I'm considering rooting my phone, but I'm kind of on the fence. First, I don't really want to void my warranty, but since I bought the phone used do I even have a warranty anymore? Second, I'm not really that interested in custom ROMs at this point since I'm new to Android OS and I'm happy with the way things are stock for now. So my question is... What can I do with a rooted phone running the stock Froyo ROM? Anything cool/interesting, or does it not even pay to bother rooting if I'm going to keep it stock?
I waited 3 months before rooting and I thought the same as you, wasn't interested in custom ROMs and all. Once I finally rooted and loaded cyanogen ROM, it completely changed my thinking. I highly highly recommend using cyanogen if you root. I can't stress enough. Things wkt can do with root are many, 720p video hack, black notification bar, themes, meta morph, audio volume hack, ROM manager, titanium backup, nand backups! The list is endless. Hell nand backup alone is worth rooting.
Is there a place or a link I can find more information about just stuff that I can do with a rooted phone BESIDES installing custom ROMs? Everything I usually find is just about ROMs. I want to just get my feet wet a little before I decide to just jump right in. For now I'm just interested in stuff I can do with plain old vanilla android once it's been rooted.
Look for apps that require root, see what they are and if you need any of them.
Here's my current list of things "to root for", I haven't yet..
Reasons to root:
Just root, nothing else:
- Adblock host file
- ClockSync
- GScripter
- Remove built-in crap (Amazon MP3)
- Screenshots
After installing recovery image
- Nandroid
After installing custom rom
- Black notification bar
Depending on where you live, you might still have warranty. For example, in Europe, the warranty is by default 2 years on the device. So it doesn't matter if you got it second hand, as long as the device still has warranty, you're OK.
Secondly, you can root your device without unlocking the bootloader. Check this thread for more info. At step 18, before doing the 2 'exit' commands, also take the time to rename /system/etc/recovery-install.sh & install + make executable a file called flash_image (google it to find a download) into /system/bin. This way you can install a custom recovery (e.g. for doing nandroid backups) and will make installing custom ROMs later a lot less painful.
A rooted stock FRF91 can already do many things, search for 'root' in the market and you can find tons of apps that require root privileges and that will run fine on stock. However, the really interesting things (like color trackball alert, firewalling, proxy support, ...) will require you to install a custom ROM.
I rooted my stock N1 with the above procedure a couple of weeks ago, and installed Cyanogen6 RC2 ROM to get some of the more advanced functionality. Been working like a charm and I've actually managed to get a lot more out of my device AND have longer battery life
Hi guys... I have a few questions for you about my Hero. Forgive me for not yet having the same level of knowledge that many of you guys have. I am certain that I can contribute in some way, as well. My phone details:
Firmware version: 1.5
Baseband version: 1.04.01.09.21
Kernel version: 2.6.27-533ce29d
Build number: 1.56.651.2 CL5027
Software version: 1.56.651.2
Hardware version: 0002
1. I've read several stories where a number of phones were returned because they couldn't be updated when the new update was released. Is this an absolute fact, that it can't be updated, or is there an error in code somewhere that made it reject the update and there is a known workaround? The answer to this question obviously dictates my forward motion.
I have the typical problem apps, and am getting no joy from youtube. Presently, I'm surfing with good speeds, but market is non-existent.
I like having Sprint tv, when I'm having to sit and wait somewhere.
I have time today and tomorrow to get things ironed out, but will be extrmemly busy after that, like 20 hours a day studying. I'm hoping to get some direction that will give me complete functionality, but will require the least setup. I am quite computer savy, and repaired this phone, to this point, in a day or 2, without asking a single question of anyone. I traced down problems, and solved issues. Seen APN, and TCP errors (don't believe it completely, since I can authenticate on the web). Know that some issues are url problems, etc.
The following questions are based upon the answer to question number 1.
2. Can this phone be updated?
2a. If yes, What do you recommend... 2.1? What rom do you suggest, for full stock-like functionality? Will I lose Sprint tv? Pointers/direction? (pancake??, superhero??)
2b. If no, What rom do you suggest, for full stock-like functionality? Will I lose Sprint tv? Pointers/direction?
Before repairing the phone, I actually tried to update it from my computer, but it was rejected. I turned off my security software and tried again. I noticed that while using XP sp2, a windows program that was incorporated starting with sp2, DEP (data execution prevention) didn't like the actions that the update was taking, and arrested it very shortly after starting (yet the window cycled forever). I assume that many people wouldn't be this observative, and recognize that this was happening. It was halting an HTC file that utilized storage memory (similar to buffer overrun exploits - the reason DEP halted it), for temporary storage of the files to be used for the update. That file was as follows:
C:\Program Files\HTC\HTC Sync\Mobile Phone Monitor\FsyncServer.exe
And the way to prevent it from continuing to do so is:
1. Click Start
2. Select Control Panel
3. Select System
4. Click the Advanced tab
5. In the Performance region select Settings
6. Click the Data Execute tab in the dialog box that opens
7. Select Turn on DEP for all programs and services except for those I select
8. Click Add.
9. The open dialog box will open. Browse and select your application.
10. Click Open
11. Click Apply
12. Click Ok
I guess what I'm sort of suggesting, is that this might be why anyone ever had problems updating, with the exception that OTA also said there wasn't an update.
So, back to the original question. Is it true that some Heros can't be updated? I don't want to force something, and brick, if you know what I mean. I completed the setting that will allow it to go forward (listed above), but haven't tried to update since. I felt that I really needed to ask you guys first, before I made a mistake that I'd regret. Should I try again? Before I started working on the phone I did try OTA and it said there wasn't an update. Now I don't have that option anymore. After repairing the phone, I've lost updates. Am I stuck with 1.5? With my run of the mill phone desires (except that it be fully functional), should I keep 1.5?
I did see gmail 2.3 apk, but is that compatible with 1.5? This looks like is would solve the market issue, if I could use it.
I did read about gscript and addressing mms (although I'm sure that's very old news to you guys), but if in fact I can't update this phone, it might be one of my only alternatives. If that is my only choice, are their also additional scripts to address everything I need to fix (all the normal issues)?
Additionally, it seems that many apps register with the phone/user. So, when you are using a used phone, many apps are still registered as functional. Does flashing a new rom affect the OS and apps? Will I loose the already registered/functioning apps? With a complete upgrade, will I gain functionality of some key features, but lose all other previously enabled apps? In other words, will I gain update, and market, and lose sprint tv?
I have read a lot. With things the way they should be, I've not been able to quite determine what I need to do. With all this being said, How do I go forward and achieve a fully functioning phone? What is the best choice of path's to take for me?
Rooting? I have seen the one-click, and think I'd be correct in that I need something containing Sense UI. Forgive me for asking a stupid question... but the rom is only the menu accessibility, correct? Is there something straight out of the box setup, or do all roms contain configuration notes?
I'm satisfied with stock features, if they work, and adding other useful things like tethering. Since I'll be so busy, I'll have little time to do much else. But don't get me wrong. I have 10 PC's in my house, with only 2 people living here. I'd love to customize the crap out of it. It's just not going to happen any time soon, due to my brutal study schedule. So for now, I just want it to work like it should, on a B mvno.
Do I go north, south, east, or west????
Could someone chime in that can give me direction, based on everything I've stated. Your response is so graciously appreciated.
Cheers!
Umm well I'm not sure why you're having problems with any update, someone who's far more experienced can maybe tell you but as far as roms I think it depends on whether you like sense or wanna go froyo. Cyanogen mod 6.1 stable (2.2) is nice & highly customizable however there's also AOSP roms (2.2) that some people feel is quicker than cyanogen however they aren't as customizable as cyanogen, in addition there are tons of GREAT themes for both. Also we've had a ton of work on an odex AOSP gingerbread rom (2.3) not yet stable but works good for most & on that note a great themer also put together a themed AOSP gingerbread rom (2.3) that looks good & about stability I'm not so sure on but I would recommend those roms. Although with these roms YES you will lose sprint apps like TV & vvm etc. However people have posted these apks in the theme thread section to work on roms like cyanogen & AOSP. If you do like sense roms there's a couple that are still live in the development section like nfinite & nfx I believe. Hope some of that info helps
Thanks so much for your response. So Cyanogen mod 6.1 stable (2.2) is highly customizable... That's good.
So let me get this straight. I need to:
root (is one-click OS version specific? Can it be used on 1.5?)
backup
save to pc
update to 2.1 (if I can, and it needs to be the rootable version found here)
re-root
and flash Cyanogen
and setup
Is this correct?
inkblots said:
Thanks so much for your response. So Cyanogen mod 6.1 stable (2.2) is highly customizable... That's good.
So let me get this straight. I need to:
root (is one-click OS version specific? Can it be used on 1.5?)
backup
save to pc
update to 2.1 (if I can, and it needs to be the rootable version found here)
re-root
and flash Cyanogen
and setup
Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sort of. I can't remember which version I was at when I rooted but I remember I downgraded to do it. But if you go in the development section you will find a thread that shows & gives you what you need to root. So you should root. Then flash a recovery image such as clockwork mod or amon ra. When I rooted I used the recovery from the downloadable app (Rom manager) in the market & that one was clockdwork mod. It's worked great for me so I've been using it ever since. Then backup whatever you are running currently. Then flash whatever rom you want. I'm about to see if I can link you to a root thread then once you do so I can give you a dl link to cm 6.1 stable. Will you be able to root on 1.5?? I don't completely know...
Edit: Ok this is the way I rooted mine, hopefully this will work for you
http://theunlockr.com/2010/09/27/how-to-root-the-htc-hero-androot-method/
Nook Rooting 101
Author’s Note: This may be long, but it provides useful info to those considering Rooting their Nook. It does NOT tell you how to root your Nook. (A sequel is intended to provide that information. But let’s start with this one.)
To the experts: feel free to post with your corrections and condemnations. The hope is that it will be improved and eventually turned into a Sticky for those new to the forum and the process.
“I got a new Nook for my birthday. What’s all this stuff about rooting?”
The Barnes & Noble Nook eReaders share some of the same electronic architecture as many smart phones and tablets. These devices work using the Android Operating system. The factory installed OS (Operating System) of the Nook limits many of the possible advanced features since it was designed primarily to be a reader. Some tech-savvy programmers have learned how to root the Nook devices to more closely emulate advanced features found on many of the Android devices.
Quick detour: Those wanting to root their Nooks are going to run into a lot of terminology. Here is a link to a glossary of many of these terms.
http://www.acertabletforum.com/foru...-dummies-guide-android-terminology-lingo.html
The number of terms addressed within this post will be a much smaller number. But these are terms that you really should understand before attempting to make changes in your Nook.
What is Rooting?
The term “root” comes from the Unix/Linux world and is used to describe a user who has “Superuser” rights or permissions to all the files and programs in the software OS. Regular users can use the software, but cannot make changes. Superuser privileges allow changes to the software code on the device.
“Rooting” means obtaining “superuser” rights to your Nook’s software. You gain the ability to load custom ROMs, install custom themes, increase performance, increase battery life, and the ability to install software that would otherwise cost extra. Rooting is essentially “hacking” your Nook.
ROMs
A stock ROM is the version of the device’s operating system that comes loaded on it when you buy it. The Nook Readers have a stock ROM.
A custom ROM is a fully standalone version of the OS, including the kernel (which makes everything run), apps, services, etc - everything you need to operate the device, except it's customized by someone in some way..
So what does the "customized" part mean? Since Android is open source, developers are free to take stock ROMs, modify them, remove garbage, optimize them, add things, and pretty much do whatever their imagination and skills allow. (And just so you know, they can also write bad programming too.)
Kernals
Another word you’ll frequently see on this site is kernel. Your Nook’s kernel controls much of the communication between the various electronic parts of the unit. An analogy is that the kernel is like programming stored in the Read Only Memory found on desktop and laptop computers. Think of the BIOS (Binary Input Output System). Some portions of the settings in this memory can be changed, such as when you install a hard disk drive. BIOS also allow other settings to be adjusted to suit the preferences of various users. But other portions of the BIOS should not be changed or your computer’s electronics cannot communicate with one another.
That is a pretty close approximation to how the kernel on your Nook is setup. Some portions of the programming were set at the factory and should not be changed. But other portions of the programming can be changed. And updates to the programming for kernels are made available.
Many of the custom ROMS you can load on your Nook will make at least some changes within the kernel of your unit. Just as there are various versions of the custom ROMs. There are versions of the programming for kernels as well. Let’s stop there for now. The subject can quickly get pretty deep. That should be enough for now.
Two Approaches
Some people who want to use one of these custom ROM systems on their Nook just install the MOD on a SD chip. (SD stands for Secure Digital.) All current Nook readers accept a Micro SD chip. A custom ROM can be loaded onto your Nook from this SD chip. Some people choose to Root their Nook with the Android Operating System operating from the SD chip. Then by powering down the Nook, they can remove the SD card. They can then restart their Nook and the regular Barnes & Noble system will operate.
At least some of the custom ROMs allow users to select whether to run the operating system (ROM) installed on the SD card, or run the native Nook operating system. You don’t need to go through the process of inserting or removing the SD card to change the OS. A series of keys are pressed as the Nook is starting to select the ROM you want it to run. This is called dual booting.
The other method of rooting consists of loading the custom ROM into the emmc. (This stands for Embedded Multi- Media Card.) This is the flash memory of your Nook that contains the original Barnes & Noble operating system. Loading the ROM into the emmc means the original B & N operating system is no longer available to run. Many advanced users report the ROMs operate a bit faster and that there are fewer problems when the Nook is run in this manner. But do remember that this means the original operating system on your Nook will no longer run. There are instructions located on this site that include steps to re-install the original system. So, this may not be as drastic a step as it might seem at first glance. There are also programs which will allow you to save all the data settings – including the OS settings currently loaded on your Nook so they can be restored later. That will not be covered in this post.
Those totally new and unfamiliar with Rooting may find it a little safer to use the SD chip method. As they gain more experience and know better what they are doing they may decide to venture out and try the emmc method for the potential advantages this method offers.
The Downside Of Custom ROMs
Of course, there are dangers of using custom ROMs which you should be aware of.
You May Void Your Warranty
As long as we’re talking about risks, this one needs to be mentioned. It's possible that custom rooting might void your warranty. The manufacturer might be able to tell that the Nook has had a custom ROM installed and not honor the warranty, in case you need to use it. Barnes & Noble hasn’t acted hostile to rooting yet, but that could change.
Something Could Go Wrong
First of all, something may go wrong with the flashing process (that's the process of installing a custom ROM) and leave your Nook in a bricked state. A Bricked Nook means it won’t operate. The chances of this are relatively low – especially if you use the SD chip method. And most of the time you can restore your Nook back to normal. Please take note of the phrase “most of the time”. You should understand that a bricked Nook is a possibility that can happen.
Try to go for a custom ROM that has been tested by time and has lots of positive feedback from users on this site. You are more likely to be successful with such a ROM.
Other Potential Problems
Custom ROMs could have bugs. Bugs are mistakes in the programming. Some are minor and won’t cause big problems. But others can be more serious.
There are appropriate locations on this site where you can post problems due to bugs. Those who post in the ROM forum will likely get an answer back and the bug will probably be acknowledged. Experienced users may even suggest methods to fix the problem.
So What‘s the Bottom Line?
Many of the people at this site have determined that the potential benefits of running these custom ROMs outweigh the risks. There are lots of experienced people here who will offer their advice if you decide to try this. But it is ultimately your responsibility to consider the risks and benefits in deciding what to do.
Quick detour: Let’s be realistic. Your Nook is never going to be an I-Phone. It was designed to be an eReader. (So was the Kindle.) Rooting can add features and capabilities to your Nook that Barnes & Noble probably won’t ever include in their stock ROMs. But rooting won’t really turn your Nook into a smart phone.
“But there are so many choices!”
Yes there are. Let’s try to understand why this is a good thing. Apple and Microsoft own the rights and hold patents on their operating systems. They jealously guard their secrets and strictly enforce their patents. And they make money selling their operating systems.
Unix is also a patented operating system. Linux is an open source operating system based on Unix. It isn’t really owned by anyone. The concept allows many users to tinker with it to improve it. The Android operating system is loosely based on Linux and is also open-source. Developers take stock ROMs and modify them to create their own unique versions. Developers of custom ROMs are able ptimize the software, unlock built-in features, and create an even better version of the Android software. The Android developers who make these custom ROMs release the software to the general public free of charge. We are fortunate to have these developers constantly working and freely sharing these custom ROMs available to everyone.
Stable versus Cool
Since ROMs are constantly being developed by many people, there are multiple flavors of ROMs available to us. Anyone who has ever done any programming knows that sometimes your new code fixes one problem but creates others. Programmers generally call these bugs.
A major portion of the ROMs may work OK, but there may be bugs in portions of the code. Groups of developers collaborate and post their versions of a MOD to be checked out and tested by other users to discover and fix all the bugs.
Then there are some general flavors of the Android system that have become established and are recognized by many. Let’s consider a few of those since you will see these mentioned frequently on this site.
Since April 2009, each Android version has been developed using a codename based on a dessert item. Released in alphabetical order, the names were Cupcake, Donut, Éclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich.
The Android versions distributed within the lifetime of the Nook include:
o Android 2.1 (codename Eclair)
o Android 2.2 (codename Froyo)
o Android 2.3 (codename Gingerbread)
o Android 3.0 (codename Honeycomb)
Quick detour: One further issue confusing to nubes is that at least some people will refer to a MOD by its Android number, example: 2.3. Others will use a number related to its codename, example CM7.0. Remember these people are really into this stuff. These numbers and differences really stick in their heads. Rule of thumb, if the number is below 4, it’s probably the Android number.
Let’s look at these individually. We’ll use the codenames in this list.
Eclair
Eclair is what your Barnes & Noble Nook Color runs as delivered. And even they are replacing it with Froyo.
Froyo
Many consider Froyo an improvement over Éclair. It has been in use for some time and is considered a stable platform for the Nook. Barnes & Noble is currently (as of 2/5/2012) loading this system using a method called push to update Nooks to run a stripped down version of Froyo. It is important to understand that the B & N version does not have all the features of some of the custom Froyo ROMs.
Gingerbread
The Gingerbread version that many people use has become known as CyanogenMod 7. That’s right – sometimes the system is called Gingerbread and sometimes it is called CyanogenMod 7, though many just refer to it as CM7. It was developed from the official Android Gingerbread source code, but was modified for many smart phones. There are many versions of this that will run on Nooks of various kinds. As of this writing, many consider this a good choice for a Nook operating system. It blends many recent features with at least some degree of stability. The CM 7 releases includes Bluetooth support for the Nook, meaning that you can use Bluetooth keyboards and headsets! It should be noted that Bluetooth support is still evolving.
Honeycomb
This Android system first showed up on the Motorola Xoom tablet. It offers some new features, but has not been released by the official development community. Because such development is constantly underway, some may post test versions for downloading. Be careful! This ROM is still very much in the developmental process. As an example, a few developers have been trying to take features of Honeycomb and include them in updated versions of Gingerbread. One of these versions has been given its own name: phiremod nook.
Generally, Éclair and Froyo, are considered to be stable and mostly bug free. Some versions of Gingerbread are close to being bug free, while other Gingerbread versions are still being sliced, diced, tweaked and tested. Honeycomb is still being tested. If this post stays on this site for a few months, there may be newer and more stable versions of Gingerbread. Or a stable version of Honeycomb for the Nook may become available. And some are experimenting with newer Android systems, like one called IceCreamSandwich. (Remember that this is being written in February of 2012.)
FYI: there are even new flavors of these general ROMS. There is also CM7.1 and CM7.2. And there is a version out there called CM9. So the development community is hard at work tinkering and tweaking.
Finally, as you start to explore and consider MODs for your Nook, you will often see some of these letters in the names of custom MODs.
Stable versions are those where all known issues have been addressed and resolved. This version is for everyday use.
-test / -RC versions are similar to the experimental versions, but are in the final stages of testing before being declared as "stable". There may be a few bugs left, but this version is usually stable enough for everyday use.
Experimental / -alpha versions are those where new features are being added, modified, and tweaked, and there are known bugs that are being worked on. This version is for beta / alpha testers.
Nightly builds are daily compiled builds from source. This version therefore has the latest features & tweaks, but it is also the mostly likely to have bugs and issues. These versions are probably poor choices for nubes.
So which do you want to use? Éclair came on your Nook. And currently, Barnes and Noble is pushing their stock version of Froyo out over the Internet automatically to your Nook. Gingerbread – going by the name of CyanogenMod7.0 – may be a good choice for starting out, as of the date of this writing. Yes, you can upgrade this to later versions as you become familiar with what is out there and how to root your Nook.
End of the lesson.
Hope this information was helpful. Happy Rooting!
Great info, and sure to be helpful to many. Here are a some suggestions:
A description of CM versions might be helpful, linking CM versions to Android versions.
CM 7.1 is the latest stable. You might mention nightlies, and the 7.2 RC0 Mirage release.
No mention of ICS? With all the buzz lately, I'd definitely include it in the list of Android versions, and mention it with CM9.
I think there are three choices:
Root stock B&N firmware.
Dual-boot with CM (or similar) on SD (external).
Over-write eMMC (internal) with CM (or similar).
I see a lot of confusion between these, and a lot of misconception that you have to root stock before loading either of the other options.
Was the NOOK color originally shipped with Eclair? I thought they were Froyo from day one. I know a lot of us were disappointed when B&N 1.4.1 shipped as Froyo.
Thanks for the feedback. Remember, this is Nook 101, not 201. I didn't want to provide so much info that it left folks feeling overwhelmed. I suggested they begin with CM7.0. I mentioned CM7.1 and CM7.2. This sucker is already long. I had to narrow the focus to keep from turning it into a novel.
ICS is Ice Cream Sandwich, isn't it? I mentioned that CM9 is under development, but I'm pretty sure nubes should not start with that. Besides, my understanding is that it is still very much in the RC testing phase. Isn't that right?
I said there were two approaches. But I said some MODs allow for dual booting. Again, I didn't want to overwhelm.
I read in two different places (not on XDA) that Eclair was the original OS for the Nook. I think they began to push Froyo in the Fall of 2011.
You will also note that I did not cover the various models of the Nook at all. And I didn't mention the change in the hardware of Nook Color that has happened in the past two or three months. I didn't feel qualified to explain those. I'm still a relative nube myself.
BO
First, thanks for all the hard work with the words. I saw your initial posts and can only figure you are a writer, to be so willing to set everything you have done down in an orderly manner.
I'd like to add a fourth choice to bobstro's list of possibles (and I am not so adept at all this Nooker stuff myself that I believe it is too much for beginners):
Triple boot using Racks' great info and files here in the developer's wing. That way a learner can get a very stable CM7 GB (Kang build) a working - and for an "in process" ROM - quite stable CM9 (ICS) both on one SD card, and still have an untouched B&N stock on their NC.
Believe me; it's not too hard to set up; it has the best of all worlds. And it increases the fun factor by a million!
You know what root is but I don't get a clear picture of why it is called root.
In the unix/linux world if you are a superuser you have root access. Rooting a device is gaining root access to the device. With root access there are no restrictions to what you can do to the device. Including brick it.
BTW: Bricking a device is just that. Turning a beautiful orchestration of electronic components into a paperweight or, brick.
I think I included that the term rooting comes from the unix/linux world and the business about the superuser. See, that's the problem with something so long. It's easy to miss stuff. But I wanted to be clear about some of the essential stuff. It's a balancing act. Anyway, thanks for the input.
Yes. I saw why it was called bricking. I can add that.
BO
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into Rack's method and see whether I can include it. Again - this post is intended to be 101, not 201 info.
I wrote some computer manuals for teachers at least for a few years. It's been awhile since I did that. I try to be clear. The problem is that sometimes I try to keep it so simple that I often go overboard - result - very long. Verbose is the word. I could never have worked for Reader's Digest.
I see that nearly 150 people have at least looked at the file (maybe at least scrolled through it), but I haven't seen all that much feedback so far.
Some are making suggestions for improvement. My concern really is have I been accurate about what I actually did include?
BO
BO
You start using the term MOD without having defined it partway down.
I found this bit potentially confusing:
FYI: there are even new flavors of these general ROMS. There is also CM7.1 and CM7.2. And there is a version out there called CM9.
What is CM if this is 101?
Thanks. I'll try to adjust the issue you raised about using MOD before it has been defined. I believe I did explain CM was CyanaMod, but I'll double check it.
BO
It's a sequence thing. You use CM before CyanogenMod, and don't link them together. You might try something like CyanogenMod (CM) to link them.
Maybe a mention of OTA updates?
Gotcha. I'll see what I can do.
Thanks!
BO
This is just purely a great, great post, especially for newbies.
Keep it up, bachon.
Back to bachon, here's a few things
1. "“Rooting” means obtaining “superuser” rights to your Nook’s software. You gain the ability to load custom ROMs, ....."
Rooting has nothing to do with loading custom ROM. In order to be able to install/loading custom ROM, the bootloader must be unsigned/unchecked. Short way of saying, you can root but it doesn't mean after root, you can install custom ROM. It's a function of the bootloader.
2. Personally, I think and I do believe some devs. think that the term "rooting" is only applied to the stock ROM/OS. When you installing/running a custom ROM, the term "rooting" is irrelevant and should not be used (since we already able to access the root directory of that OS/ROM)
3. Not a biggie, but pls rename "Kernals" to "Kernels"
The other way of saying the kernels: are the firmware drivers that handle all the communications between the hardware and the operating system.
4. If you have the "Two Approaches" sections, you should also have "Three Approaches"
5. In the "Downsides of Custom ROMs" you mentioned it will void the warranty. This is only true if you install a custom ROM in eMMC. If you're running one off uSD, you know by removing the uSD, it's back to stock. No warranty voided.
6. Since you listed "o Android 3.0 (codename Honeycomb)", you should add "Android 4.0.x (codename Ice Cream Sandwich), just to complete
7. I do think we should have a short paragraph about what CyanogenMod team and their codenames. I don't want to go way back but CM7, the "7" denotes for Gingerbread builds and on-going "9" is for Ice Cream Sandwich. Why do they skip "8"? 'Cuz "8" was reserved for Honeycomb.
I can't pass out the cigars yet, huh?
votinh said:
This is just purely a great, great post, especially for newbies.
Keep it up, bachon.
Thanks for the kind words, votinh.
Mod, you should sticky this thread.
Back to bachon, here's a few things
1. "“Rooting” means obtaining “superuser” rights to your Nook’s software. You gain the ability to load custom ROMs, ....."
Rooting has nothing to do with loading custom ROM. In order to be able to install/loading custom ROM, the bootloader must be unsigned/unchecked. Short way of saying, you can root but it doesn't mean after root, you can install custom ROM. It's a function of the bootloader.
2. Personally, I think and I do believe some devs. think that the term "rooting" is only applied to the stock ROM/OS. When you installing/running a custom ROM, the term "rooting" is irrelevant and should not be used (since we already able to access the root directory of that OS/ROM)
I'm afraid my understanding for what you are saying is insufficient to write this clearly. Can you say more about this to clarify things? I thought it was obtaining superuser rights that gave users the ability to load ROMs and other software on their Nooks. I'm going to need more information to correct this.
3. Not a biggie, but pls rename "Kernals" to "Kernels"
The other way of saying the kernels: are the firmware drivers that handle all the communications between the hardware and the operating system.
Oops! Good proof reading. Thanks. Is it OK to just add your addition to the final post, or is the rest of what I have said wrong?
4. If you have the "Two Approaches" sections, you should also have "Three Approaches"
OK. Here's my current understanding. 1. Running a custom MOD from the SD Card. 2. Installing a custom ROM in eMMC. 3. Having a dual boot capability.
Someone mentioned having two different ROMs loaded on an SD card. Does this allow the original Nook OS to run with no SD card inserted?
Any clarification needed there? I'm looking to make this VERY clear for newbies.
5. In the "Downsides of Custom ROMs" you mentioned it will void the warranty. This is only true if you install a custom ROM in eMMC. If you're running one off uSD, you know by removing the uSD, it's back to stock. No warranty voided.
Hmmm. Is there no way running or updating a ROM can brick a Nook? It seems to me that someone trying to upgrade from one custom ROM to another could follow the wrong steps and trash the contents of the emmc. Am I wrong?
6. Since you listed "o Android 3.0 (codename Honeycomb)", you should add "Android 4.0.x (codename Ice Cream Sandwich), just to be complete
7. I do think we should have a short paragraph about what CyanogenMod team and their codenames. I don't want to go way back but CM7, the "7" denotes for Gingerbread builds and on-going "9" is for Ice Cream Sandwich. Why do they skip "8"? 'Cuz "8" was reserved for Honeycomb.
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Click to collapse
I wondered what happened to CM8. Thanks for that. I'm so new here that I'm not sure I can really explain the CyanogenMod team and their codenames. Care to give me some tips? It would really help.
While I'm asking: why and when was the codename for Gingerbread changed to CyanogenMod?
I don't mind including Ice Cream Sandwich/CM9, but I don't know that much about it. Input from the seasoned veterans would help.
Frankly, most of the suggestions I've received seem to want to add more information. I wanted things to be clear without overwhelming. Truth is, I cannot write clearly about things I don't quite understand.
If folks will share and explain the info to me then I'm more than willing to try to put it in a form that neophytes can understand.
Finally, MOD and ROM seem to be used interchangeably by many in the Nook forums. Anybody willing to provide their 2 cents worth on the difference?
Thanks
BO
I'm afraid my understanding for what you are saying is insufficient to write this clearly. Can you say more about this to clarify things? I thought it was obtaining superuser rights that gave users the ability to load ROMs and other software on their Nooks. I'm going to need more information to correct this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obtaining superuser rights is NOT enough to load custom ROMs on the device. Take a look at the Nook Tablet as an example.
Obtaining superuser rights is enough to install other applications. It is still not 100% true. Take side-loading feature as an example, some devices, even rooted, still cannot sideloading.
OK. Here's my current understanding. 1. Running a custom MOD from the SD Card. 2. Installing a custom ROM in eMMC. 3. Having a dual boot capability.
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Click to collapse
What you said is MOST common mistake and should be changed.
Boot from eMMC along with running off uSD is NOT dual-booted, at least not TRUE dual-booted. People here love to call it as "dual-boot" so I go with that, but it isn't, really.
True dual-boot is one ROM in eMMC and another ROM also in eMMC. Same applied for uSD.
This is a true dual-boot:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1448186
Someone mentioned having two different ROMs loaded on an SD card. Does this allow the original Nook OS to run with no SD card inserted?
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Click to collapse
The link I just provided up there is exactly what it for.
And yes, it is INDEPENDENT to eMMC. You can leave stock OS intact.
Hmmm. Is there no way running or updating a ROM can brick a Nook? It seems to me that someone trying to upgrade from one custom ROM to another could follow the wrong steps and trash the contents of the emmc. Am I wrong?
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Click to collapse
Dealing with eMMC, yes, if you screw it up, then you got what you have. If you only dealing with uSD and leave eMMC untouch, everything on eMMC should still be there, cleanly.
Note: the NC is virtually unbrickable unless the hardware parts broken.
While I'm asking: why and when was the codename for Gingerbread changed to CyanogenMod?
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Gingerbread is Android mobile OS codename by Google.
CyanogenMod is a developer team. Their codename gets their teamname and as I said "7" is Gingerbread version of their work.
Note: CM7 widely known for custom ROMs, not only for NC but for many other devices
Link: http://www.cyanogenmod.com/
See their device list.
Finally, MOD and ROM seem to be used interchangeably by many in the Nook forums. Anybody willing to provide their 2 cents worth on the difference?
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I rarely see MOD as refer to ROM but I would guess, MOD is shortcut for Modification/Modified.
ROM usually refers to OS.
Votinh (or anyone else),
When you write computer code, you have to break the instructions down into step-by-step commands. Computers have no common sense to guess what you’re telling them to do. You can’t just say, “Print”. You have to be a whole lot more specific.
I’m trying to get you to do that here. Because you (and many others on this site) understand this stuff so well, you’re using broader statements like “It’s a function of the bootloader.” I’m asking you these questions to break it back down into the step-by-step stuff. If you can get me to understand it, I think I can write it down so many other nubes will understand it and MAY stop bugging everybody by asking over and over. Please be patient and bear with me.
OK. Let’s take these one at a time. Rooting first:
You said:
“Rooting has nothing to do with loading custom ROM. In order to be able to install/loading custom ROM, the bootloader must be unsigned/unchecked.”
“Short way of saying, you can root but it doesn't mean after root, you can install custom ROM. It's a function of the bootloader.”
First, I’ve been under the impression that rooting is an absolutely essential first step in order to be able to do things like loading a custom ROM. It isn’t all that is required, but it is the FIRST requirement. Isn’t that correct?
Think of a Nook straight out of the box. If I stick a formatted SD chip in my Nook with no OS, the Nook loads the stock OS. If I stick a SD chip imaged using “generic-sd-v1.3.zip” and with the zipped archive, “Encore_CM72-MIRage-01262012.zip” loaded on the SD chip, then the Nook will expand the “MIRage*.zip” and run the CM7.2 custom ROM. Isn’t that right?
Which of these zipped archives (if any) actually contains the instructions that roots the Nook?
Which of these zipped archives (if any) actually contains the instructions that unchecks the bootloader?
Which of these zipped archives (if any) contains the instructions that alters the bootloader?
Which of these zipped archives (if any) actually loads the custom MOD?
Is it accurate to say that rooting the device is only the first step necessary before the bootloader can be unchecked?
If so, is it also accurate to say that the installation process for any custom ROMs must then uncheck and alter the bootloader before any custom ROM can be installed or loaded?
My way of thinking of it is as follows: rooting only unlocks the first lock on the device. Then the installation process for the custom ROM must unlock other locks before a custom ROM can be loaded or installed.
BO
bachon said:
[...] First, I’ve been under the impression that rooting is an absolutely essential first step in order to be able to do things like loading a custom ROM. It isn’t all that is required, but it is the FIRST requirement. Isn’t that correct?
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Click to collapse
No, that is not correct. Rooting is providing root access on a (in a sensible case) unrooted device. This is typically your stock firmware. You can root a NC which shipped with unrooted (locked) B&N 1.2, 1.3 or 1.4.1 firmware, for example. You can also root a NT which ships with 1.4.x firmware as well.
Loading alternate firmware is where the locked bootloader comes in. On the NC, with no locked bootloader, independent of rooting, you can install alternate firmware, either to SD card (leaving the internal eMMC firmware, rooted or not, unchanged), or over-write the internal eMMC firmware with something new. I'd expect that something new to be rooted in the case of alternate firmware, but I suppose it doesn't have to be. On the NT, this is all complicated (if B&N had their way, impossible) because of the locked bootloader, but progress is being made working around this. See the NT forums for details.
If you're going to load alternate firmware on a NC, rooting is not a requirement. In fact, a lot of people like dual-booting (sorry, the term is descriptive enough without getting into semantics, and I've yet to hear a better term) something like CyanogenMod off of SD while preserving their unrooted stock B&N firmware for "warranty purposes", since they are completely independent of each other. Boot off of SD and you get CM. Pull the SD out and boot and you get B&N.
To make it short, bachon,
bootloader is essentially a piece of low-level code that resides on the non-volatile on boards that handling how the system starts up and how it behaves during powering up. The other way to say: it is the very first thing to run soon the power provided.
If it is "signed/locked" then you have a hard time to manipulate it such loading custom ROM, even preventing alter the stock recovery, and in some case, not even allow us to touch the system kernel.
Think of a Nook straight out of the box. If I stick a formatted SD chip in my Nook with no OS, the Nook loads the stock OS. If I stick a SD chip imaged using “generic-sd-v1.3.zip” and with the zipped archive, “Encore_CM72-MIRage-01262012.zip” loaded on the SD chip, then the Nook will expand the “MIRage*.zip” and run the CM7.2 custom ROM. Isn’t that right?
Which of these zipped archives (if any) actually contains the instructions that roots the Nook?
Which of these zipped archives (if any) actually contains the instructions that unchecks the bootloader?
Which of these zipped archives (if any) contains the instructions that alters the bootloader?
Which of these zipped archives (if any) actually loads the custom MOD?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "generic...." is just a container.
The "encore-...." is the actual custom ROM.
If so, is it also accurate to say that the installation process for any custom ROMs must then uncheck and alter the bootloader before any custom ROM can be installed or loaded?
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Absolutely true.
---------- Post added at 10:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:20 AM ----------
Oh, and bobstro have provided a very good example of it, down to the very specific case.
Bobstro,
So a lot of people who say "I rooted my Nook" aren't correct. They may have loaded another OS, like CyanogenMod 7.2, but that doesn't mean that they've necessarily rooted their Nook. Is that correct?
These folks would be more accurate to say "I hacked my Nook."
Is that closer to being accurate?
How and why did so many people start calling it rooting? I know about the root user in Unix. Do some of the OS installations go the extra step of actually rooting the Nook?
BO
I think you spelled Bacon wrong.
bachon said:
Bobstro,
So a lot of people who say "I rooted my Nook" aren't correct. They may have loaded another OS, like CyanogenMod 7.2, but that doesn't mean that they've necessarily rooted their Nook. Is that correct?
These folks would be more accurate to say "I hacked my Nook."
Is that closer to being accurate?
How and why did so many people start calling it rooting? I know about the root user in Unix. Do some of the OS installations go the extra step of actually rooting the Nook?
BO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't mean to jump on bobstro's toe, I hope he allows me to answer the question.
1. Again, I repeat, the term "root" should only be applied when you're dealing with STOCK ROM.
2. If you are running CM7 or any custom ROM such MIUI, .... you DON'T NEED to root since it ALREADY allows you accessing the root directory. Therefore "rooting" process is no need.
3. If you are running any custom ROM, ideally, you should not say "I'm rooting my device".
Why people using that? They say so and no one correct them so the term spreads.
Hello ya'll, I'm new to the forum, I joined because of the wealth of information here.
So I'm not new to Android, had one ever since I was 16. I rooted both my droid phones(droid X with that awesome slider keyboard, and RAZR MAXX) to remove those pesky bloatware apps, but didn't ROM them, as it just wasn't something I wasn't aware of when I did it. So rooting was as far as I got.
But rooting and ROM-ing a tablet seems like it could be a daunting job, I'm new to the tablet world But I already have most of the tools, from previous roots, minus a few that are platform specific that I'm currently downloading to support the new CROMBi-X
I figure I'll go about getting everything I need, so when I get my tablet back from the shop, I'll be able to dive right into the CROMBi ROM.
//
I don't want to brick my tablet so hence the questions I am unclear on.
//
Question 1: Asus doesn't have the standalone unlock tool on their website. How do I go about getting that tool to unlock the tablet? Was it done OTA or downloaded and installed onto the tablet?
I have searched a few places, and browsed the developer forums, but haven't come up with a surefire way yet. I've seen everything from asking ASUS to unlock the tablet, to flashing CWM recovery, and than flashing a rooted version of the stock ROM, 've read several of the forums, but I need a little bit of "English" on the topic, as this is something new to me. I did come across a root.zip link but I'm not entirely sure that is what I am looking for, or if it is version/BLoader specific. If it is, then that pretty much covers that question.
Question 2: Are all the drivers on the ROM? Or do I need to use something like [ADB/FB/APX Driver] Universal Naked Driver 0.7?
Question 3: Mods. Are they downloaded OTA from the play store, or is there a list of compatible mods for the ROM? I realize that most of them are probably cosmetic right? I'm probably asking in the wrong forum, but since this is LINUX based, once rooted, if I put Ubuntu on the tablet, and then run a ROM on top of it? or Do I have to choose between one or the other?
I'm only asking because I run a few programs that aren't able to run on the android platform that I use for recreational purposes.
Anyway, that about covers a few of the base questions I have for now. Time to get ready for work. Thanks for any help in advance!
For 1:
It's on ASUS website
www.service.asus.com/#!downloads/c1wax
Version V1.0
Unlock Device App: Unlock boot loader of TF701T.(Only works with 4.2 JB and later OS)
For 2:
It's been a while since I rooted however I think you only need fastboot to be able to put the custom recovery on the tablet. If you have ADB/FB drivers already installed your pc should see your tablet without an issue. I don't know what APX is.
For 3:
Not sure what you mean by Mods. And last I checked I don't think that you can and Linux to this tablet yet however even if you could you only get one or the other.
Oh and make sure you read through all of the instructions for rooting and roming
Gone_phishing said:
Hello ya'll, I'm new to the forum, I joined because of the wealth of information here.
So I'm not new to Android, had one ever since I was 16. I rooted both my droid phones(droid X with that awesome slider keyboard, and RAZR MAXX) to remove those pesky bloatware apps, but didn't ROM them, as it just wasn't something I wasn't aware of when I did it. So rooting was as far as I got.
But rooting and ROM-ing a tablet seems like it could be a daunting job, I'm new to the tablet world But I already have most of the tools, from previous roots, minus a few that are platform specific that I'm currently downloading to support the new CROMBi-X
I figure I'll go about getting everything I need, so when I get my tablet back from the shop, I'll be able to dive right into the CROMBi ROM.
//
I don't want to brick my tablet so hence the questions I am unclear on.
//
Question 1: Asus doesn't have the standalone unlock tool on their website. How do I go about getting that tool to unlock the tablet? Was it done OTA or downloaded and installed onto the tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sleepy2 gave you the link. You find the Unlock Tool under "Utilites" on the TF701 downloads page
I have searched a few places, and browsed the developer forums, but haven't come up with a surefire way yet. I've seen everything from asking ASUS to unlock the tablet, to flashing CWM recovery, and than flashing a rooted version of the stock ROM, 've read several of the forums, but I need a little bit of "English" on the topic, as this is something new to me. I did come across a root.zip link but I'm not entirely sure that is what I am looking for, or if it is version/BLoader specific. If it is, then that pretty much covers that question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
First you need to determine what firmware you are running now and decide which JB version you want to run.
Check under Settings > About Tablet > Software version. On stock your firmware version and bootloader version are identical.
If you are on JB 4.3 you have either 10.26.1.7 or 10.26.1.18 (if you have the former, update to .18)
If you are on JB 4.4.2 you have 11.4.1.17
On JB 4.3
a) You can root the tablet without unlocking the bootloader with Towelroot v1.
b) You can unlock, flash CWM and then flash sbdag's stock rooted rom, one of several custom roms or just the root.zip
On JB 4.4.2
Right now there is no way to root without unlocking the bootloader and flashing a custom recovery first.
Once unlocked and with CWM installed, you can flash sbdag's rooted stock rom or flash the root.zip.
CROMi-X 7.0 for 4.4.2 is in the works. I do not know if the other custom roms (CM, CROMi-X 6, CROMbi-KK) are compatible with the 11.4.1.17 bootloader yet, but that's just a matter of time.
To install CWM follow the insructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2604462
Question 2: Are all the drivers on the ROM? Or do I need to use something like [ADB/FB/APX Driver] Universal Naked Driver 0.7?
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Click to collapse
Try it. I did not have to install new adb/fastboot drivers and the device drivers installed on my PC automativcally. YMMV
Open Device Manager, then connect the tablet. Let the drivers install and see if it shows up in Device Manager.
Then boot the tablet into fastboot, connect it to PC and see if it shows up as a fastboot device.
Enable USB debugging in Developer Options, then connect the tablet booted into Android and see if it shows up as ADB interface in Device Manager.
If you need drivers you can use the ones you mentioned.
Question 3: Mods. Are they downloaded OTA from the play store, or is there a list of compatible mods for the ROM? I realize that most of them are probably cosmetic right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll find mods in the rom thread or at least the links for those that work with that rom.. No OTA updates
I'm probably asking in the wrong forum, but since this is LINUX based, once rooted, if I put Ubuntu on the tablet, and then run a ROM on top of it? or Do I have to choose between one or the other?
I'm only asking because I run a few programs that aren't able to run on the android platform that I use for recreational purposes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a thread in the TF700 dev section on dual booting Android and Ubuntu. Not aware that anybody has tried it on the TF701.
Thanks for the link Sleepy! I had searched the website a couple times before, but I must have missed that part of it. Every other time I went somewhere to find it, it came back page unavailable. I'm really disliking this Kuwaiti right now! Well I won't know until I get the tablet back what JB is on it, but I imagine it would be sent back to a factory setting because of the issues I was having, or just get a whole new tablet all together depending on what was causing it not to charge.
I appreciate the clarification on everything guys, without the tablet in my hands I'm pretty much downloading everything I can that might help me out. I already have CWM, and several versions of it to be on the safe side.
I have been doing nothing but non-stop research, but it's daunting to try and go through 115 pages of information and tools, and version changes and what's compatible and how to use them. Watching videos has simplified it a little bit.
The reason I asked about Ubuntu, was I saw it dual booted to an older CROMi 2.X on the 700T
I used to run XP pro/Ubuntu on my laptop. Which was really nice when I needed a lightweight OS to free up processing power. Well before I had to format due to a near catastrophic drive failure and unrepairable data corruption. Anyway, that is a project for another time, one thing at a time!
I'll be around, busy with work 6 days a week!
Thanks again!
berndblb said:
First you need to determine what firmware you are running now and decide which JB version you want to run.
Check under Settings > About Tablet > Software version. On stock your firmware version and bootloader version are identical.
If you are on JB 4.3 you have either 10.26.1.7 or 10.26.1.18 (if you have the former, update to .18)
If you are on JB 4.4.2 you have 11.4.1.17
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4.4.x is KitKat, not Jelly Bean, isn't it?
pelago said:
4.4.x is KitKat, not Jelly Bean, isn't it?
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Yes.
List of repairs done
So what I thought was a simple battery not charging issue turned out to be a host of things. I had to have the LCD, Touchpadboard, Docking cable and LCD cable replaced, luckily I was under warranty. I imagine that would have been expensive!