[Q] Wiped /system, can't recover

[fajrero]

I was attempting to install the SlimKat ROM, and I followed the directions by going into CWM and doing a factory reset, wiping the cache, and formatting /system. When I tried to install the ROM, though, it told me that the file was bad. Now I can't boot back into the OS! It just stops at the T-Mobile splash screen. I can still get to CWM, but I have no idea where to go from there. I tried to recover from a previous backup, but it gives me "Error while restoring /system!"

How can I get my recoveries to work?

 

[ZHXS]

Just to confirm:
You do have the model Exhibit T679, correct?
What version of CWM did you flash?


The way I've been flashing ROMs:

1. Boot into CWM
2. Go to mounts and storage
   1. format /system
   2. format /cache
   3. format /data
3. Go back to first CWM screen
4. Go to advanced
   1. wipe dalvik cache
      
5. Go back to first CWM screen
6. Choose install zip
   1. choose zip from the location you placed the ROM

To restore your backup:

• Do steps 1-5 from above
• 6. Go to backup and restore
• 7. restore from the location you saved the backup

 

[fajrero]

Just to confirm:
You do have the model Exhibit T679, correct?
What version of CWM did you flash?

Yes, it is a T679. My version of CWM is 6.0.5.0.

So, I solved the original problem, and now I have a new one... What I found was that I was able to install one of the other ROMs (Mahdi) from my external SD card. Then, I took a look at the SlimKat zip on my computer. As I suspected, the file was corrupted. (The MD5 hash didn't match.) So, I downloaded a new copy, verified the hash, and then tried again. This time, it worked! Everything seems to have installed okay, and I am loving SlimKat so far. Except for one thing... Somehow, I unrooted my device! Titanium Backup doesn't work anymore, and it was telling me it couldn't get root. So I installed Root Checker, and sure enough, I don't have root anymore! I downloaded root-stock.zip and tried flashing it, and that didn't work. Well, I guess it wouldn't, since I don't have a stock ROM anymore?

I'm sure I could flash a stock ROM, and then root that, but then I would want to go back to SlimKat, and I'm afraid I'd just wind up un-rooting it again.

 

[ZHXS]

Everything seems to have installed okay, and I am loving SlimKat so far. Except for one thing... Somehow, I unrooted my device! Titanium Backup doesn't work anymore, and it was telling me it couldn't get root. So I installed Root Checker, and sure enough, I don't have root anymore! I downloaded root-stock.zip and tried flashing it, and that didn't work. Well, I guess it wouldn't, since I don't have a stock ROM anymore?

I'm sure I could flash a stock ROM, and then root that, but then I would want to go back to SlimKat, and I'm afraid I'd just wind up un-rooting it again.

As far as I know, most of these custom ROMs already come with root.

If you installed [ROM] [UNOFFICIAL] [4.4.2] SlimKat ROM [WEEK… | Galaxy Exhibit 4G | XDA Forums one of the listed problems is:

What's Not Working!!
2) Some reason i lost root i had to include the Su app and Root is now active again​

Maybe wait? Or try to flash/install Su?

---------- Post added at 12:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 AM ----------

Of if you installed [ROM][KK][4.4.4][KTU84P] SlimKat 6 UNOFFICIA… | Galaxy Exhibit 4G | XDA Forums known issue is:

Known Issues
Do not enable KSM
If lacking root, enter superuser settings, then tap superuser access and select apps and adb.

 

[fajrero]

As far as I know, most of these custom ROMs already come with root.

That's what I thought, too. This is why it's so confusing for me.

If you installed [ROM] [UNOFFICIAL] [4.4.2] SlimKat ROM [WEEK… | Galaxy Exhibit 4G | XDA Forums one of the listed problems is:

No, it's the one a little further down:

[ROM][KK][4.4.4][KTU84P] SlimKat 6 UNOFFICIAL-20140707

Maybe wait? Or try to flash/install Su?

That's what I'm going to try next. I haven't been able to find a source for the su binary yet, though. Just a lot of stuff for SuperSu, which requires you to already be rooted. I'm gonna try to get some sleep and look some more tomorrow. Thanks for your help.

 

[ZHXS]

No, it's the one a little further down:

[ROM][KK][4.4.4][KTU84P] SlimKat 6 UNOFFICIAL-20140707



That's what I'm going to try next. I haven't been able to find a source for the su binary yet, though. Just a lot of stuff for SuperSu, which requires you to already be rooted. I'm gonna try to get some sleep and look some more tomorrow. Thanks for your help.

Ok, that ROM seems to have Superuser built in already, do you see a menu item for it when you go into Settings? The instructions seem to note that you have to go into Superuser and check a couple boxes.

Maybe it was a bad install, try formatting the necessary partitions and reflash again. Then go into Superuser and select the appropriate options.

Sometimes I also format sdcard0 after all the other formatting just to be extra thorough then install new ROM per instructions:

Installation
Install at your own risk

- First time flashing CM11 to your Galaxy Exhibit (or coming from another ROM)?

1. Boot into existing recovery and create a Nandroid Backup!
2. Install at least ClockworkMod Recovery 6.0.4.5 or TWRP 2.6.3.0
3. Reboot recovery into at least ClockworkMod Recovery 6.0.4.5 or TWRP 2.6.3.0
4. CWM: WIPE dalvik-cache, format: data, system, and cache. TWRP: WIPE dalvik-cache, data, system, and cache.
5. ** Optionally back-up sdcard0 before install and format it in recovery if experiencing install issues **
6. Install the ROM (without gapps)
7. Reboot system
8. After system boots, boot back into recovery and install KK Google Apps.
9. Wipe dalvik-cache and cache. Reboot.

FYI most people here on xda just prefer you either clicking the thanks button if you the post was useful or if it a bug related then logcats and brief description of the problem and wait patiently for someone who knows to either A) if dev - fixes it or asks for more info. B) if other user- tries to help you out if possible.

:laugh:
You are welcome!

 

[fajrero]

Maybe it was a bad install, try formatting the necessary partitions and reflash again. Then go into Superuser and select the appropriate options.

Yeah, that seems to have done it. I have root again, and everything looks okay.
Thanks again!!