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Fixing the optimus 3d usb mass storage issue

Hello, I have been turning mad lately since my Optimus 3D began acting weird once I connected it to my PC to transfer large amounts of data in USB MASS STORAGE mode.
In the beginning, the transfer was ok and connection didn't show any problem. However, at a given (arbitrary) point, it just connected and disconnected by itself several times in just few seconds.
I thought it was the usb cable, so I changed it, but that didn't fixed it. Then I tried it with several other computers, and that happened randomly on all of them.
Then I thought it could be the micro-usb connector being damage, but as I closely analysed it in the computer side, I found that the phone was connecting ok, but was recognised the wrong way. (drivers were ok, as I reinstalled everything several times)
In fact, the LG update recognised the phone's model and connection. It simply didn't worked as a mass storage usb device.
I spent hours searching the web for answers about this issue, but the only thing I could found was one guy telling to remove the battery for 10 minutes in order really reset the phone's usb mode.
I did it and it worked! HOWEVER, the issue reapeared quickly once I connected the phone to the PC via USB. (it took several minutes to happen, but happened)
I finally found this forum and read a lot of complaints about LG phones.
However, it seemed to be a software error, not a hardware one. Wich was good news.
I was thinking to send the phone to LG for repair, but I had little hope they would even check such an arbitrary issue with usb connection and I thought they would simply say it's my computers fault, so I kept searching.
I finally found a similar issues with Galaxy S2 on the forums, and someone fixed it accessing the "PhoneUtil" hidden app in that phone.
This app don't exist in LG phones, but there IS a hidden menu to fix this, but you will have to install a free shortcut creator app form the market place in order to access it:
- download "ANY CUT" from the market place
- run it and create a NEW shortcut
- select ACTIVITY
- scroll down and tap on: com.lge.hiddenmenu.port_setting.PortSetting
- give the shortcut a short name like "Port Setting"
now you have created a new shortcut in your home screen (somewhere)
Once you tap on it, a menu will pop and let you choose the type of connection to be used by the USB port.
By default, "NO RETENTION" is selected.
If you want to force the phone to use the usb connection for data transfer with your PC, then select AP USB
(if you check the "retain AP USB after reboot" it will freeze your phone and you will have to long press the power button to shut it down, but it will actually work and will be set this way until you change it again)
Voila! That fixed my LG P920 Optimus 3D USB transfering issues.
If you need to make a software upgrade at some point instead of using it for USB transfer, just change the setting to "NO RETENTION" again and check the "reatin after reboot" option.
I just wanted to share this, as I found no fix for my problem in the net and I think this should be happening to someone else.
Feedback is very welcome! (even needed, just in case this is braking something)
By the way, it's a good idea to activate the "Debugging mode for USB" in settings/applications since it seems to make a more robust conection with the phone for mass storage transfer.
As why this entire issue is happening, it seems the USB conection can handle multiple transfer modes. One of those is USB Mass Storage mode (like every pendrive out there) but the other one is a LG propietary comunication mode that I suppose was done in order to have full access to the phone firmware through the computer.
The bug appears in the moment when the phone have to decide if it should engage on mode or the other.
I have noticed (since I forced the port setting to AP USB) that the phones screen will turn itself on randomly once connected and that it don't stay active even if you specifically check that option in the development menu.
I suppose the original bug is still there in someway, but at least it will not ruin the data transfers.

Ok, just in case you don't want / can't make the shortcut for the hidden menu, you can use this method to access the full hidden menu right out of the box without any external app:
push the button to make a call,
now enter the number:
3845#*920#
This will redirect you to the full hidden menu. Once there, you can go to the PORT SETTINGS menu and set it to AP USB.

And if you want to upgrade with the LG software, you must set this to AP USB and make it stay. Then when you are upgrading, you must stay vigilant and press (and keep pressed) the volume up button in the moment it reboot the phone (or before it reboots, just to be sure)
This way, a white screen with red text "factory upload" will show and upgrades will have no problems.
(this mode normally only happens when you press the volume up button with the phone off, and then connect it to the usb port and there is an LG software commanding the phone via usb)

[Q] VIPBOX-HD? Help Identifying / Rooting this IPTV Box??

So I had a subscription with an IPTV provider that I was able to watch their channels and I was able to download google apps (like netflix, etc) and use them. All of a sudden after I cancelled their subscription, the box no longer boots up so that I can use just the apps, or anything that is free.
So I am trying to identify this box, so that I can hopefully root it, and put some sort of media center on it (would like XBMC), even plain android would work. Any suggestions are welcome, as well as any solutions.
Here are the specifications that I got from the provider website:
ARM CORTEX A9, Frequency 1GHz
1GB RAM, Built-in 4GB Flash Drive
Powered by Android 4.0 ICS
RJ45 10/100 Ethernet Interface
Built-in WiFi
HD Resolution 1920x1080 (1080i)
HDMI Video Output
RCA Output
2x USB 2.0 Interfaces
SD Card Reader
Basic IR Remote Control
2D/3D GPU Hardware Acceleration
Pictures:
http://i.imgur.com/QojIbfQ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/vp9wyaf.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/kt4rhmv.jpg
Thank you.

Solution
This is a very easy fix. This box that you have is a Geniatech ATV310b - (M3). So basically it all you have to do is to install a new image for it.
1) Open up the box: At the bottom, their are four screws covered by some cushion. Remove the cushion, then unscrew the screws.
2) Remove the bottom cover and you will see the board of the device. Look around and you will see a tiny black button that you can click on. There is only one of these buttons. This is the reset / upgrade button.
3) Next you will have to place the right firmware on an SD Card. So you must download them and place them on the SD card. You can either install XBMC or Basic Android. I recommend XBMC as it makes the device a great streaming box. You can find the software and directions on the Geniatech website:
www geniatech com/news/linux-xbmc-system-for-geniatech-m3-models.asp
4. Download the two files. Place them on an SD card. Place the SD card into your receiver (while the receiver is turned off). Now hold the reset button and put in the power cord from the back. Hold the reset button until you see the android logo pop up. Now, on the screen go to Apply Update.img and first Flash he file that has "SPI" in it and after do the file "update.img".
Once that all finishes, you can restart the device and you will have XBMC.
The link above also has the software for the normal android.
5. BE CAREFUL. Follow the steps carefully and do not rush. My box got bricked because I was changing some firmware later on and I accidentally pulled it off the power to quickly.

I have a viptv-hd box when powering on boot into recovery. Tried several update images but boot into recovery. how to fix it?

Urgent: need backup of A8 2018 with broken/black screen for upcoming court case.

I'm helping a friend who needs backup of her broken phone for an upcoming court case.
I need to extract all photos (camera, snapchat etc) and text messages (sms/mms).
The phone seems to be working other than the screen and touch controls.
Replacing/repairing the screen isn't an option as we both have minimal funds, and my friend has a new phone already)
i have "access" to the phone, but neither USB Debughing nor MTP is enabled so i cannot access any files.
I'm able to unlock it with a keyboard connected (i hear the little unlock click after entering the pin, and the "turn off screen" click when i press the power button.) But i have to navigate blindly, and any guide i find seems arbitrary how to get to settings, it says to press win+n (same as pulling down the quick settings menu from home) and press tab an arbitrary number of times to get to the settings gear in the corner. i tried doing this on my own working note 10 plus with the external keyboard, but i see it scrolls through every notification, so unless you know the number of notifications, hitting the gear is just pure luck.
I have also tried hooking up a usb-c to hdmi dongle (which works and starts dex on my n10+) but it says no signal on the A80, so external monitor seems out of the question.
Is there a consistent way to enter settings, or any way to enable the following settings:
* enable voice assistant (accessibility settings so i can hear where i am and navigate using voice/sound)
* enable USB MTP (or similar so i atleast can access files from a computer)
* enable USB debugging (to use ADB to screenmirror and/or etc)
* alternatively clear notifications so entering settings should become consistant with number of keypresses
I have tried some apps like dr fone but it doesnt support backup from this model, and any other settings wants to wipe the phone.
I have tried holding both volume buttons to enable google voice assist, but also unsure if this ever worked
The phone is not on wifi and i am not 100% sure if wifi is enabled at the moment, nor if it has the current wifi password my friend uses, but i can try do do things from there if internet access will help.
I dont think google now nor bixby (if this phone has that) is enabled as i dont get any reply or voice ding while pressing the win key (home button normally on working android)
I think i can enter recovery and download modes, i got COM5 on odin, but I'm unsure if i ever get into recovery menu.. but even then, is there any custom recovery firmware that will enable usb mtp access at all for this device?
Also, I'm not able to have a computer connected at the same time as a keyboard as I'm using a wired keyboard with OTG adapter.
Tl;dr:
Have:
* A80 with broken unresponsive screen.
* Have access blindly through otg keyboard
Need:
* Need to enable mtp and/or usb debug (alt. Voice assist)
* Need consistent way to access settings
Both MUST be done using only wired otg keyboard.
Tried:
* Hdmi out (no signal)
* computer recovery software (no dice)
* having computer and keyboard connected simultaneously (keyboard works, pc doesnt recognize, could be dongle)
Hope someone can help me (us) fast.

enter adb

almeria53 said:
enter adb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please read the post.

Changis said:
Tl;dr:
Have:
* A80 with broken unresponsive screen.
* Have access blindly through otg keyboard
Need:
* Need to enable mtp and/or usb debug (alt. Voice assist)
* Need consistent way to access settings
Both MUST be done using only wired otg keyboard.
Tried:
* Hdmi out (no signal)
* computer recovery software (no dice)
* having computer and keyboard connected simultaneously (keyboard works, pc doesnt recognize, could be dongle)
Hope someone can help me (us) fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you been able to verify that the MTP device actually works with other phones?
those things can be picky

youdoofus said:
have you been able to verify that the MTP device actually works with other phones?
those things can be picky
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB MTP is just file tranfer?
F.ex. if i use smartswitch on pc, it first tells me to unlock the phone, if i unlock the phone with the otg keyboard and reconnect it it says i cannot tranfer files because MTP is not enabled in settings.

Changis said:
USB MTP is just file tranfer?
F.ex. if i use smartswitch on pc, it first tells me to unlock the phone, if i unlock the phone with the otg keyboard and reconnect it it says i cannot tranfer files because MTP is not enabled in settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry man, i meant MHL adapter.

As far as i found out, A8 does not support MHL/HDMI out..
guess ill spend the weekend to try to get voice assist working by blind trail and error :/
If anyone could provide screenshots of the settings menu and/or recovery menu (and if its possible to enter without touching the screen, and if so how) that would be greatly appreciated.
The phone should be mostly completely stock set up, but home icons might have moved and menu icons might not be in the same place, but i think the pull down menu should be the same as any stock setup, so a screenshot of that would be nice too

Hi
As far as Android goes, by unlocking the phone and plugging it into a computer then you should be able to view the files on the phone from the PC like any USB drive. What you can also do is use Samsung Smart Switch and do a backup of the phone on a PC as this will be able to pull all text messages, photos, etc into a backup folder. Then you can restore any part of that backup on another Samsung phone, including messages.
There may be a few things that will not transfer over. As far as viewing the photos and other files, you can navigate to the backup folder on the PC and check everything there. This is all provided that the phone actually works and is unlocked.

Havok_2k said:
Hi
As far as Android goes, by unlocking the phone and plugging it into a computer then you should be able to view the files on the phone from the PC like any USB drive. What you can also do is use Samsung Smart Switch and do a backup of the phone on a PC as this will be able to pull all text messages, photos, etc into a backup folder. Then you can restore any part of that backup on another Samsung phone, including messages.
There may be a few things that will not transfer over. As far as viewing the photos and other files, you can navigate to the backup folder on the PC and check everything there. This is all provided that the phone actually works and is unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As stated in my original post, usb-MTP (file transfer) is not enabled by default, and my friend never connected the phone to a computer, so i have to enable it to be able to access anything.
The phone connects and seems to work fine except the display, smart switch says to enable mtp pn the phone to transfer files after i unlock it, so my problem is activating talkback so i have aural navigation help so i can turn on usb/mtp for file transfer(and hopefully adb) or to turn on usb directly, but i think talckback is the highest priority as it will help me navigate the phone and be sure of where i am, an accidental keypress on can ruin a long sequence and i would have to start again from scratch as i cannot know if im in the same location.

Hi.
Any update on this? I have exactly the same problem and no solution so far...
Thanks

Unlock help on misc device

I have a device that's evidently called an Edge Mini tablet purchased from the prison system while I was incarcerated. Known issues are battery explosions as mine did. All I have is a circuit board in which Device Manager on pc recognizes something briefly and disappears.
I spent nearly $2k on music and would like to find help on retrieving it somehow.
All I know is that it has a custom Android build and and i cannot view the device on its screen, however thr computer reads it.
Much help needed!

otherrider2 said:
I have a device that's evidently called an Edge Mini tablet purchased from the prison system while I was incarcerated. Known issues are battery explosions as mine did. All I have is a circuit board in which Device Manager on pc recognizes something briefly and disappears.
I spent nearly $2k on music and would like to find help on retrieving it somehow.
All I know is that it has a custom Android build and and i cannot view the device on its screen, however the computer reads it.
Much help needed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never heard of the device that you are using, after doing a quick google search it seems that you should probably contact a business called the keefe group. They are the distributors and provide support for that proprietary device.
https://www.keefegroup.com/home/contact-us-105
Here is the User manual: https://fccid.io/2AHUC-EDGEMINI-AA/User-Manual/User-manual-3073167
If all you have is the circuit board , then most likely your chances are recovering encrypted data are not good at all.
Ideally, you would need to boot into the system and enter developer options, turn on USB debugging, allow an external device MTC connection etc., which allows you to connect to your PC.
On the other hand, its an older Operating system, with less secure software. Perhaps, for a technicians easy access the steps I listed above have already been setup. If so, try downloading the USB driver for that device, and then reboot your PC. If the issue is a driver issue, you should now have access to the internal storage and will be able to copy over your files, by connecting the board to your desktop, using the usb power cable. If the PC reads the device, you should be able to see the internal storage by going to this PC, and it would be under device and drives.
Are you sure that your files are not backed up to a server that you can remotely access? Worst case, I would look into that option.
Good luck.

A guide on converting smart Android devices into an Android desktop computer - With large screen and extra storage

I remember back in 2011 when I was working at Toshiba in Cyprus that they had a 10 inch Android laptop (no touchscreen), those type of devices seem to have been discontinued. On the same note, I wanted to convert my 2016 Sony Xperia Z5 compact smartphone into a desktop instead of throwing it away after it got dead zone on the touchscreen that keeps on getting worse and makes the device almost useless (The lighter piezo solution did not work for my device).
The 1st method is from videos that are available on Youtube that are not tested by me. The 2nd method is my own way that I tested on two devices. One is Running Android Lollipop 5 and one running Oreo 8. Each one has a different solution because the floating of any app option only works on Android Nougat 7 or above.
Method 1:
The below videos explain about benefit of using the dock. It requires purchasing a Dock and might only work with USB-C devices. There are many more videos available for this subject. The dock will also charge the device while in use. Tips from the 2nd method may improve some features for this method. I did not fully research this method as it can easily be researched by anyone because it is a readymade solution. You can research it further if it interests you to find out if your device will work well with this solution.
Videos on the dock solution
Method 2:
Not tested for gaming
The two devices that I tested this solution on are Sony Xperia Z1 Compact smartphone 2014 model running Android Lollipop and Sony Xperia Z5 Compact smartphone 2016 running Android Oreo Custom ROM. Both devices have been rooted for maximum features. Both devices use micro USB connection so it might work differently with charging for USB-C devices. Results may differ with different devices and different versions of Android but I believe that it will work very similarly to mine.
Flagship devices should work well and should be able to support all the below requirements for this method.
Holder
To have the camera for video chatting or close to the face then you will need a phone / tablet holder like in one of the below links.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gritin-Phone-Stand-Adjustable-Holder/dp/B07C3MQYQV
or
https://www.amazon.com/Phone-Holder-Gooseneck-Stand-Recording/dp/B07JM5435F
External Screen
To display the Android device onto an external screen then you will either need a screen that supports screen mirroring or a Miracast device. Miracast include Chrome cast and any other screen mirroring dongles. I tested the method with Anycast version 1 and a Chromecast knock off one, it worked well on both of them. If you get the Error HDCP then it can be solved with an internet search and a rooted device. These devices come with two modes and only one of them will work with your Android device. Mircast uses HDMI and will send the image and the sound to the connected external screen wirelessly. (Compatible with any screen that supports HDMI connection, make sure that your device has screen casting support before purchasing).
If your device does not support screen mirroring, then you will need to purchase an original Chromecast device and connect it to the screen and install Google Home on your device and configure Google Home to detect the Chromecast device to use it. Chromecast will need to be configured in network mode and both devices need to be connected to the same LAN network. (It is possible that not all Android O/S systems can support this function).
Example on connecting VIA Google Home to Chromecast video:
Google Home might also be able to cast to other supported devices. Check the internet for more information on that if needed.
Keyboard and Mouse
For this you will need an OTG cable (OTG cable converts USB to micro USB or to USB-C connection) with a standard USB hub as well as the keyboard and mouse. Or you can also get the OTG hub that is a combo between the OTG cable and the USB hub. USB Wired or wireless keyboard and mouse should work normally.
On some devices the USB mouse and key board need to be connected before the device is turned on. USB mouse and keyboard can also work in TWRP recovery.
It should also be possible to just get the OTG cable with only the wireless keyboard and mouse that need only one USB receiver connection.
If there are issues for the device to detect the Mouse & keyboard then connect them before turning on the device.
On most devices the on screen keyboard will automatically stop appearing while the USB keyboard is attached. This can be controlled from the phone settings options.
If there are issues using the external keyboard then of the apps from the below links should resolve your issue as they are made for the external keyboard.
Null Input Method - Apps on Google Play
Get rid of the soft keyboard when using your bluetooth or USB keyboard.
play.google.com
External Keyboard Helper Pro - Apps on Google Play
Take full control over your external Bluetooth or USB keyboard.
play.google.com
External Keyboard Helper Demo - Apps on Google Play
Take full control over your external Bluetooth or USB keyboard.
play.google.com
USB Storage
I tested this with USB flash drive and external USB drive and worked well with both. It is possible that not all the USB flash drives will work with the Android device. Sandisk did not work well on my devices but other models worked normally.
For USB flash drive. Connecting USB devices one by one might not work well enough. It sometimes will not work unless I connect all the devices to the USB hub and then connect it to the Android device while the device is on.
Connecting the USB external drive might need extra power. So plug the 2nd connection that comes with the external drive into either a USB device charger or a power bank. I recommend using this in all situations to avoid causing damage to the Android device. Connect the drive after the device has already loaded the O/S (The reason is explained under charging section below).
The apps in the below link are the best free app for browsing External USB devices. The app in the 1st link did not detect USB on Lollipop but it worked well on the newer Android O/S and the one in the 2nd link did not open on Oreo. So test both until satisfied. If you get the message that the drive is empty and needs formatting just ignore it and try the below apps.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobisystems.fileman&hl=en
http://www.estrongs.com/
Charging: It is not possible to charge and use the USB devices at the same time even if all are still connected (might not apply to USB-C Android devices, I don’t have one to test that on.) Connect the External USB drive that is using external power after the device is already on because it might start charging the device when the power is connected and if that happens then it will ignore the connected USB devices. It is an either or situation. Some devices have a 2nd way to charge the device, like a 2nd USB port or Qi charging (wireless charging). I was able to keep the Z1 compact charged with the 2nd option that it has.
Alternative all wireless connections
Android devices can handle 2-5 Bluetooth Devices simultaneously.
So it it possible to connect Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Bluetooth or Wireless storage device. This will allow to keep the phone charged while it is using all the external devices.
Printing
To be able to print from your phone then you will need to use the below option
The below video will show how to print from specific printers:
Print photos from Google photos App:
Google Photos - Apps on Google Play
The home for your memories. Relive, share, and organize your photos.
play.google.com
Create and print Documents from WPS App:
WPS Office-PDF,Word,Excel,PPT - Apps on Google Play
PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Form & Notes, powerful as Microsoft Office.
play.google.com
Apps for desktop mode
There are many available in the play store but I found the below to be the best amongst them.
SecondScreen - better screen mirroring for Android
SecondScreen App from the below link needs either a rooted device or an ADB command. The ADB command will appear after installing the app and loading the profile. Multiple profiles can be created with this app. This app has several features. Some of the features include changing the resolution and density of the screen as well as reducing screen backlight. The lower the density the higher resolution will be which is to fit more things on the screen. The device might do a soft reboot when loading and unloading the profile.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farmerbb.secondscreen.free&hl=en
Taskbar
The below app is only useful on Android Nougat 7 and above because it has a feature that is called freeform that allows to float any app when it is launched from this app for multitasking. It is made by the same developers that created Secondscreen and has a feature in the Secondscreen app to auto launch when the profile is loaded.
Set this app as default launcher. It does not have an option to minimize the apps to taskbar. To restore apps to freeform after being maximized then go to recent apps and click on the 1st icon on the left.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farmerbb.taskbar&hl=en
For Lollipop 5 & Marshmallow 6 devices. Use the app in the below link It works on newer Android devices as well. It will creates a landscape desktop with a taskbar and launcher. It comes with its own set of apps and more apps can be added from the 2nd link which contain the additional apps. Only the apps that are provided with this program can float and to open multiple apps on the desktop at the same time.
This app will lock the screen in Landscape mode. To get out of this mode you will have to turn off the features that are turned on during the setup process. You might also need to force stop the app. That can be done from settings or by installing a specific app for that like the one in the below link.
KillApps : Close all apps running
KillApps - Close all apps - Apps on Google Play
Close all apps running in background
play.google.com
Sentio Desktop
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andromium.os
Sentio Apps (Lollipop, Marshmallow)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sentio.apps
The below link is from the same developer and made for newer Android devices to float any app for Nougat 7 or above but it did not work for me so you can try it if you want to.
Sentio Desktop
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sentio.desktop
Hanna Baggili (John)

Hey. I've been working on the same goals for years now. I see you used Sentio desktop app for the desktop experience. However, Sentio seems to have gone under. Their app store entry is gone, and their website doesn't function.
What would be your best alternatives for a desktop environment setup, SW & HW? If I want a large display, I prefer to Miracast to a compatible device.
It's 2022. What would be your setup now. FWIW, I use and *older* LG V20 running Android 8, which is almost perfect for me (albeit not 'waterproof'). I have desire to upgrade to newer phones, with much more invasive versions of Android, tracking everyone and everything. Plus, screen casting (Miracast) isn't crippled as it now is in newer versions of Android.
Your choices?

I did not use all the apps for my setup that are in the guide. The provided solution is a general solution that I tested and works well.
Any app that is no longer in the Google play store can still be found online, in other non-official app store.
I did not test the solution for the later versions of Android.
From my own experience I found that the best Android version for the Android Desktop PC is Android 7.
What version of Android did you try your solutions on?
You can always check if there is a docking station for the phone that you want to use as a desktop. Take a look at YouTube videos in regards to that and consider it for your setup.
I did the conversion because I am an IT guy and lost the use of my phone. So I then converted it to a desktop and for the fun of it. I tested it on the older model that I have.