Hi everyone,
I'm new to this and sorry if some of my questions are redundant, but can anyone tell me their experiences with hacking the Nook Color? I'm still deciding on getting it and I want to put Cyanogenmod 7(Gingerbread) in it( if I buy one), but I'm not 100 percent sure. Can someone tell me if it's easy, hard, any complications, etc? Also any links or information on how to dual boot it( is that the one where it doesn't void your warranty?) would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry for all the noobness.
Welcome! There are a lot of threads here and in the Android Development sub-forum on getting started along with answers to most of your questions. See this post of mine for links on getting CM7 installed:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16779145#post16779145
Frankly, everyone here will say that the nook is pretty awesome, especially with CM7. It's quite easy. The first time you install it might take a while (under 1 hour easy), but after a while it could really be done in a few minutes. At this point you just need to copy files mostly. Technically, I think running CM7 could void your warranty, but that said, the Nook is nearly unbrickable. You can pretty much always restore to stock if need be. The safest way to get started is to follow the SD card method from the link above.
Good luck!
It's just like learn how to swim or learn how to ride a bike.
No one ever able to do and do good first time, it takes time, always.
Someone picks things up fairly quick, some others learn at slower pace but they all get better at some points.
The only requirements are able to read and understand English and able to follow the instruction then you're off to go .......... and go far.
Lastly, if I can do it, you can do it.
Look into starting from the SDCard install options, before overwriting internal memory. If something goes wrong, you simply power off, remove the SDCard, and power up again, and you have your stock Nook Color working perfectly.
In my sig, click the link to "SD Install" for the best way to prep the MicroSD card for whatever ROM you want.
I highly recommend CM7, it's simply the best thing going for it. Again, installing to the MicroSD card is a painless way to test it out, links in verygreen's thread.
Make sure you have a SanDisk card, links in my sig to find out why if you're curious.
To this day, I still have my stock Nook Color B&N software updated and running on the internal memory - but for the life of me I can't figure out why I haven't taken the step to move CM7 to internal at this point. It's that good.
Point being, with a SanDisk MicroSD card, and CM7 installed to it, you really unlock the powerful user experience this device is capable of. Best part is, it's not a permanent thing. You simply power off, remove the MicroSD card, then power back up and you are back to stock.
Easy, painless, and tons of fun.
Thank You so much everyone for the responses. Sorry if I took too long to reply. I'm going to read over the directions right now Oh and do anyone have the list of some of the words? I'm still new to this and I don't know what "partition" or "kernel" means.
partition = dedicated space for specific usage.
kernel = sets of drivers, it is a brain of the ROM
i was a new nook owner and new to rooting as well. i had no trouble with following instructions and have been very happy with the outcome. it also helps to read a lot of other posts to see what issues may arise and how to fix things. as long as you can follow instructions properly its a breeze
Thank You all so much. I got one more question, I've been reading somewhere online that it's possible that you can go back to the original version of the nook without having to remove the SD card, and I just want to confirm if this is possible? If it's can you give me a link? Thank You sorry for so much question
Marid said:
Thank You all so much. I got one more question, I've been reading somewhere online that it's possible that you can go back to the original version of the nook without having to remove the SD card, and I just want to confirm if this is possible? If it's can you give me a link? Thank You sorry for so much question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the newer nightlies, you can press the nook 'n' button while the first green cyanogenmod logo is showing and it will take you to a boot menu. You can then select to boot from emmc (internal) or the sd card, and also choose normal or recovery mode.
Sorry about this but 1 more small question, will bn update( i think ota) affect the rooted nook? If so, can you tell me how to fix it?
Related
Newbie here - used search feature, searched across forums. Did not find my problem addressed.
Putting CM7 on wife's NC 1.2.0. Followed huskermania's steps exactly. Everything installed fine until I got to the part where I selected format data. Then I received message, "error formatting data!" Everything stops right there and I have to power the unit down.
Re-downloaded the file twice - went through the complete process two times across several different times so as to avoid frustration causing more trouble! Using a Sandisk 8g class 4 card.
Using 7zip, cm7.0.3, and win32diskimager, and google add-ons, downloaded as directed by the husker dude.
In one section of his video, Huskermania moves files to the mSD - his files are shown as yellow folders. Mine show up as a small stack of books. When I look at the properties of my files, they are winrar zip archive files.
Please help! I'm so close!!
Thank you,
Jim
I believe your issue has been addressed more than one, maybe not exactly the same but pretty close.
Anyway, your NC is v1.2.0, often called "blue dot" which B&N decided to change the partition mapping, used to be 1GB /data & 5GB /media in v1.1, now be 5GB /data & 1GB /media in v1.2.0.
If you don't have a bootable uSD card with CwM Recovery 3.2.x.x or above, it will give you that error "cannot format /data". However, in my specific case, I did have the issue but my NC actually continued to next step, not hung and no need to force reboot.
I suggest you get the newer CwM (v 3.2.0.1) and give it a try again.
Votinh,
Thank you for your reply. As I learn, I am finding that sometimes I don't understand what to ask to find the solution!
I will try this today and report back.
Thank you again,
Jim
Wait!
I checked the version of the file I had used to install cwr and it is 3.2.0.1 - the same file that I was encouraged to try. To be more precise, it is "recovery-clockwork-3.2.0.1-bravo.
So, I'm still stuck.
HELP!
Thank you,
Jim
Can't offer anymore help, m8 but I don't think you should be panic.
If I were you, I would try to re-partition/re-format to 1GB /data 5GB /media, then using CwMR v3.0.2.8 and try again.
Great! Now, can you tell me how to do that?
Thank you,
Jim
I would suggest reading This first. Important info if you are going to muck around in the internal memory partitions.
Then I would go Here and see if this will help.
If not, This, This, or This might be your next best steps as far as reading and/or trying.
Also, This Sticky could shortcut you to the solution you need.
All these links go to XDA threads here in the Nook Color forums. They aren't all the recovery threads, but most of the more recent ones that could help you.
I haven't had to deal with what you're trying to handle, but this should be a great start/solution to solving your problem.
It's gonna take some reading and absorbing to comprehend what you're trying to accomplish, given the level familiarity you seem to have with your device and it's internal file structure.
(I mean no slight by this, the fact that you are here trying to learn and figure out your issue says much - welcome to the community btw )
Tcandroid,
Thank you for your input. I solved the problem by following votinh directions about partitioning. I'm finally up and running cm7!
Two concerns remain:
1. Do I need to worry about OTH updates from barnes and noble messing up my efforts? My hunch is no, just want to make sure. If so, how do I turn that off?
2. Can I over clock to 950 with what has already been installed, or do I need to download and install something else?
Thank you all so much!
Jim
Jim1970 said:
I'm finally up and running cm7!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This put a smile on my face, i'm glad to hear you got your issue resolved.
Nothing worse then having a wonderful piece of technology right in your hands that you can't use.
I have no doubt you are going to have a blast with it.
Cruise through the 'themes and apps' subforum here in Nook Color Forums, and you'll find some gems that are out there in the market.
I am not sure about the answers to either of your questions, but I do know that:
Some people have had to do some funky things to block B&N updates, and there have been conflicting answers on this. Again, only have seen in passing - so not sure what the whole story is here.
B&N doesn't push updates that often, so it's likely you have some time to figure this out.
I see people mentioning overclocking to 1200 a lot, so 950 shouldn't put too much stress on your machine. Depending on what version of CM7 you are running, you shouldn't use an external app to overclock. I've been using mine at the standard 800 and can play games like Samurai 2 (with chainfire installed) and it's no problem for the machine.
If your CM7 version provides you overclock settings, use those and not an outside app like SetCPU.
Some random info gleaned from browsing through this forum. Not too specific in addressing your query, yet maybe helpful in your continuing Android education.
Jim1970 said:
Tcandroid,
Thank you for your input. I solved the problem by following votinh directions about partitioning. I'm finally up and running cm7!
Two concerns remain:
1. Do I need to worry about OTH updates from barnes and noble messing up my efforts? My hunch is no, just want to make sure. If so, how do I turn that off?
2. Can I over clock to 950 with what has already been installed, or do I need to download and install something else?
Thank you all so much!
Jim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I help many people in many threads and tend not to remember the OP's original issue, so I have to re-read again
Firstly, congrats to you, do enjoy the NC running CM7. I bet by now, you are not a noob or newbie anymore, experience learnt.
Secondly,
1. since the NC is running CM7 ROM now, you don't have to worry about anything from B&N, even their new release probably won't be as good as the CM7.
2. by default, CM7 comes with kernel that can be overclocked to 925MHz (at least true on the v123 nightly build, not sure the latest) and again, it runs at 800MHz by default. You can set it under ??? (not on top of my head now and I don't have the NC in front of me, will update later).
If you want to run faster than 925MHz, you must install Dalingrin latest work - build on 06302011. Be sure download the "emmc" version since you run the CM7 off the internal memory.
I recently purchased a Nook Color (used) at a flea market. I could not check it out prior to purchase because the battery was dead. (Shame on me) The seller did not bother to tell me (Shame on him) that he had "rooted" (I think that is what it is called) the Nook and installed Google apps on it.
When I first power up the Nook, I get a screen that says "Cyanogenmod". The next screen simply says "Android" in small letters in the upper left hand corner. The next screen says "Google" and has two spinning, interlocking gears. Finally, a screen appears with the Android "person" in the middle, with a number of apps that the owner previously downloaded.
I have tried doing the 8 interrupted boots, but that does not seem to be working. All of this talk about ADB and Android sdk is wayyyy above my expertise level. Can someone provide me with an easy to follow/understand step by step guide to restore my Nook Color to stock? I've also tried following the video on theunlockr.com and the forums on xda.developers.com, but some of the hyperlinks to the necessary software appear to no longer be functioning.
Hi Tim you can restore. The easiest way is going to be to create a bootable ClockWork Mod Recovery (CWR) SD card and then flash whatever ROM it is you want the Nook to be (stock, CM7, CM9).
Here are a couple of threads to look at with links to files you may want:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1599646
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1576833
Basically you need a uSD card, a CWR image and the zip file for the ROM you want to restore to. Burn the CWR image to the uSD card using win32diskimager and then place the zip file for the ROM you want to use on the card (not in any folder and don't unzip it).
Power down, place the card in the Nook and power up. Then choose wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition and go to advanced and wipe the dalvik cache. This will ensure everything is cleared out to flash the new ROM. Next choose install zip from sd card and choose the zip file of the ROM you want to flash.
Once it is done flashing unmount the sd card and choose reboot or hold the power button until it powers off and remove the card and then power back on.
JP
It is also worth checking first, if you haven't already done so, whether there is a uSD card left in the Nook (under the little hinged cover).
The Nook will load of this first if it is in there and bypass the software on the main machine.
If there is a card in there, then take it out and try powering off and on again to see what it then loads. Also you could retry the 8 failed boots method.
No, there is no sd card in the nook. And I have tried the 8 failed boot method to no avail.
JP, I am downloading one of the programs that was missing. It'll be about an hour before it is done. I'll go from there.
I'll probably be asking more questions, as I am about as computer illiterate as they come. Hope you have a lot of patience and will hang with me.
Tim
It is a pretty simple process as long as you can follow directions. There are only really three main parts 1. Downloading files, 2. Burning an image to make a bootable micro SD card and 3. Flash the downloaded zip files from that card.
I'm sure we'll be able to get you through it
I downloaded the source file but I cannot get it to run. I do not understand the installation instructions in the read me file that comes with the source zip. For example, what does "QT" stand for? Is it quick time or some other program?
tim844 said:
I downloaded the source file but I cannot get it to run. I do not understand the installation instructions in the read me file that comes with the source zip. For example, what does "QT" stand for? Is it quick time or some other program?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What guide are you following? I would suggest using my guide that is linked in my sig. Go to the restoring to stock section.
Sent from space
OK. I followed your link, registered to become an androiad central member. Working on it now. But I think I am in way over my head. How about I just box it up and UPS/FEDEX it to you? I'm in Ohio. I wanted to have it fixed for mother's day but that is obviously not going to happen.
My son says that the previous owner installed the clockwork recovery mode file directly unto the nook color. According to every video we have watched, that is a big no no! Everytime we try to hard reboot the nook, we get the cwm screen with no sd card in the nook.
We finally have the correct winimager file and are going to attempt to return the nook the stock using the cwm recovery image and the nook zip file.
tim844 said:
My son says that the previous owner installed the clockwork recovery mode file directly unto the nook color. According to every video we have watched, that is a big no no! Everytime we try to hard reboot the nook, we get the cwm screen with no sd card in the nook.
We finally have the correct winimager file and are going to attempt to return the nook the stock using the cwm recovery image and the nook zip file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use the files from my guide it will get rid of clockworkmod and you will have a completely stock NC.
If you have problems with WinImage try Win32. And always remember to run these programs as Admin.
Sent from space
Where are you in ohio? I could help ya out if you still need it.
Follow info in post 2... its really simple.
Success! Almost. We followed your instructions to the letter. Everything seems to be working. Except, I cannot register the device. I watch the introductory video and then go to the register device screen. I enter my wife's B&N e-mail address and password, but it will not accept it. It refers me to their 800 number.
On your other website I noticed people talking about wiping two different caches. I am not sure my son caught that or skipped that step. Could that be the problem? Or is there something else he/we may have overlooked?
I can't say thanks enough. Hopefully we can get over this last hurdle and I can give it to her tomorrow for mother's day.
Anxiously looking forward to your thoughts.
I'm in Akron, Ohio
tim844 said:
Success! Almost. We followed your instructions to the letter. Everything seems to be working. Except, I cannot register the device. I watch the introductory video and then go to the register device screen. I enter my wife's B&N e-mail address and password, but it will not accept it. It refers me to their 800 number.
On your other website I noticed people talking about wiping two different caches. I am not sure my son caught that or skipped that step. Could that be the problem? Or is there something else he/we may have overlooked?
I can't say thanks enough. Hopefully we can get over this last hurdle and I can give it to her tomorrow for mother's day.
Anxiously looking forward to your thoughts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. Does making a new account work? If not try going through the steps again and reflash it, it could have been a bad flash.
Sent from space
tim844 said:
I recently purchased a Nook Color (used) at a flea market. I could not check it out prior to purchase because the battery was dead. (Shame on me) The seller did not bother to tell me (Shame on him) that he had "rooted" (I think that is what it is called) the Nook and installed Google apps on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
koopakid08 said:
Hmm. Does making a new account work? If not try going through the steps again and reflash it, it could have been a bad flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More likely it is still registered at B&N to the previous owner.
DizzyDen said:
More likely it is still registered at B&N to the previous owner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I didn't even think of that. Yeah, that is most likely the problem. Hopefully you can contact the previous owner and get him/her to deactivate it or you are basically SOL.
Sent from space
Somewhere on the XDA site, I don't recall where, I saw a thread with another 2nd owner who had the same 'previously registered' problem you probably have; he got directions on a workable fix. Do a search; maybe you'll find it...
Thanks to everyone for all their help! I contacted B&N yesterday and it is registered to the former owner. They refused to help. All I could get out of them was I would have to contact the owner myself and ask him to unregister the device. I am working on that, but I don't hold out much help.
As a last resort, I might take it back to an Android device. However, I want it done correctly. I don't need the cell phone Android sysem he installed on it.
Again, thanks! It is nice to meet such helpful people.
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions &
Read the Forum Rules Ref Posting
Moving to Q&A
I just bought a nook color. Now I am thinking should I root/Custom rom my NC. I have other android devices and I know how to mess with android hacking. I have reading from quite a few days about nook development but I am so confused. I have few questions?
1) Advantage on rooting Nook? If i root my NC, will i have everything same but i will also have access to android market and all the apps?
2) Every guide talks about SD card...can anyone point to a suitable SD card which i can buy to use for rooting and custom roms? I mean like which company and size etc...
3) best and easiest way to root the NOOk. (I saw many methods and i am confused)
Thanks in advance...its much appreciated....
It has been answered so MANY times before and I even lost count.
Help us and help yourself by doing some searches.
1. I didn't root my NOOK so i don't know all the advantages but put it this way: bone stock NC is like you are being handcuffed and rooted one is like you are being free.
2. Most likely Sandisk class 4, either 8GB or 16GB.
Note: the Sandisk brand is good for running CM7/9 off it. If you are just need one for rooting, any 1GB would do the job.
3. There is only one way to root the NC, afaik, that's using either (or) ManualNooter or AutoNooter.
My recommendation is RUNNING CM7.2 off the uSD. Get used to it, get the feel of it before actually ripping the NC apart and install custom ROM into eMMC.
---------- Post added at 03:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:44 PM ----------
Oh, and btw, don't confuse "rooting" and "installing custom ROM"
Thanks a lot...I feel your frustration but trust me i tried to search a lot but you know how things gets lost in threads. This really helps me to move forward...
On XDa, whenever I get new android device I go back to feeling like noob....but most phones works in same way....Nook is little different so thats I was confused....
"Oh, and btw, I know the difference between "rooting" and "custom rom"......I thought once i start with rooting..It will be easy to figure out installing custom rom...
Much appreciated...
viny2cool said:
"Oh, and btw, I know the difference between "rooting" and "custom rom"......I thought once i start with rooting..It will be easy to figure out installing custom rom...
Much appreciated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the case of the Nook it is equally easy to do either. Unless you need to have the B&N stock layout I suggest skipping rooting and going straight to a custom ROM. The Nook will be much more tablet like that way.
As suggested you can try out CM7 or CM9 on a bootable SD card first to see how you like it while leaving the internal memory totally stock. Simply insert the card and boot to run the custom ROM or remove the card and boot to return to the stock OS.
You will find yourself forgetting all about the stock OS in a week once you try a custom ROM (unless you need one of its few unique features such as "read to me").
Here is a step by step to creating a bootable SD card with a link back to verygreen's original thread. There are others here too but since you wanted a specific link here you go http://www.androidtablets.net/forum/nook-color-technical/13156-how-cm7-bootable-sd.html
JP
i booted off a class 10 memory card and and haveing issues with wifi now is that just because of the card or can i do something so i dont have to by a new one, aloso im not exatly happy with the OS i wrote
genric-sdcard-v.1.3.0-large.img with what should i put on the sdcard after that update-cm.1.3.0-encore? or something else that would make it ezer tio read pdf files baceause that is another problem (reading downloaded books) and the final and most important problem it when i take out the sdcard it wont reboot to the nook os it just goes to the grey n screen......long story short i just want to download free books on my nook i know how to write and get the os to show up i just want to know the programs and were to get them pleases help
To answer the question that is in the headline:
You need to install a reading app that can handle the format you want to read. If you have your Android environment running you downlad the app and install it. Apps can be downloaded from Google or sideloaded if you find the apk somewhere else (tere are plenty of reading apps in Google Play store, so no need to go looking elsewhere in my opinion).
As for the rest, it sounds to me like you haven't done all steps of the sd-card install. What OS did you put there? CM7? Hard to tell by your post. Could you maybe clarify what you've actually done, not just with the card but with the device. Do that in post with a more appropriate headline if you want to ask for guidance.
Before thaat, read the first post in this topic and make sure you've actually done the steps necessary to get an OS running from sd-card (if that is what you want to do):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000957
fatjoealaimo said:
i booted off a class 10 memory card and and haveing issues with wifi now is that just because of the card or can i do something so i dont have to by a new one, aloso im not exatly happy with the OS i wrote
genric-sdcard-v.1.3.0-large.img with what should i put on the sdcard after that update-cm.1.3.0-encore? or something else that would make it ezer tio read pdf files baceause that is another problem (reading downloaded books) and the final and most important problem it when i take out the sdcard it wont reboot to the nook os it just goes to the grey n screen......long story short i just want to download free books on my nook i know how to write and get the os to show up i just want to know the programs and were to get them pleases help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tell you what. If you'll spend at least as much time formulating and formatting your question(s) with enough information (and punctuation) to allow them to be answered, you'll get a lot of help. Questions that sound like "it's broke, please fix it" won't get far.
Ive just recently aquired one of these and I'm trying to factory reset it. I'm afraid to use the erase and deregister cuz I don't want to get locked out if I don't have some certain info or whatever... Is that the best way to make it like you just turned it on for the first time?
Maybe someone can point me to a specific thread that explains how custom recovery boot loaders work on this thing and what not. I'm just not sure where to begin. I'm searching, but I'm seeing stuff like burn cm7 to an sdcard? I could just blindly follow those steps, but I don't wanna brick this thing. Is there a thread that gives a crash course on how things work with this device?
It would be nice to have cm7 on here though. Is it Android to begin with? I've got a rooted modded s4 currently, but this nook looks like it might work a bit differently. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
You've been Tapatold ♧♢dbombROMv3.4♤♡
The erase and deregister is the best way to get back to the way it came in the box. Make sure you are connected to wifi when you do it. It will remove it from the prior owners registration. Then you can register it in your name. (You did not say, but I am assuming you got this second hand).
Go to my NC Tips thread linked in my signature to learn a little more about this device. It does not all have to be read, but some sections will help you a lot.
And stock is Android (Froyo, Android 2.2), but heavily modified by B&N.
Look for eyeballer's thread on how to put CM7 on internal memory replacing stock. See here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1030227
Sent from my BN NookHD+ using XDA Premium HD app
Thanks a lot man. I'll check this out. And yes I did get this second hand.
Does anyone know a good place to get magazines and books that are compatible with this?
Are torrents updated frequently with new titles and monthly copies of a lot of magazines? I don't even know what file format the books should be in. But I'll read the info you suggested, above me... Thanks again
You've been Tapatold ♧♢dbombROMv3.4♤♡