[SOLVED][Q]I9300 No IMEI, corrupted EFS, no backup. - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi! I have successfully revived a GS3 motherboard after it was dead because of SDS using this tool. As everything was wiped from it and replaced with zeroes I have lost original EFS (the former owner didn't root it so ... no backup of EFS). I flashed stock ROM via Odin (Baseband version is I9300BVUGNB2 and it's I9300XXUGPE1 firmware). I saw that others are having even a missing baseband version but mine is here. The IMEI is generic (0049...), when enabling Bluetooth I get a reboot, Samsung Internet and com.google.android.gapps are force closing and there's such a big delay between the time I'm pressing any button to wake the screen and the screen wake up.
1. I have no backup (obviously)
2. I have a working S3 with I9300XXLFB modem and I tried to restore its EFS to my other S3 motherboard with no luck
3. Don't tell me to flash stock ROM via Odin as it's obvious that a stock ROM won't restore a unique number which is missing from it's place. Or will it? Is it hardwritten somewhere in the memory?
4. No Samsung Service here in my city (and I'm not planning to search all over Romania for a service... I don't think it even exists )
What can I do to restore that backup? Also how can I change the IMEI back to original (I have it written on the paper) because I don't want to get the same IMEI on two devices
P. S. The other EFS is my property so I'm not breaking any rules or laws because I'm using it's base to repair another phone. Then I will change it to original. I hope I won't need to use the backup maybe it will work another way. How the services are repairing you broken EFS? ?
Any help would be greatly appreciated

The first thing to do is flash a stock firmware. Have you tried the recovery mode in kies?.

shivadow said:
The first thing to do is flash a stock firmware. Have you tried the recovery mode in kies?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have successfully written my IMEI and SN but now I'm getting 2 issues:
1. Not registered in the network
2. When turning on Bluetooth on 4.1 it won't turn on and on 4.3 it will freeze the device. Now I'm trying to fix the first one but the second one I couldn't fix. Any ideas? Should I rewrite BT MAC address too to fix it?

How did you write the imei to the phone?

minealex2244 said:
I have successfully written my IMEI and SN but now I'm getting 2 issues:
1. Not registered in the network
2. When turning on Bluetooth on 4.1 it won't turn on and on 4.3 it will freeze the device. Now I'm trying to fix the first one but the second one I couldn't fix. Any ideas? Should I rewrite BT MAC address too to fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have just fixed the network error but... BT is still freezing my phone

No IMEI Fix?
minealex2244 said:
I have just fixed the network error but... BT is still freezing my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
minealex2244 said:
I have successfully written my IMEI and SN but now I'm getting 2 issues...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
audit13 said:
How did you write the imei to the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did you marked the thread as [SOLVED] & don't you answer @audit13's question & maybe help an other user with the same problem finding this thread?
As for your Bluetooth freezing problem I would say flash stock Samsung again after Formatting Data (not wipe see https://twrp.me/faq/datamedia.html for an explanation of the difference) & try an other modem.
I am running on S3 i9300 the I9300XXUGOK1 modem (2015-Nov-25) which I attached to this post as well as I9300UBUGNK1 (2014-Nov-6) & both are more recent than the I9300BVUGNB2 (2014-02-18) that you have on that device @ the present.
***

curiousrom said:
Why did you marked the thread as [SOLVED] & don't you answer @audit13's question & maybe help an other user with the same problem finding this thread?
As for your Bluetooth freezing problem I would say flash stock Samsung again after Formatting Data (not wipe see https://twrp.me/faq/datamedia.html for an explanation of the difference) & try an other modem.
I am running on S3 i9300 the I9300XXUGOK1 modem (2015-Nov-25) which I attached to this post as well as I9300UBUGNK1 (2014-Nov-6) & both are more recent than the I9300BVUGNB2 (2014-02-18) that you have on that device @ the present.
***
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your answer. I have already answered him in PM. I was busy with some exams and I didn't have time to write here something.

To write the IMEI you can use a tool from the web (payment recommended). Something like Chimera Tool or Z3X Pro

Related

[SOLVED] S3 GT-i9300 lost IMEI, non-working backup (germany model)

Hi all,
So now after being a passive but reading 'member' for a long while now, i finally managed to dig myself a hole deep enough not to be able to climb out on my own. So that's me registered now, and typing my first post asking for your help.
I have a GT-i9300 bought in Germany, brand free.
- It was still stock FW, and recently received the stability update released for 4.1.2
- I flashed it to "Android Revolution HD 32.0 (Android 4.2.1) using the infamous "mod manager" and "CF-Auto-Root-m0-m0xx-gti9300"
- This corrupted my or changed the format of my EFS folder in the process
- The EFS backup made during this process is not being accepted and phone is stuck in the factory mode
- I tried flashing the emergency.zip modem found on this forum to no avail
- I tried flashing back to the original stock, however i forgot to write down my starting point and thus not sure what to put in. (dailing *#1234# only gives you what is currently flashed)
- I had high hopes flashing I9300XXDLIH_I9300DBTDLI2_DBT (tried also others) but again no luck, even after trying to restore my backup EFS with Ktool.
- also tried: I9300XXEMG4_I9300DBTEMG3_I9300XXEMG4_HOME
So in my understanding there are only a few options available to bring my device back to fully function:
1 - Bring it to a repairshop that had a z3x box to put the EMEI back in.
2 - Reset the flashcounter, stock FW and try claim warranty (though i doubt Samsung will fall for it), and what FW to put in ?
3 - Somehow inject the IMEI to the phone with some of the available tools like "NV-items_reader_writer" or "qpst"
So before i manage to brick my device, i would appriciate any help from the specialist called YOU what of the above methods left to try should i go with, or is there another method i'm overlooking ?
Flashing the MG4 rom wasn't a good idea. You already had EFS issues. Your problem wasn't MG4 related in the first place so also not related to the solution. Same reason the "emergency zip" didn't do anything.
You could try manually putting the EFS backup in place using root explorer (etc)
rootSU said:
Flashing the MG4 rom wasn't a good idea. You already had EFS issues. Your problem wasn't MG4 related in the first place so also not related to the solution. Same reason the "emergency zip" didn't do anything.
You could try manually putting the EFS backup in place using root explorer (etc)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply,
Yes after reading further into the problem i started to realize that too, but by then it was already to late.
Last time trying to copy\paste the files from my backup to the EFS folder using root explorer gave me a 'read only error'. Will however give it another go right now.
kamaradski said:
Thanks for the reply,
Yes after reading further into the problem i started to realize that too, but by then it was already to late.
Last time trying to copy\paste the files from my backup to the EFS folder using root explorer gave me a 'read only error'. Will however give it another go right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you need to make sure you have permissions to write to the folder.
Getting closer, but not yet there...
- Used another root browser
- managed to delete the EFS, but was not able to write anything in it.. :S
- Used Ktool to recover backup
- However did see that this recovery created another efs sub-folder...
- Re-packed the content from my efs backup file, in a new tar.gz with 7zip this time making sure no subfolder was present.
- restored with Ktool and after reboot atleast i'm out of the 'factory safemode'!!!
However still invalid EMEI
As i have XXDLID, i guess i have to get another modem in ?
EDIT:
Now the phone is out of the safemode, Kies was able to update the device to PDA: MG4 + CSC: MG3 (DBT)
After reboot, IMEI was recognized again and phone is working normally !! Thank you all.
Next step, see if i can still upgrade to 'Android Revolution 32.0', without touching the modem.
Thanks again all, sending me on the right track !!
kamaradski said:
Getting closer, but not yet there...
- Used another root browser
- managed to delete the EFS, but was not able to write anything in it.. :S
- Used Ktool to recover backup
- However did see that this recovery created another efs sub-folder...
- Re-packed the content from my efs backup file, in a new tar.gz with 7zip this time making sure no subfolder was present.
- restored with Ktool and after reboot atleast i'm out of the 'factory safemode'!!!
However still invalid EMEI
As i have XXDLID, i guess i have to get another modem in ?
EDIT:
Now the phone is out of the safemode, Kies was able to update the device to PDA: MG4 + CSC: MG3 (DBT)
After reboot, IMEI was recognized again and phone is working normally !! Thank you all.
Next step, see if i can still upgrade to 'Android Revolution 32.0', without touching the modem.
Thanks again all, sending me on the right track !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey - I think I just spent the last 24 hours doing exactly what you did.. I got out of factory mode. But your last statement "Kies was able to update the device to PDA: MG4 + CSC: MG3 (DBT)" - what did you do exactly? oddly I have a UK phone (BTU) but it is registered in Germany so connects to Vodafone (if only the EMEI were not empty!). I came from flashing Ultimarom v14.0.1 and since then it will not do anything with the modem. So I have a phone that cannot phone...
Any pointers on what you did in the last sentence would be good!! I am getting desperate
biffaxda said:
Hey - I think I just spent the last 24 hours doing exactly what you did.. I got out of factory mode. But your last statement "Kies was able to update the device to PDA: MG4 + CSC: MG3 (DBT)" - what did you do exactly? oddly I have a UK phone (BTU) but it is registered in Germany so connects to Vodafone (if only the EMEI were not empty!). I came from flashing Ultimarom v14.0.1 and since then it will not do anything with the modem. So I have a phone that cannot phone...
Any pointers on what you did in the last sentence would be good!! I am getting desperate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any news I am in the exact same boat. ((
Imei 004999901...
danihassanein said:
Any news I am in the exact same boat. ((
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. In fact i found an old laptop with an EFS backup on it (galaxy toolkit skipsoft) so i thought i was saved. I restored /efs or /factory and also efs partition but no matter what i do (even root explorer cut n paste the whole /efs folder from backup, or the 9 steps someone else logged) it always reboots with the dummy IMEI number. i have no clue how to progress. wondering if a samsung service repair is more expensive than a UART cable and box...
i think it comes back to the original comment by kamradski:
So in my understanding there are only a few options available to bring my device back to fully function:
1 - Bring it to a repairshop that had a z3x box to put the EMEI back in.
2 - Reset the flashcounter, stock FW and try claim warranty (though i doubt Samsung will fall for it), and what FW to put in ?
3 - Somehow inject the IMEI to the phone with some of the available tools like "NV-items_reader_writer" or "qpst"
[
i think it comes back to the original comment by kamradski:
So in my understanding there are only a few options available to bring my device back to fully function:
1 - Bring it to a repairshop that had a z3x box to put the EMEI back in.
An IMEI repair is relatively cheap .

[Q] Empty IMEI, Baseband version unknown, EFS folder backup exist, restore efs not he

Hi,
I used Android 4.1.2 and CM10.1 - on Samsung Galaxy S II model I9100.
During a phone conversation it was hanged up, and the phone could not connect to the network anymore.
I got an error when tried to manually search for network operator, which lead me, after a research in the net, to find out that the IMEI of the phone is empty. I see also that the Baseband version is 'unknown'.
I have a backup of the efs folder and tried to restore it by manual overwrite it - with no success.
I also followed the guide to recover manually the IMEI from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1264021 with no success.
I tried to get back to a backup of the original ROM I used before (this time using ODIN), and now I get NULL/NULL in the IMEI and I still get Baseband 'unknown'.
Also re-installing the radio did not help. now when looking for network operator the error is different - now it is telling me that there is no SIM card.
the NULl/NULL IMEI and Baseband version is 'unknown' are still here and I still can't connect to the network.
last input: after 2 days of phone being unused - it suddenly got back to work, the original IMEI got back in, and it connected to the network. this happened without me doing anything, and it held for half a day, then the phone got back to the non-functioning mode as described above, again in the middle of a phone conversation.
I am out of new ideas, all related threads in here did not help.
Can anybody help ?
Does anybody know the reason for this issue?
Can tell what is the thing that is probably corrupted, and in case that the problem is with the files in efs folder - why doesn't a restore of the efs folder (including chown for nv_data.bin to user radio) did not help?
Thanks !
-- Amit.
amita74 said:
Hi,
I used Android 4.1.2 and CM10.1 - on Samsung Galaxy S II model I9100.
During a phone conversation it was hanged up, and the phone could not connect to the network anymore.
I got an error when tried to manually search for network operator, which lead me, after a research in the net, to find out that the IMEI of the phone is empty. I see also that the Baseband version is 'unknown'.
I have a backup of the efs folder and tried to restore it by manual overwrite it - with no success.
I also followed the guide to recover manually the IMEI from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1264021 with no success.
I tried to get back to a backup of the original ROM I used before (this time using ODIN), and now I get NULL/NULL in the IMEI and I still get Baseband 'unknown'.
Also re-installing the radio did not help. now when looking for network operator the error is different - now it is telling me that there is no SIM card.
the NULl/NULL IMEI and Baseband version is 'unknown' are still here and I still can't connect to the network.
last input: after 2 days of phone being unused - it suddenly got back to work, the original IMEI got back in, and it connected to the network. this happened without me doing anything, and it held for half a day, then the phone got back to the non-functioning mode as described above, again in the middle of a phone conversation.
I am out of new ideas, all related threads in here did not help.
Can anybody help ?
Does anybody know the reason for this issue?
Can tell what is the thing that is probably corrupted, and in case that the problem is with the files in efs folder - why doesn't a restore of the efs folder (including chown for nv_data.bin to user radio) did not help?
Thanks !
-- Amit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EFS is corrupt.This was a bomb waiting to explode.I suggest you to go back to stock JB 4.1.2 ROM (see my signature),and flash Apolo kernel.Go to recovery and restore backup.Do not overwrite it manually.Do it in Recovery.
New inputs
GamingDj said:
EFS is corrupt.This was a bomb waiting to explode.I suggest you to go back to stock JB 4.1.2 ROM (see my signature),and flash Apolo kernel.Go to recovery and restore backup.Do not overwrite it manually.Do it in Recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi GamingDj,
First thanks for the reply.
I want to add more inputs and few questions:
Right now, after more then another day that the phone was not functioning - it got back to operate again, and again, without me doing anything that will cause that to happen.
During the last time that it happened, this held the pone in a working state for about half a day until it hanged up on me during a phone conversation I had - and the phone stopped working again, so I am not very optimistic about the phone getting back to work for good right now....
I have a bit more data that I forgot to mention before:
1. About a day before this problem happened, Avast anti virus offered me to update the Avast Anti theft software, this required root access and I don't know if it has something with the reported problem or not.
2. The efs folder was "handled" by GalaxSim Unlock, after the phone got locked due to official upgrade to JB. Originaly this was an O2 locked phone, then it was unlocked with a code, but due to the upgrade to JB it got SIM locked again and the codes did not work anymore, which caused me to use the GalaxSim Unlock application - that indeed unlocked my phone. I know that the GalaxSim Unlock application changed some data in the nv_data.bin in efs folder, but after it unlocked my phone it was working fine for about a month or more, so I can't tell that this is the cause for the suspected corruption in the efs folder.
I have both backup of the efs folder before and after the unlock operation by GalaxSim unlock application.
Can you explain in more details:
1. Why you suggest to flush Apolo kernel? is it in order to have the phone rooted? can you give a link for this kernel?
2. Restore backup from where? should I have a backup file that you point to? not sure what backups I have that may have data that I don't already use.
3. Does the new data help with debugging this issue?
Thanks again.
-- Amit.
amita74 said:
Hi GamingDj,
First thanks for the reply.
I want to add more inputs and few questions:
Right now, after more then another day that the phone was not functioning - it got back to operate again, and again, without me doing anything that will cause that to happen.
During the last time that it happened, this held the pone in a working state for about half a day until it hanged up on me during a phone conversation I had - and the phone stopped working again, so I am not very optimistic about the phone getting back to work for good right now....
I have a bit more data that I forgot to mention before:
1. About a day before this problem happened, Avast anti virus offered me to update the Avast Anti theft software, this required root access and I don't know if it has something with the reported problem or not.
2. The efs folder was "handled" by GalaxSim Unlock, after the phone got locked due to official upgrade to JB. Originaly this was an O2 locked phone, then it was unlocked with a code, but due to the upgrade to JB it got SIM locked again and the codes did not work anymore, which caused me to use the GalaxSim Unlock application - that indeed unlocked my phone. I know that the GalaxSim Unlock application changed some data in the nv_data.bin in efs folder, but after it unlocked my phone it was working fine for about a month or more, so I can't tell that this is the cause for the suspected corruption in the efs folder.
I have both backup of the efs folder before and after the unlock operation by GalaxSim unlock application.
Can you explain in more details:
1. Why you suggest to flush Apolo kernel? is it in order to have the phone rooted? can you give a link for this kernel?
2. Restore backup from where? should I have a backup file that you point to? not sure what backups I have that may have data that I don't already use.
3. Does the new data help with debugging this issue?
Thanks again.
-- Amit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow my guide to flash ICS official.Then root and sim Unlock it(if needed).Then flash Apolo kernel via Recovery.In apolo kernel Recovery go to EFS menu,and click restore.Now restore your backup.
status update
GamingDj said:
Follow my guide to flash ICS official.Then root and sim Unlock it(if needed).Then flash Apolo kernel via Recovery.In apolo kernel Recovery go to EFS menu,and click restore.Now restore your backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Just want to update that its been about a week that the phone works without me doing anything, therefore not proceeding with the recovery process you suggested.
I will update if the problem will be back.
Thanks.

I9300 IMEI / Serial Number Wiped after upgrade

Hi there I have a I9300 (International Version) of S3
So I'm just getting straight to the point
I had bought a s3 from a private seller from ebay and it was running 4.1.2.
I have a bit of experience in using Odin and I had downloaded some UK BTU android 4.3 version from sammobile.com which I usually use to update my phone.
But today if went wrong
I never did root because I never did like it and never made an efs backup
I had flashed I9300XXUGMK6_I9300OXAGMK6_I9300XXUGMK6_HOME.tar.md5 file to my phone and everything went perfectly fine
BUT THEN!
I tried calling some of my friends and I noticed that my sim wasn't being recognised
It didn't take long until I realised that my IMEI number had been to some random 0049***** number (I had found out that this was generic and was'nt my real IMEI Number)
I had then checked the IMEI number on the back of the phone and it did not match what was said in my phone settings
I have now clocked that it was the 4.3 android which was screwing me up
I have never installed any custom roms .etc and have only ever installed official ones from sammobile
So why would my phone's EFS get f***ed up and I also did'nt do any in Odin like phone efs clear
My phone had also ran out of warranty so I can't play dumb either
I have researched and found that it is possible to edit the nv_data file.etc like on http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1804117
I have also tried downgrading but now odin wont allow but probably has something to do with samsung (downgrading policy)
I have also NOW made a backup of my efs folder and my phone is fully functional but my IMEI AND my SERIAL NUMBER was changed
Be honest do I have a realistic chance of recovering my phone or would I have to shell out of repairs and if so how much would it cost?
@mizzeeboy,
Try this?
~ RazorMC
Hey
U can try this too http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2544109
RazorMC said:
@mizzeeboy,
Try this?
~ RazorMC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have unfortunately tried this and I have realised that some of the phone data in the s2 is different compared to the s3
Also just one question if I could downgrade back to 4.1 would I get my IMEI back?
mizzeeboy said:
I have unfortunately tried this and I have realised that some of the phone data in the s2 is different compared to the s3
Also just one question if I could downgrade back to 4.1 would I get my IMEI back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the wrong link.
Maybe this?
- Try to reflash latest 4.3 for your country (this will most likely solve the issue if your efs is not broken)
- You can also try the methods in the link (there are many)
In my limited experience; downgrading to 4.1.2 after 4.3 gave me bootloop and it can't read efs2 (from 4.3)
~ RazorMC
Flash this modem through Odin (http://www.mediafire.com/download/s79zs955sok085h/modem.bin) it's MK6, it should fix the problem for you.
Saad_ said:
Flash this modem through Odin (http://www.mediafire.com/download/s79zs955sok085h/modem.bin) it's MK6, it should fix the problem for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I have tried this before and I have unfortunately failed along with your same file.

[Q] Flashed Stock Rom 4.3 via ODIN, can't make/receive calls

Hello People
Again, I'm with problems with my S3 since the one time decided to test a custom ROM which turned out to screw my IMEI and got to it back working with BOX in repair service.
I n order to see if the BOX fix did actually solve my signal problem, it was suggested to me in a previous post that I flash the same stock rom via ODIN. Before that, I backed up current EFS as well.
Unfortunately, it seems the problem wasn't entirely solved. Same as before: both my IMEI and S/N are untouched (S/N does not coincide with S/N in the back of phone) and though it says I have a full signal, I'm not registered in network and i can't make or receive calls, sms, etc. Even though I restored the EFS folder, nothing happens.
I really wish not to go back to repair service again. What else can I do about this? Many thanks and excuse my rant. Hope I was thorough and clear on the problem. I also have a EFSv2_basebands_opt4.zip file I downloaded somewhere in xda . Would that help?
Many thanks.
rhrs1987 said:
Hello People
Again, I'm with problems with my S3 since the one time decided to test a custom ROM which turned out to screw my IMEI and got to it back working with BOX in repair service.
I n order to see if the BOX fix did actually solve my signal problem, it was suggested to me in a previous post that I flash the same stock rom via ODIN. Before that, I backed up current EFS as well.
Unfortunately, it seems the problem wasn't entirely solved. Same as before: both my IMEI and S/N are untouched (S/N does not coincide with S/N in the back of phone) and though it says I have a full signal, I'm not registered in network and i can't make or receive calls, sms, etc. Even though I restored the EFS folder, nothing happens.
I really wish not to go back to repair service again. What else can I do about this? Many thanks and excuse my rant. Hope I was thorough and clear on the problem. I also have a EFSv2_basebands_opt4.zip file I downloaded somewhere in xda . Would that help?
Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a patched modem and kernel from here >> https://drive.google.com/folderview...sharing&tid=0B6MIUd7HJudAbU5YaGkzOUowMG8#list << see if that works if it doesyou will always need to use the patched files.
Thanks tallman43! I'll try that. Also, I noticed now that the EFS folder is EMPTY :/. and the backup .tar I made with CWM says it's 0 bytes? wtf?
still, in phone info, imei and s/n are there. weird?
THANK YOU
Flash a patched modem and kernel from here >> https://drive.google.com/folderview?...kzOUowMG8#list << see if that works if it doesyou will always need to use the patched files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your recommendation worked like a charm. My signal is up and running normally. MANY THANKS tallman43.
Lastly, even if I sometime I decide to try out a custom ROM (unlikely at the moment, but who knows?), I still have to flash patched kernel&modem? or in case of factory reset (I will be selling the phone soon) ?That custom really messed up my phone...
rhrs1987 said:
Your recommendation worked like a charm. My signal is up and running normally. MANY THANKS tallman43.
Lastly, even if I sometime I decide to try out a custom ROM (unlikely at the moment, but who knows?), I still have to flash patched kernel&modem? or in case of factory reset (I will be selling the phone soon) ?That custom really messed up my phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you will always need them.
tallman43 said:
Flash a patched modem and kernel from here >> https://drive.google.com/folderview...sharing&tid=0B6MIUd7HJudAbU5YaGkzOUowMG8#list << see if that works if it doesyou will always need to use the patched files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tallman43 said:
Yes you will always need them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would still like to solve the problem at its roots: to fix the "not registered in network" problem whenever factory reset or stock ROM flash via odin is done. That is simply not normal. I might be selling the phone soon and the new user won't most probably know he/she would have to apply a patched kernel or etc.. ( let alone about rooting the phone).
Basically, bring the phone back to it's original sound state before I tried out the custom ROM. What can I do about that?
Hope I'm not being annoying.. just trying to get to the bottom of things
rhrs1987 said:
I would still like to solve the problem at its roots: to fix the "not registered in network" problem whenever factory reset or stock ROM flash via odin is done. That is simply not normal. I might be selling the phone soon and the new user won't most probably know he/she would have to apply a patched kernel or etc.. ( let alone about rooting the phone).
Basically, bring the phone back to it's original sound state before I tried out the custom ROM. What can I do about that?
Hope I'm not being annoying.. just trying to get to the bottom of things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is nothing you can do without your original efs backup.Only a service repair can fix it.
tallman43 said:
There is nothing you can do without your original efs backup.Only a service repair can fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understood. I think I have the original EFS in my SD, though I tried replacing it once and it didn't work out... I suppose I'll have to make do. Thanks for everything man
Flashing modem with Ariza patch was bad idea. Your efs folder is screwed up now and you are addicted to constantly flash this dirty workaround.
If anyone have problems with registering in network please check your device serial number first. It must be the same as on the sticker under battery. If it's not then type *#0011# and check info under IMEI CERT. If there is FAIL info then you should use any box ie Z3X to correct phone's serial number. It takes only few minutes and is cheap. It's better long-term way than patching and permanently destroying your efs informations.
If you have backup then you should flash normal modem and restore original efs partition. Then find any GSM service center with box and tell them to fix serial number. It shouldn't cost more then 5-10 dollars.
____________________________________________
P3110 / I9300 / I9100 / NEXUS 5 / iPAD2
SirKunon said:
Flashing modem with Ariza patch was bad idea. Your efs folder is screwed up now and you are addicted to constantly flash this dirty workaround.
If anyone have problems with registering in network please check your device serial number first. It must be the same as on the sticker under battery. If it's not then type *#0011# and check info under IMEI CERT. If there is FAIL info then you should use any box ie Z3X to correct phone's serial number. It takes only few minutes and is cheap. It's better long-term way than patching and permanently destroying your efs informations.
If you have backup then you should flash normal modem and restore original efs partition. Then find any GSM service center with box and tell them to fix serial number. It shouldn't cost more then 5-10 dollars.
____________________________________________
P3110 / I9300 / I9100 / NEXUS 5 / iPAD2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never flashed the Ariza patch nor have I even mentioned it on my previous posts explaining the problem. Fixing the s/n issue is indeed adviseable, but paying to correct s/n using box here where I live is ASTRONOMICALLY expensive. They should answer for never having fixed it, but they won't. Here is a hell of a lot more than 5-10 dollars, unfortunately.
Believe me , I'm no happier in applying this sorry fix every time I want to factory reset or upgrade, etc; it's the only option I have left at the moment.
Those files you have flashed, I mean kernel and modem are patched with Ariza's method. It is called Ariza patch and it is latest solution you should take to resurrect your phone because it is a destructive one.
Sorry to hear that you can't repair it as it should be especially if you want to sell this device.
____________________________________________
P3110 / I9300 / I9100 / NEXUS 5 / iPAD2
SirKunon said:
Flashing modem with Ariza patch was bad idea. Your efs folder is screwed up now and you are addicted to constantly flash this dirty workaround.
If anyone have problems with registering in network please check your device serial number first. It must be the same as on the sticker under battery. If it's not then type *#0011# and check info under IMEI CERT. If there is FAIL info then you should use any box ie Z3X to correct phone's serial number. It takes only few minutes and is cheap. It's better long-term way than patching and permanently destroying your efs informations.
If you have backup then you should flash normal modem and restore original efs partition. Then find any GSM service center with box and tell them to fix serial number. It shouldn't cost more then 5-10 dollars.
____________________________________________
P3110 / I9300 / I9100 / NEXUS 5 / iPAD2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SirKunon said:
Those files you have flashed, I mean kernel and modem are patched with Ariza's method. It is called Ariza patch and it is latest solution you should take to resurrect your phone because it is a destructive one.
Sorry to hear that you can't repair it as it should be especially if you want to sell this device.
____________________________________________
P3110 / I9300 / I9100 / NEXUS 5 / iPAD2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh... well, that I didn't know :$ SirKunon. I understand and totally agree with you on everything. I'll see maybe if I can find some place cheaper for getting it repaired... Many thanks
hi i was wondering if you guys can help me,i have your problem but i have an efs backup,but i cant seem to be able to restore my imei,i tried Ktool,efs professional,nothing seems to work,i should mention that the efs backup was from a Samsung 4.1.2 stock now my phone is on CM11
thanks
rhrs1987 said:
Hello People
Again, I'm with problems with my S3 since the one time decided to test a custom ROM which turned out to screw my IMEI and got to it back working with BOX in repair service.
I n order to see if the BOX fix did actually solve my signal problem, it was suggested to me in a previous post that I flash the same stock rom via ODIN. Before that, I backed up current EFS as well.
Unfortunately, it seems the problem wasn't entirely solved. Same as before: both my IMEI and S/N are untouched (S/N does not coincide with S/N in the back of phone) and though it says I have a full signal, I'm not registered in network and i can't make or receive calls, sms, etc. Even though I restored the EFS folder, nothing happens.
I really wish not to go back to repair service again. What else can I do about this? Many thanks and excuse my rant. Hope I was thorough and clear on the problem. I also have a EFSv2_basebands_opt4.zip file I downloaded somewhere in xda . Would that help?
Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May i ask a few questions about your problem?
Which version were you using when you desided to use a custom rom?
Was your phone ever rooted before installing a custom rom (when you were on official)
Did you upgrade your phone before? (Official via ota or odin)
thewalekk said:
May i ask a few questions about your problem?
Which version were you using when you desided to use a custom rom?
Was your phone ever rooted before installing a custom rom (when you were on official)
Did you upgrade your phone before? (Official via ota or odin)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on 4.2.2 leaked version ROM some guy installed at a repair service some time ago when the phone belonged to my mother. I was actually rooted using the CF AutoRoot method, with Philz CWM recovery. I decided to change to a custom 4.3 without having changed first to a stock 4.3.
The problem came when, within the custom ROM's aroma installer, I ticked an option to upgrade the modem to some build I can't remember now and my signal became screwed up. I informed this in the developer's custom rom discussion thread about the issue to which he replied that the problem was that the EFS folder tried to convert from v1 to v2 and failed (this was when I learned of the whole efs version folder change since build XXX (don't remember).
I download a stock unbranded 4.3 ROM and flashed it via ODIN, believing that would solve the issue; it didn't. Finally, I became desperate and took it to a repair service where they used box. Apparently, late did I notice s/n was not the same as the one in the back of phone. I'm guessing that would solve the problem? I don't know.
i am sorry for your loss . i wish you had all that info you learned before a try and fail. now that your imei number is a clon number, and once a box tempers with that you cant go back even if you have your orijinal efs folder or backup. you should always have that 2 patched modem and kernel files on your sd card just incase. you can use custom 4.3 with the patched files and get a signal but you will always have some lags after some time because of the kernel. and lucky you samsung stopped updating s3 officially because patched files are only for 4.3. if you dont have a desire to use custom 4.4.4 kitkat roms then you are good to go and when it comes to sell the device, the price will be much lower then an original s3.
thewalekk said:
May i ask a few questions about your problem?
Which version were you using when you desided to use a custom rom?
Was your phone ever rooted before installing a custom rom (when you were on official)
Did you upgrade your phone before? (Official via ota or odin)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thewalekk said:
i am sorry for your loss . i wish you had all that info you learned before a try and fail. now that your imei number is a clon number, and once a box tempers with that you cant go back even if you have your orijinal efs folder or backup. you should always have that 2 patched modem and kernel files on your sd card just incase. you can use custom 4.3 with the patched files and get a signal but you will always have some lags after some time because of the kernel. and lucky you samsung stopped updating s3 officially because patched files are only for 4.3. if you dont have a desire to use custom 4.4.4 kitkat roms then you are good to go and when it comes to sell the device, the price will be much lower then an original s3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, actually, IMEI didn't get cloned; of that I'm certain. IMEI is just the same as it was before I took it for the first time to repair service. It was the S/N that got changed somehow. Should I get them to correct the S/N, and use the original EFS folder (I found it, i think), would that correct all problems?
S/N number is the same with imei number as when you dial *#06# . And as i said before you cant go back even if you have your original efs folder. Dial *#06# and check your imei number from an " imei check site " you can find on google search. That will tell you what i mean.
There are: IMEI, device serial number and Android serial number. First two numbers are on the sticker in battery Bay. They must be correct because are used to authorize IMEI certificate.
Samsung's IMEI begins from 35.....
Serial number usually from RF......
If you see serial number in HEX format in phone's info section, something like f1abcadef1.. than it is android not device serial number and this mean troubles with authorize SIM card in operator network, even if it shows proper signal power.
I don't know there is any secret code to display serial number but there is plenty of phone's info apps in playstore which displays this alphanumeric string.
____________________________________________
P3110 / I9300 / I9100 / NEXUS 5 / iPAD2

Restoring IMEI after corrupt EFS

Hey guys,
Sorry in advance for what is no doubt something that's came up a few times in the past (as is clearly evident by the posts). I've spent a long time trying to get around the issues with this thing so hopefully I can explain what I've done so far which might help.
So, basically -
My brother had an S3. The screen broke (glass only) and he asked me to repair it. This was a few months ago. Inbetween he moved to using a Windows phone and had the S3 sitting around until he eventually decided to hand me it to repair a couple of days ago.
Now, the phone was working flawlessly prior to him turning it off and switching over to the Windows phone. The S3 sat dormant for a few months, battery out.
When I went to turn it on to test the screen and buttons to ensure that's the only fault, it wouldn't get past the boot screen.
No huge deal there.
Upon checking in recovery it was unable to mount the EFS partition. I managed to get round that.
It still wouldn't boot, so I flashed a new ROM and it booted up fine however was in "Factory mode" with IMEI starting 0049.
I've done a fair amount of searching and came to a few conclusions but essentially :
How I don't know but his EFS folder was competely corrupt and essentially contained few files, none of which were IMEI related. I have no clue how this has happened but it has.
I've managed to get the phone working ALMOST flawlessly by restoring a stock EFS backup IMG using kTool, I HAVE the phone's IMEI and serial which are printed on the phone itself. Only issue now is that the phone can't connect to any networks - because the IMEI is a default.
So, I've dug around in the stock EFS backup IMG that I was able to find (which has got the phone working great, minus mobile networks) and found that the IMEI folder contained a file "mps_code.dat". Upon opening this file it's basically empty. I assume this is because it's a stock EFS I located.
Does anyone have any clue how I can input the IMEI into this file? I tried to decompile the IMG, type it into the file and save, then recompile the IMG however kTool doesn't recognise the newly created IMG file and crashes, then restores the phone. Is there a specific tool I should be using to make the IMG and can someone root into their "mpd_code.dat" and tell me the format that it needs to be in? (I don't need or want any IMEI numbers, just the format that the file is. Just open it in a text editor through Root Explorer (root\efs\imei) and star out the IMEI if you can).
Just to clarify before anyone jumps on it - I'm NOT looking for the file(s) OR the IMEI numbers on anyones phone with that request. Simply the format in which it should be in. I'm simply trying to put the IMEI for the phone ONTO the phone so it'll recognise networks and work as it should. Everything else is absolutely fine now.
So just to clarify the options I've boiled down to :
Recompile the efs.img with the correct IMEI within - if someone can tell me how that'd be great - then restore it on kTool.
OR
Edit the on-phone mps_code.dat with the correct IMEI but I need the format (if someone could peek at theirs that'd be great).
Thank you in advance all and sorry for the story! If I manage to get this to work I'll upload a tutorial with all the relevent files required which I know will help a lot of people.
Cheers
Mine mps_code.dat have 3 letters in it i-e 'TNL' which is csc i think. And imei is in efs1 and efs2 partition you can see in pit analysis thread google it if you don't know anout this thread.
Only thing which you can do is give phone to repair shop they have boxes and tools which can write imei. Or take backup of efs1 efs2 and efs of other phone and restore it in your phone.you do backup/restore using partition backup app in playstore by wanam.
Thanks for your reply. I will try to locate someone else I know with an S3 and pull their EFS - hopefully something will happen that's of benefit.
In the meantime, I'll focus on this as hard as I can to get it sorted. I've managed to go from having the IMEI reading as a random 0049 one, to "Null/Null" which means it HAS been written to (or does in my mind), just with nothing rather than the correct number.
If I get anywhere I'll update this thread, and if im successful in the repair I'll create a How-To based on what I did.
Cheers
I can repair your device. Had the same problem with my mothers phone.
The problem is that samsung changed the style of the efs format years ago and the S3 was falling in this time.
So if you need help, i can help.
konsolen said:
I can repair your device. Had the same problem with my mothers phone.
The problem is that samsung changed the style of the efs format years ago and the S3 was falling in this time.
So if you need help, i can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey mate,
Want me to PM you?
Thanks
I had the same problem days ago and I couldn't connect to sim network.
What I did was flash stock rom using odin and then a custom modem and a custom kernel I found in the internet. At the end it gave me a normal imei number (not the [email protected]%) but it wasn't my original imei... nevertheless it can connect now without any issues .
jairolas said:
I had the same problem days ago and I couldn't connect to sim network.
What I did was flash stock rom using odin and then a custom modem and a custom kernel I found in the internet. At the end it gave me a normal imei number (not the [email protected]%) but it wasn't my original imei... nevertheless it can connect now without any issues .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey bro,
Do you remember specifically what ROM, kernel and modem you flashed? Ive tried this with no luck so interested in trying your combination.
Cheers
Ok guys this is exactly what I did:
1- backup all your data.
2- download a stock 4.3 jellybean rom from sammobile (I used the Trinidad and Tobago version because I live in Mexico but that shouldn't matter), autoroot cf for i9300 4.3 from their website and twrp 2.8 recovery, again from their website.
3- download this especial kernel and this modem:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4cawyqzg8zo1vot/Patched_XXUGMK6_kernel.zip.zip?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tky93zds14kt1hz/Patched_XXUGMK6_modem.zip.zip?dl=0
4- Proceed to flash stock 4.3 rom using odin 3.07.
5- After stock rom is installed flash the root cf file and recovery tar using odin.
6- Now that you have a rooted stock rom with custom recovery proceed to flash both the especial kernel zip and the modem zip using twrp recovery.
7- You should now be able to connect network.
Good luck.
jairolas said:
Ok guys this is exactly what I did:
1- backup all your data.
2- download a stock 4.3 jellybean rom from sammobile (I used the Trinidad and Tobago version because I live in Mexico but that shouldn't matter), autoroot cf for i9300 4.3 from their website and twrp 2.8 recovery, again from their website.
3- download this especial kernel and this modem:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4cawyqzg8zo1vot/Patched_XXUGMK6_kernel.zip.zip?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tky93zds14kt1hz/Patched_XXUGMK6_modem.zip.zip?dl=0
4- Proceed to flash stock 4.3 rom using odin 3.07.
5- After stock rom is installed flash the root cf file and recovery tar using odin.
6- Now that you have a rooted stock rom with custom recovery proceed to flash both the especial kernel zip and the modem zip using twrp recovery.
7- You should now be able to connect network.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks bro, will try that in the morning!
Hey mate,
I started the process of this today, using a stock samsung FW that I updated to using Kies.
Unfortunately the end result is the same, 0049 IMEI number.
What I'll do is I'll download the T&T 4.3 from Sammobile and see if that makes any difference.
Thanks again,
jairolas said:
Ok guys this is exactly what I did:
1- backup all your data.
2- download a stock 4.3 jellybean rom from sammobile (I used the Trinidad and Tobago version because I live in Mexico but that shouldn't matter), autoroot cf for i9300 4.3 from their website and twrp 2.8 recovery, again from their website.
3- download this especial kernel and this modem:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4cawyqzg8zo1vot/Patched_XXUGMK6_kernel.zip.zip?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tky93zds14kt1hz/Patched_XXUGMK6_modem.zip.zip?dl=0
4- Proceed to flash stock 4.3 rom using odin 3.07.
5- After stock rom is installed flash the root cf file and recovery tar using odin.
6- Now that you have a rooted stock rom with custom recovery proceed to flash both the especial kernel zip and the modem zip using twrp recovery.
7- You should now be able to connect network.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yetep said:
Hey mate,
I started the process of this today, using a stock samsung FW that I updated to using Kies.
Unfortunately the end result is the same, 0049 IMEI number.
What I'll do is I'll download the T&T 4.3 from Sammobile and see if that makes any difference.
Thanks again,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey hey,
Right unfortunately all of the above doesnt solve any issues im having with the IMEI.
What I'm ultimately trying to do is find out a way to fix this, without having to use third-party hardware or a samsung service station.
The real reason is that I don't think the average user should have to go that extent to fix this - it's ultimately Samsung's fault.
Android is designed to be customisable allowing users to go up/down versions as they please (provided it's compatible with the hardware of their phone).
Just a thought -
is there any possible way to "bake" the old style EFS into a newer rom?
yetep said:
Hey mate,
I started the process of this today, using a stock samsung FW that I updated to using Kies.
Unfortunately the end result is the same, 0049 IMEI number.
What I'll do is I'll download the T&T 4.3 from Sammobile and see if that makes any difference.
Thanks again,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey All (that are viewing this).
The above procedure didn't work. I have managed to get the IMEI to change from 0049 to NULL/NULL and back again at will using a blank EFS restore file that I've got, however can't figure out what and how to change the files WITHIN the EFS restore to the correct IMEI etc.
I'll continue my search and if I come across anything, I'll let you all know on here and create a How-To.
Cheers
Hey all - just a quick question on this.
Does anyone know how to modify the server to which a program points to check for user credits etc? There's clear reason I'm asking for this, however for obvious reasons I won't elaborate further right now.
Cheers
Hello there! Is the problem fixed? Couple of days ago i fixed someones i9300 whos having this kind of error. Pm me ill help
lyxtian said:
Hello there! Is the problem fixed? Couple of days ago i fixed someones i9300 whos having this kind of error. Pm me ill help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have sent you a pm.
konsolen said:
I can repair your device. Had the same problem with my mothers phone.
The problem is that samsung changed the style of the efs format years ago and the S3 was falling in this time.
So if you need help, i can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a samsung galaxy s7 sm-G930F which is bricked. no imei anymore and no efs backup. can u help me fix it?

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