yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android General] rnesser:
fastboot boot twrp.img: "FAILED (status read failed (Too many links))"

Anyone seen the fastboot boot twrp.img cmd give the error "FAILED (status read failed (Too many links))"?

Also tried downloading latest twrp img from twrp.me (twrp-3.2.1-0-yt_x703f) and no joy, same error.

FWIW, I don't care which ROM I use, anything's gotta be better than Lenovo's bloatware-laden garbage image. Also tried finding other Lenovo Tab 3 mod images but failed.

Here's the full return of the command (first with twrp.img and second with latest img):

C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>fastboot boot twrp.img

downloading 'boot.img'...

OKAY [ 0.400s]

booting...

FAILED (status read failed (Too many links))

finished. total time: 1.354s

C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>fastboot boot twrp-3.2.1-0-yt_x703f.img

downloading 'boot.img'...

OKAY [ 0.617s]

booting...

FAILED (status read failed (Too many links))

finished. total time: 1.619s
[Android General] pndwal:
Hi. Are you using Lenovo Tab 3 8" (TB3-850F)? I'm pretty sure there is no official TWRP for this - use the one from this thread.

Most TB3-850F users are still using stock ROM, but with root you can easily remove bloat apps (using root explorer, or app like Apps2sd -see below- [don't use this to move apps to SD as Marshmallow has native ability to use adoptive storage]) and perform other performance tweaks.

Hope this helps, PW.

Additional information:

Dont forget, for good results with adoptive storage you need a fast SD card. I use 80MB/s SanDisk Ultra 64GB SDXC, but faster would be better.

I still use Apps2SD to integrate system updates into system (convert to system app). Frees up internal memory as updated app as well as original (deactivated) are otherwise retained. [I tried a stand-alone app (System cleaner 2) to do this, but it messed up system apps. Went back to Apps2SD for this, and it integrated updates without problems.]

Apps2SD has other functions still useful to, eg. it can remove unwanted system apps (bloat apps), also Fix Device Lag (Trim partitions), etc. PW.
[Android General] marcofranck:
succesful rooted

worked well
[Android General] pndwal:
What worked well? PW.
[Android General] rnesser:
YT3-850F?

I'm using YT3-850F, is that the problem you think?

About the apps2sd stuff, I don't think I have or can access an SD card slot. I tried prying off the cover where I thought there might be an SD slot, because it looks possibly removable, but it didn't seem to budge and I started damaging the tablet housing, so I stopped. Anyone know if this is removable, if there's an SD card slot? The documentation says there is one but.... (Tried attaching/linking to a photo but I'm too new apparently.)
[Android General] pndwal:
For sure! Seems you have this Yoga Tab:

https://www3.lenovo.com/au/en/tablets-and-2-in-1s/android-tablets/Yoga-Tab-3-8/p/ZZITZTBYT0F

Totally different beast with low end Qualcomm processor.

This thread is for Lenovo Tab 3 8" (TB3-850F) specifically, which is a MediaTek processor device.

Consequently, TWRP recoveries etc are very device specific, and using the wrong one would probably brick your device if it loaded without errors (unless you are sure the device shares precisely the same hardware, system partitioning etc, which is extremely unlikely, and yours definitely doesn't), so this is for your protection.

Your tablet does have SD slot according to spec's above, so don't pry off cover - it will be accessible somewhere (likely under a small removable cover) if you look carefully.

Can't find a lot on XDA about Yoga Tab, but some have recently unlocked bootloader / rooted / flashed recovery on your device. Look here:

https://xdaforums.com/thinkpad-tablet/general/guide-lenovo-yoga-tab-3-8-yt3-850f-how-t3597293

Have fun with it, but read, read, read before flashing anything! PW

Edit: Here are links for TWRP, 6.0 ROM, etc for YT3-850F (open in Chrome to translate Spanish / Russian):

https://www.htcmania.com/showthread.php?t=1291696

http://lenovo-forums.ru/topic/14844...veri-twrp-by-sevenmaxs/?page=2#comment-536690

http://lenovo-forums.ru/topic/22197...09_161226_row_qpst-android-60/#comment-531667
[Android General] Styak:
Please leave a video of this tutorial
[Android General] pndwal:
That's unlikely to happen. What do you need clarified? PW.
[Android General] mvrk69:
Does anyone knows if this works for Tab3 10 Business (TB3-X70L)
[Android General] pndwal:
Doubt it very much. Completely different beast.

I think you have only stock for now, but you can get root in order to refine system, remove bloat apps, etc.

Have a look at Russian 4pda pages for your device (use chrome to translate):

https://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=799990

Click Useful +

Follow links:

-TWRP 3.1.0 + ROOT for Lenovo tab3 10 Plus

-TWRP 3.0.3 + ROOT for Lenovo tab3 10 Business

-Instructions raskirpichivaniyu devaysa (ie. -help to un-brick)

Read, read, read and flash with caution!

Stock ROMs are here:

http://lenovo-forums.ru/topic/23895...-a10-plus-tb3-x70l-plus_s000004_170411_row_p/

http://lenovo-forums.ru/topic/23222...-a10-plus-tb3-x70l-plus_s000003_170213_row_p/

All the best with it. Hope it helps, PW.
[Android General] pndwal:
Sorry, my reply above got truncated (again!) by XDA labs app. Fixed it now. PW.
[Android General] RenaKunisaki:
I'm trying this on TB3-X70F which is apparently working according to earlier replies. I can unlock the bootloader and get into fastboot but when I do "fastboot boot twrp.img", it downloads OK, but then just reboots into Android instead of TWRP. OEM unlocking and USB debugging are enabled.
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
Friend, because the TWRP build is intended for the TB3-850F & TB3-850M variants, I'm afraid I can't provide much feedback as to the recovery's functionality on your TB3-X70F. Out of curiosity, what is the chipset (SoC) of your device?
[Android General] RenaKunisaki:
All I know is what's in /proc/cpuinfo:

Processor	: AArch64 Processor rev 3 (aarch64)
processor	: 0
model name	: AArch64 Processor rev 3 (aarch64)
BogoMIPS	: 26.00
Features	: fp asimd evtstrm aes pmull sha1 sha2 crc32
CPU implementer	: 0x41
CPU architecture: 8
CPU variant	: 0x0
CPU part	: 0xd03
CPU revision	: 3

Hardware	: MT8161A

I bought it used so it didn't come with the box, manual, etc.
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
Looks like the MediaTek mt8161A. Very odd that it doesn't boot for you using fastboot boot twrp.img. Your chipset should be compatible with the TWRP build. Have you tried changing USB cables, USB ports, etc?
[Android General] pndwal:
All posts I found here indicated problems (bootloop etc) for TB3-X70F / TB3-X70L using 850F firmware / TWRP. Re. TB3-X70L, [MENTION=6939319]Hemphiz[/MENTION] said: 'Chances are the twrp isn't compatible with your device although the hardware all looks the same'.

I posted info (two posts back on this page) re TB3-X70L firmware and TWRP available, and info covers your device too. It says: Discussion: Lenovo TAB3 10 Plus, Lenovo TAB3 10 Business - Lenovo TB3-X70L, TB3-X70F (I think L is Business and F is Plus - TWRP is provided for both models.)

I said:

'I think you have only stock for now, but you can get root in order to refine system, remove bloat apps, etc.

Have a look at Russian 4pda pages for your device (use chrome to translate):

https://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=799990

Click Useful +

Follow links:

-TWRP 3.1.0 + ROOT for Lenovo tab3 10 Plus

-TWRP 3.0.3 + ROOT for Lenovo tab3 10 Business

-Instructions raskirpichivaniyu devaysa (ie. -help to un-brick)

Read, read, read and flash with caution!'

Hope it helps. PW.
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
That's why [MENTION=7550078]pndwal[/MENTION] is great!! Thorough, detailed and concise answers to members' questions. Gotta love this guy. By the way friend, after months and months, trials and tribulations, etc, etc, Nougat is imminent for our beloved 850F. Good Lord you wouldn't think a port would be that difficult coming over from the 850M. But I swear, I think I could have ported from pure source with less difficulties. Again, though, all focus has been in the kernel and hardware blobs. We are nearly stable my friend.
[Android General] pndwal:
Thanks for that and for vote of confidence.

Least I can do is help with queries. Looks like you're busy enough with our development. Please keep on it. We're counting on you. :):svetius: PW.
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
Thanks for the encouragement. It's been a true learning experience on this one. Hence, I'm glad to be on this project.
[Android General] RenaKunisaki:
Thanks, but the recovery.img and SR3-SuperSU links are 404s.
[Android General] pndwal:
Links are fine, but you need to log in (otherwise all hosted file links will give errors).

To set up your own account and create login for 4pda.ru Russian site (break CAPTCHA code), see post #69 here:

https://xdaforums.com/android/help/lenovo-tab3-8-2016-custom-recovery-t3483454/page7

(Will take a little persistence, but you'll get there in the end).

I just downloaded both recoveries. If you can't set up account, pm me with your email address and I'll send them to you later. PW.
[Android General] pndwal:
Deleted: n\a.
[Android General] RenaKunisaki:
Bleh, what a pain. Are you able to attach them here?
[Android General] pndwal:
I tried, but couldn't attach files from tablet. Thats why I said send me a personal message with your email (do it thru XDA) and I'll email them to you. I could fire up PC and upload, but XDA upload file sizes are very small to. PW.
[Android General] pndwal:
That was quick!

Files sent. (Business and plus recoveries and signed boot.imgs, and cobra modified SU).

All the best with it. PW.
[Android General] RenaKunisaki:
Thanks, I've got SuperSU and TWRP installed now. Is it possible to use Magisk modules like Youtube Vanced?
[Android General] pndwal:
Good show!

-Should be - unless cobra modified SU is required to root your device - probably isn't but not sure. I run Magisk.

Uninstall / cleanup SuperSU and flash Magisk. Flash unmodified boot.img if have problems with SU cleanup. I'd do full TWRP backup first in case of problems. PW.
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
I concur with [MENTION=7550078]pndwal[/MENTION]. Ensure you have an adequate Nandroid backup (or stock firmware on hand), and Magisk should give you no problem at all. I run Magisk v16.7-beta on the most current stock Android 6.0 build and I have no issues running Magisk modules or Magisk SU Hide.
[Android General] pndwal:
While we're on the subject, some general info on DEVICE BACKUP:

It's surprising how many people get into trouble with corrupt emmc on these devices. It hasn't happened to me, but I'm holding my breath.

Many accidentally mess up critical partitions using SP flash tool, removing logo, etc, but some say they simply had a bad ROM flash, and have to rebuild emmc partitions normally not affected by custom ROM modding.

For this reason, before any further modding, once you have TWRP recovery it is wise to back up not only boot and system, but also other partitions, especially nvram which has IMEI numbers (often two), serial numbers, BT and WiFi Mac addresses, etc unique to your device. If you don't have backup, you will need to jump through hoops (using several special softwares) to restore this info. (Even though much of it is duplicated in hard memory (Ie can't be flashed or lost), machine reads it from soft nvram (non volatile, but flashable), and both records must agree - generic or no numbers in nvram won't work properly; correct no.s must be restored).

On our TAB3-850F, TWRP can backup the following partitions: proinfo, nvram, protect-f, protect-s, uboot, para, Boot, Recovery, logo, secro, tee, frp, nvdata, System, System Image, Cache, and Data. I keep a backup of all except System Image, Cache, and Data.

Whatever you backup, don't forget to transfer it off SD to PC / USB stick, etc, for safe keeping, especially if you use adoptive storage (encrypted). Even if you save the vold encryption key the SD data and backup will be inaccessible from a different device, and likely inaccessible even on an identical model. (Full system restore from backup will restore decrypt ability on the same device, but you would need this to access backup first!) PW.
[Android General] jacekk90:
Custom roms?

Any custom rooms are exist? Because why i need root? Unnecessary apps was just turn off... Sd maid is not necessary
[Android General] pndwal:
Well, first one (LOS 14.1) is imminent.

In post #240 (page 24) [MENTION=7383447]MotoJunkie01[/MENTION] said:

"... after months and months, trials and tribulations, etc, etc, Nougat is imminent for our beloved 850F. Good Lord you wouldn't think a port would be that difficult coming over from the 850M. But I swear, I think I could have ported from pure source with less difficulties. Again, though, all focus has been in the kernel and hardware blobs. We are nearly stable my friend."

'And there you have it...' Hope you're excited. :) PW.
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
Yes. Will be early next week for certain. The ROM will be stable for a beta release. On a heads up, while the stock camera is functional on LOS 14.1, there are a couple of functions which are buggy and will need future fixes.
[Android General] pndwal:
Great to hear.

Just wondered, when the time comes, can we assume your efforts with updated kernel and hardware blobs will make transition to LOS 15.1 easy, or will much more work be needed? And are you pushing commit changes / fixes to a github repository you can point us to?

Many thanks, PW
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
Yes your assumption is correct: the transition to LOS 15.1 and LOS 16.0 Pie will be much easier. I just ported Pie to the Moto E5 Play using the FisH hijack exploit. I'm in hopes we can do the same with our 850F. My development partner over at Android Central may be involved in commits at GitHub on this. We are working together on the LG Zone 3 and the 850F. I'll keep you guys posted on any commits, including links.
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
Excellent discussion on the importance of saving a backup of all key partitions. Well outlined my friend.
[Android General] pndwal:
Wow, guess we could just skip O with your rate of progress! -I'm excited about N, let alone P for 850F.

Sounds like you're getting experience with a diverse device range. - Hope you can juggle / don't get confused by the differences! Well done and looking forward to updates. PW.
[Android General] jacekk90:
I'm happy but...

Do this for tb3-850m :D it's the same with 4g modem. I'm waiting for this. On stock firmware not working mirroring screen with Chromecast... ;(

And do big billboard on Google when LOS It will be ready.
[Android General] pndwal:
??? But you already have working LOS 14.1 N (and RR 5.8.5 N) for TB3-850M - it's what 850F LOS 14.1 will be based on!

Information here: https://xdaforums.com/android/general/guide-lenovo-tab3-8-tb3-850f-t3559786/page20 posts #s 193, 194, 197.

[MENTION=7383447]MotoJunkie01[/MENTION] is porting TB3-850F to 850M ROM as a different processor is used, so kernel commits must be edited and hardware blobs differ significantly.

Hope it helps, PW.
[Android General] pndwal:
I didn't load Magisk betas as topjohnwu said stable release was coming soon. Now have stable 17.1 with fixes and new module download library (this was constrained from loading till 17.0 or above installed.) PW.
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
Yeah, I've been playing around with v17.1, and probably need to update my 850F stock/rooted ROM thread to correspond with the latest stable/beta Magisk releases. I never had issues with the v16.7 beta build, but I'm sure glad to see a new stable and beta release of Magisk. Truly the best systemless rooting Interface on the planet. But I must admit, I was saddened to see SuperSU deprecated after all these years.
[Android General] pndwal:
Chainfire certainly paved the way. - He has more time for photography and ten-pin-bowling now though ;) . With compulsory military service topjohnwu has no such luxury, but it hasn't slowed his releases as much as many feared - he's an amazing dev. SU seems to keep pace very well anyhow. And the number of modules contributed by others is starting to become just a tad overwhelming! PW.
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
Amen there. The modules repository is growing nicely -- and the modules are a huge reason why I use Magisk over phh-superuser and SuperSU. Being a veteran myself, I have to give huge props to [MENTION=4470081]topjohnwu[/MENTION] -- how he makes time for development is beyond me.
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
I don't post on Google +...
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
As [MENTION=7550078]pndwal[/MENTION] explained, while the 850M and 850F share similar characteristics, the 850F is definitely not "the same with [a] 4G modem." The chipset and hardware configurations between the two devices differ exponentially. In fact, the 850F also has a cellular modem/baseband radio, but it has been disabled by the OEM per firmware build. With a micro USB SIM dongle, plus firmware build edits, a SIM can be used for data services on the 850F. My focus has been porting Nougat from the 850M to the 850F, which has been no easy job.
[Android General] pndwal:
Yes.

Are you still favouring Viper4AriseFX with NEON, or is there a suitable Magisk module solution now? I see on Arise thread people still have compatibility problems even though there is no more need for permissive SELinux. Perhaps it works well for you. PW.
[Android General] john3voltas:
[MENTION=7383447]MotoJunkie01[/MENTION]

In the process of installing, reinstalling and rereinstalling (lots and lots of bootloops) I found out the my tablet has lost it's part number and serial number. I spotted it when I ran a adb devices and saw "0123456789ABCDEF device" as a response.

Then I went to Settings > Help and saw those fields empty.

As far as I can tell right now, it doesn't pose any visible problems.

Any idea why this would have happened?

Anything you see that might not work due to this?

Any workaround that you can see? I still have the original box with those numbers. ;)

Thanks in advance.

Cheers
[Android General] pndwal:
Are SN, PN, WLAN MAC and BT addresses missing if click Settings, About Tablet, Status? (With WiFi and BT on.)

Did you do full backup before trying mods? If so, simply reflash critical partitions containing unique numbers. I think proinfo, & nvram contain your unique numbers, but can restore proinfo, nvram, protect-f, protect-s, uboot, para, logo, secro, tee, frp, and nvdata too.

I just posted on import of doing backup, page 26, second post. As I mentioned, "If you don't have backup, you will need to jump through hoops (using several special softwares) to restore this info. (Even though much of it is duplicated in hard memory (Ie can't be flashed or lost), machine reads it from soft nvram (non volatile, but flashable), and both records must agree - generic or no numbers in nvram won't work properly; correct no.s must be restored)."

Symptoms include wifi / BT issues, nvram warnings etc, as well as Sim and calling problems with devices with telephony when IMEI numbers are gone / wrong.

[MENTION=6374532]mcprescribed[/MENTION] had these problems after flashing TB3-850F ROM from here on 850M. He was able to restore using nvram.img from Russian site, then fix some numbers using specialist software.

I mentioned to him:

"I'd be inclined to double-check that IMEI_1, IMEI_2, MAC-addresses for Bluetooth, MAC-addresses for Wi-Fi, as well as SN are all actually correct in NVRAM (since need to restore corrupted NVRAM makes it likely all these values have changed) to prevent future problems"

If you don't have backup, I suggest reading his restore saga - pages 20 - 22 here, and you will find needed suggestions and software links to fix. All the best with it. PW.
[Android General] john3voltas:
[MENTION=7550078]pndwal[/MENTION]

I've just re-checked the box stickers and all I have is the Serial Number, EAN code and UPC code.

Today I was thinking and maybe this didn't happen due to flashing the rom itself. I remember to almost lost all access to the table during the weekend and having to fiddle a lot with a tool that I don't recognize at all (SP Flash Tool).

In the end, it was that tool that got me to a point that I could use the tablet again but in the process I recall doing something that could have triggered this: I downloaded and formatted using that tool with all partitions selected.

Both the wlan and bt macs seem fine'ish. Both adapters seem to work with no visible issues.

But it's true that I now see a 'NVRAM WARNING: Err = 0x10' in my wifi list of neighbor networks...

I don't have any kind of backup whatsover.

Should I worry about it or just let go a live with it the way it is right now?

TIA

Cheers
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
I'm going to leave audio choices up to the individual user, with Magisk Modules being a suitable option for this. I've decided this due to the continuing SELinux compatibility issues with NEON audio drivers and Viper4ARISE.
[Android General] MotoJunkie01:
As to the factory data reset forced by the fastboot oem unlock command, my instructions provide the following warning: "WARNING: UNLOCKING THE BOOTLOADER AUTOMATICALLY INITIATES A FACTORY DATA RESET. YOU WILL LOSE ANY UNSAVED VIDEOS, MUSIC, PERSONAL FILES, ETC." (Emphasis added with all caps) The instructions have always included this warning. So, I can't possibly make that any clearer, as I know nobody wants to unexpectedly lose all their saved userdata. Moreover, my disclaimer note at the beginning of the thread fully warns all users to "read and re-read the instructions carefully 'before' proceeding." I've used these exact instructions on no fewer than eight different 850F tablets, and all with no adverse issues whatsoever. However, with this in mind, I do realize that there are users who have experienced problems although allegedly following the directions to the letter. Also, I do acknowledge that the instructions are not crystal clear with the transition between Steps 1 & 2 regarding a reboot after Step 1. So, I do have a revision to the instructions in mind. I'm going to include a no-verity kernel (with force encryption disabled) that can be flashed immediately following the fastboot oem unlock command, by executing fastboot flash boot patched-boot.img. This will prevent any initial boot loops during the first reboot. I'll also edit the steps to provide a reworking of the TWRP installation, so that unlocking the bootloader, installing TWRP and flashing a root script can be accomplished seamlessly. This should prevent any further issues on user-end. Thanks for your feedback and your support.