So I've had my Atrix for a few months now, and it's mostly awesome. I'm coming from having owned an iPhone before, and it's just fantastic. I've stayed away from modding it too much however, since I knew the bootloader was locked and not a lot could really be done. But, according to several posts I see here, the bootloader seems to have been unlocked recently. Yay?
So, I ask that you forgive my ignorance. What does this mean? Does a given ROM need to be modified to work with every model of phone? If so, which ones presently work with the Atrix? Any? (It looks like the unlock was found very recently.) How does that process work exactly? Is there any way to ensure a recovery path if something were to go wrong, so that I don't brick my phone?
I'm just curious here. Presently, my phone is on the stock firmware without any upgrades at all, and I've simply rooted it and installed the webtop mod so I could play games on my TV. Other than that, it's been lots of Android Market for me. I'd like to branch out, and I don't even know where to begin.
There aren't any custom rom's for this yet, there's work being done, so it's just a matter of time. However, there is a developer build from Asia that can be flashed. There are a few issues with it, so if you are averse to troubleshooting or dealing with issues then just wait a few days.
One of the good things you can do right now though is to Unlock it, and then install the Clockwork Mod recovery port in the developer's section. You can use that to make full system backup that you can flash.
Can I flash the UK Firmware on a unlocked ATT Atrix now?
Pretty sure you can at least fastboot flash the CG from the SBF (need system and boot) not sure about flashing the whole SBF. You can try though.
schlupp88 said:
Can I flash the UK Firmware on a unlocked ATT Atrix now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
_Dennis_ said:
Pretty sure you can at least fastboot flash the CG from the SBF (need system and boot) not sure about flashing the whole SBF. You can try though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
_Dennis_ is right. You should sbf_flash -x to extract the UK firmware and use fastboot to flash just boot.img (CG56 in Froyo) and system.img (CG57 in Froyo). If you want to flash the radio, use a custom .sbf (for AT&T) with only the radio. We don't yet know whether you can replace your bootloader with a UK bootloader. We still flashed a signed bootloader to our phone. In the worst case, if you flash a UK signed bootloader and your boot ROM is looking to find an AT&T signature in your bootloader: BAD! It is fairly unclear that the unlock ALSO tells boot ROM not to care about signatures, it may very well still care. And the order of RSD: erase,write,verify is a little dangerous...
I as well, don't know much about this... but as far as I know, this will mean that developers will be able to create real operating systems for the phone and not have to wait for att/moto to do that...
in the past it was an OS from att/moto, and all the "roms" in xda were actually the same OS but with some skins and mods added to them...
Yes, if you look at the development forums for just about any other android phone, you will see full customized ROMs that can be installed. That's where we are headed.
_Dennis_ said:
Pretty sure you can at least fastboot flash the CG from the SBF (need system and boot) not sure about flashing the whole SBF. You can try though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did a test with this.
I flashed 1.8.3 SBF over my unlocked bootloader to see if I could use moto-fastboot to flash over a 'stock' bootloader. It works to flash system (since it is still technically unlocked) but fails to flash boot.
So DO NOT TRY TO SBF FLASH A INTERNATIONAL VERSION unless you want to be stuck on the version with no way to get your phone back off.
I also would not flash the boot.img of a international version for the same reason.
beatphreek said:
One of the good things you can do right now though is to Unlock it, and then install the Clockwork Mod recovery port in the developer's section. You can use that to make full system backup that you can flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just finished unlocking and installed the new CWM recovery, just waiting for some roms! About the full system backup with CWM, does is deposit a folder to the SD card I can remove for safe keeping like TIBu? I never used CWM to backup or restore.
climo said:
I just finished unlocking and installed the new CWM recovery, just waiting for some roms! About the full system backup with CWM, does is deposit a folder to the SD card I can remove for safe keeping like TIBu? I never used CWM to backup or restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that the backup will be found in a Clockwork folder on your sd card. I also think that when you do the backup you will get to choose the destination. Either sd or external sd.
I haven't used the bl unlock or the new ClockworkMod (Just waiting on a nice rom). But that is how it went for me on the previous CWM that didn't require the unlocked bootloader.
Maybe someone who has this newer stuff can shed a little more light on it.
beatphreek said:
One of the good things you can do right now though is to Unlock it, and then install the Clockwork Mod recovery port in the developer's section. You can use that to make full system backup that you can flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this essentially create an image of your device? Or does it just back up the firmware?
When CWM backs up ur files it creates a image file of
Boot.img
Cache.img
Data.img
recovery.img
system.img
so yes it does use a image.
Y'all talking about custom ROM's and such, no one seems to care about overcloking.. no one seems to realize what a beast a 1.4ghz Atrix would be.
Viamonte said:
Y'all talking about custom ROM's and such, no one seems to care about overcloking.. no one seems to realize what a beast a 1.4ghz Atrix would be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1.
ROMs will sometimes require you to have the custom kernel associated with them. CM7 for the Captivate comes to mind. With custom kernels, the Captivate was a beast. We had the VooDoo lagfix, which actually made the device usable on bootup. We were able to convert all partitions to ext4, and kind-of make the GPS work.
Overclocking is a possibility too. There's so much that is able to be done. It's a bit difficult coming from an iPhone where customization was limited, even with jailbreaking. But you'll soon get the hang of it.
GPS. Nice point too, but Moto itself promisses improvements on the 2.3.4 OTA. This is the most sorely needed fix for me, since my gps SUCKS. It can take anywhere up to 30 minutos to find my locations. Yes, you read that right.
Viamonte said:
GPS. Nice point too, but Moto itself promisses improvements on the 2.3.4 OTA. This is the most sorely needed fix for me, since my gps SUCKS. It can take anywhere up to 30 minutos to find my locations. Yes, you read that right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine works great. You may have a hardware issue?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
JayRolla said:
Mine works great. You may have a hardware issue?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+2
It shouldn't take that long to lock on. Mine locks on instantly.
Related
A friend of mine had her Eris metroflashed to MetroPCS. Calls and SMS work, but she wants me to provision the rest of it to work like i did with my own Eris on metro. I tried it to find out the Eris one click root app is not on the market anymore however i had the APK, erisone.apk. I loaded it to her SD card and downloaded Astro File Manager and attempted to install, which it proceeded to tell me it couldnt be installed on that phone. All i need is RA-Eris recovery as i will be loading a custom ROM. Is there an easy way to change the recovery on it so i can do this? I was thinking i just needed to update to 2.1 OTA (can someone provide the link? the old link from google doesnt work anymore) then the Erisone.apk will work (this apk loads custom recovery as well as a root very easily). I need to load a custom ROM before i can begin with the provisioning, what do you guys think i should do?
Does this work http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=742228?
Or see this list of options that scary alien provided http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=10013596#post10013596.
roirraW "edor" ehT said:
Does this work http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=742228?
Or see this list of options that scary alien provided http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=10013596#post10013596.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The top one is one i tried. The bottom link there mainly concerns rooting. Im trying to install a custom rom thats already rooted so i don't care much for rooting but i guess its necessary to install a new recovery image right? All i want to do is install ra-eris recovery so i can load a custom rom. The one click method you linked automatically installs a new recovery image and thats what im really after. I just don't think that one you linked is compatible with 1.5
Helgaiden said:
The top one is one i tried. The bottom link there mainly concerns rooting. Im trying to install a custom rom thats already rooted so i don't care much for rooting but i guess its necessary to install a new recovery image right? All i want to do is install ra-eris recovery so i can load a custom rom. The one click method you linked automatically installs a new recovery image and thats what im really after. I just don't think that one you linked is compatible with 1.5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to be rooted and have a custom recovery in order to install a custom ROM.
Editing...ignore what I had posted in this space before.
The second link (starts with "Failing that...") says it works with 1.5.
You have to be rooted to have a custom recovery. This i know...but can you have a custom recovery without being rooted? I dont care about getting this phone rooted, i just want a custom recovery on it.
Helgaiden said:
You have to be rooted to have a custom recovery. This i know...but can you have a custom recovery without being rooted? I dont care about getting this phone rooted, i just want a custom recovery on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You HAVE to be rooted to change: recovery, kernel, hboot, ROM, and radio. The only exceptions are official updates, whether they be OTA or running a RUU update from Windows with the phone connected.
Root access effectively means being able to change things you're not normally allowed to change.
If you want a custom recovery on your phone, you're going to have to root it. To be technically fully rooted, you would probably have to change your hboot (referred to as S=OFF), too, but it doesn't sound like you need that part. This may not be the answer that you want, but it is what it is.
roirraW "edor" ehT said:
You HAVE to be rooted to change: recovery, kernel, hboot, ROM, and radio. The only exceptions are official updates, whether they be OTA or running a RUU update from Windows with the phone connected.
Root access effectively means being able to change things you're not normally allowed to change.
If you want a custom recovery on your phone, you're going to have to root it. To be technically fully rooted, you would probably have to change your hboot (referred to as S=OFF), too, but it doesn't sound like you need that part. This may not be the answer that you want, but it is what it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, i will try one of those other root methods then. Do any of them install a custom recovery as part of the process like the universal one click root does?
Helgaiden said:
Okay, i will try one of those other root methods then. Do any of them install a custom recovery as part of the process like the universal one click root does?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure they all probably do, but I'm sure they say definitively in their threads, too. Everyone who roots wants to install a custom recovery so that they can flash rooted ROMs. Most everyone, anyway. Only those who just want the stock ROM but rooted wouldn't care about the recovery, but those are a minority.
Alright cool. Im gonna do the last method from Scary Allen's post. Just a question though..
i hook up the phone to the PC then click install_root.bat. That should do what i want, however in what mode should the phone be in when i have it plugged in? Powered on like normal, in the stock hboot/recovery mode...??
Helgaiden said:
Alright cool. Im gonna do the last method from Scary Allen's post. Just a question though..
i hook up the phone to the PC then click install_root.bat. That should do what i want, however in what mode should the phone be in when i have it plugged in? Powered on like normal, in the stock hboot/recovery mode...??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should keep questions about various methods of doing things in the original thread. If it doesn't say in the thread about what mode it should be in, then you'll have to ask GrdLock. If it doesn't specify then maybe it doesn't matter what mode it's in. The only thing it specifies is:
MAKE SURE YOUR SDCARD IS NOT MOUNTED TO YOUR COMPUTER OR THIS WON'T WORK!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
roirraW "edor" ehT said:
You should keep questions about various methods of doing things in the original thread. If it doesn't say in the thread about what mode it should be in, then you'll have to ask GrdLock. If it doesn't specify then maybe it doesn't matter what mode it's in. The only thing it specifies is:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i got that much out of it. Okay, thanks for your help.
The jcase "One Click" .apk does not work on 1.5, as you discovered.
Note that the root exploit method that One Click employs does work on 1.5 - but unfortunately the One Click app itself only runs on 2.1.
The Universal Eris Root for Dummies! method will work on both 1.5 and 2.1; it uses the same (wag3slav3) rooting exploit, but does not require the 2.1 OS to be running in order to work correctly. All it does to your phone is to install the Amon_RA custom recovery - exactly what you are looking for.
This method is the same one referenced by scary alien in his post mentioned above - the second URL in his post.
I've said this before, but I'll say it again: when you say "rooted", it means different things to different people. The most general definition is that you have "installed something on your phone which gives you privileges to alter some or all of the phone software which the device manufacturer did not intend".
So - you can have an engineering bootloader on a phone, but a completely stock OS... and that would be a "rooted" phone. Same deal for a set of root tools installed in the OS, but a S-ON bootloader and a stock recovery partition. Or a stock bootloader, a stock OS, but a custom recovery - again, that is also a "rooted" phone. In all three cases, you now have the means to alter whatever you want on the phone. That's all that "rooted" really means; it doesn't necessarily mean that the OS has been kanged up.
bftb0
ahh confirmation it doesnt work on 1.5, nice haha. Well thanks. Ill look into the Dummies root method but right now im leaning toward's GRDLOCK's method. At least i know i have good valid options though, thanks!
Hello,
I am getting a bit confused with all the threads and I really don't want to mess up my phone. I have rooted it and my background is the Xperia X10, on Rogers too. I would like to test out some different ROMs or maybe even the ICS Rom that just came out from the EternityProject team. However, if I understood, there is no way to revert back to stock since we have a locked bootloader. Can anyone could just guide me to threads step by step? I read the tutorial to flash the Arctic Rom, but I am not sure what to do. Is the bootstrap recovery this? If so I guess I can go from there... I was a bit scared since it was saying unofficial. Would it work for Rogers Canada? Most of the things I see are for US or Europe.. Please help me out, would be much appreciated!
I just reread the bootstrap thread.. Having a question regarding this. There is a note stating that you can only access it through Android.. I am guessing I need to reinstall the bootstrap everytime I flash a ROM.. right? Sorry, pretty lost. Thanks for any help! I just feel like it was wayyy easier with my X10..
I came from the X10 on rogers too!, I seems the X10 was way easier to understand and mod. I am so lost with all this motorola stuff too!
Advise
Hey there guys, well I would advise not to flash anything unless you have at least a ClockWork backup of your phone after you rooted and installed the bootstrap recovery. The bootstrap recovery is an .apk file which you install and run from the phone itself not in recovery mode like most other unlocked bootloaders.
I'm holding off myself because there is no full flash file from Rogers as of yet, the closest one is the Brazil Xt910 flash using RDSlite. Still if you flash that if something goes wrong with your tweaking you won't get the CSC files from the Rogers Rom unless I guess you back them up. I'm not quite sure if you can actually pull the csc files from the rogers and port it over but it's worth a try if your daring.
At the moment I'm content with root and backing up the system folders and other partitions just in case something goes wrong, remember to backup your efs as well.
Thx for ur input gdmuscle, makes more sense now. I might risk it once there is a stable Ice Cream Sandwich ROM. I admit for now it is kind of useless to risk that much with the lack of ROM choices. Much appreciated!
And Chriskwan, yea, was much easier with the X10 lol. Good to see some canadians feeling the same way! Btw I am in contact with Moto to see when the update should arrive at Rogers.. Will make a thread if i get an update
After playing around with a Rogers Droid Razr the past 3-4 days trying to figure out ROMs and such, I can safely say I will never actually BUY this device.
There is WAY more community support for the Galaxy S2, and it is a lot easier to manage. Flashing via odin, is MUCH simpler. The stupid fastboot crap is annoying.
well for the razr its much easier than using odin i can assure u that...
1. get the root package and root your phone ... its a simple script u run and it does the rest...
2. get bootstrap.apk and cwm-on-boot.zip ... put the cwm zip in the root of your sd card (external sd)... install the bootstrap ... reboot into your recovery using the app... and then install the cwm on boot zip...
3. make nandroid backup (mad slow)
4. get the deodexed rom needed for arctic... wipe, install that
5. install Arctic...
thats the condensed guide ofcourse... just a few setup steps u need to follow...
As opposed to what? Running SuperOneClick? Because that is all I did and it worked perfectly for my Galaxy S Captivate.
I should mention that just gives me root, but from there installing CWM was relatively easy, and there is nothing more complicated.
The Razr is a great device, but it is to me a PITA compared to the Galaxy S series in terms of Android Development.
gdmuscle said:
Hey there guys, well I would advise not to flash anything unless you have at least a ClockWork backup of your phone after you rooted and installed the bootstrap recovery. The bootstrap recovery is an .apk file which you install and run from the phone itself not in recovery mode like most other unlocked bootloaders.
I'm holding off myself because there is no full flash file from Rogers as of yet, the closest one is the Brazil Xt910 flash using RDSlite. Still if you flash that if something goes wrong with your tweaking you won't get the CSC files from the Rogers Rom unless I guess you back them up. I'm not quite sure if you can actually pull the csc files from the rogers and port it over but it's worth a try if your daring.
At the moment I'm content with root and backing up the system folders and other partitions just in case something goes wrong, remember to backup your efs as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish i read that before i started to mess with my phone. I used a tutorial to try to add a custom rom to my phone and read people with rogers with success but i guess i was one of those who messed up. Now my phone just turns on and stays at the motorola screen
can either of you post the backup file of your rogers ROM
Yes that would be very useful to try
where is the efs folder?
Hi All -
New to this phone obviously (RAZR MAXX). Trying to get a grasp on it, as it's way more complicated than HTC and Samsung phones. I've rooted and installed 100s of custom ROMs with those brands before. This is my 1st Motorola since the Motorola V120c if anyone is old enough to remember that dinosaur. On nTelos' network nonetheless.
I have some questions that I would like answered and I hope someone will do me the honor as the content is really sporadic.
What is Fastboot for this device, what does it do?
Safestrap & Bootstrap? What's the difference? Which is better?
Can I flash ROMS through CWM like I have in the past?
What purpose does RSD Lite serve other than to flash Fasboot files?
Why would I want to flash fastboot? (Redundant question I think)
Thanks to anyone that takes the time to help me out.
I rooted and flash the crap out of my last phone which was Samsung. This phone seems really complex. I'm really on my toes, don't want to brick my phone. But I do want to root to get rid of the bloatware and test out some roms. The stock OS is laggy at times.
Honestly I really like the Stock OS as is. It does seem laggy at times, but nothing worse than I've run into on HTC or Samsung phones.
HTC Sense UI was/is terrible since it's so bloated and Samsung couldn't make a GPS radio capable of locating a mall let alone provide directions to anywhere. Terrible phones.
So far this phone is awesome, really bought it for the battery life honestly.
I too would like to DELETE the garbage that Verizon has installed on this thing. In terms of bloat, Verizon takes it to a whole new level. Just wow.
I'm in the same boat. Only had the phone for 2 days so far. I've already rooted it, but haven't gone any farther. But in some of my reading, I thought I saw that removing the bloatware can cause OTA updates to not happen. Hopefully someone can shed some more light on that issue.
midas69 said:
I'm in the same boat. Only had the phone for 2 days so far. I've already rooted it, but haven't gone any farther. But in some of my reading, I thought I saw that removing the bloatware can cause OTA updates to not happen. Hopefully someone can shed some more light on that issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted mine 5 mins after activating it haha. As far a bloat, just use titanium pro and freeze it. Very simple. I froze around 35 apps and haven't had any issues associated w it. Should an ota come I should be prompted still. Just unfreeze all apps. Accept ota, reroot. If it breaks root completly then eventually it will get root again. I actually Ind, e system to run very well but honestly have no idea how just stock runs as I froze these apps instantly. I did not safe strap or bootstrap but I had previous knowledge of things I should be able to freeze and not and I figured it out myself
I find this phone so easy. There YouTube videos on everything.
To Get bootstrap, all you need to do is press one button, this phone has to be the easiest I've been on. The only people that struggle are the desperate ones that cba to search the forums And YouTube
Ask us any Android Related Question @FeraLabsDevs on Twitter
IdowhatIwant said:
Hi All -
What is Fastboot for this device, what does it do?
Safestrap & Bootstrap? What's the difference? Which is better?
Can I flash ROMS through CWM like I have in the past?
What purpose does RSD Lite serve other than to flash Fasboot files?
Why would I want to flash fastboot? (Redundant question I think)
Thanks to anyone that takes the time to help me out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Fastboot: its just the stock bootloader, can flash moto updates/factory reset/wipe cache. it also lets you into AP fastboot, which is where u recover stock with rsd.
- Safestrap/bootstrap: bootstrap is currently our only way of CWM on the gsm phones, i understand safestrap is pretty much like dualbooting except its not(only its not completely compatible with gsm)
- can you flash with cwm: YES!
- another purpose for rsd: i have only used it for recovering after ics, so idk.
- why flash a fastboot image?: if you mess up badly or get a bootloop you can recover back to stock
midas69 said:
I'm in the same boat. Only had the phone for 2 days so far. I've already rooted it, but haven't gone any farther. But in some of my reading, I thought I saw that removing the bloatware can cause OTA updates to not happen. Hopefully someone can shed some more light on that issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
removing bloatware will cause you to be unable to get ota's (freezing and then unfreezing with TiB before ota update works fine, as long as you don't uninstall).
but i think its enough to just flash a fastboot with rsd (fully return to stock), then you can get the ota
Look here:
aashrey99razr.wordpress.com
Helped me out a lot!
Gesendet von meinem XT910 mit Tapatalk
Addictd said:
removing bloatware will cause you to be unable to get ota's (freezing and then unfreezing with TiB before ota update works fine, as long as you don't uninstall).
but i think its enough to just flash a fastboot with rsd (fully return to stock), then you can get the ota
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid I deleted one app before I was aware of this. TiB shows that I made a backup of it, but doesn't give me the option to restore it. Guess I'm screwed.
hehe, probably not
did you make a cwm backup prior to uninstalling the app(s)?
then you could just restore that
if not the titanium backup file should be on your internal sdcard in /mnt/sdcard/TitaniumBackup as a gzipped .apk with a kinda cryptic filename
you could try ungzipping it and installing with a file explorer.
or you could just backup with cwm and flash the correct fastbootimage for your phone from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1362956
usind rsd lite
and that should do it
but why not just flash a fastboot and isntall arctic 3.0.5?
Addictd said:
hehe, probably not
did you make a cwm backup prior to uninstalling the app(s)?
then you could just restore that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course not, that would be too easy
if not the titanium backup file should be on your internal sdcard in /mnt/sdcard/TitaniumBackup as a gzipped .apk with a kinda cryptic filename
you could try ungzipping it and installing with a file explorer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a file there, but it doesn't have an .apk. There's a gzip file, inside that is a tar file. In there are imbedded data directories, but no actual files.
or you could just backup with cwm and flash the correct fastbootimage for your phone from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1362956
usind rsd lite
and that should do it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might take that route when the next update is ready.
But why not just flash a fastboot and isntall arctic 3.0.5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as I said, I only got the phone Saturday, and I work weekends.
But I've got an issue hooking up to my work email account. I was unable to get it working on my Touchpad using CM7 or CM9. I originally bought a Galaxy Nexus and had no luck with that either, thus I bought the Razr. I still can't get the native apps to work, but at least Touchdown semi-works (no Activesync). So I'm actually a little gun shy about trying new things.
Addictd said:
- Safestrap/bootstrap: bootstrap is currently our only way of CWM on the gsm phones, i understand safestrap is pretty much like dualbooting except its not(only its not completely compatible with gsm)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that mean that we can't use ROM Manager or do we just need to use Bootstrap to install CWM and than use ROM Manager like we otherwise would? I got used to that app on my old phone.
I got a GSM RAZR and I have just rooted, the root script pushed in my phone some app called Bionic Bootstrapper, which gives me options Bootstrap Recovery and Reboot Recovery, what does each of them do? I don't plan on changing ROMs for now, but I definitely need to be able to recover the system.
It appears there isn't any real root on this device since the bootloader is locked. Samsung and HTC devices have their BLs unlocked so it's easier to make a permanent Recovery that will persist on reboot. I'm speculating of course, so someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Reboot recovery should reboot the phone to a ClockworkMod style "DOS" menu that allows you to preform functions like Back up, install zip files or even a new ROM.
When I did it, it rebooted a triangle and exclamation point, with an android guy on it. I was worried at that point. I hit the power button and the Recovery loaded instantly. Not sure if that's normal, but it's quite shakey compared to other devices out there.
I love this phone, so don't me wrong. It's just going to take some getting used to.
i dont think all of rom managers functions will work :/
bootstrap recovery: installs recovery (you only have to do this once)
reboot recovery: reboots your phone into cwm
the thing is the bootloader is locked, so we cant put cwm into the stock fastboot.
there is however a little workaround made by J.Y.Daddy that starts cwm everytime you boot, but this is installed in your rom, not in the stock fastboot, so you have to reinstall it when you flash a new rom :/
onboot cwm link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1385283
Addictd said:
i dont think all of rom managers functions will work :/
bootstrap recovery: installs recovery (you only have to do this once)
reboot recovery: reboots your phone into cwm
the thing is the bootloader is locked, so we cant put cwm into the stock fastboot.
there is however a little workaround made by J.Y.Daddy that starts cwm everytime you boot, but this is installed in your rom, not in the stock fastboot, so you have to reinstall it when you flash a new rom :/
onboot cwm link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1385283
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there some way to otherwise boot into CWM enviroment, some combination of keys or something like on other phones? Not much use for CWM if you brick your phone and can't boot into it. Also, is installed CWM not going to cause a problem for regular OTA updates and do we need to reinstall it afterwards?
From what I understood, Motorola has put some sort of recovery environment on this phone already, but I don't know what it can be used for.
And I have GSM version, bootloader is not locked, so I don't have to worry about that.
laserburn said:
Is there some way to otherwise boot into CWM enviroment, some combination of keys or something like on other phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there's a workaround by J.Y.Darry that makes it boot into cwm on every boot.
there is no keycombo for cwm booting. but you can boot into fastboot with both volumekeys + power
where you can go into stock "recovery" and AP fastboot
you will use AP fastboot in combination with RSD lite to flash back to stock if u mess up, there are also more options in fastboot, but i have never used them.
laserburn said:
Not much use for CWM if you brick your phone and can't boot into it. Also, is installed CWM not going to cause a problem for regular OTA updates and do we need to reinstall it afterwards?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you will use cwm to flash custom roms and make backups
then if you mess up and want to recover a backup you have to
- set phone in ap fastboot mode
- connect razr to computer
- use rsd lite(or an alternative flashtool) to flash the fastbootfile for your phone
- root and install bootstrapper
- reboot into cwm and restore backup
i dont think cwm in itself will cause any problems for OTA's. but if you install a custom rom its a different story
as long as you have the bootstrapper app installed on your phone, you should be able to bootstrap recovery and boot into cwm
laserburn said:
From what I understood, Motorola has put some sort of recovery environment on this phone already, but I don't know what it can be used for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes they have put a rudimentary recovery in it. but you can only use it to apply updates from sdcard (to manually download ota and install), wipe and factory reset. (someone correct me if i'm wrong here)
laserburn said:
And I have GSM version, bootloader is not locked, so I don't have to worry about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry to be the bringer of bad news. but i have gsm too. mine is locked, so i'm pretty solid your bl is too
troollolotorola -.-
Damn, how I miss my old phone where rooting was 1 click on the app and you could swap ROMs as easy as swapping socks.
How could I check if the bootloader is locked and what consequences does it have?
laserburn said:
Damn, how I miss my old phone where rooting was 1 click on the app and you could swap ROMs as easy as swapping socks.
How could I check if the bootloader is locked and what consequences does it have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I agree with you. Rooting, flashing, CWM all 100 times easier on HTC and Samsung phones.
Don't get wrong though, I Love my RAZR Maxx, and the default OS is actually OK. Which is good because it seems that there is little to zero developement for the CDMA version of the droid RAZR/MAXX at the moment, if at all.
they're all over on the HTC/Sammy forums =D
laserburn said:
Damn, how I miss my old phone where rooting was 1 click on the app and you could swap ROMs as easy as swapping socks.
How could I check if the bootloader is locked and what consequences does it have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if/when we get the BL unlocked this phone will be a dream
there is this utility made by mattlgrof u can use to check bl lock
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1486718
IdowhatIwant said:
Yeah I agree with you. Rooting, flashing, CWM all 100 times easier on HTC and Samsung phones.
Don't get wrong though, I Love my RAZR Maxx, and the default OS is actually OK. Which is good because it seems that there is little to zero developement for the CDMA version of the droid RAZR/MAXX at the moment, if at all.
they're all over on the HTC/Sammy forums =D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ain't no agruing with that, but they don't make as sweet looking and solid phones i hope motorola pull their head out of their ass soon...
Development for the cdma version is found mostly on droidrzr.com (plenty of beta/alpha ICS and some GB roms) but they are missing some parts, so we have to wait till motorola release ics be4 they will be complete.
http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/index
for all you non-cdma users out there, u should check out the cdma to gsm patch
http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/1233-cdma-port-cm9aokp-givesomelovetogsm/
I got Motorola Photon 4G with Android 2.3.4. Already rooted it and install Bootstrap.apk. I want to flash roms but I don't want to unlock bootloader so I can keep my 4G. So i dont need to flash SBF files thingy? And do i need to do Nandroid too? Also what are the some stable roms with working 4G? I heard about Rocko Locked and MOF 2.3.5ish Locked? Is both roms good? If you have any tips, please do tell me
silverhawknike said:
I got Motorola Photon 4G with Android 2.3.4. Already rooted it and install Bootstrap.apk. I want to flash roms but I don't want to unlock bootloader so I can keep my 4G. So i dont need to flash SBF files thingy? And do i need to do Nandroid too? Also what are the some stable roms with working 4G? I heard about Rocko Locked and MOF 2.3.5ish Locked? Is both roms good? If you have any tips, please do tell me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, there is no SBFing required if you don't want to unlock. If youve got bootstrap recovery installed (it doesnt come in an apk so im not sure what you mean) and can boot into it you can start flashing locked roms. The only one that you can flash that is still in development is Mof's rom, though. But it is a good upgrade from stock and everything works swimmingly. To flash it, just download the zip, throw it on your SD card, boot up into bootstrap recovery and flash the zip. No need to wipe anything, the installation will do it automatically.
Acvice said:
No, there is no SBFing required if you don't want to unlock. If youve got bootstrap recovery installed (it doesnt come in an apk so im not sure what you mean) and can boot into it you can start flashing locked roms. The only one that you can flash that is still in development is Mof's rom, though. But it is a good upgrade from stock and everything works swimmingly. To flash it, just download the zip, throw it on your SD card, boot up into bootstrap recovery and flash the zip. No need to wipe anything, the installation will do it automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great news ,
Acvice , could u plz educate me also where i can find the bootstrap recovery and how i can flash it
regards
Bootstrap Recovery is an .apk file needs to be side loaded like any app not installed from the Play Store. It can be located by searching the term Bootstrap Recovery Motorola Photon in the search bar.
It never hurts to ask for help, Ill try to help
Hey there mate. Once i had first purchased my photon, cm9 wasnt out as far as i remember, or maybe it was, but it was in really unstable alpha's, but anyways, off topic. Have you read around the developers section yet? As you go through and get farther into the pages, you'll see less of cm10, cm9, and you will see stuff like homebase rom, alien rom, yada yada. As for all of the older roms that dont require you have an unlocked bootloader, i recommend you use rocko. It offers great speed, stability, and it doesnt look half bad. I dont really know where to start as far as helping you in terms of explaining all of the flashing process, but i will point you in the right direction.
When i first began flashing roms these 2 threads became my best friend;
This one covers about it all
This one is even quite educational
For visual aid, qbking helped me just to assure i followed steps correctly with his line of tutorial videos (he also reviewed some roms if you are curious)
I hope those links at least get you pointed in the right direction. It seems like an aweful lot to take in, but, its organised allowing for quick navigation and in reality, you only really have to skim through it.
If you have any questions, feel free to reply and il get back to you when im available, best of luck flashing, and enjoy your photon! :good:
silverhawknike said:
I got Motorola Photon 4G with Android 2.3.4. Already rooted it and install Bootstrap.apk. I want to flash roms but I don't want to unlock bootloader so I can keep my 4G. So i dont need to flash SBF files thingy? And do i need to do Nandroid too? Also what are the some stable roms with working 4G? I heard about Rocko Locked and MOF 2.3.5ish Locked? Is both roms good? If you have any tips, please do tell me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlock the bootloader and use a custom recovery. bootstrap isn't a true recovery and should only be used if you can't unlock the bootloader.
so i'd go with the custom recovery that way you'll never have to flash an sbf to repair the phone if it gets messed up from flashing locked roms.
na7q said:
unlock the bootloader and use a custom recovery. bootstrap isn't a true recovery and should only be used if you can't unlock the bootloader.
so i'd go with the custom recovery that way you'll never have to flash an sbf to repair the phone if it gets messed up from flashing locked roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As the OP states he wants to keep 4g unlocking the bootloader will kill the 4g.
mof9336 said:
Bootstrap Recovery is an .apk file needs to be side loaded like any app not installed from the Play Store. It can be located by searching the term Bootstrap Recovery Motorola Photon in the search bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woops, my bad on the false info about the bootstrap file Silver. Its been like a year since I had to install bootstrap. Just had a brain fart.
Acvice said:
Woops, my bad on the false info about the bootstrap file Silver. Its been like a year since I had to install bootstrap. Just had a brain fart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries bro.
Sent from my MB855 using xda app-developers app
Well, I've pretty much had it with this latest update (ATT, 4.5.145). I'd like to go back to .141 as its easily rootable. My Atrix is boot unlocked, and I have no interest in the custom ROMs. I dont have squat on the phone I need to keep, so I can blow the whole thing away as needed. I have the latest USB drivers and RSDlite ready to go.
I located the following ROM, and downloaded it... "1FF-olympus-user-2.3.6-4.5.141-111212-release-keys-signed-ATT-US-GAS_NA_OLPSGBATTSPE_P012.sbf", appears to be the correct one.
I've been reading and reading and reading on the forums here (i.e. I've searched a lot), but theres a lot of cross-info, its hard to tell whats applicable in some situations.
So the question....
Which HowTo/Method/Guide would be most appropriate for my situation? Or is there something that would prevent this back-rev?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
K
KetoSoi said:
Well, I've pretty much had it with this latest update (ATT, 4.5.145). I'd like to go back to .141 as its easily rootable. My Atrix is boot unlocked, and I have no interest in the custom ROMs. I dont have squat on the phone I need to keep, so I can blow the whole thing away as needed. I have the latest USB drivers and RSDlite ready to go.
I located the following ROM, and downloaded it... "1FF-olympus-user-2.3.6-4.5.141-111212-release-keys-signed-ATT-US-GAS_NA_OLPSGBATTSPE_P012.sbf", appears to be the correct one.
I've been reading and reading and reading on the forums here (i.e. I've searched a lot), but theres a lot of cross-info, its hard to tell whats applicable in some situations.
So the question....
Which HowTo/Method/Guide would be most appropriate for my situation? Or is there something that would prevent this back-rev?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never flash an SBF unless you have no other choice. Major hard brick risk.
In this section I have a stickied thread with the answers you need.
If your bootloader is still unlocked and you still have a custom recovery installed, flashing a fruit cake should work fine.
upndwn4par said:
Never flash an SBF unless you have no other choice. Major hard brick risk.
In this section I have a stickied thread with the answers you need.
If your bootloader is still unlocked and you still have a custom recovery installed, flashing a fruit cake should work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point, I dont have much choice. Unless some one figures out what motorola/att did with 145 to completely screw root (its beyond my abilities), I need to press forward. If I brick it, I brick it. I'll use your sticky as my guide then, seems reliable.
Bootloader is unlocked, though I've never installed a 'custom recovery'. Looks like the various fruitcakes links are unavailable for download?
What is the advantage of the fruitcake version over the version I posted?
Thanks for the guidance
K
KetoSoi said:
At this point, I dont have much choice. Unless some one figures out what motorola/att did with 145 to completely screw root (its beyond my abilities), I need to press forward. If I brick it, I brick it. I'll use your sticky as my guide then, seems reliable.
Bootloader is unlocked, though I've never installed a 'custom recovery'. Looks like the various fruitcakes links are unavailable for download?
What is the advantage of the fruitcake version over the version I posted?
Thanks for the guidance
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just sold mine but will look in PC history. My matrix was stock 4.5.145 and I rooted it. I remember failing a few methods till I found one that worked. If I figure out what I did I will post it for you. If not fruitcake is best way
KetoSoi said:
At this point, I dont have much choice. Unless some one figures out what motorola/att did with 145 to completely screw root (its beyond my abilities), I need to press forward. If I brick it, I brick it. I'll use your sticky as my guide then, seems reliable.
Bootloader is unlocked, though I've never installed a 'custom recovery'. Looks like the various fruitcakes links are unavailable for download?
What is the advantage of the fruitcake version over the version I posted?
Thanks for the guidance
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The difference between what you posted (an SBF) and what I suggest (a fruit cake) is that an SBF is full stock firmware (bootloader, boot, system, radio, etc). It is the bootloader that causes the problems. Flashing an SBF is a crap shoot. You might do it 10 times without a problem, and the 11th time you hard brick your device. By hard brick I mean hard brick = your device is now a paperweight.
A fruitcake is essentially the same as a custom ROM. You are only flashing the boot and system images. This is always the best option for returning to stock.
However, you are in a different situation - uncharted waters so to speak. No one knows what to expect from 145. And since you don't have a custom recovery installed (CWM, TWRP, etc.) you can't just flash a fruit cake like you would flash a ROM. You should be able to use the fastboot method to flash the fruit cake, but again...uncharted waters.
I suggest trying the following in this order based on your current situation (options 1 and 2 assume you do in fact have an unlocked bootloader):
1) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then try to flash the zip I posted on my rooting guide thread. If this works you will have rooted 145.
2) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then flash the 141 fruit cake I made.
3) Fastboot flash the boot and system fruitcake images.
All the files and info you need can be found on my "Answers" thread and my rooting guide.
Do not flash an SBF until all else has failed. Let me know how things go with the above before you even consider this.
Edit:
Before you try any of the above, did you try UnlockRoot? It may work.
upndwn4par said:
A fruitcake is essentially the same as a custom ROM. You are only flashing the boot and system images. This is always the best option for returning to stock.
I suggest trying the following in this order based on your current situation (options 1 and 2 assume you do in fact have an unlocked bootloader):
1) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then try to flash the zip I posted on my rooting guide thread. If this works you will have rooted 145.
2) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then flash the 141 fruit cake I made.
3) Fastboot flash the boot and system fruitcake images.
All the files and info you need can be found on my "Answers" thread and my rooting guide.
Do not flash an SBF until all else has failed. Let me know how things go with the above before you even consider this.
Edit:
Before you try any of the above, did you try UnlockRoot? It may work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understood, thanks for the explanation.
UnlockRoot couldnt gain root access
I will attempt your suggestions Thanks very much for the guidance, its invaluable
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1769497.
I am pretty sure this is the method I used to root 4.5.145 before I sold it
KetoSoi said:
Unless some one figures out what motorola/att did with 145 to completely screw root ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I hear, the only thing that Moto "screwed up" (I wouldn't really call it that) is that on .145 they filled up /system. That is actually trivial to resolve - delete a few apps from /system/app that you don't need/want (you can install them later if you want to, some can live happily on /data) and - this is crucial - wipe /preinstall, since that is what fills up /system. If you don't wipe /preinstall, just deleting apps from /system will only last until next boot. Or, well, you don't need to wipe /preinstall, you can just flash the rooting preinstall image.
upndwn4par said:
Let me know how things go with the above before you even consider this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to flash CWM Recovery no problem. I was able to flash your superuser zip as well, however it did not root the system. All indicators showed it as being successful, but ultimately it was a no-go.
At that point I flashed your fruitcake 141 images, good to go there. I then applied the preinstall method, and viola, rooted again.
I am good to go, thanks to your knowledge and skills Thank you!
Now, all I have to do is email a scan of my middle finger to motorola/att.... lol
ravilov said:
From what I hear, the only thing that Moto "screwed up" (I wouldn't really call it that) is that on .145 they filled up /system. That is actually trivial to resolve - delete a few apps from /system/app that you don't need/want (you can install them later if you want to, some can live happily on /data) and - this is crucial - wipe /preinstall, since that is what fills up /system. If you don't wipe /preinstall, just deleting apps from /system will only last until next boot. Or, well, you don't need to wipe /preinstall, you can just flash the rooting preinstall image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried several variations of what youre refering to, however it was to no avail.
I went as far as to delete several useless items (apps) out of the dir, the free space indicated never changed. The amount I removed was more that enough copy su in... yet, it always reports not enough space.
I tried an experiment. I renamed the 'fake' su (always zero bytes) in the bin dir to 'su.old'. Within 30 seconds, *something* renamed it back to 'su', happened right in front of my eyes in Root Explorer.
When you say 'wipe preinstall', specifically you mean?
KetoSoi said:
I tried several variations of what youre refering to, however it was to no avail.
I went as far as to delete several useless items (apps) out of the dir, the free space indicated never changed. The amount I removed was more that enough copy su in... yet, it always reports not enough space.
I tried an experiment. I renamed the 'fake' su (always zero bytes) in the bin dir to 'su.old'. Within 30 seconds, *something* renamed it back to 'su', happened right in front of my eyes in Root Explorer.
When you say 'wipe preinstall', specifically you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that's just bizarre. Not sure what to think here.
I meant something like
Code:
moto-fastboot erase preinstall
KetoSoi said:
I was able to flash CWM Recovery no problem. I was able to flash your superuser zip as well, however it did not root the system. All indicators showed it as being successful, but ultimately it was a no-go.
At that point I flashed your fruitcake 141 images, good to go there. I then applied the preinstall method, and viola, rooted again.
I am good to go, thanks to your knowledge and skills Thank you!
Now, all I have to do is email a scan of my middle finger to motorola/att.... lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome!
I really don't understand why the superuser zip did not give you root access.
Moreover, I don't understand why some users seem to be able to root 145.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised since this device has always been a PITA.
upndwn4par said:
Awesome!
I really don't understand why the superuser zip did not give you root access.
Moreover, I don't understand why some users seem to be able to root 145.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised since this device has always been a PITA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very odd some cannot root. I was on permalocked bootloader and still rooted after soak
Its sad, because the 145 update seemed like it made the phone a little snappier, and the screen was a pinch smoother.
What do you guys think about applying the CWM Zip for update 4.5.145 in my situation? Would that be safer?
Uh oh.... you guys ran away! LOL
I was able to flash the 145 update via CWM from NYG-SBXLII's handy zip file
No real problems, 145 running fine WITH root intact. Awesome
Had to blow away the recovery-from-boot.p file afterwards, and re-flash CWM Recovery, but it was all good.
Updated SU and bin's, good to go.
affiatic said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1769497.
I am pretty sure this is the method I used to root 4.5.145 before I sold it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worked for me too with 4.5.145, followed it exactly and had no problems. Thanks!
KetoSoi said:
Well, I've pretty much had it with this latest update (ATT, 4.5.145). I'd like to go back to .141 as its easily rootable. My Atrix is boot unlocked, and I have no interest in the custom ROMs. I dont have squat on the phone I need to keep, so I can blow the whole thing away as needed. I have the latest USB drivers and RSDlite ready to go.
I located the following ROM, and downloaded it... "1FF-olympus-user-2.3.6-4.5.141-111212-release-keys-signed-ATT-US-GAS_NA_OLPSGBATTSPE_P012.sbf", appears to be the correct one.
I've been reading and reading and reading on the forums here (i.e. I've searched a lot), but theres a lot of cross-info, its hard to tell whats applicable in some situations.
So the question....
Which HowTo/Method/Guide would be most appropriate for my situation? Or is there something that would prevent this back-rev?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you unlock the bootloader for firmware 4.5.145? I've been looking everywhere on how to do it safely!
upndwn4par said:
The difference between what you posted (an SBF) and what I suggest (a fruit cake) is that an SBF is full stock firmware (bootloader, boot, system, radio, etc). It is the bootloader that causes the problems. Flashing an SBF is a crap shoot. You might do it 10 times without a problem, and the 11th time you hard brick your device. By hard brick I mean hard brick = your device is now a paperweight.
A fruitcake is essentially the same as a custom ROM. You are only flashing the boot and system images. This is always the best option for returning to stock.
However, you are in a different situation - uncharted waters so to speak. No one knows what to expect from 145. And since you don't have a custom recovery installed (CWM, TWRP, etc.) you can't just flash a fruit cake like you would flash a ROM. You should be able to use the fastboot method to flash the fruit cake, but again...uncharted waters.
I suggest trying the following in this order based on your current situation (options 1 and 2 assume you do in fact have an unlocked bootloader):
1) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then try to flash the zip I posted on my rooting guide thread. If this works you will have rooted 145.
2) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then flash the 141 fruit cake I made.
3) Fastboot flash the boot and system fruitcake images.
All the files and info you need can be found on my "Answers" thread and my rooting guide.
Do not flash an SBF until all else has failed. Let me know how things go with the above before you even consider this.
Edit:
Before you try any of the above, did you try UnlockRoot? It may work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello, ive been using 4.5.145 and was unable to root it, the problem with mine is that when I try to use the preinstall method it chokes when i type the "cp /preinstall/su /system/bin/... there was a message cp write error: no space left on device.. I have tried everything (almost) to root it but was unlucky.. then i saw this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2153422 ... i wanna try your suggestion but cant find the zip file in suggestion 1 and the 141 fruitcake you made on suggestion 2 and cant find file on option 3.. please do help me.. I have unlocked bootloader and have rom racers cwm.. thank you and more power..