Database Info

[Q] ROOT Beginners questions

Hey guys,
I saw alot of guides out there to Root your SNS, all different, and none explain some basics stuff. I want to understand what I'm doing and not doing it like a robot. So I'll ask some newbie questions I got into:
1) What's the difference between ROOT / unlocking bootloader / oem unlock ?
2) Is it possible to save all your apps and data before Rooting your SNS by some way ? I know there's these apps Nandroid and Titanium backup, but both can used only after rooting no ?
3) I saw there's guide to Root i9020T only, and i9023 & i9020A separately, what is it ? how do I know what I have ?
4) What's the best recovery out there ? Clockwork mod ? If I use it and I want to update it, do I need to download the new version and transfer it again, or does it have auto update ?
5) What is Fastloader / Fastboot ? what does it do ?
6) What is Superuser ? what does it do ?
7) What is Flash rom, or Flash recovery ?
8) What is the best and most updated guide for Rooting SNS out there ? there just so many, I need something that most reliable
9) I wanted to make sure the all these processes are reversible, that if I'll find out the original stock rom was better for me, if I could undone all the rooting and recovery changing and go back to the stock rom with original updates from google (like new) ?
10) For people that have done it, does it worth rooting the SNS at all ? does the Roms out there for SNS are good enough to replace the stock one ? I've heard that most good roms are for Galaxys, and SNS has the basics, is it true ?
Thanks for your patience, sorry for being pain in the ass

ariel2011 said:
Hey guys,
I saw alot of guides out there to Root your SNS, all different, and none explain some basics stuff. I want to understand what I'm doing and not doing it like a robot. So I'll ask some newbie questions I got into:
1) What's the difference between ROOT / unlocking bootloader / oem unlock ?
2) Is it possible to save all your apps and data before Rooting your SNS by some way ? I know there's these apps Nandroid and Titanium backup, but both can used only after rooting no ?
3) I saw there's guide to Root i9020T only, and i9023 & i9020A separately, what is it ? how do I know what I have ?
4) What's the best recovery out there ? Clockwork mod ? If I use it and I want to update it, do I need to download the new version and transfer it again, or does it have auto update ?
5) What is Fastloader / Fastboot ? what does it do ?
6) What is Superuser ? what does it do ?
7) What is Flash rom, or Flash recovery ?
8) What is the best and most updated guide for Rooting SNS out there ? there just so many, I need something that most reliable
9) I wanted to make sure the all these processes are reversible, that if I'll find out the original stock rom was better for me, if I could undone all the rooting and recovery changing and go back to the stock rom with original updates from google (like new) ?
10) For people that have done it, does it worth rooting the SNS at all ? does the Roms out there for SNS are good enough to replace the stock one ? I've heard that most good roms are for Galaxys, and SNS has the basics, is it true ?
Thanks for your patience, sorry for being pain in the ass
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will explain it to you in about one hour, because nobody want to tell you, but I'm on beach atm and writing from the is not very handy!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

Borky_16 said:
I will explain it to you in about one hour, because nobody want to tell you, but I'm on beach atm and writing from the is not very handy!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I figured people won't have the strength to answer all that, I understand them
Ok thanks, take your time !

1. Root gives you ability to run applications that require root access.
Unlocking bootloader is the same thing as OEM unlock. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to flash custom recoveries which leads you to flashing custom ROMs & kernels. With the Nexus series, it is a legitimate device that permits you to unlock the bootloader without using a exploit.
2) No. This is not possible, upon unlocking the bootloader. It will wipe all of your data due to a security measure. And yes, nandroid can only be usable when you flash Clockwork Recovery. Titanium Backup requires root. And to obtain root, you need to flash su.zip (or whatever method you desire to). The best thing you could do when you first get the NS is to oem unlock. You don't have to gain root right away, but at least unlock the bootloader so you keep it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=931865 but if you go that road.. its all you, i rather unlock the bootloader. easier on the long run
3) What is your location? Carrier?
4) There is only one recovery. Clockwork. Not many changes need to be done to the recovery in the first place. Once a stable version is out, it will remain that way. Recoveries don't get updated that much. I'd recommend the 4.0.0.2 modified version in the development forum than to the standard one. It is formatted a lot better than the original. If you wish to get the official one, download ROM manager from the market and flash it there. It will give you Clockwork v3.0.2.4.
To flash 4.0.0.2, you need to go into bootloader mode and use ADB (fastboot).
5) Fastboot allows you to flash custom image files such as bootloader, radio, recovery.
6) Superuser is 'administrative' access to your phone. It unlimits you and allows you to take full permissions all over your phone including changes outside of /sdcard/.
7) Let's use this as an example,
Android = Windows
ROM = Heavily modified version of Windows tweaked for faster speeds, new features, and so forth.
Flash Recovery allows you to flash custom ROMs & kernels.
Kernels... new features. Easy to do. Recommend Netarchy's 1.3.7 kernel.
8) Only one way to root the Nexus S. It's the easiest out of any other phone. One clicks are for lazy people.
9) Yes you can undo it. But you probably wont because custom ROMs are amazing.
10) Yes its worth rooting. You're asking about it, so you're obviously thinking about it. You can always unroot. But I doubt it
Anyway. Hit the thanks button, any more questions. Feel free to ask! I'll be here.
P.S. Just call it "NS" its not "SNS"

ariel2011 said:
Yea I figured people won't have the strength to answer all that, I understand them
Ok thanks, take your time !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh he was faster! but yeah thats it! and hit his thanks button
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

Borky_16 said:
oh he was faster! but yeah thats it! and hit his thanks button
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a race Just trying to answer his question hehe.

zephiK said:
It's not a race Just trying to answer his question hehe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I know!

Since when does Salzburg have a beach?

First of all, thank you for your detailed explanation ! things are more clear now
and you too Borky_16, even tho you didn't make it eventually
zephiK said:
allows you to flash custom recoveries which leads you to flashing custom ROMs & kernels
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
zephiK said:
5) Fastboot allows you to flash custom image files such as bootloader, radio, recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I asked in question 7, I don't really understand the meaning of the verb flash, what does it mean to flash recoveries/roms/images ?
and btw what is kernels ?
zephiK said:
3) What is your location? Carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Israel, Carrier: Cellcom, but I bought it on BestBuy from US. In my Baseband version is says: I9020XXKD1. Does it mean anything ?
zephiK said:
8) Only one way to root the Nexus S. It's the easiest out of any other phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're saying the only real guide is the one in the General forum? :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=895545
again, thanks for your help

ariel2011 said:
So you're saying the only real guide is the one in the General forum? :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=895545
again, thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://theunlockr.com/2010/12/17/how-to-root-the-samsung-nexus-s/

ariel2011 said:
First of all, thank you for your detailed explanation ! things are more clear now
and you too Borky_16, even tho you didn't make it eventually
As I asked in question 7, I don't really understand the meaning of the verb flash, what does it mean to flash recoveries/roms/images ?
and btw what is kernels ?
Israel, Carrier: Cellcom, but I bought it on BestBuy from US. In my Baseband version is says: I9020XXKD1. Does it mean anything ?
So you're saying the only real guide is the one in the General forum? :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=895545
again, thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to flash means to install; or, to write the image to the partition.
an image is a copy of something. a partition is an area of your phone's storage. when you flash, you write the content of the image into the partition.
the main partitions are system, data, recovery, boot, and radio.
when you flash custom kernel, you are writing an image to the boot partition.
when you flash a custom rom, you are writing images to the boot and system partitions (roms usually include kernels to ensure compatibility).
when you flash a recovery, you are writing an image to the recovery partition.
when you factory reset, you are erasing the data partition.
also you can flash other partitions easily from a modified recovery. so the easiest way to set up your phone to be easily modified is to use a program called fastboot to flash a custom recovery image. then you boot your phone into that custom recovery and from there you can easily flash custom roms and kernels. and if all you want is to gain root access, then you just go into recovery and flash a superuser file.
hopefully that explains it!

ariel2011 said:
and btw what is kernels ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A kernel is the "core" of an operating system which, in case of Android, is Linux. It provides interface to all hardware on you NS -- CPU, memory, touch screen, speaker, etc. (see the picture in the link)
Your NS cannot operate correctly without a compatible kernel, so mind what you are going to flash to your boot partition.

suksit said:
A kernel is the "core" of an operating system which, in case of Android, is Linux. It provides interface to all hardware on you NS -- CPU, memory, touch screen, speaker, etc. (see the picture in the link)
Your NS cannot operate correctly without a compatible kernel, so mind what you are going to flash to your boot partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much what he said. I recommend a custom kernel such as Netarchy's kernel. Adds Voodoo Sound which is pretty much amazing. Custom kernels add a lot of custom features, highlights of the additional features can be found in a kernel thread such as OC, Voodoo Sound,Voodoo Color, Tunko, etc....

Thanks guys, u really helped me out, I'll work on rooting my NS right now

I also recommend Matr1x
But listen to zephik, he's a good person and is always willing to help
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

rentaric said:
Since when does Salzburg have a beach?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in Italy! and I call my hotel home because I will be there the whole summer !

so, my NS is rooted, with clockwork mod 4.0.0.2
tell me, each time I want to change rom I need to wipe everything before ? including sdcard ?

ariel2011 said:
so, my NS is rooted, with clockwork mod 4.0.0.2
tell me, each time I want to change rom I need to wipe everything before ? including sdcard ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you don't have to wipe sdcard. Don't ever do that.
Only thing you need to wipe is factory settings, and cache, and dalvik when flashing one rom to another.
Upgrading from one rom to the same rom but a newer version, just flash but I usually wipe dalvik and cache. You don't have to.
Kernel is the same. The I wip those two, and you don't have to.
Wiping hose two doesn't make you lose any files or data. Just a longer first boot because android is rebuilding the cache
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App

zephiK said:
No, you don't have to wipe sdcard. Don't ever do that.
Only thing you need to wipe is factory settings, and cache, and dalvik when flashing one rom to another.
Upgrading from one rom to the same rom but a newer version, just flash but I usually wipe dalvik and cache. You don't have to.
Kernel is the same. The I wip those two, and you don't have to.
Wiping hose two doesn't make you lose any files or data. Just a longer first boot because android is rebuilding the cache
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wiping dalvik and cache is only to do if you change the kernel at a rom! when you upgrade a rom, then the updater-script will do that, only to be correct

Borky_16 said:
wiping dalvik and cache is only to do if you change the kernel at a rom! when you upgrade a rom, then the updater-script will do that, only to be correct
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, didn't know the script would wipe it for you. Good to know! I'll continue wiping it just because it's a habit.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App

[Q] Root method

I have an ASUS TF300T running stock 4.2.1 build JOP400D_epad-10.6.1.27.5-20130902. I'd really like to, at a minimum, root this thing so I can boost it up a little bit. And at the most, install another ROM like CM 11.
I've rooted other machines (Droid Incredible, and my current Droid Razr) so I am not a novice by far. But after searching around I am finding that I can't really determine the 'best' method for rooting the TF300T. By best I mean - easiest and safest. With this in mind, can someone suggest the best method (and URL) for rooting the TF300T? And if I want to go so far as putting CM 11 on it (like I did for my phone) can Safestrap be run on this tablet? Any caveats?
Thanks in advance!
P.S. I might mention I use a Mac, so if whatever root method can run on a Mac that would be great. Otherwise if the method can work under a Win 7 VM (VirtualBox) that would be fine too.
-Tom

SimpTheChimp said:
I have an ASUS TF300T running stock 4.2.1 build JOP400D_epad-10.6.1.27.5-20130902. I'd really like to, at a minimum, root this thing so I can boost it up a little bit. And at the most, install another ROM like CM 11.
I've rooted other machines (Droid Incredible, and my current Droid Razr) so I am not a novice by far. But after searching around I am finding that I can't really determine the 'best' method for rooting the TF300T. By best I mean - easiest and safest. With this in mind, can someone suggest the best method (and URL) for rooting the TF300T? And if I want to go so far as putting CM 11 on it (like I did for my phone) can Safestrap be run on this tablet? Any caveats?
Thanks in advance!
P.S. I might mention I use a Mac, so if whatever root method can run on a Mac that would be great. Otherwise if the method can work under a Win 7 VM (VirtualBox) that would be fine too.
-Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about safestrap, but this is one of the pickiest tablets when it comes to ROMs: One mismatched bootloader, and it becomes an expensive paperweight.
There are several root methods in the General Forum if thats all you want to do.
For Customs ROMs, you will have to first unlock the bootloader, then update to the latest stock ROM, install the right TWRP, then pick the corresponding ROM. Never click wipe data in the bootloader menu.

cmendonc2 said:
I don't know about safestrap, but this is one of the pickiest tablets when it comes to ROMs: One mismatched bootloader, and it becomes an expensive paperweight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's my worry, from what I read it seems this is a very 'picky' tablet - and I don't want to blow it up... so maybe I'll just start with rooting it. That way I can at least customize a few things, get rid of bloatware, etc. Hopefully that will help it a bit.
cmendonc2 said:
There are several root methods in the General Forum if thats all you want to do.
For Customs ROMs, you will have to first unlock the bootloader, then update to the latest stock ROM, install the right TWRP, then pick the corresponding ROM. Never click wipe data in the bootloader menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what would you consider the 'easiest' and 'safest' of the root methods shown in the general forum? Any suggestions? Also, I assume the latest stock ROM is still the 4.2.1 build JOP400D_epad-10.6.1.27.5-20130902? I haven't got anything newer yet via System Update. That's why I was thinking of going to CM 11 like I did on my phone - to get Kit Kit. We'll probably never get it directly from ASUS....
-Tom

SimpTheChimp said:
Yeah, that's my worry, from what I read it seems this is a very 'picky' tablet - and I don't want to blow it up... so maybe I'll just start with rooting it. That way I can at least customize a few things, get rid of bloatware, etc. Hopefully that will help it a bit.
So what would you consider the 'easiest' and 'safest' of the root methods shown in the general forum? Any suggestions? Also, I assume the latest stock ROM is still the 4.2.1 build JOP400D_epad-10.6.1.27.5-20130902? I haven't got anything newer yet via System Update. That's why I was thinking of going to CM 11 like I did on my phone - to get Kit Kit. We'll probably never get it directly from ASUS....
-Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To root, you can try this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2685628

cmendonc2 said:
To root, you can try this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2685628
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I'll give this a try. So is this what you used to get root on your TF300T? It looks like it works for a variety of different machines.
Does this only do root? Or also bootloader unlock so you can run other ROMS? Also, if for whatever reason I had to revert root and reinstall stock, will that work after rooting with this method?
Thanks!

SimpTheChimp said:
Hmm, I'll give this a try. So is this what you used to get root on your TF300T? It looks like it works for a variety of different machines.
Does this only do root? Or also bootloader unlock so you can run other ROMS? Also, if for whatever reason I had to revert root and reinstall stock, will that work after rooting with this method?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This does ONLY root. Your bootloader is still unlocked, but if you reinstall stock, the root will be removed. If you do choose to unlock your bootloader, it can never be relocked and your warranty is forever void.

cmendonc2 said:
This does ONLY root. Your bootloader is still unlocked, but if you reinstall stock, the root will be removed. If you do choose to unlock your bootloader, it can never be relocked and your warranty is forever void.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK cool, I'll give it a shot. I'll first start with root and see if I can then optimize the tablet to run a little bit better (and get rid of the bloatware). Then later on I may consider unlocking the bootloader and trying another ROM - especially KitKat.
-Tom

cmendonc2 said:
This does ONLY root. Your bootloader is still unlocked, but if you reinstall stock, the root will be removed. If you do choose to unlock your bootloader, it can never be relocked and your warranty is forever void.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CMendonc2:
IT WORKED! Not only that, it was easy and quick!
Thanks!

SimpTheChimp said:
CMendonc2:
IT WORKED! Not only that, it was easy and quick!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it! Don't be afraid to ask any other questions

cmendonc2 said:
Glad to hear it! Don't be afraid to ask any other questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK cmendonc2, I like having root, but I think I am about ready to unlock this baby and put on another ROM. I know the risks, and that my warranty will be voided - but I've had this a couple of years so it's not under warranty anyway.
So... I got the ASUS Bootloader unlocker program from the ASUS site; and I have what I believe is the latest TWRP. Is there a good place for instructions on how to unlock this thing and install a new ROM? I know it can be picky so I want to do it right and not brick it.
Also any suggestions on a good ROM? I was thinking CM 11, but I've also heard good things about OmniROM.
Thanks.
-Tom

SimpTheChimp said:
OK cmendonc2, I like having root, but I think I am about ready to unlock this baby and put on another ROM. I know the risks, and that my warranty will be voided - but I've had this a couple of years so it's not under warranty anyway.
So... I got the ASUS Bootloader unlocker program from the ASUS site; and I have what I believe is the latest TWRP. Is there a good place for instructions on how to unlock this thing and install a new ROM? I know it can be picky so I want to do it right and not brick it.
Also any suggestions on a good ROM? I was thinking CM 11, but I've also heard good things about OmniROM.
Thanks.
-Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK so you have bootloader 10.6.1.27.5. That's the latest version, so you don't have to worry about upgrading stock. This TWRP (http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407579270) is compatible with the bootloader. Download any 4.4.4 ROM from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/transformer-tf300t/development. Then download the latest GAPPS from here: http://goo.gl/ZcwCW9.
After unlocking, extract the TWRP blob and put it on your SD card. type this into Terminal Emulator on your tablet:
Code:
su
dd if=/sdcard/twrp.blob of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p4
Then restart and go into TWRP. Wipe Data and cache, then install your new ROM and gapps.

cmendonc2 said:
OK so you have bootloader 10.6.1.27.5. That's the latest version, so you don't have to worry about upgrading stock. This TWRP (http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407579270) is compatible with the bootloader. Download any 4.4.4 ROM from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/transformer-tf300t/development. Then download the latest GAPPS from here: http://goo.gl/ZcwCW9.
After unlocking, extract the TWRP blob and put it on your SD card. type this into Terminal Emulator on your tablet:
Code:
su
dd if=/sdcard/twrp.blob of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p4
Then restart and go into TWRP. Wipe Data and cache, then install your new ROM and gapps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, cmendonc2... I'll give this a shot tonight. I think KitKat will perform better on this tablet (I hope). I think I'll try OmniROM first.
BTW, I thought I read somewhere that there was one TWRP option (a specific Wipe option) that I was to NEVER use or I would brick the tablet. You know what that option is?
-Tom

SimpTheChimp said:
Thanks, cmendonc2... I'll give this a shot tonight. I think KitKat will perform better on this tablet (I hope). I think I'll try OmniROM first.
BTW, I thought I read somewhere that there was one TWRP option (a specific Wipe option) that I was to NEVER use or I would brick the tablet. You know what that option is?
-Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the Bootloader option "Wipe Data". You see that when u press vol down and power to get the three icons. It is the icon on the far right. Selecting that will result in an expensive paperweight.

SimpTheChimp said:
Thanks, cmendonc2... I'll give this a shot tonight. I think KitKat will perform better on this tablet (I hope). I think I'll try OmniROM first.
BTW, I thought I read somewhere that there was one TWRP option (a specific Wipe option) that I was to NEVER use or I would brick the tablet. You know what that option is?
-Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I got the TWRP but when I extract it there is no .blob file. So what am I missing? There doesn't seem to be much in this .zip file.... I guess to do it the terminal way (seems the easiest to me) I need the blob file. I've googled left and right but I can't find a TWRP 2.7.0.1 blob.
Or would this ROM Manager app work?
UPDATE: Never mind, I figured out how to flash recovery using Fastboot on my Mac! TWRP is now installed and working! Going to try flashing OmniRom and see how that goes. So I think the only question I have left is: When I am flashing a new ROM (i.e. over the old stock) what wipe options in TWRP should I use first? Obviously cache and Dalvik, but which other ones? System? Data? For this first flash I obviously want/need to start fresh.

SimpTheChimp said:
OK I got the TWRP but when I extract it there is no .blob file. So what am I missing? There doesn't seem to be much in this .zip file.... I guess to do it the terminal way (seems the easiest to me) I need the blob file. I've googled left and right but I can't find a TWRP 2.7.0.1 blob.
Or would this ROM Manager app work?
UPDATE: Never mind, I figured out how to flash recovery using Fastboot on my Mac! TWRP is now installed and working! Going to try flashing OmniRom and see how that goes. So I think the only question I have left is: When I am flashing a new ROM (i.e. over the old stock) what wipe options in TWRP should I use first? Obviously cache and Dalvik, but which other ones? System? Data? For this first flash I obviously want/need to start fresh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For factory reset: wipe data, cache, dalvik
For dirty flash: wipe cache, dalvik cache

Please help me! Cant install any ROM on my OnePlus!

Hi Everyone!
Because of having issues i can´t fix on my OnePlus, i´m finally asking for some professional help here, as it´s getting more and more complicated and i don´t want to ruin my phone.
What was my plan?
Installing CM11S 44S on my OPO, which had the 05Q Version as factory setting.
Also i wanted to install a franco kernel.
I hoped, if i do both steps successfully, my OPO will have a good battery life (44S seemed to be the most efficient version, according to some forums).
What did i do so far?
First i set up an adb backup for my data, but not for the OS. However, i installed SDK plus tools and drivers.
Next step was installing a new recovery, which is able to flash a new version of CM11S, so i set up TWRP with fastboot, which means my device is "unlocked" now.
Everything worked well so far, i also made an backup in TWRP.
The problem:
I wanted to reboot my OPO at some point and TWRP asked me for rooting my device. Accidentally i swiped over so it started rooting process, but i didn´t want to root it, so i immediately shut the device down.
By now TWRP recovery/fastboot is working, but my OS 05Q is lost and i can´t install a new ROM because im getting the Report:
--
Checking for MD5 file...
Skipping MD5 check; no MD5 file found
Error flashing zip /<path to .zip file>
--
Can anyone help me to get 05Q back or the 44S with the franco kernel?
I know there might be some other threads that deal with similar problems, but actually none of them helped me so far. For example: do i need a fastboot image or signed flashable zips (which i have)? In which order do i install the kernel and the ROM?
Some Information:
I can access my device via fastboot and my OPO is also shown as a adb device on my MAC.
When starting in TWRP, i can also access the device in USB Mode, transfering files is also possible.
I´m not really competent with android modding or programming, so i will need some noob-friendly answers, but i bet you guys know how to help me out here.
Thank you very much for your help, i really don´t know what to do anymore.
EDIT:
I found out how to place a md5 file to the referring version, but it still sais: MD5 does not match.
I´m so done with it right now that i wish i had my OPO back as it was few days ago.

Well, i cant really help here as i have not face this problem but ur mistake was that u Immediately shut the device down the moment it was installing root. It may have corrupted the partitions of the phone and left it at that state, so maybe restoring the partitions of that section may help. Like i said im not knowledgeable about this

Agreed, you shouldn't have shut down the phone while it was modifying a partition. The root wouldn't have mattered anyway because you were about to overwrite the system partition by flashing a ROM. Go to my guide thread and look at section 8 to flash the stock images for the build you desire:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2839471

Heisenberg said:
Agreed, you shouldn't have shut down the phone while it was modifying a partition. The root wouldn't have mattered anyway because you were about to overwrite the system partition by flashing a ROM. Go to my guide thread and look at section 8 to flash the stock images for the build you desire:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2839471
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can i follow all these instructions altough im using a mac?
I will try it out today, hopefully this will fix the problem.

Thyrix said:
Can i follow all these instructions altough im using a mac?
I will try it out today, hopefully this will fix the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can still use fastboot on a Mac, but you'll need to Google how to set it up on a Mac first.

Heisenberg said:
Yes you can still use fastboot on a Mac, but you'll need to Google how to set it up on a Mac first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, so fastboot is ready, but i need to know, if i will need one of those "unofficial stock rooted fashable zips" a fastboot image. or anything else? sorry to ask for
Can i trust an android version anyone rooted...?

Thyrix said:
Alright, so fastboot is ready, but i need to know, if i will need one of those "unofficial stock rooted fashable zips" a fastboot image. or anything else? sorry to ask for
Can i trust an android version anyone rooted...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need the fastboot images.

Heisenberg said:
You need the fastboot images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got stuck at step 2: It Terminal said error: cannot determine image filename for sbl1.mbn - although the name is correct and the file is in the correct folder :/
EDIT:
Fixed it, forgot to type sbl1 2 times, im sorry
And it worked, thank you sooooo much!!!

Can i go back to cm11s this way?

Hi! My question is lame, i know.. But here it goes anyway, i couldn't find a simple and direct answer..
Is less than a week that i have this phone, and i've been reading a lot of guides of how to rollback to cm11s.. the thing is i've flashed the latest CM12S signed zip ota through CM Recovery, everything is fine as i'm testing it right now..
My question is: if i want to go back to CM11S (in the case that i don't like CM12S or have some bugs), can i just wipe data / factory reset and cache in CM Recovery, and then flash the cm11s signed zip?
I haven't rooted or unlocked bootloader, is it relatively easy from what i read around here.. but i wondered if i had to go through all those steps (unlock bootloader, custom recovery, and then flash) or just doing the steps mentioned before will work just fine..
Is it better to fastboot flash or through custom recovery is fine also?
Thanks in advance!
PD: I'm also asking what do you think about some other 5.1.1 Lollipop ROM, custom kernel, etc.. I'm kind of a flashaholic and i would be able to install the custom recovery if would be really worth it
PD2: sorry for the bad english, i'm from argentina

cesarp3791 said:
Hi! My question is lame, i know.. But here it goes anyway, i couldn't find a simple and direct answer..
Is less than a week that i have this phone, and i've been reading a lot of guides of how to rollback to cm11s.. the thing is i've flashed the latest CM12S signed zip ota through CM Recovery, everything is fine as i'm testing it right now..
My question is: if i want to go back to CM11S (in the case that i don't like CM12S or have some bugs), can i just wipe data / factory reset and cache in CM Recovery, and then flash the cm11s signed zip?
I haven't rooted or unlocked bootloader, is it relatively easy from what i read around here.. but i wondered if i had to go through all those steps (unlock bootloader, custom recovery, and then flash) or just doing the steps mentioned before will work just fine..
Is it better to fastboot flash or through custom recovery is fine also?
Thanks in advance!
PD: I'm also asking what do you think about some other 5.1.1 Lollipop ROM, custom kernel, etc.. I'm kind of a flashaholic and i would be able to install the custom recovery if would be really worth it
PD2: sorry for the bad english, i'm from argentina
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just unlock your bootloader now, the longer you leave it the more difficult it'll be to backup your internal storage beforehand. You should really have it unlocked anyway as insurance against anything going wrong with your phone. Once you have unlocked it you can flash TWRP recovery, then the correct procedure to go back to CM11S would be to perform a full wipe (system, data, cache, dalvik cache) and then just flash the zip. As far as custom ROMs for this device go, there are many excellent options to choose from that offer extra customisation that you won't find on the stock ROM.

Don't we have to flash the firmware prior to flashing back to CM11s to prevent a hardbrick? I'm looking into doing this as well, so I'm just asking for my own clarity.

uansari1 said:
Don't we have to flash the firmware prior to flashing back to CM11s to prevent a hardbrick? I'm looking into doing this as well, so I'm just asking for my own clarity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The firmware is contained in the official zip.

Heisenberg said:
The firmware is contained in the official zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Stupid question, but can you please link me to the official zip? I already have TWRP installed, so it would be nice to revert sooner than later.

uansari1 said:
Thanks! Stupid question, but can you please link me to the official zip? I already have TWRP installed, so it would be nice to revert sooner than later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll find them all here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2906746

Thanks!
Thank you both, i believe that this week i'll have some time and unlock the bootloader and flashing the TWRP recovery right away.. Then i'll see which ROM suits my use (i'm looking to battery friendly and high screen on time, will see the forums accordingly) and start the journey on this beautiful and well supported device
Also, thanks for the clarification of the modems.. Will be looking after that and make sure not to miss that step if required :good:

cesarp3791 said:
Thank you both, i believe that this week i'll have some time and unlock the bootloader and flashing the TWRP recovery right away.. Then i'll see which ROM suits my use (i'm looking to battery friendly and high screen on time, will see the forums accordingly) and start the journey on this beautiful and well supported device
Also, thanks for the clarification of the modems.. Will be looking after that and make sure not to miss that step if required :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you've flashed the ROM, please do share your results. I am still unsure if reverting from a Lollipop ROM to CM11S will cause issues with the radio and/or a softbrick of the device, as I've read that this "can" happen.

uansari1 said:
Once you've flashed the ROM, please do share your results. I am still unsure if reverting from a Lollipop ROM to CM11S will cause issues with the radio and/or a softbrick of the device, as I've read that this "can" happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reverting from Lollipop to KitKat won't brick your device, whoever said that is wrong, and would have caused a brick because they didn't know what they were doing. You do need to make sure you flash a KitKat modem though, otherwise you'll have issues with the prox sensor.

Heisenberg said:
Reverting from Lollipop to KitKat won't brick your device, whoever said that is wrong, and would have caused a brick because they didn't know what they were doing. You do need to make sure you flash a KitKat modem though, otherwise you'll have issues with the prox sensor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Timaaa...last question, I'm downloading the latest modem from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-one/development/rom-stock-rooted-xnph05q-t3027033.
Is this the correct flashable modem file to use, or do you recommend another for XNPH05Q?

uansari1 said:
Thanks Timaaa...last question, I'm downloading the latest modem from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-one/development/rom-stock-rooted-xnph05q-t3027033.
Is this the correct flashable modem file to use, or do you recommend another for XNPH05Q?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That modem should be fine.

Some Android newbie questions

Will be an apple to android convert when my zenfone comes. Been reading around to educate myself but have some questions that could use some insight.
1. Once you unlock the bootloader and root your phone, can you still get monthly/yearly or new android version updates in system updates in settings and update from there? If not, do you have to pretty much reset everything to factory defaults and then update it like that? And root all over again? Or is there any other way?
2. Will the phone be pretty much be "stock" after the factory reset?Working OTA updates and all? (Minus the unlocked bootloader)
3 Which up to date rooting method seems best? There's 2 methods that I can see but I can't tell which one is better.
a) https://forum.xda-developers.com/ze...uide-how-to-root-asus-zenfone-6-twrp-t3940168
b) https://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone-6-2019/how-to/simple-guide-to-root-device-twrp-t3956784
4. Is TWRP needed?
Thanks!

midnight3ow said:
Will be an apple to android convert when my zenfone comes. Been reading around to educate myself but have some questions that could use some insight.
1. Once you unlock the bootloader and root your phone, can you still get monthly/yearly or new android version updates in system updates in settings and update from there? If not, do you have to pretty much reset everything to factory defaults and then update it like that? And root all over again? Or is there any other way?
2. Will the phone be pretty much be "stock" after the factory reset?Working OTA updates and all? (Minus the unlocked bootloader)
3 Which up to date rooting method seems best? There's 2 methods that I can see but I can't tell which one is better.
a) https://forum.xda-developers.com/ze...uide-how-to-root-asus-zenfone-6-twrp-t3940168
b) https://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone-6-2019/how-to/simple-guide-to-root-device-twrp-t3956784
4. Is TWRP needed?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) No, once unlocked, no more OTAS. You can flash the update manually, no wipe needed, but you also need to flash Root and custom recovery again (2 minutes extra, no big deal).
2) Stock, no OTAS
3) They are pretty much the same, but the easiest (and safest) way is just to get a custom recovery and then flash the Magisk Zip
4) For normal method yes, for the ones you posted in 3), no.

papete said:
1) No, once unlocked, no more OTAS. You can flash the update manually, no wipe needed, but you also need to flash Root and custom recovery again (2 minutes extra, no big deal).
2) Stock, no OTAS
3) They are pretty much the same, but the easiest (and safest) way is just to get a custom recovery and then flash the Magisk Zip
4) For normal method yes, for the ones you posted in 3), no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply, but I need some clarification on a couple things.
1. I suppose I'll figure out once I get the phone but I'm anxious and don't know when the phone will arrive but how do you flash the update manually? I understand having to flashing root again but what do you mean flashing custom recovery again?
2. Where do you get a hold of the update for the phone? Is updating manually pretty much the same as resetting your phone to factory settings?
3. I can't seem to find the method you mention that is the easiest and safest way to root. Could you kindly lead me to that guide??

midnight3ow said:
Thank you for your reply, but I need some clarification on a couple things.
1. I suppose I'll figure out once I get the phone but I'm anxious and don't know when the phone will arrive but how do you flash the update manually? I understand having to flashing root again but what do you mean flashing custom recovery again?
2. Where do you get a hold of the update for the phone? Is updating manually pretty much the same as resetting your phone to factory settings?
3. I can't seem to find the method you mention that is the easiest and safest way to root. Could you kindly lead me to that guide??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) To flash manually you download the firmware from the Asus site, and use a recovery (stock or custom) to flash it. If you want root, you need a custom recovery to flash it, as stock recovery only flashes Asus Firmware. Whenever you flash a stock firmware, it "overwrites" the custom recovery with the stock recovery, so if you want/need a custom recovery, you need to flash it again. The same with root, stock flashed boot partition again, so you need to flash Magisk zip again so it can make the patch to boot to make root work.
2) I personally don't update that much, but you can check every once in a while https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone-6-ZS630KL/HelpDesk_Download/
You can update without factory reset, just flash the new firmware (+root if needed) and you are done, it is just like an OTA but done by yourself.
3) Follow this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ze...covery-unofficial-twrp-recovery-asus-t3937844

papete said:
1) To flash manually you download the firmware from the Asus site, and use a recovery (stock or custom) to flash it. If you want root, you need a custom recovery to flash it, as stock recovery only flashes Asus Firmware. Whenever you flash a stock firmware, it "overwrites" the custom recovery with the stock recovery, so if you want/need a custom recovery, you need to flash it again. The same with root, stock flashed boot partition again, so you need to flash Magisk zip again so it can make the patch to boot to make root work.
2) I personally don't update that much, but you can check every once in a while https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone-6-ZS630KL/HelpDesk_Download/
You can update without factory reset, just flash the new firmware (+root if needed) and you are done, it is just like an OTA but done by yourself.
3) Follow this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ze...covery-unofficial-twrp-recovery-asus-t3937844
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm grateful for all your thoughtful and clear responses.
When do you normally decide to update?
Do you lose any data from updating security update/firmware or rooting and installing custom recovery?
Also, I've been looking through that link you posted, and also seen another thread about another newer "official" TWRP version? What's the difference?Which one should I use?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ze...nt/tool-utility-twrp-3-3-1-0-teamwin-t3963876

midnight3ow said:
Will be an apple to android convert when my zenfone comes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So ZF6 will be your first Android phone ever?

_jis_ said:
So ZF6 will be your first Android phone ever?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will be! Excited and anxious at the same time.

midnight3ow said:
Yes it will be! Excited and anxious at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then please do yourself a favor and forgot about unlocking the bootloader and rooting your new phone.
Just learn how to use nearly stock Android with lightweight Android skin in its user-friendly and widely configurable form called ZenUI.
Trust me, there is no need for tinkering with root as an Android newbie when using ZF6.

_jis_ said:
Then please do yourself a favor and forgot about unlocking the bootloader and rooting your new phone.
Just learn how to use nearly stock Android with lightweight Android skin in its user-friendly and widely configurable form called ZenUI.
Trust me, there is no need for tinkering with root as an Android newbie when using ZF6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this, unless you want to achieve something specific that can only be done rooted, stay completely stock.

papete said:
unless you want to achieve something specific that can only be done rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But this hypothetical condition is impossible because Android newbie cannot even achieve basic Android tasks which doesn't require root at all so why complicate his upcoming long journey of gaining experience and knowledge yet by the rooting his device from the very beginning?