yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Rogue100:
Same story here. Performed the update, as close to the directions that Gary provided, as possible. Even did the little details like putting the update on a micro sd card, and making sure the battery was fully charged and plugged in and that the system was set to balanced performance mode. Couldn't be sure that brightness was exactly 50% given that there is no numerical representation of the brightness percentage, but put that as close to the mid point as possible. Ran the update, and let it idle for 15 minutes connected via wifi.

All this had no effect. Serial Number is still unknown.

Anyways, still have some time left on my return period to get a refund, so I'll hold on a little while longer for a solution. If no resolution happens in that time, or if its determined an RMA is my only recourse, I'll just return it for a refund. I can get myself one from the current crop of tegra 2 tablets, so I have something to use in the short term, and wait and see how well the tf700 addresses some of the problems of this prime, or maybe wait for some of the Win8 tablets coming towards the end of the year.

P.S. Gary, I have not received any reply to my emails to tablet@asus.com
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] cotten516:
Followed Gary's lastest "fix" to a tee. Of course it didnt work. We are getting the runaround. Did they see success with these usless "fixes" when they were testing? If so, why has NO ONE seen success when following the instructions. If not so, why are you wasting our time with fake fixes? Gary, why do you refuse to answer direct questions posed to you on this forum, intead opting for the B.S. canned responses. IF RMA IS THE ONLY OPTION, SAY IT!!!! IF OTHER FIXES ARE BEING WORKED ON AND YOU NEED MORE TIME, SAY IT!!! Stop feeding us the line of crap.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] pokevitek:
I lost my patience, I paid my money so I want 100% working device. I RMA it via shop where I bought my Prime. Also I reported backlight bleeding, since its all around right and bottom sides.

I will report as soon as I get it back or some kind of response.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] PrimeTimeBro:
what is with you people return them to the store for a refund or exchange this is your only option Asus is just screwing rmas up and have had people primes for over a month now with no fix saying they needed parts blah blah blah.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] cotten516:
First, punctuation, look into it. Second, many people with this issue are already past their return periods. Asus RMA is a lot of people's only option if there isn't another fix. Wait.......do you work for Asus our something??? You sound just as clueless and misinformed as they do.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
How many damn times you gonna go to every thread saying that? SMH. Lol
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] sontin:
So, not even Asus can't fix this problem, they don't upload the latest firmware for all countries to their server.

Really, i'm paid 600€ and nobody want try to help me? And i were so excited about the Prime. What a shame.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] PrimeTimeBro:
Every time I see RMA I say return/exchange :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] pokevitek:
Don´t forget, Prime is still not everywhere pleasantly available... So I prefer RMA to waiting I don´t even know how long before another shop gets another batch... If it needed to be replaced, I believe they have some spare... And you never know, next one could be worse... And if you can exchange them forever, your time :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] markbraggs:
My new Prime should be here by 4pm. They were nice enough to overnight it to me. I'll do a side-by-side comparison with my current prime to see the differences...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jonalisa:
Gary,

Instead of everyone PM'ing you, does it not make more sense to inform your own service staff that you are telling people to call in, inform them on the issue, explain to them what we are being told to expect and inform how they should respond?

I've poured through the threads trying to understand why I should RMA my device to people who seem to not know what's going on, for a fix that doesn't seem to exist or simply has not been fully tested. (If it doesn't work for the majority, is it a viable fix - or does it simply point to multiple issues?)

I am beyond my 14 day return window and feel like I am at the mercy of a diverse group of Asus employees, each with a different view/understanding of what's going on and each telling me to do something different... none of which specifically states or guarantees a specific process or outcome.

I paid $500 for this product and I am not just going to ship it out to an entity that is not all on the same page.

This is ludicrous and I really need for Asus to stand together on this and develop one plan we can feel confident about.

I would rather hear you say, "Please give us one month to test the issue, develop a repeatable, reliable solution and educate our staff so that there is one consistent, well-defined process at the end of which your Prime will be completely repaired or replaced with a brand new one at our expense."
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] PrimeTimeBro:
you are exactly right and this is why it is better to just return for refund or exchange if you speak to managers at stores and explain the situation they will make exceptions.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Hanshananigan:
so, I'm curious... why do you need the battery fuly charged?

in other news, I'm getting tired of lags in typing and other keyboard wierdness. I hope ICS fixes that stuff...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] null pointer:
I would guess the full battery requirement is a means of reducing configuration variability. Maybe the TF201 throttles down when it is in a low battery state, and activates some power saving features that may conflict with the update? Plus it's probably safer to require a full battery in case there's a power failure during the update process. Probably saves a lot of headache. This is all pure conjecture on my part, though.

I haven't noted any major lags in typing (onscreen keyboard) with the manual ICS update I applied. I don't have my dock yet though, so I don't know if there are any issues with that.

To keep this from being a completely useless post, I'd like to report that I still haven't been contacted by Asus support (I submitted via e-mail). I guess calling in is the recommended approach? Has anyone had their serial# issue resolved yet? I can't really return my unit to the retailer since I bought it online through BestBuy and am well past their return date.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] labtec3:
[QUOTEresolved yet? I can't really return my unit to the retailer since I bought it online through BestBuy and am well past their return date.[/QUOTE]

Maybe not, I noticed on my Best Buy receipt it said if you are a member of the rewards program you have 45 days to return an item.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Bumble-Bee:
Can someone with the issue look run this command

and see if there is a serial number in the output ? if there is that mean there is a possible work around for asus ......
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Rogue100:
I'm guessing this require root access? Can't root a device with this issue.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Bumble-Bee:
yes it does, unfortunately
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Bumble-Bee:
If you are running ICS you should be able to use

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1461736

that will allow temp root, then u can run the above command :)

ps. us should only follow that guide up to

after you get the # symbol you are good to go
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Hanshananigan:
Makes sense, thanks. The lag I was referring to is when using the keyboard dock. Sometimes.

---------- Post added at 12:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:26 PM ----------

I would appreciate some direction on how to Sync my PC and TFP so that I can unzip the file from PC to microSD on the TFP. The ASUS instructions are missing some steps for the uninitiated... Thanks!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] KBanause:
Which OS are you using?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Hanshananigan:
Thanks for asking. I am currently using a laptop with XP w SP3 but also have a laptop with Windows 7 downstairs.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Hanshananigan:
Well, I figured out that I needed to use the 50-pin USB instead of USB port in the dock (duh!). Unfortunately the extraction wizard would not recognize the TFP as a place where I could unzip the files. Instead, I unzipped to the PC and transferred them over to the microSD root, but still no notification to allow me to install the updates (took out microSD and reinserted while TFP was powered on as instructed). For those who got this to work, did I maybe miss a step?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] SonicTab:
The firmware upgrade zip has a zip within it.

Place that internal zip file unextracted in a Asus/update folder on the microSD,

then insert the microsd in the transformer tablet.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] LoganMcClay:
Hi everybody,

I have the issue and yes I see something called androidboot.serialno= but it doesn't looks like a normal SN, i've something beginning by 015c7d...

Bye,
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Bumble-Bee:
Hi again, we have found that the serial number (along with mac address is stored on mmcblk0p5), could someone with the missing serial number error dump me there and pm it to me ?

*this needs root

and then PM me the new p5_broken.img that is now on sdcard ?

Many Thanks In Advance
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] SonicTab:
Hexadecimal version of your serial number?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] GernBlanston:
You're sure you have the correct version for your country? There's a US (file name starts with US), a "worldwide" (starts with WW), etc.

For a developer: This issue is just going to go away, once the unlocked bootloader is made available, for those who decide to run a non-Asus ROM, right? Meaning, there's nothing about this issue that blocks us from eventually going to a custom ROM, right? Right? Please tell me this is the case...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BTrack:
The hex conversion of 015c7d is "\}". So, I'm thinking not hex.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] HGHLNDR:
Hi, probably not the correct place to post but i wonder when will TB sku primes get ICS?

Other sku's got ics and update, but nothing for TB...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Danny-B-:
I imagine that the Asus Bootloader unlocking tool will record the serial number of the device you unlock, enabling them to keep track of it, as it voids the warranty.

However, i dont think the bootloader unlocker tool will be safe from being hacked itself ... hopefully to stop any record of a device being unlocked in the first place.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] KBanause:
No, what he meant was: Is 015c7d... the hex code of your serial number? Or does your s/n start with 015c7d?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] surroundedbytrees:
Am i correct in that once the community has the boot unlock tool, and dev's cook up a custom ROM those that take that route will be unable to ever return the unit to stock and therefore void whatever may remain of the Asus warranty ?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Bumble-Bee:
the s/n in cmdline is in no way related to the one that is "missing", it was only one train of thought.

The one that is infact missing is in the partition i mentioned above. If someone with su and the missing s/n issue could dump it (with the command above) and PM me the created file.

That would allow us to see whats wrong with you units :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] benlc:
Problem is that primes without serial number are not rootable yet :/
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Bumble-Bee:
The method on this post should work on the ics :-) there is a method for every ics rom version

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1461736
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] GernBlanston:
I think that is the intention. One of the possibilities is that Asus deploys an unlock tool that records serial number and provides this to Asus for blacklisting warranty returns (which could cause those with the serial number issue some problems even applying the unlock), and another possibility is that an adroit member of the community hacks the unlock tool such that tracking the serial number is bypassed...

...All I want to know is, will I (having the serial number problem) be able to update to a custom ROM at some point, and/or will I gain the ability to root my Prime once the bootloader is released? If so, at that point, my serial number problem becomes a moot issue, as I am quite comfortable voiding my warranty and complying with the spirit and the letter of Asus's terms of their warranty...I just want the added functionality root brings, and I'm willing to "pay the price" so to speak.

It sounds like some forum hounds are on the scent, tho, when it comes to fixing the serial number problem altogether. When I'm home from work, I plan to support their endeavors with whatever info I and my prime are able to contribute.

Another question would be, if there is indeed a utility that provides temporary root, and that utility doesn't rely on serial number, as at least one member alludes, would that give me the ability to make the changes necessary to add permanent CIFS support via whatever insmod/CifsManager process is prescribed in the dev section? I'll throw my warranty out right now, and pledge never to bother Asus about my Prime again, for CIFS support now and some kind of guarantee that my prime will be able to host a custom ROM at some point...otherwise, I'm going to continue to bother Asus by whatever channels are available, until there is a fix and/or Asus gives me an RMA exchange for a fully functional tablet.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] benlc:
It looks like I haven't been following rooting news properly ! Thanks for the info.

If nobody provided a dump by the time I get home in a few hours I'll upload a system dump (after rooting)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Bumble-Bee:
Ok we have located the issue, it is due to a blank p5 image (minor mistake in manufacturing). P5 includes data such as :-

Sensor calibration (Not really needed, as they work fine without)

MAC address for BT and WiFi (maybe a backup as mine seemed to be correct even with a blank p5)

SSN (the "missing" S/N)

UUID (not sure what that is)

ISN (not sure what that is)

we have confirmed that flashing an image with only the SSN data will fix this specific error, but there is no way of getting the other data back (but this data doesn't seem to really be needed, unless UUID / ISN is important for updates).

UPDATE :-

if someone with an affected prime and has root wants to PM me the SN from the label / box, i will send you a file and method to fix. if successful and there is a need for this i will make a guide to fix
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] GernBlanston:
I can get on this when I get home (If you're on GMT it would be about midnite your time before I could get it to you, tho), but I don't currently have root, will have to test the linked method to get it. I do have an older (last year) version of adb and the developers kit and drivers for a chinatab, is there anything I will need to download/install before I'll be able to supply you the needed info or perform the fix?

Edit: That "donate to me" button above your avatar is looking pretty shiny right about now ;)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Bumble-Bee:
Heh in the event of a fix any donations should go to the androidroot.mobi team :)

Final question for now, is the wifi and bt MAC addresses in the status menu correct when compared to the box the device was shipped in ?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] GernBlanston:
Going by memory, I believe these two were listed as "unknown" as well on mine, and I was wondering about that....I should be able to bring them up on my router, tho, shouldn't I? Not that I'm too concerned about bluetooth, as mine takes a big fat steamer whenever enabled and streaming something over the network/wireless....

Can anyone else get the needed info to Apache14 in a timely fashion, considering his time zone (GMT, I think)? I'm at work...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] JmChile:
What happens if I dont have the Serial Number? I lost the box......
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] GernBlanston:
On a sticker by the charging port on your prime.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Bumble-Bee:
or on the dock :) next to the usb port
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Hanshananigan:
Yep. And I put the unzipped update folder in the microSD root folder a few different ways: 1) folder "US_epaduser9_4_2_7UpdateLauncher", 2) folder "US_epaduser9_4_2_7", 3) folder "META-INF" and file "blob". None of these configurations resulted in an exclamation point in the notification area.

Does one really need to unzip onto the microSD? Seems that unzipping on one's PC and just moving the files into the microSD root folder would be the same thing.(?)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 3rdamention:
Ok, I am going to post my email I got from my Asus Technical Inquiry. I just wanted to post my total displeasure with the lack of Asus Customer Service. I would rather have gotten NO response, as they have ignored me for nearly 3 weeks, instead of a response that perfectly details that they have no idea what they are talking about and never read my initial email at all.

Ok, I know Gary Key is here helping us out, and that is great, you guys love it, I love it. However, for all of the people out there that are normal/average citizens that know nothing about this site, they are basically screwed when they are in the hands of Asus Customer Service.

My first Transformer Prime had the dreaded Serial Number Unknown problem. The first hour of January 11th, I filled out a Technical Inquiry. After 2 days, the email was forwarded and marked as "URGENT" so that my email would be responded to in a timely fashion.

My Technical Inquiry detailed the Serial Number Unknown in great detail. I pointed out how nothing would update OTA. I pointed out that no Serial Number would show and that some apps wouldn't load correctly. I asked for an answer to when this would be fixed, when I could get updates OTA like everyone else. That is what I wanted to know on 1/10/2012.

So, fast forward 18 days, yes, 18 days and nearly 3 full weeks later, Asus responds. Here is what they sent me!

Dear Valued Customer,

Thank you for contacting ASUS Customer Service.

The update should automatically download. If it does not auto down load after a week you can manually install.

From your TF201 you can also try going to Apps/Settings/About Tablet/Check Update, make sure to turn on WiFi and the device can access the internet.

For manual download:

From your PC you will need a micro SD card

1. Go to http://support.asus.com/Download.aspx?SLanguage=en&m=Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201&p=20&os=

2. Select Android OS

3. Download Version9.4.2.7(US) from the Global server

4. Unzip and save to desired location.

5. You should see a folder called 'ASUS'

6. Copy entire ASUS folder to root level of SD card

7. Remove SD card from PC and insert to into Transformer TF101

8. Bottom of screen in notification area next to clock you will see and update.

Best regards,

Global Technical Support Department

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

First of all, I didn't ask how to manually update from their site. Second, I pointed out that I couldn't download OTA, but they tell me I should be able to and explain to me how to do it. What part of my explanation where none of the "Serial Number Unknown" Primes could update OTA did she not understand? What part of where I explained that lots of people on various forums and Internet sites were having the same problem? Couldn't she just google "Serial Number Unknown" and find out that her response wasn't going to help?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] GernBlanston:
Actually, the wifi mac is showing up. Don't remember if bt was showing wwhen connected, but says unavailable now.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] klarh:
Both the wifi and BT addresses seem to be fine for me.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] benlc:
Sorry for the delay, here we go !
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] JmChile:
thanks! Found it... had to take out the dock to find it! I hope now ASUS responds fast to my mail :/
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Hanshananigan:
Finally got the update to work thanks to ASUS Tel 888-678-3688. They alerted me that the folder for the microSD root is actually called "US_epaduser9_4_2_7.zip". Who knew the zip would open a zip! :-D

Now to reboot and look for a serial number!

Admin edit to insert Asus tel number in place of individual contact at Asus (Asus request)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] xRedLeadrx:
I don't think it will make a difference from what we've seen so far but it looks like ASUS has posted the 9.4.2.11 update for WW, US, TW and DE on their support site now as well.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Hanshananigan:
Ugh! Still no serial number. At least the ASUS tech I'm working with is responsive.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] GernBlanston:
So, in the hopes of following instructions posted previously, I updated my Android SDK, installed drivers for the prime, the prime shows up as "Asus Transformer Prime ADB interface" in device manager, I'm trying to run adb both by cd into the platform tools directory and via making platform tools part of the windows environment, put the Prime in debug mode, connected via usb and all I keep getting is "device not found"....nothing seems to work.

Anyone have any suggestions?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Rogue100:
I got the same useless email last night, after nearly 3 weeks since posting my ticket. No response yet to any of the supposedly more directed emails I sent based on Gary Key's recommendation.

Is he? It's been what, 5 days since his last update. And that was little better than a canned Asus Customer Service email anyways. Really disappointed with this whole scenario.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] mattgogrrr:
No reply

I am still waiting for a reply from Asus after 10 days. None of the updates are working on my tablet, and manually installing any of the updates don't work at all. I'm stuck on 8.8.3.33 and really need the update for work. Tried resetting the whole tablet then trying manual update, and not getting any response is getting me irritated :confused: What do I do??
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] surroundedbytrees:
Well I just did a search on the forum here and the Serial Number unknown issue was first reported here on Jan 10th, thats a full 3 weeks....and still no insight as to what is going on, and further the very techs at support haven't a clue that this is a KNOWN issue
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] curreyr:
Threads started before Jan. 10, I think it first surfaced Jan. 3 (e.g here)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] surroundedbytrees:
Thanks I had only searched the TFP General forum For those that are suggesting to give ASUS time to test a fix, we'd all be wise to remember that this issue has been around since at least Jan 3rd and Gary from ASUS could you focus more on the Technical component of your title as opposed to the Marketing one, solutions over spin is what people expect
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] HiddenSanctum:
Just wondering but is it possible the only way to fix this problem is to inject the serial number manually, which involves unlocking the bootloader, which is why they are taking so long because they are trying to develop a tool to do that?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] GernBlanston:
It seems to me that a tool already exists to do just that...that is not to say that such a tool is viewed as "ready for public consumption" and "thoroughly vetted" by Asus engineers....
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] staciejo:
I copied unzipped zip file to the microsd card when i had the prime connected via usb to my computer... i couldn't find my card holder that the microsd card goes into for my reader, and didn't want to waste a bunch more time and money... it worked great. then to fire off the update, re-insert the card and bingo!