First, I read these forums every day and have spent the afternoon trying to research my questions but have not been able to piece together the explanations I need. Also, although a relative Noob, I am familiar with the basics of Android and ADB thru rooting and modifying both my Nook Color and Atrix 4G.
I have a stock wifi Xoom that has never been unlocked and with the recent OTA upgrade to 3.1, I now want to unlock and root. After researching the forums on how to proceed, I keep coming back to the following thread but I have two questions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1078019
First, I understand that when I unlock the Xoom, I will wipe all data and settings. However, what I don't understand is that since this is said to be the same as a factory reset, will I also lose 3.1 and be back at the original 3.0.0? If so, would I have to use one of the procedures outlined to update to 3.1 as was done by forum members that did not want to wait for the OTA update?
Second, if the referenced link applies to an original WiFi 3.1 stock Xoom as stated, how does the Xoom in recovery mode recognize the existence of the required SD card? I thought that the Tiamat kernal was the only way the internal SD card slot could be presently recognized. Or does recovery inherently recognize the SD card? What am I misssing?
Thanks!
Excellent question. I was wondering the same thing.
I had access to my SD card prior to doing the 3.1 update, but after following the procedure from the Dev forum I no longer see it in the operating system. I only see it in the Recovery module. Anyone know where I can find the stock 3.1 kernel?
wayne710 said:
First, I understand that when I unlock the Xoom, I will wipe all data and settings. However, what I don't understand is that since this is said to be the same as a factory reset, will I also lose 3.1 and be back at the original 3.0.0? If so, would I have to use one of the procedures outlined to update to 3.1 as was done by forum members that did not want to wait for the OTA update?
Second, if the referenced link applies to an original WiFi 3.1 stock Xoom as stated, how does the Xoom in recovery mode recognize the existence of the required SD card? I thought that the Tiamat kernal was the only way the internal SD card slot could be presently recognized. Or does recovery inherently recognize the SD card? What am I misssing?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) When you unlock, your Xoom will still be running 3.1
2) The custom recovery (Clockworkmod or CWM) has it's own kernel. It will be able to see and read your external SD card. You will not be able to see your external SD card from the booted Xoom OS until you complete the root process.
What cam30era said, when you unlock you'll still be running on 3.1. A factory reset will only clear cache, data, settings, etc. It does not wipe the OS because, hey, you need the OS
cam30era said:
1) When you unlock, your Xoom will still be running 3.1
2) The custom recovery (Clockworkmod or CWM) has it's own kernel. It will be able to see and read your external SD card. You will not be able to see your external SD card from the booted Xoom OS until you complete the root process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for you clear and concise response! You have answered a couple questions I have had for a long time.
wayne710 said:
Thank you very much for you clear and concise response! You have answered a couple questions I have had for a long time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome. That's what this forum is all about. Helping each other.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
I can't unlock...
I've followed so many guides, mainly on this site. and like this poster, i want to unlock/root my xoom. first step would be unlocking, however I have downloaded all the necessary files, and SDK is working. When I do the 'fastboot oem unlock' command, i get an error. any suggestions?
also, see my video to view what I've done! just copy and paste - youtube.com/watch?v=2bROUZh7GRI
thanks for the help.
V0nice said:
I've followed so many guides, mainly on this site. and like this poster, i want to unlock/root my xoom. first step would be unlocking, however I have downloaded all the necessary files, and SDK is working. When I do the 'fastboot oem unlock' command, i get an error. any suggestions?
also, see my video to view what I've done! just copy and paste - youtube.com/watch?v=2bROUZh7GRI
thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. I'm unlocked now. New problem... >.< There's always something!! now when I try to flash the recovery image, I get an unknown error.
"C:\AndroidSDK\tools>fastboot flash recovery recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm.
img
sending 'recovery' (3998 KB)...
FAILED (command write failed (Unknown error))
finished. total time: 0.636s
C:\AndroidSDK\tools>"
Anyone recognize why it would do this?
Related
I have a Droid Incredible Rooted using Unrevoked forever with S-Off. I have been running CM 6.0.2 for a while now and had an issue the other day with my SD card. The card died and when I put a new card in the phone got stuck in a boot loop. I tried reflashing CM 6.0.2 and gapps but I continue to get the same boot loop. I understand that you need to wipe all data but when I atempt to wipe the Dalvik Cache I get the the following message "E:Can't mount /dev/block/ (File Found)" what do I need to do to fix this. I have no phone right now and have become extremely dependent on using it for everything from GPS to MP3 player in my daily life so any help would be greatly appreciated. I have read some posts suggesting running logcat to find what error I am getting during the bootloop that is happening, but I have no idea how to do that. I think the main issue is that I cannot do a full wipe before flashing the ROM.
Please help! I don't want to chalk this up to a bricked device, but I won't be able to hold out much longer since I have to travel this weekend.
First of all, do not double post. It just clutters up the forums.
Second, you need to post this in the Droid Incredible forum or at the VERY LEAST, the Android Q&A forum. I'm not sure why people took the time to create all of the different forums around here if you guys are not even going to use them.
I'm just taking a shot in the dark here based on my experience flashing older Android phones. So do not tell me I'm wrong, AGAIN this is just an option to try:
Just boot into recovery and do a factory reset on the phone. AGAIN, I'm just going on what I CAN REMEMBER here. Use the hboot menu try a restore. Load a factory ROM onto the SD card (using your PC) and the flash it.
I don't know man, maybe I'm wrong about all of this. FACT is that I've had NUMEROUS phones that were in the same shape you are in right now and after google searching, a little common sense and READING I was able to fix the issues. There is a way to go back to your FACTORY ROM but I'm not going to waste my time doing the research for you here, it's your phone and you have access to the same information all of us do.
EDIT:
I mentioned common sense. With that being said, take a look at your own post bro.
talltubatom said:
I understand that you need to wipe all data but when I atempt to wipe the Dalvik Cache I get the the following message "E:Can't mount /dev/block/ (File Found)"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you meant "(File NOT Found)". You are trying wipe data off of a NEW SD Card here. How do you expect it to wipe files that are not even there to start with? Make sure your battery is fully charged before doing anything with the phone also. You might think that sounds like it has nothing to do with your problem BUT it can cause boot loops on SOME devices (android and others). Reset to factory from hboot menu. SKIP THE WIPE ALL PART BECAUSE YOU HAVE A NEW SD CARD. Just get back into your phone running Android and then you can redo everything from there.
Thank you for the response.
Sorry for posting in the wrong thread, perhaps a mod could move this to a more resonable place for this question. I'm not trying to clog anythining up. If that isn't an option I'll just create a new thread over there, but like you said that would just be clutter.
First: I did not mean (File NOT Found) the error says (File Found), seems like an odd error on a Formated SD Card that is why I mentioned it.
Second: I tried going to a stock ROM and it would not flash to the device I think it was looking for the previous official ROM that was relesed for the phone and would not install since that did not exist. The one that I downloaded was when Verizon pushed FroYo for the DInc, perhaps I can find one that supports a different upgrade path.
After trying all logical steps, google searches and reading many thread regarding people who have been stuck in this situation I was not able to find anything that was helping me restore my phone, that is why i started a new thread.
Roll Tide <<<< so you won't be so upset with me
The only reason I said posting in the device specific forum or android forums would be better is because there would be more people that know how to fix it viewing your question.
I'm shooting in the dark here but have you tried flashing Clockwork again? Just putting the .zip on the new SDCARD and flashing it? I'm sorry man, I've searched and tried to come up with a good answer but I've not found THAT much. Post in the Incredible forum would probably get your problem solved. I'm not sure that there is much of a difference between deviceds when it comes to recovery but I'm sure that you will get more accurate answer over there, even in the Android section.
My Xoom is completely stock and I just received and installed the 3.2 update. I am pretty disappointed in the SD card support and lack of other features. I held off on rooting and installing Tiamat before as I wanted to see what Google would give us, and well I think I have waited long enough to see that it pales in comparison to what you devs can do.
So now I would like to give the Tiamat kernel a try. So I read through several of the threads and on the Tiamat 2.0.0 Kernel thread it assumes you are on 3.1, where I am already on 3.2. As it took me several months to convince the wifey that I needed my Xoom I do not want to risk bricking it, so I am looking for some help.
-First, is it currently possible to go straight from complete stock 3.2 to Katana?
-Second, and much more difficult, can someone provide me step by step instructions? I've seen several of the threads out there, some of them are very helpfull, some get me part way, but none of them cover this exact upgrade scenario. This just makes me very concerned with doing something wrong or if something changed in 3.2.
I know this is a lot to ask, but I think there are a lot of people who would benefit from this information.
Thanks
HuckFinn said:
My Xoom is completely stock and I just received and installed the 3.2 update. I am pretty disappointed in the SD card support and lack of other features. I held off on rooting and installing Tiamat before as I wanted to see what Google would give us, and well I think I have waited long enough to see that it pales in comparison to what you devs can do.
So now I would like to give the Tiamat kernel a try. So I read through several of the threads and on the Tiamat 2.0.0 Kernel thread it assumes you are on 3.1, where I am already on 3.2. As it took me several months to convince the wifey that I needed my Xoom I do not want to risk bricking it, so I am looking for some help.
-First, is it currently possible to go straight from complete stock 3.2 to Katana?
-Second, and much more difficult, can someone provide me step by step instructions? I've seen several of the threads out there, some of them are very helpfull, some get me part way, but none of them cover this exact upgrade scenario. This just makes me very concerned with doing something wrong or if something changed in 3.2.
I know this is a lot to ask, but I think there are a lot of people who would benefit from this information.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The quick answer to your question is Yes, you can go from stock 2.3 to Tiamat Katana 2.0 kernel, but you must be rooted.
Are you rooted? If so, and if you have already installed Clockwork Mod Recovery 3.2.0.0 (from solarnz' thread in Development) you can just flash the Katana kernel and you should be fine.
If you are not unlocked and rooted--you can follow the directions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1170760
There are actually some more user-friendly (for noobs) instructions http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130996 in this thread, but for STEP 5 (ROOTING) you have to substitute the method from jase's post (above) for the instructions for Step 5 in the "idiot's guide" I can't find any 3.2 root files yet. It's the same procedure but a bit more hands on. No matter what you do, you will have to use adb to unlock your bootloader and root, so gather all the necessary files, drivers and print out your instructions.
One thing to know is never try to install a .zip file through adb...that will cause massive headaches. However, it seems pretty hard to actually brick one of these Xooms through updating and flashing. (Don't drop it into water, though!)
Thank you for the information. All the posts asking for help because something did not go right still have me pretty apprehensive. I am not at all interested in over clocking, so it is really the what I assume is proper SD card support and USB tethering that interest me the most.
HuckFinn said:
Thank you for the information. All the posts asking for help because something did not go right still have me pretty apprehensive. I am not at all interested in over clocking, so it is really the what I assume is proper SD card support and USB tethering that interest me the most.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's only by rooting that you are able to get the full functionality of the Xoom. It's great as it is...HC 3.2 is very good and improved, but this device is made to driven like a sports car, not just sat in like a minivan.
okantomi,
Well I have gone back and forth on wether to root or not and you have been very helpful with pointing me to good information. I am hoping you do not mind answering a couple more questions.
-In the "Idiot's guide to flashing" you pointed me to it installed CWM before rooting. Is this the proper order or would you root first? I know I should just follow the guide and give it a shot, but that just seems odd.
-Can you explain to be the difference between the Tiamat kernels and the ROMs? My assumption is that the ROM would include the kernel, but I have a strong feeling that is incorrect. I have read posts of installing the ROM first and then the kernel and I am just more confused.
Thanks, one day I will get there.
HuckFinn said:
okantomi,
Well I have gone back and forth on wether to root or not and you have been very helpful with pointing me to good information. I am hoping you do not mind answering a couple more questions.
-In the "Idiot's guide to flashing" you pointed me to it installed CWM before rooting. Is this the proper order or would you root first? I know I should just follow the guide and give it a shot, but that just seems odd.
-Can you explain to be the difference between the Tiamat kernels and the ROMs? My assumption is that the ROM would include the kernel, but I have a strong feeling that is incorrect. I have read posts of installing the ROM first and then the kernel and I am just more confused.
Thanks, one day I will get there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got to be quick...I have to do some work today, lol, but here goes:
Actually, follow the Idiots Guide regarding the adb, moto drivers setup.
Then follow this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1170760
It's got all the right files and steps, and though it's pretty much to the point, it's user friendly enough. It will get you rooted, I'm sure.
While the difference between ROMs and kernels is somewhat over my head, the ROM does contain the kernel (it's sort of an all inclusive package to tell the device how to behave, whereas the kernel manages particular functions, but not others. It's more limited.) Because the Honeycomb source code hasn't been released, the developers are somewhat limited in the ROM-development department, but they have been able to work wonders with kernels. However, the Tiamat 1.1 Rom for HC3.1 was great and the new ROM in development for HC3.2 will be great too, if the Katana kernal for HC3.2 is any indicator.
Sorry to be a pest but just want to make sure I understand.
A) Follow the idiot's guide steps 1-2, which covers Xoom driver installation and ADB installation.
B) Then follow the other link (How to root your Xoom from stock 3.2) for unlocking and rooting.
C) Then go back to the idiot's guide, skip step 3 (unlocking-already done above) and do step 4 (CWM Installation), skip step 5 (rooting-already done above), then follow step 6 (installing the new kernel).
Again I really appreciate all the advice.
-HuckFinn
HuckFinn said:
Sorry to be a pest but just want to make sure I understand.
A) Follow the idiot's guide steps 1-2, which covers Xoom driver installation and ADB installation.
B) Then follow the other link (How to root your Xoom from stock 3.2) for unlocking and rooting.
C) Then go back to the idiot's guide, skip step 3 (unlocking-already done above) and do step 4 (CWM Installation), skip step 5 (rooting-already done above), then follow step 6 (installing the new kernel).
Again I really appreciate all the advice.
-HuckFinn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that my original idea of using the idiot's guide for everything but step 5 still might work, as long as you substitute any older HC 3.1 specific files with the new ones from jase33's post.Meaning new boot image for old boot image, etc...At some point, someone willcreate a "rootboot"zip for HC3.2 but til then, jase33's way is it.
The Tiamat recovery listed in the Idiot's Guide is still valid and jase33 didn't include a custom recovery in his guide (at least I didn't see it). So I think you can install it earlier or later. I'm not sure it makes a difference, as long as you have it installed so you can flash the new kernel!
I just upgraded from a rooted Viewsonic G tablet to the Xoom WiFi. I have not had a chance to work with it yet. A list of reasons to root would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
.
okantomi said:
I've got to be quick...I have to do some work today, lol, but here goes:
Actually, follow the Idiots Guide regarding the adb, moto drivers setup.
Then follow this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1170760
It's got all the right files and steps, and though it's pretty much to the point, it's user friendly enough. It will get you rooted, I'm sure.
While the difference between ROMs and kernels is somewhat over my head, the ROM does contain the kernel (it's sort of an all inclusive package to tell the device how to behave, whereas the kernel manages particular functions, but not others. It's more limited.) Because the Honeycomb source code hasn't been released, the developers are somewhat limited in the ROM-development department, but they have been able to work wonders with kernels. However, the Tiamat 1.1 Rom for HC3.1 was great and the new ROM in development for HC3.2 will be great too, if the Katana kernal for HC3.2 is any indicator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the kernel is the Linux derivative operating system that the Java based android layer runs on top of. Technically ROM means Read Only Memory which is not being used correctly. A ROM really is a factory produced Masked ROM (burned in, fixed) or an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) as in a chip or integrated circuit.
davidsos said:
I believe the kernel is the Linux derivative operating system that the Java based android layer runs on top of. Technically ROM means Read Only Memory which is not being used correctly. A ROM really is a factory produced Masked ROM (burned in, fixed) or an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) as in a chip or integrated circuit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your answer is more technically correct. Thanks.
Random reboots, coming from 3.2 stock OTA
Does anybody else get random reboots in Tiamat Katana coming from 3.2 stock OTA? So far it's been exclusively a sleep-related problem; I haven't seen it reboot during active use. I'm not (over|under)(clocking|volting).
I've tried clearing cache and Dalvik cache. If it matters, I've been using the Overclocked GPU version. I'll try the Standard GPU version of Katana, but that's not a likely fix, since all the problems seem to be sleep-related.
(PS: I've read all the FAQs I could find, but I couldn't find the answer to this one: I'm coming from a Viewsonic G, and I'm used to the ability to nvflash completely back to a working state no matter what. Is there an equivalent method of restoring a Xoom to absolute stock? Thanks!)
Nevermind...I did one more "clear user data" and now it's stable. Tiamat devs, you are gods among men and heroes to all the little children. Thanks!
redhairedscot said:
Nevermind...I did one more "clear user data" and now it's stable. Tiamat devs, you are gods among men and heroes to all the little children. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And if you set WiFi sleep to NEVER (hardly uses any additional battery) you will not have any more random sleep-related reboots.
CWM after rooting?
I followed the instructions in Post #2 of this thread to root my Xoom (HC 3.2). All seemed to go well. However, I have noticed that when following pingvinen's instructions (linked from Post #2), in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130996, to install Tiamat 2.0.0, the steps include installing CWM before rooting. I can't see that it matters that I install CWM after rooting and before Tiamat installation, but I thought that I had better check. Could somebody please confirm that it doesn't matter whether CWM is installed before or after rooting?
Thank you
Gordon
cwm before root, because you need to flash a new recovery to root and flash a new ROM. I'm a noob, too, and just figuring this out myself, but think I am explaining this right.
one of the many guides I reviewed was by steady Hawkins (now part of team tiamat) over on xoomforums... partly pasted below... I actually rooted using the older files and images he references, then upgraded cwm to 3.2 then flashed tiamat 2.0... probably more steps than necessary, but these were the clearest directions and by going through several rounds of flashing I learned a good bit about the process.
Prerequisites:
1) Copy whatever you want to retain, your device will wipe when it unlocks 2) You must have SDK/ADB set up, for instructions please see- Setting up ADB on Windows 7 64 bit (and other Windows platforms) 3) Open SDK and copy all of the files inside of tools folder and paste them inside of platform-tools folder. Vice versa will work as well. If it asks you if you want to replace files select no. The folder you paste these files into will be the folder you will run ADB commands from. 4) Download the files from the link below. Place recovery.img in the file you will run commands from in ADB. ***Wifi-Only Users***- manually put the System and bootloader zips files onto a sdcard card and insert card into xoom. ***3G/4G Users***- manually put the System, bootloader, and 3G fix zips onto a sdcard and insert card into xoom.
Downloads:
Recovery- http://db.tt/GXNxZkF System- 3.1 System - Downloads - Android Forum Bootloader- Bootloader Patch - Downloads - Android Forum 3G Fix- 3G Fix for 3.1 - Downloads - Android Forum
Notes:
In the following two sections you will see red text. This text represents the command that needs to be entered in ADB/Command Prompt. After each command press enter and wait for your computer to push the info to your Xoom. When you see the next command line come up you are ok to enter the next command. You can copy and paste the commands if you would like.
1) To start the process place your Xoom into USB debugging mode. This is done by going to settings, applications, development, and checking the box next to USB Debugging. 2) Plug your Xoom into your computer, open your command prompt (with the path set to the correct folder) and type adb devices 3) If you get a string of numbers your good to proceed, if not refer back to Setting up ADB on Windows 7 64 bit (and other Windows platforms) to see where you went wrong.
Unlocking:
adb reboot bootloader Xoom will reboot into a screen with text on the upper left corner. While you are on this screen enter the following fastboot oem unlock A bunch of text will appear and you will need to use the down volume rocker to select yes, followed by volume up to confirm Xoom will then wipe, reboot, and your back up and running. At this point you will need to go back and re-enable USB debugging
Flash Recovery Img:
Make sure Xoom is connected to computer. Test connection by running adb devices if you get the string of numbers proceed.
Rename the Recovery img you downloaded ~~~> recovery.img
adb reboot bootloader Xoom will reboot into a screen with text on the upper left corner. While you are on this screen enter the following fastboot flash recovery recovery.img Wait for it to finish, then read the below note before you enter the next command!!!!!!!!! fastboot reboot ***As soon as you enter the "fastboot reboot" command in the previous step, your device will reboot. You have to boot into recovery right away or your Xoom will reflash the stock recovery over the custom recovery you just flashed. Follow these next steps very carefully-
a. When you see the Motorola logo appear, wait approximately 3 seconds. b. Tap the Volume Down button. You should see the words "Android Recovery" appear at the top of the screen. Now tap the Volume Up button to boot into recovery. c. If when attempting to boot into recovery it says 'Starting Fastboot protocol support' then you hit Volume Down too soon. Hold Vol UP + Power to reboot and try again.
Root Time:
***For the following use the volume rocker to move the selector up and down, use the power button to select***
1)Select wipe data/factory reset and confirm 2)Select install zip from SD and confirm 3)Select the system file and confirm After it loads select install zip from SD again and confirm 4)Select the bootloader file and confirm
***3G USERS ONLY- Select 3G fix and confirm***
5)Select Reboot and confirm
At this point Xoom will reboot. Please note the first boot will take a while. After it boots up you will be rooted and you should have SDsupport!
Root info:
To ensure that you are rooted download Terminal Emulator from the market (its free). Open it and type su followed by pressing enter. On the next line you should see #. If you do your dialed in.
To view your SDcard use a file manager program such as Root Explorer. Your sdcard will be located in /sdcard/external.
Big thanks to Bigrushdog for the imgs!!!!!
kosenn said:
I just upgraded from a rooted Viewsonic G tablet to the Xoom WiFi. I have not had a chance to work with it yet. A list of reasons to root would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had my 3g zoom for 4+ months before deciding to root. The advantages I've seen in a few short days rooted:
better performance, faster booting, smoother webpages
full SD card use (write access to go along with read in stock 3.2)
ability to fully and truly back up the device
a very resposive developer community
a very knowledgeable and helpful user community (though they'll help you even stock)
a growing understanding of how this great device works
what I'm not sure of is how much effort and attention it will take to keep up with updates from the dev community, and whether tinkering with this thing will become addictive and end up consuming as much time as my original reasons/uses for buying it in the first place
Thank you for the reply. I thought the thread had died
You say:
cwm before root, because you need to flash a new recovery to root and flash a new ROM. I'm a noob, too, and just figuring this out myself, but think I am explaining this right.
I tried to install CWM (flash with fastboot) on a rooted stock US 3.2 WiFi Xoom. I am not clear why starting with a rooted device would make any difference for flashing a new recovery, before flashing a new ROM. Can you explain further? Nevertheless, I haven't managed to flash a fully functioning CWM. It works but with error messages, as indicated in my post at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130996&page=4.
Maybe I need to go back and unroot.
Thank you
Gordon
1st, a disclaimer that I'm not much more experienced than you (if at all). Take what I offer knowing that.
I actually experienced an identical problem. Like you, I was working from several "guides" at once and I think the issue resultedbfrom mixing instructions for one cwm version with an earlier (or later) version. I THINK the version you have is the same as the one referenced in the guide I pasted. If you'll note his directions, he suggested renaming the recovery document to "recovery.img" before flashing it. When I went back and did that, it worked for me... then I was able to flash the updated cwm 3.2.0.0 with no errors.... then tiamat 2.0
I have no idea, though, whether there are ramifications to being rooted without a error-free recovery.
Thanks again for this ... at least someone has been through the same problems as me!
The version of CWM that I am trying to flash is "recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm.img", which is what is shown in the fastboot line in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130996. However, I am not seeing any reference to renaming to recovery.img. Are we looking at different threads?
If necessary, I will go back to stock 3.0.1 and un-root, but I would like to avoid the stress, if possible
Thank you
Gordon
Having been a member on this forum for years I must admit it has been incredible the wealth of information I've gained from it. I've had all sorts of phones/pdas and I'ved used this site to help me get the most out of it and to help m "tame" the device and stop rubbish from the vendors being installed on there when I don't want it.
A couple of years ago I got an HTC Desire. Great phone although limited memory. I was happy with it. Didn't bother to root it or anything. I then got a Motorola Xoom. Didn't bother rooting that either. I got myself an HTC Sensation now. I decided one day that I was going to unlock/root the thing to see if I could do it.
Somehow, I think I managed it. I haven't really noticed a difference but then I haven't put a custom rom on it. On all my old Windows mobiles I always had a custom rom.
Now, going back to the Xoom. It's an original Xoom. I bought it in May 2011. It is running Android 3.2 after Motorola sent out an update. All is good.
However, I would like to have ICS on it. This is where my problems begin. I've tried following so many different how-to's on how to do this unyet none so far have worked. So, either I'm completely stupid or, the guides are not easy to follow or the process (that is always touted as easy) is not very easy.
So I am asking for help. Here is what I understand are the steps that I need to acheive.
1. I need to unlock the device
2. I need to install a recovery image
3. I need to install ICS
Questions: I *think* I have done 1. How do I check? After what I believe is a convoluted process, I have installed the Android SDK. I have the drivers for the device on the [Windows 7 64bit] PC and I can see it listed when I type adb devices.
Why do I need to unlock the device? What does the act of unlocking it do? When I followed this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1242241
I got to step 3. I typed in the first command:
adb reboot bootloader
After much faffing around I found out from another site I needed USB Debugging enabled. Nobody told me this. No, it isn't obvious that I need this.
The boot screen appeared and gave a message at the top and then I typed in:
fastboot oem unlock
I followed the instructions on the screen. I unlocked the device. It took a while. When it rebooted I found I had to set the device back up again as if it was the first time I'd used it. "Great!" I am thinking, I've lost everything. Thankfully I backed up what I wanted so I am not bothered. Slowly the apps appeared to come back after it synched with Google. I'm assuming stuff gets backed up somewhere.
I typed:
fastboot reboot
It rebooted.I typed:
adb reboot bootloader
It rebooted into the bootloader. Now here is where things started to go off track. I typed the next command:
fastboot flash recovery recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm.img
I get this:
unknown partition 'recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm.img'
error: cannot determine image filename for 'recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm.img'
So what now?
I cannot believe the process to unlock and flash a rom is so unbelievably convoluted. I've read dozens of walkthroughs, how-to's and forums and each one seems to be very similar unyet there is always something different on there to what I get on my screen or something doesn't happen quite the same way.
Here is what I am trying to acheive:
I have Android 3.2 on my Xoom and I would like it to be ICS.
We'll assume that I am completely stupid and need serious handholding to get to ICS. Is there anyone that can help with these seemingly simple steps?
One thing I keep reading is about the recovery image file. Is this related to Cyanogenmod? I am assuming as it is called a recovery image file it helps you get back when things go wrong.
Thanks and much love to the person that takes up the reigns and helps me out here.
Hi!
If you are rooted already that's pretty easy. But if not, try using LordAIOTool to root (yea it's mine and I think it's worth a try). After you are rooted flash a new recovery - download from development section - after, rename the recovery to recovery.img and then use the following commands on adb, fastboot and this recovery folder (simultaneously)
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot reboot
Then after keep clicking the vol- after 2s of your tablet appears on Motorola logo. Then keep cycling until appears Android Recovery then press vol+
You are on recovery now, just select install zip from sdcard...
Good luck
Sent from my MZ601 using XDA Premium HD app
If you wanted your xoom rom'd, then you could try wesamothman's guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1717402 It is great for beginners and the experienced alike.
This is for the wifi only xoom MZ604. There is another guide by him i believe for the MZ602
Do I need to flash a new rom to get root on my MZ604? What is the easiest way to just root the stock 4.0.4 firmware? I have no desire for a different rom. I just want to root it.
Hey there.
If you don't want to flash a custom ROM and only want to root it, try this:
1) unlock your bootloader.
2) thru ADB, flash a recovery image.
3) thru Recovery, flash superuser flashable zip: http://www.4shared.com/zip/g3yzbrIa/...?cau2=403tNull
I ran the first couple of steps to unlocking. That is as far as I have got. As I said, I have tried so many of these walkthroughs and not one of them has all the steps. They all make an assumption somewhere along the line.
For example: xxlordxx replied with:
"If you are rooted already that's pretty easy".
I'm not, that is the problem.
Again:
1. adb reboot bootloader
2. fastboot flash recovery recovery.img <---- This didn't work and gave me the error I pointed out earlier and that is where it all stopped. Noone explains what to do when it goes wrong.
Anything passed this stage is irrelevant until I can sort out the problem above.
yosterwp, you mentioned wesamothmans guide. I will try that one as it looks a bit more "dummies guide-like" and it is for my exact device which is the MZ604 wifi only. I hadn't seen this one as it was only posted a couple of days ago
Just so I know, can someone anser these questions? I'm sure they're very simple but I don't know.
1. Do I need to unlock the Xoom to put ICS or a custom rom on it?
2. Is unlocking the same as setting s-off?
3. If not, what is the difference?
4. I assume the recovery img file is for recovering if things go wrong. Is that correct? Why isn't a recovery app on there for when OTA releases get pushed through? What else does the recovery do for me?
5. What is Cyanogenmod and do I need it or is this another custom rom?
6. There are so many custom roms out there. Everyone says to choose the one that is suited to me but I don't know which ones are suited to me. Does anyone know of a list of the custom ones that are around and why I'd choose one above the other? (I am assuming this is a long shot
Thanks for everything so far. I will let you know how I get on with wesamothmans guide.
Hi Snert.
Answering your queries:
1. Do I need to unlock the Xoom to put ICS or a custom rom on it?
yes.
2. Is unlocking the same as setting s-off?
I don't really understand what you mean by s-off... but unlocking is this: you unlock the bootloader that is considered as a security checkpoint of your device. It is locked by default. when it is unlocked, you can then install recovery image passing thru this checkpoint (allowed). without bootloader being unlocked, no rooting can be done. this is the very first step.
3. If not, what is the difference?
same as above
4. I assume the recovery img file is for recovering if things go wrong. Is that correct? Why isn't a recovery app on there for when OTA releases get pushed through? What else does the recovery do for me?
Recovery explanation details is here: http://www.androidcentral.com/what-recovery-android-z
5. What is Cyanogenmod and do I need it or is this another custom rom?
It is a different ROM based Firmware...
6. There are so many custom roms out there. Everyone says to choose the one that is suited to me but I don't know which ones are suited to me. Does anyone know of a list of the custom ones that are around and why I'd choose one above the other? (I am assuming this is a long shot
Go for the best custom ROM for your MZ604. It is from Team EOS.
Hope I answered your questions
wesamothman said:
Hi Snert.
Answering your queries:
1. Do I need to unlock the Xoom to put ICS or a custom rom on it?
yes.
2. Is unlocking the same as setting s-off?
I don't really understand what you mean by s-off... but unlocking is this: you unlock the bootloader that is considered as a security checkpoint of your device. It is locked by default. when it is unlocked, you can then install recovery image passing thru this checkpoint (allowed). without bootloader being unlocked, no rooting can be done. this is the very first step.
3. If not, what is the difference?
same as above
4. I assume the recovery img file is for recovering if things go wrong. Is that correct? Why isn't a recovery app on there for when OTA releases get pushed through? What else does the recovery do for me?
Recovery explanation details is here: http://www.androidcentral.com/what-recovery-android-z
5. What is Cyanogenmod and do I need it or is this another custom rom?
It is a different ROM based Firmware...
6. There are so many custom roms out there. Everyone says to choose the one that is suited to me but I don't know which ones are suited to me. Does anyone know of a list of the custom ones that are around and why I'd choose one above the other? (I am assuming this is a long shot
Go for the best custom ROM for your MZ604. It is from Team EOS.
Hope I answered your questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did
Much love!
I've searched & found 'How to....' threads on here but TBH I'm not a techy and most of it doesn't make sense to me.
I did try to upgrade from 4.0.4 to 4.1 this week and almost succeeded until some 'signature not recognised' message appeared. So I'm going to attempt another way (if possible/allowed) and ask if there's anybody out there who'd be willing to root (whatever that means), flash (ditto) and upgrade to 4.1 for me in return for payment.
I really hope this isn't against forum rules - it's a genuine, last-ditch attempt.
I live in the West Mids but travel a big chunk of the country each week so could possibly deliver the thing.
Here's hoping for an avalanche of replies.....
Can anyone tell me why I get the 'signature not verified' message please?
I've downloaded the upgrade from an October thread on this forum.
Which xoom do you have (wifi, 3g/4g, international, family)? Are you rooted yet?
dfib1 said:
Which xoom do you have (wifi, 3g/4g, international, family)? Are you rooted yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying!!
It's the wi-fi model. As for 'is it rooted?' - I would say not. One, because it's hardly been used and two, because I have no idea what 'rooted' means.
junctiontwo said:
Thanks for replying!!
It's the wi-fi model. As for 'is it rooted?' - I would say not. One, because it's hardly been used and two, because I have no idea what 'rooted' means.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I took so long to answer.
As for being rooted if you are the only one to have own the xoom and don't know what it means then you are most likely not rooted. Root is like getting administrator rights in windows. It gives you the ability to customize your device, install custom roms and also completely screw up your device .
You should be able to go to settings-about tablet--update (or system update) and it will check for your update and ask you to start the download and install. If this does not happen then you can flash back to Honeycomb (which I can walk you through this will also wipe all your data or maybe for a fresh start) and let your device automatically update to ICS (4.04) and the JB (4.1).
I can also walk you through rooting and installing a custom JB rom like you asked for free.
dfib1 said:
Sorry I took so long to answer.
As for being rooted if you are the only one to have own the xoom and don't know what it means then you are most likely not rooted. Root is like getting administrator rights in windows. It gives you the ability to customize your device, install custom roms and also completely screw up your device .
You should be able to go to settings-about tablet--update (or system update) and it will check for your update and ask you to start the download and install. If this does not happen then you can flash back to Honeycomb (which I can walk you through this will also wipe all your data or maybe for a fresh start) and let your device automatically update to ICS (4.04) and the JB (4.1).
I can also walk you through rooting and installing a custom JB rom like you asked for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please don't apologise - you're the only one to answer!
I've tried the system update and have been told that there are none. (In my ignorance I actually thought it would update to 4.1.2 automatically!).
Your offer to walk me through the rooting & upgrade is extremely generous and I accept without hesitation.
If it's flashed back to HC, will it default back to ICS or move to JB?
A huge 'Thanks'.
James
PS. Having tried numerous times very recently to upgrade there's no data to erase so that's not an issue....
I am going to give you the steps to unlock your xoom, install a recovery, root, install CWM Rogue Touch recovery (better than the one you used to root) and then install stock JB.
Now that we are talking root I am going to ask a moderator to moved this thread to the root section.
Here is how I rooted my xoom.
follow the directions here but instead of doing step 1 follow this for adb install http://www.support-4-you.com/main/i...ged-adb-installation&catid=40:how-tos&Itemid= it is a 1 click adb install then follow from step 2 on.
When you are done there you can install CWM Rogue Touch screen recovery
Download CWM Rogue Touch zip and put on the root of your external sd card. ( if you don't have a sd card we will do it another way just let me know)
Boot into recovery by turning your xoom off.
1. press power
2. when the moto dual core logo comes on wait 3 seconds and press volume down
3. recovery should be displayed across the top press volume up.
You can skip steps 1- 3 now that you are rooted if you download Quick Boot open it, select recovery and the grant Super user permission
4. go to install zip from sd card (just like when you rooted) and find the CWM Rogue Touch Zip and install
5. reboot your xoom
6. you now have CWM Rogue Touch installed.
To install JB on your xoom you do need an sd card for this part
DownloadJB stock for wifi xoom and copy to your sd-card
Here is the thread discussing this [JB]Stock Android 4.1.1 JRO03H, Root, via CWM Recovery (US Wi-Fi MZ604) and also there steps for installing it but I will post them for you here.
boot into recovery
select backup and let it backup your current system (a Parachute)
then select wipe factory/data ( I Can't remember excactly what it says because I use a different one)
then select install zip from sd card
locate the JB rom you copy to your sd-card and install.
reboot system (it will take some time the first time)
sign in to android with your gmail account.
You are on JB
Good luck and don't worry if something goes wrong we can get you out of 99.99% of any issues that arise.
dfib1 = I cannot thank you enough.....
The frustrating thing is I'm about to leave the house and am working away until the weekend so can't try it until then! I'll let you know the outcome.
Have a great day :good:
If you need help with his excellent guide just post here or hit with a pm
Sent from my Xoom using xda app-developers app
Ok, a quick mid-procedure question....
(I'm doing something fundamentally wrong because I can't quite finish the upgrade).
Do I install the folders onto the Xoom from the SD in a zipped or un-zipped state? I've tried both but no luck so far in completing the task.
I've rooted successfully as my PC recognizes the device. I believe I've installed CWM ok - is there a way to confirm this?
On the final 4.1 install I get the 'installation aborted' message as 'signature not verified'. One thing I may be doing wrong is installing the wrong files? On selecting the JRO03H folder I'm then given file choices and I'm clicking on what I think are the most obvious. I can post a list of the choices if it helps?
Sorry to be such a newbie pain - I realize that these questions are irritating to those 'in the know'!
did you reboot after fastbooting the recovery? the recovery says clockwork at the top. It should also be touch screen controlled
When you move the zip over leave it as a zip on you xoom and when you flash the recovery will unzip it for you.
what step are you up to?
Sorry for the late update. I've tried the whole procedure several times from the very beginning, even removing previously installed Rogue & JB software, but STILL get the same error messages as previously described. I've re-booted at the right time according to the instructions but this still makes no difference, and have checked the 'USB de-bugging' option.
I did make a couple of basic errors in the Command function to begin with but realised these & corrected them. My device serial no. appeared so I assume I rooted successfully? I'm able to change Developer settings which I couldn't before. I even installed the USB drivers independently via the Motorola website.
I have a free day today so am going to make a bucket of coffee, make myself comfortable and start again.
One quick point - I'm in the UK and assume you two helpful guys are in the US? Looking at numerous sites it seems our respective Xoom models have different procedures which is maybe why this isn't working?
Thank you again for your seemingly endless patience.......
i believe you are getting these issues because you might still be running the stock recovery.
lets just backup and start fresh.
You followed the instructions mentioned before and I assume you have adb and fastboot installed.
Connect your xoom and make sure usb debugging is on.
open up a command line and type adb reboot bootloader
I'm going to assume because of the previous steps you unlocked the bootloader if not type in the command line fastboot oem unlock
You can download the recovery from here http://bit.ly/iLRAIV
If unlocked at the bootloader type fastboot flash recovery recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm.img Note:make sure the img file is in the same folder where your fasboot.exe is in the sdk
after it has been flashed reboot device by hold volume up and power.
Move the JB stock rom into your sd card. you can download the rom from here http://www.mediafire.com/?qhbhlbvu859bv0f
after the device restarts type adb reboot recovery
in recovery Wipe everything except the sd card. Then flash the above jb rom. In theory everything should work. If you keep getting the error get back to us because Im going to give up and guide you through the install of the Team EOS Jellybean 4.1 rom that I know works without issues. PM if you want to have my direct contact info for gtalk so we can discuss further for any issues.
OK I've just tried another 8 times to root the thing, c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y following the instructions step-by-step.
1. I don't have the 'from SD card' option, instead have 'from USB drive'. I have a 16Gb flash drive connected via an adaptor for the Xoom which doesn't appear to prevent anything as it reads the contents of the card just fine, unless you can tell me otherwise?
2. In Recovery I get these options:
* reboot system now
* apply update from USB drive
* wipe data/factory reset
* wipe cache partition
3. Even when trying the very first install (Rogue), I get:
--Install /sdcard ...
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
Verifying update package...
E: signature verification failed
Installation aborted
I love a challenge and always get a buzz when I manage to do something that is foreign to me i.e computers. On this occasion however I'm fast getting to the stage where I think it'd be easier to leave things at 4.0.4.
My reason for wanting the upgrade in the first place is because I'm comparing this tablet to my work-supplied Galaxy Tab 2 running 4.1.1. Realistically I don't think the two will ever be comparable and I'm probably foolish to think this could be the case. It only remains to say that I am so very grateful to both of you for taking so much time & effort in talking me though the procedures.
I consider myself pretty 'switched on' but this has me foxed!
Cheers guys - have a great weekend. Hope the snow doesn't cause you problems!
here are the outline of the steps
1. unlock your xoom
2. fastboot a recovery to install custom recovery on your xoom
3. reboot into new recovery
4. flash universal root zip to root your phone
5. reboot phone that is now rooted.
6. reboot phone into custom recovery again
7. flash jb update
I think you have missed step 1 or 2.
When you type fastboot oem unlock what does it say?
Hmmm, I MAY be one step closer?
After typing' fastboot oem unlock' the tablet has gone into 'Starting Fastboot protocol support' but appears to be stuck. Do I wait until it's done it's thing?
OR would it be a whole lot easier for all concerned if we tried your other suggestion dfib and flashed back to HC and then to JB?
What if you type adb devices? Does a bunch of numbers show up or does it say waiting for device?
Hold the front page!!!!!!!
I just watched a video on how to unlock and it's worked. You were quite correct - I had missed your point 1 above and probably point 2. I'm moving onto the next bit now....
Great let us know what happens. I will be around for a while.
I am looking for some guidance and assistance in the following matter.
Did a standard over the air update to JB and from what I can see I lost all my user data from my internal storage.
All my custom directory are gone, DCIM empty.
Been out of the country, not that it matters where I was, and the standard HTC One X device prompted me of a system update. (I have not rooted nor flashed any custom firmware on this puppy yet.)
All seemed to go smooth and the phone started normally. Although I lost all my data.
Android Version:4.1.1
Software Number : 3.14.401.31
First I wanted to ask if anyone has seen this behaviour before?
I tried to do some date recovery with Recover my Files v5 but now see that there is an internal SD mount issue with JB.
What would the best way be to proceed as I am only interested in trying to recover my data?
Thanks in advance.
Internal SD data has been lost or corrupted for some people (including myself a couple times) while flashing custom ROMs. Don't think anybody ever figured out exactly why, but it seemed related to the phone itself (rather than custom recovery or the ROMs themselves). So it wouldn't surprise me if this is the same or similar issue.
Not sure how to recover your data. There was a similar post (maybe last week) and I think somebody mentioned a couple market apps that might be able to recover the data in this situation (since JB can't mount as mass storage to use PC programs like Recuva).
Solved
Thank you Redpoint for your thoughts. I hoped that I would find an easy reply to solve my problem but in the end this is what I knew I ultimately had to do.
Quick summary:
Unlocked Bootloader via HTC Dev.
Flashed Recovery, Team Win Recovery Project 2.4.1.0
Mounted SD as a drive via Recovery.
Ran RecoverMyFiles v5 and recovered the files that I lost.
Now to go ROM shopping and start again. This time I will listen to my own warning and keep a copy online.
Nobody wanted to suggest that because all that stuff includes writing to the sd card which could overwrite your files. Glad you got some recovered
Sent from my VENOMized HoxL
Regalrip said:
Unlocked Bootloader via HTC Dev.
Flashed Recovery, Team Win Recovery Project 2.4.1.0
Mounted SD as a drive via Recovery.
Ran RecoverMyFiles v5 and recovered the files that I lost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah yes, I always forget that the SD can be mounted as mass storage in recovery.
Nice job. IMO, unlocked bootloader is a great thing. Just probably a bit stressful under the circumstances!