Database Users

How the root exploit (rageagainstthecage.bin) works

I was curious about how the root exploit that unlocks our phones for all this great dev stuff works. Found this explanation, and it was quite good. For those with sufficient unix/linux knowlege, this will be totally understandable, so I'd recommend following the link, and reading the in-depth explanation, complete with C code. For those with less background in this stuff, it's still worth a read, but you'll have to work harder to understand exactly what's going on.
Post any questions in this thread, and I'll be happy to answer them!

This is a good explanation, I read something similar when rage was released, may hve even been this. But I'm pretty versed with linux and am overly versed in C...to the point where I have nightmares....
Sent from my Samsung-SPH-D700 using XDA App

Hi and sorry for the bump guys,
Does anybody know how to do the rageagainstthecage root with an LG Optimus One P503? I have tried everything - Simple Root, SuperOneClick, VISIONary, z4root, nothing is working! I really need this root because my phone did not come with Android market and I want to install it through ADB, and I think that requires a root correct? Even if I can't root my phone, is there any way to install an apk to my phone's internal storage and not my SD card?
Thanks for reading this!

By rooting lol

I know for the opimus s you have to force a flash of an older software for z4 to root.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

no you dont need to root to install thru adb. just open up command/terminal,
adb install /blah/blah/phoneapphere.apk
alternatively you can put it on your sd card and use a file manager to locate the apk and install it on the phone.. for a nice easy root, use gingerbreak its the latest un patched exploit.. theres an apk version on xda it will root your phone no issues

HTC Merge Root?
shabbypenguin said:
no you dont need to root to install thru adb. just open up command/terminal,
adb install /blah/blah/phoneapphere.apk
alternatively you can put it on your sd card and use a file manager to locate the apk and install it on the phone.. for a nice easy root, use gingerbreak its the latest un patched exploit.. theres an apk version on xda it will root your phone no issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I use this on the kinda new HTC Merge? (I get it next weekend).
Spec: http://www.phonearena.com/phones/HTC-Merge_id4909
What would be the best way to root this phone?
[HTC Sense, 2.2 Froyo, CDMA/GSM, Qwerty kb - it's main backbone i guess.]
Thanks in advance

dillalade said:
Can I use this on the kinda new HTC Merge? (I get it next weekend).
Spec: http://www.phonearena.com/phones/HTC-Merge_id4909
What would be the best way to root this phone?
[HTC Sense, 2.2 Froyo, CDMA/GSM, Qwerty kb - it's main backbone i guess.]
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you do realize that this is the Epic 4G section, right ?

daddymikey1975 said:
you do realize that this is the Epic 4G section, right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but thats why hes asking if it can be used for the other phone. Specs wise, both phones are almost the same internally.

xPreSiDenT said:
Yes but thats why hes asking if it can be used for the other phone. Specs wise, both phones are almost the same internally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
specs don't really dictate which exploit will work on a device though.
If the bootloader is locked on the HTC, there's going to be a different workaround to root it.
just sayin'

X-play custom rom

Hi I'm new to the custom rom's and instead of searching through countless topics, mixing up instructions. I was wondering if I could get some directions.
Play is unrooted 2.3.3. I would like instructions on how to put a custom rom on the phone, and which custom rom would be recommended. Thanks in advance people.
Sent from my R800a using xda premium

is your phone fastboot enabled? (does the notification light in the power button turn blue if you hold the search button and then connect the usb to computer?)

If you want a custom rom but dont want to search and read these forums, i give your phone a week before you brick it.

swebosdev said:
If you want a custom rom but dont want to search and read these forums, i give your phone a week before you brick it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or we could help people within the comunity to understand what's out there, the risks involved and how to get around the problems that could arise? we all need things explaining to us once in a while.

Oh im sorry i see your point, it is always good to be helpful, i am trying to be helpful as well when i say you should search and read, i mean look at all the countless threads where people didnt want to read, theres like 3 help im bricked threads per page.

lol. i know what you mean. and i know it can be frustrating. it's just a shame that the play is so much more complicated than the x10 that i was previously on. it was all flashtool and update.zip stuff. practically unbrickable!! loved it. fastboot and adb complicate things, and i feel that some of the tutorials can be a little confusing to total noobs. so we need to be accomodating to their lack of knowledge (i hardly know anything, so i'm still quite noobish), but also, people need to accept their own actions and consequences. not sure what i'm getting at now, but things need to be simpler for people who want to start out

Actually the way of installation is exactly the same for any custom ROM in this phone.
1) unlock your bootloader, either for free if you bought a factory unlocked phone or for some cash sending Alejandrissimo a PM, which you have to use if your phone is branded and/or Sim locked. You only need to do this step once.
2) install a custom kernel. There are two: DoomLord's kernel and the Cyanogen Mod kernel. The latter allows you only to install CM7. Doom's allows you to install the others.
3) Enter in Clockwork Mod recovery and install the ROM you prefer as long as your kernel of choice supports it.
As to which ROM you should pick, I use CM7 because it's stable and fast. Visit those threads and see for yourself which is the one you like best.

my personal favorite (until cm7 became more usable, and also because i like dooms kernel) was zerojay's aptly named zerorom. it's a very clean and fast sony based rom full of optimizations and tweaks. i'm currently trying out the FXP028 release of cm7 to see if it's more to my liking than it was in previous releases.

Unfortunately locked to Rogers. Is there a free way of unlocking the bootloader and how?
Again I'm currently running 2.3.3 nonrooted. Had it rooted on 2. 3. 2. but ofcourse lost it with update.
Sent from my R800a using xda premium

8ballhacker said:
Unfortunately locked to Rogers. Is there a free way of unlocking the bootloader and how?
Again I'm currently running 2.3.3 nonrooted. Had it rooted on 2. 3. 2. but ofcourse lost it with update.
Sent from my R800a using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No there isnt.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk

If you want root get wantonserver and flash na generic 2.3.2 root it with gingerbreak and then ota update to 2.3.3+

AndroHero said:
No there isnt.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, one free way could be if you could swap a branded phone to someone who doesnt care and has a generic model

solitarymonkey said:
well, one free way could be if you could swap a branded phone to someone who doesnt care and has a generic model
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but paying $20 dollars to get it unlocked sounds like less of a pain in the ass
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk

Bump, has anyone been able to get Cyanogen mod onto the Rogers r800a? This locked boot loader is really causing me grief. Have the phone rooted, cwr is installed as well as busy Box. Getting closer, but still no cigar.

mcorbeil said:
Bump, has anyone been able to get Cyanogen mod onto the Rogers r800a? This locked boot loader is really causing me grief. Have the phone rooted, cwr is installed as well as busy Box. Getting closer, but still no cigar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash CM7, but i doubt it will boot with stock kernel.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk

AndroHero said:
You can flash CM7, but i doubt it will boot with stock kernel.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to confirm, without the proper Kernel I am more than likely to brick my play? Many Thanks!

mcorbeil said:
Just to confirm, without the proper Kernel I am more than likely to brick my play? Many Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't brick it, if kernel is incompatible device with either not boot, or bootloop, flahing stock rom with flashtool will fix it though.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk

[Q] ROOTING of Vision (Desire Z) 2.3.3 Not Possible

Correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I can figure out, there is no way of rooting the 2.3.3 version of the Desire Z?
All guides start with downgrade to exploidable firmware, and that is not possible without gaining at least temporary root access, and all previous methods are broken?
Anyone has any ideas that work?

MichaelBrandi said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I can figure out, there is no way of rooting the 2.3.3 version of the Desire Z?
All guides start with downgrade to exploidable firmware, and that is not possible without gaining at least temporary root access, and all previous methods are broken?
Anyone has any ideas that work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course it is! Don't you think there would be alot more angry people lol?! You have to obtain temp root on GB then downgrade to Froyo and get S-Off. It's a pain but I just did it on my friend's Evo Shift last month.

Thank you for answering I have spend several hours, and I can't get any of the temporary root solutions to function, they all seem to be ineffective against the current version?

Follow the XDA Vision wiki method. Shouldn't have any problems. I know someone that just did it last week and worked.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

I tried that, and just about any other method available, and non of them seem to be effective.

MichaelBrandi said:
I tried that, and just about any other method available, and non of them seem to be effective.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you go into more details? Like error code or anything? Are you sure you have adb set up properly? plus, drivers too?

If you can't get fre3vo to work (the only step which might not work, every other step is gauranteed to) use a different exploit, either zergRush or tacoroot will work.
-Nipqer

Please post up exactly what steps aren't working. Then we can try and help you
Sent from my Desire Z running CM7.

Also Desire Z 2.3.3.
Hello guys,
I just wanted to ask, you say it is possible to root the 2.3.3. and you also said how. Actually I spent like 3 hours today by looking for the guides how to root this phone, and I am really scared to do it without previous asking.
all your responses were great, but I am really a newbie to these things, and those names you said (containing techniques how to root) didnt ring a bell in my head. Could you please just send me a link with a guide that will work?

downgrading and rooting
MichaelBrandi said:
I tried that, and just about any other method available, and non of them seem to be effective.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted and modded two G2 using this method and all went flawless, I read about ADB and how to use it, I read the guide several times to understand what was going to happen.
Read read read and then root and mod. The phones that I rooted were my first and second ever, I am NOT a dev nor am I an expert by any means. My point is that again if you read the entire post before trying anything then you will be successful. My phones were both on 2.3.3 and the process is not an easy one but works well. Hats off to those who took the time and effort to write the guide.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1178912 this is the link to the guide.

Thank you for your answer. In any of the threads somebody mentioned the CM´s rooting guide on wiki, I checked it out and I got the idea.
which one would you prefer? the one posted above or the CM´s?

The CM wiki is based off that xda thread.
I would recommend the xda one, as it includes flashgc (for goldcard generation), which the cm wiki doesn't.
-Nipqer
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium

I have a friend that just bought an HTC Vision(G2) with 2.3.4 and he has been unable to downgrade using xda or wiki. He thinks 2.3.4 is incompatible with these methods. He is familiar with adb and previously owned a Nexus One. Anyone know if his opinion is wrong?

These methods do work.
If for some weird reason fre3vo doesn't feel like working, you can use zergRush or tacoroot to gain temp-root (which I linked in a previous post in this thread)
-Nipqer

Adb can seem scary/difficult to setup to some, but it's not at all. Adb being a tool used in the rooting/unlocking process. See my signature for a link to a guide on setting up adb.
Please stay away from any so-called one-click rooting/unlocking solutions (especially Visionary), because a lot of them don't work, and some carry a high risk of bricking your phone. There is absolutely no risk of bricking your phone if you carefully follow the XDA Wiki guide. Read it first, and feel free to ask questions if you're not sure about something.
Sent from my Desire Z running CM7.

LikeaG2root said:
I have a friend that just bought an HTC Vision(G2) with 2.3.4 and he has been unable to downgrade using xda or wiki. He thinks 2.3.4 is incompatible with these methods. He is familiar with adb and previously owned a Nexus One. Anyone know if his opinion is wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be done and quite easily (took a while but it was very smooth). I did it on my friend's EVO Shift recently with 2.3.4 which is very close to our devices (an uglier cousin one might say lol). Sometimes if you get stuck, it helps to take a break. Also, don't over complicate things. Commands while using adb have to be precise. I suggest using copy and paste. Also double check you commands before hitting enter. I am quite sure 2.3.4 still works with frevo. Maybe his drivers are mixed up. That's usually what it is. Make sure you can get all your functions to work before rooting like usb tethering and whatnot.

[Q] MB860 on 2.2.2 - Where do I start

Hi,
I recently purchased an Atrix 4G for cheap and am now trying to update it to a more recent firmware version.
I currently have a:
MB860
on Android 2.2.2
running Version.4.4.20.MB860.Retail.en.DE
Checking for system updates through the phone doesn't yield any results. Threads on the web or this forum often lead to dead links or warnings about RAM problems or the possibility of bricking my device.
I'm not technologically retarded (as in I can jailbreak and install packages on an iPhone) but most of the update/flashing instructions aren't really helpful for someone who's just getting into android.
Where do I start?

I would start with the sticky at the top of this section (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984381), or skip to the 4th sticky (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1302423).
It is written step by step.

I'm not trying to unlock my bootloader on 2.3.4, because my phone isn't running 2.3.4. I can't find any info regarding help for people still stuck on FroyoYo there, either.

The bootloader is irrespective of the version of Android you are running. Follow the directions to unlock it first, install an alternate recovery and then flash whatever you like.

TGHI said:
The bootloader is irrespective of the version of Android you are running. Follow the directions to unlock it first, install an alternate recovery and then flash whatever you like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. So doing this allows me to install Custom ROMs on my Atrix? While that is indeed useful, it doesn't really answer my initial question.
Is there a way to update my phone to 2.3.4 without rooting or unlocking first? I'm currently just looking for a stable webtop experience and decent battery life. If I get that on Stock 2.3.4, I might wait with the flashing experiments.

Go to settings, about, and check for updates. (if memory serves me correctly)
エイトリックス から 送ります

you need to go to motorola website and download system updater....
Sent from my MB860 using xda app-developers app

thesummoner101 said:
Go to settings, about, and check for updates. (if memory serves me correctly)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This tells me that my device is up-to-date.
you need to go to motorola website and download system updater....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The threads in the development forum warn about installing official updates. Do I risk bricking my device if I install a custom rom after using the system updater?

Placeb00 said:
Thanks for the info. So doing this allows me to install Custom ROMs on my Atrix? While that is indeed useful, it doesn't really answer my initial question.
Is there a way to update my phone to 2.3.4 without rooting or unlocking first? I'm currently just looking for a stable webtop experience and decent battery life. If I get that on Stock 2.3.4, I might wait with the flashing experiments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You DO NOT want the latest stock update if you're planning on doing tinkering down the road. As far as I understand it, one of the latest OTAs pretty much blocks you from unlocking the bootloader. (Same for the Photon)
With this phone, if you put your faith on Motorola, you get royally screwed. I would break from the shackles sooner rather than later.

littleemp said:
As far as I understand it, one of the latest OTAs pretty much blocks you from unlocking the bootloader. (Same for the Photon).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you getting this from?

A little update:
Rooted, unlocked my bootloader, flashed a 2.3.6 ROM. Everything works fine, and I'm really happy with my new phone/netbook combo.

Placeb00 said:
A little update:
Rooted, unlocked my bootloader, flashed a 2.3.6 ROM. Everything works fine, and I'm really happy with my new phone/netbook combo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post link where did you tutorial. I have retail Eu version and don't know where to start.
On samsung or sony its much simpler.
Or I have become more stupid
Thanks
Sent from my MB860 using xda app-developers app

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1302423
This is the tutorial I used.

Placeb00 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1302423
This is the tutorial I used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
Sent from my MB860 using xda app-developers app

revdep-rebuild error
For what it's worth:
Editing /usr/bin/revdep-rebuild.sh with nano and changing 2 instances of /var/cache to /preinstall/var/cache resolved all my problems.
More specificly:
line 262: "$WORKING_DIR" != "/var/cache/${APP_NAME}"
and
line 559: local tmp_target=var/cache/${APP_NAME}
Good luck.

just follow the official CM guide for atrix. that's the best

[Q] How do you root a dev ed razr m?

I just got a developer edition Razr M off eBay and I wanted to know if it comes rooted already or just unlocked?
I have searched but can't find rooting instructions for a Razr M.
Would someone be willing to point me in the right direction, please?
I'm also wondering, with the new software update, on the dev ed it should still remain unlocked even if the update is accepted, no?
Any help appreciated - thanks!

reyxlp said:
I just got a developer edition Razr M off eBay and I wanted to know if it comes rooted already or just unlocked?
I have searched but can't find rooting instructions for a Razr M.
Would someone be willing to point me in the right direction, please?
I'm also wondering, with the new software update, on the dev ed it should still remain unlocked even if the update is accepted, no?
Any help appreciated - thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which update are you on?
Head over to Motorola's website, or better yet Google 'How to unlock RAZR m dev edition'. You will need ADB tools on a PC and some knowledge regarding rooting. Anyway, the Motorola website will provide a code to unlock your boot loader. Which you have to input via ADB. Than you can follow the rooting instructions on this forum. Be aware if you do it via Motorola's website you need to make an account with them.
I did this myself and it worked
Sent from my XT907 using xda premium

ShadowRAZR said:
Which update are you on?
Head over to Motorola's website, or better yet Google 'How to unlock RAZR m dev edition'. You will need ADB tools on a PC and some knowledge regarding rooting. Anyway, the Motorola website will provide a code to unlock your boot loader. Which you have to input via ADB. Than you can follow the rooting instructions on this forum. Be aware if you do it via Motorola's website you need to make an account with them.
I did this myself and it worked
Sent from my XT907 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man thanks for the info - could you please help me just a litte more?
The instructions for rooting that I'm able to find here all seem to involve using the "exploit" but isn't that for non-Dev Ed/locked bootloader phones?
I already unlocked my Dev Ed using the Motorola website so how do I root from this point?
Is it the same thing?
Any help appreciated - thanks!

reyxlp said:
Hey man thanks for the info - could you please help me just a litte more?
The instructions for rooting that I'm able to find here all seem to involve using the "exploit" but isn't that for non-Dev Ed/locked bootloader phones?
I already unlocked my Dev Ed using the Motorola website so how do I root from this point?
Is it the same thing?
Any help appreciated - thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bare with me, I am on mobile, will help you when I'm on desktop I have all the files
Sent from my XT907 using xda premium

reyxlp said:
Hey man thanks for the info - could you please help me just a litte more?
The instructions for rooting that I'm able to find here all seem to involve using the "exploit" but isn't that for non-Dev Ed/locked bootloader phones?
I already unlocked my Dev Ed using the Motorola website so how do I root from this point?
Is it the same thing?
Any help appreciated - thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay well the link that I had to instruct me on how to root my dev phone originally has disappeared :/ My best advice would be to try the exploit method, as the method that I did was what I consider a 'manual' way to root the phone as you must flash each package one after the other. Next best thing you could do is ask someone else on the forum. Sorry friend I will still upload the files that I used if you want to have a crack at it.
Flash the recovery image followed by the superuser one via ADB/Fastboot. Worked for me, best of luck.

ShadowRAZR said:
Okay well the link that I had to instruct me on how to root my dev phone originally has disappeared :/ My best advice would be to try the exploit method, as the method that I did was what I consider a 'manual' way to root the phone as you must flash each package one after the other. Next best thing you could do is ask someone else on the forum. Sorry friend I will still upload the files that I used if you want to have a crack at it.
Flash the recovery image followed by the superuser one via ADB/Fastboot. Worked for me, best of luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much -- you rock!!

reyxlp said:
Thank you so much -- you rock!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you do a nan-droid of stock!
Sent from my XT905 using xda premium

ShadowRAZR said:
Make sure you do a nan-droid of stock!
Sent from my XT905 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops - too late, lol...
I couldn't get CWRM to work for some reason so I ended up using TWRP instead.
Did a "Backup" prior to rooting, does that count?
Not planning on flashing any custom ROMs or anything..

reyxlp said:
Oops - too late, lol...
I couldn't get CWRM to work for some reason so I ended up using TWRP instead.
Did a "Backup" prior to rooting, does that count?
Not planning on flashing any custom ROMs or anything..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your still running stock? If so just go into your recovery and run a back up to internal or external storage. If internal than get it onto another storage location straight away. That way if you do in the future plan to flash a ROM you can go back to pure stock if you brick it.
Sent from my XT905 using xda premium

ShadowRAZR said:
So your still running stock? If so just go into your recovery and run a back up to internal or external storage. If internal than get it onto another storage location straight away. That way if you do in the future plan to flash a ROM you can go back to pure stock if you brick it.
Sent from my XT905 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, stock for now. I used to mess around with custom ROMs when I first got my Thunderbolt but I'm so much busier at work and trying to keep a girl in my life these days, lol... I'm not good enough at this stuff like you guys to do it quickly, takes me forever to read every post and trudge my way through the How-To's.
If I find the time, I'd love to run a stripped down, battery optimized, de-bloated ROM, something like that...
I did do a backup onto the SD card, I try to keep everything on the SD card. Bummed they make it so hard or not possible to run apps from it. Makes no sense to me but oh well..
Thanks again!

reyxlp said:
Yeah, stock for now. I used to mess around with custom ROMs when I first got my Thunderbolt but I'm so much busier at work and trying to keep a girl in my life these days, lol... I'm not good enough at this stuff like you guys to do it quickly, takes me forever to read every post and trudge my way through the How-To's.
If I find the time, I'd love to run a stripped down, battery optimized, de-bloated ROM, something like that...
I did do a backup onto the SD card, I try to keep everything on the SD card. Bummed they make it so hard or not possible to run apps from it. Makes no sense to me but oh well..
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem mate If you need a hand just ask. Also AOKP is quite good. It is probably the second best for battery that I've tried with CM10.1 being the highest, not including stock of course. I run it with themes and the such. Its quite smooth and clean to with not so many features which is good if you just want things simplistic. Let me know if you run into issues
Sent from my XT907 using xda premium