Welcome to the Droid X guide! I hope to expand up on this as much as possible, so be sure to check back for updates!
The Benefits of rooting
So why root your android phone? Well, there are several benefits... First, you can backup up your phones current state whenever you would like (makes is easy to jump back and forth if you mess things up!). In addition, you can also install different themes (different color interfaces for the basic framework and applications). You can also install custom ROMs (this is an Android OS that has been built from either Motorola's source, or the Google SDK and released through their generosity for the rest of us to enjoy!
Rooting: Many people are unsure of rooting their phones but have heard of other people doing it. Here is my stance on rooting your phone:
If you are technically savvy, or can follow instructions well and have confidence in your ability to do so, I would definitely recommend it! If you are unsure of your abilities to do so, and simply use your Droid X because it is a great phone right out of the box, then I would recommend reading through this guide and some other threads on the Droid X forums so you can familiarize yourself with the potential possibilities and process' involved with rooting and customizing your phone. I do not say any of this to deter anyone from wanting to root their phone, it just can be a dangerous situation for those who are not familiar with how it could potentially damage their phone.
I have seen many ask about the dangers of rooting. First off, yes it will void your warranty, but you CAN unroot your phone. I will include this information later =)
#1 rule of modding your phone: ALWAYS TAKE A BACKUP BEFORE MAKING ANY MODIFICATIONS!
with that said... let's continue =)
Rooting: Just because you have a rooted phone, does not explicitly open up new features on your phone.... What it does do, is open up the possibility for features on your phone =) Keep reading...
Themes: In order to theme your phone, you first have to deodex it. If you attempt to theme the phone without deodexing it, you can run into issues... Themes allow you to change the look of the phone framework and applications (e.g. different colors or images). Make sure to follow rule #1, and then follow any specific instructions that the creator of the theme may have included with their post.
Droid X Bootstrap: This is the saving grace for the Droid X created by Koush. Installing this application once rooted allows you to create backups, restore backups and install custom themes, ROM's, and other modifications that have been made into flashable zip format. I will explain how to use this later as well.
Custom ROMs: Custom ROM's are a developers build of the android operating system either using the Motorola ROM as their base, or building directly from Google's SDK. Many of the ROM's for the Droid X are "blur-free" which means that they look like a generic android OS install the way Google intended it. The default "ROM" that comes on your phone has what is known as "blur" by Motorola. It is just graphical enhancements to the way the phone operates that mostly tie into social networking applications and widgets. Many Android enthusiasts believe that Motorola Blur or HTC Sense ruins the Android feel. Whether or not to use a blurred or blur-free ROM is really up to you and how you like your phone to look and feel.
I will cover more about ROM's later in my posts and try to give an overall description of each. As usual, before trying to flash any ROM, be sure to backup your phone.
Overclocking your phone: Overclocking for those who do not already know what this means, is basically the ability to tell your phone's processor to run at a higher speed. This basically just improves performance on your phone, but can be harder on the phone as well. By telling the phone run at a faster processor speed, you can decrease the battery life of your phone. The droid X overclocks in a different manner than with most Android phones, due to the inability to run custom kernels on the Droid X.
For those who are not familiar with the potential of overclocking your phone, I highly recommend not doing it. While rooting can be dangerous, if you mess up overclock settings on your phone, you can do more harm than good.
So I have seen a bunch of people asking questions that seem to pop up repeatedly on the forums... I plan on adding to this as i put this guide together for a few people who really needed more step by step instructions to get going. Feel free to suggest stuff for me to add, and I will throw it in.
Thanks, and enjoy the following:
Ok, here are the steps for setting up the sdk, getting rooted, and all that good stuff... have a feeling I will be making this into a new thread...perhaps....
SDK:
First off... you will want to go to the following site to download the sdk:
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
Grab the following download: android-sdk_r08-windows.zip
I saved it to C:\sdk (i created a folder called SDK right at the root of C: drive). When it finishes, unzip this using 7zip (or any other unzip program you like) to the sdk folder. When it is finished unzipping, you should have a folder called "android-sdk_r10-windows". If you open up that folder, you will find a folder called "android-sdk-windows". Open this folder up and double click on the "SDK Manager.exe". This will open up a window, and bring up additional windows, one of which will ask you to "choose packages to install". You can download any or all of them. I recommend downloading the following: (NOTE: this may have changed as I don't recall the API versions for sdk r10)
• Android SDK Platform-tools, revision 1 (the top-most download)
• SDK Platform Android 2.3, API 9, revision 1
• SDK Platform Android 2.2, API 8, revision 2
• USB drivers (I don't think this shows up in the latest version of the sdk's first download window. I believe it is found if you go to the available packages section the "Android SDK and AVD Manager and expand the 3rd party section....but if you happen to see it in there...grab it)
This should be sufficient for now. All packages are accepted by default. If you do not wish to download all of them, simply highlight each one (one at a time) and then click the reject button towards the bottom middle of the window. When you have selected the packages you wish to download, click the install button.
After this has installed, you now have the Android SDK installed on your machine. You can close all windows related to the SDK, as we don't actually need to do anything with it, it simply has tools within it that we will need later. (This is where the adb command originates from. There is an adb.exe tool in the "platform-tools" folder of the sdk install, but we will get to this later).
Now you will want to go to your desktop (or anywhere you have a shortcut or icon for My Computer), right click on My Computer, and select properties. Under the "advanced" tab of the window that opens, you should see a button at the bottom that says "environment variables". Click on this, and then find the "Path" variable under System Variables NOT user variables. Click Edit and go to the end of the "Variable Value" field. You will want to make sure there is a semicolon ";" at the end of this before typing any additional info. You will want to add the full path of your android SDK install. For example, if you followed my example for download/saving/extracting/installing above, you would type the following information into the end of the "Variable Value" section:
C:\sdk\android-sdk_r10-windows\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools
If you installed to another location, be sure to type the correct path to the "tools" folder within your installation of the Android SDK. Then click the OK button, and close any windows that were opened from adding to the "path variable".
Droid X Drivers
This section is a little more difficult to explain, as there are so many variables depending on what operating system you are running (windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, etc). and whether or not you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit instance of your chosen Operating system.
Here is one link for Droid X drivers:
http://www.verizon-phones.org/verizon-motorola-droid-x-usb-drivers-pc-charging-drivers-download.html
I simply googled Droid X drivers, I'm sure this isn't the best link, but just for example I'm throwing it out there. If you google Droid X USB drivers you should be able to find the drivers you need, as well as help and instructions on how to get everything working.
Once you get the usb drivers installed, you will want to connect your Droid X to your computer. If it is recognized, you will get a notification in your drop down bar on your phone. On your phone, press on the USB connection in the drop down menu, and select "charge only". Next, open up a command prompt on your computer. Type the following in and hit enter:
adb devices
You should see something simiilar to the following come up if everything is configured correctly:
C:\>adb devices
* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *
* daemon started successfully *
List of devices attached
015A882315005010 device
If you see something similar to what I have above... then ADB is working correctly, and we can continue! Now we will move on to getting your device rooted! You will want to grab the z4root.apk that I have attached earlier in this thread and download it onto your computer. We will now test out if adb is indeed working! Save the z4root.1.3.0.apk and put it in the "tools" folder of the sdk we downloaded earlier. Now open up a new command prompt (or use the one we opened earlier if you haven't already closed it!) Change directories to the "tools" folder of the sdk:
If you installed the SDK where I used in my example.... type the following:
cd C:\sdk\android-sdk_r10-windows\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools (press enter)
type the following: adb install z4root.1.3.0.apk (press enter)
You should now see the following:
C:\android-sdk-windows\tools>adb install z4root.1.3.0.apk
1833 KB/s (978414 bytes in 0.521s)
pkg: /data/local/tmp/z4root.1.3.0.apk
Success
z4root and ROOTING
If you get all of this, you have now installed a package using adb and we know the interface works. If you don't want to have to mess with this method of installing, you could also download "Astro File Manager" from the android market. You would then need to save z4root.apk to your sdcard of your Droid X. Then open the Astro program and browse to your SDcard and file the z4root.1.3.0.apk. Press on the .apk file and it should come up with a box that says something similar to "open with app installer" or "app manager"... don't recall exactly what it says, but should be something similar to package management or install of some sort. After pressing on that, you should see an install button. Press on that to install z4root.
Now that z4root is installed, you will want to go to your application list on your phone and press on the z4root to open the application. Press on the permanent root button and wait! This process may take a while, and your phone will reboot, but when it does, you are now rooted.
Make sure when trying to root your phone that you go into Settings-->Applications-->Development make sure "usb bebugging" is enabled.
Removing BOOTSTRAP COMPLETELY (You only need to follow these steps if you WANT to remove Droid X bootstrap by Koush, this is not installed on your phone by default).
If you would like to completely remove Droid X bootstrap from your phone, here is what you need to do:
1) connect your phone to ur pc in charge only mode. Make sure it is recognized by adb
A) open command prompt and type "adb devices" (hit enter, your phone should show up)
2) in the command prompt, type "adb shell" (press enter)
3) type "su" (press enter)
4) type "mount -o rw, remount /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system" (press enter)
5) type "cp /system/bin/logwrapper.bin /system/bin/logwrapper"(press enter)
6) type "adb reboot" (press enter)
Your phone will reboot after typing adb reboot, and may take a little bit longer to boot the first time after bootstrap is removed (it may not, I just haven't gone through this process in a while).
Bootstrap should now be completely removed.
Note: all text in quotes is just what you should type...do not include the quotation marks when entering commands.
Disclaimer: I take no responsibility if you mess up your phone. Typing these commands incorrectly CAN mess up your phone. By following these directions, you do so at your own risk.
Installing Droid X Bootstrap
You can grab this .apk file from this thread as well, as I have it posted in one of my previous posts. You will then install this .apk file the same way that you installed z4root. Obviously if you are using the adb command prompt method, you will want to replace z4root.apk with the full name of the droid X bootstrap apk; if you are using a file manager or installer, just follow the same instructions as before as well.
With the bootstrap installed, you are now able to take backups and restore them as well in the event your phone has problems.
Will be adding SBF instructions and links soon =)
If this guide has helped you, please say thanks!
THEMES AND HOW TO USE:
NOTE: In order to install a theme, you must deodex your phone. If you attempt to try and install a theme without deodexing your phone, you can run into problems down the road.
How to Deodex Your phone the EASY way:
Below is a link that Septhin (from Sephtin.com, all credits go to him for this) posted. This is a SYSTEM ONLY flashable .zip that will give you root, as well as deodex your phone ONLY if you are on the 2.3.340 OTA for verizon. Copy this to your sdcard, and flash in bootstrap recovery! Note: If coming from anything other than an existing 2.3.340 system, then you should wipe data/factory reset for safety's sake!
http://www.mediafire.com/?gvvgnum0uma2huk
If you are on the 2.3.15 OTA looking for Deodexed system:
http://www.mediafire.com/?drixq6ry6ja83oq
How to Manually Deodex your Droid X:
Note: all credit for this portion of the writeup goes to Webst3r on droidxforums and those he has mentioned at the bottom of this section. I did not write up the deodex portion of this guide. I am simply including it as a one stop guide to help as many people as possible.
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHATEVER HAPPENS TO YOUR PHONE!
You must be rooted!
What you'll need:
A Windows based machine
xUltimate v2.2
Patience
Process:
1. Unzip xUltimate v2.2, and launch "Main.exe"
2. If everything goes well xUlt should recognize the phone and make a connection. You now should see a list of options.
3. Run option 1. After option 1 is done, run option 2.
4. Now these well take a while. Run option 3.
5. IMPORTANT: After you have run option 3, you MUST navigate to the xUltimate folder and find "origi_frame" folder, and delete "guava.odex". It's a bad file, and interferes with deodexing process.
6. Now run option 4, and wait.
7. Exit xUltimate, and put the phone in USB mass storage.
8. Go back into the xUltimate folder and copy "done_frame", and "done_app", and move them to the root of the sdcard.
9. Open a command prompt, and do the following: (note: at the end of each of the following lines, press the enter/return key on your keyboard)
Code:
adb shell
su
stop
mount -o rw,remount -t ext3 /dev/block/mmcblk1p21 /system
cp /sdcard/done_app/* /system/app/
cp /sdcard/done_frame/* /system/framework/
rm /system/app/*.odex
rm /system/framework/*.odex
mount -o ro,remount -t ext3 /dev/block/mmcblk1p21 /system
reboot
Your phone should now be deodexed!
You may notice an increase in speed, and you now have the ability to edit certain files with greater effects. (i.e. services.jar)
Credits: (note these credits are from the original post made by Webst3r, not me, but I would also like to thank them for their work and contributions!)
Rainabba and Mike919: For initially working with me to get a white clock, and later deodex.
toxman: For testing, and being a huge risk taker.
teenfaces: For letting me use his services.jar
And especially Xeudoxus: For letting me a guinea pig, for xUltimate, and answering my questions. And also for the making the xUltimate tool. It defiantly makes thing easier.
SBF: What is it, and what does it do?!?
An sbf file contains the data files necessary to return an Motorola phone back to its "out of the box state". This means it is as if you just pulled the phone out of the box and turned it on. A successful sbf will return you to stock status without any custom ROM, or theme. Usually when one uses and sbf file, you will also want to wipe data/factory reset before hand, and after using and sbf for best results.
SO WHAT DO I NEED?
• RSDlite 4.8 http://www.multiupload.com/HL0ZAL9GK8
• Motorola Drivers: http://www.motorola.com/consumers/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=bda09ec8009a0210VgnVCM1000008806b00aRCRD
• Correct SBF files for your phone:
o If you are on 2.3.15 OTA (bootloader 30.03): http://www.multiupload.com/HS3Q4U95CG
o 2.3.32 Full SBF: Then go to this site for all the mirror lists. I will post a few direct links below: http://www.mydroidworld.com/forums/droid-x-discussion/5633-droid-x-2-3-32-full-sbf.html
• http://www.multiupload.com/QX7Q3B53UQNOTE: http://depositfiles.com/en/files/60kvlswk2
o If you have already flashed 2.3.32, and/or have 30.04 bootloader: 2.3.34 SYSTEM ONLY SBF:
• DIRECT LINK TO SBF: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OXK9Q1ZG
• some have preferred to flash individual files through Bootstrap recovery from MyDroidWorld. If you would like to use this method and are more comfortable flashing files than SBF, use this site:
o http://mydroidworld.com/forums/droi...ystem-baseband-2-3-340-kernel-bootloader.html
• 2.3.340 FULL SBF: http://www.mydroidworld.com/forums/droid-x-discussion/6367-new-full-sbf-droid-x-2-3-340-a.html
• Thanks to Maderschramm, there is any easier way to get back to stock on 2.3.340 OTA WITH ROOT
MADERSTCOK "SBF" (note I did not do this write-up, all credit goes to Bouchigo on android forums. Original credit goes to Maderschramm over at DroidXforums and XDA)
NOTICE: Coming from ANY non-blur based ROM and doing Maderstcok is guaranteed to bootloop due to mismatch in framework without a data/cache wipe.
http://www.droidxforums.com/forum/droid-x-hacks/15666-maderstcok-ota-2-3-340-update-zip.html
maderstcok - OTA 2.3.340 update.zip
None are responsible for your phone but you.
After a bit of work I've created an update.zip for you guys that want a fresh install of 2.3.340 without sbfing.
This is the FULL, OTA 2.3.340 - contains radio, kernel, and all other updates, even those EXCLUDED by the 2.3.340 system only sbf.
What that means is that if you have 2.3.15, 2.3.151, or 2.3.320 you're one update.zip away from the OTA 2.3.340
This is useful in many ways:
• You want stock .340 but didn't create a nandroid backup
• Can't OTA (modded phone)
• Get ready for an OTA
• Remove Root
• Add bloat back
• Re-Odex
• Your phone is acting weird on the update
• Something broke
• Fresh ROM install
• You don't want to flash 5 update.zips or sbf to update your phone
• etc.
This will format your system data (helps prevents bootloops - not 100%) and system (in case a rom put some apps in the /system/app) partitions and also changes the boot image to the stock moto M (to fix the Tranquility boot logo - something even an SBF won't fix).
As always, make a backup and I'm not responsible for what happens to your phone.
Download the file here and place it on your sdcard: http://www.droidxforums.com/forum/
• Mirror 1 http://ubuntuone.com/p/XAk/
• Mirror 2 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4AO672L1
Instructions:
1. Using the Droid X Bootstrapper make a backup. (more information here)
2. Browse (using volume buttons) to "install zip from sdcard" and select it with the camera button.
3. Select "choose zip from sdcard".
4. Select "maderstcok340.zip"
5. Confirm the install.
6. Be patient, wait for the install to finish.
7. Reboot the Droid X. DO NOTHING ELSE IN CLOCKWORKMOD!!!!!!!
8. Activate the phone with VZW (more instructions below).
If you attempt to create a backup or flash a rom post maderstcok installation you're going to have a paperweight. This seems to be because maderstcok removes root and the clockworkmod recovery area, so it doesn't like you playing around in there. Re-root and reinstall the bootstrapper, then create a backup or flash a new rom, DON'T DO IT BEFORE REBOOTING THE DX AFTER ISNTALL.
Formatting Data and Cache is optional; however, if you want a really clean install do so. If you factory reset you'll be forced to activate the phone automatically while if you don't you'll have to follow the quick and dirty activation instructions below - the choice is ultimately yours.
Quick and dirty instructions for activation:
1. Dial *228
2. Press 1
3. Enter last 4 of primary acct holder's SSN
4. Wait - more in depth instructions in a link further down.
This can take some time, especially on the two system installs and the radio install. Don't battery pull unless you want a brick.
The file won't flash properly if you have a botched download - this seems to be caused by the size of the file. Please check your file size before flashing:
Size: 284.7 MB (298481300 bytes)
MD5: ce7122280eafad4a39ba7fefeb764bf5
My free filehosters sometimes .zip the .zip - it looks like maderstcok340.zip.zip
Just unzip once and check the md5 to make sure it checks out - if not, redownload. Don't try to flash the .zip.zip without unzipping it once!
You'll have to activate your phone again after the install. See this for additional help.
If you encounter any problems during the flashing process follow standard ROM installation troubleshooting (i.e. battery pull, factory reset, etc.)
A lot of this stuff is from Team Black Hat - I did pull some of my own phone files too - but if you're looking to donate, please hit them up. Without them we'd be up a creek. Tell 'em I sent ya
One final note - z4root seems to work flawlessly after flashing this file. Just thought I'd throw that in there...
Enjoy!
How to use RSDlite and an SBF file:
NOTES ABOUT USING SBF and RSDlite: Make sure your battery is fully charged. If your phone dies while applying an SBF file, you could be stuck...Be sure to create a backup before using SBF, this could be a nandroid backup, and I would also recommend backing up your SMS messages and applications and any application data (use Titanium backup).
I have found this to have the best results.... before applying an SBF, boot into bootstrap recovery and do a wipe data/factory reset.
1. Turn off your phone. Hold down the "Volume down" + camera button while holding the power button. Your screen should flash and say
Bootloader
30.03 (or 30.04 if you are on the latest update)
Battery OK
OK to program
Connect USB
Data Cable
2. Open up RSDlite and click the " ... " button to browse to the appropriate SBF that you need to use.
a. If on bootloader version 30.03 then you will want to use the VRZ_MB810_2.3.15_1FF_01.sbf file
b. If on bootloader 30.04, then you will more than likely want to flash the 2.3.34 system only sbf (SHADO_X6_2.3.34_SYSTEM-ONLY.sbf)
3. Once it recognizes the file, connect your droid X to the computer via the usb cable. You should see your phone listed in the bottom section of RSDlite.
4. Click the start button, and watch the magic at work =)
5. When your phone reboots, I generally try to do another wipe data/factory reset.
a. When turning phone on, hold down home button + power button. When the droid with the ! comes up, press the search button. You can use the volume up/down buttons to navigate, and the camera button to select.
If your phone dies during sbf, A) make sure to charge your battery before sbf next time B) here are some instructions
IF YOUR PHONE DIES DURING SBF
How to Fix
One thing that you may notice is that when you have this error, your phone will not charge the battery and you'll only be able to see the screen turn on if its plugged into the wall. Somewhere on the screen it will say "Your Battery is Low" and "Cannot Reprogram" or something like that. The easiest way to get through this is to find a friend with a charged battery or go to your local Verizon store and see if they have a demo phone they can use to charge your battery. If you're like me though you will not be lucky in any sense like this so you will have to find the MacGyver inside of you and get a little creative. What you need for this is an old USB cord. One end must be a standard USB cable head and the other can pretty much be anything. Once you have that, follow these steps:
NOTE: I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGE DONE TO ANY PHONE, BATTERY, ETC. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WITH CAUTION TO AVOID RISK OF DAMAGE.
1. Take your cable and cut off one of the ends, leaving a standard USB plug at the opposite end to plug into your computer.
2. Now you need to strip about and inch of the wire off until you get to the core where you should see 4 colored wires (red, black, white, and green). The colors don't really matter and they may vary, just as long as you can see a red wire and a black wire.
3. Strip off about a quarter inch of the rubber sleeving on the red and black cables, exposing the actual metal wire.
4. Twist the metal strands of each of the wires a couple of times so that all of the wires from the black cable are together and all of the wires from the red cable are together. This is just to make sure that you don't create a short circuit.
5. Here's where it gets a little tricky. You are going to use this cable to make the phone think the battery is fully charged, when in fact you will just be powering the phone using the power from the USB port. Pull out the battery on your phone and find the 4 exposed metal slots (the battery terminals).
6. Each of the far terminals should be labeled with a plus (+) or a minus (-). What you need to do is put exposed leads on the red wire up to the positive terminal and the leads of the black wire up to the negative terminal.
7. While still holding the leads on their respective terminals, slide the battery back into place in the phone. MAKE SURE THE WIRES ARE NOT TOUCHING WHEN YOU PUT THE BATTERY INTO THE PHONE! BAD THINGS COULD HAPPEN ONCE YOU PLUG THE CORD INTO THE COMPUTER!
Note: As tested by parm289, you can skip step 7 and just use the cable to charge the battery if you'd like. He recommends allowing it to charge for 6-7 minutes before placing it back into the phone. Thanks parm!
8. Once the battery is in place and the wires are on the correct terminals but not touching each other, plug the USB cord into the computer. If all has gone as it should, the screen on your phone should come on (may have to press the power button) and the phone should be telling you that the battery charge is okay and that it is okay to program. YAY! Your phone is almost back to normal!
9. Go back up to the previous section in this post that tells you how to reflash the .sbf and follow all of the instructions there. Once that has finished flashing the .sbf to your phone, your phone should be back to working order! You will most likely have to redo the entire setup on your phone but at least your phone is no longer a fancy paperweight
ROM overviews:
Note due to the constant change in version numbers, I have may not have updated this list. I will try to keep it updated as I can.
BLUR ROMs: Apex 1.3, ZapX Bazinga, Rubix Blurry 1.8, Simply Stunning X, DarkSlide 4.2, Fusion 2.0, Tranquility 3.7.0 (has option to add blur)
Blur-less ROMs: Tranquility3.7.0, Rubix Focused 1.9.7, Liberty 1.5, Cobalt 1.0 , Ultimate Droid, FlyX, Darkslide 4.2, GummyJar 2.5, Incredibly Re-Engineered 1.0, Obsidian 2.0.2, Fission 2.5.7
LIBERTY 1.5
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=939592
ROM Features:
Base....Originally based on GummyJAR, I would call Liberty's bas a evolution of GummyJAR at this point
95% of all the apps were built from source.... rather than decompiled and hacked apps via APKmanager!! And it shows in pure speed!!!!
Blurless
Wycontacts
Cytown Phone
AOSP Pattern lock
AOSP tab Lockscreen with the option for Rotary as well
Custom terminal emulator with added color options
Reboot option in power down menu
Launcher2 with increased snap velocity
Custom Liberty wallpapers app
Custom Liberty live wallpapers (nexus Mod like, modded from CM source)
Music control's in lockscreen (will control any music source including Pandora)
MusicMod by Eliot Stocker (built from CM source and compiled by Team Liberty)
Inverted Gtalk and Gvoice
Gingerbread keyboard - built by hotaru modified by Team Liberty for better button size
AppWidgetPicker - credit boombuler
Latest Market included
build.prop tweaks - thanks to LexusBrian400
Ads blocked via hosts file - thanks to delta_foxtrot2
10% battery increments support
Clockwork recovery (bootstrap) installs on initial install
Working init.d with config file (start-up scripts)
Liberty scripts:
(Run them in terminal emulator. Type script_name -help for more info)
** ads, allinone, apploc, backup, bootani, cache, camsound, compcache, chglog, donate, exe, fixperms, freemem, install_zip, load, pulldown_text, install_zip, load, market_history pulldown_text, rb, restore,rmapk, setcpu, setprops, slim, sound, switch, symlink, sysro, sysrw, usb, zipalign_apks **
All apps optimized and zip aligned
More to come...
Toolbox Features:
• App Management:
* Apps2SD
* Remove/Backup system/data apps
* Install Add-Ons on the fly (blur, non-blur, extras, etc.)
* Backup/restore feature
• Liberty Mods
* Switch between transition animations
* Change boot logos
* Set Build Properties * File editor included by Fr4gg0r *
* Install Fonts
* Install Themes from the toolbox
* Pulldown-bar text editor
* Icon Chooser (change application and battery icons)
• Liberty Tweaks
* Ad Blocker (Block/Unblock)
* Cache Manager (clear/move to SD)
* Free Memory
* Manage Boot Animation
* Mount system rw, fix permissions, zipalign apps, etc.
• Reboot Options
* Reboot, reboot bootstrap, reboot recovery, powerdown
• Settings
* App Theme (change theme of toolbox)
* Notify for ROM updates/patches
* Lockscreen Settings
* Recovery safe mode
* Overclocking
* Sysctl Support
* Camera Shutter Sound
* Tools (Spare Parts, Dev Tools, Testing Menu)
* Restore apps feature
* Set install location on boot
* Zipalign apps on reboot
* Clear cache on reboot
* Fix permissions on reboot
Rubix 1.9.7
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=927644
Rubix Focused 1.9.7 overview: If you are looking for a ROM with great stability and battery life, then look no further than Rubix Focused 1.9.7. Drod2169 has thrown some amazing scripts in this ROM that allow for app backup, ad-block, and many others. His direct support for the ROM and great speed and responsiveness from his dev work makes it a solid choice. In addition, he has fully customized sysctl.conf to help improve battery life, Java VM management, speed and performance.
* SMART One-Click Overclock App (QuickClock for rubiX) (Credit to Paul Anderson’s amazing work!)
* This is a very brilliant OC app. It configures specifically for your device, and OC’s to the BEST value, and voltage settings for your phone.
**If your max speed turns out to be <1100, it will only overclock to 1100. This is for the sake of Overclocking, and the safety of your device to not push it higher.
* Base is GummyJar (Credit Kejar)
* Full firstboot functionality.
* Rotary Lockscreen Option
* AOSP Settings Menu (No Compass Calibrate/Battery Manager. For Battery Info, check out About Phone/Battery Use)
* GB Keyboard with working size (cause size does matter )
* Theme by Mycahya
* Working 3G HotSpot
* Phone as Modem/USB Tether Option (Instructions stored in rubiX Folder on your SDCard)
* AOSP Lock screen instead of themed Moto tabs!
* Lockscreen pattern no longer on a timer.
* Market Apps installed to Data Partition
* This Includes:
* Maps
* Gmail
* Voice Search
* YouTube
* ADW Launcher
* Street View
* Spare Parts
* Adobe Flash Player
* DL Crutch Lite (For Browser Downloads)
* Tweaks adjusted
* File Manager (Credit to Cyanogen)
Gingerbread Parts: (Credit to Pete)
* Launcher 2
* Gallery 3D
* Alarm Clock
* Desk Clock
SCRIPTS: Credit to Fabulous, JRummy, Sephtin and myself.
adblock: block or view ads
apps: run the script for directions. If you choose restore, you must reboot after for it to take effect
backup: backs up all of your user apps. backup -bk is the correct way to run the script
calc: remove/restore the calculator
carhome: remove/restore the car home launcher
dxeye: remove/restore the DX LWP Please note that this is removed by default, and placed in /data/rubix run the script to restore.
email: remove/restore the email app
fixperm: fixes permissions (credit Koush)
gallery: switches between the 2D (credit to Cyanogen) and 3D AOSP Gallery
genie: remove/restore the news/weather app
office: remove/restore QuickOffice: Please note that this is removed by default, and placed in /data/rubix run the script to restore.
sys: write the system read/only (-ro) or read/write (-rw)
zipalign_apks: zipaligns all the apps in system. Unnecessary since this is ran on every boot!
Fission 2.5.7
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=839246
About Fission: The first generic Android platform for current and future Droid devices. We are a bunch of mad hackers, modders and developers that were not happy with the current model of Droids being "Blurred" so we began a mission to rid our devices from the blurriness of VZW Android systems. It started with a crazy idea of messing with the Droid2 SDK that has turned into a full fledge AOSP generic type of ROM. We have incorporated many features that were only seen in AOSP ROMs before this. Some of the features include Reboot in Power Menu, custom built Framework, vanilla Android GUI, totally blur free app folder and many more AOSP like features to come in the short term future.
Features:
True Vanilla ROM with generic Android feel, not themed to look like one. No blur apps...
Reboot in Power Menu.
Custom Framework - 10% battery increments with display percent number & without.
Overclock ready out of box.
Lots of free memory.
ROM has root and has been deodexed, and zip aligned.
Busybox installed and symlinks have been applied.
Clean base for you to customize how you like.
And many more...
WILL COVER MORE THIS WEEK! Will also clean up this list to cover most important features to reduce lengthy posts.
Short Little MetaMorph Guide for Changing Icons
Had someone in a post ask about changing some battery icons... So this is a little blip about using it...
I recommend checking out DroidPirate.com if you are looking for images. If anyone else has a place they use for icons, please let me know, and I will add it to this post! Thanks
How-To
MetaMorph ONLY installs the current theme files to the app that exist in the /system/app/ if there is no file you must find the .apk on your phone and place it into the /system/app/ directory.
1) pick the icons you want and download the .zip
2) The file should be a “.ZIP” extension, make sure you do not unzip the file.
3) Connect your device via USB and mount
4) On the root of your SD-Card you need to create a folder called “AndroidThemes” IT MUST LOOK EXACTLY LIKE THAT OR IT WILL NOT WORK
5) Copy the .ZIP file you downloaded and place it in the “AndroidThemes” folder.
6) Assuming you already have the MetaMorph application installed on your phone. Open the MetaMorph app.
7) Click on “Unzip/Extract New Theme”
8) You should the .zip file you have added to the AndroidThemes folder like in the image shown below.
9) Click on the file inside of MetaMorph a MetaMorph install screen should come up telling you about the theme you are installing like shown below (just click Close)
10) Now you should see a button located on the bottom click on “Apply All” this will begin the process of the application skinning.
11) You should see a message box that pops up that says “All Themes Applied” like shown below
12) Reboot your phone and make sure whatever app you where skinning is now skinned.
Recovering Contacts If You Lose Backup Assistant When Using a Custom ROM:
For those of you who relied on Backup Assistant in the default Moto ROM for your contacts, you are in luck =)
Go to backupassistant.com and log in. From here, you can see all of the contacts as of your last sync, and then you can back them up as an Outlook CSV. Next, login to your gmail account, click on "Contacts" and then click "Import". Import the .csv file that you generated from backupassistant.com and....VOILA, all of your contacts are now synced to your gmail account, and you can kiss backup assistant goodbye!
SysCtl.conf Tweaks
Credit for this section goes to macpro88 at DroidXforums and Marius from whom macpro mentions below
Liberty 1.0 and Syssctl Config
Listen up everyone! Since the release of Liberty 1.0, JRummy16 also released a new app in the market called Sysctl Config, which gave users an interface to manually edit and tweak the sysctl.conf file. Alongside this, Liberty made it easier to configure the sysctl.conf file using the integrated menu option under Liberty Settings without the use of the app.
Please take special note! That any ROM can utilize these sysctl.conf tweaks, not just Liberty, and rooted stock as well.
(You must be rooted and have busybox installed for this to work on stock)
So what is the purpose of this thread? And what is Sysctl.conf all about?
First of all, we are going to explore what sysctl.conf is.
Second of all, we are going to explore what sysctl.conf does, and what it can do for your phone.
Lastly, we are going to explore how sysctl.conf works and what kind of benefit is has on the Android OS.
Now, before we get started, we need to clear something up! The tweaks and modifications we will discuss in this thread, WILL NOT IN ANYWAY INFLUENCE BENCHMARK SCORES SUCH AS QUADRANT! Benchmark apps are meant to measure hardware performance only and are in no way affected by these tweaks and modifications, but make no mistake! You will notice at least a slight increase in Android's performance and a possible increase in battery life as well.
Another thing that everyone needs to know is that the Android OS is a Linux based operating system, so there will be a lot of references to Linux, just so you are not confused.
So lets get started shall we?!?!
Ok, so first of all, let’s explore what sysctl.conf is.
The sysctl.conf is a configuration file for "sysctl" which is an interface for dynamically changing kernel parameters in the Linux OS. The configuration file contains the following elements, vm.min_free_kbytes, vm.dirty_ratio, vm.dirty_backgroud_ratio, vm.vfs_cache_pressure, vm.oom_kill_allocating_task. There are many other elements within the file, but we will be primarily focusing on these specifically (the vm prefix stands for virtual memory). The sysctl.conf file should be located in /etc (/system/etc) by default. To enable it you need your ROM to execute "sysctl -p" somewhere during the boot process (or shortly afterward). We will also be discussing how to enable it if it is not already done so. You can also run sysctl -p manually to enable it any time after the OS is started.
Now, let’s get down to what sysctl.conf does and how it works.
Min Free KBytes (vm.min_free_kbytes) - This is used to force the Linux VM to keep a minimum number of kilobytes free. The VM uses this number to compute a pages_min value for each lowmem zone in the system. Each lowmem zone gets a number of reserved free pages based proportionally on its size. Default is 2048kb.
Dirty Ratio (vm.dirty_ratio) and Dirty Background Ratio (vm.dirty_background_ratio) control how often the kernel writes data to "disk" (in our case the internal microSD system card, not the removable microSD card). When your apps write data to disk, Linux actually doesn't write the data out to the disk right away, it actually writes the stuff to system memory and the kernel handles when and how the data is actually going to be flushed to the disk. These values represent a percentage, the higher the percentage, the longer it waits to flush, the lower the percentage, the more often flushes will occur. Now remember, we are dealing with solid state storage, not the traditional disk platter and spindle. So we are actually able to delay flushes a little longer with solid state versus a traditional hard drive disk.
VFS Cache Pressure (vm.vfs_cache_pressure) -Now here is where it gets interesting! File system cache (dentry/inode) is really more important than the block cache above in dirty ratio and dirty background ratio, so we really want the kernel to use up much more of the RAM for file system cache, this will increas the performance of the system without sacrificing performance at the application level. The default value is 100, as a percentage, and what you want to do is lower the value to tell the kernel to favor the file system cache and not drop them aggressively.
Oom Allocating Task (vm.oom_kill_allocating_task) (enable or disable, generally in Linux this value is either a "1" or a "0," representing as on or off.) -This enables or disables killing the OOM-triggering task in out-of-memory (oom) situations. If this is set to zero, or disabled, the OOM killer will scan through the entire task list and select a task based on heuristics to kill. This normally selects a rogue memory-hogging task that frees up a large amount of memory when killed. If this is set to non-zero, or enabled, the OOM killer simply kills the task that triggered the out-of-memory condition. This avoids the expensive task list scan, which can take mass amounts of time and "hang" or freeze the system.
This information has been pulled from the following sites:
imoseyon: Sysctl tweaking for faster, longer lasting Android
imoseyon: sysctl (and minfree) tweaks revisited
http://www.linuxinsight.com/proc_sys_vm_hierarchy.html
How to edit the values manually, follow these steps:
1) First enable sysctl from Liberty settings, if you are on Liberty
2) Run Root Explorer
3) Modify /data/liberty/init.d.conf to make sure that sysctl is enabled ("sysctl = 1")
4) Go to /system/etc/, and mount it r/w
5) Modify sysctl.conf by long pressing the sysctl.conf file and selecting "Open in Text Editor." When finished, save the file and exit
6) Run Terminal Emulator
7) Type "sysctl -p" (output should confirm whether you've done step 4&5 correctly)
(Soon to come, how to enable if your ROM does not support sysctl, which will require much more tweaking.)
If you want to check to see if your changes take hold after reboots, run this in Terminal Emulator:
sysctl -a| grep vm
or
sysctl -p
This command will give you all the sysctl values, scroll down to find the ones you edited and verify that they are the same values you changed them too.
Now, if you want the easy way out, our good friend Marius has been great, and created a flash-able .zip that does all of the work for you!
The .zip can be found here, at Marius' blog titled "imoseyon."
When you flash the .zip file, in Bootstrap Recovery, the following will take effect, and please note, any settings you may have altered, will be overwritten!
Applying the .zip will do the following:
1. Install BusyBox 1.18.0 (in an alternate location)
2. Enables cron, which is a Linux time-base job scheduler
3. Tweaks certain kernel elements (vm, minfree, etc.)
4. Tweaks build.prop (on some ROMs)
5. Flushes system caches once a day (1AM PT)
This .zip should be all you need to get your phone running in tip-top shape. The zip is fairly ROM agnostic, meaning that almost any rooted ROM is going to work (rubiX, Liberty, ApeX, Darkslide, etc. and maybe even stock ROM, as long as you are rooted). It should also work for both Droid X and Droid 2.
Please make sure you create a backup before flashing anything!
After you flash the .zip, you can run the following command in Terminal to make sure it was applied successfully:
pgrep -f crond
If you get a value on the following line, the .zip has been applied successfully, don't worry about what number you, everyone may end up with a different number.
If you are really feeling adventurous and are down for a good read, and really want to get to know the Android OS even better, please follow Marius' blog, as it is a great read!
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There really is NO right answer when you research sysctl. The best thing to do would be to search VM Linux tweaks. Most of the time, you'll see sysctl values that people optimizing their Linux systems use. Take a look at those, and then look into the actual name of what you're tweaking, to find out what it does.
VFS Cache Pressure, go ahead and disable that. I think the stock value is 100, so enter that. At the value of "12" which is the default in Liberty (from one of my old sysctl's) causes a slowdown after a while, even though makes everything much more responsive at the get go. The slowdown is why I removed it from rubiX roms. OOM Kill Allocating Task kills off the app that caused you to run out of memory, which runs better than the stock android configuration.
The default values in Liberty sysctl tweaks are what I suggested to JRummy after extensive research and testing with Drod on RubiX. The settings Marius used up above are actually the stock settings, so you would have those values by disabling sysctl all-together, which is definitely an option. By raising the dirty ratio and dirty background ratio to 95 and 60 respectively, you are allowing for fewer memory flushes which results in much improved battery life. I found, as Drod mentioned, that with vfs_cache_pressure too low, you will see some slowdowns in performance at around 50 hours without a reboot. Through additional testing, I determined that a setting of 50 here, half that of stock will provide a good blend of benefits without risk. You would need to be running for something like 150 hours without a reboot in order to ever see a slowdown with this setting. It may be even more than that.
From what I have gathered it seems the general consensus in this thread is that there are two main approaches to this:
vm.min_free_kbytes = a
vm.dirty_ratio = b
vm.dirty_background_ratio = c
vm.vfs_cache_pressure = d
One is the self-maintained, improved overall performance approach:
3072 => a => 2048
95 => b => 70
60 => c => 40
50 => d => 25*
*at 25 you’re probably going to have to reboot after about two days
Recommend values in bold
The other is the automated purge cache controlled, extreme performance approach:
3072 => a => 2048
95 => b => 70
60 => c => 40
10** => d => 1***
**Need to run a script to purge cache every 22-30
*** Need to run a script to purge cache every 10-16
Personal recommendation for most people (no manual flushing required):
dirty_ratio = 90
dirty_background_ratio = 55
vfs_cache_pressure = 20
If you are willing to play around with manual or timed flushing I think you can squeeze a little more performance and battery life with:
dirty_ratio = 90
dirty_background_ratio = 70
vfs_cache_pressure = 1
A lot of this stuff is subjective and very dependent on your usage pattern. I've gone about 3 days with the latter without having to flush and probably could have gone a lot longer except i was running some other experiments that caused my phone to reboot.
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thanks I really needed this thread
Glad to hear it helped. I will be adding to it this weekend hopefully if I can escape from work...
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Your example of a semicolon turned into a winky face instead of a ( ; ). Might wanna put a couple spaces in there for the noobs
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
zwade01 said:
Your example of a semicolon turned into a winky face instead of a ( ; ). Might wanna put a couple spaces in there for the noobs
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, oops. Thanks for catching that. Think I fixed it... But dont think it shows up with the same formatting on my phone, so I cant tell.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
<-- n00b
So I rooted my phone and tried to install a rom with rom manager and nothing happened. I tried manually and no roms appeared in the boot menu. Soooooooo my question is, do I need the bootstrapper app in order to install roms?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
angryjello said:
<-- n00b
So I rooted my phone and tried to install a rom with rom manager and nothing happened. I tried manually and no roms appeared in the boot menu. Soooooooo my question is, do I need the bootstrapper app in order to install roms?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you do.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
angryjello said:
<-- n00b
So I rooted my phone and tried to install a rom with rom manager and nothing happened. I tried manually and no roms appeared in the boot menu. Soooooooo my question is, do I need the bootstrapper app in order to install roms?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if you press on "flash clockwork" that you dont necessarily need bootstrap recovery, as it is built in.
I personally only use bootstrap recovery as you can still do backups/restores, and install themes and Roms. Just one less step in my opinion. I just manually download the ROMs or themes and move them to my sdcard.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
SysAdmin-X said:
I think if you press on "flash clockwork" that you dont necessarily need bootstrap recovery, as it is built in.
I personally only use bootstrap recovery as you can still do backups/restores, and install themes and Roms. Just one less step in my opinion. I just manually download the ROMs or themes and move them to my sdcard.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright so i downloaded a rom from romManager but it won't load it from the app. I located the file on my sd card:
clockworkmod/www sephtin.com/rubix/rubiX.js
Now can i just zip the rubiX folder and do a manual boot to it?
angryjello said:
alright so i downloaded a rom from romManager but it won't load it from the app. I located the file on my sd card:
clockworkmod/www sephtin.com/rubix/rubiX.js
Now can i just zip the rubiX folder and do a manual boot to it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um... I'm not super familiar with ROM manager, as I don't personally use it to download ROMs, but from what I know, that looks like a javascript file, and not a .zip for a ROM or theme installation. This looks more like a script that sephtin may have written... I'm not sure if maybe ROM manager calls a javascript file to install the ROM or not, but to my knowledge, if you download the ROM from within ROM manager, it should be able to install it.
Here is my suggestion (I'm assuming you are trying to install Rubix 1.9.7...
Download the ROM from here:
http://bit.ly/hw6rE8
Then connect your phone to your computer via the usb cable. Put the phone in USB mass storage mode and copy the file you downloaded to your SDcard.
Before installing the ROM, use one of the free apps from the market to backup your SMS messages if you don't want to lose them. Also download Titanium backup to backup your applications and data if you don't want to lose that as well. As for your contacts, if you don't have those backed up to your google (gmail) account, then those will be wiped out as well with the Rubix installation.
Then if you haven't already... download Droid X bootstrap recovery and install it. Open the app, and press the top button to hijack the boot process. Then press the "reboot recovery" button to reboot into bootstrap recovery. When the phone reboots in bootstrap, use the volume up/down buttons to move the green highlighted selection, and the camera button the phone to make your selections. Go to the option that says "Wipe data/factory reset, and do this use the camera button to select this (this will wipe out all the downloaded apps and user data on your phone). Next, use the back arrow button on your phone to get back to the main menu if necessary. Browse to install .zip from sdcard, then locate the Rubix file that you copied to your sdcard and use the camera button to select it. This will then install the Rubix ROM. when it finishes, it should bring you back to the main menu, but if not, use the back arrow button on the phone to get back to the main menu. Choose the "reboot system now" button and it will reboot normally.
From the first reboot after installing, it may take SEVERAL minutes before the phone actually boots up, this is normal; give it some time and let it do its thing. If it does not boot up after 15 minutes, something is wrong, and you should post back here for more help (or browse on the forums and google, they are both your friend).
Good luck!
@SysAdmin-X thanks alot bro i was trying so hard to find that file on the web. Must have not been looking hard enough!
angryjello said:
@SysAdmin-X thanks alot bro i was trying so hard to find that file on the web. Must have not been looking hard enough!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem at all, im glad I could help. Post back if you have more questions
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
So I backed everything up, hit the top and bottom buttons on the bootstrapper app.
took me to the bootstrap recovery. I wiped all the data, then i selected install from zip. Selected the rubiXFocused1.9.7.zip, and the this happened:
Can't Open rubiXFocused1.9.7.zip
(bad)
installation aborted...
Not Good, any idea why?
Great guide for noobs and for-getters like me.
Is their any reason why you don't also include Maderstcok's SBF method ??
Personally I use it every few weeks especially when jumping Rom's so much.
Thanks for all you do.
Ps when I see someone "new" this is one guide that I refer them too.
kdkinc said:
Great guide for noobs and for-getters like me.
Is their any reason why you don't also include Maderstcok's SBF method ??
Personally I use it every few weeks especially when jumping Rom's so much.
Thanks for all you do.
Ps when I see someone "new" this is one guide that I refer them too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I havent included Maderstcok's yet just cuz I havent gotten to type it up =( plan is to get that and hopefully a lot more info.thrown up there this week!
Appreciate you referring people here! My plan is to make this a one stop guide for all the basics at a minimum.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
angryjello said:
So I backed everything up, hit the top and bottom buttons on the bootstrapper app.
took me to the bootstrap recovery. I wiped all the data, then i selected install from zip. Selected the rubiXFocused1.9.7.zip, and the this happened:
Can't Open rubiXFocused1.9.7.zip
(bad)
installation aborted...
Not Good, any idea why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like it might have been a bad download. Try downloading from that link again, if th at doesnt work, here is another link:
http://bit.ly/ga0ejk
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
SysAdmin-X said:
Sounds like it might have been a bad download. Try downloading from that link again, if th at doesnt work, here is another link:
http://bit.ly/ga0ejk
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright bro it worked for sure now! I got it up and running, thanks so much for this op and all the extra help!
Post One: Unlocking and Rooting
Post Two: Installing Roms / Kernels / Tweaks
Post Three: Panic Section / FAQ / Miscellaneous
Unlocking The Bootloader And Obtaining Root
*This part of the tutorial is geared towards Windows users. The MAC instructions are very similar, from what I understand. Install the package the same way. All ADB/Fastboot commands may need to start with "adb-mac" (no quotes) rather than "adb" (no quotes). Due to the vast amount of Linux distros available; instructions will vary for your device. Once ADB/Fastboot are set up all command will begin with "./adb" (no quotes) rather than "adb" (no quotes). Once ADB/Fastboot are set up; this guide is relevant to everyone.*
Time required:
20-40 minutes.
Setting up ADB for our device:
Download the AndroidSDK onto your computer.
Note: Google changes their mind every other week as to if this will be distributed as a .zip or an .exe. If you get an .zip file, simply extract the contents to your C:\ drive. For an .exe install it like you would any other program, but set the path directly to the C:\ drive when the installer asks.
Or...you can use this page to download the "ADB for Dummies AIO App."
This will automatically install ADB for you to your C:\ directory. It's very very simple this way.
If your platform-tools folder doesn't have a fastboot.exe, place this fastboot.exe file in your C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools (or possibly simply called tools, if you set up ADB ages ago) folder.
Now you have ADB installed! Congratulations.
Unlocking the Bootloader:
***NOTE***
This will perform a factory reset on your device. You will lose all applications. Even the data on your SD Card! I'd recommend making a Backup to your computer BEFORE performing this. There is a method for backing your data up, detailed HERE.
For the time being, there is a method available that will allow you to unlock your device (and root it) without losing your data.
For instructions, click HERE. Please note: this is a hack and isn't the "conventional" and "accepted" way of unlocking your bootloader on a nexus device. The wipe requirement is there for your safety, really, and I'm certain this will be patched in the upcoming releases.
Get the drivers:
Uninstall any previously attempted drivers if they don't work and move to the next.
Option One:
Navigate to the "Device Manager" (Control Panel > Device Manager) in Windows and Select the android device. Open the properties and select the "Install Driver" option. Pick the driver with "Install from disk." Ignore any warnings about the driver not being signed properly.
PDAnet's drivers may work if the above options don't. Simply install PDAnet (after uninstalling any previous attempted driver installations) to get the drivers.
While that is downloading, on your Nexus 4: turn USB debugging on.
To do so; you must first go to Settings>About>Build Number and click seven times.
The actual setting can then be found in Settings>Developer Options>USB Debugging
Once the drivers are installed, navigate to the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder on your computer.
Hold shift and right click. Select "Open Command Window Here."
Plug your phone into the computer. Now in this command window type:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
(Hit Enter)
Your phone should now boot into a screen with a green android with his chest exposed.
Type this:
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
(Hit Enter)
If your Command Prompt displays the message "waiting for device" your driver wasn't successfully installed.
Close the Command Prompt window and open Device manager while your phone is still plugged in. (Search for it using the search option).
Right Click the "Android" option and select Update Driver. Choose to "Browse My Computer" and "Let Me Pick From A List." Pick the Driver with the newest date and install it. Now retry the code above.
Your phone will ask if you want to unlock it. Select "Yes" by using the volume keys and use power to select it.
Now, navigate to "Recovery Mode" with the volume keys. Use power to select.
A screen with another Android will pop up. Press Volume Up and Power at the same time.
Select Factory Reset. This process may take a few minutes. Be patient and let it work.
Once finished, select "Reboot."
Your phone is now unlocked!
Obtaining Root Access and Custom Recovery:
Turn on USB Debugging.
To do so; you must first go to Settings>About>Build Number and click seven times.
The actual setting can then be found in Settings>Developer Options>USB Debugging
Download the following:
SuperSU (CWM .zip)
CWM (Pick the version for your device)
Place the recovery-clockwork-VERSIONNUMBER-mako.img file into your C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder.
Put the SuperSU.zip on your phone.
Open another Command Prompt if it isn't still open. (Navigate to C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools and shift + right click. Select "Open Command Window Here.")
With your phone plugged in type:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
(Hit Enter)
And wait for your phone to boot into the android again.
Now type:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery IMAGENAME.img
(Change the file name to the correct file name and Hit Enter)
Once that is finished: select the "Recovery Mode" option again on your phone.
You should get a new recovery menu here. Select "install zip from sd card" and "choose zip from sd card."
Find the SuperSU.zip that you transferred earlier and select "Yes" to installing.
Navigate back to "Reboot" and reboot your phone.
You're now rooted!
However, ClockworkMod Recovery won't continue to load after this.
To fix this, find "Rom Manager" from the market. (The free version is fine.) Use the "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery" option.
If your recovery still doesn't stick around after a reboot, you have another couple options. Find a file explorer that allows root access, such as Root Explorer. Use this program to rename /system/etc/install-recovery.sh to /system/etc/install-recovery.bak. You'll need to mount the system as r/w to do this. Root Explorer provides a button at the top to do so.
Or, you can do this completely manually by firing up ADB again and running a few commands:
Code:
adb shell
(Hit Enter)
Code:
su
(Hit Enter)
Code:
mount -o remount,rw -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 /system
(Hit Enter)
Code:
mv /system/etc/install-recovery.sh /system/etc/install-recovery.bak
(Hit Enter)
Congratulations!
Your phone is now unlocked, rooted, and has a custom recovery!
Continue reading the next posts for info on getting custom roms, kernels, tweaks, and more!
***I take no responsibility for what happens to your phone due to following this guide! That being said, not only am I sure you'll be fine...but there are an endless amount of users who would be glad to help if you need it.***
Thanks:
Google, for making Android a reality.
VanillaTbone, for the ADB AIO app.
Efrant, for posting about a bootloader locking utility without USB.
ClockworkMod team, for being a part of making our phones as awesome as they are.
The assorted developers, who continue to push out amazing material for us to use.
The awesome community, for endlessly supporting both Android itself and its users.
Installing Custom Roms Kernels and Tweaks
All of the instructions below require your bootloader to be unlocked. Please follow the guide above and return here when you're done.
Backing Your Files Up:
Time required:
15-25 minutes.
Making a Nandroid
The first thing you're going to want to do is back up your phone's entire system. This is done by making a "nandroid."
To do this, boot into ClockworkMod Recovery. To accomplish this: Turn your phone off. Once it is completely off: hold both volume buttons and the power button until the Android with his chest exposed is displayed. Navigate to the "Recovery Mode" option and select "backup."
This will take some time. Be patient and let it finish. This process is important! You should always have a recent nandroid available on your device.
Backing Your Data Up
Install Titanium Backup from the market.
Open Titanium Backup. A Superuser request should pop up. Allow it. Note: if Titanium Backup then says it failed to obtain root access; press the menu button and select more>reload application.
Press menu>batch. Select "Backup all User Apps." Select all and "Run the Batch Operation."
Let the process complete. This may take quite some time: depending on how many applications you have installed.
You can now backup your Text Messages, Bookmarks, and WiFi addresses with Titanium Backup as well.
Press Menu>Backup Data To XML to do so.
Backing Your Contacts Up
Note: This process may or not be useful to you. The Google servers should automatically import any contacts you have stored back whenever you install a new rom. Also note that Facebook/Google+/etc contacts will need to be synced again through their respective applications.
Open the Contacts application.
Press the Menu button.
Select import/export.
Export to storage.
Installing A Rom (Or Kernel/Radios/Tweaks/Themes/etc.)
Time Required:
5-10 minutes.
Note:
Follow the guide above about backing your phone up before attempting!
This guide will also work for flashing kernels/radios/themes/tweaks/etc. Simply ignore the part about wiping data and wipe whatever the thread says you should. You only need to restore data after a rom install.
Find a Rom You'd Like To Try:
Nexus 4 Original Development
Nexus 4 Development
Download the rom you'd like to try on your device.
Most roms also require you to install "gapps" as well.
You can find the correct ones for the rom you're using in the rom thread.
Make sure the Rom and Gapps are on your SD card.
Now, open Google Wallet (if you have it installed) and press Options>Settings>Reset Google Wallet. This will prevent the "Secure Element" errors some users have experienced.
Boot into ClockworkMod Recovery by turning your device completely off. Hold volume up, volume down, and power until the green Android with the open chest is displayed. Navigate to "Recovery Mode" with the volume buttons and select using the power button.
Remember to have a recent nandroid before continuing!
Navigate to "wipe data/factory reset" and select it. Select "yes."
Wait for the process to complete. This may take some time. Be patient!
Once complete: Navigate to "Install Zip from SD card" and "Choose zip from SD card."
Find the rom's .zip and install it. Once that completes install any applicable gapps' .zip.
Select the "Reboot" option.
Congratulations! Your phone should now boot into the custom rom!
Follow the prompts to re-activate your phone.
Restoring Your Applications / Contacts / Nandroid
Time Required:
5-15 minutes.
Restoring Your Applicaions
Install Titanium Backup. Note: you may want the pro key. If you have it, you won't have to manually click "install" on each application. The process is completely automated. Open Titanium Backup (grant root access. If titanium says it failed to obtain root access, press menu>more>reload application). Press menu>batch>restore missing apps with data. Now, here you have a choice to make. Do you want a completely clean install? Select "app only" and run the batch operation (Deselect Google Wallet first. We don't want to risk restoring wallet in any way. Install it manually through the Play Store.). Do you want all of your application data (saved games/settings/etc)? Select "app+data" and run the batch operation (Deselect Google Wallet first. We don't want to risk restoring wallet in any way. Install it manually through the Play Store.). This MAY cause you problems or it may not. Personally, I often restore application data and seldom run into any trouble. If you do find that restoring data caused problems, follow the guide above to re-install your rom and restore without data. This process will take some time. Be patient (I'd suggest turning your screen off so the screen doesn't burn, but that's just me.) It will vibrate upon completion.
You can now restore your Text Messages, Bookmarks, and WiFi addresses if you backed them up by pressing Menu>Restore Data From XML.
Note:
Overclocking/CPU tweaking applications should never be restored with data. Simply deselect it from the list.
Facebook/Haxsync/Google+ may have problems restoring your contacts when installed through Titanium Backup. Simply uninstall and reinstall through the market (and be sure to log in and select to sync your contacts again).
Also, if you have NFC Task Launcher successfully launching Tasker tasks with your stickers: they may not immediately work.
Through my testing, it's as simple to fix as uninstalling NFC Task Launcher and Tasker. Restore Tasker first. Then restore NFC task launcher.
Restoring Your Contacts
If google fails to restore your contacts (not facebook/haxsync/google+/etc) you may import them manually if you backed them up.
Open the contacts application and press menu>import/export>import from storage.
Restoring A Nandroid
If your phone is acting funny or won't boot...restore a nandroid from a previous rom or working set-up.
You may also use a Nandroid to switch back to a previous rom if you decide you don't like the one you're on.
Do this by booting into ClockworkMod Recovery (hold volume up, volume down, and power while your phone is off and navigate to "Recovery Mode").
Simply select "restore" and find the most recent (or relevant) backup.
This process will take some time. Be patient and let it complete! Once done, select "Reboot."
Note:
Nandroids are stored in the "clockworkmod" folder on your SD card. They take up quite a bit of space. ALWAYS have at least one recent one on your SD card. However, since these are huge files: you may like to delete old ones to save space. You must delete backups by booting into CWM and navigating to Backup and Restore>Delete.
Important Notes About Restoration
I outline the method of using Titanium Backup above for a reason. Restoring system applications and data is the most common cause of problems on custom roms. For this reason, always ONLY restore "missing applications" from "user applications" that were backed up when restoring onto a new rom. Every time you restore system data or applications a narwhal sodomizes your favorite childhood cartoon. This is FACT.
Installing Alternate Custom Recoveries
If you find a custom recovery (such as the touch-recovery options) that came as a .img file:
Use these instructions to flash. Plug your phone into the computer. Open up ADB. Move the .img to the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder.
Type the following:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
(Hit Enter)
You can also manually boot to the bootloader by powering off and holding volume down, volume up, power buttons until the green Android with his chest exposed is displayed.
Then type:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery FILENAME.img
(Replace the file name with whatever the .img is called and Hit Enter).
Wait for the process to complete and reboot.
***I take no responsibility for what happens to your phone due to following this guide! That being said, not only am I sure you'll be fine...but there are an endless amount of users who would be glad to help if you need it.***
Panic Section! (Something is Wrong)
Q: My phone won't boot!
A: The easiest option is to get into recovery and restore a nandroid using the above guide (pull battery to put phone in an off-state if needed).
However, more advanced options are available if you don't have a nandroid available (You're naughty).
Do you have another rom .zip available on your SD card? If so, simply use the above guide for installing a rom to get you booting again.
If not, you can download one on your PC. Boot into fastboot (the green Android with open chest menu). Navigate to recovery and select it with the power button.
Move the .zip to the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder.
Open ADB.
Change the NAMEOFZIP.zip below to the correct file name...and perform the action.
Code:
adb push NAMEOFZIP.zip /sdcard/NAMEOFZIP.zip
(Hit enter)
You may have to reboot recovery to get the file to show up. Now follow the guide above for flashing a rom to get you booting again.
Did you install a tweak that modified only a file or two on your phone? (Find this out by opening the .zip and looking in the folders (ignore META-INF). Good news! We MAY be able to recover you completely. If this doesn't work...you'll have to follow another method.
Get your phone into fastboot (the boot-menu that allows you to select recovery/reboot/etc). Navigate to Recovery. Start up ADB. Pull the files that were modified out of the stock rom's .zip (using whatever tweak you were installing as reference to find what was changed) that you're on into the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder. Now we're going to push these files onto your phone...replacing the tweaked ones and hopefully getting you booted again. Use this code, but change the values of the file name and where it should reside. This is only an example!
Code:
adb shell
(Hit Enter)
Code:
su
(Hit Enter)
Code:
mount -o remount,rw -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 /system
(Hit Enter)
This will mount your system so you can write to it.
Code:
exit
(Hit Enter)
This should exit shell and allow the use of adb commands again. You may need to type it a couple of times (until the #_ changes back to the platform_tools> prompt).
Code:
adb push framework-res.apk /system/framework/framework-res.apk
(Press enter after each file that you need to replace).
Note: This last option probably won't work. I'd just skip over it unless you're absolutely adamant about restoring your current setup and want to try everything possible.
Q: I want my SDcard files from my phone...but I'm in a situation where I need to flash stock images! This will erase my SD content. What can I do to save it?
A: Do you have a custom recovery installed? If not, download a custom recovery from post one in this guide and flash it using those instructions. You'll need to be in a custom recovery in order to obtain ADB access without booting your phone. Boot into recovery (With phone turned off: hold Power and Volume+ and Volume- until the bootloader pops up and navigate to "Recovery"). Run the command:
Code:
adb pull /sdcard/ /SDCARD/
(Hit Enter)
This will put all of your files into a folder called "SDCARD" in your C:\ drive. Keep in mind that this will take a LONG time. Maybe a couple of hours.
To restore once you're booting again:
Move the "SDCARD" folder you created from your C:\ drive to the platform-tools folder. *Then input:
Code:
adb push SDCARD /sdcard/
(Hit Enter)
Q: How do I make an "ADB Backup?"
A: An ADB Backup will backup your phones data (applications and their settings). Follow the guide HERE about ADB Backups.
Q: My phone gets really sluggish and often turns off or reboots on its own.
A: Without knowing anything about your situation...I'd say you either have severely bad data somewhere or some bad kernel tweaks. Use the rom install guide above, paying close attention to the part about backing up and restoring if you haven't already. In the case of a kernel problem, you're likely undervolting too low. Restore the stock kernel values and see if your problems subside.
Q: My phone screen won't turn on! This requires a battery pull to fix.
A: This is called a "Black Screen of Death" or BSOD. This is generally due to using a hotplug governor (one that turns cores off with the screen off) or possibly undervolting your device too low. Change governors or up your slots a bit.
Q: My phone is doing really weird things. Regardless of kernel/rom and even if I don't restore any data at all! Either that or I simply cannot boot up! My phone is possessed no matter what I do!
Download the stock IMAGES for your device and extract the files using 7-zip. Move all of the extracted files to your platform-tools folder. Open the flash-all.sh file with a text editor. Copy and paste the commands (one by one) and wait for each process to complete for continuing.
FAQ
Roms/Kernels
Q: What is the best rom?
A: The "best" rom is a matter of opinion. Do you like a certain customization and can't live without it? Use a rom that has that option.
Q: What is the best rom for battery life?
A: Roms themselves really shouldn't impact your battery all that much. They can have an impact, but if you're really looking for better battery I'd suggest swapping kernels or tweaking yours.
Q: What is the best rom for stability?
A: All of the roms out are "stable." They may have options that don't work correctly, but generally: this is user error. If you follow my advice on installing a rom, you'll end up with MUCH fewer bugs.
Q: What is the best kernel?
A: The best kernel is a matter of opinion. Some users may love one, while others swear by another. Find one you like and tweak it accordingly.
Q: How do I tweak a kernel for better battery?
A: Generally, you'll want to either change your governor and or undervolt and or underclock your kernel. This is done either by using SetCPU or similar apps, or with an option in your rom (usually labeled "performance" or something similar). Take note: extremely high/low voltages may cause instability. Never "set at boot" until you've thoroughly tested the options you've set. Testing includes low strain (like turning your screen off for an hour) and high strain (like playing a game for an hour) scenarios. To be extra safe: run the values for a couple days before setting them at boot. Follow the users ideas in the kernel's threads for some guidelines. However, remember that not all values will play nicely with all phones.
Miscellaneous
Q: Why isn't Google Wallet working at [store]?
A: I'm not sure if it's a Google Wallet problem, or a problem with the terminal. But I personally struggle to find a terminal that consistently works in my area. Something that has generally worked for me is to open wallet and go to Options>Reset Google Wallet. You must then re-add any cards you had.
Q: Does my ass look good in these shorts?
A: Yes.
Neat Ideas / How to Show Off the Nexus 4
-Get some NFC stickers. Tagstand has them available.
You can use these to make your phone perform certain tasks when you touch the sticker. Use NFC Task Launcher to define the tasks. These are capable of doing simple things like muting your volume to the more complex like turning on Tasker tasks that do things like auto-reply to text messages while you're at work.
-Do you have any suggestions? Submit them below!
***I take no responsibility for what happens to your phone due to following this guide! That being said, not only am I sure you'll be fine...but there are an endless amount of users who would be glad to help if you need it.***
ADB Backups:
SDcard backup:
Code:
adb pull /sdcard/ /sdcard/
(This will pull all of your sdcard contents to an "sdcard" folder in your C:\ directory)
Applications and their data:
Take note, that you'll need to be using CyanogenMod's method for setting up ADB to do this. The ADB AIO application installs an older SDK without this functionality. First, get your drivers installed (detailed in post one). Once you get ADB installed (post one), navigate to the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder on your computer. Hold shift and right click. Select "Open Command Window Here."
Input this while your phone is turned on and USB Debugging is Enabled:
To do so; you must first go to Settings>About>Build Number and click seven times.
The actual setting can then be found in Settings>Developer Options>USB Debugging
Type this:
Code:
adb backup -apk -noshared -all -nosystem
(Hit Enter)
Your phone will ask for a password. Input one and remember it.
Once the process completes: continue with unlocking and rooting your phone.
Restoration:
Upon unlocking and rooting your phone: open up ADB again.
Enter this code:
Code:
adb restore backup.ab
(Hit Enter)
Input the password you saved to this file earlier, and wait for the restore to complete.
To restore your SDcard backup, first move the "sdcard" folder that was made in the backup process to your platform-tools folder.
Then run:
Code:
adb push sdcard /sdcard/
Do you have to install "ADB" ?
As far as like...clicking it and letting the windows installer install...no.
The exe file will read the commands in cmd without "installation."
Nice Work!
I've just added this guide to the Nexus 4 Complete Index
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Great work!!! nice and clean reading!
Can this guide include information on how to re-lock bootloader and unroot the device? Does this informaiton exist?
I need to RMA my phone due to dead pixels and I want to make sure I dont have any issues with the warranty.
jayluke said:
Can this guide include information on how to re-lock bootloader and unroot the device? Does this informaiton exist?
I need to RMA my phone due to dead pixels and I want to make sure I dont have any issues with the warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post 3.
fastboot oem lock
Locks the device.
How long is the first boot, after unlocking the bootloader, supposed to take? Mine's sitting there for quite a while already. (I had a lot of stuff installed, but still, this is really long.)
EDIT: When rebooting the custom recovery, you have to say "yes" to the message it gives you, something about keeping some recovery. I had originally said no because I didn't flash it, I just booted it once.
I just got my nexus yesterday, and this isnt the first phone that I have rooted.... however... my settings on the thing are extremely basic..
How do I enable usb debugging if I dont have the option in the settings?
Thanks
Chris
---------- Post added at 03:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 PM ----------
I just got my nexus yesterday, and this isnt the first phone that I have rooted.... however... my settings on the thing are extremely basic..
How do I enable usb debugging if I dont have the option in the settings?
Thanks
Chris
Edit: Got an app to enable it... still not in the menu though.
wizshaw said:
I just got my nexus yesterday, and this isnt the first phone that I have rooted.... however... my settings on the thing are extremely basic..
How do I enable usb debugging if I dont have the option in the settings?
Thanks
Chris
---------- Post added at 03:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 PM ----------
I just got my nexus yesterday, and this isnt the first phone that I have rooted.... however... my settings on the thing are extremely basic..
How do I enable usb debugging if I dont have the option in the settings?
Thanks
Chris
Edit: Got an app to enable it... still not in the menu though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh geeze!
I forgot.
Settings>about>version number I think...
Click 7 times to enable developer options.
Will update op soon.
Quick question: is there a reason the first post links to SuperSU version 0.98, when version 0.99 is the most recent? If version 0.99 has known issues with the Nexus 4, I don't want to use it on my device.
The 0.99 version came out after this guide was posted. I was offered to upgrade to the new version of supersu from 0.98 and so far no problem at all.
Does this work on the latest version of JB (4.2.1)?
When installing a new ROM it says to perform a factory reset through CWM, which will remove all apps and data but should keep all your pictures, videos, songs etc.
It doesn't mention to wipe the System partition as well. Is this not necessary when flashing ROMs on a Nexus?
Prior to owning the N4 I had the Galaxy S 2 and it was always stated in the OP instructions to wipe data/factory reset, wipe system, clear cache, clear dalvik and then flash ROM and Gapps.
However, I don't notice in any guides or instructions for N4 ROMS to wipe the system partition, just the data partition. Is there a reason for this or is it not necessary to wipe the system partition? Thanks. Great guide by the way.
Peace
thank u for ur effort
Chochiwpg said:
When installing a new ROM it says to perform a factory reset through CWM, which will remove all apps and data but should keep all your pictures, videos, songs etc.
It doesn't mention to wipe the System partition as well. Is this not necessary when flashing ROMs on a Nexus?
Prior to owning the N4 I had the Galaxy S 2 and it was always stated in the OP instructions to wipe data/factory reset, wipe system, clear cache, clear dalvik and then flash ROM and Gapps.
However, I don't notice in any guides or instructions for N4 ROMS to wipe the system partition, just the data partition. Is there a reason for this or is it not necessary to wipe the system partition? Thanks. Great guide by the way.
Peace
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually have a question along these lines.
I just came from a LG G2X so things were different for me whenever I flashed ROM's/kernels. For one thing, I had an external sd card so whenever CWM made it's backups, they went to that automatically and I didn't have to worry about wiping since everything was on the external. This phone doesn't have an external so where do the backups go? From the looks of the new CWM 6.0.2.0, the backups (and blobs now apparently) go to /data/media/clockworkmod. Well I guess my question here is if you have to wipe /data for installing new ROM's, how would I restore a backup because they would have been deleted off the /data partition. I tried adb pulling /data/media/clockworkmod to my computer but it won't go. Don't know if it's because that partition is mounted while the phone is in use or what. I tried the mount/umount command that OP listed but it won't work for me. Don't want to flash ANYTHING on this phone until I know for a fact I can get to the backups that I'm creating.
This guide is compiled of various guides and threads that I've read and I want
to sum it all up in one post so you can root your HTC Dream (G1)
*many if not all rooting guides are incomplete or missing download links – I will do my best to keep links
posted and alive!
!!READ AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!! DO AT OWN RISK. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE
FOR BRICKING YOUR PHONE.
I've compiled all of the files necessary and uploaded them to my drop
box
INDEX:
-|1|: Setting up adb and fastboot
-|2|: Rooting
-|3|: Changing hboot versions
-|4|: No recovery?
-|5|: Un-Root
*This guide assumes you are using Windows but Linux and iOS will be able to use most of it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First off thanks to Demkantor since he was my sensai in a way (wax on wax off style)
Then thanks to HTCDreamOn, EzTerry, Cyanogenmod and all the developers out there that make all of this possible!
This is the optional ADB and Driver setup. I recommend you follow it through as it would make things easier in the future. This is more a reference post.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
1: ADB and Fastboot setup with HTC Drivers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------
In order to do certain things that pertain of flashing radios and hboots you are going to need ADB and
fastboot. This is also useful for The Google Bypass if you dont have data or an activated sim card.
Go ahead and download this zip
Extract the zip file straight to your local disk. (You should get something like this
afterwards "X:\Android" x being the letter of your local disk)
Now that you have that on your local disk. Go to X:\Android and install HTCDriver3.0.0.007.exe. (This
has most if not all HTC USB drivers)
Finally add a path in order to access ADB and Fastboot from cmd on the computer.
Click on the Start button and right click "My Computer" and choose
"Properties".
Now you should be in "System Properties" under the
"General" tab, go to the "Advanced" tab and click
"Environment Variables".
Now you'll be in "Environment Variables", Now under the
"System Variables" scroll down to "Path" and highlight
it by clicking on it and now click "edit".
IMPORTANT be sure to not delete ANY of the
variable values already in the "Variable Value" section. Now that that is
clear, go ahead and ADD this to the "Variable Value"
section: ";X:\Android" (Obviously replace X with your appropriate local disk letter and without
quotations)
You now have setup ADB and Fastboot.
But in order to use ADB and Fastboot you must go back to "Start" click or search
for run, type in cmd and you will now have command prompt open.
NOTE: I will not post what the command are since all you have to do is type in "adb" or "fastboot" in the command prompt and it will show you the sub
commands for each perspective command.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-----------------------------------------------------
2: Rooting
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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--------------------------------
-----------------
Step 1
-----------------
Assuming you're not on stock Android 1.0 follow steps 1-6, if already on android 1.0 skip to step 7 (1 when item is hidden).
This link is for RC29 (US)
*Optional is the update.zip as it seems to not work for some other wise you can skip the update.zip flash*
But if you need RC7 (UK) then use this link
Now plug in your phone and go to USB-MS. Go ahead and right click your USB-MS drive that appears
on your computer and hit "Format..". Now under file system be sure to set it
as FAT32 then hit format. Depending on how much memory your SD card is will
effect how long it will take. Once it is done move the DREAIM.NBH and update.zip into the
root of the SD card.
*only do this step if you got the update.zip file otherwise skip this step* Now power down your phone and boot up into Recovery mode (Home+Power).
You'll see an exclamation point with a triangle if you booted correctly. At this point
press "ALT+L" then you want to wipe all data so press
"ALT+W" then press "ALT+S" to
apply the update from the SD card.
Power down your device and boot it back up into fastboot mode (Camera+Power). It'll prompt you
if you'd like to install update hit prompted button and wait, this may take a bit and it won't be done
untill it prompts you that it is done so do not worry if it seems like its taking long and DO
NOT battery pull while it is installing.
Power down and now boot normally. You now have android 1.0 stock.
Sign-in into google.
GOOGLE BYPASS METHOD : only necessary if you do not
have data or an activated sim card or no sim card at all. But Wifi is required.
("<enter>" is actually the actual enter button so when it says "<enter>" press the enter button AKA return button)
Power on your phone but do not press anything. Plug your phone in via USB.
Slide your keyboard up type this is: "<enter>setprop persist.service.adb.enable 1<enter>". (Since you are on 1.0 this actually a command to enable USB Debugging although
you can't see anything)
Your pc will detect another device and begin installing drivers. (This is what HTC drivers installer was
for so your device will be installed correctly)
Now open cmd via run on your computer. Type in "adb devices" and it should show your device.
Example :
Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>adb devices
* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *
* daemon started successfully *
List of devices attached
HT844GZ64748 device
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>adb devices
List of devices attached
HT844GZ64748 device
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(You only see this: "adb devices
* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *
* daemon started successfully *" when its the first adb command your run when you open cmd)
type: telnetd<enter>
now on the computer using the command prompt type: adb forward tcp:23 tcp:23
then press enter
type: telnet localhost
press enter and you should see a # as you should have a root shell (while in this shell in order to backspace you must press the "Delete" button on your keyboard as pressing backspace will not do anything)
type: setprop app.setupwizard.disable 1
press enter
type: ps
press enter, this will show all the running processes
on the right column look for "com.android.setupwizard" then once that is located follow that line on to the second column from the left, the number in that column is the PID
type: kill PID
replace PID with the number that you found from the second column
It should now be at the home screen, if not press the "Emergency Call" button and press back and then you should be able to unlock the phone with the "Menu" button.
Now you can go to the settings connect with wifi and then bring down the notification that says you need to set up your account to sign in with your google email
Go to the market and download "TelNet" app. Once you have
it installed, go to USB-MS and put this recovery image onto the root of your SD card. reboot your device but do not press
anything or unlock the screen.
Once booted up slide your keyboard up, will unlock the device, and press the enter button twice and
type this in "telnetd" then hit enter (It’ll be a contact search but it’s okay). Now
go open Telnet app, and hit connect. If you did the telnetd part correctly you
will be prompted with a #. Otherwise you'll get a connection failed message, if
so reboot device and attempt the telnetd command again.
Type these commands in on your phone:
Press enter after each line
mount -o rw,remount -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
cd sdcard
flash_image recovery recovery.img
cat recovery.img > /system/recovery.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You now successfully flashed Amon_RA_ Recovery. :good:
You may reboot into your new recovery (power on holding home button) and flash a custom ROM. But
I do suggest upgrading your bootloader and radio first as the amount of ROMs available to you will be
much greater!
-----------------
Step 2
-----------------
Okay so now we will be updating to radio2.22.23.02 and DangerSPL.
Reboot into recovery mode (POWER+HOME), plug your phone in via USB and toggle USB-ms and delete everything off your SD card and placethese files onto the root of your SD card. Exit USB toggle.
Scroll down to wipe data and do so.. than go to "flash .zip file" now the first file you want to flash is the radio2.22.23.02 let finish then press home+back to apply update, it should reboot back to recovery after this.
Now go to wipe again and do so.. the next file you want to flash is the G1 Spl (Hard SPL) so flash the .zip file and let finish than press home+back to apply update.
Go to wipe data 1 more time. now go to flash zip and select the "Danger SPL.zip" let finish and press home+back to apply update.
Power back on into bootloader (camera+power) and check if device says.
Dream PVT 32b ENG S-off
HBOOT 1.33.2005 (drea10000)
CPLD-4
RADIO 2.22.23.02
APR 20, 2009, 15:30:43
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If so you can move on to the next part!
-----------------------------------------*
Step 3
-----------------------------------------
Again delete the old files off your sd card and place these files on it!!
Quick note this is the last radio update for this section, radio2.22.27.08, now if you want radio update 2.22.28.25 refer to the changing hboot section and it will have the steps to do so.
Radio 2.22.28.25 may have better reception in your area but will drain your battery quicker.
Boot up into recovery mode, go to flash zip from sd and select Ohsaka superwipe. wait till finish then go to power down!! now boot back up into recovery again.
Now do a manual wipe of data and cache.
Now flash the radio2.22.27.08 file.. let finish than flash the hboot1.33.0013d file and let it finish! then reboot the device for update to apply.
Power off the device, then reboot into bootloader (camera+power) and check if device says.
Dream PVT 32b SHIP S-on
HBOOT 1.33.0013d (drea10000)
CPLD-4
RADIO 2.22.27.08
OCT 21,2009,22:33:27
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*If so you now have updated both your radio and SPL and you can now flash any ROM you'd like.
But if you'd like you can follow the next step and install a custom ROM and I will show you how to partition your SD card as well.
-----------------------------------------*
Step 4
-----------------------------------------
Okay so now that you have completed step 3 you can flash a custom rom but now we must partition the SDcard.
Reboot into recovery mode and go to Partition SDcard
Partition SD. Press home.
Now I have 4GB micro SD hc. My partition settings are*
Swap: 128mb (swap is not needed and is purely optional)
Ext: 576mb ( or whichever option is closest to that I can't remember, this is for apps2ext so you can save your apps to your sd card)
Rest: FAT32 (this will once again delete everything but you should have all your backed up data on your pc)
This is what I have for my partitionings and it's works fine for me and it should for you too!
Once that is done go to SD:ext2 to ext3 and once that is done upgrade the ext3 to ext4. You now have a partitioned SD card with EXT4!!
Now all that is needed is to flash the custom ROM. I am currently running this ROM.
Now return to toggle USB-ms and place the ROM zip file from the link above as well with Ohsaka superwipe from the previous step (download it once again)
Go to flash zip file and flash Ohsaka superwipe.
Power down. Reboot into recovery.
Now return to flash zip file and flash the ROM which should be named FroyoCreamSandwhich. Once it is done it will prompt you to press HOME+BACK do so.
Now reboot your phone normally and allow it to boot up (it may take a bit the first time but this is normal when you flash a new ROM). You will now be given the option to sign in create an new account or skip (although I believe it has the option to connect to wifi built in). You now have flashed your New ROM!!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-----------------------------------------------------
3: Changing HBOOT version
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------
This option is for which ever reason you need the flash recovery/radio/etc you need the Engineer SPL. which is the SPL from step 2 in rooting. although since if you are already rooted and have the latest HBOOT then that route is not the way to go.
So in order to go back to that engineer SPL all you need to do is flash Engineering SPL zip in recovery.
Then you can proceed to update radio/ recovery etc and then flash back to the latest HBOOT which is 0013d so just download
Hboot0013dand flash it through fastboot with this command: fastboot flash hboot hboot.img
--------------------------------
No Recovery?
--------------------------------
Download: http://d-h.st/v9b2erpqfyd7/orange-1.58.73.2.nbh
Like always place the file in the same folder as the fast boot directory.
Enter fastboot and run "fastboot flash nbh orange-1.58.73.2.nbh"
Wait for it complete the flash
Boot into boot loader again and you will have an engineer SPL 1.42.2000
Now you can flash any hboot/recovery/radio via fastboot.
--------------------------------
Unroot
--------------------------------
ldrifta said:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5~Un-Rooting
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Download these files...
DREAIMG.nbh
update.zip
Now would be a good time to un partition your sd card since there will no longer be a custom recovery..
1. first you take the "DREAIMG.nbh" file and the first "update.zip" file and place on root of sdcard!
2. start phone in recovery mode (home+power) do a quick wipe of everything! than flash the update.zip file.. wait for finish than reboot or power off.. whatever prompts tell you. than make sure device is powered off after finished installing!
3. power on via fastboot (camera+power) and wait for selection to pop up asking to install the update! press confirmation button to apply and let it work its magic!!
Now your phone will be on stock android 1.0 firmware! you have 2 options..
a. wait for automated updates.. could take up to 48 hrs..
b. flash updates to 1.5 and or 1.6 via stock recovery!
if you chose option b than you are smart! lol who wants to wait for updates for a G1 nowadays? lol
ok so now to apply updates via stock recovery you do what you would normally do.
Download these files...
Stock 1.5 (OTA)
Stock 1.6 (OTA)
(the stock 1.5 and 1.6 files are also "update.zip" so be sure not to mix them up and confuse the proccess!!)
1. Place files on root of sd.. DO NOT RENAME FILES, the stock recovery will only flash an "update.zip" so please dont make any changes to file.names...
2. boot into recovery mode (home+power) and wait for screen with yellow triangle and this thing ! now press alt+L together untill you see more words pop up on screen..
3. Now press alt+w to wipe the data on phone... (just do it dont ask why) lol after wipe is complete press alt+s to apply update! once it's finished reboot your device and you are ready to go!!
unfortunately the 1.6 i provided is not the DMD40, you still have to wait for that automatic update lol i have the 1.6 before the update... it is the official tmobile firmware its just not the latest.. never really bothered to search for latest one..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if any of those links are down post a reply and i will get a mirror up as soon as possible!
Hi mate, welcome to the G1 forums, good comprehensive guide, added to The G1 Oracle :good:
Thanks for this, watching for the rest with baited breath! You have written up the bit I have done but really cant seem to get through the next phase properly lol.
Your welcome guys. I ran up with some problems and my pc isn't available so ill try finishing this soon (probably in my iPod).
Okay yes this is perfect I can generate the links via the Dropbox app so hopefully this should be done soon!
Wow phew that took longer than expected (about 3 hours) safari is a horrible browser. Kept on crashing. Finally did all of it on notes and just pasted it on, revised and posted I hope this helps out! I will have the next steps up soon but for now you should be able to root your htc g1 with no problems what so ever have fun rooting guys. :laugh: I'm heading off to sleep. I'm exhausted. Later.:silly:
HTCDreamOn said:
Hi mate, welcome to the G1 forums, good comprehensive guide, added to The G1 Oracle :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
I decided to finish up the rooting part since there was activity on the topic. Feel free to look over it just in case I may have missed something. I doubt it but hey we're not all perfect. Exhausted but pretty satisfied on how things are coming out. Mainly I'm happy to see that this is on the G1 oracle and that this this is recognized as a contribution to the g1 forums!
luggag3 said:
Thanks for this, watching for the rest with baited breath! You have written up the bit I have done but really cant seem to get through the next phase properly lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rest is up for rooting! Have fun rooting!
Can anyone repost the file from part 1? It doesnt work...
Good work, thread stickied.
Thank you,
mf2112
XDA Moderator
duse1986 said:
Can anyone repost the file from part 1? It doesnt work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one?
duse1986 said:
Can anyone repost the file from part 1? It doesnt work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the incovienience but since majority of this post was made on my iPod using notes since safari is higly unreliable with desktop version sites. This the format of notes is kept when copying to the post editor. Thus this is how the link was copied:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y3slprukiqrt9nv/
EXAMPLE.DOC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instead of like this:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y3slprukiqrt9nv/EXAMPLE.DOC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thus making it believe that there is a "RETURN" in the link giving you a 404 error. I fixed this along with some other 404 error links but it is all fixed. Either way next time there is a link that is not working quote it and I'll have it back up.
So I am no longer using my G1 but I will still finish this guide. I'm sorry for the wait guys.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Nice guide.. you left 'adb shell' in the bypass google section
Thnxxx