[Q] Information Overload, please help a noob - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi, I just got an i9300 used at a great price, but after some reading I'm overwhelmed at the amount of guides for it and information. Right now it's on the official stock ROM (latest firmware). I want to restore it to factory settings (it still has some of the previous owner's customizations), and root it so I can remove the useless apps like ChatON.
If I'm using Kies and Odin, would I need to back up the EFS data? Also, if I root, I would have to flash again via Odin? Is there any possibility of devices becoming bricked due to using Odin?
I just want to use the stock ROM with root.
I'm upgrading from an Xperia U, but this phone seems a lot more complicated. With the U I could use flashtool without a care.
I appreciate any help I can get.

iPoo said:
Hi, I just got an i9300 used at a great price, but after some reading I'm overwhelmed at the amount of guides for it and information. Right now it's on the official stock ROM (latest firmware). I want to restore it to factory settings (it still has some of the previous owner's customizations), and root it so I can remove the useless apps like ChatON.
If I'm using Kies and Odin, would I need to back up the EFS data? Also, if I root, I would have to flash again via Odin? Is there any possibility of devices becoming bricked due to using Odin?
I just want to use the stock ROM with root.
I'm upgrading from an Xperia U, but this phone seems a lot more complicated. With the U I could use flashtool without a care.
I appreciate any help I can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(1) ALWAYS backup EFS, doesn't matter what rom or tool you use to root
(2) There is always a chance of bricking a phone, nothing is 100%
(3) Read this and this
(4) After rading, you should be able to answer your questions by yourself, if not dont root or flash.

chrismast said:
(1) ALWAYS backup EFS, doesn't matter what rom or tool you use to root
(2) There is always a chance of bricking a phone, nothing is 100%
(3) Read this and this
(4) After rading, you should be able to answer your questions by yourself, if not dont root or flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I understand it a lot better now. I've been reading repetitively. I used kTool to back up the EFS which saved it in two formats (IMG and TAR), I suppose this is good enough or should I use the other tools? I went with kTool because it seemed to be the easiest.
I've rooted and removed bloatware, and I understand when Samsung releases new updates, I would need to flash via Odin and re-root, right?

iPoo said:
I understand when Samsung releases new updates, I would need to flash via Odin and re-root, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
General > Sticky roll-up thread (The second link Chrismast gave you) > Understanding the basics before rooting. Your answer is there.

Related

[Q] Couple of noob questions regarding rooting and the SG2

I have just gotten myself a SG2, my first Android device.
I probably wouldn't want to root, at least so early, if it weren't for Root Call Blocker Pro which I want/need to install.
So I wanted to ask a couple of related questions:
1. Is there a way of rooting without losing all the apps + settings? If not, can you recommend a could backup app?
2. Could someone please point me to the EASIEST step-by-step guide on how to root a SG2? I have found a couple of threads but am not sure if they are the most up-to-date/best/most appropriate for a novice.
3. Will I be able to apply the official SG2 updates from Samsung after rooting? (OK, so that was three questions....)
Thanks!
hduty said:
I have just gotten myself a SG2, my first Android device.
I probably wouldn't want to root, at least so early, if it weren't for Root Call Blocker Pro which I want/need to install.
So I wanted to ask a couple of related questions:
1. Is there a way of rooting without losing all the apps + settings?
Should not wipe
If not, can you recommend a could backup app?
Titanium backup Pro.
2. Could someone please point me to the EASIEST step-by-step guide on how to root a SG2? I have found a couple of threads but am not sure if they are the most up-to-date/best/most appropriate for a novice.
Root + CWM the one the majority use .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
3. Will I be able to apply the official SG2 updates from Samsung after rooting? (OK, so that was three questions....)
Possible usually .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hduty said:
2. Could someone please point me to the EASIEST step-by-step guide on how to root a SG2? I have found a couple of threads but am not sure if they are the most up-to-date/best/most appropriate for a novice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what you need - failsafe
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126522
Hi everyone. I also have a question regarding stock rom. I know that you'll say I am an idiot but stock rom is deodexed, right?
Sent from my GT-I9100
Thanks for the replies!
@B3311
Now THAT is detailed!
A follow up question though:
Exactly how does this rooting work under the hood? Why do we need to look for a compatible file that we then use to replace.... what?
Octavius69 said:
Hi everyone. I also have a question regarding stock rom. I know that you'll say I am an idiot but stock rom is deodexed, right?
Sent from my GT-I9100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock rom directly from samsung is odexed.
hduty said:
Thanks for the replies!
@B3311
Now THAT is detailed!
A follow up question though:
Exactly how does this rooting work under the hood? Why do we need to look for a compatible file that we then use to replace.... what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting using CF-root replaces the phones kernel (core of the OS) with a modified one, with clockworkmod recovery (nandroid backup, etc), it also includes insecure adb (adb that can run as root not just standard user) and copy's the superuser apk to the system dir and sets permissions.
This is all done via a special initramfs attached to an otherwise stock kernel.
why would you want to root and then use OTA stock roms?
If you find you can't get OTA stock updates after a root (i.e. if Samsung decide to utilise some mad kernel reset counter ban hammer) then simply check XDA where I guarantee the OTA stcks will appear pretty quickly!
Things to consider:
1. Rooting is very very good for numerous reasons that can be found everywhere on XDA - and google.
2. You can replace the kernel for root but continue to use stock rom (and use a jig to replace the reset counters) for pretty much stock functionality.
3. If you root and don't like what you get (i.e. you're mental) then it is just as easy to replace all factory rom/kernel information (which are always available in the original development thread) but you should invest in a jig (from ebay) so you can reset the counters (you can do this via software but I find a jig far simpler).
What JJEgan said.
Rooting won't lose your apps. Titanium Backup Pro is the best way to go.
Install Kies, exit Kies, open Odin, phone in download mode + plug it in, don't touch any of the Odin settings, load "PDA" with chainfire's kernel -> go!
It's really straightforward, but it can be a little nerve wracking the first time.
Thanks a lot guys!
I just rooted, and it "only" took me about 15 min including the downloading of the various files (still way more though than the 30 sec. it should take according to the Chainfire post!! ).
@m4rshall's summary made it clear that the steps are really very few and simple, because when you read the other posts, it seems like a much more complex process due to their size, though they are absolutely necessary to get all the details.
Some follow up questions:
1. What would I need to do if I wanted to the original, factory state?
Not that I'm planning to, but in case I notice some issue that makes me decide to go back (I read in that loooong thread that some people noticed slower connections after rooting??)?
2. From what I've gathered, the yellow exclamation mark at boot is purely "cosmetic" and does not effect in any way at all the performance of the device. Correct?
3. The USB jig: exactly what does it do?? How does it do its magic?? How is it different from a normal cable? Are they only used for Android rooting?
Thanks again!
hduty said:
Thanks a lot guys!
1. What would I need to do if I wanted to the original, factory state?
flash your original rom via odin
Not that I'm planning to, but in case I notice some issue that makes me decide to go back (I read in that loooong thread that some people noticed slower connections after rooting??)?
nonsense
2. From what I've gathered, the yellow exclamation mark at boot is purely "cosmetic" and does not effect in any way at all the performance of the device. Correct?
Yes USB jig will remove it
3. The USB jig: exactly what does it do?? How does it do its magic?? How is it different from a normal cable? Are they only used for Android rooting?
Nothing to do with rooting it was developed to recover from failed download mode .
Details are
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068522
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks JJEgan!
One last question: I already figured out that superuser lists all apps that have root access. But what does CWM do?
hduty said:
Thanks JJEgan!
One last question: I already figured out that superuser lists all apps that have root access. But what does CWM do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clockworkmod recovery is a replacement recovery, it allows you to preform full device snapshot backups, to allow you to restore your phone to any point in time.
Allows you to flash CWM compatible zips.
Mount your SD to a computer while in recovery to copy things to it.

[Q]2 *NEW* Question and Procedural help. Flashing new kernel (first time)

Hello,
After reading a lot and asking for advice/thoughts/suggestions, I have decided to root my phone to install a new kernel on stock firmware to attain better battery life and performance. I like the stability of stock roms, and it was pointed out to me that any other rom will be unstable to some extent (here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=21354863#post21354863)
First, my phone info:
Model: GT-I9100
Android Version: 2.3.4
Baseband Version: I9100XXKI1
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKI4-CL575468
[email protected] #2
Build number: GINGERBREAD.XWKI4
At this point I think I will flash this firmware:
Code:
XILA2
Firmware info
PDA:XILA2
PHONE: XWKI1
Date: 12/01/2012
Android 2.3.6
ITV (Italy):http://www.multiupload.com/DCYIJJ47I5
XILA2 Stock Kernel: http://www.multiupload.com/U7GK3FPHXF
Password: i[email protected]
Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
And I will also flash whichever is the most updated version of SpeedMod
Question 1) Is this possible?
Yes. ~MistahBungle
Question 2) Would this be stable, as claimed by http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=21493150&postcount=14
yes ~MistahBungle
Question 3) Is there anything special about the country specific versions of the firmware on http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278 ?
I.E. I am in Russia, so do I have to install the Russian one? Or can I install XX, etc.
(question was also asked here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=21564834&postcount=1)
no~MistahBungle
4) Is there any way to save the apps I have now before rooting?
Not really before rooting, use speedmod to root your current rom then use titanium backup to backup *USER* apps ~veyka
5) Speedmod says that it includes root. Does that mean that I can just, using odin, skip the step for CF root, and install speedmod?
Yes ~http://touristinparadise.blogspot.com/2010/11/samsung-galaxy-s-how-to-install.html
6) Should I flash XILA2 first or Speedmod first?
Speedmod
6b) If I flash speedmod first to get root, then XILA2, do I loose SM?
when you flash the rom it will come with its own kernel, that will replace speedmod, just flash speedmod again over the top, you wont lose the rom ~veyka
7) At the end of the process below, will I still have the yellow triangle (theoretically?)
Yes, easiest way to get rid of it and keep speedmod/CWM is to buy a USB jig. ~veyka
8) On the Intratech thread, as quoted in the code box above, there are 2 links for the firmware. What is the difference? I asked the question on that thread, but have not gotten a response yet. Search is down.
2nd is full firmware
9) Where can I get ADB codes to use for zergRush?
Kies ~It_ler
10) At what points along this crazy process should I be wiping what?
If I am going to flash the kernel and/or firmware, I understand that there are many steps to take which have been outlined 100 times. I would like to list them below to make sure I have them right. If I make a mistake, can someone please comment to let me know?
1) Root phone using ZergRush
2) Nandroid Backup
3) I understand that I need to backup my EFS folder, which I plan on doing using ktool
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1314719
4) Download Mobile Odin
5) Backup userapps using Ti
6) Use smsbackup+ to backup sms to gmail (doesnt need root but useful app anyway)
7) Flash XILA2 using EverRoot on Mobile Odin
8) Flash SpeedMod on MO
9) nandroid backup again
I appreciate your help and time. Any helpful answer gets “thanks”!
1) Yes.
2) Yes. Absolutely. No reason why it wouldn't be "stable", tho obviously your experience with any given rom/kernel may vary/differ from my experience of same.
3) No
4) The best backup solution for non-rooted phones I could find was MyBackup Pro, but in all honesty you're unlikely to have anything go wrong rooting your phone with CF Root. Best way to go would be to root your phone, then backup using Ti/do a Nandroid backup in CW Recovery before you do anything else, then flash any rom/kernel you want after that. This will give you a backup of your phone pretty much in its "original state" (minus your original kernel tho, obviously) you can go back to if you do find you have problems installing a new rom/if the rom doesn't work as well as you want it to.
You've done well with the steps you've outlined to get to where you want to go, they're very well planned/thought out If you follow those, I'd be surprised if you have any problems.
Edit - bit more detail
Thank you very much!
I just read that speedmod automatically installs root. I assume this means that I can use odin install speedmod on an unrooted phone?
If so, where does that leave my EFS folder?
Edit: Yes I can.
Might want to ask that one on the Speedmod thread. I used Speedmod briefly a while back but my phone was already rooted so I have no idea. I would have thought the first page of the thread would be pretty clear about any instructions.
The EFS thing is pretty simple, root your phone & use Hellcat's kTool to make a backup, store a copy of the backup on your external SD card & a copy on your PC/elsewhere.
jbarol said:
Thank you very much!
I just read that speedmod automatically installs root. I assume this means that I can use odin install speedmod on an unrooted phone?
If so, where does that leave my EFS folder?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MistahBungle said:
Might want to ask that one on the Speedmod thread. I used Speedmod briefly a while back but my phone was already rooted so I have no idea. I would have thought the first page of the thread would be pretty clear about any instructions.
The EFS thing is pretty simple, root your phone & use Hellcat's kTool to make a backup, store a copy of the backup on your external SD card & a copy on your PC/elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did you switch from speedmod?
Doesn't work with CM/Miui There weren't enough pluses with the other roms I'd tried w/Speedmod to warrant sticking with the kernel. So I went back to Miui w/Siyah.
jbarol said:
Why did you switch from speedmod?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BUMP to reflect updated OP
jbarol said:
<snipped>
4) Is there any way to save the apps I have now before rooting?
5) Speedmod says that it includes root. Does that mean that I can just, using odin, skip the step for CF root, and install speedmod?
Yes ~http://touristinparadise.blogspot.com/2010/11/samsung-galaxy-s-how-to-install.html
6) Should I flash XILA2 first or Speedmod first?
6b) If I flash speedmod first to get root, then XILA2, do I loose SM?
7) At the end of the process below, will I still have the yellow triangle (theoretically?)
If I am going to flash the kernel and/or firmware, I understand that there are many steps to take which have been outlined 100 times. I would like to list them below to make sure I have them right. If I make a mistake, can someone please comment to let me know?
1) Root phone using CF Root
2) I understand that I need to backup my EFS folder, which I plan on doing using either:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1308546
OR
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1314719
3) Nandroid Backup
4) Flash XILA2 to get rid of yellow triangle
5) Flash SpeedMod
6) Now I would backup again
I appreciate your help and time. Any helpful answer gets “thanks”!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4) Not really before rooting, use speedmod to root your current rom then use titanium backup to backup *USER* apps
6a) Flash speedmod first to get root todo the following
1) use ktool to backup your EFS
2) backup user apps with titanium backup
3) make a nandroid from CWM recovery
4) Use smsbackup+ to backup sms to gmail (doesnt need root but useful app anyway)
6b) when you flash the rom it will come with its own kernel, that will replace speedmod, just flash speedmod again over the top, you wont lose the rom.
7) Yes, easiest way to get rid of it and keep speedmod/CWM is to buy a USB jig.
veyka said:
4) Not really before rooting, use speedmod to root your current rom then use titanium backup to backup *USER* apps
6a) Flash speedmod first to get root todo the following
1) use ktool to backup your EFS
2) backup user apps with titanium backup
3) make a nandroid from CWM recovery
4) Use smsbackup+ to backup sms to gmail (doesnt need root but useful app anyway)
6b) when you flash the rom it will come with its own kernel, that will replace speedmod, just flash speedmod again over the top, you wont lose the rom.
7) Yes, easiest way to get rid of it and keep speedmod/CWM is to buy a USB jig.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, nearly everything is said.
Just a "small" additional suggestion:
There is a description of how to get rid of yellow triangle after flashing an insecure kernel in Intratech's first post of his Official Firmware thread, in Chainfire's second post of his CF-Root thread, and there is another way of preventing the yellow triangle and the incrementation of the binary counter (other than using a USB Jig):
As you still have XWKI4 stock ROM, you are able to root your phone using the zergRush exploit. (You can find a short description in Intratech's first post of his Official Firmware thread and a link to the corresponding zergRush thread.)
Then you can buy (Chainfire's) Mobile Odin from the Market.
Using the paid version of Mobile Odin and having a rooted phone, you are able to flash stock ROMs (such as XILA2) with the EverRoot option, which allows you to remain root - without the yellow triangle and without an incremented binary counter.
With Mobile Odin you can easily flash custom kernels (such as SpeedMod) as well, after flashing the stock ROM you want to have (XILA2).
Good luck and don't forget to make a backup (as soon as you have rooted your phone) !
That will cost about the same as me getting a jig, and i dont have to worry about it getting lost in the mail
On the intratech thread there are 2 links for la2, which one should I be flashing?
It_ler said:
Ok, nearly everything is said.
Just a "small" additional suggestion:
There is a description of how to get rid of yellow triangle after flashing an insecure kernel in Intratech's first post of his Official Firmware thread, in Chainfire's second post of his CF-Root thread, and there is another way of preventing the yellow triangle and the incrementation of the binary counter (other than using a USB Jig):
As you still have XWKI4 stock ROM, you are able to root your phone using the zergRush exploit. (You can find a short description in Intratech's first post of his Official Firmware thread and a link to the corresponding zergRush thread.)
Then you can buy (Chainfire's) Mobile Odin from the Market.
Using the paid version of Mobile Odin and having a rooted phone, you are able to flash stock ROMs (such as XILA2) with the EverRoot option, which allows you to remain root - without the yellow triangle and without an incremented binary counter.
With Mobile Odin you can easily flash custom kernels (such as SpeedMod) as well, after flashing the stock ROM you want to have (XILA2).
Good luck and don't forget to make a backup (as soon as you have rooted your phone) !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I looked at the zergRush thread, and found that I need to have the ADB drivers. Using google search I found a way to get them through Super1click. Is that the way that you would reccomend?
jbarol said:
That will cost about the same as me getting a jig, and i dont have to worry about it getting lost in the mail
On the intratech thread there are 2 links for la2, which one should I be flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jbarol said:
So I looked at the zergRush thread, and found that I need to have the ADB drivers. Using google search I found a way to get them through Super1click. Is that the way that you would reccomend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Feel free to use a USB Jig - as long as you have the old bootloader.
I recommend to flash Frankenstein ROMs, as they are same as stock ROMs (with old bootloader) and build to be combined with any Modem and/or CSC file.
jbarol said:
So I looked at the zergRush thread, and found that I need to have the ADB drivers. Using google search I found a way to get them through Super1click. Is that the way that you would reccomend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the samsung phone drivers installed, you have the adb drivers, if not there is a copy in my 4shared (link in my sig, 4icon)
So I successfully rooted with zerg rush.
I backed up my EFS
I used Ti to back up my user apps
I am backing up my sms stuff now
How do I do a nandroid backup without having cw?
so i did something stupid, i think. so far i dont see any lasting damage, i dont think.
i went into the market and installed rom manager, then flashed clockwork mod, then went to do a backup but it failed because it couldnt find an update or something. i just rebooted, and my phone turned on, looks fine. how can i a) get rid of that, and b) backup my phone?
jbarol said:
so i did something stupid, i think. so far i dont see any lasting damage, i dont think.
i went into the market and installed rom manager, then flashed clockwork mod, then went to do a backup but it failed because it couldnt find an update or something. i just rebooted, and my phone turned on, looks fine. how can i a) get rid of that, and b) backup my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uninstall rom manager first, it was what caused the problem,
sgs2 does not like or is incompatible with certain functions of rom manager.
download and flash this file using odin for cwm standalone.
Old - 4.0.1.5: http://www.multiupload.com/GEXTWB05E0 (md5: aa3929770791364ddfdc8ca23db2203f)
then go into cwm and make a back up.
Thank you all for your help!

Help HowTo make full backup of original firmware before flash a custom rom

Hello!
Well, I got my S3 since a week ago, from my local carrier, and what so GREAT phone!!!... but, well as with my previous phones I woulkd like to install something more good custom Rom...
However, I bought my previous phones second hand, so, I was never minded about save the original firmware, since I didnt had a warranty to care about... but my S3 is new on a 2 year plan and I had a minimun 1 year warranty to care, so if I root or install a custom rom without have a backup of my exact local firmware version to reflash I would not have warranty ( and by this same reason no other carrier/country firmware would work as backup for my S3...)
So, I would like to ask if may be possible some help (for noob level, please, since I am somewhat new in Samsung issues ) , in order to what could be a good method make a full local backup of my phone,so since it is no root by now, and I wonder and suppose that if I root, if may be possible that the backup may save the rooted status of my phone and in case of a restore the root status may show that the phone was tweaked...
Thanks in advance for kind attention and help.
Best regards!
Read the forum stickies. Also use the search function to search for "help a noob" as this thread already exist.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
SlimJ87D said:
Read the forum stickies. Also use the search function to search for "help a noob" as this thread already exist.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, thanks for take time to read and post, and please dont take me wrong, but, IMO is the type of answer that I often see in other post/forums and IMO barely usefull, but anyway it put me on seaching again, and so, I realize that before I post this thread, I was lost in others posts that didnt have the exactly info, so, Thanks again for take time to answer.
Anyway, I am reading by now, but if may be useful for another noob, seems that Ktools may be the utility for the backup.
Best regards to all!
ok. ill try to help as much as i can besides asking you to search.
1st. you must get rooted using chainfires method. you find the thread under original android development.
2nd. once you have rooted and followed those instructions, you will end with an CWM application in the phone.
3rd. open CWM choose boot to recovery mode.
4th. from there choose backup and restore. then backup. once done your backup will be done and stored in your sd card.
if you are going to restore this phone due to some errors in flashing roms or problems on phone after flashing new stuff its fine.
but if you are talking about warranty claims, you cant do a restore. you need to make sure custom binary counter is already at 0 by using triangleaway from chainfire, then flash a stock firmware using odin , then send for warranty claim.
I got one question that no has been able to answer.
I'm using stock touchwiz launcher that came with the phone. If I backup with titanium, how do I restore my home screen layout?
I can restore all the apps but the home screen layout doesnt restore.
uf21 said:
I got one question that no has been able to answer.
I'm using stock touchwiz launcher that came with the phone. If I backup with titanium, how do I restore my home screen layout?
I can restore all the apps but the home screen layout doesnt restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot save the layout unfortunately. If you use other 3rd party launchers, they usually have the Back up option..
Surfy89 said:
You cannot save the layout unfortunately. If you use other 3rd party launchers, they usually have the Back up option..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They say not to restore system data with titanium. Though I seen that touchwiz is backed up in system data. If I restore the touchwiz backup, will that restore my homescreen layout?
uf21 said:
They say not to restore system data with titanium. Though I seen that touchwiz is backed up in system data. If I restore the touchwiz backup, will that restore my homescreen layout?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possible but as advised TB restore system your risk .
CWM will not back up you original firmware in full as you now have Rooted phone backed up and you will need to reflash stock kernel .
Simpler to download your original firmware and flash via Odin .
Firmware found in the stock rom threads or via CHECKFUS >
jje
ad_ek said:
ok. ill try to help as much as i can besides asking you to search.
1st. you must get rooted using chainfires method. you find the thread under original android development.
2nd. once you have rooted and followed those instructions, you will end with an CWM application in the phone.
3rd. open CWM choose boot to recovery mode.
4th. from there choose backup and restore. then backup. once done your backup will be done and stored in your sd card.
if you are going to restore this phone due to some errors in flashing roms or problems on phone after flashing new stuff its fine.
but if you are talking about warranty claims, you cant do a restore. you need to make sure custom binary counter is already at 0 by using triangleaway from chainfire, then flash a stock firmware using odin , then send for warranty claim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi ad_ek!
Well, That's is for sure a polite and really usefull answer! I really appreciate that.
So, Thank You very much for Your help, and your instructions are very clear to my purposes, and by the way, I will search by my own for more info about the steps and resources that You mention, but in fact is a very concise HowTo to follow.
In special I would like to try to study in detail the info on You last comment, about setting binary counter to 0 with triangleaway since until today I didnt know before about triangleaway resource...so, since this detail seems the most important for my purposse, if I would like to have a lifeguard, that may allow recover my carrier stock rom, to a minimun level, that I may have a chance, that may, at least, allow to try a warranty claim if I may need it in the next 2 years...so, wonderfull your help.
Thanks also to the others that are posting about this thread and best regards to all.
xaser66 said:
Hi ad_ek!
Well, That's is for sure a polite and really usefull answer! I really appreciate that.
So, Thank You very much for Your help, and your instructions are very clear to my purposes, and by the way, I will search by my own for more info about the steps and resources that You mention, but in fact is a very concise HowTo to follow.
In special I would like to try to study in detail the info on You last comment, about setting binary counter to 0 with triangleaway since until today I didnt know before about triangleaway resource...so, since this detail seems the most important for my purposse, if I would like to have a lifeguard, that may allow recover my carrier stock rom, to a minimun level, that I may have a chance, that may, at least, allow to try a warranty claim if I may need it in the next 2 years...so, wonderfull your help.
Thanks also to the others that are posting about this thread and best regards to all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no worries bro. what are forums for.
to learn more about triangle away. use this link -> TriangleAway v1.70
to learn more about rooting using chainfires method use this link -> [03.07.2012] CF-Root 6.4 - SuperSU+CWM5.5+CWMManager
i would really appreciate it, if you could hit the thanks button on the under left side of my post if i helped. have a good day mate
ad_ek said:
no worries bro. what are forums for.
to learn more about triangle away. use this link -> TriangleAway v1.70
to learn more about rooting using chainfires method use this link -> [03.07.2012] CF-Root 6.4 - SuperSU+CWM5.5+CWMManager
i would really appreciate it, if you could hit the thanks button on the under left side of my post if i helped. have a good day mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excelent! Really good links!... so, Thanks again and for sure I hit button so for Your kind posts!
Best regards to all!

Few questions about rooting..

Hi there, I have been reading around on this forum for some time now but this is my first post and I have a few questions about rooting my UK version of the Galaxy S3.
Just to clarify, I am NOT asking how to root a phone, I already know exactly how to do this and the risks involved etc etc, I just want to know a couple of things about what happens after the root.
1. When a nandroid backup is performed after the phone is rooted, is ROM that is backed up COMPLETELY standard or does it have some remains of the root included? i.e. if I wanted to go back to my stock ROM, will it be exactly as it was or will the phone still have some remains of the root in the backup?
2. Does rooting on its own increase the flash counter? I know flashing a new ROM does, but am unsure whether rooting on its own does this (and yes, I am already aware of TriangleAway )
3. In referance to question 1, does reflashing a completely stock ROM remove the root access? (just in case it has to go back for repairs etc).
4. After rooting does anything change with the stock functions of the phone? e.g. will play store still work ok, will apps still update officially through play store etc. Adding to this, will flashing a custom ROM disable these functions? (the ROM I am possibly looking to install is CM)
Thanks in advance to anyone that can help, I understand a couple of these may be stupid questions but I've searched for a long time and as this will be my first root I just want to be absolutely sure what the process involves
paul911 said:
Hi there, I have been reading around on this forum for some time now but this is my first post and I have a few questions about rooting my UK version of the Galaxy S3.
Just to clarify, I am NOT asking how to root a phone, I already know exactly how to do this and the risks involved etc etc, I just want to know a couple of things about what happens after the root.
1. When a nandroid backup is performed after the phone is rooted, is ROM that is backed up COMPLETELY standard or does it have some remains of the root included? i.e. if I wanted to go back to my stock ROM, will it be exactly as it was or will the phone still have some remains of the root in the backup?
2. Does rooting on its own increase the flash counter? I know flashing a new ROM does, but am unsure whether rooting on its own does this (and yes, I am already aware of TriangleAway )
3. In referance to question 1, does reflashing a completely stock ROM remove the root access? (just in case it has to go back for repairs etc).
4. After rooting does anything change with the stock functions of the phone? e.g. will play store still work ok, will apps still update officially through play store etc. Adding to this, will flashing a custom ROM disable these functions? (the ROM I am possibly looking to install is CM)
Thanks in advance to anyone that can help, I understand a couple of these may be stupid questions but I've searched for a long time and as this will be my first root I just want to be absolutely sure what the process involves
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Whe you perform a nandroid backup..everything gets backedup..if you are on a rooted rom when doing a backup (you have to be rooted to do this) your rom will have the root when you install the backup again... to remove the root you will have to unroot your device using means given in various thread...you might have to install a stock firmware in download mode using Odin..even the stock ROM you flash via recovery will have root
2. Any action performed in the download mode will increase your flash counter..rooting is done in download mode via Odin so it increases your flash counter..custom roms are flashed in recovery so they dont increase your flash counter..
3. Read point 1 again
4.The functions present after installing a custom ROM depends upon the ROM..read the OP before flashing (ALWAYS)..but if you are not flashing a test ROM..you will get all the fuctions.. in CM9/10 you will get all the google options..you will loose Samsung specific functions..Smart Stay, Smart Beam etc.
Hope it helped...
Thanks for your reply, that helped a lot
Just one more thing in response to your answer about my 1st question - I am currently on the Three network and it comes with a couple of things as standard in the ROM, so is there any way to backup the ROM without being rooted, just in case it has to go back to Three for repair? Or is there somewhere where I can download a completely stock Three branded ROM to keep safe in case I need it in the future?
Thanks
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Google search this mate
Yes there is a Rom to download
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 03:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:15 PM ----------
If u Google search... and put xda at the end. Utility will normally redirect you to an appropriate thread. Leaving the need to post a new topic obsolete
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
paul911 said:
Thanks for your reply, that helped a lot
Just one more thing in response to your answer about my 1st question - I am currently on the Three network and it comes with a couple of things as standard in the ROM, so is there any way to backup the ROM without being rooted, just in case it has to go back to Three for repair? Or is there somewhere where I can download a completely stock Three branded ROM to keep safe in case I need it in the future?
Thanks
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cut and Paste Basics
ROM GUIDE and stock rom thread on General or use CHECKFUS to download .
jje
Thanks for replies
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] This should be very simple for you techies. Help appreciated :)

Well it's regarding rooting.
I heard it opens up a world of opportunity with your smartphone, and some apps I really want are only available vain rooted phones. I have the Samsung galaxy s3 international version. It was originally from Australia if that matters at all. It is on 4.0.4. Anyways, being a noob to android more or less, and being a bit apprehensive (because I have no warranty and I cannot obtain another phone easily) I was wondering basically how risky it is to brick your phone in a) the process of rooting your phone. Is it common? If it does get bricked is it reversable by a restore or simply gone? Also after rooting, is there any upkeep or management I need to do to make sure my rooted phone does not screw up? And lastly. What is the safest and easiest way to root the international quad core gs3 on ics. Thank you to everyone for your time
mysticgorilla said:
Well it's regarding rooting.
I heard it opens up a world of opportunity with your smartphone, and some apps I really want are only available vain rooted phones. I have the Samsung galaxy s3 international version. It was originally from Australia if that matters at all. It is on 4.0.4. Anyways, being a noob to android more or less, and being a bit apprehensive (because I have no warranty and I cannot obtain another phone easily) I was wondering basically how risky it is to brick your phone in a) the process of rooting your phone. Is it common? If it does get bricked is it reversable by a restore or simply gone? Also after rooting, is there any upkeep or management I need to do to make sure my rooted phone does not screw up? And lastly. What is the safest and easiest way to root the international quad core gs3 on ics. Thank you to everyone for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, most you could pick up be reading a bit, everything is already explained around here but since i was in your shoes very recently:
- there's always a risk. You need to be aware of that. That said, most cases that actually go wrong it's usually user's fault who failed to follow instructions closely. So read them. And read some more. And then read again just to make sure. And then i'd read again.
I used this very recent method from chainfire (salute and donate to the man if you like and can, he deserves it) to root my 4.0.4 international GT-I9300 S3:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1957273
Triangled away next and everything worked like a charm. This preserves everything as stock as possible just adding root to your phone.
- from what i can tell, as long as you don't do anything that messes with the bootloader, you can always recover from a procedure gone wrong. Just disconnect, remove battery, insert and try again. Rebooting the computer or changing usb ports usually helps too (on odin).
- after rooting successfully, the very first thing you should do is backup your /efs folder. This is easy, just pick up root explorer or some other file manager that allows exploring you root (/), go up in your folders until you get to / look for the efs folder and just copy it (NOT MOVE) elsewhere (sd card, external sd, your computer preferably, whatever, just have that safe). This will come in handy in case you lose your imei at some point. Just restore this folder's contents and you're good to go. If that happens and you don't have a backup, it's a f'ing pain you can do well without.
- anything else root related is just common sense. Since you have the potential to screw up your entire phone with root permissions (this is why you don't have them in the first place), if an app pops up asking for root permissions, be sure what it is before allowing. If you're not sure, you can always deny first and allow later in the superuser app.
- you can also look into backing up with nandroid. You can think of this as an image of your entire phone. With this you can restore your phone to the same state it was when you did it. Useful when something went wrong and your phone doesn't boot anymore or you just wanted to try new roms with the option of coming back to what you had before. Not sure how you do it on the S3 still, but it usually requires a modified recovery like CWM. The method to root above doesn't install one though, it preserves what you had. Check this instead if you're interested:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
Cheers dude, i'm sure everything will go well for you too.
Chance of a brick about .0001 % rising to 100% for those that are to lazy to read follow instructions .
BASICS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1927113
jje
Thankyou very much to everyone who has read and replied to this. 3 more minor questions. Is there a way to first update my phone to jellybean 4.1 via Odin or something like that? Or is this possible after root, because I don't want to stay on ics. Also what exactly happens if I update while rooted. Does it wipe or unroot my phone or the like? Also should my phone be in use debugging, and lastly what does it mean to unlock my bootloaders? That was more than 3 questions sorry thanks again
mysticgorilla said:
Thankyou very much to everyone who has read and replied to this. 3 more minor questions. Is there a way to first update my phone to jellybean 4.1 via Odin or something like that? Or is this possible after root, because I don't want to stay on ics. Also what exactly happens if I update while rooted. Does it wipe or unroot my phone or the like? Also should my phone be in use debugging, and lastly what does it mean to unlock my bootloaders? That was more than 3 questions sorry thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You don't need to root to update to JB.
Just download any ROM you want from http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9300 (I recommend the UK unbranded ROM, BTU) then use Odin3 to flash it to your devices. Search the forums for specific instructions on this procedure. I'll just tell that it takes no more than 2-3 minutes.
2) If you're going to root, I suggest you do it beforehand, by flashing a kernel like Siyah (in ICS), and then proceed to flashing the stock JB ROM, HOWEVER, instead of using Odin3, you will use MobileOdion (available from Play Store), because that way you'll have a fully rooted and stock device.
3) Using step 2 above, it will not wipe not unroot your phone. It is safe and retains all your settings. That is the beauty of MobileOdin. There is a free version.
If you root and THEN install via Odin (PC), then you'll lose root, but not your settings.
In either case, you only wipe the device IF YOU WANT TO.
So, the best option is to:
a) Install SiyahKernel using Odin3 (PC)
b) Download the JB BTU ROM from http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9300
c) Extract the .md5 from the ZIP file and move it to the device's ext. sd card
d) Install MobileOdin in the device
e) Use MobileOdin to flash the .md5 you moved to it in step (c)
f) install TriangleAway (download from XDA) and run it to reset binary counter (which got incremented in step [a] )
Results: rooted, JB, stock, all settins retained, no binary counter increment
Simonetti2011 I have been searching the internet here in New Zealand and that has been the best answer I have found so far!
I do have a slight question thought. I live in New Zealand and have the GT-I9300T model of the GS3 and I'm wanting to install the international unbranded rom for that I can get updates faster (here in NZ it takes months and months to get updates)
I downloaded the International UK unbranded firmware 4.0.4 and was going to flash that rom onto my phone then upgrade to jelly bean via kies but have since relised I should just download the jellybean UK firmware straight away. Do you by any chance havea link to the firmware that I would need, I noticed there were a few different versions.
Also about the CSC, would I need to do any changes?
Many many thanks in advance, Sorry for hijacking this thread, just figured I was on the same pages as the OP
prawln said:
Simonetti2011 I have been searching the internet here in New Zealand and that has been the best answer I have found so far!
I do have a slight question thought. I live in New Zealand and have the GT-I9300T model of the GS3 and I'm wanting to install the international unbranded rom for that I can get updates faster (here in NZ it takes months and months to get updates)
I downloaded the International UK unbranded firmware 4.0.4 and was going to flash that rom onto my phone then upgrade to jelly bean via kies but have since relised I should just download the jellybean UK firmware straight away. Do you by any chance havea link to the firmware that I would need, I noticed there were a few different versions.
Also about the CSC, would I need to do any changes?
Many many thanks in advance, Sorry for hijacking this thread, just figured I was on the same pages as the OP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
The 9300T and the 9300 are NOT the same device, therefore they use different firmware (ROM). The ROMs for the 9300T are here: http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9300T
I don't think there is a 9300T ROM for the UK, since the model released there is the 9300 (non-T).
It seems that either Samsung-updates hasn't indexed any ROMs for your model or they haven't been released.
About CSC: just don't worry about it... download and flash any ROM you want for your specific model and don't worry. If you don't like it, just download and flash another one.
Thanks heaps for that!
I actually just tried the UK unbranded rom that was for the i9300 on my i9300T and suprisingly everything seems to work ok so far (phone calls, txting, 3g etc)
Thankyou to everyone!
Thank you for your responses to my post regarding rooting my s3. They were very helpful. i succesfully rooted via chainfire cf auto root for the I9300 model without problem. Just one last question, I have been searching around a bit and some people are saying that flashing the jellybean firmware via odin, is not a perfect copy.. i mean some say they have been experiencing very minor problems here and there. So, if i update to the uk firmware on jelly bean via odin or mobile odin, and i experience some problems, can i still get the official ota update or jellybean 4.1 via kies when it is released? Thanks again for your help. Im pretty new to this android stuff

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