[Q] P780 bricked after flashing (wrong) ROM - doesn't boot

[casaben]

[SOLVED] Read careful through the thread, and if you have the same problem, check the messages on the second page for a solution


Hi all,

Recently got a Lenovo P780 4gb, Chinese version.
It came with VIBE UI 1.0, installed by the vendor.
Now, I wanted to have a different ROM without the Chinese characters here and there, and reading through the forums, I decided to flash a stock ROW version, and then upgrade to another custom ROM.
So I downloaded the 4Gb P780_S123_ROW_131231 version from elsewhere on the forum.
Using the SP Flash tool, it started flashing, and on the bottom I saw some info saying DRAM 8Gb, which worried me because I thought it might have been the wrong version, but the flash completed, green circle shown.
Then tried to reboot...nothing. Phone wouldn't even turn on.
Plugged it again into PC through USB, and the red light comes on, and instead of the device being recognized as a MT Preloader device, it now connects just as a MediaTek USB Port.

The SP Flash tool still recognizes 'something', but when trying to download or upgrade firmware (with another ROM), then the red progress bar goes to 100% quickly, but then hangs, and I see the error message in the log (timestamps removed):
BROM_DLL[4312][2988]: ERROR: MT6589EMISettingFactory::IsComboDiscreteDram(): Bootloader sub-version (MTK_BLOADER_INFO_SUB_VER_00) is not supported! (FlashToolLib/source/common/generic/src/emi_setting.cpp:557)
BROM_DLL[4312][2988]: ERROR: DummyEMISetting::GetDramEMISetting(): Unsupported! (FlashToolLib/source/common/generic/src/emi_setting.cpp:610)
BROM_DLL[4312][2988]: ERROR: FlashTool_Connect(0x05CA13A8): SyncWithDA(): fail! (FlashToolLib/sv5/common/generic/src/flashtool_api.cpp:937)
BROM_DLL[4312][2988]: ERROR: FlashTool_Connect(0x05CA13A8): fail! "S_FT_ENABLE_DRAM_FAIL"(4032). (FlashToolLib/sv5/common/generic/src/flashtool_api.cpp:990)
BROM_DLL[4312][2988]: com_sentry::Close(\\.\COM6, 0000284C): OK! (FlashToolLib/host/windows/com_sentry.cpp:650)

Now, the above error is supposedly caused by using an incorrect ROM. But what would be a correct one ? I assume chinese but what version or it doesn't matter ?

I also downloaded the P780_S135_130917_rooted_twrp_gapps but when opening the scatter file, I see an entry UBOOT that is not available in the ROM, and I cannot download it(above error) or upgrade (UBOOT missing).

Any tips or do I now have a fancy paperweight ?

 

[stympy]

Hi all,

Recently got a Lenovo P780 4gb, Chinese version.
It came with VIBE UI 1.0, installed by the vendor.
Now, I wanted to have a different ROM without the Chinese characters here and there, and reading through the forums, I decided to flash a stock ROW version, and then upgrade to another custom ROM.
So I downloaded the 4Gb P780_S123_ROW_131231 version from elsewhere on the forum.
Using the SP Flash tool, it started flashing, and on the bottom I saw some info saying DRAM 8Gb, which worried me because I thought it might have been the wrong version, but the flash completed, green circle shown.
Then tried to reboot...nothing. Phone wouldn't even turn on.
Plugged it again into PC through USB, and the red light comes on, and instead of the device being recognized as a MT Preloader device, it now connects just as a MediaTek USB Port.

The SP Flash tool still recognizes 'something', but when trying to download or upgrade firmware (with another ROM), then the red progress bar goes to 100% quickly, but then hangs, and I see the error message in the log (timestamps removed):
BROM_DLL[4312][2988]: ERROR: MT6589EMISettingFactory::IsComboDiscreteDram(): Bootloader sub-version (MTK_BLOADER_INFO_SUB_VER_00) is not supported! (FlashToolLib/source/common/generic/src/emi_setting.cpp:557)
BROM_DLL[4312][2988]: ERROR: DummyEMISetting::GetDramEMISetting(): Unsupported! (FlashToolLib/source/common/generic/src/emi_setting.cpp:610)
BROM_DLL[4312][2988]: ERROR: FlashTool_Connect(0x05CA13A8): SyncWithDA(): fail! (FlashToolLib/sv5/common/generic/src/flashtool_api.cpp:937)
BROM_DLL[4312][2988]: ERROR: FlashTool_Connect(0x05CA13A8): fail! "S_FT_ENABLE_DRAM_FAIL"(4032). (FlashToolLib/sv5/common/generic/src/flashtool_api.cpp:990)
BROM_DLL[4312][2988]: com_sentry::Close(\\.\COM6, 0000284C): OK! (FlashToolLib/host/windows/com_sentry.cpp:650)

Now, the above error is supposedly caused by using an incorrect ROM. But what would be a correct one ? I assume chinese but what version or it doesn't matter ?

I also downloaded the P780_S135_130917_rooted_twrp_gapps but when opening the scatter file, I see an entry UBOOT that is not available in the ROM, and I cannot download it(above error) or upgrade (UBOOT missing).

Any tips or do I now have a fancy paperweight ?

Hi. This phones are a little tricky to reflash after is softbriked. Just in case try to reflash with Life 0.7 for 4GB Firmware.
Here is the link:
http://xdaforums.com/lenovo-p780/development/life-rom-lenovo-p780-t2666626

Here is a litle HOW TO in case of softbriked Lenovo P780:

Step by step you wil do this:
>>>>> USE WINDOWS 7 FOR THIS TUTORIAL <<<<<<<<<<<
>>>>>>>>>>REMOVE THE USB CALBLE FROM PHONE! <<<<<<<<<<<<<
NOW:
- Unpack FlashTools, and Click on Flash_tool.exe
- Select a the MT6589_Android_scatter_emmc.txt in ROM from target_bin folder
- Wait file to be added into Flash Tool
- choose Option->USB Model,click USB Model SKIP THIS STEP IFF SELECTED
–> Choose Option->DA DownLoad All->Speed->High Speed, click High Speed
- Turn off your phone - skip this step if is allready powered off

- "Press F9 (hit Download button)" OR " if upgrade ROM Firmware->Upgrade "
- and ONLY NOW connect your phone into the computer via USB data cable.
- The process will start and a red progress bar will appear after color purple, yellow.
- And green circles display
- Finish !

- You can now safely disconnect your phone and turn it on!

After this tell me iff something goes wrong !

OR

Tell me if your phone is from 04.2014 production.
If it is you must remove the checkbox of the preloader when you flash your custom ROM.
Also highly recommended before manipulation of the phone to do a full backup and backup of NVRAM.

 

[casaben]

Hi,

Well I flashed the initial ROM with everything checked, so don't know if that can be undone?
I tried flashing the life version you linked to, and tried some other stock roms (like P780_S125_130529,P780_S129_130710), but it's all the time the same.
I start the tool, then unplug phone, press reset button, then click download or upgrade firmware.
In the status bar of the tool, I see a speed in bps, EMMC, COM5 (as long as phone not plugged in, this is USB).
Other ROMS froze the timer in this status bar straight away, it remained 0:00 sec, but with the Life ROM, it keeps counting.
But in the end, it always ends with the same error.
I've attached the log, which includes multiple tries (with PRELOADER unchecked, then again with PRELOADER and PRELOAD unchecked, then with all checked, update and download).
Can't I do something like format it all, then do a fresh install ? Guess it's not that simple
I used the flashtool included, and SP_Flash_Tool_v3.1332.0.187, no difference.
Don't see production date, only see sticker with 02-5707-131911 Lenovo P780 and a number. CMIT ID : 2013CP5888 on the battery itself there is a number 140315

Thanks already for your help and tips.

 

[stympy]

Hi,

Well I flashed the initial ROM with everything checked, so don't know if that can be undone?
I tried flashing the life version you linked to, and tried some other stock roms (like P780_S125_130529,P780_S129_130710), but it's all the time the same.
I start the tool, then unplug phone, press reset button, then click download or upgrade firmware.
In the status bar of the tool, I see a speed in bps, EMMC, COM5 (as long as phone not plugged in, this is USB).
Other ROMS froze the timer in this status bar straight away, it remained 0:00 sec, but with the Life ROM, it keeps counting.
But in the end, it always ends with the same error.
I've attached the log, which includes multiple tries (with PRELOADER unchecked, then again with PRELOADER and PRELOAD unchecked, then with all checked, update and download).
Can't I do something like format it all, then do a fresh install ? Guess it's not that simple
I used the flashtool included, and SP_Flash_Tool_v3.1332.0.187, no difference.
Don't see production date, only see sticker with 02-5707-131911 Lenovo P780 and a number. CMIT ID : 2013CP5888 on the battery itself there is a number 140315

Thanks already for your help and tips.

Hi. Can you do something for me? Open the case of the phone. Look on the accumulator. Tell me iff on the label there is writen something with 04.2014.

 

[casaben]

Hi. Can you do something for me? Open the case of the phone. Look on the accumulator. Tell me iff on the label there is writen something with 04.2014.

Nope, Just the numbers from previous post, IMEI, SN, and some other number, but nothing like 04.2014.

The original ROM (when received), was VIBEROM_V1.0_1415_2_ST_P780_OLK_W_A291.
Only found this rom as CWM recovery flashable, not SP Flash.
But at this point, it seems hopeless

 

[stympy]

Nope, Just the numbers from previous post, IMEI, SN, and some other number, but nothing like 04.2014.

The original ROM (when received), was VIBEROM_V1.0_1415_2_ST_P780_OLK_W_A291.
Only found this rom as CWM recovery flashable, not SP Flash.
But at this point, it seems hopeless

Tonight ill try to download for you. I do not know how long it will take me to download the flashable with Flash Tools.

 

[casaben]

Tonight ill try to download for you. I do not know how long it will take me to download the flashable with Flash Tools.

Wow thanks The closest version I found on needrom is VIBEROM_V1.0_1415_DEV_P780_OLK_W_A291 but I don't know what format it is, it's still downloading.
And then again, I got it with this VIBEROM already flashed on it, and going into the settings and even built in diagnostics menu (when I could still get there) I don't recall seeing any version numbers even closely related to the numbers I find on the stock roms.
From the official VIBEUI site, it's the wrong format. The software version said something with name lenovohome.net, but I gave up on that, Chinese is beyond my knowledge and Google translate doesn't quite get it

Further, read some people advise just try to dowload PRELOADER, and others talk about volume- and power while plugging in (META-mode?).
But I guess that is not related to the problem.
As I understand it, PRELOADER and bootloader versions do not work together ?
It's a real pity since I used one of the official stock roms found on this site, and it actually flashed without problems.

 

[casaben]

PS : I see the option to format, including bootloader. In other roms I find UBOOT image. Is there something in this area that I can try

 

[stympy]

So... What i found is like this:
Your ex system is not a system that installs with Flash Tools.
Here is something what i found:

First Install
1. Flash rom china P780_S129_130710 with Flash Tools
2. Root rom china with Framaroot
3. Install MobileUncleTools
4. Install P780_CN_CWM-recovery with MobileUncleTools

Second Install From CWM
5. Install VIBEROM_V1.0_1415_2_ST_P780_OLK_W_A291.zip
6. Install GApps_Core_4.2.2.zip
7. Install SuperSU.zip
8. Wipe Data/Factory Reset
9. Reboot

Here is the Link:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B2ORIgaV4iacUk5wdEg3ejhhbGM&usp=sharing

 

[casaben]

So... What i found is like this:
Your ex system is not a system that installs with Flash Tools.
Here is something what i found:

First Install
1. Flash rom china P780_S129_130710 with Flash Tools
2. Root rom china with Framaroot
3. Install MobileUncleTools
4. Install P780_CN_CWM-recovery with MobileUncleTools

Second Install From CWM
5. Install VIBEROM_V1.0_1415_2_ST_P780_OLK_W_A291.zip
6. Install GApps_Core_4.2.2.zip
7. Install SuperSU.zip
8. Wipe Data/Factory Reset
9. Reboot

Ill upload the files Tonight iff you want !

I already tried that file, but it was no different than the others. I'm downloading it again from the link on this site (http://xdaforums.com/lenovo-p780/general/stock-rom-lenovo-p780-stock-roms-guides-t2656441).
So hold off downloading/uploading any files
I appreciate your help in this matter, although the outlook of things is not so good right now.

 

[casaben]

I already tried that file, but it was no different than the others. I'm downloading it again from the link on this site (http://xdaforums.com/lenovo-p780/general/stock-rom-lenovo-p780-stock-roms-guides-t2656441).
So hold off downloading/uploading any files
I appreciate your help in this matter, although the outlook of things is not so good right now.

Update : so no, same error.
Since nothing to loose at this point, decided to try SP Flash format (EXCEPT bootloader), and I spotted these lines in the log :
05/14/14 01:24:14.618 BROM_DLL[676][1172]: DEBUG: MT6589EMISettingFactory::LoadEMICfgSetting(): sizeof(BLoaderInfo_v05_ST)(112), m_identifier(MTK_BIN), m_version(V116"Ʉ3Щ, m_start_addr(0x700090), m_num_emi_settings(1). (FlashToolLib/source/common/generic/src/emi_setting.cpp:481)
05/14/14 01:24:14.618 BROM_DLL[676][1172]: DEBUG: MT6589EMISettingFactory::LoadEMICfgSetting(): Type(0x202) (FlashToolLib/source/common/generic/src/emi_setting.cpp:488)
05/14/14 01:24:14.618 BROM_DLL[676][1172]: DEBUG: MT6589EMISettingFactory::IsComboMCPDram(): EMI list size(1), index(0), type(202317c57ba). (FlashToolLib/source/common/generic/src/emi_setting.cpp:522)

Given the rom I use comes from a Russian forum, and I see Russian characters, it might be from the image, but maybe something relevant.

Would it help or make it worse to format everything including bootloader, then just flash ...well...something ?

 

[casaben]

Update : so no, same error.
Since nothing to loose at this point, decided to try SP Flash format (EXCEPT bootloader), and I spotted these lines in the log :
05/14/14 01:24:14.618 BROM_DLL[676][1172]: DEBUG: MT6589EMISettingFactory::LoadEMICfgSetting(): sizeof(BLoaderInfo_v05_ST)(112), m_identifier(MTK_BIN), m_version(V116"Ʉ3Щ, m_start_addr(0x700090), m_num_emi_settings(1). (FlashToolLib/source/common/generic/src/emi_setting.cpp:481)
05/14/14 01:24:14.618 BROM_DLL[676][1172]: DEBUG: MT6589EMISettingFactory::LoadEMICfgSetting(): Type(0x202) (FlashToolLib/source/common/generic/src/emi_setting.cpp:488)
05/14/14 01:24:14.618 BROM_DLL[676][1172]: DEBUG: MT6589EMISettingFactory::IsComboMCPDram(): EMI list size(1), index(0), type(202317c57ba). (FlashToolLib/source/common/generic/src/emi_setting.cpp:522)

Given the rom I use comes from a Russian forum, and I see Russian characters, it might be from the image, but maybe something relevant.

Would it help or make it worse to format everything including bootloader, then just flash ...well...something ?

Update : tried formatting including bootloader : same error.
Tried enabling/disabling different modules : same error.

Seems the phone is hard bricked...

 

[stympy]

Update : tried formatting including bootloader : same error.
Tried enabling/disabling different modules : same error.

Seems the phone is hard bricked...

Indeed... I think you should go to some service and take a look...
Send us some feedback when you get it back...
Good luck.

Sent from my Lenovo P780 using XDA Free mobile app

 

[casaben]

Indeed... I think you should go to some service and take a look...
Send us some feedback when you get it back...
Good luck.

Sent from my Lenovo P780 using XDA Free mobile app

Hi, in another thread, where you were also active, a user mentions P780_136_140306.
Do you know where I can get that ROM ? It would be the only ROM I didn't try yet

Thanks!

 

[stympy]

Hi, in another thread, where you were also active, a user mentions P780_136_140306.
Do you know where I can get that ROM ? It would be the only ROM I didn't try yet

Thanks!

Here is the link:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B2ORIgaV4iacT01mTm5JVzFuRGs&usp=sharing
Good Luck.

 

[casaben]

Problem SOLVED !

Hi,

The phone is back to life!
So, here is what I did: thanks to user stympy, who gave some valuable advise, and was actually on the right track.
The phones with a production date starting from 03.2014 have an updated PRELOADER. If you try to use flashing the PRELOADER of any other rom here on these phones, you'll end up like me.
The production date, I think, is printed on the battery (if you have a Chinese model at least).
YOU CANNOT FLASH A PRELOADER OF THE ROMS ON THE FORUM ON PHONES WITH A PRODUCTION DATE 03.2014 OR LATER (at this moment)

So, I found on a Russian forum (sorry XDA but for Lenovo there is a lot more to find on 4PDA than here), a backup of the correct,new preloader.
- I took the P780_S129_130710 ROM, and replaced the preloader.bin with the one in this rom.
- Next, deleted the checksum.ini file in the rom to avoid errors
- Open SPFT, selected the ROM, made sure PRELOADER entry was pointing to the correct preloader.bin
- USB disconnected, I clicked Download with DA DL All with checksum activated
- Plugged in USB
- Flashed without issue, disconnected, and voila, boot!!!

Well, that gave me a Chinese interface, but some screenshot tutorials enabled me to switch it to English.
I luckily took a backup with MobileUncleTools of my IMEI, since that was gone.
Phone seems to work normal, with 2 SIM cards, but a lot of Chinese bloatware.

While I was at it in SPFT, I tried to flash pre-rooted, or ROW versions, but that was unsuccessful so far. Always the good old 4032 error, although I updated the preloader, or some other failures.

However, the problem I'm trying to fight now, is the recovery mode. Can't backup (and not going to try flash ROM through recovery), since I can't mount /data, /emmc, and other crucial partitions. I'm using CWM. My goal is to flash the SLX ROM or any other rom with less bloatware, in English, and stable.

Update : Flashed :
- P780_S135_130917_rooted_twrp_gapps + modified preloader and works fine: had to manually link the UBOOT to the LK file (SPFT did not do it by itself)
- VIBEUI_V1.5_1419_5_DEV_P780_rooted_twrp_gapps + modified preloader and works fine : same problem with UBOOT
- Some other (Chinese) versions. ALWAYS put in the preloader file I attached, and everything went smooth and OK

Decided to not use CWM anymore, it's buggy. I use the built in TWRP recovery, and that works like a charm. No issues whatsoever.
Decided to keep VIBEUI_V1.5_1419_5_DEV_P780_rooted_twrp_gapps, but my preferred one until now was just the old stock version.
Simple and good

I've attached the preloader.bin I used (use at your own risk!), I guess it might come in handy for all of you with the same problem
Note that this particular preloader worked for me on a Chinese model 4Gb, production date 15/03/2014

And thanks again to Stympy for all the help!

 

[stympy]

Hi,

The phone is back to life!
So, here is what I did: thanks to user stympy, who gave some valuable advise, and was actually on the right track.
The phones with a production date starting from 03.2014 have an updated PRELOADER. If you try to use flashing the PRELOADER of any other rom here on these phones, you'll end up like me.
The production date, I think, is printed on the battery (if you have a Chinese model at least).
YOU CANNOT FLASH A PRELOADER OF THE ROMS ON THE FORUM ON PHONES WITH A PRODUCTION DATE 03.2014 OR LATER (at this moment)

So, I found on a Russian forum (sorry XDA but for Lenovo there is a lot more to find on 4PDA than here), a backup of the correct,new preloader.
- I took the P780_S129_130710 ROM, and replaced the preloader.bin with the one in this rom.
- Next, deleted the checksum.ini file in the rom to avoid errors
- Open SPFT, selected the ROM, made sure PRELOADER entry was pointing to the correct preloader.bin
- USB disconnected, I clicked Download with DA DL All with checksum activated
- Plugged in USB
- Flashed without issue, disconnected, and voila, boot!!!

Well, that gave me a Chinese interface, but some screenshot tutorials enabled me to switch it to English.
I luckily took a backup with MobileUncleTools of my IMEI, since that was gone.
Phone seems to work normal, with 2 SIM cards, but a lot of Chinese bloatware.

While I was at it in SPFT, I tried to flash pre-rooted, or ROW versions, but that was unsuccessful so far. Always the good old 4032 error, although I updated the preloader, or some other failures.

However, the problem I'm trying to fight now, is the recovery mode. Can't backup (and not going to try flash ROM through recovery), since I can't mount /data, /emmc, and other crucial partitions. I'm using CWM. My goal is to flash the SLX ROM or any other rom with less bloatware, in English, and stable.

I've attached the preloader.bin I used (use at your own risk!), I guess it might come in handy for all of you with the same problem

And thanks again to Stympy for all the help!

Thank you for your feedback. I hope this information that you gived us today will help other people too.

Sent from my Lenovo P780 using XDA Free mobile app

 

[nagoHaK]

The same problem, but...

Hi, I have the same problem - chinese P780 4GB, brand new, 04-2014.
After flashing wrong (as i know it now, but not 2 hours ago) ROM P780_S135_130917_rooted_twrp_gapps my brand new P780 don't want to turn on and seems to be bricked. :crying:
During flashing everything was ok - no errors, mistakes, or something something else wrong. Flashing finished with green circle. I've read carefully all the posts in this thread but I can not repeat your solution cause now Flash Tool can't connect to device. When USB cable is plugged into the phone red light turn on, but my computer didn't see any new devices - no "MTK USB port", or "Android device" or even "unknown device".
Any suggestions?

 

[stympy]

Hi, I have the same problem - chinese P780 4GB, brand new, 04-2014.
After flashing wrong (as i know it now, but not 2 hours ago) ROM P780_S135_130917_rooted_twrp_gapps my brand new P780 don't want to turn on and seems to be bricked. :crying:
During flashing everything was ok - no errors, mistakes, or something something else wrong. Flashing finished with green circle. I've read carefully all the posts in this thread but I can not repeat your solution cause now Flash Tool can't connect to device. When USB cable is plugged into the phone red light turn on, but my computer didn't see any new devices - no "MTK USB port", or "Android device" or even "unknown device".
Any suggestions?

Here is a litle HOW TO in case of softbriked Lenovo P780:

Step by step you wil do this:
>>>>> USE WINDOWS 7 FOR THIS TUTORIAL <<<<<<<<<<<
>>>>>>>>>>REMOVE THE USB CALBLE FROM PHONE! <<<<<<<<<<<<<
NOW:
- Unpack FlashTools, and Click on Flash_tool.exe
- Select a the MT6589_Android_scatter_emmc.txt in ROM from target_bin folder
- Wait file to be added into Flash Tool
- choose Option->USB Model,click USB Model SKIP THIS STEP IFF SELECTED
–> Choose Option->DA DownLoad All->Speed->High Speed, click High Speed
- Turn off your phone - skip this step if is allready powered off

- "Press F9 (hit Download button)" OR " if upgrade ROM Firmware->Upgrade "
- and ONLY NOW connect your phone into the computer via USB data cable.
- The process will start and a red progress bar will appear after color purple, yellow.
- And green circles display
- Finish !

- You can now safely disconnect your phone and turn it on!

Flash this one: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B2ORIgaV4iacT01mTm5JVzFuRGs&usp=sharing
It will work.

 

[oberst]

PROBLEM SOLVED / Thx casaben

Hello,

today i tried to flash my P780. The Build-Number of my phone was P780_S136_140306.
I flashed ROM P780_S135_130917_rooted_twrp_gapps with Smart Phone Tools and after that my phone was dead.
I flashed this ROM because i want to flash the ROM AOSP-4.4.2-v.1.8 after that.

Thx stympy for your tutorial to bring back my phone back to life!

I don´t know if my phone is chinese or not. There is no date on the battery, only chinese letters.

I need help to flash ROM AOSP-4.4.2-v.1.8.

Thx