Related
Warning: crawrj mentioned this wouldn't flash in TWRP. I use CWM, so not sure whether it's compatible with TWRP (or any other recoveries) at the moment. So, if you're not using CWM... I would suggest waiting a bit.
So as most people know, the new OTA update aims to kill root on the device and the motochopper root method. Once I received the update and saw that it removed root, I immediately set out to figure out what was causing the issue. I also noticed that I was getting the notice about an application performing unauthorized tasks, or something to that effect.
After doing a few file deletions and restores, I finally found the file (KNOXAgent.apk) that was causing the notice about unauthorized actions and needing to restart. I've been running the phone with the MDL update for a little over a week now, and I haven't had another notice. I did lose root during the update, but was able to easily root it again with the motochopper method once the KNOXAgent files were removed.
So, here are the steps I took to avoid losing my root.
1) adb shell
2) su
3) mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/system /system
4) rm /system/app/KNOXAgent.*
5) Reboot into recovery and flash the OTA zip provided below. It's the OTA update with the KNOXAgent patches removed from the updater-script. This will allow the update to continue installing without having an error about KNOXAgent not being found on the device.
The same process may have to be done with future OTA updates once KNOXAgent is removed, but it's better than losing your root method each time an OTA comes out. As I mentioned, I've been using this phone since May 13th with this being done. I also had to take out the My Files updates as well, since I have the CyanogenMod file browser (My Files doesn't have root support).
Unfortunately, it seems XDA has problems with filtering spam and requires that you have 10 posts before being able to post external links. Since I don't have anything else to post at the moment, and can't post on the development forums to report problems to developers in order to legitimately increase my count without having to spam threads I don't care about, you'll have to copy and paste the link to get the update package.
Update link: http://d-h.st/Dkl
RogueSly said:
So as most people know, the new OTA update aims to kill root on the device and the motochopper root method. Once I received the update and saw that it removed root, I immediately set out to figure out what was causing the issue. I also noticed that I was getting the notice about an application performing unauthorized tasks, or something to that effect.
After doing a few file deletions and restores, I finally found the file (KNOXAgent.apk) that was causing the notice about unauthorized actions and needing to restart. I've been running the phone with the MDL update for a little over a week now, and I haven't had another notice. I did lose root during the update, but was able to easily root it again with the motochopper method once the KNOXAgent files were removed.
So, here are the steps I took to avoid losing my root.
1) adb shell
2) su
3) mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/system /system
4) rm /system/app/KNOXAgent.*
5) Reboot into recovery and flash the OTA zip provided below. It's the OTA update with the KNOXAgent patches removed from the updater-script. This will allow the update to continue installing without having an error about KNOXAgent not being found on the device.
The same process may have to be done with future OTA updates once KNOXAgent is removed, but it's better than losing your root method each time an OTA comes out. As I mentioned, I've been using this phone since May 13th with this being done. I also had to take out the My Files updates as well, since I have the CyanogenMod file browser (My Files doesn't have root support).
Unfortunately, it seems XDA has problems with filtering spam and requires that you have 10 posts before being able to post external links. Since I don't have anything else to post at the moment, and can't post on the development forums to report problems to developers in order to legitimately increase my count without having to spam threads I don't care about, you'll have to copy and paste the link to get the update package.
Update link: d-h.st/Dkl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice find
travisw0204 said:
Nice find
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. It took a bit to find, but I couldn't live without root. My battery is GAWD with the CPU limited. :3
OK I am messing around with this and providing feedback. It doesn't install on the stock recovery for obvious reasons. It doesn't install in TWRP. Gives update binary error. Have to backup my extsd so I can format to fat32 to test other recoveries.
crawrj said:
OK I am messing around with this and providing feedback. It doesn't install on the stock recovery for obvious reasons. It doesn't install in TWRP. Gives update binary error. Have to backup my extsd so I can format to fat32 to test other recoveries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird. Flashed for me on CWM when I used it.
RogueSly said:
Weird. Flashed for me on CWM when I used it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I am guessing it will work in CWM. But I have to backup and format first to test. Which recovery did you use?
crawrj said:
Yeah I am guessing it will work in CWM. But I have to backup and format first to test. Which recovery did you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2254323. I tend to stay away from touch recoveries when there are 4 dogs in the house.
Lol, too little too late for me. :facepalm:
Ok it installed on Garwynn's CWM but it didn't install the modem. Is that your results also? Won't install with OUDhs either. Gives error 7. I can confirm that root works without knoxagent installed. That is runny really. We find out right away that knox was causing the security warning. But since the kernel was so widely talked about as being the killer of root we completely overlooked knox as being more than just the alert Thanks for figuring that out.
Edit: Also installs on Agat's recovery but doesn't install the modem.
Edit Again: Ok just as an FYI this no longer is an issue. Chainfire has done it again. His latest SuperSU 1.30 fixes the root issues on MDL. You can use the stock kernel and leave knox alone.
crawrj said:
Ok it installed on Garwynn's CWM but it didn't install the modem. Is that your results also? Won't install with OUDhs either. Gives error 7. I can confirm that root works without knoxagent installed. That is runny really. We find out right away that knox was causing the security warning. But since the kernel was so widely talked about as being the killer of root we completely overlooked knox as being more than just the alert Thanks for figuring that out.
Edit: Also installs on Agat's recovery but doesn't install the modem.
Edit Again: Ok just as an FYI this no longer is an issue. Chainfire has done it again. His latest SuperSU 1.30 fixes the root issues on MDL. You can use the stock kernel and leave knox alone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Glad to hear it's fixed. Not sure why the modem didn't install. I didn't get any errors on my device after taking out the patches for My Files and KNOXAgent, as both were missing on my system. I'll try restoring back to MDC and updating to SuperSU 1.3 to test it.
crawrj said:
Ok it installed on Garwynn's CWM but it didn't install the modem. Is that your results also? Won't install with OUDhs either. Gives error 7. I can confirm that root works without knoxagent installed. That is runny really. We find out right away that knox was causing the security warning. But since the kernel was so widely talked about as being the killer of root we completely overlooked knox as being more than just the alert Thanks for figuring that out.
Edit: Also installs on Agat's recovery but doesn't install the modem.
Edit Again: Ok just as an FYI this no longer is an issue. Chainfire has done it again. His latest SuperSU 1.30 fixes the root issues on MDL. You can use the stock kernel and leave knox alone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to ask an annoying question.... but decided it was annoying and did a search. here is what I found in the difference between SuperUser and SuperSU and SuperSU Pro ($2.49). Reference: http://android.stackexchange.com/qu...ruser-from-chainsdd-and-superuser-from-clockw
SuperSU improves everything about Superuser and adds more options. The free version offers faster notifications, there is possibility of disabling them for each app and a new interface, attractive and easy to handle. In addition, according to developer claims by using SuperSU you’ll enjoy higher speed from the apps that require root rights, especially on Android 4.0+. The paid version called SuperSU Pro provides the opportunity to keep root rights after a system update, which usually cancels these rights. Although the method is not guaranteed the option is very useful. We have password protection and advanced log configuration settings for each application.
You might also want to read SuperSU Brings Better SuperUser Root Permission Management to Android. Quoting from that article:
SuperSU is basically SuperUser on steroids. According to the developer, it “allows for advanced management of Superuser access rights for all the apps on your device that need root.”.
Edit: ::FacePalm:: What ever you do. Do not uninstall SuperUser after you install SuperSU. You will loose Root. LOL (Hey at least I can laugh at myself.) I am not worried about it yet... I know I will get it back eventually.
Edit 2: After reading the OP, all you have to do if you have TWRP Recovery installed is do the OTA, your update will install and you will automatically reboot into TWRP.
Go to Mount first and mount System.
Go to back to home and select Advanced.
Go to File Manager. NOTE: This can be very frustrating! Use BACK and Sort Options to reset Sorting if it keeps doing things you don't want it to do. Also (Up A Level) is handy. If you are on "/" directory, touch Sort Descending: Name and you will see System. Select Sysytem.
Now Sort Ascending you will see App. Select App.
Gentally and slowly Swipe down in the middle to reach Knox. I found 2 files. Select one at a time and delete them.
Reboot
Then rerun Motochopper Root method.
I am on Stock MDC still. So if you are on MDL I am not sure if this would work. Now follow the directions that I failed to see when you install SuperSU.
Install SuperSU. Open SuperSU and make sure SU binary is switched from SuperUser to SuperSU. Once you do that you can remove SuperUser.
Edit 3: Once you check to make sure SuperSU has Binary after a reboot... SuperSU will remove SuperUser for you. No need to do anything.
After all said and done... I am thinking that the TWRP stopped the OTA from installing. I have been extremely busy with work, so no time to read XDA lately has been stopping me from keeping up to date. I just need more time in the day.
crawrj said:
Ok it installed on Garwynn's CWM but it didn't install the modem. Is that your results also? Won't install with OUDhs either. Gives error 7. I can confirm that root works without knoxagent installed. That is runny really. We find out right away that knox was causing the security warning. But since the kernel was so widely talked about as being the killer of root we completely overlooked knox as being more than just the alert Thanks for figuring that out.
Edit: Also installs on Agat's recovery but doesn't install the modem.
Edit Again: Ok just as an FYI this no longer is an issue. Chainfire has done it again. His latest SuperSU 1.30 fixes the root issues on MDL. You can use the stock kernel and leave knox alone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, crawrj.. I just rawly patched the modem.bin with the modem.img.p, and the baseband version and such still hasn't increased. My software version and baseband version are still showing MDC, while build number is showing MDL. The weird thing about it is the kernel also updated from its original. How does the modem not update when it's being directly flashed onto the partition? Trying to get all of my stuff over to MDL, if that's what it's supposed to be. It has the new boot sound and such, but the inconsistent version numbers make me hesitant that the update fully applied.
RogueSly said:
Well, crawrj.. I just rawly patched the modem.bin with the modem.img.p, and the baseband version and such still hasn't increased. My software version and baseband version are still showing MDC, while build number is showing MDL. The weird thing about it is the kernel also updated from its original. How does the modem not update when it's being directly flashed onto the partition? Trying to get all of my stuff over to MDL, if that's what it's supposed to be. It has the new boot sound and such, but the inconsistent version numbers make me hesitant that the update fully applied.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is some kind of write protection of security that locks the modem down. I have tried 100 different ways of installing the modem and can't. It looks like the official installs are the only ones that work. So right now the ota is the only way to get the modem. But I am sure we will get it figured out in time.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
crawrj said:
There is some kind of write protection of security that locks the modem down. I have tried 100 different ways of installing the modem and can't. It looks like the official installs are the only ones that work. So right now the ota is the only way to get the modem. But I am sure we will get it figured out in time.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that sucks. I guess I will give up trying to flash it for now. Already removed KNOXAgent again and dropped faux's kernel on here. It's showing my build as MDL, so at least I don't get pestered by the update message.
aww come on lol too late for me too. I went through hell rooting my phone when i upgraded to MDL. I flashed the stock rom like 3 times before getting my phone rooted and the last piece of the puzzle were the knox files. Instead of deleting the files i froze them using the system tuner off from the playstore after i installed shabbat's custom kernel.
Do we know of a way to avoid all these run arounds to root on MDL by keeping the stock kernel and without removing knox???
tones160 said:
aww come on lol too late for me too. I went through hell rooting my phone when i upgraded to MDL. I flashed the stock rom like 3 times before getting my phone rooted and the last piece of the puzzle were the knox files. Instead of deleting the files i froze them using the system tuner off from the playstore after i installed shabbat's custom kernel.
Do we know of a way to avoid all these run arounds to root on MDL by keeping the stock kernel and without removing knox???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there are a few posts in the development sections that will help out with getting root on MDL. If it were me, I would just pull the SuperSU apk and unzip it. Grab the su binary out of there, push it to /system/xbin/, and then install SuperSU on the phone once it restarted. Now, I can't confirm that works... because I haven't had to get that dirty with rooting my phone. Motochopper worked perfectly fine when KNOXAgent was removed, so it should work if you have KNOXAgent frozen too.
Cf autoroot
wanna make sure I understand this right. I'm gonna flash this no knox update on top of forcesrom (which has knox removed), I should be ok right? but the modern still not install this way, is that correct? and I won't be able to update my modem until a new method comes out. do I got it all right? thanks! :thumbup::what:
gershee said:
wanna make sure I understand this right. I'm gonna flash this no knox update on top of forcesrom (which has knox removed), I should be ok right? but the modern still not install this way, is that correct? and I won't be able to update my modem until a new method comes out. do I got it all right? thanks! :thumbup::what:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's apparently right, for now. I'm working on figuring out why the MDM partition won't flash. I tried to patch the files manually, as mentioned previously and here, but it seems that it didn't flash as the baseband didn't change?
Hopefully figure it out soon.
Getting E:Error in /external_sd/OTA 5-13-2013 (No Knox Agent), Status 7. Any advice?
All,
Has anyone on Verizon done the OTA update and kept root? From what I've been reading, sounds like if you rooted with MotoRoot then you're okay, but not if you used PwnMyMoto.
As far as people getting a bootloop, that does make some sense because the recovery partition is really just the boot image... So I can flash the stock recovery to the recovery partition before running the update, and that should theoretically prevent a bootloop. However, if this is going to erase my root, then I don't want to do the update.
So, has anyone on verizon done the OTA and kept their root? How did you do it?
First item, this is a question so it should belong in the question and answer threads! Secondly look here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466191
Sent on my Moto X
Sorry, and thanks! I'll probably give this a shot, make that camera work a little better...
You can always install the SafeStrap ROM here. That's what I did.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2484908
[Rom] [VZW] SafeStrap 139.12.57
Sent from my Moto X
The way that everyone (including myself) have been updating and keeping root on Verizon is as followed:
1. RSD back to stock (instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515)
2. Install PwnMyMoto and DO NOT RUN IT
3. Download and install OTA
4. When the install completes, your phone will reboot a few times. This is just PwnMyMoto doing its magic.
5. Profit.
dymmeh said:
The way that everyone (including myself) have been updating and keeping root on Verizon is as followed:
1. RSD back to stock (instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515)
2. Install PwnMyMoto and DO NOT RUN IT
3. Download and install OTA
4. When the install completes, your phone will reboot a few times. This is just PwnMyMoto doing its magic.
5. Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method makes it so SafeStrap is no longer available though, right? If that's not the case then... Don't know what I've been waiting for!
Sent from my Moto X
mercado79 said:
This method makes it so SafeStrap is no longer available though, right? If that's not the case then... Don't know what I've been waiting for!
Sent from my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I searched around and can't really find an answer to that. I don't use SafeStrap so I have no idea. I'd assume you can try the method I posted and try using SafeStrap after. If that doesn't work then just RSD back to pre-update and hang on to SafeStrap until it's figured out. No guarantees if it'd work / break stuff, though. You'd be the guinea pig for that one.
dymmeh said:
I searched around and can't really find an answer to that. I don't use SafeStrap so I have no idea. I'd assume you can try the method I posted and try using SafeStrap after. If that doesn't work then just RSD back to pre-update and hang on to SafeStrap until it's figured out. No guarantees if it'd work / break stuff, though. You'd be the guinea pig for that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@jcase Any chance you can answer this for us? Just cause someone was able to keep root (the one shot kind you mentioned), does that mean that using RSD is still on the table?
Sent from my Moto X
mercado79 said:
@jcase Any chance you can answer this for us? Just cause someone was able to keep root (the one shot kind you mentioned), does that mean that using RSD is still on the table?
Sent from my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you take the OTA you dont have wY to revert to old stock Motorola block the reverts already and @jcase already said that he will be back for root in this device till 4.3 is out
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
juancaperez2000 said:
If you take the OTA you dont have wY to revert to old stock Motorola block the reverts already and @jcase already said that he will be back for root in this device till 4.3 is out
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought too. Thanks.
MikeyNick said:
All,
Has anyone on Verizon done the OTA update and kept root? From what I've been reading, sounds like if you rooted with MotoRoot then you're okay, but not if you used PwnMyMoto.
As far as people getting a bootloop, that does make some sense because the recovery partition is really just the boot image... So I can flash the stock recovery to the recovery partition before running the update, and that should theoretically prevent a bootloop. However, if this is going to erase my root, then I don't want to do the update.
So, has anyone on verizon done the OTA and kept their root? How did you do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For sure have I just updated my Moto X the other day on VZW and kept root. Here is a link to the process on how to do it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466191
will2live said:
For sure have I just updated my Moto X the other day on VZW and kept root. Here is a link to the process on how to do it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466191
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's not up for debate. The issue is that even though you kept root, you're now blocked from using safestrap or ever gaining root again in the future (once another ota comes through). The update has now patched root going forward and it sounds like you won't be able to keep it after this update.
MikeyNick said:
All,
Has anyone on Verizon done the OTA update and kept root? From what I've been reading, sounds like if you rooted with MotoRoot then you're okay, but not if you used PwnMyMoto.
As far as people getting a bootloop, that does make some sense because the recovery partition is really just the boot image... So I can flash the stock recovery to the recovery partition before running the update, and that should theoretically prevent a bootloop. However, if this is going to erase my root, then I don't want to do the update.
So, has anyone on verizon done the OTA and kept their root? How did you do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mercado79 said:
I think that's not up for debate. The issue is that even though you kept root, you're now blocked from using safestrap or ever gaining root again in the future (once another ota comes through). The update has now patched root going forward and it sounds like you won't be able to keep it after this update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap i know about and dont care about as i dont use it. As for moving forward with root I'll be surprised if that is the case but I wont disagree either. It is very possible they patch something to actually block root down the road. From my understanding tho currently the patch is blocking ppl to root the update not keeping root if the process is followed correctly. My guess is odds are it will be the same on the next OTA just like we had to do on the original Razr line to keep root until the bootloader was unlocked. However if the next OTA is 4.3 tha tcould all change for sure as anything is possible. Even so when that time comes I'll just unlock mine. I do have a Dev edition i just haven't unlocked with it being brand new and not wanting to void warranty yet to make sure hardware is cool but i do want root so i went the long route for now is all.
dymmeh said:
The way that everyone (including myself) have been updating and keeping root on Verizon is as followed:
1. RSD back to stock (instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515)
2. Install PwnMyMoto and DO NOT RUN IT
3. Download and install OTA
4. When the install completes, your phone will reboot a few times. This is just PwnMyMoto doing its magic.
5. Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I installed PwnMyMoto, SuperSU and OTA Root Keeper, then decided not to root. I installed the Verizon update and boom, I'm rooted. Is that what you're saying is needed? I was surprised that root apps all work fine for me, I really didn't do anything but install those apks before I installed the camera update!
boardrx182 said:
So I installed PwnMyMoto, SuperSU and OTA Root Keeper, then decided not to root. I installed the Verizon update and boom, I'm rooted. Is that what you're saying is needed? I was surprised that root apps all work fine for me, I really didn't do anything but install those apks before I installed the camera update!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you had PwnMyMoto and never ran it / not rooted you were good to go. SuperSU could be installed before or after. I dont think OTA Root Keeper was needed at all. PwnMyMoto runs after a reboot so once you installed the OTA and rebooted it did its rooting magic automatically for you. Glad it all worked out for you
dymmeh said:
The way that everyone (including myself) have been updating and keeping root on Verizon is as followed:
1. RSD back to stock (instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515)
2. Install PwnMyMoto and DO NOT RUN IT
3. Download and install OTA
4. When the install completes, your phone will reboot a few times. This is just PwnMyMoto doing its magic.
5. Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dymmeh said:
As long as you had PwnMyMoto and never ran it / not rooted you were good to go. SuperSU could be installed before or after. I dont think OTA Root Keeper was needed at all. PwnMyMoto runs after a reboot so once you installed the OTA and rebooted it did its rooting magic automatically for you. Glad it all worked out for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome, didn't realize that would happen automatically. I completely expected that I'd have to complete the entire root process steps that were outlined in an earlier post if I wanted root. Thanks for the reply.
will2live said:
Safestrap i know about and dont care about as i dont use it. As for moving forward with root I'll be surprised if that is the case but I wont disagree either. It is very possible they patch something to actually block root down the road. From my understanding tho currently the patch is blocking ppl to root the update not keeping root if the process is followed correctly. My guess is odds are it will be the same on the next OTA just like we had to do on the original Razr line to keep root until the bootloader was unlocked. However if the next OTA is 4.3 tha tcould all change for sure as anything is possible. Even so when that time comes I'll just unlock mine. I do have a Dev edition i just haven't unlocked with it being brand new and not wanting to void warranty yet to make sure hardware is cool but i do want root so i went the long route for now is all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
people who have moto employee friends say they are moving to 4.3 next. Also, there may be a work around for you to keep root with the next release, but because people who aren't on dev phones that must be sure they can retain root would not have used this method (as it is a one chance type of method). so it is more likely that any new workarounds that people come up with will be for those that still have the ability to downgrade to original stock firmware. Also, SS is nice because it gives you the ability to run the phone just like you normally would but you can create complete backups of the device so you don't have to set everything up all over again if you screw something up with your phone. Even if you don't use SS for flashing roms it is still useful for back ups.
jayboyyyy said:
people who have moto employee friends say they are moving to 4.3 next. Also, there may be a work around for you to keep root with the next release, but because people who aren't on dev phones that must be sure they can retain root would not have used this method (as it is a one chance type of method). so it is more likely that any new workarounds that people come up with will be for those that still have the ability to downgrade to original stock firmware. Also, SS is nice because it gives you the ability to run the phone just like you normally would but you can create complete backups of the device so you don't have to set everything up all over again if you screw something up with your phone. Even if you don't use SS for flashing roms it is still useful for back ups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my Moto contacts and yes they are moving to 4.3 next last i was told when I asked. As for downgrading stock software that isn't going to happen once updated as you can't go backwards. Moto devices have been that way going back to the original Droid Razr. Its few and far between where you could actually go backwards after an OTA. So unless you mean stock of the current build installed then ppl will have issues for sure. That said if ppl OTA and have root now but for whatever reason need to use the new fastboot file that was just posted they will in fact be SOL for gaining root. This is exactly why I refuse to buy consumer units from the carrier besides a few other reason I wont go into. My theory is simple we want to mess with device buy an unlockable one or be ready to suffer/wait for an exploit after an OTA hits.
As far as root moving forward what process you talking about tho? There is 2 ways to do it. The one posted right above your post in this thread, or the link I posted above. If the info in this thread was used yes there may be an issue because of the patch. However I will be very surprised to see ppl not be able to keep root if they updated using the process in the link I posted above. Besides having to fastboot the boot.img to recovery in that process its the same way original Droid Razr owners had to update to be able to keep root if there was no root process for the OTA being pushed. Moving forward my guess is there will be an issue once 4.3 hits tho. I'm not sure you will be able to use the old kernel from 4.2.2 to overwrite recovery and boot the 4.3 /system so you can restore root and pull the actual 4.3 boot.img so that can be used for the recovery highjack. Bottom line is only time will tell at this point as you never know what Moto/Google will do with the next update.
Agreed on SS for backups even if not flashing ROMs, but personally i just dont mess with my device enough to worry about a full back i guess. For apps/settings I just use MyBackup PRO. I've also have an app a buddy made that creates a full XML if i wanted to use it. In the old days I use to make alot of backups for ROM flashing when I used SS. Guess in my old age I've just got lazy and dont worry about it that much anymore. I really hose the device I'll just swap to one of my others til i get back to fixing the messed up one.
will2live said:
I have my Moto contacts and yes they are moving to 4.3 next last i was told when I asked. As for downgrading stock software that isn't going to happen once updated as you can't go backwards. Moto devices have been that way going back to the original Droid Razr. Its few and far between where you could actually go backwards after an OTA. So unless you mean stock of the current build installed then ppl will have issues for sure. That said if ppl OTA and have root now but for whatever reason need to use the new fastboot file that was just posted they will in fact be SOL for gaining root. This is exactly why I refuse to buy consumer units from the carrier besides a few other reason I wont go into. My theory is simple we want to mess with device buy an unlockable one or be ready to suffer/wait for an exploit after an OTA hits.
As far as root moving forward what process you talking about tho? There is 2 ways to do it. The one posted right above your post in this thread, or the link I posted above. If the info in this thread was used yes there may be an issue because of the patch. However I will be very surprised to see ppl not be able to keep root if they updated using the process in the link I posted above. Besides having to fastboot the boot.img to recovery in that process its the same way original Droid Razr owners had to update to be able to keep root if there was no root process for the OTA being pushed. Moving forward my guess is there will be an issue once 4.3 hits tho. I'm not sure you will be able to use the old kernel from 4.2.2 to overwrite recovery and boot the 4.3 /system so you can restore root and pull the actual 4.3 boot.img so that can be used for the recovery highjack. Bottom line is only time will tell at this point as you never know what Moto/Google will do with the next update.
Agreed on SS for backups even if not flashing ROMs, but personally i just dont mess with my device enough to worry about a full back i guess. For apps/settings I just use MyBackup PRO. I've also have an app a buddy made that creates a full XML if i wanted to use it. In the old days I use to make alot of backups for ROM flashing when I used SS. Guess in my old age I've just got lazy and dont worry about it that much anymore. I really hose the device I'll just swap to one of my others til i get back to fixing the messed up one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3 ways to maintain root are the one in the thread, SS, and the one you posted. The one you posted actually allows you to flash the original stock firmware on the phone because the BL was never touched thus the security (keeping you from downgrading) was never installed. That was what I was referring to when I said those that must make sure they will retain root in the future would not have done the install pwnmymmoto without running then take ota then run pwnmymoto. As you said those people will be screwed if the next root requires you to flash back to original stock or use part of the pwnmymoto exploit that will only be accessible to those that got the OTA with SS or the link you posted. I don't toy with my phone as much as I used to especially this one, but bypasing exchange security is pretty essential for me. I don't want an encrypted device with mandatory pin. I never lose my phone and I would know within minutes of losing it if i ever did so I could shut it down remotely.
And I'm not sure about the new kernel situation either. This is why I wanted to make sure I could go back to original firmware as I see that being our best bet to retain root through 4.3, assuming jcase doesn't release another exploit for it to get some cash.
jayboyyyy said:
3 ways to maintain root are the one in the thread, SS, and the one you posted. The one you posted actually allows you to flash the original stock firmware on the phone because the BL was never touched thus the security (keeping you from downgrading) was never installed. That was what I was referring to when I said those that must make sure they will retain root in the future would not have done the install pwnmymmoto without running then take ota then run pwnmymoto. As you said those people will be screwed if the next root requires you to flash back to original stock or use part of the pwnmymoto exploit that will only be accessible to those that got the OTA with SS or the link you posted. I don't toy with my phone as much as I used to especially this one, but bypasing exchange security is pretty essential for me. I don't want an encrypted device with mandatory pin. I never lose my phone and I would know within minutes of losing it if i ever did so I could shut it down remotely.
And I'm not sure about the new kernel situation either. This is why I wanted to make sure I could go back to original firmware as I see that being our best bet to retain root through 4.3, assuming jcase doesn't release another exploit for it to get some cash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotchya, makes total sense now what you are saying. I think there is just confusion at times when talking about root & OTA because of different ways to do it in a case like this device. Being a Moto guy for so long tho i'm use to all the BS they throw at us.....lol. That said that is why i posted the link I did. Imho it's a bad plan to update using the other method of installing pwnmymoto and not running it first before taking the OTA. Doing the process to protect root before updating is a much safer bet atm imo. Sure its a little more work but at the end of the day you dont have to be worried as much moving forward. Only concern I have still for doing it the longer way is if that process will work when they push out 4.3. It had alot of changes in it so lord only knows what will be up for keeping root. And really in my case its no concern but for all the folks with consumer version it is still a concern i think for the time being
My employer uses an enterprise email application (Good) that scans the device for root etc.
I restored my device to an old old backup that I made when I first got the device, but for some reason superuser.apk is still lingering around in my system folder.
I can confirm that the device is no longer rooted as superSU fails to find a binary, and my carrier OTA updates have been coming through fine.
However, that pesky superuser apk is sticking around, and I'm convinced that it is the reason my device is failing the compliance test with the software.
Any suggestions on how I can remove the superuser apk from the system directory? Preferably without blowing up my current android install?
I've dug high and low with no luck, and i'm hboot 1.57, so going S-Off and using an RUU to isn't an option.
SD360 said:
My employer uses an enterprise email application (Good) that scans the device for root etc.
I restored my device to an old old backup that I made when I first got the device, but for some reason superuser.apk is still lingering around in my system folder.
I can confirm that the device is no longer rooted as superSU fails to find a binary, and my carrier OTA updates have been coming through fine.
However, that pesky superuser apk is sticking around, and I'm convinced that it is the reason my device is failing the compliance test with the software.
Any suggestions on how I can remove the superuser apk from the system directory? Preferably without blowing up my current android install?
I've dug high and low with no luck, and i'm hboot 1.57, so going S-Off and using an RUU to isn't an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
install superSU from the market .. then in superSU settings theirs cleanup / Full Unroot
clsA said:
install superSU from the market .. then in superSU settings theirs cleanup / Full Unroot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually still have SuperSU installed. The problem is that I no longer have a superuser binary, so supersu won't run. Just gives me the usual "There is no SU binary installed, and SuperSU cannot install it. This is a problem." error.
I'm starting to suspect that I might need to re-unlock and re-root just to do the cleanup and re-lock, which is frustrating. Was hoping to be able to avoid those big steps.
SD360 said:
I actually still have SuperSU installed. The problem is that I no longer have a superuser binary, so supersu won't run. Just gives me the usual "There is no SU binary installed, and SuperSU cannot install it. This is a problem." error.
I'm starting to suspect that I might need to re-unlock and re-root just to do the cleanup and re-lock, which is frustrating. Was hoping to be able to avoid those big steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i know what you mean their
SD360 said:
I'm starting to suspect that I might need to re-unlock and re-root just to do the cleanup and re-lock, which is frustrating. Was hoping to be able to avoid those big steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(unless you are s-off), re-unlock -> yes, then just use a custom recovery.... custom recovery has root access to all your filesystem, there's no real need to "re-root" a full ROM.
you can accomplish pretty much anything in custom recovery
nkk71 said:
(unless you are s-off), re-unlock -> yes, then just use a custom recovery.... custom recovery has root access to all your filesystem, there's no real need to "re-root" a full ROM.
you can accomplish pretty much anything in custom recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciated. I'll give it a shot. I just really want to avoid anything that's going to break my ability to get OTA updates again. It was a massive pain to get back to that point before.
I'll just be sure to dump my stock recovery before I do it.
SD360 said:
Appreciated. I'll give it a shot. I just really want to avoid anything that's going to break my ability to get OTA updates again. It was a massive pain to get back to that point before.
I'll just be sure to dump my stock recovery before I do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's not as hard as you make it seem... their is a Guru Reset for nearly every version / brand phone and their really easy to use to get back to stock for OTA updates.
Returning to total stock, lock not relocked can be a bit more of a PITA but still doable as long as you s-off
clsA said:
it's not as hard as you make it seem... their is a Guru Reset for nearly every version / brand phone and their really easy to use to get back to stock for OTA updates.
Returning to total stock, lock not relocked can be a bit more of a PITA but still doable as long as you s-off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really worried about the locked/relocked flag. I don't think that's a check that good does. Pretty sure it just looks for certain files and conditions.
Unfrotunately there is no recent guru reset for my carrier (Rogers), and my device is trapped in S-On as my hboot is super new.
I was able to get twrp up and running, and manually removed all traces of root. Now just hoping I can get my stock recovery back. Hopefully will get me back into the game.
Hello everyone,
I'm back to a nexus 6 after a very short stint with a 6+.
A little background for my questions: This is the very first time that I rooted a phone. I'm rooting to only install these 3 apps:
adaway
titanium backup
greenify
I do not plan on using any custom ROMs or kernels.
I see from all the guides and tutorials that people also create a custom recovery whenever they root. I haven't done that yet and wasn't sure if I had to. I would like to maintain the stock recovery that I have currently so that I can go back to stock if I unRoot. My questions are:
1. Am I wrong in thinking that I can still use the stock recovery if I unRoot?
2. When a new OTA comes out and I flash it (since I'm rooted an no longer can install them automatically), will that also upgrade my still stock recovery properly?
3. Following up on the previous question, when I upgrade manually because I'm rooted, would that be a fresh install where I have to go in and configure things the way I like them again (system settings, apps and their settings, root the phone again, etc)?
Thanks in advance!
LordGrahf said:
Hello everyone,
I'm back to a nexus 6 after a very short stint with a 6+.
A little background for my questions: This is the very first time that I rooted a phone. I'm rooting to only install these 3 apps:
adaway
titanium backup
greenify
I do not plan on using any custom ROMs or kernels.
I see from all the guides and tutorials that people also create a custom recovery whenever they root. I haven't done that yet and wasn't sure if I had to. I would like to maintain the stock recovery that I have currently so that I can go back to stock if I unRoot. My questions are:
1. Am I wrong in thinking that I can still use the stock recovery if I unRoot?
2. When a new OTA comes out and I flash it (since I'm rooted an no longer can install them automatically), will that also upgrade my still stock recovery properly?
3. Following up on the previous question, when I upgrade manually because I'm rooted, would that be a fresh install where I have to go in and configure things the way I like them again (system settings, apps and their settings, root the phone again, etc)?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No, you're not wrong. Recovery will stay stock and can be used normally
2. You can't simply flash the new OTA. This will not work manually nor automatically.
3. All you need to do is not flash the user data image and you will not loose your data, settings etc. You will loose root however. See bellow.
Google posts android stock images for each device typically before OTA hits your phone. That's what you want to grab and use for the update. Just make sure you don't run the automatic scripts that come with those images because you need to avoid flashing user data image.
OTA zip file does you no good unless you get your system back to unmodified stock.
Thank you sir!
obsanity said:
1. No, you're not wrong. Recovery will stay stock and can be used normally
2. You can't simply flash the new OTA. This will not work manually nor automatically.
3. All you need to do is not flash the user data image and you will not loose your data, settings etc. You will loose root however. See bellow.
Google posts android stock images for each device typically before OTA hits your phone. That's what you want to grab and use for the update. Just make sure you don't run the automatic scripts that come with those images because you need to avoid flashing user data image.
OTA zip file does you no good unless you get your system back to unmodified stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on the OP, it sounds like he has only rooted. Thus, the OTA will work fine. No need to flash image files.
Edit: I see that at least one other member has stated that an unroot still did not allow OTAs to function. That's a bit strange and unique. Not sure what root is modifying to prevent the OTA.
I'm kinda curious myself. I had no idea root killed OTA's. Maybe I wouldn't have done that if I knew that. I'm very new to the Nexus device. It's my 1st. I unlocked the bootloader and rooted already.
Sent from Mark's Nexus 6
crowbarman said:
Edit: I see that at least one other member has stated that an unroot still did not allow OTAs to function. That's a bit strange and unique. Not sure what root is modifying to prevent the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is pretty scary. So you can unroot and GI back to stock and still can't update in anyway?
I have always side-loaded OTAs, I have never flashed anything.
After installing an OTA, on the next reboot, Android takes some time to optimize all your apps. Does this also happen after flashing a new system image? Thanks!
LordGrahf said:
This is pretty scary. So you can unroot and GI back to stock and still can't update in anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure what you mean by GI, but according to some others, after uninstalling root via SuperSU an OTA will still not install. This should not be the case unless the boot or recovery images are modified. Easily fixed by following the procedures above to fastboot the stock images on your phone.
kjnangre said:
I have always side-loaded OTAs, I have never flashed anything.
After installing an OTA, on the next reboot, Android takes some time to optimize all your apps. Does this also happen after flashing a new system image? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it behaves exactly the same.
crowbarman said:
Based on the OP, it sounds like he has only rooted. Thus, the OTA will work fine. No need to flash image files.
Edit: I see that at least one other member has stated that an unroot still did not allow OTAs to function. That's a bit strange and unique. Not sure what root is modifying to prevent the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root on Lollipop is not what it used to be. There are files that need to be modified in order to allow root. That's why this time OTA will fail if you are rooted.
Un-rooting however, will allow OTA as long as it is done properly and all traces are covered up and returned to stock. If it does fail after you have un-rooted, go back to the developer of that un-root method and let the know they missed something.
Here is the best way to un-root. Flash all of the old stock images besides user data image.
obsanity said:
Root on Lollipop is not what it used to be. There are files that need to be modified in order to allow root. That's why this time OTA will fail if you are rooted.
Un-rooting however, will allow OTA as long as it is done properly and all traces are covered up and returned to stock. If it does fail after you have un-rooted, go back to the developer of that un-root method and let the know they missed something.
Here is the best way to un-root. Flash all of the old stock images besides user data image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense. Is there a manual root procedure or list of required modifications for root out there? I did some precursors searches but Came up empty. Can't tell what's missing in SuperSU unroot without those details.
crowbarman said:
That makes sense. Is there a manual root procedure or list of required modifications for root out there? I did some precursors searches but Came up empty. Can't tell what's missing in SuperSU unroot without those details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Explanation from Chainfire:
https://plus.google.com/113517319477420052449/posts/S5zoKTzKUW1
obsanity said:
Explanation from Chainfire:
https://plus.google.com/113517319477420052449/posts/S5zoKTzKUW1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this. A good read, but I'm surprised nobody has demanded more details than 'patched the policies in SELinux'. Not that I don't trust Chain fire (I do) , but who really knows what has been done to our phones?
crowbarman said:
Thanks for this. A good read, but I'm surprised nobody has demanded more details than 'patched the policies in SELinux'. Not that I don't trust Chain fire (I do) , but who really knows what has been done to our phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the problem with Chainfire's work... he does not release source.
Again, best un-root method is to flash original images less user data.
obsanity said:
That's the problem with Chainfire's work... he does not release source.
Again, best un-root method is to flash original images less user data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing this info. Its a bit concerning tbh. Is there a cleaner way to root other than using superSU?
LordGrahf said:
Thanks for sharing this info. Its a bit concerning tbh. Is there a cleaner way to root other than using superSU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid not but Chainfire's is probably the cleanest possible. Koush was the one with an open source solution but he hasn't updated his to 5.0 yet.
obsanity said:
I'm afraid not but Chainfire's is probably the cleanest possible. Koush was the one with an open source solution but he hasn't updated his to 5.0 yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an argument that publishing the method would allow Google to close it that much quicker, I suppose.
crowbarman said:
Thanks for this. A good read, but I'm surprised nobody has demanded more details than 'patched the policies in SELinux'. Not that I don't trust Chain fire (I do) , but who really knows what has been done to our phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The base changes and reasoning for those changes are actually documented on my website. Specific policy adjustments are present in plain text in the supolicy executable, as any hex editor will show you. Those who really wanted to know rather than whine about OSS, know.
By far most policy adjustments just drop audit log output for contexts that are already permissive, though.
All that information is still completely useless unless you understand SELinux in detail and how it's implemented on Android, though.
I assume that the encryption doesn't get in the way of being able to flash the images?
When I went from 5.0 to 5.0.1 on my old Nexus 5 all I did was flash the two new 5.0.1 images I extracted from the full factory image, then re-rooted. This is far cleaner than reverting back to the previous image then doing an OTA. I've not had to update my N6 yet so I don't know if my method will work still, but I hope it does.
Chainfire said:
The base changes and reasoning for those changes are actually documented on my website. Specific policy adjustments are present in plain text in the supolicy executable, as any hex editor will show you. Those who really wanted to know rather than whine about OSS, know.
By far most policy adjustments just drop audit log output for contexts that are already permissive, though.
All that information is still completely useless unless you understand SELinux in detail and how it's implemented on Android, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the additional information.
I did spend a fair amount of time reading your documentation but failed to utilize a hex editor. I am not 'whining' about the lack of open source, rather, simply mildly surprised, but your website aptly describes the challenges with 5.0. Many are used to various root methods being available.
Your solution is fine with me.. I love your work.
Edit: I thought I'd add that the discussion has devolved from the OP, which was whether an OTA can be applied after uninstalling root. The answer was no, due to the unknowns about what still might be modified following the uninstall via SuperSU.
I've unlocked the bootloader and rooted the phone with the help of the Nexus Root Toolkit by WugFresh.
I now have it setup just how I want it and I don't want an OTA to kill root or change anything so something stops working (phone isn't for me, but I've set it up just right for someone with special needs).
I've read conflicting information on whether or not an OTA will actually install on a rooted phone or not. Some things say that it won't if you've changed anything at all while others say it might be possible.
Is there some system file I can rename or something to ensure the phone doesn't get a system update unless I do it manually?
LaTropa64 said:
I've unlocked the bootloader and rooted the phone with the help of the Nexus Root Toolkit by WugFresh.
I now have it setup just how I want it and I don't want an OTA to kill root or change anything so something stops working (phone isn't for me, but I've set it up just right for someone with special needs).
I've read conflicting information on whether or not an OTA will actually install on a rooted phone or not. Some things say that it won't if you've changed anything at all while others say it might be possible.
Is there some system file I can rename or something to ensure the phone doesn't get a system update unless I do it manually?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no matter how many times you will try to update via ota, you will not be able to. if any files change from stock, any at all, you wont be able to install an ota. especially with root.
LaTropa64 said:
I've unlocked the bootloader and rooted the phone with the help of the Nexus Root Toolkit by WugFresh.
I now have it setup just how I want it and I don't want an OTA to kill root or change anything so something stops working (phone isn't for me, but I've set it up just right for someone with special needs).
I've read conflicting information on whether or not an OTA will actually install on a rooted phone or not. Some things say that it won't if you've changed anything at all while others say it might be possible.
Is there some system file I can rename or something to ensure the phone doesn't get a system update unless I do it manually?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root solved your problem ha ha
simms22 said:
no matter how many times you will try to update via ota, you will not be able to. if any files change from stock, any at all, you wont be able to install an ota. especially with root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And sometimes, even if one is 100% stock, those pesky OTAs won't install.
cam30era said:
And sometimes, even if one is 100% stock, those pesky OTAs won't install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
right. any system file changes prevent install.
Awesome. Thanks.
Will it even attempt to install an update, and if so, does it only attempt once and then give up so you don't get stuck in a loop?
Install a custom recovery. Done. OTAs require the stock recovery in order to flash files.
LaTropa64 said:
Awesome. Thanks.
Will it even attempt to install an update, and if so, does it only attempt once and then give up so you don't get stuck in a loop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
itll only attemp if you let it(it needs your approval to update), otherwise itll only tell you that an update is available. if you let it, itll try, but fail. if you boot up, youll be where you were before.
Apparently I rooted it incorrectly because it was able to update. I just got a call and the phone had rebooted and went through optimizing X of X apps and now many of the tasker profiles I had set are no longer working.
It wouldn't have optimized a bunch of apps if it hadn't updated the OS, or no?
LaTropa64 said:
Apparently I rooted it incorrectly because it was able to update. I just got a call and the phone had rebooted and went through optimizing X of X apps and now many of the tasker profiles I had set are no longer working.
It wouldn't have optimized a bunch of apps if it hadn't updated the OS, or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can always look at your android version in aboy phone, to see if it updated or not.
LaTropa64 said:
Apparently I rooted it incorrectly because it was able to update. I just got a call and the phone had rebooted and went through optimizing X of X apps and now many of the tasker profiles I had set are no longer working.
It wouldn't have optimized a bunch of apps if it hadn't updated the OS, or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll find update or not optimizing apps happens a lot especially if you clear cache etc...
Your fine otas can't install with root
Just flash twrp it will cone in handy incase you brick it one day you'll have twrp to fastboot fix or sideload a rom to recover from.
ONE NOTE: Never ever ever relock your bootloader with the toolkit you'll be screwed. Always leave bootlaoder unlocked. I just had to rma manufacturer phone replacement I relock mine with toolkit and couldn't flash stock firmware or oem unlock again.
Sent from my LGMS769 using XDA Free mobile app
simms22 said:
you can always look at your android version in aboy phone, to see if it updated or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll take a look the next time I get over there. It's not my phone, I just set it up for someone with accessibility issues and wanted it to stay the same as the day I set it up but apparently it's not done that.