s4 partitions ?? - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

hy,
could someone please explain to me how many partitions the s4 has, why is it so hard to repartition the internal memory?
is all memory located on one chip and how is the partitioning handled, the partitioning information is surely not stored with the OS, so where is it?
where is the bootloader stored then and why is it so hard to unlock it, its just a piece of memory just like the OS right?, is it coded on a separate chip that cannot be rewritten? or hidden somewhere encrypted within some other process?
please guys some clarification here this cant be so hard!

re: partitions & bootloaders
adrovic.ad said:
hy,
could someone please explain to me how many partitions the s4 has, why is it so hard to repartition the internal memory?
is all memory located on one chip and how is the partitioning handled, the partitioning information is surely not stored with the OS, so where is it?
where is the bootloader stored then and why is it so hard to unlock it, its just a piece of memory just like the OS right?, is it coded on a separate chip that cannot be rewritten? or hidden somewhere encrypted within some other process?
please guys some clarification here this cant be so hard!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The partition table is stored in the PIT file (partition information table).
The reason it's so difficult to unlock bootloaders is that samsung and all the other cell phone
companies always try to make it as difficult as possible to do because the cell phone companies
frown upon people like the developers here who usually do succeed in unlocking the bootloaders.
It's getting more and more difficult for the developers to do with most cell phones now-a-days.
They don't like developers or end users messing around with the phones firmware or the bootloader.
Even the slightest modification of the PIT file will cause the phone to fail in
in such a way that only repair shops that has a JTAG burner can repair it. (expensive)
That's why NONE of the custom roms found here in XDA contain any PIT files.
If they did then during the flashing procedure it would over-write the stock one. (bad)
It's similar to the Windows MBR (master boot record) which if even slightly off
Windows will not boot.
In Windows a corrupt or missing MBR is a very easy thing to fix so its not a problem.
If the internal memory was repartitioned differently than stock default the phone would
become a shiny brick which would not even be flash-able with stock or any of the custom
roms or firmwares if the partition table is setup even slightly wrong.
Good luck, I would advise you to try to have more interest in becoming a developer of custom
roms here in xda rather than having so much interest in bootloaders and partition tables. LOL

Misterjunky said:
The partition table is stored in the PIT file (partition information table).
The reason it's so difficult to unlock bootloaders is that samsung and all the other cell phone
companies always try to make it as difficult as possible to do because the cell phone companies
frown upon people like the developers here who usually do succeed in unlocking the bootloaders.
It's getting more and more difficult for the developers to do with most cell phones now-a-days.
They don't like developers or end users messing around with the phones firmware or the bootloader.
Even the slightest modification of the PIT file will cause the phone to fail in
in such a way that only repair shops that has a JTAG burner can repair it. (expensive)
That's why NONE of the custom roms found here in XDA contain any PIT files.
If they did then during the flashing procedure it would over-write the stock one. (bad)
It's similar to the Windows MBR (master boot record) which if even slightly off
Windows will not boot.
In Windows a corrupt or missing MBR is a very easy thing to fix so its not a problem.
If the internal memory was repartitioned differently than stock default the phone would
become a shiny brick which would not even be flash-able with stock or any of the custom
roms or firmwares if the partition table is setup even slightly wrong.
Good luck, I would advise you to try to have more interest in becoming a developer of custom
roms here in xda rather than having so much interest in bootloaders and partition tables. LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the answer, but the question is how can this be so sensitive.
lets say for example one would take the pit file from the s4 google edition and put it on the samsung s4.
these 2 phones have identical hardware!
as you say the pit file is part of the FW and is just not being touched during the flashing process, but the pit file is being read out by some other peace of software, so basically that peace of software is the only thing that can verify the pit file, so if you also change that piece of software than everything should work just perfectly.

Misterjunky said:
It's similar to the Windows MBR (master boot record) which if even slightly off
Windows will not boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MBR and bootloader in the PC world, are two completely different things....

@adrovic.ad: Too many. List of Samsung S4 partitions
Partition information and the bootloader are both at a lower level than the OS, so neither would be stored with the OS. Both would be located in low level storage, which cannot be written without tools and software that cannot be discussed here. The bootloader transfers control of the hardware from the low level firmware to Android, and then sits quiet. As to why it's so difficult to unlock a bootloader, it isn't so long as you don't have a US S4 such as the SGH-I337. In that one, AT&T encrypts the bootloader to prevent modifications to the device. To break the encryption would require more time than the current age of the Universe.
Most Galaxy S4 devices don't have a locked bootloader.
It's harder than you think. It's probably much harder than I think, and I think it's hard.

Related

[IDEA] Implement Firerat's Custom MTD Partition for HD2

Hi. Maybe few words about me first. I'm not a developer, I don't know how to do it and I have to ask more experienced users. Ok that's it, to the point now. Ah, and I didn't know if this thread was proper to be posted in Development sub-forum, so it's here. If it was possible, if the thread meets requirements to be there, maybe it's possible to move it there? I'm not sure how many devs visit those section, so obviously there is greater chance for finding an answer there, but again, I wasn't sure if it was right.
While I was a G1 user one genius known as "Firerat" created very nasty script - it allowed users to manually, by simply creating a .txt file on sdcard with proper values and running a .zip from recovery, resize partitions like /system, /data and /cache on the phone. I don't know if you're familiar with G1 stuff, but previous there was only one way to chage partitions and it was achieved by custom SPL called Haykuro SPL. This modification (MTD part hack) was created because of need for even more space on /data and allowed to shrink /system and /cache to smallest value possible, so /data took up as much space as it was possible. Here is source thread in G1 Development section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=717874
There you can dive in details, because my knowledge and understanding in this things end very quickly .
On HD2, we have come a great way. From pure Windows Mobile, it was possible to run Linux kernel from sdcard by HaRET.exe, then run Android. After few month team of gods gave us MAGLDR, a tool that allows us to replace Windows Mobile from NAND with Android system. Then after few more weeks someone made Clockworkmod Recovery possible, giving us posibilty to create partitions on sdcard, do a nandroid backup/restore. But one MAJOR thing wasn't done as it should. Recovery in theory should give us possibility to flash ROMs from sdcard without need of computer. And theoretically it's possible, but... Yes, you have to have proper partition configuration flashed by DAF.exe with PC before. Imagine what a great obstacle it is for diagnosed with ORD!
Now you realise what I'm talking about? Combine these two things and bam! I'm just asking, just giving you an idea. Maybe it is possible to adapt those scripts to HD2 and replace old habits (flashing recovery by DAF.exe on PC) with simple script and one .txt file!
Again, maybe it's not possible since we are still using old SPL from WM times. Maybe MAGLDR is build in such way that those scripts are not possible. Maybe there is a thousand reasons... but I've never seen such an idea.
So please, is there one person who are good in this stuff and can explain me wether it's possible or not?
So maybe I can rest assured that I have to cure my ORD
OR
we can move on to work on making this idea reality .
cure for ORD....
I DON'T THINK SO.
Flashed from my fingers to your face
On a serious note, though, have you looked at clk? It is supposed to be useable without a pc. Therefore you can configure the partition on your phone. Is my understanding of that correct?
Maybe T-Macgnolia can explain this better than I .
I'm still trying to get my head round it, before I commit to changing over to clk...
Flashed from my fingers to your face
raven_raven said:
Hi. Maybe few words about me first. I'm not a developer, I don't know how to do it and I have to ask more experienced users. Ok that's it, to the point now. Ah, and I didn't know if this thread was proper to be posted in Development sub-forum, so it's here. If it was possible, if the thread meets requirements to be there, maybe it's possible to move it there? I'm not sure how many devs visit those section, so obviously there is greater chance for finding an answer there, but again, I wasn't sure if it was right.
While I was a G1 user one genius known as "Firerat" created very nasty script - it allowed users to manually, by simply creating a .txt file on sdcard with proper values and running a .zip from recovery, resize partitions like /system, /data and /cache on the phone. I don't know if you're familiar with G1 stuff, but previous there was only one way to chage partitions and it was achieved by custom SPL called Haykuro SPL. This modification (MTD part hack) was created because of need for even more space on /data and allowed to shrink /system and /cache to smallest value possible, so /data took up as much space as it was possible. Here is source thread in G1 Development section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=717874
There you can dive in details, because my knowledge and understanding in this things end very quickly .
On HD2, we have come a great way. From pure Windows Mobile, it was possible to run Linux kernel from sdcard by HaRET.exe, then run Android. After few month team of gods gave us MAGLDR, a tool that allows us to replace Windows Mobile from NAND with Android system. Then after few more weeks someone made Clockworkmod Recovery possible, giving us posibilty to create partitions on sdcard, do a nandroid backup/restore. But one MAJOR thing wasn't done as it should. Recovery in theory should give us possibility to flash ROMs from sdcard without need of computer. And theoretically it's possible, but... Yes, you have to have proper partition configuration flashed by DAF.exe with PC before. Imagine what a great obstacle it is for diagnosed with ORD!
Now you realise what I'm talking about? Combine these two things and bam! I'm just asking, just giving you an idea. Maybe it is possible to adapt those scripts to HD2 and replace old habits (flashing recovery by DAF.exe on PC) with simple script and one .txt file!
Again, maybe it's not possible since we are still using old SPL from WM times. Maybe MAGLDR is build in such way that those scripts are not possible. Maybe there is a thousand reasons... but I've never seen such an idea.
So please, is there one person who are good in this stuff and can explain me wether it's possible or not?
So maybe I can rest assured that I have to cure my ORD
OR
we can move on to work on making this idea reality .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello raven_raven,
This is indeed a good idea and can make our HD2 PC independable. I will support you as much I can.
Though I have some questions for you.
Q1: Is it possible for this script to brick our device?
Q2: Can we choose the partitions which we resize (for example I would like to resize only /system, /userdata and /cache and leave the others as is) and if yes the other partitions /boot, /recovery will be formated or data will be kept as is?
Q3: What the bootloader has to do with it?
Q4: What SPL has to do with it?
For your knowledge in HD2 their are 2 bootloaders, MAGLDR and cLK (cedesmith's Little Kernel) which makes HD2 a native android device.
In MAGLDR partitions are made along with the flashing of CWM with the help of DAF.exe
In cLK partitions are directly managed by the bootloader when flashed.
malybru said:
On a serious note, though, have you looked at clk? It is supposed to be useable without a pc. Therefore you can configure the partition on your phone. Is my understanding of that correct?
Maybe T-Macgnolia can explain this better than I .
I'm still trying to get my head round it, before I commit to changing over to clk...
Flashed from my fingers to your face
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried cLK, but it can't change partitions as you would like it to, you can't change it on the go without PC.
zach.antre said:
Hello raven_raven,
This is indeed a good idea and can make our HD2 PC independable. I will support you as much I can.
Though I have some questions for you.
Q1: Is it possible for this script to brick our device?
Q2: Can we choose the partitions which we resize (for example I would like to resize only /system, /userdata and /cache and leave the others as is) and if yes the other partitions /boot, /recovery will be formated or data will be kept as is?
Q3: What the bootloader has to do with it?
Q4: What SPL has to do with it?
For your knowledge in HD2 their are 2 bootloaders, MAGLDR and cLK (cedesmith's Little Kernel) which makes HD2 a native android device.
In MAGLDR partitions are made along with the flashing of CWM with the help of DAF.exe
In cLK partitions are directly managed by the bootloader when flashed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A1: No, it is not possible. Firerat is genius and he does masterpiece of scripting, those scripts are 100% safe. It will of course break you ROM, but simple nandroid backup/flashing a new ROM will fix it.
A2: We resize /system, /data and /cache. You simply put two values in text files, i.e.:
Code:
mtd 130 2
First number is how many mb you want to spend on /system, second on /cache. Rest of internal memory is used by /data. /boot and /recovery are not touched by this script.
A3: I don't know for sure, just connected it to Haykuro SPL, which also changed partitions back then.
A4: Don't know for sure, I'm simply intermediate in this stuff, just wanted to pass an idea, I don't have required knowledge and experience to make this idea come true.
I know that there are 2 bootloaders, but I don't know how they work and how far you can modify partitions from recovery by using each of them. HD2 obviously isn't a native Android phone and regarding that either this idea may be impossible to implement or has to be completely redesigned. I really don't know .
Just wanted to pass an idea, but I'm terribly dissapointed how little response I received...
Well you would have more people responsed if you were posting in development forum under the label [call for development].
cLK is modified "little kernel" for HD2...
since there is no danger of bricking our device I am going to test it and report.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
zach.antre said:
Well you would have more people responsed if you were posting in development forum under the label [call for development].
cLK is modified "little kernel" for HD2...
since there is no danger of bricking our device I am going to test it and report.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great thing to see that someone tries. Be warned though, I'm not responsible for any data loss and damages or whatever, as always . Please be sure that you read original thread and understood how this script is working.
Maybe I'll ask a mod to move this thread to Development section...
raven_raven said:
Great thing to see that someone tries. Be warned though, I'm not responsible for any data loss and damages or whatever, as always . Please be sure that you read original thread and understood how this script is working.
Maybe I'll ask a mod to move this thread to Development section...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i did, don't worry about it.
I have read the original thread, i have compared the different devices mount points (as much i could) and conclude that is the same.
What i have also noticed is that kernel must be patch in order for this script to work and the script checks for a specific bootloader? I'm not sure, i need to restudy that thread.
Anyway, I tried using the script but didn't happen anything.
I formated all partitions except /boot and /recovery
I first created the mtdpartmap.txt in SD root and flashed via CWM the script FR-recovery-v1.5.8-CustomMTD_S.zip
Then reboot and again to recovery
Flashed ROM and then flashed FR-boot-v1.5.8-CustomMTD_S.zip
Reboot to ROM worked fine.
I run terminal
#df
Sizes where the same as before
Exactly, first you apply new partition map to recovery, next you install ROM in those new partitions either by flashing or nandroid backup-ing, then patch kernel to work with this new layout.
Huh, it would be too easy to simply run it and bam! it works. Even Firerat made different scripts for different devices. I'm curious what's the problem. Is recovery on a different level than those in native Android devices, which means that it can't change partition size? Or is it just problem of adjusting script to HD2 like it was done for Hero or Evo? I wonder if Firerat would like to investigate, but it would be impossible to achieve it without HD2, and from what I know he does not have one.
What person should I ask to move my thread to another section?
raven_raven said:
Exactly, first you apply new partition map to recovery, next you install ROM in those new partitions either by flashing or nandroid backup-ing, then patch kernel to work with this new layout.
Huh, it would be too easy to simply run it and bam! it works. Even Firerat made different scripts for different devices. I'm curious what's the problem. Is recovery on a different level than those in native Android devices, which means that it can't change partition size? Or is it just problem of adjusting script to HD2 like it was done for Hero or Evo? I wonder if Firerat would like to investigate, but it would be impossible to achieve it without HD2, and from what I know he does not have one.
What person should I ask to move my thread to another section?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I guess Firerat need to come by and post a thread in HD2 Dev forum since it is his work.
He could ask what info he needs for the HD2 such as partition layout and filesystem in each partition etc... I am sure many people are willing to help with that.
I also think that SPL is locking the partition tables (not sure) and the way we are flashing just overcome that. Else when i used the script should have f**cked up my partitioning.
You can ask an HD2 moderator to move this thread but first ask for Firerat permission.

BIOS - NAND - Whatever - Explain

Where is the BIOS in this thing? I get that it has /boot /system and /recovery but where is the firmware that the device very first utilizes?
Does the streak even have any type of NVRAM memory?
webdawg said:
Where is the BIOS in this thing? I get that it has /boot /system and /recovery but where is the firmware that the device very first utilizes?
Does the streak even have any type of NVRAM memory?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you attempting to do?
Understanding and Hacking
I am trying to understand the device and search for potential exploit vectors. If I take out the inner SD card what type of data does the device still have on it?
It has to have something that starts the boot from the inner SD card. Does this something insert anything into the running code on the device? Can it?
Can, if the device has the type of storage I am talking about, the device record and store even a small amount of data?
I have heard of reference to NAND backups and even seen a quote about how the NAND backup util included in the recovery utils does not backup something. The something I am referring to is not the external SD card.
Web...
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
What are you attempting to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you need exploit vectors when the system is completely open/unprotected?
the innerSD holds the /data and /cache partitions
It is like I am not making myself clear enough. A computer has a BIOS which passes boot to the OS/bootloader. Would not the phone have the same thing. If you do not know this answer do not ask anymore questions.
Stop asking why I am asking.
TheManii said:
Why would you need exploit vectors when the system is completely open/unprotected?
the innerSD holds the /data and /cache partitions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
webdawg said:
It is like I am not making myself clear enough. A computer has a BIOS which passes boot to the OS/bootloader. Would not the phone have the same thing. If you do not know this answer do not ask anymore questions.
Stop asking why I am asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately for you it seems you don't know what you're doing or why you're even asking about it
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Okay Then
cdzo72 said:
Unfortunately for you it seems you don't know what you're doing or why you're even asking about it
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please. Unless you have an answer please do not reply. I know exactly what I am talking about. If the device does not have any NVRAM in it that one could flash to and only internal memory via SD card then just say this.
webdawg said:
It is like I am not making myself clear enough. A computer has a BIOS which passes boot to the OS/bootloader. Would not the phone have the same thing. If you do not know this answer do not ask anymore questions.
Stop asking why I am asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Manii knows far more about the Streak than you do, so if you want your questions answered, I suggest you check that attitude of yours at the door.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Manii knows far more about the Streak than you do, so if you want your questions answered, I suggest you check that attitude of yours at the door.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your right. Did not realize it was him, work has an affect on my attention. Sorry Manni.
I am at home now. Let me try and expain myself.
I just do not get it. All the pages I have read and the research I have done everything tells me that everything is stored on the internal SD card.
But I still have this nagging thought from this page: http://www.rdtk.net/2011/06/25/using-streakmod-recovery/ that says this: the firmwares reside on the nand but in an entirely separate area. only stock recoverys can write to them under normal circumstances, you can probably read/write them manually but it’s dangerous as you can super-brick if you don’t know what you’re doing
What the hell is that guy talking about? The way I read it is that an entire subset of firmware exists on the device that only that one webpage has ever talked about. (That I have read)
I have read alot about BIOS hacks and how they function inserting code into Windows. Even legitimate code for paid services. Computrace.
I know about the Carrier IQ software. What I do not know about is the software outside the rom, recovery, boot partitions and such that exists on the Dell streak or any Android device.
I suppose my attitude comes from the ton of forum posts that I read with unanswered questions because people wanted to know why the OP is asking such a question.
I took Manii's post the wrong way because of your question Steven. Not to offend you and I understand why you ask. For example I just hate going into support channels and asking questions about an iptable rule and being told that I should relearn Linux networking because...well just because I did not understand one concept. I took it the same way here.
I apologize to all.
Web...
MTD based nands are more complicated then eMMC nands in this aspect, as MTD nands you simply cannot read from the 'hidden' portions of the nand. eMMC ones you can.
eMMC devices you can always read from any eMMC partition, so you can likely make complete backups including your modem (though no custom recovery does this by default, it's still a bad idea)
Fortunately for us, MTD seems to be 'obsolete', every device that launched with GB installed or newer uses eMMC.
Dell Streak 5/Partition layout - XDA wiki
Dell Streak Pro/Partition layout - XDA wiki
The S5 is a MTD device, the SPro is eMMC, note how the SPro has many more partitions.
The majority of them also exist on the S5, but the only way to access them (safely) is though a stock recovery.
You can write to them with fastboot, but some of them must be unpacked by an updater in the stock recovery. Simply flash them (specific ones) and you'll super-brick that would require JTAGging at a minimum to fix.
You simply cant read the other MTD partitions without JTAGing (it might be possible with a specificly modified kernal, but you dont gain anything doing this, if at all), assuming that the hidden parts are MTD partitions even. For all we know the controller could be directly writing onto NAND pages with their locs hardcoded (which would kinda be like partitioning, but without the formal partition tables(?) )
There's also is a small amount of memory that can only be written (afaik) via JTAG.
It contains your device's ID, such as Service tag and IMEI.
On tegra devices (at least the S7 and S10) it's the WP1 and WP2 partition.
It could be possible that it's on the NAND as a MTD partition, but if it is we dont know about it. It would be insane (and illegal, as changing your IMEI is illegal in most countries) to write to it, but so there's never been an example of it. I dont know where they are on the SPro, i'd need a live device to check.
The modem OS itself is stored on the nand, the modem processor knows (or the bootloader knows) how to feed it it's OS image.
Location breakdown:
NAND: <everything on the partition layout above, including the below>
/system
/firstboot
boot.img
recovery.img
amss.mbn
appsboot.mbn
dbl.mbn
dsp1.mbn
fsbl.mbn
osbl.mbn
DT.img
The innerSD
/data
/cache
Modem storage (lock state)
Device unique data (IMEI and Service tag)
RTC (the clock)
I dont know the exact terminology or the exact order of booting on qualcomm snapdragons (it's likely to be the same with all at least in the same generation)
But it's something like:
Press power button
CPU powers up
IPL loads <hardwired onto cpu>
Check if innerSD is valid (this is streak specific, device also locks up if it fails as the loader isnt robust enough to work around it)
Init modem and it's firmware <amss.mbn on older devices, non_hlos.bin on newer devices> (FYI modems are themselves complete 'system's in that they have their own ram and OS, basebands are complete OS images in most devices)
Check what button combos are pressed
Start booting:
If you pressed the recovery mode combo:
Load recovery SPL <dbl.mbn? + DT.img>
Display SPL menu:
Reboot
Load Recovery ("update from update.pkg")
Read from recovery.img and load it
Caliberate screen
If you pressed fastboot mode combo:
Load the fastboot loader <fsbl.mbn?>
If you pressed the download mode combo:
Go into download mode (for QDLtool)
If you did not press any combo: begin booting normally
Load dsp1.mbn
Load boot.bin
Linux kernal mounts and starts reading:
/system
/cache
/firstboot
/data
Android boots normally
Boot completes, you're at the lockscreen/home screen
I'm just making educated guesses at which *.mbn does what, as noone's really studied them to the point that they are willing to modify them.
Regardless they're signed so you cant modify them (we dont know per-se that the CPU checks the signatures on *.mbns, but I dont think any is willing to risk their device to try anyway)
The kernal images arnt signed, you can simply toss any kernal that is valid (otherwise it wouldnt boot)
When your device boots, the logo flashes 4 times:
1st logo: IPL and it's logo (possibly hardwired onto chip)
2nd logo: SPL and it's logo (stored in one of the *.mbns)
3rd logo: UBOOT and the kernal logo (stored with the kernal, sounds like a band name)
4th logo: bootimage.zip (whatever boot splash is with the installed rom
TheManii,
Thanks for the information. This is everything I wanted to know. If I have anymore questions I will ask later.
Web...

[Q] SOLVED- Process to map out bad sectors on a500? Replace MOBO

SOLVED the best way.. See post #5
Hello
I have asked this in other threads, but have not gotten an answer that I can manage to make work yet. I'm also hoping that this thread may help the many others out there with this same problem.
I have an Iconia A500 that has the bad sector problem. I cannot get it to format partitions through any of the EUU's out there,or even the Babsector .bat's . Same thing every time-read/write failure. I have seen mention in a thread or two about guys who have used the "rawdeviceread" and "rawdevicewrite" commands in NvFlash to "map out" any bad sectors on the EMMC chip, and create "dummy" partitions over them so that the tablet will function again, at least until more sectors die anyhow.
Can someone please explain this process, including describing the files needed, exact commands, and the rest of the process to make this happen? I have seen member "Yaworski" describe the basis of it, but again his commands are no-go for me. It would also be great if a partition could be created, but not formatted, completely bypassing any possibility of NvFlash failure.
Thanks in advance By helping me I'm sure you wil also help many others. It seems many a500's are starting to suffer form this same exact issue.
Anyone? I have read thru this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1691729&page=3 , and seen a couple recommendations to it in other threads, but no dice on making it work .. or even being able to map out the bad sector/s. I know this'lll fix me up at least temporarily...
I need help with this as well. There doesn't seem to be a step by step guide anywhere :\
Sent from my SGH-T769 using xda premium
dynospectrum said:
I need help with this as well. There doesn't seem to be a step by step guide anywhere :\
Sent from my SGH-T769 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been asking around about a possible process of mapping out bad sectors, and not just members in here, but engineers and technicians I know as well. First, the NAND has this sort of embedded firmware that directs it to remap or bypass bad sectors “spontaneously,” if you can call it that. When you're stuck with “write errors” or where the NVflash even fails to create and format a partition, it suggests that this part of that firmware is not working. Why the loose fit, or lack thereof, I don't know.
Second, The FCK guys mention that you can write a dummy file and make the device read back so you can see where the data is missing and circumvent it altogether. But they also state that if Sector 0 – which NVFlash is slated to access – is kaputt, then it would hang, as probably in your case and certainly in mine.
Given that the Boot Configuration Table is 4Kb tiny while the NAND is 16Gb large, I can't imagine the latter being damaged so badly as not to have a continuous space of 4Kb to accommodate such partition. As a matter of fact, I did have someone with special equipment probe my NAND “physically” and the initial report indicated that the first half (50%) of it had less than 3% of its sectors that was bad. NVFlash, however, could neither create nor format, let alone write on it.
So, either one must have the appropriate hardware to do a very low level format to restore the NAND in full or in part, or NVFlash has to be hacked to command writing at a Sector different than 0. Until that happens, I doubt it that a step-by-step guide grounded in current programs would be viable.
I know that neither the custom ROMs nor the custom Bootloaders and Recoveries are remotely the cause, because this occurred way before any of it came onto the scene. But in light of the frequency at which this happens to some of us, it seems ironic to term this device bullet-proof. I'd like to think it's not incurable, but what the FCK do I know? (Sigh) Anyone with the essential hardware know-how to tackle this?
SOLVED..well the "easy" way....
I sourced out a broken A500(strangely the screen is fine though lol), re-soldered the power button on it(PITA), and put it into my A500.
I plan on taking it easy with the flashing on this one. A500s seem to have a growing history of EEMC chip failure from over-flashing. My old board had been flashed MANY times by the previous owner, and a few by me before it died. The "new" tab was only flashed enough to get it to Stock ICS. Now it has the V8 bootloader and Civato's Re-Flexx ROM(Best out there IMHO).
So there you have it.. this seems to be the best way to fix this problem on the A500---Replace the Darn motherboard. I'd imagine mapping/skipping sectors is only a temporary fix that will probably lead to the tablet dying when its needed most.

★★★★[INFO]ANDROID ROM & How they Work★★★★

★★★★[INFO]ANDROID ROM & How they Work★★★★
Parts of a ROM
i. The kernel.
Android (like many other Smartphone operating systems) runs on the Linux kernel. The Linux kernel was created in the early 1990’s by a gentleman named Linus Torvalds in Helsinki, Finland. It’s incredibly stable, incredibly friendly, and incredibly difficult for the layman to understand and modify. Thankfully it’s also very popular so it has been ported on to a multitude of hardware, including our Android devices.
Think of the kernel as an interface layer between the hardware and software on your device. The kernel decides when things happen, such as the LED indicator gets lit or when the soft button's LED gets lit. An application sends a request to the operating system to blink the LED. The operating system then sends the request to the kernel, which makes the light flash for the amount of time requested by the OS.
What sounds like a round-about way to get things done is also what makes the system so scalable and robust. Application developers only have to code in a way the operating system understands and the kernel makes it work on the hardware. This also keeps the application running in it’s own user-space and separate from the kernel. That means when you run the latest uber-cool app that wasn’t designed for your particular OS version, or is still very beta and it crashes, the kernel gives you the option to Force Close the application and the kernel can run untouched.
In a standard Android ROM (we will leave developer images and the like for another discussion) the kernel is bundled along with a set of instructions that tell the device how to load the kernel and the OS during boot. This is the boot.img that you see inside a zipped ROM that your not able to easily open. The device knows to extract this image to internal memory (the ramdisk) and follow a series of scripts (init scripts) to load the kernel and then the other portions of the OS. That’s what’s happening while you’re watching the boot animation. Interestingly enough this is done the same way for a PC, your smartphone, an Android tablet, or even a smart Linux powered toaster. If you’re feeling exceptionally geeky, plug your Android phone into the USB port on your PC and let the PC boot from the USB device. No, it doesn’t actually load, but you can watch the animation while it tries to match up the hardware support with what’s inside your PC. As I said, Linux is amazingly scalable and as a result so is Android.
What is a kernel? If you spend any time reading Android forums, blogs, how-to posts or online discussion you'll soon hear people talking about the kernel. A kernel isn't something unique to Android -- iOS and MacOS have one, Windows has one, BlackBerry's QNX has one, in fact all high level operating systems have one. The one we're interested in is Linux, as it's the one Android uses. Let's try to break down what it is and what it does.
Android devices use the Linux kernel, but it's not the exact same kernel other Linux-based operating systems use. There's a lot of Android specific code built in, and Google's Android kernel maintainers have their work cut out for them. OEMs have to contribute as well, because they need to develop hardware drivers for the parts they're using for the kernel version they're using. This is why it takes a while for independent Android developers and hackers to port new versions to older devices and get everything working. Drivers written to work with the Gingerbread kernel on a phone won't necessarily work with the Ice Cream Sandwich kernel. And that's important, because one of the kernel's main functions is to control the hardware. It's a whole lot of source code, with more options while building it than you can imagine, but in the end it's just the intermediary between the hardware and the software.
When software needs the hardware to do anything, it sends a request to the kernel. And when we say anything, we mean anything. From the brightness of the screen, to the volume level, to initiating a call through the radio, even what's drawn on the display is ultimately controlled by the kernel. For example -- when you tap the search button on your phone, you tell the software to open the search application. What happens is that you touched a certain point on the digitizer, which tells the software that you've touched the screen at those coordinates. The software knows that when that particular spot is touched, the search dialog is supposed to open. The kernel is what tells the digitizer to look (or listen, events are "listened" for) for touches, helps figure out where you touched, and tells the system you touched it. In turn, when the system receives a touch event at a specific point from the kernel (through the driver) it knows what to draw on your screen. Both the hardware and the software communicate both ways with the kernel, and that's how your phone knows when to do something. Input from one side is sent as output to the other, whether it's you playing Angry Birds, or connecting to your car's Bluetooth.
It sounds complicated, and it is. But it's also pretty standard computer logic -- there's an action of some sort generated for every event. Without the kernel to accept and send information, developers would have to write code for every single event for every single piece of hardware in your device. With the kernel, all they have to do is communicate with it through the Android system API's, and hardware developers only have to make the device hardware communicate with the kernel. The good thing is that you don't need to know exactly how or why the kernel does what it does, just understanding that it's the go-between from software to hardware gives you a pretty good grasp of what's happening under the glass. Sort of gives a whole new outlook towards those fellows who stay up all night to work on kernels for your phone, doesn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ii. The operating system.
Once the kernel is loaded, the init scripts tell the Operating System to load. Android is the user interface for a custom built Java virtual machine called Dalvik. Dalvik was written by Dan Bornstein, who named it after the fishing village of Dalvik in Iceland, where his family originated from. The debate of which Java VM is superior is best left for another discussion, so I’ll simply say that DalvikVM is a register-based machine versus true JavaVMs which are stack based.
The Dalvik machine creates executable files (.dex files) which can be interpreted by the OS and run by the end user. These .dex files are OS version dependant. That simply means that applications and core functions built to work with one version of Android may or may not work well with other versions. Google provides the tools through it’s Software Development Kit (SDK) for applications to communicate with the OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iii. Core functions.
No smartphone would be complete without a set of functions that allow the device to be used as intended. Things like the phone and dialer interface, the calendar, the messaging system are core functions of the Operating System. In Android, these are run on top of the kernel as separate applications. The merits (or lack of) of providing these needed functions as separate applications is once again best left for another discussion, but this is what allows developers like HTC or Motorola to replace the standard functions with alternatives that provide a different look and feel from stock. HTC’s onscreen keyboard or Motorola’s MotoBlur contact list are great examples of this. The “little guy” isn’t left out of the mix either. Handcent SMS or Chomp SMS can integrate into the OS very well, as most of us already know.
An additional set of Core Functions are provided by Google. Popularly called GoogleBits, things like Gmail, sync, Gtalk and the Android Market are applications written by Google that give an extra set of useful functions to the OS. You’ll find these on all smartphones, as well as many other Android devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iv. Optional applications.
These are applications provided by the manufacturer to give the device even more usability. Things like the Amazon MP3 store, PDF readers, Corporate Calendar etc. allow you to do even more with your device. Remember - Droid Does
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B. How is a ROM packaged?
In most cases a ROM will come packaged in a .zip file. The recovery image’s kernel (yes, it has one too!) has the ability to unzip and copy the contents into the correct place. Inside this zip file is a folder (META-INF\com\google\android\) that contains a script prepared by the ROM “cooker” (another of those techie terms - it means the person(s) who developed the ROM) that tells the system what to format, what to copy and where, and any file operations that need to be done. Each device does things a bit differently, but this script is where it all gets done. More on this folder later.
You’ll also see a /system folder. This is the meat of the ROM. It has the necessary OS files, the Core functions, and any optional applications the cooker decided to include. The folder is structured the same way it is on your device - /system/app, /system/framework, etc. The whole tree is usually copied over and the existing /system folder is overwritten. The cooker uses the script to tell the kernel to erase the existing system folder, copy the new folder over, and set the file permissions.
Sometimes you will also see a data folder. This usually is space set up for optional applications, including optional system tools like busybox or SuperUser white list. These applications could be placed in the /system folder, but placing them in the data folder makes it easier for the end user (you and I) to remove or update them as needed.
You’ll also notice a META-INF folder. This contains the update script we talked about earlier, as well as secure keys that need to be provided so the device knows the update can be trusted. A special note needs made here. Trusted means that the update is trusted to be in the correct form to load the device. It in no way means the ROM is safe from malicious code. Anyone is able to use a set of test keys and create a ROM that will flash and run your device - even those people with bad intentions. Flashing and running a custom 3rd party ROM is putting faith in the cooker that he or she not only knows what they are doing, but are honest as well. Also, some Motorola custom ROMs will have a small update.zip stored inside this folder to be run on first boot of the device.
Finally we are left with the boot.img file. This is the kernel and ramdisk image we discussed earlier. Your phone copies this over to be decompressed and run when the device boots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2. How do I install a ROM?
In this section we’re discussing how to install a custom 3rd party ROM. ROMs from the manufacturer usually have a utility that runs on your PC to flash and load the new image.
A. Got Root???
Yes ?:good:!!!
Custom ROM’s simply will not load on devices that aren’t rooted. In theory, it may be possible to sign a 3rd party ROM with the keys that the stock recovery image will flash, but for the most part you need to have flashed a custom recovery image before you can change your device’s ROM. Instructions and tutorials on how to root your device are all over the internet. Some are good, some are bad. The hacking forum is a great place to go and learn more about rooting and how to successfully get it done on your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B. Recovery
Most Android devices have had a custom recovery image written for them. This will overwrite the stock recovery image, allowing you to flash 3rd party ROMs as well as giving extra functionality. Help with finding and flashing the custom recovery image for your device can also be found in the hacking forum. The installation of a custom recovery image also allows for a very important function. Backup and restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.C. Nandroid
Nandroid is a set of bash scripts and code written by that copies the state of your system and stores it in a folder on your SD card. You can then use the restore function of Nandroid to restore to this point at any time. This is a priceless feature and reason enough to root your phone. It’s included by default in most custom recovery images, and the code is freely available to use if you’re inclined to write your own recovery image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In most situations, using Nandroid to back everything up is easy:
1. Verify you have a memory card with enough free space (~300MB to backup, ~500MB to restore).
2. Reboot your device into recovery. It’s slightly different for each device, once again hacking forum FTW!
3. Navigate through the menu and select the Nandroid Backup function.
4. Apply your choice and wait for the device to tell you it’s finished.
It’s always good practice to copy the entire nandroid folder from your SD card to a safe place. You can then copy it back to the SD card if the card is ever damaged, lost or erased.
D. Copy and Flash
You’re rooted, have downloaded a custom ROM, have your system backed up and are now ready to flash your device. This is not nearly as scary as it sounds.
1. Mount your SD card to your PC, and copy the .zip file to the root folder of the card. Don’t unzip the file, and don’t look for a folder called root. The root folder in this case means the base folder, what you will see when you mount your card to a PC or the device.
2. Reboot your phone into recovery.
3. Navigate through the recovery menu and select the flash update option. Depending on your recovery image, the file may need to be named update.zip, or you may be able to select any zip file on your card as long as it’s the correct format. The cooker knows this as well and if the ROM needs to be named update.zip it will be.
4. Apply your choice and wait for your device to tell you it’s finished.
5. Reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s worth noting that many times a new ROM will require that you wipe and factory reset your devices data. While inconvenient, it’s often necessary to get rid of the old data as it may be incompatible. As long as you’re using the cloud for calendar and contacts, they will be re- downloaded and stored back on your device automatically.
Dirty flash and Clean flash
A dirty flash is only wiping cache and davlik then flashing your ROM....
a Clean flash is at LEAST factory reset/data wipe + wiping davlik(factory wipe takes care of /cache also)... Maybe doing a format /system also.
***Odin***
Odin is the ROM Flashing Tool for SAMSUNG smartphones. ROM files flashable with Odin come with .tar extension.
Most of the ROMs you are going to flash with Odin are the official stock Samsung ROMs (or leaked stock ROMs). Custom ROMs are rerely flashable by Odin because they come with .zip extension that Odin does not recognize (it recognizes .tar files).
Custom kernels, however, are sometimes provided in .tar format by their developers (e.g. CF-Root kernels), so that they can be flashed by Odin. When your phone is new and running official firmware you most often cannot flash a custom ROM to it because a Samsung phone often requires a custom recovery and root rights that are included in a custom kernel to be able to flash custom ROMs. That's why Odin often comes in handy in rooting and flashing a custom firmware to your phone because you (often) can flash a custom kernel with it that already includes root and custom recovery and enables you to flash custom firmware (custom ROMs). I use the word "often" very frequently in the previous sentence because every Samsung smartphone is different and requires various procedures for rooting it and flashing custom ROMs (see the section about using Odin below).
If it comes to stock ROMs, the best source of stock (official) Samsung ROM files is located at this excellent website: SamMobile.com/firmwares (link). It requires registration (it's free) and I encourage you to set up an account there because you will most likely use this site several times during your stay at XDA. You will most likely come across 1 .tar or 3 .tar file ROMs there, flashable by Odin. Refer to the Odin flashing guide below for more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
****Heimdall****
What is Heimdall?
Heimdall is a cross-platform open-source tool suite used to flash ROMs onto Samsung Galaxy S devices.
How does it work?
Heimdall uses the same protocol as Odin to interact with a device in download mode. USB communication in Heimdall is handled by the popular open-source USB library, libusb-1.0.
Why “Heimdall”?
The flashing software Odin is named after the king of gods in Norse mythology. Loke, the software component on the Galaxy S that provides functionality to flash, may also to be named after an important character in Norse mythology, often translated as Loki. As such I have named my flashing software Heimdall, after the Norse god, and guardian of the Bifrost Bridge.
What platforms does Heimdall run on?
Linux, OS X and Windows (XP, Vista, 7 etc.)
Why use Heimdall when we can use Odin?
Odin is generally unreliable and only runs on Windows systems. Furthermore, Odin is leaked Samsung software that is not freely available or well understood by the community.
Is Heimdall safe?
No matter what method you chose, flashing firmware onto your phone has a lot of potential for disaster. We have tested Heimdall with a variety of phones flashing several different firmware versions resulting in a 100% success rate. As such we believe that Heimdall is generally reliable. However keep in mind, just like any flashing software, Heimdall has the potential to brick your phone if not used correctly.
How do Galaxy S phones get bricked when flashing?
Besides the inherent risks like power outs, accidental removal of the USB cable etc. The Galaxy S appears to be running extremely unreliable USB control software.
A failure to flash does not automatically equate to a bricked phone. However if you're extremely unlucky and the flash fails whilst transferring the primary boot-loader, secondary boot-loader or params.lfs (all quite small) than you've got yourself a paper weight that you're hoping Samsung will replace.
Please be extremely careful mixing files from different firmware releases. Don't do so unless you're certain it will work!
What Galaxy S variants has Heimdall been tested with?
We’ve tested Heimdall with a Galaxy S GT-I9000 (8 GB) from the United Kingdom and Galaxy S GT-I9000 (16 GB) from Australia. We don’t personally have access to any other devices to test with, however users have confirmed Heimdall functions correctly with the AT&T Captivate, Bell Vibrant, Telstra GT-I9000T, Epic 4G and the Galaxy Tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^
CWM Errors and Solutions
ERRORS encountered in CWM Recovery
.
What is CWM Recovery ?
ClockworkMod Recovery is a custom recovery for many Android devices. It is considered to be the most popular recovery for Android due to its easily-ported nature, and integration with ClockworkMod ROM Manager by Koush(Koushik Dutta). The easiest way to recognize it is by the printed name when it first starts, and the background logo of a gear and hat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ERROR STATUS 6
This is usually caused by CR/LF EOL(Windows style End Of Line) in updater-script. Change it to LF EOL(Unix Style EOL) using Linux command: dos2unix updater-script, then re-signing the ZIP, will usually fix this error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ERROR STATUS 7
This is usually caused by a corrupt download, or bad file signature. Re-downloading (or re-signing) the ZIP will usually fix this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have been consistently seen and heard people facing error “Status 7″ error while trying to flash or install
custom ROMs or firmware packages on their Android smart phones or tablets with ClockworkMod Recovery. Many
of the users are nowadays facing this problem with CWM Recovery while flashing .zip files of modded or custom
Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) or Jelly Bean (JB) ROMs on their devices. So, you have also downloaded a custom ROM,
placed its .zip file in your phone’s or tablet’s SD card, booted into ClockworkMod Recovery, selected – “install zip
from sdcard” and then chosen the .zip file of the ROM to get it installed on your device. But instead of getting
flashed successfully, if you are facing the issue mentioned below, then just keep reading this article to find out
what’s wrong and fix up the problem :
Finding update package…
Opening update package…
Installing update…
Error in /sdcard/custom-jelly-bean-rom.zip (Status 7)
Installation aborted
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Click to collapse
or the following error right after CWM recovery shows –
Installing update…
assert failed: getprop(“ro.product.device”) == “I9103″ || getprop(“ro.build.product”) == “I9103″ || getprop
(“ro.product.board”) == “I9103″
Error in /sdcard/android-4-1-1-ics-rom-latest.zip (status 7)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, if you are facing any of these errors while trying to install the desired custom ROM package on your Android
phone or tab, then you may try a various things or steps which may turn out to be the workaround of this
problem. Here are a few tips to get this “Status 7” error fixed in ClockworkMod Recovery and flash the ROM
successfully on your device :
(1) First of all, make sure your device’s bootloader is unlocked. If it is already unlocked but you are still
not able to flash the ROM, then just extract the .zip file of the ROM into a new folder, find the boot.img file from
that directory and flash it up on your phone or tablet via fastboot on your PC.
(2) Make sure that you are having the appropriate Radio or Baseband version installed on your device which is
supported by the custom ROM you are trying to flash. Most of the ROMs requires the latest version of Baseband, so
just update or upgrade your device to the latest Baseband version and then try to install the ROM once again.
(3) Update your device to the supported / latest build of official firmware before trying to install the ROM. You can
do it from – Settings > About Phone / Device > Software Update.
(4) Make sure you are having the supported or required kernel installed on your phone or tab. If it’s not, then flash
a new kernel right away and try to install your custom ROM once again.
(5) Is the ROM which you are trying to flash really works ? Find out whether it is working for other users or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Error Status 0
Well sometimes while flashing some ROMs especially the cooked ones we get Error status 0 in the CWM Recovery
this error is an indicator of Wrong Update Binary.This is usually caused by an incompatible update-binary in edify ZIPs. Replacing it with a compatible one, then re-signing the ZIP, will usually fix this error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Partitions
Now it's time for the partitions :good:
Let’s start with a list of standard internal memory partitions on Android phones and tablets. These are:
/boot
/system
/recovery
/data
/cache
/misc
In addition, there are the SD card partitions.
/sdcard
/sd-ext
Note that only /sdcard is found in all Android devices and the rest are present only in select devices. Let’s now take a look at the purpose and contents of each of these partitions.
/boot
This is the partition that enables the phone to boot, as the name suggests. It includes the kernel and the ramdisk. Without this partition, the device will simply not be able to boot. Wiping this partition from recovery should only be done if absolutely required and once done, the device must NOT be rebooted before installing a new one, which can be done by installing a ROM that includes a /boot partition.
/system
This partition basically contains the entire operating system, other than the kernel and the ramdisk. This includes the Android user interface as well as all the system applications that come pre-installed on the device. Wiping this partition will remove Android from the device without rendering it unbootable, and you will still be able to put the phone into recovery or bootloader mode to install a new ROM.
/recovery
The recovery partition can be considered as an alternative boot partition that lets you boot the device into a recovery console for performing advanced recovery and maintenance operations on it. To learn more about this partition and its contents, see the ‘About Android Recovery’ section of our guide to ClockworkMod recovery.
/data
Also called userdata, the data partition contains the user’s data – this is where your contacts, messages, settings and apps that you have installed go. Wiping this partition essentially performs a factory reset on your device, restoring it to the way it was when you first booted it, or the way it was after the last official or custom ROM installation. When you perform a wipe data/factory reset from recovery, it is this partition that you are wiping.
/cache
This is the partition where Android stores frequently accessed data and app components. Wiping the cache doesn’t effect your personal data but simply gets rid of the existing data there, which gets automatically rebuilt as you continue using the device.
/misc
This partition contains miscellaneous system settings in form of on/off switches. These settings may include CID (Carrier or Region ID), USB configuration and certain hardware settings etc. This is an important partition and if it is corrupt or missing, several of the device’s features will will not function normally.
/sdcard
This is not a partition on the internal memory of the device but rather the SD card. In terms of usage, this is your storage space to use as you see fit, to store your media, documents, ROMs etc. on it. Wiping it is perfectly safe as long as you backup all the data you require from it, to your computer first. Though several user-installed apps save their data and settings on the SD card and wiping this partition will make you lose all that data.
On devices with both an internal and an external SD card – devices like the Samsung Galaxy S and several tablets – the /sdcard partition is always used to refer to the internal SD card. For the external SD card – if present – an alternative partition is used, which differs from device to device. In case of Samsung Galaxy S series devices, it is /sdcard/sd while in many other devices, it is /sdcard2. Unlike /sdcard, no system or app data whatsoever is stored automatically on this external SD card and everything present on it has been added there by the user. You can safely wipe it after backing up any data from it that you need to save.
/sd-ext
This is not a standard Android partition, but has become popular in the custom ROM scene. It is basically an additional partition on your SD card that acts as the /data partition when used with certain ROMs that have special features called APP2SD+ or data2ext enabled. It is especially useful on devices with little internal memory allotted to the /data partition. Thus, users who want to install more programs than the internal memory allows can make this partition and use it with a custom ROM that supports this feature, to get additional storage for installing their apps. Wiping this partition is essentially the same as wiping the /data partition – you lose your contacts, SMS, market apps and settings.
With this, we conclude our tour of Android partitions. Now whenever you install a ROM or mod that requires you to wipe certain partitions before the installation, you should be in a better position to know what you’re losing and what not and thus, you’ll know what to backup and what not.
You should at least post the source of such a large copy paste post.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Source? How do you post a source for an article which is compiled from 10+ sites? Plus my own addition?
Started from the bottom
Good job man, this saves me the time to do all this researches.
Keep it up
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
sos_sifou said:
Good job man, this saves me the time to do all this researches.
Keep it up
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO tell me if you have some suggestions for the thread.
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
I think that this is a pretty good summary of the basics. I even converted it to epub and stocked it on my e-reader for reference
You can get to the details if you want? Adding some info about flashing softwares like odin and the Linux based one (i don't remember it name)
The different recoveries available and their advantages vs désavantages
How to protect yourself from malicious applications, starting from knowing what are permissions...
Keep it up mate
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
sos_sifou said:
I think that this is a pretty good summary of the basics. I even converted it to epub and stocked it on my e-reader for reference
You can get to the details if you want? Adding some info about flashing softwares like odin and the Linux based one (i don't remember it name)
The different recoveries available and their advantages vs désavantages
How to protect yourself from malicious applications, starting from knowing what are permissions...
Keep it up mate
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heimdall?
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
Tha TechnoCrat said:
Source? How do you post a source for an article which is compiled from 10+ sites? Plus my own addition?
Started from the bottom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you have a point, it's just the scientist in me with source-referral-ocd.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
adytum said:
I guess you have a point, it's just the scientist in me with source-referral-ocd.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO tell me if you have any problems or if you want something to be added.
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
Thread updated with Odin and Heimdall information.
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
Tha TechnoCrat said:
Source? How do you post a source for an article which is compiled from 10+ sites? Plus my own addition?
Started from the bottom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By listing ALL the different sources? And obviously crediting yourself with bits you've added.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
You should make the title of the thread more presentable though.
Simone said:
You should make the title of the thread more presentable though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would like some suggestions.
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
Tha TechnoCrat said:
Would like some suggestions.
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
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You should think of your own. That would be the best
Make it more professional looking, though.
Everything else is good.
Guys I have got my Note 2 finally. Will compile some guides for it too.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
You bought a note 2? Congrats mate !
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
sos_sifou said:
You bought a note 2? Congrats mate !
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
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Click to collapse
Thanks buddy. Get ready for more guides
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

Question about PIT files

Hello everyone,
Please, just a question about repartitioning a PIT file via Odin. I´m a bit confused about information I have read about the result of the repartitioning operation.
In some forums appear to say the repartitioning operation via Odin is, first, a values rewriting of GPT entries, and after that any kind of formatting/wipe of all partitions.
In other words, if i repartition a PIT file exactly with the same values I have in my GPT table, does nothing occurs and the content of partitions keeps, or partitions data are lost?
Sorry about my english, and thank you for any answer you can give me.
D,
hi,
if i understand correctly, you would still be performing a repartition operation , which will destroy data during the process.
Although, if you have some experience with data/forensic recovery and can get the tools ported to your tab, it's likely
you may be able to recover a fair amount of what you lose without the data being corrupted.
That being said your repartitioning would need to succeed first.
The better approach for rescuing your data would be to pull the mmcblocks/partitions off of the device and onto
your pc [Linux] as img files through ADB [android debug bridge], BEFORE YOU PERFORM THE OPERATION.
That way if you fail in repartitioning [ which is highly likely]
your data will still be preserved on your pc. To be able to pull the information/data from the device, the device must be rooted
or have a custom recovery available with properly functioning access to/through adb for root functions and adb shell as root.
questions belong in q&a by the way.
m
hi,
if i understand correctly, you would still be performing a repartition operation , which will destroy data during the process.
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Thank you for you answer. Well, what i´m trying to do is just an "experiment" resizing partitions. Of course there are other ways to do it, but what i´m thinking about is this:
Imagine the recovery partition was located in the first memory addresses, so, in one of the first GPT entries, and what i want to do is just modifiy size of last three partitions, so, three last entries in GPT table. If i create a new PIT file exactly with the same values that i have in the GPT table of the device but only modified values for the three last GPT entries, after perform a repartitioning via Odin and restart the device the recovery will be still there?
So, that is the sense of my question: Repartitioning does only write the values in the GPT table, or besides performs any kind of data lose in partitions (wipe,formatting...) ?
questions belong in q&a by the way.
m
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Click to collapse
Sorry and thank you, next time i´ll pay attention to it.
On older devices I had some success resizing partitions using parted in recovery mode via adb.
parted doesn't support ext4 as far as it's useful functions goes, you would have to create/resize any partition
as ext2 and reformat from there, cute approach but more hassle/trouble than it's worth.
for your experiment, be sure you can afford a new tab ! :silly:
i'm pretty sure your block layout is hardcoded in the bootloader. So you will probably end up creating
a very fashionable serving tray.
Meaning your device won't be able to find recovery partition, also there is likely a set amount of partitions allowed
by way of kernel if i remember correctly.
If your trying to get rid of that annoying no-execute permission in data thing, getting rid of FUSE would maybe get that done.
m
Thanks again for your answer. Experiment cancelled, currently no budget for a new tab.
Just a last -and sure a stupid- question, please: In your opinion, what would happen if i extract the PIT file from my device, and use itself to repartitioning via Odin? I mean, just specifying the PIT file and marking Re-Partition, other options (PDA,Phone,etc) unmarked? After restart, could work the tablet or I´ll get a brick?
Thanks again.
Regards.
D,
hi,
That's not a stupid question at all. I would suggest you read this thread all the way through
http://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-4/help/t530nu-pit-file-t2968498
also search via your preferred engine and XDA for terms/variations
samsung pit file signed odin heimdall
so far, the chances of repairing/modifying partition table on these newer devices [samsung] is slim/grim.
However maybe utilizing external/usb-otg storages to suit your needs would be a way to go. :good:
m

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