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.
Hey community, I have just picked up one of these tablets in the hopes that I can use it for some slick new ways of remote desktop and various other work/play related functions.
I've been reading the forums here for the G the past two straight days. I tried flashing my system to TnT 2.0 found on the forums by the one and only Roebeet, Alternate GTab Firmware - TnT Lite (stock based, adds the Marketplace), but I am having issues.
First off I'm wondering if when you say root do you mean inside the /sdcard folder? because that is where Windows 7 is defaulting me to when I mount the drive. This I feel is the cause of all my issues because I thought the update.zip and /recovery were supposed to be on root. Maybe I'm just confused and need some explanation.
If there is a thread I missed that explains all this for a newbie let me know.
Thanks XDA community!
grimsocks said:
Hey community, I have just picked up one of these tablets in the hopes that I can use it for some slick new ways of remote desktop and various other work/play related functions.
I've been reading the forums here for the G the past two straight days. I tried flashing my system to TnT 2.0 found on the forums by the one and only Roebeet, Alternate GTab Firmware - TnT Lite (stock based, adds the Marketplace), but I am having issues.
First off I'm wondering if when you say root do you mean inside the /sdcard folder? because that is where Windows 7 is defaulting me to when I mount the drive. This I feel is the cause of all my issues because I thought the update.zip and /recovery were supposed to be on root. Maybe I'm just confused and need some explanation.
If there is a thread I missed that explains all this for a newbie let me know.
Thanks XDA community!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes the root is what pops up when you mount it to the computer, just copy and paste. root means do not put in another folder just on /sdcard
I'm a newb here, but live in an AIX environment, so I hope to help.
System root is /
The onboard storage (16gb) is mounted as /sdcard
The user micro slot is mounted as /sdcard2 (side note: hoping I can get the vold.fstab to mount sdcard2 under sdcard)
I believe from reading through the TnTLight thread, that you want to put the files under /sdcard, not system root.
Somebody will correct me in short order I am sure.
TeamSpeed said:
I'm a newb here, but live in an AIX environment, so I hope to help.
System root is /
The onboard storage (16gb) is mounted as /sdcard
The user micro slot is mounted as /sdcard2 (side note: hoping I can get the vold.fstab to mount sdcard2 under sdcard)
I believe from reading through the TnTLight thread, that you want to put the files under /sdcard, not system root.
Somebody will correct me in short order I am sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct. Root is / but you want the upgrade files and folders in the /sdcard directory.
Ok thank you all for tha clarification. I am following the direction correctly then. I have placed the two files into the correct 'root' directory and when I hold down power and volume ^ it does start to run the flash, but then it simply shows me the ! in the triangle and restarts. When I go in to look for the files I put there they aren't there.
Should I try and just use Clockworkmod? Or maybe someone who isn't a programmer has made this work and has some more helpful hints. I am in this communities debt as I really want this to be a cool tool/toy for me but if I can't do what I need to I'll bring it back.
grimsocks said:
Ok thank you all for tha clarification. I am following the direction correctly then. I have placed the two files into the correct 'root' directory and when I hold down power and volume ^ it does start to run the flash, but then it simply shows me the ! in the triangle and restarts. When I go in to look for the files I put there they aren't there.
Should I try and just use Clockworkmod? Or maybe someone who isn't a programmer has made this work and has some more helpful hints. I am in this communities debt as I really want this to be a cool tool/toy for me but if I can't do what I need to I'll bring it back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you unzip the file you downloaded from the link here? So that you have both an update.zip file and a recovery folder? Sometimes people just rename the downloaded file update.zip and put it on their sdcard, and then get the exclamation point. The download file needs to be extracted first, to give you an update.zip file and a recovery folder, which you then copy to /sdcard (which will look like the root directory when browsing in Windows).
Great question Jacindc, and yes I have extracted the 2 files update.zip and /recovery to the root of my tablet. I am trying to remove and set my G back to some factory base to try this process again. Let me ask you a question in return. Can i use the built in ES file explorer for this process or should I use Astro or does it not matter?
Also what are these files? DiskCacheIndex11214.tmp I have several of them in root and I'm not sure if they are from my mess ups or what.
Ok update, I've found a /mnt dir on the root and inside there are duplicate folders that exist on root such as /sdcard, /sdcard2, /asec, /secure and /usbdisk....I'm confused why there is this duplication. I guess I must confess I attempted to root the G using; http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=843376 but when I tried to then run Titanium backup it would say no root access and I didn't see the superuser app in the drawer like I did on my Moto droid when I rooted that.
Wondering if I should try a complete wipe and type using the vanilla loader found on the forums...another question, does Windows 7 recognize your device as an Nvidia Harmony?
Last edit/update for tonight me thinks...it would seem I've borked it pretty bad because I can't get the thing to copy any files over. It says I have in Windows, so I safely remove hardware, and then unmount and go look in the download dir or the root and nothing...so not sure what I did but lol I got this one I'll return it and get another to try again I guess.
How to install TNT Lite 2.0 or Cyamogen
Hi Everyone,
I just bought an Viewsonic G-Tablet with Android 2.2 and the latest update from the official site. I'm some kind of disappointed with the interface. From what I have read I can install other stuff on it with best and quicker interface.
I'm very familiar with PC & Mac's OS, but with the Android I feel like a dummy.
I would greatly appreciate if:
1-you tell me which one is better?
2-give me cleared & details instructions on how to do it.
Please do me this favor, because I feel like this tablet is a good tools and I wish to keep it.
Thanks in advance!
Most people are first installing CLOCKWORKSMOD RECOVERY and then putting TnT-Lite 2.X.X lately.
I don't recall anyone ever mentioning "Command" files disappearing (which is what happens to me), but when burning ROMs you need to always make sure your "Recovery" folder in /sdcard has the "Command" file in it.
I'm not sure why, but when I flash files it seems like the " Command" file always disappears. Maybe one of the gurus can tell us why.
But if the flash doesn't work, then the second time you try there is no "Command" file there to guide the install and so nothing happens!!!!
I keep the stuff I am installing in a "Downloads" (not download) directory until I install it and then I copy it over to /sdcard. So if I get a bad or no flash, I just re-copy the good "Recovery" file over and try again.
Hope this helps.
Rev
Moved to general
I think you're wrong. Recovery has nothing to with anything except ROMs and the development environment.
Rev
Same as posted here "I have an HTC [differing: Touch Pro (Alltel CDMA)]. I followed the instruction on forum.xda-developers.com for [FRX*] but it [enters an endless loop] at "task rpcrouter:15 blocked for more than 120 sec". The solution that worked in that link does not solve the same problem with a CDMA RAPH800.
The solution given there (paraphrased from that thread):
Link to the fix. The issue is caused by not having a data plan; the install gets stuck in a loop looking for a signal.
The solution that worked for a GSM phone
download RIL file from http://forum.xda-developers.com/atta...9&d=1302817139 and place in the root of microsd.
download rootfs file from http://www.megaupload.com/?d=1NGCVCTT and place in the root of microso.
add to the end of /conf/froyo.user.conf file "/sdcard/libhtcgeneric-ril.so /lib/froyo/libhtcgeneric-ril.so" before the last "}"
Please help me find a solution for a CDMA phone - next month I'd like to take a dozen of these phones and use them as learning aids in a construction course for laborers, but I cannot start testing construction applications since I cannot get the OS to work.
I'm curious as to what happens when you format your microSD and run FRX7.1MR without anything additional. Could I get you to try this method without the additional stuff?
To be explicit, I'd like you to format your microSD with something other than the Windows method and I'd like you to download THIS (if you haven't already) and THIS. Extract the contents of both files to the root of your microSD. You should see a folder called "FRX07.1" and under that folder, you should see 3 folders and 7 files. Move the contents of that folder up to the root of the microSD. Look under the folder called "STARTUPS" and locate your device type (ie RAPH800) and copy over to the root of your microSD. Once done, run Haret on your phone and let me know what happens.
do you have an application you suggest for "format your microSD with something other than the Windows method"; sourceforge did not turn up anything.
forest.peterson said:
do you have an application you suggest for "format your microSD with something other than the Windows method"; sourceforge did not turn up anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use SDFormatter
wow that SDformatter link has a lot of popups - this link feels less like I just found a date at the bus-stop sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_3 ; but it will not install on either Server2008R2 x64 or Server2003 R2 SP2 x32.
I reformatted the microSd with the format tool in Server2008R2 as FAT format. Installed the files, and boom - I see little green guys swirling around the screen. After awhile a dialog appeared "Sorry! The process com.android.phone has stopped unexpectedly. Please try again"; the dialog closed and it seems like it works! Thank you. I will try again with the HPtool and as FAT32.
Now I just need to learn how to use Android - and the screen calibration seems off? Deleting ts-calibration and rebooting to calibrate.
Glad to hear using the latest bundle works for you! Yeah, that might be a slight issue with an outdated kernel. The main thing I wanted to do is get you booted up first!
Before we continue, make sure you make a backup of your current configuration by copying the contents of the microSD and either moving it to your computer or some other storage device. This way you know you have a "working" bundle.
Next we update the kernel package from HERE; might I suggest using THIS kernel package. Be sure to delete the old files (should be located under root of the microSD and called modules-xxx and zImage) first! Extract till you see two files then rename zImage-xxx to just zImage and feel free to delete the files you extracted from. I've always created my own ts-calibration file but just wanted you to have it, "just in case".
Additionally, you may also need to update the rootfs by deleting the file called rootfs and downloading THIS file. Extract the file and rename to just rootfs and be sure to place it where the file called Haret is (default location is root of the microSD).
files are downloaded and installed - everything seems to work
The title kind of tells what Im thinking of here. Are the XAP's deleted automatically from taking space, and if not, where they are and whats the best way to delete them?
I believe, though I'm not sure, that the temp folder used for downloaded files is cleaned out regularly. The temp folder used by the installer is definitely wiped after installation succeeds.
Ok good and thanks for your reply. I started to think about this because I had a download interrupted and when I downloaded the XAP again, it was labelled name.xap[1]. Meaning of course that the previous unfinished file was still there at that point.