Develop Bugs

[Q] Installing a rom

Ok, completely new with this. I did a basic root, got superuser cwm and busybox from my understanding. I used Samsung Galaxy Toolkit v7.0.0
I would like to install the MoAR onto my phone. But I'm not 100% sure how to do so. I have Odin v3.4, I was going to do it as a PDA file. But I don't see anything that says it's a .tar file.
If someone could point me in the right direction, or a video would be great.

jrodcamaro said:
Ok, completely new with this. I did a basic root, got superuser cwm and busybox from my understanding. I used Samsung Galaxy Toolkit v7.0.0
I would like to install the MoAR onto my phone. But I'm not 100% sure how to do so. I have Odin v3.4, I was going to do it as a PDA file. But I don't see anything that says it's a .tar file.
If someone could point me in the right direction, or a video would be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to assume you're able to boot into a custom recovery (CWM). I persoanlly use TWRP, but either will work well for this. If you can't go through the root process again, based on qbking77's thread. Check out the videos and learn how to use Odin to gain root and a custom recovery. (always good to take a refresher course).
Here are directions on how to flash a Rom below. The instructions will be for TWRP, but CWM has similar options/settings
Make sure the zip of the Rom you downloaded is on your externalSD Card or the root directory of your internal memory.
Turn your phone completely off (hold down power for 3-5 seconds)
Boot your phone into recovery. Hold Up, Menu, and Power for a few seconds (until SAMSUNG appears on your screen and the phone vibrates)
Make a Nandroid backup. I can't emphasize this enough. In flashing, it's a certainty that at least one time, something will mess up. When that happens, you want to be able to restore a backup. In TWRP, just go into Backup Menu and choose where you want it (internal vs. External storage). It takes my phone a few (5-10) minutes to completely backup my data.
In TWRP, click the wipe button, then system. This will completely wipe the Rom from your phone. Doing this will allow you to get a "clean" install, without any settings or leftover files from your old Rom getting in the way. Instead, you could only wipe data (factory reset), which is good enough for most Roms. I'd still recommend a system wipe, though, as you never know exactly what might be left over from your old Rom (especially when going from 4.1.X to 4.2.X or vice-versa).
Also while in the Wipe menu, wipe Cache and Dalvik Cache (can't hurt).
Go back to the TWRP main menu.
Click Install, then find your Rom zip file (may have to switch from internal to external storage).
Let TWRP do it's thing.
MOAR rom already installed. If, in the future, you flash an AOSP Rom, you should now flash the correct gapps package from goo.im. Make sure you're flashing the correct one, as if you don't, your google apps will force close upon use.
Reboot into system and give it time to boot (first boot sometimes takes a couple of minutes).
Set up your phone the way you like.
These should be the directions to follow whenever you flash a new Rom. Some Roms (such as the MOAR Rom) have the Aroma installer, so you'll have more options once you choose to flash the Rom zip, but those are typically easy to follow (and vary from Rom to Rom, so I won't be able to give you a good guide on that).
Hope this helps!

I could tell you but from what you're asking, honestly I think it's better not to and to force you to read a lot more. I am pretty new to this stuff too, joined this site in like march but I did about 3 weeks worth of reading before I rooted and flashed my first ROM. I'm not trying to be mean here but the question you're asking will be the least of your worries once you read a little more. I recommend you read this Q&A thread, it's also at the top of the Q&A forum.
Edit: It seems good guy topherk here gave you the info, I stand by what I said though, from a fellow newbie to another

jrodcamaro said:
Ok, completely new with this. I did a basic root, got superuser cwm and busybox from my understanding. I used Samsung Galaxy Toolkit v7.0.0
I would like to install the MoAR onto my phone. But I'm not 100% sure how to do so. I have Odin v3.4, I was going to do it as a PDA file. But I don't see anything that says it's a .tar file.
If someone could point me in the right direction, or a video would be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the rom on your pc and transfer it to your sd card or internal sd card on your phone. Don't put the rom zip file in any folders as it's easier to find, commonly referred to as the root of your sd card. Power off your phone if your still on stock, after it shuts down hold the volume up button+the home button and then hold power button, this will take you to your custom recovery. First thing to do once in your recovery is make backup of your current rom, make sure you have at least 3GB free space on either your sd or internal sd, some backups can be even bigger, if you don't have space it should tell you. After your backup is done, wipe cache, dalvik cache, factory reset and then flash your rom, after it's done and you see it was successful, fix permissions and reboot...you should be good to go at that point. If all is running well you can boot back into cwm, select restore and only restore /data, to get all your apps and their data back, fix permissions again and reboot. You can use titanium backup or my backup root /pro to restore apps and data but personally I don't prefer those methods. If you have any issues, restore your backup and try again.
I see I was slow again as topherk said everything and then some lol...still posting this just in case it helps at all.
Edit; just to throw it out there I'll tell you how I do things, once your more experienced this could make flashing roms, kernels, tweaks ect, easier. I always make a backup first before I switch roms. Then I simply wipe cache, dalvik cache, flash new rom and fix permissions....reboot and enjoy, this is known as a dirty flash, some roms don't dirty flash well, some work great.
Also I always 100% of the time download roms, kernels ect straight from my phone, never had a bad download that I'm aware of, I don't check md5 sums, I just verify the size of the dl matches what I dl'd. My dl's go to my download folder on my ext sd card so when I go into recovery, I know to look in my download folder on the ext sd card.
Other things to note about dirty flashing if you choose to do it, figure out your rom issues quietly and it can't hurt to try dirty flashing if you always remember rule#1.....make a backup first. If you get stuck in a boot loop, just pull the battery, put it back in and 3 button boot to recovery and restore your backup.

Yeah, the main reason I prefer a clean flash is that when people dirty flash, any and all problems will not be supported by the developer. And since the person is asking how to flash a Rom, I doubt that they'd know what to do with a FC. I'd prefer if they would do a clean flash until they get used to it. I do all my app backups in Titanium Backup, and even then I have to be careful not to restore something that might mess up the new Rom.
Anyways, I really liked your advice with the backups: if you're ever stuck in a bootloop, you can just restore your backup. I recently tried out a new Rom that I wasn't too fond of, and in a few minutes was back to my LiquidSmooth. No sweat.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Unable to upgrade Galaxy 3

When the update file downloads then it verifies but when it goes to install, it errors out and stops [see attached image]. There is also mention of Gmail.apk but when I go and look for it, it's not there. I have deleted the file and downloaded several time but wind up with the same result. I have put a copy in the ext sd card and tried from there but it will not install. Any ideas on how to do the upgrade?
Thanks, Dave

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you're trying to do an ota when you're rooted (with a custom recovery). This won't work. Please read through this thread by CNexus about otas:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2209418
It should give you everything you need to know.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

topherk said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you're trying to do an ota when you're rooted (with a custom recovery). This won't work. Please read through this thread by CNexus about otas:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2209418
It should give you everything you need to know.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! I went through over 30 pages looking for a step by step and am quite confused as to the proper process. I am currently on 4.1.1 with LJ7 and have downloaded MD4 both DeOdex and Odex plus the MD4 kernal. The only thing I did when I got the phone was root it enough to make the hot spot app work.

JOB Dave said:
Wow! I went through over 30 pages looking for a step by step and am quite confused as to the proper process. I am currently on 4.1.1 with LJ7 and have downloaded MD4 both DeOdex and Odex plus the MD4 kernal. The only thing I did when I got the phone was root it enough to make the hot spot app work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for reading all of it. Most people would just look at the first page and the last page and say "Oh, it's not there!" That being said, I hope you have a better understanding of what's going on when you get an OTA notification.
Now that's been said, I had written a post on another thread that covers the steps A-Z. I've linked it and quoted it below.
Ok, let's start at the very beginning (it's a very good place to start).
Before we get started, I'm going to make the following assumptions:
You successfully rooted your phone through Odin.
You currently have a custom recovery (either TWRP or CWM).
You have a Rom you'd like to flash on either your internal storage or your SDcard (I'd recommend the SDcard, but that's your prerogative).
If either of the first two is not true, I'd recommend going back to qbking77's thread and check out the videos on how to use Odin to gain root and a custom recovery.
If number 3 above is not true, download a ROM (nor someone new to flashing/custom Roms, I'd recommend Freeza's stock rooted Rom, as it's identical to stock TW, but just with Root). Once you download a Rom, check it's md5sum to verify that it's a good download. Copy the file to your SD card and get ready to flash (make sure you have decent battery life left, I try to keep at least 50% or more when flashing Roms, although it shouldn't take too long.
I'll give directions on how to flash a Rom below. The instructions will be for TWRP, but CWM has similar options/settings
Turn your phone completely off (hold down power for 3-5 seconds)
Boot your phone into recovery. Hold Up, Menu, and Power for a few seconds (until SAMSUNG appears on your screen and the phone vibrates)
Make a Nandroid backup. I can't emphasize this enough. In flashing, it's almost a certainty that one time, something will mess up. When that happens, you want to be able to restore a backup. In TWRP, just go into Backup Menu and choose where you want it (internal vs. External storage). It takes my phone a few (5-10) minutes to completely backup my data.
In TWRP, click the wipe button, then system. This will completely wipe the Rom from your phone. Doing this will allow you to get a "clean" install, without any settings or leftover files from your old Rom getting in the way. Instead, you could only wipe data (factory reset), which is good enough for most Roms. I'd still recommend a system wipe, though.
Also while in the Wipe menu, wipe Cache and Dalvik Cache.
Go back to the TWRP main menu.
Click Install, then find your Rom zip file (may have to switch from internal to external storage).
Let TWRP do it's thing.
If you're installing a TW-based Rom, it should have gapps already installed. If not, you should now flash the correct gapps package from goo.im. Make sure you're flashing the correct one, as if you don't, your google apps will force close upon use.
Reboot into system and give it time to boot (first boot sometimes takes a couple of minutes).
Set up your phone the way you like.
These should be the directions to follow whenever you flash a new Rom. Some Roms have the Aroma installer, so you'll have more options once you choose to flash the Rom zip, but those are typically easy to follow (and vary from Rom to Rom, so I won't be able to give you a good guide on that).
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

JOB Dave said:
The only thing I did when I got the phone was root it enough to make the hot spot app work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there's a way to be "just a little rooted"
:silly:
Follow topherk's directions to a tee, and you'll be fine.
As a noob, I was scared to death knowing that I was rooted and I was going to get an OTA!
xda-developers has everything you need. The files, the guides, the support from senior members.
Relax and have fun...
---------- Post added at 06:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:54 PM ----------
BTW, I flashed freeza's md4 odexd rom (cause a stock sg is odex), the md4 firmware, and the optimized kernel. Flashed (installed) them in that order. Just download them from the site onto your phone, and boot into recovery to flash each. Probably too paranoid, but i rebooted after each flash *just* to be sure). Cleared dalvik cache after installing the rom. Ummm, and ran checksum on my files before I installed them (I use md5 checker app).

Thanks, that got me started. now I have to figure out which rom and kernal I want to install.

ROMs come with kernels already, so if you're unsure ATM, just flash a ROM and then later you can check out kernel switching. Just make sure that the kernel you are flashing is for your ROM version (4.1.2, 4.2.2, etc) and for your type (AOSP, Touchwiz).
Since you are just starting out, I would suggest TPR (The Peoples ROM) or MOAR (Mother of All ROMs). Both in Android Dev section (as opposed to Original Android Dev).
TPR also has AROMA installer, so it lets you pick what apps, kernel, and other goodies you want to flash and basically on-the-spot customization.

Downloaded the file MD4_update_FULL_Odex.zip and followed the instructions above and got zip signature failure, see photo. I am wondering if it worth doing the upgrade.
~Dave

In twrp, under settings, you can uncheck the zip file verification option. Most of the time it gives you that error, even though the zip is fine.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

topherk said:
In twrp, under settings, you can uncheck the zip file verification option. Most of the time it gives you that error, even though the zip is fine.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That worked!! Thanks for all your help.
Am looking at the About screen and the build says I'm on MD4 but the Baseband is still LJ7, do I need to be concerned about that?

JOB Dave said:
That worked!! Thanks for all your help.
Am looking at the About screen and the build says I'm on MD4 but the Baseband is still LJ7, do I need to be concerned about that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Baseband has to do with what modem/radio you are on. This is independent of your ROM, so the two can be different version numbers.
The modem impacts your mobile data coverage and speeds. What you wanna do (if you wanna find the best modem for your area) is to switch modems and run each one for a week. Then switch. After you've gone through a couple modems, single out the ones that qork best and test those out till hou find the best and/or fastest one for your area and the places you frequent.

Rooted 4.1.2 what's the best way to update to 4.2

What's the best way to update since I can't update with the version that sprint pushed out since I'm rooted. Is it like a hacked version of the update that I can just update with? Yeah I'm a noob at this.
Thanks!

Not sure if your talking about 4.2 which is to my knowledge only with cm 10 or liquidsmooth or aokp most likely or 4.1.2 md4 either case download the appropriate file of your choice and flash from recovery do make sure backup amyways hope that answers your question
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium HD app

six3onei said:
What's the best way to update since I can't update with the version that sprint pushed out since I'm rooted. Is it like a hacked version of the update that I can just update with? Yeah I'm a noob at this.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you mean update to 4.1.2. Check your version in settings about device. If it's 4.1.1 go here :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=586
Sent from my SPH-L710

Cm10.1
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Deviant Xone (linked in my sig). Awesome 4.2.2 ROM.

If you're going to any AOSP rom, be sure to update your recovery to the latest!
Also - Create a 0 folder in the root of your internal storage and move all of your files into /sdcard/0 (and I mean everything, files, folders, etc.) When you boot into latest recovery, it'll treat the sdcard/0 as your sdcard root folder. Once you flash an AOSP based rom, it will always use sdcard/0 as the root so if you create the 0 folder prior to flashing, you'll have all of your internal memory accessible.

Overstew said:
If you're going to any AOSP rom, be sure to update your recovery to the latest!
Also - Create a 0 folder in the root of your internal storage and move all of your files into /sdcard/0 (and I mean everything, files, folders, etc.) When you boot into latest recovery, it'll treat the sdcard/0 as your sdcard root folder. Once you flash an AOSP based rom, it will always use sdcard/0 as the root so if you create the 0 folder prior to flashing, you'll have all of your internal memory accessible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently you can avoid this by updating your recovery....the emulated 0 folder, I mean
Sent from my SPH-L710

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I'm running stock rom that I rooted... The phone version as of now is 4.1.2... as of 1 week I recieved an over the air update from sprint. I was thinking its 4.2 something maybe? maybe I wrong. I was wondering how could I get that update to install? Would i have to un-root then re-root?
Thanks!

six3onei said:
I'm running stock rom that I rooted... The phone version as of now is 4.1.2... as of 1 week I recieved an over the air update from sprint. I was thinking its 4.2 something maybe? maybe I wrong. I was wondering how could I get that update to install? Would i have to un-root then re-root?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey six3onei,
I'm assuming you just got the notification for the OTA (Over-The-Air) update. The newest version of the Stock Rom is MD4 which is still 4.1.2. Android version 4.2.x probably won't come out for your phone for a couple of months (that's my guess with no data to back it up other than my own intuition).
As far as upadating, you actually don't have to apply the OTA to get the latest and greatest for our phone. All you have to do is flash Freeza's Stock Rooted Rom (You'll want the DeOdex MD4 Rom). It'll give you the most up-to-date Stock Rom with Root. I've linked and quoted a previous post I made which will give you directions to flash it. Also, CNexus has done a great guide about OTAs over in the general sub-forum. I suggest giving that a look-through.
Also, just a note on the flashing sequence below: In step 4 below, if you're coming from a stock Rom and you're going to a stock Rom, all you have to do is wipe Cache and Dalvik Cache. If you're going to a different Rom, it's best to do a full wipe (in my opinion).
Ok, let's start at the very beginning (it's a very good place to start).
Before we get started, I'm going to make the following assumptions:
You successfully rooted your phone through Odin.
You currently have a custom recovery (either TWRP or CWM).
You have a Rom you'd like to flash on either your internal storage or your SDcard (I'd recommend the SDcard, but that's your prerogative).
If either of the first two is not true, I'd recommend going back to qbking77's thread and check out the videos on how to use Odin to gain root and a custom recovery.
If number 3 above is not true, download a ROM (nor someone new to flashing/custom Roms, I'd recommend Freeza's stock rooted Rom, as it's identical to stock TW, but just with Root). Once you download a Rom, check it's md5sum to verify that it's a good download. Copy the file to your SD card and get ready to flash (make sure you have decent battery life left, I try to keep at least 50% or more when flashing Roms, although it shouldn't take too long.
I'll give directions on how to flash a Rom below. The instructions will be for TWRP, but CWM has similar options/settings
Turn your phone completely off (hold down power for 3-5 seconds)
Boot your phone into recovery. Hold Up, Menu, and Power for a few seconds (until SAMSUNG appears on your screen and the phone vibrates)
Make a Nandroid backup. I can't emphasize this enough. In flashing, it's almost a certainty that one time, something will mess up. When that happens, you want to be able to restore a backup. In TWRP, just go into Backup Menu and choose where you want it (internal vs. External storage). It takes my phone a few (5-10) minutes to completely backup my data.
In TWRP, click the wipe button, then system. This will completely wipe the Rom from your phone. Doing this will allow you to get a "clean" install, without any settings or leftover files from your old Rom getting in the way. Instead, you could only wipe data (factory reset), which is good enough for most Roms. I'd still recommend a system wipe, though.
Also while in the Wipe menu, wipe Cache and Dalvik Cache.
Go back to the TWRP main menu.
Click Install, then find your Rom zip file (may have to switch from internal to external storage).
Let TWRP do it's thing.
If you're installing a TW-based Rom, chances are it had gapps already installed. If not, you should now flash the correct gapps package from goo.im. Make sure you're flashing the correct one, as if you don't, your google apps will force close upon use.
Reboot into system and give it time to boot (first boot sometimes takes a couple of minutes).
Set up your phone the way you like.
These should be the directions to follow whenever you flash a new Rom. Some Roms have the Aroma installer, so you'll have more options once you choose to flash the Rom zip, but those are typically easy to follow (and vary from Rom to Rom, so I won't be able to give you a good guide on that).
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rom you want to download off of Freeza's page is:
DeOdex:
Sprint Touchwiz Jelly Bean 4.1.2 L710VPBMD4 | Mirror
MD5: 77262D9D6CF1A6AF30A8981A95A75D57
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Guide]Fix your ROM issues that other's are not having before posting for support.

Ok I wrote this for the OP of my ROM because the issues some people were PMing me about were just plain out dumb, This phone has been out quite a long time and still almost every thread I goto, you got people flashing in way's I didn't even know were possible and posting weird issues that were not being reproduced by the community. so I'm just gonna post this guide for all the developers sake and in hopes the people that actually need this information, receive it before posting and clogging up development threads
If you're having issues on rom's that no one else is reporting, or the DEV has not reproduced on his phone, read the following.
1) Full wipe
2) Do not restore System data or data from CWM
3) Do not dirty flash from other ROM's
4) When was the last time you did a odin to stock? this is important in my opinion and I'm not saying you need to do one but I just want to explain that custom zip's that I make and other dev's make in the shape of "roms" only affect
a few partitions on your device, other's do not get touched and can get messy/corrupt over the months (This explains why the GPS icon disappears in some peoples cases during rom switch) and this is why I get posts in this thread about people wondering why their baseband hasn't been updated after flashing my rom when my post states "MF1"
With this being said my personal rule of thumb is to odin to stock latest and then boot into stock recovery and factory reset, wipe cache/dalvik (BACKUP YOUR SD CARD TO YOUR COMPUTER), this gives your phone fresh partitions everywhere, a fresh system to root and the latest bootloader (which you need for any AOSP 4.2 rom). This is also a good time to unlock your phone if you have not already, then reroot and install custom recovery, update the recovery if need be and flash again on a brand new system. here are my steps
1) backup all user apps and data with titanium backup, DO NOT BACKUP SYSTEM APP'S
2) backup internal storage onto PC
3) Odin to stock latest
4) wait for phone to boot then reboot into stock recovery and full wipe and clear all cache
5) reboot and root the phone and custom recovery
6) flash away and put what you need on your internal storage back onto your phone via usb, see my 2nd set of instructions below
this fixes more issues then you will realize. some of the way people flash rom's on XDA and complain to me with problems is rather funny considering I have the install instructions in the OP, not to mention many of you rooted your phone when you first got it in the ICS 4.0.4 day's and haven't done an odin to stock jellybean to update all your partitions including your bootloader, now I will go over my every day flashing step's.
1)backup all USER APPS/DATA with titanium backup, DO NOT BACKUP SYSTEM APP'S (skip this if you did a odin flash to stock)
2)reboot recovery
3)nandroid (skip this if you did a odin flash to stock)
4)factory reset, wipe system, wipe both cache/dalvik
5)install rom
6)boot system
7)*(OPTIONAL) reboot to install a kernel now if needed, always wipe cache/dalvik and fix permissions after installing a kernel
8)setup phone and download titanium backup from the market
9)restore all user apps and data (you will have to put the titanium backup folder that is backed up on your computer back onto your internal storage via usb first)
Every 6 months, backup internal storage to PC and I odin to stock, much like formatting a computer
6 months is actually a long time considering how much I flash, but this device can take a beating let me tell you =P
I DO THIS WITH EVERY ROM I INSTALL, AOSP or TW

Great explanation and should really help out with those with issues. Thanks!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

TheKucho said:
Great explanation and should really help out with those with issues. Thanks!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is great advice, but here's the problem.
Every new thread pushes this farther down the list. And if no one comments, eventually it's gonna be on the back door of this thread.
The OP may want to consider getting this stickied, or maybe copying it to each one of his rom threads.
Like I said, it's really great info, but will do no one any good on page 4 or farther back.
jus' my one cent worth (government took the other penny for taxes)
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA Premium HD app

4.3 General wiping and preparatory instructions - Sprint Galaxy Note 2 L900 all ROM's

I was happy as a lark with TWRP. But 4.3 happened and it is a new process. There are variations, here is one way to get your phone and 4.3 to play nice together. I'm on Sprint Galaxy Note 2 and if you are coming to a 4.3 or 4.4 for the first time, or having trouble. Try this first! I give credits Below, but it's for all ROM's. "Google process stopped" is a common sign that this wasn't done. Or if it just hangs on the samsung screen... Btw it does seem like an eternity sometimes. Lol
General theory: skip to the next paragraph if you dont care. I've Googled and read. You should too. We are trying to clean and prepare your phone for 4.3. "Wipe" is not the same as "format. " We need to remove all the little pieces of data that may still be there from before. We need to start fresh. Also, the partitions sizes are different in 4.3. In general we need to clean.
PROCESS A is this link. Billard412 This is back to stock, completely cleaning your phone. It requires odin and a computer. If you want to try procees B alone, you can skip A and just do "process B" and see if that works. If you still have trouble, you know you need to do the full thing. Just a note, you might think it works, but then your nandroids don't restore.. Time for process A. Back to stock. It's good to do this once in a while to start fresh, also.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2086769
Then install USE PHILZ recovery 6.07.9 (link below)
-Install philz. Some people have luck with TWRP , i didn't. I don't think TWRP works with 4.3
There is a newer Philz version, not sure all the bugs are worked out, use 6.07.9
One thing that might be confusing, the process A restore from billard recommends TWRP and I'm recommending Philz recovery. So best advice, although possibly confusing, is install TWRP, billard restore, then flash Philz. It's not any more work really. The back to stock will put you in a stock recovery. So you have to flash something. I was a TWRP fan too, but Philz has had less problems in 4.3.
1. You can follow billard 's instructions
2.there is a YouTube if you want to follow that in billards thread
or3 . Jlmancuso provided this to try and simplify the process:
a. Boot into download/bootloader mode.
b. Connect to pc and use odin to flash TWRP. Make sure you uncheck reboot and flash twrp in the pda slot.
c. Once flashed pull battery and disconnect from pc.
d. Press vol+ menu power buttons while inserting battery (yes it is difficult but can be done)
e. Now in recovery perform factory reset.
f. Flash this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=36388145
g. Now reboot it will act/look weird but dont worry this is normal. It will reboot and take a long time to boot.
Now you are on stock mc2 (no knox anymore). Root using cf autoroot http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33278464
Now use odin once again and flash your recovery again, this time Philz. Now you are rooted and have a custom recovery. Oh and you have a working phone again.
PROCESS B.
This is done before any ROM install and before any nandroid restore.
Preparation: BACK UP INTERNAL IF DESIRED, I WILL RECOMMEND WIPING IT in the next steps . NOT REQUIRED, BUT RECOMMENDED. You can move it to external, external doesn't need to be wiped.
In PHILZ recovery 6.07.9 (link below)
1. Mounts and Storage
Format / system​Format / cashe​Format / data​ Recommended optional. Format internal SD card
Format / data and /data /media (/sdcard) ALL INTERNEL SD CARD DATA IS LOST.​PREVIOUS IS NOT EXTERNAL, EXTERNAL IS "SDCARD1" which i would not recommend
2. Power Options > reboot recovery
3. Wipe cashe partition
4. Advanced > Wipe dalvik cashe
5. Wipe data / factory reset > Wipe data / factory reset
6. Wipe data / factory reset > clean and install new ROM
I would stick with 4.3 and Philz backed up things. Don't restore something from before. Neither a 4.2 rom or a TWRP backup. Once you know you have got this process down, then try / do those sorts of things. Philz is supposed to be able to do that, but let's keep it simple until you have this figured out.
If you want to try process B first only , it may be all you need. But if it doesn't work, do all of it.
I hope this helps - LINKS & CREDITS in next post

4.3 general wiping and preparatory instructions
LINKS
same as above Billard412 back to stock - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2086769
alternate back to stock - Rwilco http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2591898
Philz Recovery Thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2552653
On the Philz recovery site the "L900" looks more like "l900" and is confusing - so here is a more direct link - select 6.07.9 http://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/l900
TWRP http://teamw.in/project/twrp2/117
To get root- one option is CF Autoroot-
[SPH-L900] CF-Auto-Root
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1956180
WIFI FIX just in case. Flash in the PDA tab of Odin http://d-h.st/6qX
If you want to change modems i use this (not required / optional) - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2537713
General
I am not trying to take credit for anything. Notice how none of this is my work. Just hoping to pull together and clarify this process. Others my post different ways, and you can try other ways, but if it doesn't work, use this process exactly. It works for many. If you want to post that you tried another way and it didnt work, you are welcome to, but then my reply will be to try it this way...or i wont reply. I just had to keep typing this over and over to many, and i figured I would put out a detailed version. This works. (you know the drill, its your phone, not my responsibilty, of course)
CREDITS AND ROMS
I picked up a lot of this process from Lorjay589's thread. His OP pointed me at the Billard412 back to factory
jlmancuso has posted refined and explained this process 100 times as well.
this is for SMOOTHEST ROM, CUSTOM ROM, SYNERGY ROM, DIGIBLUR ROM, FTW ANNIHILATION, ROM AND MANY OTHERS.
therfore jlmancuso, chaz187, ianmb, digiblur, lorjay589, rwilco12, phil3759, fryingpan0613, jimmydene84, cbucz24, wwjoshdew, agent soap AND MANY OTHERS.

constructive criticism is always welcome i have a tough skin, just be nice and don't hold back to let me know. i am not that knowledgeable, this is my first thread. Just been following some 4.3 threads for a while and saw a recurring problem.

Very nice guide Cole
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk

Reserved

Darn it I want a reservation too!!
Thanks now I have a thread to link to instead of a single post.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Very nice tutorial. U nail all that we need to do for a smooth install
Thanks
SGNote2

Any reason why we should not use the latest version of Philz Recovery version 6.15.4?

justppc said:
Any reason why we should not use the latest version of Philz Recovery version 6.15.4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people have just had some problems when using the new version, therefore the previous version is more reliable. Better chance of everything working. Once you have your phone running smoothly using this process, you are welcome to try it. If you have problems... Revert back.
Start with post 87 of the Philz thread, if you like.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2552653

Thanks, this resolved an issue with 'Inconsistent System UIDs"

KNOX with options A/B
Will this process A or B or both, untrip your knox and reset everything to stock? Or does it just get you closest to stock as you can, with KNOX still tripped?
Thanks

Dedline said:
Will this process A or B or both, untrip your knox and reset everything to stock? Or does it just get you closest to stock as you can, with KNOX still tripped?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Process A completely wipes your phone and resets it to stock. B is just general wiping process when flashing a new rom. You shouldn't have a Rom on your phone when you are done with either. (other than the one backed on you external sd)
Head on over the the Ballard thread to read more about process A

justppc said:
Thanks, this resolved an issue with 'Inconsistent System UIDs"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This hasn't worked for me. I've repeated this several times with no luck. I also can't install gmail. Any suggestions?

mr.pope said:
This hasn't worked for me. I've repeated this several times with no luck. I also can't install gmail. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try to start all the way over by using ODIN to install stock MA7, then root it and take it from there.

justppc said:
You could try to start all the way over by using ODIN to install stock MA7, then root it and take it from there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alas, I have tried that as well. I finally made some headway and think I have it. I had to fix permisions for all apps using Rom Toolbox Lite Looks like that has fixed it. Flashing forward as I type.

Just a bump to keep this where everyone can see it.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Gotta try this on my note 2
K
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Just a reminder

Hello,
I ended up getting a replacement phone from Best Buy and I ended up flashing a older version of twrp before trying the latest 2.7.0. I did a few backups just to have a stock rom to return to if all failed. Somehow after I tried flashing the new mk4 roms, I lost my 4g LTE in the process of flashing different ROMS and none of my back ups for twrp would work so I ended flashing Philz recovery and then Digiblur just to get my phone working again.
I ended up requesting another replacement so I can have my 4g LTE again. My question is. Is it possible to wipe a 4g LTE key when rooting and also is Philz the way I should of went when I rooted to make a stock backup if everything fails? Anything I should make sure to back up in particular to make sure I dont wipe nothing important. I just want to be extra careful this time around.
The phone was already updated to MK4 when I received it. Any help is appreciated!

Lyvewire said:
Hello,
I ended up getting a replacement phone from Best Buy and I ended up flashing a older version of twrp before trying the latest 2.7.0. I did a few backups just to have a stock rom to return to if all failed. Somehow after I tried flashing the new mk4 roms, I lost my 4g LTE in the process of flashing different ROMS and none of my back ups for twrp would work so I ended flashing Philz recovery and then Digiblur just to get my phone working again.
I ended up requesting another replacement so I can have my 4g LTE again. My question is. Is it possible to wipe a 4g LTE key when rooting and also is Philz the way I should of went when I rooted to make a stock backup if everything fails? Anything I should make sure to back up in particular to make sure I dont wipe nothing important. I just want to be extra careful this time around.
The phone was already updated to MK4 when I received it. Any help is appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Philz is the only way to go when choosing a recovery. Twrp will not backup or restore mk4 properly and wont woek correct with 4.4 aosp either. When ypu do your first backup choose custom backup and backup everything but Efs. When that is done go back into custom backup and only backup efs (it must be done by itself). I would then suggest copying both backups to a pc or cloud storage for safe keeping.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app