Related
INTRODUCING THE SAMSUNG GALAXY S3 UNIFIED TOOLKIT
SUPPORTED MODELS
INTERNATIONAL [GT-I9300] SUPPORT THREAD HERE
AUSTRALIAN MODEL GSM [GT-I9300T]
INTERNATIONAL [GT-I9305/GT-I9305N] SUPPORT THREAD HERE
AUSTRALIAN MODEL LTE [GT-I9305T]
C SPIRE MODEL LTE [SCH-L710]
AT&T US [SGH-I747] SUPPORT THREAD HERE
BELL, ROGERS, SASKTEL, TELUS [SGH-I747M] [SGH-I747M] USE AT&T SUPPORT THREAD
US CELLULAR MODEL LTE [SCH-R530] USE AT&T SUPPORT THREAD
METRO PCS MODEL LTE [SCH-R530M] USE AT&T SUPPORT THREAD
SPRINT US [SPH-L710] SUPPORT THREAD HERE
TMOBILE US [SGH-T999] SUPPORT THREAD HERE
MOBILICITY, VIDEOTRON, WIND [SGH-T999V] USE TMOBILE SUPPORT THREAD
VERIZON US [SCH-I535] SUPPORT THREAD HERE
CHINA ANYCALL CDMA MODEL [SCH-I939] USE GT-I9300 SUPPORT THREAD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Unified Android Toolkit supports a multitude of Nexus and Samsung devices with more devices being added all the time. There is also an option at startup to run a Basic Android Toolkit which any Android device can use to install drivers, make app backups, install apk files, reboot the device into different modes and run a command prompt for manual input.
FUNCTIONS OF UNIFIED ANDROID TOOLKIT V1.3.4 [9TH JAN 2015]
* Install correct adb/fastboot drivers automatically on Windows xp/vista/7/8 32bit+64bit
* Backup/Restore a single package or all apps, user data and Internal Storage
* Backup your data from selectable folders [internal or external storage] to your PC for a Full Safe backup of data
* Unlock/Re-Lock your Bootloader [Nexus]
* Root Stock builds
* Various Root options using insecure boot image or custom recovery
* ALLINONE to Unlock, Root, Rename the Restore Files and install busybox [Nexus]
* ALLINONE to flash custom Recovery Root, Rename the Restore Files and install busybox [Samsung]
* Install BusyBox on your device
* Perform a FULL NANDROID Backup of your system (Boot, Cache, Data, Recovery and System) via adb and save in Custom Recovery format on your PC which can be Restored via CWM Recovery [if insecure boot image available]
* Fix extSdCard write permissions from installed apps in Android 4.4+ [Samsung]
* Pull /data and /system folders, compress to a .tar file and save to your PC [if insecure boot image available]
* Dump selected Device Partitions, compress to a .zip file with md5 and save to your PC [if insecure boot image available]
* Extras, Tips and Tricks section
* Auto Update ToolKit to latest available version at startup (professional only feature)
* Program up to 10 Quickpick slots and run them very quickly (professional only feature)
* Mods section to automatically perform certain tasks on your device
* Download Google Stock Image directly to correct ToolKit folder for extracting and flashing [Nexus]
* Check md5 of stock image to make sure downloaded file isn't corrupted before flashing [Nexus]
* Download Samsung Stock Firmware to PC for extracting and flashing via Odin [Samsung]
* Flash Custom Recovery or Google Stock Image to Device
* Rename the Recovery Restore File present on some Stock Roms
* Boot into CWM Touch, TWRP, Philz Touch Recovery or Stock Recovery without Flashing it [Nexus]
* Flash Custom Recovery to Device
* Boot [Nexus] or Flash .img Files directly from your PC
* Install a single apk or multiple apk's to your device
* Push Files from your PC to your device
* Pull Files from your device to your PC
* Disable forced encryption on Nexus6 and Nexus9 devices
* Install Root Checker app by Burrows Apps
* Install Backup/Restore app by MDroid Apps [calls log, sms, contacts]
* Install EFS/Partition Backup/Restore app by Wanam
* Dump selected LogCat buffers to your PC
* Dump BugReport to your PC
* Set Files Permissions on your device
* Open new Command Prompt for manual input
* Reboot device to Fastboot Mode or Android from fastboot mode [Nexus]
* Reboot device to Fastboot Mode [Nexus], Recovery, Android or Download Mode [Samsung] from adb mode
* Display Important Information about your device
--------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORTED DEVICES AND LATEST SUPPORTED BUILDS *HERE*
DOWNLOAD THE SKIPSOFT UNIFIED ANDROID TOOLKIT *HERE* (FROM SKIPSOFT.NET)
NOTE: As the exe files are not Digitally Signed with a Microsoft Certificate they 'may' get picked up as potentially harmful by Antivirus Programs and deleted on first run. If this happens restore the file and exclude it from future scans to use it. This seems to happen mostly on AVG Free and Norton which is why I switched to BitDefender which is much better.
Credits: Chainfire for SuperSU, koush and the clockworkmod team for cwm and the universal driver pack, 1wayjonny for the adb/fastboot driver pack, Adam Lange for all his support and help with the insecure kernels.
--------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PUBLIC (FREE) AND PROFESSIONAL (DONATE) VERSIONS?
THE PUBLIC VERSION OF THE TOOLKIT INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU COULD NEED TO MANIPULATE YOUR DEVICE. NOTHING IS RESTRICTED.
ACTIVATING THE PROFESSIONAL VERSION ADDS THE MOST USEFUL FUNCTION IN THE TOOLKIT, THE ABILITY TO CHECK FOR 'AUTO UPDATES' DIRECTLY VIA THE TOOLKIT AND HAVE THEM PUSHED TO YOUR PC RIGHT AWAY AS SOON AS THEY ARE UPLOADED WITHOUT NEEDING TO DOWNLOAD THE WHOLE TOOLKIT EVERY TIME. YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE LATEST VERSION AS SOON AS IT IS MADE AVAILABLE. THIS MEANS SMALLER UPDATES CAN BE SENT OUT MORE FREQUENTLY, SUCH AS ADDING A SINGLE FUNCTION, FIXING A BUG OR ADDING COMPATIBILITY FOR A SINGLE CARRIER. THE SMALLER UPDATES WILL BE COMPILED AND RELEASED TO THE XDA COMMUNITY AS A FULL (PUBLIC) DOWNLOAD VERSION SO PROFESSIONAL VERSIONS ARE ALWAYS UPDATED SOONER.
THE PRO VERSION ALSO ADDS THE ABILITY TO CHECK FOR THE LATEST VERSION OF SUPERUSER AND RECOVERY FILES AND DOWNLOAD THEM DIRECTLY TO THE TOOLKIT.
THE 'QUICK PICKS' SECTION[/B] ALLOWS YOU TO PROGRAM UPTO 10 SLOTS WITH TASKS THAT YOU MAY PERFORM ON A REGULAR BASIS OR JUST WANT TO KEEP A SET OF TASKS IN 1 PLACE. THEN JUST SELECT THE SLOT AND IT WILL REMEMBER ALL YOUR SETTINGS FOR THAT TASK AND RUN IT.
PRO USERS CAN ALSO SELECT THE "ANY BUILD" OPTION IN THE BUILD SELECTION SCREEN TO ROOT ANY BUILD (USEFUL IF YOUR BUILD IS NOT LISTED).
AUTO REPLY LINKS FOR PAYPAL TO GET A CODE INSTANTLY CAN BE FOUND AT http://goo.gl/nyGqv
--------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE READ THE *HELP* PAGE AT http://www.skipsoft.net/?page_id=1269 OR USE THE INFORMATION SECTION WITHIN THE TOOLKIT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. I HAVE TAKEN A LOT OF TIME TO WRITE IT AND SOMETHING ON THERE SHOULD ANSWER 99% OF PROBLEMS.
--------------------------------------------------------------
1. INSTALLING ADB/FASTBOOT DRIVERS
The first thing you need to do is to install the adb/fastboot drivers. These are needed so that you can unlock your bootloader, root your device and perform other adb/fastboot functions.
THE DRIVERS CAN BE INSTALLED DIRECTLY VIA THE TOOLKIT. OPTION 1 IN THE MAIN MENU.
If drivers are not installed or there is an exclamation mark next to the device:
Plug the device in to a usb cable directly connected to your motherboard.
In the Device Manager a new item, usually called Android 1.0 should pop up in the list.
Right click on the device item then left click on Update Driver Software. Select 'browse my computer' and then 'Let me pick from a list'.
If no adb interface driver appears in the list then untick 'Show compatible hardware' and find the Android or Samsung adb interface driver.
If you cannot find either of these click Have Disk, browse to the Toolkit install folder, drivers folder, click on android_winusb.inf and click Open.
Click OK and select Google ADB Interface.
Make sure you have USB debugging enabled in settings, developer options. In Android 4.2.2 or later you have to enable the developer options screen by going to settings, About on your device and click on Build number at the bottom 7 times until it says You are now a developer. If you have already enabled usb debugging then unplug/replug the usb cable.
On Android 4.2.2 or later when you replug the usb cable after enabling usb debugging for the first time you will get a popup asking you to authenticate your pc. Tick 'Always allow' then click 'ok'.
--------------------------------------------------------------
2. USING SKIPSOFT UNIFIED ANDROID TOOLKIT
When starting the Toolkit you will first be asked which device you want to work with. Working folders will be created and the device files downloaded. You will then be taken to the Model/Build selection screen where you can do a number of things (other than select your model/build): Type '00' to enter your activation code and enable pro features, 'i' will take you to the Information and Help Section, 'a' will give you information on how to add support for a new build.
Supported builds are listed in the Model/Build selection screen and typing the associated number (i.e. 11) will download needed boot and recovery files (stock and custom recovery) then check for and download the latest superuser files available and custom recovery (pro versions only), verify all the files and start the Main Menu. You can now use all the functions and tools the Android Toolkit offers. Pro users can select the "any build" option to root any build (useful if your build is not listed).
--------------------------------------------------------------
USEFUL INFORMATION
How to get into Recovery Mode
1. Unplug the USB cable.
2. Shut down the phone.
3. Hold down the 'HOME' + 'VOLUME UP' buttons and press the 'POWER' button for about 5 seconds to enter Recovery Mode.
How to get into Download Mode (For Odin)
1. Unplug the USB cable.
2. Shut down the phone.
3. Hold down the 'HOME' + 'VOLUME DOWN' buttons and press the 'POWER' button for about 2 seconds until a WARNING! Screen appears. Press the 'VOLUME UP' button to enter Download Mode.
--------------------------------------------------------------
*DISCLAIMER*
I take no responsibility for any fault or damage caused by any procedures within this guide. No warranties of any kind are given.
**FAQ**
Q. Help me I can't find my build in the Model Selection Screen
The Toolkit includes a selection of Insecure Boot Images to cover all the different builds available. As there are very many different builds it is impossible to include an image for every single build but some builds share the same Boot Image. If you have a build that isnt listed on the Model Selection Screen you can therefore use a similar build. The best way to go is up to the next available build as it should offer more compatibility with the build you are using but if that isn't available then try the next build below your one as it should still be almost identical as long as it is the same version (ie. 4.1.1).
The Model Selection Screen is there so that if a task in the ToolKit requires an insecure kernel [to perform adb root commands] and your phone doesnt already include one, a compatible boot image [with an insecure kernel included] can be flashed to provide adb root access.
If you have a Custom Rom flashed to your phone then it will most probably have an insecure kernel included so it doesn't really matter if your build is not listed on the Model Selection Screen and when asked [by certain functions] if you have an insecure kernel on your phone you can answer 'yes'. However if the function fails then your kernel may not be insecure in which case you can flash one from the ToolKit. If you need to do this make sure the right build [or closest available build] is set so you flash the right image for your phone.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What is ADB Shell?
Adb shell is a linux command line tool (because android is based on linux) used to send commands to your android device. For S-ON devices, this is crucial for modifying files in the /system partition (where the rom sits) as you cannot modify anything in /system when the rom is running without S-OFF like removing system apps.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Why do I need to back up my IMEI/EFS and how do I do it?
There well protected section of your device that is virtually immune to any kind of flashing and manipulation (unless of course you know how to access it). This part of the device contains information such as IMEI (or MEID and ESN in the case of CDMA devices), programming parameters for the device such as your account information (phone number, etc), data provisioning parameters, and a whole bunch of other things that, when not handled properly, can render a device completely useless. All of these are contained in the infamous \EFS folder. If anything messes with your EFS folder, unlike flashing a device (which could potentially lead to bricks as well) it could render your device completely useless as it will no longer be recognized by your carrier. If you are not planning on flashing anything to your device and want to stay on pure Stock then you may never have any problems but it is still advisable to backup this information just in case (better to be safe than sorry). If you have a GT-I9300 GSM Model then you can do this from the Toolkit but if you have an LTE device then it isn't soo easy to do. If you have an LTE device you should go to *THIS* thread by lyriquidperfection and follow the information to save your IMEI/NV Data so that you are covered if anything should happen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Is there currently no way to root the Samsung Galaxy S3 without voiding the warranty?
All methods of rooting will void your warranty in some way as you will have superuser files on your phone that arent supposed to be there. There is a method of rooting your phone without increasing the flash counter which involves flashing a complete rom with root files already added but if anything happens and you need to send it back under warranty you will need to flash a 'proper' Stock Rom back before returning it or your warranty will be void. Flashing a custom kernel or recovery to root will increase the flash counter and also void any warranty. There is currently no method of resetting the flash counter on Snapdragon models but im pretty sure there will be some support for it soon. If you dont want to risk it or you aren't sure then you shouldnt really be flashing your phone and should just leave it alone. Its your choice .
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Will flashing Stock ROM via odin using the toolkit replace everything that was flashed before? recovery? etc?
Yes a Stock Image flashed via Odin will replace all your key partitions (boot, recovery, system) with the stock firmware. If you want to reset the phone back to an 'out of the box' state then you want to enter recovery and do a wipe first which will reformat your userdata partition.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. I flashed Custom Recovery but each time I reboot the Stock Recovery is back
There is an auto recovery restore system on certain Stock Android Builds that will reflash the Stock Recovery if you flash CWM on a Stock Rom.
Use Root Explorer to Mount the system folder as R/W (or use a free app from Google Play such as ES File Explorer). Rename the files /system/recovery-from-boot.p and /system/etc/install-recovery.sh (requires root). Now when you flash Custom Recovery it will NOT be overwritten after a reboot. You can also do this via the Toolkit.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. My AntiVirus program says the Toolkit files may be harmful
The exe compiled files are not digitally signed with a Microsoft certificate (as they cost money) so certain AntiVirus programs (mainly Norton and AVG Free) may pick it up as potentially harmful when it is not. They will pick up ANY file that doesn't contain a purchased Microsoft certificate in the same way. Just Restore the deleted file and exclude it from further scans and it will be fine. Or switch to a better AntiVirus program such as BitDefender.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. I flashed the Toolkit Boot Image, now my wifi + bluetooth won't work
The boot images are made from Stock with only needed changes made to the insecure boot images [modified adbd, default.prop and rc.local edited] and will work on all stock roms. If you flash them to a custom rom and the rom has been altered or uses a custom boot image then it will boot but certain modules may not load such as wifi or bluetooth. In this case you can use the boot image to root or perform adb root functions but will need to flash back the boot image for the custom rom to get other functions working again. This is not a fault of the Toolkit but a difference to stock in the custom rom.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. I am having trouble getting adb working with the drivers installed
Try switching your connection type from media (MTP) mode to camera mode (P2P). To do this open the notification area, click where it says connected as and change from MTP to PTP.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. I want to send my device back for warranty purposes
1. Follow the instructions to reset your flash counter with TriangleAway.
2. Download and flash a Stock Firmware image from the download section.
3. Boot into Stock Recovery and perform a wipe/factory reset
.
Your internal storage will be formatted and data and cache wiped. Your device should now be back to an out-of-the-box FULLY STOCK state with the flash counter [shown if you boot to download mode manually] reset and ready to send back.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. When connecting the phone I get 'USB Device not Recognized' and no serial number shows in the ToolKit
I actually had this problem recently and what fixed it for me was to make sure that the drivers have been installed, then shut my phone down plug the usb cable in and restart it. The phone booted up and the device was recognized and drivers installed correctly. May not work for everyone but worth trying.
**VIDEOS**
excellent
great
great share!
Will this work for rooting the XXALI9?
this is great,
lithium86 said:
Will this work for rooting the XXALI9?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will work on everything upto ALJ7 and beyond.
Final checks and uploading now.
Mark.
The Toolkit will be finished uploading in less than 10 minutes but before I release it publicly I need someone with a GT-I9305 to download and test the root and nand backup features. Please message back in here if you can test it right away as I can't post the link until I know it works properly.
Theres absolutely no risk of any damage as Stock Firmware images exist for your device so if anything doesnt work a simple flash will fix anything.
Mark.
Download link posted in OP.
Thread officially open
If anyone spots any bugs or errors in V6.0.0 please let me know right away as this was a major major rewrite to be able to incorporate I9305 and while I think everything looks fine I may have missed something.
Enjoy.
Mark.
Thanks Mark!
I know it is not your bag but any idea when CWM-Touch may be available for the I9305?
Thanks!
ALI9 ??
The welcome screen does not show the xxxali9 version of the i9305 model.. I surpose that means we have to wait for support for this one as well ??
Edit... didn't see before after posting that this q already has been answered....
[email protected] said:
The welcome screen does not show the xxxali9 version of the i9305 model.. I surpose that means we have to wait for support for this one as well ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the text on the Model Selection Screen?
FOR ROOTING AND PERFORMING ADB TASKS ON YOUR DEVICE, IF YOU CANNOT FIND THE BUILD
IN YOUR DEVICES SECTION THEN YOU CAN SELECT THE CLOSEST BUILD IN THE LIST (AS LONG
AS IT IS THE SAME ANDROID NUMBER IE. 4.0.4 or 4.1.1).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For xxali9 you can choose the ALI5 or the ALJ4 model it doesnt matter they will both work perfectly.
Mark.
mskip said:
Did you read the text on the Model Selection Screen?
For xxali9 you can choose the ALI5 or the ALJ4 model it doesnt matter they will both work perfectly.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot.. . .Wasn´t sure..
and one thing is for sure.. Rather ask you one time to much, than brick my phone.:angel:
[email protected] said:
Thanks a lot.. . .Wasn´t sure..
and one thing is for sure.. Rather ask you one time to much, than brick my phone.:angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct
Mark.
Just to clarify for I9305 users this toolkit states full support for our device but just be aware it cannot communicate in Qualcomm Diag Mode so backing up EFS on its own is not amicable. Please still use the QPST method to backup NV Items and EFS area of the device.
For anything else then this toolkit is the biz although I write my own tools!
Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for your hard work. I love the Nexus toolkit.
Do you have any plans to expand this G3 toolkit for verizon? It is the d2vzw.
lyriquidperfection said:
Just to clarify for I9305 users this toolkit states full support for our device but just be aware it cannot communicate in Qualcomm Diag Mode so backing up EFS on its own is not amicable. Please still use the QPST method to backup NV Items and EFS area of the device.
For anything else then this toolkit is the biz although I write my own tools!
Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean we should use the steps provided in this guide - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1946915 before using the Samsung Toolkit?
lithium86 said:
Do you mean we should use the steps provided in this guide - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1946915 before using the Samsung Toolkit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and I'm also updating my application to support Qualcomm NV item backup and restore.
Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk 2
DISCLAIMER:
Rooting your phone and using custom Recoveries and ROMS have risks and may result in bricking your device, and has nothing to do with Google or the device manufacturers. In case of any mishap I am not responsible if you brick/ruin your phone in any way.
Basic computer skills are required and minimal knowledges about phones and phones utilities too.
Make sure that whatever you do, you are doing it at your own responsibility.
This guide may be obsolete now for the new MTK SOC's powered phones, but it will give you some ideeas about how MTK phones world works (especially if you are new to this).
Why this thread?
- Because of all those PMs I receive with questions about how to do this or how to do that.
These things aren't they covered here on XDA?
- Some of them are, some don't, or they are spread over the forum in different sections, different threads. Also I will present here my vision about how to do things, and in some parts is different than the others existent.
I tried to document all steps with images for a better understanding, and to make it easy for people who don't understand well English (also I don't claim that my English is very good, but I'm trying).
1. If you want to use your phone as you buy it, then this thread is not for you, but if you want to use a custom recovery, to install a custom ROM, or some modds, keep reading.
2. First big step in our journey is to root your phone, which most of you know that means to get root (administrator) access to your phone's OS - just a simple definition. With an unrooted phone, you can't do much, and that means you will use it pretty much as you buy it - see first point.
There are multiple methods to root your phone, through an application from your phone, with an executable software from your PC or by flashing a zip modd from recovery (only for custom recoveries).
A. The best rooting application at the moment (in my opinion), is Framaroot.apk, developed by alephzain - please stop by his thread and drop a thanks, or if you can buy his donnation app from Playstore to support his work. You can download this app from official thread.
B. For rooting with a software from PC, I know three big candidates: oneclickroot, kingoroot and srsroot. I know there are more, but I mentioned only the best known.
C. Rooting zip archives are two, to choose from: chainfire's and koush's. Although, these require to have a custom recovery installed.
Any method you choose, be sure to check the phone models reported to work for, and look for your model.
Next, I will present step by step what I call "the beginner's routine":
root the phone;
make a nvram backup;
make a stock ROM backup;
generate a custom CWM and flash it;
patch to unsecure the boot and flash it;
get a Root File explorer;
create a custom recovery by porting one.
Prerequisites:
you must have an account on XDA; if you don't, then create one - and remember, at beginning you will not be allowed to post but you can hit Thanks for people I will mention here.
use a computer with Windows XP or 7 (I don't know if it will be any problem in vista or windows 8, but I didn't tried them, so I can't tell).
a phone with MTK CPU, obviously!
these tools:
MTKDroidTools of rua1's - download it from his thread and hit Thanks or donate to him, please
SPFlashTools or MTKFlashTools.
MTK USB Drivers and your phone manufacturer's USB Drivers if they provide that.
For MTK USB Drivers, there are many sources, but I couldn't find any official source. Few known sources: here and here.
* ADDED: For windows 7 and xp I repacked all MTK needed drivers, bundled with latest google usb drivers and using windows driver installer. Some of the drivers are not digitally signed, so when the prompt window ask you if you want to install unsigned driver (it will be several times) select yes or ok. The advantage is that this method is easier than manual method and also will create an entry in installed programs, and later if you want you can uninstall them in control panel uninstall program. Before installing this you need to remove old drivers installations - use usbdeview (download it x86 or X64), and look for VendorId 0bb4 and 0e8d, and uninstall every device with these Ids. Packed drivers are attached to this post; take what corresponds to your windows version. Unpack the archive, open the folder and run dpinst.exe. More info inside: read info.txt (especially for XP).
Install all needed drivers.
A good text editor (Notepad++ or Geany) installed.
Adb installed in your computer from Android: here, here and here you can learn how.
Credits and Thanks:
@alephzain - Framaroot developer
@rua1 - developer of MTKDroidTools
@Chainfire - SuperSU developer
@Koush - so many things!!!
@michfood - developer of Boot Recovery pack/unpack tool
and, even if it is not presented here, but because I use a lot his tools in Linux:
@bgcngm - for his Unpack/Repack scripts
1. Root the phone.
For this step I choose to use Framaroot.apk, first because I don't like to install unnecessary software on my computer, and second because it supports a very large number of MTK phones. So, go to alephzain's thread and download the apk, then connect your phone to PC with USB debugging enabled, turn on USB Mass storage and copy Framaroot.apk to your sdcard root, or in internal storage if you don't have a sdcard in your phone. Eject phone's USB storages from PC, and turn off USB Mass storage from phone.
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Go to apps drawer, find File Manager, open it, navigate to location where you placed Framaroot.apk touch on it and install it. After that go back in apps drawer and open the newly appeared Framaroot. In that window you have to specify which exploit to use for getting root access. If you don't know it's not a problem, you can try each one until you see the Success message (for me was Barahir). If none of them works, then you have to find a different method to root. After success patching, reboot the phone and then you will see SuperSU.apk in your apps drawer. Now you have root access!
2. Install a Root Explorer.
I prefer ESFileManager, but you can choose what you like. This can be installed free from Playstore, or if you have it downloaded in your PC, use same steps as in Framaroot case, and install it.
Then open the app and let's activate the Root Explorer in it.
But, here you can choose a different view style instead of default big icons - I like Medium Icon view.
Touch on Globe symbol from upper left corner to open Advanced Tools menu, and select Tools (last one). In the list that opens, scroll down until you see Root Explorer entry and touch "OFF" button to activate it. You will be prompted to Grant Superuser access - Grant it! Then, touch on "Root Explorer" text and in the popup window select Read/Write, and in next window select all radios from RW column.
That's it, ESFileManager is now a powerfull Root Explorer.
3. Make a backup.
This means actually make two backups, one for nvram and one for the whole stock ROM. Why to make a backup for nvram? Because it is very easy in MTK phones to mess up with it, and you may loose IMEI, mac address or to have other connectivity issues. This backup will be your insurance.
For this you need MTKDroidTools. Download it from rua1's thread (link in OP) and unzip it in a folder named "MTKDroidTools" on your primary (system) partition - this is important, and in other locations you may experience errors and malfunction.
Connect your phone in usb debugging mode to PC, then start MTKDroidTools as administrator and wait untill you see that MTKDroidTools recognize it and loads its data. The following pictures will show you how to check if you have usb debugging activated, and how MTKDroidTools looks with loaded phone data. In most of the phones, adb gets root access immediately, but in some "branded" ones that has to be achieved by click on the "ROOT" button next to "Adb Terminal" - Notice that if you don't see that ROOT button, that means you have already "root in shell". Also, if you have chainfire's SuperSU you will be prompted in the phone to grant root access to adbd, but if you have koush's Superuser, adbd gets root access by default.
Now, as I said first thing is to do a nvram backup. Click on "IMEI/NVRAM" button and next select both methods (bin and zip folder) and click on "Backup".
After that, it's time to do a stock ROM backup. This is important if you are going to try different custom ROMs and modds. This will assure you that you always have a way to start from the beginning in a clean state. Also makes easy to unbrick your phone if you have the misfortune to brick it.
Click on "root,backup,recovery" tab, and click on "Backup" button, then wait to finish. Be patient, this will take a while, and you can see progress logs in side window. At the end, a popup will prompt you to pack the backup. Now you know it is finished. I don't pack these backups, but you do what you think.
In this stage first thing I do is to generate a scatter file. You have one in that backup made before, or you can get one from stock firmware archive if the phone's manufacturer provide that, but let's see how to do it as it is, to understand the process, or to learn how to get one if we loose it or we are unsure if the one we have is good for our phone (this is important, because using a wrong scatter file it may damage your phone).
So, return to "Phone Informations" tab and click on "Blocks Map" button. A window opens with your phone partition structure. Click on "Create Scatter File" button and save it somewhere in your computer.
Mission complete for backup; you are assured now.
4. Generate a custom recovery.
This is mandatory if you want to use an easy way to backup, restore, flash or wipe ROMs and modds. Fortunately, rua1 has included in his tool all you need to generate one for your phone. This method is successfull for almost every MTK phone, but not for all. There isn't an universal method for anything.
So, enter again in "root, backup, recovery", select the radio "To choose the boot.img file" - by default is selected "Install already prepared files" - and click on "Recovery and Boot" button.
When prompted, select the boot.img from previous backup folder and click Yes to make CWM recovery automatically. First you will be prompted to flash a patched boot.img in your phone - click Yes to get an unsecured boot, then next message will ask you to install the new created recovery in your phone. Click Yes and Yes to reload the phone in recovery mode.
The phone will shut down and reboot in recovery. Now you can see your custom recovery in place.
GOOD TO KNOW: you can't generate a recovery everytime you want to flash one, to use MTKDroidTools for flashing, and the adb method may not work for many MTK phones.
The most known method to flash a new recovery is by using SPFlashTools or MTKFlashTools, and an alternative method is with MobileUncle application from phone, but I will show detailed the FlashTools method. One thing though: if you want to use MobileUncle application, you have to use it from /system/app folder, not from /data/app. Many users say that the MobileUncle doesn't work to flash recovery: it show success, but rebooting to recovery reveal the old one. The reason? They installed MobileUncle from market, and that place the app in /data/app as a user app. In custom ROMs where the app is placed in system by ROM developer, the problem won't manifest. So, if you want to use MobileUncle, make it a system app not user app.
In order to do that, grab a copy of any of these tools from DR_MOOSAVI's thread (link in OP), unzip it in a folder "MTK_Flash_tool" in your primary(system) partition (C in my case), and notice the name have to not contain any spaces or special characters. In that folder create a new folder "Resources" or ROM or whatever name you want, also without spaces or special characters, and place in it your scatter file and recovery img you want to flash. Open Flash_Tool executable as administrator.
IMPORTANT: Your phone is not connected to the PC now. Swtich it off and wait, you will connect it later.
Continue in next post.
In Flash_Tools program window click on load scatter file, navigate to that folder you created and select your scatter. Now you can see your phone's partition structure. If the recovery you want to flash is named "recovery.img" it will be selected automatically, if not you have to click on recovery row in Location column and select your recovery from that folder.
Then click on "Download" button.
Now connect your phone to PC, just like that in power off. Some models enter automatically in download mode and the flashing process begins, but others don't. For some it is necessary to connect them without battery (battery removed), other need to press briefly Power and Vol Down button at same time and release them immediately. That you have to find for your phone from forums, other users, or by trying. When the phone enter in download mode you will see a red bar down in Flash_Tool window, followed by a yellow or other color one (that means the flashing process is taking place).
At the end a popup with a green circle or green checkmark will let you know that the flash was a success. Deconnect the cable and reboot the phone, or reboot it in recovery to see if the wanted recovery is installed. The most common method to boot in recovery from power off is to press Power and Vol UP at same time, and keep them pressed untill you see the logo, then release Power but keep pressing Vol Up untill the recovery UI appears. If Power and Vol Up doesn't work for you, start the phone normaly and connect the phone to PC, then open a command prompt window, and type " adb reboot recovery", then hit Enter during bootanimation. The phone will stop loading and will boot in recovery.
5. How to port a custom recovery.
Check my new guide.
Check my new guide.
Awesome Tutorial!!! U did it again....
Thanks!!!
Thank you sir I will try to port cwm to my mtk mobile
Sent From MTK-MT6572
---------- Post added at 03:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:01 PM ----------
Sir now my mobile with ext4
Now in your thread about porting carliv cwm.. there is only custpack and ubifs ...!! Where is for ext4
Sent From MTK-MT6572
carliv grt work hope u add this post too http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49081376
[email protected] said:
carliv grt work hope u add this post too http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49081376
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but that is not something for begginers. Maybe meteos method with his app will be, but I'm not sure. Though, if someone want to procede to do that, you can edit your post and give more details, for people to know what is about, and to follow your link if they are interested.
Great guide @carliv.
Just a bit confused, as I usually flash custom recovery first before rooting my MTK phones (same goes for all my android devices). So, maybe, rooting and flashing custom recovery is interchangeable as the first step for MTK phones depending on their availability.
iZLeeP said:
Great guide @carliv.
Just a bit confused, as I usually flash custom recovery first before rooting my MTK phones (same goes for all my android devices). So, maybe, rooting and flashing custom recovery is interchangeable as the first step for MTK phones depending on their availability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, well the next step in my guide is "do a stock ROM backup", and if you flash a custom recovery, that will not be a complete stock backup. With my method, any time, after flashing the stock backup, unroot and you will be in stock initial state.
I hope it's more clear now.
carliv said:
Yeah, well the next step in my guide is "do a stock ROM backup", and if you flash a custom recovery, that will not be a complete stock backup. With my method, any time, after flashing the stock backup, unroot and you will be in stock initial state.
I hope it's more clear now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it. So this is more suited for those who do not have the original firmware for restoring their devices in case something goes wrong which is so like MTK phones. In any case, your guide is spot on. Hope the moderators would give this a sticky, if possible, since MTK phones are scattered all over xda.
How to Port to Device that have recovery-from-boot.p
Hello Everyone, and hello to @carliv,
Thanks to this Tutorial I have Manage to port in on a MT6582 and MT6572 Device with ext4 partition, but I just want to share some tips when porting the latest build of the carliv the tutorial here is complete except for one thing just in case you are ending up on a custom recovery not booting up and when you use the MTK Droid Root and Tools you will see this
-->Connect Device<--
there is a file blah blah - recovery-from-boot.p <----
Now that mess up the things but before we dig into that let me first share on how I got my Carliv Custom Recovery to Bootup
on the Tutorial there is a section that you need to use the MTK Unpacked tool right now once you have done that do all the other things that is written in the tutorial it will guide you on the whole process but on my end even though I followed the tutorial and all are correct I still end up on a Bootloop well I discovered that you need to copy the init file from the RUA1 CWMR that you got from the MTK Droid Root and Tools and overwrite the one on the Carliv Recovery after that once you have finish until on the Overwriting of the Kernel and Kernel header pack your Carliv Recovery using the MTK pack tool and now Flash it on your Device it will now boot :highfive:
BUT WAIT!! yes! it will boot but it will boot on the STOCK RECOVERY and that is because like what I said the recovery-from-boot.p is the culprit of the issue now you need to root your device which is on my end I used framaroot and then download the ES file manager and also follow the instruction of carliv on how to have the full ROOT R/W access and on your device, once your have done that got to this folders and delete this 3 files.
Be sure you have the R/W access or else this files will not be deleted
/system/recovery-from-boot.p
/system/etc/recovery-install.sh
/system/etc/recovery-resources.bin <--- I am not just sure if this is the right filename but it is almost the same will check it once again once I got to stock rom again :fingers-crossed:
and now once you have rebooted your smartphone to recovery mode it will now boot to the Carliv Custom Recovery.
But also take note that if you don't have that 3 files on your device your just good to go and it will boot to Carliv Custom Recovery without any issues.
it's just that 3 files makes the custom recovery always boot to stock recovery even though you do something else
hope this tip helps for some people having issue on a bootloop carliv custom recovery on doing the manual porting
and don't forget to hit the thanks button if this helps :victory:
rnovino said:
/system/recovery-from-boot.p
/system/etc/recovery-install.sh
/system/etc/recovery-resources.bin <--- I am not just sure if this is the right filename but it is almost the same will check it once again once I got to stock rom again :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Removing recovery-from-boot.p is enough, I think. Besides, CTR asks if you want to disable recovery-install.sh. That prevents the ROM from flashing stock recovery.
iZLeeP said:
Removing recovery-from-boot.p is enough, I think. Besides, CTR asks if you want to disable recovery-install.sh. That prevents the ROM from flashing stock recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it depends on the unit, I just deleted the recovery-from-boot.p and still it boots up on the stock recovery that's why I needed to trace other files that still makes it boot on stock recovery, but then again not all units will have the same issues as mine
Thanks for your help, it works with my Huawei Honor 3X (mtk6592) !
Thanks Man!
Error
Please help me in porting recovery.I am getting error "the syntax of the command is incorrect " in all four files.
View attachment 2654172
View attachment 2654177
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 - SUPPORTS ALL VERSIONS UP TO THE LATEST ANDROID BUILDS
SEE SUPPORT LIST FOR PUBLIC/PRO VERSIONS *HERE*
SUPPORTED MODELS
INTERNATIONAL MODEL GSM [GT-I9500]
INTERNATIONAL MODEL LTE [GT-I9505]
US SPRINT MODEL LTE [SPH-L720]
US CELLULAR MODEL LTE [SCH-R970]
US C SPIRE MODEL LTE [SCH-R970X]
US CRICKET MODEL LTE [SCH-R970C]
US TMOBILE/METROPCS MODEL LTE [SGH-M919]
CANADA MOBIL, VIDEO, WIND LTE [SGH-M919V]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Unified Android Toolkit brings together all the Nexus and Samsung Toolkits and supports many Nexus and Samsung devices. There is also an option at startup to run a Basic Android Toolkit which any Android device can use to install drivers, make app backups, install apk files, reboot the device into different modes and run a command prompt for manual input.
FUNCTIONS OF UNIFIED ANDROID TOOLKIT
* Install correct adb/fastboot drivers automatically on Windows xp/vista/7/8 32bit+64bit/Windows 10
* Backup/Restore a single package or all apps, user data and Internal Storage
* Backup your data from selectable folders [internal or external storage] to your PC for a Full Safe backup of data
* Unlock/Re-Lock your Bootloader [Nexus]
* Root Stock builds
* Various Root options using insecure boot image or custom recovery
* ALLINONE to Unlock, Root, Rename the Restore Files and install busybox [Nexus]
* ALLINONE to flash custom Recovery Root, Rename the Restore Files and install busybox [Samsung]
* [NEW] use SkipRoot boot image to Auto Root device, install Busybox Binaries and rename Recovery Restore files [selected devices]
* Install BusyBox on your device
* Perform a FULL NANDROID Backup of your system (Boot, Cache, Data, Recovery and System) via adb and save in Custom Recovery format on your PC which can be Restored via CWM Recovery [if insecure boot image available]
* Fix extSdCard write permissions from installed apps in Android 4.4+ [Samsung]
* Pull /data and /system folders, compress to a .tar file and save to your PC [if insecure boot image available]
* Dump selected Device Partitions, compress to a .zip file with md5 and save to your PC [if insecure boot image available]
* Extras, Tips and Tricks section
* Auto Update ToolKit to latest available version at startup (professional only feature)
* Program up to 10 Quickpick slots and run them very quickly (professional only feature)
* Mods section to automatically perform certain tasks on your device
* Download Google Stock Image directly to correct ToolKit folder for extracting and flashing [Nexus]
* Check md5 of stock image to make sure downloaded file isn’t corrupted before flashing [Nexus]
* Download Samsung Stock Firmware to PC for extracting and flashing via Odin [Samsung]
* Flash Custom Recovery or Google Stock Image to Device
* Flash any part of a stock Nexus image to device [boot, system, recovery] – Great for fixing broken parts of firmware
* Rename the Recovery Restore File present on some Stock Roms
* Boot into CWM Touch, TWRP, Philz Touch Recovery or Stock Recovery without Flashing it [Nexus]
* Flash Custom Recovery to Device
* Boot [Nexus] or Flash .img Files directly from your PC
* Install a single apk or multiple apk’s to your device
* Push Files from your PC to your device
* Pull Files from your device to your PC
* Disable forced encryption on Nexus6 and Nexus9 devices
* Install Root Checker app by Burrows Apps
* Install Backup/Restore app by MDroid Apps [calls log, sms, contacts]
* Install EFS/Partition Backup/Restore app by Wanam
* Dump selected LogCat buffers to your PC
* Dump BugReport to your PC
* Set Files Permissions on your device
* Open new Command Prompt for manual input
* Reboot device to Fastboot Mode or Android from fastboot mode [Nexus]
* Reboot device to Fastboot Mode [Nexus], Recovery, Android or Download Mode [Samsung] from adb mode
* Display Important Information about your device
--------------------------------------------------------------
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
--------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORTED DEVICES AND LATEST SUPPORTED BUILDS *HERE*
DOWNLOAD THE SKIPSOFT UNIFIED ANDROID TOOLKIT *HERE* (FROM SKIPSOFT.NET)
NOTE: Key files are signed with a Digital Certificate from skipsoft.net but some ‘may’ get picked up as potentially harmful by Antivirus Programs and deleted. They are not harmful, this is a false positive given because of the compiler used. If this happens restore the file and exclude the folder from future scans to use it. This seems to happen mostly on AVG Free and Norton. If you are using the Auto Update feature on pro versions then you will need to disable the AV program or exclude the folder from scans before running the update again.
Credits: ChainsDD for Superuser, Chainfire for SuperSU and kernel patches, koush and the clockworkmod team for cwm and the universal driver pack, 1wayjonny for the adb/fastboot driver pack, Adam Lange for all his support and help with the insecure kernels, Viperboy for the Knox Disabler app, Stephen Erickson for the BusyBox installer app, BurrowsApps for the Root Checker app, NextApp for the SD Fix app, fOmey for TWRP for the Galaxy Gear.
--------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PUBLIC (FREE) AND PROFESSIONAL (DONATE) VERSIONS?
THE PUBLIC VERSION OF THE TOOLKIT INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU COULD NEED TO MANIPULATE AND ROOT YOUR DEVICE.
ACTIVATING THE PROFESSIONAL VERSION ADDS THE MOST USEFUL FUNCTION IN THE TOOLKIT, THE ABILITY TO CHECK FOR ‘AUTO UPDATES’ DIRECTLY VIA THE TOOLKIT AND HAVE THEM PUSHED TO YOUR PC RIGHT AWAY AS SOON AS THEY ARE UPLOADED WITHOUT NEEDING TO DOWNLOAD THE WHOLE TOOLKIT EVERY TIME. YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE LATEST VERSION AS SOON AS IT IS MADE AVAILABLE. THIS MEANS SMALLER UPDATES CAN BE SENT OUT MORE FREQUENTLY, SUCH AS ADDING A SINGLE FUNCTION, FIXING A BUG OR ADDING COMPATIBILITY FOR A SINGLE CARRIER. THE SMALLER UPDATES WILL BE COMPILED AND RELEASED TO THE XDA COMMUNITY AS A FULL (PUBLIC) DOWNLOAD VERSION SO PROFESSIONAL VERSIONS ARE ALWAYS UPDATED SOONER.
THE PRO VERSION ALSO ADDS THE ABILITY TO CHECK FOR THE LATEST VERSION OF SUPERUSER AND RECOVERY FILES AND DOWNLOAD THEM DIRECTLY TO THE TOOLKIT.
THE ‘QUICK PICKS’ SECTION[/B] ALLOWS YOU TO PROGRAM UPTO 10 SLOTS WITH TASKS THAT YOU MAY PERFORM ON A REGULAR BASIS OR JUST WANT TO KEEP A SET OF TASKS IN 1 PLACE. THEN JUST SELECT THE SLOT AND IT WILL REMEMBER ALL YOUR SETTINGS FOR THAT TASK AND RUN IT.
PRO USERS CAN ALSO SELECT THE “ANY BUILD” OPTION IN THE BUILD SELECTION SCREEN TO ROOT ANY BUILD AS LONG AS THE VERSION IS SUPPORTED (USEFUL IF YOUR BUILD IS NOT LISTED).
MORE IMPORTANTLY DONATING SHOWS YOUR APPRECIATION AND ALLOWS THE TOOLKIT TO CONTINUE TO EVOLVE AND GROW.
AUTO REPLY LINKS FOR PAYPAL TO GET A CODE INSTANTLY CAN BE FOUND AT http://goo.gl/nyGqv
--------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE READ THE *HELP* PAGE AT http://www.skipsoft.net/?page_id=1269 OR USE THE INFORMATION SECTION WITHIN THE TOOLKIT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. I HAVE TAKEN A LOT OF TIME TO WRITE IT AND SOMETHING ON THERE SHOULD ANSWER 99% OF PROBLEMS.
--------------------------------------------------------------
1. INSTALLING ADB/FASTBOOT DRIVERS
The first thing you need to do is to install the adb/fastboot drivers. These are needed so that you can unlock your bootloader, root your device and perform other adb/fastboot functions.
THE DRIVERS CAN BE INSTALLED DIRECTLY VIA THE TOOLKIT. OPTION 1 IN THE MAIN MENU.
If drivers are not installed or there is an exclamation mark next to the device:
Plug the device in to a usb cable directly connected to your motherboard.
In the Device Manager a new item, usually called Android 1.0 should pop up in the list.
Right click on the device item then left click on Update Driver Software. Select 'browse my computer' and then 'Let me pick from a list'.
If no adb interface driver appears in the list then untick 'Show compatible hardware' and find the Android or Samsung adb interface driver.
If you cannot find either of these click Have Disk, browse to the Toolkit install folder, drivers folder, click on android_winusb.inf and click Open.
Click OK and select Google ADB Interface.
Make sure you have USB debugging enabled in settings, developer options. In Android 4.2.2 or later you have to enable the developer options screen by going to settings, About on your device and click on Build number at the bottom 7 times until it says You are now a developer. If you have already enabled usb debugging then unplug/replug the usb cable.
On Android 4.2.2 or later when you replug the usb cable after enabling usb debugging for the first time you will get a popup asking you to authenticate your pc. Tick 'Always allow' then click 'ok'.
--------------------------------------------------------------
2. USING SKIPSOFT UNIFIED ANDROID TOOLKIT
When starting the Toolkit you will first be asked which device you want to work with. Working folders will be created and the device files downloaded. You will then be taken to the Model/Build selection screen where you can do a number of things (other than select your model/build): Type '00' to enter your activation code and enable pro features, 'i' will take you to the Information and Help Section, 'a' will give you information on how to add support for a new build.
Supported builds are listed in the Model/Build selection screen and typing the associated number (i.e. 11) will download needed boot and recovery files (stock and custom recovery) then check for and download the latest superuser files available and custom recovery (pro versions only), verify all the files and start the Main Menu. You can now use all the functions and tools the Android Toolkit offers. Pro users can select the "any build" option to root any build (useful if your build is not listed).
--------------------------------------------------------------
USEFUL INFORMATION
How to get into Recovery Mode
1. Unplug the USB cable.
2. Shut down the phone.
3. Hold down the 'HOME' + 'VOLUME UP' buttons and press the 'POWER' button for about 5 seconds to enter Recovery Mode.
How to get into Download Mode (For Odin)
1. Unplug the USB cable.
2. Shut down the phone.
3. Hold down the 'HOME' + 'VOLUME DOWN' buttons and press the 'POWER' button for about 2 seconds until a WARNING! Screen appears. Press the 'VOLUME UP' button to enter Download Mode.
--------------------------------------------------------------
*DISCLAIMER*
I take no responsibility for any fault or damage caused by any procedures within this guide. No warranties of any kind are given.
**Updates**
**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS**
Q. What is ADB Shell?
Adb shell is a linux command line tool (because android is based on linux) used to
send commands to your android device. For S-ON devices, this is crucial for
modifying files in the /system partition (where the rom sits) as you cannot modify
anything in /system when the rom is running without S-OFF like removing system apps.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. I flashed Custom Recovery but each time I reboot the Stock Recovery is back
There is an auto recovery restore system on certain Stock Android Builds that will
reflash the Stock Recovery if you flash CWM on a Stock Rom.
Use Root Explorer to Mount the system folder as R/W (or use a free app from Google
Play such as ES File Explorer). Rename the files /system/recovery-from-boot.p and
/system/etc/install-recovery.sh (requires root). Now when you flash Custom Recovery
it will NOT be overwritten after a reboot. You can also do this via the Toolkit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. My AntiVirus program says the Toolkit files may be harmful
The exe compiled files are not digitally signed with a Microsoft certificate (as
they cost money) so certain AntiVirus programs (mainly Norton and AVG Free) may
pick it up as potentially harmful when it is not. They will pick up ANY file that
doesn't contain a purchased Microsoft certificate in the same way. Just Restore the
deleted file and exclude it from further scans and it will be fine. Or switch to a
better AntiVirus program such as BitDefender.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What is the difference between Nandroid and Titanium backup?
A NANDROID will backup the whole system including boot, system, data and recovery
partitions so you can restore a complete rom and all data and settings.
Titanium Backup is mainly used to backup apps and associated user data. These
could be restored AFTER a full wipe and a new Rom had been flashed on your phone.
The other option now which google added into the new adb command list is the adb
backup which is in the ToolKit and can do the same job as Titanium Backup but will
store the data on your PC rather than on the phone (which takes up space).
Q. I cannot find Developer options
With Android 4.2 google have thought it would be funny to hide the Developer options
screen in the Settings. This means you cannot enable usb debugging to communicate
with your device. To show the Developers options screen do the following:
1. Goto Settings, About and tap the Build number text 7 times.
2. When you have tapped 3 times you will be given a countdown of taps until you
become a developer.
3. Once you are told you are now a developer you can go back to the Settings
Screen and can see Developer options.
4. You can now go into Developer options and enable usb debugging.
Q. I am having trouble getting adb working with the drivers installed
Try switching your connection type from media (MTP) mode to camera (P2P) mode.
To do this open the notification area [top left] with the device connected via usb,
click where it says 'connected as' and change from MTP to PTP.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. How to get into your Download Mode
1. Unplug your usb cable if you have one plugged in
2. Keep holding the Volume Down, Home and Power buttons until you see a warning
screen [about 10 seconds]
3. Press the Volume Up button to boot the phone into Download Mode
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. How to get into Recovery
1. Unplug your usb cable if you have one plugged in
2. Keep holding the Volume Up, Home and Power buttons until you see a green android
man on the scree [about 15-20 seconds]
Q. I tried to enter the code for the pro version but it says the code is incorrect
1. Make sure the code entered is for the correct Toolkit being used.
2. You need to start the Toolkit with the toolkit.exe file when activating so the
settings can be initialised or the code will not be accepted.
3. Make sure you enter the code correctly as the characters are case sensitive.
**if needed*
GREAT. Thank you for providing your tools to our device mskip
powered by Fingerbite Chocolate™
mskip said:
**if needed*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think most of your pics are damaged...can they be repaired?
Sent from my GT-I9500
anu.cool said:
I think most of your pics are damaged...can they be repaired?
Sent from my GT-I9500
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry im not sure what you mean.
Mark.
mskip said:
Sorry im not sure what you mean.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tapatalk shows images in first post are damaged ie can't be seen,broken links maybe.
Can they be fixed?
Sent from my GT-I9500
Thanks mskip, yours utilities are the best.
Enviado do meu GT-I9500
knox
if you do root the S4 with this process, active knox?
kraiioL said:
if you do root the S4 with this process, active knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bump bump:highfive:
kraiioL said:
if you do root the S4 with this process, active knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flash any custom image on a device with KNOX present then yes you will trip the knox flag.
Mark.
mskip said:
If you flash any custom image on a device with KNOX present then yes you will trip the knox flag.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works to root 4.4.2 official?
I need the phone in download mode? Recovery mode?
[SGS4]
KNOX S4
whether this method changes the root flag knox with 0x0 to 0x1
by far the best application i have used for a long time... whether rooting the phone or reverting to stock firmware. great piece of work.
i keep getting error when i try to install custom recovery ive tried both my wifes phone and mineim on 4.4.2
I installed the toolkit to do an ADB backup of Samsung Galaxy S4 M919 with Android 4.2.2 (already rooted)
PC system in Win7/32
After installing the Samsung USB drivers, and plugging in the USB cable, I can see that the ADB drivers are loaded. In Device Manager, The "SAMSUNG Android ADB Interface" is shown under Android Phone. Running "adb device" from the command line shows that the SGS4 is recognized.
However, the prompt about pairing with the PC never occurs. I thought maybe I had done it before, so I didn't worry about it since ADB was working. I selected ADB Backup in the toolkit using the -all -apk -system -noshared options.
The Full Backup function appeared on the phone, and I selected "Back Up My Data". The phone had not rebooted - the backup app is on top of the regular phone function and the status bar is still showing at the top. I did not enter a password.
Below the password field various apps are displayed one by one.
However the progress is unbelievably slow. After 30 minutes, only at 200 MB file is present in the backup folder. It hasn't increased in size for over 10 minutes.
This is the first time I've tried an ADB backup with the SGS4, but my previous phone would back up several Gbytes in about 15 minutes.
Is this process just very slow on the SGS4, or is something wrong?
so the Att SGH 1337 model is not supported by this toolkit?
thank you for this wonderful tool, makes things easier
HI Mark,
I just want to say THANK YOU for all of your toolkits!
I bought the OG N7 AND N7 2013 versions, and I (finally) have a SGS4 on the way and will be buying this toolkit as well when my i9500 arrives.
You have saved me a ton of time of trouble, and I plan on following your work down the road as well.
Thank you for making these available to us, and please keep up the great work... :highfive:
I have a Nexus 5 32GB that's about 14 month old. Was running Lollipop 5.1 which was installed through OTA updates (4.44 >5.0 >5.01>5.1). The device is stock and unrooted.
One day, after powering the device up, it went into the boot screen and never managed to finsih the boot (for hours).
After reading extensively on this and other forums , here are the steps I tired , without success:
1. Go to bootloader and press Start
2.Go to bootloader , erase cache
3.Go to bootloader erase user data (factory reset).
I then tried to flash the factory image back. I tried all Lollipop versions from the google developers page of factory images.
starting with 5.1.0 (LMY47I) and going down. All flashing was completed successfully, but the problem remains.
Then I tried 4.4.4 (KTU84P) and the device finally booted up, but it was crippled: Most times It only sees a storage of 16GB , the phone does not recognize any cellular carriers, google play crashes, camera crashes, gallery crashes. An error states that "no external memory is available". Basically it was useless.
I took the phone to an LG lab. They said I need to replace the motherboard. Costs about 200$ !!
I was about to get a new phone , but decided to try one more google search for a fix.
This guide is for any poor soul in the same state.
This issue can be solved without replacing the motherboard for 200$.
The problem in my case was that the /persist partition was degraded, and could not mount.
I found out by trying to follow this guide: http://android.stackexchange.com/qu...dots-lollipop-screen-after-hard-factory-reset
I got as far as activating ADB Sideload when I got the error "cannot mount /persist".
This is a software problem.
Her's how to fix it (It's a long and detailed guide - but worth the result):
First, you must enable USB debugging mode , if it was not enabled (if it is enabled you can skip the first step of this guide) . The way to do that is to flash a stock image that will load, even if not fully working. In my case I could flash version 4.4x and get the phone to load. I am not aware of any other way to enable USB debugging, other than from within a working OS. If someone knows a way - please post it.
The easiest way I found to flash my phone is using Julian OS' script. You can download the stock image5.0 and 5.01 with the script from here:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=22367
You will need to adapt the 4.4x firmware to have the script flash it, but it's very easy, just a couple of files to rename.
When you open Julian's zip file you will see that he uses a script that flashes the firmware's images one by one. What I did was download the stock images from Google https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images , used winrar to extracrt all the files from the .tgz file to a folder, then unzip the only zip file there (image-hammerhead-xxxxx.zip) which contains 5 img files. I then renamed the radio-hammerhead-xxxxx.img to radio.img and bootloader-hammerhead-xxxx.img to bootloader.img. Now all the file names comply with Julian's script. From Julian's archive copy the files "From Bootloader.bat" and "fastboot.exe" to the folder where all the images you just renamed are.
Put the phone in bootloader mode (turn the phone off, press the Vol- and the power buttons). Once the the phone is in bootloader mode, connect it to the PC and run "From Bootloader.bat" and follow the onscreen instructions. In about 2 minutes, your phone will be flashed.
Turn the phone on, it should load the OS. Disregard all the error messages, and don't bother setting the phone up. If you skip wifi, and don't have a sim in the phone you can finish the basic setup quickly.
Next you need to get developer tools activated: Settings>about phone>Build number. Tap 7 times on the build number and this will unlock Developer tools. Go back to settings and the new Developer Tools and enable usb debugging. Approve any popups.
*** I am not aware of how to enable usb debugging if you cannot go into the settings. If non of the stock images loads for you, search for a way to get usb debugging working , or else you cannot continue. You need this for ADB to connect to the phone.****
Next, you need to have ADB on your PC, and it should be able to reach your phone. If you already have - then skip to the next step. If you don't - then here is how to get the latest version:
Go here and download the installer https://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html#Other
Install the file and when it's done run SDK manager. Choose only the first 2 tools (Android sdk tools and Platform tools), this will install the latest adb and fastboot tools. To make sure all is installed open a command prompt (Click Start, type cmd in the search and run cmd.exe) and type adb. You should see all the adb possible commands typed. Now you can test if your phone can be reached by adb: connect your phone (remember usb debugging must be on!) and type: adb devices. After a few seconds you should see something like this:
List of devices attached
024703f599cc8feb device
If you get this, it means you have usb debugging enabled and a proper usb driver installed and you can go to the next step . If there is no device in the list you need to install/update the USB driver:
You have to make sure that when you connect your phone with USB debugging on, you have 2 entries in Winodws Device manager:
Under Portable devices >Nexus 5 , and under Android device> Android composite ADB Interface.
If the second one is missing, ADB will not work and you can't continue. There are 2 ways to fix that :
1. You can install an Android driver called Universal Naked Driver 0.73 from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2386956. Unzip the file to a folder.
The author of that guide states you need to uninstall any driver that already exists. This proved tricky because Windows would not uninstall the Nexus 5 driver. I decided to install it on a PC that has no android driver.
When you connect the phone to a windows 7 pc for the first time it will search for a driver. I disconnected the internet and windows installed a generic driver. In device manager I saw Nexus 5 with a yellow triangle. I Right clicked on it > update driver software > Browse my computer for driver software and point to the folder you unzipped the driver. You will get a warning - allow the installation.
2. If that does not work or if you don't have another "virgin" PC try this:
Run SDK Manager, under Extras mark Google USB driver. You don't need anything else marked. Install the driver.
Now connect your phone to the PC in normal mode (not bootloader!) . Open device manager. You should have two entries: Portable devices >Nexus 5 and Android device > Android Composite ADB Interface
If the second one is missing, but the Nexus 5 is properly installed, Right click on the Nexus 5 device >Update driver software > Browse my computer for driver software >Let me pick from a list. Now make sure that "Show compatible Hardware" is ticked . You should now have an entry called "USB composite device". Choose that and let it install. When it's done, if you still have an an Unknown device >Nexus 5 and no Android Composite ADB Interface in device manager, then unplug the phone and reconnect it again . You should now have both devices installed.
If by chance this does not work, and you have a Nexus 5 with a yellow error , right click it>update software driver> Browse my computer.> and point it to the Universal Naked Driver folder or the SDK>Extras>Google USB driver folder and it should update so both devices appear (Nexus 5 and ADB).
Once adb can see your pohne go here, to read bitdomo's guide to fix the broken persist partition.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/general/guide-to-fix-persist-partition-t2821576
There are some prerequisites to getting this to work:
The first one is that the phone can be reached by ADB, this is why you needed the usb debugging mode to be turned on, and the proper usb driver installed.
Second, you need to install a custom recovery image. Don't worry, you will overwrite it later. The one I used is TWRP. Get the latest version from here:
http://techerrata.com/browse/twrp2/hammerhead
To install I recommend you copy Fastboot.exe and the TWRP file to an empty folder on your PC . Rename the TWRP file to "recovery.img". Open a command prompt in the folder (see here if you don't know how http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/how-open-windows-command-prompt-any-folder.htm) , in the black window type: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img and hit Enter. Wait a few seconds and it will finish.
Last, you need to root your device. There are many ways to do this. I did this very simply by downloading CF-Auto-Root from https://autoroot.chainfire.eu/ The file you need is this: https://download.chainfire.eu/363/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-hammerhead-hammerhead-nexus5.zip . Unzip it, put your phone in bootloader, run root-windows.bat.
Now you are prepaired... Follow the guide by bitdomo . Open a command prompt , and run the 2 commands bitdomo wrote. You will get a series of questions , type y followed by Enter until it's all done.
SInce you are still in bootloader mode, and a big START is at the top of the screen, click the power button to reboot. Now your oS 4.4x should load properly. Make sure everything is working.
I did not follow the steps for the wifi and BT fix , because they worked fine (and still do 4 months later) , but you can go ahead and do that too.
Now you can flash to the latest firmware 5.10 - download the file from the developer site I gave before, use Jason Os's script to flash the image, and lock the device. Done! Boot up the device and make sure it recognizes the right amount of RAM on your phone (16 or 32GB). If it does, then all is well .
When I first booted the device , I saw that it only recognized 16GB instead of 32GB. To solve this install TWRP again, go to Wipe>Format data . Then reboot the device and make sure you have 32GB.
If you like the stock recovery instead of TWRP you can use Fastboot to flash the original recovery.img.
Now you have a working Nexus 5 , v5.10.
Thanks to LyricWulf and bitdomo for their life saving guides. I hope this helps others in the same spot, and saves them 200$ .
stuck at unlock step
how u unlock nexus 5 when stuck booplop n cnt go to android screen?alrdy using ths step "fastboot oem unlock" when i reboot for unlock,stuck at bootloop n alrdy w8ing 24hr still bootloop cnt see android home screen...n i go to restart nexus5,n locked again... i just stuck on this place,cnt go to next step..pls help me
sry my englsh so bad
Thanks! Helped me to save my N5!
Do not need to exactly as it is posted but the directions is good!
Thanks again.
killian.1140 said:
how u unlock nexus 5 when stuck booplop n cnt go to android screen?alrdy using ths step "fastboot oem unlock" when i reboot for unlock,stuck at bootloop n alrdy w8ing 24hr still bootloop cnt see android home screen...n i go to restart nexus5,n locked again... i just stuck on this place,cnt go to next step..pls help me
sry my englsh so bad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what your problem is, but if you are stuck at the boot screen (with the colored dots spinning) you might have the smae problem I describe. You can try to go to bootloader and wipe the cache, if that does not help and you don't mind a wiping all your data do a factory reset. , Go to recovery mode (third option in bootloader), then press the powr and vol up buttons together several times until you get into recovery. Then choose what you want to wipe.
If that does not restore your phone you need to follow my guide. Probably your persist partion is degraded and needs to be fixed. If you follow my guide you will find out what your problem is.
Good luck
Or just read the stickies.
I had the same problem, and for me, simple NAND restore from TWRP recovery solved this issue. I recently made this NAND backup for no reason and it happens to be a very good move. Cheers
Thank you so much for this! You saved my phone!
volvoxxda said:
I had the same problem, and for me, simple NAND restore from TWRP recovery solved this issue. I recently made this NAND backup for no reason and it happens to be a very good move. Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But for that you have had to install TWRP in the first place...
Mine was stock.
Where is the backup saved?
Mine was rooted + TWRP recovery and I saved my backup on flash drive with TWRP's backup option. I was able to boot into boot menu (pwr + vol-) and it would let me to enter into TWRP only. For me it was enough to initiate a restore process..
volvoxxda said:
Mine was rooted + TWRP recovery and I saved my backup on flash drive with TWRP's backup option. I was able to boot into boot menu (pwr + vol-) and it would let me to enter into TWRP only. For me it was enough to initiate a restore process..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash drive? Do you mean the Nexus internal memory?
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External, like on this picture.
Final solution: power button micro tactile switch was faulty, causing boot loop from time to time. Replacing that little bastard solved this heartbreaking issue
volvoxxda said:
Final solution: power button micro tactile switch was faulty, causing boot loop from time to time. Replacing that little bastard solved this heartbreaking issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you just replace the button or did you have to replace something more?
Thanks
Just the button. You can DIY, it's easy.
worked
worked great. confusing in the start but got it working. Thanks for a life saving guide for nexus 5
incredible
Hi eross,
I registered and logged in just to say thank you for this amazing tutorial. I've been trying to repair my N5 for about 12 hours, and I was about to give up when I saw this post. You saved my Nexus!!
Thanks again. :victory::highfive::good:
eross said:
Not sure what your problem is, but if you are stuck at the boot screen (with the colored dots spinning) you might have the smae problem I describe. You can try to go to bootloader and wipe the cache, if that does not help and you don't mind a wiping all your data do a factory reset. , Go to recovery mode (third option in bootloader), then press the powr and vol up buttons together several times until you get into recovery. Then choose what you want to wipe.
If that does not restore your phone you need to follow my guide. Probably your persist partion is degraded and needs to be fixed. If you follow my guide you will find out what your problem is.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What if you cannot even get into recovery because it is missing?
Sent from my SM-G920T
ambervals6 said:
What if you cannot even get into recovery because it is missing?
Sent from my SM-G920T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try to download the stock firmware that's installed on your phone and flash the recovery img, or flash twrp recovery.
help
eross said:
This is a Nexus 5 32GB that's about 14 month old. Was running Lollipop 5.1 which was installed through OTA updates (4.44 >5.0 >5.01>5.1). The device is stock and unrooted.
Yesterday after powering the device up, it went into the boot screen and never managed to finsih the boot (for hours).
After reading extensively on this and other forums , here are the steps I tired , without success:
1. Go to bootloader and press Start
2.Go to bootloader , erase cache
3.Go to bootloader erase user data (factory reset).
I then tried to flash the factory image back. I tried all Lollipop versions from the google developers page of factory images. (can't post links yet...)
starting with 5.1.0 (LMY47I) and going down. All flashing was completed successfully, but the problem remains.
Then I tried 4.4.4 (KTU84P) and the device finally booted up, but it is crippled: Most times It only sees a storage of 16GB , the phone does not recognize any cellular carriers, google play crashes, camera crashes, gallery crashes. An error states that "no external memory is available". Basically it is useless.
I am wondering if it is a software or hardware problem. It appears as though part of the phone's memory is not functioning . Is there a way to check this? Is there a way to fix this?
Thanks
Edit: Just came back from an LG lab. Bad news. Need to replace the motherboard. Costs about 200$ !! Can't find anything cheaper on ebay. Guess it's time for a new phone
Edit #2 - SOLVED !!:laugh:
OK, this for any poor soul in the same state. This issue can be solved without replacing the motherboard for 200$.
The problem in my case was that the /persist partition was degraded, and could not mount. Here is how I found it out, and how I fixed it:
First, try to flash a stock image that will load, even if not fully working. You will need this later. In my case I could flash version 4.4x and get the phone to load.
The easiest way I found to flash my phone is using Julian OS' script. You can download the stock image5.0 and 5.01 with the script from here:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=22367
You will need to adapt the 4.4x firmware to have the script flash it, but it's very easy, just a couple of files to rename.
When you open Julian's zip file you will see that he uses a script that flashes the firmware's images one by one. What I did was download the stock images from Google https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images , used winrar to extracrt all the files from the .tgz file to a folder, then unzip the only zip file there (image-hammerhead-xxxxx.zip) which contains 5 img files. I then renamed the radio-hammerhead-xxxxx.img to radio.img and bootloader-hammerhead-xxxx.img to bootloader.img. Now all the file names comply with Julian's script. From Julian's archive copy the files "From Bootloader.bat" and "fastboot.exe" to the folder where all the images you just renamed are.
Put the phone in bootloader mode (turn the phone off, press the Vol- and the power buttons). Once the the phone is in bootloader mode, connect it to the PC and run "From Bootloader.bat" and follow the onscreen instructions. In about 2 minutes, your phone will be flashed.
Turn the phone on, if you are lucky it will load the OS. Disregard all the error messages, and don't bother setting the phone up. If you skip wifi, and don't have a sim in the phone you can finish the basic setup quickly.
Next you need to get developer tools activated: Settings>about phone>Build number. Tap 7 times on the build number and this will unlock Developer tools. Go back to settings and the new developer tools and enable usb debugging. Approve any popups.
I am not aware of how to enable usb debugging if you cannot go into the settings. If non of the stock images loads for you, search for a way to get usb debugging working , or else you cannot continue. You need this for ADB to connect to the phone.
Once this is done , boot the phone into debugging mode.
Read the guide here http://android.stackexchange.com/qu...dots-lollipop-screen-after-hard-factory-reset
I got as far as activating ADB Sideload when I got the error "cannot mount /persist". I then understood what the problem was. If you get the same error - you are in luck!
Then go here, to learn how to fix the broken persist partition.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/general/guide-to-fix-persist-partition-t2821576
There are some prerequisites to getting this to work.
The first one is that the phone can be reached by ADB, this is why you needed the usb debugging mode.
Second, you need to install a custom recover image. Don't worry, you will overwrite it later. The one I used is TWRP. Get the latest version from here:
http://techerrata.com/browse/twrp2/hammerhead
To install I recommend you copy Fastboot.exe and the TWRP file to an empty folder on your PC . Rename the TWRP file to "recovery.img". Open a command prompt in the folder (see here if you don't know how http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/how-open-windows-command-prompt-any-folder.htm) , in the black window type: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img and hit Enter. Wait a few seconds and it will finish.
Third, you need to install an Android driver called Universal Naked Driver 0.73 from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2386956. Unzip the file to a folder.
Since the author of that guide states you need to uninstall any driver that already exists, I decided to install it on a PC that has no android driver. When you connect the phone to a windows 7 pc for the first time it will search for a driver. I disconnected the internet and windows installed a generic driver. In device manager I saw Nexus 5 with a yellow triangle. I Right clicked on it > update driver software > Browse my computer for driver software and point to the folder you unzipped the driver. You will get a warning - allow the installation.
Last, you need to root your device. (I think this can also be done from within TWRP , but I am not sure how...) I did this very simply by downloading CF-Auto-Root from https://autoroot.chainfire.eu/ The file you need is this: https://download.chainfire.eu/363/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-hammerhead-hammerhead-nexus5.zip . Unzip it, put your phone in bootloader, run root-windows.bat.
Now you are prepaired... Follow the guide by bitdomo . Open a command prompt where adb.exe is located , and run the 2 commands bitdomo wrote. You will get a series of questions , type y followed by Enter until it's all done.
SInce you are still in bootloader mode, and a big START is at the top of the screen, click the power button to reboot. Now your oS 4.4x should load properly. Make sure everything is working.
Now you can flash to the latest firmware 5.10 - download the file from the developer site I gave before, use Jason Os's script to flash the image, and lock the device.
When I first booted the device , I saw that it only recognized 16GB instead of 32GB. To solve this install TWRP again, go to Wipe>Format data . Then reboot the device and make sure you have 32GB.
If you like the stock recovery instead of TWRP you can use Fastboot to flash the original recovery.img.
Now you have a working Nexus 5 , v5.10.
Thanks to LyricWulf and bitdomo for their life saving guides. I hope this helps others in the same spot, and saves them 200$ .
Addendum: According to bitdomo, installing a custom recovery like TWRP enables USB debugging by default even if the phone does not boot. I have not tried this myself, but this means you can foergo installing os 4.4x , and go straight to ADB and run the command that fixes the persist partition.
Go ahead and try it. It will save you a lot of time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My N5 has exact problem as yours even same errors of camera and playstorw crashing when i loaded older android version.. now im positive your instructions will help me but im having some trouble with your steps i do not know how to type comnands with ADB .. im truly novice and dont want to damage the phone more could you simplify the steps or make a video please? Thank you
Sorry, I can't make it any simpler than that. I can't make a video now because my phone is fixed. Adb is very simple, it's like an old DOS window where you type the text. I would follow Bitdomo's advice and start by installing TWRP. This will get you USB debugging, and you can run ADB and follow his instructions to fix the persist partition.
UPDATE: Please read the updated information at the bottom of this post, on my new recommendation to use the easier method, SuperSU systemless, to patch your original boot.img. This is in my quick start guide at the end of it, also. You still need to read my info on getting setup, also.
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I have started this thread as a place to post a working root solution for this tablet.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Nextbook...-System/122137749?variantFieldId=actual_color
This is a great Android tablet for the price. It features an updated Intel Cherry Trail quad core 1.92 GHz processor, 1gb RAM, 16gb internal storage. and Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
UPDATE: There is a newer version of the tablet with a manufacturing sticker date of September, 2017. Despite retaining the 8A model number, it has a slower, ARM processor and Android Nougat 7.1.1. Although it is quite snappy, It shows much slower benchmarks in AnTuTu and has a much smaller battery, about half the size. Also the boxes are about 2/3 the thickness of the older, 6.0.1 tablets.
The chances of rooting it are very slim. My solution will not work for it. Fastboot mode appears to be disabled on this and one other Nougat tablet that I own. I am returning the one I tested.
UPDATE: I now have root, a custom TWRP recovery and modified boot images for the Android 6.0.1 version of this device.
I would like to thank @vampirefo for his TWRP and original boot images, for without his work, this would not be possible.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT HIM ABOUT THIS HE WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY SUPPORT FOR IT, THAT WILL BE PROVIDED BY ME AND OTHER GENEROUS FORUM MEMBERS.
I strongly recommend, though that you donate to him, in his signature, for all of his hard work on this, even if it is a small amount. I asked him twice about this and he never responded, so please donate to him.
His original boot.imgs are modified to remove encryption and make the kernel permissive.
I unpacked them and removed dm_verity to remove the failed verification message, on boot then repacked them.
FILES ARE UP ON ANDROID FILE HOST
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=197521
Choose the version of the tablet that you own. Go to settings, about tablet and scroll to the bottom and look at the first few numbers of the build number. For example: V1.2.0.
Do not use this on the 1.0.8 version of the tablet or you will loose sound, wifi and maybe bluetooth. If you have this version of the tablet and can provide me a twrp, backed up, original boot.img, I can modify it to work with your tablet. You can temp boot twrp, to do this (see below). As of yet no one has provided one to me for the 1.0.8 tablet version.
UPDATE 10/24/2017: I now have a I now have a 1.0.8 modified boot.img up on android file host:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=962021903579487577
Here is a twrp backup of the 1.2.0 rom, with userdata deleted to start fresh. It will boot to the Android setup screen. If you have any major, unexplained problems, I recommend starting fresh with this. It works great on either tablet version: 1.1.1 and 1.2.0.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=673368273298970542
UPDATE 12/15/2017: I have uploaded a pre-rooted TWRP backup of my original V1.1.1 tablet
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=235141
TO PREPARE YOUR DEVICE:
UPDATED 12/3/2017: I now have found a Version 2.1.5 of the tablet and have uploaded an unrooted, TWRP backed up version of it. It also contains the original recovery so do not check that box when flashing it in TWRP unless you intend to replace TWRP with the stock recovery
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=673791459329065002
This will be long and thorough, because I see so many people who have trouble with this because they don't have their computer setup properly from the get go.
This will help you get ready to be successful in applying this.
First and foremost, unlocking your bootloader will delete all userdata on the tablet so you need a good backup of important files. If you backup to an external sd card, I strongly recommend also copying the files to an external source such as your computer. You can do that through mtp or remove the card and place it in an sd card adapter and insert it into an sd card reader. I did not do this, even though I knew better and my sd card was corrupted in the process, so I lost the original twrp backup of the virgin, untouched system partition.
Secondly, if you are on windows you need the proper drivers for adb and fastboot installed on your system. Proper drivers are the number one issue I see with windows users. For this Intel device get them here:
https://software.intel.com/en-us/android/articles/intel-usb-driver-for-android-devices
Here are the steps to install adb and Intel drivers, in the proper order:
The best way to to set up adb and fastboot in windows is to install it system wide. Here is an installer to do this that works well:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979
Install process for 15 sec adb:
1. Run it (Require administrator privileges)
2. Press Y/Yes to install ADB and Fastboot
3. Press Y/Yes to install ADB system-wide
4. Press N/No to skip installing Drivers
5. 15 seconds passed - finished!
6. Now install the Intel drivers listed above and here, again:
https://software.intel.com/en-us/android/articles/intel-usb-driver-for-android-devices
Third, enable developer options by going to settings, about tablet, and tap on the build number seven times to enable it.
Then go to developer options and make sure usb debugging is enabled. watch on the tablet screen for a popup dialog the approve usb debugging. check the box to always allow for this computer and hit ok.
Now, with the proper drivers installed, adb and fastboot properly installed, You need to test that it is functioning properly. This is done with the tablet booted into Android. If you used the adb I recommended, go to my computer, C drive and open the newly created adb folder. Left click in an open area of the folder to select it. then shift right click to open a contextual menu, then select: open a command prompt here. Once the command window is open, type:
Code:
adb devices
and hit enter:
you should see the device serial number listed. I am now doing this from linux, so it may differ,slightly:
adb devices
List of devices attached
YFGV1216059870 device
Sometimes you get starting daemon on port... and you have to type it again to see the device listed. If you don't see this, then your drivers or adb/fastboot aren't properly installed.
If you see your device, then type:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
and hit enter. your device should now reboot to bootloader mode. once in bootloader mode, type:
Code:
fastboot devices
enter and you device should once again be listed.
the next step, is to unlock your bootloader. Warning: ALL OF YOUR USERDATA WILL BE DELETED, HENCE THE BACKUP CREATED EARLIER. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
It has come to my attention that this is not clear: after unlocking the bootloader, all userdata will be deleted, like doing a factory reset.
Go into developer options and select OEM unlocking. This does not unlock your bootloader, it only enables the ability to do it from a fastboot prompt.
Now jump to the Quick Start guide for updated instructions:
Older, system mode method hidden, please use the instructions in the Quick Start Guide
Now, while still booted into bootloader mode, type:
Code:
fastboot flashing unlock
and hit enter to unlock your bootloader. All data will be deleted and the tablet will be re-encrypted upon boot, without encryption option removed from the bootloader. Now type
Code:
fastboot reboot
t, to reboot the tablet and you should reboot to the android setup screen, You can set it up again if you want, but you will be deleting userdata later when you flash the modified boot.img, so keep this in mind.
So you may want to wait to unlock until I release twrp and the boot.img, so you can continue using the tablet.
UPDATE: The files are now live.
To summarize, the above steps are to prepare you for the next exciting adventure to come and to realize the full potential that a rooted device offers..................
To be continued.
THE FILES ARE NOW ON ANDROID FILE HOST. DOWNLOAD HERE:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=197521
Boot or flash TWRP Recovery and flash boot.img
These instructions are for Windows, for Linux you must type sudo before fastboot commands
Instructions: first make sure you read the instructions above to be sure you have the proper drivers and adb and fastboot are installed and tested before proceeding. Unlock your bootloader per above instructions. WARNING! DANGER WILL ROBINSON! THIS PROCEDURE WILL DELETE ALL USERDATA ON YOUR TABLET SO BE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP OF ANY IMPORTANT DATA.
First, unzip the files to a directory. I usually do it in C:\adb, and leave the SR2-SuperSU-v2.82-SYSTEMMODE.zip, zipped.
Now, left click in that folder in an empty spot, or where ever you unzipped it and select it. Now right click and choose open a command prompt here from the contextual menu. once the command window is open type
Code:
adb devices
, hit enter, to confirm your device is listed. Now type
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
and it should reboot to bootloader mode.
I recommend booting into twrp temp first so you can backup your original boot, recovery and system.
now:
Code:
fastboot boot Ares8A_recovery_twrp.img
enter and it should reboot to twrp temp. Don't choose read only after it boots. Once in twrp choose backup and hit select storage and choose micro sdcard. now swipe to backup. You can later install twrp permanently if you want to. To flash permanently:
From bootloader mode:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery Ares8A_recovery_twrp.img
UPDATE: See the the end of my updated quick start guide for updated info on a simpler method to patch your original boot.img with either systemless SuperSU or Magisk. I no longer recommend flashing my patched boot.imgs, but instructions are still provided here for historical reference and for the few who still want SuperSu in the unofficial, system mode.
I have hidden the older method here, but is still here for those who still want system mode SuperSU:
Now
Code:
fastboot flash boot Ares8A_111_boot.img
enter, for the 1.1.1 version, or
Code:
fastboot flash boot Ares8A_120_boot.img
enter, for the 1.2.0 version, to flash the appropriate boot.img
For the newer 2.1.5 version of the table:
Code:
fastboot flash boot unsigned-new.img
hit the enter key, to flash.
Next, again in bootloader mode issue:
Code:
fastboot format userdata
enter, and wait for a successful message in the command window and on the tablet. it will take a little while.
Next
Code:
fastboot format cache
enter, wait. Now
Code:
fastboot reboot
hit enter, and the tablet should reboot to the android setup screen where you can set it up. It will take some extra time to reboot, so be patient. You may see the boot animation for awhile. This will be booted unencrypted now without root. I recommend doing a backup again in twrp before rooting.
There has been some misunderstanding about the above. Your data is encrypted and will not be accessible it twrp, hence, the backup before you do anything with this tablet.
You must wipe the userdata, so a new, clean data partition can be created that is unencrypted. A factory reset is not enough. You will have problems if you don't format userdata in the above step to created a decrypted data partition.
Flashing SuperSu for root
For the v1.1.1 and v1.2.0 tablets:
Make sure you have the SR1-SuperSU-v2.82-SYSTEMMODE.zip on your ext sd card.
For the newer 2.1.5 you need a systemless version of SuperSU:
SuperSU-v2.82-201705271822.zip Get it at:
https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/supersu/download/zip/SuperSU-v2.82-201705271822.zip Copy it to your external SD card.
When flashed, this systemless version will also patch your boot image for sytemless mode.
Furthermore, to install SR1-SuperSU-v2.82-SYSTEMMODE.zip, or SuperSU-v2.82-201705271822.zip, either boot twrp temp again, from bootloader mode issue:
Code:
fastboot boot Ares8A_recovery_twrp.img
, or if you already have it installed permanently and you are booted normally, issue
Code:
adb reboot recovery
enter to boot to it.
Next hit the install button in twrp and choose SR1-SuperSU-v2.82-SYSTEMMODE.zip or SuperSU-v2.82-201705271822.zip and swipe to confirm flash. after it is complete, go back to the main menu and choose reboot system. I choose not to install the twrp app before reboot.
Once rebooted, open the supersu app, making sure the following are selected in settings enable superuser, default access prompt or grant, enable su during boot, trust system user and enable pro, then go back and enable full content in logging. Next download a root check app to confirm root.
congratulations you should now be rooted! Now download a desired app that requires root and test to confirm you have no problems with root.
If you want an app that makes it easy to reboot in the various modes, I recommend Simple Reboot by Francisco Franco. It works great with this device and android version.
I was using Easy Reboot [ROOT] by Simone Luconi with my older, ares 8 with 5.1.1 and it had worked well.
Apparently it is not compatible with this device or rom. when I rebooted to recovery with it, I was not able to mount my external sd card and the card was corrupted on reboot. That is why I don't have a virgin, unrooted, copy of my system image now.
Good luck!
Here is a quick start guide for the already initiated:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72970060&postcount=82
Here is a link to my post for some apps I personally find useful:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72995672&postcount=112
Please report successes and problems on this thread, not to @vampirefo.
Thanks
@vampirefo has a solution, but has not released it. I'm not sure if it needs more work or testing before release? He has been quiet in this regard. It is my hope that he will reply with more relevant information about this.
I and maybe others, would be willing to give a donation, if that would help.
Thanks
Bootloader unlocking
WARNING! UNLOCKING THE BOOTLOADER WILL DELETE ALL OF YOUR DATA!
DON'T DO THE UNLOCKING UNTIL WE CAN REMOVE ENCRYPTION AND HAVE TWRP FOR BACKUP. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
You can enable the ability for the bootloader to be unlocked with a setting in the developer options. Like I stated, it enables the ability to unlock it, but does not unlock it. On must use the command in adb, through a computer. make sure usb debugging is enabled in the developer options. In a command prompt issue adb devices to make sure your device is showing up. There will be a prompt on your tablet to allow this. Confirm this.
Now with the tablet off, boot into fastboot by hold the volume key down button and the power button at the same time. Also, you can type: adb reboot bootloader then hit enter to get into bootloader or fastboot mode.
Once in fastboot mode, open a command prompt in windows and type fastboot devices to confirm your device is still showing up. If my memory serves me correctly there will also be a security confirmation on the tablet, to approve.
To unlock the bootloader type: fastboot flashing unlock. All data will be deleted and (I believe,) the tablet will be re-encrypted upon boot, without encryption option removed from the bootloader.
I HAVE NOT TESTED THIS, AS I DON'T WANT TO DELETE DATA, UNTIL WE HAVE TWRP TO BACKUP AND ROOT.
6/7/2017 UPDATE: I HAVE UPDATED THE UNLOCK COMMAND. I HAVE UNLOCKED MY BOOTLOADER. AS I THOUGHT, ALL USER DATA IS DELETED (FACTORY RESET). I USED THE FIRST:
"fastboot flashing unlock" Unlocks the device. Allows flashing any
partition except bootloader-related
partitions
"flashing unlock_critical" Enables flashing bootloader-relate partitions.
all fastboot commands are listed by just typing fastboot, while booted into bootloader mode. My tablet is still running great with my bootloader unlocked. One more tiny step toward gaining root, however, there is still a long way to go.
Please post any additional info if I have something wrong, or left out any important steps.
Thanks
Geenify: How to grant permissions required by some features on non-root device?
I am currently using Greenify on my non-rooted device and it is working very well.
By using adb, one can grant it additional permission so it performs almost as well on an unrooted device. Here is a link for this:
https://greenify.uservoice.com/know...o-grant-permissions-required-by-some-features
I copied and pasted each command, one at a time, in the command prompt then hit enter, to enable each one.
In Greenify settings, I also have aggressive doze enabled, Automated hibernation enabled, Wakeup Tracker enabled and Quick action Notification enabled.
How to boot into stock recovery mode
To boot to the stock recovery through adb:
adb reboot recovery
You will see "no command" on the tablet.
Hold the power button and volume up for about 4sec then release the volume up, where you should go to the stock recovery screen.
You can also get to it without a computer. With the tablet shut down, hold the volume down power button until it boots to bootloader or fastboot mode.
Use the volume up or down button to toggle through the options: normal boot, restart bootloader, recovery mode, reboot, power off and ftm mode. Choose recovery and use the volume up and power button as before.
In addition you can get to the efi bootmanager by holding the volume up, power button when the device has been shutdown first.
adb security confirmation
Unlike my Nextbook Ares 8 with 5.1.1, with this newer tablet which has 6.0.1, I have to reaffirm the security prompt on the device each time, despite checking the box: "Always allow from this computer".
Maybe this is because of the tightened security in Android Marshmallow? I'm not sure.
If there is a way around this each time, please let me know
Thanks
UPDATE: After I unlocked the bootloader and the tablet was factory reset, I no longer have to re-approve each time after checking the box: "Always allow from this computer"
Would love to see some break throughs with this device aswell. Cheers to any one working in it.
Is this relevant? It would seem they are the same device. twitter.com/srsroot/status/846663673645010944?lang=en
Giftlift said:
Is this relevant? It would seem they are the same device. twitter.com/srsroot/status/846663673645010944?lang=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't try any of these one click root solutions. none work to my knowledge on android 6.01, (at least on this device) , and may install malware or pups on your host computer.
martyfender said:
Don't try any of these one click root solutions. none work to my knowledge on android 6.01, (at least on this device) , and may install malware or pups on your host computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good::good:
This requires a lot of work.
1. Google kernel source.
2. Build bootable kernel
3. Unlock bootloader
4. Boot kernel with 5.1 ramdisk.
5. Use adb to pull boot.img and recovery.img
6. Download TWRP source modify source for intel
7. Make device tree
8. Unpack recovery.img use that kernel in your TWRP.
9. Make boot.img permissive, remove encryption repack and flash.
10. Flash TWRP.
11. Flash system mode SuperSU for root.
Sent from my LIFE X8 using Tapatalk
vampirefo said:
This requires a lot of work.
1. Google kernel source.
2. Build bootable kernel
3. Unlock bootloader
4. Boot kernel with 5.1 ramdisk.
5. Use adb to pull boot.img and recovery.img
6. Download TWRP source modify source for intel
7. Make device tree
8. Unpack recovery.img use that kernel in your TWRP.
9. Make boot.img permissive, remove encryption repack and flash.
10. Flash TWRP.
11. Flash system mode SuperSU for root.
Sent from my LIFE X8 using Tapatalk
@vampirefo Thanks for taking the time to post this.
To familiarize myself with Linux, I created a persistent linux Mint 17.2 Mate 64 bit on a 32 gb usb thumb drive before I decide to commit my windows machine for a linux install.
I installed oracle jdk and android studio thinking this was the build environment needed to do this. the twrp compile forum makes no mention of what to do in this case. I must have been wrong? I don't think I need this to download and build android kernel sources and twrp source?
I'm now very doubtful about even tempting to do this. Yes, a lot of work just learning the basics of linux, let alone following the steps you give in your basic outline. I don't want to give up so easily, but the learning curve is steep.
So one just uses terminal commands to setup and download aosp and twrp git repositories and to make them? Also, is there any way to backup my device system, boot and recovery without root in linux or windows? I have used the adb pull command to backup the system directories to my windows computer, but don't know how to do it for other partitions, if possible.
I found this kernel building guide for arm and mediatek devices. would this be similar for Intel using the right repositories?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/guide-easy-kernel-building-tutorial-t3581057
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
martyfender said:
vampirefo said:
This requires a lot of work.
1. Google kernel source.
2. Build bootable kernel
3. Unlock bootloader
4. Boot kernel with 5.1 ramdisk.
5. Use adb to pull boot.img and recovery.img
6. Download TWRP source modify source for intel
7. Make device tree
8. Unpack recovery.img use that kernel in your TWRP.
9. Make boot.img permissive, remove encryption repack and flash.
10. Flash TWRP.
11. Flash system mode SuperSU for root.
Sent from my LIFE X8 using Tapatalk
@vampirefo Thanks for taking the time to post this.
To familiarize myself with Linux, I created a persistent linux Mint 17.2 Mate 64 bit on a 32 gb usb thumb drive before I decide to commit my windows machine for a linux install.
I installed oracle jdk and android studio thinking this was the build environment needed to do this. the twrp compile forum makes no mention of what to do in this case. I must have been wrong? I don't think I need this to download and build android kernel sources and twrp source?
I'm now very doubtful about even tempting to do this. Yes, a lot of work just learning the basics of linux, let alone following the steps you give in your basic outline. I don't want to give up so easily, but the learning curve is steep.
So one just uses terminal commands to setup and download aosp and twrp git repositories and to make them? Also, is there any way to backup my device system, boot and recovery without root in linux or windows? I have used the adb pull command to backup the system directories to my windows computer, but don't know how to do it for other partitions, if possible.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All work is done in terminal, root is required to make backups.
Sent from my LIFE X8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
vampirefo said:
martyfender said:
All work is done in terminal, root is required to make backups.
Sent from my LIFE X8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I could uninstall android studio. Should I also revert back to openjdk? I see it mentioned in google docs on setting up a build environment.
UPDATE: I think I have now setup properly. Reverted to openjdk 8
I downloaded this: git clone https://android.googlesource.com/platform/prebuilts/gcc/linux-x86/x86/x86_64-linux-android-4.8
I found this: https://github.com/CM-CHT/android_device_intel_cherrytrail-common Would this be useful?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
martyfender said:
vampirefo said:
So I could uninstall android studio. Should I also revert back to openjdk? I see it mentioned in google docs on setting up a build environment.
UPDATE: I think I have now setup properly. Reverted to openjdk 8
I downloaded this: git clone https://android.googlesource.com/platform/prebuilts/gcc/linux-x86/x86/x86_64-linux-android-4.8
I found this: https://github.com/CM-CHT/android_device_intel_cherrytrail-common Would this be useful?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No ideal, try it and see.
Sent from my LIFE X8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What would it take to interest @vampirefo in rooting this tablet and providing a nice clean ROM for the Ares 8A???
cjhudson101 said:
What would it take to interest @vampirefo in rooting this tablet and providing a nice clean ROM for the Ares 8A???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me to root and provide TWRP recovery, I would need the tablet.
Sent from my Life Max using Tapatalk
vampirefo said:
For me to root and provide TWRP recovery, I would need the tablet.
Sent from my Life Max using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad, I guess I misunderstood one of your posts where you said you successfully rooted the tablet, but were withholding the method...
What if I sent you one?
cjhudson101 said:
My bad, I guess I misunderstood one of your posts where you said you successfully rooted the tablet, but were withholding the method...
What if I sent you one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't misread, I rooted my son's, he doesn't live near me, he is in college. He is using my laptop that I used, so all my source files are with him.
I need tablet to start over, I already know what to do but without tablet, I can't do it.
Sent from my Life Max using Tapatalk
Check your zip in the link, lets get vamp an 8a!
I just got one of these for $35, but now the closest walmart with it in stock is an hour away. Ill totaly send you one if I drive that way for any reason. Check your zip on brickseek ..... anyone?
slickdeals.net/f/10189248-nextbook-ares-8a-16gb-tablet-android-6-ymmv-35-bm?src=SiteSearchV2_SearchBarV2Algo1
it came with 6.0.1 on it