[q] urgent!: Need to reset! - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 4

My friend has a Galaxy S4 on T-Mobile.
It has the Knox Counter set to 0x1.
It is currently on CM11, and I have TWRP installed, but apparently he cannot receive texts...
I tried restoring to the MDL firmware with Odin but it failed... I think because of the boot loader. I tried installing a 4.2.2 ROM but it was boot looping at the T-Mobile screen.
I have 1 hour tomorrow with him to fix it -- I just want to restore it to a Samsung Stock ROM (just downloaded the 4.4.2 Deodexed KitKat ROM).
How can I restore this phone to a 100% working Samsung Stock ROM? I don't care if it is a rooted ROM. I just need texts, calls, etc. 100% working and I need it to be a TouchWiz ROM. Thanks!
EDIT: I also found this list of firmwares: if I should try again with ODIN with the right firmware, which one should i be flashing?

If he just mainly wants stock and already has knox tripped just flash the newest odin image for the device.
You can use this one that Fenny posted.
http://www.cheatersedge.org/android/m919/M919UVUFNB4_M919TMBFNB4_TMB_FENNY_FIXED.zip
If you can still get into recovery you can flash the custom stock rom from Fenny or the Sickness. Both work really well.
The one from the sickness seems to have more of a stock feel though.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2683507

TheArtiszan said:
If he just mainly wants stock and already has knox tripped just flash the newest odin image for the device.
You can use this one that Fenny posted.
http://www.cheatersedge.org/android/m919/M919UVUFNB4_M919TMBFNB4_TMB_FENNY_FIXED.zip
If you can still get into recovery you can flash the custom stock rom from Fenny or the Sickness. Both work really well.
The one from the sickness seems to have more of a stock feel though.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2683507
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!!!!!!!!!

Related

[Q] Problem getting OTA/ Cannot search for it.

Hello, I'm having a strange issue with my GS4. I have rooted it and flashed a couple different custom ROMS on it, but I decided to go back to stock so that I could get the 4.3 OTA. I did the triangle away and then flashed stock 4.2.2 software through odin. However, when I go to search for the update, I get the following message " Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available.". In fact my device status still says CUSTOM under device status in about phone. Could this be because the flash counter is still tripped, or did I flash a bad stock firmware download?
Also strange: I've noticed that the sound my phone makes when I lock it is not the stock sound, it's still the lock sound from wicked V8 Rom.
Any help anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
thunderstorm116 said:
Hello, I'm having a strange issue with my GS4. I have rooted it and flashed a couple different custom ROMS on it, but I decided to go back to stock so that I could get the 4.3 OTA. I did the triangle away and then flashed stock 4.2.2 software through odin. However, when I go to search for the update, I get the following message " Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available.". In fact my device status still says CUSTOM under device status in about phone. Could this be because the flash counter is still tripped, or did I flash a bad stock firmware download?
Also strange: I've noticed that the sound my phone makes when I lock it is not the stock sound, it's still the lock sound from wicked V8 Rom.
Any help anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just my personal experience, but whenever using Odin to revert back to stock, it always works right if I flash a non-TouchWiz ROM via TWRM/CWM THEN use Odin to revert. When reverting via Odin from a modified TW something always tends to stick around.
As far as returning to official status, you should be able to use Triangle-away on a rooted/stock firmware then temporarily unroot to install the OTA. Just a question though; why do the official OTA which introduces the Knox counter? There are CWM-flashable pre-rooted, non-Knox 4.3 TMO TW ROMs out already...
lordcheeto03 said:
Just my personal experience, but whenever using Odin to revert back to stock, it always works right if I flash a non-TouchWiz ROM via TWRM/CWM THEN use Odin to revert. When reverting via Odin from a modified TW something always tends to stick around.
As far as returning to official status, you should be able to use Triangle-away on a rooted/stock firmware then temporarily unroot to install the OTA. Just a question though; why do the official OTA which introduces the Knox counter? There are CWM-flashable pre-rooted, non-Knox 4.3 TMO TW ROMs out already...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for quick response. So you're saying I should root, then flash a stock aosp or gpe rom, and flash stock rom from there? I actually did have a gpe rom on my phone the last time I went back to stock, but I had wicked V8 first and went back to stock in between.
Another question would be if that small thing like the lock sound would be what's making me not be able to get the ota, or is it because the flash counter is tripped still and it's saying that I'm still custom?
noob question sorry, how do you temporarily unroot?
thunderstorm116 said:
Thanks for quick response. So you're saying I should root, then flash a stock aosp or gpe rom, and flash stock rom from there? I actually did have a gpe rom on my phone the last time I went back to stock, but I had wicked V8 first and went back to stock in between.
Another question would be if that small thing like the lock sound would be what's making me not be able to get the ota, or is it because the flash counter is tripped still and it's saying that I'm still custom?
noob question sorry, how do you temporarily unroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason you can't OTA is because your flash counter is still tripped. If it says you are on a custom firmware then you won't be able to update via OTA.
No need to re-root. Just use Odin to flash a custom recovery. Once there, I'd flash whatever non-TouchWiz ROM you have on-hand... Wicked, the TouchWiz Infamous ROMs, GPe ROMs (maybe, I don't know about these) I would avoid. If you already have CM10.x-11, ParanoidAndroid, Liquid, etc readily available, say, on your SD card I'd flash one of them. No need to flash the gapps, kernel, whatever, just the base ROM itself. Once that's done, use Odin to flash the Stock MDL .tar. After that, I'd say flash CF-Auto Root, run Triangle Away, then in the superuser App there should be an option to unroot (or temporarily unroot). Once that's done, you should be able to update via OTA.
lordcheeto03 said:
The reason you can't OTA is because your flash counter is still tripped. If it says you are on a custom firmware then you won't be able to update via OTA.
No need to re-root. Just use Odin to flash a custom recovery. Once there, I'd flash whatever non-TouchWiz ROM you have on-hand... Wicked, the TouchWiz Infamous ROMs, GPe ROMs (maybe, I don't know about these) I would avoid. If you already have CM10.x-11, ParanoidAndroid, Liquid, etc readily available, say, on your SD card I'd flash one of them. No need to flash the gapps, kernel, whatever, just the base ROM itself. Once that's done, use Odin to flash the Stock MDL .tar. After that, I'd say flash CF-Auto Root, run Triangle Away, then in the superuser App there should be an option to unroot (or temporarily unroot). Once that's done, you should be able to update via OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, okay. I think I understand that, I'll give that a try. Thanks for all your help.
Okay, so I tried doing everything you told me to do and got some weird results and thought I'd post them for anyone else that may run into this problem.
I flashed a custom recovery through Odin, then flashed the AOSP Liquid Rom like you said. I then flashe the stock MD5 file through Odin and let it do its thing. Once it was done, that's where the weird stuff started. The phone rebooted as it should, but then it got hung on the white T-mobile screen. It just sat there for a very long time. Now I've done this enough times to know when its taking too long and there's a problem.
So I did something that I know probably shouldn't have done and I held down the power button until it turned off. I then tried to boot it again to no avail, same thing.
After this I booted into the stock recovery and decided to do a factory data reset from there. (I was pretty sure there was nothing wrong with the stock Rom as I've used it before; there must have been something still there from the Liquid Rom causing problems.) When I rebooted from the recovery this way, it finally booted right up.
I now thought that I needed to flash CF-AutoRoot and then triangle away, but no, for some strange reason my device status now reads OFFICIAL!
I searched for the update and it is now in the process of downloading.
(Strangely enough though, the lock sound from wicked V8, is STILL there. I don't get it and I don't even want to know anymore.)
Sorry for the super long post, but I thought that if anyone else was having my same problem they should see this.
Thanks again for all your help and I hope you'e having a great Thanksgiving.

[Q] Plz Help 4.3 down to 4.1.2. rooted tried a few

So I'm by no means super knowledgable with this stuff but I've rooted a few phones, played around with CM on my old evo but for the most part I enjoy rooted stock.
I have Galaxy S3 Sprint 4.3 updated OTA from a rooted (4.1.2). When I took the OTA I lost root, no big deal I used Odin and flashed the CF auto root, it said it removed knox and I had root back. Cool!
In short 4.3 sucked, wanted to downgrade back so things like TrevE mod would work again and it wouldn't be so buggy. I tried to use odin to flash "KIES_HOME_L710VPBMD4_L710SPRBMD4_1130792_REV03_user_low_ship.tar.md5" but it gave me the "Use Kies Recovery and error occured" message.
So I then used odin and flashed TWRP and my phone booted.
I'm back on 4.3 rooted.
I've tried picking through the forums and interwebz for answers but I get mixed messages and info on international versions and what not.
I'm tired of trying to figure it out and really could use some help downgrading back to 4.1.2
Thanks,
Brandon
mentorkyrom said:
So I'm by no means super knowledgable with this stuff but I've rooted a few phones, played around with CM on my old evo but for the most part I enjoy rooted stock.
I have Galaxy S3 Sprint 4.3 updated OTA from a rooted (4.1.2). When I took the OTA I lost root, no big deal I used Odin and flashed the CF auto root, it said it removed knox and I had root back. Cool!
In short 4.3 sucked, wanted to downgrade back so things like TrevE mod would work again and it wouldn't be so buggy. I tried to use odin to flash "KIES_HOME_L710VPBMD4_L710SPRBMD4_1130792_REV03_user_low_ship.tar.md5" but it gave me the "Use Kies Recovery and error occured" message.
So I then used odin and flashed TWRP and my phone booted.
I'm back on 4.3 rooted.
I've tried picking through the forums and interwebz for answers but I get mixed messages and info on international versions and what not.
I'm tired of trying to figure it out and really could use some help downgrading back to 4.1.2
Thanks,
Brandon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 4.3 OTA installed a locked bootloader, which will prevent you from ODIN'ing back to a previous version. you can flash any ROM you would like from recovery, you CANNOT downgrade the bootloader. As of right now, if you have knox, you are stuck with it.
You are extremely lucky that you didn't brick your phone by using odin to flash a non-4.3 tar. I wouldnt try again.
My advice is, remain rooted with a custom recovery, and find a ROM to your liking, and flash that.
I have also heard that we cannot flash custom kernels on the knox (MK3) bootloader as well, but I havent verified that.
eletendre84 said:
The 4.3 OTA installed a locked bootloader, which will prevent you from ODIN'ing back to a previous version. you can flash any ROM you would like from recovery, you CANNOT downgrade the bootloader. As of right now, if you have knox, you are stuck with it.
You are extremely lucky that you didn't brick your phone by using odin to flash a non-4.3 tar. I wouldnt try again.
My advice is, remain rooted with a custom recovery, and find a ROM to your liking, and flash that.
I have also heard that we cannot flash custom kernels on the knox (MK3) bootloader as well, but I havent verified that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the response. Is CyanogenMod an option then? If I go to CM could I flash back a stock 4.3 rom in the future?
As an added bonus question does CM allow wifi tethering?
Again thank you for the response.
mentorkyrom said:
Thank you for the response. Is CyanogenMod an option then? If I go to CM could I flash back a stock 4.3 rom in the future?
As an added bonus question does CM allow wifi tethering?
Again thank you for the response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM is certainly an option. In fact, its what i am running now. CM11 12-24. Runs great. You can always odin the stock mk3 tar and go back to stock unrooted, at any time.
in order to flash cm11 you MUST be on TWRP 2.6.3.1 or CWM 6.0.4.5 or newer or the assert check will fail.
not sure on the tethering, but im pretty sure it definitely works on cm10.2 and i think it does on 11 as well, but dont quote me on that.
eletendre84 said:
CM is certainly an option. In fact, its what i am running now. CM11 12-24. Runs great. You can always odin the stock mk3 tar and go back to stock unrooted, at any time.
in order to flash cm11 you MUST be on TWRP 2.6.3.1 or CWM 6.0.4.5 or newer or the assert check will fail.
not sure on the tethering, but im pretty sure it definitely works on cm10.2 and i think it does on 11 as well, but dont quote me on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tethering is available on CM11 just like it was on 10.2; would strongly recommend latest Philz Touch Recovery over either TWRP or CWM though. Although it is based on CWM, it has proven to be pretty much the superior recovery option for flashing any Android build number, plus it is highly customizable.
Philz Touch Recovery
this is how to downgrade
mentorkyrom said:
So I'm by no means super knowledgable with this stuff but I've rooted a few phones, played around with CM on my old evo but for the most part I enjoy rooted stock.
I have Galaxy S3 Sprint 4.3 updated OTA from a rooted (4.1.2). When I took the OTA I lost root, no big deal I used Odin and flashed the CF auto root, it said it removed knox and I had root back. Cool!
In short 4.3 sucked, wanted to downgrade back so things like TrevE mod would work again and it wouldn't be so buggy. I tried to use odin to flash "KIES_HOME_L710VPBMD4_L710SPRBMD4_1130792_REV03_user_low_ship.tar.md5" but it gave me the "Use Kies Recovery and error occured" message.
So I then used odin and flashed TWRP and my phone booted.
I'm back on 4.3 rooted.
I've tried picking through the forums and interwebz for answers but I get mixed messages and info on international versions and what not.
I'm tired of trying to figure it out and really could use some help downgrading back to 4.1.2
Thanks,
Brandon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do a factory data reset then use odin auto root from computer ok...... after boot u will get a security message supersu will be unfortunately stopping this is ok..... then u will need to download the supersu.app to root of sd then manually install this will update it and now u can turn off knox and have root... then go to market and download odin mobile then flash your .tar file u want and you will be good to go 4.1.2 doesn't have knox and has a unlocked bootloader so have fun bro this method may work for other phones
smuther22 said:
do a factory data reset then use odin auto root from computer ok...... after boot u will get a security message supersu will be unfortunately stopping this is ok..... then u will need to download the supersu.app to root of sd then manually install this will update it and now u can turn off knox and have root... then go to market and download odin mobile then flash your .tar file u want and you will be good to go 4.1.2 doesn't have knox and has a unlocked bootloader so have fun bro this method may work for other phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you realize that this thread hasn't been used in a couple of months? I would assume the author has no more need of advice based on the inactivity. Also, once Knox is installed, it is on the phone to stay. PERIOD. NO DOWNGRADING POSSIBLE VIA ODIN. Custom ROMs of any build are fine via custom recovery, but any attempt to change the bootloader will trigger Knox and brick the phone. Dangerous info to be posting here, especially since someone else who doesn't know better might try this.

[Q] 4.2.2 Roms after Knox is tripped?

So I recently used CF Autoroot to root my T-Mobile GS3 SGH-T999 and I heard that if you try to downgrade to android versions before 4.3 your phone will be hard bricked. So with my knox counter tripped I was wondering can I flash a rom that is on 4.2.2 I want to flash the MIUI rom. Thanks in advance.
You can flash any custom Rom via Custom Recovery. Nothing bad will happen as they have only Rom and Kernel.
However just never flash Pre-4.3 Samsung firmwares via Odin. Those contain the older bootloader. If you tried to flash older bootloader, you get hardbrick.
Perseus71 said:
You can flash any custom Rom via Custom Recovery. Nothing bad will happen as they have only Rom and Kernel.
However just never flash Pre-4.3 Samsung firmwares via Odin. Those contain the older bootloader. If you tried to flash older bootloader, you get hardbrick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer been wanting to try MIUI for so long was scared of hard brick
Quxus said:
So I recently used CF Autoroot to root my T-Mobile GS3 SGH-T999 and I heard that if you try to downgrade to android versions before 4.3 your phone will be hard bricked. So with my knox counter tripped I was wondering can I flash a rom that is on 4.2.2 I want to flash the MIUI rom. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know to get rid of the trip count I used triangle away. I installed, opened the app, followed the set up, reboot and count was back to zero.

Okay to upgrade from 4.1.2?

New to this phone and I am running 4.1.2 there is a system update a 4.3 that's already downloaded and ready to install but I wanted to make sure the update didn't install any new locks on my phone before I accept. I plan on rooting soon.
Thanks
Rich
U get knox but there are ways to still root with knox so go ahead update
High Definition Note II
Uuum hold on. If you plan to root your phone there is no point in allowing the OTA which does install KNOX. Root now and save that extra trouble.
tx_dbs_tx said:
Uuum hold on. If you plan to root your phone there is no point in allowing the OTA which does install KNOX. Root now and save that extra trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the poster wants to install 4.3, then accept the update, root, then flash your 4.3 rom.. This way you won't have all those reboot, lock up issues, that people keep on having.. Plus most devs do not have knox filex in their roms.. And you won't have to flash the wifi fix..
I Would Accept It.
doubledragon5 said:
If the poster wants to install 4.3, then accept the update, root, then flash your 4.3 rom.. This way you won't have all those reboot, lock up issues, that people keep on having.. Plus most devs do not have knox filex in their roms.. And you won't have to flash the wifi fix..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was in this position, I would accept the update as doubledragon5 said and move forward with root, etc. I have 4.1.2 right now and want the 4.3 update, but I'm rooted and trying to figure out how to unravel this to get to 4.3 myself.
flashred said:
If I was in this position, I would accept the update as doubledragon5 said and move forward with root, etc. I have 4.1.2 right now and want the 4.3 update, but I'm rooted and trying to figure out how to unravel this to get to 4.3 myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your rooted, go back to bone stock MC2 like I have mentioned in a few other threads. accept the 4.3 udate from sprint, re-root using the tookit, then flash away...
doubledragon5 said:
If the poster wants to install 4.3, then accept the update, root, then flash your 4.3 rom.. This way you won't have all those reboot, lock up issues, that people keep on having.. Plus most devs do not have knox filex in their roms.. And you won't have to flash the wifi fix..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doubledragon5 said:
If your rooted, go back to bone stock MC2 like I have mentioned in a few other threads. accept the 4.3 udate from sprint, re-root using the tookit, then flash away...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! You're the first to shed some light on this for me. To get back to stock using the toolkit, would I need to first flash stock recovery, then Stock Firmware, then bone stock MC2? Afterwards boot in, accept the update, then re-root using the toolkit.
flashred said:
Thank you! You're the first to shed some light on this for me. To get back to stock using the toolkit, would I need to first flash stock recovery, then Stock Firmware, then bone stock MC2? Afterwards boot in, accept the update, then re-root using the toolkit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering the same thing. But if we root then accept the OTA won't that enable the knox counter? So that if we now, "flash away".... won't every flash be counted?
Shouldn't we root, then install the custom roms without the knox? Or do the custom roms also include the knox counter tripping mechanism?
I would like to know how this works also.
Thanks.
I just recently came from 4.1.2 rooted running a deoxided stock rom. I didn't do the OTA update to 4.3. I used the TeamRejects Deoxidexed rooted deknoxed stock rom, the updated MK4 modem, and the WiFi fix. It took about 15-20 minutes to get everything done. I needed to download Odin too for WiFi fix. I didn't run the WiFi fix till I knew there was an issue.
Not much of complaint, but I wish there was a kernel like Perseus for TouchWix based roms. The only one I found was Devil Kernel, but for whatever reason, wasn't stable with TeamReject's ROM. I didn't really care for his custom Kernel ajdustment manager and STweaks didn't work with it at all. Ideally, I prefer a stock rooted deknoxed deoxidized bare bones rom (just phone, contacts, google play) so I have a working phone and can access Google Play so I can install the apps I prefer. The closest I found was Classic Rom but it freezes on initial rom load; Plus, I'm not a fan of the colors and the few things he choose to include.
Stock 4.3 Deodexed, deknoxed, Rooted Rom Available?
lovekeiiy said:
I just recently came from 4.1.2 rooted running a deoxided stock rom. I didn't do the OTA update to 4.3. I used the TeamRejects Deoxidexed rooted deknoxed stock rom, the updated MK4 modem, and the WiFi fix. It took about 15-20 minutes to get everything done. I needed to download Odin too for WiFi fix. I didn't run the WiFi fix till I knew there was an issue.
Not much of complaint, but I wish there was a kernel like Perseus for TouchWix based roms. The only one I found was Devil Kernel, but for whatever reason, wasn't stable with TeamReject's ROM. I didn't really care for his custom Kernel ajdustment manager and STweaks didn't work with it at all. Ideally, I prefer a stock rooted deknoxed deoxidized bare bones rom (just phone, contacts, google play) so I have a working phone and can access Google Play so I can install the apps I prefer. The closest I found was Classic Rom but it freezes on initial rom load; Plus, I'm not a fan of the colors and the few things he choose to include.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, you came exactly where I did except you with a different ROM. I would like to get from my 4.1.2 rooted up to 4.3 rooted stock,deodexed, deknoxed if at all possible.
flashred said:
Thank you! You're the first to shed some light on this for me. To get back to stock using the toolkit, would I need to first flash stock recovery, then Stock Firmware, then bone stock MC2? Afterwards boot in, accept the update, then re-root using the toolkit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for not getting back sooner. I have been busy with work, and family things.Use billards return to full stock with counter reset. It installs everything including recovery, boot loader,firemware etc... Then set up your phone, when prompt accept the ota update.. Once done retoot, and flash what ever 4.3 rom you want.. The knox counter will still be there, but if you need a trip back to Sprint, go back to Full MC2 stock, knox counter will no longer be there.. Most 4.3 room do not include the Knox files so no worries there.
flashred said:
So, you came exactly where I did except you with a different ROM. I would like to get from my 4.1.2 rooted up to 4.3 rooted stock,deodexed, deknoxed if at all possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like it. The odd part, I have been able to flash Reject's stock deoxidezed deknoxed rom with no problem. I tried to flash Classic 3, but it froze on Classic's initial loading page (the one after the Samsung boot loader). I had issues another rom, but turned out it was for the international model; I wasn't paying attention where I was in the forums.
If you do what I did, you'll need to flash modem update using Odin on the PC. So, you may need to download Odin.
---------- Post added at 05:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:56 AM ----------
Depending on what you like to do, you may find 4.3 MK4 more limiting, espcially on the TouchWiz side. AOSP probably more mod friendly at this point. From what I've been able to find, there is only one custom kernal for 4.3 TouchWiz which is Devil's Kernal. It's solid, but my phone was unstable. Not sure if the phone since I may have taken out something it used when I was trying to debloat the phone. Didn't care for his Kernel Tweak manager. Neither the stock or devil's kernal supports Stweaks. Neither I could figure out how to change the boat loading animation.
I have nothing against AOSP projects. I like them. But as far as I know, none support the Spen, which I like to use with web browsers. Don't use the Samnsung Spen apps. Just wasn't that impressed with them, but I see how they can be useful. Although, SketchPro is really nice with it. I just find TouchWiz is more than sufficient for my needs and stock isn't as quirky.

[Q] Atempting to remove Knox from firmware befor update.

I have a T-mobile Galaxy S4, SGH-M919 running android 4.2.2 and want to upgrade to android 4.3. Okay my question is can I remove knox from the update before updating? I HATE KNOX. I saw where over at s4 mini archive they showed a way that they say it can be removed. Any ideas? Anyone tried this? Any other ways to remove??? Any help would be great. I am sorry if this has been posted or asked before, I have not seen it. http://www.s4miniarchive.com/2013/12/how-to-remove-knox-bootloader-from-new.html
Just use this. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2544612 and install a custom rom. Any reason why you want 4.3? You can install 4.4.4 which just came out. Remember to just flash modem only and not the lte modem or you will break sound. If you want to stay completely stock and not have Knox there is no way.
+1 on custom rom. Something like this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2876946
Sorry been a little busy. I'm currently using the MDL bootloader, no knox. I hear there is performance and feature advantage to updating to a newer bootloader. The reason I am looking at 4.3 is that some people have stated that you can remove knox from the bootloader in 4.3. The people stated that they have been able to do this to the S4 mini's 4.3 bootloader. I have looked at the links you two have given me, thank you. What bootloaders are you two using? Also have you seen this as this is what got me thinking. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2549357
Bootloader has nothing directly to do with performance. Be careful what you read.
lalec said:
Bootloader has nothing directly to do with performance. Be careful what you read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. But I would prefer to be 100% knox free. So not just a knox free rom, but the bootloader as well. Staying on android 4.2.2 will do that but at the same time I would like to upgrade to a newer android version. I have seen some nice custom roms with nice performance, but they are 4.3 and newer. And this is why I am looking.
Jamessr79 said:
True. But I would prefer to be 100% knox free. So not just a knox free rom, but the bootloader as well. Staying on android 4.2.2 will do that but at the same time I would like to upgrade to a newer android version. I have seen some nice custom roms with nice performance, but they are 4.3 and newer. And this is why I am looking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can keep MDL boot loader, and flash 4.3, 4.4.2, or 4.4.4 ROMs no problem. I've got an M919 with MDL boot loader and am currently running Dirty Unicorns (4.4.4-based) ROM.
I've got all the benefit of the latest version of Android (plus many customizations!) and no Knox.
The only think that you can't do on the MDL boot loader is run a newer LTE modem... the LTE modem (non-hlos.bin) is tied to the boot loader. However the GSM modem (modem.bin) is not, so you can update that part of it. It's something to keep in mind, but the LTE modem in MDL is fine and works for me quite well even in marginal signal areas.
Marc
Frankenscript said:
You can keep MDL boot loader, and flash 4.3, 4.4.2, or 4.4.4 ROMs no problem. I've got an M919 with MDL boot loader and am currently running Dirty Unicorns (4.4.4-based) ROM.
I've got all the benefit of the latest version of Android (plus many customizations!) and no Knox.
The only think that you can't do on the MDL boot loader is run a newer LTE modem... the LTE modem (non-hlos.bin) is tied to the boot loader. However the GSM modem (modem.bin) is not, so you can update that part of it. It's something to keep in mind, but the LTE modem in MDL is fine and works for me quite well even in marginal signal areas.
Marc
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Thank you for the info. Are you on an AOSP 4.4.4 ROM (Dirty Unicorns)? I'm on the MDL bootloader looking to install a TW 4.4.4 ROM.
HKSpeed said:
Thank you for the info. Are you on an AOSP 4.4.4 ROM (Dirty Unicorns)? I'm on the MDL bootloader looking to install a TW 4.4.4 ROM.
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Click to collapse
A stock firmware? If it contains the bootloader, it will automatically replace your existing one.
tetakpatalked from Nexus 7 flo
HKSpeed said:
Thank you for the info. Are you on an AOSP 4.4.4 ROM (Dirty Unicorns)? I'm on the MDL bootloader looking to install a TW 4.4.4 ROM.
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Yes, it's based off AOSP. See the Samsung home page for Dirty Unicorns here. Also the G+ Community for it.
If you are looking for a TW ROM, I had a great experience with GoldenEye v. 38 over the summer. Very stable, and everything worked, even on my ATT version S4 I337 using SafeStrap. I got sick of SafeStrap limitations and eventually bought a M919 so I could do anything I wanted ROM wise... but GoldenEye was very nice. Debloated, very stable, felt good.
Being very satisfied with my current version of Dirty Unicorns, I'll probably not change any time soon, thought I've been tempted to install SlimKat and build up the features I want. I use SlimKat on a tablet, and like it's very light footprint. Quite zippy.
Marc
tetakpatak said:
A stock firmware? If it contains the bootloader, it will automatically replace your existing one.
tetakpatalked from Nexus 7 flo
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Just something to remember: Bootloaders (all the bad KNOX junk) CANNOT be flashed via custom recovery. So if you are flashing a stock ROM (firmware?) via custom recovery you will NOT get KNOX. If, however you decide to flash a ROM/firmware via Odin chances are very good that you will be getting a new bootloader and all the KNOX garbage it brings.
TLR
If you flash via recovery you won't get KNOX, if you flash via Odin you probably will.
Modems must also be flashed in Odin, but as far as KNOX goes, it's the bootloader you don't want.
Okay, does this mean I have knox or do not have knox.
Jamessr79 said:
Okay, does this mean I have knox or do not have knox.
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It seems to me like you're still knox-free
tetakpatalked from Nexus 7 flo
Jamessr79 said:
Okay, does this mean I have knox or do not have knox.
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Yup.
No Knox there.
You would see a Knox warranty line in that bootloader screen if you had it.
Cool, so it worked.
question
lordcheeto03 said:
Just something to remember: Bootloaders (all the bad KNOX junk) CANNOT be flashed via custom recovery. So if you are flashing a stock ROM (firmware?) via custom recovery you will NOT get KNOX. If, however you decide to flash a ROM/firmware via Odin chances are very good that you will be getting a new bootloader and all the KNOX garbage it brings.
TLR
If you flash via recovery you won't get KNOX, if you flash via Odin you probably will.
Modems must also be flashed in Odin, but as far as KNOX goes, it's the bootloader you don't want.
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Click to collapse
So what you are saying is if I flash a stock zip via custom recover no KNOX? Has this been tested? I removed knox on 4.3 but got crazy and tried 4.4.4 now random restarts.
Jamessr79 said:
So what you are saying is if I flash a stock zip via custom recover no KNOX? Has this been tested? I removed knox on 4.3 but got crazy and tried 4.4.4 now random restarts.
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Yes, what I'm saying has been tested and confirmed 100%. There is no way to flash a KNOX-implemented bootloader (or ANY bootloader for that matter) via custom recovery. You seem to have the misconception that the KNOX apps within the ROM is what all the KNOX talk is about. If anything, it's only a small part. Now, I'm not absolutely certain of how this works as I've only followed the technical posts in the Development only forum regarding this for the first 10 or so pages, so if I say something that isn't exactly accurate, please forgive me. The basic gist is that when you hear about KNOX and why it's not necessarily wanted in the updated firmwares isn't because of a few user-removable apps; it's something at the hardware level that, when during the boot up tests and checks, it notices that there is a custom kernel or custom recovery in place instead of the expected stock kernel/recovery, it blows an e-fuse and forever after tells anyone who looks at the download mode that the device has been modified at one point or another.
About the random restarts, without knowing whether you updated from 4.3 to 4.4.4 via custom recovery or other official means, all I can say is to try a factory reset and/or use Odin to re-flash the firmware and do a factory reset after that.
lordcheeto03 said:
Yes, what I'm saying has been tested and confirmed 100%. There is no way to flash a KNOX-implemented bootloader (or ANY bootloader for that matter) via custom recovery. You seem to have the misconception that the KNOX apps within the ROM is what all the KNOX talk is about. If anything, it's only a small part. Now, I'm not absolutely certain of how this works as I've only followed the technical posts in the Development only forum regarding this for the first 10 or so pages, so if I say something that isn't exactly accurate, please forgive me. The basic gist is that when you hear about KNOX and why it's not necessarily wanted in the updated firmwares isn't because of a few user-removable apps; it's something at the hardware level that, when during the boot up tests and checks, it notices that there is a custom kernel or custom recovery in place instead of the expected stock kernel/recovery, it blows an e-fuse and forever after tells anyone who looks at the download mode that the device has been modified at one point or another.
About the random restarts, without knowing whether you updated from 4.3 to 4.4.4 via custom recovery or other official means, all I can say is to try a factory reset and/or use Odin to re-flash the firmware and do a factory reset after that.
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Okay, I misunderstood on what you said could be flashed, but will have to take a look. Could you please point me in the right direction for that forum. As far as the misconception goes I do know that KNOX is in the bootloader. I also know that KNOX app/software is found in the rom as well. As for KNOX being in the rom Titanium Backup helps to remove most of it. Or I can just installing a custom rom that has it removed. The main reason that I had started this forum was to remove the KNOX from the bootloader. The reason I pointed to http://www.s4miniarchive.com/2013/12/how-to-remove-knox-bootloader-from-new.html in the first post is because they stated it could be done. After doing some other looking around and talking to others I tried it. Seems like it works on android 4.3, but 4.4.2 and 4.4.4. when I try to do the same it is not happy. I updated via Odin. The first time was 4.2 to 4.3 after modding the bootloader and not the rom. It works fine no KNOX lines in download mode. Still KNOX in the rom but uninstalled using Titanium Backup. Currently I am running android 4.3 on my Galaxy S4 no issues and as far as I can tell no KNOX.
Jamessr79 said:
Okay, I misunderstood on what you said could be flashed, but will have to take a look. Could you please point me in the right direction for that forum. As far as the misconception goes I do know that KNOX is in the bootloader. I also know that KNOX app/software is found in the rom as well. As for KNOX being in the rom Titanium Backup helps to remove most of it. Or I can just installing a custom rom that has it removed. The main reason that I had started this forum was to remove the KNOX from the bootloader. The reason I pointed to http://www.s4miniarchive.com/2013/12/how-to-remove-knox-bootloader-from-new.html in the first post is because they stated it could be done. After doing some other looking around and talking to others I tried it. Seems like it works on android 4.3, but 4.4.2 and 4.4.4. when I try to do the same it is not happy. I updated via Odin. The first time was 4.2 to 4.3 after modding the bootloader and not the rom. It works fine no KNOX lines in download mode. Still KNOX in the rom but uninstalled using Titanium Backup. Currently I am running android 4.3 on my Galaxy S4 no issues and as far as I can tell no KNOX.
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Wait.... your on 4.3 or 4.2 and have been able to unlock the bootloader on them?? Everything you said above is exactly what I have seen and heard also with the addition that the signatures not matching verification checks are what is blowing the q fuse or what Knox and the Samsung / att security freak out about right?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
I was on 4.2 and downloaded the stock 4.3 to my Linux pc. I then did what was stated on the s4 mini forums and was able to remove Knox from the bootloader, then the rom via titanium backup. Note as far as I know you can't remove Knox once it is already there.

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