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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?

Best way to root

Hey everyone,
Pray tell: what is the easiest way to root my TF and keep existing firmware? I'd like to have the option of flashing new roms and kernels down the road. I keep hearing that rooting takes less than 10 minutes, but the guides I'm seeing require ADB (which requires JDK) and some asus crapware that I just don't want to fill my computer with.
I remember how easy rooting was on the Gtab (upload a new recovery.zip to an SD card and reboot) and I'm hoping that it can be as easy here.
Thanks!

There's two way to root
http://androidroot.mobi/2011/06/13/nvflash-on-asus-transformer/
http://androidroot.mobi/asus-eee-pad-transformer-tf101-root-cwm-recovery/
read up and see what's "easier" for you.

See here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125714
Pure Root 3.1 in Development-section. Extremely easy, did it twice in 2 days on 2 different TF's, 100% succes (guaranteed)
Good Luck

+1
Done one on Thursday and one last Monday. Works perfectly!
Skickat från min ASUS Eee Pad TF101

Ok, I got it. Once all the pre-reqs were in place, it wasn't so bad. Now I just have to uninstall all the garbage that asus loaded onto my pc. Thanks!

Is this root it still valid for Tf with all the latest updates (3.1, 8445 build)?
http://briefmobile.com/root-asus-transformer-on-android-3-1
Please help, I am new to Tf and Android. I can do hackintosh and iOS jailbreak. But this rooting thing is all new to me. It's all very confusing. Why are there so many different out there, e.g., in the developer section of this forum? What is Prime?
Finally, what is the downside of rooting? Some seemed to suggest you may not getting a dock firmware update, or app missing from market? What happens with the next android update if rooted?
Sorry for all the questions, I couldn't find a nice intro guide on Tf rooting for dummies.

ikeny said:
Is this root it still valid for Tf with all the latest updates (3.1, 8445 build)?
http://briefmobile.com/root-asus-transformer-on-android-3-1
Please help, I am new to Tf and Android. I can do hackintosh and iOS jailbreak. But this rooting thing is all new to me. It's all very confusing. Why are there so many different out there, e.g., in the developer section of this forum? What is Prime?
Finally, what is the downside of rooting? Some seemed to suggest you may not getting a dock firmware update, or app missing from market? What happens with the next android update if rooted?
Sorry for all the questions, I couldn't find a nice intro guide on Tf rooting for dummies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think of rooting as jailbreaking on steroids. "Root" in linux parlance means superuser: a system account with permission to do anything. Jailbreaking gives you the same thing, but jailbreaking does not give you the ability to install new firmware, which rooting does.
Prime is a ROM: a custom firmware. Unlike in the iOS world, android "allows" you to load a whole new operating system that you create yourself or someone else created (referred to as a ROM) onto your device. The ROMs are still Android operating systems, but there are a few advantages:
1) Unlike iOS updates, android updates don't get pushed out to everyone at the same time. Even if an update is available for your device, there is no guarantee that your phone carrier will push it out to you or won't sit on their hands for six months before doing it, effectively crippling your phone. A custom ROM allows you to bypass your carrier and load the updates yourself. This is not as big an issue on the transformer because there's no carrier to speak of. Still, if Asus takes its sweet time releasing the next version of android, you can bet it will be up here as a ROM first;
2) Most ROMs take out crapware that you don't want on your device; and
3) Many ROMs include performance optimizations or overclocks that wouldn't otherwise be possible.
I'm actually not sure if rooting by itself disables Asus updates...I don't think it does (but someone can correct me if I'm wrong). However, if you load Prime or another custom ROM, you will not have updates because there is nothing to update: you are not running Asus firmware anymore. You will have to wait for the developers of Prime to release new versions and flash them manually. Another downside of rooting is that you can lose you warranty. But if you root and need to make use of warranty, you can just unroot (see threads on that).
Hope that helps.

I've been looking to root my eepad. Running 3.2 stock
I've been lurking the forums for a little over a week but not sure if the nvflash method will work with the new update.
I've been reading through the unbricking thread, and this looks to be the easiest way to flash the device. but I still havent seen any confirmations that someone with 3.2 has performed the root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1123429&page=30
Unfortunately, since i've been lurking and reading, and not posting, I can't post in that thread to ask yet, since I don't have enough posts.
Here is my current build on the TF.
3.2
GPS: v1.5.0
WiFi: v5.2.52
BT: v6.19
kernel: 2.6.36.3 [email protected] #1
Build #: 8.6.5.6-20110726
many thanks for any assistance
-Ry

just wanted to add, I did some more digging on the Dev section and found BRK's method to root.
I read through the thread and they stated was functioning with stock non-rooted 3.2 running 8.6.5.6
I tried it out and it worked without a hitch!!!
YAAHOOOO!
installed cicso's anyconnect VPN client and Boom superuser access granted!
For anyone else wanting to try, make sure to just read through the instructions, then re-read, and re-read one more time. then take your time and you'll be good to go.
all the best!
-Ry

Find a good area, with plenty of sunlight. A steady supply of water is good as well. Be sure the ground is rich in nutrients.

Kernel/ota questions

I've successfully recovered my tablet using this method. I was trying to update my TF using the batch script method and somehow managed to flash an outdated kernel. I know this because Asus tech support told me that was the reason my TF wasn't receiving the ota to 3.2. However, Asus tech support also told me that I could flash a new kernel by downloading the source code onto my tablet, then the TF would automatically recognize the [.rar] file and install my new kernel; which didn't work out as you might imagine.
I am now on official 3.1 8.4.4.11.and my kernel is v 2.6.36.3-00011-g3eb19ex And I can't get the OTA update. At one time I had official 3.2 [after previously flashing stock 3.1] but decided to try to root when I found out Netflix wasn't officially supported like the EEE pad site says it does.
Every time I try the batch script method, I end up stuck on the eee pad logo screen. Adb is working as well as apx drivers. Ultimate goal here is stock 3.2 rooted with netflix, but at this point I'd settle for stock official 3.2.
Any ideas? Tia

You may get help if you post your QUESTIONS in the correct forum.
This is the development forum....not Q&A.
Sent from my Jailbroken iPhone 4 using Tapatalk.

Thanks for the input. I just felt that that based on the content of the question, it would be better suited here.

you could try the zip file from the thread titled [OTA]Stock 3.2 zip file
And +1 on wrong section. This is not related to developing a new ROM or features for the Eee Pad.

I'm trying to avoid flashing CWM, that's where I end up bricking it.

jdmnash said:
I'm trying to avoid flashing CWM, that's where I end up bricking it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest you to try Nvflash. it is the easiest way to root that tf.

I think the relationship between nvflash and the TF is complicated.
There are a few bootloaders out there, including the one used by custom roms, as well as the 4 stock ones.
My theory is that the kernel images in the boot and recovery images have to match the bootloader that is on the TF.
Throw in the fact that the bootloader is only written using the nvflash --create command or during the OTA update, and we have TFs with all kinds of different bootloaders going around that won't match what people are flashing. I think this is why CWM breaks whenever there is a stock OTA that rewrites the bootloader. I think most people brick trying to go back to stock from a custom rom. Going from stock to custom usually isn't a problem because the compatible bootloader is flashed in the rooting process.
Is this the first time we've seen an completely unlocked bootloader on Android?
sent from my cyanogen(mod) vision

jdmnash said:
Thanks for the input. I just felt that that based on the content of the question, it would be better suited here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Android Development is for "DEVELOPMENT" does this thread have any kind of release? No.
That's why there's a sticky thread that says,
[REF] SEARCH BEFORE POSTING!! All Questions Go In The Q&A FORUM!!
Originally Posted By: mskip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

ok folks i get it. I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do right now about accidently posting this in the wrong forum? Please forgive me. Mods feel free to move the thread or ban me or both. Whatever the normal punishment is.

Use the NVFlash unroot method here:
http://tabletroms.com/forums/showthread.php?1071-Asus-Transformer-NVFlash-Stock-3.1-Recovery-Roms
That will get it back to stock everything with 8.4.4.5. Then, you can manually install 8.4.4.11 with the download on the Asus website. After that it will recognize the OTA update to 8.6.5.6. Once you've done all that, use the Batch Script for a quick root, and you're done. I did this today. As long as you follow all the steps, it's a breeze.

I don't think it will recognize the OTA update to 8656. Roach's update will work, but not the stock update.
sent from my cyanogen(mod) vision

It will recognize it, because if you follow all the steps I listed, you're completely stock until you run the batch script to root 3.2. I did this myself on my transformer today.

My OP is not very clear, but that is exactly the steps I've followed to get to where I am today. I've given it 2 days to detect the new update and i've got nothing. I'm currently sitting on stock 8.4.4.11 waiting for the OTA.

kingwp1 said:
It will recognize it, because if you follow all the steps I listed, you're completely stock until you run the batch script to root 3.2. I did this myself on my transformer today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you root before and what were you running before you went back to stock 8445?
sent from my cyanogen(mod) vision

stock 3.2. I was trying to get rooted 3.2 to get netflix

jdmnash said:
stock 3.2. I was trying to get rooted 3.2 to get netflix
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever make a backup with CWM when you had 3.2?

no it was stock 3.2 firmware/recovery
I'm making progress. I'm now on rooted 8.4.4.11... still trying to get to 3.2

[Q] Other ROOTING methods for B70 models (Asus Transformer)

I was just wondering after getting my Asus Transformer the other day and found out it was a B70 model.
I figured out that it is has the newer SDK which does not allow NvFlash to connect and root the device.
I heard that there were other methods to root and was wondering what those other methods are and if they are compatable with the newer SDK in the B70 model.

As far as I can tell, after a bunch of reading, the other rooting methods only worked on 3.0.x versions of Android, so that rules out all the B70 revisions (they seem to ship with 3.1).
I've got an unrootable B70 aswell, hoping a dev comes along with a solution at some stage.

Same here, got B70 model, tried everything but nothings works. I really need it because it wont recognize my phone´s internet (using Joikuspot on a Nokia N8).
Let's hope some1 finds a solution for us.

Yeah i hope so.
Its wierd though my mate bought and recived his transformer the same time as me and they are both B70 models, yet he can root his fine and mine wont. I believe he has the younger B70 model that still has the original SDK.

Just rooted mine! B70K...
Hi there,
I just received my brand new TF101 (B70K????) from amazon.co.uk yesterday and was very disappointed when I found all this treads saying you can't root a B70 version.
I decide to have a go rooting just now using the live CD method here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1198303 and I managed to get my TF101 root the first try!
The means not all B70s are with the new SBK.
Happy now....
Joe.

We are pretty screwed at the moment, till DEV's find a way to root B70 Transformers... arghhh FREAKIN ASUS

joelee.org said:
Hi there,
I just received my brand new TF101 (B70K????) from amazon.co.uk yesterday ..
I decide to have a go rooting just now using the live CD method here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1198303 ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Could you pls confirm if your TF101 came with 3.1 or 3.2? Mine was with 3.1 and I made the mistake of upgrading to 3.2 Now it won't root using the nvflash test which I did..
I would go ahead and install Linux in case you were able to root on Android 3.2 after upgrading your firmware!
(Also, it says now ww 8.6.5.9 20110816)
Cheers
Sam

The OTA-update from Asus does NOT upgrade the SBK, so if your B70 TF shipped with the old SBK, it still has it, no matter the OS version it runs. My B70 came with 3.1, I updated it with the official 3.2 OTA, and still managed to root with NvFlash.
Keep an eye on this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232612 to find out what SBK you run. Or simply just give NvFlash a go, as far as I understood, if you have the new SBK it won't get any contact, so it won't do anything nasty to your device. I might be wrong, though...

orgasmatrond said:
The OTA-update from Asus does NOT upgrade the SBK..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clarifying..I thought that the firmware update was updating the secure key as well.
orgasmatrond said:
Keep an eye on this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232612 to find out what SBK you run. ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, already ran this and found that I had v2 SBK..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17265396&postcount=13
Possibly it might be a matter of days when RayMan, LilStevie release a new method of unlocking! Need to wait until then..and yeah, ran that nvflash thing as well and it gave error ..0x4 and write error..

From a B07 to a B05...Root?

Purchased an Asus Transformer about 2 weeks ago on Amazon and received a B07...the screen on it ended up having some discoloration on the sides where when something black was playing, you could see white/green discoloration marks near the edge...needless to say, I sent it back to Amazon and they just sent me a B05. Did I get lucky?
Cause I'm looking to root...And apparently I can root this model, but not the last one?
I have Windows 7. There's seems to be several different methods to root this device. I'm running 8.3.2.9.
Is it best to upgrade to Honeycomb 3.2 before you root, or after? Or should I stay with 3.1 Honeycomb...someone let me know and send me some links/files I need to get to root!
Appreciate it mucho!

Simply use the NVFlash method, that's the easiest way to do!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1123429

Do I need to update my firmware or update to HC 3.2 before I NVFlash?
Ultimately what I'm wanting is a rooted Honeycomb 3.2 tablet...

Well, you need to grab an NVFlash package. In this very part of the TF101 forum, you'll find a lot of (actually, 3) ROMs what are rooted, optimized, and fine-tuned. I suggest you to try Prime 1.9, it's really great!
So, all you have to do is to download the NVFlash version of Prime (or any other ROM you want to install), and follow the NVFlash instructions. It will update your TF to 3.2, root it, etc.
You do not need to update to anything, as NVFlash is totally separate from Android - imagine it like a safety switch, what can be flipped if your device gets bricked (=means it won't really switch on due to software problems). It's a separate mode, can not be modified, etc.

Read this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1268458
You should have posted in the Q&A section.
Asking a bloody obvious stupid question to which you require an answer in a DEV section is fail.

sorry to barge in but i am going to get a transformer in a few hours and i am thinking i could easily install custom roms out of the box? also does this work on all models?
CaNsA is right this shouldnt be here.

GTFO
10chars

Moderators are still too slow in here...
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

TheScPCrew said:
Purchased an Asus Transformer about 2 weeks ago on Amazon and received a B07...the screen on it ended up having some discoloration on the sides where when something black was playing, you could see white/green discoloration marks near the edge...needless to say, I sent it back to Amazon and they just sent me a B05. Did I get lucky?
Cause I'm looking to root...And apparently I can root this model, but not the last one?
I have Windows 7. There's seems to be several different methods to root this device. I'm running 8.3.2.9.
Is it best to upgrade to Honeycomb 3.2 before you root, or after? Or should I stay with 3.1 Honeycomb...someone let me know and send me some links/files I need to get to root!
Appreciate it mucho!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually you're on a firmware that can still be root using
the old method.
Your choice but NVFlash is probably better.
ADB
http://androidroot.mobi/technical/asus-eee-pad-transformer-tf101-root-cwm-recovery/
NVFlash
http://androidroot.mobi/2011/06/13/nvflash-on-asus-transformer/
TheScPCrew said:
Do I need to update my firmware or update to HC 3.2 before I NVFlash?
Ultimately what I'm wanting is a rooted Honeycomb 3.2 tablet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you don't need to upgrade. NVFlash work for all firmware.