[Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (2021)] iamnotsunshine:
So a few months ago I played around and put a few different GSI (Why don't we just call them ROM's) and didn't struggle too much. But I have Samsung everything (S24 ultra, GW3, Buds pro) So I missed some of the ways they would mesh together, so I reflashed the stock ROM back to it. Well it's so slow, bog's down with background stuff it was driving me nut's because I couldn't dismiss simple alarms after sitting it down unused for a bit. So, I thought, let's try some other GSI's again. Lineage 19, 20, ASOP again, and it's not having it at all.

Now let me say some of all the different "How too's" here are so different, and I don't see a flashing-for-dummy's version :) Let me go over what I have, and where I am

Samsung Tab A8 2021 SM-x200

TWRP 3.7.1_12

Rooted and ADB enabled

Format Data... I think you might be using old terms? it's wipe now? I have choices of install, wipe, backup, restore, mount, settings, advanced, and reboot.

So Wipe and select advanced wipe? then Data and fine print says... updating partition details.... failed to mount /system_root

I reboot into fastboot and I get a ton of errors.

Resizing 'system' OKAY [ 0.005s]

error: write_sparse_skip_chunk: don't care size 444320848 is not a multiple of the block size 4096

error: write_sparse_skip_chunk: don't care size 175889488 is not a multiple of the block size 4096

Sending sparse 'system' 1/3 (262140 KB) error: write_sparse_skip_chunk: don't care size 444320848 is not a multiple of the block size 4096

error: write_sparse_skip_chunk: don't care size 444320848 is not a multiple of the block size 4096

OKAY [ 7.623s]

Writing 'system' FAILED (Status read failed (Too many links))

fastboot: error: Command failed

I've also tried format all daya, typed YES and swiped, plain factory reset, same errors.

Now I am worried that I skipped something because if I just want to reboot, I get a warning that no OS is installed. So I think I need to get some OS installed to "resize" everything and then I will be good to go?

P.S. I wish someone would make a stick note for how to root and get TWRP on the SM-200 and just have one! I know everyone want's to be the one with the way, but geze... please maybe think about it.

PSN bigbluedog

links for GSI's and Guides I used

Complete GSI List - Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

Since we're now able to flash GSIs properly for this device I thought that a comprehensive thread should be created of what's currently available. Please refer to this post for the crucial step that needs to be done in order to boot successfully...

xdaforums.com

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 2021 (SM-X200 + SM-X205) Android 13 Treble flash Guide

Your warranty will be void after any of these procedures. * I am not responsible for the outcome for using any of this information, e.g. bricked devices, dead devices, boot loops * do some research regarding flashing, custom ROM and unlocking...

xdaforums.com

instructions on how to install gsi on SM-X200(SM-X205)

(Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any devices you may have broken while installing the firmware using these instructions) Hi all, I c FrankyDoodle found a way to install custom firmware on sm-x200, sm-x205, here are the instructions

xdaforums.com

How to install gsi in TAB A8 2021 SM-X200

Working GSI TAB A8 SM-X200 BUGS: i don't know you tell me? Instructions: From OEM stock firmware with root installed Download the DSU Loader by VegaBobo make sure to download release.apk. once installed open the app click Select a GSI File to...

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