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Hi all I am putting together an android app that will making the rooting process much easier. This thread is discuss issues and suggestions with this app.
I have the app near done, the biggest problem is that I cannot format the sdcard as fat32. Is formatting to fat32 required. Why do we do this? What is the real need to do this?
I have not tested the app out yet, but so far this is how it has been put together. There is a main activity with textboxes that have the urls of the files needed to root (dreaimg.nbh, recovery.img, hardsplupdate.zip, JF_RC33update.zip) and there are buttons for each step in the process to download these necessary files and extract them if needed and put them on the sdcard and renaming them properly. You can change the urls to something else if needed.
so you click the first button it downloads the .nbh and puts it on the sdcard and then prompts the user to turn off, power+camera on, flash. when phone is on then reinstall this app and go to step 2 (because it would of been lost when flashed)
you click the second button it downloads recovery.img and hardsplupdate.zip. renames the files appropriately and puts them on the sd. it runs a script to do the recovery.img flash. It then prompts you to restart into recovery mode and gives the instructions on flashing the hardspl. and tells you to reopen this app when done
you click the third button it downloads the latest JF firmware (lets just say the RC33 flavor) puts it on the sdcard and renames it as update.zip. it prompts you to restart into recovery mode and do the flash.
Anybody see any possible problems with this logic? Also what do people think about maybe packing some of these files in the app instead of having them be downloaded?
Update: app is working http://allshadow.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=5229
I am still looking for help to make it better.
I need devs to help make it nicer.
I am also looking for someone who's familiar with the update.zip package, to pack the radio, hardspl, and jf_rc33 all in one update file.
If anybody is interested in helping, PM me
I dont think its that big of a deal to format the card yourself, but why not make an app on the desktop that does some of the work for you, like formatting the card, then downloading and renaming the files needed to get started?
Packing the files into the app is going to make the app big. I like this whole idea though.
when you flash the .nbh it does a wipe on its own so one would need to re-download the app after that unless you can get it to stick somehow, i like the idea, is each button of the app just running a script? like to get the dreaimg.nbh have a script that runs:
"$wget [url to the .nbh file]
$echo 'please reboot your phone into SPL by holding the camera and power button'"
or did you have some other idea?
i like the idea but i am just not sure how easy this would be to code as i am just used to writing scripts that do everything for me.
or you could follow Kllian's advice and make a desktop program that does all this. i could easily write a script for linux that would do it, and a .bat file wouldn't be too hard either. you would just need to have adb and you could have the scipt/batch reboot the phone into recovery to do the flashing of each update.zip
pm me if you have an questions or would like me to write a script to do all this
tubaking182 said:
when you flash the .nbh it does a wipe on its own so one would need to re-download the app after that unless you can get it to stick somehow, i like the idea, is each button of the app just running a script?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tubaking brings up a good point.
I have an idea that possibly could resolve the "wiping" issue. What you do is, the initial app would be placed on the desktop (assume RC30). From here you'd downgrade the firmware to RC29.
The problem is though, the app you are scripting will be wiped. SO...
How about saving it on the SD temporarily.
THEN modifying the .nbh file to restore the <rooting app> to desktop (from SD)
Just throwing some stuff out there.
IF you need some help, hit me up.
if anyone knows how to convert a .sh bash script from linux to a .bat batch file for windows then i already have the script written, send me a PM to get it. or we could port it into java, but i don't know how to do that stuff. tomorrow i will upload my script onto 4shared and provide a link here as long as it works. keep in mind that i am on a linux machine and my script will not work in M$ windows. i don't know a damn thing about mac, so i have no idea if this will work or not for them.
my script is nearly completely automated, the only thing you need to do is hit ENTER a few dozen times, i will also write a completely automated one that sleeps rather than waits for you to hit enter, but it will take longer to run most likely since i will have to oversetimate the sleep time.
hopefully i can find a windows machine and learn what commands in the cmd are equal to the commands in my terminal
akapoor said:
tubaking brings up a good point.
I have an idea that possibly could resolve the "wiping" issue. What you do is, the initial app would be placed on the desktop (assume RC30). From here you'd downgrade the firmware to RC29.
The problem is though, the app you are scripting will be wiped. SO...
How about saving it on the SD temporarily.
THEN modifying the .nbh file to restore the <rooting app> to desktop (from SD)
Just throwing some stuff out there.
IF you need some help, hit me up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
modifying ,nbh files is no easy task, i tried it once and fortunately for many people GSLeon3 was able to help me fix my tilt. i think the .bat or .sh would be the easiest way to root your phone
Tubaking,
Send over the file you have. Ill work on converting it to a .bat, useable from windows.
Email : akapoor92_at_gmail.com
I should have it soon, but since its like 3:30am here, I'm off to bed. Haha
tubaking182 said:
modifying ,nbh files is no easy task, i tried it once and fortunately for many people GSLeon3 was able to help me fix my tilt. i think the .bat or .sh would be the easiest way to root your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, you'd not only need to modify the nbh file, but you'd also need to sign it with the Google OTA keys - otherwise the phone will refuse to flash it.
If it were possible to create Google-signed nbh files we'd dispense with all this downgrading nonsense and just create an nbh of the latest JF firmware with root and directly flash that.
The issue is that until you've patched the recovery loader the phone won't flash anything that isn't signed by Google. The reason we can get around this is that there is a leaked signed file with the old firmware version, and that version happens to contain a vulnerability that you can use to get root access. Once you have root access you can reflash the recovery loader with a new one which accepts the test keys. At that point you can dispense with the hacks and begin directly flashing whatever you want.
In any case, rooting a phone is serious enough of a matter that we probably shouldn't be encouraging anybody who can download an app to do it. They should at least have some confidence in reading and following obscure instructions online, because of anything goes wrong later that is what they'll be doing...
Thanks for all your input. I have been trying to hold hand people through the root process and it is a real pain. Biggest issues are people not being able to unzip files correctly, rename files correctly, and the biggest thing is the recovery.img step and typing in the commands.
- .nbh cannot be patched because it is signed.
- yes my app will get wiped because of the .nbh flash. It does tell the user to reinstall this app once done with the .nbh step and then continue
- i prefer an android app, so people can do it without a computer and without having to install the sdk
- the app does not run a script to get the files. it uses some android sdk functions to download files. it does use the unzip linux command to unzip, not sure if this will work because of permissions, i may have to figure out how to do it from the sdk. the app does run a script to do the recovery.img step, during this step we should already have root so no issue there with permissions.
Biggest problem I see is Fat32 format I heard it is not absolutely necessary. Does anyone have any more information about why this needs to be done?
it IS necessary, you need the card formatted in order to do the NBH flash, after that you should be ok. most card come formatted in the box they came in so anyone that said they didn't need to format their card is lying because is was already formatted to fat 32
in the RC29 firmware is there a su command in /system/bin/ or are all commands run as root without having to call /system/bin/su ??
moussam said:
in the RC29 firmware is there a su command in /system/bin/ or are all commands run as root without having to call /system/bin/su ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from what i've read, in the RC29 version andything you type on the home screen gets put through a root shell as well all on it's own
I have a feeling whoever makes this app is going to sell iot for a ridiculous price on the market
My script is written but requires the user to do certain things, later I hope to have it be completely automated after a certain point and it will be free. After I get it written in linux shell I will be converting it to use in windows. Expect my automated root to be available for download by the weekend.
I got the app pretty close to done. I hope to put something up tonight or tomorrow that you guys can test. I am not going to charge for this app, I want to give it for free so everybody can have root and a more rich experience.
The place were I am stuck right now is the unzipping of the DREAIMG.NBH file from its zip file after it is downloaded. I am using java.util.zip I am not sure if the problem is because the file is so big or if I am doing it wrong. does anyone have an android java unzip code snippet?
The app now downloads files for you and unzips them if needed. THere is an issue with the unzipping though, after around 25 MB of unzipping DREAIMG.NBH i get this error...
java.io.IOException at java.util.zip.InflaterInputStream.read(InflaterInputStream.java)
anybody have any suggestions? Is their not enough memory to unzip the files or something?
For now I am not going to let the .nbh file be zipped up. THe app instead will have to download the full uncompressed .nbh file.
So it is ready to be tested, if you want to try it out PM me, I do not want to just post it and have everybody use it until it has been tested more.
Good news the app works on downloading the .nbh file and then flashing you to RC29. It then successfully downloads the recovery.img and hardspl update.zip
I had someone testing it and when they ran the recovery script the mount command gave them mount: operation not permitted. Is this correct? I know without root it is supposed to give you mount: permission denied.
If this is correct the app is working, and I just need someone else to confirm.
Mike
Does anybody else want to help with the coding of this project? If so create an open-source repository and I will add the current source in there.
Been trying all day to get ADB working with no chance, just my laptop is just too screwed up i guess. Wont go into details too much, but I did everything by the book from three different sources and everytime i tried to check it with cmd under the right tools directory, after hitting adb or adb kill-server or adb devices i always get the error that adb is that excutable in that directory so im at a lost.
But off of that matter, i found a great program called Sideload Wonder Machine, that automatally sideloads app with out the sdk or rooting (which ive already done anyways) and works find.
But my question is, why bother? Becuase i have download apk's to my computer, connect and monuted my g with debbuging on and just transfered the file to download and then opened it with any file opener and it easily installed no problem.
So my question is, does sideloading thru the computer which installs it on the device its self do a little trick or something that makes it better to do it that way, or is just moving the file myself to the download folder on my g tab and installing it through the g tab the same?
Thanks for your time.
P.S. sorry for being a windbag.
o and if your intersted in the sideloading program im talking about heres the link:
forum.androidcentral.com/android-sideload-wonder-machine/40770-ac-sideload-wonder-machine-windows.html
sorry about the old school copy n paste method, dont think i can post links yet.
Same idea i usually just use dropbox or bluetooth transfer ive only used adb a handful of times, if you get rootexplorer its even easier, no mounting /system the hard way
KushyMansbridge said:
Been trying all day to get ADB working with no chance, just my laptop is just too screwed up i guess. Wont go into details too much, but I did everything by the book from three different sources and everytime i tried to check it with cmd under the right tools directory, after hitting adb or adb kill-server or adb devices i always get the error that adb is that excutable in that directory so im at a lost.
But off of that matter, i found a great program called Sideload Wonder Machine, that automatally sideloads app with out the sdk or rooting (which ive already done anyways) and works find.
But my question is, why bother? Becuase i have download apk's to my computer, connect and monuted my g with debbuging on and just transfered the file to download and then opened it with any file opener and it easily installed no problem.
So my question is, does sideloading thru the computer which installs it on the device its self do a little trick or something that makes it better to do it that way, or is just moving the file myself to the download folder on my g tab and installing it through the g tab the same?
Thanks for your time.
P.S. sorry for being a windbag.
o and if your intersted in the sideloading program im talking about heres the link:
forum.androidcentral.com/android-sideload-wonder-machine/40770-ac-sideload-wonder-machine-windows.html
sorry about the old school copy n paste method, dont think i can post links yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. I don't see a download folder on my gtab. Is that a folder you created, or am I just missing something?
Bob
BobK58 said:
Hi. I don't see a download folder on my gtab. Is that a folder you created, or am I just missing something?
Bob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't have it yet, the Download folder will create itself when you download something via the web browser.
It looks like we may have some users that are new to rooting or to Android all together.
I posted these instructions in the perm root thread, but I figured putting them in their own thread would make it easier to find.
This is meant as a basic pre-cursor to following BCNice's perm root instructions.
I've added a link to TrueBlue_Drew's adb/fastboot guide here
If you use the method that I outline below just download his zip and extract the files to your desktop. Then move the fastboot file into your AndroidSDK\platform-tools sub directory. Thanks to Drew for putting together a great guide!
You will need fastboot installed to install BCNice20's recovery.img.
Make sure you have HTC Sync installed on your computer HTCSync
First download the SDK here
Make sure to dowload the installer_r09-windows.exe
Now install the SDK when prompted for the install path paste C:\AndroidSDK over the default path
Once you have installed it open it from the start menu
Select install packages
The main one we are concerned with is "Platform Tools"
Go to the start menu and right click on My Computer in XP Computer in Windows 7.
Select properties, then select advanced/advanced system settings in Windows 7, then environment variables, now go to the lower box (system variables) and select path then edit.
Paste the following as your path C:\AndroidSDK\platform-tools then select o.k.
Make sure you have temp root via Visionary or Z4.
On your phone go to Settings, Applications, Development, and make sure USB Debugging is checked.
Now connect your phone to your computer and leave the connection type as "charge only"
On your computer select Start, then run, type in CMD
Once in the Command Prompt enter
Code:
cd C:\AndroidSDK\platform-tools
The next line should pop up C:\AndroidSDK\platform-tools>
Now test adb by typing in
Code:
adb
If adb runs you are ready to start!
Type
Code:
adb shell
Then type
Code:
su
Allow Superuser on your phone
You are now in and ready to follow BCNice's directions
Here's some adb stuff that I found from the evo days that has linux, mac, and windows adb and some of the files it needs. I flashed the evo with it so it should work for the shift too. I used an all in one for the epic to root mine in windows. I just extracted the zip and ran adb inside it. I could have included that or instead but there were a lot more files in there pertaining to recovery, root exploits, and images of things I didn't know if they could safely be removed and still work or not. I used the mac version of the file in this package instead of running back and forth from win to mac. I purposely keep the win partition off the internet. Yeah, vmware works but sometimes it doesn't and I didn't want to risk anything when flashing a phone.
As usual, use at your own risk. It worked for me in the past so I don't see any reason why it won't work now. Make note of the adb program naming schemes because they aren't just "adb". I uploaded this because it was very useful to me in the past and I've always failed or got lost when trying to set up sdk per google's instructions. It's very stripped down so don't expect it to be as fully functional as the sdk would be.
If you want to do it the way I did then head over to the epic section and get the all in one root and recovery in the dev section, unzip it, then use the adb.exe inside. Don't use any bat files or scripts in there, you might brick the phone.
As a Win7 64bit user, I had the additional steps of downloading and installing HTC Sync so that Win7 would install the proper drivers for my phone before I could use adb shell to access my shift.
JigSawMan said:
As a Win7 64bit user, I had the additional steps of downloading and installing HTC Sync so that Win7 would install the proper drivers for my phone before I could use adb shell to access my shift.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, of course, how could I forget that? You definitely need drivers for windows.
Anybody care to link me to a good guide for Linux mint/Ubuntu 64 bit?
I've done it on 32, but I can't find good resources for 64.
I used adbwireless and it worked first shot!
Time to work on some roms...;-)
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
So is there like a video review or a picture review of this. I am trying to do the steps, but the process is different from your steps. I have tried this on xp and windows 7
When I get to this step
"On your computer select Start, then run, type in CMD
Once in the Command Prompt enter cd C:\AndroidSDK\platform-tools
The next line should pop up C:\AndroidSDK\platform-tools>
Now test adb by typing in adb"
It tells me "The system cannot find the path specified"
Can anyone help me.
all of my drivers are installed for my phone.
koolkid09 said:
When I get to this step
"On your computer select Start, then run, type in CMD
Once in the Command Prompt enter cd C:\AndroidSDK\platform-tools
The next line should pop up C:\AndroidSDK\platform-tools>
Now test adb by typing in adb"
It tells me "The system cannot find the path specified"
Can anyone help me.
all of my drivers are installed for my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to locate the SDK and rename it. It should be on your C drive in the program files folder and the android sub folder.
Once you have located the folder I believe is named android-sdk-windows right click on it and rename it to AndroidSDK.
Then open up a new window in My Computer on Windows XP or Computer on Windows 7.
Open the C drive and then drag the renamed AndroidSDK file over to the root of the C drive.(not in any folder)
BrandoKC said:
You need to locate the SDK and rename it. It should be on your C drive in the program files folder and the android sub folder.
Once you have located the folder I believe is named android-sdk-windows right click on it and rename it to AndroidSDK.
Then open up a new window in My Computer on Windows XP or Computer on Windows 7.
Open the C drive and then drag the renamed AndroidSDK file over to the root of the C drive.(not in any folder)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. I deleted everything and I am going to try over.
OK.. When I'm first trying to install it do I install it to C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk-windows. That is the defualt place it wants me to install it to. (I am on Windows 7)
I've updated the original post with some more specific instructions for Windows 7.
I had to reboot my computer before I could move the SDK to the C drive and rename it.
The first time I entered the command prompt adb wouldn't work, but I closed it out and the second time it worked flawlessly.
Ok thanks BrandoKc. Coming from windows mobile it would of tooken me a while to figure this adb stuff I out. I have a question??? I just finished rooting... if I hard reset does this break the root???
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
koolkid09 said:
OK.. When I'm first trying to install it do I install it to C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk-windows. That is the defualt place it wants me to install it to. (I am on Windows 7)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will work! Once installed there and updated rename it to AndroidSDK and move it to the root of the C drive. You may need to reboot your computer before it allows you to edit the folder.
alanherrera59 said:
Ok thanks BrandoKc. Coming from windows mobile it would of tooken me a while to figure this adb stuff I out. I have a question??? I just finished rooting... if I hard reset does this break the root???
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By hard reset I assume you mean factory reset. It may but you can re root if it does.
I'm glad to have helped. I know when I rooted my Hero I nearly shatted a bricked Hero.
UGH! Now my SDK manager is not working. It pops up then goes away and I can keep it up. This is happening on this step "Once you have installed it open it from the start menu". I'm probably going to wait until the morning or somebody makes a video on how to do this because I'm getting frustrated.
Koolkid come to the IRC so we can help you
BrandoKC said:
Koolkid come to the IRC so we can help you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sent you a PM.
BrandoKC said:
By hard reset I assume you mean factory reset. It may but you can re root if it does.
I'm glad to have helped. I know when I rooted my Hero I nearly shatted a bricked Hero.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. As from my language... You can tell I come from windows mobile, in those forums we refered a factory reset as a hard reset and a soft reset as a battery pull
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
alanherrera59 said:
Lol. As from my language... You can tell I come from windows mobile, in those forums we refered a factory reset as a hard reset and a soft reset as a battery pull
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once we have a recovery you will definitely be able to wipe/hard reset/factory reset without losing root.
I would imagine at this point you should be able to without losing root also.
Left WinMo when the G1 came out and haven't looked back. Enjoy Android!
I have read like 15 different ways to root, S-off, and install custom ROM's on my phone, but i have a few questions.
To install a custom ROM, do i need to root my phone first?
I have read so many Root directions and i dont know which one to use, and idk how to make a goldcard on my mac, does anyone know a specific one that they have experience with.
I cannot find the CID number of my SD card and that is ruining my whole root experience.
please, do not treat me as rudely as people have before because of "stupid questions"..and dont refer me to videos because ive watched them all and have had no success.
Yes, you do need to root your phone before you can install a custom ROM, as for the other questions I can't answer them since I don't have any experience with the Inspire 4G. If you only have access to a mac and the tools are windows-oriented you could try running a windows OS in a VM (virtual machine)
oh, and another question, do you have to have a goldcard to to the root?
I have a Mac and I followed the instructions here to make my gold card
http://www.mikesouthby.co.uk/2010/08/htc-desire-creating-goldcard-using-mac-or-linux/
i tried to use this already before, but i cant find the CID number on my SD card and i downloaded astro file manager and everything. i have a samsung 8GB SD card.
noccaedm said:
i tried to use this already before, but i cant find the CID number on my SD card and i downloaded astro file manager and everything. i have a samsung 8GB SD card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
with the sd card in the phone and the phone plugged into your mac, in disk drive mode do this at a command prompt
adb shell cat /sys/class/mmc_host/mmc2/mmc2:*/cid
from your android sdk tools directory that should give CID
i appreciate all the help! im trying it now!
as i am new to this, how can i access adb? i cant find it anywhere in any folder i have...fml, i sound so stupid prob but hey, we're all beginners sometimes.
noccaedm said:
as i am new to this, how can i access adb? i cant find it anywhere in any folder i have...fml, i sound so stupid prob but hey, we're all beginners sometimes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have to have installed the android SDK on your computer.
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
gunnyman said:
you have to have installed the android SDK on your computer.
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's also part of the hack kit look in the tools/osx directory
i just installed the SDK and all i have in the ace hack kit V9 is adb and i cant do anything on it. it just runs and i cant enter anything into it. is there an app that i have to get on my phone?
noccaedm said:
i just installed the SDK and all i have in the ace hack kit V9 is adb and i cant do anything on it. it just runs and i cant enter anything into it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok open a command prompt in the directory the hack kit is located
then type adb then the command
how do you open a command prompt in the directory. do i just go t the terminal application and type in adb shell cat /sys/class/mmc2/mmc2:*/cid
because i tried that in the terminal emulator on my phone and it says access denied
Open terminal on the Mac. Drag the advanced program to that window. Then type the rest of the command
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
what is the advanced program? im so sorry im asking stupid questions.
and another thing, should i place the hack kit on my phone's sd card?
Adb. Program. Stupid autocorrect. Btw have you read the hack kit readme?
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
noccaedm said:
and another thing, should i place the hack kit on my phone's sd card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Create a folder on your desktop called "Inspire". Extract all of the files within the hack kit to this folder on your computer, not your SD card. Drag this folder to the terminal, hit Return. Now follow the instructions in the Linux/OSX readme (it will be one of the files you extracted)
i read the readme, and i guess things didnt make sense to me. im backing up my sd card again just for sure, then im going format it and try to get the CID number. i tested dragging the adb program into the terminal window and everything worked, but i didnt have my phone plugged it.
i dragged the adb command into terminal and typed in the command: adb shell cat /sys/class/mmc2/mmc2:*/cid
and i got the response: adb, no such file or directory. i just cant make the goldcard. wtf, i cant get the CID number, i mean really. i downloaded ace hack kit v9, and the sdk thing.
also, i just got the platform-tools folder for the sdk, so i will try the things in the folder.
Ok, let's pretend I know virtually nothing about the inner workings of android phones... Can someone explain in noob terms how I would make a zip file containing some system files that I could "push" onto my rooted phone through the rom-manager? I tried to make a simple zip with some files in it but it would not allow me to install it for some reason.
I've heard of things like this ADB or whatever it's called, or maybe I have to get the zip "signed"? I dunno. Please help a poor noob out. I tried searching for it but I don't even know the proper terms yet
Lets suppose you've followed some guide how-to make an installable zip.If You have installed Rom Manager then you should be able to install cwm just by 1 click (1st option in RM if I remeber) When its installed you simply reboot your phone into recovery(this depends on actuall phone) and there simply set something like "install signed zips only"
edit : im not sure if i get your problem well maybe you need just read FAQs about your phone in its section here.