[Q] S-On, S-OFF, should I care? - HTC Sensation

Hi everybody,
I am thinking about getting a Sensation, but I have a little doubt.
As far as I know, the Sensations for sale now are S-ON.
Now, I am hearing that HTC wants to start selling unlocked bootloaders soon. Does that mean S-OFF?
But my main question is: should I keep myself from buying a Sensation now, if I want the ability to root later?
Does this question even make sense?

I am also curious if S-ON or S-OFF matters, I just picked this phone up from t-mobile yesterday, should I have staved off my purchase? Basically, what does this relate to rooting and custom ROM's?

just get the phone as its great, they will unlock bootloader in few weeks and if not someone else from XDA will do that.
With or without s-off still the phone is good.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using XDA

Hiya all,
I'm waiting till salary time and then I'll most probably get it. It's the main reason I registered here, to track the status of the problems and solutions... Must have it! Time to switch from the stupid Tattoo, but at least I got it for free (say, is a Tattoo to be considered as a contest prize or as a curse?)
Anyway, I definitely prefer it to be s-off because I won't be able to afford a new one for quite some time, so I want to take the best out of it.
Sent from my [email protected]

Not sure if the Sensation ever will be default s-off, this phone is already launched and far as i remember htc said they will unlock (or make it easy) on future models.
If u want the Sensation just get it It will be unlocked either by the devs or htc soon anyway. And it's still a great device so using it stock works for a while

I'm a little unclear on if S-off has anything to do with root. I've rooted several phones and am comfortable with that if it is one step. I get what I need which is access to titanium backup and control of the bloatware. I don't delete anything, I freeze it.
I just searched and read where the S-off is for security and it allows for flashing unsigned roms....I sorta get it a little LOl. I'm learning .....
But does S off have anything to do with getting root? Can you have one without the other? Unlocking the bootloader has something to do with checksums matching right? If the checksum matches, you're in? Are unlocked bootloader and S off related?
Flashing is a bit much for this neophyte....I know my limits. If I were to have a problem I wouldn't know what to do.

S off unlocks fastboot in a way that allows flashing unsigned radio roms and wiping system and such. Read up on that.
I believe but cannot be sure that s on prevents flashing unsigned recovery, but an unreleased but leaked signed recovery can fix. (say an engineering one).
That enables Custom recovery which is the holy grail
In summary I don't believe s on and s off have much to do with the locking being done by htc. My wife's htc hd is s-on.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

ickster said:
I'm a little unclear on if S-off has anything to do with root. I've rooted several phones and am comfortable with that if it is one step. I get what I need which is access to titanium backup and control of the bloatware. I don't delete anything, I freeze it.
I just searched and read where the S-off is for security and it allows for flashing unsigned roms....I sorta get it a little LOl. I'm learning .....
But does S off have anything to do with getting root? Can you have one without the other? Unlocking the bootloader has something to do with checksums matching right? If the checksum matches, you're in? Are unlocked bootloader and S off related?
Flashing is a bit much for this neophyte....I know my limits. If I were to have a problem I wouldn't know what to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can only get temp root with S-ON as every reboot the system will lose root

So what are the advantages of temp root? Can you permanently delete bloatware? Not that I would , just curious. Could you run Tit. backup and freeze stuff? Thanks, I am learning.

I'm quite positive HTC will never start shipping all retail units s-off, so all of this wondering about dates on the box and where to buy, etc is all just a waste of time. If they choose to give us a way to unlock the bootloader, it will be similar to the Nexus One and Xoom.
Now you may wonder, but how come some people have purchased s-off phones? Well they likely were originally a test or review unit of some kind that got resold or repackaged. There is simply no reason to expect HTC would intentionally ship phones with s-off.
Either they'll give us a method to unlock or we'll find it on our own. Don't bother hunting for dates and stores to find an s-off device.

karnovaran said:
I'm quite positive HTC will never start shipping all retail units s-off, so all of this wondering about dates on the box and where to buy, etc is all just a waste of time. If they choose to give us a way to unlock the bootloader, it will be similar to the Nexus One and Xoom.
Now you may wonder, but how come some people have purchased s-off phones? Well they likely were originally a test or review unit of some kind that got resold or repackaged. There is simply no reason to expect HTC would intentionally ship phones with s-off.
Either they'll give us a method to unlock or we'll find it on our own. Don't bother hunting for dates and stores to find an s-off device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I was curious about the S off phones I'd heard of. My questions are just general. I'm curious as well as the op. I keep hearing the 3 terms....unlocked bootloader, s-off, and root but am confused how they all relate. Like the op said should I care? I don't know LOL...

ickster said:
Thanks, I was curious about the S off phones I'd heard of. My questions are just general. I'm curious as well as the op. I keep hearing the 3 terms....unlocked bootloader, s-off, and root but am confused how they all relate. Like the op said should I care? I don't know LOL...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically..
Root (all phones) will let us use root apps like wireless tether and titanium backup.
S-off (the latest HTC phones) will give us unrestricted access to flashing full ROMs.
In general, they go hand in hand. There is such a thing as temporary root access (last until you reboot), which can happen with s-on. But full root access will require s-off. When people talk about wanting an unlocked bootloader, they want s-off.
Notice I said the latest HTC phones, that's because s-off is an HTC specific situation. It doesn't apply to Motos or any others.

ickster said:
So what are the advantages of temp root? Can you permanently delete bloatware? Not that I would , just curious. Could you run Tit. backup and freeze stuff? Thanks, I am learning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cant permanently delete bloatware. You can freeze stuff and run titanium.
The thing is that for now there is no vunerability to take advantage of and make root in the official rom.
Custom Roms come pre rooted...

ickster said:
Thanks, I was curious about the S off phones I'd heard of. My questions are just general. I'm curious as well as the op. I keep hearing the 3 terms....unlocked bootloader, s-off, and root but am confused how they all relate. Like the op said should I care? I don't know LOL...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually you are right, I might start to get some more information about the 3 terms. However, as far as I understood, S-ON and S-OFF don't really relate to root.
I will buy the phone and that's it
In general, they go hand in hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aaand this shows that I didn't understand...

It's a great phone with or without the s-off imo.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

miguelroboso said:
aaand this shows that I didn't understand...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, s-on/s-off and root are two different things. One refers to write-protection and the other to privileges.
The reason I say they go hand-in-hand is that permanent root can not happen on this phone without s-off.
If XDA cracks this thing, here's is the likely order of events:
- achieve temporary root for s-on devices
- achieve a method of toggling s-on devices to s-off
- achieve permanent root
- begin custom ROM craziness
- much rejoicing

karnovaran said:
Yes, s-on/s-off and root are two different things. One refers to write-protection and the other to privileges.
The reason I say they go hand-in-hand is that permanent root can not happen on this phone without s-off.
If XDA cracks this thing, here's is the likely order of events:
- achieve temporary root for s-on devices
- achieve a method of toggling s-on devices to s-off
- achieve permanent root
- begin custom ROM craziness
- much rejoicing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True
Nice post

So, my understanding is that S-On is not that deleterious for the rooting process.
I thought of it as a horrible techno-disease for a phone

miguelroboso said:
So, my understanding is that S-On is not that deleterious for the rooting process.
I thought of it as a horrible techno-disease for a phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah. It hasn't been a permanent medical condition for past HTCs. The problem we have with the Sensation is that prior exploits have been fixed, so a new way in has to be found. (you could replace "Sensation" with "G2" and find that sentence posted here about 8 months ago)

karnovaran said:
Nah. It hasn't been a permanent medical condition for past HTCs. The problem we have with the Sensation is that prior exploits have been fixed, so a new way in has to be found. (you could replace "Sensation" with "G2" and find that sentence posted here about 8 months ago)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks; just out of curiosity, given HTC's current policy of openness, is there the technical possibility that they would help in the process?

Related

Sensation Fully Rooted with HTCdev

I guess I will start by saying that I have been a long time 'lurker.' I started coming around XDA back when the original Dash was new and have used all the information pumping out since then.
I tried looking around as best as I could to see if there were any other threads regarding a full root with the HTCdev bootloader but could only find discussion and debates around it.
I mostly am just confirming that it can be done. Not sure if I am a lucky one or if it was even a very risky process, but it took me all of about 15 minutes so I'm not complaining.
All I did was follow the instructions from HTCdev to unlock my sensation. After that I followed this guide from Step 2.
I currently have S-OFF, superuser access, installed a new rom, and reverted to my original rom. Everything seems to be properly working without a hitch.
Also, for clarity on this part in HTCdev FAQ:
What does this mean for me?
Unlocking the bootloader means that you now have the ability to customize software on your device. Please note that changing your bootloader can cause significant issues with your device and once you have unlocked your device, you have agreed to the disclaimer that states a change in warranty status such that in the event you render your device unusable, you are responsible for the recovery of your device, whether by repair or by other means.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All that means is that if you brick your device through unlocking or flashing new roms that HTC will not warranty your device. If everything works properly but you end up with other issues, i.e. touch screen no longer is responsive, then you are covered. I actually spoke to an HTC rep about it and that is what I got. Now they may try to say that unlocking may have caused it, but that isn't anything new.
Hmmm -_-
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
hmmmm hmmmm cough choke cough
kleanblade said:
I guess I will start by saying that I have been a long time 'lurker.' I started coming around XDA back when the original Dash was new and have used all the information pumping out since then.
I tried looking around as best as I could to see if there were any other threads regarding a full root with the HTCdev bootloader but could only find discussion and debates around it.
I mostly am just confirming that it can be done. Not sure if I am a lucky one or if it was even a very risky process, but it took me all of about 15 minutes so I'm not complaining.
All I did was follow the instructions from HTCdev to unlock my sensation. After that I followed this guide from Step 2.
I currently have S-OFF, superuser access, installed a new rom, and reverted to my original rom. Everything seems to be properly working without a hitch.
Also, for clarity on this part in HTCdev FAQ:
All that means is that if you brick your device through unlocking or flashing new roms that HTC will not warranty your device. If everything works properly but you end up with other issues, i.e. touch screen no longer is responsive, then you are covered. I actually spoke to an HTC rep about it and that is what I got. Now they may try to say that unlocking may have caused it, but that isn't anything new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trying to antagonize here but can you supply us with some screen shots of your "About" section and kernel and ROM part...??? No disrespect meant but if you say this is true then I would like to visualize the outcome. Thanks!
I understand anyone's skepticism. So I will provide, as best I can, whatever information I can. Have a couple screens attached. Soon as I can find a camera or get my hands on someone's phone I will take a picture of the HBOOT screen.
I'm not trying to do anything other than a "Hey, this actually worked for me." HTC's method just gave me the unlock and S-OFF. I understand it hasn't been the case for everyone. In fact I even had issues with HTC's method once I got the prompt to actually unlock the device. It wouldn't accept my input the first few tries (choosing yes or no yielded nothing).
Very legitimate. You should do a tutorial video on youtube and post it here.
kleanblade said:
I understand anyone's skepticism. So I will provide, as best I can, whatever information I can. Have a couple screens attached. Soon as I can find a camera or get my hands on someone's phone I will take a picture of the HBOOT screen.
I'm not trying to do anything other than a "Hey, this actually worked for me." HTC's method just gave me the unlock and S-OFF. I understand it hasn't been the case for everyone. In fact I even had issues with HTC's method once I got the prompt to actually unlock the device. It wouldn't accept my input the first few tries (choosing yes or no yielded nothing).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
hmmm
why use this and not the alpharev solution?
my question exactly...
reddoni said:
why use this and not the alpharev solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the difference between the two unlocking methods? Does one let you go back to S-on should you want to revert back? Are more internals accessible with one over the other (like radio's)? Just curious. When I do root I want to make sure I am using the best one with optimal features. Thanks in advance.
I personally have not seen a distinct advantage with using either method. If the phone bricks with either method you are out in the cold no matter what. Both are relatively easy to do. With HTC's method your warranty will at least be intact for any issues they deem not responsible from being rooted w/o having to 'hide' that you rooted your device. HTC's method may be easier to 'relock' your device as well. After I locked my device and rebooted, I locked it again and it was as simple as a short command. Any deeper than that I will say it's beyond my ability to know.
I feel like its as simple as an apples and oranges approach or an OEM vs after market. HTC has tested and checked their method and put their stamp of approval on it. For some 'consumers' it gives them a better sense of security. AlphaRev method works just as well but will never have the clout a large corporation, such as HTC, has.
If there is an interest for Snipes' request I could try to put a guide together. I know I don't command much credibility yet. So I don't want to do something know one would trust. However, it really isn't much different then the current guide available.
Also, HBOOT picture attached. As far as locking up your device again, with the HTC method it puts **** RELOCKED **** as the header and S-ON. I believe (not sure since I haven't done it) with the revolutionary method it simply replaces the hboot screen to the original.
How did you S-OFF? Using the same adb command as those with the Nexus One did?
I simply followed HTC's method to unlock the boot loader and it gave me S-OFF.
This gist of HTC's process is that you use go through fastboot, get your device token code, submit your token code to HTC, they email you an unlock_code.bin file, and you finish up with flashing your device with the unlock code. It is not difficult and took me about 3 minutes, maybe. The only extra thing that I am not even sure you need, is to have htcsync installed (it was listed as a requirement by htc).
Also,
The only two commands you use in the process are:
fastboot oem get_identifier_token (to get the token you need to submit)
fastboot flash unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin (flash your unlock code on the device)
If you want to relock your device you simply use:
fastboot oem lock
I just tried the HTCdev way, and I did get unlock, but did not get S-OFF
Billyvnilly said:
I just tried the HTCdev way, and I did get unlock, but did not get S-OFF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here, it says unlocked but still s-on... and i get an error when trying to flash recovery (step 2) what to do?
I'll get my hands on another Sensation and see what results I get.
Odd that I would be the only one with a sensation that has s-off.
miroxlava said:
same here, it says unlocked but still s-on... and i get an error when trying to flash recovery (step 2) what to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just start with step one then. I was able to follow all steps (except i dont need supercid) after doing htcdev. took maybe 45 minutes from start to finish, including downloads, restarts, and getting new ROM installed. Which btw, the CM7 alpha is out... trying it out soon.
Ok the HTCdev site says this. Not to mention they know you S-offed cause you did it via their website and tools.
Please understand that you will not be able to return your device to the original state
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And in the [Guide] to Installing S-off, ClockWork, Root, SuperCID & S-on [03/AUG/11](noobproof) thread it says.
For Warranty Purposes/Returns:Follow Step 4 below for removing Clockwork and Root FOLLOW STEP 5 TO CHANGE BACK TO S-ON - CONFIRMED TO BE WORKING- USE WITH CAUTION
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now my question is this, if you S-off your Sensation via the HTCdev site and then S-on your Sensation via the method mentioned in the guide. Does your Unlit go back like it was originally, and not say " **** RELOCKED ****" at the top of the screen. Or is the to methods of S-offing your Sensation compatible with one another. I mean will combining the two brick the device. I would like some feed back from some devs that know more about what is actually going on when you switch from S-on to S-off, or from S-off to S-on.
Edit: Also the HTCdev site says this.
going forward your device may not be held covered under the warranty for all claims resulting from the unlocking of the bootloader. HTC bears no responsibility if your device is no longer usable afterwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this is at the OP, just cause you use the HTCdev site to S-off your bootloader. It does not mean it does not void your warranty. And it does not mean HTC will fix your device if things go wrong and your device is rendered usless. You have to remember it is HTCdev, key word being dev not HTC.

Toolkit for the MT4GS. Anyone interested?

So I made a toolkit for 3 HTC phones. You can see them in my signature. Would you guys / girls be interested in using a toolkit for an All-In-One use. If so, please let me know and I can work on it and probably have it up by tonight. Thanks!
hasoon2000 said:
So I made a toolkit for 3 HTC phones. You can see them in my signature. Would you guys / girls be interested in using a toolkit for an All-In-One use. If so, please let me know and I can work on it and probably have it up by tonight. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what that is, and haven't chased down your links. Be a few hours before I get a chance to scout it out - i'm just skimming general since I just got back to my dev station and am getting my night started.
I'll just go ahead an say yes, and i'd use it for something, and appreciate the development of it.
Anyone who is willing to take the time to develop tools for working with the device should be encouraged to do so - the more resources at our fingertips allows for more productivity.
Also, as developers move on over time and large online file-hosts are no longer safe cloud storage, the more people who write tool packages for the device specifically enables future devs a higher chance of having the tools available over the long haul as people move on to other devices.
So, peg me as one vote for a variety of reasons even beyond the quick justification for your work here.
I welcome your interest in making something for the device and would like to take a minute to thank you for any work you want to do on it - definitely there is interest!
Blue6IX said:
I'm not sure what that is, and haven't chased down your links. Be a few hours before I get a chance to scout it out - i'm just skimming general since I just got back to my dev station and am getting my night started.
I'll just go ahead an say yes, and i'd use it for something, and appreciate the development of it.
Anyone who is willing to take the time to develop tools for working with the device should be encouraged to do so - the more resources at our fingertips allows for more productivity.
Also, as developers move on over time and large online file-hosts are no longer safe cloud storage, the more people who write tool packages for the device specifically enables future devs a higher chance of having the tools available over the long haul as people move on to other devices.
So, peg me as one vote for a variety of reasons even beyond the quick justification for your work here.
I welcome your interest in making something for the device and would like to take a minute to thank you for any work you want to do on it - definitely there is interest!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your input.
The toolkits I make do the following:
- Install HTC Drivers
- Flash Kernels
- Flash Recoveries
- S-Off via Revolutionary (if available) / Unlock bootloader via HTCDev (if available)
- Boot into recovery/bootloader
- etc.
There are buttons that you press once and it will do what you want.
I can unlock my HTC Amaze bootloader and flash a recovery within 5 mins.
I really appreciate your input. It is very thoughtful and meaningful.
I am looking to spread my toolkit to many HTC devices and possibly other devices as well. I just finished making one for the Rezound since I received a lot of support and feedback.
I hope as well to receive support and would like to feel welcomed to a new area of the forum.
Heck yea I would be interested. I not too savvy on how to root, but.this sounds fool proof if it involves one button. If I
Understand.correctly.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using XDA App
This should help all the people and existing users. I will try to get it up tonight. Have a lot of homework and some exams this week.
Awesome - We just cracked S-OFF to S-On reversal Here
So that might be something to consider for your tool too.
Don't worry about stretching yourself too thin to get it out the door - take care of the important things first. We all understand that you do this kind of stuff when you can, and when not that's cool.
We're all here in our spare time as we can give it - I look forward to anything you want to put together!
Blue6IX said:
Awesome - We just cracked S-OFF to S-On reversal Here
So that might be something to consider for your tool too.
Don't worry about stretching yourself too thin to get it out the door - take care of the important things first. We all understand that you do this kind of stuff when you can, and when not that's cool.
We're all here in our spare time as we can give it - I look forward to anything you want to put together!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am still trying to understand what the tool does lol. If you are on S-Off (only rare devices have it I believe), then you can go back to S-On and go back to S-Off?
I am aiming to get the toolkit up by Wednesday. First 3 days this week is gonna be long on me
hasoon2000 said:
I am still trying to understand what the tool does lol. If you are on S-Off (only rare devices have it I believe), then you can go back to S-On and go back to S-Off?
I am aiming to get the toolkit up by Wednesday. First 3 days this week is gonna be long on me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not rare to be s-off.
sent from rubix ics 5.2 mt4gs
leoilios said:
Its not rare to be s-off.
sent from rubix ics 5.2 mt4gs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all the latest devices have S-Off. For example, the Amaze 4G, the Rezound. That is what I was trying to say.
:thumbup: Ill use it, I use HTC Super Tool! Its amazing. Your tool seems simular
Sent from my HTC myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk
hasoon2000 said:
I am still trying to understand what the tool does lol. If you are on S-Off (only rare devices have it I believe), then you can go back to S-On and go back to S-Off? ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and no -
If on 1.44.0007 hboot version you can S-OFF via the Revolutionary method.
Figured out how to turn that back S-ON again - and afterwards you can S-OFF again using the Rev method. (But only if NOT on hboot 1.45.0013 with S-ON)
You may also run the PG59IMG.zip that restores to factory stock condition whether S-ON or OFF (it's an HTC signed package) and still be either S-ON or OFF depending on what you were when you ran it - your security status is preserved.
When you update to the most recent software version, it will replace your hboot with a 1.45.0013 version...here's the skinny:
If you are S-OFF and upgrade to the most recent OTA then you may freely flash back to the original retail stock condition using the first PG59IMG.zip, or use the new one to flash fresh straight to the most recent software version.
You may also replace your hboot whenever you want.
If, however, you are S-ON and advance to the most recent OTA, that's a one-way trip right now. You will no longer be able to use the Rev method to S-OFF, you will no longer be able to reset before the most recent OTA, and you cannot replace your hboot. You cannot replace your radio.
You also have to flash boot.img seperately from any custom ROM that uses a custom kernel.
So, if S-ON or OFF on versions:
1.28.531.9 (software)
1.28.531.10 (software)
With hboots:
1.44.0006 (factory S-OFF)
1.44.0007 (retail launch)
1.44.1107 (Revolutionary)
... you may do whatever you want.
With S-OFF and:
1.55.531.3 (software)
1.45.0013 (hboot)
...you may still do whatever you want.
With S-ON and:
1.55.531.3 (software)
1.45.0013 (hboot)
...you are stuck where you are, with all the restrictions I mentioned above but we got the HTC Unlock tool working now so it's not hopeless, just crippling.
That's most of it laid out, the rest is kinda common sense but questions always welcome. If "I don't know" wasn't a valid answer no one would ever learn anything.
Edit:
Also, yogi2010 verified earlier that flashing the PG59IMG.zip file (not sure which - probably both though) doesn't wipe out LOCK/UNLOCK status.
It appears that LOCK/UNLOCK and S-ON/OFF are device specific and not so much hboot specific.
When I flash the S-ON copies of hboots people have graciously given me, they read S-OFF on my S-OFFed device. Whether that's a function of what Rev did to it or not is something i'm exploring now.
Hopefully yogi2010 will see this and add what he found about the LOCK/UNLOCk status for flashing the PG59IMG.zip files to clear that up a bit
Alright guys. I feel pretty bad saying that I was gonna update this by yesterday and I couldn't. (No wonder why devs hate making ETAs) A lot came into my life. A lot of school as well as my brother's wife will be giving birth to their first child really soon! Pretty exciting.
For those with requests / updates they want me to add, please PM me the link/info/what device it is for. It will be easier to add in. Thanks!
No worries man, we all have life stuff that pops up. We're in no hurry here.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using xda premium

[Q] Worst-case scenario regarding S-OFF, root, bootloader

I've searched (both xda and external sites) and I've read through many threads but I still don't have clear answers to these questions so I'd appreciate any help anyone can provide. I'm an Atrix user so I'm assuming a worst-case scenario mindset in order to properly weigh my options before upgrading.
1. What issues would HOX users face if the devs are never able to achieve S-OFF?
I think the normal behavior for S-ON is that you are not able flash kernels or radios. However, the devs have currently figured out a way to flash kernels on the HOX despite the lack of S-OFF. Similarly, there may also be a way to flash radios despite the lack of S-OFF too but this has not yet been achieved. I think S-OFF also lets a user resize partitions but I'm not sure why this would be a huge issue. Is this all more or less correct?
2. 1.85 devices can have their bootloaders unlocked once a new root exploit is found for that firmware, right?
My concern is that I'll get a 1.85 and be permanently stuck with an AT&T/HTC ROM.
This all comes down to the HOX vs. SGS3 for me. I really prefer the HOX but I'm not willing to risk being stuck with the AT&T ROM. Of course, this could be moot because we don't yet know whether or not AT&T will be able to convince Samsung to make an exception to their bootloader policy like they were able to do with HTC.
Thanks again for your help.
I think AT&T phones are being shipped with 1.73 right now which is capable of being rooted. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Yes if the htc has 1.73 it can be rooted. Then the cid can be changed to unlock the bootloader through htc dev. After that you lock the bootloader back and upgrade to 1.85. Then you re unlock the bootloader and install cwm and after installing cwm flash SU for root on 1.85. As for Samsung EHH..
1. As far as I know all you've stated is correct, if a dev wants to pop in to correct me by all means you can. There are some kernels that are "flashable" not neccessarily stable though just because of the lack of a source code. And the DCM by viperboy is pretty awesome.
2. Yes they will be able to. Most people are stuck on 1.85 because they were too eager and updated before any development. They're not really all to blame it's just human nature. But as far as I know there is no current development for root because the method from 1.73> to root> to CWM is getting the primary focus. Phones as of right now are being shipped with 1.73 IF you can even get your hands on one. It's hard because of all the customs issues.
Both phones will be excellent and both will get great development. I've just been an HTC guy so I like the HOX. However if you want "right now development" the GS3 might be a better choice in all honesty depending on what AT&T decides on the BL. But HOX development is moving along quite nicely. My phone kicks ass!
Thanks, everyone.
@Shaddy-Z
So in your opinion the lack of progress in obtaining root for 1.85 is mainly due to a smaller current need and not because of some new or challenging hurdle? Would you expect a new method to pop up once a majority of phones begin shipping with 1.85? What would you put the odds at? I know this is not apples to apples but I have residual skepticism carried over from the Atrix bootloader affair. The devs were basically thwarted/defeated and the unlock was only achieved as a result of an anonymous/unsanctioned leak.
Just saw this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1693624 It appears they are shipping now with 1.85...
You do not need s-off to flash kernels. You can flash them through fastboot just fine, as long as you have an unlocked bootloader. You just can't flash them through recovery until we have s-off. I really don't think s-off is even needed. It would be nice to have but it doesn't stop you from doing anything except flashing radios. I was in the same situation when I was using the Vivid. I didn't even s-off my Vivid when the tool was released because I didn't need it.
pside15 said:
You do not need s-off to flash kernels. You can flash them through fastboot just fine, as long as you have an unlocked bootloader. You just can't flash them through recovery until we have s-off. I really don't think s-off is even needed. It would be nice to have but it doesn't stop you from doing anything except flashing radios. I was in the same situation when I was using the Vivid. I didn't even s-off my Vivid when the tool was released because I didn't need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually they have found a way to.flash kernels and radios in recovery.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
In this thread it is mentioned that everything can be flashed though custom recovery now http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1639972&page=99
so s-off is not limiting us anymore
So... No need for s-off now then? :thumbup:
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

[Q] Having difficulties understanding S-Off

Hello,
I got the htox first day out was super excited, was happy with stuck for awhile and then rooted and unlocked on 1.82 (one click made it easy) and unlocked on the dev site. I ran for a long time on KingKang ROM 4.1 and just recently started geting bored and wanted to upgrade more. I have been bouncing around on 4.2.2 Roms like liquidsmooth/xylon (Btw thx azn and Rohan), but I am noticing all these different things saying S-OFF required. I have wiped everything off the phone and tried diff kernels but always seem to have more issues then everyone else (Screen on in calls, FC, Random reboots). Thinking I missed something? Do I need to update to S-OFF everything talks about 2.22 and OTA for S-OFF? My bootloader screen is saying EVITA PVT SHIP S-ON RL. sorry if this is poorly put together
Was I supposed to update to 2.20 then push ota and s-off? or is there a way to s-off on older versions. How do I see what version I was on prior to my root I want to make sure it was 1.82.
Don't update if your rooted unless you have s-off
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38909732
[Public Service Announcement] Read before installing the AT&T Jellybean OTA or RUU
Have you attempt s-off yet? Might he a good idea.
Sent from my One X using xda premium
I would not s-off or do anything else to your phone until you have a better handle on what you're doing. It's obvious from that post that you lack a good understanding of these changes you want to make (not surprising since you one-clicked).
S-off is just a security setting, not something you install or update to. It's not dependent on software version. You need to read up on what it means, since it removes almost all restrictions on changes you can make. Good if you know what you're doing, dangerous if you don't.
These random issues you're experiencing seem to occur when running Jelly Bean roms on older firmware. I was on 1.82 and had the same reboot issues. I ran the 3.18 ruu and it cleared things up--but you must be s-off before doing it or you may brick your phone.
What iElvis said.
S-off just means "security off" or that all security checks are bypassed. That is all. Its not going to magically fix any random bugs, in and of itself.
I've also had the phone since release, until very recently have been S-on, and flashed many a custom ROM with none of the issues you describe for the most part (only a few random reboots which were very probably a ROM issue). Its more likely due to kernel mismatches, issues with the ROM itself, or possibly other user error (improper wiping before flashing the ROM).
This is one of those instances, if you don't know what it is, you probably shouldn't be doing it. So at a minimum, do your homework and read up.
I suggest leaving a stock rom with root to do s-off without problems.
iElvis said:
I would not s-off or do anything else to your phone until you have a better handle on what you're doing. It's obvious from that post that you lack a good understanding of these changes you want to make (not surprising since you one-clicked).
S-off is just a security setting, not something you install or update to. It's not dependent on software version. You need to read up on what it means, since it removes almost all restrictions on changes you can make. Good if you know what you're doing, dangerous if you don't.
These random issues you're experiencing seem to occur when running Jelly Bean roms on older firmware. I was on 1.82 and had the same reboot issues. I ran the 3.18 ruu and it cleared things up--but you must be s-off before doing it or you may brick your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you really notice a difference since 3.18? I mean the 4.2.2 ROMs I been on run pretty good, although not flawless. I been on 1.85 and been wanting to try the latest, just worried about the touchscreen outcome. I know there's a tut on downgrading touchscreen but I always ask myself if its necessary... Don't fix what isn't broken right lol...
But if you genuinely think it cleared up a few things I might give it a go..
Sent from my One X using Tapatalk 2
So I have been rooting for awhile (since my 8525) I just don,'t remember anything to do with the soff. I am no expert was just hoping there was an thread someone could point me to about it' I read the article above but once again it is geared towards 2.20 not 1.82
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Touretts said:
So I have been rooting for awhile (since my 8525) I just don,'t remember anything to do with the soff. I am no expert was just hoping there was an thread someone could point me to about it' I read the article above but once again it is geared towards 2.20 not 1.82
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-OFF has nothing to do with software or hboot verison. It's a security flag. S-ON means security checks are done prior to/during RUU and flashing of some things.
S-OFF means no security checks are done, flash whatever you want.
Sometimes just because something is changed and a security check is done, for example, if your CID is different from what the RUU you are running expects it to be, your phone bricks.
For the record, the amount of phones you've rooted has nothing to do with knowledge or experience as most phones are crazy easy to root and technically require no knowledge to do so and it's very possible not to brick while remaining ignorant. Your chances of bricking are much lower if you understand what you are doing and every phone is different any way. so.. yeah.
S-off is specific to Android and specific to HTC devices (and certain ones at that). There are several threads in the this (AT&T One X) forum that discuss what s-off means, and what it enables you to do, so just do a search a read up.
I can see this ending badly.
OK I didn't know it was HTC only. I will read more than ty.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
InflatedTitan said:
Do you really notice a difference since 3.18? I mean the 4.2.2 ROMs I been on run pretty good, although not flawless. I been on 1.85 and been wanting to try the latest, just worried about the touchscreen outcome. I know there's a tut on downgrading touchscreen but I always ask myself if its necessary... Don't fix what isn't broken right lol...
But if you genuinely think it cleared up a few things I might give it a go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on what you mean by "not flawless." Don't do it if you just want to be "smoother." I did it out of frustration with the 10+ random reboots I was getting every day because of the wifi bug. That was cleared up. My phone has been running very smoothly, but if you decide to do it, be sure you understand the touchscreen firmware thing.
S-off in a nutshell allows you to flash kernels via recovery instead of using fast boot. And if your gonna try and get s-off you need to be somewhat familiar with adb. If you don't know what I'm talking about then you probably shouldn't attempt it.
sent from my jellybammed one x

[SOLVED] Help with SV s-off k2_ul 4.2.2 hboot 2.1 I think, read for sad story :D

Let's see, I forgot when I bought this phone, but I remember not liking the phone much, used it for a while for some light usage, and threw it back in storage..and forgot about it. Found it a few days ago, and since I'm sending my Zenfone 2 to warranty, probably gonna use this device until I get back the Asus. Might as well gonna buy a new phone after getting some cash together, anyway, stuck with this tiny device for a while. Just realized that it has only 1GB for apps, although it says 8GB on the box. Weird. So I decided to root the device to get rid of some pre installed junks. I only rooted some Samsung devices before, htc procedures are quite different. Unlocked, and rooted. It's running on 4.2.2 JB, k2_ul LTE version, and hboot is 2.1 as far as I can recall. And then, after rooting and all, noticed that I can't delete those pre-installed stuff even with the root, so just froze them, which I could of done without rooting in the first place. Not much on SV over the internet, but all I gathered is that on the bootloader screen, s-on needs to be s-off in order to modify or remove something system related from the phone, I think. Tried to do that, but couldn't find any methods online for Jelly Bean 4.2.2. Only option I think, is the rumrunner, but their website is kaput. As you can see, the dilemma I am in now. I understand, nobody cares about this phone, not even HTC even after the release. Just need some basic information.. where do I go from here. I swear I will throw this phone back into the darkness once I get my main device back/buy a new one, but for a while, have to live with it..
>Any way to turn the security off, s-off for the 4.2.2 JB ?
>Or just flash a custom rom, not that the phone has many other roms. I think flashing requires the s-off too.
>Or find a way to move apps to other partitions of the phone..i.e, Internal memory or MicroSD, which I have no clue how to do. :silly:
I just want some space on the phone, and bloatware vanished. Helps are appreciated !
dunhill1410 said:
>Any way to turn the security off, s-off for the 4.2.2 JB ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if rumrunner don't work, Sunshine app should work to get S-off, as far as i know. Sunshine is not free, it cost 25 USD.
Another way to disable write protection for S-on devices is this -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2575240
But i never used this, so don't ask me how to do.
>Or just flash a custom rom, not that the phone has many other roms. I think flashing requires the s-off too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing custom roms will also work on S-on devices. Just read and follow the guides how to flash in the rom threads. S-on will require some extra steps, which are usually mentioned in this threads.
dunhill1410 said:
(...) Weird. So I decided to root the device to get rid of some pre installed junks.(...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can many of these applications simply off in the options of the system.
old.splatterhand said:
Well, if rumrunner don't work, Sunshine app should work to get S-off, as far as i know. Sunshine is not free, it cost 25 USD.
Another way to disable write protection for S-on devices is this -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2575240
But i never used this, so don't ask me how to do.
Flashing custom roms will also work on S-on devices. Just read and follow the guides how to flash in the rom threads. S-on will require some extra steps, which are usually mentioned in this threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, rumrunner worked. Their website is down, and while in the bathtub, got the idea about the web archive/wayback machine. Et Voila ! Thanks, regardless. I have uploaded the HTC Universal Rumrunner version if anyone needs it. Pretty easy.
http://d-h.st/t5r0
Did you successfully root your SV? I rooted mine without problem, I still keep the stock 4.2.2 JB and HTC Sense.
I like the SV for its small size and excellent signal reception. The removable battery is also a plus.
I'm a professional [desk] diver.

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