So here it is....
I JUST bought a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 from friend, good guy. Phone was in immaculate condition and had already had a custom rom on it (Alliance Rom) but an older version. I fell in love with the phone and like anyone who obsesses over their android i wanted to flash the latest and greatest rom. I wanted to try out the Ditto Note 3 rom. I went ahead and downloaded the rom on the root of my sd card and started the process as i've done a million time. Backed my data up and everything (except the efs).. The rom said it successfully flashed so i thought i was good to go. Attempted to boot up and it bootlooped on me and seemed to not be going as normal. after minutes and minutes i decided to just removed the battery, restore my backup and start from square one. I restored my backup and the phone booted right back up... but with NO SIGNAL... No IMEI and it would not read my SIM card. What can I do??? I also checked nv.log and it said no nv > Def Nv created > nv created. does that mean anything? If anyone can help me out PLEASE do. I'm going to attempt to just flash it back to stock tonight.
This thread may help you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51465796 .... even though it's talking about 4.3, I've read other posts where people reported that Odin restoring back to Stock 4.1.2 and flashing the pit file may work to fix things. Also doing factory reset from within the stock Rom looks to be recommended. I also remember reading where someone said they just kept flashing different 4.1.2 Roms and eventually the Imei/baseband returned.
Section 1b in Droidstyle's guide should help you restore the phone to stock. Here's the guide link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34891181
Since you were likely on 4.1.2 prior to this....(unless your friend was running Alliance ROM on safestrap MJ9....), then you should restore back to VRAMC3. Look for the firmware titled "Official VRAMC3 4.1.2 5/5/13" in Droidstyle's guide. You can use Adam Outler's CASUAL program to Root and unlock bootloader after getting back to stock 4.1.2. (Don't flash any unmodified/official firmwares 4.3 or above, because you'll permanently lock your bootloader with no current do it yourself method to unlock it).
Good luck! Hope you can get it fixed.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
mattnmag said:
This thread may help you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51465796 .... even though it's talking about 4.3, I've read other posts where people reported that Odin restoring back to Stock 4.1.2 and flashing the pit file may work to fix things. Also doing factory reset from within the stock Rom looks to be recommended. I also remember reading where someone said they just kept flashing different 4.1.2 Roms and eventually the Imei/baseband returned.
Section 1b in Droidstyle's guide should help you restore the phone to stock. Here's the guide link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34891181
Since you were likely on 4.1.2 prior to this....(unless your friend was running Alliance ROM on safestrap MJ9....), then you should restore back to VRAMC3. Look for the firmware titled "Official VRAMC3 4.1.2 5/5/13" in Droidstyle's guide. You can use Adam Outler's CASUAL program to Root and unlock bootloader after getting back to stock 4.1.2. (Don't flash any unmodified/official firmwares 4.3 or above, because you'll permanently lock your bootloader with no current do it yourself method to unlock it).
Good luck! Hope you can get it fixed.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANKS FOR THE REPLY!! I will definitely be trying this AS SOON as i get home lol. #Optimistic
YES
mattnmag said:
This thread may help you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51465796 .... even though it's talking about 4.3, I've read other posts where people reported that Odin restoring back to Stock 4.1.2 and flashing the pit file may work to fix things. Also doing factory reset from within the stock Rom looks to be recommended. I also remember reading where someone said they just kept flashing different 4.1.2 Roms and eventually the Imei/baseband returned.
Section 1b in Droidstyle's guide should help you restore the phone to stock. Here's the guide link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34891181
Since you were likely on 4.1.2 prior to this....(unless your friend was running Alliance ROM on safestrap MJ9....), then you should restore back to VRAMC3. Look for the firmware titled "Official VRAMC3 4.1.2 5/5/13" in Droidstyle's guide. You can use Adam Outler's CASUAL program to Root and unlock bootloader after getting back to stock 4.1.2. (Don't flash any unmodified/official firmwares 4.3 or above, because you'll permanently lock your bootloader with no current do it yourself method to unlock it).
Good luck! Hope you can get it fixed.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked like a charm!!! Thanks a million!
Awesome man. Glad you fixed it.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Related
OK so here is the story and I was debating if this is the right place to post but I do feel it is more on the developing side. I originally rooted and unlocked my bootloader following Casuals method and everything was just fine. I had an option to sell the phone in preparation for buying the GS4 so I used the return to stock method posted in the forums to return my device completely to stock. After doing so everything was also fine. I received an update to LL4 and that went OK straight from Verizon but last night when the VRAMC3 update was pushed to my phone it soft bricked it. It ultimately was stock on the splash screen stating Samsung Note 2. After trying to ODIN back to stock with multiple FAILS I was able to get it back to the Root66 MR Robinson by using the pit file but every time I try to update and or root/unlock bootloader it soft bricks again. I am assuming that the update that was pushed updated my bootloader and as of now I am stuck till there is a new bootloader Jailbreak. If not I would love some instruction on how to get my phone rooted with an unlocked bootloader or a flashable ODIN file that will at least get me to the latest VRAMC3 fully stock ROM. Thank you for the HELP.
Next time read the stickies...when they say NOT to accept OTA updates, usually there is some meaning behind it.
Shawnkanan said:
OK so here is the story and I was debating if this is the right place to post but I do feel it is more on the developing side. I originally rooted and unlocked my bootloader following Casuals method and everything was just fine. I had an option to sell the phone in preparation for buying the GS4 so I used the return to stock method posted in the forums to return my device completely to stock. After doing so everything was also fine. I received an update to LL4 and that went OK straight from Verizon but last night when the VRAMC3 update was pushed to my phone it soft bricked it. It ultimately was stock on the splash screen stating Samsung Note 2. After trying to ODIN back to stock with multiple FAILS I was able to get it back to the Root66 MR Robinson by using the pit file but every time I try to update and or root/unlock bootloader it soft bricks again. I am assuming that the update that was pushed updated my bootloader and as of now I am stuck till there is a new bootloader Jailbreak. If not I would love some instruction on how to get my phone rooted with an unlocked bootloader or a flashable ODIN file that will at least get me to the latest VRAMC3 fully stock ROM. Thank you for the HELP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem. Flash the pit file with odin and wait for the phone to turn on. the problem is fixed to get the phone working. Then you can flash other stuff.
Thank you for the replies even though one was not helpful at all. I have flashed the root66 file with the pit and it does work but if I try to run the casual jailbreak or flash any other odin files it fails. My assumption is my bootloader got updated and has locked me out and I will just have to wait for a new boot loader exploit. Thanks
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
droidstyle said:
Next time read the stickies...when they say NOT to accept OTA updates, usually there is some meaning behind it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is best advice u can get to avoid unwanted situations
XT912 CDMA
1droidmod said:
Is best advice u can get to avoid unwanted situations
XT912 CDMA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I can give more, but I get tired of repeating myself all the time...especially when its posted in every section of this sub forum.
Read Read, Search Search... U will figure it out..
XT912 CDMA Pac Man 4.2.2
1droidmod said:
Read Read, Search Search... U will figure it out..
XT912 CDMA Pac Man 4.2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a sticky or something definitive on the subject of rooted (via Casual) Verizon Note 2 users getting the OTA update and retaining root? I'm currently VRALL4, rooted via Casual, with SDM frozen to avoid the OTA update. But I'd rather not stay in this state indefinitely.
madtowner11 said:
Is there a sticky or something definitive on the subject of rooted (via Casual) Verizon Note 2 users getting the OTA update and retaining root? I'm currently VRALL4, rooted via Casual, with SDM frozen to avoid the OTA update. But I'd rather not stay in this state indefinitely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you are rooted via Casual there is no such thing as accepting Verizon's OTA if you want your phone to keep working. (This info can be found in 1 or 2 basic searches, which everyone should do first.)
If you want to get the 4.1.2 features there are 3 options that I know of: 1) flash a zip of the 4.1.2 update, 2) flash a full 4.1.2 stock rom, or 3) flash a custom rom that has 4.1.2 features in it. You can find all 3 options in the Original Development section of xda. Imnuts has implemented #1 but read the forum on the ins and outs. Beanstown106 has created #2. And Beanstown106's latest Jellybeans 16 is a custom rom that incorporates 4.1.2.
Ok, so yesterday my phone was unable to be rooted and unlocked for some unknown reasons. So, stupidly, I flashed the back to bone stock restore file realizing that it was a custom rom file and soft bricked my device. Luckily, with the help of google, I used root66 in which made my device able to boot up back to normal while rooted.
I then took the 2 OTA updates to get to Android 4.1.2 with the build VRAMC3 and now I know for a factho its completely stock according to odin mode. Im ready to unlock this device and get roms up.
Although, Im still scared at when I soft bricked my device. Im wondering if there is any sort of restore file that is compatible for VRAMC3 or if I can use root66 or a downgradeable pda file if I were to soft brick my device again somehow? If someone can link me to it, that would be appreciated.
Thanks.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024207.
Read through this has everything u need
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
Wow, you have now created 3 different threads and posted in 2 different casual threads. Just stick to the most current casual thread and stop the unnecessary multiple threads. Use the current version of casual to unlock your phone. Don't worry, your phone isn't going to blow up from using it
AldenIsRad said:
Ok, so yesterday my phone was unable to be rooted and unlocked for some unknown reasons. So, stupidly, I flashed the back to bone stock restore file realizing that it was a custom rom file and soft bricked my device. Luckily, with the help of google, I used root66 in which made my device able to boot up back to normal while rooted.
I then took the 2 OTA updates to get to Android 4.1.2 with the build VRAMC3 and now I know for a factho its completely stock according to odin mode. Im ready to unlock this device and get roms up.
Although, Im still scared at when I soft bricked my device. Im wondering if there is any sort of restore file that is compatible for VRAMC3 or if I can use root66 or a downgradeable pda file if I were to soft brick my device again somehow? If someone can link me to it, that would be appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In this case I would only use the alternate restore to return to stock if you have to. Then you can accept updates or not.
Ridin' a Note 2 blast
I just wanted to confirm that you can Odin back to MJ9 4.3 from the newest ND3 4.3 to regain root. This is for 4.3 bootlocked GN2s ONLY. It was quite painless actually, all my data was as it was before. I backed up to the internal memory using Helium just in case (since I lost root), but I was able use saferoot without issue and am now back to rooted.
I had used Kingo before to root, so I am actually glad to use saferoot this time since I am planning to install SafeStrap and flash N3BULA over stock soon.
gee1000 said:
I just wanted to confirm that you can Odin back to MJ9 4.3 from the newest ND3 4.3 to regain root. This is for 4.3 bootlocked GN2s ONLY. It was quite painless actually, all my data was as it was before. I backed up to the internal memory using Helium just in case (since I lost root), but I was able use saferoot without issue and am now back to rooted.
I had used Kingo before to root, so I am actually glad to use saferoot this time since I am planning to install SafeStrap and flash N3BULA over stock soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confirmed. Just ODIN'd back to MJ3 from the VRUAND3 update and regained root using Saferoot.
seriously whaaat can u post the needed files and step by step directions ive never used odin before
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
mrraya said:
seriously whaaat can u post the needed files and step by step directions ive never used odin before
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024207&nocache=1
Be sure to thank @droidstyle for taking the time to make this guide
Another confirmation, Odin'd back to MJ9 from ND3 then used saferoot to root.
Can also confirm working for me and rooted also. Does anyone know how we can stop the OTA notification or do we just ignore it?
stop the ota notification note 2
Ostate24 said:
Can also confirm working for me and rooted also. Does anyone know how we can stop the OTA notification or do we just ignore it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Change
FWupgrade.apk to FWupgrade.bak
SDM.apk to SDM.bak
I am not allow to post a link at this time so do a search on "stop the ota notification note 2"
Regain root, ND3 question,Correct MJ9, ODIN7
gee1000 said:
I just wanted to confirm that you can Odin back to MJ9 4.3 from the newest ND3 4.3 to regain root. This is for 4.3 bootlocked GN2s ONLY. It was quite painless actually, all my data was as it was before. I backed up to the internal memory using Helium just in case (since I lost root), but I was able use saferoot without issue and am now back to rooted.
I had used Kingo before to root, so I am actually glad to use saferoot this time since I am planning to install SafeStrap and flash N3BULA over stock soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I have been looking for except it says to "REGAIN" root.. I have never had it (ROOT) to start with.. So will this still work?
and
where do I get the correct MJ9 since I did not get it off my phone before I lost it.?? or am I ODIN back to out of the box state which is VRALJB?
Odin 7 or Odin 9
I have read ODIN7 ? but Odin9 is newest as far as I can tell...want to double check.
thanks so much!!!!
mrraya said:
seriously whaaat can u post the needed files and step by step directions ive never used odin before
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thebat1 said:
This is what I have been looking for except it says to "REGAIN" root.. I have never had it (ROOT) to start with.. So will this still work?
and
where do I get the correct MJ9 since I did not get it off my phone before I lost it.?? or am I ODIN back to out of the box state which is VRALJB?
Odin 7 or Odin 9
I have read ODIN7 ? but Odin9 is newest as far as I can tell...want to double check.
thanks so much!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thebat1, since I am assuming you are on bootlocked ND3 from your screenshot, you will mess up/brick your phone trying to flash VRALJB. You can only go back to MJ9 at this point. The thread I used which is the same posted by iooooooc -- http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...4207&nocache=1 says "4.1.1 VRALJB- http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2043636 (Unless you purchased your device within the first month of release and never took the OTA update, DO NOT use this)".
I am pretty sure it doesn't matter if you rooted under MJ9 or not. I was able to Odin without root and I wouldn't see why not being rooted when on MJ9 would not enable you to use Odin (since the whole point of Odin is to flash Samsung phones). I'd make a Helium backup just in case though.
You can read the thread I linked and posted by iooooooc to find out how to reflash. It's the same one I used. It has links to Odin and the MJ9 firmware (look for "VRUEMJ9 4.3" with the warning "ONLY USE THIS IF YOU TOOK THE 4.3 OTA!!") and the PIT file you'll need.
You can also read about and get links to all flavors of Odin (you need v3.07 for the VZ Note II) here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...08-2013-odin-3-09-odin-1-85-versions-t2189539
Finally, to root, here's the main thread for Saferoot: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Everything I read is pretty straightforward.
I also haven't received any notification to upgrade back even though I haven't used the .bak renaming method which is interesting.
Worked great!!!! Thanks for the links guys!!!
Worked Here Too!
gee1000 said:
I just wanted to confirm that you can Odin back to MJ9 4.3 from the newest ND3 4.3 to regain root. This is for 4.3 bootlocked GN2s ONLY. It was quite painless actually, all my data was as it was before. I backed up to the internal memory using Helium just in case (since I lost root), but I was able use saferoot without issue and am now back to rooted.
I had used Kingo before to root, so I am actually glad to use saferoot this time since I am planning to install SafeStrap and flash N3BULA over stock soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decided to bite-the-bullet after reading your post, and all I had to do was re-root as well. All said and done it took me 30 minutes tops to have my phone back. I also used Kingo last time, but after ND3, the version of Kingo I used to root MJ9 didn't recognize the phone and the latest version was so full of dire warnings I immediately aborted.
Thanks guys!
dbalman said:
I decided to bite-the-bullet after reading your post, and all I had to do was re-root as well. All said and done it took me 30 minutes tops to have my phone back. I also used Kingo last time, but after ND3, the version of Kingo I used to root MJ9 didn't recognize the phone and the latest version was so full of dire warnings I immediately aborted.
Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just received a replacement for my broken Note 2, which I previously had rooted with N3bula. To root my old phone, given it came with 4.1, I just had to Odin the MJ9 files, and then flash N3bula with TWRP . When I got my replacement, it updated to ND3 before I realized what was going on. Does anyone know what files I actually need to flash to get back to MJ9 from ND3? I found a file called I605VRUEMJ9.tar on one of the links posted recently. Since the actual ROM on the phone is the stock 4.3 rom, I assume I don't need to worry about system.img. I don't know about boot.img, cache.img, recovery.img, sboot.bin. I am confident I should flash tz.img, modem.bin, hidden.img.
Thanks!
---------- Post added at 05:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 PM ----------
gee1000 said:
I just wanted to confirm that you can Odin back to MJ9 4.3 from the newest ND3 4.3 to regain root. This is for 4.3 bootlocked GN2s ONLY. It was quite painless actually, all my data was as it was before. I backed up to the internal memory using Helium just in case (since I lost root), but I was able use saferoot without issue and am now back to rooted.
I had used Kingo before to root, so I am actually glad to use saferoot this time since I am planning to install SafeStrap and flash N3BULA over stock soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a particular reason you wish to use safestrap rather than continuing to use Kingo? Is Kingo not working?
Thx!!
nbock01 said:
Worked great!!!! Thanks for the links guys!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thebat1, since I am assuming you are on bootlocked ND3 from your screenshot, you will mess up/brick your phone trying to flash VRALJB. You can only go back to MJ9 at this point. The thread I used which is the same posted by iooooooc -- http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...4207&nocache=1 says "4.1.1 VRALJB- http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2043636 (Unless you purchased your device within the first month of release and never took the OTA update, DO NOT use this)".
Neither of those links are good.
Thanks!!
@Skilover
If you go to Droidstyle's guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34891181 , and then go to section 1b of the guide, you can revert back to MJ9 by following the guide's instructions. You'll want to use the stock file for (VRUEMJ9 4.3) if you're wanting to revert back from ND3.
After you get back to MJ9, you can get root access with saferoot..... Here's the link to saferoot-- http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...php?p=48392009
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Amazing..WTG, XDA!
New user here. Been reading a bunch of posts lately as I finally got around to trying to root my SCH-1605, which I have through VZW. For a long time, my big concern was interference on the VZW side. Finally, warranties expired and the urge peaked... just in time for the ND3 OTA update. I tried a couple of methods I found - no success. Finally stumbled on some threads that basically said - ND3 = Out of Luck.
Then I found this post.. :victory:
Truly awesome. Worked like a charm. Looking up good info on locking down the OTA pushes next.
My observations of the differences between my previous attempts and what was missing:
My first attempts:
I neglected to include the 16GB PIT file referenced in the links above (** Note: a few guides I popped across mentioned making sure that only "Auto Reboot" and "F. Reset Time" are checked. When you include the PIT file, it will auto-check "Re-Partition". I left this checked, and it worked like a charm. Can't speak as to the offset of UNchecking this, as - like I said - I left it checked)
I used a different .md5 file that would flag as a fail despite my efforts (I was using a CF autoroot md5). I'm fairly certain this failed due to the OTA update, though it may have been the lack of a PIT file. If someone could provide some more info there, I'm totally open to listen!
Bottom line - my experience was pretty painless after doing adequate research. Thanks a ton! :highfive:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I also came across some info stating that the downgrade to the MJ firmware might flag the KNOX (I believe?) or a similar issue. Anyone run across any of those issues using these methods? If someone has a quick link to how I could check this for myself, I'd be very appreciative.
@Tangescence
Glad to hear you had success with rooting . This link should help you check on your knox counter status:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48758233&highlight=odin#post48758233
If "Knox Warranty Void" is at zero, you didn't trip the counter.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Knox warranty void: 0
Confirmed. The flashback left KNOX WARRANTY VOID: 0
Lists as Samsung Official Binary with a System Status of Custom.
Looks good!
I know this is a bit of a side tangent, but safestrap should work with MJ9 and saferoot to allow custom ROMs despite the locked bootloader - right?
Again, many thanks to the community!
Right, safestrap was designed to be used for people with the locked bootloader on a rooted MJ9. Here is the safestrap thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51616723
I don't know a lot about safestrap, but I believe the ROM slots are not working yet so you'll have to install a custom Rom over the stock ROM if you want to use it. You'll have to do more research to make sure you know how to use it if you want to give it a go.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
mattnmag said:
Right, safestrap was designed to be used for people with the locked bootloader on a rooted MJ9. Here is the safestrap thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51616723
I don't know a lot about safestrap, but I believe the ROM slots are not working yet so you'll have to install a custom Rom over the stock ROM if you want to use it. You'll have to do more research to make sure you know how to use it if you want to give it a go.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome - I'll be researching it tonight and tomorrow. Will post to the safestrap thread with my results and probably a heads up here to redirect. Again, tons of thanks!
Confirmed working
My Verizon Note 2 broke so under warranty I got a replacement device with the latest VRUAND3 build installed. It literally drove me nuts because I was so used to having the advantage of a rooted device with the bootloader unlocked. After doing some research, I came across the information on this thread and it helped me with having at least root access which allows me to take advantage of my Titanium Backup and other apps tailored to rooted devices.
Thank you very much for this post. I hope the devs will one up on Verizon and give the community the ability to have a unlocked bootloader soon. I like the connection speed and coverage with Verizon but their method of controlling how their customers use their devices is just annoying. I paid good money for this phone Verizon! I'm going to do what I wish to do with it to make it unique and personal to me. They just don't seem to understand that. Once again... Thanks. ROOT 4TW!
gee1000 said:
thebat1, since I am assuming you are on bootlocked ND3 from your screenshot, you will mess up/brick your phone trying to flash VRALJB. You can only go back to MJ9 at this point. The thread I used which is the same posted by iooooooc -- http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...4207&nocache=1 says "4.1.1 VRALJB- http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2043636 (Unless you purchased your device within the first month of release and never took the OTA update, DO NOT use this)".
I am pretty sure it doesn't matter if you rooted under MJ9 or not. I was able to Odin without root and I wouldn't see why not being rooted when on MJ9 would not enable you to use Odin (since the whole point of Odin is to flash Samsung phones). I'd make a Helium backup just in case though.
You can read the thread I linked and posted by iooooooc to find out how to reflash. It's the same one I used. It has links to Odin and the MJ9 firmware (look for "VRUEMJ9 4.3" with the warning "ONLY USE THIS IF YOU TOOK THE 4.3 OTA!!") and the PIT file you'll need.
You can also read about and get links to all flavors of Odin (you need v3.07 for the VZ Note II) here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...08-2013-odin-3-09-odin-1-85-versions-t2189539
Finally, to root, here's the main thread for Saferoot: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Everything I read is pretty straightforward.
I also haven't received any notification to upgrade back even though I haven't used the .bak renaming method which is interesting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been 3 days since I had my phone soft bricked. Here's what happened. I had rooted 4.1.2 and my sister accepted OTA when 4.3 (MJ9) came out so I lost my root access. Everything was working fine and I wasn't doing much on my phone so I didn't bother to root it back. 4.3 (VRUAND3) OTA failed on my phone when it came out and I didn't care about it because it was still on 4.3. When 4.4 came out, I decided to do OTA update and everything went fine except when it rebooted. It will pass the samsung logo but when it got to Verizon logo, it was just stuck there. So I searched this forum and tried everything that I found about unbricking the soft bricked phone. All stock roms will fail at sboot.bin except for root66_VZW_stock_system.tar (I did try with and without .pit and I only checked autoreboot F. Reset time) but when I do that then I will get the system software not authorized by Verizon Wireless has been found error (with yellow triangle). Here's the list of stock roms I tried and odin versions.
ROM: root66_VZW_stock_system.tar, I605VZWEMJ9, I605VRALJB, I605VZWAND3 (all with and without .pit)
Odin: 1.85, 3.07, 3.09
The only good thing is that I still have my odin mode and the number of binary didn't change. And I didn't get the knox.....
I really need you guys' expertise... any suggestion will help at this moment... Sorry for the lengthy post I really tried to be specific on what I tried so far.... I'm currently downloading VRAND7 (4.4) and I'm out of the option after I try this one with odin.... Thank you.
gomtingeee said:
It's been 3 days since I had my phone soft bricked. Here's what happened. I had rooted 4.1.2 and my sister accepted OTA when 4.3 (MJ9) came out so I lost my root access. Everything was working fine and I wasn't doing much on my phone so I didn't bother to root it back. 4.3 (VRUAND3) OTA failed on my phone when it came out and I didn't care about it because it was still on 4.3. When 4.4 came out, I decided to do OTA update and everything went fine except when it rebooted. It will pass the samsung logo but when it got to Verizon logo, it was just stuck there. So I searched this forum and tried everything that I found about unbricking the soft bricked phone. All stock roms will fail at sboot.bin except for root66_VZW_stock_system.tar (I did try with and without .pit and I only checked autoreboot F. Reset time) but when I do that then I will get the system software not authorized by Verizon Wireless has been found error (with yellow triangle). Here's the list of stock roms I tried and odin versions.
ROM: root66_VZW_stock_system.tar, I605VZWEMJ9, I605VRALJB, I605VZWAND3 (all with and without .pit)
Odin: 1.85, 3.07, 3.09
The only good thing is that I still have my odin mode and the number of binary didn't change. And I didn't get the knox.....
I really need you guys' expertise... any suggestion will help at this moment... Sorry for the lengthy post I really tried to be specific on what I tried so far.... I'm currently downloading VRAMC3 (4.4) and I'm out of the option after I try this one with odin.... Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason they all fail at sboot is bc you are attempting to downgrade to fix it..that's not possible.. so here is what you need to do.
Go to Sammobile.com
Go to Firmwares (top of page)
Scroll down to Search
Type "SCH-I605"
Select & download ND7 4.4.2
Flash via Odin w/ pit
It should pass and you will be good to go
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
lacoursiere18 said:
The reason they all fail at sboot is bc you are attempting to downgrade to fix it..that's not possible.. so here is what you need to do.
Go to Sammobile.com
Go to Firmwares (top of page)
Scroll down to Search
Type "SCH-I605"
Select & download ND7 4.4.2
Flash via Odin w/ pit
It should pass and you will be good to go
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw this post on the development forum [ROM][I605VRUFND7][4.4.2]OFFICIAL STOCK ROOTED ODEX/DEODEX[6/19/2014]
so that rom won't work on mine? just asking out of a curiosity...
gomtingeee said:
I saw this post on the development forum [ROM][I605VRUFND7][4.4.2]OFFICIAL STOCK ROOTED ODEX/DEODEX[6/19/2014]
so that rom won't work on mine? just asking out of a curiosity...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. You taking the 4.3 and 4.4.2 OTA locked your bootloader.. so therfore no flashing custom roms like that one and I don't believe there is even a root method yet..
Oh okay thank you for your info. I flashed it to 4.4 and it`s working. I`ll wait for the developer`s to come up with the rooting method for 4.4 thank you guys for everything
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
So before I go off with no knowledge and restoring back to stock, I feel afraid. I believe I may have rooted the deodex 4.3 rom (the first one to come out based on the ota for verizon). Note: I did not flash the firmware package in odin. But I did plash a .zop with MJ9 params required for the rom to have working mobile data.
How I got a soft brick was I was nandroid restoring back to when I first unlocked it but my restore failed for some reason. So I restored my nandroid back up of jedi rom (this was in 4.1.2) and it complted however the logo would only stay on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 logo screen forever. Would never move from there. I am able to access download mode and recovery (TWRP) mode.
I am thinking of restoring back to stock 4.1.2 VRAMC3 baseband version since I unlocked my bootloader on that OTA and since been using custom roms. However, I believe that the 4.3 rom and flashes I've done may interfere and possibly cause worse damage.
I am a bit paranoid right now.
Can someone please lead me in the right direction. Thank you XDA!
AldenIsRad said:
So before I go off with no knowledge and restoring back to stock, I feel afraid. I believe I may have rooted the deodex 4.3 rom (the first one to come out based on the ota for verizon). Note: I did not flash the firmware package in odin. But I did plash a .zop with MJ9 params required for the rom to have working mobile data.
How I got a soft brick was I was nandroid restoring back to when I first unlocked it but my restore failed for some reason. So I restored my nandroid back up of jedi rom (this was in 4.1.2) and it complted however the logo would only stay on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 logo screen forever. Would never move from there. I am able to access download mode and recovery (TWRP) mode.
I am thinking of restoring back to stock 4.1.2 VRAMC3 baseband version since I unlocked my bootloader on that OTA and since been using custom roms. However, I believe that the 4.3 rom and flashes I've done may interfere and possibly cause worse damage.
I am a bit paranoid right now.
Can someone please lead me in the right direction. Thank you XDA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be paranoid or afraid.. You'll be ok..
Ok did you flash MJ9 Deodex ROM? If so thats when you bootlooped? Just trying to see where you are now... If you have MJ9 deodex on your sdcard reflash it.. Does it boot? Let me know.
Also the MJ9 firmware package with params and tz is for you to have working Wifi not mobile data..Just to clear things up
Report back..Ill be on all morning
lacoursiere18 said:
Don't be paranoid or afraid.. You'll be ok..
Ok did you flash MJ9 Deodex ROM? If so thats when you bootlooped? Just trying to see where you are now... If you have MJ9 deodex on your sdcard reflash it.. Does it boot? Let me know.
Also the MJ9 firmware package with params and tz is for you to have working Wifi not mobile data..Just to clear things up
Report back..Ill be on all morning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, I'd like to thank you for offering to help me.
Onto the question, when I flashed the mj9 deodex rom, it worked and booted normally. However, I did not flash the Odin firmware package to get wifi working. Yesterday I was trying to nandroid backup to my Jedi x backup and the restore works but I boot loop. I then try to restore my nandroid backup from when I first unlocked and rooted and I get same results.
Basically the only rom that has booted was the mj9 deodex rom. However it is not on my sd cardare to be reflashed. So I'm relying on unrooting / restoring back to stock. But which version do I need to restore back to.
Bump. Still need help with this. I know lacoursiere18 is helping me and has no response possible due to timezones and such and im willing to wait hoping he responds tomorrow but any help is appreciated!
As long as you never took an OTA for 4.3 or higher... and didn't flash anything that is "stock" above build 4.1.2, then you should be able to restore back to stock 4.1.2 VRAMC3 and reroot/ unlock your bootloader. Droidstyle has written a great guide to help with this. You can find the guide here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34891181
Under section 1b in Droidstyle's guide... you would need to choose the download link for the "Official VRAMC3 4.1.2 5/5/13" stock restore image, along with the 16gb pit file to restore the phone to full stock.... and follow Droidstyle's steps to Odin flash those 2 files back to the device.
After you restore to stock... then you can use Adam Outler's Casual program to reroot and unlock the bootloader on VRAMC3. Adam's guide is here-- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2272066
The version of Casual that worked for me was R515.... just make sure you totally disable all virus scanning on your computer before running it.. including Windows Defender...
Good luck!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
mattnmag said:
As long as you never took an OTA for 4.3 or higher... and didn't flash anything that is "stock" above build 4.1.2, then you should be able to restore back to stock 4.1.2 VRAMC3 and reroot/ unlock your bootloader. Droidstyle has written a great guide to help with this. You can find the guide here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34891181
Under section 1b in Droidstyle's guide... you would need to choose the download link for the "Official VRAMC3 4.1.2 5/5/13" stock restore image, along with the 16gb pit file to restore the phone to full stock.... and follow Droidstyle's steps to Odin flash those 2 files back to the device.
After you restore to stock... then you can use Adam Outler's Casual program to reroot and unlock the bootloader on VRAMC3. Adam's guide is here-- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2272066
The version of Casual that worked for me was R515.... just make sure you totally disable all virus scanning on your computer before running it.. including Windows Defender...
Good luck!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for the response. I have one mroe precaution,
I flashed the rom (the link to the right) : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2561450
I believe it is "based" on stock but not actually stock. I'm not actually sure and hoping you can confirm. Thanks
AldenIsRad said:
Hey thanks for the response. I have one mroe precaution,
I flashed the rom (the link to the right) : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2561450
I believe it is "based" on stock but not actually stock. I'm not actually sure and hoping you can confirm. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right. The link you reference is not a totally stock version of android 4.3 MJ9... Beanstown106 created that "modified stock 4.3" version for people with unlocked bootloaders. So as long as you never actually installed an unmodified totally stock version of android 4.3 MJ9 ( or any higher full stock build above build version 4.1.2), then you should be able to restore back to full stock VRAMC3/4.1.2 using Droidstyle's guide. If you decide to take the risk to restore back to stock 4.1.2 and reroot with CASUAL...then I hope it works out for you. I know it can be a little scary, but as you know, there is always some risk that we take when we start modifying our phones. For me, the risk has paid off well so far. Good luck.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile
Delete... Accidentally double posted when intended to edit