If you regularly install/test custom firmwares, ROMs and mods on your HTC One, it can be quite annoying and time-consuming if you want to go back to the latest stock software with official manufacturer OTA support (for example, to check if the latest official OTA update has been released for your region). Flashing the RUU is arguably the easiest and fastest way, but many of us have only older RUU's available which means having to download some quite big OTA updates every time. To avoid this inconvenience, i've done some research about the various methods to return to the latest stock version as hassle-free and as quickly as possible and i've come up with the following solution. This idea is not ground-breaking and might not be new to some (or most) of you, but i believe this guide should be useful for "noobs" or those who never thought of or didn't know how to handle OTAs and also to find the easiest and fastest way to swap any custom software (ROM/firmware) on your HTC One with the last 100% stock installation right before you flashed a custom recovery.
The procedure described below tries to eliminate the need to look for and flash stock firmware and stock ROMs uploaded by others, which may not necessarily exactly match with the original stock software of your phone especially since there exists dozens of HTC One variants. Using downloaded stock firmware/ROM from others might cause incompatibilities, degradation in performance, lost of signal, poor reception, etc. Ideally, you want to be able to flash whatever ROM/firmware and at any time, if you wish, you should be able to switch back to your own stock ROM and firmware. This is usually done by flashing your RUU (Rom Update Utility) according to your phone's MID and CID. However, most of you would need to go through an annoying and time-consuming update process to download several OTAs before finally reaching the current latest stock version. But here's a solution!
Minimum requirements:
1. Your HTC One's bootloader must be unlocked.
If your device is already S-OFF and if you relocked/locked your bootloader, then you can unlock the bootloader without having to use the official htcdev website. Just follow this guide to set the Bootloader as UNLOCKED: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2497712
2. You need to find your device's RUU (decrypted is even better as it allows going through the process faster) or your 100% stock software backup (firmware and ROM). If you made a nandroid backup after unlocking the Bootloader, it won't work since some data was wiped from your phone's memory during the unlocking process from the official htcdev website.
It's advised to use the RUU to restore which is specifically designed for a set of devices according to their MID and CID, rather than trying your luck at finding a compatible stock firmware and ROM for your HTC One variant. Here's a thread with a collection of RUUs and stock firmware/ROMs: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428276
3. Your device should be S-OFF.
This is not an absolute requirement but S-OFF makes the whole procedure much easier. For the purpose of this guide, it will be assumed that your device is S-OFF.
Advantages of this method:
1. You will save time by being able to restore back to the latest 100% stock version very quickly (some OTA updates are around 400 MB which can take some time to download). You will only have to download the OTA's one time and then back up these OTA's to use later for updating/restoring your stock software.
2. You won't need an internet connection to update to your last stock version backup. The update process to previously downloaded (and backed up) OTA's will not require an internet connection. However, you will have to download any newer OTA's if available.
3. You will not have to rely on other sources to find your latest stock firmware and stock ROM. Therefore, you can be certain that you're getting a perfectly matching firmware and ROM for your specific HTC One model (the restored firmware and ROM will be exactly as if you never tampered with your device, with official manufacturer OTA support).
4. You will not have to downgrade if using an older RUU or older stock firmware/ROM, and then have to update it again via OTA. Your HTC One will be restored to 100% stock with the same software version just before you flashed a custom firmware/ROM.
5. If you absolutely need to run the RUU to go back to 100% stock, then you will not have to run the RUU process more than once (which will wipe all your nandroid backups as well as all your data, assuming you have a decrypted RUU, otherwise you will have to run the RUU twice only).
Procedure:
To summarize, if you want to go back to 100% stock using the method in this guide, all you will have to do is restore your nandroid backup and flash the firmware from the latest OTA. You will then get stock software with full OTA support within a few minutes from a custom installation. The method itself consists of handling official OTAs and extracting the most recent firmware in order to restore. But you will need a starting point where your device is 100% stock and able to receive and install official OTAs from the manufacturer. Let's assume that your HTC One is 100% stock. Whatever means you used to reach 100% stock, you will need it again. So, keep that RUU (preferably try to find your decrypted RUU zip) or stock files handy.
Check if you have any OTA update available:
No update available
If no OTA updates are available for your device, you can flash your custom recovery and then do a nandroid backup (very important). Then, you can root, flash a custom ROM and if you're S-OFF, you can even flash custom firmware.
Going back to stock: if you want to check for OTA availability at any time or you just want to go back to 100% stock, the easiest and safest way is to run your RUU. But if you found your decrypted RUU zip, you can go back to stock even faster; first restore your nandroid backup and then extract firmware.zip from the decrypted RUU zip and flash it. That's it. You're now back to 100% stock. You can check if there are any available OTAs and then go back to using custom ROMs again if you like.
Update available
Here is the more interesting part of this guide:
1. You will need the original firmware.zip file for your current stock software version. If you ran the RUU to go back to stock, extract rom.zip (follow this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2497614) and then extract firmware.zip from the decrypted RUU rom.zip file. If the RUU rom.zip is not decrypted, it will give you an extraction error about all the files contained within being corrupt. In that case, you should try to find a decrypted version of the same RUU or decrypt it yourself (requires Linux, as decrypting an RUU is currently not possible on other OS). Use Winrar/Winzip to open the firmware.zip and extract recovery.img and place it in your adb folder.
2. Check for software update in the Settings menu. If you get OTA update notification, accept it. Note the file size of the OTA download, as it'll be useful to easily identify it later when searching in your device's internal memory. Let it download but do not install it. Select the option "Install Later" when prompted.
3. In the Settings menu, disable fastboot and enable USB Debugging.
4. Flash custom recovery. Root your device. Boot up to Android.
5. Install ES File Explorer from the Play Store (it's free) and give it root permission from its settings. Use ES File Explorer to search for the OTA on your phone. I found Root Explorer to be much faster at searching files although it's a paid app. You will usually find the downloaded OTA in your /sdcard/Download/ folder or /data/data/com.android.providers.downloads/cache/ folder. The OTA will have the keyword "OTA" in its filename and it will be a single zip file. You can also confirm that it's the OTA file by its file size from the earlier OTA pop-up notification. If you still can't find your OTA zip, you can search for "OTA" or "zip" through ES File Explorer or Root Explorer (much faster). Then go through the search results. Here's the original filename of one of my OTA's: OTA_M7_U_JB_50_S_HTC_Europe_2.24.401.2-1.29.401.2_R_P_release_325145_signedn3pctn48i51c9iue.zip. When you've found the OTA, copy it using ES File Explorer to the /sdcard/ location on your phone. Then plug in a USB cable to your HTC One and copy the OTA to a safe place on your PC hard drive.
6. Now, connect your phone via USB, reboot and go to your bootloader. We'll be flashing recovery.img from step 1. Use command "fastboot erase cache" then "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img" and finally "fastboot reboot". Now, you have 100% stock again with OTA support. The SuperUser/SuperSU app will still be visible on your phone but it won't work since the su binary will have been wiped during the stock recovery restore process.
7. Check for OTA software update again from the Settings menu. Install the downloaded file through the update notification menu. But if the update re-downloads, cancel it. Instead, you can manually flash it by copying the OTA zip to the phone's internal memory (don't have to rename the OTA zip but for simplicity, rename it to update.zip) and go to your Bootloader. Select Recovery using the Power button and then press the Power and Volume Up buttons to load the stock recovery menu. Then, select 'apply from phone storage' and navigate the menu as you would in a custom recovery to find update.zip and select it to install. It will follow the official update procedures and will reboot a few times before going back to your homescreen. Check attachments below for the stock recovery menu and options.
8. When your phone reboots, check for OTA again. If update is found, download it but choose "Install Later".
9. Then, just follow the same steps above; 4 through 8. Redo the same steps to copy the OTA to your PC and extract firmware.zip. The principle is that you should backup all the successive OTAs until there are no more updates available. The very last OTA's firmware.zip is the most important file. Keep it separately from the other firmwares. You should also save the previous complete OTA zips to be able to update quickly if you ever need to run RUU again.
10. After you've made a backup for the last OTA zip file, check for software update and install the already download OTA zip through the normal update notification menu. If the OTA update re-downloads, cancel it and do a manual flash for the OTA update that you saved previously, as explained in step 7. Note that an official OTA will update both the firmware and ROM.
11. Then, flash a custom recovery and make a complete nandroid backup to secure your last updated stock ROM. Copy the nandroid backup to your PC. Keep the nandroid backup and the last firmware.zip file (extracted from the last downloaded OTA zip file) safely as these two files are the only ones you will need to restore quickly back to 100% stock with OTA support, unless you were to run the RUU, in which case, you'll have to install all the OTA zip files successively.
12. Now, you can flash whatever you like on your HTC One. If you're S-OFF, you can flash custom firmware as well.
Going back to stock: if you want to check quickly if any OTA's are available or just want to easily go back to 100% stock software, all you have to do is first, restore the last nandroid backup of the stock ROM and then flash the firmware.zip from the last OTA update that you downloaded. That's it. Now, you can check and update easily to any new OTA that might have been released while your device was on custom ROM/firmware. Obviously, you can also backup any available OTA's, by following the same steps above.
I will probably expand this guide further if there is any interest in it.
If this guide was helpful to you, just press the "THANKS" button!
Hi, I found the guide useful, specially now with the upcoming 4.4 OTA. I'm confused thou, I heard you can't apply an OTA having a custom recovery, is this true? If so, shouldn't you have to flash stock recovery after loading a nandroid backup from recovery to be able to receive OTA's?
Arjen_Arg said:
Hi, I found the guide useful, specially now with the upcoming 4.4 OTA. I'm confused thou, I heard you can't apply an OTA having a custom recovery, is this true? If so, shouldn't you have to flash stock recovery after loading a nandroid backup from recovery to be able to receive OTA's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to have 100% stock ROM and stock recovery in order to successfully apply an official OTA update. In order words, if you have custom recovery, you won't be able to update. You need to flash in the following order: stock nandroid backup, stock recovery, then download/install any new OTA.
Related
I know that Acer pulled today's update, but will it be possible to switch when it is released again?
Leaked 3.1 to official 3.1
Yes it is, just a little confusing though. You have to know which region your tablet is from http://secure3.tx.acer.com/FindSystem/FindSystem.aspx?title=Information About Your System. And then go about flashing a couple of ROMs to get you ready for the update. Instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1155664
I am a total noob and wasted my whole day yesterday trying to figure this out. In the end texonex helped me out. Starting with the leaked 3.1 update here's what I did (courtesy texonex):
1. Root the device (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1138228). Download Acer Recovery Installer from the market, and from there install the clockwork recovery image. Choose no for a backup of the current recovery.
2. Download the backup file for 1.104.02 here, thanks to camelot1972
dl.dropbox.com/u/34113636/2011-06-24.12.20.13.zip, I guess you could also use the file from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113878. This is for the US version.
If your tablet is from another region you would have to find the appropriate "default" version number in the how-to (what firmware is right for my country).
3. Extract the contents from the zip file and put them in the backup folder for clockwork mod on your SD card (take your SD card out of the tablet and connect directly for all the steps), if you do not see the backup folder, I suppose you can make one,e.g. [micro sd]\clockworkmod\backup\2011-06-25.22.14.07. I guess this exact string will still show up in clockwork recovery. I made a backup of the leaked 3.1 and that gave me the folder, and I just replaced the files. The date part is obvious in the name however I wouldn't venture a guess what are the other digits in the folder name.
If you downloaded the file from [OTA] Full Package and Update page, you'll need first to decrypt the file using the decrypter and then extract the contents of the decrypted file. One of the extracted files is update.zip which goes on to the SD card no subfolder in this case.
4. Restore the firmware using CMW using full restore for the US version, or update from the sd card zip if using a full package zip file.
At this point I think you need to save the recovery image for the non-US versions. Follow the instructions in the how-to or just use acer recovery installer to flash the clockword recovery again and this time choose yes to backup the current image.
5. Download 1.104.02 to 1.141.07 update and flash it with CMW.
Or the appropriate latest update file from your region(highest version number).
6. Flash recovery image to 1.141.07, this is option 4 in Acer recovery installer.
For non-us versions restore the recovery image, unroot and restore factory defaults.
7. I stopped here and now am waiting for the OTA. According to the how-to, you roll back to the full defualt package by using the standard ACER recovery (Power + -Vol) after copying the zip file on to the SD card, delete the zip file copied before.
8. Go to settings and trigger update manually. OTA will prompt you the new 3.1 update. I suppose you do not need to unroot.
You can also install the stock ROM from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1159443
Thanks to Bec07 (how-to), vache (stock roms) and sc2k (un-rooting) for their contributions or I would have been totally lost in trying to downgrade my tablet from the leaked 3.1. Hope this is helpful, and goes smoothly because if it does not I wouldn't have clue how to fix it.
Sorry for this off-topic post, but you said that acer pulled the update: And I still have it (haven't updated and cant anyway). Is this not right?
What I meant was its not being pushed to more users for now.
If you haven't already done so, install Rom Manager and flash Clockworkmod Recovery. It doesn't replace the actual recovery partition or the files that restore it so it won't affect flashing the update.
If you received an OTA notice don't flash it. You can go into /system/cache and copy it, or download it from the links in other threads. Place the update zip (no need to rename it) on the root of your sd card.
To install the update you must be fully stock (root is okay). That means any changed or deleted system files (including bootanimation.zip) will prevent the update from flashing. You will get a status 7 error. If you used Bloat Freezer you must defrost all before flashing the zip or it will error.
Also, have available whatever zip you used to root your Nexus one (i.e., su.zip or superboot, etc.) and put on the root of your sd card.
Once your system is back to stock reboot into CWM recovery and select flash zip from sd card. Then flash the 2.3.6 update file. Then DO NOT reboot yet. Now flash your root zip. After you have flashed both the udpate and the root zip you can reboot your phone. No need to wipe anything.
When your phone reboots you will have 2.3.6 and it will still be rooted. No bootloader gymnastics necessary.
I am using stock (almost) version of GRJ22 , but unfortunatelly I got the status 7 error when I tried to apply the update via clockworkmod recovery. I guess that's because I have already integrated some system apps into ROM using Titanium Backup.
So, if I flash stock vanilla GRJ22, then SU, then GRK39F (the incremental update) and finally SU again, won't that do the job??
Thanks..
Nikos_s3 said:
I am using stock (almost) version of GRJ22 , but unfortunatelly I got the status 7 error when I tried to apply the update via clockworkmod recovery. I guess that's because I have already integrated some system apps into ROM using Titanium Backup.
So, if I flash stock vanilla GRJ22, then SU, then GRK39F (the incremental update) and finally SU again, won't that do the job??
Thanks..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that will do nicely. Just need to get back to GRJ22 stock before you can flash the udpate. The updater-script does an assert and checks the md5 checksum of every system file before it allows the update to flash. If it doesn't find all stock files or checksums don't match what it is looking for, you get a status 7 error and the line above will show which file it stopped on. So you can look at those messages and keep restoring files it wants (if only a few) without having to flash completely back to stock.
I guess that would take much time, as almost all of my google apps are integrated into ROM...so I will try to follow the procedure I wrote earlier and if that won't work, I will try a ready stock,rooted ROM (Fireb33 has done it already)..
thanks mate..
Why so complicated?
You can update to 2.3.6 AND keep root even much more simple:
1.) Update from OTA to 2.3.6 (and loose root).
2.) Flash Superboot from Madaco and get back root.
Done in 3 minutes.. No need to flash, recover, overwrite and/or whatever, no need for ADB, no messing:
Code:
https://bexton.net/2011/09/24/root-access-for-nexus-one-on-android-2-3-6-grk39f-superboot/
Bexton said:
You can update to 2.3.6 AND keep root even much more simple:
1.) Update from OTA to 2.3.6 (and loose root).
2.) Flash Superboot from Madaco and get back root.
Done in 3 minutes.. No need to flash, recover, overwrite and/or whatever, no need for ADB, no messing:
Code:
https://bexton.net/2011/09/24/root-access-for-nexus-one-on-android-2-3-6-grk39f-superboot/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's only for those who have the bootloader unlocked?
_raz_ said:
That's only for those who have the bootloader unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, yep. That method indicates your (phones) bootloader is unlocked. But as it's the N1, unlocking the bootloader is just 19 (up to 25) characters away -> "fastboot(-linux) oem unlock".
Edit: By the way, i looked up that post from an android platform engineer:
Code:
groups.google.com/group/android-platform/msg/b7d83992dd92accb?dmode=source
The N1 is just made for that.
tried superboot but wifi down
I flashed the update for 2.3.6 and then superboot but my wifi gives an error when I try to turn it on.
New Superboot file for GRK39F?
Is there a new Superboot file for the new OTA update?
jboxer said:
If you haven't already done so, install Rom Manager and flash Clockworkmod Recovery. It doesn't replace the actual recovery partition or the files that restore it so it won't affect flashing the update.
If you received an OTA notice don't flash it. You can go into /system/cache and copy it, or download it from the links in other threads. Place the update zip (no need to rename it) on the root of your sd card.
To install the update you must be fully stock (root is okay). That means any changed or deleted system files (including bootanimation.zip) will prevent the update from flashing. You will get a status 7 error. If you used Bloat Freezer you must defrost all before flashing the zip or it will error.
Also, have available whatever zip you used to root your Nexus one (i.e., su.zip or superboot, etc.) and put on the root of your sd card.
Once your system is back to stock reboot into CWM recovery and select flash zip from sd card. Then flash the 2.3.6 update file. Then DO NOT reboot yet. Now flash your root zip. After you have flashed both the udpate and the root zip you can reboot your phone. No need to wipe anything.
When your phone reboots you will have 2.3.6 and it will still be rooted. No bootloader gymnastics necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to update to gingerbread and looking for the proper guidance going forward. I've done some looking around the forums but i'm still unclear if i need to unroot or install a stock build, etc. What i know is the phone is rooted and sim unlocked. How can i check to see if the bootloader is open/locked?
Current specs:
android version 2.2.1
Baseband 32.41.00.32U_5.08.00.04
Kernal Version 2.6.35.9-cyanogenmod
Mod Version: Cyanogenmod-6.1.1-N1
Build: FRG83D
edit:
Please treat me like an idiot and walk me through this process. It's be utterly frustrating and I'm a stone's throw away from busting out my Nokia 3390 (equipped with led disco keypad).
If your bootloader is unlocked you will see an unlocked padlock on the boot up screen...
By now, with all the OTA's, unless you are brand new to the 2013 X, you know you have to have stock recovery on your phone for an OTA Update or Soak Test to install, and your system can't be modified too much or it will fail the pre-flash validation checks built into the OTA.zip. (i.e. there is a manifest file that checks for specific files and their check sums before it will flash the ota).
If you have an unlocked bootloader, and rooted by flashing a 3rd party recovery (like TWRP, CWM, Philz, etc) and installing SuperSU, you likely didn't put stock recovery back on your phone.
IF you are close enough to stock (like I am... stock, unlocked, rooted, with adfree, wifi tether for root, greenify, Quick boot, and a few other apps that require root), you can just flash stock recovery and take the OTA.
The steps in this post help you do that, or get ready to do that, in case you are not near your PC when an OTA comes, of if you just don't want to use your PC.
NOTE: If you have changed too much of stock that the OTA fails, please see -> [FAQ] How to prepare for and take an OTA update (All Carriers)
NOTE: the following worked when updating 4.4 to 4.4.2, and 4.4.2 to 4.4.4 on my VZW Dev Edition X. Since Lollipop has not yet been released for my phone, I can't test this yet.
Note: If you have flashed your phone with another carrier's ROM, or have only flashed "parts" of your phone, these steps may not work!! Or they may cause you to brick!
NOTE: If your Bootloader version does NOT match the one for your phone's software version, taking an OTA could brick your phone!
You must have an Unlocked Bootloader and be rooted for these steps to work:
Obtain the STOCK Moto Recovery image, and TWRP image, for your phone:
On you phone, go App Drawer -> Settings... Make note of what is listed under System Version, and Android Version.
Visit one of the sites listed in -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/info-tip-web-sites-official-leaked-roms-t2923347 and obtain the EXACT same ROM/SBF file that is currently on your phone. Download the ZIP to your PC.
Unzip or extract the RECOVERY.IMG file from the SBF ZIP file.
Download the latest TWRP Recovery from -> http://teamw.in/project/twrp2/234 (under the Download-Fastboot heading)
the latest SuperSU from -> http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu or the latest CWM / TWRP / MobileODIN installable ZIP from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
Flashing Recovery
Place your stock recovery.img, the latest TWRP img, and the latest SuperSU.zip in your phone's DOWNLOAD folder.
Install Rashr.
On your phone, launch Rashr.
Scroll down and select other from storage
Browse and select your stock recovery
When it completes, pick the option to reboot to stock recovery.
Your device should reboot and display the Motorola logo and then the Android in distress (logo with Exclamation mark)
Press and hold the VOL UP key for 10-15 seconds. While still holding the VOL UP key tap and release the POWER key. You should be in Stock recovery now.
Reboot your phone as normal.
To reflash TWRP or other custom recovery, as long as you are still rooted, you can repeat the same steps, selecting your custom recovery in step 5.
How to SIDE LOAD an OTA.ZIP via this process
If your carrier has started the push of the OTA ZIP for your phone, but you haven't received it, and you've found the correct OTA ZIP posted online and would like to flash it, the following steps can be used...
Download the OTA ZIP file (usually named as BLUR_XXX.XXX.XXX.zip, where XXX.XXX.XXX is the build number the ZIP will update) to your phone's /SDCard
Perform steps 1-7 under Flashing Recovery above to flash STOCK recovery onto your phone, and reboot into Stock Recovery.
Use the Vol Down key to scroll to Apply Update From SDCard, and press the Power key to select.
Use Vol Down key to scroll to your OTA zip file, and press Power to select.
The install will begin by verifying the update package, then verifying files on your phone match.
If the install fails, it will be reported on the screen, along with why. (usually because you have modified system files, or are not on the correct ROM version). You need to fix these errors and try again.
If verifications are successful, the patching process steps will begin. This may take several minutes.
Your phone should report Script Succeeded and Install from sdcard Complete.
Ensure Reboot System Now is highlighted, and press the Power key to reboot the phone.
The initial reboot may take longer than a regular reboot.
Note: You will see Android Is Upgrading or Optimizing screen during the boot process, that is normal.
After the update install process is complete, use Rashr to flash TWRP (again, other from storage and pick your TWRP). When prompted, reboot into recovery (so twrp sticks). When in TWRP, select reboot to system.
If you lost root, reboot into TWRP recovery and install SuperSU.zip
How to Root with unlocked bootloader...
If you unlocked your bootload by getting the code from Moto, after taking the OTA you may root by following ->http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/how-to-how-to-root-5-1-unlocked-t3140217 NOTE: while the thread is titled for 5.1, it works on older Android versions as well.
Good work KidJoe :laugh::good:
I guess this will be more relevant as Soaks start heading out for the 2013 X...
Good post. Can I use the same process on MotoX 2014 pure? I have turned Moto OTA to get rid of constant "update available" notification, if I turn that back on, do you know where the OTA zip file is downloaded (i'm thinking cache )
ks73417 said:
Good post. Can I use the same process on MotoX 2014 pure? I have turned Moto OTA to get rid of constant "update available" notification, if I turn that back on, do you know where the OTA zip file is downloaded (i'm thinking cache )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the OTA zip is usually stored in /cache (at least is is on the 2013 X, and my past Moto phones). it is usually named for the rom it is upgrading, not what the upgrade takes you to.
I don't see why this wont work on the 2014 X, as it did on older motos too.
Brother i got Motorola updates services update today. I will try your method once there will be available ota. And can you tell me how to backup my whole rom?
Sent from my XT1052 using XDA Free mobile app
ajsonofgod said:
Brother i got Motorola updates services update today. I will try your method once there will be available ota. And can you tell me how to backup my whole rom?
Sent from my XT1052 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In TWRP you can make a nandroid backup. I've never done it. I haven't had need because I run stock. If I need to reflash, I just reflash the same SBF I've been running.
I followed the instructions in the OP to return to stock recovery, then applied the OTA update Blur_Version.213.44.1.ghost_row.Retail.en.US, but am failing with this message
/system/etc/install-recovery.sh has unexpected contents
I haven't knowingly modified any system files, although I am rooted. Any thoughts about what this error might mean and how to resolve it?
ejlmd said:
I followed the instructions in the OP to return to stock recovery, then applied the OTA update Blur_Version.213.44.1.ghost_row.Retail.en.US, but am failing with this message
/system/etc/install-recovery.sh has unexpected contents
I haven't knowingly modified any system files, although I am rooted. Any thoughts about what this error might mean and how to resolve it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ROM is on you phone to start with? On your phone go App Drawer -> Settings -> About.. tell me the Android Version, System Version and Build Number. Also what model X do you have?
213.44.1.ghost_row.Retail.en.US is an XT1053 4.4.4 update file for the XT1053 if I'm not mistaken. It is meant to be applied to a 4.4.3 stock rom, and it might apply to a 4.4.2 stock rom..
The OTA file will fail its pre-flash validation checks if you are not on the intended stock rom.
KidJoe said:
What ROM is on you phone to start with? On your phone go App Drawer -> Settings -> About.. tell me the Android Version, System Version and Build Number. Also what model X do you have?
213.44.1.ghost_row.Retail.en.US is an XT1053 4.4.4 update file for the XT1053 if I'm not mistaken. It is meant to be applied to a 4.4.3 stock rom, and it might apply to a 4.4.2 stock rom..
The OTA file will fail its pre-flash validation checks if you are not on the intended stock rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I'm embarrassed that I didn't perform sufficient due diligence. I am already on the same system version as the update (213.44.1.ghost_row.Retail.en.US ), which I mistakenly thought was to get to Lollipop from 4.4.4.
there any way to make a dump the stock recovery in Lollipop, without the need root?
ejlmd said:
Thank you. I'm embarrassed that I didn't perform sufficient due diligence. I am already on the same system version as the update (213.44.1.ghost_row.Retail.en.US ), which I mistakenly thought was to get to Lollipop from 4.4.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, OTA Update files are often named including the version the phone must be on, not the version it takes the phone to.
Do I need to uninstall xPosed & GravityBox before I sideload L ? I guess, Kitkat version of xposed worn't work in L anyway.
ks73417 said:
Do I need to uninstall xPosed & GravityBox before I sideload L ? I guess, Kitkat version of xposed worn't work in L anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's ABSOLUTELY BEST you avoid the update............but....
If you can't, it is highly recommended that you clean flash it...kind of the only choice. Flash the 4.4.4 Brazilian stock ROM. And install the update from recovery. You can reroot after adding TWRP back.
I am also on stock rom 4.4.4. But i dont have this rom on my pc for reflashing. Please provide link for download or some info related to it
Sent from my XT1052 using XDA Free mobile app
ajsonofgod said:
I am also on stock rom 4.4.4. But i dont have this rom on my pc for reflashing. Please provide link for download or some info related to it
Sent from my XT1052 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please see the LINK in my signature for sites to download stock SBF files
ks73417 said:
Do I need to uninstall xPosed & GravityBox before I sideload L ? I guess, Kitkat version of xposed worn't work in L anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As explained elsewhere... Xposed makes changes to /system which cause OTA updates to fail their pre-flash validation checks.
It is recommended to boot to TWRP and install /SDcard/Android/data/de.robv.android.xposed.installer/files/Xposed-Disable-Recovery.zip then uninstall XPosed.
You will also need to undo any changes to /system or other parts the the OTA tries to validate before installing, or else it will fail.
You are correct that a newer version of Xposed is needed.
You may also want to wait on trying the 5.0.2 Leaks because if they are an early limited early test version, rather than a soak which is nearly ready to be pushed to all, you could be stuck on this version until an SBF leaks.
Update
Does anyone know how to return to stock recovery for lollipop? New update came up today but I have TWRP.
upload the stock recovery lollipop please!!!!
Good work, love your detailed explanations always .
OK Please note (4-25-17) this message is a work in progress, as I slowly restore my system.
This is a listing and hopefully helpful listing of what I did (right and wrong)
in upgrading my Systemless-rooted (suuser) phone from 6.01 to 7.00 (nougat)
# 1. it did not work, and I went back to 6.01 successfully using the twrp recovery
I have previously used Bender's guid (here) to get the system-less root on 6.01.
essentailly, here's the best plan. Use the Minimal ADB and Fastboot package (MADB &F) (here)
(Explanation: the MADB&FB package will allow you do do LOTS of stuff related to updating your phone, with very little grief.)
it also includes the ability to automatically "push" a package over your usb connection if the ZIP file doesnt load right. **THIS will come in handy later!
Once MADB&F is installed, make note of your directory, and then make sure you start your dos window (for pc users) as an administrator!
BTW, if I HADN'T made the "TWRP backup" of my system, I'd be Sh*t out of luck right now...", because I screwed up the 7.0 upgrade.
the technical problem was that I had no data, no modem, no way of getting data/voice in/out.
SIMPLY using the TWRP restore fixed me!!!
(so far, we have MADB&FB, downloaded and bender's (chainfire) rootless guide.
Next you want to download the current firmware image for your phone. This will be a lifesaver, I promise!
3) Download a TWRP image (this will MAGICALLY load on your pc when you tell it you need help! Look HERE
(Athene is the Motorola Codename for the motoG4+)
3) copy the athene TWRP image into your madb&FB directory to make it easy to load
4) next, (you still haven't touched your phone yet, you realize: (skipping some basics here, you can search here on XDA to find more info)
a) plug your phone into your pc
b) make sure you are a developer
c) make sure your phone shows you are connected to your pc for file transfers, NOT for charging
5) in your MADB&FB directory, (aka a dos/(admin) window) type the following:
all commands at this point will take place in whatever directory you installed Minimal ADB & Fast boot (MADB&FB)
Connect your phone to your PC and open MADB&FB, check the connection with:
adb devices
return should include your "serial-no" and "device".
6) next, on pc, tell the system to reboot your phone to the bootloader!
Reboot into bootloader with:
adb reboot-bootloader
and check again with:
fastboot devices
7) Next you are going to download TWRP to your phone (not permanently, just for a bit!)
fastboot. flash recovery twrp-3.0.2-0-athene.img
Now you have TWRP (Team Windows RECOVERY PROJECT) loaded.
SO.. THIS is where you create a backup of your current stuff using the backup options.
NEXT:
take the suUser2.78 (stateless rooting), and once your backup is done, install it from TWRP
Then (I was) back to 6.01 rooted.
NEXT: 7.0 and then rooting... (will update tomorrow)
did a successful upgrade to 7.0,
then unsuccessfully tried to sideload supersu2.78, which bricked loader
then downgraded again to 6.01 (and rooted again, ok)
will continue tomorrow.
need working phone for now..
cheers to all, and to all, a happy spelunking!
You can't root factory Nougat as is, it is well encrypted.
You need to replace first the kernel with the ElementalX one, or you will end up with bootloops.
Only after that you can do SuperSU, but only with the latest beta.
A few pointers from your story:
1)As you've found out the hard way, you won't be able to update to Nougat if you have root and/or TWRP, because the update requires a stock system - stock recovery, system and no modifications (bootloader status doesn't matter). In other words, you'll need to unroot and restore your stock recovery - might be easier to reflash the stock system, probably the quickest way to flash a stock ROM (and update to Nougat) is to use the fastboot ROM. https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/moto-g4-plus-xt1640-43-athene-npj25-93-t3549369 Of course, this will remove root and TWRP, as well as potentially wipe your data, so back up accordingly. This should flash the NPJ25.93-14 build on your device, which appears to be the latest global build.
1a)Also, if you flash Nougat this way, your bootloader and GPT partitions will be updated, so if you wish to downgrade to Marshmallow at any point, when flashing do not flash these partitions from the Marshmallow ROM. Fastboot should stop you, but a brick may occur if these get flashed.
1b) You may find in the Guides section TWRP backups of Nougat builds, I don't recommend using these to update your system with. Granted, they have most of the Nougat system in a TWRP backup, but some crucial firmware (e.g. the baseband) is not included, and may cause you issues if your device is not formally flashed to Nougat.
2) As SoNic67 has already mentioned, the stock kernel security will cause your device to bootloop should you choose to try to root following the Marshmallow method. If you wish to use SuperSU, follow this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mo...de-root-moto-g4-plus-supersu-android-t3587918 You may wish to use a more up to date TWRP than the official 3.0.2 (I recommend shrep's TWRP 3.0.3 n4 here:https://forum.xda-developers.com/mo...covery-twrp-3-0-2-r3-moto-g4-g4-plus-t3494337) Whatever you do, ensure you flash first the ElementalX kernel before you flash the SuperSU v2.79 SR3 beta (https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/supersu/2014-09-02-supersu-v2-05-t2868133), or apply the systemless fix with earlier SuperSU versions as directed in the aforementioned rooting with SuperSU guide. Else you'll be having bootloops or your device will not boot whatsoever. Here's my steps in successfully rooting Nougat: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71817346&postcount=225. Good luck either way.
echo92 said:
A few pointers from your story:
[...]
1b) You may find in the Guides section TWRP backups of Nougat builds, I don't recommend using these to update your system with. Granted, they have most of the Nougat system in a TWRP backup, but some crucial firmware (e.g. the baseband) is not included, and may cause you issues if your device is not formally flashed to Nougat.
[...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After updating my US retail xt1644 to nougat, by restoring totally-stock marshmallow then taking the OTA, I wiped data and made a *complete* TWRP backup using @Shreps' unofficial 3.1 TWRP build (https://moto.shreps.fr/Moto G4 (athene)/recovery/twrp-3.1.0-athene_shreps.img).
This version of TWRP allows backup/restore of the full set of firmware partitions including baseband, DSP, etc.
In other words, I believe the TWRP backup folder in the following .zip file provides a one-stop path to the latest xt1644 USRET firmware by doing a restore from TWRP 3.1.0.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XobQzgZVHyRTlmSDMtYkdZeUU/view?usp=drivesdk
My only uncertainly is if the ota process modified the partition table in a way that might make this backup image incompatible with the xt1644 still in the marshmallow state.
I've often wondered if I (or a more skilled enthusiast) couldn't build a TWRP-flashable .zip that would setup the partition table, update the baseband, etc. This is what I've grown used to from devs on other phones I've had, but perhaps there's something about the way moto does things that makes this problematic.
Sent from my Moto G4 Plus using Tapatalk
bmeek said:
After updating my US retail xt1644 to nougat, by restoring totally-stock marshmallow then taking the OTA, I wiped data and made a *complete* TWRP backup using @Shrep's unofficial 3.1 TWRP build (https://moto.shreps.fr/Moto G4 (athene)/recovery/twrp-3.1.0-athene_shreps.img).
This version of TWRP allows backup/restore of the full set of firmware partitions including baseband, DSP, etc.
In other words, I believe the TWRP backup folder in the following .zip file provides a one-stop path to the latest xt1644 USRET firmware by doing a restore from TWRP 3.1.0.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XobQzgZVHyRTlmSDMtYkdZeUU/view?usp=drivesdk
My only uncertainly is if the ota process modified the partition table in a way that might make this backup image incompatible with the xt1644 still in the marshmallow state.
I've often wondered if I (or a more skilled enthusiast) couldn't build a TWRP-flashable .zip that would setup the partition table, update the baseband, etc. This is what I've grown used to from devs on other phones I've had, but perhaps there's something about the way moto does things that makes this problematic.
Sent from my Moto G4 Plus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice one, hopefully that'll help more XT 1644 users I'm still not sure if TWRP can backup/flash the baseband by itself, but I don't have a XT 1644 to test. I imagine your backup will need a clean flash (wipe data/cache/Dalvik) to work?
The OTA process does update the partition table, but as far as I know, that should not prevent you from flashing back to Marshmallow/Nougat as you wish, so long as you did not try to downgrade the GPT/bootloader.
There was an effort to create TWRP flashables of the stock ROMs a little while ago (you can see the thread here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4/development/fxz-athene-twrp-flashable-fastboots-t3562147) which if I understood it created flashable radios and ROMs from the firmware files we have. We can't touch the GPT/bootloader since, as I recall, you need a signed stock firmware to do so (and besides, downgrading GPT might be asking for a brick). I recall some users mention they were able to run Nougat TWRP flashes on the MM bootloader/GPT without issue.
There were issues with simply flashing the Nougat 93-14 radio baseband files for some US users, losing LTE in the process and appears the only resolution was to flash the stock ROM - I don't know what the cause was (perhaps no/incorrect CDMA support in the radio files?). Your TWRP flash is from a US based phone so may have better luck in that department, and will likely behave on your device since that OTA has updated all the firmware on your device that TWRP isn't able to touch. I still am not sure if we can use this TWRP backup to update on a MM device without issue, but only one way to find out...
I just bought the Honor 8 and immediately unlocked and rooted it via Magik. Of course not long after that, I get a notification that there is an update available. You obviously cannot update the phone by simply pressing the "update" button since we have a non-stock recovery. I did a fair amount of research to find out how I could get the update and I wanted to share what I found. All of this information is out there already, but generally speaking it is spread out in many different threads. Hopefully these directions can help someone else.....
First, the usual disclosures.....
Code:
I am not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards,
thermonuclear war, or you getting fired because the alarm app failed. Please
do some research if you have any concerns about features included in this GUIDE
before flashing it! YOU are choosing to make these modifications, and if
you point the finger at me for messing up your device, I will laugh at you.
1) Make a NANDroid backup using TWRP: if the new update locks the phone, you will need this backup to restore data after unlocking it
2) Unroot your phone: honestly I did not do this step myself because I simply didn't think about it. The update process worked for me without unrooting but I am also using Magik which doesn't alter the system files. To ensure success I would definitely recommend you unroot. You will have to reroot the phone after the update regardless if you unrooted or not, so you aren't saving any steps by keeping root at this point. If you have used a different root method besides Magik, you must unroot prior to attempting an upgrade.
3) Obtain stock recovery.img file: the update won't work with TWRP as your recovery, so we need to flash the original Huawei recovery to replace TWRP. If you already have a copy of the stock recovery skip to step 4. If you are like me you don't have a copy of the stock recovery image on hand and we will need to extract it from the stock ROM image. Using a computer (not your phone) download the stock ROM image for your device. This website seems to have a list of recent versions and it is where I downloaded the L14 B389 version that I used.
Download the Huawei Update Extractor software and unzip the folder on the computer. Open the HuaweiUpdateExtractor app and use the software to extract the "Recovery.img" file. Here is a Youtube video showing how to do this. Please note, although the video shows several files being extracted you only need to extract the "Recovery.img" file for our use. Move the stock recovery image to your ADB folder so you can flash it in step 4.
4) Flash the stock recovery image: use the stock recovery file and flash it to recovery using the same instructions as you used to flash TWRP in the first place. If you need a refresher, look at section 2 (parts 1-5) of the first post in this thread. Just make sure you substite the name of the stock recovery image instead of the TWRP.img
5) Reboot into system
6) Install Update: go to the Settings - System Update menu on your phone. In the upper right corner, click on the three dots and it will bring up a menu where you can choose "Download latest full update". Click on this. This will start the update process by downloading the full ROM and not just the smaller update package. For me the package size was approaching 2gb, so make sure you are ready to handle that size transfer. After the download is complete, start the update process. I was nervous at first, but everything went fine. If for some reason the update fails, I would reboot and try again. I did have one failure, but I cannot explain if it was a bad download, or something I did wrong (like not unrooting the phone prior to attempting the update). It worked fine the second attempt.
7) Reboot: the phone will reboot and you should check the status to make sure you are on the latest version.
8) Flash TWRP recovery: I read where people said full updates would lock your phone and you would have to start from scratch unlocking it (and therefore wiping all data). This was not the case for me and this update using this method. I was simply able to flash TWRP again. You should be a rock star at flashing recoveries by now so get to it and flash TWRP again. If your phone is locked, then read the note at the bottom of this post.
9) Reboot into system
10) Flash Magik zip: reboot into recovery and flash Magik zip to get SuperSU.
11) Install Magik modules: reboot into system. Reinstall any Magik modules you use as they don't get carried over from the previous installation.
12) Enjoy your updated phone
If for some reason the full update did lock the phone, then you will need to unlock it again before you can flash TWRP. You have already done this before, so use whatever method was successful for you. Obviously this will fully wipe your phone. After flashing TWRP and Magik, I would make a backup of that raw "stock" image just in case this next step doesn't work. After making the backup, you can try to restore just the data partition of the NANDroid backup you made in step 1 (click restore in TWRP, select the backup made in step 1 but deselect everything except the "data" partition before starting the restore process.) I have never done this, but I have read it will recover all your data (apps, etc) without affecting the system partition and therefore it won't mess up the upgrade. I would not recommend doing this if going from Marshmallow to Nugget or Nugget to Oreo however. In those cases, it is better to simple start fresh and redownload all of your apps.
Thank you for this thread.
Hello sic,
I am having the same issue with my Huawei GR-5 2017 and like you, I have my fair share of researching for weeks now and I was really happy to stumble on this thread.
Before I start with the process, I have a few questions for you. I hope you could help me (even though this thread is half a year ago).
Can you elaborate steps 1 and 2 or could you provide me a link on how to do those?
I got xposed installed im on emui 8 i also tried flashfire but it only turns the phone off.. Ist it eneugh to uninstall xposed? And can i get the recovery img from fullota? And must i restore images in magisk? I will try it without xposed installed. And a theory: is the information abaut bootloader unlock stored in a partition like oeminfo? If it is we could restore oeminfo.