Database Info

[Q] Nexus S bootloader

Hi,
I was just wondering if it is absolutely REQUIRED to unlock the bootloader to flash a rom on the nexus s and why? Can I use Clockwork recovery image without unlocking the bootloader?
Thanks!

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1060974

Thanks,
but what are the advantages of unlocking the bootloader instead of using some other exploit like this?
Thanks!

Unlocking the bootloader deletes all user data on your device and resets it to factory defaults.

Hi,
But what is the advantage of losing that data and unlocking the bootloader than using the exploits?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

None that I can tell. If you stay on stock rom, I would consider it an advantage NOT to lose all data and settings.
If you want a different rom like cyanogenmod, then you will likely have to wipe your device anyway to avoid random problems. Then you can unlock the bootloader, too, while you are at it, because you have to backup everything (you don't want to lose) anyway.

Unlocking the bootloader allows you to flash stuff directly on the phone from your computer, things like a custom recovery, radio image, fully stock roms and so on.
This in turn allows you to root of flash another rom.
Otherwise, rooting without unlocking probably entails exploiting a security flaw of your device, something I'm not too uncomfortable with.
Before 2.3.2 though you could boot a custom recovery from a file on your computer without unlocking. This was fixed as it was a big privacy and security issue...
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

So does that mean if I don't unlock the bootloader, I can't use Clockwork mod and flash a rom like cyanogenmod?

Not exactly. You can gain temporary root and install clockwork recovery by means of various exploits of security holes.
You can then use that to install any rom you like.

So pretty much unlocking the bootloader is the easy and safer route.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Exactly. Since you should backup your data anyway before you tinker with your rom, you might do it anyway.

You can lock the bootloader after you finish flash a new ROM

Yeah, but with clockwork mod you can run a nandroid with or without an unlocked bootloader, so what's the point?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

patrixl said:
Before 2.3.2 though you could boot a custom recovery from a file on your computer without unlocking. This was fixed as it was a big privacy and security issue...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everybody with an USB cable has full root access to any Nexus S running CM7 (using CWMs ADB capability) and nobody seems to care?

1st: You don't need CWM for CM7, AFAIK.
2nd: The same is true for any NexusS with unlocked bootloader.
3rd: The attacker could also use the gingerbreak exploit or similar to gain root access and neither a locked bootloader nor stock recovery will protect you.
It is the same as with your computer. Someone who has physical access to the machine usually can do anything he wants.
The solution is quite simple too: don't give anyone unsupervised access to your phone. That includes of course not losing it...

So its safer to unlock it?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Yes and no. It depends on what kind of security you mean, too. The unlockable bootloader is a feature. Using it is the standard way to go.
An exploit could install keyloggers or spyware or whatever without you knowing.
However, an custom rom from somewhere could have keyloggers or spyware preinstalled, too.
Basically you have to decide yourself, how much risk you are willing to take.

I still can't get the advantages of unlocking it.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

I mean, can you flash clockwork mod with a locked bootloader?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Only with certain versions of the bootloader, not all. It was a security hole like others have mentioned. It was later fixed.

[Q] Nexus S root program or .apk

Is there any .apk or one click root program for Nexus S G4? Thank you for reply.

No, but there are perfect guides here for rooting your device, it shouldn't take more than 5-10 minutes.

As mkoch820 said there is no program or .apk to root your phone easy. Although there is a very easy way to root it with this srcipt. This doesn't unlock your bootloader so you won't be able to run any custom kernel or custom ROM but you will get all root permissions on your phone.
P.S.: Haven't try it my self.

I suggest you unlock your bootloader and then root it. Here is the same link I used to unlocked mine. Its complete with the files. Pictures and even video on how to root our phone nexusshacks.com
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

I agree with darius0519 that it's better to unlock the boot loader first and after that root the phone. In my opinion there in no serious reason to root it if you won't load a custom rom or kernel.
@ darius0519 I also rooted my nexus s with the same "tutorial".
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

[Q] Rooting xoom without PC

Hi,
Its my first post on XDA. I have a problem with root.
I really need rooted device, but I don't have PC around me, so I can't use ADB, fast boot etc.
Is there any chance to root my Xoom 4.1.1 with just a Xoom in my hands?
I have my sgs2 if that can help

You're going to struggle with this, I think there is the odd method that can root without unlocking the bootloader, heard of one a month or so back, it's around here on XDA somewhere but that also I'm pretty sure needed a PC. The standard method won't work then because you don't have a PC.
My answer is you're probably not going to be able to do it

Jezusek said:
Hi,
Its my first post on XDA. I have a problem with root.
I really need rooted device, but I don't have PC around me, so I can't use ADB, fast boot etc.
Is there any chance to root my Xoom 4.1.1 with just a Xoom in my hands?
I have my sgs2 if that can help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't "root your xoom to 4.1.1." You flash a custom rom to it that is built off of 4.1.1.
The bootloader needs to be unlocked to root. You're going to need a computer to unlock the bootloader.

Cubanluke88 said:
You don't "root your xoom to 4.1.1."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He didn't say that...?
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2

My bad, read it too fast. Either way the device needs to be unlocked to root, AFAIK.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[Q] S-off attempts timing out in bootloader

Hi all,
I am attempting to S-off the wife's ATT HTC One X, so that I can install a Kit Kat Rom in it. Her phone is unlocked and running CM10.2, but she's S-on.
I've tried several toolkits, but they get stuck and time out waiting for the device once it reboots into the bootloader. In debugging mode, adb devices identified the phone just fine, but the computer (running Windows 8.1) says doesn't recognize the phone when in bootloader. I've got Koush's Universal ADB driver installed, installed HTC Sync for the drivers, then uninstalled the program. The drivers are still there when I navigate to them.
If this isn't the appropriate forum, then I apologize.
Many thanks in advance!

What method are you trying to use?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

magnetboard said:
What method are you trying to use?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rumrunner is one. It reboots into bootloader post the warnings then runs its 120 seconds and times out waiting for the device.

Ah, windows 8 and newer have problems with fastboot. That's why. Do you have access to a computer with windows 7 or lower?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

magnetboard said:
Ah, windows 8 and newer have problems with fastboot. That's why. Do you have access to a computer with windows 7 or lower?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can put an old HD back in with W7. I take it there is no workaround with 8.1?

Windows 8 is fine with fastboot but 8.1 is where the problems begin. No workaround yet. What see the bootloader details though? Depending on your current setup you might not even need s-off yet. S-off isn't required to flash the ROMs, but it's required to update your firmware (via an RUU). If your firmware is up to date you can just flash.
Sent from my Evita

timmaaa said:
Windows 8 is fine with fastboot but 8.1 is where the problems begin. No workaround yet. What see the bootloader details though? Depending on your current setup you might not even need s-off yet. S-off isn't required to flash the ROMs, but it's required to update your firmware (via an RUU). If your firmware is up to date you can just flash.
Sent from my Evita
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What all do you need to know? She has her phone with her today.
She has 2.18. I don't know other details off the top of my head and walking her through to boot to bootloader would be an utter disaster, lol.
The reason for trying to get S-off was that both the KitKat versions of CM and PA stated that S-off was required.
Thanks for your help.

If your cousin can't get to the bootloader by herself, then she has absolutely no business having a modified phone. Handing a modified device to someone who has no idea about what they're doing is a bad idea. The device has root privileges, access to areas that see not normally accessible. This means it's easy top screw up the device if you don't know what you're doing. Also, if something goes wrong she's not gonna know what to do, will probably panic and screw it up even more. Return it to stock.
Sent from my Evita

timmaaa said:
If your cousin can't get to the bootloader by herself, then she has absolutely no business having a modified phone. Handing a modified device to someone who has no idea about what they're doing is a bad idea. The device has root privileges, access to areas that see not normally accessible. This means it's easy top screw up the device if you don't know what you're doing. Also, if something goes wrong she's not gonna know what to do, will probably panic and screw it up even more. Return it to stock.
Sent from my Evita
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the concern. This is my wife's phone, and she's handled CM10.2 just fine for the last 6 months. She's informed enough to not do something stupid, but let's me handle rooting and flashing.

Kit Kat root method?

I just got the OTA for Kit Kat. I know it's early still, but has anyone found a root method yet?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Serial_Noob said:
I just got the OTA for Kit Kat. I know it's early still, but has anyone found a root method yet?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if your bootloader is unlocked will you get root on KK.
There is no known exploit to gain root on locked bootloader devices with KK. KK patched a lot of security holes and exploits, including the Sqlite tethering hack.
I wouldn't hold my breath on getting root and there is no way to preserve root across the OTA. The last root exploit found (the safe patch or whatever it was called) will break the OTA update, requiring you to flash back to a stock image of whatever version you were running at the time (9.18 or 9.30).

Could you please give a link for root package for unlocked BL? I've got such a lucky phone

uh, search for SuperSu pretty sure youll find it here....

stanislavshulgin said:
Could you please give a link for root package for unlocked BL? I've got such a lucky phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's always available from the SuperSU thread located here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=23427715&postcount=1
But, here is the direct link to the download (which is in the thread I mentioned above): http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu

Oh god, I'm an idiot -______-'''
Thanks guys!

iBolski said:
Only if your bootloader is unlocked will you get root on KK.
There is no known exploit to gain root on locked bootloader devices with KK. KK patched a lot of security holes and exploits, including the Sqlite tethering hack.
I wouldn't hold my breath on getting root and there is no way to preserve root across the OTA. The last root exploit found (the safe patch or whatever it was called) will break the OTA update, requiring you to flash back to a stock image of whatever version you were running at the time (9.18 or 9.30).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until there is root, I won't take the update. If that means 4.1.2 forever, so be it.
The only thing that grinds my @$$ is that I bought the phone a year into its life and took one too many OTAs without unlocking the bootloader first. And from what I understand, there's no turning back.
I do have a Motorola factory cable, though. It saved me a couple of times with my Droid X2. I haven't seen anything about using it on the RAZR HD -- do you know if it's usable for this phone?

Serial_Noob said:
I do have a Motorola factory cable, though. It saved me a couple of times with my Droid X2. I haven't seen anything about using it on the RAZR HD -- do you know if it's usable for this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest it should work too

Serial_Noob said:
Until there is root, I won't take the update. If that means 4.1.2 forever, so be it.
The only thing that grinds my @$$ is that I bought the phone a year into its life and took one too many OTAs without unlocking the bootloader first. And from what I understand, there's no turning back.
I do have a Motorola factory cable, though. It saved me a couple of times with my Droid X2. I haven't seen anything about using it on the RAZR HD -- do you know if it's usable for this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have a factory adapter, it does work on this phone.
im curious as to why you asked about it?
it will not let you downgrade to unlock the bootloader if thats where you were going with this.

bweN diorD said:
i have a factory adapter, it does work on this phone.
im curious as to why you asked about it?
it will not let you downgrade to unlock the bootloader if thats where you were going with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, unfortunately that's exactly where I was going. I kind of figured if it would someone would have mentioned it by now. But I've never seen it mentioned in the RAZR forums and had to wonder.