What difference does registering make for a jailbreak?

[bozza111]

The instructions to jailbreak the 5.8.* firmwares say you should register the device before jailbreaking. It never explains why.

Is this still relevant?

Edit: the wiki says some menus are not accessible if the device isn't registered. Which menus exactly?

[hius07]

As knc1 advised some models don't show writable usb-root until registered.
I believe it is not relevant now.

[knc1]

The first thing a person should do is add the special directory name that blocks automatic updates.

That resides in the topmost directory level of visible USB storage.

If the USB storage is not visible, you can't add the new directory name.

Therefore you are blocked from proceeding unless you register the device.

So in a case such as I just described, register the device.

Not all model/firmware combinations require registration.
So the "safe" advice is to tell everyone to register the device.


For those who wish to ignore the "safe" advice ...
If you can't create the directory name in USB storage, it is a pretty strong indication that in YOUR CASE (whatever it is) you need to register the device.

Next reason:

Having done the above, placed the special directory name in the topmost visible level of USB storage.
Followed by placing the "jail break bin" (whatever it is) in the topmost visible level of USB storage.

Then you have to touch the "Update Your Kindle" menu button.
If you can not find a menu with an "Update Your Kindle" menu button, then register your device.

= = = = =

The simple, easy way, is to just register the device before you start.

If you are unable to register the device with Amazon, then that means the device is "Blacklisted" by Amazon.
Nothing we provide here is intended to work on "Blacklisted" devices and this forum as a matter of policy does not support "Blacklisted" devices.

In this case, give up and return it to wherever you got it.

[Antinoos]

Although you're completely right: The current firmwares are VERY, VERY aggressive in trying to auto-update the fw if connected to the internet. So you MUST do the registration in a hurry, and then switch off WiFi immediately before the background download of the OTA fw is ready. WLAN is getting faster and faster ... the time it takes to download these roundabout 200 MB might be REALLY short...

That's why I always propose to check at first if the out-of-the-box Kindle can be regognized as USB storage already. If so, write the OTA blocker dir. If not - and ONLY! if the Kindle isn't accessible as USB drive - register it. And, as mentioned: Do that in a REAL hurry. Make sure your attention will never ever be deflected by, e.g. a ringing phone ... otherwise, while answering the call, it could be to late; leaving the connected Kindle alone for some minutes without the OTA blocker dir WILL start the unwanted OTA update, thus avoiding the jailbreak...

[shamanNS]

Simplest solution for making sure you avoid complete download of OTA bin file would be : switch your smartphone to 2G only network > activate WiFi hotspot > connect your Kindle to that WiFi SSID > register your Kindle using that oh so slow internet speeds