bootstrap

All posts tagged bootstrap

NOTE: ** This is not for use w/ CM7 alpha for Droid 3.  Use “Safestrap” instead found here. **

Over the last few days I’ve gotten a lot of questions about “When will ROM booting” be supported, etc.  And I’ve been working on a separate project to make that happen in a somewhat safer environment for us locked bootloader commoners.  But, I realize that might take longer than some really want it to.

So, since the demand seemed to be there for it.  I went ahead and threw together the stock hijack recovery Bootstrap for ClockworkMod Recovery.

Notes:

  • Yes, it will support ROM loading (using the CM hijack/logwrapper per the source).
  • Yes, I am immediately handing this off to Koush so he can do what he wants with it for ClockworkMod support.
  • Don’t hate me if you manage to brick your phone installing this.
  • The APK was based off Koush’s Droid 2 Bootstrap code with updated binaries.
  • This CWM Recovery is version 5.0.2.3
  • This APK contains a rather large busybox build (1.9M).
  • If you wait, I’m sure Koush will put up the official version in the market.

[UPDATE: 9/30] I added BP Tools boot support as well as fixed the boot loop into recovery issue.  You’ll need to re-use the “Bootstrap Recovery” button anytime you flash a ROM to re-update your hijack binary.

[UPDATE: 3/7/2012] Link removed — out of date

Today, I put the finishing touches on the Droid 3 Bootstrap application.

Once installed on your Droid 3, you can use it to install a ClockworkMod-based Recovery that I talked about a few days ago.  Where you can make backups, perform restores and apply .zip files (though you better know that the update.zip is safe for the Droid 3).

[ NOTE: This requires that your phone be rooted.  And, this is not a REAL recovery.  Read as: If you "reboot recovery" you will still end up at the stock recovery.   If you mess the /system up so that it doesn't get passed line 104 in the init.rc: YOU WILL NOT ENTER RECOVERY and probably bootloop.  Be aware and know that you still may need to fastboot recover if you can't get into the recovery. ]

That being said, it is also very good.

(Link Removed as there is an “official” Bootstrap now – Click Here)

Tested successfully on XT862(Droid 3), and XT860(Motorola XT860 4G)

Features:

  • /boot and /recovery partitions are disabled while we have a locked bootloader
  • /pds is disabled for privacy reasons
  • /preinstall contains the actual recovery files so I’ve disabled that as well — no messing with /preinstall
  • Supports dual SD cards by offering a choice on most backup/restore/zip options (thanks Romracer and Atrix devs)
  • Verify option added to backup menu (thanks Romracer and Atrix devs)
  • Accessing recovery should live through a “wipe data” as all of the files are on /preinstall partition
  • Boot into recovery by using the “Boot Menu” (power + the ‘m’ key) and select “BP Tools”
  • The “Droid 3 Bootstrap” app allows for removing the recovery from your system if you want to go back to stock.
  • Supports ADB access in the recovery. [Linux only as reported currently.]

Demo Video by kshen1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grL-xOPOEHo&feature=player_embedded

Known Issues:

  • The recovery currently requires a “busybox” with the “which” applet.  I’ll be removing this requirement in future versions.  But you’ll know when you don’t have it, if you get a “Installation complete.” message and the Status shows “Not installed”
  • I think the qHD launcher has an issue with 1 of the permissions of the APK.  If you use that launcher and get “Application is not installed” when clicking on the icon, try changing launchers and installing the APK, then going back to qHD. [This may also be fixed -- need confirmation.]
  • Occassionally, the checkbox for “Recovery Active” isn’t selected after clicking on the “Install Recovery” button.  If this happens, checkmark it manually.   THIS MUST BE CHECKED TO BOOT INTO RECOVERY.
  • USB Mount won’t work because we are booting “BP Tools” mode.  This deallocates the USB LUN devices in the OS.  [Possibly change the boot mode selection later to allow for this.]

There are quite a few people who contributed in some way to get this made:

  • The Atrix devs were very helpful getting this rolling: Edgan with 2nd-init, Romracer for his recovery mods and fix for the graphics issues.
  • I “borrowed” some settings from cvpcs’s bionic setup while troubleshooting some issues that cropped up later.
  • The IRC folks in #KrazyK helped test this backwards and forwards.  All the way to having to fastboot reinstall.  Thanks guys.  (Screenshots were done by TheDeathly)
  • The icon was designed by b16a2smith from RootzWiki
  • P3droid contributed some disclaimer code for the APK

Enjoy the recovery and please if you have any issues: Check the support forum on RootzWiki (coming soon) OR email me directly: hashcode0f@gmail.com.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve noticed while playing with a rooted phone is: not having a good recovery method.  It affects every decision you make.  Whether it’s testing a script or trying a new Framework-UI.

You always ask yourself:  Should I do this?  Do I have a way of backing out of it.

So I guess the best way to answer that would be: Yes.  If you’re using a Droid 3 and you are rooted, as of now there is a way out of most issues you might encounter and get all your stuff back.

I’m currently testing Clockwork Recovery for the Droid 3., and expect to have it in a state where it’s release ready in a day or 2.

UPDATE: The first release of the Bootstrap APK is out.  Read here.