Develop Bugs

[HOW TO]Prevent LG8 update from reinstalling stock Recovery

The new LG2 - LG8 update reinstalls stock recovery everytime on boot if you did not take the modified version of the update available here at XDA.
While updating the GF's SGS3 yesterday to LG8 (OTA), I soon realized it was reinstalling stock recovery on every boot. So to get around that, you need to obviously ODIN a custom recovery, reinstall SuperSU to gain root on boot up. Once booted, use Root Explorer (or similiar) and navigate to "/system", mount it as R/W and rename/delete the file recovery-from-boot.p to recovery-from-boot.bak. Then rename/delete the script in /system/etc "install recovery.sh" (If this file is present, may not be). If not, don't worry about the "install recovery.sh" piece, your all set.
Voila, no more persistent stock recovery on boot. So use Rom manager or Goo Manager to install your recovery of choice and your done.

1. This belongs in the general section
2. This is has been solved a while ago; if you had flashed the latest 'root from recovery' from team epic when rooting, it already removes those 2 scripts; unless you rooted before LG8 then took the OTA.

u are partially correct... There actually r two files u need to delete... one is a script in /system/etc "install recovery.sh" This is wat's installing stock recovery after an OTA. This also checks for stock recovery and re-installs it if it's not detected. Then the one u are referring to in /system "recovery from boot" This tells the phone to auto boot into recovery while running an OTA
It is safe to delete them rather than renaming them... you can always reflash stock recovery thru odin later if u need it to ota in the future.

Thanks for both of the replies. You can move this if I placed it in the wrontg section.
I did not realize there was a public fix for this in the Sprint Section, I searched yesterday but only found reference to the modified LG2>LG8 update that already remvoes this.
Both your comments are good info, and I have reflected the OP with the information. Please close/move as you see fit!
Regards

cybrnook said:
Thanks for both of the replies. You can move this if I placed it in the wrontg section.
I did not realize there was a public fix for this in the Sprint Section, I searched yesterday but only found reference to the modified LG2>LG8 update that already remvoes this.
Both your comments are good info, and I have reflected the OP with the information. Please close/move as you see fit!
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its all good, it happens. And just so you know, the method, removing the 2 files, would be across the board, so its the same on t-mobile, at&t, and verizon as well.

Works fine on T-Mo, just did it.
Thanks again

Rooting new Sprint S3 w/ old method

I started the old root method for my new phone here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1726088 along with the video here by QBKing77 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Soapch0c5U&list=PL7011CD883D5201B8&index=1&feature=plpp_video)
I was on step 12 before seeing that a newer method was avvailable. Apparently, new S3s will not be rooted via the old method. If I'm wrong on that, I might as well just continue but there's a couple of things that could have gone wrong for me. In the video, QBking77 says not to check F. Reset time in Odin. The instruction list says to have it checked along with auto-reboot. I listened to the video. Odin worked fine; it passed but I'm unable to boot into CW Mod. I get System Recovery. I'm worried about going any further now (don't want any updates I've had to brick the phone if I'm using the old method).
AFAIK, these are the most current ways for rooting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?annota...D883D5201B8&src_vid=7Soapch0c5U&v=XoEVDgjTTdg
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1743780
Correct? Where should I leave off with rooting the phone? If it's of any help, my PC told me the phone's Hardware ID was missing after I ran Odin. My phone also gives an error about being "unable to download" when it boots.
Much appreciated...:fingers-crossed:

headless_h0rseman said:
AFAIK, these are the most current ways for rooting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?annota...D883D5201B8&src_vid=7Soapch0c5U&v=XoEVDgjTTdg
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1743780
Correct? Where should I leave off with rooting the phone? If it's of any help, my PC told me the phone's Hardware ID was missing after I ran Odin. My phone also gives an error about being "unable to download" when it boots.
Much appreciated...:fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the current method to obtain root access. I would follow along with the video and double check to see if you have the latest .zip file for CWM v5. QB does a great walk-through for rooting your device. From what you have provided, you're on the right track thus far. When you state "system recovery" are you on the factory recovery or clock work recovery? Can you clarify that so I could help you out.
If you flashed Odin using the latest .tar file and it went successful you should be on CW recovery, not factory. It should be stated at the top of your screen when you're in recovery CMW-based Recovery v5*
If this is valid all you need to do now is flash Team Epic's recovery file to root the device. The tail end of QBKing(s) video shows how to do that. Once rooted you will see Superuser in your app drawer to let you know you have root.
If you haven't gone that far and are missing something, start over from the beginning using the latest videos to help guide you along.
Stick with this(you already have this from above) to d/l the appropriate files:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1743780 (don't forget to thank them and donate if you could)

solo_element said:
That is the current method to obtain root access. I would follow along with the video and double check to see if you have the latest .zip file for CWM v5. QB does a great walk-through for rooting your device. From what you have provided, you're on the right track thus far. When you state "system recovery" are you on the factory recovery or clock work recovery? Can you clarify that so I could help you out.
If you flashed Odin using the latest .tar file and it went successful you should be on CW recovery, not factory. It should be stated at the top of your screen when you're in recovery CMW-based Recovery v5*
If this is valid all you need to do now is flash Team Epic's recovery file to root the device. The tail end of QBKing(s) video shows how to do that. Once rooted you will see Superuser in your app drawer to let you know you have root.
If you haven't gone that far and are missing something, start over from the beginning using the latest videos to help guide you along.
Stick with this(you already have this from above) to d/l the appropriate files:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1743780 (don't forget to thank them and donate if you could)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is factory. Odin passes and executes but recovery isn't Clockwork. I shouldn't have done anything that is irreversible; I will retry with the new rooting method. Thanks!

headless_h0rseman said:
It is factory. Odin passes and executes but recovery isn't Clockwork. I shouldn't have done anything that is irreversible; I will retry with the new rooting method. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep us posted.

I had the same problem. I re-installed the samsung drivers on my computer and then it worked.

[Howto] Install a Recovery

NOTE: If anyone has any further questions about recoveries on the S3, please note that I have moved on to another device. Sorry!
So you've got your device rooted, and you want to install a custom recovery? Great! Don't just follow any guide you stumble across though, as some of the early recovery packages for the "AT&T" model were actually just copies of the custom Sprint recovery, and then you'll have all sorts of fun trying to install ROMs. ("Status 7" errors anyone? )
I'd like to talk about 4 ways to get the custom recovery of your choice onto your device.
Using mskip's Toolkit CWM [link]
Follow the instructions posted in his thread, and if you have any problems, direct them there as well!
Using ROM Manager CWM [link]
For some reason, ROM Manager doesn't always offer the correct list of devices to flash a recovery for and you won't see the SGS3 (AT&T) in the list. If that happens, force-close the app from Settings > Applications and try again. If this method just won't work for you, move on to option 4.
Using GooManager TWRP [link]
If you've been looking at ROMs, you may have noticed Goo.IM is a popular hosting website for Android developers. It's so popular, in fact, that they have produced an Android app that searches their website for updates for your ROM, and can even install TWRP with only a few simple clicks! Just open up GooManager, tap Menu, and tap "Install OpenRecoveryScript". You will be guided step-by-step from there by the app.
Note: Some people (myself included) have reported issues with this method, where the app claims to have installed the recovery, but when you reboot into recovery mode, nothing has changed. This issue may have been resolved in newer versions; I was able to successfully install TWRP using this method on Sept 26 2012.
Manually via ADB or Terminal Emulator CWM or TWRP [Terminal Emulator link]
If the other options just won't work for you, or if you would rather do an install by hand to ensure you're getting the latest version, read on...
Manually Installing a Recovery​
While this may seem difficult, it's really not. Grab a recovery image (these files end in ".img") such as ClockWork Mod (CWM) or Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) for your device. Most ROM developers say to use CWM, but they both work equally well.
In our case, we need an image for the Samsung Galaxy S3 AT&T. Telus, Rogers, Bell, and SaskTel phones are (almost*) the exact same phone as AT&T, if you have one of these devices, you will be installing the AT&T recovery.
Now, transfer the ".img" file you downloaded onto your device. I'd suggest somewhere with a nice short path, like "/sdcard/<file>.img" (you'll thank me later, especially if you're using terminal emulator on the device)
Now, let's back up your existing recovery. If things go wrong, you can use this backup to get back to where you started.
Code:
$ su
# dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p18 of=/sdcard/recovery-backup.img
That should have created a "recovery-backup.img" on your phone's internal storage.
Here's the part you've been waiting for: Flashing the new image, which installs it as your recovery system. You do this from either an ADB shell or inside Terminal Emulator.
Code:
$ su
# dd if=/sdcard/[B]<file>[/B].img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p18
You're done. Reboot into your new recovery by holding VolUp and Home while you power on your device.
If you need to return to the stock recovery, that IMG can be downloaded here: stock-recovery.img - 10.00 MB
*NOTE: While we're on the topic, let's take a second to talk about what makes the Canadian I747M different from the AT&T I747.
The short version is... The modem. AT&T is using completely different and incompatible modem firmware in their phones when compared with the Canadian models. Rogers, Bell, Telus, and any other Canadian I747M are the same device (Samsung worked some strange voodoo and got all the Canadian carriers to agree on the same hardware!) which means that if Rogers releases a new modem firmware update, a SaskTel user could install it without issue. AT&T modem updates will not work on Canadian models, nor will Canadian updates work on AT&T phones! I've tried it. Trust me. You don't want to deal with the hassle of fixing it.
Please remember to click/stick/lick/kick the "Thanks" button if you found this guide helpful!

How bout a 4th method for TWRP?
This should come in handy for some of the newer users

Well, the other TWRP method assumes that you already have a custom recovery installed to flash the ZIP from... If you've gotten that far already, I don't think you should need me to tell you how to flash a ZIP.

theres also GooManager from the market. its how I installed TWRP just download the app open it hit menu you'll see some options come up hit "install Open Recovery Script" it will ask if your sure hit ok and your done the whole process will take 30secs

Moved to General so new members can post questions
and stuck
FNM

Anyone know where to get stock sammy recovery img? Searched but didn't see it.
Edit: Got it.

dhostetter said:
Anyone know where to get stock sammy recovery img? Searched but didn't see it.
Edit: Got it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where'd you get it from? I'll add it to the OP.

There is a touch CWM for d2att available for manual installation.
http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager

tonymtl said:
There is a touch CWM for d2att available for manual installation.
http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There sure is! One of the benefits of manual installation is that you can find exactly what you want to use, and not rely on ROM Manager or other tools to make the decision for you!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747M

dstruct2k said:
Where'd you get it from? I'll add it to the OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. I am also looking for stock recovery...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

I rooted my phone just after I bought it but was holding off on installing recovery due to how many hours I spend at work. Haven't had the time. I was also waiting on clear instructions on doing it manually, as it's easier for me since I'm not home often enough to use my PC and can't use the USB cord at work. Thank you SO much! Worked perfectly!
Edit: Spoke a little too soon. I'm seeing my backup dated 1970....

nekkidtruth said:
I rooted my phone just after I bought it but was holding off on installing recovery due to how many hours I spend at work. Haven't had the time. I was also waiting on clear instructions on doing it manually, as it's easier for me since I'm not home often enough to use my PC and can't use the USB cord at work. Thank you SO much! Worked perfectly!
Edit: Spoke a little too soon. I'm seeing my backup dated 1970....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a known issue with any recovery on the SGS3, it seems that the hardware clock cannot be accessed by the recovery no matter which recovery you use.
Did you happen to make a backup of your stock recovery? If so, I'd like to get a copy of it to add to the OP.

Nice HowTo, but the glaring omission is using the GooManager app to flash TWRP.
A lot of people are moving on from the old CWM to "something better".

zmore said:
Nice HowTo, but the glaring omission is using the GooManager app to flash TWRP.
A lot of people are moving on from the old CWM to "something better".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could never get that to actually work in the past, so I guess I forgot about it. I just tested it now, and it worked fine, so I've updated the OP. Thanks!

dhostetter said:
Anyone know where to get stock sammy recovery img? Searched but didn't see it.
Edit: Got it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my Index for flash back to stock. There is a great vid tutorial.
PS dstruct2k I have added this thread to the INDEX. Nice work

Thanks, just flashed latest CWM Touch. External SD Card support rocks

For some after doing the manual install of cwm its not holding it as I enter recovery after I'm done it still shows old recovery. Trying to install cm10 I'm currently on kyanrom
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda app-developers app

HAVOK83 said:
For some after doing the manual install of cwm its not holding it as I enter recovery after I'm done it still shows old recovery. Trying to install cm10 I'm currently on kyanrom
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you're skipping a step, or typing something incorrectly. Once DD is done its work, you should get a response saying "Copied 10MB OK" or something similar. If it says that, then the stock recovery no longer exists.

HAVOK83 said:
For some after doing the manual install of cwm its not holding it as I enter recovery after I'm done it still shows old recovery. Trying to install cm10 I'm currently on kyanrom
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please visit this post and follow from step 11-15. Shows kind of messed up on the XDA app so view it on your desktop. Very detailed guide for those who are confused. Thank you.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1912335
Sent from my T&K Blessed SGH-I747

I followed those same steps but from a different thread and it still wasn't upgrading my clockwork recovery and kept getting status 7 when trying to flash cm10. Now I installed touch version hoping I would be able to get cm10 installed but still getting status 7. Any help appreciated
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda app-developers app

[Q] Restore to Stock and Root Methods

Hi everyone.
I recently got a used Note 2. I've been doing a bit of reading in this section and just wanted to confirm a couple of things.
First off my phone's description:
Carrier: Sprint
Model Number: SPH-L900
Android Version: 4.3
Baseband Version: L900VPUBMK4
Kernel Version: 3.0.31-2106854 [email protected] #1 Mon Nov 11 20:33:03 KST 2013
Build Number: JSS15J.L900VPUBMK4
SE for Android Status: Enforcing SEPF_SPH-L900_4.3_0010
Hardware Version: L900.09
(1) Even though the phone came wiped of all previous data I would like to do a factory reset. Billard412's guide is mentioned several times. Is this the option to go with for my phone?
(2) The phone is not rooted at the moment. Should I use the CF-Auto Root method by Chainfire first and then proceed to install TWRP and then restore back to stock using Billard412's guide?
Thanks for your help in advance.

To start with you have the 100% KNOX on your phone so Billard412's back to stock will be the option you want to use.
You will need to download
TWRP recovery (recommended because billards zip works best with it)
Billards back to stock mc2 with counter reset
The root file located in billards thread
Prep steps
Backup everything you want from your internal sdcard (this will get wiped)
place billards rom and root files on your external sdcard
1. boot phone into download mode
2. use odin to flash twrp recovery (any version but 2.7) make sure you uncheck the reboot option in odin
3. once finished remove cable and battery
4. hold the recovery boot key sequence (vol up, home, and power keys) then insert battery (while holding keys)
5. once in recovery wipe everything
6. flash billards rom (do not wipe anything else after this step)
7. flash the root file
8. reboot and dont get worry when things get funky this is normal
9. the phone will take a bit to boot
10. now you have stock mc2 with root
11. install your recovery of choice (if flashing touchwiz 4.3 or aosp 4.4 roms use Philz 6.07.9) this can be done with odin or an image flashing app
12. now you can flash whatever rom you want
FYI -- when going from touchwiz 4.1x to 4.3 or aosp 4.4 you should format your internal sdcard. The newer roms use a different location for your internal sdcard and without proper formatting you will end up with issues (mostly random reboots and apps force closing) -- Same goes if you go from 4.3 TW/aosp 4.4 to 4.1x TW/4.3 or lower aosp

jlmancuso, thanks for the reply. Couple of things to clarify from your post:
- Regarding the Prep steps.
- I don't have anything on this phone yet so I don't think I need to back anything up. Even if if did the "Android system recovery <3e>" recovery menu does not have an option to back anything up
- Regarding using Odin to flash TWRP
- The 2.7 version to avoid is for TWRP correct? I went to TWRP's Sprint Note 2 page and I cannot seem to find a different version. Where should I get the version of TWRP that actually works?
- From the XDA page on Odin, which version should I use 3.09 or 1.85?
- All of the boxes must be unchecked including the reboot option? If not which ones need to be checked?
- I click on the "PDA" button to load the TWRP zip file correct?
- Regarding step 8:
- What do you mean "dont get worry when things get funky"? Funky as in the phone takes long to reboot or the screen flashes weird colors/patterns?
- Also, I came across Galaxy Note2 TOOLKIT V5.0.0 SPRINT thread. That one seems pretty easy to follow through. Would that option work for me given that I have the KNOX update?
Thanks again for your help.

Well, I've done a bit more reading into the Galaxy Note2 TOOLKIT V5.0.0 SPRINT thread and it seems that might be the way to go. Mark mentions the KNOX update in his changelog. I don't have the necessary posts to post a question in that thread so hopefully someone sees this that's familiar with that method. Does this method apply to a phone that has already undergone the KNOX update?
From what I can understand, Mark has made a recovery as well as a root tool. I bought this phone second hand so any warranty issues (e.g. flash counts, etc.) don't really apply to me. I'm just looking to get the phone to a clean state where I can start fresh and then add TWRP and Root. As far as the version of TWRP, Billard412 says (in post #604) that "Version of twrp doesn't matter as far as I know."
My second question is, using the Unified Toolkit, will i be able to restore my phone to stock and then root it with the least amount of problems?

roofus1218 said:
Well, I've done a bit more reading into the Galaxy Note2 TOOLKIT V5.0.0 SPRINT thread and it seems that might be the way to go. Mark mentions the KNOX update in his changelog. I don't have the necessary posts to post a question in that thread so hopefully someone sees this that's familiar with that method. Does this method apply to a phone that has already undergone the KNOX update?
From what I can understand, Mark has made a recovery as well as a root tool. I bought this phone second hand so any warranty issues (e.g. flash counts, etc.) don't really apply to me. I'm just looking to get the phone to a clean state where I can start fresh and then add TWRP and Root. As far as the version of TWRP, Billard412 says (in post #604) that "Version of twrp doesn't matter as far as I know."
My second question is, using the Unified Toolkit, will i be able to restore my phone to stock and then root it with the least amount of problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I belive your best option is billard412s thread. You are correct with your Odin steps. Flash TWRP and follow thread you should be golden

Awesome thanks a bunch!

[Q] Is my bootloader unlocked?

Looked at ALL the referenced similar threads, and none applied to my device. So, with your permission, I would like to ask for information.
I bought a used, off-contract T-Mobile variant of Galaxy S3, SGH-T999. It IS SIM-unlocked, as I am using a Straight Talk-provided AT&T SIM without any problems. Also, it is rooted, as confirmed by Root Checker and running Terminal--I get the "#" prompt. SuperSU is installed and appears functional. However, neither CWM nor TWRP recovery programs are on the device.
How can I tell if my bootloader is unlocked? If it is not, what would you suggest to use to accomplish unlocking? I would like to be able to flash a custom ROM such as CyanogenMod.
Thank you for your help and patience.

Its not locked

The T-Mobile version has an unlocked bootloader. Feel free to flash CWM or TWRP through Odin or by using ADB if you want to use that method.

tonytien said:
The T-Mobile version has an unlocked bootloader. Feel free to flash CWM or TWRP through Odin or by using ADB if you want to use that method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks to you both, Serio22 and Tonytien! I had no idea that the T999 had an unlocked bootloader; just another good reason to buy it vs. the AT&T variant.
I have read (MANY TIMES!!!) the procedure for using Odin to root the device and install a recovery program. There is one in particular on androidcentral forums (can't post the link just yet!) that uses GalaxyS3RootSprint.zip to root either the Verizon or the T-Mobile variants. The second step uses GalaxyS3RootSprint to flash CWM; then, a third step uses CWM-SuperSU-v0.87.zip to flash a super user program. Since my phone is already rooted and has a working SuperSU program, I wonder if I could use Odin just to flash CWM?
Have either of you ever used Flashify? That was mentioned in another thread on androidcentral as a way to flash with Odin or entering download mode.
I'm kind of spoiled: my last two Samsung smartphones have both had CyanogenMod already installed, with CWM, and I got used to entering recovery mode via the Restart menu.
Anyway, thanks again, and best retards to you both.

tonytien said:
The T-Mobile version has an unlocked bootloader. Feel free to flash CWM or TWRP through Odin or by using ADB if you want to use that method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, one other question. My phone has stock T-Mobile Android 4.3, the "*MJC" software. I have read a number of cautions concerning the MJC software, and that one might not be able to flash CWM or custom ROM's to it. Might that be a problem for installing CWM?
Incidentally, Knox is installed on the phone, but NOT running.

stahlwird said:
Many thanks to you both, Serio22 and Tonytien! I had no idea that the T999 had an unlocked bootloader; just another good reason to buy it vs. the AT&T variant.
I have read (MANY TIMES!!!) the procedure for using Odin to root the device and install a recovery program. There is one in particular on androidcentral forums (can't post the link just yet!) that uses GalaxyS3RootSprint.zip to root either the Verizon or the T-Mobile variants. The second step uses GalaxyS3RootSprint to flash CWM; then, a third step uses CWM-SuperSU-v0.87.zip to flash a super user program. Since my phone is already rooted and has a working SuperSU program, I wonder if I could use Odin just to flash CWM?
Have either of you ever used Flashify? That was mentioned in another thread on androidcentral as a way to flash with Odin or entering download mode.
I'm kind of spoiled: my last two Samsung smartphones have both had CyanogenMod already installed, with CWM, and I got used to entering recovery mode via the Restart menu.
Anyway, thanks again, and best retards to you both.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash CWM through Odin, but it'll take some repackaging (.img to .tar.md5) or you can search for one to download since CWM comes in .img form. Again, you could use ADB on a computer to install CWM in its .img form since your phone is already rooted. You could also just download TWRP or some other recovery that comes in .tar or .tar.md5 form, which will already be ready to flash in Odin. I haven't used Flashify, but some of the screenshots on the app listing show some kind of recovery install feature. I can't personally recommend it since I've never used it before.
stahlwird said:
Oh, one other question. My phone has stock T-Mobile Android 4.3, the "*MJC" software. I have read a number of cautions concerning the MJC software, and that one might not be able to flash CWM or custom ROM's to it. Might that be a problem for installing CWM?
Incidentally, Knox is installed on the phone, but NOT running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The latest software version causes some weird things indirectly. I haven't noticed any issues with the latest CM12.1 nightlies, but you may run into issues when trying to flash a custom ROM in recovery. It seems the updater_script (a part of custom ROM zip files that tells the phone what to do when flashing in recovery) doesn't include the latest version in the line that determines if the ROM will work with the phone or not (a simple software version text comparison to make sure you won't brick your phone). This can be easily fixed since it's just a text file inside a custom ROM that can be easily modified. The software itself doesn't cause issues with system modification other than some interference with root (which, since you've told me your phone is already rooted, I assume you've figured it out). Keep in mind that the stock ROM could replace your custom recovery upon reboot (I think), which could be fixed by deleting the files 'install-recovery.sh' and 'recovery-from-boot.p' located in /system/etc/. If you're installing a custom ROM, you won't need to worry about that. Also, your Knox Warranty Bit will be tripped (your phone now definitely has a void warranty) but I'm sure you know since you're rooting and stuff. Sorry about the late response, let me know if you have any questions on anything I missed, I'm kind of jumping around with things that come to mind.

I have used flashify and do recommend it. Very easy to use and can select from different recoveries. MJC is not a problem as far as flashing recoveries or roms. Probably one of the only problem is as the poster above stated, but it may be fixed by now by developers

tonytien said:
The T-Mobile version has an unlocked bootloader. Feel free to flash CWM or TWRP through Odin or by using ADB if you want to use that method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope you two guys (Serio22 and tonytien) don't mind if I pick your brains a bit more. Flashing via phone download mode and Odin doesn't look too bad, but I keep reading all these posts about guys bricking their phones. I CAN'T do that--- this is my PHONE, not a PC I can play around with! Seems you have to have a version of Odin that matches your installed OS AND your particular phone variant, then the CWM version must match both of those. If anything doesn't match, it's brick city! I did finally find a site that lists the current version of Odin (3.07) for the T-Mobile SGH-T999 running the MJC version of 4.3 JellyBean, and it lists the matching version of CWM (6.0.1.2). So, using that site as a guide, I think I might get brave and try to flash CWM that way rather than use Flashify. But, thanks for your comments on it as well.
Far cry from flashing the next nightly on CM using CWM! There was usually a natural path of progression---CM 9.1 to 9.2, then to 10.0, 10.1, etc. There was never a need to jump around and risk bricking. AND, going into Recovery for CWM was a simple option in the Reboot menu, not having to hold down 3 keys and release one at just the right time. I lived thru two phones with CyanogenMod and ClockworkMod, and only went backwards once: I flashed a nightly that I didn't really like. It was a simple matter to go into CWM and restore from the previous Nandroid backup.
Anyway, thanks for your suggestions, help, encouragement, and your ears (eyes?).

tonytien said:
The T-Mobile version has an unlocked bootloader. Feel free to flash CWM or TWRP through Odin or by using ADB if you want to use that method.
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Click to collapse
Oh, one more thing I forgot to mention, and ask about.
When I boot my phone into download mode, the items on the screen are these:
Product name: SGH-T999
Custom Binary Download: No
Current Binary: Samsung Official
System Status: Custom
Qualcomm Secure Boot: Enable
Warranty Bit: 0
Bootloader RP Swrev: 1
Not sure how to interpret these, as I've not found anywhere they are defined, other than the presence of the "Warranty Bit" line indicates I'm on 4.3, JellyBean. I'm assuming the Status of Custom is because I'm rooted.

stahlwird said:
Oh, one more thing I forgot to mention, and ask about.
When I boot my phone into download mode, the items on the screen are these:
Product name: SGH-T999
Custom Binary Download: No
Current Binary: Samsung Official
System Status: Custom
Qualcomm Secure Boot: Enable
Warranty Bit: 0
Bootloader RP Swrev: 1
Not sure how to interpret these, as I've not found anywhere they are defined, other than the presence of the "Warranty Bit" line indicates I'm on 4.3, JellyBean. I'm assuming the Status of Custom is because I'm rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and yes. Warranty Bit was introduced in 4.3 bootloader

serio22 said:
Yes and yes. Warranty Bit was introduced in 4.3 bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, successfully flashed CWM 6.0.1.2 non-touch to my phone (I think--more below). Used the Odin/TAR method, and it was painless.
When I boot into Recovery mode, the line at the top of the screen does say "ClockworkMod Recovery v6.0.1.2", but the rest of the options on that screen look just as they did before. Went to "Advanced" and chose "Show log", and I saw some lines that concern me, to wit:
Checking for extendedcommand
Skipping execution of extendedcommand. file not found...
Can't partition non-vfat: datamedia
Can't partition unsafe device: /dev/block/mmcblklpl
Can't format unknown volume: /emmc
init.svc.recovery=running
service.adb.root=1
init.svc.adbd=running
Then, when I run my X-plore File manager, I see NO ClockworkMod folder, either on my Internal or External SD cards. Do I really have it?
One last point: while looking around for the procedures to do this, I came across a video that showed using ROM Manager to load CWM. Even tho the Odin procedure seemed to work, I wonder...... Any opinions on that?
Thanks again for your reading this.

stahlwird said:
Well, successfully flashed CWM 6.0.1.2 non-touch to my phone (I think--more below). Used the Odin/TAR method, and it was painless.
When I boot into Recovery mode, the line at the top of the screen does say "ClockworkMod Recovery v6.0.1.2", but the rest of the options on that screen look just as they did before. Went to "Advanced" and chose "Show log", and I saw some lines that concern me, to wit:
Checking for extendedcommand
Skipping execution of extendedcommand. file not found...
Can't partition non-vfat: datamedia
Can't partition unsafe device: /dev/block/mmcblklpl
Can't format unknown volume: /emmc
init.svc.recovery=running
service.adb.root=1
init.svc.adbd=running
Then, when I run my X-plore File manager, I see NO ClockworkMod folder, either on my Internal or External SD cards. Do I really have it?
One last point: while looking around for the procedures to do this, I came across a video that showed using ROM Manager to load CWM. Even tho the Odin procedure seemed to work, I wonder...... Any opinions on that?
Thanks again for your reading this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you flash recovery and then reboot straight into recovery without it letting boot the system? If not, do so. You shouldn't need any app to boot recovery, but you can use one if you like. Just a preference

serio22 said:
Did you flash recovery and then reboot straight into recovery without it letting boot the system? If not, do so. You shouldn't need any app to boot recovery, but you can use one if you like. Just a preference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. I checked the restart box in Odin, and it did restart the system normally into JB. Then, I shut down completely and did the 3-button boot into Recovery.
Got an update, however. Since I saw those entries in the log, I decided to try the ROM Manager flash of CWM. Downloaded ROM Manager from the Play Store, and started it. It said it needed to update the recovery, and I let it update to CWM v. 6.0.4.5, and everything looked good. Checked the log, and no entries for concern. BTW, it offered the "Touch" version of CWM, but I declined that, going with the old fashioned side-button version.
Got one other question, however. On my CyanogenMod phones, when I got into CWM, the backup option was for Nandroid backup. But, the version I have on this phone doesn't even mention that. Is that an add-on of some sort?
Thanks again for your help!
Best regards,
Stahlwird

stahlwird said:
No. I checked the restart box in Odin, and it did restart the system normally into JB. Then, I shut down completely and did the 3-button boot into Recovery.
Got an update, however. Since I saw those entries in the log, I decided to try the ROM Manager flash of CWM. Downloaded ROM Manager from the Play Store, and started it. It said it needed to update the recovery, and I let it update to CWM v. 6.0.4.5, and everything looked good. Checked the log, and no entries for concern. BTW, it offered the "Touch" version of CWM, but I declined that, going with the old fashioned side-button version.
Got one other question, however. On my CyanogenMod phones, when I got into CWM, the backup option was for Nandroid backup. But, the version I have on this phone doesn't even mention that. Is that an add-on of some sort?
Thanks again for your help!
Best regards,
Stahlwird
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure, I use twrp. Haven't used cwm in ages