Related
Bit of an unusual request and I think I might already know the answer to this but here goes...
I'm looking for a way to gain adb access to my desire without booting the Android OS. I figured the best way of doing this would be to flash the recovery with a replacement (ClockworkMod for example).
Why am I doing this? I'm a forensic investigator and have a suspect's desire. I'm testing on my own phone and want to find a way of accessing the phone without changing any data inside the MTDs.
I'm thinking that a fastboot command might work but I'd like some confirmation before I start as I do not want to brick my own phone
Is it possible either:
a) gain adb access or replace the recovery without rooting the phone?
b) root the phone, get into recovery with a modified recovery, get the data, and then 'fix' the rooting?
Any help would be gratefully received.
Pretty sure you need root to flash a new recovery
Well as rooting is just the superuser apk and a Su binary placed on the system partition it should be possible. This is usually done after flashing the recovery which is flashed using an exploit. Most programs like unrevoked do both things though so you will have to remove the superuser apk and the binary afterwards.
Alternately there might be a command to dump a partition from fastboot. I don't know.
schizophreud said:
Bit of an unusual request and I think I might already know the answer to this but here goes...
I'm looking for a way to gain adb access to my desire without booting the Android OS. I figured the best way of doing this would be to flash the recovery with a replacement (ClockworkMod for example).
Why am I doing this? I'm a forensic investigator and have a suspect's desire. I'm testing on my own phone and want to find a way of accessing the phone without changing any data inside the MTDs.
I'm thinking that a fastboot command might work but I'd like some confirmation before I start as I do not want to brick my own phone
Is it possible either:
a) gain adb access or replace the recovery without rooting the phone?
b) root the phone, get into recovery with a modified recovery, get the data, and then 'fix' the rooting?
Any help would be gratefully received.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want your Job....
killyouridols said:
I want your Job....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I kinda need it to support my family
I suppose if you contact HTC or Google and supply the proper credentials, they would have a way to access that information. Worth a shot, anyway.
Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo on Hero action here!
user7618 said:
I suppose if you contact HTC or Google and supply the proper credentials, they would have a way to access that information. Worth a shot, anyway.
Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo on Hero action here!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a perfect world yes, but I don't work for the police directly and there's all kinds of trade secret issues with software and phones so HTC are, sadly, disinclined to acquiesce to our request!
I know where their offices are in the UK so I might go knock on their door instead
So unrevoked's payload includes the superuser.apk and su. I guess it should be possible to do something similar but without so those in the payload. Pity they haven't shared their exploit.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Hi, I have a similar question - how to replace custom recovery by original one?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Is this possible? I know most unroot the phone to take it in for service/exchange etc but my situation is different. I have to use Good for Enterprise to access my company's email and as you may know, Good does not allow rooted phones. So, I have no choice but to unroot my Evo.
The image that is used in unrooting is a stock ROM. What I want to do is setup my phone - the way I want it with Mikfroyo - with all the tweaks etc and then "just do the unrooting part". If that makes any sense - I don't need any superuser permissions etc.
Long story short - can a phone be unrooted with a custom ROM instead of a stock ROM?
im pretty sure this is impossible dude, sorry, just leave it all rooted, whats the problem
I know you can't unroot and keep a custom ROM but I wonder if there is a way to hide the fact that you're rooted from the app. What kind of message pops up when you install it?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
It just says that Good cannot run on a rooted phone and just locks the app - I have to call IT to get an unlock code using the device ID that is displayed in Good's pop-up message.
It has to be checking for something specific and I bet there is a way to fudge it but unfortunately that's outside my realm of understanding. I would ask one of the devs here about it.
What permissions does the App request when you install? It could just check for SuperUser
SSjon said:
What permissions does the App request when you install? If could just check for SuperUser
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I which case you could either delete superuser or use it to block the app... perhaps?
I am sure its more complicated than that - if they are touting themselves as a replacement for blackberry security for iPhones and Android - I seriously doubt a simple fudging of the superuser permissions will deceive it. Also, I'd like to comply with my company's requirements for using an Android phone so I don't get into trouble.
So from what I understand - you cannot have a custom ROM on an unrooted phone. Thanks so much guys - I'll just have to learn to live with the bloated stockware and manual restores arghh......
It's not possible.... to unroot, you'd have to RUU, which returns the phone back to stock. And then, you'd have no way of flashing a custom rom unless you rooted again
ok this is one thing that I am starting to not understand here...
so many people when they answer - say "yes" it can be done or "no" it can not be done...
...ummm where is the why? It would be very informative to know such things or if someone has even tried said thing before.
like why can't you just run a ROM or other flash file from renaming the file and letting the stock loader do the flashing? ......answer: because the stock loader does a file signature check - see? that makes sense and answers the why. it also helps users to retain the information as well as understand it.
I would love to know why the OP can't just run the unrevoked s-on tool from here http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/forever#custom_splash (in the FAQ section) without removing his custom ROM and just make sure he doesn't use any apps that need the su access. sounds like it should work? has someone done this and found that it does not work? flashing back to s-on should just prevent flashing to any other ROM's I would think from everything I have read in this forum.
or once s-on is back does it also check the current ROM on the phone and would cause some issues? would be great information to know. because if the security only checks file signatures of flies to be flashed and not the current ROM it seems like the OP could do what he is wanting to.
well, just thought I would ask to see if I could gain some more understanding as to the mechanics of everything
It would be good to know if this works with Good for Enterprise. I am stuck on an SGS 2.1 with Telstra and want a non stock ROM but really need to use Good.
ushkand said:
Is this possible? I know most unroot the phone to take it in for service/exchange etc but my situation is different. I have to use Good for Enterprise to access my company's email and as you may know, Good does not allow rooted phones. So, I have no choice but to unroot my Evo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not know that, and that SUCKS. My company's piloting Good now, and I was really looking forward to it. This just infuriates me. Mobile device makers are getting away with things that desktop/laptop makers never dreamed of trying. We shouldn't even NEED to "root" a phone. Imagine if you needed to hack your Windows machine in order to get the admin password and be able to install whatever you want. Now yes, I get that companies often do add those restrictions on their devices, and that they need to protect their data. Allowing access to company data on a personal device might make it a little more of a gray area, but it still blows. Good should be able to develop a system that can be secure, even if you have root access.
Here's a thread I just found. It sounds like you can just delete su and the superuser.apk. I think you can keep the custom rom, but you probably wouldn't be able to run anything that needs root, like Wireless Tether, Titanium Backup, or whatever. But you could probably have a flashable zip to re-add them when you need them. Or maybe one of the temp root methods would work. But it makes me furious that this is needed.
http://androidforums.com/droid-x-all-things-root/207397-good-enterprise.html
bkrodgers said:
I did not know that, and that SUCKS. My company's piloting Good now, and I was really looking forward to it. This just infuriates me. Mobile device makers are getting away with things that desktop/laptop makers never dreamed of trying. We shouldn't even NEED to "root" a phone. Imagine if you needed to hack your Windows machine in order to get the admin password and be able to install whatever you want. Now yes, I get that companies often do add those restrictions on their devices, and that they need to protect their data. Allowing access to company data on a personal device might make it a little more of a gray area, but it still blows. Good should be able to develop a system that can be secure, even if you have root access.
Here's a thread I just found. It sounds like you can just delete su and the superuser.apk. I think you can keep the custom rom, but you probably wouldn't be able to run anything that needs root, like Wireless Tether, Titanium Backup, or whatever. But you could probably have a flashable zip to re-add them when you need them. Or maybe one of the temp root methods would work. But it makes me furious that this is needed.
http://androidforums.com/droid-x-all-things-root/207397-good-enterprise.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thoughts exactly
Update- I was able to get Good running finally on a custom rom - However, I had to forgo my superuser capabilities. I just renamed both the Su and Superuser.apk and then was able to run Good without any issues. I can easily restore Superuser access by adb when I need to. The good thing is that with the recovery being there, I can still flash updates without needing superuser access.
Thank you all for your help.
ushkand said:
Update- I was able to get Good running finally on a custom rom - However, I had to forgo my superuser capabilities. I just renamed both the Su and Superuser.apk and then was able to run Good without any issues. I can easily restore Superuser access by adb when I need to. The good thing is that with the recovery being there, I can still flash updates without needing superuser access.
Thank you all for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information. What is the ROM that you are using?
bkrodgers said:
Or maybe one of the temp root methods would work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are there still temp root methods that work on the EVO?
I am using Mikfroyo 4.5.
Just came across this thread and was seeing if your GFE was still working? I have a DX and put a custom ROM and could not get it to work. I'm waiting for my new PIN and have removed SU to see if it works.
ushkand said:
Update- I was able to get Good running finally on a custom rom - However, I had to forgo my superuser capabilities. I just renamed both the Su and Superuser.apk and then was able to run Good without any issues. I can easily restore Superuser access by adb when I need to. The good thing is that with the recovery being there, I can still flash updates without needing superuser access.
Thank you all for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted my HTC Salsa to install apps2sd which is great, but what commands do i have to run and where to be able to rename su.apk ?
Thanks,
Mike
Hello,
I am new to this whole rooting thing (kind of, I have rooted the Droid Incredible and put CM7.1 on) so please don't flame me, I have a few questions:
1) What is the difference between root, fastboot, hboot?
2) The ROM is the OS? What is the Kernel? Radio?
3) What is a "non-permanent ADB root"?
I have the Galaxy Nexus, and I want to use Titanium BU, the stock ROM, so I know I need root, is SU/SuperUser what gives you "root"?
Is all I need to do here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1362957?
I just need a little explanation... Also, where is some good in depth threads on these subjects?
Thanks for your time.
Sam
sstriano said:
Hello,
I am new to this whole rooting thing (kind of, I have rooted the Droid Incredible and put CM7.1 on) so please don't flame me, I have a few questions:
1) What is the difference between root, fastboot, hboot?
2) The ROM is the OS? What is the Kernel? Radio?
3) What is a "non-permanent ADB root"?
I have the Galaxy Nexus, and I want to use Titanium BU, the stock ROM, so I know I need root, is SU/SuperUser what gives you "root"?
Is all I need to do here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1362957?
I just need a little explanation... Also, where is some good in depth threads on these subjects?
Thanks for your time.
Sam
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) root is similiar to Windows's Administrator account/permission in linux/unix world. Android is just customized Linux. Getting your phone 'rooted' means that you will be able to do almost anything on your phone
2) Basically, ROM is package containing whole OS with it's filesystem (or tools to create it). After flashing (installing) it, you'll be able to run it on your phone (like you did with CM7.1). Kernel is basic running code/binary package, ie. Core.
Kernel = Linux/Unix/Android in it's most basic form. Anything from 'ping' command, window manager to your games are just additional parts of whole OS, which is based on such specific kernel.
Radio is something like BIOS/drivers/firmware, simply some piece of binary system or instructions set, so often called 'Modem', and it is allowing you to use GSM, 3G, and in some cases BT. Wrong/No Radio means you'll make no call, no sms, no 3G.
3) Non permanent ADB root is attack technique to successfully attack (hack) your phone over USB, to gain root access.This access is lost after reboot.
It works on some phone types.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Virnik0 said:
3) Non permanent ADB root is attack technique to successfully attack (hack) your phone over USB, to gain root access.This access is lost after reboot.
It works on some phone types.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So in the case of the Galaxy Nexus root method here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1362957, you use FastBoot to gain access, then you push the SU/SuperUser over USB, and then you are rooted, but then if you reboot the boot loader is locked, but the phone is still rooted?
sstriano said:
So in the case of the Galaxy Nexus root method here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1362957, you use FastBoot to gain access, then you push the SU/SuperUser over USB, and then you are rooted, but then if you reboot the boot loader is locked, but the phone is still rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically, non-permanent root will add su binary to the ramdisk, which is wiped after reboot. It is useful for one-time-only root, for administrative purposes, or for 'hard-rooting', in which another su binary is pushed to the phone, this time to /system partition. This one will not be lost after reboot, and your phone will stay rooted.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Hey guys, I recently got my Gnex(internation version from expansys) last week, but I'm a little bit on the fence when it comes to rooting as this is my first Android device. What are the benefits? I mean, I know that you guys get a ton of options with the variety of roms available to download/install, but I'm liking the stock ics that came with the device. If somebody cold convince on on doing it, then I'd be grateful. My baseband is XXLA2, is that the recommended one if I'm living in the US?
The ability to control your phone like you should. However being a really new person to android I wouldn't recommend you do it right away. Maybe browse the forum and learn somethings. Knowledge is power.
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy Nexus
Root gives you admin access to your phone. Definitely you should root, even if you want to stay on stock factory rom.
RogerPodacter said:
Root gives you admin access to your phone. Definitely you should root, even if you want to stay on stock factory rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if he sees the benefits for himself. There's absolutely no reason for him to root if he doesn't understand what it does or how it will help/hurt him.
As mentioned previously, root access is admin access to the phone. Some benefits of it include being able to use the Adfree app to block advertisements in apps or Titanium Backup to backup apps the data associated with them. I'd take the time to get to know the phone and operating system first and then decide if you have a need for apps that require root access.
Off the top of my head:
-Fastest updates
-Ad removal
-Firewall
-True call blocking
-Lightflow
-Theming
-Backups (titanium, nandroid)
-Custom ROMs and all the millions of features they have (you could write pages and pages about this alone)
-Custom kernels (better battery+performance, touch wake, etc)
Since you have the Galaxy Nexus(a dev phone) as opposed to another locked-down phone, rooting is very, very easy. Unless you do something totally retarded you'll be safe. Just don't use toolkits -- do it manually.
fredryk said:
-Fastest updates
-Lightflow
-Backups (titanium, nandroid)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-You don't need to root to get fast updates. You can flash update files the day they come out via fastboot w/ an unlocked bootloader.
-Lightflow also works w/o root.
-You can do backups with ADB also.
martonikaj said:
-You don't need to root to get fast updates. You can flash update files the day they come out via fastboot w/ an unlocked bootloader.
-Lightflow also works w/o root.
-You can do backups with ADB also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I was thinking of "root" being synonymous with unlocked bootloader. My old phone required root...still need root for TB.
fredryk said:
I guess I was thinking of "root" being synonymous with unlocked bootloader. My old phone required root...still need root for TB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this is usually the case with other phones. With the Nexus, its extremely easy to unlock the bootloader and not root. I'd recommend unlocking the bootloader on this phone, but I'm not so quick to recommend rooting. People on XDA or too quick to recommend rooting to people who have absolutely no idea what it is and end up bricking their device.
martonikaj said:
Yes this is usually the case with other phones. With the Nexus, its extremely easy to unlock the bootloader and not root. I'd recommend unlocking the bootloader on this phone, but I'm not so quick to recommend rooting. People on XDA or too quick to recommend rooting to people who have absolutely no idea what it is and end up bricking their device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Exactly.
You do not need root to flash custom ROMs, get updates, etc. if you have an unlocked bootloader. I totally agree with martonikaj: you SHOULD unlock your bootloader, but you shouldn't mess around with root until you know what root is and need it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I would unlock the bootloader immediately if you think you'll ever want to root the phone. Reason why is that you can unlock the bootloader easily with a single command, but it will wipe your phone, and there's no good way to do a real backup without rooting it. Better to do it now, before you have everything set up the way you want it and all of your apps installed.
For rooting, I agree that you shouldn't do it until you have a better idea what it is and why you want to do it.
I've been back and forth between root and non-root (always unlocked bootloader) and other than a few things already mentioned (Ad-free, Titanium Backup) I'm the type that can live with Stock ICS. I do flash custom ROM's once in a while to see if I enjoy them but I've always come back to Stock (for now) because of random reboot issues.
I'm reading this thread while on my way to root my phone (virgin like the guy who started this thread) I've been reading about rooting for a year, what's the difference between root and unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
kennwoodkenn said:
I'm reading this thread while on my way to root my phone (virgin like the guy who started this thread) I've been reading about rooting for a year, what's the difference between root and unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From someone who knows just enough to get by....
Unlocking your bootloader allows you to flash custom recovery/ROM/Stock version/etc. You don't need root for this.
Root allows you full access to the phone with superuser permissions and install some apps that require full access to system files.
kennwoodkenn said:
I'm reading this thread while on my way to root my phone (virgin like the guy who started this thread) I've been reading about rooting for a year, what's the difference between root and unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You couldn't have been doing a lot of good reading if you've been reading for a year and don't know the difference. But don't feel bad -- there are lots of senior members that use the terms interchangeably which is completely and utterly wrong.
Root means having root user access to the file system. Kinda like being the administrator user on Windows machines. You can access all the files and modify and delete anything. The process consists of placing two files on the /system partition of your device. The problems with this process, is finding a way to make /system write-able to place those two files there (as it is read-only by default when you are booted in Android). Chicken or the egg -- You need root to get root.
Think of the bootloader as the BIOS of a computer. It loads up before the operating system, and allows you to perform certain basic tasks. In our case, the bootloader allows you to flash images to your device, and to boot images on your devices (without actually writing them to the NAND). Unlocking the bootloader removes the security on the bootloader, which means that the bootloader no longer verifies the signature of images you are trying to flash or boot and, thus, allows you to flash or boot non-Google signed images.
Now, are rooting and unlocking your bootloader related? Well, to a certain extent yes. If you unlock your bootloader, you can easily obtain root access. This is true because you can flash or boot a custom recovery, which will allow you to write files to /system without being booted into Android. So, with an unlocked bootloader, "rooting" becomes trivial. However, there are other ways to root -- by using exploits. GNex Android builds up to ICL53F can be rooted by mempodroid (see link 4 in my signature), but to-date, an exploit has not been found for IMM76D and higher.
For the epic touch it looks pretty easy to root in Odin mode it seems to be a way to go I know I want root for all the reasons above
My process
Root with ODIN
Install CWM
And like what I see in the AOKP ROM
I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN TO BACKUP
Am I on the right track
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
kennwoodkenn said:
For the epic touch it looks pretty easy to root in Odin mode it seems to be a way to go I know I want root for all the reasons above
My process
Root with ODIN
Install CWM
And like what I see in the AOKP ROM
I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN TO BACKUP
Am I on the right track
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you ask in the Epic Touch forum??
Rooting your gnex doesn't need to be seen as taking a dive off a cliff while blindfolded. This is a myth perpetuated by people who have either never rooted their devices or did something retarded and bricked it. It's easy, painless, and uncomplicated if you follow the instructions. If you can take advantage of the ad removal, backups, call blocking, etc with ease....why not do it?
Use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529058
Thanks for all your help!
I'll proceed to unlock the bootloader, but will remain on stock for a while until I get the hang of it and want to expand my options.
Understanding the Rooting Process
Hi,
I have never rooted a phone before, so I am a bit curious before I get into it. I have a Galaxy Nexus – brought directly from Google without going through any carrier. I have Android 4.2.1 on it, and it has never been rooted.
I want to root the phone in order to copy data on and off a USB Stick using Chainfire’s Stickmount App (among other things.) This means I am not interested in any custom ROM. The stock works OK for me.
I am using the following tutorial: How to Root Galaxy Nexus! [Universal Guide][GSM/Verizon/Sprint][Windows/Linux/Mac][GB/ICS/Jelly Bean] which has the following steps to root:
1. Unlock the Bootloader
2. Install ClockworkMod Recovery
3. Install the SuperUser binaries using Recovery to get Root
In this regard I have a few questions that I am not getting easy answers using Google. (All I get is tutorials with steps – no logic.)
1. The first step is “Unlocking the Bootloader”. The following link says that unlocking the Bootloader is to install custom ROMs What does it mean to unlock the boot loader?
As mentioned above, I am not interested in putting custom ROMs on to the device. I am satisfied with the stock. Do I need to do this step?
2. “Unlocking the Bootloader” seems to delete all data on the phone. Is this true? Why does it do this.
3. Is it possible to backup the current ROM before I root? That way I can always restore it in case of any problems. I do not have much data/apps on the phone, so backing up that is not an issue.
Thank you all for your help.
O. O.
o.o. said:
1. The first step is “Unlocking the Bootloader”. The following link says that unlocking the Bootloader is to install custom ROMs What does it mean to unlock the boot loader?
As mentioned above, I am not interested in putting custom ROMs on to the device. I am satisfied with the stock. Do I need to do this step?
2. “Unlocking the Bootloader” seems to delete all data on the phone. Is this true? Why does it do this.
3. Is it possible to backup the current ROM before I root? That way I can always restore it in case of any problems. I do not have much data/apps on the phone, so backing up that is not an issue.
Thank you all for your help.
O. O.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes. Unlocking the bootloader is not the same as installing a different ROM, you will still be on stock after unlocking. Unlocking will ALLOW you to flash different firmware/mods/etc, but you dont have to flash anything you dont want to.
2. Yes, it will wipe your phone clean. Every time you do it. No getting around this.
3. Not to my knowledge. I would recommend doing the back up first thing after unlocking bootloader and installing recovery.
WiredPirate said:
1. Yes. Unlocking the bootloader is not the same as installing a different ROM, you will still be on stock after unlocking. Unlocking will ALLOW you to flash different firmware/mods/etc, but you dont have to flash anything you dont want to.
2. Yes, it will wipe your phone clean. Every time you do it. No getting around this.
3. Not to my knowledge. I would recommend doing the back up first thing after unlocking bootloader and installing recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
addition to point 3)
its really irrelevant to backup the rom if you're staying stock since you can just download the images freely from google and use fastboot to flash them all and you'll be running a clean stock rom since you just unlocked the bootloader.
Thank you WiredPirate & Zepius. I am trying to understand how the Rooting process works – not just the steps, without having a clue as to what I am doing.
1. My question here was not “Whether I needed to Unlock the Bootloader” – but why do I need to Unlock the Bootloader in order to Root? My question here is Why? When I do not need to install custom ROMs why should I be unlocking?
2. Why does Unlocking the Bootloader wipe the phone?
3. Thank you Zepius. I think I agree with you here.
Thanks again,
O. O.
Zepius said:
addition to point 3)
its really irrelevant to backup the rom if you're staying stock since you can just download the images freely from google and use fastboot to flash them all and you'll be running a clean stock rom since you just unlocked the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true. The exception might be if you don't have access to a comp at the time your phone needs to go back. But downloading and flashing images like you said is probably a cleaner/ better way of getting back to stock.:good:
o.o. said:
Thank you WiredPirate & Zepius. I am trying to understand how the Rooting process works – not just the steps, without having a clue as to what I am doing.
1. My question here was not “Whether I needed to Unlock the Bootloader” – but why do I need to Unlock the Bootloader in order to Root? My question here is Why? When I do not need to install custom ROMs why should I be unlocking?
2. Why does Unlocking the Bootloader wipe the phone?
3. Thank you Zepius. I think I agree with you here.
Thanks again,
O. O.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish I was more help with the "Why?". I just kind of go with it lol. I mean I have ideas as to why, but I'm not a dev and/or familiar with code, I'm just a user so I don't wanna say something and it be wrong.
o.o. said:
Thank you WiredPirate & Zepius. I am trying to understand how the Rooting process works – not just the steps, without having a clue as to what I am doing.
1. My question here was not “Whether I needed to Unlock the Bootloader” – but why do I need to Unlock the Bootloader in order to Root? My question here is Why? When I do not need to install custom ROMs why should I be unlocking?
2. Why does Unlocking the Bootloader wipe the phone?
3. Thank you Zepius. I think I agree with you here.
Thanks again,
O. O.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) an unlocked bootloader allows you to flash unsigned images. This allows you to flash a custom recovery, which is required for root access. basically, if you want root, you have to unlock the bootloader the first time with the command "fastboot oem unlock"
2) thats the way its designed. there are ways around it, but you have to have root to unlock the bootloader without wiping your data.
Zepius said:
1) an unlocked bootloader allows you to flash unsigned images. This allows you to flash a custom recovery, which is required for root access. basically, if you want root, you have to unlock the bootloader the first time with the command "fastboot oem unlock"
2) thats the way its designed. there are ways around it, but you have to have root to unlock the bootloader without wiping your data.
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Click to collapse
Thank you Zepius. I am hoping that someone can provide some better understanding of this issue. I know that there is a design, which is obviously illogical. Nowhere have I found an explanation for this illogicality – hence my question.
O. O.
o.o. said:
Thank you Zepius. I am hoping that someone can provide some better understanding of this issue. I know that there is a design, which is obviously illogical. Nowhere have I found an explanation for this illogicality – hence my question.
O. O.
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My guess is it is to keep your data mostly secure by wiping it out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
go here. if it helped, thank efrant.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=31751966
sent by an android
The other option if you want to root without losing your data is to use a computer with the adb tool to make a backup and then restore that backup after you've rooted your phone. A guide on how to do this can be found here: http://www.thesuperusersguide.com/adb-backup--restore.html
Zepius said:
My guess is it is to keep your data mostly secure by wiping it out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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Thank you Zep. This is more like what I was looking for i.e. this sounds reasonable. Anyway I guess this is not the best place to ask such questions i.e. everyone seems to know what to do, but are clueless about the logic.
O. O.
o.o. said:
Understanding the Rooting Process
I want to root the phone in order to copy data on and off a USB Stick using Chainfire’s Stickmount App (among other things.) This means I am not interested in any custom ROM. The stock works OK for me.
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Another option for USB OTG is an app called Nexus Media Importer it almost does what stickmount does and does not require root.
You can read data, but you cannot write to the attached device (USB flash drive etc.), only copy to the Android device.
Hope this helps a little in case you are uncomfortable rooting.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeysoft.nexususb.importer
As has been mentioned, unlocking the bootloader is necessary to allow flashing images. AFAIK, the data wipe (factory reset and memory card wipe) is to protect your data, contacts, etc., in case your phone is lost or stolen and somebody tried to restore your phone to stock so they can use it or sell it. That's assuming you have a security screen that can't be bypassed so that the criminal can't just hit "factory reset" and delete your memory contents.
The bootloader unlock is necessary to root because you are flashing the custom recovery (TWRP or CWM) and root (Superuser or SuperSU) binaries, or flashing an "image" if that helps. This is the same process as flashing a ROM, so the bootloader needs to be unlocked to allow this. The data wipe is there to "protect" you.
Once rooted, you can lock and unlock the bootloader at will with the "Bootunlocker" app by Segv, though if you ever loose root via OTA update, you have to unlock the bootloader via fastboot again, which causes you to loose your data. I learned this the hard way so trust me, just leave the bootloader unlocked. Even if a criminal tries to flash a new ROM or factory image, they have to completely erase everything to get around your security screen.
If you have data that want to save, use the Android MTP to move you memory contents to your computer. This is mostly for music, pictures, documents, and downloads. To do a full backup (apps, settings, data) there is a guide in the stickies I believe that explains how to do a full backup to your computer without root.
That is my attempt at the logic, hope that helps.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium