Unlocking the bootloader and Rooting

snppr22

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Apr 26, 2010
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So I am looking at about 7 sets of instructions for how to unlocked the bootloader of my (soon to be) Nexus. I am going with the Droid Life set of instructions which say to do the following, except I dont know what it means.

Step 10 - In the "Variable values" section, add at the very end the location of the tools & package-tools folder, with a semicolon separating these two paths from the rest, e.g. %SystemRoot%;C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools;C:\android-sdk-windows\tools.


Except when I am in the section is already says C:\Program Files(x86)\GmoteServer\bin\vlc


Anyone know what I do now?

I'd love it if someone has a video tutorial on this, I'd really hate to brick my phone. Thanks everyone.
 
Those steps are for unlocking the boot loader - not rooting. It's a simple ADB unlock. I plan to follow the same tomorrow and will post back if not already answered.
 
I would like to unlock the boot loader, but I can't seem to get the ADK right. Any advise would be great.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
 
if i unlock the nexus then update. Will i have to unlock again? Also, should i root before of after i update? Thanks ppl
 
I know this is lazy, but I think I'm just gonna wait for a one-click solution. I plan on running stock for a while anyway just to get a feel for ICS.
 
So I am looking at about 7 sets of instructions for how to unlocked the bootloader of my (soon to be) Nexus. I am going with the Droid Life set of instructions which say to do the following, except I dont know what it means.

Step 10 - In the "Variable values" section, add at the very end the location of the tools & package-tools folder, with a semicolon separating these two paths from the rest, e.g. %SystemRoot%;C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools;C:\android-sdk-windows\tools.


Except when I am in the section is already says C:\Program Files(x86)\GmoteServer\bin\vlc


Anyone know what I do now?

I'd love it if someone has a video tutorial on this, I'd really hate to brick my phone. Thanks everyone.

all that line does is sets up c:\android-sdk-windows\tools\ so that it's files are accessible anywhere from the system.

That means;
c:\adb oem unlock will work
instead of being required to type c:\android-sdk-windows\tools\adb oem unlock

i'm assuming that step is needed because they are using a script that could be run from any directory on the phone? maybe? I haven't look at those instructions yet.

XDA also has a good set that i've been suggesting.
[MOD] 30 Nov r3: Superboot - rooting the GSM + LTE Galaxy Nexus - xda-developers
 
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I know this is lazy, but I think I'm just gonna wait for a one-click solution. I plan on running stock for a while anyway just to get a feel for ICS.

Bootloader is not a root, but it will allow you to root.

If you unlock the bootloader, it will wipe you phone. If there is any initial update, you should update, then unlock.
 
I'm trying to unlock my bootloader but fastboot won't recognize my device (ADB recognizes the device, though). Anyone else having the same problem?
 
same thing. im in bootloader, hit fastboot oem unlock and just says waiting for device...
 
Install PDANet to get the drivers that you need. Follow the instructions in the install and enable USB Debugging to get the driver to install.
 
You can also try

fasboot reboot-bootloader

This is if adb wont recognize. If after you type the above command it says waiting for device you have the wrong drivers. You can also manually reboot into the bootloader by holding Volume up + Volume Down + power button.

This should have the driver files: use pdanet

From this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1352004
 
Last edited:
i installed PDA net and reinstalled the drivers now phone is unlocked.
waiting for root now =D
 
So your PATH should look like this after:
C:\Program Files(x86)\GmoteServer\bin\vlc;C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools;C:\android-sdk-windows\tools

assuming your SDK is indeed at C:\android-sdk-windows

This is really for a more convenient way to call the utilities in SDK, and these utilities, presumably, are used by fastboot
 
I have tried everything.. I still get the "waiting for device" message. Before i boot into bootloader, the phone is recognized in my device manager. Once it is in bootloader, it comes through as Android 1.0. I right clcik, update drivers manually but it will not install the drivers. Ant advice?
 
209er...I'm having the same issue as well...will recognize then flip to Android-1 with yellow exclamati once in bootloader. I will uninstall and try using Pdanet tomorrow and see if that step worksand report back...
 
I have tried everything.. I still get the "waiting for device" message. Before i boot into bootloader, the phone is recognized in my device manager. Once it is in bootloader, it comes through as Android 1.0. I right clcik, update drivers manually but it will not install the drivers. Ant advice?

You have to search for the drivers. When in device manager and you have selected the Android 1.0 that is showing error. Find the SAMSUNG text at bottom and select it after you select the search for drivers at bottom. There should be four options and the adb one is the one you want. Sorry I can't do better but once I did it i can't replicate the steps again.

Once you get it do "fastboot devices " when in fastboot mode and you should get a string of letters and numbers. Then "fastboot oem unlock". Or what ever directions say for your setup.
 
You can also try

fasboot reboot-bootloader

This is if adb wont recognize. If after you type the above command it says waiting for device you have the wrong drivers. You can also manually reboot into the bootloader by holding Volume up + Volume Down + power button.

This should have the driver files: use pdanet

From this thread: [HOWTO] Root Your Stock Galaxy Nexus - xda-developers

I found this link in a Google search and no dice for me, either. I am getting highly irritated that something so seemingly easy is being such a pain in the a$$.
 
You have to search for the drivers. When in device manager and you have selected the Android 1.0 that is showing error. Find the SAMSUNG text at bottom and select it after you select the search for drivers at bottom. There should be four options and the adb one is the one you want. Sorry I can't do better but once I did it i can't replicate the steps again.

Once you get it do "fastboot devices " when in fastboot mode and you should get a string of letters and numbers. Then "fastboot oem unlock". Or what ever directions say for your setup.

What does this mean Find the Samsung text?

Nevermind. I figured out what you meant. However, I installed this and actually got to the unlock screen. Happy for 2 seconds until I noticed it wouldn't let me select anything. UGH!!!!!!
 

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