Database Users

So. I take it there is no way to unbrick this...

I was on the phone with T-Mobile and the woman on the other end either had no idea what I was talking about or, she really did. Her probing questions were perfect and she understood everything I was saying...but the only thing she could think of doing was stripping down the phone, have just the battery, and then press and hold VOL UP+DOWN and Power till the Samsung Vibrant screen came on.
I would have a picture for you, but looks like the forum doesn't allow 'new' members to post. Too bad lurker time can;t be counted toward any of it.
Anyway, the best description of what on my screen:
It has a cellphone on the left, a computer on the right, connecting dots and an orange triangle with an exclamation point. It's all int he middle of the screen.
Best part of this is: I did nothing to the phone. i only downloaded some games and a backup program I can't remember the name. Phone was still locked. I'm not venturing into doing anything like that till i have the money to buy another in a worst case scenario.
So...any ideas?

Add insurance in case you mess anything up. You have 14 days...
That doesn't sound like it's bricked but you didn't tell us anything...
That's the recovery screen, but I'm not sure what you are trying to accomplish...

try to reboot the phone into recovery mode and wipe the phone.

I've tried rebooting to recovery mode.
As for not telling the forum anythng; I'm sorry. I left one detail out:
I downloaded a free application, it's a backup program. I don't remember the name of it (this is my first droid phone, big step up from your standard flip phone with a 6 color screen). I left it running a backup of all the photos and 3gp videos I put on the SD card. Fell asleep, woke up 6 hours later....
BOOM.
I did tell you everything, as in I have no desire to hack/crack/jailbreak/spook/circumvent/customer-os/firmware-flash this phone. I only wanted to charge it after playing with it for a while.
I've tried several of the volume button and power button resets, with/without SD card and SIM. I even tried doing it without the battery in the phone plugged into the USB port.
6 hours of internet browseing and reading and trying these different things, and still nowhere close to an answer form T-Mobile than I need the phone replaced.
I can't easily do it, because I have to send the phone in, wait for a 'credit' to hit my account and order another phone, all the while my service is going to stay active because I am on a Flexpay account.
I love the phone. But it's this kind of thing that has made e stay with your standard, low-tech flip phone from Tracfone. This wouldn't be such a big headache of the cellular antenna in that Tracfone was working. It's lasted me almost 4 years.
Anyway. Is there a program that forces a connection to the phone, kinda says "HEY! you are connected to a computer, now do your stuff!"??
Is there a button combination to make it look for a recovery image ont he SD card like when I would flash my OLD Dell Axim X50??? Noone seems to know alot about this phone yet.

It has a cellphone on the left, a computer on the right, connecting dots and an orange triangle with an exclamation point. It's all int he middle of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looked something like this?
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Sounds like you were in some sort of recovery mode. That more closely resembles the default Android recovery.

Nope.
It has a white icon of a cellphone pn the left, 2 dots, a orange triangle with an exclamation point, 2 dots and another icon that kinda looks like a computer.
Breaking forum rules, but whatever:
http // img231.imageshack.us/ img231 / 1830/ 0720000800.jpg
YAY! It worked. Just add a colon after http and get rid of the spaces.

Of course you know that if this we're happening to you on postpaid, they'd swap your phones out with no inbetween phone time. Your local T-Mobile store might also have loaner phone for you.

probably a cheap flip phone. I was forced to get Flexpay. I guess the last 7 years f ontime, in-full payments to anything hasn't fixed my credit at all. That would explain Verizon's want of a $400 security deposit.

So... I've been doing some research. If Odin can be used to reflash the stock firmwares onto the phone...and if this phone uses an SD card (only say this because windows recognized the internal storage as an SD card) and if one of the other Samsung Android phones when taken apart , had a SD slot for the internal storage (looks like you can actually easily replace the SD card) then what if I took apart the phone, removed the SD card and formated and partitioned it on my computer through my card reader...
These are all just educated guesses. I mean... it looks like my phone has no idea what to do because maybe the SD card is bad or something, unbeknownst to me, reformatted the card improperly.
I posed this same question to Samsung and have yet to hear from them.
What do you guys think? Anyone actually crack open their phones yet?

It seems to me that your options are limited.
I'd say you should root it and see if that gives you more options, but I don't know how feasible that will be for you to do at present.

Can't root a phone that's not booting up to recovery or being seen by a computer
Just received info from Samsung:
Yeah, it looks like the phone needs to be re-flashed or replaced. Head to your local T-Mobile Store or call them up."
So Samsung isn't willing to let go of any other information on this or even extrapolate on the idea of reflashing.
Again, it looks like there is no internal storage with a bootloader to tell the phone what to do.

i see 1 solution
when i bought my vibrant they told me i have 14 days to return or exchange the phone if there is any issues with it the phone came out on the 15th i think so you still have 6 days to take it in show them the problem and they can swap you out with a new vibrant

bricked my g1
When i got my first g1, I rooted it and tried to flash a rom. I bricked it! I called Tmo,I said it froze and wouldn't boot up. They walked me through troubleshooting(of course nothing worked) and said it was software and sent me a brand new one it was only 2 wks old. Maybe an idea for ya.

If you are with in your return period(30 days California, 14 everywhere else) I would take it back and get a new one instead of trying to fix it.

Why trying to fix it yourself? Bring it back to a t-mobile store and exchange for a new one.
bwhites1 said:
When i got my first g1, I rooted it and tried to flash a rom. I bricked it! I called Tmo,I said it froze and wouldn't boot up. They walked me through troubleshooting(of course nothing worked) and said it was software and sent me a brand new one it was only 2 wks old. Maybe an idea for ya.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've bricked my G1 few times. t-mobile has always exchange it for me during the first year.

i know what your phone has theres a cure but you will most likely have to root it then return it back to stock look under the ms guru section for returning your phone to stock it should help you but then you need to do a restore with the nandroid backup to be completely stock. you'll have to put your phone into download mode hold both volume buttons and power let it do the vibrant screen twice then let go of power and still hold the volume buttons you should be in download mode proceed with the other things from there meaning ms guru and using odin

If you are having the problem I think you are, you should be able, if the software is compatible with Vibrant because I don't know if it is, to restore it with the Odin software or at least thorough a far more complicated process using adb. Check this thread, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731989, and see if you are having a similar problem.

jwrichards1982 said:
I was on the phone with T-Mobile and the woman on the other end either had no idea what I was talking about or, she really did. Her probing questions were perfect and she understood everything I was saying...but the only thing she could think of doing was stripping down the phone, have just the battery, and then press and hold VOL UP+DOWN and Power till the Samsung Vibrant screen came on.
I would have a picture for you, but looks like the forum doesn't allow 'new' members to post. Too bad lurker time can;t be counted toward any of it.
Anyway, the best description of what on my screen:
It has a cellphone on the left, a computer on the right, connecting dots and an orange triangle with an exclamation point. It's all int he middle of the screen.
Best part of this is: I did nothing to the phone. i only downloaded some games and a backup program I can't remember the name. Phone was still locked. I'm not venturing into doing anything like that till i have the money to buy another in a worst case scenario.
So...any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanted to let you know I had this same issue and I was still able to get into download mode with the same method described in the earlier post:
1:with phone off hold down volume up and volume down buttons- keeps buttons held
2ress and hold power on button
3:when the screen with the computer and cellphone on it appear for the second time wait for it to disappear
4:when it disappears wait for 1 second a let only power button go and you will be in download mode(android with shovel\big yellow triangle) and you can flash with Odin.
I tried this 5 or 6 times before I got it right but in the end I was able to get back to stock ROM and phone was brand new. Hope this helps.
Mike

AndroidZ28 has the best advice
AndroidZ28 has the best advice add the insurance in case you can't figure out what is going on . Then, fain the " i don't understand what is going to the phone. Then ***** and complain that you paid for the phone and want it to work. .... The Squeaky wheel get the oil..........

jwrichards1982 said:
Can't root a phone that's not booting up to recovery or being seen by a computer
Just received info from Samsung:
Yeah, it looks like the phone needs to be re-flashed or replaced. Head to your local T-Mobile Store or call them up."
So Samsung isn't willing to let go of any other information on this or even extrapolate on the idea of reflashing.
Again, it looks like there is no internal storage with a bootloader to tell the phone what to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you can always ODIN rite?

Bell phones and the lack of 3 button combo

I'm starting a new thread because it doesn't necessarily fall in to unlocking of the phone (as I've been asked).
I'm guessing any new purchases of this phone will have the recovery/download 3 button combo feature completely disabled.
The reason why I say this is that I've been to 5 different stores between yesterday and today (with the most recent one having a stock amount of 9 phones) and here are my findings:
Every single boxed up phone has the feature disabled. (All I did was have them install the battery (no sim or anything) and pass the phone to me).
However, every one of those 5 stores that I went to, I did it flawlessly on their demo phones.
So my guess is, as the demo phones would have been the first batch Bell provided (and some being on display before any actual product released to the public), all subsequent batches of these phones will have this feature disabled.
I went to 2 different best buys that have ample stock of the phones because it is onsale this week, and none of them worked... nor did they work at the future shop I attended or the 2 bell stores (including the one I purchased and returned initially).
But every single demo did.
So if anyone got their hands on the very first batch of phones and it works then you're a lucky one. For the rest of us, I think we are S.O.L.
There's got to be a way to do it... Anyone know a Bell Representative or better yet a person inside samsung that will leak that info to you?
Heck I don't even want to unlock the phone. I'll stay on Bell's network, I just want to be able to load new versions of Android without any risk of bricking my phone.

Thank you! It was annoying reading all those posts abt this in that thread.
And I'm not too sure that the new phones don't have it. There have been a few people on the thread that have said that they got the phone at launch, and it didn't have the feature, but when they went to return it and get a new one (from the new shipment) it was fine...
So really I dont think its very easy to tell if its gonna work or not...

I think I'll wait til september to buy the phone.
I don't care too much about custom roms and the like, the stock one is fine, but Bell has a history (See the i7500L) of not updating their firmwares in a timely fashion. The i7500L is still on 1.5. Terrible if you ask me, considering the "open-source" feel of android.
So there are rumours, I don't know if its true or not, that bell is going to have an official 2.2 update in september. Maybe then I'll buy it and by then all phones will have the 3 button combo on them.
I just went to a local future shop here, and the phone representative contacted their Bell Rep, who was at another store, he couldn't do it on the phones they had there, but promised to call Samsung on Monday to find out if their is an alternate way.
Maybe you have to hit a reset button along with it. I remember doing something similar on my old HTC diamond phone, maybe this is the same thing (sort of).
Too bad, I loved this phone all the 4 days I had it (up until reading about the 3 button combo). I sort of miss it.

I just put a call in to Samsung to find out why some work and some don't, they said because the phone was so new that I had to call a number specifically set up for support on the Galaxy S but they are only open Monday to friday..
So hopefully with all this calling around I'm doing something will be figured out.

I got my Vibrant on launch day, 3 button combo didn't work. Swapped it out for a new one, from a new shipment last Thursday (august 12th) 3 button combo works.

arr0ww,
Can you confirm what i've been reading on wiki then?
It states:
"Note: There are many Bell I9000M floating around with this feature disabled, without the Download Mode enable you wont be able to restore from a failed firmware flash. We highly recommend you to take it back and exchange it for a model that can work properly with the 3 button combination. The first batch from around Aug 5 or Serial # ending with 6000000 have the 3 buttons combo disabled, the new batch after Aug 11 with Serial # ending with 6500000 have the working 3 buttons.
example of full Serial # 89302610202006500000"
Do your last 7 digits end with 65 and not 60?
Also, where did you get yours exactly? I think if its close to me, I'll just pop by that store and get it (assuming your somewhere in the GTA).

I got mine first thing Launch morning. My serial is 59XXXXX. 3 button combo IS working.

it shouldn't be hard to fix the issue. from what i've read, and people have said, the 3-button combo is written into the SPL part (256kb) part of the Nand. all we would theoretically have to do is flash our SPL with some else's 3-button enabled SPL. now two of my friends bought their phones same day as me, and have theirs enabled, and both are rooted, so it's not hard to get our hands on a copy.
i have posted another thread in the software technical section about this and haven't gotten any replies (maybe it's the wrong section). the g1 users flash their spl, but they don't talk about how to make an image of the current spl. so i'm stuck here. i know it can be done, just don't know how yet.
apparently nandroid backup doesn't backup the spl, so that's useless to us. from the SPL backup kit for the g1 users, i read the batch file, and it reads specific hex addresses in the nand and writes them to a file, but i would assume these addresses are different for our nand. so once again, useless.

For all those that have their 3 button disabled... can you confirm if your serial ends with 60XXXXX? Maybe its limited to just that batch of s/n's.
As for wang1chung.. hopefully its a simple fix.. but i'll refuse to buy one again unless I get one that is confirmed working or easily fixable to get it working without a cable.
Thanks

Electroz said:
I got mine first thing Launch morning. My serial is 59XXXXX. 3 button combo IS working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is possible the bug was only in the batch with numbers ending in 60xxxxxxxx
since the ones on 59xxxxxxxx works, and 65xxxxxxxx works
that seems to be the logical sense

this would be nice
problem is, no one has been able to get a way to extract, and flash back the good SPL to the bad phones
wang1chung said:
it shouldn't be hard to fix the issue. from what i've read, and people have said, the 3-button combo is written into the SPL part (256kb) part of the Nand. all we would theoretically have to do is flash our SPL with some else's 3-button enabled SPL. now two of my friends bought their phones same day as me, and have theirs enabled, and both are rooted, so it's not hard to get our hands on a copy.
i have posted another thread in the software technical section about this and haven't gotten any replies (maybe it's the wrong section). the g1 users flash their spl, but they don't talk about how to make an image of the current spl. so i'm stuck here. i know it can be done, just don't know how yet.
apparently nandroid backup doesn't backup the spl, so that's useless to us. from the SPL backup kit for the g1 users, i read the batch file, and it reads specific hex addresses in the nand and writes them to a file, but i would assume these addresses are different for our nand. so once again, useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hey guys, are you still able to start in recovery mode with a cable and ADB. I would like to know cause my G-sensor is dead and I went to Best Buy to exchange it and the phones were all lacking this mode.
I didn't swap ysterday because of this but I have to do something before aug. 20. After that I will have to see with bell what they want to do and it will surely go for a repair. I would prefer to have a new one working right away but the lack of recovery mode is discouraging me.

my s/n is 52xxxxx and 3button is disabled
sp991, recovery mode is still accessible via adb to those with the 3button disabled.
allgamer, i only suggested that as no one else had suggested anything else? i assumed it would be possible since the g1 users can read their spl via the command " pmemdump -a 0x8c000000 0x40000 " and save it to a .nb file to update later. maybe this would be better accomplished in the hands of talented coders/developers.

Mine is 64xxxxx and it is disabled.
adb works.

I exchanged my first i9000m coz the download mode wasn't working.
The second one I got two days ago goes into download/recovery mode without problem!! This one has IMEI ending with 65xxxxxx and manufactured in Aug.
I also tested new one at Bell store today which had IMEI # 65xxxx as well, but it didnt go into download mode. The guy at the store said it was the newest batch as they received it yesterday, and now i'm totally confused....coz I thought all newer batchs are download mode enalbed..

sp991 said:
Hey guys, are you still able to start in recovery mode with a cable and ADB. I would like to know cause my G-sensor is dead and I went to Best Buy to exchange it and the phones were all lacking this mode.
I didn't swap ysterday because of this but I have to do something before aug. 20. After that I will have to see with bell what they want to do and it will surely go for a repair. I would prefer to have a new one working right away but the lack of recovery mode is discouraging me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have any other best buy store that you can go to?
try testing with the Download mode, it's easier than testing with the Repair mode
the Download mode kicks in right away, after you put in the battery, and do the 3 button test
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Samsung_Galaxy_S/Vibrant_GT-I9000M
check the wiki for some visuals
you can do it even with the plastic back and screen protector on top

trueimage said:
Mine is 64xxxxx and it is disabled.
adb works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADB will always work, but it's useless if it gets bricked
good to know 64xxxxxxxx is not good
so i guess batches between 60xxxxxxxx to 64xxxxxxx are bad?
since the 59xxxxxxxx were good, and 65xxxxxxxxxx are also good

karakake said:
I exchanged my first i9000m coz the download mode wasn't working.
The second one I got two days ago goes into download/recovery mode without problem!! This one has IMEI ending with 65xxxxxx and manufactured in Aug.
I also tested new one at Bell store today which had IMEI # 65xxxx as well, but it didnt go into download mode. The guy at the store said it was the newest batch as they received it yesterday, and now i'm totally confused....coz I thought all newer batchs are download mode enalbed..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's exactly what we are trying to find out, to see if there is any pattern
but if the one you tested with 65xxxxxxxxxxx didn't work, then i guess we can't really identify it via the serials numbers, and only can be tested manually.

Try downloading the new firmware for bell the JH2 that you can download via Kies this might fix the 3 button combo for people have issues. as the recovery screen is a bit different. give your a warning now that you have entered the system menu. the old recovery screen did not have this.
Someone that can't get into recovery should try this update..

no dice, just updated
EDIT: what's worse is i thought it would've at least helped with the gps lag, and now i can't find my location at all. under the gps performance testing option, i can't pickup any satellites whatsoever.
i'm pissed now, as i needed it to go on a roadtrip tomorrow

Galaxy Tab unbricking service

Stumbled upon this a bit ago, a company called Mobile Tech is offering an "unbricking" service on all versions of the Galaxy Tab. At the time of this writing they charge $50. I have not used this service, am not in any affiliated with this company and cannot vouch for their work, so beware. Just thought someone out there might use this when other options aren't available.
They have a nifty video up on youtube showing how they do it:

it will be a good help for those who brick their tab because they ain't follow the steps .. thanks for sharing this out

I can actually vouch third party for this service. Have had two friends use it and the device was returned within a few days. If I'm not mistaken, the guy lives in the southern US, but can arrange international he says.
Sent from my "better than an iPad" tab... Running Overcome GINGERBREAD!!!

This is cool, but I would recommend trying to go through Samsung first if you are still under warranty. I screwed up my primary bootloader and contacted them. They took care of shipping costs, fixed it up, and sent it back in about a week and a half. If Samsung hadn't fixed it I would defiantly have payed the $50 here though.

WOW, that seems like a lot of work for $50.
Thanks for the info, should I ever screw something up its nice to know there are people out there who can clean up my mess!

spacemoose1 said:
a company called Mobile Tech is offering an "unbricking" service on all versions of the Galaxy Tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi spacemoose1
Thanks for link and as always, thanks for honeycomb port. I would like to ascertain the definition of BRICK? with your help, if I may.
(disclaimer: pls forgive my wrong terms or exagerated explanation, but most importantly, pls correct me if I'm wrong)
BRICKed = software total lost, must use JTAG to force revive it, Samsung has it, or buy from web supplier around 300 USD ??? 500 USD ???
JTAG is a device to push software into all newly borned IC. I.E. when factory make IC, it's empty software inside, hence has a special device to push voltage into all sections of the IC, then force the code in.
Another term is ???CRASH??? or ???HANG???, (I don't know) anyway is not BRICKed, hence a reflash can recover it.
Samsung uses proprietary method a lot, not follow conventional, make usb driver very complex. USB driver install EXE around 15MB to 28MB depends on version, ALL work the same.
but, when the device = sgt7 in different state/condition, the driver must RE-ESTABLISH again, or else cannot work.
I.E.
state 1 = "OPERATIONAL"device in android operation, normal use, surf web, phone call etc
state 2 = "SLEEP" device powered off, show battery big icon charging when powered by charger
state 3 = RECOVERY mode
state 4 = DOWNLOAD mode - this is one of the way to FORCE flash to recover, as long as bootloader and something still intact
state 5 = PHONE-!-PC mode
stage 6 = "COMA" device powered off, NO show of battery big icon, even when charger supplied. Don't panic, let it charge fully 4 hours from 2 amperes supply, 10 hours from PC 500mA. It will start again !!!. Battery big icon will appear around 30% battery charged, I know because that's what I saw. I didn't check when it's in 10% or 20%. The 1st time I check was already 30% up from no-boot or no respone.
User need to plug device into PC during each of the state above at least once, in order for various flashing functions to work.
i.e. when it's a newly arrived device, usually install the usb driver 1st, with device state in android OS running properly, then plug in to USB and see "new device detected" installing, pls wait. Finished.
But when flashing via Odin using state 4 = DOWNLOAD mode, user may experience no connection, no COM3 or something. Because device must be unplugged in USB, power-up in state 4 = DOWNLOAD mode, plug in USB, "new device detected" installing = RE-ESTABLISH, done. UNPLUG USB, replug in usb, then COM3 appears FLASH will be succesfull.
same goes for other state.
p.s. many users reported BRICKed but then recovered WITHOUT JTAG is misleading beginners, hence should rename the term to ???CRASH??? or ???HANG???. although some previously use "SEMI-brick", which is acceptable.
stage 3 = ClockWorkMod flashing (super convenient, especially on the move without PC)
stage 4 = Odin / Heimdall both works (still convenient and easy )
stage 5 = Odin / Heimdall both works (still convenient and easy )
???CRASH??? or ???HANG??? or "SEMI-brick" is usually SUCCESFULLY recovered via restock+PIT
(final disclaimer, incase above is correct and help and is copied, pls correct whatever mistakes found, feel free.)
*** Thanks for all those who taught me my mistakes *** devs and fellow forumers

ManticoreX said:
This is cool, but I would recommend trying to go through Samsung first if you are still under warranty. I screwed up my primary bootloader and contacted them. They took care of shipping costs, fixed it up, and sent it back in about a week and a half. If Samsung hadn't fixed it I would defiantly have payed the $50 here though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, warranty repair is always a better choice. But sometimes you've already voided the warranty, lol.

I guess, if u change factory installed rom/kernel warranty gonna be history
thanx for the post ... it might gonna be the last resort...

cx5 said:
Hi spacemoose1
Thanks for link and as always, thanks for honeycomb port. I would like to ascertain the definition of BRICK? with your help, if I may.
(disclaimer: pls forgive my wrong terms or exagerated explanation, but most importantly, pls correct me if I'm wrong)
BRICKed = software total lost, must use JTAG to force revive it, Samsung has it, or buy from web supplier around 300 USD ??? 500 USD ???
JTAG is a device to push software into all newly borned IC. I.E. when factory make IC, it's empty software inside, hence has a special device to push voltage into all sections of the IC, then force the code in.
Another term is ???CRASH??? or ???HANG???, (I don't know) anyway is not BRICKed, hence a reflash can recover it.
Samsung uses proprietary method a lot, not follow conventional, make usb driver very complex. USB driver install EXE around 15MB to 28MB depends on version, ALL work the same.
but, when the device = sgt7 in different state/condition, the driver must RE-ESTABLISH again, or else cannot work.
I.E.
state 1 = "OPERATIONAL"device in android operation, normal use, surf web, phone call etc
state 2 = "SLEEP" device powered off, show battery big icon charging when powered by charger
state 3 = RECOVERY mode
state 4 = DOWNLOAD mode - this is one of the way to FORCE flash to recover, as long as bootloader and something still intact
state 5 = PHONE-!-PC mode
stage 6 = "COMA" device powered off, NO show of battery big icon, even when charger supplied. Don't panic, let it charge fully 4 hours from 2 amperes supply, 10 hours from PC 500mA. It will start again !!!. Battery big icon will appear around 30% battery charged, I know because that's what I saw. I didn't check when it's in 10% or 20%. The 1st time I check was already 30% up from no-boot or no respone.
User need to plug device into PC during each of the state above at least once, in order for various flashing functions to work.
i.e. when it's a newly arrived device, usually install the usb driver 1st, with device state in android OS running properly, then plug in to USB and see "new device detected" installing, pls wait. Finished.
But when flashing via Odin using state 4 = DOWNLOAD mode, user may experience no connection, no COM3 or something. Because device must be unplugged in USB, power-up in state 4 = DOWNLOAD mode, plug in USB, "new device detected" installing = RE-ESTABLISH, done. UNPLUG USB, replug in usb, then COM3 appears FLASH will be succesfull.
same goes for other state.
p.s. many users reported BRICKed but then recovered WITHOUT JTAG is misleading beginners, hence should rename the term to ???CRASH??? or ???HANG???. although some previously use "SEMI-brick", which is acceptable.
stage 3 = ClockWorkMod flashing (super convenient, especially on the move without PC)
stage 4 = Odin / Heimdall both works (still convenient and easy )
stage 5 = Odin / Heimdall both works (still convenient and easy )
???CRASH??? or ???HANG??? or "SEMI-brick" is usually SUCCESFULLY recovered via restock+PIT
(final disclaimer, incase above is correct and help and is copied, pls correct whatever mistakes found, feel free.)
*** Thanks for all those who taught me my mistakes *** devs and fellow forumers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pretty much agree, but I might refine:
BRICK= Unit does not power up, visibly charge, reach a boot-screen of any kind including a service or "download" screen. A device in this state requires service from the manufacturer or an individual equipped with the proper tools. There is no other way to recover a device in this state.
SOFT-BRICK= Unit powers up, reaches a "download" or service screen, visibly charges but does not boot into an OS. Crashing, hanging etc. all apply here. It is easy to recover a device from this state so long as one has access to a firmware that was designed for the device and the ability to flash said firmware.
SEMI-BRICK= See soft-brick above
JTAG= Provides access to system hardware by applying the correct voltage to the correct pins in order to push software via an external program.
In regards to the usb drivers, there are only actually 4 states
1. Active userspace
2. Serial gadget mode
3. Recovery
4. USB storage mode
And there is a separate driver for each of these (except recovery) in the Samsung driver package that should install automatically when the device is plugged in during normal use on a stock rom, or with the installation package available on the web.
The rest of it you've got pretty much correct.

Money seems right, but the amount of work that guy has to go thru is amazing, so much to tare it apart, and reassemble. Then again when it is put back toether, he checks it, what if it did not take the fix... all over again.

Hardbricked Tab Save by Mobile Tech
I hardbricked my galaxy tab bought in Cambodia. My little brother open the tab trying to take the battery off and put it back on, thus void the warranty, found him on the Samsung vibrant forum, sent the tab to him got it back good as new. This person is professional, honest and good communication with his customers, you'll be happy with his work, if he can't fix it you get your money back (minus shipping and diagnosis)...Glad he is arround to help...

spacemoose1 said:
I pretty much agree, but I might refine:
BRICK= Unit does not power up, visibly charge, reach a boot-screen of any kind including a service or "download" screen. A device in this state requires service from the manufacturer or an individual equipped with the proper tools. There is no other way to recover a device in this state.
SOFT-BRICK= Unit powers up, reaches a "download" or service screen, visibly charges but does not boot into an OS. Crashing, hanging etc. all apply here. It is easy to recover a device from this state so long as one has access to a firmware that was designed for the device and the ability to flash said firmware.
SEMI-BRICK= See soft-brick above
JTAG= Provides access to system hardware by applying the correct voltage to the correct pins in order to push software via an external program.
In regards to the usb drivers, there are only actually 4 states
1. Active userspace
2. Serial gadget mode
3. Recovery
4. USB storage mode
And there is a separate driver for each of these (except recovery) in the Samsung driver package that should install automatically when the device is plugged in during normal use on a stock rom, or with the installation package available on the web.
The rest of it you've got pretty much correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should post this in Q/A thread on its own as its very helpful and maybe it will stop the 1% of people saying help my phone is bricked comments ... the other 99% don't read anyway otherwise they would discover their phone isn't bricked and if they read properly it would not have gotten to the state in the first place .. and no I never posted something like that myself >:¬}
but well done on this..

alexgogan said:
You should post this in Q/A thread on its own as its very helpful and maybe it will stop the 1% of people saying help my phone is bricked comments ... the other 99% don't read anyway otherwise they would discover their phone isn't bricked and if they read properly it would not have gotten to the state in the first place .. and no I never posted something like that myself >:¬}
but well done on this..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk

Nice find. For that amount of effort disassembling, and reviving, $50 is a very realistic price. I'll keep these guys in mind if I run into issues with my tab.

$50 for that much work is an absolute bargain! I wish I didn't live in a country where you get charged $200/hr for someone to pick their nose.

It's actually not that much more difficult than popping an OS install CD into a hosed computer and pressing 3 keys to let it run through the installation after flashing a corrupt motherboard BIOS. Yes, it takes familiarity with the software and hardware, but it's by no means a feat that requires a special skillset.
Granted, few people have JTAG stuff handy, so $50 is definitely worth it if you've hosed your device, but don't make it sound like he's sweating and coding the bootloader by hand, strenuously manipulating micro tools to disassemble the tablet and flipping DIP switches to restore the bootloader. You spend 5 minutes taking apart the tablet, you attach the JTAG cable, run the supplied software on your computer, and sit there recording the screen with your video recorder while the progressbar moves from 0 to 100.
Again, it's worth $50 simply because not everyone and their mother has JTAG hardware sitting around, but by no means is it hard. It's the same reason I can get away with charging $100 to clean viruses off of a computer. People either don't have the tools or don't know how to use them. That being said, I don't know a damn thing about using JTAG to restore a corrupt bootloader, nor do I have the right hardware, so I'd pay $50 if I were ever in the situation.
Edit: And yes, $100 for a virus clean is a lot, but people generally change their mind when I explain to them why they got viruses, as well as installing proper antivirus software and then instructing them on how to avoid infection in the future. I rarely get repeat business from the same customer but I get A LOT of referrals ;p They're happy paying that much when the person educates them instead of cleaning, not installing/explaining, then having to bring the computer in again two weeks later for another wallet-gouge, which most other computer 'repair people' gladly do over and over.

Everything in this world is rinse and repeat... The money comes from time spent learning to use the hardware properly, micro soldering skills (which isn't easy, no matter who you are), confidence enough to offer it as a service, not to mention the couple hundred bucks for the jtag software and hardware.
Now, the fact that if you have your device in a bricked state you likely voided the warranty, it's a 600 dollar brick if your samsung tech recognized it... 50 bucks is a steal to not deal with samsung anyway.
Try to be less pompous next time oh savoir of the hundred bone virus... Your poop stinks too, promise.
Sent from my "better than an iPad" tab running Overcome Hermes.

LycaonX said:
It's actually not that much more difficult than popping an OS install CD into a hosed computer and pressing 3 keys to let it run through the installation after flashing a corrupt motherboard BIOS. Yes, it takes familiarity with the software and hardware, but it's by no means a feat that requires a special skillset.
Granted, few people have JTAG stuff handy, so $50 is definitely worth it if you've hosed your device, but don't make it sound like he's sweating and coding the bootloader by hand, strenuously manipulating micro tools to disassemble the tablet and flipping DIP switches to restore the bootloader. You spend 5 minutes taking apart the tablet, you attach the JTAG cable, run the supplied software on your computer, and sit there recording the screen with your video recorder while the progressbar moves from 0 to 100.
Again, it's worth $50 simply because not everyone and their mother has JTAG hardware sitting around, but by no means is it hard. It's the same reason I can get away with charging $100 to clean viruses off of a computer. People either don't have the tools or don't know how to use them. That being said, I don't know a damn thing about using JTAG to restore a corrupt bootloader, nor do I have the right hardware, so I'd pay $50 if I were ever in the situation.
Edit: And yes, $100 for a virus clean is a lot, but people generally change their mind when I explain to them why they got viruses, as well as installing proper antivirus software and then instructing them on how to avoid infection in the future. I rarely get repeat business from the same customer but I get A LOT of referrals ;p They're happy paying that much when the person educates them instead of cleaning, not installing/explaining, then having to bring the computer in again two weeks later for another wallet-gouge, which most other computer 'repair people' gladly do over and over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got to call you out on this one. Mis-connecting or shorting any wires will lead to a damaged PCB and an un-resurrectable TAB. I'm also a Systems Admin for a living so I understand where you are coming from. You must realize that I solder at levels of .1mm in spacing on the Captivate, Vibrant and Nexus S. Electrical engineers and technicians have first hand talked with me about the difficulty of doing this and is NOT something that anyone can do. You'd think twice when you burn up a phone or two valued at $500 a pop trying to JTAG them. There is more skill involved than you would think. Not to mention the liability when dis-assembling the device. JTAG software is decent but it's not fully automated. There are TCK frequencies, RTCK frequencies different PBL partition sizes, full dcc loader read/writes and the requirement of EXACT voltage from an external power supply that are needed in MANY cases. Plus, there is little to no support when fixing a device. This means that if you can't figure it out, nobody else is going to for you. I'm not trying to brag but yet point out that this isn't like plugging in your phone for an ODIN flash. I've taken hundreds of hours of time and 1000's of dollars to create what I feel is the most trusted JTAG authority online ANYWHERE. I greatly appreciate having the opportunity to help the community and enthusiasts in this community. If this was as easy as you are claiming, you could get JTAG hardware and a manual at Best Buy. I have to say you put it best when you said you don't know anything about JTAG... Ok end of rant I was just a bit bothered by your post.
Ok with that being said, thanks for the personal testimonies and compliments. I will be here whenever anyone needs JTAG assistance in the future or around the forums to help answer Q&A when it doesn't require JTAG. Here is a Nexus S promo to realize how tiny some of these things are
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecp8jKmm48k

i would love to learn more on how to do stuff like this if i had moneyz. the .1mm ext.
not just for android but to make my own ish.
thanks for the awsome videos.

Thanks for the link, hope I won't need it ;-)
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

Acer Iconia bricked...Need help

Hello to all good guys in xda-developers forum.
This is my very first post and I really feel desperate and need your kind help.
New Acer iconia with stock firmware 3.2.1 was nicely running this morning until I tried to root the device.It was supposed to be very simple process and not to get into dirty complicated procedures but the gingerbreak.apk did not work as expected so I tried alternative methods.What I read in various forums was that the gingerbreak application is not able to root the new firmwares version so I tried to downgrade the firmware to 3.0.1.
Downloaded the Acer stock recovery firmware EUUs_SBK_Acer_A501_0.017.01_PA_ATT.exe and attempted to flash onto my tablet .I think I did all necessary pre-installation checks.The process started but it stopped on 10 percent for about 30 minutes without any progress.Only Acer logo was displayed and 'entering file downloading mode' at the top of the screen.
After long time no change I finally gave up and unplugged the device from the USB port and restarted but nothing works since then.
1. No vibration on Start
2. Black screen
3. No new USB device appear on my PC
4. No sign of any activity other then power button light
I guess the original firmware was wiped but the new firmware was not flashed...for whatever reason...perhaps the worst scenario.
I will really appreciate If anybody may give me advice how to fix it.

So it turns on but does not display anything? Have you tried to hold the power button and volume down button at the same to when you turn it on to try to get it into recovery. Also there is a little reset button on the side you can try to push.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium

tried all those thinks.All kind of tricks I could find on the net.The problem is that the device is not showing up in the device manager e.g not detected as USB device of an y kind....

acera500 said:
tried all those thinks.All kind of tricks I could find on the net.The problem is that the device is not showing up in the device manager e.g not detected as USB device of an y kind....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this thread. Look about halfway down, and you'll see almost the exact thing you did, and how this guy got it going.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1291747
Basically you can run a search for APX in the main forum threads and find some other posts, but hopefully this will get you going.
I pulled this from the general forum (eventually), but you can also search the Q&A main forum page as well, and the dev forum.
Another link;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1255519&highlight=apx&page=2

If its new just return it to the store for another one.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium

Acer or the store did not brick it
i THINK If you mess with the rom on your tablet and... BRICK your device .. you should tough it out and fix yourself... Acer or the store is not responsible for this .But then you could also argue that if they had not locked the bootloader this type of bricking would not happen..
So i say go above and beyond to try to fix it from the help on here.. if that fails.. THEN Maybe exchange it.. Its wrong to brake something then expect someone else to foot the bill. Yes im to honest for my own good at times... Acer has also been known to repair .
If you bought a extra warranty all of the above in my book is out the window.. Make them replace it ..
GIGGLES..
Good luck on getting it repaired ..and be more careful next time..

Piece of cake to fix if you kept you USB serial number (from the downgrade tool)???
===== If you have your USB serial number ====================
1. Lets assume you know your USB serial number. If not, then you might be able to get it from your registry.
2. Download my flashing tool at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20680452&postcount=137
a. Open up the readme.pdf for the instructions on how to flash
3. KEEP your acer unplugged and run the program
4. The program will install the APX flash drivers and will tell you to plug in the USB. Ignore this step. It will not work. In the instructions skip steps 3, 8, 9, 10.
5. Eventually the flashing tool will timeout because you do NOT have the tablet connected. It will then display a message box telling you how to use a paperclip and the power button to get you into APX mode. THIS IS THE secret to getting the tool to flash your ACER. However, once you get it into APX mode you will need your USB serial number (without it, you are fubar).
a. Plug in the tablet to your computer with the USB and paperclip yourself to fastboot.
6. Now in step 11, enter your USB serial number
7. Now just follow the rest of the instructions.
====== NO USB Serial number ==========
If you do not have your USB serial number than you are going to be out of luck, unless you have ever connected the device to your computer. If you did, then your registry will have a history containing your serial number.
Google usbdeview tool and download it. This will show the serial number of any USB device you've connected to your computer.
===== No Serial number, never connected it, what to do ==========
If you have no serial number and cannot get it, then hopefully you can get to recovery mode (power & volume) and flash using a signed update.zip from ACER. Download one of the update.zip's and put it on your external SDCard and then boot to recovery.
=== Bricked and No serial number, never connected, and you fubar'ed the recovery image ===
If you never connected your table to the USB and your computer to get the USB serial number then you are NOT going to be able to flash it to fix it.
If you fubar'ed the recovery image then you won't be able to get into recovery to run the ACER update zip.
At this point, you can still get your tablet into APX fastboot mode using a paperclip and the power button. But I know of NO way to flash it without the USB serial number and I know noway to get the USB serial number from the APX driver. I've tried and looked at getting the serial number from just APX mode, but I cannot determine how to get it. Someone out there might know.
Hope this helps,
TD

Your CPUID can also be found in the uid.txt file in your cwm backup folder - /mnt/external_sd/clockworkmod/backup/ - just remember to drop the 0x when you need to enter it

erica_renee said:
i THINK If you mess with the rom on your tablet and... BRICK your device .. you should tough it out and fix yourself... Acer or the store is not responsible for this .But then you could also argue that if they had not locked the bootloader this type of bricking would not happen..
So i say go above and beyond to try to fix it from the help on here.. if that fails.. THEN Maybe exchange it.. Its wrong to brake something then expect someone else to foot the bill. Yes im to honest for my own good at times... Acer has also been known to repair .
If you bought a extra warranty all of the above in my book is out the window.. Make them replace it ..
GIGGLES..
Good luck on getting it repaired ..and be more careful next time..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly if more people returned bricked phones/tablets etc... they would quit locking them down... the you broke it you fix it because they want to keep people from doing things they should be able to do with THEIR system they bought... In other words I completely don't agree with this at all.. If everything was unlocked and such then I would support the you fix it, but then again we wouldn't be running into these issues now would we. But then again Most people need people to babysit them and tell them what they can and can't do with what they own..

wade7919 said:
Honestly if more people returned bricked phones/tablets etc... they would quit locking them down... the you broke it you fix it because they want to keep people from doing things they should be able to do with THEIR system they bought... In other words I completely don't agree with this at all.. If everything was unlocked and such then I would support the you fix it, but then again we wouldn't be running into these issues now would we. But then again Most people need people to babysit them and tell them what they can and can't do with what they own..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@wade7919. You clearly have never worked in IT support on a hardware level.
Or maybe, I am barking up the wrong panty-leg?
If you bought a high dollar corvette, GM will support it. If you add an aftermarket chip, and your engine blows, do you expect GM to fix it? No. I wouldn't expect it either. Not their problem. Just because you can add a chip, doesn't mean you should do it.
That's why they try to lock bootloaders. To prevent users from doing things they shouldn't. Unlock them, and it opens a whole world of issues based on "open source". God help us if they unlock bootloaders.....
Not sure what you are getting at. I am under the belief, if you broke it, you fix it. Take responsibility for one's own actions. Shouldn't take the panzy pussyass way (no offence Erica and werecaltf), and return it for replacement. Suck it up, and learn from experience. Otherwise, the next device, you'll do the same stupid thing again.
I like things the way they are. Difficult, but not impossible. That separates the people with balls (again Erica and wercatlf, no offense), from the sheep.
But if you fubar the device, own up to it, and fix it. Don't pawn it off to somebody else (return it). And if you don't have the brain cells to have a backup plan before you start... Well, don't shed tears over it. Own up, throw the testosterone in the garbage disposal, and fix it.
Somebody give me a zanex...
And people, stop using Gingerbreak!!!!!!

Why locking a bootloader will cost ACER billions
Moscow and wade7919, you both make good arguments.
But it is what point of view you're coming form. If I bought a car and changed the RIM's on all 4 wheels and the engine blew up, would GM refuse to honor the warranty?
However, if I put jet fuel and alcohol in for gasoline and blew the engine why would they honor the warranty?
So, the question here is does rooting a device cause actual damage to the device thereby preventing rooting saves them warranty issues? Or is the device also considered to include the software and is covered under warranty?
I'm not taking sides here, but you both are making very good points but with different examples at different points of view.
So, lets look at other items and see if we can draw a parallel. If I buy a brand new Dell computer and send it in for Warranty and there is nothing wrong with the hardware they charge me (correct?). So if I fubar the OS or load something that caused the damage I pay for it or fix it. If there is actually a hardware failure then they cover it under warranty.
So, why does an Android MFG take the warranty one step further and include the OS and take steps to lock it so you cannot change it? Well, this is because nobody owns the OS (it's open source) therefore they take ownership of the build. Because there's no Microsoft to blame, they lock the software and consider it to be part of the overall device (Apple claimed this in their lawsuit). So, in the MFG's mind, there is no difference from the screen, keyboard, or the firmware & software.
So the question is what do you think should be covered under warranty? Most people think it should be just the hardware like a PC. Others see the whole device which includes the OS.
My point of view:
What follows is my rant and my opinion (you are warned )
In my opinion, I had NO problem until they decided to lock the bootloader. I have no problem with them claiming warranty from A-Z and if I change anything they won't warranty it. No problem, I understand that and accept full responsibility. But by ACER locking the bootloader they went too far.
To me this would be like GM welding the hood shut on my car. Better yet, it would be like me waking up one morning and opening my garage to get in my car and discover that during the night GM welded the hood shut. This, in my opinion, is illegal. Matter of fact, in my opinion, it violates US Federal hacking laws because they enter a system and destroyed data. I eventually think OEM's will get a class action suit filed on them for this.
Secondly, Windows 8 is going to be the game changer. OEM's can now make a hardware device and sit behind only warranting the hardware. You have a problem with the OS, call MS. Also, there is a HUGE (I mean HUGE). Did I mention HUGE, demand for tablets in business. Businesses will NOT put a device that has all these consumer games and social networking loaded into the workforce. There are billions in business applications that can be made, but you cannot sell them if they only run on a tablet that cannot have games removed etc.
Example might help: Medical field <- Think of all the applications a tablet can be used to save costs in hospitals. Do your really want your doctor or nurse etc using this tablet on facebook? Insurance company's, law firms, retailers, traveling sales, etc etc (Government). The list goes on.
Developers will see this huge opportunity and will write applications because they can sell them to A-Z and the business buying them will buy them because they can remove facebook and gmail from their company owned tablets. Now, as more and more developers move to Windows they'll drop Android. Want another example, read about Netflix and the issues they have had supporting a fragmented Android OS. So, business applications will move to Windows, but you might say so what, the consumer market is still there. True, but all you need is one killer application that everyone will want and for that to only be on Windows 8. Want some examples, here's my list, NFL (or sports), Netflix, Skype (gee owned by MS now isn't it?), or something new.
Bottom-line is this, if ACER and the others want to lock their bootloaders then they have just taken themselves out of the game for any business sales. Can you imagine walking into a boardroom showing the Government how your new VA application will save the VA Hospitals millions next year alone and improve veterans healthcare. Your application runs on any HC Android tablet. Everything is smoking, going great, as you hand your tablets, ACER a500', around the room. They are loving it. You just hit 'pay-dirt', then someone says hey I see these ACER's have gmail, facebook, blah blah. We cannot have government employees using tablets with those applications loaded, your installer removes them doesn't it? Silence enters the room, all eyes are focused on you. Your mind see millions escaping which were just within your grasp, you pause, you think, and you say YES General as you grab your Motorola Xoom and say 'that's why we recommend you buy nothing but Motorola.'. ACER just kissed millions in sales goodbye (oh and this is a true story).

i do believe acer should lock the bootloader on there devices.
However thee are things I would be doing with my tab if it were not locked.
Acer should give us the ability to flash the bootloader and not use the proprietary software. Lock that software to there bootloader.for there protections.
Give us a wway to unlock it..AT OUR OWN RISK..
So it should be locked but have a way to unlock it with the end user understanding they are totally on there own ..
I would be OK with voiding my warranty.

@Dean,
"So if I fubar the OS or load something that caused the damage I pay for it or fix it. If there is actually a hardware failure then they cover it under warranty."
Yes, that is true. Bootloaders are locked, to prevent completely stupid idiots, from doing things they absolutely no idea what the sam hell they are doing.
The issue is, should we be able to return a device, after we fubarred it? Against warranty? To say, Hey, your weakness allowed me to do it.
Just because the ability to do it exists, and we can quote a thousand instances, It doesn't mean we should, and to shirk responsibility. And pass it off to the main individual.
The fact is, the policies and regulations are there, and we should abide. And if we don't, we have to own up and deal with it.
And if we don't, then we are no better than the low life of the world. The scum.

Moscow Desire said:
@Dean,
"So if I fubar the OS or load something that caused the damage I pay for it or fix it. If there is actually a hardware failure then they cover it under warranty."
Yes, that is true. Bootloaders are locked, to prevent completely stupid idiots, from doing things they absolutely no idea what the sam hell they are doing.
The issue is, should we be able to return a device, after we fubarred it? Against warranty? To say, Hey, your weakness allowed me to do it.
Just because the ability to do it exists, and we can quote a thousand instances, It doesn't mean we should, and to shirk responsibility. And pass it off to the main individual.
The fact is, the policies and regulations are there, and we should abide. And if we don't, we have to own up and deal with it.
And if we don't, then we are no better than the low life of the world. The scum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very well put.I do know of a few people who have sent there device to acer after messing it up installing rom and telling acer.acer still fixed it free.
Honesty is always best

The evils of rooting
I'm still missing something here, why locking a bootloader does anything. Go get a Mortorola Xoom (not the FE) and you run the unlock OEM. It tells you that you are unlocking it. It tells you that you unlock it at your own risk. You cannot relock it until it is 100% back to stock. It asks you three times are you sure.
Locking the bootloader and treating everyone as an idiot is the problem. Just do what Motorola does, and stop being everybody's keeper. If they want to 'Police' this then you should have to call ACER and they fax you a form. You give DNA to prove who you are and fax it back. Then you go to a mandatory rooting class, that lasts for 5 days, where ACER preaches to you the sins of rooting. Then you have to take and pass a test. Then and only then, after passing the test you get a certificate. Then you call back, give them your certificate ID. Now they give you the secret key to unlock only your tablet.
That's the ticket,
TD
Bottom-line, it's not that they locked the boatloader, it's that you cannot unlock it. Like I said, go out to your driveway some morning and find that GM welded the hood to your car shut because they think you are stupid and shouldn't be opening the hood. Mind you that YESTERDAY, and at the time your bought it, it was not welded shut. That ladies and gentlemen is what ACER did with their OTA.

Moscow Desire said:
@wade7919. You clearly have never worked in IT support on a hardware level.
Or maybe, I am barking up the wrong panty-leg?
If you bought a high dollar corvette, GM will support it. If you add an aftermarket chip, and your engine blows, do you expect GM to fix it? No. I wouldn't expect it either. Not their problem. Just because you can add a chip, doesn't mean you should do it.
That's why they try to lock bootloaders. To prevent users from doing things they shouldn't. Unlock them, and it opens a whole world of issues based on "open source". God help us if they unlock bootloaders.....
Not sure what you are getting at. I am under the belief, if you broke it, you fix it. Take responsibility for one's own actions. Shouldn't take the panzy pussyass way (no offence Erica and werecaltf), and return it for replacement. Suck it up, and learn from experience. Otherwise, the next device, you'll do the same stupid thing again.
I like things the way they are. Difficult, but not impossible. That separates the people with balls (again Erica and wercatlf, no offense), from the sheep.
But if you fubar the device, own up to it, and fix it. Don't pawn it off to somebody else (return it). And if you don't have the brain cells to have a backup plan before you start... Well, don't shed tears over it. Own up, throw the testosterone in the garbage disposal, and fix it.
Somebody give me a zanex...
And people, stop using Gingerbreak!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay comparing A Tablet or PHone to a car is stupid... Compare it to a Desktop Computer or Laptop... Companies do not lock them down so you can not use different OS's now do they.. They offer Backups to restore the system back to how it was with recovery partitions dont they? or they offer the choice to buy whatever OS you want to install correct? they don't limit you to say just Windows or *NIX do they? But we don't see laptops or desktops locked down to where you can't upgrade your system yourself or anything else... and any dumdass can do that without an issue most of the time. and there is more issues with viruses and crap on computers than phones or tablets...
So before you start making statements like compare this to that learn what to compare to first. If you mess something up on a hardware level sure pay for it.. if you mess something up on a software level because they decided to Babysit people its their fault. and if you think its the persons fault because they decided to open up a PRODUCT that they bought and own then you are one of the people that need babysitting and like everyone telling you what to do and how to do it. Go to an apple product then.
---------- Post added at 07:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:51 PM ----------
Also if you really brick your device you can always give
http://paranoidandroid.us an email to findout about getting it fixed

wade7919 said:
Okay comparing A Tablet or PHone to a car is stupid... Compare it to a Desktop Computer or Laptop... Companies do not lock them down so you can not use different OS's now do they.. They offer Backups to restore the system back to how it was with recovery partitions dont they? or they offer the choice to buy whatever OS you want to install correct? they don't limit you to say just Windows or *NIX do they? But we don't see laptops or desktops locked down to where you can't upgrade your system yourself or anything else... and any dumdass can do that without an issue most of the time. and there is more issues with viruses and crap on computers than phones or tablets...
So before you start making statements like compare this to that learn what to compare to first. If you mess something up on a hardware level sure pay for it.. if you mess something up on a software level because they decided to Babysit people its their fault. and if you think its the persons fault because they decided to open up a PRODUCT that they bought and own then you are one of the people that need babysitting and like everyone telling you what to do and how to do it. Go to an apple product then.
---------- Post added at 07:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:51 PM ----------
Also if you really brick your device you can always give
http://paranoidandroid.us an email to findout about getting it fixed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still like my car comparison
I make the car comparison to illustrate a point, because when I compare tablets to a PC everyone piles on *****ing about MS.
Bottom-line it doesn't matter if it's a blender or a PC. I own it, you own yours and I can do what I want with mine as you can with yours. Now, again I have a BIG(did i mention BIG issue with them changing it on me after I bought it.

To get back on topic, is the original poster still out there?? Has any of this helped? Are you still bricked?? Give us an update so we know if anything worked or you still need help.

The device was returned and accepted for replacement by the shop.Got new one and feel very nervous to start rooting procedure over.I was really lucky that they did not charge me anything but I really want to know what I did wrong so I don't brick my new device again.
I will provide further details soon about my computer OS and firewall settings and perhaps we may figure out what I did wrong.
To all good guys who send me them suggestions and solutions I wanna say big THANK YOU !!!
Your help is really priceless and thrilled me deeply. Will update topic soon

Happy New Yer to all Android fans!!!
So...Back on the subject.
My device was purchased in Japan and its current firmware version is
Acer_A500_7.009.03_AAP_CUS6JP
Q1. Can I flash US or World Wide firmware version on that device.
Q2. Does anybody know the Acer's ftp download server address for Japan
Q3. I think its a good idea to dump my original stock firmware but it seems there is no way doing that prior rooting.So..kinda stuck .any suggestions appreciated.
P.S. I'm thinking about flashing the latest Rooted rom 3.2.1 V3 by timmiDean (thanks for your hard work) I read the instructions very carefully and I think that everything will go smoothly but just in case (considering the specific Japanese firmware version)
would appreciate any further directions by the author.
Thanks

[Q] Root/Warrant Question Australia

My SGS4 recently stopped working - basically what happened was that it doesn't seem to be drawing power from the battery. The phone will turn on when plugged in (but soon power off), and will show as charging when first plugged into charger (but not charge). However if I unplug it, it won't turn on.
The phone is rooted, and running a custom, Samsung based ROM.
I have tried using a different battery, and the stock battery fully charged with an external charger - and the phone still won't turn on. It's clearly a hardware related issue - drawing current from the battery. I've also tried turning the phone on in download mode, and recovery mode. Both of which do the same as a standard boot - ie. turn on for a while, then turn off.
The phone, being only about 6 months old, was still within warranty period, so I took the phone to Telstra. Not surprisingly, Telstra have said that as there is a Custom ROM on the phone, the warrant is voided. I stated that my understanding is that under Australian law, as it is a hardware fault, and not a fault caused by the ROM, the warranty still stands - however Telstra wouldn't budge and said I have 5 days to decide if I want to pay the $300+ for the repair.
What is my next course of action? Has anybody had a similar issue previously? Is the TIO the next port of call? Or should I be going to NSW Department of Fair Trading?
I'm sure I've read previously that phones are still covered under warranty after rooting etc, if it can be shown that it's a hardware fault, not a software fault. As the battery doesn't seem to be powering the phone, this clearly seems to be the case - esp. as it is the same in download mode and recovery mode.
Any help would be great. Please don't post pointing out that I rooted my phone so THAT's my own fault etc. These posts aren't helpful, I already have know that.

is it too late to throw the original Telstra ROM on it and take it back to another store? If you were careful you would still be on the old bootloader, so there shouldn't be any KNOX concerns.

Thanks for the response.
It may not be too late, however I cannot flash it, as the phone won't stay on for more than a second or two. Even in download mode.
I was on the old bootloader, yes. So knox is fine.

abbaskip said:
Thanks for the response.
It may not be too late, however I cannot flash it, as the phone won't stay on for more than a second or two. Even in download mode.
I was on the old bootloader, yes. So knox is fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats good to hear that your still on oldbootloader but the problem still will remain if you cant do something about it. Can you pls pull the battery out for atleast 5 to 10 minutes to let it settle abit and put it back after. Thanks
Edit: Would you mind checking your battery Serial S/N if it starts with BD ? thank you.
Sent from Hell ?

I am not too sure about Australian law but under EU law you are fine. This does not however apply to the rest of the world.
Either way if you have rooted outisde EU you are pretty much done for (unless there is a law). its extremely hard to prove that your rooting / apps or whatever you have on it has not caused the Hardware fault.
I understand that it is battery not charging etc, is there anyway while phone is connected directly to mains to flash it from usb card? if you could do this and 'unroot' the phone it should be stock or give you enough to trick kies into allowing you to update?
Its a pity you cannot power it through your PC and enter download mode and flash.. (or can you?)

Repulsa said:
Thats good to hear that your still on oldbootloader but the problem still will remain if you cant do something about it. Can you pls pull the battery out for atleast 5 to 10 minutes to let it settle abit and put it back after. Thanks
Edit: Would you mind checking your battery Serial S/N if it starts with BD ? thank you.
Sent from Hell ��
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
It's definitely no fault of the battery. I've tried various batteries, left the phone without a battery for days etc. (See this thread for details of this issue: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2581229&page=2)
Battery serial starts AA.

A|ex said:
I am not too sure about Australian law but under EU law you are fine. This does not however apply to the rest of the world.
Either way if you have rooted outisde EU you are pretty much done for (unless there is a law). its extremely hard to prove that your rooting / apps or whatever you have on it has not caused the Hardware fault.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's the issue here. Basically a big company taking advantage of the small man. They have the upper hand, they know it, so they force you to pay.
It has to be a hardware fault, based on all of the behaviour (ie. phone booting in all modes - but dying in a handful of seconds), but it's easy for them to wash their hands of the warrant, by saying I modified the device - even if it is irrelevant to the problem.
I understand that it is battery not charging etc, is there anyway while phone is connected directly to mains to flash it from usb card? if you could do this and 'unroot' the phone it should be stock or give you enough to trick kies into allowing you to update?
Its a pity you cannot power it through your PC and enter download mode and flash.. (or can you?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately not. Even when the phone powers up, it shows 0% and shuts down very soon after. If I plug it into the PC, then turn it on, it powers up and again turns off not long after. This same behaviour carries across to download mode and recovery mode. ie. It boots, but then dies within a few seconds.

Think I'll complain to the ombudsman.
Based on the Australian law, the ombudsman can assist as follows:
The TIO has jurisdiction to investigate complaints about faulty mobile handsets where the handset is supplied as part of a contractual relationship, between the TIO Member carrier or carriage service provider and the complainant, which involves the provision of a carriage service to be accessed via that handset.
The TIO does not have jurisdiction to investigate complaints where the customer supplies the handset (i.e. they have purchased it outright and separately from their purchase of network services), or where the initial contract has expired and the customer retains and continues to use the handset. Where appropriate, the TIO will refer out-of-jurisdiction complaints to the relevant Department of Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs.
This position statement does not relate to any manufacturer's warranty. The TIO will investigate complaints about faulty handsets provided as part of a bundled service, even where the initial handset warranty period may have expired.
Under the TIO's Operational Guidelines the TIO will only investigate complaints about faulty handsets where the fault is caused by an inherent defect or otherwise and is not caused by misuse by the customer. The TIO may also decline to investigate a complaint where a customer has not produced a handset for inspection/assessment after being asked to do so by their provider or the TIO.
As the defect was not caused by myself - as the rooting and custom software did not lead to the hardware defect, I believe it falls under the TIO jurisdiction.

As a long shot would a juice pack for a S4 work such as a morphie as you can charge and also sync? (not sure if the phone uses the pack or whether the pack is used to charge the battery, if the latter it will not work for you)
or maybe a mains powered dock and usb cable to PC?

Given TIO is able to look at something like this as the handset is bundled, go to them. Better them than CA/FT/whomever, as TIO is the specialist industry body.
Or....This sounds like it may be a simple USB board/port failure which is quick/easy/cheap (maybe 15 bucks) to replace yourself. You could always try that, and if that doesn't end up being the issue then go the TIO route.

MistahBungle said:
Given TIO is able to look at something like this as the handset is bundled, go to them. Better them than CA/FT/whomever, as TIO is the specialist industry body.
Or....This sounds like it may be a simple USB board/port failure which is quick/easy/cheap (maybe 15 bucks) to replace yourself. You could always try that, and if that doesn't end up being the issue then go the TIO route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe it's a usb port failure, as fully charged batteries haven't worked. It's not the USB port that's issue, but that the phone isn't drawing current from the battery.
A|ex said:
As a long shot would a juice pack for a S4 work such as a morphie as you can charge and also sync? (not sure if the phone uses the pack or whether the pack is used to charge the battery, if the latter it will not work for you)
or maybe a mains powered dock and usb cable to PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's a juice pack?
I have a dock, bit it has the same issue as charging direct - the phone turns off after about one second

So the latest news – I tried to phone the store again and this Telstra Shop NEVER answer their phone – I have their direct local line, given to me by the Telstra Call Centre, and even tried calling them as I walked through the door – as I'd tried calling throughout the day with no answer. The phone on the desks rang, and was ignored by staff who were standing around having a conversation. Sure explains why they weren't answering the phone throughout the day! So anyway, after not getting through to the store, I called the Telstra Call Centre again, explained the situation, and that I was quoted ~$350 for the quote. The operator looked into it, put me into someone who was escalating the case. After a short chat, the person said they'd call me back after speaking to the tech, getting all the details etc etc. Long story short, they call me back and gave me a waiver code. Said that I can request the store repair the phone, and give that waiver which will mean I'm not charged.
I went into the Telstra store this evening (which is after I kept trying to call them all day as above), and told them the situation. They didn't understand why I was telling them, and said I needed to tell the tech centre – who they can't provide contact number for (and who had told me when giving me the quote to respond to the store within 5 working days). Eventually a guy that knew what he was doing explained to my staff member that he just needed to email/message the tech responsible, provide the waiver and confirm to go ahead with repairs.
Now I've just got to wait for the call saying my phone is ready to be picked up Hopefully they don't stuff that up!!

abbaskip said:
So the latest news – I tried to phone the store again and this Telstra Shop NEVER answer their phone – I have their direct local line, given to me by the Telstra Call Centre, and even tried calling them as I walked through the door – as I'd tried calling throughout the day with no answer. The phone on the desks rang, and was ignored by staff who were standing around having a conversation. Sure explains why they weren't answering the phone throughout the day! So anyway, after not getting through to the store, I called the Telstra Call Centre again, explained the situation, and that I was quoted ~$350 for the quote. The operator looked into it, put me into someone who was escalating the case. After a short chat, the person said they'd call me back after speaking to the tech, getting all the details etc etc. Long story short, they call me back and gave me a waiver code. Said that I can request the store repair the phone, and give that waiver which will mean I'm not charged.
I went into the Telstra store this evening (which is after I kept trying to call them all day as above), and told them the situation. They didn't understand why I was telling them, and said I needed to tell the tech centre – who they can't provide contact number for (and who had told me when giving me the quote to respond to the store within 5 working days). Eventually a guy that knew what he was doing explained to my staff member that he just needed to email/message the tech responsible, provide the waiver and confirm to go ahead with repairs.
Now I've just got to wait for the call saying my phone is ready to be picked up Hopefully they don't stuff that up!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats on the Win! but i bet they will slap you in the face with KNOX

You mean they'll put me on the new BL? Yes, I'm sure of it. Tech centres always do a factory reset and load the latest firmware. They give you a warranty on the repair, so they ensure all is stock.
If you mean they will refuse to repair because of knox, I'm confident they won't. I'm on the old BL, and even so I've been given the quote and waiver for the quote already.

My phone has been returned in working order. Of course, Telstra being Telstra, I was told that they couldn't add the waiver at the shop, so we would be billed, and then have to apply for a credit.

Oh, and they've updated to a Knox enabled ROM obviously but that was expected
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