Libra Just bypassed registration on my new Libra H20 =)

[boy_scout_kevin]

I'm a Linux user, so the desktop really isn't an option, and the damn thing refused to login *anywhere* for whatever reason, so I set it back to factory defaults, bypassed WiFi entirely following the instructions I found here: https://www.linux-magazine.com/Onlin...Kobo-E-Readers

...and voila, the machine is mine. Groovy =) I was afraid I was going to have to send it back.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by boy_scout_kevin

I'm a Linux user, so the desktop really isn't an option, and the damn thing refused to login *anywhere* for whatever reason, so I set it back to factory defaults, bypassed WiFi entirely following the instructions I found here: https://www.linux-magazine.com/Onlin...Kobo-E-Readers

...and voila, the machine is mine. Groovy =) I was afraid I was going to have to send it back.

There have been several occasions in past where a firmware update and a bypassed registration triggered a factory reset.

[boy_scout_kevin]

Originally Posted by DNSB

There have been several occasions in past where a firmware update and a bypassed registration triggered a factory reset.

Well, it no longer has network access, so they're won't be any firmware updates.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by boy_scout_kevin

Well, it no longer has network access, so they're won't be any firmware updates.

Why would you never ever update the firmware? Kobo does fix bugs and adds some very worthwhile features.

Do you realize that your fake registration could someday cause everything on your Libra H2O to get factory reset? This is very bad idea. Why not ask a friend who uses a Windows if you can install Kobo Desktop so you can register? Or go to a friend's place and see if you can register with WiFi.

But do not do the fake registration. It's just going to someday bite you in the ass.

[rashkae]

Or you know, if it's a concern, make a back up of your database before updating firmware. Non-problem solved.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by rashkae

Or you know, if it's a concern, make a back up of your database before updating firmware. Non-problem solved.

Ummm.... Would you care to guess what happens when you put a copy of a database that triggered a factory reset back onto your Kobo? Awww... you guessed. It factory resets again. Problem not solved.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by boy_scout_kevin

I'm a Linux user, so the desktop really isn't an option, and the damn thing refused to login *anywhere* for whatever reason, so I set it back to factory defaults, bypassed WiFi entirely following the instructions I found here: https://www.linux-magazine.com/Onlin...Kobo-E-Readers

...and voila, the machine is mine. Groovy =) I was afraid I was going to have to send it back.

Glad to hear you got it going. I'm guessing you could manually update it and the WiFi might work (unless you don't want WiFi).

[rashkae]

Originally Posted by DNSB

There have been several occasions in past where a firmware update and a bypassed registration triggered a factory reset.

Let's start with this. Sauce? I have used the same database (with that same SQL insert.) on every every Kobo e-reader, (except Libra H20) since Firmware 3.19. There was one instance where a firmware update forced me to log out, (and hence re-register, and lost bookmarks.).

1. A far cry from a factor reset.

2. Repeated testing proves that whatever the trigger was, it wasn't the fake registration.

3. Having taken the reasonable precaution of backup up my device prior to the firmware update would likely have allowed me to restore it, if I cared enough about the bookmarks/annoations.

As far as I can tell, this is just one of those things Jwolf has decided to get on a soap box about and repeats every chance he gets without even justifying it when challenged. I have somewhat made peace with his nature,, but really not sure why you started repeating him.

For a fun exercise, comb through this forum for every example where someone was advised to log out to resolve some problem with their database, and compare that to how many times it involved by-passing registration. This has been the silliest Kobo Urban legend of all times. I would be willing to wager letting a device sync with 'cloud' is a far more common trigger for problems. (I haven't even tried to prove that though, so will leave it at that if anyone disagrees.)

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by rashkae

Let's start with this. Sauce? I have used the same database (with that same SQL insert.) on every every Kobo e-reader, (except Libra H20) since Firmware 3.19. There was one instance where a firmware update forced me to log out, (and hence re-register, and lost bookmarks.).

I seem to remember that a few people using a bypass had the device to a factory reset after a firmware update. It's been a while, so I don't remember exactly when. If I remember correctly, a different registration bypass was needed afterwards, so it probably involved a change to the table "user". It's possible a later firmware fixed the problem so that it isn't as severe now.

1. A far cry from a factor reset.

2. Repeated testing proves that whatever the trigger was, it wasn't the fake registration.

3. Having taken the reasonable precaution of backup up my device prior to the firmware update would likely have allowed me to restore it, if I cared enough about the bookmarks/annoations.

As far as I can tell, this is just one of those things Jwolf has decided to get on a soap box about and repeats every chance he gets without even justifying it when challenged. I have somewhat made peace with his nature,, but really not sure why you started repeating him.

For a fun exercise, comb through this forum for every example where someone was advised to log out to resolve some problem with their database, and compare that to how many times it involved by-passing registration. This has been the silliest Kobo Urban legend of all times. I would be willing to wager letting a device sync with 'cloud' is a far more common trigger for problems. (I haven't even tried to prove that though, so will leave it at that if anyone disagrees.)

I agree that it is one of @JSWolf's triggers. Personally, I don't see the point in the bypass as using a fake address works and I can do that without having to pull out tools. Of course, I buy books from Kobo and read them on the device, so, I want my devices registered.

As to stats about database problems, the number of people bypassing the registration is minuscule compared to the number registering. With that, you would not expect to see many problems from those using the bypass. Plus, there is one less way the database is being updated, so there is one less possibility for the database to be corrupted. And then there is a good chance that the ones doing the bypass are also less likely to need to come here and ask questions when they have problems.

And just like you, I can't prove any of that. But, if feels right.

[Pajamaman]

I'm not referring to the OPin this post, who has circumnavigated registration because of a lack of Windows. Saying that, wouldn't it work in Wine, or some kind of VM? Anyway.

The refusal to just register with a fake email seems odd to me. It's not logical. It kind of reminds me of an antivaxer I know. It's belief over reasoning. NWO stuff.

[rashkae]

Originally Posted by davidfor

And just like you, I can't prove any of that. But, if feels right.

For what it's worth, you get my vote,, I think it feels right too

[Edit]

I want to clarify.. I'm not saying anyone *should* do this.. I don't have a list of pros to avoiding registration.. Indeed, it reduces the functionality of the device a person might want to use later, (ie, buying a book, or even reading one of the freebies, right on the device with no need to move files around.)

From time to time, someone comes to this forum asking *how.*.. Sometimes they give a reason, sometimes they don't.. and I don't really care. It's my pleasure to answer, because I enjoy tinkering with my own device. And when I supposed "own' something, I expect it to do what I tell it, not some cloud daddy.

But every time,,,, without fail, never do I get a 'Thank you for sharing this obscure knowledge.'... it's someone rushing into the thread to shout "Don't do that,, DOOM DOOM DOOOOOOM!!"... .and it's frankly irritating.... So there's *my* trigger

[rashkae]

Originally Posted by Pajamaman

I'm not referring to the OPin this post, who has circumnavigated registration because of a lack of Windows. Saying that, wouldn't it work in Wine, or some kind of VM? Anyway.

The refusal to just register with a fake email seems odd to me. It's not logical. It kind of reminds me of an antivaxer I know. It's belief over reasoning. NWO stuff.

It's easier than that actually, all you need is WiFi... The Kobo can function perfectly fine independent of any software whatsoever.

[Quoth]

You only need a WiFi point. Most phones now can do that. It's possible also to use a laptop/PC that has WiFi and cabled ethernet to share the Internet by Wifi. Free software or included.

Kobo does zero with the email address. It doesn't even need to be real.

There is no need to bypass registration unless you are not able to access internet ever, in which case where do you get ebooks?

I've used Linux for years and don't have any ereader vendor's applications on WINE or a VM.

Maybe your WiFi has settings not compatible. I've setup five Kobos now without any applications or database hacks. Just made sure the WiFi was sensible and used a different email address. I used a specially created one years ago, the first time and it's still not had any Kobo email nor any spam at all. Only emails are my own tests.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by rashkae

It's easier than that actually, all you need is WiFi... The Kobo can function perfectly fine independent of any software whatsoever.

And that seemed to be part of the OP's problem. At least, I read the comment about not logging in anywhere as saying their Kobo would not connect over WiFi.

[rtiangha]

I can see wifi being a problem if the H2O's wifi chip is so old that all it has is a 2.4GHz radio and/or supports older wifi standards like g or n when the only access points available are 5GHz and/or only support newer standards like ac. Sometimes you don't get to choose what radio to connect to the access point with or even have admin access to the networking equipment to configure things, so I could see some situations where lack of network access on older devices to register could be a problem as time goes on.