bash: ./flash_tool: cannot execute binary file: Exec format error

Question

I try to run SP Flash Tool under Ubuntu MATE but after I chmod +x the executable file, I get this error:

bash: ./flash_tool: cannot execute binary file: Exec format error
bash: ./flash_tool.sh: Permission denied

Anyone have any idea why?

Answer 1

The Exec format error means you are using the wrong file for your computer. Most likely you were trying to use the 64 bit version on a 32 bit Ubuntu. You need to download the right one.

Type arch in a terminal to be sure which you should use.

If you get something like i386 as I suspect, download the "Linux 32 Bit version" under the heading "Direct links for SP Flash Tool Download" from http://spflashtool.com/

Currently, the supposed 32-bit version hosted there is in fact also 64-bit, and so no usable version is available for 32-bit Ubuntu. You might be able to find a 32-bit one elsewhere, but be careful. You cannot be certain any of these downloads (including the above link) are virus-free.

If you get x86_64 choose "Download SPFlashTool for Linux - 64 Bit Tool"

Answer 2

The Download for 32bit Linux on http://spflashtool.com/ is not 32bit, it is the 64bit Version.

Answer 3

Run it as non root user. I'm on Kali Linux with root user by default and I was able to run the flash_tool using a non root user , through gksu:

<< gksu -u my_non_root_user ./flash_tool.sh >>

On Ubuntu it should work without sudo I suppose.

That works for me. I hope it may help!