Hi everyone, I want to buy this phone from Aliexpress at 220$, a super cheap price. The only problem is that they sell the phone with their custom rom which is not really the best, and the stock official chinese and english only rom gives the best performance. The problem is that flashing another ROM means that I will lose warranty, there's a way to backup the ROM and keep it stored on my PC so if I flash another ROM and need to send it back can flash again the Aliexpress rom so warranty is somehow restored?
Warranty questions are very theoretical because:
under which circumstances do you think you'll be able to flash original ROM to ship back? When you drop and break it? Because if you brick it accidentally, you can't flash it back either so that's not it.
have you ever looked at trackable shipping back to China? It's suuuuuper long, unreliable, and usually cost prohibitive especially for a device this cheap and fragile. Unless you have a super trusted vendor who's willing to work with you on a valid issue from #1, your device may not even make it back.
Regarding backup, yes, when you first install TWRP, you can do full backup of all partitions and offload them to external storage. This lets you restore original ROM as long as you only use TWRP for loading ROMS and don't flash new firmware via EDL / QPST. So if you want to play with GSI ROMs, you can recover, but once you flash the China ROM via EDL/QPST, there is no going back AFAIK.
miji2 said:
Warranty questions are very theoretical because:
under which circumstances do you think you'll be able to flash original ROM to ship back? When you drop and break it? Because if you brick it accidentally, you can't flash it back either so that's not it.
have you ever looked at trackable shipping back to China? It's suuuuuper long, unreliable, and usually cost prohibitive especially for a device this cheap and fragile. Unless you have a super trusted vendor who's willing to work with you on a valid issue from #1, your device may not even make it back.
Regarding backup, yes, when you first install TWRP, you can do full backup of all partitions and offload them to external storage. This lets you restore original ROM as long as you only use TWRP for loading ROMS and don't flash new firmware via EDL / QPST. So if you want to play with GSI ROMs, you can recover, but once you flash the China ROM via EDL/QPST, there is no going back AFAIK.
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Well, can't I just back-up the original recovery with an app like flashify, install TWRP, back-up the Aliexpress ROM and then install the original stock China ROM?
Then if I have to reinstall the Aliexpress ROM I can just flash TWRP, flash the Ali ROM, delete TWRP and flash the original recovery with adb or flashify.
I mean a lot of times I flashed the original stock ROM on my ZUK Z2, then proceded to flash TWRP and then I flashed a custom ROM again. And they share the same UI, because both are from lenovo
Stock recovery is not an issue because if you boot up the restored ROM for first time after a factory reset, it will replace TWRP with stock recovery on its own whether you like it or not.
On the other hand, flashing backlevel ROMs via TWRP is a problem. Generally speaking, EDL-flashed ROMS replace and update all kinds of data in all sorts of ways where default recovery has no access to (nvram, raw partitions, eFuses, etc). So while it may be possible to make it boot again after back-levelling through recovery, but it's definitely not recommended since there will often be conflicts/incompatibilities and will definitely leave traces of tampering. We would have to have a QPST image of the shipping ROM in order to do it properly (and only if eFuses are not blown to stop that).
And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's impossible. I am saying there are significant risks and we'd have to sacrifice a few devices to find out.
miji2 said:
Stock recovery is not an issue because if you boot up the restored ROM for first time after a factory reset, it will replace TWRP with stock recovery on its own whether you like it or not.
On the other hand, flashing backlevel ROMs via TWRP is a problem. Generally speaking, EDL-flashed ROMS replace and update all kinds of data in all sorts of ways where default recovery has no access to (nvram, raw partitions, eFuses, etc). So while it may be possible to make it boot again after back-levelling through recovery, but it's definitely not recommended since there will often be conflicts/incompatibilities and will definitely leave traces of tampering. We would have to have a QPST image of the shipping ROM in order to do it properly (and only if eFuses are not blown to stop that).
And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's impossible. I am saying there are significant risks and we'd have to sacrifice a few devices to find out.
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I understand, anyway I might have found a simple solution. I simply asked the seller if he can ship it with the stock ROM and he said yes, when placing the order I just say I want the stock ROM
Haha .. good thinking!
It will be interesting to see what they actually do and what it comes with. Please post back and let us know.
Related
I have been testing the N1 for a few days, and just making sure there aren't any hardware issues before I void the warranty (possibly) through unlocking the bootloader and flashing a ROM. I would like to know if it is possible to revert to a factory settings ROM with exactly the "out of the box" settings and OS.
Backup: Unlock, install a RA-nexus recovery, save current ROM to SD, save settings with a backup app.
Restore: Start RA-nexus, recover ROM from SD, do factory settings wipe.
Is this correct?
Currently you can't relock the bootloader, you can revert everything apart from this. It does void your warranty but apparently HTC have been decent about fixing rooted N1s with hardware defects anyhow.
justin2net said:
I have been testing the N1 for a few days, and just making sure there aren't any hardware issues before I void the warranty (possibly) through unlocking the bootloader and flashing a ROM. I would like to know if it is possible to revert to a factory settings ROM with exactly the "out of the box" settings and OS.
Backup: Unlock, install a RA-nexus recovery, save current ROM to SD, save settings with a backup app.
Restore: Start RA-nexus, recover ROM from SD, do factory settings wipe.
Is this correct?
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Click to collapse
As @nDrg said, you can't relock the bootloader, but you can restore the phone completely to the stock ROM... download the EPE54B stock ROM, rename it to PASSIMG.zip, copy it to the SD card, enter bootloader mode. The phone will find the zip and ask you if you want to apply the update... this will restore everything to the stock EPE54B ROM
Didn't work for me, please help...
Hello,
I tried to place the above listed file on my SD (tried the one from the link on your sig, and one from another source) and could not get it to recognize the file from bootloader, nor could I flash it from zip (via recovery).
I have been searching for a way to revert to stock ROM for days now (and I have been researching) and I can't seem to find a way that I can get to work. (I am running both cyanogenmod 5.06, and modaco's sense - switch back and forth with the RA revovery screen). I can't connect reliably to wifi on either, and want the option to go back to stock.
I'm very much new to Android (and the Nexus) thus I'm probably just missing some things that are obvious to more advanced users.
I was hoping that you might be willing to post a step by step guide to reverting to stock for newbies? (Explain each step, eg. I barely know what fastboot is). Or, do you know of a guide that you could point me (and others I'm sure) to?
One might ask why I rooted and modded my device when I did not understand enough of what I was undertaking to reverse the process. One would be absolutely correct in such a question! That being said, if anyone is willing to help, it would be much appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Randy
Just curious why you'd want to go back to stock?
prettyboy85712 said:
Just curious why you'd want to go back to stock?
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@prettyboy85712:
I do love both cyanogenmod and modaco's sense rom, but I haven't been able to connect via wifi on either for quite awhile (though normal network connection works fine). To be more specific, if I have been able to connect via wifi without the sim card in the phone, but not with it inserted.
As well, it seems like a good idea to be able to revert to stock if I did need to (stock updates, etc.) and I'd like to try wifi with stock, to see if it's the phone or the ROM. (My fault for not figuring out how to do this before I modded )
Thanks so much,
Randy
if u want to go completely back where u still receive ota (minus the locked bootloader that u can't change that its unlocked) u can download the signed secure nexus 1 Rom from modaco and then flash the boot,system,and recovery.img though fast boot go to nexus one forum and search rolling back to stock Rom it gives detailed instructions on how to do it I did it to make sure it works and was simple it is and u even get ota updates from Google hope this helps if u need any help just send me a pm good luck let us know how it goes
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Sent from my Nexus One
Hello, first off, I'm new to the android OS, especially flashing ROMs. I did however have some prior experience in flashing other mobiles such as the Symbian platform on my previous Nokia phones.
I would like to try the new Firmware XXLA1 as of now Im using an OTA update kernel version of 2.6.35.7-N7000DXKL3[email protected]#2.
Btw, im from the Philippines and I bought this handset on this country.
So going back to my question, what are the repercussions and implications if I flash the LA1 official ROM from Samsung knowing that its a ROM for "Open Europe"?
if your phone is unlocked (No carrier restriction) you can flash any Stock ROM
Yes, i bought it unlocked. Will the app availability in the market change?
Also, since its an official ROM, would it break my warranty?
I Live in Indonesia, yes samsung Indonesia say it will break our warranty but you can flash it back to KL3 whenever you want to claim it..
Bump. I would also like to know of any important differences between stock roms if any. I live in the US and will be getting my Note in the next day or so and think I will root it but keep it stock and just uninstall any bloatware I deem unnecessary.
I recommend using it for a week before you try any (potentially) warranty breaking mods on it. Get used to it. learn how things work. Then when you start modding you will have a far better idea if the mod has broken something or not.
You can generally flash a ROM from any region, as long as you understand the language. You can flash RADIO seperately, and you would choose one that will work well with your local provider. Lastly, you can manually set the APN settings to lock onto your chosen provider.
Be aware that some new devices have a "binary counter" which will sometimes increase when you flash something. Your warranty may be affected. Spend time reading the forums learning about the issues before you flash.
Thanks! Sounds like a plan
leihuwan said:
Hello, first off, I'm new to the android OS, especially flashing ROMs. I did however have some prior experience in flashing other mobiles such as the Symbian platform on my previous Nokia phones.
I would like to try the new Firmware XXLA1 as of now Im using an OTA update kernel version of 2.6.35.7-N7000DXKL3[email protected]#2.
Btw, im from the Philippines and I bought this handset on this country.
So going back to my question, what are the repercussions and implications if I flash the LA1 official ROM from Samsung knowing that its a ROM for "Open Europe"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at the kernel version you have, it is safe to assume that we possess the same unit, and yes we have the same roots (oy, kapatid!) as well.
I started rooting my unit after a few weeks of getting familiar with it. Don't worry too much, since i was able to successfully flash root my unit and install CWM (clockworkmod), using the zergrush exploit.
Once CWM was installed, the 1st thing i did was a nandroid backup, just to keep a backup on my stock settings.
After that, i tried flashing custom ROMs, and it worked flawlessly, albeit with bugs. Just follow the steps outlined on each ROM thread and you should do fine.
Managed to encounter boot loops, phone not booting up, etc., but nothing too critical that made my unit useless.
As for your question, the obvious implication is that by flashing custom ROMs, you void your warranty. So, unless you have qualms in losing your warranty, then go ahead and flash a custom ROM.
Hello everybody,
First of all: I have rooted some devices before, often in very bad conditions (Softbricked ones, simlocked and branded ones et cetera). However, all of them were not mine.
My smartphone is the Samsung Galaxy Note w/o branding or simlock but with the original Samsung software.
There wasn't really a reason to root my phone up to the point when it broke down (ergo: Shut itself down, reinstalled everything) on one day a few months ago, since that day, my phone has got a really, really bad battery life, apps are destroyed and it is pretty slow. Built-in obsolescence, as I won that phone when it was released, so I got the earliest version.
Because of this, I want to root dat phone and install dat cyanogen-shizzle.
All the phones I rooted before were rooted with my untested and never-recommended method of rooting it with a exploit on the phone, putting up clockworkmod via rom manager and then flashing cyanogen. Sometimes the phone was going crazy, but it always worked, every phone is working way better than ever before.
However, I read some real horror-stories about hardbricks on the Note as Samsung did some really bad work as always. (My next phone will be a Nokia Lumia anyway.)
So, what I wanted to ask: Can I root my phone and then install clockworkmod via ROM manager and then install the ROM via Clockworkmod without being exposed to an enormously high risk of a hard brick? My phone is currently on Android version 4.1.2.
I checked the phone with "Got Brickbug" and yes, I'm having it.
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks in advance,
M24o (No, this name is not inspired by a weapon..)
Best, easiest and hassle free way to get root and custom recovery is to download the philz kernel (the one corresponding to your ROM):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1901191
you can do wipe, flash any custom rom, backup, restore and many more things on this.
Edit: download the zip file, put on ext sd, go to recovery select install zip from external storage, choose philz .zip file and that is it.
treacherous_hawk said:
Best, easiest and hassle free way to get root and custom recovery is to download the philz kernel (the one corresponding to your ROM):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1901191
you can do wipe, flash any custom rom, backup, restore and many more things on this.
Edit: download the zip file, put on ext sd, go to recovery select install zip from external storage, choose philz .zip file and that is it.
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Click to collapse
Thank you, I've just read the thread, what I really like about it is that I can flash it from the phone. Thanks alot for this, those threads are the ones I am always looking for hours (and then find them) to make rooting bearable for my.
Thank you!
Current situation: pretty much complete newbie. I broke my factory OS after rooting it, I think I deleted something Settings needs, so anytime it needs to access settings I get "Unfortunately, Settings has stopped." I factory reset it hoping that would help, but now after loading it gets stuck on a cycling white screen reporting that error (I think it's trying to set up the phone.) The error message prevents me from doing the touch-four-screen-corners trick I've read about and bypass set up. So, stuck on phone setup errors as near as I can tell.
I do have my user apps backed up with TiBu, but couldn't get the recovery zip from TiBu to work. I downloaded CWM but didn't figure it out yet. Also unfortunately I can't get the USB drivers to work (the LGE Android MTP Device won't install), so I think my only way of getting files to my phone now is using the microSD cards.
I'd love some help! I think my factory OS is FUBAR, so I'm not trying to fix that, instead I'd rather just get a cool ROM loaded so I can continue learning with a working device with said cool ROM. I don't fully understand terms that I know I need to like "bootloader" or what CWM / TWRP actually does or how to use them (I need to make a custom recovery ROM?). Or where to get a cool ROM or which to pick, some step by step basics on from some experienced users would be fantastic! Thank you so much!
So you were on stock, rooted, backed up and then messed the ROM? Flash stock ROM again using LG Flash tool (there is a thread in the main section), it should not wipe your data but you'll lose root. Hard to fix if you're not sure about the problem and have no easy access to files. Just make sure you flash the correct version for your model (D405, D410hn, etc), preferably the same version you have now so you won't need a factory reset after flashing...
lfom said:
So you were on stock, rooted, backed up and then messed the ROM? Flash stock ROM again using LG Flash tool (there is a thread in the main section), it should not wipe your data but you'll lose root. Hard to fix if you're not sure about the problem and have no easy access to files. Just make sure you flash the correct version for your model (D405, D410hn, etc), preferably the same version you have now so you won't need a factory reset after flashing...
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Thank you, this put me in the right direction. I ended up discovering that even though the " LGE Android MTP Device won't install," the flashing process worked with this program via USB anyway. I'm going to lick my wounds a bit before trying to flash a custom ROM. Thank you!
For the rom installation, after unlocking your bootloader and rooting, download the app Flashify from Google Play, then install TWRP or CWM zip file as recovery image. Then, from there, you can install custom ROMs or make backups of your phone, etc. A cool custom ROM I recommend is CyanogenMod, it ports newer versions for older devices. So, you can have Android 6.0.1 in your phone
I have been searching for custom ROMs for a couple days, yet haven't come across any that are compatible with the G973W. I have noticed a few that don't specify, and just say "S10", but I would like confirmation.
I would also like to know if it is possible to create an image/ROM of my devices current state as a sort of restore point. I know it's kind of a nooby question, but I am having a hard time finding that information. Thanks!
Your phone has the same snapdragon processor as the G973U. I can't give a direct yes or no answer, but I have seen root options for that phone.
Now your task is to see if what works for G973U will work for G973W (I bet it would since it's basically the same phone).
If you can't find a definite answer, make backups and download Odin and copy of your firmware just in case you brick the phone and give it a try.
malcolmy said:
Your phone has the same snapdragon processor as the G973U. I can't give a direct yes or no answer, but I have seen root options for that phone.
Now your task is to see if what works for G973U will work for G973W (I bet it would since it's basically the same phone).
If you can't find a definite answer, make backups and download Odin and copy of your firmware just in case you brick the phone and give it a try.
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Thanks for the reply! I was thinking the same thing. Perhaps only carrier specific software might break. I would just go ahead and try it, but I'm having a really tough time finding how to make a copy of my phone the way it currently is. It is currently rooted, with TWRP and Magisk. I also have Odin, and Android Studio with ADB. Just not sure how to pull the current firmware.
TacoDeMuerte said:
Thanks for the reply! I was thinking the same thing. Perhaps only carrier specific software might break. I would just go ahead and try it, but I'm having a really tough time finding how to make a copy of my phone the way it currently is. It is currently rooted, with TWRP and Magisk. I also have Odin, and Android Studio with ADB. Just not sure how to pull the current firmware.
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Good you're rooted, when I wrote my reply all I had in mind was root.
However, backup is easier with TWRP. Just go into recovery and then to backup. Backup everything.
There's a bug I have read about with one version of TWRP that wouldn't backup to SD card. So if you face any issues there just backup to phone storage.
Since you're rooted, and can make a nand backup with TWRP, try the available ROMS for G973U. If anything goes south, restore in TWRP. Just make sure of the compatible versions of Android/BL/modem/TWRP between your current phone as it is, and the ROM you'll be using. Because your purpose now should be (I believe) is to test compatibility between S10 U and W versions. If all goes well, go nutz.
So I made a back-up and flashed a ROM for the U variant, but ended up in a boot loop. Wiping and restoring via TWRP also resulted in a boot loop. The only way out was to download stock firmware and flash via Odin. I had followed all of the relevant instructions to the letter, so if any one else wants to try a ROM made for U devices on a W variant, do so at your own risk and make sure you have the correct stock firmware and Odin ready. I might try again down the road just in case something went wrong on my part.