The preloader partition is the first 256KB (0x40000 bytes) of the EMMC_BOOT_1 region. If you flash a wrong preloader, the device won’t even enter BROM mode. You’d need a hardware programmer (Medusa or Easy JTAG) to revive it.
Furthermore, MT6761 devices store NV data (IMEI, Wi-Fi MAC, DRM L1 keys) in the nvdata and protect1/protect2 partitions. Never check these for download unless you have a full backup. Flashing a generic scatter file over these erases your unique identifiers.
OEMs often modify the scatter file by:
Cause: Line ending errors or extra spaces.
Solution: Open the scatter file in Notepad++ (not Windows Notepad). Set encoding to UTF-8 without BOM. Ensure each line follows key: value format.
Format: "Download Only" (avoid "Format All + Download" unless replacing full firmware) mt6761 scatter file
| Error Message | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---------------|--------------|----------|
| STATUS_EXT_RAM_EXCEPTION | Wrong preloader or DA | Use correct MT6761 scatter + DA |
| S_BROM_DOWNLOAD_DA_FAIL | USB handshake issue | Reinstall MTK USB drivers, short test point if needed |
| PARTITION_NOT_FOUND | Mismatched scatter vs flash layout | Extract scatter from original firmware (custom ROM mismatch) |
| ERROR: STATUS_SEC_AUTH_FILE_NEEDED | Auth file required | Load auth_sv5.auth from vendor |
| Partition | Description |
|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| preloader | Primary bootloader (similar to U-Boot SPL). Handles DRAM init & download mode. |
| pgpt | Primary GPT header – partition table itself. |
| proinfo | Contains device-specific data: serial, MAC, BT address, etc. |
| nvdata | Factory calibration data, IMEI (on some models), modem settings. |
| nvram | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth MAC, RF calibration. |
| lk | Little Kernel – secondary bootloader (fastboot interface). |
| boot | Linux kernel + ramdisk (boot.img). |
| recovery | Recovery image (TWRP/stock recovery). |
| system | Main OS partition (Android system). |
| vendor | Vendor-specific blobs (HAL, proprietary libs). |
| userdata | User apps, settings, internal storage. |
| cache | Temporary system cache. |
| tee1/tee2 | Trusted Execution Environment (OP-TEE). |
| odmdtbo | Device tree overlay for kernel. | The preloader partition is the first 256KB (0x40000
# General Setting
general: MTK_PLATFORM_CFG
info:
platform: MT6761
chip: MT6761
partition:
name: preloader
size: 0x40000
type: ro
When an MT6761 device is completely dead (no display, no vibration), it is often due to a corrupted preloader or lk partition. Using the correct scatter file in SP Flash Tool with Download Only or Firmware Upgrade mode can resurrect the device.