[Q] NexusS (i9020T) hard bricked, at which step did I go wrong? - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi everyone, I had a problem with my previous nexus s (I have since gotten a working replacement) and I was wondering where exactly I messed up so in the future I can avoid this
Here is what I did on my previous phone:
1. I flashed ics onto my device from the ota update package from androidcentral, it was 4.0.3. (This worked great and I had it on my phone for 2-3 months before I tried the next steps.)
2. I rooted my device successfully using the guide at nexusshacks.
3. I also flashed TWRP recovery (fastboot) and superuser using the above guide/links
4. When I would turn off my phone it would boot to a screen with a red triangle and an opened android bot. So what I would have to do is flash twrp recovery everytime I turned the phone on just to get it to work.
5. What I wanted to do was keep the stock rom but still have twrp recovery without it making me reflash it on every boot. So I clicked install and tried to flash the stock rom (update package from the link in step 1) with twrp recovery. It then turned off my phone and hard bricked it. I couldn't turn it on anymore and a new battery didn't fix it.
I was able to get a replacement now and I was just wondering at which step did I go wrong? I THINK that I should have wiped my cache before I tried to reflash the stock rom but maybe I'm way off base here. This is why I posted a question here so hopefully some of you guys can help.
I did think about posting in another thread, but I didn't wanna threadjack or anything... and his problem also seemed a bit different then mine. Also, sorry about not being able to provide the specific links it won't let me post them until I've posted 8 times.

I don't know for sure but team win recovery has been reported to corrupt the device's efs directory. I've even had problems myself using clockwork recovery. I've moved on to razor recovery and haven't looked back.
This is the most flash-friendly phone I've ever owned, and razor recovery rivals amon ra (which was awesome on my g1 and evo). I really think it may have just been the recovery you were using... Somebody correct me if i'm wrong.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

I had once corrupted one of the partition. I fixed to by flashing stock recovery and stock rom.
Use adam outler's unbrickable mod tool. It can be found in android development section.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA

Thanks for the replies.
That's interesting about twrp... I didn't know that. Truth be told, the only reason I went for it over other ones like clockwork mod was because the UI looked pretty nice and easy to use. Also the guide I followed at nexusshacks used that, so I wanted to stay consistent with it.
jishnu7, it's a little late for that now however as I actually have already received a working replacement from my carrier, but in the future if something ever does go wrong (hopefully not) I will definitely check that out.
The main thing I'm wondering is if it messed up because I tried to reflash the stock rom essentially over top itself (was hoping that by doing that, it would stop making me reflash twrp on every reboot) or if it was because I didn't wipe the cache before the flash.
Also, what I really wanted to do with my phone was to keep the stock rom but be able to overclock my cpu/gpu. I was hoping I could set different overclocks for different things (I've heard of kernels where you can downclock your phone when the screens off and have it overclocked slightly while you're using it, that would be something I'd like to have). I figured to install those kernels I would have to root my phone, replace stock recovery and install superuser so that's why I tried to do that. Once again, I'm pretty new to all this stuff for my phone.

Sorry to bump this thread again, but I would really like to know how I could avoid what happened to me for the future. I think it's because I flashed the stock 4.0.3 rom over itself (was hoping that by doing that twrp recovery would stay on the phone after reboot).
What I would like to do is install something like CM9 or AOKP and use the Matr1x kernel so I could undervolt or overclock my phone.

I seriously dont get how u hard bricked your phone...
the reason you are thinking is you reflashed stock rom without wiping cache, as per my experiece its not at all the reason
now, whats my experience??
...I have some fault with my nexus device and I'm working on it,,and I did everything I could do...one of the thing out of those things was reflashing stock rom without wiping,and i did it quite a several times...my device never hard bricked,,however it was soft bricked for many times,,and i recovered from it
so reflasing a stock rom over stock rom, over ICS, over some themed custom rom,will not hard brick your device, you must be missing something none of your steps sounds suspecious
P.S:- pulling out battey while flashing something like this sounds suspecious, never tried though

I'm not sure what happened either to be quite honest with you. Since giving it another shot now with my new fresh phone I have had great success!
I did everything I wanted to do all in one go. Rooted it, install CWM touch, install AOKP (went with milestone 4 cuz I heard newest build 29 has some bugs) + gapps and installed matr1x kernel 18.5 bfs.
The only thing I did different from last time was installing CWM touch (instead of twrp) and flashed aokp this time (instead of reflashing 4.0.3 over itself).

I would just avoid step 2 at all cost.
The nexus s hacks dude is a tool.

Related

[q] help flashing freinds g1

I said I would flash cyanogenmod on a friends G1 because he was fed up with 1.6. I've flashed many custom ROM's on several different devices before but I've made a mess of things with this G1 and I can hardly hand back an unusable phone so I would really appreciate your help.
I rooted the phone using Androot, backed up the apps and settings using titanium backup and then the texts using a text backup app. I then downloaded Rom manager and flashed the latest clockworkmod recovery. Next I downloaded the latest official cyanogenmod rom for the dream/g1 and placed it on the phones SD card using my computer. I then re-opened rom manager and used it to select the zip file from the sd (to flash it) on prompt I checked two boxes one to wipe data and one to wipe the dalvik cache and pressed ok.
The phone rebooted into the recovery wiped the stuff, supposedly flashed the rom and rebooted. However it got stuck on the t-mobile g1 boot screen(it never showed anything else first or anything after) I left it for ages with no joy. I then tried wiping from the recovery and flashing again - same thing so i put cm5 on and tried flashing that. Same problem. Then i realised that it probably would not work because I would need to use DangerSPL as the /system partition is too small on the dream/g1. To be honest at this point I can't be bothered with to do that and this guy will be happy with anything above 1.6 to be honest so I thought I would try and flash CM4 because that's based on Eclair I believe (and so it not require I use DangerSPL or any other method to repartition the NAND). However, I tried it twice and still no luck.
At this point I'm somewhat panicking as I cannot seem to make the phone boot and it isn't even mine! Is anyone able to help?
Anyone? Please?
Look, at this stage I will forget custom roms etc. If anyone can tell me the easiest way to get this phone booting android again i would be very grateful.
Even if you could just tell me exactly how to restore it to stock 1.6 from here?
I have flashed roms on phones before - never had a problem but this is driving me crazy - please help!
wollac11 said:
Hi I said I would flash cyanogenmod on a friends G1 coz he was pissed off with 1.6 but im having trouble and I can hardly hand back an unusable phone so i really need your help.
I rooted the phone using Androot, backed up the apps and settings using titanium backup and then the texts using a text backup app. I then downloaded Rom manager and flashed the latest clockworkmod recovery. Next I downloaded the latest official cyanogenmod rom for the dream/g1 and placed it on the phones SD card using my computer. I then re-opened rom manager and used it to select the zip file from the sd (to flash it) on prompt I checked two boxes one to wipe data and one to wipe the dalvik cache and pressed ok.
The phone rebooted into the recovery wiped the stuff, supposedly flashed the rom and rebooted. However it got stuck on the t-mobile g1 boot screen(it never showed anything else first or anything after) I left it for ages with no joy. I then tried wiping from the recovery and flashing again - same thing so i put cm5 on and tried flashing that. Same problem. Then i realised that it probably would not work coz i would need to use DangerSPL coz the /system partition is too small on the dream/g1. Tbh i'm tired so I cba to do that and this guy is not that technical so he will be happy with anything above 1.6 so I thought I do CM4 coz thats 2.0 or 2.1 i seem to remember (and it not require I use DangerSPL) - tried it twice and still not luck.
HOW THE HELL CAN A GET THIS STUPID THING TO WORK AGAIN!??
MAJOR PANIC AS THIS IS NOT MY PHONE - PLEASE HELP!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803482. I hope it helps.
It's been way too long since I rooted mine to be of any real help but I shall try nonetheless.
Firstly, there is a guide in the G1 forum to unroot and get back to stock firmware: Here (but note that I've never done this).
I must stress though (admittedly from memory) that if you have flashed an SPL or radio image at all, be VERY careful about the order in which you revert back to stock (or go to get a custom ROM depending on which way you decide to go). The G1 is very picky, and flashing things (mostly SPL and radio IIRC) in the wrong order will brick the device. That said, if you follow the instructions you find to the letter you should be OK. But yeah, read twice, flash once.
There is a lot of information in the stickies in the G1 forum. It could take a while to wade through but it should all be there. Failing that, post in the Q&A or General G1 subforums and I'm sure a current user will help you out.
I apologise if I've just posted a bunch of stuff you already know/have read - like I said, I've not used the phone in a while - just trying to offer what I can.
Thanks
No worries now guys i've done it! It was quite complicated but its all sorted now. If anyone is trying this and has the same (or similar) issue then pm me and I will tell you how I sorted it.
Otherwise thanks guys and you can conciser this thread:
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[Q] ROM and recovery issue after successful rooting

Hi everyone.. first post here.
I just successfully rooted my Nexus S (GT-I9020T, 2.3.4, GRJ22) using adb, recovery clockwork herring and su 2.3.6.1.
ROM Manager is working fine but I do have a couple of issues.
The recovery doesn't always stick and reverts back to the stock one from time to time (I have to flash again then from inside ROM Manager). Which could be a problem due to the next issue..
I've been trying to install some ROMs (Cynogen for instance) but in one version I get a looping boot screen and in an other it keeps going to the recovery screen. Luckily, it's the right one and I can restore a backup. I'm afraid it might revert to the stock recovery at some point and screw me.
Any thoughts on this?
I should have read some more threads first..
I fixed the recovery issue by renaming install-recover.sh using Root Explorer
So I guess I should just experiment to find good ROMs now.
Can anyone suggest a good ROM? I'm looking for improved battery use, slimmed down system, needs email apps (all google apps probably)
Sorted it all out (mount/unmount, delete caches, etc.)
It's working swimmingly now.
Running Cynogenmod 7 and loving it.
I am using Infinity 1.0.0, stable, fast and great battery life, it is a 2.3.4 rom

New here, E4GT Need some help

Hey guys, ok so I am coming from two HTC Heros (CMDA Sprint)
Was running cyanogenmod on both (me and the wife) loved it.
Now that I have the E4GT, I went ahead last week and used ODIN to install LoStKernel.
Now it did give me root and I have used apps like rom toolbox and setcpu.
My main problem is it seems these samsung devices are a lot trickier to tinker with.
Basically I am looking to get Clockworkmod so I can flash roms and make nandroid backups.
From what I have read, I need a kernel that supports and/or has CWM in it.
I tried flashing CWM with rom manager, and it installed - but I have no option to backup/restore I can only flash a zip or clear cache.
There are SO MANY things posted in the development section and I do not know which kernels are the latest, best etc.
I need:
a) CWM/busybox
b) overclocking support
c) FULL stock functionality (no loss of wifi or something stupid like that)
From what I am understanding the kernel is included with a rom. But I can't flash a rom without CWM. So I am rooted but stuck with stock rom and it's kernel.
Confused, lol!
Can someone point me to a proper thread to get me CWM and a well supported ROM to install? Can I get CWM working fully on the stock kernel/rom?
If someone can point me to the right direction, maybe I can find a developer to donate to lol!
No love?
At this point I'm just trying to get cwm. Seems I may have already had it just didn't know it came with lostkernel and now I botched it using rom manager.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
You can actually flash a new kernel with CWM in odin
Thats the easiest method
There are several, as for the best I dont know yet
Im still tinkering with my setup
I guess that's my main issue - I can't find one that has CWM, everything I am seeing is a ROM that needs CWM to install.
If I had CWM I'd be all set because then I can backup my setup and try new things without worry, but I don't want to use ODIN to try a kernel that CWM won't take, or isn't there, and then lose what I have ya know?
All set, seems I flashed a kernel that wasn't what it was supposed to be. I apparently flashed his earlier version (pre-LoStKernel) that did not have CWM5 it it.
Just used ODIN last night to drop in LoStKernel and kept root, but also have CWM5 now. After clearing my SD Card, made my first backup. 1.5GB, jesus! lol. Nearly my whole SD card... yes, it's from my old Hero, so, time to get a 32GB.

[Q] PLEASE HELP!!! Cannot Boot Nexus S!!

Hi everyone,
I'm sorry I'm quite new to this, and I'm afraid I've gotten myself somewhat stuck with my Nexus S. Yesterday I managed to root it, install superuser, as well as clockwork mod. Today I wanted to try a new rom and after some attempts, it seems I no longer have any working roms on my phone. After much searching with no luck, I turn to you guys for your expertise.
So I am able to see fast boot upon pressing the volume up and power buttons, and am certainly able to choose recovery and get into clockwork mod. Within clockwork mod I can mount USB storage, so I can transfer roms to the internal SD card. I've tried 3 or 4 roms, some say they install correctly, others not, and after trying to boot after any installation I simply get stuck at the google screen with the lock image at the bottom. The only things I have "deleted" is wiped the data and cache. I have no idea, but I think I may have erased the bootloader image or something else that I should not have that is required.
I have a i9020a model (non-4g model I believe), can you pleeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaassee help me!! I just want to get back to gingerbread 2.3.6, and my phone back up and running the way it was. I've become quite nervous after some searching with some saying a resistor mod is needed on the hardware!!
Your okay cause you can get into fastboot and recovery so don't worry. Maybe the rom you downloaded is not for your phone. Did you make a nandroid backup before flashing the rom? If yes then go into backup and restore from clockwork recovery to go back to stock.
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk
If you can get to recovery, just flash the stock image FOR YOUR PHONE. Then you can go through and reroot..don't worry, you'll get the hang of it.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
So my phone is not "bricked" as they say?? I'm not in big trouble?
I did not make a nandroid backup What kind of image am I looking for and how do I install it on the phone? I know my phone is of the variant i9020a, but how am unsure of how much more specific I should be looking for.
Looking at the following post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1063664.
Should I try installing the Android 2.3.6/GRK39F/UCKF1 Radio/KA3 Bootloader option?
Choose the latest 9020a version of the FULL ROM, which is what you have already have eyes on.
I've tried installing the file I mentioned above, but I get a status 7 error when trying to install, and the install is aborted.
Could I get some more assistance please? Can anyone point me to a correct, full rom? Or perhaps I'm installing it incorrectly, could someone be so kind to outline the correct steps to a proper install?
Edit: I think the above mentioned file is for a GSM model, I'm sure I have the CDMA version.
Also, somewhat good news. I managed to install the oxygen rom, but for the 4g version and installed fine with no errors, but I have no service. What does this indicate, as I still want to restore back to a factory version (non-4g) of gingerbread 2.3.6.
What CWM version do you have? Is it 3.0.0.0?
Also, if you have no service, it's likely that you downloaded a ROM with an incorrect radio.
Edit:
If you have CWM 3.0.0.0, make sure to download the latest version, found in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=988686 (use 5023-cyan.img). You flash this the same way you did CWM previously, though in the terminal make sure you type out the 5023-cyan.img file name.
Next, download the stock ROM from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1063664. Simply look for your phone version, and you'll find the correct software variant.
Maybe you've fixed your phone already; if not, I hope this helps!
I wish you the best of luck. Oh, and through problems like these, you come to learn a lot more about your phone. That's what I've found, at least.
At the thread you mentioned above there is a version with a different radio, you might want to give that one a try.
You also said that you only wiped data and cache, so maybe you should do a full wipe before. Not doing that can sometimes lead to problems.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
To be brief, the phone is up and running as brand new! Thank you so very much everyone. It seems the error was with CWM, as I was able to install and boot a 4g oxygen rom on my phone, I went into rom manager, and at the bottom of the list was an option to upgrade to 5.x. Installed the CWM update, wiped everything and was able to install the factory rom, no issues, and everything works just as I remember
I have most certainly learned more about my phone, and I am going to look at it as a rather stressful learning experience rather than a mistake on my part.
But a sincere thanks to everyone once again, I posted this at like 4am here and had a response within a few minutes, I was pulling my hair out haha!
Flashing to stock rom will help you out. You can get stock roms from Internet simply by searching in Google...
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

[Q] Custom ROM always bricking

Hi there, I have been trying for countless hours to make a custom ROM work on my P920 with no results, always some issues. I've managed to brick my phone in different ways a billion times now, then spent billion hours unbricking it and in the end I'm always back to where I started. I would really love some help please.
My phone is P920.
The android version I'm running is: 2.3.5
Kernel version: 2.6.35.7+
Software version: V21E
Rooting method: megatron
Now I would like a ROM that uses Android 4 and that can still use the 3D features such as 3D camera, the ROM calledthe Darkroom International would be an example I imagine.
While that's one of the ROMs that I would want, I've tried many, and always encountering issues, let me clarify.
First of all my device has to be rooted and since SuperOneClick doesn't work for me as it gets stuck on step 7, I use megatron which works well. I even double check if my phone is rooted with the Root Checker from the Android store. Now according to the guides I've read I need a custom recovery system, so I install Clockworkmod. I then place the ROM on the SD card, in the recovery menu I delete cache, that other cache, format it, format system, data, everything those guides tell me to. Afterwards, I install the ROM by selecting the zip and then I reboot. I've tried like 3 different ROMs, jellybem, cyanogenmod and some other. Yes I know none of them support 3D features - I didn't know at the time. Anyway, the issue was always the same, right after the LG logo there would be a screen with some weird colors showing the display of what happened before the phone crashed. Before it crashed? Yes, the phone would actually boot into the ROM but only for a few minutes, crashing afterwards. The next time I would boot, it would show that weird screen with those fancy colors with what happened just before it crashed. So I followed some steps and I got back to the original 2.3.5 ROM, everything back to normal.
I tried doing some more research and I came across the Darkroom Intentional ROM which had a bit different instructions. It asked me to install TWRP recovery with a bootloader, so I did, successfully, then did all the clean cache etc, installed ROM, bam, wouldn't boot at all. Oh boy have I had issues here, I couldn't even get it back to the default 2.3.5 stock ROM because my phone wasn't even recognized in the device manager. So I did some more research, found a solution, managed to flash back to 2.3.5 stock and I'm back to square one.
Now, could someone please help and explain to me what exactly have I done wrong and how I can make it right? I've spent countless hours now trying to install a custom ROM with no success. Sorry about the long read. If you need me to supply some more information please let me know. Thank you.
First of all if u want to use an ICS ROM then u need to update to ICS FIRST u can't flash it directly from 2.3.5 u can use xbsalls thread to update......
Next if cm based Roms are crashing then u need to flash bootloaders which means u should use os_hacking tool to flash ICS bootladers if u wanna update
Or flash GB bootloaders
So first update if u want
Root
Flash bootloaders
Flash recovery
Flash Roms
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

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