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Dear friends,
as i have been hanging out in this forum, i have learnt a lot. But still, i cannot understand the attitude why people treat, reply or explain everything in a way that assumes all of us are android experts.
TF700 is my first android device(have been using Apple before) so I really need to improve-or create- fundamental knowledge. Just for your information, replying messages like; "ok now Unlock the Root system instead OTA .21 and blablablabla?" (btw. i am well aware of the fact that this sentence is totally meaningless)
Whatever, my point is it would be wonderful to have a fundamental knowledge thread, also keeping your great posts too at the same time.
Cheers!!
archonur said:
Dear friends,
as i have been hanging out in this forum, i have learnt a lot. But still, i cannot understand the attitude why people treat, reply or explain everything in a way that assumes all of us are android experts.
TF700 is my first android device(have been using Apple before) so I really need to improve-or create- fundamental knowledge. Just for your information, replying messages like; "ok now Unlock the Root system instead OTA .21 and blablablabla?" (btw. i am well aware of the fact that this sentence is totally meaningless)
Whatever, my point is it would be wonderful to have a fundamental knowledge thread, also keeping your great posts too at the same time.
Cheers!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a newbie too -- bought the tf101 a couple of months ago - loved it -- told my husband he could have it - I was buying the 700 ! and was lucky enough to be able to order one (we live in Canada..... Tiger Direct.ca had them)
I have learned a lot from this forum -- glad I found it --- but I won't be "unlocking" anything ! the only thing I know how to "root" are my house plants !!! lol !! we don't even own smart phones yet -- we still have dumb phones !!! but I have my TF700 !!!
You mean sth like this?
seems hard, but it's not.
It seems tough in the beginning for noob, but actually you're going to get it. You should read the "Index" pointing out by d14b0ll0s to gain some basic knowledge and familiar with the terminology then you should be fine. Couple key words I want to point out that you should know. Currently TF700 came with a locked boot loader, meaning you not able to flash (install) custom firmware from our developers. This is a biggest issue at the moment. Sure there're workaround but it's a pain in the as...and unstable(could brick your pad if you not doing it right). When you see numbers like 21,22,26, they are firmware version number. The latest should be 26. OTA stands for "over the air" and we referred to firmware push to our pad by Asus, not manually download and install ourselves. Rooted is a process that you gain access as a administrator on your pad (you have full access to your phone), with rooted privilege you can almost do anything with your pad, like uninstall Asus embed software, do a full backup of your entire OS (operating system), modified system files etc... CWM is a tool you installed on your pad in order to flash (install) custom firmware. So at the minimum you should have root, and in the future when new custom firmware arrived, you can install cwm and used this tool to flash them. Keep in mind that with locked boot loader, you can't flash custom firmware. Finally, once you're rooted or have custom firmware installed, your pad will no longer can accepted OTA firmware (firmware push to your pad by Asus). In this case you need to roll back to stock (re installed factory firmware and no root), before you can do OTA update. Currently, I suggest you should stay on the side line and waiting for the OTA 4.1.1 JB (new Operating System called Jelly Bean, version 4.1.1 will be push to your pad by Asus). After reading this post you should be ready to play... good luck!
Sorry, but I don't get it, what is it about Verizon? Is it because you bought yours from Verizon? Mine comes from ASUS and I believe the OTA updates are from ASUS servers. Is it the US-specific thing that you mentioned?
Yeah... Everything is pretty easy even for people that have no clue what they are doing. My suggestion right now is to root but not unlock. Rooting is as simple as running the .bat file and following on screen directions (assuming you are using Windows). The only thing you need to do after the program is finished is to open up the Superuser app (might be SuperSU) and restart after that for safe measure.
Unlocking does VOID YOUR MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY (and possibly all others you may have purchased). Make sure you know what you want to do with an unlocked device before you do it. Personally, I am waiting for a stable JB build before I unlock. But the choice is ultimately up to you.
d14b0ll0s said:
Sorry, but I don't get it, what is it about Verizon? Is it because you bought yours from Verizon? Mine comes from ASUS and I believe the OTA updates are from ASUS servers. Is it the US-specific thing that you mentioned?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry you're right, must not awake yet. ASUS that is. Thanks bro.
Your going to be fine try learning how to build aosp from source in a time limit
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Skullmonkey said:
Yeah... Everything is pretty easy even for people that have no clue what they are doing. My suggestion right now is to root but not unlock. Rooting is as simple as running the .bat file and following on screen directions (assuming you are using Windows). The only thing you need to do after the program is finished is to open up the Superuser app (might be SuperSU) and restart after that for safe measure.
Unlocking does VOID YOUR MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY (and possibly all others you may have purchased). Make sure you know what you want to do with an unlocked device before you do it. Personally, I am waiting for a stable JB build before I unlock. But the choice is ultimately up to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with Skullmonkey on this. Until you are ready for really hacking the system, all you really need is to root the system (run the DebugFS) to get "administrator access to your device".
You might want to read what buhohitr wrote several times as there is much to be gleaned from it. If it helps, copy/paste the contents of buhohitr's repsonse to a notepad text document and go through it word-for-word, isolate those that you find questionable or troublesome, then research what those words are. Anything that is "super difficult" you can just post back here in the Q&A section and I'm sure someone will help you in no time.
another noob question: does rooting the device void manufacturing warranty?
It does not. Only unlocking the device does.
Sent from my Transformer Infinity!
So if I root my Infinity...
...which pre-included apps can I get rid of?
Also which preloaded apps are best to bump off if I dare a root?
I have never dabbled with android down in the file system much for fear of doing something irreparable.
Well, to the OP: we already have quite a few 'basic' threads going on here, and no one forces you to embark on the more advanced stuff, do we? Just read up on it, and when you feel like you can make the jump, pick it up little by little. We're not all experts in here, but most of us can follow directions of the gurus really good, and we have the advantage of knowing how to save our butts when the excrement impacts the ventilator. (And most of us learnt it the hard way, by bricking and breaking...)
You should be fine in the regular forums, and as the others have said, stay out of the development sections until you feel secure enough to dabble around with unlocking and so on.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
buhohitr said:
Currently, I suggest you should stay on the side line and waiting for the OTA 4.1.1 JB (new Operating System called Jelly Bean, version 4.1.1 will be push to your pad by Asus). After reading this post you should be ready to play... good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the method for unrooting/reflashing to stock at the moment? I rooted because I wanted to use Titanium Backup right after I got back up to .26. If we haven't figured out how to custom flash roms by the time jellybean comes out, I'll need to go back to stock. I would *hate* to have to lose all my apps, and its possible that titanium backup from 4.0.3 to 4.1.1 might royally screw up the system in doing a restore. So, if that's the case, I guess I'll reflash someway and lose everything? Doh.
spinaldex said:
What's the method for unrooting/reflashing to stock at the moment? I rooted because I wanted to use Titanium Backup right after I got back up to .26. If we haven't figured out how to custom flash roms by the time jellybean comes out, I'll need to go back to stock. I would *hate* to have to lose all my apps, and its possible that titanium backup from 4.0.3 to 4.1.1 might royally screw up the system in doing a restore. So, if that's the case, I guess I'll reflash someway and lose everything? Doh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone figure out a way to go back from root back to stock yet so that when Jelly Bean comes out we can upgrade?
spinaldex said:
Anyone figure out a way to go back from root back to stock yet so that when Jelly Bean comes out we can upgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One method to get rid of root would be factory reset (power on while holding both the power and volume down while booting and running a factory reset.) But you could probably temporarily unroot with voodoo ota root keeper and then reroot once you install the upgrade to jelly bean with its root keeper.
Sent from my DROIDX using xda app-developers app
ekalb10 said:
One method to get rid of root would be factory reset (power on while holding both the power and volume down while booting and running a factory reset.) But you could probably temporarily unroot with voodoo ota root keeper and then reroot once you install the upgrade to jelly bean with its root keeper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true. Funny I've been responding to the same kind of "advice" a few minutes ago in another thread.
Temporarily unrooting through Root Keeper should work, but rooting has prevented updating firmware only for some users. I was rooted and installed updates both manually and through OTA without experiencing any issues. Getting to stock /system partition basically means restoring stock configuration files (like build.prop etc.), removing /system/xbin/su and any copies made by RootKeeper, as well as things that install to /system like BusyBox.
Even if you're rooted you should be able to update firmware manually through stock recovery (power down, power up, hold power and volume down, release, press volume up, etc., with microSD formatted FAT32 and with EP201_768_SDUPDATE on it, it's already in the how-to threads in the general section).
d14b0ll0s said:
That's not true. Funny I've been responding to the same kind of "advice" a few minutes ago in another thread.
Temporarily unrooting through Root Keeper should work, but rooting has prevented updating firmware only for some users. I was rooted and installed updates both manually and through OTA without experiencing any issues. Getting to stock /system partition basically means restoring stock configuration files (like build.prop etc.), removing /system/xbin/su and any copies made by RootKeeper, as well as things that install to /system like BusyBox.
Even if you're rooted you should be able to update firmware manually through stock recovery (power down, power up, hold power and volume down, release, press volume up, etc., with microSD formatted FAT32 and with EP201_768_SDUPDATE on it, it's already in the how-to threads in the general section).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I was just misinformed on the factory reset, sorry if I confused anyone.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
d14b0ll0s said:
That's not true. Funny I've been responding to the same kind of "advice" a few minutes ago in another thread.
Temporarily unrooting through Root Keeper should work, but rooting has prevented updating firmware only for some users. I was rooted and installed updates both manually and through OTA without experiencing any issues. Getting to stock /system partition basically means restoring stock configuration files (like build.prop etc.), removing /system/xbin/su and any copies made by RootKeeper, as well as things that install to /system like BusyBox.
Even if you're rooted you should be able to update firmware manually through stock recovery (power down, power up, hold power and volume down, release, press volume up, etc., with microSD formatted FAT32 and with EP201_768_SDUPDATE on it, it's already in the how-to threads in the general section).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ 1 I have rooted several tablets/phone over the last two years and backed it up using voodoo rootkeeper with ZERO issues updating firmware/OTAS. The only thing that happens after updating is that I loose root, but that's where voodoo OTA rootkeeper comes to play. Only a handful of people have had problems. Some are legit while others have messed/modded their device prior to updates. (like removeing system apps or modding build. Props)
"60% of the time, it works everytime. "
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
Unroot it again ??
If there are problems with the tablet and it must be repaired on warranty, then I need to unroot it again.
How do I unroot it again ??
Regards Peder
Update - scroll down.
First off, don't yell at me for asking these questions. I understand there are guides on xda about rooting and flashing ROMs. I'm just having a little trouble understanding which route I should take and the steps that come along with it.
I am on a TF700T (obviously), running JB with the latest update. I've never rooted or used anything other than what it came with.
I am really interested in CleanROM 2.0 and other tweaks such as browser2ram. Is it possible to a flash a ROM without voiding warranty? I understand that if the "bootloader" is unlocked, my warranty will be void. I understand that if I am rooted, I'll be able to further tweak the ROM I'm using. Does the bootloader need to be unlocked in order to gain root access?
I'm not really comfortable with following a generic guide. I'm more interested in having experienced users help me with my specific situation.
P.S. Is CleanROM 2.0 the best/fully working ROM?
I'm also open to having someone experienced guide me through the process via IM.
Update: I now understand that rooting does not require an unlock and is just for granting higher permissions. Now I am wondering if flashing a custom ROM is more effective than just rooting and tweaking. Aren't you essentially creating your own version by rooting and tweaking? I know there is a method for rooting the Infinity on ICS but will it work with JB?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW
same here..
i'm with the same issue,
after upgrading to jb, is there a way to use NVflash? downgrade maybe?
is there a safe way to install CleanRom?
if yes, what are the steps i need to do? (nothing touched except asus upgrades to jb.)
Joeful said:
Update - scroll down.
First off, don't yell at me for asking these questions. I understand there are guides on xda about rooting and flashing ROMs. I'm just having a little trouble understanding which route I should take and the steps that come along with it.
I am on a TF700T (obviously), running JB with the latest update. I've never rooted or used anything other than what it came with.
I am really interested in CleanROM 2.0 and other tweaks such as browser2ram. Is it possible to a flash a ROM without voiding warranty? I understand that if the "bootloader" is unlocked, my warranty will be void. I understand that if I am rooted, I'll be able to further tweak the ROM I'm using. Does the bootloader need to be unlocked in order to gain root access?
I'm not really comfortable with following a generic guide. I'm more interested in having experienced users help me with my specific situation.
P.S. Is CleanROM 2.0 the best/fully working ROM?
I'm also open to having someone experienced guide me through the process via IM.
Update: I now understand that rooting does not require an unlock and is just for granting higher permissions. Now I am wondering if flashing a custom ROM is more effective than just rooting and tweaking. Aren't you essentially creating your own version by rooting and tweaking? I know there is a method for rooting the Infinity on ICS but will it work with JB?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CleanROM 2 is by far the best ROM on the TF700 right now, untill official Cyanogenmod 10 is up and running at least...
Anyway to answer you question: Yes you can root your TF700 without unlocking the bootloader, but no you can't flash a custom ROM (such as CleanROM) without a custom recovery. To get this custom recovery you need to unlock your device, thereby voiding its warranty. So if you must have your warranty, the best you can do is root the device, but it won't make such a huge difference to the tablet. Also know that if you are rooted but not unlocked, and you break some part of the software, you won't be able to fix it at all. And you won't be able to unlock either. This one is probably just me, but I feel safer knowing I have a custom recovery that allows me to fix issue mysself, than I would feel if I still had warranty.... but if my drop my tablet and some hardware part of it breaks... I'm SOL. Hope this helps you.
What do you mean by "break some part of the software"? If I messed something up while rooted, couldn't I just reformat my Infinity back to square one?
I mainly wanted to root for browser2ram and some other tweaks. I love this tablet but the browsing issue is a little aggravating.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
pietpodlood said:
Also know that if you are rooted but not unlocked, and you break some part of the software, you won't be able to fix it at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always use the stock recovery to install the stock ROM and start over.
Joeful said:
Update: I now understand that rooting does not require an unlock and is just for granting higher permissions. Now I am wondering if flashing a custom ROM is more effective than just rooting and tweaking. Aren't you essentially creating your own version by rooting and tweaking? I know there is a method for rooting the Infinity on ICS but will it work with JB?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, yo uare indeed creating a custom version with tweaking and rooting for root access, but to be very frank, given your reluctance to follow even the very simple and detailed guides we have put up here, I do not think you have the skill or determination (yet) to follow through with that. A good example is your question regarding the rooting of JB -- has been asked over and over -- and there are several threads tut'ing the process.
Again, no offense meant, and I'm certainly not 'yelling at you', but I am not going to hold your hand in person when so much information is readily available that you obviously do not care to read and take in.
When you've read up a bit and undertake something and get stuck, chime in.
MartyHulskemper said:
Well, yo uare indeed creating a custom version with tweaking and rooting for root access, but to be very frank, given your reluctance to follow even the very simple and detailed guides we have put up here, I do not think you have the skill or determination (yet) to follow through with that. A good example is your question regarding the rooting of JB -- has been asked over and over -- and there are several threads tut'ing the process.
Again, no offense meant, and I'm certainly not 'yelling at you', but I am not going to hold your hand in person when so much information is readily available that you obviously do not care to read and take in.
When you've read up a bit and undertake something and get stuck, chime in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you aren't going to contribute to my thread, please don't post. Thank you.
It never surprises me when someone says "no offense" followed by something condesending and unhelpful.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
Hi everyone
First off I would like to thank everyone who contributes on this board, I have been lurking for quite awhile even though I dont have any android devices, the reading is very interesting.
I have just got my first android device today delivered from BH Photo (I am in Australia) and have charged and powered it up. I have been reading on the forums about rooting and then unlocking. The android version appears to be 4.0.3 (ICS).
My questions are these:
Should I root this device and unlock the bootloader with ICS, then install TWRP and make a backup of it. Once this is done then update to JB? The firmware of the tablet is (I think this is right) IM74K:US_epad_9.4.5.26-20120720 and the kernel is 2.6.39.4 [email protected] #1
or
Update the device to JB then root it, but Im a bit confused with the unlocking part here what program is used to unlock the bootloader? Is it the Asus one? Also with rooting programs which one is more commonly used for both ICS and JB? Can I apply a manual update of JB using the Ausrtalian version instead of the US one.
Sorry for all the noob questions. I have read the index and after reading it still had some questions.
Thank you for your time
deathwalker01 said:
Hi everyone
First off I would like to thank everyone who contributes on this board, I have been lurking for quite awhile even though I dont have any android devices, the reading is very interesting.
I have just got my first android device today delivered from BH Photo (I am in Australia) and have charged and powered it up. I have been reading on the forums about rooting and then unlocking. The android version appears to be 4.0.3 (ICS).
My questions are these:
Should I root this device and unlock the bootloader with ICS, then install TWRP and make a backup of it. Once this is done then update to JB? The firmware of the tablet is (I think this is right) IM74K:US_epad_9.4.5.26-20120720 and the kernel is 2.6.39.4 [email protected] #1
or
Update the device to JB then root it, but Im a bit confused with the unlocking part here what program is used to unlock the bootloader? Is it the Asus one? Also with rooting programs which one is more commonly used for both ICS and JB? Can I apply a manual update of JB using the Ausrtalian version instead of the US one.
Sorry for all the noob questions. I have read the index and after reading it still had some questions.
Thank you for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the Community!
There are a few on-going threads regarding this same topic. You might want to read those and make sure you understand the lingo/jargon being used (like: fastboot, bootloader, Recovery, adb. etc) as well as what it's for before you start your hacking.
Some things to keep in mind
Currently to have Root access in JB, you need to get root in ICS then use OTA Keeper to maintain Root for JB update.
The Bootloader unlocker tool is from ASUS and needs to communicate with ASUS servers for it to unlock.
Unlocking the bootloader will void your warrenty. Make sure you have a good device before you do it.
You have a version of tablet (9.4.5.26) that is able to use NVFlash that can help recover your tablet during a soft brick.
You should use an update that is appropriate for your device. If it comes with US, stay with US. Installing an update for a different region might not cause problems but there is no guarantee. Best to avoid the possibility by staying with the region it comes with.
For some reading material, I think that my blog post might help give you some additional details. However, I highly suggest that it be used for research only until you are aware of exactly what you are trying to accomplish. Remember to ask questions if things are confusing or if you are wondering what needs to be done next. 'Tis better to ask and be delayed than to be over-eager and bricked.
Hope this helps you during your first steps of XDA Android hacking!
I just got my TF700 last week and I wanted cleanrom on it and this is the order of stuff I did:
1. Unlocked bootloader
2. Nvflash setup
3. Installed TWRP
4. Flashed official Asus update
5. I lost TWRP so I installed it again
6. Flashed cleanrom
Probably not the most efficient way, but it was easy to do and didn't take too long.
hong90 said:
I just got my TF700 last week and I wanted cleanrom on it and this is the order of stuff I did:
1. Unlocked bootloader
2. Nvflash setup
3. Installed TWRP
4. Flashed official Asus update
5. I lost TWRP so I installed it again
6. Flashed cleanrom
Probably not the most efficient way, but it was easy to do and didn't take too long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the most efficient way.
I have nothing to add except for the remark that NvFlash is key -- GET IT WHILE YOU STILL CAN!
I'm not even kidding here. It gives you 100% flexibility in doing whatever you wish (up- as well as downgrading, even the bootloader!) and provides a key benefit in recovering your device when that whale-sized piece of excrement hits the large ventilator running at top speed.
Thanks to everyone that has replied to my post. I have successfully rooted the tablet and unlocked the bootloader. Before I do anything else Im going to run NVflash and back it up. I have a quick question though. I have download NVFlash to my computer and extracted it. Do I need to copy it across to the tablet and then enter fastboot? I havent got an extenal sd card will it save the images to the tablet's hard drive?
Cheers
Deathwalker
i followed this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3ypzUaKxvo&feature=youtube_gdata_player
i watched it before i actually did it once or twice to make sure i know what to do. you don't need an external sd card. following the fastboot steps will pull the files that you need onto the internal one in a folder
Last night I used NVFlash to make backup of the tablet. A big thank you to alienedd as I followed his blog and also the guide from androidmobi team and managed to get the img files done. Is there anyway to test bar for wiping the tablet?
Now all I have left to do is install OTA RootKeeper and TWRP, back up the existing tablet and then flash a custom ROM (Im thinking cleanrom)
You don't need OTA Rootkeeper anymore because you have unlocked you're bootloader. And custom roms like Cleanrom are already pre-rooted so after flashing the cleanrom you will have root anyway.
Good day and thank you
I can usually find out what i want by reading the forums, but this time I need advice
my tablet is one year old and out of warranty.. and working
TF300T running 4.2.1 JOP40D.WW_epad-10.6.1.27.5-20130902
I understand that i get the unlocker from asus
but I want to unlock the bootloader , install recovery manager and make a backup
and have the ability to change the rom
on my old cell phone ICS , it was root then install CWM for backup's
I don't want to mess anything up assuming things
but from all the reading in the forums and bleeding eyes... it seems there's so many bricked devices... just terrible
did i miss a forum or walkthru on how to NOT brick the tablet
please any help would be great
thank you and take care
ttyl
Cam
aweman said:
Good day and thank you
I can usually find out what i want by reading the forums, but this time I need advice
my tablet is one year old and out of warranty.. and working
TF300T running 4.2.1 JOP40D.WW_epad-10.6.1.27.5-20130902
I understand that i get the unlocker from asus
but I want to unlock the bootloader , install recovery manager and make a backup
and have the ability to change the rom
on my old cell phone ICS , it was root then install CWM for backup's
I don't want to mess anything up assuming things
but from all the reading in the forums and bleeding eyes... it seems there's so many bricked devices... just terrible
did i miss a forum or walkthru on how to NOT brick the tablet
please any help would be great
thank you and take care
ttyl
Cam
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"...but from all the reading in the forums and bleeding eyes..." for that?! Nah...
1. Unlock: get the apk from asus site (V8) for it. If you run into problems, downgrade to 4.1 and use ver. 7 instead. This is not an unknown issue. Once you're unlocked, it will remain so forever;
2. Recovery: if you stay on 4.2, you can't use CWM. Must install TWRP (2630-4.2 is the latest, I believe). You can use CWM on 4.1, but if you're gonna upgrade anyway, might as well flash TWRP throughout. Choose your recovery carefully: 2.6.3.0 is for 4.1 bootloader (10.4.x.xx); 2.6.3.0-4.2 is for 4.2 bootloader (10.6.x.xx - your current rom). Do it otherwise and you risk bricking your device! That done, you can change roms to your heart's content.
Basically, downgrade to 4.1 if need be, unlock, upgrade to 4.2, flash TWRP, then custom roms. Don't mix roms with incompatible bootloaders though: read the rom threads carefully, Usually, they will warn you at the beginning which bootloader is required for a particular rom. Hint: 4.3 roms definitely need 4.2 bootloader. Have fun.
Note: if you happen to upgrade to 4.2 and like it that way, you can flash Nvflash bootloader (10.6,x) and use CWM 4.2 recovery instead. Credit to Noahvt for pointing that out. A glitch in my case: I could flash, but could not back up. CMW is unreliable, and should be used only as a last resort, as in you don't have a working touchscreen.
Hoping some kind soul will take a few minutes to get me up to speed on what I need to know about hacking the M8.
I am not a total newb, and have lingered around XDA for a while. I've rooted many phones and tablets, even worked with cooking my own ROMS for android and older winmo 4+ years ago. I've just not been involved in the scene and am just about to get my new M8 and would like a crash course.
I really don't mind reading - so if someone has a great all-in-one guide they recommend, I'll certainly start with that...its just the endless searching for the up-to-date info I'm looking to avoid. I actually prefer to understand what I'm doing rather than just click "unlock"
Top most questions in my mind:
1) The biggest thing I would like to know to start is the best way to backup/up protect my device before I do anything to it.
I'd like to be able to return it to total stock (minus any impossibility in re-locking a bootloader) in case I mess things up or need to return, etc.
2) Current best methods for rooting, unlocking, etc. I just want to make sure I'm not doing something out of date that might be more effort than necessary/dangerous.
3) I see this new TWRP thing...which looks like an alternate to CWM. Which is better for me to use for M8?
4) Any M8 specific big dangers to watch out for to prevent bricking.
I always look to XDA for the best advice, but sometimes the site is difficult to navigate to find the most clear explanation.
TIA!
TraderJack said:
Hoping some kind soul will take a few minutes to get me up to speed on what I need to know about hacking the M8.
I am not a total newb, and have lingered around XDA for a while. I've rooted many phones and tablets, even worked with cooking my own ROMS for android and older winmo 4+ years ago. I've just not been involved in the scene and am just about to get my new M8 and would like a crash course.
I really don't mind reading - so if someone has a great all-in-one guide they recommend, I'll certainly start with that...its just the endless searching for the up-to-date info I'm looking to avoid. I actually prefer to understand what I'm doing rather than just click "unlock"
Top most questions in my mind:
1) The biggest thing I would like to know to start is the best way to backup/up protect my device before I do anything to it.
I'd like to be able to return it to total stock (minus any impossibility in re-locking a bootloader) in case I mess things up or need to return, etc.
2) Current best methods for rooting, unlocking, etc. I just want to make sure I'm not doing something out of date that might be more effort than necessary/dangerous.
3) I see this new TWRP thing...which looks like an alternate to CWM. Which is better for me to use for M8?
4) Any M8 specific big dangers to watch out for to prevent bricking.
I always look to XDA for the best advice, but sometimes the site is difficult to navigate to find the most clear explanation.
TIA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) The best most efficient way of backing up your device is to make a Nandroid backup with a recovery such as CWM or TWRP, but of course there will always be times where you could do something simpler to solve your problem such as disabling the Xposed framework but how? My phone is stuck in a bootloop, how would I disable it? The answer is when installing the framework make sure to first in the settings select to create flashable zips (manual) then once they are created go back and do the 'Classic' method. Now I'm sure if you're as new as you say you are you most likely don't know what Xposed is, it is a separate framework which allows you to customize your ROM to do things similar to what a 'Custom' ROM would normally always do. Most people don't think before installing these modules and end up soft-bricking their device and have to use their Nandroids to restore them but the way I mentioned is far simpler.
2) The utmost best method currently available (and only available) for rooting, unlocking, S-OFF & etc is currently Sunshine, you can read up about it here. Sadly and or not so sadly it costs $25 per device but it will do everything you will need to get started such as S-OFF (Security OFF, S-ON prevents writing to the /system partition and some other things I can't remember), Bootloader unlock & root.
3) Personally I prefer TWRP because it just feels like it has more ease of use towards it but thats just my opinion. There is an alternative to it which is CWM as you mentioned or 'PhilZ' CWM, Philz CWM is a touch-based version which to my experiences is a bit buggy but it works. I personally recommend TWRP but you might as well play around with them and see which one you like best.
4) Biggest danger of them all: To my knowledge that is, attempting to revert to S-ON. That is the most dangerous thing I am aware of at the moment but there may be something more dangerous but from what I know that is the most risky thing that is HTC based and or anything based.
This can be considered a good "All in one guide" for you to follow, it has pretty much everything I can think of at the moment.
An alternative to that one would be this one excluding all of the stuff involving Weaksauce and Firewater as Firewater does not work on newer devices and already rooted users don't have a use for Weaksauce. Still though it's a good tutorial for flashing a recovery and rooting.
Here is a solid tutorial on how to revert to stock if you ever decide to (once more do NOT attempt S-ON).
& if you're interested in using ROM's for other carrier variants of your phone then this one may be of interest to you.
Lastly, if you're concerned about any warranty things then as long as you do an RUU like the one mentioned in the 'Reverting to Stock' thread you will have no problems with it even if you're bootloader is unlocked and you're S-OFF. Why you may be wondering?? HTC sometimes ships phones already S-OFF/Bootloader unlocked and also I sort of think they just don't really care... you know as long as you didn't mess the phone up.
-----------------------------------------------------
If you have any further questions, I left something unclear or you just need me to elaborate further on something then feel free to ask further questions and I recommend doing your own research on these things before attempting them. Good luck and happy modding!
TraderJack said:
Hoping some kind soul will take a few minutes to get me up to speed on what I need to know about hacking the M8.
I am not a total newb, and have lingered around XDA for a while. I've rooted many phones and tablets, even worked with cooking my own ROMS for android and older winmo 4+ years ago. I've just not been involved in the scene and am just about to get my new M8 and would like a crash course.
I really don't mind reading - so if someone has a great all-in-one guide they recommend, I'll certainly start with that...its just the endless searching for the up-to-date info I'm looking to avoid. I actually prefer to understand what I'm doing rather than just click "unlock"
Top most questions in my mind:
1) The biggest thing I would like to know to start is the best way to backup/up protect my device before I do anything to it.
I'd like to be able to return it to total stock (minus any impossibility in re-locking a bootloader) in case I mess things up or need to return, etc.
2) Current best methods for rooting, unlocking, etc. I just want to make sure I'm not doing something out of date that might be more effort than necessary/dangerous.
3) I see this new TWRP thing...which looks like an alternate to CWM. Which is better for me to use for M8?
4) Any M8 specific big dangers to watch out for to prevent bricking.
I always look to XDA for the best advice, but sometimes the site is difficult to navigate to find the most clear explanation.
TIA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The above post about covers it. Only thing I would like to add is I much prefer Phil's touch recovery based on CMW and try firewater method for soft and unlocking boot loader before paying for sunshine. It may or may not work. But could possibly save you the cash.
mdorrett said:
The above post about covers it. Only thing I would like to add is I much prefer Phil's touch recovery based on CMW and try firewater method for soft and unlocking boot loader before paying for sunshine. It may or may not work. But could possibly save you the cash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Philz recovery is amazing, have you used the M8 unified builds yet? Or are you still sticking to the last Verizon build?
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Thanks all. I will certainly read up on what you've written and follow up with any questions I may have.
So I read a little bit on the posts above... Ick...when I was deciding on the M8 I checked to see if it was all hackable and apparently found the positive information for only the old methods and didn't realize a $25 price tag was the *only* way to really unlock the phone.
I mean...I don't totally begrudge the devs charging for it...but honestly I've never heard of this before in the 8-10 years I've been modding with smartphones of charging for this. While $25 may be nothing compared to a $700 unlocked phone, it sure is a heck of a lot more than $0, which was where the previous bar was set. You'd think $5 or $10 would be a better place to start.
Of course, it doesn't look like I have any other option though. I do have some more questions:
1) What are the pieces that sunshine does that can't be done elsewhere? It looks like there are several root methods - so is sunshine the only way to S-OFF or is it also the only way to unlock the bootloader?
2) If I don't do sunshine, and therefore can't S-OFF (and maybe can't unlock bootloader), can I still root? If so, is it only a temp unroot? And is there really a downside to that?
3) In all honesty, while I'd like to have everything unlocked, I think I will be happy with a root for now if that's enough to do some hacks (like maybe energy saving and wifi tether, etc.). Will I be able to do those with just root? I'm not really clear on the actual purpose of the S-OFF vs. the unlocked boot loader. Maybe in a few months I will be tired of the stock ROM and cough up the dough.
4) In order to do the backups to revert to stock, what steps must I first obtain and can I do those steps for free (aka no Sunshine) and are they reversible? IOW, what's the minimum I must "hack" the device in order to get a stock backup and/or to recover it.
Finally - when did the "firewater" method stop working? Is it newer hardware being shipped or a certain firmware/OS level update that blocked it? It sounds pretty unlikely that it will work for a new phone, but it won't hurt to try if it doesn't, right?
thanks again for the jump start....I think just jumping in and doing is the best way to learn, but I don't want to leap without protecting myself at the outset.
TraderJack said:
So I read a little bit on the posts above... Ick...when I was deciding on the M8 I checked to see if it was all hackable and apparently found the positive information for only the old methods and didn't realize a $25 price tag was the *only* way to really unlock the phone.
I mean...I don't totally begrudge the devs charging for it...but honestly I've never heard of this before in the 8-10 years I've been modding with smartphones of charging for this. While $25 may be nothing compared to a $700 unlocked phone, it sure is a heck of a lot more than $0, which was where the previous bar was set. You'd think $5 or $10 would be a better place to start.
Of course, it doesn't look like I have any other option though. I do have some more questions:
1) What are the pieces that sunshine does that can't be done elsewhere? It looks like there are several root methods - so is sunshine the only way to S-OFF or is it also the only way to unlock the bootloader?
2) If I don't do sunshine, and therefore can't S-OFF (and maybe can't unlock bootloader), can I still root? If so, is it only a temp unroot? And is there really a downside to that?
3) In all honesty, while I'd like to have everything unlocked, I think I will be happy with a root for now if that's enough to do some hacks (like maybe energy saving and wifi tether, etc.). Will I be able to do those with just root? I'm not really clear on the actual purpose of the S-OFF vs. the unlocked boot loader. Maybe in a few months I will be tired of the stock ROM and cough up the dough.
4) In order to do the backups to revert to stock, what steps must I first obtain and can I do those steps for free (aka no Sunshine) and are they reversible? IOW, what's the minimum I must "hack" the device in order to get a stock backup and/or to recover it.
Finally - when did the "firewater" method stop working? Is it newer hardware being shipped or a certain firmware/OS level update that blocked it? It sounds pretty unlikely that it will work for a new phone, but it won't hurt to try if it doesn't, right?
thanks again for the jump start....I think just jumping in and doing is the best way to learn, but I don't want to leap without protecting myself at the outset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) sunshine is the only way to s-off if firewater doesn't work. It pushes an exploit that turns the secure flag off so s-off is achieved, then it pushes a separate exploit to unlock the bootloader. You may be able to change your phone carrier ID so htc dev can s-off your phone, but it doesn't do everything sunshine does.
2) without using sunshine you can still have temporary root with weaksauce, but it's really limited. Since your phone is still s-on, it isn't able to write to the system partition. It means you lose root on every reboot, and you have to wait up to a minute for weaksauce to root again.
Also without an unlocked bootloader you are unable to flash a custom recovery, which means you can't make a nandroid. Not having a nandroid sucks because if you soft brick your phone you have no choice but to go completely back to stock. Not a great situation to be in.
Any root framework or application that requires modification of your system folder won't work.
There's no question paying $25 for sunshine is worth it.
3) here's the some definitions:
S-on = security flag on, system write protected
S-off = security flag off, system write enabled
Unlocked bootloader: ability to flash custom kernels and Recoveries.
Having access to a custom recovery is everything. Allows easy backup capabilities in case a rom modification goes bad. Allows super user permissions to be flashed directly into the system partition to allow permanent root. And gives you the ability to keep an unlocked bootloader without worry that Verizon will patch the current exploit.
Even on a stock rom it's worth it to have an unlocked bootloader. The modifications you're referring to require a custom recovery, and even if you could install them without it, it's still recommended to have a nandroid available in case your phone doesn't boot afterwards. I'm still running stock myself.
4) getting back to stock isn't easy. Verizon or HTC didn't release an official ruu. You'd have to flash the unofficial ruu, then turn your flags back to S-on, and hope it doesn't detect anything weird and flag your phone as tampered. The information was already linked to you in earlier posts, you just have to read up on it.
5) firewater stopped working on newer hardware versions, has nothing to do with firmware versions. There's no harm in trying it, but it most likely won't work on a new phone.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
BadUsername said:
1) sunshine is the only way to s-off if firewater doesn't work. It pushes an exploit that turns the secure flag off so s-off is achieved, then it pushes a separate exploit to unlock the bootloader. You may be able to change your phone carrier ID so htc dev can s-off your phone, but it doesn't do everything sunshine does.
2) without using sunshine you can still have temporary root with weaksauce, but it's really limited. Since your phone is still s-on, it isn't able to write to the system partition. It means you lose root on every reboot, and you have to wait up to a minute for weaksauce to root again.
Also without an unlocked bootloader you are unable to flash a custom recovery, which means you can't make a nandroid. Not having a nandroid sucks because if you soft brick your phone you have no choice but to go completely back to stock. Not a great situation to be in.
Any root framework or application that requires modification of your system folder won't work.
There's no question paying $25 for sunshine is worth it.
3) here's the some definitions:
S-on = security flag on, system write protected
S-off = security flag off, system write enabled
Unlocked bootloader: ability to flash custom kernels and Recoveries.
Having access to a custom recovery is everything. Allows easy backup capabilities in case a rom modification goes bad. Allows super user permissions to be flashed directly into the system partition to allow permanent root. And gives you the ability to keep an unlocked bootloader without worry that Verizon will patch the current exploit.
Even on a stock rom it's worth it to have an unlocked bootloader. The modifications you're referring to require a custom recovery, and even if you could install them without it, it's still recommended to have a nandroid available in case your phone doesn't boot afterwards. I'm still running stock myself.
4) getting back to stock isn't easy. Verizon or HTC didn't release an official ruu. You'd have to flash the unofficial ruu, then turn your flags back to S-on, and hope it doesn't detect anything weird and flag your phone as tampered. The information was already linked to you in earlier posts, you just have to read up on it.
5) firewater stopped working on newer hardware versions, has nothing to do with firmware versions. There's no harm in trying it, but it most likely won't work on a new phone.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It also seems that firewater has nothing to do with hardware versions either. As I have a buddy with same hardware versions as me and FW worked perfectly. I am not exactly sure why FW works for some and not others.
---------- Post added at 08:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 AM ----------
Also as far as changing CID I have not found a way to do this with out having S-Off already. If there is one please point me in the right direction. Thank you!
mdorrett said:
It also seems that firewater has nothing to do with hardware versions either. As I have a buddy with same hardware versions as me and FW worked perfectly. I am not exactly sure why FW works for some and not others.
---------- Post added at 08:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 AM ----------
Also as far as changing CID I have not found a way to do this with out having S-Off already. If there is one please point me in the right direction. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I meant hardware variation, not version, it's not something you can simply check, but the internals of each phone is different. If htc used different manufacturers for the same internals it'll break firewater. The hardware version number would look the same.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
So I've read up on a good bit of what you've all posted - again thanks for that.
My M8 will be here tomorrow and I plan to use it for a few days without any tampering to ensure that I like the phone and that the reception in my home is adequate (problem had on my last upgrade attempt a year ago to a Razr M with Verizon). If all looks good, I will attempt the firewater method this weekend. If unsuccessful, I think my plan is probably to just play with the stock configuration for a month or two just to get used to working with a modern android version (I'm coming from a Droid 2 with large areas of pixel smear...so anything will be an improvement).
Hopefully, after a couple months if I am feeling like I want to tinker, sunshine will have come down in $$ or there is another working method. If not, I'll pay for it if I feel it's worth what I'll gain at that time. In all honesty, I like knowing I have the power to do whatever I want on my phone, but because I use my phone day in and out for business, I'm not often that adventurous in constant flashing ROMs as I want a very stable experience and don't want to take the time to constantly flash and restore.
I do have a few follow-up questions from some of my reading:
1) My understanding is that S-Off is also equivalent to a bootloader unlock. And that if you S-OFF, there is no need to also unlock the bootloader (it's either done as part of it, or simply not needed since S-Off overrides any boot lock). Is this correct?
2) Is CID unlock necessary to flash custom ROMs? Does doing a CID unlock also have the same benefit of a SIM unlock? Some pages I read indicate that setting to the superCID (11111111) is basically the same as a region unlock and therefore your SIM is also unlocked?
3) Since you can apparently gain temp root with weaksauce, is it possible to use this temproot with xposed framework? Or is S-off still required to apply the xposed framework modules?
thanks!
TraderJack said:
So I've read up on a good bit of what you've all posted - again thanks for that.
My M8 will be here tomorrow and I plan to use it for a few days without any tampering to ensure that I like the phone and that the reception in my home is adequate (problem had on my last upgrade attempt a year ago to a Razr M with Verizon). If all looks good, I will attempt the firewater method this weekend. If unsuccessful, I think my plan is probably to just play with the stock configuration for a month or two just to get used to working with a modern android version (I'm coming from a Droid 2 with large areas of pixel smear...so anything will be an improvement).
Hopefully, after a couple months if I am feeling like I want to tinker, sunshine will have come down in $$ or there is another working method. If not, I'll pay for it if I feel it's worth what I'll gain at that time. In all honesty, I like knowing I have the power to do whatever I want on my phone, but because I use my phone day in and out for business, I'm not often that adventurous in constant flashing ROMs as I want a very stable experience and don't want to take the time to constantly flash and restore.
I do have a few follow-up questions from some of my reading:
1) My understanding is that S-Off is also equivalent to a bootloader unlock. And that if you S-OFF, there is no need to also unlock the bootloader (it's either done as part of it, or simply not needed since S-Off overrides any boot lock). Is this correct?
2) Is CID unlock necessary to flash custom ROMs? Does doing a CID unlock also have the same benefit of a SIM unlock? Some pages I read indicate that setting to the superCID (11111111) is basically the same as a region unlock and therefore your SIM is also unlocked?
3) Since you can apparently gain temp root with weaksauce, is it possible to use this temproot with xposed framework? Or is S-off still required to apply the xposed framework modules?
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) s-off is not equivalent to bootloader unlock, they are different things. S-off is needed to unlock bootloader.
2) super cid is only needed if swapping carriers, it allows another rom specific to any carrier to be flashed. If you flash any rom on Verizon it won't work, so you have to use a compatible Verizon rom anyways.
3) maybe, I never use xposed anyway because it breaks some apps I use. My guess is that it would be hit or miss depending on what the module does.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
TraderJack said:
So I've read up on a good bit of what you've all posted - again thanks for that.
My M8 will be here tomorrow and I plan to use it for a few days without any tampering to ensure that I like the phone and that the reception in my home is adequate (problem had on my last upgrade attempt a year ago to a Razr M with Verizon). If all looks good, I will attempt the firewater method this weekend. If unsuccessful, I think my plan is probably to just play with the stock configuration for a month or two just to get used to working with a modern android version (I'm coming from a Droid 2 with large areas of pixel smear...so anything will be an improvement).
Hopefully, after a couple months if I am feeling like I want to tinker, sunshine will have come down in $$ or there is another working method. If not, I'll pay for it if I feel it's worth what I'll gain at that time. In all honesty, I like knowing I have the power to do whatever I want on my phone, but because I use my phone day in and out for business, I'm not often that adventurous in constant flashing ROMs as I want a very stable experience and don't want to take the time to constantly flash and restore.
I do have a few follow-up questions from some of my reading:
1) My understanding is that S-Off is also equivalent to a bootloader unlock. And that if you S-OFF, there is no need to also unlock the bootloader (it's either done as part of it, or simply not needed since S-Off overrides any boot lock). Is this correct?
2) Is CID unlock necessary to flash custom ROMs? Does doing a CID unlock also have the same benefit of a SIM unlock? Some pages I read indicate that setting to the superCID (11111111) is basically the same as a region unlock and therefore your SIM is also unlocked?
3) Since you can apparently gain temp root with weaksauce, is it possible to use this temproot with xposed framework? Or is S-off still required to apply the xposed framework modules?
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) No, s-off simply allows you to write to the /system partition and do some other stuff like RUU's and etc that i cant think of at the moment but no it is not equivalent to bootloader unlock. Bootloader unlocking allows you to flash recoveries, roms, scripts, kernels, etc. S-OFF allows the more advanced stuff like firmware flashing in fastboot. (at least I think that's what s-off does)
2) Super CID allows you to flash ROM's made for other carriers. So if you set your CID to super CID or another carriers CID then you could flash their ROMS and receive OTA Updates from them. It does not allow Sim unlock and or is not a Sim unlock.
3) I'm quite sure that weak sauce only allows access to /system/xbin but I may be wrong BUT in the case I'm right then no you cannot use xposed without S-OFF because without S-OFF you can't flash a system write enabled kernel to allow it.
Ok... so two more questions:
1) Verizon M8 is already SIM unlocked, correct?
2) I can see that firewater/sunshine do both an S-off and bootloader unlock. However, they don't seem to differentiate between these two things, simply stating they do both. Is there another stand-alone method to unlock the bootloader and if so, do you gain anything having an unlocked boot loader but not s-off? I know you can unlock the bootloader on all the other M8 variants via HTCdev, but they have blocked Verizon.
TraderJack said:
Ok... so two more questions:
1) Verizon M8 is already SIM unlocked, correct?
2) I can see that firewater/sunshine do both an S-off and bootloader unlock. However, they don't seem to differentiate between these two things, simply stating they do both. Is there another stand-alone method to unlock the bootloader and if so, do you gain anything having an unlocked boot loader but not s-off? I know you can unlock the bootloader on all the other M8 variants via HTCdev, but they have blocked Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) No, you have to manually unlock it.
2) HTCDev is the only way that I've heard about for unlocking the bootloader alone & the only thing different is you wouldn't be able to flash firmware I believe.
S1L3nTShaDoWz said:
1) No, you have to manually unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://htcsource.com/2014/06/how-to-sim-unlock-the-htc-one-m8-for-free/
"Verizon: the HTC One (M8) from Verizon is SIM unlocked right out of the box."
Also found this on Verizon's Global Ready policy FAQ:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/faqs/InternationalServicesandRoaming/faq_global_phone.html
"We do not lock our 4G LTE devices, and no code is needed to program them for use with another carrier."
Some info on this thread people seem to indicate it is already unlocked:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2730159
So are those sources above incorrect? I can't find any guide on how to SIM unlock the M8 on verizon... this is why I'm thinking it was already unlocked?
TraderJack said:
http://htcsource.com/2014/06/how-to-sim-unlock-the-htc-one-m8-for-free/
"Verizon: the HTC One (M8) from Verizon is SIM unlocked right out of the box."
Also found this on Verizon's Global Ready policy FAQ:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/faqs/InternationalServicesandRoaming/faq_global_phone.html
"We do not lock our 4G LTE devices, and no code is needed to program them for use with another carrier."
Some info on this thread people seem to indicate it is already unlocked:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2730159
So are those sources above incorrect? I can't find any guide on how to SIM unlock the M8 on verizon... this is why I'm thinking it was already unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is sim unlocked, you can take it into any carrier and it'll work. The only reason it wouldn't work is if you don't have the correct bands to get LTE or GSM data.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
So i got my M8 yesterday and could already tell that reception wise it was much better than my previous upgrade attempt with the RAZR M.
Since there aren't a lot of options for customizable phones anymore with VZW, I've decided to keep it and am happy to report that firewater worked for me to S-OFF!
I had some issues with weaksauce and superSU...the latter not seeming to want to run, but eventually I determined that it wasn't necessary to actually run and update the app to get firewater to work (even though I never got any toast pop-ups from weaksauce after boot).
Firewater ran find and unlocke me after 4 bottle chugs.
I then had some problems loading on CWM. The reason is that on the CWM site the list the M8 down at the very bottom away from all the other HTC devices (including the HTC One - which they don't qualify as the M7 or M8). I accidentally flashed the recovery for the M7 since that is what was listed. After that I couldn't get into any recovery, although the phone still booted. When I realized what happened, I was a little peeved that they so carelessly listed these on their site that I chose not to continue using the stock CWM even though I prefer it's streamlined approach.
I went ahead an installed this version of PhilZ CWM:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2725348
It sounded like you guys were praising this one, and I do prefer CWM. Even though it sounds like TWRP is more popular now, I saw several threads where it seemed like there were issues with TWRP doing funky stuff that CWM users didn't have issues with.
So, after I got that on I removed weaksauce and SuperSU.
What I would like to do now is probably reset to factory defaults and do a nandroid backup. Then, I would like to perma-root.
Some questions on this:
1) Do i need an SD card to nandroid backup? It appeared to work when I started a backup without an SD card...I didn't let it finish, but I'm not sure this method will work. I want to make sure I have a backup that I can use to revert to stock. I do have an sd card coming, but if I can do a successful backup without one I will go ahead.
2) Do I use all the default settings in Philz/CWM for the backup, or do I need to tweak anything in the advanced to ensure that I get *everything* that would be stock on the phone?
3) I saw some method that involved flashing a supersu update to get perma-root? Is this the best method?
Thanks again for all the help.
TraderJack said:
So i got my M8 yesterday and could already tell that reception wise it was much better than my previous upgrade attempt with the RAZR M.
Since there aren't a lot of options for customizable phones anymore with VZW, I've decided to keep it and am happy to report that firewater worked for me to S-OFF!
I had some issues with weaksauce and superSU...the latter not seeming to want to run, but eventually I determined that it wasn't necessary to actually run and update the app to get firewater to work (even though I never got any toast pop-ups from weaksauce after boot).
Firewater ran find and unlocke me after 4 bottle chugs.
I then had some problems loading on CWM. The reason is that on the CWM site the list the M8 down at the very bottom away from all the other HTC devices (including the HTC One - which they don't qualify as the M7 or M8). I accidentally flashed the recovery for the M7 since that is what was listed. After that I couldn't get into any recovery, although the phone still booted. When I realized what happened, I was a little peeved that they so carelessly listed these on their site that I chose not to continue using the stock CWM even though I prefer it's streamlined approach.
I went ahead an installed this version of PhilZ CWM:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2725348
It sounded like you guys were praising this one, and I do prefer CWM. Even though it sounds like TWRP is more popular now, I saw several threads where it seemed like there were issues with TWRP doing funky stuff that CWM users didn't have issues with.
So, after I got that on I removed weaksauce and SuperSU.
What I would like to do now is probably reset to factory defaults and do a nandroid backup. Then, I would like to perma-root.
Some questions on this:
1) Do i need an SD card to nandroid backup? It appeared to work when I started a backup without an SD card...I didn't let it finish, but I'm not sure this method will work. I want to make sure I have a backup that I can use to revert to stock. I do have an sd card coming, but if I can do a successful backup without one I will go ahead.
2) Do I use all the default settings in Philz/CWM for the backup, or do I need to tweak anything in the advanced to ensure that I get *everything* that would be stock on the phone?
3) I saw some method that involved flashing a supersu update to get perma-root? Is this the best method?
Thanks again for all the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You don't need an SD card but I recommend it because if you ever encounter the dreaded "encryption" glitch that some AOSP ROM's have then you'll lose everything on your internal storage. I also recommend you back your Nandroid backups to your computer or some other sort of storage too so that if you ever encounter it or somehow manage to lose it then you can get it back.
2) It doesn't really matter what settings you choose or at least it never has for me but it should backup everything (ROM & apps)
3) Yes, that is the best method for getting perma-root is to flash the SuperSU zip in your recovery. You can find the latest version of the flashable zip at Chainfire's thread over here or the direct download link to the flashable zip here on his official website
Also I'd like to apologize for the invalid information I gave you yesterday on the SIM unlocking, my bad on that. I've had a cold for the past few days and it's been making me lazy lol.
S1L3nTShaDoWz said:
1) You don't need an SD card but I recommend it because if you ever encounter the dreaded "encryption" glitch that some AOSP ROM's have then you'll lose everything on your internal storage. I also recommend you back your Nandroid backups to your computer or some other sort of storage too so that if you ever encounter it or somehow manage to lose it then you can get it back.
2) It doesn't really matter what settings you choose or at least it never has for me but it should backup everything (ROM & apps)
3) Yes, that is the best method for getting perma-root is to flash the SuperSU zip in your recovery. You can find the latest version of the flashable zip at Chainfire's thread over here or the direct download link to the flashable zip here on his official website
Also I'd like to apologize for the invalid information I gave you yesterday on the SIM unlocking, my bad on that. I've had a cold for the past few days and it's been making me lazy lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Ok...but to get my first stock backup so I can proceed with everything else, it's safe to nandroid to internal memory? Where exactly will it place a nandroid backup if I don't have an SD card?
2) I was looking at the Misc Nandroid Settings like "include /preload" "use TWRP mode" etc. No reason to use anything but the defaults?
3) Cool...as soon as I have my nandroid I will go that route.
No worries about the SIM data...you guys have helped accelerate me pretty fast, and I'm thrilled that firewater worked. I'd now just like to get my full backup so I can begin fully migrating to the new phone and having fun
TraderJack said:
1) Ok...but to get my first stock backup so I can proceed with everything else, it's safe to nandroid to internal memory? Where exactly will it place a nandroid backup if I don't have an SD card?
2) I was looking at the Misc Nandroid Settings like "include /preload" "use TWRP mode" etc. No reason to use anything but the defaults?
3) Cool...as soon as I have my nandroid I will go that route.
No worries about the SIM data...you guys have helped accelerate me pretty fast, and I'm thrilled that firewater worked. I'd now just like to get my full backup so I can begin fully migrating to the new phone and having fun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it's safe, it will be stored in a folder called TWRP/Backups/Phone_Id_Here/ in the storage/emulated/0 folder (in root Explorer).
Also you can change them around to what you like, it doesn't matter.
& glad we could help!