Phone Seems Truly Bricked - myTouch 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Yesterday I tried to open an flv video file, downloaded from my Google Drive. When it got to 100% downloaded, and about to open, my screen went black. No response at all. I could see that the screen was at least backlit, but I couldn't power the phone down, or anything. So I took the battery out and put it back in. Phone boots up, then goes immediately into the same black screen. Took the battery AND SIM card out this time, waited a few minutes, put these back in, held the power key.. nothing. No response. Can't even boot into recovery mode. Even charging the phone does not yield any response, such as the LED turning on. However, when I plug the phone into my PC, my PC starts looking for a new driver for QHSUSB_DLOAD, which it can't get drivers for.
Any suggestions? Besides buying a new phone?

Are you able to boot into hboot?
Sent from my myTouch 4G using XDA Premium HD app

bricked MyTouch 4G
Almost the same thing with my MyTouch 4G. Phone won't boot anymore. When I press the power button the backlight just lights up but the screen is black. The LED flashes amber when i plug it to the charger or to a USB port but the pc can't detect it.
Sad.

no guarantees, but...
found this QHSUSB_driver(64 bit win, couldn't find 32 bit, sorry). save it, unzip it, plug your phone in, go to device manager(volume down and power if nothing shows) click your device(could say something like 'Other device
qhsusb_dload' with a question mark)right click and either uninstall driver and re-install, or update driver using the new one you downloaded, this should force your computer to recognize your device. I haven't tried this(because I haven't had this issue myself) so I can't guarantee anything. Just didn't see a lot of responses, so I figured maybe a bad idea could be better than none...? Really hope this helps you out!

QHSUSB_DLOAD driver won't give him anything unless he has a special SW and skills to reprogram the HBOOT. Currently his HBOOT is failed/erased, and the phone won't boot. There is a project in Sensation forums going on, trying to achieve just that (reloading corrupted HBOOT through SW over QHSUSB_DLOAD), but I don't know the status.

Jack_R1 said:
QHSUSB_DLOAD driver won't give him anything unless he has a special SW and skills to reprogram the HBOOT. Currently his HBOOT is failed/erased, and the phone won't boot. There is a project in Sensation forums going on, trying to achieve just that (reloading corrupted HBOOT through SW over QHSUSB_DLOAD), but I don't know the status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, said the blind man. Unfortunately, that is quite a bit above my pay grade. It would seem, however, that the unbricking of the sensation is now complete. It's not n00b friendly(i.e. you won't see me anywhere near it) but here's a link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=23580776&postcount=279 to look into it and maybe someone smarter than myself(like Jack_R1) can tell you if it will work for your phone.
@Jack_R1 Thanks for not just saying I'm an idiot, and instead explaining it. Not everybody here is quite as decent about this stuff as you were.

You suggested the correct driver for his situation, and after my post you've pointed him to the right thread in Sensation forum - this is more than I did. So by no means you should think of your help less than what it was.
OP, you can try Sensation guide. Don't proceed if you won't be able to identify the HBOOT version.

Related

I need some serious help.

My Nexus one won't turn on. I tried flashing RADIO 32.24.00.22U_4.03.00.21_2 that I downloaded from Modaco.
After it failed to install showing the error message like
"Multiple Radio images"
and a few others I try to reboot it.
when trying to reboot it there showed a picture of a android and a orangish arrow and a box.
Help...I think I bricked it.
Help?
Please?
Can you get into boot loader? Hold down the track ball, then power on, and keep holding down the track ball...
Also, try holding down the "volume down" toggle button while powering on if the track ball method doesn't work...
If both don't do anything but take you to that same screen, let it sit on that screen for a bit, say 10 minutes just in case...
If still nothing, see what happens when you plug your phone into your computer with the data cable, is it recognized? If so, can you get ADB to recognize it?
Jackasaur said:
Help?
Please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can u get to the recovery image? if u can, its not bricked.
well I tried plugging it into the computer, I tried the wall charger, and nothing seems to work. The LED doesn't come on, and the button combination doesn't work. So I think it's dead for good. :C Before everything got screwed All I saw was a box and an arrow pointing at a android. Which I think meant it was unboxing. I then thought it froze so I tried to take the battery out, and after that it didn't turn on anymore. No LED, no recovery, no nothing. :C Quite sad.
Why the f are so many people intent on taking their batteries out while the phone is updating? I'm not saying that led to the bricking...but it probably didn't help.
Jackasaur said:
well I tried plugging it into the computer, I tried the wall charger, and nothing seems to work. The LED doesn't come on, and the button combination doesn't work. So I think it's dead for good. :C Before everything got screwed All I saw was a box and an arrow pointing at a android. Which I think meant it was unboxing. I then thought it froze so I tried to take the battery out, and after that it didn't turn on anymore. No LED, no recovery, no nothing. :C Quite sad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This part takes a few minutes. I am not totally sure what is happening at this point but I'm assuming it's not good to remove battery during this. Mine sat on that screen for a few min and then finished.
Try to boot up with volume down button held. Then use volume arrows to choose recovery and hit power.
uansari1 said:
Why the f are so many people intent on taking their batteries out while the phone is updating? I'm not saying that led to the bricking...but it probably didn't help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone expects everything to be instant these days... "Uh oh! The screen isn't doing anything, it's been at least 20 seconds! I could just wait and leave it for a few minutes like all the guides say to do. Or I could take my battery out...how could that hurt, right?"
For me it took a good 3-4 minutes on the screen with the arrow and the box.
Anyways, if you can't get to the recovery then you might be buying a new N1.
ahh it took like 5 minutes for me, I have to admit I was a little worried since you dont see status bars or anything, but like said, the guides warn for this.
I cant imagine that removing the battery broke it though, he should be able to load a recovery image
I feel sad for him so bumping
Bleh. I'll just have to wait and see. I'll contact HTC.
tomsan84 said:
ahh it took like 5 minutes for me, I have to admit I was a little worried since you dont see status bars or anything, but like said, the guides warn for this.
I cant imagine that removing the battery broke it though, he should be able to load a recovery image
I feel sad for him so bumping
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you remove the battery during the period he did, which is when the phone is actually flashing the radio ROM, yes removing the battery can and likely did break it for him. There are 2 ways to brick an Android device, while flashing a radio ROM and while flashing an SPL...
OP, have you tried any of the button combos we have recommended? Have you tried putting your battery in the phone, then without turning it on, putting it on the charger to see if it can charge the battery at least (you said it wasn't even turning on, which is likely because you have a dead battery)... charge the battery first, then try the button combo's we recommended.
And please, when you report back, and not to sound like an ass, do so clearly and systematically (I can't tell from your posts what did or didn't happen, and whether you tried anything we suggested, nor what the current state of the phone is)... so, please use this format to make it clear to us trying to help:
Battery: Charged or Wouldn't Charge (LED will come on if it is charging)
Trackball+Power: Booted into boot loader, yay! or Went to the damn box
Volume down+Power: Booted into fast boot! or Went to the damn box
And remember, you have to hold down the button, either trackball or volume down, then press the power and keep holding down the trackball or volume down until it either goes to boot loader or it goes to the box screen... you might want to even wait for a minute on the box screen(if it goes to that) while holding down the button to make sure it can't get into boot loader...
Okay so I took the battery out, put it back in, and tried charging it. The Battery LED did not come on, so I'm guessing it's not charging.
The Trackball+Power did not work.
The Volume down+Power did not work.
I think I most likely broke it, due to the fact that I took the battery out while it was flashing the radio ROM onto the phone. I kinda did it on a impulse, which is my fault. So do you think it'd be possible if I did contact HTC they'd send me a swap, and not be able to make my phone work or turn on, and everything will go on as if I "broke" it and not unlock it or anything?
Jackasaur said:
Okay so I took the battery out, put it back in, and tried charging it. The Battery LED did not come on, so I'm guessing it's not charging.
The Trackball+Power did not work.
The Volume down+Power did not work.
I think I most likely broke it, due to the fact that I took the battery out while it was flashing the radio ROM onto the phone. I kinda did it on a impulse, which is my fault. So do you think it'd be possible if I did contact HTC they'd send me a swap, and not be able to make my phone work or turn on, and everything will go on as if I "broke" it and not unlock it or anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you have a true brick... disruption of the radio ROM flashing causes lots of bricks, and did so for you.
It is pretty common, at least with T-Mobile with the G1, to call them up and tell them your phone asked you to update, and while updating it froze and won't turn on or charge anymore. Not sure if HTC will handle it the same as T-Mobile did, but if they do they will just send you a new unit, you send the old one back, and you are back up and running... they might ask that you send it to them first, but there is no way for them to test if it was rooted/unlock boot loader if it can't be powered on, so you should be fine.
Sweet. So I called HTC, and they said they'll repair it, but I asked for a swap instead, so I'll be getting one by either Wednesday, or Thursday. Good stuff! I'll tell you all how it goes. :] Now I am stuck with my Nokia N95. Thanks for all your help.
Did you tell them you have an unlocked bootloader?
uansari1 said:
Did you tell them you have an unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
he doesnt have 2 tell em
lightforce said:
he doesnt have 2 tell em
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Click to collapse
Yeah, he doesn't have to tell them... but they don't have to cover his phone either.
If they find out it's unlocked after the fact, they can charge you to repair the phone.
How exactly will they know he unlocked the bootloader if the device cannot even properly turn on, unless htc has other methods of being able to "restore" the phone, then he should be rather ok. Am I not looking into this deeply enough? Can the phone turn on with a new battery or something? Does HTC have alternatives ways of checking?
Eclair~ said:
How exactly will they know he unlocked the bootloader if the device cannot even properly turn on, unless htc has other methods of being able to "restore" the phone, then he should be rather ok. Am I not looking into this deeply enough? Can the phone turn on with a new battery or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my point man.. I don't know. All they have to see is that open padlock and they can deny the claim.

Tattoo won't boot at all. (SOLVED!)

It's happen when i try to flash the 13.29.55.13H_3.35.07.20 Baseband via Recovery. My device is Tattoo A3232.
After reboot there's a Recovery picture so i tried to remove a battery and turn on again but this time it won't boot at all. no Tattoo logo or anything. and then I tried to plug a charger and there's no charging light. and i've plug into computer and no devices found.
I don't have any clue to do now. so i just try to post this before i go to HTC Care. I really hope you guys can solve this one.
UPDATE: they've replaced a new board with the old one. Now my Tattoo is 100% health!
I know this sounds stupid, but what helped when I had a similar problem with my PC (not mobile phone) was the following: removing the power cable, waiting about 10-15 mins and then plugging it in again, then at least it booted again.
maybe if you take out the battery and wait quite a while it will at least show the tattoo logo...else there are different causes for your dilemma: a piece of hardware is now bricked, the phone ROM is damaged, memory completely wiped...don't know what is the cause of your problem - but you should pray that HTC Care will repair your device if nothing else will work
what hapens if you hold volume down button and keep it held while you power it on, you should see spl screen ??
if you do get the white screen with the 3 androids then you are good to flas an IMG file
terminal 7 said:
what hapens if you hold volume down button and keep it held while you power it on, you should see spl screen ??
if you do get the white screen with the 3 androids then you are good to flas an IMG file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, nothing appear at all. probably like TheSSJ said. I really hope they will claim the phone.
When you were putting the battery in the slot, have you placed it correctly? Please, check your battery and let us know.
and then I tried to plug a charger and there's no charging light
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happens when you incorrectly place the battery back.
dejandekic said:
This happens when you incorrectly place the battery back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or when the device is bricked...I don't think the battery was placed incorrectly into the phone...^^
now it's been taking care by HTC Care now. hopefully they'll repair it.
good luck
good luck, i hope you get a good result without any problem because you were flashing at the point of fail.
keep us posted on this, im interested how fair they play in replacing your handset.
..
..
UPDATE:
they've replaced a new board with the old one. Now my Tattoo is 100% health! it's came with a new RUU though. 1.67.729.xx i think. not the 1.67.405.6.
and of course I already rooted and flashed fyodor custom room.
@3DPRO: congrates

Bricked/Damaged Phone ??

Hi, i bought an HTC Dream/Google G1/T-Mobile G1. I bought as faulty and asked the guy what did it had. He said he needed to flash and update software. So i bought it thinking that if that's the problem i'd solve it and end up with an Android phone. I paid €50 for it. Thing is i can't do anything to the phone. I plugged the battery, pushed power and it gives the normal vibrate and then nothing, the screen doesn't even light up. I have to take the battery out to power off the phone then. If i plug the USB, it lights the red LED, but no recognition of the phone by the PC, turn it on again...the same.
I've searched the forum, top to bottom, and i've tried almost everything to try and make something out of my beautyfull brick. Keys combination, *.img to SD, haven´t tried throwing it to the wall, but i'm almost there.
If i could even get to bootloader... I have a Diamond and flashed it numerous times and never had a glitch.
Can you guys help out ? Please, i've searched the forum, read almost every post about bricked phones, etc...
Sounds like they may have flashed the wrong firmware file or its physically damaged and they lied to you.
I am pretty sure it needs re-flashed with a jtag interface if it's only a software issue. Because if the recovery image is intact it will still say "t-mobile G1" and be stuck in a boot loop.
Have you tried to start the phone to fastboot mode(hold down the back button and press power), or recovery(hold home and press power) ?
If you can't get into either of those you either need to find someone with a jtag adapter or get your money back because it's dead.
Thanks for the reply.
I tried all of that... . How on earth will i find someone with a jtag adapter, at least in a nearby area... guess i have nice brick then. I read somewhere here on xda of a shop in India that recovers the phone but its way to far for me to send the phone, pay the fix and they send it back!!! Well i guess thats it, i got screwed...

Can't hardware boot into fastboot.

I think I'm bricked. My shield is stuck in a simple bootloop and should be considered a softbrick. I can't seem to get into fastboot. Forget adb, that's not responding, but I'm still getting the android boot logo. I've tried so many ways. Holding the button, mashing the bettenbetter, plugging at the brick, power at the console, just about everything. Anyone figure out how to get into fastboot with hardware? If so, please let me know or I'll be throwing this out. It just won't seem to respond to fastboot. Such a shame.
EDIT: Android figured it out somehow and just booted, but I'd still like to know how to get into fastboot for when I'm not so lucky next time. Or any other way to get into recovery.
EDIT 2: Thought I posted this in troubleshooting. My mobile data was lagging somethinf fearce. Sorry.
It can be tricky mate. The way I did it was to unplug the device and then put the power cable back it. As soon as you plug the power cable back in hold the power button down until the fastboot menu appears. It took me a few tries. Of course if you have adb working the easiest way is "adb reboot bootloader"
baileyjr said:
It can be tricky mate. The way I did it was to unplug the device and then put the power cable back it. As soon as you plug the power cable back in hold the power button down until the fastboot menu appears. It took me a few tries. Of course if you have adb working the easiest way is "adb reboot bootloader"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done it once before, but it didn't work the way that their confusing instructions said. I'll give that a shot though. When android just flat out won't boot enough to access ADB, it can be problematic.
kdb424 said:
I have done it once before, but it didn't work the way that their confusing instructions said. I'll give that a shot though. When android just flat out won't boot enough to access ADB, it can be problematic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It certainly doesn't help that there isn't a physical button on the Sheild, so your not absolutely sure your pressing in the right place after re-inserting the power cable.
In my experience the whole button is sensitive, bit that's still a pain. I have no problems booting my phone to recovery or fastboot, but that's just nuts. Oh well. Hopefully teh learned something as I'm sure their techs are complaining too. It is a consumer device, so I guess I can't be too mad, but still, they expect us to reflash before an RMA when needed sometimes, and that's not fair to ask with thes device lol.
I have the same issue here. I was able to get in fastboot hardware wise a bunch of times before. Now I think the device is done. I've tried every combination. What's weird is I did get a flicker of the bootloader continuing once. What could have changed that the bootloader is not responding anymore? How did you get lucky, let it sit there loading for a day? I've tried to see if fastboot commands can reboot the bootloader when I plug it in timing it correctly. So frustrating.
Yesterday from many many trying times I did it only once and don't wanna go cross again and don't ask me how I don't know how and still don't know how. I did everything by "book/instructions" finally give up and just randomly (panicly ) pressing / holding finger on it, power on / off...and then somehow bootloader screen appear. That should be fix by Nvidia
Sent from my SM-G925K using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 09:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:49 AM ----------
I hope some developers out there will create some magic solution how enter easily in bootloader mode, like using micro sd ports some modded scripts or usb ports where in plugged in mode console entering bootloader mode or recovery etc.
Sent from my SM-G925K using XDA Free mobile app
Glad I'm not the only one having issues. I've been trying everything with no luck. I'll give it a few more tries and then It's going back. Following Nvidia's instructions is BS. There is obviously an issue going on here that needs to be fixed.
mow4cash said:
Glad I'm not the only one having issues. I've been trying everything with no luck. I'll give it a few more tries and then It's going back. Following Nvidia's instructions is BS. There is obviously an issue going on here that needs to be fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will definately go into fastboot, it's just a matter of timing. It's really tight. In the end I stopped following their directions and just tried a bunch of random stuff. I tried so much I don't know what worked, but doing what they said wasn't working for me.
kdb424 said:
It will definately go into fastboot, it's just a matter of timing. It's really tight. In the end I stopped following their directions and just tried a bunch of random stuff. I tried so much I don't know what worked, but doing what they said wasn't working for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here - finally haotic random pressing / unplugging and at the end done only once
Sent from my SM-G925K using XDA Free mobile app
Im also in the same boat
Just tried to flash stock 2.1 and Full android 2.1 and now the shield wont boot into anything
Im trying the hardware bootloader method but thats not working so far.........ive just unplugged everything, and giving it a while before i keep trying.........i suspect i might have to try rma......that'll be fun...........(im implying, that it wont)
Same here, mine is stuck on on screen and stating production fused , and couple of options like recovery kernel forced recovery, none works fallowed nvidia instructions , tried downloading SDKS And followed commands nothing working , as well tried holding power button , and unplugging and nothing works, I will try what you guys did and see maybe I get lucky somehow
I have a Shield TV power device but the screen is black and I can not go to the Hardw
I have a Shield TV power device but the screen is black and I can not go to the Hardware Bootloader Access:crying::crying::crying:
Same here - when I plug int he power the green light comes on for about half a second then goes off.
Quite infuriating really.
I get a screen that sasys "continue booting..." and then it loads normally do I need to let go once it says this or should I continue to hold?

Z5C will not charge at all

In my persistent attempts to put a custom rom on this device, the following sequence occurred:
- Phone suddenly not recognized by PC in any mode: normal, recovery, or fastboot. It would not even charge from the USB port, no reaction at all from the phone or PC that the connection is made. Other devices using the same port and cable work correctly.
- Phone unresponsive to a wall charger while it is powered on. Similar to the above description, the phone does not recognize that it is pulled into a charger at all while it is powered on. However, at this point the
- Phone is responsive to a wall charger after turning it off. The screen shows the charging icon on screen and the LED is red, meaning the phone recognizes the micro-USB connection when it is powered off, but only via the wall charger, still sees nothing when connected to the PC.
With the above criteria I decide to let the device completely discharge its battery, hoping that a full empty to full charge will reset whatever is happening. It takes about 3 days to go completely dead ... moving from screen need-charging image, to only the red LED, to absolutely no response when pressing the power button.
Now I have a phone that is completely unresponsive to any button press, as expected since the battery is completely drained. Unfortunately, it no longer responds to the wall outlet at all. Meaning it won't charge in any way. Used multiple chargers, multiple wall sockets, multiple cables, gave it compliments, etc.
At this point the phone is totally and completely dead and unresponsive to any charging. Any thoughts or help?
apsommer said:
In my persistent attempts to put a custom rom on this device, the following sequence occurred:
- Phone suddenly not recognized by PC in any mode: normal, recovery, or fastboot. It would not even charge from the USB port, no reaction at all from the phone or PC that the connection is made. Other devices using the same port and cable work correctly.
- Phone unresponsive to a wall charger while it is powered on. Similar to the above description, the phone does not recognize that it is pulled into a charger at all while it is powered on. However, at this point the
- Phone is responsive to a wall charger after turning it off. The screen shows the charging icon on screen and the LED is red, meaning the phone recognizes the micro-USB connection when it is powered off, but only via the wall charger, still sees nothing when connected to the PC.
With the above criteria I decide to let the device completely discharge its battery, hoping that a full empty to full charge will reset whatever is happening. It takes about 3 days to go completely dead ... moving from screen need-charging image, to only the red LED, to absolutely no response when pressing the power button.
Now I have a phone that is completely unresponsive to any button press, as expected since the battery is completely drained. Unfortunately, it no longer responds to the wall outlet at all. Meaning it won't charge in any way. Used multiple chargers, multiple wall sockets, multiple cables, gave it compliments, etc.
At this point the phone is totally and completely dead and unresponsive to any charging. Any thoughts or help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this issue when trying to flash GreenKernel. Turned out I messed up on a step and flashed it the wrong way. Check my posts in that topic.
Wenro said:
I had this issue when trying to flash GreenKernel. Turned out I messed up on a step and flashed it the wrong way. Check my posts in that topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the response, I was about to throw the phone away. Can you be a little more specific? I see your post here regarding a rebooting loop with red light flashing. However, I don't have any response from the phone whatsoever ... nothing on the screen, or led in top right. It does not accept a charge from 1A or 2A source, it is literally a paper weight right now. I need to "jump start it" or something of this nature. It won't charge at all.
apsommer said:
Thank you for the response, I was about to throw the phone away. Can you be a little more specific? I see your post here regarding a rebooting loop with red light flashing. However, I don't have any response from the phone whatsoever ... nothing on the screen, or led in top right. It does not accept a charge from 1A or 2A source, it is literally a paper weight right now. I need to "jump start it" or something of this nature. It won't charge at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably the phone looks dead but does get charge - it's just not showing it with the LED.
I believe Snapdragons are close to impossible to hard-brick - the chip itself has a ROM with EDL burned into it and that can always be used to bring it back from zombieland, if you have the right tools. But if you are lucky enough, then service mode would still be available even without hunting for the EDL stuff.
First, power the phone off for real with the hidden button near the SIM tray - and leave it off.
Then, install Flashtool and use it to flash a stock ROM, as described for instance here. When flashing, choose flashmode instead of fastboot and follow the instructions.
HTH,
Antonio
antonio.galea said:
Probably the phone looks dead but does get charge - it's just not showing it with the LED.
I believe Snapdragons are close to impossible to hard-brick - the chip itself has a ROM with EDL burned into it and that can always be used to bring it back from zombieland, if you have the right tools. But if you are lucky enough, then service mode would still be available even without hunting for the EDL stuff.
First, power the phone off for real with the hidden button near the SIM tray - and leave it off.
Then, install Flashtool and use it to flash a stock ROM, as described for instance here. When flashing, choose flashmode instead of fastboot and follow the instructions.
HTH,
Antonio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the response. I pressed the hidden button in the SIM tray for 10 seconds, 3 times in a row. Downloaded the latest "Emma" Sony Flashtool ... and nothing happens. The software does not recognize any Sony device plugged into the computer. Checked the USB cable, it's good. The computer, and the Sony flash software, do not recognize the device at all. It will not turn on in any way, and it does not appear (based on the screen and LED) to accept a charge at all. It truly seems bricked at this point. Any thoughts?
apsommer said:
Thank you for the response. I pressed the hidden button in the SIM tray for 10 seconds, 3 times in a row. Downloaded the latest "Emma" Sony Flashtool ... and nothing happens. The software does not recognize any Sony device plugged into the computer. Checked the USB cable, it's good. The computer, and the Sony flash software, do not recognize the device at all. It will not turn on in any way, and it does not appear (based on the screen and LED) to accept a charge at all. It truly seems bricked at this point. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what method is used by Sony Emma, sorry. But simply connecting the phone won't surely be enough if there is no software on it that answers to USB requests from your PC.
How about trying with the tool I suggested you? Let the phone off, download a stock firmware and start the flashing in flashmode instead of the standard fastboot mode (just follow the on screen instructions).
If that does not work, the only thing that's left is EDL mode. I've found no documentation for Z5 Compact, unluckily - but any decent repair shop should be able to resurrect it.
Antonio
antonio.galea said:
I don't know what method is used by Sony Emma, sorry. But simply connecting the phone won't surely be enough if there is no software on it that answers to USB requests from your PC.
How about trying with the tool I suggested you? Let the phone off, download a stock firmware and start the flashing in flashmode instead of the standard fastboot mode (just follow the on screen instructions).
If that does not work, the only thing that's left is EDL mode. I've found no documentation for Z5 Compact, unluckily - but any decent repair shop should be able to resurrect it.
Antonio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded the flashtool you linked, and also the XperiFerm and latest Z5C drivers as mentioned in the tutorial. The drivers do not have an exe. I can not manually install the drivers because the device is not recognized by the PC at all, it does not show in the Device Manager. Moving forward ... downloaded and installed the Sony Xperia Companion software, it also does not recognize the device at all. The flashtool you linked also does not see the device at all.
23/016/2019 00:16:53 - INFO - Device disconnected
There is no flashmode or fastboot mode possible, the device does not respond to any buttons, any charge, or mean glances. Any last thoughts before I cut my losses and throw it away for a XZ1 compact?
apsommer said:
There is no flashmode or fastboot mode possible, the device does not respond to any buttons, any charge, or mean glances. Any last thoughts before I cut my losses and throw it away for a XZ1 compact?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't throw the phone away!
I fear I was not explicit enough:
1. keep the phone off and disconnected
2. click on the Flash icon, choose the firmware
3. choose flashmode
4. press volume down and only then connect it to the PC
If even this alternative service mode has been wiped, then the only possibility left is EDL. For that, I'd go to a repair shop.
Antonio
apsommer said:
I downloaded the flashtool you linked, and also the XperiFerm and latest Z5C drivers as mentioned in the tutorial. The drivers do not have an exe. I can not manually install the drivers because the device is not recognized by the PC at all, it does not show in the Device Manager. Moving forward ... downloaded and installed the Sony Xperia Companion software, it also does not recognize the device at all. The flashtool you linked also does not see the device at all.
23/016/2019 00:16:53 - INFO - Device disconnected
There is no flashmode or fastboot mode possible, the device does not respond to any buttons, any charge, or mean glances. Any last thoughts before I cut my losses and throw it away for a XZ1 compact?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Power off the phone : press volume up and power button. Wait 3 vibrations (if not, the phone is powered off).
Press first the volume up and plug the phone with the usb cable into your computer. If you see the blue light you can use Flashtool, if not... it's dead (for me)...
How to use Flashtool is another thing, blue led is essential.
You'd rather throw it away for a Xz2 compact and install Omnirom. You can find some used ones for good prices.
antonio.galea said:
Don't throw the phone away!
I fear I was not explicit enough:
1. keep the phone off and disconnected
2. click on the Flash icon, choose the firmware
3. choose flashmode
4. press volume down and only then connect it to the PC
If even this alternative service mode has been wiped, then the only possibility left is EDL. For that, I'd go to a repair shop.
Antonio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, Antonio. Step #4 causes no reaction in the phone, or the Flashtool. The software does not recognize the device and the phone remains unresponsive. It truly seems hard bricked to me. I live in Mexico ... this device is rare even in the US, the guys will have never seen it, and their approach to EDL is as good as mine. I'm pretty frustrated with this dead phone, I think it's time for a new one and to mark this as a lesson learned.
Raphos said:
Hi,
Power off the phone : press volume up and power button. Wait 3 vibrations (if not, the phone is powered off).
Press first the volume up and plug the phone with the usb cable into your computer. If you see the blue light you can use Flashtool, if not... it's dead (for me)...
How to use Flashtool is another thing, blue led is essential.
You'd rather throw it away for a Xz2 compact and install Omnirom. You can find some used ones for good prices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. No blue light under any button combination, charging cable, outlet, software, mean glances, etc. My next one is XZ1 or XZ2 ... I'll take your advice into consideration, the XZ2 has better specs but of course its +$100. I like to think of myself as a capable engineer, but destroying this Z5C has made me pretty hesitant to attempt the same process on a new phone. Everyone seems to agree that hard bricking this device is near impossible, however I beg to differ as look at this dead one on my desk.
apsommer said:
Thanks, Antonio. Step #4 causes no reaction in the phone, or the Flashtool. The software does not recognize the device and the phone remains unresponsive. It truly seems hard bricked to me. I live in Mexico ... this device is rare even in the US, the guys will have never seen it, and their approach to EDL is as good as mine. I'm pretty frustrated with this dead phone, I think it's time for a new one and to mark this as a lesson learned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch - a real pity.
It really seems you succeded in wiping out all possible accesses for the Sony bootloader. Do you mind me asking how you managed that? I'd like to avoid doing the same mistake.
Qualcomm EDL mode is surely there, but you will need to open the phone and the software for that approach is not freely available (or at least I was not able to find it).
Antonio
antonio.galea said:
Ouch - a real pity.
It really seems you succeded in wiping out all possible accesses for the Sony bootloader. Do you mind me asking how you managed that? I'd like to avoid doing the same mistake.
Qualcomm EDL mode is surely there, but you will need to open the phone and the software for that approach is not freely available (or at least I was not able to find it).
Antonio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't remember the exact sequence, but "fastboot erase" was used on the "bootloader" and "recovery" partitions, then the phone was unplugged. This left the system with no start sequence ... when I depleted all the battery charge it simply wouldn't respond to anything and has since been lifeless. I'll pry it open and take a look at the internals just for fun and to get one last squeeze of value from it. I also plan to bash it with a hammer which will be particularly satisfying.
apsommer said:
I don't remember the exact sequence, but "fastboot erase" was used on the "bootloader" and "recovery" partitions, then the phone was unplugged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can safely overwrite boot, but never ever touch the bootloader. The bootloader is responsible for starting all the various programming modes, as well as passing on execution onto the kernel start during normal boot.
BTW, I don't think there is any reason at all for erasing partitions - when you overwrite them with your own data they will end up being clean anyway.
I also plan to bash it with a hammer which will be particularly satisfying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I can understand your frustration, that would be quite silly. Even if it has no value to you, it's still recoverable for anyone with the skills and tools - try to sell it instead, if anything it could be used for spare parts.
Antonio
antonio.galea said:
You can safely overwrite boot, but never ever touch the bootloader. The bootloader is responsible for starting all the various programming modes, as well as passing on execution onto the kernel start during normal boot.
BTW, I don't think there is any reason at all for erasing partitions - when you overwrite them with your own data they will end up being clean anyway.
While I can understand your frustration, that would be quite silly. Even if it has no value to you, it's still recoverable for anyone with the skills and tools - try to sell it instead, if anything it could be used for spare parts.
Antonio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I learned my lesson with "fastboot erase bootloader". I'd be happy to sell it for parts, what website would you recommend for listing it?
apsommer said:
Yes, I learned my lesson with "fastboot erase bootloader". I'd be happy to sell it for parts, what website would you recommend for listing it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying to find out more information about the emergency recovery mode for Z5C - I might be able to find out a way to recover your phone. If I'm successful (be warned, it's a big if - so please don't count on it), you could sell it as a working phone instead of as a brick.
First problem, I don't know how to enter EDL mode on the Z5C: but I hope an EDL cable could work. I've ordered one for testing, since it's an useful tool for recovering a lot of other phones too - it will take a while to deliver, so don't hold your breath. You could also join me in my experiments (after all, you have nothing to lose) by ordering one yourself (you can find cables for as low as 3$).
Second problem, the software tools. Given the ubiquity of Qualcomm chips, apparently there are quite a few available. In the opensource arena, I've found those:
https://github.com/96boards/documentation/blob/master/consumer/guides/qdl.md
https://github.com/openpst/sahara
https://github.com/bkerler/edl
Third problem, finding the signed binaries you have erased from your phone. I guess they can be extracted from my own device quite easily - they are on eMMC after all.
For an in-depth discussion of EDL mode, geared towards its (in)security, I've been reading Aleph Security articles here.
Antonio
apsommer said:
Thank you for the response, I was about to throw the phone away. Can you be a little more specific? I see your post here regarding a rebooting loop with red light flashing. However, I don't have any response from the phone whatsoever ... nothing on the screen, or led in top right. It does not accept a charge from 1A or 2A source, it is literally a paper weight right now. I need to "jump start it" or something of this nature. It won't charge at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey again, sorry for late reply. Work...
My issue seems totally unrelated to yours. My problem was that I was doing the flashing wrong, instead of just flashing the entire .zip I flashed boot file etc and this is what started the issues with not taking charge, BT wasn't working, wifi etc. But I had more juice in the phone since you want to have quite a bit before doing flashing, but I read your post about discharging it.
If you can't revive it, don't fear rooting and flashing, just make sure to read and to take all steps necessary. I kinda messed up my Z1C and I didn't do any changes to my Z5C until recently. Well, maybe a year now, just because of that occurrence.
antonio.galea said:
I'm trying to find out more information about the emergency recovery mode for Z5C - I might be able to find out a way to recover your phone. If I'm successful (be warned, it's a big if - so please don't count on it), you could sell it as a working phone instead of as a brick.
First problem, I don't know how to enter EDL mode on the Z5C: but I hope an EDL cable could work. I've ordered one for testing, since it's an useful tool for recovering a lot of other phones too - it will take a while to deliver, so don't hold your breath. You could also join me in my experiments (after all, you have nothing to lose) by ordering one yourself (you can find cables for as low as 3$).
Second problem, the software tools. Given the ubiquity of Qualcomm chips, apparently there are quite a few available. In the opensource arena, I've found those:
https://github.com/96boards/documentation/blob/master/consumer/guides/qdl.md
https://github.com/openpst/sahara
https://github.com/bkerler/edl
Third problem, finding the signed binaries you have erased from your phone. I guess they can be extracted from my own device quite easily - they are on eMMC after all.
For an in-depth discussion of EDL mode, geared towards its (in)security, I've been reading Aleph Security articles here.
Antonio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, you're a true engineer, never give up! Consider my phone part of your testing devices. Please confirm this is the correct EDL cable to purchase for the Z5C: EDL cable for all Qualcomm phones ... It will take a few weeks to get in my hands.
apsommer said:
Wow, you're a true engineer, never give up!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, got my cable - but I've not been able to make it work so far. It could be because I need Windows and specific drivers, I'll look into some more. But yes, when it's fun I never give up
Antonio

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