Database Users

[Q] current rooting/2.3 instructions

As the thread title states, I'm looking for info on the steps to root my stock MT4g, and install the new ROM that's floating around. I'm pretty technically capable, but the info I've found looks slightly dated. When I was active in the iPhone jailbreak scene, using old directions could brick a phone pretty easy, or prevent future jailbreaking. I haven't kept up with this scene enough to be able to know what's dated and what isn't.
This is my current plan, please correct it if I'm missing anything or have it wrong.
(based on wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=TMobile_myTouch_4G:_Full_Update_Guide)
I've got ADB going
I need a backup solution for app data right? What's my best option here?
Once backed up, I plan to install busybox, Superuser package & Temporary Root package via ADB
Use gfree to make that root permanent
Install ClockworkMod recovery
Reboot into recovery, and install faux123's ROM
Does that sound correct, and did I skip anything? Any input at all is welcome, I'd like to stand tall on the backs of giants.

There are two popular methods floating around
You can either use the Root.sh method [ Found Here ]
Or the ./gfree method [ Found here ]
Either method will work perfectly. I've used both and can say with confidence they work.
The Cyanogen method can be goofy at times. I've see alot of people say they cannot get it working for them. I'd rock one of the two above. You shouldn't have a problem either way.

Thanks a ton for the info, I'll go at it this evening. As far as backup process, I do the temporary root, use ASTRO to make a zip? Most of the data on my phone lives at google, but I'm wondering the best way to retain apps, or should I just make a list and reinstall from the store after flashing?

lars.oakland said:
Thanks a ton for the info, I'll go at it this evening. As far as backup process, I do the temporary root, use ASTRO to make a zip? Most of the data on my phone lives at google, but I'm wondering the best way to retain apps, or should I just make a list and reinstall from the store after flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For backing up apps and data, use titanium backup. for backing up your whole phone, use the backup feature in clockworkmod recovery after you've flashed it via rom manager after permarooting.

lars.oakland said:
Thanks a ton for the info, I'll go at it this evening. As far as backup process, I do the temporary root, use ASTRO to make a zip? Most of the data on my phone lives at google, but I'm wondering the best way to retain apps, or should I just make a list and reinstall from the store after flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best way to back up your Data and Applications is like mentioned above is Titanium Backup. The free version will work well but i recommend the paid one.
as far as a snap shot of the entire ROM incase you want to go back to it. reboot into recovery > backup/restore > backup. And it will do the rest.

Well I made it halfway there, but didn't nail the whole thing. I've got permanent root access (yay) now, and was able to make backups via Titanium. I then rebooted the phone into "recovery" using the ROM Manager from Clockwork. First boot had a red exclamation mark, I unplugged the handset from the USB and tried a second time. After that, I was greeted with the Orange and black interface, and selected "restore to factory". I then started searching for the cache clearing, which changed verbage between 3.x and 4.x releases of Clockwork. After exploring the menus a little, the phone reboots itself from this screen. My blood-pressure goes up, and I worry my toy just became a b-word. Not all was lost though, and the phone happily booted into the stock t-mobile welcome wizard.
I still have superUser installed, and still have root (S=OFF I guess?). I install ROM Manager again, and do the "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery" (which now shows both current and latest recovery as ClockworkMod 3.0.2.4). When I choose Reboot into Recovery however, it reboots back to the MyTouch 4G logo screen (non-animated one), and hangs. After some reading I tried to force recovery boot via ADB, which produced the same result as the soft reset from ROM Manager. After that I tried doing it the manual way with holding the volume button, which launched me into what I believe is a stock recovery console (white with colored options, uses vol +/- and power to navigate). Choosing "recovery" from that screen *also* produces the white logo screen hang.
So my question now is, in it's current state; how can I get to the Clockwork recovery again? From there I bet installing the image will be easy street, but I believe I'm stuck for now.
Side-note: the phone functions fine on regular boots and pure vanilla mode; I just don't want to stop here when I'm pretty close to my 2.3 goal

Well good news and bad news. I was able to get Clockwork going by reverting it to 3.0.0.5 and just using that version. Was able to install ROMs, tested a few. Phone started freezing after/during installing packages. Started the clear cache/install ROM process, ran into this:
Code:
Flashing Kernal ...
assert failed: write_raw_image("/tmp/boot.img","boot")
E:Error in /sdcard/download/virtuous_fusion-glacier-rom-v1.0.9.zip
(Status 7)
Installation aborted
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=14389074
Totally stuck at boot screen, but able to get into Clockwork. All ROM zips off the sdcard produce this or an invalid zip error.

Other guy smight tell you what a status 7 might be, but with the flurry of flashing youre doing, you may have gotten some corruption on your sd
try formatting your sd card in the pc, or use another one so you dont have to back everything up on this one. put one rom zip on the root and see if that helps
also, i would make super sure you wiped/factory resetted every possible data/cache in CWM before flashing the zip
lastly, i would md5 test the download to make sure it matches the web page. Plus, after it's transferred to the cleanly-formetted sd, check it again either thru adb, or do the trans on the pc using an sdcard reader and check it once it's on the sdcard, then pop it into back your phone.
good luck

Thanks a ton for the uber fast reply. When I format on the PC, what format do I use, or is there a specific tool to properly format it for the phone?
When I'm wiping /data it's taking forever and I get the following message back:
Code:
E:Can't open /cache/recovery/log
E:Can't open /cache/recovery/log
E:Can't open /cache/recovery/log/last_log
E:Can't open /cache/recovery/log/last_log
Don't have an adapter at the office today for the sdcard, but I guess I can just grab a new one at lunch? All it would need is a fresh format then the .zip of the ROM in question at the root?

Looks like your partitions are corrupted. Flash PD15IMG to restore the phone to stock, and progress from there.
When you format the SD card, just format it regularly in the PC.

Jack_R1 said:
Looks like your partitions are corrupted. Flash PD15IMG to restore the phone to stock, and progress from there.
When you format the SD card, just format it regularly in the PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I use the same PD15IMG.zip i did to start, flash it using Clockwork, then start the root > rom process over? I think that it currently tells me it can't find that zip anymore on the white screen pre console, is that expected? I just xfer it to the sdcard prior to fixing?

Yes, that's the right procedure. Move it to the card and start from scratch. Beware not to use the newer Panache/MT4G Gingerbread RUU, otherwise you'll be left with no way to root, or at least harder way.

Ok, so I didn't have a PD15IMG.zip to begin with, I see this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1059347
and that's proper that I'm flashing the radio itself for this process? Which of those images do I want to grab? I always like to double check when I read warnings that are pretty specific about bricking the device

No! You're flashing a stock recovery image called a pd15img.zip
The radio does not do a restore to stock, the reason you're confused is that in order to flash a radio for those who nmwish to do that, you rename it to the same name as the recovery zip, but it's really just a radio. It just happens to be the filename that the system looks for to restore. Look for the thread posted by either jjackson or football. That's the full image, just over 300 megabytes, or that neighborhood.

acsi007 said:
No! You're flashing a stock recovery image called a pd15img.zip
The radio does not do a restore to stock, the reason you're confused is that in order to flash a radio for those who nmwish to do that, you rename it to the same name as the recovery zip, but it's really just a radio. It just happens to be the filename that the system looks for to restore. Look for the thread posted by either jjackson or football. That's the full image, just over 300 megabytes, or that neighborhood.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jesus, glad I asked before getting in there.
So I was going to offer you a beer sometime, I think I owe you a few rounds at this point...
Edit: this one right http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=924923 ?

Yup. Read the whole thread. Also look for football,s thread. There are a couple of mentions of undoing gfree first then doing the pd15img. I think jjackson tries to automate those two steps, and football thread just gives you a january-dated pd15img. I can't remember if you rooted gfree or not. Read read read. This is an important step but hundreds have gone back to stock this way without a hitch. That is if you have a good emmc, you have a better chance of avoiding problems...

acsi007 said:
Yup. Read the whole thread. Also look for football,s thread. There are a couple of mentions of undoing gfree first then doing the pd15img. I think jjackson tries to automate those two steps, and football thread just gives you a january-dated pd15img. I can't remember if you rooted gfree or not. Read read read. This is an important step but hundreds have gone back to stock this way without a hitch. That is if you have a good emmc, you have a better chance of avoiding problems...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted gfree originally, and think I may be in the bad place
Fail-PU errors running the update from pd15img. Do I have any options at this point? I bought the phone from Wirefly.com, and since I can't get a recovery image going, I may be fuct here on a return eh?

looks like i'm moving to: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=14487111#post14487111

Good luck Lars. Let us know that they did and if you had to pay.

getting back to 3.1.....??????? jessica

I gave up looking. I dont know what happen because i rooted my tab and somehow i cant go back. I did factory reset but no luck. I just wanna go to back to 3.1 so i could update my gtab to 3.2. I know its here in this thread but i cant find it (i tried) . If you could just help me out so i could update to 3.2 that would be a help. THANKS SO MUCH!!!!
JESSICA

Hiya, I haven't done this, but will try to help anyway.
Can I ask first, why do you want to go back to the "factory" state? Do you need to return it?
Edit: coz just having root access does not stop you updating to 3.2...

factoy reseting your device will NOT WIPE SYSTEM and thats were superuser is. You need to Odin flash the firmware of you choiche. thats the best and easiest way, its done in 5 minutes. And i think its wise to not update while rooted as some have reported errors during update and some have not. good luck

Why not just flash Galaxy Task 10 Rom? It's 3.2 and much better than the stock 3.2. All you need is Clockwork Mod installed and you can do that with Odin.
I flashed it with Pershoots kernel and it runs VERY stable. You can also flash it with the stock kernel if you don't want overclocking, etc.

I bricked my galaxy tab. I want to go back to 3.1 so i could update it to 3.2. I dont know much aout hacking so I guess i messed up. Im trying to go back to 3.1 so i could update my tab to 3.2 then root it. However, i couldnt find any thread to fix.
thanks for your all reply. If I used 3.2 rom? will it stay 3.2 if I use other roms? thanks in advance
jessica

Well, a custom rom like Galaxy Task 10 is "3.2" and so yes, it will stay 3.2.
I'd recommend Task's rom, it's much better than the stock 3.2.
And no doubt he will update to Android 4 (IceCream Sandwich) so you'll be able to keep up to date.
Your comments about bricking your device are now confusing the situation.
Can you please write what steps you did (or thought you did), and what your device does or does not do right now?
Also, please be vey specific about what device you have, whether it is 3g+wifi or just wifi. Give us the model number from the box if you do not know.
We'll help, we just need details.
Cheers..

i have the 16gb wifi us version. I used odin and
everything went perfect but still cant update to 3.2 using kies. Kies say your tablet doesnt support firmware upgrade. What I did next is i tried to root my tablet
somehow it wont let me root and giving me this "your storage not prepared yet please use ui menu for format and reboot actions"
I downloaded termulator and root checker to see if im rooted however it says im not. So I cant download any roms or upgraded to rom 3.2.
Ive been searching online to how to fix it for almost 6 hours and cant find a solution. pls help!!! THANKS FOR YOUR HELP GUYS AND I REALLY APPRECIATED!
Jessica

I've put numbers (eg [*1]) in to your message quoted below;
killua_bryan said:
i have the 16gb wifi us version. I used odin and
everything went perfect [*1] but still cant update to 3.2 using kies. Kies say your tablet doesnt support firmware upgrade [*2]. What I did next is i tried to root my tablet [*3]
somehow it wont let me root and giving me this "your storage not prepared yet please use ui menu for format and reboot actions"
I downloaded termulator and root checker to see if im rooted [*4] however it says im not. So I cant download any roms [*5] or upgraded to rom 3.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Used ODIN to do what? Put in a recovery image? or replace a whole ROM?
2. Is a firmware upgrade available? There isn't for mine, I'm also on a 16g wifi version but no 3.2 FW has been released for my specific model yet...
3. How? By flashing a zip in recovery? Can you post the link to the information you used to do this?
4. These may give false negatives. Check in your apps list to see if you have "SuperUser". If so, run it, it will show you apps that have tried to ask for root access. They may have been asking but you didn't receive the prompt, and have therefore been denied root access. If so, grant them root and try to run them again.
5. Just FYI, you don't need root access to download/install a ROM, you need a "recovery".
Honestly, I think the best thing for you to do (besides answer these questions ) is to download the ROM Galaxy Task 10, boot into recovery, and flash it. That is assuming you do have a recovery image in place, which depends on the answer to #1 above.

i tried everything. it wont let me root the device. Tab keep saying your storage not prepared yet please use ui menu for format and reboot actions. So i cant use any or replace rom. I upgraded my tab to 3.2 before but kies keep saying its not upgradeable. Any suggestions? thanks!
jessica

Sorry, I need specific information to those questions from my previous post. As stated, replacing a rom doesn't need root, it needs a recovery image.
Maybe some screenshots of your tab and/or computer would help? Or photos, if you can't take screenshots?
Sorry, if you won't answer my questions I'm not going to be able to help.

ill try to post some pics. sorry!

killua_bryan said:
ill try to post some pics. sorry!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start with answering the questions, please?
Pics can tell about "now" but I need the history too.

Back to Stock,
Here's what I did to get back to stock.
You must choose the files under the GTAB GT7510 /retail/google edition
First you have to install Clock Work Recovery using this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1171089
Download the files under FilesForDummies 2 mirrors are listed. These files will help you flash Clockworkrecovery and also the retail recovery is included.
This step needs to be flashed through Odin. You also need to root your device after the flash if your not already rooted. You need the Clock Work Recovery to enter recovery mode so you can flash the Stock Files that I'll point you later.
Once you've flashed the Clockwork recovery you should reboot normally. At this point try to root your device if its not already rooted. Look for OneClickRoot I'll point to that later if you don't already have it.
Not too sure if you need to be rooted as I've always rooted my device before installing roms anyways, but you can try the next steps if your not rooted. If the next steps don't work then reboot and root the device.
Start with your tablet off.
1. Push Powerbutton as soon as you see it startup put your finger on the volume down button and press until you see the android. One side is a box saying recovery the other download. Choose download mode by pushing volume down to choose and up to enter you will be prompted at this time just take if from there. Make sure Odin is up and running, choose the PDA file as Clockwork cm4.04 its that file in the zip you just downloaded and extracted.
2. Flash Clockwork file Clockwork CM4.04 etc... using ODIN should be included in the zipped file you've downloaded. Make sure these files are unzipped in the same folder. Now after flashing the tablet should reboot and it would look normally like it did before except you have clockworkrecovery instead of the stock one.
3. Go back to the link I sent you above and scrool down until you see flashing roms and kernals heading. Click on Stock US Retail Rom, this will download the Stock US Retail 3.1 file for Clockwork. choose : hc-3.1_ota-full_sam file, and then also click on the recovery hc3.1 file.
Put these files in the same folder or somewhere where you can find them. Not sure if these are already in the file you downloaded above, if they are then don't have to download these.
4. Unzip the files and make sure you remember where they are.
5. With your tablet on and plug into your usb port transfer the hc-3.1 ota file you've just downloaded and put it into the root directory of your tablet. It should not be in any folders just in the /SD folder.
5. Now turn off the tablet, once off push power button again and enter recovery this time choosing the left android with the box. Push left button to choose and right volume button to enter. Now you should be in clockwork recover orange writing. Now look for update from Sd card, use volume button left to choose and right to enter. Click then you should see the file you've copied on your sd card of your tablet. Click down and then use left volume button to choose.
6. Once there it should start flashing the Stock Rom, once done it will return you to where you started, at this point you can choose to wipe data/ cache etc. You can do that to make sure you've clear everything in your tablet before you actually reboot. Once done choose reboot and your tablet should be back to stock but not just yet.
7. You could leave Clockwork on there or you can go directly back to stock by doing the same steps from 1 and 2 and flash the STock Recovery instead. This will bring the tablet right back to HC3.1 and Retail Stock. From this point on you can flash up to 3.2 etc.
Hope this helps but I can't go into it in any length as I'm hoping you know most of the terminolgy.
There is also videos on this link to help you.

nice
I suspect that if we see screenshots, that the wrong recovery has been flashed right from the start.

Asus Transformer EPIC NOOB GUIDE.

In the process of updating information for ICS update and custom ROMs, please hold tight!
A lot of folks have been coming in with newly purchased TF101's lately, which is AWESOME, it means the community will go on longer than the expected life of the device probably, since the TF201 and TF700 have come out and are seeking to replace our beloved TF, this is good news that people still buy the OG Transformer.
That said, there have been the same problems posted by new users, over and over, and sure there are guides for just about everything. But why not one on..just...EVERYTHING?
Here we go, troubleshoot problems and learn your device, the noob way! The EPIC TF101 THREAD BEGINS!
All the typical disclaimers apply, if you mess your stuff up, it is your fault not mine. I did not discover any of these methods, develop any of these tools, or do anything else but compile it all in one epic post. This should be everything you need to know as a noob, I do not take credit for anything, except for making it all easily accessible to those who are unwilling/unable to spend the hours searching that I did. In other words, I did a lot of work for you, but others had done the work for me first. Full credit to them.
What is ROOTING? And why do it?
So you bought a new TF, and you want to root it? Or you want to know what rooting is, for that matter? Rooting is a method of obtaining what is called 'Root Access' to your device, giving you control of it. The 'Root' is the parent directory of your device's internal memory, where the system files are stored. Generally this is kept from your access, you will need to get your device 'rooted' in order to change the system. Once rooted, you will have an app installed called 'Superuser' which will selectively grant applications permission to alter or access your root directory. This method differs on every device, but don't worry- we have a very easy device to root.
VERY IMPORTANT! Do NOT use any of the tools here WHILE YOUR DOCK IS PLUGGED IN!! All these are for use with the TF101 unit BY ITSELF! Please don't brick your device or mess something up by trying it with the dock plugged in!
There have traditionally been several ways to accomplish this for our device, as new applications and tools are developed to make it easier it has gotten to be a very simple process. Which method you use will depend on what SBK version (Secure Boot Key) Transformer you have, and also that model's firmware version. Your firmware version can be located by going to Settings>About Tablet. Current version is 8.6.5.21 (TF101) or 8.6.6.23 (TF101G). When either firmware version (also referred to as the 'stock ROM' sometimes) can be used, it will be listed similar to '8.6.x.19', where x can be 5 or 6 for TF101 or TF101G, respectively.
KNOW YOUR SBK VERSION
As a TF owner looking to mod your device, you need to know that there are multiple SBK versions, primarily SBK1 and SBK2. There may possibly be other versions to come even. All you need to know is, that as of right now, SBK1 is the only model that can utilize a tool called NVFlash to UNBRICK your device if you mess it up too badly, and it is difficult to tell which SBK version you have. In order to find out, there are a few tools out there- one of them is for mac only, called SBKDetect found here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232612
Another is primarily for Linux, but saavy Windows users can always boot from a Linux live CD on their machines to use it, called SBKDetect v2, here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1290503
The other way, if you are like me, and don't have Linux-abilities at the time of this writing (I'm working on that), you can always just GO FOR IT and try to flash a modded ROM via NVFlash. If you are SBK1 it will succeed. If not, it will fail. No harm done. Of course that means skipping ahead of a lot of learning first, so it is not advised IMO. It also means that if you DO have an SBK1 tablet, you just wiped all your data. It is not absolutely necessary to determine which SBK you have in order to root and mod your device.
A hit-or-miss way of detecting your SBK version is by looking at your device's serial number, located on the bottom of the device on a sticker. It will take the form of:
B70KAS638075
The ONLY digits you need to know are the FIRST THREE. Older models are SBK1. Manufacturing started at Bxx, and has gone to Cxx this year. All Cxx serial numbers will be SBK2. In fact it was in the middle of the B70 manufacturing that they changed the SBK version, so if you are B60, B50, B40 etc..you are sure to be SBK1. If you are B80, B90, C10, etc, you are sure to be SBK2. B70 owners, it's a coin toss. You must use one of the other methods to determine it.
The only thing that differs between SBK1 tablets and SBK2 tablets is the use of NVFlash. SBK2 cannot use NVFlash, so if you end up botching both your recovery and your ROM, and cannot boot into either, then you are SCREWED, so I would suggest reading everything before attempting to mod your device if you are an SBK2 owner.
NVFlash and APX mode
This was an early method used to root and flash recovery/roms, and is still a very useful application to have saved on a disk somewhere in the event that you own an SBK1, as it renders your tablet practically unbrickable. It can be found here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1123429
To use it you must enter APX mode on your TF101. This is tricky and confuses many users. The procedure is;
1. Press and hold volume UP and POWER buttons at the same time (it doesn't matter if the TF101 is on or off, if it is on, simply wait until it shuts off before proceding).
2. HOLD these buttons for approximately SIX SECONDS.
3. Plug TF101 into PC and listen for it to chime that it has detected it, it should load drivers and device will be listed in Right Cick>Computer/Properties/Device Manager/USB Universal Serial Bus Controller (or similar) as NVIDIA, not as ASUS.
4. If it does not, power on the TF and try again until it does.
NOTE: This is the only way to know if it is in APX mode as the screen remains powered off completely.
Once in APX mode now you can use NVFlash tool, place the system, boot, and recovery .img files into the root of the folder you extract NVFlash into and execute the download.bat file. If at any point the flash fails, this likely means you are SBK2.
ADB Mode
This stands for Android Debugging Bridge. This is not to be confused with APX mode, which is a separate thing entirely. To learn more about your device's ADB mode, see this excellent thread here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1071584
Another quick guide for ADB can be found here:
http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-hacks/6865-how-use-adb-all-commands-options.html
(sorry for the off-site link, trying to keep it as xda pure as possible!)
Razorclaw Root Tool
Razorclaw is by far my favorite method of rooting for the TF, it can be found here;
http://androidroot.mobi/2011/11/14/introducing-razorclaw-v1/
It does not matter what SBK version you have to use Razorclaw, that is why I prefer this method of rooting.. HOWEVER, it does require you to be using an older firmware version though. If you are on version 8.6.x.21 or above, you cannot use razorclaw. It works best on firmware 8.6.x.19. You simply install the app and follow the instructions (Root me nao!). It is a one click, native rooting tool.
If you are not on this firmware version and razorclaw will not work, there are options. You can either roll back your firmware version, the method is located here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1417006
If you are unsuccessful or want to try another way, you can use Nachoroot or ViperMOD.
Nachoroot Root Tool
This is one of the newer root tools, it is for all firmwares and all SBK versions, and can be found here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1427838
Nachoroot uses the ADB (Android Debugging Bridge) via a command prompt or terminal, all necessary drivers must be installed.
I cannot personally get this method to work because my PC will not install the drivers properly, and since I don't need the tool any longer, I must admit I've never used it, thus my bias towards Razorclaw. So, if you are having similar driver issues, rolling back firmware and using RC might be quicker and more painless.
ViperMOD Root Tool
ViperMOD is another method, similar to and related to Nachoroot, in that it uses the PC to root your TF101 and will need the appropriate drivers installed. The main difference being that this method will install Superuser as well. The other major difference is that while Nachoroot is done with a command dialogue, ViperMOD is done with a much simpler command interface (choose a number from a list of options rather than typing out commands). Interestingly enough, both of these methods work on both the TF101 and the TF201, and both methods appeared about the same time (posted on January 4th 2012). ViperMOD and Nachoroot represent the most recent methods for gaining root on the TF101. ViperMOD is unique that it has a feature to unroot your device as well, though you will need to have the stock ROM and recovery files available to completely return to stock. Find out more about ViperMOD here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1427125
I also cannot attest to the use of ViperMOD personally, I have used other methods, but many users have reported it quite simple to root with.
A quick breakdown;
Razorclaw, Nachoroot and ViperMOD will ONLY ROOT your device. No data will be wiped and you will have to install recovery later. In the case of Nachoroot, you will have to download superuser from the market, Razorclaw and ViperMOD installs it for you.
NVFlash WILL WIPE EVERYTHING! So understand that it will rewrite your TF101 internal memory competely and install a rooted ROM (or whatever you tell it to) on your device, as well as a boot and recovery image.
REGARDLESS OF THE ROOTING METHOD YOU CHOOSE, PLEASE READ THAT METHOD'S INSTRUCTIONS VERY CAREFULLY!!!
[Q]How do I know if I am rooted?
[A] Simply check within your app drawer for the superuser application (or download it from the market if using Nachoroot), to verify it works, download titanium backup and begin a batch backup and see if it asks permission, and if the batch completes. If you are not rooted, either try your first method again or try an alternate method.
Tip: Immediately after rooting you should back up your system with Titanium Backup, skip ahead to that section to learn how before moving on.
Recovery Mode
The stock recovery mode on the TF101 shows one of two screens; a green android in the middle of the screen with gears turning inside it, or the same android with a yellow triangle with an (!) inside it instead. The gears obviously mean it is working (flashing firmware), the (!) means something has gone wrong (no file found, flash failed). To enter recovery mode, you need to press and HOLD Volume DOWN and POWER when the device is powered OFF. As soon as the screen comes on, RELEASE THE POWER BUT HOLD THE VOLUME STILL. You will see white letters appear in the upper left corner of the screen, it is now okay to release the Volume DOWN button and quickly (within 5 seconds) press the Volume UP button to enter recovery mode. There are also applications, such as Reboot to Recovery, available on the market, that will allow you to reboot your device with one click into recovery mode without having to toggle your power/volume buttons.
About Stock Recovery Mode
The stock recovery mode is absolutely required to install official Asus OTA (Over The Air) updates. Unless your device is unrooted with a stock recovery mode, you will not be able to install any OTA updates, this includes ICS!! It can also be used to install (or RE-install if it were) your STOCK ROM (only official, digitally signed files will be accepted by the stock recovery to flash over the firmware, no modded roms will work). The method for doing this is outlined in the link for rolling back your firmware version above but I will summarize;
Recovery mode searches your external SD card ROOT DIRECTORY(and the internal memory's cache directory, but this is not useful for any practical reason for you) for these Asus files. The files must be named either;
EP101_SDUPDATE.zip
or
XX_user-epad-Z.Z.Z.ZZ.zip (X = firmware region stamp, WW, US, DE, etc, and Z - firmware version, 8.6.5.19, 8.6.6.21 etc)
I personally find the second configuration to work best. If stock recovery finds a file named appropriately and signed with the proper digital signature it will install it, and you will see gears turning. Otherwise; (!). Remember, it has to be on the SD card in the ROOT, not in a folder or it won't find it.
CWM Recovery Mode
ClockWorkMod Recovery mode replaces your stock android recovery mode, and gives you control of;
Flashing (installing) ROMs, recovery, themes and app packs, patches, kernels and more
Wiping cache, dalvik cache, system, data, etc
Backup and Restore features
Advanced features you probably won't need like fixing permissions and mounting partitions etc.
The important thing to know is if you want to be able to change ROMs right from your device, you need this. In order to install it on the TF, you can use an app called RecoveryInstaller, located here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1346180
It is a one-click app just like Razorclaw, download and a single click will install CWM for you, though it may be an older version it will work fine to install the most recent version, directly from CWM once you enter it the first time. You will need to give it superuser permission as well. The newest CWM for the TF101 is called ROGUE XM and it is available here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1446019
Simply place the newest version on your SD card where you can find it, and use the 'install from SD card' option to navigate to the new version file and select it, which will flash the recovery..then you will need to reboot.
CWM Recovery can also be installed when flashing your device from NVFlash, and the NVFlash versions of ROMs almost always contain the most recent versions of the CWM recovery as well, thus making an NVFlash a one-step procedure (flashes both ROM and recovery at same time). The risk of the one-step procedure is if you are using corrupted images or something unexpected occurs you may end up BOTCHING both recovery and ROM at the same time..of course- if you are SBK1 anyways, just reflash it with a different ROM and it will be fixed.
Once you have installed the latest CWM recovery now you will want to start flashing ROMs and Kernels. I will not be posting links to the custom ROMs and Kernels because there are too many of them, that will be your homework.
Custom ROMs
We are blessed to have some great devs working on our humble TF101. That said, the procedure to flash a ROM through CWM is simple;
1: Download desired ROM and place into your external SD card somewhere you will be able to find it, it doesn't matter.
2: Boot into recovery and go to Backup and Restore and make a backup file. This is commonly referred to as a 'Nandroid' backup, and will backup everything from your ROM to your Kernel to user files.
3: Once backed up, proceed to factory reset and wipe cache partition and dalvik cache, located in the 'advanced' menu.
4: Install from SD card, navigate to your directory and find your ROM (ONLY FLASH THINGS THAT ARE MADE SPECIFICALLY FOR THE TF101! Be sure it is compatible with your device!) and select it, scroll to yes...read and follow instructions. Tapdance and sing ABC's while making some breakfast- and you are done!
5: Reboot device
Please be sure to flash only files that are meant to be flashed via CWM, as some ROMs will also have an NVFlash version, which will not work in CWM.
The Stock ROM currently provided with the TF101 is Android 3.2.1, which is called Honeycomb (HC) which is exclusively for tablets, we are all awaiting the release of Android 4.0 commonly known as Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) which will merge the operating systems used on phones and tablets. Asus has said it will be out soon, so don't ask when it is coming! To learn more about the different Android versions, read this;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_version_history
I would suggest also to anyone wanting to modify their Android device to understand the history of Android itself and what it is, here;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)
Kernels
The kernel is the underbelly, the brain of the ROM. The kernel is what tells the hardware what to do when you interact with the software of the ROM. Most ROMs, I dare say almost every ROM unless specifically noted, does NOT come with it's own kernel but uses the kernel you have installed now on the device, unless it is a stock ROM, in which case most of them DO have kernels included. You want to be sure if what you are flashing has a kernel included or not, and you can always go back to another kernel version if you like, but understand that the OS will behave differently with different kernels. For example, if you wish to enable certain functions at the kernel-level, like overclocking, voodoo sound, etc, then you have to flash a customized kernel.
If you flash a custom kernel, then report your bugs to the developer of the kernel, not the ROM, as most bugs are produced by the kernel.
The procedure to flash a kernel is the same as with flashing a ROM, though you need not factory restore your device before installing, although every developer will agree that it is probably best to have what is called a 'clean install', where you would factory reset the device, flash your ROM, and flash your Kernel, and then restore your apps and information. How do you do that you say?
Titanium Backup
Titanium Backup is an app that is pretty self explainitory- it backs up all system files, data (this includes contacts, settings, call logs, etc) user apps, basically saves your state ON TOP of your ROM, where as the CWM Backup (commonly called a 'Nandroid') is the FULL ROM, Titanium Backup will only restore your settings and apps ON TOP of the ROM once installed. Therefore, you can backup all apps, safely factory reset. Install a clean ROM and Kernel together and then restore your data on top of them. This keeps your user files from either being accidentally overwritten or otherwise interfering with the installation of the ROM/Kernel whatever else you wish to flash.
IF YOU SKIPPED AHEAD READ THIS
Titanium Backup can be found on the market for free, if you like it, buy the paid version.
To backup and restore, simply press the settings softkey and choose 'batch' and select the appropriate action with caution. Press the 'RUN' button for the action of your choice and you will be prompted with a checklist of apps and data to run the batch on. Select which files you want or select all if it is your first time using the app and confirm the action. You will need to give Titanium Backup Superuser permission and make sure you have 'Unknown Sources' checked as well as 'Debugging Mode' checked in your settings/applications menu.
Ok, now go back to 'Recovery Mode' section and keep reading..
Also understand that if you are moving from a version that you have backed up in which apps will not be useable in the version you are moving to, the will not work either. For example, if you flash an ICS ROM and then save the ICS-only apps with titanium backup, and then try to move back to honeycomb or gingerbread (if you have a phone like I do) these apps will likely not install or if they do will FC (force close) constantly. Similar things can happen with user data, call logs from one dailer might not be compatible with an older version etc, so expect there to be instances where you have to selectively install apps one at a time to see if it causes bugs, testing the device for buggs, and uninstalling the app/data before proceding with your restore if it does.
Return to Stock
EDIT: While the below represents a review of how we used to unroot, I have now learned that merely flashing the stock ROM provided by Asus on their website will flash the recovery as well, and that there is a minor difference between the recovery img that came on the device stock versus the recovery img that comes loaded in the Asus firmware packages. If nothing else, the graphics are different, but I suspect that there could be other changes as well. To best unroot the device, simply watch and follow the video in the link.
Outdated info;
So, you played around, and you decided it was time to go back stock for that update, or maybe you just liked it better, or you wanted to give it to your grandma but knew Revolver was above her head- whatever the reason, you want to start fresh. The procedure requires you to get the Stock recovery image and a stock ROM. Luckily the stock ROMs are available on Asus' website, the recovery image isn't as easy to find, it is located here;
http://theunlockr.com/2011/11/28/how-to-unroot-and-remove-cwm-recovery-on-asus-transformer/
(Note: The recovery file is not region-specific, therefore it does not matter what version TF101 you have, it is one of the few 'universal' files for this device.
CAUTION: Unrooting with this procedure will only rewrite your system files on the system partition, if you have files located in your root directory that are user-created files that are not part of the system, these files will remain after unrooting, though you will not be able to view them as they are in the root directory, if you root the device again they will be visible. If selling your device or returning for an exchange and you are unrooting it, make sure to manually delete any files/folders that you created in your root directory and do a factory restore with CWM before flashing over your recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Procedure:
Click HERE to watch my UNROOTING How-to video.
There should also be a distinction made here between unrooting and breaking root access, while breaking root access will prevent you from having root access to your device, it does not return your device to stock. For example, deleting your superuser application and su binary files can 'break your root' as it is referred to. Yet, in order to effectively unroot your device, you should return the device to it's 100% stock configuration. If you are giving the tab to your grandma or little sister, breaking root is probably enough. If you want to return the device or sell it on XDA, you should probably return to stock completely.
Now that you have read all of this (hopefully) here is the shortcut you wished you had;
My HOW TO ROOT video (Part one)

So, now you are a BUTTFLIPPIN' PRO, you can root, you can flash recovery mode, ROMs, even Kernels, and you can flash stock files from your SD card so you can unroot and return to stock if you want. What if something goes wrong? What if you want to expand your knowledge?
Well this is what we all fear, this section will attempt to address possible outcomes of bad flashes, corrupt ROM images, bad recovery images, etc. as well as help you diagnose your problem and determine whether you need an RMA or to ask for help in the forum.
[Q] My screen won't come on! Help!
[A] In order to determine what the problem is, first try to power on normally, if that does not work try to power on with the USB device plugged into a PC, if you hear it connect you unfortuntely likely have a screen malfunction. If not, try to enter APX mode and listen for notification of connecting to your PC, if still no notification, try charging your tablet overnight and see if it is over-discharged, mine did this once and scared the CRAP out of me, I thought it was bricked, after 10 minutes of fooing with it a battery warning finally popped onto the screen for 1 second before shutting off again. Repeat the previous steps after 24 hours of charging (if TF does not power on on its' own). If none of these solutions work, try powering on and listening for the camera to 'click', if you do not hear this, then it is very likely you have a brick or malfunctioning device.
[Q] My dock drains very fast..why?
[A] This is a problem with old firmware and certain docks. The docks themselves were manufactured with hardware that prevents the updated firmware from being installed in the dock itself, which results in being unable to change the battery consumption configuration. The dock was originally designed to keep the TF awake so that a quick key press would wake it easily, but this resulted in battery drain, when Asus updated the firmware they realized some docks simply needed to be RMA'd. To test yours;
1. Make sure you are updated to the latest firmware for the dock (in Settings?About Tablet), latest firmware is EP101-0213.
2. In Settings>Screen make sure "MobileDock Battery saving mode" is checked.
3. Press the power button on the TF101 to turn the screen off, then press a key on the keyboard (not the mouse buttons).
If any key wakes the TF, then you have the defective dock and must be RMA'd. However if it does not wake, and you still have severe drain, try to resolve it by shutting off background services and checking to see if drain is bad without the dock as well. If it is still draining, as mine has done previously, contact Asus for an RMA.
[Q] My dock is making a strange squealing sound??
[A] Yes, I received one that did this myself, and returned it to the store I purchased it. As far as I could tell it only presented an annoyance, but others reported the issue and suspected that it might have been connected with some people's battery drain issue, so I returned mine as you probably should as well.
[Q] My screen has light bleeding around the edges..is this common?
[A] Unfortunately, yes, light bleed on these devices is far too common. You can try to return the device and get a better one, depending on the severity of the light bleed, and unfortunately it seems every device has it's quirks, you may end up with one that doesn't have much light bleed but has another problem..
[Q] My case creaks, is this normal?
[A] Yes, unfortunately, the plastic backplate has notches that are supposed to affix into the bezel, and sometimes these come loose. However, some people have reported being able to 'snap' it into place again within the bezel, others had to remove the bezel and backplate partially to resolve the issue- others just ignore it as it is only cosmetic.
[Q] My Transformer won't charge! Help!
[A] There could be a few reasons for this experience- the connector is a proprietary connector, and the wires inside can be easily tangled and snapped according to user experience- to verify that the cable works try plugging the device while powered on into the PC and listen for audio confirmation. If your cable is working, but the tablet doesn't seem to charge, you can try to plug in the dock to see if the led on it lights up (unfortunately the TF unit has no charging indicator except for when powered on). The charging adapter itself sometimes has connection problems inside it, and some users have reported success in simply enclosing the charger in a ziplock bag and placing it in the freezer for several hours. I don't know why this works for some, but it does. If it doesn't for you, however, you may need to order a new power adapter from Asus, or you can make your own here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1087321
[Q] My TF keeps booting and booting but never loads into my ROM..
[A] This is called a 'bootloop', and depending on how far it loads can tell you the severity of the boot loop. First thing to do, is to attempt to boot into recovery. Unless you have an SBK1 tab, this is going to be the only way you will be able to stop this. If not, you have a soft-brick. Eee Pad logo loads and reboots after this, then you have a problem with the ROM itself not wanting to boot (corrupt image, files missing, etc), and usually reflashing your previous ROM without wiping will cure the issue. Sometimes the issue is within the ROM, settings that lock up your device while initializing. If it makes it to the boot animation and reloads, there is a possibility that it is a setting within a kernel if you have a custom kernel installed, try another one, if you aren't running a custom kernel it could be user settings and a factory restore may resolve the issue, and if that fails try another ROM. If the TF will not go into recovery mode and reboots within 5-10 seconds from powering on, you might have a major problem with your system in which case only NVFlash is likely to help.
[Q] I keep getting FC's and bugs..(OR) Do I need to wipe to install...?
[A] Making sure you wipe the correct partitions before you flash new software is vital to making sure it functions properly. This is your necessary wiping procedure, although always best to have a clean install as previously stated;
Nature of the flash| Wipe cache? Wipe Dalvik? Factory Reset?
Clean ROM Flash = YES YES YES
Kernel Flash = YES YES NO
App Pack Flash = YES YES NO
Theme Flash = YES NO NO
ROM Re-flash = NO NO NO
Recovery Flash = NO NO NO
Nandroid Restore = NO NO NO
(Will work on getting this more graphlike after dinner )
Of course always better safe than sorry, and unless you are trying to preserve user apps and data while flashing a kernel or theme then it is always best to reinstall everything after a clean wipe to avoid orphan files and other messy possible errors.
[Q] I can't get into recovery! Help!
[A] The only time you really need to start worrying about not being able to get into recovery is if your ROM also will not load, and vice versa. Since you can simply use the RecoveryInstaller app to fix your broken recovery, similarly if your TF will boot into recovery mode but NOT into the ROM you simply flash (or re-flash) your previous ROM to restore your OS. For this reason, when wishing to update BOTH ROM and recovery, DO NOT FLASH BOTH AT ONCE WITHOUT CONFIRMING THE FIRST FLASH WORKED!
My general rule is to flash my recovery mode first, and then flash my ROM, this is true whether going forward in versions or rolling back to older versions. This way, as soon as you are done flashing and restart (simply holding Volume DOWN as it reboots on its own is enough to initiate recovery mode, be sure to then press Volume UP), you will know if your flash was a success and can rest easy as you flash your ROM, if done the other way around you have to boot into your OS to confirm the flash worked and then reboot back into recovery. If your recovery flash fails, simply allow the OS to load, load recovery installer again and try again.
In the case in which your ROM or recovery will not load, again, your only hope is that you are an SBK1 device and can restore your device via NVFlash.
[Q] Help! My buttons (volume, power) don't work!
[A] Unfortunately this has been discussed quite a bit, sometimes it is related to poor manufacturing, or user damage, or even a poor RMA service. In this case you have only two options- you can try to RMA it, or you can try to tear down the TF101 yourself to try and repair it. It isn't advisable if you can get it repaired under warranty, but if not, you can find discussion with photos of a teardown of the unit here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1109928
[Q] How do I edit the files in my root directory?
[A] The File Explorer app provided by Asus by design will not allow you to access the root directory, you must use an app, like Root Explorer. In order to change or delete files directly from this app, you will need to make sure the root is mounted as R/W (readable/writeable) as opposed to R/O (Read Only), there will be an option to 'mount R/W' if it is mounted currently as R/O, and vice versa.
[Q] How do I remove Asus' Pre-Installed apps (Bloatware)?
[A]While you can simply delete the app file with your Root Explorer, this may not delete all user data. You could download a tool called Root Uninstaller from the Android Market, or you can use the functions in Titanium Backup to run batch uninstalls, or just 'deselect all' and delete one at a time.
[Q] How do I get back my Asus or Google apps after flashing a modded ROM?
[A]GApps and Asus apps generally are not included with many custom ROMs for copyright reasons, but GApps can be found here;
http://goo-inside.me/gapps/
Asus apps can be found in Gnufabios' package 'Asus Removed Apps' that can be acquired through his Revolver Parts package if you are running that ROM, or can be downloaded here if not;
http://www.gnufabio.com/revolver/dls/
Or you can always make a Titanum Backup of your valued system apps before you flash your ROM. You can then do what I do, find the Titanium Backup folder on your internal and rename it 'TitaniumBackupStockApps' and move it to your SD card, then backup your user apps, rename THAT folder 'TitaniumBackupUserApps' (you may even want to date it or name which ROM it came from, this is your choice), and remove that from your internal memory. You could then do the same with user data, if you decide to do that separately. To flash them back, simply replace the folder and rename it to the 'TitaniumBackup' as it was originally, or, if the folder already exists you can simply copy over the contents, run the batch, then delete the contents and copy the user data contents over as well. This is a great way to keep your apps and data organized and backed up safely. You should make sure this stays up to date and delete old backups after 2 to 3 iterations.
[Q] Can I run Linux?
[A] Yes, look here;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1364095
[Q] How do I install themes?
[A] Depending on the ROM and Launcher you are using, some of the theming options can be built in and accessed in settings menus inside the Android UI (User Interface). However, there are other themes that change files within your root directories and these files will generally need to be installed either via CWM or via ADB. The themes' developer should have clear instructions on installing it.

One more reserved.. This one is for my thank-yous and anything else I miss guys
Roach2010, mike1986, gnufabio, xboxfanj, blades, Clemsyn, baseballfaz, danzano, paulburton, kaijura, daoist, supercurio, MrNago, jcarrz1, rayman84, lilstevie, rburrow, solarnz, fonix232, daxtsu, dipje, frankc123, Sharpe351, chatch15117 ,K900 ,earthbound, AproSamurai, TOO MANY TO REMEMBER YOU ALL!!
You guys are why I am able to do what I do now..

Mods: Stickie this!!!!

This is great! Have my tf a month and had to search all over to root/rom/etc.wish I'd had this info
Great help for us tf noobs.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium

Thanks for taking the time to write this up!
Absolute champ!

nice one..thanks mate

Get work this is a must have guide
Sent from my EVO Titan 3D

Fantastic! Having current info all in one place is rare, especially on "older" devices.
Edit: Maybe add a section or note about ViperMOD

Nice job Luna.
+1 on the vipermod. That is what I used and it was extremy simple.

ViperMOD..the one thing I have no experience in on this device it seems; I did a crash course, seems it was actually based right off of Nachoroot, just a cleaned up command prompt interface, and interestingly works on TF101 and TF201. Perhaps that is why I never used it- the post is located in the Prime forum section
Added to OP, guys help me check for accuracy, and correct me if I get anything confused.
Next have some few things to polish up in my thank-yous and try not to leave anyone slighted. Also, thinking of a few more common problems to add to post two. Anything not addressed here just comment or PM me about it I will amend these posts.
THANKS!

Hi Luna
I tried to follow the Return to Stock instructions you listed but there seems to be some problems.
I know these problems are not your fault but maybe you know of another alternative which is as easy to follow as well?
I need a WW Version of the packed stock Rom but neither US nor WW are available due to the mediafire problem.
And the recovery is called 8239USrecovery so I assume I can't use it with my WW version?
Return to Stock
So, you played around, and you decided it was time to go back stock for that update, or maybe you just liked it better, or you wanted to give it to your grandma but knew Revolver was above her head- whatever the reason, you want to start fresh. The procedure requires you to get the Stock recovery image and a stock ROM. Luckily the stock ROMs are available on Asus' website, the recovery image isn't as easy to find, it i located here;
http://theunlockr.com/2011/11/28/how...s-transformer/
Place both files on your SD, but make sure the ROM file is in root (they can both be in the root it doesn't matter) and then use CWM to flash the recovery image, then WIPE EVERYTHING before rebooting into recovery mode again to confirm you have stock recovery in place, and allow it to flash stock ROM. Double check that you are unrooted by downloading superuser and installing it and seeing if it allows you root access (it should not).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

luna_c666 said:
About Stock Recovery Mode
The stock recovery mode is absolutely required to install official Asus OTA (Over The Air) updates. It can also be used to install (or RE-install if it were) your STOCK ROM (only official, digitally signed files will be accepted by the stock recovery to flash over the firmware, no modded roms will work). The method for doing this is outlined in the link for rolling back your firmware version above but I will summarize;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So theoretically this stock recovery mode will allow us to recover to a stock Asus signed ROM in case the main ROM get damaged? for example if rooting goes wrong or any other reason?
I have an SBK2 TF101, and I don't want to install CWM for the moment but want to have root, and don't want to brick my pad.

Outstanding post. Thanks a lot...
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

Malandro2011 said:
Hi Luna
I tried to follow the Return to Stock instructions you listed but there seems to be some problems.
I know these problems are not your fault but maybe you know of another alternative which is as easy to follow as well?
I need a WW Version of the packed stock Rom but neither US nor WW are available due to the mediafire problem.
And the recovery is called 8239USrecovery so I assume I can't use it with my WW version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The recovery mode can be used regardless of region or firmware version, and if you are unable to locate the firmware files due to mediafire and megaupload etc. being down, simply retrieve them from Asus' website here;
http://www.asus.com/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_Pad_Transformer_TF101/#download
I'll update the OP to make this more clear

mcbyte_it said:
So theoretically this stock recovery mode will allow us to recover to a stock Asus signed ROM in case the main ROM get damaged? for example if rooting goes wrong or any other reason?
I have an SBK2 TF101, and I don't want to install CWM for the moment but want to have root, and don't want to brick my pad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you retain your stock recovery mode then it will be able to flash your firmware in the event that your ROM gets messed up for whatever reason, so long as you use the Stock signed copies of your firmware from Asus (i.e. the official files), recovery mode as stated will only flash official Asus files, they are digitally signed by Asus and without the signature recovery mode will fail.
And to put you at ease, the likelihood of anything going wrong while rooting is much smaller than flashing custom ROMs or recovery mode. Rooting is fairly fail-safe if you follow directions well.

luna_c666 said:
Yes, if you retain your stock recovery mode then it will be able to flash your firmware in the event that your ROM gets messed up for whatever reason, so long as you use the Stock signed copies of your firmware from Asus (i.e. the official files), recovery mode as stated will only flash official Asus files, they are digitally signed by Asus and without the signature recovery mode will fail.
And to put you at ease, the likelihood of anything going wrong while rooting is much smaller than flashing custom ROMs or recovery mode. Rooting is fairly fail-safe if you follow directions well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am asking because, as mentioned earlier, I only need to root for now without going the whole mod thing, because at the moment I am still not convinced that an android tablet suits me, so in case I still don't like it I want to be able to restore the stock ROM without going more into modding CWM and risking a brick.
So, in the case I root then later decide that I want to unroot, it is enough to put the signed stock Asus firmware on the SD card and boot into recovery mode, and it will be unrooted? why is it then that most unrooting guides does this with a special repacked zip file? why not just stock asus zip?

sticky!

mcbyte_it said:
I am asking because, as mentioned earlier, I only need to root for now without going the whole mod thing, because at the moment I am still not convinced that an android tablet suits me, so in case I still don't like it I want to be able to restore the stock ROM without going more into modding CWM and risking a brick.
So, in the case I root then later decide that I want to unroot, it is enough to put the signed stock Asus firmware on the SD card and boot into recovery mode, and it will be unrooted? why is it then that most unrooting guides does this with a special repacked zip file? why not just stock asus zip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, you should know that if you do not install CWM and flash a custom ROM, you will never actually know what you can do with an android tablet
But to answer about why others use special zips, unrooting with the Asus file actually does not delete anything on your system partition, it will simply rewrite all the system files, if there are other files that are unrelated to the rooting process leftover in your system partition those files will remain after unrooting. That is what the unroot zip files do usually, is they delete everything and reformat the system partition before installing (instead of just overwrite installing) to avoid leaving orphan files. But these orphan files usually do not impact your system (the entire system has been rewritten anyway) and for sake of argument your TF is unrooted, as you no longer have root access. To avoid leaving anything in your system after unrooting you should factory restore and delete all user apps/data with something like titanium backup before installing the stock firmware over your old rooted ROM. I will think of how to add this to the OP to make it more clear.
Basically though, if you unroot you will want to manually remove any files that are in your system partition (root directory) that were not there when you first rooted your TF or flashing the stock ROM will simply leave those and overwrite the other folders/files.

Just to throw something in here about that. Vipermod does have an unroot setting in it's commands.
Or using terminal emulator or adb
su
rm -r /system/app/Superuser.apk
rm -r /system/xbin/busybox
rm -r /system/bin/su
reboot

Going crazy! Want ICS, haven't used tablet in long time.

Hi All,
I'm in a bit of a unique pickle. I have a Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 1838-CTO, it is a US 32GB wifi-only tablet with all stock hardware (with disconnected keyboard folio).
I am running build number ThinkPadTablet_A310_02_0037_0075_US
It is not liking to play more than 5 minutes of a video before saying video cannot be played, video it played fine before. Tried all the standard steps, recopying, rebooting, etc etc. The device also sporadically reboots 20-30 minutes into use, sometimes. I have root, rootprotector, and I have CWR. I have not used my tablet since about a week after the first update from my current version above: my device went loopy, THEN the update failed, and I stuck it in a closet, $%^@%$*&@ed off at it for not working.
I want to either (depending on difficulty, and recommendations here) update my device to the latest Lenovo ICS *OR* Run a custom JB ROM (perhaps http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1778375 though it is for ROW not US, unsure if that matters). Priority on maintaining root access, could care less about what recovery is used, etc.
OTA updates are failing since I had to get CWR , and I am not sure how to use CWR to manually patch/update.
As for the glitching and all that, I am fairly certain it has something to do with when I rooted it, I was a very early adopter of the first permaroot (I place no blame except myself for any and all issues, and muchly appreciate the efforts of others in allowing me to root my device, whether it bricks it or makes it 10x better). I just want to update my device to ICS and start using it again. I have done some searching but am finding that almost everyone is using 0089 or later with the same issue I have, trying to get back to stock bootloader. Honestly I would like to get it on Lenovo ICS, maintain root, and go from there.
I appreciate any and all advice, it's a personal device so I am fairly lenient on what I am willing to try.
Update: I would most appreciate a stock Lenovo ICS dump flashable from CWR if someone knows where to get one, again though any help at all is appreciated.
Update 2: CWM 5.5.0.4 unable to mount the SD card (/sdcard - not even sure if it is trying to mount internal or external, I have ALWAYS had nothing but issues with the external ALWAYS being write-protected no matter the position of the physical slider switch, though it always reads fine - Sandisk 32GB micro-SDHC with Sandisk MicroSD to SD adaptor), so flashing anything from CWM is a no-go. I want to take this thing and send it on a flying ride out the window, the only thing stopping me is it would probably survive just fine to spite and mock me. Sorry about being long winded, rather give you guys as much as possible info.

Is rooting the tablet all you've done? Did you remove any stock apps? I had the same problem with my TPT when I tried upgrading to ICS(from build 0089_US on wifi only 16GB)but only because I had a corrupt busybox file or something. Try going back to complete stock(NO recovery no root) and try to do an automatic OTA 2, then OTA 3. It should work.

How do I go back to stock recovery/bootloader? I rooted back when you had to swap in ClockworkMod Recovery, so my updates fail consistently when I have to reboot to apply, my guess is that the updater tries to pass calls to the lenovo bootloader that do not exist with CWR.
If there is a way to restore my bootloader then I should be all set, otherwise I think I need to find a good cooked rom

Get Some ICS
Sublime865 said:
...otherwise I think I need to find a good cooked rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted an ICS Nandroid from a US 32GB TPT, exactly what you are looking for, here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=28240019&postcount=14
It will return you to stock Restore, losing CWM, but you can reinstall a proper CWM for ICS afterwards. See the Development Forum for the updated CWM version that works in ICS/OTA3.
You will have root, but you must download and use OTA Rootkeeper to bring Superuser back (don't forget to download and open SuperUser from Play store).
Good luck!

pwstein said:
I posted an ICS Nandroid from a US 32GB TPT, exactly what you are looking for, here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=28240019&postcount=14
It will return you to stock Restore, losing CWM, but you can reinstall a proper CWM for ICS afterwards. See the Development Forum for the updated CWM version that works in ICS/OTA3.
You will have root, but you must download and use OTA Rootkeeper to bring Superuser back (don't forget to download and open SuperUser from Play store).
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Going to try it tonight/tomorrow. Updating my Vivid to a non-corrupt CWR then flashing HolICS 1.3 from 0.9b tonight. Oh the adventures I get myself into... XD
Thanks for the upload, I'll let you know if(when) it works, either way I appreciate the effort!

Problem getting 4.2.2 update: "Verification failed"

Hey everyone,
I'm having trouble getting my Nexus 7 to update to 4.2.2. My device is rooted, I recently performed a factory reset.
The update has never appeared in my "System updates" menu, so I looked around and saw that if you force stop "Google Services Framework" and clear its data, the update will appear in "System updates."
It did, but when it finishes downloading, it says "Verification failed."
I tried another factory reset, and I had to again force stop and clear data on "Google Services Framework" to get the update to appear, but again it downloads and say "Verification failed."
I'm stumped now. Do I have to unroot and reroot? Do I have to keep waiting for this update? Do anything with the bootloader? (I really hope not...)
Thanks everyone!

If some files in your system got changed for whatever reason, then you wont be able to update. You can flash the 4.2.1 stock rom and try ota update again.

Leonhan said:
If some files in your system got changed for whatever reason, then you wont be able to update. You can flash the 4.2.1 stock rom and try ota update again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is flashing the stock 4.2.1 rom the same thing as doing a factory reset to 4.2.1?
If it isn't, would flashing the 4.2.1 rom wipe my tablet?

Leonhan said:
If some files in your system got changed for whatever reason, then you wont be able to update. You can flash the 4.2.1 stock rom and try ota update again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he is trying to do an OTA to 4.2.2, would it not be more straightforward to just flash the 4.2.2 factory image? The OP has already done a factory reset, so it doesn't look like he/she is particularly attached to his current setup.
Also - the language he used was vague - it sort of sounded like the OP observed "verification failed" in the main OS rather than in the recovery. Not sure.
But it doesn't matter - newbs should not be trying to use OTAs on modified /system images or tabs with altered boot images. It's just too detailed a process to describe compactly.
@Horadrius
Before you do anything further, you should back up everything on the "SD Card" to your PC. Yes, all of it. You can throw it away later if you find you didn't need it. But if you follow the instructions for the Google (factory) images install, everything gets wiped off of /data including your pseudo - SD card.
At a minimum, that will allow you to follow the SBS instructions for installing the 4.2.2 factory images, or - you can simply install a 4.2.2 Stock ROM from over in the dev forum.
Whatever you do, start getting in the habit of making backups - and at least occasionally also getting copies of those off of the tablet.

Oh boy, lot of information to digest here....and a lot of questions
it sort of sounded like the OP observed "verification failed" in the main OS rather than in the recovery. Not sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it was the main OS - Settings -> About Tablet -> System Update.
After force stopping Google Services Framework, the update showed up there, and when the download bar reached 100%, it said "verification failed." I did a factory reset, and now when I go to System Update it simply says that my system is up to date.
This makes me think I'm not "supposed" to have the update yet, and that it will arrive, eventually. Yes?
newbs should not be trying to use OTAs on modified /system images or tabs with altered boot images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, no updating the device from System Menu because I'm rooted/unlocked bootloader? I'll have to flash everything as it comes out?
@Horadrius
Before you do anything further, you should back up everything on the "SD Card" to your PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would Titanium Backup held in this regard? Or simply copy/paste the sdcard folder to my PC?
This whole process has been very frustrating. Is this the price you pay for rooting your device? Making simple system updates into a maze?

Horadrius said:
Oh boy, lot of information to digest here....and a lot of questions
Yes, it was the main OS - Settings -> About Tablet -> System Update.
After force stopping Google Services Framework, the update showed up there, and when the download bar reached 100%, it said "verification failed." I did a factory reset, and now when I go to System Update it simply says that my system is up to date.
This makes me think I'm not "supposed" to have the update yet, and that it will arrive, eventually. Yes?
So, no updating the device from System Menu because I'm rooted/unlocked bootloader? I'll have to flash everything as it comes out?
Would Titanium Backup held in this regard? Or simply copy/paste the sdcard folder to my PC?
This whole process has been very frustrating. Is this the price you pay for rooting your device? Making simple system updates into a maze?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like your download is bad if it fails at this stage. I believe it is saying the checksum of the download file doesn't match whatever is downloaded.
PS. not related to N7, why XDA use the re-captcha which I need to refresh several times to get something I can read

Horadrius said:
Yes, it was the main OS - Settings -> About Tablet -> System Update.
After force stopping Google Services Framework, the update showed up there, and when the download bar reached 100%, it said "verification failed." I did a factory reset, and now when I go to System Update it simply says that my system is up to date.
This makes me think I'm not "supposed" to have the update yet, and that it will arrive, eventually. Yes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. It means that for some strange reason, running a checksum program on the downloaded OTA file failed to produce the expected checksum. The most likely way this can happen is that the file is truncated - the download stopped short of the full file. Don't know why this is happening, but there you go. There could be other failure causes that are more rare, but it doesn't mean you are not "supposed" to have the OTA. It means that the download process is failing.
The *stock* recovery does a number of even more sophisticated checking than this; but it appears from your description that the recovery never even gets booted.
Horadrius said:
So, no updating the device from System Menu because I'm rooted/unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and No. An unlocked bootloader causes no problems at all. ANY of the following CAN or WILL cause problems:
- attempting to run an OTA with a custom recovery installed instead of the stock recovery.
- having a modified boot partition (e.g. non-stock kernel, or slightly modified boot partition)
- having altered (or removed!) files in the /system partition that are targeted for patching.
- permissions changes performed by the installer script can cause root functionality to disappear
Horadrius said:
I'll have to flash everything as it comes out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you are asking here, but the basic answer is that if you stay on stock you can certainly apply OTAs easily. If you start altering things, you might or might not be able to apply an OTA; there are simply no guarantees.
[size=+1]OTAs are meant for stock installations - including a stock recovery. PERIOD. While it is possible that an OTA could succeed, it is unreasonable to have the expectation that it will do so.[/size]
Horadrius said:
Would Titanium Backup held in this regard? Or simply copy/paste the sdcard folder to my PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I presume you are talking about the future here, as you said that you already did a factory reset at least twice. If you have subsequently added stuff back in, then I suppose you might be talking about the present tense.
But, yes - either TiBu or the Carbon app can be used along with a strategy where you simply back up the apps & data you are interested in, (plus any "flashable zips" that you used to customize your device in the first place), and you simply start from scratch with a factory install followed by re-rooting, and then restore your apps & data (using TiBu or Carbon).
One other thing you can do which is EASY is this: simply wait until a developer/ROM cook publishes a "Stock" flashable ROM based on the release that the OTA is upgrading to. Don't worry about the OTA, just wait a little bit. (These ROMs are already out for the WiFi-only model, BTW).
1) Take a backup as the first thing you do. It's easy and gives you some insurance.
2) Don't wipe (no "factory reset") - just install the Stock ROM over the top of your existing ROM.
that's it. If you were using a custom kernel, re-install it.
Horadrius said:
This whole process has been very frustrating. Is this the price you pay for rooting your device? Making simple system updates into a maze?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[size=+1]OTAs are meant for stock installations - including a stock recovery. PERIOD.[/size]
Interpret that as you desire. It is unreasonable for you to expect that you can diddle with your phone any way you please, and a patch install upgrade methodology will be robust in the faces of arbitrary changes on your part. You are the person creating the maze, not Google.
Moreover, it is your choice to take an upgrade - it's not mandatory. My guess is your tablet was quite pleasing to you before any OTAs started rolling out. Nobody is forcing you to do anything.
OK, one last thing. It is still possible that a manual OTA can succeed on your phone if it is lightly rooted - but there are no guarantees. The procedure does not require you to wait around until an OTA arrives on your phone, but it is not for the faint-hearted:
1) Download the appropriate Stock OTA File.
2) Re-install the stock recovery onto your tablet. You will have to dig it out of the Google full factory image for the version of the OS you are currently running. (available here)
Code:
fastboot flash recovery factory-4.2.1-recovery.img
3) Soft-boot into a custom recovery, e.g.
Code:
fastboot boot openrecovery-twrp-2.4.1.0-grouper.img
5) Using the command line and adb to communicate with the soft-booted recovery, create a recovery command file:
Code:
C:\myPCsux> adb push 6ece895ecb23.signed-nakasi-JDQ39-from-JOP40D.6ece895e.zip /cache/update.zip
C:\myPCsux> adb shell
# cd /cache/recovery
# cat > command
--update_package=/cache/update.zip
^D # ( that is a Control-D character )
# sync
# reboot recovery
This will either succeed or fail. Based on your comments though, you might just want to overflash a Stock-derived ROM over the top of your existing ROM (a "no-wipe" install).
[ROM][Factory Image][4.2.2] Nakasi -::- Odex, Deodex, Rooted -::- teshxx (02/14/13) <-- NOTE for WiFi (nakasi/grouper) ONLY
good luck with your tab.
Someone once said "Rooting is a lifestyle". There's some truth to that; it eats up your time. Perhaps it is not for you.

Thanks, bftb0.
Looking through your list of reasons for why my OTA might not work, none of them applied to me.
I didn't install any custom recovery (didn't install Clockwork Mod recovery specifically to avoid dealing with flashing roms) or kernels or modify any partitions, nor to my knowledge changed any files in the /system section.
I think I'm going to give this update a week or so to pop up on my update menu before I start tinkering again.
Don't get me wrong - I enjoy this kind of tinkering, and all the perks of rooting, but my knowledge is extremely limited, which is what makes it frustrating trying to find information. The only thing I've done before this is install Cyanogen on my HP Touchpad.
Anyway, do I need to install CWM recovery to flash (overflash?) that 4.2.2 rom you linked?

if you haven't done anything other than rooting(i.e. copying a file su to it), OTA would go through. Your problem is about the download process. It can go wrong for many reasons from the download is bad to what saved to the temp area(where the download is) is bad(rare but still possible).

chimpanzeexda said:
if you haven't done anything other than rooting(i.e. copying a file su to it), OTA would go through. Your problem is about the download process. It can go wrong for many reasons from the download is bad to what saved to the temp area(where the download is) is bad(rare but still possible).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's all I've done, root and unlock bootloader. The download only showed up when I cleared data and force stopped the "Google Services Framework" process. I reboot the system, and check for the update and nothing is there.

well, sounds like you have to flash it manually using fastboot then.
That said, I myself have no intention of doing the update any time soon as I don't find any specific problem with 4.2.1 and there isn't any specific feature i want in 4.2.2

Horadrius said:
Anyway, do I need to install CWM recovery to flash (overflash?) that 4.2.2 rom you linked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TL;DR Yes and No.
People that use toolkits seem to use hard-flashed installs of custom recoveries, as they don't really understand what goes on under the hood, even if the toolkit offers them a means to soft-boot any image the toolkit operator downloads. (I assume that the toolkits probably allow this; as I don't use them I don't know for sure.)
What I am saying is that the answer depends on your knowledge. So long as you have an unlocked bootloader, you can soft-boot any boot image you like - including custom recoveries.. (This also pre-supposes correctly-functioning device drivers, but that is a Windows/user training issue, it has nothing to do with Android).
When I say soft-boot, I mean that the image is transferred to the tablet, which then hands over control and starts executing that image - but it is not "flashed" to Flash memory, so the next time a boot occurs, the same boot images are still stored in either "boot" or "recovery".
In this configuration, the phone should be much more likely to complete an OTA as it will have the stock recovery present most of the time, and only temporarily present when you attach to your PC and kick things off with a custom recovery.
The OTA could still fail, but it probably would succeed for a very lightly rooted stock configuration (other than problems with losing root).
The only downside to this arrangement is that you can't be flashing roms or making nandroid backups or other forms of rooter activities when you are away from the PC.
For the IT-OCD or obsessive ROM hopper, that could be a good thing.
good luck... the rest is up to you.

Ok, I installed Clockwork Mod from a toolkit because going into fastboot and choosing "Recovery mode" led me to a picture of the Android guy with a red triangle on his back saying "No Command."
I'm just going to install 4.2.2 myself now. Question regarding that link - odex/deodexed - I looked up the difference but can't tell which one is appropriate for me - I'm guessing it's odex because that seems to be closer to stock.
Edit: It worked! Thanks for your assistance, everyone!

IMO, google should not ship odex image now that we have fast enough hardware. odex is just a form of 'pre-compilation' which only benefit first time load(or when the cache is cleared). Too little gain for such a complicated setup.