[Q] Nexus 4 OTA update failure - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Kit-Kat OTA came out for my Nexus 4 today and I went to apply it but during the install it errored out and the phone subsequently enters a boot loop. I can get into a recovery shell and attempt to push the update via sideload but I get an error:
Symlinks and permissions...
set_metadata_recursive: some changes failed
E:Error in /tmp/update.zip
(Status 7)
Installation aborted
I'm 99% sure there's a binary in /system/xbin/ or /system/bin/ thats set immutable (chattr +i) causing this to fail but I can't launch an adb shell from recovery to fix this. Can anybody help me out here?

ykram said:
Kit-Kat OTA came out for my Nexus 4 today and I went to apply it but during the install it errored out and the phone subsequently enters a boot loop. I can get into a recovery shell and attempt to push the update via sideload but I get an error:
Symlinks and permissions...
set_metadata_recursive: some changes failed
E:Error in /tmp/update.zip
(Status 7)
Installation aborted
I'm 99% sure there's a binary in /system/xbin/ or /system/bin/ thats set immutable (chattr +i) causing this to fail but I can't launch an adb shell from recovery to fix this. Can anybody help me out here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using stock recovery to do this?
You pretty much explained why, but if you had rooted the phone it could fail due to other reasons too.
If you have an unlocked bootloader then you can boot TWRP (not install, but boot by fastboot boot twrp.img), it have its own terminal and you can go in and chattr -i that file.
Or with unlocked bootloader you just "fastboot format system" and flash the full system.img from the factory image. Or use TWRP to flash a stock rom.
I don't see how else you could have ran a chattr command to the /system without root. But without an unlocked bootloader you pretty much only have the choice of factory reset or unlock the bootloader in which both will wipe all data. But I'm pretty sure beside fastboot erase and format, not even factory reset in recovery could get rid of an immutable file. There is no adb access in stock recovery beside adb sideload signed packages (otherwise every android phones will be very unsecure).

eksasol said:
Are you using stock recovery to do this?
You pretty much explained why, but if you had rooted the phone it could fail due to other reasons too.
If you have an unlocked bootloader then you can boot TWRP (not install, but boot by fastboot boot twrp.img), it have its own terminal and you can go in and chattr -i that file.
Or with unlocked bootloader you just "fastboot format system" and flash the full system.img from the factory image. Or use TWRP to flash a stock rom.
I don't see how else you could have ran a chattr command to the /system without root. But without an unlocked bootloader you pretty much only have the choice of factory reset or unlock the bootloader in which both will wipe all data. But I'm pretty sure beside fastboot erase and format, not even factory reset in recovery could get rid of an immutable file. There is no adb access in stock recovery beside adb sideload signed packages (otherwise every android phones will be very unsecure).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, you're correct. I was rooted at one point and had an old 'su' binary around that was immutable, completely forgotten about. My bootloader is stock atm and I'm still stuck on 'no command' I'm accepting the inevitability that I'll have to wipe and start over but I'm not even sure how to flash the factory firmware now since I'm either stuck in a 'Google' boot loop or I get 'no command'.
Any suggestions?

ykram said:
Unfortunately, you're correct. I was rooted at one point and had an old 'su' binary around that was immutable, completely forgotten about. My bootloader is stock atm and I'm still stuck on 'no command' I'm accepting the inevitability that I'll have to wipe and start over but I'm not even sure how to flash the factory firmware now since I'm either stuck in a 'Google' boot loop or I get 'no command'.
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you see no command that is normal. To bring up the stock recovery menu, while holding Power first, press Volume Up.
Google bootloop have nothing to do with flashing factory image since it required using fastboot in fastboot mode (not in recovery), aka the bootloader menu. Links in my signature have instructions to flash factory image.

eksasol said:
When you see no command that is normal. To bring up the stock recovery menu, while holding Power first, press Volume Up.
Google bootloop have nothing to do with flashing factory image since it required using fastboot in fastboot mode (not in recovery), aka the bootloader menu. Links in my signature have instructions to flash factory image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, gotch ya. Many thanks for the response and help.

Related

[Q] Nexus 7 Bricked, can't access Bootloader or Fastboot

I think I may have my Nexus 7 (2012) in a badly bricked state.
I was running Android 4.3, unlocked and rooted with stock recovery. The tablet froze while using GMail. Pressing the home or back buttons just gave me a black screen with the buttons "highlighted" by circles. I waited several minutes and decided to just power off the tablet. When I looked over about a half hour later I saw that the tablet was frozen on the white Google screen. Two more reboots produced the same result.
I did some research and determined that it might be a good idea to try a cache wipe. I booted into the bootloader and selected Recovery. The tablet rebooted to an android on his back with a red triangle and the words "No command" underneath. Attempting to boot back into the bootloader (Power, Vol+, Vol-) produced the same results - red triangle and the words "No command". I could no longer boot into the bootloader. Powering off and powering on normally also takes me to "No command".
I discovered that I can press Power & Vol+ while in the "No command" state. Doing so produces the following text at the bottom of the screen:
E:Can't open /cache/recovery/log
E: Can't open /cache/recovery/last_log
E: Can't open /cache/recovery/last_install
E: failed closing /dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/MSC
(I/O error)
I get a menu at the top with the options to reboot, apply update from ADB, wipe data/factory reset and wipe cache. Attempting to wipe cache produces:
-- Wiping cache...
Formatting /cache..
Cache wipe complete.
E:failed to mount /cache (Invalid argument)
E:Can't mount /cache/recovery/last_locale
After a few minutes I boot back to the red triangle android.
Attempting a factory reset produces:
--Wiping data...
Formating /data...
Formatting /cache...
Date wipe complete.
E:failed to mount /cache (Invalid argument)
E:can't mount /cache/recovery/log
E:Can't open /cache/recovery/log
E:failed to mount /cache (Invalid argument)
E:can't mount /cache/recovery/last_log
E:Can't open /cache/recovery/last_log
E:failed to mount /cache (Invalid argument)
E:can't mount /cache/recovery/last_install
E:Can't open /cache/recovery/last_install
E:failed to mount /cache (Invalid argument)
E: failed closing /dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/MSC
(I/O error)
E:failed to mount /cache (Invalid argument)
I've tried using the apply update from ADB option. I can use adb devices to see the serial number. Fastboot doesn't seem to respond and won't list the device. Flashing the factory 4.3 image (downloaded from Google and unzipped) using adb sideload uploads the image and then produces the error:
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
Verifying update package...
E:signature verification failed
Installation aborted.
...followed by all of the "cache mount / open errors shown previously"
Not sure what else to try. (I'm learning all of this as I go from reading posts on this site.) Is there a way to adb sideload the recovery partition as I suspect that it is corrupt?
Sorry to be so long winded. I figured that too much info was better than not enough. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
So you can still access the recovery menu? That surely means that your tablet isn't bricked and if you can access the recovery, then you too must be able to access the bootloader. Power off your tablet and try to boot into fastboot by using power and volume -, volume + isn't necessary. Are you sure you have also installed the drivers for fastboot mode? Then try to flash the factory images using the guide here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1907796
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Remcotjuuh said:
So you can still access the recovery menu? That surely means that your tablet isn't bricked and if you can access the recovery, then you too must be able to access the bootloader. Power off your tablet and try to boot into fastboot by using power and volume -, volume + isn't necessary. Are you sure you have also installed the drivers for fastboot mode? Then try to flash the factory images using the guide here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1907796
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First - thanks for responding.
To answer your questions. No, I can't access the recovery menu. It doesn't matter how I boot - power button only, power button and vol-, vol+ or power, vol- only --- the device immediately boots to the android on his back with the red triangle. I don't get the normal "menu" where I can use the buttons to choose and select recovery mode. Sometimes there are the words "No command" under the android, sometimes there isn't. I can't get the tablet into fastboot mode.
When the device boots to the android + red triangle, the only thing I have been able to do is push power, Vol+ which gets me to the menu with
reboot system now
apply update from ADB
wipe date/factory reset
wipe cache partition
The "wipe" options fail with the text shown in my original post. If I select "apply update from ADB" it puts the device into ADB Sideload mode. (Not normal ADB mode.) My only option here is to ADB sideload images. I have tried sideloading the factory image. The image transferes, but it fails with a signature error and won't install. I have downloaded the image several times directly from google.
I have uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers a few times. I've used the article that you referenced, another article on this site and used the Wugs Nexus Root Toolkit to install the drivers. I know that my drivers were good originally as I used them to root the device.
Could the errors that I am seeing when I attempt the wipe options indicate a hardware issue? The device seems to be attempting to mount the cache and other partitions and can't.
Additional help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
awhite2600 said:
First - thanks for responding.
To answer your questions. No, I can't access the recovery menu. It doesn't matter how I boot - power button only, power button and vol-, vol+ or power, vol- only --- the device immediately boots to the android on his back with the red triangle. I don't get the normal "menu" where I can use the buttons to choose and select recovery mode. Sometimes there are the words "No command" under the android, sometimes there isn't. I can't get the tablet into fastboot mode.
When the device boots to the android + red triangle, the only thing I have been able to do is push power, Vol+ which gets me to the menu with
reboot system now
apply update from ADB
wipe date/factory reset
wipe cache partition
The "wipe" options fail with the text shown in my original post. If I select "apply update from ADB" it puts the device into ADB Sideload mode. (Not normal ADB mode.) My only option here is to ADB sideload images. I have tried sideloading the factory image. The image transferes, but it fails with a signature error and won't install. I have downloaded the image several times directly from google.
I have uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers a few times. I've used the article that you referenced, another article on this site and used the Wugs Nexus Root Toolkit to install the drivers. I know that my drivers were good originally as I used them to root the device.
Could the errors that I am seeing when I attempt the wipe options indicate a hardware issue? The device seems to be attempting to mount the cache and other partitions and can't.
Additional help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it under warranty?
xbt- said:
Is it under warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. It's about 10 months old.
Your cache partition is corrupt. Because cache is corrupt, your N7 probably can't boot anything but recovery. Did your N7 turn off while you were wiping cache or something?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Looks to me as if your boot / system is not working or corrupt. But you are writing you boot always to the dead Android, that's the bootloader mode and from there you should be able to flash a new system by fastboot. As long as you can go to bootloader there is hope for your device unless some hardware defect prevents you from flashing the system images. Try to install the fastboot drivers for your OS and then try to flash the system images. Probably you need to unlock your bootloader first.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
AndDiSa said:
Looks to me as if your boot / system is not working or corrupt. But you are writing you boot always to the dead Android, that's the bootloader mode and from there you should be able to flash a new system by fastboot. As long as you can go to bootloader there is hope for your device unless some hardware defect prevents you from flashing the system images. Try to install the fastboot drivers for your OS and then try to flash the system images. Probably you need to unlock your bootloader first.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He has already said he can only boot into stock recovery, not bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 12:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 PM ----------
Now I got myself thinking, the factory images fail, but what about an image for a custom recovery? Try to adb sideload yours from www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager. Is your bootloader unlocked?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
cmason37 said:
Your cache partition is corrupt. Because cache is corrupt, your N7 probably can't boot anything but recovery. Did your N7 turn off while you were wiping cache or something?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tablet froze during normal operation. (Checking GMail.) I simply turned it off...or so I though. When I looked over about 30 minutes later it was stuck on the white "Google" screen. I was able to boot into the normal bootloader at this point. My thoughts were to then select stock recovery and just wipe the cache. It's been in the "red triangle" and "No command" since then.
AndDiSa said:
Looks to me as if your boot / system is not working or corrupt. But you are writing you boot always to the dead Android, that's the bootloader mode and from there you should be able to flash a new system by fastboot. As long as you can go to bootloader there is hope for your device unless some hardware defect prevents you from flashing the system images. Try to install the fastboot drivers for your OS and then try to flash the system images. Probably you need to unlock your bootloader first.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader is unlocked. I was rooted with stock recovery. I have uninstalled and reinstalled drivers several times. I know for certain that the ADB drivers are installed. I don't have an easy way to confirm that the fastboot drivers are installed - but they should be.
Remcotjuuh said:
He has already said he can only boot into stock recovery, not bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 12:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 PM ----------
Now I got myself thinking, the factory images fail, but what about an image for a custom recovery? Try to adb sideload yours from www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager. Is your bootloader unlocked?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can try sideloading a custom recovery. I may have already tried this...I've tried so many things. I will try again.
The link that you provided points to .img downloads. I thought that ADB Sideload only worked with .zip images. Am I wrong?
awhite2600 said:
I can try sideloading a custom recovery. I may have already tried this...I've tried so many things. I will try again.
The link that you provided points to .img downloads. I thought that ADB Sideload only worked with .zip images. Am I wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remcotjuuh said:
He has already said he can only boot into stock recovery, not bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 12:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 PM ----------
Now I got myself thinking, the factory images fail, but what about an image for a custom recovery? Try to adb sideload yours from www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager. Is your bootloader unlocked?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried sideloading the clockwork recovery. The .img file transfers. The Nexus 7 then displays:
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
Verifying update package...
E:signature verification failed
Installation aborted.
:
followed by all of the E: can't mount/open cache/recovery messages as mentioned in my initial post.
Then I'm getting to a dead end here too. I guess you have tried flashing the bootloader too? And how about using the "flash-all.bat" in the factory images package?
Edit:
Maybe sideloading the zip from the images package that contains boot, system and recovery?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Remcotjuuh said:
Then I'm getting to a dead end here too. I guess you have tried flashing the bootloader too? And how about using the "flash-all.bat" in the factory images package?
Edit:
Maybe sideloading the zip from the images package that contains boot, system and recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure that I've tried flashing the bootloader. When I try again (using adb sideload) I get the same signature verification failed message on the N7 that I did when attempting to sideload recovery images. I then get failed to mount cache messages.
I tried the flash-all.bat. Unfortunately that requires fastboot mode and the tablet won't go into fastboot mode. The batch file just sits waiting for the device to respond. Manually typing fastboot devices fails to list anything.
The only "response" that I seem to be able to get is when I put the tablet into sideload mode. I can type adb devices from a command prompt and get a reply with the serial number. The only other adb command that responds is adb sideload - which always reports signature failed on the tablet. Do you think this is a hardware issue?
awhite2600 said:
I'm pretty sure that I've tried flashing the bootloader. When I try again (using adb sideload) I get the same signature verification failed message on the N7 that I did when attempting to sideload recovery images. I then get failed to mount cache messages.
I tried the flash-all.bat. Unfortunately that requires fastboot mode and the tablet won't go into fastboot mode. The batch file just sits waiting for the device to respond. Manually typing fastboot devices fails to list anything.
The only "response" that I seem to be able to get is when I put the tablet into sideload mode. I can type adb devices from a command prompt and get a reply with the serial number. The only other adb command that responds is adb sideload - which always reports signature failed on the tablet. Do you think this is a hardware issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea whether this is a hardware issue, could be, could not be. I remember a thread in which someone had a similar problem, only he had only access to fastboot mode. He eventually fixed it by running the flash-all.bat dozens of times, very strange. So how about sideloading the zip containing boot, recovery and system? I haven't read you tried that. And how about adb pushing flashable zip to your device and flash them in recovery? You can try all kinds of zip, ROMs, recoveries. They do need to be signed because you only have access to the stock recovery I guess.
Remcotjuuh said:
I have no idea whether this is a hardware issue, could be, could not be. I remember a thread in which someone had a similar problem, only he had only access to fastboot mode. He eventually fixed it by running the flash-all.bat dozens of times, very strange. So how about sideloading the zip containing boot, recovery and system? I haven't read you tried that. And how about adb pushing flashable zip to your device and flash them in recovery? You can try all kinds of zip, ROMs, recoveries. They do need to be signed because you only have access to the stock recovery I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried sideloading the full factory image. That contains all of the boot, recovery and system images. Just like every other sideload that I've tried the file transfers from the PC. The tablet then reports that the signature verification fails. I've downloaded the factory image three times. I've done FC (file compare) from a command prompt and confirmed that none of the downloads are corrupt - they all match each other.
EDIT: I can't push a flashable zip as I can only adb sideload. I can't adb to just transfer a file. I also can't get into the recovery menu so I can't select a file to flash.
I agree that this is very strange. I've tried Googling the various "can't open / mount cache" message that I keep getting. I can't find anything about them. So this may be a very uncommon issue.
I appreciate your help. I'll keep trying different things. If anyone can think of anything else to try I would appreciate any advice. :fingers-crossed:
awhite2600 said:
I've tried sideloading the full factory image. That contains all of the boot, recovery and system images. Just like every other sideload that I've tried the file transfers from the PC. The tablet then reports that the signature verification fails. I've downloaded the factory image three times. I've done FC (file compare) from a command prompt and confirmed that none of the downloads are corrupt - they all match each other.
EDIT: I can't push a flashable zip as I can only adb sideload. I can't adb to just transfer a file. I also can't get into the recovery menu so I can't select a file to flash.
I agree that this is very strange. I've tried Googling the various "can't open / mount cache" message that I keep getting. I can't find anything about them. So this may be a very uncommon issue.
I appreciate your help. I'll keep trying different things. If anyone can think of anything else to try I would appreciate any advice. :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Just be persistent and try sideloading, and maybe adb pushing, the different kinds of images/.zips. Maybe you'll be lucky and magically succeed just like the other guy did. I guess this is everything I could advise you. Good luck.
Fastboot is working only when you are in bootloader mode, when you are in recovery or in "normal" operating mode only adb will work. The command is normally located in the sdk/platform-tools directory of the sdk and I suppose you have the latest android SDK installed.
Btw. for me it makes absolutely no sense that the tablet is booting to recovery directly, because the bootloader is loaded and started before, Only from there you are able to go to recovery, i.e. if recovery mode is working, bootloader must work, too.
To recover your system: go to bootloader mode and get fastboot running, then get the system image and extract all files and do the following:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot erase system -w
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot reboot
this should be sufficient. If you want to be sure you can also do
fastboot reboot recovery
and do a system wipe from there. And after that reboot into your system. Good luck!
@Remcotjuuh: it's better to use fastboot instead of adb, because you are one level below, i.e. if your recovery is not working correctly, adb will fail while fastboot does not depend on a working adb process.
AndDiSa said:
and do a system wipe from there. And after that reboot into your system. Good luck!
@Remcotjuuh: it's better to use fastboot instead of adb, because you are one level below, i.e. if your recovery is not working correctly, adb will fail while fastboot does not depend on a working adb process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, but he has clearly said multiple times that he cannot access the bootloader, although I find this very strange too...
Sony xperia s bricked
Remcotjuuh said:
So you can still access the recovery menu? That surely means that your tablet isn't bricked and if you can access the recovery, then you too must be able to access the bootloader. Power off your tablet and try to boot into fastboot by using power and volume -, volume + isn't necessary. Are you sure you have also installed the drivers for fastboot mode? Then try to flash the factory images using the guide here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1907796
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm experiencing a similar problem with my phone. i rooted my phone today (using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2327473) and it was running fine, but i installed an application from the play store called [Root] Developer tools to allow me to load up recovery boot. i gave it permission but when i tried turning my phone on it just stays blank. ive tried the hard reset (up+power button) but all that happens is my phone vibrates 3 times and a green light flashes. please help

How to Root without flashing custom recovery

HOW TO ROOT YOUR DEVICE WITHOUT FLASHING RECOVERY
This can be done with two methods.
ADB or FASTBOOT.
I have tested both methods and they worked for me.
I tested this on JSS15J. I am not sure about any other versions but I guess it should work.
SOME BASIC INFORMATION
Usually when you want to root your device, you must have UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER.
A CUSTOM RECOVERY is usually used to flash SuperSU to gain root access.
CUSTOM RECOVERIES ARE USUALLY FLASHED (they permanently replace your stock recovery)
In this guide, You BOOT into custom recovery by going into BOOTLOADER and then using fastboot/adb tools to flash SuperSU .
Booting is temporary and thus once you restart from recovery, the custom recovery will be gone
Make sure, you have USB debugging mode enabled. To go into bootloader you can either use adb commands ( Type [adb reboot bootloader] in cmd in platform tools directory with your device connected) or do it manually by turning it off and then holding power and volume down.
You must also have platform tools of SDK (Fastboot and ADB) for this to work. MAKE SURE YOU OPEN CMD into the folder where platform tools are present.
Try it on OWN risk. I will not be responsible for bricked devices or any damage.
ADB METHOD
Connect to your PC and make sure USB debugging is on.
COMMANDS IN BRACKETS. DON'T WRITE THEM. COMMAND WOULD BE LIKE : fastboot boot recovery.img
MAKE SURE YOUR DEVICE HAS UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER
(fastboot boot [recovery.img])--------------------- Name of recovery to be here
Mount /system and push the necessary files once the recovery has started:
(adb push su /system/xbin)
(adb push Superuser.apk /system/app)
Set correct permissions:
(adb shell)------------------------------ You have got into your device's shell
(chmod 06755 /system/xbin/su)
(chmod 0644 /system/app/SuperSU.apk)
(exit)
Reboot:
(adb reboot)
FASTBOOT METHOD
This is relatively easier as you will boot into custom recovery temporarily and then flash ZIP of SuperSU. Afterwards I recommend to clear davik cache and restart.
UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER REQUIRED
Boot into bootloader.
Type these commands to boot into custom recovery. This will not flash recovery and you will have stock recovery once you restart.
fastboot boot recovery recovery.img where recovery.img will be the file name of recovery
(After 4.4, use this command "fastboot boot recovery.img" instead of above mentioned)
After booting into reccovery, flash SuperSU and you are done.
I recommend clearing dalvik cache before leaving and restart.
And you are done.
YOU CAN ALSO USE A PREROOTED KERNEL WHICH YOU CAN FLASH VIA FASTBOOT. I AM NOT SURE IF THERE IS ANY
For information on how to retain root after OTA, please refer to this :
Update Super SU is also taken from this guide.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2415497
For Recovery/SuperSU/TWRP
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2382051
CWM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2381544
PLATFORM TOOLS:
http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=9390355257214632011
If you are stuck in a bootloop, make sure you have cleared dalvik cache in custom recovery.
I got bootloop when i tried with fastboot method as I was new to twrp, I explored it a bit and tried to remove system and tried overwriting data to see how it is different from CWM and check its strength. I got an error clearing cache so I rebooted into custom recovery to clear dalvik and my nexus booted fine (DON'T TRY THIS, JUST CLEAR CACHE AND WIPE DATA and restart)
REMEMBER, UNLOCKING BOOTLOADER WILL DELETE ALL YOUR DATA AND DOING WIPES WILL ALSO DELETE ALL YOUR DATA.
DALVIK WON'T DELETE YOUR DATA BUT
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE MADE A BACKUP using BACKUP PRO (non rooted) or Helium (non rooted) and Titanium Backup Pro (Daah, you are not rooted so this won't work)
GOOD LUCK
Booting into custom recovery to install root works fine.
As you mentioned unlocking bootloader is still a prerequisite.
You may want to just use the SuperSU install zip though. Though I haven't tried Superuser on this tablet, it is my understanding it hasn't been modified to work with 4.3 security. That may have changed since I last looked so if you find differently please post. SuperSU added a daemon mode to deal with 4.3 security changes.
sfhub said:
Booting into custom recovery to install root works fine.
As you mentioned unlocking bootloader is still a prerequisite.
You may want to just use the SuperSU install zip though. Though I haven't tried Superuser on this tablet, it is my understanding it hasn't been modified to work with 4.3 security. That may have changed since I last looked so if you find differently please post. SuperSU added a daemon mode to deal with 4.3 security changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got bootloop but then realised it might due to trying to wipe system in twrp. Clearing dalvik worked fine .SuperSU used
So you don't replace stock recovery if you boot into a custom recovery using fastboot?
Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013)
Muikkuman said:
So you don't replace stock recovery if you boot into a custom recovery using fastboot?
Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The trick here is to BOOT into custom recovery BUT not FLASH recovery permanently. Once you restart, the CUSTOM recovery will be gone.
You can use simple commands if using Fastboot
fastboot boot recovery [recovery name.img]
This way you will install SuperSU using recovery which is relatively easier than ADB commands.
You will only go into recovery temporarily.
I also read a forum where you can preserver root even after OTA/ Updates.
[UPDATE]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2415497
Do check that out as well.
I tried this with Twrp and superSU.
I got bootloop as I have been always CWM person so I accidently tried to delete system too with dalvik cache and hard reset and I got an error
However, I boot again into recovery and cleared wipes and the bootloop was gone
Hnk1 said:
The trick here is to BOOT into custom recovery BUT not FLASH recovery permanently. Once you restart, the CUSTOM recovery will be gone.
You can use simple commands if using Fastboot
fastboot boot recovery [recovery name.img]
This way you will install SuperSU using recovery which is relatively easier than ADB commands.
This way you will only go into recovery temporarily.
I also read a forum where you can preserver root even after OTA/ Updates.
Do check that out as well.
I tried this with Twrp and superSU.
I got bootloop as I have been always CWM person so I accidently tried to delete system too with dalvik cache and hard reset and I got an error
However, I boot again into recovery and cleared wipes and the bootloop was gone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply I'll make sure to check everything out.
Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013)
Muikkuman said:
Thanks for your reply I'll make sure to check everything out.
Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anytime mate
How do we clear dalvik without a custom recovery?
Master619 said:
How do we clear dalvik without a custom recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You restart your device. Boot into bootloader and use fastboot to Boot into custom recovery(command given in post above).Once Into recovery, you can easily clear dalvik cache.
And remember, it might not require clearing cache because I was exploring twrp n overwriting data n tried To delete system to see how powerful the recovery is. I will update guide now
muikkuman said:
so you don't replace stock recovery if you boot into a custom recovery using fastboot?
Sent from my nexus 7 (2013)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
master619 said:
how do we clear dalvik without a custom recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
guide updated. Check it.
Platform tools are being attached
The "fastboot boot recovery recovery.img" command is not working anymore. The command prompt returns with a "cannot load recovery" error. At least that's what it does on my Nexus 7 running Android 4.4.2.
This seems to affect Android 4.3 and upwards according to this Nexus 4 thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/help/solved-fastboot-boot-recovery-img-t2380675
There's a workaround with a different fastboot command line as mentioned in the thread. I wonder if there's also a fix for the Nexus 7. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.
gunner49 said:
The "fastboot boot recovery recovery.img" command is not working anymore. The command prompt returns with a "cannot load recovery" error. At least that's what it does on my Nexus 7 running Android 4.4.2.
This seems to affect Android 4.3 and upwards according to this Nexus 4 thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/help/solved-fastboot-boot-recovery-img-t2380675
There's a workaround with a different fastboot command line as mentioned in the thread. I wonder if there's also a fix for the Nexus 7. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try: fastboot boot recovery.img ?
mdamaged said:
Did you try: fastboot boot recovery.img ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That worked a treat! Thanks a lot mate!
Those who finding difficulty in rooting Nexus 7 (2013) can use Wugfresh Nexus Root Toolkit. It is so powerful that you would find every function you would like to do on your Nexus 7, from the comfort of your PC. Also watch qbking77 's video on using the Toolkit for further information.

updated to 4.4.1 stuck in boot animation!

Installed 4.4.1 via TWRP this morning, but it is stuck in reboot. Just keeps doing the colliding circles!
Tried rebooting a couple of times. Can get to fastboot, But device isn't seen by adb, and fastboot only shows start (no recovery option)
Any ideas at this point?
RedBullet said:
Installed 4.4.1 via TWRP this morning, but it is stuck in reboot. Just keeps doing the colliding circles!
Tried rebooting a couple of times. Can get to fastboot, But device isn't seen by adb, and fastboot only shows start (no recovery option)
Any ideas at this point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend flashing the 4.4 stock factory image from here in fastboot mode. Then once your device is booting up properly again I would recommend taking a look at this guide to properly install the 4.4.1 update.
You MUST either side load or safer still, un-root(if rooted) and flash stock recovery and sideload and then re-flash custom recovery and re-root if needed.
If you are able to get to fastboot:
Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img ( use stock)
Fastboot reboot-bootloader
go into to stock recovery - wait for dead droid, one you see him, go into recovery by holding volume+ and power at same time
follow the orange instructions to sideload via adb - which should now work
reboot and validate all is well
reboot into bootloader and re-flash your custom recovery and root (if needed)
Enjoy.
planet_x69 said:
You MUST either side load or safer still, un-root(if rooted) and flash stock recovery and sideload and then re-flash custom recovery and re-root if needed.
If you are able to get to fastboot:
Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img ( use stock)
Fastboot reboot-bootloader
go into to stock recovery - wait for dead droid, one you see him, go into recovery by holding volume+ and power at same time
follow the orange instructions to sideload via adb - which should now work
reboot and validate all is well
reboot into bootloader and re-flash your custom recovery and root (if needed)
Enjoy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I eventually got it. I was really puzzled that I couldn't select recovery from the bootloader. All set now though, thanks!
I hae also updated to 4.4.2 but now my N10 is stuck at the Google start page. Please help?
jalize said:
I hae also updated to 4.4.2 but now my N10 is stuck at the Google start page. Please help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean stuck at boot animation, then I suspect you used TWRP to flash?
I found that TWRP was not able to clear caches, so I use CWM instead. Worked like a champ...
RedBullet said:
If you mean stuck at boot animation, then I suspect you used TWRP to flash?
I found that TWRP was not able to clear caches, so I use CWM instead. Worked like a champ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I used the adb sideload command for the OTA. That all went well but now I'm stuck at the google page even before the animations begin!
jalize said:
No I used the adb sideload command for the OTA. That all went well but now I'm stuck at the google page even before the animations begin!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hold volume up and power to get it to recycle, and immediately hold all three buttons down to get to bootloader. Try clearing your caches from recovery
RedBullet said:
Hold volume up and power to get it to recycle, and immediately hold all three buttons down to get to bootloader. Try clearing your caches from recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried that already, still stuck at Google page before animations. Everything is stock on this tablet with root.
jalize said:
Tried that already, still stuck at Google page before animations. Everything is stock on this tablet with root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Try flashing it fresh stock again, factory reset your device from recovery, download the stock image file from here, untar it, then unzip the zip inside the tar and you'll get some files (.img). Copy those files to your fastboot folder and then open a cmd there. (Guessing that you're using Windows)
Code:
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash cache cache.img
If you're using Linux, do the same, but instead of only fastboot use:
Code:
sudo ./fastboot
Then boot it. I had the same problem when I updated mine to 4.4.1, but I did one thing a little different... Instead of fully "stocking" it again, I flashed back 4.3, flashed 4.4 OTA and then let it boot, without wiping my data, after all it was running like this before. Worked. But as I'm unsure of your situation I think it's more secure and easier to fully stock it again.
Hope this helps,
~Lord
PS.: Remember to put your device in fastboot mode!

[Q] Bricked?

Hopefully someone can help me here.
I have the N10 and it is rooted. I flashed the stock recovery and flashed the stock kernel.
So I should have been pretty much stock cause I had the 4.4.4 factory image on it except it was unlocked.
So then I let it do the OTA for lollipop.
When it rebooted into recovery it got about 1/3 and then hit an error (just said error).
Now I can only get it to the recovery screen and the reboot Mode Flag is 'Recovery'
The only thing I can do at that point is hit the power button and it reboots to recovery with a "No Command" error.
Help please!
EDIT: The thing finally booted up on it's own. Should I leave it alone or try to take the OTA update again?
sl2222 said:
Hopefully someone can help me here.
I have the N10 and it is rooted. I flashed the stock recovery and flashed the stock kernel.
So I should have been pretty much stock cause I had the 4.4.4 factory image on it except it was unlocked.
So then I let it do the OTA for lollipop.
When it rebooted into recovery it got about 1/3 and then hit an error (just said error).
Now I can only get it to the recovery screen and the reboot Mode Flag is 'Recovery'
The only thing I can do at that point is hit the power button and it reboots to recovery with a "No Command" error.
Help please!
EDIT: The thing finally booted up on it's own. Should I leave it alone or try to take the OTA update again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me. I'm trying to even manually flash the factory image, but it will not detect fastboot. I'm trying to research this now. The device just keeps restarting itself over and over into No Command.
IT Rider said:
Same for me. I'm trying to even manually flash the factory image, but it will not detect fastboot. I'm trying to research this now. The device just keeps restarting itself over and over into No Command.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I have exactly the same problem after installing Android 5.0 OTA. Please post a solution here if you find it. Thanks!
I didn't try the OTA again. I installed Lollipopalooza from this thread...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998585
No problem with it so far
sl2222 said:
I didn't try the OTA again. I installed Lollipopalooza from this thread...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998585
No problem with it so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I cannot flash any rom as none of ADB commands can be run (device is not connected, though I connected it with OEM cable). I tried factory reset but it didn't help.
Just wanted to share what worked for me after the OTA update failed and flashing stock images didn't work. Put the tablet in fastboot. Installed stock image, tablet wouldn't boot. Restarted went into recovery got the android on its back with the red x coming out of it (did not say bad command at thia point). I presses volume up and power at the same time on this screen. Cleared cache and rebooted then the tablet booted up.
I cannot believe companies still get away with this inadequate device "killing" type of software. Did no-one at the company do any testing before release?????
Rant over, onto solution - for me anyway.
The issue I had was that I could not get ADB to be of any use so switched to fastboot. Should have used fastboot from the getgo. Hohum.
So, into recovery with android on it's back with red triangle and reboot into fastboot.
Connect N10 to PC with USB cable.
Downloaded "Minimal ADB and Fastboot"(MAF)
Downloaded Lollipop for Nexus 10 - image-mantaray-lrx21p.zip and saved to c: drive (this saves loads of typing at command prompt)
File path for update is c:\image-mantaray-lrx21p.zip
Open MAF and ensure folder path points to your MAF install folder..
At command prompt type fastboot update c:\image-mantaray-lrx21p.zip
If you want to wipe device prior to update then type fastboot -w update c:\image-mantaray-lrx21p.zip
This may take a while so go make a drink - or something.
If all goes well, mine did, you should eventually be presented with the lollipop opening screen and a working device.
Just finally got it working!
ROM updates from ADB Sideload or Fastboot failed every time for different reasons.
What I had to do is to flash custom recovery (latest TWRP) with "fastboot flash recovery <recovery.img>" command.
From TWRP flashing the official ROMs also failed. But flashing Lollipopalooza as sl2222 suggested finally succeeded.
Thanks for all the help!

TWRP won't boot

I am attempting to put lineageos on my new Mi A1, following the installation guide here https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/tissot/install
I have previously installed lineage on my old Moto G LTE and a Samsung Galaxy S4 and have not run into issues.
I have unlocked the bootloader and all that but I can't get twrp to boot.
I boot into fastboot with
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
that works fine, then I
Code:
fastboot boot twrp-3.2.2-0-tissot.img
This seems to have no effect, other than my phone 'disconnecting' from the PC.
I get the following terminal output
Code:
./fastboot boot .\twrp-3.2.2-0-tissot.img
Downloading 'boot.img' OKAY [ 0.682s]
booting OKAY [ 0.623s]
Finished. Total time: 1.336s
However nothing happens on the phone, it still just has the fastboot logo on it.
At this point if I manually reboot (long-press power) it will reboot into stock rom.
If I manually reboot into recovery (long-press power+volume up) it will reboot into stock recovery
I have ensured my sytem tools are up to date, and tried the previous version of twrp, and there is no change.
I WAS able to get twrp to boot using the "Mi A1 Tool" i found here https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/how-to/tool-xiaomi-mi-a1-tool-drivers-unlock-t3742857
However I was not able to install lineage due to an error.
I did not copy the exact output but it was something along the lines of
error 7, kInstallDeviceOpenError
After this attempt, I reflashed the stock rom using Xiaomi tools, and am back to the beginning.
The phone is fully up-to-date with stock updates, Android 8.1, July security update.
Once again went through the bootloader unlocking, and everything, but have arrived at the same result.
Anyone have any ideas?
any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Hey, could you try this TWRP made for Oreo? https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=818070582850498337 (thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/development/recovery-twrp-3-1-1-0-touch-recovery-t3688472)
I've also had some issues booting TWRP, but running
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
was enough to boot it successfully (
Code:
fastboot boot recovery-3.2.1-2-oreo.img
)
Thank you!
dgadelha said:
Hey, could you try this TWRP made for Oreo? https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=818070582850498337 (thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/development/recovery-twrp-3-1-1-0-touch-recovery-t3688472)
I've also had some issues booting TWRP, but running
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
was enough to boot it successfully (
Code:
fastboot boot recovery-3.2.1-2-oreo.img
)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This recovery image worked great, AND installed lineage, thank you very much.
However, I am now unable to get gapps working.
I was pointed to this changelog here https://lineageos.org/Changelog-19/ by a user in the lineage subreddit.
I rebooted from twrp into the lineage recovery, chose Apply Update -> Apply from ADB
On my PC I run
Code:
./adb sideload .\MindTheGapps-8.1.0-arm64-20180610_024023
.zip
and after a pause I get the output
Code:
serving: '.\MindTheGapps-8.1.0-arm64-20180610_024023.zip' (~0%) adb: failed to read command: No error
and sometimes I get
Code:
serving: '.\MindTheGapps-8.1.0-arm64-20180610_024023.zip' (~0%) adb: failed to read command: Connection reset by peer
What happens on the phone has been a little different each time I have attempted this.
It either pops up on screen that it is unable to verify the file, install anyway?, doing so doesn't work.
OR it is hung up on a progress bar screen, with the following log output, or a slight variation of it
Code:
Stopping adbd...
Now send the package you want to apply to the device with "adb sideload <filename>"...
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
Verifying update package...
E: Signature verification failed
E:error: 21 Restarting dbd... Installation aborted.
After many attempts of this, reflashing lineage, and trying again, it did miraculously start doing the transfer at one point. It got to 47% then failed again.
Can't you just install from recovery?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/development/rom-lineageos-15-1-t3757938
pidermin said:
This recovery image worked great, AND installed lineage, thank you very much.
However, I am now unable to get gapps working.
I was pointed to this changelog here https://lineageos.org/Changelog-19/ by a user in the lineage subreddit.
I rebooted from twrp into the lineage recovery, chose Apply Update -> Apply from ADB
On my PC I run
Code:
./adb sideload .\MindTheGapps-8.1.0-arm64-20180610_024023
.zip
and after a pause I get the output
Code:
serving: '.\MindTheGapps-8.1.0-arm64-20180610_024023.zip' (~0%) adb: failed to read command: No error
and sometimes I get
Code:
serving: '.\MindTheGapps-8.1.0-arm64-20180610_024023.zip' (~0%) adb: failed to read command: Connection reset by peer
What happens on the phone has been a little different each time I have attempted this.
It either pops up on screen that it is unable to verify the file, install anyway?, doing so doesn't work.
OR it is hung up on a progress bar screen, with the following log output, or a slight variation of it
Code:
Stopping adbd...
Now send the package you want to apply to the device with "adb sideload <filename>"...
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
Verifying update package...
E: Signature verification failed
E:error: 21 Restarting dbd... Installation aborted.
After many attempts of this, reflashing lineage, and trying again, it did miraculously start doing the transfer at one point. It got to 47% then failed again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey,
Install GApps also at TWRP. Signature verification is failing most probably because the Lineage Recovery should be accepting only Lineage-signed ZIP files.
You can install TWRP in your current boot image (so you don't need to boot TWRP everytime through fastboot) with this ZIP: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=746010030569959456 (yet, you need to boot to TWRP through fastboot so you can flash it, but no need to boot it manually after installing it). Notice that after every system update you may need to install TWRP again (same for Magisk), as boot images get replaced.
Also, if sideload fails, you can just do a
Code:
adb push filename.zip /sdcard/
then install the ZIP directly from the "Install" section on TWRP.
Thanks!
Thanks a lot!
I found and was able to follow this guide
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/how-to/lineageos-gapps-magisk-twrp-dolbyatmos-t3762939
instead of the one on the lineageOS website, and I am up and running.
Thank you very much for your time!
Can't boot to recovery or fastboot
I'm totally not getting the problem, i am having network issues on my Mi A1 on both Oreo and pie. So I decided to install a custom ROM but I can't boot my device to fastboot or recovery, it simply reboots . I tried the hard keys as well as through the PC using command prompt it just reboots normally. Any suggestions on what should I do Please?
Azan Qazi said:
I'm totally not getting the problem, i am having network issues on my Mi A1 on both Oreo and and pie. So I decided to install a custom ROM but I can't boot my device to fastboot or recovery, it simply reboots . I tried the hard keys as well as through the PC using command prompt. Any suggestions on what should I do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried doing reboot in the OS and choosing Recovery option?
Azan Qazi said:
I'm totally not getting the problem, i am having network issues on my Mi A1 on both Oreo and pie. So I decided to install a custom ROM but I can't boot my device to fastboot or recovery, it simply reboots . I tried the hard keys as well as through the PC using command prompt it just reboots normally. Any suggestions on what should I do Please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TrueMS said:
Have you tried doing reboot in the OS and choosing Recovery option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes sir I did tried several times. But as I said above it simply reboots the system.

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