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[Q] nachoroot for first time rooter

I believe this is my first post on these forums. I just did the nachoroot mod today per
[ROOT] NachoRoot - supporting all firmware jan 3rd 2-118
and
[Update: Works On The OG Transformer, Too!] Exclusive: 'NachoRoot' Brings Root Access To The Transformer Prime, Even With The Newest Firmware:
on my TF101 B80 32 gb.
I did the procedure per the second link above. I've been able to verify root with Root Check Basic from the Android Market.
I've never rooted an Android device before and am quite concerned about unrooting, in case I ever need to return my unit to Asus.
I've heard I need cwm, the clockwork recovery mod, in order to unroot. I hope it is ok to do this after the initial rooting procedure.
Please pardon me if this has been asked before, as it my first time, and I find a lot of the documentation a bit cryptic.
Thanks in advance...

Yes the procedure to unroot with your build number required flashing a repacked stock ROM via CWM recovery. For TF with older SBK they can use NVFlash.
You can flash CWM anytime with RecoveryInstaller
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1346180
To unroot
http://theunlockr.com/2011/11/28/how-to-unroot-and-remove-cwm-recovery-on-asus-transformer/

Thanks fire the response!
I've managed to browse parts of the file system previously blocked. Otherwise, I haven't made another changes to my system. Its nice to finally where some of my apps have been storing data.
I am curious about cwm which I've installed. It enables recovery mode to restore the stock ROM. It is one of the two options presented after holding the power and volume down buttons together. One option is cold boot and the other is recovery. The recovery option was there before nachoroot and the cwm installations. What is different about the recovery option now versus before?

skallal said:
Thanks fire the response!
I've managed to browse parts of the file system previously blocked. Otherwise, I haven't made another changes to my system. Its nice to finally where some of my apps have been storing data.
I am curious about cwm which I've installed. It enables recovery mode to restore the stock ROM. It is one of the two options presented after holding the power and volume down buttons together. One option is cold boot and the other is recovery. The recovery option was there before nachoroot and the cwm installations. What is different about the recovery option now versus before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you have flashed CWM recovery? You should have a lot more options.
After installing RecoveryInstaller, did you open the app and click on "flash CWM recovery" tab?

I didn't click on the flash tab because I don't intend do recovery at this time. To be clear I understand what recovery is, I think it means to return my TF101 back to an unrooted state with the current ota release, which is .23, and also wipe out all my data. If this is incorrect, please let me know.
You said I should see more options than just the flash tab. What else should I see? And when should I see it?
Now that I've successfully rooted, my main objective is to learn how to return my device back to its unrooted state in order be ready for the ICS ota update when it arrives. If that means I'll also wipe out my data in the process, then I'll need to learn how to backup and restore.
Please do let me know if I understand the process or not. I still have have a reading and learning ahead.

Recovery lets you flash packages, ROM patches, and complete ROMs that require very deep (i.e. low level) system access.
If you don't intend to flash any custom ROMs (e.g. Revolver) or install things that need low level system access (e.g. a USB to Ethernet adapter) you won't need to flash CWM.

One of the admins on Transformer Forums gave me the impression I need cwm to unroot my TF101. That is the only reason I downloaded it.
If I don't need cwm to unroot, then I'll focus my reading on unrooting link listed earlier in this thread.
I don't have any interest in other roms, at least not for now. My concern, for now, is unrooting when it comes time for the ICS update...

baseballfanz said:
Yes the procedure to unroot with your build number required flashing a repacked stock ROM via CWM recovery. For TF with older SBK they can use NVFlash.
You can flash CWM anytime with RecoveryInstaller
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1346180
To unroot
http://theunlockr.com/2011/11/28/how-to-unroot-and-remove-cwm-recovery-on-asus-transformer/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The second link above (theunlockr.com) refers to old firmware (repacked-8.2.3.13_US_without_SU_app.zip).
Is that file already outdated?
Perhaps a newer version for .21?

Well it all depends on your serial number. Early builds (B60 and earlier plus some B70) you can use NVFlash to get back to totally stock.
If you have B80(and some B70) and above you'll need cwm recovery to get back to stock following the link i posted above.

I finally watched the video from your earlier post and it answered a quite a few questions.
Bottom line: when it comes time to update to ICS, do I need to unroot first?
The ICS update is my main reason for unrooting. I read for some users lost root after the last ota update to .21. I don't have any immediate need to unroot other than to prepare for the ICS update when yet comes.
And there's also a long term need unroot when and if I ever send the unit back to Asus for service.

Going to root, am I doing it right?

I am on stock 4.0.4 with a locked bootloader. I want to have root with the stock rom, nothing else just root.
So I am gonna use the tool provided here,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1544940
I have already installed drivers and have the tool downloaded.
Then I would like to flash the stock google 4.0.4 rom that will let me receive OTA updates. Is this the right file?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1569509
Or can I just flash the stock rom from here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572307
I heard there are problems flashing stock rom with CWR if the stock recovery isnt removed? Thats why I dont know if I should flash the stock image.
Is the process of flashing rom with CWR recovery the same as with stock recovery?
My phone is the i9023.
Thanks a bunch in advance.

Gambler_3 said:
I am on stock 4.0.4 with a locked bootloader. I want to have root with the stock rom, nothing else just root.
So I am gonna use the tool provided here,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1544940
I have already installed drivers and have the tool downloaded.
Then I would like to flash the stock google 4.0.4 rom that will let me receive OTA updates. Is this the right file?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1569509
Or can I just flash the stock rom from here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572307
Is the process of flashing rom with CWM recovery the same as with stock recovery?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Baseband version? under about phone

billchen0014 said:
baseband version? Under about phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i9023xxki1.
Sorry should have specified my phone in the OP.

Best way is to do it manually. You can find all of the steps required here. The only difference is that you should be flashing the latest recovery from here and the latest superuser.zip file when flashing with recovery.
Note, unlocking bootloader will cause loss of EVERYTHING on the device that you have put on there (sdcard, apps, data partition, etc).

Harbb said:
Best way is to do it manually. You can find all of the steps required here. The only difference is that you should be flashing the latest recovery from here and the latest superuser.zip file when flashing with recovery.
Note, unlocking bootloader will cause loss of EVERYTHING on the device that you have put on there (sdcard, apps, data partition, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You suppose thats better to do manually so I will have latest version of recovery and superuser?
And yes I am aware of the data loss waited sometime to finish all my games now I am ready to lose all my app data.

Harbb said:
Best way is to do it manually. You can find all of the steps required here. The only difference is that you should be flashing the latest recovery from here and the latest superuser.zip file when flashing with recovery.
Note, unlocking bootloader will cause loss of EVERYTHING on the device that you have put on there (sdcard, apps, data partition, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do it this way. The one click is fine but using Android SDK and going through all that will help you in the long run. This way you know the process in case something goes wrong. It may be confusing at first but worth it. It will teach you a lot more than flashing a one click!
I learnt a lot from this and feel much more experienced and capable because of it. I know I will be able to solve any major issues using Android Debug Bridge (adb).

Okay then I am gonna try the manual way and gonna take out time for it. Now I just need to know what do I flash once I have unlocked bootloader and installed CWR?
I just want the stock google rom and receive OTA if nexus S continues to be supported by google.

You won't need to reinstall the ROM if you are currently on 4.0.4. The ROM stays there as-is. Feel free to do your wipes in recovery and reflash stock 4.0.4 through CWM if you must. You flash CWM to your phone and then superuser through CWM.
Steps:
Setup ADB/fastboot
Bootloader --> fastboot oem unlock --> agree
Bootloader --> fastboot flash recovery recovery.img --> this will give you CWM
Recovery --> flash superuser.zip and, if you must, wipe and reflash ICS (flash su AFTER this if done)
Reboot --> bingo
Also note, with stock ROMs it will replace your current recovery with stock recovery on each boot. If you want to keep CWM, delete /system/etc/flash-recovery.sh when you first boot. You'll have to reflash recovery afterward and it will stick.

Oh I was of the impression that unlocking bootloader wipes everything means it wipes the OS as well. That is nice if it's just data and not the OS, dont think I would reflash it if it's not needed.
Can you explain what you mean by will have to reflash recovery? I will have to do that even if I delete that file on first boot? And whats the drawback if I dont delete that file and stick with stock recovery?

As soon as you boot into stock android it will replace the recovery. So if that file is there on first boot, it will replace it while booting and you will be without CWM (stock instead). After first boot you can delete the file (you can reflash a ROM which has this deleted, or delete it yourself from a stock ROM, or even use adb or a recovery-based file manager to delete the file, then you won't have this problem at all) and it will no longer reflash stock recovery, but you would already have the stock one and need to flash CWM one more time to get it to stick. Easiest way is to just flash CWM and delete it within android imo, saves mounting commands and the such.
No downside really. If you need to flash something for one reason or another you'll just have to reflash CWM before you do so. Once rooted, ROM Manager can do this for you within android anyway.

I had already downloaded and installed the drivers from the one click root thread and my computer shows the android adb thing when I connect my phone with USB debugging.
But as you guys suggested I am gonna do the manual way. So do I just skip the installing driver on computer in the part 1 of this guide?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1007782

In my bootloader menu why is it showing my phone as an i9020?? Is it normal?

Gambler_3 said:
In my bootloader menu why is it showing my phone as an i9020?? Is it normal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you have a Nexus S with amoled. That's the i9020. The i9023 is SLCD.

DeuXGod said:
Because you have a Nexus S with amoled. That's the i9020. The i9023 is SLCD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He has the i9023 to my knowledge. It is completely normal, though. Bootloader and recovery for i9020 and i9023 series are the same, this can be attributed to the issue with 4.0.3 recovery backlight not turning on.
If fastboot recognises your phone in the bootloader (the fastboot menu), your drivers are installed an working perfectly.

Finally got to the unlock bootloader screen, didnt do it just yet but now I know how to do it.
I must say the guide is a bit outdated, the software has changed quite a bit seems. The most frustrating part was that the fastboot file is actually in the platform tools folder instead of the tools folder which I didnt figure for a while. I will hold off rooting when I have a whole day off because once I lose everything I would be very anxious to get my phone back to normal which will take time.
Thanks for the help harbb, if I have any problem flashing recovery and superuser I will come back for more help.
And yes I have the LCD version i9023.

Btw the guide said the fastboot will be in the tools folder but the tools folder had a read me that "adb has moved to the platform tools folder" this is how I figured to go to that folder and thats where the fastboot file actually was.
Now it says I should put the recovery image in the tools folder so should I do that or put it in the platform tools folder?

In the instructions for the flashing recovery I am not understanding one thing.
6 - Then back on the SNS select Power Off (Reboot also works)
Part 4 - Root
1 - Power ON the SNS
So after flashing recovery I have to reboot? Since I am on stock rom that would bring back the stock recovery so how would I flash superuser then?
If I delete the stock recovery can I still get OTA updates?

fastboot and adb is now in platform tools, that is correct. Easiest way is to put your recovery in there too so you don't have to type in the absolute file path to it, don't put it in tools.
Don't power off or reboot the phone. After you flash recovery go straight into the recovery menu and root, flash custom ROMs, kernels, etc. You can transfer files to flash via the mounts and storage --> mount usb storage menu. After this feel free to reboot.

Harbb said:
fastboot and adb is now in platform tools, that is correct. Easiest way is to put your recovery in there too so you don't have to type in the absolute file path to it, don't put it in tools.
Don't power off or reboot the phone. After you flash recovery go straight into the recovery menu and root, flash custom ROMs, kernels, etc. You can transfer files to flash via the mounts and storage --> mount usb storage menu. After this feel free to reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to update that I successfully unlocked and rooted. Thanks a bunch mate.

Gambler_3 said:
Just wanted to update that I successfully unlocked and rooted. Thanks a bunch mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good work, been wandering what you were up to on this
Hope you enjoy the possibilities.

[OTA Help] I updated my device - Now says "Recovery Verified Failed"

Hi guys,
My tablet is rooted (and back to fully stock ROM from Acer's website). I updated OTA just a moment ago, and I was totally shocked to see the message "Booting kernal recovery image - Recovery verified failed..."
I tried rebooting, fastbooting,....they all don't work. How should I move on? What can be done now?
Please do help me. I need the tablet, and never knew such a situation could arise.
Thanks!

Sounds like your device's bootloader is locked again. Just perform a fastboot oem unlock and see whether that fixes your problem. Worked for me.
/edit: Which, of course, assumes you're able to get into fastboot. You should be able to get in using adb... what do you mean by "they all don't work"?

got the same problem. how do you get into fastboot again?

Liquidator said:
Sounds like your device's bootloader is locked again. Just perform a fastboot oem unlock and see whether that fixes your problem. Worked for me.
/edit: Which, of course, assumes you're able to get into fastboot. You should be able to get in using adb... what do you mean by "they all don't work"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume yes, it is locked since I went back to a fully Stock ROM (which includes the locked bootloader?). But what has a bootloader got to do with an OTA update?
What I mean by they all don't work is that, even when I try shutting down, rebooting or enter stock recovery using the volume keys + power button, nothing works. Absolutely nothing! The screen just stays there.
I then thought, let the battery run down and maybe I can enter stock recovery and flash the zip for the stock ROM again from my SD card, but this doesn't work. The tablet just boots again to that same screen, with a message saying wiping off update cache and something to do with cdm.
I fear my device is gone. If anyone can lead me to getting back my device up and running, as a small token of appreciation, I will provide you with either $10 via PayPal or a $10 Google Play Gift Card code. This is really important for me, and I can't seem to find any help on this matter on the Internet.

I tried to update to JB, by flashing a stock rom through CWM. But then I try to get into the recovery I get hte same message. For me, if i dont try to get into the recovery it repeats an animation of the Acer logo and it never ends. I believe ill have to give it to the acer support. I also cant get into the stock recovery, so we pretty much have the same problem.

Temporeiches said:
I tried to update to JB, by flashing a stock rom through CWM. But then I try to get into the recovery I get hte same message. For me, if i dont try to get into the recovery it repeats an animation of the Acer logo and it never ends. I believe ill have to give it to the acer support. I also cant get into the stock recovery, so we pretty much have the same problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, we don't have a same problem. I don't have CWM on my device, and I am doing an OTA. I can do absolutely NOTHING other than stare at the error message in red ink and the static Acer logo.

Okay sorry. Just want to tell you that I flashed the stock rom and so I lost CWM. If i find a way to fix mine ill tell you and it might help you.

As an update, after letting the tablets battery drain out and then charging it back up, the message I am seeing now is a little longer:
Erasing cache before SD update...
SD Update cmd: recovery
--Update_package=sdcard:update.zip
Booting recovery kernal image
Recovery verified failed...
PS: If anyone can make sense of this message, please tell me.

If I recall correctly, the stock recovery has no user interface whatsoever. All it does is offer to flash a signed update.zip from the external SD card.
I have/had CWM installed, and got the "Recovery verified failed..." message after flashing JB as well. Thing is, it appears Acer is not only flashing the system, but also a new bootloader (which explains the new key-press combos necessary to get into recovery). Why it's not working for you on a stock device I am unable to tell, but something may have gone wrong during your update.
So, suggestion: Place the update.zip from Acer on a microSD and see what happens. With any luck, it'll just flash the system contained within the zip again and it'll work.

Liquidator said:
If I recall correctly, the stock recovery has no user interface whatsoever. All it does is offer to flash a signed update.zip from the external SD card.
I have/had CWM installed, and got the "Recovery verified failed..." message after flashing JB as well. Thing is, it appears Acer is not only flashing the system, but also a new bootloader (which explains the new key-press combos necessary to get into recovery). Why it's not working for you on a stock device I am unable to tell, but something may have gone wrong during your update.
So, suggestion: Place the update.zip from Acer on a microSD and see what happens. With any luck, it'll just flash the system contained within the zip again and it'll work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how do I get this latest firmware? I can't find on acers website.

himmatsj said:
So how do I get this latest firmware? I can't find on acers website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://global-download.acer.com/Step5.aspx?Step1=Tablet&Step2=ICONIA%20TAB&Step3=A510&BC=Acer&SC=&LC=en&OS=a09&FS=O02&Category=OS
Change the Language and download the largest file (thats stock ICS) best is the RV28.RC02.WW.GEN1 so later you can retry an update

Temporeiches said:
http://global-download.acer.com/Step5.aspx?Step1=Tablet&Step2=ICONIA%20TAB&Step3=A510&BC=Acer&SC=&LC=en&OS=a09&FS=O02&Category=OS
Change the Language and download the largest file (thats stock ICS) best is the RV28.RC02.WW.GEN1 so later you can retry an update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did the update fail because I already had the previous Acer firmware version as update.zip on my ext sd card? The tab is friggin useless as things stand!!

himmatsj said:
Did the update fail because I already had the previous Acer firmware version as update.zip on my ext sd card? The tab is friggin useless as things stand!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this:
Here's how to get into fastboot (bootloader) manually:
Turn off your tablet
Hold the Volume Down (**) button and press the Power button
As soon as the tablet vibrates, let go of only the Power button (keep the Volume Down (**) button pressed) and immediately start switching the Screen Rotation Lock slider back and forth.
If this works continue.Connect your device to PC. Open your device manager look for fastboot under other devices and right click on it and select update driver. Then click browse my computer for driver software and locate the folder i could send by mail, just ask me. Click Next, and it might say it is a threat, but click continue (its safe as I edited it myself) and let it install. Next download http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1661324 and use it to unlock bootloader. Next follow instructions on http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1866378 Then place a ROM from NoThrills on an external sdcard, and insert it into the tablet. If the tablet is shut down get into CWM through the key combination for ICS bootloader power and ** sound button and for JB bootloader
* PowerON+Vol-
* At the first vibration release PowerOn, keeping Vol- pressed
* At the second vibration release Vol- and press Vol+
Next flash the rom from external sdcard and reboot. Now things should work.

Guys, can anyone help me understand, why when I do an OTA on a fully stock ROM (no bootloader unlocked, no custom recovery, no custom ROM and no root), do I get the message I mention earlier? (that is: Booting recovery kernel image, Recovery verified failed...)
Mind you, I did go to a custom ROM once, which was No Thrills A700 Fraken ROM for the A510. Could that be an issue here?
Please, just help me understand why I am continuously getting this error when I do an OTA. If you can successfully explain to me, I owe you $10 (PayPal or Google Play Gift Code).
Thanks!
PS: I am not looking for a solution (don't tell me flash this and that, I've done all that). I am merely looking for an explanantion as to why the above happens.

himmatsj said:
Guys, can anyone help me understand, why when I do an OTA on a fully stock ROM (no bootloader unlocked, no custom recovery, no custom ROM and no root), do I get the message I mention earlier? (that is: Booting recovery kernel image, Recovery verified failed...)
Mind you, I did go to a custom ROM once, which was No Thrills A700 Fraken ROM for the A510. Could that be an issue here?
Please, just help me understand why I am continuously getting this error when I do an OTA. If you can successfully explain to me, I owe you $10 (PayPal or Google Play Gift Code).
Thanks!
PS: I am not looking for a solution (don't tell me flash this and that, I've done all that). I am merely looking for an explanantion as to why the above happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it likely happend due to you rooting and flashing a non stock kernel.
when you apply the update off acers website after having it cwm and a customer rom i don't believe it will replace the recovery properly.
this is becasue the files on acers sites are updates and not full roms.
this is the reason why i did not do it to mine.
don't quote me on it but i had a similar issue with an old phone and ended up stuck on customer roms after that.

malos1984 said:
it likely happend due to you rooting and flashing a non stock kernel.
when you apply the update off acers website after having it cwm and a customer rom i don't believe it will replace the recovery properly.
this is becasue the files on acers sites are updates and not full roms.
this is the reason why i did not do it to mine.
don't quote me on it but i had a similar issue with an old phone and ended up stuck on customer roms after that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean when I flashed the A700 Franken ROM by NoThrills, that had a non-stock kernel?
If so, what can I do to get back stock kernel on my tablet? There has to be some way, right?
PS: I flashed the official files from Acer via the update.zip file from their website. From here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1897791
PSS: I checked, and I *think* you are wrong because by flashing the files from Acer's website I am back to the stock kernel. Version number: 2.6.39.4+ (Correct me if I am wrong to assume as such)

himmatsj said:
You mean when I flashed the A700 Franken ROM by NoThrills, that had a non-stock kernel?
If so, what can I do to get back stock kernel on my tablet? There has to be some way, right?
PS: I flashed the official files from Acer via the update.zip file from their website. From here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1897791
PSS: I checked, and I *think* you are wrong because by flashing the files from Acer's website I am back to the stock kernel. Version number: 2.6.39.4+ (Correct me if I am wrong to assume as such)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes but i don't think those update.zip's restore the recovery partitions correctly. They seem to only restore the stock rom and nothing else?
Nothrills may be able to clarify that though. i don't know too much about how these roms work.

malos1984 said:
yes but i don't think those update.zip's restore the recovery partitions correctly. They seem to only restore the stock rom and nothing else?
Nothrills may be able to clarify that though. i don't know too much about how these roms work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I hope someone who is directly involved in these things like NoThrills can come and enlighten us.

Thread moved to Q&A
MD

Problem SOLVED!
Hi guys,
For all those having the "recovery verification failed" error while trying to do OTA, I know the fix!
The key is, you need to restore stock recovery manually. There's a zip file of the stock recovery here (at the bottom of the first post). Just restore stock recovery as per usual.
Steps to follow in brief:
1) Install stock recovery manually from HERE
2) If your's isn't the stock Acer ROM, download the correct ICS version for your region from HERE (place it as update.zip and follow steps as per normal to flash)
3) Go to settings>apps>all apps>systemupdater, and then clear data/cache.
4) Reboot tablet and you should get an OTA notification.
5) You're done!

Update Rooted Nexus

I am new to this. I have a rooted nexus 5. It is stock rooted with TRWP recovery. I don't have a custom ROM. When the newest update is available, am I safe to update?

ILowry282 said:
I am new to this. I have a rooted nexus 5. It is stock rooted with TRWP recovery. I don't have a custom ROM. When the newest update is available, am I safe to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since your post was made today, and the update was released yesterday I'm assuming you are thinking that you will be getting the update over the air? You won't. When you have a custom recovery (TWRP) you won't get OTA's.
But don't be disheartened, not in the LEAST. Unless you've removed or altered the default system apps (you would know if you did) all you have to do is download the update to your phone, boot into TWRP, flash the update, and let the phone reboot.
Due to how the OTA updates are rolled out, even if you had not loaded a custom recovery onto your phone, you might not have had it pushed to you for a couple of weeks.
Read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2523217
From what you have described you are "scenario 2". Proceed directly to step B. Like many people, I was also step B. It is easier than making toast.

So if I update that way will I lose my data and root? Also do I unzip the file or flash the zip file?

ILowry282 said:
So if I update that way will I lose my data and root? Also do I unzip the file or flash the zip file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you flash a custom ROM via TWRP it is generally recommended you do a clean wipe beforehand (and before doing that, obviously create a backup). There are cases where you can go straight to flashing without wiping, which is called a dirty flash. Although this is used when you're flashing an updated version of the ROM you're currently running. Following instructions under Section B won't cause you to lose data.
2. You won't lose root because ROMs will generally take this into account. However, if you do happen to lose root, just download and flash SuperSU and you're back on track.
3. Just flash the zip file.

ILowry282 said:
So if I update that way will I lose my data and root? Also do I unzip the file or flash the zip file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first part of the reply above is certainly correct, (the rest is also, but I'm just speaking to the first part of it) but I feel it is just going to confuse you.
You did not flash a custom ROM, you flashed a custom RECOVERY. Two different things. When you copy the update onto your phone, in the form that exists in the thread I linked earlier, it is not an entire image. It is an UPDATE to the stock image, which you are already using. As for your concern of losing root, it shouldn't be a concern. As was mentioned in the reply above mentioned, while you are in recovery you can simply just flash SU again.
In fact, I'd be willing to bet the file to flash SU is still on your phone.
As for me personally, I happened to have unlocked the pro version of SU (because why not...it's only $2.50 and I like the app) and just toggled the "survival mode" option. But even if I had not, it would have been a very small thing to loading SU again.
In short, don't worry about losing root. When you first rooted this phone, most of the steps involved were not in rooting the phone, but in unlocking the bootloader. Loading this update has nothing to do with that, so in your case, since you didn't flash a custom ROM (Such as CyanogenMod) and you didn't make any modifications to the system apps...quite literally all you have to do is copy the stuff onto your phone, load into TWRP, fire up the update, and either fire up SU, or have survival mode already enabled, and reboot the phone.
(and no, you don't have to unzip the file pasted in the thread, just copy it directly) The instructions in that thread are really simple, and that's probably giving you a bit of pause, but seriously, it really is that simple in your case, as it was mine.

So I updated but lost root. How do I flash SU?

ILowry282 said:
So I updated but lost root. How do I flash SU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you still have custom recovery cwm or twrp? If so download su zip from either of those posts and flash in recovery if not you can flash recovery with adb or flashify and then flash su zip.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Worked perfect. Thanks

The [Almost] All in One Guide to the MDL Bootloader

FAQ section in the 2nd post.
BEWARE OF EVERYTHING! I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE if your phone implodes, aliens take over Mars, don trump starts WW3 and WW4, or your dish washer starts working again from using this guide. Remember: just because it worked for me, does not mean it will work for you, but it might! I recommend having an ODIN copy (.tar file) of the MDL bootloader so in case anything goes south, you can get back to stock and start over from scratch.
IMPORTANT! This guide will show you how to (easily) maneuver around the At&t sgh-i337 on the MDL bootloader as far as root and other things are concerned. This guide is NOT for any other bootloader! Once you have updated past jelly bean 4.2.2 then you will not be able to use this guide!
Now for the good stuff...
So you've just taken your new At&t GS4 out of the box and discovered that you're on the MDL bootloader (like I did)! First you're going to want to root it. You can do this by grabbing a good 'ol copy of towel root (just search the forums here or Google for it). Next, you're going to want to freeze the OTA update so the phone won't update off the MDL bootloader (after installing SuperSU of course). You can do this via the Titanium Backup app or the MyBackup Root app (now called just MyBackup I think).
Let's recap...you will need a copy of the towel root app, then SuperSU, then TB or MyBackup Root app. SuperSU will kill the evil KNOX for you.
Next you may want to install a custom recovery. To do this, you will need to use an exploit file called Loki Doki. Follow this video to take the needed steps to get loki'ed and a recovery installed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmkL9atpVHw
Yes, I know it installs CWM which is way out of date, if you want to use TWRP go ahead. However, this guide deals with CWM so if you use TWRP you're using it at your own risk and going against the guide! GO WITH THE GUIDE!
However, if you want to update to TWRP recovery then this video by the same guy as in the last video should do it: https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...or-verizon-galaxy-s4-with-twrp-v-2-8-4-0/amp/
Once you've got loki lurking around your phone's memory, you're good to install a custom ROM! TA-DA! Awesome how all that worked out isn't it?
How to install a custom (TW) ROM
If and only if you followed the ZedoMax video, you should now have OUDhs CWM Touch Req0very v1.0.3.4 installed. Now would be a great time to boot into it so power off your phone then hold power, home, and volume up at the same time. Hold it! Hold it! Hold it! Release when you see the CWM menu. Now let's Nandroid this hush puppy!
Goto backup and restore and hit backup. It will most likely save it to your internal memory, but you can copy it to SD card later, or just reboot now and move it. We now have a working backup in case your dog eats your homework. After that's done, make sure the ROM .zip file you are going to boot is on your SD card. Now go to wipe cache partition and select yes. Go to Advanced and wipe dalvik cache. Go to wipe data/factory reset and select yes. Goto mounts and storage and select format cache, then select format /system.
NOTE: If you want to keep all your personal data (pics, videos, etc.) then stop here! If you want to completely nuke your phone and start from scratch then select format /data from the mounts and storage menu.
Once you've formatted /system (or did a complete wipe by formatting /data too so now you have nothing), you're ready to install a ROM. Select install zip from SD card from the main menu. Find your ROM .zip file and select it. I used the latest GoldenEye ROM because it has an Aroma installer built in so it pretty much does everything for you once you tell it what you want. Easy!
ROM should now be installed and everything should work ok once your phone reboots out of CWM recovery.
How to boot a custom (AOSP/CM) ROM
WARNING! THIS IS EXPERIMENTAL! Following this may get your ROM booted or not. Do so at your phone's own risk! You could erase stuff on accident!
Place the ROM file on your SD card. Boot into recovery and select wipe cache partition. Then select wipe dalvik cache. Now select wipe data/factory reset. Once all that's done, you will need to format /system and /data. Now goto install .zip from SD card. Select your ROM file and pray to whatever higher power yourbelieve in that it worked. Next you're going to (maybe) need a kernel.
Kernels and Modems
Download a compatible kernel for the ROM you want to use. Boot into recovery and flash the .zip file for the kernel from your internal memory or external SD card. Be sure if you are booting a TW ROM that you use a TW kernel. Same goes for CM and AOSP.
Modems are pretty much universal on the MDL firmware and possibly on others as well. To flash a modem just select the .zip file and flash in recovery from your SD card or internal memory. You can use any baseband modem...MDB, MK3, NB1, OC3, etc.

FAQ Section
What is the MDL bootloader? It's the jelly bean 4.2.2 firmware for the at&t galaxy s4. It's a locked bootloader, however it has a flaw in it that can be exploited by Loki Doki to allow a custom recovery to be installed.
What is Loki Doki? It's something that exploits the flaw in the MDL bootloader allowing you to do things an unlocked bootloader can do. To my best of knowledge, it acts similar to a PlayStation modchip by tricking the bootloader into thinking that whatever you feed it, is authorized to boot.
Can I downgrade my bootloader to MDL if I took the OTA? Only if you're a Samsung or at&t smartphone hardware tech.
Why can't I use Loki on other bootloaders? Because the flaw that loki exploited was patched in the MF3 firmware. With the exception of the MDB bootloader which was the bootloader before MDL.
Do I need motochopper to root my at&t s4? Nope, towel root works just fine to get root on the MDL bootloader.
Why does OUDhs CWM recovery tell me root or recovery may be lost on reboot and want to fix it? I have no idea, I think it's a bug. Just select "go back" until your phone reboots and all should be fine.
Why does your guide say "experimental" for AOSP or CM based ROMs? Mainly because I haven't messed around with any and am basing on how to boot them off my time using the galaxy s2.
Why can't I use TWRP recovery instead of CWM? You can, as I pasted a link to get TWRP installed in my guide. It's just I based my guide around CWM because that's what I have always used. Do note that TWRP is different, so you'll have to figure out how to wipe and install the ROM property.
What's the difference between CWM recovery and TWRP recovery? Nothing really, except the UI and how they handle files and things. Due note that CWM recovery has been discontinued, while TWRP still thrives today with updates.

So I am on MDL and have OctOS 7.1.1 flashed but no root. I have tried towelroot with no success. I do however have TWRP 3.0 on my phone but SuperSU won't flash. Do you have any ideas?

Tubifex said:
So I am on MDL and have OctOS 7.1.1 flashed but no root. I have tried towelroot with no success. I do however have TWRP 3.0 on my phone but SuperSU won't flash. Do you have any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OctOS has root disabled by default. You have to flash a root .zip file to activate root. Make sure you are loki'ed and that you have the right TWRP version as well as the right root .zip for your phone. Towel root only works on stock Android jelly bean 4.2.2, 4.3, and kit kat 4.4.2

StoneyJSG said:
OctOS has root disabled by default. You have to flash a root .zip file to activate root. Make sure you are loki'ed and that you have the right TWRP version as well as the right root .zip for your phone. Towel root only works on stock Android jelly bean 4.2.2, 4.3, and kit kat 4.4.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you suggest I find root.zip file?

Tubifex said:
Where do you suggest I find root.zip file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not too sure, I haven't messed with OctOs at all. Try here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/orig-development/rom-team-octos-oct-n-t3532663
Someone there in that thread will probably know.

Finished! This guide is done!

Bump....happy flashing!

Does this APK work anymore? It will not download to my phone. I had to download it to my pc then transfer it via usb to my phone. When I go to install it I get an error saying There is a problem parsing the package.

Can anyone please provide the ATT-I337UCUAMDL-20130430103714.zip file? All the mirrors are dead
NVMD,found something similar here:
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=23203820527944165
and here:
https://server.samsung-firmware.org...de28764422/ATT-I337UCUAMDL-20130430103714.zip

jabulon said:
Can anyone please provide the ATT-I337UCUAMDL-20130430103714.zip file? All the mirrors are dead
NVMD,found something similar here:
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=23203820527944165
and here:
https://server.samsung-firmware.org...de28764422/ATT-I337UCUAMDL-20130430103714.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are needing the MDL ODIN .tar / zip file correct?

7ravler said:
Does this APK work anymore? It will not download to my phone. I had to download it to my pc then transfer it via usb to my phone. When I go to install it I get an error saying There is a problem parsing the package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which APK file are you referring to? Towel root or something else?

StoneyJSG said:
You are needing the MDL ODIN .tar / zip file correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, but I've already found it
Thank you!

jabulon said:
yep, but I've already found it
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I'm trying to find a way to install MDL to be able to get past my att bootloader lock. I have everything except the MDL Odin file. Can you please tell me the link to get it. I'm new on the site sorry if Im in the wrong section. I want to be able to install custom rom on my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 Att. I have already downgraded all the way to NB1 and rooted and updated all the way back to OK2 without losing Root access. I went ahead and reflashed stock for fun however to see if I could do it. It worked. So now I'm unrooted back on OK3 official via OTA. I just tricked the time on the phone, changed the date, to bypass ATT's stupid ota 24 hour update wait period inbetween updates. . So I have no issue experimenting because I have the way to downgrade all the way back to NB1 no problem with Odin and then Ota update back to OC3 then OK2, Ok3 ext. Ext. So I just need to get to MDL so I can use loki from what I have read. I'mean only able to get to NB1 basically due to lack of .tar/Odin file for the exploitable mdl bootloader.
So if I can get the Odin file or zip to MDL I will know what to do.. Thank you ahead of time for all your hard work! This post is amazing.
-Scott
(Hopefully I did this right lol)

Scottie32583 said:
Hi,
I'm trying to find a way to install MDL to be able to get past my att bootloader lock. I have everything except the MDL Odin file. Can you please tell me the link to get it. I'm new on the site sorry if Im in the wrong section. I want to be able to install custom rom on my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 Att. I have already downgraded all the way to NB1 and rooted and updated all the way back to OK2 without losing Root access. I went ahead and reflashed stock for fun however to see if I could do it. It worked. So now I'm unrooted back on OK3 official via OTA. I just tricked the time on the phone, changed the date, to bypass ATT's stupid ota 24 hour update wait period inbetween updates. . So I have no issue experimenting because I have the way to downgrade all the way back to NB1 no problem with Odin and then Ota update back to OC3 then OK2, Ok3 ext. Ext. So I just need to get to MDL so I can use loki from what I have read. I'mean only able to get to NB1 basically due to lack of .tar/Odin file for the exploitable mdl bootloader.
So if I can get the Odin file or zip to MDL I will know what to do.. Thank you ahead of time for all your hard work! This post is amazing.
-Scott
(Hopefully I did this right lol)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once your phone has been updated past MDL, you cannot go back. NB1 is the farthest back you can go without bricking. You are stuck with safe strap recovery for kit kat and flash fire for lollipop. You can only boot custom touchwiz ROMs.

Thank you so much!! You saved me a lot of time with this information. I can quit trying to find a way to go back. I will stick with flash fire and safestrap.
Scott

No problem. Be careful as safe strap works only with kit kat to my knowledge. If you're on NB1 I think that's kit kat. Flash fire works with lollipop as safe strap doesn't. Flash fire may also work under kit kat, but I am not sure.

StoneyJSG said:
Which APK file are you referring to? Towel root or something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to leave you hanging here. I was referring to towel root and I did find a good file. Thanks. I see you posted that I cannot go back to mdl after updating to OC3? Bummer! I should have researched a little more before I did that

Nope, once you update past MDL which is MK3 I believe it patches the loki doki exploit so it can't be used and also makes it so if you try to downgrade back to MDL you can brick the phone.

good guide.
err on the side of kindness