Bootloop and/or Bricked - Transformer TF300T Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello,
After a couple of months on cm10.1 on my TF300T 32GB, I wanted to try another rom. I was (and still am) on TWRP v2.2.1.5, and after flashing a new rom (I think it was grimlock) it booted, but would crash after a minute or so of not doing anything. Deciding to flash another rom, I flashed paranoid android and it would never boot anymore. So that is my problem, I am completely stuck, and because I can't boot into android anymore, I can't place any files on my internal SD card to flash.
Is my TF300T beyond repair? Will I have to send it back? I also need some explanation on how Bootloaders/Recoveries/ROMS work on the TF300T, because it's really easy on my Galaxy Nexus but here it's all complicated.
EDIT:
It's also worth mentioning that when starting the tablet while powered off with the onbutton+volumedown it will say that the following bootloader is installed:
"WW_epad-10.4.2.13-20120907" a03

Your tab is not bricked but you are going to need micro sd or mount internal memory via twrp to put roms on your tablet
Sent from my HTC Desire C using xda app-developers app

While as above your tablet isn't bricked, flash the latest version of twrp with fastboot, "fastboot flash recovery *name-of-file*" then move a 4.1 compatible rom over to your tf300 and flash it (id suggest the latest stock firmware from Asus but its up to you)
Its pretty easy on the tf300t, but Asus in their infinite misguided wisdom decided to release a new bootloader with their 4.2 firmware that wasn't compatible with kernels built on prior sources, So now we just have to check if the rom/kernel you are flashing is compatible with the bootloader you're on, 10.4.x.xx is the old bootloader and 10.6.x.xx is the new bootloader, (devs call these bootloaders 4.1 and 4.2 bootloaders because of the versions of android they were released with, the bootloaders themselves are capable of running either 4.1 or 4.2 versions of android.)
Twrp is a recovery and a recovery is a kernel, so if you flash a version of twrp that isn't compatible with your bootloader version, it will not function correctly. Plenty of thread that should point you to the right version.

noahvt said:
Your tab is not bricked but you are going to need micro sd or mount internal memory via twrp to put roms on your tablet
Sent from my HTC Desire C using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JoinTheRealms said:
While as above your tablet isn't bricked, flash the latest version of twrp with fastboot, "fastboot flash recovery *name-of-file*" then move a 4.1 compatible rom over to your tf300 and flash it (id suggest the latest stock firmware from Asus but its up to you)
Its pretty easy on the tf300t, but Asus in their infinite misguided wisdom decided to release a new bootloader with their 4.2 firmware that wasn't compatible with kernels built on prior sources, So now we just have to check if the rom/kernel you are flashing is compatible with the bootloader you're on, 10.4.x.xx is the old bootloader and 10.6.x.xx is the new bootloader, (devs call these bootloaders 4.1 and 4.2 bootloaders because of the versions of android they were released with, the bootloaders themselves are capable of running either 4.1 or 4.2 versions of android.)
Twrp is a recovery and a recovery is a kernel, so if you flash a version of twrp that isn't compatible with your bootloader version, it will not function correctly. Plenty of thread that should point you to the right version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you both. I will try to fix it with the instructions. I am really happy that I don't have to send my tablet for repairs. :fingers-crossed:

I have been on CM 10.1 for sometime but now cannot get anything past the July 6th nightly to boot. Are new CM revisiions only for the 4.2 bootloader?

Related

Quick help loading cyanogen on a 4.2 device

Howdy folks, it appears that I've run into a bit of a hurdle playing with my transformer.
-----------------------------------------
Problem:
Stuck Boot (static "ASUS" logo, with nvidia logo in bottom right and "unlocked" in top left)
-(rebooting into bootloader and recovery is possible)
-----------------------------------------
Background Steps:
1. device got the 4.2.2 OTA from ASUS and is running the 10.6 bootloader
2.performed 4.2 unlock as per ASUS instructions
3.loaded TWRP 2.5 (4.2 version)
4.did a full wipe within TWRP (except SD)
5.installed stable release 10.0.0 =
6. wiped cache and dalvik
7. rebooted
------------------------------------------
I figured this was a problem with the kernel (similar symptoms before on previous devices) so i went into fastboot and loaded the boot.blob from the cm zip. - It had no effect!
I then wiped and tried again with 10.1 (nightly), again updating kernel - It had no effect!
Getting nervous, i flashed a rom based on stock 4.2 (kernel flash was required) -It's working but not what I want to end up with.
-Can you folks help me out?
Any help is appreciated
As far as I know the this [OFFICIAL][4.2.2][TF300T][NIGHTLIES] CyanogenMod 10.1 for TF300T does not work with the 4.2 bootloaders, even though it's 4.2.2 it needs a 4.1 bootloader like 10.4.2.20.
There is an experimental build for the 4.2 bootloaders here [ROM][4.2.2][CyanogenMod 10.1 Unofficial][TF300T(G) with BL 4.2][2013-05-09], if your using twrp 2.5.0.0-4.2 you should have JB 10.6.1.15.3 bootloader as twrp 2.5.0.0-4.2 on JB 10.6.1.8 has a split-screen issue.
As far as I know, the official CM10 and CM10.1 (including nightlies) are still not compatible with the ASUS new 4.2 Boot loader. You have to wait a little while for the official CM10.1 maintainer to catch up.
However, there is an unofficial CM10.1 that can work with your current 4.2 bootloader, look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2252990
would you recommend downgrading to 4.1 to use the stable release, or should is it safer to just stay with what i got til they decide to make an official cm release that'll work with it?
n00b1c1d3 said:
would you recommend downgrading to 4.1 to use the stable release, or should is it safer to just stay with what i got til they decide to make an official cm release that'll work with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is safer to stay. Messing with recovery, fastboot and bootloaders is risky business. Although, it may work, there is also a chance you might brick your tablet when done incorrectly. Not that I doubt your abilities. It's just that we are seeing an alarming rate of bricked TF300T being reported in the forum. Better wait for a much safer version of TWRP recovery.
EDIT: However, if you have NVFlash backup of your tablet, downgrading and bricking won't be much of a problem.
Roger, i'll stay with 4.2, maybe i'll try that experimental 4.2 one.

[Q] 4.0.3 to 4.2 Upgrade Clarification

So I've been running the stock 4.0.3 Android on my TF300T for a very long time. at one point Idownloaded the asus provided unlocking tool, unlocked the device and installed CWM 5.5 and IIRC rooted the device in prep to run a custom ROM. I never got around to doing this but now I am ready to get this thing updated to the latest firmware ASUS provides ( V10.6.1.15.3)
There seems to be a mess of issues with the 4.2 bootloaders and such. So being a complete newbie to the world of Android I want to make sure I do not brick my TF300T or ruin it in any way.
As I understand... I can simply download the firmware. Unzip the .zip file to my SD card, boot into the currently installed CWM, install the new 4.2 update and all I will need to do in install an updated recovery for 4.2 afterwards correct?
EDIT: My plan is to use This guide >> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2187982 << I just want clarification that I can update to the TeamWin recovery after installing 4.2
Philldoe said:
So I've been running the stock 4.0.3 Android on my TF300T for a very long time. at one point Idownloaded the asus provided unlocking tool, unlocked the device and installed CWM 5.5 and IIRC rooted the device in prep to run a custom ROM. I never got around to doing this but now I am ready to get this thing updated to the latest firmware ASUS provides ( V10.6.1.15.3)
There seems to be a mess of issues with the 4.2 bootloaders and such. So being a complete newbie to the world of Android I want to make sure I do not brick my TF300T or ruin it in any way.
As I understand... I can simply download the firmware. Unzip the .zip file to my SD card, boot into the currently installed CWM, install the new 4.2 update and all I will need to do in install an updated recovery for 4.2 afterwards correct?
EDIT: My plan is to use This guide >> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2187982 << I just want clarification that I can update to the TeamWin recovery after installing 4.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you look into nvflash before you go updating to later firmwares because once you leave ICS you'll lose the option. Im not sure how many people here have access to nvflash because they brought their tf300t with JB pre-installed and dont have the chance to use nvflash as the exploit used is patched. But i was lucky and and took advantage of it while i was still on ICS, i would have bricked my tf300t 10 times over if it wernt for nvflash.
It makes your tf300t unbrickable, and lets you flash back to 4.0.1 bootloader if you have issues with 4.2:good:
And to answer your question yes you can update the 4.2 version of twrp AFTER the update with fastboot

[Q] Installing new bootloader: brick-risk?!

My device:
- TF300
- Android 4.2.2. / CM10.1 (10.1-20130621-nightly-tf300t)
- WW_epad-10.4.2.9-20120809 (= 4.1 bootloader version)
- TWRP 2.6 recovery (for bootloader v4.1)
My aim is to update to CM10.2, therefore I need a bootloader version 4.2. I downloaded the latest firmware from the asus-website (TF300T-WW_epad-10_6_1_27_5-UpdateLauncher.zip) and put it on /sdcard.
But I'm in doubt:
- Is the asus firmwire described above the best way to upgrade my bootloader? And can I use TWRP to install this zip?
- If so, do I need to change the TWRP version to 2.6 ready for -4.2 (teamw.in/project/twrp2/97) not at all, before or after I installed the new bootloader?
I know bootloader/recovery issues can easily brick a TF300, so to be sure I ask. Thanks in advance!
Found this thread:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nschneider7 View Post
Nope missed that and was just reading about it. Can I just flash the "TF300T-US_epad-10_6_1_27_1-UpdateLauncher" zip in TWRP? Then from there flash the new TWRP and then install CM? Or do I have to go back and let it upgrade to that point?
I flashed the blob via fastboot. Then flashed recovery via fast boot. Then cm10.2 from recovery. I was on old June build of 10.1 and 4.1 bootloader same as you. Be safe fastboot flash follow guide in q and a section
Sent from inside my mkv.
Same question, but not exactly answered: can you do this without a cable connection with your pc?
X10i/3011 said:
Found this thread:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nschneider7 View Post
Nope missed that and was just reading about it. Can I just flash the "TF300T-US_epad-10_6_1_27_1-UpdateLauncher" zip in TWRP? Then from there flash the new TWRP and then install CM? Or do I have to go back and let it upgrade to that point?
I flashed the blob via fastboot. Then flashed recovery via fast boot. Then cm10.2 from recovery. I was on old June build of 10.1 and 4.1 bootloader same as you. Be safe fastboot flash follow guide in q and a section
Sent from inside my mkv.
Same question, but not exactly answered: can you do this without a cable connection with your pc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, I'd rather be safe than sorry when upgrading bootloaders. So I would always suggest using the cable connection because it is less likely to fail. You probably could get away without using it to flash stock, but you wouldn't be able to flash TWRP without fastboot, and then couldn't flash a custom ROM. But everything feels safer once you have Nvflash backups.
X10i/3011 said:
My device:
- TF300
- Android 4.2.2. / CM10.1 (10.1-20130621-nightly-tf300t)
- WW_epad-10.4.2.9-20120809 (= 4.1 bootloader version)
- TWRP 2.6 recovery (for bootloader v4.1)
My aim is to update to CM10.2, therefore I need a bootloader version 4.2. I downloaded the latest firmware from the asus-website (TF300T-WW_epad-10_6_1_27_5-UpdateLauncher.zip) and put it on /sdcard.
But I'm in doubt:
- Is the asus firmwire described above the best way to upgrade my bootloader? And can I use TWRP to install this zip?
- If so, do I need to change the TWRP version to 2.6 ready for -4.2 (teamw.in/project/twrp2/97) not at all, before or after I installed the new bootloader?
I know bootloader/recovery issues can easily brick a TF300, so to be sure I ask. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the same situation as you not so long ago. Was on 4.1.1 with TWRP 2.6.3.0 JB installed. Asked myself these questions repeatedly. I updated via fastboot to the staging partition using the blob within the latested ASUS firmware zip file. The blob file contains, bootloader, recovery, system and boot. This means your are essentially returning to stock everything upon flashing. This was a huge sigh of relief as I didn't want to brick my device because of the same concerns you have. So I flashed via fastboot to 10.6.2.10 then flashed to TWRP 2.5.0 4.2 as 2.6.3.0 didn't work for me for some reason. I heard a number of people say that 2.6.3.0 4.2 is buggy and suggested to stay with 2.5.0 in which I would recommend from experience. Then flash your custom firmware.
Pretty lost by now. I am still (sick of it) on an unlocked Asus stock 4.2.1 with TWRP 2.5. My intention is to change the ROM but was considering CM 11 which I understand does require TWRP 2.6.X at least. I was hoping for a fix for installing navflash on post JB but I believe does not possible so anything that means touching the bootloader makes me very concern.
I was wondering:
- Can I flash TWRP 2.6 (4.2 img file i beleive) directly from my already installes TWRP 2.5 bootloader and then install CM 11? or do I need fastboot process again?
- Is CM 11 worth on the TF300? I just need some stability and reasonable speed after having so many problems with the stock rom.
Thanks.
luison said:
Pretty lost by now. I am still (sick of it) on an unlocked Asus stock 4.2.1 with TWRP 2.5. My intention is to change the ROM but was considering CM 11 which I understand does require TWRP 2.6.X at least. I was hoping for a fix for installing navflash on post JB but I believe does not possible so anything that means touching the bootloader makes me very concern.
I was wondering:
- Can I flash TWRP 2.6 (4.2 img file i beleive) directly from my already installes TWRP 2.5 bootloader and then install CM 11? or do I need fastboot process again?
- Is CM 11 worth on the TF300? I just need some stability and reasonable speed after having so many problems with the stock rom.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, CM11 requires TWRP 2.6.3.1.
You can install NvFlash on a JellyBean Bootloader, link and guide is in my signature.
If you bootloader is above 10.6.1.8, you can just flash the TWRP 2.6.3.1 and then reboot and then flash CM11 + gapps.
I think it is super smooth with the OC Kernel.

Any warnings/heads up to offer me? Leaping over many versions...

My TF300T still has the old stock firmware from October 2012 (4.1).
It is unlocked and has TWRP from february 2013.
Now I will be jumping to a current custom firmware (Crombi-kk 4.4).
If I understand correctly, I have to flash the latest STOCK firmware (V10.6.1.27.5 android 4.2) and install the new CWM/TWRP before I can flash a custom firmware.
My main worry is flashing the newest stock rom on my already TWRP/rooted/unlocked TF300T. Will that cause a problem or will the stock firmware wipe everything clean (except for the unlock)?
Also, the unlock utility on Asus's website is made for 4.2 only. When I unlocked my TF300T, it was 4.1. What will happen when I flash the stock 4.2? Will my 4.1 unlock cause problems or will it be wiped, or will it still be effective?
alkizmo said:
My TF300T still has the old stock firmware from October 2012 (4.1).
It is unlocked and has TWRP from february 2013.
Now I will be jumping to a current custom firmware (Crombi-kk 4.4).
If I understand correctly, I have to flash the latest STOCK firmware (V10.6.1.27.5 android 4.2) and install the new CWM/TWRP before I can flash a custom firmware.
My main worry is flashing the newest stock rom on my already TWRP/rooted/unlocked TF300T. Will that cause a problem or will the stock firmware wipe everything clean (except for the unlock)?
Also, the unlock utility on Asus's website is made for 4.2 only. When I unlocked my TF300T, it was 4.1. What will happen when I flash the stock 4.2? Will my 4.1 unlock cause problems or will it be wiped, or will it still be effective?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you would like help with this shoot me an email here [email protected]
We can get you where you need to be and than we can post what we did back here so everyone can see what we did...
Thx Josh
Thanks for your offer. I actually got the green light on the CM 4.4.x Q&A thread.
I read that flashing the CWM for 4.1 would brick your tablet if you had 4.2 installed, so I was worried that flashing 4.2 on top of an existing 4.1 CWM would brick it as well. It turns out it simply removes the CWM entirely. Good times.
Basically what I ended up doing was:
1 - Transfer the latest official TF300T firmware (zip file) onto an SD card.
2 - Start my TF300T with my old (4.1) CWM recovery and select to flash my android with the zip file on the SD card.
3 - The TF300T bootloader stayed unlocked, but the old CWM was gone.
4 - Using ADB: Upload & flash the new CWM Philz Touch
5 - Install/flash the desired custom rom (from within CWM using SD card)
6 - Restore to factory default (from within CWM)
Now I even installed Grimlock's kernel to allow overclocking.
My TF300T has a new life. It is now very much acceptable in terms of speed.

New User with unlocked device looking for help

I recently bought a TF300t second hand and I really need some help! Some years back I was playing around with custom roms on Android devices but im very out of touch.
I would like to install one of the more recent roms on this device. Any suggestion here appreciated.
The device has already been rooted and has TWRP v2.6.3.1 installed. I understand that I need to upgrade this to 2.8. to install the latest roms but im having issues doing that. For a start im unsure how to find out if I have the latest Bootloader 4.2
I really dont want to brick this device!
I tried using ADB to update TWRP but the usb connection never seemed to find my device in the right mode.
The device is currently running Android 4.2.1
Custom ROM CROMi-Xenogenesis 5.4 - 10.6.127.5 WW ODEX.
Any help and advice really appreciated )
tsddave said:
I recently bought a TF300t second hand and I really need some help! Some years back I was playing around with custom roms on Android devices but im very out of touch.
I would like to install one of the more recent roms on this device. Any suggestion here appreciated.
The device has already been rooted and has TWRP v2.6.3.1 installed. I understand that I need to upgrade this to 2.8. to install the latest roms but im having issues doing that. For a start im unsure how to find out if I have the latest Bootloader 4.2
I really dont want to brick this device!
I tried using ADB to update TWRP but the usb connection never seemed to find my device in the right mode.
The device is currently running Android 4.2.1
Custom ROM CROMi-Xenogenesis 5.4 - 10.6.127.5 WW ODEX.
Any help and advice really appreciated )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android 4.2.1 is newest official.
10.6..... is bootloader version - newest there is.
flashing recovery and/or ROM will not overwrite bootloader - it stays the same.
You can go to twrp official website and get 2.8.0.1-4.2 blob to flash (unless your target rom states different version needed - see 1st post of yout target thread) - I got it from there - flashed KatKiss using it.
ADB - when android is running.
fastboot - on bootloader screen (booted with voldown+power - RCK / android / wipe data icons) - used to flash twrp blob
Sent from my TF300T using XDA Free mobile app
th3cr0w said:
Android 4.2.1 is newest official.
10.6..... is bootloader version - newest there is.
flashing recovery and/or ROM will not overwrite bootloader - it stays the same.
You can go to twrp official website and get 2.8.0.1-4.2 blob to flash (unless your target rom states different version needed - see 1st post of yout target thread) - I got it from there - flashed KatKiss using it.
ADB - when android is running.
fastboot - on bootloader screen (booted with voldown+power - RCK / android / wipe data icons) - used to flash twrp blob
Sent from my TF300T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok got it all fixed now. Thanks!
So, not to hijack, but I'm actually in a similar boat. I'm currently rooted and unlocked on 4.1.1 TWRP 2.3.3.0 and am looking to flash the new 5.0 Rom.
Does anyone have a handy guide on what I should do? Do I just need to flash a 4.4 compatible TWRP version, then flash the ROM? Would like to avoid bricking my tablet.
jaydotelloh said:
So, not to hijack, but I'm actually in a similar boat. I'm currently rooted and unlocked on 4.1.1 TWRP 2.3.3.0 and am looking to flash the new 5.0 Rom.
Does anyone have a handy guide on what I should do? Do I just need to flash a 4.4 compatible TWRP version, then flash the ROM? Would like to avoid bricking my tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes here you are ....
Get the SKU from your bootloader screen .....
Then go to the Asus website and get the firmware for your SKU ending in 27.5 ...
Then unpack the zip and there will be another zip unzip it you will find a file called blob ....
Flash this blob from fastboot ...
Thx Josh

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