Develop Bugs

Problem With Root

evening fellow rooters and droid users
i never ran into root problem before with any of my past previous phones but there is first for anything these days. so it be greatly appreciated if i can get any input from anyone about my problem.
i have tmobile galaxy s3
droid version 4.0.4
i followed the step of downloading odin3, cwm superuser and clockworkmod.tar.
copy cwm superuser zip file to my sd card
boot into download mode. ran odin3, click on PDA and locating the clockworkmod.tar
i've been reading mix instructions of UNCHECK and/or UNCHECK F Reset Timer. which one is correct?
press start everything passed and the phone automatically reboot.
powered off the phone and hold VOLUME UP and HOME and POWER button to try to get into CWM recovery tool. but i end up getting into android's recovery system NOT CWM.
where do I go from there? i re-install and used odin over 5 times already and no changes.
what should i do?

Read this it should take care of it. let me know how it goes.

i appreciate your reply however it didn't resolve anything.
the installation of the cwm.tar file supposedly say success and not failed.
i just can't seem to get into CWM recovery.
i am assume the installation of that cwm recovery.tar file didn't go thru?

Ok the other thing you can try is after you flash via odin remove the battery before it reboots when done flashing thru odin. Wait about 5 to 10 seconds put battery back in and hold volume up + home button + power button and when you see the little blue letters on the top left of the screen let go of all the buttons and it should take you into CWM. Then install superuser.zip. reboot and then you can flash recovery from either rom manager(cwm) or goomanager (twrp) and it will stick. Let me know what happens. I'll be checking the thread for your results. We will get you rooted!!!!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

u beat me to the punch sir.
i was just going to say i found solution by removing battery after the installation pass.
problem solved. hopefully someone makes a note/sticky that anyone with version 4.0.4 on tmobile galaxy s3 should remove battery as instruction and take off auto-reboot.
thank you sir

Glad you got it bro, and welcome to the madness.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Its probably because after any ota update stock recovery will rewrite at boot.
Delete these
/system/recovery-from-boot.p
/system/etc/install-recovery.sh
Reinstall cwm and youre good to go.
Ive got a fw thread stickied in development and will be adding this and more soon. Will try to start on it tonight.
Theres another way without battery pull btw. Check there later and ill explain it.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

I think he has a new unit that already came updated.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

I didnt see that, but its the only reason Ive seen that recovery wont stick after a reboot. They only put those files in with otas as its how they patch/update the recovery. You shouldnt see them any any of the odin flashable firmware.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Rooting for a complete noob... SGH-T999

Hi, I am a complete noob at this. I am trying to root my GS3 SGH-T999 because i want to be able to run a rom (if thats the correct term) that would give me some of the GS4 type features. I rooted it using a you tube video, i would post the link but xda does not allow me to, but the title of the video is: "How to Root the Sprint / AT&T / T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S III - Latest" and accomplished what appears to be a successful root of my phone. But I've since downloaded several roms and have not been able to get any of them to work. If anybody could refer me to a video or link or just a better way to accomplish my goal i would be very grateful. I'm completely lost and have no idea what to do, any type of help would be appreciated, I'm sure there's someone out there in my shoes as well... thanks

re: rooting
DatDudeJT23 said:
Hi, I am a complete noob at this. I am trying to root my GS3 SGH-T999 because i want to be able to run a rom (if thats the correct term) that would give me some of the GS4 type features. I rooted it using a you tube video, i would post the link but xda does not allow me to, but the title of the video is: "How to Root the Sprint / AT&T / T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S III - Latest" and accomplished what appears to be a successful root of my phone. But I've since downloaded several roms and have not been able to get any of them to work. If anybody could refer me to a video or link or just a better way to accomplish my goal i would be very grateful. I'm completely lost and have no idea what to do, any type of help would be appreciated, I'm sure there's someone out there in my shoes as well... thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will root your stock Samsung T999 Galaxy S3 phone. - It works every time.
There are many other ways to root but for a noob this will root your phone the first
time around instead of trying a lot of other ways which may or may not work for you.
Easy and sure way to root: here is the step by step guide:
After you have followed these instructions your phone will be in the same condition
as it was the day you have purchased it except with the benefit of being rooted.
Download the stock-rooted T999 firmware: http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=9390169635556426451
After downloading it make a folder on your computer's desktop and unzip the
file using Winzip or 7zip so the .TAR file is in the new folder you just made.
Here is a link for ODIN which is required for flashing the stock rooted firmware (a windows app) http://d-h.st/Q14
Download and extract Odin into the same folder you made containing the TAR file.
Download the Odin Flash firmware for T999 Tmobile then copy it to the same folder as Odin
Run Odin by double clicking the Odin.exe within the same folder as the TAR file you extracted
Turn off your phone and boot into DOWNLOAD MODE (Volume Down + Home + Power Hold until phone powers up, then release and press Volume Up to enter Download Mode)
Once in Download Mode, connect the USB/Charger cable to the phone and plug into the USB port on your computer.
You should now see a COM** port listed toward the top-left of Odin (under ID:COM)
Click on the PDA button in the middle-right area of Odin.
Browse to and select the Firmware you downloaded (TAR file)
Make sure Auto-Reboot and F. Reset Time are the only options checked and that PDA is the only other thing checked.
TRIPLE CHECK your settings and that you have selected the correct firmware for your model phone and are using the correct options.
If you are using a laptop, make absolutely sure you are plugged in, or if on battery, that it is charged enough and will not go into sleep mode during flash.
Click Start to begin the flash. This will take a while, so be patient!
Once complete, in the top-left box in Odin, it will say PASS and the phone should have automatically rebooted.
You may unplug the phone and close Odin if you wish.
Wait at least 5-10 minutes for the system to boot the first time and then build its cache!
(It may seem to hang during boot, this is normal and you must be patient!!!)
Good Luck!

there's galaxy s4 apps that have been ported to the galaxy s3. however, they have bugs.
galaxy s4 apps: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2206668
the easy way to root the t-mobile galaxy s3 is root66.
more information, please read: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1949687
also, make sure the rom you are flashing is made for the T-MOBILE Galaxy s3 (T999). Do NOT flash a International Galaxy s3 rom (i9300). flashing an international rom will brick your device.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Measure twice cut once
You have rooted your phone with a stock root wich means you now have root access (if successful) . When you say you tried to flash a rom and it didn t work can you give details for everyone the process and symptoms ie in clockworks recovery, bootloop, stuck on logo etc. did you run root checker?
Heres the link from the video http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1743780

What exactly are you asking? How to root? Cause from what I'm picking up in your post is that you already rooted but can't flash ROM's.
Do you have an app called SuperSu? Can you use root apps like Titanium Backup or ROM Manager?
If so, boot into recovery. (Hold Volume up, Home, and Power. When you feel the buzz let go of power and keep holding volume up and home)
If you don't have SuperSu then you're not rooted. You can follow the instructions above or go to Galaxys3root.com
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Sounds like you need to update your recovery. Go to the play store and download rom manager, open it and update the recovery. Now you shouldn't have any problems flashing roms.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

IXChicharitoXI said:
What exactly are you asking? How to root? Cause from what I'm picking up in your post is that you already rooted but can't flash drive ROM's.
Do you have an app called SuperSu? Can you use root cause apps like Titanium Backup or ROM Manager?
If so, boot into recovery. (Hold Volume up, Home, and Power. When you feel the buzz let go of power and keep holding volume up and home)
If you don't have SuperSu then you're not rooted. You can follow the instructions above or go to Galaxys3root.com
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I have superuser, and I checked that I was rooted with the root checker app, and it was suggested to me that I update clockwork mod because I had an older version, I haven't tried to flash a rom yet though, are there any good stable roms I should try?

DatDudeJT23 said:
So I have superuser, and I checked that I was rooted with the root checker app, and it was suggested to me that I update clockwork mod because I had an older version, I haven't tried to flash a rom yet though, are there any good stable roms I should try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, like BeastMode suggested, download ROM Manager, update clockworkmod and you should be set.
Before flashing a rom. Backup your apps with Titanium Backup. Then boot into recovery and make a backup. This is highly important cause incase something goes wrong, you can just restore to where you are now.
Titanium saves your apps and data, backup through recovery makes a copy of your phone as it is now.
If you want a touchwiz based ROM, I suggest Wicked v9.1 it's what I use daily. I love it and highly recommend it to anyone.
If you decide to go to a 4.2.2 rom, that's ok but you might face some issues going from 4.2.2 AOSP back to a 4.1.1 ROM. Gps is likely to be broken when going back but there's an easy fix for it so no worries.
I had to Odin back to stock. Going from 4.2.2 to 4.1.1 was giving me random reboots and force closes. Just a warning.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

IXChicharitoXI said:
Ok, like BeastMode suggested, download ROM Manager, update clockworkmod and you should be set.
Before flashing a rom. Backup your apps with Titanium Backup. Then boot into recovery and make a backup. This is highly important cause incase something goes wrong, you can just restore to where you are now.
Titanium saves your apps and data, backup through recovery makes a copy of your phone as it is now.
If you want a touchwiz based ROM, I suggest Wicked v9.1 it's what I use daily. I love it and highly recommend it to anyone.
If you decide to go to a 4.2.2 rom, that's ok but you might face some issues going from 4.2.2 AOSP back to a 4.1.1 ROM. Gps is likely to be broken when going back but there's an easy fix for it so no worries.
I had to Odin back to stock. Going from 4.2.2 to 4.1.1 was giving me random reboots and force closes. Just a warning.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I get/use titanium backup? And could you post a link for wicked v9.1? Thanks.

Playstore. Search titanium Backup, once there backup all apps and data. Go to preferences if you want to save on your external sd card.
Go to android development section of the time mobile galaxy S iii and wicked thread should be on the first page.
Follow instructions when installing. But do your backups first before flashing anything.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

re: good luck
DatDudeJT23 said:
How do I get/use titanium backup? And could you post a link for wicked v9.1? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a link to the Wicked 9.1 custom Touchwiz Jellybean 4.1.1 rom: http://sourceforge.net/projects/evil1art/files/evil/t-999/Wicked/Wicked_v9.1.zip/download
You can get titanium backup at the play store here is the link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/...DMsImNvbS5rZXJhbWlkYXMuVGl0YW5pdW1CYWNrdXAiXQ..
Good Luck!

What's needed for backup

Hi. I have a new GS4 arriving in a few days and wanted to find out what needs to be done in order to use titanium backup and to do a nandroid.
I have read conflicting stories that it needs to be fully rooted, that it only needs the bootloader unlocked, and that the bootloader comes already unlocked on the T-Mobile version. Can someone please clarify for me? I don't need to flash a custom ROM or kernel or anything like that. The phone is for my son, so all I want is to be able to do full backups for him. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

You need to be rooted.
-Titanium BU will backup your app plus app data
-For a nandroid backup you'll need to have a custom recovery (ie CWM, TWRP)
I used this for root (it will install SU binary and app, plus stock recovery)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2294005
To install custom recovery you can use Odin to flash the tar version or use ROM manager, GOO ect depending on the recovery you want.

Everything baseballfanz posted.
The M919 Bootloader comes Unlocked outta the box.
For years, I've used Titanium Backup with the Pro key. Excellentsand theGGold Standard. Does everything except pour your coffee
I also use My Backup Pro as a redundancy. I primarily use it to backup & restore my Call Logs, MMS, SMS, etc . It also backs up & restores Apps and Data. I set it to back on a schedule.
For a Custom Recovery, I use TWRP 2.5.0.2.
https://hotfile.com/dl/230303459/7ce1553/openrecovery-twrp-2.5.0.2-jfltexx.tar.html
If you decide to flash TWRP, don't flash with Goo Manager as it will install TWRP 2.6.0.0 of which known issues have been reported. TWRP 2.5.0.2 has very little issues if any. I've been using it for months without any issues. Working flawlessly. TWRP also gets installed with ODIN. If you need the steps, let me know and I'll post them.
For Rooting, I also use CF-AUTO-ROOT by Chainfire installed with ODIN. Easy as pie, or however that saying goes.
Any questions, post away

Thanks to both of you. I'm already familiar with Titanium as I use the pro version on my tmo MT4G, rooted with cwm and running cyanogen. At least for now. I'll be getting myself the GS4 as well soon. So I know the virtues of using TB.
However, my son wants to stick with stock and get ota updates and I want him to be able to remove bloatware, backup everything, and be able to tweak a few things like the whole YouTube link issue(if it's still an issue) so we're looking for a reasonable compromise.
I also currently use cwm ROM manager app, droidwall, and spare parts+ which I would like to put on his phone if they will work.
Biker1... When you say bootloader comes unlocked, that's for the tmo one we will be getting?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Yes the T-mobile version M919 come with an unlocked bootloader.

OK thx good to know. So what will be my first step when unboxing it in order to be able to use the aforementioned apps? I also have root explorer, mybackup root, s2e, and superuser on the MT4G if they will be useful on the GS4.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Sorraia3 said:
OK thx good to know. So what will be my first step when unboxing it in order to be able to use the aforementioned apps? I also have root explorer, mybackup root, s2e, and superuser on the MT4G if they will be useful on the GS4.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Charge the battery fully!
Make sure you have a good known working usb cable. You should as it will be a new one.
You wanna have enough juice to do your installations and if things run a little long, you don't wanna get stuck in the middle
You have those Rooted apps so you can root the S4 using:
CF-AUTO-ROOT by Chainfire using ODIN. I'll post a link soon.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2294005
In addition, install a Custom Recovery. There are a few good ones.
Personally, I use TWRP 2.5.0.2
Don't use Goo Manager as that will install version 2.6.0.0 which has known issues. Been using 2.5.0.2 for months without issue, but you can use a custom recovery of your choice of course.
So:
Charge battery
Have a good usb cable
ODIN CF-AUTO-ROOT
Boot
ODIN Custom Recovery
Boot
Check you S4 to make sure you're good to go.
Make a Nandroid
Install your Apps
When ready, download and Flash a ROM and Enjoy

OK it seems he really wants a chance to play with it out of the box. So, once its charged, it's his for now. I'm wondering though, if the bootloader is unlocked already does that mean if we choose to root it at a later date it won't need to be wiped or will it still lose anything not on the sd card?
I already went through this with one son who got a new phone and ended up losing everything on the old one because he wouldn't let me root it from the start and back things up. But that phone would've required a full wipe when I unlocked the bootloader.
If this guy starts setting things up and installing apps and data and such, and then wants me to root it for TB, will he lose everything?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Sorraia3 said:
OK it seems he really wants a chance to play with it out of the box. So, once its charged, it's his for now. I'm wondering though, if the bootloader is unlocked already does that mean if we choose to root it at a later date it won't need to be wiped or will it still lose anything not on the sd card?
I already went through this with one son who got a new phone and ended up losing everything on the old one because he wouldn't let me root it from the start and back things up. But that phone would've required a full wipe when I unlocked the bootloader.
If this guy starts setting things up and installing apps and data and such, and then wants me to root it for TB, will he lose everything?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You can Root ltr on and not lose anything.
Rooting via CF-AUTO-ROOT via ODIN will not cause you to have to Wipe anything.
He can always back up his files every once in a while to his pc, which you would do whether you're gonna Root or not, for that 'Just in case' moment. You know, Murphy's Law
I don't do that as often as I should.
If there's a time when you have to Wipe device memory, you'd just transfer the files to the pc and/or SD card.
If everything's good to go, and you're ready to Root, But things go wrong (Murphy's Law again) and you have to wipe Internal but you didn't save the files, you'll be outta luck, but that can happen anytime. So just back up once in a while. Better safe than sorry........
What will most likely happen:
- your son will dl files, games, etc.
- later on, days, weeks, months, he'll want to Root
- you'll ODIN CF-AUTO -ROOT by Chainfire and you'll be good to go.
- after installing Recovery and TiBu, you'll back up the data on the device,and that's it.

OK... That's exactly what I wanted to know. Thanks so much!
Alrighty so, Odin is the program I will use to access the adb commands on the pc, correct? And I get that from where?
And the cf root file? Is there a handy link? Steps to follow, a guide perhaps?
After that's done I assume I have to flash the recovery? I prefer cwm. Or is that part of the cf/odin process?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Sorraia3 said:
OK... That's exactly what I wanted to know. Thanks so much!
Alrighty so, Odin is the program I will use to access the adb commands on the pc, correct? And I get that from where?
And the cf root file? Is there a handy link? Steps to follow, a guide perhaps?
After that's done I assume I have to flash the recovery? I prefer cwm. Or is that part of the cf/odin process?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CF-AUTO-ROOT link is posted previously. You install with ODIN.
I'll get you a link to ODIN so you can see what it's about.
You dl ODIN on your pc. You need drivers installed on your pc to recognize your S4.
You put tar files in the appropriate ODIN boxes
Tar files can be extracted from zip files.
You have to follow ODIN instructions exactly.
I'm briefly going through the basics as you really need to read the associated threads so you get an idea how the process works, then you'll probably have some questions which we can answer.
I'm not sure if CWM Recovery is installed via ODIN.
TWRP is. I use Version 2.5.0.2. But you can use CWM. There's a thread to show you howttoiinstall.
Root with CF-AUTO-ROOT via ODIN 3.07
Install Recovery (method depends on choice of Recovery)
Make a Nandroid backup
Then you can install, flash, etc. etc.....

Ok so he decided it was easy and quick enough to let me do it now. I'm following the thread instructions. I have the cf root and odin files. I run odin, check pda and pick the cf root file. I turn off phone, go into download mode and get the green android that says downloading do not turn off target. Now what?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Sorraia3 said:
Ok so he decided it was easy and quick enough to let me do it now. I'm following the thread instructions. I have the cf root and odin files. I run odin, check pda and pick the cf root file. I turn off phone, go into download mode and get the green android that says downloading do not turn off target. Now what?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Connect to pc usb port to:
- a known working port
- with a known working usb cable. Stock cable should be fine.
HOLD ON
WAIT!

Sorraia3 said:
Ok so he decided it was easy and quick enough to let me do it now. I'm following the thread instructions. I have the cf root and odin files. I run odin, check pda and pick the cf root file. I turn off phone, go into download mode and get the green android that says downloading do not turn off target. Now what?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Plug phone into USB cord attached to pc
-It might need to install drivers just wait till that's done
-Click on START button on Odin
Everything you need to know is posted in the CF, auto root post.
Post=2 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=41797153

Nothing happens. Its just me and the little green android sitting here staring at each other.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

You're doing it backwards.
Open up ODIN
After you have s4 in dl mode
Plug into usb on pc
Wait for phone to be recognized via COM Port
THEN put tar files in PDA slot and check appropriate boxes
AsiI explained previously, learning the process is extremely important, and without being there, so to speak, things can go wrong, Fast....

It found the phone, said had the samsung drivers then nothing. It's not showing up under ID:COM and I still have my little green friend again.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Sorraia3 said:
It found the phone, said had the samsung drivers then nothing. It's not showing up under ID:COM and I still have my little green friend again.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the COM Port showing
COM 1 or another number and showing in Blue or Green

No
Its not the usb port, I don't think anyway. Mouse works in both.
Of course I am on a crappy vista laptop... Think I'd have better luck using the xp desktop?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

pm sent

4.3 and Sim Unlock

Been reading the forums and realize it is not possible to go from 4.3 back to 4.1.1 to unlock via service menu.
My question is this, if I root 4.3 can the phone be Sim unlocked that way? I'm asking on behalf of some coworkers.
Thanks for reading.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

50+ views? Some one has to know something!!
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

There is no way to unlock on 4.3 unless you get an unlock code.

Thanks guys.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

In not trying to say anything but i have downgraded on the AT&T S3 from 4.3 to 4.1.1/4.1.2/4.2.1 Os wise. I did it through Odin but to not use any bootloaders. I learned the first time and bricked but gladly im the end had an unlocked S³
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

xSharpi said:
In not trying to say anything but i have downgraded on the AT&T S3 from 4.3 to 4.1.1/4.1.2/4.2.1 Os wise. I did it through Odin but to not use any bootloaders. I learned the first time and bricked but gladly im the end had an unlocked S³
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you kindly share the detailed steps you took to do this for everyone's learning and benefit. Thanks

Larry2999 said:
Could you kindly share the detailed steps you took to do this for everyone's learning and benefit. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I haven't been on a S3 for a little while but I do remember. In fact if you want to downgrade the AT&T S3 (SGH-I717) from 4.3 to lower firmwares such as 4.1.1 for free unlocking download this: http://terafile.co/407413755110/I747UCDLK3_I747ATTDLK3_I747UCDLK3_HOME.zip which will be the stock 4.1.1 ROM. I REPEAT DO NOT FLASH ANY BOOTLOADERS AS IT WILL RESULT IN A HARDBRICK!!! THE ZIP ONLY CONTAINS THE OS SO YOU'RE GOOD. You'll need Odin, I prefer 3.07 because the new 3.09 changes the button names. You can download Odin from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1168421&d=1341114315
Alright so on to the downgrading. (this will wipe everything so back up before hand)
"I'm not held responsible for any damage to your device. You have been WARNED"
1. Turn off the device and go into download mode by holding the power button and volume up, you should be greeted with some description press volume up to continue
2. Plug your device into your computer and open Odin.
3. Click PDA and search for the ROM you dowloaded. (Make sure you extract the ROM out of its zip form to get the .tar)
4. One selected in PDA press start and sit back and enjoy your free unlock this can be used for any stock OS just remember to not flash any bootloaders
Side Note: It takes a while to flash and also reboot. If the phone doesn't reboot do a factory reset through the recovery and it should boot. I believe this will also work for other variants of the S3 as long as you have the right stock image
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

xSharpi said:
So I haven't been on a S3 for a little while but I do remember. In fact if you want to downgrade the AT&T S3 (SGH-I717) from 4.3 to lower firmwares such as 4.1.1 for free unlocking download this: http://terafile.co/407413755110/I747UCDLK3_I747ATTDLK3_I747UCDLK3_HOME.zip which will be the stock 4.1.1 ROM. I REPEAT DO NOT FLASH ANY BOOTLOADERS AS IT WILL RESULT IN A HARDBRICK!!! THE ZIP ONLY CONTAINS THE OS SO YOU'RE GOOD. You'll need Odin, I prefer 3.07 because the new 3.09 changes the button names. You can download Odin from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1168421&d=1341114315
Alright so on to the downgrading. (this will wipe everything so back up before hand)
"I'm not held responsible for any damage to your device. You have been WARNED"
1. Turn off the device and go into download mode by holding the power button and volume up, you should be greeted with some description press volume up to continue
2. Plug your device into your computer and open Odin.
3. Click PDA and search for the ROM you dowloaded. (Make sure you extract the ROM out of its zip form to get the .tar)
4. One selected in PDA press start and sit back and enjoy your free unlock this can be used for any stock OS just remember to not flash any bootloaders
Side Note: It takes a while to flash and also reboot. If the phone doesn't reboot do a factory reset through the recovery and it should boot. I believe this will also work for other variants of the S3 as long as you have the right stock image
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you remove the bootloader from the tar file by deleting it from the file to be flashed via Odin?

Good Question
That is a Good question Audit. I second that as I am also interested in the answer to that.

Don't waste your time with this if you are looking to sim unlock. You can downgrade the software version from 4.3 to 4.1 but you still will not have the ability to unlock on the new boot loader, as stated above downgrading the boot loader will hard brick your device. I've spent hours trying to find a way and it's not possible right now, If you are on the latest boot loader you will not be able to unlock regardless of software version.

(Root) Can someone point me in the right direction...Please!!

I am trying to root my sons Note 2 and I am not sure of what the newest root method is...or for that matter, which method still works! I have been searching on here and youtube and I don't know which is the correct method...The Note is fully updated to 4.4.2.

cmdauria said:
I am trying to root my sons Note 2 and I am not sure of what the newest root method is...or for that matter, which method still works! I have been searching on here and youtube and I don't know which is the correct method...The Note is fully updated to 4.4.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My suggestion is not to worry about root. Rooting is only needed if you stick with pure stock ROM which sucks.
If I were you these are the steps I would take. Download custom recovery (philz 6.07.9) and use Odin to flash it. Then download custom ROM and flash that in custom recovery. Custom ROMs come rooted 99% of the time.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

jlmancuso said:
My suggestion is not to worry about root. Rooting is only needed if you stick with pure stock ROM which sucks.
If I were you these are the steps I would take. Download custom recovery (philz 6.07.9) and use Odin to flash it. Then download custom ROM and flash that in custom recovery. Custom ROMs come rooted 99% of the time.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Click to collapse
I will give that a try...Thank You!

If you have any questions just ask and I will do my best to help you out.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I am giving it a go now... I am very familiar with Twrp... Will that recovery ok?

jlmancuso said:
If you have any questions just ask and I will do my best to help you out.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have a quick question...
1) I have enabled usb debugging...installed odin and downloaded the correct recovery for the phone.
2) I reboot the phone and get to download mode.
3) Plug in the cable and it gets recognized in Odin
4) click PDA button and navigate to Tar file
5) Once I hit start it goes through the whole process and says PASS
6) When I boot into recovery...using volume up, home key and power it brings me back into stock recovery
Do you have any idea what I am missing?

After you flash recovery does the device reboot automatically? If so recovery is most likely being overwritten. In Odin turn off auto reboot option. Once flash is finished disconnect and pull battery. While inserting battery press and hold power, vol +, home. You should now boot into recovery.
You stated you wanted to use twrp recovery which is okay as long as it is 2.8.0 or newer. Older versions of twrp don't work for newer ROMs.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

jlmancuso said:
After you flash recovery does the device reboot automatically? If so recovery is most likely being overwritten. In Odin turn off auto reboot option. Once flash is finished disconnect and pull battery. While inserting battery press and hold power, vol +, home. You should now boot into recovery.
You stated you wanted to use twrp recovery which is okay as long as it is 2.8.0 or newer. Older versions of twrp don't work for newer ROMs.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Click to collapse
That did it! I went ahead and installed Philz...Thank You!

cmdauria said:
That did it! I went ahead and installed Philz...Thank You!
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Great. While philz is different from twrp it is the best recovery for our device. Hope your son enjoys this. Even though it is not a new device it is a real nice one and I will have it till mine dies so there will be at least on person pumping out new ROMs for this device.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I am about to root my note 2 but wonder how reinstall my previous recovery files? Say I no longer want the custom ROM do I simply flash and reinstall the back up or does the procedure differ?

rerooting
i'm looking for the same thing myself. my 4.4.2 got the OTA update. and root is now gone.
i'm not interested in custom roms. i just want the root back. with my hotspot back.
so, how would i reacheive root????? with the update.
last time i spent basically a whole week just to get this accomplished. seems as the note2 phone is dieing off when it comes to this matter.
i'm not sure on the recover mode. when i do the vol + home + power. it goes into a screen that has 2 paragraphs of red lettering. and the menu items are blue lettering. with black background screen and the droid with red triangle.
what recovery is that?

snowwy66 said:
what recovery is that?
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Without actually seeing it, I can't be 100% sure, but it does sound like you are describing the stock recovery.

DJ_Barcode said:
Without actually seeing it, I can't be 100% sure, but it does sound like you are describing the stock recovery.
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it had the purple back screen before. so how can i get the recovery and root back.
i really don't want to spend another week trying to figure it out again but if i have to go backwards to the original 4.4.2. how would i turn off the update.
i basically only use this phone as my trucker gps. so it's not like i have a lot of stuff to redownload.

snowwy66 said:
it had the purple back screen before. so how can i get the recovery and root back.
i really don't want to spend another week trying to figure it out again but if i have to go backwards to the original 4.4.2. how would i turn off the update.
i basically only use this phone as my trucker gps. so it's not like i have a lot of stuff to redownload.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess my first question would be, why do you need a custom recovery? You're not flashing custom ROMs, so the only real benefit you'd get from a custom recovery is the ability to make nandroid backups.
The "purple back screen" recovery is Philz. The overwhelming majority of us use Philz v6.07.09 to flash ROMs and the like.
As for re-rooting, be sure to do this before you install your custom recovery (if you do indeed even need one, and I mentioned before). Many of the auto-root applications install the stock recovery as part of the process. I'd recommend ChainFire Auto-Root, but you may also try KingoRoot.

DJ_Barcode said:
I guess my first question would be, why do you need a custom recovery? You're not flashing custom ROMs, so the only real benefit you'd get from a custom recovery is the ability to make nandroid backups.
The "purple back screen" recovery is Philz. The overwhelming majority of us use Philz v6.07.09 to flash ROMs and the like.
As for re-rooting, be sure to do this before you install your custom recovery (if you do indeed even need one, and I mentioned before). Many of the auto-root applications install the stock recovery as part of the process. I'd recommend ChainFire Auto-Root, but you may also try KingoRoot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't, if i don't have to. all i want is root.
thanks, will give those a shot when i get home tonight.

thank you barcode. the cf autoroot was just the trick i needed. we have root again.
now if i can just find a way to turn off the auto update for the rom.