F/BtoS as of 10/21 How to - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II SGH-I777

I am looking for info for the Dev section library. Though there are a few comments made regarding flashing back to stock, none seem to offer a (up to date) return to store, stock phone method.
That having been said could sombody offer up a tutorial so I can post it.
Thank you.

Entropy's Thread entitled "[Heimdall][Odin][Stock][Root]UCKH7 Return/Unbrick to Stock (or Root)" is the closest you are going to find to a complete restore to stock.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1286432
I believe this will work for a good majority of folks needing to get back to stock (provided they haven't completely hosed or done something crazy).
Basic steps:
1. Flash the package in the second link of the OP - *NEW* - Kernel + non-rooted system package using either Odin or Heimdall (user's choice - and extract or prepare files accordingly)
2. If the user has accidentally flashed a i9100 International ROM, then they may need to also reflash the stock ATT modem (also in the thread)
3. For good measure, after those items are flashed, probably best to do a factory reset (either via # code or in the UI)
As I mentioned, that should work for 95% of folks that need to go back to stock.
The other 5% are people that flashed a ROM that had new or alternate bootloaders. In this case, I am not aware of any Odin one-click package or bootloader pack available (yet) for the stock ROM, so this may been an issue. But someone may have some more updated information on that.

First settings> privacy> factory data reset.
Then boot into download mode and flash stock plus non root package from here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1286432
With heimdall or Odin
And for anyone who has flashed a different modem you can get the stock modem from the above thread also.
and encase you need to repartition you will need a stock .pit file as well - though as of now as far as I know this is not needed for any reason - non of the roms or kernels in the dev section here in the att xda forums would cause any need for a repartition. Take care with .pit and repartitioning you could end up with a soft brick, a situation that can be recovered from but still not desirable
And if you have flashed anything containing the boot loaders you will need stock boot loaders too, but be very careful with boot loaders as a mistake with boot loaders can result in a hard brick
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App

tomween1 said:
I am looking for info for the Dev section library. Though there are a few comments made regarding flashing back to stock, none seem to offer a (up to date) return to store, stock phone method.
That having been said could sombody offer up a tutorial so I can post it.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to Prepare Your Phone to Return to the Store or for Warranty Replacement

There you go. A nice easy to read guide by creepy. Good work.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App

Great guide creepy.
To the OP - why do you believe my packages are not up to date? There is only one firmare revision available for our phone, and that's UCKH7. UCKJ2 is a leak - trying to return a phone with J2 will be a surefire sign to AT&T that you've been diddling around.
It is correct I don't include bootloaders in the package - this is intentional, flashing bootloaders is extremely dangerous. I have a bootloader dump buried within the thread, but I strongly encourage you NOT to try flashing those - again, very dangerous with a good chance of hardbricking.

Entropy512 said:
Great guide creepy.
To the OP - why do you believe my packages are not up to date? There is only one firmare revision available for our phone, and that's UCKH7. UCKJ2 is a leak - trying to return a phone with J2 will be a surefire sign to AT&T that you've been diddling around.
It is correct I don't include bootloaders in the package - this is intentional, flashing bootloaders is extremely dangerous. I have a bootloader dump buried within the thread, but I strongly encourage you NOT to try flashing those - again, very dangerous with a good chance of hardbricking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I read through my post again. I thought my question was pretty straight forward, by the responses I received, but I can see where you could have misconstrued my request.
Your packages are all great and (with out a doubt) are the go-to steps. However for noobs, I wanted a more "spelled out" dictation of the steps.... Like the ones supplied by creepyncrawly!
Bro my apologies if I've offended you.... THIS WAS NOT MY INTENT!!!
I still have questions of superuser being in the apps, after all these steps. As I stated to you (PM). I really don't remember if this is installed by AT&T/Samsung out of the box. If not, how is it removed? I would assume, if one were to return a phone, this would be something AT&T wouldn't want to see (again assuming it wasn't stock).

Was the su app still there after flashing entropy's non root package? Are you sure you flashed the non root package and not the stock + root?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App

tomween1 said:
Well I read through my post again. I thought my question was pretty straight forward, by the responses I received, but I can see where you could have misconstrued my request.
Your packages are all great and (with out a doubt) are the go-to steps. However for noobs, I wanted a more "spelled out" dictation of the steps.... Like the ones supplied by creepyncrawly!
Bro my apologies if I've offended you.... THIS WAS NOT MY INTENT!!!
I still have questions of superuser being in the apps, after all these steps. As I stated to you (PM). I really don't remember if this is installed by AT&T/Samsung out of the box. If not, how is it removed? I would assume, if one were to return a phone, this would be something AT&T wouldn't want to see (again assuming it wasn't stock).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you use the UNROOTED version of the package that he provided?
no, superuser is NOT provided by ATT, for obvious reasons.

dayv said:
Was the su app still there after flashing entropy's non root package? Are you sure you flashed the non root package and not the stock + root?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well there's something interesting. I will retry. I had both on my computer and may have used the wrong one.

Related

[Q] unroot for OTA???

I've rooted my GT 10.1 but I have two questions that I can't find the answer.
1. Has anyone discovered how to unroot back to stock?
2. If rooted, will I be able to get the OTA of touchwiz by checking for updates under settings?
PS I flashed the TouchWiz UX found in this forum. Got to say it is really nice and I can't wait to get the version from Sammy. I then restored a backup using Rom Manager and restored fine except when checking for software updates. It used to say no update available, but today it says failed to connect to servers. Anyone else getting this error?
I guess that is actually 3 questions.
Thanks
1. Unrooting is pretty simple. Just flash the 3.1 OTA in the dev forum, after doing a full wipe. If you feel the need to go back to full stock, you'll also want to nvflash back to the original retail recovery, which you undoubtedly saved when you first rooted.
2. No one knows yet, but rest assured, within a day (less probably) of the update being released, it'll be available here as a rooted flashable ROM. If you learn one thing from your time on XDA, it should be "never accept an OTA update." Let the devs pull it apart and repackage it in a nice root-safe download.
Undoubtedly! (I wish) I wasn't planning to root but while playing with Odin, I thought I was locked at the downloading screen while testing odin. (Didn't hold down the power button long enough to shut off tab) I thought my only solution was to continue and root. No problems rooting, it was easy. I just wanted to make sure I get the TouchWiz update. Now I learned my lesson I will never do an OTA update.
Glad you told me that, otherwise I probably would have screwed up my GT. I don't know how I missed the post about backing up the stock image first. I try to read a lot of posts (heck I even use the search box) before trying something new. Anyway, I'm sure it is posted in the forums somewhere if I need to find it.
Thanks!
pmsrefugee said:
Glad you told me that, otherwise I probably would have screwed up my GT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not so much that you'll screw up your device by accepting an OTA, but rather that you might lose root and/or your custom recovery (perhaps permanently). Nevertheless, there are some cases of OTAs screwing up devices when accepted over non-stock installs, so IMHO its always best to wait for a flashable ROM.
pmsrefugee said:
I don't know how I missed the post about backing up the stock image first. I try to read a lot of posts (heck I even use the search box) before trying something new. Anyway, I'm sure it is posted in the forums somewhere if I need to find it.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I believe the stock retail recovery is posted in the CWM recovery download package here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130574. You'll note that Step 3 is where you were advised to backup your original stock recovery, although the step is (correctly) noted as optional. No big deal, in any event. Glad I could help.

[Q] CF-Root / ZergRush Bricked?

Hi folks.
I attempted to root my S2 a few moments ago with the method in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1331784 and everything looked like it was going well. It got to the end of the batchfile and rebooted the phone, only this time nothing came up, just a black screen. Then, I noticed some random pixels on the black screen, only a few, and random colours. Then I noticed more of them appearing slowly, filling the screen. I was confused and watched it in horror for a minute until the whole screen was full and the colours were turning white. I switched off the phone and tried again. No good.
The instructions say to try holding volume up, home and power to turn it on so it starts recovery mode but nothing different happens. I tried download mode and at least that responds.
What are my options? I'm new to all this but having read up I thought I understood it. It seems I was very wrong.
Help!?
Considering that's meant for the Galaxy Note, what zImage did you use with it (assuming you did step 1.2, not-yet-rooted.bat)
I used the one linked, called CF-Root-SGN_XX_XEN_KJ4-v5.0-CWM4.zip.
I had seen people posting in the thread that it worked on the SG2 though. Now you mention it I can clearly see the SGN refers to the Galaxy Note. I was feeling reasonably confident about things but now I think I'm either going to scream or cry.
Is there any way I can salvage this?
You mentioned download mode works, so just flash a stock kernel (or CF-Root kernel if that's what you're after anyway) for the correct device as PDA in Odin and hope for the best!
If you do indeed have an I9100 (check before flashing anything else), CF-Root or Official.
Directly flashing a CF-Root kernel in download mode will increment your binary counter though. So probably best to go for stock kernel.
Thank you for your responses.
I have seen the following on that page;
Orange UK ORAKJ4 CSC: *The URL goes here*
(above link modified as I'm a new user)
I'm from the UK and with Orange so I think that's the one, it has the KJ4 in the name too. Do I use Odin for this?
It's a stock kernel you need, not CSC. Carrier branded ROMs/kernels are in a different thread, [ROMS]Official i9100 carrier branded firmware download for Odin Flash. Do you have any idea what your phone was running before? I would hazard a guess that it's actually the BVKJ4 kernel from that thread which would match, based on the one you flashed earlier.
My bad, I didn't see you mentioned Odin in your reply. I'm feeling a bit stressed out and not thinking well. Unfortunately, having looked down the various packages, I'm unsure now which I need. The one I quoted is a "CSC package", whatever that is.
Can you guide me further because I don't know what my old version was originally.
I have looked in the new thread you sent and I think I need the;
Firmware info: PDA:BVKJ4|PHONE:BVKJ4|CSC:ORAKJ4
You are absolutely right, it did start with BV! If I use the branded Orange one I should be back to where I started? Would flashing it increment my counter? It's the least of my worries at the moment, but if there's a way of preventing it, I'm all ears.
Thanks again.
Flashing a stock kernel in Odin should not increase your counter and will hopefully get your device booting again.
If that's the kernel you go for, you should be picking the file Kernel_I9100BVKJ4.tar.md5 (not Kernel_I9100BVKJ4.exe, extract it first) as PDA in Odin. Just make sure your Odin options look like the ones in Intratech's first screenshot in his guide (linked earlier).
Thank you, it's half downloaded at the moment. I'm glad you mentioned having to extract the contents because I'd have tried sending the whole 300mb or so to the phone.
Hopefully then, this will flash ok and I'll be back in business!
I feel very much out of my depth now.
It should only be about 5MB, it's just the stock kernel you need (i.e. the second BVKJ4 link).
Oh, it's finished downloading and I see when extracted it's actually just that one file.
Here we go, fingers crossed...
I saw your post just in time. I have downloaded the stock one, at 5.1mb.
I could have made another horrible mistake if I'd gone ahead with things. I will now attempt to flash the 8mb Kernel_I9100BVKJ4.tar.md5 file from that archive I've just downloaded (the 5mb one).
Have I missed anything?
hollal said:
I will now attempt to flash the 8mb Kernel_I9100BVKJ4.tar.md5 file from that archive I've just downloaded (the 5mb one).
Have I missed anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so. Just make sure you follow the instructions from Intratech's thread linked earlier, specifically Flashing Firmware with Odin.
Well, flashing that stock kernel has done wonders. Thank you so very, very much!
I will try to find the thread where I was reading about this zergrush exploit working on this phone. I can only assume I'd read it and read this one after and put the two together by mistake. I don't particularly understand the whole thing which is why I liked the idea of this exploit as it keeps things stock.
I will see if I can find that thread and read it carefully.
I think I'll call it a night now, and get to bed. Thanks again.
You're probably still rooted, since zergRush did its thing earlier, and flashing a kernel shouldn't have changed that. The only thing you did wrong was using a CF-Root kernel (zImage) for a different device. If you'd have used one for the right device, it should have worked fine.
I'm not sure how I'd check for root. I don't have that superuser program available as an app.
You could try running an app which requires root and see if it works, but if you don't see the Superuser app, it seems unlikely it will. Anyway, if you're still feeling up to it, the simplest way to root (in my opinion) is using the same exploit you tried earlier, but from a different thread (and it doesn't come with the risks of using the wrong kernel ;-))
[16/Nov][ROOTING/UNROOTING] Xperia 2011 Easy Rooting Toolkit [v3.0](zergRush Exploit).
Takes about 3 minutes.
I think I've found thread I was reading earlier today...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1321582
What part did the ZergRush affect, if not the kernel? If I use this version, with the correct zImage file if I can find it, then I should be ok second time around.
lol.. the joy of cross posting!
I was going to go to bed but now you've made me want to finish what I started.
Please work....

[Q] ICS Leak question, need a direct answer.

I understand that this may have been asked, and I've been looking at similar threads, but I'm having a hard time finding a direct answer, so I apologize.
I have some experience rooting with an Atrix, but I just got this phone two days ago, this morning I used the 1-click method from rootwhiz to install the ICS leak. No problems having it run at all. I need to know, directly, did this install change my bootloader and change the binary count? I can't remember if I saw anytime of yellow triangle as people talk about. If it changed the bootloader what is there a safe method to return to the older bootloaders, and or do I even need to do so to root and install other roms?
I know that the Atrix had some problems in terms of returning to prior versions of things, and in my research I haven't found a direct answer to this question too.
Basically, did my bootloader change? Can I root using the heimdall method I keep seeing about safely? What would be the best way to root and install custom roms, neglecting the binary counter if I can get a jig or something?
Forgive me again for asking, I just need to have better answers before I try anything.
Are you asking for info for your Atrix or SGS2 device?
Sorry, I am asking about the SGS2.
ds1904.ds said:
I understand that this may have been asked, and I've been looking at similar threads, but I'm having a hard time finding a direct answer, so I apologize.
I have some experience rooting with an Atrix, but I just got this phone two days ago, this morning I used the 1-click method from rootwhiz to install the ICS leak. No problems having it run at all. I need to know, directly, did this install change my bootloader and change the binary count? I can't remember if I saw anytime of yellow triangle as people talk about. If it changed the bootloader what is there a safe method to return to the older bootloaders, and or do I even need to do so to root and install other roms?
I know that the Atrix had some problems in terms of returning to prior versions of things, and in my research I haven't found a direct answer to this question too.
Basically, did my bootloader change? Can I root using the heimdall method I keep seeing about safely? What would be the best way to root and install custom roms, neglecting the binary counter if I can get a jig or something?
Forgive me again for asking, I just need to have better answers before I try anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you used the 1-Click method, yes. Your bootloaders are changed. Wouldve been much better to use the Heimdall method or just root your phone then flash the Leak ROM that task650 and Fenny made. As far as reverting bootloaders to stock, thats out of my range of knowledge. Im sure there is a way to do it though.
EDIT: For rooting, best way is to be on stock 2.3.4 and use the Zergrush exploit.
I've seen you're using the past tense a lot, I thought you already DID.
Anyway, for rooting and installing custom ROM, follow this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311081
I can't pinpoint exactly what to do since having no info.
Thanks for the answers so far, now that I know my bootloaders have been changed I need to figure out how to either change back / and how to safely root. I may just have to wait it out I think though, no problem with that really, working just fine now. And never use the alarm
For clarification, my rooting experience is limited to the Atrix, the SGS2 is new as of Monday, and I am having trouble sifting through information. What I've learned so far is that maybe it was a little hasty to install the ICS leak the way I did. Prior to the ICS leak there was nothing changed on the phone.
You're going to have to get some experience with ODIN. Here is the bootloader you'll want to flash back to, however, then you'll probably need to flash a kernel with CWM (clock work mod) and then boot into cwm to flash a rom such as Tasks stock ICS leak. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1316726
So if I follow correctly the ICS leak I installed added newer bootloaders that prevent jigging in the future if it was needed. My two options are apparently to use the method that bypasses the counter, which was posted, or to use ODIN and flash the older bootloader, but this can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
The danger of bricking scares me a little, but I successfully used RSD Lite to unlock the bootloader on my Atrix, don't know if it's similar. Perhaps I should take the Atrix and attempt to install an older bootloader on it to get a feel for things? I figure that it wouldn't make much of a difference however...
I figured out that even though I have a newer bootloader now I still have a 0 for the binary counter, as the leak is considered a samsung official release, of course I don't know how that would effect any given warranty.
So, I still feel that these following questions are unanswered, I apologize if I am not understanding correctly:
1. Is it safe for me to root with the heimdall method even with the newer bootloaders
2. Is it safe for me to install custom roms without reverting the bootloader, as long as I am using the bypass method to prevent my counter from changing?
3. What is the exact risk to flashing the older bootloader, and what precautions should I take before doing so? If I flash the older bootloader without reverting to stock firmware will that cause a brick? Or is the risk just associated with fudging up the process of the flash itself, and hoping that the connection doesn't get cut (on that note, the phone, usb cord, and computer I'm using are all less than 4 months old, so that risk doesn't concern me a whole lote).
Sorry if these are stupid questions, I hope I am asking good enough questions to help others out in the future
After some more reading, here's another question as well:
Does the SGS2 technically have an unlocked bootloader already? It just counts how many times you install non samsung firmware?
Also just so I know that I'm not wrong, are Kernal, Firmware, and "Roms" all the same thing? How can you tell if a "package" or "rom" comes with bootloaders, as this is something I apparently am supposed to avoid.
ds1904.ds said:
1. Is it safe for me to root with the heimdall method even with the newer bootloaders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont believe you can root since you already flashed it with ODIN 1-Click
ds1904.ds said:
2. Is it safe for me to install custom roms without reverting the bootloader, as long as I am using the bypass method to prevent my counter from changing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot install custom ROM's because you dont have CWM.
ds1904.ds said:
3. What is the exact risk to flashing the older bootloader, and what precautions should I take before doing so? If I flash the older bootloader without reverting to stock firmware will that cause a brick? Or is the risk just associated with fudging up the process of the flash itself, and hoping that the connection doesn't get cut (on that note, the phone, usb cord, and computer I'm using are all less than 4 months old, so that risk doesn't concern me a whole lot).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really not sure on these questions. Any takers?
ds1904.ds said:
After some more reading, here's another question as well:
Does the SGS2 technically have an unlocked bootloader already? It just counts how many times you install non samsung firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No; Only download mode (Odin/Heimdall) flashes trigger changes to the warning screen.
ds1904.ds said:
Also just so I know that I'm not wrong, are Kernal, Firmware, and "Roms" all the same thing? How can you tell if a "package" or "rom" comes with bootloaders, as this is something I apparently am supposed to avoid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kernel is a set of drivers that tells the hardware what to do. Firmware is like a new base. (XXLPQ, DXLP7 etc.) A ROM is the whole package.
Please if I missed anything or am incorrect about some/all of this, somebody correct me.
Okay I think I'm starting to figure this out. I downgraded to 2.3.4 using an unroot/stock method I found, using odin and it worked. It would not accept the OTA update however, but I believe this is due to the ULCL2 baseband? Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Now I am going to use method 2c found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311081
to root and restore to the other baseband, which also happens to be the one that's best for my area I believe. From there, I can install CWM using one of the 31-c methods, and use CWM to install custom roms as long as they don't have bootloaders, correct? Or does it not matter if the packages have bootloaders.
Someone correct me if I am wrong, I don't want to ruin anything here. I think it's safe to install the files that come from the 2c method but wont be doing anything else until I know it's safe.
ds1904.ds said:
Okay I think I'm starting to figure this out. I downgraded to 2.3.4 using an unroot/stock method I found, using odin and it worked. It would not accept the OTA update however, but I believe this is due to the ULCL2 baseband? Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Now I am going to use method 2c found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311081
to root and restore to the other baseband, which also happens to be the one that's best for my area I believe. From there, I can install CWM using one of the 31-c methods, and use CWM to install custom roms as long as they don't have bootloaders, correct? Or does it not matter if the packages have bootloaders.
Someone correct me if I am wrong, I don't want to ruin anything here. I think it's safe to install the files that come from the 2c method but wont be doing anything else until I know it's safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be fine. NONE of the ROMs you find on the I777 boards in Ported or Original will have bootloaders so no worries. And yes after root use Mobile ODIN to install a zImage which will give you CWM. Highly recommend Siyah 2.6.14. Please stick to just trying some GB ROM's and get the hang of making nandroids etc before moving on the ICS ROM's.
D3M3NT3D_L0RD said:
Should be fine. NONE of the ROMs you find on the I777 boards in Ported or Original will have bootloaders so no worries. And yes after root use Mobile ODIN to install a zImage which will give you CWM. Highly recommend Siyah 2.6.14. Please stick to just trying some GB ROM's and get the hang of making nandroids etc before moving on the ICS ROM's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I get is an apk file, I've been searching all night for a zimage... The file says i777 flashkernal, and it's just an .apk. Mobile Odin can't see it unless I name it zimage with no file extension. I tried that and it seemed like it was soft-bricked so I used odin on the PC to reflash the stock root think mentioned in the thread.
I was thinking of CM7 if it will work flashing as a zip from CWM, if I can get CWM on there that is.
ds1904.ds said:
All I get is an apk file, I've been searching all night for a zimage... The file says i777 flashkernal, and it's just an .apk. Mobile Odin can't see it unless I name it zimage with no file extension. I tried that and it seemed like it was soft-bricked so I used odin on the PC to reflash the stock root think mentioned in the thread.
I was thinking of CM7 if it will work flashing as a zip from CWM, if I can get CWM on there that is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where in the hell are you getting an apk from? If you dl Siyah or Entropy kernel, the zImage is in the zip. Pull that and put it on your SD card
I am interested because I was in your position. Did the ICS leak 1 day too early and lost root. So what method did you use to go back to GB? Did you have to flash a new bootloader or was that all done in one package? Was it Entropy's "return" method?
I was seeing if I can keep the ICS leak and root. A dev here advised that all I need to do is re-flash the zip filed ICS leak. However since I have no root, I can't CWM recovery...I don't know another method to flash the rooted ICS leak.
So I'm thinking I have to wait for an exploit, or flash back to an old GB, root, ensure I have CWM, nandroid (I nandroided my rooted GB before upgrading to ICS leak), then flash the zip ICS leak.
Does anyone else have alternatives?
ds1904.ds said:
Okay I think I'm starting to figure this out. I downgraded to 2.3.4 using an unroot/stock method I found, using odin and it worked. It would not accept the OTA update however, but I believe this is due to the ULCL2 baseband? Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Now I am going to use method 2c found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311081
to root and restore to the other baseband, which also happens to be the one that's best for my area I believe. From there, I can install CWM using one of the 31-c methods, and use CWM to install custom roms as long as they don't have bootloaders, correct? Or does it not matter if the packages have bootloaders.
Someone correct me if I am wrong, I don't want to ruin anything here. I think it's safe to install the files that come from the 2c method but wont be doing anything else until I know it's safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SMH...root is not needed for CWM... a custom kernel is
Pirateghost said:
SMH...root is not needed for CWM... a custom kernel is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True but to do it with Mobile ODIN you need root
ds1904.ds said:
After some more reading, here's another question as well:
Does the SGS2 technically have an unlocked bootloader already? It just counts how many times you install non samsung firmware?
Also just so I know that I'm not wrong, are Kernal, Firmware, and "Roms" all the same thing? How can you tell if a "package" or "rom" comes with bootloaders, as this is something I apparently am supposed to avoid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"ROM" is an improper name for the firmware flashed to a phone. (the memory in question isn't read-only by any means. In Windows Mobile devices, you had to flash the firmware image all in one go - but on Android, /system contents can be modified on the fly as they're a normal file system.) garyd9 started a little crusade against the term ROM and I try to continue it (but I slip up sometimes).
Kernel contains the most basic low-level hardware drivers for a device. It's a small portion of the firmware for a phone. The remaining portion is the system partition - /system - kernel and /system together make a complete firmware package.
And you are correct - our bootloaders are fundamentally unlocked, the only code signing enforcement is the custom binary counter. It can be reset either with the jig or with TriangleAway (TriangleAway requires ICS)
Entropy512 said:
"ROM" is an improper name for the firmware flashed to a phone. (the memory in question isn't read-only by any means. In Windows Mobile devices, you had to flash the firmware image all in one go - but on Android, /system contents can be modified on the fly as they're a normal file system.) garyd9 started a little crusade against the term ROM and I try to continue it (but I slip up sometimes).
Kernel contains the most basic low-level hardware drivers for a device. It's a small portion of the firmware for a phone. The remaining portion is the system partition - /system - kernel and /system together make a complete firmware package.
And you are correct - our bootloaders are fundamentally unlocked, the only code signing enforcement is the custom binary counter. It can be reset either with the jig or with TriangleAway (TriangleAway requires ICS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you chimed in. I now feel stupid at my lack of knowledge
I almost think that the issue is that your "unzipping" the zip image files that you are downloading.
Why is it so important that you keep the phone in a reversable mode? Are you planning on returning it or perhaps selling it and do not want it to be known that you have flashed it?
Personally I am not knowledgeable enough to offer much advice, I just read the forums as most and try to put together the peices of information that fit my situation.
The Dev forum is by far the best place to look and get your questions answered and there are a bunch of guides on step by step processes. The only real advice I can give you is to google each term and understand what it is you need and then post your question.

Flash back from 4.5.145 to .141, best method?

Well, I've pretty much had it with this latest update (ATT, 4.5.145). I'd like to go back to .141 as its easily rootable. My Atrix is boot unlocked, and I have no interest in the custom ROMs. I dont have squat on the phone I need to keep, so I can blow the whole thing away as needed. I have the latest USB drivers and RSDlite ready to go.
I located the following ROM, and downloaded it... "1FF-olympus-user-2.3.6-4.5.141-111212-release-keys-signed-ATT-US-GAS_NA_OLPSGBATTSPE_P012.sbf", appears to be the correct one.
I've been reading and reading and reading on the forums here (i.e. I've searched a lot), but theres a lot of cross-info, its hard to tell whats applicable in some situations.
So the question....
Which HowTo/Method/Guide would be most appropriate for my situation? Or is there something that would prevent this back-rev?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
K
KetoSoi said:
Well, I've pretty much had it with this latest update (ATT, 4.5.145). I'd like to go back to .141 as its easily rootable. My Atrix is boot unlocked, and I have no interest in the custom ROMs. I dont have squat on the phone I need to keep, so I can blow the whole thing away as needed. I have the latest USB drivers and RSDlite ready to go.
I located the following ROM, and downloaded it... "1FF-olympus-user-2.3.6-4.5.141-111212-release-keys-signed-ATT-US-GAS_NA_OLPSGBATTSPE_P012.sbf", appears to be the correct one.
I've been reading and reading and reading on the forums here (i.e. I've searched a lot), but theres a lot of cross-info, its hard to tell whats applicable in some situations.
So the question....
Which HowTo/Method/Guide would be most appropriate for my situation? Or is there something that would prevent this back-rev?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never flash an SBF unless you have no other choice. Major hard brick risk.
In this section I have a stickied thread with the answers you need.
If your bootloader is still unlocked and you still have a custom recovery installed, flashing a fruit cake should work fine.
upndwn4par said:
Never flash an SBF unless you have no other choice. Major hard brick risk.
In this section I have a stickied thread with the answers you need.
If your bootloader is still unlocked and you still have a custom recovery installed, flashing a fruit cake should work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point, I dont have much choice. Unless some one figures out what motorola/att did with 145 to completely screw root (its beyond my abilities), I need to press forward. If I brick it, I brick it. I'll use your sticky as my guide then, seems reliable.
Bootloader is unlocked, though I've never installed a 'custom recovery'. Looks like the various fruitcakes links are unavailable for download?
What is the advantage of the fruitcake version over the version I posted?
Thanks for the guidance
K
KetoSoi said:
At this point, I dont have much choice. Unless some one figures out what motorola/att did with 145 to completely screw root (its beyond my abilities), I need to press forward. If I brick it, I brick it. I'll use your sticky as my guide then, seems reliable.
Bootloader is unlocked, though I've never installed a 'custom recovery'. Looks like the various fruitcakes links are unavailable for download?
What is the advantage of the fruitcake version over the version I posted?
Thanks for the guidance
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just sold mine but will look in PC history. My matrix was stock 4.5.145 and I rooted it. I remember failing a few methods till I found one that worked. If I figure out what I did I will post it for you. If not fruitcake is best way
KetoSoi said:
At this point, I dont have much choice. Unless some one figures out what motorola/att did with 145 to completely screw root (its beyond my abilities), I need to press forward. If I brick it, I brick it. I'll use your sticky as my guide then, seems reliable.
Bootloader is unlocked, though I've never installed a 'custom recovery'. Looks like the various fruitcakes links are unavailable for download?
What is the advantage of the fruitcake version over the version I posted?
Thanks for the guidance
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The difference between what you posted (an SBF) and what I suggest (a fruit cake) is that an SBF is full stock firmware (bootloader, boot, system, radio, etc). It is the bootloader that causes the problems. Flashing an SBF is a crap shoot. You might do it 10 times without a problem, and the 11th time you hard brick your device. By hard brick I mean hard brick = your device is now a paperweight.
A fruitcake is essentially the same as a custom ROM. You are only flashing the boot and system images. This is always the best option for returning to stock.
However, you are in a different situation - uncharted waters so to speak. No one knows what to expect from 145. And since you don't have a custom recovery installed (CWM, TWRP, etc.) you can't just flash a fruit cake like you would flash a ROM. You should be able to use the fastboot method to flash the fruit cake, but again...uncharted waters.
I suggest trying the following in this order based on your current situation (options 1 and 2 assume you do in fact have an unlocked bootloader):
1) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then try to flash the zip I posted on my rooting guide thread. If this works you will have rooted 145.
2) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then flash the 141 fruit cake I made.
3) Fastboot flash the boot and system fruitcake images.
All the files and info you need can be found on my "Answers" thread and my rooting guide.
Do not flash an SBF until all else has failed. Let me know how things go with the above before you even consider this.
Edit:
Before you try any of the above, did you try UnlockRoot? It may work.
upndwn4par said:
A fruitcake is essentially the same as a custom ROM. You are only flashing the boot and system images. This is always the best option for returning to stock.
I suggest trying the following in this order based on your current situation (options 1 and 2 assume you do in fact have an unlocked bootloader):
1) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then try to flash the zip I posted on my rooting guide thread. If this works you will have rooted 145.
2) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then flash the 141 fruit cake I made.
3) Fastboot flash the boot and system fruitcake images.
All the files and info you need can be found on my "Answers" thread and my rooting guide.
Do not flash an SBF until all else has failed. Let me know how things go with the above before you even consider this.
Edit:
Before you try any of the above, did you try UnlockRoot? It may work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understood, thanks for the explanation.
UnlockRoot couldnt gain root access
I will attempt your suggestions Thanks very much for the guidance, its invaluable
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1769497.
I am pretty sure this is the method I used to root 4.5.145 before I sold it
KetoSoi said:
Unless some one figures out what motorola/att did with 145 to completely screw root ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I hear, the only thing that Moto "screwed up" (I wouldn't really call it that) is that on .145 they filled up /system. That is actually trivial to resolve - delete a few apps from /system/app that you don't need/want (you can install them later if you want to, some can live happily on /data) and - this is crucial - wipe /preinstall, since that is what fills up /system. If you don't wipe /preinstall, just deleting apps from /system will only last until next boot. Or, well, you don't need to wipe /preinstall, you can just flash the rooting preinstall image.
upndwn4par said:
Let me know how things go with the above before you even consider this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to flash CWM Recovery no problem. I was able to flash your superuser zip as well, however it did not root the system. All indicators showed it as being successful, but ultimately it was a no-go.
At that point I flashed your fruitcake 141 images, good to go there. I then applied the preinstall method, and viola, rooted again.
I am good to go, thanks to your knowledge and skills Thank you!
Now, all I have to do is email a scan of my middle finger to motorola/att.... lol
ravilov said:
From what I hear, the only thing that Moto "screwed up" (I wouldn't really call it that) is that on .145 they filled up /system. That is actually trivial to resolve - delete a few apps from /system/app that you don't need/want (you can install them later if you want to, some can live happily on /data) and - this is crucial - wipe /preinstall, since that is what fills up /system. If you don't wipe /preinstall, just deleting apps from /system will only last until next boot. Or, well, you don't need to wipe /preinstall, you can just flash the rooting preinstall image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried several variations of what youre refering to, however it was to no avail.
I went as far as to delete several useless items (apps) out of the dir, the free space indicated never changed. The amount I removed was more that enough copy su in... yet, it always reports not enough space.
I tried an experiment. I renamed the 'fake' su (always zero bytes) in the bin dir to 'su.old'. Within 30 seconds, *something* renamed it back to 'su', happened right in front of my eyes in Root Explorer.
When you say 'wipe preinstall', specifically you mean?
KetoSoi said:
I tried several variations of what youre refering to, however it was to no avail.
I went as far as to delete several useless items (apps) out of the dir, the free space indicated never changed. The amount I removed was more that enough copy su in... yet, it always reports not enough space.
I tried an experiment. I renamed the 'fake' su (always zero bytes) in the bin dir to 'su.old'. Within 30 seconds, *something* renamed it back to 'su', happened right in front of my eyes in Root Explorer.
When you say 'wipe preinstall', specifically you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that's just bizarre. Not sure what to think here.
I meant something like
Code:
moto-fastboot erase preinstall
KetoSoi said:
I was able to flash CWM Recovery no problem. I was able to flash your superuser zip as well, however it did not root the system. All indicators showed it as being successful, but ultimately it was a no-go.
At that point I flashed your fruitcake 141 images, good to go there. I then applied the preinstall method, and viola, rooted again.
I am good to go, thanks to your knowledge and skills Thank you!
Now, all I have to do is email a scan of my middle finger to motorola/att.... lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome!
I really don't understand why the superuser zip did not give you root access.
Moreover, I don't understand why some users seem to be able to root 145.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised since this device has always been a PITA.
upndwn4par said:
Awesome!
I really don't understand why the superuser zip did not give you root access.
Moreover, I don't understand why some users seem to be able to root 145.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised since this device has always been a PITA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very odd some cannot root. I was on permalocked bootloader and still rooted after soak
Its sad, because the 145 update seemed like it made the phone a little snappier, and the screen was a pinch smoother.
What do you guys think about applying the CWM Zip for update 4.5.145 in my situation? Would that be safer?
Uh oh.... you guys ran away! LOL
I was able to flash the 145 update via CWM from NYG-SBXLII's handy zip file
No real problems, 145 running fine WITH root intact. Awesome
Had to blow away the recovery-from-boot.p file afterwards, and re-flash CWM Recovery, but it was all good.
Updated SU and bin's, good to go.
affiatic said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1769497.
I am pretty sure this is the method I used to root 4.5.145 before I sold it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worked for me too with 4.5.145, followed it exactly and had no problems. Thanks!
KetoSoi said:
Well, I've pretty much had it with this latest update (ATT, 4.5.145). I'd like to go back to .141 as its easily rootable. My Atrix is boot unlocked, and I have no interest in the custom ROMs. I dont have squat on the phone I need to keep, so I can blow the whole thing away as needed. I have the latest USB drivers and RSDlite ready to go.
I located the following ROM, and downloaded it... "1FF-olympus-user-2.3.6-4.5.141-111212-release-keys-signed-ATT-US-GAS_NA_OLPSGBATTSPE_P012.sbf", appears to be the correct one.
I've been reading and reading and reading on the forums here (i.e. I've searched a lot), but theres a lot of cross-info, its hard to tell whats applicable in some situations.
So the question....
Which HowTo/Method/Guide would be most appropriate for my situation? Or is there something that would prevent this back-rev?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you unlock the bootloader for firmware 4.5.145? I've been looking everywhere on how to do it safely!
upndwn4par said:
The difference between what you posted (an SBF) and what I suggest (a fruit cake) is that an SBF is full stock firmware (bootloader, boot, system, radio, etc). It is the bootloader that causes the problems. Flashing an SBF is a crap shoot. You might do it 10 times without a problem, and the 11th time you hard brick your device. By hard brick I mean hard brick = your device is now a paperweight.
A fruitcake is essentially the same as a custom ROM. You are only flashing the boot and system images. This is always the best option for returning to stock.
However, you are in a different situation - uncharted waters so to speak. No one knows what to expect from 145. And since you don't have a custom recovery installed (CWM, TWRP, etc.) you can't just flash a fruit cake like you would flash a ROM. You should be able to use the fastboot method to flash the fruit cake, but again...uncharted waters.
I suggest trying the following in this order based on your current situation (options 1 and 2 assume you do in fact have an unlocked bootloader):
1) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then try to flash the zip I posted on my rooting guide thread. If this works you will have rooted 145.
2) Fastboot flash a custom recovery, then flash the 141 fruit cake I made.
3) Fastboot flash the boot and system fruitcake images.
All the files and info you need can be found on my "Answers" thread and my rooting guide.
Do not flash an SBF until all else has failed. Let me know how things go with the above before you even consider this.
Edit:
Before you try any of the above, did you try UnlockRoot? It may work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello, ive been using 4.5.145 and was unable to root it, the problem with mine is that when I try to use the preinstall method it chokes when i type the "cp /preinstall/su /system/bin/... there was a message cp write error: no space left on device.. I have tried everything (almost) to root it but was unlucky.. then i saw this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2153422 ... i wanna try your suggestion but cant find the zip file in suggestion 1 and the 141 fruitcake you made on suggestion 2 and cant find file on option 3.. please do help me.. I have unlocked bootloader and have rom racers cwm.. thank you and more power..

[Q] Some questions about flashing stock firmware.

Right so, this is my first post so I'm very new here.
I have a Samsung S2 (I9100) which I rooted using Framaroot. I then flashed CM 10.1.3 on my phone. I also flashed the DorimanX 9.41 kernel. I want to return my phone to stock everything. Basically, as it was when it came out of the box. I want to do this because I might return it to warranty soon. I know the steps to do. However, I need to understand a few things:
Is Triangle Away safe if I use it correctly?
When I flash the stock firmware, will I be able to receive OTA updates or will all of my updates need to be from Odin?
If I want to restore my warranty, does my phone need to have the carrier branded firmware? I am going to get carrier-branded firmware anyway but I am just wondering.
My baseband version is I9100XXLPH. My carrier is T-Mobile UK. When I go to SamMobile, I get this:
GT-I9100 United Kingdom (T-Mobile) 2013 June 4.1.2 I9100XWLSY I9100TMULS8
If my baseband version is I9100XXLPH, does this mean that this firmware is not correct for my phone?
Thanks for the help!
1) Well yes, like any flash there's that 0.0000001% something will go wrong. You can't remove that risk regardless of what anyone might tell you. If that frightens you, best not flash anything at all. Ever.
2) If you go back to stock, you should be able to get OTA updates OK, but sometimes it doesn't always work out this way. It's just as easy to flash your stock updates via Odin if you find OTA updates won't happen for whatever reason (flashing a 3 part firmware with CSC when you go back to stock seems to make it more likely OTA updates happen smoothly after).
3) If I was returning a phone for a warranty claim, yes, I'd put the latest stock firmware on for my carrier.
4) Forget basebands (which is your modem & not really relevant to anything) or anything else, choose the latest firmware they have for your carrier, flash that.
Thanks very much. However, when using Triangle Away, is there ANYTHING I can do to increase the chances of a successful reset? Also, will having used Framaroot change anything?
I've never had any problems using it (have used it a number of times/on different devices) & am not aware of anything you can do to try and 'maximise' your chances of it working (it should work for most people/most of the time), other than reading thread devoted to it on here thoroughly if you're genuinely nervous about it; other people's experiences in the thread might yield some useful info.
The root method shouldn't have a great deal of bearing on anything, but I'm not a developer so I'm not familiar with the 'inner workings' of how Framaroot injects Su & Busybox onto the phone/whether it does anything materially different compared to other root methods that might interfere with Triangle Away. I don't believe it does based on I can't remember anyone posting in the two yrs I've been coming here saying 'Triangle Away wouldn't work because I used X root method'.
Put it this way, if worse came to worse, if Triangle Away refused to work/reset the flash counter, you could always go back to Gingerbread stock, reset the flash counter with a jig, then flash the latest stock firmware & sent it in for warranty service.
Triangle Away is quick/simple/works most of the time, but that's not the only option you have if it won't work & you absolutely must reset the flash counter.
Thanks for all the advice. One more question though , is Triangle Away compatible with all ROMs and kernels? And (hopefully) final question, do I only wipe data on recovery or do I also wipe cache?
It's I9100 compatible, so yes, it is.
Sent from the little guy
Eyensteinium said:
And (hopefully) final question, do I only wipe data on recovery or do I also wipe cache?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you answer this question?
It doesn't matter, whatever suits you.
Sent from the little guy
gastonw said:
It doesn't matter, whatever suits you.
Sent from the little guy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does the cache do then?
Stores apps' info and other s#!t.
It's not mandatory to wipe per se, but it might help when going stock from custom and viceversa.
I told you, you're safe from the brick bug as long as you stay away from 4.0.4.
Sent from the little guy
OP - You're starting to overthink/ovecomplicate this. There's no need to. Reset the counter, flash stock, done.
Okay. It's just that the warnings on the Triangle Away app are a bit scary and both times I've flashed with Odin, I've been stuck in a bootloop. Anyway, hopefully, I'll have stock JB up and running before Monday.
Sent from my GT-I9100.
Trust me, you'll be fine (never trust someone who says 'trust me' )
When should I wipe data, before or after flash?
After.
Okay, thanks a lot. Just need to make a note of which apps I have installed so I can reinstall them afterwards. Also, is it possible to backup my messages and call logs?
Yes, titanium back up pro & similar.
Sent from the little guy
But Titanium Backup doesn't work without root. After going back to stock, I'm going to stay unrooted for a while. Also, I don't want to backup apps.
Notice that I included "similar" over there.
You really should hit the threads before you jump onto the flashing field.
Sent from the little guy
Thanks for the reply. Just two more questions:
If I do EVERYTHING correctly, is there any chance of a hard brick.
And, I tried following this guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068193) but the commands it said to back up my efs folder didn't work. Could you recommend an efs backup tool?

Categories

Resources