Database Users

Anti-Theft software for TP2

Hey guys,
This is my first ever thread on the XDA forum.
After saving up for a long long long time, I am now a proud owner of a TP2. And now, I am constantly worried about it getting stolen(my past two phones were stolen).
I know this topic has been discussed for other phones before. But is anyone using a good anti-theft software on their TP2? Are any of the softwares recommended for other phones in this forum giving any errors with TP2?
I dun mind spending a bit on it. I read about the Ultimate Theft Alert v3.5 and the Sprite Terminator. The sprite guys are having some promotion for HTC owners. Does that mean it is highly recommended for HTC devices?
I am not a developer and is pretty dumb about flashing roms and all that (even though I cant wait to learn more. Expecting all your help and co-operation). So please provide me a simple solution for this.
Thanks guys

koopharaoh said:
Hey guys,
This is my first ever thread on the XDA forum.
After saving up for a long long long time, I am now a proud owner of a TP2. And now, I am constantly worried about it getting stolen(my past two phones were stolen).
I know this topic has been discussed for other phones before. But is anyone using a good anti-theft software on their TP2? Are any of the softwares recommended for other phones in this forum giving any errors with TP2?
I dun mind spending a bit on it. I read about the Ultimate Theft Alert v3.5 and the Sprite Terminator. The sprite guys are having some promotion for HTC owners. Does that mean it is highly recommended for HTC devices?
I am not a developer and is pretty dumb about flashing roms and all that (even though I cant wait to learn more. Expecting all your help and co-operation). So please provide me a simple solution for this.
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not think that will be easy that an anti-thief fully protect your investiment:
Normally first think every thief does is shutdown the equipment and remove the SIM Card. After that he could simply Hard Reset the equipment, returning the equipment itself to factory specs, so the anti-thief software is deleted. He can also change the IMEI in a relatively simple way.
Main tactics:
Never show your equipment if you are in a relatively empty street, train station, etc;
Always use the equipment with a firmly grip on it and always watching the surroudings;
This is simple common sense...
I know, that is going a little paranoic but some care is always a good thing.

Good point!!
Hey Black Phoenix,
thanks for the reply. for some reason, I didn't think of the possibility of the thief doing a hard reset.
But, I feel it is still worth investing on a software like Ultimate Theft Alert coz there is still a chance that the thief might not do a hard reset. So can you recommend a good software among the popular ones that works for TP2? I forgot to mention that I am from Singapore. I dunno whether my location makes any difference?
I still have not played with my phone a lot. But i believe TP2 has GPS? So doesnt that mean some of these softwares can give me the coordinates of my phone? Will my location matter for this feature?

koopharaoh said:
Hey Black Phoenix,
thanks for the reply. for some reason, I didn't think of the possibility of the thief doing a hard reset.
But, I feel it is still worth investing on a software like Ultimate Theft Alert coz there is still a chance that the thief might not do a hard reset. So can you recommend a good software among the popular ones that works for TP2? I forgot to mention that I am from Singapore. I dunno whether my location makes any difference?
I still have not played with my phone a lot. But i believe TP2 has GPS? So doesnt that mean some of these softwares can give me the coordinates of my phone? Will my location matter for this feature?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I told, first thing that any thief does is shutdown the phone and trow away the sim card. With the phone shutdown, no gps coordinates or remote lock. And believe in me, the ones that steal know very well to cover the tracks, so for sure they know how to hard reset a phone (I'm still looking for my Asus P535. For sure is now hardreseted and IMEI diferent, and also had GPS. It was stealed 1 year ago).

Install this. It's FREE. If a theif changes the sim card, you will automatically recieve an SMS to the numbers you have configured in the software. You will recieve his phone number + IMEI details. Configure your e-mail address and atleast 2 different phone numbers in the software so once you recieve the theifs new phone number or if he has not changed the sim card then you can send a special text message (read software tutorial) to you sim card or theifs new sim card which will activate the gps and text the co-ordinates to the nominated phone numbers you would have configured and an e-mail with link to google maps showing exactly where the phone is.
This thing works 100%. My house was under google maps with the right house and street address. I was stunned.
Also a thief is not literate enough to jump aboard XDA forum and search "How to hard reset a Touch Pro 2". They don't have time and most don't even know that technology like this exists.
Also once the Hard SPL comes out for TP2 and Cooked roms start releasing, you can either cook your own ROM with this software pre-installed with the right settings or request someone to cook a ROM for you with the right e-mail and phone number settings you want so even if a theif does a hard reset, software will still be installed again with those settings.
And to uninstall this software, theif needs to enter the password which you need to configure. I recommend you go through the tutorial.
oh and IMPORTANT. Install this to device memory because if he takes out your memory card and it's installed on the memory card then everything will be useless.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=394203

wow powersquad.. that's sick software.. curious though if it works..
maybe that new 'phonecreeper' that the xda-member wrote could have possibilities of tracking your phone after theft when installing it on your own device?
Jeroen

Great!!
Wow.. That is infact real cool. Just wondering whether there are any advantages of using your software over, maybe, Ultimate Theft Alert.. Except for the price.. Just curious.
Thanks a million for this.

It works 100%. I have tried changing sim card and I got the text of the new card's phone number on my 2 nominated numbers straight away. GPS Co-ordinates were both e-mailed and texted to my nominated number and e-mail address.
In order for e-mail to work you need to have an e-mail account configured on your phone already like hotmail or gmail.
Ultimate theft alert is paid. This is free since made by xda devs.

I use smartphonetracker, veryeasy to use and very reliable, works for a year now and just fine

powersquad said:
Install this. It's FREE. If a theif changes the sim card, you will automatically recieve an SMS to the numbers you have configured in the software. You will recieve his phone number + IMEI details. Configure your e-mail address and atleast 2 different phone numbers in the software so once you recieve the theifs new phone number or if he has not changed the sim card then you can send a special text message (read software tutorial) to you sim card or theifs new sim card which will activate the gps and text the co-ordinates to the nominated phone numbers you would have configured and an e-mail with link to google maps showing exactly where the phone is.
This thing works 100%. My house was under google maps with the right house and street address. I was stunned.
Also a thief is not literate enough to jump aboard XDA forum and search "How to hard reset a Touch Pro 2". They don't have time and most don't even know that technology like this exists.
Also once the Hard SPL comes out for TP2 and Cooked roms start releasing, you can either cook your own ROM with this software pre-installed with the right settings or request someone to cook a ROM for you with the right e-mail and phone number settings you want so even if a theif does a hard reset, software will still be installed again with those settings.
And to uninstall this software, theif needs to enter the password which you need to configure. I recommend you go through the tutorial.
oh and IMPORTANT. Install this to device memory because if he takes out your memory card and it's installed on the memory card then everything will be useless.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=394203
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love that one, so thiefs are stupid... OK, nice one... Maybe one day you will became suprised...

Tracking software can work
I know it's about an iphone, but it proves that these services can work sometimes!
http://mashable.com/2009/07/28/find-my-iphone/
Gordon

hey... i agree with black phoenix completely... u never know these guys are too quick...
not unless the theif is some corporate theif, who wants ur data... i don't think he will leave ur phone without a hard-reset...
but for the first 10-20 minutes before he figures out how to do it.. i think a better solution than Ultimate Theft Alert is Maspware's Guardmobile
here is a small list of its features
* You can initiate an alarm and lock the device
* You can locate your device (GPS receiver is required)
* If your stolen device contains top secret data, you can do a hardreset remotely to erase all data!
* You can initiate a callback to overhear the thief
besides the above.. it also tells u if the sim card has changed... - which btw no foolish theif will do without first doing a hard-reset...
all the best...

mirage22 said:
hey... i agree with black phoenix completely... u never know these guys are too quick...
not unless the theif is some corporate theif, who wants ur data... i don't think he will leave ur phone without a hard-reset...
but for the first 10-20 minutes before he figures out how to do it.. i think a better solution than Ultimate Theft Alert is Maspware's Guardmobile
here is a small list of its features
* You can initiate an alarm and lock the device
* You can locate your device (GPS receiver is required)
* If your stolen device contains top secret data, you can do a hardreset remotely to erase all data!
* You can initiate a callback to overhear the thief
besides the above.. it also tells u if the sim card has changed... - which btw no foolish theif will do without first doing a hard-reset...
all the best...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finnaly someone that supports me. I was thinking that I were the only one with the idea that most think that are strange. Looks like lot of people in this forum still believe in Santa's or in the Easter Bunny.
If it was a hardware solution, directly solded in the Phone PCB, OK, that way I may garantee that you can return your phone, because his hard to bypass (if done correctly), but even those ways are bypassable sooner or later.

powersquad said:
a thief is not literate enough to jump aboard XDA forum and search "How to hard reset a Touch Pro 2".http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=394203
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think they would do it to be honest, it would take ages to delete all of the contacts etc. A google for "reset touch pro 2" is all it takes.
However, once we have HardSPL we'll be able to burn these utilities into the ROM so that they survive a hard-reset. Thief has to be aware of this and know how to re-flash. That raises the bar considerably.

lol, some people are just giving waay too much credit to theifs here. if they were literate and could afford an internet conncection to jump on google, they will not be theifs in the first place. all they care about is booze and drugs...

powersquad said:
lol, some people are just giving waay too much credit to theifs here. if they were literate and could afford an internet conncection to jump on google, they will not be theifs in the first place. all they care about is booze and drugs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you must have some really nice thieves in Europe. i've seen lots of things stolen for no other reason then to just steal something.

I recently had my phone (xperia) stolen. I had only recently flashed a new rom so it had wiped my anti-theft software. I bloody wish I had put it back on now.
Saying that I was abroad with no-data running, but at least I may have got a phone number by text. Then again the number to text to was my girlfreinds phone which was also taken. Oh well!
It is very likely a thief will reset the phone ASAP, but some thieves will be opportunists who see something shiny and expensive looking to steal and wont be that technologically savvy.
In that case the software may well pay off (ignoring my senerio above).

mirage22 said:
* You can locate your device (GPS receiver is required)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We all know the issues (time lag etc.) with the GPS on the TP2. Why a thief would put a new simcard in the phone outside. Probably he/ or she will be inside, where no GPS signal is available.

What about "W.I.M.P" (where is my phone) ?
http://www.wimp-software.co.uk/

powersquad said:
lol, some people are just giving waay too much credit to theifs here. if they were literate and could afford an internet conncection to jump on google, they will not be theifs in the first place. all they care about is booze and drugs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And some people thinks that just because they are thiefs that don't have internet connections and not literate. That they do not think, they aren't smart... Come On...

[Q] Rooting and back?

Hello. I'm sorry if I write this kind of questions, I know it annoys if it's already been asked, but I swear to you I looked *everywhere* and couldn't find a precise answer.
I'm coming from an iphone, and the sgs is my first android phone. Obviously I jailbroke my iphone on day 3, and I would like to keep the same tradition rooting my new phone today. The thing it's keeping me from doing it is warranty-related: on my iphone I knew that if one day I had to send it to apple (like for a broken wifi chipset), I could just connect it to my computer, hit the "restore" button and I was good to go. Now the question is: is the same also true for the sgs? Can I just plug it in with kies and restore it to factory settings?? Or with odin? I know about the samsung-firmwares website...does it provide truly *stock* firmwares without root? So that if I send the phone to samsung for repair it is *impossible* for them to see that my phone is-was rooted??
I also have a second question concerning these problems: why does rooting avoid your warranty?? Seriously, I can understand why apple doesn't want you to jailbreak your device...it's a double money loss for them. Either because you crack apps without buying them and/or because you use another "appstore" where you buy apps without giving them a cent...
But google I really can't understand: it's an open os, you can use other appstores right in your device (I read this info, but in fact apart from the samsung one, I've never seen alternative stores...), heck, you can also crack applications right in your device without rooting it!
So really, WHY?!?
I just wanted to root because of titanium backup. When I bought the phone I started playing with it for a while, downloaded some apps, changed some settings, tuned my homescreen, etc. Then I rebooted into windows to use kies and upgrade the firmware...and I found the horrible news: I had to do everything back from scratch. Now, that is something (coming from an iphone) that I find really disturbing. And then I read about titanium backup pro...but you need root. Seriously, why should that be something that avoids my warranty?!? Can someone explain this to me?

Acer Iconia bricked...Need help

Hello to all good guys in xda-developers forum.
This is my very first post and I really feel desperate and need your kind help.
New Acer iconia with stock firmware 3.2.1 was nicely running this morning until I tried to root the device.It was supposed to be very simple process and not to get into dirty complicated procedures but the gingerbreak.apk did not work as expected so I tried alternative methods.What I read in various forums was that the gingerbreak application is not able to root the new firmwares version so I tried to downgrade the firmware to 3.0.1.
Downloaded the Acer stock recovery firmware EUUs_SBK_Acer_A501_0.017.01_PA_ATT.exe and attempted to flash onto my tablet .I think I did all necessary pre-installation checks.The process started but it stopped on 10 percent for about 30 minutes without any progress.Only Acer logo was displayed and 'entering file downloading mode' at the top of the screen.
After long time no change I finally gave up and unplugged the device from the USB port and restarted but nothing works since then.
1. No vibration on Start
2. Black screen
3. No new USB device appear on my PC
4. No sign of any activity other then power button light
I guess the original firmware was wiped but the new firmware was not flashed...for whatever reason...perhaps the worst scenario.
I will really appreciate If anybody may give me advice how to fix it.

So it turns on but does not display anything? Have you tried to hold the power button and volume down button at the same to when you turn it on to try to get it into recovery. Also there is a little reset button on the side you can try to push.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium

tried all those thinks.All kind of tricks I could find on the net.The problem is that the device is not showing up in the device manager e.g not detected as USB device of an y kind....

acera500 said:
tried all those thinks.All kind of tricks I could find on the net.The problem is that the device is not showing up in the device manager e.g not detected as USB device of an y kind....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this thread. Look about halfway down, and you'll see almost the exact thing you did, and how this guy got it going.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1291747
Basically you can run a search for APX in the main forum threads and find some other posts, but hopefully this will get you going.
I pulled this from the general forum (eventually), but you can also search the Q&A main forum page as well, and the dev forum.
Another link;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1255519&highlight=apx&page=2

If its new just return it to the store for another one.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium

Acer or the store did not brick it
i THINK If you mess with the rom on your tablet and... BRICK your device .. you should tough it out and fix yourself... Acer or the store is not responsible for this .But then you could also argue that if they had not locked the bootloader this type of bricking would not happen..
So i say go above and beyond to try to fix it from the help on here.. if that fails.. THEN Maybe exchange it.. Its wrong to brake something then expect someone else to foot the bill. Yes im to honest for my own good at times... Acer has also been known to repair .
If you bought a extra warranty all of the above in my book is out the window.. Make them replace it ..
GIGGLES..
Good luck on getting it repaired ..and be more careful next time..

Piece of cake to fix if you kept you USB serial number (from the downgrade tool)???
===== If you have your USB serial number ====================
1. Lets assume you know your USB serial number. If not, then you might be able to get it from your registry.
2. Download my flashing tool at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20680452&postcount=137
a. Open up the readme.pdf for the instructions on how to flash
3. KEEP your acer unplugged and run the program
4. The program will install the APX flash drivers and will tell you to plug in the USB. Ignore this step. It will not work. In the instructions skip steps 3, 8, 9, 10.
5. Eventually the flashing tool will timeout because you do NOT have the tablet connected. It will then display a message box telling you how to use a paperclip and the power button to get you into APX mode. THIS IS THE secret to getting the tool to flash your ACER. However, once you get it into APX mode you will need your USB serial number (without it, you are fubar).
a. Plug in the tablet to your computer with the USB and paperclip yourself to fastboot.
6. Now in step 11, enter your USB serial number
7. Now just follow the rest of the instructions.
====== NO USB Serial number ==========
If you do not have your USB serial number than you are going to be out of luck, unless you have ever connected the device to your computer. If you did, then your registry will have a history containing your serial number.
Google usbdeview tool and download it. This will show the serial number of any USB device you've connected to your computer.
===== No Serial number, never connected it, what to do ==========
If you have no serial number and cannot get it, then hopefully you can get to recovery mode (power & volume) and flash using a signed update.zip from ACER. Download one of the update.zip's and put it on your external SDCard and then boot to recovery.
=== Bricked and No serial number, never connected, and you fubar'ed the recovery image ===
If you never connected your table to the USB and your computer to get the USB serial number then you are NOT going to be able to flash it to fix it.
If you fubar'ed the recovery image then you won't be able to get into recovery to run the ACER update zip.
At this point, you can still get your tablet into APX fastboot mode using a paperclip and the power button. But I know of NO way to flash it without the USB serial number and I know noway to get the USB serial number from the APX driver. I've tried and looked at getting the serial number from just APX mode, but I cannot determine how to get it. Someone out there might know.
Hope this helps,
TD

Your CPUID can also be found in the uid.txt file in your cwm backup folder - /mnt/external_sd/clockworkmod/backup/ - just remember to drop the 0x when you need to enter it

erica_renee said:
i THINK If you mess with the rom on your tablet and... BRICK your device .. you should tough it out and fix yourself... Acer or the store is not responsible for this .But then you could also argue that if they had not locked the bootloader this type of bricking would not happen..
So i say go above and beyond to try to fix it from the help on here.. if that fails.. THEN Maybe exchange it.. Its wrong to brake something then expect someone else to foot the bill. Yes im to honest for my own good at times... Acer has also been known to repair .
If you bought a extra warranty all of the above in my book is out the window.. Make them replace it ..
GIGGLES..
Good luck on getting it repaired ..and be more careful next time..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly if more people returned bricked phones/tablets etc... they would quit locking them down... the you broke it you fix it because they want to keep people from doing things they should be able to do with THEIR system they bought... In other words I completely don't agree with this at all.. If everything was unlocked and such then I would support the you fix it, but then again we wouldn't be running into these issues now would we. But then again Most people need people to babysit them and tell them what they can and can't do with what they own..

wade7919 said:
Honestly if more people returned bricked phones/tablets etc... they would quit locking them down... the you broke it you fix it because they want to keep people from doing things they should be able to do with THEIR system they bought... In other words I completely don't agree with this at all.. If everything was unlocked and such then I would support the you fix it, but then again we wouldn't be running into these issues now would we. But then again Most people need people to babysit them and tell them what they can and can't do with what they own..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@wade7919. You clearly have never worked in IT support on a hardware level.
Or maybe, I am barking up the wrong panty-leg?
If you bought a high dollar corvette, GM will support it. If you add an aftermarket chip, and your engine blows, do you expect GM to fix it? No. I wouldn't expect it either. Not their problem. Just because you can add a chip, doesn't mean you should do it.
That's why they try to lock bootloaders. To prevent users from doing things they shouldn't. Unlock them, and it opens a whole world of issues based on "open source". God help us if they unlock bootloaders.....
Not sure what you are getting at. I am under the belief, if you broke it, you fix it. Take responsibility for one's own actions. Shouldn't take the panzy pussyass way (no offence Erica and werecaltf), and return it for replacement. Suck it up, and learn from experience. Otherwise, the next device, you'll do the same stupid thing again.
I like things the way they are. Difficult, but not impossible. That separates the people with balls (again Erica and wercatlf, no offense), from the sheep.
But if you fubar the device, own up to it, and fix it. Don't pawn it off to somebody else (return it). And if you don't have the brain cells to have a backup plan before you start... Well, don't shed tears over it. Own up, throw the testosterone in the garbage disposal, and fix it.
Somebody give me a zanex...
And people, stop using Gingerbreak!!!!!!

Why locking a bootloader will cost ACER billions
Moscow and wade7919, you both make good arguments.
But it is what point of view you're coming form. If I bought a car and changed the RIM's on all 4 wheels and the engine blew up, would GM refuse to honor the warranty?
However, if I put jet fuel and alcohol in for gasoline and blew the engine why would they honor the warranty?
So, the question here is does rooting a device cause actual damage to the device thereby preventing rooting saves them warranty issues? Or is the device also considered to include the software and is covered under warranty?
I'm not taking sides here, but you both are making very good points but with different examples at different points of view.
So, lets look at other items and see if we can draw a parallel. If I buy a brand new Dell computer and send it in for Warranty and there is nothing wrong with the hardware they charge me (correct?). So if I fubar the OS or load something that caused the damage I pay for it or fix it. If there is actually a hardware failure then they cover it under warranty.
So, why does an Android MFG take the warranty one step further and include the OS and take steps to lock it so you cannot change it? Well, this is because nobody owns the OS (it's open source) therefore they take ownership of the build. Because there's no Microsoft to blame, they lock the software and consider it to be part of the overall device (Apple claimed this in their lawsuit). So, in the MFG's mind, there is no difference from the screen, keyboard, or the firmware & software.
So the question is what do you think should be covered under warranty? Most people think it should be just the hardware like a PC. Others see the whole device which includes the OS.
My point of view:
What follows is my rant and my opinion (you are warned )
In my opinion, I had NO problem until they decided to lock the bootloader. I have no problem with them claiming warranty from A-Z and if I change anything they won't warranty it. No problem, I understand that and accept full responsibility. But by ACER locking the bootloader they went too far.
To me this would be like GM welding the hood shut on my car. Better yet, it would be like me waking up one morning and opening my garage to get in my car and discover that during the night GM welded the hood shut. This, in my opinion, is illegal. Matter of fact, in my opinion, it violates US Federal hacking laws because they enter a system and destroyed data. I eventually think OEM's will get a class action suit filed on them for this.
Secondly, Windows 8 is going to be the game changer. OEM's can now make a hardware device and sit behind only warranting the hardware. You have a problem with the OS, call MS. Also, there is a HUGE (I mean HUGE). Did I mention HUGE, demand for tablets in business. Businesses will NOT put a device that has all these consumer games and social networking loaded into the workforce. There are billions in business applications that can be made, but you cannot sell them if they only run on a tablet that cannot have games removed etc.
Example might help: Medical field <- Think of all the applications a tablet can be used to save costs in hospitals. Do your really want your doctor or nurse etc using this tablet on facebook? Insurance company's, law firms, retailers, traveling sales, etc etc (Government). The list goes on.
Developers will see this huge opportunity and will write applications because they can sell them to A-Z and the business buying them will buy them because they can remove facebook and gmail from their company owned tablets. Now, as more and more developers move to Windows they'll drop Android. Want another example, read about Netflix and the issues they have had supporting a fragmented Android OS. So, business applications will move to Windows, but you might say so what, the consumer market is still there. True, but all you need is one killer application that everyone will want and for that to only be on Windows 8. Want some examples, here's my list, NFL (or sports), Netflix, Skype (gee owned by MS now isn't it?), or something new.
Bottom-line is this, if ACER and the others want to lock their bootloaders then they have just taken themselves out of the game for any business sales. Can you imagine walking into a boardroom showing the Government how your new VA application will save the VA Hospitals millions next year alone and improve veterans healthcare. Your application runs on any HC Android tablet. Everything is smoking, going great, as you hand your tablets, ACER a500', around the room. They are loving it. You just hit 'pay-dirt', then someone says hey I see these ACER's have gmail, facebook, blah blah. We cannot have government employees using tablets with those applications loaded, your installer removes them doesn't it? Silence enters the room, all eyes are focused on you. Your mind see millions escaping which were just within your grasp, you pause, you think, and you say YES General as you grab your Motorola Xoom and say 'that's why we recommend you buy nothing but Motorola.'. ACER just kissed millions in sales goodbye (oh and this is a true story).

i do believe acer should lock the bootloader on there devices.
However thee are things I would be doing with my tab if it were not locked.
Acer should give us the ability to flash the bootloader and not use the proprietary software. Lock that software to there bootloader.for there protections.
Give us a wway to unlock it..AT OUR OWN RISK..
So it should be locked but have a way to unlock it with the end user understanding they are totally on there own ..
I would be OK with voiding my warranty.

@Dean,
"So if I fubar the OS or load something that caused the damage I pay for it or fix it. If there is actually a hardware failure then they cover it under warranty."
Yes, that is true. Bootloaders are locked, to prevent completely stupid idiots, from doing things they absolutely no idea what the sam hell they are doing.
The issue is, should we be able to return a device, after we fubarred it? Against warranty? To say, Hey, your weakness allowed me to do it.
Just because the ability to do it exists, and we can quote a thousand instances, It doesn't mean we should, and to shirk responsibility. And pass it off to the main individual.
The fact is, the policies and regulations are there, and we should abide. And if we don't, we have to own up and deal with it.
And if we don't, then we are no better than the low life of the world. The scum.

Moscow Desire said:
@Dean,
"So if I fubar the OS or load something that caused the damage I pay for it or fix it. If there is actually a hardware failure then they cover it under warranty."
Yes, that is true. Bootloaders are locked, to prevent completely stupid idiots, from doing things they absolutely no idea what the sam hell they are doing.
The issue is, should we be able to return a device, after we fubarred it? Against warranty? To say, Hey, your weakness allowed me to do it.
Just because the ability to do it exists, and we can quote a thousand instances, It doesn't mean we should, and to shirk responsibility. And pass it off to the main individual.
The fact is, the policies and regulations are there, and we should abide. And if we don't, we have to own up and deal with it.
And if we don't, then we are no better than the low life of the world. The scum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very well put.I do know of a few people who have sent there device to acer after messing it up installing rom and telling acer.acer still fixed it free.
Honesty is always best

The evils of rooting
I'm still missing something here, why locking a bootloader does anything. Go get a Mortorola Xoom (not the FE) and you run the unlock OEM. It tells you that you are unlocking it. It tells you that you unlock it at your own risk. You cannot relock it until it is 100% back to stock. It asks you three times are you sure.
Locking the bootloader and treating everyone as an idiot is the problem. Just do what Motorola does, and stop being everybody's keeper. If they want to 'Police' this then you should have to call ACER and they fax you a form. You give DNA to prove who you are and fax it back. Then you go to a mandatory rooting class, that lasts for 5 days, where ACER preaches to you the sins of rooting. Then you have to take and pass a test. Then and only then, after passing the test you get a certificate. Then you call back, give them your certificate ID. Now they give you the secret key to unlock only your tablet.
That's the ticket,
TD
Bottom-line, it's not that they locked the boatloader, it's that you cannot unlock it. Like I said, go out to your driveway some morning and find that GM welded the hood to your car shut because they think you are stupid and shouldn't be opening the hood. Mind you that YESTERDAY, and at the time your bought it, it was not welded shut. That ladies and gentlemen is what ACER did with their OTA.

Moscow Desire said:
@wade7919. You clearly have never worked in IT support on a hardware level.
Or maybe, I am barking up the wrong panty-leg?
If you bought a high dollar corvette, GM will support it. If you add an aftermarket chip, and your engine blows, do you expect GM to fix it? No. I wouldn't expect it either. Not their problem. Just because you can add a chip, doesn't mean you should do it.
That's why they try to lock bootloaders. To prevent users from doing things they shouldn't. Unlock them, and it opens a whole world of issues based on "open source". God help us if they unlock bootloaders.....
Not sure what you are getting at. I am under the belief, if you broke it, you fix it. Take responsibility for one's own actions. Shouldn't take the panzy pussyass way (no offence Erica and werecaltf), and return it for replacement. Suck it up, and learn from experience. Otherwise, the next device, you'll do the same stupid thing again.
I like things the way they are. Difficult, but not impossible. That separates the people with balls (again Erica and wercatlf, no offense), from the sheep.
But if you fubar the device, own up to it, and fix it. Don't pawn it off to somebody else (return it). And if you don't have the brain cells to have a backup plan before you start... Well, don't shed tears over it. Own up, throw the testosterone in the garbage disposal, and fix it.
Somebody give me a zanex...
And people, stop using Gingerbreak!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay comparing A Tablet or PHone to a car is stupid... Compare it to a Desktop Computer or Laptop... Companies do not lock them down so you can not use different OS's now do they.. They offer Backups to restore the system back to how it was with recovery partitions dont they? or they offer the choice to buy whatever OS you want to install correct? they don't limit you to say just Windows or *NIX do they? But we don't see laptops or desktops locked down to where you can't upgrade your system yourself or anything else... and any dumdass can do that without an issue most of the time. and there is more issues with viruses and crap on computers than phones or tablets...
So before you start making statements like compare this to that learn what to compare to first. If you mess something up on a hardware level sure pay for it.. if you mess something up on a software level because they decided to Babysit people its their fault. and if you think its the persons fault because they decided to open up a PRODUCT that they bought and own then you are one of the people that need babysitting and like everyone telling you what to do and how to do it. Go to an apple product then.
---------- Post added at 07:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:51 PM ----------
Also if you really brick your device you can always give
http://paranoidandroid.us an email to findout about getting it fixed

wade7919 said:
Okay comparing A Tablet or PHone to a car is stupid... Compare it to a Desktop Computer or Laptop... Companies do not lock them down so you can not use different OS's now do they.. They offer Backups to restore the system back to how it was with recovery partitions dont they? or they offer the choice to buy whatever OS you want to install correct? they don't limit you to say just Windows or *NIX do they? But we don't see laptops or desktops locked down to where you can't upgrade your system yourself or anything else... and any dumdass can do that without an issue most of the time. and there is more issues with viruses and crap on computers than phones or tablets...
So before you start making statements like compare this to that learn what to compare to first. If you mess something up on a hardware level sure pay for it.. if you mess something up on a software level because they decided to Babysit people its their fault. and if you think its the persons fault because they decided to open up a PRODUCT that they bought and own then you are one of the people that need babysitting and like everyone telling you what to do and how to do it. Go to an apple product then.
---------- Post added at 07:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:51 PM ----------
Also if you really brick your device you can always give
http://paranoidandroid.us an email to findout about getting it fixed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still like my car comparison
I make the car comparison to illustrate a point, because when I compare tablets to a PC everyone piles on *****ing about MS.
Bottom-line it doesn't matter if it's a blender or a PC. I own it, you own yours and I can do what I want with mine as you can with yours. Now, again I have a BIG(did i mention BIG issue with them changing it on me after I bought it.

To get back on topic, is the original poster still out there?? Has any of this helped? Are you still bricked?? Give us an update so we know if anything worked or you still need help.

The device was returned and accepted for replacement by the shop.Got new one and feel very nervous to start rooting procedure over.I was really lucky that they did not charge me anything but I really want to know what I did wrong so I don't brick my new device again.
I will provide further details soon about my computer OS and firewall settings and perhaps we may figure out what I did wrong.
To all good guys who send me them suggestions and solutions I wanna say big THANK YOU !!!
Your help is really priceless and thrilled me deeply. Will update topic soon

Happy New Yer to all Android fans!!!
So...Back on the subject.
My device was purchased in Japan and its current firmware version is
Acer_A500_7.009.03_AAP_CUS6JP
Q1. Can I flash US or World Wide firmware version on that device.
Q2. Does anybody know the Acer's ftp download server address for Japan
Q3. I think its a good idea to dump my original stock firmware but it seems there is no way doing that prior rooting.So..kinda stuck .any suggestions appreciated.
P.S. I'm thinking about flashing the latest Rooted rom 3.2.1 V3 by timmiDean (thanks for your hard work) I read the instructions very carefully and I think that everything will go smoothly but just in case (considering the specific Japanese firmware version)
would appreciate any further directions by the author.
Thanks

Locked S8

A month ago while doing some off road bike riding I found a S8 on the trail. I call Verizon and they said they would get back to me on that to do with the phone. They never called back.
I've placed a ad on Craigslist and have called Verizon 4 times. No one seems interested in the recovery of this phone. I could use it to fly my drone but it's locked. I tried a reset but it's asking for the old Google account info. Is it possible for me to root this phone so it can be used on WiFi? My other option would be skipping it accross the San Francisco bay. I wonder how many skips I could get.
Thanks for any input on this post.
WP

You could just flash stock firmware on it, using Odin.

Flash unlocked (G950U1) firmware on it and wipe it through recovery. Should allow setup without needing the account linked to it

joe3681 said:
Flash unlocked (G950U1) firmware on it and wipe it through recovery. Should allow setup without needing the account linked to it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that does not erase frp. Frp bypass discussion is forbidden on XDA, as the #1 reason to use it is to resell stolen phones.
To OP there are enough resources on the internet that you should be able to figure out whether or not this is possible yourself.
You could also just figure out what carrier it's on, walk into their store and hand it to them so it can be reunited with its owner. I know if I lost my $800 phone I'd be pretty sad. Definitely better than destroying it, seemingly out of spite

There is a combination file which you can flash via odin to bypass frp
google it for more info

partcyborg said:
No, that does not erase frp. Frp bypass discussion is forbidden on XDA, as the #1 reason to use it is to resell stolen phones.
To OP there are enough resources on the internet that you should be able to figure out whether or not this is possible yourself.
You could also just figure out what carrier it's on, walk into their store and hand it to them so it can be reunited with its owner. I know if I lost my $800 phone I'd be pretty sad. Definitely better than destroying it, seemingly out of spite
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for your input. I'm not sure how but I will try to close this thread down or delete.
Because of my busy schedule I was trying to have verison send me a mailer so I could send them the phone. Also I was just kidding about skipping the phone across the bay. I would never do that. I have left the phone on since I found it expecting someone to call it so I could find the owner but there has been nothing. The owner probably got replacement through insurance leaving this phone disconnected.

I need help accessing locked phone - 8 Pro

I have a OnePlus 8 Pro that i need to get in to. The phone is mine on my T-Mobile account, i bought it for my brother on his birthday.
2 days ago he committed suicide. No note No explanation nothing. He was the strongest person we all knew. Never showed any weakness.
Even his wife cant understand it. I need to be able to get into the phone. There has to be something in there that shed some light on WHY???
His wife, daughter and I NEED answers. I have a ton of experience rooting and modding phones but i don't know how to get past a lock screen without wiping the phone.
If anybody can help me out i would be forever grateful. I would even pay if that's necessary. I am in so much pain right now over this.
Please help

Chipman417 said:
I have a OnePlus 8 Pro that i need to get in to. The phone is mine on my T-Mobile account, i bought it for my brother on his birthday.
2 days ago he committed suicide. No note No explanation nothing. He was the strongest person we all knew. Never showed any weakness.
Even his wife cant understand it. I need to be able to get into the phone. There has to be something in there that shed some light on WHY???
His wife, daughter and I NEED answers. I have a ton of experience rooting and modding phones but i don't know how to get past a lock screen without wiping the phone.
If anybody can help me out i would be forever grateful. I would even pay if that's necessary. I am in so much pain right now over this.
Please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear this.
If the phones on Android 11 then theres no twrp so there no way to remove the passcode / pin as far as I'm aware.
Here's a guide explaining how to remove a passcode. However I think with an encrypted phone you won't be able to access files even via twrp.
https://forum-xda--developers-com.c...e-hacking/remove-lockscreen-recovery-t3530008
Data recovery companies may be able to help if it's really needed.
Don't advise them as to what's happened just the phone is yours and your brother was using it, don't tell them how important it is or the price may just go up.

dladz said:
Sorry to hear this.
If the phones on Android 11 then theres no twrp so there no way to remove the passcode / pin as far as I'm aware.
Here's a guide explaining how to remove a passcode. However I think with an encrypted phone you won't be able to access files even via twrp.
https://forum-xda--developers-com.c...e-hacking/remove-lockscreen-recovery-t3530008
Data recovery companies may be able to help if it's really needed.
Don't advise them as to what's happened just the phone is yours and your brother was using it, don't tell them how important it is or the price may just go up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this info. I will attempt whatever i can.
I will try this and see if it works. I just received a call from the detective and he said they have a device that could do this for us.
I might go that route since there is nothing illegal that he was doing.
was just hoping to do it today as to get it done sooner.
Thank you for the help

Chipman417 said:
Thank you for this info. I will attempt whatever i can.
I will try this and see if it works. I just received a call from the detective and he said they have a device that could do this for us.
I might go that route since there is nothing illegal that he was doing.
was just hoping to do it today as to get it done sooner.
Thank you for the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As it's Android it'll be possible. But difficult without the right kit..
I'd clarify what the detective wants to see on the device and can you be present for the unlock.

dladz said:
As it's Android it'll be possible. But difficult without the right kit..
I'd clarify what the detective wants to see on the device and can you be present for the unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what i was thinking. I would prefer i am there and they unlock it and hand it straight to me.
I know he wouldn't appreciate anybody not the closest of family getting access and seeing his personal thoughts.

Chipman417 said:
Exactly what i was thinking. I would prefer i am there and they unlock it and hand it straight to me.
I know he wouldn't appreciate anybody not the closest of family getting access and seeing his personal thoughts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tbh I wouldn't want anyone looking through my phone is like a treasure trove..
I'd bare that in mind, not everything is meant to be seen. Doesn't mean anything, it's just how we are.

OP, sorry for your loss. That's all I have to offer. RIP.

Just my condolences to you and family

I'm sorry to hear also. May God bless you and family.

Thank you everyone that offered condolences

Chipman417 said:
Thank you everyone that offered condolences
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any luck with it?

As insensitive as this sounds, I am a homicide detective. If he had a fingerprint lock on the phone, you could use his physical fingerprint from his hand prior to burial to unlock the phone. We have used this method several times with success.
Regardless, my condolences to you and yours.

AlphaKoi said:
As insensitive as this sounds, I am a homicide detective. If he had a fingerprint lock on the phone, you could use his physical fingerprint from his hand prior to burial to unlock the phone. We have used this method several times with success.
Regardless, my condolences to you and yours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i was hoping to be able to do just this but since the family members are not very etch savvy, they power cycled the phone off and because of that the first unlock into the system has to be with the numeric password.
I rebuilt his laptop for him a couple months ago so i have the password to get into it. I'm hoping that he saved his email credentials in it. I know that after multiple attempts into android it allows you to change password through the email. This is the last thing i can think to do.
I reached out to OnePlus this morning and the woman who was answering my questions said she had no answers for me. she kept saying i could factory reset it through recovery mode. I already know that, i need the info on it. I'm thinking about reaching out to google also. Who knows they might help since the phone is in my name on my account.

dladz said:
Any luck with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet. I had an appointment to day with the funeral home to get access to his body so we could use his fingerprint but the phone was turned off since his last login.
It now required the numeric password before logging in. I have one shot left that i can think of. If i can gain access to his email i might be able to reset the password that way.
Fingers crossed. It was so hard yesterday going to the funeral home. We all need answers

Chipman417 said:
Not yet. I had an appointment to day with the funeral home to get access to his body so we could use his fingerprint but the phone was turned off since his last login.
It now required the numeric password before logging in. I have one shot left that i can think of. If i can gain access to his email i might be able to reset the password that way.
Fingers crossed. It was so hard yesterday going to the funeral home. We all need answers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When your reset his email you'll be able to recieve s text message with a verification number

Google find my device . It can unlock it.

SjDU said:
Google find my device . It can unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw that. unfortunately i don't have his email credentials for his Find My Device.
Also the sm card was removed my his wife before she gave it back to me unfortunately.
Although it does connect to my Wifi at home... I'm almost to the point of giving up.
I don't think we will ever know why he did what he did.
Thank you to everyone that jumped on this thread. I love this community.

I kinda don't buy the OP story but here is my take:
- Doesn't need a SIM to get/use Find my device working but does require Google account access which is recoverable easily.
- It's trivially easy to recover a Google account with the phone number of the deceased unless the person specifically removed those options and used for instance an authenticator app (of if you don't have the actual SIM or access to that phone number but that would be strange).
- If you cannot recover the account that way, you can still recover it using a legal path by providing the correct inheritance documents to Google (through a lawyer if required) which should pose no issue (again this should pose no issue and while it would take time, it would work).
- Whatsapp cloud backup (on Google drive) is enabled by default and if you're after that, it's probably gonna be trivially easy to restore said backups on any new phone by using the SIM card of the deceased. Unless the person specifically disabled this to prevent this.
You can most likely recover Whatsapp messages without even unlocking the phone. This whole process is actually not hard and requires no tech help and can be done through the legal processes.
Added to all this, I checked your history and saw that you requested help before unlocking a Pixel phone that magically came into your possession before. So it seems you have a pattern of coming into possession of locked phones that makes me very suspicious of your demand.
I'll report this thread and ask a mod to review it.

Sorry. I also have doubts any time I see a story here asking for help unlocking a phone. Always sounds suspicious, and furthermore where are the mods here? Aren't there rules that state no requests for help unlocking phones??
Here is the OPs other post:
" Junior Member11 postsThanks: 2
I have a 64gb Pixel 4 XL that i want to unlock and use on T-Mobile.
The phone was never actually on a Sprint account. It was never technically paid off by a consumer. Its also never been activated on the sprint network to my understanding. (Which are all required to have sprint send an unlock code)
It was given to me by a Sprint store manager when they had to clean out end of year inventory.
I'm trying to figure out if i can unlock it somehow without having to get sprint to send the unlock code.
I don't really want to go through the hassle of explaining to them how i got a hold of it when they look at it in the system.
Any help would be greatly appreciated"

@San Diego The moderators are here and monitoring the thread since it has been created. And these are the XDA Forum Rules to cross-check.
To ask for assistance is not against the rules, and if you read back in the thread quite a few legal possibilities have been given. They obviously didn't delivered the desired result. However, as soon as the discussion or advices deviate towards the obscure side or to paid unlock services this would be removed immediately.
If you check the thread, from which you quoted, you'll see that moderators were acive in it, too.
Stay safe and stay healthy!
Regards
Oswald Boelcke
Forum Moderator