Rooting with Heimdall - Samsung Epic 4G Touch

Rooting with Heimdall - Samsung Epic 4G Touch

I've been searching for a guide that shows how to root the e4gt using Heimdall in linux. I can't find anything specific and I'm definitely not familiar with the way these things are rooted/flashed. I flashed my Evo like every 2-3 weeks. I also rooted through adb, but this is greek to me. Can someone point me in the right direction please? I have tried odin through virtualbox in Ubuntu but I am not having any luck. Thanks in advance.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

From my understanding, you can flash just like Odin, but being more specific. You can flash a kernel to the kernel, modem to modem, etc.
Here is Heimdall with some basic instructions. v 1.3.0 has a graphical interface.
Download the pit file from the E4GT forum, and the rooted kernel you want, in a .tar format.
As I posted in another thread: To flash the kernel, click on the "flash" tab. Click "browse" for the proper PIT file and select the E4GT PIT file. Click "Add". Under "Partition Name" select "Kernel" then browse. Select the .tar file of the kernel you want to flash. Put your phone into download mode, attach, then click "start" when everything's ready.
I haven't done it to the E4GT yet, so I have no idea if it will work and claim no responsibility if you brick your phone. Personally, I'm too timid to try right now.

ODIN flashable files are all tarballs even if their extension isn't .tar. Extract them using 'tar -xvf filename'. The files inside are named for what they are with the exception of the kernel, which is called zImage.
Installing Heimdall varies by Linux distro, so install it according to your distro's instructions. I use Arch and it's in the AUR so I just used yaourt to install version 1.3.
Screw the UI, go commando line and type 'heimdall'. It will print out its usage. You can pretty much figure out what options to use based on the filenames that extracted from your tarball.
Put your phone into download mode (power all the way off, wait a sec, then hold Volume Down, the Home button on the front, and Power, then Volume Up when you get the warning screen). I haven't taken the time to figure out why, but sometimes I don't have to hold the Home button and sometimes I do. May have something to do with what ROM I was running at the time?
Attach the phone to the USB cable attached to your bad-ass Linux machine. Type 'heimdall detect'. If it tells you 'Detected' and doesn't error out, you're good to flash. If you're paranoid, do it a second time. If it errors, get thee to googlin'.
Next type 'heimdall flash --kernel zImage' and it will flash that kernel to your phone and it will reboot. If there are more files than just zImage, use the appropriate options. I read somewhere that it is recommended to use every file in the tarball--don't skip any unless you're very sure what you're doing.
Note: You need super-user privileges to run these commands so either su to root or use sudo.
It really is all that easy! And I can confirm that Heimdall v1.3 works with my ET4G. I've used it to flash the Zedo, Shabby and Stock kernels from two different Arch Linux machines.
And you hardly ever need the PIT file to flash. The only time you ever need it is if you're repartitioning.
Oh, and I am just sharing my procedures here--not telling you to do them--so I am not responsible in any way|shape|form for whatever you do to your phone.

Heimdall flash via b1g.p0ppa's instructions a success. Flash via the GUI a no go. Thanks dude!

b1g.p0ppa said:
ODIN flashable files are all tarballs even if their extension isn't .tar. Extract them using 'tar -xvf filename'. The files inside are named for what they are with the exception of the kernel, which is called zImage.
Installing Heimdall varies by Linux distro, so install it according to your distro's instructions. I use Arch and it's in the AUR so I just used yaourt to install version 1.3.
Screw the UI, go commando line and type 'heimdall'. It will print out its usage. You can pretty much figure out what options to use based on the filenames that extracted from your tarball.
Put your phone into download mode (power all the way off, wait a sec, then hold Volume Down, the Home button on the front, and Power, then Volume Up when you get the warning screen). I haven't taken the time to figure out why, but sometimes I don't have to hold the Home button and sometimes I do. May have something to do with what ROM I was running at the time?
Attach the phone to the USB cable attached to your bad-ass Linux machine. Type 'heimdall detect'. If it tells you 'Detected' and doesn't error out, you're good to flash. If you're paranoid, do it a second time. If it errors, get thee to googlin'.
Next type 'heimdall flash --kernel zImage' and it will flash that kernel to your phone and it will reboot. If there are more files than just zImage, use the appropriate options. I read somewhere that it is recommended to use every file in the tarball--don't skip any unless you're very sure what you're doing.
Note: You need super-user privileges to run these commands so either su to root or use sudo.
It really is all that easy! And I can confirm that Heimdall v1.3 works with my ET4G. I've used it to flash the Zedo, Shabby and Stock kernels from two different Arch Linux machines.
And you hardly ever need the PIT file to flash. The only time you ever need it is if you're repartitioning.
Oh, and I am just sharing my procedures here--not telling you to do them--so I am not responsible in any way|shape|form for whatever you do to your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what I was looking for. Just to make sure that I understand you correctly, by flashing the kernel as you instructed above that will root my phone? If that's the case that is very simple. Thank you very much. I'm running Ubuntu 11.04 btw which I was able to get a .deb for Heimdall.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Yep. A long as you make sure to download a pre-rooted kernel it will.
If you haven't flashed anything at all yet, have you experienced the loss of signal problem that people are reporting? They're asking people to share their experiences in one of the other threads.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

b1g.p0ppa said:
Yep. A long as you make sure to download a pre-rooted kernel it will.
If you haven't flashed anything at all yet, have you experienced the loss of signal problem that people are reporting? They're asking people to share their experiences in one of the other threads.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that is so much easier than my Evo ever was. To answer your question, no I haven't had any of the LOS problems yet. Hopefully I never do lol. That's one of the things that has me concerned about rooting right now. Now that I know how to do it I might just wait for a few more roms to come out. I'm really curious to see how CM does on this phone. Thanks again for your help.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Related

[HOWTO] ROOT [KERNEL] SGH-T989 UVKID // Insecure // Root // Busybox

SGH-T989 UVKID // Insecure // Root // Busybox
What does all this mean?
As many of you know, we can already root our phone's but if you want to bypass all the extra steps ClockworkMod brings with it, I've got a kernel and an easier method just for you.
Features
Code:
#
# ADDITIONAL_DEFAULT_PROPERTIES
#
ro.secure=0
ro.allow.mock.location=0
ro.debuggable=1
persist.service.adb.enable=1
Code:
/sbin/*
/sbin/userscript.sh //runs the script that installs root
/sbin/su //the superuser binary we all know and love
/sbin/superuser.apk //a neat little app to manage all your root permissions
/sbin/busybox //the busybox binary we all know and love, that keep developers happy
Once you flash this you will have a fully rooted T-Mobile Galaxy S II, that also carries the benefits of an insecure kernel.
Why should you root your SGSII?
There a whole bunch of reasons a person would want to root there brand new SGSII. Any and all of the root applications in the market, some of the best apps at that, require you to root your phone.
By rooting your phone you also gain access to flash roms and themes that are popping up around the Android Development forum, by flashing ClockworkMod Recovery with Rom Manager.
What is better about this root method compared to Slayher's original method?
Since the root is maintained mostly inside of the kernel, removing root is as easy as flashing the stock kernel I posted and uninstalling the Superuser app.
Downloads
You can reference the second post on how to flash the kernel itself, but you can grab it from here now.
If you like my work..
and wish to donate you can buy me my very own T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S II by using the details posted here.

How to Flash
We are going to be using Odin in this explanation to flash the stock kernel to your phone.
Downloads
First you are going to want to start by downloading all the needed files onto your computer and then place them onto your Desktop.
Samsung Kies
Odin3-v1.85.zip
SGH-T989-UVKID-Insecure-Root.tar
Process
Once you have everything downloaded and on your desktop, you are going to want to first install kies.
After this is done you should restart your computer for proper driver installation.
Next, extract Odin to a new folder on your Desktop. Leave the tar in the form it is.
Now, open up Odin by double clicking the .exe in the folder you extracted it to.
The most important step is now, you need to put your device into Download/ODIN mode so your computer will recognize it and be able to flash to it. To do this simply turn your phone off completely (or pull the battery). Then you are going to want to use the following button combination to force your device into download mode:
Hold the volume up/down and power button all at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now ODIN should have recognized your device ( it may take a while for the drivers to complete installation so don't panic the first time).
Lastly, we want to click on the PDA button and then search for the SGH-T989-UVKID-Insecure-Root.tar we download earlier and placed on the Desktop.
If all of the above has taken place you are free to hit the Start button.
Done!
If all has gone well at this point the flash should be proven successful and your phone should reboot like normal.
If so, please feel pressured to give yourself a pat on the back, that was tough!

You da man!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk

So im guessing this supports init.d?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

bubby323 said:
How to Flash
We are going to be using Odin in this explanation to flash the stock kernel to your phone.
Downloads
First you are going to want to start by downloading all the needed files onto your computer and then place them onto your Desktop.
Samsung Kies
Odin3-v1.85.zip
SGH-T989-UVKID-Insecure-Root.tar
Process
Once you have everything downloaded and on your desktop, you are going to want to first install kies.
After this is done you should restart your computer for proper driver installation.
Next, extract Odin to a new folder on your Desktop. Leave the tar in the form it is.
Now, open up Odin by double clicking the .exe in the folder you extracted it to.
The most important step is now, you need to put your device into Download/ODIN mode so your computer will recognize it and be able to flash to it. To do this simply turn your phone off completely (or pull the battery). Then you are going to want to use the following button combination to force your device into download mode:
Now ODIN should have recognized your device ( it may take a while for the drivers to complete installation so don't panic the first time).
Lastly, we want to click on the PDA button and then search for the SGH-T989-UVKID-Insecure-Root.tar we download earlier and placed on the Desktop.
If all of the above has taken place you are free to hit the Start button.
Done!
If all has gone well at this point the flash should be proven successful and your phone should reboot like normal.
If so, please feel pressured to give yourself a pat on the back, that was tough!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am already rooted, can I still Odin this on top.

sebmw said:
I am already rooted, can I still Odin this on top.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it won't hurt anything.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Thanks so much! Just flashed this with odin and went without a problem!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

I'm planning on picking up my Galaxy S2 from Telus once it gets released (end of the week I've heard). Will this method work on the Telus version?

I noticed the original 784MB I had dropped to 778MB after flashing is this normal.

TY
Rooting this way is ridiculously easy, especially for those of us who don't want to muck about with a custom CWR or custom ROM just yet. Basically, all I wanted to do was to have Titanium Backup running and to delete that annoying tethering manager app!
You might want to clarify that you press both Vol+ and Vol- simultaneously then plug in the USB. The other way you mention (Vol+, Vol-, Power) puts the device into recovery not download mode.
Kudos!

kennyp987 said:
So im guessing this supports init.d?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does.

marleyfan61 said:
I'm planning on picking up my Galaxy S2 from Telus once it gets released (end of the week I've heard). Will this method work on the Telus version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, once I am able to work with those on Telus to figure certain things out I will also develop there, do not flash anything from this forum though.

sebmw said:
I noticed the original 784MB I had dropped to 778MB after flashing is this normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you should notice that the Superuser application is installed upon flashing and a few root binaries are copied over to /system/bin so the drop in size is due to that, and actually occurs with any root method, not just this.

bubby323 said:
No, once I am able to work with those on Telus to figure certain things out I will also develop there, do not flash anything from this forum though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What kind of things would you be needing for the Telus version? I am going to the store as soon as it opens to get it
Sent from my Milestone using xda premium

How will the coming update for wifi calling effect this flash? Should I wait til after that update?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

I have a the telus version in hand, what do you need from it. I'm no dev but am happy to follow directions.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

If this kernel is insecure how can we expect it to perform any of its tasks confidently?

Thanks for the info but fyi the download link for Odin is broken.
Edit: looks like its the inspiringandroid page that is down. Does anyone have a mirror somewhere?

I came here to ask the same thing as above. Is there a mirror somewhere? Thanks in advance!

I am having the same problem as others. The SGH-T989-UVKID-Insecure-Root.tar link is down. Anyone have an alternate source for this file?

[Q] is it possible to flash back to stock without PC?

The micro USB port on my phone is jacked up and I need to flash back to stock ROM,unroot and stock Android recovery so I can get a replacement . Is there a way to do it? My PC dosent recognize the phone when its plugged in. currently im running
EL 26 modem
EK02 kernel
Build Number Gingerbread EK02
Cwm recovery

Maybe MobileODIN?
(sorry, @ work, can't take the time to search n link here for you)
I would guess off the top of my head that M-odin and something from sfhub would do this?
Seeing as I've never used it, I am sure someone could clarify and/or say I'm full of ****e. ;-)
Sent from my calculator watch.

Yeah downloading the stock.tar to your phone and using Mobile Odin works great, just make sure that you don't have inject superuser clicked if you want to return it.

it looks everything needs to be done with CWM (rogue) or mobile odin.
Search the forum first to find the unrooted stock rom, modem and kernel.
Also, remove the odin count if it's non zero (if don't know, search 'triangle away').
If everything is downloaded on your phone or pc (you can connect your pc using es file explorer and move the file to your phone), be sure that kernel is applied at the very last moment.
The steps would be,
1. install zip file from sdcard - if you have a zip file which everything is on one zip, then you are just good to go.
2. Separate zip file - rom or modem first and kernel last within the same recovery session (without reboot)
If you use the mobile odin, everything should be done at the same time but I do not recommend this method because sometimes, the mobile odin misses some component and it could be a reason of phone bricked.

kobridge said:
it looks everything needs to be done with CWM (rogue) or mobile odin.
Search the forum first to find the unrooted stock rom, modem and kernel.
Also, remove the odin count if it's non zero (if don't know, search 'triangle away').
If everything is downloaded on your phone or pc (you can connect your pc using es file explorer and move the file to your phone), be sure that kernel is applied at the very last moment.
The steps would be,
1. install zip file from sdcard - if you have a zip file which everything is on one zip, then you are just good to go.
2. Separate zip file - rom or modem first and kernel last within the same recovery session (without reboot)
If you use the mobile odin, everything should be done at the same time but I do not recommend this method because sometimes, the mobile odin misses some component and
it could be a reason of phone bricked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So should I just try the method in step1 ? im concerned about getting the yellow triangle be ause my USB port is messed up and am afraid that a jig wont be recognized

ihateu said:
So should I just try the method in step1 ? im concerned about getting the yellow triangle be ause my USB port is messed up and am afraid that a jig wont be recognized
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the reason why I'm recommending the 'triangle away'. This works without usb jig. If you odin count is bigger than zero, only use it. Flashing thru zip file does not increase the odin count.

kobridge said:
That's the reason why I'm recommending the 'triangle away'. This works without usb jig. If you odin count is bigger than zero, only use it. Flashing thru zip file does not increase the odin count.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I can just flash this in cwm?
SPH-D710.EK02_CL704398-oc-sfx.exe
I thought this is the file that has stock ROM and stock recovery

ihateu said:
So I can just flash this in cwm?
SPH-D710.EK02_CL704398-oc-sfx.exe
I thought this is the file that has stock ROM and stock recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope! That's the one-click self extract package being used for odin thru usb cable.
Don't even think about that.

kobridge said:
Nope! That's the one-click self extract package being used for odin thru usb cable.
Don't even think about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trying to find it ...theres so much roms . If your not to busy anyway u could post a link to point me in the right direction?

ihateu said:
Trying to find it ...theres so much roms . If your not to busy anyway u could post a link to point me in the right direction?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya. I also spent about an hour to find the zip or tar file but no luck yet.
I remember that I downloaded original stock rom one time -SPH-D710_SPR_D710USEG30 and it has the home.tar file in it.
Keeping checking...
http://forums.acsyndicate.net/showthread.php?4894-Stock-EL29-Tar-How-to-Return-to-stock-here
(download file and unzip. Use mobile odin to flash the .tar file)
I tried to find zip file but only rooted zip files exist. So, only one way would be using mobile odin.

Ok im downloading that now .So let me get this right,I unzip that file then open mobile Odin .scroll down a bit hit open Open file...select that file that is now unziped . Does that soind right so far??
Sorry for bugging just not familiar woth this and dont want to screw up since I cant use USB port ya know..

ihateu said:
Ok im downloading that now .So let me get this right,I unzip that file then open mobile Odin .scroll down a bit hit open Open file...select that file that is now unziped . Does that soind right so far??
Sorry for bugging just not familiar woth this and dont want to screw up since I cant use USB port ya know..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds right:
This is below is all from sfhub he wrote instructions on his latest oneclick for using mobile odin:
Get the Full restore for EL29 here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1433101
FC15 here:
To install One-Clicks from the PHONE with out PC using Mobile Odin:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1551901
"Android - Install ZArchiver, then use it to unpack the ODIN OneClick 7zip self-extractor file in this section (long press *-oc-sfx.exe, Open as archive, Odin-OC, select *-OneClick.exe, Extract). Use Mobile ODIN to Open File the resulting *-OneClick.exe file. Mobile ODIN issue - modem might not flash consistently. Skip the remaining instructions that are windows ODIN specific (steps 3, 4, 5, 6)."

Ok so theese are one click files and I can use then with mobile Odin corrrect? Then the file that I asked you about earlier should work am I correct?
( SPH-D710.EK02_CL704398-oc-sfx)
I'm getting a bit confused , sorry. I could use the above file that I already downloaded instead of waiting for the download u sent me a link for right? (the one from ACS)

ihateu said:
Ok so theese are one click files and I can use then with mobile Odin corrrect? Then the file that I asked you about earlier should work am I correct?
( SPH-D710.EK02_CL704398-oc-sfx)
I'm getting a bit confused , sorry. I could use the above file that I already downloaded instead of waiting for the download u sent me a link for right? (the one from ACS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know, I think you'd be fine with the EL29 too. I make sure I use the links from sfhub to get to stock. I can vouch for those - Bone Stock, Odin Count to Zero and no Triangle. That guys deserves loads of thanks for saving many an ass, mine included. And his instructions are dead simple and right on. Just take some time and read, read and then read again before you do anything. Then you should be OK.

ihateu said:
Ok so theese are one click files and I can use then with mobile Odin corrrect? Then the file that I asked you about earlier should work am I correct?
( SPH-D710.EK02_CL704398-oc-sfx)
I'm getting a bit confused , sorry. I could use the above file that I already downloaded instead of waiting for the download u sent me a link for right? (the one from ACS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The oc-sfx.exe files are actually 7zip self-extractors. When you double-click on them, they decompress the actual OneClick.exe file. Think of oc-sfx.exe as a zip file. You wouldn't feed a zip file directly to Mobile ODIN. You would unpack the zip file first, then give the file to Mobile ODIN. You can either unpack the oc-sfx.exe file on windows by double-clicking on it, or on your phone by using ZArchiver from the market.
Once you have extracted/decompressed the OneClick.exe file, feed that to Mobile ODIN.
Sorry for any confusion, but if I left these uncompressed, the files (and downloads) would be twice what they are now.

leaderbuilder said:
I don't know, I think you'd be fine with the EL29 too. I make sure I use the links from sfhub to get to stock. I can vouch for those - Bone Stock, Odin Count to Zero and no Triangle. That guys deserves loads of thanks for saving many an ass, mine included. And his instructions are dead simple and right on. Just take some time and read, read and then read again before you do anything. Then you should be OK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah , I was really confused because I didnt know his oneclick.exe files can be used also with mobile odin,AND lol mostly cause for some reason I STILL tried opening it from mobile Odin but it wouldnt accept the file ,but thats because I unzipped it with Androzip. its what I already had on my phone and I thought it would do the job. Once I used Zarchive to unzip the one click.exe it DOES recognize the file! Now im just waiting for it to charge a lil

The man is pretty awesome n so helpful ! Its funny cause when I used his one click method months ago it was so easy. Just this time I cant do it thru a USB with PC

ihateu said:
The man is pretty awesome n so helpful ! Its funny cause when I used his one click method months ago it was so easy. Just this time I cant do it thru a USB with PC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even I'm so impressed to you guys! It's not been a long time since I joined this forum, but all you guys are awesome! Just want to express my thanks each of you +1
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Another Ass Saved !!!!! (mines)

Mobile Odin help -- please :(

Seem to have gotten myself in another bind :/
Ok, so I flashed a ICS ROM and as usual I want to flash something else(I admit its a bad addiction! ). Unfortunately, my OEM cable isnt working and so odin can't recognize the phone!
SO I have mobile odin installed but I need the correct files. Never had to use it until now, I thought I had a correct kernel/recovery to flash but it says "partition not recognized"
So please mind that I will have to download the files DIRECTLY from my phone. I will seriously LOVE anyone who can help me out

Go to the wiki, found in the sticky section, you're looking for el26 kernel with cwm tar file. In mobile Odin, click kernel and find the file. Check md5 and go. During reboot, Press and hold volume up and power till you get to cwm. Do your wipes and flashing there. Good luck!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

thegoodrat said:
Seem to have gotten myself in another bind :/
Ok, so I flashed a ICS ROM and as usual I want to flash something else(I admit its a bad addiction! ). Unfortunately, my OEM cable isnt working and so odin can't recognize the phone!
SO I have mobile odin installed but I need the correct files. Never had to use it until now, I thought I had a correct kernel/recovery to flash but it says "partition not recognized"
So please mind that I will have to download the files DIRECTLY from my phone. I will seriously LOVE anyone who can help me out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming you are using something from the OneClick thread, you need to unpack the file first, either double-click the .exe in windows to unpack or use zarchiver on android. The resulting file can be use with Mobile ODIN using Open File.

Here's the el26 cwm kernel
http://db.tt/jUNENJGl
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

thegoodrat said:
So please mind that I will have to download the files DIRECTLY from my phone. I will seriously LOVE anyone who can help me out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are several apps like Wifi File Browser that you can install on your phone that will allow you to transfer files back and forth from your pc/phone if necessary. Really nice to use too.

[Guide] eMMC issue workaround! How-to Flash, Restore, and Backup! Plus Triangle Away!

So, lately I've been noticing a lot of DEVs saying "Flash EL26 kernel through ODIN, then proceed to recovery to finish the rest of your flashing".
This holds true, correct? Any other ICS kernel is going to cause the eMMC lock-up issue, if you wipe or do a delete on a massive scale?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True.
So, what's this eMMC chip everyone is talking about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The eMMC chip is basically what controls your Internal Data Partition. Anything to do with writing (or for this case, deleting) data from your internal partition is going to involve this chip!
Why is the eMMC chip messing up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a basic explanation, the eMMC chip doesn't mesh with ICS kernels as perfectly as GB kernels do. There were some issues with the firmware inside of the eMMC chip, and the ICS kernel would trigger it to (in a sense) meltdown if a partition wipe script was initiated. There may be a way to fix the firmware, but as of today, we are unaware of it and are awaiting the answers.
_____________________________________________
So, until the eMMC bug has a permanent fix, I'm going to make a comprehensive guide to flashing new ROMs, backing up, restoring, and any other helpful tips.
My goal is simple: Collected, organized, informative, and clean.
Disclaimer: Don't blame me when you do this incorrectly. I will laugh. You knew what you were getting into when you first rooted, my friend.
If any of my information is wrong, please PM me and I will correct it ASAP. Even spelling errors..
CREDIT GOES TO:
Chris41g for his EL26 kernel. Thank you very much!
Tell me of others I'm missing.
Read all steps and make preparations BEFORE starting this tutorial! You better be prepared before undertaking these processes!!
_____________________________________________
Guide Part I: Flashing new ROMs.
For users who already have an ICS kernel on their phone. Or for those who don't know, and want to be safe!
It's really basic. Because of the bug in the ICS kernel recoveries that crash the eMMC chip during Wipe Data scripts, you must use the EL26 kernel, and flash it from ODIN before making any changes.
Make sure you READ these instructions BEFORE starting, and prepare accordingly!
(files also attached at the bottom of this thread, extract the .md5 kernel from the .zip first before using it in ODIN.)
First, flash the EL26 Kernel + Recovery through ODIN.
Step 1: Download the EL26 kernel, ODIN, and install AND setup completely KIES, to make sure the drivers are there and ready!
Step 2: Once ready, put the phone into Download Mode by holding down the VOL DOWN + POWER buttons, until you see a Warning!! screen with a triangle at the bottom. Press VOL UP to continue into Download Mode.
Step 3: Plug the device into your Windows PC and wait for the drivers to say they're full installed, then open ODIN.
Step 4: Wait for ODIN to show a yellow, lit up bar with "0:[COM?]" under the "ID:COM" section.
Step 5: Once ODIN is ready, go to the PDA box and browse for the StockCWM-EL26.tar.md5 file you downloaded earlier. DO NOT CHECK ANY OTHER BOXES. Messing around with settings in ODIN will get you into trouble.
Step 6: Press "Start", and wait for it to finish its thing. WATCH YOUR PHONE, and be ready to go into Recovery Mode.
Step 7: Don't allow your phone to boot! Hold down VOL UP + POWER as soon as your screen shows the Samsung Galaxy S II splash screen, until you see the blue CWM screen. (should be ver. 5.0.2.7, if I'm not mistaken.) (You may notice the yellow triangle, we'll get to removing that later!)
We are now in EL26 Recovery, where you can wipe till your heart bursts with joy.
But, you might wonder.. Why are we using a GB recovery for flashing an ICS ROM?
After you flash the ROM in this recovery, it will flash an ICS recovery over it, so that after you reboot, you'll have your ICS recovery and kernel. We only need the EL26 recovery to do the in-between work..
Now, onto flashing your new ROM! This one's easy..
Step 8: Wipe data/factory reset by using the option on the main screen of recovery, Wipe cache using the option a few clicks below it, and Wipe Dalvik cache using the option from the Advanced menu.
Step 9: Once you've wiped those listed, prepare to flash your ROM. If you haven't downloaded the ROM to your SD card yet, now would be a good time. Either remove your SD card and load the ROM onto it from your PC, or back up and go to "Mounts and Storage", then mount your SD card and load it through your USB connection that way.
Step 10: Go to "Install from zip file" and go through the needed directories to locating and selecting your ROM.
Step 11: Flash your ROM, like usual. (Also flash GAPPS, or any other after ROM installation zips at this time, if that's when they're supposed to be done normally.)
Now, once you click reboot, EL26 RECOVERY WILL NO LONGER EXIST ON YOUR PHONE. Once again.. DO NOT PLAN ON WIPING DATA AGAIN, WITHOUT A FIXED KERNEL AND RECOVERY. Once rebooted, the affected ICS kernel and recovery (the one that came in your ROM .zip that you flashed while using the EL26 temp kernel) will be back into place. Doing any sort of hard reset, data wipes, LARGE FILE DELETES, or factory resets MAY result in a bricked phone. Please, be careful!
Step 12: Reboot and enjoy your new ICS ROM!
CONGRATS! You got to dry land safely. You should now be in your new ROM, with no crashes to the eMMC chip! If you're not.. Well, you didn't listen.
Now, about that Yellow triangle during boot.. Check the end of the post.
_____________________________________________
Guide Part II: Backing up your existing ICS ROM.
Just like flashing a new ROM, we're going to need the EL26 kernel and recovery to do this. Once the backing up has taken place, we'll need to restore your old kernel. I'll show you how.
Step 1: Go here and download a kernel that corresponds to the CURRENT ROM that you're going to be backing up. The choices are AOSP/AOKP, CM9, or TOUCHWIZ, mainly. Make sure that you find the kernel that is associated with your current ROM (ex: FE21, FE16, FE14, and so on..), because we will be wiping that kernel away, and will need to restore it again later. Check for current kernel version in System > About Phone > Kernel Version.
Step 2: Once you've downloaded your corresponding kernel, put the phone into Download Mode by holding down the VOL DOWN + POWER buttons, until you see a Warning!! screen with a triangle at the bottom. Press VOL UP to continue into Download Mode.
Step 3: Plug the device into your Windows PC and wait for the drivers to say they're full installed, then open ODIN.
Step 4: Wait for ODIN to show a yellow, lit up bar with "0:[COM?]" under the "ID:COM" section.
Step 5: Once ODIN is ready, go to the PDA box and browse for the StockCWM-EL26.tar.md5 file you downloaded earlier. Do not mix the kernels up! EL26 is for before backup, and the kernel you downloaded that matches your currect ROM is for after the backup process. OKAY? DO NOT CHECK ANY OTHER BOXES. Messing around with settings in ODIN will get you into trouble.
Step 6: Press "Start", and wait for it to finish its thing. WATCH YOUR PHONE, and be ready to go into Recovery Mode.
Step 7: Don't allow your phone to boot! Hold down VOL UP + POWER as soon as your screen shows the Samsung Galaxy S II splash screen, until you see the blue CWM screen.
Now, you're in EL26 recovery. Let's backup your old ROM, then flash the new kernel!
Step 8: Proceed to the backup and restore options, then backup as you normally would.
Note: Make SURE that you understand that this backup is going to contain the EL26 kernel. This kernel WILL NOT WORK with ICS ROMs. Just because we are using it during recovery, doesn't mean it's friendly with ICS. If you ever wish to restore this backup, you'll need the kernel that matches it. I suggest renaming it afterwards with a clear and distinctive name, and placing the kernel inside the backup folder with the backup itself, to avoid confusions.
Step 9: After you've finished the backup, Wipe cache and Wipe dalvik cache, using the main menu of recovery and the advanced menu, respectfully. Don't skip this step!
Step 10: Now, you'll need to flash the kernel that you overwrote when you flashed EL26 with ODIN at the beginning. You can do this with the EL26 recovery. Go to "Flash a zip file" and find the kernel that you downloaded from this page, then flash it. If you haven't placed this file onto your SD card yet, please do so by either removing the SD card and using your PC to load it on, or use the "Mounts and Storage > Mount USB" option, then load it through your USB connection.
Step 11: Once the kernel that matches your existing ROM has been flashed, you can safely reboot and your phone should start up as normal. It will take longer this time, since you've flashed a new kernel, so be patient and don't fret.
You now have successfully backed up your current ROM! Like I said earlier, "Make SURE that you understand that this backup is going to contain the EL26 kernel. This kernel WILL NOT WORK with ICS ROMs. Just because we are using it during recovery, doesn't mean it's friendly with ICS. If you ever wish to restore this backup, you'll need the kernel that matches it. I suggest renaming it afterwards with a clear and distinctive name, and placing the kernel inside the backup folder with the backup itself, to avoid confusions."
I cannot stress this enough. If you're going to use this process to backup, you need to make sure you label your backup with details of what kernel it needs, since you've backup your ROM with an EL26 kernel that's not usable with this ICS ROM. Either place the kernel it needs in the same folder as this backup, or rename it with specifications. (ex: 5.24.2012.NEEDS.FE16.AOKP.KERNEL.zip)
Now, let's move on to restoring! Very similar process.
_____________________________________________
Guide Part III: Restoring a backup made using this totorial.
Just like backing up, we're going to temporarily use the EL26 kernel to restore your old ROM, which will contain the EL26 kernel as well. After restoring, we must flash the kernel that your backed up ROM requires to operate. Let's start, shall we?
Step 1: You should already have the kernel that matches your backup, since you used this method to backup in the first place. But if you don't, here's a link to the available kernels. Go find and download your kernel here. Make sure that you find the kernel that is associated with your backed up ROM. (ex: FE21, FE16, FE14, and so on..)
Step 2: Once you've downloaded your corresponding kernel, put the phone into Download Mode by holding down the VOL DOWN + POWER buttons, until you see a Warning!! screen with a triangle at the bottom. Press VOL UP to continue into Download Mode.
Step 3: Plug the device into your Windows PC and wait for the drivers to say they're full installed, then open ODIN.
Step 4: Wait for ODIN to show a yellow, lit up bar with "0:[COM?]" under the "ID:COM" section.
Step 5: Once ODIN is ready, go to the PDA box and browse for the StockCWM-EL26.tar.md5 file you downloaded earlier. Do not mix the kernels up! EL26 is for before backup, and the kernel you downloaded that matches your currect ROM is for after the backup process. OKAY? DO NOT CHECK ANY OTHER BOXES. Messing around with settings in ODIN will get you into trouble.
Step 6: Press "Start", and wait for it to finish its thing. WATCH YOUR PHONE, and be ready to go into Recovery Mode.
Step 7: Don't allow your phone to boot! Hold down VOL UP + POWER as soon as your screen shows the Samsung Galaxy S II splash screen, until you see the blue CWM screen.
Now, you're in EL26 recovery. Let's restore your old ROM, then flash the required kernel!
Step 8: Unlike backing up, we need to wipe before the restore. Wipe data/factory reset by using the option on the main screen of recovery, Wipe cache using the option a few clicks below it, and Wipe Dalvik cache using the option from the Advanced menu.
Step 9: After wiping, like instructed above, proceed to the backup and restore options, then restore as you normally would.
Note: Make SURE that you understand that this restore is going to contain the EL26 kernel. This kernel WILL NOT WORK with ICS ROMs. Just because we are using it during recovery, doesn't mean it's friendly with ICS. We will be restoring the kernel that belongs with this after we restore the backup itself.
Step 10: Now, you'll need to flash the kernel that you overwrote when you flashed EL26 with ODIN at the beginning. You can do this with the EL26 recovery. Go to "Flash a zip file" and find the kernel that you downloaded from this page that matches your backed up ROM, then flash it. If you haven't placed this file onto your SD card yet, please do so by either removing the SD card and using your PC to load it on, or use the "Mounts and Storage > Mount USB" option, then load it through your USB connection.
Step 11: Once the kernel that matches your existing backed up ROM has been flashed, you can safely reboot and your phone should start up as normal. It will take longer this time, since you've flashed a new kernel, so be patient and don't fret.
You should now be back into the old ROM that you used this method to restore! Not too hard, was it?
_____________________________________________
Now, as promised! The Triangle on boot up issue!
This happened because you used ODIN to flash the EL26 recovery kernel. There's an EASY fix.
Go here and download this to your phone. I HIGHLY recommend this app! It's WELL worth the $1.99, and the DEV really honestly deserves it. If you really want that annoying looking triangle gone, and to get that flash count reset, this app will be perfect.
Here's an excerpt from the description:
Triangle Away can remove the yellow triangle from your boot screen as well as reset the flash counter, for a select few Samsung devices running Ice Cream Sandwich.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, go download it. It's called Triangle Away, and it saves you the headache.
_____________________________________________
Well, my eyes hurt. Brain hurts. And it's well past my bedtime. But I sure hope this guide helps someone get what they need!
If ANYONE has any questions, please, comment and let the community help you as much as they can! If this thread helped you, please rate it and send a thanks my way!
I will not, nor ever will, accept donations for my write ups. This knowledge was pulled from tens of threads around on XDA, and I thank them for helping me create this thread. Will credit, if asked. Just PM me.
If anyone thinks this write up needs clarifications, or is missing any detail, please PM me and I will fix it accordingly!
Happy flashing, XDA! Live long and root on!

I sent you 2 PM's my fellow XDA Member.
BTW Really nice Guide Bookmarked right away...

Great job on the guide, hope this lessens the questions about the el26 work around in the threads.:thumbup:
Also give credit to where it's due.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

I know you link to the correct download of EL26 but you may still want to mention it's Chris41g's EL26 CWM kernel that they need use. They're lots of other versions of the EL26 kernel they could use by accident if they don't click on the link and try to find it on their own. I'd also mention buying a USB jig as another way to remove the yellow triangle and reset the Odin count. The jigs can come in quite handy at other times too. Good job though!

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26428986
. . . Need i say more?

Kebetz said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26428986
. . . Need i say more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't fix this type of brick. In the other thread the OP could still get into recovery and download mode so he actually can still repair his emmc.

Wow, excellently stated and extremely comprehensive!

MeWarning said:
That doesn't fix this type of brick. In the other thread the OP could still get into recovery and download mode so he actually can still repair his emmc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You had THE brick? Worked on one?
Saw one from a distance? ? Lived in the same neighborhood of one?
I did.
What do you think all the talk about it "getting to data and then hanging" was about/did you not understand in almost all posts about the brick?
Also, have you factored for peoples lies?
"no, i didn't touch it at all..." Or "i was just looking at it and it fell off, i swear i wasn't playing with scissors"

Omar04 said:
I sent you 2 PM's my fellow XDA Member.
BTW Really nice Guide Bookmarked right away...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I got them and I will give them a reply in a few hours! Got some morning shopping to do.
sol_671 said:
Great job on the guide, hope this lessens the questions about the el26 work around in the threads.:thumbup:
Also give credit to where it's due.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I will go back and find the threads I got information from in a few hours, and add those in! I hope this guide helps my fellow users not brick as often!
MeWarning said:
I know you link to the correct download of EL26 but you may still want to mention it's Chris41g's EL26 CWM kernel that they need use. They're lots of other versions of the EL26 kernel they could use by accident if they don't click on the link and try to find it on their own. I'd also mention buying a USB jig as another way to remove the yellow triangle and reset the Odin count. The jigs can come in quite handy at other times too. Good job though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have a USB jig handy, but I will look into it a bit more and if it seems better off then Triangle Away, I will suggest it as needed.
And YES, you are correct! I need to mention that it is indeed, his kernel, and give him a mention in this!
john9 said:
Wow, excellently stated and extremely comprehensive!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! That's what I was going for!
Safe flashing, everyone!

Kebetz said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26428986
. . . Need i say more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not, and could not, ever rely on this thread as a way out of this brick. Sadly, it's not complete enough for me to have faith in it. HOPEFULLY, it does turn into an unbrick in the future and someone turns it into an exe script that can help those already doomed, but as I see it now, it's not ready for the masses.
It IS a good find, though. And thank you for bringing it into the light. Maybe someone can make a use of it, cause I know I can't!

The thread you're discussing has been a known but not recommended workaround since March when drnull experimented with this on his E4GT. The main problem is that you would have to customize the .pit file to flash ODIN and it's questionable at best with CWM flashes. And as this is a problem with the embedded eMMC controller it's not known whether using the file system in this state will behave or not long term.
Hopefully we'll get the firmware patch which can apparently fix the issue so long as the device can boot. I haven't heard anything from the various parties yet but it seems the communication is going on finally.
And YES, it was the same issue. As Mr. Sumrall from Google has stated the eMMC lockup doesn't always happen at boot, so in those cases it's possible to get in and use that to get a working device. Bottom line, don't wipe from ICS just yet... but stay tuned.
Hope that clears it up.

The market says our phone isnt supported by the app. Is it only for ics? (im on blazer 4.1)
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Shoulon said:
The market says our phone isnt supported by the app. Is it only for ics? (im on blazer 4.1)
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is only for ICS.

Shoulon said:
The market says our phone isnt supported by the app. Is it only for ics? (im on blazer 4.1)
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, what rain said. NONE of this should be performed for GB ROM flashing. This guide was written for ICS ROM flashing, restoring, and backing up.

So are a lot of people just abandoning the mobile odin ship now or what?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

I know this sounds trollish.. But this guy just seems to take other people work.. Repackage it and maybe feel important? Triangle away is old.. Flashing el26 is old.. Mobile Odin and it seems 4.0.4 May not have this issue at all at this point.. This seems like an attention grab
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

Sn1per 117 said:
So are a lot of people just abandoning the mobile odin ship now or what?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been told to stay away from it, so I have.
darkpoe said:
I know this sounds trollish.. But this guy just seems to take other people work.. Repackage it and maybe feel important? Triangle away is old.. Flashing el26 is old.. Mobile Odin and it seems 4.0.4 May not have this issue at all at this point.. This seems like an attention grab
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed trollish. This is the method I was shown and use to make sure I stay away from bricking. I do not care if it seems to be a repost. I'm not wasting your time, and I'm not slandering your name. So please, do not come here and do the same to me.
I did this so that many others could see that it works, and that noobs and pros alike can have something to refer to, to help them. If you're really going to slander the action of being a helpful human on xda, then maybe you shouldn't be posting on here.

Sn1per 117 said:
So are a lot of people just abandoning the mobile odin ship now or what?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mobile odin should be okay. Haven't heard of any issues with it to date. I use it as well.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

barnacles10 said:
Mobile odin should be okay. Haven't heard of any issues with it to date. I use it as well.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you really? Hmm.
I might take another look into it and give it a go.. I mean, I rarely like to do what others tell me not to, especially with my phone at stake..
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

barnacles10 said:
Mobile odin should be okay. Haven't heard of any issues with it to date. I use it as well.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought mobile odin is also risky as it can use the same suspect erase function that's been identified to be the cause of this eMMC issue.
Not that I have personal experience, but thats what ive read in that emmc discussion thread.
Sent from my SPH-D710

Root method for Macs?

I've already searched around, and it would seem there's currently no root method unless you have Windows. I'm already rooted, but I'd like to help my mom root hers and she's back in Philly. She actually put CM10 on her Touchpad all by herself lol.
My guess is that she may just have to wait, but if anyone could point me in the right direction that'd be great. Thank You
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

there is a way she can root it right now. she can go out and get herself a real computer!
I'm just kidding of course. what has to happen is for a dev (ie someone who knows what they are doing) that had a Mac to get involved. that's what has held up Mac root on every other device. which is kind of obvious I guess since you would need a Mac to make a root method for a Mac...
I'm not too used to Macs so I don't know if it's possible, but she could live boot her Mac onto a Linux distro, get wine, and do it the Windows way.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

Theoretically we could use Heimdall instead of Odin to flash the necessary bits. I am also without a windoz machine, so will hopefully find some time this weekend to try it out. I did see that Heimdall 4rc1 is supposed to support the sgn2. I'll post an update here if I find out any more.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

Also, she could run a virtual windows over the Mac os. There's Apple boot camp and Parallel.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

OK, here is what I figured out for getting root using Heimdall, which should work with Win, Mac, or Linux.
I found "How to Root and Install TWRP on Sprint Galaxy Note 2" where zedomax talks about rooting and in the video I heard mentioned Mac and Linux instructions and to go to http://galaxynote2root.com/ where I found examples of using Heimdall for Linux and Mac, though they are not specifically for the Sprint version.
So, what I did was get the latest Heimdall 1.4 Release Candidate 1 and compiled it on my Linux Mint desktop, though the precompiled 1.3.2 binaries found on the Heimdall home page should also work (get the Mac version here).
Instead of using the Sprint root method from galaxynote2root.com, I went with the CF-Auto-Root v1.0 compliments of chainfire.
Next I downloaded the Sprint SGN II CF-Auto-Root package from the bottom of http://autoroot.chainfire.eu/.
Then unzipped the file to get CF-Auto-Root-t0ltespr-sphl900.tar.md5 which I further extracted to get cache.img and recovery.img.
Then simply booted my phone into download mode (turn off phone, then hold VolDown+Home+Power to boot and when prompted press VolUp) and connected the phone to my computer and ran:
sudo heimdall flash --cache cache.img --recovery recovery.img
That's it! This will install SuperSU v0.96 and after rebooting I found the play store has an update to v0.97. This method also preserves the stock recovery, so I also installed TWRP 2.3.1.1 using the GooManager Android App Install Method.
Finally, I rebooted into recovery and did a full backup of the phone making sure to also backup the EFS partition as suggested here which has other useful information.
Hope this helps and isn't too confusing to follow.

Thanks for the info, but I'm either going to need something like the toolkit for Windows in a Mac environment or files & commands that can be pushed through terminal. Any updates on this?
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk

You only need two things. The mac version of heimdall and the cf-autoroot package for our phone. Then just flash the cache and recovery images from the terminal.
At that point you will have root and can also install TWRP for flashing other ROMs and things.
Sent from my phabtastic Galaxy Note II.

Develop Bugs

welcome