Warning: crawrj mentioned this wouldn't flash in TWRP. I use CWM, so not sure whether it's compatible with TWRP (or any other recoveries) at the moment. So, if you're not using CWM... I would suggest waiting a bit.
So as most people know, the new OTA update aims to kill root on the device and the motochopper root method. Once I received the update and saw that it removed root, I immediately set out to figure out what was causing the issue. I also noticed that I was getting the notice about an application performing unauthorized tasks, or something to that effect.
After doing a few file deletions and restores, I finally found the file (KNOXAgent.apk) that was causing the notice about unauthorized actions and needing to restart. I've been running the phone with the MDL update for a little over a week now, and I haven't had another notice. I did lose root during the update, but was able to easily root it again with the motochopper method once the KNOXAgent files were removed.
So, here are the steps I took to avoid losing my root.
1) adb shell
2) su
3) mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/system /system
4) rm /system/app/KNOXAgent.*
5) Reboot into recovery and flash the OTA zip provided below. It's the OTA update with the KNOXAgent patches removed from the updater-script. This will allow the update to continue installing without having an error about KNOXAgent not being found on the device.
The same process may have to be done with future OTA updates once KNOXAgent is removed, but it's better than losing your root method each time an OTA comes out. As I mentioned, I've been using this phone since May 13th with this being done. I also had to take out the My Files updates as well, since I have the CyanogenMod file browser (My Files doesn't have root support).
Unfortunately, it seems XDA has problems with filtering spam and requires that you have 10 posts before being able to post external links. Since I don't have anything else to post at the moment, and can't post on the development forums to report problems to developers in order to legitimately increase my count without having to spam threads I don't care about, you'll have to copy and paste the link to get the update package.
Update link: http://d-h.st/Dkl
RogueSly said:
So as most people know, the new OTA update aims to kill root on the device and the motochopper root method. Once I received the update and saw that it removed root, I immediately set out to figure out what was causing the issue. I also noticed that I was getting the notice about an application performing unauthorized tasks, or something to that effect.
After doing a few file deletions and restores, I finally found the file (KNOXAgent.apk) that was causing the notice about unauthorized actions and needing to restart. I've been running the phone with the MDL update for a little over a week now, and I haven't had another notice. I did lose root during the update, but was able to easily root it again with the motochopper method once the KNOXAgent files were removed.
So, here are the steps I took to avoid losing my root.
1) adb shell
2) su
3) mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/system /system
4) rm /system/app/KNOXAgent.*
5) Reboot into recovery and flash the OTA zip provided below. It's the OTA update with the KNOXAgent patches removed from the updater-script. This will allow the update to continue installing without having an error about KNOXAgent not being found on the device.
The same process may have to be done with future OTA updates once KNOXAgent is removed, but it's better than losing your root method each time an OTA comes out. As I mentioned, I've been using this phone since May 13th with this being done. I also had to take out the My Files updates as well, since I have the CyanogenMod file browser (My Files doesn't have root support).
Unfortunately, it seems XDA has problems with filtering spam and requires that you have 10 posts before being able to post external links. Since I don't have anything else to post at the moment, and can't post on the development forums to report problems to developers in order to legitimately increase my count without having to spam threads I don't care about, you'll have to copy and paste the link to get the update package.
Update link: d-h.st/Dkl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice find
travisw0204 said:
Nice find
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. It took a bit to find, but I couldn't live without root. My battery is GAWD with the CPU limited. :3
OK I am messing around with this and providing feedback. It doesn't install on the stock recovery for obvious reasons. It doesn't install in TWRP. Gives update binary error. Have to backup my extsd so I can format to fat32 to test other recoveries.
crawrj said:
OK I am messing around with this and providing feedback. It doesn't install on the stock recovery for obvious reasons. It doesn't install in TWRP. Gives update binary error. Have to backup my extsd so I can format to fat32 to test other recoveries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird. Flashed for me on CWM when I used it.
RogueSly said:
Weird. Flashed for me on CWM when I used it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I am guessing it will work in CWM. But I have to backup and format first to test. Which recovery did you use?
crawrj said:
Yeah I am guessing it will work in CWM. But I have to backup and format first to test. Which recovery did you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2254323. I tend to stay away from touch recoveries when there are 4 dogs in the house.
Lol, too little too late for me. :facepalm:
Ok it installed on Garwynn's CWM but it didn't install the modem. Is that your results also? Won't install with OUDhs either. Gives error 7. I can confirm that root works without knoxagent installed. That is runny really. We find out right away that knox was causing the security warning. But since the kernel was so widely talked about as being the killer of root we completely overlooked knox as being more than just the alert Thanks for figuring that out.
Edit: Also installs on Agat's recovery but doesn't install the modem.
Edit Again: Ok just as an FYI this no longer is an issue. Chainfire has done it again. His latest SuperSU 1.30 fixes the root issues on MDL. You can use the stock kernel and leave knox alone.
crawrj said:
Ok it installed on Garwynn's CWM but it didn't install the modem. Is that your results also? Won't install with OUDhs either. Gives error 7. I can confirm that root works without knoxagent installed. That is runny really. We find out right away that knox was causing the security warning. But since the kernel was so widely talked about as being the killer of root we completely overlooked knox as being more than just the alert Thanks for figuring that out.
Edit: Also installs on Agat's recovery but doesn't install the modem.
Edit Again: Ok just as an FYI this no longer is an issue. Chainfire has done it again. His latest SuperSU 1.30 fixes the root issues on MDL. You can use the stock kernel and leave knox alone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Glad to hear it's fixed. Not sure why the modem didn't install. I didn't get any errors on my device after taking out the patches for My Files and KNOXAgent, as both were missing on my system. I'll try restoring back to MDC and updating to SuperSU 1.3 to test it.
crawrj said:
Ok it installed on Garwynn's CWM but it didn't install the modem. Is that your results also? Won't install with OUDhs either. Gives error 7. I can confirm that root works without knoxagent installed. That is runny really. We find out right away that knox was causing the security warning. But since the kernel was so widely talked about as being the killer of root we completely overlooked knox as being more than just the alert Thanks for figuring that out.
Edit: Also installs on Agat's recovery but doesn't install the modem.
Edit Again: Ok just as an FYI this no longer is an issue. Chainfire has done it again. His latest SuperSU 1.30 fixes the root issues on MDL. You can use the stock kernel and leave knox alone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to ask an annoying question.... but decided it was annoying and did a search. here is what I found in the difference between SuperUser and SuperSU and SuperSU Pro ($2.49). Reference: http://android.stackexchange.com/qu...ruser-from-chainsdd-and-superuser-from-clockw
SuperSU improves everything about Superuser and adds more options. The free version offers faster notifications, there is possibility of disabling them for each app and a new interface, attractive and easy to handle. In addition, according to developer claims by using SuperSU you’ll enjoy higher speed from the apps that require root rights, especially on Android 4.0+. The paid version called SuperSU Pro provides the opportunity to keep root rights after a system update, which usually cancels these rights. Although the method is not guaranteed the option is very useful. We have password protection and advanced log configuration settings for each application.
You might also want to read SuperSU Brings Better SuperUser Root Permission Management to Android. Quoting from that article:
SuperSU is basically SuperUser on steroids. According to the developer, it “allows for advanced management of Superuser access rights for all the apps on your device that need root.”.
Edit: ::FacePalm:: What ever you do. Do not uninstall SuperUser after you install SuperSU. You will loose Root. LOL (Hey at least I can laugh at myself.) I am not worried about it yet... I know I will get it back eventually.
Edit 2: After reading the OP, all you have to do if you have TWRP Recovery installed is do the OTA, your update will install and you will automatically reboot into TWRP.
Go to Mount first and mount System.
Go to back to home and select Advanced.
Go to File Manager. NOTE: This can be very frustrating! Use BACK and Sort Options to reset Sorting if it keeps doing things you don't want it to do. Also (Up A Level) is handy. If you are on "/" directory, touch Sort Descending: Name and you will see System. Select Sysytem.
Now Sort Ascending you will see App. Select App.
Gentally and slowly Swipe down in the middle to reach Knox. I found 2 files. Select one at a time and delete them.
Reboot
Then rerun Motochopper Root method.
I am on Stock MDC still. So if you are on MDL I am not sure if this would work. Now follow the directions that I failed to see when you install SuperSU.
Install SuperSU. Open SuperSU and make sure SU binary is switched from SuperUser to SuperSU. Once you do that you can remove SuperUser.
Edit 3: Once you check to make sure SuperSU has Binary after a reboot... SuperSU will remove SuperUser for you. No need to do anything.
After all said and done... I am thinking that the TWRP stopped the OTA from installing. I have been extremely busy with work, so no time to read XDA lately has been stopping me from keeping up to date. I just need more time in the day.
crawrj said:
Ok it installed on Garwynn's CWM but it didn't install the modem. Is that your results also? Won't install with OUDhs either. Gives error 7. I can confirm that root works without knoxagent installed. That is runny really. We find out right away that knox was causing the security warning. But since the kernel was so widely talked about as being the killer of root we completely overlooked knox as being more than just the alert Thanks for figuring that out.
Edit: Also installs on Agat's recovery but doesn't install the modem.
Edit Again: Ok just as an FYI this no longer is an issue. Chainfire has done it again. His latest SuperSU 1.30 fixes the root issues on MDL. You can use the stock kernel and leave knox alone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, crawrj.. I just rawly patched the modem.bin with the modem.img.p, and the baseband version and such still hasn't increased. My software version and baseband version are still showing MDC, while build number is showing MDL. The weird thing about it is the kernel also updated from its original. How does the modem not update when it's being directly flashed onto the partition? Trying to get all of my stuff over to MDL, if that's what it's supposed to be. It has the new boot sound and such, but the inconsistent version numbers make me hesitant that the update fully applied.
RogueSly said:
Well, crawrj.. I just rawly patched the modem.bin with the modem.img.p, and the baseband version and such still hasn't increased. My software version and baseband version are still showing MDC, while build number is showing MDL. The weird thing about it is the kernel also updated from its original. How does the modem not update when it's being directly flashed onto the partition? Trying to get all of my stuff over to MDL, if that's what it's supposed to be. It has the new boot sound and such, but the inconsistent version numbers make me hesitant that the update fully applied.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is some kind of write protection of security that locks the modem down. I have tried 100 different ways of installing the modem and can't. It looks like the official installs are the only ones that work. So right now the ota is the only way to get the modem. But I am sure we will get it figured out in time.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
crawrj said:
There is some kind of write protection of security that locks the modem down. I have tried 100 different ways of installing the modem and can't. It looks like the official installs are the only ones that work. So right now the ota is the only way to get the modem. But I am sure we will get it figured out in time.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that sucks. I guess I will give up trying to flash it for now. Already removed KNOXAgent again and dropped faux's kernel on here. It's showing my build as MDL, so at least I don't get pestered by the update message.
aww come on lol too late for me too. I went through hell rooting my phone when i upgraded to MDL. I flashed the stock rom like 3 times before getting my phone rooted and the last piece of the puzzle were the knox files. Instead of deleting the files i froze them using the system tuner off from the playstore after i installed shabbat's custom kernel.
Do we know of a way to avoid all these run arounds to root on MDL by keeping the stock kernel and without removing knox???
tones160 said:
aww come on lol too late for me too. I went through hell rooting my phone when i upgraded to MDL. I flashed the stock rom like 3 times before getting my phone rooted and the last piece of the puzzle were the knox files. Instead of deleting the files i froze them using the system tuner off from the playstore after i installed shabbat's custom kernel.
Do we know of a way to avoid all these run arounds to root on MDL by keeping the stock kernel and without removing knox???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there are a few posts in the development sections that will help out with getting root on MDL. If it were me, I would just pull the SuperSU apk and unzip it. Grab the su binary out of there, push it to /system/xbin/, and then install SuperSU on the phone once it restarted. Now, I can't confirm that works... because I haven't had to get that dirty with rooting my phone. Motochopper worked perfectly fine when KNOXAgent was removed, so it should work if you have KNOXAgent frozen too.
Cf autoroot
wanna make sure I understand this right. I'm gonna flash this no knox update on top of forcesrom (which has knox removed), I should be ok right? but the modern still not install this way, is that correct? and I won't be able to update my modem until a new method comes out. do I got it all right? thanks! :thumbup::what:
gershee said:
wanna make sure I understand this right. I'm gonna flash this no knox update on top of forcesrom (which has knox removed), I should be ok right? but the modern still not install this way, is that correct? and I won't be able to update my modem until a new method comes out. do I got it all right? thanks! :thumbup::what:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's apparently right, for now. I'm working on figuring out why the MDM partition won't flash. I tried to patch the files manually, as mentioned previously and here, but it seems that it didn't flash as the baseband didn't change?
Hopefully figure it out soon.
Getting E:Error in /external_sd/OTA 5-13-2013 (No Knox Agent), Status 7. Any advice?
Related
I am very sorry for what is certainly a stupid question, but if it is any consolation I DID search and read through threads until my head hurt prior to posting.
1) What is the best way to apply the new OTA 4.2 update for those with rooted Nexus 7 tablet.
With the 4.1.2 update, I blindly installed the OTA update when prompted and didnt realize there was a problem until i tried to access my stickmount USB drive. Luckily the nexus 7 was still unlocked so I didn't need to wipe everything. All i did was re-root it using Nexus Root Toolkit v. 1.5.4. and was back up and running. Is this going to be the same experience with the 4.2 update?
I have installed Voodoo OTA Root keeper v2.0.3 - is this a better route for upgrade instead of re-rooting via the Nexus Toolkit? And if so, how should I use it (do know much about the app).?
2) Is stickmount going to work? And if not, is there a good working alternative for streaming mkv h264 movies to MXPlayer (or other player)?
The main reason I rooted was to access a USB drive for playing movies, TV shows while traveling. We are heading off to Cabo for Thanksgiving and definitely want to be able to access and play movies from my stickmount'ed usb drive. Any suggestions ? Should I just wait to update - and if so is there any way to get the Nexus to stop prompting to install the update all the time?
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to have pity on me...
hinsdale1 said:
I am very sorry for what is certainly a stupid question, but if it is any consolation I DID search and read through threads until my head hurt prior to posting.
1) What is the best way to apply the new 4.2 update for those with rooted Nexus 7 tablet.
With the 4.1.2 update, I blindly installed the OTA update when prompted and didnt realize there was a problem until i tried to access my stickmount USB drive. Luckily the nexus 7 was still unlocked so I didn't need to wipe everything. All i did was re-root it using Nexus Root Toolkit v. 1.5.4. and was back up and running. Is this going to be the same experience with the 4.2 update?
I have installed Voodoo OTA Root keeper v2.0.3 - is this a better route for upgrade instead of re-rooting via the Nexus Toolkit? And if so, how should I use it (do know much about the app).?
2) Is stickmount going to work?
The main reason I rooted was to access a USB drive for playing movies, TV shows while traveling. We are heading off to Cabo for Thanksgiving and definitely want to be able to access and play movies from my stickmount'ed usb drive. Any suggestions ? Should I just wait to update - and if so is there any way to get the Nexus to stop prompting to install the update all the time?
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to have pity on me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I just downloaded the OTA 4.2 .zip, copied it to my N7, ran CWM and flashed it. When it asked about keeping recovery and keeping root, I said "yes" and it worked without a problem!
2) Works for me.
volarchico said:
1) I just downloaded the OTA 4.2 .zip, copied it to my N7, ran CWM and flashed it. When it asked about keeping recovery and keeping root, I said "yes" and it worked without a problem!
2) Works for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry these answers need to be dumb'd down for me
1) If i already have the update downloaded via OTA trying to install itself, is it really easier/necessary to locate the zip you mention, copy it to the N7 (not sure where to copy) and run CWM (not sure what that is or where i get it or how to install it). Is there an easier way to accomplish the update? Perhaps setting the Voodoo Rootkeeper to preserve the root or temporarily unroot.. then just install the downloaded OTA update and then return the root? Or just installing the update and then running the re-root using the Nexus Toolkit (like I did with the 4.1.2 update)?
2) I would like to know more about how you avoided this issue described in this thread here with stickmount not functioning with v4.2 because of the new mulituser framework that causes it no longer to see files in the mounted folders.
Thanks for your help and to anyone else that chimes in... any help is appreciated. Again sorry for being stupid.
hinsdale1 said:
Sorry these answers need to be dumb'd down for me
1) If i already have the update downloaded via OTA trying to install itself, is it really easier/necessary to locate the zip you mention, copy it to the N7 (not sure where to copy) and run CWM (not sure what that is or where i get it or how to install it). Is there an easier way to accomplish the update? Perhaps setting the Voodoo Rootkeeper to preserve the root or temporarily unroot.. then just install the downloaded OTA update and then return the root? Or just installing the update and then running the re-root using the Nexus Toolkit (like I did with the 4.1.2 update)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried with OTArootkeeper app. but it don't update.... at restart for installing, it gave a black screen with android in the middle, with a RED icon inside it...... then it restart and 4.1.2 is always there
Perhaps these questions are so rudimentary that they hardly seem worth bothering with - but for some of us, these hacks and the info being thrown around in here are pretty confusing at times. I would be very grateful to anyone with some insight willing to help out?.
i found that this could be a problem with recovery mode... infact if i tr y to restart in recovery, it gave the same error...
i rooted with toolbox, and i'm thinking that it could have removed my recovery... now i'd like to try to recover the stock recovery with the same tool... but i'm not sure about that.
We seem to have veered off topic a bit here (at least for me)... so let me re-post the questions and beg again for mercy from any kind soles who can offer some advice?
1) What is the best way to apply the new OTA 4.2 update for those with rooted Nexus 7 tablet?
With the 4.1.2 update, I blindly installed the OTA update when prompted and didnt realize there was a problem until i tried to access my stickmount USB drive. Luckily the nexus 7 was still unlocked so I didn't need to wipe everything. All i did was re-root it using Nexus Root Toolkit v. 1.5.4. and was back up and running. Is this going to be the same experience with the 4.2 update?
I have installed Voodoo OTA Root keeper v2.0.3 - is this a better route for upgrade instead of re-rooting via the Nexus Toolkit? And if so, how should I use it (do know much about the app).?
2) Is stickmount going to work? And if not, is there a good working alternative for streaming mkv h264 movies to MXPlayer (or other player)?
The main reason I rooted was to access a USB drive for playing movies, TV shows while traveling. We are heading off to Cabo for Thanksgiving and definitely want to be able to access and play movies from my stickmount'ed usb drive. Any suggestions ? Should I just wait to update - and if so is there any way to get the Nexus to stop prompting to install the update all the time?
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to have pity on me...
Bueller...... Bueller...... Bueller?
Hi! Last month I did the 4.1.2 OTA update. I was rooted but on stock. It updated with no problems. I used Voodoo OTA rootkeeper, restored the root, and either renistalled super su, or just updated the binary. Can't remember.....But I did lose my custom recovery. Didn't realize it till tonite when I went to do the 4.2 update.
So to your question. I forced the OTA 4.2 update. And it downloaded. I made sure voodoo rootkeeper was set to save the root. Then let it install. It rebooted. I opened voodoo, restored root, was asked to update super su binary, accepted. Still not rooted till I rebooted.
So far I have root, and am on 4.2 JB. So my goal was to get my custom recovery back on. Install goo manager from market. Open it, go to the settings button top right, it will give you the choice to install open recovery script. TWRP- Then it will ask you twice are you sure you want to do this and reboot? Say yes. Mine did not reboot and it looked like it did nothing. So, I flipped into recovery and Teamwinn recovery was installed. I made a backup, and rebooted.
Good luck!
Thanks for your help. Glad to hear that the OTA 4.2 update should go relatively painlessly (keeping root using voodoo rootkeeper). If you have a minute, I would be grateful if you can just briefly confirm, describe specifically what I need to be checking/configuring in Voodooo (not very familiar with the app) prior to initiating the OS update, I would feel a little more secure before pulling the trigger.
It appears that many apps are still catching up with their own updates, including apparently stickmount (the reason I rooted) to handle the new 4.2 framework so I am thinking best to hold off until after thanksgiving vacation before applying the update.
Thanks again.
hinsdale1 said:
Thanks for your help. Glad to hear that the OTA 4.2 update should go relatively painlessly (keeping root using voodoo rootkeeper). If you have a minute, I would be grateful if you can just briefly confirm, describe specifically what I need to be checking/configuring in Voodooo (not very familiar with the app) prior to initiating the OS update, I would feel a little more secure before pulling the trigger.
It appears that many apps are still catching up with their own updates, including apparently stickmount (the reason I rooted) to handle the new 4.2 framework so I am thinking best to hold off until after thanksgiving vacation before applying the update.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi hinsdale,
Have you tried updating to 4.2 yet? Also i heard that if you update SuperSU to version 0.98 the latest version it could cause issues and you will have to reflash the device.
Thanks,
JBIRD
Thanks,
JBIRD
4.2 OTA already loaded, lost root
Hi, I have learned the hard way not to do the OTA upgrade. I just let the 4.2 OTA download when asked to. Now I lost my root that I had on my Nexus7 with 4.1.2. Still unlocked though. What can I do now to root it again and not lose all my apps and data?
I'm a newbie, so please remember that when responding. Thanks.
Hi hinsdale! I am not a techie- I just learn as I go and read, read, read.
So, my voodoo app has 4 checks in the boxes. I seem to remember only 3 boxes checked when I did the update, but I'm not sure. It would make sense that all are checked.
After I updated, I opened the voodoo app first, and there is a box that says restore root. Then it asked if I wanted to update the su binary. Did that, still not rooted according to Tit. BU. Rebooted, then I was rooted. Good luck with your update.
I'm sorry I can't tell you how to run the initial save root on voodoo. I did it a while ago and don't remember, but it was not hard. Very easy.. Just make sure you Read, re- read, and read again before you do any modifications to your tablet. Know the possible bad outcomes, and be prepared to trouble shoot. This site is very good about helping you out if things go wrong. That's why it's a very good idea to be aware of the possible bad outcomes. The only way to know is to READ-READ=READ!
Did I mention READ??? lol. That's how I figure stuff out. If you read about others mistakes, you can avoid them. I also wait a day or 2 to see how it goes for others before I attempt modifications. That includes new roms. You never know what goes wrong until someone is the guinea pig! I am not techie enough to be the guinea pig!
paulie7880 said:
Hi, I have learned the hard way not to do the OTA upgrade. I just let the 4.2 OTA download when asked to. Now I lost my root that I had on my Nexus7 with 4.1.2. Still unlocked though. What can I do now to root it again and not lose all my apps and data?
I'm a newbie, so please remember that when responding. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same thing here...I tried to use TWRM to flash SU but it seems that after going into recovery using TWRM I can't see any any file or folder on my SD except 3 folders???? Can someone please help us....
YOu will need to search the best way to root again.
How did you root initially?? You may have to do it that way again. Just make sure the method is compatible with 4.2 JB.
sashusmom said:
YOu will need to search the best way to root again.
How did you root initially?? You may have to do it that way again. Just make sure the method is compatible with 4.2 JB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus Root Toolkit
The OTA update downloaded to my cache folder, I moved it to my sdcard. Wouldn't install since I had to fix a couple of files I had edited. So once those 2 files were fixed it installed just fine. Haven't had any issues yet.
The same on here...
But I guess it is better until they fix all this bugs they are reporting.
I'll wait until then.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Updated to 4.2
Hi have updated the nexus to 4,2 and used Voodoo OTA Rootkeeper to keep my root followed the instructions as I did when updated to 4.1.2,my Nexus appears to be rooted superSu is working also stickmount sees the usb but it will not show any files on the sd card any help here please to get it to see the files on the sd card, thanks for your time
Nick
i dont post often as i am usually here looking for help. this time i get to help
i just downloaded and installed 4.2 OTA.
if your nexus was previously unlocked and rooted, it will download and install just fine. however you will lose root, but KEEP the unlocked state.
to root it again, you must goto "about tablet" and tap your build number 7 times to become a developer, this is not a troll, i got this info from another thread on xda.
then using the nexus root toolkit 1.5.4 with modeltype set to "android *.*.* any build", just do the root procedure.
reboot and ur in business, no need to update supersu, and busybox will still be installed already.
Hello everyone,
I'm back to a nexus 6 after a very short stint with a 6+.
A little background for my questions: This is the very first time that I rooted a phone. I'm rooting to only install these 3 apps:
adaway
titanium backup
greenify
I do not plan on using any custom ROMs or kernels.
I see from all the guides and tutorials that people also create a custom recovery whenever they root. I haven't done that yet and wasn't sure if I had to. I would like to maintain the stock recovery that I have currently so that I can go back to stock if I unRoot. My questions are:
1. Am I wrong in thinking that I can still use the stock recovery if I unRoot?
2. When a new OTA comes out and I flash it (since I'm rooted an no longer can install them automatically), will that also upgrade my still stock recovery properly?
3. Following up on the previous question, when I upgrade manually because I'm rooted, would that be a fresh install where I have to go in and configure things the way I like them again (system settings, apps and their settings, root the phone again, etc)?
Thanks in advance!
LordGrahf said:
Hello everyone,
I'm back to a nexus 6 after a very short stint with a 6+.
A little background for my questions: This is the very first time that I rooted a phone. I'm rooting to only install these 3 apps:
adaway
titanium backup
greenify
I do not plan on using any custom ROMs or kernels.
I see from all the guides and tutorials that people also create a custom recovery whenever they root. I haven't done that yet and wasn't sure if I had to. I would like to maintain the stock recovery that I have currently so that I can go back to stock if I unRoot. My questions are:
1. Am I wrong in thinking that I can still use the stock recovery if I unRoot?
2. When a new OTA comes out and I flash it (since I'm rooted an no longer can install them automatically), will that also upgrade my still stock recovery properly?
3. Following up on the previous question, when I upgrade manually because I'm rooted, would that be a fresh install where I have to go in and configure things the way I like them again (system settings, apps and their settings, root the phone again, etc)?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No, you're not wrong. Recovery will stay stock and can be used normally
2. You can't simply flash the new OTA. This will not work manually nor automatically.
3. All you need to do is not flash the user data image and you will not loose your data, settings etc. You will loose root however. See bellow.
Google posts android stock images for each device typically before OTA hits your phone. That's what you want to grab and use for the update. Just make sure you don't run the automatic scripts that come with those images because you need to avoid flashing user data image.
OTA zip file does you no good unless you get your system back to unmodified stock.
Thank you sir!
obsanity said:
1. No, you're not wrong. Recovery will stay stock and can be used normally
2. You can't simply flash the new OTA. This will not work manually nor automatically.
3. All you need to do is not flash the user data image and you will not loose your data, settings etc. You will loose root however. See bellow.
Google posts android stock images for each device typically before OTA hits your phone. That's what you want to grab and use for the update. Just make sure you don't run the automatic scripts that come with those images because you need to avoid flashing user data image.
OTA zip file does you no good unless you get your system back to unmodified stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on the OP, it sounds like he has only rooted. Thus, the OTA will work fine. No need to flash image files.
Edit: I see that at least one other member has stated that an unroot still did not allow OTAs to function. That's a bit strange and unique. Not sure what root is modifying to prevent the OTA.
I'm kinda curious myself. I had no idea root killed OTA's. Maybe I wouldn't have done that if I knew that. I'm very new to the Nexus device. It's my 1st. I unlocked the bootloader and rooted already.
Sent from Mark's Nexus 6
crowbarman said:
Edit: I see that at least one other member has stated that an unroot still did not allow OTAs to function. That's a bit strange and unique. Not sure what root is modifying to prevent the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is pretty scary. So you can unroot and GI back to stock and still can't update in anyway?
I have always side-loaded OTAs, I have never flashed anything.
After installing an OTA, on the next reboot, Android takes some time to optimize all your apps. Does this also happen after flashing a new system image? Thanks!
LordGrahf said:
This is pretty scary. So you can unroot and GI back to stock and still can't update in anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure what you mean by GI, but according to some others, after uninstalling root via SuperSU an OTA will still not install. This should not be the case unless the boot or recovery images are modified. Easily fixed by following the procedures above to fastboot the stock images on your phone.
kjnangre said:
I have always side-loaded OTAs, I have never flashed anything.
After installing an OTA, on the next reboot, Android takes some time to optimize all your apps. Does this also happen after flashing a new system image? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it behaves exactly the same.
crowbarman said:
Based on the OP, it sounds like he has only rooted. Thus, the OTA will work fine. No need to flash image files.
Edit: I see that at least one other member has stated that an unroot still did not allow OTAs to function. That's a bit strange and unique. Not sure what root is modifying to prevent the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root on Lollipop is not what it used to be. There are files that need to be modified in order to allow root. That's why this time OTA will fail if you are rooted.
Un-rooting however, will allow OTA as long as it is done properly and all traces are covered up and returned to stock. If it does fail after you have un-rooted, go back to the developer of that un-root method and let the know they missed something.
Here is the best way to un-root. Flash all of the old stock images besides user data image.
obsanity said:
Root on Lollipop is not what it used to be. There are files that need to be modified in order to allow root. That's why this time OTA will fail if you are rooted.
Un-rooting however, will allow OTA as long as it is done properly and all traces are covered up and returned to stock. If it does fail after you have un-rooted, go back to the developer of that un-root method and let the know they missed something.
Here is the best way to un-root. Flash all of the old stock images besides user data image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense. Is there a manual root procedure or list of required modifications for root out there? I did some precursors searches but Came up empty. Can't tell what's missing in SuperSU unroot without those details.
crowbarman said:
That makes sense. Is there a manual root procedure or list of required modifications for root out there? I did some precursors searches but Came up empty. Can't tell what's missing in SuperSU unroot without those details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Explanation from Chainfire:
https://plus.google.com/113517319477420052449/posts/S5zoKTzKUW1
obsanity said:
Explanation from Chainfire:
https://plus.google.com/113517319477420052449/posts/S5zoKTzKUW1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this. A good read, but I'm surprised nobody has demanded more details than 'patched the policies in SELinux'. Not that I don't trust Chain fire (I do) , but who really knows what has been done to our phones?
crowbarman said:
Thanks for this. A good read, but I'm surprised nobody has demanded more details than 'patched the policies in SELinux'. Not that I don't trust Chain fire (I do) , but who really knows what has been done to our phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the problem with Chainfire's work... he does not release source.
Again, best un-root method is to flash original images less user data.
obsanity said:
That's the problem with Chainfire's work... he does not release source.
Again, best un-root method is to flash original images less user data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing this info. Its a bit concerning tbh. Is there a cleaner way to root other than using superSU?
LordGrahf said:
Thanks for sharing this info. Its a bit concerning tbh. Is there a cleaner way to root other than using superSU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid not but Chainfire's is probably the cleanest possible. Koush was the one with an open source solution but he hasn't updated his to 5.0 yet.
obsanity said:
I'm afraid not but Chainfire's is probably the cleanest possible. Koush was the one with an open source solution but he hasn't updated his to 5.0 yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an argument that publishing the method would allow Google to close it that much quicker, I suppose.
crowbarman said:
Thanks for this. A good read, but I'm surprised nobody has demanded more details than 'patched the policies in SELinux'. Not that I don't trust Chain fire (I do) , but who really knows what has been done to our phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The base changes and reasoning for those changes are actually documented on my website. Specific policy adjustments are present in plain text in the supolicy executable, as any hex editor will show you. Those who really wanted to know rather than whine about OSS, know.
By far most policy adjustments just drop audit log output for contexts that are already permissive, though.
All that information is still completely useless unless you understand SELinux in detail and how it's implemented on Android, though.
I assume that the encryption doesn't get in the way of being able to flash the images?
When I went from 5.0 to 5.0.1 on my old Nexus 5 all I did was flash the two new 5.0.1 images I extracted from the full factory image, then re-rooted. This is far cleaner than reverting back to the previous image then doing an OTA. I've not had to update my N6 yet so I don't know if my method will work still, but I hope it does.
Chainfire said:
The base changes and reasoning for those changes are actually documented on my website. Specific policy adjustments are present in plain text in the supolicy executable, as any hex editor will show you. Those who really wanted to know rather than whine about OSS, know.
By far most policy adjustments just drop audit log output for contexts that are already permissive, though.
All that information is still completely useless unless you understand SELinux in detail and how it's implemented on Android, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the additional information.
I did spend a fair amount of time reading your documentation but failed to utilize a hex editor. I am not 'whining' about the lack of open source, rather, simply mildly surprised, but your website aptly describes the challenges with 5.0. Many are used to various root methods being available.
Your solution is fine with me.. I love your work.
Edit: I thought I'd add that the discussion has devolved from the OP, which was whether an OTA can be applied after uninstalling root. The answer was no, due to the unknowns about what still might be modified following the uninstall via SuperSU.
I know there is not much support for the remix, though it's essentially a mini 2...too. I have it s-off and unlocked. I have twrp recovery on it. The all in one utility on one of these threads didn't work well for twrp so I flashed it via fast boot. I've tried running the utility for gaining root but nothing shows up in twrp under sdcard. I have pushed it to another folder, I find it and flash the zip file but even though it says it finished fine, when I reboot nothing is there. Weak sauce2 works fine, but that's just temp. I want permanent root.
That said anyone know how to enable serial/modem communication to cdma/qpst on the remix? I've been trying forever. Im trying to backup the prl.
jobzombi said:
I know there is not much support for the remix, though it's essentially a mini 2...too. I have it s-off and unlocked. I have twrp recovery on it. The all in one utility on one of these threads didn't work well for twrp so I flashed it via fast boot. I've tried running the utility for gaining root but nothing shows up in twrp under sdcard. I have pushed it to another folder, I find it and flash the zip file but even though it says it finished fine, when I reboot nothing is there. Weak sauce2 works fine, but that's just temp. I want permanent root.
That said anyone know how to enable serial/modem communication to cdma/qpst on the remix? I've been trying forever. Im trying to backup the prl.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same issue today and was able to chat with the creators of Sunshine. They are super helpful and offer great support for their product. It took me a few tries but I have root. After you flash the latest version of Chainfire's supersu HERE , you have download the app from the playstore.
Not sure if this was related but right before I did the steps above, I switch over the the Nova launcher. One of the creators told me the stock blinkfeed launcher may give issues.
on1wheel said:
I had the same issue today and was able to chat with the creators of Sunshine. They are super helpful and offer great support for their product. It took me a few tries but I have root. After you flash the latest version of Chainfire's supersu HERE , you have download the app from the playstore.
Not sure if this was related but right before I did the steps above, I switch over the the Nova launcher. One of the creators told me the stock blinkfeed launcher may give issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How exactly did you accomplish it? Did you push su from recovery mode? I've been trying from just regular, ready to make calls, mode. Did you run a script or do it all manually? xbin or bin? I know some people like symbolic links to xbin/su within bin.
jobzombi said:
How exactly did you accomplish it? Did you push su from recovery mode? I've been trying from just regular, ready to make calls, mode. Did you run a script or do it all manually? xbin or bin? I know some people like symbolic links to xbin/su within bin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed the zip I linked above in TWRP recovery. You can connect your phone to a computer or download the supersu from your phone. After it is flashed, go to the play store and download the supersu app. I thought flashing would install the app on my phone but it didn't. After installing the app, pen it and it will prompt to install the binaries. After that I had root.
I'm not sure what you meant by xbin, bin, or symbolic links. I don't deal with any of that.
on1wheel said:
I flashed the zip I linked above in TWRP recovery. You can connect your phone to a computer or download the supersu from your phone. After it is flashed, go to the play store and download the supersu app. I thought flashing would install the app on my phone but it didn't. After installing the app, pen it and it will prompt to install the binaries. After that I had root.
I'm not sure what you meant by xbin, bin, or symbolic links. I don't deal with any of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, thanks. The Zip usually takes care of all that. I was having no success with a the zip file provided in the Windroid toolkit, so I was trying to push the same su that the toolkit downloaded to the phone and was trying it manually. I tried it with the one Weaksauce puts in the xbin folder as well temporarily. Both didn't work. I'll give this a go.
Thank you again!
Your welcome. I didn't use any of the methods you mentioned. I waited for the Sunshine 3 release to work and then tried the newest supersu zip. That did it. Now I'm waiting for a dev to port a rom to the HTC One Remix.
on1wheel said:
Your welcome. I didn't use any of the methods you mentioned. I waited for the Sunshine 3 release to work and then tried the newest supersu zip. That did it. Now I'm waiting for a dev to port a rom to the HTC One Remix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently working on figuring out how to port it. Doesn't look like it should be too hard, but we'll see.
Txjacob said:
I'm currently working on figuring out how to port it. Doesn't look like it should be too hard, but we'll see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll check back regularly. Which rom are you planning on porting. CM?
Successfully unlocked and s-off with sunshine. Then used su installer by the same guys for root yay! Now just waiting for devs to make or either port some Roms for the remix.
diag?
Was anyone able to get diag working on this phone yet?
I'm assuming after root you could use this program to get into usb settings and enable it:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.shortcutmaster.lite
But could someone confirm?
I noticed that MRA58N (Android 6.0.0 with November 1, 2015 Android security patch level) was available tonight. Since I didn't see any posts about it so I downloaded and installed it. I was able to root with the method in #1 here and install BusyBox and everything is working so far. I haven't tried the "Root without modifying /system" in #2 of that same post so I'm very interested in seeing if it still works with that method or if something has been done to block that method in MRA58N.
alryder said:
I haven't tried the "Root without modifying /system" in #2 of that same post so I'm very interested in seeing if it still works with that method or if something has been done to block that method in MRA58N.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on MRA58K with the experimental "systemless" root method. I extracted and flashed the system.img from MRA58N and still had root afterwards. No need to reflash the modified boot.img or anything. I did have to reinstall BusyBox and edit my build.prop for lower dpi, multiwindow, etc again.
The only issue I'm having is SELinux Mode Changer can't gain root access and Titanium Backup can't delete any apps. I have to do that manually with Root Explorer.
Face_Plant said:
The only issue I'm having is SELinux Mode Changer can't gain root access and Titanium Backup can't delete any apps. I have to do that manually with Root Explorer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your update. I didn't run into that issue using the root method #1 that uses the modified boot.img and SuperSU 2.52. I was able uninstall five system apps and reinstall them as user apps. Looks like there is still a bit of work to be done on the "systemless" root method before it's ready for prime time.
hmm..
can i just flash system.img if i have stock rooted with elementalX, rooted using SuperSU.46 or whatever awhile back...
darthchilli said:
hmm..
can i just flash system.img if i have stock rooted with elementalX, rooted using SuperSU.46 or whatever awhile back...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I'm not sure about that. The only method I have used to root Marshmallow is to flash the shamu-mra58k-boot.zip system.img from here and then flash SuperSU 2.52 from here. I haven't tried any other methods for rooting. The steps I used are:
- flash/upgrade to Marshmellow
- flash modified boot.img
- flash/boot TWRP and sideload v2.52
Sorry I can't be more helpful on this.
I've been waiting for this first update to give me the incentive to look at decrypting my N6, which I managed to encrypt (duh...) when I flashed MRA58K. Although to be honest I see no difference, it annoys me to know that there must be some performance and battery hit (yeah, I'm an anal retentive... ).
A second wish is to switch from SuperSU to doitright's open-source superuser just because of the news that SuperSU has been sold to a commercial company, and like many others I don't like the sound of that. But as mentioned in doitright's thread, it's not for noobs (yet), so I'm not clear on the process.
Would someone please be kind enough to lay out a step-by-step guide to achieving this? I could just flash the system.img as described above, but that wouldn't decrypt nor would it swap Superuser, and I don't want to end up yet again with the "wrong" configuration.
some reason every time i try to use systemless root it just says binaries are not installed, and it doesnt work, OR the modified boot will not flash at all
OK I got the notification to update today it's MMB29S, I am on K. I am rooted but stock, unlocked using systemless root for root. I've always been rooted and expected it to fail and have to install manually but this time because I'm not rooted like the old way. So i downloaded and went to install to my surprise dead Android with the triangle didn't show but it went to custom recovery screen twrp. I just hit restart because I've never not had a fail and never seen it do this before. Well when it restarted I was not updated and still on K. I also for the life of me can't get it to redo the ota. Tried to clear system service in apps and recheck but nothing.
So my question is since I'm new to systemless root what should I have done when it went to custom recovery? So that way if I can get it to pop up again I can be updated. Thank you in advance for any help and it would be awesome if possible to update this way without having to manually do it.
My best guess, based on what Chainfire replied to me when I asked about OTA, is that because you're somehow rooted the OTA will refuse to install. He said that using the "unroot" function in v2.63 (and I suppose in subsequent versions) he was able to apply the OTA and then just had to re-root.
As to the OTA, I read in the long-distant past that once it's been provided to your device you sort of go to the back of the queue, and even pressing the "check for system update" button has no effect. One day your turn will come again. When it happens, before you press the "install now" button, use the unroot function, reboot, and give it another go.
And I would really appreciate it if you could report back on the success or failure, just so we all know - thanks...
And before I close... your alternative is just to download the full ROM from Google, unzip everything in sight (including the zip within the zip), copy system.img to a convenient folder, and use Fastboot to flash system. After that you'll need to re-root (simple flash) and when you reboot everything will be as it was, apart from the version and security update date. I did it myself to MMB29S a week or so ago.
But my lawyer advises me to advise you to take a full backup first and store it off your device before you do anything to your device - just in case, you know?
I will definitely reply if I get the update again in a few days. If it doesn't I'll probably do it manually. I was just really surprised I hadn't gotten the error, just so used to it. Thank you for the info though.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but to install an OTA don't you need to be completely stock, including recovery?
If I'm not mistaken but since 4.3 (I'm probably wrong) if your rooted (before systemless root) when you try to the ota you will always get the dead Android because rooting changes the system files causing the update when it does is checks to think your system is corrupt.
Also it was really bad when people tried going from 5.x.x to 6.x even doing it manually some of us got bootlooped or when starting the phone up after updating manually saying system is corrupt but still starting up fine. Leaving like me having to completely clear out everything and installing the factory image just to not be corrupt and able to use Android pay.
Systemless root though I've not had a single problem and still able to use AP. And is also the first time in years I've gotten as far as I did with the OTA.
Rbh50815 said:
OK I got the notification to update today it's MMB29S, I am on K. I am rooted but stock, unlocked using systemless root for root. I've always been rooted and expected it to fail and have to install manually but this time because I'm not rooted like the old way. So i downloaded and went to install to my surprise dead Android with the triangle didn't show but it went to custom recovery screen twrp. I just hit restart because I've never not had a fail and never seen it do this before. Well when it restarted I was not updated and still on K. I also for the life of me can't get it to redo the ota. Tried to clear system service in apps and recheck but nothing.
So my question is since I'm new to systemless root what should I have done when it went to custom recovery? So that way if I can get it to pop up again I can be updated. Thank you in advance for any help and it would be awesome if possible to update this way without having to manually do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These small ota's can be done with boot modifications because they don't include any boot.img changes and if they do then they just blanket overwrite what's already there. The only part that is checked is /system. However TWRP won't ever install an ota update for compatibility reasons. Even if you reflash the stock recovery then you'll fail the ota because when you installed TWRP it protected itself (by modifying /system) from being overwritten by the stock recovery which is what unmodded stock android will always do on boot by default. And there are 2 things the ota verification looks for when updating: 1. It looks for whether /system has been ever mounted as Read/Write. 2. It hash checks the /system, if it finds any mismatch it fails. As for the update not showing up again, the ota checker hides the update after a failure to stop from flooding the download server. If you want to extract the update zip you can look in /cache for the zip. But since you don't have an unmodded /system you might as well just download the newest factory image and manually flash the system.img
You can use Wug NRT, unroot with MMB29S provided in the NRT , then root.