return rooted HDX-7 back to stock - Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" General

So, I feel like I've done my due diligence and searched the forums.
I have the HDX 7. It was on 4.5.3 and I was successful rolling it back
to 3.2.8. Safestrap installed no problem, rooted no problem.
I grabbed the Nexus 7 rom and flashed it no problem.
Problem: I flashed the Nexus 7 rom into the Stock slot, wiping out 3.2.8
I would like to get the 3.2.8 back....
Is it possible to reflash the stock slot back to 3.2.8
and then reflash the Nexus 7 rom into slot 1?
Or am I stuck with the Nexus 7 rom?
(I like the rom, but wanted the option of a dual boot)

upshot said:
So, I feel like I've done my due diligence and searched the forums.
I have the HDX 7. It was on 4.5.3 and I was successful rolling it back
to 3.2.8. Safestrap installed no problem, rooted no problem.
I grabbed the Nexus 7 rom and flashed it no problem.
Problem: I flashed the Nexus 7 rom into the Stock slot, wiping out 3.2.8
I would like to get the 3.2.8 back....
Is it possible to reflash the stock slot back to 3.2.8
and then reflash the Nexus 7 rom into slot 1?
Or am I stuck with the Nexus 7 rom?
(I like the rom, but wanted the option of a dual boot)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My sense is you would be taking an unnecessary risk. Leave things the way they are until you are ready for the next move. At present there is not a compelling alternative to Nexus unless you need KitKat/Lollipop compatibility and want to take a dance with stock 4.x.x. Plus if you want gaps things still seem a bit dicey at the 4.x level.
If/when a change is needed the 'upgrade' options may look very different (hopefully easier and/or more robust). You certainly won't be in any worse position leaving things they way they are now. You might even be able to recover a little space by deleting slot 1 (don't flash stock there; you will likely trash your device).

Thanks for the quick response.
The Nexus rom is great, I like it.
I'm just curious if I can flash 3.2.8 over it in the stock slot?
I'm not willing to experiment, however.

upshot said:
Thanks for the quick response.
The Nexus rom is great, I like it.
I'm just curious if I can flash 3.2.8 over it in the stock slot?
I'm not willing to experiment, however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My concern is most stock images contain/assume stock recovery which can be problematic. There may be ways to mitigate with a custom flash but are likely untested. You will need to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks. Stay the course for now unless someone with more nuggets chimes in with a better solution.

Good advice. Thank you.

upshot said:
So, I feel like I've done my due diligence and searched the forums.
I have the HDX 7. It was on 4.5.3 and I was successful rolling it back
to 3.2.8. Safestrap installed no problem, rooted no problem.
I grabbed the Nexus 7 rom and flashed it no problem.
Problem: I flashed the Nexus 7 rom into the Stock slot, wiping out 3.2.8
I would like to get the 3.2.8 back....
Is it possible to reflash the stock slot back to 3.2.8
and then reflash the Nexus 7 rom into slot 1?
Or am I stuck with the Nexus 7 rom?
(I like the rom, but wanted the option of a dual boot)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you do a backup of stock slot before flashing nexus ROM into stock? By nexus 7 you mean Nexus for safestrap 1.0.1, right? If you do have a backup of stock 3.2.8, than of course you can reflash it back to stock, then switch to slot 1 and flash nexus for safestrap into slot 1, etc.

jeryll said:
Did you do a backup of stock slot before flashing nexus ROM into stock? By nexus 7 you mean Nexus for safestrap 1.0.1, right? If you do have a backup of stock 3.2.8, than of course you can reflash it back to stock, then switch to slot 1 and flash nexus for safestrap into slot 1, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the Nexus for Safestrap. Great ROM.
Yeah....no, I didn't do a back up of 3.2.8.
Been rooting android phones for several years, I feel like such a noob.

Ok, for anyone still interested...
Turns out I had flashed the Nexus 2.0.2 Rom not the Safestrap 1.0.1
Everything worked fine except the Amazon Kindle app.
it would sync, but wouldn't display any of my books in the carousel, and
Amazon's site didn't recognize it as a valid device. No matter how many times
I would deregister, uninstall, reinstall...I got nothing from the Kindle app.
It was starting to bug me, a lot.
Just as I was about to wipe the tablet and re-flash the ROM, I realized
my mistake with the ROM version. So I got the correct version,
opened slot 1, flashed the 1.0.1 ROM into slot 1. It worked perfectly.
The Kindle app worked the way it's supposed to.
I then wiped the Stock slot and flashed the 1.0.1 into it.
Same results. Everything worked like it should.
I went back and deleted Slot 1, rebooted into the Stock slot
and it's all good. I now have a fantastic Nexus HDX tablet.
My question is then, Why didn't my initial mistake brick my tablet?
Are the ROMs similar enough that it slipped by with just the one problem?
I'm not sure I want to experiment with CM 12 or anything like that, but it
makes me wonder. And I'm going to check my serial number again to see
if I really do have a locked bootloader.
Thanks for reading,
upshot

upshot said:
Ok, for anyone still interested...
Turns out I had flashed the Nexus 2.0.2 Rom not the Safestrap 1.0.1
Everything worked fine except the Amazon Kindle app.
it would sync, but wouldn't display any of my books in the carousel, and
Amazon's site didn't recognize it as a valid device. No matter how many times
I would deregister, uninstall, reinstall...I got nothing from the Kindle app.
It was starting to bug me, a lot.
Just as I was about to wipe the tablet and re-flash the ROM, I realized
my mistake with the ROM version. So I got the correct version,
opened slot 1, flashed the 1.0.1 ROM into slot 1. It worked perfectly.
The Kindle app worked the way it's supposed to.
I then wiped the Stock slot and flashed the 1.0.1 into it.
Same results. Everything worked like it should.
I went back and deleted Slot 1, rebooted into the Stock slot
and it's all good. I now have a fantastic Nexus HDX tablet.
My question is then, Why didn't my initial mistake brick my tablet?
Are the ROMs similar enough that it slipped by with just the one problem?
I'm not sure I want to experiment with CM 12 or anything like that, but it
makes me wonder. And I'm going to check my serial number again to see
if I really do have a locked bootloader.
Thanks for reading,
upshot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your serial number has nothing to do with whether you unlock your bootloader.
Since you're on 13.3.2.8, there's no way to rollback any further to a firmware with the signature exploit present.
Don't bother trying CM11 or CM12, or else you'll end up with a bricked tablet.

upshot said:
Ok, for anyone still interested...
Turns out I had flashed the Nexus 2.0.2 Rom not the Safestrap 1.0.1
...
My question is then, Why didn't my initial mistake brick my tablet?
Are the ROMs similar enough that it slipped by with just the one problem?
I'm not sure I want to experiment with CM 12 or anything like that, but it
makes me wonder. And I'm going to check my serial number again to see
if I really do have a locked bootloader.
Thanks for reading,
upshot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flashed Nexus 2.0.2 from this post then everything works as it should, Nexus 2.0.2 is designed to run with Safestrap...
And if you are on 3.2.8, then don't even try to flash CM12, that will not work with Safestrap and you will brick your device (for CM12 you need TWRP 2.8.5.0 and/or unlocked BL) ...

EncryptedCurse said:
Your serial number has nothing to do with whether you unlock your bootloader.
Since you're on 13.3.2.8, there's no way to rollback any further to a firmware with the signature exploit present.
Don't bother trying CM11 or CM12, or else you'll end up with a bricked tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the input. I'm happy with the Nexus 1.0.1 ROM. It does everything I want it to do.
And, I didn't brick my HDX in the process.

Just out of interest, how did you root 3.2.8? I downgraded from 4.5.3 and back up to 4.5.2 for safestrap, rooted but got hit by the black screen when booting into recovery. I tried going back down to 3.2.8 but couldn't figure out how to root it.
Thanks in advance.

H3rrPie said:
Just out of interest, how did you root 3.2.8? I downgraded from 4.5.3 and back up to 4.5.2 for safestrap, rooted but got hit by the black screen when booting into recovery. I tried going back down to 3.2.8 but couldn't figure out how to root it.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Towelroot works for 3.2.8 and below.

Davey126 said:
Towelroot works for 3.2.8 and below.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks for the input. I'll give it a shot later as I've had enough of staring at it.

Success! I went through the process last night and I'm now running Safestrap and HDX Nexus v1.0.1.
Here's the steps I took for anyone else interested:
Went from 4.5.3 down to 3.2.8 using the instructions located here.
Downloaded Towelroot straight from the website, installed it on the Fire HDX Thor using ES File Explorer.
I then went and installed Safestrap located here and partitioned a new rom slot.
I then installed HDX Nexus v1.0.1 located here and booted it up... Success! Runs like a champ. I've come from a Nexus 7 (2012) so the speed is a great improvement over it.
Thanks for the advice about using Towelroot on 3.2.8. Much appreciated.

H3rrPie said:
Success! I went through the process last night and I'm now running Safestrap and HDX Nexus v1.0.1.
Here's the steps I took for anyone else interested:
Went from 4.5.3 down to 3.2.8 using the instructions located here.
Downloaded Towelroot straight from the website, installed it on the Fire HDX Thor using ES File Explorer.
I then went and installed Safestrap located here and partitioned a new rom slot.
I then installed HDX Nexus v1.0.1 located here and booted it up... Success! Runs like a champ. I've come from a Nexus 7 (2012) so the speed is a great improvement over it.
Thanks for the advice about using Towelroot on 3.2.8. Much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting your success and the steps to get there. Handy reference for others to follow.

No problem, I've been using XDA for a long time now but have always just read content. Basically all I've learned about light tinkering with Android has come from this site so hopefully I can at least help out one person with the steps I took as a small return for all I've learned.

Related

[Q] Nexus 7 Update Problem

Today I got a shiny new Nexus 7 32GB and was eager to get using it. Knowing of the 4.1.2 update I decided to get that installed ASAP and enjoy the benefits.
I went to Settings/ About Tablet/ System Update
There it appeared, 4.1.2 update available, so it downloaded the update and I clicked Restart & Install.
It rebooted and about a third of the way across the progress bar, it stopped, showing a green android lying on its back with a red triangle and exclamation mark on it.
I've tried updating through this method several times with the same problem every time. Does anyone know why this could be and a possible solution?
I would prefer to install this update through the device if possible without installing CWM Recovery or any other extra recovery tools.
GAKB said:
Today I got a shiny new Nexus 7 32GB and was eager to get using it. Knowing of the 4.1.2 update I decided to get that installed ASAP and enjoy the benefits.
I went to Settings/ About Tablet/ System Update
There it appeared, 4.1.2 update available, so it downloaded the update and I clicked Restart & Install.
It rebooted and about a third of the way across the progress bar, it stopped, showing a green android lying on its back with a red triangle and exclamation mark on it.
I've tried updating through this method several times with the same problem every time. Does anyone know why this could be and a possible solution?
I would prefer to install this update through the device if possible without installing CWM Recovery or any other extra recovery tools.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have also recently received my shiny new Nexus 7 32gb and have been unable to update to Android 4.1.2 - the update downloads, seems to install, but after restarting Settings still shows I've got 4.1.1.
Anyone got any idea what is going wrong?
Solution
ceefercat said:
I have also recently received my shiny new Nexus 7 32gb and have been unable to update to Android 4.1.2 - the update downloads, seems to install, but after restarting Settings still shows I've got 4.1.1.
Anyone got any idea what is going wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a solution. The boot loader in stock 4.1.1 is different to those in the updates to 4.1.2 and 4.2 (apparently, I'm not 100% sure) and this prevents a straight forward update. As far as I can tell, the only way around it is to flash the Google stock image for 4.1.2 or 4.2.
Thankfully this is easy to do since you can use this incredibly useful toolkit to do it for you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809195
Just read through the instructions and make sure to backup your apps and personal files as you will loose all data!
If you choose to donate it'll let you download and install the latest stock image, 4.2, or you can just flash the stock 4.1.2 image for free and wait for the standard OTA update to reach you (which will now work, I tried it).
I chose to donate as the toolkit is superb and makes everything so much easier when fiddling with custom ROM's and backing up apps, and I prefer flashing the complete stock image of a new version rather than updating.
Hope this works out for you and helps anyone else who gets the same problem!
GAKB said:
I found a solution. The boot loader in stock 4.1.1 is different to those in the updates to 4.1.2 and 4.2 (apparently, I'm not 100% sure) and this prevents a straight forward update. As far as I can tell, the only way around it is to flash the Google stock image for 4.1.2 or 4.2.
Thankfully this is easy to do since you can use this incredibly useful toolkit to do it for you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809195
Just read through the instructions and make sure to backup your apps and personal files as you will loose all data!
If you choose to donate it'll let you download and install the latest stock image, 4.2, or you can just flash the stock 4.1.2 image for free and wait for the standard OTA update to reach you (which will now work, I tried it).
I chose to donate as the toolkit is superb and makes everything so much easier when fiddling with custom ROM's and backing up apps, and I prefer flashing the complete stock image of a new version rather than updating.
Hope this works out for you and helps anyone else who gets the same problem!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this is a solution that I want to try on my brand new Nexus 7. Clearly there is something wrong with it so I think I'll return it to PCWorld for a replacement. Though I might try a 'factory reset' first and see if after that the 4.1.2 update will install properly.
It's worth a try!
ceefercat said:
I don't think this is a solution that I want to try on my brand new Nexus 7. Clearly there is something wrong with it so I think I'll return it to PCWorld for a replacement. Though I might try a 'factory reset' first and see if after that the 4.1.2 update will install properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fair enough, I tried a factory reset first myself to no avail. If you do get your nexus replaced, please let me know if the update works!
ceefercat said:
I don't think this is a solution that I want to try on my brand new Nexus 7. Clearly there is something wrong with it so I think I'll return it to PCWorld for a replacement. Though I might try a 'factory reset' first and see if after that the 4.1.2 update will install properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'r taking it back because it wont update due to the bootloader?
Thats jokable.
No offence but it is.
Wilks3y said:
You'r taking it back because it wont update due to the bootloader?
Thats jokable.
No offence but it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm considering taking it back because it is not updating as it is supposed to, as it is designed to. A message comes up on the screen that a system update is available. I go through the procedure to download and install said update. The update doesn't install, though the system now says that it is up-to-date.
Bootloader? I don't even know what that is. I don't know that the problem is caused by the bootloader and neither do you. It may be a joke to you but to me its just a pain in the neck.
Wilks3y said:
You'r taking it back because it wont update due to the bootloader?
Thats jokable.
No offence but it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader issues are a pain in the neck. My bootloader is locked and i cannot erase, flash, format ANYTHING on my Nexus 7... :S
Wilks3y said:
You'r taking it back because it wont update due to the bootloader?
Thats jokable.
No offence but it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
obviously the guy doesn't have working knowledge of ADB, rooting/unlocking or any other development terms we use to describe what we are doing to our devices.
The only jokable premise here is some nerd in his mother's basement thumbing his nose at random people because the world he lives in is so narrow it couldn't possibly comprehend the existence of someone honestly asking for advice and then doing the only logical thing he can think of to do as a consumer unfamiliar with a product at a developmental standpoint.
Not everyone wants to root. And not everyone who owns a Nexus has background experience in tinkering with electronics. I've been rooting since my Dinc and I actually want to keep mine as stock as possible. I find more problems come to me when I start messing with the device instead of just leaving it alone.
---------- Post added at 12:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:46 AM ----------
GAKB said:
I found a solution. The boot loader in stock 4.1.1 is different to those in the updates to 4.1.2 and 4.2 (apparently, I'm not 100% sure) and this prevents a straight forward update. As far as I can tell, the only way around it is to flash the Google stock image for 4.1.2 or 4.2.
Thankfully this is easy to do since you can use this incredibly useful toolkit to do it for you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809195
Just read through the instructions and make sure to backup your apps and personal files as you will loose all data!
If you choose to donate it'll let you download and install the latest stock image, 4.2, or you can just flash the stock 4.1.2 image for free and wait for the standard OTA update to reach you (which will now work, I tried it).
I chose to donate as the toolkit is superb and makes everything so much easier when fiddling with custom ROM's and backing up apps, and I prefer flashing the complete stock image of a new version rather than updating.
Hope this works out for you and helps anyone else who gets the same problem!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the fix. trying it out now to see if I can get stock 4.2 to update properly
Edit: Worked like a charm thanks bro for the advice

Got OTA, but it never finishes booting

My OTA update showed up on my old 2012 Nexus 7, I told it to install, and it just sat there bouncing color disks forever after the first reboot. Perhaps something about being rooted and and having TWRP is what screwed it up.
Anyway, I was able to use fastboot to flash the stock kitkat images, so it is back now and even running kitkat. I think I'll leave it alone till I have some reason to root it again.
Same Problem
Claghorn said:
My OTA update showed up on my old 2012 Nexus 7, I told it to install, and it just sat there bouncing color disks forever after the first reboot. Perhaps something about being rooted and and having TWRP is what screwed it up.
Anyway, I was able to use fastboot to flash the stock kitkat images, so it is back now and even running kitkat. I think I'll leave it alone till I have some reason to root it again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem, but i can't fix it. Should i flash the KRT16S from JWR66Y zip to make thing right? Thank you for your help
I basically followed the instructions in here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1907796
But since it couldn't boot to use adb to get to bootloader, I powered it off and then held down power and vol-down to get to the bootloader so I could talk fastboot. Instead of the old image mentioned in that post, I searched for the latest kitkat image for my wifi 2012 Nexus 7 and used it.
Claghorn said:
I basically followed the instructions in here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1907796
But since it couldn't boot to use adb to get to bootloader, I powered it off and then held down power and vol-down to get to the bootloader so I could talk fastboot. Instead of the old image mentioned in that post, I searched for the latest kitkat image for my wifi 2012 Nexus 7 and used it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much! So i have to do the same. But isn't it a problem that i have KRT16S?Do I have to download the KRT16S from JWR66Y? Sorry for asking that much, i'm a newbie.
Claghorn said:
I think I'll leave it alone till I have some reason to root it again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good move. These devices seem to have a number of issues once rooted. I was rooted, bricked, RMA number, & now stock. Don't see much benefit to rooting, so plan not to re-root for now.

[Q] Trying to upgrade to 4.4+ Kit Kat on N7 with ClockworkMod Recovery installed

Hi everyone,
I'm using QBKing77's tutorial to manually upgrade my Nexus 7 to Kit Kat 4.4 (and up) but haven't been able to with ClockworkMod Recovery installed.
The video I'm using is on YouTube, titled: "Manually Update the Nexus 7 to Android 4.4 KitKat" and at the step at 3:38 I don't know what to do.
(sorry I'm unable to post links bc I'm a new user:crying
CWM doesn't have the 'Apply update from ADB' option that stock Recovery has (or at least I'm not sure what to do in its place).
If anyone knows how I can continue the upgrade process it would really help!
Thanks in advance :good:
hennimore said:
Hi everyone,
I'm using QBKing77's tutorial to manually upgrade my Nexus 7 to Kit Kat 4.4 (and up) but haven't been able to with ClockworkMod Recovery installed.
The video I'm using is on YouTube, titled: "Manually Update the Nexus 7 to Android 4.4 KitKat" and at the step at 3:38 I don't know what to do.
(sorry I'm unable to post links bc I'm a new user:crying
CWM doesn't have the 'Apply update from ADB' option that stock Recovery has (or at least I'm not sure what to do in its place).
If anyone knows how I can continue the upgrade process it would really help!
Thanks in advance :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, hennimore...
From your post, I assume you have already CWM installed... if so, then upgrading is pretty straightforward. Assuming further, that you can boot your Nexus 7 into Android normally, you can flash an OTA .zip directly from the Nexus 7 itself... without recourse to ADB or a PC.
The first thing to do is to determine the build number of the currently installed version of Android you're running. This is found in SETTINGS>>ABOUT TABLET>>... and at the bottom, will be the build number.
Next, go here where you will find an archive of all currently known OTA .zips for the Nexus 7 (2012)... listed by build number.
Using Chrome (or whatever Android browser you're currently using) download to your Nexus 7, the correct OTA .zip(s) appropriate to your situation. Depending on how old your current version of Android is, you may have to download more than one.
For example... if you're currently running Jellybean 4.2.2, build JDQ39 on a WiFi only 'nakasi/grouper' Nexus 7, the 'update path' is as follows... and the OTA .zips you'll need are...
----------------------------------------------------
JWR66Y from JDQ39
Updates Jellybean 4.2.2 TO Jellybean 4.3
KOT49H from JWR66Y
Updates Jellybean 4.3 TO KitKat 4.4.2
----------------------------------------------------
Keeping in mind this is just an example (your situation maybe different), these should be flashed IN THE ORDER GIVEN ABOVE... slowly bringing your Nexus 7 up to date. From Jellybean 4.2.2 through Jellybean 4.3 and finally arriving at the latest build of Android, KOT49H - KitKat 4.4.2.
It's important you download the OTA's relevant to the type of Nexus 7 you have... so for a WiFi only model, you need 'nakasi/grouper' OTA's... if it's a WiFi/3G model, then you need 'nakasig/tilapia' OTA's.
Now to flash...
Once you've downloaded the OTA zip (or zips) to your Nexus 7... shut down the device completely. Reboot it into the bootloader, with the VOL DOWN+hold, POWER ON key press sequence. Once in the bootloader, and using the VOL BUTTONS, navigate to the RECOVERY MODE option, and press the POWER BUTTON to select. Your device should now boot into CWM.
Once there, select the INSTALL ZIP option, followed by the CHOOSE ZIP FROM /SDCARD option. Navigate (via the 0/ folder) to the /download folder on the internal storage of the Nexus 7... where you should find the OTA .zip(s) you previously downloaded via Chrome or other Android browser. Select NO, YES or GO BACK accordingly.
I'm not sure it matters, but if you have to flash more than one OTA .zip to bring your Nexus 7 up to date, then I recommend booting normally in between flashes... just to make sure everything is working OK.
Unless you're running a really old version of Android, say Jellybean 4.1.2, I can't see it taking more than a couple of reboots into CWM. And if you're currently on Jellybean 4.3, then it's just one OTA .zip flash.
A few caveats...
If you've modified system files in any way, these OTA's will fail, as they expect to find unmodified versions of stock Android system files. If they've been changed, say as a result of a Custom ROM or Custom Kernel flash... then they can't be 'patched', ie., updated... and the OTA will abort, with no changes made.
Root and having a Custom Recovery (CWM or TWRP) installed however, won't block an OTA... although you will loose both during the OTA update procedure.
If you're familiar with fastboot, then it's relatively straightforward to re-acquire them after the OTA update(s).
Hope this helps... and good luck.
Rgrds,
Ged.
Wow really appreciate and very useful for me Mr blake. Thanks a lot. One question, im in stock 4.4 krts160 with root and unlock bootloader with twrp cwm, i m going to flash the newest ota, will this step erase my root and relock my bootloader? Or i watch in youtube post by rootjunkies that twrp can handle ota. What would you suggest the better way. And thanks again for the information.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
deny_kei said:
Wow really appreciate and very useful for me Mr blake. Thanks a lot. One question, im in stock 4.4 krts160 with root and unlock bootloader with twrp cwm, i m going to flash the newest ota, will this step erase my root and relock my bootloader? Or i watch in youtube post by rootjunkies that twrp can handle ota. What would you suggest the better way. And thanks again for the information.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, deny_kei...
You will loose root, and your Custom Recovery... whether that be TWRP or CWM.
I'm afraid it's unavoidable - it's always been that way with OTA's. You have to fastboot flash your Custom Recovery of choice again afterwards, and re-root... not difficult, but a bit of a nuisance nontheless.
Flashing an OTA, though, will NOT re-lock the bootloader.
The bootloader will remain unlocked until you purposefully choose to relock it with fastboot oem lock.
TWRP should be able to handle an OTA flash. I'm currently using CWM (with which I flashed the KitKat 4.4.2 OTA), but I've never had any problems myself applying OTA's with TWRP in the past.
Rgrds,
Ged.
GedBlake said:
Hi, hennimore...
From your post, I assume you have already CWM installed... if so, then upgrading is pretty straightforward. Assuming further, that you can boot your Nexus 7 into Android normally, you can flash an OTA .zip directly from the Nexus 7 itself... without recourse to ADB or a PC.
The first thing to do is to determine the build number of the currently installed version of Android you're running. This is found in SETTINGS>>ABOUT TABLET>>... and at the bottom, will be the build number.
Next, go here where you will find an archive of all currently known OTA .zips for the Nexus 7 (2012)... listed by build number.
Using Chrome (or whatever Android browser you're currently using) download to your Nexus 7, the correct OTA .zip(s) appropriate to your situation. Depending on how old your current version of Android is, you may have to download more than one.
For example... if you're currently running Jellybean 4.2.2, build JDQ39 on a WiFi only 'nakasi/grouper' Nexus 7, the 'update path' is as follows... and the OTA .zips you'll need are...
----------------------------------------------------
JWR66Y from JDQ39
Updates Jellybean 4.2.2 TO Jellybean 4.3
KOT49H from JWR66Y
Updates Jellybean 4.3 TO KitKat 4.4.2
----------------------------------------------------
Keeping in mind this is just an example (your situation maybe different), these should be flashed IN THE ORDER GIVEN ABOVE... slowly bringing your Nexus 7 up to date. From Jellybean 4.2.2 through Jellybean 4.3 and finally arriving at the latest build of Android, KOT49H - KitKat 4.4.2.
It's important you download the OTA's relevant to the type of Nexus 7 you have... so for a WiFi only model, you need 'nakasi/grouper' OTA's... if it's a WiFi/3G model, then you need 'nakasig/tilapia' OTA's.
Now to flash...
Once you've downloaded the OTA zip (or zips) to your Nexus 7... shut down the device completely. Reboot it into the bootloader, with the VOL DOWN+hold, POWER ON key press sequence. Once in the bootloader, and using the VOL BUTTONS, navigate to the RECOVERY MODE option, and press the POWER BUTTON to select. Your device should now boot into CWM.
Once there, select the INSTALL ZIP option, followed by the CHOOSE ZIP FROM /SDCARD option. Navigate (via the 0/ folder) to the /download folder on the internal storage of the Nexus 7... where you should find the OTA .zip(s) you previously downloaded via Chrome or other Android browser. Select NO, YES or GO BACK accordingly.
I'm not sure it matters, but if you have to flash more than one OTA .zip to bring your Nexus 7 up to date, then I recommend booting normally in between flashes... just to make sure everything is working OK.
Unless you're running a really old version of Android, say Jellybean 4.1.2, I can't see it taking more than a couple of reboots into CWM. And if you're currently on Jellybean 4.3, then it's just one OTA .zip flash.
A few caveats...
If you've modified system files in any way, these OTA's will fail, as they expect to find unmodified versions of stock Android system files. If they've been changed, say as a result of a Custom ROM or Custom Kernel flash... then they can't be 'patched', ie., updated... and the OTA will abort, with no changes made.
Root and having a Custom Recovery (CWM or TWRP) installed however, won't block an OTA... although you will loose both during the OTA update procedure.
If you're familiar with fastboot, then it's relatively straightforward to re-acquire them after the OTA update(s).
Hope this helps... and good luck.
Rgrds,
Ged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for the helpful response! I should have also mentioned that I currently have AOKP running on my N7
(Version: aokp_grouper_jb_build-2 Build number: aokp_grouper-userdebug 4.1.1 JRO03L eng.roman.20120916.095343 test-keys)
I'm not sure how this affects the update process, but would definitely appreciate any other help you can offer.
Thanks again!
hennimore said:
Thanks so much for the helpful response! I should have also mentioned that I currently have AOKP running on my N7
(Version: aokp_grouper_jb_build-2 Build number: aokp_grouper-userdebug 4.1.1 JRO03L eng.roman.20120916.095343 test-keys)
I'm not sure how this affects the update process, but would definitely appreciate any other help you can offer.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, hennimore...
As you're running a Custom ROM, you can pretty much forget about OTA's... as they are only designed to upgrade official stock firmware from Google. If you were to attempt to flash any OTA on your Nexus 7 as it currently stands, it would abort almost immediately during the verification phase of the OTA update process. Because nothing in /system would match what the OTA expects to subsequently 'patch' (update) in the second half of the OTA update process.
Your only option, if you wish to have official stock KitKat installed on your Nexus 7, is to fastboot flash back to factory stock.
For this, you will need the full factory stock image for your Nexus 7, available here.
(Currently, build KOT49H KitKat 4.4.2 is not yet available as a full factory image... just KRT16S KitKat 4.4... but that's not a problem...'cos once you have KitKat 4.4 installed, you can then use an OTA to bring it completely up to date... as detailed in my previous post).
Instructions on how to restore factory stock are available here.
This process is more time consuming than it is technically difficult... because fastboot flashing back to factory stock essentially wipes the device... so before you can begin, you need to backup all of your apps and associated app data with Titanium (requires root), and then backup the entire contents of the Nexus 7's internal storage to your PC... for later restore AFTER you've fastboot flashed KitKat.
Fastboot flashing back to factory stock resets the device, as though it where new. You'll need to set up your WiFi password again... and re-enter your Google Account (gmail) details... and restore all your data from your PC... fastboot flash CWM or TWRP in order to re-root. Once rooted, you can then use Titanium to restore all your apps.
Longwinded and tediously time consuming, it certainly is... but it's the only way to get official KitKat on your Nexus 7 if you're currently running a Custom ROM.
Rgrds,
Ged.
GedBlake said:
Hi, hennimore...
As you're running a Custom ROM, you can pretty much forget about OTA's... as they are only designed to upgrade official stock firmware from Google. If you were to attempt to flash any OTA on your Nexus 7 as it currently stands, it would abort almost immediately during the verification phase of the OTA update process. Because nothing in /system would match what the OTA expects to subsequently 'patch' (update) in the second half of the OTA update process.
Your only option, if you wish to have official stock KitKat installed on your Nexus 7, is to fastboot flash back to factory stock.
For this, you will need the full factory stock image for your Nexus 7, available here.
(Currently, build KOT49H KitKat 4.4.2 is not yet available as a full factory image... just KRT16S KitKat 4.4... but that's not a problem...'cos once you have KitKat 4.4 installed, you can then use an OTA to bring it completely up to date... as detailed in my previous post).
Instructions on how to restore factory stock are available here.
This process is more time consuming than it is technically difficult... because fastboot flashing back to factory stock essentially wipes the device... so before you can begin, you need to backup all of your apps and associated app data with Titanium (requires root), and then backup the entire contents of the Nexus 7's internal storage to your PC... for later restore AFTER you've fastboot flashed KitKat.
Fastboot flashing back to factory stock resets the device, as though it where new. You'll need to set up your WiFi password again... and re-enter your Google Account (gmail) details... and restore all your data from your PC... fastboot flash CWM or TWRP in order to re-root. Once rooted, you can then use Titanium to restore all your apps.
Longwinded and tediously time consuming, it certainly is... but it's the only way to get official KitKat on your Nexus 7 if you're currently running a Custom ROM.
Rgrds,
Ged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I'm sad to hear that I must flash back, but I appreciate the information! Thanks again for all of you help, hopefully I can complete the process without any hiccups!
Thanks Mr Blake i will considered using ota, nevertheless my last ota i got stuck in the softbrick although my nexus is stock,unlock an unroot.
Thanks for this useful information
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
I've been following your steps and seem to have hit a wall when I need to install the adb drivers. I went to the link included in your instructions and followed their tutorial for a Windows 7 PC. After coming back to your instructions, I continued to the step with the Command Prompt.
I entered the command correctly as written, however I get no results under the List of devices attached.
I'm not sure if this is related to the problem, but when I am in Device Manager trying to Locate Android Phone in the right pane, all that shows for me is 'Nexus 7' - which I would assume should work.
However, after Right-clicking on 'Nexus 7' (Android Composite ADB Interface doesn't appear) and selecting Update Driver, I continue through the steps to where I must manually update the driver, and I received a message stating, "The best driver software for your device is already installed"
Under that it says, "Windows has determined the driver software for your device is up to date. MTP USB Device"
I'm not sure if you can make anything of this, but I figured I'd ask since you've been so helpful thus far :angel:
Hi guys,
I've been having problems to update to 4.4 in the Nexus 7 wifi version, the only thing I done is unlock the bootloader and root, once I tried the OTA upgrade it starts the process and then it shows up the Android little guy with an error, and doesn't shows the error of installation. I tried once the flashing the zip file using TWRP and it just failed. After the first failed the tablet just started to lag horribly. Any suggestions on how to fix this?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
GedBlake said:
Hi, hennimore...
As you're running a Custom ROM, you can pretty much forget about OTA's... as they are only designed to upgrade official stock firmware from Google. If you were to attempt to flash any OTA on your Nexus 7 as it currently stands, it would abort almost immediately during the verification phase of the OTA update process. Because nothing in /system would match what the OTA expects to subsequently 'patch' (update) in the second half of the OTA update process.
Your only option, if you wish to have official stock KitKat installed on your Nexus 7, is to fastboot flash back to factory stock.
For this, you will need the full factory stock image for your Nexus 7, available here.
(Currently, build KOT49H KitKat 4.4.2 is not yet available as a full factory image... just KRT16S KitKat 4.4... but that's not a problem...'cos once you have KitKat 4.4 installed, you can then use an OTA to bring it completely up to date... as detailed in my previous post).
Instructions on how to restore factory stock are available here.
This process is more time consuming than it is technically difficult... because fastboot flashing back to factory stock essentially wipes the device... so before you can begin, you need to backup all of your apps and associated app data with Titanium (requires root), and then backup the entire contents of the Nexus 7's internal storage to your PC... for later restore AFTER you've fastboot flashed KitKat.
Fastboot flashing back to factory stock resets the device, as though it where new. You'll need to set up your WiFi password again... and re-enter your Google Account (gmail) details... and restore all your data from your PC... fastboot flash CWM or TWRP in order to re-root. Once rooted, you can then use Titanium to restore all your apps.
Longwinded and tediously time consuming, it certainly is... but it's the only way to get official KitKat on your Nexus 7 if you're currently running a Custom ROM.
Rgrds,
Ged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
Hey again, so I was able to get beyond the point where I originally was at a standstill, and now have 4.4 installed on my N7 (Build KRT16S)
So now my question is, do I need to re-root my device, then upgrade to 4.4.2? Or am I currently rooted?
I don't see the option for USB debugging in my settings any longer...
Thanks!!!
I have tried updated ota on my nexus 7 root without unlocking bootloader on 4.3 update and it works fine but you will lost root . Is your nexus root ,unlock bootloader with twrp and stock rom? If thats the case try to update via ota. Ive just manage upgrade to 4.4.2 with ota 10 minutes ago with above situation. I only lost my root not the unlock bootloader. The twrp cwm can handled ota. Thats my advise .
Lets hear advise from others because i also noob in nexus 7
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
hennimore said:
Hey again, so I was able to get beyond the point where I originally was at a standstill, and now have 4.4 installed on my N7 (Build KRT16S)
So now my question is, do I need to re-root my device, then upgrade to 4.4.2? Or am I currently rooted?
I don't see the option for USB debugging in my settings any longer...
Thanks!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, hennimore...
Sorry it's taken me a while to respond... been busy with family issues (I don't seem to have the time these days that I used to, to focus on Android stuff).
Anyway... taking your questions in order...
hennimore said:
So now my question is, do I need to re-root my device, then upgrade to 4.4.2? Or am I currently rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've just flashed a clean install of KRT16S, then you certainly won't be rooted. Nor will you have a Custom Recovery installed. You'll be runing 100% totally unmodified stock Android KitKat. The only difference between your Nexus 7 and the average Joe Bloggs' Nexus 7 (who just bought his yesterday)... is your bootloader will be unlocked.
With regard to applying the new update... KOT49H
Well, there are three routes you could go down...
1). Await for the OTA to appear normally in the notification bar, or go to SETTINGS>>ABOUT TABLET > > SYSTEM UPDATES... and tap on the 'check now' button. When the update appears (and sooner or later it will), it will be flashed automatically via stock recovery. This of course, is the standard method by which 99.9% of all Android users get their updates.
2). If you don't fancy waiting, fastboot flash a Custom Recovery, like TWRP or CWM, and then download the KOT49H OTA .zip directly to your Nexus 7. Boot into your Custom Recovery of choice (via the bootloader), and flash it manually.
3). If you haven't done much with your Nexus 7 (ie, installed lots of apps and copied lots of stuff over), since you flashed the full factory image of KRT16S, and you don't mind repeating the process... then the full factory image for KOT49H has now been uploaded by Google, and is available here. Download and flash it the way you did KRT16S. It goes without saying, that this will reset and wipe your device again.
*****
Addendum: It seems that Google have made a bit a mess (of some) of the KitKat 4.4.2 factory stock image download links... and when clicked upon, will give a 404 error message.
The corrected download links can be found here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565531
*****
Whichever of these methods you use to upgrade to KOT49H from KRT16S... you'll need to fastboot flash a Custom Recovery afterwards if you wish to re-root.
With regard to USB debugging...
hennimore said:
I don't see the option for USB debugging in my settings any longer...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't... this is because Developer Options are hidden by default... presumably to prevent non-technically minded people from screwing things up.
To enable developer options (and by extension, USB debugging), go to SETTINGS>>ABOUT TABLET>>scroll down to BUILD NUMBER... on BUILD NUMBER, tap 7 times. You will see a 'toast' message that says something like "Congratulations, you are now a developer!". (If only it where that easy, eh).
Anyway, with Developer Options now enabled (which you should now find in SETTINGS), USB debugging can now be turned on.
Incidently, I've just seen a new option in Developer Options, called Process Stats - Geeky stats about running processes. I'm pretty sure this is new to KitKat, as I've never seen it before. Anyway, tapping on it does indeed yield some stats... which are interesting... Google however, consider them geeky. The implication being that anybody interested in such things is a geek. I just found it humorous, the use of the word geek by Google.
Humorous allusions aside about whether everybody on XDA is actually a geek...or not... I hope this helps.
Rgrds,
Ged.
Just wanted to say how grateful we are for having you gedblake here in n7 forum while this thread doesn't apply to me I still read it and was pleased to see the well written well explained replies.
Don't mean to hijack this thread or for it come over as all gushy etc but than you.:thumbup::beer:
Sent from my C5303 using xda premium
Meshe said:
Hi guys,
I've been having problems to update to 4.4 in the Nexus 7 wifi version, the only thing I done is unlock the bootloader and root, once I tried the OTA upgrade it starts the process and then it shows up the Android little guy with an error, and doesn't shows the error of installation. I tried once the flashing the zip file using TWRP and it just failed. After the first failed the tablet just started to lag horribly. Any suggestions on how to fix this?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Ged, do you know any about my issues or suggestions? The 4.4.2 ota upgrade showed up and it too failed to upgrade from 4.3
Sent from my LT26ii using xda app-developers app
Meshe said:
Hi guys,
I've been having problems to update to 4.4 in the Nexus 7 wifi version, the only thing I done is unlock the bootloader and root, once I tried the OTA upgrade it starts the process and then it shows up the Android little guy with an error, and doesn't shows the error of installation. I tried once the flashing the zip file using TWRP and it just failed. After the first failed the tablet just started to lag horribly. Any suggestions on how to fix this?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Meshe said:
Hey Ged, do you know any about my issues or suggestions? The 4.4.2 ota upgrade showed up and it too failed to upgrade from 4.3
Sent from my LT26ii using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could be a TWRP problem...
Hi, Meshe...
You don't state which version of TWRP you're using, and what (if any) errors where displayed when the OTA aborted. If, as you say, you have performed no significant modifications to your Nexus 7, other than unlocking the bootloader and flashing TWRP (and rooted it)... then the 4.4.2 OTA should flash...
...however, there seems to be something odd about the behaviour of TWRP v2.6.3.1.
To elaborate... there is a known problem using TWRP 2.6.3.1 when flashing franco's latest kernel. See here for details on this.
This problem seems to relate to TWRP v2.6.3.1 itself, and not to franco's kernel .zip. The kernel flashes without problems using an earlier version of TWRP, namely v2.6.3.0 and also with the latest CWM recovery...
Nobody seems to know why TWRP v2.6.3.1 fails to flash franco r76, but fail it does. It appears that something is 'broken' in TWRP v2.6.3.1.
So I'm suspecting that your difficulties flashing the KitKat OTA might be similarly related to whatever is broken in TWRP v2.6.3.1... assuming of course, that this is the version you're currently running.
-------------------------------------------------
Here's what I would do... flash either TWRP v2.6.3.0 (the previous version) or CWM v6.0.4.3 (links below), and try flashing the KitKat OTA again. (I used CWM when applying the KitKat 4.4.2 OTA and it flashed without problems).
TWRP Recoveries...
http://techerrata.com/browse/twrp2/grouper
http://techerrata.com/browse/twrp2/tilapia
ClockWorkMod Recoveries...
http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager
(It's important you get the correct version of CWM recovery for your Nexus 7, as there are four CWM recoveries listed for the Nexus 7; two for the first generation model, and two for the second generation model.)
You'd normally fastboot flash a custom recovery, but if you're already rooted, you can flash a custom recovery directly from the Nexus 7 itself, without going anywhere near a PC... by using the rather excellent flashify app.
To summarize...
1). Install flashify on the Nexus 7.
2). Download to your Nexus 7 any custom recovery other than TWRP v2.6.3.1.
3). Ensure the KitKat 4.4.2 OTA update .zip is located somewhere on the Nexus 7.
-----
4). Use flashify to flash the custom recovery (It will request root privileges).
5). Boot (via the bootloader) into your custom recovery.
6). Using that custom recovery, flash the OTA... again.
Finally, if the above doesn't work, and the OTA aborts again, write down any error messages that are displayed. They can sometimes prove invaluable in diagnosing the problem, in order to decide what the next step is to take. Whenever I embark upon some project, for which taking screenshots isn't an option, I always keep my camera handy, such that I can take photographs of the screen... affording me a complete photographic record of the process, errors included, that I can review later. Very useful when things go wrong... as sometimes they do.
Hope this helps... and good luck.
Rgrds,
Ged.
zolaisugly said:
Just wanted to say how grateful we are for having you gedblake here in n7 forum while this thread doesn't apply to me I still read it and was pleased to see the well written well explained replies.
Don't mean to hijack this thread or for it come over as all gushy etc but than you.:thumbup::beer:
Sent from my C5303 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, erm, I mean yes... thanks... @zolaisugly... not quite how to respond to that.(blushing/embarrassed).
But thank you for your kind words, they're hugely appreciated.
I just try to help as best I can... 'cos I know what it feels like when you think you're 'bricked' or otherwise have problems with your device, as I had last year, with my (the then new) Nexus 7....and it's a uniquely horrible feeling.
You can read about my fumbling efforts here.
But it was posts here on XDA that got me back on track... and got my Nexus 7 working again.
So now, I try to give something back to XDA... my way of saying thanks I guess... and always I remember the stress I went through back in November of last year with my Nexus 7... so I can empathise with those who might not be so knowledgeable, or confident, or sure of their own capabilities, as some of the more experienced XDA veterans. And I try to help... when and where I can. Nobody can know everything... and everybody begins somewhere.
--------------------------------------
To all...
The primary rule I've learned in this past year, is if you think you've bricked your Nexus 7, or have some other seemingly intractable problem, is...
--- DON'T PANIC ---
Panic is an emotional response, and is the enemy of logical, rational thought.
It clouds good judgement... and may lead you to make BAD DECISIONS. Which will likely lead you to make a BAD SITUATION... WORSE.
Don't make any rash, uninformed decisions. It's understandable you want to get your Nexus 7 working again... but do some research first. Review your options. Read... and understand what you're doing... before you do it.
Carpenters and people who work with wood, have an old saying...
~ "Measure twice, cut once." ~
This axiom, I feel, is just as true and applicable to technology as it is to making chairs, tables and putting up a set of shelves.
Use XDA... If you've got a given problem, chances are good, somebody has had it before you, or has it now. A solution may already have been posted.
Use the XDA search engine... or go to Google search, and type "XDA ..." followed by some keywords that distill the essence of your problem.
I've never known Google search to NOT display something that might be pertinent to an Android problem... and usually it's almost always XDA that comes at the top of the Google search results.
--------------------------------------
Right... I'll shut 'up now.. I've waffled on far too long. And I don't want to earn the ire of the moderators for taking this thread wildly off topic.
Rgrds,
Ged.
GedBlake said:
Wow, erm, I mean yes... thanks... @zolaisugly... not quite how to respond to that.(blushing/embarrassed).
But thank you for your kind words, they're hugely appreciated.
I just try to help as best I can... 'cos I know what it feels like when you think you're 'bricked' or otherwise have problems with your device, as I had last year, with my (the then new) Nexus 7....and it's a uniquely horrible feeling.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK well if you don't mind I'd like to pick your brain too . I am without a doubt no stranger to Android, rooting, custom roms, and so on, however this is my first experience with the nexus 7 (or with tablets in general for that matter), so there's just a couple of things I'd like to clarify if possible. I recently got a great deal on a 2012 32gb Nexus 7 WiFi, but I guess one reason why it was a great deal is because it came with 4.1.2 lol. So I have successfully unlocked the bootloader, rooted it, and flashed cwm recovery to it using wugs toolkit (what a great tool by the way!), and I originally assumed from this point on that I'd just be flashing custom roms like normal. After reading around for awhile I guess I must've confused myself, because now I'm not really sure what the "best" route to take would be anymore. First of all would I really need to flash every ota and build all the way up to 4.4.2 like described earlier? I found another thread that shows how to extract the boot, system, and bootloader images from the 4.4.2 ota off of Googles site, and then you could use wugs toolkit to flash them without losing data, would that work though considering I'm only on 4.1.2? Or should I just do all of the ota updates that pop up until I'm up to 4.4.2? I guess what I'm asking is what would be the best and or easiest way to get from 4.1.2 all the way to 4.4.2? I'm not concerned about losing data whatsoever just to clarify because I just got this so I haven't done hardly anything with it yet. I'm just under the impression that I can't even flash a 4.4 custom rom considering how old the version is on this, but I'm not sure if that's even correct or not.Anyway I'd really appreciate any insight or suggestions you might have because the last thing I want to do is rush into something and cause twice the work for no reason lol.
jeep447 said:
OK well if you don't mind I'd like to pick your brain too . I am without a doubt no stranger to Android, rooting, custom roms, and so on, however this is my first experience with the nexus 7 (or with tablets in general for that matter), so there's just a couple of things I'd like to clarify if possible. I recently got a great deal on a 2012 32gb Nexus 7 WiFi, but I guess one reason why it was a great deal is because it came with 4.1.2 lol. So I have successfully unlocked the bootloader, rooted it, and flashed cwm recovery to it using wugs toolkit (what a great tool by the way!), and I originally assumed from this point on that I'd just be flashing custom roms like normal. After reading around for awhile I guess I must've confused myself, because now I'm not really sure what the "best" route to take would be anymore. First of all would I really need to flash every ota and build all the way up to 4.4.2 like described earlier? I found another thread that shows how to extract the boot, system, and bootloader images from the 4.4.2 ota off of Googles site, and then you could use wugs toolkit to flash them without losing data, would that work though considering I'm only on 4.1.2? Or should I just do all of the ota updates that pop up until I'm up to 4.4.2? I guess what I'm asking is what would be the best and or easiest way to get from 4.1.2 all the way to 4.4.2? I'm not concerned about losing data whatsoever just to clarify because I just got this so I haven't done hardly anything with it yet. I'm just under the impression that I can't even flash a 4.4 custom rom considering how old the version is on this, but I'm not sure if that's even correct or not.Anyway I'd really appreciate any insight or suggestions you might have because the last thing I want to do is rush into something and cause twice the work for no reason lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, jeep447...
You're quite welcome to 'pick my brain', as you put it... but don't be too surprised if all you find in there is an oily rag, a half eaten sandwich and a dead D cell battery.
I'm by no means an Android expert; there are far more knowledgeable posters here on XDA... and they appear to be in possession of secret arcane Android knowledge, that is beyond my understanding.
However, I will try to help insofar as my knowledge allows. On to your question(s)...
First things first... if you're currently running Jellybean 4.1.2 on the device, then I think it would be a good idea to bring it up to date to KitKat 4.4.2 first... before you start flashing Custom ROMs.
Theoretically, it shouldn't make any difference if you where to flash a Custom ROM now, without bringing it up to date. But there might be an issue with the bootloader...
...which Custom ROMs WILL NOT update.
The bootloader can only (as far as I know) be updated by either...
-------------------------------------------------------
a) Allowing an Android update via the normal update route (or manually flashing the OTA yourself in recovery).
...or...
b) Fastboot flashing the full factory image that contains the new bootloader.
-- (however, see my Addendum toward the end of this post).
-------------------------------------------------------
I am not aware of any Custom ROMs that go anywhere near the bootloader partition. Which is probably a good thing actually, since a bad or incorrect bootloader flash has the potential for HARDBRICKING the Nexus 7.
My recollection is a little hazy... but I think with Jellybean 4.1.2, the bootloader was at version v4.13... since then, there have been two bootloader updates, v4.18, and the current version, which stands at v4.23.
You can check which bootloader you're currently on by booting into the bootloader as follows... shutdown the Nexus 7 completely. Press and hold the VOL DOWN button, whilst holding, press the POWER ON button. The Nexus 7 should now boot into the bootloader. On the lower left hand side of the screen, in a tiny font, you should find (amongst other things), the bootloader version number.
Now all of this detail about bootloaders might not matter... you could happily flash some new Custom ROM... and it might work without any problems with an old bootloader... but, on the hand, it might not.
So, I think, before you try tinkering around in the Custom ROM area... and If I where you, I would bring the Nexus 7 completely up to date, running Android 4.4.2 build KOTH49H (and the latest bootloader... v4.23).
The easiest and arguably the safest way of doing this, is to just allow the OTA updates normally, as and when they appear in the notification bar. Or, alternatively go to SETTINGS>>SYSTEM UPDATES > > and tap the CHECK NOW button. This is the method by which 99.9% of all Android users get their updates...
...and which is how I initially updated mine...in November of last year, when I first got my Nexus 7.
Running Jellybean 4.1, straight out of the box, once I connected it to mains power (updates won't occur if your battery is below a certain percentage), and acquired a WiFi signal... my Nexus 7 went through 3 or 4 reboots, upgrading from Jellybean 4.1 to Jellybean 4.1.1 to Jellybean 4.1.2 to Jellybean 4.2 (which introduced the world to Googles new and improved 11 month calender!). In December, Jellybean 4.2.1 was released, in time for Santa to arrive, which restored the missing month, December, in the date-picker.
Your succession of updates will be noticeably longer, as since then, we've had Jellybean 4.2.2, Jellybean 4.3, KitKat 4.4, and finally KitKat 4.4.2.
Along the way, with these updates, your bootloader will also be updated, silently and without you being notified of the fact. Most Nexus 7 owners are probably not even aware of the bootloader, much less if the latest OTA has updated theirs. So, the bootloader is not something you would need to normally flash directly yourself.
Of course there's nothing to stop you applying the OTA updates manually yourself, as I've written about here.
However you 'take' the updates, OTA's won't cause you to loose data... all your apps will still be there, as will your pics, videos and music files.
One last point concerning OTA updates... whether applied normally, or flashed manually... you will loose your Custom Recovery (in your case CWM)... and if you're rooted, you'll loose that as well... but it's easy enough to get both back after the update.
-------------------------------------------------------
Once your Nexus 7 is completely up to date, running KitKat 4.4.2, and before you do anything else, I recommend you make a Nandroid backup. I find it vaguely astonishing that so many people seem to miss this (IMHO) critical step.
Once you have a Nandroid backup under your belt... you can pretty much flash any Custom ROM or Kernel, safe in the knowledge that should anything go wrong with the flash, you can restore back to the point you where at before you flashed that ROM/Kernel or other 'mod'.
In fact, I don't think it would be a bad idea for you to create one now... whilst still running Jellybean 4.1.2... using your recently installed version of CWM.
Nandroid backups, whether created with CWM or TWRP, are a bit like 'restore points' in Windows... and I just think it's good practice and common sense, to have at least one good Nandroid backup stored on the device... before you start flashing stuff.
-------------------------------------------------------
Right... I think that covers most of your questions.
I'll try to keep an eye on this thread... in case you have any followup questions.
But I'm going to be pretty busy over the next week or so, what with Christmas on the horizon... so I may not respond immediately.
Good luck with your new Nexus 7... and, as ever... I hope this helps.
**********
Addendum
I've spoken at length about bootloaders and OTA updates. And I think this is your best and least risky way of bringing your Nexus 7 up to date.
Whist there is now available a full factory image for KitKat 4.4.2 build KOTH49 (see my sig for download links), I would avoid it at this time.
Apart from the fact it will completely wipe you're Nexus 7 (which is normal and to be expected) ... the STOCK FACTORY IMAGES, and the bootloaders that ship with them are currently in a bit of a mess. .. and may cause HARDBRICK.
See this thread for further details on this...
[WARNING][URGENT] N7 grouper (2012 WiFi) bootloader .img files from Google.
There are ways of working around this; (you need the bootloader from Build JWR66V)...
...but I suggest you stick with OTA's for now, to bring your device up to date...
Or at least until either Google sort out the 'dogs breakfast/pigs ear' they've made of the factory images... or until you've acquired sufficient knowledge and confidence in modifying a FACTORY STOCK image, such that it fastboot flashes a known GOOD BOOTLOADER.
Rgrds,
Ged.""

[Q] JFLEATT MDL to NJ4

Greetings, what is the best way for me to take my JFLEATT from MDL to NJ4?
I've not yet put a SIM or SDHC in the phone. It's been connected to my PC to run Casual and to a Wi-Fi network to install the TWRP Manager from the Play store. I also updated TWRP to 2.8.4.0 (after first updating to 2.8.5.0 and experiencing the dead recovery discussed here). I've just wiped the phone and made a compressed, non-encrypted backup of all the filesystems for disaster recovery purposes.
I've performed steps 1-5a in this awesome topic.
Is it true, can I just flash stock/rooted/custom ROMs through TWRP?
Although it's probably right in front of me, I can't seem to find a stock/rooted NJ4 ROM to use with TWRP. A recommendation would be very much appreciated.
So what do I do next to get from MDL to NJ4?
.
xpanmanx said:
Greetings, what is the best way for me to take my JFLEATT from MDL to NJ4?
I've not yet put a SIM or SDHC in the phone. It's been connected to my PC to run Casual and to a Wi-Fi network to install the TWRP Manager from the Play store. I also updated TWRP to 2.8.4.0 (after first updating to 2.8.5.0 and experiencing the dead recovery discussed here). I've just wiped the phone and made a compressed, non-encrypted backup of all the filesystems for disaster recovery purposes.
I checked out this awesome topic. I think step 5B, near the bottom of the OP, applies to me. .......is it true, can I just flash stock/rooted/custom ROMs through TWRP?
Although it's probably right in front of me, I can't seem to find a stock/rooted NJ4 ROM to use with TWRP.
What do I do next to get from MDL to NJ4?
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your bootloader is MDL and you take the NJ4 update you will be locked and forced to use safestrap recovery. If you are MDL you are one of the few lucky ones remaining with the options to flash a lot of custom roms using TWRP. Don't upgrade would be my suggestion. You can find great TW roms without upgrading.
Thanks
What do I need to watch for to make sure I don't lock the bootloader?
I want the KK/Sammy stock experience, rooted. I'm thinking Goldeneye is a good place to start.
With much respect to iB4STiD and his users, I might like to try something tighter to stock. Is there a popular TWRP-flashable ROM which could get me there?
.
xpanmanx said:
Thanks
What do I need to watch for to make sure I don't lock the bootloader?
I want the KK/Sammy stock experience, rooted. I'm thinking Goldeneye is a good place to start.
With much respect to iB4STiD and his users, I might like to try something tighter to stock. Is there a popular TWRP-flashable ROM which could get me there?
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the instructions in the thread you mentioned. They apply to your device. Specifically the FIRST post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42320391&postcount=1
Once that's done report back to us. Some parts might be out of date, in that case just do a quick search around the forum. Your want to get the latest version of TWRP flashed into recovery for example.
NighthawkXL said:
Follow the instructions in the thread you mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I've done that already, through step 5a.
(I see how my OP could be confusing on that point; I've gone back and edited it for clarity.)
Are there any other recommendations for a KK/Sammy stock/rooted experience that can be flashed from TWRP? Goldeneye looks great, I'm just trying to learn of others.
.
xpanmanx said:
Thanks, I've done that already, through step 5a.
(I see how my OP could be confusing on that point; I've gone back and edited it for clarity.)
Are there any other recommendations for a KK/Sammy stock/rooted experience that can be flashed from TWRP? Goldeneye looks great, I'm just trying to learn of others.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your set then, you already have a Nandroid.
Grab a ROM, put it on your external SD card, reboot into TWRP, wipe the device, and flash the ROM, kernels, etc. ~ Most ROM's your find in the subforums around here are already have been loki-doki'ed so you shouldn't be over worried about. Besides, most ROM threads will mention in the first post if they are already loki patched. Enjoy your "unlocked" S4, you lucky person ^^

SOS - OneClick Brick

Greetings,
I need some help. I purchased OneClickRoot for my Verizon S5. Everything went swimmingly right up until it didn't. I got root after several hours with the oneclick tech team. he gave me instructions on how to flash a ROM, but left out the apparently important step where I should have skipped the signature verification. So I had SafeStrap, wiped everything and tried to flash an unsigned ROM. now the phone is dead wit no OS and seemingly no ability to get back to safestrap. Should I just toss this phone in the rubbish and buy a new one or can it be saved? When I boot to recovery, it is Android recovery and it keeps failing on the verification.
All advice is welcome.
Doug M.
dwmackay said:
Greetings,
I need some help. I purchased OneClickRoot for my Verizon S5. Everything went swimmingly right up until it didn't. I got root after several hours with the oneclick tech team. he gave me instructions on how to flash a ROM, but left out the apparently important step where I should have skipped the signature verification. So I had SafeStrap, wiped everything and tried to flash an unsigned ROM. now the phone is dead wit no OS and seemingly no ability to get back to safestrap. Should I just toss this phone in the rubbish and buy a new one or can it be saved? When I boot to recovery, it is Android recovery and it keeps failing on the verification.
All advice is welcome.
Doug M.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm unfamiliar with Verizon variants, but have you tried using Odin to flash the original stock?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784880
Sent from my Samsung SM-G900I using XDA Labs
Yea dude as long as you can get into download mode (or Odin mode whatever you feel like calling it) you're fine just flash whatever version you feel like being on and I would follow these instructions for root and ROMs and possible bootloader unlock since it's Verizon https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve.../testers-required-easier-root-method-t3561529
So Close!!
Thanks for the help. I followed this guide ( https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve.../testers-required-easier-root-method-t3561529) and got it back; ...sort-of.
In Step 13, I used the 6.0 firmware.
In Step 14 I used the "latest stock rooted Lollipop Rom" that was recommended.
I have what appears to be a rooted 5.0 factory rom installed. However, when booting, I get process stopped errors for the first 2 minutes. Maybe 15 or 20 of them. After that, they stop.
Current Problems:
1) the radios are dead. Wi-Fi will not turn on and it does not know that my SIM card is installed
2) when the screen times-out I have to pull the battery to get it back.
3) All the error messages (android.process.media)
4) It does not see the SD card
Questions:
A) Can you help me fix the radio problems?
B) Once I get the radios working again, can I flash any G900V ROM with safestrap and it will likely solve 2, 3 &4?
C) Are the custom roms on 6.0 and higher rooted? I was looking at this one (https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/unified-development/rom-cosmic-os-3-1-t3553838)
Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
Idk if i can help bt i can try haha Well first thing first it sounds like you used marshmallow firmware but then flashed a lollipop ROM which yes it will boot up bt stuff like your radio and GPS, etc won't work so first thing is first i would say is do a complete wipe and get your self back to stock through Odin and get everything working first before worrying about ROMs then I have to ask is what is what is your emmc are you 15 (bootloader unlock and can easily root 6.0.1 or higher) or emmc 11 (can only root 5.0)

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