Hello fellow members of XDA,
I am new to this whole thing of rooting and installing custom rom, so I’m kind of overwhelmed. I have done some poking around prior to this post and stumbled upon the Sticky and was wondering if the “[REF] [GUIDE] Welcome to your device, the Galaxy S III - by theexel” is this the standard to what I should be following?
I have a T999 on 4.1.2. I appreciate your time, recommendations, and advice that you have to offer. Thanks!
Update:
I was hoping you could answer some questions I have for Sanranhai's stockMod 4.3. If i followed the instructions while flashing the rom + one of the modems I'm still able to go back to older roms correct? Also if i decided to cmw restore to my backup (4.1.2 image) will the modem be the one I flashed from saranhai's or will it go back to how it originally was before? Thank you for your time.
Yes that's a Good Guide. What do you intend or trying to do ?
Perseus71 said:
Yes that's a Good Guide. What do you intend or trying to do ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My intention was to root, and to flash a stable rom (hopefully 4.3) for daily use, getting rid of some bloatware to speed up my phone, getting a new feel and look for me phone and increase battery life if possible. I know my model is receiving the official 4.3 but according to this forum most people don't like what Samsung did to it. Since I'm still in the earlier software version, I thought I'd give custom roms' a try.
cellphoner2006 said:
My intention was to root, and to flash a stable rom (hopefully 4.3) for daily use, getting rid of some bloatware to speed up my phone, getting a new feel and look for me phone and increase battery life if possible. I know my model is receiving the official 4.3 but according to this forum most people don't like what Samsung did to it. Since I'm still in the earlier software version, I thought I'd give custom roms' a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are looking for a pretty good stable 4.3 ROM I'd recommend Saranhai's StockMOD 4.3 .. I used it as my DD (Daily Driver) the past month but have been on Doc's 4.3 ROM before that (they both use the same Base and Doc had to stop because he Bricked his S3 fiddling around with new things).. .. I wouldn't recommend doing the Official 4.3 Update, many people updated and the problem is you can NOT downgrade firmware afterwards, yes flash other 4.3 Roms but no downgrading.. Also the whole Warranty Bit isn't attractive to people.. ... Last night I flashed CM11 4.4.1 (KitKat) and been using it since then. So far I am very happy with it, everything that I MYSELF use daily hasn't had any flaws. Batter life has been decent also but their have been mixed results.. If you're gonna take the leap into rooting/flashing just remember to always read the OP's instructions as well as make sure its for YOUR device (ie: T999, T999L, etc).. Reading and educating yourself is key!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
HoustonsBirdman said:
If you are looking for a pretty good stable 4.3 ROM I'd recommend Saranhai's StockMOD 4.3 .. I used it as my DD (Daily Driver) the past month but have been on Doc's 4.3 ROM before that (they both use the same Base and Doc had to stop because he Bricked his S3 fiddling around with new things).. .. I wouldn't recommend doing the Official 4.3 Update, many people updated and the problem is you can NOT downgrade firmware afterwards, yes flash other 4.3 Roms but no downgrading.. Also the whole Warranty Bit isn't attractive to people.. ... Last night I flashed CM11 4.4.1 (KitKat) and been using it since then. So far I am very happy with it, everything that I MYSELF use daily hasn't had any flaws. Batter life has been decent also but their have been mixed results.. If you're gonna take the leap into rooting/flashing just remember to always read the OP's instructions as well as make sure its for YOUR device (ie: T999, T999L, etc).. Reading and educating yourself is key!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give rooting a try after I'm done with finals. What sort of things do i need to backup for safety measures as that guide isn't very detailed in that aspect of how to do it and what I WILL WANT to backup.
You are not at risk of loosing the Data. But if you feel like it, please mae sure your contacts are successfully synced to Google. If there are Games whose progress or score you want to back up then do that. Apart from that the usual pictures and music stuff.
Try My Backup app. It will let you make a backup even if you are not rooted.
Perseus71 said:
You are not at risk of loosing the Data. But if you feel like it, please mae sure your contacts are successfully synced to Google. If there are Games whose progress or score you want to back up then do that. Apart from that the usual pictures and music stuff.
Try My Backup app. It will let you make a backup even if you are not rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more thing you do is to move all your required data like photos etc to your ext sdcard as 4.2 and above version will create a folder 0 where your new data will be available
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
So Im assuming I have to root first before I can install a rom. According to the sticky guide I should be following this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1771687 but, there's a note in bold that said "Do not flash a prior release after flashing this, it has been reported to cause bricks, read the thread for more information." Does that mean after using that latest version to root my t-999 i cant go back to older roms?
The guide also recommend i should start with 4.0.4 roms, should i ignore that?
cellphoner2006 said:
So Im assuming I have to root first before I can install a rom. According to the sticky guide I should be following this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1771687 but, there's a note in bold that said "Do not flash a prior release after flashing this, it has been reported to cause bricks, read the thread for more information." Does that mean after using that latest version to root my t-999 i cant go back to older roms?
The guide also recommend i should start with 4.0.4 roms, should i ignore that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You assume correct. You need to root first. Take the Guide advice. Do not Try to flash latest 4.3 version of Root66. Use the 4.2 version instead. So long you stay completely away from Samsung's release of 4.3, you will do fine.
Perseus71 said:
You assume correct. You need to root first. Take the Guide advice. Do not Try to flash latest 4.3 version of Root66. Use the 4.2 version instead. So long you stay completely away from Samsung's release of 4.3, you will do fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why should one stay away from Doc's 4.3 version of Root66?
Does this advice apply equally to saranhai's StockMOD?
RebDovid said:
Why should one stay away from Doc's 4.3 version of Root66?
Does this advice apply equally to saranhai's StockMOD?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use Doc's Leaked Rom or Saranhai's StockMod just fine. No issues there. Only thing you should remember, is that if you use the Root66 4.3, it will update your Bootloader to UVUEMJC. If that happens, you will never be able to flash previous bootloaders or previous Root66 versions. In addition, this new bootloader introduces eFuse and a new Warranty Counter. Those can not be reset once tripped.
Perseus71 said:
You assume correct. You need to root first. Take the Guide advice. Do not Try to flash latest 4.3 version of Root66. Use the 4.2 version instead. So long you stay completely away from Samsung's release of 4.3, you will do fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont see a 4.2, did you meant 4.1.2? Also after doing this, Am i able to flash any rom's that 4.3? Lastly, samsung's 4.3 release is the official one correct?
cellphoner2006 said:
I dont see a 4.2, did you meant 4.1.2? Also after doing this, Am i able to flash any rom's that 4.3? Lastly, samsung's 4.3 release is the official one correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right. Slip for me. I meant the UVDMD5 version which is 4.1.2. Yes you can flash any 4.3 Roms custom or otherwise. If you wish you can follow DocHoliday's Rooted Stock 4.3 Rom.
Samsung 4.3 is Official OTA that's correct.
Perseus71 said:
You are right. Slip for me. I meant the UVDMD5 version which is 4.1.2. Yes you can flash any 4.3 Roms custom or otherwise. If you wish you can follow DocHoliday's Rooted Stock 4.3 Rom.
Samsung 4.3 is Official OTA that's correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i've managed to root my s3 as well as install CMW, backup (took a while to figure out) and restore. <-- this is the NANDROID people are talking about right?
I am ready to take the next step now in playing with custom roms, however, I must first ask if there are any suggested guides I should read prior?
HoustonsBirdman said:
If you are looking for a pretty good stable 4.3 ROM I'd recommend Saranhai's StockMOD 4.3 .. I used it as my DD (Daily Driver) the past month but have been on Doc's 4.3 ROM before that (they both use the same Base and Doc had to stop because he Bricked his S3 fiddling around with new things).. .. I wouldn't recommend doing the Official 4.3 Update, many people updated and the problem is you can NOT downgrade firmware afterwards, yes flash other 4.3 Roms but no downgrading.. Also the whole Warranty Bit isn't attractive to people.. ... Last night I flashed CM11 4.4.1 (KitKat) and been using it since then. So far I am very happy with it, everything that I MYSELF use daily hasn't had any flaws. Batter life has been decent also but their have been mixed results.. If you're gonna take the leap into rooting/flashing just remember to always read the OP's instructions as well as make sure its for YOUR device (ie: T999, T999L, etc).. Reading and educating yourself is key!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey HoustonsBirdman,
I was hoping you could answer some questions I have for Sanranhai's stockMod 4.3. If i followed the instructions while flashing the rom + one of the modems I'm still able to go back to older roms correct? Also if i decided to cmw restore to my backup (4.1.2 image) will the modem be the one I flashed from saranhai's or will it go back to how it originally was before? Thank you for your time.
new question on 1st page, bump
Related
I was wondering how would I do this. I wanted to flash JediMaster X but im rooted on 4.1.2 Jedi X. How would i go about updating to stock 4.3 without installing knox so i can get the working bootloader then update to Jedi Master X ?
I would prefer if the stock ROM was rooted already and knox removed. Anyway have any links.
Has anyone done this process ?
Re: Upgrading to 4.3 from stock 4.1.2
naruto.ninjakid said:
I was wondering how would I do this. I wanted to flash JediMaster X but im rooted on 4.1.2 Jedi X. How would i go about updating to stock 4.3 without installing knox so i can get the working bootloader then update to Jedi Master X ?
I would prefer if the stock ROM was rooted already and knox removed. Anyway have any links.
Has anyone done this process ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, even though you are on stock 4.1.2, remember: you have root privileges now. You can flash any ROM designed/built for your particular variant of the Note 2. That simply means stick with flashing ROM that match your device's model number.
Next, I flashed JediMasterX this morning. It is built from stock firmware Android 4.3 for the Note2 so you can flash this ROM, if there's a build for your variant. You don't need to flash the actual firmware to upgrade to 4.3 ROM. All builds in the forum come from source code, which means there is a base design for each kind of phone, but Android is Android and it follows certain predetermined rules.
One thing you need to do is read the OP to whichever ROM it is you are thinking about flashing. The ROM chef is going to place some very important information on the first page where they present their ROM. It is much advised that you follow those guidelines down to the letter. For instance, you want to flash JediMasterX, right? Did you know that the OP mentions that if you haven't already updated to 4.3, (BTW...there are links in the forums for each carrier to download the stock firmware and they're already root and you don't have Knox to worry about!) that you should flash a particular kernel after flashing the ROM. You'll even find a link to the stock 4.3 modem, which is necessary for providing a data connection. That is less necessary than flashing the kernel and the OP explains why.
I hope this has helped. Make sure you have your custom recovery set-up and that you already have a Nandroid backup of your root stock firmware or another ROM you have recently flashed. Always keep a backup, more than one is even better!
Happy Flashing!
tinydynamite00
tinydynamite00 said:
Hi, even though you are on stock 4.1.2, remember: you have root privileges now. You can flash any ROM designed/built for your particular variant of the Note 2. That simply means stick with flashing ROM that match your device's model number.
Next, I flashed JediMasterX this morning. It is built from stock firmware Android 4.3 for the Note2 so you can flash this ROM, if there's a build for your variant. You don't need to flash the actual firmware to upgrade to 4.3 ROM. All builds in the forum come from source code, which means there is a base design for each kind of phone, but Android is Android and it follows certain predetermined rules.
One thing you need to do is read the OP to whichever ROM it is you are thinking about flashing. The ROM chef is going to place some very important information on the first page where they present their ROM. It is much advised that you follow those guidelines down to the letter. For instance, you want to flash JediMasterX, right? Did you know that the OP mentions that if you haven't already updated to 4.3, (BTW...there are links in the forums for each carrier to download the stock firmware and they're already root and you don't have Knox to worry about!) that you should flash a particular kernel after flashing the ROM. You'll even find a link to the stock 4.3 modem, which is necessary for providing a data connection. That is less necessary than flashing the kernel and the OP explains why.
I hope this has helped. Make sure you have your custom recovery set-up and that you already have a Nandroid backup of your root stock firmware or another ROM you have recently flashed. Always keep a backup, more than one is even better!
Happy Flashing!
tinydynamite00
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I want to flash JediMaster X but I heard that if i don't have the stock bootloader WiFi will be dropping in and out. Support for devil kernel in V2 is being dropped or something (so i wanted a solution in which i don't have to flash devil kernel) so I need to have the stock bootloader to have stable connection. Yeah I was just looking for the simplest process to get everything working on JediMasterX 4.3
naruto.ninjakid said:
Yes I want to flash JediMaster X but I heard that if i don't have the stock bootloader WiFi will be dropping in and out. Support for devil kernel in V2 is being dropped or something (so i wanted a solution in which i don't have to flash devil kernel) so I need to have the stock bootloader to have stable connection. Yeah I was just looking for the simplest process to get everything working on JediMasterX 4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally understand you. And that's where that kernel I mentioned comes in. It's called the dual-boot or Devil's kernel by @DerTeufel You need to either flash that kernel after flashing the ROM via the Aroma installer. Reboot back into recovery and flash the kernel OR flash the bootloader patch provided by another senior contributor in the forum. That link is somewhere in the OP and you have this option. Download and flash the stock root 4.3 firmware -- it already is Knox free -- for your device. Then flash your downloaded JediMasterX ROM and you won't need to worry about flashing the kernel.
tinydynamite00 said:
Hi, even though you are on stock 4.1.2, remember: you have root privileges now. You can flash any ROM designed/built for your particular variant of the Note 2. That simply means stick with flashing ROM that match your device's model number.
Next, I flashed JediMasterX this morning. It is built from stock firmware Android 4.3 for the Note2 so you can flash this ROM, if there's a build for your variant. You don't need to flash the actual firmware to upgrade to 4.3 ROM. All builds in the forum come from source code, which means there is a base design for each kind of phone, but Android is Android and it follows certain predetermined rules.
One thing you need to do is read the OP to whichever ROM it is you are thinking about flashing. The ROM chef is going to place some very important information on the first page where they present their ROM. It is much advised that you follow those guidelines down to the letter. For instance, you want to flash JediMasterX, right? Did you know that the OP mentions that if you haven't already updated to 4.3, (BTW...there are links in the forums for each carrier to download the stock firmware and they're already root and you don't have Knox to worry about!) that you should flash a particular kernel after flashing the ROM. You'll even find a link to the stock 4.3 modem, which is necessary for providing a data connection. That is less necessary than flashing the kernel and the OP explains why.
I hope this has helped. Make sure you have your custom recovery set-up and that you already have a Nandroid backup of your root stock firmware or another ROM you have recently flashed. Always keep a backup, more than one is even better!
Happy Flashing!
tinydynamite00
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tinydynamite00 said:
I totally understand you. And that's where that kernel I mentioned comes in. It's called the dual-boot or Devil's kernel by @DerTeufel You need to either flash that kernel after flashing the ROM via the Aroma installer. Reboot back into recovery and flash the kernel OR flash the bootloader patch provided by another senior contributor in the forum. That link is somewhere in the OP and you have this option. Download and flash the stock root 4.3 firmware -- it already is Knox free -- for your device. Then flash your downloaded JediMasterX ROM and you won't need to worry about flashing the kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks I will go the stock method way. After flashing stock do i ed to wipe data and cache ? Also is the best way to flash stock to use PC odin or mobile odin ?
naruto.ninjakid said:
Yes I want to flash JediMaster X but I heard that if i don't have the stock bootloader WiFi will be dropping in and out. Support for devil kernel in V2 is being dropped or something (so i wanted a solution in which i don't have to flash devil kernel) so I need to have the stock bootloader to have stable connection. Yeah I was just looking for the simplest process to get everything working on JediMasterX 4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot to mention one other thing. I know that JediMasterX was shared with us earlier in December. One thing of interest, and this is solely for your information...don't go trying it until you're more comfortable with flashing and more importantly recovery! The N7105 is compatible with the T889 and that allows us to flash ROM built for our respective variants. The Devil's kernel was built for the N7105 originally. And I just downloaded a pretty updated -- as of this month -- version of the kernel yesterday. I did read in @DerTeufel's OP for the Devil's kernel that he wouldn't be supporting any requests for changes to the kernel. But the kernel is solid. Has been for quite some time!
Sorry it's taken me long to reply. Wouldn't you know my phones are both drained and I hadn't turned on my computer yet. Anyway, important thing is to read, read, read. I know you might get bored clicking through pages, but it's really cool when you find updates to certain ROM you like buried in those pages instead of posted on the main page. Or you find tips to a having a better experience on the ROM you happen to be on by using a mod listed in a forum. And you can learn a whole lot from everyone in these forums, but reading through the forums will teach you things about root, what you can and cannot do, that no single person can.
Hope this helped! Have fun flashing!
tinydynamite00
---------- Post added at 12:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:02 PM ----------
naruto.ninjakid said:
Ok thanks I will go the stock method way. After flashing stock do i ed to wipe data and cache ? Also is the best way to flash stock to use PC odin or mobile odin ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, you're going to download and flash through desktop Odin the stock root 4.3 firmware. You download the zip, unzip and place the .md5 file in PDA of Odin. You'll then need to flash a recovery image through Odin as well so your recovery partition will be ready to flash into recovery and then backup the stock root firmware. Keep it in case you want to go back. And always do a complete wipe in recovery for a clean install of any ROM you flash.
Computer is super slow today. ARgH! lol
tinydynamite00
Here you go
naruto.ninjakid said:
I was wondering how would I do this. I wanted to flash JediMaster X but im rooted on 4.1.2 Jedi X. How would i go about updating to stock 4.3 without installing knox so i can get the working bootloader then update to Jedi Master X ?
I would prefer if the stock ROM was rooted already and knox removed. Anyway have any links.
Has anyone done this process ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you mean and I'm using the official ROM now without Knox
Step 1: Root your phone
Step 2: Install Titanium Backup pro (u can download the APK from apkmania or any other site)
Step 3: Find the apps in the screenshot from Chrome to Mobile life
Step 4: back up each one of them (in case if u need Knox later)
Step 5: uninstall
Step 6: have fun, your phone is Knox free
Hit the thanks button if my post helped you please.
I have a T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S4 on stock 4.3 MK2 and I was wondering if there is a way to restore the MDL bootloader so I can flash ROM's and get my warranty back if I need to. Thanks for the help
re: downgrading
r0b458 said:
I have a T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S4 on stock 4.3 MK2 and I was wondering if there is a way to restore the MDL bootloader so I can flash ROM's and get my warranty back if I need to. Thanks for the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That cannot be done. Once you have upgraded to 4.3 MK2 you cannot downgrade.
But there are plenty of excellent custom roms which are 4.3 MK2 that you can flash.
NOTE: if you have flashed the official Tmobile MK2 4.3 Odin flash firmware/rom OR if you
have allowed the OTA update and or if you upgrading using KIES and your phone is not yet
rooted and does not have any custom recovery or custom rom in it then you don't need to worry
about your warranty, it will stay GOOD as long as you do not ROOT the phone and as long as
you do not flash any custom recoveries or kernels.
Good luck!
Misterjunky said:
That cannot be done. Once you have upgraded to 4.3 MK2 you cannot downgrade.
But there are plenty of excellent custom roms which are 4.3 MK2 that you can flash.
NOTE: if you have flashed the official Tmobile MK2 4.3 Odin flash firmware/rom OR if you
have allowed the OTA update and or if you upgrading using KIES and your phone is not yet
rooted and does not have any custom recovery or custom rom in it then you don't need to worry
about your warranty, it will stay GOOD as long as you do not ROOT the phone and as long as
you do not flash any custom recoveries or kernels.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aw well I guess I'll just take my chances because I used to flash ROM'S all the time but recently I made the mistake of trying out stock 4.3 and it's actually pretty nice it's just I miss flashing lol. I'm not even sure if I actually have a valid warranty anyways haha but thanks
Misterjunky said:
That cannot be done YET. Once you have upgraded to 4.3 MK2 you cannot downgrade.
But there are plenty of excellent custom roms which are 4.3 MK2 that you can flash.
NOTE: if you have flashed the official Tmobile MK2 4.3 Odin flash firmware/rom OR if you
have allowed the OTA update and or if you upgrading using KIES and your phone is not yet
rooted and does not have any custom recovery or custom rom in it then you don't need to worry
about your warranty, it will stay GOOD as long as you do not ROOT the phone and as long as
you do not flash any custom recoveries or kernels.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there Mr. Junky,
You forgot the most important word, in red above. Our Developers are like I was when I was in my younger days of programming, If was said something couldn't be done, I worked till I made it happen and Rooting is a good example of how our XDA "Gurus" have made things happen, and I am confident they will again rise above the rest and do the "Cannot be done" and share it with this community.....
Aloha, and Have a great day! p.s. Thank you for all your useful and clear posts that a LOT of users have benefited from!
I was doing some reading last night through the R&D thread and other various threads linked to through that one... I do believe that someone has been able to revert back to 4.2.2; but it involves some pretty risky methods and equipment which nobody in this thread likely has.
bobolinko said:
Hi there Mr. Junky,
You forgot the most important word, in red above. Our Developers are like I was when I was in my younger days of programming, If was said something couldn't be done, I worked till I made it happen and Rooting is a good example of how our XDA "Gurus" have made things happen, and I am confident they will again rise above the rest and do the "Cannot be done" and share it with this community.....
Aloha, and Have a great day! p.s. Thank you for all your useful and clear posts that a LOT of users have benefited from!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are absolutely right, I did forget the magic work "YET".
But I think this time by the time the devs finally find a way to fully over-come the knox issue
in our S4's we all will have a much newer model, perhaps a Samsung Galaxy S5 or S6 or? LOL
Hello, I know there are many threads on restoring a bricked S3, some of them for hard bricks, and some for soft bricks. None of the guides I found by scouring these forums provided all of the answers I needed.
INFO PLEASE READ ALL
Here I hope to outline how I restored my T999 Tmobile S3 to stock firmware after the 4.3 MJC update, and after bootloader bricking the phone. I do assume you are capable of using ADB, ODIN and TWRP. I believe this method will work for other S3 models, but I have no ability to test it. If it will work, firmware and debrick IMGs will have to be found for the specific device. The T999 firmware and IMGs will NOT work with other devices. This will restore to stock UVUEMJC 4.3 firmware. Will not be rooted, but existing 4.3 roots for the device should work.
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DEVICE. THE TOOLS USED IN THIS GUIDE HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BRICK, OR OTHERWISE DAMAGE YOUR DEVICE. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK
So as context, I had been flashing different ROMS; then I updated to stock 4.3 UVUEMJC Firmware. This updated the bootloader, and installed the Samsung KNOX security upgrade. Both the bootloader and the KNOX are problems regarding rooting, rom installation, and downgrading (which I still have not achieved)
After upgrading, I installed a vanilla rootbox. I then attempted to flash the UVDMD5 bootloader at mnasledov's thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2282603
Lacking my present understanding, of the 4.3/KNOX problems, I managed to brick my phone by effectively attempting to downgrade the bootloader. Phone appeared to be hard bricked.
I tried many things to fix the phone, these are what worked:
GUIDE:
1. Get a Class 10 MicroSD card and follow KAsp3rd's guide to boot from the SD card: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2439367
You should now be able to boot to download mode, recover, and system if it was undamaged when you bricked your phone.
2. Boot into download mode and install TWRP via ODIN
3. Boot into your new TWRP recovery. Do an ADB sideload of the KNOX removal script found in Kaito95's thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507931 Check the clear cache and clear dalvik recovery boxes. You have to do an ADB sideload, because your SD card is in use as a bootloader.
4. Use ODIN with Download Mode to Re-Partion by flashing the PIT file found in invisiblek's downloads here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1848267
The Re-Partition box will have to be checked, and the PIT file loaded under Re-Partition. This is what I believe corrected the download mod fails I had been getting.
5. Use ODIN and Download mode to flash the original UVUEMJC firmware found in DocHoliday77's thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1949687
6. In TWRP do a factory reset, and a fix permissions. Reboot into system, (without the SD card)
If all went well you should be in business!
If you see any error in my guide, or have another correction, please let me know. If I have posted this in the wrong section I'll be happy to move it.
I hope this helps you.
ROOTING:
So after fixing my phone via the steps above, I still wanted to root it. To root it I simply ODIN flashed mrRobinson's rooted/deKNOXED 4.3 stock rom from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1771687
It seemed very stable to me.
I then decided to use TWRP to install the CyanogenMod 10.2. If you choose to install CM, I believe you must use the 10.2 branch, because it is 4.3 based. Prior versions are not 4.3, and won't work with the 4.3 bootloaders. You can find the appropriate CM download by selecting your device here: http://download.cyanogenmod.org/ The T999 is d2tmo.
EDIT: YOU CAN RUN OLDER VERSIONS AFTER UPDATING TO 4.3.
This was pointed out to me by Adreaver. I personally am using rootbox 4.2.2 after having done the 4.3 official update. Any rom for the device should work, but certain lines may need be removed form the updater script. I am still looking into this.
NOTES
This has been confirmed to work on the T999L, but you need a different PIT file, and different firmware for the model. See @mrspock08 's post on page 2 of this thread for more info on the T999L
THANKS
I could not have debricked my phone or created this guide without referencing and using the work of several fine members of this forum. Particular thanks to:
@mnasledov for providing a thread with information about bootloaders.
@KAsp3rd for providing a way to boot from the SD card, enabling the entire rest of the debrick.
@Kaito95 for the deKNOX script.
@invisiblek for the PIT file for correctly repartitioning the phone.
@DocHoliday77 for the MJC 4.3 Stock Firmware mirror.
@mrRobinson for the rooted MJC Stock firmware
@Adreaver for correcting me that you can run an older version of android
And the threads of many many others who's work I read through while learning about how all of this works.
Nice guide. I think @DocHoliday77 could use this method because I believe he bricked his phone the same way.
Oh, and I believe you might have made a typo SDB is actually ADB Android debug bridge.
sswb27 said:
Nice guide. I think @DocHoliday77 could use this method because I believe he bricked his phone the same way.
Oh, and I believe you you might have made a typo SDB is actually ADB Android debug bridge.
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Of course! You're right, a typo on my part. Thanks for pointing that out!
TronMinecraft said:
Of course! You're right, a typo on my part. Thanks for pointing that out!
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No problem, I made more then 1 mistake when I made my first page. So your doing good with only 1.
TronMinecraft said:
Hello, I know there are many threads on restoring a bricked S3, some of them for hard bricks, and some for soft bricks. None of the guides I found by scouring these forums provided all of the answers I needed.
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Cool guide! Thanks for the write-up!
Thanks for guide and explaining very clearly
Surely if it worked for you then it is going to help others too
Thanks once again
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
Nice writeup. I assumed that a bootloader brick was the point of no return, thanks for proving me wrong.
Worth noting that you can flash any d2tmo ROM on the new bootloaders, even cm9 or 4.0.4 tw, but you may need to remove asserts from the updater-script.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Great tutorial. An extreme amount of time went into this I can see. Hopefully it'll be able to get @DocHoliday77 back up and running tho. I miss that guy!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
TheLastSidekick said:
Great tutorial. An extreme amount of time went into this I can see. Hopefully it'll be able to get @DocHoliday77 back up and running tho. I miss that guy!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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I spent a few days on it, I hope it helps people. I hope it gets Him back up and running, his MJC mirror was instrumental in my fix.
Adreaver said:
Nice writeup. I assumed that a bootloader brick was the point of no return, thanks for proving me wrong.
Worth noting that you can flash any d2tmo ROM on the new bootloaders, even cm9 or 4.0.4 tw, but you may need to remove asserts from the updater-script.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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For most phones the bootloader brick would require JTAG; fortunately several of the Samsungs have the SD as default boot.
And you can flash older ROMs? I was unaware of this; every attempt I've made to run something older has resulted in a getprop(ro.bootloader) error. But that updater script assert makes sense. Thank's for letting me know. I'll check that out and add it to the OP
so what?
i want to update my phone to T999UVUEMJC 4.3 firmware
currently i'm on T999UVDMD5 4.1.2
is it safe to update using Odin?
sorry for noob question
Restoring bootloader to bricked S3 T999L
TronMinecraft said:
Here I hope to outline how I restored my T999 Tmobile S3 to stock firmware after the 4.3 MJC update, and after bootloader bricking the phone. I do assume you are capable of using ADB, ODIN and TWRP. I believe this method will work for other S3 models, but I have no ability to test it. If it will work, firmware and debrick IMGs will have to be found for the specific device. The T999 firmware and IMGs will NOT work with other devices. This will restore to stock UVUEMJC 4.3 firmware. Will not be rooted, but existing 4.3 roots for the device should work.
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Great guide, thanks a ton to @TronMinecraft for this writeup! I've been lucky and haven't bricked my S3 T999L (the T-Mobile LTE variant), but a relative wasn't so lucky. She took the OTA upgrade and when she wasn't happy with the result tried to just restore to her old 4.1.2 backup. Needless to say she bricked her phone.
So, I can confirm that this method DOES work on a T999L. However, there are a couple of things to note (these should be no-brainers, but in the interest of saving questions from the newbies out there...) Of course like Tron said, I take no responsibility for damage to your device should you try this. I can only tell you that it worked fine for me. Here's the things to watch out for, listed by the steps in the OP:
4. Make certain that you use the correct PIT file for the T999L. The proper PIT file for the T999L is the one DocHoliday uploaded here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1848267&page=3. Do not use the regular T999 PIT file from @invisiblek's first post in that thread, which is what was linked to in the OP.
5. Make sure you use the correct firmware for the T999L, NOT the T999. If you're trying to recover from a brick then most likely you're going to want the Original UVAMB7 firmware (JB 4.1.2), since it seems most bricks lately are caused by trying to downgrade after flashing the 4.3 update. Of course if you want to you can also flash the UVUBMK4 (4.3) firmware and get the complete stock 4.3 system, including the bootloader, KNOX, etc.
However, if you're just recovering from a brick and want 4.3 I would recommend not just flashing the UVUBMK4 firmware directly. Rather, I would flash the older UVAMB7 firmware, and then once your phone is back up and running flash DocHoliday77's UVUBMK4 4.3 Rooted, deodexed_KnoxFREE ROM from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2370981&page=58. Once you've done that, just flash the updated modem from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1880987 as needed. This way you end up with the full rooted version of the 4.3 firmware but without the 4.3 bootloader which includes KNOX and causes so many problems with downgrading.
Of course that's just my two cents. I've been running my S3 with DocHoliday's stock UVUBMK4, KnoxFree, rooted ROM with the UVAMB7 bootloader and UVUBMK4 radio for over a month now and haven't had any problems. As always, your mileage may vary.
mrspock08 said:
Great guide, thanks a ton to @TronMinecraft for this writeup! I've been lucky and haven't bricked my S3 T999L (the T-Mobile LTE variant), but a relative wasn't so lucky. She took the OTA upgrade and when she wasn't happy with the result tried to just restore to her old 4.1.2 backup. Needless to say she bricked her phone.
So, I can confirm that this method DOES work on a T999L. However, there are a couple of things to note....
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Thank you for confirming this worked for somebody else. I'm working on a slightly re-factored version of this based on input, and I'll be sure to note your findings about the T999L. Thanks!
SignalX said:
so what?
i want to update my phone to T999UVUEMJC 4.3 firmware
currently i'm on T999UVDMD5 4.1.2
is it safe to update using Odin?
sorry for noob question
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This really isn't quite the right place for such a question. A search will yield you great results.
But yes, there's no reason you couldn't if you're sure you have the right firmware for your GS3 model. However if you simply want a stock update, I'd just use the OTA update function, or kies. Its a bit safer than manually messing with Odin, and won't void your warranty.
Very useful thread. Bricking is actually a lot easier than I thought.
hi does this guide help downgrade a 4.3 without loosing imei ? thank you
hope to receive a answer to this noob question
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
FINNIX1996K said:
hi does this guide help downgrade a 4.3 without loosing imei ? thank you
hope to receive a answer to this noob question
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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You CAN NOT DOWNGRADE 4.3.
This guide is to unbrick you and return you to 4.3 if you tried to downgrade (which won't work, ever).
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Actually, from my own experimentation you were right, you can in fact downgrade from 4.3. You just can't flash a rom that tries to change the bootloader. You cannot downgrade the 4.3 bootloader; but there isn't any reason why you can't run an earlier version of android.
I am currently running 4.2.2 rootbox AFTER having having done the official 4.3 update.
I did this with TWRP, and a rootbox flashable zip.
TronMinecraft said:
Actually, from my own experimentation you were right, you can in fact downgrade from 4.3. You just can't flash a rom that tries to change the bootloader. You cannot downgrade the 4.3 bootloader; but there isn't any reason why you can't run an earlier version of android.
I am currently running 4.2.2 rootbox AFTER having having done the official 4.3 update.
I did this with TWRP, and a rootbox flashable zip.
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You did not downgrade. You flashed a custom ROM.
An example of downgrading would be a user on md5 flashing ljc with Odin. This puts bootloader, ROM, kernel, and baseband exactly as Samsung intended when LJC was released.
Sent from my Cleared Out T999L on CM11
Should be pinned. Very useful indeed
Adreaver said:
You did not downgrade. You flashed a custom ROM.
An example of downgrading would be a user on md5 flashing ljc with Odin. This puts bootloader, ROM, kernel, and baseband exactly as Samsung intended when LJC was released.
Sent from my Cleared Out T999L on CM11
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Okay, thank you for the clarification. I was incorrectly applying the term downgrade.
So I need some advice on which ROM to flash back on my phone. I am new to custom ROMs and managed to hard brick my phone. I am going to try a Jig to see if I can get into download mode, however, if I do that I am not sure what ROM to flash back onto my phone. It's a galaxy S3 i747. When this all started I was running JB 4.1.1 on it. Then I flashed CM10 and that went great. After I flashed CM10 my phone said that I was on JB 4.3. Did CM update JB and the bootloader? I know that trying to flash an older bootloader can cause troubles. Afater I had CM running I tried to flash LeanKernel and this is when I bricked my phone. So my questions is, do I need to flash the ROM for JB4.1.1 or for JB 4.3? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
loveforvdubs said:
So I need some advice on which ROM to flash back on my phone. I am new to custom ROMs and managed to hard brick my phone. I am going to try a Jig to see if I can get into download mode, however, if I do that I am not sure what ROM to flash back onto my phone. It's a galaxy S3 i747. When this all started I was running JB 4.1.1 on it. Then I flashed CM10 and that went great. After I flashed CM10 my phone said that I was on JB 4.3. Did CM update JB and the bootloader? I know that trying to flash an older bootloader can cause troubles. Afater I had CM running I tried to flash LeanKernel and this is when I bricked my phone. So my questions is, do I need to flash the ROM for JB4.1.1 or for JB 4.3? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Look buddy, the first thing you want to do is flash the latest STOCK rom for you're model. After you've done that you can now backup you're stock rom via recovery (TWRP recommended), after that you now have a stable rom to return to just in case you fail to flash a custom rom. And I would recommend one of the stock mod roms to get the use of all of Samsung's exclusive features. Good luck, and feel free to ask any more questions.
Ali7000 said:
Look buddy, the first thing you want to do is flash the latest STOCK rom for you're model. After you've done that you can now backup you're stock rom via recovery (TWRP recommended), after that you now have a stable rom to return to just in case you fail to flash a custom rom. And I would recommend one of the stock mod roms to get the use of all of Samsung's exclusive features. Good luck, and feel free to ask any more questions.
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Hey thanks. I really appreciate the help. I got in a little over my head so I'm just trying to get ahead of the learning curve as quick as possible. Now I've searched around for the stock 4.3 flash able ROM and am having trouble finding a clear cut download for it. Do you have a recommendation of where I can find the JB 4.3 stock to flash with ODIN?
loveforvdubs said:
Hey thanks. I really appreciate the help. I got in a little over my head so I'm just trying to get ahead of the learning curve as quick as possible. Now I've searched around for the stock 4.3 flash able ROM and am having trouble finding a clear cut download for it. Do you have a recommendation of where I can find the JB 4.3 stock to flash with ODIN?
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Click to collapse
There isn't an odin flashable 4.3 rom for i747. The last thing there is is 4.1.1 then the 4.3 you would take as an ota. I highly doubt cm updated your bootloader. Floating around the forums is an sd unbrick method. You could try that. I don't have experience with it, but quite a few people have. Good luck.
pre4speed said:
There isn't an odin flashable 4.3 rom for i747. The last thing there is is 4.1.1 then the 4.3 you would take as an ota. I highly doubt cm updated your bootloader. Floating around the forums is an sd unbrick method. You could try that. I don't have experience with it, but quite a few people have. Good luck.
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Maybe this would work : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2498233 Do some research on it first then let me know. And if you want a good and stable custom rom I recommend using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2504903. Just don't choose the note 3 option, choose the stock.
Ali7000 said:
Maybe this would work : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2498233 Do some research on it first then let me know. And if you want a good and stable custom rom I recommend using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2504903. Just don't choose the note 3 option, choose the stock.
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Thanks. That's helpful.
http://http://galaxys3root.com/galaxy-s3-root/how-to-root-att-galaxy-s3-sgh-i747/
This is the rom I used to root it a year ago when I got the phone. Would this be a suitable choice to un-brick my phone?
loveforvdubs said:
Thanks. That's helpful.
http://http://galaxys3root.com/galaxy-s3-root/how-to-root-att-galaxy-s3-sgh-i747/
This is the rom I used to root it a year ago when I got the phone. Would this be a suitable choice to un-brick my phone?
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Click to collapse
That is only a method used to root you're phone, not to unbrick it.
Ali7000 said:
That is only a method used to root you're phone, not to unbrick it.
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Click to collapse
But to root I flashed a ROM with Odin. The ROM is linked on that page. At least that is my understanding of how rooting works. Wouldn't that've a good ROM to use to un-brick?
Have you ever updated your phone to 4.3?
Sent from my SGH-I747M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Ali7000 said:
Have you ever updated your phone to 4.3?
Sent from my SGH-I747M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Not entirely sure. Never updated to 4.3 on a stock ROM. It was on JB 4.1 before I flashed CM10. However once I flashed CM10 the settings page said my phone was on JB 4.3. So not sure if the bootloader got updated or not.
Thanks so much everyone for the help. I really appreciate it. Unfortunately the Jig did not work, so it is all a moot point in the end. Looks like the phone is going off to get JTAGed.
Okay so my cousin has a galaxy s3 from at&t running 4.1.2 or 4.1.1? forgot, touchwiz and rooted, is it safe to install a kitkat aosp rom without updating to 4.3 jellybean touchwiz and removing the knox on that then installing the custom rom?
LaosPerson said:
Okay so my cousin has a galaxy s3 from at&t running 4.1.2 or 4.1.1? forgot, touchwiz and rooted, is it safe to install a kitkat aosp rom without updating to 4.3 jellybean touchwiz and removing the knox on that then installing the custom rom?
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Yes, you can install a kitkat based custom ROM without necessarily first updating to 4.3JB. The custom ROM would probably, like most custom ROMs do, retain your current bootloader. Whether or not it's safe to do that would depend on what ROM you are flashing. There is always a risk in any custom ROM and you would need to do your research thoroughly prior to proceeding.
Larry2999 said:
Yes, you can install a kitkat based custom ROM without necessarily first updating to 4.3JB. The custom ROM would probably, like most custom ROMs do, retain your current bootloader. Whether or not it's safe to do that would depend on what ROM you are flashing. There is always a risk in any custom ROM and you would need to do your research thoroughly prior to proceeding.
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Okay sounds good, thanks, and yes I know how to correctly flash a ROM, done it probably more than 50 times with my old galaxy note lol
Larry2999 said:
Yes, you can install a kitkat based custom ROM without necessarily first updating to 4.3JB. The custom ROM would probably, like most custom ROMs do, retain your current bootloader. Whether or not it's safe to do that would depend on what ROM you are flashing. There is always a risk in any custom ROM and you would need to do your research thoroughly prior to proceeding.
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Click to collapse
So what rom would be a bad one with 4.1.? Of course flashing a rom that is not for our phone, but is there anything we should look out for when running roms with 4.1?
frankslan said:
So what rom would be a bad one with 4.1.? Of course flashing a rom that is not for our phone, but is there anything we should look out for when running roms with 4.1?
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I'd be wary about custom ROMs for several reasons. No easier way to brick or backdoor your phone so you'd need to do a lot of research. Making recommendations or criticisms would be against the rules of the forum so I cant really make direct references. Generally, however, you should avoid any rom that messes with your bootloader. Also, unless you are a developer or tester gathering development data, you'd do well to stick with stable versions and avoid nightlies. Finally, the well known and tested names are usually safer and have better user support.
Larry2999 said:
I'd be wary about custom ROMs for several reasons. No easier way to brick or backdoor your phone so you'd need to do a lot of research. Making recommendations or criticisms would be against the rules of the forum so I cant really make direct references. Generally, however, you should avoid any rom that messes with your bootloader. Also, unless you are a developer or tester gathering development data, you'd do well to stick with stable versions and avoid nightlies. Finally, the well known and tested names are usually safer and have better user support.
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Click to collapse
Oh man My phone just came it it's running on MJB but it rooted. Now I have to figure out what is safe to run on that. Man I thought this phone would be easy to install roms but it's seems way more tricky than most phones at least with the MJB bootloader. I really just want my acid sound mod.
frankslan said:
Oh man My phone just came it it's running on MJB but it rooted. Now I have to figure out what is safe to run on that. Man I thought this phone would be easy to install roms but it's seems way more tricky than most phones at least with the MJB bootloader. I really just want my acid sound mod.
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Click to collapse
You can still run a custom ROM with the MJB bootloader especially since it is rooted and probably de-knoxed already. Most custom ROMs don't dicker with your bootloader. In fact, I don't know of any which does. I have, however, heard several reports that some of them do muck with your bootloader which is why you need to proceed with caution.
Larry2999 said:
You can still run a custom ROM with the MJB bootloader especially since it is rooted and probably de-knoxed already. Most custom ROMs don't dicker with your bootloader. In fact, I don't know of any which does. I have, however, heard several reports that some of them do muck with your bootloader which is why you need to proceed with caution.
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Cool thanks, that's what I've been reading I started another thread hopefully someone can give a definitive answer there. I remember reading in some thread there is a way to check the zip file and look for certain files but I have no idea where I saw that. I read so many threads and that was pages deep.
frankslan said:
Cool thanks, that's what I've been reading I started another thread hopefully someone can give a definitive answer there. I remember reading in some thread there is a way to check the zip file and look for certain files but I have no idea where I saw that. I read so many threads and that was pages deep.
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For future reference, your definite answer can be found there.