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Post by stormchaser on Nov 26, 2018 22:06:55 GMT -5
Going to be rooting this and installing a custom ROM from XDA Developers. When unlocking / installing a custom ROM on an android based tablet you must first consider the following points 1) XDA Developers will be your best friend in choosing a custom ROM. Google your tablet + XDA Developers to read up on your options 2) You need to confirm that the bootloader is unlocked or "unlockable" An open bootloader is a perquisite in order to install touch recovery, such as TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) – With a locked bootloader there is no pathway to install a custom ROM. 3) You must download the ADB package that will be used later to push files to the device. ADB, also known Android Debug Bridge, is a command-line utility included with Google’s Android SDK. ADB can control your device over USB from a computer, copy files back and forth, install and uninstall apps, run shell commands, and more. 4) You must gain access to fastboot mode on the tablet itself. This is usually done by pressing the power button + volume up/down or a combination thereof. Fastboot mode is how we push the image files needed to run a custom bootloader and custom recovery environment (such as TWRP) 5) Access to fastboot mode is sometimes limited. Sometimes it requires a special cable. Another way to get the tablet in fastboot mode is to “root” the device as it stands using something like KingRoot and then by issuing a command to force the tablet to reboot into fastboot mode. 6) Once you have ADB up and running with the correct drivers (which are included with the download) it’s time to boot the tablet into fastboot mode and push the appropriate files. Typically, you start by pushing a modified and/or custom bootloader and recovery environment (again such as TWRP) 7) You then can boot into the recovery environment and push the remaining ROM files from your desktop to the tablet itself. After the files have been delivered, it’s time to start the ROM installation phase of this quest. I want this to sink in a little before I proceed, later in the week. It's beneficial to practice each step individually in order to gain some familiarity with the process. First thing to do is verify if the bootloader can be unlocked. To rehash: You need to verify bootloader can be unlocked You need to learn how to put the device in fastboot mode You need to confirm the ADB interface is working properly and has correct drivers in Windows You need to locate and download the custom ROM itself as well as the supplemental Google Play app Once these steps have been taken you can move on the actual installation phase of this journey You should be able to root that device with Kingroot. It works across the entire android platform, so there is a good chance you'll be able to root it that way. Just google it and you can download to your PC or directly to the tablet as an APK file. Stay tuned for updates, hope to turn this into a blog as the project takes shape. More pics to come!  |
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 7, 2018 18:50:57 GMT -5
Quick Update -
I've rooted the tablet and now have it booting in "fastboot" mode. Also have the ADB drivers installed.
Next step is to find a suitable ROM. Most of the development on this tablet stopped a good 5 years ago, so most of the links on the XDA developers site are dead.
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 8, 2018 19:05:37 GMT -5
Now we can see the device is in fastboot mode and communicating properly with Windows 10.  Next, I finally tracked down a 5.1 android based ROM, I used the following commands to "push" the new ROM onto my factory reset Kindle Fire 2. adb push baked_otter2_bb-9_20130514.zip /sdcard/ adb push gapps-jb-20130301-signed.zip /sdcard/ The last steps are installing the ROM and Google Play via TWRP: However, I ran into this error during install  |
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 8, 2018 19:14:12 GMT -5
Come to find out, the ROM is incompatible with my version of TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) After a few hours of searching I cam across another ROM file that looked promising. Also located the complimentary Google Play image file. Next, I factory reset the Kindle (again) Then, I push the new ROM to internal storage Finally, I boot into the recovery environment and installed the new ROM. Looks like we are in business! Check this out!    |
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 10, 2018 0:06:04 GMT -5
Well, I found the TWRP Version 2.7.0.0 recovery image that works with my Kindle Fire.
Performing this upgrade allowed me to install a more up-to-date ROM.
So I downloaded a well developed ROM and installed that as well as the updated Google Play image file.
So far so good. I like this ROM more than the outdated one and NOW is when I start benefiting from it.
Hope to have this tablet for many years to come!
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 10, 2018 17:04:46 GMT -5
Turns out there is a custom ROM that runs Android Version 5.1.1 (lollipop) - so I formatted the device and started over for the second time.
This time looks like it's going to stick. Can play youtube videos no problem and games seem to run without issue. So far so good, pics to follow.
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 11, 2018 17:18:33 GMT -5
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Post by Vinster on Dec 11, 2018 19:31:00 GMT -5
sweet. I have an old samsung tab that is quite useless.. wondered what to do with it....
I have thought about making it a smart remote as it does have IR built in...
VIn
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 11, 2018 20:40:08 GMT -5
Im sure you'll find some help on the XDA developers site. That's the place to go... just google your model + XDA developers and that should get you started. Custom ROMs, bootloaders, etc.
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Post by ShrimpBrime on Dec 15, 2018 0:53:51 GMT -5
Nice job with the root! Last time I tried on some cheapy LG android phone, I bricked it really good lol.
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 19, 2018 16:14:17 GMT -5
I was lucky to have some history with the Kindle fire. This wasn't my first rodeo, so to speak.
Nevertheless, it was still nerve racking going through the initial commands. On par with a BIOS flash.
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 19, 2018 16:17:48 GMT -5
And just a quick update. As a Christmas gift my sister is getting me a Motorola Xoom II 10" widescreen tablet. These tablets are cheap yet still perform decent enough for lite gaming and youtube.
I will start another thread when that arrives detailing my root strategy and customization.
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Post by ShrimpBrime on Dec 19, 2018 19:47:04 GMT -5
Do you overclock these tablets?
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 19, 2018 22:29:14 GMT -5
Yes, overclocking is really the key here and my ultimate goal. But try as I may I simply cannot seem to locate a kernel that will support the actual overclock for my little Kindle Fire, so I will be motoring along at a poultry 1200Mhz until something better comes around. I recollect I had overclocked my old Kindle Fire so It's strange I can't find anything for it now... As for the Motorola Xoom II, we should be able to overclock the hell out of it. I think good processors will go up to 1.9ghz, AFAIK. Rooting and custom ROMs as well as apps from the google play store work together. So you can then download CPU management programs that enable CPU clock changes, as well has flash a modified "overclocking kernel" for excellent results, in most cases. However, battery life does suffer a little bit, obviously. Here is the dashboard on my Kindle Fire, notice I have the limits sets in very basic form. Programs like "Set CPU" are a much better and more comprehensive solution, IMO.  |
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Post by Vinster on Dec 19, 2018 22:35:06 GMT -5
how hot would the unit get when overclocked? I've seen people OC tablets.. but imo it's a fire waiting to happen unless you've setup additional cooling....
I had rooted one before (Samsung unit) and the goal was to minimize the bloat that was on it, allowing it to actually run properly.
Vin
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 19, 2018 22:49:20 GMT -5
Heat is generally not an issue. These are very low power processors and can handle a 400-500Mhz increase no problem (in most cases). You obviously keep an eye on temps and whatnot, but in my experience the tablets which are overclocked run about normal or slightly higher than normal. Which is okay. I don't torture test these units either. That's just calling for a cherynoble like disaster.
For me, minimizing bloatware is done through the installation of a Custom ROM that is clean and free of all things bloat related.
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 19, 2018 23:42:23 GMT -5
I just can't help myself.. here are some pictures of my next project!   |
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Post by ShrimpBrime on Dec 25, 2018 12:12:25 GMT -5
Would you consider writing up a detailed HOW TO thread for rooting and installation of custom roms? Or add it to the OP of this one?
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 25, 2018 20:28:14 GMT -5
Sure will. I have the perfect tablet for that with my up and coming Motorola Xoom II.
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 27, 2018 12:51:43 GMT -5
Hold on a second. Looks like my bootloader is locked from the factory!
Arggg. This means I wont be able to unlock using normal methods. I will keep you guys posted hopefully there is some work around.
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 28, 2018 1:40:56 GMT -5
When unlocking / installing a custom ROM on an android based tablet you must first consider the following points
1) XDA Developers will be your best friend in choosing a custom ROM. Google your tablet + XDA Developers to read up on your options
2) You need to confirm that the bootloader is unlocked or "unlockable" An open bootloader is a perquisite in order to install touch recovery, such as TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) – With a locked bootloader there is no pathway to install a custom ROM.
3) You must download the ADB package that will be used later to push files to the device. ADB, also known Android Debug Bridge, is a command-line utility included with Google’s Android SDK. ADB can control your device over USB from a computer, copy files back and forth, install and uninstall apps, run shell commands, and more.
4) You must gain access to fastboot mode on the tablet itself. This is usually done by pressing the power button + volume up/down or a combination thereof. Fastboot mode is how we push the image files needed to run a custom bootloader and custom recovery environment (such as TWRP)
5) Access to fastboot mode is sometimes limited. Sometimes it requires a special cable. Another way to get the tablet in fastboot mode is to “root” the device as it stands using something like KingRoot and then by issuing a command to force the tablet to reboot into fastboot mode.
6) Once you have ADB up and running with the correct drivers (which are included with the download) it’s time to boot the tablet into fastboot mode and push the appropriate files. Typically, you start by pushing a modified and/or custom bootloader and recovery environment (again such as TWRP)
7) You then can boot into the recovery environment and push the remaining ROM files from your desktop to the tablet itself. After the files have been delivered, it’s time to start the ROM installation phase of this quest. I want this to sink in a little before I proceed, later in the week.
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Post by ShrimpBrime on Dec 28, 2018 13:13:55 GMT -5
I copy pasted your instructions to the original post.
Shall be stickied!
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Post by ShrimpBrime on Dec 28, 2018 15:34:57 GMT -5
I have a samsung Tab 4 here somewhere. Do you think I could root and run a custom rom on that?
Is there a high chance of bricking the tablet? lol
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 28, 2018 19:49:27 GMT -5
I have a samsung Tab 4 here somewhere. Do you think I could root and run a custom rom on that? Is there a high chance of bricking the tablet? lol Bricking the device is always a concern; akin to a BIOS flash. That being said I think the benefits outweigh the concerns, at least in my book. Especially if it allows me overclocking capabilities. I would proceed carefully and definitely read up on the XDA Developers site because the custom ROM method is NOT cut and dry across every android device. With each tablet come unique steps that you must follow in order to get it loaded with a custom ROM. I only laid out the rough outline so you can see the basic steps, learn the material and then go at your own pace. It's beneficial to practice each step individually in order to gain some familiarity with the process. First thing to do is verify if the bootloader can be unlocked. To rehash: You need to verify bootloader can be unlocked You need to learn how to put the device in fastboot mode You need to confirm the ADB interface is working properly and has correct drivers in Windows You need to locate and download the custom ROM itself as well as the supplemental Google Play app Once these steps have been taken you can move on the actual installation phase of this journey You should be able to root that device with Kingroot. It works across the entire android platform, so there is a good chance you'll be able to root it that way. Just google it and you can download to your PC or directly to the tablet as an APK file. |
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Post by ShrimpBrime on Dec 28, 2018 19:57:55 GMT -5
I may give this a try. I also have Android cell phone LG stylo sitting around too.
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Post by ozz on Dec 28, 2018 23:27:02 GMT -5
i know how to "root? em ....real good, they stay rooted  |
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Post by Macsbeach98 on Dec 29, 2018 0:05:28 GMT -5
ROFLMAO Shane |
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Post by stormchaser on Dec 29, 2018 18:57:07 GMT -5
@ ozz: Storm-Chaser doesn't get the joke, what's the meaning?
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Post by ozz on Dec 29, 2018 19:30:29 GMT -5
@ ozz: Storm-Chaser doesn't get the joke, what's the meaning? well to be blunt, to "root" something here means in aussie talk, to fuck it, and im an expert at that |
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