Database Users

[GUIDE] Root & recovery WITHOUT oem unlock & wipe (2.3.2 & older, plus now 2.3)

[GUIDE] Root & recovery WITHOUT oem unlock & wipe (2.3.2 & older, plus now 2.3)
UPDATE #2 - Fitchman has reported successful root and rom flash without unlocking the bootloader by using Ginger Break. Full details in this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13236136&postcount=135
UPDATE - IMPORTANT: This method does not work with Android 2.3.3. Search the forum or this post in this thread for a way to update to 2.3.3 and root without unlocking if you haven't updated yet.
Alternatively, use this method on 2.3.2 and lower, then use titanium to back up everything, store it on your laptop (along with all your sdcard's data), then do the oem unlock step first and then continue from there with the rest of the guide.
Not my original idea, but a consolidation of a discussion between inakipaz and shrivelfig and myself in another thread and being posted here for easier finding by future root-seekers.
Shrivelfig's tested the method to re-root a previously rooted pone with a re-locked bootloader, and inakipaz has done it on a phone that's never had the bootloader unlocked.
The advantage here is that those who chose not to root when they first got the phone won't lose any app data or sdcard data like the methods that have you unlock the bootloader do. The disadvantage is your bootloader remains locked, which may prevent you flashing certain things in the future.
edit: see ravidavi's posts below; he's shown you can even flash custom roms that are clockwork compatible while having a locked bootloader with this method.
Download these two files:
clockwork recovery v3.0.0.5 or clockwork recovery v3.0.0.5 mirror if above not working
su-2.3.6.1-ef-signed.zip
Koush's blog for the latest clockwork updates (find Nexus S in the list).
Also, if you don't already have the necessary android sdk and drivers on your computer, get them from here: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html and install them. Some Windows users report better luck just installing pdanet. There's a decent guide for Windows users on installing the sdk here.
Place the recovery file on your laptop where you can access it while using the sdk fastboot commands.
Place the su zip one in the top level folder of your sdcard.
Put your phone in fastboot mode (power off, then hold volume up and power key at the same time until the phone boots to a white screen).
Use fastboot to boot the phone into the clockwork recovery:
Code:
fastboot boot recovery-clockwork-3.0.0.5-crespo.img
If you're not sure how to get fastboot working on your computer, follow the excellent instructions that Allgamer gives in this GUIDE, but don't do the oem unlock command!
Once in clockwork, flash the su file to the phone by following these steps below.
To navigate in the clockwork recovery, you use the volume keys to scroll up/down through the menus, and the on/off button to select what's highlighted.
(note: some report success without these first 3 steps, others don't get a succesful root without, I recommend doing them)
select mounts and storage.
select mount /system
select go back
select install ZIP from sdcard
select choose zip from sdcard
select su-version#-signed.zip file you downloaded earlier
select yes - install su-version#-signed.zip
confirm it says "Install from sdcard complete"
select go back
select reboot
After the phone reboots, you should be rooted, with a locked bootloader, and none of your data erased.
That said, never hurts to have a backup of your precious data on the sdcard that you can copy over to the computer.
This method doesn't install busybox, so go to the Market and download/install busybox directly, or get Titanium Backup and check it's "problems?" button and let it install busybox for you. There's also an app called root checker that supposedly verifies you have a working root on your phone.
Once you have a successful root installed, I'd suggest getting back into clockwork recovery and running a nandroid back up from clockwork's backs and restore menu. Then copy that file from your sdcard (in the /clockwork/backups folder) to your laptop for safe-keeping and an easy full system restore to a known working config.
Usual disclaimers about I'm not responsible for damage to your phone or loss of data apply. Use any rooting method at your own risk.
Thanks and all the real credit go to inakipaz, shrivelfig and allgamer, and of course to koush, and ChainsDD for the superuser apk.

Worked perfectly. I used fastboot from my Mac (outlined in the stickied Mac Root thread). Root checker verifies that I have root.
And by the way, my phone and I are both root/ROM cherry. First android phone, first time rooter. Will work up the guts to flash a ROM soon, but of course there's no chance of doing THAT without unlocking the bootloader.
Thanks to all involved in this!

yeah! good work!

Srsly. Awsom.
Someone sticky this....

Question: When you do the fastboot boot command, does that overwrite the stock recovery with Clockwork? Or is it just booting into the recovery img without actually flashing it?
I would think this method also gives you a way to back up before unlocking the bootloader.
1) fastboot boot into Clockwork as described here
2) Full nandroid backup from Clockwork
3) Mount "SD" from Clockwork over USB, copy everything to computer (since it wipes everything)
4) Go back and unlock the bootloader as usual, resulting in a full wipe
5) Flash Clockwork Recovery again through whichever method
6) Mount "SD" from Clockwork over USB, copy the backup back to phone
7) Restore nandroid
And now you've unlocked the bootloader without amnesia =)
ravidavi said:
And by the way, my phone and I are both root/ROM cherry. First android phone, first time rooter. Will work up the guts to flash a ROM soon, but of course there's no chance of doing THAT without unlocking the bootloader.
Thanks to all involved in this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you need to unlock the bootloader to flash a ROM? Now that you have root, try installing ROM Manager from the Market, and see if it lets you flash custom recovery with bootloader still locked. If so, then yes you can install a ROM!
Also, the fact that you're able to boot into Clockwork using "fastboot boot" - that also means you can install a ROM .zip file right from there.

cmstlist said:
Question: When you do the fastboot boot command, does that overwrite the stock recovery with Clockwork? Or is it just booting into the recovery img without actually flashing it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"fastboot boot" only launches the recovery no unlock needed. "fastboot flash" flash the recovery

cmstlist said:
Are you sure you need to unlock the bootloader to flash a ROM? Now that you have root, try installing ROM Manager from the Market, and see if it lets you flash custom recovery with bootloader still locked. If so, then yes you can install a ROM!.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked! Here's the process I used, starting from a completely unmodded Nexus S.
1: Use the method detailed here to gain root access without unlocking the bootloader.
2: Using a root-enabled file explorer (I used Super Manager), rename install-recovery.sh (in /etc) to install-recovery.sh.old . You'll need to remount as r/w to do this. NOTE: You don't *have* to do this step, but if you don't, then you can only use clockwork once after which it will be erased on reboot.
3: Using ROM Manager, install Clockwork Recovery.
4: Pleasure yourself, because your bootloader is still locked and nothing was erased.
I have yet to try actually flashing a custom ROM. Does this mean that it can also be done without unlocking bootloader?

Well damn, whaddaya know. I just flashed MoDaCo r10 without unlocking the bootloader, and without losing any personal data on /sdcard.
I figure someone at XDA should like this.
Pretty much followed distortedloop's advice. Starting from a fully stock Nexus S with Android 2.3.2 (GRH78C):
* Root using the method on this thread.
* Rename install-recovery.su to install-recovery-old.su. (in /bin)
* Install Clockwork Recovery from ROM Manager.
* Download whatever ROM you want (compatible with Clockwork), rename to update.zip, and copy to sdcard.
* Reboot into Clockwork.
* Wipe cache, reset to factory (IF REQUIRED BY NEW ROM). This was my first install of MoDaCo, and that requires it. This step does NOT erase your personal files on sdcard, just all android-related files.
* Install update.zip from Clockwork.
* Continue self-pleasuring ... you now have a custom rom without touching your bootloader or wiping your personal sdcard data.
Maybe it's just because I'm a noob here, but it seems to me that this is a BIG deal. All root/ROM installation methods that I've seen so far have required an unlocked bootloader. This seems to be the first time a Nexus S has been unlocked and custom-ROM'd without unlocking the bootloader and wiping the entire /sdcard.
Ravi

Yeah, it's pretty clear that the unlock the bootloader step isn't necessary for most of what we want to do. Just a habit from earlier devices, perhaps?
What's really odd is now we have to wonder what's the purpose of the oem unlock erasing your sdcard? Speculation was that it was a security feature to keep people from accessing your data if they stole your phone; they couldn't flash something on the phone to get access, but clearly they can. Fastboot into a custom recovery and you own the phone.
Perhaps this is a security hole Google will try to fix some day?
At any rate, I wish we'd discovered this sooner, it would have saved several people some grief in having to lose saved games (Angry Birds!) when they finally decided to root.

distortedloop said:
Yeah, it's pretty clear that the unlock the bootloader step isn't necessary for most of what we want to do. Just a habit from earlier devices, perhaps?
...
At any rate, I wish we'd discovered this sooner, it would have saved several people some grief in having to lose saved games (Angry Birds!) when they finally decided to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You say "for most of what we want to do." Could you think of a case where you would need to unlock it now? It's now shown to be unnecessary for rooting and installing custom recovery/ROM.
Is there any way to get the word out? This thread isn't stickied, and all the stickied threads on rooting & custom ROMs currently assert that you have to unlock the bootloader.
Ravi

ravidavi said:
You say "for most of what we want to do." Could you think of a case where you would need to unlock it now? It's now shown to be unnecessary for rooting and installing custom recovery/ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking that something like Superboot might need to have the bootloader unlocked, since it replaces the boot image, right? But I'm not sure.
ravidavi said:
Is there any way to get the word out? This thread isn't stickied, and all the stickied threads on rooting & custom ROMs currently assert that you have to unlock the bootloader.
Ravi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's only a page and a half of posts in the development section right now, so it's not likely to disappear any time soon, but you could ask a mod (theimpaler747 is ours) via PM to sticky it. I thought about asking myself, but seemed a bit tacky to ask for my own thread.
Meanwhile, I'd been linking people to various posts I'd made in other threads suggesting this might work, but once inakipaz and shrivelfig confirmed it, I'm just now pointing people here. I just hope people see this before wiping their phones unnecessarily.
Really, the other guides should just be updated to skip the oem unlock step. That's really the only different thing we're doing here.

i'm just waiting for more people "newbies" to confirm this actually works for them, before making it a sticky

In theory if you really really screw up your phone, you might need fastboot flash in order to recover it. But if fastboot also lets you boot into an img recovery... then you still have a recovery route that doesn't require unlocking.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

I know it's a noob question and all since all you're doing is flashing a custom recovery but will you still be able to get OTA updates after doing this as well?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

qreffie said:
I know it's a noob question and all since all you're doing is flashing a custom recovery but will you still be able to get OTA updates after doing this as well?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes because you still have the original recovery installed

distortedloop said:
Perhaps this is a security hole Google will try to fix some day?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be my guess.
But how? Is it possible to plug this with just a software update? Time will show, I guess.
This (security hole) should also make it possible to do perfect out-of-the-box OS backups. And restores. The problem is that nobody's going to do a backup without playing with their shiny new toy first.

shrivelfig said:
This would be my guess.
But how? Is it possible to plug this with just a software update? Time will show, I guess.
This (security hole) should also make it possible to do perfect out-of-the-box OS backups. And restores. The problem is that nobody's going to do a backup without playing with their shiny new toy first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that the Nexus One does not allow this "fastboot boot" on a locked bootloader. Maybe this was just an oversight?
It is entirely possible to plug this with a software update: Samsung/Google could issue a signed update that includes a bootloader upgrade. This has been done many times by HTC for example.

I can confirm that this method works, without unlocking the BL or erasing the SD part.

This is pretty cool. I wish I new about this before I unlocked the bootloader days after I received my phone. I too wonder if this was intentional or an oversite. Google did want this phone to be for developers, but like other's said, this is also a bit of a security hole. The wiping of the sd card on unlock would protect the person if the phone was stolen, like if there was confidential corporate stuff on there. Even if you password protect your phone, someone could fastboot clockwork, mount the sd card and retrieve all the information that was on there.

cmstlist said:
It is entirely possible to plug this with a software update: Samsung/Google could issue a signed update that includes a bootloader upgrade. This has been done many times by HTC for example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's also been done by Samsung with some versions of the Galaxy S line (some of the "leaked" roms, and even one official kies push (IIRC) changed the bootloader, causing people the ability to use 3 button mode for Odin access, and causing others to lose it.

[GUIDE] Install ClockworkMod Recovery image after updated to 2.3.4 (GRJ22).

Not applicable
Delete this thread

Hello, thanks for the post.
I got a brand new Nexus S, I got a update direct from Google so I just flash it to GRJ22 :-(. I follow your guide (I have to do the step 1/2 in the other post you refer). Now I got clockwork done. But everytime I restart my phone, I always boot into clockwork. I try to 'mount sdcard' and reboot, but still boot into clockwork. How can I boot into the stock ROM?
many thanks!!

Too complicated.
Just:
1. turn on phone by holding volume up + power to go to bootloader
2. fastboot oem unlock (confirm it on the phone)
3. fastboot flash recovery recoveryfilename.img
4. Select recovery on the phone.
5. You're in ClockworkMod. Go flash a new ROM.

Let me answer myself.
I don't think the latest rom 2.3.4 is compatible with the clockwork you supplied. So I have to flash my phone back to GRH78. I downloaded the stock ROM from the internet. and then push all the images file into /sdcard/clockworkmod/backup/2010.xxx.
Next, I restore the image in clockwork menu.
after restore, reboot the phone, now I am back in business.
When the phone is boot, i lost the root again, so i went to modaco.com and get Paul's package. run it, restart, I got the root.
Finally, go to market place and get ROM Manager, install the clockwordmod. and I have a 'proper' phone.
although I don't have the least rom, at least i got a working phone that is rooted.

bante said:
Hello, thanks for the post.
I got a brand new Nexus S, I got a update direct from Google so I just flash it to GRJ22 :-(. I follow your guide (I have to do the step 1/2 in the other post you refer). Now I got clockwork done. But everytime I restart my phone, I always boot into clockwork. I try to 'mount sdcard' and reboot, but still boot into clockwork. How can I boot into the stock ROM?
many thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem. How did you handle it?

Wow, why risk messing up your phone with flashing a boot.img when you can just rename /etc/install-recovery.sh to something like /etc/install-recovery.bak?
Here's one way to rename (courtesy of Matridom). Another is to use Root Explorer.
Matridom said:
The new update applies the install-recovery.sh script into our phones (not there previously.
Boot into the bootloader
flash CWM
select recovery from the bootloader (DO NOT reboot the phone)
apply the su binary
boot into the OS and test root
make sure busybox is properly installed
run ADB shell
then:
Code:
su
mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
mv /system/etc/install-recovery.sh /system/etc/install-recovery.bak
Boot back into the bootloader and re-flash CWM, should stay permanent now.l had applied the SU binary at the same time as the OTA update, then renamed the installer script and flashed back CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

andnaz said:
I have the same problem. How did you handle it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here someone please help ?

This is a totally unorthodox way to make the custom recovery permanent. If your phone is messed up, good luck fixing it.
There is a much easier and safer way like I mentioned.
PS: flashing recovery for 2.3.4 is the exact same as for 2.3.3!
fastboot flash recovery <recovery .img>
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

bante said:
Hello, thanks for the post.
I got a brand new Nexus S, I got a update direct from Google so I just flash it to GRJ22 :-(. I follow your guide (I have to do the step 1/2 in the other post you refer). Now I got clockwork done. But everytime I restart my phone, I always boot into clockwork. I try to 'mount sdcard' and reboot, but still boot into clockwork. How can I boot into the stock ROM?
many thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Bante, I am sorry for the inconvenience. I have revert back the CWM Recovery to 3.0.2.4. You can download it at the link above, and try it again
I hope that the problem you mention wont persist anymore

zero383 said:
This is a totally unorthodox way to make the custom recovery permanent. If your phone is messed up, good luck fixing it.
There is a much easier and safer way like I mentioned.
PS: flashing recovery for 2.3.4 is the exact same as for 2.3.3!
fastboot flash recovery <recovery .img>
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry but not all people can successfully use Command Prompt to do so.
I cant use command prompt, as it says "Image cant be loaded".
So I had to use this method.
I search around the forum and seen this as a quite common problem,
so I decided to share it
Hope you understand.
Anyway, thanks for your method too Cheers

andnaz said:
I have the same problem. How did you handle it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CWM Recovery I supplied is version 3.0.2.5,
which is not compatible.
So I replaced with version 3.0.2.4.
You just download it at the link above and follow all the step again.
You should able to solve this problem
Do notify me if any problem persist

16vMK1 said:
same here someone please help ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CWM Recovery I supplied is version 3.0.2.5,
which is not compatible.
So I replaced with version 3.0.2.4.
You just download it at the link above and follow all the step again.
You should able to solve this problem
Do notify me if any problem persist

Wow people like to make things complicated. Why install an entire rom to get ride of a script?
if you can flash cwm, you should have some basic understanding of fastboot, adb and the search options in the forums. the answers are all there already.
Sent from my Nexus S

No disrespect, I agree flashing recoverys should only be done after you understand how to use the tools to do it. there is no reason someone who is going to mod systems on their nexus shouldn't be able to use fastboot and adb properly. all the right drivers are in the sdk.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

nxt said:
Too complicated.
Just:
1. turn on phone by holding volume up + power to go to bootloader
2. fastboot oem unlock (confirm it on the phone)
3. fastboot flash recovery recoveryfilename.img
4. Select recovery on the phone.
5. You're in ClockworkMod. Go flash a new ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I did.
I rooted my NS, which had 2.3.3
Used phone with stock 2.3.3 until I figured out which ROM I want to flash.
Before I flashed any ROM, did a Nandroid Backup through CWM.
Used the ROM for a few days, but when I saw that official update is ready for download for i9020A, did do a restore from the Nandroid backup I created.
Updated from 2.3.3 to 2.3.4, phone works fantastic, video chat also works great.
After update when I tried using any of the apps required SU permission, they didn't work. I tried installing a couple of .apk files, couldn't either install it or after installation it didn't work.
Thought let me try wiping my phone clean and start all over again, may be I will use a custom ROM again, downloaded ROM, went to ROM Manager to reboot into recovery, nothing happens.
Tried booting into Recovery option manually by pressing Volume Up and Power button, nothing happens but the Bot with an Arrow appears on screen.
So, I thought I will follow this procedure to reflash CWM to my phone and get it going. I was able to use the command FastBoot once, and suceeded pushing .img file to my phone but now whenever I try using the commands from my computer, this error message appears : "This application has failed to start becasue AdbWinApi.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
Why this error message if I have the sdk on my computer already through which I was once able to push .img file without any troubles?
Can anyone tell me what would be a possible solution?
Also, how can I fix this problem and get ClockWorkMod Recovery installed on my NS again?
How can I get stock recovery image on my phone if I want start all over again from scratch?
Thx a million.
Edit ::: I found the answer as to how to how to install CWM again. Thx anyways.
Other question still remains a puzzle... why am I not able to install certain programs or if did manage to install, can't run them?

I ran your method and I think I'm stuck at some step...
My phone now default boots into CWM 3.0.2.4
Recovery boots to a newer recovery I flashed.
How do I get my phone to default boot into the OS again?
Edit: nevermind, just downloaded the full 2.3.4 rom, extracted and flashed the original boot.img.

dreamsforgotten said:
All the right drivers are in the sdk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After installing the sdk and a platform, I have adb, but where is fastboot?

I was getting the same error as "Image cant be loaded". after hours of struggling I found that It's only because I was not in the same directory as the img file. silly eh?

hi,did you repaiar your phone,i have try everything but it just keep going in clockwork mode,if i than pres reboot now in clockworkmode it stays on google padlock
i realy need phone if you can help or someone else,than ....

just tried this method of window7 (thanks for the work) with cwm 3.0.2.4, but got the same result like the others in this thread: cant boot the android 2.3.4, the system is always booting into the cwm, no way out.
I don't think this tool works as it should.
:-(
EDIT:
I didn't realize that window7's tool would install the cwm into the boot-partition instead of the recovery-partition.
To get my boot partition back I downloaded the 2.3.4 firmware image from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1056062 and extracted the boot.img from the zip.
with "fastboot flash boot boot.img" I restored my orginal boot partition an can boot into android again.
(fastboot is part of the android sdk)

[Q] Nexus 7 (4.1.2) can't root

Hi I have a Nexus 7 version (4.1.2 OTA).
I wanted to ask what the deal is or what I'm doing wrong. I purchased the full version of Nexus ToolKit 7. According to the instructions I made the unlocked bootloader and I wanted to root but each attempt failed.
I do not know what I could do wrong when root is fully automated.
PS: I also tried to reflash Stock Rom (4.1.2)
I enclose a picture attachments with an error message

IAmNice said:
usb debugging on? Have you checked that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. Yes mam (usb debugging on) have a look to the attachment.
Toolkit me boot into fastboot then reboot then for something to fastboot loaded and back to android and trying to upload the files but nothing superuser is not recorded because of (read-only file system).
have a look on the attachment is there to see everything ...

yep same issue here - problem with the forum regs is unless you have enough posts you can't actually address the issue to the appropriate person can you? Anyway, able to unlock but then is unable to root and rest due to a permissions problem. have tried as administrator but of coure this doesn't make any difference.

NexusTropers said:
Hi I have a Nexus 7 version (4.1.2 OTA).
I wanted to ask what the deal is or what I'm doing wrong. I purchased the full version of Nexus ToolKit 7. According to the instructions I made the unlocked bootloader and I wanted to root but each attempt failed.
I do not know what I could do wrong when root is fully automated.
PS: I also tried to reflash Stock Rom (4.1.2)
I enclose a picture attachments with an error message
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try flashing CWM recovery and installing Superuser from there.
Download Superuser and copy it to your /sdcard
Flash CWM recovery
Install Superuser from CWM
????
Profit.

try:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1796109

comminus said:
You can try flashing CWM recovery and installing Superuser from there.
Download Superuser and copy it to your /sdcard
Flash CWM recovery
Install Superuser from CWM
????
Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks comminus - but I think that if we could do this then we wouldn't be using the tool kit.

bazabaza said:
Thanks comminus - but I think that if we could do this then we wouldn't be using the tool kit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not try before you give up? Nothing I suggested is even remotely challenging.
With your tablet booted normally plug it in to your computer and copy the superuser zip in my previous post to the Download directory on your Nexus 7 from Windows.
Judging by the first provided screenshot I can see that option 6 in that toolkit is for flashing recovery. Why not try that?
As far as how to install the zip from ClockworkMod (CWM), there are literally hundreds of threads and YouTube videos that will show you what to do. The better option is to spend a few minutes (literately. It only takes a few minutes.) to learn some basic fastboot commands. If you're willing to learn there are many people who will help.

comminus said:
Why not try before you give up? Nothing I suggested is even remotely challenging.
With your tablet booted normally plug it in to your computer and copy the superuser zip in my previous post to the Download directory on your Nexus 7 from Windows.
Judging by the first provided screenshot I can see that option 6 in that toolkit is for flashing recovery. Why not try that?
As far as how to install the zip from ClockworkMod (CWM), there are literally hundreds of threads and YouTube videos that will show you what to do. The better option is to spend a few minutes (literately. It only takes a few minutes.) to learn some basic fastboot commands. If you're willing to learn there are many people who will help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx you for your post
But in the Nexus7 ToolKit can be done but is ClockworkMod must first rename (recovery restore files) but with da only when I have ROOT.
And why unnecessary to install CWM and resolve other problems I'll eat a connection. If "simply" can I ROOT who create me rich enough.

NexusTropers said:
Thx you for your post
But in the Nexus7 ToolKit can be done but is ClockworkMod must first rename (recovery restore files) but with da only when I have ROOT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Choose #1 in your first screenshot.
After you install CWM make sure you boot recovery before a standard boot. On rebooting from CWM it will say something like "ROM may flash stock recovery on boot." and prompt with yes or no. Choose yes - this renames /system/recovery-from-boot.p and prevents the ROM from restoring stock recovery.
NexusTropers said:
And why unnecessary to install CWM and resolve other problems I'll eat a connection. If "simply" can I ROOT who create me rich enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not really sure what you're trying to say...

I tried quite a few times to root my Nexus 7 with the Nexus 7 toolkit, it hung every time when it was supposed to be installing SuperSU and BusyBox. Every time the last message I saw was "adbd already running as root", and it would just hang there. Everything else appeared to work properly. The only tool I was able to successfully use (more than once) was the Nexus Root Toolkit from Wugfresh http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475. You may want to try that tool.

comminus said:
Choose #1 in your first screenshot.
After you install CWM make sure you boot recovery before a standard boot. On rebooting from CWM it will say something like "ROM may flash stock recovery on boot." and prompt with yes or no. Choose yes - this renames /system/recovery-from-boot.p and prevents the ROM from restoring stock recovery.
I'm not really sure what you're trying to say...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. THX u i try it.
2. AH sorry translator make crazy text.
homerbrew said:
I tried quite a few times to root my Nexus 7 with the Nexus 7 toolkit, it hung every time when it was supposed to be installing SuperSU and BusyBox. Every time the last message I saw was "adbd already running as root", and it would just hang there. Everything else appeared to work properly. The only tool I was able to successfully use (more than once) was the Nexus Root Toolkit from Wugfresh http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475. You may want to try that tool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oki THX u i try this tool...

I'm also having this same problem but here's my story:
Using the Nexus 1.5.4 Toolkit, I Unrooted + Flashed jzo54k, success. I locked OEM, success. I unlocked again, success. Then I ran the root process again, and it keeps freezing at the android recovery screen. Following the prompt in the toolkit, I walked away for a few hours hoping time would resolve the issue.
If you're wondering why I unlocked + rooted, and decided to unroot, lock, unlock, and root again, its because I'm super-noob to anything android related after version 1.5, I wanted to learn the processes after I found out I was having troubles with certian things after my Nexus 7 updated from 4.1 to 4.1.2

I am having the same issue as you. 4.1.2 is not rooting for me. I can't install CWM or TWRP because it needs to rename recovery files, and to do that you need to be rooted. If I boot in recovery I always get stock

Having the same issue with a stock 4.1.2. I can unlock no problem but I cannot get it rooted. Everything appears to have worked, but it is not rooted. If I revert back to 4.1.1 I can unlock, root, etc. without issue. I was able to root 4.1.1 and use the root keeper app to then update to 4.1.2 and I was rooted still. However, it would not let me install CWM or anything. ROM Manager says it was installed, but booting to recovery always too me to stock.
Any ideas?

Can you point me into the direction to downgrading?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

MetalMadness said:
Can you point me into the direction to downgrading?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Nexus Root Toolkit v1.5.4 and selected the "Flash Stock + Unroot" option. When prompted I choose the default 4.1.1 option and away it went.

To root my 32Gb on 4.1.2 I had to unlock the boot loader, flash the boot loader back to version 3.34, and then I successfully rooted using the nexus 7 toolkit.

hundred_miles_high said:
To root my 32Gb on 4.1.2 I had to unlock the boot loader, flash the boot loader back to version 3.34, and then I successfully rooted using the nexus 7 toolkit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Winner winner! I was just reading THIS which is exactly what you suggested. I just tried this and can confirm that it did work.
Thanks!

hundred_miles_high said:
To root my 32Gb on 4.1.2 I had to unlock the boot loader, flash the boot loader back to version 3.34, and then I successfully rooted using the nexus 7 toolkit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indy1204 said:
Winner winner! I was just reading THIS which is exactly what you suggested. I just tried this and can confirm that it did work.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I did this earlier and it didnt work, but I checked boot instead of flash
FLASH THE OLDER BOOTLOADER DON'T BOOT IT!!!

[Q] Problems rooting Nexus 4 on Linux

(OK, the board ate my first post; maybe this one will do better...)
I am trying to root my Nexus 4 in order to install Titanium Backup. (I have some user data to transfer over from my old Samsung Vibrant before I retire it.) I'm using the Nexus Toolkit for Linux, here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1999065
The first two steps work fine. I can unlock the bootloader and install clockwork mod. When I try to actually root the device and install su, though, I run into a problem. Specifically, going into recovery mode (either automatic through the toolkit or manually myself) I get the Andy the Android "error" icon (Android flat on his back, chest open, with a red warning triangle over it). That remains until I reboot the device.
Any suggestions? I'm not an experienced rooter (Ti Backup is the ony reason I'm even bothering), so keep it basic please.

Crell42 said:
(OK, the board ate my first post; maybe this one will do better...)
I am trying to root my Nexus 4 in order to install Titanium Backup. (I have some user data to transfer over from my old Samsung Vibrant before I retire it.) I'm using the Nexus Toolkit for Linux, here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1999065
The first two steps work fine. I can unlock the bootloader and install clockwork mod. When I try to actually root the device and install su, though, I run into a problem. Specifically, going into recovery mode (either automatic through the toolkit or manually myself) I get the Andy the Android "error" icon (Android flat on his back, chest open, with a red warning triangle over it). That remains until I reboot the device.
Any suggestions? I'm not an experienced rooter (Ti Backup is the ony reason I'm even bothering), so keep it basic please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you're losing recovery. Do you restart your device after you flash CWM?
Try flashing CWM manually through fastboot, don't restart the device (will overwrite custom recovery) and just go directly into recovery then flash SU.
Alternatively, make sure you're using the right version of CWM and/or double check that the writing process for CWM is going to completion. I don't know if you can disable the stock recovery overwrite without first having root, but you can also look into that

hoponpop said:
It sounds like you're losing recovery. Do you restart your device after you flash CWM?
Try flashing CWM manually through fastboot, don't restart the device (will overwrite custom recovery) and just go directly into recovery then flash SU.
Alternatively, make sure you're using the right version of CWM and/or double check that the writing process for CWM is going to completion. I don't know if you can disable the stock recovery overwrite without first having root, but you can also look into that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using whatever version is included in the Universal Tooklkit download. It has two versions included, Standard and Touch. I've tried both, same effect.
Any pointers on "manual" installation of CWM? (As I said, rooting newbie.)

[Q] can't get to recovery mode after unlocking

Hi, a bit of noob but i did googled alot
My plan was:
Unlock and root with nexus 4 toolkit.
Do nandroid backup
Flash PA rom.
step 1 went okay,
afterwards i tried to go to recovery mode inorder to backup but i got the lying android with the red warning sign.
I did backup using Rom Manager and nexus 4 toolkit but I'm worried I can't get to recovery mode if something goes wrong.
How shall I proceed before flashing the rom?

The robot lying on it's back is the stock recovery. You need to flash CWM/TWRP before you can do a Nandroid

itayze said:
Hi, a bit of noob but i did googled alot
My plan was:
Unlock and root with nexus 4 toolkit.
Do nandroid backup
Flash PA rom.
step 1 went okay,
afterwards i tried to go to recovery mode inorder to backup but i got the lying android with the red warning sign.
I did backup using Rom Manager and nexus 4 toolkit but I'm worried I can't get to recovery mode if something goes wrong.
How shall I proceed before flashing the rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do yourself a favour and learn how to use ADB instead of toolkits that do more harm than good if used by inexperienced users and you`ll learn to do it the right way.
Look here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1474956 for how to.
Youtube tutorial link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY4KSrgi-rE.

itayze said:
Hi, a bit of noob but i did googled alot
My plan was:
Unlock and root with nexus 4 toolkit.
Do nandroid backup
Flash PA rom.
step 1 went okay,
afterwards i tried to go to recovery mode inorder to backup but i got the lying android with the red warning sign.
I did backup using Rom Manager and nexus 4 toolkit but I'm worried I can't get to recovery mode if something goes wrong.
How shall I proceed before flashing the rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have Rom Manager Installed and are rooted you should be able to install CWM thru it.

don't have flash recovery on rom manager
I don't have the the "Flash CWM" recovery option on rom manager,
I've attached a screen of what I do have,
I did explore the Recovery Setup but wasn't able to do anything usefull.
Any advice?

itayze said:
I don't have the the "Flash CWM" recovery option on rom manager,
I've attached a screen of what I do have,
I did explore the Recovery Setup but wasn't able to do anything usefull.
Any advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
according to ROM Manager you already have CWM installed and its up to date. Have you tried booting into recovery using ROM Manager?

When I press reboot to recovery directly from rom manager it works...
I'm just affraid that in case that I brick or mess up something I won't be able to get to stock recovery mode.

volume down + power button = bootloader (android on his back) also called fastboot mode
use volume buttons to scroll to recovery then press power button to select it
you should then be in CWM recovery if its installed correctly.
If you are using a custom recovery your stock recovery is gone. You would have to use fastboot to flash the stock recovery image back onto the phone. Its rather simple to do as is flashing the stock image file back onto the phone.

that is why I started this thread.
After I Unlocked and rooted I wasn't able to fastboot and go to recovery mode, it showed my the android on his back.
I've tried it again now and it still doesn't work.
but when I boot directly from rom manager it works...
Edit: I posted before you edited your comment.
even though I don't know adb, should I learn and follow this guide?
http://www.androidauthority.com/nexus-4-clockworkmod-recovery-134114

itayze said:
that is why I started this thread.
After I Unlocked and rooted I wasn't able to fastboot and go to recovery mode, it showed my the android on his back.
I've tried it again now and it still doesn't work.
but when I boot directly from rom manager it works...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a bug that restores the stock recovery after a reboot and there should be an option in the root toolkit to fix it. Not saying this is what happened but it may have. The stock recovery is stored in system memory somewhere and the bug fix just removes it so it won't restore itself after reboot.
Follow efrants guide for ADB and fastboot
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312

kzoodroid said:
There is a bug that restores the stock recovery after a reboot and there should be an option in the root toolkit to fix it. Not saying this is what happened but it may have. The stock recovery is stored in system memory somewhere and the bug fix just removes it so it won't restore itself after reboot.
Follow efrants guide for ADB and fastboot
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not a bug. Its a script. Intended feature.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

El Daddy said:
Its not a bug. Its a script. Intended feature.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I call it a bug because its an annoying feature. There are a number of threads no how to remove it but using a toolkit to do it is just as easy.

thank you,
but after I've read what you wrote about the bug I open the nexus root tool kit and then I realized what I should have done.
I pressed Custom recovery checkbox and rooted again.
now it works !

itayze said:
thank you,
but after I've read what you wrote about the bug I open the nexus root tool kit and then I realized what I should have done.
I pressed Custom recovery checkbox and rooted again.
now it works !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you got it working. I would still learn adb and fastboot. Though I too use the tool kit every now and then out of convenience.