When scripting a ROM is there a way to verify the a certain version of recovery is installed before flashing?
Thanks!
Hmm, that is a good question. I don't think it can and even if it could, with the limitations in the edify scripting, it would be very hard to. For example, on the EVO 4G, I wanted to make it check what device you were running and what kernel you were using but it was such a PITA to even attempt that I just gave up. What made it even harder was that recovery uses it's own kernel, so trying to find out info from the kernel you were running was impossible.
That would be cool, some form of a incompatibility check.
Does getprop return anything while in recovery?
Must be possibly if ROM Manager can do it.
Edit: NM, sorry, I didn't properly read the OP.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
myn said:
Does getprop return anything while in recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure?
-viperboy- said:
Hmm, that is a good question. I don't think it can and even if it could, with the limitations in the edify scripting, it would be very hard to. For example, on the EVO 4G, I wanted to make it check what device you were running and what kernel you were using but it was such a PITA to even attempt that I just gave up. What made it even harder was that recovery uses it's own kernel, so trying to find out info from the kernel you were running was impossible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats sorta what I am trying to do! At least I am not alone in this quest.
scrosler said:
When scripting a ROM is there a way to verify the a certain version of recovery is installed before flashing?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't think there is a definite guaranteed method .. although maybe somebody will prove me wrong as i might be thinking through it too much.
i dont have adb access to verify anything yet, but here is my line of thought.
the recovery binary, generally stored in /sbin/recovery won't really have a stamped version number on it, although you might be able to strings the binary for a version number, which could be executed by a .sh script called by the updater-script and if the script fails, you can stop the update and print an error message.
another thought, the kernel the recovery binary is housed in that is flashed/stored on the recovery partition won't really give much indication as the kernel will probably always be the same kernel version (2.6.35 or whatever is easiest to build for device support), but its compile number might increase, assuming they didn't just merge a new /sbin/recovery binary into the ramdisk and merge with an existing zImage (which could happen).
I've seen manufacturer OTA updater-script files and even cm7 verify device product.model using assert and getprop to confirm the correct .zip is being applied to the correct device before allowing the ROM to be flashed. any official OTA should have this assert getprop command at the top as well as any cm7 .zip.
unfortunately none of those methods or approaches will tell you which version of recovery is being used as twrp, amon and koush all use arbitrary (only really internally significant) version numbers for their recoveries.
on a more positive note, it is possible to test for some types of support in a recovery before allowing an updater-script .zip file to be loaded.
in an effort to better understand and perhaps take an alternate route to provide a solution, what are you trying to accomplish, i.e. what type of support are you requiring from the recovery?
myn said:
Does getprop return anything while in recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it should but i can't prove it w/o adb access. i'm pretty positive manf OTA .zip files and cm7 .zip use assert(getprop(ro.product.model="supersonic")) etc to check before they allow the .zip to load .. but i'm thinking ro.product.model should be pulled from /system/build.prop which might/might not be mounted in recovery mode when the .zip is being loaded or stored else where when the updater-script is being executed?
should be easy enough to test with adb access to recovery ....
EDIT: adb access now:
cwm recovery on evo 3d, getprop is not setup in the shell and does not work.
taken from the NS4G OTA released a week or so ago:
assert(file_getprop("/system/build.prop", "ro.build.fingerprint") == "google/sojus/crespo4g:2.3.4/GRJ22/121341:user/release-keys" ||
file_getprop("/system/build.prop", "ro.build.fingerprint") == "google/sojus/crespo4g:2.3.5/GRJ90/138666:user/release-keys");
assert(getprop("ro.product.device") == "crespo4g" ||
getprop("ro.build.product") == "crespo4g");
if the call to file_getprop mounts /system, then the second call to getprop should read from the same /system/build.prop. otherwise the stock recovery would have to support the getprop command, which i doubt as the first command differs from the 2nd.
hope that makes sense. looks like assert(file_getprop( is your best bet .. and that doesn't verify recovery version. if you can provide more information around what you're wanting to do, perhaps there is another way to approach.
hope that helps!
Interesting...
How about just asking if that is possible in scripting. If twrp then else...., just an idea or if recovery is at a fixed location...read binary to see a signature? Check the md5 and see what it belongs to? You bad boy is my daily driver!
life64x said:
How about just asking if that is possible in scripting. If twrp then else...., just an idea or if recovery is at a fixed location...read binary to see a signature? Check the md5 and see what it belongs to? You bad boy is my daily driver!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if you've ever looked at an updater-script but it's not like standard scripting. I guess you might be able to extract a shell script and run it to check for some identifying information in recovery and have it report back the results in a ui_print but it would be a pain in the balls IF you could get it to work.
-viperboy- said:
extract a shell script and run it to check for some identifying information in recovery and have it report back the results in a ui_print but it would be a pain in the balls IF you could get it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the part that would be a pain, as viperboy eludes to, is creating an index of the recovery versions, example:
md5sum: 029jlaksdfl232l34jklas = twrp recovery 1.0.0
md5sum: 0djlsdkj23lkj423lkjasdfl = twrp recovery 1.0.1
md5sum: lksd0923jlszdf092034 = twrp recovery 1.0.2
and doing that for each version of the recovery being released in addition to also indexing cwm recovery. sure, its doable ... is it practical?
the list would need to be updated with each new version of a recovery that is released, otherwise an installing ROM wouldn't know which version a new recovery was.
the OP never answered my inquiry as to what exactly he is looking for in the recovery, a specific feature or function? without knowing the full story, its hard to say this is the best approach.
Never did look up updating script. Just trying to give ideas out of the box. It seems limiting.
life64x said:
Never did look up updating script. Just trying to give ideas out of the box. It seems limiting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in my opinion, i'm not sure its a limitation of edify (updater-script) or a limitation of bash/sh/shell scripting (which edify can leverage) but more of a limitation in how custom recovery's are designed and versioned. provided android wasn't really designed to have many different versions of custom recovery's on one device, there aren't really any APIs setup for version control in the recovery .. in fact very little is supported in recovery as its just that ... a temporary recovery mode.
the method i mention above, hash'n out each version and storing in a table/index, would be one approach to implementing a type of version control w/o the custom recovery developer's changing their approach.
imo, the ideal approach would be for the custom recovery developers to implement a type of version control all custom recovery's follow, but since its not really *needed* or popularily demanded, i dont think that concept has a very high likihood of that occuring in the near future.
edify (updater-script) and bash scripting are both pretty decent languages and i think bring a very good set of features and abilities to the table, given the scope android originally designed the recovery mode for.
if for whatever reason you want recovery to support other languages or more features, i know twrp has a github where they track issues, put in a request or fork, code and send a pull request to their git. likewise i'm sure koush is open also.
the skys the limit!
Related
Hello,
I want to compile Android from source. I want to just build a fully default Gingerbread that would run nice on my phone. I got the Android source, kernel source (kernel-2.6.32-U8800-Froyo) and now I don't know what to do next. I compiled the generic one already (lunch full-eng) and it ran fine on the emulator.
My most important question is, if I make it otapackage and flash it, would it start? If it doesn't, can I recover? What folders/files are essential if I make my own device for example in "device/huawei/u8800"
Also, where can I find a GOOD porting guide? I have found some that are old and not used anymore.
Some links
Start by going through source.android.com for the general basics if you havent already.
Also, even though Google removed the PDK (Platform Developer's Kit) from the site, it has been mirrored on kandroid here: http://www.kandroid.org/online-pdk/guide/index.html
The stuff in the the PDK, although inadequate, is still very important and explains how to create the necessary makefiles to add to the build, configuring for a new market, etc. etc.
Also,
watch these two videos over here. These were very helpful in my ROM development:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_H4AlQaNa0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFqELLB1Kk8
Learn to use github. It is helpful for you to keep track of your changes as well as incorporate others works into your own.
http://help.github.com/
Finally, Cyanogenmod repos are your BEST friend. Almost all major AOSP ROM devs owe some sort of thanks to those guys who have done so much. If you want to check out some of the code changes and patches that you want to incorporate look here on their gerrit:
review.cyanogenmod.com
If you want to look at the other changes that are actually in the cyanogenmod builds, best to look at their git repos here:
https://github.com/CyanogenMod
I am still learning right now while I create my ROM but your welcome to PM me if you have any questions
Glad someone helped. Now that ICS is available, I will build that instead. Now, I will follow the kandroid tutorial and add hardware_msm7x30 from cyanogenmod's repos. Then I'll make my own makefiles in the huawei/u8800 and I'll see if that works.
Also, some things I am not still clear. If I am not adding any recovery files, it shouldn't replace it, right? I want to make sure I can recover. However, my phone has a bootloader mode, which should still work, even if other's messed up. And the kernel, if I already have a compiled kernel for android 2.2, should it work for newer versions?
Thanks
Well AOSP as far as I know adds the stock recovery into the build so if you have a stock ROM, then you will lose your recovery (unless you change the source to skip the adding of recovery to otapackage).
Your bootloader should be fine. so you will theoretically be able to re-flash a custom recovery with fastboot as long as your bootloader is unlocked (assuming your phone is already rooted and has a custom rom, then it should be unlocked)
If you are using CM7 as base, then you dont have to worry about it as it is configured to NOT replace the recovery during the building and creating the otapackage.
The kernel should not be compatible as there were significant changes from Froyo and you should not use it. By the way, for now, work on the ROM first. Creating a custom kernel from scratch is hard work and should be left as the last task to do (assuming you know linux kernel development). Just use the stock pre-built kernel that comes with the source.
Also, according to Google:
Starting with IceCreamSandwich, the Android Open-Source Project can't be used from pure source code only, and requires additional hardware-related proprietary libraries to run, specifically for hardware graphics acceleration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This means you need to find the correct hardware drivers first. Where to find that is beyond me. Check CM repos. It would be easy if everyone had a Nexus S/ Galaxy Nexus as the drivers are immediately available on source.android.com. Ah...well....
Personally, I am going to wait a few weeks before dabbling into ICS ROMs. Wait till CM7 comes out with a nightly for my nexus one and then rip the drivers from their ROM and use it for mine
I got ICS source and made the necessary Android.mk, AndroidProducts.mk, BoardConfig.mk and u8800(my device).mk, also vendorsetup.sh . Now, when I am trying to build it doesn't give me an error, more of a suggestion. It says to include "LOCAL_MODULE_TAGS := optional" in the hardware/msm7k/liblights/Android.mk. I added that, and tried again. Got that message again, but with other type /libril/Android.mk
About fastboot, I am not sure if my device has that. It can be turned on with volume up and down + power, but it boots to so called "pink screen". When I mount phone using usb to my pc, I can browse the recovery.img and other related stuff. If I have the otapackage, can I just take the recovery out from there or what should I modify in source? Add something to the makefiles?
Yeah I am pretty sure you should add the LOCAL_MODULE_TAGS to all of the relevant pre-built files. maybe they made the compiler less harsh in ICS when compared to the one for gingerbread. In gingerbread, it outright crashed the compile and asked you to add the tags.
According to Google engineers, here is the reason why they use these tags:
Short answer: lack of time.
The urgent concern was to prevent new modules from using a user tag
(implicitly or explicitly), and we took care of that. We haven't had
time to deal with the existing modules, there are over 1000 of those.
JBQ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By the way, I hope you have git setup and the changes you have made are being staged and commited to your repo in github. If you ever make a mistake that hardcore crashes your compile and you dont know what you did, git will be there for you to rollback the changes as well as keep track of everything you have done from commit to commit
As far as I know, CM repos dont have everything complete for a full build of ICS but I could be wrong.
So you are working with AOSP correct?
As for the fastboot every android phone should have a fastboot by default but I believe each phone has a slightly different version. I will post how my fastboot looks like in a bit.
As for the removal of recovery, there should be somewhere in either source, makefiles or argument for the otapackage command that should leave out the recovery when making update.zip. You could just remove the recovery from the update.zip, change the updater-script and repackage it but its not a clean solution and those changes should be done in a uniform manner so you dont repeat this step every time you do a new build.
Where exactly is it, I have yet to know. Still learning much of this myself.
I now completely understand what modes of turning on my phone has... First one is normal, second is recovery, third is update-bootloader(I can access all files with it too) and four being the fastboot. The custom recovery I have on has an issue that it wants to boot to charging mode when I type "adb reboot bootloader". I can get to fastboot with the custom ROM I have on right now though. I think I am safe if I have issues.
I edited msm7k Android.mk to remove libaudio and libgralloc (errors with those), and it compiles to the step where it says it has no rule to make kernel requied by boot.img. I have put into BoardConfig.mk the line TARGET_PREBUILT_KERNEL with my kernel. I don't understand, what's wrong now...
My goal is to simply get it booting up. I'll look into libraries and other later.
-e-
Got the kernel thing sorted out. Copied device.mk from tuna device and edited to fit my device. Also modified full_u8800.mk and made the call to inherit from device.mk. Compiling now and I think I got past that.
-e2-
Got it built successfully. Fastboot won't let it install, because it has no mount points. Added mount points and let's see...
Nice to see you are making progress.
Got it built, but the fastboot is kinda buggy in my device, maybe custom rom issue. I can't make otapackage, it says "no rule to make target otapackage". I have a possible fix, trying that later.
Otherwise, I read its possible to flash system.img from recovery via advanced restore, update.zip package or advanced flash_image, but I don't know. Will post results.
Sent from my u8800
-e-
Tried make otapackage again. It still says "make: *** No rule to make target `otapackage'. Stop.". Maybe some things are still missing, I don't know. adb flash_image command will always post -1 to me, update.zip didn't work, advanced restore is not for this. I have a compiled image and I can't wait to test it, but I can't flash it...
If nothing works I'll revert to stock ROM and try again.
Blefish said:
Got it built, but the fastboot is kinda buggy in my device, maybe custom rom issue. I can't make otapackage, it says "no rule to make target otapackage". I have a possible fix, trying that later.
Otherwise, I read its possible to flash system.img from recovery via advanced restore, update.zip package or advanced flash_image, but I don't know. Will post results.
Sent from my u8800
-e-
Tried make otapackage again. It still says "make: *** No rule to make target `otapackage'. Stop.". Maybe some things are still missing, I don't know. adb flash_image command will always post -1 to me, update.zip didn't work, advanced restore is not for this. I have a compiled image and I can't wait to test it, but I can't flash it...
If nothing works I'll revert to stock ROM and try again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you successfully compiled, take the boot.img and system.img and package them into a zip and use dsixda's kitchen to make it flashable
Blefish, is it possible for you to share your device/vendor structures somewhere? I just finished setting up a build machine for ICS (using Cyanogenmod's repos in my case), and made a working full-eng image that seems to boot just fine in the emulator, so I'm seemingly all ready to hack around our device's specifics. But I would rather not do duplicate work, so I decided to ask
I'm also grabbing Huawei's new 2.6.35-based package to get the new kernel config, can't wait for them to release the actual sources for the update.
I'll share them on GitHib once I get a working build. I haven't got much time, and I changed to CM9 alpha now (repo branch ics). Since we got a 2.3 update, my first task is to port the latest clockworkmod recovery and then the ICS.
Compiling Android is long task and I'll do it in weekends, but the recovery should be available sometime, it shouldn't be hard to port that.
Oh yeah, look up stockwell's, dzo's and genokolar's github, they have done the device configuration. You can get much help from there. This weekend I'll propably test the build, I got otapackage command working now (it needed some things I can't write on mobile).
Sent from my U8800 using Tapatalk
Team Win Recovery Project 2.3, or twrp2 for short, is a custom recovery built with ease of use and customization in mind. It’s a fully touch driven user interface – no more volume rocker or power buttons to mash. The GUI is also fully XML driven and completely theme-able. You can change just about every aspect of the look and feel.
Phone look:
Tablet look:
CHANGELOG for 2.3.1.0:
-Unmount system after boot to prevent some status 7 symlink failed errors on zip install
-USB Mass Storage code improvements
-Better handling of mounting storage during boot for some devices
-Fixed a problem with sizes of images (boot & recovery) after resetting defaults
-Fixed size errors during backup for some devices on recovery, etc.
-Fixed a problem with restoring backups when multiple archives were present
CHANGELOG for 2.3.0.0:
-Rebased onto AOSP Jelly Bean source code
-Rewrote backup, restore, wipe, and mount code in C++ classes for easier maintenance going forward
NOTE: backups from prior versions of TWRP are still compatible with 2.3
-ADB sideload functionality from AOSP is included in 2.3, see this link for more info
-Re-wrote fix permissions entirely in C++ and runs in a few seconds instead of a few minutes (thanks to bigbiff)
-Improvements to zip finding in OpenRecoveryScript (should be a lot fewer GooManager automation issues)
-Faster boot times
-Added charging indicator while in recovery (only updates once every 60 seconds)
While this update may not bring a host of new must-have features, this update is a significant re-write of much of the core TWRP code. AOSP Jelly Bean recovery source moved to mostly C++ code and now all of the "TWRP" code is fully rewritten into C++ as well. Now that we've laid this groundwork, we're in a much better position to pull in future AOSP recovery updates as well as implementing more great new features.
Since TWRP 2.3 is based on AOSP jelly bean sources, TWRP now uses recovery API 3 instead of 2. Some zips may no longer work if the developer is using an out-of-date update-binary. This API change should not be a problem on newer devices, but older devices will probably encounter several zips that need to be updated. If needed, you can try using this update-binary that was compiled with current sources. It goes in your zip file in the META-INF/com/google/android folder.
DOWNLOAD:
The fastest and easiest way to install TWRP is to use the GooManager app
For downloads and instructions please visit our TWRP website and choose your device in the dropdown menu
BUGS:
If you have found a bug, please consider posting it to our github issues log. It's pretty much impossible for us to keep up with the more than 30 threads that we have for the devices that we "directly" support. If you have a significant problem that cannot be answered in this thread, your best bet is to PM me directly, contact us via our website, or find us in our IRC channel below. If you see someone that's struggling, feel free to point it out to us. We need your help to help us keep track of all of our devices! Thanks!
SUPPORT:
Live support is available via #twrp on Freenode with your IRC client or just click this link.
ReverendJKR posted a great video on TWRP and Goo Manager working together.. Much more to come with this relationship
http://youtu.be/OA0S275XO3U
Oh man. Awesome!
Looks nice...looking forward to trying it out.
This looks very slick!
Sent from space
Can this recovery be used on any phone/tablet?
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Super cool, thanks guys, I am now into Nook Color... HD2, AMAZE 4G...
Jainyankee1993 said:
Can this recovery be used on any phone/tablet?
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have a list of supported devices on the main twrp2 page: http://teamw.in/project/twrp2
So I see you got that stuck in recovery bug all worked out ehh? nice work.
eyeballer said:
TeamWin is proud to present TWRP 2.0 for Nook Color!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats TeamWin... this is supercool.
eyeballer one of the install steps is to push "kernel" to uRecImg but there is none? Am I missing something obvious?
hm, anyway to install this on an existing install?
Midnitte said:
hm, anyway to install this on an existing install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right from their page? Though idk what kernel they are talking about.
Download the above file. Connect your Nook Color to the PC via the USB cable. This assumes you have working ADB.
Execute the following:
adb shell busybox remount / -o rw,remount
adb shell busbbox mkdir /boot
adb shell busybox mount /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 /boot
adb push twrp-encore-2.0.0RC0.ub /boot/uRecRam <--- You can change uRecRam to uAltRam for alternate boot.
adb push kernel /boot/uRecImg
adb shell busybox umount /boot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RileyGrant said:
eyeballer one of the install steps is to push "kernel" to uRecImg but there is none? Am I missing something obvious?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nburnes said:
Right from their page? Though idk what kernel they are talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry guys, the page is updated now with the kernel link. However, we just use a stock AOSP kernel so if you had CWM on emmc already you don't need to push the kernel since it's the same.
eyeballer said:
Sorry guys, the page is updated now with the kernel link. However, we just use a stock AOSP kernel so if you had CWM on emmc already you don't need to push the kernel since it's the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually what I thought, thanks for clarifying man .
Oooh, i look forward to trying this.
I was not having success installing this on emmc with the adb instructions probably because busybox was not set up the same way.
So I tried an different approach which was to use the NookColor UMS app to mount the boot partition so it shows up as a USB drive on PC called boot. I then just renamed uRecRam to uRecRamOld and copied in twrp-encore-2.0.0RC0.ub and renamed that to uRecRam. I didn't bother copying the kernel as per the previous posts.
Rebooting into recovery then brought up the TWRP recovery which looks very nice to use. Also works off the power up N after emmc recovery selected as expected.
Clockwork has given me good service but I think I'll be using this going forward.
bobtidey said:
I was not having success installing this on emmc with the adb instructions probably because busybox was not set up the same way.
So I tried an different approach which was to use the NookColor UMS app to mount the boot partition so it shows up as a USB drive on PC called boot. I then just renamed uRecRam to uRecRamOld and copied in twrp-encore-2.0.0RC0.ub and renamed that to uRecRam. I didn't bother copying the kernel as per the previous posts.
Rebooting into recovery then brought up the TWRP recovery which looks very nice to use. Also works off the power up N after emmc recovery selected as expected.
Clockwork has given me good service but I think I'll be using this going forward.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to do the same thing. Kept getting an error that "applet not found" for busybox in adb.
Thanks for the alternate method.
This is a much better implementation of our hardware in backup.
Thanks TeamWin.
Nburnes said:
Right from their page? Though idk what kernel they are talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It wasn't there before! I swear! /thanks
Hm, is usb storage working for anyone?
The only thing I don't really care for is... and I know I am doing things in a unique way....
I have SASD with CM7 on it... verygreen's recovery as alt-boot and replaced CWM with TWRP as recovery mode on the uSD... when in TWRP and reboot... it boots stock on eMMC instead of a normal boot... it should do a normal boot (uSD first)
Ok folks. I've put together a Python/wxPython utility that will automate changing the update-binary in KitKat ROMs to a update-binary that is suitable for older recoveries. This will allow the older recoveries to install KitKat ROMs without having to juggle multiple recoveries.
This particular tool was written specifically for the LG Optimus One device family ( P500 and variants ). This utility will NOT manipulate anything other than an Android 4.4+ ROM for a p500 or thunderg board.
Users of other devices that may be interested in this utility for their device, please feel free to contact me via PM. As of now tho my intended audience is the LG Optimus One family.
[ Download ]
Windows users need Python 2.7.6 and wxPython 2.8 installed on their PCs before trying to use this tool. I am working on a Windows only version as well.Linux/Ubuntu :: CWM_UpdateBinary_1.0.0.zip
Reserved
Can I use in TWRP 2.6.3.0 to flash 4.4 ??
Cool, many thanks!
I am so happy to get rid of hardware button-based cwm for better recovery
z1022 said:
Can I use in TWRP 2.6.3.0 to flash 4.4 ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be able to.
Sent from my LG-P769 using Tapatalk
EDIT: Nevermind, I answered my own question.
Thanks for this tool. You are always helping us.
Sent from my LG-P500 using Tapatalk 2
ibub said:
EDIT: Nevermind, I answered my own question.
Thanks for this tool. You are always helping us.
Sent from my LG-P500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More than happy to. I'll never be a professional programmer but I don't want to let what I've learned go to waste.
Sent from my LG-P769 using Tapatalk
shinobisoft said:
Windows users need Python 2.7.6 and wxPython 2.8 installed on their PCs before trying to use this tool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried on Windows XP x86, when pressing Update program silently crashes, binary doesn't replaced.
Python 2.7.6 and wxPython 3.0 installed, trying this 4.4 build.
z1022 said:
Can I use in TWRP 2.6.3.0 to flash 4.4 ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I replacing binary from tool manually TWRP 2.6.3.0 and CWM 5.0.2.0 still failed to install rom (Status 6).
What needs more to do?
--------------------------------
shinobisoft said:
I am working on a Windows only version as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Utility can be greatly simplified if use command line version of 7Zip. It can replace files in archive.
If it's really necessary (?) checking build.prop can be implemented though internal find command.
Simple BAT/CMD file and not needing additionally install large Python environment if Windows-version still will be based on it.
So here's attached simple standalone working script of that I talking for.
Extract, place ZIP into "1 Place ZIP here" folder, launch "1 Start.bat", grab file from "2 Done" folder.
Script checking line ro.build.version.release in build.prop. Written 4.4, but 4.4.* passed too.
All this can be easily wrapped in GUI (AutoIt etc).
Bonoboo said:
Tried on Windows XP x86, when pressing Update program silently crashes, binary doesn't replaced.
Python 2.7.6 and wxPython 3.0 installed, trying this 4.4 build.
When I replacing binary from tool manually TWRP 2.6.3.0 and CWM 5.0.2.0 still failed to install rom (Status 6).
What needs more to do?
--------------------------------
Utility can be greatly simplified if use command line version of 7Zip. It can replace files in archive.
If it's really necessary (?) checking build.prop can be implemented though internal find command.
Simple BAT/CMD file and not needing additionally install large Python environment if Windows-version still will be based on it.
So here's attached simple standalone working script of that I talking for.
Extract, place ZIP into "1 Place ZIP here" folder, launch "1 Start.bat", grab file from "2 Done" folder.
Script checking line ro.build.version.release in build.prop. Written 4.4, but 4.4.* passed too.
All this can be easily wrapped in GUI (AutoIt etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot say why the program fails on Windows XP x86 when pressing the Update button. I no longer own an XP machine to test on. I just updated my wxPython to the version you installed and it runs just fine. I'm at a loss. Sorry.
I appreciate your input, however I am a C/C++ programmer not batch script. The Windows stand-alone version has nothing to do with Python or wxPython. It is written in C at the API level so it's pretty small. I only mentioned installing Python and wxPython for those who may have been too impatient to wait for the Windows only version. Linux/Ubuntu OS's come with Python preinstalled.
Also, please bear in mind, I'm doing this on my dime and my time :silly: The Python version only took a few hours to write. The stand alone Windows version will take 4 times that long. GUI is done for the Windows version, I'm still having issues with my zip libraries.
I may also be missing something. I remember reading somewhere that the updater-script needs to be modified as well for this hack to work but I can't find any reference as to what exactly needs modified.
Windows XP x86, wxPython 3.0 will crash. use wxPython 2.8 is OK.
However, use TWRP 2.6.3.0 and CWM 5.0.2.0 still failed to install this rom (error Status 6).
Let me do a little more digging
Sent from my LG-P769 using Tapatalk
Had what I needed all along... Oops. Running a couple tests yet. Will let yall know when I upload the update
Not sure what exactly is going on here. I have two P500 KitKat ROMs, 12/27 and 12/31. Manually editing or using my tool to edit both end up with the same situation after installing the ROM. It won't boot. Not even LG logo. My P509 eventually reboots back to recovery. So... I'm at a loss. Could be my recovery too, although I'm pretty sure someone else has reported success manually editing the ROM and installing with CWM 5.0.2.7 Touch by @vivekkalady.
Any ideas?
EDIT:
I still can't get either ROM to boot. No problem installing either ROM edited either way, they just won't boot. Editing manually or with this tool. WT?... I've tried with 4 different recoveries too...
Hello,
I'm willing to try and build a custom rom, but I've been diving through the site for a few days and I still don't get it. I believe I do have the required background to do this: programming, linux, etc. and I have wide experience as a phone user, etc. It's just that either I'm not reading what I need or the way I want it. The problem, I believe, is that all I find are guides telling me to install this and those tools and then open this and that and voila! you got your rom. But they're not explaining WHAT exactly goes into those roms, or what is expected to go there, what's the purpose of those contents, etc., and I can't really catch with that. I feel at a loss and hate wasting my time turning around for nothing.
1. I don't understand the difference between a flashable rom and one that is meant to be installed through recovery, although I can see they're different. Do they both models contain the same kind of data? Is there any restriction to what one model can contain over the other one? If so, how would I convert from one to the other? But please, don't tell me to use this or that tool. I just need the theory behind it. Something of sorts like: "You need to extract this or that from this tarball, then mount this image, then the directory tree there goes in that directory over the other model of rom"
2. update-binary: Okay I guess this is run when installing from recovery, and this takes care of installing the rom, right?wrong?. Is this a per-rom thing, per-device thing? generic? If it's per-rom, how to generate it? do I need to compile something? Is there any generic source code that can be used as a start?
3. Although I have a basic understanding of how the Linux directory tree works, I know Android works on top of a heavily modified Linux. So can you explain briefly how the directory tree works? For instance, I believe /data/data is where Android apps install to, in /system/bin or xbin I can find busybox binaries/symlinks if present. /dev and /proc look the same as in Linux. I don't know about /sys. Also how are both rom models deployed to this tree? What is basically being copied?
4. If I were to compile a kernel, where do I find the Android kernel sources? or is it just a generic Linux kernel? where can i get a basic config for the device? Last time I checked my device hadn't /proc/config.gz but maybe I could get it from another rom with it enabled or something. What toolchain and where to get it? Oh and if you know of a native arm version of gcc or whatsnot, I'd prefer that. Setting up IDEs or toolchains is a nightmare. I don't like crosscompiling. But crosscompiling or not, a directory with all needed binaries without needing to set up system variables nor other stuff, would be amazing.
I surely have a lot more questions that I can't get from the back of my mind now, and I'll have yet more as you explain. But the point of my questions was mainly trying to explain the degree of the loss I'm at, so you can assist me better.
If it looks like a foolish petition, well, that's because I'm quite stubborn and can't catch things that don't go my way. I really need to understand the basics before I can move into actually doing something. I want to build a rom for the right reasons(to me). It's not just about packing a set of apps or themes with it, but about learning and doing other stuff like trying to fix things that are not supposed to work for the device in that Android version, etc.
If you can't help, congrats for reading through here anyways But any help is greatly appreciated :good:
oxiroxt said:
Hello,
I'm willing to try and build a custom rom, but I've been diving through the site for a few days and I still don't get it. I believe I do have the required background to do this: programming, linux, etc. and I have wide experience as a phone user, etc. It's just that either I'm not reading what I need or the way I want it. The problem, I believe, is that all I find are guides telling me to install this and those tools and then open this and that and voila! you got your rom. But they're not explaining WHAT exactly goes into those roms, or what is expected to go there, what's the purpose of those contents, etc., and I can't really catch with that. I feel at a loss and hate wasting my time turning around for nothing.
1. I don't understand the difference between a flashable rom and one that is meant to be installed through recovery, although I can see they're different. Do they both models contain the same kind of data? Is there any restriction to what one model can contain over the other one? If so, how would I convert from one to the other? But please, don't tell me to use this or that tool. I just need the theory behind it. Something of sorts like: "You need to extract this or that from this tarball, then mount this image, then the directory tree there goes in that directory over the other model of rom"
2. update-binary: Okay I guess this is run when installing from recovery, and this takes care of installing the rom, right?wrong?. Is this a per-rom thing, per-device thing? generic? If it's per-rom, how to generate it? do I need to compile something? Is there any generic source code that can be used as a start?
3. Although I have a basic understanding of how the Linux directory tree works, I know Android works on top of a heavily modified Linux. So can you explain briefly how the directory tree works? For instance, I believe /data/data is where Android apps install to, in /system/bin or xbin I can find busybox binaries/symlinks if present. /dev and /proc look the same as in Linux. I don't know about /sys. Also how are both rom models deployed to this tree? What is basically being copied?
4. If I were to compile a kernel, where do I find the Android kernel sources? or is it just a generic Linux kernel? where can i get a basic config for the device? Last time I checked my device hadn't /proc/config.gz but maybe I could get it from another rom with it enabled or something. What toolchain and where to get it? Oh and if you know of a native arm version of gcc or whatsnot, I'd prefer that. Setting up IDEs or toolchains is a nightmare. I don't like crosscompiling. But crosscompiling or not, a directory with all needed binaries without needing to set up system variables nor other stuff, would be amazing.
I surely have a lot more questions that I can't get from the back of my mind now, and I'll have yet more as you explain. But the point of my questions was mainly trying to explain the degree of the loss I'm at, so you can assist me better.
If it looks like a foolish petition, well, that's because I'm quite stubborn and can't catch things that don't go my way. I really need to understand the basics before I can move into actually doing something. I want to build a rom for the right reasons(to me). It's not just about packing a set of apps or themes with it, but about learning and doing other stuff like trying to fix things that are not supposed to work for the device in that Android version, etc.
If you can't help, congrats for reading through here anyways But any help is greatly appreciated :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not terribly knowledgeable about all of this, but I will take a crack at it. Others can feel free to correct me.
1. "Flashing" is usually done through the recovery from a zip with an update script inside. That script is in a language called "edify". Read more about Edify Here and Here.
The only other common way that I know of installing a ROM is through fastboot in the bootloader, but that is normally only used with official factory images. Also, I think Samsung ROMs are often flashed with a proprietary program called Odin.
2. I think that the update-binary is standard across all recent devices. I think it is just an interpreter for the Edify scripting language. Old versions of android used a somewhat different scripting language and required a different file. You can probably pull the binary out of another recent zip and use that. The main thing you have to worry about is the update script (instructions for what the zip does) and the folder structure of the zip.
3. I am not confident to explain much here, but the apps and their data are stored in different places. User apps are stored in /data/app with app data stored in /data/data, I think. System apps are installed in /system/app. There is more files stored on the "sdcard" partition which can be internal or external, depending on the device.
4. Kernel sources are usually provided in the source code from whatever repo you are using. Different ROMs use different bases. Here is some info about grabbing the AOSP kernel sources with git: http://source.android.com/source/building-kernels.html
Many of the more popular ROMS have specific build instructions on their individual github pages (Cyanogen, Paranoid Android, etc), so you might what to look at those, too. Also, depending on the individual devices, there might be proprietary binaries sourced from the device or hardware manufacturers for things like camera drivers, graphics chips, etc.
If you want a walk through of the basic build process google has a tutorial. The last time I checked there seemed to be some outdated info, but it might give you a general idea of the build process. http://source.android.com/source/initializing.html
Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can give you more info, but that is all I got
synesthete said:
I am not terribly knowledgeable about all of this, but I will take a crack at it. Others can feel free to correct me.
1. "Flashing" is usually done through the recovery from a zip with an update script inside. That script is in a language called "edify". Read more about Edify Here and Here.
The only other common way that I know of installing a ROM is through fastboot in the bootloader, but that is normally only used with official factory images. Also, I think Samsung ROMs are often flashed with a proprietary program called Odin.
2. I think that the update-binary is standard across all recent devices. I think it is just an interpreter for the Edify scripting language. Old versions of android used a somewhat different scripting language and required a different file. You can probably pull the binary out of another recent zip and use that. The main thing you have to worry about is the update script (instructions for what the zip does) and the folder structure of the zip.
3. I am not confident to explain much here, but the apps and their data are stored in different places. User apps are stored in /data/app with app data stored in /data/data, I think. System apps are installed in /system/app. There is more files stored on the "sdcard" partition which can be internal or external, depending on the device.
4. Kernel sources are usually provided in the source code from whatever repo you are using. Different ROMs use different bases. Here is some info about grabbing the AOSP kernel sources with git: http://source.android.com/source/building-kernels.html
Many of the more popular ROMS have specific build instructions on their individual github pages (Cyanogen, Paranoid Android, etc), so you might what to look at those, too. Also, depending on the individual devices, there might be proprietary binaries sourced from the device or hardware manufacturers for things like camera drivers, graphics chips, etc.
If you want a walk through of the basic build process google has a tutorial. The last time I checked there seemed to be some outdated info, but it might give you a general idea of the build process. http://source.android.com/source/initializing.html
Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can give you more info, but that is all I got
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG Finally some light! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all the info. I didn't get much right now, I'll need to read through your post a few times before I get it all, haha. I'll be sure to check the links too. Thank you!
Drawing from the impressive work of CrashXXL in rooting our phones, jahrule in simplifying the process, and Sabissimo in developing a tutorial to bake in apps for those of us with locked bootloaders and write protected systems, I have with great effort arrived at this glorious day. I present to thee: Suicide Flash.
What is Suicide Flash? It is a collection of Bash scripts and other files which streamline and automate the process of using the Qualcomm emergency download mode (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader) to write to the system partition on Moto phones using MSM8960 processors. It applies the method used to root these devices (see here, for example) to the task of arbitrary system modification. In other words: Suicide Flash makes it easy(ish) to modify system files for those of us who can't use traditional methods.
Code:
DISCLAIMER: This is obviously a dangerous tool. I mean, it
flashes your phone by bricking it first. Be smart. I shan't be held
responsible if your phone melts, explodes, loses all of its data,
or cheats on you with a hula dancer.
Who Can Use It?
Suicide Flash is for sure compatible with most Moto X variants. The testing has been done primarily with an XT1049, the Republic Wireless model, but has also included the XT1060 (Verizon) and should work on most/all of them. However, in theory any phone, or at least any Moto phone, using the MSM8960 chip could be compatible, such as the Droid Turbo. So to simplify:
XT1049 (Moto X Republic Wireless): Tested and working
XT1060 (Moto X Verizon): Tested and working
XT1058 (Moto X AT&T): Untested, highly likely to work
XT10XX (Any other Moto X): Untested, likely to work
Others: Untested, may work as long as they use MSM8960
How Do I Use It?
Suicide Flash (SF) consists of three main scripts: a flashing script, a package creation script, and a pushing script. Details:
suicideflash.sh: Flashes SF packages to the phone in bricked (QDLoader) mode
pkgmaker.sh: For developers. Creates SF packages from system images.
suicidepush.sh: Uses the SF system to "push" system files in an ADB-like way
To use these scripts, simply extract them to a place of your convenience. All scripts must be run from the root Suicide Flash folder. Do not run any of them from within the "scripts" folder. Also, while it may not strictly be necessary, it is best (if you are developer) to include any relevant system images in the root Suicide Flash folder, as well.
As an end user, you can download SF packages created by developers and flash them using the main Suicide Flash script. As a developer, you can pull system images and use them to create SF packages with the pkgmaker.sh script. Anyone can feel free to use the Suicide Push script to push files to their device. For more information, here are the help pages for each.
Suicide Flash:
Code:
Usage: suicideflash.sh PACKAGE
Flashes PACKAGE to the system parition of a Moto phone using Qualcomm
emergency download mode.
Options:
-h, --help displays this help message
-s, --skip skips all prompts and runs without user interaction
Created by the Nicene Nerd, whose blog at <http://www.thenicenenerd.com/> has
absolutely nothing to do with Android
Package Maker:
Code:
Usage: pkgmaker.sh [OPTION]... ORIGINALSYSTEM TARGETDEVICE REQUIREMENTS
SYSTEMOFFSET OUTPUTFILE
Creates a Suicide Flash package for writing to Moto phones via the emergency
Qualcomm download mode.
Arguments:
ORIGINALSYSTEM provides the original system image to be modded
TARGETDEVICE specifies the model of phone for the package to flash
REQUIREMENTS notes any important requirements for the phone state
prior to flashing
examples: "Stock", "Rooted", or "Rooted+Xposed"
SYSTEMOFFSET the address of the system partition on the target device
should be in hex format (i.e. 0x6420000 or 6420000)
can use value ADB to pull the offset over ABD
OUTPUTFILE the name of the Suicide Flash zip package to be created
Options:
-h, --help returns this help message
-m MODDEDSYSTEM specifies an existing modded system image
if not given, will mount original for modification
Created by the Nicene Nerd, whose blog at <http://www.thenicenenerd.com/> has
absolutely nothing to do with Android
Suicide Push:
Code:
Usage: suicidepush.sh LOCALFILE REMOTEFILE
Uses Suicide Flash to push LOCALFILE to a phone system at REMOTEFILE.
Created by the Nicene Nerd, whose blog at <http://www.thenicenenerd.com/> has
absolutely nothing to do with Android
What Do I Need to Use It?
A Linux installation
ADB
Fastboot
Rhino
Python
A package called python-serial
VirtualBox
ADB Insecure (if developing or using Suicide Push)
If you don't have some of these (except, obviously, the first one and the last one), you can run the included script install-tools.sh. It will automatically install anything you're missing.
Okay, Give Me Step-By-Step Instructions
For End Users:
Download the attached Suicide Flash zip
Extract the zip to a convenient folder and open a terminal window there
Go ahead and use sudo su
Run install-tools.sh
Download an SF package from a developer for your device
Flash the package with the command:
Code:
./suicideflash.sh DOWNLOADEDPACKAGE.zip
Profit!
For Developers:
Download the attached Suicide Flash zip
Extract the zip to a convenient folder and open a terminal window there
Go ahead and use sudo su
Run install-tools.sh
Pull a system image from your phone
Run pkgmaker.sh to create an SF package
Upload the package for the benefit of others
For Anyone, to Use Suicide Push
Download the attached Suicide Flash zip
Extract the zip to a convenient folder and open a terminal window there
Go ahead and use sudo su
Run install-tools.sh
Push files to your phone's system partition with this command:
Code:
./suicidepush.sh LOCAL_SOURCE /system/PUSH_DESTINATION
So, What Can I Do with It Right Now?
If you're a developer, you can get to work creating SF packages for your device. If you're just a plain ol' user, there's not much to be done until others chip in. I have uploaded one package as a sample and for the convenience of anyone looking to root their XT1049 and install Xposed. I will maintain a master list of uploaded packages as people make them.
XDA:DevDB Information
Suicide Flash for Moto, Tool/Utility for the Moto X
Contributors
Nicene Nerd, CrashXXL, Sabissimo
Version Information
Status: Testing
Created 2015-08-07
Last Updated 2015-08-07
Master Package List
XT1049: Republic Wireless Moto X
- root-xposed-xt1049-4.4.4.zip: Root and Xposed for XT1049. Requires stock 4.4.4 from SBF, not OTA.
- busybox-xt1049-rooted-xposed-4.4.4.zip: BusyBox for XT1049. Requires 4.4.4 rooted w/ Xposed.
XT1058: AT&T Moto X
- root-xt1058-4.4.4.zip: Root for XT1058 KitKat. Requires stock 4.4.4 from SBF, not OTA.
- xposed-xt1058-rooted-4.4.4.zip: Xposed for XT1058 KitKat. Requires rooted 4.4.4.
- root-xt1058-5.1.zip: Root for XT1058 Lollipop. Requires stock 5.1 from SBF, not OTA.
XT1060: Verizon Wireless Moto X
- root-xt1060-4.4.4.zip: Root for XT1060. Requires stock 4.4.4 from SBF, not OTA.
- xposed-xt1060-rooted-4.4.4.zip: Xposed for XT1060. Required rooted 4.4.4.
Changelogs:
08/07/2015 - v0.2
- suicideflash.sh: Increased wait period before giving error on not finding phone in emergency mode
- mountimg.sh: Fixed issue which would cause errors preventing images from mounting
- pkgmaker.sh: Added option to pull system image over ADB, improved error handling
Developer pkgmaker.sh Tutorial: Creating an Xposed Framework Package
Say you want to make a package that installs the Xposed framework, since that requires writing to /system. Here's how you would do it with Suicide Flash (assuming you have already rooted the phone):
Open a terminal window to your Suicide Flash root folder. Then sudo su.
Pull a system image. One way to do that:
Code:
adb root
adb shell dd if=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/system /sdcard/originalsystem.img bs=1024
adb pull /sdcard/originalsystem.img
Run the pkgmaker script like this, assuming you're using a rooted XT1049 on 4.4.4, but you don't know the offset of the system partition, so you want to pull it via ADB. The script will be placed in output/xposed-flash-package.zip.
Code:
./pkgmaker.sh originalsystem.img XT1049 "Stock 4.4.4" ADB xposed-flash-package.zip
The script will pause when originalsystem.img is mounted for writing. As root, copy the Xposed app_process file (which you can extract from the APK if you need it) to "mnt-originalsystem.img/bin/app_process". Then press enter.
The script will continue executing, hopefully without errors.
Voila! Your package xposed-flash-package.zip is ready to upload and/or flash.
Finally!
The XT1049 has stumped me for a long time, but finally someone found a way!
Just a thought as I'm going into this, there's no mention of drivers for linux. Obviously this isn't to "user" level yet, and I wouldn't put myself too much beyond that, but it's a nice thing to include. I'll be trying it later, but are the drivers for USB/ADB the same as the emergency mode drivers? I'm kind of nervous to try because of the soft brick, and there doesn't appear to be any mention of how the flashed file that bricks it is put back. I'm assuming I can pull the original image before I flash the new one, but I'm not sure yet.
Also, if you have it tested and everything with Republic, I would appreciate a torrent or hosted file somewhere. If there isn't one before I finish, I'll post it.
---------- Post added at 09:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 PM ----------
Cindex said:
The XT1049 has stumped me for a long time, but finally someone found a way!
Just a thought as I'm going into this, there's no mention of drivers for linux. Obviously this isn't to "user" level yet, and I wouldn't put myself too much beyond that, but it's a nice thing to include. I'll be trying it later, but are the drivers for USB/ADB the same as the emergency mode drivers? I'm kind of nervous to try because of the soft brick, and there doesn't appear to be any mention of how the flashed file that bricks it is put back. I'm assuming I can pull the original image before I flash the new one, but I'm not sure yet.
Also, if you have it tested and everything with Republic, I would appreciate a torrent or hosted file somewhere. If there isn't one before I finish, I'll post it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the double post but I can't edit yet, just realized that the zip file there is all that's needed for Republic. I was going to post the ADB/USB driver setup link for linux, but I'm not allowed yet.
Cindex said:
The XT1049 has stumped me for a long time, but finally someone found a way!
Just a thought as I'm going into this, there's no mention of drivers for linux. Obviously this isn't to "user" level yet, and I wouldn't put myself too much beyond that, but it's a nice thing to include. I'll be trying it later, but are the drivers for USB/ADB the same as the emergency mode drivers? I'm kind of nervous to try because of the soft brick, and there doesn't appear to be any mention of how the flashed file that bricks it is put back. I'm assuming I can pull the original image before I flash the new one, but I'm not sure yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't need to do anything special for Linux drivers. It works straightforwardly as long as you have fastboot and ADB. The flashed file that creates the softbrick is included by the package maker script in every Suicide Flash package, so it is easy to unbrick. In fact, I can upload another package just for unbricking if you'd like.
Added a BusyBox package for XT1049, and added root and Xposed packages for XT1060.
Edit: also added root packages for XT1058 on both KitKat and Lollipop, plus Xposed for XT1058 KitKat.
Nicene Nerd said:
You shouldn't need to do anything special for Linux drivers. It works straightforwardly as long as you have fastboot and ADB. The flashed file that creates the softbrick is included by the package maker script in every Suicide Flash package, so it is easy to unbrick. In fact, I can upload another package just for unbricking if you'd like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good to know, I looked around and couldn't find anything on the driver for the Qualcomm Emergency Download mode. I suppose not needing one would be why. Actually some kind of emergency package to unbrick might be good. Now that I see the script in there I don't have a problem, but someone might like it.
So now I'm wondering if I actually have to do a factory reset again, or if I can just flash the SBF file itself and not have to wipe. I'm not sure how big of a difference there is, because I did the factory restore recently and the OTA update was like 6MB or something. I wouldn't think there's be an issue flashing it rather than factory restore. Any ideas?
Also, if anyone knows a good way to do this with Virtualbox it would be a nice addition. I'm personally not going to bother since I already have a bootable Ubuntu USB, but it seems that most people would rather set up a VM with a small linux distro. If it had the tools baked in, it would make it an easy process.
Cindex said:
That's good to know, I looked around and couldn't find anything on the driver for the Qualcomm Emergency Download mode. I suppose not needing one would be why. Actually some kind of emergency package to unbrick might be good. Now that I see the script in there I don't have a problem, but someone might like it.
So now I'm wondering if I actually have to do a factory reset again, or if I can just flash the SBF file itself and not have to wipe. I'm not sure how big of a difference there is, because I did the factory restore recently and the OTA update was like 6MB or something. I wouldn't think there's be an issue flashing it rather than factory restore. Any ideas?
Also, if anyone knows a good way to do this with Virtualbox it would be a nice addition. I'm personally not going to bother since I already have a bootable Ubuntu USB, but it seems that most people would rather set up a VM with a small linux distro. If it had the tools baked in, it would make it an easy process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically, the only reason for the SBF is because when you install OTA updates, files may end up in slightly different positions depending on the circumstances. For this to work, you must start with an identical system partition to the one used for making the package. So all you need to really do is extract the system.img and flash it, if you wish. No data loss necessary.
Also, I'll look into a minimal VM. I thought about actually trying to make a Windows version of Suicide Flash. I'm not sure which I'll end up with.
So I tried this on my Ubuntu 12.04.5 last night, and it didn't recognize the device in fastboot. I'm going to try on Ubuntu 15.04 soon here. Another question for you though, which sdk do I use for XPosed? I don't seem to be able to figure it out searching all over. I would think 16, but maybe it's for Lollipop?
I think I'm going to get some of these with the OTA, it'll make it easier for the average Republic user once it's gotten going.
Cindex said:
So I tried this on my Ubuntu 12.04.5 last night, and it didn't recognize the device in fastboot. I'm going to try on Ubuntu 15.04 soon here. Another question for you though, which sdk do I use for XPosed? I don't seem to be able to figure it out searching all over. I would think 16, but maybe it's for Lollipop?
I think I'm going to get some of these with the OTA, it'll make it easier for the average Republic user once it's gotten going.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't answer your Xposed Lollipop question. I was wondering the same thing, but I ended up simply pulling the file from an existing Xposed installation. I suppose you could do the same and then diff the files to find out which is correct.
As for the OTA, that's not possible. Every time an OTA is installed, the files can end up in different places on the flash memory, and this utility requires knowing the exact locations for making changes. You'd have to make separate packages for every phone. Otherwise you'll end up with bootloops.
Has anyone tried using Suicide Push? It's slow, but I thought it would be the more celebrated part of this since it lets you do basically the same as an ADB push to the system partition. You could even install Xposed that way:
Code:
./suicidepush.sh local_app_process_file /system/bin/app_process
Nicene Nerd said:
Has anyone tried using Suicide Push? It's slow, but I thought it would be the more celebrated part of this since it lets you do basically the same as an ADB push to the system partition. You could even install Xposed that way:
Code:
./suicidepush.sh local_app_process_file /system/bin/app_process
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still working on getting it to root. I was going to a few days ago, but my flash drive burned out. I'm going to try Ubuntu 14.04.3.
What linux distro did you use?
---------- Post added 14th August 2015 at 12:41 AM ---------- Previous post was 13th August 2015 at 11:47 PM ----------
Sorry to double post again, but I can't edit yet and have a few more things. I can't seem to be able to find a RW SBF file. I'm thinking restore from factory sounds like a good solution, but I don't know if that's the same thing.
How can I pull a system image if I'm not root? Without an SBF file, I need to package it for myself. Without root, I can't pull the system.img. I'm sure others on networks not covered yet would like to know also. Where did you get your system.img?
Also, if we can get this deep, and you can modify the bootloader, couldn't you just flash the old bootloader image and then the rest of the ROM? Then we could unlock the bootloader using older methods. We might have to flash block by block, but it should work?
Cindex said:
I'm still working on getting it to root. I was going to a few days ago, but my flash drive burned out. I'm going to try Ubuntu 14.04.3.
What linux distro did you use?
---------- Post added 14th August 2015 at 12:41 AM ---------- Previous post was 13th August 2015 at 11:47 PM ----------
Sorry to double post again, but I can't edit yet and have a few more things. I can't seem to be able to find a RW SBF file. I'm thinking restore from factory sounds like a good solution, but I don't know if that's the same thing.
How can I pull a system image if I'm not root? Without an SBF file, I need to package it for myself. Without root, I can't pull the system.img. I'm sure others on networks not covered yet would like to know also. Where did you get your system.img?
Also, if we can get this deep, and you can modify the bootloader, couldn't you just flash the old bootloader image and then the rest of the ROM? Then we could unlock the bootloader using older methods. We might have to flash block by block, but it should work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Ubuntu 14.04.
The RW 4.4.4 SBF can be found here or here. It does not appear possible to pull a system image without root. But even without permanent root, KingRoot can get you temp root long enough to pull a system image.
As for the bootloader, there's certainly a chance that this could be done. It's just so risky that I won't try it myself. If there was a single variable missed, it could easily mean hard-brick. But in theory, as far as I understand, it might work. The biggest obstacle might be partition changes. If you got the bootloader to get into fastboot mode, though, you could presumably fix that with an old SBF.
Flashing the olderer bootloader will not work (I have tried and confirmed it does not work). It is because the efuses verify the bootloader.
Wow! That's hell of a tool you've created here Awesome job! I haven't tried it myself yet, but, judging by source code, it should get the work done. More of a developer tool, ofc, but it's more then impressive Maaan, I wish there was a normal way to work with ext4 partitions to make it available on Windows))
Since you've made "push" version of it (and that's the most interesting part, longest though), the next step in future development should be doing the same with TWRP flashable zips. Some of them just put apk-s in system folder, some of them have shell scripts inside, I've yet to figure out the pattern But that would be awesome next step to this awesome project
download link not found )
theres a tool bar at top crash with download links next to discussions and screenshots
Sabissimo said:
Wow! That's hell of a tool you've created here Awesome job! I haven't tried it myself yet, but, judging by source code, it should get the work done. More of a developer tool, ofc, but it's more then impressive Maaan, I wish there was a normal way to work with ext4 partitions to make it available on Windows))
Since you've made "push" version of it (and that's the most interesting part, longest though), the next step in future development should be doing the same with TWRP flashable zips. Some of them just put apk-s in system folder, some of them have shell scripts inside, I've yet to figure out the pattern But that would be awesome next step to this awesome project
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've actually started work on a Windows version, but it's on back burner because school just started. Here's a hint, though: with OSFMount and Ext2Fsd, you can mount Moto system images (pulled from the phone, not SBF ones) as hard drives or removable disks. Suicide Flash for Windows will rely on them.
So what are the chances I could use this to pull a system.img, and actually go in and delete some apps out of my XT1058? I had some success but it pulled the image as a mbn and I'm hesitant to try flashing it.
lpjunior999 said:
So what are the chances I could use this to pull a system.img, and actually go in and delete some apps out of my XT1058? I had some success but it pulled the image as a mbn and I'm hesitant to try flashing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's what you'll want to do:
Create the system image on the phone with
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/system of=/sdcard/oldsystem.img bs=1024
ADB pull or MTP copy the image to your PC.
Run pkgmaker.sh like so:
Code:
./pkgmaker.sh oldsystem.img XT1058 "My System" 4B000000 modded-system.zip
When prompted, you can delete apps as root from the mounted system image under mnt-oldsystem.img/app or mnt-oldsystem.img/priv-app
Continue and finish the script.
Flash with
Code:
./suicideflash.sh -s output/modded-system.zip