Help Fix Incorrect Safestrap Upgrade - Motorola Droid 4

I was trying to upgrade safestrap from 3.73 to 3.75 so that I could install CM12. I did not remove 3.73 before installing 3.75, causing major boot problems. I was able to boot into Fastboot, and using the DROID 4 Utility XT894 Jellybean, I flashed the official jellybean firmware. Now my phone will get as far as the Droid Eye logo boot animation, but will not finish the boot. Are there any other utilities or methods that I can try to get the phone back up and running? I have access to another Droid 4, so if there's a way to copy the ROM from it to mine with adb, or some other method, I'd be open to that. Any help would be appreciated.

No idea about that utility. Without Safestrap or a working O/S, ADB is only available from stock recovery (I think), and stock recovery is almost completely useless on this phone.
If you still had access to SS, then you could restore a backup made on another phone, but in stock form the phone has no way to make/restore system backups.
At a guess, the DROID 4 Utility flashes one of the two newest XMLs depending on whether you want to keep data or not. If you chose 2, it could be that the boot process is getting hung up on something you have installed. Since you're using stock, did you try safe mode?
Failing that, or if you already chose a complete wipe in the Droid 4 Utility and got stuck anyway...for each of the several times I've managed to brick my phone, I've always used RSDLite and manually flashed the appropriate XML via Fastboot, have never had any problems.
RSDLite: http://rsdlite.com/rsd-lite-download/
Newest stock JB 4.1.2 XML (VRZ_XT894_9.8.2O-72_VZW-18-8_CFC.xml.zip): via Mega (probably fastest, in Firmwares), Motofirmware or AFH, links courtesy of @sd_shadow's big document of Droid 4 stuff
Note that the above XML will wipe data and internal storage (SD card is unaffected). If you need to keep those, use cdma_maserati_9.8.2O-72_VZW-18-2_1ff.xml.zip instead (also in the Mega Firmwares folder, or get other links from the above document), it should keep everything. Probably. I hope you made a backup before trying to upgrade SS : \
Connect your phone via USB, get into Fastboot
Start up RSDLite
Click the "..." next to the Filename box, select the XML zip
Click "Decompress And Start Flashing"
Give it a while to complete
Hopefully, bootable ROM. Note that RSDLite will probably get "stuck" on the last reboot, waiting for the phone; it's safe to close once the flash is completely complete (e.g. you're at the boot animation)
I'd imagine that the Droid 4 Utility does much the same as RSDLite, just in a somewhat more automated fashion, but it never hurts to try something slightly different.

RSD Lite is more complex than the utility, slightly different methods, if one failed try the other.
Stock recovery is really only good for factory reset and wiping cache, if you haven't already done so, wipe them now.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

I was able to get it up and running with the Mfastboot method:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/102LcdnDXpSjOXWdR39Zl4wMikfWRw2KAj63PuoJyJz4/edit

Related

[Q] SafeStrap not flashing roms correctly

So I've followed all the tutorials I could find. I've rooted, installed busybox (to make sure it really existed), installed safestrap (the official one from the blog) and can get into recovery just fine. I made sure I have the right phone version and I've never done any kind of bootstrap stuff on this phone before this.
However, when I switch to safe mode to try out some roms, it simply will not work. I've tried all three versions of Eclipse and one CM9 version, but once supposedly done flashing and told to reboot, it gets a blackscreen for a few seconds and restarts back to the dual-core pre-recovery screen. I've wiped, wiped, super wiped everything just like the various instructions tell me to, but nothing ever changes the blackscreen.
Switching it back to non-safe and rebooting works just fine, but I cannot get any custom safe-mode roms to boot up. Is there something else I should be doing that I missed?
I occasionally have issues with Safestrap when you choose to reboot, so I just power off and then power on - that always works. Initial boots do take some time, though more than a few minutes without animation is probably too much.
And, just to clarify, this is the Safestrap that I use: http://blog.hash-of-codes.com/downloads/safestrap/
But it's not that it takes time, it reboots the phone itself. It's not locking up like I've seen others say and requiring a battery pull. It just refuses to go on, instead more like a boot loop? But nothing appears to be going wrong and I can easily switch back to the base no-problem.
And yeah, that's the same one I'm using. Droid 3 v1.08 exactly from that site.
It's making me sad that I can't get this going
Edit: I went ahead and tried just powering it off, leaving it for a moment, and turning it back on. Still did the reboot thing
are you installing the rom and then wiping data?
if so try wiping data first then install rom then reboot..
ovelayer said:
are you installing the rom and then wiping data?
if so try wiping data first then install rom then reboot..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, tried both ways. Wipe data/factory and cache numerous times, install, nothing. Install then wipe, nothing. Wipe, install, wipe, nothing.
Is there an easy way to know for sure if it is even installing anything at all, like navigating to it using a root explorer?
Are you sure that the zip files you are loading are complete downloads? Generally you would receive error messages when installing if so, but you can try unzipping on your computer to see if they have errors. I always download ROM zips on my computer and transfer over (usually using the Dropbox app, but only because I don't want to bother with attaching, choosing USB storage mode, copying the files, unmounting the drives, choosing charge only.) But, if you are downloading the zips with your phone, try doing so instead with your computer, check the files sizes, and then transfer them over to the phone.
(Also, most/all/many of the CM9 zips require flashing a Google apps zip after flashing the ROM. That shouldn't prevent the phone from starting if you skip this step, but it will prevent you from having the market. Just FYI.)
I'd also try Maverick ROM to see if it has the same problem.
I've been running the stock 906 based ROM from Q9Nap here (the one marked Safestrap system), debloated by Pete Souza's script: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1554916
doogald said:
Are you sure that the zip files you are loading are complete downloads? Generally you would receive error messages when installing if so, but you can try unzipping on your computer to see if they have errors. I always download ROM zips on my computer and transfer over (usually using the Dropbox app, but only because I don't want to bother with attaching, choosing USB storage mode, copying the files, unmounting the drives, choosing charge only.) But, if you are downloading the zips with your phone, try doing so instead with your computer, check the files sizes, and then transfer them over to the phone.
(Also, most/all/many of the CM9 zips require flashing a Google apps zip after flashing the ROM. That shouldn't prevent the phone from starting if you skip this step, but it will prevent you from having the market. Just FYI.)
I'd also try Maverick ROM to see if it has the same problem.
I've been running the stock 906 based ROM from Q9Nap here (the one marked Safestrap system), debloated by Pete Souza's script: "no linkies for me"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did as you suggested and tried unzipping the files on my computer (which was where I original downloaded them). They all unzipped fine without any errors, unfortunately. The chances of 4 full files being that way were slim, but I sorta hoped...
I'll try Maverick and the Safestrap stock after I get done downloading them.
Thanks everyone for trying to help.
Edit: Alright, I tried Maverick and it showed a prettier flash log, symlinked, all that, still reset itself after passing the recovery splash. Same with the 906 stock based. This time I also tried installing from internal and external SD just to test that.
I'll ask again, is there a specific folder I can get to just for my peace of mind where I can see where it is supposed to have installed these? Or is it in a area where a normal root explorer can't get to?
shinseitom said:
I did as you suggested and tried unzipping the files on my computer (which was where I original downloaded them). They all unzipped fine without any errors, unfortunately. The chances of 4 full files being that way were slim, but I sorta hoped...
I'll try Maverick and the Safestrap stock after I get done downloading them.
Thanks everyone for trying to help.
Edit: Alright, I tried Maverick and it showed a prettier flash log, symlinked, all that, still reset itself after passing the recovery splash. Same with the 906 stock based. This time I also tried installing from internal and external SD just to test that.
I'll ask again, is there a specific folder I can get to just for my peace of mind where I can see where it is supposed to have installed these? Or is it in a area where a normal root explorer can't get to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wait a sec..
you unzipped them?
the zip files are not ment to be unzipped..
download the zip to your phone
go into safestrap and choose install zip then choose the zip
oh wait...duh you were just checking to see if they worked lol
use root explorer and navigate to system folder open the build.prop and see if there is a mention of the rom your trying to install..ie..version=mavrick or eclipse
I'm not finding any references to other roms anywhere in it. I did a search by eye, then a search for "version", "cm", and "mav" and didn't come up with anything relevant. Is that bad?
There are two other things that you can try, though I am not sure that they will help:
1. From non-safe, stock, run Safestrap and uninstall recovery. Restart to see that it does not intercept before the boot screen, then go back in and reinstall recovery from safestrap. Restart the phone to see if it is working. Then restart to Safestrap and try toggling safe mode and see if your flashes work.
2. One other thing to try (not sure if this will help, but...) is to (prior to flashing a ROM) go into the Mounts menu and format /system. Maybe the old system isn't being cleared out by the ROMs you are trying to flash? Then go install the zip, do a wipe data/factory reset and see if that works.
Just wondering if there is a benefit to Safestrap or Bootstrap and why?
I went with Safestrap... Is it just a style thing or is one better?
Not trying to be a jerk, but I have been scanning this post.
Any chance you have overlooked the step of "Toggle Safe System" from the recovery menu?
At the top of the menu it should say "Safe System is: Enabled"
Droidlyen said:
Just wondering if there is a benefit to Safestrap or Bootstrap and why?
I went with Safestrap... Is it just a style thing or is one better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap is supposed to allow you to install a rom onto a safe "partition" of sorts, though that's not really what's going on. Anyway, it doesn't touch your stock rom so if something fails (like my flashing attempts) you're not in trouble.
SteveHebe said:
Not trying to be a jerk, but I have been scanning this post.
Any chance you have overlooked the step of "Toggle Safe System" from the recovery menu?
At the top of the menu it should say "Safe System is: Enabled"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, I switch it every time. I'm not quite messing up that bad
Anyway, I might have to resort to bootstrap to see if that works. If not, well, I guess I'll be stuck on stock. Nothing so far mentioned in the thread has worked for me. Kinda sucks, since I have an Infuse that loves being flashed with anything I want to put on it without problems, unlike a friend's Infuse. Maybe its phone karma.

[solved] need help, ICS 208 safeboot backup? fastboot?

hi last night (very late) i was trying out a miui rom i am trying to port, i used the wrong update-script and i seems as though its overwritten my unsafe partition even though i was in safe. i couldnt see the safeboot splash but could still get to it form tools in the bootloader menu, i now have the safeboot menu back but no touch buttons. i have done a restore but i only have 2 backups and this is making me think i haven't backed up when i got on the leak.
so dose any one have a backup they would let me try to see if this is the case, can i fastboot out of this (i dont really understand how fastboot works with this phone as its locked down), or is there anything else i can do to get it back working i would like to keep root if possible.
Are you still able to boot your phone when you try to boot your phone of you can then the best thing for you is that try to install fresh stock room of your phone repeat the whole process again that would be better.
If I or anyone else have helped you in any kind of way please press THANK YOU button.
what type of phone do you have.if you Samsung thing will go fast and smooth to go back to stock Rom
If I or anyone else have helped you in any kind of way please press THANK YOU button.
i have droid 4 this is the droid 4 sub forum, i can boot the safe rom, i used to be able to boot non-safe (had miui on it) but after trying a restore form backup its not booting. i am still new to safe boot i dont fully know how it works.
I think you should be able to use the process for going from one leak to another to to get back to a stock ICS leak system. Follow the instructions in the Droid 4 Utility Updated thread.
Sent from my Droid 4
been thinking that and hoping it to as i think there is root for ICS now, but you are ment to unfreeze apps and uninstall safeboot before you upgrade both of witch i cant do, there is no apps to unfreeze to as the partitions gone.
and safeboot is the only thing that is making this phone not bricked.
Unfreezing and uninstalling recovery shouldn't matter the way I understand it. Fastbooting .219 should wipe that stuff out allowing you to freshly install the ICS leak.
Sent from my Droid 4
Yea, I'd fastboot "back" to 219, which of course WILL brick you, but also allow you to flash the ICS leak, which should get you back to a working phone.
Luckily there are root methods for ICS now, so you don't need to have root on 219 to enjoy root on (ICS) 213 :laugh:
Don't worry man, I've done it a dozen times already.
Just flash the system.img and the preinstall.img .219 fastboot files and erase your data and cache partitions with moto-fastboot:
Code:
moto-fastboot erase userdata
moto-fastboot erase cache
moto-fastboot flash system system.img
moto-fastboot flash preinstall preinstall.img
moto-fastboot flash boot [boot.img for .208/.213 kernel]
(You can skip erasing your /data partition if you want but unless you really need something on there, it's usually best to just start fresh.)
You can find the moto-fastboot executables on xda here with a quick search.
Otherwise you can just do a normal fastboot flash through RSD Lite but the method above is a bit quicker since you only really need to re-flash your /system and /preinstall partitions. If you choose to use RSD Lite, then you have to delete the boot.img file in the .219 package and replace it with the .208/.213 boot.img that you can find here on xda.
Pop the corresponding leaked .208/.213 update .zip file onto your external sdcard and reboot your phone into recovery mode by pressing Vol-Up+Vol-Down+Power and choosing Recovery Menu from the screen with white text on a black background and follow the prompts to install the update from your external card and you're good to go.
thanks i will try this soon.
i have updated to 213 now and it boots in to the animated droid eye but dose nothing not even getting a logcat.
got it working just updated again then wiped catch and data then it booted thanks a lot.
Sweet, glad to hear it. Happy hacking!

FUBARED Droid 4

Ok...... Where to start.
I have a Droid 4 that I am having issues with. I was using Safe strap 3.5 and Eclipse 1.5. While trying to return to the stock rom becuase the device starting to get glitchy i managed to replace my stock slot with Eclipse.
I have tried the hard wipe and recovery from the boot loader screen. I have tried the ICS tool for PC, I have tried the RSD Lite utility and zip files available for that.
Every time I reboot my device I am brought to the AP Fast Load screen and I am told the the device is locked Fast load failed.
While using RSD i get to 6/18 and then I see a fail.
I can still boot into Eclipse so I am not bricked yet, but I jsut want my phone to be just as it was the day I bought it. I have posted on other forums and all i get are links to other forums for trying this and that. If I also have to tell anyone that yes the Motorola drivers on my are up to date I am going to kick a puppy.
try my stock nandroid made in safe strap 3.11
http://d-h.st/piz 429.61 MB
system version 6.16.217.XT894.Verizon.en.US
download and restore to stock slot in safestrap

[Q] Bionic SafeStrap 3.11 wont load recovery

Hello Folks,
I have a Droid Bionic Running 98.72.22XT875.Verizon.en.US (The stock JB update rooted)
I FXZ'd this onto the phone, so there are no files from the ICS install.
With SafeStrap 3.11 installed, including recovery I see the option to choose Menu to boot into the recovery, but when I press it the device just boots like normal.
I'm not sure if it is misreading my press, or if the recovery is not bootable.
IS there a new version, or is there a way I can boot into SS without using the button?
Can anyone help me out?
Thank You,
-Dacooter
Why haven't you removed & reinstalled Safestrap yet? Safestrap 3.11 works fine with JB on my phone, and I put JB on my phone with an FXZ.
I have tried re-installing SafeStrap.
I've even tried Differend APK downloads.. no luck.
Hey Folks,
I got this all figured out.
I flashed Via RSD one more time, then rooted without modifying the stock ROM at all. now it is working.
Thanks,
-Dakotah
Same problem as starter
So I'm having the same problem as the person who started this thread. I've tried SafeStrap 3.11 about 5 times and no luck. I've reflashed it using the RSD Lite tool about 5 times flashing it with http : // sbf. droid-developers. org/cdma_targa/list.php and still had no luck (of course i'm using the JB edition named "9.8.2O-72_VZW-22 Blur_Version.98.72.22.XT875.Verizon.en.US" )
Every time I press the Menu button when SafeStrap pops up it boots like normal. I can't seem to get this fixed. I tried CWR twice, made a backup, and both times the OS said "Encryption" was bad and I needed to factory reset. Only fix was using RSD Lite.
Any ideas? Should I try to manually flash recover.img?

Bad situation, need some help. Only TWRP on phone nothing else.

OK.
So I'm going to sell my G-Flex. I thought I would just flash it to stock with my .tot file that I have used before. Bad idea it seems when I had custom recovery installed (TWRP).
Now I have a phone with only TWRP on it as LG Flash Tool just wiped and did not flash when it noticed the custom recovery. So now I don't even have fastboot just the recovery. So I can't install the stock recovery as I have no fastboot.
However if I enter "backup" in TWRP it shows only my data is 0mb. The rest seems normal with a /system that is 1690mb and modem and cache seems present. Just no data.
My situation would be better if I had a backup? Well. I don't anymore.
Is there an obvious way I have missed that can fix the phone easily? Tried flashing the MIUI ROM for starters (even though it's missing /system) but I always get error that it can't mount /data , /mpt and /storage and I count mount them in the settings in TWRP.
So all I can get in to is download mode (which I can't flash my .tot from now) or TWRP that is the only thing that boots automatically at every boot.
I had the same problem last week when I tried to install a custom font through Rom Toolbox. ( I was boot looping and could not get computer to recognize device in download mode. Could only get into TWRP) Unfortunately, I had no backup through TWRP that I could restore.
I was finally able to get my Flex up and running by downloading D-Fuse's stock 4.2.2 zip to a flash drive. ( A piece of advice... use a download accelerator on your pc. Otherwise your download could take HOURS. I used "DAP")
I then plugged my flash drive into my phone using a USB OTG cable. Mounted the USB/OTG In TWRP. And flashed the zip from there.
I'm now running smooth. You'll have to re-root and run Freedom Flex again to install TWRP as the stock zip will replace your custom recovery with the stock one. Make a new backup in case you have more issues in the future.
Hope this helps.
Thanks I'll look into it when I get home from work today. Though I have no flash drive for it nor cable.
I can ADB my phone while in recovery and push ROM files to the sdcard. Problem is that I have pushed stock ROM zip 4.4 and tried to flash but it always fails to mount data and mpt for some reason when flashing. Not sure flashing from USB would make a difference.
I know I have myself to blame but this phone has given me a few headaches. I'm just tired of it and might as well cut the loses if things gets too complicated as I plan on using my Nexus 5 anyway from now on.
No matter I fixed it just now. It worked to flash with LG Flash Tool this time. I changed its "action mode" from upgrade dl to board dl and it flashed just fine. Felt a little adventurous there for a while.
I have never had an issue with the flash tool writing over TWRP. But try the LG PC Suite software your phone loaded on your PC. Or download it from lg.com. and open it then at top select mobile devices. Put phone in download mode and then under mobile devices select option restore upgrade errors. That has restored my phone the last 12-15 times I've f#$ed it up. It doesn't seem to have an issue regardless what is modded or added to the phone. Custom recovery or not it works great for me. And youll be unroofed stock out the box with the latest version as well. Bit it will reformat your whole phone. Erases everything. So hope you've backed up to PC already.

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