yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Nexus 7 Android Development] WugFresh:
No, the toolkit does more than just root the device, so if you got the new version, you would benefit from the new features. Once your device is rooted, it remains rooted unless you unroot it, flash stock, or take an OTA. Rooting only takes 2 minutes anyway, so its not a big deal if you ever had to do it again.

I don't understand your second question. The toolkit can already update your device to the latest android builds available right now. Just select the flash stock + unroot button (after you have an unlocked device), and then flash the latest google build available. They can be downloaded from google here: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images

{{ WugFresh }}
[Nexus 7 Android Development] danny8:
No, you won't have to do anything after 1.53 becomes available. It will be an improved tool, but you will not be affected. You will want to use the latest tool whenever you need to do a further task. But otherwise no effect on you.

---------- Post added at 11:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 AM ----------

One of the down sides to these forums is when someone mentions a tool outside the scope of the thread, it can confuse newcomers. This thread is for Nexus Root Toolkit. There are other tools, most of them involve the command line.

Also, someone mentioned getting items from the Play Store. You don't need to do this explicitly, it will happen automatically. Again, could be confusing.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] veeman:
I think you are misunderstanding what the root tool is. The root tool is a program that stays on your computer. It just installed some files to your nexus 7 which allows it root access. Once you have rooted you will not need to use the root toolkit unless you want to go back to stock or you lose root access and need to root again.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] Dr. Sheldon Cooper:
I got it, it is like jail breaking. And these toolkits are software versions 1.52, 1.53...
[Nexus 7 Android Development] danny8:
Nexus Root Toolkit, allowing you have access to a PC.

There are cons but the risks are minimal for a motivated user who can follow instructions.

You can get OS updates and they will be installed, so long as you left the "normal" recovery tool "built-into" in your tablet. You can still install an update if you've replaced the recovery tool but it will require extra steps.

After the update (either way) you will quite likely need to re-allow or re-enable root access. Use NRT.

The above might be somewhat moot, in the sense that no updates have arrived as far as I know. Other than the original update when I turned on my N7 for the first time.

Yes, the OP tells how this can be done. (Let's call it factory stock to avoid confusion with a phone wipe or phone reset.)

You may need to download a large file of the original ROM. Returning to factory stock can involve most of the individual steps. It might be the most involved task of all.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] kmandel:
Unlocking the Bootloader and installing SuperSU and BusyBox will not get you root. SuperSU depends on the tablet being rooted already.

I've been wondering how the toolkit roots without installing CWM. I have to think it replaces the stock recovery and puts it back after rooting.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] iamhcg:
Hi, i have rooted but have not flashed cwm yet. Can i use this tool and boot into temp cwm to flash other roms? Will lt cause me any trouble such as boot loops?

I just don't know if permanent cwm is required for flashing different roms.:confused:

Thanks.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] Dr. Sheldon Cooper:
What is the difference btw normal recovery and built in? And what replacement recovery tool you are talking about?
[Nexus 7 Android Development] noneabove:
Hey wug, I asked a week or so ago about restoring one tablets backup to another, you suggested only doing data, I was just curious, would restoring everything have a risk of bricking ? In restoring a backup using your tool or cwm tool is there ever a risk of brick? And if so is it a reversible brick? Thanks :)
[Nexus 7 Android Development] Xxw0lfxX:
I am just trying to simply do a backup on my Nexus, because I am getting a replacement today. When I click backup, it tells me it is rebooting my device, which it does, but then nothing. Any suggestions?

Debugging mode is on...
[Nexus 7 Android Development] WugFresh:
I stand by my original suggestion after more thought. Restoring system data could cause complications. I strongly doubt it would soft brick it, but it may overwrite unique identifiers (specific to the device) in various system files and cause unforseen problems. Restoring user data is entirely safe though, and that's what I recommend. You could make individual backup files of select system apps, like your email account for instance, and restore those. The toolkit allows for individual app backups, just select the system app you want to save in the populated app list. There are also apps on the market like TitaniumBackup and Rom Toolbox, that do a great job at selective backups and restores. Your choice. My main suggestion is to avoid batch restoring system data, the rest is really up to you.

{{ WugFresh }}
[Nexus 7 Android Development] geronemo:
I am trying to install a flashable zip file. Google now basically.

But every time I try to run recovery mode I get stuck on android with red exclamation mark.

I unlocked my device this using this toolkit, is there a way I can run this toolkit and install that Google now.

Also I am running ICS 4.0.4.

Thanks.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] raywaldo:
recovery installed?

..

Are you certain that you have a recovery program (TWRP - or, CWM) installed? I don't know for certain about this toolkit but most depend upon an installed recovery program to make the backups. I recommend TWRP - that is what I use on my N7.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] noneabove:
Okay fair enough, yeah the overwritting thing is what i was more worried about than anything, ill give the backup tool a look to see how it works to restore only data, thanks again :)
[Nexus 7 Android Development] danny8:
I was talking about the same thing, the stock recovery program. Just saying it two different ways. Sorry for the poor wording.

In addition to all the software that makes up your tablet are two items: bootloader and recovery program. Most hackers are not content with the stock recovery program. They will replace the stock program with CWM or TWRP. (The bootloader is only mentioned but not discussed here in my post.)

CWM and TWRP are great tools to know about and use. They are a bit of a hindrance when you wish to receive an official OS update. Nuff said for the moment.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] Mattuhh:
I have been trying too but no matter what I try I cannot do anything with the device, I've used wugs toolkit, nexus 7 rootkit, android sdk and cmd prompts, nothing works :(

Who would be a good person to contact involving this though? I have no clue about who is who on here lol

I'll see what I can do, I will have to try and find the apk because I don't even have play store installed on the tablet, I just can;t work it out lol
[Nexus 7 Android Development] patterson12123:
i looked briefly through the thread and didn't see anyone with my problem, everything works with my tablet except for fast boot, i can't for the life of me get fast boot to work
[Nexus 7 Android Development] Dakota0206:
You can't get your device into fastboot, or your computer doesn't recognize your device while in fastboot?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
[Nexus 7 Android Development] patterson12123:
good question, my device goes into fastboot mode no problem, however my computer does not register the device as in fastboot mode as per the toolkit, however it does show up in device manager, my first post may have been slightly premature, i did more research and understood a little bit more about my situation, no solution, but now i know at least what im talking about a bit more

---------- Post added 11th August 2012 at 12:33 AM ---------- Previous post was 10th August 2012 at 11:52 PM ----------

update, used the tool built specifically for the nexus 7 and it worked completely, thanks for attempting to help anyways
[Nexus 7 Android Development] Quetzalcoatl:
I wish this were available for linux, I hate booting into windows :<
[Nexus 7 Android Development] raywaldo:
I believe that someone mentioned that it will run in wine. I have not tried it myself. I will wait for the update.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] htchoi5609:
This tool is very good :)

Thx :)
[Nexus 7 Android Development] bjorn60:
I love how easy this tool is to use, thanks Wugs!

Quick question, can I relock the boot loader so the unlock symbol doesn't show up when the device is booting up without affecting the CWM recovery and root?

Thanks!
[Nexus 7 Android Development] nate51:
Program freeze

I am having a problem where when I try to use the toolkit to install an APK it will tell me it's installing and just hang there. I have to ctrl+alt+del to get to task manager, force close the program then when I do it for the second third and fourth time it works great.

Has anyone else seen this problem? It only happens on the first round for me, any time after is smooth sailing.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] kmandel:
VirtualBox?

Has anyone got this to work through VirtualBox/Win7 on Linux. For me it sees the device, install the drivers, and then hangs on the ADB check.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] CruzECO13:
This toolkit is awesome. Fast and simple to use. Thanks =]
[Nexus 7 Android Development] appro77:
Are there still possible issues with a 64 bit OS (Windows 7) as mentioned at the start of the thread or has this been fixed?
[Nexus 7 Android Development] Airbag888:
Sorry if this has been asked before. Is there a way to unroot without flashing stock?

I just want to unroot, get the OTA then reroot.

I tried using OTA Rootkeeper and unrooted and it didn't work =\
[Nexus 7 Android Development] leelaa:
What OTA?
[Nexus 7 Android Development] Airbag888:
I should've been clearer.

I'm on 4.1.

I get the popup for 4.1.1 OTA but when it restarts I get the android with decahedron (?) spinning and the progress bar then I get an android on its back with a red exclamation mark triangle and then it restarts eventually into 4.1

So I'm thinking it's because I got root? Which is the reason for my initial question :)
[Nexus 7 Android Development] svettipung:
I used this program to unlock and root, and i also chose to flash permanent cwm. But i cant boot in to recovery when the device is off. I can only get in througt rom manager. Can i flash only permanent cwm?

Skickat från min Nexus 7 via Tapatalk 2
[Nexus 7 Android Development] redundant409:
Use ota root keeper. It temporarily disables root so you can install an ota update
[Nexus 7 Android Development] Airbag888:
This is a known bug. You can't go in recovery from a cold boot atm

---------- Post added at 10:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:54 PM ----------

I used it.. still didn't work :(
[Nexus 7 Android Development] svettipung:
Is there a fix coming?

Skickat från min Nexus 7 via Tapatalk 2
[Nexus 7 Android Development] gokart2:
Just got my device...well, my wife's device. Anyway, trying to unlock it before I give it to her. The build number is JRN84D....will this tool still root and unlock?

Edit...seemed like 84D would be newer the 03D, lol.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] nate51:
Yes this tool will root and unlock for that build.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] jedimasta:
backup - root - restore and other quandries

I've all but hit the unlock and root buttons after doing the research and seeing that Wug's work is the most trusted around. And before I posted this I trudged through most of the 50+ pages of this thread to be reasonably certain nobody had asked what I'm about to, so here's goes.

I installed the toolkit, got the drivers working and completed 3 backups (system apps+data,shared data and both). I also backed up my VSDcard.

Now, once I go through my unlock and root process, will hitting restore put my Nexus back to normal only with root access, as if it had never been wiped, or somewhere close to it? Will the data, the apps, the home screen config, all that come back with a restore? I intend to keep the stock setup, as opposed to CWM, because I'm pretty happy with it.

On a side note (which I've seen conflicting answers on) once I've done the root, assuming I keep the stock rom, bootloader, kernel and everything else, will OTA updates do their thing without any hassle or do I need to be wary of them and complete updates manually?

Really, the only reason I'm doing this is for StickMount, I'm just not willing to fry my new toy to get it.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] nate51:
Good question about the restore. I cannot answer that part as I rooted right when I got my N7. But as for the OTA, no OTA updates will not work once rooted, so I would suggest performing that before updating.

But if you're going right back to the exact same config you had before the root and not installing a custom or AOSP ROM, then why root?
[Nexus 7 Android Development] gokart2:
Awesome tool! Thanks!
[Nexus 7 Android Development] jedimasta:
As I mentioned' I'd really like to use StickMount
[Nexus 7 Android Development] danny8:
I believe the first part of this statement is incorrect. But I would also suggest updating OTA as mentioned in the second part. Is there an OTA update available for your device? If so, go ahead install it.

Refer to the OP. First step is unlocking the bootloader. This will erase your data; i.e. reset your tablet. There is no way around this, except to backup data if possible. It may not be worth the trouble depending on the data.

Second step is rooting the device. This installs some extra stuff and also enables root access. Your desire for using external storage is a perfectly valid reason for rooting.

Third step is installing CWM (or something similar). This is optional. This is the procedure that would interfere with OTA updates.

I believe the above to be true, but I am willing to be corrected as needed.

---------- Post added at 10:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:25 PM ----------

I said refer to the OP, but it does not state what I stated.

However, the toolkit software does a great job of explaining what each step does. It also gives you a chance to cancel or back out at any juncture.

So you can learn a lot by hooking up your phone to the NRT and not changing anything until you are comfortable.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] jedimasta:
I've already got the latest updates, I'm more concerned with future ones. I heard rumor of a multi-user sign in a few months down the road and should that become true, I want it from the source as soon as it arrives
[Nexus 7 Android Development] morfinx:
Generally speaking, ROMs will be continuously updated with new OTA updates. I haven't looked into it but there are usually always ROMs that are basically stock, so even if you can't get OTA updates, you can just flash one of those ROMs.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] jedimasta:
Good to know. I'm trying to get away with doing as little as possible to the device in order to get StickMount. I can live without it of course, but it'd be nice to take a collection of movies with me on long car trips (I do a fair amount of driving to Vegas and back). Watching 4 hours worth of flics in the hotel room on my tablet beats losing a grand at the craps table in the same amount of time.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] WugFresh:
You can take an OTA as long as your device is stock. If you flash a custom recovery, then before you can take an OTA you would need to restore the stock recovery using the "Flash Stock Recovery" button in advanced utilities. Simply rooting your device does not prevent you from getting an OTA; its the system modifications that end users typically make once they are rooted. If you are rooting just to be able to use apps which require root permissions like Stickmount, then chances are you wont have any problems taking an OTA, unless the user apps you are using make system modifications, like overclocking, build.prop tweaks... ect.

That said. You can always use the toolkit to re-flash stock and to get back on the stock path, and take any OTA updates you want.

OTA's are pointless as a root user though. Since google releases the factory images on their website, you can just flash the latest updates when they come out with the toolkit or manually. The only benefit of an OTA is that it allows you to update without wiping your device, however.. if you are a root user, chances are you made some system modifications that would force you to reflash stock anyway... so wiping becomes inevitable.

The best thing to do when an OTA comes out (as a root user) is the following.

- Make a backup with a custom recovery like CWM or TWRP

- Copy the backup onto your computer

- Flash Stock + Unroot button with the toolkit, to either go back to the last factory image released then take the OTA, or just flash the new factory image from google directly, assuming its available on their site.

- Reroot, then use custom recovery to restore user data.

You can also copy the OTA update.zip from your devices cache, and then flash it with CWM or TWRP, just like you would flash any ROM.

Bottom line, is that everything you do is reversible. There is always a way to get the latest updates as a root user, the only obstacle you will face is that you may have to wipe and restore data. Hope that clears things up.

I will try to write this up in more detail in the new help file, once the new version is out.

{{ WugFresh }}
[Nexus 7 Android Development] jedimasta:
Quite a bit actually, thanks Wug. Since I've got your attention, could you also enlighten me on the first part of my original question? Using the toolkit, I've done the backing up of my System apps + data, Shared data and Virtual SDcard. If I now unlock and root the Nexus, can I then use the toolkit to restore everything the way I had into onto the now rooted system? Like moving all the furniture out of my bedroom, replacing carpet with wood, and putting all the furniture back?
[Nexus 7 Android Development] WugFresh:
Yes, but due to some limitations of adb backup/restore features, and the android OS itself, its better to manually reconfigure system settings. Backing up and restoring user data is a better approach. Things like widgets on the stock home launcher will not re-appear properly when restoring system data, you will have to place them there again.

The backup and restore features included in the toolkit were designed for the exact reason you wanted to use them, to get you as close to being back to where you were before you rooted. That said, once you are rooted, you will have the best backup options available, which are full backups (nandroids) with a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM. Those are the best backup solutions because they literally take a full snapshot of your entire setup, and allow you to restore them whenever you want. For now, the toolkit backup and restore features should provide a good solution.

{{ WugFresh }}
[Nexus 7 Android Development] jedimasta:
Brilliant. Assuming all goes well (and I've no reason to doubt it at this point) I'll be sure to express my gratitude with a bit of cash. Thanks, man!
[Nexus 7 Android Development] WugFresh:
True ETA on v1.5.3 is tomorrow. For real, no more delays. All the code is actually finished now, just testing everything. :)

{{ WugFresh }}
[Nexus 7 Android Development] jedimasta:
Should I wait?
[Nexus 7 Android Development] danny8:
You should pay him lots more than just a bit. And pay him now, don't wait until the new version comes out. Have some faith, man! Just kidding. :)
[Nexus 7 Android Development] jedimasta:
Dude! I just blew 250 bucks on a Nexus! I aint made of money! ;)
[Nexus 7 Android Development] taltamir:
In regards to the OTA update, it is available as an official download from google. Just download it and use the updated version to return to stock then reroot.

No need to mess with the lock, at all.

Also, you do not need to relock your device for an OTA upgrade, if your post root modifications are preventing an OTA a simple restoration to stock will allow an OTA. Except, no reason to restore to stock of an older version, just restore to stock of the latest OS version and then you wouldn't even need the OTA upgrade.

The only time to reloack the device is sending it in for warranty
[Nexus 7 Android Development] kallshak:
wug, i love your toolkit. it helped me a lot but however i am having some issues;

several days ago, i ve installed a theme and didn't like it (i was on custom rom), went back to system default theme.

however it messed my phone up. my music applications could not find any music on my phone, nor gallery could find any photos.

i could open the files via file managers and can play or display them on gallery.

however i couldnt fix it and did a full stock and unroot.

while doing that, i discovered that, the toolkit gets stuck at Checking ADB status state.

when i end adb.exe process via task manager, it gets stuck on next step and so goes on.

however i ve managed to unroot and went to stock by using end process.

but when i came to rooting step, i still had the same getting stuck problem. so i ve installed the toolkit to other 2 of my laptops (which never used for any android devices nor the toolkit.) and i am still getting stuck at the same step.

is this a known problem or did i mess things up big time (somehow)?
[Nexus 7 Android Development] taltamir:
Its discussed in the very first post. Its a known bug that he is going to fix, there is a workaround.

Also, just to make sure, have you gone through the proper installation process of the drivers as per the instructions in the toolkit? (you will get stuck on ADB if you haven't done that for sure, if you do it then there is a CHANCE you will get stuck. I haven't had such an issue)
[Nexus 7 Android Development] kallshak:
i think my problem was based on my phone, i ve used nexus root toolkit 1.4 and did a stock flash unroot, then when i used 1.5.2 again, it worked without any problems.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] danny8:
Which of the above is correct? I think a rooted device with minimal mods could be successfully updated OTA. But then I haven't actually done it.

Also, the point has been made that taking OTA updates is not necessary when you can download the ROM image and flash that locally at your convenience. Perhaps there would be a delay of a day or two before the ROM was available for direct downloading.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] jedimasta:
True, I don't have the answer, but I tend to take the word of the guy doing the development of the toolkit over a junior member, at least on the surface. No offense taltamir.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] taltamir:
@jedimasta: No offense taken.

It should be noted that I was not contradicting WUG on the point. Yes in theory you could root and then not make any modification... but then, why did you even root the device?

My point was that to re-enable OTA on a device that can no longer perform it due to post rooting modifications, then you merely need to restore to stock OS, you do not need to relock your device.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] jedimasta:
I've said it a couple of times, but I'm perfectly happy with the stock rom, battery life and just about everything else, enough not to want to worry about a custom load, but the one thing I want that requires rooting is StickMount. I want to have everything I have now with the addition of plugging in a portable drive when I'm traveling and watch 4 seasons of The Muppet Show or Venture Bros or The Matrix without instantly running out of space on my internal storage. I wouldn't mind having AdAway either for that matter.
[Nexus 7 Android Development] cheesegrits:
USB connection mode on Nexus 7

I don't know if anyone has already noted this (I skimmed through the thread but didn't see it) so just in case ...

In order to get adb working over USB to the Nexus 7, I had to set the "USB Computer Connection" mode (under Setting -> Storage) to PTP (Camera) rather than the default MTP (Media device).

Hope this helps someone else.

-- hugh