If you are tired of using the official firmware on Milestone A853, and you want to try the best Android version on Milestone, here is a guide for How to Install Cyanogenmod 7 on Milestone A853, It is easy to flash as the new kernel is include in the update package, no need to use the RSD tool. remember to backup your important data before you install the Cyanogenmod 7, because this installation will delete all users data.
Important! your Milestone A853 must be *Rooted* before you start this installation.
What is this rooted thing?
Most smartphone stock rom is locked to avoid third party application modify the system, or the system will failed to startup by doing something wrong with the system files. get the Phone Rooted means destroy the Shield and get the highest permission to modify the stock system.
How to root Milestone A853?
There is a bug in the official 2.01 Recovery, we used to use it to run third party Recovery, and make the phone be rooted, but this bug was fixed after update to the official 2.1/official 2.2 firmware, in order to run the third party Recovery such as OpenRecovery, we need to patch the new Recovery, the patch called the Vulnerable recovery, the download and guide page is here : http://android.doshaska.net/rootable thanks Nadlabak, it work for any known firmware version, then use the OpenRecovery to root the phone or install any custom rom.
Step 1 , let’s download some necessary files.
1.Openrecovery
Openrecovery is a modified version for some advanced features of the original native Recovery, it will install on the SD card. I recommend the Androidiani OpenRecovery.
Androidiani OpenRecovery 3.3:
Information about Androidiani OpenRecovery:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=796679
Download Androidiani OpenRecovery:
http://code.google.com/p/androidiani-openrecovery/downloads/list
2. Nadlabak’s Cyanogenmod 7.1 for Milestone A853
Download the latest CyanogenMod for Milestone A853:
https://github.com/nadlabak/android/downloads
3.BPSW update for official 2.1
If you are using the offical Android 2.1 system, you need this after update to CM7. This file update the baseband processor software.
http://code.google.com/p/cyanogenmod4milestone/downloads/detail?name=update-bpsw-MSG39UPEU_A1.19_0.90-I4.zip
Step 2. OK, now you got all files, connect your phone through USB cable and visit the SD card storage, unzip the Openrecovery package, copy the folder “Openrecovery” and the file “update.zip” to the SD card root. Delete any exist folder “Openrecovery” or file “update.zip” before you copy the new one.
Then copy the Cyanogenmod 7.1 for Milestone A853 update zip file to the SD card folder “Openrecovery/updates/”, PS. Do not unzip the package.
Copy the BPSW update zip file to the SD card folder “Openrecovery/updates/”, PS. Do not unzip the package.
Step 3.Before start the update process, your Milestone A853 battery should above 60%, because in the OpenRecovery mode, the phone is under full speed working and the battery could last only 2 or 3 hours, and you can’t charge the battery. So charge your phone if the battery is lower than 60%.
Now double check all the files is put in the right place, the OpenRecovery, CM7 update zip file, BPSW update file. disconnect the phone, restart the phone, hold the hardware keyboard key “X” while the phone is booting on, when you see a Triangle with exclamation mark, release the “X” key, hold the “volume up” key and press the camera key, you should see the Recovery menu with four options, press the volume key to move up and down. Move the high light option to the ” Apply sdcard update.zip”, then press center navigation key on the hardware keyboard to select the option. The phone will launch the OpenRecovery.
After the OpenRecovery loaded successful, there is many options list on the screen. the operate key is the same as before, press “volume down” to select and enter “Apply update” option, you should see the two update files list on the screen, first , select the “update-cm-7.1.0-**-**.**.**-Milestone-signed.zip” file to install Cyanogenmod 7, the process will take over 2 or 3 minutes, don’t be so nervous, the system will return to update package list after finish the install process.
If you are update from the official 2.1 version, then select and install the “update-bpsw-MSG39UPEU_A1.19_0.90-I4.zip”, that easy right?
Do not reboot the system, now is the last one important step, you should back to the up level menu, use “Wipe Cache / Factory reset” to wipe your old data (not only wipe cache, but with Wipe Factory Data), if you forget about this step, your phone will struck on the white Moto logo.
OK, now choose “Reboot system” to reboot the phone, you should see the Cyanogenmod 7 bootanimation, congratulations.
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Hello im intrusted in this mod but i dont want wipe all my apps and other data.
What can i do.
Hi, you can use the Titanium backup to save your data on SD card, after update your phone, use it to restore the data.
here is the market link : https://market.android.com/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup
Does it backup your current rom.
No, Titanium backup only backup the personal data, not the whole system.
if you want to make a full backup of your current rom, you should use the Nandroid backup, you can find it in the OpenRecovery, it makes a rom mirror on SD card.
Thank You very much i will try this.
Hi I’m running on officially 2.2.1 android stock n it’s rooted .. Can I install on this? And where sd card root folder? I m not able to find root folder on sd card storage ?? some ppl say I need .sbf file to install this ?? I’m confused ?? Please reply it’s urgent
You can install it, SD card root folder means the root of the SD card, not a folder name “root”. Put the file “update.zip” and folder “OpenRecovery” in SD card directly, not in any folder, the path will be this : “[SDcard] -> update.zip” and “[SDcard] -> [OpenRecovery]”
then copy the CM7 zip file to the folder: ” [SDcard] -> [OpenRecovery] -> [updates] “, reboot to OpenRecovery and finish the installation. Remember to Wipe the phone, before and after installation.
do we still have to include the .BPSW update for official 2.1?
and why do i get signature verification error?
Yes, if you upgrade from official 2.1, you need the BPSW update.
update.zip signature verification error is caused by official 2.1 firmware.
The original Recovery (bootloader version 90.78) need to be patched before running the third party update.zip, sorry I forget about this situation, thank you for remind me.
you could follow any Milestone root guide, I got this one for you: http://www.mydigitallife.info/how-to-root-motorola-milestone-on-android-2-1/
I will post a guide about how to root Milestone on Android 2.1.
can you also post a guide on rooting motorola milestone running on official 2.2.1?., and where can i download the BSPW update for 2.2.1? thanks again.
You can flash the Vulnerable recovery for Motorola Milestone, the source and guide is here : http://android.doshaska.net/rootable, it work for any known firmware version, then use the OpenRecovery to root the phone.
The latest bpsw is included in the official 2.2.1 sbf, because we don’t have the official 2.3 firmware, and if you want to upgrade to official 2.2.1 first, here is the official 2.2.1 sbf download page: http://and-developers.com/sbf:milestone221.
good day, i have finished flashing Vulnerable recovery by following your steps. when i tried intalling udate.zip (cynogen 7) i still have the error..i did installed Terminal emulator and check if my phone is rooted and it is.
what could possibly be wrong?
i got this error:
E: cant open /cache/recovery/command
Finding update package
Opening update package
Verifying update package
E:failed to open /sdcard/update.zip (no such file or directory)
E: Signature verification failed
Installation aborted.
Hi rmic, it seems the OpenRecovery files doesn’t exist, did you happen to put those files( folder [OpenRecovery] and update.zip in the OpenRecovery.zip ) at the root of the SD card? did you just rename the CM7 package to update.zip? we can not directly apply the CM7 update, we use OpenRecovery to apply the CM7 update.
the files should be like this structure:
update.zip path: SD card/update.zip
OpenRecovery files path: SD card/OpenRecovery/
CM7 update package path: SD card/OpenRecovery/updates/CM7.zip
Hi rmic, it seems the OpenRecovery files doesn’t exist, did you happen to put those files( folder [OpenRecovery] and update.zip in the OpenRecovery.zip ) at the root of the SD card? did you just rename the CM7 package to update.zip? we can not directly apply the CM7 update, we use OpenRecovery to apply the CM7 update.
the files should be like this structure:
update.zip path: SD card/update.zip
OpenRecovery files path: SD card/OpenRecovery/
CM7 update package path: SD card/OpenRecovery/updates/CM7.zip
thanks! im up and already running cm7 and gapps…thank you very much..and a very great guide too..
more power!
You are welcome.
i have successfully updated to cynogenmod 7.. one problem left… my market app is missing..
can you give me some tips on how to put it back? thanks
seems the new comment system a little bugs…can’t import my last reply…
well done, if you need the google app back, you need to apply the Gapp update:
http://goo-inside.me/gapps/gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip
do it the same way as you update the CM7.
if you need Gtalk, better to install the new one:
http://goo-inside.me/gapps/gapps-gb-20110828-newtalk-signed.zip
Thanks !!!
)
You made my day !
My milestone is now proudly running CM7 !
By the way, do you know how to turn the physical keyboard in french ?
Thanks again
If anyone interested, I found the answer.
It is as easy as to go in settings, and change physical keyboard layout
Thanks Mat, nice job.
I am at this time confident that i need to root my phone. Thanks for the great hints
I have the “…Installation aborted” as rmic had above. I read and tried the solution you gave to him and it’s not working help please!
I downloaded the “OpenRecovery-3_3.zip”. It opened with win.rar and I extracted then dragged the files over right onto the sd card, did the same with “update.zip” intially dragged WITHOUT extracting then I deleted off sd card and then opened and extracted it in win.rar the dragged it to root of sd card. Then Downloaded “update-cm-7.1.0.7-Milestone-KANG-signed.zip” it opened with win.rar dragged into open recovery/updates
What went wrong? Thanks in advance!
Hi abcmissme, just download and copy the “update-cm-7-**-Milestone-KAND-signed.zip” to the recovery-updates folder, no need to extract.
OK let’s check the things again.
1. root your phone and get the OpenRecovery working, guide: http://android.doshaska.net/rootable
2. Backup and Clear your SD card, extract the files from the “OpenRecovery-3_3.zip” to your SD card, don’t modify any files or folders.
3. Get CM7 for Milestone and put it in SD card/OpenRecovery/updates/, should *not* be unzipped.
I think your problem is either the wrong update.zip or did not root the phone.
Hi There,
I would love to get some advice from the great gurus on this blog as it seems people do answer them.
I just yesterday upgraded my milestone to Gingerbread Version 2.3.4 with the MIUI update. Could I run the Cyan..update which will overwrite it to 2.3.5. to get the latest firmware. Or would you advise doing the whole thing from scratch again?
Hi Ryan, the latest version of CM7 for milestone is based on gingerbread 2.3.7, you can download it from nadlabak’s git page: https://github.com/nadlabak/android/downloads. yes you can install the update, but I think you have to do a full wipe, or you can just wipe the cache and dalvik-cache to see if it compatible with your old data. remember to backup everything before you start.
thank you Charles very much indeed. I will give it a bash and let you know. thank you kindly, Ryan
Hi Charles, this works absolutely brilliantly on my Motorola Milestone. I cant simply believe how fast it is compared to MIUI. Thank You so much. You get 11 out of 10. One silly question is how would I get the Market Icon on my desktop to download all the applications again? Thanks a million. Ryan
You are welcome, the latest google apps can be download here: gapps-gb-20111122-signed.zip http://www.multiupload.com/MYPOK7TFPF
it is from Nadlabak’s homepage.
Hi Charles, i am really dissapointed that i have to pay to download this app. Why doesnt it already come with the market apps as you practically can do nothing with the phone until you have the market app.
I dont understand how to get the market app from the URL you published!
ok i managed to get the app must i update it the same way through the back end.
Thank You Charles, managed to get it updated and published on my phone. Thanks for all your help and apologies for all the grips along the way
Ah, I have forgotten to tell you how to install the google apps, well, good job.
Hi Charles, your site is like a burst of fresh air
Really feel there is someone who cares. I have a Milestone A853, running stock 2.2.1 and have just managed to root it with Superoneclick. I am new to the Android world and have been aiming to get CM7 by using Clockworkmod. However, when I try to Backup my stock ROM, I get the message “E: Can’t open /cache/recovery/command”. I have searched a lot to find a solution, till I came to your site and have decided to give your method a shot. Meanwhile, if you have any comments, I would really be grateful for them. Thanks Charles! Best regards, RSM
Welcome, I haven’t used the clockworkmod recovery on Milestone, just use the androidiani-openrecovery instead of it, you should clear all the old recovery files on SD card before you copy the new one. Good luck.
Hi Charles,
Starting to follow your steps. Downloaded open recovery, unzipped but there is no folder called updates within it. Should I create a folder called updates? Please help,
Thanks,
RSM
Hey RSM, the folder “updates” is in the folder “Openrecovery”. just extract all files then put them in SD card.
Check nadlabak’s guide here http://android.doshaska.net/rootable if you get errors when you enter openrecovery.
Hi Charles, thanks for your prompt replies. Since then, I have followed your instructions exactly. I did have an error while trying to get into Open Recovery, so as per your advise, I used Venerable Recovery with RSD lite 4.6 and the sbf file successfully and got “PASS”. However, when I rebooted by phone, got the exclamation mark and then pressed the Vol Up and Camera, I got the error “E:failed ro verify whole - file signature. E: signature verification failed”. Now what do I do? I really really want a new custom ROM after backing up to Nandroid, but I just cant get into a recovery screen. PLEASE HELP
Thanks Charles! Best regards, RSM
Hello, download the OpenRecovery files then extract the file “update.zip” and folder “[OpenRecovery]“.
checking the files’ location, should be looked like this:
update.zip path: /update.zip
OpenRecovery files path: /OpenRecovery/
ps. don’t overwrite files, delete the old files before copy the new one.
and download the system update file.
CM7 update package path: /OpenRecovery/updates/CM7.zip
Thanks a million…CM7 on a Milestone…i no longer hate ma phone
Having trouble configuring the Google Account
V
Hi I am getting below message and unable to proceed…
Does anyone gets this message?
-Install from sdcard…
Finding update package
Opening update package
Verifying update package
E:EOCD marker occurs after start of EOCD
E: Signature verification failed
Installation aborted.
can anyone tell me,i search many websites and its not working.i’m in the same problem when i click the apply sdcard:update.zip and it says:
E:failed to open /sdcard/update.zip(No such file or directory)
E:signature vertification failed
please please please help me with this problem.
Hi, you must patch the native recovery first, then you can run the OpenRecovery on Milestone. More details can be found here: http://android.doshaska.net/rootable
Hello Charles!
I rooted my phone using the Universal androot file and I was reading through your instructions for installing the CMD7. Did you include a step to backup the stock ROM? How would you do that? I am asking, in case the phone decides that it doesn’t want to install CMD7 and I want to be able to go back to the stock ROM! I have tried using ROM manager, but it doesn’t seem to work with Milestone! Sorry, still a noob here
Cheers,
Ariba
Hello Charles,
I tried using the open recovery and following your steps but I am having the same problems as fahmy up there.
–Install from sdcard…
Finding update package
Opening update package
Verifying update package
E:EOCD marker occurs after start of EOCD
E: Signature verification failed
Installation aborted.
What do I do now? Was your remark about patching the native recovery first an answer to this problem?
Thanks a lot!
Cheers,
Ariba
Hey Charles,
It seems like I managed to get myself stuck in the Cyanogen mod 7 boot animation
I followed your step of wiping cache, but in the open recovery system, it only had options to wipe the cahce partition or wipe the delivch *something* cache. So I ended up doing both. Something must have gone wrong, clearly, my phone is just stuck in the cycle! Is there anyway to go back and fix it?
Cheers,
Ariba
Oh dear, I must look like I am harassing you! I managed to fix it! Just had to go back into the recovery mode and select Wipe data/ factory reset. I think you should probably make that clearer up in the article?
Thanks anyways though! My first experience rooting a phone and installing a custom ROM!
I think it was totally worth it! (Minus the scary part when I thought I bricked my phone!)
Cheers mate!
-Ariba
OK thanks Ariba, I have edited the post, making the instructions more clear.
MILESTONE A853 - install
=================
Hi
AFter installed it - all went well, but since we had to delete all Cache and Data to avoid lockup at boot, now all apps do not exist anymore - that is fine.
I wanted to clear everything and restart.
System works very well, but when I go to google.play to get the apps I used to have I cannot install them because it says I already have then installed in my phone and they are actually deleted!
Might there be any apps pointers left in the system that believe they are installed?
How do I re-install apps?
Also, when trying to install ‘new’ apps I never had [to test], they seem to be installed, but they are not!
Any idea?
hmm, I have not met this before, you can try to clear the data of Google play, it is in -Settings-application-ALL.
how can i flash my motorola milestone android (2.2.1) to upgrade version.
also when i try to apply sdcard update.zip
the phone screen is showing me this all things
E:Can’t open/cache/recovery/command
- Install from sdcard…
Finding update package…
Opening update package…
Verifying updaye package…
E:EOCD marker occurs after start of EOCD
E:signature verification failed
Installation aborted.
n i also do as u say on before on installing guide
openrecovery.zip extract on sdcard
n sdcard/openrecovery/update/update-cm-7.0.1-0.08-11.04.24-Milestone-signed.zip
paste on there
Hi rahul, you need to patch the native Recovery to run the Openrecovery, please follow this guide.
n i m troubleing when i start my binary update.
thanks charles for helping me n i do my moto now in latest andriod 2.3.7
Hello sir I am installing cynozenmod7 on my milestone,and all ready rebooted my phone. Whitelist icon is showing in program list.
For installing CM7, I power on milestone using power button and X button and when an triangle appear, I appears I press volume up key and camera buttion. After that this screen appears:
Android System recovery
Reboot system now
Apply sdcard: update.zip
Wipe data/factory reset
Wipe cache partition
E: Can’t open/cache/recovery/command
What is The last line showing in bottom starting with E: can’t open….
And them I do wipe data/factory reset,
Them applying
sdcard: update.zip
Them this message show:
Finding update package…
Opening update package…
Verifying update package…
Installing update package…
Can’t find update_binary
Rebooting your phone
Sir what is the problem please guide me…..
Thank you sir
Hello sir I am installing cynozenmod7 on my milestone,and all ready rebooted my phone. When I install terminal imulater and type su them $ sign change to #. But when I am applying sdcard upadate.zip after reeboting my phone them this message appears….
E: Can’t open/cache/recovery/command
Finding update package…
Opening update package…
Verifying update package…
Installing update package…
Can’t find update_binary
Rebooting your phone
I have trying many time.
Sir what is the problem please guide me I am getting mad by this problem Thank you….
Hello sir I am installing cynozenmod7 on my milestone 2.1 and all ready rebooted my phone. When I install terminal imulater and type su them $ sign change to #. But when I am applying sdcard upadate.zip after reeboting my phone them this message appears….
E: Can’t open/cache/recovery/command
Finding update package…
Opening update package…
Verifying update package…
Installing update package…
Can’t find update_binary
Rebooting your phone
I have trying many time.
Sir what is the problem please guide me I am getting mad by this problem Thank you….
Hey sunny, check out your sdcard to see if the file “update.zip” and folder “openrecovery” is in the right place. and then check this guide: http://android.doshaska.net/rootable, sorry for replying late and good luck.
Thanks for help sir.I have the files path and that is…….
Sdcard\update.zip
Sdcard\openrecovery3.3
And the link given above is not working
Once again I explain my problem
:- I have rooted my milestone. I am using 2.1update on my milestone.
:-i have follow ur all steps listed above. But when I off my phone added doing on useing power button and X buttions them I see a triangle on screen further I pressed volume up and camera buttons.
Them this things appear on screen:-
Andrion system recovery
Reboot system now
Apply sdcard:update.zip
Wipedata/factory reset
Wipe cache partition
E: Can’t open/cache/recovery/command
When I do wipe data/factory reset, this message show on screen:-
Formatting data
Formatting cache
Data wipe complited.
Then I do wipe cache partition,this message show:-
Formatting cache
Cache wipe complited.
Now I do apply sdcard:update.zip them this message show on screen
Finding update package….
Opening update package. …
Verifying update package…..
Installing update package…..
Can’t find update_binary
Reboot ur phone
I have mention all things when I am installing com. So sir please guide me that what I do????
I am trying from previous 4 months for installing com on my milestone but never succeed.now I got ur link from google. Please guide me I want cm on my milestone.
Many thanks to u sir……..waiting for ur reply….
Oops…nadlabak’s server is down…I get you this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=698059 , should solve your problem.
Those errors you mentioned above is cause by the 2.1update recovery, you need to replace it with vulnerable one.
vulnerable recovery file download: http://www.mediafire.com/?jzzjmmrvwkz, flash it with RSD lite.
hy I hope sum1 can help me here.
I’ve got a milestone running the awful froyo 2.2.1 (stock) I’ve managed to root my 4ne nd have the “whitelist” with #. the problem is when I try to enter open recovery by applying update.zip I get “cannot find update_binary ” then it says launching open recovery jumps abt 2 lines nd says SD installation complete(all this in yellow). I am using the recommended softwares and have all the files in their ryt places…. this is after I have done all the required wipes. what can I do as I can not go to the updates folder to apply the CM7 and gapps I am really frustrated as the current software is painfully slow nd makes me hate my 4ne.
I am grateful for to any1 who can try to help me
hi
after doin all the required wipes when I go to apply update.zip I get “cannot find update_binary” then it continues on installin sum stuff then says launching open recovery(all in yellow) then it skips about 2 lines and says SD installation complete and offers the same 4 options in blue(reboot system,apply update.zip,wipe data/factory reset,wipe cacha partition). what can I do as its not entering open recovery where I can apply the CM7 nd gapps in da updates folder,please help me as my current software is crap nd I desperately need to change it.I am runining stock 2.2.1 on milestone original and have rooted it and have the “whitelist” with #. I am very grateful to any1 who can try to help me
Sir i did all the things which u mentioned here but still stuck with this error :
E: cant open /cache/recovery/command
Finding update package
Opening update package
Verifying update package
E: Signature verification failed
Installation aborted.
im trying to update my A853 milestone
copied the files in this structure:
update.zip path: SD card/update.zip
Open Recovery files path: SD card/Open Recovery/
CM7 update package path: SD card/Open Recovery/updates/CM7.zip
but still the same
Hi, you forget about the vulnerable recovery, see this guide: http://android.doshaska.net/rootable .
Phone:- Motorola Milestone A853 with German T-Mobile pre-paid card.
EOCD fault.
signature verification failed, Installation aborted!
Followed all the install instructions set out in your blog.
This is great. This must be one of the worst phones I have had. My Motorola E1000 was just great to mod.