Related
OUTDATED[Guide] Setting up/using adb/fastboot-unlock, flash custom recovery & root
Below is a great guide to rooting, from several sources, (mostly taken from pingvinen's "An Idiot's Guide to Flashing the Xoom" and a guide by publicanimal. and I hope it helps. You can find the links to all of the files referenced below in the Xoom Heaven thread (thanks StrifeSoldierVII!)[/I]
(New thread in General Section by Jack207407 will have all the updated links for flashing
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1443110
One Stop For ROM's, MOD's, and Root Wifi-Only and 3G/4G Models)
"What you need to do can be encompassed in these following short steps (will be detailed later on) in the following order. Each step is required before you can proceed to the next one. However, make sure that you are very very careful and don't try to take any shortcuts. That may soft-brick your device, and you may have a difficult time to explain that to your wife ... You have been warned.
HERE'S THE USUAL DISCLAIMER--I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY HARM THAT MAY COME TO YOUR DEVICE IF YOU FOLLOW ANY PART OF THIS GUIDE--ANY RISK IS ON THE USER!
I strongly recommend you to read the entire guide before trying. In fact, read it twice to ensure that you have understood everything. If there is weird stuff that you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask. The reason for me writing this down is that I like to document what I have learned. This is to me an excellent way to ensure that I will remember what I just did. Another reason was that I could not find a single thread that encompassed all steps required. There are many different threads, but no one (that I could find) that really guides you from start to goal. So enjoy and good luck!
I would like to thank LandMaster and cam30era for helping out with advice during my initial trail-and-error session. I soft-bricked my device once and had big problems to get by point 4.3 (avoid overwriting of CWM), but with their encouragement I finally succeeded.
Just a note before we begin: the different Xoom. Models that are able to use this guide are the following:
MZ600 - stingray_cdma - Motorola US 3g Xoom (technically this device is stingray as well, but I will be using stingray_cdma as the two devices have incompatible software)
MZ601 - utms_everest - Motorola EU 3g Xoom
MZ602 - stingray - Motorola US 4g Xoom
MZ604 - wingray - Motorola Wifi Xoom
(thanks solarnz!)
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Overview of the 6 required steps
1. Install Motorola USB drivers for your computers (for USB connectivity) 2. Install Java SDK and Android SDK tools (for adb and fastboot commands) 3. Unlock the device for flashing (allowing replacement of recovery and boot images) 4. Install a modified recovery image (ClockWorkMod recovery for Android) 5. Root the device (Allow r/w access to the device filesystem) 6. Flash a kernel that supports overclocking etc.
Steps 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 require that you download install, image and zip files needed for the flashing.
All this was performed on a Windows PC. Windows 7, Mac and Linux users will probably have to do some steps differently.
1.0 Install the latest Motorola USB drivers
The installation file can be found at: http://developer.motorola.com/docstools/USB_Drivers/
1.1 Install the drivers and ensure that your Xoom is recognized by the computer
2.0 Installation of development software
Android SDK and Java SDK need to be installed. You can find the installation kits here.
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html In case you can't find fastboot.exe, look for it here (thanks to jerrycycle): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19546334&postcount=5
Update: you could also just install the adb fastboot pack here:http://www.android.net/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=67
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
2.1 Install them as any other software, making an Android SDK folder on C/.
2.2 Make sure that all the files you need are in the Platform Tools folder (fastboot, recovery image file and so on). Copy any files in the Tools folder to the Platform Tools folder if necessary. Note: If the Android SDK complains that the Java Dev Kit can't be found, just press Back and then Next again. Wierd, but that seems to do the trick ... go figure.
(Warning: Never put any zip files in your Platform Tools folder. Flashing zip files through fastboot will cause very serious problems. Zip files must be flashed from the external micro SD card through CWM recovery on the Xoom...we'll get to that later.)
2.3 Test that ADB and FASTBOOT works. You should open a command window by right clicking in your Platform Tools folder where all of your files are, plug in your Xoom to your computer with your Motorola cable (it may not work with a generic cable) and write 'adb devices'. Your Xoom should now be listed. Did your device not show up? Make sure that you have USB debugging enabled in Settings/Applications/Development on your Xoom.
Optional: Those that want to be able to access adb from any where on their computer, here's a tip from scsa20: "For windows, if you go into System Properties and choose Advanced, then Environment Variables..., you'll be able to edit the Path variable under System variables, just add the path to where adb and fastboot is located (separated with a semi-colon ().
Here's what my Path variable looks like:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\NVIDIA Corporation\PhysX\Common;%SystemRoot%\system32;%Sy stemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem;%SYSTEMROOT%\ System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\;C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Shared;c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\DTS\Binn\;C:\android-sdk-windows\tools;C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Acronis\SnapAPI\
It's long but do you see the android stuff there at the end?"
Update: xda poster Mandelbrot Benoit suggests an alternate adb setup, here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18072572&postcount=50
If your windows computer doesn't see your Xoom, consider this (Originally Posted by AngryBulleteyeTruth):
When the xoom does not show up on PC it may be the problem of.... windows media player!
Xoom uses drivers of WMP to communicate with PC. If someone does not have the newest WMP drivers it will not show up and you can see xoom device in the devices tab on PC having an exclamation mark.
So the solution is to download and install Windows Media Player 11. It has worked for me.
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OK. Now that you are set up, it's Showtime! Take a deep breath...
3. Unlocking the device for flashing
This step will effectively erase the internal storage, including all your apps and settings. Use whatever backup you want to secure important data before you start. (It will also void your warranty, so you still have time to go back.)
3.1 Power up and start the Xoom.
3.2 Ensure that your device is fully recognized by the computer. A good sign is that the 'Portable device' dialog is activated on Windows when your Xoom has booted. The Xoom should also be seen in 'Computer'. If not, go back to step 2 and double check your USB drivers.
3.3 Use the command 'adb reboot bootloader' to go into Flash mode.
3.4 Use the command 'fastboot oem unlock'. This will trigger a dialog on your Xoom. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the unlocking. I repeat, this *will* do a factory reset and all data will be lost!
3.5 Once unlocked, the Xoom will restart and work as normal. Don't bother to do any setup at this time, just make sure that USB debbuging is checked in settings, and now go on to step 4
4. Install recovery image (CWM) UPDATED 4/19/12
If you haven't done it already, download the recovery image file and save it to your computer in the Platform Tools folder.
(Download the recovery image from this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1604014 only the img file flashed through fastboot Remember, never try to flash a zip file through fastboot!)
Important: At this time, make sure you have a good (known to be working) microsd card in your sdcard slot in your Xoom. Reboot the Xoom with the sdcard in the slot to make sure it's mounted.
4.1 Boot into flash mode with 'adb reboot bootloader.'
4.2 Install your downloaded recovery image: 'fastboot flash recovery eos-recovery-r6.img' or whatever is the exact name of the recovery img file you are flashing.
4.3 Enter CWM recovery with the procedure below.
4.4 Restart the device with 'fastboot reboot'. Timing is essential here, so be alert when the device restarts, or you will have to redo section 4.
4.5 Once the Motorola logotype is shown, start counting to 3. At 3, press the Volume Down button. This should result in the text 'Android Recovery' in the top left corner. If it does not work (if you see Starting Fastboot Protocol), experiment with the timing (see below).
4.6 When 'Android Recovery' is shown press the Volume Up button. This should invoke the CWM recovery menu. If that works, then congratulations for getting this far!
Here is a potential pitfall. If you are unable to enter CWM *before* the device boots into Honeycomb, then the newly installed recovery image will be overwritten by the system default recovery. Just repeat steps 4.1 through 4.6 if that happens.
UPDATE(12/28/11) Since putting this guide together, Motorola has issued a number of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates that have complicated the process of flashing the Clockawork Mod recovery, so if you have accepted any OTA updates, please read the following, which describes each step (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26009191#post26008083) (Thanks to Landorin.)
(If you have root and want to remove these files, remove or rename /system/etc/install-recovery.sh with something like root explorer. You can then flash your custom recovery through fastboot again.)
For those of you that get stuck with some error like 'device not recognized' poster Madjinj gives the following advice:
1) Be sure that you have your adb folder in the root of C drive directly and be sure that you are in adb folder in command prompt program (CMD in Windows machines) i.e by typing "cd c:\XXX" where XXX is the name of adb folder in your machine.
2) Be sure that you type "adb reboot bootloader" in comand prompt to activate adb program. if the problem persists, try typing "fastboot reboot" then after reboot type "adb reboot bootloader" in command prompt program.
3) Use the USB cable that came with your Xoom (some cables are not good in flashing for unknown reason..!!
4) make sure that you activate USB debugging mode.
5.0. Rooting the Xoom
The Universal Xoom Root zip file from solarnz is located here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1242241
5.1 You need to transfer the Universal Xoom Root zip file to a working external micro SD card. You can do this on a computer or cell phone, but the Universal Xoom Root zip file must be located in the root directory of the micro SD card.
5.2 Insert the now prepared SD card in the Xoom.
5.3 Boot into recovery (as described in 4.3). Navigate using the volume buttons and press the power button to select the active option.
5.4 Select 'Install ZIP from sd card.'
5.5 Select 'Choose ZIP.'
5.6 Navigate to the ROOT zip file with the Volume buttons and select it with the Power button. Confirm that you want to install it.
5.7 Everything should indicate success, so back out to the main CWM menu and reboot the device.
5.8 From Android Market, install any app requiring root and start it. If the rooting was successful, then the app should request superuser permission and you should be able to grant it without any problems.
6. Flashing a new rom or kernel...(e.g. Tiamat Moray Rom and/or Odachi Kernel). Look in the Xoom Heaven thread or in the Development section of this form for all of these files.
6.1 This step is identical to 5, but swap out the ROOT zip for the ROM or KERNEL zip. For simplicity, you may want to prepare the micro SD card with both zip files at the same time in step 5.1..."
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This is still one of the best explanations of how to use adb and fastboot to unlock and root the Xoom and install a custom recovery, etc, and doesn't deserve to buries on back pages of this forum. Hopefully, the step-by-step nature of this guide will help those of you that have limited experience with this kind of tinkering.
Oh, and please feel free to correct any errors or omissions. As I said, it came from several sources and needed to somewhat updated.
Thank you, just bought my xoom yesterday and was confused on the steps to take!
This has made it as clear as possible for me and will follow your instructions to the letter tonight.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium
fastyan said:
Thank you, just bought my xoom yesterday and was confused on the steps to take!
This has made it as clear as possible for me and will follow your instructions to the letter tonight.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck! Let us know how you make out and if anything needs to be clarified.
think im doing something wrong as unlocked fine but when i go to install the recovery file it keeps coming up cannot load? any ideas where im going wrong?
been at it 3 hours now lol and losing the will to live im sure its gona be something simples
fastyan said:
think im doing something wrong as unlocked fine but when i go to install the recovery file it keeps coming up cannot load? any ideas where im going wrong?
been at it 3 hours now lol and losing the will to live im sure its gona be something simples
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check to make sure that your file download is good, and that you are typing it's name correctly. Better yet, you could rename the file "recovery.img" and that will make it very easy to get it right.
On the sd card?I thought we had to put it into sdk platform tools? I have put it and renamed it onto my sd card but what is the command to flash recovery from sd card?
Also noticed once I have done "adb reboot bootloader" my computer doesn't see the XOOM properly, is in can't see it in my computer but does make a noise when I connect and disconnect is this correct? Debugging is on.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium
fastyan said:
On the sd card?I thought we had to put it into sdk platform tools? I have put it and renamed it onto my sd card but what is the command to flash recovery from sd card?
Also noticed once I have done "adb reboot bootloader" my computer doesn't see the XOOM properly, is in can't see it in my computer but does make a noise when I connect and disconnect is this correct? Debugging is on.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you're in the bootloader, you won't be able to access the SD Card or anything of that sort and adb won't work, in stead, when you're in the bootloader, you're switching over to fastboot. I'm sure if you type in fastboot devices you'll see your xoom listed.
Thank you for the reply and that's one thing sorted but any idea why its telling me "cannot load recovery"? I have tried renaming it and downloaded the recovery file 4 times incase that was wrong but still no joy :-(
I have done this all before on my phone and never had a problem so I must be missing something but f$*@ed if I know what?
Thanks again for your help though.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Just had a thought. Could it be that the XOOM hasn't actually unlocked, would that cause it to not load? Is there any way to check if its unlocked successfully? Although I did try it twice before?
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium
Once you got it in the bootloader, you gotta make sure you do fastboot oem unlock, press volume down then up, press volume down again then up again, and let it format and reboot.
If it's already unlocked, you'd get a message telling you so (generally).
Then when you go to flash the recovery, make sure that the recovery image is in the folder where fastboot is and type in fastboot flash recovery recovery.img (if I remember the syntax that is, I'm at work and don't feel like scrolling up or going into the root guide to confirm xD ).
fastyan said:
On the sd card?I thought we had to put it into sdk platform tools? I have put it and renamed it onto my sd card but what is the command to flash recovery from sd card?
Also noticed once I have done "adb reboot bootloader" my computer doesn't see the XOOM properly, is in can't see it in my computer but does make a noise when I connect and disconnect is this correct? Debugging is on.
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium[/QUOTE
No, sorry, I was trying to respond. when I was tired and distracted.I totally miswrote. Of course the cwm recovery img goes in the platform tools...thank goodness you guys are out there to catch mistakes!
So, I don't know if you had any progress, but not successfully unlocking would surely stop you in your tracks.
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Click to collapse
okantomi said:
No, sorry, I was trying to respond. when I was tired and distracted.I totally miswrote.Oof course the cwm recovery img.. goes in the platform tools...thank goodness you guys are out there to catch mistakes!
So, I don't know if you had any progress, but not successfully unlocking would surely stop you in your tracks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the way I have my system setup, I can run adb and fastboot wherever I am
No, sorry, I was trying to respond. when I was tired and distracted.I totally miswrote. Of course the cwm recovery img goes in the platform tools...thank goodness you guys are out there to catch mistakes!
So, I don't know if you had any progress, but not successfully unlocking would surely stop you in your tracks.
No progress yet as im at work but when I get home I will start the process from scratch again and see how I get on and will keep you posted.
scsa20 said:
With the way I have my system setup, I can run adb and fastboot wherever I am
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to share???
That would be helpful to many, I'm sure. We could add it to the guide, along with anything else you can think of.
fastyan said:
No, sorry, I was trying to respond. when I was tired and distracted.I totally miswrote. Of course the cwm recovery img goes in the platform tools...thank goodness you guys are out there to catch mistakes!
So, I don't know if you had any progress, but not successfully unlocking would surely stop you in your tracks.
No progress yet as im at work but when I get home I will start the process from scratch again and see how I get on and will keep you posted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If, as you follow this guide, you find any explanations that are not clear or if you think of a step to take or something else that might improve the guide, please post it and we can add it in. It's been almost 6 months since I've unlocked and at least a couple of months since I've had to use adb, so I'm sure I've forgotten some things. Those of you whose experience is fresh can give really good advice. That's how this guide was originally written, by pingvinen, right after he had gone through a grueling rooting process.
okantomi said:
Care to share???
That would be helpful to many, I'm sure. We could add it to the guide, along with anything else you can think of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For windows, if you go into System Properties and choose Advanced, then Environment Variables..., you'll be able to edit the Path variable under System variables, just add the path to where adb and fastboot is located (separated with a semi-colon (;)).
Here's what my Path variable looks like:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\NVIDIA Corporation\PhysX\Common;%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem;%SYSTEMROOT%\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\;C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Shared;c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\DTS\Binn\;C:\android-sdk-windows\tools;C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Acronis\SnapAPI\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's long but hey, see where the android stuff is near the end?
@Okantomi:
We all have learned some things from trial & error (eg.the sk cannot detect java dev kit)
i could only flash recovery after renaming it to recovery(do not forget to add.img in cmd while flashing).also the official motorola name recovery as same.
after downloading sdk and updating to platform tools i have kept a zip in safe location so that i do not need to download again platform tools if i install sdk fresh
initially knowledge was scattered now it is at one place.
right now testing steady hawkin's kernel and new recovery
btw good signature pic.
Ok so another night has gone and still can't get recovery on!! Tried re unlocking the XOOM and every time it comes up with "cannot load recovery.img" I tried installing everything on my laptop and went right from the start and getting exactly the same thing!
Starting to think im never gonna get this sorted now :-( just feels like the XOOM isn't unlocking? Every time I go through the unlocking process it never states that its already unlocked? Is there any way I can check that it is unlocked?
Please help im losing the will to live now lol
Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium
I would say to send it to me and I can take a wack at it but I don't think you want to wait that long to simply root it.
Let me ask you, are you getting any sort of error messages when you do fastboot flash recovery recovery.img? If so, what's that error message?
scsa20 said:
I would say to send it to me and I can take a wack at it but I don't think you want to wait that long to simply root it.
Let me ask you, are you getting any sort of error messages when you do fastboot flash recovery recovery.img? If so, what's that error message?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not getting any error message it just says "cannot load recovery.img"
I have tried with and without the .img and always the same?
Tried going through the whole process again on my laptop incase I had missed something but exactly the same.
When I unlock it I follow the onscreen instructions and at the end it says its complete before it reboots. Then I turn on usb debugging again and reboot bootloader all ok but won't let me load the new recovery?
Normally I would just say it wasn't meant to be and leave as it is but I wont be beaten on this so I'm purposely not installing anything on it till its done. Any ideas apart from bringing it round yours lol ;-)
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
UPDATED XOOM FLASHING GUIDE 02/02/12
I recently bought a US Xoom MZ604 and had trouble flashing it initially. I came to a realization that the newer models of Xoom reinstalls the Stock Recovery after you flash a custom Recovery (eg. CWM, Rogue Recovery etc). This is uber frustrating for newer Xoom owners, especially those who are new to the flashing community, simply because you don not know exactly what's going on.
Also, I could not find any proper, full and updated guide to flashing your Xoom. So i decided to take the initiative to do so.
WARNING: I DO NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY IF YOUR XOOM TURNS INTO A USELESS BRICK. BY FOLLOWING THIS GUIDE, YOU WILL VOID YOUR XOOM WARRANTY WITH MOTOROLA. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHILE FOLLOWING THIS GUIDE. STRICTLY FOLLOW THIS GUIDE AND I ASSURE YOU, NOTHING WOULD GO WRONG.
In order to follow this guide, you need fundamental knowledge of ADB and Fastboot for Android. Search around the forum for this knowledge.
STEP 1: Obtaining Required Materials
a.) Download the latest version of Android SDK from HERE and install it into your the root of your C: drive.
b.) Download the latest version of Java SE from HERE and install.
c.) Download and Install the latest version of Motorola USB Drivers from HERE.
STEP 2: Unlocking your Bootloader
What is a Bootloader?
In literal terms, bootloader is code that is executed before any Operating System starts to run. The concept of bootloaders is universal to virtually all Operating systems that inculcates operating systems on your PC, laptop, smartphones, and other such devices. Bootloaders basically package the instructions to boot operating system kernel and most of them also have their own debugging or modification environment. As the bootloader kicks off before any piece of software on your device, it makes it extremely processor specific and every motherboard has it’s own bootloader. Source: http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-bootloader-and-how-to-unlock-bootloader-on-android-phones-complete-guide/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) Make sure your Xoom is turned on. Connect it to your PC via USB.
2.) On your PC, open up File Explorer and Browse to:
C:\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools
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3.) In that directory, make sure nothing is selected, SHIFT+Right Click into empty space and select "Open command window here".
4.) Command Prompt will open up. Type the following command:
adb reboot bootloader
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Your XOOM will reboot into the bootloader showing "Starting Fastboot Support Protocol".
6.) Type the following command into the Command Prompt to unlock your bootloader:
fastboot oem unlock
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7.) Read the warning and follow the instructions on the Xoom Tablet itself from this point onwards. Use the Volume Down key to navigate to 'Accept' the agreement and press Volume Up to select.
8.) Once selected, your Xoom will now unlock and format itself, meaning, all data will be cleared and you will back to a factory rest.
9.) Reboot your Xoom with the following command:
fastboot reboot
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Click to collapse
10.) Exit Command Prompt.
STEP 3: Rooting your Xoom
1.) Download the latest version of "Universal Xoom Root" from this thread. Place the .ZIP file into the root of your SD card.
2. Download this version of "ClockworkMod Recovery - Modified for Motorola Xoom" and place it into this directory:
C:\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will your new Recovery. MAKE SURE THAT IT IS IN .IMG FORMAT.
2.) With your Xoom still connected to your PC, type the following commands into Command Prompt (open up using the same method as STEP 1) to install your new Recovery.
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm.img
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Click to collapse
3.) Once you have verification on your device that this has been flashed, reboot your device by holding volume up + power.
Then 3 seconds after you see the Motorola logo, hit volume down. You should now see "Android Recovery" in the top left corner. Hit volume up to boot into recovery. If you miss this window and somehow end up booting your Xoom normally, repeat from STEP 3, section 2 onwards again. DO NOT CLOSE THE COMMAND PROMPT WINDOW.
4.)To root your Xoom, please perform the following:
"install zip from sdcard" -> "Choose zip from sdcard", then select the Xoom-Universal-Root.zip file you downloaded.
Note: use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After the root flashes itself, DO NOT REBOOT YOUR XOOM!
5.) Now you have to rename the 2 notorious files, that reinstall your Stock Recovery over CWM, into a format that is unreadable by the bootloader. In the already opened Command Prompt, type the following commands:
adb remount
adb shell mv /system/recovery-from-boot.p /system/recovery-from-boot.p.old
adb shell mv /system/etc/install-recovery.sh /system/etc/install-recovery.sh.old
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6.) Reboot with CWM. Let your Xoom boot normally.
To test whether the root and flashing of CWM has been successful, type the following into your command prompt:
adb reboot recovery
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Click to collapse
If you are able to access the new Recovery, CONGRATULATIONS, you have successfully UNLOCKED & ROOTED your Xoom.
I would like to thank the Xoom Android community for your valuable commitment to into Xoom Android Development. Without you guys, the Xoom wouldn't feel much powerful in terms of usage. Also, I'd like to extend my gratitude to okantomi for his help when I first started out.
Those those experienced users of Xoom, please kindly help the newbies like me answer their questions in this thread. Could I also request the mods to sticky this thread for reference.
NOTE: For users who would like to revert to the original recovery, type the following into ADB: (tip provided by wontoniii)
adb shell mv /system/recovery-from-boot.p.old /system/recovery-from-boot.p
adb shell mv /system/etc/install-recovery.sh.old /system/etc/install-recovery.sh
adb reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reference Threads:
1.) [Recovery] ClockworkMod 3.2.0.0 (R4c) Modded for Internal media [UPDATED 10/6]
2.) [ROM][Nightly][ICS] Team Eos WiFi Nightlies (Wingray/MZ604)
3.) [Root] Universal Xoom Root - ANY XOOM ANY UPDATE
Just my opinion, I would not recommend to everybody the step3/point6 as you do it...
I would just do something like:
adb remount
adb shell mv /system/etc/install-recovery.sh /system/etc/install-recovery.sh.old
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This can be easily reverted with:
adb remount
adb shell mv /system/etc/install-recovery.sh.old /system/etc/install-recovery.sh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In case someone could want the old recovery back without flashing anything
wontoniii said:
Just my opinion, I would not recommend to everybody the step3/point6 as you do it...
I would just do something like:
This can be easily reverted with:
In case someone could want the old recovery back without flashing anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe your method is better, at least there's still a recovery to revert to in case something goes wrong. I'll add it to the guide. Thanks for the suggestion!
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
My tool can do it automatically, check on the signature LordAIOTool, and if you guys can please test and tell me the results
---------- Post added at 08:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:39 PM ----------
wontoniii said:
Just my opinion, I would not recommend to everybody the step3/point6 as you do it...
I would just do something like:
This can be easily reverted with:
In case someone could want the old recovery back without flashing anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I liked your idea too, will put on my tool (can I?)
XxLordxX said:
I liked your idea too, will put on my tool (can I?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, no prob
Thread moved to General.
This seams to be a good guide can anyone tell me if it works it is more detailed than the other guide ???? and why was it moved to general
This guide is great and easy and very updated i dont know why other people dont use it. One thing tho you should be more clear on how to reboot into recovery tell them to press volume up + power then let go then wait three seconds and after logo and press only the volume down
Having a problem with using your guide
Ok, I'm a noob. I am probably missing something simple. When I type "adb reboot bootloader" at the command prompt it says "Device not found." My Xoom is connected via USB (Same cable it came with). Xoom appears in my explorer window I can browse through the files; I even transferred files to the SD card. It is just not detected from the command prompt window when I start the unlocking procedure. Any assistance would be appreciated. Using Xoom 4G, Android 3.2.4; Windows 7
Make sure that adb debugging is checked. You can find this under Applications > Development settings.
Before you type, check if your device is listed
Code:
adb devices
This should list your device.
dstruble said:
Ok, I'm a noob. I am probably missing something simple. When I type "adb reboot bootloader" at the command prompt it says "Device not found." My Xoom is connected via USB (Same cable it came with). Xoom appears in my explorer window I can browse through the files; I even transferred files to the SD card. It is just not detected from the command prompt window when I start the unlocking procedure. Any assistance would be appreciated. Using Xoom 4G, Android 3.2.4; Windows 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kewlguru said:
Make sure that adb debugging is checked. You can find this under Applications > Development settings.
Before you type, check if your device is listed
Code:
adb devices
This should list your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That did the trick I figured it was something simple like that. Thanks for the help.
Superb Guide!
Many thanks, I spent the best part of a day trying various methods but found this to be the most n00b friendly
1 point it may be worth adding is to use adb you must have java installed on your pc, without you get error "adb.exe is not a valid win32 application"
first time root/flash rom question
Hi all..to start with sorry if im asking in the wrong place. I have a stock Xoom with an unmodded ICS I also own the Bionic. Also I have never rooted or flashed anything so I am a super noob (soon to change though).
I wated to be able to have USB host functionality and be able to have SD card read/write assess so last week I started searching Google which led me to this wonderful sight of great help. There might be too much help because after tons of reading there is more than one way to do what I want. Can someone please point me in the best way to root and which rom I should use that will give me the least about of trouble.
Thanks in advance
Don_Don said:
Hi all..to start with sorry if im asking in the wrong place. I have a stock Xoom with an unmodded ICS I also own the Bionic. Also I have never rooted or flashed anything so I am a super noob (soon to change though).
I wated to be able to have USB host functionality and be able to have SD card read/write assess so last week I started searching Google which led me to this wonderful sight of great help. There might be too much help because after tons of reading there is more than one way to do what I want. Can someone please point me in the best way to root and which rom I should use that will give me the least about of trouble.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ihave similar story m8. I spent the majority of yesterday reading and learning how to root. This is by far the easiest guide to follow to ulock and root your xoom.
I just want to correct a small error here.
In Step 6 of Step 3, you say you want to check and make sure that the new bootloader is on there correctly.
I think you mean to say check and make sure the new "Recovery" is on there and the adb command would be "adb reboot recovery".
Am I wrong? If so, please disregard.
At which point do I back up data already on Xoom? Will there be any data loss?
Don_Don said:
At which point do I back up data already on Xoom? Will there be any data loss?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to backup your data before unlocking the bootloader, which is the VERY FIRST step.
gbenj said:
I just want to correct a small error here.
In Step 6 of Step 3, you say you want to check and make sure that the new bootloader is on there correctly.
I think you mean to say check and make sure the new "Recovery" is on there and the adb command would be "adb reboot recovery".
Am I wrong? If so, please disregard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are right. Thanks for pointing that it, it could have confused some. I'll rectify that right away.
Ok so I have a question about this rooting process and I haven't seen the answer yet. My question is will this process work weather your xoom is running ICS or HC?
TADitto said:
Ok so I have a question about this rooting process and I haven't seen the answer yet. My question is will this process work weather your xoom is running ICS or HC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this process will work regardless of your OS.
So I was randomly flying around on Google today, and I noticed that someone had claimed to root the Kobo Arc, and gave written instructions here -- http : // www . mobileread . com / forums / showthread.php?p=2584491 (Remove the spaces, XDA won't let me post an actual link, since I don't have 10 posts yet). After running through this myself, I went on the Google Play store and used root checker. Much to my surprise, it worked, and my device now has root access. I even tested with Root Explorer, and mounted the system partition as R/W, and I can move things in and out of it. I'm currently working on trying to get a custom ROM working, but I'm worried that I will cause a brick, since Cyanogen doesn't support the Arc. (yet...)
ThunderBird2678 said:
So I was randomly flying around on Google today, and I noticed that someone had claimed to root the Kobo Arc, and gave written instructions here -- http : // www . mobileread . com / forums / showthread.php?p=2584491 (Remove the spaces, XDA won't let me post an actual link, since I don't have 10 posts yet). After running through this myself, I went on the Google Play store and used root checker. Much to my surprise, it worked, and my device now has root access. I even tested with Root Explorer, and mounted the system partition as R/W, and I can move things in and out of it. I'm currently working on trying to get a custom ROM working, but I'm worried that I will cause a brick, since Cyanogen doesn't support the Arc. (yet...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
confirmed, was just going to post this but was beaten to it.
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218928
ive attached the file but please go to that website and pay homage to whoever did this work...now to the next stop, a ROM
Device now has a working custom recovery see post 15
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app
dazza9075 said:
confirmed, was just going to post this but was beaten to it.
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218928
In terms of a ROM do we not need a compatible boot loader that will allow unsigned ROMs?
ive attached the file but please go to that website and pay homage to whoever did this work...now to find a man about a ROM
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have absolutely no idea what im doing but I think I have dumped 12 partitions using
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p10 of=/sdcard/p10.img
is there anyone around that fancies a challenge? im in a position where bricking this thing isn't really much of a problem so if someones up for a challenge and wants to help im willing to lend myself and the device to this
Warning : Block of Text Ahead.
dazza9075 said:
confirmed, was just going to post this but was beaten to it.
In terms of a ROM do we not need a compatible boot loader that will allow unsigned ROMs?
ive attached the file but please go to that website and pay homage to whoever did this work...now to find a man about a ROM
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha. As soon as I found a thread called "root the Kobo Arc" on Google, I posted it here right away. Sorry if I deprived you of the satisfaction! *troll*
Joking aside, I'm not too sure about the bootloader. I think it's pretty locked down (since I put a nexus 7's cyanogenmod onto the data partition and rebooted. It tried to updated, but said validation failed, or something of that sort). I can't install any custom recoveries either, since I have no idea how to do it in the first place, and there's none made for the Arc.
Also, I analyzed the Arc with the "Droid Examiner" App from the play store (That is a really great app, just so you know), and found that it uses a board called "zeus". The funny thing, though, is that one of Sony's Xperia phones, also has a board called "Zeus", and there's Cyanogenmod for that (albiet not the latest version). However, these two devices have nothing in common. The closest thing to an Arc that has Cyanogenmod is the Nook HD/HD+, which uses the exact same chip (OMAP TI 4470).
If someone is smart enough (not me) to analyze the Cyanogenmod files for the Nook, and see how they work, that may lead into flashing the Arc.
Anyway, I'm resetting the Arc, since I'm having weird cases where the Arc would freeze after booting it from sleep mode, and I'd have to turn it off and on again. I think that was something else I did, since it happened before the root, but neh, I might as well try this all from factory default settings.
Sorry for the block of text, guys!
P.S. Using the stock Jelly Bean boot animation on the Arc looks amazing!:laugh:
Haha, its cool, like yourself I just happened to Google kobo arc root and for once my googe fu was up to the task and the root appeared
I've been looking at starting my own recovery mod branch but its no simple task by the looks of it, if their are similar devices we can use all their data and tweak it to ours which would help a lot!
Oh I think we have fast boot, I held vol down and pushed power on, it just sat at the kobo arc screen, I used the nexus 7 driver from the universal adb/fastboot driver I found on here and it connected up http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2263822
I stumbled on some to good to be true program on Xda dev that apparently can root anything and unlock any bootloader once your in fastboot mode. I have tried that part and it said it was successful but i have no idea how to test this out yet, the program does a bunch of other stuff too, the adb stuff worked as did apk sending, and the rooting options knew i was rooted, it also has flashing functions, I'll be damed if I can find it now I'm at home though , I'll have another look.
I don't mind doing leg work but if someone can read the map it would be very helpful!
Edit, found it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2399385
http://www.mediafire.com/?vwxpq62pa927s9c
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app
dazza9075 said:
Haha, its cool, like yourself I just happened to Google kobo arc root and for once my googe fu was up to the task and the root appeared
I've been looking at starting my own recovery mod branch but its no simple task by the looks of it, if their are similar devices we can use all their data and tweak it to ours which would help a lot!
Oh I think we have fast boot, I held vol down and pushed power on, it just sat at the kobo arc screen, I used the nexus 7 driver from the universal adb/fastboot driver I found on here and it connected up http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2263822
I stumbled on some to good to be true program on Xda dev that apparently can root anything and unlock any bootloader once your in fastboot mode. I have tried that part and it said it was successful but i have no idea how to test this out yet, the program does a bunch of other stuff too, the adb stuff worked as did apk sending, and the rooting options knew i was rooted, it also has flashing functions, I'll be damed if I can find it now I'm at home though , I'll have another look.
I don't mind doing leg work but if someone can read the map it would be very helpful!
Edit, found it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2399385
http://www.mediafire.com/?vwxpq62pa927s9c
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um... Okay. I've installed the drivers (I think I installed them correctly), and I booted my device using "volume down + power". I have it connected to my System, but whenever I try to use one of the options in the Android Root Toolkit, it tells me it's waiting for the device. I don't know what I did wrong, but something's clearly not working.
As far as the recovery goes, I think that looking at the Nook Tablet from TWRP would work quite nicely. It runs on a similar processor ( I believe it's a OMAP TI 4430 ), and it seems to be quite similar in specs to the Arc. If only I was a bit better at programming...
ThunderBird2678 said:
Um... Okay. I've installed the drivers (I think I installed them correctly), and I booted my device using "volume down + power". I have it connected to my System, but whenever I try to use one of the options in the Android Root Toolkit, it tells me it's waiting for the device. I don't know what I did wrong, but something's clearly not working.
As far as the recovery goes, I think that looking at the Nook Tablet from TWRP would work quite nicely. It runs on a similar processor ( I believe it's a OMAP TI 4430 ), and it seems to be quite similar in specs to the Arc. If only I was a bit better at programming...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im usig the generic android adb driver and the bootloader driver for fast boot
im dumped all partitions and mapped them all out, see below for file system details
But again I'm blindly stabbing in the dark and most tutorials are a bit lacking in depth or not relevant to the kobo :/
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app
127|[email protected]:/ # blkid
/dev/block/dm-2: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/dm-1: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/dm-0: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/mmcblk0p12: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/mmcblk0p11: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/mmcblk0p10: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/mmcblk0p4: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
[email protected]:/ #
Okay, so I can't even push apps to the Arc using ADB. I think you have to boot into recovery (power + volume up). I don't know how to use the terminal at all (I'm lost, I know D: ), so I don't have that installed on the Arc. I remember being able to do ADB even with my Sony Reader (First gen, PRST1), so I'm not sure why the Arc isn't quite working. I have both drivers installed, BTW.
As for the recovery, I can't even find a method to flash it. I'm still trying everything I can, though. :\
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app
ive mapped out the following partitions and any info ive found about each of them, im not in a position to help at the moment, got a big day at work tomorrow, as mentioned above ive used several tools,
SuperSU,
ROM toolbox pro
busybox
remount
Below is a list of all the available partition names and numbers
/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 xloader
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/xloader
348KB
/dev/block/mmcblk0p2 bootloader
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/bootloader
1.50MB
/dev/block/mmcblk0p3 cypto
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/crypto
Completely empty
64KB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p4 EFS
Mounted as /FACTORY
/dev/block/mmcblk0p4:UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/efs /factory ext4 ro,relatime,barrier=1,data=ordered 0 0
20MB
/dev/block/mmcblk0p5 misc
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/misc
Completely empty
128KB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p6 Bootlogo
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/bootlogo
Contains kobo arc picture
4MB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p7 Logos
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/logos
contains the battery charge logo
28MB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p8 recovery
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/recovery
data contains a GZ file, when decompressed we get a 8.5MB file of unknown type, exact same as in boot
5MB of data
16MB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p9 boot
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/boot
data contains a GZ file, when decompressed we get a 8.5MB file of unknown type, exact same as n recovery
4.5MB of data
8MB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p10 CACHE
Mounted as /CACHE
/dev/block/mmcblk0p10: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/cache /cache ext4
rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,errors=panic,barrier=1,nom blk_io_submit,data=ordered 0
0
768MB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p11 SYSTEM
Mounted as /SYSTEM
/dev/block/mmcblk0p11: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/system /system ext4
rw,relatime,barrier=1,data=ordered 0 0
910MB partition size
/dev/block/mmcblk0p12 USERDATA
Mounted as /DATA
/dev/block/mmcblk0p12: UUID="57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/userdata /data ext4
rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,errors=panic,barrier=1,nom blk_io_submit,data=ordered 0
0
12GB partition size
Watching with interest. The root works. No frills CPU installed and working. There may be hope for this thing yet:good:
Moved to new thread and more appropriate forum - keep up the good work guys
im not sure that's going to work you know, ive had some permission errors with adb which suggests the root isn't full, terminal on the device works fine, but adb just has some problems, adb shell and the su seems to fix them.
http://www.gadgetsdna.com/android-terminal-adb-shell-command-list/1168/
http://www.addictivetips.com/android/make-nandroid-backups-on-android-without-booting-into-recovery/
im busy today but ive found these useful
i think Clockwork Recovery should be our focus at this point or if you have dumped your partitions(?) attempt to construct a rom for later use
or this should work too
Install any Custom Recovery with flash_image:
Just like the previous method, this method also requires following advanced steps and is not recommended if the first method is working for you. flash_image is a tool for Android devices that lets you rewrite your phone’s system partitions with partition image files and installing it to your device requires ADB. If you don’t already have ADB installed, check out our guide on installing ADB. Once you have ADB installed, flash the custom recovery image as follows:
WARNING: It is very important that the recovery image that you use in this method is compatible with your device. Else it will not work and flashing it could possibly brick your device.
Download flash_image and extract it from the zip file to a location on your computer. We extracted it to the main C drive (not in any folder) and will use that in the next steps.
Copy the recovery image for your phone to a convenient location on your computer, preferably with a short path. We will be placing it on the C Drive directly (not in any folder) and using that in the next steps.
Note: The recovery image should have .img extension. If it is in a zip file, extract the .img file from it.
Enable USB debugging mode on your device from Menu > Settings > Applications > Development.
Connect your device to your computer via USB.
Open a Command Prompt window on your computer and enter the following commands: adb push c:\flash_image /sdcard/adb push c:\recovery.img /sdcard/adb shellsumount -o remount, rw /systemcp /sdcard/flash_image /system/bincd /system/binchmod 777 flash_imageflash_image recovery /sdcard/recovery.imgThis will first transfer flash_image and recovery.img to your phone. Then it will copy flash_image to the /system/bin folder of your Android device and make it executable. Finally, it will flash the custom recovery image to your device using flash_image.
Note that we used c:\flash_image and c:\recovery.img in the first two lines as we had these files extracted at the root of our C drive. If you extracted the files elsewhere, use the appropriate paths and if your recovery image has a different name, use the appropriate name.
Reboot your device once the process is finished and you’re done. You may exit adb and the Command Prompt window on your computer by entering ‘exit’ thrice.
dazza9075 said:
im not sure that's going to work you know, ive had some permission errors with adb which suggests the root isn't full, terminal on the device works fine, but adb just has some problems, adb shell and the su seems to fix them.
http://www.gadgetsdna.com/android-terminal-adb-shell-command-list/1168/
http://www.addictivetips.com/android/make-nandroid-backups-on-android-without-booting-into-recovery/
im busy today but ive found these useful
i think Clockwork Recovery should be our focus at this point or if you have dumped your partitions(?) attempt to construct a rom for later use
or this should work too
Install any Custom Recovery with flash_image:
Just like the previous method, this method also requires following advanced steps and is not recommended if the first method is working for you. flash_image is a tool for Android devices that lets you rewrite your phone’s system partitions with partition image files and installing it to your device requires ADB. If you don’t already have ADB installed, check out our guide on installing ADB. Once you have ADB installed, flash the custom recovery image as follows:
WARNING: It is very important that the recovery image that you use in this method is compatible with your device. Else it will not work and flashing it could possibly brick your device.
Download flash_image and extract it from the zip file to a location on your computer. We extracted it to the main C drive (not in any folder) and will use that in the next steps.
Copy the recovery image for your phone to a convenient location on your computer, preferably with a short path. We will be placing it on the C Drive directly (not in any folder) and using that in the next steps.
Note: The recovery image should have .img extension. If it is in a zip file, extract the .img file from it.
Enable USB debugging mode on your device from Menu > Settings > Applications > Development.
Connect your device to your computer via USB.
Open a Command Prompt window on your computer and enter the following commands: adb push c:\flash_image /sdcard/adb push c:\recovery.img /sdcard/adb shellsumount -o remount, rw /systemcp /sdcard/flash_image /system/bincd /system/binchmod 777 flash_imageflash_image recovery /sdcard/recovery.imgThis will first transfer flash_image and recovery.img to your phone. Then it will copy flash_image to the /system/bin folder of your Android device and make it executable. Finally, it will flash the custom recovery image to your device using flash_image.
Note that we used c:\flash_image and c:\recovery.img in the first two lines as we had these files extracted at the root of our C drive. If you extracted the files elsewhere, use the appropriate paths and if your recovery image has a different name, use the appropriate name.
Reboot your device once the process is finished and you’re done. You may exit adb and the Command Prompt window on your computer by entering ‘exit’ thrice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already tried that recovery method (I spent about two hours just googling), and it doesn't work with the Arc. The ADB won't let me push the image over.
As for Cyanogenmod, I tried something yesterday. A person on the Mobileread forums (apparently a Kobo employee) put out an update.zip file for the Kobo Arc. The file was quite old, and it's really just the 4.1.1 update that (I hope) we're all running. He said that as long as you put it on the root of the data partition, the Arc will flash it immediately. When I tried taking a Nexus 7's Cyanogenmod file and sticking it in the same place, the Arc started flashing it, but then just said there was an error with the update. So I personally think that you do require a properly signed ROM.
However, if you open up Kobo's update.zip using Winrar, a sidebar pops up that says "signed by SignApk". I don't know too much about this, but couldn't we use this "signapk" to sign our own ROMS and flash them?
Just a thought.
ThunderBird2678 said:
As for Cyanogenmod, I tried something yesterday. A person on the Mobileread forums (apparently a Kobo employee) put out an update.zip file for the Kobo Arc. The file was quite old, and it's really just the 4.1.1 update that (I hope) we're all running. He said that as long as you put it on the root of the data partition, the Arc will flash it immediately. When I tried taking a Nexus 7's Cyanogenmod file and sticking it in the same place, the Arc started flashing it, but then just said there was an error with the update. So I personally think that you do require a properly signed ROM.
However, if you open up Kobo's update.zip using Winrar, a sidebar pops up that says "signed by SignApk". I don't know too much about this, but couldn't we use this "signapk" to sign our own ROMS and flash them?
Just a thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there is a problem with the setup, I just flashed a CW recovery image and it worked, or didn't rather! but the concept did, transferred, flashed using adb, I had to replace it though as it was totally borked and kept restarting, apparently the touch based recovery methods can be like that, ill have some good time tomorrow night (UK time) if your about, and ill keep at it tonight if I get a chance!
copy recovery to adb location
adb push recovery.img /sdcard/
adb shell
su
cat /sdcard/recovery.img > /dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/recovery
exit adb shell and type
adb reboot recovery
fixed it by holding power button and vol down to boot to fastboot recovery
then ran
fastboot flash recovery inputrecovery.img
inputrecovery being my original recovery file taken from partition 8!
ive updated the partition map on the post above with my progress, but it looks like we can flash to them my name so its probably less relevant now
oh ive ditched the drivers I was using and reinstalled the drivers from the official SDK, generic android adb for within android and android bootloader for fastboot
EDIT
Yaaas!! recovery replaced
ok, deleting or renaming /etc/install-recover.sh appears to have stopped custom recovery being changed back to stock after reboot, I used the recovery builder to make a build from partition 8, which it did without error, flashed using the above commands.
Still don't know what im doing though, but progress is progress
ill post a link to the custom recovery ive made soon, we need to make up some fstab file listing all the mounts etc, i tried one but it must be borked as recovery couldnt see anything
ok i have a working recovery http://jenkins.cyanogenmod.com/job/recovery/35325/artifact/
its not quite done, i need to mount the sdcard, its physical location is mounted, ie /data, but its virtual mount isn't /storage/sdcard
I have asked for some help so hopefully someone can help be on this, I think it needs to be symlinked
im going to need some help soon, so if your reading this with a kobo arc, I need you! im needing a hand folks! if your stuck getting this far let me know and we can PM to get it working
oh and recovery is also now persistant by deleting or renaming /etc/install-recover.sh"
Sorted folks!
I have made a stable and thus far, a working custom recovery.
its mounting everything and backing up / restoring works as it should, unless anyone can find any issues I consider this step in building a complete ROM completed,
you must have root, download arctic.apk and install on your tablet, you will need to enable unknown sources In dev options first
you must have android and java sdk also installed, you will need to add the google usb drivers in the android sdk, you will find them in the "extras"
Enable usb debug on the arc and install the generic google adb usb drivers
Delete or rename /etc/install-recover.sh this will make the custom recovery persistent
Copy the recovery.img to the SDCard, either by using drag and drop in windows ( to root of "internal storage") or by adb push, if you use adb push then remember to copy recovery.img to the same folder as adb
adb push recovery.img /sdcard/
The next job is to open up a command window and navigate to adb folder, type the following exactly, even better copy and paste them!
adb shell
su
cat /sdcard/recovery.img > /dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/by-name/recovery
exit adb shell (ctrl+C) and type
adb reboot recovery
and bobs your uncle, one happy new recovery
Thanks for your hard work. Everything works quite well.
Sent from my Arc using Tapatalk 4
cancuck said:
Thanks for your hard work. Everything works quite well.
Sent from my Arc using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's the easy bit, I have a feeling I need to make a couple of changes to the recovery.img but noting major, just a couple of other mounts I may have missed
I probably would like some help with the next bit however.
im just trying to build a development platform, I have a loathing for Linux as a desktop so will need to re educate myself without throwing my laptop out of the window, after that "challenge" the ROM should be easy
Well, I've just done it, and it works. Everything seems to be in order for the time being. I'm going to muck around with the new capabilities, and see what I can do.
Hello! Just upgraded from the Galaxy S2 and want to make some changes to Lollipop on my new-fangled S5. I have stock deodexed lollipop and knox at 0x0 and would like to keep it there. I have been looking and looking but haven't found anything on the following yet that has been helpful:
1. I've modded some of my apks according to the instructions of the guides I'm following but I can't adb push the modded apks back to my phone like I used to. I keep getting permission denied. The instructions in this thread used to work for my S2 but not with my S5. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to overcome this issue?
2. Can I create and install my own updated.zip files to install through stock recovery without tripping knox?
4. I've also found guides for other TW devices that I like. I haven't had much time yet to try them for my S5 but does anyone have any thoughts they would like to share on "converting" a guide from the Note 3 to the S5? (obvi a modding a file like SecMms.apk or something)
I can answer only nr. 2 for now:
The answer is no, you can't install anything with stock recovery, you must have custom recovery to install something and installing a custom recovery will trip Knox flag.
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Akalsemann said:
I can answer only nr. 2 for now:
The answer is no, you can't install anything with stock recovery, you must have custom recovery to install something and installing a custom recovery will trip Knox flag.
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. So, if I'm making some mods to my stock ROM then I have to figure out how to push apks through adb so that I can restore backups of my original files if something doesn't work quite right because I can't make an update.zip file and install it though stock recovery without tripping knox. Well shoot.
Canyon30 said:
Thanks for the info. So, if I'm making some mods to my stock ROM then I have to figure out how to push apks through adb so that I can restore backups of my original files if something doesn't work quite right because I can't make an update.zip file and install it though stock recovery without tripping knox. Well shoot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spent a lot of hours trying to find a way to get it to work with stock recovery but it won't stock recovery blocks ADB once you boot into it, it will only allow access through ADB sideload and that won't let you access system apks, the only way you will get it to work is using a custom recovery like TWRP which will trip knox.
You don't need to use all the ADB commands if you have Android SDK installed.
On your phone go to settings and developer options, then plug your phone into you PC go to SDK / Tools folder, you will see a file monitor.bat, click it a wait for it to load. it is slow so be patient once the window opens make sure at the top DDMS is selected and the File Explorer tab, your phone should be visible on the left, in developer options on your phone untick USB debugging, then tick it again, click OK then next you should get a message to allow access to your computer, tick always then OK, the root directory will appear on the right.
You will see little black icons to the top right one of them is the pull function so you click the apk you want to pull click the pull icon and extract it to the folder you want, to put an apk back just drag and drop it form the folder to the exact same location as the apk you want to replace, you will find it far easier than typing out the adb commands all the time, but you will need a custom recovery to do the modding and changing the apk on the phone as you need to be in recovery mode to replace them and you need to use the custom recovery to mount the system otherwise they wont install.
ag4751 said:
I spent a lot of hours trying to find a way to get it to work with stock recovery but it won't stock recovery blocks ADB once you boot into it, it will only allow access through ADB sideload and that won't let you access system apks, the only way you will get it to work is using a custom recovery like TWRP which will trip knox.
You don't need to use all the ADB commands if you have Android SDK installed.
On your phone go to settings and developer options, then plug your phone into you PC go to SDK / Tools folder, you will see a file monitor.bat, click it a wait for it to load. it is slow so be patient once the window opens make sure at the top DDMS is selected and the File Explorer tab, your phone should be visible on the left, in developer options on your phone untick USB debugging, then tick it again, click OK then next you should get a message to allow access to your computer, tick always then OK, the root directory will appear on the right.
You will see little black icons to the top right one of them is the pull function so you click the apk you want to pull click the pull icon and extract it to the folder you want, to put an apk back just drag and drop it form the folder to the exact same location as the apk you want to replace, you will find it far easier than typing out the adb commands all the time, but you will need a custom recovery to do the modding and changing the apk on the phone as you need to be in recovery mode to replace them and you need to use the custom recovery to mount the system otherwise they wont install.
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Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the information! Not what I was hoping to hear but such is life, again thank you! I'm wondering though, is it possible to use a root browser to copy and past apks to/from /system/priv-app? Granted if I mess up a mod I might be SOL and have to odin back my stock deodexed ROM...
Canyon30 said:
I'm wondering though, is it possible to use a root browser to copy and past apks to/from /system/priv-app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is but personally never a way I would do it, I think you need to root your phone to do this as well though but not sure as I have never done it like that, download ES File Explorer from Play Store and use that.
I rooted my tablet by using king root but I don't know what to do for android. Can someone tell me how to do that. I'm in the latest version and using windows computer
Practically said:
I rooted my tablet by using king root but I don't know what to do for android. Can someone tell me how to do that. I'm in the latest version and using windows computer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait - I responded to a PM and directed you to the appropriate thread. Please check your mail and proceed accordingly. The HDX forums have a wealth of information that should allow you to unlock your device and install a custom ROM with minimal effort.
Thanks for answer @Davey126 I red your mail but I still have some questions. I bought this tablet yesterday and this is my very first Android experience. I got how to root and unlock my device but I don't know the rest I mean is there any thread for very beginners ?
Practically said:
Thanks for answer @Davey126 I red your mail but I still have some questions. I bought this tablet yesterday and this is my very first Android experience. I got how to root and unlock my device but I don't know the rest I mean is there any thread for very beginners ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your device is currently unlocked you should be able to launch a custom recovery environment called TWRP. That's where most device maintenance is performed such as installing different versions of 'android' otherwise known as custom ROMs. Try this:
- power off device
- press and hold <power>+<vol-up> until Kindle Fire logo appears
- immediatlely release power button followed by volume 1-2 seconds later
- wait a few more seconds for next screen to appear
- what happens?
To exit recovery mode long press power until device shuts off. A short press will start the device normally.
Your response will determine next steps. If TWRP is present you're just a few steps away from installing a custom ROM. If stock Amazon recovery appears (just two options) then there is more work to be done.
Davey126 said:
If your device is currently unlocked you should be able to launch a custom recovery environment called TWRP. That's where most device maintenance is performed such as installing different versions of 'android' otherwise known as custom ROMs. Try this:
- power off device
- press and hold <power>+<vol-up> until Kindle Fire logo appears
- immediatlely release power button followed by volume 1-2 seconds later
- wait a few more seconds for next screen to appear
- what happens?
To exit recovery mode long press power until device shuts off. A short press will start the device normally.
Your response will determine next steps. If TWRP is present you're just a few steps away from installing a custom ROM. If stock Amazon recovery appears (just two options) then there is more work to be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont get this mean
Run:
Code:
adb shell
su
dd if=/sdcard/twrp_cubed.img of=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/recovery
dd if=/sdcard/aboot_vuln.mbn of=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/aboot
how can i run this
Practically said:
I dont get this mean
Run:
Code:
adb shell
su
dd if=/sdcard/twrp_cubed.img of=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/recovery
dd if=/sdcard/aboot_vuln.mbn of=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/aboot
how can i run this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm stuck at waiting for any device screen and there is fastboot text on my tablet
Practically said:
I dont get this mean
Run:
Code:
adb shell
su
dd if=/sdcard/twrp_cubed.img of=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/recovery
dd if=/sdcard/aboot_vuln.mbn of=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/aboot
how can i run this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Windows Dos prompt
Practically said:
I'm stuck at waiting for any device screen and there is fastboot text on my tablet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your driver not installed properly. Pls just follow my thread tips.
@kkcheong sorry for bother you just to clarify my situation. I rooted my tablet and spent 8 hours yesterday to unlock it but couldn't. First of all code_generator.bat works fine it creates unlock.code file. however When i apply the unlock bat I got an error on my tablet screen which says unlock code is not correct. Can you help me about what to do by explaining to very very very noob person. Another issue is i cant copy the 2 files to root folder i tried es browser and root browser.
1. I think your ADB driver not properly install. Check your Hardware Device in your windows for ADB. If no such ADB in your Hardware means you have install ADB properly
2. You cannot copy to root? You maybe need to enable R/W with root explorer or es explorer root.
Practically said:
@kkcheong sorry for bother you just to clarify my situation. I rooted my tablet and spent 8 hours yesterday to unlock it but couldn't. First of all code_generator.bat works fine it creates unlock.code file. however When i apply the unlock bat I got an error on my tablet screen which says unlock code is not correct. Can you help me about what to do by explaining to very very very noob person. Another issue is i cant copy the 2 files to root folder i tried es browser and root browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Practically said:
@kkcheong sorry for bother you just to clarify my situation. I rooted my tablet and spent 8 hours yesterday to unlock it but couldn't. First of all code_generator.bat works fine it creates unlock.code file. however When i apply the unlock bat I got an error on my tablet screen which says unlock code is not correct. Can you help me about what to do by explaining to very very very noob person. Another issue is i cant copy the 2 files to root folder i tried es browser and root browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Suspect vulnerable bootloader (and cubed TWRP) have not been installed as outlined in step #2 of the unlock thread OP.
I can transfer the two file to root folder. Now what should I do. Sorry for long questions but I have limited opportunity for using a computer since I don't have. I use friend of mine's. I want to make sure I got every step correctly. In the post I can do generate code thing. I successfully generate unlock.code file but the whe I write adb shell in cmd I got error something like adb is not recognised. Do you have any idea of any script file that do these things automatically.
So
Step 1 Done
Two files was copied to root folder
But stuck at code thing. Btw I don't have any driver issue since I can enable fastboot and get Unock code is wrong error
Practically said:
I can transfer the two file to root folder. Now what should I do. Sorry for long questions but I have limited opportunity for using a computer since I don't have. I use friend of mine's. I want to make sure I got every step correctly. In the post I can do generate code thing. I successfully generate unlock.code file but the whe I write adb shell in cmd I got error something like adb is not recognised. Do you have any idea of any script file that do these things automatically.
So
Step 1 Done
Two files was copied to root folder
But stuck at code thing. Btw I don't have any driver issue since I can enable fastboot and get Unock code is wrong error
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to access the device via adb to issue the commands listed in step #2 of the unlock post:
- boot into FireOS and unlock device
- enable USB debugging from the FireOS settings menu (Google if you need help finding it)
- tether device; you may get an authorization prompt on device (look for it)
- there may be a notification indicating device is connected in 'charge mode'; switch it to 'file transfer' also known as 'MTP'
- open a Windows command prompt and navigate to folder where adb/fastboot commands live
- issue commands referenced in above post
If the host you are using does have (or you can't find) adb/fastboot installing the following package may be beneficial: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42407269&postcount=1