yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Topics] JovialQuestion:
Your device isn't unlocked? You only need to do this once. You need to enable developer settings and toggle allow oem unlock to enabled after that you send

$ adb reboot boatloader

Now your in the primary bootloader the green droid logo

Send

$ Fastboot devices

Ensure your device S/n is shown

Then

$ Fastboot oem unlock

Then use the volume key to select unlock on the display.

If your device displays The device cannot be trusted 5 second delayed boot. Your device is already unlocked.

The rooting process I believe @Viva La Android has already posted in this feed the correct instructions.

Once you have the boot image patched you flash it in primary bootloader same as unlock with

$ Fastboot flash boot_a /path/2/patched.img

$ Fastboot flash boot_b /path/2/patched.img

$ Fastboot reboot

Sorry for the delayed n short response. Schedule is chaotic atm
[General Topics] bencinilife:
I seemed to have forgot the disable-verity command with path 2 image. Can you remind me lol ?
[General Topics] mrdukes:
Steps to installing lineage ??
[General Topics] mrdukes:
Also. U seem pretty knowledgeable about all winner. The headunit I'm trying to fix... Yea it's a all winner. Stuck in a boot loop
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Do you have firmware for the head unit?
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
The steps for installing LineageOS GSI, or any other GSI-based ROM, are outlined in the Project Treble forums. I will be posting a thread for installing LineageOS GSI on this tablet when free time permits. Unfortunately, I don't know when that will be with my current schedule.
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
The command to disable dm-verity via fastboot is set out in the instructions on the first page of the rooting thread. It's off topic to discuss it here, but here is the command.

fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
[General Topics] mrdukes:
Sadly no. Don't even have much knowledge about it.. know that it's a allwinner t3p1 running android 8.1. but not sure what model of tablet it is.
[General Topics] bencinilife:
Yeah there is a different combo command that works without error I just had a brain fart but got it figured out lol thank u
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
The command I stated does not give an error. All instructions outlined in my guides have been thoroughly tested and are verified 100% working. To avoid any potential errors, it is best to copy the command directly from the instructions and paste it to your command window.
[General Topics] JovialQuestion:
Ignore me. Was already answered
[General Topics] JovialQuestion:
I got this Gsi to work and seems to be working well. Has a slower boot time and is slow shortly after first boot. However after everything loaded it's working pretty smooth. My boot.img is stock unrooted. The System.img is rooted with PHH-su already. But flashing in fastbootD after deleting product_a product_b then flashing the system.img worked fine. I flashed stock vbmeta before the install and erased it with fastboot erase vbmeta. Unless the device had stock boo and vbmeta the flashing o system would fail as not allowed or size issue. Keeping vbmeta equals a boot loop so I tried erasing the vbmeta partition and it booted. I didn't make the img and it take a lot of working around it to get it to boot but for !e it's working better than the Lineage OS. For me. So I'm just offering a suggestion and not a topic o conversation as I haven't any answers. Maybe someone will find it useful.

https://github.com/phhusson/treble_experimentations/releases/download/v415/system-squeak-arm32_binder64-ab-vndklite-gogapps.img.xz
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
I had a similar experience with the LinegeOS 19.1 GSI. Considerably smooth but a longer boot time. Since you find your present GSI better than LineageOS, I'll definitely give it a try.

You can edit /system/build.prop and add these lines to speed up boot time.

ro.config.hw_quickpoweron=true
debug.sf.nobootanimation=1
persist.sys.shutdown.mode=hibernate

This disables your boot animation and tweaks a couple more parameters to speed up the boot sequence.

Yeah it seems like I had to delete both the _a and _b product partition slots in order to make room to flash the Lineage GSI. So sounds like a similar scenario for about any GSi in order to free up space.

Thanks for sharing
[General Topics] bencinilife:
The links are no longer available? For upgrade
[General Topics] JovialQuestion:
What link? You mean for your firmware? There's no upgrade to your stock on here or am I missing a post.
[General Topics] bencinilife:
Yes in the restoration upgrade post. V6 and v9 and also super.img image ect
[General Topics] JovialQuestion:
@Viva La Android would have to check on that. I thought the each VS was device specific on this thread so I'm not sure. As far as super.img. That's a different Discussion. But you can't get a super.img from the links here and you have to extract it carefully from the frimware @Viva La Android has provided.
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
What links are you referring to? All firmware links are working. Also the v6 and v9 firmware packages are for two different variants of the Scepter 8.

Okay I think I know what links you are referring to. Not the main firmware links on the first page, but some links within the thread which were extracted firmware packages (containing super.img, boot.img, bootloader.img, etc.). And yes you are correct that those links are probably no longer valid. However, if you are needing an extracted firmware I can help. What package are you needing extracted?
[General Topics] rootmeb100:
Viva I recently bought another scepter 8 to see the difference in gen 1 and gen 2 with gen 1 being the new one for me. Wow. Big difference in a gig of ram. But I have bought one that now says it 1 gig of ram with the a133 chipper. Does this mean there are 3 variants?
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
There are actually 4 variants: two variants of the Gen 1 model; and 2 variants of the Gen 2 model. But, both Gen 1 variants have the Allwinner-A100. Some CPU identifier apps may falsely detect the A100 as an A133. The reason for this is due to A133 notations in /system/bulld.prop and /vendor/build.prop. For all intents and purposes, the A100 and A133 are fully compatible with one another in terms of firmware and software support. It would appear that the device maker originally intended to use the A133 in the Gen 1, but for whatever reason - perhaps cost efficiency - opted for the A100.

But, to ascertain the identity of your chipset with 100% certainty, you may remove your tablet's back cover with ease. Use a guitar pick or edging tool and the back cover snaps off without screws or adhesive. Embossed on your chipset should be the nomenclature A100 in a white font.​
[General Topics] rootmeb100:
I'm definitely a novice at this and learning. My question is can we change our firmware? We need a recovery like twrp? And have you been working on twrp build? I'm taking online courses in coding and really interested in things android.
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Welcome aboard. That's definitely the best way to learn... taking actual courses in coding. TWRP has been ported for both models of this tablet by @SamuEDL. The issue is, getting it to install, since it must be flashed to /boot because there is no /recovery partition. The bootloader rejects the "fastboot boot" command, which is needed as the first step to installing TWRP to /boot. On replacing firmware, as you referenced, this tablet is Project Treble compatible, meaning you can flash GSI ROMs (generic system images). I would encourage you to study up on the Project Treble forums here on XDA. It's a trove of info and resources on the subject. Here is a link to the official Treble forums. "Project Treble | XDA Forums" https://xdaforums.com/c/project-treble.7259/ You will find Q&A forums, how-to guides, GSI ROM repos, and plenty of general info as to the nature and applicability of Project Treble. It should be noted that you will need to unlock your bootloader in order to install custom GSI ROMs on the Scepter 8.
[General Topics] bencinilife:
Hey there my friend. I am seeming to be having issues trying to install

Me again lol having some issues setting up the scepter to install lineages os. The patched boot img I've patched through Magisk flashes great but then only loads to qlink image and that's it. I have to reflash with original img to get it back going. What am I doing wrong ?
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
I'm very unclear as to what you are trying to do. This isn't a LineageOS thread, nor are there any setup instructions for LineageOS. This is a factory firmware restoration guide, which doesn't encompass the flashing of boot images or LineageOS.
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Hey @bencinilife, never heard back from you. Did you get the issue worked out that you were having?
[General Topics] htc-8925:
@Viva La Android This is a gen 2 that CPU ID or one of those other free, ad-riddled messes identified as an A100 gen 1 but I know for 100% it's a gen 2 so your point should be bold, Italic and

underlined

as an understatement.
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
I'm beta testing a Gen 3 as we speak. We get a SIM slot and 4G-LTE support on it. The MediaTek Helio A22 chipset and AOSP Android 13 (not Go Edition). A HUGE improvement over its predecessors.
[General Topics] bencinilife:
Sorry been busy and having trouble getting fastboot boot twrp.img. doesn't recognize boot. And also still having trouble flashing gsi rom ect grrrrr
[General Topics] htc-8925:
gee-wiz! you must have almost paid $100 for that one! that'd cover 4-5 scepter 8's
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Luckily I didn't pay anything, due to being selected as a tester. That's the one and only perk -- receiving a free device. Unfortunately, whether or not this Gen 3 model will become mainstream continues to be unknown. The issue of manufacturing cost is a factor, as are a number of hardware issues which have not yet been resolved on the software/firmware level. I am hopeful, nevertheless.
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
New firmware builds will be released for both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 models in July. I'll update the download links as soon as I have the new firmware.
[General Topics] bencinilife:
Sounds great happy modding lol
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
I should have new firmware builds for both gens of the Scepter 8 sometime this week. I'll update the thread accordingly.
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Current firmware builds for the Scepter 8 will be hosted once I receive the links from Hot Pepper's software development team in mainland China.
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
The latest Android 12 (Go Edition) firmware for both variants of the Gen 2 model are now live in the downloads section. One of the firmware builds was just released a few days ago, so any members wanting the latest security patches are encouraged to upgrade to the latest build.

The Gen 1 variants, with Android 11 (Go Edition), are now EOL in terms of any future security updates. I am told by Hot Pepper CEO Shawn Sun that the Gen 2 variants will receive update support for the next 2 years.
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
For any members with the Gen 2 MD variant, I have a customized stock ROM nearly finished, which is based on the latest firmware build. It's heavily debloated, force encrypt disabled and other mods, with a number of optimizations for increased performance. Installation is as simple as installing a boot.img and super.img via FastbootD mode. I'll post a thread on it very soon and link it here for any interested members.

I also have the final firmware builds for both Gen 1 variants, which I will post when I can get them uploaded. Both builds are from earlier this year.
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Optimized Android 12 (Go Edition) Stock ROM / Gen 2 MD Variant
[General Topics] 61d637:
So whatever happened to this
[General Topics] 61d637:
Nothing?
[General Topics] rinnycoop121:
nevermind
[General Topics] Csut:
Does anyone have copies of gen1 cf firmware and the root files that I could get a copy of
[General Topics] SlimJimRichardNixon:
Does anyone still have copies of these firmware's? I know this thread and device are kind of old news now so it might be a long shot but I've scoured every link on the forums and the only handful I could find that we're still valid weren't the correct variant. I'm not sure what the deal is with the mega download links but 95% of them are dead. I need the Gen 1 MD variant stock firmware. Any help would be greatly appreciated I've also searched quite a bit on the internet as well and have come up with nothing.
[General Topics] Bill of Baskerville:
Which model do you have? The Gen 1 or Gen 2, and does your model number begin with CF or MD? I have at least one firmware package for each model, so just let me know what you need. I downloaded the firmware and stored it on my cloud storage host when the links were all active.

Ok sorry, I just read your whole post and I have what you need. I'll get you a download link posted shortly.
[General Topics] SlimJimRichardNixon:
I have the Gen 1 MD variant
[General Topics] Bill of Baskerville:
I have the package you need uploading to my Google Drive now. Soon as it completes, I'll post a download link here. Do you have the Phoenix flashing tool with which to flash the firmware to your device?
[General Topics] Bill of Baskerville:
Gen 1 -- MD Variant/v6 Factory Firmware

File on MEGA

mega.nz

Phoenix USB Pro Flashing Tool for Winduws:

4.45 MB file on MEGA

mega.nz

Allwinner Flash Mode Drivers for Windows:

3.18 MB file on MEGA

mega.nz

Install the drivers first on your Windows computer. Then simply follow the instructions under the Method 1 heading in the OP to install the firmware to your tablet.
[General Topics] Bill of Baskerville:
@SlimJimRichardNixon, did that firmware work on your tablet?
[General Topics] Juggalatus Jay:
I am in need of the Gen2 MD firmware. The one from the OP has corrupted data and does not extract fully. Can you make me a link?!
[General Topics] Bill of Baskerville:
Yes. I'll post a link in just a few.

Gen 2 - MD Variant / 09-15-2022 Factory Firmware Build: https://mega.nz/file/FAAmDZ4T#0foOko8v4Np5LKUjP6QkdgGoGCVfpWlhM0Zf72SzbUw
[General Topics] harkoai:
Can you please upload this again? The link is already dead now.
[General Topics] rinnycoop121:
does anyone of the MD Androidn 11go Firmware?

all previous links are dead
[General Topics] Bill of Baskerville:
Gen 1 / MD Variant V6 Factory Firmware

File on MEGA

mega.nz
[General Topics] Bill of Baskerville:
In order to provide a resource for future members, once a firmware package is downloaded, someone should volunteer to upload the package to cloud storage and post a download link. I only keep my download links active for about 24 hours. While I do not have the most recent firmware build for each tablet variant, I do have a compatible -- albeit older -- factory firmware image for all variants. Because Allwinner chipsets can be downgraded from newer firmware versions, restoring your device by way of flashing an older firmware build will not cause any adverse issues or OS instabilities.
[General Topics] rinnycoop121:
would you have the root files for the MD Gen 1
[General Topics] Bill of Baskerville:
You can extract the boot image from the stock firmware image using the imgRepacker tool for Windows. Once the boot image is extracted, simply patch it with the latest Magisk app.
[General Topics] stayalwaysconnected:
is anyone still looking for a boot.img, for the qlink Scepter 8?
[General Topics] Bill of Baskerville:
Which boot.img do you have? Rather, of the four Scepter 8 variants, which variant does your boot.img support?
[General Topics] azuread:
Hi, anyone have a working Scepter 8 (MD) Gen 2 image I could get? The one I have seems to not be working when flashed.
[General Topics] demsd:
Looking for the Android 11 Gen 1 CF version if anyone has it.
[General Topics] stayalwaysconnected:
1.15 GB file on MEGA

mega.nz

Build: Scepter8_Tablet_v01_20230526
[General Topics] stayalwaysconnected:
1.32 GB file on MEGA

mega.nz
[General Topics] ProSatire:
Anyone happen to have a working link to, SECPTER_8_TABLET_MDF_AP11_20210605 even just the boot.im would work

SECPTER_8_TABLET_MDF_AP11_20210605 if you have it
[General Topics] ProSatire:
it's a gen 1 md
[General Topics] brandcamp24:
I am trying to download the firmware (https://www.dropbox.com/s/zjtmrz575afusdi/Scepter8_Tablet_v13_20221212.rar?dl=0) via the link. But it directs me to the dropbox website with the dog and it says "if this is a flute refresh the page" but it keeps coming back to that same page.
[General Topics] brandcamp24:
i have the gen 1 CF
[General Topics] iamoz:
Here are some Gen2 MD & CF Files-Images-Flashing Apps...Etc...

Hope it helps somebody.. Cant guarantee how long they be up and available but

I'll try to leave em up for a while... I'm looking for "upgrade" Factory image from

v01_MDF_AP13_20230526 Android12 Go, to anything newer..

10.63 GB folder on MEGA

85 files and 24 subfolders

mega.nz
[General Topics] iamoz:
I just Uploaded about 12 gig o files including some Qlink Files.. Go to the bottom of this page and youll find my link...

I had to reset my little tab tonight but fought with it all day .. Think I had some corrupption going on after trying to install a GSI.. It finally come out of it and Lo n Behold it took an OTA update from V01-20230526 to V01-20240305..

Everything else looks the same... Was only litle over 30Mb... Im still in the market for an updated Rom, But havent beeen able to locate one.. Heard the MD Gen2 was updated to I believe a Ver6 or V12.. Have a good one...
[General Topics] iamoz:
Hey I know lot o people are kinda sore about not being able to find software for these models , so I thought I'd

But in with a link I just up on Mega few nights ago with a bunch of Gen2 Firmware and Files.. 12Gb total..

10.63 GB folder on MEGA

85 files and 24 subfolders

mega.nz

Just trying to hel;p peole out because Ive been looking to update My tablet and cant find any updated software anywhere. Im Looking for Gen2 V06 or V12..
[General Topics] demsd:
Thanks. I'll check it out.
[General Topics] 0mnesiac:
More of the same- links all dead. MD. Gen1. Anyone still have & can post? Tbh, I'd be ok w just a patched boot_a.img.. Of course, full FW file works too. THANKS in advance..
[General Topics] 0mnesiac:
Can anyone kindly provide working fw for md gen1? THANKS MUCH!
[General Topics] iamoz:
All I have is gen2 stuff, and my link is down.. Hopefully be up soon again.
[General Topics] SunSlide:
Negative. Does the same thing. tried 10-15 times, 3 different usb coords that are different from the ones I was using. Watched a video I even let it sit there for a good 40 minutes after the box turned red before I realize I let my computer go into hybernation. It was on it for an hour at least. I unplugged it and the tablet boots right back to where I had it so it still isn't flashing anything or trying. I checked in task manager several different times only to find that it was using 0 cpu power. I used certutil on windows command line to check the md5 and at least 2 other copies that I have been using and they are all identical. Downloaded on both windows and linux and copied at least once so thought maybe i was corrupting them some how.

I mean it works, I just can't play with lineage or asop on it though is what I was wanting. The most annoying thing is if it sleeps it stays a grey screen. backlight responds and it will stay on for hours if i have it plugged in with "stay on while plugged in" active. My plans for it are mostly a side monitor for my desktop to display cpu usage and what not and it should work for that.

output of check:

certutil -hashfile D:\Scepter_8_Tablet_V9_20220221.img md5

MD5 hash of D:\Scepter_8_Tablet_V9_20220221.img:

2fe979bfd2665f70a0a95bf558843db5
[General Topics] Bubba The Hack:
I have the 1st version model with the V6 firmware. I started it and entered developer's mode and turned on the USB tethering. I then shut down and restarted in fastboot mode. I connected the cable to my Debian system and ran fastboot devices. It saw the tablet.

Next I attempted to update the firmware, but no matter what I did it would not work. I used:

./fastboot devices

That got me the recognition of the tablet. However, it is listed twice with the same identification number. Don't know if that is significant.

Then I ran:

./fastboot flash bootloader_a bootloader_a.img

./fastboot flash bootloader_b bootloader_b.img

./fastboot flash env_a env_a.img

./fastboot flash env_b env_b.img

./fastboot flash boot_a boot_a.img

./fastboot flash boot_b boot_b.img

./fastboot flash vendor_boot_a vendor_boot_a.img

./fastboot flash vendor_boot_b vendor_boot_b.img

./fastboot flash super super.img

./fastboot flash misc misc.img

./fastboot flash vbmeta_a vbmeta_a.img

./fastboot flash vbmeta_b vbmeta_b.img

./fastboot flash vbmeta_system_a vbmeta_system_a.img

./fastboot flash vbmeta_system_b vbmeta_system_b.img

./fastboot flash vbmeta_vendor_a vbmeta_vendor_a.img

./fastboot flash vbmeta_vendor_b vbmeta_vendor_b.img

./fastboot flash dtbo_a dtbo_a.img

./fastboot flash dtbo_b dtbo_b.img

./fastboot erase userdata

./fastboot erase UDISK

All of them failed. So I ran just one line:

./fastboot flash bootloader_b bootloader_b.img

and got:

Sending 'bootloader_b' (27293 KB) FAILED (remote: ':secure mode,fastboot limited used')

fastboot: error: Command failed
[General Topics] Bubba The Hack:
Next I removed android-platform-tools and installed android-sdk-platform-tools from my package manager. Then I tried to run the fastboot devices again and got one device and fastboot, just like you said. I then tried to run the firmware upgrade and got same messages.
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Have you tried LiveSuite?

Bubba since you are using a very common Linux distro, I would recommend that you use LiveSuit to upgrade the firmware. Here is a link for the Windows, Linux and Mac versions. You will also find clear instructions on the site.

Download LiveSuit Flash Tool (all versions) - Allwinner Flash Tool

Download the latest version of LiveSuit Tool which allows you to flash or install Stock Firmware on devices powered by Allwinner Chipset.

androidmtk.com
[General Topics] Bubba The Hack:
# ./LiveSuit.run

You are running on Debian

awdev-dkms_0.4_all.deb

awdev-0.4-1dkms.noarch.rpm

LiveSuit/

LiveSuit/LiveSuit.sh

LiveSuit/bin/

LiveSuit/bin/regdemo.lua

LiveSuit/bin/LiveProc.Plg

LiveSuit/bin/LiveSuit.lan

LiveSuit/bin/luadec.dll

LiveSuit/bin/imgdec_fun.lua

LiveSuit/bin/LiveSuit

LiveSuit/bin/libQtGui.so.4

LiveSuit/bin/regdecode.lua

LiveSuit/bin/ini_fun.lua

LiveSuit/bin/libQtCore.so.4

LiveSuit/bin/common_fun.lua

LiveSuit/bin/plgvector.dll

LiveSuit/bin/regbasefun.lua

LiveSuit/bin/LangPlg.dll

LiveSuit/bin/luaBase.dll

LiveSuit/bin/luaeFex.dll

./LiveSuit.run: 21: [: Debian: unexpected operator

./LiveSuit.run: 29: [: Debian: unexpected operator

./LiveSuit.run: 29: [: Debian: unexpected operator

./LiveSuit.run: 29: [: Debian: unexpected operator

./LiveSuit.run: 29: [: Debian: unexpected operator

Linux distribution Debian does not supported!!!
[General Topics] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
Somebody here on the forums used a Debian build some time back to flash using Livesuit. Let's ask @SamuEDL's advice on this. He's well-versed in Android and programming languages. @SamuEDL what is your advice for somebody needing to flash Allwinner firmware using a Debian OS set-up? Thank you.
[General Topics] SamuEDL:
The problem here is that you are trying to flash the rom via fastboot with the bootloader closed, so it gives you the error "FAILED (remote: ':secure mode,fastboot limited used')". One way to try to install the rom would be by unlocking the bootloader.

The other would be to use livesuit for linux like Viva La Android says, but I have never used this app. Since I use Windows.

P.S: I am not a programmer and I have basic knowledge of android. ;)