Develop Bugs

How safe is clockworkmod recovery

Does clockworkmod overwrite the stock recovery? If it does then to me it is not a safe method to root a phone. If something goes wrong while flashing clockwork you will lose the stock recovery and can never reflash anything else. Is my understanding correct? This is why I am hesitant to root my phone. Please advice.
Thanks.

datzstr8 said:
Does clockworkmod overwrite the stock recovery? If it does then to me it is not a safe method to root a phone. If something goes wrong while flashing clockwork you will lose the stock recovery and can never reflash anything else. Is my understanding correct? This is why I am hesitant to root my phone. Please advice.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its fairly safe. You could always flash the recovery thru odin found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1332103

Has anyone tried to flash clockwork and failed? What happened afterwards? I assume odin won't work anymore because it requires a recovery partition to work.
I guess what I am still confused about is if clockwork writes over the stock recovery or does it keep the stock recovery in-tacked. I would prefer the later since then you can never break your phone.

With my dilemma would it be best for me to not install clockwork and just use an insecure kernel? Thanks.

It does overwrite the stock recovery i believe. But its very safe to flash. Ive never heard of someone borking a phone installing cwm recovery.

I have literally NEVER had a problem with clockworkmod, it's one of the best pieces of mobile software I've ever used.

kabuk1 said:
I have literally NEVER had a problem with clockworkmod, it's one of the best pieces of mobile software I've ever used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whole heartedly agree.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

datzstr8 said:
Has anyone tried to flash clockwork and failed? What happened afterwards? I assume odin won't work anymore because it requires a recovery partition to work.
I guess what I am still confused about is if clockwork writes over the stock recovery or does it keep the stock recovery in-tacked. I would prefer the later since then you can never break your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin has NOTHING to do with the recovery partition. ODIN only works in download mode on your phone. You can have a blank recovery partition and it'll still work, as well as the rom, and flashing other things too. The recovery partition stock has one function, to do a factory reset incase of problems. (Not to be confused with the one from inside android, that only formats /data. This one replaces the system partition as well.) CWM is very safe, I really wouldn't worry about it. Just follow the instructions carefully and you'll be fine.
Also, once you get cwm installed on there, I'd suggest doing a backup before you make any changes. Always handy to have your stock image at hand, just incase.
And also, even with stock recovery, you can still break your phone. It's not easy to brick a GS2, but it can be done. Just remember, as long as you can get the phone into download mode, it's not bricked. You can always odin back the stock partitions if you run into issues.

I was a little worried about using it with this phone. No problems to report. Just had to make backup in recovery.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Thanks mstrk242 for the great explanation. I thought the "download" and "recovery" were two states of a single program. It is clear now that they are separate. You just cleared all my worries.
You said "It's not easy to brick a GS2, but it can be done," can you tell me how this can happen? Just curious. Thanks much.

If you're going to be rooting/flashing at all, you'll have to get comfortable with cwm, Odin, and the other tools that are available for the phone.
This is my second Android phone, both have been rooted with custom roms, and at any point I've run into trouble (which is rare) I've found the tools and the help I need on here by searching a little bit. If you're willing to spend the time doing a bit of reading and know your way around a computer a bit, you won't have a problem. Just make sure you're 100% sure whatever you're flashing is for YOUR phone hardware.
It's not nearly as scary as it sounds once you get going on it and there's a lot to benefit from it.
Cheers and good luck.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

datzstr8 said:
Thanks mstrk242 for the great explanation. I thought the "download" and "recovery" were two states of a single program. It is clear now that they are separate. You just cleared all my worries.
You said "It's not easy to brick a GS2, but it can be done," can you tell me how this can happen? Just curious. Thanks much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easiest way is to flash a rom for the wrong phone and mess up the partition table. (IE flash an international version of the gs2 rom, you'll brick.)
As long as you get cwm installed on there, and flash the correct roms, you should really be ok.

You can go back to the stock recovery easily. You can do it through Odin or flash an unroot rom
Sent from my SGH-T989 with ClockworkMod ★Touch★ Recovery 5.8.1.3

[Q] What Am I Doing Wrong...?

I have unbricked this phone probably 15 times in the past day trying to just install a custom ROM.
I run through the unbricking process, get root, load the stock AT&T ROM, factory reset, and it boots just fine from there. However, after I load Clockwork Mod and try to load any custom ROMs at all, the phone will just bootloop forever. It also appears to remove the Clockwork Mod recovery image as well, since I no longer am able to get back into recovery after the flash of the new ROM.
I've scoured this forum for hours, and I'm at a complete loss. Any ideas?
P.S. I made a backup of my ROM before doing all of this using the latest version of Clockwork Mod, but was unable to restore it. It seems that the 6.x.x.x version of the recovery for this phone is busted in some way, it always reports that it can't access any of the root folders, even though the phone has been rooted. The 5.x.x.x versions don't seem to do this, but I still have issues flashing.

SectorNine50 said:
I have unbricked this phone probably 15 times in the past day trying to just install a custom ROM.
I run through the unbricking process, get root, load the stock AT&T ROM, factory reset, and it boots just fine from there. However, after I load Clockwork Mod and try to load any custom ROMs at all, the phone will just bootloop forever. It also appears to remove the Clockwork Mod recovery image as well, since I no longer am able to get back into recovery after the flash of the new ROM.
I've scoured this forum for hours, and I'm at a complete loss. Any ideas?
P.S. I made a backup of my ROM before doing all of this using the latest version of Clockwork Mod, but was unable to restore it. It seems that the 6.x.x.x version of the recovery for this phone is busted in some way, it always reports that it can't access any of the root folders, even though the phone has been rooted. The 5.x.x.x versions don't seem to do this, but I still have issues flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it possible that your hosts file needs modifying when installing the AT&T ROM? If the LG Support tool connects to LG's servers instead of your local http you set up, it will load the official ICS and completely wipe your phone to install that ROM... With my limited amount of knowledge, that's about all I could see if the process removes CWM Recovery.
Also, CWM 6.x is working fine for me, even manually flashed the touch recovery a few minutes ago, backed up my ROM and installed an updated ROM. No problems at all.

SectorNine50 said:
I have unbricked this phone probably 15 times in the past day trying to just install a custom ROM.
I run through the unbricking process, get root, load the stock AT&T ROM, factory reset, and it boots just fine from there. However, after I load Clockwork Mod and try to load any custom ROMs at all, the phone will just bootloop forever. It also appears to remove the Clockwork Mod recovery image as well, since I no longer am able to get back into recovery after the flash of the new ROM.
I've scoured this forum for hours, and I'm at a complete loss. Any ideas?
P.S. I made a backup of my ROM before doing all of this using the latest version of Clockwork Mod, but was unable to restore it. It seems that the 6.x.x.x version of the recovery for this phone is busted in some way, it always reports that it can't access any of the root folders, even though the phone has been rooted. The 5.x.x.x versions don't seem to do this, but I still have issues flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if anyone has tried the unbrick method with the new version of cwm but you might try twrp. When a similar version of cwm was in beta there were all sorts of issues. So maybe they haven't been fixed. Also are you installing cwm from GB? ICS has a locked boot loader so that might also be an issue.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1888910
Now I would start with the unbricking guide for a 16th time but follow the directions to install twrp instead of cwm. You might also find you like it better. Good luck.
Sent from my LG-P930 using xda app-developers app

lordcheeto03 said:
Is it possible that your hosts file needs modifying when installing the AT&T ROM? If the LG Support tool connects to LG's servers instead of your local http you set up, it will load the official ICS and completely wipe your phone to install that ROM... With my limited amount of knowledge, that's about all I could see if the process removes CWM Recovery.
Also, CWM 6.x is working fine for me, even manually flashed the touch recovery a few minutes ago, backed up my ROM and installed an updated ROM. No problems at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe that the unbricking process would work if the hosts file was wrong, but I checked it again anyway, and it appears to be correct.
The AT&T ROM gets pushed via the abd shell after the unbrick and rooting process. The root appears to work, as the AT&T ROM that I push works fine, it's just not the ROM I want!
Swetnes said:
I don't know if anyone has tried the unbrick method with the new version of cwm but you might try twrp. When a similar version of cwm was in beta there were all sorts of issues. So maybe they haven't been fixed. Also are you installing cwm from GB? ICS has a locked boot loader so that might also be an issue.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1888910
Now I would start with the unbricking guide for a 16th time but follow the directions to install twrp instead of cwm. You might also find you like it better. Good luck.
Sent from my LG-P930 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After the unbricking process (after I get through all the nonsense on the Korean ROM), the phone is running the GB AT&T ROM, from there I push the CWM recovery.img to the phone using the abd shell. All seems to be working perfectly up until I go to flash the custom ROM! I don't get any errors when I flash the .zip either.
Initially I had installed CWM 6.x.x.x using the ROM Manager application. That's before all this nonsense started, and the phone was on the stock (but rooted) AT&T ICS ROM, so I know that's why I "bricked" my phone the first time.
I'll give TWRP a shot, hopefully that will work.

SectorNine50 said:
I don't believe that the unbricking process would work if the hosts file was wrong, but I checked it again anyway, and it appears to be correct.
The AT&T ROM gets pushed via the abd shell after the unbrick and rooting process. The root appears to work, as the AT&T ROM that I push works fine, it's just not the ROM I want!
After the unbricking process (after I get through all the nonsense on the Korean ROM), the phone is running the GB AT&T ROM, from there I push the CWM recovery.img to the phone using the abd shell. All seems to be working perfectly up until I go to flash the custom ROM! I don't get any errors when I flash the .zip either.
Initially I had installed CWM 6.x.x.x using the ROM Manager application. That's before all this nonsense started, and the phone was on the stock (but rooted) AT&T ICS ROM, so I know that's why I "bricked" my phone the first time.
I'll give TWRP a shot, hopefully that will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so we know it's not the boot loader issue of ICS after dozens if not hundreds of successful installs using the unbricking guide the only thing left is the new version of cwm. Hopefully twrp will do the trick for you. Has anyone out there successfully completed the unbricking guide with the new version of cwm?
Sent from my LG-P930 using xda app-developers app

Swetnes said:
Ok so we know it's not the boot loader issue of ICS after dozens if not hundreds of successful installs using the unbricking guide the only thing left is the new version of cwm. Hopefully twrp will do the trick for you. Has anyone out there successfully completed the unbricking guide with the new version of cwm?
Sent from my LG-P930 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried the TWRP recovery a shot yet, since I haven't been home, but I figured it was worth pointing out that the CWM 5.x.x.x (can't remember exact version numbers right now) didn't work for me either. Every time I flashed a ROM, I'd end up with a boot loop on first boot, and then when I'd try to go back into recovery, I'd find that it wouldn't go back in there either.
It was basically acting like when I flashed the ROM that it overwrote the recovery partition, except no one else seems to have this same issue. Yet, if I didn't flash a ROM, I was able to go in and out of CWM recovery as often as I wanted.
Bah.

SectorNine50 said:
I haven't tried the TWRP recovery a shot yet, since I haven't been home, but I figured it was worth pointing out that the CWM 5.x.x.x (can't remember exact version numbers right now) didn't work for me either. Every time I flashed a ROM, I'd end up with a boot loop on first boot, and then when I'd try to go back into recovery, I'd find that it wouldn't go back in there either.
It was basically acting like when I flashed the ROM that it overwrote the recovery partition, except no one else seems to have this same issue. Yet, if I didn't flash a ROM, I was able to go in and out of CWM recovery as often as I wanted.
Bah.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you clarify exactly what method you are using to flash the ROM? I just can't imagine a scenario where flashing a ROM would overwrite the recovery. What ROM are you flashing?
Also, please confirm what phone you have.

drumist said:
Can you clarify exactly what method you are using to flash the ROM? I just can't imagine a scenario where flashing a ROM would overwrite the recovery. What ROM are you flashing?
Also, please confirm what phone you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, I may be using the wrong term (my first experiences with custom ROMs date back to Windows Mobile, so the terminology probably blends together), but I'm basically loading the .zip from the SD Card in CWM. I've tried both the CM9 P930 ROM and Paranoid Android CM10.
That was my thought too, I didn't think that the custom ROMs even had recovery images in them. I may be wrong in saying that it deletes CWM, but after the wipe and flash I am no longer able to access it.
I have the LG Nitro HD, and from what I can gather, that is the P930, correct? I hope the issue I'm having is as simple as I'm flashing for the wrong phone...
By the way, thank you all for your help and input, I really appreciate it!

SectorNine50 said:
Sure, I may be using the wrong term (my first experiences with custom ROMs date back to Windows Mobile, so the terminology probably blends together), but I'm basically loading the .zip from the SD Card in CWM. I've tried both the CM9 P930 ROM and Paranoid Android CM10.
That was my thought too, I didn't think that the custom ROMs even had recovery images in them. I may be wrong in saying that it deletes CWM, but after the wipe and flash I am no longer able to access it.
I have the LG Nitro HD, and from what I can gather, that is the P930, correct? I hope the issue I'm having is as simple as I'm flashing for the wrong phone...
By the way, thank you all for your help and input, I really appreciate it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct, the Nitro is P930. And I'm sure this doesn't need pointing out, but when you download the ROM, make sure it's for P93x and not SU640. Most of the ROMS in the developer section have versions for both models.
Also, when you say you can't access CWM after flashing a ROM, how are you trying to access it? Holding Power+Volume down until the Factory Reset screen pops up? It still shows that screen even with CWM installed, but when you press the power button to perform the factory reset it SHOULD take you into CWM Recovery instead.

SectorNine50 said:
Sure, I may be using the wrong term (my first experiences with custom ROMs date back to Windows Mobile, so the terminology probably blends together), but I'm basically loading the .zip from the SD Card in CWM. I've tried both the CM9 P930 ROM and Paranoid Android CM10.
That was my thought too, I didn't think that the custom ROMs even had recovery images in them. I may be wrong in saying that it deletes CWM, but after the wipe and flash I am no longer able to access it.
I have the LG Nitro HD, and from what I can gather, that is the P930, correct? I hope the issue I'm having is as simple as I'm flashing for the wrong phone...
By the way, thank you all for your help and input, I really appreciate it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To access recovery, turn the device completely off. (If you're in a bootloop, pull battery or hold power button for ~20 seconds until screen stays off.) Then when phone is off, press and hold volume down and power buttons at the same time, not releasing until you see text asking if you want to factory reset. Press power button twice to confirm and you'll get to recovery.
Is this the method you're using to try to get to CWM?
My guess as to why you are getting bootloops is that you aren't wiping data first.

Yup, that's how I'm accessing CWM. After the flash, after I press the power button twice, I get something similar to a boot loop. A recovery boot loop, if you will.
Well, I've tried a couple ways now. I've tried using the "factory reset/wipe user data" menu item in CWM, and I've tried going into each partition and wiping them individually before flashing as well.
Just got home, I'll try flashing using the TWRP and let you guys know.

SectorNine50 said:
Yup, that's how I'm accessing CWM. After the flash, after I press the power button twice, I get something similar to a boot loop. A recovery boot loop, if you will.
Well, I've tried a couple ways now. I've tried using the "factory reset/wipe user data" menu item in CWM, and I've tried going into each partition and wiping them individually before flashing as well.
Just got home, I'll try flashing using the TWRP and let you guys know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck. Other possible things to try:
1) Check zip MD5 hash (or just redownload and replace) to make sure it's not corrupted.
2) Reformat entire SD card.

Interesting update:
I decided to give getting back into CWM recovery one more shot before I went through the process of re-unbricking again, and this time it managed to get in (for whatever reason).
So, I did a factory wipe, cleared dalvik cache, flashed the ParanoidAndroid ROM, backed out, did another factory wipe, and tried to reboot into the newly flashed ROM.
No luck. Boot looped, and didn't even get to the ROM animation. Following that, I had trouble getting back into the CWM recovery. Managed to try about 5 times and finally got in, however CWM stated:
Code:
CWM-based Recovery v5.0.2.7
E:Error in /cache/recovery/last_log
(Read-only file system)
So... my phone may have potentially unrooted it's self, somehow... Interestingly, it still shows the file systems as mounted.
So, now I'm doing a full SD card reformat. Figured I'd get that variable out of the way before I go any further.

SectorNine50 said:
Interesting update:
I decided to give getting back into CWM recovery one more shot before I went through the process of re-unbricking again, and this time it managed to get in (for whatever reason).
So, I did a factory wipe, cleared dalvik cache, flashed the ParanoidAndroid ROM, backed out, did another factory wipe, and tried to reboot into the newly flashed ROM.
No luck. Boot looped, and didn't even get to the ROM animation. Following that, I had trouble getting back into the CWM recovery. Managed to try about 5 times and finally got in, however CWM stated:
Code:
CWM-based Recovery v5.0.2.7
E:Error in /cache/recovery/last_log
(Read-only file system)
So... my phone may have potentially unrooted it's self, somehow... Interestingly, it still shows the file systems as mounted.
So, now I'm doing a full SD card reformat. Figured I'd get that variable out of the way before I go any further.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are installing the wrong version of CWM. Never use anything older than 5.8.2.0. This is the one you want: http://download2.clockworkmod.com/recoveries/recovery-clockwork-5.8.2.0-p930.img
Anything older than that is known to not work.
Second thing: You seem to have an incorrect understanding of what "root" means. Having "root" simply means you have administrator access to your current ROM. When you install a new ROM, whether you had root access to your old ROM is meaningless frankly.

drumist said:
You are installing the wrong version of CWM. Never use anything older than 5.8.2.0. This is the one you want: http://download2.clockworkmod.com/recoveries/recovery-clockwork-5.8.2.0-p930.img
Anything older than that is known to not work.
Second thing: You seem to have an incorrect understanding of what "root" means. Having "root" simply means you have administrator access to your current ROM. When you install a new ROM, whether you had root access to your old ROM is meaningless frankly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, thank you! I must've been viewing an old thread. Now that I look at the version number, it appears that's the version I had been hunting for since the newest one didn't work.
Interesting, I most certainly misunderstood, I was under the impression that "rooting" the device was a filesystem level permission change. Good to know!
It seems like we are getting closer to a solution here. Thanks for your patience!

Well, that appears to have been my problem the whole time! That's kind of embarrassing, considering how much time I sunk into this and how simple the solution was!
Anyway, thank you all very much! I assume that TWRP would have also solved my problems as well. It would seem that both the older and newest versions of CWM have some problems (at least for me!).

SectorNine50 said:
Well, that appears to have been my problem the whole time! That's kind of embarrassing, considering how much time I sunk into this and how simple the solution was!
Anyway, thank you all very much! I assume that TWRP would have also solved my problems as well. It would seem that both the older and newest versions of CWM have some problems (at least for me!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the new one (6.0.1.5) just came out. I'll have to test it to see if it works for me.

For what it's worth, I haven't had any issues with 6.0.1.5 yet. The touch version is a must, though.

Malnilion said:
For what it's worth, I haven't had any issues with 6.0.1.5 yet. The touch version is a must, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you had a chance to compare to twrp?
Sent from my LG-P930 using xda app-developers app

Swetnes said:
Have you had a chance to compare to twrp?
Sent from my LG-P930 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really enjoy the integration Rom Manager/CM Updater has with CWM. If twrp is capable of running the install scripts those two use, I might consider trying it out, but I don't really like manually going through the steps to flash a rom every day.

Galaxy S 3 Rom installation Problem

I have a problem with my Galaxy S 3
When i bought it out the box i was able to root easily and install custom rom (Wicked) with no problems but then i had to restore back to stock using ODIN returning back to stock and running everything stock i also reset the counter beause i wanted to exchange the phone turn out i cannot
so i re-rooted the phone the same way and tried to install the custom rom it gave me status 7 error he only thing that worked is my Backups
so i returned back to stock again and re-root this time i didnt have the error i just get stuck at the boot logo
i have no idea what to do now. its very frustrating.

ChronoXzX said:
I have a problem with my Galaxy S 3
When i bought it out the box i was able to root easily and install custom rom (Wicked) with no problems but then i had to restore back to stock using ODIN returning back to stock and running everything stock i also reset the counter beause i wanted to exchange the phone turn out i cannot
so i re-rooted the phone the same way and tried to install the custom rom it gave me status 7 error he only thing that worked is my Backups
so i returned back to stock again and re-root this time i didnt have the error i just get stuck at the boot logo
i have no idea what to do now. its very frustrating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same problem i had before. Bothered me for a few days.
1. download rooted stock ROM
2. download goo manager
3. user twpr to flash wicked ROM
hope this will help

Had that problem after Odin reboot into stock recovery and erase and reset, had to do it 2 days ago
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

theory611 said:
same problem i had before. Bothered me for a few days.
1. download rooted stock ROM
2. download goo manager
3. user twpr to flash wicked ROM
hope this will help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you link me the rooted stock rom that you used
Plz ive tried everything its real annoying that my phone wont boot the custom rom
Its installed successfully but nothing after the reboot just the logo screen of the custom rom

Did you wipe the cache/dalvik?

psykhotic said:
Did you wipe the cache/dalvik?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I did
I do factory setting then I wipe cache then I do the dalvik cache
Then I finally install I do it everytime it doesnt work. Is it because maybe I unroot the phone wrong??? Is that even possible?? Lol

Try This:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1404381&d=1350325570
Flash this TWRP Recovery Through ODIN, and try to reinstall the ROM

DroidDonX said:
Try This:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1404381&d=1350325570
Flash this TWRP Recovery Through ODIN, and try to reinstall the ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ill try that when i get home
but note so far no rom has been working i can successfully install it with no errors
but when it wants to boot nothing happens just stuck at the Logo screen :/
i think its because i unroot using odin the wrong way or something idk but ever since i un rooted the device this started to happen..

I think status 7 error is a md5 mismatch. Redownload the rom you want. Also some people have had issues downloading to the phone so use a pc and transfer it.

jcbofkc said:
I think status 7 error is a md5 mismatch. Redownload the rom you want. Also some people have had issues downloading to the phone so use a pc and transfer it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok ill do that but what if I dont get the error the rom finishes installing and the aroma installer says status 0 I do not know what it means

There are a couple possibilites here.
1) Your recovery is outdated. Update it. CWM will work just as well as TWRP. A lot of people have been advertising TWRP like they are being paid to do so. Either will work fine, but it must be updated to the latest version. The "CWM makes you lose IMEI" slander is starting to get old as well. There have been several documented cases on this forum where people have lost IMEI using TWRP. That's of course assuming the custom recoveries are actually causing it. We don't even know that. In any case, a reboot nvbackup would prevent all of this nonsense. I can't believe people still aren't doing this.
2) You are attempting to flash roms that are not for your device. Please give us a forum link to the rom you are attempting to flash.

Aerowinder said:
There are a couple possibilites here.
1) Your recovery is outdated. Update it. CWM will work just as well as TWRP. A lot of people have been advertising TWRP like they are being paid to do so. Either will work fine, but it must be updated to the latest version. The "CWM makes you lose IMEI" slander is starting to get old as well. There have been several documented cases on this forum where people have lost IMEI using TWRP. That's of course assuming the custom recoveries are actually causing it. We don't even know that. In any case, a reboot nvbackup would prevent all of this nonsense. I can't believe people still aren't doing this.
2) You are attempting to flash roms that are not for your device. Please give us a forum link to the rom you are attempting to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would gladly take this slightly off course and ask you to find me one with the issue, as I've read lots and lots about the issue, it is and has been a CWM issue. Here are the Docs Spreadsheet
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Arzp20hXNPi4dFg3UUozS2FQaERYNVJRVm1hWmJYQ3c#gid=0
and here is the huge thread about the issue
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1794657&highlight=imei

Aerowinder said:
There are a couple possibilites here.
1) Your recovery is outdated. Update it. CWM will work just as well as TWRP. A lot of people have been advertising TWRP like they are being paid to do so. Either will work fine, but it must be updated to the latest version. The "CWM makes you lose IMEI" slander is starting to get old as well. There have been several documented cases on this forum where people have lost IMEI using TWRP. That's of course assuming the custom recoveries are actually causing it. We don't even know that. In any case, a reboot nvbackup would prevent all of this nonsense. I can't believe people still aren't doing this.
2) You are attempting to flash roms that are not for your device. Please give us a forum link to the rom you are attempting to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the latest CMW recovery touch
tried it with both of the recoveries same deal :/
and the ROm im trying to flash is
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1804260
ANd noob question what happens when i lose my Imei?? does it brick or prevent installation?

ANd noob question what happens when i lose my Imei?? does it brick or prevent installation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might as well be a brick. Just back it up the way I said and you don't need to worry about it.
mt3g said:
I would gladly take this slightly off course and ask you to find me one with the issue, as I've read lots and lots about the issue, it is and has been a CWM issue. Here are the Docs Spreadsheet
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Arzp20hXNPi4dFg3UUozS2FQaERYNVJRVm1hWmJYQ3c#gid=0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This spreadsheet doesn't prove anything. I see 18 CWM IMEI losses. 3 of which are on CWM v6. Out of 116 users reporting. The vast majority of reporting users are using CWM with success. This is hardly evidence. If anything, it implies CWM is more popular than TWRP. But, there is no proof of that in the spreadsheet, either. You would need thousands of reporting users to establish any kind of usable baseline. Last I checked, no one is sure why the IMEI loss happens or what, exactly, causes it. People do have their suspicions (or superstitions), though. I've flashed hundreds of files with CWM, and never had a single issue. And so have thousands of other XDA forum members.
and here is the huge thread about the issue
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1794657&highlight=imei
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about it? I think I posted a backup script there a couple months ago.

Aerowinder said:
Might as well be a brick. Just back it up the way I said and you don't need to worry about it.
This spreadsheet doesn't prove anything. I see 18 CWM IMEI losses. 3 of which are on CWM v6. Out of 116 users reporting. The vast majority of reporting users are using CWM with success. This is hardly evidence. If anything, it implies CWM is more popular than TWRP. But, there is no proof of that in the spreadsheet, either. You would need thousands of reporting users to establish any kind of usable baseline. Last I checked, no one is sure why the IMEI loss happens or what, exactly, causes it. People do have their suspicions (or superstitions), though. I've flashed hundreds of files with CWM, and never had a single issue. And so have thousands of other XDA forum members.
What about it? I think I posted a backup script there a couple months ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But no one lossed it using TWRP, that's my only point. With out a doubt CWM is more popular, think of it this way. More people are going to respond and or look for a thread regarding the issue compared to those (TWRP) users who never had the issue, I've been on CWM for a couple weeks try to lose my IMEI and haven't done so yet. Either way I'm not defending either but trying to help people out.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

When installing a Rom it just flashes through is that normal?
doesnt it usually take like 2 or 3 minutes to flash a rom that big?
because almost everyone rom i try
Darthstalker
furioustock
wicked
aeonflux
when i format everything using this guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1946701
The installation for the rom just takes 1 to 2 seconds i that normal?
since i used to have a samsung nexus s it usually takes about 1 - 2 minutes to flash a rom that is greater than 100mb
i just wanted to know maybe that can spark any conclusions.
i am still failing to install a rom and seeing it boot up pass the boot screen.. i really need help please :/
the recovery does not give me any errors at all its installed " successfully "

It should take at least 20 to 45 seconds.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

mt3g said:
It should take at least 20 to 45 seconds.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone takes 2 seconds to flssh it says starting flash please wait then it says complete about 2 seconds later

ChronoXzX said:
My phone takes 2 seconds to flssh it says starting flash please wait then it says complete about 2 seconds later
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which is why it isn't working, how large are the files, what are download steps you are taking? Which recovery... You might have a borked recovery... Try reinstalling the recovery if all else seems normal.

mt3g said:
which is why it isn't working, how large are the files, what are download steps you are taking? Which recovery... You might have a borked recovery... Try reinstalling the recovery if all else seems normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the files that im trying to install into my phone are about 600mb +
the wiked rom is about 809mb
the darthstalker rom is about 776mb
im using internet download manager to download the roms
ive reinstalled the recovery via the apps ( rom manager and goomanager )
nothing seems to work :/

[Q] Which (if any) recovery is working...CWM or TWRP?

I'm preaching to the choir here, I know, but one of the main reasons for rooting is a custom Recovery and the benefits that come with that. Both CWM and TWRP are included in the Note 2 Toolkit, but after an incident yesterday and over an hour of XDA reading since, I honestly don't know which Recovery to use anymore.
CWM EPIC-FAILED me yesterday when just trying to flash stock MA5 over stock LJC. I did a Nandroid, a full wipe, flashed the MA5 Firmware, flashed Stock Deodexed MA5, reflashed the MA5 firmware (like the OP said to do), rebooted, and BARF. Looping device activation, and after I chased my tail around in that for 4 or 5 cycles, it ended up in boot loop. I could get into Recovery as well as Download Mode, but restoring any of my six Nandroids via Recovery did not work and I also determined that CWM was wiping anything.
So I searched and found where another Note 2 user had the same wiping problem with CWM and was told to use TWRP. So I Odin'ed TWRP over replacing CWM, wiped everything via TWRP, and then Odin'ed CWM back over so I could (hopefully) do a restore. Soft brick...that looked scarily like a hard brick for a second or two as my phone would do NOTHING. I was finally able to convince it into Download Mode, so I flashed everything back to unrooted stock. Thankfully, I had a Titanium Backup of all my apps/data, but I still had to reconfigure the system settings all over again since I don't use TB for that (because...y'know...that's what Nandroids are for).
By the time that was all said and done it was 3AM, so this morning I immediately searched the forums for Recovery issues, and I have to say that I'm surprised and disappointed with what I've found. There doesn't seem to be a reliable Recovery available for the Note 2! I've found threads with far more problems with TWRP than CWM, but the few I found with CWM are real deal-killers like what I encountered (can't wipe, can't restore).
I'm not being a whiner -- it's a legit question. On all my previous and other current devices, I had my choice between at least two sometimes three or even four rock-solid Recoveries. Is the Note 2 really without a solid Recovery option? Because if it is, then my flashing days are pretty much over except during the rare times where I can potentially be without a phone for 24-48 hours in case a CLUSTER happens like my latest experience. Given my CWM issues, I've now switched to TWRP, but after reading everything in the forums, I can't say that I feel very warm/fuzzy about it.

internetpilot said:
I'm preaching to the choir here, I know, but one of the main reasons for rooting is a custom Recovery and the benefits that come with that. Both CWM and TWRP are included in the Note 2 Toolkit, but after an incident yesterday and over an hour of XDA reading since, I honestly don't know which Recovery to use anymore.
CWM EPIC-FAILED me yesterday when just trying to flash stock MA5 over stock LJC. I did a Nandroid, a full wipe, flashed the MA5 Firmware, flashed Stock Deodexed MA5, reflashed the MA5 firmware (like the OP said to do), rebooted, and BARF. Looping device activation, and after I chased my tail around in that for 4 or 5 cycles, it ended up in boot loop. I could get into Recovery as well as Download Mode, but restoring any of my six Nandroids via Recovery did not work and I also determined that CWM was wiping anything.
So I searched and found where another Note 2 user had the same wiping problem with CWM and was told to use TWRP. So I Odin'ed TWRP over replacing CWM, wiped everything via TWRP, and then Odin'ed CWM back over so I could (hopefully) do a restore. Soft brick...that looked scarily like a hard brick for a second or two as my phone would do NOTHING. I was finally able to convince it into Download Mode, so I flashed everything back to unrooted stock. Thankfully, I had a Titanium Backup of all my apps/data, but I still had to reconfigure the system settings all over again since I don't use TB for that (because...y'know...that's what Nandroids are for).
By the time that was all said and done it was 3AM, so this morning I immediately searched the forums for Recovery issues, and I have to say that I'm surprised and disappointed with what I've found. There doesn't seem to be a reliable Recovery available for the Note 2! I've found threads with far more problems with TWRP than CWM, but the few I found with CWM are real deal-killers like what I encountered (can't wipe, can't restore).
I'm not being a whiner -- it's a legit question. On all my previous and other current devices, I had my choice between at least two sometimes three or even four rock-solid Recoveries. Is the Note 2 really without a solid Recovery option? Because if it is, then my flashing days are pretty much over except during the rare times where I can potentially be without a phone for 24-48 hours in case a CLUSTER happens like my latest experience. Given my CWM issues, I've now switched to TWRP, but after reading everything in the forums, I can't say that I feel very warm/fuzzy about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the MA5 One Click and it flashed fine. Then I downloaded the Note II Took kit and flashed TWRP using Mobile Odin and it worked fine also.

Amigo, bad versions happen even with the best software.
Further MA5 is a leak and not official stable code....use it at your own risk.

MikeyLee said:
I used the MA5 One Click and it flashed fine. Then I downloaded the Note II Took kit and flashed TWRP using Mobile Odin and it worked fine also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All that is risky business if you don't have a working Recovery to restore from. Have you tested that? You might want to.
I've been a flashing fool on all my other Android devices, and always been able to work my way out of any/all problems with a proper backup. I don't have that same level of confidence with the Note 2. Sure, I can always ODIN back to stock unrooted and start all over, but I don't have time for that and...really...who wants to do that?
Skripka said:
Amigo, bad versions happen even with the best software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that's true, but the TWRP issues span numerous versions, and since my backups were in CWM, I probably tried just about every version of CWM that's been released for the Note 2, since all I wanted to do was restore even just one of my six Nandroids (a basic function of Recovery). Even after restoring everything to stock and re-rooting (including the latest version of CWM), I still couldn't even restore my very first Nandroid (or any of the other five). Brand new latest tech phone, all this development going on, and unless I have the time to restore back to stock, re-root, reconfigure, etc., then I simply can't risk trying any it. This all by itself makes my ancient EVO4G the better phone, which is just ridiculous.
Hence my question, is there a reliable Recovery for the Note 2? In my experience, there isn't, but I would absolutely love to be wrong.
Skripka said:
Further MA5 is a leak and not official stable code....use it at your own risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My complaint isn't with MA5 at all. I've had plenty of failed flashes over the years on my devices for a variety of reasons including myself, but there's always been an easy way around any issue by simply restoring with Recovery.

I had some similiar but smaller problems and reluctantly flashed CWM 6.0.2.5 (I think) through the CWM Rom Manager app. I've gone through the app do backups, installs, etc and it has worked great. I also use Rom Toolbox and it doesn't like that recovery sometimes, but otherwise it's been good.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

I've only used TWRP since I got the phone in October.
Not even 1 problem yet so I recommend TWRP.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

You are aware the twrp is not compatible with cwm backups? Also did you rename your cwm backup,( ive corupted my own backups through this) ?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

AndroidStephen said:
I had some similiar but smaller problems and reluctantly flashed CWM 6.0.2.5 (I think) through the CWM Rom Manager app. I've gone through the app do backups, installs, etc and it has worked great. I also use Rom Toolbox and it doesn't like that recovery sometimes, but otherwise it's been good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried a restore yet? I didn't have any problems with CWM until I noticed it wasn't wiping and then none of my restores worked either.
devynbf said:
I've only used TWRP since I got the phone in October.
Not even 1 problem yet so I recommend TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Despite so many posts about problems with TWRP, I decided anything had to be better than what I was encountering with CWM, so I gave it several test backups and restores today, as well as wipes and flashing. Everything went without a hitch except that I encountered the "Unfortunately, Chameleon has stoppped" message, but that's was because things were so convoluted with LJC, LK8, and MA5 on my device. I finally got everything cleaned up and back on running LJC, and it would seem that I have some reliable, restorable backups now. I guess only time will tell.
irule9000 said:
You are aware the twrp is not compatible with cwm backups? Also did you rename your cwm backup,( ive corupted my own backups through this) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course -- this is why I had to use TWRP to wipe (when CWM wipe wasn't working), and then re-flash CWM so I could try to restore my CWM backups. I don't get any error messages when trying to do a CWM restore -- it runs through the whole restore process (taking as long as it should), but then when I reboot, I have running exactly what I had before the restore. I think my problem is more of a wipe issue than a restore issue, but it could also be a combination of both.
Don't really know who to report the problem to since there doesn't seem to be a CWM thread for the Sprint Note 2.
Anywho, it looks like I'll be going with TWRP (not that I have much choice). Unfortunately, this means that I'm now running three different recoveries on my devices -- CWM on the Nooks, Amon Ra on the Acer A500, and now TWRP on the Note 2.

I've had TWRP running flawlessly on my last device (Evo 3D) and my GNII. I'll continue to use it unless something better comes along. Its always been solid for me.
Sent from my Mackified Galaxy Note II using XDA Premium.

If you're having the chameleon error, thats not because twrp.
Go to sesrch and look for the EviL KoNCEPTz and garwynn fix for chameleon.
Theres a flashable zip that fixes the chameleon errors.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 11:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:33 AM ----------
Here.
Go to this page and flash the zip file on here for the chameleon fix.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2086769
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

TWRP has never failed me on any device from ego to evo3d to evo 4g lte and finally my note 2. Stick with twrp and make your backup with twrp so it actually restores Just my input but twrp shouldn't give any problems.

I posted earlier that CWM had been working for me... well, today I tried to do a restore and got an error stating the md5 didn't match, so no go. Said the same thing for 3 seperate back-ups, and I was trying to do the restore with the same app that made the back-up. Soooo... TWRP, here I come.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

devynbf said:
If you're having the chameleon error, thats not because twrp.
Go to sesrch and look for the EviL KoNCEPTz and garwynn fix for chameleon.
Theres a flashable zip that fixes the chameleon errors.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 11:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:33 AM ----------
Here.
Go to this page and flash the zip file on here for the chameleon fix.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2086769
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks -- I did figure out that it had nothing to do with TWRP, but I found a thread on another forum that only had three posts on it (a lot less to wade through) and a different solution where you simply replace the Chameleon.apk file. Since I was running (not walking) back to LJC from MA5, it worked. I'll just wait for Samsung/Sprint to release an official update. The only thing I got out of LK8 and MA5 was soft-bricked phone and Chameleon/registration headaches.
I did some more testing with TWRP and it's looking good, so I'll just stick with it.

AndroidStephen said:
I posted earlier that CWM had been working for me... well, today I tried to do a restore and got an error stating the md5 didn't match, so no go. Said the same thing for 3 seperate back-ups, and I was trying to do the restore with the same app that made the back-up. Soooo... TWRP, here I come.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Y'know, I'm a very forgiving man when it comes ROMs, kernels, and other hacks to my phone, but I freely admit to being a demanding little whiny baby when it comes to Recovery -- it needs to work. Period. When it doesn't that makes my tech life hell. TWRP has been working for me fine over the past couple days of testing things, so I'm sticking with it it. I don't know why there are so many posts here with TWRP issues, but so far I haven't had any through multiple wipes, backups/restores, flashes, etc. Usually when I try to get something to break it breaks, but so far I haven't been able to do that with TWRP.

When I originally rooted CWM was installed. I then went to install the upgraded stock but had problems as CWM did not do a proper wipe. I then installed TWRP and have not had any problems.
Prior to the Note II I was using the original EVO 4G. I had CWM originally installed but again had issues with the wipe. I wound up using AmonRa Recovery which I loved. I wish there was one like it for the Note II as it was also able to restore nandroid backups made by CWM.
Doc

OMG HELP! Bootloop, download modes works, flashed with Kies and STILL bootlooping

I have the SGH-M919
I've rooted my phone and was running a GE rom
Everything was fine for MONTHS
Got in my car and plugged my AUX cable to my phone for music and the phone froze.
Force rebooted the phone and it started boot looping.
Rebooted to recovery (TWRP) and TRIED to wipe dalvik and cache and it FAILED, said it couldn't mount dalvik
Rebooted to recovery again and wiped all partitions and this time it worked so I proceeded to re-install GE rom, still bootlooping
Came home and tried to use ODIN to flash M919UVUAMDL and it failed.
Tried ODIN to flash M919UVUEMK2, also failed (sorry don't have the error messages right now)
Rebooted phone into download mode again and phone said there was an issue and to use Kies to recover
Installed Kies and started emergency recovery and that went through fine and the phone finished and STILLLLLLL BOOT LOOPS !!!!!!!!!!!
Copied the file that Kies downloaded (M919UVUFNB4) and tried ODIN again to flash that and it flashes fine but STILLL BOOT LOOPS
Obviously my Knox warranty flag is tripped and I don't have the money for the insurance right now.... so PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF BOB does anyone have any other diagnostic tips or tricks to help me figure out why the F this phone is boot looping.

53 views and no replies.... come on people... someone HAS to have something that might help..
Anyone know if ANY possible way to reset the knox warranty void flag ?

avelis26 said:
53 views and no replies.... come on people... someone HAS to have something that might help..
Anyone know if ANY possible way to reset the knox warranty void flag ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only Samsung can reset your Knox flag. You can't expect instant responses here. People read and answer the questions they know how to. Not doing a full wipe before installing a different ROM often causes soft bricks and bootloops. I would start there although that doesn't explain why you couldn't mount Dalvik. Try a different recovery. Many people have had trouble with TWRP. Philz Touch works well if you haven't already tried it.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

I literally just had the exact same problem as you. I googled and found http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2265477, then googled some more and found my .tar file for my phone, then odined back to stock 4.2.2. It took 20 min.

lalec said:
Only Samsung can reset your Knox flag. You can't expect instant responses here. People read and answer the questions they know how to. Not doing a full wipe before installing a different ROM often causes soft bricks and bootloops. I would start there although that doesn't explain why you couldn't mount Dalvik. Try a different recovery. Many people have had trouble with TWRP. Philz Touch works well if you haven't already tried it.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Samsung WON'T reset my flag... they won't even TOUCH the phone in any way shape or form. I spent almost two hours dealing with them and being honest about the situation. And they STILL won't do anything at all. The rep I was speaking too even said the first thing they do is check that flag and if its popped, they put it back in the box and send it back with no further action. So I will not buy form Samsung ever again.
2. I'm not expecting instant responses at all and nothing I said should have been interpreted at such. I made the comment of 53 views in 4 hours and not a single reply ... I was hoping for a better ratio of responses than that.
3. Where are you getting "Not doing a full wipe before installed a different ROM..." I never said that I didn't... and if you read what I took the time to organize neatly, I specifically state that full wipe was what I tried BEFORE re-installing the SAME rom.
4. Can't try a different recovery if I can't even get the stock factory image to do an initial boot.

cybervyrus8587 said:
I literally just had the exact same problem as you. I googled and found http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2265477, then googled some more and found my .tar file for my phone, then odined back to stock 4.2.2. It took 20 min.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one did you flash ?
M919UVUFNB4
M919UVUEMK2
M919UVUAMDL
M919UVUAMDB
I've tried #3 but it gives me an auth failure....

Just ODIN philz on there. TWRP has given me issues on this phone off and on. Philz will let screw around in there. Your phone isn't dead, it just needs some love

TigerDNA said:
Just ODIN philz on there. TWRP has given me issues on this phone off and on. Philz will let screw around in there. Your phone isn't dead, it just needs some love
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol ummm ok I'm glad to hear that but how would flashing a recovery fix the fact that the factory stock image won't even work Not being a ****... I really do want to know

avelis26 said:
lol ummm ok I'm glad to hear that but how would flashing a recovery fix the fact that the factory stock image won't even work Not being a ****... I really do want to know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post deleted
☞ Sent from here ☜

baseballfanz said:
Post deleted
☞ Sent from here ☜
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sooooo umm what ?
Anyway... I flashed PhilZ on my phone, did full wipe, tried installing the same GE rom I was using... didn't work.
Tried installing stock rom, didn't work.
Tried flashing M919UVUFNB4 via ODIN... and it flashes fine but again, first boot wont work.

Ok so .... I guess installing PhilZ... then full wipe, then flashing M919UVUFNB4 TWICE back to back did the trick.... no freaking clue how but it worked

I spoke too soon. Went through first boot. Got all the way to the end setup and then it rebooted on its own ... and now its stuck in a boot loop again

avelis26 said:
Sooooo umm what ?
Anyway... I flashed PhilZ on my phone, did full wipe, tried installing the same GE rom I was using... didn't work.
Tried installing stock rom, didn't work.
Tried flashing M919UVUFNB4 via ODIN... and it flashes fine but again, first boot wont work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since your using philz, choose install new ROM, then go to advanced and wipe dalvik, THEN go to mounts and select the one close to the bottom, wipe SD/data or something..... This will wipe your internal SD, OK so then install your rom and reboot.....
I am starting to think you flashed a non GE kernel and didnt realize it You just got to give the phone some love, thats all. It knows when your upset you know.

TigerDNA said:
Since your using philz, choose install new ROM, then go to advanced and wipe dalvik, THEN go to mounts and select the one close to the bottom, wipe SD/data or something..... This will wipe your internal SD, OK so then install your rom and reboot.....
I am starting to think you flashed a non GE kernel and didnt realize it You just got to give the phone some love, thats all. It knows when your upset you know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol
The weirdness continues
sooo it started boot looping again. Then I rebooted to recovery (which obviously after flashing NB4, its no longer PhilZ) and did factory reset. Now its working again with latest firmware.
Also I flashed the GE rom from HERE in XDA and used it for like 2 or 3 months then it suddenly stopped working so I don't think the kernal was the issue... I'm so freaking confused

avelis26 said:
lol
The weirdness continues
sooo it started boot looping again. Then I rebooted to recovery (which obviously after flashing NB4, its no longer PhilZ) and did factory reset. Now its working again with latest firmware.
Also I flashed the GE rom from HERE in XDA and used it for like 2 or 3 months then it suddenly stopped working so I don't think the kernal was the issue... I'm so freaking confused
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash something else, GE is boring, Flash something crazy like Slim or something, that might work... Possibly it could be a bootloader issue, did you ever get on the MK2? Maybe you got one of the female phones. Sammy made some by mistake. they can be real finicky every now and then, like they work just fine most of the time, but about once a month or so they just crap out. Could be that too.

TigerDNA said:
Flash something else, GE is boring, Flash something crazy like Slim or something, that might work... Possibly it could be a bootloader issue, did you ever get on the MK2? Maybe you got one of the female phones. Sammy made some by mistake. they can be real finicky every now and then, like they work just fine most of the time, but about once a month or so they just crap out. Could be that too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No never got MK2... went straight to NB4
And I LIKE GE lol...
Well whatever happened it seems stable again now currently on stock NB4
Next thing to check is if the knox warranty flag is still tripped... Do you know how to do that ?

Yea your Knox flag is tripped alright, you have zero chance if ever getting back to 0x0.... Nobody knows how to do that brother.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using xda app-developers app

avelis26 said:
No never got MK2... went straight to NB4
And I LIKE GE lol...
Well whatever happened it seems stable again now currently on stock NB4
Next thing to check is if the knox warranty flag is still tripped... Do you know how to do that ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just put the phone in download mode. Power off then volume up, home and power. You'll see it when you get into download mode.

TigerDNA said:
Just ODIN philz on there. TWRP has given me issues on this phone off and on. Philz will let screw around in there. Your phone isn't dead, it just needs some love
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Philz's and TWRP both had small glitches on the GS4 4.2.2 Stock Rom.
I downloaded and installed the OUDHS-Recovery-jfltetmo-1.0.3.3.tar and have it all PERFECT now! You can search using exactly that filename and download it for your use. IT IS THE flashable Recovery Version.
I can, using Rom Manager, NAME THE BACKUP before booting into recovery, and it makes the backup just as I named it!
I can also recover using Rom Manager, and visually select what backup file I want to restore to, again, before booting into recovery!
CWM type backups take longer then TWRP backups to complete, but I have not had any instance that a backup I made couldn't be restored.
I did have that problem using "TWRP" and "On Line Backup". (No longer do I trust using those)
Hope this info helps your decision!
Good Luck and Aloha!