Abdroid tv box T9 RK3318 2gb ram 16gb rom stuck on TV logo after unroot with superSU - Philips, Sony, TCL Android TV

Hi all!
Some days ago I urooted my TV android tv box with superSU and then I restarted it. From that moment when I plug the device it only reach the T9 logo (not the android one) and don't go further.
I've tried different ways to try to unstuck it, but nothing has worked.
I tried:
- enter recovery boot by holding the button in the av hole -> nothing happens
- install new firmware with adb sideload with both ubuntu and windows 10 -> always get errors (often error: closed, sometime other errors that at the moment don't remember)
- install new firmware with sd card using SDCard Installer -> the device doesn't boot when the sd is inserted
Moreover, with adb in ubuntu sometimes it recognises the device and I can enter the adb shell (but obtain errors when try any tipe of command), and sometimes don't (after adb devices I see list of attached devices: ??????????????? offline)
Now I'm thinking to try to install an ubuntu like on an usb pendrive...
I will be very grateful of any help/suggestion to how to revive my device :fingers-crossed:
Thank you!!!

Does this happen to be a pendoo model? I have a pendoo x10 MAX and i actually simply just installed supersu while it was rooted. Since then, I haven't gotten this thing to boot. Just stays on the boot screen the entire way. I wiped in recovery, knew that'd do nothing. I just wanted a root MANAGER. I tried Magisk, my favorite.. no go.. so then I went a bit old school.. so I tried ChainFire's SuperSU.. and THAT updated the SU binary! It said it succeeded.. it asked to do recovery install or normal install.. on phones, I've always done normal.. so I chose normal. Plus.. this thing has no custom recovery. I found it on Amazon. Overpriced, but great with the controller it had. It looks like I'll need a replacement and maybe a request to ask this guy if he could possibly NOT use something like KingRoot/KingoRoot/AmaraRoot or ANY One click root tool.. they just cause more bloatware, inciting boot issues and problems within the Android box itself. These One Click Root tools are out of control. It's to the point where I need to find a way in to adb and find the firmware for the latest version of this thing... X10Max from Pendoo.. I have not found a thing anywhere regarding firmware, and their website is ****. NOTHING *anywhere* on these things.. hell I'm about to return it as I bought it for $72. I have another one, same model.. wondering if the root method was different. About to boot that up and find out. I'll even swap the board. At this point.. he rooted it.. the WRONG way.. you can MOUNT THE /SYSTEM PARTITION IN RECOVERY. THIS IS ANDROID 9 we're talking about--the recovery supported by API v3.
This can and should have a TWRP custom recovery. If none exists, don't bother. As long as you can mount /system then you have a chance, at least, to root the damn thing.. which is why I'm still messing with it. I have another two weeks to return it. I'll give it another couple of days before I call it off and just switch out the good board for the bad one, return it, then return the other one and just use it until I find a way to use a custom recovery on this thing. There has to be.. unless there is no firmware available in sight (for an RK3318 or 3328, can't tell.. recovery mode says 3328, model name says RK3318. I see no difference at the moment aside from processor naming at this point--maybe speed?)
I'm still a nub with Android TV boxes so don't hold it against me for updating the damn root binary. If I could find a way to just reinstall the entire firmware and delete all previous stuff, I would. It would be worth it to learn. I would then mount /system in recovery and soldier on.
One little issue with this thing.. there's only one USB port that actually works. Same applies for the same exact product, a replication of the same thing.. was a "replacement" that still have/has the same qualities.
I've ranted enough. I vote more research into RK33xx processors and possible custom recoveries. I'm about to look for it based on only the device itself.
Note: Been stuck at boot screen ever since the binary was updated. I felt it was necessary to have a boot manager. I don't know where to even find the firmware. Can.. anyone point me in any direction? Something that MIGHT work on this thing? Android 6 or 7 would even suffice, return or no return, as "stuck on boot screen" will be my complaint. That's.. the actual complaint. I can't just *flash it* like the old days.. and maybe the original Android 9.0 firmware would suffice.. I don't know, but Pendoo.. wouldn't that be preferred?

You will need an SDcard to recover this box. I think the T9 32GB 4GB rom will do the job since its a cut down version.
Make a update SDcard and pop it in and power on the box. It will start the recovery on its own.

hello, sorry for my English I live in France I would have a question about the box: TV T9 RK3318, 4gb / 64gb. the problem is that the time is desynchronized on restart and creates problems to connect to applications when the time is out of order, I tried everything changed the time zone to deactivate and entered the time Manual it goes out of order all the time . is there a custom version or a version 10?

Very cook did I checked this out awhile back alot of good information that's for your contribution

Related

TCT-Alcatel Move

Hi XDA geeks , pros and fans !
I'd like to start this new threadline concerning the freshly-appeared TCT MOVE handheld device marketed for the budget segment.As i understand it appeared in march or later this year and has quite good specs for the approx. 100 euro category.
Some details can be found on
http://alcatelonetouch.com/products/smartphones/move
Contrarily to some beliefs IT IS NOT a branded OT-908 ,rather a cosmetized one .It comes in black or silver / white , a bit heavy for it's size , and higher specs than the OT-908.
Concerning the hardware specs, i'll be coming back later with some accurate chipset and sensor details.For now
OS is Android Froyo v2.2.2.Looks like there will be official ROM updates,at the time being there is the OneTouch Upgrade v1.2 ,which downloads about 540 Mb chunked firmware files, and exits with error.
Memory is 512 Mb RAM , for user space is available about 300 Mb
512 Mb ROM flash, available to user about 160Mb.
SD card slot supports up to 32Gb MicroSD, the phone comes with a 2Gb one.
Camera is a 2.1Mpixel one.There is no secondary one,but the main camera is available for video calls,with Yahoo! Messenger i tested it myself.How to use it this way i will explain later.
GPS is amazing , if assistance software is used , the lock-on takes only seconds.
Sensors - linear acceleration sensor
- 3 axis orientation sensor
- 3 channel magnetic field sensor (digital compass)
- light sensor for illuminance detection
- optical proximity sensor , it seems not in use by operating system(or rather poorly)
Processor - 600 MHz Qualcomm ARMv6 compatible, min frequency is 122 Mhz, and deep sleep capability.Qualcomm MSM 7627 chipset
rooting ?
hi djada80.i should like to ask if you managed to root your phone ?
Yeah , it's quite simple.There are in the Android Market some free apps , i think the best which i also use is the one named Ginger Break.Just download and install it.Detailed usage info can be found here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1044765
firmware upgrade
it seems that the branded ones somehow cannot be upgraded ! at this point i need assistance , so PLEASE , if there is anybody experienced in debranding Acatel smartphones, then YOU ARE MOST WELCOME !.I saw guys having problem with debranding T-Mobile Move , so let's DO IT !
cannot sync with windows
i cannot sync my tmobile move with windows.have a toshiba satellite c665 with win 7 .pls help !
connect phone to computer,enable usb tethering.install alcatel android manager on computer. Can be found here
alcatelonetouch.com/contents/download/T-Mobile_AndroidManager_2.2.1108.1645.rar
This should work,instead of Android Sync Manager WiFi ,the last has some issues with this phone ,do not use it.
Yahoo! messenger front camera
Contrarily to some beliefs THERE IS POSSIBLE TO MAKE VIDEO CALLS with front camera only on Froyo 2.2.It is quite simple:
1.) if you have any version of yahoo apps , remove them all
2.) install Y!Messenger v1.3.2 , the afferent audio and video plugin and
optionally Y!Mail v1.3.2
Nothing fancy with it , just works.Remember, DO NOT UPDATE from Market.
Might also check this,if it doesn't work
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1087769
remove bundled apps ?
Hi !
Is there a way to remove some of the unnecessary factory shipped apps ?
RE
Yes , there is. So the smart method vould be to remove them from phone memory , and eventually install it on SD Card , if they are (and they are) UNMOVABLE.
Or just leave them ,anyway a factory reset will restore all the shipped applications.
1.) [optional] install Android SDK with platform 2.2 , sdk tools and eventually drivers.Enable USB debugging on device.On PC launch command prompt and change directory to \Android\android-sdk\platform-tools\.Run command
adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2
This enables SDCARD installation by default.Prerequisits to have ROOT ACCESS.
2.) with RootExplorer simply delete unwanted applications from \custpack\apps\ on device.Optionally you can make backups.
3.) if you made backups , the backed-up apk can be used to be reinstalled , NOW ON SD CARD
Good luck.
RE again
A reboot of the device is required to cleanup the junk after a forced delete.Or it can be done manually , BUT USE CAUTION.
i have an alcatel move branded Cosmote Move, i like this phone very much but i`ve managed to brick it the second time, first time i bricked and took it to waranty, they reinstall the software free of charge, now it has the same simptoms (pass the carrier logo and get stuck to carrier animation) and i need to send it to waranty again. i dont manage to get it unbricked. i`ve root it with gingerbreak but this phone doesnt go to recovery mode. i`ve searched the internet and google it for hours, but nothing.
if anyone knows how to do it please tell me, in the user manual says hard reset vol - and power, get stuck whit touch buttons light up and screen black!!
thanks in advance
re Themaster
it's not a brick yet i suppose , though you didn't specify how you managed to "brick" your phone.a nice clean reflash would solve the problem , probably you deleted some system files while in root mode.again did you use root explorer or something similar ?
try a factory reset as it follows:
1.) turn off the phone
2.) press vol up and the power on and hold the buttons pressed for about 1 minute
3.) the phone boots up , android logo appears and then an animation with some sort of thrashcan or whatever
4.)wait until it finishes , then the phone shuts down automatically.power on the phone and it will be restored
Beware ,battery must be at least 70 % charged or kept in charger , NOT USB connected to PC.
This restores phone to factory state , but not all the applications from /custpack/apps
Best regards !
Useful Key Combinations
These keypress modes apply on a shut down phone
Hard Reset - reinstalls android core system from ROM , deletes user data and misconfig
key combo : vol up + power on long pressed until trashcan animation appears
Flash Mode - used for ROM update , useless momentarily
key combo: vol down + power on long pressed , black screen appears and touch buttons lit up
Root access , mount filesystem with root access ,DANGEROUS !
key combo : home + power on long pressed until boot
build environment under Ubuntu
Lately, there has been some problems setting up an Android build environment under Lucid Lynx, as i've seen many have been complained for the missing java5 jdk.
For Romanian users: seems to be a problem with the Romtelecom DNS servers , when adding Jaunty or Dapper repositories to Lucid.
Use Google DNS as alternatives 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.This works.
From what I've been able to determine. The move and 908(s) are the same hardware with with only cosmetic differences. Something is different in software, I've been unable to root my 908s with ANY tools I've found.
I was also unable to use ADB under windows. The handset apparently requires four drivers, I was only able to find three of them. I got the Alcatel tools to work, as well as tethering, but no ADB. i didn't have any such issues under Ubuntu, but without root it isn't helpful.
I could not locate a stock rom or source anywhere on the Alcatel sites, so I sent a GPL request, i'm waiting to hear back.
UPDATE
After a long night I managed to root my 908s. I'll write out the jist of it, but I was flying by the seat of my pants, fueled by caffeine and sleep depervation. DON'T consider this a HOWTO.
First off, to the best of my knowlage there is no one click solution as of yet. As I said before still missing the driver that makes ADB work in windows, and handset based solutions didn't pan out. A little reasearch showed that the OT-990 has the same chip/ram and ROM space as ours. The screen is bigger, and I don't know what board is in it, but on a hunch I figured it was close enough. So I went here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1164391 in the hopes that some sort of combined effort in future ROM development would be possible.
Yes that's right folks its a guide to MANUALLY root you handset with ADB. So not for the faint of heart. I didn't have high hopes, as issuing ls -l on either the sqlite folder or data threw a permission denied. So blindly I tried to push psneuter, busybox and su to /data/local. I almost fell off my chair when it worked! from there I used psneuter to get ADB into root, and managed to get the su binary to /system/xbin, and Superuser into /system/app. Superuser was installed, but still no root. So I checked out Root Checker to see what was going on. There are three places that su typically lives; /system/xbin, /system/bin, and /sbin. So I tried to put su in those folders. I got it into /system/bin but sbin is mounted read-only. I did not remount any directories, as the instructions are lacking syntax (I'm a little rusty with advanced mounting commands). I think things are mapped a little differently anyway. I still did not have root on the handset, so I then fired up Superuser to see what it could see. It saw the su binary, even though it wasn't working right. Then I thought well if it can see it, then maybe it can update and fix it. Sure enough after running the update to su in Superuser, (drumroll please...) I had working root.
So that's my story so far, I'm gonna give Alcatel a week or so to reply to my request. Then we'll take it from there. (Hey it worked on Huewei right?)
If a real dev should come across this, feel free to jump in. Its a solid little phone and has the potential to work on a range of handsets.
Gratitude
Thanks snkiz for your attention ! I am pleased that someone 'heavy' noticed my efforts of dedicating this threadline to the newcomer ! Indeed a small little phone with potential , maybe in time we get it gingerbread , cupcake ( or whatever ),even wm6.5 or 7 ...
As of ADB drivers , i had ADB from the first by these steps:
1.) http://www.alcatelonetouch.com/contents/download/move upgrade 1.2 Setup.rar , package contains the drivers
Now i noticed that when i try firmware upgrade , the utility downloads about half a giga of *.bin files and then exits with 'download failed error'.
2.) installed Android SDK , platform tools and Google drivers (i am not sure if necessary), the 2.2 platform (api 8)
Under Win7 cmd in platform tools , adb shell , su and on device pops up 'unknown has been granted superuser rights' and voila! in cmd shell i have '#'.Previously installed Gingerbreak.
My device is a Cosmote Move.
Ya, no I got that file too. I think they are "consumer drivers" because like I said I got all the Alcatel tools running but on my win 7 one driver was still missing, and I have pretty good googlefu. effin hate windows, this is why. I'm by no means a "heavy" but I am comfortable in a Linux environment, that helps alot. As to you being able to get gingerbreak to work, i'd bet that comes down to carrier firmware.
---------- Post added at 06:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:39 PM ----------
djada, seeing as your the op could you please re-tag the thread with the model numbers to make it easier to find? cosmote, 908, 908s, and qualcom should do.
perhaps a mod could move this thread to the android hacking forum where it can get the proper attention please?
ADB driver
Driver files are from WHATEVER.\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driver\ , if does not install automatically , can be forced.Anyway Win$ux 7 detects ADB interface , installs some sh.t from windows update server , and you'll have an ADB interface in Device Manager (working or not).Try to force the google drivers.
On the other hand ,i'm sorry but dunno how to move the thread , maybe i should start a new one in
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=565&order=desc&page=552
Just looked at it and they don't have Alcatel
Mod
Just started workin on a Cyanogen build , if i manage to build at least a kernal img , maybe i can lure in the Koush guy from github.We are in need of flash , backup , recovery tools.Not as lucky as the Samsung or HTC guys ...

huawei mytouch root

I've been working on this for the past week. Every exploit I've tried just hangs after a while. I've gotten much further manually. I've got unbuntu and been working using various manual methods. The thing I've noticed is that there is no system folder in root. There is a system partition in which app and bin folders exist. Later today I'm going to have time to try some more. If it weren't for these silly rules id reply to somebody elses post, but I guess reading in forums for 3 years as a registered user doesn't count. Never a need to post as I've always found something using a search. And now I've got a phones that's been out for a week and there's no info out on it so I guess I get to develop myself. Not a hard thing...just time consuming and I've got better things to do, but these pink apps gotta go and I need wired or wireless tehter again. Hopefully I have succcess later today and can post how I accomplished it.
I'll be waiting anxiously. please post updates in this thread with your progress!
Any progress on this? I have been attempting but no luck.
update on progress
jb0ne said:
I'll be waiting anxiously. please post updates in this thread with your progress!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok so here's what i've learned so far from trying every method that i can find...
when you boot the phone into the pink screen (volume up and volume down plus power) there is a partition containing 1 folder with 5 files. That folder is called image and the file inside are amss.mbn, boot.img, cust.img, emmcboot.mbn, and recovery.img
The Ascend G300 is a similar phone to the G312 and there is a filed called superrecovery which changes the recovery to set ADB with root priveliges and installs SU in system. If we use the recovery from that batch file made by PauloBrien and push it to the device while in pink screen mode and then reboot into recovery the phone won't power on. You can return to the pink screen and change back to the original recovery, but you can not boot the device into recovery nor regularly. Now this gave me an idea as i'm typing. what if i change it and issue the command in ADB as ADB works during the pink screen. I'm going to try that now.
But this can't be done when in bootloader, only in pinkscreen which makes me think it's fastboot USB mode, but fastboot commands dont work uless you are in the bootloader with the huawei logo which you can only get into by issuing the reboot-bootloader command through adb. once you enter bootloader mode via ADB reboot command then you are able to issue some fastboot commands.
ok so that didn't work...basically when the files in the imge folder are changed the device won't boot into anything but the pink screen mode.
the original recovery file size is 6340KB and the one from PauloBrien is smaller at 5074KB. I'm wondering if file size has something to do with why it won't boot, however, i'm not familiar with what's inside of these files. So...as i reasearch how to build our own clockworkmod recovery i'm wondering if there's a way to change the ADB command inside from not root to root. if it's a on off selecton i'm not sure how i'd affect file size. this is where we get into the realm of knowledge that i don't possess.
so if anybody can offer up some knowledge from where i stand now... please do so.
on a side note, when running exploits, (gingerbreak, zergrush, doomsomething, psneuter, etc)...they all hang.
in linux when trying to drop a file into /system/bin the terminal read out says something about failing to cycle power, not certain what this means.
as i learn a bit more, i'll go ahead and add more...
I am hopeful to hear back from you with a successful root method for this device. I myself just purchased this phone for myself and would really love to see more development on it. Seems like a solid phone with a low entry price. Look forward to seeing what you come up with.
I'm also waiting anxiously for someone to figure this out. I just got this phone and while I really like it, there is just so much packed on this thing that I want to get rid of before I can really enjoy the phone.
I'll be watching this thread as well hopefully OP or someone else will figure out the trick to rooting this phone, like others I have used the usual methods but no luck. I've counted no less than 13 programs I'd uninstall right off the bat.
For what its worth the phone seems to not be considered part of the Ascend models of phones although they are quite similar our model is called the Unite U8680 and the Unite Q U8730 (the slider version). I've sent a email to Huawei lets see if they respond at all.
It's pretty much useless but this is all I can find on the G312 on the Huawei website:
http://www.huaweidevice.com/worldwide/technicaIndex.do?method=gotoProductSupport&productId=4086&tb=0
I'll be watching this thread as well. According to a post on another forum regarding a different Huawei model, dialling *#*# 2846579 #*#* and making some changes in the log file settings suddenly made their phones rootable for some reason. However while the same # gets you into the service mode on this phone, the log file changes made no difference.
I wonder, though, there are quite a few other options in that service mode. Maybe something in there that could be useful.
Edit: There's one menu that looks interesting, the USB one. You can change it to all sorts of modes including "Manufacture mode" whatever that is. Afraid to try it, don't want to brick my wife''s new phone
I've been playing with this menu as well and some of the USB modes do seem interesting. I was hoping this would let me find the product ID for the phone cause I found a link on the Huawei homepage to register to get an unlock code for the boot loader on this phone. If anyone is interested here is a link to the page and sadly the method they say to find the product ID doesn't work on our phone.
http://www.huaweidevice.com/worldwide/servicePolicy.do?method=toApplyUnlock
huawei says the product ID is an 8 digit number. I've been trying to dump the log files so i can scan them for some kind of 8 digit number. i've also tried all the different USB modes as well as a few other changes in the project menu that we're able to access. These haven't given me any success in changing the ownership of the folders needed to gain root access. i've not had any time to tear apart the recovery image to figure out what it's doing. but all in due time somebody will figure this out. still haven't been able to get fastboot to work properly either. am running through the usb modes on that now.
Yes please help i cannot figure out out either
builder.clockworkmod.com
so i've been working on building a recovery image for this devices using koush's site and have been able to build it, but the device won't boot into recovery yet. not sure how to fix this, gonna mess around and keep on trying. i can get it to boot back up and can get it to respond to adb commands when in the mode that just shows the android 4g logo. but i can't get into recovery. not through adb and not through using the power and volume buttons.
still working on it... any body else have anything yet?
No info on rooting this phone but Huawei just posted on their website the open source gingerbread kernel for the G312 U8680 here is a link to it:
http://www.huaweidevice.com/worldwi...=toDownloadFile&flay=software&softid=NDY3MzU=
It's been rooted!
Yep, it's a simple one too. Happy to have my wife's phone rooted Removing bloat, however, is tricky -- it's hidden in an inaccessible partition and when you erase it, it restores it on next reboot.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=31237225#post31237225
http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/4276-how-to-root-huawei-mytouch-4g/
Big thanks to mattlgroff for cracking this nut!
jb0ne said:
Yep, it's a simple one too. Happy to have my wife's phone rooted Removing bloat, however, is tricky -- it's hidden in an inaccessible partition and when you erase it, it restores it on next reboot.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=31237225#post31237225
http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/4276-how-to-root-huawei-mytouch-4g/
Big thanks to mattlgroff for cracking this nut!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you install an update to one of these apps lets use the, yahoo mail on for example, it will show in the /system/app or /data/app. The problem is the apk before the update is in /cust/t-mobile/us/app which is read only and unable to be mounted as R/W and that is why Titanium backup is unable to uninstall it.
I have tried moving it and deleting it manually with no luck. I have not tried through ADB yet but may give that a try next.
jamonthis said:
When you install an update to one of these apps lets use the, yahoo mail on for example, it will show in the /system/app or /data/app. The problem is the apk before the update is in /cust/t-mobile/us/app which is read only and unable to be mounted as R/W and that is why Titanium backup is unable to uninstall it.
I have tried moving it and deleting it manually with no luck. I have not tried through ADB yet but may give that a try next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you figure it out and find anything out I would love to know about it. Where should I watch for an update in case someone does get that sorted out?
Recovery mode
There is an accessible recovery mode, at least on my querty version of the phone. You have to completely pull the battery first. Put the battery back in, hold Volume up, and then hit power. I held the power button for a couple seconds, and volume up for maybe 6-8 seconds, then started hitting volume up repeatedly. The key is to pull the battery each time you try, I think. It looks like powering off from the phone's power menu just puts it in a suspend sort of mode. (Compare boot times when rebooting, and when pulling battery)
Apparently the bootloader is locked, so not sure how useful it is yet.
For anyone with a T-Mobile MyTouch Q (Huawei U8730), I created a wiki page for it, and we should post in the New Device Forum Requests thread so we have a specific place to post info.
I just purchased a U8730 today and will definitely be figuring out how to root it at some point.
For anyone that cares here's a link in case you haven't registered at the other site.
http://j.gs/1U5q
I'm hoping we can get some development going for this phone. I just picked one up for my daughter a month ago and it's giving her memory filled messages already. It'd be great if we can get it permanently rooted and remove bloat to start... then possibly move onto Cyanogen... considering she had the horrible Comet (also by Huawei) previously and it had development for CM7. I may be taking a leap from my contract soon, but can't go to Straight Talk with her phone unless it's unlocked

[Q] Tried to update, now unuseable

So I have upgraded my i927 captivate glide using the ROM from , but I only Androidupdate com called I927UCLH2_I927ATTLH2_I927UCLH2_Home tar md5 but I get a black screen with a slide down menu saying the date ‘Ongoing’ and an option to change the way that the device connects to another computer.
The update stated pass, it booted and proceeded to tell me that it was updating apps or something like that, then a black screen with the pull down menu from the top of the screen near the usb symbol came up but nothing else. I got a message a few hours later stating that the update application or something like that was not responding and an option to wait or quit. I chose wait, but nothing came of it eventually.
I then proceeded to try reflashing the process with no success even after factory reset and rebooting.
I then tried the pre-release ICS update as per XDA developers and other websites. Same thing
I tried a few other ODIN programs and ROMs but no success. Same issues including the hang up on the Samsung logo. I tried rooting it once and for some reason it started up into what looked like the same pull down menu, but it was requesting that I needed an to input a lock code for the network. I assume that is because my sim card was in it by now, but maybe not. I got so frustrated that I tried the bootloader and update bootloader options using the official ICS update ROM for some stupid reason but nothing. The thing is that at least it booted into the pull down menu that i got with a black screen again.
I then flashed with an updated ICS, CWM6 but cannot do the:
Third: Reboot into CWM6 (Volume- and power) install from sdcard (superuser)
Link to superuser: Superuser-3.2-RC2-arm-signed zip
Forth: Repeat third step above but install keyboard fix.
Link to keyboard fix: CWM_keyboard_backlight_fix zip
since I do not have an SD card that is working. I did get the SD Card in the device but I have always had problems with the format of it and I cannot put the zips onto the card due to the computer Win7 not recognizing it. I tried reformatting the device is HPUSB format program and windows. I inserted the card into the device to hopefully have it recognized on windows, and i gave me an option to format the SD card. So I proceeded and success. I was able to put the Zips onto the card. However, I returned to the CWM6 screen by pressing the VOL- and power keys but the files were no where to be found on the SD Card.
I moved on after a few other tries at it, so I tried to go backwards to the Gingerbread ROM. No success, same hanging issue at the Samsung logo.
I then tried to reflash with the devices original ROM as provided by DroidAngel on androidupdate com. Both without success.
I wanted to try the process involved on the 'stuck on boot screen' thread, but I cannot access the zip files on the sdcard in order to be able to do that.
I also bought my phone unlocked from the US (ATT version) and had it sent to me in Canada unlocked so I cannot just return it to the seller to get a new one, so my new phone is pretty useless.
I have spent two days reading through and trying different fixes and updated ROMs on multiple sites but I just cannot figure out what the heck to do now. I know that this site is not to spoon feed people and I am a noob to all of this but I am out of ideas and cannot find anything else to help out.
Where do I go from here. Is there a possibility of reformatting EVERYTHING on the device including all partitions etc etc.? I mean the hardware is fine, it is just a software issue. I do this to my laptop whenever I get into a bind.
Have you tried booting into CWM and restoring factory?
sent from my captivate glide running ICS (NardROM 0.3 Rooted)
Just a note, the SD card you're seeing in CWMR isn't actually your physical SD card, its the internal phone memory. I don't think we have a version of CWMR that reads the real external SD unless modified. So anything you put on it won't show up there. The folder structure will look like ... /sdcard/external_sd/ where /sdcard/ is where you want to put your files for CMWR to see, /external_sd/ is your physical card you can take in/out.
I have tried to reflash with CWM6 using ODIN v3. I didn't realize that the SD card that came up was actually a part of the internal memory. Thanks to you both for the help.
Any other suggestions since no matter what I do now the phone simply stops at the Samsung logo and wont turn off? I press the power button for the required time to shut it down but it automatically restarts by itself to again sit at the Samsung logo.
EaglesIII said:
I have tried to reflash with CWM6 using ODIN v3. I didn't realize that the SD card that came up was actually a part of the internal memory. Thanks to you both for the help.
Any other suggestions since no matter what I do now the phone simply stops at the Samsung logo and wont turn off? I press the power button for the required time to shut it down but it automatically restarts by itself to again sit at the Samsung logo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few questions about your situation right now:
Can you get into Download mode? (Turn off the device, in your case remove the battery. Press power en volume UP)
Can you get into CWM? (Turn off the device, in your case remove the battery. Press power en volume DOWN)
Does it keep asking you for the Network Key? Are you stuck at that particular point...?
Evil Alex said:
A few questions about your situation right now:
Can you get into Download mode? (Turn off the device, in your case remove the battery. Press power en volume UP)
Can you get into CWM? (Turn off the device, in your case remove the battery. Press power en volume DOWN)
Does it keep asking you for the Network Key? Are you stuck at that particular point...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, so right now I can still get into the download mode to flash, the CWM6 to factory reset and reboot which I have tried already as stated, and I have not been asked for the network key again since the one time quite a long time ago. The network key is only asked when I load one of the other custom ROMS though, but I have not tried any of those in a while.
I am stuck at the black screen with white Samsung logo.
In CWM6, do you see "mounts and storage" (Second to last option)
If so, connect your phone with the USB cable and select "mounts and storage".
In there and select "mount USB storage" (Again, second to last option, you'll have to scroll to get to it)
Now your PC should see the USB storage which is in fact what is marked as internal SD. So the sdcard CWM can actually see and install things from.
Now you can copy a custom ROM to it, and install it through CWM. Or install anything that is in CWM format.
You may get the Network Key Request as before. I do not know if it can be bypassed by starting it without the SIM. If so, you could then try to unlock your device using one of the methods on the forum.
Alternatively, and highly recommended by yours truly, is to buy the unlock code.
It is somewhat common for these devices to re-lock, so having the code handy is very convenient. I used americanunlocker to get mine, and I put the code on the inside of the back-cover should I find myself re-locked in the middle of nowhere. The code works, and isn't that expensive. In fact, it's a steal if you look at your own time invested in all this in terms of hourly wage! Of course, you'll need the IMEI code. You can find that by removing the back-cover and the battery.
Good luck!
Got it running on Bio360 but 'Not Registered on Network' now
Evil Alex said:
In CWM6, do you see "mounts and storage" (Second to last option)
If so, connect your phone with the USB cable and select "mounts and storage".
In there and select "mount USB storage" (Again, second to last option, you'll have to scroll to get to it)
Now your PC should see the USB storage which is in fact what is marked as internal SD. So the sdcard CWM can actually see and install things from.
Now you can copy a custom ROM to it, and install it through CWM. Or install anything that is in CWM format.
You may get the Network Key Request as before. I do not know if it can be bypassed by starting it without the SIM. If so, you could then try to unlock your device using one of the methods on the forum.
Alternatively, and highly recommended by yours truly, is to buy the unlock code.
It is somewhat common for these devices to re-lock, so having the code handy is very convenient. I used americanunlocker to get mine, and I put the code on the inside of the back-cover should I find myself re-locked in the middle of nowhere. The code works, and isn't that expensive. In fact, it's a steal if you look at your own time invested in all this in terms of hourly wage! Of course, you'll need the IMEI code. You can find that by removing the back-cover and the battery.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the feedback, I actually had not thought about the unlock code idea, and since you put it into such perfect terms considering the time and effort that has to go into something like that, it is a good idea for sure to get one. The idea of keeping it on the inside of the back cover is another awesome idea. Kudos to you and thanks!
As for the rest of what you had stated about the mounting and what not; I actually mounted and successfully reflashed and installed all of the required files for the new ICS stock upgrade. The good news was that I got past the Samsung screen again and it said that it was updating all of the applications or whatever again, but then it just gave me the pull down menu again with very limited functionability.
I then used your suggestion to try out another ROM. I tried the Bio360 and followed all directions on the 'phone stuck on boot screen thread'. It worked! I finally have a functional phone again and will be able to get calls from my boss. Thanks!
Now that I know I have one option, I can explore any other options. I still cannot figure out how it is that I will be able to get the ICS upgrade but maybe I will try Kies.
However, I just found that I don't have network access anymore despite that I have a strong cell signal, so I presume that I will have to enter the unlock code somewhere. Where can I put that into? It didn't pop up to tell me anything.
EaglesIII said:
Thank you so much for the feedback, I actually had not thought about the unlock code idea, and since you put it into such perfect terms considering the time and effort that has to go into something like that, it is a good idea for sure to get one. The idea of keeping it on the inside of the back cover is another awesome idea. Kudos to you and thanks!
As for the rest of what you had stated about the mounting and what not; I actually mounted and successfully reflashed and installed all of the required files for the new ICS stock upgrade. The good news was that I got past the Samsung screen again and it said that it was updating all of the applications or whatever again, but then it just gave me the pull down menu again with very limited functionability.
I then used your suggestion to try out another ROM. I tried the Bio360 and followed all directions on the 'phone stuck on boot screen thread'. It worked! I finally have a functional phone again and will be able to get calls from my boss. Thanks!
Now that I know I have one option, I can explore any other options. I still cannot figure out how it is that I will be able to get the ICS upgrade but maybe I will try Kies.
However, I just found that I don't have network access anymore despite that I have a strong cell signal, so I presume that I will have to enter the unlock code somewhere. Where can I put that into? It didn't pop up to tell me anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're very welcome! Glad to hear the phone is usable again. In order to get data back you will have to set your APN manually. Stock ROMs come with the APN settings for all providers it is expected to be sold with. But custom ROMs usually come without those settings. You can find the APN settings for your provider online, just do a search. There is even an app for it, but the name eludes me at the moment. You'll need wifi to get the app, though! Once the settings are in place (You put them in under wireless & Networks), you'll have data again.
As for the limited functionality, I had the same thing, at first. The upgrade was broken for me, I guess some settings/apps were causing problems. So, after flashing the upgrade, I did a factory reset in CWM. I also wiped the cache, and the Dalvik cache, for good measure(Under advanced in CWM). It rebooted, said it was upgrading and installing, and I let it sit for a few minutes. Then I was greeted by an initial setup screen, and the phone has been on a working ICS ever since! I did lose all my settings and such, but I had a back-up of those with Titanium Backup, and got those back that way.
Hope this will help as well.

[Q] newbie in over his head

the phone is a sprint gnex.
i had twrp as recovery, and i was playing around with it, got distracted, and my 2 year old grabbed it and wiped everything. no OS, no recovery, no nothing.
i'm not even sure where to start. my newbie self is thinking maybe odin? i used adb once, is that where i should be looking?
i guess my question is where does one start when he has no OS. and i could sure use a link for wherever factory images, or tar files, or whatever, are reposed.
please help a brother out, and keep in mind i am in fact over my head. just trying to salvage this if possible. it is not an urgent thing, as i the device is merely used as a media device for my 2 year old.
my laptop is a windows 7 device. i've downloaded usb drivers for samsung, odin, and adb fastboot. they are sitting in my download folder as zip files. that is where i stand.
boathead said:
the phone is a sprint gnex.
i had twrp as recovery, and i was playing around with it, got distracted, and my 2 year old grabbed it and wiped everything. no OS, no recovery, no nothing.
i'm not even sure where to start. my newbie self is thinking maybe odin? i used adb once, is that where i should be looking?
i guess my question is where does one start when he has no OS. and i could sure use a link for wherever factory images, or tar files, or whatever, are reposed.
please help a brother out, and keep in mind i am in fact over my head. just trying to salvage this if possible. it is not an urgent thing, as i the device is merely used as a media device for my 2 year old.
my laptop is a windows 7 device. i've downloaded usb drivers for samsung, odin, and adb fastboot. they are sitting in my download folder as zip files. that is where i stand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry you'll be fine.
If you can get into twrp, try just downloading a ROM and gapps zip on computer and using adb to push or sideload to device (Google "adb sideload ROM galaxy nexus...exact steps easy to find)
If you can't get into recovery, or just want to go back to complete stock and start from there, go here https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
Grab a package for sprint gnex(mysidspr, aka toroplus) and if u have adb&fastboot installed on computer(if not then Google "installing android SDK" and it will be top result, fastboot and adb come WITH the SDK when u install it)
Then you just unzip that factory img file, plug device into computer while in boot loader mode (hold power and both volume keys), open the folder created when u uncompressed factory IMG file, hold down shift and right click and choose "open command prompt". Enter "fastboot devices"(no quotes) in the command window to make sure device is recognized. Then just run "flash-all.exe" or "flash-all.bat" in command prompt and BE PATIENT AND LET IT FINISH EVERYTHING. After that device will be like brand new out of box.
ashclepdia said:
Don't worry you'll be fine.
If you can get into twrp, try just downloading a ROM and gapps zip on computer and using adb to push or sideload to device (Google "adb sideload ROM galaxy nexus...exact steps easy to find)
If you can't get into recovery, or just want to go back to complete stock and start from there, go here https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
Grab a package for sprint gnex(mysidspr, aka toroplus) and if u have adb&fastboot installed on computer(if not then Google "installing android SDK" and it will be top result, fastboot and adb come WITH the SDK when u install it)
Then you just unzip that factory img file, plug device into computer while in boot loader mode (hold power and both volume keys), open the folder created when u uncompressed factory IMG file, hold down shift and right click and choose "open command prompt". Enter "fastboot devices"(no quotes) in the command window to make sure device is recognized. Then just run "flash-all.exe" or "flash-all.bat" in command prompt and BE PATIENT AND LET IT FINISH EVERYTHING. After that device will be like brand new out of box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you so much for responding. i will play around with this later, but it is a bit comforting to know that maybe i'm not doomed.
i cannot get into recovery, so yeah, i don't know what i'm doing.
boathead said:
thank you so much for responding. i will play around with this later, but it is a bit comforting to know that maybe i'm not doomed.
i cannot get into recovery, so yeah, i don't know what i'm doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why can't you get into recovery?
Are you choosing recovery mode via the bootloader menu? I didn't think it was POSSIBLE to wipe recovery from within recovery.
Even if you can't, trust me, Doing a factory img restore, or using fastboot to flash custom recovery again is VERY easy. To get the SDK that has needed fastboot tools, go here http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html#ExistingIDE
And grab the needed exe for your setup(windows 64 or 32bit). Make sure you are getting the "ADT bundle" it's what has needed platform tools. Then just run the exe and follow instructions.
Now u COULD also just Google search for Wugfresg toolkit, and download and use that. Its very easy to use as well. I just prefer to have adb and fastboot installed to my computer so that I can always be good to go. Plus I use Linux so Im not able to use Wugfresh, but knowing how to just use fastboot and adb also makes ya feel like a boss(even though is pretty simple lol)
Don't worry, there is hope, and it's not gonna be difficult. You'll be up again in no time.
because you said you didn't think it was possible to wipe recovery from recovery, i went into bootloader. you are correct. in my panic i overlooked it. i DO in fact still have twrp.
but there is nothing to restore or install. so once my phone charges, i'll give it a shot as you suggested. would you kindly check in later in case i need some more help?
thanks my friend for steering me in the correct direction.
boathead said:
because you said you didn't think it was possible to wipe recovery from recovery, i went into bootloader. you are correct. in my panic i overlooked it. i DO in fact still have twrp.
but there is nothing to restore or install. so once my phone charges, i'll give it a shot as you suggested. would you kindly check in later in case i need some more help?
thanks my friend for steering me in the correct direction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course!
I'm always checking in these forums, and I use Tapatalk, and have actually grown fond of Tapatalk notifications, so I SHOULD get a notif if you post back or PM(though I prefer to keep in thread, that way someone else searching for answer to similar issue can find a helpful thread as well)
Yea it sounds like your little one got into twrp and most likely wiped all of /data and /system. Instead of just a regular factory reset which would have left your stuff like flashable zips and all still in /sdcard. That sucks! I've actually done that on accideHahaha
hile back(a mistake you only make once to wipe all of /data AND /system lol, even though can pretty easily be fixed)
Sounds like you could use adb sideload or push to get ROM/gapps zips back on the device, or just go with a total device factory restore, whichever you choose at this point should work just fine.
I'm not sure if there is a way to do this yet, but I've always wanted to put a pin code lock for TWRP. That way if my nephew ever did find his way into there when using my phone, he wouldn't be able to do any damage. If it's not a part of custom recovery yet (I haven't looked actually lol) it would be awesome if someone found a way to add that feature in. Could save a lot of us the hassle in cases like this! Hahaha
I'll check back in the morning and randomly tomorrow (some of the day I won't have a connection, I use Gnex strictly on WiFi) to see if you need any help/tips/clarifying of any steps needed. Once you do this restore process once, you'll be amazed at how easy it can be, and as long as you keep the files on your laptop, you'll be ready to go if you ever need to do it again.
success!
i had a great deal of trouble sorting the drivers....took quite a while to get the pc to recognize the device. then i got confused about a few things...stunner, i know, but was able to reflash a factory image with the wug toolkit. so i guess i took the cowardly way and didn't do the adb route.
anyway, i'm good to go. i am left with the initial problem that had me in recovery in the first place. i figured flashing a rom would solve it, but no. so i'm left thinking it is on the server side. at least i have something to work with now.
so thanks again. without your calming words i never would have gotten this going. i don't have the temperament to play around with my devices, i've learned.
boathead said:
success!
i had a great deal of trouble sorting the drivers....took quite a while to get the pc to recognize the device. then i got confused about a few things...stunner, i know, but was able to reflash a factory image with the wug toolkit. so i guess i took the cowardly way and didn't do the adb route.
anyway, i'm good to go. i am left with the initial problem that had me in recovery in the first place. i figured flashing a rom would solve it, but no. so i'm left thinking it is on the server side. at least i have something to work with now.
so thanks again. without your calming words i never would have gotten this going. i don't have the temperament to play around with my devices, i've learned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That temperament is something that is gained. MOST of us have been in that "oh holy crap what do I do now?!?! Im not prepared for this!!" Moments (my first one was on my birthday back when I had DroidX2, and didn't have my own computer to restore it using RSDlite sbf flash.. I accidentally flashed something that didn't work, and was left with no OS stuck in bootloop with no way to get into the bootstrap recovery we had...was without device for 3 days until I could get to a coworkers laptop!! Lol!!!) But the stress goes WAY down after you've restored device once or twice and have the tools at the ready with basic understanding of the steps at least
And as for drivers, I apologize for not warning/informing about that. I forgot that you mentioned you had multiple driver packages downloaded and i was going to clarify which to use(on a Linux setup you don't need drivers and it been a while since I used windows for my device so drivers aren't usually on my mind lol) I think a lot of people use the PDAnet drivers. But if you are connected to internet and just put device in fastboot mode and connect to computer, I think it will automatically find and install the correct drivers needed for fastboot/adb access.(the toolkit can also be used to install correct drivers I believe)
And don't worry, I wouldn't call using toolkit the "cowardly way". SOME people detest/despise use of toolkit since they think it takes away from learning and understanding how to do it without a toolkit. But when you use a toolkit you usually see command prompt correct? (Or at least a setting so you can SEE what it is running as far as commands) so you get to see what its doing, which helps beginners start to grasp the concepts of what it is doing.
Trust me, if you can use the toolkit correctly, you can easily transfer that knowledge to just using fastboot or adb commands.
by the way, fastboot is what's used for factory image restore. ADB is for pushing/pulling files, taking logs, sideloading a ROM/gapps zip that isn't on device, taking/restoring adb backups of system and or data, things like that. Think of adb as the "taker and giver". And fastboot as the "img installer/booter"...imgs being anything from system img files, to data partition img files, boot.img(aka kernel), recovery.img, bootloader update img, radio imgs. Things like that
The reason the knowledge from using toolkit easily transfers over to using just straight up fastboot for example is because of how they word the choices and menus. You will see it says something like "use fastboot to flash new recovery img", which the fastboot command for that in command line equates to "fastboot flash recovery "NameOfRecoveryImage.img" "
(With no quotes of course, and replace "NameOf...." With the actual file name of the recovery.img you have downloaded, and you can rename the downloaded recovery img file to something easier to type out if you want to also)
Basic structure of using fastboot command would be as follows:
fastboot[space]command[space]partitioname[space]filetobeused
Which after used once or twice is very easy to grasp basic usage
So are you able to at least boot into OS now? Also, make sure if you are trying to flash a KitKat ROM, that you install the 2.7TWRP recovery, anything earlier won't work correctly for 4.4based ROMs.
Again, any trouble feel free to ask.
(And apologies for the long rambling posts lol)
yes. i am in the OS now.
what gave rise to my troubles in the first place is that i've moved my residence. all my devices recognize my new wifi, and proceed along their merry way.
my gnex is another story. it recognized my wifi, shows me as connected, but nothing at all can actually access the server. i tried factory reset, nothing. then i was going to install a new rom, figuring something was corrupted. then my 2 year old took over!
so i am in the OS, but still cannot access the server. so it must be on the server side i figure. not sure how to fix this, but when i have some time, i'll do some looking around. i am going to try to access a different wifi network later on to see if at least it is not my device.
again, thanks for your help my friend.
boathead said:
yes. i am in the OS now.
what gave rise to my troubles in the first place is that i've moved my residence. all my devices recognize my new wifi, and proceed along their merry way.
my gnex is another story. it recognized my wifi, shows me as connected, but nothing at all can actually access the server. i tried factory reset, nothing. then i was going to install a new rom, figuring something was corrupted. then my 2 year old took over!
so i am in the OS, but still cannot access the server. so it must be on the server side i figure. not sure how to fix this, but when i have some time, i'll do some looking around. i am going to try to access a different wifi network later on to see if at least it is not my device.
again, thanks for your help my friend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what security do you use on your router? if WEP try changing it. the gnex has issues sometimes with using WEP secured WiFi AP's
also, if using a 5ghz network, I can only get mine to connect to that on channel 153. there are only a certain number of 5ghz channels supported.
might also want to just try forgetting WiFi network and re add?(if it restored the access points by any means including Google backup/restore)
and make sure your router isn't rejecting the Mac address for some reason(and some people will suggest reboot of the router to see if that helps fix it, which I've seen fix many connection issues)
well, my device works beautifully....everywhere except in my house.:crying:
as much as drivers befuddle me, routers do even more so. it must be a router issue, right? my device connects to google elsewhere. and all my other devices connect to google here at home. maybe tomorrow i'll try the router's live chat to see if i can get some help.
boathead said:
well, my device works beautifully....everywhere except in my house.:crying:
as much as drivers befuddle me, routers do even more so. it must be a router issue, right? my device connects to google elsewhere. and all my other devices connect to google here at home. maybe tomorrow i'll try the router's live chat to see if i can get some help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what type of security are you using in the router setting? WPA? wep? none?
what model router are you using?
is device connecting to internet and just not Google servers?
is device connecting to router at all and just no internet access?(meaning when you are in WiFi settings, and choose network does it show obtaining IP address and then connected? or just never fully connect?)
I've had similar issues in past and might be able to help with some more details
ashclepdia said:
what type of security are you using in the router setting? WPA? wep? none?
what model router are you using?
is device connecting to internet and just not Google servers?
is device connecting to router at all and just no internet access?(meaning when you are in WiFi settings, and choose network does it show obtaining IP address and then connected? or just never fully connect?)
I've had similar issues in past and might be able to help with some more details
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wpa2...but i've even disable all security to see....i've disable firewalls...nothing. it is an arris router that time warner cable provided when i moved to my new place.
and i my phone does show me as connected to my network...just can't get into google. and the phone works just fine at my work. as you know, i've been through several roms and an entirely new OS...so it cannot be the phone...can it?
been through this entire threads, and no joy.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2110225
if you have any ideas, post away. i will be away from access to the internet for a few days, so i won't even have a chance to check in here, but any info in the meantime would be most thanked.
boathead said:
thank you so much for responding. i will play around with this later, but it is a bit comforting to know that maybe i'm not doomed.
i cannot get into recovery, so yeah, i don't know what i'm doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my samsung s5 had the same problem. i wiped out everything and it says i have no os no nothing. i hope if anyone can help, i will be pleased.
the only question is that "how can i get an os and get my phone working"
ashclepdia said:
Don't worry you'll be fine.
If you can get into twrp, try just downloading a ROM and gapps zip on computer and using adb to push or sideload to device (Google "adb sideload ROM galaxy nexus...exact steps easy to find)
If you can't get into recovery, or just want to go back to complete stock and start from there, go here https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
Grab a package for sprint gnex(mysidspr, aka toroplus) and if u have adb&fastboot installed on computer(if not then Google "installing android SDK" and it will be top result, fastboot and adb come WITH the SDK when u install it)
Then you just unzip that factory img file, plug device into computer while in boot loader mode (hold power and both volume keys), open the folder created when u uncompressed factory IMG file, hold down shift and right click and choose "open command prompt". Enter "fastboot devices"(no quotes) in the command window to make sure device is recognized. Then just run "flash-all.exe" or "flash-all.bat" in command prompt and BE PATIENT AND LET IT FINISH EVERYTHING. After that device will be like brand new out of box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same thing happened to me right now, while I was installing CM13 in my Lenovo Zuk Z1. I took a backup from TWRP and copied the same to my pc. Then I wiped all the data from my phone using TWRP. Then I plugged in the Usb back to copy the downloaded files of CM13 to my phone but my pc is not showing the Internal Memory of my phone. I am so freaked out right now. I dont have an OS in my phone and I am unable to restore what I backed up. I am just stucked in TWRP. Guide me through to install CM 13 or atleast revert back to where I started. Any help is appreciated.

My XZ1 compact story

So I bought a new phone since my old Onyx (One+ X) died (cracked screen and charging port is getting iffy). And finally I decided on this one, a cheap Chinese docomo branded one off Ebay.
I was so exited when it arrived, the UPS truck was at my gate when I got home that day, ready to leave, but the driver was nice enough to wait and give me my package then and there. Pheew.
Well, now to my, bootloader unlocking, recovery flashing, after market os installation and rooting story...
Bootloader:
The phone was supposed to be unlocked, and I guess that only meant SIM unlocked, because the service menu read "Bootloader unlock allowed: no". Damn.
A few Duckduckgo searches later, turned up I needed the "S!Unlock tool" which I found a copy off online, but username/password fields needed to be filled in, and I think I found a pirated s/n which didn't seem to work, (might have if I had tried harder).
But since it was just over £22 at https://networkunlocking.com/ I thought I could spare that on the off chance it worked. I was very surprised when it finally did, truth, I needed a few tries. And it actually did turn that service menu's pesky "no" to a thumbs-up "yes". Yay!
So now, pulling the cable, holding "volume up" and inserting cable for that blue light goodness, and running the "flashtool.exe -i 0x???? oem unlock bootloader 0x????????????" comand.
Not so fast, that doesnät work with newer flashtool versions...
Finding the old one from my Xperia Arc days and runnning it again, Yay!
(Wish I had read ahead and done that temporary root trick to rip my DRM codes off my phone first. But I don't plan to revert to stock, and I gather (might be wrong) that the DRM is only needed for stock roms, and not Lineage OS and such.)
Recovery (TWRP):
Now the problems start for real, getting into recovery was a **** and a half. Most guides for the phone says to push "volume up" multiple times during the boot-process. This turns out to be plain wrong. The actual button combo is holding "volume down" and "power" button together atleast until the screen goes blank after the unlocked bootloader warning.
Now, I wanted 17.1 on the phone and the recommended TWRp is 3.1.1 or something, and this works to install lineage fine, but don't forget to erase /data partition as I did. Stupid mistake that made wifi fail miserably, and probably a lot of other stuff, that I never tried before noticing my mistake.
However trying to get my own set of ringtones on the phone turned out to be another issue, going back into recovery when I noticed my ringtone.zip had failed. Obviously the media folder had moved since los 15.1,so no wonder right? Turns out it wasn't the only problem. TWRP 3.1.1 (or something) failed to unencrypt the root partition, so changing anything via recovery was a lie. fortunately the latest recovery, 3.5.2_9 did. So after installing that everything was rosy peaches.
Rooting:
SuperSU? forget it.
Magisk? yeah, but how? No really good step by step guide out there, except download from the github page, but what version?
A little trial and error, tried with the arm64 version and it turned out to be the right one. (Sometimes you just get it right on the first try...)
Renamed the apk to .zip put it on the phones memory, entered recovery and installed the zip, et voi effing la, Magisk root installed.
Root checker verifies root status, TitaniumBackup and RootExplorer works. Yes, my phone is playing ball.
Final notes:
This above looks simple right? In fact this was a two day process since the guides are surely lacking for this phone, a lot of trial and error, the greatesthurdle was getting into Recovery, until I found the right button combo I accidently managed to enter it once making me believe I had the right combo and something was wrong with the phone. 4 hours or so wasted trying different versions rebooting and flashing. Getting back my Viber messages turned out to be a problem to, TitaniumBackup got the messages back, but the db had references to my old images on my old phone, and probable pointed at the wrong directory so trying to send images either from gallery or take new photos crashed the app. Solution, backup the messages to my google account, uninstall and reinstall viber and restore from that backup. TitaniumBAckup is good but no magic bullet, it's a ***** that we have to rely on Google for backups though, I am allergic to the cloud, something about it makes my skin crawl.
Otherwise I like the phone, it says docomo on the back, something I can live with. The Chinese vendor even supplied one glass screen protector for the phone and a clear soft plastic case, in case I wanted some extra protection. I only wish there was a screen protector that had the same surface as the one that was on the phone in the box, that slightly opaque cloudy feel was so nice on my finger.
Can I recommend this phone? Nah, if noone writes a step by step guide that will cut down the time I spent on making this phone palpatable, I can't. But if you, like me, don't mind to tinker and don't want a phablet or spend way too much for the privilege to get a screen size you don't want, then sure. But why do we have to get them from China?
My trusty xz1 compact is slowly dieing on me and i am looking for a replacement how much did you pay for yours and is a really new or just refurbished ?
"Final notes:
This above looks simple right? In fact this was a two day process since the guides are surely lacking for this phone, a lot of trial and error, the greatesthurdle was getting into Recovery, until I found the right button combo I accidently managed to enter it once making me believe I had the right combo and something was wrong with the phone"
This Phone is in the mobile Sphere already ancient. Don't expect to get any help here or newer hot to guides.
my biggest problem is the fastboot recognition of my Windows. If this would work reliable i could better flash the phone but getting the right driver is a kind of roulette for this phone.
muhschaf said:
my biggest problem is the fastboot recognition of my Windows. If this would work reliable i could better flash the phone but getting the right driver is a kind of roulette for this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also had a non-connecting fastboot issue on Windows until I ran into this guide showing me it was not about a driver but an installation method:
How to install Sony Xperia Drivers Manually (Super Easy Guide)
Step-by-Step guidelines to install Sony Xperia Drivers Manually (this method can be used on Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, 8.1 and Windows 10).
xperiausbdriver.com
4qx said:
Also had a non-connecting fastboot issue on Windows until I ran into this guide showing me it was not about a driver but an installation method:
How to install Sony Xperia Drivers Manually (Super Easy Guide)
Step-by-Step guidelines to install Sony Xperia Drivers Manually (this method can be used on Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, 8.1 and Windows 10).
xperiausbdriver.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Handy cannot boot now anyway so i would probably not able to recover anyway.
muhschaf said:
cannot boot now anyway so i would probably not able to recover anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone completely refuses to boot?
Do you have recovery installed? If not, are you able to install it via fastboot on linux?
4qx said:
The phone completely refuses to boot?
Do you have recovery installed? If not, are you able to install it via fastboot on linux?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay i will explain.
i had this common issue with this running out of internal space (13GB pictures i could not find, only 300MB left) and after looking into it i figured, that, due to my constant app installing and deinstalling, i had literrally thousends of little images (thumbnails, icons, you name it) that got not deintalled for whatever reason and clogged up my internal memory. So i made a Backup and decided to completly wipe and flash the newest lilac from Modpunk (18.1) and did a big Mistake here. i go into recovery and wiped EVERYTHING...without checking that recovery is untouched. then during the same session i installed the ROM and rebooted...so far all nice and dandy. Setting up the Phone, then get the newsest Gapps and then try to reboot into recovery to install them...well did i mentioned that i had wiped EVERYTHING? Well, there was no recovery anymore. Not my first rodeo i headbutt myself into the desk and spun up ADB/fastboot...only to run into the same problem i run everytime due to improper intalled driver i forgot already about. Longs story short: after some time handy refused to boot also into system.
Phone is now unbootable into any state, but Black screen fastboot over hardware buttons...
i COULD still try to make a blind fastboot flash after following the driver install instruction from above, but consider my lucky or clumsyness i will **** this up too and only waste time. and due to my current covid recovery i have not the energy nor the patient to diddle around with this sorry excuse of an absolute restrictive Phone and rather get me a S5 mini or something else that has no bootlock whatsoever and let you flash it from the very start.
i am plain running out of patient with sonys harassment.
/€: Also the constant "cannot get root" on a rooted phone is plain BS³. having permanent trouble to install adaway or use my sdcard proper is so friggin annoying that i now will search for a android version that got rid of this bull**** and will buy any phone that is suported by that ROM.
It is MY phone, and not Goolge nor the the phone company will dictade what i can or cannot install on it. i decide and i carry the risk, period. and the biggest security reason holds the phone anyway.
@muhschaf okay so it doesn't seem bricked. Pretty sure you just need to flash the recovery through fastboot and flash a ROM. Try that on Windows with the driver method; if that fails boot a Linux distro e.g. EndeavourOS, even from a USB without installing no adb/fastboot driver is necessary for Linux, it just works. You can do it.
4qx said:
@muhschaf okay so it doesn't seem bricked. Pretty sure you just need to flash the recovery through fastboot and flash a ROM. Try that on Windows with the driver method; if that fails boot a Linux distro e.g. EndeavourOS, even from a USB without installing no adb/fastboot driver is necessary for Linux, it just works. You can do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i known, the question is more "i really want that?" like i said i struggle with this phone ever since. and i realized yesterday the problem is not the phone itself, it's the bull**** of androids security architecture. Google seems to be very prone to make sure that they can shove any amount of advertisements down your throat. Given that they earn their money with ad network it doesn't surprise me.
i came to the conclusion that in reality i want to have a reliable way to install ad away on any given phone i own. i archive similar things on my desktop with Firefox and umatrix and ublock. And what can is say: Having Advertisment fee Internet is a bliss and i not care a bit about "but the free stuff" and i incrisingly fury about my inability to archive similar things on my phone i rely quite a bit.
@muhschaf I get it but you know what they say: good things require effort. But I find that once I set my Android up, I'm happy to have done it.
In regards to ads, you can actually install uBO on Android Firefox now, and many other addons also.
So i gave it a try again and the result was that it detects now a "?" under fastboot but ADB can't see anything failing sucsequently to flash recovery. i am also seemingly unable to get even into hardware fastboot anymore. But could be quite possible that the battery is already drained again. so i recharge it the night.
4qx: i was going away from uBO several years ago. Wonder that he has survived the drain after his "whitelist" decision, but it seems like.
Adaway block advertisement in apps and this is mainly the feature i wanted, see advertisment have gotten out of the browser itself into the Base/apps systems (Android, Windows) and therefore the Adblocker have to go with it. under windows i can control the System itself pretty easy and throughoutly with Powershell and package debloating scripts or regedit. under Android i haven't this option and have to rely on app like adaway. This shortcoming is pretty frustraing for an "Open Source" OS
After nearly a Year i stumble upon something windows related and now i have finally my xz1c back:
Windows USB Hubs of ANY kind (Monitor USB Hubs, Powers external USB Hubs, hell sometimes even the PCH, that is technical also a USB Hub), can and sometime WILL prevent proper lowlevel access to devices like...USB Headsets (Logitech Pro X) and Mobile Phones in fastboot mode (xz1c).
To circumvent this you have to connect the phone to a USB Port on the Back of your PC Motherboard DIRECTLY. every other Port can have an USB Hub in between that alters your write or readout and therefore failed the flashing.

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