Develop Bugs

[Q] Unroot EVO and still keep a custom rom?

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

[Q] Wildfire Temp Root

Hi,
I have a stock Wildfire which I'm perfectly happy with. However, over time I purchased a few apps from the market and would like to take a backup.
What can I do? My ideal would be a simple application with which to switch on/off root permissions before starting the backup process - read-only access to the system and data partition would be perfectly sufficient.
Is this possible? I read about Temp Root in the forums, but couldn't find a clear statement which way (if any) would work on the Wildfire. Also, is read-only root with access to all partitions even possible without flashing or do I need a custom ROM for this?
As I understand, another way would be to flash a new recovery image and use Nandroid backup. However, I'd rather avoid flashing anything.
I'd be glad if someone could give me a few pointers.

Get Visionary+. This app can do a temp root easily.
It's meant for Desire Z, but it still works. If you want permroot then use AlphaRevX instead, the method this app uses does not apply to Wildfire.
For backing up I would recommend Titanium Backup.
Why would you want to temproot anyway? You can use AlphaRevX to get S-OFF and flash custom ROMs.
If you want to do warranty return, just use a RUU tool. It clears everything back to factory state.

Just wondering why you want to backup the paid apps? Can't you just reinstall them when needed as your license is on your Google account right?
Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk

YES, no need to backup the paid apps purchased from market.
Even after hard reset, if u use the same google market account to install those apps, ur licence should be back. Licence should be stored in your account AFAIK....

xc1024 said:
If you want to do warranty return, just use a RUU tool. It clears everything back to factory state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A ruu doesn't reset the s-off state! The only way you can flash a new hboot is when it has a version higher the the 6.x hboot that alpharevx puts on your phone. It just like htc's hboot: you cannot downgrade it.
If you want s-on again, you need a tool from AlphaRev that does it for you. But I don't know if that is released yet.

bharatgaddameedi said:
YES, no need to backup the paid apps purchased from market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is? Super, somehow it never occured to me that the purchase could be tied to the account instead of to the phone. Thanks for the hint!
That solves my immediate problem, I guess I can forgo a backup then.
What would happen if I entered the same googlemail-account into a new phone: Would the old one be deactivated then? One might want to use the same mail account on two or more phones. Would he then also get access to all of the applications on all phones, or would it simply not work at all?
Even after hard reset, if u use the same google market account to install those apps, ur licence should be back. Licence should be stored in your account AFAIK....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never entered a "google market account" ID, I guess my googlemail-account (which I created on setting up the phone for the first time) was used for that automatically. Or has such an account been automatically created for me without any further prompting?
Regards,
150d

xc1024 said:
Get Visionary+. This app can do a temp root easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll remember that.
Why would you want to temproot anyway? You can use AlphaRevX to get S-OFF and flash custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's just it: the phone is working great, I'm really not missing anything. I wouldn't even know what to use root for. ;-)
On the other hand, I have a little experience with cooked ROMs from my previous phone, a WM-based Kaiser. Granted the two might not be directly comparable, but back then I had a lot of issues with stability, working-but-not-perfect bootloader, GPS sensitivity, radio ROMs...
I'd rather not take any chances now, at least not until I have a good reason to do so.
Regards,
150d

150d said:
On the other hand, I have a little experience with cooked ROMs from my previous phone, a WM-based Kaiser. Granted the two might not be directly comparable, but back then I had a lot of issues with stability, working-but-not-perfect bootloader, GPS sensitivity, radio ROMs...
I'd rather not take any chances now, at least not until I have a good reason to do so.
Regards,
150d
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it always should be this way this wilfire forum is getting stalked by people who want root and new ROMs, but i'll bet that most of them will be satisfied with the stock one.
The only reason why you should root is to install usefull apps that requier root (like titanium backup) and to install new ROMs. Those roms provide updates that htc disable for us: gingerbread should be more powerfull and JIT, something that can make your phone two to three times faster, is disabled because sense can't handle it. But you are right: custom roms will never be bugg free. But on the other hand, the stock rom isn't bugg free as well
Altough I'm on the stock rom ATM, I will change if I have the time. "Basic" things like gps and stuff will work on most roms (unless reported otherwise), so you do not have to be afraid of that. The most problematic things can always be solved, but most of the time it requiers a lot of time untill you have figured out what exactly you should do to solve your problem. So do not try to change rom if you do not have the time for it.
To finalize this off topic statement: it is usefull to gain root: you can do much more with it than just "flash roms". But it absorbs a lot of time, and you shouldn't start with it if you do not have any. But when you commit yourself to it, you will gain a lot.
Erwin

150d said:
What would happen if I entered the same googlemail-account into a new phone: Would the old one be deactivated then? One might want to use the same mail account on two or more phones. Would he then also get access to all of the applications on all phones, or would it simply not work at all?
I never entered a "google market account" ID, I guess my googlemail-account (which I created on setting up the phone for the first time) was used for that automatically. Or has such an account been automatically created for me without any further prompting?
Regards,
150d
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know about that thing. They shouldn't be discussed too anyway. But I strongly think that google knows the device identity of the market attached account.
Yes, google account / gmail account / maket account all are the same.
edit : And better not to speak about cooked roms untill u check them. There are many people pretty much satisfied with those.

ErwinP said:
And it always should be this way this wilfire forum is getting stalked by people who want root and new ROMs, but i'll bet that most of them will be satisfied with the stock one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw a TV spot when the first iPad was released. They interviewed a guy waiting in line in front of an Apple store for why he wanted an iPad. He said: "I don't even know what it is, but I'm sure I need it!"
One can only wish for customers like that!
Those roms provide updates that htc disable for us: gingerbread should be more powerfull and JIT, something that can make your phone two to three times faster, is disabled because sense can't handle it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know that. Yes, sometimes I do wish it would be quicker to handle, I have a feeling that sometimes the CPU is maxed out so it can't handle the touch screen any more. But to me it's only a minor hassle.
To finalize this off topic statement: it is usefull to gain root: you can do much more with it than just "flash roms". But it absorbs a lot of time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it, both of it. I've owned the phone for about half a year now and I'm still adjusting to how much more it can do for me than my old phone could. It goes beyond just having an application to do some job - it all is much more "usable" than before. But I can really, really not imagine what else I would like to do with the phone. Maybe there is something that I can't even think of now, but so far... ;-)
Regards,
150d

[Q]Should I ROOT my HTC One M8?

So I've been brought up to this question. I received my HTC One M8 a month after its release and things are looking pretty great so far. I love it and I have Nova Launcher Prime which makes it all the more better. I came up to a question of whether or not should I root my phone. I've seen some people do impressive things with their rooted phones and I would like to do that as well, but I feel as if, if I do root my phone it won't be the same that I have it now. I'm just skeptical that if I were to root, I would not be able to setup my phone the way it is now(Nova Launcher Prime, Zooper Widgets, etc.). Also I'm afraid I might "brick" my phone in the process as I am not a master when it comes to following things. If you could help me decide whether or not I should root my phone that'd be great. Thanks and have a good day!
Edit: Just some more information, my phone is unlocked and off contract.

Tazz. said:
So I've been brought up to this question. I received my HTC One M8 a month after its release and things are looking pretty great so far. I love it and I have Nova Launcher Prime which makes it all the more better. I came up to a question of whether or not should I root my phone. I've seen some people do impressive things with their rooted phones and I would like to do that as well, but I feel as if, if I do root my phone it won't be the same that I have it now. I'm just skeptical that if I were to root, I would not be able to setup my phone the way it is now(Nova Launcher Prime, Zooper Widgets, etc.). Also I'm afraid I might "brick" my phone in the process as I am not a master when it comes to following things. If you could help me decide whether or not I should root my phone that'd be great. Thanks and have a good day!
Edit: Just some more information, my phone is unlocked and off contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, unless you want some specific things you haven't got now, which you can get with a custom ROM, I wouldn't root.
Pick what you would like to do with your phone which you can't now, and take it from there.
I had a smoother phone with better battery life while it was unrooted and stock, and kind of wish I hadn't rooted.

HtcOneJon said:
I had a smoother phone with better battery life while it was unrooted and stock, and kind of wish I hadn't rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting does not affect the battery life or performance of the phone. If you think that changing the ROM has affected these things, just flash back to the stock ROM. Its not like anything you have done (in terms of performance) is irreversible.
---------- Post added at 10:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:21 AM ----------
Tazz. said:
I'm just skeptical that if I were to root, I would not be able to setup my phone the way it is now(Nova Launcher Prime, Zooper Widgets, etc.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you think that? Root just give you mores system access privileges. It gives you more freedom, not less.
Whether root is right for you or not is a personal decision. The huge majority of Android phone users will never root (or likely even know what that means). But for me its almost mandatory. I rooted the phone 1 day after buying it. Probably would have done it the first night, but I have a 3-year old running around the house!
You haven't been specific as to what "impressive things" you want to do with your phone. But if you really want to do things that require root, just do it!
Tazz. said:
Also I'm afraid I might "brick" my phone in the process as I am not a master when it comes to following things. If you could help me decide whether or not I should root my phone that'd be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take the time to read up, and understand the concepts, terms and process; and follow the guides very closely, and you will be fine. Take your time, and don't rush the learning process. If you get stuck, read some more, or come on here and ask (don't try random things or try to make up your own solutions, as this is a sure recipe for disaster).
You don't have to be a master; you just have to do your due diligence and read and research. This phone is IMO not that easy to brick, as long as you understand what you are doing and follow the steps closely.

Of Course... That is why you are here. Read up first. :good:

why do people think root is such a life changing thing ? like such a big deal, so forbidden
smfh

redpoint73 said:
Rooting does not affect the battery life or performance of the phone. If you think that changing the ROM has affected these things, just flash back to the stock ROM. Its not like anything you have done (in terms of performance) is irreversible.
---------- Post added at 10:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:21 AM ----------
Why would you think that? Root just give you mores system access privileges. It gives you more freedom, not less.
Whether root is right for you or not is a personal decision. The huge majority of Android phone users will never root (or likely even know what that means). But for me its almost mandatory. I rooted the phone 1 day after buying it. Probably would have done it the first night, but I have a 3-year old running around the house!
You haven't been specific as to what "impressive things" you want to do with your phone. But if you really want to do things that require root, just do it!
Take the time to read up, and understand the concepts, terms and process; and follow the guides very closely, and you will be fine. Take your time, and don't rush the learning process. If you get stuck, read some more, or come on here and ask (don't try random things or try to make up your own solutions, as this is a sure recipe for disaster).
You don't have to be a master; you just have to do your due diligence and read and research. This phone is IMO not that easy to brick, as long as you understand what you are doing and follow the steps closely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for such a wonderful answer to my questions. I guess I will learn up how to root and everything around it. Could you recommend me a guide to rooting and HTC One M8?
Thanks!

Tazz. said:
Could you recommend me a guide to rooting and HTC One M8?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd start with these:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2694600
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=52484527
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711073
---------- Post added at 02:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:56 PM ----------
rbouza1 said:
why do people think root is such a life changing thing ? like such a big deal, so forbidden
smfh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carriers and manufacturers do a good job of scaring people off "OMG you're going to void your warranty if you even think about rooting!"
Its almost comical on a less techy website like the AT&T forum how most of the users are terrified about rooting; like its something illegal or sketchy. If you suggest rooting to them, its like you asked them to steal a car or something.

If I may...
I have an htc one m8, factory unlocked, running 5.0.1, stock. My HBOOT is 3.19.0.000 and OS 4.16.1540.8.
I would like to use tasker and for that, I need a rooted phone based on what I want to do with tasker.
My question is: if I just unlock the bootloader and root it, will I be able to get OTAs from HTC? I don't want to install any kernel or custom Roms, don't want S-Off neither do anything else with my phone other than get access to certain functions on tasker... I am glad the way things are.
Or can I just root it, without having to change the bootloader?
Thanks for the time spent on answering this noobie.

AlcaloidedoErgot said:
My question is: if I just unlock the bootloader and root it, will I be able to get OTAs from HTC?
Or can I just root it, without having to change the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and yes.
In order to OTA, you will need to put the stock recovery back on the phone. ROM needs to be stock (no system apps removed, etc.). Unlocked bootloader is okay, root is okay (to install OTA).
The OTA will remove root, but its a simple matter to re- install custom recovery and root again after the OTA.

redpoint73 said:
Yes and yes.
In order to OTA, you will need to put the stock recovery back on the phone. ROM needs to be stock (no system apps removed, etc.). Unlocked bootloader is okay, root is okay (to install OTA).
The OTA will remove root, but its a simple matter to re- install custom recovery and root again after the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for your fast reply. I really appreciated your answer.
Just two more: Will I have any problem doing it as my HBOOT version is 3.19.0.0000? And would you mind to post a link to a tutorial on just to root and not unlock the bootloader?
Thanks in advance.

AlcaloidedoErgot said:
Will I have any problem doing it as my HBOOT version is 3.19.0.0000?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Hboot 3.19 roots just fine. If on Lollipop, use the most current SuperSU zip (2.46) as older versions won't work on Lollipop.
AlcaloidedoErgot said:
And would you mind to post a link to a tutorial on just to root and not unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to root without unlocking the bootloader.
On KitKat, you can use sunshine s-off (but costs $25 US) to temp root, s-off, and unlock bootloader without going through HTCDev.com.
But if on Lollipop, the only way to unlock the bootloader is though HTCDev.com.
Either way, you will have to unlock the bootloader and install custom recovery in order to root.

Flash prerooted ROM without having recovery?

Hi there,
A while back I updated my already rooted Z1C to the newest firmware 14.6.A.1..236 via PC Companion. I thought it was just a minor update so I did not think of losing my root access
As far as I know all I can do now in order to get back my lovely root privileges is by going back to Kitkat, install Dualboot Recovery, put my pre rooted Android on my phone and flash it.
So here is my question:
Is there any fancy way of doing this more directly? I would much prefer not having to fiddling around with backups, which may or may not restore all my data...
I would also be interested in why I can't just flash the flashable.zip directly onto my phone using Flashtool or similar. As an IT student I would really like to learn this kind of stuff
Thanks in advance!

Znert said:
So here is my question:
Is there any fancy way of doing this more directly? I would much prefer not having to fiddling around with backups, which may or may not restore all my data...
)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get root with KingRoot app and then you can change it to SuperSu with this guide:
Code:
www.w0lfdroid.com/2015/05/How-to-Remove-Replace-KingUser-KingRoot-with-SuperSU.html
(I know that the guide is somewhere in XDA, but can't find it.) I have tested the procedure and for me it worked.

foguh said:
You can get root with KingRoot app and then you can change it to SuperSu with this guide:
Code:
www.w0lfdroid.com/2015/05/How-to-Remove-Replace-KingUser-KingRoot-with-SuperSU.html
(I know that the guide is somewhere in XDA, but can't find it.) I have tested the procedure and for me it worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your fast reply. However, after googling the App while the download was still going I found several articles which found the App not trustworthy. Trying to download the App from their site directly even gave my a very clear warning. So I'd rather use something else :/
I think the best reasons against the App can be found here:
https://www.quora.com/Is-KingRoot-the-one-tap-Chinese-rooting-app-legit-and-safe
If, however, a more experienced and credible user (sorry foguh, this is nothing personal ) can recommend the App as well, I might give it a shot...

Znert said:
If, however, a more experienced and credible user (sorry foguh, this is nothing personal ) can recommend the App as well, I might give it a shot...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461
There are 381 pages about KingRoot, I am not entirely sure is it only about people begging for specific root methods, but I believe there could be some convincing posts about it. And I don't trust KingRoot that much myself, that is why I included the post how to replace KingRoot with SuperSu.
Nothing taken personally though, just trying to provide solution for you, which worked for me

I am still unsure of the App but as it seems to be the easiest option I installed it and rooted my phone with it.
Everything went quite smoothly. One thing I really didn't like however is the required internet connection during rooting. Normally this tells me immediately that its fetching some malware and I get my hands off...
Of course I also immediately replaced their App with SuperSU but I am still worried it might placed more on my phone than it claims.... Let's hope for the best
Anyhow, thanks a lot to you foguh! It's really nice to get so quick and helpful responses and I appreciate the effort
Have a nice day/evening/morning/night/...

Znert said:
One thing I really didn't like however is the required internet connection during rooting. Normally this tells me immediately that its fetching some malware and I get my hands off...
but I am still worried it might placed more on my phone than it claims....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could help!
As far as I am aware, the internet connection during rooting process is for fetching the correct root method for the phone (and that damn Purify app.)
But if you are worried that there could be some other leftovers, you can monitor the network traffic of your phone to be 100% sure. And of course go through the files manually. (Personally, I haven't bothered to do it, I trust people too much)
The easiest way to say "Thanks!" is to hit the button below!

Help - Bricked HTC m9 - Not rooted - Advice needed -

Hi,
My wife HTC m9(UK, Vodaphone, latest stock ROM, No root) was turned off last night to charge.
When booted up it does the below. It does not load into the OS. Every boot loops into the below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8n21CQX7535cjF4MnZqV2E1dGM/view?usp=sharing
It says the software has been modified?
My wife was very insistent that I never root or change ROMS on her phone.
Does anyone have a fix or is this send off for replacement?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ca1v

ca1v said:
Hi,
My wife HTC m9(UK, Vodaphone, latest stock ROM, No root) was turned off last night to charge.
When booted up it does the below. It does not load into the OS. Every boot loops into the below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8n21CQX7535cjF4MnZqV2E1dGM/view?usp=sharing
It says the software has been modified?
My wife was very insistent that I never root or change ROMS on her phone.
Does anyone have a fix or is this send off for replacement?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ca1v
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What happens if you try to boot to Download Mode? I guess you see the black screen that is mentioned in Q7, right? If that's the case there isn't much you can do...

Download mode seems to be working (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8n21CQX7535cEFhTlpnajF5anM/view?usp=sharing)
If this is the case, can you point me in the right direction to get resolved?
Many thanks for the help

Flippy498 said:
What happens if you try to boot to Download Mode? I guess you see the black screen that is mentioned in Q7, right? If that's the case there isn't much you can do...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download mode seems to be working (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8n...ew?usp=sharing)
If this is the case, can you point me in the right direction to get resolved?
Many thanks for the help

Interesting. Your video in post 1 shows a security warning. That means that the OS got deleted. This is only possible if you unlock the bootloader and delete it manually via TWRP or if the EMMC gets broken. Since the phone's S-ON and its bootloader is locked and not unlocked or relocked I assumed that the latter happened*.
As long as the download mode is working you can restore the system with the help of a RUU. Instructions can be found in the thread I linked in my last post. Be aware that all data on the phone is going to get erased.
* Well, it is possible to get the phone's status back to S-ON and locked with S-OFF but you said you never tinkered with that phone...

Flippy498 said:
Interesting. Your video in post 1 shows a security warning. That means that the OS got deleted. This is only possible if you unlock the bootloader and delete it manually via TWRP or if the EMMC gets broken. Since the phone's S-ON and its bootloader is locked and not unlocked or relocked I assumed that the latter happened*.
As long as the download mode is working you can restore the system with the help of a RUU. Instructions can be found in the thread I linked in my last post. Be aware that all data on the phone is going to get erased.
* Well, it is possible to get the phone's status back to S-ON and locked with S-OFF but you said you never tinkered with that phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just thought I'd bring to your attention that apps are now being written that will try to obtain root without you knowing. The reason is that they can steal any information they want and sell it to corporations for as little as 4 pence/6c a record.
It is possible that it is a failed root by an app.
"I'm safe, I only download my apps from google playstore" - nope, you're not.
"I only use signed apps and the checksum is always correct" - nope, checksum can be matched with padding.
"I only use external sources to update genuine apps" - nope, see the Google playstore comment above.
"I have all my security and privacy set to super strict, I have my apps verified by google" - nope, still not secure because alerts are only written when the malicious/bad code is found.
Be warned, my fellow xda'ers. There is a whole new breed of security breach and it is terminal to root as a whole. Apps like kingoroot etc are issuing the wrong type of people with the wrong type of information and they are using it for the wrong purposes.
Google will stuggle to put a lid on these types of apps because they attack the hardware for access to software (a simple memory buffer overflow attack), inject a few lines of code and you're in, permanently. It will eventually result in a total lockdown at the manufacturer and bye bye root access, roms, mods etc, you'll get what you're given.
How do we prevent this?. We don't and we can't. We just have to sit back and watch as the world takes our privacy while bricking our devices one by one just to "try" to earn a poxy 4p.
Beamed in by telepathy.

@shivadow: I'm actually not sure what you're trying to achieve with your post. Malicious apps that can root your device without letting the user know about that exist since several years now. (Click here for a random example from 2011) Smartphones aren't completely safe and they never were. Everyone who's claiming the opposite either doesn't know what he/she is talking about or is simply lying.
To name just a few more android security flaws/exploits that emerged in the past: rageagainstthecage, gingerbreak, heartbleed, stagefright, the master key vulnerability, the futex bug, rootnik...
All of these have more or less been used for manipulating android phones. There is no absolute security. Android is still as secure/insecure as it's always been.
In addition, several OEMs are already trying to prevent their customers from rooting their phones since several years. Samsung's KNOX is a perfect example. (I don't want to discuss whether they're successful. That's a whole different topic.)
But let's get back to the deleted OS of the OP's phone: I've never heard about failed root attempts that erase a complete system partition. Therefore, I highly doubt that a malicious app caused all the trouble. Failed root attempts may cause a bootloop but they don't wipe your phone. Just think about the following: How should the dev of such app gain money if the app deletes OSes? Without OS there is no information you can steel and if you have no information you could sell/abuse/whatsoever you don't gain any money. Oh and not to forget that most apps on the play store already collect more than enough data from your phone they can sell afterwards without having to root it.

I meant failed root could be the cause, if the op didn't then who did?. If no-one modded it then dead nand is the only player..
I agree with every thing else but I don't trust those apps that try to gain root in the background to steal data and I think it's too easy for them to bugger your phone just for the sake of making a few coins. Face it, if I was doing it, once I had what I wanted I wouldn't care about the device. Sod the gracious exit and all that jazz.. No evidence, no conviction.
Maybe I'm being ott but my questions and points are still valid.
This is a proper "who dunnit" because I doubt it died of its own accord.
Knox is for businesses btw. If knox is triggered, which is very easy to do, the business is advised not to buy the device as it "may" have been compromised. But if no company secrets are being held on the device then it's still good to use. Knox protection was counteracted by supersu. In a nutshell, unless you run a company knox is of no concern to the everyday user.
Just thought I'd chuck that in there, I'm versed in the arts of the s3 i9300. I moved from that phone to this m9.
Beamed in by telepathy.