OUTDATED[Guide] Setting up/using adb/fastboot-unlock, flash custom recovery & root

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scsa20

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2011
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Mars
www.scsa20.com
You have to make sure you're in the bootloader. When you're on your xoom, in the commend prompt type adb reboot bootloader to boot the xoom into the bootloader, then you should be able to issue fastboot flash recovery recovery_image_name.img.
 

iruiz2

Senior Member
Jun 23, 2011
502
236
You have to make sure you're in the bootloader. When you're on your xoom, in the commend prompt type adb reboot bootloader to boot the xoom into the bootloader, then you should be able to issue fastboot flash recovery recovery_image_name.img.

The easiest way to know if you are in the bootloader and if fastboot commands work is to type fastboot devices, and if you get an answer (series of letters and numbers) you are okay (in bootloader and with proper drivers installed)

Tapatalking
 

yotamleo11

Member
Apr 2, 2012
33
0
Tel Aviv
Hi
Im trying to unlock and root my xoom but keep hitting a snag at step 4. Ive unlocked it, several times at time point. Im trying to follow the green bot of ! instructions that were posted but the cmd prompt wont let me flash the boot boot.img or any of the next step. I downloaded the original mz604 image from the motodev site and unzipped it into the platform-tools folder. the cmd prompt says error: cannot load boot.img

Im not sure what im missing. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

i have the same problem
 

phoenix6666

Member
Oct 29, 2010
31
4
I have problem after OTA,
I had a rooted xoom 4.0.3 then the OTA came and I installed it, now I have SU icon and it seems as if my apps get root access but they dont, so SU is lying :-/
I can get to "Android system recovery <3e> " and it only has 4 options:
reboot ...
apply update from USB drive
wipe data/...
wipe cache
I dont want to wipe my xoom, doing it for the first time was difficult enough
I just want my xoom to be rooted without having to wipe... Is there anything I can do?
BTW, because I do not have root, I cant remove/rename this :install-recovery.sh
 

okantomi

Senior Member
Feb 20, 2011
3,020
709
Boston, MA
I have problem after OTA,
I had a rooted xoom 4.0.3 then the OTA came and I installed it, now I have SU icon and it seems as if my apps get root access but they dont, so SU is lying :-/
I can get to "Android system recovery <3e> " and it only has 4 options:
reboot ...
apply update from USB drive
wipe data/...
wipe cache
I dont want to wipe my xoom, doing it for the first time was difficult enough
I just want my xoom to be rooted without having to wipe... Is there anything I can do?
BTW, because I do not have root, I cant remove/rename this :install-recovery.sh

What would make you accept an OTA update while on a rooted device?
Losing root is the least bad thing that might happen to you. Can you boot into fastboot mode? if so, you will need to follow steps 4 onward (flash custom recovery, and then root, etc...).
 
Last edited:

EpicTracks

Member
Apr 23, 2012
36
2
Niterói, RJ
Updates

I use the stock OTA 4.0.4 ICS and would like to keep updating my device. I made the root process and everything went fine. What must I do to install the new updates without problems?

Thanks!
 

okantomi

Senior Member
Feb 20, 2011
3,020
709
Boston, MA
I use the stock OTA 4.0.4 ICS and would like to keep updating my device. I made the root process and everything went fine. What must I do to install the new updates without problems?

Thanks!
You have a choice of ROMs--I love the EOS ICS nightlies. Go to the development section and look for the thread for your specific Xoom model. Wifi only is wingray, 4G is stingray, and there are a couple of others. You will need to download the newest ROM, and the Gapps package (Google apps) which you flash immediately after the ROM in recovery. You will need to wipe data 1st, so that you don't have conflicts.
 

EpicTracks

Member
Apr 23, 2012
36
2
Niterói, RJ
You have a choice of ROMs--I love the EOS ICS nightlies. Go to the development section and look for the thread for your specific Xoom model. Wifi only is wingray, 4G is stingray, and there are a couple of others. You will need to download the newest ROM, and the Gapps package (Google apps) which you flash immediately after the ROM in recovery. You will need to wipe data 1st, so that you don't have conflicts.

I want to keep updated with the Motorola releases. I saw that the OTA updates can have some problems with rooted devices.

I use the CyanogenMOD 7 in my Galaxy5 and it´s awsome, but I had never tried any custom ROM in my Xoom. I'm from Brazil and Motorola has not released ICS for our devices yet, so I flashed the US 3.0.1 Stock ROM and upgraded to ICS 4.0.4. Does it worth to use a custom ROM in Xoom, since the original is great?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:

okantomi

Senior Member
Feb 20, 2011
3,020
709
Boston, MA
I want to keep updated with the Motorola releases. I saw that the OTA updates can have some problems with rooted devices.

I use the CyanogenMOD 7 in my Galaxy5 and it´s awsome, but I had never tried any custom ROM in my Xoom. I'm from Brazil and Motorola has not released ICS for our devices yet, so I flashed the US 3.0.1 Stock ROM and upgraded to ICS 4.0.4. Does it worth to use a custom ROM in Xoom, since the original is great?

Thanks!
Stick with what you have if you like it. When there are additional official updates, you'll get them as long as you are completely stock and not rooted.
 

EpicTracks

Member
Apr 23, 2012
36
2
Niterói, RJ
I have rooted my Xoom to use Root Explorer. I want to know what I need to do in order to don't have problems when update.

Thanks!

Sent from my Xoom ICS 4.0.4 using Tapatalk 2
 

okantomi

Senior Member
Feb 20, 2011
3,020
709
Boston, MA
I have rooted my Xoom to use Root Explorer. I want to know what I need to do in order to don't have problems when update.

Thanks!

Sent from my Xoom ICS 4.0.4 using Tapatalk 2
If you are rooted you cannot accept OTA updates without major problems. My suggestion is to either flash a ROM (there are stock ROMs as well as custom ROMs available) and keep updated that way, as I do, or you can go back to 100% stock unrooted and then you should be able to accept OTA updates.
 

ppakolo

New member
Apr 21, 2012
1
0
Can somebody explain to me why i'm still cannot access super user eventhough i already follow the instruction for rooting my xoom mz601.
When i'm trying to access application for example root explorer it says "unfortunately, super user has stopped"
Can somebody help me please
Thanks
 

rootmepls

Senior Member
I'm stuck.

After Fastboot reboot and entering Android Recovery its getting stuck at Reading ODM fuse: 1.

Tried a few possible fixes I found on Google for it but always get the same results.

I either end up with the fuse message or the green robot with exclamation.

This is a stock US WiFi Xoom running ICS 4.0.4 never rooted but I've accepted all OTA updates.

Also got the little robot with exclamation a few times after getting stuck at this part.

Been trying to figure out how to get around this for about 2 hrs but I give up for the night. (Still working on it)

I eagerly await some advice. Thank You

Update:
Got one step closer using recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm and renaming it recovery.img but now when I try to install the Universal Root .zip it gets aborted . (bad)

Redownloaded the Universal Root and I think its finally rooted. Superuser is installed.

This is I still get the Fuse message right before it goes into the recovery but its somehow getting there. Wish I could get rid of that message.


Unlocked, rooted just need to rid my tablet of the annoying fuse message. If anyone knows the cause of it let me know.

From what I've read the Fuse message is just part of the verbose menu and 1 means recovery. Its not hanging up before CWM so its good.

Thanks again for the tutorial. Took a little trial and error to find what worked best for my Xoom but in the end got it all set up with Root and ROM like I wanted.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:

EpicTracks

Member
Apr 23, 2012
36
2
Niterói, RJ
If you are rooted you cannot accept OTA updates without major problems. My suggestion is to either flash a ROM (there are stock ROMs as well as custom ROMs available) and keep updated that way, as I do, or you can go back to 100% stock unrooted and then you should be able to accept OTA updates.

I just used the root to install the Asus Transformer Prime weather widget and I don't want to have problems of compatibility and stability, so I want to keep the OTA updates. If I reinstall the 3.0.1 US ROM using fastboot, will my device be completely stock again or I need to make something else to remove CWM and unroot?

Sent from my Xoom ICS 4.0.4 using Tapatalk 2
 

okantomi

Senior Member
Feb 20, 2011
3,020
709
Boston, MA
I just used the root to install the Asus Transformer Prime weather widget and I don't want to have problems of compatibility and stability, so I want to keep the OTA updates. If I reinstall the 3.0.1 US ROM using fastboot, will my device be completely stock again or I need to make something else to remove CWM and unroot?

Sent from my Xoom ICS 4.0.4 using Tapatalk 2
If you flash the stock files for your device, it will unroot you completely. It will also wipe your Xoom completely. I hope you have a way to save your weather widget.
 
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mox123

Senior Member
Dec 4, 2009
761
176
great guide thanks, perfect!!

i used the adb zip pack method rather than installing all the sdk kit which is a waste of time
 
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    OUTDATED[Guide] Setting up/using adb/fastboot-unlock, flash custom recovery & root

    Below is a great guide to rooting, from several sources, (mostly taken from pingvinen's "An Idiot's Guide to Flashing the Xoom" and a guide by publicanimal. and I hope it helps. You can find the links to all of the files referenced below in the Xoom Heaven thread (thanks StrifeSoldierVII!)[/I]

    (New thread in General Section by Jack207407 will have all the updated links for flashing
    http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1443110
    One Stop For ROM's, MOD's, and Root Wifi-Only and 3G/4G Models)

    "What you need to do can be encompassed in these following short steps (will be detailed later on) in the following order. Each step is required before you can proceed to the next one. However, make sure that you are very very careful and don't try to take any shortcuts. That may soft-brick your device, and you may have a difficult time to explain that to your wife ... You have been warned.
    HERE'S THE USUAL DISCLAIMER--I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY HARM THAT MAY COME TO YOUR DEVICE IF YOU FOLLOW ANY PART OF THIS GUIDE--ANY RISK IS ON THE USER!

    I strongly recommend you to read the entire guide before trying. In fact, read it twice to ensure that you have understood everything. If there is weird stuff that you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask. The reason for me writing this down is that I like to document what I have learned. This is to me an excellent way to ensure that I will remember what I just did. Another reason was that I could not find a single thread that encompassed all steps required. There are many different threads, but no one (that I could find) that really guides you from start to goal. So enjoy and good luck!

    I would like to thank LandMaster and cam30era for helping out with advice during my initial trail-and-error session. I soft-bricked my device once and had big problems to get by point 4.3 (avoid overwriting of CWM), but with their encouragement I finally succeeded.

    Just a note before we begin: the different Xoom. Models that are able to use this guide are the following:
    MZ600 - stingray_cdma - Motorola US 3g Xoom (technically this device is stingray as well, but I will be using stingray_cdma as the two devices have incompatible software)
    MZ601 - utms_everest - Motorola EU 3g Xoom
    MZ602 - stingray - Motorola US 4g Xoom
    MZ604 - wingray - Motorola Wifi Xoom
    (thanks solarnz!)
    ___________
    Overview of the 6 required steps

    1. Install Motorola USB drivers for your computers (for USB connectivity) 2. Install Java SDK and Android SDK tools (for adb and fastboot commands) 3. Unlock the device for flashing (allowing replacement of recovery and boot images) 4. Install a modified recovery image (ClockWorkMod recovery for Android) 5. Root the device (Allow r/w access to the device filesystem) 6. Flash a kernel that supports overclocking etc.

    Steps 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 require that you download install, image and zip files needed for the flashing.

    All this was performed on a Windows PC. Windows 7, Mac and Linux users will probably have to do some steps differently.

    1.0 Install the latest Motorola USB drivers

    The installation file can be found at: http://developer.motorola.com/docstools/USB_Drivers/

    1.1 Install the drivers and ensure that your Xoom is recognized by the computer

    2.0 Installation of development software

    Android SDK and Java SDK need to be installed. You can find the installation kits here.

    http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html In case you can't find fastboot.exe, look for it here (thanks to jerrycycle): http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=19546334&postcount=5

    Update: you could also just install the adb fastboot pack here:http://www.android.net/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=67

    http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html

    2.1 Install them as any other software, making an Android SDK folder on C/.

    2.2 Make sure that all the files you need are in the Platform Tools folder (fastboot, recovery image file and so on). Copy any files in the Tools folder to the Platform Tools folder if necessary. Note: If the Android SDK complains that the Java Dev Kit can't be found, just press Back and then Next again. Wierd, but that seems to do the trick ... go figure.

    (Warning: Never put any zip files in your Platform Tools folder. Flashing zip files through fastboot will cause very serious problems. :eek: Zip files must be flashed from the external micro SD card through CWM recovery on the Xoom...we'll get to that later.)

    2.3 Test that ADB and FASTBOOT works. You should open a command window by right clicking in your Platform Tools folder where all of your files are, plug in your Xoom to your computer with your Motorola cable (it may not work with a generic cable) and write 'adb devices'. Your Xoom should now be listed. Did your device not show up? Make sure that you have USB debugging enabled in Settings/Applications/Development on your Xoom.

    Optional: Those that want to be able to access adb from any where on their computer, here's a tip from scsa20: "For windows, if you go into System Properties and choose Advanced, then Environment Variables..., you'll be able to edit the Path variable under System variables, just add the path to where adb and fastboot is located (separated with a semi-colon (;)).

    Here's what my Path variable looks like:
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live;C:\Program Files (x86)\NVIDIA Corporation\PhysX\Common;%SystemRoot%\system32;%Sy stemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem;%SYSTEMROOT%\ System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\;C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Shared;c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\DTS\Binn\;C:\android-sdk-windows\tools;C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Acronis\SnapAPI\

    It's long but do you see the android stuff there at the end?"
    :)

    Update: xda poster Mandelbrot Benoit suggests an alternate adb setup, here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=18072572&postcount=50

    If your windows computer doesn't see your Xoom, consider this (Originally Posted by AngryBulleteyeTruth):

    When the xoom does not show up on PC it may be the problem of.... windows media player!
    Xoom uses drivers of WMP to communicate with PC. If someone does not have the newest WMP drivers it will not show up and you can see xoom device in the devices tab on PC having an exclamation mark.
    So the solution is to download and install Windows Media Player 11. It has worked for me.

    --------

    OK. Now that you are set up, it's Showtime! Take a deep breath...;)


    3. Unlocking the device for flashing

    This step will effectively erase the internal storage, including all your apps and settings. Use whatever backup you want to secure important data before you start. (It will also void your warranty, so you still have time to go back.)

    3.1 Power up and start the Xoom.

    3.2 Ensure that your device is fully recognized by the computer. A good sign is that the 'Portable device' dialog is activated on Windows when your Xoom has booted. The Xoom should also be seen in 'Computer'. If not, go back to step 2 and double check your USB drivers.

    3.3 Use the command 'adb reboot bootloader' to go into Flash mode.

    3.4 Use the command 'fastboot oem unlock'. This will trigger a dialog on your Xoom. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the unlocking. I repeat, this *will* do a factory reset and all data will be lost!

    3.5 Once unlocked, the Xoom will restart and work as normal. Don't bother to do any setup at this time, just make sure that USB debbuging is checked in settings, and now go on to step 4

    4. Install recovery image (CWM) UPDATED 4/19/12

    If you haven't done it already, download the recovery image file and save it to your computer in the Platform Tools folder.

    (Download the recovery image from this link: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1604014 only the img file flashed through fastboot Remember, never try to flash a zip file through fastboot!)

    Important: At this time, make sure you have a good (known to be working) microsd card in your sdcard slot in your Xoom. Reboot the Xoom with the sdcard in the slot to make sure it's mounted.

    4.1 Boot into flash mode with 'adb reboot bootloader.'

    4.2 Install your downloaded recovery image: 'fastboot flash recovery eos-recovery-r6.img' or whatever is the exact name of the recovery img file you are flashing.

    4.3 Enter CWM recovery with the procedure below.

    4.4 Restart the device with 'fastboot reboot'. Timing is essential here, so be alert when the device restarts, or you will have to redo section 4.

    4.5 Once the Motorola logotype is shown, start counting to 3. At 3, press the Volume Down button. This should result in the text 'Android Recovery' in the top left corner. If it does not work (if you see Starting Fastboot Protocol), experiment with the timing (see below).

    4.6 When 'Android Recovery' is shown press the Volume Up button. This should invoke the CWM recovery menu. If that works, then congratulations for getting this far!

    Here is a potential pitfall. If you are unable to enter CWM *before* the device boots into Honeycomb, then the newly installed recovery image will be overwritten by the system default recovery. Just repeat steps 4.1 through 4.6 if that happens.

    UPDATE(12/28/11) Since putting this guide together, Motorola has issued a number of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates that have complicated the process of flashing the Clockawork Mod recovery, so if you have accepted any OTA updates, please read the following, which describes each step (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=26009191#post26008083) (Thanks to Landorin.)


    (If you have root and want to remove these files, remove or rename /system/etc/install-recovery.sh with something like root explorer. You can then flash your custom recovery through fastboot again.)


    For those of you that get stuck with some error like 'device not recognized' poster Madjinj gives the following advice:

    1) Be sure that you have your adb folder in the root of C drive directly and be sure that you are in adb folder in command prompt program (CMD in Windows machines) i.e by typing "cd c:\XXX" where XXX is the name of adb folder in your machine.
    2) Be sure that you type "adb reboot bootloader" in comand prompt to activate adb program. if the problem persists, try typing "fastboot reboot" then after reboot type "adb reboot bootloader" in command prompt program.
    3) Use the USB cable that came with your Xoom (some cables are not good in flashing for unknown reason..!!
    4) make sure that you activate USB debugging mode.

    5.0. Rooting the Xoom

    The Universal Xoom Root zip file from solarnz is located here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1242241

    5.1 You need to transfer the Universal Xoom Root zip file to a working external micro SD card. You can do this on a computer or cell phone, but the Universal Xoom Root zip file must be located in the root directory of the micro SD card.

    5.2 Insert the now prepared SD card in the Xoom.

    5.3 Boot into recovery (as described in 4.3). Navigate using the volume buttons and press the power button to select the active option.

    5.4 Select 'Install ZIP from sd card.'

    5.5 Select 'Choose ZIP.'

    5.6 Navigate to the ROOT zip file with the Volume buttons and select it with the Power button. Confirm that you want to install it.

    5.7 Everything should indicate success, so back out to the main CWM menu and reboot the device.

    5.8 From Android Market, install any app requiring root and start it. If the rooting was successful, then the app should request superuser permission and you should be able to grant it without any problems.

    6. Flashing a new rom or kernel...(e.g. Tiamat Moray Rom and/or Odachi Kernel). Look in the Xoom Heaven thread or in the Development section of this form for all of these files.

    6.1 This step is identical to 5, but swap out the ROOT zip for the ROM or KERNEL zip. For simplicity, you may want to prepare the micro SD card with both zip files at the same time in step 5.1..."
    ------------------------
    This is still one of the best explanations of how to use adb and fastboot to unlock and root the Xoom and install a custom recovery, etc, and doesn't deserve to buries on back pages of this forum. Hopefully, the step-by-step nature of this guide will help those of you that have limited experience with this kind of tinkering.:D

    Oh, and please feel free to correct any errors or omissions. As I said, it came from several sources and needed to somewhat updated.
    8
    For me the hardest part was installing the SDK and JDK, which is a complete waste of time and takes the MOST time of the entire process.

    http://www.android.net/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=67

    This folder is all the is needed. Unzip and paste to root of C:. Only for those that are NOT developing, just want root and push the occasional file. It contains adb.exe and a few other needed files.

    If more info is needed on Easy ADB, here is thread: http://www.xoomforums.com/forum/mot...windows-7-64-bit-other-windows-platforms.html
    2
    Are the contents of /mnt/sdcard lost in the wipe and need to be restored, or do they remain as they are?

    Thanks
    on solarnz recovery, you will only lose the user apps and data, which can be restored fully through Titanium Backup. Your media files will not be touched.
    1
    Thank you, just bought my xoom yesterday and was confused on the steps to take!
    This has made it as clear as possible for me and will follow your instructions to the letter tonight. :)

    Sent from my MZ604 using xda premium
    1
    update/correction about part of 1st posting

    "The green bot of !

    there is one problem that exists with all xoom roots/cwm hacks. I had this problem as well as a bunch of other people when trying to flash CWM. If these files are present after an OTA update, then your xoom when entering recovery will show the green android robot with a exclaimation point instead of CWM.

    [...]

    Or, if you do not already have root on your xoom when you get the green bot of ! then you have to do the following with the stock moto files for your device (from moto dev).

    (This Wipes your Xoom )

    fastboot oem unlock
    fastboot flash boot boot.img
    fastboot flash system system.img
    fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

    fastboot -w
    fastboot reboot

    Too bad this part wasn't explained (why downgrade at all?). Anyways, this seems to be no longer valid as I had that green guy too and all I did was unlocking the bootloader, then flashing CWM as written in this guide and it all worked out (so I did not do the steps in bold font).
    Wrote this just in case someone else stumbles across the helpeful first thread and gets confused about this part.