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2012 Nexus 7 Discussion Forums (1st Generation) => Nexus 7 General Discussion => Topic started by: silvercue on February 21, 2013, 02:33:40 AM

Title: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: silvercue on February 21, 2013, 02:33:40 AM
I have 2 x Nexus 16GB with cracked screens.  I have searched and searched and all I can find are screens and digitizers that cost almost as much as replacement units and nothing from ASUS except very expensive repairs.

So, I give up.  By the time a cheaper option is out we will have more of a price drop, so seems pointless waiting.

My only choice seem to be have nothing or buy a new unit, whether that is another Nexus or alternative device I am not sure.

But I would like some money back from my broken units and seems you can get £40 on ebay for cracked screen units.  But mine are not rooted and I am concerned I can't wip them safely and completely if not rooted.

Can I do this and if so how and is there a way to be sure it has worked?
Thanks
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: matt on February 21, 2013, 07:28:11 AM
Bummer. Power on while holding volume down to get to recovery. Use volume controls and power to get to the factory reset. Haven't done it myself, search for more info.

Did you get a quote from Alibaba?

http://chinaphoneaccessories.en.alibaba.com/product/662638189-214735715/100_Original_For_Google_Nexus_7_LCD_Display_Screen_Touch_Screen_digitizer_Assembly_Replacement.html?tracelog=cgsotherproduct1 (http://chinaphoneaccessories.en.alibaba.com/product/662638189-214735715/100_Original_For_Google_Nexus_7_LCD_Display_Screen_Touch_Screen_digitizer_Assembly_Replacement.html?tracelog=cgsotherproduct1)

There's another one on sale, but I can't tell if it has the glass. Also can't find a digitizer glass by itself without the lcd.

Hmm.. ali baba and 40 thieves? I'd use some kind of escrow or something in case you get sent an empty box. But the cheapest replacement would have to come direct from china. Low price might be worth the risk. Try the aussie forum for opinions on company.

Nevermind, the cheapest I found was 135$ + shipping. Part them out, or look for used with bad motherboard, jack, or battery.
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: S.Prime on February 21, 2013, 09:48:53 AM
To supplement Matt's reply and since you may not have a screen display with a broken screen. if you can get your tablet to power on, you can use either Mark Skippen's or WugFresh's Root toolkits to restore the factory rom to your tablet with the Nexus 7 connected to your computer by USB, which will erase all of your personal information without actually rooting the device.
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: loociddreemr on February 21, 2013, 10:19:56 AM
I can walk you through a string of fastboot commands if you have USB debugging enabled. You can erase anything from user data to your boot partition, all without root. Only thing required is the USB debugging setting enabled, and the drivers installed on your PC. Have you ever used a tool kit or USB debugging?

Sent From my Dual-boot Razr Maxx (RaZR3Ds.JB.ROM.FiNaL.v3-R3Ds) via Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: matt on February 21, 2013, 10:26:36 AM
If the display doesn't work, can't set usb debug. Catch 22. If it does, you can also hook up a game controller to get to the app screen/settings and reset from there. Might work with a keyboard/mouse as well.

So is it just the glass digitizer touchscreen that's broken or the lcd display also?
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: matt on February 21, 2013, 10:47:03 AM
Lucid, is usb debug needed for adb fastboot? Or any adb. Is there a button combo when connecting to pc that will enable debug?

Might try a blind recovery, but how to verify?
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: S.Prime on February 21, 2013, 02:59:07 PM
Just to add to the discussion the original factory rom reload can be accomplished with the toolkits without debugging turned on. I have accomplished it on one without a functional touch screen, that would not pass the lockscreen.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: matt on February 21, 2013, 04:44:00 PM
From searching on this, fastboot will work when the tablet is booted into recovery without usb debugging enabled. As the tool kits are just graphic interface frontends for adb, they should work that way as well.

One user posted that he was able to get his cracked touchscreen to work by reflashing his rom! Nice if true. Maybe some error compensation in system initialization?
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: S.Prime on February 21, 2013, 08:12:15 PM
Nice, Matt, so the toolkits force the tablet to reboot into recovery.

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: matt on February 21, 2013, 08:23:22 PM
Not sure, you may have to boot holding power and volume while connected to pc. Someone want to test?

Fastboot devices -to see if it is working.
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: loociddreemr on February 21, 2013, 11:52:52 PM
From my understanding, adb debugging is enabled in most custom recoveries by default. Fastboot commands only work in fastboot mode, not in recovery. However, if you have adb enabled through a custom recovery, you can use adb commands to get to fastboot mode.  Since you are not rooted, I doubt you have a custom recovery.

Can someone without custom recovery try to use adb commands?
Try using this command in a cmd window while connected in recovery.
Code: [Select]

adb reboot fastboot

Sent From my Dual-boot Razr Maxx (RaZR3Ds.JB.ROM.FiNaL.v3-R3Ds) via Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: loociddreemr on February 22, 2013, 01:32:09 AM
It is possible to boot into fastboot mode with the buttons. Was laying in bed and it came to me. Just hold both volume buttons while powering on. Verify with the "fastboot devices" command. If you get into fastboot. Then use the "fastboot -w" command to wipe the entire device.

Sent From my Dual-boot Razr Maxx (RaZR3Ds.JB.ROM.FiNaL.v3-R3Ds) via Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: S.Prime on February 22, 2013, 06:50:44 AM
Loociddreemr, you are correct, but wouldn't you need the Nexus 7 setup as an adb device on your computer to be able to send fastboot commands? Since I have always rooted my Android devices, I have never encountered a situation like that.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: loociddreemr on February 22, 2013, 09:02:45 AM
Yes, in order to use fastboot commands, the drivers need to be setup. The adb and fastboot drivers, although sperate, are usually paired together. They are automatically setup when installing one of the toolkits.

Sent From my Dual-boot Razr Maxx (RaZR3Ds.JB.ROM.FiNaL.v3-R3Ds) via Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: S.Prime on February 22, 2013, 09:49:42 AM
One thing to add, if adb and fastboot are not in your path, they will need to be executed from the folder where they are located.
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: loociddreemr on February 23, 2013, 04:48:24 PM
I'm mad enough to spit nails! My Nexus just fell out of my sweater pocket and landed face down on the asphalt. Flippin' shattered screen!

Sent From my Dual-boot Razr Maxx (RaZR3Ds.JB.ROM.FiNaL.v3-R3Ds) via Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: matt on February 23, 2013, 05:00:00 PM
Shock, horror, commiserations.
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: S.Prime on February 23, 2013, 05:38:21 PM
I'm mad enough to spit nails! My Nexus just fell out of my sweater pocket and landed face down on the asphalt. Flippin' shattered screen!

Sent From my Dual-boot Razr Maxx (RaZR3Ds.JB.ROM.FiNaL.v3-R3Ds) via Tapatalk 2

Ouch.   :'(

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: bjs229 on February 23, 2013, 07:07:48 PM
Sorry to hear Loocid. Damn. That sucks.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: loociddreemr on February 24, 2013, 12:22:02 AM
Unfortunately, crappy situation, but I'm trying to learn from this.  I believe that I can help those with broken screens at least wipe their devices. 

As long as the appropriate drivers are installed on a PC, there is only one command necessary to wipe the device. 
Code: [Select]
fastboot oem unlock

There is no USB debugging or root required, only unlock the bootloader.  To boot into fastboot mode hold both volume buttons while powering on. Then simply use the fastboot command. In the process, this is what you will see.  Once the screen prompts, or if the screen is completely out, wait for the ellipses (...) and press the power button. 

Code: [Select]
C:\Users\Username>fastboot oem unlock
...
(bootloader) erasing userdata...
(bootloader) erasing userdata done
(bootloader) erasing cache...
(bootloader) erasing cache done
(bootloader) unlocking...
(bootloader) Bootloader is unlocked now.
OKAY [ 18.421s]
finished. total time: 18.423s

If you already have an unlocked bootloader you can re-lock it with the "fastboot oem lock" command, then unlock it.  Or simply use "fastboot -w" as seen here

Code: [Select]
C:\Users\Username>fastboot -w
< waiting for device >
erasing 'userdata'...
OKAY [ 26.568s]
formatting 'userdata' partition...
Creating filesystem with parameters:
    Size: 30080499712
    Block size: 4096
    Blocks per group: 32768
    Inodes per group: 8160
    Inode size: 256
    Journal blocks: 32768
    Label:
    Blocks: 7343872
    Block groups: 225
    Reserved block group size: 1024
Created filesystem with 11/1836000 inodes and 159268/7343872 blocks
sending 'userdata' (139157 KB)...
writing 'userdata'...
OKAY [ 34.029s]
erasing 'cache'...
OKAY [  0.169s]
formatting 'cache' partition...
Creating filesystem with parameters:
    Size: 464519168
    Block size: 4096
    Blocks per group: 32768
    Inodes per group: 7088
    Inode size: 256
    Journal blocks: 1772
    Label:
    Blocks: 113408
    Block groups: 4
    Reserved block group size: 31
Created filesystem with 11/28352 inodes and 3654/113408 blocks
sending 'cache' (9052 KB)...
writing 'cache'...
OKAY [  1.799s]
finished. total time: 62.576s

If thou think this may be an option for you and have more questions, let me know. Its fairly simple.
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: loociddreemr on March 02, 2013, 12:59:49 AM
So, I just got done restoring life into my Nexus. I bought an 8gb off eBay for $100 that had a dead battery. I transplanted my 32GB mainboard and battery into it and fired it up with no issues!

Sent From my Razr Maxx(stock .211, waiting for the MFN soak test) via Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: matt on March 02, 2013, 03:03:59 AM
Nice! Spare parts to sell: back cover, spkr, usb jack. What case to get? I'm using a case logic slip cover for the padding, might add a bt kb front cover. Another thread.s.

Didn't bjs229 have a jack malfunction?
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: matt on March 02, 2013, 11:58:17 AM
I've read that screen cracks caused by the screen lift defect are covered by warranty. If the crack is in the middle of one side when in portrait orientation it might be worth getting an rma from asus. A dent in the silver bezel or damage to the back cover would indicate dropping and not qualify.

The screen lift seems to be caused by overlong screws used in assembly that have been fixed by some using washers. Known manufacturing defect. Even leaving the nexus 7 in the car has cracked some lifted screens because of temperature change.
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: bjs229 on March 02, 2013, 12:13:59 PM
quote by loociddreemr
So, I just got done restoring life into my Nexus. I bought an 8gb off eBay for $100 that had a dead battery. I transplanted my 32GB mainboard and battery into it and fired it up with no issues!

Sent From my Razr Maxx(stock .211, waiting for the MFN soak test) via Tapatalk 2
Very cool. Nice work!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: silvercue on April 26, 2013, 02:05:32 AM
Anyone seen replacement screens at reasonable price yet?
Title: Re: Given up waiting for reasonable replacement screen prices.....options?
Post by: CBers on April 26, 2013, 12:14:49 PM
I checked earlier today and the cheapest is still around £100.

Sent from my 16Gb Nexus 4