I have a G table currently running to stock rom. I'm thinking of updating it to the CyanogenMod 7. I'm a little concerned with the warranty disclaimer when installing clockworkmod. Is this really true? It seems to me that you can flash your tablet back to the stock rom. If you did, could anyone tell you installed clockworkmod?
I'm wondering, if anyone would really care. I think Viewsonic has accepted the fact that just about every g-tablet out there has been through some kind of software customization at one point.
TJEvans said:
I'm wondering, if anyone would really care. I think Viewsonic has accepted the fact that just about every g-tablet out there has been through some kind of software customization at one point.
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Actually they do care not because they think of the world their stock rom but because they need an excuse to not honor their warranty. The goal of every private entity is to make money. That's why they were recommending peeople to use custom rom not too long ago.
I'd challenge anyone that has attempted to return their g-tablet, to post here and let us know if VS didn't honor the warranty because you flubbed with the software...
I haven't heard one case where a return was denied, yet.
I know they want to make money, but their name has already been dragged through the mud...not accepting a return because the tablet was modded will only add fuel to their proverbial fire.
markdemich said:
I have a G table currently running to stock rom. I'm thinking of updating it to the CyanogenMod 7. I'm a little concerned with the warranty disclaimer when installing clockworkmod. Is this really true? It seems to me that you can flash your tablet back to the stock rom. If you did, could anyone tell you installed clockworkmod?
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Click to collapse
Unless something massively horrible happens, the worst you can do is soft-brick a gtab, requiring nvflash to recover it.
If you tried to return it soft bricked, VS might have a case to refuse the return. If you bother to take the few minuets needed to nvflash to stock, they would not know or care.
I thought the whole point of buying the gtab was to mod the heck out of it anyway - I happily set aside all cares and flashed a custom rom after the first unwrap/boot
TJEvans said:
I'd challenge anyone that has attempted to return their g-tablet, to post here and let us know if VS didn't honor the warranty because you flubbed with the software...
I haven't heard one case where a return was denied, yet.
I know they want to make money, but their name has already been dragged through the mud...not accepting a return because the tablet was modded will only add fuel to their proverbial fire.
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People who needs to send in their gtab knows better than not nvflash to stock rom.
So my basic question was, if you use nvflash to flash it back to the stock rom (which I'm assuming I can download from somewhere), then no one would be the wiser? Is that correct?
I don't see how they would. I'm running Brilliant Corners, but still have the stock 4349 recovery. If I flashed the original 4349 Rom, then technically, I'm completely stock...there might be a market fix in there somewhere, but other than that, stock.
Related
Guys. I'm running CM6.1 Beta and I also flashed Clockwork on this thing.
I'm planning on returning it today, or I'll sell it to someone here that wants it I guess. I did a Nandroid Backup with Clockwork when it was completely stock. I can just nandroid Restore to that, then return it right. Then at Sears they'll make sure it works, it will boot into TapNtap User interface and they'll give me my refund. Or do I need to flash the tapntap restore that's been posted
I don't have to remove CW right, but I probably should.
xguntherc said:
Guys. I'm running CM6.1 Beta and I also flashed Clockwork on this thing.
I'm planning on returning it today, or I'll sell it to someone here that wants it I guess. I did a Nandroid Backup with Clockwork when it was completely stock. I can just nandroid Restore to that, then return it right. Then at Sears they'll make sure it works, it will boot into TapNtap User interface and they'll give me my refund. Or do I need to flash the tapntap restore that's been posted
I don't have to remove CW right, but I probably should.
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I would recommend removing CW for the next person who gets it - that person could be from here, but they might not have a clue what cwm is.
If you run the full vanilla update.zip it may or may not downlevel recovery (it's been spotty for me). Always worth a try.
as an interested buyer (sent you a PM btw), i think it's only fair for you to tell me, and anyone else who may be interested, why exactly you're getting rid of it.
I am really looking into getting this device, but after my last "great" decision of going with the droid eris, I want to be absolutely sure before i throw money down on this thing.
so, laggy? flimsy? what's your beef with it?
I'm pretty sure you can use nvflash to get the tab back to stock, it will also remove clockwork recovery.
Check the link in robeets sig for more informatoin
Thanks beet. I'll be doing that today.
And for why I'm selling it. I have a Nexus One, a MT4G, a HD2 running FroYo, the Archos 101 on the way, and the G-Tablet. (and a Augen Gentouch78 somewhere in my truck) lol.
Just need to sell it as I have to many toys. It's a great and powerful device, but still needs to improve on Software side with Adobe, Nvidia, and just in general. But running CM6.1 on it has been smooth and very reliable..
I am going to either sell it, or I will return it and maybe snag it at Outlet price if I see it. lol If anyone might wanna buy it. Preferably in lower 48 states let me know.
"For this guide, it is not necessary to root the Viewsonic G Tablet in order to flash CyanogenMod. You can simply install ClockworkMod Recovery & continue on.
WARNING: INSTALLING CLOCKWORKMOD RECOVERY ON THE VIEWSONIC G TABLET WILL VOID THE WARRANTY."
(I would imagine though that all of this stuff can be erased? If it voids the warranty, then why in the world would anyone ever put it on there if it can't be undone...?)
I have to say up front, that I haven't had any of the major issues that everyone is going on and on about. I had the one time occurrence of the barrage of "Force Quits" that happened the moment I got it out of the box... But in less than 30 min, the 3389 Update was available and I haven't had one issue since.
The only 2 things that I was worried about was the ability to watch Youtube, which I found that as long as you view the original "Desktop" version of youtube then you have no problems... The Desktop version was a simple click of a link at the bottom of the Youtube Mobile Page... Fixed... Done...
(My only REAL Question)
The other problem that I had, and am still having, is simply trying to get my Gmail account to unload in the "E-Mail" application that came with the G Tab. It says to check my incoming mail settings, which I did, and still can't quite figure that out... Any ideas?
Other than that though, this thing has given me nothing short of a good experience. I'm not too savvy with the MOD aspect of everything, but I would think that if I put that on my system, that I would have the mods themselves to blame for anything that went wrong..... And I certainly wouldn't want to jeopardize my Warranty just to have gmail pop up 3 weeks faster than Viewsonic can pay it's employees to pump out updates.... I'm giving them time, as I would hope any customer base would give me if I were the manufacturer.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the cool little gadget... That's how I see it. It has a crap ton of potential, and I'm willing to watch this infant grow without boosting it full of steroids and blackmarket performance drugs... Last thing I want is a third arm that doesn't work growing out of it's face............
I want to apologize for posting this twice. I'm really new to this forum, and couldn't find where to erase this post... I filed it under a different title in this same forum, so sorry again if I offend any of you with my multipost...
~Poly
I actually use the Gmail app, not the Email app (modded Tnt Lite with gapps).
The mod warnings are for a reason - we have to assume that not everyone understands the implications of modding their device and they should know that it is a risk. And if you call Viewsonic after doing a mod like this and need help from them, they aren't going to support it (and I guess I can't blame them for that).
Can this be uninstalled?
Can clockworksmod be uninstalled? If so how?
GaryHypnosis said:
Can clockworksmod be uninstalled? If so how?
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If you flash stock, and specifically recent stock, it should wipe clockworkmod recovery as well.
Thanks you for your help!
Does this mean if there is a hardware failure on the tab, and you have installed any of the updates found HERE, you have voided warranty and Viewsonic will not repair?
I'm still trying to understand the flashing et al.
So ANY of the mods from this site would then be a warranty void?
Is there a reversal to the mods that would allow warranty?
Thanks
I don't think they would honor the warranty, that's correct. It's a risk... all the mods are a risk.
Granted, they may not be able to see the mod unless they go into APX mode and pull your system.img, but anything obvious could be something they might latch onto (like if you modded the bootloader screen or have VEGAn's "GTabDevs" bootup screen).
Imo, the best reversal before RMA'ing for a hardware problems is nvflash - it will get you back to a clean vanilla stock setup, with all the boot images fixed as well as the system image. It's called "covering your tracks".
Modding
I look at it like this.... I paid roughly $400.00 for my tab(with tax). I understand that technology is moving SOOOO fast that my tab will be completely out of date in a matter of months. I bought my tab to have fun with, and part of the fun I want to have is to push it to see how far it will go. I guess in the end if I destroy my tab I will only be out the 400 bucks, but the other side of it is I can learn a helluva lot about rooting and flashing ROMS on an android device that I will(hopefully be able to) replace within a year.
Without Vegan and TNTLite, the GTablet would be worth roughly $0 to me... Well that might be overstating it, but maybe $100-200. With Vegan, my tablet is worth more to me than I paid, and currently lacking other options for a decent Android tablet that fits my needs, that makes it a pretty easy calculation.
I'd love a tablet with stock frogingercomb on it, but it's not an option. Basically I think it comes down to this: If your tablet gives you everything you want with Viewsonic's default software on it, by all means, don't go changin' anything. If you need more, try out some ROMs at the (slight but potential) risk of having a $400 paperweight. If you need more but can't take the risk, return the tablet for a refund and wait a couple months for the next wave.
Afterall, the XDA in XDA-Developers.com stands for "eXtreme Daredevil Alligators" I think, or something similarly awesome. It's not for the lighthearted!
Probably like many others out there I don't wish to unlock the bootloader on my tablet just yet. The one and only reason I don't is because the warranty is still in effect. I've used CWM on several Androidl phones and love it.
Been unsuccessful flashing back to ICS (like everyone else on a locked pad), I got caught up in the OTA and have since lost root, I really regret it. No way to flash back at all. I wish there was some way to "fool" the tab to see a zip file as JB update but really flash back an earlier ICS one.
Not being a programmer or developer, the whole reasoning of why I cant flash back confuses me. I mean if I were to think a bit I could reflash the pad with the same zip file version that the OTA gave me (back on ICS)...just like I did when I first rooted it). Right? So something in the zip tells JB not to go to a previous version. Although in the past I could jump up or down in an ICS version (I assume).
So the question remains. All posts point me to the fact that I'd need a custom recovery to do anything to downgrade and restore root, and although Voodoo does run to restore root on JB and it says it did, it really doesn't. But to do it right and go back to ICS, I'd basically have to violate warranty.
Are there plans in the works or is a working JB root being actively attacked for a locked bootloader running Jelly Bean? It would be relieving to know if anyone out there is pursuing such a task or if it's dead in the water.
All positive comments invited. Please hold back anything referring to why don't I just unlock. The reasons are pretty clear and I'm sure I'm not the only one. My extended goes for 2 years. Covers everything. Unless I unlock. Then it's just money wasted. And once I unlock, "the fuse is blown" so to speak, with no way to re lock it.
I completely agree.
I was previously rooted b4 jelly bean. I am also unwilling to unlock due to warranty. Due to my current employment in the military, my tablet always has a chance of breaking due to the environment of the navy and i would prefer to maintain a warranty in case this were to happen. If anyone heres of a timeline of when a possible locked root can be accessed i would love to hear any further information.
Prefect response USS. I got caught up in the hype awhile ago and purchased an ATV. If I had known that the 3rd gen model was having difficulty being jailbroken, I would have waited. It's cool. But now that I realize the months it's taken for the guru's to develop and fail on a jailbreak for it and getting stung with the Jelly Bean update from ASUS, I'm very happy I haven't accepted any software updates for it (AppleTV). For fear that 1) a jailbreak won't work on the latest sw version when and if one is released and 2) a new sw version installed on it will put me in the same boat (no pun intended) ASUS has me in with Jelly Bean (cant root it, cant go back to a previous stable flash at all). For a hundred bucks either way, it is a cool and cheap gadget. But a 2nd gen model can have so many features modded into it. Rooting my 300 on Jelly Bean would make me feel more as if I had control of what I bought and how I could use on it. Seems like ASUS' Android open source code has been closed up for us unlike the many flavors of Linux out there that you can download for free and install as you like on any pc.
So, it's a Google issue? Asus' reply here
Adding to the info list:
After emailing ASUS airing my concerns of not being able to downgrade without voiding my warranty which boils down to an unlock, the reply points me to "It's a Google thing". For developers who read this, it would be cool to get a brief or in depth reasoning as to why the JB update can manipulate the bootloader to update the OS, yet an ICS binary cannot be used to flash to that version. I hope this makes sense.
ASUS' Reply:
Thank you for contacting us in regards to the firmware update and I do apologize for your inconvenience. Unfortunately there will be no option to revert back to the previous firmware after the update. (It's just the way of the design by the software vendor 'Google'). I would suggest backing up your personal data and perform a factory reset if you are experiencing problems after the firmware update. Please do let me know if the problem still persists.
In my profession working around PLC's and EPROM's, System BIOS, etc, I have programming fixtures and cables to do what I need to. PLC's are sometimes passworded and the vendor is reluctant to give it out. So a swap out is sometimes necessary even though I may have a binary or programming software to make the change I need. Erasing memory sometimes requires a UV eraser or interface to erase before loading a new binary. This never hinders programming unless a "fuse" in the chip has been previously blown to prevent reads or writes of the code..
So how does a new firmware circumvent a locked bootloader to flash it? And what would prevent fastboot or ADB from sending a binary fine to the system? Is this a good and clear question? Linux/Android being an open source (for the most part) OS, it seems like what just happened to me in the JB update falls into a gray area of the code.
ASUS is partially correct in that Googles bootloader for Jellybean is very different than Ice Cream Sandwich. Ive had this issue across all devices I own, however, the locked bootloader is the real issue, and this is an ASUS design. If the boot loader was unlocked, it would be possible to downgrade, hence why those with an unlocked bootloader can regress. ASUS gave us the ability to unlock the boot loader at the expense of the warranty, which is more than many of the companies do, however, putting it on google as it being their problem is a bit of an overstatement. You CAN go back, you just have to unlock....bogus, but ASUS does NOT want to warranty devices that have been regressed for obvious reasons...
Hi all,
after having read a lot on different accessible Android tablets, I have decided to purchase a T700. Seeing the speed on YouTube and reading about this device have convinced me to make that step.
Now, the order is placed, but receipt is still a few days away, I am reading this site and have the feeling that actually the device is not so smooth when kept original. I do wish to have a smooth working device but keep away from as much flashing as possible.
As my signature might indicate, I have some flashing experience, but I still feel myself noob for each and every new device I get.
My Desire HD has always been stock, not even rooted.
My OneX+ is rooted and unlocked after a short while, I use TitaniumBackup and deleted some Bloatware, but have no wish to flash any custom roms.
I just feel that flashing a device new and new to get it perfect is aking too much time. My rooted and unlocked OneX+ is fast enough, no tweaking needed.
This is the state I would like my T700 to be in. Fast and smooth with allowance to have the device do what I want.
Means I do want root, but if not necessary would not like to unlock / flash or anything else.
Can You advice me on the steps I should or should not do to get such state.
-should I make sure not to use any OTA after receipt
-should I root after receipt and upgrade to JB after that (and eventually root once more)
I will be reading around more before I will get my hands on the device, but I would really like to make the correct steps.
I'd be grateful for your opinions.
Thanks in advance,
Ruud
To be honest, the TF700 does have some performance issues with the stock firmware. I would *highly* recommend that you install a custom ROM - more specifically, I'd recommend the "CleanROM Inheritance" custom ROM specifically for your TF700, which will make it *very* fast and smooth.
Of course, in order to install a custom ROM, such as CleanROM Inheritance, you will need to unlock the bootloader on your device, which *will* void your warranty! If that is a concern (it was for me), I would recommend a third-party warranty service such as SquareTrade. With a coupon, you can get 2 years of coverage (including "accidental coverage") for about $80. This way, if you do brick your device while trying to flash a custom ROM, you will be covered.
Trust me, $80 is a small price to pay for complete peace-of-mind for 2 years, especially considering the performance gain with CleanROM. Hell, even if I run the TF700 over with my car, it will still be covered under warranty...
Just my opinion, of course!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Hi,
Thanks, although this was not exactly what I wanted to hear.
So even if I would unpack and let all OTA updates run up to JB, give it a complete refresh, I would still be unhappy with the performance, right ?
The insurance is nice, but as I am to use it in Russia, I would not know if I am covered for these things.
It is actually not the fact that I am afraid to loose warranty. All devices I did unlock were done after reading the different threads here and I was always lucky to get the job done without serious issues. My OneX+ is still brandnew and I presume I do not have warranty anymore anyway as I rooted and unlocked it already.
What I was hoping for is to get a smooth device without the need to go through this process, I guess your answer says I am not .
regards,
Ruud
Before doping the OTA updates use NVflash. Eventos though you are no considering flashing ROMs now it will be a good insurance in the case you change tour mind in the future.
Enviado de meu Galaxy Nexus usando o Tapatalk 2
raladoshow said:
Before doping the OTA updates use NVflash.
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Click to collapse
To be more exact: version 9.4.5.26 is the last version that can be used to *prepare* NVFlash access. To use NVFlash on the TF700, you need a tool called "wheelie" and a blob file with data extracted from your device (it's encrypted with a device-specific key). Later bootloaders are locked down, even after unlocking the device, so it is no longer possible to obtain this file. So before upgrading anything, be sure to read about the procedure on http://androidroot.mobi/t3_nvflash/ .
There is also a thread in the development section that explains the details.
Hi guys,
these looks like very good advises. Before reading in to them, let me say ; "Thanks" !
regards,
Ruud
Sprint is taking away the discount I've had, so S5 has to go back to BestBuy and I'll go to VZW. I'm already rooted and in on the sleshepic's ROM. What steps should I take besides flashing the stock ROM to make the phone returnable? I guess I'll need to return to the stock recovery. What about the KNOX and its flash counter? Will it present a problem?
stopeject said:
Sprint is taking away the discount I've had, so S5 has to go back to BestBuy and I'll go to VZW. I'm already rooted and in on the sleshepic's ROM. What steps should I take besides flashing the stock ROM to make the phone returnable? I guess I'll need to return to the stock recovery. What about the KNOX and its flash counter? Will it present a problem?
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Click to collapse
Depends how much the store pays attention.
Sometimes they just check that the phone turns on, remove the battery and scan the barcode to deactivate lol.
Most phone returns end up being sent out to the manufacture to be "refurbished" as they are not allowed to sell them as new again.
You could always just flash stock rom on it and try, worst they will do is say no, and in which case you can flash back the recovery and try again.
The KNOX/Counter can't be reset (or at least yet) so if they go by that, regardless you're screwed, but again, it all depends how much they care, know, or pay attention.
Do you know how can I flash the stock recovery? Where can they see the KNOX counter? My phone doesn't show anything during the boot process.
stopeject said:
Do you know how can I flash the stock recovery? Where can they see the KNOX counter? My phone doesn't show anything during the boot process.
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Click to collapse
I'd imagine same process people used to get the recent update:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2729617
The KNOX counter I think shows in the bootloader.
The Sprint store by me checks every Samsung device for it if flagged or not in the back, no idea if BestBuy would or is even aware. It totally depends on who you deal with and if they involve anyone else etc.
Oh, so they might actually boot the phone into recovery... If this happens I will be screwed. Will they put a record in my account? In other words, if the first attempt fails, will I be able to try my luck in a different store?
stopeject said:
Oh, so they might actually boot the phone into recovery... If this happens I will be screwed. Will they put a record in my account? In other words, if the first attempt fails, will I be able to try my luck in a different store?
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Click to collapse
Dude honestly I wouldn't sweat it at all! Say you bought it at Best Buy, if they reject you (which I could almost guarantee they won't as long as you are stock), then just go to the next nearest Best Buy. Stop sweating it so much brotha!
Thanks! I just need to remember to reinstall that USB port cover
stopeject said:
Oh, so they might actually boot the phone into recovery... If this happens I will be screwed. Will they put a record in my account? In other words, if the first attempt fails, will I be able to try my luck in a different store?
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Click to collapse
Na they won't put a record, just make sure to get your receipt back is all, regardless if they check it's your proof of purchase and right to retain, even should they decline to accept the refund. FWIW Best Buy is legally allowed to decline any and all returns, as any store is. But in this case I don't think you need worry unless you got a really tech savvy person who does ROMs themselves and wanted to be an a$$ lol.
But as the other person stated, the chances of Best Buy booting it into recovery are slim, just put an stock rom on it.
I doubt they'd even notice the charger port door missing lol.
Want to report that my return went well. They matched MEID on the sticker under the battery to the box and turned the phone on normally. They didn't put it onto recovery or download. So I'll stay with my old S3 for a little bit longer.