[Q] Root + CWM without unlocking bootloader? - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello, is there any possible way how to root Nexus S GSM ICS 4.0.4 without unlocking my bootloader.
I made it once when I wanted to update from 4.0.3 to 4.0.4 by using UnlockRoot and then instaling CWM via RomManager, but after update my recovery/CWM doesn't work, I am just getting a "dead" android with red triangle above him. It a bit wierd because I still have superuser app,but RomManager is not able to install CWM.

For as far as I know it's not possible.
I updated my NS to 4.0.4 from 4.0.3 by unlocking the Bootloader and flash CWM on it, from CWM I flashed the update to 4.0.4 and it works like a charm.
The "dead" android you see is for as I know another bug of 4.0.3, the recovery mode simply does not work.
If you are going to unlock the bootloader, please create a backup of everything, also your internal memory (photo's, videos, music etc.) Since the whole phone will be whiped.

Ok, i might be wrong but does lock on booting screen mean that my bootloader is locked? Someone told me that it says that my bootloader is unlocked...I lil'bit confused and lost
And maybe last question: Is it possible to flash CWM via Odin like other samsung devices?

Lock on the Google screen means it is unlocked. And AFAIK you can root and flash ROMs without unlocking.

ok, thanks for providing info.
Now i have to solve my not working recovery, is there any stock CWM kernel?

If you see the dead android with the red triangle above it, just hold the power button and press the vol.+ button and you'll see your recovery

Note that the padlock is actually open, hence "unlocked". Locked bootloaders show no padlock at all.
I believe there is -currently- no "official" way to root 4.0.4 without unlocking the bootloader, so i wouldn't count on it considering we have a relockable bootloader (and hence don't need exploits).

Still having prob with recovery, i flashed it via adb fastboot, but after restart is my CWM lost (really not there) again

Rename /system/etc/install-recovery.sh to something else.

problem with recovery
I also see a dead android but in my case backlight also dies out and when I press vol up + power button, phone just reboots

The official 4.0.3 has the recovery broken.
As the recovery mode cannot be used, I think unlocking bootloader then flash CWM recovery become a must.

Harbb said:
Rename /system/etc/install-recovery.sh to something else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, i will try but right now i have to fix my superuser app, it's gone mad, it is not asking about permission, some apps gets it, but my root explorer not...i tried to reinstall root expl. but it didn't help, tried to delete SU data and nothing, still not getting permission for r.exp.

There is an exploit that you could use you to get root without unlocking BL or wiping phone. I used it myself and it was super easy. Unfortunately, the exploit was closed in 4.0.4(so I've heard).
If you can find a way to revert to an earlier ICS or GB check out the link below:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1479831
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium

if your bootloader is unlocked it should say : “LOCK STATE – UNLOCKED”.
If you have a dead android and exclamation mark, it is the stock recovery. Press volume down + power button + volume up, in order. This will give you the stock recovery.
For some reason the new ICS update still has the 2.3.6 security.
use this http://nexusshacks.com/nexus-s-hacks/how-to-force-your-nexus-s-into-clockworkmod-recovery/
to flash CWM Recovery

About this thread topic, is there any way to root without unlocking?
When I was in 2.3.6 I had my phone rooted without unlock, but lost root after the ICS update althought I still have the Superuser app in my apps even after a factory reset, so I assume it was installed as a system app.
Can I do anything to regain root now that I have Superuser already installed?

Ok, i might be wrong but does lock on booting screen mean that my bootloader is locked? Someone told me that it says that my bootloader is unlocked...I lil'bit confused and lost <br />
<br />
And maybe last question: Is it possible to flash CWM via Odin like other samsung devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lock on boot screen = unlocked
I think you can flash cwm via odin or you can try flash the cwm 5.0.1.0 via rom manager, it works for me...
Here's CWM 5.0.2.8
http://dl.xda-developers.com/attach...1/2/4/CWM.Touch.Recovery.5.0.8.2.Carebear.zip
sent from my nexus s - xda

thanks guys i will try it i hope it will work

naveen bailey said:
I also see a dead android but in my case backlight also dies out and when I press vol up + power button, phone just reboots
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First press volume down + power + volume up. This gets you into STOCK recovery.
Since ICS has a problem with the CWM recovery loading up. You can force it to go into recovery.
Heres how
type this in cmd prompt (Make sure your command prompt search is in the correct folder. Press shift and right click on your folder you have your img in. Than click run command prompt in the list): fastboot flash recovery <RECOVERY IMG>
download my IMG uploated below for the latest recovery

Related

Nexus S won't go into recovery?

I am trying to unroot my nexus s. I can't get back into recovery mode at all. I get the android guy and a ! screen. trying over and over still gets me back to this screen...... what to do?
Vol UP and POWER will take you to the bootloader.
fastboot boot clockworkrecovery.img
you should now be in clockwork recovery. It will revert back to stock on reboot, so you will need to mount system and rename the install-recovery.sh to install-recovery.old
I believe it is in the system/etc/
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery clockworkrecovery.img (this will replace the stock recovery)
I dont have clockwork recovery on my device..... I kind of need a dumbed down walk though. I tried the unlokr's walkthrough and thats when I found my device won't go into recovery mode. It tries and then goes to the above mentioned screen.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000722 read through this long thread that I took a user to install Clockwork Recovery (or just look at the stickied thread in General in regards about rooting.. it includes flashing Clockwork)
this 7 page thread is dumbed down to the point where it cannot be dumbed down any more.
If its still stock after you select recovery it will show you the image and then you have to hold even power and volume up again or just volume up I can't remember.
Sent from my Google Nexus S using Tapatalk
that thread helped me in no way shape or form......
carolinaguy99 said:
I am trying to unroot my nexus s. I can't get back into recovery mode at all. I get the android guy and a ! screen. trying over and over still gets me back to this screen...... what to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can see that android with exclamation mark, i think you are already unrooted.
carolinaguy99 said:
that thread helped me in no way shape or form......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are unrooted and completely stock it sounds. If you want Clockwork installed you will have to unlock the bootloader, fastboot OEM unlock, then root or leave it unrooted
JD
Sent from my Google Black Neolithic Slab Of Wonderment S
ScotchtapeLoser said:
Vol UP and POWER will take you to the bootloader.
fastboot boot clockworkrecovery.img
you should now be in clockwork recovery. It will revert back to stock on reboot, so you will need to mount system and rename the install-recovery.sh to install-recovery.old
I believe it is in the system/etc/
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery clockworkrecovery.img (this will replace the stock recovery)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, but what if the user cant find the "install-recovery.sh" file? for instance my "etc" folder doesnt have that file and i'm rooted.
snoobar said:
yeah, but what if the user cant find the "install-recovery.sh" file? for instance my "etc" folder doesnt have that file and i'm rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then the stock recovery won't keep reinstalling itself and CWR will be default.
When I turn the device on I still have an unlocked bootloader. im trying to re-lock it, and nothing is working
I had trouble going to the recovery menu when trying to manually update to 2.3.3: when you see the android robot with the exclamation sign after selecting recovery, you're supposed to press vol up + power again to access the file selection menu. However, pressing the combination would do nothing for me unless I pressed it like 10 times. Then I would glimpse the recovery menu and the phone rebooted unexpectedly.
After an hour or so of random unwanted reboot cycles, I pulled the battery out, put it back in, tried again the exact same way I had just been trying and it eventually worked.
Don't know if it has anything to do with your issue but maybe it helps?
Actually I figured out how to get into recovery with the exclamation mark and andriod moniker on screen.
Use the vol up and power key and simply press them at the same time and release both immediately.

[Q] Nexus S stock recovery problem

Recently, i upgraded my nexus s I9023 from 2.3.6 to 4.0.3 . But i did that with the fault of upgrading it with a different OTA version as suggested for my phone. The problem is that i cannot load into the boot recovery mode , can i install any recovery modes nor can i downgrade my phone to 2.3.6 without the boot loader .
Any answer would be helpful ...
Btw thanks for ur help.
if possible suggest me how to boot into the correct version or just help me downgrade to gingerbread.
How is the file called, you installed?
Overall I think you have the right version, if everything except the recovery mode is working.
All i9023 have this problem with the official OTA update (look in those threads).
If you really need it for wiping or so on, you could use a bright (LED) flashlight and illuminate the screen from the top then you can hardly see the menu points.
If you have an open bootloader you can flash a custom recovery as well.
I have the exact same problem. Even if flashing CWM recovery and superuser, once the OTA 4.0.3 boots it cripples the custom recovery. Very annoying!
It is like in Gingerbread...
you have to rename "/system/etc/install-recovery.sh" to "/system/etc/install-recovery.sh.old" for example
coolfranz said:
How is the file called, you installed?
Overall I think you have the right version, if everything except the recovery mode is working.
All i9023 have this problem with the official OTA update (look in those threads).
If you really need it for wiping or so on, you could use a bright (LED) flashlight and illuminate the screen from the top then you can hardly see the menu points.
If you have an open bootloader you can flash a custom recovery as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the post buddy . but i really think i ve booted with the wrong unofficial OTA update for my phone . I actually have downloaded the version for my phone but the problem still remains is that i can boot into my recovery mode nor can i go for CWM recovery on my phone. it is as if i m stuck with the 4.0.3 version. on the added problem is that i dont have any roms installed on my phone ..
Thanks for the reply
I actually have downloaded the version for my phone but the problem still remains is that i can boot into my recovery mode nor can i go for CWM recovery on my phone. it is as if i m stuck with the 4.0.3 version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the phone boot, so you can use it?
Can you boot in the bootloader mode (power on the phone while holding the vol+ button)? When yes what says it about its version?
i can boot into the boot loader but cant boot into the stock recovery mode
It's already been answered in this thread. New recovery turns off the backlight for the SCLCD on the i9023. Strong flashlight at the right angle will show you whats on the screen. To install a new recovery you need an unlocked bootloader and you need to rename /etc/install-recovery.sh to something else (which requires root).
i tried with the strong flash light but it cant be seen . I ve the unlocked and rooted nexus phone . I tried renaming the file with the file ("/system/etc/install-recovery.sh) via the root explorer but it seems it cannot be renamed bcoz it is read only and i cannt change it to read\write option in the root explorer app.
can u suggest any other way of doin so where i can get back to the android 2.3.6 version
Reboot into bootloader and use fastboot to flash cwm, then install your rom of choice without rebooting.
It's much more convenient to remove the recovery from stockrom's zip before flashing it. It's in its own folder, just delete that. And if you really want it perfect, remove the corresponding lines from update-script (optional). No new recovery, no script.
But I guess you need bootloader unlocked for this (to flash a then wrongfully signed rom in this case).

[Q] Lost rooting access

Hi.
I recently upgraded my phone to ics 4.0.4 from 2.3.6. After i upgraded i tried to use superuser to grant root application to an app and it says i did not have root Access. I tried unrooting my phone back to the stock os but clock work recovery kept giving me error 7. Is there any other way i can regain my root privileges again?
Using nexus s 19020A. Thanks in advance
Use a newer clockwork recovery (v5.0.2.0 or later). You'll need to flash this manually through fastboot.
If you still got cwm recovery installed flash the latest su.zip
I have the same issue. I successfully unlocked my ns4g but can't seem to root it (or at least root check says so). every time i run su.zip through fastboot my screen shows the green android guy on his back with an open panel on his stomach and a red triangle with an "!" in it. Anyone have any idea how i can fix this?
ghurley777 said:
I have the same issue. I successfully unlocked my ns4g but can't seem to root it (or at least root check says so). every time i run su.zip through fastboot my screen shows the green android guy on his back with an open panel on his stomach and a red triangle with an "!" in it. Anyone have any idea how i can fix this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to flash the superuser in cwm, not run it from fastboot
DeuXGod said:
You have to flash the superuser in cwm, not run it from fastboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry i sort of mistyped. I start the phone in fastboot, then scroll to recovery and then i get the android guy with the "!". I used to be able to get into CWM when i would run the SU.zip which seemed to do nothing. After it didn't root the first time i tried a few things and now i dont seem to even have CWM. Is there a way to get the phone back to stock so i can start over and try again? Or is there a way to root it seeing that im already unlocked? BTW thanks for the response.
If you have bootloader unlocked, flash cwm from fastboot. After that you enter in cwm and flash the su package

cant enter recovery mode

Hi, i did have my phone root some time and everything was perfect, but i tried to install some updates and it did go wrong. I couldnt get into recovery mode anymore, i could install recovery img. and no errors, but when trying to enter recovery the screen is white with green htc logo. I then installed stock ICS and the phone works okey, the HBOOT (volume down and power on) says unlocked and S-OFF, but i cant enter recovery mode and i have installed recovery img from fastboot and with HTC One X software, but no luck. When trying to start clockworkmod i get error that some su folders dont exist, thats why i want to go into recovery to install su-2.3.6.3xxxxx BUT I CANT, HELP! Is it possible to install su from the HBOOT, it search for some PG58xx.img files when entering, can i trick the phone to install su with renaming it to that?
So when u goto su it says u have no root? Have u tried to install 4ext? Or try adb to recovery
try step #2 from this thread (only step #2)
With EXT4 i was able to get into recovery again, thanx. I had tried CWM5.8.4.0 and TWRP 2.1.7 without any luck. I then installed the SU from recovery, now the error about directory didnt exist in Clockworkmod is gone, BUT i still get error like "An error occurred while attempting to run privileged commands!"
Solved. I had to install su binary 3.1.1
Revolutionary ran but small problems
I followed the directions on how to root my Sensation by using Revolutionary. I also installed the ClockworkMod when asked at the end of the Revolutionary process. My present situation is this: According to Revolutionary (when I load it up again) I am already S-Off...what are you trying to do message appears. After that I tried to install Set CPU but it said it could not get the correct permissions (I also installed superuser but don't now how to add permissions, I think it would ask automatically if I was properly rooted). I checked the root status with Root Check basic and it said NO.
Lastly, if I try to start the phone up in fasboot mode (power button/volume down depressed nothing happens until I release both and it goes into a regular Android boot mode. If I go into Revolutionary and do the clockwordmod installation again and ask the phone to reboot into fasboot it works...but when I shut the phone down and try to get in fasboot mode.....doesn't happen.
My phone works fine otherwise.
Any ideas anyone?
Thank you.
Martian59 said:
I followed the directions on how to root my Sensation by using Revolutionary. I also installed the ClockworkMod when asked at the end of the Revolutionary process. My present situation is this: According to Revolutionary (when I load it up again) I am already S-Off...what are you trying to do message appears. After that I tried to install Set CPU but it said it could not get the correct permissions (I also installed superuser but don't now how to add permissions, I think it would ask automatically if I was properly rooted). I checked the root status with Root Check basic and it said NO.
Lastly, if I try to start the phone up in fasboot mode (power button/volume down depressed nothing happens until I release both and it goes into a regular Android boot mode. If I go into Revolutionary and do the clockwordmod installation again and ask the phone to reboot into fasboot it works...but when I shut the phone down and try to get in fasboot mode.....doesn't happen.
My phone works fine otherwise.
Any ideas anyone?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are getting completely confused with SOFF and root to device
understand the terms
here read the below guide
Android Terms
now the clockworkmod you have isa custom recovery ..it wont root your device
now to go to bootloader/fastboot using power + volume down buttons ..you need to first uncheck fastboot from settings->power
one you go to bootloader ..you go to recovery from there (that is cwm ..and you need to flash a root zip file )
then you will have root on the phone
EDIT: SOFF means security off ..once you gain that ..you can change the recovery to a custom one ..also you can flash custom roms ...
ganeshp said:
you are getting completely confused with SOFF and root to device
understand the terms
here read the below guide
Android Terms
now the clockworkmod you have isa custom recovery ..it wont root your device
now to go to bootloader/fastboot using power + volume down buttons ..you need to first uncheck fastboot from settings->power
one you go to bootloader ..you go to recovery from there (that is cwm ..and you need to flash a root zip file )
then you will have root on the phone
EDIT: SOFF means security off ..once you gain that ..you can change the recovery to a custom one ..also you can flash custom roms ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Insted to uncheck fastboot, take out the battery (and the charger), insert the battery, vol down + power on.
root zip file is the same as SU.something(3.1.1)binary.zip, correct?
Rooted
I fiddled with the phone a little more last night and determined that I might not have had a good install of superuser. I downloaded a different file from a different source, installed it and a different file for CWM and voila...I have root. I still don't have the ability to go into fastboot by holding the power button and volume down button at boot up. The screen just remains black and when I let go of the buttons, it vibrates and goes into the standard boot up.
Also, is anyone using Set CPU on this phone? I guess I have to disable Perflock or something....is it ok to disable this?
Thanks all for your responses.
Martian59 said:
I still don't have the ability to go into fastboot by holding the power button and volume down button at boot up. The screen just remains black and when I let go of the buttons, it vibrates and goes into the standard boot up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to put the phone realy off first. Remove the charger, takeoutthe battery and then insert the bat. and try voldown+poweron. OR uncheck the fastboot option in the settings.
Both worked
buffelen said:
You have to put the phone realy off first. Remove the charger, takeoutthe battery and then insert the bat. and try voldown+poweron. OR uncheck the fastboot option in the settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are 100% correct, thank you. Taking out the battery worked and so did turning off the fastboot option on the power menu in settings.
Thanks so much guys. It's nice to know you can submit a problem on a comment board and people will give you straight answers without making counterproductive comments.
One more subject....Is it OK to disable Perflock so SET CPU or ANUTU CPU controller can correctly recognize the CPU frequencies? And do these programs provide beneficial processing power and/or extended battery life? Any maximum setting recommended for overclocking?
Thanks again!

[Q] Can't boot into recovery

Trying to install CyanogenMod for my razr maxx HD. Recently used RSDlite to install 183.46.10 after OTA KK update kept failing. Then used towelroot to root and motopocalype to unlock bootloader. Fastboot screen shows bootloader is unlocked with status code: 3.
I then followed the instructions on the CyanogenMod site to flash CWM 6.0.4.4 recovery using fastboot, and all appeared to work fine.
However, when I try to reboot into recovery, nothing happens. I get hung up on the motorola dual core flashscreen for about a minute or two, then the screen goes black, then the phone reboots normally.
I tried flashing a different copy of CWM, tried TRWP, and tried several third party apps from Google Play store to boot directly into recovery using software reboot instead of hardware keys - all with the same results. I even tried flashing custom CWM recovery using ROM Manager and Rashr, same result.
Do I have a corrupt recovery partition? Any suggestions for how to fix?
You need to install a recovery for that phone specifically.
http://androidhosting.org/Devs/Dhacker29/
Use the recovery files found here.
Edit: on the site I posted, browse to the msm8690 folder. There you will find the recovery files.
to make this even easier here
TWRP http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2776515
CWM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2747535
next time be sure your flashing for this phone and bootloader
billycar11 said:
to make this even easier here
TWRP http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2776515
CWM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2747535
next time be sure your flashing for this phone and bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, guys, total noob mistake. I knew the recovery needed to be specific for the phone, but didn't realize it varied depending on the bootloader. Will try again with the right recovery!
billycar11 said:
to make this even easier here
TWRP http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2776515
CWM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2747535
next time be sure your flashing for this phone and bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those recovery aren't sticking for me. Does anyone have a suggestion to fix that issue.
Pushing the buttons doesn't work.
The only thing that is working is place the phone in fastboot mode and flash the recovery to my device three time and then I will go straight in recovery and there it is.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
TheGman125 said:
Those recovery aren't sticking for me. Does anyone have a suggestion to fix that issue.
Pushing the buttons doesn't work.
The only thing that is working is place the phone in fastboot mode and flash the recovery to my device three time and then I will go straight in recovery and there it is.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone has been upgraded to Kit Kat and the bootloader unlocked, correct? The two recoveries linked to are for phones that already have already been upgraded to KK.
If so, power off your phone.
Then, hold down volume up and then press and hold power. After a few seconds, let go and the boot menu should come up.
Use Volume down to select "Recovery" and then hit "Volume Up". That should boot you into the custom recovery, depending on which one you flashed.
I prefer TWRP. CWM seemed buggy and it wouldn't always boot into it. A lot of times, I'd get a blank screen and would have to reflash it.
Another option is, when it's booted up, hooked up your phone to your pc and use adb to reboot it into recovery using "adb reboot recovery".
iBolski said:
Your phone has been upgraded to Kit Kat and the bootloader unlocked, correct? The two recoveries linked to are for phones that already have already been upgraded to KK.
If so, power off your phone.
Then, hold down volume up and then press and hold power. After a few seconds, let go and the boot menu should come up.
Use Volume down to select "Recovery" and then hit "Volume Up". That should boot you into the custom recovery, depending on which one you flashed.
I prefer TWRP. CWM seemed buggy and it wouldn't always boot into it. A lot of times, I'd get a blank screen and would have to reflash it.
Another option is, when it's booted up, hooked up your phone to your pc and use adb to reboot it into recovery using "adb reboot recovery".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep.. I had some issue with my devices. I tried the update well root and the devices didn't want to boot up anymore. So I had to RSD lite the devices back to health. So I do have the latest software for the devices. I guess. I am going to use Twrp since you say it boots fine from the boot menu.
TheGman125 said:
Yep.. I had some issue with my devices. I tried the update well root and the devices didn't want to boot up anymore. So I had to RSD lite the devices back to health. So I do have the latest software for the devices. I guess. I am going to use Twrp since you say it boots fine from the boot menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your bootloader unlocked? If not, that is your problem. You need to root, and then unlock the bootloader before you can flash TWRP and use CM.
iBolski said:
Is your bootloader unlocked? If not, that is your problem. You need to root, and then unlock the bootloader before you can flash TWRP and use CM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my bootloader is unlocked. Have code 3 on the devices.
try and unplug from USB when you reboot

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