[GUIDE/TOOL]the ultimate DFU UNBRICK TOOL

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raystef66

Recognized Developer / Recognized Contributor
Jul 2, 2013
2,816
13,274
Belgium
ZTE Axon 7
Xiaomi Mi 9
A2017X DFU MultiDL Tool…
The Ultimate DFU to EDL Mode Unbrick Tool



DFU bricked ??....It seems opening the phone is history.... ;)
DFU bricked ??....Throw away that EDL Cable.... ;)



My friend @Aviver saw this post on myzte.cn : http://www.myzte.cn/thread-356482-1-1.html
@Teet1 linked us the download and @Aviver could test it on his bricked DFU phone and guess...IT WORKED !!!


A) How To : Follow the setup here and read a more in depth review of @AnonVendetta HERE

B) Tool : New ZTE DFU_MultiDL_A2017X_Tool.exe ;) ( english setup )




Free translation :
[B][A2017 save brick] official tools to save brick to the DFU mode free disassemble into the 9008[/B]
today to help the Friends group @ Chi Feng Lan Moon Shadow shoes cracked a flash tool.
After selecting the port with software, DFU can actually enter 9008, preventing brick.
After entering 9008, you can switch to miflash or Qualcomm qpst.
Of course, this software can also be used directly for flashing.
1. Connect the mobile phone to the computer, recommend the system Windows 7, install ZTE's own driver package, 9008 driver package (miflash comes with), miflash brush tool (alternate) . Install the provided SalesMultiDL_A2017 tool (this is the official after-sales tool, provided by the netizen, invade and delete), and find the installation directory, the patch file is overwritten by the main program, and the crack is completed.
2. Press and hold the power button to decrease the volume to enter the factory mode. If you can't boot directly, skip this step in dfu mode.
3. According to the help file of the software, view and select the port. Displaying “Connected” means that the machine is recognized. Click the green play button to start, observe the restart of the mobile phone, and disconnect the data cable to enter the port 9008. This step may be different, there are also cases where you select the port directly into the 9008. You must observe the port of the computer device manager in the form of dfu or edl 9008, 4. After entering 9008, theoretically select the installation package from below and click on the green player. The button can start to brush, here ZTE official line brush package is not available. So this step turns off the software and changes to the miflash brush package to try to brush. -------------------------------------------------- ----- Other ways to enter the 9008 port: 1. In the early version, press and hold the power button and the volume up and down buttons simultaneously. 2, you can enter the system or twrp, computer command line mode, adb shell reboot edl. 3, can not boot, search for millet engineering line production method to make millet engineering line to enter. 4. Disassemble the test point to enter 9008. This method can be replaced by the tool provided in this post.
 

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millerz

New member
Oct 16, 2010
3
6
Brookings
Progress?

Working on it. I managed to get an account made for the site! :victory: Only to find out you also have to be in a certain user group to be able to download. :( The site uses a point system to determine what user group you have access to. To get point you basically have to spend time on, and do things in the site. So that's where I'm at.
 

raystef66

Recognized Developer / Recognized Contributor
Jul 2, 2013
2,816
13,274
Belgium
ZTE Axon 7
Xiaomi Mi 9
Working on it. I managed to get an account made for the site! :victory: Only to find out you also have to be in a certain user group to be able to download. :( The site uses a point system to determine what user group you have access to. To get point you basically have to spend time on, and do things in the site. So that's where I'm at.
Thnx. Also having an account there but we have the same problem. That's why someone who's more regularly on these sites could help.
 

Teet1

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2013
485
361
ZTE Axon 7
Samsung Galaxy S9
Thnx. Also having an account there but we have the same problem. That's why someone who's more regularly on these sites could help.

You could also download it via the Baidu link. Someone just posted it but you have to register for Baidu. I have a registered account there (had to jump through some hoops) but I've managed to download it for you so no one else has to do the same. The download was also painfully slow. Here you go:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tlrsf4erdnbzsnv/SalesMultiDL_A2017_Crack.7z?dl=0

Create a new thread on it if you like for a guide! This will be extremely useful for permanent bricks. Nice find :good:
 

raystef66

Recognized Developer / Recognized Contributor
Jul 2, 2013
2,816
13,274
Belgium
ZTE Axon 7
Xiaomi Mi 9
You could also download it via the Baidu link. Someone just posted it but you have to register for Baidu. I have a registered account there (had to jump through some hoops) but I've managed to download it for you so no one else has to do the same. The download was also painfully slow. Here you go:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tlrsf4erdnbzsnv/SalesMultiDL_A2017_Crack.7z?dl=0

Create a new thread on it if you like for a guide! This will be extremely useful for permanent bricks. Nice find :good:
Most appreciated !
If this tool works this will be a major help into unbricking our A7.
Will keep you informed ;)
 
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raystef66

Recognized Developer / Recognized Contributor
Jul 2, 2013
2,816
13,274
Belgium
ZTE Axon 7
Xiaomi Mi 9
GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE !!!!
When your phone is in DFU and nothing seems to work to get EDL to work and connect to 9008.....seems that this tool, once it is installed, running and connected to your phone, you just have to close the program and open MIFLASH to flash your EDL....THAT SIMPLE !


Hereby a quick guide :

1. Download the tool DFU_MultiDL_A2017_tool or from dropbox thnx @Teet1 for his initial upload !
2. Extract the 7z
3. Install the setup.exe (it's in chinese but just follow the '>' and you'll be ok
4. once done, replace the ZTE_Sales_Update_Framework within the program folder on your drive
4a how to get english program UI (until we have a new english setup.exe ready)
Connect your phone
5. Start the program and follow the pictures down below
5.1 Only work with the left button, tap on it and select the first option
5.2 You have to see to which port your phone is connected to, remember that one and choose that one out of the list on 1--USB
5.3 Apply that choice using the right button below
6. After you succesfully noticed your phone was connected, close the program and open Miflash....you should be able to flash an EDL rom again

That's the way @Aviver did re-aviver-ed his phone in DFU mode...that simple !

Seems like the axon7 should be unblickable now :cool:
 

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KwesiJnr

Senior Member
Jan 4, 2015
239
92
Accra
OnePlus 7 Pro
GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE !!!!
When your phone is in DFU and nothing seems to work to get EDL to work and connect to 9008.....seems that this tool, once it is installed, running and connected to your phone, you just have to close the program and open MIFLASH to flash your EDL....THAT SIMPLE !


Hereby a quick guide :

1. Download the tool DFU_MultiDL_A2017_tool or from dropbox thnx @Teet1 for his initial upload !
2. Extract the 7z
3. Install the setup.exe (it's in chinese but just follow the '>' and you'll be ok
4. once done, replace the ZTE_Sales_Update_Framework within the program folder on your drive
Connect your phone
5. Start the program and follow the pictures down below
5.1 Only work with the left button, tap on it and select the first option
5.2 You have to see to which port your phone is connected to, remember that one and choose that one out of the list on 1--USB
5.3 Apply that choice using the right button below
6. After you succesfully noticed your phone was connected, close the program and open Miflash....you should be able to flash an EDL rom again

That's the way @Aviver did re-aviver-ed his phone in DFU mode...that simple !

Seems like the axon7 should be unblickable now :cool:

This is revolutionary stuff, really! Wish it'd come out before I had to open my phone a a month ago. Now I have some regrettable scuffs around the speaker grills on an otherwise spotless device ?
 
Last edited:

dizhu

New member
Aug 1, 2014
2
3
GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE !!!!
When your phone is in DFU and nothing seems to work to get EDL to work and connect to 9008.....seems that this tool, once it is installed, running and connected to your phone, you just have to close the program and open MIFLASH to flash your EDL....THAT SIMPLE !

Hereby a quick guide :

1. Download the tool DFU_MultiDL_A2017_tool or from dropbox thnx @Teet1 for his initial upload !
2. Extract the 7z
3. Install the setup.exe (it's in chinese but just follow the '>' and you'll be ok
4. once done, replace the ZTE_Sales_Update_Framework within the program folder on your drive
Connect your phone
5. Start the program and follow the pictures down below
5.1 Only work with the left button, tap on it and select the first option
5.2 You have to see to which port your phone is connected to, remember that one and choose that one out of the list on 1--USB
5.3 Apply that choice using the right button below
6. After you succesfully noticed your phone was connected, close the program and open Miflash....you should be able to flash an EDL rom again

That's the way @Aviver did re-aviver-ed his phone in DFU mode...that simple !

Seems like the axon7 should be unblickable now :cool:
You can replace the Chinese language files in the tool installation directory with the English files in the same directory.
Replace "\Resource\Locales\ZH_CN\DL_WCDMA.lang" with "\Resource\Locales\US_EN\DL_WCDMA.lang".You'll get a full version of English.
 
Last edited:

millerz

New member
Oct 16, 2010
3
6
Brookings
Hi,
My friend @Aviver saw this post on myzte.cn : http://www.myzte.cn/thread-356482-1-1.html

@Teet1 linked us the download and @Aviver could test it on his bricked DFU phone and guess...IT WORKED !!!
Follow the setup here



It seems opening the phone is history....

Free translation :
[B][A2017 save brick] official tools to save brick to the DFU mode free disassemble into the 9008[/B]
today to help the Friends group @ Chi Feng Lan Moon Shadow shoes cracked a flash tool.
After selecting the port with software, DFU can actually enter 9008, preventing brick.
After entering 9008, you can switch to miflash or Qualcomm qpst.
Of course, this software can also be used directly for flashing.
1. Connect the mobile phone to the computer, recommend the system Windows 7, install ZTE's own driver package, 9008 driver package (miflash comes with), miflash brush tool (alternate) . Install the provided SalesMultiDL_A2017 tool (this is the official after-sales tool, provided by the netizen, invade and delete), and find the installation directory, the patch file is overwritten by the main program, and the crack is completed.
2. Press and hold the power button to decrease the volume to enter the factory mode. If you can't boot directly, skip this step in dfu mode.
3. According to the help file of the software, view and select the port. Displaying “Connected” means that the machine is recognized. Click the green play button to start, observe the restart of the mobile phone, and disconnect the data cable to enter the port 9008. This step may be different, there are also cases where you select the port directly into the 9008. You must observe the port of the computer device manager in the form of dfu or edl 9008, 4. After entering 9008, theoretically select the installation package from below and click on the green player. The button can start to brush, here ZTE official line brush package is not available. So this step turns off the software and changes to the miflash brush package to try to brush. -------------------------------------------------- ----- Other ways to enter the 9008 port: 1. In the early version, press and hold the power button and the volume up and down buttons simultaneously. 2, you can enter the system or twrp, computer command line mode, adb shell reboot edl. 3, can not boot, search for millet engineering line production method to make millet engineering line to enter. 4. Disassemble the test point to enter 9008. This method can be replaced by the tool provided in this post.

This is a god send! Saved me from a DFU brick! Thanks to all involved!
 
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raystef66

Recognized Developer / Recognized Contributor
Jul 2, 2013
2,816
13,274
Belgium
ZTE Axon 7
Xiaomi Mi 9
English version update

Replace the lan_CHN.ini in your program folder under bin/languages
(or just change the name 'lan_ENG' into 'lan_CHN' and remove the original lan_CHN.ini)

or use ZTE DFU_MultiDL_A2017 Tool (English Version) - extract and replace all the files to your existing program folder thnx @millerz for his work :good:
(or extract it to your desktop and double tap the ZTE_Sales_Update_Framework.exe - that should work too)

If anyone has the time to change the whole setup.exe file to begin the install-setup in english and change the tool UI in english, feel free to upload it here ;)
 
Last edited:

privatedoodle

Senior Member
Apr 15, 2011
118
26
Richmond, VA
Google Pixel 7
Not working for me, unfortunately. My A2017U is DFU. When I run this program, everything looks like it's working. It finds the phone, and then the PC will recognize it as 9008. MiFlash will even flash an EDL package, and say it's a success. But when I reboot the phone, it's still not working. I can still only boot into DFU.

I've tried multiple USB ports, installed the program a couple different ways, and tried 3 or 4 different EDL packages. Any ideas?

EDIT: Mine always says "connect state - disconnected," but it seems to force Windows to recognize the phone as 9008. Coul this be part of the issue?
 
Last edited:

raystef66

Recognized Developer / Recognized Contributor
Jul 2, 2013
2,816
13,274
Belgium
ZTE Axon 7
Xiaomi Mi 9
Not working for me, unfortunately. My A2017U is DFU. When I run this program, everything looks like it's working. It finds the phone, and then the PC will recognize it as 9008. MiFlash will even flash an EDL package, and say it's a success. But when I reboot the phone, it's still not working. I can still only boot into DFU.

I've tried multiple USB ports, installed the program a couple different ways, and tried 3 or 4 different EDL packages. Any ideas?

EDIT: Mine always says "connect state - disconnected," but it seems to force Windows to recognize the phone as 9008. Coul this be part of the issue?
As of what I read the main part is working, that is reconnecting 9008 able to flash an EDL. That's the main goal.
The edl flash seems to be successful as I understand so that's strange... Anyway, did you try the @djkuz edl tool and flash an edl out of his range of U-roms?
 
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endrew360

Member
Jan 4, 2011
6
3
This is revolutionary stuff, really! Wish it'd come out before I had to open my phone a a month ago. Now I have some regrettable scuffs around the speaker grills on an otherwise spotless device
HAHA I feel you brother. I bricked my axon 7 after barely getting it replaced through ZTE's advanced exchanged. It was perfect condition, but now the speaker grills are ugly on the corners where I tried to remove them. Getting speaker grills on AliExpress though.
 
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KwesiJnr

Senior Member
Jan 4, 2015
239
92
Accra
OnePlus 7 Pro
HAHA I feel you brother. I bricked my axon 7 after barely getting it replaced through ZTE's advanced exchanged. It was perfect condition, but now the speaker grills are ugly on the corners where I tried to remove them. Getting speaker grills on AliExpress though.

Really? Did you find any at all? Please send a link. I have searched a few times (on AliExpress) but to no avail. Closest one I came to was eBay, but the seller doesn't ship to my country.
 

privatedoodle

Senior Member
Apr 15, 2011
118
26
Richmond, VA
Google Pixel 7
As of what I read the main part is working, that is reconnecting 9008 able to flash an EDL. That's the main goal.
The edl flash seems to be successful as I understand so that's strange... Anyway, did you try the @djkuz edl tool and flash an edl out of his range of U-roms?

I had been using MiFlash, but I switched over and tried the @djkuz tool. Failed again. The log says it "failed to open com port." Is this a driver issue, or something else? I've reinstalled the qualcomm drivers, but maybe I'm missing some other piece?

Screenshots here:
https://imgur.com/a/1P3YCuR
 
Last edited:

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  • 22
    A2017X DFU MultiDL Tool…
    The Ultimate DFU to EDL Mode Unbrick Tool



    DFU bricked ??....It seems opening the phone is history.... ;)
    DFU bricked ??....Throw away that EDL Cable.... ;)



    My friend @Aviver saw this post on myzte.cn : http://www.myzte.cn/thread-356482-1-1.html
    @Teet1 linked us the download and @Aviver could test it on his bricked DFU phone and guess...IT WORKED !!!


    A) How To : Follow the setup here and read a more in depth review of @AnonVendetta HERE

    B) Tool : New ZTE DFU_MultiDL_A2017X_Tool.exe ;) ( english setup )




    Free translation :
    [B][A2017 save brick] official tools to save brick to the DFU mode free disassemble into the 9008[/B]
    today to help the Friends group @ Chi Feng Lan Moon Shadow shoes cracked a flash tool.
    After selecting the port with software, DFU can actually enter 9008, preventing brick.
    After entering 9008, you can switch to miflash or Qualcomm qpst.
    Of course, this software can also be used directly for flashing.
    1. Connect the mobile phone to the computer, recommend the system Windows 7, install ZTE's own driver package, 9008 driver package (miflash comes with), miflash brush tool (alternate) . Install the provided SalesMultiDL_A2017 tool (this is the official after-sales tool, provided by the netizen, invade and delete), and find the installation directory, the patch file is overwritten by the main program, and the crack is completed.
    2. Press and hold the power button to decrease the volume to enter the factory mode. If you can't boot directly, skip this step in dfu mode.
    3. According to the help file of the software, view and select the port. Displaying “Connected” means that the machine is recognized. Click the green play button to start, observe the restart of the mobile phone, and disconnect the data cable to enter the port 9008. This step may be different, there are also cases where you select the port directly into the 9008. You must observe the port of the computer device manager in the form of dfu or edl 9008, 4. After entering 9008, theoretically select the installation package from below and click on the green player. The button can start to brush, here ZTE official line brush package is not available. So this step turns off the software and changes to the miflash brush package to try to brush. -------------------------------------------------- ----- Other ways to enter the 9008 port: 1. In the early version, press and hold the power button and the volume up and down buttons simultaneously. 2, you can enter the system or twrp, computer command line mode, adb shell reboot edl. 3, can not boot, search for millet engineering line production method to make millet engineering line to enter. 4. Disassemble the test point to enter 9008. This method can be replaced by the tool provided in this post.
    15
    GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE !!!!
    When your phone is in DFU and nothing seems to work to get EDL to work and connect to 9008.....seems that this tool, once it is installed, running and connected to your phone, you just have to close the program and open MIFLASH to flash your EDL....THAT SIMPLE !


    Hereby a quick guide :

    1. Download the tool DFU_MultiDL_A2017_tool or from dropbox thnx @Teet1 for his initial upload !
    2. Extract the 7z
    3. Install the setup.exe (it's in chinese but just follow the '>' and you'll be ok
    4. once done, replace the ZTE_Sales_Update_Framework within the program folder on your drive
    4a how to get english program UI (until we have a new english setup.exe ready)
    Connect your phone
    5. Start the program and follow the pictures down below
    5.1 Only work with the left button, tap on it and select the first option
    5.2 You have to see to which port your phone is connected to, remember that one and choose that one out of the list on 1--USB
    5.3 Apply that choice using the right button below
    6. After you succesfully noticed your phone was connected, close the program and open Miflash....you should be able to flash an EDL rom again

    That's the way @Aviver did re-aviver-ed his phone in DFU mode...that simple !

    Seems like the axon7 should be unblickable now :cool:
    10
    Thnx. Also having an account there but we have the same problem. That's why someone who's more regularly on these sites could help.

    You could also download it via the Baidu link. Someone just posted it but you have to register for Baidu. I have a registered account there (had to jump through some hoops) but I've managed to download it for you so no one else has to do the same. The download was also painfully slow. Here you go:
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/tlrsf4erdnbzsnv/SalesMultiDL_A2017_Crack.7z?dl=0

    Create a new thread on it if you like for a guide! This will be extremely useful for permanent bricks. Nice find :good:
    8
    Made an english version exe;)

    ZTE DFU_MultiDL_A2017X_Tool.exe

    Quick Guide :

    1. Download the tool ZTE DFU_MultiDL_A2017X_Tool.exe
    2. Install the exe
    3. Start the program and follow the pictures down below
    4a Use the left button, tap on it and select the first option Portconfig
    4b Tap Port Manager to see to which port your phone is connected to, remember that one, close and choose in Port Config 1--USB and select the port USB you are connected too.
    4c Apply that choice using the right button OK below
    5. After you notice the port is showing up, your phone will be visible again as Qualcomm 9008 in your device manager. Its UNBRICKED !!!
    Close the program and open Miflash, (bring your phone into edl mode if needed) and connect....you should be able to flash an EDL rom again


    ENJOY !


    pics source : myzte.cn
    6
    I didnt have enough time yesterday to post my steps, but here they are anyway:

    Download these files before starting:
    1. ZTE handset USB driver and Qualcomm EDL 9008/USB driver (https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=11410963190603913612
    2. Latest version of the MultiDL Tool (https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=11410932744536984126
    3. MiFlash (may not be the latest version but it has always worked for me, https://build.nethunter.com/misc/axon7/MiFlashSetup.msi
    4. Axon 7 EDL Tool (optional, but sometimes works better than MiFlash and has more features, refer to the forum thread for details on how to use it, https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4682066&d=1546889147

    For a clean start, uninstall the DFU MultiDL Tool and MiFlash from Windows Control Panel. Open Device Management (search for devmgmt.msc from start menu, or hit Windows key+R, type it in, press Enter). Enable the viewing of hidden devices, open every category and uninstall every driver that mentions ZTE, Qualcomm 9008 (not exact wording but it will be obvious). Be especially sure to check under the Unknown/Other categories, as well as USB and Ports categories. If a checkbox appears asking to remove the driver, click it, then OK.

    I'm not sure if the next step is absolutely necessary, but I sometimes didnt get driver install prompts if DSE is enabled. Modern Windows 64 bit OSes since Vista have Driver Signature Enforcement enabled by default, which can prevent a driver from installing. All provided driver files should be signed but it's better to get this right the first time. So:

    Open a command prompt as admin (type cmd in Start menu, right click, run as admin), type the following, reboot again:

    bcdedit /set TESTSIGNING ON

    Afer you have rebooted you will notice a watermark in the lower left of your desktop. It is insecure to run Windows with DSE always off, so when done with all my steps you should type the above command again, but change ON to OFF and reboot.

    Next steps:
    1. Extract @raystef66's A2017G_Driver.zip, it says G but it will work on A2017/A2017U models too.

    2. In the extracted Windows folder, run Autorun.exe as admin (ZTE Handset driver).

    3. In the other extracted folder you will find 3 files ending in inf, right click each of them and click Install. Dont worry about the other subfolders. This is the Qualcomm EDL 9008 EDL/USB driver.

    4. Install MiFlash

    5. Install ZTE MultiDL Tool.

    Do the above steps *IN THE ORDER* I have listed them. And dont plug phone into PC until you have done all the steps.

    Now you are ready to use the DFU MultiDL Tool. Use the pics here as a visual reference (https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=77926571&postcount=35

    Now, make sure phone is off. Hold volume up, volume down, then power in that order, but keep all buttons held down. You should feel a vibration, maybe not. If you see a solid red light/LED in upper left corner of phone screen, this is DFU mode. Red light that either blinks or turns off is EDL, you can just skip the DFU MultiDL tool and go straight to flashing with MiFlash or A7 EDL Tool. You can also use Device Management as an indicator for which mode the phone is in.

    Plug in device to PC, open the DFU tool. Find the Port Config button, then click Port Manager. If your phone isnt listed as a COM diag port then this probably wont work. Under the line where the COM button is listed, remember the USB number. Close Port Manager, click line 1, then select the USB number you saw. Then click OK. You should hear a USB disconnect sound on PC, and the red light should turn off. This means you are in EDL mode (or should be). Close the DFU tool and open either MiFlash or the EDL Tool batch file and flash. Be sure not to have more than one of these programs open at once, since they may be in conflict by trying to access the phone simultaneously. While EDL flashing or or using the EDL tool, open the Task Manager and kill any adb.exe processes. The EDL Tool can use ADB to switch to EDL, but it but it shouldnt be running during the actual flashing process.

    Now you can flash with the other tools I listed (preferably a full stock ROM EDL zip of your choice for a fresh start, then you can bootloader unlock, flash TWRP/custom ROM/etc later). If MiFlash gives an error, or the EDL Tool gets stuck on loading the firehose file then you are probably not in EDL. Try disconnecting/reconnecting phone to PC. If that doesnt work then do the steps with the DFU Tool again. If still not working then you can put the phone in DFU mode and let the red light drain the battery completely. Then charge for a few mins (at a minumum, battery charging screen may not appear, just use your judgement). This may take hours depending on how much charge the phone has. Bottom line is you must get to EDL or you're going nowhere fast.

    Once you are in EDL then you can flash with the normal tools and unbrick. DFU MultiDL Tool can also EDL flash files to the device, but I have never gotten it to work (didnt try too hard). A user has earlier mentioned that running the tool in Windows 7 compatibility mode may allow EDL flashing to function properly, if you are using Win8/8.1/10. I will test more later but for now just use the other tools.

    Another thing, be sure to run all tools/installers as admin. Use a good cable. And use a USB 2.0 port if available (not an option for me since my laptop has only USB3/USB C).

    If you still cant get these steps to work in a real Windows install, it is possible there are deeper conflicts somewhere (usually installed drivers/programs) then you can try installing Win10 64 bit in a VMware Workstation (paid software but has 30 day trial)/VirtualBox (free) virtual machine. Then do my steps. Win7 will also work (not recommended if you have USB3 ports and no USB2). In the VM program you can share (pass through) a USB port from the host OS to the guest OS, set config to either USB2 or USB3 in VMware/VirtualBox, depending on your PC. Microsoft hosts free trial downloads of Windows which dont need to be activated immediately, those will suffice, so no need to pay or pirate. I use Linux as my main OS, I find VMs to be useful for flashing phones.

    Absolute worst case is that none of this works, then you can either dissassemble the phone and short circuit the test point using @Choose an username...'s DFU unbrick guide (never did this myself, dont want to damage phone). Or you can RMA the phone to ZTE if the warranty is still valid. I have RMAed to them twice in a year and dont want to do it again so I'm posting this guide in the hope that someone will find it useful. And because I feel that the steps listed by others are incomplete, dont list and give links to all required tools, or provide a proper step order to follow.
    @raystef66: If you find this post useful then maybe you can link to it in the first post as a starter reference.