[HOWTO MAY16]UNLOCK BOOTLOADER, FLASH RECOVERY, INSTALL ROM Atrix 4G Bell/int'l + ATT

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tayshun12

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2011
83
193
Edited May 16 2012


Hi all,

Due to confusion and scared people I have decided to post simple instructions on how to unlock the bootloader on GB 2.3.4. I just received my Bell Atrix 4G, unlocked it for rogers and then rooted and unlocked the bootloader. I was confused by the pudding instructions, so I decided to recreate them In my own wording.

I take no responsibility for anything that happens to your phone or your heart stopping while you wait for your phone to reboot or if it is stuck on moto screen etc...

Credit for original tutorials go to the2dcour, romracer, Nottach, Faux123 and the others for all of their hard work.

Requirements:

1.Create a folder on your desktop named motounlock


2.Go here: xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1136261

Scroll down to where it says "RSDLite/Windows Drivers/Sbf_flash"

UPDATE: Download RSDLite from here : http://www.multiupload.com/T6NOEBKKLO . If you need x64 bit Drivers use the other link. thanks AnguishedEnd!

download the first two files for windows (RSDLite 5.5 link, x64 Windows drivers)

download the third file for linux/mac

3.Scroll until you see the big word "Unlock"

where it says "Unlocker only SBFs" download the second file UNLESS you are on ATT.

4. Scroll down to the word "Root" and download 'Fastboot' for your OS

5.unzip all of the files you just downloaded into the motounlock folder on your desktop

6. open the folder, install RSDLite, and afterwards install the Drivers.

Then follow these instructions

  1. Power Down your atrix
  2. Take out your microSD card and SIM card for the flashing process
  3. While turning the phone on, hold the Volume Up button until it acknowledges RSD. Your device will say “Starting RSD protocol support”
  4. Run “RSD Lite” on your computer
  5. Press the “. . .” button next to the box labeled “Filename”
  6. Navigate to your desktop and open the motounlock folder and select the file named intl-fix-try1.sbf ( IT WILL BE DIFFERENT IF U ARE DOING THIS FOR ATT)
  7. Plug your device into your computer. RSD Lite should recognize your device and say “Model: NS Flash Olympus” and “Connected…” The acronym 'NS' may be different for your device people!!
  8. Press the “Start” button. The Flash actually failed for me, wait for it to complete to 100% it may FAIL or PASS! just make sure it gets to 100% leave your phone sitting for about 10 minutes AFTER RSD SAYS FAIL/SUCCESS.
  9. If nothing is happening after 10mins, perform a battery pull. Power the phone on while pressing vol-down. “Fastboot” Will show up on screen. DONT PLUG IT IN YET. Press volume up and let your phone sit. You will see “Starting Fastboot protocol support" LEAVE IT UNPLUGGED

  10. press the windows key + R on your computer, type cmd and press enter
  11. command prompt will open. type cd C:\users\YOURNAME\desktop\motounlock press 'enter'
  12. Plug your device back into usb now
  13. back in your command prompt window type "fastboot oem unlock" no quotes

  14. You will now receive a warning along with a unique device ID
  15. Type the following commands using your unique device ID (the numbers in the command prompt) in place of the ####
    • fastboot oem unlock ####
    • fastboot reboot
  16. your moto will reboot. UNLCOKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Proper Recovery:

1. After your bootloader unlocked go to this link http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1204500

2. Scroll down to where it says "ALL USERS" and download your favourite colour. (NOT THE ZIP VERSION) Place it in the motounlock folder that you have on your desktop.

3. Press the windows key + R on your computer, type cmd and press enter

4. A Command prompt will open. type cd C:\users\YOURNAME\desktop\motounlock press 'enter'

5. type "fastboot devices" Press Enter.
5b. type "fastboot erase recovery" Press Enter.
5c. type "fastboot flash recovery recovery-atrix5.img" Press Enter.

Wait for the command prompt to say : "writing 'recovery'... OKAY ['The amount of seconds it took here']"

5d.type "fastboot reboot"


DO NOT FORGET TO DO THIS PART: After the install of RomRacers recovery boot up your phone. Open up your favourite file browser (I used Astro file manager to do this ) and navigate to /system/etc/ and delete the file called 'install-recovery.sh'

You will be set 100% !

Installing a custom ROM (Any custom rom will work as long as it has unified kernel/Faux Kernel)
MOST ROMS WILL COME PRE-ROOTED! Just saying, to avoid confusion.
I will be using Nottach's Darkside ROM as an example, because Cyanogenmod does not have features included with original moto rom (this one is way more NOOB friendly) But this is COMMON PROCEDURE for almost every rom so be sure to follow this for whatever ROM you want to use.

1. Go here http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1222108

2. Scroll down to where it says 'DOWNLOADS' and download the most current version.

3. When it is finished downloading you will have a ZIP file named something like "TheDarkSidev2.8.0-Wipe.zip"

4. Plug your phone in to your computer and transfer that file to your INTERNAL MEMORY.

5. MAKE SURE YOUR PHONE HAS DECENT CHARGE! I would say at least 50 percent. 70+ is recommended, I have done it with 40 + though.

6. Power Down your Phone.

7. Hold The POWER Button + VOL DOWN. DONT PRESS VOLUME UP WHEN YOU SEE FASTBOOT! Instead...

8. After fastboot shows up click volume down until " Android Recovery " shows up, about 7 down clicks. THEN press volume up.

9.
***FIRST TIME ROM FLASHERS ONLY!!!!!!***
WE ARE GOING TO BACKUP YOUR ORIGINAL ROM SO THAT IF YOU EVER DERP YOU WIL ALLWAYS HAVE A SOLID BACKUP
Press VOLUME DOWN and go to backup and restore. Press the POWER BUTTON
Press the POWER button on backup
Select where you want to put your backup (internal or external memory)
Backup INCLUDING WEBTOP! (if you ever think you will use it)
Wait for it to finish.
***********************************
10. Ok now that you are in android recovery you have to do a few things before flash.
a. Scroll down to "wipe data/factory reset" PRESS POWER. say yes to EVERYTHING until it goes back to the main screen.
b. scroll down to "wipe cache partition" PRESS POWER. say YES. Wait for return to main menu
c. Scroll down to"advanced", click "wipe dalvik cache" Go back to "advanced", "wipe battery stats

11. At the main menu, Scroll to "install Zip from SDcard" Press POWER.
12.scroll down to "choose zip from internal sdcard"
13. select the ZIP file that you saved to your INTERNAL memory. If you're using darkside the file name is "TheDarkSidev2.8.0-Wipe.zip"
14. Scroll down to "YES - install TheDarkSidev2.8.0-Wipe.zip" Press POWER
15. Let your phone work its magic!
16. When it is finished installing, you will be returned to the recovery main menu.
17. click "reboot system now"
18. Let it boot! This can take anywhere from 10 seconds to 5+ MINUTES! if you dont see it move from the "unlocked" screen after 10 minutes Perform a battery pull and power on again. If it hangs then all you have to do is go into recvoery click "backup and restore" and restore your original ROM. Or like me, have one of every kind of ROM on your storage in case I feel the need to change it on the go! :p

19. YOUR PHONE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY TURNED INTO A FULLY OPEN DROID :) Pat yourself on the back and have a drink to your accomplishments . We on XDA knew you could do it!


Some solutions to issues:

As ar31791 said,

Anyone having issues not being able to boot into CWM recovery after flashing it (such as seeing android guy with exclamation mark):

Delete or rename /system/etc/install-recovery.sh AND /etc/install-recovery.sh I renamed mine to bkup.install-recovery.sh in case i ever wanted to use them again for some reason.

/etc/install-recovery.sh will automatically be placed in /system/etc if /system/etc/install-recovery.sh is not found on boot.
So, you must delete or rename both, THEN INSTALL CWM recovery.

rename the files using ROM Toolbox's root explorer as some file explorers will not give you the proper access levels to delete or rename the files correctly.c



Hope this helps it worked for me. I was afraid of a brick because nobody clarified the steps that were involved in RSDLite. It may be nerve racking, but it does work!! Enjoy and thanks again to the2dcour, romracer, Nottach, Faux123 and anybody else who has helped in the scene that I didnt have a chance to mention. PM me if I forgot you!
 
Last edited:

noobler

New member
Oct 14, 2011
3
0
Toronto
OMG thank you so much tayshun!! I just spent 2 hours reading through that pudding post mess trying to figure out how to do this for a 2.3.4 bell atrix....
I was very nervous about trying something without clear directions in case I brick my phone. You're a lifesaver :)
 

tayshun12

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2011
83
193
OMG thank you so much tayshun!! I just spent 2 hours reading through that pudding post mess trying to figure out how to do this for a 2.3.4 bell atrix....
I was very nervous about trying something without clear directions in case I brick my phone. You're a lifesaver :)

I understand your grief hahaha. Feel free to press the thank you button at the bottom of my post. I'm trying to get a good reputation around here as I am going to school for programming and I will probably be in these dev forums daily to get help cooking Roms!
 

timfoote

Senior Member
Mar 18, 2009
72
6
Thanks heaps for the instructions :) Just used them to unlock a Telstra Atrix which I updated to 2.3.4 this morning! Worked a treat.

---------- Post added at 12:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:58 AM ----------

Maybe i spoke to soon...I just noticed it has reset to factory defaults. Not a big deal as I already backed everything up but i certainly wasn't expecting it!
 

xeidy

Member
Nov 7, 2010
12
0
What about android version 2.2.2 and system Version.4.2.11.MB860.Retail.end.FR
Build: OLYEM_ U4_2.1.1

IT'S bell phone atrix 4g unlocked and running on Rogers

In just afraid of ruining it,, I've bricked a vibrant by just updating it from Samsung utility which is weird.

Thanks

Sent from my HTC-A510a using xda premium
 

re_dignity

Member
Sep 10, 2011
7
0
Worked perfectly for me. My phone wouldnt complete the flash, so I went into CMD and unlocked it.

I've been trying to do this before, and many failed attempts.

So thank you.
 

nabicat

Senior Member
Mar 6, 2008
133
11
Super guide

Thanks for the very clear instructions. Worked first time. The one thing that always seemed ambiguous to me was the memory fix. Do we need to apply it?
 

tayshun12

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2011
83
193
What about android version 2.2.2 and system Version.4.2.11.MB860.Retail.end.FR
Build: OLYEM_ U4_2.1.1

IT'S bell phone atrix 4g unlocked and running on Rogers

In just afraid of ruining it,, I've bricked a vibrant by just updating it from Samsung utility which is weird.

Thanks

Sent from my HTC-A510a using xda premium

I also have an unlocked bell atrix 4g on rogers. If you dont have 2.3.4 you would have to update your phone with the bell original software. It wont take away your unlock as unlocks are permanent. after you upgrade follow this guide to unlock the Bootloader and feel free to use custom roms!
 
  • Like
Reactions: xeidy

tayshun12

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2011
83
193
Thanks for the very clear instructions. Worked first time. The one thing that always seemed ambiguous to me was the memory fix. Do we need to apply it?

well after I unlocked my bootloader I installed romracers CWM and DarkSide v2.1 to my phone. No issues with ram so far. I dont know if you intend on installing customs ( I assume so because what other reason would you have to unlock the bootloader? lol) but after the install my ram readouts seemed correct
 

nabicat

Senior Member
Mar 6, 2008
133
11
Yes, you're correct. I checked available memory and its over 800 mb, so the fix must be in there.
Cheers
 

MrJcc

Member
Nov 13, 2010
17
0
Wondering if this instruction works with Hong Kong's ME860 2.3.4 also?
I'd love to try this!
 

tayshun12

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2011
83
193
Wondering if this instruction works with Hong Kong's ME860 2.3.4 also?
I'd love to try this!

I'm not sure if it works with hong kong version. If you check the link that I posted, it leads to a thread on here called international house of pudding. in that thread at the beginning it says that " China version ??: DANGER: Brick after OTA 2.2.2" So you would definitely have to ask someone around the forums or search to see if somebody has done it successfully
 

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  • 161
    Edited May 16 2012


    Hi all,

    Due to confusion and scared people I have decided to post simple instructions on how to unlock the bootloader on GB 2.3.4. I just received my Bell Atrix 4G, unlocked it for rogers and then rooted and unlocked the bootloader. I was confused by the pudding instructions, so I decided to recreate them In my own wording.

    I take no responsibility for anything that happens to your phone or your heart stopping while you wait for your phone to reboot or if it is stuck on moto screen etc...

    Credit for original tutorials go to the2dcour, romracer, Nottach, Faux123 and the others for all of their hard work.

    Requirements:

    1.Create a folder on your desktop named motounlock


    2.Go here: xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1136261

    Scroll down to where it says "RSDLite/Windows Drivers/Sbf_flash"

    UPDATE: Download RSDLite from here : http://www.multiupload.com/T6NOEBKKLO . If you need x64 bit Drivers use the other link. thanks AnguishedEnd!

    download the first two files for windows (RSDLite 5.5 link, x64 Windows drivers)

    download the third file for linux/mac

    3.Scroll until you see the big word "Unlock"

    where it says "Unlocker only SBFs" download the second file UNLESS you are on ATT.

    4. Scroll down to the word "Root" and download 'Fastboot' for your OS

    5.unzip all of the files you just downloaded into the motounlock folder on your desktop

    6. open the folder, install RSDLite, and afterwards install the Drivers.

    Then follow these instructions

    1. Power Down your atrix
    2. Take out your microSD card and SIM card for the flashing process
    3. While turning the phone on, hold the Volume Up button until it acknowledges RSD. Your device will say “Starting RSD protocol support”
    4. Run “RSD Lite” on your computer
    5. Press the “. . .” button next to the box labeled “Filename”
    6. Navigate to your desktop and open the motounlock folder and select the file named intl-fix-try1.sbf ( IT WILL BE DIFFERENT IF U ARE DOING THIS FOR ATT)
    7. Plug your device into your computer. RSD Lite should recognize your device and say “Model: NS Flash Olympus” and “Connected…” The acronym 'NS' may be different for your device people!!
    8. Press the “Start” button. The Flash actually failed for me, wait for it to complete to 100% it may FAIL or PASS! just make sure it gets to 100% leave your phone sitting for about 10 minutes AFTER RSD SAYS FAIL/SUCCESS.
    9. If nothing is happening after 10mins, perform a battery pull. Power the phone on while pressing vol-down. “Fastboot” Will show up on screen. DONT PLUG IT IN YET. Press volume up and let your phone sit. You will see “Starting Fastboot protocol support" LEAVE IT UNPLUGGED

    10. press the windows key + R on your computer, type cmd and press enter
    11. command prompt will open. type cd C:\users\YOURNAME\desktop\motounlock press 'enter'
    12. Plug your device back into usb now
    13. back in your command prompt window type "fastboot oem unlock" no quotes

    14. You will now receive a warning along with a unique device ID
    15. Type the following commands using your unique device ID (the numbers in the command prompt) in place of the ####
      • fastboot oem unlock ####
      • fastboot reboot
    16. your moto will reboot. UNLCOKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    Proper Recovery:

    1. After your bootloader unlocked go to this link http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1204500

    2. Scroll down to where it says "ALL USERS" and download your favourite colour. (NOT THE ZIP VERSION) Place it in the motounlock folder that you have on your desktop.

    3. Press the windows key + R on your computer, type cmd and press enter

    4. A Command prompt will open. type cd C:\users\YOURNAME\desktop\motounlock press 'enter'

    5. type "fastboot devices" Press Enter.
    5b. type "fastboot erase recovery" Press Enter.
    5c. type "fastboot flash recovery recovery-atrix5.img" Press Enter.

    Wait for the command prompt to say : "writing 'recovery'... OKAY ['The amount of seconds it took here']"

    5d.type "fastboot reboot"


    DO NOT FORGET TO DO THIS PART: After the install of RomRacers recovery boot up your phone. Open up your favourite file browser (I used Astro file manager to do this ) and navigate to /system/etc/ and delete the file called 'install-recovery.sh'

    You will be set 100% !

    Installing a custom ROM (Any custom rom will work as long as it has unified kernel/Faux Kernel)
    MOST ROMS WILL COME PRE-ROOTED! Just saying, to avoid confusion.
    I will be using Nottach's Darkside ROM as an example, because Cyanogenmod does not have features included with original moto rom (this one is way more NOOB friendly) But this is COMMON PROCEDURE for almost every rom so be sure to follow this for whatever ROM you want to use.

    1. Go here http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1222108

    2. Scroll down to where it says 'DOWNLOADS' and download the most current version.

    3. When it is finished downloading you will have a ZIP file named something like "TheDarkSidev2.8.0-Wipe.zip"

    4. Plug your phone in to your computer and transfer that file to your INTERNAL MEMORY.

    5. MAKE SURE YOUR PHONE HAS DECENT CHARGE! I would say at least 50 percent. 70+ is recommended, I have done it with 40 + though.

    6. Power Down your Phone.

    7. Hold The POWER Button + VOL DOWN. DONT PRESS VOLUME UP WHEN YOU SEE FASTBOOT! Instead...

    8. After fastboot shows up click volume down until " Android Recovery " shows up, about 7 down clicks. THEN press volume up.

    9.
    ***FIRST TIME ROM FLASHERS ONLY!!!!!!***
    WE ARE GOING TO BACKUP YOUR ORIGINAL ROM SO THAT IF YOU EVER DERP YOU WIL ALLWAYS HAVE A SOLID BACKUP
    Press VOLUME DOWN and go to backup and restore. Press the POWER BUTTON
    Press the POWER button on backup
    Select where you want to put your backup (internal or external memory)
    Backup INCLUDING WEBTOP! (if you ever think you will use it)
    Wait for it to finish.
    ***********************************
    10. Ok now that you are in android recovery you have to do a few things before flash.
    a. Scroll down to "wipe data/factory reset" PRESS POWER. say yes to EVERYTHING until it goes back to the main screen.
    b. scroll down to "wipe cache partition" PRESS POWER. say YES. Wait for return to main menu
    c. Scroll down to"advanced", click "wipe dalvik cache" Go back to "advanced", "wipe battery stats

    11. At the main menu, Scroll to "install Zip from SDcard" Press POWER.
    12.scroll down to "choose zip from internal sdcard"
    13. select the ZIP file that you saved to your INTERNAL memory. If you're using darkside the file name is "TheDarkSidev2.8.0-Wipe.zip"
    14. Scroll down to "YES - install TheDarkSidev2.8.0-Wipe.zip" Press POWER
    15. Let your phone work its magic!
    16. When it is finished installing, you will be returned to the recovery main menu.
    17. click "reboot system now"
    18. Let it boot! This can take anywhere from 10 seconds to 5+ MINUTES! if you dont see it move from the "unlocked" screen after 10 minutes Perform a battery pull and power on again. If it hangs then all you have to do is go into recvoery click "backup and restore" and restore your original ROM. Or like me, have one of every kind of ROM on your storage in case I feel the need to change it on the go! :p

    19. YOUR PHONE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY TURNED INTO A FULLY OPEN DROID :) Pat yourself on the back and have a drink to your accomplishments . We on XDA knew you could do it!


    Some solutions to issues:

    As ar31791 said,

    Anyone having issues not being able to boot into CWM recovery after flashing it (such as seeing android guy with exclamation mark):

    Delete or rename /system/etc/install-recovery.sh AND /etc/install-recovery.sh I renamed mine to bkup.install-recovery.sh in case i ever wanted to use them again for some reason.

    /etc/install-recovery.sh will automatically be placed in /system/etc if /system/etc/install-recovery.sh is not found on boot.
    So, you must delete or rename both, THEN INSTALL CWM recovery.

    rename the files using ROM Toolbox's root explorer as some file explorers will not give you the proper access levels to delete or rename the files correctly.c



    Hope this helps it worked for me. I was afraid of a brick because nobody clarified the steps that were involved in RSDLite. It may be nerve racking, but it does work!! Enjoy and thanks again to the2dcour, romracer, Nottach, Faux123 and anybody else who has helped in the scene that I didnt have a chance to mention. PM me if I forgot you!
    8
    Oh, and just to let everybody know when your bootloader is successfully unlocked it will say unlocked at the top left of your screen everytime you turn it on. just wait, this is normal.
    3
    OMG thank you so much tayshun!! I just spent 2 hours reading through that pudding post mess trying to figure out how to do this for a 2.3.4 bell atrix....
    I was very nervous about trying something without clear directions in case I brick my phone. You're a lifesaver :)

    I understand your grief hahaha. Feel free to press the thank you button at the bottom of my post. I'm trying to get a good reputation around here as I am going to school for programming and I will probably be in these dev forums daily to get help cooking Roms!
    3
    Hey all,

    I'm glad that you guys like my tutorial!

    I didnt realize that it had so many views lol :p


    I tried to keep it as straight forward for the most part, but I will edit the post to clarify to people about most(if not all) custom roms being rooted.

    I'll try to remain on the atrix scene, although I have parted and got the samsung I927r (Captivate Glide) although I preferred my Atrix .

    But if I'm not around I'm sure that regular forum go-ers are more than happy to help you guys out!.

    If anything just PM me.


    Tayshun12
    2
    worked

    Fantastic summary.
    Worked like a charm.
    :eek::eek::eek::eek:
    Bell Atrix with retail updates.
    Thanks a million!


    ...Damnit, still can't remove Kobo; wtf!