Install openwebos on Gnex using Windows

[MudShark22]

WARNING !!

All rules noted at Testing Gnex - WebOS-Ports are in full effect.
I used this method to install on my Gnex using my Win7 laptop. In theory, it should work using Windows 8, but I can't test.

This is all alpha. Proceed at your device's and your own risk.

Assumptions
- You have read the rules at Testing Gnex - WebOS-Ports
- A GNex
- Wugfresh's NRT 1.6.3 Nexus Root Toolkit v1.6.3 | WugFresh Read the FAQs, wiki, etc. at the site. Understand the tool, then download
- an openwebos image
- a modified openwebos kernel

Steps
1. Install NRT 1.6.3; follow all instructions for your Gnex build. Follow all instructions to ensure proper driver setup. Refer to the NRT help and faq for any driver setup concerns.

2. Backup data if you have not (use tool or whatever method you choose).

3. Follow NRT instructions to unlock bootloader. NRT faq and help are very thorough.

4. In NRT, use advanced options to access cmd line window. Read faq and wiki to understand the batch script being run. You will need to have your Gnex plugged into the pc.

5. In the command line, change directory to location of openwebos image. Use the command found at Testing Gnex - WebOS-Ports to push the openwebos image to the Gnex.

6. In command line, activate Gnex to bootloader using command at Testing Gnex - WebOS-Ports (minus the 'sudo' )

7. Change directory to location of modified openwebos kernel. Use the command to boot the modified kernel found at Testing Gnex - WebOS-Ports (minus the 'sudo')

8. Device boots into openwebos.

I am being deliberately obtuse as this can bork your device. I managed all this reading the FAQs, wikis and some good googling skills to obtain the tools and knowledge I needed to get it done. I did it owning my Gnex less than a day (birthday present).

Have fun, you've been warned.


UPDATED FOR NEW NRT 1.6.3 - see additional warning on my post of Feb 25 2013.

[kevets]

Nice. How is the end result? For those of us who aren't as familiar what works/doesn't work at this point?

[g.vos]

PM-ed

[g.vos]

Where is the Open webOS image to be found? I dont think my netbook is able to compile an image..

[MudShark22]

I will not post the links as it is not appropriate to do so.

One should search github and webos ports for installer, the info can be found with some creative searching

[MudShark22]

Re: the experience
Its not ready and is slow, but it was great to flick through cards on a more modern device

[g.vos]

Originally Posted by MudShark22

I will not post the links as it is not appropriate to do so.

One should search github and webos ports for installer, the info can be found with some creative searching

Okay i understand. I have my GNex ready, unlocked and all. But I have been going through the process of building an image (as that was the only option i found), only couldnt get past the prerequisites step, the path or command was not found (im at work now, cant remember what it exactly said).

Im affraid i will have to wait for an image to be released.. Gnex goes back in the closet.

[MudShark22]

Warning!!!

Upgrading your gnex to JB 4.2.2 will prevent you from being successful with the above steps .

Due to new RSA process with ADB it will show that the device is offline. Until the tool is updated for 4.2.2, one will need to use an alternate method.

[Garrett92C]

There's already an ADB update out that works with 4.2.2. :P

[MudShark22]

Yeah I know, but the tool above does not have it yet (as it sets up adb for you).

If you can set up adb manually, you don't need this tool

[MudShark22]

Note: the NRT developer has said that a new release 1.6.3 has a Wednesday ETA.

[MudShark22]

NRT tool updated to v1.6.3 to account for Android 4.2.2 and some other new features.

Just used it to flash openwebos on my gnex (build from Feb 24 2013); however cannot get past first use now since my prior image allowed me to complete that task.

As such; this tool may not be sufficient as the SSH step from the wiki now seems 100% necessary.

[MudShark22]

Fasbooted an older build (FEB 19) and got past first use.
Recognizes that I am on AT&T; but no signal bars or connectivity.

[RumoredNow]

Mudshark,

I'd be interested in trying this on Win 8... Maybe.

I'm sorta committed to continued testing of Ubuntu Touch for the next little while.

I might switch over to Open webOS for a short run to help test the install under Windows 8.

Any progress? Have you been able to make a phone call yet?

I know the hardware acceleration is still missing... Is that right?


I will say Wugfresh's NRT did allow me into Gnex under Windows 8, with some finagling of the drivers. Have to disable driver signing check and run drivers under Windows 7 compatibility mode - so it is doable.

[MudShark22]

I have not used any of the recent builds as it requires SSH into the device to skip first use. I can't do that on my win box. So I am waiting for beta now.

- Thomas

[GMMan]

Have you tried PuTTY? I prefer it over Novaterm when I have the choice.

[MudShark22]

No I have not tried it, never used it. Looks a little daunting though.

[jonson1]

Originally Posted by GMMan

Have you tried PuTTY? I prefer it over Novaterm when I have the choice.

I did not used Putty but wants to use it, can you more describe it please.

[GMMan]

It's pretty simple. Get the webOS SDK (so tcprelay is set up for you), then connect to localhost on port 10022 after you plug your device in. I don't have a gnex, so I haven't tried it, but that's how it would work if you had Developer Mode enabled and installed PDK on your device for all other webOS devices.