA updates to get up to the latest version.
Downsides to A10 include - NO RECOVERY (yet), NO CUSTOM ROMs (yet), and if you flash the fastboot enabled bootloader you CAN use fastboot, but you cannot boot- the phone will be in a bootloop until you restore the stock A10 bootloader.
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Resetting the phone manually:
In EDL Loop - Hold power for 20 seconds
In EDL Not-Looped - Hold power for 5 seconds
In System (booted after ZTE logo) - Hold power for 10 seconds
----------------------------------
Entering Modes:
All of these start by using reset above, THEN the button(s) below - in all except one case (EDL), when the phone resets it will vibrate and then show the blue ZTE logo.
When you feel the vibration you want to immediately release the power button and press the mode buttons.
This can be confusing and tricky - most people say "hold power + button" - that is incorrect. Most cases if you hold any button other than power the phone will not finish resetting until you release that button.
What you want to do is right before or as the phone vibrates, then you hold the button. Once the ZTE screen is up it is probably too late if you missed it. So hold power for your reset and be ready to push the button you want when you feel the vibration.
The one exception - EDL mode. For EDL mode you can (and must) hold the key combo just before/during the restart.
Recovery Mode: Vol+ Button
Factory Test Mode: Vol- Button
Bootloader/Fastboot Mode: Vol+/- Button (both) when phone is NOT plugged into USB (if you are too early pressing the combo, even with the USB unplugged, you will get EDL mode)
Emergency Download Mode: Vol+/- Button (both) when phone IS plugged into USB
--------------------------------
EDL Flash Errors (esp. when EDL looped):
There is NO indication the phone is even ON when you are EDL stuck/looped. Other than when you plug into the computer with the right drivers it shows up as a 9008 device (9008 mode is EDL for Qualcomm).
Even when you can see the phone on your computer, it can often "freeze" in EDL if it is left idle for too long (not connected to and being used by a Sahara programmer).
If you try the EDL tool or another flash tool and they give you errors related to the Sahara programmer not loading or no "hello", do this:
Reset the phone - use a clock to count if you need, has to be accurate since there's no indication of when it resets. Press down Vol+/- and the power button, count to 20sec, then release JUST the power button. Keep holding both of the volumes for another 5 sec, then release them. That will get you back into a fresh EDL. You can watch your Device Manager to see the phone disconnect as an indicator when to let go of the power button. If you mess up the timing, wait a bit before trying again so the phone isn't in the middle of rebooting.
Easiest way to tell if you're in EDL is to watch the Device Manager while you do it. Otherwise there is just a lot of guess work, since there's no logo or vibration when you get it right, phone just appears off.
--------------------------------
USB Mode Stuck After Unlocking:
Something about the fastboot/"unlocked" bootloader causes the USB mode when you boot in the OS to be stuck on "Charge Only" mode.
Luckily I found @meow sir 's comment tucked away in this thread, and he knew a way to fix it (thanks!):
1. Open the phone dialer
2. Dial in "*#*#DEBUG#*#*" (debug = 33284)
(Sometimes takes a little bit to open, but a debugger menu will open)
3. Select the 2nd option for USB
4. Pick the only option - this will unset some strange "testing" mode and you can use MPT again.
Unfortunately this fix doesn't stick, you have to do it every time unless you switch back to the stock ABL. =(
--------------------------------
Installing Magisk, Quick Guide:
- You must have your bootloader unlocked already! This works on both A9 and A10.
1. Use this tool to create a full backup! (backup_all)
2. Go into the "critical" directory created by the backup and find the files for boot_a.img and boot_b.img - rename them to boot_a_bak.img and boot_b_bak.img and keep that window open, need them in a second
2. Boot into the OS. Download the Magisk Manager APK from HERE
3. Copy the APK and both of those boot files to your phone, open a file manager and install the APK
4. Open Magisk Manager and click on "Install" for Magisk (upper right)
5. Select "Patch Boot ROM" (or whatever it says.. something like that..)
6. Navigate to boot_a_bak.img and patch it.
7. Go to your Downloads directory (where Magisk dumps the patched file) and rename it to boot_a_magisk
8. Go back to Magisk and repeat those steps for boot_b
9. Copy the two patched Magisk boot files to your computer, into the folder with your "critical" files backup.
10. Rename the Magisk files to "boot_a.img" and "boot_b.img"
11. Move all the files from the "Backup\backup_all-critical-(...)" directory to the "Restore\restore_critical" directory in my tools
12. Finally, reboot into EDL.. almost there!
13. Run "restore_all-critical" (don't forget to run Load Programmer first..)
14. It will restore all you files, kinda a waste of time - if you know how to use the "Specific Files" tool this is a perfect time to use it to flash JUST the boot files. But anyway - this will get it done.
15. When done flashing, reboot the phone and open Magisk Manager to confirm it is installed!
The Magisk team recommend you DO NOT FLASH your stock boot files back to uninstall it, instead they say you should run their uninstaller.zip. However, I am not sure how to uninstall it if you're on A10 since we don't have a recovery that can flash zips? (Unless the stock recovery works for that, I don't think it would..)
I suspect (but have not tried) that on our phone flashing the boot files back over Magisk will not really be a problem since the recovery and ramdisk are all wrapped up into the boot image. But I don't recommend trying it if you value your data! Fair warning.
---------------------------
Alright that's everything. Good luck!
This will be useful for a lot of folks on here, thanks for taking the time to look for a work around.
rafyvitto said:
This will be useful for a lot of folks on here, thanks for taking the time to look for a work around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to be helpful! Usually I lurk the forums getting information I need to unlock/root/etc lol.. but I saw I actually could contribute something to this forum so hopefully it encourages people to get interested in this phone. It's looking pretty sweet now that I'm not spending days fighting with bootloops!
Indeed,on the note of attracting more users. im going to be releasing something for the pixel lovers very soon ?
Thanks Bob!
I'm on A10 with unlocked bootloader. I made all EDL tool backups when on A9 but these were done before correcting the typos as suggested. So I am not confident of successfully flashing back to A9 (preference).
Therefore I will likely flash the magisk-patched boot files to attempt root and report my experience...
Sent from my ZTE A2020U Pro using Tapatalk
big thx, glad to see some life to this almost dev-dead device
Hey thanks for the post. I'm thinking about buying the phone but have a quick question. Can I update to the latest version of Android 9 before unlocking or will the OTA be Android 10. How would I go about updating to the latest version version of Android 9 and not go to Android 10. Can I download the Android 9 OTA from somewhere and flash that one? Thanks in advance for the help!
Crackass said:
Hey thanks for the post. I'm thinking about buying the phone but have a quick question. Can I update to the latest version of Android 9 before unlocking or will the OTA be Android 10. How would I go about updating to the latest version version of Android 9 and not go to Android 10. Can I download the Android 9 OTA from somewhere and flash that one? Thanks in advance for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good: I think your question borderlines on needing its own thread in the Q&A section but I'll answer you anyway...
Currently as long as you are on A9 when you get the phone you can just do OTA updates from firmware version 1.10 to 1.11 to 1.13 (not sure what android security update that is), after 1.13 it goes to A10.
There is an A10 firmware available from ZTE to SD card sideload. Once installed it has to be updated to the latest A10 via a couple OTA updates.
Going directly from A9 to A10 via OTA goes directly to the latest version.
You cannot flash the A9 OTA... because flashing an OTA is an oxymoron... but I guess you mean can you download the A9 firmware and flash them. The answer is... maybe. ZTE does not offer official downloads any A9 firmware for A2002U (USA version), only A10.
They do offer A9 firmware for A2020G (european) and I think other foreign versions (RU, CN). These cannot be interchanged, if you have the US or EU or CN phone you need to use that firmware... from what I have read. I could be wrong, I don't have those phones.
But there is an unofficial stock A9 firmware for the A2020U here on the forums, uploaded by @rafyvitto . That will get you to.. I forget.. 1.11? That can be flashed using the original EDL tool or, with a little modification, the EDL tools in this thread.
Additionally.. if I ever get around to it... I plan to upload all three A9 firmware packages for the US version which can be flashed with the EDL tools in this thread. Not sure if it's really necessary, but I have them.. it's just a matter of figuring out hosting them and spending the time to upload them.
bobthenormal said:
:good: I think your question borderlines on needing its own thread in the Q&A section but I'll answer you anyway...
Currently as long as you are on A9 when you get the phone you can just do OTA updates from firmware version 1.10 to 1.11 to 1.13 (not sure what android security update that is), after 1.13 it goes to A10.
There is an A10 firmware available from ZTE to SD card sideload. Once installed it has to be updated to the latest A10 via a couple OTA updates.
Going directly from A9 to A10 via OTA goes directly to the latest version.
You cannot flash the A9 OTA... because flashing an OTA is an oxymoron... but I guess you mean can you download the A9 firmware and flash them. The answer is... maybe. ZTE does not offer official downloads any A9 firmware for A2002U (USA version), only A10.
They do offer A9 firmware for A2020G (european) and I think other foreign versions (RU, CN). These cannot be interchanged, if you have the US or EU or CN phone you need to use that firmware... from what I have read. I could be wrong, I don't have those phones.
But there is an unofficial stock A9 firmware for the A2020U here on the forums, uploaded by @rafyvitto . That will get you to.. I forget.. 1.11? That can be flashed using the original EDL tool or, with a little modification, the EDL tools in this thread.
Additionally.. if I ever get around to it... I plan to upload all three A9 firmware packages for the US version which can be flashed with the EDL tools in this thread. Not sure if it's really necessary, but I have them.. it's just a matter of figuring out hosting them and spending the time to upload them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to chime in, interchanging firmware between each model is possible, you would only need to reflash your model/nonhos/tz partitions to the ones of your variant to have working ril/fod fp/sensors.
Ok Bob I gave it a go and successfully rooted my A2020U running stock A10 v2.09. This is my experience...
Firstly, my A2020U could not connect so I used the @Unjustified Dev Tool ("original tool") to easily determine my com port (i.e. 3). I edited the your scripts accordingly (using Notepad++) and got connected.
I'd rather not fiddle with the hardware buttons to change modes so I used the CLI to "adb reboot edl" to get into EDL mode.
I executed the backup_all.ps1 script.
It echoed several "warnings" indicating that it could not find files. However, the created backup folders did in fact include those files.
I noted that none of the "A" slot files include the "_a" postfix; the "B" slot files did include "_b".
Now I needed to transfer those boot files to my device by first rebooting my device and connecting via MTP.
I noted that the original tool offered a reboot menu option (but sadly only after executing a successful operation). So, not wanting to fiddle, I used the original tool to backup my boot files, then used the menu option to reboot; On my device I then manually selected it to connect via MTP.
After transferring the "boot.img" and "boot_b.img" files to my device, and installing Magisk Manager. I patched them and transferred them back to my PC.
To "flash" (restore) the patched files I decided to cut 'n' paste the two lines regarding them from your Reference.xml file into your rawprogram-specific-files.xml file, replacing your example lines.
I executed your run_write-files.ps1 script and it completed successfully.
Not wanting to fiddle again with the hardware buttons (just so that I can get the reboot option), I backed up the patched files using the original tool and rebooted. Now my device is successfully rooted.
Thank you!
Additional notes and suggestions:
1. Can you please investigate the "false" warnings? See my (redacted) log file attached;
2. It would be great if you could create/duplicate a script within your expanded tool set (or main program) to determine and set the appropriate COMPort (and teach us non-coders the actual commands);
3. Would you also consider investigating and including a reboot device script? (It looks like the original tool calls reset.xml);
4. Note that, at the time of reporting this, the latest versions for the Manager and Magsk are 8.02 (307) and 21.0 (21000) respectively, and that I had to switch the update channel to "beta" for the patched files to pass SafetyNet;
5. Because rooting is a likely use of your tool I am attaching my modified rawprogram-specific-files.xml file which targets the boot files for convenience.
bobthenormal said:
...
Additionally.. if I ever get around to it... I plan to upload all three A9 firmware packages for the US version which can be flashed with the EDL tools in this thread....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this can help me get my A10 device to a state where I can install a custom recovery and cutom ROMs, I would appreciate it!
eKeith said:
Ok Bob I gave it a go and successfully rooted my A2020U running stock A10 v2.09. This is my experience...
Firstly, my A2020U could not connect so I used the @Unjustified Dev Tool ("original tool") to easily determine my com port (i.e. 3). I edited the your scripts accordingly (using Notepad++) and got connected.
I'd rather not fiddle with the hardware buttons to change modes so I used the CLI to "adb reboot edl" to get into EDL mode.
I executed the backup_all.ps1 script.
It echoed several "warnings" indicating that it could not find files. However, the created backup folders did in fact include those files.
I noted that none of the "A" slot files include the "_a" postfix; the "B" slot files did include "_b".
Now I needed to transfer those boot files to my device by first rebooting my device and connecting via MTP.
I noted that the original tool offered a reboot menu option (but sadly only after executing a successful operation). So, not wanting to fiddle, I used the original tool to backup my boot files, then used the menu option to reboot; On my device I then manually selected it to connect via MTP.
After transferring the "boot.img" and "boot_b.img" files to my device, and installing Magisk Manager. I patched them and transferred them back to my PC.
To "flash" (restore) the patched files I decided to cut 'n' paste the two lines regarding them from your Reference.xml file into your rawprogram-specific-files.xml file, replacing your example lines.
I executed your run_write-files.ps1 script and it completed successfully.
Not wanting to fiddle again with the hardware buttons (just so that I can get the reboot option), I backed up the patched files using the original tool and rebooted. Now my device is successfully rooted.
Thank you!
Additional notes and suggestions:
1. Can you please investigate the "false" warnings? See my (redacted) log file attached;
2. It would be great if you could create/duplicate a script within your expanded tool set (or main program) to determine and set the appropriate COMPort (and teach us non-coders the actual commands);
3. Would you also consider investigating and including a reboot device script? (It looks like the original tool calls reset.xml);
4. Note that, at the time of reporting this, the latest versions for the Manager and Magsk are 8.02 (307) and 21.0 (21000) respectively, and that I had to switch the update channel to "beta" for the patched files to pass SafetyNet;
5. Because rooting is a likely use of your tool I am attaching my modified rawprogram-specific-files.xml file which targets the boot files for convenience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! :good:
For the questions..
0. Thanks for the heads up on filenames! I completely missed that the _a files don't have the labels... As you probably noticed all the files are backed up correctly still (no missing/overwritten files), but I removed the _a from all the A slot files. That was my original "fix", so I guess I started building this package before I got annoyed by not having the _a/_b consistency. I'll update the correct XML file and upload it as a new version.
1. Don't worry about those! They're part of using the fh_loader interface. Warnings are usually just fine, ERRORS are bad. I'll add a note to the post when I get a chance so people don't get scared by that.
It's only when you do a backup the program is really only designed in the "writing" sense, for backups you literally run an identical XML to writing but you send a flag that reverses the process. So it weirdly checks if the files it is going to copy (which of course don't exist) exist, and it throws the standard warning, but then it just creates them (of course).
I can't turn those off without lowering the verbosity setting for that tool. I decided to leave it set to high because if someone has a problem and they post their log file (like so!) it's very useful to troubleshoot.
2. I'll think about it / try. Not very hard to program but a little time consuming.
I'll throw a copy of lsusb.exe in the next version. Windows port of the linux command. People can simply run that on a command prompt and it will list all the active COM ports/devices. If you're not familiar with it - you can also find out by clicking on the windows start bar or pressing the windows key and typing in "Device Manager". In the hardware list there is a category for COM ports where it lists them.
3. Yeah that's very easy I'll put one in the next version as well.
4. Helpful to know. Interesting that you needed beta to pass... I didn't think to mention I use the canary builds (not really recommended... the current one crashes when I try to hide Magisk Manager lol)
5. Thanks! Maybe I should make a directory specific to boot backup/write... but I do think anyone not comfortable doing the change you did might not want to be flashing their boot files anyway haha.. things to consider I guess.
As for getting you back from A10, definitely. I'll figure out how to upload them to one of those file sharing sites in a week or two.
In the mean time, with a backup from this tool you're safe (as far as bricking goes, you'll have to system wipe) to try rafy's EDL backup to revert to A9. I'll find the actual post... I should have been less lazy and linked it in my post lol... HERE - rafyvitto's EDL.
If flashing his backup doesn't boot right away try the tool I included to fix the bootable partition. If it still doesn't work after that (maybe mention here what happened) then just restore your backup.
Do you have the 128gb phone by chance?
Thanks much, especially for your detailed clarifications and convenient link!
I have the 8/256GB (P855A03_NA) model.
PS
I want to spend more time on ensuring I have a complete device backup before nuking with another EDL; will dedicate some time this week...
Sent from my ZTE A2020U Pro using Tapatalk
eKeith said:
Thanks much, especially for your detailed clarifications and convenient link!
I have the 8/256GB (P855A03_NA) model.
PS
I want to spend more time on ensuring I have a complete device backup before nuking with another EDL; will dedicate some time this week...
Sent from my ZTE A2020U Pro using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh nice, with the 256gb model you're good to use the userdata backup program too. Sounds ideal for you since, like me, you want a really bulletproof backup. If you run a full backup and then run the userdata backup you literally have a "phone state" so you can return your phone back to exactly where it was, not have to wipe system or anything.
Of course I'd hate to be wrong so as usual, do at your own risk! Lol. But I am using that method and it has worked great. The downside being over an hour of waiting for the userdata to download or upload... and having to store 256gb (for long term storage you can compress it down to literally a few gb).
I've been kinda busy, but working on getting some of those things from my last post done hopefully this week.
bobthenormal said:
Oh nice, with the 256gb model you're good to use the userdata backup program too. Sounds ideal for you since, like me, you want a really bulletproof backup. If you run a full backup and then run the userdata backup you literally have a "phone state" so you can return your phone back to exactly where it was, not have to wipe system or anything.
Of course I'd hate to be wrong so as usual, do at your own risk! Lol. But I am using that method and it has worked great. The downside being over an hour of waiting for the userdata to download or upload... and having to store 256gb (for long term storage you can compress it down to literally a few gb).
I've been kinda busy, but working on getting some of those things from my last post done hopefully this week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great to know! Your user data backup option has simplified my life.
I will wait for your next revision to do a full backup plus user data before nuking.
I am looking forward to moving on from ZTE's A10 to one of Ray's ROMs...
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Updated to 1.1a - kind of had to rush on some things so keep an eye out for mistakes, especially in the XML files, and let me know if you find any.
Should have an 1.09 (A9) firmware package up "Soon(TM)", just have to make the xml files then upload the file somewhere.
EDIT: Already needed to update to 1.1b - I found that the GPT_Tools had a big error that probably was there since 1.0 and no one noticed! Backups of the GPT should now actually work...
Thank you @bobthenormal !
Looking forward to your A9 EDL backup...
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
eKeith said:
Thank you @bobthenormal !
Looking forward to your A9 EDL backup...
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It's up -- see the new thread.
I didn't have time to test it so make sure you backup but I'm 99,99% sure it will work. I tested it several times in the past, but to make the firmware package I took out all the (I hope) unnecessary files.
There's one thing I'm not sure of - whether you'll need to use the Fix Bootable tool after installing it. IF you need to, then I believe you will have to install it to partition B and then run fix bootable B. (The 1.10 backup was taken originally from the B partition).
If you find that it works without having to do that, let me know... it may not be necessary if wherever that bootable flag is stored didn't get included in the firmware package.
bobthenormal said:
It's up -- see the new thread.
I didn't have time to test it so make sure you backup but I'm 99,99% sure it will work. I tested it several times in the past, but to make the firmware package I took out all the (I hope) unnecessary files.
There's one thing I'm not sure of - whether you'll need to use the Fix Bootable tool after installing it. IF you need to, then I believe you will have to install it to partition B and then run fix bootable B. (The 1.10 backup was taken originally from the B partition).
If you find that it works without having to do that, let me know... it may not be necessary if wherever that bootable flag is stored didn't get included in the firmware package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you @bobthenormal !
I should be able to give it a go this weekend and inform...
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