Root s-off via JTAG!

[scotty85]

s off is here for those that truly want it.

JTAG is a method of rebuilding a bricked phones partitions by using special equipment with the processor in a special download mode. radio secure flag can easily be turned off in this process.

MobileTechVideos is now performing this service. granted its not for everyone,as its not free,and it does require you to send in your device.

but for those interested:
MobileTechVideos | Facebook

direct link to the website:
HTC Droid DNA / DLX JTAG S-OFF Modification Service - MobileTechVideos.COM

i just ordered it for my t mobile one s,ill report back in a few days how the experinece went :smokingsomb:

 

[Ibrick]

With being able to write to system, and using Flash GUI for boot.img's what's the real benefit of S-off at this point?

Legitimately curious.

When I read the article on DL I thought about it for a sec, but couldn't come up with a good reason.

 

[scotty85]

With being able to write to system, and using Flash GUI for boot.img's what's the real benefit of S-off at this point?

Legitimately curious.

When I read the article on DL I thought about it for a sec, but couldn't come up with a good reason.

saaaaaaaaay whaaaaaaaa

in all seriousness, i desire s off because it has:

• a recovery that can install kernels without other apps,a PC,or other trickery
• the ability to change other partitions than boot,system,and recovery. namely splash image,and radios/firmware. if you desire a new radio/firmware set,youll have to make a backup, relock,run a full,signed ruu or signed firmware package,re-unlock,restore a backup. thats a lot of work compared to a file you used to be able to install in hboot/fastboot.
• the ability to go backwards in software/firmware. dont like the newest leak? or the newest radios you jumped thru several hoops to get? to bad... with htcdev youre stuck. being able to install older RUUs can also be the difference between a working device and a pernament softbrick in some situations.
• the ability to flash unsigned files(such as radios and firmware)
• the ability to flash signed,or unsigned packages without haveing to relock
• the ability to install recoveries,etc. without having to unlock
• the ability to run an unsigned hboot,wich could be a patched,or ENG signed factory hboot
• the ability to easily change CID,tho in aLL fairness this isnt too big a deal with DNA,as the only RUUs are vzw.
• the ability to get rid of your relocked watermark if you ever need to warranty the phone :smokingsomb:

that last one is a pretty big one,IMO,especially if you used an upgrade and it has factory warranty. tho wether its worth the cost and inconvenience of not having your phone a few days is certainly debatable.

i can understand folks dont want the risk/hassle of having to send off the device,and i acknowledge that most folks want it to be free(wich i dont neccessarily agree with,ive donated to the creator of every tool ive used), but i dont understand the negativity of folks on other sights. the non-sd card phones are locked down pretty tight,theres still no s off for one X even after being out for over a year. IMO its great something exists now for the folks that really want it(me ) JTAG has always been a viable option for s-off,ive wondered why its taken so log for someone to step up and offer it as a service.

disclaimer: not including you in the above category,just venting a little after reading some of the articles.

my 2 cents... for what theyre worth

 

[Ibrick]

So I understand this correctly, I could go back to completely stock if say I needed to file a warranty claim with VZ? Even being on record after unlocking with HTCdev? I paid outright to keep my unlimited data so that might be a big one..

Lemme know how it goes, I'm still on the fence if $45+shipping is worth it ATM..

 

[scotty85]

So I understand this correctly, I could go back to completely stock if say I needed to file a warranty claim with VZ? Even being on record after unlocking with HTCdev? I paid outright to keep my unlimited data so that might be a big one..

Lemme know how it goes, I'm still on the fence if $45+shipping is worth it ATM..

Yup... You can change the relocked or unlocked back to locked easily with s off since the memory block where the "lock status flag" is now not write protected. See this thread and the thread it links for reference: http://androidforums.com/showthread.php?p=5295791

I've verified the lock flag,and the function of the zip files on alot of devices. BC dumped mmcblk0p3 for me wen we rooted his phone,and we found the lock flag at the same 0x8404 location. A bit more research may be needed,since we also found an extra character at 0x8407,but I'm confident resetting that line to 0x00000000 will take you back to locked,even if the zip files do not work without some tweeking

I understand the hesitation on the cost... If your phone currently does everything you'd like it to,the benefits may not be worthwhile. It's worth it to me because I'm crazy lol

Considering the man has to disassemble the phone to hook up the rif box,I think the price for this type of service is more than fair. I've got a riff box,and I got no idea how to use it,lol... there are a handfull of devices that can be unbricked(and s offed in the process) via usb,but that requires getting the processor into QHUSB_download mode(i.e.,bricking int he correct manner). ive not been successful with it yet. other devices require the phone to be disassembled and the cable soldered to special contact points in order to communicate with the processor. no way im trying that

My one s should have arrived yesterday. I've no idea how busy he is,or what the turn around mignt to complete the service may be. I'll definatey give you my thots when I get it back

As for htcdev... Well,technically there's no erasing the initial unlock,however,from a recent repair experience with HTC,digging thru that info is not part of the normal repair process. If the phone boots,HTC checks for visual signs of root/unlock. If the phone does not boot,they give you the benefit of the doubt and just assume it to be stock.

So as long as the phone looks stock,chances are slim to none that either vzw or HTC would give you a hard time

 

[Ibrick]

Hmm.. Might have to go ahead and pull the trigger.

Really no downside to doing it I spose.. besides having to use my TBolt as a backup for a week or so. :banghead:

 

[scotty85]

Hmm.. Might have to go ahead and pull the trigger.

Really no downside to doing it I spose.. besides having to use my TBolt as a backup for a week or so. :banghead:

Bwahaha that part may suck after geting used to.such a thin,sexy phone with such a beautiful display. I've been using my TB for the last 4 days in place of the resound,since it just got the official ICS OTA. But I only use my vzw phone at work... Everywhere else I go I use my one X- wich I definately would hate to be without!

 

[scotty85]

A bit of an update: my one s has returned. I am extremely pleased overall... Mobiletechvideos comunication was excellent,the service was completed within a couple days of them recieving it,and they shipped it out and provided tracking numbers very soon after. The phone is definately s off and is in the same condition I sent it in. No scuffs or scratches from disassembly,and even all my data was still intact. picked up an att one x to send them as well

 

[Ibrick]

Might wanna hold off on sending it out..

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2153508

:beer::thumbup:

 

[scotty85]

Might wanna hold off on sending it out..

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2153508

:beer::thumbup:

I jsut saw that in the hoxl s-off thread. Too late,I sent it out Friday. I was convinced no sd phones were stuck... Typical of my luck,lol. Keeping mu fingers crossed it will work with tegra 3

 

[Ibrick]

I jsut saw that in the hoxl s-off thread. Too late,I sent it out Friday. I was convinced no sd phones were stuck... Typical of my luck,lol. Keeping mu fingers crossed it will work with tegra 3

Oh well, at least you'll have it done and done correctly, since we still don't know the process, hopefully not involving disassembly and paperclips.

 

[scotty85]

It supposedly is all software,no paperclip needed!I'm pretty excited... Hopefully ill get to DIY my international one x.

Had similar luck with the rezound... Picked myself up a factory s off dev phone and a week later,team unlimited released jpbear

 

[Bob Cat]

Ohhh yeah boyeeezzz.

Scotty, sorry bro.

 

[scotty85]

Ohhh yeah boyeeezzz.

Scotty, sorry bro.

its similar to how it always rains when i wash my car you can thank me later that an exploit was found becasue i bought s-off service

beaups was a dominant figure in the HOXL thread, it doesnt surprise me that hes figured it out. most of the conversation there was over my head,lol