yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
The udisk.img is typically the /userdata partition. I can't recall a 4GB udisk.img in the original firmware. I'll check it out this evening.
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Hey @13lack13ox I done a fresh extraction of the V9 firmware and I don't see a udisk.img. There is a /uboot partition containing proprietary firmware for the embedded boot-rom. The uboot partition firmware is env.img in the V9 package. I know another component that could be related to the I/o scheduler: the dtbo.img file. Did you flash it? Because our tablets are A/B partitioned, we don't have an actual /recovery partition; recovery mode is merely an argument of the boot image. Likewise, the boot-kernel gives specific instructions for the device tree blob overlay (/dtbo), an integral part of the secure boot flow and kernel validation. As you likely know, I/o scheduling parameters are handled on the kernel level. As such, in addition to the super.img, be sure to flash env.img, bootloader.img, boot.img, dtbo.img, vbmeta.img, and all other vbmeta header partitions. So as to not mismatch firmware and cause a brick, be sure and mirror the relevant images on all applicable slot_b partitions. (I simply flash the same image to both slots.) It couldn't hurt a thing to go ahead and flash my entire firmware dump. As far as I can tell, fastboot permits flashing sensitive partitions in am unlocked state, so you shouldn't run into any permission denied errors in fastboot mode. By the way, the partition_index.txt file in the v6 firmware I extracted and linked you gives a complete image name and exact mount point label name for every partition.
[Android General] ParODime710:
So I have run into a snag, I have OEM unlock checked in dev options, USB Debugging checked, and I am still getting a "OEM Unlock Ability Is 0" in my terminal. I am running a Mac but I have done this same general process before on a few other tablets and have never had this issue. i have attached pics of everything here
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Okay @ParODime710, you are in the wrong fastboot mode. The Scepter 8 has two modes: the primary, which is illustrated in your screenshots, and a secondary fallback. You need to be in the fallback mode. You can get there from the Android OS by the command

adb reboot bootloader

You'll know you are in the correct fastboot mode by a dark screen with a green Android graphic in the middle.
[Android General] ParODime710:
ok, so after doing that I do not get a dark green screen with the android logo, it brings me here and Fastboot doesn't recognize anything again, it just takes me to the same bootloader I have access to in the recovery menu to begin with. Am I just completely missing something here?
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
I didn't state a dark green screen. I stated a dark screen with a green Android graphic. The first photo you posted was the correct fastboot mode. If your device isn't being recognized in this mode, you'll need to update your device drivers. I outlined ah entire section in the instructions on "Installing USB Device Drivers." Follow that to the letter and it'll resolve your issue .
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
@ParODime710 did you get it worked out?
[Android General] ParODime710:
Not yet, like I said I’m using a Mac pc, so the 15 second adb drivers are no good for me yet. But I am setting up parallels desktop with a win7 install here shortly and will try again in windows. I am thinking that’s my issue, the fast boot drivers and Mac just don’t wanna play nice together. If you have any other suggestions let me know but I’ll update after I try in win7
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
On Mac, you have the option of installing the ADB/Fastboot Platform Tools available here https://android.gadgethacks.com/how...stall-adb-fastboot-mac-linux-windows-0164225/

The package is just a bit larger than 12 MB and serves the same purpose as the 15-Second installer. On the other hand, if you have arranged for a Windows setup, that may be your best option.
[Android General] ParODime710:
That is what I have been trying and it isn’t working so far. So after fighting parallels for a while I’m getting windows booted up so I’ll try it that way and check back in shortly.
[Android General] ParODime710:
So after all of that I get nothing still. Using the 15 second ADB it shows it is installing nothing, ran as admin and all that and nothing still. Idk what the issue is anymore.
[Android General] ParODime710:
If I try the other ADB and Fastboot from the Android Platform Tools I get some missing dll error and I got frustrated for now. I’ll try again later.
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Here is Minimal ADB & Fastboot. It's the smallest and least problematic package that there is. Give this a try .

File on MEGA

mega.nz
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
I just looked at your screenshot from the 15 second installer. It looks like ADB & Fastboot installed normal. I don't see any error.

When you get ready to give it a go again, try this. Put your tablet in fastboot mode and connect to your PC. If your device is not being recognized by the fastboot devices command in the command window, you have to follow the steps in the instructions titled Installing USB Device Drivers . That walks you through getting device recognition via Windows Device Manager. Start with step 5
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
@ParODime710, just so I'm not misunderstanding, what exactly went wrong with the 15-Second ADB Installer?
[Android General] ParODime710:
If you look at the pic it doesn’t install anything g like it’s supposed to. Says 0 installed and then nothing else. It goes through the process like it’s doing something. But doesn’t install anything in the end.
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Open your C drive and see if there is a folder in the root directory called "adb"."
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
@ParODime710, if you have not yet had success on unlocking the bootloader, I'll be glad to walk you through a step-by-step troubleshooting session via Telegram or sone other platform that will enable us to correspond in real time. Just let me know.
[Android General] Harryflores:
I know this is off topic but I searched and couldn't find anything other than when you mentioned it, do you know how to bypass the data throttle on the Qlink phones?
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Get you a T-Mobile hotspot box or 4G-LTE/5G router with SIM slot. Set up the hotspot or router using the T-Mobile APN parameters. You'll get speeds of up to 25 Mbps on 4G-LTE downlink, depending of course on your coverage area and cumulative signal strength. I average about 18 Mbps in the area where I live.

QLink used a reverse tunneling protocol as a means to cap data speeds. Smartphones support reverse tunneling via the RIL (radio interface later) and telephony databases. Hotspot boxes and SIM supported routers do not support reverse tunneling; hence, when you use the SIM in a hotspot box or router, there is no protocol in place to regulate the throttle cap. You are bypassing it.
[Android General] ParODime710:
I took a few days off from trying. Found an old laptop with win7 installed on it already. Tried on that today and I get the same issues when trying to install adb drivers. I may have found a solution and I’ll update again soon. But I’m working on it again now.
[Android General] ParODime710:
So, is it just a win7 thing? Because my laptop install and my VM install both give me the same “0 files copied” but in my VM I have a .android folder I don’t on my laptop. Minimal ADB and Fastboot seems to work the best but I cannot see any device listed when I

adb devices

so I’m still stumped. Temped to do a fresh win 10 install on my laptop and try that way.
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Ok go to your C drive, select Program Files (x86) and locate the Minimal ADB & Fastboot folder. Copy the folder and paste it onto your desktop. Inside the folder is a file that starts with "cmd". Double click it to launch system-wide ADB & Fastboot. Moving it to the desktop alleviates path/directory issues and is a more convenient location from which to work.

Note: if it isn't under Program Files (x86), it will be under standard Program Files.

Regarding Windows 7, that's what I used for an ADB & Fastboot terminal for a long time before late blooming onto Windows 10 and now 11.
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
@ParODime710 keep my posted on your progress. At the point you're at now, with Minimal ADB & Fastboot installed, I can walk you through device recognition if you're still having trouble. You're nearly there.
[Android General] pyrohydrosmok:
How's things coming?
[Android General] Alkuam:
Does linux live work on a mac?
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
The TWRP is a nightmare because of the changes made to AOSP regarding dynamic partitions. It took the guys at TeamWin a year to add Android 11 support to TWRP. If this were a MediaTek or Qualcomm device, I would have this done. The Allwinner-A100 is virtually unprecedented on TWRP builds, so this is a "from-scratch" project.

I have never used Mac, but my understanding is that you can run live Linux on Mac. Here is a guide on setting it up using a USB drive. https://www.howtogeek.com/213396/ho...USB Loader will,without any problems or hacks.
[Android General] Alkuam:
I was just thinking that it could solve the problems some people are having, since this seems to go much smoother with linux.
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
It would definitely make image restorations easier, but TWRP isn't written in Linux. It's mostly C/C++ with some shell and make language.
[Android General] 13lack13ox:
You might have better luck making a new general app thread.
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. On the topics for which you are seeking info, I wish I had the spare time to help you out. As it stands now, I support 11 different devices on XDA and barely have time for those. I would encourage you to use the XDA search 🔎 option to locate resources on your topics of interest. XDA is a floodgate of knowledge on diverse subject matter.
[Android General] ParODime710:
Bootloader is unlocked but my battery died after the factory reset, so I’m just waiting for a few more to flash the patched image file. But idk what I did differently, I started from a fresh win10 install and just installed 15 second adb again like before and it all worked this time.
[Android General] ParODime710:
ROOT Successful
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Greetings @Cinephile 74, I just checked the v9 link in the firmware restoration thread. Works fine. https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-firmw...firmware-restoration-upgrading-guide.4412585/
[Android General] rkbest:
Is there a custom rom or vanilla android that i can install on this. Followed your guide to root the bootloader and reset to stock. but I still see shipped apps installed or the laggy launcher that i want to get rid of? I haven't been using android since long so have lost touch on how to get rid of the bloatware. Any help is appreciated.
[Android General] Moxiipc:
I just received this tablet today in the mail and it seems even though We're using the same os we're on different builds. I think I am on a older build and wonder if this method will work on my build or do I need to update?

Specs

Android Version 11 Go

Android Security Update: June, 5th 2021

Kernel Version 5.4.99 june 18th 2021

Build number: Scepter_8_tablet_V4_20210618
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
@Moxiipc, indeed this method should work regardless of your firmware build. I would encourage you, however, to first update to the V9 firmware prior to unlocking and rooting your tablet. Although it is not required, per se, the V9 build is more stable and responsive than previous builds.

The V9 firmware package and step-by-step upgrading tutorial can be found here https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-firmw...firmware-restoration-upgrading-guide.4412585/

Should you wish to unlock and root without upgrading your firmware, simply follow the instructions in this thread. But, keep in mind that applying OTA updates after rooting will be problematic. To subsequently update your firmware, it will be necessary to revert to a full stock configuration by manually upgrading the firmware, and then rooting your device again.
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
For members with a Windows PC or laptop who are experiencing persistent problems with achieving bootloader unlocking or rooting via this guide, I am creating an alternative tutorial for a live Linux distro (FWUL), which can be booted from a DVD or USB drive on a Windows machine. This method requires no installation of USB device drivers or ADB & Fastboot drivers, which are already integrated within the live Linux distro by default.
[Android General] Moxiipc:
Your thread worked like a charm as well as your other thread you posted I updated to V9 and successfully rooted my device thank you very much! I did run into a driver issue with windows not recognizing it and as you mentioned in your thread it does happen & every time I plug my device to my pc I need to go to device manager and set it so it recognizes it for some reason. I am running on windows 7 and it was a little confusing for just a moment to figure out which usb was the tablet when you said "It will likely be located under either the Portable Devices or Android Device heading" since after following all the instructions it wasn't coming up in device manager but I figured it out it was coming up as "USB Developer" and once I followed your instructions with updating the driver boom no problem adb was able to read the device and I was able to sucessfully root it!

I have cleaned out almost all the bloatware apps to speed it up. You seem to have a lot of experience with this device so there are more questions I have.

There are system apps I am curious to remove but do not know if there will be any impact on my device so I am looking to know what the purpose of these apps are and is it safe to remove!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spoiler content hidden.

I mention these specifically because I am curious if removing them will cause any problems and I am also curious to know what the purpose of these apps. Some of them I know already but this is also good information for the public to know. The more you know *chimes* can be a great source of info for beginners and those seeking the info.

I also am curious of methods to speed this up I saw a post somewhere in the pages with you talking about making edits to the build.prop. (I will find it later when I am ready to tinker around) If I wanted to go almost completely google-less the minimum being just the play store & it's play services what else am I able to do to accomplish this? I would like to replace Gboard with something more privacy I don't know if touchwiz or something from samsung could be installed to replace the keyboard but I would like to know what I could replace it with?
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Android 10 introduced dynamic partitions. Because the Scepter 8 runs on Android 11 Go Edition, dynamic partitioning is the standard. This done away with the mounting of logical partitions and combines key partitions into one larger /super partition. This changes the game on uninstalling system apps. See my post to @Moxiipc above for much more info on this and how to debloat your stock OS.
[Android General] Moxiipc:
Yes I didn't mention the Qlink Wifi Autoconnect because that was the first system app I uninstalled then App services and when I did that oh it was mad every bloatware app was installing till I removed it. You should a seen the tablet lagging out as 30 apps were being installed at once from the app services. Lol I stopped it but it took some time to uninstall all the apps it installed.

Also thank you again you answered my next question before I was going to ask it. I was going to say I uninstalled these apps but they still come up in application inspector just says underneath not installed for this user and when I go to app info it just stays stuck on computing. There are no other users unless theres a hidden profile like the Serrano 3 I just got a few minutes ago that had owner account and a "Guest" profile account on the phone when I turned it on for the first time. I've used EZFile Explorer in the past I will look at MiXplorer and attempt your steps you mentioned earlier.

Also thank you for working on LineageOS for this tablet when you do finish it I will be looking forward to that thread I want to put LOS on all my devices starting with this scepter 8 tablet. I hope you also have a guide as well for the Serrano 3 since Qlink likes to do a combo deal for the serrano 3 & the scepter 8. That phone has the same junk in it only it seems the serrano 3 can't handle all that bloatware this phone is as hot as an iron and it's only been 15 minutes since I completed the init setup on the phone. The battery is going down really fast

and I would definitely like to set this phone free like I did the tablet with your help :D

The only thing I ever did was root my samsung galaxy S5 with the help of this forum so many years ago. My experience is not much but I understand well and learn fast but it was truly your perfect set of instructions that got me the end result if you didn't mention the known issue with windows & drivers not being recognized I might have been coming back posting for help!

Enjoy your trip man i'll talk to you and pick your brain more when you get back!

You can let me know then what would be a good replacement for Gboard and probably explain more about those apps I mentioned yes I read about how most are possibly safe to uninstall but I still don't understand what some of these do like bookmark provider or partner setup. I would like to understand what they do and how they work but this is all another lesson for when you return!
[Android General] Androxilogin:
Hello everyone. I'd like to say thank you to everyone who worked on getting to the bottom of this thing. It definitely went from complete trash to tolerable. While I won't really use it much ever, it's nice to have the option to be able to.

That being said, I took what I have found here and created a script that will do an automated install through step by step key press dialog in command prompt because I don't know any better. Hopefully this may help someone out who may be lost. It does include the 15 sec adb installer as well as boot_a.img and MiXplorer as another user mentioned here along with a list of directories that must remain on the device based on my personal experiences during the process. If providing any of the contents in a single package is a problem for anyone, please let me know and I'll remove them. I just wanted to hopefully make the process as easy as possible for those having problems getting this going. For those who might try this and perhaps skip a dialog and are unfamiliar with command prompt, you can right-click the script itself and hit 'edit' in the context menu to get a read out.
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Great work. Thanks for your hard work and contribution.
[Android General] Androxilogin:
Thanks for making it possible.
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to add your automated script tool to the OP as an alternative simplified option. I'd put it under it's own heading and outline the instructions for using it. Regardless of your decision on that, I truly appreciate your work. Thanks

Of course, I would credit you fully with the work
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
@Moxiipc, I haven't forgotten about your request for a list of tweaks and mods for improving performance and overall functionality. What I have decided on is posting a modified stock ROM with several tweaks, mods and enhancements already baked in. I'm building it in the original Allwinner .img firmware format, so that it can be installed using PhoenixSuit, PhoenixUSB Pro, LiveSuit, etc. I'm actually working on this project this evening, so if you or any other members would like any specific features or add-ons, just leave a comment.
[Android General] Androxilogin:
No problem. I typed it up as I went along to share, I'm not worried about credit. Feel free to post it elsewhere, reupload, do with it whatever you'd like.
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Thank you. Your script will undoubtedly be of great help to many new and inexperienced members who are not familiar with using ADB and fastboot command lines. The credit is well deserved. This was a great idea.
[Android General] rustable:
im having an issue of the device showing up in fastboot, ive done everything, but when i try to install the drivers with device manager it doesnt show up at all
[Android General] SunSlide:
Windows i assume? Viva has writen exstensive tutorials specificaly on setting everything up for this device. Take note of his setting up usb drivers. Really the only driver you should be installing is the 15-second driver.

Furthermore I'll ask what you have tried? are you sure your getting into fastboot. what commands are you using?
[Android General] rustable:
ive done the 15 second thing, go into fastboot and the phone never shows up, even tried that script that makes it easier and still wont work
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
In the instructions, follow the section titled INSTALLING USB DEVICE DRIVERS. It should help you troubleshoot and get your device recognized.
[Android General] rustable:
Already did that, tried the device manager thing and it just didn't show up there, did the same with the phone not in fastboot and didn't work either
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
It should be showing up somewhere in Device Manager. You may just not be seeing it under an obscure heading. Do this: while Device Manager is open, disconnect the tablet for a few seconds and then reconnect it. If Device Manager closes and then refreshes its list, then it is recognizing your tablet. It's just a matter of using before-and-after deduction to find it on the list. Once you find what Device Manager heading it's under, let me know and I'll get you through it.
[Android General] Stash0369:
Where's the Magisk GitHub Official Releases link? When I clicked on it, nothing happens, like the link is gone. Is that something I'll need to complete my process??? And if so, Is there a working link somewhere else?
[Android General] Stash0369:
Thank you for all your time & efforts in this project. I appreciate you!
[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
The link is now fixed. Thanks for reporting it and for your support.
[Android General] Stash0369:
Thank you!
[Android General] Benevolent.Winds:
Thanks for all your work and effort. First timer. Everything is going good so far. Stuck at flashing the img. Put it in the adb folder created on main Local Disk C. Yet when I enter the command, I am told error, no such file or directory?

UPDATED*

A twrp install video provided the solution. Was not aware I needed to write out the full pathway. Snappier. Thanks for all the dedication.