Hello,
I'm having a lot of difficulty getting my Note II (SGH T889V) in working order . I'll try to explain the situation in an organized way. Thank you for your time and kind help!
Background
I have a Note 2 from Wind Mobile in Canada - SGH T889V. I got it 2.5 months ago. It was rooted, was running TWRP and I only loaded one ROM, flashed once, on it - 4.1.2 modified touchwiz ROM. Never once had an issue. The ROM was super stable and in great working order.
I got it unlocked about 2 weeks ago because I was visiting the states. When I got to the states, I put in a T-Mobile sim card which was working great for a few days. One afternoon during my vacation I was having slow data issues, so I thought to change the modem/radio from a Wind Mobile radio to a T-Mobile radio. That gave me 4G data speeds but killed my calls. So I tried to go back to the Wind Radio and that had my phone complaining that there was no SIM card. I went back to the T-Mobile radio and I got calling back but only 2G data.
My IMEI was corrupted - it showed up as zero. I left the T-Mobile radio on the phone when I got back. My home network wouldn't recognize me and thought I was still roaming.
Attempted Fixes
Tried a basic factory reset. Tried a different ROM. Tried wiping all internal data.
I got home and tried to flash to stock ROMs found on XDA for Wind Mobile phones. That didn't solve the issue. The IMEI remained null. The phone would reboot automatically every few minutes unless I turned Airplane Mode on. I figure the phone was looking for a signal and couldn't because of the IMEI problem.
So I looked around on the net and found a link about injecting the IMEI back using QPST (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1206275) but I couldn't get the program to detect my phone so I gave up and thought I could just get my binary count to 0 and stock and I'll just take it back for warranty.
I tried Triangle Away but I couldn't get the counter to go to 0 even with stock ROM and recovery. So I thought I would take it to a cell repair shop locally. I took it there and all they did was cause an issue on the phone to make it appear that KIES firmware upgrade failed so that it would be repaired under warranty. You would see a emergency firmware upgrade error the minute you turned the phone on. However, download mode still showed the custom binary count at 1, they didn't get it down to 0.
I spoke with my carrier and with Samsung anonymously, they said the counter would be an issue if I sent it in.
I came back home and tried doing the following, with the hopes of trying Triangle Away again:
1. Installed TWRP via ODIN and ran the restore on the backup I created in TWRP when I first got the phone. I restored everything including EFS. Phone boots to the stock samsung rom but it would restart automatically every few minutes. Even with Airplane mode on, it would still reboot on it's own.
The KIES error message doesn't appear anymore.
2. Went back to ODIN. It was getting stuck on SYSTEM in ODIN version 3.07 when flashing a stock rom. So I switched the USB port on my computer and used ODIN 3.04 then the flashes went through properly with no hang ups.
So I tried to flash a prerooted (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1975560&highlight=wind) stock ROM
and
also a basic stock ROM (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2061031), along with a stock recovery
Both just get stuck in a bootloop. I tried going to the stock recovery and wiping data, cache, factory reset several times. No luck - still boot loops. Wont go into the ROM.
I did not try "Re-partition" in ODIN. I'm not sure if that'll hard brick the device but maybe that way I can repair all of the partitions? - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=860432&page=2
__________
Im hoping to get back into a prerooted ROM or stock ROM to try this Triangle Away Method - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2272966 to get the custom binary down to zero.
I tried to use the Triangle Away ODIN method but it doesnt go through in ODIN, it just gets stuck.
If I can get into the ROM without it boot looping or rebooting automatically- I think I can fix my IMEI like this person did - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2145967
Outcomes Im hoping for
To stop the bootlooping/ automatic reboots, then
1. To get the custom Binary count to 0 so I can send it back in for warranty to Samsung or my carrier, Wind Mobile. The binary says Samsung Official. - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2068156
or
2. To get the phone to working order so I can try this persons method - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2145967
The phone is still responding and it's still working with ODIN. It makes me think the issue is software or partition related and not hardware related per se. If it is hardware, I just want to get this phone back to Samsung but I need to unroot/clear the binary counter.
The phone has never been dropped or damaged physically. I've really babied the phone. This is my third Samsung Galaxy phone (I've had a Vibrant and S2x before this one.)
This has really ruined my week. I need my phone for work. I greatly appreciate any kind help or guidance. I know the collective genius here at XDA will be able to find a solution.
Thank you so much!
If you have flashed the tmobile modem you will now have to keep the tmobile one in order to get your phone to boot. Flashing a t889v modem will cause loops. Dont know of any way to get back to t889v modems.
Hey, don't worry, you aren't the first to experience this problem. Many users have reported that the T889V will bootloop with the T889V modem after flashing another modem. Many have also restored IMEI and service to their phones, so there is a solution. I don't have the specifics, but there are many threads about this problem with solutions. I have quickly searched for one and I believe it has everything you need to fix it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2119074&page=3
Byangmang said:
Hey, don't worry, you aren't the first to experience this problem. Many users have reported that the T889V will bootloop with the T889V modem after flashing another modem. Many have also restored IMEI and service to their phones, so there is a solution. I don't have the specifics, but there are many threads about this problem with solutions. I have quickly searched for one and I believe it has everything you need to fix it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2119074&page=3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I'm going to give that a shot. I'll install CWM then install a T889 TMobile Radio to see if it boots.
I'll report back. Fingers crossed.
I had same issue... this is how I fixed it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2274843
sniperess said:
I had same issue... this is how I fixed it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2274843
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you all!
I got the boot loops to stop by flashing CWM recovery, then flashing a TMobile Radio.
From there, I followed the QPST instructions of installing a QCN file on the phone to reenable the AWS spectrum. Then I used the IMEI creator and NV Writer programs and I was back.
Data seems alright, getting alright speeds on Wind right now. I just found my bluetooth a little hard to hear in the car this morning.
So with this process, I should stick with a Tmobile radio from now on right? If I flash a Wind/ T889V modem it'll boot loop?
Have you guys noticed any signal or performance issues after restoring the phone this way? I'm wondering if it's worth the trouble to get the custom binary counter to clear and return this phone for warranty. Seems to be working for the most part so far.
Thank you so much again! I thought I was going to have to pay $100 to get it JTAGed.
Glad to here your back and running.
I have a t889v using it on telus, and since I am stuck on tmobile modem I get lower phone signal but never loose signal. On a plus I now get lte speeds.
First day back it seems good for the most part.
Only issue I had was Bluetooth in my car would cut out at a high rate of speed (when I was on the highway). It worked really well while I was on local roads but once I hit the highway I couldn't hear the other side at all pretty much. I had to put them on speaker to hear them. They could hear me really well, better than before when I was driving on local roads.
Never occurred in the past. Could it be a radio issue? Signal seemed okay and I was able to continue the conversation over the phone speaker on the highway.
lilroach said:
First day back it seems good for the most part.
Only issue I had was Bluetooth in my car would cut out at a high rate of speed (when I was on the highway). It worked really well while I was on local roads but once I hit the highway I couldn't hear the other side at all pretty much. I had to put them on speaker to hear them. They could hear me really well, better than before when I was driving on local roads.
Never occurred in the past. Could it be a radio issue? Signal seemed okay and I was able to continue the conversation over the phone speaker on the highway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bluetooth issue doesn't seem to be a problem anymore. Disappeared on it's own.
lilroach said:
The bluetooth issue doesn't seem to be a problem anymore. Disappeared on it's own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed I have serious data issues when the network goes into HSPA+ mode. I get really good data for a minute then it'll cut out totally for like an hour. I tried rebooting, tried battery pulling. It seems the T-Mobile radio doesn't interface well with Wind's HSPA+ . I had full bars but the internet wouldn't load. It was pretty non-functional for most of the day.
It works decently when it's not on HSPA+
Tried switching to a Wind modem, went into boot loops. Went back to T-Mobile radio. Should I try a different T-Mobile radio?
how to fix your T889v if you accidentally overwrite the radio
If you get stuck with no IMEI, in my case, flashed omnirom 4.4.1 t0ltetmo, which uses Tmobile radio... it killed the Wind Mobile radio... restoring form nandroid did not help.
solution:
flash omnirom t0lte (not t0ltetmo) and your problems are gone!
lilroach said:
I noticed I have serious data issues when the network goes into HSPA+ mode. I get really good data for a minute then it'll cut out totally for like an hour. I tried rebooting, tried battery pulling. It seems the T-Mobile radio doesn't interface well with Wind's HSPA+ . I had full bars but the internet wouldn't load. It was pretty non-functional for most of the day.
It works decently when it's not on HSPA+
Tried switching to a Wind modem, went into boot loops. Went back to T-Mobile radio. Should I try a different T-Mobile radio?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After searching for several days I was finally able to get my AT&T Samsung Galaxy S3 off of Edge and back to 3/4g LTE. I did a combination of several fixes, and this has worked great for me. I wanted to share with others who may be stuck on Edge and have not had success with other solutions. Can others stuck on Edge please try this fix that I did, and post back their result.
Here is what I did. I followed what was posted HEREl. After doing that I used EFS Professional, selected restore, and then checked off "Repair Unknown Baseband / No Signal" and clicked on Format EFS. I then followed THISl youtube video and restored my original IMEI.
I did this fix three days ago, and I have since restarted my phone several times, did a battery pull, and even a factory reset, and I still am receiving 3/4G / LTE on my AT&T Galaxy S3.
Please let me know what happens for anyone else who tries this. Also, please be sure to do a backup of your NV data, just in case this does not work the same for everyone.
I can't seem to fix my signal after flashing a ROM anymore. only get 1x which is only better than no signal at all. At one time in the earlier releases of M.O.A.R I was getting LTE and 3G with no problems then later releases I've lost both. I unrooted and went back to stock and my 3G was back and rooted again, went back to MOAR and still no 3G. So now I'm on beenstalk and still cant get a signal. I love both of these ROMS hands down and would like to fix this issue without experimenting with every ROM in the forum. Has anyone else had this issue? I've resetted radios flashed different modems (except MK3) and I still end up with bad network. I need help
Open the dialpad, and then ##72786# . The Device will reboot a few times. Just let it do it's thing. It will go through the Handsfree Activation Process. This will reset your Data.
i Brought this phone 10 days back(E988 India) , everything was working fine.
I rooted my phone .
Next day In the morning i saw 2g signals were there but Edge/internet wasnt working
So i selected WCDMA , now the 3g signals were coming and internet is working ever since
BUT when i am trying to come back to 2G by selecting GSM I am getting no signals ?:crying:
I tried other sim cards 2g for them is also not working on my phone suddenly.
I tried Factory reset thrice , didnt work , I trid unrooting and then reset , Still no solution , What to do ? I am able to get 3G signals but not 2G which is very strange. HELP !!
guys someone please help , i am not able to recive 2G signals at all while i am able to get 3G signals , flashing stock roms again and again isnt helping
prabhjitsinghwalia said:
guys someone please help , i am not able to recive 2G signals at all while i am able to get 3G signals , flashing stock roms again and again isnt helping
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried a hard reset? It sounds like a firmware issue with your baseband if you are noticing a change in your signals. It could be that flashing back to a stock rom is not reverting it. I'm not sure if this would work but you could try doing an "LG" hard reset. This supposedly will reset the entire phones contents and erase everything on the phone. There are instructions for this direct from LG for your phone.
http://www.lg.com/in/support/product-help/CT20150017-CT20150018-1377947871832
I'm not 100% on any of this so please take it with a grain of salt. I'm going based off experience with my LG980.
Good luck don't brick your phone
mattverg89 said:
Have you tried a hard reset? It sounds like a firmware issue with your baseband if you are noticing a change in your signals. It could be that flashing back to a stock rom is not reverting it. I'm not sure if this would work but you could try doing an "LG" hard reset. This supposedly will reset the entire phones contents and erase everything on the phone. There are instructions for this direct from LG for your phone.
http://www.lg.com/in/support/product-help/CT20150017-CT20150018-1377947871832
I'm not 100% on any of this so please take it with a grain of salt. I'm going based off experience with my LG980.
Good luck don't brick your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hard Reset Doesn't Help My Friend , I have done that.
Now i am thinking of flashing a new BB , I could find E98810a BB , is there any newer one for India?
Can i flash any E988 BB be it from HK or India?
So about 6 months ago, I decided to finally try out some custom roms on my t999 after running stock for over a year. I tried a couple of roms and stuck with cm11. Every thing was great until about 3 weeks ago. Out of nowhere, my phone randomly decides to drop connection to tmo towers. Sometimes i have bars and 4g symbol and sometimes i don't have anything. When I pull the battery and restart, I am able to connect to data, make calls, and send messages for a few minutes, but then i lose everything. Randomly throughout the day, I will get signal back for a few minutes but thats it. I flashed a touchwiz rom for now so I can use wifi calling, So that still works.
So I tried to flash a different baseband modem from DocHoliday77 and none of them worked. I also tried going back to stock following DocHoliday77s guide once again, but for some reason that does not work. I launch odin3.07, put my stock firmware in the pda section, make sure only auto reboot and F reset time are checked. I connect my phone in download mode, it is detected and i start the process. The phone restarts but gets stuck at the samsung logo screen. I have tried flashing different roms and none work.
I dont think its an imei problem because I got the phone direct form tmo with a contract.
Does anyone know what I might be doing wrong? ANY help would be greatly appreciated.
Did you factory reset after you flashed the firmware in Odin? That's the only way it will boot coming from cm.. You may just need a new sim if flashing to stock won't fix it.. And BTW T-Mobile doesn't do contracts