[Q] Going back to stock for 4.4 - Moto X Q&A

There will be some seemingly obtuse questions in this post, so forgive me in advance.
First up, have the Dev Edition Moto X on Verizon. Bootloader is unlocked, CWM is installed, and device is rooted. After reading around, it appears I need to flash all of the stock files before I apply the OTA. I haven't been able to find any obvious copies of these around the internet, are they contained the the latest .sbf (such as the one off droid-developers.com)? I've seen some references to a "mfastboot", is there an issue with the most current fastboot contained in the Android SDK? I am planning on flashing stock recovery, system, and boot. Are these the correct files? Lastly, I've backed everything up for obvious reasons, but is flashing the system.img gonna blow away data? Should I wipe data before bumping to 4.4? Thanks for the help!

Alrighty, trial and error has gotten me loaded up on 4.4. Had to flash boot, recovery, system, modem, and fsg but was finally able to get the OTA to apply. Unfortunately I am now without root or a custom recovery. Such is the price of progress I suppose.

Related

[Q] Post SBF Questions

A few weeks ago I rooted my X and ran the manual deodex method posted on the site. Phone ran great, I installed clockwork recovery and made a few backups. after installing a rom and not being able to get back into the recovery, I had to flash the phone with the 2.2 full SBF. This leads to my questions
1. After I SBF'd I was able to recover my applications and my data was all on the SD card. however I have a few applications that when run will close and give me an error message stating that the "application unexpectedly quit" I can duplicate the issue most when attempting to search the a forum through the XDA application. I am sure I failed to wipe data and cache before I recovered the stock OS, could this be the cause, any ideas?
2. I have re-rooted my phone but I have a question about deodexing again. I understand that motorola is in the early stages of working on an update to fix reported issues with 2.2, I also believe that they will use this opportunity to update the bootloader version. is there a way to disable the OTA updates? I am concerned about bricking my phone if an update is release and I am deodexed, what is the worst that could happen?
Sorry for the post, I am technically inclined but am still learning the android OS, any help is very much appreciated.
If you run a rom either aosp or blur you can avoid the ota that's end only way I know to avoid it
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
thanks for the response, I read a few places that clockwork recovery blocks OTA updates from installing, but I am having a hard time nailing down a definitive answer.
From what I understand Droid X SBF files do not wipe data like other phones. I recently had to SBF but kept getting stuck looping at the droid eye. I booted into recovery and did a factory reset and all worked out just fine. I know it's not your exact problem but it still might be worth it to try.
As for not getting OTA updates other than doing a custom ROM I can't help you there, sorry.

[SOLVED] updating unlocked\rooted\s-off htc one to 4.3

Hi everyone,
im a newbie android user, have my device for barely 2 weeks.
i have a couple of questions on my mind, questions i tried googeling answers to for days now,
as i didnt find clear cut answers, im asking for your help.
i know i can flash a the stock 4.3 rom using custom recovery (i use TWRP) but that will result in wiping my data.
im interested in updating my AT&T HTC One to 4.3 without losing my data.
note that i currently have an unlocked bootloader, root (supersu) and im S-OFF (used Revone)
i already figured that i need to unroot my device and re-lock the bootloader in order to receive the OTA update properly.
my questions are as follows:
1) do i need to flash back to stock recovery in order to update or is unrooting and relocking bootloader good enough?
2) since im S-OFF, updating to 4.3 will update my hboot but will keep me S-OFF? or will it turn it on? or maybe it wont even update and stay on 1.44?
3) after i update to 4.3, re-unlocking my bootloader will once again wipe all data?
4) after updating to 4.3, in order to re-root my device i follow the same procedure i did on 4.1.2?
5) since im not using an AT&T sim card, i had to flash some wifi files in order to bypass carrier check and turn on wifi tethering, i imagine im gonna have to do that again on 4.3, will the same files work or will i need to wait for a new hack\workaround to come out? (i used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285047)
i have a few more questions that i cant recall right now, too much google digging for info got me confused.
will add them if\when i remember.
Thanks in Advance.
You don't need to relock bootloader or remove root, you do need stock recovery and stock ROM. Hboot will be updated, S-Off will remain. Your data will not be lost. Follow same procedure for root.
BenPope said:
You don't need to relock bootloader or remove root, you do need stock recovery and stock ROM. Hboot will be updated, S-Off will remain. Your data will not be lost. Follow same procedure for root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the quick reply.
a few followup questions if u dont mind.
1) where do i get the stock recovery files?
2) how can i identify the correct ROM associated with htc one 4.3? i know i need to use Cingular as my HTC is an AT&T one, but the roms versions are listed by AT&T firmware.
3) do i flash stock recovery and then do a regular OTA update?
Nexaddo88 said:
Hi everyone,
im a newbie android user, have my device for barely 2 weeks.
i have a couple of questions on my mind, questions i tried googeling answers to for days now,
as i didnt find clear cut answers, im asking for your help.
i know i can flash a the stock 4.3 rom using custom recovery (i use TWRP) but that will result in wiping my data.
im interested in updating my AT&T HTC One to 4.3 without losing my data.
note that i currently have an unlocked bootloader, root (supersu) and im S-OFF (used Revone)
i already figured that i need to unroot my device and re-lock the bootloader in order to receive the OTA update properly.
my questions are as follows:
1) do i need to flash back to stock recovery in order to update or is unrooting and relocking bootloader good enough?
2) since im S-OFF, updating to 4.3 will update my hboot but will keep me S-OFF? or will it turn it on? or maybe it wont even update and stay on 1.44?
3) after i update to 4.3, re-unlocking my bootloader will once again wipe all data?
4) after updating to 4.3, in order to re-root my device i follow the same procedure i did on 4.1.2?
5) since im not using an AT&T sim card, i had to flash some wifi files in order to bypass carrier check and turn on wifi tethering, i imagine im gonna have to do that again on 4.3, will the same files work or will i need to wait for a new hack\workaround to come out? (i used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285047)
i have a few more questions that i cant recall right now, too much google digging for info got me confused.
will add them if\when i remember.
Thanks in Advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a quick question: why do you want to go through all that hassle to receive the OTA? Since you're S-Off you're able to flash unsigned firmware. The only reason I can think of using OTA, is if someone is S-On and therefore cannot update firmware; an unlocked bootloader allows you to flash ROM, kernel, and radio, but not firmware. with S-Off you CAN do that.
One piece of advice, in either case, DO NOT GO S-ON EVER!
Or did I misunderstand you?
nkk71 said:
Just a quick question: why do you want to go through all that hassle to receive the OTA? Since you're S-Off you're able to flash unsigned firmware. The only reason I can think of using OTA, is if someone is S-On and therefore cannot update firmware; an unlocked bootloader allows you to flash ROM, kernel, and radio, but not firmware. with S-Off you CAN do that.
One piece of advice, in either case, DO NOT GO S-ON EVER!
Or did I misunderstand you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i thought that flashing the new ROM will wipe my data, where an OTA update wont, or did i misunderstood?
also got an answer to the question about the wifi tether?
Nexaddo88 said:
i thought that flashing the new ROM will wipe my data, or did i misunderstood?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are files in the firmware.zip that wipe the phone, removing those files means it won't wipe. Often boot.img and recovery.img are also removed from the firmware you download from here.
Nexaddo88 said:
i thought that flashing the new ROM will wipe my data, or did i misunderstood?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by data? your internal storage/sdcard with pictures, music, etc. or your apps?
When flashing a new ROM with different base (eg 4.2.2 to 4.3) a wipe is recommended (that would wipe your apps and their data, not sdcard), but you could use Titanium Backup, Helium, etc. to back those up and restore.
You can do a dirty flash, which would not wipe your apps, but could lead to some potential problems with some apps; in which case you would need to reflash with wipe.
Anyhow, be careful with going back to stock first, because when you flash the stock recovery, it will/could wipe your phone completely including sdcard. Happened to me while I was testing a few things, and just flashing stock recovery and accessing it, wiped my apps and sdcard.
Hit us with some more details, what ROM (etc.) are you on now, and where do you want to go.
This is where I am now (attached pics)
I would simply like to upgrade my HTC to 4.3
I would like to do that without the hassle of wiping my phone and restoring apps data.
But if it's necessary I'm willing to backup and restore the apps data.
As u said, my SD CARD contents will no be deleted? ie photos, music etc.
From what u guys told me, I gather that doing an OTA is not as simple as I thought.
Can u please tell me the easiest way to upgrade?
or even better, what my options are?
2nd pic attached, for some reason it let me attach only 1 pic.
Thanks in Advance!
Nexaddo88 said:
2nd pic attached, for some reason it let me attach only 1 pic.
Thanks in Advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my humble opinion, you should do a full back up of everything (nandroid, apps+data AND sdcard) and copy all that to your PC.
Whichever way you proceed, you're going to be moving from Android 4.1.2 to 4.2.2+, that will change the file structure on your phone: in 4.1.2 sdcard points to /data/media/ but as of 4.2.2+ it now points to /data/media/0/ (this is due to multiuser support in 4.2.2+).
For some, whether OTA or flashing a custom ROM, three things have happened:
1- the sdcard (pictures, music, etc) files were moved correctly to /data/media/0
2- the files were duplicated in /data/media AND /data/media/0, so they had to manually delete the duplicates (root enabled file explorer needed)
3- the files were not moved at all, and had to be manually moved from /data/media/ to /data/media/0/ (root enabled file explorer needed)
Note: that once you're on 4.2.2+ /data/media/ will no longer show up when you connect to your PC, only /data/media/0, hence why you need a root enabled file explorer to access /data/media/
If it was me (and I like a clean phone ), I would flash the new custom ROM in recovery, then while still in recovery format the /data/media/ (/sdcard/), boot up and let the ROM setup the sdcard as brand new.
And then setup the device from scratch. Copying all pictures, music, etc. back using your PC.
For backup/restore of USER apps & data, I would take a look at these:
* Titanium Backup
* Helium
* SMS Backup & Restore
* Call Log Backup & Restore
and possibly the built in HTC Backup.
Titanium can back up the data of system apps, but it's not recommended to restore these especially between the large gap from 4.1.2 to 4.3; usually you could restore WiFi, Bluetooth and a few more settings, but there have been reports that due to the changes in all of these, the restore of system data could/was causing problems.
Finally, if you want to upgrade your firmware, use vomer's guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2365506. The firmwares there have boot.img (so no need to reflash RIM), recovery.img (so no need to reflash custom recovery) removed as well as the files that would wipe the sdcard. So you can flash the firmware without any negative effects.
Of course you could just do all the backups, and try dirty flashing (without wipe), and see how that works out for you. In case you run into problems (eg apps force closing, missing widgets, bad Wifi, bluetooth, or mobile data), you can then reflash with full wipe.
This is all my personal opinion, so don't know if anybody disagrees with my thoughts.
EDIT: if you use CWM recovery, you should also take a look at this after upgrading: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1991657
Hit the thanks button if I helped
Sounds good. Tyvm!!!
I'd like a clean phone as well.
So lets me know if I get it straight:
1) flash Rom in recovery (after backing up media and/or non-system apps)
2) wiping SD CARD clean
3) flash firmware in recovery
4) flash radio in recovery
Did I get it right?
Again thanks on advance
Nexaddo88 said:
Sounds good. Tyvm!!!
I'd like a clean phone as well.
So lets me know if I get it straight:
1) flash Rom in recovery (after backing up media and/or non-system apps)
2) wiping SD CARD clean
3) flash firmware in recovery
4) flash radio in recovery
Did I get it right?
Again thanks on advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes pretty much, the most important part is the backup, I would do:
1- a nandroid backup in recovery (just in case you want to come back to that)
2- perform a Titanium Backup/Helium of everything (you don't need to restore system apps/data, but it's good to have them anyway)
3- perform HTC Backup (I do it, but have never restored from it yet)
4- copy everything from the sdcard (which would include above) to PC
firmware (modified versions by vomer) and/or radio can be flashed at any time without any risk of loosing apps or sdcard.
You should be good to go.
PS: In case you format sdcard and /system/ and find yourself without an OS (by accident), you will have to use 1 of 3 methods to get the ROM you want to flash on the phone:
1- adb sideload
2- adb push
3- OTG cable
Which firmware and radio version I need?
Whats the modification done in vomer's firmwares? Just removed files to prevent data wipe?
Nexaddo88 said:
Which firmware and radio version I need?
Whats the modification done in vomer's firmwares? Just removed files to prevent data wipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firmware and radio are pretty much up to you; especially radio, where newer doesn't always mean better, it's very user specific, but you can flash them so easily in recovery back and forth. (I have them on my phone all the time and experiment depending on my location)
Also, just remember once you go to 2.x firmware or above the touchscreen drivers will no longer work with a 4.1.2 ROM, but then again why would you want to go back
The files in vomer's firmware that are removed are:
1- stock kernel (boot.img), otherwise you'd have to reflash ROM.zip after updating firmware
2- stock recovery (recovery.img), otherwise you'd have to reflash custom recovery after updating firmware
3- I don't recall, but some firmware package had a files in them that would wipe the sdcard (but haven't seen those for a while)
Firmware and radios are all available in vomer's guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2365506
about wiping the /data/media/ folder after flashing the ROM,
will i be prompted to do it or i'll do it manually?
sorry for all the questions, i know i can see for myself when i actually do it, but im scared since its my first android device ever
ty.
Nexaddo88 said:
about wiping the /data/media/ folder after flashing the ROM,
will i be prompted to do it or i'll do it manually?
sorry for all the questions, i know i can see for myself when i actually do it, but im scared since its my first android device ever
ty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you'll have to do it manually, I'm using CWM, so I have to go to "mounts and storage" and then "format /data and /data/media (/sdcard)"
hmm, on that thought after formatting and booting up your ROM, check if all the apps are there, some get installed to /data/app, and I wonder if the above would delete those.
Wouldn't be a big deal, you would just copy the ROM back to your sdcard using your PC and reflash it. (Maybe do that anyway)
At least you know you'll have a clean sdcard without any possibility of duplicates or other files you no longer need (eg temporary files from some apps)
Alright, I've done it!!!
Upgraded to 4.3 stock Rom, which came with 3.17 firmware.
(used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2476204)
Flashed AT&T OTA radio.
Even found a new tether hack for 4.3 that will allow me to activate tethering while not on AT&T network
Thanks a lot for all the help,
Much appreciated.
One more question tho if that's ok,
Are there any downsides to upgrading my firmware from 3.17 to the latest 3.62?
Nexaddo88 said:
Alright, I've done it!!!
Upgraded to 4.3 stock Rom, which came with 3.17 firmware.
(used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2476204)
Flashed AT&T OTA radio.
Even found a new tether hack for 4.3 that will allow me to activate tethering while not on AT&T network
Thanks a lot for all the help,
Much appreciated.
One more question tho if that's ok,
Are there any downsides to upgrading my firmware from 3.17 to the latest 3.62?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratz.
As for firmware, I can't think of any downsides to upgrading it. Since you're S-Off you can always downgrade it back to 3.17 if you find any incompatibilities, though I dont think there will be any.
Alright ty.
The current firmware I have is 3.17.502...
Which came with the Rom.zip I flashed
I only found 3.17.402... on xda
Would u happen to know where I could get 3.17.502... ??
As I wouldn't want any problems or incompatibilities with the 402 one.
Also should I bother updating my hboot (if it's even possible)??
Thanks again.
Nexaddo88 said:
Alright ty.
The current firmware I have is 3.17.502...
Which came with the Rom.zip I flashed
I only found 3.17.402... on xda
Would u happen to know where I could get 3.17.502... ??
As I wouldn't want any problems or incompatibilities with the 402 one.
Also should I bother updating my hboot (if it's even possible)??
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure the ROM.ZIP contained firmware?? Usually, ROM.ZIP only contains the ROM and firmware is separate; also because the two have different flashing methods:
1- custom ROM is flashed using custom recovery
2- firmware is flashed in fastboot RUU mode
can you post a "fastboot getvar all" (remove IMEI and s/n before posting) to see the details.

Pic of Dead Droid with ! after firmware update attempt

I recently got my TF701T back from repairs and they of course factory reset it (they put a new battery in). We all know it needs factory reset for that right? Anyways. I do a check for updates and nothing. I know I was running 4.4 previously but updater says no updates and stuck on original. So I start reading and download the latest US 4.4 firmware directly from ASUS, unzip it and put in main directory (verified mine was US) and reboot. Says all is fine, would I like to update, yes, reboot and I get the Android gear guy for about 10 minutes then it reboots. He shows up again and dead android shows up.
Now it just loops forever to this. I spent about 5 hours reading forums here, attempted a restore, but 1. the recovery.img link is bad and 2. my tablet isn't rooted.
Any suggestions? I can access the fastboot screen that gives me "RCK, Android and "Wipe Data". I tried Wipe data 3 times, no good still getting dead guy. I tried copying the latestest zip file to an sd card with boot.img and blob and file and ran RCK and it says match then reboots then dead guy again...
the fastboot screen says "released by: "US_epad-10.14.1.45-20131014" which I believe is the original.
You did a good job on your research. What might have tripped you up could be just a bad download. Files do get corrupted during download once in a while.
The recovery seems to have initially recognized the digital signature of the update file and started to flash it. And then something went wrong....
Download the firmware again. Unzip it once (the result should be a ....user.zip) and place that file onto a microSD formatted fat32 and not into any folder on the card. Boot to recovery (RCK).
If that does not work, try to rename the ...user.zip on the microSD to T4_SDUPDATE.zip and boot to recovery and report back.
Good luck!
So, I had downloaded 3 different versions multiple times before with zero success. But, once I took one and renamed it to T4_SDUPDATE.zip bam!
You just so made my day!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Devan
I have a question along these lines. What is the difference between the software update and firmware update and when do you do each? I understand the difference between what they are I suppose just not sure if updating is the same. Should I update kernel too or is that updated in an SW or FW update?
Thanks
Anyone?
I have seen these terms used very differently on different device forums.
Here on the Asus tablet forums people mostly talk about firmware when they mean the whole stock package. The stock firmware always comes with everything: Bootloader, recovery, rom and kernel
On the HTC M8 forum for example, they make a clear distinction: Software is rom and kernel, firmware is bootloader, radios, baseband etc.
The recovery seems to fall somewhere in between
Your bootloader version determines everything else. You should only flash a recovery, kernel or rom compatible with that particular bootloader.
You can, or have to, update it if you want to run a rom that requires a later or newer bootloader. Asus encrypts their BLs, so bootloader updates can only come from them - so far only with the release of a new version of the OEM "firmware".
If you as an unlocked, custom rom'd user then want to install a rom based on that new firmware, you have to update the bootloader and possibly but not necessarily your recovery before flashing the new custom rom.
Custom recoveries get more frequent updates. CWM, TWRP or some enterprising dev release new versions every few months. Always make sure it is compatible with your bootloader and rom. In most cases you can easily skip a few versions. But if you update your rom, let's say, from JB to Lollipop you should also update your recovery.
The kernel is considered to be part of the rom. At least every rom I know of comes with a kernel, some even with several to choose from. And it is a popular sport to try the same rom with different kernels.
You update the rom whenever the developer releases a new, updated version - or not if you're happy with what you got.
The safest place to be is always up-to-date: The latest roms usually require the latest bootloader and it's best to run both with the latest recovery.
If you have a working combo you can stick with it for years if you like.
But if you've been away for a while, did not follow the latest development, and want to update, you always have to:
Check if your bootloader is still current. If not, update it
Update your recovery
Wipe data, cache and Dalvik
Flash the new rom.
Nice explanation, I knew all of this but there is no way I could have explained it.
berndblb said:
You did a good job on your research. What might have tripped you up could be just a bad download. Files do get corrupted during download once in a while.
The recovery seems to have initially recognized the digital signature of the update file and started to flash it. And then something went wrong....
Download the firmware again. Unzip it once (the result should be a ....user.zip) and place that file onto a microSD formatted fat32 and not into any folder on the card. Boot to recovery (RCK).
If that does not work, try to rename the ...user.zip on the microSD to T4_SDUPDATE.zip and boot to recovery and report back.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU!!!! IT worked like a miracle... Thank you !!!! :good::good::good:

T817TUVU1AOG8 Stock ODIN?

Hey guys, I was wondering if anoyone could help me find the stock odin file for my tab S2 Tmobile? I rooted and I have twrp and everything. I wanna go back to having LTE while I wait for a custom kernel that can support it. I have had some problems locating said odin file. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
One of the most important reasons for having a custom recovery such as twrp is so you can make a full backup PRIOR to making any modifications.
I don't know how many times I have said this yet still people go ahead and flash regardless.
The firmware you are looking for is not available yet.
You're only hope is to ask someone who has the same model with unrooted firmware to make a backup of the system and boot partitions and upload them.
Or you may be able to unroot with supersu then flash just the boot.img.
If unrooting doesn't work then you may be able to flash the boot and system partition from the firmware below with Flashfire.
http://samsung-firmware.org/model/SM-T817P/
Make that backup first.
ashyx said:
One of the most important reasons for having a custom recovery such as twrp is so you can make a full backup PRIOR to making any modifications.
I don't know how many times I have said this yet still people go ahead and flash regardless.
The firmware you are looking for is not available yet.
You're only hope is to ask someone who has the same model with unrooted firmware to make a backup of the system and boot partitions and upload them.
Or you may be able to unroot with supersu then flash just the boot.img.
If unrooting doesn't work then you may be able to flash the boot and system partition from the firmware below with Flashfire.
http://samsung-firmware.org/model/SM-T817P/
Make that backup first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thank you for your assistance, but I must say that I am not a novice when it comes to rooting, flashing, odining etc. etc.
I was merely asking if anyone came across the stock odin file I listed above, if they could link it to me. I am having a hard time finding it and as you pointed out, is because it isn't there to be found. So I will continue to wait patiently and use wifi until it is released.
Thank you.

Stock Roms

Hi,
I recently made the mistake of wiping my system partition trying to just do a factory reset. I was running a stock rooted 4.4.2 rom and TWRP recovery.
I've tried the latest RUU from HTC but it says it can't find my phone. Using the generic FUU and a 1.54.651.8 (the same version I was previously running) zip I found looks like it's starting to work - it finds the phone and everything but seems to be stuck forever on "Updating (0/7) Sending...."
I was able to get a custom rom installed, but some things weren't working quite right (couldn't send texts, kept making a weird sound, and a couple others) so I was hoping for a stock rom - rooted or not, I'm fine either way.
The bad news is that the old threads with the stock rom of that version seem to have broken links so I can't get them that way. I tried contacting a couple of people who posted them but they didn't hang on to them either.
Unfortunately, the SD reader on this phone has broken so I can't get to my old backup from before I originally rooted way back when. So what I had to do to install the custom rom was boot into TWRP Recovery, ADB push the .zip over to /tmp and flash it from there. Which seems to work fine as far as that goes, I just need a stock rom (or nandroid backup, I suppose) that is compatible with my firmware since the RUUs don't seem to want to cooperate.
As an alternative, is there a way of pulling just the rom out of that 1.54.651.8 RUU I have in some format that would be flashable under TWRP Recovery?
I know it's an older phone and I'm on an old firmware (once I was rooted I never wanted to do any updates for fear of breaking something), but any help would be greatly appreciated since all the links I can find seem to be outdated/dead.

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