I figure instead of pulling my hair out for three days wading through various methods and likely brick, I'd swallow my pride and ask.
Here's where I'm at: I rooted and flashed Carbon rom way back when, everything was working alright, but with time, things are slowly starting to come apart. Yesterday, it's come to the point it can't be ignored. My nightly is ridiculously out of date, but I just haven't wanted to mess with it anymore. I'm about ready to get a new phone and I want everything back to fresh stock to give to a family member. I don't know where to start and what instructions are applicable or out of date. Model: I747, Android version: 4.4.2
I think I'm done experimenting with the rooting business, it's been a ride. If I could get some clear instructions on getting this phone back to stock, I'd be eternally grateful.
Help me xda community, you're my only hope.
What bootloader is on your phone? This is important to know before trying to get back to a stock ATT ROM.
audit13 said:
What bootloader is on your phone? This is important to know before trying to get back to a stock ATT ROM.
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Hey there, thanks for replying! Bootloader says I747UCUEMJB.
Since you are on an mjb bootloader, that means you had the ATT stock 4.3 ROM on the phone.
Unfortunately, ATT never realased a stock 4.3 ROM or 4.4.2 ROM. These were only available via OTA.
There was a thread where a stock mjb ROM was compiled for flashing in Odin, but for some members, the flash resulted in a bricked phone.
I had a feeling that might be the case. What are my options here?
I would install a custom recovery and flash a custom rom. There are custom ROMs based on stock Samsung ROMs.
audit13 said:
I would install a custom recovery and flash a custom rom. There are custom ROMs based on stock Samsung ROMs.
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Click to collapse
This is the way to go. Since you most likely already have a custom recovery (assumed since you are running Carbon but verify first though), then it is just a matter of getting a new ROM. There are several custom TW ROMs based on 4.3 MJB. If you really want KK, you can flash the NE4 bootloader and modem along with a custom NE4 TW KK ROM. Please keep in mind that with both MJB and NE4 (KK) if you try to revert bootloaders, you will brick.
I am personally running S3RX 4.3 and have few to no issues other than what most people experience on stock anyway. Just have not had the time to move forward to KK as of yet.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747
Okay, so the bootloader is 4.3, but the Android version in settings says 4.4.2, how does that fit together? Just trying to understand what all this works.
Recovery is currently ClockworkMod. Since I'm planning on giving it to family, I'd like something that is as stable as possible, nothing fancy needed. What ROM would fulfill those needs?
aablee said:
Okay, so the bootloader is 4.3, but the Android version in settings says 4.4.2, how does that fit together? Just trying to understand what all this works.
Recovery is currently ClockworkMod. Since I'm planning on giving it to family, I'd like something that is as stable as possible, nothing fancy needed. What ROM would fulfill those needs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you are running a custom KK ROM in order to be using the 4.3 bootloader. A stock KK ATT ROM will not run on a 4.3 bootloader.
Before flashing to a custom KK ROM, make sure you are running the latest CWM. Carbon is a good ROM and should have reached a milestone build.
aablee said:
Okay, so the bootloader is 4.3, but the Android version in settings says 4.4.2, how does that fit together? Just trying to understand what all this works.
Recovery is currently ClockworkMod. Since I'm planning on giving it to family, I'd like something that is as stable as possible, nothing fancy needed. What ROM would fulfill those needs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
audit13 said:
Sounds like you are running a custom KK ROM in order to be using the 4.3 bootloader. A stock KK ATT ROM will not run on a 4.3 bootloader.
Before flashing to a custom KK ROM, make sure you are running the latest CWM. Carbon is a good ROM and should have reached a milestone build.
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Click to collapse
You are running the official 4.3 bootloader but an AOSP custom ROM. In the case of AOSP ROMs you can typically do this. As mention by audit13, if it was a custom ROM based off TW AT&T stock, you would only be able to run a modified TW 4.3 ROM.
Related
So a couple of days ago I got a GS3 running the OTA stock 4.3. I wasn't sure if I wanted to use it because I find Touch Wiz kind of clunky. So I decided I would try out Cyanogenmod. I installed it via their new handy installer (as the sprint GS3 is one of the compatible devices). All went well and I got Cyanogenmod 10.2 running smoothly. Now I want to activate the device, but apparently you can't activate a rooted device on sprint. So now i need to get it back to stock 4.3 and I can only seem to find solutions to his problem for devices that have not gotten the 4.3 OTA update and are still running 4.1.2. On the Cyanogenmod installer guide says:
You may perform a full backup from recovery, after flashing recovery (you will have to do this manually, at the moment) and then copy it off the device, if you don't have an external sdcard. If you've already run the installer, you will have to find stock images and flash them using fastboot or Odin.
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My problem Is I can't locate any stock 4.3 images with which to try this. If I can get my hands on a stock 4.3 image, would the process be just going into the bootloader and using Odin to flash the 4.3 image?
Can anyone help me out?
You only need to be on a stock tw rom, even if you are rooted it should activate. There are a couple in the development section.
metalfan78 said:
You only need to be on a stock tw rom, even if you are rooted it should activate. There are a couple in the development section.
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I see, do you know of any any good 4.3 based tw roms? All the ones I'm finding are based on 4.1. Also, do I need to do anything special to flash from Cyanogenmod 10.2 to a touchwiz rom (as Cyanogenmod is AOSP)? I already have ClockworkMod recovery installed.
Nothing special, flash like anything else
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2541900
[STOCK ROM] Stock 4.3 MK3 ROM [ROOTED/UNROOTED]
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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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?
Click to expand...
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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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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
I have a quick question. I am on a stock rooted 4.1.1 att sgs3. I was curious if i flashed this rom/kernal,[ROM/KERNEL][4.4.2] Quantum 3.54 & QuantumKernel 3/7, would i be able to go back to my stock rooted rom if I wanted to? Thanks in advance.
Looks like you are trying to flash a custom ROM. Don't know much about these particular ROMs you mentioned but you need to your research thoroughly on custom ROMs before flashing. You may know most Custom ROMs don't come with their own bootloaders but still have to rely on a manufacturer's bootloader to run. You should, therefore, avoid any ROM that may update your bootloader because this is the only way that you would not be able to return to your previous stock version. If the ROM simply updates the system without mucking with your bootloader, there is no reason why you may not be able to return to stock.
I had an AT&T SG3 on stock 4.1.1 and I was able to flash KitKat (4.4) based CM11 and return to stock 4.1.1 without any hitches. Finally, whilst you are still on stock 4.1.1 I would suggest you take advantage of all the flexibilities offered by this Android version especially free unlocking before you begin tinkering with firmware.
So as long as I dont update my bootloader, I should be fine on going back to stock rooted 4.1.1? Thanks for the info!!
So how do i know what roms dont mess with the bootloader?
Most ROMS do not include an aboot file. I have flashed CM11, Validus, Slim, and Cyanfox and none of these altered the bootloader.
I suggest that you find a ROM you like, unzip the file, and look at the updater script to determine which bootloaders are required to install the ROM on your phone.
Ok guys, thanks for the tips. I just didn't want to get stuck on a firmware where i could not have root anymore or go back to a stock rooted rom.
Hey guys. This may have been asked already but i am coming from verizons gs4. and over there you can oly get custom recovery if youre on mdk bootloader.
I just bought this phone for my brother and it came with 4.12 (MG2)
I see everywhere that people were able to get 4.3. i tried updating through phone and through kies and says its up to date. so now my question i guess is what bootloader do i need to be on or what 4.x.x do i need to be on in order to root and get custom recovery to flash custom roms?
any help will be greatly appreciated.
I recommend not updating to stock 4.3 ROM as this will install Knox and you will have a non-downgradeable bootloader. You can use Odin to flash Philz Touch which is based on CWM. From there, you can flash custom ROMs.
Some ROMs require a 4.3 bootloader, but these would tend to be based on the stock Samsung ROM. I am running the latest Validus 4.4.2 on a stock Bell 4.1.2 bootloader without a problem.
audit13 said:
I recommend not updating to stock 4.3 ROM as this will install Knox and you will have a non-downgradeable bootloader. You can use Odin to flash Philz Touch which is based on CWM. From there, you can flash custom ROMs.
Some ROMs require a 4.3 bootloader, but these would tend to be based on the stock Samsung ROM. I am running the latest Validus 4.4.2 on a stock Bell 4.1.2 bootloader without a problem.
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Oh ok. Well I just succesfully rotted and installed latest touch cwm.
so if I stay on 4.1.2 I can basically flash any kitkat roms? Because I dont want to install a tw rom.
So another question what are some good 4.4 kk roms? As in stable for daily use that I could flash
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Most kitkat ROMs will work with a 4.1.2 bootloader based on my experience.
I like the Ground Zero ROMs and use them on the s3, Moto Atrix HD, and Nexus 4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2550340
Okay, so my phone is currently running 4.4.2 Cyanogenmod right now, I had to find out the hard way that I cant jump back to 4.3 due to the bootloader but will it be possible to install the stock 4.4.2 safely once its released? Or is there a way to go back down to 4.3 that I'm missing..
Shiro_Yuki said:
Okay, so my phone is currently running 4.4.2 Cyanogenmod right now, I had to find out the hard way that I cant jump back to 4.3 due to the bootloader but will it be possible to install the stock 4.4.2 safely once its released? Or is there a way to go back down to 4.3 that I'm missing..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know how you got the impression you can't go back to 4.3 from Kit-Kat based CM. CM, like most stock ROMs, doesn't come with its own bootloaders but relies on manufacturer's bootloader to run. If you went to CM from stock 4.3, chances are your bootloader was unaffected and still remains at 4.3. You can check what bootloader your phone is on by going to settings and seeing what you have under baseband. If it's UCUEMJB then you have the 4.3 (MJB) bootloader and you should be able to use custom recovery to flash a stock 4.3 restore image.
If history is anything to go by, you would be unlikely to get the (newly released) 4.4.2 update OTA if you are not on a full stock (or stock-based) ROM. I would, however, not be in a rush for OTA as we can always trust the good guys in the development community to come up with a manual update process shortly. If you still want to revert to full stock 4.3, then you can follow the instructions in the thread below ...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2658486
Your right!
Used the process you gave me and it worked, I had been trying to use odin but I supose a simpler solution was better. Thanks again!
I just switched from stable CM10.1 to stock 4.4.2 this week. It sucks. Performance and battery dropped drastically. Will be going back to CFW asap.