I have the Hong Kong variant of the Galaxy Nexus GSM (yakjuzs) running 4.0.2.
I haven't even unlocked the bootloader yet. (Stupid, I know.)
I've had the phone long enough to know "how it's supposed to behave" so that when I unlock and root a ROM I'll know if something is behaving badly, so now I'm looking to switch to the latest/greatest yakju (who comes up with these terrible names?) 4.0.4.
However, before I do so, I'd like a perfect backup of my phone 'as-is' so that if something goes horribly, horribly wrong I can get back to the 'original state'.
Now, I've done some reading around and I'm confused. It looks like I need several different kinds of backups, and I'm not even sure if all of them are going to be 'worth it'.
First, I found the Galaxy Nexus Toolkit. It only mentions the yakju variant, not my yakjuzs, but it "seems to" work for making a backup of my phone's data. I just haven't tested the backups, nor do I know how to, so I don't know if it's actually working or not.
I'm just not sure what it's backing up. It's obviously NOT backing up the ROM or radios (is there anything else it's not backing up?), and I don't know what it means by "System Apps", nor "apps data". Obviously it's backing up all the APKs I've installed from the market, etc. That part I get. What else is it backing up? (I know it's also backing up the virtual SD card if I tell it to, as long as I uninstall Google Currents first, which seems to have a directory structure that doesn't jive well with Win7.)
Secondly, I found this thread about backing up the Desire S which I'm going to take a wild guess and say that the advice given in it still applies to my phone as well: namely that a "NANDROID" backup will backup the ROM and radios and other 'stuff' on my phone that the GNT doesn't grab.
Thing is: I don't know what "Clockwork Recovery Mod" or "NANDROID" are, or where to get them. If I Google "Clockwork Recovery Mod", it takes me to this page which doesn't have anything on it called "Recovery Mod" at all. Is it the "ROM Manager" app?
A little more Googling suggests that this is true, or at least that I can get "Clockwork Recovery Mod" through that app (weird way of getting it, honestly), but I thought I'd ask here first.
Is "NANDROID" a part of CRM? I'd use this, which is the first thing that shows up when I Google 'Nandroid', but it seems to be four years old, and references phones that I might not even be able to find on eBay, so I'm thinking it's not a trustworthy source.
Of course, all of this requires root, right? I've been told this requires unlocking the Bootloader, though I do see this exploit that lets you get Root without doing that. So, basically, I can root with that exploit, then download that 'ROM Manager', use it to flash CRM over my locked Bootloader, then use that to do a NANDROID backup of my phone?
Right?
And, regarding that whole 'rooting/superuser' thing, I know that the 'standard' is to use 'superuser.apk' for root permissions for apps. I've read about SuperSU, the 'superior' superuser alternative. Does that require superuser.apk, or can it be used as a replacement for it? And if it can be a replacement for superuser.apk, does that mean I can use it *instead* of superuser.apk in that root exploit? How would I get the APK to use? Buy it on the market, and then somehow (adb pull? Is that it?) take the APK off of my phone and on to my computer?
I'm asking mostly because any app that checks for 'root permissions' (such as Google Movies Play Movies Play Play Movies or whatever it's called) apparently dislikes root permissions being available on a phone, but only checks for a file called 'superuser.apk'. If I don't have that file, no problem, right?
Finally, how do I get the 4.0.4 yakju straight-from-Google ROM? Do I need new radios for that? Where do I get those? No, I don't want AOKP or CM9.
Moleculor said:
[snip]
Of course, all of this requires root, right? I've been told this requires unlocking the Bootloader, though I do see this exploit that lets you get Root without doing that. So, basically, I can root with that exploit, then download that 'ROM Manager', use it to flash CRM over my locked Bootloader, then use that to do a NANDROID backup of my phone?
Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. Root with the exploit, install ROM Manager from the market, use ROM Manager to flash CWM recovery, boot into CWM recovery, and perform a (nandroid) backup. This will be saved in a folder in /sdcard. Now you have to pull all of the data off your phone somehow*, and save it to your computer. Then follow this guide to flash yakju 4.0.4.
*The easiest way to pull the data off your device is to boot into CWM recovery, and plug into your computer (assuming you have the drivers set up properly), open a command prompt in the directory where you have your adb.exe file, and type adb pull /data/media. This will put everything in /sdcard onto your computer.
Moleculor said:
And, regarding that whole 'rooting/superuser' thing, I know that the 'standard' is to use 'superuser.apk' for root permissions for apps. I've read about SuperSU, the 'superior' superuser alternative. Does that require superuser.apk, or can it be used as a replacement for it? And if it can be a replacement for superuser.apk, does that mean I can use it *instead* of superuser.apk in that root exploit? How would I get the APK to use? Buy it on the market, and then somehow (adb pull? Is that it?) take the APK off of my phone and on to my computer?
I'm asking mostly because any app that checks for 'root permissions' (such as Google Movies Play Movies Play Play Movies or whatever it's called) apparently dislikes root permissions being available on a phone, but only checks for a file called 'superuser.apk'. If I don't have that file, no problem, right?
Finally, how do I get the 4.0.4 yakju straight-from-Google ROM? Do I need new radios for that? Where do I get those? No, I don't want AOKP or CM9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just flash su and you will be fine. There are still some issues with supersu that have not been sorted out yet. (And by the way, the file that the apps look for is su, not Superuser.apk. Superuser.apk does not give root access - it basically acts as a firewall for apps requesting root from the su binary.)
efrant said:
Right. Root with the exploit, install ROM Manager from the market, use ROM Manager to flash CWM recovery, boot into CWM recovery, and perform a (nandroid) backup. This will be saved in a folder in /sdcard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, this is one thing I've never understood: I don't have an /sdcard, or at least I don't see it. Is this because I don't have root, and thus when I access my phone's internal storage, it's shortcutting me directly into /sdcard as if it's the root directory, thus I never see the directory /sdcard is in?
efrant said:
Now you have to pull all of the data off your phone somehow*, and save it to your computer. Then follow this guide to flash yakju 4.0.4.
*The easiest way to pull the data off your device is to boot into CWM recovery,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. Wat? I've booted into the stock bootloader once before, would I do that same process to get into CWM recovery once CWM recovery is installed? And can a CWM recovery be installed on a phone with a locked bootloader (but with root)? Or should I just bite the bullet and unlock the bootloader?
efrant said:
and plug into your computer (assuming you have the drivers set up properly), open a command prompt in the directory where you have your adb.exe file, and type adb pull /data/media. This will put everything in /sdcard onto your computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, what? Ok. I'm an ancient IBM-DOS and MS-DOS user, so I 'get' directory structures, but... where exactly is /sdcard? What's the directory structure of the phone like? Because /data/media doesn't exactly scream "/sdcard" to me.
efrant said:
Just flash su and you will be fine. There are still some issues with supersu that have not been sorted out yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aww. SuperSU looked so nifty.
efrant said:
(And by the way, the file that the apps look for is su, not Superuser.apk. Superuser.apk does not give root access - it basically acts as a firewall for apps requesting root from the su binary.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm. So if the APK were to instead look for... say... "tacolicker" instead of "su" for root access, apps that detect root would be less likely to find root access and be all DRM-y?
----
Also, I downloaded the binaries for 4.0.4 from the AOSP, including radios, drivers, etc. Do I leave them in the tarballs? (Those are called tarballs, right? The TGZ files? Only used linux for two minutes in my life, not counting this phone,) Or do I extract them first? And I'm assuming some of this goes onto my phone... somehow?
Moleculor said:
Ok, this is one thing I've never understood: I don't have an /sdcard, or at least I don't see it. Is this because I don't have root, and thus when I access my phone's internal storage, it's shortcutting me directly into /sdcard as if it's the root directory, thus I never see the directory /sdcard is in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is shortcutting you there.
Moleculor said:
Ok. Wat? I've booted into the stock bootloader once before, would I do that same process to get into CWM recovery once CWM recovery is installed? And can a CWM recovery be installed on a phone with a locked bootloader (but with root)? Or should I just bite the bullet and unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, CWM can be installed with root and a locked bootloader. What I suggested to do is root, install CWM, backup, then unlock.
Moleculor said:
Wait, what? Ok. I'm an ancient IBM-DOS and MS-DOS user, so I 'get' directory structures, but... where exactly is /sdcard? What's the directory structure of the phone like? Because /data/media doesn't exactly scream "/sdcard" to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is because /sdcard is just a symlink (linux term -- just a link/shortcut) to /data/media, which is the actual directory.
Moleculor said:
Aww. SuperSU looked so nifty.
Hm. So if the APK were to instead look for... say... "tacolicker" instead of "su" for root access, apps that detect root would be less likely to find root access and be all DRM-y?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
Moleculor said:
Also, I downloaded the binaries for 4.0.4 from the AOSP, including radios, drivers, etc. Do I leave them in the tarballs? (Those are called tarballs, right? The TGZ files? Only used linux for two minutes in my life, not counting this phone,) Or do I extract them first? And I'm assuming some of this goes onto my phone... somehow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the directions in the link I provided in my previous post. If you do that, you will need to extract everything: the tgz, the tar, and the zip inside.
efrant said:
Yes, CWM can be installed with root and a locked bootloader. What I suggested to do is root, install CWM, backup, then unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, just to completely clarify... to boot into CWM Recovery, I hold both volume buttons and turn the phone on? Or is that just the bootloader, and Recovery is something different? Or am I right, but I'm missing a step?
efrant said:
That is because /sdcard is just a symlink (linux term -- just a link/shortcut) to /data/media, which is the actual directory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S'what I thought. They use the same thing in Win7, apparently.
Thanks!
Moleculor said:
Ok, just to completely clarify... to boot into CWM Recovery, I hold both volume buttons and turn the phone on? Or is that just the bootloader, and Recovery is something different? Or am I right, but I'm missing a step?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To boot into CWM recovery (after you flash it), you can:
1) Hold both volume buttons and turn the phone on to get you into the bootloader, then scroll with the volume buttons until you see recovery and then select it with the power button; or
2) Install Quick Boot from the market. Awesome app.
---------- Post added at 10:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 PM ----------
Moleculor said:
[snip]
Also, I downloaded the binaries for 4.0.4 from the AOSP, including radios, drivers, etc. Do I leave them in the tarballs? (Those are called tarballs, right? The TGZ files? Only used linux for two minutes in my life, not counting this phone,) Or do I extract them first? And I'm assuming some of this goes onto my phone... somehow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you don't need to download the binaries. All you need to download is the IMM76D "factory images" found here: http://code.google.com/android/nexus/images.html
efrant said:
To boot into CWM recovery (after you flash it), you can:
1) Hold both volume buttons and turn the phone on to get you into the bootloader, then scroll with the volume buttons until you see recovery and then select it with the power button; or
2) Install Quick Boot from the market. Awesome app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent. Thanks. So Recovery shows up as another option in the bootloader. Or something.
efrant said:
And you don't need to download the binaries. All you need to download is the IMM76D "factory images" found here: http://code.google.com/android/nexus/images.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohh, good to know, since I downloaded both that AND the drivers. So, no drivers, just that one image. K.
Dumb question: What's 'fastboot'? I "get" adb... but what's "fastboot"?
Moleculor said:
Dumb question: What's 'fastboot'? I "get" adb... but what's "fastboot"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus devices have two interfaces: fastboot and ADB.
Fastboot commands (used via the fastboot.exe file) can only be used when your device is booted in the bootloader (or fastboot mode).
ADB commands (used via the adb.exe file, along with two .dll files) can only be used when your device is booted normally with USB Debugging enabled in your device's settings, or booted into CWM.
They each do different things. For example, fastboot allows you to unlock/re-lock your bootloader, flash images to partitions on your device, boot kernels on your device without flashing them, erase partitions, etc. ADB has a set of commands that let you interface with the OS. As well, it allows you to execute shell commands directly on the phone using adb shell.
Aha. Weird that there would be two separate interfaces... unless technically the bootloader and Android are two separate OSes?
Final questions I hope (since I have your attention)... this might actually be more appropriate in the exploit thread, but once I have root access, how do I clean up after myself? i.e. Delete the files I put into /data/local/tmp? Did I create the /tmp directory when I pushed those files onto the phone, or is there other stuff in there too?
EDIT:Scratch that, I just used cd, ls, and rm to remove the files, rmdir to remove the ../tmp directory... but now I note that /data/local is empty too. Can I safely delete that?
Does the ROM Manager ROM backup thing that I'm running (is this nandroid? I didn't have to boot into the bootloader to do it) back up the /data/local/tmp directory? If so, I think I might need to delete my ROM backup, delete those files, and rerun the backup.
It's running now. I'm assuming it's dumping everything into one file, or something?
And is this the nandroid backup thing, or is that something in the recovery mode?
Actually, where can I read about the directory structure and all what each directory is for? /data/media is the fake SD Card, obviously, so what's /data/local? Etc.
Moleculor said:
Aha. Weird that there would be two separate interfaces... unless technically the bootloader and Android are two separate OSes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think of the bootloader as the BIOS, nothing more. The recovery is like a mini OS.
Moleculor said:
Final questions I hope (since I have your attention)... this might actually be more appropriate in the exploit thread, but once I have root access, how do I clean up after myself? i.e. Delete the files I put into /data/local/tmp? Did I create the /tmp directory when I pushed those files onto the phone, or is there other stuff in there too?
EDIT:Scratch that, I just used cd, ls, and rm to remove the files, rmdir to remove the ../tmp directory... but now I note that /data/local is empty too. Can I safely delete that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you did not create the /tmp directory. And there is no harm in leaving the three files there, but feel free to remove them.
Moleculor said:
Does the ROM Manager ROM backup thing that I'm running (is this nandroid? I didn't have to boot into the bootloader to do it) back up the /data/local/tmp directory? If so, I think I might need to delete my ROM backup, delete those files, and rerun the backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, a backup in CWM is called a nandroid backup. The three files that you copied there don't matter. They can be deleted at any time, with or without root.
Moleculor said:
It's running now. I'm assuming it's dumping everything into one file, or something?
And is this the nandroid backup thing, or is that something in the recovery mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's creating a backup and storing it in /clockworkmod/backup/
Moleculor said:
Actually, where can I read about the directory structure and all what each directory is for? /data/media is the fake SD Card, obviously, so what's /data/local? Etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in these forums. When I first started, I spent hours reading before I attempted anything.
Related
After a lot of work I was finally able to get my phone rooted and nand unlocked. Now I'm in the process of updating my radio/wimax to the latest versions from here. I am going to give Fresh 0.5.3 a try as well. However, before anything, what files can I remove from my sdcard post-rooting?
I currently have on my sdcard. What can be removed?
recovery.img
PC36IMG.zip
flash_image
part1
part2
In addition, after I install Fresh 0.53 and the radio/wimax, can I remove those files as well?
Thanks in advance guys...
Q&A
edit: Keep flash_image on the sd card
Wrong Section
So I just need to keep flash_image?
Now, isn't the recovery.img important in getting the wipe/etc menu?
akarol said:
So I just need to keep flash_image?
Now, isn't the recovery.img important in getting the wipe/etc menu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of that stuff was flashed onto your phone. You no longer need the files on your SD card.
flash_image you keep because it is handy.
I see. Now... pardon my ignorance... but what does flash_image allow me to do exactly?
akarol said:
I see. Now... pardon my ignorance... but what does flash_image allow me to do exactly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash_image is the file that allows you to flash a recovery, kernel, etc. As the name implies, it can take an image (.img) file and write/flash it onto your phone.
So basically the flash_image is the file that allows access to that white boot screen that comes up when you hold Power + Vol Down to reboot?! If I delete that file, that's not going to come up anymore? What about the recovery menu? Is that engraved into the image of the device now?!
no, don't worry about it. You most likely wont need it again so you can get rid of it. You can always download it again later.
akarol said:
So basically the flash_image is the file that allows access to that white boot screen that comes up when you hold Power + Vol Down to reboot?! If I delete that file, that's not going to come up anymore? What about the recovery menu? Is that engraved into the image of the device now?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash_image is not the file you're talking about. All flash_image does is allow you to flash an image file. It will NOT remove your recovery or the "white" menu you're talking about.
elegantai said:
no, don't worry about it. You most likely wont need it again so you can get rid of it. You can always download it again later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the depending on what ROM you have, the flash_image file should be already on the phone (/system/bin -- at least on DC ROM), if I remember correctly. You can delete it, but if you ever want to flash a kernel and your phone isn't able to understand the flash_image command, you'll know that you need that file back on your phone.
I am using Fresh 0.53. Does that have that file implemented already? Is it safe to remove?
NVM, apparently I have flash_image on /system/bin as well. Removed from /sdcard/ then.
Thanks guys!
So I'm not fluent in the linux terminal. I'm basically illiterate, deaf and dumb. So here I am trying to root using toasts tutorial, How To Root The HTC EVO ~ Part-1 \0/
the forum won't let me post links yet., and apparently the software here thinks some part of the code I'm posting is a link.
Anyway I'm at this step,
- At this point it will boot into a rooted rom.
- YOU ARE NOW ROOT!!!
- rename the PC36IMG.zip on your sdcard:
- plug your phone into a usb port on your desktop and do:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may be root but I had a problem and had to redo this step... my sdcard was not being recognized. After reflashing/ updating I was able to access it again.
Now this rename the zip file step... I'm thinking if I rename it the code I'm supposed to enter isn't going to work. What should I rename it to?
How should I enter this code? first off my sd card isn't called sdcard it's called an 8 digit number.
I tried this (can't post the code for some reason) without changing the name of the zip file. I'm thinking I don't have the locations right because I know the file is in there.
I need some direction to get to the next step.
Thanks
Mods please move this thread....
to wherever it will get the most or correct exposure. Sorry if I put it in the wrong place.
i have no idea what your doing...i rooted via the unREVOked method...i had to downgrade to 2.1, then actually root...can u send me a PM with what tutorial your following? and also the current info you have for your phone, like what its running (2.1 or 2.2) and stuff of that nature.... we shall see if i can help, not sure but its worth a shot
okay form what i read you have already flashed the .zip. Make sure you clear your data and cache as these will cause boot loops if not cleared. Also you can rename the .zip to anything you want, this just makes it so the bootloader does not try to install the .zip a second time.
oshizzle1991 said:
i have no idea what your doing...i rooted via the unREVOked method...i had to downgrade to 2.1, then actually root...can u send me a PM with what tutorial your following? and also the current info you have for your phone, like what its running (2.1 or 2.2) and stuff of that nature.... we shall see if i can help, not sure but its worth a shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running 2.1. I never upgraded. The tutorial I'm following is in thread #690762 I'll try to pm the link but I don't think they'll let me. I thought unrevoked wasn't a full root. I want to unlock nand. I'm also using Ubuntu here, not windows.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=690762
nfaust01 said:
okay form what i read you have already flashed the .zip. Also you can rename the .zip to anything you want, this just makes it so the bootloader does not try to install the .zip a second time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice looks like I'm allowed to put up links now... Thanks!
Yes I flashed the .zip my phone called it "updating" when it was going on.
Make sure you clear your data and cache as these will cause boot loops if not cleared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I do that from the boot menu?
Also you can rename the .zip to anything you want, this just makes it so the bootloader does not try to install the .zip a second time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just removed the .zip part. What is the point of the next step, which I couldn't get to work, if I rename the file?
Code:
adb shell mv /sdcard/PC36IMG.zip /sdcard/root-PC36IMG.zip
Well I guess I'm going to start over and wait for the latest unrevoked to come back out. Thanks to everyone that tried to help. "NO ROOT FOR YOU!"
You have a lot to learn....
First of all, don't rename the sdcard, rename pc36img.zip. Just rename it to anything you want so boat loader doesn't recognize it and try to update itself. Next, you aren't utilizing root. You do have a rooted boot loader, but you are still using a protected recovery and rom. Install a custom recovery and flash a new rom so you can be cool.
dkdude36 said:
First of all, don't rename the sdcard, rename pc36img.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I know I have a lot to learn. I didn't rename the sdcard, that wasn't possible. I figured part of the problem with getting this to work was the path. My sdcard wasn't called sdcard it was called some 8 digit number. I eventually worked around pushing the file to the sd card by installing the phone as a drive and dragging the file to the sdcard.
Just rename it to anything you want so boat loader doesn't recognize it and try to update itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After I rebooted and updated/ flashed the file, I renamed the file on the sdcard by removing the .zip. I did this via disk drive on my laptop because I wasn't getting anywhere with the command line.
Again this part didn't make any sense to me, not that most of it does, but what was the point of the next command in the directions if I renamed the file?
Next, you aren't utilizing root. You do have a rooted boot loader, but you are still using a protected recovery and rom. Install a custom recovery and flash a new rom so you can be cool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right "I have a lot to learn" I thought following the directions in toasts tutorial step by step would have gotten me to that point. I didn't realize I was just supposed to skip stuff when I run into problems. That kinda seems like what your telling me to do. I thought all of the commands were important.
I was hoping you had some follow up insight dkdude.
if you still on 2.1, try this method (just make sure the files aren't corrupted)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=741294
I do not know why you say this...
MOD EDIT: Rooters beware. Proceed with extreme caution, as these are highly uncharted waters.
Hi,
I am here to provide you a new method in rooting your xoom, it does not require to flash the decrypted boot.img image.
I have tried it only on my Wifi XOOM, which is a UK version. (With a Japan version of ROM, downloaded from Motodev and upgrade to 3.1)
***EDIT***
I have also tried on a HK 3g xoom (which shows MZ601 in MTP but MZ602 in fastboot). It works without any problem, and internal storage preserved untouched.
===============================================================
I am NOT a xoom developer, nor a rom cook. I am just a user of xoom, which know
a little on developing and are willing to try new things.
So, I can not be sure that the method below works on your device. By following the
things below, your xoom may have a chance to brick.
I am not responsible for any brick or mulfunction device.
===============================================================
To root your xoom, you should start with flashing your device with the clockworkmod recovery (Please refer to the post by solarnz).
After flashing the clockworkmod recovery, do the following.
1. Download the attached ROOT.zip, place it on the root directory of the external sd card, and rename it to update.zip
2. Restart your device to the recovery by:
Type "adb reboot recovery" from your pc
OR press volumn down ~2 seconds after the motorola logo appears when the device starts,
then volumn up when "-->Android recovery" appears.
3. Apply the update in the recovery.
That's it. Your device should be already rooted.
=======================================================================
I am not the inventor of the method, I think about this since I have a Samsung i9000,
and the method of rooting the i9000 is by applying a update.zip file.
I have created the ROOT.zip file by changing the i9000 root zip file with the newer su and superuser.apk (From here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1010568)
I have also changed the updater-script in order to let the updater mount the correct partition for the update.
I am not sure if this update applies to other devices (especially for the 3g ones). This should work if the system partition have name "/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/system".
I would like to thank solarnz for providing the clockmodwork recovery for xoom,
the one who invented the method of rooting the i9000 with a update.zip (I cannot find who make that, sorry...),
and also Xaositek for providing the su and superuser.apk files (I am too lazy to find it by myself...).
========================================================================
That's all. Please try on your device (especially for those stock 3.2) if you would like to take some risk, and report if it is success or not.
Thanks.
eddielo said:
Hi,
I am here to provide you a new method in rooting your xoom, it does not require to flash the decrypted boot.img image.
I have tried it only on my Wifi XOOM, which is a UK version. (With a Japan version of ROM, downloaded from Motodev and upgrade to 3.1)
===============================================================
I am NOT a xoom developer, nor a rom cook. I am just a user of xoom, which know
a little on developing and are willing to try new things.
So, I can not be sure that the method below works on your device. By following the
things below, your xoom may have a chance to brick.
I am not responsible for any brick or mulfunction device.
===============================================================
To root your xoom, you should start with flashing your device with the clockworkmod recovery (Please refer to the post by solarnz).
After flashing the clockworkmod recovery, do the following.
1. Download the attached ROOT.zip, place it on the root directory of the external sd card, and rename it to update.zip
2. Restart your device to the recovery by:
Type "adb reboot recovery" from your pc
OR press volumn down ~2 seconds after the motorola logo appears when the device starts,
then volumn up when "-->Android recovery" appears.
3. Apply the update in the recovery.
That's it. Your device should be already rooted.
=======================================================================
I am not the inventor of the method, I think about this since I have a Samsung i9000,
and the method of rooting the i9000 is by applying a update.zip file.
I have created the ROOT.zip file by changing the i9000 root zip file with the newer su and superuser.apk (From here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1010568)
I have also changed the updater-script in order to let the updater mount the correct partition for the update.
I am not sure if this update applies to other devices (especially for the 3g ones). This should work if the system partition have name "/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/system".
I would like to thank solarnz for providing the clockmodwork recovery for xoom,
the one who invented the method of rooting the i9000 with a update.zip (I cannot find who make that, sorry...),
and also Xaositek for providing the su and superuser.apk files (I am too lazy to find it by myself...).
========================================================================
That's all. Please try on your device (especially for those stock 3.2) if you would like to take some risk, and report if it is success or not.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you flash cwm if your device if locked? Also the purpose of the rooted boot.img is to allow you to mount your device for adb commands.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
yeah no offense but this sounds a little sketch... I see you make a quote at the bottom asking people to report success if they try... I personally would not try this.
Unlocking and rooting is really not that hard and not very time consuming using current methods
Of course, for installing CWM, you have to unlock your device by using "fastboot oem unlock", but that will not brick your device anyway.
For this method, you do not need to issue adb commands to root your device, so no need to have a modified boot.img.
Also, for the current rooting methods, it is not 100% work on some device (like the HK 3g version, which reported missing of internal storage after rooting with currently available method), I would like to see if this work on that.
Rooters beware. Proceed with extreme caution, as these are highly uncharted waters.
eddielo said:
For this method, you do not need to issue adb commands to root your device, so no need to have a modified boot.img.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you missed my point. Rooted boot.img isn't used for rooting. Its used for adb commands like adb remount. Say i want to adb push a file to my xoom, ls a directory on my xoom, or adb rename system files. Those are all reason you need the rooted boot.img.
Sorry, this is not a rooting method. All what this is doing is flashing su, busybox and Superuser.apk.
There is more to rooting a device than this. You also need an insecure boot image.
I am sorry if I do not catch the real meaning of rooting a device.
What I think of rooting is to let my device, starting from everything stock, untouched, to a state that applications that need root, like Titanium backup or root explorer, works without problem.
I have tried on my two devices with this method, titanium backup works perfectly, root explorer can remount the system partition to rw and can successfully copy files and delete files from that.
The insecure boot.img image, as far as I know, provides everyone to use "adb remount" and make changes to the system directory. But my method do not need adb in copying the binaries and chmod them. You may call it flashing, but after that, su works without problem.
Please, try it first. If you think it is not a method of rooting, I am sorry about that.
Actually guys, don't dismiss him just yet, over in the Galaxy S II forums we only flash insecured images long enough to root the OS then flash back to a secure one, so you have root access but no remount or system r/w.
It's a (fairly) legitimate method and is exactly how I rooted my xoom this time round, well not exactly, I did it like this:
unlock
flash solarnz CWM
adb mount system r/w
push su and busybox
reboot
install superuser from market
done
This is how most people run their GSII and means you can use root apps but no insecure boot image (because the GSII shows a warning on every boot with insecure images and keeps a binary flash counter, cheeky samsung).
This will at least get you to the point where you can su from within android and dump your boot image to modify it yourself, which is what I just did to update my Euro 3G root guide.
So does this mean just "rooted".....like can't flash a rom?
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
roughneckboren said:
So does this mean just "rooted".....like can't flash a rom?
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting has nothing to do with installing a rom. To install a rom, you just need to unlock and fastboot flash CWM. This guide in noway helps you flash a rom.
alias_neo said:
Actually guys, don't dismiss him just yet, over in the Galaxy S II forums we only flash insecured images long enough to root the OS then flash back to a secure one, so you have root access but no remount or system r/w.
It's a (fairly) legitimate method and is exactly how I rooted my xoom this time round, well not exactly, I did it like this:
unlock
flash solarnz CWM
adb mount system r/w
push su and busybox
reboot
install superuser from market
done
This is how most people run their GSII and means you can use root apps but no insecure boot image (because the GSII shows a warning on every boot with insecure images and keeps a binary flash counter, cheeky samsung).
This will at least get you to the point where you can su from within android and dump your boot image to modify it yourself, which is what I just did to update my Euro 3G root guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without an rooted boot.img your recovery will get wiped out every time you boot the OS.
So will this let you make a titanium backup of your data? That way you could recover your data after using the regular unlock method that erases everything?
silvinoa said:
So will this let you make a titanium backup of your data? That way you could recover your data after using the regular unlock method that erases everything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and NO...
Yes this method will allow you to run titanium backup. But to use this method you have to unlock, which erases everything.
I would like create a backup (of my entire system including boot image, data and system partitions. Is there any way I can do this without the CWM. The main reason is that I could return the phone to the original state in case if I have to return for service.
For my knowledge (and i have no knoledge! ) samsung accept rooted device on service (otherwise if the phone has broken screen it is not accepted)...but, if i were you, i would install cwm and make a nandroid backup of the whole system. If you want to have all of google system images(to restore original stock) you could set your sdk environment http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html and download google images (bootloader, rom, radio) and put in a safe place (the SDK supply adb/fasboot which are tools that you would use to restore the google's files). that's the thread with these contents: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1366806 That's the standard (so yours) original stock files from google actually on your phone!
and also i advise you to follow these steps to save your /EFS partition (you never know) before flashing custom things, BUT IT REQUIRES ROOT: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1352371
BUT, if you don't want to install cwm, you could also see here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1392310
Thank you. If I am right, msskip's tools will install the CWM onto my phone as well. I have just come across a guide for back-up without CWM <http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420351>. I am just not quite sure if it is the same full back-up as I get for the Nandriod or CWM. Does anyone have any experience with this?
The post you linked doens' backup /boot partition and recovery. So you can backup only /system and /data; you can obtain these EXACTLY files just downloading the google system (4.0.1 - 4.0.2 - 4.0.3) files (*.img estension) and you have the same result, plus you can get bootloader.img and recovery (evrything stock, meaning samsung galaxy nexus stock files)...these are in the post i linked and are the stock google images and these are the files that our phones has inside (also including system.img).
that' the explanation why i think that is basically useless to make a backup of /system and /data for warranty purpose, because google (or first phone users in november when the phone came out on the market) provied all .img that you need to revert (using fastboot) anytime your phone to a stock 'new'phone (which is your now, so in warranty!). Make, instead, a backup for the files and apps (apk) (usually /data) that you need if you want to try custom roms and then if you are not satisfied get back to stock...
To answer to your question, no is not the same kind of backup, you will lack /boot and recovery.
adding that you can use adb to generate .img by
Code:
cat /proc/mtd
and you will have a fs table with adresses (i have no phone now so cannot provide), then using dd (assuming boot is on mtd2):
Code:
dd if=/dev/mtd/mtd2 of=/sdcard/boot-stock.img bs=2048
and also use this for recovery partition...never tried for system and data partition (but could work, i'm not sure so not do that in this way, wait more knowing-knoledge people and also never tried on ics but, just ginger remembering...dont' know if it's the same in this new system)
but this process make use of
Code:
adb shell
su
the second one requires root....
as of now, i dont' now any method not involving root to make these things but as i stated at first post, i don't know anything
Thank you. I am wondering if the image file you have provided is for yakjuux. I have come across many posts that if I get the wrong baseband, the phone will not work correctly.
post, please, your baseband version which you can find on settings->phone info->basedand version in your phone; mine is 19250xxkl1 that i have recently updated from xxkk1 (the stock one)
My Build # is ITL41F I9250 UGKL1 and the kernel is 3.0.1-ga052f63 [email protected] #1.
Do you think you have a image of this? Thanks.
As far is i know, you have a GSM version of Galaxy Nexus. So it's safe to grab google image of /system, /boot and for the radio grab UGKL1 radio/baseband version. To better answear it's better to know also you bootloader version (which probably is primekk15): you can view this by going on bootloader on you phone doing this:
1 setup android sdk environment (include fastboot) for your pc system (windows-linux-osx)
2 enter in the settings menu of the phone and tic the 'debug usb'
3 attach the phone to the pc and let it recognize your phone (windows-osx), for linux install udev that already are in your distrib/repo
4 (assuming you are on windows) on pc... start/run/ cmd: the the terminal open up and go in your android-sdk directory, enter and then go to platform-tools; there is adb command, run: adb reboot bootloader
this will restart your phone in the bootloader menu. There, you have all of information you need...just write here your bootloader version (to have a confirmation) to understand which versione you need to download and put in a safe place in case of warranty-need...
Then wait someone better than me that knows how to make backup of all partitions without root (without exploit i think it's difficult to grant su access on the standard ics system); if there is no such possibility, just root, install cwm and do a nandroid backup and then trasnferr on a safe place on your place and you are good to go to try modding.....
now i need sleep as here is 8 in the morning and finishing compilemy l701x kernel which weight 3,4 mb lzo compressed, fine tuning.....good nite,ehm,good mornig..mmm... good is enough
Thank you. It takes some time to download the packages.
The Bootloader shows the following
Product Name: Tuna
Variant: Maguro
HW Version: 9
Bootloader Verson: Primekk14
Baseband Version: I9250UGKL1
Carrier Info: None
Signing: Production
What would be the appropriate to donload. Do you have their respective link? Thank you for your ongoing support.
Would anyone with experience please provide me with inputs if:
1. there is any way to back-up without root
OR
2. the phone has to be rooted, is there any way to have a program residing in my computer iso the phone (CWM in this case).
OR
3. there is any way to remove CWM and other rooted apps before I use GNex Toolkit to relock the phone.
Thanks.
Here you go:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420351
Would anyone with experience please help?
I am struggling with the same issue. Restoring the nandroid, removing su and superuser.apk and then relocking the bootloader actually brings the phone to quite factory looking mode (except for timestamps in system)
I wonder if it is possible to pull dump of system the same way it is done for boot and recovery.
Guys - it is pretty trivial to restore all partitions you would be modifying to factory conditions because Google provides the factory images for which you can use fastboot to restore. You don't even need to be unlocked much less rooted or have CWM installed because the Google images are official and have the correct signatures.
As for making image copies of your phones partitions this cannot be done w/o root access because these partitions are only available to root. If you are rooted you can use a utility such as dd on the phone to copy the partitions.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
silow said:
Guys - it is pretty trivial to restore all partitions you would be modifying to factory conditions because Google provides the factory images for which you can use fastboot to restore. You don't even need to be unlocked much less rooted or have CWM installed because the Google images are official and have the correct signatures.
As for making image copies of your phones partitions this cannot be done w/o root access because these partitions are only available to root. If you are rooted you can use a utility such as dd on the phone to copy the partitions.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google provides yakju images only. Phones here in Canada come with yakjuux which is even 4.0.1. It will be pretty obvious you have thinkered with your phone if you return it with yakju image instead the original one.
As for root - I think it might not be necesary - I was able to do nandroid backup without flashing neither recovery or root to my system by simply unlocking the boot loader and booting CWM off fastboot. I am thinking can we dd while in CWM (flash of phone still intact - except of bootloader which is not an issue since it can be relocked)
Anyone have the dd syntax handy and the partition that needs to be dumped?
system partition seems to be /dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.0/by-name/system (this is the df output after I mounted it in CWM)
Would the dd command be something like
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.0/by-name/system of=/sdcard/yakjuux.img
CWM provides you "root" because it has the su binaries in the ramdisk.
You can run the following when booted into CWM since CWM will mount /data:
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p10 of=/data/media/system.img
leobg said:
[snip]
Anyone have the dd syntax handy and the partition that needs to be dumped?
system partition seems to be /dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.0/by-name/system (this is the df output after I mounted it in CWM)
Would the dd command be something like
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.0/by-name/system of=/sdcard/yakjuux.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that may work. The output file may be padded with extra zeros, so you may need to trim them before flashing (this is certainly the case when you dump the radio).
EDIT: I would probably use this instead (although I am not sure it will make a difference:
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.0/by-name/system of=/data/media/yakjuux.img
efrant said:
I think that may work. The output file may be padded with extra zeros, so you may need to trim them before flashing (this is certainly the case when you dump the radio).
EDIT: I would probably use this instead (although I am not sure it will make a difference:
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.0/by-name/system of=/data/media/yakjuux.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that was what I actually ended up doing since /sdcard was a sym link to /data/media. Resulting file is 654MB uncompressed. I wonder how can I easily check if content is right on a win machine.
---------- Post added at 09:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:37 PM ----------
silow said:
CWM provides you "root" because it has the su binaries in the ramdisk.
You can run the following when booted into CWM since CWM will mount /data:
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p10 of=/data/media/system.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I meant it's not necessary to make any changes on the filesystem to achieve it once bootloader lock is off. And by simply relocking the device after, there are zero traces of any 'hackery' being done on the phone.
leobg said:
Yes, that was what I actually ended up doing since /sdcard was a sym link to /data/media. Resulting file is 654MB uncompressed. I wonder how can I easily check if content is right on a win machine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is obviously some extra padding in there, as the file size should be closer to half that size uncompressed.
---------- Post added at 09:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:51 AM ----------
leobg said:
[snip]
And by simply relocking the device after, there are zero traces of any 'hackery' being done on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why so many people are worried about "traces of hackery". I can't speak from personal experience, but many Nexus One owners (if not all of who have attempted), had NO issues returning devices to HTC that were unlocked... Remember, the N1 did not have a relockable bootloader, so they obviously knew you were messing around.
You don't have to FLASH CWM to USE CWM.
Just BOOT CWM. Simple.
Hi,
I am going to unlock my Arc S BL. I read many here, but need some clarifications:
My goal is to have XUHD 5.0.1 with suggested kernel (Lupus). Right now I have XUHD 3 (with mod), phone is rooted (I did it somehow:laugh. It got slow and buggy after a while, so I need to refresh it totally.
THE PLAN:
1. Unlock BL using SE Bootloader Unlocking v1.6 by quangnhut123 (seems easier for a newbie than "sony" way, not mentioning the test point one).
2. Using the same tool flash LuPuS Kernel Stock.
Now to be confirmed: All I have to do is to enter IMEI and select file LuPuS_anzu_Stock-iCsv16-full.img. Done?
What would I get after that? Shell I turn on the phone as usual (and it is supposed to run as normal, maybe fresh)?
Should I remove my SD card while doing steps 1-2? Is the contentt of the SD card erased after the process?
Gaps - totally new to me - should I do something with them?
3. Flash the ROM. Well I did it earlies and it worked, so I believe when I will get confirmatoion of above I might succeed.
To be confirmed: to "make phone as new" - what pratition should I wipe? I am going to backup everything possible earlier.
I would like to add my own ringtone. How to do that? (I was told it can be done after installing ROM - via CWM - need suggestions...)
Do I miss something? Do I have to check anything before I start (dont want to finish with not working device...)
Any help would be VERY appreciated.
big thanks in advance.
tman_pl said:
1. Unlock BL using SE Bootloader Unlocking v1.6 by quangnhut123 (seems easier for a newbie than "sony" way, not mentioning the test point one).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the "sony" way but all the process is done with this app. You lose same features as with the "sony" way.
tman_pl said:
Now to be confirmed: All I have to do is to enter IMEI and select file LuPuS_anzu_Stock-iCsv16-full.img. Done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Put phone into fastboot mode, enter IMEI, then get unlock code, then unlock BL, then select the file and flash the kernel.
tman_pl said:
What would I get after that? Shell I turn on the phone as usual (and it is supposed to run as normal, maybe fresh)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get unlocked bootloader, custom kernel installed. When you have installed the custom kernel, enter Recovery (press Volume Down button many times during kernel boot logo), wipe the necessary partitions (depends on the ROM) and install new ROM.
tman_pl said:
Should I remove my SD card while doing steps 1-2? Is the contentt of the SD card erased after the process?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessary. No SD Data is touched during this process. Unlocking bootloader though does remove all data from your phone inside (not SD), so make backups if necessary.
tman_pl said:
Gaps - totally new to me - should I do something with them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gapps stand for Google Apps. They are only required, if you install non-stock based ROM (CyanogenMod aka CM or any other).
tman_pl said:
3. Flash the ROM. Well I did it earlies and it worked, so I believe when I will get confirmatoion of above I might succeed.
To be confirmed: to "make phone as new" - what pratition should I wipe? I am going to backup everything possible earlier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For most ROMs, you need to wipe /data, /cache and /system. Non-stock based may require you to not wipe /system.
tman_pl said:
I would like to add my own ringtone. How to do that? (I was told it can be done after installing ROM - via CWM - need suggestions...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is on your SD card, your phone can find it. Alternatively, you can put it to /system/media/audio/ringtones folder with any file explorer, that can edit system directory (I personally use ES File Explorer).
tman_pl said:
Do I miss something? Do I have to check anything before I start (dont want to finish with not working device...)[/B]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems fine for now, nothing that I can think of.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, your help is very appreciated. All issues adressed perfectly:highfive:!
I am downloading the tools and backing up data (want to format as much as possible)..
Someguyfromhell said:
If it is on your SD card, your phone can find it. Alternatively, you can put it to /system/media/audio/ringtones folder with any file explorer, that can edit system directory (I personally use ES File Explorer).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason to put it to device memory instead of card one it that when phone is connected to PC in mass storage mode it switches the default ringtone (phone does not have acces to the card)
Well, I did try copy to devuce filesystem, but I get Read Only file system warning, no files copied. I used ES with root permission. I was told it can be done by flashing, but dont know how to do that..
BIG, BIG thanks for your help
tman_pl said:
The reason to put it to device memory instead of card one it that when phone is connected to PC in mass storage mode it switches the default ringtone (phone does not have acces to the card)
Well, I did try copy to devuce filesystem, but I get Read Only file system warning, no files copied. I used ES with root permission. I was told it can be done by flashing, but dont know how to do that..
BIG, BIG thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open ES File Explorer, press the Menu button, make sure Root Explorer is turned on, then click on Root Explorer, Mount R/W, make sure /system is set to RW.
SUPERB, thanks again. Working like a charm.
I backed up all I needed. I started SE Bootloader Unlockin Tool, but after I enter my IMEI and hit Get Unlock Code the text-area where the code should appear chnaged color to light-gray only, and nothing more.
I am running win764 if matters...
Should I proceed as told? (hit unlock BL even if Unlock code is not displayed?
I sould I get the code via http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/, paste it and than proceed?
tman_pl said:
SUPERB, thanks again. Working like a charm.
I backed up all I needed. I started SE Bootloader Unlockin Tool, but after I enter my IMEI and hit Get Unlock Code the text-area where the code should appear chnaged color to light-gray only, and nothing more.
I am running win764 if matters...
Should I proceed as told? (hit unlock BL even if Unlock code is not displayed?
I sould I get the code via http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/, paste it and than proceed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes get the code from official website
Cheers,
AJ
yep, I got the code from website, But I woder wheter I should use SE BU to unlock if it doesnt get the code properly...?
Well... I will try... What I need is the flashing kernel button
All swept, but I used SEBU with the code I got from official site.
And it seems it all worked!
Just installed the rom and can see configuration screen.
BIG thanks to ALL
delete
well easy to do it