Beginners Guide to root and flashing a custom ROM on the TF700T

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steker6

Member
Oct 13, 2011
8
1
Help please I can boot my TF 700

Help please I unlocked bootloader, insatlled TWRP 2.6.3.2 and than flash cromi-x 5.4 DEODEX from full mirror 1. Every thing was OK than wipe cashe and davlik 2 times and than check to instal super user and reboot. But after reboot my tablet stay over 20 minutes on strat screen with label "ASUS in search of incredible" and rotating ring and nothing happen. What I have to do now.
 
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berndblb

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Nov 22, 2012
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Help please I unlocked bootloader, insatlled TWRP 2.6.3.2 and than flash cromi-x 5.4 DEODEX from full mirror 1. Every thing was OK than wipe cashe and davlik 2 times and than check to instal super user and reboot. But after reboot my tablet stay over 20 minutes on strat screen with label "ASUS in search of incredible" and rotating ring and nothing happen. What I have to do now.

If you say "everything was ok", does that mean you booted into CROMI-X just fine?
Why did you wipe cache and Dalvik?
What did you come from and did you do a Factory Wipe in TWRP prior to flashing the rom?
Somehow I suspect you skipped the last part. In that case boot back to TWRP, do a factory reset and reflash the rom.

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk
 

steker6

Member
Oct 13, 2011
8
1
respose

If you say "everything was ok", does that mean you booted into CROMI-X just fine?
Why did you wipe cache and Dalvik?
What did you come from and did you do a Factory Wipe in TWRP prior to flashing the rom?
Somehow I suspect you skipped the last part. In that case boot back to TWRP, do a factory reset and reflash the rom.

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk


"every thing was ok" does not mean that CROMI-X start properly just installtion was completed. After installation I made wipe cash and davlik than reboot. In this moment I nave ti choose to insatll super user or not install. I choose to install but after this tablet does not start. I realy skip "factory reset" in beging of installation. Never mind in this moment I repete the procedure with CROMI-X ODEX 5.4 and the rom start properly, but I want to install DEODEX. Now I will try to install and write you. If it neccesery to wipe cash and davlik after installation complete and install super user after this before reboot system?

Now every thing is OK CROMI-X 5.4 DEODEX start properly and thank you very much for all.
Now will try new rom. In stok 4.2.1 version 10 there are some lags.
 
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daldude786

Senior Member
Jun 1, 2014
82
4
Finally got this to work Awesome Thanks!

I finally got TWRP installed and working properly and I even backed up my Asus OS so now I can install a better custom ROM.

It took me several days to finally get it working after coming to this forum thanks for the much easier and more clear step by step instructions.:good::D
 
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daldude786

Senior Member
Jun 1, 2014
82
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Why not do a wipe Wipe Data or factory reset?

Why NEVER EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES use the 'Wipe Data' option from the bootloader? What if this is done? What will it do to the tablet? Will it permanently brick it beyond repair or will it just require you to have to reinstall TWRP and start over from scratch?


I hope this guide will make it a little easier for those users who wish to unleash the potential of this tablet but have no idea where to start. This is meant to be for inexperienced users who may be flashing for the first time.
If you find information I provide here to be incorrect or outdated, please do chime in!

And the standard disclaimer: I am not responsible if you misunderstand instructions I give here or if my instructions are dead wrong. I may be a fiend who's going for the world record in tablets bricked. Do your own research, read thrice, ask twice, flash once.
YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK


First things first:
Backup everything on your tablet you care about to an external microSD or your PC. Don't worry about your apps. You can always install them from the Play Store.

Basically the process of flashing a custom ROM on the TF700 involves three steps:
1) Unlock the bootloader using Asus' Unlock tool
2) Install a custom recovery on the tablet
3) Flash a custom ROM of your choice using the custom recovery​

Rooting is optional
To install a custom ROM it is not necessary to root the tablet. You do have to unlock the bootloader and install a custom recovery no matter what, but in my opinion rooting is an unnecessary step. However - as of today, Feb 27, 2014, another path to installing a custom recovery opened up (again) and that method (using GooManager to install TWRP - see below) requires you to be rooted.
So if you want to root the TF700 on stock firmware there are two ways to go about it:
Up to firmware version 10.6.1.14.8 you could use a tool called Motochopper to root the TF700. Asus plugged the hole Motochopper exploited in the last firmware update.
For firmware version 10.6.1.14.10 there is Kingo Android Root (only works on Windows AFAIK). There was some controversy around Kingo. Late last year their threads on XDA got closed because they used the vroot method which had a sniffer component that collected information and sent it to servers in China. The developers of Kingo removed vroot and worked it out with XDA. Their threads got re-opened in December. So I believe Kingo is safe to use - but you be the judge of that....


Unlocking the bootloader
Your tablet should be fully charged at this point!
  • Make sure "USB debugging" is checked in Settings > Developer Options (if you don't see it, go to About Tablet and tap 7 times on Build Number)
  • Go to Asus website: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support-
  • Select your device, choose "Android" for OS and look for the "Utilities" on the resulting page.
  • Download the Asus Unlock Tool v8 (I assume you are on JB 4.2 firmware)
  • The tool downloads as a .rar file which is an archive you have to decompress. 7zip is a free and very good Windows tool that will do it for you or use ES File Explorer on the tablet
  • On your tablet, in Settings > Security check "Unknown Sources"
  • Copy the .apk you extracted from the .rar archive to your tablet.
  • Find the apk in your tablet's file browser, tap it and let it install
  • Open the app and follow the instructions. You will loose your warranty as soon as you click "I agree".

This can be a 5 Minute operation that goes without a hitch or a very frustrating experience with lots of error messages. There is no definite rhyme or reason for this. For some people it works like a charm, for others it works after 15, 25 or 55 attempts, for some never.... This problem is widely discussed on several forums. For now I assume it goes ok.
To check if you are unlocked, boot the tablet and read the tiny script. It should say: This device is unlocked.

Installing a custom recovery on your tablet

I highly recommend you choose TWRP as your custom recovery. If you want CWM, you are on your own.
To push TWRP to your tablet you need to set up "Fastboot" between your tablet and your PC. Fastboot is a protocol that enables you low level access to your tablet.

Practice/Background
Power down your tablet and disconnect it from the dock
Push and hold the Volume Down key (left side of the rocker) and the Power key until you feel the tablet vibrate twice. Let go when you see the tiny script. Read it and it tells you that your tablet is now in fastboot mode and you will see three icons (I assume again you are on a JB 4.2 bootloader. In older bootloaders you had 4 icons and had to select the USB icon to get into fastboot mode):

RCK - (which should be flashing) is your recovery (the stock recovery at this point, but once TWRP is installed this is one way to get into it)
Android - is your system, selecting it boots you back to into your ROM.
Wipe Data - stay away! Especially with custom software installed never, ever use this option!
To toggle between the three icons use Volume Down, to select one use Volume Up.

Installing ADB and fastboot plus the necessary drivers

For a working ADB/fastboot connection from PC to tablet you need:

a) Asus device drivers – if you connect the tablet to your PC and it's recognized as a portable device you should be ok. If not, download the Asus Sync Utility from their support/downloads site and install it

b) Fastboot and ADB drivers which will be installed if you run the tool below.

Windows 7/8:
Download and run this cool little tool [TOOL] [WINDOWS] ADB, Fastboot and Drivers - 15 seconds ADB Installer v1.1 - xda-developers (don't forget to hit the Thanks button)
This is not confirmed to work on Win 8.1, but that may be due to the driver signature verification in Win8. Google how to turn it off.
The tool installs the adb and fastboot.exe to a folder on your C:\ drive (look for the adb folder) and the corresponding drivers. Takes about 15 seconds

Win XP (and all other Win versions if the above does not work for some reason)
I recommend the "ADB Install Tool" mentioned above or the 'Minimal ADB Fastboot Tool': [TOOL]Minimal ADB and Fastboot [7-18-13] - xda-developers
Either works fine.
If you need the drivers, get them here and install manually in Device Manager:[ADB/FB/APX Driver] Universal Naked Driver 0.72 (We dont need no stinking HTC Sync) - xda-developers

Linux and iOS: Check out this site https://code.google.com/p/adb-fastboot-install/ or this [GUIDE] Set up ADB and Fastboot on a Mac easily (With Screenshots!) - xda-developers


The fun begins
  • Boot the tablet into fastboot mode and connect it to your computer via the original USB cable
  • In Windows Explorer navigate to the folder that contains your adb.exe and fastboot.exe
  • Win 7/8: Shift + right click and select "Open command window here".
  • In Win XP select 'Run' from the Start menu, type
    Code:
    cmd
    and hit Enter. In the resulting command prompt type
    Code:
    cd C:\adb\    [I](or whatever the path to your fastboot folder is..)[/I]
  • All Windows versions: In the command window on your PC type:
    Code:
    fastboot devices
  • If that command returns a string of numbers and letters, you are good as gold.
  • If it returns: "No devices found", fastboot is not working - yet - and you have to troubleshoot.
Getting the correct drivers working can be the hardest part of this exercise. If your computer does not "see" the tablet in fastboot, try to uninstall the existing driver (if any) in Device Manager and manually install the Google Universal Naked Drivers.

Let's assume everything is good:

  • On your computer go here: Techerrata Downloads - Browsing tf700t
  • Download the correct TWRP version for the ROM you intend to flash (see list below)
  • Rename the file to twrp.blob and place it into the same directory as your fastboot.exe.
  • Again check the connection with

Code:
fastboot devices
If you get the connection, in the command window type:
Code:
fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery twrp.blob
This will flash the recovery to the recovery partition
If it is successful type:
Code:
fastboot reboot
and let the tablet boot up normally.
Booting back into the (not rooted) stock ROM you may get a dialog from TWRP asking you if you want to root.
You can accept or cancel it - doesn't matter. I assume you are going to install a custom ROM and they are rooted anyway.

Alternative methods to installing TWRP

A) The app GooManager, free in the Play Store, downloads and installs TWRP (currently version 2.6.3.1) on the TF700. But GooManager requires root AND the bootloader to be unlocked. For users who are rooted already or those who cannot get ADB and fastboot to work on their PC, rooting with Motochopper or Kingo and then using GooManger to install TWRP may be a good alternative.

B) sbdags, the developer of CROMi-X (probably the most popular ROM for this tablet) provided a tool that automates the fastboot commands necessary to install a recovery..
I personally believe it is essential to have a working fastboot connection from PC to tablet and becoming familiar with basic fastboot commands when you develop a flashing habit, but if you want to take a shortcut his tool is here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2646279

ROM – Recovery combinations
I assume you are on the 10.6.1.14.10 bootloader


Create a nandroid
Your almost there! You are now on the stock ROM with a custom recovery installed.
Power the tablet down and boot into the bootloader menu with Volume Down and Power buttons.
With RCK flashing, push Volume Up and you should boot into TWRP. Familiarize yourself with the many options of the touch based interface without executing anything yet.
Touch "Backup", leave the default selection as they are and swipe the button to create a nandroid (a backup) of your current system.
This is a very healthy habit to develop: You always want to have a nandroid of your last working system squared away so that you can do a simple restore if you flash something that does not work, or something goes wrong during a flash. With a working recovery and a good nandroid you are minutes away from a working system if you soft brick your tablet.

Installing a custom ROM
The most popular custom ROMs for the TF700 are CROMi-X, CROMBi-KK and CyanogenMod (CM).
CROMi-X is based on the latest Asus firmware (JB 4.2.1) for this tablet with many, many tweaks and improvements.
CROMBi-KK is a mix of CM11 and CROMi-X and at this point still in beta.
CM11 is build from the ground up, emulating KitKat (JB 4.4).

There are quite a few more variants, check them out in the XDA Development forum and don't forget to make a nandroid before flashing anything new :D

Note: Whatever you decide to flash: READ THE OP of the corresponding thread and make sure you have the correct bootloader and the required recovery installed! I can't stress this enough! If you are not sure, DO NOT FLASH!
Look for the ROMs in the Development section of the XDA forum for this tablet: Transformer TF700 Android Development - xda-developers


Note: It is recommended (mandatory if you go for CM) to do a Factory Wipe in TWRP before installing a custom ROM.
If you choose 'Wipe' in TWRP, all you have to do is swipe the button - 'Factory Wipe' is the default selection under the 'Wipe' menu. You will loose your apps, but it will not wipe your /data/media/ folder where your files, pictures, etc live.
If you do this right before flashing the custom ROM, make sure you have the zip file of your custom ROM on your microSD - not on your internal SD where it may get wiped....


From here on out it's as easy as downloading the installation file of your custom ROM, booting into recovery, choosing "Install" and navigating to the zip of the ROM you want to flash.
If you go for CROMi-X and TWRP as your recovery, make sure you check "verify zip signature" under the Install menu. sbdags signs his ROM zips - a better way to ensure file integrity than md5 sum.

For a general overview and comparison of ROMs check out Gtanner00's thread, post 2 + 3. Note that he describes roms for the TF300, but since the framework for the TF300 and TF700 is very similar there is usually an equivalent rom for the TF700 at the XDA Developers forum.
http://www.transformerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41508
Do not follow or download from any of the links he provides! I only link to his thread for general information!

Any questions - please ask.

AND IF YOU LIKE THE ROM, SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION AND DONATE TO THE DEVELOPER!


Once you installed a custom recovery NEVER EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES use the 'Wipe Data' option from the bootloader menu or the "Factory Reset" option in Settings > Backup&Restore.
In your custom recovery you have the option to wipe, backup and restore every partition on your tablet selectively or collectively. Any wiping, any backup and any restore of the system, data, recovery or boot partitions MUST be done in your recovery (or in fastboot)!
You can safely use Titanium Backup or Asus Backup for apps and settings, but that's it. For everything else use your recovery
.
 

berndblb

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Nov 22, 2012
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Why NEVER EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES use the 'Wipe Data' option from the bootloader? What if this is done? What will it do to the tablet? Will it permanently brick it beyond repair or will it just require you to have to reinstall TWRP and start over from scratch?

Because I have seen too many people get themselves into a very tight spot by doing it AND THERE IS NO REASON TO USE THIS FUNCTION!
Every rom for this tablet - custom or not - uses the Asus bootloader. If you use Wipe Data from the BL, the bootloader writes a command to the misc partition to start the recovery and wipe the data partition and then it reboots. The bootloader expects the stock recovery to be installed and if your custom recovery does not "get" the command (and most likely it won't), it just aborts, the tablets reboots, the BL finds the "boot to recovery and wipe data command", executes it, the recovery doesn't get it.... and your in an endless loop.
That's the best case scenario. If you have the wrong recovery installed, it can hard brick your device.
And again - even if it would work with some custom recoveries: Why take a risk??????
You have all the commands you need to wipe and format from within the custom recovery!
 
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_that

Recognized Developer / Inactive RC
Oct 2, 2012
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If you use Wipe Data from the BL, the bootloader writes a command to the misc partition to start the recovery and wipe the data partition and then it reboots. The bootloader expects the stock recovery to be installed and if your custom recovery does not "get" the command (and most likely it won't), it just aborts, the tablets reboots, the BL finds the "boot to recovery and wipe data command", executes it, the recovery doesn't get it.... and your in an endless loop.
That's the best case scenario. If you have the wrong recovery installed, it can hard brick your device.

The same has to be said about "reboot to recovery" tools for Android - use these only if you know that your recovery can successfully boot and access the internal storage. After flashing a new recovery, always use the volume key combination to start it first until you know that it works.
 
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daldude786

Senior Member
Jun 1, 2014
82
4
Wall Paper choice not staying permanent after restart, reboot power off, reboot

I'm using CRMi-X custom ROM aNDROID 4.2.1 Build number TF700-CROMi-Xenogenesis 5.4 - 10.61.27.5 US DEODEX
Kernel version 3.1.10-10.6.1.14.8-that4+ that@ws@13 Tue July 2 23:21:24 CEST 2013.

It will not make my wall paper choice permanent when ever I do a restart, reset and it reboots it goes back to that board walk image that is the one you see after installing the rom the first time.
I go into settings and select display, Wallpaper, Home Screen, Live Wall Paper and then select Asus Day Scene and tape Set and under the Home and Lock Screen Settings I also select Live Wall Paper Asus Day Scene and tap Set. When I do a restart after it reboots it goes back to the Board Walk image it also does this after a power off, reboot :mad:. If I do a restart, Hot Boot it does not rest my wall paper.
The only thing that seems to stay permanent is the lock screen image I set.

It's annoying having to reset my wall paper every time I reboot or power on my tablet How do I fix this?


Thanks.
 
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sbdags

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Jun 24, 2007
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15,558
Kenilworth, Coventry
OnePlus 9 Pro
I'm using CRMi-X custom ROM aNDROID 4.2.1 Build number TF700-CROMi-Xenogenesis 5.4 - 10.61.27.5 US DEODEX
Kernel version 3.1.10-10.6.1.14.8-that4+ that@ws@13 Tue July 2 23:21:24 CEST 2013.

It will not make my wall paper choice permanent when ever I do a restart, reset and it reboots it goes back to that board walk image that is the one you see after installing the rom the first time.
I go into settings and select display, Wallpaper, Home Screen, Live Wall Paper and then select Asus Day Scene and tape Set and under the Home and Lock Screen Settings I also select Live Wall Paper Asus Day Scene and tap Set. When I do a restart after it reboots it goes back to the Board Walk image it also does this after a power off, reboot :mad:. If I do a restart, Hot Boot it does not rest my wall paper.
The only thing that seems to stay permanent is the lock screen image I set.

It's annoying having to reset my wall paper every time I reboot or power on my tablet How do I fix this?


Thanks.

Learn how to post a logcat or try a clean install. You can back up or restore with tibu.
 

daldude786

Senior Member
Jun 1, 2014
82
4
Update to Wall Paper Problem

Update.

I am now using I'm using CRMi-X custom ROM aNDROID 4.2.1 Build number TF700-CROMi-Xenogenesis 5.4 - 10.61.27.5 US DEODEX
Kernel version 3.1.10-10.6.1.14.10-that8-oc+ that@ws#29 Sat Feb 15 22:28:26 CET 2014.
and am still having the same problem.

I'm using the file named CROMi-X_DEODEX_5.4_Signed.zip, could I be using the wrong file with the wrong flash program?

What is the best flash program?

Thanks

I'm using CRMi-X custom ROM aNDROID 4.2.1 Build number TF700-CROMi-Xenogenesis 5.4 - 10.61.27.5 US DEODEX
Kernel version 3.1.10-10.6.1.14.8-that4+ that@ws@13 Tue July 2 23:21:24 CEST 2013.

It will not make my wall paper choice permanent when ever I do a restart, reset and it reboots it goes back to that board walk image that is the one you see after installing the rom the first time.
I go into settings and select display, Wallpaper, Home Screen, Live Wall Paper and then select Asus Day Scene and tape Set and under the Home and Lock Screen Settings I also select Live Wall Paper Asus Day Scene and tap Set. When I do a restart after it reboots it goes back to the Board Walk image it also does this after a power off, reboot :mad:. If I do a restart, Hot Boot it does not rest my wall paper.
The only thing that seems to stay permanent is the lock screen image I set.

It's annoying having to reset my wall paper every time I reboot or power on my tablet How do I fix this?


Thanks.
 

sbdags

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Jun 24, 2007
12,753
15,558
Kenilworth, Coventry
OnePlus 9 Pro
Update.

I am now using I'm using CRMi-X custom ROM aNDROID 4.2.1 Build number TF700-CROMi-Xenogenesis 5.4 - 10.61.27.5 US DEODEX
Kernel version 3.1.10-10.6.1.14.10-that8-oc+ that@ws#29 Sat Feb 15 22:28:26 CET 2014.
and am still having the same problem.

I'm using the file named CROMi-X_DEODEX_5.4_Signed.zip, could I be using the wrong file with the wrong flash program?

What is the best flash program?

Thanks

TWRP 2.5+ I think
 

berndblb

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Nov 22, 2012
4,875
2,113
Los Angeles, CA
How do I know which ASUS STOCK BOOTLOADER VERSION I'm using? I thought TWRP was the bootloader.

You find your bootloader version by booting into it: Turn tablet off, push and hold Power and Volume Down until you see three icons. Read the tiny script: It should be 10.6..1.14.10. That's your bootloader version.
TWRP is your recovery.
 

daldude786

Senior Member
Jun 1, 2014
82
4
Yup it's 10.6..1.14.10


I installed CROMBi-KK and it was very fast and did not have the Wallpaper Battery status problem but I don't like how it lacks support for Super IPS Mode, does not have the changing wall paper or Asus Day Scene and I don't like how the launcher is like Gingerbread with the icons too small but it does have some cool features that I would like if it was more like JB with the status bar at the bottom and the back and home buttons in the lower left corner of the screen. Also I could not find how to turn on and off the GPS. The Touch on off option is cool to have easy access to making the camera LED Flash a flash light. Why can't someone take the CROMBi-KK and make it look like the Asus Stock JB?

You find your bootloader version by booting into it: Turn tablet off, push and hold Power and Volume Down until you see three icons. Read the tiny script: It should be 10.6..1.14.10. That's your bootloader version.
TWRP is your recovery.
 
Last edited:

berndblb

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Nov 22, 2012
4,875
2,113
Los Angeles, CA
Yup it's 10.6..1.14.10


I installed CROMBi-KK and it was very fat and did not have the Wallpaper Battery status problem but I don't like how it lacks support for Super IPS Mode, does not have the changing wall paper or Asus Day Scene and I don't like how the launcher is like Gingerbread with the icons too small but it does have some cool features that I would like if it was more like JB with the status bar at the bottom and the back and home buttons in the lower left corner of the screen. Also I could not find how to turn on and off the GPS. The Touch on off option is cool to have easy access to making the camera LED Flash a flash light. Why can't someone take the CROMBi-KK and make it look like the Asus Stock JB?

Somebody did ... and it's called CROMi-X. You can get all the stuff you crave on Cromi-X with xposed modules and apps you can easily find with some research.
BTW, Super IPS is nothing but maximum brightness - nothing missing there except the label....
 

daldude786

Senior Member
Jun 1, 2014
82
4
I have installed CROMi-X and it was giving me problems with the wallpaper not staying permanent and battery usage info resetting after a reboot or power off and back on. Is there a difference between Cromi-X and CROMi-X? One is all upper case except the i and the other only the C and X are upper case.

Thanks.



You find your bootloader version by booting into it: Turn tablet off, push and hold Power and Volume Down until you see three icons. Read the tiny script: It should be 10.6..1.14.10. That's your bootloader version.
TWRP is your recovery.

Somebody did ... and it's called CROMi-X. You can get all the stuff you crave on Cromi-X with xposed modules and apps you can easily find with some research.
BTW, Super IPS is nothing but maximum brightness - nothing missing there except the label....
 

sbdags

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Jun 24, 2007
12,753
15,558
Kenilworth, Coventry
OnePlus 9 Pro
I have installed CROMi-X and it was giving me problems with the wallpaper not staying permanent and battery usage info resetting after a reboot or power off and back on. Is there a difference between Cromi-X and CROMi-X? One is all upper case except the i and the other only the C and X are upper case.

Thanks.

No they are the same - one dirty flash too many might be causing your issues?
 

daldude786

Senior Member
Jun 1, 2014
82
4
I fixed it (I hope)

I seemed to have fixed the problem. I have done a reboot and a power off 10 times and it is no longer forgetting what wallpaper I set and the battery usage information is no longer resetting. What I did was change the boot up animation from the one that looks like when you boot a PC and it displays the hardware information to the one that is the default animation that has the ASUS Logo and says IN SEARCH OF INCREDIBLE underneath the Ausu Logo. Why the boot up animation has any effect on the operation of the tablet and causes a malfunction is beyond me but if it fixed my problem I'm happy.:D:good:
 
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Citezyne

Member
Jun 9, 2014
6
3
Perth
Big Thanks!!

Hi XDA,

This topic was so helpful and informative that i made my account specifically to post thanks for this topic!

So without further ado, thank you so very much!

I did all steps in this tutorial, Rooting, Unlocking, Flashing Roms and a downgrade, all in all it took 30 mins from start to end not including my failed Rom flash.

PS. Make sure your tablet is charged before you flash anything, a dead battery will mess up your rom flash!!!!


Regards,
Citezyne
 
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    Last edit: Jan 2, 2018
    The information here can be found in many places on the web and several forums. But when I started flashing custom ROMs about two years ago, I got frustrated many times because I found that information to be scattered, fragmented and in many cases outdated.

    I hope this guide will make it a little easier for those users who wish to unleash the potential of this tablet but have no idea where to start. This is meant to be for inexperienced users who may be flashing for the first time.
    If you find information I provide here to be incorrect or outdated, please do chime in!

    And the standard disclaimer: I am not responsible if you misunderstand instructions I give here, if my instructions are wrong, if you forget to charge the battery and the tablet dies halfway through a flash or if your house goes up in flames.
    YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK


    First things first:
    Backup everything on your tablet you care about to an external microSD or your PC. Don't worry about your apps. You can always install them from the Play Store.
    This is just common sense. It is not inherently risky to flash custom ROMs. But something can wrong at any time and you have to be careful. If you are, this is a safe procedure.

    Basically the process of flashing a custom ROM on the TF700 involves three steps:
    1) Unlock the bootloader using Asus' Unlock tool
    2) Install a custom recovery on the tablet
    3) Flash a custom ROM of your choice using said custom recovery​
    Rooting is optional
    To install a custom ROM it is not necessary to root the tablet. You do have to unlock the bootloader and install a custom recovery no matter what, but in my opinion rooting is an unnecessary step since any custom ROM you flash will be rooted anyway.

    But if you want to root the TF700 on stock firmware there are three ways to go about it:
    Up to firmware version 10.6.1.14.8 you could use a tool called Motochopper to root the TF700. Asus plugged the hole Motochopper exploited in the last firmware update.
    For firmware version 10.6.1.14.10 there is Kingo Android Root (only works on Windows AFAIK).
    And then there is Towelroot, a one-click-root exploit. It's an apk, so no PC necessary. Only Towelroot v1 works for the TF700 and it's hard to find. My dog ate the copy I had.. :(


    Unlocking the bootloader
    Your tablet should be fully charged at this point!
    • Make sure "USB debugging" is checked in Settings > Developer Options (if you don't see it, go to About Tablet and tap 7 times on Build Number)
    • Download the Asus Unlock Tool v7 from here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=817550096634776735
    • On your tablet, in Settings > Security check "Unknown Sources"
    • Copy the .apk to your tablet.
    • Find the apk in your tablet's file browser, tap it and let it install
    • Open the app and follow the instructions. You will loose your warranty as soon as you click "I agree".
    Update 2/15: Google added another wrinkle: It now checks even sideloaded apps and refuses to install them if they are considered not secure. The Unlock tool seems to fail their test. v8 does not install at all anymore. v7 will install if you allow "less secure apps" in your Google account settings. On the web - not your Google account on the tablet
    July 2015: And another wrinkel... It seems to be pretty consistent now that the Unlock Tool hangs on the Google account password step. I suspect something changed on the Google side. It probably doesn't allow the tool to check/compare the password anymore. There have been quite a few security changes lately and the unlock tool never gets updated so I suspect that Google now is blocking access by the tool to it's servers.
    The work-around is easy enough: Delete the Google account from the tablet (Settings > Accounts), then run the tool again. If that doesn't do it, do a factory reset from Settings, reboot and during the initial setup establish a WiFi connection but skip the google account setup, then run the tool

    If you get an unspecified "network error" you could be in for some major headaches. Many tablet's serial number and/or the mac address of the mainboard seem to be registered incorrectly in Asus database. This problem is widely discussed on several forums, just google: "cannot unlock TF700" or similar and read the threads. Too many variables to discuss this here...

    To check if you are unlocked, boot the tablet and read the tiny script. It should say:
    The device is unlocked.


    Installing a custom recovery on your tablet

    To determine if you need to update your bootloader read post #3

    I highly recommend you choose TWRP as your custom recovery. If you want CWM, you are on your own.
    To push TWRP to your tablet you need to set up "Fastboot" between your tablet and your PC. Fastboot is a protocol that enables you low level access to your tablet.

    Practice/Background
    Power down your tablet and disconnect it from the dock
    Push and hold the Volume Down key (left side of the rocker) and the Power key until you feel the tablet vibrate twice. Let go when you see the tiny script. Read it and it tells you that your tablet is now in fastboot mode and you will see three icons (I assume again you are on a JB 4.2 bootloader. In older bootloaders you had 4 icons and had to select the USB icon to get into fastboot mode):

    RCK - (which should be flashing) is your recovery (the stock recovery at this point, but once TWRP is installed this is one way to get into it)
    Android - is your system, selecting it boots you back to into your ROM.
    Wipe Data - stay away! Especially with custom software installed never, ever use this option!
    To toggle between the three icons use Volume Down, to select one use Volume Up. Try it but do not push Volume Up when the 'Wipe data' icon is flashing!​

    Installing ADB and fastboot plus the necessary drivers

    For a working ADB/fastboot connection from PC to tablet you need:
    a) Asus device drivers – if you connect the tablet to your PC and it's recognized as a portable device you should be ok. If not, download the Asus Sync Utility from their support/downloads site and install it to get the drivers, then uninstall the program from your PC if you don't want it. The drivers will stay.
    b) Fastboot and ADB drivers which will be installed if you run the tool below.

    Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10:
    Download and run this cool little tool [TOOL] [WINDOWS] ADB, Fastboot and Drivers - 15 seconds ADB Installer v1.1 - xda-developers (don't forget to hit the Thanks button)
    The tool installs the adb and fastboot.exe to a folder on your C:\ drive (look for adb) and the corresponding drivers. Takes about 15 seconds.
    On Windows 8.+ you need to turn off the driver verification feature. Here's a great video on how to do it:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afrvSGiMAtk


    Win XP (and all other Win versions if the above does not work for some reason)
    I recommend the "ADB Install Tool" mentioned above or the 'Minimal ADB Fastboot Tool': [TOOL]Minimal ADB and Fastboot [7-18-13] - xda-developers
    Either works fine.
    If you need the drivers, get them here and install manually in Device Manager:[ADB/FB/APX Driver] Universal Naked Driver 0.72 (We dont need no stinking HTC Sync) - xda-developers
    Win7 and Win8 users seem to have the best luck wth the drivers sbdags provided here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2646279
    It's fine if you want to use his Recovery Install Tool from that thread. But I highly recommend you familiarize yourself with basic fastboot commands! There are lots of tuturials all over the web.

    Linux:Check out this site https://code.google.com/p/adb-fastboot-install/
    iOS:[GUIDE] Set up ADB and Fastboot on a Mac easily (With Screenshots!) - xda-developers or:
    http://htc-one.wonderhowto.com/how-...-mac-os-x-send-commands-your-htc-one-0151178/

    TROUBLE WITH ADB FASTBOOT DRIVERS? SALVATION IS NEAR!! (May 2017 edit)

    And it is called FWUL (F-orget(?) Windows Use Linux) a great Arch Linux distro that you can boot off a USB stick or CD with simple adb fastboot all setup for you. Follow the instructions, set your boot sequence to boot from USB or SD drive first and disable Secure Boot in your BIOS Security settings. I have fought with Windows driver problems as long as I have been using Android devices and some stuff I never got to work. With this baby I was able to connect to 4 different Android devices with no problems at all. A beauty! https://xdaforums.com/android/software-hacking/live-iso-adb-fastboot-driver-issues-t3526755


    The fun begins
    Fastboot does not play well with USB 3.0, so use a USB 2.0 port for this. And no hubs and such....
    • Boot the tablet into fastboot mode and connect it to your computer via the original USB cable
    • In Windows Explorer navigate to the folder that contains your adb.exe and fastboot.exe
    • Win 7/8/10: Inside that folder Shift + right click and select "Open command window here".
    • For Win XP click here
      select 'Run' from the Start menu, type
      Code:
      cmd
      and hit Enter. In the resulting command prompt type
      Code:
      cd C:\adb\    [I](or whatever the path to your fastboot folder is..)[/I]
      If all of the above fails follow these instructions: https://www.michaelcrump.net/power-tip-for-windows-users-open-command-prompt-here/
    • In the command window on your PC type:
      Code:
      fastboot devices
    • If that command returns a string of numbers and letters, you are good as gold.
    View attachment 3070087

    • If it returns: "No devices found", fastboot is not working - yet - and you have to troubleshoot.
    Getting the correct drivers working can be the hardest part of this exercise. If your computer does not "see" the tablet in fastboot, try to uninstall the existing driver (if any) in Device Manager and manually install the Google Universal Naked Drivers. And if Windows does not cooperate at all, PM me and I can hook you up with a Puppy Linux live CD with fastboot/adb set up already. ;)

    Let's assume everything is good:

    • On your computer go here: https://twrp.me/devices/asustransformerinfinityTF700T.html
    • Download the latest version of TWRP. Version 2.8.0 or later is ready for KitKat and Lollipop custom roms as well as backward compatible with JB ROMs.

      FYI ONLY: If you for whatever reason want to format your data partition:
      Formatting /data starting with TWRP 2.7.x and later takes a lot longer than in previous versions (up to 90 minutes). LET IT FINISH. DO NOT INTERRUPT THE FORMATTING.
      Formatting data is only necessary in cases of data corruption.

    • Place the TWRP file into the same directory as your fastboot.exe.
    • Again check the connection with
    Code:
    fastboot devices
    If you get the connection, in the command window type:
    Code:
    fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery <name-of-file>
    This will flash the recovery to the recovery partition
    Example:
    If the file is named TWRP_2.8.6.2_TF700_recovery.img, the fastboot command is:
    Code:
    fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery TWRP_2.8.6.2_TF700_recovery.img
    You can rename the file to something easier to type, but file name and fastboot command have to match.
    So if you renamed the file to twrp.img:
    Code:
    fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery twrp.img
    If your recovery comes as a blob:
    Code:
    fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery twrp.blob
    If it is successful type:
    Code:
    fastboot reboot
    and let the tablet boot up normally.
    Booting back into the (not rooted) stock rom you may get a dialog from TWRP asking you if you want to root.
    You can accept or cancel it - doesn't matter. I assume you are going to install a custom rom and they are rooted anyway.


    Create a nandroid
    Your almost there! You are now on the stock ROM with a custom recovery installed.
    Power the tablet down and boot into the bootloader menu with Volume Down and Power buttons.
    With RCK flashing, push Volume Up and you should boot into TWRP. Familiarize yourself with the many options of the touch based interface without executing anything yet. TWRP is very user friendly. You basically cannot do anything of consequence "by accident", so don't be shy.

    Touch "Backup", leave the default selection as they are and swipe the button to create a nandroid (a backup) of your current system.
    This is a very healthy habit to develop: You always want to have a nandroid of your last working system squared away so that you can do a simple restore if you flash something that does not work, or something goes wrong during a flash. With a working recovery and a good nandroid you are minutes away from a working system if you soft brick your tablet.
    Hint:
    It's a good idea to have at least one good nandroid on external media. Sooner or later you will format your data partition and if you're like me, you may forget to backup your nandroids in the heat of the moment.. ;)


    Installing a custom ROM
    From here on out it's as easy as downloading the installation file of your custom ROM, booting into TWRP, choosing "Install" and navigating to the zip of the ROM you want to flash.
    If you see a "signed" in the zip file name (best_rom_ever_signed.zip), make sure you check "verify zip signature" under the "Install" menu. Some devs sign their ROM zips - a better way to ensure file integrity than md5 sum.
    Whatever you decide to flash: READ THE OP of the corresponding thread and make sure you have the correct bootloader and the required recovery installed! I can't stress this enough! If you are not sure, DO NOT FLASH!
    Look for the ROMs in the Development section of the XDA forum for this tablet: Transformer TF700 Android Development - xda-developers or check out post #2. There's a description of the most popular roms for this tablet.

    It is mandatory to do a Factory Wipe in TWRP before installing a custom ROM or going from one ROM base to another (a so called clean install).
    If you choose 'Wipe' in TWRP, all you have to do is swipe the button - 'Factory Wipe' is the default selection under the 'Wipe' menu. You will loose your apps, but it will not wipe your /data/media/ folder where your files, pictures, etc live.
    If you do this right before flashing the custom ROM, make sure you have the zip file of your custom ROM on your microSD - not on your internal SD where it may get wiped....




    Once you installed a custom recovery NEVER EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES - AND I REPEAT: NEVER! - use the 'Wipe Data' option from the bootloader menu or the "Factory Reset" option in Settings > Backup&Restore.
    In your custom recovery you have the option to wipe, backup and restore every partition on your tablet selectively or collectively. Any wiping, any backup and any restore of the system, data, recovery or boot partitions MUST be done in your recovery (or in fastboot)!
    You can safely use Titanium Backup or Asus Backup for apps and settings, but that's it. For everything else use your recovery
    .


    Hit the 'Thanks' button and rate the thread 5 stars if this helped you ;)
    19
    ROMs for the TF700
    Update June 2017:
    Time moves on and this tablet is till alive....
    Most of the roms below are ancient by now. One dev, the legendary timduru, is still working for this tablet and currently supporting Nougatella, Android 7.1.2 for this tablet.
    Skip to here if you are thinking about a current rom: https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=72540013&postcount=346

    KatKiss-KatshMallow by timduru (MM on the TF700 - who would have thought?) is still under intermittent but active development and it is a beauty. Multi-window support anyone?
    http://xdaforums.com/transformer-tf700/development/rom-t3282166

    CROMi-X is based on the latest Asus firmware (JB 4.2.1) for this tablet with many, many tweaks and improvements, but since there have been no further Asus updates, development on this rom has stopped. This rom would give you the most Asus-like experience on this tablet.
    http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2425383
    And here is the recent incarnation of this rom: CROMi-X Resurrected: http://xdaforums.com/transformer-tf700/development/cromi-x-5-4-resurrected-tweaks-t3273515
    @LetMeKnow still releases a new teak here and there, so keep following the thread.

    Development on all of the following roms has stopped. The devs have moved on to other devices

    CROMBi-KK is based on CM11 and tweaked for this tablet but a little buggy. The later LP based roms from the same team are definitely better.
    http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2672751

    CyanogenMod is build from the ground up, CM10.x emulating JB 4.3, CM11 emulating KitKat (JB 4.4). CM was not build with a transformer (keyboard) in mind, but the dev has ironed out most of those bugs.
    http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1957660

    ZOMBi-X: From the same team that developed CROMi-X and CROMBi-KK. Based on OMNI rom with multi-window support.
    http://xdaforums.com/transformer-tf700/development/rom-t2857931

    ZOMBi-POP The (almost last) project from the CROMI/CROMBi/ZOMBi team. It's Omni based Lollipop for the TF700
    http://xdaforums.com/transformer-tf700/development/rom-t3006593
    A note: This rom will run with data formatted to ext4, which is the OEM default. But it benefits from /data on F2FS, the new file system developed by Samsung, more than any other rom before it. Changing the file system for /data to F2FS has become very easy since the TWRP team build support for it into their recovery. I wrote a guide for converting your data partition to F2FS here:
    http://xdaforums.com/transformer-tf700/general/guide-convert-data-to-f2fs-twrp-2-8-t3073471

    That same team took one final stab at a 6.0 rom for this tablet: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=65968239&postcount=3719
    But I would call this definitely an unfinished product with a doubtful future.

    CM12 I don't run CM roms - try it for yourself
    http://xdaforums.com/transformer-tf700/development/rom-cyanogenmod-12-0-t3006624

    OmniROM by lj50036 who's on the ZOMBi team
    http://xdaforums.com/transformer-tf700/development/rom-omnirom-tf700t-t3056438

    There are quite a few more variants, check them out in the XDA Development forum and don't forget to make a nandroid before flashing anything new :D

    AND IF YOU LIKE YOUR NEW ROM, SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION AND DONATE TO THE DEVELOPER!


    Alternative methods to install TWRP

    Edit February 2015
    In this section I originally explained how to flash TWRP to your device using apps like GooManager (currently not supported anyway), TWRP Manager or Flashify from the Play Store which do it right from your tablet. These apps "save you the trouble" of getting ADB and fastboot set up and working on your PC. These methods still exist and they do work sometimes (and if you have root), but I will not recommend or promote them any longer.
    Why?
    Because I'v read too many stories about these apps failing, even flashing to the wrong partition - you name it.

    If you are not willing to invest the time to learn the basics about ADB and fastboot (google "adb fastboot xda tutorial") and install the necessary drivers on your PC, you should not be flashing anything to your tablet!
    GET ADB AND FASTBOOT WORKING!


    I have spent quite a few hours helping users who got themselves into a situation where the only thing they could access on their tablet was recovery, but they did not know anything about adb/fastboot and did not set it up when the tablet was still working. To get it to work with a soft bricked tablet is much, much harder!!
    Sooner or later you will do something stupid (I have done it and so will you) and ADB/fastboot may save your bacon IF you had it working when you didn't really need it.
    10
    HOW TO UPDATE YOUR BOOTLOADER

    The last official Asus firmware update to JB 4.2.1 brought us to the 10.6.1.14.10 bootloader - and it will be the last one we ever get since there will not be any Asus firmware updates anymore.
    If you are on an older bootloader and want to run a KK or Lollipop ROM, you should update your bootloader to this version.

    Determining which bootloader you currently have

    From an "Off" state, boot the tablet with Volume Down and Power into the bootloader menu. Read the small script in the upper left. You'll see
    US_epad-10.6.1.14.10-20130801" or similar.

    • US or WW, JP, CN is your SKU or region
    • 10.6.1.14.10 is your bootloader version
    • 20130801 is the build date (and immaterial in most cases).

    Updating your bootloader

    Still on stock with stock recovery:
    Just OTA update to the last Asus firmware or flash it manually.

    Custom ROM with custom recovery
    Either:
    1. Flash Asus stock firmware in your custom recovery
    Download the official Asus firmware, unzip it once, flash that second zip in TWRP or CWM.
    The distinct disadvantage of this method is that you will loose your custom ROM and your custom recovery and you will have to reflash them, but it works to get you onto the latest bootloader - or the latest stock rom if you desire to return to stock​
    Or:
    2. Flash only the bootloader in recovery
    This is what I would recommend you do.
    Go here for a collection of flashable bootloader/recovery packages: http://xdaforums.com/transformer-tf700/general/firmware-10-6-14-10-twrp-t2867157
    If all you need is the latest US bootloader, go to post #3.
    The packages (bootloader + recovery) will replace not only your bootloader, but also your current recovery with whatever the TWRP version in the package is.To flash a KK or Lollipop ROM afterwards you need TWRP 2.8.+.
    If you choose a bootloader package with an older recovery, you need to flash the latest TWRP version after you flashed the above bootloader package. In between you have to reboot (do not skip this step!)​
    3
    Hi again,
    I'm in need of big help now. The mail support ended with them suggesting I downgrade to ICS in order to use the unlock tool, but warning that I shouldn't do it and suggested that I take it to their service centre.
    I called the service centre to get a rough price and time for this as I wanted to wait for it to be done due to the long journey to get to the service centre. The chap I spoke to said they wouldn't touch it due to the risk of bricking it and couldn't offer any assistance due to it being out of warranty and hesitancy to go through the downgrade and unlock process.

    I've tried to search for a thread on downgrading but couldn't find one. Is there a thread that will give me instructions on how to downgrade it ICS from JB? I'm presuming once this has been done, I'd be able to use the unlock tool!!

    Thanks in advance!

    Found it!! The thread on how to downgrade and the firmware http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1946456 will give this a go tonight and report back....

    Well, that will fail. You cannot downgrade from JB to ICS and there is no need to!!!!
    Asus support is full of it and they do not know squat about this tablet. The people now on staff probably have been trained within the last couple of years and that means all they do is consult their help database. Which is woefully lacking anything useful.
    The service center is equally well informed. The chance of bricking the tablet by using the unlock tool is close to zero. They just don't know how to do it and do not touch anything modding/rooting related as a matter of principle. Which is understandable and good business practice..

    Believe me! v7 unlock tool works just fine on the JB bootloader. The v8 does not install because Google identifies it as a threat and won't install it. But v7 works!
    IF Asus still has that piece of software active on their server that provides the unlock code once contacted by the unlock tool. If that is still working - who knows.... The staff at Asus definitely won't know.
    I told you earlier to check on the possibility for a mismatch between the tab's serial number and the mac address of the board. Have you done that?
    If you are sure that the mainboard was never changed on your tablet, the unlock tool should work IF that software is still on their server and IF they have your tablet entered in their database with the correct serial and mac address.
    So what are you left with?
    Check your setup: Factory reset, do not set up a Google account but connect to your wifi, allow unknown sources, install the v7 tool.
    Then it is: Persistence.
    Try and try and try and then try again.
    At different times of the day every day for a week until your patience runs out each time. I have seen cases where it magically worked all the sudden after dozens of failed attempts.
    Sorry, but that is the best advice you're going to find.
    Good luck
    3
    I tried that too initially seeing it in the cromi kk rom. However it didn't do anything either when I cancelled the first one that hanged.

    But funny, I rebooted and tried again using your guide 0x05b0 and it worked. So I'm not sure what happened there. I used a lower case "b" this second time.. lol

    Just downloading cromi kk now, thanks!

    Same thing happened to me. Fastboot recovery command did not return after over 10 minutes. I did Ctrl-C. Ran the command again and got the invalid argument error. Tried a couple times with same result. Unplugged and replugged USB cable (to same USB port). Ran the command again and it worked. When it worked, it took 11 seconds to flash recovery.

    Also probably worth noting in the guide is that the Asus boot unlocker requires Google sign-in. If you have 2-step verification setup on your Google account, you need to use a one-time app password to sign-in.

    Code:
    C:\adb>fastboot devices
    015d2c05683c0a50        fastboot
    
    C:\adb>fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery recovery-kk-6047.img
    ^C
    C:\adb>fastboot devices
    015d2c05683c0a50        fastboot
    
    C:\adb>fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery recovery-kk-6047.img
    sending 'recovery' (6930 KB)...
    FAILED (command write failed (Invalid argument))
    finished. total time: -0.000s
    
    C:\adb>fastboot devices
    015d2c05683c0a50        fastboot
    
    C:\adb>fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery recovery-kk-6047.img
    sending 'recovery' (6930 KB)...
    FAILED (command write failed (Invalid argument))
    finished. total time: 0.001s
    
    C:\adb>fastboot devices
    015d2c05683c0a50        fastboot
    
    C:\adb>fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery recovery-kk-6047.img
    sending 'recovery' (6930 KB)...
    OKAY [  2.704s]
    writing 'recovery'...
    OKAY [  8.026s]
    finished. total time: 10.731s