View source for Firefox OS/TCP/Flashing your device/

<div class="note error">These instructions are being tested. Please report successes or issues with them in the #TCP IRC channel.</div>

====Notes About Terminology====
* Firefox OS is frequently referred to by its code name (and original name) ''B2G''.  
* The files we use to flash the device are referred to as images, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Read-only_memory ROMs] or builds.
* The proper abbreviation for Firefox OS is ''FxOS''.
* The process of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashing_%28technology%29 ''flashing''] refers to writing the ROMs to the device to update the operating system to a different version.
* ''Flatfish'' is the code name we use to refer to the 10" tablets being tested.
==Flashing Your Device==
<div class="note error">If you have not flashed the [https://wiki.mozilla.org/FirefoxOS/TCP/Flashing_the_Flatfish_bootloader updated bootloader], please do so before flashing a new build.</div>
Before beginning, it is best if your device is not almost dead (if the battery's red, it's almost dead).
* Download the build you would like to flash.
** Check the [https://etherpad.mozilla.org/CmJbD8V0QX build status page] to see if there are notes about major issues with the listed builds.
** If none of the listed builds are viable ("good"), choose the build in the ''stable'' folder.
** Download the build files [https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b2py1btcwstqldl/AABblbq_csa1IHQwdvLdfptTa from dropbox]. Only builds from the last seven days (and the stable build) are available.
** Using the ''Download'' (as zip) option will save time and make for a much smaller download. [[File:dropbox_download_button.png]]
* Extract [http://test1.manichord.com/moz-tcp/ADB-Fastboot-and-Scripts.zip this file] into the '''same''' folder as your build files.
* ''Windows users'': If you have not installed Android USB drivers previously, you likely need to follow [https://wiki.mozilla.org/FirefoxOS/TCP/Installing_USB_Drivers_on_Windows these directions] to do so.  If you do not and receive the error <code>device not found</code> you'll need to install them.
* ''Linux users'': If you have not, you need to [https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/Firefox_OS/Firefox_OS_build_prerequisites#For_Linux.3A_configure_the_udev_rule_for_your_phone add udev rules] for the device. Use idVendor '''18d1''' (the tablet) and '''0bb4''' (for fastboot) That's ''two'' separate rules. You may also want to add a rule for 1f3a:efe8 which is the FEL mode for bootloader reflashing, but currently there's no linux solution for that.
* Turn on your device and plug it in to your computer via the USB cord.
* Run the ''flash'' file.
** On Windows the file will be called '''flash''' or '''flash.bat''' (if you have file extensions unhidden). The icon may have gears in it.
** On Linux the file will be called '''flash-flatfish.sh'''
*** Ensure you have proper permissions to run it
*** On Linux you must pass the location (path) of the image files as an argument (''<div style="display:inline; color:blue">./flash-flatfish.sh .</div>'' should work if the files are in the same directory)
* You should then be asked if you want to flash user data.  Saying yes will clear any user data such as apps you have installed and emails.  Data stored on an SD Card will survive. <br>If you are moving between a major version of FxOS (e.g. 1.4 -> 2.0 or 2.0 -> 1.4) we recommend that you choose to flash the user data (thereby deleting it).
* After making your userdata selection the tablet will reboot into "fastboot" mode and display the Firefox OS logo.  In the command window, if you see <code>< waiting for device ></code> for longer than 30 seconds, try unplugging the USB cord from your computer and plugging it back in.
* The flash will take a few minutes and the screen may display random colors. Do not unplug, disturb or mock the device during this time.
* Once finished, press any key to reboot the tablet.