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Root How to recover from bad decision to let it update?

UnplugMe

Well-Known Member
Sep 21, 2011
133
17
Northeast U.S.
I hope I haven't done something that has bricked my phone.
(It was running Froyo after rooting and gaining superuser, from help here.)

The phone kept nagging me to update (4.0.something?) from Verizon network. I kept saying no, but had lost internet access and hadn't yet gotten the courage to try and upgrade to Gingerbread myself, so I decided to let the network take over.
I think it was a bad decision.

It's stuck on a screen with a yellow exclamation point triangle. I know if I do anything while it's updating I will brick the phone. However it's been on this screen for at least 3 hours.

Is there anything safe to do, at this point? Or is it already too late?

:(
 
First, its fine to pull the battery. If your phone is s-off(which it sounds like it is)... you can can follow the directions stickied above on "how to regain root"... then if look at the other sticky above on "how to unlock, downgrade, and achieve s-off" skip to step 8 in that thread "finishing up" you'll find a link to the latest radios and ROM"

I'll post links later if you can't find everything....posting from my phone right now...:) good luck
 
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Thank you, I pulled the battery.

Is it safe to boot up and check the phone, and how can I tell if it's necessary to root all over again?

Thanks.


Yep go ahead and boot up (if it lets you). Judging by your description of what you saw on screen, you are most likely not rooted anymore. So you will need to follow the directions to regain root(a custom recovery and superuser).
 
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I upgraded the hboot and radio. Still didn't have internet (even with Wifi so it isn't Verizon).

So, I found where to clear the cache in recovery. Didn't work.
Went back into hboot and looked for dalvik cache, did not see that option.
So I chose to clear data. Now my phone boots to a white screen with HTC and nothing else (does not say "quietly brilliant.") My only option is to press the power button so I shut down.


edit: did some searching,
Another person who had the white HTC screen said a factory reset cleared their problem, so I tried that. It still won't boot, just goes to the white HTC screen.
 
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I upgraded the hboot and radio. Still didn't have internet (even with Wifi so it isn't Verizon).

So, I found where to clear the cache in recovery. Didn't work.
Went back into hboot and looked for dalvik cache, did not see that option.
So I chose to clear data. Now my phone boots to a white HTC screen with nothing else.


edit: did some searching,
Another person who had the white HTC screen said a factory reset cleared their problem, so I tried that. It still won't boot, just goes to the white HTC screen.
Follow the directions here again:
http://androidforums.com/incredible...egain-root-s-off-htc-unlocked-bootloader.html (you can actually skip the part where you flash superuser).

Then install this ROM :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1737398

By following these directions:
http://androidforums.com/incredible-all-things-root/521423-how-flash-roms.html

Don't attempt to boot until the rom is installed. :)

If your Internet still doesn't work, you can try reflashing the radio (check and double check the md5)

PS if it still doesn't boot up (get past the white incredible screen) you may need to run an RUU(can be ran from your PC with your phone in fastboot mode) or a stock PB31IMG.zip file (installed just like the radios and recovery files in hboot)
You can find RUUs/PB31IMG files here:
http://pvillecomp.com/?page_id=22 *don't* use the RUU that says "Latest OTA RUU"
 
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Okay, I panicked, been at this all night and have no working phone.

So, I tried doing it the way I learned originally, by returning to stock recovery, then applying the stock gingerbread ROM I'd saved from the last time I rooted my other phone.
(no fresh copy was available from the original download site)

It began okay but aborted at about 25%. My only working option was to reboot, and it went back to the white HTC screen.

I shut it down.
Is my phone bricked?

Edit, we posted at same time, am reviewing post above.
 
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Still having trouble.
I tried the Deodexed version first.
(I did try to download/install 2 different MD5 checkers but got nowhere, errors, gave up and decided to trust the files.)

That one didn't work.
So I downloaded the other Odexed version and that didn't work either.

This is the error I'm getting, while trying to install the update:

symlink: some symlinks failed
E: Error in /sdcard/update.zip
(Status 7)
Installation aborted.


I did find the Dalvik cache, in fact cleared both caches and reset to factory, then tried again, got same error.



edit:
I am reformatting the card again (have done fat32 reformat 3x's), and re-downloading deodexed version, will try again...
Didn't work, same error.


From what I'm reading about this error, one person fixed it by transferring the files with something called Android Commander. However, I can't boot the phone in order to transfer files.

Another said they fixed it by NOT wiping the caches after transferring with something called Smart Flash Tool. Again, I can't boot to transfer files via USB.

The last one said it was caused by bad ROMS. I've tried both of those linked, one of them twice. I guess there's a small possibility that my computer is corrupting them, but I've never had that issue before now.

Is there another ROM I can try that is pretty stable and doesn't disable any major functions like the camcorder? I read in the last one about "Tiny's cm 10."
 
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Still having trouble.
I tried the Deodexed version first.
(I did try to download/install 2 different MD5 checkers but got nowhere, errors, gave up and decided to trust the files.)

That one didn't work.
So I downloaded the other Odexed version and that didn't work either.

This is the error I'm getting, while trying to install the update:

symlink: some symlinks failed
E: Error in /sdcard/update.zip
(Status 7)
Installation aborted.


I did find the Dalvik cache, in fact cleared both caches and reset to factory, then tried again, got same error.



edit:
I am reformatting the card again (have done fat32 reformat 3x's), and re-downloading deodexed version, will try again...
Didn't work, same error.


From what I'm reading about this error, one person fixed it by transferring the files with something called Android Commander. However, I can't boot the phone in order to transfer files.

Another said they fixed it by NOT wiping the caches after transferring with something called Smart Flash Tool. Again, I can't boot to transfer files via USB.

The last one said it was caused by bad ROMS. I've tried both of those linked, one of them twice. I guess there's a small possibility that my computer is corrupting them, but I've never had that issue before now.

Is there another ROM I can try that is pretty stable and doesn't disable any major functions like the camcorder? I read in the last one about "Tiny's cm 10."
To install the ROMs, sometimes its best to download the rom directly to the sd card. This can be done either by plugging the sd card directly into your pc via card reader or mounting the sd card to the pc in recovery,(you should be able to find a USB mass storage option).

It doesnt matter what the name of the rom is. Just remember what folder you download it to. And dont forget to unmount the usb mass storage if you are downloading the rom with your phone hooked to the pc.
Use the option in clockwork to wipe data/factory reset. Then choose the option to "install zip from sd card" find your rom and install.

If it still doesnt boot or the rom install errors, try a couple others (any you can find).

If still no go, install one of the factory images i linked to above. Sometimes it boot loops or hangs on the first boot up. Be patient, if it doesnt boot after 5 minutes or so, install it again and it should go.
 
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I'm using the sd card, not the USB cord, as I can't boot up the phone and didn't think the computer would find it while it was frozen on the HTC screen.

I was using those linked above...did download one to the SD card directly, the other 2 times I transferred them, but I'll give it another go and try using a different computer.

The other problem is, I believe I have USB debugging on, would that matter? I'm not able to change the setting because I can't boot up the phone.

I'd also asked if it mattered if the phone is in fastboot, but there was so much text in my last post, I removed it, as I couldn't find that setting to disable it, and now can't access due to not booting up.

(Trying to give as much info as possible in case it matters, as I have no idea.)

Thank you for your patience, I will post back if I get it working.

Update: Tried diff. computer, downloaded directly to card, did not change filename, chose it as-is from card. Same error.

:\
 
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Okay, problem began after I chose to format (or wipe cache, or whatever it says, I can't recall) while in hboot. I shouldn't have done that.

I found this fix:
How to fix Android Custom ROM Status 7 installation Abort assert failed error in Recovery Easily [Ultimate Guide] - mobotechie.com

Desperation, here...
I followed the directions in that link to extract and open the updater-script file, however the "assert" lines look nothing like those in the example and don't seem to refer to a device ID.
I'm not comfortable with messing with it.
If I haven't already bricked my phone that I'm close to it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, though I realize I'm asking a lot of your time.
Thanks.
 
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Okay, problem began after I chose to format (or wipe cache, or whatever it says, I can't recall) while in hboot. I shouldn't have done that.

I found this fix:
How to fix Android Custom ROM Status 7 installation Abort assert failed error in Recovery Easily [Ultimate Guide] - mobotechie.com

However, it's entirely over my head and I fear bricking the phone.

Can anyone tell me if I try it, where it says remove the first three lines and save updater script, if that means save the file without the three lines that were removed?
He isn't fluent in English and I'm scared to death I will do it wrong, have never even zipped a file before.

Thanks for any advice.
I'd just run the stock image files I linked above (the RUU or pb31img.zip)


Whether USB debugging is turned on doesn't matter. Only is in effect when the phone is booted.
 
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Okay, problem began after I chose to format (or wipe cache, or whatever it says, I can't recall) while in hboot. I shouldn't have done that.

I found this fix:
How to fix Android Custom ROM Status 7 installation Abort assert failed error in Recovery Easily [Ultimate Guide] - mobotechie.com

However, it's entirely over my head and I fear bricking the phone.

Can anyone tell me if I try it, where it says remove the first three lines and save updater script, if that means save the file without the three lines that were removed?
He isn't fluent in English and I'm scared to death I will do it wrong, have never even zipped a file before.

Thanks for any advice.
I'd just run the stock image files I linked above (the RUU or pb31img.zip)

http://pvillecomp.com/?page_id=22 don't use the RUU at the top of the page. I'd personally recommend going with the PB31IMG.zip file. We are just trying to get a booted phone at this point, we will worry about root and such after we get it booted.

Whether USB debugging is turned on doesn't matter. Only is in effect when the phone is booted.
 
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Okay, problem began after I chose to format (or wipe cache, or whatever it says, I can't recall) while in hboot. I shouldn't have done that.

I found this fix:
How to fix Android Custom ROM Status 7 installation Abort assert failed error in Recovery Easily [Ultimate Guide] - mobotechie.com

Desperation, here...
I followed the directions in that link to extract and open the updater-script file, however the "assert" lines look nothing like those in the example and don't seem to refer to a device ID.
I'm not comfortable with messing with it.
If I haven't already bricked my phone that I'm close to it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, though I realize I'm asking a lot of your time.
Thanks.

I do not believe that is your particular prollem. The error messages you're getting,if I'm understanding you correctly,are trying to use the stock recovery to install an "update.zip" ota file. There are a lot of factors that must be correct for this to work(hboot,baseband,and build number,among other things) so that error is not a big deal.

The best solution,I agree with sdraw,is to run the ruu.
 
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No, I'm using ClockwordMod Recovery, and trying to run the update from there. Originally I'd renamed it update.zip. However, in later attempts I left it with the original filename and selected it in CWM.

The update begins, then aborts with the error:
symlink: some symlinks failed
E: Error in /sdcard/update.zip
(later attempts use the longer filename as I left it intact)
(Status 7)
Installation aborted.


I then select shutdown in CWM.


Edit: I was using those linked earlier in the thread, I will try the PB31IMG from the Pville site.

I don't know what an RUU is but am researching...
 
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No, I'm using ClockwordMod Recovery, and trying to run the update from there. Originally I'd renamed it update.zip. However, in later attempts I left it with the original filename and selected it in CWM.

The update begins, then aborts with the error:
symlink: some symlinks failed
E: Error in /sdcard/update.zip
(later attempts use the longer filename as I left it intact)
(Status 7)
Installation aborted.


I then select shutdown in CWM.

hmm,then what you you refering to with the following statement? im a lil confused what you were doing:
So, I tried doing it the way I learned originally, by returning to stock recovery, then applying the stock gingerbread ROM I'd saved from the last time I rooted my other phone.

as you cant install anything with the stock recovery,but official OTA files.

you are not unzipping the rom files you are flashing in CW are you?

Edit: I was using those linked earlier in the thread, I will try the PB31IMG from the Pville site.

I don't know what an RUU is but am researching...

RUU technically= htcs official "Rom Updater Utility",wich is .exe file run on your PC. however, the term "RUU" has come to mean,more simply: official htc software. it can mean a .exe utility,or it can mean a PB31IMG flashed in hboot.

so in this case,when i said "i agree,run the ruu" i was refering to the PB31IMG files referenced by sdraw :)

if you have tried,that what were the results?
 
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Sorry, did not mean to confuse you.

When I returned to stock recovery, I did that to try and apply the old OTA stock gingerbread, because I had success with that in the past, on my original incredible.
When that didn't work, I then proceeded to follow the recommendations you both gave me.
I now have CWM recovery (and Superuser, though I don't know how to use it or if it's working as it should, nor do I understand the reason for it).

Since then I've been trying to install the stock gingerbread files linked for me, one is deodexed and one is odexed, through CWM, by selecting the file.
But CWM aborts the installation each time, with the Status 7 error.

I've already wiped caches, formatted, reset to factory, whatever I could find, also reformatted the SD card several times, to no avail.

It simply cannot complete the process, it aborts with Status 7.

Update:

In the last attempt, with the stock gingerbread image from PvillComp, this is the error message:

>>>>

ClockworkMod Recovery v5.0.2.0
--Installing: /sdcard/Gingerbread-Stock_PB31IMG.zip
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
E: Can't open /sdcard/Gingerbread-Stock_PB31IMG.zip
(bad)
Installation aborted.

<<<<


Well at least it's a different error.
I'm not getting the MD5 checker again, but I will attempt another download directly to the card.

(In the meantime, to add insult to injury something I downloaded to help (either from CNET or elsewhere, tried a couple of MD5 checkers, etc.) added what looked like a trojan downloader that appeared on my taskbar, and was loading a "free games" programs to my laptop. I had to boot into safe mode and go back in time to earlier today, thankfully it worked, I have a headache.)

I'm getting the white flag ready, almost ready to give up.

One question for now, when I reformatted the sd card last time, I didn't back up the 2 folders on it, and did not replace them. Does that matter?
 
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Oh, okay, this site Pvill Comp says the PB31IMG files have to be flashed in hboot.
The reason I hesitated earlier is, it says it overwrites the radio and should be checked with an MD5 checker.

But when I installed that I got something bad (trojan downloader?) on the laptop that wouldn't let me shut it down.

So I either have to flash it without checking or not do it. What do I have to lose at this point, I guess. I'll just do it.
 
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Omgosh I finally have a working phone with internet.
Android 2.3.4

I will try not to bug you all ever again. :-D

Thanks very much for all you've done to help me.
I want to sign it XOX, LOL.

(I really was >this< close to crying and chucking the phone in the garbage.)
Tantrum averted.

;)
Good job, sticking with it :D
 
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