Database Develop

[TEST]CAUSES of MICROSD FLASH PROBLEMS

BACKGROUND:
Many people (including me) can't flash ROM from microSD card
AIM:
To help identify possible causes of the flashing errors with the microSD card method
METHODS:
Method: A trial and error test was conducted on my X1
Variables: 1) Brand: Sandisk, Kingston and unbranded cards 2) Capacity: 1 GB and 2 GB cards 3) Format: FAT32 or non-FAT32 (other format)
Endpoints: Flash successful or Flash not successful
Total cards tested: 6
Write lock: released
RESULTS:
FLASH NOT SUCCESSFUL: All cards when non-FAT32 formatted
FLASH NOT SUCCESSFUL: All cards when brand = Kingston
FLASH SUCCESSFUL: All FAT32 cards from Sandisk brand or unbranded
CONCLUSIONS:
Seems like most of the problems reported could be due to 1) non-FAT32 format or B) Kingston brand cards
COMMENTS:
Conlcusions can not be extrapolated to all Kingston cards because I tested only two Kingston cards and both were 2GB. Possible confusing factors could be considered
PLEASE SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE to add more input

I have never withnessed any problem.
1GB 2GB 6GB 8GB 16GB..
Havn't tried 4GB yet.

xmoo said:
I have never withnessed any problem.
1GB 2GB 6GB 8GB 16GB..
Havn't tried 4GB yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any of these was kingston ??

Works like a charm on 8gb microSDHC from Sandisk.
Always use sandisk, best memcards on the market atm.

gtrab said:
Any of these was kingston ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, all of them were Sandisk.

I have a 8GB kingston here, no problem with the microSD flash method.

never even seen a kingston microsd..

fards said:
never even seen a kingston microsd..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
heh really?
http://www.kingston.com/flash/sdhc_micro.asp
My 8GB is class 4 but I have no prob writing at 6MB+. Made in Japan too.

outie said:
heh really?
http://www.kingston.com/flash/sdhc_micro.asp
My 8GB is class 4 but I have no prob writing at 6MB+. Made in Japan too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seriously, but then admittedly I've not looked very hard
I've promised to be a quick website for someone in exchange for a 32gb card at somepoint, but I guess they aren't in the wild yet..

outie said:
I have a 8GB kingston here, no problem with the microSD flash method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yours is Kingston "SDHC" 8GB
My cards are "normal" SD 2GB
There could be a difference...
MORE USER EXPERIENCES PLEASE ???

what about the various errors? "no image file" appears to be default - could be worth loggin these too.

No luck with the 2G Sandisk MicroSD that came with my phone.
Only tried FAT32, but tried renaming card (and not) too - just in case.

Ctrl+A said:
No luck with the 2G Sandisk MicroSD that came with my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you format to FAT32 ?? (PS: choose "default block size)

@ gtrab - connection lagging. tried editing original message when saw already posted, so changed it - oh the web we weave
what do you mean by choose default "block size"?

@gtrab - OK penny just dropped - you refer to default allocation size of card - cool, will try next time as did not even open that drop down option.
cheers.

Ctrl+A said:
@ gtrab ...
what do you mean by choose default "block size"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Remove micro SD card from phone
(I assume you have a SD slot or a USB card reader on your PC)- Insert the card with SD adapter on your PC
- Open Windows File Explorer
- All drives are shown on "My PC"
- Right click over the SD card drive (mine is "E:")
- Choose "format"
- A dialog box pops up (see attachment, mine is spanish but should give you an idea)
- From "file system" choose "FAT32"
- From "block size" choose "default block size"
- DONT CHECK THE "QUICK FORMAT BOX
If this doesn't work, then try ANOTHER SD card from another brand

no prob with kingston 8 gb card

transcend 8gb class 6 doesnt work, gonna buy another tomorrow..

I have a 4GB Kingston Micro SDHC and that has never once let me perform an upgrade via the SD flash method.
Also I tend to have serious problems getting UC to work at all, and when it does start to work the process is never completed successfully. I just end up manually installing everything.
Have been planning on getting a Scandisk card for a while, might have to invest before my next rom upgrade!

Kingston
here's my experience:
My phone is an X1i that comes with a 2GB Kingston.
Ive used this card for flashing for 5 times already and
never encountered any errors.
i used to always format my card to fat32 with the default allocation size
everytime im going to flash a new rom. all succesful with no hang-ups.
heres whats labeled in front of my card:
SD-CO2G JAPAN
SDC/2GB 35
so, my card is not a SDHC?

Flashing from SD. How to? Problem!!

I'm trying to flash my HD with a custom rom.
I save the om image file in the root of my sd card with name: blacimg.nbh
I turn power off, press volume down and turn power on!
The HD always say: No image file, and it goes to bootloader (tricolor screen).
I flash it using my pc with no problem, but i prefer to flash it by SD card.
What am i doing wrong?
Any help please.

Try renaming to BLACIMG.NBH
I think that will help

If you have named the file correctly BLACIMG.NBH and still doesn't work then your memory card is not compatible. Some memory cards work while some don't. No problems with Sandisk here.

I've already tried with: BLACIMG.NBH, blacimg.nbh or BLACIMG.nbh
Always the same.
The card is the one that come with my HD. A Transcend MicroSD HC 8gb.

Try to change sd, i have the same problem,and same sd, after change, work wery well. Coincidence?

Ok, I have the same problem and I find solution. SD card should be formated in FAT32. You can format it on your PC card reader.
P.S. and don't forget backup your card before formatting!

My SD is already in fat32.

Same problem with me... with the file in the root and tried with all different names and still doesn't work.
But the strangest thing about it is that the first time I tried, it worked perfectly!
My card is also a Transcend HC 8gb

Transcend sd card is the problem try a sandisk or an another

I tried to flash it with another SD.
I used a 2gb Kingston.
Same thing: Image not file, and got to bootloader !!!

Compra um Sandisk 8GB SDHC e acaba-se esses problemas... Também os tive com o Transcend de origem e com o Kingston.
The only way without problems is... Sandisk

u are using USPL when flashing via PC?
all i can guess is ur device is not HSPL...

xenocide976 said:
u are using USPL when flashing via PC?
all i can guess is ur device is not HSPL...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, with HSPL even a fake 8GB Sandisk Made in China can do thi simple flash, I hate open the cover to Reset, though.

Does anyone know how to format the SD from within the HD?

With Resco Explorer per example... but is better format in FAT32 in PC with a card adaptor...

hi guys i try to flash my hd from sd too and it found nbh file on white screen it write loading and then stay like that can someone help

I have same problem with 1Gb PNY. (FAT32 formated)
With my 8Gb Sandisk, it is the same.
I precise that this is stock ROM. No HPL done yet.
Can we avoid HPL with SD card rom flash ?
-------------------
Solution : I just got it.
If I use the USPL first, then everything goes fine !
SD card ROM flash works only if HSPL or USPL has been used.

BlackstoneCustomRuu.exe has to be on your sd-card, along with blacimg.nbh

jacare said:
Same problem with me... with the file in the root and tried with all different names and still doesn't work.
But the strangest thing about it is that the first time I tried, it worked perfectly!
My card is also a Transcend HC 8gb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same with me. I flashed 3 or 4 different roms and it worked fine, but now it doesnt work anymore. I always get no image file.

germaansboefje said:
BlackstoneCustomRuu.exe has to be on your sd-card, along with blacimg.nbh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really? I've flashed my phone fromvSD about 15vtimes and custom RUU

Can't flash with 8gb card

Hey guys, i've got a 8gb Apacer card. I've installed successfully the HardSPL (it shows Olinex's name), i've downloaded Smaberg's latest rom, which is already renamed. I'm taking off the battery and then putting it back, i'm pressing the volume down key and at the same time the power button. It takes me to the 3 color screen but it stays stuck to "Serial" which is written down on the 3 color screen.
Am i doing something wrong?
Bill

Which is the filesystem of your SD Card?
Have you renamed the ROM with this name: kovsimg.nbh?

[email protected] said:
Which is the filesystem of your SD Card?
Have you renamed the ROM with this name: kovsimg.nbh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I formatted it with FAT32,
Yup ROM is already renamed to kovsimg.nbh
Can't understand why it stucks to 3 color screen when it says down to the screen "Serial".

U not press volume down long enough
start again

I pressed it for 3 minutes and still stucks to serial screen.

Is the nbh file at the SDcard root?

Yeah it is. I have some other files too at sd root, does it messing up the things?

bill_viper said:
I pressed it for 3 minutes and still stucks to serial screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reformat the card fully....not quick formate and give it a try again.

agent_47 said:
reformat the card fully....not quick formate and give it a try again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just did it but no luck, still the same issue!

I've had the same problem. Formatted my 2Gb a dozen of timeswith my laptop and it didn't function. Finally I formatted the card with another PC at the office and now everything works as planned.
So, not every format is the same??

Just tried to flash a rom with another SD 2gb and worked fine!
What the heck is going on with my devilish 8gb card...the card is working great but no flashing...maybe i'll have to find another computer too to format it.

Kingston card does not support card flash. I do not know why

htyhzd said:
Kingston card does not support card flash. I do not know why
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is Apacer brand. I downloaded also some utilities for SD formatting but again no luck.

maybe only sandisk is ok

htyhzd said:
Kingston card does not support card flash. I do not know why
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure of you???
Because I have a Kingston 8Gb SDHC card and I use it for flashing my phone with SDcard method when I can't flash it with my PC...

Where is your original 8gb card guys? Did you change it for a reason?

Sorry but the 8GB is not included with every Xperia, at least not in every country.
My german operator send it without sd card, I had to buy my own one.
So I think this may differ from country to country or provider.

I had the same problem, could not flash it with SD card method, tried it via PC (USB), also no success and tried it again with SD method and tried it for like 10-15 times and then all of a sudden it worked.
I tried putting hard-spl on there again, while I knew it was on there already, even this did not work and started working after some tries and then I was able to do the SD method.
I have a sandisk 8GB mem card, so it's probably not brand related..

We have the Kovsimg.nbh, how do we create the ROMUpdateUtility.exe?
Hello guys,
After this huge problem i've got http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=517752 (i can't flash any rom with the 8GB card) and we couldn't find a solution, i'm asking if there is a way to convert the Kosvimg.nbh file to ROMUpdateUtility.exe file so i can flash the ROMs through the PC?
Looking forward to heard the good news! It's too pitty everyday to read about these new ROMs and i can't flash them!
Cheers,
Bill

bill_viper said:
Hello guys,
After this huge problem i've got http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=517752 (i can't flash any rom with the 8GB card) and we couldn't find a solution, i'm asking if there is a way to convert the Kosvimg.nbh file to ROMUpdateUtility.exe file so i can flash the ROMs through the PC?
Looking forward to heard the good news! It's too pitty everyday to read about these new ROMs and i can't flash them!
Cheers,
Bill
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just put the ROMUpdateUtility and the NBH file in the same folder and run it, it will flash whatever NBH file is in the same folder as it. If you need the RUU exe, just extract it from a shipped ROM using WinRar. Or use this Custom RUU : http://rapidshare.com/files/164933503/X1_CustomRUU.zip
Please don't create new threads for existing issues.
Ta
Dave

Cannot flash from 16GB microsd

Not a big problem but I cannot seem to flash with my 16GB microsd. My 8GB works fine. Anyone has similar issues or knows the solution? It can be troublesome to swap cards when flashing...

I have no problem flashing from my Sandisk 16GB card. Did you try reformatting the card (FAT32!) ?

I'm using a sandisk 16GB microSD card as well, and have no problems flashing from it. What brand is your microsd card? Then again, doesn't matter in your case, as you already bought it, but for the rest of us it might be important, so that we can stay clear of that brand.

I have the same problem mate, I could flash a few times at the beggining, from then, I have not been ablo to do so, I already tried formatting it to FAT32, erase all files and jut leave a blacimg.nbh file in it and it did not worked anyway.

doctorcete said:
I have the same problem mate, I could flash a few times at the beggining, from then, I have not been ablo to do so, I already tried formatting it to FAT32, erase all files and jut leave a blacimg.nbh file in it and it did not worked anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here for me
Kingston 16 GB also SanDisk 16 GB.
After some flashes it stoped working, allways shows no imagefie

worked fine
- 16gb , 2gb
didnt work
- 2x 8gb and a 1gb
but i never sorted out why they wouldnt work even after re formating

I bought one week ago a new micro SD card 16Go Class 6 from Transcend...
And I have the same problem, which is not really a problem.
I use my old 8Go card for flashing.
I read few months ago that we can't flash the touch HD from anyone micro SD card. I don't know why ?
info : Transcend micro SD 16Go FAT32 32-Kilo

if you count free space on empty cards, transcend 8gb and sandisk 8gb will show 8gb but differnt values if you look in details
seems different layout of partitions for different vendors
flashing from sandisk is always OK
transcend = no go

I am using Sandisk 16gb class 6. My other 8gb sandisk class4 & kingston class 6 works fine...

Can flash but UC does not work
I can flash using my 16 gbyte Sandisk but I cannot get UC to work. I either get an error saying the cabs cannot be located or it just hangs. Anyone else see that particular problem?
Z

Transcend are BAD. They seem to have real problems with large files such as ROM Images and MemoryMap data files.

X1 Flashing problem

Hi I have problem with flashing my x1... when I want flash it with SD card, it write: "No image file!"...but ROM is there... it works only with USB... (SD card was formatted, named correctly kovsimg.nbh,...)

Mich3lin said:
Hi I have problem with flashing my x1... when I want flash it with SD card, it write: "No image file!"...but ROM is there... it works only with USB... (SD card was formatted, named correctly kovsimg.nbh,...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have another sd to try with? some manufacters are reported to be problematic

yep... when it was functional I used card from Kingston (4GB) and Sandisk (4GB)...now i tried A-Data (16GB) and it won't work... after that i tried again other cards, but with same result....

Mich3lin said:
yep... when it was functional I used card from Kingston (4GB) and Sandisk (4GB)...now i tried A-Data (16GB) and it won't work... after that i tried again other cards, but with same result....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kingston is one of the reportedly "difficult" ones, I have a SanDisk 16GB and never hat any issues...
you said formatting is ok, everything else on card is recognized in a file explorer, just *.nbh files during bootloader are not, that it?

yep.. but i little think that is not only problem with card...because previously when I don't copy ROM on card and start flasher this "Error" not be displayed..there was another one...