Database Users

Rooting a flashed NS...noob

Hello everyone, Im new here so please dont kill me if this is a common question. I have searched all over but cant find the answer I need. Im excited to learn from all the wonderful information here and cant wait to get started.
Anyway, I had a Nexus S 4g flashed to work on Boost. I would like to root it so that I can change some things. However, I do not know if my phone was previously rooted. Is there anyway to find out? If it was, and I rooted it again, would that cause problems? Also, does rooting the phone cause problems with the flashing, or will it keep all of the necessary network information intact (so that it doesnt screw up my service)?

Rooting doesn't cause problems with the flashing, it just -potentially- opens up the system to damage. This is a user responsibility and not a fault of the rooting process; it's a possibility of having too much power over the system.
Most likely it would have had the bootloader unlocked and have been rooted. Turn off the phone and turn it on again by holding Vol. Up and Power simultaneously for a few seconds. If it was rooted, the best way to know is if it says "bootloader unlocked" in the upper half of the screen. If not, there is a high chance it isn't CURRENTLY rooted. If it is unlocked, the most work you need to give root access to android is going into recovery and installing a .zip file.

Exactly so after finding that out just look over one of the many guides we have here at XDA to flash the superuser package.
Sent from my Nexus S

I didnt see anything saying unlocked. I see 'Lock State - Locked', so Im assuming this means that it is not currently rooted. I guess now I will go through some guides and learn which method would be best for me. Thanks for the quick reply and help.

Most likely you aren't rooted either - you can test by typing "su" in terminal emulator.
Just remember if u unlock bootloader the internal data and sdcard will all be deleted.

[Q] Best first steps with a new tablet

Ultra Noob here
So I had my first android-TF700 for about 10 days. Played around with it, read around this site and realized it was a tablet for someone with experience.
So I now have an N10. Charged, not even turned on yet. What should be my next steps? I see a couple toolkits,an auto root, and ASOP-
What would you suggest a noob start with?
I know, I know, turn it on
Thanks!

Depends on what you want to accomplish with the device. If you want to try or at least gain some understanding as to the different features you might be interested in, read the first post of the different ROMs available and see if anything sounds enticing.
I personally use me for taking media with me on the go, be it news or videos, so I don't have to carry a laptop around. I'm on CM10.1 right now but cycle through every rom to see how everything works. Good luck!
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app

First step is unlocking the bootloader and installing root and a custom recovery. Even if you don't need it at the moment there will come the time you want to try it. When you unlock the bootloader you will lose all your data so it's the best if you do it at first when you get your tablet.

rauschkugl said:
First step is unlocking the bootloader and installing root and a custom recovery. Even if you don't need it at the moment there will come the time you want to try it. When you unlock the bootloader you will lose all your data so it's the best if you do it at first when you get your tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how do you unlock the bootloader and install root?
What do you mean a custom recovery?
Are there other ways to root the device with out wiping it? Seems like most android smartphone you can load up an exe or something to shift the su app around or something.
Thanks.. (still waiting for my N10 to arrive.. meanwhile.. still playing with my ICS Bionic)

There are tons of threads here about unlocking the bootloader, rooting and installing a recovery like teamwin or clockworkmod.

rauschkugl said:
There are tons of threads here about unlocking the bootloader, rooting and installing a recovery like teamwin or clockworkmod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found the threads. Look easy enough to follow. Something I'm not understanding . What does it mean to install a recovery? whats the purpose of that. I've search and (at least not yet) found a good description of what/why that it. I'm sensing that devices are different (duh!) and I didnt need to install a "recovery" on my Droid Bionic when I rooted it, but this N10 must be different.

With the custom recovery you're able to install zip files, make a backup of your Rom,... You can't do that with the recovery that comes with the nexus 10.

Recovery is like a separate system that you can boot to, if you want to mess with the main Android OS. Like rauschkugl said, you can boot to a custom recovery to flash different ROMs that are distributed in flashable ZIP files. You can also make (or if anything goes wrong, revert to) a complete backup of the device's internal memory.

Ok I am rooted and unlocked with mskip's awesome toolkit and DroidModderX video which really helped.
I picked all in one click option and choose TWRP. I fell asleep when I got to TWRP, so I guess I will have to reboot to the recovery page to pull it up.
After that I have no idea what to do I really haven't played with the N10 much. I was planning to leave it stock for awhile (as suggested by rauschkugl).
Do I need to do any backup or anything with TWRP if it's a new tablet? if so what and how ? Please point me to a tutorial for noob types.
Other question is I have a system update and 6 new updates waiting for me to install, can I go ahead and do that rooted and unlocked with stock ROM and no TWRP backup yet?
Thanks!

EraVulgaris said:
Ok I am rooted and unlocked with mskip's awesome toolkit and DroidModderX video which really helped.
I picked all in one click option and choose TWRP. I fell asleep when I got to TWRP, so I guess I will have to reboot to the recovery page to pull it up.
After that I have no idea what to do I really haven't played with the N10 much. I was planning to leave it stock for awhile (as suggested by rauschkugl).
Do I need to do any backup or anything with TWRP if it's a new tablet? if so what and how ? Please point me to a tutorial for noob types.
Other question is I have a system update and 6 new updates waiting for me to install, can I go ahead and do that rooted and unlocked with stock ROM and no TWRP backup yet?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great questions. You are one step ahead of me on my new N10. I've not turned it on yet, really wanting to, but I dont want to do much to it, until after I unlock/root/ and learn how to make backups. Though since i've got a TBpro license, I'll probably use that. I dont want to tweak the OS. so I think I need root just to be able to run TBpro. I just want to be sure I'll still get OFA updates, and I want to learn more about if and how backup work for a multi-user N10.

EraVulgaris said:
Ok I am rooted and unlocked with mskip's awesome toolkit and DroidModderX video which really helped.
I picked all in one click option and choose TWRP. I fell asleep when I got to TWRP, so I guess I will have to reboot to the recovery page to pull it up.
After that I have no idea what to do I really haven't played with the N10 much. I was planning to leave it stock for awhile (as suggested by rauschkugl).
Do I need to do any backup or anything with TWRP if it's a new tablet? if so what and how ? Please point me to a tutorial for noob types.
Other question is I have a system update and 6 new updates waiting for me to install, can I go ahead and do that rooted and unlocked with stock ROM and no TWRP backup yet?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest straight away that you perform a backup with TWRP, so that if you decide to delve deeper into ROMs and playing with your system files, you'll have a completely stock backup to rely on. Simply boot into recovery and select 'Backup', then you can rename the backup file if you want, then swipe the slider across and wait, then you're done!
When it comes to system updates, you'll most likely have to use your root toolkit to unroot the device, else the update will fail. You can however continue to update all your apps as you normally would. Hope this helped

OK
So I kinda started from the beginning of Droid ModderX's video, picked yes to update the toolkit i had donated- (got an update) accessed TWRP (pain to get to- could I download goomanager now after I have TWRP?) and backed up my stock set up just as you said Huggogguh :good:.
Then I went ahead and touched "install system update" that was hanging around in the upper left corner of my tablet (I'm being really specific for other noobs) and it updated my system to 4.2.1 and my apps. Build number changed to JOP4OD
Looked at root checker app. I am now not rooted, so I will go back through toolkit and choose 4 once I am in fastboot mode to reroot I hope:fingers-crossed:.
Thanks!

EraVulgaris said:
OK
So I kinda started from the beginning of Droid ModderX's video, picked yes to update the toolkit i had donated- (got an update) accessed TWRP (pain to get to- could I download goomanager now after I have TWRP?) and backed up my stock set up just as you said Huggogguh :good:.
Then I went ahead and touched "install system update" that was hanging around in the upper left corner of my tablet (I'm being really specific for other noobs) and it updated my system to 4.2.1 and my apps. Build number changed to JOP4OD
Looked at root checker app. I am now not rooted, so I will go back through toolkit and choose 4 once I am in fastboot mode to reroot I hope:fingers-crossed:.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a great success then so are you saying that you performed the system update while you were rooted and you retained the root access?

Nope. Got the OTA system update and it knocked me off root. But I got it back easily with the toolkit.

[Q] Bricked? HELP

Hi there. I'm a total newbie at this and all i wanted was some pretty fonts. I rooted my brand new nexus 4 with the CLockwork mod and it was fine. I then installed the Font Installer, and when installing a font i ended up in a bootloop. The phone wouldn't move past the Nexus logo.
I entered recovery mode and cleared the cache, and did a factory reset. I also reformatted the SD card and the system (which i think is where i made a big mistake). When i hit reboot, i ended up at the Google logo, i am not even moving past that now. It's completely stuck.
When i try to go to the bootloader, by powering down (volume down + power) and then vol up + vol down + power vibrate release power -> this usually brings me to the bootloader but now i get Download mode do not unplug the device until the process is complete.
Please help!!
Am i bricked? Is there a way to solve it? Please, please help, i am begging. It's a brand new phone and i probably shouldn't have messed with it but i really don't know what to do and my parents are going to kill me.
PLEASE HELP.

clpw said:
Hi there. I'm a total newbie at this and all i wanted was some pretty fonts. I rooted my brand new nexus 4 with the CLockwork mod and it was fine. I then installed the Font Installer, and when installing a font i ended up in a bootloop. The phone wouldn't move past the Nexus logo.
I entered recovery mode and cleared the cache, and did a factory reset. I also reformatted the SD card and the system (which i think is where i made a big mistake). When i hit reboot, i ended up at the Google logo, i am not even moving past that now. It's completely stuck.
When i try to go to the bootloader, by powering down (volume down + power) and then vol up + vol down + power vibrate release power -> this usually brings me to the bootloader but now i get Download mode do not unplug the device until the process is complete.
Please help!!
Am i bricked? Is there a way to solve it? Please, please help, i am begging. It's a brand new phone and i probably shouldn't have messed with it but i really don't know what to do and my parents are going to kill me.
PLEASE HELP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get into the bootloader, just hold volume down, and then press and hold power until it vibrates. Now you should be in the bootloader. Just re-flash the system and boot image using fastboot (as per this thread).

efrant said:
To get into the bootloader, just hold volume down, and then press and hold power until it vibrates. Now you should be in the bootloader. Just re-flash the system and boot image using fastboot (as per this thread).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you i will try!

Got it working again. Thank you!! Don't think i'll be rooting/flashing again anytime soon that scared the crap outta me. Thank you so much!

clpw said:
Got it working again. Thank you!! Don't think i'll be rooting/flashing again anytime soon that scared the crap outta me. Thank you so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it's the best way to learn!! That and lots of reading! Rooting and flashing ROMs and kernels really isn't that difficult. Once you've done it a few times, it'll be second nature. Hell I think a lot of guys here do it in their sleep!

I do feel like i understand the flashing process now before it was all like FLASH WHAT HOW DO I DO THAT?! But exactly what you said, i learnt how to do it and now i feel so accomplished + a staggering sense of relief.
:laugh:

Pardon me, but i have another question. I would like to root the device again using the method described in this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2019273 After following the instructions to flash the stock ROM i now have a stock rom installed with an unlocked bootloader, i believe (i did everything but relocking the bootloader) but i don't know what a locked bootloader means. Is it safe for me to go ahead and redo the root now with the unlocked bootloader? I would very much like to use the display control app to modify the colours again.
Again, thank you for your help!

clpw said:
Pardon me, but i have another question. I would like to root the device again using the method described in this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2019273 After following the instructions to flash the stock ROM i now have a stock rom installed with an unlocked bootloader, i believe (i did everything but relocking the bootloader) but i don't know what a locked bootloader means. Is it safe for me to go ahead and redo the root now with the unlocked bootloader? I would very much like to use the display control app to modify the colours again.
Again, thank you for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just leave your phone's bootloader unlocked.
having a bootloader locked = cant flash custom images (Recovery,radio,etc)
unlocked = ...... well the opposite.
but yeah you can. just if ur phone's bootloader is unlocked (theres a lock on the bottom of the screen as you boot up when it says Google.. if not present it is LOCKED, and in bootloader mode it tells you if u are LOCKED or UNLOCKED) follow that guide and it will bring you on your way.

clpw said:
Pardon me, but i have another question. I would like to root the device again using the method described in this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2019273 After following the instructions to flash the stock ROM i now have a stock rom installed with an unlocked bootloader, i believe (i did everything but relocking the bootloader) but i don't know what a locked bootloader means. Is it safe for me to go ahead and redo the root now with the unlocked bootloader? I would very much like to use the display control app to modify the colours again.
Again, thank you for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
^That one is super simple to use. A locked bootloader prevents custom kernels, ROM, and other Mods that people use.

Hmmm, i do have that unlocked logo below my google when i switch on the device, but i suppose that is from the previous time i rooted it. Since the bootloader is already unlocked then, will going through the same steps again cause any problems? Because from what i gather the rooting process unlocks the bootloader + does other stuff.. so now that my bootloader is unlocked, will going through the same steps lead to a complication because it's a duplicate step?
Thanks!!

Ace42 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
^That one is super simple to use. A locked bootloader prevents custom kernels, ROM, and other Mods that people use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO! He said he want's to learn. A toolkit does not teach one a damn thing!

El Daddy said:
NO! He said he want's to learn. A toolkit does not teach one a damn thing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am a girl. But yes. I do wanna learn.

clpw said:
Am a girl. But yes. I do wanna learn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha sorry. 95% of the time its a "He" around here.
The best way to learn is to study the process efrant linked originally.
Also go through his Nexus 4 101 guide which is also a sticky in the general section. It contains a ton of great info. Efrant did a great job putting it together.
Sent from my Nexus 4

El Daddy said:
Ha sorry. 95% of the time its a "He" around here.
The best way to learn is to study the process efrant linked originally.
Also go through his Nexus 4 101 guide which is also a sticky in the general section. It contains a ton of great info. Efrant did a great job putting it together.
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do! Thanks!

El Daddy said:
NO! He said he want's to learn. A toolkit does not teach one a damn thing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't recall reading that part, sorry I skimmed.

Ace42 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
^That one is super simple to use. A locked bootloader prevents custom kernels, ROM, and other Mods that people use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, on this device, assuming you have root, you can still flash custom kernels and ROMs even with a locked bootloader.
And yeah, as El Daddy mentioned, you learn a lot more by doing things yourself, without scripts and toolkits. See the link in El Daddy's sig for more info.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

efrant said:
Actually, on this device, assuming you have root, you can still flash custom kernels and ROMs even with a locked bootloader.
And yeah, as El Daddy mentioned, you learn a lot more by doing things yourself, without scripts and toolkits. See the link in El Daddy's sig for more info.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I have learned enough for now, but I didn't know the N4's loader allowed changes even when locked(guess you really do learn everyday haha). The manual way is not always suitable for someone like myself, when I first got this thing I was eager to jump straight into mods. And I read Dad's rant so I understand why you guys aren't fans of automatic methods. However if you are already knowledgeable on the topic then what's it gonna hurt to try the toolkit.

How to prepare my device for warranty?

Well, as an ant died in my screen I have to send this device back to Google but I have already unlocked the boot loader and loaded CWM along with kernels ROMs and other stuff, All the guides I've seen to re lock the boot loader say I must have stock recovery but I don't know how to get it back, what should I do?

Use a tool like WUG's to do a factory restore and lock the bootloader. It is a lot more satisfying to do it the adb way but since you are asking this I am assuming you are looking for the easiest way out.

You had an ant in your screen as well? Same here, just got it replaced.
Is this more common that I thought?

[Q] Nexus 7 bricked

my nexus 7 with jwr66y has struck on the screen boot failed
I tried to relock using nexus tool kit and then tried to flash stock rom and relock but unfortunately nexus root kit dint woed boot locker locked rk well and it displayed bootloader locked and failoed to flash stock rom and now all i got was a bootloader screen with locked state..help me

Hey, try to do the same procedure again.
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk

federer123 said:
but unfortunately nexus root kit dint woed boot locker locked rk well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy for you to say.
I don't know what the point of locking your bootloader would be - especially if you don't have a working ROM on the tablet (stock or otherwise).
If you are trying to go back to stock and never root again, well then: unlock your bootloader, get stock running on your tablet FIRST and only then lock the bootloader after everything else is working.
So, for the moment, unlock the bootloader and get a ROM installed. You can use a toolkit if you want, but using fastboot manually will avoid the "hiding" of any error messages. There are a TON of threads in here on how to do that.
And if you want any kind of decent help, don't use the phrase "it didn't work". That's totally ambiguous - it sort of implies that there is only one possible reason why something went wrong on your tablet, and we all know exactly what that one thing is. Not even close; there are hundreds of things that could have gone wrong.
A far better approach is to detail exactly what you were attempting, and then cut and paste any error messages you observed into your post here on XDA.