Develop Bugs

[HOW-TO]OTA Update your Stock Rooted GSIII without wiping phone (ODIN TWRP 2.2.2.0)

I am putting together a quick guide on how to update your Stock ROM, Rooted, custom recovery T-Mo GSIII without having to wipe your phone.
You will need:
- Kies (If your phone has not prompted you to install the OTA yet, Kies will download and attempt to install it for you) (http://org.downloadcenter.samsung.c.../20120809103126135/Kies_2.3.2.12074_13_13.exe)
- ODIN 3.7 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1270006&stc=1&d=1345396888)
- STOCK T-Mo GSIII recovery.img (I extracted this from the stock ODIN image for T-Mo) (http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1269983&stc=1&d=1345396186)
- TWRP or CWM ODIN Flash-able recovery (CWM - http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1269979&stc=1&d=1345396186 , TWRP - http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1269980&stc=1&d=1345396186)
- Recovery flashable SuperSU root package (http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1269984&stc=1&d=1345396186)
SO, place your phone in download mode (Vol Down + Home + Power), and via ODIN, flash the "Stock-Recovery-Image(Working T-Mobile T999).tar" image. ( This is putting the stock recovery back on your phone so the update can install).
When it reboots, either select yes to allow the OTA update to install (if your phone is already aware there is an update) on your phone, OR plug you phone into your PC and allow Kies to prompt you to update your firmware. Select yes and allow the OTA to install.
Once completed, your phone is updated without having to wipe, but you have lost root and customer recovery, so.....
Again, in Download mode, Flash either of the provided ODIN flash-able custom recoveries (TWRP, or CWM) I prefer TWRP
Once that is complete, you can reboot your phone into the new recovery (Vol UP + Home + Power)
Once in recovery, flash the SuperSU.zip package and Voila, all done, Triangle away and you in cool runnings.
Let me know if I need to clarify anything here. It makes sense to me, but then again, I fumbled through it to figure it out and extract the right recoveries and set permissions etc.....
Please hit the thanks button if this helped you in any way
Hans

Nice instructions, but I'm going to wait a few days. I'm want to see if the dev that did the flash and root without tripping the flash counter will do the same for the new firmware. I'm still not too keen on custom recoveries yet even though I backed up my IMEI, so I just want to be rooted. If not, I'll use your guide.:good:

Wildchld already released it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1838101
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

DocHoliday77 said:
Wildchld already released it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1838101
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But with Wildchild's it's a complete ROM (650-700MB), correct? Are you not wiping when you flash his?

Actually I'm not 100% that you need to do a full wipe, but I'm guessing you probably should. Depends on what's different. You can always nabdroid and give it a shot. I will later if I have time.
Anyway, I was more responding to the post above mine about stock with root than to the op. Sorry if shoulda been a little more clear on that.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

i might wait. finally got google now and google wallet working and i dont want to mess it up lol

RotaryXperiment7 said:
i might wait. finally got google now and google wallet working and i dont want to mess it up lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you have to modify to get them working? Like I said before, I made this little method so you did not have to wipe your phone to get the OTA installed.
The only thing I could see that would cause the OTA to break wallet, or Google now would be that if you have to modify pieces in the /system/ directory that would be overwritten. The only thing I had to do after updating was re-flash my little installer for international boot image, re-remove Carrier IQ as it was added back, and revert the googlesearch.apk to the earlier backed up version (functioning unified search) with titanium. Outside of that I run a pretty tight ship as far as system modifications go outside of root and root privileged programs.

had to edit build pro for wallet

Thanks op, this worked great for me! Updated and rooted again...
Sent from my rooted T-Mo SGS3

I tried several times but couldent unroot my phone. I even tried through the root kit by mskip. I think the problem may be that I got my phone unlocked, not using an unlock code but some other method (all I know about this method is that my phone says"restricted access" for a few seconds upon restarting.)
Any suggestions on how to unroot? Also, if I unroot, will I loose the unlock?

pappuhathi said:
I tried several times but couldent unroot my phone. I even tried through the root kit by mskip. I think the problem may be that I got my phone unlocked, not using an unlock code but some other method (all I know about this method is that my phone says"restricted access" for a few seconds upon restarting.)
Any suggestions on how to unroot? Also, if I unroot, will I loose the unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the best method to unroot your phone will be to ODIN it back to the stock T-Mobile image. (Overwrites EVERYTHING, probably your unlock as well).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1737855
Above is the link to the stock image.
Apologies, in general, but I feel you may have the wrong thread if your looking to unroot your phone. That is off topic on what is being discussed here.

has anyone tried this and kept google wallet and google now working? Any troubles?
I'm wanting to update but I'm rooted withthose two apps finally up and running.

arts711 said:
has anyone tried this and kept google wallet and google now working? Any troubles?
I'm wanting to update but I'm rooted withthose two apps finally up and running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would assume the build.prop file will be overwritten. So its possible you would need to modify after updating. May not be any way around it.
If you want to test for others, make nandroid backup , upgrade and test. If it works, update us. If not, update us

cybrnook said:
I would assume the build.prop file will be overwritten. So its possible you would need to modify after updating. May not be any way around it.
If you want to test for others, make nandroid backup , upgrade and test. If it works, update us. If not, update us
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So (in case this all doesn't work out) to restore via nandroid, just root and apply right?

cybrnook said:
I would assume the build.prop file will be overwritten. So its possible you would need to modify after updating. May not be any way around it.
If you want to test for others, make nandroid backup , upgrade and test. If it works, update us. If not, update us
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct about build.prop being overwritten.
Sent from my rooted T-Mo SGS3.
If I've helped you, be sure to use the thanks button!

arts711 said:
So (in case this all doesn't work out) to restore via nandroid, just root and apply right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if it doesn't work (Which I think it won't), you don't need to worry about restoring root. You just need to flash a custom recovery to revert your nandroid backup. Your root and customization will come back with that.
But with some of the added features that come with the update, I would say don't look back. Upgrade to the latest, then reapply your customization to get wallet and all working again.
IF you have to revert your nandroid back, make sure to do a factory wipe before you revert to your backup.

thanks! i'll give it a shot this weekend once i get more time.

I've used two different versions of Odin and two different T-Mobile stock recoveries (other one is here), and I can't get stock recovery to replace CWM on my GS3. Odin reports that the flash is successful, but when it reboots, ROM Manager still shows me as having latest CWM Touch, and the T-Mo update fails. I'm attempting the update via Kies right now, but I anticipate failure due to CWM still being installed as recovery.
-- I have Cerberus anti-theft installed, but I don't see anything about protecting recovery.
-- I have Busybox installed, but that shouldn't affect recovery.
Any ideas?
EDIT: Interestingly enough, where the OTA update failed, the Kies update went smooth as silk. Now to re-root and remove bloatware!

RaymondPJR said:
Nice instructions, but I'm going to wait a few days. I'm want to see if the dev that did the flash and root without tripping the flash counter will do the same for the new firmware. I'm still not too keen on custom recoveries yet even though I backed up my IMEI, so I just want to be rooted. If not, I'll use your guide.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to MrRobinson's rooting method? I'm waiting for it too.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA Premium App

Im unable to update. I used Odin to flash the stock recovery, then downloaded the update via settings-> about device-> software update. Installing reboots the phone but then fails and reverts to current state. I can't update through kies also bc it just says "connecting", no errors. I tried uninstalling/reinstalling drivers but kies never completes connecting. Any help?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
EDIT: I uninstalled all my samsung drivers and Kies from "Programs and Features" in win7, deleted Samsung folders from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and HKEY_CURRENT_USER. Reinstalled Kies and connected my phone to install the drivers. Kies was stuck in the connecting loop still, so I unmounted my sd card, turned on USB debugging and Kies finally connected and asked to upgrade. Upgrading at this moment.

[How To] Install OTA and root.

I've seen and answered this question quite a few times so I thought I'd just write down the procedure once so everyone can find it.
So you want the latest OTA and want it rooted but you have no idea how to get there? I can help.
Prior to yesterday I was running rooted stock with TWRP recovery. The OTA failed of course.
In order to install it and root I did the following.
1) install rooted stock image via odin (found at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426) This re-nstalled stock recovery.
2) install and run voodoo ota root keeper from the play store to preserve root.
3) took OTA download and let it install
4) ran voodoo OTA rootkeeper to restore root again
5) Install goo manager from play store
6) install twrp via goo manager
7) made a rooted stock nandroid backup.
The above procedure didn't wipe any of my data or settings because I came from rooted stock to begin with. I just used odin to restore the recovery and missing bloatware..
Hope this helps

Do you have the clockworkmkd recovery file I need to flash through odin? Does this mean I don't have to use adb?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Mastermachetier said:
Do you have the clockworkmkd recovery file I need to flash through odin? Does this mean I don't have to use adb?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't use ADB. I used twrp for my recovery, but you can install rom manager and cwm recovery with it instead of goo manager and twrp.

I lost my root when i did the update...
can you give step by step on how to root again after the update and install the google universal search?
thanks...

Flashed the rooted stock image via Odin, update failed at 27%. Any ideas?

No idea. Just reporting on what worked for me.

Tlo218 said:
Flashed the rooted stock image via Odin, update failed at 27%. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've disabled or uninstalled stock at&t and Sammy apps (like Flipboard, clocks, etc.) the update will fail. You need to enable/reinstall stock apps.

Hi, I used Voodoo Root Keeper to regain root. However, in my device status it is now saying modified instead of normal. How can I fix that?

You can't. Don't worry about it.

one028 said:
I lost my root when i did the update...
can you give step by step on how to root again after the update and install the google universal search?
thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's beyond the scope of my original post.

knarfl1 said:
If you've disabled or uninstalled stock at&t and Sammy apps (like Flipboard, clocks, etc.) the update will fail. You need to enable/reinstall stock apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looked like reflashing the rooted stock rom did reinstall the bloat I removed.

gunnyman said:
I've seen and answered this question quite a few times so I thought I'd just write down the procedure once so everyone can find it.
So you want the latest OTA and want it rooted but you have no idea how to get there? I can help.
Prior to yesterday I was running rooted stock with TWRP recovery. The OTA failed of course.
In order to install it and root I did the following.
1) install rooted stock image via odin (found at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426) This re-nstalled stock recovery.
2) install and run voodoo ota root keeper from the play store to preserve root.
3) took OTA download and let it install
4) ran voodoo OTA rootkeeper to restore root again
5) Install goo manager from play store
6) install twrp via goo manager
7) made a rooted stock nandroid backup.
The above procedure didn't wipe any of my data or settings because I came from rooted stock to begin with. I just used odin to restore the recovery and missing bloatware..
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
worked fine for me

There's a much easier method to get root back after the update.
Flash CWM/TWRP
Flash the file I attached below.
Install Busybox from market
Reboot
Done deal
It does work. I tested earlier today from G1 stock unrooted. Pulled and installed the update, flashed CWM. Flashed the attached file, busybox download and profit. Then used gooomanager to change to TWRP
Here's the original site I read about this method way back when...
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/easy-guide-root-att-galaxy-s3/
Gunny's method does work, just giving another option

OP guides worked for me. Thanks
I like the new keyboard, less errors.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Thanks for the info just would rather have a CMW flashable with root

I just want to say thank you I really appreciate your help and the time you put in to provide this info it worked like a charm and I really appreciate the help

I didn't loose root
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

z45123 said:
I just want to say thank you I really appreciate your help and the time you put in to provide this info it worked like a charm and I really appreciate the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome.

So does this work if I lost root during the process?
There's a much easier method to get root back after the update.
Flash CWM/TWRP
Flash the file I attached below.
Install Busybox from market
Reboot
Done deal
It does work. I tested earlier today from G1 stock unrooted. Pulled and installed the update, flashed CWM. Flashed the attached file, busybox download and profit. Then used gooomanager to change to TWRP

dahlem said:
So does this work if I lost root during the process?
There's a much easier method to get root back after the update.
Flash CWM/TWRP
Flash the file I attached below.
Install Busybox from market
Reboot
Done deal
It does work. I tested earlier today from G1 stock unrooted. Pulled and installed the update, flashed CWM. Flashed the attached file, busybox download and profit. Then used gooomanager to change to TWRP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it does work. Get a custom recovery back (CWM) and flash the file I attached in my earlier post. Saves the time from flashing a stock rooted ROM and going from there as a starting point.

Anyone tried the recent OTA update using the "OTA survival" option in superuser?

Anyone tried the recent OTA update using the "OTA survival" option in superuser?
I'm in AT&T S3, rooted but with stock recovery, using mrrobinson's method, building number I747UCALEM.
Wondering whether anyone has tried doing the OTA update and keeping root by using the "temp unroot" and/or "OTA survival" options in Superuser? If so, was it successful, and would you mind giving a quick rundown of the steps?
Thanks!

I did it, I installed Voodoo root keeper backed up my SU app with this app then I removed root with this app also, after thid I just hit the check for update and applied the OTA.
After appling OTA I went to Voodoo app and restored root.
It was very easy let me know if you need any more help.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

IcOpRo said:
I did it, I installed Voodoo root keeper backed up my SU app with this app then I removed root with this app also, after thid I just hit the check for update and applied the OTA.
After appling OTA I went to Voodoo app and restored root.
It was very easy let me know if you need any more help.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Sounds like you used another app, Voodoo Root Keeper, not Superuser?
Just to err on the side of caution, I should do the following?:
1. get voodoo root keeper
2. go into Superuser and check the "ota survival" box
3. go into voodoo hit "protect root"
4. still in voodoo hit "temp. un-root (keeps backup)"
5. go to about device>software update to check for update
6. apply update
7. once update completes, go back to voodoo? or superuser?

If you're on UCALEM and you're trying to get to the latest version (LH9), you'll have two OTAs to apply: LEM->LG1 and LG1->LH9.
Save yourself a headache and just flash a full LH9. That way you won't have to worry about root. You can find a full flashable LH9 here and also here (in the PIECES section at the bottom of the post).
Either way you go, make sure you make a nandroid first.

drothenberger said:
If you're on UCALEM and you're trying to get to the latest version (LH9), you'll have two OTAs to apply: LEM->LG1 and LG1->LH9.
Save yourself a headache and just flash a full LH9. That way you won't have to worry about root. You can find a full flashable LH9 here and also here (in the PIECES section at the bottom of the post).
Either way you go, make sure you make a nandroid first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this advice. I currently don't have a custom recovery installed. How do I go about making a nandroid without it? Do I need to install a custom recovery first?

jhc5 said:
Thanks for this advice. I currently don't have a custom recovery installed. How do I go about making a nandroid without it? Do I need to install a custom recovery first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I missed that you still had stock recovery installed. You'll need to have a custom recovery to use the zips from either of the links I posted. If you want to stay on stock recovery, you'll need to apply the two OTAs from AT&T to upgrade.
To install a stock recovery, you can:
Install ROM Manager and use that to flash CWM
Install GooManager and use that flash TWRP
Follow the instructions in this post

[HOWTO] [ROOT] No Tripping Flash Counter - Root Injected L900VPALJC +[TWRP] + more

This is a root injected FACTORY Stock L900VPALJ1 Odin Flashable Image. You flash this in Odin just as you would the completely stock ROM from samsung. I've simply injected the su binary and SuperSu app so you now have rooted stock image.
So if you want to keep your device stock yet have the functionality of root without tripping the counter or messing up OTA updates then this would be your best bet.
You can get ODIN here
and the drivers for the SPH-L900 so ODIN can detect your phone can be found at Samsung's site. Click on the Manuals & Downloads tab at the bottom and then on Software for the latest driver.
Instructions:
First, Download Image:
New Full Rom VPALJC
Mirror 1: root66_SPR_L900VPALJC.7z
Orig Release JB 4.1.1
Mirror 1: root66_SPR_L900VPALJ1.7z
Mirror 2: root66_SPR_L900VPALJ1.7z
Second, Extract and Flash:
Extract the root66_SPR_L900VPALJ1.tar.md5 from the .7z file you downloaded.
Use Odin, put phone into download mode [with phone off, hold vol. down + home + power ], connect to computer and open Odin.
once in odin click the PDA field and select the root66_SPR_L900VPALJ1.tar.md5 you downloaded.
Leave Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time checked.
click start and
when done let phone reboot.
If you have issues flashing with Odin please ensure you are using the microusb cable that came with the phone, users have had issues using other cables.
If you just want a stock, rooted phone with no custom recovery, no plans to flash custom roms, etc. then you can stop HERE.
OTA Updates:
Stock Recovery: Once rooted with above method, if you receive a notification for an OTA update, it has been verified you can use OTA RootKeeper to retain root through the update process.
Non-Stock Recovery: If you have loaded a non-stock recovery (per below) you can simply use it to flash the OTA update flashable zip I've created.
Mirror 1: OTA Update LJ1 to LJC
Mirror 2: OTA Update LJ1 to LJC
Optional, Recovery (will trip counter):
It seems loading any custom recovery will trip the download mode flash counter. Loading a non stock recovery will also prevent you from successfully applying any OTA updates however here is a procedure for any who want a non-stock recovery:
Currently I see TWRP has support for this device so the instructions here will install that recovery.
Option 1: Download GooManager from the Play store. Once installed click the menu and select "Install OpenRecovery Script".
Option 2: Download the TWRP recovery image here. Copy it to the /sdcard of your phone.
Connect your phone to your computer and use adb
type adb shell
once in the shell run su
then
dd if=/sdcard/openrecovery-twrp-2.3.1.1-t0ltespr.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p9
Alternate if unfamiliar with adb commands
Grab android terminal emulator from the play store and run the same commands starting with su and then the dd command.
De-Bloater
If you've made it this far with a stock, rooted phone with CWM or TWRP and you don't want to flash a custom rom (which will do its own de-bloating) you can check out my mrRobinson Note II De-Bloater to easily get rid of bloat system apps you no longer want to see. Simply flash in CWM or TWRP like anything else and you will be presented with a menu system to choose what to remove. If you are unsure it is safe to pick Minimal and still get a decent de-bloat.​
Bonus Files
ODIN Flashable LJC Stock Recovery: SPR_recovery_L900VPALJC.tar.md5
CWM Flashable LJC Modem: modem_CWM_L900VPALJC.zip
History:
I've injected root into other stock images and those threads have a lot of valuable information which could answer some questions that may arise here. If you have time to do some reading here are a few of the informative ones:
Samsung Galaxy S3 [ATT / Bell / Telus / Rogers / Sasktel ]
Samsung Galaxy S3 [TMO / Wind / Mobilicity]
Also did sprint and vzw but there isn't much there that won't be covered above.
FAQ
Does this remove the Sprint bloatware?
A: No. It is same as stock, nothing is removed.
Does this use an unsecured boot.img
A: No. This flashes the stock boot.img in the VPALJ1 image.
If my flash counter has been tripped, and I flash this and reset the counter, will it stay at 0.
A: Yes, as long as you don't then flash a non-stock recovery.
Can I still get OTA updates?
A: Yes if you do not load a custom recovery or remove any system apps OTA updates will still come and be able to be successfully applied. If you want to retain root through the OTA process I'd recommend trying the SuperSU survival mode.

okay will this reset my phone completely? or just install root

Question can this be implemented in to custom roms the "not tripping the counter"
Sent from >> here <<

steviee7 said:
okay will this reset my phone completely? or just install root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just root.

moose1313 said:
Question can this be implemented in to custom roms the "not tripping the counter"
Sent from >> here <<
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Custom roms would trip.

Nice work!

mrRobinson said:
No. Custom roms would trip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I only asked because I figured if it could be injected as in tricking the phone this is coming from the manufacturer you could also tweak other things and still get away with it. ..Also without an OTA released yet can you say 100% an OTA will go through with no problems if we used this Thanks again
Sent from >> here <<

mrRobinson said:
No. Custom roms would trip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe im just a lil special at the moment, i haven't tripped the flash counter yet i learn something when i had the s3 i think that after you flash the tar for the recovery wait till its done (uncheck reboot before u flash) and then pull the battery and it doesnt trip the counter. if im wrong someone please correct me.

Just wanted to let everyone know I did this method then accepted the OTA update and I'm still rooted. Thanks for this!

Very nice! Thank you very much! This will make it easy to go back to stock AND have custom recovery!

wraptor said:
Just wanted to let everyone know I did this method then accepted the OTA update and I'm still rooted. Thanks for this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyway u could get this in the hands of devs particularly joshbeach so he can start getting this in the jellybomb rom?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

If I odin this, does it reset everything? Seems large for just a reocvery

JBizzleFoSho said:
If I odin this, does it reset everything? Seems large for just a reocvery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not just a recovery. that's a root method that trips the counter. Maybe you responded in wrong thread.
This will reset nothing, just fyi.

yay gonna run this and flash the new update .... ive been doing dirty jellybomb flashes for quite awhile time a start with a fresh base :good:
---------- Post added at 11:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:28 AM ----------
wraptor said:
Just wanted to let everyone know I did this method then accepted the OTA update and I'm still rooted. Thanks for this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it and lost root

fatboypup said:
yay gonna run this and flash the new update .... ive been doing dirty jellybomb flashes for quite awhile time a start with a fresh base :good:
---------- Post added at 11:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:28 AM ----------
I did it and lost root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you should as it overwrites all /system. use an ota rootkeeper or supersu survival mode to retain root through the ota process.

mrRobinson said:
yes you should as it overwrites all /system. use an ota rootkeeper or supersu survival mode to retain root through the ota process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks

Yes sorry must of been delirious last night. Some of my programs that need root (like mybackuppro) still work after the OTA so I just assumed all was good. Titanium backup doesn't however confirming no root =/. Best method to get it back?

wraptor said:
Yes sorry must of been delirious last night. Some of my programs that need root (like mybackuppro) still work after the OTA so I just assumed all was good. Titanium backup doesn't however confirming no root =/. Best method to get it back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i ran CF auto root then installed rootkeeper than flashed the update again ..... still tying to get custom recovery going at the moment TWRP from goo manager says it installed but its not sticking i goto recovery and its still stock

actually i looked at the patch.... I don't see where it would be removing root.... I must be missing something.

fatboypup said:
i ran CF auto root then installed rootkeeper than flashed the update again ..... still tying to get custom recovery going at the moment TWRP from goo manager says it installed but its not sticking i goto recovery and its still stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have a root explorer go to /system/etc and delete the install-recovery.sh file you see there. Or just rename it something else like install-recovery.bak

Help for a somewhat new person.

I am new with rooting my phone. I have used Rooted phones before, I followed http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2258633 Motochopper how to. I ran into a problem. I click the superuser app that was installed onto my phone, and it tells me that "The Superuser binary (su) must be updated. Please choose an installation method. Recovery mode installation is recommended for HTC devices." I click install and it tells me there was an error. I would like to root my phone along with potentially installing CWM so that I can easily install Cyanogenmod when they release a stable verison for the S4. Also would love to install titanium backup along with some Adfree apps.
Any help would be very much appreciated.

OK, so it looks like you already have it rooted.
When super SU asks that question, dont install via CWM, tell it to just install normally.
Once you have SuperSU working, Download Rom Manager from the play store and install CWM Recovery right from within the ROM Manager app.
It will give you the option to pick between two types of CWM(ClockWorkMod). The Touch version, like its name gives you the ability to use the touch screen and not only the volume up/down + Power button.

Telling it to install normally causes it to just tell me there was an error, it also tells me it is out of date as well. Titanium Backup tells me that it cant get root access and I was never asked about it.

OK, so your phone is not rooted then.
Your going to have to try rooting it again or flashing an already rooted rom with Odin.

I just tried it again, this time it said failure after the install of the superuser.apk. I just read that one of the later updates by samsung can make it harder to root. I just got my phone and i was fully updated. What Roms, are already rooted for the S4. I am actually enjoying some of the default apps that came with the phone.

Wicked (and most ROMs that don't include the [STOCK] tag) are pre-rooted...but you'll need to ODIN a custom recovery first then flash the ROM.
If you want to stay on rooted stock, follow the steps in the "root May 7 MDL" thread to ODIN a rooted kernel, and you'll be good to go.
(You don't need root access to get a custom recovery flashed)
Basically, any of your options are pretty straightforward, but they're going to involve Odin-ing stuff.

So there isn't really a way to just root my phone without installing a custom rom?

There was before the second update, with the second update rooting got just a little bit more steps
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium

movieaddict said:
There was before the second update, with the second update rooting got just a little bit more steps
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is there a way to keep it stock but root it? What are the other steps I would have to take. Why does Samsung not like people rooting their phones, I thought carriers were the ones that hated people rooting their phones

Spud37 said:
So is there a way to keep it stock but root it? What are the other steps I would have to take. Why does Samsung not like people rooting their phones, I thought carriers were the ones that hated people rooting their phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you still on the MDB firmware or have you done any over the air updates? Specifically the May 7 update which is MDL. Motochopper is specifically for then older firmware (MDB) and it won't work if you are already on the updated. MDL firmware. In which case you would have to follow these instructions to acquire root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=41162041
I usually use a market app called root checker to quickly check if I do have root.
And yes you can be rooted on stock.
Sent from my SGH-M919

lazaro17 said:
Are you still on the MDB firmware or have you done any over the air updates? Specifically the May 7 update which is MDL. Motochopper is specifically for then older firmware (MDB) and it won't work if you are already on the updated. MDL firmware. In which case you would have to follow these instructions to acquire root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=41162041
I usually use a market app called root checker to quickly check if I do have root.
And yes you can be rooted on stock.
Sent from my SGH-M919
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root checker says no root. I believe it does have that over the air update installed. T Mobile updated it when they gave me the phone, because they thought I didn't really know anything about phones. I assume this means I have to follow another method to root my phone?

If you have the MDL update you have to root using the steps listed here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2268880
Easily done, just a few more steps.

ronin4740 said:
If you have the MDL update you have to root using the steps listed here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2268880
Easily done, just a few more steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is going to sound like a dumb question but from reading all of that I need to use ODIN to install the ROOT_M919?UVUAMDL onto the phone? that should root the phone and allow me to install ROM Manager and install CWM from there right?
Also would doing this delete everything I have on my phone right now?

Spud37 said:
This is going to sound like a dumb question but from reading all of that I need to use ODIN to install the ROOT_M919?UVUAMDL onto the phone? that should root the phone and allow me to install ROM Manager and install CWM from there right?
Also would doing this delete everything I have on my phone right now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you use Odin to install one of the recoveries. You use the recovery to install the zip ROOT_M919?UVUAMD. Personally I didn't use that file. I installed the kernel in recovery and SuperSU in recovery. And no, it won't delete things on your phone.

Atmazzz said:
No, you use Odin to install one of the recoveries. You use the recovery to install the zip ROOT_M919?UVUAMD. Personally I didn't use that file. I installed the kernel in recovery and SuperSU in recovery. And no, it won't delete things on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much, I am about to go and do this. I will use the kernel you suggested since that looks like a better option, after flashing the kernal should i reboot and just use it normally for a bit and then go to recovery and flash SuperSU?
EDIT: The steps on the thread for ODIN are for installing a rooted ROM, I am assuming its still the same steps for installing a recovery instead of a rooted ROM

Spud37 said:
after flashing the kernal should i reboot and just use it normally for a bit and then go to recovery and flash SuperSU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I remember right I just flashed them both at the same time. Just make sure you do the kernel first.
---------- Post added at 02:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:59 PM ----------
Spud37 said:
EDIT: The steps on the thread for ODIN are for installing a rooted ROM, I am assuming its still the same steps for installing a recovery instead of a rooted ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The steps for Odin are for the stock rom, but yes, you use it the same way for a recovery.

Atmazzz said:
If I remember right I just flashed them both at the same time. Just make sure you do the kernel first.
---------- Post added at 02:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:59 PM ----------
The steps for Odin are for the stock rom, but yes, you use it the same way for a recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay I didn't get any error using ODIN, however when I try and boot into CWM using Volume Up + Power it just goes to android recovery. Which doesn't have any of the options I need. Am I just booting up the wrong way, or did I do something wrong. I tried both the touch version and the non-touch version

Spud37 said:
Okay I didn't get any error using ODIN, however when I try and boot into CWM using Volume Up + Power it just goes to android recovery. Which doesn't have any of the options I need. Am I just booting up the wrong way, or did I do something wrong. I tried both the touch version and the non-touch version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 options. uncheck auto reboot in Odin. When Odin is done, unplug your phone, pull your battery, then boot into recovery. Or .. when Odin is done and it reboots your phone, keep holding volume up to get to recovery.

Atmazzz said:
2 options. uncheck auto reboot in Odin. When Odin is done, unplug your phone, pull your battery, then boot into recovery. Or .. when Odin is done and it reboots your phone, keep holding volume up to get to recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You so much. However it now seems like I have both Super User and SuperSU installed.

How did you root? Did you install the ROOT_M919?UVUAMDL zip and install SuperSU?