Develop Bugs

[Q] OTA 4.3 Questions... (Probably Dumb Questions)

Hi,
I've searched but not found answers to my questions, so I apologize if these are repeats. Like many of you, I've gotten the notification that version 4.3 is ready for my Verizon HTC One. I used RumRunner originally, so I am rooted and have s-off, but aside from that I'm running the stock ROM. For the record, I have run a few scripts (from these forums) and apps ("NoBloat") to remove the Verizon bloatware, so I'm not exactly running "pure" stock.
Here are my questions:
1. What's the best way to get the phone to stop bugging me if I want to stay on 4.2? Can I turn off the notification? I'm not sure which app controls this, so I'm currently unable to get it to stop notifying me.
2. If I wanted to try downloading and installing the OTA update (I am running the TWRP recovery), where would I find the downloaded file in the recovery directories, and what is the file name? Is there any risk to doing thison top of my current ROM? I kind of don't want to bother with restoring to stock, then updating, then re-rooting/etc. (Hence question one.)
Thanks in advance for any advice, folks!
Cheers!

himayv said:
Hi,
I've searched but not found answers to my questions, so I apologize if these are repeats. Like many of you, I've gotten the notification that version 4.3 is ready for my Verizon HTC One. I used RumRunner originally, so I am rooted and have s-off, but aside from that I'm running the stock ROM. For the record, I have run a few scripts (from these forums) and apps ("NoBloat") to remove the Verizon bloatware, so I'm not exactly running "pure" stock.
Here are my questions:
1. What's the best way to get the phone to stop bugging me if I want to stay on 4.2? Can I turn off the notification? I'm not sure which app controls this, so I'm currently unable to get it to stop notifying me.
2. If I wanted to try downloading and installing the OTA update (I am running the TWRP recovery), where would I find the downloaded file in the recovery directories, and what is the file name? Is there any risk to doing thison top of my current ROM? I kind of don't want to bother with restoring to stock, then updating, then re-rooting/etc. (Hence question one.)
Thanks in advance for any advice, folks!
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answers: 1) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2574265
2) YOU MUST be STOCK, and the stock recovery to take the OTA assuming you are on the .15 version. Here is the link to the stock recovery: http://goo.gl/OdVbX6
You can flash one of santod040's stock odex roms right on top of your current ROM. NO need to wipe data.
Some advice before continuing, make sure you are not only s-off, but bootloader unlocked as well ( believe me it will save you a headache ) Here how WITHOUT HTCDEV
Then swap out the recovery, then take the OTA, flash back your recovery, then flash superSU to the ROM, rooted! That's how i did mine.

[Q] Trouble with ARHD 9.1.

I have some experience with modding Google Nexus 3 with success but having some trouble with doing the same on the M8. Trying to install ARHD 9.1 on this phone but I'm getting stuck on the HTC logo after install. I have been following the instructions here and am successful with custom recovery (TWRM) and root. Before installing the zip through recovery, I wipe system, data, cache, dalvik cache. The installation itself is successful but it does not boot. I have been able to reinstall the stock rom found here with success so I'm able to recover from it and I also have no issue with installing ViperOneM8.
I tried using the firewater exploit but it looks like my phone was already patched and it remains S-ON. I was reading about the necessity of S-ON here but it doesn't seem required for ARHD, but it's the only thing left I think is causing the issue.
What am I missing..?

You need to flash the new firmware (2.12.402) and you need s-off for that !
Otherwise it's a no go

Mr Hofs said:
You need to flash the new firmware (2.12.402) and you need s-off for that !
Otherwise it's a no go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bummer. Is this only for 9.1 or 8.1 as well?

Only for the 2.12 build.

You need to learn how to read and search :good:

ghostlike2014 said:
You need to learn how to read and search :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you need to learn how to answer a question or when not to reply, or form the answer a bit nicer.
Like here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2821654
You don't even answer his question ?
See where i am going.......cheers and have a nice day

Thanks, I didn't realize that mike's stock de-bloat ROM was compatible with receiving OTA updates. There's a lot of good information around here but it's almost always scattered and sometimes not very clear.
I have also since found these stock updates which should work rather well for returning to T-Mobile stock with the bloat if needed. My "OS" and main-version using "getvar" still returns a blank value, but it looks like that can be common and not a detriment to updating OTA in the future.
I don't like the Kid Mode and all that stuff, hiding it is not sufficient as I like to have like a slim build so I may start again by returning to the ARHD stock ROMS if I can accept the 4.4.3 update OTA (as long as I return to stock recovery before then) and try to customize from there.

Rooted M8 + Stock recovery

Ok, I rooted and S-offed my phone to install adaway and to remove some google blotware from my stock ROM. Then i put back stock recovery to have option of OTA update.
Question is, how can I know that OTA is working? When I had custom recovery I have tried search for updates to see is there any difference noticable. It searched for updates, the same it is searching now with stock. But, there is no any updates atm.
So, once when they actually come, how will I know is my phone seeing them?

cyberlord86 said:
Ok, I rooted and S-offed my phone to install adaway and to remove some google blotware from my stock ROM. Then i put back stock recovery to have option of OTA update.
Question is, how can I know that OTA is working? When I had custom recovery I have tried search for updates to see is there any difference noticable. It searched for updates, the same it is searching now with stock. But, there is no any updates atm.
So, once when they actually come, how will I know is my phone seeing them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question and I've been wondering the same myself. I welcome corrections on this but from my understanding, your bootloader must be relocked (tampered flag is OK AFAIK), and I don't think S-Off or On will matter (but likely will be returned to S-ON after OTA), and the recovery must be flashed to stock. Additionally, your Software/OS number should match the most recent update provided by your carrier which can be found on their support page (unable to link because <10 posts hehe).
Being rooted itself shouldn't be a problem as well from what I understand.
After doing something like the Dev bootloader unlock, the calculator and flashlight apps are removed - I wonder if the removal of those apps will cause OTA update issues or if it's just any alterations to the \system folder that is cause for concern?

Damn, you brought even more questions to the table. Bootloader relocked? I found on forums that only that stock recovery is important. Plus, now when you said, I checked fir calculator and flaslight. Both gone...
Plus, I had one small 2-3 sec long photo of my carrier during boot. It is gone to.
You said about OS number... it should match cause my ROM is stock.
And I have to update my phone asap when available cuz my carrier is having this well known bug with my phone: data connection is dcing with download arrow next to H letter that stops to light.

You don't need to relock bootloader to get OTA. Stock recovery and all the system apps should be present and you shouldn't be rooted.

uronfire said:
You don't need to relock bootloader to get OTA. Stock recovery and all the system apps should be present and you shouldn't be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if those system apps are: google kiosk, for example?
And, will I see those OTAs when they come without being able to install OR i will not be able to see them at all?

If you have a stock ROM and haven't messed with the CID or MID, you will get the notification.
To install the OTA, you need an unmodified ROM and stock boot loader.

BenPope said:
If you have a stock ROM and haven't messed with the CID or MID, you will get the notification.
To install the OTA, you need an unmodified ROM and stock boot loader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woops, I guess I was mostly wrong! Good to know. This means I also need to replace the flashlight and calculator apps as well?

Ok, prerequisites for OTA on rooted stock rom
1, it is fine to be rooted
2, it is fine to be s off
3, you must have stock recovery
4, you must have stock firmware
5, you must have completely stock rom (see above its fine to still be rooted) i.e no system apps removed, the rom must be as it was out of the box with all bloatware etc.
if you meet the above conditions, you should be able to get OTAs:good:
Only issue maybe that the ota breaks root i beleive, but once that's installed, you can reflash custom recovery and su binaries

exocetdj said:
Ok, prerequisites for OTA on rooted stock rom
1, it is fine to be rooted
2, it is fine to be s off
3, you must have stock recovery
4, you must have stock firmware
5, you must have completely stock rom (see above its fine to still be rooted) i.e no system apps removed, the rom must be as it was out of the box with all bloatware etc.
if you meet the above conditions, you should be able to get OTAs:good:
Only issue maybe that the ota breaks root i beleive, but once that's installed, you can reflash custom recovery and su binaries
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Few aps like calculator and flashlight gone away with the root, I was not the one who deleted them. I did not even know they will be deleted so I didn't backup them.
My only question is, since all other conditions are met, will my phone at least "see" that OTA update? And when that happens, I can do Factory reset in stock recovery (which i have) and with some luck deleted aps will be installed again.

cyberlord86 said:
Few aps like calculator and flashlight gone away with the root, I was not the one who deleted them. I did not even know they will be deleted so I didn't backup them.
My only question is, since all other conditions are met, will my phone at least "see" that OTA update? And when that happens, I can do Factory reset in stock recovery (which i have) and with some luck deleted aps will be installed again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have a stock backup??
if so just retsore that with a CUSTOM recovery, then flash your stock recovery and that should be all you need if the other conditions are satisfied. By restoring a stock backup you will have these missing apps. if you don't have a backup, check HERE
you will need the matching backup to your firmware (in fastboot type "fastboot getvar mainver" and it will let you know if you are unsure of your firmware number.
Oh and thank @Mr Hofs for his lovely backup collection

Question regarding stock apps and other things...

Hi!
I got an M8 a few weeks ago, and regretfully wasn't thinking and allowed a few OTA updates.
So I was at firmware version 2.22.531.5, Android 4.4.3. There were 2 other OTA updates pending that I ignored because I realized that it may make it harder to root or s-off. I realize now I already performed the updates which would make Firewater not work.
I unlocked the bootloader, and flashed TWRP 2.8.0.1, then flashed the latest SuperSU.
Now the update notices stopped.
Few questions:
1. Does anyone know what updates beyond the version above were sent OTA, and how beneficial these updates are?
2. I'll probably get sunshine...but might wait. Can I install a different ROM without S-off?
3. Since I'm at 4.4.3, I may stay with stock until 4.5 (or whatever L is). But I definitely want to get some junk off the phone. I was going to use Titanium and uninstall a bunch of stuff... I have had a few HTC phones before and could identify what apps were part of the ROM framework, but it's not as easy to discern what apps I need to keep on this phone. Does anyone know of a thread that talks about what stock apps can be uninstalled? Or, in the alternative, if you have deleted apps, can you let me know which ones?
I know that's a lot of questions... Thank you in advance for any answers!

syntropic said:
Hi!
I got an M8 a few weeks ago, and regretfully wasn't thinking and allowed a few OTA updates.
So I was at firmware version 2.22.531.5, Android 4.4.3. There were 2 other OTA updates pending that I ignored because I realized that it may make it harder to root or s-off. I realize now I already performed the updates which would make Firewater not work.
I unlocked the bootloader, and flashed TWRP 2.8.0.1, then flashed the latest SuperSU.
Now the update notices stopped.
Few questions:
1. Does anyone know what updates beyond the version above were sent OTA, and how beneficial these updates are?
2. I'll probably get sunshine...but might wait. Can I install a different ROM without S-off?
3. Since I'm at 4.4.3, I may stay with stock until 4.5 (or whatever L is). But I definitely want to get some junk off the phone. I was going to use Titanium and uninstall a bunch of stuff... I have had a few HTC phones before and could identify what apps were part of the ROM framework, but it's not as easy to discern what apps I need to keep on this phone. Does anyone know of a thread that talks about what stock apps can be uninstalled? Or, in the alternative, if you have deleted apps, can you let me know which ones?
I know that's a lot of questions... Thank you in advance for any answers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1, pretty sure that's latest update
2, u can still install custom roms etc. u won't be able to downgrade firmware/change variant of m8 without s off
3, Check HERE

Thank you!
I had one follow up question...
If I had just gone with sunshine from the start (and not gone with the token from HTC to unlock the bootloader), would I have still gotten OTA updates?
Which change (custom recovery, unlocked bootloader) stops the OTA updates?
Thanks to anyone again in advance!

syntropic said:
Thank you!
I had one follow up question...
If I had just gone with sunshine from the start (and not gone with the token from HTC to unlock the bootloader), would I have still gotten OTA updates?
Which change (custom recovery, unlocked bootloader) stops the OTA updates?
Thanks to anyone again in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you would have been fine with OTA from the start, the following stops OTA updates:
custom recovery installed
missing system apps removed
incorrect firmware etc

You can freeze apps with Titanium, and if doing so doesn't cause any issues, go ahead and uninstall.

exocetdj said:
you would have been fine with OTA from the start, the following stops OTA updates:
custom recovery installed
missing system apps removed
incorrect firmware etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok...But before I read this, I was just going through settings and I checked the "check for updates" section, and it wants to install firmware version 2.22.531.6. So maybe if you are still using stock (despite installing custom recovery), you still get OTA updates?
The update sounds minor given it's incremental version (but tmous/HTC claims it's for important security updates), and I'd probably ignore it... But unfortunately, because I checked in the first place and perhaps because I'm on stock (minus a few apps I'm trying to delete: Amazon, Facebook, Kid Mode), for whatever reason the update reminder stays in my notifications and is pretty insistent.
Can I install this without calamity?
Thank you!

syntropic said:
Ok...But before I read this, I was just going through settings and I checked the "check for updates" section, and it wants to install firmware version 2.22.531.6. So maybe if you are still using stock (despite installing custom recovery), you still get OTA updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will get the OTA notification just fine with custom recovery, and it will download as well. The problem is, when you go to install, OTA requires stock recovery and will fail when it doesn't find it. Might also bootloop looking for stock recovery, can't remember exactly.

redpoint73 said:
You will get the OTA notification just fine with custom recovery, and it will download as well. The problem is, when you go to install, OTA requires stock recovery and will fail when it doesn't find it. Might also bootloop looking for stock recovery, can't remember exactly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh boy... So what's the solution? It finally downloaded on its own and is now pestering me to install. I don't want to deal with a bootloop. ****...
Can I delete the update from recovery, it just disable the updater and delete it?
What are my options? Thanks!!

syntropic said:
Oh boy... So what's the solution? It finally downloaded on its own and is now pestering me to install. I don't want to deal with a bootloop. ****...
Can I delete the update from recovery, it just disable the updater and delete it?
What are my options? Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OTA zip should be in your download folder on internal memory, delete this then uncheck auto update checking and u should be without the constant notifications.
If you want to update, u will need to reinstall a fresh nand with all stock apps included

exocetdj said:
The OTA zip should be in your download folder on internal memory, delete this then uncheck auto update checking and u should be without the constant notifications.
If you want to update, u will need to reinstall a fresh nand with all stock apps included
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I'm going to do this (install nand). I am going to get sunshine/s-off, then flash fresh stock RUU... will I still need to then lock bootloader?
Could you just give me a short list of steps to do this? I want to lock bootloader with s-off because I want get the @$&)!& HTC free 100GB Google Drive promo and all the updates.
I really appreciate it Archer...

No problem
1, sunshine s off
2, Flash relevant nand/firmware
3, use this guide to stock lock (not relock) bootloader HERE
4, u will have a stock m8 with S off ready for future OTAs (remember not to remove any apps preinstalled in the nand)
not sure of the 100GB promo as i use dropbox lol :silly::highfive::good:
---------- Post added at 03:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:06 PM ----------
syntropic said:
I think I'm going to do this (install nand). I am going to get sunshine/s-off, then flash fresh stock RUU... will I still need to then lock bootloader?
Could you just give me a short list of steps to do this? I want to lock bootloader with s-off because I want get the @$&)!& HTC free 100GB Google Drive promo and all the updates.
I really appreciate it Archer...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see above buddy

exocetdj said:
see above buddy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool... And I have read that as long as you do it that way (using echo -ne '\x00....' and not "fastboot oem lock" when in fastboot mode with adb running) you will get "***LOCKED***" back and not RELOCKED.
When it's RELOCKED Google can't confirm your information so the promo won't work...But if locked, you can do it.
Now I just have to do it all..
Thanks!!

syntropic said:
Cool... And I have read that as long as you do it that way (using echo -ne '\x00....' and not "fastboot oem lock" when in fastboot mode with adb running) you will get "***LOCKED***" back and not RELOCKED.
When it's RELOCKED Google can't confirm your information so the promo won't work...But if locked, you can do it.
Now I just have to do it all..
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U are all set dude

Seriously need some help. At the end of my patience with trying to update this thing

I'm really frustrated. I've been trying to update this Galaxy S3 for days now with no success. Currently I am running on Slimkat 7.0. It's sometimes slow and buggy and needs some updating.
For reference, this is the phone at its current state:
- Bootloader: i747ucalh9 (literally taken from the fail message when trying to update to any other bootloader)
- Modem/firmware (?): I747UCLH9
Here's what has happened, greatly summarized (note I'm using CM6.0.4.7 for all of these operations, and when I say "update", I mean "flash"):
- I tried updating to Slimkat 9 but received no signal. I gave up on it entirely for a while
- I tried installing various LP ROMs, including CM12.1.
- I had 12.1 running for a bit, but I had no connectivity. LTE, 3G,H+ nothing.
- I tried installing a newer modem (this thread. Finally at MJB, I could actually get connectivity in some of the newer ROMs (including Slimkat 9)... but it was very erratic. It would just randomly oscillate between LTE and 3G and H+. This also broke CM12.1 entirely.
- Again, the above problem was always present. Most of the LP ROMs would just bootloop me, though. The only one that worked was Cyanide L... which I didn't really like.
- I thought maybe the issue was the bootloader. My bootloader is still i747ucalh9. So I tried updating it to various bootloaders from here, but none of the updates will work. Literally, they give me error 6 or 7 and pretty much essentially tell me that I can't do it.
- So after repeating the cycle of "let me try to update this" several times and having the update fail on me, I'm still stuck at Slimkat 7 as the only thing that worked on LTE (note the past tense). Worse yet, I tried simply downgrading my modem to match my current bootloader version, but that made things worse than better. I am now stuck at 3G... which just recently went back to LTE. Talk about erratic.
- I also tried going full stock by flashing this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2363882 But it expects 5 arguments for format, and got 3... or something. Failed hard.
So, I'm pretty much at the end of my rope here. I really might just go and grab a new phone at this point. I just really don't want to because this thing still works fine.... I guess I got unlucky and am at a version of the bootloader that is difficult to update from. I can't seem to go anywhere with this thing. Anyone have any ideas? Do I need to use a different recovery?
Thanks...

First and foremost, verify your bootloader. Install the Samsung phone info app, or in a terminal app or adb shell enter:
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
If you're on any of the older bootloaders (the ones that do not end in MJB, NE4, or NJ1) there are two ways you can go (you probably will be given the age of your modem). If you're on any of the ones that end in MJB, NE4, or NJ1 you've got to be a lot more careful because downgrading them will hard brick your phone (Odin back to stock is not an option anymore).
Option 1: If you're on the older bootloaders, you can go to sammobile.com, grab the 4.1.1 firmware from there and flash it with Odin. Do not do this if your bootloader ends in MJB, NE4, or NJ1 (can't stress that enough). This will reset your phone completely to stock. You should now start getting OTA updates. They will be incremental updates, you'll have to take at least three or four to get up to date on bootloader and modem and they're big downloads. They will come every 24 hours, but you can cheat that by setting your system time forward 1 day to make them a little more rapid fire. This is a nice, safe way to get your firmware current. Once you're up to NJ1 firmware you can use Odin to flash a custom recovery and get back to custom ROMs; I'd recommend TWRP 2.8.6 if you're going to be flashing newer ROMs as CWM and Philz aren't as up to date and sometimes give problems with newer ROMs.
Option 2: I'm pretty sure your version of CWM is a big part of your problem. If you're going to be flashing lollipop you ought to update your recovery to TWRP 2.8.6; easiest way to get it is just use the Flashify app. I'd get that recovery up to date before messing with bootloaders too. Next get your firmware up to date. If your bootloader version is before MJB, then you have to start with MJB. Then update to NE4. Then update to NJ1. It has to be done incrementally, and the bootloader and modem must match on the newer firmwares, or you'll hard brick. This thread has recovery flashable MJB and NE4 bootloaders/modems; the bootloader and modem are packaged together in the same zip so you can't get out of sync. This thread has recovery flashable NJ1 bootloader/modem. This will get your firmware all up to date, and data should start behaving on newer kitkat and lollipop ROMs. This route is a lot more risky than the OTA route described above because of all the manual steps you have to take, but you could get it done quite a bit faster if you're confident in your abilities. Just read those linked threads very, very carefully and make certain you understand.
Good luck.

jason2678 said:
First and foremost, verify your bootloader. Install the Samsung phone info app, or in a terminal app or adb shell enter:
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
If you're on any of the older bootloaders (the ones that do not end in MJB, NE4, or NJ1) there are two ways you can go (you probably will be given the age of your modem). If you're on any of the ones that end in MJB, NE4, or NJ1 you've got to be a lot more careful because downgrading them will hard brick your phone (Odin back to stock is not an option anymore).
Option 1: If you're on the older bootloaders, you can go to sammobile.com, grab the 4.1.1 firmware from there and flash it with Odin. Do not do this if your bootloader ends in MJB, NE4, or NJ1 (can't stress that enough). This will reset your phone completely to stock. You should now start getting OTA updates. They will be incremental updates, you'll have to take at least three or four to get up to date on bootloader and modem and they're big downloads. They will come every 24 hours, but you can cheat that by setting your system time forward 1 day to make them a little more rapid fire. This is a nice, safe way to get your firmware current. Once you're up to NJ1 firmware you can use Odin to flash a custom recovery and get back to custom ROMs; I'd recommend TWRP 2.8.6 if you're going to be flashing newer ROMs as CWM and Philz aren't as up to date and sometimes give problems with newer ROMs.
Option 2: I'm pretty sure your version of CWM is a big part of your problem. If you're going to be flashing lollipop you ought to update your recovery to TWRP 2.8.6; easiest way to get it is just use the Flashify app. I'd get that recovery up to date before messing with bootloaders too. Next get your firmware up to date. If your bootloader version is before MJB, then you have to start with MJB. Then update to NE4. Then update to NJ1. It has to be done incrementally, and the bootloader and modem must match on the newer firmwares, or you'll hard brick. This thread has recovery flashable MJB and NE4 bootloaders/modems; the bootloader and modem are packaged together in the same zip so you can't get out of sync. This thread has recovery flashable NJ1 bootloader/modem. This will get your firmware all up to date, and data should start behaving on newer kitkat and lollipop ROMs. This route is a lot more risky than the OTA route described above because of all the manual steps you have to take, but you could get it done quite a bit faster if you're confident in your abilities. Just read those linked threads very, very carefully and make certain you understand.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the help! I actually did/tried a majority of this an hour or two before you posted that, except the latest firmware update link you supplied. I knew it existed and I had seen that thread before, but I couldn't dig up the link again before I had to go to work. Thing is I kind of wanted to avoid Odin for some reason but I finally gave up and used it. And yeah I already knew my bootloader version. The phone told me when it failed to update the bootloader lol.
Here's what happened thus far:
- I used Odin to flash the sammobile 4.1.1. The flashing worked just fine, but booting into it did not. It hung on the Samsung logo. So, OTA updates were out the window.
- I have no idea why, so I just used Odin to flash TWRP onto it afterwards (from here)
- I tried one of the ROMS. Data still didn't work.
- I used the thread you linked to update to MJB bootloader and whatnot. The update went fine.
- Tried another few ROMs. Data worked, but LTE was still erratic.
- Updated to NE4 and then grabbed the deoxed stock ROM.
- The deoxed stock rom failed to boot (stuck at ATT globe logo). For some reason my phone can't use stock ROMs.
- So again used Odin to put TWRP onto the phone
- Installed various LP ROMS. Again the data was erratic and plus the battery life was horrid.
- Tried getting the ktoonsez kernel. My service was murdered.
- Gave up on LP. Tried Slim 9.0. Erratic data.
- Tried Liquidsmooth 4.4.4 instead.
Currently that's kind of where I'm at. The LTE data works fine (takes a bit to get up and running after reboot though) and thus far everything is okay (though that can quickly change considering I haven't done much of anything), so I don't even know if I want to mess with it anymore. It looks like this specific ROM includes a custom kernel. So I'm guessing it's an incompatibility between the kernel and the firmware version on the other ROMs. It seems like most of the LP roms have horrible battery life (back of my phone feels like a furnace on them), so I'm not even sure if I want to do that last firmware update to use them.
It'd be kind of nice to use the OTA but apparently my ability to go stock in any form or fashion is just totally borked.
Thanks for the post though, that's pretty gold. I'm sure someone in a situation like me where they have a super old firmware will find this thread of some use as it has actual instructions and links to what you need to do to get up and running. Before you posted that, I had to go digging around pretty much everywhere figuring out what and where was going wrong.

Glad you've got it mostly working.
You might have been able to get that stock ROM to boot if you had booted into the stock recovery and run a full wipe. Touchwiz ROMs can be tough to get running after being on AOSP. As a general progression try to format internal storage with TWRP (the wipe where you have to type "yes" to confirm), if that doesn't work try a wipe with Philz, and if that doesn't work nothing, not even Odin, is effective as a wipe in the stock recovery.

Thanks for typing all this out I believe it will help me put cm12.1 official on a friends phone.
Are these the steps?
1) verify latest software
2) twrp via Odin
Alt 2) root via apk then use rashr or similar to flash twrp
3)wipe
4)In twrp install official d2att from cm website
5) install current gapps
6) profit
I'm not new to this at all but I've never even touched an att gs3 and I know most devices have their quirks and I don't want to brick.
Also does towel root work on this? I don't mind Odin but I can do this on the fly I think if I can attain root.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Free mobile app

mrkhigh said:
Thanks for typing all this out I believe it will help me put cm12.1 official on a friends phone.
Are these the steps?
1) verify latest software
2) twrp via Odin
Alt 2) root via apk then use rashr or similar to flash twrp
3)wipe
4)In twrp install official d2att from cm website
5) install current gapps
6) profit
I'm not new to this at all but I've never even touched an att gs3 and I know most devices have their quirks and I don't want to brick.
Also does towel root work on this? I don't mind Odin but I can do this on the fly I think if I can attain root.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. You've got it. If you're on the latest and greatest firmware I think the towelroot exploit has been patched, unless geohot has retaken the lead in that arms race.
Easiest way to root on this phone since the bootloaders are unlocked is to just use Odin to flash a custom recovery then use the custom recovery to flash SuperSU. There's just a little trick to it. Store SuperSU.zip somewhere on your phone before flashing the custom recovery. Uncheck everything but f.reset time when you use Odin; don't let it auto reboot. Upon success pull battery. Replace battery and boot straight into recovery with vol up + home + power. If you mess up and boot into unrooted stock ROM with a custom recovery it will get overwritten with a stock recovery and you'll have to Odin custom recovery back onto it and try again.
I would do this to root your stock ROM just to execute this command in a terminal app or adb shell before any more serious flashing:
Code:
su
reboot nvbackup
That fixes a derp and gives you a working efs backup on a few backup partitions built into your phone instead of a blank one. Highly recommended before doing any ROM flashing. This will just look like a pretty normal reboot. You might see a quick flash of tiny blue text if you're watching for it.
Then you're ready to make a nandroid backup (just in case), wipe, and flash away. Take a look at LiquidSmooth if you're looking for a good lollipop ROM.

Nice... So the recovery partition gets rewritten every boot up until a custom ROM is installed and the efs can disappear... This is why you always ask questions.
Thanks for the suggestion on the ROM but I think I'll stick to official cm12.1 it's not my phone and that should be a nice readily updatable bland flavor of lollipop.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Free mobile app

mrkhigh said:
Nice... So the recovery partition gets rewritten every boot up until a custom ROM is installed and the efs can disappear... This is why you always ask questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the Android 4.3 update it was noticed that flashing a custom recovery would be overwritten by the stock recovery on the initial reboot unless following the method Jason described. Another solution was to delete two lib or .so files. On devices still on stock recovery, stock recovery does not overwrite itself.
There is a blank EFS partition on the device intended for a backup. The nvbackup command populates that partition with an image which will rebuild your EFS if it is lost during a modem update or ROM flash. The loss of EFS does happen. I believe wanam, of the xposed module fame, created an EFS backup tool for Samsung devices. I don't believe he updates it any longer because he rolled the functionality into a partition backup tool, the later is in the PlayStore listed under a different creator name, yet it's still him.

So I'm finally going to take the plunge, and update my boot loader/modem.. I never messed with it because all the Roms I used always worked.. I want to try lollipop, but due to old bootloader my phone won't boot with those Roms..
I'm on UCDLK3 bootloader/modem.. I know I have to upgrade to MJB, NE4, then NJ1 in that order in increments..
So my question: can I upgrade from LK3 straight to MJB with out any problems?? Or is there something I need to flash before I can get to MJB?? I think I can go straight to MJB, but better safe then sorry..
I know downgrading after upgrade most likely will brick.. Any information is appreciated... Oh, its an ATT I747..

coolwhipp420 said:
So I'm finally going to take the plunge, and update my boot loader/modem.. I never messed with it because all the Roms I used always worked.. I want to try lollipop, but due to old bootloader my phone won't boot with those Roms..
I'm on UCDLK3 bootloader/modem.. I know I have to upgrade to MJB, NE4, then NJ1 in that order in increments..
So my question: can I upgrade from LK3 straight to MJB with out any problems?? Or is there something I need to flash before I can get to MJB?? I think I can go straight to MJB, but better safe then sorry..
I know downgrading after upgrade most likely will brick.. Any information is appreciated... Oh, its an ATT I747..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you are on LK3 you may want to considr applying the free sim/carrier unlock method before upgrading; that is if you are on stock LK3 and you have not previously carrier unlocked your device.
There was an OTA release for the MG2 stock ROM, I believe that was 4.1.2. You may want to go to that before MJB. Did you make the nvbackup suggested by Jason?

Why would I do a carrier unlock, if I'm not switching carriers?? And if I do it, will I be able to use the same carrier?? Just seems like a waisted step for me.. But idk..
Jason's first post, option 2 is how I was planing to update.. And no, I haven't done the nvbackup yet.. How would I apply that backup if things go wrong? Not really sure what a nvbackup is..
Any information is appreciated..

coolwhipp420 said:
Why would I do a carrier unlock, if I'm not switching carriers?? And if I do it, will I be able to use the same carrier?? Just seems like a waisted step for me.. But idk..
Jason's first post, option 2 is how I was planing to update.. And no, I haven't done the nvbackup yet.. How would I apply that backup if things go wrong? Not really sure what a nvbackup is..
Any information is appreciated..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a command to manually trigger the restore routine. I think it's
Code:
reboot nvrestore
but don't hold me to that. I'd never execute that command except if in dire need. The problem with this phone is there is an automatic routine that can be triggered in the event of a bad flash that will overwrite your nvram with the backup, even if the backup is blank. I don't think the backup stores anything modem specific, but I've never been able to confirm that. So I've always done it again after updating modems (only had to once).
Having the phone sim unlocked can be nice if you plan on traveling internationally. Otherwise, potential future carrier hopping or added resale value are the only reasons to do it.

coolwhipp420 said:
Why would I do a carrier unlock, if I'm not switching carriers?? And if I do it, will I be able to use the same carrier?? Just seems like a waisted step for me.. But idk..
Jason's first post, option 2 is how I was planing to update.. And no, I haven't done the nvbackup yet.. How would I apply that backup if things go wrong? Not really sure what a nvbackup is..
Any information is appreciated..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you will never be switching carriers, nor ever sell/give/trade the phone to someone who will switch, then it is an unecessary step to do the carrier unlock.
I see Jason beat me to answering both of your questions.