yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus Transformer TF700] TitanUranus:
You can downgrade the OS to ICS, but it will still run on the newer bootloader. There is no known way to downgrade the bootloader without pre-created NVFlash backups. Sorry, it's Asus's fault and can't be helped by the people here as the newer bootloaders are encrypted specifically to prevent people doing this.

In reality, unless you go mad flashing all kinds of untested ROMS there's you shouldn't need to unbrick anyway. Just make sure you verify the files are not corrupt before flashing them and you should be fine. It's also a good idea to let people like myself test new ROMS for a few days to allow developers to fix any bugs before you try them yourself. If there are good reports from others who've tried flashing them they will be fine. To be honest, a regular user shouldn't ever need to unbrick their device. It can be a bad thing too. There was some risk to creating the NVFLash backups in the first place as it requires flashing a hacked bootloader to get working. I read and re-read everything before I did it, then without knowing for sure they would work I got reckless. Knowing I had these backups, I was tempting fate and flirting with danger by flashing all kinds of untested stuff, yet it still took over 6 months before I actually had need of my NVFlash backups!

So, don't worry too much. Just make sure you read some posts and you'll know if it's safe or not. If in doubt, ask someone first.
[Asus Transformer TF700] psjw12:
It was really helpful reading this experience. I've got a TF300 but had exactly the same problem.

I've made a post in http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=42807038#post42807038

The only thing I'm not clear on, after the failure, if I reboot, will things work? At the moment I'm still in fastboot.
[Asus Transformer TF700] DIXES:
Is it safe to use Asus Unlock Tool v7 of TF700 on JB 4.2.1? :confused:

I found someone said it is comptible with JB 4.2.1 though Asus website says it only works on ICS.
[Asus Transformer TF700] jtrosky:
Yes, the tool works on Jelly Bean as well.
[Asus Transformer TF700] coolerthannos:
Can anyone help me, I am trying to recover my bricked tablet and whenever I use wheelie -r --blob blob.bin it gets stuck on sending bootloader, it shows 100%.

And on my device this is displayed, "Entering NvFlash recovery mode / Nv3p Server" with the Asus logo in the middle and the powered by nvidia tegra at the right. But nothing happens and the device doesn't enter NvFlash recovery mode.
[Asus Transformer TF700] coolerthannos:
anyone?
[Asus Transformer TF700] TitanUranus:
I have a massive headache right now but will come back to this when I feel better. Sorry for the wait, hopefully someone else can help you before I try later.

EDIT: Right, first may I ask, did you create backups of your original firmware using the NVFlash program when you first got the device (before applying any upgrades)? IT sounds to me like the device is entering the NVFlash state correctly (the description of the logo sounds correct), so I assume you have set up the driver on the PC side correctly. If you have your blob files from the original firmware what happens when you try transferring them? It should say "success" on the TF700 screen, but that's all it tells you. If it does say that, everything is working as it should and you will be able to restore it, though it can be a PITA the first time you try it.
[Asus Transformer TF700] coolerthannos:
Yes I created backups of all the nvflash files when I first got the tablet. It gets stuck on the Asus logo and on the tablet it says "Entering NvFlash recovery mode / Nv3p Server". I have tried many times using nvflash commands to restore the tablet but nothing happens.
[Asus Transformer TF700] coolerthannos:
anyone :(?
[Asus Transformer TF700] TitanUranus:
I wish I could help more. Since you do have the original files backed up it is certainly possible to restore the device. The only things I can think of to help is to remove all the drivers, try using different USB ports -better still a different PC, try using a different cable, download the files you are using again from another source if possible, make certain you are using the right firmware (if you have a US tablet you need the US rom for example). Don't give up, it took me a long time to figure it out.

If you want to make a short video of exactly what you are doing I may see where it's going wrong. If you are still completely unable to fix it, I will at some point go through the procedure on my tablet and photograph it step by step, but its a fair bit of effort and I'm sort of in the middle of a project on my tablet that I'd rather not mess about with at the moment. I was hoping someone else can help solve your problems. I suppose it could be possible for me to video chat with you using something like skype if you have another device capable of connecting that way. I could talk you through it and see what you are doing. There's probably a time difference from where I live to where you licve, but since my body clock is completely knackered it wouldn't be any problem for me to connect at 3am my time!

To sum up, for now please try to forget everything you have already tried, start the whole procedure from the begining again and go through the steps one at a time. I know it's frustrating, sorry I'm not able to instantly give you the answer to your problems. If you could document exactly what you are doing here, step by step, perhaps someone would read it here and tell you what you are missing. If all else fails, I'll eventually get round to running it all again at my end and making detailed notes on everything. I did have problems when I first did it, but after starting from scratch and downloading all the files again I was able to get it to work so it must be something fairly common that is being missed out.
[Asus Transformer TF700] coolerthannos:
Thanks man for all the help but I think there might be something wrong with the hardware as I have tried it on three pc and tried it on windows 7, windows 8 and linux mint. Nothing helped, it gets stuck at the same place. I remember when I got the nvflash files from the tablet, I used the wheelie command at that time to go into the nvFlash mode and got the files without any issue. It was working perfectly then but now it doesn't seem to want to go into nvflash mode. I think I might need to send it for repairs to the ASUS center. Thanks again for all the help.
[Asus Transformer TF700] TitanUranus:
It's probably going to cost a fair bit to get Asus to sort it. If it is a hardware fault though you really should check the law where you are. If the device is less than a year old I know that in the UK Asus are still be legally obliged to repair a hardware fault even if you unlocked it. Only if they could prove you did something that damaged the device (such as overclocking) is their legal obligation void. That would be pretty hard to prove if the hardware really is at fault. I know someone who did have an unlocked device and Asus didn't even argue about replacing their defective unit, so you might want to find out before sending it to them.

You know, I have just had a vague memory of leaving the tablet on and unlplugged to totally discharge the battery so the unit powered its self off before I got the NVFlash thing working. When it is in APX mode, it looks like it's off cause the screen is off, but the processor is still running in the background. If you can get the screen to come on using APX, you might want to unplug it from the PC so it wont trickle charge through USB and try letting the battery run flat. It should eventually power its self off when the battery is flat, at that point you can plug it in and charge it a little before connecting to the PC. Maybe this forced cold boot is needed. Other than that I'm almost out of ideas!
[Asus Transformer TF700] coolerthannos:
I haven't overclocked it and was using the tablet at stock speed. Okay I will try depleting its battery maybe that will get it working.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Neo3D:
I don't see a USB symbol? Only RCK, Android, WIPE DATA ?
[Asus Transformer TF700] sbdags:
Yes that is fine on the latest JB bootloaders. You only get 3 icons and you are automatically in fastboot mode when you are in the bootloader.
[Asus Transformer TF700] rar1307:
New version of NVFlash for: 10.6.1.14.10? I am in a bootloop on a locked deviced. I got the files in blob format and have them unpacked but I cannot get the blob.lnx to turn into boot.img for a flash. Any help?
[Asus Transformer TF700] sbdags:
blob.lnx is a kernel. You normally rename lnx to img but why are you trying to flash a kernel on a locked device?
[Asus Transformer TF700] rar1307:
Because I am in bootloop and was told on the other page to do so to fix a bootloop. I have not been able to successfully label the lnx to img.
[Asus Transformer TF700] lj50036:
Bricked

I have my 7 nvflash files!!!!! I can not for the life of me find any help with this procedure... any help would be great
[Asus Transformer TF700] sbdags:
You just rename .lnx to .img.....:confused:
[Asus Transformer TF700] lj50036:
Golden

I am golden now got here up and running!!!! Am going to post what I did it may help someone!!! LOL
[Asus Transformer TF700] berndblb:
Check out this, fresh off the presses: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2538028
[Asus Transformer TF700] sbdags:
Written by the same person asking for help. Lol. ;)
[Asus Transformer TF700] berndblb:
You're right! That's hilarious!

Great example of somebody doing his homework! LMAO
[Asus Transformer TF700] Poser:
I hang on bricksafe.img....

nvflash starts and enters resume mode... but then nothing

thoughts?
[Asus Transformer TF700] psych2l:
ugh and I just updated to .30 for the camera firmware update. Well at least it stops clicking now lol. Hope you guys can figure a bootloader downgrade back to .26 otherwise I'll have to be careful flashing from now on lol
[Asus Transformer TF700] jimmy486:
Did you used the correct nvflash( download from androidroot.mobi/ t3_nvflash)?, If not it will fail at the CMD bricksafe.img...
[Asus Transformer TF700] rayman:
Zero risk. It will just fail.
[Asus Transformer TF700] rayman:
Make sure you read the guide carefully.

As other people mentions, there are several cases where this happens.

Wrong nvflash version

If you run the command while not in nvflash mode (e.g. not having run wheelie, or having run -r --go))
[Asus Transformer TF700] firetech:
Great!

Now, remind me, why did I install .30 the other day? :(

Anyone want a used and unlocked TF700? :P
[Asus Transformer TF700] Poser:
Works perfectly

DERP... it was a long day, with little sleep. I hate being that guy... (had to run wheelie)

Works perfectly

blob.bin; *.img, & *.bct zipped and stored in triplicate

Thanks!
[Asus Transformer TF700] pbrauer:
Was all set to try when I saw in the documentation that it also is not for people that have installed the TF300 JB ROM, is that correct? I am running Mysticial ROM, which is great, but looks like I should still wait for a version that will work for me...right?
[Asus Transformer TF700] Cothek:
With fear of being called an idiot, I cannot even get step one to work. When I run "fastboot -i 0x0b05 flash staging ebtblob.bin" it gives me "error: cannot load ebtblob.bin". I have tried placing all 4 flashpack files in the fastboot directory and several others to no avail...what am I doing wrong?

SOLVED

I figured it out...I needed to put the entire path "C:\android-sdk\platform-tools\ebtblob.bin" even though the environment path was set to there.
[Asus Transformer TF700] odeccacccp:
If I have CM10 does that still mean by bootloader is .30?
[Asus Transformer TF700] dre1187:
Not necessarily...what was the latest factory asus update you installed?
[Asus Transformer TF700] Dees_Troy:
Worked great for me. As a side note, if you happened to encrypt your Transformer, you won't be able to run this command:

fastboot -i 0x0b05 boot nvfblobgen.img

It won't be able to output the files to /data since it won't be able to mount the encrypted /data partition.
[Asus Transformer TF700] urrlyx:
The path variable is only for executables. You can't use it to provide pathless access to any other files.
[Asus Transformer TF700] newellj79:
Please help. I got as fas as the "what's next" section of the android root mobi tutorial. When I try to generate the bricksafe.img I get this.

jeremy@jeremy-VGN-FW560F:~/Downloads$ ./nvflash --resume --rawdeviceread 0 2944 bricksafe.img

Nvflash v1.5.66719 started

[resume mode]

connection failed NvError 0x30010

any ideas.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Poser:
Make sure you are in apx mode. Power + vol up. Then ./wheelie --blob blob.bin, nvflash should then be available
[Asus Transformer TF700] newellj79:
Yes sir, thanks. It looks like I missed the wheelie part.
[Asus Transformer TF700] icemanx:
so.. i've managed to hardbrick my device.. no fastboot available , only apx.. would it be possible to flash someone elses blob to my device to recover ? running .26 ww.. if so , can someone please post their blob here so i can try ( before having to send my device back to asus and pay for repairs ) ?
[Asus Transformer TF700] urrlyx:
No. The blobs are encrypted with the device-specific keys. Yours wouldn't be able to read them.
[Asus Transformer TF700] icemanx:
so its going back to asus for repairs then.. and hopefully they will be able to fix it..
[Asus Transformer TF700] urrlyx:
out of curiosity, do you know what the fee is yet?
[Asus Transformer TF700] jtrosky:
That is too funny!!

I must say - kudos to the user for posting a very detailed procedure for the process! He certainly didn't have to do and stuff like that comes in very useful for others that run into this type of issue. Great job!
[Asus Transformer TF700] An UrgeT Dance:
Has anyone tried out the new version on JB bootloader. I would like to but want to make sure its safe before I make the jump.
[Asus Transformer TF700] berndblb:
You mean the NVflash version for the Tegra 3??

Yes, it works on JB.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Falchion17:
So I have a rooted and unlocked TF700 and am trying to use NvFlash before I install some ROM's. I have installed the appropriate drivers from Universal Naked Driver .72 and placed all the nvflash files in the same directory as fastboot and ADB. Also I'm using this guide for using NvFlash.

I got to the command "fastboot flash recovery flatline_device.img" but it just comes up with, "error: cannot open 'flatine_device.img". I then tried adding "-i 0x0b05" after flatline_device.img but it says it can't open that either.

My device is recognized because when I type "fastboot devices" it lists my tablet.

Any suggestions?
[Asus Transformer TF700] sbdags:
Have you unlocked the device first?
[Asus Transformer TF700] _that:
The nvflash guide requires some participation of your brain to work properly. Use the correct name of the img file you downloaded. ;)
[Asus Transformer TF700] Falchion17:
Ok sweet, I was following the directions verbatim and didn't think about that. However, even after changing my command to the correct img file, "fastboot flash recovery flatline_tf700.img" it says "error: cannot open flatline_tf700.img".

I've made sure that the img file is in the same directory as fastboot and the nvflash files and that's the directory that cmd is pointed to.

Any suggestions?
[Asus Transformer TF700] _that:
Then it should work. Run "dir", it should list flatline_tf700.img.
[Asus Transformer TF700] NewDev4IOS:
please update for the new tf701 if possible, thanks

can someone update the tool for the tf701 please, thanks, i am not yet a programmer, ill be taking a few courses in August for programming, so i dont know how to do it yet.
[Asus Transformer TF700] sbdags:
TF701T is a TEGRA4 device. I've not seena ny indication of a hack to build an nvflash tool. Currently this requires a TEGRA3 device.
[Asus Transformer TF700] NewDev4IOS:
Thanks

Oh so not yet any hope for it being brick proofed grr
[Asus Transformer TF700] sbdags:
I would say not - it took 18 months for us to get an update to the original nvflash. I would say you have an extremely slim chance of seeing nvflash for the TF701T. Close to 0%.
[Asus Transformer TF700] jtrosky:
Why do companies go out of their way to make it so users can't fix their own devices?? Oh wait, that was a pretty stupid question, I guess! Of course they don't want us fixing our own devices as that would mean less money in their pockets! :) <sigh>

I just can't stand the fact that so many "bricks" could be fixed so easily if the companies just quit locking down their devices so much! Yes, I understand that they lock things down in order to "protect us from ourselves", but if they allowed us to "recover from ourselves", then it would be a non-issue!

So, the only reason that I can come up with is that they want to make money from our mistakes, instead of letting us fix it ourselves!
[Asus Transformer TF700] sbdags:
Or they don't want to have to cover people messing up their devices flashing roms, bootloaders, recoveries and low level tools ;) It makes sense to me. You warranty the device in its factory condition - you couldn't possibly offer a guarantee on it if you have no control over what a user can do to it. Asus are very good in this sense as they make you agree to lose your warranty by unlocking it - but they do let us unlock it. You think Asus is hard, you should see the hoops you have to jump through to unlock an HTC phone these days.
[Asus Transformer TF700] lj50036:
Not to get of topic but my HTC phone was a one click unlock.....:D

But I fully agree with [MENTION=518363]sbdags[/MENTION] that Asus is very nice to use. Letting us unlock with an apk....:good:
[Asus Transformer TF700] jtrosky:
But then why doesn't Asus let us recover the device at the same time (with an nvflash-type tool)? Again, using the same "warranty is void if you use this tool" type of statement? What is the reasoning behind that?

I also completely understand the "you unlock, you void warranty", but if you choose to unlock (and void your warranty), you should also be allowed to "un-brick" your device as well.
[Asus Transformer TF700] JoinTheRealms:
This, the original tf101 had nvflash out in the open (at least the earliest models) this meant even if you corrupted the boot loader, you simply re-flashed with nvflash, problem solved.

It would have meant nothing to Asus to restore nvflash capability if you unlock...
[Asus Transformer TF700] sockky:
Hey Guys,

I've ended up here after starting my own thread regarding a tablet that I'm trying to resurrect, or confirm dead.

Basically I received a tf700 from a friend who unlocked it and then flashed "something" that obviously didn't work:

- Attempting to boot normally results in: "device is unlocked" screen... forever.

- Boot with Power+Volume_down results in:

"device is unlocked.

android cardhu-user bootloader <2.10 e > released by 'US_epad-9.4.5.26-20120720' A03

checking for android ota recovery

booting recovery kernel image"... forever.

- Boot with Power+Volume_up:

apx mode.

No matter what I do, I cannot get to any type of menu or 'fastboot' option.... Am I out of luck? If not, I think this is the thread which will guide this thing's revival.

Thanks in advance.
[Asus Transformer TF700] barbarony62:
Hi, I do not know if this post will hep you recover you tablet. This is a copy of what I posted a month ago on F2FS thread.... maybe it can help you or give you ideas...

Hi,

Yesterday I tried to swap my data to F2FS. at one point my settings UI started FCing on me... could not do anything. rebooting also failed. Flashing a different rom did not help.. eventually, I could only start TWRP recovery. I tried to flash a different ROM and bamm... Reovery stops working. Now I cannot start in Recovery, a moment later I cannot start fastboot mode... I end up with a brick... stuck on twrp logo... no recovery, no fastboot.... no conneciton to PC, no ADB... nothing what-so-ever... I am thinking to myself: " at least its windy out there.... I can use the slate as a door-stop"

8 hours later, I am writing this report from my transformer.... its up and running again, in F2FS mode.... steps taken to save the slate

1. try everthing ever written on trying to get into recovery or fastboot... all fails.

2. using ADB try to recognize slate.... fails...

3. send these two commands to tf700 (for no good reason as the slate is not seen by PC)

a. dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p4 bs=100 count=1

b. dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p3 bs=16 count=1

4. something seems to happen but I do not know what

5. try to boot into fastboot.... success

6. try to flash twrp again... flash succeeds but cannot boot into recovery

7. flash CWM-- success... boot into recovery success... flash cm11 success... try to boot into cm11 fails.. encryption problem. /data formatted incorrectly

8. try to change to EXT4 fails

9. flash twrp_f2fs -- success... format /data t f2fs .. success... flash f2fs kernel success.... reboot to cm11 success...

10 . restore apps... at least I had these backed up...

phew.... and I thought I had a brick..... think about it... no recovery... no fastboot.... no ADB... PC does not see slate.... and yet....

BTW F2FS is working well

BarBarony
[Asus Transformer TF700] _that:
What kind of magic happens between step 2 and step 3 so that you can send commands to the tablet without using fastboot or adb?
[Asus Transformer TF700] barbarony62:
I was using qtadb. In comnand mode. It did not show the slate whatever connection i used. But, when i sent these two comnands the response i saw on the pc screen were such that i "felt" that the slate had "heard" them. I am using human terms at this stage because i do not remember the responses from the slate to have been meanigful; i just felt the slate had received the commands.

However, it worked.
[Asus Transformer TF700] sockky:
I honestly don't get what you're saying there. I've fired up qtadb but no devices show up -because mine doesn't seem to go into any usable mode. Since the device isn't accessible I'm not sure where you'd input the commands and have any way of knowing they've reached the device.

I'm beginning to thing this thing is actually bricked.

Any further advice would be appreciated from anybody.
[Asus Transformer TF700] barbarony62:
You are totally correct that it makes no sense. It made no sense to me either.

The situation I was in: when I turn the device on, I get nothing not even the startup logo. When I try to go into recovery using the hardware keys (On +vol down,) it just hung there... no recovery and no fastboot... the device was on, but no accessible from PC and in no recognizable mode.

so, I went to QTADB, tried to access the device -- got nothing.

select the terminal tab, so I can send ADB commands directly

sent the first command.... got a "?" as reply

sent the second command... got a strange reply... was a while ago so I do not remember what it was

(note that during all this stage, QTADB does not recognize the device)

then I tried to reboot into recovery and it worked... ask me why? I have no answer