[ROOT + CWM + OC KERNEL + Ubuntu] ZTE V11A / V71A / v55 HC3.2

sangemaru · Jan 31, 2012

The information provided in this thread is no longer up to date, although useful troubleshooting information can be found for those having issues. For those who would prefer to have the most up-to-date versions of CM9, CM10 or ParanoidAndroid supported by an awesome developer, go here

WARNING: IF YOU UPDATE YOUR TABLETS TO THE LATEST v03 UPDATES OF THE OFFICIAL ROM, YOU WILL LOSE THE ABILITY TO ROOT IT USING THE SUPERBOOT METHOD AND IT WILL BECOME A HUGE PAIN TO RE-INSTALL CWM/CUSTOM ROMS. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS SITUATION ARE PRESENTED BELOW, BUT PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND AND TRY TO READ THE THREAD CAREFULLY BEFORE MAKING SUCH CHANGES.

For those who need it, you can find a nandroid backup of Vodafone Romania's stock ROM for the v71a, here

Hello friends. With great thanks to utkanos, Koush and mobilx we now have a public alpha CWM and root available on both the ZTE V11A and the V71A, also known as the SFR StarTab 7/10, Vodafone SmartTab 7/10, as well as Sprint's (ZTE) V55 with credits due to utkanos for porting CWM, mobilx for being arguably the most motivated searcher of the holy root grail, and PaulOBrien from modaco and his superboot solution. We also thank alterbridge86 and eldarerathis for their advice and support. Additionally, credits go to joe.stone for custom kernel with loop device support, OC, touched voltages and a few other goodies.
Also, for interested developers, I have made the source code of the kernel available in a more easily accessible fashion. The source code (3 parts, contains the source for both models) is available here:
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

INSTALLING CWM:

joe.stone said:
A new optimized version of CWM for 7"and 10" tabs has been put together by joe.stone. I will also keep utkanos' links available below for those who prefer his versions or wish to thank him for his early efforts in making our tablets awesome

joe.stone said:

For those who have troubles with cwm recovery (freeze while backup ) i have created a new version. Flashable from fastboot.
10" CWM Recovery
7" CWM Recovery
Credit goes to joe.stone.

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

joe.stone said:

If you updated your tablet ROM via OTA or updater exe and can no longer install CWM, follow the following instructions:.
In firmware v03b fastboot flash is disabled and from a running system flash_image will fail too.
Download the twrp recovery http://goo.im/devs/joestone/twrp/v71_recovery.img
download the twrp recovery zip flashable version too
http://goo.im/devs/joestone/twrp/V71A_TWRP.zip
download kernel #60
http://www.4shared.com/zip/tzrUo5_N/v7_kernel_60.html?

copy the two zip files to the sdcard

If you want flash kernel#60 then do the following:
adb reboot bootloader
the tablet will reboot and you will get only a blank screen . Be sure that the drivers are installed from windows update for the fastboot interface.
check it with : fastboot devices. If you get waiting for device the drivers are not installed.
fastboot boot v71_recovery.img
The twrp recovery comes up. Now you can install twrp by selecting install menu. Browse to the v71twrp.zip on the sd and install it. Now you have permanent twrp recovery.
now go back to install menu browse to the v7_kernel_60.zip and install it.
reboot and enjoy.

These are kernel #60 links for the other models :

Sprint Optik (V55)
http://www.4shared.com/zip/RTZrSXyV/v55_kernel_60.html?

SmartTab10 (V11A)
http://www.4shared.com/zip/PrW1TWHF/v10_kernel_60.html?

OR

You can flash cwm using adb , you need root rights .The best is when adbd is running in root mode (for eaxample kernel#60).
Download this :flash_image binary

then turn on usb debugging.
to flash cwm you need the following commands:
adb push CWMrecovery.img /data/local/tmp
(where cwmrecovery.img is the name of the cwm image file name.)
adb push flash_image /data/local/tmp
adb shell chmod 755 /data/local/tmp/flash_image
adb shell (you need # not $ for flashing , so if you got $ type su to get #)
cd /data/local/tmp
./flash_image /dev/block/mmcblk0p18 CWMrecovery.img

Dont forget to remove the install-recovery.sh file from /system/etc othervise it will install stock recovery at system start if it has not the stock recovery.

To revert the bootloader you need to flash NON-HLOS.bin"to "/dev/block/mmcblk0p1" and "emmc_appsboot.mbn" to "/dev/block/mmcblk0p7" from a previous version .

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

Utkanos' v11a version is here.
Utkanos' v71a version is here.
Credit goes to utkanos, mobilx and koush. I have also attached these files at the end of the post.
Also attached, is the original 7-inch stock recovery file, for users who may wish to return to stock and have not performed backup.

--> Plug your tablet into usb, launch a command line, and use "adb reboot bootloader"
--> Download the CWM Recovery image from the link that fits your device.
--> Place it into the adb/fastboot folder (I am assuming you have downloaded fastboot already from the link above, during the root procedure).
--> In the command line, navigate to that folder (use "cd <path>").
--> input the command "fastboot flash recovery <filename>".
--> Reboot into recovery mode (should be Power + Volume down).
--> You should now be in CWM Recovery, and can now attempt to perform a nandroid backup.

Also, in order to prevent a possible hang, you should:

--> Reboot the tablet into the Android OS;
--> Mount it through USB;
--> Go into the clockworkmod folder;
--> Create an empty file with no extension called ".hidenandroidprogress"

After a period of testing this will be submitted to the Koush's Rom Manager. Source code is also available herehere, linked from utkanos' post.

What works:
Nandroid backup/restore on internal sdcard
Battery stats wipe
Dalvik wipe
Cache wipe
etc.

What does not work so far:
USB mass storage

credits:
utkanos
Koush

Modified Kernel Available, all credits to joe.stone, give him thanks here:

joe.stone said:
Here it is.

There is a new kernel version available. The new version is #60 and flashable from cwm recovery .
Changelog :
-Revert GPU overclock
-Revert change of system audio files (because of bootloops on some devices after installation #55)
-Increased system volume on kernel level
-Changed VMALLOC_RESERVE=0x19000000 to VMALLOC_RESERVE=0x10000000
-Added Apple Magicmouse HID support
-Added Microsoft HID support
-Changed cpu minimum freq 345MHz to 432 MHz to avoid the black screen effect (the screen does not wake up , you have to reset )

V55_kernel_60.zip Hope will work fine on v55.
V7_kernel_60.zip
V10_kernel_60.zip

Also, Benny3 has put together a CWM-flashable ROM package for the V55 tablet, including Joe's kernel #60 and a number of useful goodies. You can thank him and download the package from here.

Both device (v71, v11) were migrated into one kernel tree , so they both use the same source. (In case of v71 it is much newer source)
The whole kernel source was updated from the v55 sources .

Now they are in cwm recovery flashable format , because this package updates the kernel modules too in /system/lib/modules and enables to use the agps and NTP server setting was corrected . It points to europe.pool.ntp.org instead of the test one . Now my tab finds position within seconds . With the new kernel for me it seems the touchscreen is much better , but as before I am waiting for the feedbacks. Other fixes include: Touchscreen sensitivity, USB Charging etc.

Installation :
download the zip file
copy it to your tab's internal storage
start the tab in clockworkmod recovery
select install zip from sdcard
select the file for your model
install
reboot

and stock kernel for 10" :
stock kernel[/QUOTE]

Finally, if you want to obtain a dump of boot.img, please consider the following advice, also by mobilx, here:

mobilx said:
It is a mmcblk device not mtdblock

dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p8 of=/sdcard/boot_backup.img
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p18 of=/sdcard/recovery_backup.img

ROOTING:

mobilx said:
It is recommended that you skip these steps and proceed to flashing clockwork mod for your respective device from the start using fastboot, and from inside CWM install joe's kernel (or custom rom), which you can find below. Joe's kernels and rom already come with significant updates to stock Vodafone systems, and are pre-rooted.
We will use superboot to root. What does superboot do? It puts the SU binary and makes a 'insecure' kernel to be loaded temporarily on to the device through ADB remount. So it's only purpose is to make ROOT. After execution, you will still be on the stock kernel, only with root privileges.

This method is for the advanced users only who want to have root before we have a fully functional CWM running. With the CWM the root method will be easier.

IMPORTANT!
At this point we have no way to repair a broken device to a factory state. We can unroot and that is it. It is advisable do make dump of your rom before making any changes to the system. We are not responsible for any damage that can occur in the root process and after that.

What will you need?

--> Download Fastboot+Superboot.img from here.
--> Install ADB through the SDK, download from here, although the ADB included with the ZTE drivers should also work.
--> Install the ZTE drivers, you can find them here, although they should already be included on your device when first mounting it.
--> don't forget to enable USB debugging in the tablet's application settings.
--> Put the fastboot.exe and the superboot.img files in the working directory you will be running adb from (Default should be at "C:\Program Files\ZTE Handset USB Driver".
--> Open a Command Line (Start Menu > Run > CMD) and navigate to the working directory. (Use "cd C:\Program Files\ZTE Handset USB Driver" or alter the path accordingly).

--> Write the following commands withing the command line:
--> adb reboot bootloader
--> fastboot boot superboot.img

--> The device should now boot with the Superuser.apk installed and SU in the /system/xbin/su, as well as allowing you adb root commands. Now run the following:
--> adb remount
--> adb shell
--> ln -s /system/xbin/su /system/bin/su

--> You can now exit the ADB shell and reboot the tablet.

--> Install busybox from the market and check the SU binary version with the Superuser.apk - try to update. If it succeed you are done.

Credits:
sangemaru
utkanos
PaulOBrien from modaco and his superboot solution

mobilx · Jan 31, 2012

Reserved for future posts

assdksl · Feb 8, 2012

I have ZTE V11A aka Vodafone Smart Tab 10 in my possession

I'm very interested in obtaining root for this device, so if I can be of any help, please let me know.
I hope that whis device will gain more popularity in the near future, because of it's excellent hardware and low price.
Is there any progress going on with rooting this device?

P.S. Two more questions,

Has anyone found where to buy 40pin to hdmi cable/connector? (because you don't get one in the box)
Does any of you experience clock drift with your device after some time, mine is drifting forward about 20min per day with no automatic Network Sync.

Thank you.

sangemaru · Feb 8, 2012

assdksl said:
I have ZTE V11A aka Vodafone Smart Tab 10 in my possession
I'm very interested in obtaining root for this device, so if I can be of any help, please let me know.
I hope that whis device will gain more popularity in the near future, because of it's excellent hardware and low price.
Is there any progress going on with rooting this device?

Currently, me and mobilx are trying to put aside time to either:
obtain a dump of the boot.img that we can inject su and superuser.apk into;
compile the source code into a flashable rom that we can inject su and superuser.apk into;
get clockworkmod working on the device;

Due to time constraints, I haven't made much headroom this week, but I'm taking a couple of days off work and hope to make some progress.

P.S. Two more questions,

Has anyone found where to buy 40pin to hdmi cable/connector? (because you don't get one in the box)

Does any of you experience clock drift with your device after some time, mine is drifting forward about 20min per day with no automatic Network Sync.

Thank you.

Haven't looked for it, but so far accessories for this line of devices seem to be lacking. With the popularization by Vodafone and the launch of the new Sprint V55 and similar tablets, these accessories should become more popular.
I haven't had any problems with the time on my device, sounds really weird.

mobilx · Feb 8, 2012

assdksl said:
Does any of you experience clock drift with your device after some time, mine is drifting forward about 20min per day with no automatic Network Sync.

Clock drift is happening due to Network-provided time setting. Im not sure what is causing this. It could be related to a Vip network or a failure of a process which obtains time from the network. If you want this not to happen just untick that option in settings.

assdksl · Feb 8, 2012

Thank you both for quick answering my questions.

mobilx said:
Clock drift is happening due to Network-provided time setting. Im not sure what is causing this. It could be related to a Vip network or a failure of a process which obtains time from the network. If you want this not to happen just untick that option in settings.

Yes, indeed, but when I untick sync with Network-provided time, clock is ticking faster then it should.
It seems that clock chip on my device is not calibrated well or there is some other bug, it seems that it is HW issues... this is little more explained here:
http://blogs.keynote.com/mobility/2...wrist-watch-android-doesnt-keep-the-time.html

It seems that I was unfortunate and get device with bad clock, also without root I'm unable to use ClockSync app that will solve my problem.

But what is bugging me, is the fact that I also have SGS I9000, and it is synchronizing with Vip network just fine.
Mobilx are you experiencing time drift issue with network-provided time sync, but with manual time settings it is working fine?

sangemaru said:
Currently, me and mobilx are trying to put aside time to either:
obtain a dump of the boot.img that we can inject su and superuser.apk into;
compile the source code into a flashable rom that we can inject su and superuser.apk into;
get clockworkmod working on the device;

Due to time constraints, I haven't made much headroom this week, but I'm taking a couple of days off work and hope to make some progress.

I am a software developer, and I have some Android programming knowledge, but I'm not experienced much with Linux and compiling flashable Roms, but I can try

In any case, if I can help, just let me know.

mobilx · Feb 8, 2012

assdksl said:
Mobilx are you experiencing time drift issue with network-provided time sync, but with manual time settings it is working fine?

Yes it happend to me once. First I unticked the network-provided time sync and after restart I ticked it again. The clock is fine since than.

sangemaru · Feb 8, 2012

assdksl said:
I am a software developer, and I have some Android programming knowledge, but I'm not experienced much with Linux and compiling flashable Roms, but I can try In any case, if I can help, just let me know.

Well, so far what possible leads we have that I can think of are these:

mobilx suggested this thread http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=443994 for packing/unpacking boot.img
to quote Alterbridge of Team Overcome: "I presume the ZTE tablet uses boot.img format for its kernels, in which case you can extract the initramfs using mkbootimg (there are a number of scripts floating around). from there you can modify whatever you want in the initramfs and then repackage the boot.img and be on your way."
eldarerathis gave me some more instructions: "You basically need to extract the ROM's zip and add su/Superuser in the proper folders (su in /system/bin, Superuser in /system/app). You'll probably also have to look at the updater-script and add something to give su executable permission. It's usually something like 'set_perm(0, 0, 6755, "/system/bin/su");' that you need to add. The updater-script should be in the zip under /META-INF somewhere."

These are some of the useful bits of advice I received that could probably be put to good use when I have some free time. If you feel that anything is helpful, feel free to try it out.

assdksl · Feb 8, 2012

sangemaru said:
Well, so far what possible leads we have that I can think of are these:
mobilx suggested this thread http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=443994 for packing/unpacking boot.img
to quote Alterbridge of Team Overcome: "I presume the ZTE tablet uses boot.img format for its kernels, in which case you can extract the initramfs using mkbootimg (there are a number of scripts floating around). from there you can modify whatever you want in the initramfs and then repackage the boot.img and be on your way."
eldarerathis gave me some more instructions: "You basically need to extract the ROM's zip and add su/Superuser in the proper folders (su in /system/bin, Superuser in /system/app). You'll probably also have to look at the updater-script and add something to give su executable permission. It's usually something like 'set_perm(0, 0, 6755, "/system/bin/su");' that you need to add. The updater-script should be in the zip under /META-INF somewhere."

Thank you, I will do some reading for a start.
We are sure that bootloaders are unlocked?

sangemaru said:
Currently, me and mobilx are trying to put aside time to either:
obtain a dump of the boot.img that we can inject su and superuser.apk into;
compile the source code into a flashable rom that we can inject su and superuser.apk into;
get clockworkmod working on the device;

Did you consider getting clockworkmod working in more details? Is it simpler then above method?
I have found this article regarding putting clockwork mode to new devices, I just read it briefly...
http://www.koushikdutta.com/2010/10/porting-clockwork-recovery-to-new.html

mobilx · Feb 8, 2012

assdksl said:
Thank you, I will do some reading for a start.
We are sure that bootloaders are unlocked?

Did you consider getting clockworkmod working in more details? Is it simpler then above method?
I have found this article regarding putting clockwork mode to new devices, I just read it briefly...
http://www.koushikdutta.com/2010/10/porting-clockwork-recovery-to-new.html

That's fine. We have a dev utkanos who agreed to build the CWM for our device. He is very experienced in this stuff. The only way to build a proper CWM is to get a boot.img dumped or extracted from a leaked ROM.

So what we need to do:

Get root via some exploit (there is none for 3.2 HC yet) , dump boot.img and build CWM, flash CWM with fastboot, or
Find leaked ROM , extract boot.img, build CWM, flash CWM with the fastboot, root device with Update.zip

Yes the fastoboot is working and the bootloader is unlocked.

I have tried these exploits so far:

GingerBreak
psneuter
zergRush

Also I have tried:

All ideas are welcome.

mobilx · Feb 10, 2012

Ladies and gentleman the ROOT is here

Device is successfully rooted with the superboot method.

Thanks to my friend sangemaru who made this possible.
Expect CWM soon. utkanos is working on it.

Need some testing, before this goes to public

3MAJ · Feb 10, 2012

That's great news mobilx! Looking forward to a root and ICS sometime in the future

anak1n · Feb 10, 2012

Congrat`s guys,nice work and many thanks from all users.
This is a beginning of a beautiful friendship with SmartTab

We expect nice custom roms and maybe in a short time and ICS rom for this excellent tablet.

If I or we (other members) can help with something,please,let us know,i dont know programming but i can use Paint

(just kidding)

markodtd · Feb 10, 2012

Jeeej!!! I'm looking forward to it!

mobilx · Feb 10, 2012

Ok lets roll

While we are waiting for CWM to be build we can root ZTE V11A/V71A aka Vodafone SmartTab 10/7 with the superboot.
What the superboot does? It puts SU binary and makes a 'insecure' kernel to be loaded temporally on to device( ADB remount). So it's only purpose is to make ROOT. After reboot you are on your old kernel but with the root.

This method is for the advanced users only who want to have root before we build a CWM. With the CWM the root method will be easier.

IMPORTANT!
At this point we have no way to repair a broken device to a factory state. We can unroot and that is it. It is advisable do make dump of your rom before making any changes to the system. We are not responsible for any damage that can occur in the root process and after that.

What we need?

ADB installed through SDK
Zte drivers installed --> debugging ticked in options

fastboot + superboot.img --> Put files in the adb working dir

>adb reboot bootloader
>fastboot boot superboot.img

Device should boot with Superuser.apk installed and SU in the /system/xbin/su.

>adb remount
>adb shell
#ln -s /system/xbin/su /system/bin/su

Install busybox from the market and check the SU binary version with the Superuser.apk - try to update. If it succeed you are done.

#exit
$exit
>adb reboot

Device will reboot with the stock kernel but rooted.

Credits:
sangemaru
utkanos
PaulOBrien from modaco and his superboot solution

3MAJ · Feb 10, 2012

Thx mobilx! Hvala

urs71 · Feb 10, 2012

All it's OK

It's working also on v71a.......LOL

10x man

jakaka · Feb 10, 2012

urs71 said:
It's working also on v71a.......LOL

10x man

I can also confirm this working on 7 inch

mobilx · Feb 10, 2012

urs71 said:
It's working also on v71a.......LOL

10x man

jakaka said:
I can also confirm this working on 7 inch

That is great guys. sangemaru will be very happy because he owns A71A

So you can confirm that it boots and the touchscreen is working? That means the kernel is the same for those two variants.

urs71 · Feb 10, 2012

V17A

YES, all work perfectly...........setcpu, blackmarkt,root uninstaller, lucky patcher, etc
The only differences between v11a and v71a is the size of the display
we are wating for CWM..........10x again

v71a

[ROOT + CWM + OC KERNEL + Ubuntu] ZTE V11A / V71A / v55 HC3.2

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