[Q] No ROMS, in ROM Manager - Motorola Photon 4G

Hey first time posting, prior to unlocking the bootloader on my Photon 4g I had a bunch of ROM's listed in ROM Manager. After I got it unlocked I only see four options, Font Packs for Android 4.0, Cerberus, Superuser, Google Apps, ClockworkMod. Also, I cannot back up through ROM Manager either, it results in a white triangle with a yellow exclamation point. I am currently running stock Android 2.3.4 no ROM running. It worked perfect before I unlocked my Photon, any advice?

You sure the roms you saw were for the photon? If I had to take a blind guess id go with when rom manager was initially installed the device wasn't rooted, and the app was unable to determine which device you had and was showing roms for all phones. Now that you're rooted and the app has permission and can read the device fingerprint and is able to display the proper downloads.

KSmithInNY said:
You sure the roms you saw were for the photon? If I had to take a blind guess id go with when rom manager was initially installed the device wasn't rooted, and the app was unable to determine which device you had and was showing roms for all phones. Now that you're rooted and the app has permission and can read the device fingerprint and is able to display the proper downloads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kind of what I was thinking, my phone was rooted prior to the unlock when I was viewing the roms. But I don't know much about all this since this is my first unlock. I do know some phones do not have a list in ROM Manager. Any ideas as to the backup issue?

You need to delete a file off your phone that installs stock recovery every time it boots. You can adb or use and explorer that can modify /system like root explorer, and delete install-recovery.sh from /system/etc
Once deleted power down into fastboot and reflash CWM or do it through rom manager. Either way you need to delete that file because it's forcing you back to stock recovery.
Good luck

KSmithInNY said:
You need to delete a file off your phone that installs stock recovery every time it boots. You can adb or use and explorer that can modify /system like root explorer, and delete install-recovery.sh from /system/etc
Once deleted power down into fastboot and reflash CWM or do it through rom manager. Either way you need to delete that file because it's forcing you back to stock recovery.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would explain a lot. I'll give that a shot. Thank you!

KSmithInNY said:
You need to delete a file off your phone that installs stock recovery every time it boots. You can adb or use and explorer that can modify /system like root explorer, and delete install-recovery.sh from /system/etc
Once deleted power down into fastboot and reflash CWM or do it through rom manager. Either way you need to delete that file because it's forcing you back to stock recovery.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would explain a lot, I'll give that a shot. Thank you!

Related

[Q] install-recovery.sh removal for CWM to Work

OK... I have my Atrix Unlocked, Rooted and up on 2.3.4(4.5.91) Life is Good, however...
I am attempting to get the CWM (ROMRacers) onto my system so I can do the backups again and mess with the other ROM's. However, I am getting the same issue as a few others are, I go into Clockwork and tell it to load a ROM or just to backup and it puts me into the Android Recovery and not CWM. It seems that the install-recovery.sh file is the issue. I cannot remove/move/rename it with the SuperUser enabled ES File Explorer or other apps. Is there an adb shell command string I can use to do this? I am not familiar enough with it to want to just start slashing it without having the safety net of CWM in place.
I searched and came up with this nexus thread about deleting the file
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=740748
I was working from this Atrix thread that referred to deleting the file if CWM is not acting correct:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1154600
Thnx! This is the first time I could not find a direct answer to the issue I was having.
C0rr0ded said:
OK... I have my Atrix Unlocked, Rooted and up on 2.3.4(4.5.91) Life is Good, however...
I am attempting to get the CWM (ROMRacers) onto my system so I can do the backups again and mess with the other ROM's. However, I am getting the same issue as a few others are, I go into Clockwork and tell it to load a ROM or just to backup and it puts me into the Android Recovery and not CWM. It seems that the install-recovery.sh file is the issue. I cannot remove/move/rename it with the SuperUser enabled ES File Explorer or other apps. Is there an adb shell command string I can use to do this? I am not familiar enough with it to want to just start slashing it without having the safety net of CWM in place.
I searched and came up with this nexus thread about deleting the file
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=740748
I was working from this Atrix thread that referred to deleting the file if CWM is not acting correct:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1154600
Thnx! This is the first time I could not find a direct answer to the issue I was having.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In root explorer change option of read only to read and write?? On top
Sent from my CM7 Motorola Atrix 4G
C0rr0ded said:
OK... I have my Atrix Unlocked, Rooted and up on 2.3.4(4.5.91) Life is Good, however...
I am attempting to get the CWM (ROMRacers) onto my system so I can do the backups again and mess with the other ROM's. However, I am getting the same issue as a few others are, I go into Clockwork and tell it to load a ROM or just to backup and it puts me into the Android Recovery and not CWM. It seems that the install-recovery.sh file is the issue. I cannot remove/move/rename it with the SuperUser enabled ES File Explorer or other apps. Is there an adb shell command string I can use to do this? I am not familiar enough with it to want to just start slashing it without having the safety net of CWM in place.
I searched and came up with this nexus thread about deleting the file
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=740748
I was working from this Atrix thread that referred to deleting the file if CWM is not acting correct:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1154600
Thnx! This is the first time I could not find a direct answer to the issue I was having.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Ilkinansr92 said....
But if you are too cheap to buy root explorer like myself, es file explorer from the market does the same thing but it's free..
Settings> Mount /system as writable" and you are good to go.
OK.. was able to delete the file. Now to get it to play nice with CWM's low level.
Got it and was successful with a backup. Next (not right now) is to test the restore before I get stupid with a different ROM. I like where I am and will revert if the others are not to my liking...
Why? because it is not Steve's toy I am renting and I can!
C0rr0ded said:
OK.. was able to delete the file. Now to get it to play nice with CWM's low level.
Got it and was successful with a backup. Next (not right now) is to test the restore before I get stupid with a different ROM. I like where I am and will revert if the others are not to my liking...
Why? because it is not Steve's toy I am renting and I can!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can i ask how did you remove it??

[Q] Mounting trouble, bloatware removal only.

Greetings everyone!
New *registered* user here! I've been frantically sifting through post after post on the forums all night hoping to get some help with an issue I am having on my Vibrant.
Goal:
Remove some bloatware ONLY, not looking to install any ROMs or modify the phone too much...just clean some annoying apps and icons off.
Phone Information:
Model SGH-T959
Firmware 2.2
Baseband T959UVKB5
Kernel 2.6.32.9
Build FROYO.UVKB5
I currently have the latest version of Java, Android SDK, and SuperOneClick installed.
Install directory of AndroidSDK:
C:\AndroidSDK
My method of failure:
Open SuperOneClick, Click "Root"
Start, Run, "CMD"
cd c:\AndroidSDK\tools
adb shell
mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/st19/system
This is where it fails and I run into an endless loop of it telling me the proper usage of the "mount" command. I thought I had it at one point but when I typed: rm /system/AmazonMp3.apk all it did was tell me that it was a read-only file and that it couldn't be deleted.
Can someone help lead me in the right direction of what I am doing wrong? I rooted and removed all bloatware about a year ago but I just did an upgrade through MiniKies to the latest version of firmware and I can't seem to remember the process I went through that long ago to get it done right.
I apologize for possibly asking a question that has been asked numerous times but I just couldn't seem to get the wording right to get any helpful results in the search of the forums. Thank you so much for the time in reading this and the future help if any can be provided. Have a great night!!!
It looks like you are in the wrong directory. Open a command prompt in
C:\AndroidSDK\platform-tools
Open the platform tools folder. Click on a blank space > hold down the shift key > hit right click > select open command window here. Then enter the commands:
adb devices "to check if your device is connected. also make sure usb debugging is enabled on your phone.
adb remount
adb shell
su
mount -o remount,rw -t rfs /dev/stl5 /system
rm -r /system/app/[AppName].apk
If you want a list of all your /system/apps enter this command
cd /system/app
ls *.apk
This is much easier if you download rom toolbox from the market. All you do is go to /system/app and delete whatever bloatware you dont want.
BUT BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WHEN DELETING SYSTEM APPS. ONLY DELETE WHAT YOU KNOW IS BLOATWARE OTHERWISE YOU WILL GET FC'S
good luck
Would I still need to follow the steps prior to that and use SuperOneClick to root the device or do I just skip that process and go straight to the cmd prompt?
Also, I followed a tutorial I found for installing the Android SDK that informed me to copy all the files from android-tools to the tools directory and use that instead but I don't know what the use in that is except for maybe a smaller directory name?
EDIT: I tried what you said with and with using SuperOneClick prior to the procedure and the cmd prompt displayed the following text:
*opened cmd promt in C:\AndroidSDK\tools (no files in platform-tools anymore)*
adb devices (it found my device connected)
adb remount (adb remount: no such file or directory exists)
The adb shell and su commands works fine BUT I still hit the endless loop of it trying to explain to me the "usage" of the mount command.
I will look into Rom toolbox as I'm trying to figure this out as well. Thank you.
I strongly recommend you download root explorer or some similar root browser app. Of course though your phone must be rooted. Just try rom toolbox. It has its own root browser within the app along with other useful features. This is probably the easiest way to uninstall the bloatware in your case since you are having issues with adb.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Thank you!
Okay, I have the suggested "rom toolbox" downloaded from the market and I will try to use that but SuperOneClick does not root the phone deep enough for rom toolbox to see the phone as rooted so...will the "updated.zip" method work for this instead?
I haven't tried it before but I am willing to give it a go if you think it's the best method. If this is the method you recommend, would you happen to have a link to the most recent or atleast most trusted updated.zip rooting method?
CScrivener said:
Thank you!
Okay, I have the suggested "rom toolbox" downloaded from the market and I will try to use that but SuperOneClick does not root the phone deep enough for rom toolbox to see the phone as rooted so...will the "updated.zip" method work for this instead?
I haven't tried it before but I am willing to give it a go if you think it's the best method. If this is the method you recommend, would you happen to have a link to the most recent or atleast most trusted updated.zip rooting method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try rooting your phone using this toolbox.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=954509
If that does not work for you i will try and find the link to the "one click root program" i use all the time.
Here is an excellent guide to root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Here is the program i use. Just remember to have usb debugging enabled on your phone. It really cant get any easier than this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=739300
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
So I downloaded the one click program you suggested and the program itself seems to bee pretty straight forward.
I connected phone to computer with debugging on. Opened program and hit one click root. It started doing it's thing...phone rebooted and went into recovery. I started to follow instructions up until I got to where it said install packages. When I clicked it, the phone said installation failed no such file our directory exists.
The phone is looking for the updated.zip file but none exists in the one click folder. There is a root.zip and an unroot.zip...do I need to rename one of them to proceed???
Thank you so much for all the help so far, I feel like I'm so close but just not there yet. You have been an incredible help!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA
CScrivener said:
The phone is looking for the updated.zip file but none exists in the one click folder. There is a root.zip and an unroot.zip...do I need to rename one of them to proceed???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way (Stock) Recovery works is if you are not "Install from SD" then it will look for the file labeled Update.zip. So you can rename only the Root.zip to Update.zip and make sure that is the only thing on your internal SD labeled that or with .zip Put the unroot.zip in a folder for now. Then try again.
Alright, will give that a try when I get home. I thought I read that the program copied the update.zip file to the phone during it's process so I didn't want to do anything to work against that. I will rename one of the files, copy it to the phone and give the one click root another shot. Thank you!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA
CScrivener said:
Alright, will give that a try when I get home. I thought I read that the program copied the update.zip file to the phone during it's process so I didn't want to do anything to work against that. I will rename one of the files, copy it to the phone and give the one click root another shot. Thank you!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no need to rename anything. The program does it all for you. Play close attention to the first screen (green one) if it says update.zip copied successfully it will then reboot your phone to stock recovery. Once you are in stock recovery all you do is click reinstall packages. Keep clicking reinstall packages even if it reboots the first time. To prove my point mount your phone to your pc and check to see if the update.zip is copied onto the root of your into storage. If not well copy the update.zip from the last guide i suggested from above.
Also check to see if the superuser app is installed on your phone. The program also installs that along with the update.zip. If you have superuser then go to the market download rom manager so you could download CWM.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Alright, so I tried it again once I got home. Didn't work BUT I did see that update.zip was installed into my phone. The sig verification failed, which means I need to change recovery versions to the one that skips sig verification correct?
I'll go search the forums for that since I remember seeing that a little while ago but that is the correct path I need to take at this point in time am I right?
Thank you so much! Big big help!
You can pull the CWR from my signature. Same as before. Put it on your internal labeled update.zip, boot into recovery and and scroll down to Reinstall Packages. Hit it. It will cycle and probably come back to stock recovery. Hit Reinstall Packages again and the stock recovery will go from blue to green (CWR).
Side note, probably from there you will be able to install the Superuser update.zip. Just go to Install from SD card and find it and hit it. The reboot. Might not but the CWR instructions above shoudl work for you.
Well I changed the recovery version using the file from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833423 and then used the OneClickRoot and was able to get the update installed (I think). The phone booted up normally, I noticed that SU Permissions was installed so I figure I am rooted correct? WRONG. Rom toolbox says I am not. Is there another way to verify? Should I reinstall Rom toolbox incase it's just bugging out on me?
So I tried using Rom Manager too. Looks as tho SU is not installed correctly, will have to try again I guess.
Cannot install CWR, tried and the recovery text stays blue even after 14 times of reinstalling packages...
This phone will be sent flying across the room sometime tonight I'm guessing. About to erase the entire thing and try starting from scratch again. (Start from Eclair and work my way up maybe)
If you are willing to start from Eclair it would be soooo much easier that all this stuff.
Odin to stock, flash CWR from my signature, go from blue to green and then flash Fishman's Bionix and you are good to go. Simple and way easier than all this mess. Just download Fish's and put it on you SD card somewhere you'll remember. Once in green recovery just scroll to that ROM and flash it per OP.
We've just been trying to Root you since on your OP you said you didn't want to flash a custom ROM.
Well...I'm still trying to avoid flashing Roms (I've upgraded through MiniKies and that's it).
I've only been trying to root just to clean bloatware off but it seems that I must be lacking the technical skills to follow instrcutions properly....nothing is cooperating and even after following all steps nothing wants to work like it should.
Grrrr! One last try to get CWR working before I lose my mind and need to take a break/walk away for a bit.
Ok, so I'm currently back to stock Eclair (ew!!) and about to boot to recovery to install CWR. Wish me luck on that one....
Wooo, CWR up and running! Now I just have to work on a flash maybe or whatever steps were suggested next...I might try the ROM you suggested.
The ROM gets placed on external sdcard and installed from within CWR correct?
Do most ROMs remove bloatware and useless apps?
Yes and are pre-Rooted. Put the ROM.zip on either card. I have a folder that I use. Boot into recovery and get green recovery back. Go to install from SD, find the ROM and flash it per the OP instructions.
Bloat free, pre-Rooted and usually has Voodoo so you can get Voodoo Sound from the market and have a sonic ear-gasm.
Just wanted to say thanks for all the help! I installed the suggested ROM last night and I am very happy with the results thus far. It was alot easier than I thought it would be. Flashing a ROM was MUCH more simpler than the root only decision. Thank you again!

Canadian ICS Rooting

There are a few posts regarding rooting Canadian ICS Note. It seems there is a script in the OTA ICS upgrade that re-installs stock recovery (3e) after flashing CWM using ODIN.
Note: The offending script only exists in the OTA ICS upgrade, and not in update from Kies or samfirmware ROM.
If you don't have the offending script, then after Step 7, just reboot into recovery, install superuser ZIP from CWM, reboot, and you're done.
I'm summarizing the steps needed to flash CWM and root Canadian ICS Note:
1) Download Odin, CWM tar, and superuser zip (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1763896 Post # 3)
2) Install Odin
3) Copy superuser zip file to Phone
4) Start Odin and browse for the CWM tar file in the PDA section
5) Put the phone into download mode (VOLUME DOWN + POWER, then VOLUME UP)
6) Connect Phone to PC
7) Flash CWM with Odin
8) As the phone is rebooting, take out the battery. This is done to avoid the script install-recovery.sh from reinstalling stock recovery
9) Put battery back and boot into recovery (VOLUME UP + VOLUME DOWN + POWER, Release POWER after first vibration)
10) Install superuser ZIP from CWM, you are now rooted
11) Reboot phone
12) Install root explorer or ES File explorer and enable root operations and /system mount on them.
13) Find /etc/install-recovery.sh and rename it to install-recovery.sh.bkp
14) Repeat steps 4 to 7
15) Reboot. You should now have CWM and Root.
Thanks to SKyRocKeting727 and aleks07.
This could not have come at a better time...I was just sitting down at my computer to try this...Wish me luck
Success won't come from luck but it will from reading every step twice at least before any clicks or taps.
Thanks so much! Worked like a charm! Just finished nandroid backup of stock Bell rom with SU.
Getting ready to Try Flapjaxx UCLF6 rom.:good:
This thread should be stickied...
worked! thanks a lot
With ES File Explorer, I get "Sorry, operation failed" attempting to rename install-recovery.sh. I installed Terminal Emulator, and tried a simple
Code:
su
mv /etc/install-recovery.sh /etc/install-recovery.sh.bkp
to which I get "Read only file system"
I checked back in SuperUser, and ES Explorer (and Terminal) have root allowed; es file explorer has Root Explorer enabled in settings.
Ideas?
Edit: I realise the OP lists "install_recovery.sh", but I have no such file, just "install-recovery.sh". The contents are exactly what you'd think, though, conditional test to restore the recovery image.
Second Edit: I am an idiot. I missed "Mount /, /system as writable". Carry on, nothing to see here
THANKS MAN!!!!! it worked!
I've been trying for days to figure this out.
It appears I didn't have to do steps 12 - 15? My phone appears to be rooted and CWM is installed.:good:
Wintersdark said:
With ES File Explorer, I get "Sorry, operation failed" attempting to rename install-recovery.sh. I installed Terminal Emulator, and tried a simple
Code:
su
mv /etc/install-recovery.sh /etc/install-recovery.sh.bkp
to which I get "Read only file system"
I checked back in SuperUser, and ES Explorer (and Terminal) have root allowed; es file explorer has Root Explorer enabled in settings.
Ideas?
Edit: I realise the OP lists "install_recovery.sh", but I have no such file, just "install-recovery.sh". The contents are exactly what you'd think, though, conditional test to restore the recovery image.
Second Edit: I am an idiot. I missed "Mount /, /system as writable". Carry on, nothing to see here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol I was just gonna tell you to mount the system as writable.
Good luck, I just had to rename the file since I was already rooted.
I wonder if we rename back to the original than well get stock recovery again?
Easy way of doing it I guess.
hmm...
i didn't have to go through steps 12-15 because i couldn't find
the install_recovery.sh file so i just rebooted to see if CWM works
and it did also my phone was rooted.
is there anyone whose situation the same as mine?
and yes i am on ICS
ygong said:
i didn't have to go through steps 12-15 because i couldn't find
the install_recovery.sh file so i just rebooted to see if CWM works
and it did also my phone was rooted.
is there anyone whose situation the same as mine?
and yes i am on ICS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll find, though, that after you reboot into Android, CWM will be gone. You'll still have root though. To find the file in ES File Explorer, you'll need to go into ES's settings and enable:
Up to root
Root Explorer
/, /system write able
Then you just click up until you get to /, then click Etc, and install-recovery.sh will be in there.
ygong said:
i didn't have to go through steps 12-15 because i couldn't find
the install_recovery.sh file so i just rebooted to see if CWM works
and it did also my phone was rooted.
is there anyone whose situation the same as mine?
and yes i am on ICS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup exact same here!
Wintersdark said:
You'll find, though, that after you reboot into Android, CWM will be gone. You'll still have root though. To find the file in ES File Explorer, you'll need to go into ES's settings and enable:
Up to root
Root Explorer
/, /system write able
Then you just click up until you get to /, then click Etc, and install-recovery.sh will be in there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah CWM is still installed...
even though i rebooted my phone
Yup mine is still installed after reboot too!
Sent from my SGH-I717R using Tapatalk 2
kwhit said:
Yup mine is still installed after reboot too!
Sent from my SGH-I717R using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it might be helpful in this thread to list which Canadian Carrier you are with to determine which ones have to take the additional steps...
I am with Bell Mobility and can confirm that, for me, it was necessary,,,,,,
I am greatful to the OP and encourage and any of you that were helped to hit the Thank You button from his post..
crutzulee said:
I think it might be helpful in this thread to list which Canadian Carrier you are with to determine which ones have to take the additional steps...
I am with Bell Mobility and can confirm that, for me, it was necessary,,,,,,
I am greatful to the OP and encourage and any of you that were helped to hit the Thank You button from his post..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are with Bell, I am with Rogers, and my friend is with Telus, and we all had to do the renaming of the script. I'm not really sure why some have to do it and some don't. Also, not sure why AT&T Notes don't have to do it.
zaptor99 said:
You are with Bell, I am with Rogers, and my friend is with Telus, and we all had to do the renaming of the script. I'm not really sure why some have to do it and some don't. Also, not sure why AT&T Notes don't have to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you rooted on GB before?
Just looking for common denominators....
crutzulee said:
Were you rooted on GB before?
Just looking for common denominators....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Myself and my friend with Telus were not rooted before on GB.
I'm on Bell did root my phone when I was on GB
Rogers, and I was rooted, but had reflashed to pure stock before upgrading to ics.

[Q] MTK6573 custom recovery and backups / Stock Boot, Recovery + Scatter included

Phone is a Star X19i
Now I'm looking at getting a system to allow me to back up the rom and re-flash if needed.
Post 4 has attachments of my boot, recovery and scatter files.
Old issue: (Solved)
Stupid thing I did I renamed the mtklockscreen.odex to mtklockscreen.odex1 just as a test in a half asleep phase to see if I would get the stock lockscreen loading.
Suffice to say the phone no longer boots.
Really don't think I can get into ADB and rename the file to get the phone booting again unless anyone knows a way.
Android was 2.3.6 and I asked the seller if it was possible to get the rom incase anything like happened which they didn't.
So anyone have any ideas?
I have attached the stock recovery and boot images made with cat and a scatter file I made to post 4.
As I have no idea about modifying these for hard root can anyone take a look?
I don't know the specifics of the phone, but if you can go into recovery mode maybe you can get adb working, or use a flashable zip to rename the file by installing it from recovery (just need to edit the zips' updater script)
dxppxd said:
I don't know the specifics of the phone, but if you can go into recovery mode maybe you can get adb working, or use a flashable zip to rename the file by installing it from recovery (just need to edit the zips' updater script)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got into built in Factory mode and can see the file I renamed through ADB and android commander but cannot rename it back due to not having hard root access.
I also have a copy of the boot and recovery partitions 5 and 6 respectively I made in the adb shell yesterday as I was half looking at getting hard root access.
ren mtklockscreen.odex1 mtklockscreen.odex
ren: permission denied
I read you can do a custom recovery with root using SP Tools still so can anyone help me do this?
I know about system root etc and stuff and have flashed roms before on other tablets and have been a PC I.T tech (wouldn't think it due to the stupid mistake) but this recovery and scatter files etc is kinda new to me.
I have a scatter file now I just made if anyone is interested in helping me.
Yes I have a MTK6573 but the scatter file came from the MT6516 Rom Studio which I read works the same for the 6573.
Attached is also my stock boot and recovery partitions I made with cat yesterday if there usable to anyone to help.
Well I got it working and fixed.
I had to go into adb shell and su and mount the file system as writable, as I have used linux before I didn't know about android and what needed to be done and permission locks etc.
The stock boot, recovery and scatter files will remain on this thread if anyone wants to help create or find a recovery which can allow me to create backups and flash custom roms.
I may be able to provide a dump of android 2.3.6 for those that want it once I'm provided with a backup solution as I have read a few people wanting this updated android rom.
This got too close to what I would like liked with bricking this phone.
And I'm not comfortable unless I have a rom backup of this.
Rooting Advice: For anyone with a MTK6573 on Android 2.3.6 trying to root but having issues with super one click make sure you only turn on USB debugging after Android has loaded and just before you plug the usb cable in to run super one click.
I have seen a few thread and posters here about not being able to root the phone and this is the cause that debug needs to be switched on right before you connect and try to root.
Original seller has agreed to send the firmware and flashing stuff on cd for me so I can upload it for you all.
This is a win for MTK6573 Star X19i owners as I'll have the updated 2.3.6 Gingerbread firmware to release for you all root modify etc in a week or so.
Be careful with ROM studio. I believe it is not compatible with MT6573.
You want to read this: http://bm-smartphone-reviews.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html
cybermaus said:
Be careful with ROM studio. I believe it is not compatible with MT6573.
You want to read this: http://bm-smartphone-reviews.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I read and did to get my scatter as I used cat then used the program linked in that thread to generate the scatter.

[Q] [Help] build.prop editing caused bootloop, no usb cable, stock recovery

Hi folks
I hope I am not breaking any rules. I tried my best to read up on the problem and see if it's already been fixed. So far I haven't encountered anything which is specific to my needs, but I learned enough to pose a well-formed question.
Phone: Samsung Galaxy SIII International (GT-I9300)
ROM: Stock Samsung, version 4.1.2, the update with Multi-window. Do not have the exact build number unfortunately.
Root status: Rooted
Recovery: Stock recovery. (I JUST rooted the phone, nothing else.)
So the problem is:
1. I used ES File Explorer in root mode, mounted /system as writable, and made an edit to build.prop (added "qemu.hw.mainkeys=0" to the end of the file to enable navbar) and saved the file. I rebooted the phone and now it is stuck with a looping Samsung logo.
2. I have made a backup of build.prop and placed it in /sdcard/ but unfortunately I haven't made a copy on my PC. Also note that I don't have an external SD card, I am using the 16GB space that came with the phone. So the build.prop backup is on the phone.
3. I do not have a USB cable (I have one that has a loose connection somewhere and my phone is not detected 99% of the times I've used that cable)
What I have found after 2 hours of searching online:
1. Factory Reset through recovery (I am able to boot into stock recovery by doing Vol Up + Home + Power) will not restore /system partition so that won't fix this.
2. ES File Explorer might have messed up the file permissions of the build.prop file.
3. I can use PC ODIN to flash the stock firmware (I might lose data but at least the phone would be back to normal).
4. I can use adb to push a good build.prop file and set the correct permissions (my most fav. set of instructions are from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1660596 Of course I got the idea from several other threads)
5. I can sideload a good build.prop file that someone might be generous to provide me using adb.
I don't have a data cable, so you can see how that Might be a problem. What I DO have is a USB OTG cable and a pen drive. Now, in the stock recovery, I noticed an option "apply update from external storage". Assuming I have an update.zip with the proper build.prop in it, can I load the update.zip into a usb pen drive (formatted to fat32)? Does "apply update" here work for such zip files or is it only meant to be used for full firmware images? If so, can I just download the latest stock firmware and apply it from here without wiping the /data partition?
If I can get this resolved tonight I can get my phone up and running before tomorrow's work week. I will buy an USB cable ASAP (it's 12 AM here so going out to get it is not an option now). But even if I do, I still have 5 months worth warranty left and I'd like to stick with the stock recovery and avoid incrementing the flash counter altogether, despite Triangle Away.
Thank you very much for the help in advance.
Adb pull your backupĀ» then push it back?
slaphead20 said:
Adb pull your backupĀ» then push it back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a working data cable, so I cannot connect to the PC. That was my first idea, though, thanks! I am currently reading about making an Update.zip. It's very unfortunate that I didn't note my firmware details after the OTA...
Just set permissions - use Properties in ES FE in root mode. RW. R.. R.. should work.
LenAsh said:
Just set permissions - use Properties in ES FE in root mode. RW. R.. R.. should work. If not try 777 for giggles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am unable to boot into the phone, it is stuck in a bootloop
I don't have a USB cable to use ADB. I don't even have a custom recovery. All I have is the stock recovery and the option to "apply update from external storage". I now remembered that I also have an SD card on which I can put an update.zip or the stock firmware. Unfortunately I didn't note down the firmware details after the last OTA from 4.1.1 to 4.1.2, so I don't know which one to download.
Can I use the option "apply update from external storage" to flash an update.zip or is that only meant for full firmwares? Thanks!
Oops - silly me.
You are running stock recovery - never use it but does it have a fix permissions option?
Failing that you may have to reflash the ROM. Stock recovery is very restrictive on what you can flash.
LenAsh said:
Oops - silly me.
You are running stock recovery - never use it but does it have a fix permissions option?
Failing that you may have to reflash the ROM. Stock recovery is very restrictive on what you can flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fix permission option on the stock recovery? I don't think so, haven't been able to find it. Here are the options I have:
reboot system now
apply update from adb
apply update from external storage
wipe data/factory reset
wipe cache partition
apply update from cache
Interestingly, when I selected the last option, it had these 3 folders:
fota/
lost+found/
recovery/
I was hoping fota/ had the files from my last OTA update but nope.
I guess you are not sure whether I can flash an update.zip through stock recovery... so I just have to wait till I get my USB cable and try out some adb magic?
EDIT: I'm retiring for the day. Thanks for the suggestions @LenAsh and @slaphead20. I'm gonna buy a cable next week and try to set the permission to 644 (RW-R-R) using this thread as my reference (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1660596). Thanks for your suggestions, I will post back when this is all resolved.
In the meanwhile, please keep the ideas coming
PS: Oh wait, I am still curious. What is the worst thing that could happen if I try to flash an update.zip through stock recovery? I am very curious to see if it will work.
You could flash a later custom recovery (this one works well http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2002953) via Odin and then fix permissions that way. Even if that doesn't work, you could then flash anything you like without having issues that the stock recovery presents.
EDit: still need a cable though...
Trouble is he hasn't got a cable, I had same thinking, that he could use the aroma file manager in philz but he's stuffed without a cable!
Possible to make an update.zip with just the build.prop in it. Copy it to a memory card and use recovery to flash it?
I would try that first.
Edit: i just remembered i have done that a few times with my htc desire. Was running clockwork mod though.
Its really easy, find a small flashable mod in zip format and delete all the mod files and copy your build prop in. Edit the updater script to just write your /system/build.prop.
Copy the zip to you mem card. Use a usb adapter in a pc, stick it in your phone and use recovery to flash from external sd.
And after typing all that i reread your post and your running stock recovery and i think you would need a signature or something on the zip so it would not work. Ooops.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Stock recovery won't let you flash anything much... so perhaps his only option is Odin. When he has a cable.
On a side-note, how can someone not have a USB cable of any kind kicking around??
LenAsh said:
Stock recovery won't let you flash anything much... so perhaps his only option is Odin. When he has a cable.
On a side-note, how can someone not have a USB cable of any kind kicking around??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just edited my post
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
@LenAsh, @slaphead20, @ficti0n851
Hehe, yeah, I'm stuffed without a cable I lost it recently and I'm the only one with a recent phone. All my family members' phones use different cables.
Anyway, I managed to borrow a friend's cable and am currently downloading drivers for the S3. Once that's done I will use ADB to set the file permission and try rebooting my phone, failing which I will restore the backup build.prop, set permissions and reboot the phone. Failing which... well, maybe I'll reflash the stock firmware (I managed to find out the exact build details btw! )
I'll keep you posted, thanks for taking the time guys
--
EDIT:
ADB was a success! I got in and changed the permission to 644 and rebooted, done! Funny thing was that /system/build.prop file was not even there, there was only /system/build.prop.bak. I was not able to find my original backup on the sd card, but I copied the .bak file (probably generated by ES FE) and set its permissions and that worked. And now I have also have the software keys!
Thanks for your comments guys. This was fun!
----
EDIT 2:
For anybody else who has the same problem, I did it using the commands in these great ADB guides:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1660596
and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=879701
Also, how do I edit the title of the topic? Want to add a [Solved] tag.
ficti0n851 said:
Possible to make an update.zip with just the build.prop in it. Copy it to a memory card and use recovery to flash it?
I would try that first.
Edit: i just remembered i have done that a few times with my htc desire. Was running clockwork mod though.
Its really easy, find a small flashable mod in zip format and delete all the mod files and copy your build prop in. Edit the updater script to just write your /system/build.prop.
Copy the zip to you mem card. Use a usb adapter in a pc, stick it in your phone and use recovery to flash from external sd.
And after typing all that i reread your post and your running stock recovery and i think you would need a signature or something on the zip so it would not work. Ooops.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I know this post is from forever ago, but is there a chance you could explain this step by step for a noob?
I have got my phone stuck in a bootloop by fiddling with build.prop, and I have the original file before playing with it. I have a rooted device with custom recovery, so how I could I use minimal ADB to push the original build.prop located on my device (sdcard) to root/system??
---------- Post added at 11:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 PM ----------
gautham_y said:
@LenAsh, @slaphead20, @ficti0n851
Hehe, yeah, I'm stuffed without a cable I lost it recently and I'm the only one with a recent phone. All my family members' phones use different cables.
Anyway, I managed to borrow a friend's cable and am currently downloading drivers for the S3. Once that's done I will use ADB to set the file permission and try rebooting my phone, failing which I will restore the backup build.prop, set permissions and reboot the phone. Failing which... well, maybe I'll reflash the stock firmware (I managed to find out the exact build details btw! )
I'll keep you posted, thanks for taking the time guys
--
EDIT:
ADB was a success! I got in and changed the permission to 644 and rebooted, done! Funny thing was that /system/build.prop file was not even there, there was only /system/build.prop.bak. I was not able to find my original backup on the sd card, but I copied the .bak file (probably generated by ES FE) and set its permissions and that worked. And now I have also have the software keys!
Thanks for your comments guys. This was fun!
----
EDIT 2:
For anybody else who has the same problem, I did it using the commands in these great ADB guides:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1660596
and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=879701
Also, how do I edit the title of the topic? Want to add a [Solved] tag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro, I got the same problem as you had, except that I have a custom recovery, and the original build.prop file, and a USB cable, but I still haven't figured out what to do completly. Can you please take a minute to explain this for a complete noob? You have probably forgot all about this, but I am shooting for this chance. :/
black_hawk1990 said:
Hey, I know this post is from forever ago, but is there a chance you could explain this step by step for a noob?
I have got my phone stuck in a bootloop by fiddling with build.prop, and I have the original file before playing with it. I have a rooted device with custom recovery, so how I could I use minimal ADB to push the original build.prop located on my device (sdcard) to root/system??
---------- Post added at 11:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 PM ----------
Bro, I got the same problem as you had, except that I have a custom recovery, and the original build.prop file, and a USB cable, but I still haven't figured out what to do completly. Can you please take a minute to explain this for a complete noob? You have probably forgot all about this, but I am shooting for this chance. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, are you still having problems or did you solve it yourself? Anyway... If you still don't know what to do, describe best what you did to end up in a bootloop. As far as I understand what your problem is, you should use your recovery to move the backup of the original build.prop file to the system folder.
I changed my phones build.prop and when rebooted it does not started and ended up in bootloop and when I searched for how to fix this problem it showed that clear all the data from the phone but nothing happened and when I tried to install custom ROM in my phone my pc is not detecteing my phone .so what should i do ?
@Rajsh90: pull out battery for some minutes, put it in, reboot into downloadmode. Connect with PC, start Odin and hope that a COM-flag colours. Flash latest firmware.

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