Related
This post will no longer be updated and is pretty much for the archives at this point. It detailed the rooting process for Linux users right after the Slide was first rooted. Since then, newer, more foolproof methods have been devised. For those rooting their phones today (or any point since T-Mobile's OTA update), please see this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=780213. It says it's Ubuntu-specific, but the instructions there should apply to any GNOME desktop and any other desktop with slight modification. Thanks for the comments on this thread. I hope it helped.
Most of this is not new information, but it's all in one post for the first time. I post it in case Linux (and probably MacOS) users need clarification on the process. It should keep people from having to dig in deep threads to find all the info needed. I only added the loop.sh for Linux and the partitioning information.
For all the following, I assume that the reader knows how his computer works, but not necessarily Android rooting.
Preliminary Information
1. As always, make backups and take notes. You might want to make a list of installed apps you want to reinstall later, for example.
2. Install adb. Download it here: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html. adb is a little program distributed as part of the Android software development kit (SDK). Its job is to communicate with the phone from a shell (terminal). To install adb, I strongly suggest you copy the adb file from the tools directory into your system's /usr/local/bin directory. This way, it will always be in your path. If you don't intend to do development work on Android applications, feel free to delete the rest of the SDK after installing adb.
3. Start adb as root. In more traditional Linux distros, this can be done by typing "adb devices" in a root terminal ("su" then "adb devices"). In Ubuntu-based distros, "sudo adb devices" followed by your password should do the trick. You'll get a message about the adb daemon being started. If not, sometimes typing "adb root" or "adb start-server" as root will do the trick.
4. Make sure your phone has "USB Debugging" checked off in Settings > Application > Development
5. It may not make any difference, but I turn off the "disk drive" option, so that my SD card doesn't mount when the phone is plugged in via USB (unless I need it to).
Partitioning the SD Card (Optional)
This is an optional step, as ROMs are coming out now that allow swapsace (virtual memory) and apps2sd (installing applications to the SD-card rather than on the phone's internal memory). Right now, most Slide ROMs support apps2fat32, so the whole card can be left as is (one, big, fat32 partition). If your desired ROM supports apps2sd using an ext2 or ext3 partition, you can save some headache later by doing this step first. If you don't want it, just skip to the next section.
1. Using the package manager for your Linux distro, install parted. GNOME users have a great, graphical frontend to this utility called gparted. KDE users have the KDE Partition Manager available to them. I only have gparted, but the instructions should be similar for all variants. The graphical frontends take a lot of the pain away from using parted (automatically formatting for ext4, for example). For the braver souls, there is a much more detailed tutorial for using vanilla parted from the command line here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4098568&postcount=1.
2. Mount your sd-card, either using the "disk drive" function of the phone, or in an external card reader.
3. Make a backup of your sd-card by simply copying and pasting to a new folder.
4. Start up the partition manager of your choice with root permissions (using gksu or kdesu).
5. Make sure your desktop environment (KDE or GNOME) or a terminal doesn't have a file manager window open to the sd-card partition. You can't unmount a partition that's being accessed.
6. Find out which device node is assigned to the partition by typing "dmesg" in a terminal. The last few lines should tell you how it's assigned. Mine was /dev/sdg1, for example.
7. Using the dropdown menu, select your sd-card partition in parted.
8. Right-click on the partition in the bottom pane of the window and select "unmount".
9. Delete the partition using the same, right-click menu.
10. Now you're left with free space to configure as you see fit. You use the same right-click menu to create partitions.
11. When done, click "apply" and the partition manager will create and format the partitions you've selected.
12. When done, the computer should mount two partitions from the card, one for apps, the other for user data. Copy your backed-up files to the larger partition.
NB: Android phones can work with a smallish ext* partition at the beginning of the card for apps (around 512MB should be more than enough for almost anyone), a super-small swapspace in the middle (no more than 32MB, if any at all--it's up for debate whether the Slide benefits from swapspace at all), and the rest of the card formatted as FAT32 for the "normal" partiton. I'll leave those decisions to those who have the need and desire. Also, whether to use ext2,3, or 4 for the apps partition is a matter for debate, and some kernels for other phones didn't support the newer versions at all. All that is beyond the scope of this howto, mainly because I won't be trying it out.
NB2: Eugene has released Koushik Dutta's recovery scripts that can help automate the partitioning process. It can be done directly from recovery, rather than on the computer. I much prefer the old way, as it gives more flexibility. For reference, the post with instructions is found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6993132&postcount=1.
Getting root (original HOWTO at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6820344&postcount=1)
The following instructions are "the old way" to gain root. There is a new method found at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7658764&postcount=1 that seems to be a saner process, but I have not tested it as of yet.
1. Download the Slide Root package: http://outboundlink.us/anxo/dr_ta_1...ttp://www.4shared.com/file/IfrPbWG7/Root.html
2. Extract it somewhere convenient (I'm using the Desktop folder here. I'm also renaming the folder "slideroot" to keep things simple).
3. Open a terminal and cd to the slideroot folder you just created.
4. The "loop.bat" file here is of no use to you. Use a text editor to make your own loop.sh file, or edit loop.bat and rename it when you're done. It should contain the following:
Code:
#!/bin/sh
watch -n .50 adb devices;
done
5. Power on the slide while holding down the Volume-down button. This will bring you to the bootloader screen (three droids on skateboards). Plug the Slide in via USB.
6. Just to make sure everything is working correctly, type "adb devices" in the terminal to make sure the system is seeing your phone properly. If so, run your loop.sh by typing "sh loop.sh".
7. Use the Volume-down button on the phone to select "recovery" and press the power button to enter. The terminal will flash a few messages like "offline" and "recovery". When the phone's screen shows an icon of a phone with a red triangle, you know it worked.
8. Press Volume-up and Power together to enter the recovery menu on the phone.
9. Now, back in your terminal, hit "ctrl-C" to cancel the loop.sh script.
10. Type "adb push ota.zip /sdcard/update.zip" and hit enter.
11. Type "adb push update.zip /sdcard" but DO NOT hit enter yet.
12. This step requires some coordination and timing. On the phone, select "run update.zip" and press the power button. When you see a little greenish progress bar at the bottom in the background, hit enter in your terminal.
13. If it worked as planned, the phone will see the keys from the first file you pushed, and then use the file you're pushing now to run clockwork recovery. If not, don't worry. Just repeat. I haven't had to do it more than once yet.
14. Once this is done, reboot the phone from the menu system and wait. You can use "adb devices" in the terminal to see if the phone is detected.
15. Type "adb shell" and look for the "$" prompt. If you type "su" you should get a "#" (root) prompt. Give yourself a pat on the back.
Installing the Engineering ROM (original HOWTO at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6821968&postcount=1)
A. Now that your phone is rooted, you can "downgrade" it to the Engineering ROM. This gives a better recovery environment that allows other ROMs to be installed (custom ROMs are signed with the test keys; the original recovery will not install them since it looks for your carrier's keys.)
B. Download two files: http://outboundlink.net/anxo/dr_ta_1/goto.php?DR_id=1359&linkout=http%3A//www.4shared.com/file/OsmF_ZD7/ESPRIMG.html and http://www.4shared.com/file/sz0VO2TL/SlideEng-package.html.
C. I extracted the SlideEng-package.zip, copied the contents inside loose to the Desktop, and copied the ESPRIMG file to my sd card.
1. cd to the Desktop and type "adb push flash_image /data/local" and hit enter.
2. Type "adb push mtd0.img /data/local" and hit enter.
3. Start an adb root shell as above ("adb shell" then "su")
4. Type "cd /data/local"
5. Type "chmod 04755 mtd0.img" and "chmod 04755 flash_image". I didn't change any permissions on the other files in that folder, just in case.
6. Type "./flash_image misc ./mtd0.img" and hit enter.
7. Power off the phone.
8. Holding Volume-down, power the phone back up. The recovery will scan the sd card and automatically detect the update file (from step "C" above) and prompt to install it. Hit Volume-up to install.
9. You're done. Just reboot the phone after the update and you're good to go. The boot process will be a little longer this time around.
Updating the Radio (May be optional) (Original HOWTO at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6856313&postcount=1)
I leave this section here for archive purposes. Since switching the ROM to ChiefzReloaded's OTA in the "Installing a custom ROM" section below, this step is no longer necessary, as it contains the newest radio. Unless you're installing a custom ROM released before the last T-Mobile over-the-air update, feel free to skip this section.
When we downgraded the system to the Engineering ROM, we downgraded our radio as well. The following instructions will bring us back to the stock radio version.
1. Download the following file: http://files.androidspin.com/downloads.php?dir=chiefzreloaded/ROM/&file=Newest_Slide_Radio.zip and copy it to your sd-card.
2. Remember that update.zip way back in the rooting section? The one found in the slideroot package? Copy it to your sd-card as well, if it's not already there. I deleted the one on my sd-card and re-copied it, just in case. It contains the clockwork recovery and can be left on your sd-card for future upgrades.
3. Reboot the phone into recovery (should be easy now.)
4. Select "apply update.zip from sd card" to start clockwork recovery. No looping necessary anymore!
5. From the clockwork menu system, apply the Newest_Slide_Radio.zip file you just copied over.
6. Once that's done, just reboot. The boot process will take longer and you'll see a few crazy icons before the system finally loads up. When all is finished and you're back to the home screen, the phone will pop up a dialog telling you the update was successful.
Installing a Custom ROM (Original HOWTO at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6827968&postcount=1)
For this install, I'm using the new OTA update rooted by ChiefzReloaded. Complete information on this ROM is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7534163&postcount=1. Like the older SLIDEMEROOT2 I had here before, I picked it because it's mainly the same, stock ROM the phone shipped with, but with root. I had way too many "fast, stable, feature-packed" custom ROMs on other phones that really weren't that fast or stable. I don't want to lose the use of my camera/camcorder to have live wallpapers, for example. These instructions will work for any custom ROM (adjusting for the new ROM in step 1 and 4.)
1. Download the following file: http://db.androidspin.com/androidspin_filedownload.asp?release=330&type=1 and copy it to your sd card.
2. Boot the phone into recovery mode.
3. From the recovery menu, select "apply update.zip from sd card". As stated earlier, this update.zip file contains the clockwork recovery. Applying it like an update will always load clockwork from now on.
4. In the clockwork menu, select "apply any zip from sd card" and select CR_Mod_1.35.531_OTA.zip.
5. Let the update take its course, reboot, wait, and enjoy.
Going Back to Stock (Just in case) (Original HOWTO at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6994424&postcount=1)
There may come a time when you might need your phone just the way it came from the store. It could be that you're tired of custom ROMs, a feature you find you can't live without is broken, or you need to return the phone for warranty purposes. If it gets to that point, here's how:
1. Download the following file: http://outboundlink.net/anxo/dr_ta_1/goto.php?DR_id=1359&linkout=http%3A//www.4shared.com/file/x7HRRsbM/ESPRIMG_2_.html and copy it to your sd-card.
2. Reboot the phone into recovery (just the regular one, not clockwork). The file will be automatically detected.
3. After checking the file, you'll have to hit Volume-Up to confirm the flash.
4. Once done, reboot and the Slide will be good as new.
Very nice!
I kind of wish I would have seen this before I rooted this morning!
I just rooted mine this afternoon. Figured I'd put it up while I still had it in my head.
Excellent summary!
I also wish I'd seen this before muddling through the other guides myself. Thanks for posting it!
Quick question. I plan on rooting my MyTouch Slide within the next couple days. I was just reading over your list and thought I'd try to move the adb file first. After I moved it to /usr/local/bin, and then opened a root terminal. I typed "adb", but nothing came up about a dameon being started. It looked like I had asked for the man page. Any idea why? Or if it started it anyway?
The first time you run adb, do so as root "sudo adb devices", "sudo adb root" or the equivalent. It will start the daemon. A normal user (ie, not superuser) will not have the permissions to start a daemon.
When you run just "adb" without any options, it shows you the command-line options you can use with adb. Most Linux command-line apps work the same way when run without options.
beartard,
huge props to you. this is, by far, the best guide for rooting anything that i have ever used, and certainly for the slide.
as mac osx is a *nix system, this worked great. none of the steps were missing, everything was a normal sized font, and left justified, and took me from the stock to a custom rom flawlessly.
thanks a bunch.
really.
I'm very glad it worked for you. Thanks! Did you have to do anything differently under MacOS? I used to use it before OS X came out. I know the newer versions are based on *nix, but I didn't know how similar they were underneath.
I didn't do very much differently.
I started with "How to get Root" section, as I didn't want to partition my sdcard and already had the SDK installed (obviously, though I really need to look into working with it more, as right now it scares the bejesus out of me).
I used a "do while [1]" style (I love accidentally rhyming) loop.sh file though, mostly because my terminal couldn't understand "watch" for some silly reason.
Your guide was just the one that felt the least like a tween myspace page (no offense to the other guides).
Ok, I am re-rooting my slide after having to get a replacement. I am trying to get it done using the newest ubuntu. I am a newb to ubuntu but I was able to get adb setup. When the device is booted up normally I can adb devices and recognize the device.
When I boot the phone into fast boot and adb it does not find anything. I went ahead and ran the loop.sh file and started recovery And saw the device pop up for a split second so I CTRL-C.
It does the same thing that it did when I rooted my old slide With XP. It saw the device but as soon as I CTRL-C its gone. I can do a battery pull, rerun the loop and boot into recovery and it wont find it.
Is this crap gonna be the same as on windows where you just gotta get lucky and get it to recognize? Sit here for hours on end every day until it gets recognized?????
By the way I am running everything as Root by typing sudo su in terminal before I start.
sultan.of.swing said:
Ok, I am re-rooting my slide after having to get a replacement. I am trying to get it done using the newest ubuntu. I am a newb to ubuntu but I was able to get adb setup. When the device is booted up normally I can adb devices and recognize the device.
When I boot the phone into fast boot and adb it does not find anything. I went ahead and ran the loop.sh file and started recovery And saw the device pop up for a split second so I CTRL-C.
It does the same thing that it did when I rooted my old slide With XP. It saw the device but as soon as I CTRL-C its gone. I can do a battery pull, rerun the loop and boot into recovery and it wont find it.
Is this crap gonna be the same as on windows where you just gotta get lucky and get it to recognize? Sit here for hours on end every day until it gets recognized?????
By the way I am running everything as Root by typing sudo su in terminal before I start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what the problem is, man. I've never had to try more than once using the process above. You're using a new install of ubuntu. Do you have adb from the latest sdk?
Just added the link to a new method for rooting and updated a few minor points.
Updated partitioning info to reflect what's actually going on in the MT3GS world.
Changed custom ROM to ChiefzReloaded's OTA, eliminating the need for the "updating the radio" section.
Beartard, I want to say thank you for taking the time for typing this all out. It worked like a charm with not one problem. I have spread your link to others so they can get the same satisfaction I got from this thread. Thanks again
Alrighty..... I've read / had open the posts regarding ADB, Unrooting, Nandroid, etc multiple times, and I want to make sure things are OK / voice some concerns before I continue.
I've installed the USB drivers needed (installed those only, did NOT install the rest of the components).
Ran SDK setup, edited the android_winusb.inf (have original as .bak)
Had USB Debugging enabled
Confirmed Android Phone listed in Dev. Manager as Android Bootloader Interface
Ran UnrEVOked3 reflash tool, without difficulty, and phone finished in koush clockworkmod recovery, and rebooted.
Used Nandroid Backup to backup to SD card, later confirmed via exploring SD card for confirmation with observing clockworkmod folder. Afterwards, reset back to "Charge Only"
At this point, I wanted to confirm root, and using ADB shell in command prompt typed in at $ su and was rewarded with the response of su / Permission denied / $.
A bit concerned, I rebooted the phone, everything works (well, I don't directly observe any issues, can make / receive calls, texts, etc).
Under "Software Information" I see:
Firmware Version: 2.1-update!
Baseband version: 1.00.03.04.06
I'm very much aware that I need to update the radio, plan on using unrEVOked Forever. I have the option to use Clockworkmod "apply sdcard:update.zip" next.
I'm wanting to make sure things are "OK" and the phone is sucessfully "rooted" before I carry on.
I have no doubt this is the "umteenth" thread, but it's my first "smartphone", and my first time doing this, so please be gentle, it really is my first time
Thanks for any time on this, and posted responses.
If you got permission denied when running su in adb shell the your root didnt go correctly. It should of just dropped you to a # prompt. When you typed su did you then go to your phone and get the popup by superuser asking if you allow or deny? Did you select allow?
while in adb and typing su it should look like this
Code:
$su
#
I never got the option, or I didn't see it. ::Confirmed::, I still get the $ after typing in su
Another question: Should I install the packages listed in the SDK update as well? I have 2.2, API 8, revision 2, 2.1-update1, API 7, revision 2, and 1.6 listed, and 2.1-update1 is listed as my latest firmware
**Update** Via unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php?id=public:adb_in_recovery, I see device listed with (recovery) next to it. I presume with the 3 files listed to download, I place them in the root of my SD card?
I think that $ is normal on the stock rom with the phone booted up. Your nand is still locked because you haven't done the unrevoked forever, yet. Boot into recovery and do it and you should get the # root prompt. Sounds like you're on the right track.
Typed on my Incredible phone!
Last question (I think)....
I'm assuming that I rename unrevoked-forever.zip to update.zip, and thats the file that I place in the in the root of my SD card, reboot into recovery and select apply update?
#
The update can be installed like any custom .zip file. Simply flash it from your custom recovery. Both Amon_RA and Clockworkmod Recoveries support custom .zip installs from the sdcard.
#
Either select the option to install a .zip from your SD card, or apply it as an update.zip as follows:
#
Place the update.zip file into the root of your SD card. You can do this with adb with the command: adb push unrevoked-forever.zip /sdcard/update.zip
I have a feeling I'm misunderstanding some part of that, but I want to make sure before I finalize this.
Does this look good for a final step?
***Update****
Applied Forever Patch, no issues what so ever. Phone loads back to previous states, now I get the # after su request in shell.
I"m still seeing a Baseband Version of: 1.0.03.04.06. The next step is to update the radio, then off to a custom ROM of my choice?
HyperTension said:
***Update****
Applied Forever Patch, no issues what so ever. Phone loads back to previous states, now I get the # after su request in shell.
I"m still seeing a Baseband Version of: 1.0.03.04.06. The next step is to update the radio, then off to a custom ROM of my choice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. Be sure to do a nandroid before you do each thing. I know it sounds silly and like a lot of backing up, but you'll be glad you've got it if something goes wrong. You can almost always get back to good with a nandroid backup.
Isnt that the truth
Takes 5 minutes to backup, and 5 seconds to break lol. NANDROID
I have not had a chance to flash the radio / install a custom ROM, but everything works!
Big thanks for the support / guidance through this!
Next question, obviously asked in several previous threads, but I'm unable to resolve the next issue at hand with that data.
When I power on, and hit hboot, I'm still seeing S-On, yet if I log into abb shell, su, I get "#", as well as now having the icon for "Superuser Permissions".
I've attempted to install the radio update "PB31IMG.zip" via root of SD card. I'm able to see / install it, yet baseband is still showing 1.00.03.04.06.
I have W7, and have the option to "Hide extensions for known file types" off (Can't stand not seeing exactly what files are what).
What am I missing? I've seen that others have had to do the "*22899 then *228 option 2", yet If it doesn't show it as being a valid install, I'm hesitant to try and reinstall it
****Edit**** If this is the case, then I will wear the obligitory "dunce" cap for a bit.... Do I need to rename PB31... to update, the port over to root of SD and install then select "apply sdcard:update.zip"?
I followed all the steps from the Wiki: (http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_Vision_.28G2.2FDZ.29_and_DHD).
Now the problem is when I go to verify the root. On the Wiki, where it says run "su' in computer ADB shell, I get access denied. When I run "./gfree_verify" in computer ADB shell, I get
Error: Could not open modem device; /dev/****
Error: Verify could not initialize device
But in my apps on the G2 I see an icon for superuser permissions. So did the root take or not?
Thanks for any help, new to Android.
Go in to terminal on your phone and type SU
After pressing enter if it says permissions denied, you have no root, if a Su message pops up click allow... that means you have root
Edit: I think you have no root
MacaronyMax said:
Go in to terminal on your phone and type SU
After pressing enter if it says permissions denied, you have no root, if a Su message pops up click allow... that means you have root
Edit: I think you have no root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After typing Su in the terminal on the phone, I get a message pop that says either allow or deny. I click allow and it gives me root permission.
Then it`s OK!
After reboot/or try again,open terminal emulator on your phone and type "su".
If you get a superuser prompt, you have root!
After "su" you should see a line with "#".
Ganii said:
Then it`s OK!
After reboot/or try again,open terminal emulator on your phone and type "su".
If you get a superuser prompt, you have root!
After "su" you should see a line with "#".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After a reboot (two actually) after I enter su into terminal I dont get the popup anymore asking allow or deny. I get "#." I actually went through the whole rooting Wiki steps again, to root the phone (just cause I wasn't sure if I was rooted). Same results, the gfree-verfiy doesnt work and neither does the "older" method. But I get "#" after entering su in terminal on G2.
I also installed Rom Manager, I clicked Flash ClockworkMod Recovery and then chose Backup Current ROM. It asked for superuser permissions and I allowed it. It rebooted the phone and went to a ClockworkMod Recovery screen where I selected reboot device. Does this mean I backed up my current Tmobile ROM?
Another question, is it okay to delete the files I had to push to /data/local to root? How would I delete them?
I want to really thank you guys for all the help.
boost3d23 said:
After a reboot (two actually) after I enter su into terminal I dont get the popup anymore asking allow or deny. I get "#." I actually went through the whole rooting Wiki steps again, to root the phone (just cause I wasn't sure if I was rooted). Same results, the gfree-verfiy doesnt work and neither does the "older" method. But I get "#" after entering su in terminal on G2.
I also installed Rom Manager, I clicked Flash ClockworkMod Recovery and then chose Backup Current ROM. It asked for superuser permissions and I allowed it. It rebooted the phone and went to a ClockworkMod Recovery screen where I selected reboot device. Does this mean I backed up my current Tmobile ROM?
Another question, is it okay to delete the files I had to push to /data/local to root? How would I delete them?
I want to really thank you guys for all the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
# sign means your rooted or have su access.
Go under manage and restore backups in rom manager, you should have a copy of the rom you just backed up. Unless you renamed the back up its probably a date.
Its ok to delete the files you pushed to data/local use a file manager like root explorer.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
After a reboot (two actually) after I enter su into terminal I dont get the popup anymore asking allow or deny. I get "#." I actually went through the whole rooting Wiki steps again. Same results, the gfree-verfiy doesnt work and neither does the "older" method. But I get "#" after entering su in terminal on G2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get "#" then it`s right,the app don`t ask you again about allow or deny!
About gfree-verify,I don`t know.Maybe something wrong with Script
or you have done something wrong with the commands!
I also installed Rom Manager, I clicked Flash ClockworkMod Recovery and then chose Backup Current ROM. It asked for superuser permissions and I allowed it. It rebooted the phone and went to a ClockworkMod Recovery screen where I selected reboot device. Does this mean I backed up my current Tmobile ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you choose "Backup ROM" you phone boot into Recovery,then you have
to choose "backup/restore option to backup you current ROM.
Otherwise you don`t have a backup
Again thanks guys.
Now i downloaded Astro and ES file Managers but I cant find the files. Do I need specifically need root manager? Im guessing the ones I downloaded cant access root files.
boost3d23 said:
Again thanks guys.
Now i downloaded Astro and ES file Managers but I cant find the files. Do I need specifically need root manager? Im guessing the ones I downloaded cant access root files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Root Explorer or SUFBS (Super User File Manager and Terminal).
boost3d23 said:
Now i downloaded Astro and ES file Managers but I cant find the files. Do I need specifically need root manager? Im guessing the ones I downloaded cant access root files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should really have posted up in the existing thread about gfree on this, or otherwise in the Q&A forum
But anyway, yes, those file managers don't handle root. Well, ES does have an option to do so, but it doesn't work on the Vision. So you'll need a root-capable file manager, as joemm said.
On the backup, that sounds a bit odd, but you'll know that it's doing a backup because it'll take a while. You'll get a different screen where it shows you it's backup up the main phone partitions, and even which file is being backed up. When it's done, make sure you copy this backup somewhere else, like your PC (i.e. so you don't just have a single copy, in case something happens to it - e.g. corrupt SD card).
Thanks to everyone who provided insight. I had the same problem and was worried about bricking my phone, but this worked and I'm happily rooted!
Root Galaxy Nexus (Either GSM or LTE) in Linux (Personally in Ubuntu)
Disclaimer: I am not at fault for anything you have done to your phone (ie. Brick, break, etc.). You are doing this at your own discression. I am merely stating what I did to unlock/root my phone.
Tutorial Broken Down Into Three Sections
I. Unlocking the bootloader
II. Installing Clockwork Mod Recovery
III. Installing SuperUser
Resources
1. Super User (used by flashing in Clockwork): http://download.clockworkmod.com/test/su.zip
You can get the latest version here: SuperUser by ChainsDD
2. Clockwork – based by carrier
1. Verizon (CDMA) version: CMW Galaxy Nexus
File name:*recovery-clockwork-5.5.0.4-toro.img
MD5:*b2d31c29b7ef785f9c0802a12264d322
File size:*5,263,360*(bytes)
2. GSM version: CMW Galaxy Nexus
File name:*recovery-clockwork-5.5.0.2-maguro.img
MD5:*445887336a863573997ccbaeedddc984
File size:*5,427,200*(bytes)
Unlocking Bootloader
Part 1: Unlock
1. First off, you need to download the adb drivers. There have been mentions of just getting the drivers, but I actually have the entire SDK. You can download it here. http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
2. Plug in your device, then open up Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and type in: “lsusb” (without quotes). This will pull up all the devices plugged into your usb slots. Look for the one that says samsung (others have found google, but please make note).
3. Find the device, then find where it says ID. After where it says ID, it should have a number/letter mix such as “04e8” or such. Make note of that for later.
4. Go to http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/device.html . This will give the instructions on how to Install the device drivers (specific to each manufacturer). Start from where it says “4. Set up your system to detect your device.”
5. Go to your internal and cd to platform-tools. (This should include both adb and fastboot.) Put your phone into fast boot. (Do this by holding the power, volume up, and volume down buttons while phone is off).
6. Once in fastboot, go back to your computer and type in “sudo fastboot oem unlock”. This will bring up the option to unlock your phone's bootloader on your device's screen. It will give you a disclaimer, and it will say that if you unlock, it will wipe all of your phone's data. Scroll to Yes using the vol up or vol down buttons, and select it with the power button.
7. If you boot straight from there, you will go through a series of boot loops (it was 2 for me) then will be prompted to go through the process of setting up your Google account again. again.
Congratulations, your phone is now unlocked. However, this doesn't mean that you have rooted your phone.
Rooting
Part 2: Putting Clockwork Mod Recovery On Your Phone
(do step one for preparation of Part 3)
1. First, we will want to push su.zip to your phone's Internal storage or “sdcard” partition. Open up Terminal and type the command “adb push 'directory_of_su.zip'/su.zip /sdcard/”. Hit enter/return and it should transfer over. (Based on the quality of usb cord, times of transfer may vary.)
To make this easier, put su.zip into the directory of adb. Then all you have to use for the command is “adb push su.zip /sdcard/”.EDIT:
After you root, you have to delete /system/recovery-from-boot.p and reflash or else every time you reboot, the recovery partition will be written over by android. This can either be done in terminal (phone or comp) or by a file manager with root access (such as Root Explorer).
Reference: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1392336
Thanks vihil
2. Put your phone in fastboot mode again (vol up + vol down + power)
3. Go back to Terminal and type in “fastboot flash recovery 'whatever the file name is'”. This will flash CWM (Clockwork Mod) onto your phone, deleting your phone's stock recovery image.
EDIT: If it doesn't work, i.e. due to permissions, run with sudo
Part 3: Flashing Super User onto your phone.
1. Next, go into Clockwork by hitting the volume up or down buttons till you see recovery mode. Hit the power button to enter Clockwork.
2. Scroll down (using volume buttons) till you get to “install zip from sd card”. Use the power button to select it.
3. Scroll down to “su.zip” and select it. Then, hit the selection for installing the zip file.
4. Go back using the “Go Back” selection to return to the main screen.
5. Reboot the system using the “reboot system”.
Congratulations! You now have Root access!!!
Have fun with Flashing ROMs!
Special Thanks to scary alien on androidforums.com and jcarrz1 on XDA
Reserved
Reserved......
Thanks a lot I was looking for exactly this. Appreciated. Will try in a few hours when I get my phone.
Downloaded the sdk file but have no idea what to do. My windows computer died and it would be a lot easier on that to do all this but all I have is a computer with linux currently so if anyone would be kind enough to tell me how to install sdk I'd appreciate it. I seen the read me and seen it says execute "android" first but I don't know how to do that. I realize this is incredibly annoying to the xda hive mind trust me I hate needing help like this I'm nothing close to a noob as far as rooting flashing and all that good stuff I'm just unfortunately stuck with only Linux. I'd really really appreciate it.
under the tools folder there is a script called android, u can either run it in a terminal or hopefully if u were to click it, it was ask if u want to run it!
If you want to run it, you can just cd to it in terminal, then do "./android" and that should do the trick.
./ is the way you execute scripts in linux.
Seems like my fastboot is stuck on `waiting for device`. I have the fastboot screen on my GN.
Before rebooting into fastboot `adb devices` successfully showed a device (i.e., usb debugging is enabled, dunno whether it is needed for the unlocking):
$ fastboot oem unlock
< waiting for device >
Any idea?
EDIT: Found the solution. After doing a `fastboot devices` it told me "no permissions fastboot" so I needed to be root on my computer for it to work.
FadedLite said:
If you want to run it, you can just cd to it in terminal, then do "./android" and that should do the trick.
./ is the way you execute scripts in linux.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! That worked correctly and installed it. Now the next step to check the usb and if its there does not work, I might be entering this incorrectly but I typed just lsusb and enter nothing happened, held down ctrl, alt, t then typed in lsusb and nothing happened then just copied that entire part encase I was suppose to and got this.
[[email protected] ~]$ (Ctrl, Alt, T): lsusb
bash: syntax error near unexpected token `:'
Like I said I'm not expecting help because I know XDA doesn't like noobie questions, I will be greatly appreciative if you have patience with me and will even be willing to donate once I unlock the BL and root it. Thank you again.
C-4Nati said:
Thank you! That worked correctly and installed it. Now the next step to check the usb and if its there does not work, I might be entering this incorrectly but I typed just lsusb and enter nothing happened, held down ctrl, alt, t then typed in lsusb and nothing happened then just copied that entire part encase I was suppose to and got this.
[[email protected] ~]$ (Ctrl, Alt, T): lsusb
bash: syntax error near unexpected token `:'
Like I said I'm not expecting help because I know XDA doesn't like noobie questions, I will be greatly appreciative if you have patience with me and will even be willing to donate once I unlock the BL and root it. Thank you again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't really need that step. Since '04e8' is Samsung and you have a Samsung device it will likely always be 04e8.
Part 1, 3. and 4. can be summarized as following:
Put the following line into /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules:
SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="04e8", MODE="0666", GROUP="plugdev"
Execute: chmod a+r /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules
Type the following to verify it is working: "adb devices" It should display something like:
List of devices attached
01492B093401000F device
Part 1, 6. should probably changed to "sudo fastboot oem unlock"
Also, Part 2, 1. the preparation makes no sense to me: "(do step one for preparation of Part 3)". How can I go into Clockwork recovery before completing Part 2? Since Part 2 is about installing Clockwork...
Edit: And I just realised, C-4Nati, you should not write the "(Ctrl, Alt, T):" out.. that's just a shortcut to open a terminal. Just "lsusb" is fine. Then it should work.
---------- Post added at 11:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 AM ----------
For anyone wondering why the step by step instructions in the OP do not work:
You need to flash the Clockwork recovery and install su.zip before you can remove the /system/recovery-from-boot.p (and if you follow that link provided it will cost you around $3.50 but you should be able to do it manually, will try to figure it out).
---------- Post added at 11:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:33 AM ----------
(I couldn't find the /system/recovery-from-boot.p on my GN filesystem but maybe someone else does)
To remove /system/recovery-from-boot.p:
$ adb shell
$ su
# mount -o rw,remount -t ext4 /dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.0/by-name/system /system
# rm /system/recovery-from-boot.p
# mount -o ro,remount -t ext4 /dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.0/by-name/system /system
For simplicity, you can shorten that to: mount -o rw,remount /system
You can also delete it from a terminal on the phone or any file manager that allows root access. I think the free ES file explorer has root options.
vihil said:
You don't really need that step. Since '04e8' is Samsung and you have a Samsung device it will likely always be 04e8.
Part 1, 3. and 4. can be summarized as following:
Put the following line into /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules:
SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="04e8", MODE="0666", GROUP="plugdev"
Execute: chmod a+r /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules
Type the following to verify it is working: "adb devices" It should display something like:
List of devices attached
01492B093401000F device
Part 1, 6. should probably changed to "sudo fastboot oem unlock"
Also, Part 2, 1. the preparation makes no sense to me: "(do step one for preparation of Part 3)". How can I go into Clockwork recovery before completing Part 2? Since Part 2 is about installing Clockwork...
Edit: And I just realised, C-4Nati, you should not write the "(Ctrl, Alt, T):" out.. that's just a shortcut to open a terminal. Just "lsusb" is fine. Then it should work.
---------- Post added at 11:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 AM ----------
For anyone wondering why the step by step instructions in the OP do not work:
You need to flash the Clockwork recovery and install su.zip before you can remove the /system/recovery-from-boot.p (and if you follow that link provided it will cost you around $3.50 but you should be able to do it manually, will try to figure it out).
---------- Post added at 11:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:33 AM ----------
(I couldn't find the /system/recovery-from-boot.p on my GN filesystem but maybe someone else does)
To remove /system/recovery-from-boot.p:
$ adb shell
$ su
# mount -o rw,remount -t ext4 /dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.0/by-name/system /system
# rm /system/recovery-from-boot.p
# mount -o ro,remount -t ext4 /dev/block/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.0/by-name/system /system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for needing to type in lsusb, i found that as somewhat of a precaution. I had seen on other threads that others had their device show up as either google or samsung. So i just figured rather check first instead of installing both or something.
for the preparation, basically you do that since your phone is already on. after flashing cwm, you would have to boot back into your phone, push the file to your sdcard, then boot back into recovery. All it does is that it saves just a bit of time.
As for the sudo fastboot, I didn't actually have to do that, but i'll add it, Thanks.
As for the cwm terminal commands, i'll add that as well. Thanks again.
FadedLite said:
Part 3: Flashing Super User onto your phone.
1. Next, go into Clockwork by hitting the volume up or down buttons till you see recovery mode. Hit the power button to enter Clockwork.
2. Scroll down (using volume buttons) till you get to “install zip from sd card”. Use the power button to select it.
3. Scroll down to “su.zip” and select it. Then, hit the selection for installing the zip file.
4. Go back using the “Go Back” selection to return to the main screen.
5. Reboot the system using the “reboot system”.Congratulations! You now have Root access!!!
Have fun with Flashing ROMs!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not yet. after flashing su-bin-3.0.3.2-efghi-signed.zip (which is just the binary), the user still needs to flash Superuser-3.0.7-efghi-signed.zip, to have Superuser.apk placed in /system/app, otherwise GUI apps won't have access to su. (unless, of course, the zip you are linking here has them both)
It's preferable to have users linked to ChainsDD website, there people will find latest binaries and Superuser.apk. I also don't see any mention to him in the OP. Even if this is a tutorial, don't forget to give credit where needed.
Some help for an Ubuntu Noob/Not a Noob to Windows
Hi all,
Long story short, I no longer have Windows (nor a way to load Windows without a purchase; I'd rather not). So I have a fresh install of Ubuntu Linux 11.10. I have read this guide and some of the helpful responses and have yet to be able to get adb and fastboot up and running. I am beginning to understand the nuances of Ubuntu and have tackled adb and fastboot in Windows but Ubuntu is different. I would say I have put in two 12 hour sessions with no desire to pack it in and go back to Windows (I am avoiding a VM as well).
Here is where I seem to be stuck (mind you I have done a fresh install numerous times to start with a fresh playing field in case I have messed up something): Whether downloading the full SDK through Eclipse (cos I'd like to dev apps soon and why not have it?) or downloading the SDK on its own, I get it without fail. The steps leading up to entering in commands for terminal so that the computer recognizes either just my Nexus or a slew of OEMs are easy enough but maybe I am messing up. It is where getting the computer to see my device (udev steps) I can't seem to get it right. I have even looked at other guides for reference (most seem messy and convoluted) but keep coming back here.
I know you probably need more to go on and I am sooooooo willing to tell more. I just hope someone is down to help a brother out. Like I said, I just need some direction. I have manually rooted and all that jazz, just in windows. Thanks in advance for your help.
jmar
jmartino5920 said:
Hi all,
Long story short, I no longer have Windows (nor a way to load Windows without a purchase; I'd rather not). So I have a fresh install of Ubuntu Linux 11.10. I have read this guide and some of the helpful responses and have yet to be able to get adb and fastboot up and running. I am beginning to understand the nuances of Ubuntu and have tackled adb and fastboot in Windows but Ubuntu is different. I would say I have put in two 12 hour sessions with no desire to pack it in and go back to Windows (I am avoiding a VM as well).
Here is where I seem to be stuck (mind you I have done a fresh install numerous times to start with a fresh playing field in case I have messed up something): Whether downloading the full SDK through Eclipse (cos I'd like to dev apps soon and why not have it?) or downloading the SDK on its own, I get it without fail. The steps leading up to entering in commands for terminal so that the computer recognizes either just my Nexus or a slew of OEMs are easy enough but maybe I am messing up. It is where getting the computer to see my device (udev steps) I can't seem to get it right. I have even looked at other guides for reference (most seem messy and convoluted) but keep coming back here.
I know you probably need more to go on and I am sooooooo willing to tell more. I just hope someone is down to help a brother out. Like I said, I just need some direction. I have manually rooted and all that jazz, just in windows. Thanks in advance for your help.
jmar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you getting a "waiting on device" message or something similar when you run adb or fastboot?
Forget about the udev nonsense (not important really until you start developing full time) and just drop a sudo before your commands.
You can shoot me a PM or a gtalk (same username as my xda) if you want and I'd be more than happy to help you get your system going.
Thanks, still a bit more annoying that Windows but this tutorial makes it easy.
Sorry if this is ignorant, but can I use these instructions with Unix & terminal on Mac OS X? I'm thinking yes???
I rooted mine in linux as well... No problems. For some reason I was able to do it much easier though...
I did the fastboot oem unlock step above (Part 1). Rebooted then installed superuser from the android market. Then I installed Clockworkmod from the android market.
Done.
Not sure if I'm missing out on something by doing it this way but so far I've had no issues....
PLEASE NOTE: This should work on any and every rooted device, but as always, there is a risk when modifying your devices.
First, I must explain what this guide will do and what you will need.
What we're doing.
1. We will delete the update.zip (if one already exists).
2. We will make a dummy update.zip that will not be replaceable or modifiable, even by the root user (unless the changes are reversed). This fake update file will prevent a legitimate update from downloading and installing.
3. [OPTIONAL] We will remove the annoying update notification.
What we're going to need.
1. Root. [duh...]
2. File explorer with root privileges a.k.a. a "root explorer". (If you need one, I personally recommend the free yet feature packed ES File Explorer.)
3. A proper BusyBox installation.
4. A terminal emulator.
5. A few minutes of your time.
***AS ALWAYS, I, XDA, XDA MODERATORS, XDA MEMBERS, AND EVERYONE ELSE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF FOLLOWING THIS GUIDE. THE DEVICE YOU HOLD IS YOURS AND ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO IT IS YOUR FAULT. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!***
The procedure.
-Part 1. (Only required if an update is already present. If an update is not already present, go to part 2.)
1. Open your root explorer and make sure that it has root privileges.
2. Navigate to /cache (a.k.a. the "cache" partition)
3. Delete the update.zip file.
-Part 2.
4. Make a new .zip file with nothing in it and save it as update.zip (make sure it is saved to "/cache" and nowhere else, not even in a folder inside "/cache"!)
5. From here move on to your terminal emulator.
6. Once inside the terminal emulator, type the following commands.
Code:
su
cd /cache
ls
chattr +i update.zip
From here I recommend that you check that it worked by typing in
Code:
lsattr update.zip
If the command works you will see a lowercase 'i' amongst a string of letters and/or dashes.
-Part 3. [Optional]
The annoying update notifications are actually Google Play Services fault. All you have to do is go to "Settings > Apps" and find Google play services and disable the apps ability to show you notifications.
That's pretty much it. Now I must tell you that you will still receive notifications saying an update was downloaded, verified, and is ready to install, assuming that you did not go through with part 3. All you have to do is click the install button, and let it restart to install the bogus update. The update process will error and all you have to do now is restart the phone. Nothing will have changed as the update file we created is empty and therefore will not change anything on your device. I have been doing this myself for a while now and have not had a single issue.
I hope that you find this useful and happy modding! :victory::highfive:
Message to Moderators: If this is in the wrong area, I apologize. Please feel free to relocate it to the appropriate area of XDA.
If you wish to undo this process, go into the terminal emulator and enter
Code:
su
cd /cache
chattr -i update.zip
From here you can check that it worked by entering
Code:
lsattr update.zip
At this point you can easily delete the file and allow your device to download your OTA.
Thanks, this will work until you wipe /cache so I created a more permanent solution HERE