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[Q] Boot custom image without flashing it

This may seem an already (10 times) solved question, but I'm unable to boot my Mogo G with a custom boot.img instead of the one flashed on the device.
The phone is an XT1032, currently running KitKat 4.4.4, and I use the latest SDK tools.
I download the stock firmware from sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php, where I choose RETAIL-FR_FALCON_KLB20.9-1.10-1.24-1.1_cid7_CFC_1FF_SVC.xml.zip
I extract the boot.img file using standard unzip tools, and the zImage and initrd.img files using abootimg
Code:
adb reboot-bootloader
The phone reboots and gets to the fastboot menu
Code:
fastboot boot zImage initrd.img
The console output seems right:
Code:
creating boot image...
creating boot image - 6975488 bytes
downloading 'boot.img'...
OKAY [ 0.336s]
booting...
OKAY [ 0.244s]
finished. total time: 0.580s
The device tries to reboot, but stops at the first "M Powered by Android" splash screen
I wait one minute
I hard reboot the device by holding the power button
The device reboots, but has to pass an unusual step, "Updating Android/Optimization application ..."
I'm quite sure the same method was successful a few months ago, so what has since changed:
The device's firmware was upgraded from 4.4.3 to 4.4.4
The SDK tools were upgraded from ? to 23.0.2
I don't remember whether the firmware was available as a tar.gz or a xml.zip file, but I think it was a tar.gz, and I'm near certain I then used the SDK provided fastboot tool. Today, the firmware is available as an xml.zip file, and I think I have to use the Motorola specific fastboot tool (anyway I've tried both, for identical results)
Could anyone point me toward what I'm missing or doing wrong ?
Thanks.

Why did u extract the boot.img?
Maybe wrong kernel?
And whats about the kernel modules of your custom kernel?

sub77 said:
Why did u extract the boot.img?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I simply want a basic way to boot a custom initial ramdisk, without flashing it to the device. So I download the stock firmware archive, unzip it, extract the initial ramdisk (initrd.img) from the boot image, modify it, and repack it using abootimg.
And then:
Code:
fastboot boot zImage initrd.img
For me, this command conform to both the SDK provided fastboot and the Motorola specific one shows in it's help message:
Code:
boot <kernel> [ <ramdisk> ]
I'm not sure anymore of the above command's correctness:
Some information may be missing, as when you expand the boot image (boot.img) you get three files : a kernel (zImage), an initial ramdisk (initrd.img), but also some metadata (in bootimg.cfg); and this metadata is lost when I use "fastboot boot zImage initrd.img". I may try to give this information using additional fastboot options
I even suspect that a few months ago, I used fastboot with a full boot.img image as parameter, though this does not seem to fit the help message above
sub77 said:
Maybe wrong kernel?
And whats about the kernel modules of your custom kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I told you, I'm not currently working on the kernel, and I'm testing with _unmodified_ kernel image (zImage) and initial ramdisk (initird.img), as extracted by "abootimg -x".
Again, any idea is welcome.

Best Method to Re-flash & Re-root Plus Have Internal Storage Working

Hey Guys -
I have had my A9 for about 2 months and love it. When I first purchased it, I rooted it using the method pinned to this forum which seemed to work well. Soon afterwards, I found out that when I inserted and tried to format an SD card as "internal", it wouldn't work and result in it showing as "corrupted." I soon found out that this seemed to be due to the root replacing the original boot.img which messes with encryption. Since the root was posted, SuperSU has been updated and that step has changed supposedly.
Now that I have some time, I want to fix this issue. Before doing so, I've read through many posts and think I have a plan. I wanted to post the steps I need to follow as I understood them to make sure my plan is correct and will result in not only being able to format an SD internally and be rooted, but also a working phone Below are the specs of my phone, the steps I think it may take to resolve, and a few questions I have after reading through numerous posts. Any help is appreciated!
Phone Specs
Some as currently listed in Settings
- HTC One A9
- AT&T USA
- Rooted / s-off
- Android 6.0 / Sense 7.0g
Software Number: 1.10.502.3
Kernel: 3.10.73-perf-g28d66e0
Baseband: [email protected]_29.05_F
Build: 1.10.502.3 CL635081 release keys
Android Security Patch Level: 2015-10-01
Steps to Fix
1. Backup any data desired (I have a nightly Titanium backup)
2. Download RUU for same version (1.10.502.3) from http://forum.xda-developers.com/one-a9/general/wip-ruu-htc-one-a9-t3240344
Should I use newer version or are those for different carriers?
3. Apply RUU (via embedded EXE or try to extract and apply using adb/fastboot)
4. Once phone is restored, make a backup of boot.img from phone just in case it's needed later
5. Install TWRP via adb/fastboot
6. Install SuperSU via TWRP
At this point (if I can make it to this point), test and see if the phone's rooted and I can format the SD internally. If so, great. If not, continue with the following steps...
7. Download & flash modded boot.img from A9 Root post
8. Install TWRP via adb / fastboot
9. Install SuperSU via TWRP
10. Flash original boot.img backed up in step #4 to my phone (since modded one was only needed initially to install SuperSU) So that encryption keys match and I may successfully format sd cards for internal use
My Questions
1. Are the steps above basically the process i need to perform or is there a better / easier way? I don't know if I could flash a common boot.img from an RUU or if it needs to be flashed to phone first for encryption purposes. Even if I can, I've tried to extract it from ruu.zip before and could not
2. Should I use an RUU for a newer version (over 1.10.502.3) or are those for different carriers and not work with my AT&T phone?
3. Does it make a difference if I install the RUU via embedded EXE or extract and apply using adb/fastboot?
4. What versions of TWRP & SuperSU should I use?
Any additional suggestions would be appreciated - I just want to get this resolved once and for all! - Thanks!

bzowk said:
Hey Guys -
I have had my A9 for about 2 months and love it. When I first purchased it, I rooted it using the method pinned to this forum which seemed to work well. Soon afterwards, I found out that when I inserted and tried to format an SD card as "internal", it wouldn't work and result in it showing as "corrupted." I soon found out that this seemed to be due to the root replacing the original boot.img which messes with encryption. Since the root was posted, SuperSU has been updated and that step has changed supposedly.
Now that I have some time, I want to fix this issue. Before doing so, I've read through many posts and think I have a plan. I wanted to post the steps I need to follow as I understood them to make sure my plan is correct and will result in not only being able to format an SD internally and be rooted, but also a working phone Below are the specs of my phone, the steps I think it may take to resolve, and a few questions I have after reading through numerous posts. Any help is appreciated!
Phone Specs
Some as currently listed in Settings
- HTC One A9
- AT&T USA
- Rooted / s-off
- Android 6.0 / Sense 7.0g
Software Number: 1.10.502.3
Kernel: 3.10.73-perf-g28d66e0
Baseband: [email protected]_29.05_F
Build: 1.10.502.3 CL635081 release keys
Android Security Patch Level: 2015-10-01
Steps to Fix
1. Backup any data desired (I have a nightly Titanium backup)
2. Download RUU for same version (1.10.502.3) from http://forum.xda-developers.com/one-a9/general/wip-ruu-htc-one-a9-t3240344
Should I use newer version or are those for different carriers?
3. Apply RUU (via embedded EXE or try to extract and apply using adb/fastboot)
4. Once phone is restored, make a backup of boot.img from phone just in case it's needed later
5. Install TWRP via adb/fastboot
6. Install SuperSU via TWRP
At this point (if I can make it to this point), test and see if the phone's rooted and I can format the SD internally. If so, great. If not, continue with the following steps...
7. Download & flash modded boot.img from A9 Root post
8. Install TWRP via adb / fastboot
9. Install SuperSU via TWRP
10. Flash original boot.img backed up in step #4 to my phone (since modded one was only needed initially to install SuperSU) So that encryption keys match and I may successfully format sd cards for internal use
My Questions
1. Are the steps above basically the process i need to perform or is there a better / easier way? I don't know if I could flash a common boot.img from an RUU or if it needs to be flashed to phone first for encryption purposes. Even if I can, I've tried to extract it from ruu.zip before and could not
2. Should I use an RUU for a newer version (over 1.10.502.3) or are those for different carriers and not work with my AT&T phone?
3. Does it make a difference if I install the RUU via embedded EXE or extract and apply using adb/fastboot?
4. What versions of TWRP & SuperSU should I use?
Any additional suggestions would be appreciated - I just want to get this resolved once and for all! - Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, this isn't Development.
Secondly, I explained to you how to fix this in the very root thread you linked several times.
Thirdly, there's a newer, official RUU from HTC right on their ROM Downloads website. I'd start by installing that (though I also have a recovery-flashable version of that ROM in my Base ROM thread).
Fourthly, with access to an official RUU, and my ROM decrypt script, you have access to the stock boot.img (which is also in the firmware zip in my Base ROM thread), which you can use as your baseline for restoring the verity key to the ramdisk, thereby allowing you to use adopted storage without any issues. Note however that I was only able to use adopted storage with the "forceencrypt" flag enabled.
Fifthly, you can't just restore the stock boot image (at least not if you want to stay rooted). You can be both rooted and encrypted, but you have to first make sure SuperSU is flashed and set up prior to allowing the device to be encrypted again (adopted storage only works with an encrypted device, and then you won't be able to access your storage with TWRP).

OK, OK - sorry.... It had been a while since posting and honestly forgot about that thread - my fault.
I decided to start fresh so have already restored the phone to HTC's latest RUU (1.27.502.5 ATT) as I already had it downloaded. I've also flashed TWRP 2.8.8.1 to the phone, but am obviously prompted to enter a password when I try to enter recovery. Based off what I've read, the steps below seem to be what I need to do so that I may be rooted + still have encryption for internal sd formatting. Is it correct (or close to it)
Using an Ubuntu 14.04 x86 VM...
1. Download & extract your decrypt script to a temp folder in linux vm
2. In Windows, run same RUU I applied and copy out rom.zip from %temp%
3. Rename "rom.zip" to "rom_a9.zip"
4. Copy rom_a9.zip to the ""place_rom_zip_here" folder of your extracted script in the vm
5. Run ./decrypt-htc and wait for script to complete to get img files
On Phone (Currently has same RUU installed + TWRP but not rooted)
6. Root phone using original method of flashing modded boot.img, install SuperSU, and get rooted
7. Once done and rooted, flash boot.img I extracted using your script above to phone via adb
Once that's done, it should be rooted + have encryption thus allowing me to use internal sd card, right? Sorry to be such a bother - just want to get this fixed and done with
Thanks!

bzowk said:
OK, OK - sorry.... It had been a while since posting and honestly forgot about that thread - my fault.
I decided to start fresh so have already restored the phone to HTC's latest RUU (1.27.502.5 ATT) as I already had it downloaded. I've also flashed TWRP 2.8.8.1 to the phone, but am obviously prompted to enter a password when I try to enter recovery. Based off what I've read, the steps below seem to be what I need to do so that I may be rooted + still have encryption for internal sd formatting. Is it correct (or close to it)
Using an Ubuntu 14.04 x86 VM...
1. Download & extract your decrypt script to a temp folder in linux vm
2. In Windows, run same RUU I applied and copy out rom.zip from %temp%
3. Rename "rom.zip" to "rom_a9.zip"
4. Copy rom_a9.zip to the ""place_rom_zip_here" folder of your extracted script in the vm
5. Run ./decrypt-htc and wait for script to complete to get img files
On Phone (Currently has same RUU installed + TWRP but not rooted)
6. Root phone using original method of flashing modded boot.img, install SuperSU, and get rooted
7. Once done and rooted, flash boot.img I extracted using your script above to phone via adb
Once that's done, it should be rooted + have encryption thus allowing me to use internal sd card, right? Sorry to be such a bother - just want to get this fixed and done with
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Re-read my post. If you flash the stock boot.img, you will no longer be rooted.
And as I said in the original thread, you need to pull the rooted boot.img and add the verity key from the stock one to it. Also you'll need to add the forceencrypt and verify flag back.
P.S. You also need to re-read the instructions in the decrypt thread. You don't have to rename anything anymore.

Good Afternoon -
OK - sorry to frustrate you, but I think I finally have it figured out. I started from scratch, re-read many posts, and took notes. I was a little confused on the last part so wanted to verify, please...
I've already unpacked the boot.img from the latest HTC A9 (AT&T) RUU and have the two folders. I restored the same RUU to my phone, flashed TWRP 2.8.8.1, backed up the boot.img, and unpacked it before realizing that I should have probably rooted it first.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but here's all I need to do to finish....
1. Download modified A9 boot.img from top of root thread
2. Flash modded boot.img using fastboot
3. Verify TWRP is still installed then use it to install SuperSU 2.67 (latest)
4. Back up boot partition just like I did before in TWRP
5. Unpack it on PC to create ramdisk and split_img folders
6. Copy verity_key from unpack of the actual RUU and overwrite one in rooted unpack
7. Edit the file fstab.qcom in the ramdisk folder of the rooted unpack in Notepad++ and add the "verify" flag after the wait flag on the fist uncommented line - save
8. Repack rooted boot.img
9. Flash phone with repacked boot.img using fastboot
10. Reboot & enjoy a rooted phone + encryption allowing sd internal formatting
Promise not to bug anymore if I can just get this resolved.
Thanks again for your assistance!
UPDATE
Hmm - was just prepping and went to download modded file from root thread's first post. Doesn't seem to have one that matches newest build of RUU I flashed - if I'm interpreting it correctly. Researching further, but if know of alternate method or another solution to get through steps 1 & 2 about (assuming they are correct), I'd appreciate it. Thanks

bzowk said:
Good Afternoon -
OK - sorry to frustrate you, but I think I finally have it figured out. I started from scratch, re-read many posts, and took notes. I was a little confused on the last part so wanted to verify, please...
I've already unpacked the boot.img from the latest HTC A9 (AT&T) RUU and have the two folders. I restored the same RUU to my phone, flashed TWRP 2.8.8.1, backed up the boot.img, and unpacked it before realizing that I should have probably rooted it first.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but here's all I need to do to finish....
1. Download modified A9 boot.img from top of root thread
2. Flash modded boot.img using fastboot
3. Verify TWRP is still installed then use it to install SuperSU 2.67 (latest)
4. Back up boot partition just like I did before in TWRP
5. Unpack it on PC to create ramdisk and split_img folders
6. Copy verity_key from unpack of the actual RUU and overwrite one in rooted unpack
7. Edit the file fstab.qcom in the ramdisk folder of the rooted unpack in Notepad++ and add the "verify" flag after the wait flag on the fist uncommented line - save
8. Repack rooted boot.img
9. Flash phone with repacked boot.img using fastboot
10. Reboot & enjoy a rooted phone + encryption allowing sd internal formatting
Promise not to bug anymore if I can just get this resolved.
Thanks again for your assistance!
UPDATE
Hmm - was just prepping and went to download modded file from root thread's first post. Doesn't seem to have one that matches newest build of RUU I flashed - if I'm interpreting it correctly. Researching further, but if know of alternate method or another solution to get through steps 1 & 2 about (assuming they are correct), I'd appreciate it. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need anything from that root thread. Everything there is deprecated (which I've said several times).
If you already have the stock boot.img unpacked and ready to go, all you have to do is flash SuperSU, then back up the rooted boot.img that you now have on your device thanks to SuperSU. Unpack that boot.emmc.win and add the verity_key from the stock ramdisk and replace the fstab.qcom with the one from the stock ramdisk. Repack, flash to your device via fastboot or TWRP, and your device will encrypt on that first boot and you'll be good to go.
Just to make sure - you did a Format Data in TWRP prior to flashing SuperSU, correct?

Captain_Throwback said:
You don't need anything from that root thread. Everything there is deprecated (which I've said several times).
If you already have the stock boot.img unpacked and ready to go, all you have to do is flash SuperSU, then back up the rooted boot.img that you now have on your device thanks to SuperSU. Unpack that boot.emmc.win and add the verity_key from the stock ramdisk and replace the fstab.qcom with the one from the stock ramdisk. Repack, flash to your device via fastboot or TWRP, and your device will encrypt on that first boot and you'll be good to go.
Just to make sure - you did a Format Data in TWRP prior to flashing SuperSU, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks -
Well, that's the thing... One of the two unpacked boot.img I have currently is wrong. The two I have are:
- One unpacked boot.img extracted from latest RUU using your script in linux
- One unpacked boot.img backed up from unrooted phone which only had TWRP flashed
That was part of my question. I know that the 2nd unpacked boot.img above is worthless as the phone needed to be rooted prior to me backing it up. The question for me is how to flash superSU onto the phone (which currently has the same latest RUU + TWRP 2.8.8.1 installed) if I can only access TWRP is a read-only mode as I'm prompted for password upon booting to recovery. That's why I brought up the legacy root method as I don't know of an alternative... unless SuperSU doesn't require write permissions to whatever TWRP has locked down currently.
Once I can root it, backup it's boot, and unpack it; I just need to literally copy & overwrite the "verity_key" and "fstab.qcom" files (assuming the only difference is the fstab.qcom I'm overwriting doesn't have the verify flag), repack, then flash back to phone via fastboot, right?
Thanks for your patience!

bzowk said:
Thanks -
Well, that's the thing... One of the two unpacked boot.img I have currently is wrong. The two I have are:
- One unpacked boot.img extracted from latest RUU using your script in linux
- One unpacked boot.img backed up from unrooted phone which only had TWRP flashed
That was part of my question. I know that the 2nd unpacked boot.img above is worthless as the phone needed to be rooted prior to me backing it up. The question for me is how to flash superSU onto the phone (which currently has the same latest RUU + TWRP 2.8.8.1 installed) if I can only access TWRP is a read-only mode as I'm prompted for password upon booting to recovery. That's why I brought up the legacy root method as I don't know of an alternative... unless SuperSU doesn't require write permissions to whatever TWRP has locked down currently.
Once I can root it, backup it's boot, and unpack it; I just need to literally copy & overwrite the "verity_key" and "fstab.qcom" files (assuming the only difference is the fstab.qcom I'm overwriting doesn't have the verify flag), repack, then flash back to phone via fastboot, right?
Thanks for your patience!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you Format Data in TWRP and reboot recovery, you can flash SuperSU and you will be rooted. You just have to back up the boot.img after flashing SuperSU on the unencrypted device to re-enable verity so that adopted storage will work.
P.S. And no, the verify flag isn't the only difference. As I also said earlier (I'm constantly repeating myself), the device must be encrypted for Adopted Storage to work, so the forceencrypt flag from the stock fstab must also be present. That's why it's easier just to replace the whole file. The problem you have at the end of the day is that, while you'll be rooted and be able to use adopted storage in Android, you still won't be able to access said storage (or /data) in TWRP.

Captain_Throwback said:
Once you Format Data in TWRP and reboot recovery, you can flash SuperSU and you will be rooted. You just have to back up the boot.img after flashing SuperSU on the unencrypted device to re-enable verity so that adopted storage will work.
P.S. And no, the verify flag isn't the only difference. As I also said earlier (I'm constantly repeating myself), the device must be encrypted for Adopted Storage to work, so the forceencrypt flag from the stock fstab must also be present. That's why it's easier just to replace the whole file. The problem you have at the end of the day is that, while you'll be rooted and be able to use adopted storage in Android, you still won't be able to access said storage (or /data) in TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great - Thanks!!
Just to make sure, below's my plan with a small question @ step #5. Does it get your stamp of approval?
Phone (A9) already had latest RUU restored (same RUU I ran against your script to pull boot.img from) and TWRP 2.8.8.1 flashed
1. Boot into TWRP & bypass initial screen prompting for password
2. Format Data
3. Reboot back into TWRP
4. Flash SuperSU 2.76 zip
5. Reboot to system then back to TWRP and backup boot partition? / Stay in TWRP and backup boot partition? / Reboot back into TWRP and backup boot partition?
6. Unpack backed up boot partition from phone
7. Copy "verity_key" & "fstab.qcom" files from ramdisk folder in unpacked RUU boot and paste into & overwrite same files in ramdisk folder of unpacked boot from rooted phone
8. Repack rooted phone boot (which includes both new files)
9. Flash newly packed boot.img to phone using fastboot
10. Enjoy
I really appreciate your help and patience with me!

bzowk said:
Great - Thanks!!
Just to make sure, below's my plan with a small question @ step #5. Does it get your stamp of approval?
Phone (A9) already had latest RUU restored (same RUU I ran against your script to pull boot.img from) and TWRP 2.8.8.1 flashed
1. Boot into TWRP & bypass initial screen prompting for password
2. Format Data
3. Reboot back into TWRP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good so far . . .
bzowk said:
4. Flash SuperSU 2.76 zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure this is just a typo, but that should be 2.67, not 76 (there is no 2.76).
bzowk said:
5. Reboot to system then back to TWRP and backup boot partition? / Stay in TWRP and backup boot partition? / Reboot back into TWRP and backup boot partition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bolded the correct one above (no need to leave TWRP as the necessary modifications have already been made).
bzowk said:
6. Unpack backed up boot partition from phone
7. Copy "verity_key" & "fstab.qcom" files from ramdisk folder in unpacked RUU boot and paste into & overwrite same files in ramdisk folder of unpacked boot from rooted phone
8. Repack rooted phone boot (which includes both new files)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks good . . .
bzowk said:
9. Flash newly packed boot.img to phone using fastboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP can also flash the new image, but fastboot is probably the most reliable way to do it.
bzowk said:
10. Enjoy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully . . . You'll likely get a reboot on the first boot (possible multiple reboots), as SuperSU needs a reboot to install the necessary files. Since your device will also encrypt on that initial boot, I'm not sure whether there will be a conflict or not.
bzowk said:
I really appreciate your help and patience with me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess we'll see if it all works out . . .

Thanks!
I proceeded by formatting data, booting directly back intoTWRP, flashing SuperSU, backing up the boot partition, then mounting and copying it over to my PC. The boot.img size was 65,536kb - the same size as the one I unpacked from the RUU. Once unpacked, it was missing the verity_key file and the fstab.qcom file was different + missing the verify flag.
I replaced those two files, then ran repackimg.bat which created image-new.img which I renamed to boot.img. Interesting, though, that this file was only 45,890kb. If it's a repack, shouldn't it be the same or similar? Anyways, the phone was still in TWRP (hadn't booted to system since before the format data) so booted it into bootloader directly and tried flashing boot using my new 45mb boot.img.
If failed - but - my phone was only at 17% power. Don't know if that's why it failed or not so it's charging right now while still in the bootloader. Below is what was echoed when I tried flashing it:
Code:
c:\adb>fastboot flash boot boot.img
target reported max download size of 800000000 bytes
sending 'boot' (45890 KB)...
OKAY [ 3.488s]
writing 'boot'...
(bootloader) HOSD CL#656287
FAILED (remote: 4 RU_BATTERY_LOW please connect charger (17% < 30%))
finished. total time: 4.506s
The reason I didn't boot to system is that I thought that was when the encryption might take place. Going to wait until above 30% power then try flashing again. Powered down to charge, but plan to boot straight back into bootloader to flash. If you see anything that stands out or that I need to do otherwise, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll report back what the result was after getting above 30%.
Thanks again!

bzowk said:
Thanks!
I proceeded by formatting data, booting directly back intoTWRP, flashing SuperSU, backing up the boot partition, then mounting and copying it over to my PC. The boot.img size was 65,536kb - the same size as the one I unpacked from the RUU. Once unpacked, it was missing the verity_key file and the fstab.qcom file was different + missing the verify flag.
I replaced those two files, then ran repackimg.bat which created image-new.img which I renamed to boot.img. Interesting, though, that this file was only 45,890kb. If it's a repack, shouldn't it be the same or similar? Anyways, the phone was still in TWRP (hadn't booted to system since before the format data) so booted it into bootloader directly and tried flashing boot using my new 45mb boot.img.
If failed - but - my phone was only at 17% power. Don't know if that's why it failed or not so it's charging right now while still in the bootloader. Below is what was echoed when I tried flashing it:
Code:
c:\adb>fastboot flash boot boot.img
target reported max download size of 800000000 bytes
sending 'boot' (45890 KB)...
OKAY [ 3.488s]
writing 'boot'...
(bootloader) HOSD CL#656287
FAILED (remote: 4 RU_BATTERY_LOW please connect charger (17% < 30%))
finished. total time: 4.506s
The reason I didn't boot to system is that I thought that was when the encryption might take place. Going to wait until above 30% power then try flashing again. Powered down to charge, but plan to boot straight back into bootloader to flash. If you see anything that stands out or that I need to do otherwise, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll report back what the result was after getting above 30%.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The repack is smaller because the backup uses "dd" to copy the entire block device. Not all that space is actually used after compression. That's nothing to worry about.
And these devices are very picky about flashing only when there's sufficient battery, so I'm sure that's the only reason it failed. TWRP, however, doesn't care how much battery you have, so you could always flash the new boot.img in recovery.

Captain_Throwback said:
The repack is smaller because the backup uses "dd" to copy the entire block device. Not all that space is actually used after compression. That's nothing to worry about.
And these devices are very picky about flashing only when there's sufficient battery, so I'm sure that's the only reason it failed. TWRP, however, doesn't care how much battery you have, so you could always flash the new boot.img in recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, hey, hey - think it worked!!
Once I got above 30%, I flashed without issue. I rebooted and was able to format an sd internally successfully, too. Now, I just need to verify it's rooted, but think it is. Thank you so much for your help! I'm going to write a guide for newbs like me to use in the future soon.
Thanks again!

bzowk said:
Hey, hey, hey - think it worked!!
Once I got above 30%, I flashed without issue. I rebooted and was able to format an sd internally successfully, too. Now, I just need to verify it's rooted, but think it is. Thank you so much for your help! I'm going to write a guide for newbs like me to use in the future soon.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your adopted storage doesn't show as corrupted, and you're able to open the SuperSU app in your app drawer and not get a message that no su binary is installed, you should be good to go .

bad topic

[ROM][STOCK]{UPDATED} Lenovo Tab 3 8/TB3-850F Android 6.0 Stock Firmware Images

Lenovo Tab 3 8/TB3-850F -
Android 6.0 Stock Firmware Images
DISCLAIMER: As always, flashing your device - with either stock or custom firmware - involves an inherent risk of bricking or otherwise rendering your device inoperable. I am not responsible for any good or bad resulting from your use of these firmware images or this thread.
DEVICE SPECIFICATIONS:
Model: Lenovo Tab 3 8"(TB3-850F)
Android Version: 6.0 Marshmallow
Kernel Version: 3.18.19
Board Platform: MediaTek MT6735m (1.0 GHz)
Build No: TB3-850F_S100031_171010_ROW
Software Version: TB3-850F_160412
SDK Version: 23
Build ID: MRA58K
Android Security Patch Level: 9/05/2017
Build Date: 10/10/2017
NOTE:
First & foremost, these partition images will not restore your device completely back to factory/stock condition. They will restore your Android OS, boot logo, boot image & recovery to stock condition. Other vital partitions of your device, such as /lk (the primary bootloader) are not restored by flashing these images. To revert to an unmodified factory state, you will need to visit @r&xp's thread mentioned below and flash your device with stock firmware using the SP Flash Tool, which will also re-lock your bootloader.
This firmware thread is not intended as a tutorial or guide for flashing or restoring your Lenovo Tab 3 back to stock condition. Rather, this is intended as a resource for stock images, device drivers, etc. However, some rudimentary instructions are provided, which will enable you to install these images and restore your device back to mostly stock condition. NOTE: IF YOUR DEVICE IS BRICKED (UNABLE TO BOOT INTO EITHER RECOVERY OR FASTBOOT MODE), THESE FIRMWARE IMAGES WILL BE OF NO BENEFIT. INSTEAD, PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING THREAD BY XDA MEMBER @r&xp , WHICH WILL GIVE YOU THE NECESSARY FILES AND PRECISE INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNBRICKING & RESTORING YOUR DEVICE. https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help/lenovo-tab-3-8-tb3-850f-unbrick-root-t3598727
There are any number of available procedures to flash these stock partition images to your device. The simplest option is to use a custom recovery like TWRP to flash them. Store these images to your external micro SD (or internal storage if you do not intend to wipe internal storage or format /userdata). In TWRP's main menu, select "WIPE", "ADVANCED WIPE", and select Dalvik Cache, Cache, System, & Data. (For a clean install, it is recommended to format Data as well, by selecting "WIPE", then "Format Data.") Reboot Recovery (often necessary for proper mounting of the data partition). Now, select "INSTALL", then select "INSTALL IMAGE" in the bottom right of the menu, navigate to the storage location of the firmware images, and flash them in any order you choose. If you do not have TWRP installed on your device, XDA Senior Member @Hemphiz has a simple & comprehensive thread here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/general/guide-lenovo-tab3-8-tb3-850f-t3559786/page1. In any event, whichever option you choose, please do your homework and research the threads here on XDA relating to your choice. These images may also be installed via fastboot mode. You will need to install Minimal ADB & Fastboot (v1.4 or later) on your PC, ensure the proper Lenovo device drivers & ADB drivers are installed on your PC, and connect your device to your PC via the stock (or quality equivalent) micro USB to USB data sync cable. Once in fastboot mode, open a command prompt in the adb/fastboot directory, and execute the following command lines:
fastboot devices (if you are properly synced, your device serial # will be shown)
fastboot oem fb_mode_set
fastboot flash logo logo.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img (this will overwrite any custom recovery)
fastboot flash system system.img (fastboot will automatically sparsechunk this image)
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot oem fb_mode_clear
fastboot reboot
STOCK PARTITION IMAGES:
The link below provides the following stock firmware images:
/system.........................Size 3.0 GB
/boot..............................Size 16 MB
/recovery........................Size 16 MB
/logo...............................Size 8 MB
Also included in the link are some helpful files like Minimal ADB & Fastboot v1.4.3, the official Lenovo USB Drivers for the TB3-850F (v1.1.21), a general partition index of the tablet, the ADB driver installer for Windows, and the latest PC version of LenovoSuite Mobile Assistant v1.4.1.14199.
I have made a full & complete partition dump of this device, including sensitive firmware partitions such as /oemkeystore, /nvdata, /seccfg, /lk, etc. In the event any members have corrupted these partitions, just request and I will upload these as well. (/nvdata contains device identifiers such as MAC Address, ESN, etc. The device from which these images were taken has since been hardware damaged & salvaged for parts. Therefore, I have no issue with sharing these images. However, as a disclaimer, you are fully responsible for the manner in which you use device ID partitions. Modifying a device's identifiers delves into matters of legality and ethical guidelines, all for which you are solely responsible.)
CREDITS:
Thanks to XDA Senior Member @Hemphiz for his hard work & development on this device, and his thread on TWRP & rooting. Also, huge thanks to @r&xp for his lifesaving tutorial on recovering this device from a soft or hard brick. His guide has revived many devices from the Android cemetery. You guys visiting either of these threads mentioned, be sure and hit the "THANKS" button for their hard work.
DOWNLOAD LINK:
TB3-850F_S100031_171010_ROW
Stock Firmware Partition Images: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1vRLwQ2mCD3CwYQZKGHyykDvBd2yGHisT
Sent from my Lenovo Tab 3 8/TB3-850F using XDA Forums Pro Edition.

Hi:
I have a Tab3 8 TB3-850F which bough in China. It's a 2G+16G version.
I have successfully install TWRP and root.
I'm wondering can I install this ROM to my TAB3?
Thanks!

tsaibru said:
Hi:
I have a Tab3 8 TB3-850F which bough in China. It's a 2G+16G version.
I have successfully install TWRP and root.
I'm wondering can I install this ROM to my TAB3?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why you couldn't. But, to clarify some info, what is your Build No and Software Version? Look under Settings, About Device

Build number:
TB3-850F_S100026_161221_PRC
Software version:
TB3-850F-160425
Thank you very much!

tsaibru said:
Build number:
TB3-850F_S100026_161221_PRC
Software version:
TB3-850F-160425
Thank you very much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on your Build & Software Version info, I can see no compatibility issues with this Stock ROM & your device. You seem to simply have a Chinese variant of the TB3-850F that is not available for retail in the United States.
In any event, use TWRP to backup all partitions of your tablet before proceeding henceforth with flashing this ROM. Also, do not flash the stock recovery from my link...keep your TWRP fully intact & accessible in case anything goes south as a result of the flash. Accordingly, you should be able to fully restore your partition backups via TWRP in the event my Stock ROM doesn't boot up. But, like I said, I can see no adverse consequences to flashing it. Should you decide to give it a go, please update us on this thread as to the results.
Thank you...

The reason why I would like to flash this ROM is to get full Google service which Chinese Rom does not offer.
Even though I have root and install Google service on it. Some of apps I downloaded from play just won't install.
So I dowbloaded this ROM and flash system-002.img, it works.
Now I have all Google service I needed, and all apps I download are able to install.
But after I reset the tab I've build number S100026_160923_ROW, software version TB3-850F_160412.
It will try to download the update to 161209 but after reboot it just go in TWRP not doing anything.
I'm very satisfied with this, and I will keep searching and wait for a way for me to update to S100030_161209_ROW.
I do really appreciate your work to help me solve my problem and save this tab from goes to trash can.

​
tsaibru said:
The reason why I would like to flash this ROM is to get full Google service which Chinese Rom does not offer.
Even though I have root and install Google service on it. Some of apps I downloaded from play just won't install.
So I dowbloaded this ROM and flash system-002.img, it works.
Now I have all Google service I needed, and all apps I download are able to install.
But after I reset the tab I've build number S100026_160923_ROW, software version TB3-850F_160412.
It will try to download the update to 161209 but after reboot it just go in TWRP not doing anything.
I'm very satisfied with this, and I will keep searching and wait for a way for me to update to S100030_161209_ROW.
I do really appreciate your work to help me solve my problem and save this tab from goes to trash can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trying a system update will not work with a custom recovery installed. In spft you can select only to flash the stock recovery then you should be able to update it, when you have done the system update just flash TWRP again.
@MotoJunkie01 I did send you a PM the other day, maybe like for you it did not send or was it my noobishness? :laugh:

stonedpsycho said:
​
Trying a system update will not work with a custom recovery installed. In spft you can select only to flash the stock recovery then you should be able to update it, when you have done the system update just flash TWRP again.
@MotoJunkie01 I did send you a PM the other day, maybe like for you it did not send or was it my noobishness? :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try sending another PM please. I could have deleted your PM by mistake.

boot. logo and recovery.img worked but system.img did not .the system.img downloads with the explorer or e symbol not a disc like the others do.don't know if that has anything to do with it not working? need the system.img to work pls.

chico2016 said:
boot. logo and recovery.img worked but system.img did not .the system.img downloads with the explorer or e symbol not a disc like the others do.don't know if that has anything to do with it not working? need the system.img to work pls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure. The /system image is an unmodified dump taken from a brand new TB3-850F. It works for me and other members. Be sure you are running version 1.4 or later on minimal adb & fastboot. That could be your issue.

MotoJunkie01 said:
Not sure. The /system image is an unmodified dump taken from a brand new TB3-850F. It works for me and other members. Be sure you are running version 1.4 or later on minimal adb & fastboot. That could be your issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok will try again thank you.
---------- Post added at 01:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:15 AM ----------
is it possible to use the platform tool ,like it says for the twrp for the system image?

chico2016 said:
ok will try again thank you.
---------- Post added at 01:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:15 AM ----------
is it possible to use the platform tool ,like it says for the twrp for the system image?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure. Minimal ADB & Fastboot is merely a bare essentials utility in contrast to the Android SDK & other platform tools packages. You may also flash the /system image using TWRP.

MotoJunkie01 said:
Sure. Minimal ADB & Fastboot is merely a bare essentials utility in contrast to the Android SDK & other platform tools packages. You may also flash the /system image using TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
target reported max download size of 134217728 bytes.
invalid sparse file format at header magi ? Not enough room.
need help with tb3-850f flashing system.img.

Thanks!!! Saved my soft bricked Tab3 8 850F

chico2016 said:
target reported max download size of 134217728 bytes.
invalid sparse file format at header magi ? Not enough room.
need help with tb3-850f flashing system.img.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use minimal adb & fastboot v1.4, the /system image will automatically be converted into a series of smaller sparsechunk image files, which will be flashed to your device one at a time until complete.

wow dont know what i am doing wrong.
invalid sparse file format at header Magi
erasing 'system'...
okay[0.032s]
sending sparse 'system' 1/21...(129476kb) okay[14.824s] writing 'system'1/21...
failed(remote: uknown chunck type)
finished. total time: 14.904s
need some help adb fastboot file says 'system.img is to long?

wow dont know what i am doing wrong.
invalid sparse file format at header Magi
erasing 'system'...
okay[0.032s]
sending sparse 'system' 1/21...
failed(remote: uknown chunck type)
finished. total time: 14.904s
need some help adb fastboot file says 'system.img is to long?

chico2016 said:
wow dont know what i am doing wrong.
invalid sparse file format at header Magi
erasing 'system'...
okay[0.032s]
sending sparse 'system' 1/21...
failed(remote: uknown chunck type)
finished. total time: 14.904s
need some help adb fastboot file says 'system.img is to long?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What version of Minimal ADB & Fastboot are you using?

i am using the 1.4 version adb fastboot from the same link i got the images on this very helpful post
boot img -logo.img-recovery.img say flash on ,and the tablet marks ok that they have flashed---but no luck with the system.img even though i have re downloaded twice same thing .do you have a link that would go through a step by step instalation process you could help me with.

chico2016 said:
i am using the 1.4 version adb fastboot from the same link i got the images on this very helpful post
boot img -logo.img-recovery.img say flash on ,and the tablet marks ok that they have flashed---but no luck with the system.img even though i have re downloaded twice same thing .do you have a link that would go through a step by step instalation process you could help me with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a tutorial posted per se on installation. Here's a thought. Boot your tablet into TWRP (fastboot boot TWRP.img) and flash my system.img via TWRP. In TWRP main menu select INSTALL, then select the .img file option in bottom right hand corner of screen. (You will need to put the system.img on an ext micro SD)

Need boot.img FRD-L09 B404

Hello everyone.
I unlocked a bootloader in my freshly bought Honor 8 last week and I the first thing I did was to flash a root package (obviously). I'm used to SuperSU, so tha's what I flashed. Then I found out about Magisk. I want to try it, but I need to flash stock boot.img in order to install it. My build number is FRD-L09C432B404 (EMUI 5.0, Android 7.0). Could anyone upload corresponding boot img? I'd be thankful.

Do it yourself! ^^
Wagierek said:
Hello everyone.
I unlocked a bootloader in my freshly bought Honor 8 last week and I the first thing I did was to flash a root package (obviously). I'm used to SuperSU, so tha's what I flashed. Then I found out about Magisk. I want to try it, but I need to flash stock boot.img in order to install it. My build number is FRD-L09C432B404 (EMUI 5.0, Android 7.0). Could anyone upload corresponding boot img? I'd be thankful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello!
You can do it yourself, just follow these steps:
1) Download your firmware (update.zip) from hicloud url: update.zip
2) Extract zip
3) Download "Huawei Update Extractor 0.9.9.5" (zip file): HuaweiUpdateExtractor_0.9.9.5.zip
4) Extract zip
5) Open "HuaweiUpdateExtractor.exe" extracted from previous step
6) Click on the 2 dots button and navigate to the file to add the "UPDATE.APP" file ( extracted from step 2) ), it will show you all the files like boot.img , recovery.img , recovery2.img , system.img , etc.
7) Select "BOOT.img" and right-click > "Extract Selected". Choose this destination folder: Where fastboot/adb are installed.
8) Use fastboot command to flash "BOOT.img":
Code:
fastboot flash boot BOOT.img
Hope it helps you!

I'd rather not download 1.3GB of firmware for the sake of one small boot.img which can't be bigger than 50MBs, not to mention additional software I'll use probably never again, so I'd be thankful if someone sent already extracted boot

Wagierek said:
I'd rather not download 1.3GB of firmware for the sake of one small boot.img which can't be bigger than 50MBs, not to mention additional software I'll use probably never again, so I'd be thankful if someone sent already extracted boot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BOOT.img file from FRD-L09C432B404 firmware: Google Drive or MEGA
( Because I have nothing more important to do tonight lol )

Thanks for your support. I had to extract it anyways for stock recovery, so here it is in case someone needed it.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ILYXoUvKMSsb8uLmSY2pIMvFWeBJ--9X/view?usp=sharing

[REQUEST] Build system.img

Hello,
I have an ASUS K01A tablet with a blank system partition and unusable recovery. I can flash img files to their respective partitions just fine (boot.img, droidboot.img) in fastboot, but 'system' in the stock firmware zip is a directory instead of a flashable image. Of course, this (and other reasons) means I can't just flash the stock firmware in fastboot, nor flash over the entire 'system' directory.
I need a system.img to recover my tablet from softbrick, but I can't for the life of me compile one. I've exhausted every method and tool I could find in both Windows and Ubuntu.
I beseech the community; if there is anyone reading this who could build such a file for me, I would be eternally grateful. I believe I only need the system.img to recover the tablet.
The stock firmware is at the ASUS website. Here is the download link: UL-K01A-WW-12.8.1.41-user.zip.
Thanks in advance!

Why not extract the system folder of the ZIP linked to, then pack it into a ZIP what you then convert to IMG using an online-convertor that does the job?

jwoegerbauer said:
Why not extract the system folder of the ZIP linked to, then pack it into a ZIP what you then convert to IMG using an online-convertor that does the job?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Why not" indeed; that sounds like it would more than suffice. Can you please recommend one?

Anyone? I have been unable to find this "online-converter" despite days of searching; still at square one.

Only as example ( found via Google search !!! )
Archive Converter - Convert your a7z, rar, zip, gzip, bzip2, tar archives to another format online
Free Archive Converter. Convert your archive files to a7z, rar, zip, gzip, bzip2, tar format online for free using OnlineConvertFree.
onlineconvertfree.com

jwoegerbauer said:
Only as example ( found via Google search !!! )
Archive Converter - Convert your a7z, rar, zip, gzip, bzip2, tar archives to another format online
Free Archive Converter. Convert your archive files to a7z, rar, zip, gzip, bzip2, tar format online for free using OnlineConvertFree.
onlineconvertfree.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, but I've tried this one and all the others on Google, and none will handle the filesize (~650 MB). It must be purpose-made for Android .img files it seems, which I've been unable to find.

Kehkou said:
Hello,
I have an ASUS K01A tablet with a blank system partition and unusable recovery. I can flash img files to their respective partitions just fine (boot.img, droidboot.img) in fastboot, but 'system' in the stock firmware zip is a directory instead of a flashable image. Of course, this (and other reasons) means I can't just flash the stock firmware in fastboot, nor flash over the entire 'system' directory.
I need a system.img to recover my tablet from softbrick, but I can't for the life of me compile one. I've exhausted every method and tool I could find in both Windows and Ubuntu.
I beseech the community; if there is anyone reading this who could build such a file for me, I would be eternally grateful. I believe I only need the system.img to recover the tablet.
The stock firmware is at the ASUS website. Here is the download link: UL-K01A-WW-12.8.1.41-user.zip.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe that video helps you...
good luck
solong
speedson

I built it finally using IMGBurn to create the raw img and Sparse Converter to convert it to sparse img fragments.
But now the tab has formatting error, and with -u option, flashing errors (all partitions and imgs now). Ah, well.
Thank you to everyone! Hopefully someone else reading this will have better luck than me.

Kehkou said:
I built it finally using IMGBurn to create the raw img and Sparse Converter to convert it to sparse img fragments.
But now the tab has formatting error, and with -u option, flashing errors (all partitions and imgs now). Ah, well.
Thank you to everyone! Hopefully someone else reading this will have better luck than me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the attached file from the link at the bottom of this post and unzip it somewhere on your PC. It is a temporary recovery launcher. We'll come back to it in a moment. Based on your original post I'm assuming you already have your stock firmware downloaded as well as ADB and Fastboot setup. From your stock firmware unpack the following files: fastboot.img, splashscreen.img, and boot.img and place them in your ADB/Fastboot folder. Copy the stock firmware to your sd card (in its original, unzipped form...the way it was when you first downloaded it). Put the tablet in fastboot mode. Run the following fastboot commands from a command prompt.
- fastboot flash fastboot fastboot.img
- fastboot flash boot boot.img
- fastboot flash splashscreen splashscreen.img
Reboot back to fastboot mode. Go to wherever you unzipped the temp recovery that you downloaded earlier. Double click on launcher.bat. Type accept in the window, then type T2 and your device should boot into CWM recovery. Now choose install zip>install from se card>and choose the stock firmware.zip that you previously copied to your sd card then let it do its thing. Once its finished go back to the first page of the CWM recovery that you're in and select reboot system now>no>no. You should be golden now. Post back if you have any issues.
Download Disposable Recovery