[Motorola Droid 3] sd_shadow:
Frequently Asked Questions

Motorola Droid 3 [XT861, XT862, XT883]​

This a short list of frequently asked questions in this device forum and the answers often given as a response. It should serve as a starting point for gathering knowledge and finding solutions to many common problems. Please only post in this thread with feedback on how to improve this document. Do not post "Thank you" type responses. If you have additional questions or require more help, try to find an existing thread or create your own. Do not use this as a general help thread.

Q1: How can I tell if I have a Motorola Droid 3?

1. In the software Menu>settings>about Phone>system version will include XT862.Verizon.en.US​

2. The model number is listed on the label, Under the battery​

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Q2: What is the newest Stock Android Version and System Version?

XT861: 2.3.6 - nTelos - Blur_Version.5.8.25.XT861.ACG-nTelos.en.US - 2012​

XT862: 2.3.4 - Verizon US - Blur_Version.5.7.906.XT862.Verizon.en.US - 2012​

XT883: 2.3.6 - Retail Chinese - Blur_Version.60.3.250.XT883.ChinaTelecom.en.CN - 2012​

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Q3: Where are the Custom Bootloaders, Recoveries, and Kernels?

Because of the Locked bootloader, the stock bootloader Cannot be unlocked and Stock recovery can not be replaced, But using Safestrap the boot process can be hijacked allowing Custom Recovery, and Kernels see How to install and use safestrap 3.05 on the droid 3​

For more on Bootloaders see XDA Wiki: Bootloaders​

Q4: Where do I find information on how to root the Droid 3?

How to root the Droid 3 with motofail by Tomsgt123​

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Q5: What is a Factory Cable and why would I need one?

A Factory Cable aka Motorola Factory Programming Cable or Fastboot Cable. Allows Many Motorola Devices to be flashed without a battery or Low battery​

see Motorola Fastboot/Factory Programing Cables Info, Buy, or Make your own​

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Q6: How do I restore the stock rom?

See How To Flash xml recovery files (Stock Rom) with RSD Lite​

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Q7: I have a question about a particular ROM but I can't post in the Development section. What can I do to get the help I need?

The Development forum is for sharing ideas on development. If you have a question about a particular ROM, ask it in the Q&A section.​

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Q8: How Do I use the Droid 3 on GMS?

see Sim Unlocking and GMS Band Unlocking​

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Q9: How Do I Install a Custom Rom?

See How to install and use safestrap 3.05 on the droid 3​

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Q10: Where can I find a Custom Rom For the Droid 3?

see List of Custom Roms​

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Q11: What is a SBF?[/SIZE]

"SBF is a file type and stands for Single Binary File that is the older format of Motorola flash files for use with RSD lite or other flash tools.​

They include all of the code groups, header files and checksums as well as a RAM Downloader for all of the device partition images in a single file and flashed from the legacy boot loader enumerated as a flash device.​

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The new format for all dual core Motorola devices is zip archive of fastboot images and an XML file that can be used with RSD lite to flash in a single operation or flashed as individual images using the fastboot binary and DLLs in the Android SDK from the fastboot boot loader and enumerated as an ADB device.​

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These are entirely different modes of access and operation and SBF is both wrong and a misnomer for the firmware files for current devices.​

The fast boot interface provides far more flexibility and safety for flashing than the old flash interface and avoids all kinds of problems that would arise from managing and updating he firmware on newer chipset devices.​

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It is an extremely important distinction to make and understanding to have about how these phones work.​

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Please stop using SBF when referring to XML.zip files.​

The current acronym for Motorola firmware files is FXZ and means Full XML ZIP file...." -Quote by cellzealot​

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.SBF, XML.zip and tar.gz" are Offical Motorola file extensions​

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Q12: Can I use the Droid 3, without activating with a carrier (WiFi only)?

Yes, Press the 4 corners of the screen in a clockwise direction starting with the top left corner. Your device should then jump straight to the home screen!​

[Video]How to bypass activation screen on the Droid X - YouTube​

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