[Q] ROOT / Upgrade Assistance - Transformer TF300T Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've gone through the root process on a dozen phones and tablets, but this is the first time I've gone through the process on a new device (to me) so long after its release, and therefore I'm finding the information I need to be a little... hard to pin down. I'm really just trying to be extra cautious with this one since I need it next week.
What I have: Android 4.0.3 ICS, ASUS Build v9.4.3.26
What I want: Android 4.1.? JB, ASUS Build v10.4.2.?? w/ Root/Recovery/Etc
With the above outdated firmware, I'm not sure if I should upgrade to Jellybean using ASUS OTA updates and then root/flash, or if I should use an older root method and upgrade to Jellybean by flashing a custom ROM, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc.
Edit: I should note that I was planning to follow this thread, but it was written under the assumption your tablet is already rooted with a custom recovery.

brennen.exe said:
I've gone through the root process on a dozen phones and tablets, but this is the first time I've gone through the process on a new device (to me) so long after its release, and therefore I'm finding the information I need to be a little... hard to pin down. I'm really just trying to be extra cautious with this one since I need it next week.
What I have: Android 4.0.3 ICS, ASUS Build v9.4.3.26
What I want: Android 4.1.? JB, ASUS Build v10.4.2.?? w/ Root/Recovery/Etc
With the above outdated firmware, I'm not sure if I should upgrade to Jellybean using ASUS OTA updates and then root/flash, or if I should use an older root method and upgrade to Jellybean by flashing a custom ROM, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc.
Edit: I should note that I was planning to follow this thread, but it was written under the assumption your tablet is already rooted with a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is how I did it this afternoon on my new TF300T:
Rooted ICS with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1704209
Installed supersu: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu
Updated su binary using supersu
Installed OTA rootkeeper: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.projectvoodoo.otarootkeeper
Backed up su with OTA rootkeeper
Installed ES File Explorer(you really don't have to do this but I wanted to make sure some other app had root access before I upgraded to JB)
Made sure supersu authorized all these root apps by running them at least once.
Upgraded to Jelly Bean
Restored root access with OTA rootkeeper
Wiped the sweat from my brow afterwards!
I am staying with stock JB locked to keep getting OTA updates. If you want a custom rom, you need to unlock:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2055886&highlight=unlock
Unlock APK is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1949758
NOTE: If you upgrade to Jelly Bean without OTA rootkeeper in place, you will not be able to root it without unlocking it first. There is no root exploit yet for the TF300 Locked Jelly Bean.

Yep. This will do the trick.
Still Charged Up

bads3ctor said:
This is how I did it this afternoon on my new TF300T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks badsector, I'll give it a go today and report back how it went.
Alright, thanks for the help in getting started, but I forgot to mention I had unlocked the tablet beforehand as a first step to another guide, so OTA updates were a no-go for me with this approach. What I ended up doing was, after performing 1-7 from your list, install TWRP using fastboot, manually install the JB update from ASUS, install TWRP for JB (again w/ fastboot), and then load a custom ROM. I'm all up to date and running fine, and had I intended to stay on the stock ROM I could have just left it at that when I flashed the ASUS firmware.
Thanks again!

Related

JB update, failed ota, manual update help?

I have been anxiously waiting for asus to post the jb firmware (us tf300t). I found it today, but now realize if i flash it manually i lose my root, backed up with voodoo and superSU or not. I then was reading about this dlpkgfile thing. Am i understanding this correctly?
It is the file that gets downloaded from asus when you check for an OTA, or when an OTA is pushed to your device
It then reboots, and uses the file to update the device.
It does not make u lose root?
So theoretically, I should be able to put it in /cache/directory and then`reboot my tab and it should start updating right? I know i need to make sure i get US version, backup root, etc. But will this work how I am thinking it will?
Oh and, I am not sure why my ota failed in the first place, i think i might have uninstalled a system app by accident without thinking. I am just plain rooted stock, NOT unlocked. I had also run the firmware for ics from asus website yesterday to get all the stock stuff back on my tab, then rerooted, and am waiting for JB update now

[Q] New Tf300t Owner

Hi all, Soon to be joining the ranks of happy tf300t owners but I have a couple of questions.
I bought my tf second hand and only afterwards I noticed that It comes rooted and unlocked.
Will this affect my ability to get OTA updates? And will I be okay to use factory restore when I get it to be sure its securely wiped (I softbricked my hannspad once by performing a factory reset after applying a honeycomb ROM, still don't understand why but just want to be sure theres no chance of that happening here.)
If it does affect me is there an easy way I can set the device to a way that I can get OTA? And do factory resets if thats even an issue (I do have some limited flashing experience with my Hannspad).
And lastly are there any must have apps? (Willing to pay) Or even just tweaks etc to make my transforming experience more pleasant?
Running JB 4.1.1
Well if it already unlocked then doing a factory reset will be fine and will not brick anything. But before you do that i would boot into recovery and make sure its twrp 2.2.2.0 and not another twrp version or clockworks.
No you can't get OTA updates since its unlocked but that is not a big deal, just wait for a Dev to add it to there ROM or just get the stock firmware from asus site and flash it yourself.
flashing the updates your self is only slighty more work the the ota ones mate but as its already roote thats makes up for it and the first few apps that come to mind are adaway, titanium back up, bsplayer (for movies) and dolphin browser (with the jet pack add on)
Just so you know, if you are running jb, do not attempt to flash anything ICS, either ROM or recovery. Make sure what you're flashing is designed for jb, otherwise you might brick your tablet.
You can't get ota when unlocked, but Asus is good for posting their Roms on their website shortly after an ota update is released. There are several guides here which tell you different ways you can install them. Its not hard at all.
Finally, if unlocked, you cannot relock.
Hope this helps a little.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using xda app-developers app

[Q] Update stock rooted galaxy tab

Hey all, I have a bought a galaxy tab 2 on android version 4.1.1 a while ago.
Back then I rooted the tablet so I could run whatsapp etc. on it.
After some research last days I noticed there were a few updates for the tab, and I decided that i want 4.1.2, (but still with root)
now my question is(since I can't update over the air):
How can i update my tab to version 4.1.2 while keeping the root acces and without losing or need to reinstall my apps?
because if i download the stock 4.1.2 ROM and install it, I lose all my apps and I need to reinstall it (from my experience with the htc legend).
thanks in advance!
Make a backup in CWM and install the ota; it seems that usually with this device OTA's will install properly when rooted.
You know, it's a sad day when your cellular service is faster than your home broadband.
MultipleMonomials said:
Make a backup in CWM and install the ota; it seems that usually with this device OTA's will install properly when rooted.
You know, it's a sad day when your cellular service is faster than your home broadband.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that is the problem. It is not possible because it will say taht my device is modified. But i decided to try cyanogenmod on it. And if it doesn't suit me then i will install stock 4.1.2.
but still thanks

[Q] Random Question

Hey guys I have a random stupid question. My phone is rooted and I have safestrap recovery installed but I haven't messed with it in a while. I have a few roms on it but I for some reason I can't remember I have just been using the stock rom. I've been getting prompted for system update for a long time now but it errors out when I install it (probably because of being rooted). How can I manually install the latest "stock rom". What is the actual name for the stock rom? Right now I'm running 9.16.6.XT926.Verizon.en.US which is android version 4.1.2. Since I haven't messed with it in over a year I would imagine there's quite a few updates to the one I'm running. So basically my question is what is the official name for the stock rom (I keep wanting to call it firmware but I'm pretty sure thats not it) and where can I get the latest and greatest. Thanks!
thibaulb said:
Hey guys I have a random stupid question. My phone is rooted and I have safestrap recovery installed but I haven't messed with it in a while. I have a few roms on it but I for some reason I can't remember I have just been using the stock rom. I've been getting prompted for system update for a long time now but it errors out when I install it (probably because of being rooted). How can I manually install the latest "stock rom". What is the actual name for the stock rom? Right now I'm running 9.16.6.XT926.Verizon.en.US which is android version 4.1.2. Since I haven't messed with it in over a year I would imagine there's quite a few updates to the one I'm running. So basically my question is what is the official name for the stock rom (I keep wanting to call it firmware but I'm pretty sure thats not it) and where can I get the latest and greatest. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the update is probably failing because of something you did with root access. However, before you decide to update, I would unlock your bootloader. You're still on a system version that can be unlocked. Once you're unlocked, you can FXZ to the newest update, flash an aftermarket recovery, and then flash a SU.zip to gain root.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vh04gc3ysgib7i9/VRZ_XT926_9.8.1Q-94-1_CFC.xml.ziphttps://www.dropbox.com/s/vh04gc3ysgib7i9/VRZ_XT926_9.8.1Q-94-1_CFC.xml.zipYou are on the last software version which allowed bootloader unlocking. So if you haven't already done so, you should unlock first. Here's a screenshot showing the current software version. Also included link to the zip.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app

how can i stay up to date with my rooted note 12.2

I have successfully rooted my note 12.2 - thanks to this awesome forum.
With that I can't do OTA or use Kies to stay up to date. So I'd like to know how I can stay up to date as Samsung releases new firmwares? For example I just downloaded the newly released 5.0.2 from Samobile and flashed it with Odin 3.09. That went well but of course it wiped my machine so I'm starting fresh again. I'd like to be able to stay up to date with out a complete re-wipe each time if possible. Thoughts?
As a long time root user I can tell you that the cardinal rule is that one should give up the notion of getting OTA updates for good once one roots for the simple fact that with each major OTA update comes the risk of losing root forever should the update lock the doors on the exploit used to gain root to begin with.
Casual root users are best served by watching forum threads after updates are released to see how more experienced users are fairing with getting their devices up to date. The exception to this is if a custom ROM is installed and the developer updates the ROM periodically to integrate the updated software or features that the device manufacturer releases. Even then, if a major update is released that let's say jumps to a new system like kitkat to lollipop there's a chance that a full wipe can't be avoided. ROM developers typically warn users when clean installs are required, and some even distribute their own OTAs.
I'm a religious user of titanium backup, and I will often dirty flash a ROM update or use prior titanium backups to restore data but this can be risky business when major updates are released because if software or drivers change from one major firmware release to another a backup of a particular application may no longer be compatible and stability may be affected upon restore.
Bottom line, if you want lollipop on your note pro, rooted, can live with the current bluetooth issues and want to be able to update further easily while retaining root then go with a custom ROM like civs and just monitor the thread of that ROM for updates.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the excellent advice. One two more more question on the topic. I had root on KitKat, but after flashing the new stock Lollipop via Odin, I lost root. So after installing the stock Lollipop I had to re-do the root flash via Odin to get root back, thankfully it all worked out. (Lollipop is awesome BTW).
Questions:
1. Was I in danger of forever losing root as you state above or was this a safe route? I understand that OTA and even Kies can make me lose root forever, but what about flashing a stock via Odin?
2. Are you saying that next time there's an update I could try to dirty flash the ROM via TWM (after doing a good backup via Titanium of course)? Basically find ROM on samobile, download, copy to SD card and dirty flash away using these suggestions: https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/sthr8/dirty_flashing_what_it_is_and_is_not_lets_set_the/
Typically to keep root the stock recovery is replaced with a custom one, TWRP is the main one used for our device. Stock updates from Samsung downloaded as OTA will typically fail to flash in TWRP. Odin flashing stock images will erase everything including the custom recovery, thus causing loss of root. In other words you'll typically lose root one way or another and the key to retaining it is to not blindly update until a root method is ensured for the next version of firmware. Resign to the fact that with each update you will temporarily lose root and need to redo it. Plan ahead, wait for root confirmation and then update with a plan of how to get root again.
I typically don't TWRP flash stock so I don't know if it works but in the distant past I recall that it wouldn't so thus I never try. Maybe someone can confirm. For me I haven't updated firmware on my note pro for a year now and I am not missing anything. ..
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

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