[GUIDE] Fix bricked ZE550ML/ZE551ML (USB logo) and install Marshmallow

[fanfan54]

EDIT3 15/08/2018 - Some links broke. I found a better way to get the files: go to this thread (RAW firmware collection) by RealYoti here : https://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone2/general/z008-z00a-z00d-z00x-raw-fw-collection-t3448966
All the files are here and they will never expire
In case of problem I still have the files on my computer, maybe one day I will upload them myself on my web server

EDIT2 07/06/2017 - I updated links. + INFO: My ZE550ML phone bricked again, but this time with no USB logo and no vibration at boot. The only tutorial that worked for me is the one from Tech YouTubers channel (click to go to their YouTube channel). Please check their tutorials, in case they made a new one. Try multiple tutorials, for me only an older one worked: this one! (during the video tutorial, I was somehow blocked after flashing img files: black screen. But, I managed to run my own guide again, and this time it worked! The video says to flash ZE551ML xFSTK file on ZE550ML device, and flash ZE550ML xFSTK file on ZE551ML device. It allowed me to boot my device on fastboot but it prevented me to boot Android after flashing the correct ZE550ML img, so I had to flash, normally without reversing files, xFSTK ZE550ML config on my ZE550ML to make it work, then use my guide. good luck You can also try directly my "standard" tutorial below, or trying it after trying the Tech YouTuber's one, hoping finally you'll unbrick your device

EDIT 03/09/2016: Updated RAW links, taken from amtech.vn. and new ZIP files from ASUS.com

Hello, just after solving my problem I wrote a guide of everything I did to unbrick my ZenFone 2 ZE550ML (bricked after installing OTA update for Marshmallow Beta).
This is a "duplicate" of my last post on this thread : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3405331
because I want to help people who are trying to unbrick their ZenFone 2 ZE550ML or ZE551ML

Here is a detailed guide of everything I did to unbrick a Marshmallow ZE550ML stuck on USB logo with lost bootloader without losing any data or setting, everything like before bricking in my case (except settings of some non-system apps, can't figure out why) :
(Note: I recommend you to charge your ZenFone for a few hours as soon as you'll get fastboot menu at step 1, so it will not shutdown... Even if it's not turning on the orange LED, it's charging )
(WARNING : these are the steps I had to do in order to unbrick MY phone without losing data and installing Marshmallow. For your phone some steps might be unnecessary, if you're lucky... I know this is a very long guide but I had to do this in MY case)
(The whole guide is a "modified" version of this guide by Summit007s)

Step 1. Flash basic bootloader with xFSTK Downloader to boot fastboot
I had, first, to switch to advanced startup with support for unsigned drivers (video tutorial here),
install Asus USB drivers (link to Asus USB drivers here - note: video tutorial to install drivers from inf (the inf file for the driver is Android\android_winusb.inf) (repeat for every device available : ADB Interface, Bootloader Interface, etc...) )
and IntelSocUSB driver (link to IntelSocUSB driver 1.2.0 - Note: Before finishing IntelSocUSB setup it will ask you to configure a device : you'll have to connect your ZenFone 2 using an USB cable to your computer, while it's displaying USB logo, and WAIT FOR DETECTION IN Device Manager as "Moorefield device" under "Intel Soc" section),
to flash a fastboot bootloader (link to xFSTK_ZE550ML-sal358-amtech.vn for ZE550ML / link to xFSTK_ZE551ML-sal358-amtech.vn for ZE551ML) using xFSTK Downloader (link to xFSTK Downloader 1.7.0)
(guides for everything in this step 1: english version - same in vietnamese with screenshots and valid links - detailed PDF for xFSTK with screenshots). => phone boots on fastboot

Step 2. Flash a lollipop ROM (or Marshmallow raw image from the raw fw collection but I did not test it) with Asus Flash Tool to repair fastboot info (like serial number) and access recovery if you want to install Marshmallow from a zip
In order to get a working recovery menu (because I found a zip for Marshmallow but no raw, I'll have to install a recovery),
I had to install Asus Flash Tool (NEW link to Asus Flash Tool 1.0.0.45),

UPDATE Some links broke so I suggest you to download the raw firmware from this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone2/general/z008-z00a-z00d-z00x-raw-fw-collection-t3448966, there are Marshmallow raw firmware so you can skip step 3. I havent tried myself for now.
flash a raw file (go download it from the raw collection) on ZenFone 2 ZE550ML using Asus Flash Tool (Model: ZE550ML - wipe data : no)
OR FOR A ZE551ML flash a raw file (NEW link to WW_ZE551ML_2.20.40.184_20160504.raw) on ZenFone 2 ZE551ML using Asus Flash Tool (Model: ZE551ML - wipe data : no)
(guides for everything in this step 2: english version - same in vietnamese with screenshots and valid links)
BUT because Asus Flash Tool will wipe everything except user data and change your serial number from 0123456789ABCDEF to your legit serial number, flashing will NOT work and process will be ENDLESS because serial number has changed so phone is not found and you're not warned of that by Asus Flash Tool.
After 20 minutes of "OKAY" status displayed in green text on your phone, after 20 minutes of "a500cgfastboot.exe" running in task manager,
I think you can safely unplug USB cable, abort Asus Flash Tool by closing this software, killing "a500cgfastboot.exe",
don't restart the phone, just plug it back to your computer and reopen ASUS FLASH TOOL (notice serial number change in ASUS FLASH TOOL) and flash again with same settings but the new serial number (different from 0123456789ABCDEF).
This flash should work, after an hour or less you'll see in Asus Flash Tool that it's finished.
If it did not work, then you can reboot the phone and try again

Step 3. Flash Marshmallow zip with adb sideload, if you didn't installed it with a raw at step 2
Finally, you'll have to shut down your phone,
boot in recovery mode (guide is here),
connect it to computer, select "apply update from adb",
install adb (link to ADB Installer 1.4.3 - Note: install it system-wide but don't install Android USB drivers) on your computer,
download zip OTA for Marshmallow (NEWEST official link to UL-Z008-WW-4.21.40.191-user.zip for ZE550ML / NEWEST official link to UL-Z00A-WW-4.21.40.223-user.zip for ZE551ML),
open a command prompt in the folder where you downloaded files (using "File > Open command prompt > Open command prompt" in the Windows Explorer's ribbon), then type :

adb devices

to verify that your phone is detected (you should see your serial number in cmd),
then type the following command to flash Marshmallow stock (zip is NOT pre-rooted if you want to root you'll have to do it after) :
ZE550ML

adb sideload UL-Z008-WW-4.21.40.191-user.zip

ZE551ML

adb sideload UL-Z00A-WW-4.21.40.223-user.zip

It may take a while decompressing then sending to phone. Then select "wipe cache partition" in your recovery menu,
wait until you see again the menu (so, wait until end of wiping cache), and select "reboot").


If you want more details for each step, just ask in the comments! Don't forget to read the other guides linked in the steps (for example, the one for xFSTK)

Now pray, and your device SHOULD magically boot the latest beautiful stock Marshmallow ROM from Asus, with all your data (except, maybe, settings of some non-system apps), exactly like before you bricked it.
It worked for me, but with the right new files it should work perfectly for you...
I hope you'll appreciate this "googling" work

 

[herbertkikoy]

Thank you

Thank you for sharing this information dude.. This is a helpful one.. It will surely be of greater use soon..

 

[ntchrist88]

Thanks man u saved my zenfone 2 ze550ml. I tried various tutorial and videos but things didnt work as old files for z008 didnt work. You got the right files and steps. Cheers and keep up the good work

 

[timbernot]

Hopefully this puts an end to all new unbricking threads *thumbs up*

 

[quarterbreed]

password doesnt work for the flash tool anymore?

 

[touhid7]

if u face error in ASUS FLASH TOOL

faced error in ASUS FLASH TOOL.

so i followed this guide after step 1 of this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone2/help/thead-bricked-phone-updating-to-mm-tips-t3452785


then phone rebooted normally with a running OS. then i flashed last official lollipop zip from asus website by copying it to phone root directory. After that i flashed again the latest official Android 6 zip from ASUS same way.

everything working fine now. thanks

 

[fanfan54]

password doesnt work for the flash tool anymore?

Hello,
I just tried it again and I can confirm that www.asus-zenfone.com is the right password for the archive, as seen on the original website :
http://www.asus-zenfone.com/2015/12/download-asus-flashtool-10014-for-windows.html
Download the RAR on your computer and open it : your archive opener software will ask you for the password only if you want to extract file. You can still see the list of file without password

 

[deathmaker06]

Currently stuck at the end of step 1. :crying: any recommendations? Uploaded a picture of where xFSTK says as an error.

 

[fanfan54]

Currently stuck at the end of step 1. :crying: any recommendations? Uploaded a picture of where xFSTK says as an error.

Hello,
Your phone is still not booting on fastboot? Make sure you set settings in xFSTK Downloaded (GP Flag override, see the pdf) and try again. Good luck

 

[deathmaker06]

Hello,
Your phone is still not booting on fastboot? Make sure you set settings in xFSTK Downloaded (GP Flag override, see the pdf) and try again. Good luck

Nope its still not, and I've already set the GP Flag override stated in the pdf.

Good thing I was planning on upgrading to the V20 soon.

 

[timbernot]

Nope its still not, and I've already set the GP Flag override stated in the pdf.

Try > 0x80000807 < (4x0`s)gp over ride in box ending [CRC]

 

[deathmaker06]

Try > 0x80000807 < (4x0`s)gp over ride in box ending [CRC]

omfg I love you

That means the PDF could be wrong using five 0's. Might want to add that as an edit to step 1 for anyone else that may experience the samething.

 

[timbernot]

omfg I love you

That means the PDF could be wrong using five 0's. Might want to add that as an edit to step 1 for anyone else that may experience the samething.

Theres vid tutorial in my signature thats shows this and also how to restore serial :good:

 

[HD2_Lover]

THANK YOU !

You can find the solution HERE :
http:// forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone2/general/guide-fix-bricked-ze550ml-ze551ml-usb-t3405840
http:// forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone2/general/unbrick-vid-tutorial-restore-serial-t3411064
http:// forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone2/general/guide-brick-soft-hard-bricked-zenfone-2-t3284256

BUT because Asus Flash Tool will wipe everything except user data and change your serial number from 0123456789ABCDEF to your legit serial number, flashing will NOT work and process will be ENDLESS because serial number has changed so phone is not found and you're not warned of that by Asus Flash Tool.
After 20 minutes of "OKAY" status displayed in green text on your phone, after 20 minutes of "a500cgfastboot.exe" running in task manager,
I think you can safely unplug USB cable, abort Asus Flash Tool by closing this software, killing "a500cgfastboot.exe",
rebooting phone (notice serial number change in fastboot info on phone's screen) and flash again with same settings but the new serial number (different of 0123456789ABCDEF).
This flash should work, after an hour or less you'll see in Asus Flash Tool that it's finished.

What is worked for me :
1°) Using XFSTK > -- Do not hesitate to use another computer OR Reinstall only XFSTK (Change the Folder too) if you are "ATTEMPTING #20" / "errors encountered during download. aborting" / "firmware download completed. continuing to os" --- i had these msg then i shutdown the phone an plug it to his power for all the night then it worked at first try

Then you are on "Weird Flag" then BOOTLOADER with "123456789ABCD"

2°) Use Asus FlashTool with the RAW File (WIPE : NO)> DO NOT REBOOT THE PHONE After it says "RESULT : OKAY" on the Phone
-Close Asus FlashTools only (do not close the task - VIDEO : https:// bambuser.com/v/6355633)
-Relaunch Asus FlashTools
-UNPLUG the USB Cable then Plug it back directly
-Wait 10 sec -> You will have your serial number on Asus FlashTools
>>> Reuse your RAW File with Wipe Yes then it Works

I even use ADB Sideload to upgrade to MM

Thanks A LOT for bringing back to life my ZENFONE 2
-

 

[deckinghalls]

Anyone have the RAW image for Marshmallow yet? Kind of old to keep flashing Lollipop first, only to sideload later.

 

[lksdan]

Good Morning. My in AFT takes only 4 minutes until " erase data" and then he already restarts . What I do to show the correct serial . Thank you

 

[krutik66]

Hrllo yesterday i update to android M now i have bricked ZE 550ml. Follow this guide im on fastboot screen and when flash raw file from lolipop because i didnt find marshmalow raw phone boot. But i cant get recovery.there is android with triangle says error. Now trying asus flash tool for about 40mins and on display sometimes say erase data flash rrcovery... But nothing happens. How to get rrvive phone and have recovery back and flash marshmallow again. Please help

Odesláno z mého LG-H815 pomocí Tapatalk

 

[Renix63]

Step 3. Flash Marshmallow zip with adb sideload, if you didn't installed it with a raw at step 2
Finally, you'll have to shut down your phone,
boot in recovery mode (guide is here),
connect it to computer, select "apply update from adb",
install adb (link to ADB Installer 1.4.3 - Note: install it system-wide but don't install Android USB drivers) on your computer,
download zip OTA for Marshmallow (NEW official link to UL-Z008-WW-4.21.40.112-user.zip for ZE550ML / NEW official link to UL-Z00A-WW-4.21.40.134-user.zip for ZE551ML),
open a command prompt in the folder where you downloaded files (using "File > Open command prompt > Open command prompt" in the Windows Explorer's ribbon), then type :

adb devices (null)

Not work in my case with this recovery: twrp-3.0.2-0-Z00A.img

 

[kapyapar311]

Man, i am so ****ing happy.. My phone wasn't available for 2 weeks and this was a very bad experience for me. I fixed it because of you. Thank you so so so much!

 

[tomtaritimtom]

Stuck in the first step!

Hello, currently my ASUS Zenfone 2 is bricked because I tried flashing the released Android Marshmallow ROM on TWRP.

After 10 minutes of flashing my device abruptly shut down and now it can't even show anything on the screen when I turn it on (phone still buzzes but not even a dead android icon is shown--just dark unlit screen).

I followed your instructions and I got stuck in step 1 when trying to install the drivers using PowerShell. I was able to install the .inf from the folders "MTP" and "tethering" but the one in "android".

May I have some assistance to the next step gentlemen?

I believe because of this my computer could only detect my phone as the "Moorefield Device" for more than a second.

Thank you,
Tom