Database Users

[TUTORIAL] Recovering your Nook Simple Touch Glow

Disclaimer
Before even consider reading this, know that I cannot be held responsible if following these steps will: brick your device, make your girl friend break up with you, start third world war or do any other kind of damage.
Motivation
This tutorial is intended to help people who did not make a full backup of their device and applied the Alpha-FormatTouch-2.zip to their device and as a result lost the GlowLight feature. It took me a couple of days to figure out how to revert to factory settings, and thus, I hope that I can save others time.
Preliminary
You need
Nook Simple Touch Glowlight, semibricked
SD Card
SD card reader
Downloads
Download the following files:
factory.zip - downloads[dot]nanophysics[dot]dk/nstg/factory[dot]zip (if you have a copy of your own factory.zip -- found on the partition /factory/ -- use that instead)
[ClockworkMod - downloads[dot]nanophysics[dot]dk/nstg/sd_128mb_clockwork-rc2[dot]zip
Install Clockworkmod on SD card
On Mac OS X, plug in the SD card and find the device using
Code:
$ diskutil list
I will assume that your device is /dev/disk1. Unmount the disk
Code:
sudo diskutil unmountDisk /dev/disk1
and write the ClockworkMod to it
Code:
sudo dd if=128mb_clockwork-rc2.img of=/dev/disk1
Copy the factory.zip to the disk and eject it.
On Windows you can use Win32Imager.
Install factory image
Power off your Nook and insert the SD card. Then power it up. After a while the CWM menu will appear (if you get a white screen press right-down). Select "install zip from sdcard" using the right side navigation to go up and down and u to enter. If you enter the wrong menu you can go back on right up. Now select "choose zip from sdcard" and choose factory.zip. Finally, click the option saying "yes - install factory.zip"
After a few minutes the installation is complete and if everything went ok, you should now be back to the original factory software.
Reset user settings (optional)
If you want your Nook to be completely reset, you can optionally do a reset of your settings. Power off you Nook. Power it up again and hold left and right down simultaneously for around 30 s. Answer yes twice. After a while your Nook has been reset.
Backup
Finally, it is time to do what you should have done in the first place (and probably also the reason why you are following this tutorial): Make a full backup of your Nooks internal SD card. See blog[dot]the-ebook-reader[dot]com/2012/05/02/how-to-backup-and-restore-nook-glow-and-nook-simple-touch for more information.

Thanks for the tutorial. However i just had a few queries.
1. My NSTG is rooted and functioning normally. Only glowlight does not work. Does your tutorial apply to such a device too.
2. How can i take backups of my current /rom and /factory partitions so that i can restore them in case of any eventuality.
Thanks a bunch in advance.

i just erase every thing . now my nook is completely messed up.
I can't find your factory.zip would you mind resend it please ?

shank21101985 said:
Thanks for the tutorial. However i just had a few queries.
1. My NSTG is rooted and functioning normally. Only glowlight does not work. Does your tutorial apply to such a device too.
2. How can i take backups of my current /rom and /factory partitions so that i can restore them in case of any eventuality.
Thanks a bunch in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your NSTG is rooted, this may remove rooting - at least I think, I did not try. However, you can always reroot.
Regarding backup, I would make a full image backup before starting. If you have a Windows box, follow the instruction on blog[dot]the-ebook-reader[dot]com/2012/05/02/how-to-backup-and-restore-nook-glow-and-nook-simple-touch and make a full backup of your system.
I have only done backup of individual partitions on Linux: Boot the device with noogie.img and plug it in. On Ubuntu,t 6-8 partitions should immediately appear.

jjinkou2 said:
i just erase every thing . now my nook is completely messed up.
I can't find your factory.zip would you mind resend it please ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was missing a slash in the URL. It has been fixed.

Are you able to register a device reimaged using this factory.zip to your BN account?
If not, it's a bit of a pain for folks.
I have a disk image made via
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 of=/part1.img bs=1M
This contains teh whole of a US NSTG's first partition; restoring it using
dd if=part1.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 bs=1M
allows me to boot my device, and the glow still works.
This seems to be more likely to restore the glow function yet preserve the ability to register with BN - the factory.zip method is not generic, as far as I know, it will restore some other person's NST serial number, mac address and other identifiers to your device, won't it?
If someone will PM me, I'll send a zipped copy of my .img file to them and let them try using it to recover glow function and their own registration in a nook glow. If that works, it can be posted more widely.

roustabout said:
This seems to be more likely to restore the glow function yet preserve the ability to register with BN - the factory.zip method is not generic, as far as I know, it will restore some other person's NST serial number, mac address and other identifiers to your device, won't it?
If someone will PM me, I'll send a zipped copy of my .img file to them and let them try using it to recover glow function and their own registration in a nook glow. If that works, it can be posted more widely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remark that I recommend that people use their own factory.zip image. Nevertheless, all these data you mention are stored on the rom partition. To my awareness this partition is only overwritten if one applies rombackup.zip, but not by factory.zip. Thus, your B&N shop should be fully functional afterwards. I did apply someone elses factory.zip first, and I had no problems registering my device. However, if anyone would experience such an issue, please drop a line in this thread.
In any case, you should always do a full system image before following tutorials like this one, or for that matter, before apply someone elses partition images to your own device.

roustabout said:
Are you able to register a device reimaged using this factory.zip to your BN account?
If not, it's a bit of a pain for folks.
I have a disk image made via
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 of=/part1.img bs=1M
This contains teh whole of a US NSTG's first partition; restoring it using
dd if=part1.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 bs=1M
allows me to boot my device, and the glow still works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Judging from your other post (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1836188&page=4), the partition you have made a copy of, is the boot partition? If glow was already working, it will still work after overwriting the boot image.
However, if it was not working already, it is very unlikely that installing a new boot image will resolve the issue described here, since it is a consequence having downgraded the OS.

I had not understood that the device you're targeting with this thread is an NSTG running 100% noo simple touch software - the thread refers to a problem with the alpha touch formatter, but I had not realized that was the outcome of the tool.
I've seen a few people describe their NSTGs as "fine, but not glowing any more" and had not seen those folks explain that they were running NST software on the NSTG.
For those folks, I had thought copying in the boot environment and kernel would be helpful. My understanding was that the kernel in the NSTG at software 1.1.5 was different than the NST kernel; I was thinking that getting the kernel and other boot hooks ready was what was really missing.
Fortunately, there's now a 1.2.0 updater out, and I suspect that soon there will be a CWM installable 1.2.0 update which will be super helpful. (Though folks will still need a partition table - I think that would be another use of writing in a viable first partition followed by a restart, to get the partition table straightened out before proceeding.)

roustabout said:
I had not understood that the device you're targeting with this thread is an NSTG running 100% noo simple touch software - the thread refers to a problem with the alpha touch formatter, but I had not realized that was the outcome of the tool.
I've seen a few people describe their NSTGs as "fine, but not glowing any more" and had not seen those folks explain that they were running NST software on the NSTG.
For those folks, I had thought copying in the boot environment and kernel would be helpful. My understanding was that the kernel in the NSTG at software 1.1.5 was different than the NST kernel; I was thinking that getting the kernel and other boot hooks ready was what was really missing.
Fortunately, there's now a 1.2.0 updater out, and I suspect that soon there will be a CWM installable 1.2.0 update which will be super helpful. (Though folks will still need a partition table - I think that would be another use of writing in a viable first partition followed by a restart, to get the partition table straightened out before proceeding.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. No this thread is not intended for people who have destroyed partition tables etc., but only for people who have downgraded their software by using NST recovering guides on their NSTG device. I found it relevant to explain how this is done, since many people complain that their NSTG works, except that glow light no longer works. If they look into the software version they find something below 1.1.5, like 1.1 which was my case. I could not find a guide which explained me what to do after screwing up the software, hence this guide.
Partition tables and "accidently formatting" is a completely other issue. In the end, here the main problem is that people do not make a backup as they assume that everything is going to be fine. I assumed that myself. However, at some point I will have a look at the rom partition, because I think it is quite limited amount of information you find their. It should be possible to restore your Nooks serial number -- it is written on the package of the Nook -- after applying another Nooks image. I just received my second Nook so I am going to try this at some point.

Thank you so much for sharing the solution.. finally my glowlight works now !!

shank21101985 said:
Thank you so much for sharing the solution.. finally my glowlight works now !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hic, I cannot download the image file, my backup file was deleted, anyone can upload that image for me?
Thanks so much:crying:

factory.zip
I know it's a long shot, but if anyone has a copy of the factory.zip from a glowlight I'd really appreciate it. I've installed a non-glowlight one for now, but would really love my backlight back!
Cheers!

john2k10 said:
I know it's a long shot, but if anyone has a copy of the factory.zip from a glowlight I'd really appreciate it. I've installed a non-glowlight one for now, but would really love my backlight back!
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So did you actually replace the factory.zip with one for the NST or did you just run a restore from, say, NookManager? I'm not too sure about this, but I think it's kind of difficult to wipe the factory.zip. Anyway, since I'm not familiar with the NTG, and you seem to have done something that others have also done before, have a look at this old thread and see if it gets you anywhere:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1936458

john2k10 said:
I know it's a long shot, but if anyone has a copy of the factory.zip from a glowlight I'd really appreciate it. I've installed a non-glowlight one for now, but would really love my backlight back!
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmm......have a look at this:
http://waveswirl.blogspot.com/2013/01/xda-developers-tutorial-how-to.html

nmyshkin said:
Mmm......have a look at this:
http://waveswirl.blogspot.com/2013/01/xda-developers-tutorial-how-to.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its dead I need a glowlight factory image

can someone please re-upload the glowlight factory image please.... Thank you in advance

[Q] [N2E][1.0] Rooting NookManager Over TouchNooter 2.1.31

Hello:
Due to a failed factory settings recovery attempt my My N2E is as follows:
On firmware version 1.0.0
IRooted with TouchNooter 2.1.31
My main goal is to root it my N2E using NookManager. For that, I understand that:
First, I have to upgrade the N2E to firmware version 1.2.1
Then, I can root it with NookManager
But (and here's the catch) after upgrading to 1.2.1 (pre requisite for NookManager) the N2E will be still rooted with TouchNooter 2.1.31 which I understand happens to be incompatible with N2E on firmware version 1.2.1
Even if I succesfully get to root the N2E to NookManager inmmediately after upgrading to 1.2.1, shouldn't it be an issue?
Keep in mind: I'd be rooting NookManager on top of an N2E already rooted with TouchNooter 2.1.31
Isn't that a brick scenario or am I missing something here?
Thanks in advance,

Point 1: There is no brick scenario for the Nook.
Whatever you can do can be undone using a system booted off the SD card.
For the white Nook, which has no SD card, there is the boot over USB to resuscitate it.
Boot over USB also works for all the other model.
Point 2: If you have a non-white Nook there is no reason to use any system version besides 1.2.1
1.3.X on the white Nook is a mish-mash of old and new versions.
If we ever discover anything good about 1.3.X we can cherry-pick it out to add to 1.2.1
Point 3: Before you start modifying your Nook you should have a backup of the /rom/devconf directory.
You may not have any interest in doing business with B&N, but the MAC, serial number, battery info is important.
Point 4: I know nothing about either of these "managers".
If you are at 1.2.1 just use whatever manager thingie you want to.

Renate:
Thanks again for your prompt reply.
Renate NST said:
Point 1: There is no brick scenario for the Nook.
Whatever you can do can be undone using a system booted off the SD card.
For the white Nook, which has no SD card, there is the boot over USB to resuscitate it.
Boot over USB also works for all the other model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's that "booting form USB" works? BTW, I have a Nook Simple Touch "original"; the one sold with the 1.0.0 firmware.
Renate NST said:
Point 2: If you have a non-white Nook there is no reason to use any system version besides 1.2.1
1.3.X on the white Nook is a mish-mash of old and new versions.
If we ever discover anything good about 1.3.X we can cherry-pick it out to add to 1.2.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Er... if you say so. I'm only posting what I know about TocuhNooter 2.1.31. I'm merelñy and able user, not an expert, per se.
Renate NST said:
Point 3: Before you start modifying your Nook you should have a backup of the /rom/devconf directory.
You may not have any interest in doing business with B&N, but the MAC, serial number, battery info is important.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I do believe that the NookManager root method/tools/boot includes it's own backup manager, so that would be a "plan b" scenario.
Do you recommend an other nook backup utility?
Renate NST said:
Point 4: I know nothing about either of these "managers".
If you are at 1.2.1 just use whatever manager thingie you want to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... What root method do you currently use with your Nook? Is it a N2E, N2E with GlowLight, other?
Awaiting your kind comments,

OK, here's how you fix your issue...
1. Insert Nook Manager microSD, boot it, select Restore Factory Image (or something like that...). This will restore your Nook to version 1.0 (I believe, I have done this 2 or 3 times, it's 1.0 or 1.1). Follow the instructions. In the end you will remove the Nook Manager card, and reboot.
This should, if I understand correctly, re-install the factory image that is stored on your Nook. Unless TouchNooter (or something else you did) modified that, you should be good to go from here. If something has modified the factory image, then it gets way more complicated, because part of that image is data that is unique to your Nook. So, you can't just get someone elses factory image, as it would have their unique data in it.
That said, if anything did modify your factory image, I for one want to know, that needs to be stopped.
2. Download the update for 1.2.1 from B&N (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/Software-Updates-NOOK-Simple-Touch/379003175) and follow the instructions to install it.
3. Re-insert the Nook Manager card, and root with Nook Manager.
MildBill

MildBill said:
OK, here's how you fix your issue...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bill, this sounds simple enough for me
I'll try it and post the results here.
Very gratefully yours,

sarmasm said:
I'll try it and post the results here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked like a charm! Updated to 1.2.1 and rooted OK with NookManager.
Renate and Bill, thank you for your patience and kind advice
Very gratefully yours,

[Q] Problem with NST

Hi,
I have a problem with my Nook Simple Touch. It's updated to 1.2 and rooted with NookManager-0.5.0.zip since July.
I turned it off this afternoon, took out the SD card, put it in a card reader and synced it with a directory in my computer. I then ejected the card and put it back in the Nook, waited about half an hour, then I turned it on. The Home screen was displayed and my apps ran normally. But when I tried to go to the library, it kept switching between the library and another screen (black, with just the Menu bar).
I thought maybe there is another update that installed silently, and I found 1.2.1 on the web (in the Nook, the software version is unavailable). I was surprised to see that it has the same name as the July 1.2 update : nook_1_2_update.zip . I downloaded it anyway (http://www.nook.com/gb/support/nook-simple-touch-software-updates#version), and I noticed that it's not the same size as the July update (July: 121,323,347 bytes, the new one: 122,621,182 bytes).
So here is my question: Is it possible to repair the Nook without updating it or rooting it again ? If not, what should I do ?
Thanks

sinlog said:
Hi,
I have a problem with my Nook Simple Touch. It's updated to 1.2 and rooted with NookManager-0.5.0.zip since July.
I turned it off this afternoon, took out the SD card, put it in a card reader and synced it with a directory in my computer. I then ejected the card and put it back in the Nook, waited about half an hour, then I turned it on. The Home screen was displayed and my apps ran normally. But when I tried to go to the library, it kept switching between the library and another screen (black, with just the Menu bar).
I thought maybe there is another update that installed silently, and I found 1.2.1 on the web (in the Nook, the software version is unavailable). I was surprised to see that it has the same name as the July 1.2 update : nook_1_2_update.zip . I downloaded it anyway (http://www.nook.com/gb/support/nook-simple-touch-software-updates#version), and I noticed that it's not the same size as the July update (July: 121,323,347 bytes, the new one: 122,621,182 bytes).
So here is my question: Is it possible to repair the Nook without updating it or rooting it again ? If not, what should I do ?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For your Nook to work correctly with NookManager, it does need to be updated to 1.2.1, the most recent B&N software version. However, it will require an unroot and factory reset for you to be able to update to 1.2.1 without issues popping up.
My recommended procedure:
1. Boot into NookManager.
2. Do this: [No, continue without wireless > Rescue > Restore factory.zip]
3. Let it finish, take out the sdcard and sign in (or bypass) to Barnes and Noble.
4. Update your Nook to 1.2.1 using the update from this page.
5. Boot back into NookManager, and re-root.
6. Good to go!
Sorry about the hassle of having to unroot and wipe.

Hi,
Thank you for your reply. I followed your instructions and almost everything is finally back in order. But I had to improvise: I worked on it during the whole afternoon, although I had a NookManager backup. The one thing that is still wrong is that there is a bad disk in the Nook (NOT the sdcard), 1.87 GB in size, and MiniTool Partition Wizard can't do anything about it (all options are greyed out). It doesn't seem to have any consequences. I hope it stays that way.
Thanks again.

sinlog said:
Hi,
Thank you for your reply. I followed your instructions and almost everything is finally back in order. But I had to improvise: I worked on it during the whole afternoon, although I had a NookManager backup. The one thing that is still wrong is that there is a bad disk in the Nook (NOT the sdcard), 1.87 GB in size, and MiniTool Partition Wizard can't do anything about it (all options are greyed out). It doesn't seem to have any consequences. I hope it stays that way.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be fine, I believe. Unless those options that you say are grayed out were available before, I think it's supposed to be that way.
Oh, and about using the Thanks Meter - to give someone a "thank" which goes onto their meter, you click the button that says "Thanks!" in the bottom-right corner of the respective post, like I just did to you.

How do I Flash Stock ROM on Nook Touch?

Reset Nook
Hi,
I bought my Nook Touch a while back, updated it to 1.21, rooted it, installed gapps on it and a couple of apps. I also resized the partition so that I have about 1GB internal memory, which is what I use.
I have never used it apart from reading. I would like to wipe it and put it back to factory image (apart from the keeping the partition size at 1GB). I was looking for any help on how to do this please ?
I just want my nook as an reader. One question I do have, is if I factory reset it, are there are key ereader features which I may loose ? I seem to remember I installed fastread or something. I cant remember what it does and whether it even makes a difference. The only issue I have with the nook is that its unresponsive/slow but I think thats just the hardware?
Thanks

@poster74,
The easiest and most reliable way to reset your Nook to its original factory image is to use NookManager's Restore factory.zip function, which can be done by following the instructions below.
1. Follow the directions on the thread linked above to boot into the NookManager rooter.
2. Navigate [No, continue without wireless > Rescue > Restore factory.zip].
3. Confirm your selection if there is a yes/no option.
4. Wait for the process to finish.
Done! Now you can re-register your device with B&N and use it like a regular e-reader.

nst glowlight starting up stops every time

I bought a used nst glowlight (bnrv350), I made a backup, and then I tried to root using glownooter, but had a limited success : I could not install google market or opera mobile.
So I tried to restore the backup, but after "read forever, your nook is starting up", nothing happens, the message just stays there. I can boot with the back button, but it does the same.
I then tried to restore the factory image several times, using all the methods I could find in the internet, but it does the same as above. It has been going on for 24 hours.
The problem might have originated when I could not use winimage in my windows 10 computer to make the backup, and I used windows xp in a virtualbox in my linux computer instead. I used also dd, but I am afraid I don't remember the exact order. The backup size is 426.8 MB.
I reverted back to windows 10 with win32diskimager, with the same result.
Can anything be done ?

sinlog said:
I bought a used nst glowlight (bnrv350), I made a backup, and then I tried to root using glownooter, but had a limited success : I could not install google market or opera mobile.
So I tried to restore the backup, but after "read forever, your nook is starting up", nothing happens, the message just stays there. I can boot with the back button, but it does the same.
I then tried to restore the factory image several times, using all the methods I could find in the internet, but it does the same as above. It has been going on for 24 hours.
The problem might have originated when I could not use winimage in my windows 10 computer to make the backup, and I used windows xp in a virtualbox in my linux computer instead. I used also dd, but I am afraid I don't remember the exact order. The backup size is 426.8 MB.
I reverted back to windows 10 with win32diskimager, with the same result.
Can anything be done ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That backup is too large, I think. Should be more in the neighborhood of 250 MB? Have you tried the factory re-image where you just see the booting up screen and then hold down the two bottom hardware buttons until you get a prompt?
It's difficult--but not impossible--to damage the factory image unless you've been messing with the partitions. If that method does not get you there, consider making a NookManager card and trying to access the re-image routine from its menu.

Thank you for your reply. I just used nookManager. After 5 seconds, it said the backup was successful, but there was no backup in the card. Similarly, it said that rooting was successful, but when I removed the card, it did the same as before : "starting up..." and it stays there.
Do you have another idea ? I downloaded the 1.2.2 update from the b&n site. Can nookManager install it ?
PS: The nook was already 1.2.2
Yes, I used the two lower buttons trick.

sinlog said:
Thank you for your reply. I just used nookManager. After 5 seconds, it said the backup was successful, but there was no backup in the card. Similarly, it said that rooting was successful, but when I removed the card, it did the same as before : "starting up..." and it stays there.
Do you have another idea ? I downloaded the 1.2.2 update from the b&n site. Can nookManager install it ?
PS: The nook was already 1.2.2
Yes, I used the two lower buttons trick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5 seconds is not enough time for NookManager to correctly make a backup. And, backups can only be seen on the card if you connect your NSTG to your PC while NookManager is running. Otherwise the partition is invisible.
It's hard to know since I have no experience with the NSTG. If it were an NST I would suggest that you perform the region change flash, but it's not clear if that will remove your light function or, indeed, if the flash is deep enough to rewrite the areas of your device that appear to be preventing boot. AFAIK there are no ROM images for the NSTG available. But there might be. Somewhere.
I guess if you have exhausted all the possibilities, rather than trashing the device I would try the region change (just flash the US firmware again--I assume that's what's on there already). It may or may not preserve the glowlight capability, but it might at least produce a functioning e-reader. But only as a last resort.
Edit: Hmm.... seems like I've been down this winding road before: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72551413&postcount=57
But I emphasize that this process worked for a plain NST, not the NSTG, so it is an absolute last resort (and might not work anyway because you could have a completely different situation). Next thing is to look at the innards of the 1.1 updater and see if Glowlight updates could be substituted...

O.K. So here is a thread that contains a link to an NSTG image and the instructions to write to your device (read down in the thread).
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2608815
What "may" happen: your device could end up with a mismatched serial number and or MAC address depending on how this image was made. There is information on this forum for correcting the MAC address. Just a disclaimer. I don't know. IF this is successful, you can then do a manual update to 1.2.2 and then root with the updated NookManager. I've checked the link to the image and it is still good. I got a file that is about 245 MB--seems about right. Presumably you use the image in place of your backup in the restoring process described in the thread.

I am very grateful for your help, but I am afraid I need more. The nook is now functioning and I might not have done it without your hints. As you suspected, the serial number and mac address have changed (I wrote them down before all this). I suppose that's why it did not automatically upgrade to 1.2.2 . Also the device says it's connected to the internet, but it doesn't seem to be.
I searched xda (nstg mac address, nstg serial number), but I didn't find anything meaningful to me (there are posts by Renate and by ros87 but too complex). Can you help, please ?

sinlog said:
I am very grateful for your help, but I am afraid I need more. The nook is now functioning and I might not have done it without your hints. As you suspected, the serial number and mac address have changed (I wrote them down before all this). I suppose that's why it did not automatically upgrade to 1.2.2 . Also the device says it's connected to the internet, but it doesn't seem to be.
I searched xda (nstg mac address, nstg serial number), but I didn't find anything meaningful to me (there are posts by Renate and by ros87 but too complex). Can you help, please ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oy.
I didn't think you would act so rashly with all my disclaimers. Well, it's done. I actually don't think the MAC address is a big deal unless you begin to have issues.
Did you actually manage to register? If so then the serial number must not currently be in use and the change you effected was deep enough to pass muster. If not....well battery life is said to be shorter for devices that have skipped registration.
Correcting the MAC address is described (sort of) here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1483600
As far as I can guess it involves editing a hex file. Doable, but maybe not needed. There is no way to correct the serial number. It is heavily encrypted with private keys. Again, if you managed to register then this is all moot.
How are you judging lack of internet connectivity?

I was not given the opportunity to register and I don't care about registration, but I'd like to have connectivity. The link you just gave me is for the ros87's thread that I mentioned, and I don't know how to use it. So I suppose I cannot upgrade to 1.2.2 . Should I root the device ?
PS : ros87's last activity was 2 years ago
EDIT : I copied nook_1_2_update.zip in the device and it was installed. I have now 1.2.2

sinlog said:
I was not given the opportunity to register and I don't care about registration, but I'd like to have connectivity. The link you just gave me is for the ros87's thread that I mentioned, and I don't know how to use it. So I suppose I cannot upgrade to 1.2.2 . Should I root the device ?
PS : ros87's last activity was 2 years ago
EDIT : I copied nook_1_2_update.zip in the device and it was installed. I have now 1.2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't answer my question about connectivity. Are you not able to make a connection? With only the stock device there is nothing to connect to other than B&N. What does it say about "Owner" in the Settings?
Yes, you should root. Be sure to use the NookManager update or it won't work.
Before we even think about the MAC address issue you need root access and some way to tell if you actually have an internet connection. That means some kind of functioning browser, etc.
Do you still have that weird backup? If so, keep it safe somewhere. You may want that someday.

I tried to download a book and I got this : Unable to download, Internal error...
I can ping the nook from the computer.
I will look into rooting the device in 2 or 3 hours and then post again. I suppose this is what you're referring to :
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nook-touch/development/nst-g-updating-nookmanager-t3873048
Thank you for your patience with me.

sinlog said:
I tried to download a book and I got this : Unable to download, Internal error...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an entire galaxy of mystery contained in that statement. Download from where? Download with what? Do you have an sdcard inserted for storage?

nmyshkin said:
There is an entire galaxy of mystery contained in that statement. Download from where? Download with what? Do you have an sdcard inserted for storage?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant to download a book from the home page of the nook, where it says New reads. I am still unrooted and I don't leave an sdcard inserted.

sinlog said:
I meant to download a book from the home page of the nook, where it says New reads. I am still unrooted and I don't leave an sdcard inserted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... I'm surprised there are any books populating that section at all since the device is not registered. In any case, that is no test of connectivity since without registration the NSTG will spit out all kinds of generic messages about connections and failures if you attempt anything that requires access of B&N servers--like buying/downloading a book (which you can't do unless you are registered).

Rooted with nookManager updated. Opera mobile needs to be reinstalled. I can connect to the computer using es file explorer, so wifi is ok. BUT I can't use nookManager because I can't read the icon labels. I'll restore the backup tomorrow and I will try another rooting method. There are 2 more, I think : tiny and glownooter. Are there others ?

sinlog said:
BUT I can't use nookManager because I can't read the icon labels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
? Do you mean ADW Launcher? You can fix the icon label issue in the Settings. As I recall the default font color is white. That needs to be changed to black. The size can also be changed. Depending on what icon style you pick the label will either be on one line or, if longer, on two. LOTS of Settings in ADW. Don't write it off without spending some time working with it.

Sorry, I used glownooter. It's a lot like touchnooter, with which I am familiar. I still have to sign in to my google account and to install opera mobile. I'll be back when finished.

Opera mobile is installed and working. I still can't sign in to google but I can use yalp store and that's good. Thanks again, nmyshkin, you saved my nook glowlight.