Database Info

FAQ Android Hacking

Hi there,
I just came up to Android with an Orange branded HTC Desire. Until now, I was using a HTC Diamond 2 with WM and tried some cooked ROM. But it was really easy with WM. Now, I need to understand more or less how my Android phone works to be able to play with it the same way I played with my Diamond 2.
As I'm a bit lost with some Android terms and concepts and I would like to purpose a kind of glossary for newbies like me. The goal is to explain common concepts with a functional and a technical point of view. I try to give example based on Nexus One and Desire based on personal experiments.
I'll start with what I've understood last few days and believe to be right. I'll ask you to correct my mistakes and to complete this FAQ. I'll keep this post updated.
For the moment following lines may contain big mistakes. I will try to flag validated information.
ROM
A ROM contains the OS on your phone. It can be installed like Windows or Linux on your desktop PC. A ROM contains the kernel and a pack of applications already installed for you. You can find a lot of cooked ROM (ROMs made by great people who would like to share with you optimizations they've done on their phone) on Internet. Normally, Android phones only accept ROM which are signed by the reseller. So you can only put Orange ROM on Orange branded phone.
Moreover, installing a new ROM is a way to update your phone. However, Android phone include an internal updating system (it's just a program like Windows update) so you can receive updates without installing a new ROM. It's called OTA (On The Air) update. OTA update is the way for basic customers to receive update for their phone.
Functionally :
Install a ROM is as easy as execute an exe on you Windows PC. It very easy and fast. You can also install a ROM by using the Recovery Menu.
GoldCard
A GoldCard is a modified SDCard which allows you to put the original unbranded ROM on a career branded phone (installing the original HTC Desire ROM on an Orange HTC Desire). Normally, if you try to execute a HTC ROM updater with a Orange phone, you'll be stuck after 4 or 5 clicks on next. With a Goldcard in your phone, you can archive the process.
You can't install a ROM built for an other device just using a GoldCard (installing a Nexus One ROM on a Desire is not possible).
GoldCard is only needed if you have a carrier-branded Desire, even for rooting process. Unbranded phones never need it.
Be sure to keep your GoldCard because it will be needed for each ROM modifications. You can use a GoldCard as a normal SDCard without problem. However, if you create new partitions for app2sd, your GoldCard will ruined.
Functionally :
Create a GoldCard is easy. It will take you 30 minutes. Not all SDCards work to create a GoldCard. Mine (SanDisk 4Go) included in my Orange package worked perfectly.
Instructions can be found here or here.
Technically :
If I'm right, while you are installing a ROM from the executable on your desktop PC, the phone checks if the ROM you're trying to install match a hard coded key on the phone. With a GoldCard, you make the phone believe signature is good.
CID
The serial number of your SDCard. You'll need to retrieve it with ADB Shell to create your GoldCard.
Functionally :
In ADB Shell (see ADB section), following command line give you your CID :
Code:
cat /sys/class/mmc_host/mmc1/mmc1:*/cid
Fastboot
It's like the BIOS on your desktop PC. You can access the fastboot with a keyboard combo while starting your phone. It give you access to some function like Recovery Mode or SIM Unlock. With fastboot, you can also install a new ROM using a zip placed on your SDCard.
Use can easily unlock Fastboot on the Nexus One using a ADB shell command.
Fastboot give you access to the recovery mode. In this mode, you can gain write permission in the /system partition which is not possible in Disk Drive mode, event with USB Debugging enabled. With this access, you can easily remove applications which are included in the ROM (like FriendStream in HTC ROMs).
Functionally :
To reach Fastboot on Desire : Hold down back button while pressing power.
Technically :
When you connect the phone to your PC in Fastboot, you will establish a special connection with the device. It uses "Android Bootloaded Interface" driver.
Fastboot unlock
An operation to unlock Fastboot. It's the first step to root your phone. It's easily done for the Nexus One via ADB (see here). It much more difficult with the Desire (possible thanks to Paul).
HBoot
An other boot menu.
Functionally :
To reach HBoot on Desire : Hold down volume down button while pressing power.
ADB
ADB means Android Debug Bridge. You can read this. When you connect your phone to your PC, you can choose different modes :
Charge only : No interaction with your PC
Internet tethering (only if you have a HTC standard ROM, Orange & Co disable this option) : Your PC will see your phone like a modem.
HTC Sync (if you have a HTC standard ROM) : Use to synchronize you data with HTC Sync software
Disk drive : Your PC will see your phone as a USB key allowing you to access to your SDCard
If you're in Disk Drive mode (or even if you're in Charge only mode), you can activate USB debugging (setting > applications > development on your phone). In this mode, your PC will use a ADB driver to establish a special connection. With ADB drivers, you have access to ADB Shell.
With ADB Shell, you can list every file on device and deploy your own application.
Functionally :
Activate USB debugging on your phone to play with ADB Shell.
ADB Shell is accessible from Windows or Linux.
For people who don't use to play with command line, on windows, you must either open a cmd.exe and move in the "tools" folder (with cd command) of your unzipped ADB package or add this repository to your path (instructions here[URL].
Then you can check that everything is alright with following command :
Code:
adb devices
You should see :
Code:
List of devices attached
HTxxxxxxxx device
Then you can type "adb shell" to enter the shell. All Unix basics commands are available and you can do whatever your want... almost nothing since you're not root.
Rooting
Rooting a device is a process to become root on its OS. It allows you to install very nice apps like app2sd (to install application on SDCard), SetCPU app (to overclock or downclock your device) or OpenVPN. This kind of apps can not run if your device is not rooted.
With a rooted device, you can install apps which are not yet validated for your phone on the market by modifying the ID of your device (like the user-agent of your browser). It's easier than downloading the apk file from somebody who extracted the application on a device accepted by the market for this application.
Finally, with a rooted device, you can install ROM from an other device (installing a Nexus One ROM on a Desire).
Functionally :
On Desire, become root is now possible thanks to Paul from Modaco. On Nexus One, it much more easy.
Process is easy if you follow guides step by step. Warning, it will remove all data and configuration on your phone. However, your SD card won't be modified.
If you follow the guide to root the Desire, one of the first steps is to put a big zip file on your SDCard (often rootedupdate.zip). In fact, this zip file contains the ROM you'll have on your phone at the end of the process. Guides generally provide an almost generic ROM. The only modification made to this ROM is the addition of the Superuser Permissions app (the Ninja icon) which will help you to grant root access to applications asking for permission. Installing this ROM is the easier solution. However, you can use every ROM you want (you will find some very interesting ROM on this forum). Just put the file on your SDCard at the beginning of the process and point to the good zip file in the last step. Warning, if you want to install a ROM with app2sd in it, you must know that this application requires a special partition on your SDCard, so you must format your SDCard before the first boot of your new ROM. To do this, just after installing the ROM zip file (the last step of the rooting process), you have to stay in the Recovery Menu and use the good option to create partitions on your SDCard. Of course, your SDCard will be formated.
Technically :
I have no idea what are tricks to become root. You have to find a hole in the phone software. It's not easy.
The process itself requires several steps :
The first step is to unlock the bootloader. This step is easy on Nexus One. On Desire, this step is archived by installing a kind of ROM from Fastboot on your phone.
Unlocking bootloader will give you access to the Recovery Menu and will make your phone accept non-HTC-signed updates (for Desire).
Then, you have to connect your device in HBoot mode to your PC in order to write some files on the phone. These files are used to launch the Recovery Menu. From this menu, you can wipe all data and some caches (I don't know differences between all caches)
Finally you can install a new ROM on your device using a zip file on your SDCard.
Recovery Mode
The Recovery Mode is a special mode accessible from HBoot. You'll need to access this mode to push files needed for the Recovery Menu. It's an important step in the rooting process.
Functionally :
When your phone is in Recovery Mode, you'll see a little red triangle on your screen.
Technically :
Recovery Mode is a special provided by Android to do special operations. In fact, I don't know what's the real usage of this mode.
Recovery Menu
The Recovery Menu is a small tool accessible from Recovery Mode. It purposes some options such as wipe your data, format your SDCard and the most important option : deploy ROM or files from a zip file previously dropped at the root of your SDCard.
Functionally :
The Recovery Menu is a green menu you have to use in the root process.
Technically :
On the Desire, Recovery Menu is the only way to write files on /system. Put a zip file on the root of your SDCard and the Recovery Menu will unzip the package and deploy files on your phone for you. You will have to use this menu to install OpenVPN because this application requires to put some file in /system partition. In the last step of the rooting process, Recovery Menu will deploy your ROM (which is nothing more than just a bunch of files) on your phone.
SIM Unlock
SIM Unlock in a process different from all others. If I'm right, you'll have to use Fastboot, put some files on your SDCard and press SIMUnlock. Required files can be provided by your operator. This process works with all ROMs and don't required a root access.
Nandroid Backup
The Nandroid backup process creates binary images (.img) of the boot, data and system partitions (and ext also, if you choose nand+ext). Needless to say you need root in order to be able to perform this kind of backup.
Later, you can use those image files to restore those partitions, in a very similar way you restore a hard-disk partition from a ghost created image. Practically the restore process erases all their content and replaces it with the data saved in the img files, thus reverting the phone's software to the state it was when you performed backup.
Nandroid backup doesn't include the radio image; you can only change (or revert) the radio by flashing it again.
If you want to go back to stock software, you need to use a RUU, which overwrites all the modifications you made into the phone's software (and of course removes the root access as well).
APK
This is the file format for applications. Each application is packaged in an APK file. When you install an application from the market, you're just downlading an APK file which is then automatically installed on your phone.
You can also find APK files on Internet, put them on your SDCard (or directly download them from your phone) and install them.
Deodexed
Technically :
By default, applications are odexed. This allows Android to preload some parts of an application to optimize its launch time. Unfortunately it makes application resources be dispatched outside the APK. Deodexing is a process of gathering all resources inside the application.
Functionally :
Some applications apply a theme on other applications. You need a deodexed version of the targeted application to use this. However, deodexing applications is not a process you should take care of. You'll find some custom ROMs in which all applications have been deodexed for you.
That's all for now. I really want to complete technical information on above lines. It will be great if somebody could explain why you can not install a Nexus One ROM on a HTC Desire using only a GoldCard. Moreover I would like to know how works Fastboot with SDCard. It seems that SDCard plays a really important role (used to update ROM, SIM unlock and GoldCard).
PS : English is not my native language, please be indulgent.
Many thanks to The Professor and silvake for some precisions.
Matco.

Great topic idea, thank you!

Great idea!
Just found out that you need to be in recovery mode in order to have write permissions to the /system partitition (Disk Drive with USB debugging enabled won't work).
More details in the link below, if you want to include them:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6347071&postcount=2
(credits go to emdzej)

Thank your for your support. I just updated the post with your details.
I would like to add some links but I don't have enough rights to add the url tag in my posts.

CID register - serial number of your sd card

Perhaps time to move the info to the wiki ?
Greetings from a vastloper

This should deffinatley get a sticky + be added to the wiki. Great info, so many new terms to learn now that i'm experimenting with android on my blackstone and seriously considering a Desire

Thank you for your replies. I just made some improvements.
It will be ready for the Wiki as soon as someone will confirm informations and help me to complete blanks.
I would really like to have more technical informations. Feel free to share what you know !
For moderators, is it possible to allow me to add URL ?

Matco said:
Thank you for your replies. I just made some improvements.
It will be ready for the Wiki as soon as someone will confirm informations and help me to complete blanks.
I would really like to have more technical informations. Feel free to share what you know !
For moderators, is it possible to allow me to add URL ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
matco my desire was not branded by any network.. does this mean to root I should just go ahead with the root process ignoring the goldcard step?? thanks

Yes, you're right (check [Guide] Rooting in this forum, page 4 post 39). GoldCard is only needed for branded phone.
Anyway, the website which generated the .img has been disabled. So you can't create easily a GoldCard right now...

Negative, it's back online:
http://psas.revskills.de/?q=goldcard

guys stuck on the red exclamation mark.. using vista, i ran recovery bat but the recovery mode is not going green. what other files hould be in the same folder as recovery bat?

Everything that was in the original pushfiles.zip along with adb-nilezon. Not sure if they're still there, but if they are, here's where you should be able to find them.

I just updated the FAQ as I successfully rooted my Desire. Rooting process helps me to understand what are Fastboot and HBoot for.
It would be nice if someone can tell me if you can put any zip you want on your SD Card for the last step of the rooting process or if you have to use special ROM included in the file package (rootedupdate.zip).
Thanks by advance.

You can put any full ROM on as the last step, it doesn't have to be rootedupdate.zip. That one will be exactly stock + root, though - so for people who like the phone as is but want root, that's the ROM they want.
You can download anybody else's ROM and throw it on for the final step if that's your cup of tea, though. May want to mention that if they're picking a ROM with A2SD in it, that they need to perform the SD setup before booting, or they may run into trouble with that.

Thank your for your reply.
I will add a warning for people who want to install a ROM with app2SD in it (if I'm right they can use the little "green" menu just before installing the zip file to create partitions on SD Card).
As you seem to have a good understanding of the rooting process, could you explain me what is the goal of the first step (installing a fresh ROM from RUU Installer with phone in Fastboot Mode)? And what are pushed files for ? Is it for green menu?

You need to partition the SD card (using the partition options in the recovery (green) menu) after your ROM and A2SD are installed - if you partition beforehand, you'll lose the zip files you need to flash.
The first step unlocks the bootloader so it'll allow low-level access and recovery mode and so the phone will accept non-HTC-signed updates, I believe. The pushfiles in the second step are forcing the recovery menu (the green menu you mention) onto the device - but since we can't have write access to /system while the device is outside of recovery mode, we have to push the files every time.

very helpful for winmo converts thanks
it took me some time to figure that out

I've done some updates thanks to The Professor.

Great thread, thank you

[Complete Guide] What Is ClockworkMod And How To Use It

Schedule Post:
#1 - What Is ClockworkMod Recovery And How To Use It On Android
#2 - Nandroid Backup & Restore
#3 - Onandroid Backup
What Is ClockworkMod Recovery And How To Use It On Android
ClockworkMod – also known as Clockwork or CWM – is a custom recovery for Android phones and tablets that allows you to perform several advanced recovery, restoration, installation and maintenance operations on your Android device that aren’t possible with the stock recovery. In what follows, we will cover all that this recovery is capable of doing, and how to do it. We do not discuss about TWRP (TeamWin Recovery Project) in this thread.
1.All About Android Recovery
All Android devices ship with a recovery console that is basically a partition on the device’s internal memory and can be booted into. The stock recovery of almost all Android devices provides a few basic yet handy options that allow you to factory reset your device and also to recover its operating system using an official ROM in zip format, but that’s all you can do with it. That’s where a custom recovery comes handy.
A custom Android recovery basically replaces the stock recovery with one that lets you do all you can do with the stock recovery, plus a plethora of more options to give you a lot more control on your device. With a custom recovery, you can install official and unofficial ROMs as well as other updates including apps, themes, kernels etc. using zip files, wipe not just user data but pretty much every partition on your device, mount the storage card for USB mass storage access without leaving recovery, partition your SD card, wipe Dalvik cache and battery stats, fix permissions, perform, manage and restore backups and so on.
2.Introduction to ClockworkMod
ClockworkMod recovery is one of the most widely used custom Android recoveries that is available for most mainstream Android devices. It is the needed recovery for AOKP, AOSP, CM. ClockworkMod recovery has been developed by Koushik Dutta (also known as Koush) – the same guy who brought us the Android ROM Manager.
3.Booting into ClockworkMod
On most Android devices including ones by Samsung, you can enter recovery by powering your device off and then powering it back on while keeping either the Volume Up+Home+Power buttons pressed in the same time. This will enter the bootloader from where you can select the ‘RECOVERY’ option by navigating to it with the Volume key and entering it with the ‘Power’ key.
Tour
1. reboot system now
Reboot/restart your phone.
2. apply update from sdcard
This can be used for installation of any official or unofficial update, ROM, kernel, theme etc. That is in a zip format installable from recovery, as long as the file is named update.zip and it has been placed on the root of your SD card (i.e. not in any sub-folder). Selecting this option (and most of the options featured below) will bring up a rather annoying confirmation prompt but this has saved us on multiple occasions from a lot of trouble we would have been into due to accidental key presses. This is what we are talking about:
3. wipe data/factory reset
This option wipes all user data on the device as well as cache. Doing this will leave your phone in the state it was in when you bought it or when any custom ROM was first installed. It will also wipe any sd-ext partition that you might have setup (more on this later).
4. wipe cache partition
Wipes the cache partition of the device to clear all the data accumulated there over use. This is often used before installing a new ROM, app, kernel or any similar mod via recovery.
5. install zip from sdcard
This option brings up the following sub-menu:
a. apply /sdcard/update.zip
This one is essentially the same as the ‘apply update from sdcard’ option of the main menu.
b. choose zip from sdcard
Lets you install any zip file (with any name) from any location on your SD card. The file can be for a ROM, a kernel, an application, a theme or any mod as long as it is in recovery-flashable zip format. This is the most widely used option for installing a ROM that you have downloaded and copied to your SD card.
c. toggle signature verification
Turns the signature verification on and off. When signature verification is on, you will not be able to install any custom ROMs that haven’t been signed by the developers (most custom ROMs aren’t signed). Switching it off skips the signature verification check and proceeds with the installation.
d. toggle script asserts
Seldom-used option for a vast majority of users. It simply turns script asserts on or off. If you don’t know about these (we don’t), it’s best not to change this option.
e. +++++Go Back+++++
Takes you back to the main recovery menu, obviously!
6. backup and restore
Undoubtedly one of the most important features provided by a custom recovery, the backup and restore feature – also known as Nandroid backup – allows you to take a snapshot of your phone’s entire internal memory including all partitions, and save it on the SD card.
a. Backup
Takes a Nandroid backup, as explained above.
b. Restore
Lets you restore a previously taken backup. Entering this option presents you with a list of existing backups from the SD card that you can choose from for restoration.
c. Advanced Restore
This option is similar to the Restore option but once a backup has been selected to be restored, this option allows you to choose what parts of it to restore. You can choose to restore the boot, system, data, cache and sd-ext partitions.
7. mounts and storage
Allows you to perform maintenance tasks on all the internal and external partitions of your android device
a. mount/unmount /system, /data, /cache, /sdcard or /sd-ext
These options let you toggle between mounting or unmounting these respective partitions. Most users don’t need to change these options.
b. format boot, system, data, cache, sdcard or sd-ext
These let you directly format any of these partitions. Take extreme care with this option as formatting any of these partitions will result in losing all data on them, especially the boot and system partitions. Formatting the system partition will remove your ROM and leave your phone without an operating system while wiping the boot partition may brick your phone unless you restore or flash another one before rebooting your device.
c. mount USB storage
Lets you enable USB mass storage mode for your SD card right from recovery so that you can connect it to your computer via USB and transfer any files to/from it without having to leave recovery.
8. advanced
This section contains a few options most users will not require, though these can come handy quite often, especially wiping Dalvik cache, which is required before most ROM installations.
1. Reboot Recovery
Lets you directly and very conveniently reboot from recovery right back into recovery. This is useful option for certain back-to-back installations that require the device to at least boot once between them.
2. Wipe Dalvik Cache
Allows you to wipe the cache for the Dalvik virtual machine (the custom-built Java virtual machine for Android).This is required before most ROM installations and at other occasions too, for fixing some problems.
3. Wipe Battery Stats
Wipes the saved battery usage statistics and effectively recalibrates the battery. Useful in various scenarios when Android isn’t showing correct battery levels.
4. Report Error
In case of errors, this feature can be used to save a log of recent ClockworkMod recovery operations on the SD card that you can later report from Android using ROM Manager.
5. Key Test
Lets you press any of the hardware keys to see if they are properly functioning, and to see their key codes.
6. Partition SD Card
This option gives you a no-frills way to partition your SD card properly for use with ROMs that support data2ext (a very handy hack for low internal memory devices that enables an /sd-ext partition on the SD card to be used as the internal user data storage i.e. as the /data partition). Once this option is selected, you will be given options to choose the sizes for the /sd-ext partition as well as an optional /swap partition on the SD card, and will then automatically format it for you, leaving the remaining space for normal SD card usage. This option will wipe all data from your SD card so use it with caution!
7. Fix Permissions
Fixes the file permissions for the internal memory partitions back to default. This is very useful as a fix for several errors and Force-Closes that start appearing after you or an application you installed and provided root access end up messing up the permissions of important files.
4.Using ClockworkMod for ROM, kernel, apps, theme or mod installation
While in the complete feature tour we have already shown you how to install a ROM, kernel, app, theme or any similar mod from a recovery-flashable zip file using the recovery options, those of you who jumped straight to this section expecting to get just this information quickly are at the right place!
This guide is primary focused on a full feature tour of CWM but in our previously written guide on how to flash a ROM or app from a zip to an Android device file from recovery, we have already covered in detail how to use ClockworkMod for installing any ROM, kernel, app, theme or mod using a recovery-flashable zip file. While that guide is based on an older version of ClockworkMod recovery, everything in it still applies to the latest versions and should work flawlessly.
5.How To Install A ROM or App from zip file to Android device from recovery
Please note that the terms ‘installing’ and ‘flashing’ can be used interchangeably here and will mean the same thing.
Rooting your device renders its warranty void.
ALWAYS take backups before rooting or flashing a custom ROM or app to your phone.
Flashing a defective ROM or app to your phone might brick it so choose the ROMs and software that you flash wisely and never install a ROM or application from an untrusted source.
AddictiveTips will not be liable if your device gets damaged or bricked during the process.
Official ROM updates from device manufacturers or carriers are released in conveniently packaged installation files that you can run on your computer while your Android device is connected to it, and they automatically take care of updating your phone’s system. Similarly, most applications are available directly in the Android Market for easy installation, or come packaged as convenient ‘.apk’ files that you can just run on your Android phone to install. The case is not the same with most custom ROMs and several custom applications, which come in .zip files rather than PC installers or .apk files.
The idea of installing a customized operating system to their smartphone can be quite intimidating for inexperienced users. Though once they get used to it, some of them end up trying out different ROMs for their devices several times a day. While I don’t exactly recommend that you flash every new ROM that is made available for your Android phone, we are here to help you get over the fear of flashing a ROM that enhances the capabilities of your device so that you can use it to its fullest potential.
Here is a quick look at what we will be covering in this guide. Feel free to skip to the real deal if you already meet the prerequisites.
• Before We Begin: Battery Check
• Before We Begin: Unlocking the Bootloader (Stock Android Devices Only)
• Before We Begin: Rooting
• Before We Proceed: Installing a Custom Recovery
• The Real Deal: Installing a Custom ROM to your Phone
• The Real Deal: Installing an App From a Zip File to your Phone
There are certain steps that you might not require, and we shall be mentioning them in each section.
Before We Begin: Battery Check
Before you proceed with any of the following steps, make sure your phone’s battery level is not too low. It is recommended to have it at 50% or more. Do NOT take this lightly. If your phone’s battery runs out while you are attempting to flash a custom ROM, there is a significant chance of your phone getting bricked and becoming unusable PERMANENTLY.
Before We Begin:Unlocking the Bootloader (Stock Android Devices Only)
Note: This step applies only to Android devices with stock version of Android installed. At the moment, Google Nexus One and Nexus S are the only two such devices available. You may skip this step if you are using any other Android device.
Users of stock Android devices such as the Google Nexus One or Nexus S also need to unlock its bootloader before they can proceed. Once you have done this, you may proceed to the next step.
Before We Begin: Rooting
Note: You may skip this step if your device is already rooted, or if you already know how to root it.
Before you can install a custom ROM to your device, your phone needs to be rooted. Rooting is basically administrator or root level access required to perform administrative tasks on your Android device. Once you are done with the rooting process, you may proceed to the next step.
Before We Proceed: Installing A Custom Recovery
Note: You may skip this step if you already have a custom recovery installed on your device.
Rooting grants you the necessary access level to execute administrative tasks on your Android device but it is the recovery that provides the tools necessary to actually perform those tasks. While every Android device ships with a recovery, the stock recovery is quite limited in what it lets you do, and you need a custom recovery image to perform advanced operations on your device. Once you have a custom recovery installed on your phone, you will be ready to proceed to the next step.
The Real Deal: Installing a Custom ROM to your Phone
Now that you have a custom recovery installed on your phone, you can perform all sorts of wonderful advanced operations on your device and this includes the ability to flash a ROM or application from a zip file. The procedure is pretty standard for most ROMs, though there are certain ROMs which require additional steps for their installation. Since those steps differ from ROM to ROM, pay attention to instructions and this includes only the standard instructions here.
• Manually
1. Download the ROM from the link given in the article featuring that ROM. It should be a zip file.
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB and mount its storage card.
3. Copy the downloaded ROM to the root of the storage card.
4. Power your phone off and reboot it into recovery. This will involve using a combination of your device’s hardware keys. Once in recovery, you can navigate its menu using the volume up and volume down hardware keys or your phone’s trackball / optical track pad if it comes equipped with one.
5. Use the ‘backup and restore’ feature of recovery to backup your existing ROM installation, software and data. This step is known as performing a nandroid backup. ALWAYS perform a backup before flashing a custom ROM, UNLESS you can afford to lose everything that’s on your phone at the moment.
Note: ALWAYS choose to perform the following steps 6, 7 and 8 UNLESS the ROM you are attempting to flash is an updated version of the same ROM that you are currently using, and is compatible with the current installation’s data. It is usually mentioned with the update whether you can install it over a previous version without wiping its data or not.
6. Get back to the main recovery menu and use the option ‘wipe data/factory reset’. You will be prompted to confirm this action. Select “Yes – Delete all user data”.
7. From the main recovery menu, select ‘wipe cache partition’. You will be prompted to confirm this action. Select ‘Yes – Wipe Cache’.
8. From the main recovery menu, enter the ‘advanced’ menu. From this menu, select ‘Wipe Dalvik Cache’. You will be prompted to confirm this action. Select ‘Yes – Format/System’.
9. From the main recovery menu, enter the ‘Mounts and Storage’ menu. From this menu, select ‘Format/System’. You will be prompted to confirm this action. Select ‘Yes – Wipe Dalvik Cache’.
10. Go back to the main recovery menu by pressing the back button and select the ‘Install zip from SD card’ option.
11. Select ‘choose zip from sdcard’ to get a list of the files and folders on your SD card. Scroll to the ROM’s file that you copied there in step 3, and select it. You will be prompted to confirm this action. Select ‘Yes – Install file_name.zip’ where file_name.zip is the name of the zip file that you are trying to install.
12. Wait patiently while the ROM is flashed to your phone via recovery.
13. Once the installation is complete, head back to the main recovery menu if you aren’t there, and select ‘reboot system now’. Your phone will now boot into the newly installed ROM.
The Real Deal: Installing an App From a Zip File to your Phone
While most apps for Android devices are available at the app store for direct download and installation or as .apk files for direct installation, there are certain apps which are only available as zip files installable from recovery. Their installation procedure is the same as installing a custom ROM that we just featured above. However, there are a few minute differences.
• When installing an app from a zip file, you do NOT need to perform the ‘wipe data/factory reset’ or ‘wipe/system’ step so NEVER do that unless you know what you are doing, have a complete backup and want to start using your ROM as a fresh installation with the new app added.
• You might or might not need to wipe the cache and the dalvik cache for installing apps from zip file. This varies from app to app and the developers of such apps as well as many reviewers including us mention when featuring an app whether it requires a cache and dalvik cache wipe or not. However, it never hurts to wipe these caches anyway, and it does not effect the data on your device or its storage card.
There you go, this concludes the guide on how to flash a ROM or app from a zip file to your Android device using a custom recovery. To try out the skills that you just learned, search our site for custom ROMs for your phone and start flashing, always remembering to take backups first!
Important note: This guide is retrieved from the VeNum Complete Guide with only few additions and corrections by me, so All thanks should go to him!
PS: If you see any error, please contact me to edit the OP.

Nandroid Backup - CWM
What is a Nandroid Backup?
It is a full backup of the partitions on your device’s NAND flash (NAND actually stands for NOT AND, which in simple terms means an electronic gate). Basically a backup of your phones hard drive if you will...
The Nandroid Backup is a snapshot of your device (it means everything on your phone – your apps, data, your current ROM and even the kernel is backed up) at the time you do the back up. If you restore the back up, it changes your phone BACK to that state. You will need custom recovery (CWM/TWRP). So make sure you have CWM or TWRP on your device.
The SD Card data is not backed up in the process. Although, the Nandroid Backup itself is created on your SD card. Make sure you have enough space on your SD card to make a COMPLETE copy of your phone.
It’s highly recommended that once you have done a backup, you manually copy it to your computer in case your sd card is wiped or corrupted.
Pre-requisites:
1. Rooted Device:
2. Custom Recovery (CWM or TWRP)
While the OS is running you cannot do a backup. The boot loader in the recovery enables you to take a backup of the OS while it’s not running.
How to Make a Nandroid Backup via CWM:
Backup via CWM:
1.Boot into Recovery pressing in the same time Volume Up + Home + Power buttons for our Galaxy S Advance phones
2. Select ‘Backup and Restore’ from the recovery.
Once you are in recovery, scroll down to the option ‘Backup and Recovery’ with volume Up/Down and select it (Power button for select).
3. Start the backup.
Once you are on the Nandroid screen, select ‘Backup’ to start the backup process. You have the option to ‘Restore’ backup on the same screen.
The backup process may take a while. Take a break for a coffee.
4. Transfer the backup to your computer (recommended).
Once you reboot, you can see the backup in the ‘clockworkmod/backup/…’ (or similar file) directory on your SD card.
Move, copy, or paste this folder on your PC safely.
Restore from a Nandroid Backup via CWM:
1. Boot your device into CWM and navigate to the Nandroid screen.
2. Choose ‘Restore’ and begin the process.
If you select ‘Advanced Restore’ option, you may select which part of the backup to restore – i. e. the boot,system, data or cache. Or choose the whole backup.
3. Reboot your device. Your system is now restored and is exactly the same as the time when the backup was taken.
Video guide (ignore phones from videos ) :
CWM guide
TWRP guide

[app] Online Nandroid Backup
Online Nandroid Backup - FULLY SUPPORTED with our Samsung S Advance GT I9070 (Janice)
Nandroid backups are usually performed in recovery mode. This means you would have to turn off your phone and reboot in recovery mode, which wastes a whole lot of time rebooting and a lot more time offline. With this tool you can do nandroid backups without switching off your device.
Requirements:
1. Rooted android phone
2. A terminal emulator installed on phone
3. Latest version of Busybox
4. A working CWM or TWRP
5. Patience
Features:
* Creates backups in the CMW 5 and 6 style or TWRP!
* Full support of the onandroid script.
* Create custom names for your backups.
* Choose what partitions get backed up.
The onandroid script was developed by Ameer Dawood. The original XDA post can be found at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1620255
Important: This tool requires a rooted phone with busybox to work!
Download from market: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.h3r3t1c.onnandbup
Or from original thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1620255

Thank u so much
Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk 2

I have attached some printscreen of CWM for greater understanding of the console.

I have given you ownership of post #2 and 3 and moved all your material from your other thread [Guide] Nandroid Backup - backup & restore into post #2. You can edit that if you want, all I did was Copy/Paste.
Thread Stuck

Woody said:
I have given you ownership of post #2 and 3 and moved all your material from your other thread ...
Thread Stuck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks, Woody! :good:

R_a_z_v_a_n said:
Many thanks, Woody! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I have one suggestion. Instead of showing everything and giving the info a stretched out look, you should only show the headings and hide data using spoilers. That way people can read what they want to without too much scrolling!
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda premium

this is a must-have for (almost) new users, thanks!

No blackouts in the guide. Tnx a lot
1 question, can i use your guides to translate it to spanish and place it in another forum?
Enviado desde mi GT-I9070 usando Tapatalk 2

Thnx
Thanks

xessus said:
No blackouts in the guide. Tnx a lot
1 question, can i use your guides to translate it to spanish and place it in another forum?
Enviado desde mi GT-I9070 usando Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your welcome but is not my guide. Read the first post and see the note about VeNom.
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda premium

Thanks!!!

Brainiac.shri said:
Hey I have one suggestion....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done that. Its ok or ...?
Any suggestions to make improvements is welcome. :good:

R_a_z_v_a_n said:
Done that. Its ok or ...?
Any suggestions to make improvements is welcome. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
right on bro its perfect now

we can do back up and restore by using shaan's temporary CWM right?..
with stock rom and kernel?..
just to make sure..

jaycm1130 said:
we can do back up and restore by using shaan's temporary CWM right?..
with stock rom and kernel?..
just to make sure..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES 101%

Thanks
Thanks for the info, was very helpful!

I also thank you, but dont use QUOTE for all original post.

So for TWRP, click on Backup to make a NAND Backup! ??/

[Guide] Dual Boot Any MMC Block Based Device with separate recoveries [NOOBS Welcom]

Ok guys this is my first tutorial, so bare with me. This all started when I wanted to dual boot my Note 10.1(N8013), & came across this thread. If I hadn't found that thread, I would never have come up with this, so thanks are owed to the author. Now then, enough with my ramblings, lets get to the point.
What will this guide get you?
With this guide, you'll get two completely separate ROMs, each with their own recovery menu, so you will be able to use the recovery menu on each ROM individually. You'll also get scripts for switching between roms, & recoveries.
What is required?
*Android Device with MMC Partitons(Ex: mmxblk0p1)
*Computer with Windows
*USB Sync Cable
*8 GB or larger MicroSD Card
Prepping SD Card:
Backup your sd card if you want to keep your data. Install AParted onto you device from the Play Store. Open Aparted, granting root access when prompted. Decline the "Agreement" because it will just try to install junk. Tap "configuration", then tap the drop box under "Detected devices". You should see "mmcblk0", "mmcblk1", and possibly "usbdisk". If you don't have both "mmcblk0", & "mmcblk1", then stop here, because this guide isn't for you. If you do, then select "mmcblk1" from the list, tap "Save", then "OK". Tap "TOOLS", you should now see parts 1 through 4, "Part: 1" should say fat32 or similar, and say the size in MB of your external SD card. If it does, then tap the checkbox next to "Part: 1", next tap the drop box that says "Create", select "Delete" and tap apply. Once done, all parts should say empty, now for the semi-hard part. We're going to create 4 partitions. The first partition is going to be the standard external sd partition, that will show up in both roms, lets make it. Tap "CREATE" on the top, tap "+", tap the box with "0MB" in it, set it to the size you want the card to be, keeping in mind, that we need at LEAST 4972MB of space for the second ROMs' partitions. Also the more space you leave, the more space you can put into the second ROMs' "Internal" memory. Tap "+" once more, tap the "0MB" box again, this time putting in "1537", tap "+", this time put 839. On the next one put the rest of the remaining space into the box, this one is the data partition, aka the internal memory of the second rom. Tap the menu button, and tap "Apply changes", when done we are finished with the partition setup.
Getting Necessary Files:
You'll need to dump your boot.img, so you can switch between the ROMS(Google is your friend.). Download the ROM you want to use as the second(Has to be CWM flashable). Be sure this ROM has a boot.img included, if it doesn't, then take the boot.img you dumped, and put it into the root of the ROM. Next we need to get the proper GAPPS for the ROM we're installing (If it's a ROM that requires GAPPS.). Next we want to get a recovery, cwm, stock, etc. We need to get the recovery.img of the recovery we want to use, for cwm, you can just open the tar.md5 in WinRAR, and extract this file. Finally you need to download the attached Application I've created especially to convert ROMs to run from the SD Card, it also modifies recovery.img to apply any changes to the SD card ROM, instead of the Internal ROM. I haven't scanned it for viruses, but I don't think it should be a problem, of course you're free to check it if you like, in fact I encourage that you do.
Getting Important Info About Device:
We need to find out what block corresponds to what partition of the devices' internal ROM to input into the application, so it can replace them in the ROM. If your device is a Note 10.1(N8013) then you can skip this section, because the configuration file for that device is already in the attached archive. You need the block numbers for, System, Data, Cache, Boot, & Recovery(Ex: mmcblk0p1). If you can't find them on Google, then you can find it using adb. With the device connected, and with usb debbuging enabled. In cmd type "adb shell cat /proc/emmc", you should see a list of blocks(Ex: mmcblk0p1), with corresponding labels(Ex; /system). Take note of the blocks with the labels,System, Data, Cache, Boot, & Recovery, or similar. If typing "adb shell cat /proc/emmc" doesn't give you labels or doesn't show any information at all, then you'll need to find the labels for the blocks on google.
Using ROM 2 SD:
Extract "ROM-2SD.rar", copy the ROM you with to install into the "Original ROMs" folder, copy GAPPS into "GAPPS" folder(If ROM requires GAPPS) , & copy the "recovery.img" file into the "Recovery" folder. Run "ROM 2 SD.exe", check "Create modified recovery", don't check "Flash boot.img on install", check "Merge GAPPS" (If the ROM requires GAPPS, this will make sure GAPPS are installed when the rom is.). Click "Browse...", select rom from the menu. If you have the N8013 click the "Device:" drop down menu, and select "Note 10.1 (N8013)". If not type "mmcblk1" into "SD Mount:', and put the appropriate block into the corresponding text box. Click convert rom, click "Ok". Select GAPPS, and recovery when prompted to. when you get the prompt that its done, close the application.
Installing the ROM:
First, copy the unmodified/dumped boot.img to the EXTERNAL sd card. as bootStock.img. Next, copy the boot.img from the "Converted ROMs\[ROM_NAME]" folder to the EXTERNAL sdcard as bootSD.img. Now, copy the recovery.img from the "Converted ROMs\[ROM_NAME]" folder to the EXTERNAL sdcard as recoverySD.img. Finally, copy the unmodified recovery.img to the EXTERNAL sd card. BACKUP YOUR ROM BEORE GOING ANY FURTHER! Copy the converted ROM from "Converted ROMs\[ROM_NAME]\[ROM_NAME].zip" to the EXTERNAL sd card. Install the ROM as you usually would. After installing the ROM reboot, your device should boot into an unchanged Internal ROM, as if nothing has changed. Now we will create a script to boot into the newly installed ROM. Open notepad and copy the following(Replacing path to external sd, boot block, & recovery block.)
Code:
#!/system/bin/sh
#Flash boot
dd if=/path/to/extsd/bootSD.img of=/dev/block/[BOOT_BLOCK_HERE]
#Flash recovery
dd if=/path/to/extsd/recoverySD.img of=/dev/block/[RECOVERY_BLOCK_HERE]
reboot
Save the file as "Boot_SD.sh", and copy it to the EXTERNAL sd. Don't Run it yet, because it'll flash the recovery, we want to make sure the second ROM will boot first so you can use the recovery menu to fix it if not. Connect the device to the computer, open cmd, & type "adb shell", "su", "dd if=/path/to/extsd/bootSD.img of=/dev/block/[BOOT_BLOCK_HERE]", if that finishes successfully, then type "adb reboot". the device should reboot into the second ROM, if it does then the install was successful, and we can now proceed to create the Boot Stock script, path to external sd will be different on a custom ROM from the stock ROM:
Code:
#!/system/bin/sh
#Flash boot
dd if=/path/to/extsd/bootStock.img of=/dev/block/[BOOT_BLOCK_HERE]
#Flash recovery
dd if=/path/to/extsd/recoveryStock.img of=/dev/block/[RECOVERY_BLOCK_HERE]
reboot
Save as Boot_Stock.sh, copy to EXTERNAL sd. Then run the script as root using Root Browser, or whatever you usually run scripts with. The device should then reboot, if it doesn't then you probably need to search Google on how to root of adb. Once it reboots, I should boot back into the first ROM. You can now run the script we created first at any time to get back to the second ROM. We're almost done run the script to boot sd, then boot into recovery, the way you normally do. This recovery should only affect the Second ROM, to test this clear the davlik cache, & reboot into the ROM if it has to prepare a number of apps, then you know it works, and its safe to use the recovery, whenever you run a script the corresponding recovery will be flashed, so you can use the recovery on the second ROM, as you would on the stock ROM.
Notes:
Whenever you want to install an updated version of your ROM, you must run the ROM through ROM 2 SD, just like we did earlier. After you know this is compatible with your device, you can check "Flash boot.img on install" which will automatically flash the boot.img when you install the ROM. Don't forget to copy the converted boot.img to the external sd as bootSD.img, any time you install a new ROM/Update. GAPPS can be installed from recovery without modification, just make sure you do it when the recovery is on the second rom. Let me know of any bugs in my application, or with this tutorial, I will make the necessary changes ASAP.
​

[root] Wiko Fever [MT6753]

(Rooting guide at post #5 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=63803008&postcount=5)
(Stock ROMS at post #7 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=63939728&postcount=7)
Hi,
The new flagship from Wiko, the Wiko Fever, it's a great device. :good:
Here my research with it:
- MT6753 with 16GB ROM and 3G RAM
- Bootloader LOCKED (you can unlock it using one option in the developers hidden menu (you know how to enable it!) and then after reboot in the bootloader execute "fastboot oem unlock" (note, that selecting OK you will erase your data!).
:good:
- You can download an EXPERIMENTAL (=ALPHA) custom Recovery (CWM-Carliv) from here (you need to flash it to use it):
***removed***
- Also you can download the original DUMP of the boot.img and recovery.img from here:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/zy9q6g
:silly:
You can pack/unpack the recovery/boot using the CarlivImageKitchen selecting "normal" (not MTK) version!

..

Hi,
This device (Wiko Fever) is the same as Micromax Canvas 5 E481:
http://www.micromaxinfo.com/mobiles/smartphones/canvas/canvas-5-e481
Also, is identical to Blue Life ONE X:
http://www.bluproducts.com/index.php/life-one-x-2016
Follow the thread (with custom Kernels) at:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/device-reviews-and-information/blu-life-one-x-2016-t3287428
Then the same firmware and rooting procedure will be shareable between both!
Here a great guide for Wiko Fever & Clones:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/general/guide-clones-t3421539

Hi,
Here the scatter file for Wiko Fever Lollipop 5.1.
Two versions: a) extracted from stock update (scatter_stok); b) made by hand (scatter3).

Rooting GUIDE
Hi,
Good news: Rooting is done! :victory:
Here is the guide for rooting your Wiko Fever:
Warning (for newbies): First copy all indicated files to your SD card using your phone in normal state. Or use a PC and a SD reader for copy them when indicated.
1) Unlock bootloader:
1.1) Boot for first time your device. I recommend to NOT register/login/add Wifi/add accounts/etc., because the unlock process DELETES all your data in the device. So to go more fast, skip all, and go directly to SETTINGS. In section ABOUT DEVICE, enable the developer options with eight time picks over “Build number”. Then in SETTINGS/DEVELOPER OPTIONS, enable the option “OEM unlocking”. Then power off.
1.2) Power on the device in the BOOTLOADER mode (using ADB: "adb reboot-bootloader"). Execute in your computer the command “fastboot oem unlock”, say YES with “vol+” and “power” buttons. Then select reboot. This ERASES completely your device (factory restore), but the bootloader will be UNLOCKED! Two reboots needed.
2) Install custom Recovery:
2.1) Download from here the BETA 1 of CWM BETA 2 of CWM BETA 3 of CWM: http://www.sendspace.com/file/4g87bj
OR Download TWRP Beta 1 for Lollipop 5.1 from Hanuma: http://www.sendspace.com/file/y4jel8
(Original post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64543542&postcount=45)
OR Download TWRP 3.0.2.0 for Marshmallow from Hanuma: https://www.sendspace.com/file/9ms9zz
(Original post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=67531723&postcount=217)
2.2) Boot in the BOOTLOADER mode (using ADB: "adb reboot-bootloader"). Then execute command “fastboot flash recovery recovery-custom-wiko-fever.img”; and then “fastboot reboot”.
3) Rooting:
3.1) Copy last beta of SuperSU v2.52 to your SD Card (file BETA-SuperSU-v2.52.zip).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/supersu/2014-09-02-supersu-v2-05-t2868133
3.2) Boot in the CWM with “Vol+” and “Power” buttons.
3.3) Install ZIP from external-sd card.
3.4) Reboot and don’t select “fix root”, only “Yes”.
3.5) After boot, start SuperSU and configure it. Root done!
4) Xposed install:
4.1) Copy last release of Xposed Installer to your SD Card. Use files from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811
* xposed-v78-sdk22-arm64.zip
* XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4.apk
* xposed-uninstaller-20150831-arm64.zip (in case of errors).
4.2) Boot in the Recovery, and install the framework (file xposed-v78-sdk22-arm64.zip).
4.3) After reboot, install the Xposed APK (file XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4.apk).
4.4) Reboot. The Xposed framework is running.
Enjoy!
Notes: Before starting to root your device I recommend to do a full DUMP of the firmware using the SP Flash Tool. Use my handmade scatter file. :angel:
Thank you to all developers & supporters! :highfive:

ChangeLog:
- Beta 3: Fixed ADB shell with root uid.
- Beta 2: Fixed SELinux context support in ext4 filesystem. Full woking for rooting!
Note: If you like to use adb shell in recovery but an error like "exec '/system/bin/sh' failed: No such file or directory" then first mount /system partition.​
- Beta 1: Don't use this version, has a bug with SELinux contexts!
- Alpha(1,2,3): Pre-releases.

List of stock ROMs (for flashing with SPFlashTools) for Fever V8 (16GB/3GB) only:
- Lollipop v39 (last version until 5/2016): http://world.wikomobile.com/scripts/telecharger.php?id=140&type=MAJ
- Lollipop v22 (update 02.12.2015): http://fr.wikomobile.com/scripts/telecharger.php?id=105&type=MAJ
- Lollipop v18 (update 10.11.2015): http://fr.wikomobile.com/update-918-FEVER-4G
In case you need it!
List of stock OTA ROMs (for flashing with CWM/TWRP Custom Recovery):
If you have rooted your device, you can upgrade using these ROMs...
- Lollipop v39 (pre-rooted, with Xposed and ViPER Audio):
part 1: http://www.sendspace.com/file/d0js30 md5: e8706e0f5860e907fb8169856fc5e3b9
part 2: https://www.sendspace.com/file/iv4mnb md5: dd76926221ef40c872e4548a9b9e1f19
part 3: https://www.sendspace.com/file/6lfd18 md5: 838e6e608983a296611a284831fffd47
WARNING: At time this is untested! Give feedback with a post in the thread!
Decompress it using 7zip in your PC, copy files to your SD Card TWRP/Backup folder, and restore this backup with TWRP
Probably you want to use these versions!

Hi,
God news! I de-bricked my device... ****ing erroneous selinux context attributes in /system/lib64/ and /system/bin/ are the reason!
So, I don't futher need the stock SYSTEM partition. I'll continue with the rooting process... soon I'll publish it.

this device can support cm12-cm13?

djsolidsnake86 said:
this device can support cm12-cm13?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope!
Maybe will be easy for some developer to port one CM13 firmware for MT6753 to this device.
The opensource package for this device isn't at time available. Sorry!

Verify that the bootloader is unlocked
Hi manos78, first of all thanks for this guide and all the efforts you are putting into this.
manos78 said:
1.1) Boot for first time your device. I recommend to NOT register/login/add Wifi/add accounts/etc., because the unlock process DELETES all your data in the device. So to go more fast, skip all, and go directly to SETTINGS. In section ABOUT DEVICE, enable the developer options with eight time picks over “Build number”. Then in SETTINGS/DEVELOPER OPTIONS, enable the option “OEM unlocking”. Then power off.
1.2) Power on the device in the BOOTLOADER mode. Execute in your computer the command “fastboot oem unlock”, say YES with “vol+” and “power” buttons. Then select reboot. This ERASES completely your device (factory restore), but the bootloader will be UNLOCKED! Two reboots needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just followed these steps to unlock the bootloader and I think everything worked as expected. Anyway, is there a way to be 100% sure that the bootloader is unlocked before (and without) flashing the recovery?
Thanks again!

hi guys, i followed the guide and all worked also with the last update

cippaciong said:
I just followed these steps to unlock the bootloader and I think everything worked as expected. Anyway, is there a way to be 100% sure that the bootloader is unlocked before (and without) flashing the recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After the command "fastboot oem unlock" If you see the Warning message and the device is rebooted and formating the data partition, then you have for sure unlocked the bootloader.
But if you like to check it: "fastboot getvar all"; then find for the status of bootloader.

Thank you manos78!!
The only way of rooting is unlock bl->cwm->flash superSU? or is it possible to flash just a prerooted system.img keeping bootloader locked?
Also, have you noticed that sdcard0 become sdcard1 when inserting a sd card (wich replaces sdcard0) ? is there a way to avoid that? Choosing "internal memory" as default storage didn't avoid apps writing their datas on the slower SD :/

manos78 said:
But if you like to check it: "fastboot getvar all"; then find for the status of bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked
You have been really helpful, thank you!

oile said:
Thank you manos78!!
The only way of rooting is unlock bl->cwm->flash superSU? or is it possible to flash just a prerooted system.img keeping bootloader locked?
Also, have you noticed that sdcard0 become sdcard1 when inserting a sd card (wich replaces sdcard0) ? is there a way to avoid that? Choosing "internal memory" as default storage didn't avoid apps writing their datas on the slower SD :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I try to boot the custom recovery image with fastboot without flash and it fails. So for rooting, at time, the only way is: unlock->flash custom recovery->install superSU. But after that, you can try to: flash stock recovery->re-lock, if you like (not tested by me! Be carefull!). However, with the custom recovery you can do full backups, so I recomend it. The side effect is that you can't upgrade with OTAs.
Another option is use the original stock firmware and readback/flash the SYSTEM partition and modify it using an external computer (modify the IMG). But, this solution is quite complex.
Finally, related to the SD-CARD. The "internal memory" is only for "media", not for Apps. I use one 64GB SD on my Fever and I store in it: photos, music & ISO/IMG images. Any other data is in the internal storage (emulated sdcard). Also, I "installed" (=moved) some huge games (>100MB) to the sdcard (the real SD); and I store my Google Kiosk and Music files on the sdcard (also the real SD). Please, don't care about the sd storage, is working right on the stock firmware.
:good:

Actually I could inject root files into the system.img can anybody provide it? Do you know if bootloader only accepts images signed by manufacturer? In that case, a modded image can cause a security error. But I don't think it is so complicated on mediatek, given the fact that is possible to flash a custom recovery without any security check using flash tool.
About sd, I don't think I get what you mean by "media". System needs a "sdcard0" for a lot of apps like Sygic and Whatsapp and games like real racing. If sd card replaces it being sdcard0 instead of sdcard1 everything seems screwed to me: these apps are forced to write and read from a very slow memory (even a class 10 is way slower than internal memory)

oile said:
About sd, I don't think I get what you mean by "media". System needs a "sdcard0" for a lot of apps like Sygic and Whatsapp and games like real racing. If sd card replaces it being sdcard0 instead of sdcard1 everything seems screwed to me: these apps are forced to write and read from a very slow memory (even a class 10 is way slower than internal memory)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In stock Fever ROM:
/sdcard --> the REAL SD Card (the Sygic data, Google Music & Kiosk, etc. are in the REAL SD Card)
/storage/sdcard1 --> the EMULATED SD (internal memory)
Then you can use the SD as real one with Apps, and use alternative (emulated) when you like. The "media" Apps can use sdcard0 (real) or sdcard1 (emulated).
Related to this sentence: "hese apps are forced to write and read from a very slow memory (even a class 10 is way slower than internal memory)"
Please, remember: both, external memory and internal memory, have LIMITED life (write operations). Then, what you prefer: write more on the internal and not interchangable memory, or in a removable and inexpensive memory?
Please, think well! :angel:
Also, FYI, in my current Wiko Fever I use a 64GB SDXC UHS-II, far away than a simple class 10 (x15 reads/x30 writes).

oile said:
Actually I could inject root files into the system.img can anybody provide it? Do you know if bootloader only accepts images signed by manufacturer? In that case, a modded image can cause a security error. But I don't think it is so complicated on mediatek, given the fact that is possible to flash a custom recovery without any security check using flash tool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm quite accustomed to filesystems and partitions since I've been using Linux for many years but I've got almost zero experience with Android internals, so please help me to understand if I got this right.
Now that I have unlocked the bootloader I can (potentially) flash "any" .img file on "any" partition (given that I'm using the right file on the right partition), right? So I could dump my system partition, put the su binary inside and then reflash it in fastboot mode?
I'm sorry if my questions might sound dumb to you but I'd like to start tinkering with Android a bit more but having a hard time finding a good starting point.

cippaciong said:
Now that I have unlocked the bootloader I can (potentially) flash "any" .img file on "any" partition (given that I'm using the right file on the right partition), right? So I could dump my system partition, put the su binary inside and then reflash it in fastboot mode?
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Hi,
Unlock bootloader is for booting NON-SIGNED kernels (the boot or the recovery), not for partitions.
When you unlock the bootloader you can install (or boot) a CUSTOM recovery. In the custom recovery you can mount and modify the SYSTEM partition (where is included the root).
For "flash" or "dump" the internal memory of the device, if it's using a MTK cpu (like the Fever) then you can use SP FLASH TOOL. You have the scatter file in this thread!

[Error][fix][Solution][Guide]Errors in flashing custom rom in Lenovo A2016a40 and ways to tackle/fix them

CASE: After flashing lineageOs 14.1 on my Lenovo A2016a40 (chipset: MT6735M) using TWRP, I lost my IMEI and Baseband version which made my phone just like a screen with no calls, no connection, no internet. so, basically I had no option than to flashing the stock ROM (eventually I need that custom ROM as that is an upgraded one). I flashed only secro.img on the custom rom using SP Flash Tool that caused a bootloop ( I again had to took help of the stock rom ).
Now, the question is:
1. Can I flash secro.img on that custom Rom, if yes, how?
2. If not, how can I get back my baseband version?

today I flashed ressurection remix 5.8.4 on the mentioned device and that caused the exact same problem as mentioned.

Well, today I succeed after 2 weeks of sleepless nights in search of a solution that elaborates how to flash a custom rom successfully on the mentioned device(i.e. Lenovo A2016a40 (also known as Lenovo vibe B)). Now, as I felt the frustration of seeing the phone without network and everything else, I want to mention the whole process I've gone through.
Here is the step-wise guide on how to flash a custom ROM on Lenovo A2016a40 (Hope it works with other devices too)
NOTE: Here in this tutorial I'm not asking you to try a custom rom, it's upon u to use custom rom or not. this tutorial is to guide those who has already stepped into the process and get into an error or so(hope not so). any damage to your device is solely your responsibility, try in your own risk if you want.
GOOD LUCK
BEFORE FLASHING:
1. Take your normally functioning device.
2. Root that device.
For Lenovo A2016a40 I've followed this neat and clean page and found it helpfull.
Here is the summary of that really clean page (the page is a bit outdated follow my paths for updated method (as in December 2020) ).
a) Download and install Magisk Manager app on your andrid device.
b) Launch the app and tap on "install" that is on the same slide as the logo, and then choose to patch boot image by tapping on "Patch Boot Image File" after which the patching process will start which will create a image file called "magisk_patched.img".
c) Transfer that magisk patched image file on your PC.
d) Connect your device to your pc where you have stored magisk patched image.
e) Now enable "USB Debugging" and "Enable OEM unlock" from Settings>Developer's option (or, Settings>About Phone>7x tap on Build Number>Settings Home> Developer's option)
e) (Assuming you have ADB and Fastboot installed, if not follow whatever google says.) Now, open cmd on the folder where you have kept that magisk pathced image by
Code:
Shift+Right Click
and selecting "Open Command window Here" and check for your device's connectivity by typing
Code:
adb devices
in cmd, and after confirmation(seeing device's serial number) type
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
to enter fastboot mode (Fastboot Mode written on screen), confirm connectivity by
Code:
fastboot devices
, being confirmed type
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
to unlock bootloader and then do press
Code:
Volume up
button to unlock bootloader.After seeing "Okay " on command window, type
Code:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
and finally
Code:
fastboot reboot
and then press and hold
Code:
power + volume 'up'
buttons of your phone for about 10 seconds and then navigate to 'Normal mode' by using
Code:
volume up
button and confirm by using
Code:
volume down
button and wait for device to start.
f) Check Root status using Root Checker like apps
2. Backup some important system files.
This step is essentially important. I got into this from this thread.
a) Install Root Manager or similar apps and grant them root permisions.
b) Head to /dev/block/platform/mtk-msdc.0/11230000.msdc0/by-name folder.
c) Copy the mentioned files into a safe place(generally in external sd card) or newly created folder.
Code:
expdb
nvdata
nvram
proinfo
protect1
protect2
secro
d) Now, head to /data/nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI and copy the file named
Code:
MP0B_001
to another safe place generally in external sd card.
NOTE: All the above mentioned files are important for your device's network functioning.
e) Now, backup or replace whatever you want to keep (personal things).
FLASHING:
1. Download your preferred custom rom(.zip file) strictly for your device and transfer them into the inserted sd card or phone internal memory.
2. Install a custom reecovery.
Download your preferred custom recovery. I've used TWRP custom recovery and going to describe processes for that only.
a) Connect your device to pc and confirm connect by above mentioned method from the downloaded folder and then unlock bootloader the same way as mentioned above.
b) After unlocking bootloader run the commands as mentioned below (press "Enter" after each line)
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot reboot
c) Now, enter the menu containing "Normal mode" option by the same mentioned method and this time select "Recovery mode" and you will get into TWRP custom recovery.
NOTE: Critical error can occur if you do pull out the battery and power off the device by any other means.
NOTE. After entering TWRP you can face an error saying
Code:
/data not mounting
or something like that, in that case head toward wipe section, select "Advanced wipe", select 'Data' and select 'Repair File system', then change partition style to "ext2" and then back into "ext4" and this solves the problem.
3. Backup your system and whatever you like. (generally "secro" "nvram" & "nvdata")
4. Free space for new custom rom by entering Wipe section and selecting the following
Code:
Dalvik/ART
system
Data
Cache
Internal Stoage (if you want to or optional)
5. Install your custom rom (with Gapps and Root if you want).
Enter "Install" section select and install .zip files for custom rom, gapps and root one by one or at once, whatever you want.
AFTER FLASHING:
Welcome to your literally new phone.
while you are expecting to celebrate it, you will find some of the most frustrating errors like Unknown Basband, Null IMEI.
Now to solve those errors follow the below mentioned points one by one
1. install root manager like app and grant root permission.
2. copy and paste the 7 files that you have copied earlier (expdb, proinfo, protect1, protect2, nvdata, nvram, secro ) to the path as " /dev/block/platform/mtk-msdc.0/11230000.msdc0/by-name", if prompted select "Overwrite", then select the files and provide them all 9 permissions you will get in permission section for those files.
3. Reboot Device.
4. now, delete the folder named "nvram" in path "/data/nvram" to get your baseband version back, as mentioned in this thread, and it worked for me, you may have to try deleting it 3-4 times continuously.
5. Reboot device.
6.Now, copy and paste the copied 'MP0B_001' file to the path as "/data/nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI" and similarly assign all the 9 permissions asked in permission window.
7. Set APN if needed. follow this tutorial and you may not be able to save changes (hope not), if so, try putting some random name in the 'Name' field like "avghbejugcbjnsjckln".
8.Reboot Device.
Enjoy the fresh new customization.
NOTE: Keep your device's stock firmware and sp flash tool with you. it will help you get your device back from a bricking type error. try in your own risk.