need help understanding how to root.... - Eee Pad Transformer Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

ok so ive searched everywhere and tried reading everything but im very confused. i see that it is going to be very hard to root my tf101 since i have the latest asus ota update (build #9.2.1.24) but i cant quite wrap my head around how to do it.
i tried using the backup exploit and sparkyroot but those dont work on the latest ota. i already have Rom Manager installed and tried the recoveryinstaller.apk from Gnufabio but those didnt do anything either.
iv read the thread about downgrading (Wolf's guide) but im hesitant to do that since i dont understand it and i have no experience using the shell command (is that the same as using a terminal emulator?) can anyone please explain the terminology and how to downgrade? what program do i need on my computer (running windows vista)? please be gentle and dumb it down for me and include any links to programs or files i may need
thanks so much
p.s. is a "Blob" the same thing as an SBF? and if i did a factory data wipe, would that downgrade from ics 9.2.1.24 or keep it the same?

Adb shell is the same as running a terminal emulator, just google android sdk download and click the first link. Follow wolf's instructions carefully using your favorite recoveryblob from the development and you should be perfectly fine. Never use Rom manager, please just uninstall it now. If you factory reset, the recovery will still be there, as a reset only deletes user data, to return to stock you would need to flash stock recovery over cwm (not recommended) or flash a whole ASUS ota package from their website (better, removes any root and rom you have, cross that bridge when you get to it) What are the first 4 digits of your serial number? (for ex: mine are B70K) If they start with B60 or lower (B50,B40,etc..) you can just use NvFlash instead of having to use wolf's guide to root. Don't be too scared, it isn't that bad, just follow instructions carefully.

Thanks for the reply. My serial is b60. After more searching I was able to find an adb dummies guide and was able to downgrade to .17 but I didn't read one extra post to see that sparkyroot doesn't work with .17
So I had to do it all over again and go down to .11 and that worked and then I used sparkyroot and voodoo ota rootkeeper. Will rootkeeper work/stay if I do a factory reset? Cuz some apps and services aren't working. Or should I just do the ota to .17 and then .24? And now I can use nvflash in order to flash a new rom? Is that in the market or just google it?
Thanks again

You didn't need to go through all that since you have NvFlash, but good learning process I suppose
At this point, since you're rooted, use recoveryinstaller again to install CWM recovery, download a kernel.zip (I recommend Guevor's kernel) your favorite ROM .zip, and a new recovery.zip (as 3.2.0.1 works but is pretty outdated) [OR you can go to team rouge's thread in dev for an NvFlash version of recovery and NvFlash instead of recovery installer and update, then apply rom and kernel .zips in new recovery]
Make sure to place the .zips on external SD card if you're using 3.2.0.1. Any other Qs?
Edit: links
NvFlash: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1123429&highlight=nvflash
Rouge Recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1446019

when you say that recovery.zip 3.2.0.1 is outdated do you mean the CWM version?
is flashing a new kernel safe? this is obviously my first time with a tablet with so much "freedom" compared to my droid2global lol
personal opinion, what do you think of android revolution rom? any other recommendations?

Yes the CWM version, I did use 3.2.0.1 for awhile though, it works, it's just old.
Yes, flash away, just always remember to wipe cache and dalvik-cache before flashing anything.
Android revolution is a great stock based rom, if you like the tab the way ASUS sends it too you, I personally prefer AOSP based roms, so my other recommendation if you want to go that route is Megatron or AOKP Build 37
Guevor's v20 kernel is the best out atm, imo.

Related

[Q] Flashing to Prime 1.9 question

Ok, I understand the flash part using the 1.9 ROM.
But what I am not clear on is how to do the actual flashing. The last thing I did when I flashed my nook was to make an sd card bootable, copied the rom to the sd card and then rebooted the device.
Same thing here?
If you are flashing from the Stock ROM or anyway, from another ROM, I usually suggest to wait for the NVFlash version.
It really makes the flashing process really really easy...like if you're bringing back your device to Factory setup.
If you want to do it other ways...than i can't help you...i just suggest you to wait the NVflash version...
I have the stock 3.2 now.
So I assume that the NVflash version is currently not available?
You can either use the nvflash tool with a nvflash zip and install a custom recovery and rom or run the rooting tool and install cwm when prompted and then flash a custom rom from cwm. This is NOT like the nook.
All the info you need is in the development threads and is usually contained in the 1st couple of posts
acdcking12345 said:
I have the stock 3.2 now.
So I assume that the NVflash version is currently not available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just check your serial number.
B6Oxxx or less you're good
Some early B7Oxxx is still able to use NVFLash
Later B7Oxxx and newer nothing right now

[Q] nachoroot for first time rooter

I believe this is my first post on these forums. I just did the nachoroot mod today per
[ROOT] NachoRoot - supporting all firmware jan 3rd 2-118
and
[Update: Works On The OG Transformer, Too!] Exclusive: 'NachoRoot' Brings Root Access To The Transformer Prime, Even With The Newest Firmware:
on my TF101 B80 32 gb.
I did the procedure per the second link above. I've been able to verify root with Root Check Basic from the Android Market.
I've never rooted an Android device before and am quite concerned about unrooting, in case I ever need to return my unit to Asus.
I've heard I need cwm, the clockwork recovery mod, in order to unroot. I hope it is ok to do this after the initial rooting procedure.
Please pardon me if this has been asked before, as it my first time, and I find a lot of the documentation a bit cryptic.
Thanks in advance...
Yes the procedure to unroot with your build number required flashing a repacked stock ROM via CWM recovery. For TF with older SBK they can use NVFlash.
You can flash CWM anytime with RecoveryInstaller
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1346180
To unroot
http://theunlockr.com/2011/11/28/how-to-unroot-and-remove-cwm-recovery-on-asus-transformer/
Thanks fire the response!
I've managed to browse parts of the file system previously blocked. Otherwise, I haven't made another changes to my system. Its nice to finally where some of my apps have been storing data.
I am curious about cwm which I've installed. It enables recovery mode to restore the stock ROM. It is one of the two options presented after holding the power and volume down buttons together. One option is cold boot and the other is recovery. The recovery option was there before nachoroot and the cwm installations. What is different about the recovery option now versus before?
skallal said:
Thanks fire the response!
I've managed to browse parts of the file system previously blocked. Otherwise, I haven't made another changes to my system. Its nice to finally where some of my apps have been storing data.
I am curious about cwm which I've installed. It enables recovery mode to restore the stock ROM. It is one of the two options presented after holding the power and volume down buttons together. One option is cold boot and the other is recovery. The recovery option was there before nachoroot and the cwm installations. What is different about the recovery option now versus before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you have flashed CWM recovery? You should have a lot more options.
After installing RecoveryInstaller, did you open the app and click on "flash CWM recovery" tab?
I didn't click on the flash tab because I don't intend do recovery at this time. To be clear I understand what recovery is, I think it means to return my TF101 back to an unrooted state with the current ota release, which is .23, and also wipe out all my data. If this is incorrect, please let me know.
You said I should see more options than just the flash tab. What else should I see? And when should I see it?
Now that I've successfully rooted, my main objective is to learn how to return my device back to its unrooted state in order be ready for the ICS ota update when it arrives. If that means I'll also wipe out my data in the process, then I'll need to learn how to backup and restore.
Please do let me know if I understand the process or not. I still have have a reading and learning ahead.
Recovery lets you flash packages, ROM patches, and complete ROMs that require very deep (i.e. low level) system access.
If you don't intend to flash any custom ROMs (e.g. Revolver) or install things that need low level system access (e.g. a USB to Ethernet adapter) you won't need to flash CWM.
One of the admins on Transformer Forums gave me the impression I need cwm to unroot my TF101. That is the only reason I downloaded it.
If I don't need cwm to unroot, then I'll focus my reading on unrooting link listed earlier in this thread.
I don't have any interest in other roms, at least not for now. My concern, for now, is unrooting when it comes time for the ICS update...
baseballfanz said:
Yes the procedure to unroot with your build number required flashing a repacked stock ROM via CWM recovery. For TF with older SBK they can use NVFlash.
You can flash CWM anytime with RecoveryInstaller
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1346180
To unroot
http://theunlockr.com/2011/11/28/how-to-unroot-and-remove-cwm-recovery-on-asus-transformer/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The second link above (theunlockr.com) refers to old firmware (repacked-8.2.3.13_US_without_SU_app.zip).
Is that file already outdated?
Perhaps a newer version for .21?
Well it all depends on your serial number. Early builds (B60 and earlier plus some B70) you can use NVFlash to get back to totally stock.
If you have B80(and some B70) and above you'll need cwm recovery to get back to stock following the link i posted above.
I finally watched the video from your earlier post and it answered a quite a few questions.
Bottom line: when it comes time to update to ICS, do I need to unroot first?
The ICS update is my main reason for unrooting. I read for some users lost root after the last ota update to .21. I don't have any immediate need to unroot other than to prepare for the ICS update when yet comes.
And there's also a long term need unroot when and if I ever send the unit back to Asus for service.

Question about CWM before ICS update

I just rooted my TF101 using ViperMod but now I'm not sure whether I should install CWM recovery or not if I want to install further OTAs. I have read some threads but couldn't come up with a clear answer. I read somewhere that only stock recovery can receive OTA updates but also read that CWM can receive them too. If I can't install CWM then what ROMs can I install with stock recovery? What's the best way to go if I want to be ready for the ICS? Thanks!!
theremix said:
I just rooted my TF101 using ViperMod but now I'm not sure whether I should install CWM recovery or not if I want to install further OTAs. I have read some threads but couldn't come up with a clear answer. I read somewhere that only stock recovery can receive OTA updates but also read that CWM can receive them too. If I can't install CWM then what ROMs can I install with stock recovery? What's the best way to go if I want to be ready for the ICS? Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically you'll still receive the OTA update you just can't apply it if you have CWM or a custom ROM installed.
You can't install custom ROM without CWM (if you have an older SBK tablet you can use NVFlash with a compatible ROM).
So I shouldn't install cwm until the ICS drops right?
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
If you want to update to ICS via OTA don't instal CWM.
As you have been told, you will get the OTA message but the update will fail.
So you have two choices (or three):
* Keep stock recovery and update to ICS when the OTA update is available
* Install CWM and update to ICS as soon as a DEV publishes an ICS ROM
* Install CWM and remove it as soon as you know the OTA is due (pretty lame, but you could do it).
Regards.
CalvinH said:
If you want to update to ICS via OTA don't instal CWM.
As you have been told, you will get the OTA message but the update will fail.
So you have two choices (or three):
* Keep stock recovery and update to ICS when the OTA update is available
* Install CWM and update to ICS as soon as a DEV publishes an ICS ROM
* Install CWM and remove it as soon as you know the OTA is due (pretty lame, but you could do it).
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I think I'll just wait for the OTA as I want to update as soon as ICS drops in.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
I have a question about removing CWR. Actually 2.
1. Can't we just uninstall and wipe data with Titanium since it was installed as an .apk- from Gnufabio? (pretty sure this won't work but thought I would throw it out there anyways). Where is the recovery located on a tablet (what folders) Same as in phones?
2. Can we just flash the stock recovery by itself and not reset back to .13 or younger? If I am running stock ROM, it seems that I should be able to just reflash the stock recovery and replace it w/o changing the ROM or factory reset.
I have no problem doing it the long way but if it doesn't need to be done and we can replace the CWR with stock and not tamper with the ROM, it seems logical.
Clearly I just got the tab recently and have been reading and reading but they seem so much different than the way phones work. I am very comfortable flashing ROMs/Kernels/Mods on phones, but just a little intimidated with the tablet (for now).
Woodrube said:
I have a question about removing CWR. Actually 2.
1. Can't we just uninstall and wipe data with Titanium since it was installed as an .apk- from Gnufabio? (pretty sure this won't work but thought I would throw it out there anyways). Where is the recovery located on a tablet (what folders) Same as in phones?
2. Can we just flash the stock recovery by itself and not reset back to .13 or younger? If I am running stock ROM, it seems that I should be able to just reflash the stock recovery and replace it w/o changing the ROM or factory reset.
I have no problem doing it the long way but if it doesn't need to be done and we can replace the CWR with stock and not tamper with the ROM, it seems logical.
Clearly I just got the tab recently and have been reading and reading but they seem so much different than the way phones work. I am very comfortable flashing ROMs/Kernels/Mods on phones, but just a little intimidated with the tablet (for now).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1- The RecoveryInstaller app only help to flash the recovery image so no you can just delete it.
2- You can flash a stock recovery image via CWM. You can get a repacked version here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1154947&highlight=unroot
baseballfanz said:
2- You can flash a stock recovery image via CWM. You can get a repacked version here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1154947&highlight=unroot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured that would be the case with the executable part of the apk.
I read that thread but wasn't sure if only the stock recovery by itself could be flashed w/o the prepacked ROM.

[Q] ClockWork : upgrade, downgrade...

Hi there!
I'm a owner of a TF101 (B50) for month now, and recently I had the need to switch between multiple version of Android (as I'm an Android dev) : back and forth to/from Honeycomb from/to ICS for example, multiple time a day!
So, as I'm used to do with all my "Google's Experience" devices (Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus), I installed CWM on my TF101 to be able to generate nandroid. So far, so good.
I then downgraded my tablet to stock 3.2 using nvflash, installed CWM, and did a nandroid. Great, I now have an Honeycomb backup. Of course, at this point, I'm no more able to upgrade using OTA, so here's my first question :
1- Once CWM installed, how do you upgrade to the latest build ? Asus blobs are not compatible with CWM!
Then, since I needed an ICS nandroid, I reverted to stock 3.2 (using NVFLASH), and I let the OTA did the job for me - before installing CWM. Ok, now, I have both Honeycomb and ICS as backup : let's test that.
I rebooted in recovery, and then restored my 3.2 nandroid (from ICS, remember?). All I had once the job was done, was the android logo with an exclamation mark
After some Googling, I understood why : unlike my Google's devices, on the TF101, it seems CWM can't restore the boot partition. So, the bootloader used was the one for ICS, and the tablet failed to boot.... Here's my 2nd question :
2- Am I right? What guys are you suggesting to be able to switch easily between different nandroid versions ? Should I nvflash the boot partition by hand? If so, where to find a documentation on NVFLASH ? (I'm regretting fastboot )
Thanks for reading.
You can repackage the blobs so that they can be flashed from cwm. I think one roach's 3201 recovery is packaged this way, so you can take it apart to see how it all works. Essentially blobs are flashed through the staging partition. There is a blob tools thread in the dev section that has all the details.
If you want to go back and forth between roms, I think that nvflash will be your best bet. Rayman and bubble bee have the most info. Check out therenwebsite. It's something like androidroot.mobi? There is also a full backup and restore thread in the dev section that explains a lot of the details of nvflash.
sent from my transformer
I read, somewhere, that we can flash stock Asus firmwares using CWM ('update zip') by first extracting the initial zip (which contains another zip containing the blob). Is it true?
nono240 said:
I read, somewhere, that we can flash stock Asus firmwares using CWM ('update zip') by first extracting the initial zip (which contains another zip containing the blob). Is it true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes but you will loose root and cwm recovery. It's the easy unroot method.
Not a big concern. I can easily recover both root and CWM using the universal root method since I have a B50!
Thanks
Will you lose root/cwm even if you have OTA Rootkeeper installed?
You Shouldn't but no guarentees x)

Easy Guide to Unlock, Root, and Flash ROM?

Hey guys, I just unlocked and flashed ROM on my LG Optimus G phone and looking to do the same with the TFT300T.
I did read some of the stickies, and there are various ways of doing this.
Anyone recently unlock, root, and install ROM on your TF300T? Which directions did you take? I am looking for the simplest and user friendly solutions. Any tips are much appreciated.
Thanks
What rom/ android version are you currently running?
I am on 4.2.1
First off you need to go to Asus support site and download the v8 unlock apk & run it (unlocking your bootloader).
Then have a good read here to learn how to flash the compatible TWRP custom recovery (2.4.4.0), the root your device.
As of know I don't know about any custom roms that will boot with the newest bootloader. Correct me if I'm wrong here.
Do have a good read though, and read it again - and make sure you understand it and then read some again. Then proceed by following the steps to the letter.
Have fun! :good:
Can I just download an older unlock apk if the current ROMs don't run with the v8 unlock?
No. If you updated to 4.2.1 you need to use the v8 apk.
Ti2 said:
No. If you updated to 4.2.1 you need to use the v8 apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it. So if I am on 4.2.1, there's no ROM that I can flash? Just want to get that absolutely correct.
Not that I'm aware of at this point. The new bootloader uses a different partition layout than the "older" 4.1 ones, so it will soft brick (as will flashing the wrong recovery, you'll want the latest twrp 2.4.4.0)
Thanks. That's really good to know.
So at this point, for anyone on the OTA 4.2.1, we can unlock and root but cannot install any kernels or ROMs yet, correct? Anyone know if CleanROM is being updated to work for us yet?
I think you can try this ROM.
Thanks, I had a look at that. I'm having a hard time figuring out which set of "instructions" to use. The ones on the OP:
Code:
Installation instructions:
- Unlock your device using the Asus supplied APK. Search around the forum for the official unlocking app.
- Install a custom recovery such as TWRP. Follow the instructions in the TWRP thread (website)
- Copy over the ROM zip to your Internal Storage or your microsd card
- Boot into recovery and simply install the ROM. This ROM will NOT wipe your current ROM settings
- Enjoy!
Or at the bottom of post #3 (where it seems to have the download links) it says "BEFORE YOU DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL ANYTHING IN THE JB 4.2.1 folder BELOW CLICK THIS LINK FOR INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS!"
Which then gives you this set of instructions:
Code:
The stock ROM is uploading in the JB 4.2.1 subfolder of the main download folder on the first page..
Be warned that once you do this... you will not be able to simply restore your backup and go back to 4.1.1. You will need to flash the JB bootloader ( think craig gomez has a package for it) and repartition your tablet. So be ready to STAY on 4.2.1
Instructions:
1. Make a full backup of your internal storage and copy it over to your computer after. Do a "nandroid" or "backup" in TWRP and copy the resulting folder/files to your computer (if you want a backup...)
2. Download and copy the Energy_JB_4.2.1_Partitions.zip to your tab.
3. Reboot into recovery and flash the above mentioned file. Reboot.
4. Wait while the blue line at the bottom is doing its thing. At the top you should see a "signature match" message. This WILL WIPE YOUR INTERNAL STORAGE. Which is why I recommend a backup!
5. At this point the tablet will NOT boot. You need to manually reboot and get back into recovery. Hold power and volume down and choose "RCK".
6. Either using an sdcard or adb, copy over the actual ROM zip Energy.TF201.JB.03.15.2013.STOCK.zip and flash it! Reboot... and... Enjoy.
Having started on the OTA 4.2.1, I can't figure out what I need to do here. Do I require the Partitions.zip, or am I already set with that having installed 4.2.1 prior? Conflicting sets of instructions are bad...
Silas0220 said:
So at this point, for anyone on the OTA 4.2.1, we can unlock and root but cannot install any kernels or ROMs yet, correct? Anyone know if CleanROM is being updated to work for us yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sbdags is working on it and has made some great progress. He's got it figured out where we are gonna be able to flash the bootloader, kernel, and custom recovery all at one time. From what I've read, I have a feeling a release is coming pretty soon.
Just keep up with the thread and you'll be good to go.
Sent from my LG-LG855 using Xparent SkyBlue Tapatalk 2
That sounds great. It was so much easier flashing my LGOG phone.
Sent from my LG-E970 using xda app-developers app
Following
Im posting because I want to keep up on this thread, I too have an ASUS TF300 with 4.2.1 and want to root it and install a custom ROM like I have on my Droid Razr.
I tried several ROMs and this was the only one I was able to get to work.
glamisldy said:
Im posting because I want to keep up on this thread, I too have an ASUS TF300 with 4.2.1 and want to root it and install a custom ROM like I have on my Droid Razr.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You too huh?
I need to get my bootloader unlocked...
Yeah, more of the same for my TF300T...
Silas0220 said:
Having started on the OTA 4.2.1, I can't figure out what I need to do here. Do I require the Partitions.zip, or am I already set with that having installed 4.2.1 prior? Conflicting sets of instructions are bad...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been having lag issues since the OTA upgrade to 4.2.1 and figured putting a custom ROM on the TF300T might help things out. Glad I came in here. I had unlocked it via the ASUS website: http://www.service.asus.com/#!downloads/c1wax
So what else can u do with unlock?
Sent from my LG-E970 using xda app-developers app

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