[GUIDE] *Rooting the Xoom for Dummies*

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js042507

Senior Member
Jan 7, 2011
618
255
Google Pixel 6 Pro
***Xoom Rooting Guide for N00bs***​

Hello Xoom Dev community! Sorry. I know you're thinking, "Man! Not another Xoom root guide?!". Lol. But I wanted to make this, so, here ya go...

***WARNING***
-This will erase everything on your xoom. Its like flashing flashing back to stock because of the unlocking process. So BACK everything up before continuing via USB, or your preferred backup app-

**Also, this Tutorial is for the 3G version ONLY. The Wifi model is different and uses an incompatible boot.img. Once again, ONLY FOR 3G MODEL**

Ok. So, rooting the Xoom isn’t really that “hard” of a task. I’m a n00b as well, so I did have a little difficulty doing it. Only because this method requires you to use adb, the command prompt, etc…

Well, I wanted to make a guide that should be ‘n00b-proof’. LOL. It’s really super simple.

**Bofore you get started, make sure the USB Debugging option is enabled in the Settings. Go to Settings --> Applications --> Development --> USB Debugging**

Alright, you’re going to need some tools to get it done. First of all, download the Xoom USB drivers. Either get them from motodevs.com --> http://developer.motorola.com, which requires a free membership; or get them from the Motorola/Support site --> http://www.motorola.com/Support/US-EN/Consumer-Support/TABLETS/MOTOROLA_XOOM, and download the ‘motohelper’ program. I prefer the drivers from the dev site because they’re just stand-alone drivers. Motohelper is an actual app that “keeps your drivers up-to-date”. Both will have the same version of drivers, i.e. 4.9.0.

Now that we have the drivers installed plug in your Xoom to make sure all drivers/services were detected/installed properly. If you’re good, next we will need the Android SDK, if not already installed. To properly install it though, you must download the Java JDK from --> http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html, and click the “Download JDK” button. Choose your OS, and install.

**NOTE** If you’re running Vista/7 x64, Android SDK will not detect the REQUIRED Java kit installation. Yes, JDK has been properly installed, but the Registry doesn’t read the installation right. So, to get around this issue, either go here --> http://codearetoy.wordpress.com/2010/12/23/jdk-not-found-on-installing-android-sdk/, for a tutorial that gets it detected by modifying the Registry. Or, do what I did, and just download the .zip installer of Android SDK. I’m writing this guide based on the ‘zip type’ of installation, but I’m sure the directories are identical besides having SDK installed in your Program Files folder.

Whew! Now, either extract the SDK to a directory of choice, or point your mouse to the Program Files\Android SDK\ directory. There will be some folders like platforms, platform-tools, tools, etc…

Anyways, to root the Xoom you will be running a command prompt from one of these folders. NOTE, in the newest release of Android SDK, they have moved the adb files to the ‘platform-tools’ folder, rather than all in the ‘tools’ folder. What I did, was copied everything from inside the ‘platform-tools’ folder, to the ‘tools’ folder. But do not replace any files! Just copy. It will put the required files, like adb.exe, inside one location. Sorry if I’m confusing anybody. LOL! Just copy the files from ‘platform-tools’ --> ‘tools’. Without replacing anything.

**NOTE** When I first installed SDK, I ran the emulator.exe from within the ‘tools’ directory. This updated everything, but I’m not sure if it matters for this tutorial?

Ok. The “hard” part is over. We should be all setup, and ready to type some commands! What you’ll need to do now is, open up a command prompt i.e. cmd. And do a cd --> to whatever path the ‘tools’ folder is in. For example, mine is in a Xoom folder from my documents. So the command would be “cd C:\Users\%name%\Documents\Xoom\android-sdk_r10-windows\android-sdk-windows\tools”. Without quotes of course.

You should now be pointed at the ‘tools’ folder from cmd, and next we can start the commands!

CHECKPOINT
- Xoom drivers installed, xoom is plugged in, & detected properly. To make sure, open Device Manager to see if the “ADB Interface” is there. **Sorry, I’m not sure ADB is in Device Manager before, or after rooting** Can’t remember! As long as you don’t have any ‘device is not properly installed’ pop-ups, you should be good!
ADB%20Device%20Manager.PNG

- Android SDK is configured right, and cmd is pointed at the correct location.

-USB Debugging option is checked. Check above for instructions :)


***This is obviously, from Koush’s site, so give him some kudos please ;)***
***I will bold all commands, and try to put in ‘n00b’ terms***​

Type the following commands in CMD… after you have moved the “XOOM root” files.

1. Download the XOOM root zip.
2. Unzip the package, and
3. put the 3 files inside the same ‘tools’ folder we’re running cmd from!
4. adb reboot bootloader (skip the next 3 steps if you have already unlocked your Xoom via fastboot, which is another guide on XDA that just lets you unlock the Xoom. It’s not rooting.)
5. fastboot oem unlock
-You have to accept the terms by pressing the vol - down key, and then select 'accept' by pressing the vol + up key.
6. -wait for the Xoom to reboot completely.
**You may have to re-enable USB Debugging mode again for the next command**
7. adb reboot bootloader
8. fastboot flash boot rootboot.img
9. fastboot reboot
10. -wait for the Xoom to reboot completely.
11. adb remount
12. adb push su /system/bin/
13. adb shell --> You will now be mounted within adb shell…
14. ln –s /system/bin/su /system/xbin/su
15. chmod 4755 /system/bin/su
16. exit --> This gets you out of adb shell…
17. adb push Superuser.apk /system/app/

That is all! Now, unplug the Xoom and reboot it.

To verify your root is working properly, download an app such as, Cachemate, or any other that requires Superuser access. Open up Superuser to see if that apps’ rights were saved successfully.

Yay! Root access! But honestly, this tutorial will be outdated and inefficient, once the source code is out and then we’ll have a oneclickroot method. Which is way better! Until then, I hope anybody who is a little confused about the process benefits from this guide.

:D Happy moddin’! :D
 
Last edited:

jtseidner

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2010
138
16
Thanks, I like this guide and made rooting my xoom super easy.

One other important initial step is to make sure USB debugging is enabled:

Settings>>Applications>>Development>>USB debugging
 

js042507

Senior Member
Jan 7, 2011
618
255
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Hey, thank you guys for your kudos. I appreciate the feedback.

@jtseidner, Man you are a genius! That is a very important step that I left out! You couldn't root the Xoom without that option. I'll add it to the tutorial.
Thanks!
 

js042507

Senior Member
Jan 7, 2011
618
255
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Hey. The command is all lower case so it would be "LN" not "IN". Just type it in all lower case. The rest of your command is ok. Simple syntax error, that's all. :) Let me know if it works and if you have any other concerns.

Sent from the most 'Epic' phone in the world! ...Using XDA Premium app :)
 
Last edited:

xirnibor

Senior Member
Oct 22, 2009
121
6
ok i got to step fastboot oem unlock #5 and the screen shows choices. i accidentally chose device unlock operation aborted, the down arrow. now it wont go off this text screen. how can i reboot this xoom?
 

myv6mustang

Senior Member
Jun 26, 2007
336
17
Hey worked great for me only problem is that it wiped my xoom...probably said that somewhere in the instructions and i just missed it. Anyway Thanks.
 

js042507

Senior Member
Jan 7, 2011
618
255
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Yeah sorry. I should put that on the tutorial. But im pretty sure any method of rooting the xoom will wipe it. Only because you have to unlock the device. Until we receive clockwork, this is the only way. Im glad you were successful with my guide though!
Thanks.

Sent from the most 'Epic' phone in the world! ...Using XDA Premium app :)
 

AirForceE7

New member
Feb 22, 2008
3
0
Screen Stuck At Starting FastBoot Protocol Dont Know How Long This Screen Stays Up Or Have I Done Something Wrong I Downloded FastBoot Already And Put It In My Sdk Folder Can Someone Pleas Help Me
 

js042507

Senior Member
Jan 7, 2011
618
255
Google Pixel 6 Pro
You shouldn't be stuck at fastboot. It probably means that your xoom wasn't fully rebooted into the bootloader. Fastboot is a program located in the tools folder and ran from your command prompt. So have your xoom loaded up and connect the usb. Make sure usb debugging is on. Open your cmd and point to that tools folder. Type the first command from step 4, adb reboot bootloader. This will restart your xoom and I believe you'll see the 'dual core technology' logo. Just wait a minute after step 4. Now try the remaining commands, but be sure to wait for reboots before typing the next commands. I have a note after each step that says wait for reboot. Please let me know if you have any further issues.

Sent from the most 'Epic' phone in the world! ...Using XDA Premium app :)
 
Last edited:

misdirection

Senior Member
Sep 20, 2009
54
0
Anyways, to root the Xoom you will be running a command prompt from one of these folders. NOTE, in the newest release of Android SDK, they have moved the adb files to the ‘platform-tools’ folder, rather than all in the ‘tools’ folder. What I did, was copied everything from inside the ‘platform-tools’ folder, to the ‘tools’ folder. But do not replace any files! Just copy. It will put the required files, like adb.exe, inside one location. Sorry if I’m confusing anybody. LOL! Just copy the files from ‘platform-tools’ --> ‘tools’. Without replacing anything.

This is utterly confusing.. can you explain in-depth please. Don't copy, but leave it as is; copy but replace the file, or replace it completely. Only three options.

for example... it will show adb.exe and adb.exe(2) - is that what you wanted?
 

misdirection

Senior Member
Sep 20, 2009
54
0
Anyways, to root the Xoom you will be running a command prompt from one of these folders. NOTE, in the newest release of Android SDK, they have moved the adb files to the ‘platform-tools’ folder, rather than all in the ‘tools’ folder. What I did, was copied everything from inside the ‘platform-tools’ folder, to the ‘tools’ folder. But do not replace any files! Just copy. It will put the required files, like adb.exe, inside one location. Sorry if I’m confusing anybody. LOL! Just copy the files from ‘platform-tools’ --> ‘tools’. Without replacing anything.

This is utterly confusing.. can you explain in-depth please. Don't copy, but leave it as is; copy but replace the file, or replace it completely. Only three options.

for example... it will show adb.exe and adb.exe(2) - is that what you wanted?

Nevermind.. I was able to root my Xoom!! :)
 

js042507

Senior Member
Jan 7, 2011
618
255
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Great! Sorry if it was misleading. Im not the best writer at times. All I meant was just to copy everything from the platform folder over to the tools folder without replacing, or writing duplicate files. Hope that makes sense? :)

Sent from the most 'Epic' phone in the world! ...Using XDA Premium app :)
 
Last edited:

dc5guy

Senior Member
Jan 3, 2009
69
2
Is this the stock .img or is it the tiamat one? I used other root guide but I'm interested in flashing this .img if it contains the stock kernel.

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
 

js042507

Senior Member
Jan 7, 2011
618
255
Google Pixel 6 Pro
This is the stock .img and this guide will work for the original stock firmware, along with the new 3.01. But this guide is ONLY for the 3g version of the Xoom. If you have any further questions please ask away. :)

EDIT: Sorry. I didn't fully understand your post. This guide doesn't include any kernels. It assumes you are coming from a stock system. If you are already rooted, and want to return to stock, you would probably have to do a complete restore, and re-lock your device. Then, if you just want the stock kernel; root with this guide, or similar. You can't flash the tiamat kernel unless you're already rooted. This tutorial just gives you root access. Im sure there is a way to go back to the original kernel, without having to restore, but I don't know where those instructions are? Poke around and you may find it. But you'll probably have to start over. Hope this helps!

Sent from the most 'Epic' phone in the world! ...Using XDA Premium app :)
 
Last edited:
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dc5guy

Senior Member
Jan 3, 2009
69
2
Thanks. I have a WiFi only version and used another root method which included tiamats kernel. Currently having some reboot issues with the kernel so I was hoping to find a stock kernel that I can use.
 

js042507

Senior Member
Jan 7, 2011
618
255
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Ok. Well, you can use this method to root, but the xoomroot files are different. This tutorial was based off the 3g only, and maybe ill add the wifi option as well.

Here's are great guide from xaositek for the wifi version...
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1010568

And I'm pretty sure it doesn't include the overclocked kernel. :)

Sent from the most 'Epic' phone in the world! ...Using XDA Premium app :)
 
Last edited:

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  • 15
    ***Xoom Rooting Guide for N00bs***​

    Hello Xoom Dev community! Sorry. I know you're thinking, "Man! Not another Xoom root guide?!". Lol. But I wanted to make this, so, here ya go...

    ***WARNING***
    -This will erase everything on your xoom. Its like flashing flashing back to stock because of the unlocking process. So BACK everything up before continuing via USB, or your preferred backup app-

    **Also, this Tutorial is for the 3G version ONLY. The Wifi model is different and uses an incompatible boot.img. Once again, ONLY FOR 3G MODEL**

    Ok. So, rooting the Xoom isn’t really that “hard” of a task. I’m a n00b as well, so I did have a little difficulty doing it. Only because this method requires you to use adb, the command prompt, etc…

    Well, I wanted to make a guide that should be ‘n00b-proof’. LOL. It’s really super simple.

    **Bofore you get started, make sure the USB Debugging option is enabled in the Settings. Go to Settings --> Applications --> Development --> USB Debugging**

    Alright, you’re going to need some tools to get it done. First of all, download the Xoom USB drivers. Either get them from motodevs.com --> http://developer.motorola.com, which requires a free membership; or get them from the Motorola/Support site --> http://www.motorola.com/Support/US-EN/Consumer-Support/TABLETS/MOTOROLA_XOOM, and download the ‘motohelper’ program. I prefer the drivers from the dev site because they’re just stand-alone drivers. Motohelper is an actual app that “keeps your drivers up-to-date”. Both will have the same version of drivers, i.e. 4.9.0.

    Now that we have the drivers installed plug in your Xoom to make sure all drivers/services were detected/installed properly. If you’re good, next we will need the Android SDK, if not already installed. To properly install it though, you must download the Java JDK from --> http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html, and click the “Download JDK” button. Choose your OS, and install.

    **NOTE** If you’re running Vista/7 x64, Android SDK will not detect the REQUIRED Java kit installation. Yes, JDK has been properly installed, but the Registry doesn’t read the installation right. So, to get around this issue, either go here --> http://codearetoy.wordpress.com/2010/12/23/jdk-not-found-on-installing-android-sdk/, for a tutorial that gets it detected by modifying the Registry. Or, do what I did, and just download the .zip installer of Android SDK. I’m writing this guide based on the ‘zip type’ of installation, but I’m sure the directories are identical besides having SDK installed in your Program Files folder.

    Whew! Now, either extract the SDK to a directory of choice, or point your mouse to the Program Files\Android SDK\ directory. There will be some folders like platforms, platform-tools, tools, etc…

    Anyways, to root the Xoom you will be running a command prompt from one of these folders. NOTE, in the newest release of Android SDK, they have moved the adb files to the ‘platform-tools’ folder, rather than all in the ‘tools’ folder. What I did, was copied everything from inside the ‘platform-tools’ folder, to the ‘tools’ folder. But do not replace any files! Just copy. It will put the required files, like adb.exe, inside one location. Sorry if I’m confusing anybody. LOL! Just copy the files from ‘platform-tools’ --> ‘tools’. Without replacing anything.

    **NOTE** When I first installed SDK, I ran the emulator.exe from within the ‘tools’ directory. This updated everything, but I’m not sure if it matters for this tutorial?

    Ok. The “hard” part is over. We should be all setup, and ready to type some commands! What you’ll need to do now is, open up a command prompt i.e. cmd. And do a cd --> to whatever path the ‘tools’ folder is in. For example, mine is in a Xoom folder from my documents. So the command would be “cd C:\Users\%name%\Documents\Xoom\android-sdk_r10-windows\android-sdk-windows\tools”. Without quotes of course.

    You should now be pointed at the ‘tools’ folder from cmd, and next we can start the commands!

    CHECKPOINT
    - Xoom drivers installed, xoom is plugged in, & detected properly. To make sure, open Device Manager to see if the “ADB Interface” is there. **Sorry, I’m not sure ADB is in Device Manager before, or after rooting** Can’t remember! As long as you don’t have any ‘device is not properly installed’ pop-ups, you should be good!
    ADB%20Device%20Manager.PNG

    - Android SDK is configured right, and cmd is pointed at the correct location.

    -USB Debugging option is checked. Check above for instructions :)


    ***This is obviously, from Koush’s site, so give him some kudos please ;)***
    ***I will bold all commands, and try to put in ‘n00b’ terms***​

    Type the following commands in CMD… after you have moved the “XOOM root” files.

    1. Download the XOOM root zip.
    2. Unzip the package, and
    3. put the 3 files inside the same ‘tools’ folder we’re running cmd from!
    4. adb reboot bootloader (skip the next 3 steps if you have already unlocked your Xoom via fastboot, which is another guide on XDA that just lets you unlock the Xoom. It’s not rooting.)
    5. fastboot oem unlock
    -You have to accept the terms by pressing the vol - down key, and then select 'accept' by pressing the vol + up key.
    6. -wait for the Xoom to reboot completely.
    **You may have to re-enable USB Debugging mode again for the next command**
    7. adb reboot bootloader
    8. fastboot flash boot rootboot.img
    9. fastboot reboot
    10. -wait for the Xoom to reboot completely.
    11. adb remount
    12. adb push su /system/bin/
    13. adb shell --> You will now be mounted within adb shell…
    14. ln –s /system/bin/su /system/xbin/su
    15. chmod 4755 /system/bin/su
    16. exit --> This gets you out of adb shell…
    17. adb push Superuser.apk /system/app/

    That is all! Now, unplug the Xoom and reboot it.

    To verify your root is working properly, download an app such as, Cachemate, or any other that requires Superuser access. Open up Superuser to see if that apps’ rights were saved successfully.

    Yay! Root access! But honestly, this tutorial will be outdated and inefficient, once the source code is out and then we’ll have a oneclickroot method. Which is way better! Until then, I hope anybody who is a little confused about the process benefits from this guide.

    :D Happy moddin’! :D
    1
    This is the stock .img and this guide will work for the original stock firmware, along with the new 3.01. But this guide is ONLY for the 3g version of the Xoom. If you have any further questions please ask away. :)

    EDIT: Sorry. I didn't fully understand your post. This guide doesn't include any kernels. It assumes you are coming from a stock system. If you are already rooted, and want to return to stock, you would probably have to do a complete restore, and re-lock your device. Then, if you just want the stock kernel; root with this guide, or similar. You can't flash the tiamat kernel unless you're already rooted. This tutorial just gives you root access. Im sure there is a way to go back to the original kernel, without having to restore, but I don't know where those instructions are? Poke around and you may find it. But you'll probably have to start over. Hope this helps!

    Sent from the most 'Epic' phone in the world! ...Using XDA Premium app :)