I have created this thread to give a step-by-step on how to flash a stock ROM build available on Google's developer site. (For those that are unaware, an unlocked bootloader is needed, and unlocking is part of the instructions below.)
I've also added a section on how to root for those that want it.
Note: There are other methods that are abbreviated and/or faster, but I wanted to spell out each step in the process for the purposes of learning. I'm a big believer in doing things manually before using a "toolkit", much the same way that, in school, we are taught to do math first, before being allowed to use a calculator. See here for some further explanation.
So, without further ado:
How to flash a stock ROM
Step-by-step
Notes:
1) For the n00bs: read the entire post before proceeding;
2) MacOS-specific instructions: a) no drivers needed, and b) replace fastboot in the steps below with ./fastboot-mac
A. Install the drivers
1) Do not install LG drivers or the PDAnet drivers, or any other driver you come across. If you have, and you are SURE they are working properly, fine, leave them. Otherwise uninstall them if you are unsure;
2) Download the drivers from here or from here;
3) Install the drivers. See here on how to install them. Note that the driver has to install twice: once when your device is booted normally (not required for this tutorial) with USB Debugging enabled in Settings, and once when your device is booted in fastboot (i.e., bootloader) mode (which is required for this tutorial). (To enable USB Debugging, you first need to enable Developer options by going to Settings->About phone and tapping 7 times on the build number.) If you are using Windows 8, you will need to do this before installing the drivers.
B. Backup your data
1) Backup all your personal data (e.g., photos, music, etc.) OFF of your device and onto your computer by using whatever method you want that works for you, e.g., MTP, ADB, email, Dropbox, Box.net, whatever.
2) This method will wipe your entire device, including the /sdcard folder, so once you do this, you will not be able to retreive anything that was on your device previously.
3) See here on how to backup your apps and app data if you don't have root.
C. Download the required files to your computer and extract them
1) All of the files that are required, need to be in one (i.e., the same) directory. It does not matter what it is called, but all the files need to be in there, with NO subfolders. EVERYTHING needs to be extracted into this one directory;
2) Download the attachment from the end of this post and extract the contents to the directory created in step 1. (Latest version for Windows is here). Note: if all you want to do is unlock your bootloader, skip to step 7 in this section (C).
3) Download the version of Android you want from here. Make sure you are using an occam image which is for the Nexus 4. Most old versions are not usually available on that site; however, there is a mirror on this site: Random Phantasmagoria.
4) Download the appropriate version (for your computer) of 7-zip from here and install it.
5) Extract the files from within the .tgz file which you downloaded in step 3 using 7-zip, not WinZip or WinRAR or whatever.
6) Make sure you have extracted ALL the files (including extracting any files in any archives inside the .tgz file). You should have six (6) files ending with .img in the directory you created in step 1. The other files you extracted from the .tgz are not necessary;
7) Reboot your device into bootloader mode (by turning it off, hold volume down, and press and hold power) and plug it into your computer;
8) Open a command prompt in the same directory (i.e., make sure you are in the same directory as your files are located). You can hold the shift key when you are in the folder in Windows explorer and right-click in a blank spot and it will open a command prompt.
D. Type in the commands into the command prompt
1) Make sure your computer recognizes your device by typing: fastboot devices
2) Unlock your bootloader (if you have not already done so): fastboot oem unlock
3) You will see a prompt on your device. This will wipe your entire device (including the /sdcard folder). Accept. Note: you use the volume keys to change the option and the power button to accept. You cannot use the touch screen.
4) Reboot by typing: fastboot reboot-bootloader
5) Flash the bootloader: fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-mako-makoz10o.img (or whatever the name of the bootloader image that you downloaded).
6) Reboot: fastboot reboot-bootloader
7) Flash the radio: fastboot flash radio radio-mako-m9615a-cefwmazm-2.0.1700.48.img (or whatever the name is of the radio image that you downloaded).
8) Reboot: fastboot reboot-bootloader
9) Flash the system partition: fastboot flash system system.img
10) Optional, but read note. Flash the data partition: fastboot flash userdata userdata.img Note: this command will wipe your device (including /sdcard), EVEN if your bootloader is already unlocked. See note 2 below.
11) Flash the kernel/ramdisk: fastboot flash boot boot.img
12) Flash the recovery partition: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
13) Erase the cache partition: either a) fastboot erase cache OR b) fastboot format cache <<== the second option seems to work better for most people. Thanks joostburg.
14) Reboot: fastboot reboot
15) Done! The first boot will likely take quite a bit longer than you are used to, as Android builds the Dalvik cache.
Now you have a fully stock image on your device. The only thing that is different from out-of-the-box condition is that your bootloader is unlocked. See the notes section at the end of this post for information on re-locking the bootloader.
Note that some users indicate that they can't get past the X on boot. If this happens to you, reboot into the bootloader and select recovery. Then, when you see the Android with the red exclamation mark, hold power and press volume up to take you to the menu. Wipe cache. If that still doesn't work, boot back into recovery and do a factory reset (this will obviously delete all your data & files in /sdcard...).
If you have a 16GB device, and it now shows up as 8GB, reboot into recovery (hold power and press volume up when you are at the screen with the android and the red exclamation mark), and wipe cache. If that still doesn't work, boot back into recovery and do a factory reset (which will obviously delete all your data & files in /sdcard...). Or do this.
E. Optional -- Root
If you want to get root access follow the steps below. (And no, this will not flash a custom recovery, and not, it will not make you "not stock".) Unlocked bootloader required. See steps above.
1) Download (to your computer) the latest version of CWM (from here) or TWRP (from here) for your device;
2) Rename the file to customrecovery.img, and make sure it is in the same directory as your fastboot.exe file;
3) Download (to /sdcard on your device) the latest version of either ChainsDD's Superuser (not currently working), or Chainfire's SuperSU or Koush's Superuser; NOTE: So far, only SuperSU v1.43 and newer currently work properly with JWR66V (i.e., 4.3). I've attached v1.51 below.
4) Restart your device in fastboot mode and plug into computer;
5) Open a command prompt in the directory mentioned above and type: fastboot boot customrecovery.img Note: Only if you are running the z20i bootloader: the command would be: fastboot -c "lge.kcal=0|0|0|x" boot customrecovery.img Thanks hwti & el_charlie
6) Wait for it to boot;
7) Navigate the menus the recovery menu on your device and select an option like "update zip from sdcard". Find the zip that you downloaded, and apply it.
8) Reboot. Done.
Notes:
1) Yes, you will receive the OTA update notification (when it is available) for the next update. WHEN you get the update notification, IF you want it to install automatically, you will need to ensure that that you are using the bootloader, radio, boot, radio and recovery images for the .tgz package you downloaded. Otherwise, the update will not install automatically.
2) There has been a lot of uncertainty and questions around stock ROMs and losing/wiping data. You CAN flash a stock ROM WITHOUT losing the data stored in /sdcard (and possibly even all apps and app data, although this depends on which apps you have installed). This can be done by skipping step 10 in part D. However, if your device goes into a boot loop, you will need to boot CWM, and wipe data <-- this will wipe your apps and app data, but not /sdcard.
3) Do NOT re-lock your bootloader after you are finished. The is no need. 2) Having an unlocked bootloader does not affect anything related to the ROM/GoogleWallet/OTAs. Nothing at all. If your bootloader is locked, you CANNOT use fastboot commands. This is pretty much the only thing it affects. If your bootloader is locked, and you need to unlock it, it will wipe everything, including /sdcard. This is the major drawback of re-locking your bootloader. If you do want to lock your bootloader, the command is: fastboot oem lock
How to return to stock if your USB port is broken
I am adding this how-to in case people need it, for return their device to Google, etc.
This is NOT meant to replace going through the steps in post #1. They are there for your learning, and should be used as a primary method of returning your device to stock. However, if your USB port is indeed messed up, then you will not be able to use the instructions in post #1.
Warning: if your USB port is indeed broken, and you complete all the steps below, you will have NO possible way at all to unlock your bootloader, or get root, or install a custom recovery. Period.
1) Ensure that you have root, and a custom recovery (CWM or TWRP) installed;
2) Download segv11's BootUnlocker app from the Play Store, install it and lock your bootloader with it;
3) Download the odexed version of this file (stock JDQ39 ROM) and place it on your device;
4) Download the JDQ39 stock boot image from here and the stock JDQ39 recovery from here.
5) If you want, you can also download the 0.48 radio and the z10o bootloader from here.
6) Reboot into CWM and flash the three files you downloaded in steps 3 and 4, and the file(s) you downloaded in step 5;
5) Turn off your device and reboot into the bootloader;
6) Go to recovery and access the stock recovery menu (i.e., when you see the android with the red triangle, hold power and press vol up) and do a factory reset and then wipe cache.
7) Reboot your device. Do NOT install any OTA updates if they present themselves. Read and follow this post.
8) Done. Now you are fully stock JDQ39 with a locked bootloader.
Reserved.
Awesome! Thanks again efrant!
Ok...
So I consider myself fairly good at this stuff. I've been rooting and doing custom stuff since the N1. I have messed up somewhere...
So initially I used the "1-click" script method (I know) to unlock/root/BB/etc... It worked, but then I decided to go into recovery and wipe everything (inlcluding /format system) in CWR.
That ended up being unable to get passed the Google screen.
I then used your method, which appeared to work...
First time through it got to the "X" and just sat there for 5+ minutes (I unplugged the USB about a minute after it rebooted). I then attempted to restart and nothing.
I tried a second time and instead of it going to the "X" then screen just went black. The device is now recognized as a Nexus 4 under USB devices on my computer, but the screen is off and I can't turn it on. I just unplugged it and now nothing! It can't turn on!
Ummmm... ****! I even rooted the Desire HD back when you had to do a bunch of weird terminal stuff. What happened? Little help?
EDIT - Ummm I managed to get it turned on. I tried in bootloader and eventually it turned on. However it went staright to the Google screen with these weird graphical glitches, now it's on the "X" but I can still see "google" behind it. I'll leave it for a bit and see what happens....
Jesus...
tomedic said:
So initially I used the "1-click" script method (I know) to unlock/root/BB/etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you know I personally don't recommend that
tomedic said:
It worked, but then I decided to go into recovery and wipe everything (inlcluding /format system) in CWR.
That ended up being unable to get passed the Google screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you wipe system, there's nothing to boot to, so it certainly won't get past the Google screen.
tomedic said:
I then used your method, which appeared to work...
First time through it got to the "X" and just sat there for 5+ minutes (I unplugged the USB about a minute after it rebooted). I then attempted to restart and nothing.
I tried a second time and instead of it going to the "X" then screen just went black. The device is now recognized as a Nexus 4 under USB devices on my computer, but the screen is off and I can't turn it on. I just unplugged it and now nothing! It can't turn on!
EDIT - Ummm I managed to get it turned on. I tried in bootloader and eventually it turned on. However it went staright to the Google screen with these weird graphical glitches, now it's on the "X" but I can still see "google" behind it. I'll leave it for a bit and see what happens....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot back into CWM, wipe data, then boot into the bootloader, and re-flash the boot and system images, and erase the cache. Then reboot, and wait a good 5-10 mins for it to start.
efrant said:
Yeah, you know I personally don't recommend that
If you wipe system, there's nothing to boot to, so it certainly won't get past the Google screen.
Boot back into CWM, wipe data, then boot into the bootloader, and re-flash the boot and system images, and erase the cache. Then reboot, and wait a good 5-10 mins for it to start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya, I did the format system out of habit because I usually did that when flashing ROM's.
So I'm still staring at the X. The graphically glitches have cleared up, but it's been 10+ minutes. I restarted into bootloader, went to recovery and have the andoid showing with a red exclamation mark!
I turned the phone off. I await your guidance...
tomedic said:
Ya, I did the format system out of habit because I usually did that when flashing ROM's.
So I'm still staring at the X. The graphically glitches have cleared up, but it's been 10+ minutes. I restarted into bootloader, went to recovery and have the andoid showing with a red exclamation mark!
I turned the phone off. I await your guidance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The android with the red exclamation mark is the main screen of the stock recovery. (I'm assuming you flash it if you followed the guide in post 1. You need to re-flash CWM if you want CWM.) As an aside: if you want to see the menu, hold power and press volume up.
Ok, do you have data on your device you want to keep?
If not, do this: reboot into the bootloader and flash the following images as per the instructions in the first post: boot, system and userdata, and then erase the cache partition as per the first post.
If yes, then do this: reboot into the bootloader and flash the following images as per the instructions in the first post: boot and system. Then flash CWM. Then boot into CWM, and wipe data, and wipe cache. Then reboot.
efrant said:
The android with the red exclamation mark is the main screen of the stock recovery. (I'm assuming you flash it if you followed the guide in post 1. You need to re-flash CWM if you want CWM.) As an aside: if you want to see the menu, hold power and press volume up.
Ok, do you have data on your device you want to keep?
If not, do this: reboot into the bootloader and flash the following images as per the instructions in the first post: boot, system and userdata, and then erase the cache partition as per the first post.
If yes, then do this: reboot into the bootloader and flash the following images as per the instructions in the first post: boot and system. Then flash CWM. Then boot into CWM, and wipe data, and wipe cache. Then reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to keep data. I chose that option (but didn't reboot the bootloader after boot.img because you said not too). It just went to the "X". I'll wait...
---------- Post added at 10:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 PM ----------
tomedic said:
I don't want to keep data. I chose that option (but didn't reboot the bootloader after boot.img because you said not too). It just went to the "X". I'll wait...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still nothing. Just the "X" animation. No graphical glitches though. It's been 15 minutes.
Any other suggestions? Your stuff works, it's just not booting...
tomedic said:
Still nothing. Just the "X" animation. No graphical glitches though. It's been 15 minutes.
Any other suggestions? Your stuff works, it's just not booting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange. All the images flashed fine (without errors) and it won't boot?
Can't think of anything else to try at the moment.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Question, is there a reason to flash stock image at all if we get the phone brand new? Or is this only if we are coming from a custom ROM? Reason I ask, its not the question of build versions like the Galaxy Nexus - yakjux, and then flashing to yakju/takju, etc.
Just verifying that's all.
efrant said:
Strange. All the images flashed fine (without errors) and it won't boot?
Can't think of anything else to try at the moment.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No errors, I checked the MD5 of the factory image and it's fine. I even re-downloaded it. I did every step as listed in your procedure (even the optional ones). The phone is dead now, it's charging. It spent over 20 minutes on the X. Everything seems to work per your instructions. I don't get it. Could something be corrupted on my phone itself? System/Boot/Recovery images are all dated Jan 1/09, but I assume that's correct (it's from Google after all). Should I try directly flashing CWM recovery instead of stock during the initial process? I dunno...
I will try your method from the beginning again tomorrow.
I assume I'm not bricked if I can still do this stuff. It doesn't bode well if you don't know what's wrong either. I appreciate any further help/suggestions...
evaradar said:
Question, is there a reason to flash stock image at all if we get the phone brand new? Or is this only if we are coming from a custom ROM? Reason I ask, its not the question of build versions like the Galaxy Nexus - yakjux, and then flashing to yakju/takju, etc.
Just verifying that's all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no reason to flash a stock image on a brand new phone. Only if you want to go back to stock following a custom ROM.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
tomedic said:
No errors, I checked the MD5 of the factory image and it's fine. I even re-downloaded it. I did every step as listed in your procedure (even the optional ones). The phone is dead now, it's charging. It spent over 20 minutes on the X. Everything seems to work per your instructions. I don't get it. Could something be corrupted on my phone itself? System/Boot/Recovery images are all dated Jan 1/09, but I assume that's correct (it's from Google after all). Should I try directly flashing CWM recovery instead of stock during the initial process? I dunno...
I will try your method from the beginning again tomorrow.
I assume I'm not bricked if I can still do this stuff. It doesn't bode well if you don't know what's wrong either. I appreciate any further help/suggestions...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It happened to me the same thing... I did everything right just as suggested in every step, but my phone won't get past the X logo... I solved it by going to the stock recovery (unhide the menu by pressing POWER+VOL. UP), wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition. Reboot (to me it rebooted automatically after wiping the cache partition) and everything went fine, it took very few time to get past the X logo...
Hope it works for you too.
Maverick1707 said:
It happened to me the same thing... I did everything right just as suggested in every step, but my phone won't get past the X logo... I solved it by going to the stock recovery (unhide the menu by pressing POWER+VOL. UP), wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition. Reboot (to me it rebooted automatically after wiping the cache partition) and everything went fine, it took very few time to get past the X logo...
Hope it works for you too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is indeed strange, as steps D10 and D13 do exactly that: factory reset and wipe cache.
In any case, I will make a note of it in the first post.
efrant said:
No, no reason to flash a stock image on a brand new phone. Only if you want to go back to stock following a custom ROM.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha. By the way when I rooted the Nexus 4 even before this guide, I know how to do it but I had one slight issue after flashing TWRP's latest recovery. When I tried to enter Recovery mode on the phone I got the Red Triangular Exclamation mark, even after flashing the stock recovery back. To get it working I had to type in fastboot erase cache to get it working then rebooted the bootloader to test it out and it was fine.
Then after installing SuperSu using TWRP, it got stuck on the Nexus logo, even after pressing down on the Power Key for 10 seconds or slightly longer same thing. Then I resolved the problem by clearing cache and dalvik cache using TWRP and it solved the problem.
So just a heads up if anyone runs into this problem.
Maverick1707 said:
It happened to me the same thing... I did everything right just as suggested in every step, but my phone won't get past the X logo... I solved it by going to the stock recovery (unhide the menu by pressing POWER+VOL. UP), wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition. Reboot (to me it rebooted automatically after wiping the cache partition) and everything went fine, it took very few time to get past the X logo...
Hope it works for you too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked! Thanks man!
And thank you efrant. Now to switch recoveries and get root! :laugh:
---------- Post added at 10:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:40 AM ----------
evaradar said:
Gotcha. By the way when I rooted the Nexus 4 even before this guide, I know how to do it but I had one slight issue after flashing TWRP's latest recovery. When I tried to enter Recovery mode on the phone I got the Red Triangular Exclamation mark, even after flashing the stock recovery back. To get it working I had to type in fastboot erase cache to get it working then rebooted the bootloader to test it out and it was fine.
Then after installing SuperSu using TWRP, it got stuck on the Nexus logo, even after pressing down on the Power Key for 10 seconds or slightly longer same thing. Then I resolved the problem by clearing cache and dalvik cache using TWRP and it solved the problem.
So just a heads up if anyone runs into this problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, I just rooted and had to do the same thing.
I assume if I wanted to keep the custom recovery I would just have to: fastboot flash recovery customrecovery.img ?
Thanks again all. These little hiccups make it interesting!
evaradar said:
By the way when I rooted the Nexus 4 even before this guide, I know how to do it but I had one slight issue after flashing TWRP's latest recovery. When I tried to enter Recovery mode on the phone I got the Red Triangular Exclamation mark, even after flashing the stock recovery back. To get it working I had to type in fastboot erase cache to get it working then rebooted the bootloader to test it out and it was fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I mentioned before, the "Red Triangular Exclamation mark" is the stock recovery. It gets flashed on every re-boot if you updated you stock ROM via an OTA update. More details on this in this thread.
evaradar said:
Then after installing SuperSu using TWRP, it got stuck on the Nexus logo, even after pressing down on the Power Key for 10 seconds or slightly longer same thing. Then I resolved the problem by clearing cache and dalvik cache using TWRP and it solved the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, interesting. Not sure why this is.
tomedic said:
I assume if I wanted to keep the custom recovery I would just have to: fastboot flash recovery customrecovery.img ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
efrant said:
As I mentioned before, the "Red Triangular Exclamation mark" is the stock recovery. It gets flashed on every re-boot if you updated you stock ROM via an OTA update. More details on this in this thread.
Again, interesting. Not sure why this is.
Correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming that like the GN we need to rename the recovery-from-boot.p file if we want our custom recovery to survive a reboot?
EDIT- never mind I just looked through your 101 thread and answered my own question- thanks!!
Thank you for making this thread over here. Glad to have you as a moderator. I hope every noob reads all of your threads.
Sent from my BAKED N7
As I said, the phone is not currently bricked. I can do a normal boot into the OS and Download Mode, however recovery is a different story.
I believe the issue stems from the latest OTA update to version VS98026A. I had a custom ROM on here before, but the developer stopped support so I went back to stock doing a complete wipe through TWRP, including both caches, system, data, and internal storage. I then flashed the stock Verizon ROM for version 24A, rooted, temp unrooted to take the OTA for VoLTE, restored root, and installed TWRP. I have been unable to boot into recovery AT ALL. I have tried through the TWRP manager app and ADB. Both times I was simply presented with a fastboot screen stating processing commands eternally, I let it sit there for a good 10 minutes to be sure. I also tried different versions of TWRP, but they all either failed entirely and just rebooted normally or gave me fastboot.
I have access to ADB terminal on my PC, the TWRP manager app, fastboot (I know, not ideal), and download mode. I can flash most parts of the system through ADB, with a little help. I have the basics down.
I've got backups of everything from when I had TWRP on here before, even my EFS. Any suggestions, no matter how drastic, are welcome.
UPDATE: I've used fastboot to replace my boot, aboot, laf, and recovery partitions. Now when I enter recovery, I'm presented with the android with the red exclamation triangle, but no recovery options.
Just to try it I put TWRP back on and I still get fastboot.
Starcruiser322 said:
As I said, the phone is not currently bricked. I can do a normal boot into the OS and Download Mode, however recovery is a different story.
I believe the issue stems from the latest OTA update to version VS98026A. I had a custom ROM on here before, but the developer stopped support so I went back to stock doing a complete wipe through TWRP, including both caches, system, data, and internal storage. I then flashed the stock Verizon ROM for version 24A, rooted, temp unrooted to take the OTA for VoLTE, restored root, and installed TWRP. I have been unable to boot into recovery AT ALL. I have tried through the TWRP manager app and ADB. Both times I was simply presented with a fastboot screen stating processing commands eternally, I let it sit there for a good 10 minutes to be sure. I also tried different versions of TWRP, but they all either failed entirely and just rebooted normally or gave me fastboot.
I have access to ADB terminal on my PC, the TWRP manager app, fastboot (I know, not ideal), and download mode. I can flash most parts of the system through ADB, with a little help. I have the basics down.
I've got backups of everything from when I had TWRP on here before, even my EFS. Any suggestions, no matter how drastic, are welcome.
UPDATE: I've used fastboot to replace my boot, aboot, laf, and recovery partitions. Now when I enter recovery, I'm presented with the android with the red exclamation triangle, but no recovery options.
Just to try it I put TWRP back on and I still get fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was there ever a resolution to this?
I believe I might be having the same issue.
Sent from my LG-VS980
Well, it was sort of resolved for me. If you follow the steps in THIS THREAD, you better hope you have enough battery to last through the process. If you do, great, you'll have your phone back in running order soon enough. A bit of Linux experience helps with this.
After my battery died it refused to come back on, and I brought it to the Verizon store and told them I woke up one day and it wouldn't turn on.
They replaced it under warranty.
I assume other major carriers would do the same.
Is your phone still under warranty? What model and carrier?
After a bit of searching, I did confirm that the 26A update locks the bootloader and implements tighter security policies.
I just recently got my TF701T. I unlocked the boot loader with the Asus unlock tool and then attempted to upgrade to version 11.4.1.17 so that I could install Cromi-X 7 on it. I placed the file UL-K00C-US-11.4.1.17-user.zip on the root of the tablet and rebooted. Once the OS booted back up I was alerted that an update file had been found and I clicked it to begin installing.
The tablet rebooted and appeared to be upgrading but now all I see is a robot on his back with a red exclamation point. After a while the tablet will reboot and again show the Asus splash screen and then the upgrading robot then immediately go to the robot on its back.
I can get to fastboot by pressing power and volume down. I see "the device is unlocked" at the top of the Asus splash screen then I see a screen with the following. Android macallan-user bootloader (1.00 e) released by "US_epad-10.14.1.47-20131022" Choosing RCK, Android or Wipe Data do nothing to help the situation.
I thought I had found a solution in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=47933481&postcount=1 but the link for drgravy's recovery.img is not working.
I would appreciate any help recovering this tablet. Thank you.
jggrnaut said:
I just recently got my TF701T. I unlocked the boot loader with the Asus unlock tool and then attempted to upgrade to version 11.4.1.17 so that I could install Cromi-X 7 on it. I placed the file UL-K00C-US-11.4.1.17-user.zip on the root of the tablet and rebooted. Once the OS booted back up I was alerted that an update file had been found and I clicked it to begin installing.
The tablet rebooted and appeared to be upgrading but now all I see is a robot on his back with a red exclamation point. After a while the tablet will reboot and again show the Asus splash screen and then the upgrading robot then immediately go to the robot on its back.
I can get to fastboot by pressing power and volume down. I see "the device is unlocked" at the top of the Asus splash screen then I see a screen with the following. Android macallan-user bootloader (1.00 e) released by "US_epad-10.14.1.47-20131022" Choosing RCK, Android or Wipe Data do nothing to help the situation.
I thought I had found a solution in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=47933481&postcount=1 but the link for drgravy's recovery.img is not working.
I would appreciate any help recovering this tablet. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the Asus drivers and adb/fastboot installed on your PC?
If you have fastboot access, it would be as easy as:
Download CWM 6.0.4.7 from here http://droidbasement.com/db-blog/?p=3207
I know it says you have to be on 10.26.1.18 for this, but since you will use it only to flash the latest bootloader, you should be fine.
Put the recovery.img into your fastboot folder and flash it (if you need help here, let me know).
Then fastboot reboot
Your tablet should boot up normally now
Part 2:
Head here http://forum.xda-developers.com/transformer-tf701/development/rom-nov-24-t2951032 and grab the 11.4.1.27 bootloader/CWM 6.0.5.1 package
Flash it in your existing CWM
Reboot
Part 3:
Boot to recovery
Make a nandroid of your stock rom
Go back to home
Wipe data, cache and Dalvik
Flash the rom (which you have loaded onto your microSD)
All done.
Don't forget to delete the (probably corrupted) firmware file
EDIT: BTW, when you reboot to system from CWM you will always get the question if you want to fix root. Choose NO - it's a bug....
berndblb said:
Do you have the Asus drivers and adb/fastboot installed on your PC?
If you have fastboot access, it would be as easy as:
Download CWM 6.0.4.7 from here http://droidbasement.com/db-blog/?p=3207
I know it says you have to be on 10.26.1.18 for this, but since you will use it only to flash the latest bootloader, you should be fine.
Put the recovery.img into your fastboot folder and flash it (if you need help here, let me know).
Then fastboot reboot
Your tablet should boot up normally now
Part 2:
Head here http://forum.xda-developers.com/transformer-tf701/development/rom-nov-24-t2951032 and grab the 11.4.1.27 bootloader/CWM 6.0.5.1 package
Flash it in your existing CWM
Reboot
Part 3:
Boot to recovery
Make a nandroid of your stock rom
Go back to home
Wipe data, cache and Dalvik
Flash the rom (which you have loaded onto your microSD)
All done.
Don't forget to delete the (probably corrupted) firmware file
EDIT: BTW, when you reboot to system from CWM you will always get the question if you want to fix root. Choose NO - it's a bug....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I do have the drivers and adb/fastboot setup on PC.
After I could not find anywhere to download the version of CWM that was supposed to be for my firmware version I was afraid to proceed.
When I get home I will try the steps you have listed above and report back how it turned out.
One question, In part one after I flash recovery CWM 6.0.4.7 do I reboot to recovery or let the tablet reboot to the OS?
jggrnaut said:
Thanks for the reply. I do have the drivers and adb/fastboot setup on PC.
After I could not find anywhere to download the version of CWM that was supposed to be for my firmware version I was afraid to proceed.
When I get home I will try the steps you have listed above and report back how it turned out.
One question, In part one after I flash recovery CWM 6.0.4.7 do I reboot to recovery or let the tablet reboot to the OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't matter. When you flash recovery or bootloader, you flash it to the staging partition. The actual installation happens during the next boot - you'll see a brief blue progress bar under the Asus logo.
Booting a recovery for the first time I always reboot to system after the flash, then power down and enter the new recovery from the bootloader. Probably booting straight to recovery or bootloader is ok, but I have not tested it.
berndblb said:
Shouldn't matter. When you flash recovery or bootloader, you flash it to the staging partition. The actual installation happens during the next boot - you'll see a brief blue progress bar under the Asus logo.
Booting a recovery for the first time I always reboot to system after the flash, then power down and enter the new recovery from the bootloader. Probably booting straight to recovery or bootloader is ok, but I have not tested it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it has gotten worse and I think I have lost fastboot now. I downloaded the CWM from part 1 above and flashed it in fastboot. I typed fastboot reboot and now I am stuck in a bootloop still. It says "The device is unlocked" at top of Asus splash screen for about 15 seconds, screen turns black and the goes back to Asus splash screen.
I tried holding power and volume key to get back to fastboot but no luck. Any ideas?
Wow! You are really having some bad luck there!!
First the failed firmware update and now this.... Please post the commands you used to flash CWM.
I have no explanantion for this since you did not even boot into CWM.......
Unless..... the bad firmware flash left a command behind calling the stock recovery to do something (which in your case did not work anyway since it just looped) and now the bootloader tries to execute the command which is not "understood" by CWM. But that still does not explain why you cannot boot into the BL anymore......
Can you turn it off by long pressing power? Try every which way to get into fastboot. Without it there is not much you can do I'm afraid.
Try the restart pin hole (I believe it's on the left side of the tablet near the top) in conjunction with Volume Down, try leaving it alone for a while, try timing the button press somewhat differently - anything to get you into the BL again...
I feel very sorry for you, mate!!
Thanks for helping even if it didnt turn out great.
I typed fastboot flash recovery recovery.img after I had downloaded 6.0.4.5 and put it in my fastboot folder. I got confirmation that it transferred successfully.
Then fastboot reboot The tablet rebooted but still would not boot into OS. It still boot looped but did not show the dead android icon anymore.
I got back into fastboot and selected RCK but it would not boot into recovery. Finally I got back into fastboot and selected wipe data and that is what got me to current situation. Now the only thing I get is when I long press power and volume up my PC picks up an unknown device that says apx.
jggrnaut said:
Thanks for helping even if it didnt turn out great.
I typed fastboot flash recovery recovery.img after I had downloaded 6.0.4.5 and put it in my fastboot folder. I got confirmation that it transferred successfully.
Then fastboot reboot The tablet rebooted but still would not boot into OS. It still boot looped but did not show the dead android icon anymore.
I got back into fastboot and selected RCK but it would not boot into recovery. Finally I got back into fastboot and selected wipe data and that is what got me to current situation. Now the only thing I get is when I long press power and volume up my PC picks up an unknown device that says apx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what happened before - maybe you were doomed since the bad firmware flash - but that last step sealed the coffin.
Using Wipe Data from the bootloader with a custom recovery installed is asking for trouble. Never ever do that.... Sorry, it's a brick. [emoji24]
I was following instructions on rootjunky.com for unlocking and rooting. I successfully unlocked bootloader with sunshine app. Then I flashed TWRP and got it running. But TWRP didn't have the swipe to allow changes to system partition on startup, so I thought I needed to flash system image per the rootjunky video. I figured it couldn't hurt even if it wasn't needed. so I flashed the 10 parts of system image per video and then tried to get to recovery but just saw little dead android flash on screen every few seconds. I have tried holding all combinations of buttons but after unlocked bootloader warning comes up I get lying down android that says "No command" that flashes briefly every few seconds. Am I totally screwed?
All the messages in the command prompt window while flashing all 10 of the system chunks looked nominal ("sending system ... OK ... writing system ... OK", and my batch file looked just like the one in the video.
Any help is appreciated.
Wait. I gave up too soon. Looks like I can get back to fastboot. Somehow TWRP got messed up. I just reflashed TWRP. Whew! Looks like system flash was bad. I'll try flashing system again.
No joy. I have TWRP now, but still can't get system running. When I try to reboot to system from TWRP it comes back to TWRP. I had verified md5sum of system before flashing, so I know that file downloaded ok. Also, adb doesn't see phone when in recovery. I'll keep trying stuff.
Update: I double checked the mda5sum on the system image zip and it was (still) good. Then I re-extracted the ten image chuncks and re-flashed. Now I can boot to system from bootloader and all is as it was before this misadventure. Almost. If I power down phone and then power up I get the dead android with the "No command" message. It just comes on and stays on rather than flashing, so that's an improvement. From there I can get back to the bootloader and then select "Start" to boot up the phone. I can live with that, but it's an annoyance. If anyone has any suggestions to how to make it boot up by itself from power on I'd love to hear them.
Reflash your phone with Verizon Software Update http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/knowledge-base-116673/ and then flash TWRP (fastboot flash recovery twrp.img)
It does't affect your unlocked bootloader.
Thanks, Aptahar, but I have a new theory. I started a new thread here http://forum.xda-developers.com/droid-turbo/help/device-encryption-question-issue-t3283333.