So I plugged my Vibrant into Odin to revert to stock. Apparently everything went wrong, and now my phone is stuck at the Phone---!---computer screen. It seems that my phone won't respond to hardware methods of entering download mode, so am I screwed?
Keep reading on here. This has happened to many people. Keep trying things and hopefully you will get it.
1. Remove SD and SIM card
2. Remove battery
3. plugged the phone into USB (connected to PC)
4. held down vol-up and vol-down
5. popped the battery back in while holding vol buttons
I've tried that, and many other methods, multiple times already. It seems that none of the volume/power methods do anything for my phone. I'm certain that if hardware-locks do exist for certain vibrants, mine just so happens to be one of them (Date on box is August 13). I just want to know if anyone with a similarly dated phone has ever been able to access download mode without adb.
If anyone knows of more methods, please post them. If all else fails, I'll go complain in my local T-Mobile store that my phone died. I have no idea if that'll get me anywhere, but it's worth a shot.
Does anyone who has had a problem similar to mine know of any fix? By that I mean, has someone who has had a presumably hardware-locked phone ever been able to boot it into download mode without adb? I'd really like to know if I can salvage this thing, or if I have to try my luck with T-Mobile.
Try holding volume down and holding power button and plug in USB while this is happening.
Sadly, I've tried that method as well, thank you though for responding. I will continue trying since it seems not to be a 100% thing for some people. Anyway, for the Volume keys + Power method, can anyone provide a more precise time of releasing power than "When it goes black". I'm hoping my inability to enter download mode is human-error, so I'd like as much input on this as possible. Thanks in advance.
Generic112 said:
Sadly, I've tried that method as well, thank you though for responding. I will continue trying since it seems not to be a 100% thing for some people. Anyway, for the Volume keys + Power method, can anyone provide a more precise time of releasing power than "When it goes black". I'm hoping my inability to enter download mode is human-error, so I'd like as much input on this as possible. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you see the " !---> (pc)" symbol, plug your USB in. Hold down volume +, volume -, and power. As soon as the screen turns black release the power button only. Continue holding Vol + and Vol -. You'll enter Download mode.
I've tried that multiple times, but I will continue to try it. It seems as though my phone won't register that buttons are being pressed. All that happens is the phone reboots to the Phone--!--Computer screen every time the power is held and released (As it should). No combination of buttons seems to have any affect on this. Oh well, I'll continue trying and hopefully someone will post a working method.
I have the same problem and the hardware button method isn't working and I am stuck at the Phone ! Computer screen, and I read around the forums and they say that some Vibrant's have the hardware method locked, so you can't boot into Download mode from using the buttons. Since adb cannot find the phone when its stuck at this screen it seems we are both screwed. I have found no other solution other than returning it Tmo, not sure if they will exchange since it might be a violation of warranty.
I'm just going to play dumb when I go to T-Mobile. I'll say it just booted into that screen, and I can't get out of it. The hardware lock appears to be a defect, since it's not present on most Vibrants, so that should be able to warrant the replacement phone. I've been with T-Mobile awhile, and they're usually pretty good with replacements. Besides, the phone would be easily fixed if it wasn't broken in the first place.
But before I go to T-Mobile, I'm going to try and talk to Customer Service. If it's a common problem, then I'm sure it can be covered under warranty (Even though MOST ways of getting it require voiding warranty). Again, on the basis that this wouldn't be a big deal if my phone worked like a normal Vibrant. Besides, I'm sure T-Mobile can flash it without requiring the hardware method, so even if they only charge me some sort of service fee, I won't really mind.
As final moral reassurance for myself, I only tried to flash it because apps started FC on me and the phone constantly acted weird. The only thing I've done is root it, so it's not like I really set it up to fail.
Let me know how it goes with Customer Service. I would to get this problem resolved as well with the least amount of trouble. I don't want to have a brick and have to pay like $500 for a new phone. And I think the hardware buttons thing might actually be a defect. I tried doing the hardware buttons thing to get to recovery mode once before and it worked. I did this to install an update.zip to root the phone. It only worked that one time and now the buttons don't boot into recovery mode or download mode. It if works once then not again, there has to be something wrong.
I'll be trying them tomorrow (It's 10PM where I am). If all goes well, I'll try and contact you. I'm pretty sure I'll be safe so long as I don't mention rooting it. The firmware flash they'll have to do should help me on that front, so unless they catch on, I should be safe. Anyway, hopefully tomorrow I'll be good news, otherwise expect some post from me on Monday or Tuesday, depending on whether I have the time to deal with them or not.
Hey Generic112, I got with T-Mobile customer service. I told them about the screen I was seeing but did not mention rooting or attempting to flash the phone. They said they will replace my phone by shipping me a new Vibrant, but I have to return the one I have. I am not sure if they will do a check to verify if the Vibrant was rooted or not after they receive it, but I will have my new Vibrant before they receive the one I have. I won't know what will happen for awhile because its going to take a week for the new phone to arrive and when it does then I will be returning the one with the phone ! computer problem, unless someone thinks it is a better idea to tell them what happened and have them repair it?
I am also struck with the same problem
Hi,
I am also struck with the same problem. Please let me know if you guys got any method to resolve the problem or T-Mobile was able to help.
the3dman said:
Keep reading on here. This has happened to many people. Keep trying things and hopefully you will get it.
1. Remove SD and SIM card
2. Remove battery
3. plugged the phone into USB (connected to PC)
4. held down vol-up and vol-down
5. popped the battery back in while holding vol buttons
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method actually worked for me. I was beginning to think I'd have to build the USB jig, but tried this as a last ditch. Thanks!
The above method has worked for me numerous times with the same problem, my old bricked one, and my new one. Try holding down power button as well once or twice, never know. You have to keep the volume buttons pressed the whole time for it to work.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
ViralCipher said:
Hey Generic112, I got with T-Mobile customer service. I told them about the screen I was seeing but did not mention rooting or attempting to flash the phone. They said they will replace my phone by shipping me a new Vibrant, but I have to return the one I have. I am not sure if they will do a check to verify if the Vibrant was rooted or not after they receive it, but I will have my new Vibrant before they receive the one I have. I won't know what will happen for awhile because its going to take a week for the new phone to arrive and when it does then I will be returning the one with the phone ! computer problem, unless someone thinks it is a better idea to tell them what happened and have them repair it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In some cases that I've read they say, TMo charged them 600$ for the Replacement after finding out that it was bricked due to hacking. Before replacing try to get it repaired by them.
I would also like people whose phones were replaced to confirm what I've said above.
ech419 said:
In some cases that I've read they say, TMo charged them 600$ for the Replacement after finding out that it was bricked due to hacking. Before replacing try to get it repaired by them.
I would also like people whose phones were replaced to confirm what I've said above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He should be able to get the phone woking again, what happened is not a big deal. If he sends it in the way it's sitting right now, t'Mo's techs won't have a problem getting it working again. (IMO) Especially if they find out the phone's rooted, I wouldn't be surprised if he gets charged.
I bricked my phone so bad, it was beyond recovery. I erased the bootloader, therefore it was completelly dead. No life. I got a replacement under warranty for free, never got charged for it.
My advice would be to try and get to work again before sending it in.
Related
Hey everyone - my first post here.
Anyway, I read and read and read about my new Vibrant to see just what I could do with it without screwing it up and bricking it and I find out my device is hardware locked.
After reading [GUIDE] / [THINK TANK] - Accessing downloader & recovery w/ locked hardware access (I cannot post a link just now, apparently) from start to finish, I am more confused than not. I cannot do anything but stay in a boot loop (by holding buttons down) or boot up the phone like normal. No recovery or download mode has so far been possible.
So, can I root my phone? Should I just attempt to exchange it? Should I wait for a work-around? Or is there information I'm missing somewhere?
Thanks, all. This community is insanely helpful and cordial, without you guys I'd never have gotten my dream working properly.
Edit: I was told that my lack of drivers were the problem - I thought I didn't need them on a 32 bit system. I did. Recovery reboot solved for me!
If you cannot enter Recovery Mode with Vol Up+Vol Down+Power, your phone is defective and T-Mo will exchange it.
You're serious? It really is that simple?
So, I call them up, tell them I have a hardware locked phone and I cannot boot into recovery mode, and they'll set me up?
I'm thinking I had to go learn odin and start getting less a'scared of command lines.
FenixGryph said:
Hey everyone - my first post here.
Anyway, I read and read and read about my new Vibrant to see just what I could do with it without screwing it up and bricking it and I find out my device is hardware locked.
After reading [GUIDE] / [THINK TANK] - Accessing downloader & recovery w/ locked hardware access (I cannot post a link just now, apparently) from start to finish, I am more confused than not. I cannot do anything but stay in a boot loop (by holding buttons down) or boot up the phone like normal. No recovery or download mode has so far been possible.
So, can I root my phone? Should I just attempt to exchange it? Should I wait for a work-around? Or is there information I'm missing somewhere?
Thanks, all. This community is insanely helpful and cordial, without you guys I'd never have gotten my dream working properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's my advice in a step-by-step:
-Install the AndroidSDK (And make sure it is named that) Found here - http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
-Move the folder to Computer> Local Disk ( C: )
-Run the .exe
-Go to Settings, click on Miscellaneous, and check Force https
-Click on Available Packages and install (And then minimize)
-Click Start and search cmd (Also known as Command Prompt)
-Type cd\ (And then press enter)
-Type AndroidSDK\Tools\adb reboot download (And then press enter)
**Make sure your phone is plugged into the computer with USB Debugging turned on.
Your phone will reboot and be in Download Mode. Hope this helps.
Hardware Locked, huh? really? on the vibrant?
Can someone explain what hardware locked vibrant is. Is this some term you guys made up. I can not for the life of me, figure out, why in the world Samsung would ship some phones hardware locked and others not.
Makes no sense, someone explain, seems like this is a made up term which does not apply to Vibrant.
Either Samsung is being completely ignorant to this issue or they have the worst quality control. I am beginning to think it's both. Simply google searching brings up lots of results on this issue.
My first Vibrant (USB port eventually broke) 3 button recovery worked fine; dated July 15. The replacement after that did not work, nor did the one after that. Those were both made on Aug 16. I finally got a refund under buyer's remorse and waited another week. Got my fourth Vibrant today, made 09/01 and yes it does work with 3 button recovery.
Keep in mind none of my Vibrants were refurbished units. They were all brand new. I think Samsung has a serious flaw on their hands. I'm concerned about keeping this phone even but I added the insurance on it just in case.
By "hardware locked" they mean that you cannot access the phone's recovery or dl mode using the 3 button method.
this has apparently started with the 08/**/2010 batches. beforehand this phone was deemed "unbrickable" but it's now actually possible with the newer shipments so ppl have got to be a lot careful trying to mod their phones now.
on a side note: i've read that Samsung Mobile Canada has admitted that the hardware locked phones are in actuality a defect. hopefully Samsung Mobile USA will come to the same conclusion.
sabooher said:
Either Samsung is being completely ignorant to this issue or they have the worst quality control. I am beginning to think it's both. Simply google searching brings up lots of results on this issue.
My first Vibrant (USB port eventually broke) 3 button recovery worked fine; dated July 15. The replacement after that did not work, nor did the one after that. Those were both made on Aug 16. I finally got a refund under buyer's remorse and waited another week. Got my fourth Vibrant today, made 09/01 and yes it does work with 3 button recovery.
Keep in mind none of my Vibrants were refurbished units. They were all brand new. I think Samsung has a serious flaw on their hands. I'm concerned about keeping this phone even but I added the insurance on it just in case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's the first phone dated after 08/** that i've heard of actually having the 3 btn modes work. My bf has a vibrant and I've been holding off purchasing one myself since hearing about the hardware locked ones. i've been literally scouring ebay for a phone that was a part of the July batch.
well, this gives me a little hope.
Oniyuri said:
By "hardware locked" they mean that you cannot access the phone's recovery or dl mode using the 3 button method.
this has apparently started with the 08/**/2010 batches. beforehand this phone was deemed "unbrickable" but it's now actually possible with the newer shipments so ppl have got to be a lot careful trying to mod their phones now.
on a side note: i've read that Samsung Mobile Canada has admitted that the hardware locked phones are in actuality a defect. hopefully Samsung Mobile USA will come to the same conclusion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well just my 2 cents on the topic, entering recovery mode required following strict steps, miss 1 single step, and you won't get into recovery.
now as far as download mode goes, I have been able to get into it once. This was by accident, I was randomly doing various sequences of volume rocker and power, it went into download mode. Now since then, I have no clue what sequence I used, but I have never been able to get into download mode ever again.
Additionally, my phone is dated 7/2010, so the 8/2010 batch theory doesn't hold since I can not get into download mode either now.
To get into Recovery Mode, follow these steps.
Okay, I'm reading lots of people having trouble getting into recovery mode, thinking their phone is broken or busted. Chances are you are not holding down the power button log enough, or you are letting go of something too quick.
FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS STEP BY STEP.
1) START with your phone off
2) Press volume up AND volume down at same time, keep them pressed in the entire time, do NOT let go. I prefer to hold my phone in landscape, this gives me better control with my fingers.
3) WHILE holding down volume up and volume down, press and hold power button, DO NOT LET GO OF ANYTHING. You should be holding down volume up, volume down, and power, DON'T LET GO! HOLD ON... and proceed to next steps, dont let go!
4) PHONE will start, you will see the white Vibrant logo. STILL DON'T LET GO, volume down, volume up, and power all pressed.
5) White Vibrant logo disappears, still dont let go!
6) White Vibrant logo re-appears again for the second time. Right when you see the white vibrant logo pop up a second time, let go of ONLY the power button, keep holding down volume down and volume up.
7) Phone enters recovery mode, you can let go the volume rocker.
hope this helps, it worked for me, hopefully it works for you also.
now can someone post sure fire method into getting into download without needing to connect the phone to your computer and using odin?
Oniyuri said:
I think that's the first phone dated after 08/** that i've heard of actually having the 3 btn modes work. My bf has a vibrant and I've been holding off purchasing one myself since hearing about the hardware locked ones. i've been literally scouring ebay for a phone that was a part of the July batch.
well, this gives me a little hope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hate to break it to you, my phone is made in July, and it WILL NOT go into download mode, I do however get into recovery mode.
That phone date batch theory doesn't hold true, so you can stop searching for july phones.
Oniyuri said:
on a side note: i've read that Samsung Mobile Canada has admitted that the hardware locked phones are in actuality a defect. hopefully Samsung Mobile USA will come to the same conclusion.[/QUOTE]
where did you read this, please provide the link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Mobile USA support is worthless. I called three times and finally got someone in "premier support" who didn't know anything. He actually went as far as to tell me a simple data wipe would resolve this problem, ha! I then got a hold of someone at Samsung Telecom corporate office who said he'd look into it and never called me back. No surprise there either. I think it's kind of sad that people are having to resort to Facebook wall comments to get a company to start backing it's products.
Thanks to sabooher, I was able to get into download mode with no problems, I hope this works for you, and thank you again sabooher.
okay, start off with your phone turned off
hold down both volume down and volume up at the same time, do not touch the power button
now, get your usb cable, have one end into your computer, the other end put into your vibrant, while you are still holding down the volume up and volume down at same time. dont touch power button
your phone hopefully will now go into download mode!
SamsungVibrant said:
FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS STEP BY STEP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, no good.
jonathan3579 said:
Here's my advice in a step-by-step:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had the sdk already, so that was no problem. With usb debugging on, I had the same problem I've always had with adb - error: device not found.
SamsungVibrant said:
Oniyuri said:
on a side note: i've read that Samsung Mobile Canada has admitted that the hardware locked phones are in actuality a defect. hopefully Samsung Mobile USA will come to the same conclusion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where did you read this, please provide the link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, it's all over their facebook page. I've read tons of android sites so I can't quote the site that led me to this page but I've been following the Samsung Mobile Canada FB page over the last few days about it. Suffice it to say: the Bell customers are really not pleased with the 3 btn issue: Samsung Mobile Canada
FenixGryph said:
Nope, no good.
Had the sdk already, so that was no problem. With usb debugging on, I had the same problem I've always had with adb - error: device not found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe you don't have the correct drivers installed, try the ones from this thread --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=728929
Well here's my take on things. I got my phone (July 11th build date) directly from T-Mobile corporate. Came via FEDEX on launch day. Long story, suffice to say I had Behold II and complained to the right people at the right time and got swapped a Vibrant to basically shut me up.
Entering download mode seems to be very timing specific even for this original batch phone. There is only one way I can reliably get download mode 100% of the time...
- Pull battery
- plug in to USB cable connected to PC
- hold down VOL DOWN + VOL UP (DO NOT HOLD DOWN POWER)
- Insert battery
Alternately I can get into download mode using VOL DOWN+ VOL UP + POWER, but I have to be very careful to catch the right moment after the Vibrant logo appears the 2nd time to release power to get download mode.
When I ODIN, I use the first method always now.
masterotaku said:
Entering download mode seems to be very timing specific even for this original batch phone. There is only one way I can reliably get download mode 100% of the time...
- Pull battery
- plug in to USB cable connected to PC
- hold down VOL DOWN + VOL UP (DO NOT HOLD DOWN POWER)
- Insert battery
Alternately I can get into download mode using VOL DOWN+ VOL UP + POWER, but I have to be very careful to catch the right moment after the Vibrant logo appears the 2nd time to release power to get download mode.
When I ODIN, I use the first method always now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd. I've never had a problem getting into download mode; in fact, I was confused the first time it happened cuz I didn't mean to! All I have to do is make sure the USB cable is plugged in and then hold all 3 buttons when I turn it on and into download mode it goes.
crazycaveman said:
That's odd. I've never had a problem getting into download mode; in fact, I was confused the first time it happened cuz I didn't mean to! All I have to do is make sure the USB cable is plugged in and then hold all 3 buttons when I turn it on and into download mode it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tend to have bad luck with Odin too. I've seen the "ohsh*t" icon many times...
(note: the "ohsh*t" icon is what I call the phone/caution symbol/pc icon I tend to see quite often)
When that happens the ONLY way I can get back to download mode is the battery-insert method.
FenixGryph said:
Nope, no good.
Had the sdk already, so that was no problem. With usb debugging on, I had the same problem I've always had with adb - error: device not found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It definitely sounds like you don't have the correct drivers installed. My drivers were downloaded through the installation of Kies, however, is your computer online while you are attempting this? I can only speak for my computer which is running Windows 7, but it automatically downloads any updated/new drivers necessary when connected online.
woot!
Ha ha!! The drivers were the problem. I was under the impression I only had to install the samsung drivers if I was on a 64 bit system.
I'm looking at my recovery menu now and am very happy! Wish I had time to do the stuff I wanted to do the vibrant before work, but I gotta make a couple of bucks before I get this guy set up just how I want.
See? I knew XDA was the place to be. Many thanks Oniyuri and jonathan3579!
Hello everyone,
Firstly, I did not find a board dedicated to the S5660. So I posted it here.
Today, I tried to backup my current installation of Android to my SD. I used
a guide on androidpolice(dot)com, while searching for "complete android backup" in Google.
My phone had to be rooted, which it was, so I went on to download and install Clockworkmod's ROM Manager. I opened it up, fixed the permissions and made a backup. Before I could make one, I had to pick a phone model. However, these were all very strange types or brands I never even heard of.
I randomly picked one, and my phone NOT being listed should have served as a warning but alas, and the app started backing up. After it was done, it all seemed normal so I pressed "home" to go back to my main screen and pressed the "lock/power" button so my screen would turn off. I put the phone in my pocket.
Exactly 2 minutes later, I pull out my phone and I notice the screen is black, I push the lock/power button: nothing happens. I hold the lock/power button in the expectation that the phone will boot up since it might have been shut down accidentally. Nothing happens.
I remove battery, re-insert battery. I repeat this over a dozen or so times to no avail. I try the download or safe boot key-combinations (volume down + home + power) and nothing helps.
It's as if either all the keys are broken, something went seriously wrong in the interior hardware or hopefully, (the most simple possibility) my battery gave the ghost.
I went to the shop where I bought the Galaxy Gio and told them about the issues I had, they said they were going to send it to a Samsung Service Center for repairs. After I went home and had browsed the Internet for some possible solutions, I returned to the shop to try out several of the tricks that were listed (inserting battery on the exact same time when you press the buttons), nothing worked.
Does this smell to bricking or just a dead battery?
Before any conclusions are made (it sounds like its bricked though)...dead battery?... Did you try charging it?
Theonew said:
Before any conclusions are made (it sounds like its bricked though)...dead battery?... Did you try charging it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It happened while I was at school, I immediately went to the shop and the guy helping me said he had plugged it in for a short while. I guess I believe him since I did not see it but he said the phone did nothing.
But how come a software malfunction can mess up the physical buttons like the power/volume or lock buttons?
Darmvlinder said:
But how come a software malfunction can mess up the physical buttons like the power/volume or lock buttons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the software of a device is corrupted, then the hardware won't work properly (if at all). Example: you flash a rom for a device with one button and your device has five, then of course the software wouldn't recognize the other buttons (this is just an example of the hardware part cause if you actually did that, your device wouldn't even start). Also, you said that you just randomly chose one made for another device, for future reference: NEVER flash a kernel, rom, etc. not made for your device or atleast not stated to work on your device.
Theonew said:
If the software of a device is corrupted, then the hardware won't work properly (if at all). Example: you flash a rom for a device with one button and your device has five, then of course the software wouldn't recognize the other buttons (this is just an example of the hardware part cause if you actually did that, your device wouldn't even start). Also, you said that you just randomly chose one made for another device, for future reference: NEVER flash a kernel, rom, etc. not made for your device or atleast not stated to work on your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I figured this when I tried to do the actual backup but it seems I was too stupid to stop the entire process.
I have already given it to the store as they will send the phone to a Samsung Service Center. Do you know how the processes of repairing for such phones work?
Also, if the phone is a total brick, it cannot be recovered whatsoever?
Darmvlinder said:
Yes, I figured this when I tried to do the actual backup but it seems I was too stupid to stop the entire process.
I have already given it to the store as they will send the phone to a Samsung Service Center. Do you know how the processes of repairing for such phones work?
Also, if the phone is a total brick, it cannot be recovered whatsoever?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best thing to do is hope they can't repair it . If they happen to get it to work and find out you rooted it, they will just return it to you the way it is now. I hope you didn't tell the guy how this happened...
P.S. - No, I don't know the process they use to recover something like this. I'm no expert in recovering hard bricks (know a few stuff, but not in this case).
Theonew said:
The best thing to do is hope they can't repair it . If they happen to get it to work and find out you rooted it, they will just return it to you the way it is now. I hope you didn't tell the guy how this happened...
P.S. - No, I don't know the process they use to recover something like this. I'm no expert in recovering hard bricks (know a few stuff, but not in this case).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guy asked me whether I had ever let the phone come into contact with water or fluids or if I ever let it fall down to the floor, neither of which have happened in the past. I also told him an update through Kies went awry and caused the system to be unstable till the crash of today.
The dude seemed pretty confident in that the warranty would cover. I don't know. I feel like a giant moron, to be honest.
Darmvlinder said:
The guy asked me whether I had ever let the phone come into contact with water or fluids or if I ever let it fall down to the floor, neither of which have happened in the past. I also told him an update through Kies went awry and caused the system to be unstable till the crash of today.
The dude seemed pretty confident in that the warranty would cover. I don't know. I feel like a giant moron, to be honest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another future reference (although you dodged the bullet here): never tell your manufacturer (or whoever is supposed to look after the warranty of your device,etc.) that you rooted (or even tried to root) your device. Well, you just have to hope for the best now .
Theonew said:
Another future reference (although you dodged the bullet here): never tell your manufacturer (or whoever is supposed to look after the warranty of your device,etc.) that you rooted (or even tried to root) your device. Well, you just have to hope for the best now .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just sat through a Live Chat session with Samsung. Even though Google does not oppose rooting, Samsung effectively makes a deal out of it. I told him the same story, that an update through Kies made several things pop up on my phone which I did not understand etc. etc.
I am hoping for the best. But I am befriended with someone working in the store that sold the phone to me. He said most techs won't bother with low-budget smartphones (as in trying to grab you by the balls) and will much rather flash the phone with Samsung stock ROM.
Hi XDA, firstly wow...great site, lots and lots and lots of info, seems like a great community.
My phone: SGH-T959 (Samsung S Vibrant)
My issue: After flashing Axura 2.2.7 my phone doesn't turn on...at all...ever!
History: I'll say up front that I'm a long time android user with a technical background (Windows, Cisco networking, light Linux, etc) but first time rom flash experience. I bought a used SGH-T959 off Ebay, came stock with android 2.1 stock, I used Samsung Kies (straight off the official site) to upgrade to android 2.2. Well the phone slowed down, a lot. I felt ready to try my hand at flashing a Rom.
I first did a lot of reading, got Odin and my 2.1 and 2.2 stock files, flashed to 2.2 just to get a little comfortable. Worked fine. I charged my battery to full and then started the process of rooting my phone, again worked fine. I then updated to E2 boot loader (if I remember correctly) so I could work in recovery mode. I rebooted for good measure after going to E2 and all was still well.
**Issues incoming***
Using Clockwork I rebooted into recovery, flashed Axura 2.2.7 and the phone froze. Almost in a panic I pulled the battery and the phone was fine, still in stock 2.2. I booted to recovery again via Clockwork and attempted to flash Axura again, completed this time so I rebooted. That's the last time my phone did anything but look like a shiny rock. Will not power on.
Things I have tried:
* Holding many, many different combos of buttons after reinserting the battery
* Bought a usb Jig off ebay, nothing happened when inserted (tried holding many different combos of buttons while inserting it and while inserting the battery)
* Holding many, many different combos of buttons after connecting the USB cable to my computer with known good USB drivers (from when I used Odin)
* Used a known good battery from another T959 phone (co-worker that has same phone)
* Just for kicks I registered the device with Samsung, had two days left on the one year manufactures warranty so shipped it back to them, they returned saying the phone had experienced water or corrosion damage and the warranty was void.
As to Samsung's response I would like some feedback as to the possibility (it was a used phone after all). Just seems very unlikely that the phone would die just as I flashed it...
I am at a loss, I would love to get some helpful hints, tricks or anything else I could possibly do to get my phone back into download mode. I feel confident that if I could get the phone to that state I could get the process right.
Tell me I didn't waste my money on a now dead phone, give me some hope.
your best option is taking it to repair shop
don't know the point of using kies. Don't think it's a necessary step.
try these instructions: http://rootzwiki.com/topic/605-guid...nja-apps-everything/page__p__11106#entry11106
You can probably start on step 2 since you have nothing to back up. This will bring you back to stock and try flashing again. I use these instructions all the time before i flash a new rom
Good luck and keep us posted
Thanks for the link, however as I said in my OP, I have used Odin before and am comfortable with it, the phone doesn't turn on, aka no download mode)
It seems Jtag repair is my last hope (unless anybody gets creative and surprises me), anybody recommend one?
I searched and found one for $40 - mobiletechvideos.mybigcommerce.com/samsung-vibrant-jtag-brick-repair
Anybody review or offer an alternative?
TRY THIS
1) pull the battery out
2) plug ur usb wire to ur pc and ur phone
3) hold volume up+ wolume down
4) insert the battery in
GOOD LUCK...
try to odin back to stock
1. Start Odin
2. Plug USB cable into pc
3. Power off the Phone.
3. Pull the Battery.
5. Plug USB cable into Phone.
6. Press and Hold: Volume UP + Volume DOWN + Power, all at the same time.
7. Re-insert the battery.
8. The phone will power now, when the screen starts a cycle of going to a BLACK screen, release ONLY the POWER button.
9. When you see the download icon release the volume buttons,
10. Odin back to stock by putting the PIT file into the appropriate area and the .tar in the PDA area.
Or try that same method without holding the power button, just the volume rocker (up and down) when plugging into usb that works for some ppl
The vibrant is tough to hard brick so keep trying
I'm not really aware of the "E2 Bootloader" link maybe.... The only bootloader that I'm aware of is the Gingerbread bootloader. Either way I just posted this maybe it will be of help to you as well.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=19481353#post19481353
Keep in mind to have ODIN up when trying to get into download mode, if the phone screen is dead the only way to know you are in download mode will be the yellow box in ODIN when your device connects.
Good luck!
did you try with the battery IN:
volume UP + HOME key + POWER......?
I don't really see many people mentioning that option for DL mode....
Want to say thanks to everybody for the sugestions.
At this point after trying all the above and many more, I'm still dead in the water, I'm deciding between the $40 unbrickable mod install + flash to stock and the $40 JTag fix repair from mobiletechvideos.com
Anybody have experience with either service?
No, but this could be throwing good money after bad, however scorpn on the tw web site has a 8.00 roughly jtag, on a blackscreened brick it may not work. But it might, probly shouldnt be pimping another website, but thats where it is.
mog44net said:
Want to say thanks to everybody for the sugestions.
At this point after trying all the above and many more, I'm still dead in the water, I'm deciding between the $40 unbrickable mod install + flash to stock and the $40 JTag fix repair from mobiletechvideos.com
Anybody have experience with either service?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only experience I have is a JIG. Have you seen his youtube channel? He has a lot of good info. He really knows his stuff. I learned how use ODIN and the FFC Mod from his videos. I think he has a video showing how to fix your phone or if you ship to him, he will fix it for you.
Try send a PM to him...his username is "connexion2005"
Let me know what happens or if you were able to fix your phone....
Sugartibbs said:
No, but this could be throwing good money after bad, however scorpn on the tw web site has a 8.00 roughly jtag, on a blackscreened brick it may not work. But it might, probly shouldnt be pimping another website, but thats where it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if it were a straight $40 I would just dump the phone, bite the bullet and purchase another device. However on the site it says if the phone ends up being non repairable there is only a $10 charge to cover return shipping.
If I can install the unbrickable mod for $40, flash it back to stock, ship it back to me then I can drop whatever rom I want on it, all the while being able to use unbrickable mod apps to one click restore it...sounds worth a $10 loss chance to me.
Closfig1 said:
The only experience I have is a JIG. Have you seen his youtube channel? He has a lot of good info. He really knows his stuff. I learned how use ODIN and the FFC Mod from his videos. I think he has a video showing how to fix your phone or if you ship to him, he will fix it for you.
Try send a PM to him...his username is "connexion2005"
Let me know what happens or if you were able to fix your phone....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually did buy a USB Jig (OP), still nada on the display and ODIN com check.
My Vibrant phone is one of the versions where pressing any combination of buttons won't let me get to download/recovery mode, and the only way to get there is using odin or the vibrant toolbox. Knowing that plus the fact that right now my Vibrant is black screen locked right now, I'm guessing there's nothing I can do to save my phone at this point. Confirm/deny?
Also, what would T-Mobile say if I took my phone to their store and told them my phone won't turn on. They wouldn't be able to unbrick it would they?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=22063047&postcount=6
The trick above got me into download when nothing else would, but the phone wasn't as dead ad yours sounds. Good luck.
Yeah that didn't work because of the step involving pressing the power buttons. I'm taking it back to t mobile
Actually, this doesn't involve the power button. Putting the battery in, combined with having Odin waiting on a USB connection, does something that is more effective than vol-key(s)+power. Not positive that the USB and/or Odin part is required, didn't deconstruct the method. The OP where I got it said remove sim, but I didn't do that. Good luck
Yeah I meant to say volume buttons. My Vibrant doesn't respond to any of those key combinations so I'm pretty much ****ed
Sorry about that. Good luck with T-Mobile. I don't think you mentioned how it got bricked, but it's probably academic at this point.
Did you read this thread? Sounds like the Black Screen of Death is not uncommon.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=930543
One other option: the Unbrickable Mod, a hardware hack.
If T-Mobile didn't help, try this. Also, try just leaving the phone alone for a little while.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1278683
It helped me when I was in the same position.
Hey man, feel sorry for your troubles.
Try a jig, maybe would manage to put it in download mode, if successful flash gb bootloader so you can unlock your buttons combination.
I dropped my phone a few days ago and the power button stopped working. Reboot ed into recovery from Rom Manager and realized that I couldn't select anything because I need the power button (tried every other button as well; nothing works). Took the battery out and put it back in (the only way to turn it off now) and it instantly booted into recovery. I can't send it to AT&T because I have at least 10 counts and they'll instantly see that CWM is on there.
Please help me!
kancheek1995 said:
I dropped my phone a few days ago and the power button stopped working. Reboot ed into recovery from Rom Manager and realized that I couldn't select anything because I need the power button (tried every other button as well; nothing works). Took the battery out and put it back in (the only way to turn it off now) and it instantly booted into recovery. I can't send it to AT&T because I have at least 10 counts and they'll instantly see that CWM is on there.
Please help me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dropped your phone. Samsung/AT&T warranty doesn't cover accidents, so there's no sense in worrying about your flash count. You're SOL. But you are free to try of course. Reverting to stock is very easy. What would you even do in recovery mode to revert to stock? Did you bother to look around the forum? There is a guide in the general forum on how to do that.
Out of curiosity, I did a google search to see what the repair options were for a broken power button. Saw that Mobile Tech Videos does it for $35 + shipping. Might be one of the better options at this point. As for the counter, just buy or make a jig to reset it.
mzaur said:
You dropped your phone. Samsung/AT&T warranty doesn't cover accidents, so there's no sense in worrying about your flash count. You're SOL. But you are free to try of course. Reverting to stock is very easy. What would you even do in recovery mode to revert to stock? Did you bother to look around the forum? There is a guide in the general forum on how to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They wouldn't know that I dropped it unless I told them that, so as of right now the button stopped working by itself. I reverted to stock a while ago when I thought I bricked it, but I need to get it into download mode which can't be done without the power button.
kancheek1995 said:
They wouldn't know that I dropped it unless I told them that, so as of right now the button stopped working by itself. I reverted to stock a while ago when I thought I bricked it, but I need to get it into download mode which can't be done without the power button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Recovery mode requires the power button. Download mode only requires the two volume buttons. With the phone off, while holding down vol- & vol+ plug in USB cable.
Lawrence of a Labia said:
Out of curiosity, I did a google search to see what the repair options were for a broken power button. Saw that Mobile Tech Videos does it for $35 + shipping. Might be one of the better options at this point. As for the counter, just buy or make a jig to reset it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good info if I ever need this
Has anybody used mobile tech videos to get their power button fixed? Mine stopped working out of the blue today, my phone is long out of warranty, and it refuses to connect to my computer at all so I can't revert to stock (I'm running AOKP 6.27.12 Build right now). I don't want to just send my phone off to some place that isn't reputable.
elementlaxer said:
Has anybody used mobile tech videos to get their power button fixed? Mine stopped working out of the blue today, my phone is long out of warranty, and it refuses to connect to my computer at all so I can't revert to stock (I'm running AOKP 6.27.12 Build right now). I don't want to just send my phone off to some place that isn't reputable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still got to be in warranty with Samsung. The first units were shipped just under 9 months ago.
Mobile tech videos is considered to be quite reputable. I have only seen good reports about them, and the owner posts actively on the XDA-Developers boards.
You should be able to enter download mode. You don't need the power button for that.
Darn I didn't realize how long Samsung's warranties were. I made the switch back in October from Apple products so I'm used to crappy warranties.
I've already shipped to mobile tech videos because I searched around the forums a bit and found out that he is in fact reputable.
And I know how to get into download mode, I can do that no problem. My computer always pops up saying there is some problem with the device and I'm not sure how to fix it. I have the drivers installed correctly and it has worked in the past, but not recently. I would try to replicate it now but I don't have the phone in my possession, and at the moment it isn't really causing me an issue.
If you can't get Odin to recognize the phone once connected to the computer in download mode, then it is most likely a driver problem, or less likely a problem with the USB cable or ports. Once you get the phone back, if you still have the problem, that is where to look first.
I just wanted to point out that the broken power button would not prevent you from returning the phone to stock, although it can be a bit of a problem that you can't use recovery.
Yeah I was a bit worried that if I tried to go through Odin and something got messed up I wouldn't be able to get back into recovery to restore from a backup.
Thanks for all the help! I feel like a total noob and I appreciate your patience haha
In case you haven't already tried, in some versions of CWM (even non-touch) the search button (softkey) works like enter. Try all of the softkeys, one of them might work for you.
Yes, but if you Odin back to stock with a broken power button, that leaves you with stock 3e recovery. Even if you use adb reboot recovery to get into 3e recovery, you can't select anything without the power button.