[TUT][OUTDATED] How to Root your G9, Enable SDE, and Optimize

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Shano56

Senior Member
Oct 21, 2011
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hi guys updated the guide a little. if anyone wants to give me a list of system apps that can be safely removed without harming basic functions that would be great ^_^
 
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nicoloco

Senior Member
Feb 9, 2007
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How long is it taking to install the rooted firmware ?
Each time I reach step 13 , I am stuck on the animation logo for ever ...then I need to connect the usb and do a recovery :(
 
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Shano56

Senior Member
Oct 21, 2011
1,439
557
Hi! if you're stuck at animation logo, it probably means the .ext4.update was not copied properly. Re-install official firmware and try again.
 
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viperv303

Senior Member
Nov 18, 2005
80
35
Maryland
I must be missing something here... because I've followed these instructions to the letter 4 times now and every time I get stuck at #13. After clearing the kernel and reflashing, it just sits there at the "Archos" logo and does nothing. If I press the volume buttons or the power button the screen will brighten but then fade back down after a few seconds. So its not stuck. It just seems to not know what to do next.

I've got the SDE menu active, so that's not a problem. I've downloaded the files from the links in this thread, and from http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1560211 also to make sure I've got the right ones. Still na-da.

Is there something different when its a hard drive version? Or maybe its because I've got one of the new turbo versions with the 1.5ghz processor?

I feel like I'm just missing something somewhere. Any idea's what I should check or do differently?



EDIT:: I've even tried manually coping the file to the root of my hard drive and got nothing. It just booted normally and there was still no root access or busy box. I tried renaming the file to just archos.ext4 to see what would happen and it'd go into a boot loop of the splash screen. So I'm still lost. All I can say is thank god I can recover it buy simply doing the "update firmware option".


EDIT2:: Seems doing the reflashing of the archos firmware is causing a memory problem with my apps. It says my apps that normally only took up ~400mb is now occupying all 1.6gb worth of space. So had to reset it and start over again. Little bit of a bummer, but at least I didn't loose all my media.
 
Last edited:
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Shano56

Senior Member
Oct 21, 2011
1,439
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@viperv303 hey buddy, i'm sorry to hear your problem, i'm not familiar with HDD models, however surdu's version should support that. Just to make sure, you have tried both adb push AND tried it manually?
 
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nicoloco

Senior Member
Feb 9, 2007
228
1
Sydney
seems like we have the same problem !
I have already tried 3 time and stuck each time at the step 13
I have also the HDD version ...

I guess I will just stay with the non rooted version
 
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viperv303

Senior Member
Nov 18, 2005
80
35
Maryland
Yeah, I've tried using the adb push command and copied it over manually in windows explorer.


And yes, I extracted the zip. When I downloaded the file it came in as "ICS_405.zip" and when I open that in winrar there is the file "archos.ext4.update" which I extracted and used when doing the adb push command.



I have a weird feeling that its an issue of file location for the update file on the hard drive models because of a difference in directory structure.
 
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nicoloco

Senior Member
Feb 9, 2007
228
1
Sydney
Same on my side ... I unzip the file and I tried to copy it by using adb and then manually. And each time in /data/media

Now I can try again, but when I am stuck in the boot logo is there a way to reload the stock firmware without formating everything ? This time I have plenty of data on the HDD that I don't want to loose

thanks
 
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viperv303

Senior Member
Nov 18, 2005
80
35
Maryland
Ok, so I'm a bit confused. Why would I tell adb to push it to /data/media when it is suppose to be in the root of the storage? Because when I look at the file system through something like AndExplorer, my "storage" is /storage. Where is it suppose to go? Like lets say I copy it over manually using the MTP mode. It comes up as "Archos G9 Device" in windows. When I click on that I see a drive. Do I put it there? On that drive?

If so... well then that is exactly what I've already done. Three times. Every time it just locks up on the boot logo.

How long does it take? 10 minutes? an hour?

When it locks up, after a few minutes the screen will dim and if I press the power button or the volume buttons it'll brighten back up but then fade again after a few minutes. So its not completely locked up. But there is no sign of it doing anything at all.


Are you sure the archos.ext4.update file doesn't go somewhere else on the hard drive models?

---------- Post added at 12:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:42 AM ----------

I just thought of something... maybe its not an issue of the .update file... because I can put that file in the root of the hard drive and nothing happens at all until I flash the kernel with those two files. That's when everything goes loopy. And its only when I do a recovery using the .aos file that it starts working again. I'm assuming that when I do the recovery it reflashes the kernel with stock.


Is there any compatibility issue between the two files used to flash the kernel and the new OMAP4460 cpu's?
 
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nicoloco

Senior Member
Feb 9, 2007
228
1
Sydney
Mate I think you nailed it !!
I don't think we should use /data/media for the HDD version

When I use the adb push archos.ext4.update /mnt/storage then I can see the file in my file manager. That was not the case ( I just checked) with adb push .... /data/media

Now I wonder if my temp root and enable sde worked ???
Should I do this :
adb push 1 /data/local/
adb push 2 /data/local/

or something else ?

How can I check that I have the temp root ? As I don't have busybox I can't install Titanium backup

thanks

EDIT : ok I gave it a last try with the adb push .... /mnt/storage and it worked !
It stayed maybe 1 minute on the logo screen and then it started to updrage ( 43 itme upgraded)

Thanks a lot !
 
Last edited:
gen_scheisskopf

gen_scheisskopf

Senior Member
Feb 22, 2009
1,129
249
Poznań
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (2021)
nicoloco said:
Mate I think you nailed it !!
I don't think we should use /data/media for the HDD version

When I use the adb push archos.ext4.update /mnt/storage then I can see the file in my file manager. That was not the case ( I just checked) with adb push .... /data/media
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's very likely. /data/media is a valid location for flash models but may be not for HDD

nicoloco said:
Now I wonder if my temp root and enable sde worked ???
Should I do this :
adb push 1 /data/local/
adb push 2 /data/local/

or something else ?

How can I check that I have the temp root ? As I don't have busybox I can't install Titanium backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
/data/local is the right location for temp root (it's a system folder).
TitaniumBackup should work, it has it's own busybox onboard (doesn't replace system one). You can also use RootChecker
 
V

viperv303

Senior Member
Nov 18, 2005
80
35
Maryland
I just tried again using /mnt/storage as well and its working. Thanks for that!

And I checked for root using "Root checker basic" and all is good.



Tho... side effect is that all my apps have doubled over in size... Before I was using ~500mb for app storage, not its taking up ~1gb. When android booted after the update it did this "optimizing apps" thing. Is that normal?

Guess the only way around it is to format and reset android to factory settings, do the root update, and then install apps.
 
S

Shano56

Senior Member
Oct 21, 2011
1,439
557
so pushing to /mnt/storage works? Thats odd, since it didn't work with a manual drag/drop onto storage
 
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    Shano56
    archos.png


    NEW GUIDE SEE HERE: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1653566


    Hi everyone! The following guide I put together is a simple, easy to follow guide, for all G9 users. If you own an ARCHOS G8, this guide will not work for you. This guide will help you easily root your tablet. If you have found anything helpful, please click "thanks" on my post, and visit the original threads of our amazing developers and leave thanks there too! Before you go on, please BACKUP ALL IMPORTANT FILES YOU DO NOT WANT TO LOSE TO A SAFE LOCATION.

    If you have rooted other android devices before..rooting your Archos G9 may be a little difference. Instead of rooting stock firmware, we first temp root, then enable SDE (special developer edition) menu. Once SDE menu is enabled, it adds an option in recovery to install developer firmware. This is when we install a modified firmware that has busybox and super user included. We do this because the exploit in the temp root causes some issues that doesn't make sense to keep in the long term. Hence the name "temp" root. This guide is very safe to follow. Chances are most problems you run into are very easy to recovery. Please view the FAQ at the bottom of this post if you have questions or run into problems. Because we don't have to flash recoveries or mess with the bootloader like some Android devices require, and because all methods are universal to G9s, this rooting process is very safe and easy to follow.

    Please if you have any issues following this guide, reply with the stock firmware you have (be it honeycomb, ICS, firmware 4.0.6 etc) and the G9 model (flash or HDD 250gb). Board version and processor (OMAP 4430 and 4460 should not be a problem with anything, so probably don't include this when you ask your problem.)

    STEP 1: Pre-root/Temp-root
    1. Install the ADB drivers, using Quinny's thread here (WINDOWS ONLY)
    2. Make sure you have the Android SDK installed and have access to adb
    3. Open up a command window (Windows key + R, type cmd and hit enter)
    4. Type, with your tablet plugged in:
    Code: 
    adb devices
    Your device should appear. If not, repeat steps 1-4 until it does. You may need to restart your computer
    5. Download root_hack and extract. Note: Don't open these links in a browser, not tapatalk or the xda app
    Download them to your desktop (or wherever your ADB installation is if you cannot access ADB from your desktop)
    6. Double click rootdevice.cmd to open, press any key after reading the prompt.
    (Note: Device will reboot a couple times)
    7. Restart your tablet (important do not skip this step)

    THANKS TO PAUL FROM MoDaCo for this root
    THANKS TO QUINNY and LETAMA for the original guide


    STEP 2: Enable SDE
    1. Make sure you have done the temp root method. Please turn off your tablet. Your tablet should now be off.
    2. Download this zip and extract to your desktop
    3. Turn on your tablet. Once your tablet is on, plug it into your computer via usb cable.
    4. double click enable_sde.bat
    5. Once that is finished, type the following: (press enter after each line)
    Code: 
    adb shell 
rm /data/local.prop
    6. (If the above code doesn't work or doesn't do anything, it is okay, move on with the rest of the guide). SDE should now be enabled, make sure buy turning off your device, then once it's off:
    7. Hold power + volume down until the archos logo appears and a recovery menu appears
    8. Use Volume Up + Down and power to select Recovery Menu > Developer Edition menu
    9. If you can get to Developer Edition menu, you have correctly enabled SDE.


    STEP 3: (optional, but recommended from honeycomb). Format your device, and then install/re-install ICS. No worries: You will not lose SDE menu doing this.

    It is recommended to do a full device format when upgrading to ICS. If your device is acting up or feels "laggy" after updating to ICS, this usually helps. Before you begin, please note: You will lose all apps, media files, pictures, etc. Please backup any important files. Consider Titanium Backup (root users only to backup any apps with personal data you want to keep (game scores, etc).

    AGAIN: YOU WILL LOSE *ANYTHING* NOT BACKED UP!

    Note: You WILL need a PC connected to the internet, and the USB cable that came with your device. Before you being, please download Archos 80/101 G9 OS v 4.0.6 (190668Kb, for 80/101 G9 devices only) to your PC, copy to your desktop or wherever you will remember, then do the following:

    Step 1: Power off your device
    Step 2: Boot into recovery by holding the volume rocker down and pressing the power button simultaneously
    Step 3: Once in recovery, select "Format System", then "Reformat Device..." (use the volume up/down to change selection, power button to select)
    Step 4: Once formatted, return to recovery using the same method above, this time select "Update Firmware"
    Step 5: Plug your device into your computer using the USB cable that came with your device
    Step 6: A new drive should appear in "My Computer", copy firmware_archos_it4.aos to this device
    Step 7: Ensure the transfer is completed, then press the power button on your device, keep it plugged in while it is updating
    Step 8: Your device should boot, and be updated to the latest firmware 4.0.6


    STEP 4: Install rooted firmware. YES! This will work after installing the official ICS OTA update or official AOS.

    Before you begin, you will need SDE enabled. Please follow steps 1 & 2 in my first post. If you have SDE enabled, you can continue. Any downloaded applications and personal media should remain untouched. You have some options for which ROM you want. Please download files to your PC hard drive.

    For stock ROM w/ root (busybox and superuser), download and extract the following:


    BE SURE to extract, Archos recovery does not recognize zip files

    Step 1: Power your device on
    Step 2: Once your device is on, and your home screen is visible, plug your device into your PC
    Step 3: Open a command prompt on your PC and type
    Code: 
    adb devices
    Step 4: Ensure your device shows up so you know it's connected properly and adb is active
    Step 5: Type
    Code: 
    cd desktop
    This is to change the directory to where you download the two files

    Step 6: If you have flash NAND model (8gb or 16gb): Type
    Code: 
    adb push archos.ext4.update /data/media

    If you have HDD model (250gb): Type
    Code: 
    adb push archos.ext4.update /mnt/storage
    Give it some time to transfer, it is a large file and will take several minutes, you will be presented with transfer info once the transfer is complete
    Step 7: Power off your device
    Step 8: Boot into recovery by holding the volume rocker down and pressing the power button simultaneously
    Step 9: You should now be in Recovery mode with the following options "No" "Reboot" "Update Firmware" "Repair System" "Format System" "Developer Edition Menu". Select "Developer Edition Menu"
    Step 10: Select "Remove Android Kernel" (if the option is present, if not, skip)
    Step 11: Select Flash Kernel and Initramfs
    Step 12: Copy zImage and initramfs.cpio.lzo to the drive that appears
    Step 13: Reboot your device. Your device should now be rooted.


    Frequently Asked Questions! (FAQ)
    Will this guide work for my Archos 80 G9? For my 101 G9? I have Archos 101 G9 OMAP 4430. I have 250GB hdd model! I have turbo edition!
    Yes this guide will work for ALL Archos G9 users. This includes 80 G9s and 101 G9s. This includes all 8gb G9s and 16gb G9s and 250GB G9s and 1.0 GHz G9s and 1.2 GHz G9s and 1.5 GHz G9s and OMAP 4430 G9s and OMAP 4460 G9s and board version V5 etc etc. ALL G9s!


    Can I just drag the .zip file to the RAMDISK that appears when I flash zImage and initramfs?
    No! Archos recovery cannot read ZIP files. You must first EXTRACT, then copy the contents of the extracted folder. NOT the folder itself. This means you will have two files on the RAMDISK, and no additional folders. If you don't know what a RAMDISK is, try Google or Wikipedia. If you get stuck in a boot loop because you forgot to extract archos.update.ext4 or drive.zip, you must follow the instructions below.

    Help! I am stuck in a bootloop! Archos splash screen appears and keeps rebooting. I messed up when I was rooting, and now android will not boot! I accidentally formatted my device, and now I cannot boot into android.
    This is a simple mistake and in 99% of cases it is easy to fix. Follow these steps:

    Step 1: Download official Archos G9 firmware for ALL G9 tablets (aos file) HERE
    Step 2: Boot into recovery turning your device off and then holding volume down + power at the same time
    Step 3: Choose "Update Firmware"
    Step 4: Connect USB cable to computer and tablet
    Step 5: A removable device should appear (RAMDISK), copy the file you just download straight to that drive
    Step 6: Press the power button once the file is done copying. DO NOT UNPLUG your device until it has finished updating and has booted back into android.

    If you did not format your tablet or delete any personal media, your files should be uneffected.

    Will I lose SDE menu if I update my tablet with official AOS or OTA update
    As of the latest update (4.0.6) no official update from Archos has removed SDE menu. You should be fine, and your SDE menu should remain untouched.
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    S
    Shano56
    Useful tips

    Overclock
    How to overclock your device. For SDE only.
    First please download and extract https://hotfile.com/dl/152251241/ef27ecd/fast_ics_oc.zip.html
    Then follow the instructions in my second post to push to your device then copy zImage and initramfs.
    After you have successfully booted download SetCPU or No-Frills CPU Control and overclock to your desire. Thanks to surdu for making this happen! Visit his original thread HERE to view all warnings.

    Howto take a screenshot
    ICS has a built-in screenshot feature. No need to download any app!

    Step 1: On the screen you wish to capture, press and hold the power button and volume down button simultaneously for a few seconds until the screen flashes and you hear a shutter. Be sure to press them at the same time
    Step 2: You can find the saved screenshots in storage > Pictures > Screenshots
    Step 3: Alternately, you can simply find them in the folder labeled "Screenshots" in the gallery.

    Touchscreen issues
    If you have touch related issues/errors, try the following:

    Step 1: Turn your device off
    Step 2: Carefully wipe down the screen with a dry or lightly damp rag. If you use a lightly damp rag, be sure to dry it with a dry one quickly.
    Step 3: Power on your device
    Step 4: Go to Settings > Repair & formatting > Touch screen calibration > *Put your device down on a flat, hard surface like a table, tap Calibrate the Touch Screen ONCE, then DO NOT TOUCH.
    Step 5: Once finished, you can return to your launcher or wherever you wish

    Multiple Users
    More than one person uses your Archos?
    Either designate home screens using a contact widget, or use a note widget in launchers like GO Launcher. There are also apps that support multiple profiles for root users like SwitchMe Root Profile Manager, however I can not guarantee this will work.

    Multi-boot!

    Removeable System apps
    System apps you can safely disable (new ICS feature) or delete via Titanium Backup or other root app: (only remove the ones you don't use)
    Archos Connect
    Archos Remote Control
    Media Center
    Media Server
    Movie Studio
    Online Registration
    Photo Frame
    Talk Back
    User Manual


    If you have any tips I should add, or if any part of this guide is inaccurate or outdated, please let me know!

    BIG THANKS:
    Android Development Team for giving us awesome Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich OS!
    Archos for their hardware and awesome customer support!
    serdu_petru for full root and all his hard work putting together these rooted firmwares so quickly!
    letama for his original work on this device and work with kernels for overclock!
    gen_scheisskopf for his work on allowing root access for HDD models!
    Quinny899 for putting together his easy root guide for noobs like me!
    Any other wonderful people involved in the development and advancement of this wonderful device!

    GUIDE TBC
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    2
    surdu_petru
    surdu_petru
    Mavamaarten said:
    Okay, I'm ****ed.

    I edited Build.prop and /system/etc/init/A80S.rc to fake a Galaxy Tab. Unfortunately (I don't know why) the tab doesn't boot anymore (the archos thing just keeps on moving).
    Is it safe to hit "Repair System" to get it fixed? Or won't that change a thing...

    Please, I can't reflash the files because I can't get to the internal storage (and not into ADB either so I can't push the files)... :(
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    HI!

    If you can access SDE menu ....go to Format System-> Reformat Device -> I Understand , and copy here firmware _archos_it4.aos 4.0.5 !
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    P
    PeterDB2012
    I followed the guide, really great work. To make it an easier read for everyone else, here at all the step in sequence, which needs to be taken:

    1. Make sure you already did the Archos system update to get ICS directly from Archos
    2. Install JDK
    a. http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
    3. Install ADB SDK
    a. http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
    b. When the SDK Manager opens at the end of the installation, remember to download and install the 4.0.4 packages
    4. Add ADB Path to Windows Environment Variables (follow step 3)
    a. http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-adb-and-how-to-install-it-android/
    5. Install ADB Driver
    a. http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1413293
    6. Temp Root
    a. http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=21646973&postcount=2
    7. Install SDE (stop at point 6)
    a. http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=21646983&postcount=3
    8. Permanent Root (follow step 2)
    a. http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1542058
    b. Don't use the files from the above post, use the files archos.ext4.update, zImage and initramfs.cpio.lzo from http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1551682
    c. Under Step 2, when reaching step 7, and your device may not turn off of react as it should, just hold the power switch on the Archos in until it power off (press it and count to 20, that should do it)
    d. Under Step 2, when reaching step 9, the initial menu after booting into Recovery may reach « Reboot », « Android something-something » and « Developer Menu ». Choose Developer Menu using the volume rocker and press the power button to select it. If it does not boot up correctly or show the correct menu afterwards (my Archos 80 G9 showed the boot splash and kept flashing) don’t freak out. Just hold the power button down and count to 20 to do a hard power off, now boot into recovery (power button+volume down) and you should see the correct menu.

    Virtually all my root and busybox apps worked fine after following step 2 and all the needed things which were required.

    [ISSUE RESOLVED]Although, I have not been able to get DataSync (check Google Play, since I cannot add the URL, sorry) to update apps on my Archos correctly. Such as taking data files from Angry Birds on my HTC Desire and pushing them to my Archos 80 G9. This has been working fine in the past when I pushed to a Nook Color running CM7. If I backup the app in Titanium and send the files to my Archos and restore it from there, it does work fine.

    EDIT: I noticed that when I install Busybox Installer (Jrummy) it says that the busybox version is 1.7.2 in the rom from Step 2 and not the latest version 1.19.4. Could this be the reason? If so, my assumption would be that I need to follow http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=21646995&postcount=4

    EDIT 2: Followed the instructions to install BusyBox, this broke my Archos and now it say's no BusyBox is installed and will not connect to any WiFi. Gonna reinstall 4.0.4 (from http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1551682). Should be noted that when I followed the instructions here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=21646995&postcount=4 at step 12 (http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=21646995&postcount=4) I was told there was no such file, but continued anyway.

    EDIT 3: I redid the update but using the files from http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1551682 and this resulted in BusyBox being version 1.19.3 and now everything is working fine. Basically I followed Step 2 from http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1542058, but used the files archos.ext4.update, zImage and initramfs.cpio.lzo from http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1551682. I have updated the instructions above to reflect this.
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    1
    S
    Shano56
    pittnuma said:
    Got it gents, not sure what was going on....

    1 thing I must add, I was rooted before all this, maybe it kept the root and everytime I was trying to re root I was rooting an already rooted device even after a format???

    My steps were:

    Reformat, installing 4.06 Stock

    DO NOT run Step 1 for the temp root.

    Go straight to enable SDE.

    Flash Kernel in recovery etc (follow step 4 onwards).

    now rooted....

    Darned if I know what was happening, glad to see the GPS is now working, I have tested it in XCSoar so will try it out on a flight, see how it goes.

    See how the stability goes or if I now have a messed up system, Superuser was installed after the reboot, busybox was not, ran everything and now seems sorted.
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    maybe you did not reboot after temp root. I will add that to instructions. I thought the root script did it automatically but maybe not
    View

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