Nvidia Shield reCALLED Tablet backup - Shield Tablet General

Hi,
I am starting this thread hoping to find a solution to backup the working tablets so we will be able to revive them despite the kill switch being triggered.
The only solution so far seams to be by using nvflash in apx mode.
So far I have managed to boot my tablet in APX mode, but I have not done any other testing.
The tablet (still not killed one) is recognized by computer as being in APX mode.
Requirements:
1. Rooted tablet
2. Terminal app from Google play
Commands issued for APX mode:
1. Open terminal app and write "su" followed by enter to get root
2. Write "reboot" and press enter while keeping the volume up key pressed
Let's continue!

OP's 2nd post deleted - no need for it. Just edit Post #1

LenAsh said:
OP's 2nd post deleted - no need for it. Just edit Post #1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where are or name from other post, this thread is very important for us research and i think could useful.
thanks for advance.

I just received my replacement tablet a few days ago. My device has never been rooted or anything prior. I turned on the new device and started using it. I went back to my old device (connected to wifi and everything) and it still boot and i was able to use it all night. 2 days later I tried to use it and it powered on and everything was fine. I just rooted the mofo and installed a custom rom. I never seemed to have received the "kill switch"
The note in my package said to dispose of the device. So... I guess I now have 2 shields. My battery has never gotten warm, I dont use it very often though.

JuStAdsor said:
Hi,
I am starting this thread hoping to find a solution to backup the working tablets so we will be able to revive them despite the kill switch being triggered.
The only solution so far seams to be by using nvflash in apx mode.
So far I have managed to boot my tablet in APX mode, but I have not done any other testing.
The tablet (still not killed one) is recognized by computer as being in APX mode.
Requirements:
1. Rooted tablet
2. Terminal app from Google play
Commands issued for APX mode:
1. Open terminal app and write "su" followed by enter to get root
2. Write "reboot" and press enter while keeping the volume up key pressed
Let's continue!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't really understand the issue here, can you confirm that the tablet is still active cf. not hit by the killswitch? Why would you get an apx connected message? On a working tablet you would be directly send to an adb/fastboot interface? Usually only the killed tablets would be recognized as apx when you then connect it to a pc.. People are looking for a solution on how to nvflash via apx mode, which is an nvidia proprietary protocol and probably won't be pushed any time soon, if ever.. Possible solutions are moving to linux at the moment, where people try to connect their bricked tablets in apx mode hoping that linux would recognize the drivers, eventually, and maybe use open source universal flashing tools to recover their bricked devices..
doomedromance said:
I just received my replacement tablet a few days ago. My device has never been rooted or anything prior. I turned on the new device and started using it. I went back to my old device (connected to wifi and everything) and it still boot and i was able to use it all night. 2 days later I tried to use it and it powered on and everything was fine. I just rooted the mofo and installed a custom rom. I never seemed to have received the "kill switch"
The note in my package said to dispose of the device. So... I guess I now have 2 shields. My battery has never gotten warm, I dont use it very often though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, your tablet is still alive because you flashed another rom (and that's exactly what you should do to be sure to never get hit by the kill switch) - it is very likely that the kill switch isn't triggered immediately, and than the silent update might not hit immediately neither, you're very lucky, most of the people were hit in very few hours, they couldn't even get their research done before the trigger - that said: the best way is to root the old tablet before setting up the new one, and deleting tegraota.apk and its parent directory - as explained in bogdacutu's thread in this very forum, and/or flashing a new rom to not have any nvidia apps anymore.. You can do both if you even use multirom port for nvidia shield tablet.. I can manifest that all this is working since i did it - i tryed it all and do have 2x tablets now like many others too

This isn't cool man, why steal from Nvidia? Or from anyone. Stealing is not OK.
Sent from my SM-N910T

not stealing XBlack, my tablet was getting hot before recall...I did researched and spent time and efforts to fix the issue which i did. Nvidia sends new tablets to cover their ass for potential law suites in case of a situation happening again. Specifically states to dispose or return and why return if they will dispose for you? Why dispose of a tablet when the user fixed it by the user community. Is it taking advantage YES, we are smart people, we fix it. It was their choice to send new tablets without having to receive old ones prior. In no way is it stealing, tucking it in my pants and walking out of a Best Buy or FRYs without paying for it is stealing. We as a community with fixed tablets can be looked at as beta testers who get to keep their prototype and are given a NEW updated consultation model. Pretty much sums it up you can look at it in any way you like but we as a smart community in no way are criminals that steal from NVIDIA. Thanks NVIDIA i will forever be a loyal customer who buys your products since i think they are great. thank you for my new updated tablet.6

The problem is if you "fix" the tablet and then give it to else, and it catches fire, will nvidia be liable? They want the defective devices off the street, not disassembled and reassembled with non spec parts by potentially incompetent consumers.
Sent from my HTC M9 using Tapatalk

Related

[Q] how brickable is the tab really?

Hi everyone!
I'm wondering, how risky it is to flash new firmware to the tab? Is it really brickable, I mean, is it possible to really really brick the tab to a point where it's not possible to fix it? I'm asking partly because I'm a rookie, but mostly because it seems that everyone who manages to brick their tab around here, is somehow able to restore it. Or am I mistaken?
Where I live, the tab has a starting price of $1100. And thats gotta be one of the most expensive bricks in xda history. And if I brick mine, I know I won't be able to resist buying a new one, which adds ut to a $2200 pricetag and a very VERY angry gf..
thanks btw to all of you who make this place what it is
As risky as any other device. Simple. The risk doesnt just lay on the devices shoulders, its the user and the rom maker.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Okay, I'm so confused with the brick-terminology being used here. In all posts regardig new firmware to the tab you'll see at least to guys saying that they bricked their tab. Only to say that they fixed it/unbricked it moments later.
I thought that if you bricked your device, whatever device it is, then it's dead, period. No more usefull than a brick like the ones you'll find in a brick wall, just a hell of a lot more expensive. Heck, the word "unbrick" shouldn't even exist by this definition.
So, let me rephrase:
If I brick my tab, can't I just unbrick it? And if not, why? Is it even possible for the tab to be totally and permanently bricked forever? Is the tab in any way safer to fool around with than other devices? Do we know anyone who have bricked their tab permanently? Should I be afraid of fooling around with my tabs firmware for real?
I think it's just a question of perception on the part of the person who "bricked" their device (the "brickie"? ). If you flash and find that you have what appears to be a dead device then you may well come on here and say "I've bricked my device!". You may then find that it's not bricked at all as there is a way (previously unknown to yourself) to recover. I remember in the old days on here people would pick up "bricked" phones on ebay etc, knowing that quite often they could recover them. It probably still happens...
But devices certainly can get permanently bricked too as you know. Personally, I would only flash if I had confidence in myself that it would work, having read up on the procedure and seen enough working examples. Others may just dive in and see what happens . Only you can decide if it's worth the risk or not, but these days I think it's quite rare to permanently brick a device if you fully understand the procedures and the risks. A stable recovery ROM makes a big difference. Not sure if the SGT has that yet.
paulshields said:
A stable recovery ROM makes a big difference. Not sure if the SGT has that yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's in the works, just not quite there yet.
As Paul said, there's always going to be a risk it COULD happen. But following documentation and fully understanding the task at hand before diving in helps to limit the risks to a minimum.
Thanks to all of you for enlightening me
When I was flashing the different files to get calling on my ATT Tab I managed to flash the wrong file and get the device not to boot up but there was still the "download mode" to go into and I was then able to flash the correct file. I find it is very rare to actually "brick" a device requiring the device to be replaced or cracked open & reprogrammed manually. Most of the time now when a device is described as a brick it just won't boot the OS like it is normally supposed to.
paulshields said:
I think it's just a question of perception on the part of the person who "bricked" their device (the "brickie"? ). If you flash and find that you have what appears to be a dead device then you may well come on here and say "I've bricked my device!". You may then find that it's not bricked at all as there is a way (previously unknown to yourself) to recover. I remember in the old days on here people would pick up "bricked" phones on ebay etc, knowing that quite often they could recover them. It probably still happens...
But devices certainly can get permanently bricked too as you know. Personally, I would only flash if I had confidence in myself that it would work, having read up on the procedure and seen enough working examples. Others may just dive in and see what happens . Only you can decide if it's worth the risk or not, but these days I think it's quite rare to permanently brick a device if you fully understand the procedures and the risks. A stable recovery ROM makes a big difference. Not sure if the SGT has that yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol @ "brickie" - I guess you have to be British to get that one?
As for "bricking" , quite right, the device isn't "bricked" if it can be fixed by the user.
People have gotten sloppy with the term, but really it means that you could build a house with it if it were fat enough, but it's no more useful than an expensive paperweight.
The worst you can do without bricking is boot-loop/no-boot which can usually be fixed. The point is, if the device shows any signs of life whatsoever, it's usually fixable.
I thought I bricked my tab, I got the infamous "phone-!-pc" screen
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:Samsung_Galaxy_S_Black_Screen_of_Death.jpg
I thought I was screwed. However, I still had it connected via USB and Odin still running and I saw that the com port popped up. I though, hmmmm
clicky and bam, its flashing.
Got it back.
This was after a stupid botched flash attempt on my part.
So, I think you REALLY gotta mess it up to be proper "bricked"
I did a lots of tries and I thing that is not that easy to brick, but I can give a suggestion: Backup the EFS folder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I deleted by mistake with root explorer the nv_data and relatives backups, and I had a corrupted IMEI that is not a brick but I think is one of the bad things (and hard to recover if not impossible if you don't have a backup) because if the carriers ban double IMEI the phone (tab) will not work + is not legal
Forgot to say: seems that some SGS firmware upgrades corrupted the IMEI too, I didn't see something flashing the TAB, but restoring the EFS folder will fix (almost always) the problems
I have not tried to brick my GT, but the JM6 gave me a scare... I have been flashing it for a while now.
The one thing you have to give up for now is SWYPE. I se you have a norwegian flag... And norwegian is not included in any flash I have found. So if you ever decide to try flashing. Say goodbye to SWYPE in norwegian for now...
Yeah, the loss of the Norwegian keyboard is the only thing stopping me from flashing jm6. Lucky for me, I'm very patient.
Sent from my HeTC Desire using XDA App
Apparently, you can brick it. I succeeded !
I flashed with Odin and a custom made PDA package including boot.bin but no repartition.
Odin flashed without problems but the Tab did not reboot and simply 'died'.
Black screen all the time, no recovery/download mode, not seen by the PC, does not charge on ac/dc (neither the charger or the PDA ever gets hot, no sound on connection, ...).
I'm letting the battery discharge completely (but how long can that take when it's not using any energy...) to test again tomorrow but I will probably RMA it on monday.
One thing that concerns me is not being able to remove the battery to force the phone to shut down completely.
As an example when I originally 'bricked' my SGS using Kies, no matter how many times I powered the phone it simply refused to go into Recovery or Download mode. All it would do was show me the two icons on screen.
The only way I managed to totally shut the phone down was by removing the battery and wait 30 seconds before returning. Only then would the SGS allow me to access the 3-Button Recovery/Download Mode.
So..... has anyone come across a situation where you needed to remove the battery and if so how did you manage to recover?
Beards said:
One thing that concerns me is not being able to remove the battery to force the phone to shut down completely.
As an example when I originally 'bricked' my SGS using Kies, no matter how many times I powered the phone it simply refused to go into Recovery or Download mode. All it would do was show me the two icons on screen.
The only way I managed to totally shut the phone down was by removing the battery and wait 30 seconds before returning. Only then would the SGS allow me to access the 3-Button Recovery/Download Mode.
So..... has anyone come across a situation where you needed to remove the battery and if so how did you manage to recover?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The worst I have done is get the device in the "Phone---!----PC" mode where you can't enter "Download Mode". It seems that simply flashing a new PIT file and then forcing it off, it will then enter download mode again.
alias_neo said:
The worst I have done is get the device in the "Phone---!----PC" mode where you can't enter "Download Mode". It seems that simply flashing a new PIT file and then forcing it off, it will then enter download mode again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A little un-nerving isn't it... I have deep thoughts of not being able to get the Tab to drop out of memory by not being able to remove the battery and flush.
Beards said:
One thing that concerns me is not being able to remove the battery to force the phone to shut down completely.
As an example when I originally 'bricked' my SGS using Kies, no matter how many times I powered the phone it simply refused to go into Recovery or Download mode. All it would do was show me the two icons on screen.
The only way I managed to totally shut the phone down was by removing the battery and wait 30 seconds before returning. Only then would the SGS allow me to access the 3-Button Recovery/Download Mode.
So..... has anyone come across a situation where you needed to remove the battery and if so how did you manage to recover?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that when you leave/turn "USB Debugging" on in Applications -> Development, it is fairly save. As long as you are near a computer with adb installed and you have your usb cable within reach, you can reboot the device into recovery with adb reboot recovery or just reboot with adb reboot.
Another way is of course to let the battery run out of power, charge it and reboot.
appelflap said:
I think that when you leave/turn "USB Debugging" on in Applications -> Development, it is fairly save. As long as you are near a computer with adb installed and you have your usb cable within reach, you can reboot the device into recovery with adb reboot recovery or just reboot with adb reboot.
Another way is of course to let the battery run out of power, charge it and reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying that the Tab will accept an "adb reboot" in it's unresponsive black screen state or some other? I'v not yet come across a state where just holding power didn't turn it off.
appelflap said:
I think that when you leave/turn "USB Debugging" on in Applications -> Development, it is fairly save. As long as you are near a computer with adb installed and you have your usb cable within reach, you can reboot the device into recovery with adb reboot recovery or just reboot with adb reboot.
Another way is of course to let the battery run out of power, charge it and reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running down the battery is an option... but it would take an age seeing as you're not doing anything with the phone except looking at two icons on a black screen.
alias_neo said:
Are you saying that the Tab will accept an "adb reboot" in it's unresponsive black screen state or some other? I'v not yet come across a state where just holding power didn't turn it off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That thought passed me by as well.
alias_neo said:
Are you saying that the Tab will accept an "adb reboot" in it's unresponsive black screen state or some other? I'v not yet come across a state where just holding power didn't turn it off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did . I was fooling around with the button definitions of the tab, I lost all my buttons so to speak (also the powerbutton) and couldn't get into the system. A simple adb reboot got me out of there without any problem.
Yes, I believe adb can connect with the Tab in very unresponsive states and still issue commands. I've seen it also with my old galaxy S. A bad flash and a blank screen still gave me access to the system shell with adb.
My lesson learned is: alway have "USB Debugging" turned on.

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

Need Help with APX Mode Brick.

Running (was) a stock rooted N7 v1 on 4.3. Bought a data recovery tool off of the play store to try and recover some photos I had deleted. At some point it rebooted into safe mode, my battery was running low and I shut it off to let it charge. Now it's dead in the water. Stuck in APX mode. I am asking if there is anyway to breathe life back into this tablet.
The tablet does nothing on the screen, period, no matter what you do. When plugged in to a computer it sometimes registers as an unknown device, sometimes APX. None of these get you anywhere. Toolkits on these forums won't recognize the device, installing the android development kit and drivers does nothing, executing commands from the command line is worthless because the device won't register. I do not have any "blobs" and have no clue at this point even what they are or what they could have done for me had I made them.
I've searched this forum and found bits and pieces here and there and wanted to start a thread dealing solely with devices stuck like this and what has or hasn't worked and get others input if warranty service was done and the state your tablet was in when you sent it in (locked/unlocked, rooted etc).
Anyone stuck here will have probably tried the same things as I have but here is is a minor rundown...
1) Every button combo press known to man for short, medium, and extended periods of time.
2) Charging with the Original charger/cable for 1 hour, then button presses then charging for 12 hours.
3) Same as above but with different aftermarket chargers at different amperages.
4) Uninstalling and deleting drivers. Trying different drivers. Getting the Android drivers etc.
5) Trying every toolkit on the forums to no avail because the device won't register.
6) Checking to make sure the battery cables are seated correctly.
7) Screaming and yelling at your new paperweight.
My hope here is that I've missed some important thread about recovery and someone can point me in the right direction. Failing that, if I should get a new mobo or try and send it in for warranty service in the state it's in.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Sent from my Rooted Frameworked SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
I don't know what you tried before to revive your tablet and what the tool did to get you into this state, but generally APX mode can be left by pushing the power button *only* for about 10-20 sec, as long as there us enough power within your battery and the hardware / software is working / consistent.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I don't think I've ever seen anyone in here describe a situation where they observed the tablet in bootloader mode without seeing *something* on the screen.
And as you found out through your reading, using "nvflash" on the N7 is only useful at this time for folks that made prior disaster recovery preparations. So, APX mode is of no use to you (at this date 12/2013).
So, until you see something happen on that screen, drivers on a PC are of no value to you anyway.
It is really unfortunate that the N7 doesn't have a physical charging indicator - that makes it difficult to distinguish between a tablet which is truly borked vs. one that refuses to boot simply because the battery isn't charged.
Holding down a specific button combo (iirc Pwr+VolUp) during an attempt to get "something, anything" to happen will put the tab into APX mode, so it isn't particularly diagnostic that you have observed APX mode once or twice.
Really about the only way to know if the battery in a non-responsive N7 is charged or not is to put it in another tablet or measure the open-circuit voltage. (About 4.15v fully charged & about 3.5v discharged)
The reason that I mention this is that there have been a few reports from users in similar straits as you that report something like "I don't know what happened, but I tried it a few days later and all of a sudden the tablet booted up". Almost every one of those reports involved mentions of low battery conditions, just as your narrative does.
I don't know what file recovery program you used, but I suspect that is a red herring . It might have to have root privileges in order to read raw partitions, and might even want the tablet in safe mode to minimize write activity by *other apps* while it does it's forensics, but it certainly isn't going to recover files by writing in raw mode on a mounted, live filesystem - it would do all it's writing through normal kernel syscalls. That's the long way of saying that a low battery is more likely to be the original source of your troubles.
So what to do now? I think the first order of business is to figure out if your battery is charged or failing to take a charge. If it really is well charged, then a warranty return is probably in your future.
If you can't find a second N7 or a voltmeter, then you could try just leaving it on the charger for a couple of days... but that really is just a "grope about in the dark, wing & prayer" kind of strategy.
good luck
Button sequences & USB Identifiers (VID/PID pairs):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2133986
You are in the same situation I was in - nothing shows up on screen. I got APX drivers to finally install (had to search all over the internet to find them) and that STILL didn't help. I was never able to get it to come back. Nothing ever showed up on the screen.
No combination of button presses helped. I finally gave up and, since my N7 was still under warranty, I RMA'd it back to ASUS. It took about 3 weeks, but I got it back with a new motherboard installed on it.
It was borked and your's sounds the same way as mine. Just either register your N7 on the ASUS website and RMA it that way, or call it in over the phone and RMA it that way. Hopefully, you still have the box your N7 came in because you'll need the serial number.
Others have stated you can get it by opening the back, but that will void your warranty. I do believe you MUST have the serial number, so find the box and get it from there.
Also, you'll definitely lose everything that was there, especially if they replace the motherboard. So hopefully, you backed it up. I backed mine up just before it got borked, so I was lucky.
Good luck!
I am wary of trying to do the battery swap. I went and bought a new version after it crashed but I would be voiding both warranties to try the battery swap.
I do have the serial number if I want to try and get service.
I have done some reading about "deep discharge" battery issues and I suspect this may be a part if it but I have tried leaving it plugged in for days and nada.
I don't know if there is a way to "shock" or jump start the charging process and I am going to put the multimeter on it tomorrow and see what I get.
Thanks for everyone's input. I will keep you up to date.
Sent from my Rooted Frameworked Verizon Galaxy S4 on MJ7 using the XDA App.

Fully bricked Nexus 7 2012, not the same brick as always. Just read it.

I have read every single thread that exists on the internet about this problem, the bootloops, the faulty bootloaders, the wrong rooting and image installations, every single posible way to brick this piece of device that everyone seems to have problems with. Yet none of them has gave me a solution. First of all, it's my girlfrinds tablet, she told me that one day, she tried to upgrade the android software and while it was installing it, the tablet bricked. She was able to go to fastload mode (power + volume up) we've tried recovery mode, factory reset, every option there, nothing. She gave me the tablet, I plugged it on my pc and used Nexus Root Kit to install a new android software to the device. After a painful search of how to make the Kit recognize the tablet because usb debugging was not on, I was able to start the process of installing the new software. Yet, in the middle of the installation, the micro-usb moved a little bit and the tablet got disconected. The process was cancelled and the tablet screen froze. I turned the tablet off and that was when it just bricked and never wanted to turn back on. Neither with any combination of the buttons, nor while leaving it charging a long time, nor any possible solution the internet may have about this. Just fully totally and simply bricked. Yet, when I connect it to my pc (windows 7 ultimate 64 bits) sometimes, it reads it as an unknown device, sometimes it reads it as a random APX device, and when I install any kind of drivers that already exist on every thread that there is about it, it reads it as an ASUS Transforme Prime APX Interface, yet the tablet never displays anything, and I'm not able to access it in any way nor make any changes to it whatsoever. I live in a country were there is no google or asus techical support, and third-party technical supporters are dumb as f***. My girlfrind took the tablet to 2 other places before giving it to me and they said to her that "it didn't have any software installed" (which was wrong) and that "it was beyond repair" (which was also wrong). The only thing I want to know is: is there any way to fix it now? or do I just have a very nice and fancy paperweight in my hands.
Makatown said:
I have read every single thread that exists on the internet about this problem, the bootloops, the faulty bootloaders, the wrong rooting and image installations, every single posible way to brick this piece of device that everyone seems to have problems with. Yet none of them has gave me a solution. First of all, it's my girlfrinds tablet, she told me that one day, she tried to upgrade the android software and while it was installing it, the tablet bricked. She was able to go to fastload mode (power + volume up) we've tried recovery mode, factory reset, every option there, nothing. She gave me the tablet, I plugged it on my pc and used Nexus Root Kit to install a new android software to the device. After a painful search of how to make the Kit recognize the tablet because usb debugging was not on, I was able to start the process of installing the new software. Yet, in the middle of the installation, the micro-usb moved a little bit and the tablet got disconected. The process was cancelled and the tablet screen froze. I turned the tablet off and that was when it just bricked and never wanted to turn back on. Neither with any combination of the buttons, nor while leaving it charging a long time, nor any possible solution the internet may have about this. Just fully totally and simply bricked. Yet, when I connect it to my pc (windows 7 ultimate 64 bits) sometimes, it reads it as an unknown device, sometimes it reads it as a random APX device, and when I install any kind of drivers that already exist on every thread that there is about it, it reads it as an ASUS Transforme Prime APX Interface, yet the tablet never displays anything, and I'm not able to access it in any way nor make any changes to it whatsoever. I live in a country were there is no google or asus techical support, and third-party technical supporters are dumb as f***. My girlfrind took the tablet to 2 other places before giving it to me and they said to her that "it didn't have any software installed" (which was wrong) and that "it was beyond repair" (which was also wrong). The only thing I want to know is: is there any way to fix it now? or do I just have a very nice and fancy paperweight in my hands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
Thanks for using XDA Assist.
Your thread will be moved to Nexus 7 Q&A,Help and Troubleshooting.Experts there may be able to help you
___
v7
XDA Assist
Ha, yes...same boat and similar situation happened where USB became disconnected during bootloader flash. Surprised there haven't been any snarky comments made on your (and now my) situation. I have a totally non-responsive device now and Windows is also not recognizing the USB device (because it does not respond back when attempting to connect/mount). Looks like the only magic at this point would be cracking open and trying a completely different path to restoring, otherwise it is time to find a nice door needing a doorstop!
~Dubhead

Cannot use Google PAY

I bought this 6t refurbished and I suspect is a t-mobile converted to global. I've tried resetting the phone and deleting all kinds of apps cache/data to no avail. in addition I tried to get the
Google Services Framework Android ID but my phone is not rooted. i would like to keep the phone as stock as possible.
chrisrf said:
I bought this 6t refurbished and I suspect is a t-mobile converted to global. I've tried resetting the phone and deleting all kinds of apps cache/data to no avail. in addition I tried to get the
Google Services Framework Android ID but my phone is not rooted. i would like to keep the phone as stock as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you convert your tmobile to international ? I guess you did. So either root it and install magisk or livr without Google pay.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
chrisrf said:
I bought this 6t refurbished and I suspect is a t-mobile converted to global. I've tried resetting the phone and deleting all kinds of apps cache/data to no avail. in addition I tried to get the
Google Services Framework Android ID but my phone is not rooted. i would like to keep the phone as stock as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you go to About phone the build number will tell you if it is T-Mobile converted phone. If the build number starts with ONEPLUS A6013_34_ then it is converted, if it starts with ONEPLUS A6013_41_ or ONEPLUS A6010_41_ then it is a global version.
Krzysiek_CK said:
When you go to About phone the build number will tell you if it is T-Mobile converted phone. If the build number starts with ONEPLUS A6013_34_ then it is converted, if it starts with ONEPLUS A6013_41_ or ONEPLUS A6010_41_ then it is a global version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes the build number is ONEPLUS A6013_34_2000222 what should I do ?
chrisrf said:
yes the build number is ONEPLUS A6013_34_2000222 what should I do ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you can't do really anything but if you have not had it too long you could return it.
chrisrf said:
yes the build number is ONEPLUS A6013_34_2000222 what should I do ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have 3 options:
1. DO nothing and hope OnePlus will fix it down the road. I actually lost hope with this one.
2. Load T-Mobile version, and loose dual sim capability. Google Play will pass certification and Google Pay will work.
3. Use Magisk, at your own risk, to trick SafetyNet check.
I have one of those scammy "no warranty" T-mo -> Intl. OnePlus 6T and, with enough work, it is possible to convert to the most recent Intl. android 10, and get root and Google pay working. I don't think at this time it's possible to watch Netflix in HD while having your cake and eating it too, sadly. The A/B situation on this phone is painfully confusing and leads to brick after brick as you learn the ropes of this phone. Not sure that's TMo's fault. Thankfully the bricks are fixable. You need the modded flasher for 9.0.11. From usb serial mode, the flasher gives some gibberish "Sahara" error. There is whole infuriating thread consisting of nothing but post after post of newbs being shamed for asking how to fix this problem (because it's already been asked a million times) but no clear concise solution ever provided (just a bunch of conflicting half-answers i.e., "I finally figured it out after mashing buttons for a long time..." -- What worked for me was holding down all the physical buttons, vol+, vol- and power, with the red "Saharah, please fix..." (something like that) red error message blinking away at me on the computer screen, and the phone plugged in to computer USB, the whole time. Only when its air composition sampling system detects your fingers bleeding profusely, will it kick in and fix your bricked device
So that gets you to an equivalent to a locked Global 9.0.11 rom with no OTA updates. From there you can do developer mode -> unlock bootloader instantly from fastboot -> (loose all your data) -> TWRP; now the a/b stuff gets really confusing AF but if you do TWRP from fastboot->flash 10.3.2 -> TWRP from fastboot again (it's like ms windows!) -> flash TWRP .zip installer -> TWRP from fastboot yet again -> Magisk, you can finally boot system.
To pass CTS profile you'll need to use the command-line signature changer Magisk module and Magisk Hide. Once the play store says it's "Certified" (certifiable more like...) and Magisk is giving you two green checkboxes, you are ready for more suffering. Now you need to freeze the Google Pay/Play apps and Google Play services and blow away all their data. At least that's what I did. Then make sure Magisk hide has all the Google play/GMS/AR/pay stuff hidden in Magisk, one more reboot for good measure, and you're off to the races. This gets Google Pay working and even lets you watch DRM at Widevine L3 level... it's still not all your cake and all your eating I suppose... hopefully you're not a big Netflix guy. Otherwise you kinda bought the wrong phone.
GL! Oh btw I have not found any way to restore an encrypted TWRP backup on this device. Starting to suspect it's literally impossible at this time -- but, if I'm honest, probably I just haven't gone through enough suffering, yet, to figure it out.
anonywimp said:
There is whole infuriating thread consisting of nothing but post after post of newbs being shamed for asking how to fix this problem (because it's already been asked a million times) but no clear concise solution ever provided (just a bunch of conflicting half-answers i.e., "I finally figured it out after mashing buttons for a long time..." -- What worked for me was holding down all the physical buttons, vol+, vol- and power, with the red "Saharah, please fix..." (something like that) red error message blinking away at me on the computer screen, and the phone plugged in to computer USB, the whole time. Only when its air composition sampling system detects your fingers bleeding profusely, will it kick in and fix your bricked device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Just completely dis-confirmed the above recipe. I am clearly still well in the cargo-cult phase of my OP qdl client tools education
All I can say for sure is randomly frobbing with the buttons and the phone-side usb-c cable for long periods of time will usually eventually start the process. And one sure-that-I'm-not-sure---but-still-fairly-confident correction: It probably helps to /un-/plug the phone from the PC, once it starts giving the meaningless red "Sahara quintessence frobnitz poop" error message (or whatever equally meaningful thing it actually says). If you find yourself in TWRP, you can use the "Reboot edl" button. Likewise, I believe the stock recovery has an interface to jump to qdl mode... could be making that up though Anyhow I think from there you want to turn the phone entirely off, which I believe can only at this point be achieved through continuous, uninterrupted mashing of the power button. So just after your get the error and disconnect, is your opportunity to impress the phone by bleeding all over it.
anonywimp said:
You need the modded flasher for 9.0.11. From usb serial mode, the flasher gives some gibberish "Sahara" error. There is whole infuriating thread consisting of nothing but post after post of newbs being shamed for asking how to fix this problem (because it's already been asked a million times) but no clear concise solution ever provided (just a bunch of conflicting half-answers i.e., "I finally figured it out after mashing buttons for a long time..."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I think I figured out an actual recipe now, or the beginnings of one. It is still a bit fuzzy in places. It goes like this:
If you're not in qdl mode, or you are there but it won't talk to the proprietary flasher software, get the phone completely turned off. Often this is the hardest part. I have sometimes managed to brick my phone where it will Boot and insta-freeze at the infuriating-yellow-triangle screen¹. Then it will just sit there, indefinitely, and never bring up any sort of USB or wifi connectivity (nor does it show any sign of boot-looping, judging by dmesg output on my computer. It's just cold, and dead. Probably a bootloader bug/secure boot fail). In every semi-brick-like circumstance like this, I've found the following enables me to get the phone to turn itself off reasonably quickly, in fact, in just a couple of seconds, usually: unplug any USB-C cable (so I'm running on batteries), hold down all the buttons* until fingers bleeding or something happens -- if nothing happens, release all the buttons briefly and try again; once off, release all the buttons immediately.
Now get the phone back on, and in qdl mode. Somehow. Usually, if the phone is unplugged and off, I can get it there by holding all the buttons and plugging it into usb. If I'm soft-bricked, I'm already there, so nothing to do. From TWRP I can easily "reboot edl" to get there. Maybe there's ways to do it from fastboot, stock recovery, and system as well, via adb/fastboot commands.... My preferred way is holding "all the buttons" for about 1 second, and plugging in the usb cable, which will cause it to enter qdl mode "just one time" without actually bricking anything.
Now, finally, we run the proprietary flasher tool. Press start and it will go until it gets to the "sahara bingo yip-a-dee-ha" error (or whatever it really says... definitely not exactly what I wrote ).
Now turn the phone off again. Same recipe, but this time it seems to almost-always suffice to keep the phone connected to USB, while holding all-the-buttons. If that isn't working, then I go ahead and unplug, power cycle, and get into qdl mode like above. During this, the computer software is maybe completely disconnected from your phone, *****ing and moaning the whole time about Sahara or whatever. Ignore that, it's fine.
If the phone was fully powered off (rather than power-cycled in place), be sure to next release all the buttons, so that the phone has no usb or button-press input of any kind for at least a fraction of a second. Then press "all the buttons" again (nb: I suspect just vol+ and vol- suffice here, and the power button is superfluous? Maybe even detrimental depending on ordering? If I screw this up (sometimes it winds up booting into recovery or bootloader), then I find a way to ask it to reboot from there into qdl mode, if I can, or else power off from there and try again to use the three buttons.
pro tip said:
It is possible to hold all the buttons for too long. In which case, you may find yourself booting system. From there you may need to start this guide over from the beginning, sorry. The correct period of time to hold all the buttons down is about a second. Two seconds is probably too long.
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Using your fourth hand, Plug in a USB-C cable, what leads from your computer, to the phone, while continuing to hold down all the buttons with your other three hands (or, if you entered qdl via software, just plug it in, now).
That's it, done. Kick back and enjoy as the tool's progress bars go wild and unbrick your phone tut suite. The qdl process should be able to go all the way to the end where it says "100%" (although when you close the program it will still treat this like you are interrupting it in the middle; I think that's because it does multiple phones at once, and you only ever fed it the one phone, so it is alerting you that, hey, phone #2 never got processed).
I am doing the above in a non-FOSS emulator under desktop linux, using the patched client referenced from xda threads.
I imagine qemu would work, as well. Obviously native Windows is going to be your best bet. I def. wouldn't trust Oracle (VirtualBox) USB emulation with my qdl flashing needs, if I were me -- which I am. Phones tend to look like huge USB hubs, full of an ever-changing kaleidoscope of peripherals. Which I don't think the VirtualBox USB stack is really ready to cope with right now. (Not even with the proprietary USB add-on pack or whatever that is -- I simply don't trust Oracle not to hard-brick my phone; VirtualBox has seemingly perma-bricked one device for me, already. That was some time ago but I'm not going to feed it any more devices and I doubt the USB was fixed in vbox. It think it's paravirtualized, or something, so as to be super-fast, but unreliable when the bus topology changes in meatspace.
-- rants / footnotes ---
¹ You know, that warning screen for "security." Which, currently, happens to be punishing me for trying to put the newest stock security updates onto my phone that I just purchased a month ago¹*².
* Not an "All the things" meme -- by "all the buttons" I literally mean all the hardware buttons: [vol+], [vol-], and [power].
¹*² I imagine the person who made the decision to require this in Android would explain it something like this:
straw man said:
(California accent) "Um, like, why? Are you a criminal or something? You know, you could just buy a new phone for like $899 US. Oh, you're, like, poor, or something? Well, OK, I guess there's no way for us to stop you from doing that. But we, like, won't be able to support you in any way. Also, sorry, but we're just going to need to put a brief warning screen on your phone, as a safety measure? No, it's not really a warning for you. More, like, in case other people might be around you for some reason? It just says, 'Hey, no judgement, but it seems like maybe a poor person owns this phone? And they're definitely doing some really weird stuff with it. So just be careful. Like maybe tell a friend where you're going, if you're going to spend time with them.' What? No, I'm sorry, there's no way to remove it. We paid millions to have it fused into the microchips or something? If you could just remove the warning, that would defeat the purpose. So, I'm sure you'd want the people around you to be safe, right? And, like, so do we! So we, like, locked that down pretty tight, yehh-...!'
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