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[Q] Root with 1.10 Util problem

So i rooted my Maxx HD with Utility 1.10 when it still had ICS...or right after it went to JB (can't remember), i'm now with the current 9.16 update and am noticing my phone lagging more often than not, i tried to boot into recovery to clear cache and i'm getting the busted android picture...so looking into it i think i'm missing my fastboot files and what not. I still have original root access and just need a little guidance on exactly which files do i need to put back on the phone, current ones or an older version? Also since i was rooted BEFORE 9.16 is it still safe to use Utility 1.10 (even though it says don't use if i have 9.16).

azreark1 said:
so i rooted my maxx hd with utility 1.10 when it still had ics...or right after it went to jb (can't remember), i'm now with the current 9.16 update and am noticing my phone lagging more often than not, i tried to boot into recovery to clear cache and i'm getting the busted android picture...so looking into it i think i'm missing my fastboot files and what not. I still have original root access and just need a little guidance on exactly which files do i need to put back on the phone, current ones or an older version? Also since i was rooted before 9.16 is it still safe to use utility 1.10 (even though it says don't use if i have 9.16).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need tio update to 9.16 using the factory fastboot files then re-root with motochopper. Problem solved. Do not try to use hd utility 1.10.

azreark1 said:
So i rooted my Maxx HD with Utility 1.10 when it still had ICS...or right after it went to JB (can't remember), i'm now with the current 9.16 update and am noticing my phone lagging more often than not, i tried to boot into recovery to clear cache and i'm getting the busted android picture...so looking into it i think i'm missing my fastboot files and what not. I still have original root access and just need a little guidance on exactly which files do i need to put back on the phone, current ones or an older version? Also since i was rooted BEFORE 9.16 is it still safe to use Utility 1.10 (even though it says don't use if i have 9.16).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you're in a bind!
So here, I tossed this utility together after I realized Matt hasn't released a new utility yet.
You're going to need to reflash stock 9.16.6, and reroot. Just follow the instructions Included in the utility.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8kvkylzglikytxy/DroidHDUtility 1.0.zip

Mr.Parkinson said:
Sounds like you're in a bind!
So here, I tossed this utility together after I realized Matt hasn't released a new utility yet.
You're going to need to reflash stock 9.16.6, and reroot. Just follow the instructions Included in the utility.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8kvkylzglikytxy/DroidHDUtility 1.0.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mattlgroff is actually going to update the hd toolkit to update/restore to 9.16, but glad to see someone else was looking out for other members. i had to throw a linux tk together because i dont have windows. updates and roots tho so im set.

[Q][SOLVED] Droid Maxx on 4.2.2 Looking to Root 4.4

First off, I know there's no Droid Maxx section, but this is the closest place to post this.
As the title states, I have the Verizon Maxx on 4.2.2 (software version 12.15.15) and it is completely stock (never rooted or anything else). I'm thinking of rooting it and putting it on the 4.4 Kit Kat update. I plan on using RockMyMoto 1.1 to root first using DG4FREE's guide. Then I will use MotoWpNoMo 0.0.4 as needed for SlapMyMoto 1.0.
I think I can do everything up to SlapMyMoto just fine. I just have a few questions about using SlapMyMoto:
1) Before using SlapMyMoto you have to "restore to the 4.2.2 Camera update." This can be done with RSD Lite (or House of Moto), right?
2) If I use RSD, I would use the first file listed here (Blur_Version.12.7.7 ...), correct? (Yes, I do understand Verizon's naming scheme for updates...)
3) Towards the end of SlapMyMoto process, what does "Once the device has rebooted, please take the 4.4 OTA" mean? Do I use the update.zip method to install the 4.4 OTA from the stock recovery or some other method? If so, where can I find a reliable 4.4 OTA zip for the Maxx that won't brick my phone?
4) Going along with question 3, as I have come to understand reading forum posts I will have to run the install update from sdcard using the update.zip twice for Kit Kat to be finally installed. Is that correct? If so, will SlapMyMoto actually keep root from 4.2.2 or not after the second install!?
5) After doing this and successfully getting root on 4.4, will I be able to receive OTA updates in the future after flashing back to stock 4.4 with RSD?
6) Anybody having issues with root on their Ultra/Maxx and Kit Kat 4.4 making it unusable? I don't use other mods at all (i.e. Xposed, etc.), but I do plan on using ART.
If it seems likely that I might brick my phone, I might just stick with updating to 4.4 without root. I don't know yet. Thank you in advance for your help.

PonchoPicasso said:
First off, I know there's no Droid Maxx section, but this is the closest place to post this.
As the title states, I have the Verizon Maxx on 4.2.2 (software version 12.15.15) and it is completely stock (never rooted or anything else). I'm thinking of rooting it and putting it on the 4.4 Kit Kat update. I plan on using RockMyMoto 1.1 to root first using DG4FREE's guide. Then I will use MotoWpNoMo 0.0.4 as needed for SlapMyMoto 1.0.
I think I can do everything up to SlapMyMoto just fine. I just have a few questions about using SlapMyMoto:
1) Before using SlapMyMoto you have to "restore to the 4.2.2 Camera update." This can be done with RSD Lite (or House of Moto), right?
2) If I use RSD, I would use the first file listed here (Blur_Version.12.7.7 ...), correct? (Yes, I do understand Verizon's naming scheme for updates...)
3) Towards the end of SlapMyMoto process, what does "Once the device has rebooted, please take the 4.4 OTA" mean? Do I use the update.zip method to install the 4.4 OTA from the stock recovery or some other method? If so, where can I find a reliable 4.4 OTA zip for the Maxx that won't brick my phone?
4) Going along with question 3, as I have come to understand reading forum posts I will have to run the install update from sdcard using the update.zip twice for Kit Kat to be finally installed. Is that correct? If so, will SlapMyMoto actually keep root from 4.2.2 or not after the second install!?
5) After doing this and successfully getting root on 4.4, will I be able to receive OTA updates in the future after flashing back to stock 4.4 with RSD?
6) Anybody having issues with root on their Ultra/Maxx and Kit Kat 4.4 making it unusable? I don't use other mods at all (i.e. Xposed, etc.), but I do plan on using ART.
If it seems likely that I might brick my phone, I might just stick with updating to 4.4 without root. I don't know yet. Thank you in advance for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to clarify, it's RockMyMoto while on stock 4.2...then MotoWPNoMO...then you need to RSD back to the 12.15.15 camera update...then you run SMM...then you update to 4.4...then you finish SMM commands in ADB...install supersu or superuser...done.
1. Yes
2. Second file, 12.15.15 is the camera update.
3. That means that after SMM and the reboot, you boot to stock recovery and update zip will run just fine. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2577977
4. The update runs twice...sort of...it installs the new recovery (no turning back) and then you will run it again for the update. SMM needs to be finished off with the ADB commands in 4.4 to get root. SMM already planted all the seeds in 4.2.
5. Not so simple, generally speaking...once you have root, especially on a Moto...you'll have to flash back to stock to get any OTA...or just wait a while for someone around here to get a fix...it's usually out by the time a public OTA get's around anyway. If you want to keep root, I would recommend that you never take an OTA from VZW unless you read up on XDA firs and understand the implications.
6. I am rooted 4.4 on my Maxx following this exact process and using the ART runtime...not having any issues at all, I even have SafeStrap re- installed for back ups.
Hope that helps

Lebowski13 said:
Just to clarify, it's RockMyMoto while on stock 4.2...then MotoWPNoMO...then you need to RSD back to the 12.15.15 camera update...then you run SMM...then you update to 4.4...then you finish SMM commands in ADB...install supersu or superuser...done.
1. Yes
2. Second file, 12.15.15 is the camera update.
3. That means that after SMM and the reboot, you boot to stock recovery and update zip will run just fine. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2577977
4. The update runs twice...sort of...it installs the new recovery (no turning back) and then you will run it again for the update. SMM needs to be finished off with the ADB commands in 4.4 to get root. SMM already planted all the seeds in 4.2.
5. Not so simple, generally speaking...once you have root, especially on a Moto...you'll have to flash back to stock to get any OTA...or just wait a while for someone around here to get a fix...it's usually out by the time a public OTA get's around anyway. If you want to keep root, I would recommend that you never take an OTA from VZW unless you read up on XDA firs and understand the implications.
6. I am rooted 4.4 on my Maxx following this exact process and using the ART runtime...not having any issues at all, I even have SafeStrap re- installed for back ups.
Hope that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much! That really answered all my questions!
I have just one question to clarify your answer: are you sure it is the second file? I was under the impression that Verizon named their updates for the version from which you are updating from, so the first file there would actually be the 12.15.15 software even though it is named 12.7.7.

PonchoPicasso said:
Thank you so much! That really answered all my questions!
I have just one question to clarify your answer: are you sure it is the second file? I was under the impression that Verizon named their updates for the version from which you are updating from, so the first file there would actually be the 12.15.15 software even though it is named 12.7.7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Happy to help! You are correct in the VZW OTA naming conventions...but the files in that link are actually the FXZ files to flash with using RSD, et al...not an OTA zip file, so they are named correctly by their version. 12.15.15, the second file, is definitely the camera update and the correct one to use.

Lebowski13 said:
Happy to help! You are correct in the VZW OTA naming conventions...but the files in that link are actually the FXZ files to flash with using RSD, et al...not an OTA zip file, so they are named correctly by their version. 12.15.15, the second file, is definitely the camera update and the correct one to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification on that.
I just wanted to follow up on this thread for anybody else out there who might have been in the same boat as me. After completing this whole process a couple days ago, everything has been running smoothly now that I'm on 4.4 with root. I did not enable ART as I mentioned earlier I would since it turns out I needed to install Xposed to get a particular app that performs a root check to work. Other than that, smooth sailing except having to redo some steps manually.

[Root Guide] [OLD - 4.4 ONLY] SHIELD Tablet, Root/Recovery NO Unlock! NO PC!

Universal Android Root Guide 4.4.0+
No PC Required!
by Kwongger​
BY PROCEEDING PAST THIS POINT YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ALEX BECK (KWONGGER) IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE USER. USING ANY METHOD DESCRIBED IN THIS GUIDE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. NO WARRANTY IS IMPLIED OR PROMISED.
ONLY FOR KITKAT - NO ANDROID L/5.0 SUPPORT
It is VERY unlikely that these tools could do anything harmful.
Confirmed Devices:
ATT/VZW GS5, GS4 Active, Nexus 5, ATT/VZW Note 3, Sprint HTC One Max, MadCatz Mojo*, NVIDIA SHIELD*, and NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet*
* Requires alternate app version (the guide will let you know)!
Requirements:
A FULLY-FUNCTIONAL Android device with Internet access.
Step 1:
1a.
Enable Unknown Source APK installs on your phone.
Click Settings, then Security, then “Unknown Sources”
1b.
Download TowelRoot, a kickass hack by GeoHot.
https://towelroot.com/
Click the big-ass Lambda to download the app.
Use THIS version for NVIDIA SHIELD/ SHIELD Tablet and MadCatz Mojo
1c.
Install TowelRoot.
Just tap on the finished download in your notifications bar, and install.
Step 2:
l337 HAXX0R SK1LLZ
Tap “make it ra1n”
If you device DOESN’T reboot, your fine. If it reboots, try THIS version of towelroot.
Step 3:
Root it up.
All that towelroot does is allow you to install/inject a Superuser application.
I’ll always use and recommend SuperSU. Install it now (from google play).
After it installs, open it and let the magic happen. Reboot when it tells you to.
Step 4:
This step is entirely optional. You don’t need to do this if you just want root.
Continue if you want to make full nandroid backups, or install custom
software to your device.
4a.
Download Flashify.
This is great stuff, it allows you to flash boot.img’s and recovery.img’s
without an unlocked bootloader!
4b.
Find and download a custom recovery for your device.
Custom recoveries such as, TWRP, CWM, and PhilZ, all need to be
built for a specific device. This means that you can’t just find one and
install it on just anything. You need to find one specifically for your device.
For this you need to head to google, so search in this format:
<device> <recovery> xda
I recommend that you use TWRP, it’s my personal preference, they are
all about the same though.
The “xda” is there so that you’ll be directed to the xda-developers forums. They
are THE SOURCE for anything regarding android mods.
4c.
Install that recovery!
Once you have downloaded the recovery file, open Flashify.
Tap on Recovery Image, tap on “Choose a File,” navigate to “Downloads” then tap the recovery that you downloaded.
4d. You’re set!
Enjoy your rooted device, complete with custom recovery.

Sorry If I am misinterperiting this, but I thought flashify didnt work to flash recoveries with locked bootloaders like the S5?

joshuabg said:
Sorry If I am misinterperiting this, but I thought flashify didnt work to flash recoveries with locked bootloaders like the S5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is also confusing.
Download TowelRoot, a kickass hack by GeoHot.
https://towelroot.com/
Click the big-ass Lambda to download the app.
Use THIS version for NVIDIA SHIELD/ SHIELD Tablet and MadCatz Mojo
Why even post the link to towelroot and say download, then say download again below it with a different link. If it's for credit issue, format the grammar differently

I'm trying to root the "normal" way. I unlocked my bootloader, but there are no custom recovery or boot images available yet. Should i just do towelroot for now?

T-Keith said:
I'm trying to root the "normal" way. I unlocked my bootloader, but there are no custom recovery or boot images available yet. Should i just do towelroot for now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I did. There's no reason to unlock you boot loader if you use towelroot and then flashify when a build of cwm is released. So, either way, this method is best. You can use flashify to flash a recovery or boot image ☺

Well we don't know if towelroot and flashify will still work after the next android release. I know on the motox with 4.4.4 it no longer works. I like my bootloader unlocked and to have twrp myself. Hopefully a custom recovery will be available soon. Xda needs to add a shield tablet forum.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Is there a device tree for the shield tablet. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1943625
Sent from my OtterX running AICP using Tapatalk

Can I flash a factory image now without unlocking the bootloader?
Does anyone have a link to a factory image without the patch ?

Not sure if anyone wants to try but I was looking for custom recovery, and just thought I'd try it. Used WWJOSHDU' s video on youtube about installing recovery on shield portable. IT WORKS but with a draw back. I have CWM on my tablet but its upside down, but buttons work in the upside down orientation. Only problem I ran into (if it's considered a problem) is when I did a nandroid back up it saves to the internal memory even if you choose to backup to the sdcard. But as far as I know, all seems to be working quite well.
Had to unlock the bootloader though. Took a minute to get the drivers to work on my laptop but after about an hour of just playing around it finally worked. Not really sure I did anything differently but my laptop eventually recognized my device in fastboot mode. Will report back if anything changes

I really hope we get some new kernels and roms for this awesome device (esp. updated sound drivers!!!) The future is bright for this great gaming tablet.!

derking1 said:
I really hope we get some new kernels and roms for this awesome device (esp. updated sound drivers!!!) The future is bright for this great gaming tablet.!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once the device tree is modified enough to get a build of cm fully compiled, expect some roms from me if I have enough time.

joshuabg said:
Once the device tree is modified enough to get a build of cm fully compiled, expect some roms from me if I have enough time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds great m8 look forward to them

Why unlock bootloader.
Thanks to Kwongger my Shield is now rooted , got CWM and backed it up.
Is it cause of towelroot we dont need to unlock bootloader anymore?
Are my bootloader now unlocked when i rooted it and installed CWM?
Thanks
Knievel

This doesn't appear to work with the newly released OTA.
EDIT, yes it does but it takes way past forever to work.

Hi Everyone,
is it safe to use this method to root the Shield 4G/LTE ???? I don't need recovery or rom, just rooted so I can use my rooted apps....
Thanks,
jce

jce2005 said:
Hi Everyone,
is it safe to use this method to root the Shield 4G/LTE ???? I don't need recovery or rom, just rooted so I can use my rooted apps....
Thanks,
jce
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi all,
well, I took the risk and trie to install TowelRoot, but even by selecting under SECURITY " Unknown sources", TowelRoot does not install....
Any ideas ?
Thanks,
jce

UPDATE :
I am not able to install ANY version of TowelRoot...... tried both versio, from TR web site and alternate version for the Shield tablet and after going through the install process, it just comes up with a message : app not installed.....
Anyone has an idea what could be wrong ? Am I doing something wrong ?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all......
jce

Enter YouTube and search for root nvidia shield tablet and the first video in the description have the link to the direct site of towellrot download the apk and mayket rain then install SuperSU from the play store when you open the first time it will tell you to update the binaries chose the normal way then it will tell you its fail but restart the tablet and buala you have root access
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app

rene130313 said:
Enter YouTube and search for root nvidia shield tablet and the first video in the description have the link to the direct site of towellrot download the apk and mayket rain then install SuperSU from the play store when you open the first time it will tell you to update the binaries chose the normal way then it will tell you its fail but restart the tablet and buala you have root access
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for replying.
I already downloaded towellroot a few times, the regular version, as well as the alternate version for the Shield Tablet, but neither version of towellrot will install. Under settings/security, I allowed installs from unknown sources , but the tr.apk or tr-1.apk will NOT install.....
Any other suggestions?
Thx,
jce

Hi again.........
Seems strange that no one knows why the TowelRoot ( tr.apk ) and the tr-1.apk ( for the Shield Tablet ) does not install. As I mentioned, I allowed under Security "installs from unknown sources", and the installation starts, but ends with "App not installed" message.
Am I doing something wrong or do I overlook something here ???
Any help would be appreciated, thx,
jce

Dumb newbie questions (eventually want to downgrade from Lollipop to Kit Kat)

I'm very new to the process of modifying android/firmware/rooting/etc... I want to regain FoxFi (wifi tether) functionality on my Verizon HTC One M8, which was lost with Lollipop. I had been fighting the update for months but it forced itself on me a few weeks ago. I believe my only real option is downgrading to Kit Kat.
I have a long post typed up with my plethora of questions after browsing around a number of forums and blogs the last few weeks, but there are so many basic terms, commands and things I don't understand... I figured it might make things go smoother if I just ask my stupid questions first and then proceed. Plus, I'm an engineer and am generally good with technology, and have wanted to pick up the skills needed to do software version changes/rooting etc for years now. I'll keep the other post typed up (took a while), but won't send it until I get some feedback here... so as to avoid undue spam and clutter.
So, with that all said, dumb question time. Please be kind, lol. Note - if there is an entry level video/picture-laden tutorial that will likely explain all of this, please point me that way and I'll get up to speed as much as i can on my own. There seem to be many tutorials out there but almost all of the One M8 ones seem to have lots of terminology in them I don't get ,yet:
1) What is an RUU?
2) What is the CID? (appears to just be a build # or software version associated with new updates)
3) What is the fastboot folder? What is "hboot"
4) Whats an ADSP?
5) Which SDK/Sync manager will I need on my PC? I have the basic HTC Sync manager (some links suggest its needed)
More questions as they occur to me, thanks all!

Well, hate to burst your bubble, but even after understanding all of these terms you can't downgrade to kit kat after taking the lollipop update. On Verizon htc ones, all system partitions/folders/files are write protected and cannot be modified with fastboot or RUU's in order to downgrade. As of right now, the only way to remove the write protection on lollipop is with an HTC Java card (this process / state is called s-off). Several people on xda have them and might help you out, particularly dottat.
Sorry for ignoring the main question here, I'm just offering what I know and I'll leave the explaining to someone a bit more knowledgeable with htc stuff to answer those questions. (I'm stuck in the same "lollipop lockdown" boat as you)

zphantom55 said:
Well, hate to burst your bubble, but even after understanding all of these terms you can't downgrade to kit kat after taking the lollipop update. On Verizon htc ones, all system partitions/folders/files are write protected and cannot be modified with fastboot or RUU's in order to downgrade. As of right now, the only way to remove the write protection on lollipop is with an HTC Java card (this process / state is called s-off). Several people on xda have them and might help you out, particularly dottat.
Sorry for ignoring the main question here, I'm just offering what I know and I'll leave the explaining to someone a bit more knowledgeable with htc stuff to answer those questions. (I'm stuck in the same "lollipop lockdown" boat as you)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciated, no worries!
I had noticed dottat was a prominent figure in many of the downgrade threads, so perhaps I'll try to reach out to him directly.

SadbutTrue999 said:
Appreciated, no worries!
I had noticed dottat was a prominent figure in many of the downgrade threads, so perhaps I'll try to reach out to him directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the time being, check the post here. Working solution

Apparently someone successfully rooted verizon htc one m8
Link to steps

You can downgrade back to 4.4.4 as long as you are S-off. It takes some patience to root and get sunshine to S-off. Just make sure you do not try to run an RUU (Rom Update Utility) of an earlier version if you are still S-ON. I would say that if you just want to wifi tether, S-off your phone, flash a recovery, then just flash a 5.1 Rom that has wifi tether working out of the box.

crmcsh01 said:
You can downgrade back to 4.4.4 as long as you are S-off. It takes some patience to root and get sunshine to S-off. Just make sure you do not try to run an RUU (Rom Update Utility) of an earlier version if you are still S-ON. I would say that if you just want to wifi tether, S-off your phone, flash a recovery, then just flash a 5.1 Rom that has wifi tether working out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the order of operations is:
1) disable fastboot
2) root
3) unlock bootloader
4) go s-off
5) use RUU
?
As far as what i'm looking for... with Lollipop, tethering itself works, but they make you go through the verizon service (whereas past Android versions could be bypassed with some certificate trickery, which is what Foxfi did), and I don't want to pay $30/mo for something i was getting for free the last 3 years. I also want to root the phone for a few other applications.
I'm not sure what 5.1 Roms would support FoxFi on this phone out of the box (i've heard Samsung's Galaxy S6 continues to support foxfi with verizon and Lollipop, but i'm not sure i could use that rom), which is why 4.4.4 might be easier.
Questions:
1) Is the above order right?
2) Can you disable fastboot with Lollipop? I didn't see the option when i tried.. and i'm seeing some places online saying you can't. What then?
3) I downloaded ADB.. how to you get a command prompt up when connected to the one that lets you send commands to it? Seems basic but ADB has a milllion settings.
4) What else am i forgetting?
Just trying to figure out the first steps... its easy for a newbie to get buried in walkthroughs and new terms. Thanks again!

SadbutTrue999 said:
So the order of operations is:
1) disable fastboot
2) root
3) unlock bootloader
4) go s-off
5) use RUU
?
As far as what i'm looking for... with Lollipop, tethering itself works, but they make you go through the verizon service (whereas past Android versions could be bypassed with some certificate trickery, which is what Foxfi did), and I don't want to pay $30/mo for something i was getting for free the last 3 years. I also want to root the phone for a few other applications.
I'm not sure what 5.1 Roms would support FoxFi on this phone out of the box (i've heard Samsung's Galaxy S6 continues to support foxfi with verizon and Lollipop, but i'm not sure i could use that rom), which is why 4.4.4 might be easier.
Questions:
1) Is the above order right?
2) Can you disable fastboot with Lollipop? I didn't see the option when i tried.. and i'm seeing some places online saying you can't. What then?
3) I downloaded ADB.. how to you get a command prompt up when connected to the one that lets you send commands to it? Seems basic but ADB has a milllion settings.
4) What else am i forgetting?
Just trying to figure out the first steps... its easy for a newbie to get buried in walkthroughs and new terms. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it comes time to flash a ROM, I'd humbly suggest CleanROM. It's stock ROM with the Verizon bloatware removed, and it's already rooted for your convenience. Like you, my primary reason for installing a custom ROM was to be able to use my phone as a hotspot. (Verizon will have to pry my unlimited data plan from my cold, dead hands.) CleanROM's native tethering app works out of the box, so there's no need to even install a third-part app like FoxFi. Sadly, it appears that the developer is no longer supporting this ROM, but it's suiting my needs for the time being.
Anyway, I just purchased a used M8 running stock Lollipop last week and here's what I did:
1. Followed the directions here to achieve s-off. (There's nothing in these directions about disabling fastboot.)
2. RUU (because the phone was used and I have no idea what the previous owner did to this thing and I want to start fresh); I followed dodtat's instructions for Option 1, plopped the 0P6BIMG.zip file on my SD card, and let the phone do the rest.
3. Installed a custom recovery (the latest version of TWRP - installation instructions are on the linked page)
4. Installed CleanROM via TWRP
5. Enjoyed free tethering
Good luck!

dbrits said:
Like you, my primary reason for installing a custom ROM was to be able to use my phone as a hotspot. (Verizon will have to pry my unlimited data plan from my cold, dead hands.) CleanROM's native tethering app works out of the box, so there's no need to even install a third-part app like FoxFi. Sadly, it appears that the developer is no longer supporting this ROM, but it's suiting my needs for the time being.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I'm not alone! :hifive:
Anyway, I just purchased a used M8 running stock Lollipop last week and here's what I did:
1. Followed the directions here to achieve s-off. (There's nothing in these directions about disabling fastboot.)
2. RUU (because the phone was used and I have no idea what the previous owner did to this thing and I want to start fresh); I followed dodtat's instructions for Option 1, plopped the 0P6BIMG.zip file on my SD card, and let the phone do the rest.
3. Installed a custom recovery (the latest version of TWRP - installation instructions are on the linked page)
4. Installed CleanROM via TWRP
5. Enjoyed free tethering
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! That ought to get me started, I would think.

SadbutTrue999 said:
So the order of operations is:
1) disable fastboot
2) root
3) unlock bootloader
4) go s-off
5) use RUU
?
As far as what i'm looking for... with Lollipop, tethering itself works, but they make you go through the verizon service (whereas past Android versions could be bypassed with some certificate trickery, which is what Foxfi did), and I don't want to pay $30/mo for something i was getting for free the last 3 years. I also want to root the phone for a few other applications.
I'm not sure what 5.1 Roms would support FoxFi on this phone out of the box (i've heard Samsung's Galaxy S6 continues to support foxfi with verizon and Lollipop, but i'm not sure i could use that rom), which is why 4.4.4 might be easier.
Questions:
1) Is the above order right?
2) Can you disable fastboot with Lollipop? I didn't see the option when i tried.. and i'm seeing some places online saying you can't. What then?
3) I downloaded ADB.. how to you get a command prompt up when connected to the one that lets you send commands to it? Seems basic but ADB has a milllion settings.
4) What else am i forgetting?
Just trying to figure out the first steps... its easy for a newbie to get buried in walkthroughs and new terms. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use tethering for free on lollipop with s-off.
Not sure about foxfi but with the stock Verizon app.

andybones said:
You can use tethering for free on lollipop with s-off.
Not sure about foxfi but with the stock Verizon app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dbrits said:
Anyway, I just purchased a used M8 running stock Lollipop last week and here's what I did:
1. Followed the directions here to achieve s-off. (There's nothing in these directions about disabling fastboot.)
2. RUU (because the phone was used and I have no idea what the previous owner did to this thing and I want to start fresh); I followed dodtat's instructions for Option 1, plopped the 0P6BIMG.zip file on my SD card, and let the phone do the rest.
3. Installed a custom recovery (the latest version of TWRP - installation instructions are on the linked page)
4. Installed CleanROM via TWRP
5. Enjoyed free tethering
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to be clear... the 3rd step (of 21) in that first link you show is "RUU". Does this mean I should do it twice (and if so.. with different versions?), or will one RUU do it?
Sounds like his method to achieving S-off is just a series of checking the right buttons within a factory reset phone. Is that right?
andybones said:
You can use tethering for free on lollipop with s-off.
Not sure about foxfi but with the stock Verizon app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, really? Interesting. Stock verizon app works fine, only used foxfi because in the past its met my needs.
Quick question... I've downloaded the java developer kit, ADB, and Android Studio. How do I verify they're working when i connect the phone? Is there a way to send a harmless ping/command/etc to the phone to check?

Few more questions regarding the s-off instructions:
1. Just did a factory reset. Also deleted everything on the SD card. Questions
a) Is a straight delete on the sd card ok or do i need to format? IF the latter, what do i format to?
b) How to I check the 'status' of the bootloader? Is that in one of the hard reset/fastboot menus? Or can i just let the thing start up and check it in the system menu somewhere?
2)
And if I do option 1, as you did... its the file here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95916177934537709
that i rename 0P6BIMG.zip
right?
3) Both kingroot and TWRP seem like they can be downloaded to the phone after the fact. And both seem fairly straight forward. Do I need to do anything else for them to work?
4) Lastly... I believe i can do this all with the SIM card out? (seems like perhaps that is ideal, actually)

Just followed quite the droid root alice in wonderland rabbit hole...
Found some old S-off procedures but they appear to be defunct, which led me back to the 'sunshine' s-off approach you listed.
I followed the sunshine approach listed (the one here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61920423&postcount=3652)
and get to:
File Manager App -> Install KingRoot (accept google checking apps)
Open KingRoot - Hit Root (read notes section at this point) and repeat until it says you have it in this app.
Back out of KingRoot, and uninstall the P~~~ whatever app and the KingUser app it installed by dragging from the app drawer into the uninstall icon.
File Manager App -> Install the SuperSU posted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kingroot is installed, but reports "root is not available" (ostensibly because security is still on). So I still don't know how to turn S-oFF. I'm also not sure what the "P~~~~~ whatever" app he refers to is.
Help appreciated Phone not bricked yet

Just to be clear... the 3rd step (of 21) in that first link you show is "RUU". Does this mean I should do it twice (and if so.. with different versions?), or will one RUU do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't RUU twice. I just did a factory reset before following the s-off instructions. You actually have to be s-off before using the specific RUU that I linked to.
Quick question... I've downloaded the java developer kit, ADB, and Android Studio. How do I verify they're working when i connect the phone? Is there a way to send a harmless ping/command/etc to the phone to check?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I googled "android adb" and this was the third link. I'm sure there are some great tutorials here on xda too.
a) Is a straight delete on the sd card ok or do i need to format? IF the latter, what do i format to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SD card should be formatted FAT32.
And if I do option 1, as you did... its the file here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95916177934537709 that i rename 0P6BIMG.zip right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's the wrong file. Use that standalone zip if you want to RUU, but you have to be s-off before using the standalone zip that dodtat posted.
Kingroot is installed, but reports "root is not available" (ostensibly because security is still on). So I still don't know how to turn S-oFF. I'm also not sure what the "P~~~~~ whatever" app he refers to is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep trying to get root with Kingroot. It will eventually work, but it takes time and patience. And Purity is the name of the app that Kingroot will install after it gains root.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61920423&postcount=3652 - this is the s-off instruction right?
Kingroot is part of those instructions... do I need to root before using sunshine? And is sunshine what finally achieves the s-off?
Will kingroot work prior to achieving s-off? (seems like it would have to given the instructions in the link above.. given enough tries). My first attempt using kingroot said root wasn't available, but the link above suggests I may need to just keep trying / uninstall+reinstall / etc to get it to work.
Thanks again!

Ok... some progress!
After 4 tries, Kingroot finally did its thing and reports I'm rooted.
In the link to achieve S-off, the app Sunshine is mentioned. Just bought a sunshine license for $25... why not.

Or not.
Despite Kingroot saying its rooted and Sunshine initially saying it had gained root and that my phone had passed all the pre-tests, now that i've spent the $25 its saying its "Unable to gain root access to your device. You may need to gain "TEmpRoot" or "PermRoot" through some other means. For HTC devices, unlocking with HTCDev.comand rooting with a custom recovery may work."
Grr. Any ideas?
I have an HTCDev account but when I get to step 5 in the unlocking bootloader process, I haven't been able to get my command propt commands to work. See images below...

By re-rooting with Kingroot Sunshine did its thing... after it finished the app disappeared. When I do a Volume down+power, it does show my software status as "modified", so I guess I'm making progress.
So is now when I put the said 0P6BIMG.zip on the sd card and let the phone find it? And as specific as we can be as to which file this needs to be is appreciated... thanks

lol so I re-rooted (again) and re-downloaded sunishine (because, like i said, after it did its thing it deleted itself), and its confirmed I'm S-Off.
I'm downloading dottat's "DOTTAT_VZWM8_S_OFF_5.0.1_RUU.zip", which is about 1.6GB. This is what I put on the SDcard, rename 0P6BIMG.zip, and 'flash' that right?
Appreciate you bearing with me (though it seems like i'm in a closet talking to myself a bit, which is ok)

Make sure the BIMG.zip is in the root of your sd card (in no folder) then load hboot and it'll detect the .zip and flash from there. Yes.

4.4.2 182.46.15 -> root

I'm sure this is covered here more than once but my searches are going nowhere.
I've got a RAZR MAXX HD with 4.4.2 182.46.15 (yes, one eight two, not three). A) how do I root it? B) Is there a pathway to 5.n.n? I need root (for TI and killing bloatware), I'd like Lollipop.
AFAIK, I'm SOL on unlocking the bootloader. How, then, can I move to CM? If at all?
I bought the phone, privately, as it is (no backups or older whatever). I do have the original USB cable (still in an unopened bag!).
So... how screwed am I?

BUMP. I get that this is probably a "we have answered this question too many times!" question, but the record is still fuzzy, at least for me, about whether or not all 4.4.2 installs are cursed or not. And whether my install is cursed, too.

91 looks and nobody has an answer???

Ok, first of all, you cannot get 5.0 on this device unless you are on 182.46.10 which the bootloader is unlockable but since you are on the latest firmware there is no way unlock the bootloader which means no cwm, which also means no custom rom, which also means no 5.0! You can use a tool called KingRoot but it doesnt support super SU. another method is hydrogen peroxide which you can google it.

I'm pretty well bleached out as it is, so worrying about roots with hydrogen peroxide doesn't take me very far. But, hey, nice bit of humor.
If SuperSU doesn't work with this scheme, where does that leave me with TI, Build Prop Editor, FX, etc.?

It looks as though rooting the MAXX HD is like pushing on a rope - not real productive.
What phone, comparable in size and specs, /is/ rootable, etc. Without resorting hydrogen peroxide?

You can root it cleanly with hydrogen peroxide, but before starting that process you must reflash to the 183.46.15 firmware. There's a couple of lines in the flashing file that must be commented out; it's all detailed carefully in the hydrogen peroxide thread. I did it, it worked properly the first time and each time after that (I was playing with some experimental stuff that put me in a bootloop a few times and had to reflash to recover.)
Then you can install Titanium Backup and whatever else; I like Nova Launcher and Xposed Framework with GravityBox.
I don't understand why everyone's so afraid of the hydrogen peroxide method. If you read carefully and follow the steps correctly it works. If you try to flash or root or unlock *any* phone using *any* method without reading carefully and following the steps correctly, it's probably going to fail and cause big problems; that's how stuff like this works.

Whoa! You weren't just messing with me about hydrogen peroxide! I tried googling on it and got lots of info about H²O² but zip about anything that could be flashed, etc. From what you're saying I should be searching inside XDA.
Point me at what I need to know to get back to 183.46.15. BTW, I thought it was .10 not . 15 that was easier to work with. Yes? No?

OK, I'll be quiet for a while. I think this is the thread you were pointing me at. It seems to answer all of my questions. I'll be back once I brick or root. [/hopeful grin]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/droid-razr-hd/general/root-droid-razr-hd-xt926-183-46-15-t3062040

OK, I lied. What is an FXZ? Looking at what I've seen so far, I guess I don't really care, but I am curious... Now I'll be quiet. For a while. Maybe. Sorta. I guess.

I rooted my XT926 using Hydrogen Peroxyde. Look at this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/droid-razr-hd/general/index-motorola-droid-razr-hd-2015-t3167557

Yes, that is the post I used for instructions.
Start near the bottom, just after the screenshot, at the section "Flashing Firmware if Root fails" to get your device up to 183.x before you try and run the hydrogen peroxide stuff. There's a dead link there at "Using RSD Lite", it has moved to http://motofirmware.center/topic/22-how-to-restore-your-device-with-motorola-firmware-plus-unbrick/ instead, you'll need it.
You'll probably have to work through the section "Editing xml" as well, if RSD Lite returns an error during the flashing process. There's a script file with the firmware that has a couple of lines of instruction that causes problems for RSD Lite, you have to remove those lines and then it should work.
Once you're up and running on 183.46.15, then you can go to the top of the post and work through the rooting process.
If there's anything you don't understand, ask and I'll try and explain.
P.S. You shouldn't need any FXZ files for this process.
P.P.S. The x.10 firmware is preferred, because it has an exploit that will allow you to unlock the bootloader. But, since you're already at x.15, you're in a catch-22: The locked bootloader won't let you downgrade to older firmware for "security reasons", and you can't unlock the bootloader without using the older firmware. Nobody's found a method yet to bootstrap this process.

You da man!!! Thanks!
BTW, how do I bump up your thanks counter from here???

ROOT for Droid Razr HD XT926- 183.46.15 w/Kernel date after June 3, 2014 by sd_shadow

Went there, did that, like the t-shirt! [/GRIN]