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[GUIDE] ROOT for ASUS eee pad transformer (TF101)

New root method is out for PRE and POST OTA, with insecure BOOT image and CWM recovery
Get It Here http://kan.gd/frm

OK, noobie here,
Please be gentle, I don't have a tablet although by everything I've seen, the transformer will be the one for me. I've read over and over again how rooting your tablet is the best thing to do since bread slicers were invented.
Simple question though. What do I gain by rooting my Transformer ( when they actually ship it in North America ) ?
That's it,
Cheers,
gpearson1968

gpearson1968 said:
OK, noobie here,
Please be gentle, I don't have a tablet although by everything I've seen, the transformer will be the one for me. I've read over and over again how rooting your tablet is the best thing to do since bread slicers were invented.
Simple question though. What do I gain by rooting my Transformer ( when they actually ship it in North America ) ?
That's it,
Cheers,
gpearson1968
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will be able to configure parts of the computer such as the processor etc that normally is not available to the user. You will be able to install custom ROMs which are different versions of the software included but will often be better than the original. As I mentioned earlier it will also (at some stage) allow you to change CPU settings so save battery or to gain maximum performance!
Hope this answers your questions, if you've got any more then fire away, thats why we're all here!

OK, cool, thanks for the invite.
Next question. If I root my Transformer, and ASUS puts out another version of their "ROM", will I be able to use the ASUS "ROM" ? Or once I root, I cannot go back ?
I obviously don't have a preference since I don't have a tablet yet. I've read how everyone loves the ROMS that out there ( Cyanogen, Vegan, TNT..... ) especially for the G-tab. I love overclockin, especially if you can notice the difference in apps like video playback and such.
For me, modding my soon-to-hold transformer isn't a done deal unless I know that whatever mod I do will enhance what I have, rather than simply replacing what I have. Does that make sense ?
So rooting will allow me to install different mods, and to get access at a deeper level to some of the inner gizzards of the tablet. Very cool.
Anything else it gives me ?
Cheers,
gpearson1968

Congratulations on making it and releasing to the community.
Don't know if this will affect your root method or not but there's supposedly a firmware update out from Asus tomorrow.

gpearson1968 said:
OK, cool, thanks for the invite.
Next question. If I root my Transformer, and ASUS puts out another version of their "ROM", will I be able to use the ASUS "ROM" ? Or once I root, I cannot go back ?
I obviously don't have a preference since I don't have a tablet yet. I've read how everyone loves the ROMS that out there ( Cyanogen, Vegan, TNT..... ) especially for the G-tab. I love overclockin, especially if you can notice the difference in apps like video playback and such.
For me, modding my soon-to-hold transformer isn't a done deal unless I know that whatever mod I do will enhance what I have, rather than simply replacing what I have. Does that make sense ?
So rooting will allow me to install different mods, and to get access at a deeper level to some of the inner gizzards of the tablet. Very cool.
Anything else it gives me ?
Cheers,
gpearson1968
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your question about going back, as long as you do a backup in the recovery it installs you can always go back to stock. You can even unroot it if you want!
So far there are no replacement ROMs out there yet, but Paul from Modaco has released his add on pack which boosts performance and a couple of other bits and pieces and does not affect the user interface so its a good one to try if you just want performance.
Lots of other things and benefits will pop up as time goes on, only a few (very lucky!!!) people have the tablet so far!

Thanks - that worked perfectly! - Now to look at overclocking

This didn't seem to work for me, I could boot into Recovery and perform nandroid backup etc but when I rebooted I ddn't appear to have root.
I have since flashed MCR Beta though so I am happy enough with that.
Cheers for giving us root.

Roach2010 said:
This didn't seem to work for me, I could boot into Recovery and perform nandroid backup etc but when I rebooted I ddn't appear to have root.
I have since flashed MCR Beta though so I am happy enough with that.
Cheers for giving us root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thus you have root

Will this work after the official 15/04 update has been applied?
I keep getting the android with the triangle above his head.

RedMist said:
Will this work after the official 15/04 update has been applied?
I keep getting the android with the triangle above his head.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it wont You'll need to wait for root to be regained.

djdevine2 said:
No it wont You'll need to wait for root to be regained.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgive my simple question: is it possible to sideload apps without root? I gather there's another OTA due on April 28 and may try that before rooting. Would however like to install a couple of apps bought for my G-Tab.

rumors are saying now to root after the 4/14/11 update is ran. so just root it before u connect it to the internet and u can flash my rom and ill make a odexed version tonight after running some opts and go from there.
this devise i will be keeping to stock but will update new apps as needed once i get a new tablet next week.

New root method found will be out ~30th (to avoid the next OTA)
This allows custom recovery + boot image being flashed to the device
So all you US users can relax
I still do not have a device tho
PS.
This method is a team effort so credit is split

Apache14 said:
New root method found will be out ~30th (to avoid the next OTA)
This allows custom recovery + boot image being flashed to the device
So all you US users can relax
I still do not have a device tho
PS.
This method is a team effort so credit is split
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that's good news. Any advances on getting nvflash working?

Apache14 said:
New root method found will be out ~30th (to avoid the next OTA)
This allows custom recovery + boot image being flashed to the device
So all you US users can relax
I still do not have a device tho
PS.
This method is a team effort so credit is split
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Italian Transformer here and now I discovered another update, the second form me since the day-one. Can I update or not?
Thanks

Apache14 said:
New root method found will be out ~30th (to avoid the next OTA)
This allows custom recovery + boot image being flashed to the device
So all you US users can relax
I still do not have a device tho
PS.
This method is a team effort so credit is split
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good stuff!
I'm probably getting one of these in a month or so and was worried about this

Just got my TF and attempted to Root. I press volume up as soon as prompted...
But, then it freezes at "Booting recovery kernel image"
Running "WW_epad-8.2.3.6-20110414"
Guessing it updated somehow without my knowing as the first time it booted it was running a 03/11 build....
I saw a reference to a 04-15 build... Could that really have been the 04-14 build? Is that why it isn't booting the recovery on my sdcard?
===========================
Disregard: I read on the MoDaCo forum that it won't work with the 04/14 build. :-( DAMN!

New Root Method In First Post

now I'm familiar with ADB after messing around with my HTC hero in the past but what is an insecure boot image?

[Q] Updating while rooted

I have seen a few posts in regards to people asking about updating from a rooted device but I never seen the answer I been looking for.
Example: I rooted my Motorola XOOM Tablet, Android 3.2 by following these instructions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1170760
"[GUIDE][US WIFI & 3G] How To Root Your Xoom From 3.2 Stock [PC & Mac]" posted by jase33
IF say for example version 3.3 comes out.. IF I want to upgrade to version 3.3 from my rooted 3.2, Am I able to click upgrade when it announces it? While rooted and unlocked?
I am not using custom ROMS. I just followed those steps provided in the link above.
Do I have to restore to faculty settings, re-lock, then upgrade, then repeat the same process to root all over again? or can I just click upgrade.
Other posts started talking about having custom ROMs, and there wasn't a defendant answer that I saw that was reassuring to my question.
Thanks for your Help

So far ive not had little success updating using the built in update feature, when 3.2 came out I tried updating but it crapped out when booting, so I had to delete the user data, loosing all my apps in the process. But this is based only on the update from 3.1 to 3.2 both stock roms. P.s. i used the same instructions u did on an AU Xoom.
D

dayyanj said:
So far ive not had little success updating using the built in update feature, when 3.2 came out I tried updating but it crapped out when booting, so I had to delete the user data, loosing all my apps in the process. But this is based only on the update from 3.1 to 3.2 both stock roms. P.s. i used the same instructions u did on an AU Xoom.
D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your Xoom is unlocked but also not rooted/completely stock, you can get OTA updates. If rooted, even stock rom/kernel, you don't get or can't install updates. But if rooted, never fear, our developers, including the Tiamat team have made the updates available to us super fast.
Anyway, you never need to re-lock unless you plan to return the Xoom under warranty, for repair or replacement.

no offense but it sounds like you don't know much bout this sort of stuff...you believe that you are not using custom rom but are not sure?? You need to read up and figure out the basics...if you are using custom rom..absolutely do not accept an over the air update. Read up on what you are doing unless you want a600 dollar paperweight

I am actually more than 100% sure I am not using a custom ROM..
I never downloaded any custom ROMs to be honest that’s how I know.
The only thing I wasn’t sure of at first was the ADB commands but when I was rooting for the first time. But after I read the tutorials it was as easy as riding a bike. As for the small Linux commands used in the shell, from the tutorial that I followed, seemed pretty super basic. I had been using Linux for 6 years, recompiling kernels etc so I don’t have any doubts...
I am not too worried about bricking anything… My question was only related to the OTA updates with the rooted stocked. That’s all.
Thank you everyone for your responses, they answered my question. And thanks for the concerned about my device.

[Q] Confused about Root, ROM, OTA, etc.

Sorry guys but I am very confused about some fundamental basics in the Android customization world. I understand that rooting a device simply unlocks it with optional enhancements. Installing a ROM changes system properties for customization or further enhancement.
Where does kernal fit in?
If Asus releases a new OTA firmware, do I have to reverse the rom AND root before installing the OTA update? Or do I simply have to reverse only the rom before the update? Or do I simply have to reverse only the root before installing the update?
I used BRK's pure root method on my Transformer last week. I've been thinking about installing Revolver or Prime roms on my Transformer, but I am reading that Asus is releasing a new firmware OTA over the next week or two, which leaves me a bit lost on what to do. Do I reverse the root before getting the OTA? Do I keep the root and get the OTA? Do I apply Prime/Revolver rom before the OTA? If I apply Prime/Revolver now, do I have to reverse that before getting the OTA?
My end goal by the end of this month is to get the latest firmware AND have Prime/Revolver rom on my tablet. Please advise on the simplest, straightforward method. Thanks for everyone's patience.

IMO.......(I said mine). Wait until the custom roms come out based on the current update. Hopefully it will solve some of the stupid bugs 3.2 introduced. Then install CWM and then a custom rom of your choice. I recommend Prime but thats what I use. Try them both or just stay stock with root.
No need to due all the switching back and forth since the ASUS update will be the basis of the new custom roms. One overwrites the other

A kernel in basic term link OS and software to phone's hardware.
Usually when Asus release an update, doesn't take very long for one of the dev to
incorporate it into a custom ROM. If you want to run Prime or Revolver I say go ahead and flash it.

Does that mean I can leave my root alone and just continue to apply updates from whatever rom that I use? So new Asus firmware updates will be incorporated into roms? For example I can expect to get Asus updates through prime or revolver, and never have to download directly from Asus again? That's assuming revolver and prime continue getting developed of course.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk

They mean rather than getting OTA updates from ASUS, wait a while after an official update has been released by ASUS and keep checking the Prime and Revolver threads for an updated version from the devs.
The updated custom roms will include the ASUS update.
But it means waiting longer for each update, as you will have to wait for the XDA Devs to incorporate the new ASUS update into their custom prime or revolver roms.
But it means you can leave ROOT alone if you want.
ROOT is not specifically "Unlocking" the device, it is giving the user, and apps ROOT Access to the ROOT Filesystem. So apps that need to access or modify the filesystem, can. Stock non rooted devices such as mine, have no access to the root filesystem - which is good and bad.
Good because you have much less chance of bricking the device, and you continue to get OTA (Over The Air) updates.
Bad because certain very useful programs can not be used, such as Adblocking apps.
Personally I find official updates, and a stock device have more advantages than rooting it and having to use custom roms which may have multiple problems and no official solution.

Ok ill put it in easy to understand terms
Kernel = Bios
rom = windows
root = file write access.

drksilenc said:
Ok ill put it in easy to understand terms
Kernel = Bios
rom = windows
root = file write access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Good way to put it for new users, since everyone understands Windows.
The kernel is like a manager. It is what starts all the hardware and software of the tablet. It makes everything you click and do work. All the underlining things you don't see happen is mostly the kernel.
Rom is just the OS. The user interface, the apps you use, etc. It's the same as Windows or Mac OSX. (not the same functionality, but the same concept/idea)
Root is a bitter-sweat deal. It allows you to customize your device more and use apps like Titanium Backup, Adblock, and other system improving apps. The bad thing is, if you don't know what your modifying in the root system, you could mess up your device. Usually a backup restoration can fix this or you can find help here. I got my first Android phone, the Droid 1, on a Wednesday, by Saturday I was rooted and running roms. Like everything, rooting has its risks, you just have to be careful and smart. Don't download sketchy apps that ask for root access. I try to only use root apps that are mentioned on XDA or from a trusted dev. (usually someone on XDA)
I mentioned back restoration. That is done from a custom recovery. The one we use is called ClockworkMod. Essentially what it is, is a installer and backup combo. Through it, we can install roms, themes, and system edits. We can also backup our current system, so that if anything goes wrong, we can go back to before we hit that problem.
When Asus updates the firmware, it's better to wait for a dev (in our case, Roach) to release a prerooted version. Just makes it easier for us, since we can just flash (install) it without having to go back to stock and all that jazz.
Welcome to Android. Always nice to have someone new join our gang.

Kernel, this one i posted on another forum
Originally Posted by life64x View Post
A kernel is simply a director for the computer in movie analogy. It controls the scripts( what gets done and how), the cast(Bluetooth , video, Internet so on), and production( who goes where, how and why.) it is the main software that gets loaded and talks to other software for hardware( such as video output, phone dialing drivers etc.). Every operating system is a kernel. ALL other software in the phone, no matter what is..is the supporting cast. In a nutshell, it is what guides, and makes computers work with other parts of it..both hardware and software.
A rom is a storage file for all the GUTS of the software, bootup stuff, stock or modified items dealing with user interface and other software. it is bundled together to make it one complete unit so you dont have to do files individual to install, tweak and what have you. This is a real bad description of what a rom is, but dont want to confuse you. Instead of having files all over the place, it is in a form much like a box.
"My end goal by the end of this month is to get the latest firmware AND have Prime/Revolver rom on my tablet. Please advise on the simplest, straightforward method. Thanks for everyone's patience."
Simplest reply to this is..
1. Install custom firmware pf your choice now.
2. When the newest version of your rom comes out. Install.

Thank you everyone. That was made clear as crystal. I will install a rom and get updates through them. I'm leaning toward revolver for ota updates.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk

[Q]

Hi everyone
First off I would like to thank everyone who contributes on this board, I have been lurking for quite awhile even though I dont have any android devices, the reading is very interesting.
I have just got my first android device today delivered from BH Photo (I am in Australia) and have charged and powered it up. I have been reading on the forums about rooting and then unlocking. The android version appears to be 4.0.3 (ICS).
My questions are these:
Should I root this device and unlock the bootloader with ICS, then install TWRP and make a backup of it. Once this is done then update to JB? The firmware of the tablet is (I think this is right) IM74K:US_epad_9.4.5.26-20120720 and the kernel is 2.6.39.4 [email protected] #1
or
Update the device to JB then root it, but Im a bit confused with the unlocking part here what program is used to unlock the bootloader? Is it the Asus one? Also with rooting programs which one is more commonly used for both ICS and JB? Can I apply a manual update of JB using the Ausrtalian version instead of the US one.
Sorry for all the noob questions. I have read the index and after reading it still had some questions.
Thank you for your time

deathwalker01 said:
Hi everyone
First off I would like to thank everyone who contributes on this board, I have been lurking for quite awhile even though I dont have any android devices, the reading is very interesting.
I have just got my first android device today delivered from BH Photo (I am in Australia) and have charged and powered it up. I have been reading on the forums about rooting and then unlocking. The android version appears to be 4.0.3 (ICS).
My questions are these:
Should I root this device and unlock the bootloader with ICS, then install TWRP and make a backup of it. Once this is done then update to JB? The firmware of the tablet is (I think this is right) IM74K:US_epad_9.4.5.26-20120720 and the kernel is 2.6.39.4 [email protected] #1
or
Update the device to JB then root it, but Im a bit confused with the unlocking part here what program is used to unlock the bootloader? Is it the Asus one? Also with rooting programs which one is more commonly used for both ICS and JB? Can I apply a manual update of JB using the Ausrtalian version instead of the US one.
Sorry for all the noob questions. I have read the index and after reading it still had some questions.
Thank you for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the Community!
There are a few on-going threads regarding this same topic. You might want to read those and make sure you understand the lingo/jargon being used (like: fastboot, bootloader, Recovery, adb. etc) as well as what it's for before you start your hacking.
Some things to keep in mind
Currently to have Root access in JB, you need to get root in ICS then use OTA Keeper to maintain Root for JB update.
The Bootloader unlocker tool is from ASUS and needs to communicate with ASUS servers for it to unlock.
Unlocking the bootloader will void your warrenty. Make sure you have a good device before you do it.
You have a version of tablet (9.4.5.26) that is able to use NVFlash that can help recover your tablet during a soft brick.
You should use an update that is appropriate for your device. If it comes with US, stay with US. Installing an update for a different region might not cause problems but there is no guarantee. Best to avoid the possibility by staying with the region it comes with.
For some reading material, I think that my blog post might help give you some additional details. However, I highly suggest that it be used for research only until you are aware of exactly what you are trying to accomplish. Remember to ask questions if things are confusing or if you are wondering what needs to be done next. 'Tis better to ask and be delayed than to be over-eager and bricked.
Hope this helps you during your first steps of XDA Android hacking!

I just got my TF700 last week and I wanted cleanrom on it and this is the order of stuff I did:
1. Unlocked bootloader
2. Nvflash setup
3. Installed TWRP
4. Flashed official Asus update
5. I lost TWRP so I installed it again
6. Flashed cleanrom
Probably not the most efficient way, but it was easy to do and didn't take too long.

hong90 said:
I just got my TF700 last week and I wanted cleanrom on it and this is the order of stuff I did:
1. Unlocked bootloader
2. Nvflash setup
3. Installed TWRP
4. Flashed official Asus update
5. I lost TWRP so I installed it again
6. Flashed cleanrom
Probably not the most efficient way, but it was easy to do and didn't take too long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the most efficient way.

I have nothing to add except for the remark that NvFlash is key -- GET IT WHILE YOU STILL CAN!
I'm not even kidding here. It gives you 100% flexibility in doing whatever you wish (up- as well as downgrading, even the bootloader!) and provides a key benefit in recovering your device when that whale-sized piece of excrement hits the large ventilator running at top speed.

Thanks to everyone that has replied to my post. I have successfully rooted the tablet and unlocked the bootloader. Before I do anything else Im going to run NVflash and back it up. I have a quick question though. I have download NVFlash to my computer and extracted it. Do I need to copy it across to the tablet and then enter fastboot? I havent got an extenal sd card will it save the images to the tablet's hard drive?
Cheers
Deathwalker

i followed this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3ypzUaKxvo&feature=youtube_gdata_player
i watched it before i actually did it once or twice to make sure i know what to do. you don't need an external sd card. following the fastboot steps will pull the files that you need onto the internal one in a folder

Last night I used NVFlash to make backup of the tablet. A big thank you to alienedd as I followed his blog and also the guide from androidmobi team and managed to get the img files done. Is there anyway to test bar for wiping the tablet?
Now all I have left to do is install OTA RootKeeper and TWRP, back up the existing tablet and then flash a custom ROM (Im thinking cleanrom)

You don't need OTA Rootkeeper anymore because you have unlocked you're bootloader. And custom roms like Cleanrom are already pre-rooted so after flashing the cleanrom you will have root anyway.

[Q] First time flashing Zoom Wifi and no good tutorials! Do you know of any?

I have a decent amount of experience flashing a couple of HP Touchpads, our Nexus S 4G CDMA phones and our HTC One V CDMA phones. I have learned alot along the way but for the last 2 days I have finally decided to unlock, root and flash our Xooms. The Xooms have already been updated to Android 4.1 with OTA updates and it has not been nearly as straightforward as my previous experiences. My motivation was Motorola ceasing to support them and a desire to get the Team EOS Xoom Jellybean MR1 4.2 Windray nightlies installed!
I started by going to the Motorola page with the official unlock my device instructions. Nothing I did could get those instructions to work. Finally I returned to XDA...my go to place in the past. It seems that I have finally accomplished my goal, but I could not find any instructions that could have easily helped me to avoid several pitfalls.
The very first thing I wish any instructions would have told me is that the latest CWM Recovery OR TWRP can not read the external SD card on Xooms. I do not know exactly why this is, but it seems it is either because I already had OTA updates prior OR for some reason I can't figure out.
So, in posting here I am wondering if anyone can point me to a comprenhinsive set of instructions for doing what I had so much difficulty doing so that I can save it for future reference. I assure you that I searched not only these forums, but the internet exhaustively, and although I was able to find answers to the many challenges that came up, the tutorials on this forum were so old that it surprised me. Does anyone know of a tutorial for unlocking, rooting and flashing the latest Android to a Xoom that helps to avoid the pitfalls?
Thanks!

donrull said:
I have a decent amount of experience flashing a couple of HP Touchpads, our Nexus S 4G CDMA phones and our HTC One V CDMA phones. I have learned alot along the way but for the last 2 days I have finally decided to unlock, root and flash our Xooms. The Xooms have already been updated to Android 4.1 with OTA updates and it has not been nearly as straightforward as my previous experiences. My motivation was Motorola ceasing to support them and a desire to get the Team EOS Xoom Jellybean MR1 4.2 Windray nightlies installed!
I started by going to the Motorola page with the official unlock my device instructions. Nothing I did could get those instructions to work. Finally I returned to XDA...my go to place in the past. It seems that I have finally accomplished my goal, but I could not find any instructions that could have easily helped me to avoid several pitfalls.
The very first thing I wish any instructions would have told me is that the latest CWM Recovery OR TWRP can not read the external SD card on Xooms. I do not know exactly why this is, but it seems it is either because I already had OTA updates prior OR for some reason I can't figure out.
So, in posting here I am wondering if anyone can point me to a comprenhinsive set of instructions for doing what I had so much difficulty doing so that I can save it for future reference. I assure you that I searched not only these forums, but the internet exhaustively, and although I was able to find answers to the many challenges that came up, the tutorials on this forum were so old that it surprised me. Does anyone know of a tutorial for unlocking, rooting and flashing the latest Android to a Xoom that helps to avoid the pitfalls?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this one. I had seen it on another post. I am not responsible for any problems. Use at on risk
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-restore-and-relock-a-motorola-xoom-tablet/

bigmeltx said:
Try this one. I had seen it on another post. I am not responsible for any problems. Use at on risk
Thanks, but I'm not trying to restore and relock...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

To unlock bootloader and root try LordAIOTool (or popularly LAIOT), it will do this work for you... Then after I think you already know how to flash if you said you have experience (reboot into recovery blah blah blah)
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk HD