[Q] Going back from custom rom to stock. need some direction please. - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello all,
sorry if this is a repeated question. I tried to read as much as I can in the Q&A and general sections, but could not find it.
I have a NS that was running CNA 1.4 for sometime. I got tired from the performance and I decided to give phone to my better half. Since my wife does not care much about custom roms, I decided to go back to stock so I can give her a care-free phone. She would be capable of doing the OTA updates on her own.
so, these are the steps I did to get to custom:
1. phone came with 2.3.4
2. unlock BL using ADB
3. root and install CWM
4. Nandroid backup
5. OTA update to 2.3.6
6. Nandroid backup
7. Custom ICS rom
when I tried to go back to stock I did a restore to step 6 above, the OTA was pushed automatically to my phone, but when I tried to install, the phone rebooted but did nothing and it seemed stuck at the android with an ! in a triangle.
I removed the battery, restored back to step 4 above and tried again and I got the same results.
I know I am probably forgetting something but I am not sure what is it.
Could someone please offer some direction?
thanks in advance.

Flash official factory images with fasttboot .

You cant get official OTAs when your device is rooted

thanks guys for your reply.
but what is the main cause for not being able to install OTA updates?
1. is it because the BL in unlocked?
2. or because of root?
if because of root, has anyone tried that app from the Market? could it be used to regain root after OTA?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.projectvoodoo.otarootkeeper
thanks again.

You can get ota just fine on a stock (unmodified) rom with root. You will loose root when it updates. Then just reroot it.
Bootloader state is irrelevant.

albundy2010 said:
You can get ota just fine on a stock (unmodified) rom with root. You will loose root when it updates. Then just reroot it.
Bootloader state is irrelevant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info.
one last question, when I rooted my 2.3.4, it also installed CWM recovery.
Does CWM interfere with the OTA update or just the root?
if it interferes, I'll have to find a way to go back to stock recovery, right?

Yes and no.
For the OTA process to go as "normal' stock recovery needs to be there. Normal as in get the OTA notifcation/auto download reboot and install.
No as in if you manually download or place the ota zip file on your internal storage it will flash in cwm like any other zip.
Also since ICS you currently have to flash the ota zips with aftermarkt recoverys if you do it manually. The pick zip from sd card in stock recovery is broken now.
In the stock rom under /system/etc there is a script that overwrites custom recovery with the stock one on every boot. Rename that file to .bak or something instead of its default .sh If you want to stock recovery back just change the file extenstion back and reboot the phone fully. Next time you boot back into recovery it will be stock again.

Or you don t go to stock recovery and flash the updates by yourself on your phone. Downloaf them and then flash them through CWM. But i think u havent got CWM anymore after grtting an official update. You ll get the original recovery again

thanks again guys.
currently I can go back to either 2.3.4 or 2.3.6 stock roms but both have CWM and root.
ultimately what I want to do is:
1. be able to un-root (probably using this market app)
2. download OTA on phone, do normal "reboot and install"
3. boot up with updated OTA rom.
4. regain root (probably using the same market app)
so, what I understand from prev posts, that I must put back the stock recovery (which I do not mind) for my steps above to work.
can I use ADB and fastboot to push the stock "recovery.img"? and where to find it?
I'll do some searching in the forums, but if someone happens to have link to the thread, it would be fantastic.
thanks again

Why dont you keep the root and flash the official firmware that you downloaded per CWM. So you dont have to unroot and root again later. Or do a factory wipe.

ok guys, so whatever I tried to do I was not able to get the stock recovery back to go with the "normal OTA download on phone, reboot and install thing", so here is what I ended up doing.
1. I had 2.3.6 (GRK39F), rooted stock rom, cwm recovery.
2. Download/install "OTA Rootkeeper" free app from Google Play Market. link below
3. Using "OTA Rootkeeper" app, did a "backup root", then "temp un-root"
4. Download official signed Google ICS update package to upgrade from 2.3.6 (GRK39F) to 4.0.4 (IMM76D) and move it to sd card. link below
5. Reboot into cwm recovery
6. Install update from sd card and choose Zip from #4
7. Go back and reboot system
8. After upgrade to ICS is complete, use "OTA Rootkeeper" app, did a "restore root" and voila
9. So now I have rooted stock ICS rom, and cwm recovery.
notes:
these steps should also work on whatever stock GB rom you have as long as:
a. rooted
b. have cwm
c. download the proper update package in step 4 above.
links:
2. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.projectvoodoo.otarootkeeper
4. http://www.randomphantasmagoria.com/firmware/nexus-s/
thanks again guys, couldn't have done without your help
good luck for anyone trying to do the same.

1.Download appropriate rom for your phone
i9020T or i9023
http://downloadandroidrom.com/file/NexusS/roms/ota/2.3.6/i9020t_i9023.zip
and i9020a
http://downloadandroidrom.com/file/NexusS/roms/ota/2.3.6/i9020a.zip
2.Copy it to sdcard
3.Install it through recovery (CWM)
4.Restart system
5.Reboot phone into bootloader
6. Hit recovery and once you get the lil droidy and the !, Push Vol up + Power until you get blue menu
7. Go to wipe data/fact reset
8.Reboot to bootloader
9.then go into adb and type fastboot oem lock
By this time you shouldve completely returned your phone to stock and you are able to get ota updates and everything!!! YAY!!!!

http://www.randomphantasmagoria.com/firmware/nexus-s/
if you wanna go back to 100% stock unrooted, download any rom from that thread and install through cwm then reboot and you will be stock and unrooted with stock recovery and then just lock the boot loader and you will be 101% factory stock and ready to receive ota updates. I would recommend the 2.3.6 because it will give you the 4.0.4 ota right after you reboot.

Related

[Q] Nexus S 2.3.3 Rooted -> 2.3.4. Will I keep root?

Hello,
I have a Samsung Nexus S running 2.3.3 stock ROM, rooted (with Gingerbreak). I would like to upgrade to 2.3.4 to fix some of the reboot issues and such. I want to know if upgrading to 2.3.4 will erase my root (and if re-rooting is possible on 2.3.4)? Will my data be erased?
Here is my phone information:
Android Version: 2.3.3
Baseband Version: I9020AUCKB2
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-g1d030a7
Build Number: GRI54
Thank you!
It would depend on if you are going to a 2.3.4 rom update or a custom rom. If you have to root again, you should be able to root the same as 2.3.3. Now if you are a 2.3.3 rooted stock rom, an google update to 2.3.4 will not work, you have to unroot you stock rom. You most like will lose your apps unless you backup your apps. I used titanium backup.
I'm just using the regular Google stock ROM, 2.3.3. The update appears to be 12MB, which seems awfully small for a full ROM update.
In order to successfully update, do I have to unroot first?
Does it seem likely that I will lose my apps?
Thanks!
Your Bootloader will prolly still be unlocked, the problem i experienced was that recovery wouldn't stick, so evrytime you reboot you lose recovery.
Repeat the parts for installing SU and Recovery after that folow this and Clockwork Rec. will remain in place.
This from another thread somewhere on XDA, it worked for me!
At this stage, you have successfully rooted your Nexus S on Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread but your phone will continue to replace ClockworkMod Recovery on reboot. To prevent your phone from doing so, follow the steps below:
1. I went into Rom Manager and click on Flash ClockworkMod Recovery
2. Download and/or open Root Explorer
3. Open Root Explorer and navigate to "etc" directory
4. Tap on the gray box that says "Mount R/W"
5. Tap and hold on the file install-recovery.sh and rename this file to install-recovery.sh.old (Note I had both so I erased the previously install-recovery.sh.old and rewrote it on the new install-recovery-sh file that was there)
6. Once renamed, open ROM Manager again
7. choose Flash ClockworkMod Recovery option.
8. You should have Permanent ClockworkMod Recovery.
To test that you have permanent clockworkmod just reboot and go into recovery.
GL to you!
So I tried to install the update but when the phone rebooted to actually do the update, I got an android and a triangle with an exclamation in it. I let the phone sit for an hour and then rebooted (since I figured this was an error) and the update didn't complete.
I suppose I have to unroot -> upgrade -> reroot.
I ended up just saying screw it and install netarchy's kernel and staying with 2.3.3.
Thanks for the help!
yup, i upgraded to 2.3.4, then went down to 2.3.3 cm7
nickp! said:
So I tried to install the update but when the phone rebooted to actually do the update, I got an android and a triangle with an exclamation in it. I let the phone sit for an hour and then rebooted (since I figured this was an error) and the update didn't complete.
I suppose I have to unroot -> upgrade -> reroot.
I ended up just saying screw it and install netarchy's kernel and staying with 2.3.3.
Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The android + triangle screen is the first recovery screen. You should have pressed Vol up + power to open the proper recovery menu.
By the way, I had root as part of 2.3.3 (stock) and was able to flash the 2.3.4 update without unrooting. All I then did was apply the superuser .apk to get root back.
I downloaded the appropriate full ROM from the thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1056062

unroot confirmation

hey all, currently have a g2x rooted with cm7, and i've been looking to unroot;
just to make sure i dont do anything stupid, i wanna run this through with you guys:
first i would flash the stock 2.3.3 ota rom for g2x
then use the http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1056847 (one click nv flasher) to get back to lg stock recovery by clicking 'flash stock recovery' (do i need to dl anything extra for this?)
then im done, correct? if i boot up, ill get all the stock rom and apps and bloatware and etc back right?
thanks!
edit: how do i know which version of clockwork mod i have installed? im not sure if i did the external sd support or not...
You've gone back to a stock ROM, you've gone back to the stock recovery, but you haven't actually unrooted.
Whichever method you used to root, you should be able to use that same method to unroot.
UPDATE:
I was originally under the assumption that your 2.3.3. ROM was rooted. If it is stock you should be fine.
sorry for bump, but i read in tga_gunmans post that ppl should flash a rooted 2.3.3 rom and use superoneclick to unroot...would my method work too?
No your way would not work because the stock OTA by xboarder is rooted. Do what tga_gunman said. Flash the rom, use my unroot zip in CWM (deletes root files) and then flash the stock recovery. Busybox will still be on the phone but nobody should be looking for that.
Unroot zip: http://www.mediafire.com/?2vr7cmgg7qcdn14
Easiest way to confirm if your not rooted would be to install Superuser from the market. It'll tell you if the phone's not rooted.
There is an app on the market called Root Checker which is free. It will tell you if you are rooted or not.
A little extra help for me?
jboxer said:
No your way would not work because the stock OTA by xboarder is rooted. Do what tga_gunman said. Flash the rom, use my unroot zip in CWM (deletes root files) and then flash the stock recovery. Busybox will still be on the phone but nobody should be looking for that.
Unroot zip:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help jboxer. Forgive my noob-like understanding of rooting/unrooting terminology. Hopefully you'll be able to understand what I did.
Last night I went ahead with the unrooting process on my G2X which was running Gingerbread & CM7 following this youtube video (can't post link due to noobiness: watch?v=ryGIv8KQVIE), the order that this guy goes in is:
1. Wiping all cache/user data/formatting in CWM recovery
2. Restore to a barebones stock data in CWM recovery
3. Flash to go back to Stock using OneClickRecovery
4. SuperOneClick to unroot phone
What I ended up doing was restoring my phone to the backup that I created on my sd card when first rooting my phone rather than download that zip file in the video description which is a completely fresh start.
However, whenever I flashed to go back to stock using OneClickRecovery, it gave me that total barebones fresh start where I had to completely set up my Android from the first start screen and I lost my backup. Also, when I go to unroot the phone with that zip file, I don't know how to 'install from zip' after I've lost CWM Recovery menu. So, I flashed back to CWM so I could recover my backup from my SD Card again and install the 'unroot.zip' that you linked and it ran alright and I restarted, but I still had 'SuperUser' in my App drawer telling me that I was still rooted.
I ended up calling it good last night after spending two hours on it. I left my phone rooted, with CWM recovery still on my phone, but I at least I had my backup Gingerbread image with no CM7 mod. So, my phone is functional, but I would like to complete this process of unrooting completely.
Could you perhaps give a little guidance and clarity to what I'm missing or not understanding? I'd love to unroot/flash back to stock recovery/remove all evidence of rooting AND keep my recovered backup that I have before I even started rooting my phone.
Thank you so much for all your help, everybody.

[Q] How to update GTP3113??

I am on stock(P3113 rooted+cwm)...I am getting an OTA for 4.0.4 but for that i'll need to go back to stock recovery...Should i :
1) Flash stock rom n then take the OTA
2) Flash 4.0.4 through odin [ http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-P3113 ]
3) Flash stock recovery n then take the ODA.
I would like to go with option 3 cuz it will require the min. amount of downloading....But for that i need stock recovery...So what should i do n is there any other way??
On my 5113 the only thing that worked for me was to flash with Kies and then reroot. It was well worth it though.
There doesn't seem to be an easy way to get just the recovery and I think (not sure) that only Odin can unlock that partition anyway. There are some stock images in Odin format and I have been meaning to pick through them to see if I can find the stock recovery image, but since no one has posted such, I am guessing you can't.
wd5gnr said:
On my 5113 the only thing that worked for me was to flash with Kies and then reroot. It was well worth it though.
There doesn't seem to be an easy way to get just the recovery and I think (not sure) that only Odin can unlock that partition anyway. There are some stock images in Odin format and I have been meaning to pick through them to see if I can find the stock recovery image, but since no one has posted such, I am guessing you can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the problem is that i can't update vie kies...It keeps on disconnecting, so OTA is my only option n for that i need to get rid of CWM.
I am curious too, I rooted using this method, and have CWM installed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25480291&postcount=137
I guess I can just flash the stock image and loose root, upgrade, then reroot. Hopefully, someone will drop a stock, rooted and deodexed 4..0.4 rom for the P3113.
Also, I have not used Kies before, so I guess I don't even know how to flash the stock image for this tablet. Can anyone help with that?
fillyo said:
I am curious too, I rooted using this method, and have CWM installed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25480291&postcount=137
I guess I can just flash the stock image and loose root, upgrade, then reroot. Hopefully, someone will drop a stock, rooted and deodexed 4..0.4 rom for the P3113.
Also, I have not used Kies before, so I guess I don't even know how to flash the stock image for this tablet. Can anyone help with that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To flash stock you'll have to use the stock rom n flash using odin,,, But i was hoping that there is way around it...
I've updated today my rooted P3113 to 4.0.4
This is the only way to upgrade rooted P3113 (with CWM), because the samsung official upgrade scenario doesnt works on CWM
1. Backup with Titanium
2. Wipe/factory reset with CWM
3. Download and unzip stock 4.0.4 firmware from here, then flash it with odin (PDA button)
4. Configure your device (now it's clean stock apps and stock recovery)
5. Restore your apps with Titanium
6. Install CWM and root - If you wish so (just as you installed on 4.0.3)
barmalei7 said:
I've updated today my rooted P3113 to 4.0.4
This is the only way to upgrade rooted P3113 (with CWM), because the samsung official upgrade scenario doesnt works on CWM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would imagine this is just like the 5113. If you use Keis instead of the OTA update it works. Apparently Keis uses the USB instead of the recovery. However, a lot of people are having trouble getting Keis to stay connected. But I used it with no problems. Just reflashed CWM and rerooted as you say, but did not have to reflash to stock.
Just updated manually from 4.0.3 + Rooted + CWM 5.5.0.4 (GT3113)
Sorry too young to post links
Went very simple (10 minutes)
Returned to Stock Recovery: h://theunlockr.com/2012/06/02/get-samsung-galaxy-tab-2-7-gtp3113-back-stock
REBOOTED
Applied Update (not 4.0.4, not sure what it was)
Downloaded 4.0.4 from Samsung directly: h://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-P3113
Unzipped to Desktop
Updated to 4.0.4 using ODIN (PDA)
REBOOTED
System applied update on startup
Asked me to select language, date, Goodle backup, etc
It loaded all existing Apps, Wi-Fi, etc automatically no TiRestore needed
Up and running, seems faster- smoother, new keyboard (old keyboard was good, this one is as good better for big fingers?)
:laugh:
Back to CWM & Root
h://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1722304
I downloaded the file from the Samsung site, launched Odin and updated. It kept all my apps and settings since I did not wipe. Flashed recovery, then rerooted, did not take long. If it gets yucky, I will do a factory reset.
Very helpful!
Very helpful guide.
On a semi-related note, I really like 4.0.4 it's certainly an improvement over the last and seems to have cured the stupid interface lag.
Ok flashed mine using mobile odin...no need to wipe data..
JacRyan said:
Just updated manually from 4.0.3 + Rooted + CWM 5.5.0.4 (GT3113)
Sorry too young to post links
Went very simple (10 minutes)
Returned to Stock Recovery: h://theunlockr.com/2012/06/02/get-samsung-galaxy-tab-2-7-gtp3113-back-stock
REBOOTED
Applied Update (not 4.0.4, not sure what it was)
Downloaded 4.0.4 from Samsung directly: h://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-P3113
Unzipped to Desktop
Updated to 4.0.4 using ODIN (PDA)
REBOOTED
System applied update on startup
Asked me to select language, date, Goodle backup, etc
It loaded all existing Apps, Wi-Fi, etc automatically no TiRestore needed
Up and running, seems faster- smoother, new keyboard (old keyboard was good, this one is as good better for big fingers?)
:laugh:
Back to CWM & Root
h://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1722304
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your steps are so easy. I wish I could follow you on this, but I can't figure out how to revert back to stock recovery only. The theunlockr.com link shows how to completely revert the entire firmware. How do you revert recovery ONLY?
Hasn't someone made a .zip file that can be flashed with CWM? Why is it different than flashing a 3rd party rom?

[Q] Root And Update Info. Help.

I am an on the the latest cm10 nightly for my Verizon galaxy s3. I want to go back to TouchWiz. Where can i download the latest VRALHE firmware for the SCH-i535. And also, if I go back to touchwiz and there is a ota update, last time I updated on touchwiz I lost root privileges and the boot loader was locked. What went wrong, how can this be prevented?
theblackshane said:
I am an on the the latest cm10 nightly for my Verizon galaxy s3. I want to go back to TouchWiz. Where can i download the latest VRALHE firmware for the SCH-i535. And also, if I go back to touchwiz and there is a ota update, last time I updated on touchwiz I lost root privileges and the boot loader was locked. What went wrong, how can this be prevented?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright i'll help you with this step by step
First off click this right here to go and download the latest VRALHE firmware, that download will be stock, rooted, and deodexed or odexed whichever you prefer (personally i'd get deodexed)
Secondly, your going to flash that exactly like you would flash any other rom. In other words like this:
1. back up any data/apps using titanium backup
2. boot into recovery and make a backup of your current rom.
3. Wipe your data, cache, dalvik and mount/format system.
4. Install the rom that you just downloaded onto your phone.
5. reboot your phone.
6. Upon boot up sign in and do all that good stuff.
7. Download EZ recovery and EZ bootloader unlock from the market.
8. Reflash your recovery of choice (i use clockwork 6.0.1.2) and reunlock the bootloader (its probably already unlocked, but its safe to check)
9. Your now good to go
As for what went wrong before, my guess is that before you didn't have a custom recovery installed. And that's why the OTA was free to go through, with a custom recovery those OTA's get automatically blocked so you'll never even know that one tried to download onto your phone
You checked "yes this is a question"
Guess where it belongs?
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions go in Q&A
Thread moved
Thanks
FNM

Update Rooted Nexus

I am new to this. I have a rooted nexus 5. It is stock rooted with TRWP recovery. I don't have a custom ROM. When the newest update is available, am I safe to update?
ILowry282 said:
I am new to this. I have a rooted nexus 5. It is stock rooted with TRWP recovery. I don't have a custom ROM. When the newest update is available, am I safe to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since your post was made today, and the update was released yesterday I'm assuming you are thinking that you will be getting the update over the air? You won't. When you have a custom recovery (TWRP) you won't get OTA's.
But don't be disheartened, not in the LEAST. Unless you've removed or altered the default system apps (you would know if you did) all you have to do is download the update to your phone, boot into TWRP, flash the update, and let the phone reboot.
Due to how the OTA updates are rolled out, even if you had not loaded a custom recovery onto your phone, you might not have had it pushed to you for a couple of weeks.
Read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2523217
From what you have described you are "scenario 2". Proceed directly to step B. Like many people, I was also step B. It is easier than making toast.
So if I update that way will I lose my data and root? Also do I unzip the file or flash the zip file?
ILowry282 said:
So if I update that way will I lose my data and root? Also do I unzip the file or flash the zip file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you flash a custom ROM via TWRP it is generally recommended you do a clean wipe beforehand (and before doing that, obviously create a backup). There are cases where you can go straight to flashing without wiping, which is called a dirty flash. Although this is used when you're flashing an updated version of the ROM you're currently running. Following instructions under Section B won't cause you to lose data.
2. You won't lose root because ROMs will generally take this into account. However, if you do happen to lose root, just download and flash SuperSU and you're back on track.
3. Just flash the zip file.
ILowry282 said:
So if I update that way will I lose my data and root? Also do I unzip the file or flash the zip file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first part of the reply above is certainly correct, (the rest is also, but I'm just speaking to the first part of it) but I feel it is just going to confuse you.
You did not flash a custom ROM, you flashed a custom RECOVERY. Two different things. When you copy the update onto your phone, in the form that exists in the thread I linked earlier, it is not an entire image. It is an UPDATE to the stock image, which you are already using. As for your concern of losing root, it shouldn't be a concern. As was mentioned in the reply above mentioned, while you are in recovery you can simply just flash SU again.
In fact, I'd be willing to bet the file to flash SU is still on your phone.
As for me personally, I happened to have unlocked the pro version of SU (because why not...it's only $2.50 and I like the app) and just toggled the "survival mode" option. But even if I had not, it would have been a very small thing to loading SU again.
In short, don't worry about losing root. When you first rooted this phone, most of the steps involved were not in rooting the phone, but in unlocking the bootloader. Loading this update has nothing to do with that, so in your case, since you didn't flash a custom ROM (Such as CyanogenMod) and you didn't make any modifications to the system apps...quite literally all you have to do is copy the stuff onto your phone, load into TWRP, fire up the update, and either fire up SU, or have survival mode already enabled, and reboot the phone.
(and no, you don't have to unzip the file pasted in the thread, just copy it directly) The instructions in that thread are really simple, and that's probably giving you a bit of pause, but seriously, it really is that simple in your case, as it was mine.
So I updated but lost root. How do I flash SU?
ILowry282 said:
So I updated but lost root. How do I flash SU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you still have custom recovery cwm or twrp? If so download su zip from either of those posts and flash in recovery if not you can flash recovery with adb or flashify and then flash su zip.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Worked perfect. Thanks

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