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Update your T-Mobile G1 from a MicroSD card

31 October 2008 by Staff Editor


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+10 [20 votes]

A member of our Android Community (lgsilvaas), has just found instructions showing how to update your G1 without getting the over-the-air update. All you need is a MicroSD card to update to the new RC29 firmware. Many of our users still have not seen a single update, many of them very impatient. For those who are just too impatient to wait and are feeling brave this is a good instructions are as follows:

Warning, this is for informational purposes only. You may brick your phone and loose all of your personal data. We at android community are not responsible for any loss sustained by this process. If you have any question about doing this, don’t even try it. 

  • Download the update from google website: https://android.clients.google.com/u…-RC19+RC28.zip
  • Rename the file you just downloaded to update.zip
  • Copy the file update.zip to the root of your micro sd card.
  • Now turn off your phone and turn it back on while holding the home key.
  • When you see a triangle with a exclamation sign and a phone, slide open your keyboard and press ALT-L to display the menu and then ALT-S to start the update process.
  • Wait for the update to finish. If prompted, press Home + Back to restart your phone.
  • Wait a little bit more and done!

[Via xda-developers]

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  1. crazythunder's Avatar crazythunder
    10-31-2008 03:49 PM
    page cannot be found in ie or firefox. 404 error
  2. VValdo's Avatar VValdo
    10-31-2008 04:09 PM
    The URL got cut off for some reason. It's:

    https://android.clients.google.com/u...-RC19+RC28.zip

    Even though it says "RC28" it is apparently RC29. I haven't tried it myself, but there's a thread about it here with more discussion:

    http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=439733
    (and here)
    http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=441282

    Credit to user "damien667" over there who found the URL while monitoring his phone during the upgrade w/adb.

    W

    PS-- someone in the thread also posted a link to this:

    https://android.clients.google.com/u...q.TC4-RC29.zip

    No clue if it's the same thing or different.

    Also, fwiw-- "kila" refers to the HTC Dream aka the G1.
  3. iDragRockers's Avatar iDragRockers
    10-31-2008 04:10 PM
    i want to but i think ill wait until it comes OTA cause i dont wanna brick my phone
  5. VValdo's Avatar VValdo
    10-31-2008 04:41 PM
    To update from my earlier post--

    https://android.clients.google.com/u...q.TC4-RC29.zip

    appears to be a newer version. It's got the same 115247 number, and the other one reports RC29 in the phone, but I did a side-by-side diff and they have different files inside. Both were built Oct 24th, but it looks like RC19+28 was built at 4:08 PM and RC29 was built at 4:58 PM. They have different hashes and binaries.

    Example difference:

    RC28's /system/build.prop:
    ro.build.description=kila-user 1.0 TC4-RC29 115247 ota-rel-keys,release-keys
    RC29's /system/build.prop:
    ro.build.description=kila-user 1.0 TC4-RC29 115247 ota-rel-keys,for-testing,release-keys

    The "for-testing" appears a few places. Is the RC29 a beta release?

    W
  6. JPH3's Avatar JPH3
    10-31-2008 04:42 PM
    I'm dyin' to try it, but sounds too hairball for me. With my luck, Murphy would give me a big 'ole b*tch slap and leave me with a brick.
  7. Lukster's Avatar Lukster
    10-31-2008 04:50 PM
    workd like a charm.. thanks for the update!
  8. VValdo's Avatar VValdo
    10-31-2008 04:58 PM
    As I suggested, the RC29 is in fact a test version: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=441385

    Careful about using that one.

    W
  9. Lukster's Avatar Lukster
    10-31-2008 05:27 PM
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by VValdo View Post
    As I suggested, the RC29 is in fact a test version: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=441385

    Careful about using that one.

    W
    Ill wait on the 29
  10. mast3rpyr0's Avatar mast3rpyr0
    10-31-2008 05:31 PM
    hmm cool. Might try this in the future.
  11. LGSilva's Avatar LGSilva
    10-31-2008 05:43 PM
    Hey! I made the front page! Yes!
    You just got my nickname wrong...
  12. riley_g1's Avatar riley_g1
    10-31-2008 05:58 PM
    works great! thanks. i get impatient : /
  13. here.david's Avatar here.david
    10-31-2008 06:48 PM
    YES! works great......TX's......seems to have fix a very of my issues...runs very hot until I ran the update, RC29 now shows...and while warm, not like previously - could almost cook an egg on the curved part (GPS)...we will see if the battery life encreases like others have said...


    used the non-test one...
  14. Miao.Y's Avatar Miao.Y
    10-31-2008 07:27 PM
    这种方法不错。。
    比用联网的方法好多了，发售cd数据也好
  15. Gateau Noel's Avatar Gateau Noel
    10-31-2008 11:15 PM
    it worked thank you so much, i had yet to recieve the update so im glad i was able to do it myself
  16. riley_g1's Avatar riley_g1
    11-01-2008 03:56 AM
    link is dead now. glad i got in when i did.
  17. dfarted's Avatar dfarted
    11-01-2008 06:02 AM
    did my update last night while G1 is connected to my lappie and run the update as instructed, now i have RC28.....thanks a lot....Chicago
  18. Thonner's Avatar Thonner
    11-01-2008 07:49 AM
    Did the update on both my wifes and my phone. Updated with out a single hitch. All installed apps, contacts, and settings remained. Easy peasy.
  19. riley_g1's Avatar riley_g1
    11-01-2008 08:08 AM
    guess it's not dead sorry. i don't know what i was looking at earlier
  20. gilport's Avatar gilport
    11-01-2008 08:49 AM
    Painless and fast...updated in less than 5 minutes, all seems to work well and smooth.
  21. crazythunder's Avatar crazythunder
    11-01-2008 09:44 AM
    i did the update successfully. has anyone found out specifically what this update addresses? i read about amazon music compatibility issues, but i never had any before this. actually, beware of amazon. i was looking for a way to redownload albums in case of accidental deletion,couldn't find one. maybe i missed it.
    anyways, my update was smooth, but i see nothing new.
  22. Serial Thriller's Avatar Serial Thriller
    11-01-2008 09:57 AM
    Performed the update and worked perfectly.
  23. isaac65's Avatar isaac65
    11-01-2008 10:02 AM
    Did the update and then it wouldn't connect to T-Mobile service. Did a factory restore and nothing. So, I drove to my local T-Mobile store to see if I could get it replaced (was gonna tell them I received it OTA and then it stopped connecting) but, wouldn't you know it, as soon as I walk in the store I look at the phone again and it's connected. The guy there asked if he could help me and all I said was, "Uhhhh, I guess not... fixed itself... nevermind" lol

    So, if it's not connecting to the servers after the update I guess give it an hour or two before freaking out.
  24. MattyMatt5481's Avatar MattyMatt5481
    11-01-2008 10:07 AM
    Ok, i need a definitive answer, which zip file am i using? with all the links, i kinda got confused
  26. Driguez's Avatar Driguez
    11-01-2008 10:44 AM
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by LGSilva View Post
    Hey! I made the front page! Yes!
    You just got my nickname wrong...

    Fixed it for ya.
  27. MattyMatt5481's Avatar MattyMatt5481
    11-01-2008 10:53 AM
    Thanks a lot, now, with the update, does anyone notice that it no longer does auto launch on the computer when you plug it into a usb port? did they take out the "Use as hard drive" setting? it now asks me if i want to mount it to transfer files between the phone and the computer
  28. crazythunder's Avatar crazythunder
    11-01-2008 11:11 AM
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by MattyMatt5481 View Post
    Thanks a lot, now, with the update, does anyone notice that it no longer does auto launch on the computer when you plug it into a usb port? did they take out the "Use as hard drive" setting? it now asks me if i want to mount it to transfer files between the phone and the computer
    thats about the only change i've noticed so far
  29. Broo's Avatar Broo
    11-01-2008 11:23 AM
    Link is still good- I just updated mine with no problems.

    Now does anyone know of a beta version of firmware that has A2DP support?
  30. shrimpster's Avatar shrimpster
    11-01-2008 11:32 AM
    I was having issues installing. The phone could not mount the sdcard regardless what I format the SD card to or name the update.zip file.

    Turns out that I used another microSD card and it worked. I think the card that comes with the G1 is locked in some way
  31. crazythunder's Avatar crazythunder
    11-01-2008 11:34 AM
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Broo View Post
    Link is still good- I just updated mine with no problems.

    Now does anyone know of a beta version of firmware that has A2DP support?
    i paired my samsung bt stereo headphones. phone calls connect and i get sound from both speakers. but i can't get them to play music. not even mono. odd. is that because a2dp is missing? shouldn't i at least get mono? maybe a clash with android. who knows.
  32. mark_w's Avatar mark_w
    11-01-2008 11:39 AM
    everyone seems to have TC4 RC19, I have TC5 RC7 :S

    Maybe its because I am a UK user.
  33. gamepro56's Avatar gamepro56
    11-01-2008 02:31 PM
    Mine worked perfectly.....im happy thanks
  34. seus's Avatar seus
    11-01-2008 04:15 PM
    Hey, I tried to update my G1 and is not working. Its saying "cant find the file.." I did it already with 2 sd micros and nothing. So, I think I will wait for it over the air so I dont damage my phone. Thank you.
  35. hkohistani's Avatar hkohistani
    11-01-2008 06:10 PM
    Didn't work for me, it said no such directory, man that sucks!
  36. franCyx's Avatar franCyx
    11-01-2008 06:58 PM
    LMAO .... I WAS JUST ABOUT to post that this does not work i was gonna go crazy... but my own lack of readin stills it saids hold down home not MENU...
    well aleast i know holding down MENU while the phone is off puts you in SAFE MODE.. thank you
  37. Reeg's Avatar Reeg
    11-01-2008 07:51 PM
    worked perfect! thanks guys!
  38. franCyx's Avatar franCyx
    11-01-2008 07:54 PM
    hmm after update rc29.. aim is working and the gps working better i cant believe this and my phone picked up a tmobile hotspot?
    can i marry my g1.
  39. Deathwish238's Avatar Deathwish238
    11-02-2008 10:51 AM
    Anyone able to get the non testing release?

    https://android.clients.google.com/u...q.TC4-RC29.zip

    The link doesn't seem to work anymore

    Has anyone had issues with the RC19+RC28 link(first link)?
  40. daheli's Avatar daheli
    11-02-2008 12:22 PM
    ok how do I access the /root dir on my microSD

    I've downloaded the update RC and renamed, but WHERE is the /root dir to copy it to
  41. Lukster's Avatar Lukster
    11-02-2008 12:39 PM
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by daheli View Post
    ok how do I access the /root dir on my microSD

    I've downloaded the update RC and renamed, but WHERE is the /root dir to copy it to
    "root" means in the begining.. just open that drive and drop on there.. not in any folders.
  42. calador's Avatar calador
    11-02-2008 12:41 PM
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Deathwish238 View Post
    Anyone able to get the non testing release?

    https://android.clients.google.com/u...q.TC4-RC29.zip

    The link doesn't seem to work anymore

    Has anyone had issues with the RC19+RC28 link(first link)?
    RC29.zip *is* the test release. The link was probably broken on purpose. Don't use it.

    RC19+RC28.zip is the release you want to use. It is so named, but it is supposed to actually be RC29.

    The other option is to patiently wait until the OTA gets pushed to you (-:
  43. Deathwish238's Avatar Deathwish238
    11-02-2008 12:52 PM
    Ah I see...cool. I used the RC19+RC28 and it's great so far.

    I have a new icon, it's a satellite at the top. Does it mean I have a GPS signal where I am?
  44. Adam Sowa's Avatar Adam Sowa
    11-02-2008 01:33 PM
    For those that are getting the "file not found" error, I found this.

    Posted by: jmejiaa

    "Windows usually hides the .zip, so if you renamed it update.zip that means windows might have really made it update.zip.zip

    Just name it update, if it still shows the zip file icon then this is what you want. I have my computer show me all extensions, this eliminates this problem."

    Good old Windows(Vista in my case. I am a glutton for punishment ).

    Update completed successfully for me.
  45. Lukster's Avatar Lukster
    11-02-2008 01:37 PM
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by calador View Post
    RC29.zip *is* the test release. The link was probably broken on purpose. Don't use it.

    RC19+RC28.zip is the release you want to use. It is so named, but it is supposed to actually be RC29.

    The other option is to patiently wait until the OTA gets pushed to you (-:
    Speculation may actually be its just a string that was left unchanged and is still the rc29, just wasn't taken out.

    But would still like to have some one upload to fileshare.. i deleted mine and used the rc28 first
  46. djwaz's Avatar djwaz
    11-02-2008 01:40 PM
    The link you just quoted is the test build most are saying stay away from taht one because it causing some 3 g issues.
  47. daheli's Avatar daheli
    11-02-2008 02:16 PM
    well i know my way around the *.zip.zip problem, but i just d/l the rc19+rc29, renamed it update.zip, then copied it into to the "removable disk" root dir, then did a reboot while holding the home key and the power on key, and did the alt-l and alt-s ----->no good, i guess i was trying to make it harder when i used "android file manager" and saw a dir labeled /root.
  48. Lukster's Avatar Lukster
    11-02-2008 02:53 PM
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by calador View Post
    RC29.zip *is* the test release. The link was probably broken on purpose. Don't use it.

    RC19+RC28.zip is the release you want to use. It is so named, but it is supposed to actually be RC29.

    The other option is to patiently wait until the OTA gets pushed to you (-:

    but dont wxpect the update if you do the update now.. i wont come if already updated.
  49. Boogdriod's Avatar Boogdriod
    11-02-2008 04:44 PM
    Anytime I try to do the update, it says that it can't mount the SD card. Anybody have this problem, and if so a resolution would be great.
  50. wimbet's Avatar wimbet
    11-02-2008 08:03 PM
    Used the RC19+RC28 file to update. Finished in minutes with no problems at all. Phone is now showing build RC29 on the status screen.

    I noticed a big speed increase with this build. There is no longer any pause when returning to the home screen. Even with multiple apps open, I press the home key and I get my desktop with no delay.

    Also as previously mentioned, there is a new USB icon added to the top notification bar when plugged into your pc. You can toggle mass storage on/off from the notification bar instead of digging down into settings.

    Overall nice update. It was def worth installing for the speed boost!
  51. Yowis's Avatar Yowis
    11-03-2008 08:56 AM
    Had some issues but got it to work...if it does not find it name is probably cuz ur naming it update.zip.zip, since windows automatically names zip fils .zip DO NOT name it update.zip just name it update and the .zip is added by the geniuses at Microsoft
  52. Orokukarisawa's Avatar Orokukarisawa
    11-03-2008 05:07 PM
    Ok so I got the regular OTA update this morning but my aim seems even buggier then before and whenever I go to my home screen there's a delay new USB function nice but wondering if anyone else is having similar problems cause the aim is like on drugs and when I hit home it takes longer anyt thoughts/opinions?
  53. smoger's Avatar smoger
    11-04-2008 03:45 AM
    just wanted to say this worked for me too.

    a couple notes:

    1. phone took a long time to boot up after the update.. dont interrupt this!
    2. clicking the link to the file brought me to a google error page.. but right click/save as allowed me to download it. full file size: 44.7mb


    also... i love the way it handles USB now... just hope this update also stops my texting from freezing the phone
  54. andonnguyen's Avatar andonnguyen
    11-04-2008 04:07 AM
    I've noticed better battery as well, but it might be a coincidence. Anyways, in the past 2 hours I've been listening to music via Last.Fm, have my wireless connection on, full brightness up, and surfing the web. My battery is currently at 95% =]
  55. sherwin's Avatar sherwin
    11-04-2008 04:46 PM
    will this re-lock my unlocked g1? (got 2 g1s, one unlocked via tmobile unlock code, one via unlock-tmobileg1.com)

    Thanks and more power!
  56. Ward's Avatar Ward
    11-06-2008 02:55 AM
    Downloaded the update... copied it over to my MicroSD card that is inside of the G1. I opened CMD, cd'd into the MicroSD drive:

    G:\>ren "signed-kila-ota-115247-prereq.TC4-RC19+RC28.zip" update.zip

    G:\>

    Rebooted the phone, and it still says it cannot mount the SD card, and cannot find update.zip.

    Any ideas?
  57. chrisjstjohn's Avatar chrisjstjohn
    11-06-2008 06:49 AM
    If you left your phone connected to the computer with USB, it's possible the PC was holding the mount on the SD card, so the phone was unable to mount it.

    I just updated without trouble. Interesting new feature I noticed right away:
    when you connect to USB, you now are prompted to allow the computer to mount the SD card, rather than it happening automatically. Nice touch; now I don't have to disconnect the USB cable (which I use to charge the phone) when I want to view images or listen to music on the phone.
  58. Ward's Avatar Ward
    11-06-2008 11:09 AM
    I've been trying for a while now at work. I downloaded a filebrowser to verify the .zip file is located where it should be (in /sdcard) and... still same thing. I attempted to change the name to just update without a file extension, and it still gives me the problem --- train of thought jumping ---

    oh wait a second. I know what it is. I do recall having an issue using USB under Ubuntu if i didnt safely remove hardware before hand... it just would not mount the disk. Hmm... that could be the problem here since this is a *nix kernel

    Edit:

    Tried "Safely removing hardware" on my Work XP Pro machine, no dice:

    Quote:
    Installing from sdcard...
    Finding update package...
    E:Can't mount /dev/block/mmcblk0p1
    (No such file or directory)
    E:Can't mount SDCARD:update.zip
    Installation aborted.
  59. Ward's Avatar Ward
    11-06-2008 03:54 PM
    Ok. My friend has a SanDisk MicroSD card for his MP3 player. I dumped the update.zip in the root of his MicroSD popped it in my G1, and it updated perfectly. I tried mine before, i removed all the files off of it and just left update.zip - no dice.

    Looks like there is a correlation between the stock one (Trensend or whatever) and not being able to update it from the file itself.
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