Develop Bugs

Galaxy S4 M919 need some advice/help.

Hey guys! This might sound noobish, but i really never flashed, rooted, or anything on a droid/etc before. So atm I bought a galaxy s4 for my dad, and tried unlocking this stupid phone, but unlocking thru the dialer didnt work(couldnt even get *#27663368378# to work, when using *#0011#, still couldnt do anything.) All i know about it, is that it recognizes the European sim card, but the simple mobile(usa) sim card doesnt recognize, can't make calls, etc, as when you try to make a call it says "cant register to network" or w.e. So i was wondering what should I do? Do i need to flash the modem? rom? Root it? I want it to be able to work in global, in usa and euro.
On another note, I got my other phone that's on ver 4.2.2. Should i try upgrading my modem/baseband from mdl to nb4? Anything new with the new modem or anything i should update? Since i cant update OTA anymore on my 4.2.2. lol. Any suggestions would be awesome Tell me from your point of you, is it better to stay at 4.2.2? or just get the 4.4.2, and should i root my phone? Any vernabilities/security problems if done?
I found this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2780006
Samsung Galaxy S4 M919 T-mobile
ROM: M919UVUFNB4
4.4.2 kitkat

Den Den said:
Hey guys! This might sound noobish, but i really never flashed, rooted, or anything on a droid/etc before. So atm I bought a galaxy s4 for my dad, and tried unlocking this stupid phone, but unlocking thru the dialer didnt work(couldnt even get *#27663368378# to work, when using *#0011#, still couldnt do anything.) All i know about it, is that it recognizes the European sim card, but the simple mobile(usa) sim card doesnt recognize, can't make calls, etc, as when you try to make a call it says "cant register to network" or w.e. So i was wondering what should I do? Do i need to flash the modem? rom? Root it? I want it to be able to work in global, in usa and euro.
On another note, I got my other phone that's on ver 4.2.2. Should i try upgrading my modem/baseband from mdl to nb4? Anything new with the new modem or anything i should update? Since i cant update OTA anymore on my 4.2.2. lol. Any suggestions would be awesome Tell me from your point of you, is it better to stay at 4.2.2? or just get the 4.4.2, and should i root my phone? Any vernabilities/security problems if done?
I found this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2780006
Samsung Galaxy S4 M919 T-mobile
ROM: M919UVUFNB4
4.4.2 kitkat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To unlock your dad's phone the guide you linked to should do what you need done.
As far as your phone still on MDL, you should be able to use the old method through the service menu to unlock if that's what you wanted to do. You can update your modem/baseband if you desire, although if you're staying on stock 4.2.2 TouchWiz there is really no need to. It's only when you flash ROMs based on 4.3 and above that you run into issues using the MDL modem/baseband.

To add to lordcheeto's post, there's a difference between MDL bootloader and the MDL modem. When the S4 was released with Android 4.2 it had an unlocked bootloader (MDL), but with Android 4.3 and 4.4 Samsung included new security software called Knox. Knox doesn't prevent rooting, but if you flash a custom recovery such as CWMR, TWRP, or Philz Touch then a security flag will be irreversibly tripped which voids your warranty. Because this Knox software is tied into the bootloader, developers found a way around it by extracting the modems from 4.3 (MK2) and 4.4 (NB4) firmwares which allows us to keep our MDL bootloader and still use 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 roms. The advantages are that we keep our warranty and we're able to use any 4.2+ rom. We can downgrade and upgrade easily while Knox phones can't.

lordcheeto03 said:
To unlock your dad's phone the guide you linked to should do what you need done.
As far as your phone still on MDL, you should be able to use the old method through the service menu to unlock if that's what you wanted to do. You can update your modem/baseband if you desire, although if you're staying on stock 4.2.2 TouchWiz there is really no need to. It's only when you flash ROMs based on 4.3 and above that you run into issues using the MDL modem/baseband.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should i keep the 4.4.2 kitkat thats not working with my usa sim card atm? Or should i flash it to 4.2.2. ADL? If having 4.2.2 is better doing that guide i put link to above, then give me a good tut on doing it, need to do it today xD THanks in Advance!

HampTheToker said:
To add to lordcheeto's post, there's a difference between MDL bootloader and the MDL modem. When the S4 was released with Android 4.2 it had an unlocked bootloader (MDL), but with Android 4.3 and 4.4 Samsung included new security software called Knox. Knox doesn't prevent rooting, but if you flash a custom recovery such as CWMR, TWRP, or Philz Touch then a security flag will be irreversibly tripped which voids your warranty. Because this Knox software is tied into the bootloader, developers found a way around it by extracting the modems from 4.3 (MK2) and 4.4 (NB4) firmwares which allows us to keep our MDL bootloader and still use 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 roms. The advantages are that we keep our warranty and we're able to use any 4.2+ rom. We can downgrade and upgrade easily while Knox phones can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you suggest? Should i downgrade to 4.2.2.? Or just run with the guide i posted above keeping the 4.4.2. NB4, I just need it to run so i can call, use date, and go to euro and use in usa ofc. Ive been using my 4.2.2. pretty good so far, been almost a year and had no problems with it, should i worry about updating my modem on my 4.2.2.? or anything important, etc? If i should go with 4.2.2., i need to root it eh? If so, point me to the good rooting method and downgrading to 4.2.2. frin 4.4.2 Kitkat(updated OTA). Thanks in Advance!

Den Den said:
What do you suggest? Should i downgrade to 4.2.2.? Or just run with the guide i posted above keeping the 4.4.2. NB4, I just need it to run so i can call, use date, and go to euro and use in usa ofc. Ive been using my 4.2.2. pretty good so far, been almost a year and had no problems with it, should i worry about updating my modem on my 4.2.2.? or anything important, etc? If i should go with 4.2.2., i need to root it eh? If so, point me to the good rooting method and downgrading to 4.2.2. frin 4.4.2 Kitkat(updated OTA). Thanks in Advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the answers given were pretty clear... I'm actually confused about what phone you're asking about, and if there are, in fact, 2 different phones in question... My answer will be a bit lengthy, but I hope that you can put 1 and 2 together and apply the information I am about to type to your particular situation: Also, I'm not trying to be a ****, just concise.
In reference to the S4 that is on 4.4.2 (NB4) firmware: The unlock method which you posted SHOULD enable the device to use different SIM cards and function in "euro" and "usa." That includes making calls and using "date" (data?) as you mentioned. As far as your question on reverting that particular device: There is no way whatsoever to downgrade the firmware on a device running either stock 4.3 (MK2) or stock 4.4.2 (NB4) obtained by flashing via Odin, Kies, or OTA; so that idea can be forgotten about. The unlock method, from what I gather, simply reverts the modem and allows you to use the old unlock method. then returns the modem to NB4. It does not touch the firmware, bootloader, or anything other than the modem/baseband.
For whichever device this applies to: there should be no need to root either to accomplish either goal. If you wish to root, then I can point you in the right direction; otherwise, if you haven't needed it so far and don't foresee needing it in the future, I say don't worry about it.
As for the device running 4.2.2: if you have had no troubles with reception, then there is no need to update your modem/baseband. There are really only 2 times that updating your modem would come in handy. 1: If you are having reception problems, or 2: If you plan on keeping your bootloader at MDL AND using custom ROMs 4.3 and above. The benefit of this scenario is that keeping your bootloader on MDL means that your device does not have the KNOX-implemented bootloader and can easily be reverted to a completely stock state for warranty purposes yet you still get to have the most up-to-date version of Android. If neither of those conditions apply to you, then there is really no real need to update your modem.

Den Den said:
What do you suggest? Should i downgrade to 4.2.2.? Or just run with the guide i posted above keeping the 4.4.2. NB4, I just need it to run so i can call, use date, and go to euro and use in usa ofc. Ive been using my 4.2.2. pretty good so far, been almost a year and had no problems with it, should i worry about updating my modem on my 4.2.2.? or anything important, etc? If i should go with 4.2.2., i need to root it eh? If so, point me to the good rooting method and downgrading to 4.2.2. frin 4.4.2 Kitkat(updated OTA). Thanks in Advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guide you posted should work just fine. Just follow the instructions.
Also, I left out one of the most important parts of having the modems extracted from the 4.3 and 4.4 firmwares. The reason for extracting the modems is so that we can flash them separately from the official firmware which would upgrade us to a Knox bootloader. Using the 4.2 modem with 4.3 and 4.4 roms causes data and sound issues that make the phone pretty much unusable. The same goes for using the 4.3 modem with a 4.4 rom. With the extracted modems we can flash them separately for whatever Android version we're using and have full functionality and retain the MDL bootloader and all it's perks.
If you use a 4.2 rom, you'll need to make sure to flash the MDL modem with it.
For 4.3 roms, you'll need to be on MK2 modem.
4.4 roms require NB4 modem.
As long as you don't update to official 4.3 or 4.4, you'll be able to use any version rom you want according to your preference. Personally, I use 4.4 roms, but it's nice to have the option to go back to 4.2 if I want to. Once you SIM unlock, it should stick between all versions. You should be able to flash any rom that you want without having to worry about going through that process again.

lordcheeto03 said:
I thought the answers given were pretty clear... I'm actually confused about what phone you're asking about, and if there are, in fact, 2 different phones in question... My answer will be a bit lengthy, but I hope that you can put 1 and 2 together and apply the information I am about to type to your particular situation: Also, I'm not trying to be a ****, just concise.
In reference to the S4 that is on 4.4.2 (NB4) firmware: The unlock method which you posted SHOULD enable the device to use different SIM cards and function in "euro" and "usa." That includes making calls and using "date" (data?) as you mentioned. As far as your question on reverting that particular device: There is no way whatsoever to downgrade the firmware on a device running either stock 4.3 (MK2) or stock 4.4.2 (NB4) obtained by flashing via Odin, Kies, or OTA; so that idea can be forgotten about. The unlock method, from what I gather, simply reverts the modem and allows you to use the old unlock method. then returns the modem to NB4. It does not touch the firmware, bootloader, or anything other than the modem/baseband.
For whichever device this applies to: there should be no need to root either to accomplish either goal. If you wish to root, then I can point you in the right direction; otherwise, if you haven't needed it so far and don't foresee needing it in the future, I say don't worry about it.
As for the device running 4.2.2: if you have had no troubles with reception, then there is no need to update your modem/baseband. There are really only 2 times that updating your modem would come in handy. 1: If you are having reception problems, or 2: If you plan on keeping your bootloader at MDL AND using custom ROMs 4.3 and above. The benefit of this scenario is that keeping your bootloader on MDL means that your device does not have the KNOX-implemented bootloader and can easily be reverted to a completely stock state for warranty purposes yet you still get to have the most up-to-date version of Android. If neither of those conditions apply to you, then there is really no real need to update your modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That Makes sense...just trying to grasp info. on everything so it's more clearer ;p and thanks for correcting me, yea it was data lol.

HampTheToker said:
The guide you posted should work just fine. Just follow the instructions.
Also, I left out one of the most important parts of having the modems extracted from the 4.3 and 4.4 firmwares. The reason for extracting the modems is so that we can flash them separately from the official firmware which would upgrade us to a Knox bootloader. Using the 4.2 modem with 4.3 and 4.4 roms causes data and sound issues that make the phone pretty much unusable. The same goes for using the 4.3 modem with a 4.4 rom. With the extracted modems we can flash them separately for whatever Android version we're using and have full functionality and retain the MDL bootloader and all it's perks.
If you use a 4.2 rom, you'll need to make sure to flash the MDL modem with it.
For 4.3 roms, you'll need to be on MK2 modem.
4.4 roms require NB4 modem.
As long as you don't update to official 4.3 or 4.4, you'll be able to use any version rom you want according to your preference. Personally, I use 4.4 roms, but it's nice to have the option to go back to 4.2 if I want to. Once you SIM unlock, it should stick between all versions. You should be able to flash any rom that you want without having to worry about going through that process again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So If i was on 4.3, and it updated to 4.4.2 kitkat, means it went to the official update eh? As "lordcheeto03" said that once u go to 4.3 or 4.4.2 you cant go back to 4.2, the menu options and w.e go updated, the "about me" is now yellow, the top border of the phone is grey, etc. The new security is enforcing, I guess I'll try the guide i found, hope i don't do anything stupid or skip a step(usually doesn't happen) but feels kinda weird doing things the first time.
On another note, if a phone bricks or in a loop, etc can it be solved? So i still have hope if something goes wrong xD
edit: The guide i link that i found, it works for all m919 models? Since i got t-mobile, not sure if all models(tmobile, att, etc) have the same modem, wouldnt want to brick cuz of not flashing the correct file, w.e(disregard this, i forgot i posted in the t-mobile section, man sometimes i feel like an idiot because i dont double check xD)

Den Den said:
So If i was on 4.3, and it updated to 4.4.2 kitkat, means it went to the official update eh? As "lordcheeto03" said that once u go to 4.3 or 4.4.2 you cant go back to 4.2, the menu options and w.e go updated, the "about me" is now yellow, the top border of the phone is grey, etc. The new security is enforcing, I guess I'll try the guide i found, hope i don't do anything stupid or skip a step(usually doesn't happen) but feels kinda weird doing things the first time.
On another note, if a phone bricks or in a loop, etc can it be solved? So i still have hope if something goes wrong xD
edit: The guide i link that i found, it works for all m919 models? Since i got t-mobile, not sure if all models(tmobile, att, etc) have the same modem, wouldnt want to brick cuz of not flashing the correct file, w.e(disregard this, i forgot i posted in the t-mobile section, man sometimes i feel like an idiot because i dont double check xD)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you hit 4.3, you lost your ability to downgrade. You can upgrade, but you can't go back. Rest easy, as long as you can get into download mode, you can recover your device. Bootloop, soft brick, whatever; as long as Power + volume down brings you to download mode everything is still OK. Just read the directions a few times.. get used to the idea of what's going on, double check and make sure you have the right software and files, and jump in. You'll do fine. Even after years of jailbreaking iphones and rooting Droids, I still get nervous whenever I have to fire up Odin; but just remember... many many others (more than have posted in that thread for sure) have done the same thing you're about to do, so as long as you follow the directions you will be fine!

lordcheeto03 said:
Once you hit 4.3, you lost your ability to downgrade. You can upgrade, but you can't go back. Rest easy, as long as you can get into download mode, you can recover your device. Bootloop, soft brick, whatever; as long as Power + volume down brings you to download mode everything is still OK. Just read the directions a few times.. get used to the idea of what's going on, double check and make sure you have the right software and files, and jump in. You'll do fine. Even after years of jailbreaking iphones and rooting Droids, I still get nervous whenever I have to fire up Odin; but just remember... many many others (more than have posted in that thread for sure) have done the same thing you're about to do, so as long as you follow the directions you will be fine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, now I'm all fired up and ready to do this I'll post back here when i'm done and see how it went xD
Edit: Can i ask you a favor? Could you get me the "M919UVUFNB4_M919TMBFNB4_TMB.zip" modem file and "M919UVUAMDL_M919TMBAMDL_TMB.zip", i think that's what the tutorial link i posted is asking for. But the files r huge, 1.6gb, etc, would take me 3hrs+ each for each file to download just to extract the modem =/ If that's the only thing i need.
found these links: http://rapidgator.net/file/59487dc515500a0430ddaddc780fa555/TMB-M919UVUFNB4-20140314115123.zip.html
and : http://terafile.co/32d149264215/M919UVUAMDL_M919TMBAMDL_TMB.zip
Not sure if they are safe to use or not, not everything on the net is...plus they r huge files =/

Den Den said:
Thanks for the reply, now I'm all fired up and ready to do this I'll post back here when i'm done and see how it went xD
Edit: Can i ask you a favor? Could you get me the "M919UVUFNB4_M919TMBFNB4_TMB.zip" modem file and "M919UVUAMDL_M919TMBAMDL_TMB.zip", i think that's what the tutorial link i posted is asking for. But the files r huge, 1.6gb, etc, would take me 3hrs+ each for each file to download just to extract the modem =/ If that's the only thing i need.
found these links: http://rapidgator.net/file/59487dc515500a0430ddaddc780fa555/TMB-M919UVUFNB4-20140314115123.zip.html
and : http://terafile.co/32d149264215/M919UVUAMDL_M919TMBAMDL_TMB.zip
Not sure if they are safe to use or not, not everything on the net is...plus they r huge files =/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These files include modem.bin that is required... I'm not sure why the OP linked to the entire firmware instead of just those links, but anywho...
The NB4 modem can be found in this thread. It's only ~20MB.
The MDL modem is in this thread. It is ~25MB.
Also, quote me instead of just replying to the thread. I'll respond quicker

lordcheeto03 said:
These files include modem.bin that is required... I'm not sure why the OP linked to the entire firmware instead of just those links, but anywho...
The NB4 modem can be found in this thread. It's only ~20MB.
The MDL modem is in this thread. It is ~25MB.
Also, quote me instead of just replying to the thread. I'll respond quicker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashed ADL using odin, somehow got the menu to work(couldnt budge for some reason to umts), went thru all the steps, it rebooted, put it back to download mode, and flashed it back to nb4. Put my simplemobile simcard in, still nothing, am I supposed to put a different sim card in like ATT or something for it to work? Confused why it didnt work, yet it still detects the MTC european version simcard(not in service, but it had a pin set on it, so it always asks you to unlock the sim with the sim pin u put on it to view ur files on it, etc). Am i doing something wrong? I could give you more info on the phone...
Edit: Just checked on Swappa.com of my imei and got this =/
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Nvm, Looks like i think its blocked on Tmobiles network, but i put in the H2O sim and it worked.(under ATT) phew....

[Q] ATT S3 Upgrade to 4.4

I am not very much familiar with all intricacies of Android system but i have played around rooting and putting customer firmwares on few devices.
I have AT&T Galaxy S3 with following detals:
Baseband: I747UCUEMJB
Version: 4.3
I had the device rooted in the past but recently un-rooted it and reset the flash counter as well and did factory reset. Did all that since i wanted to use ISIS and couldn't make it work on a rooted S3. Seems it used to work before till they updated ISIS app to patch it.
Now AT&T got 4.4 update and my phone detects it, downloads it but while installing fails at 32%. I have seen many threads where people faced similar issues due to their phones being rooted. Seems something on my phone didn't reset to default.
I found one post which mentions that i can download UCUEMJB_to_UCUFNE4_Firmware_update.zip and load it to phone using TWRP. As i understand, this will update the baseband but android version still remains at 4.3 (?). Is that the path i should be looking for or i am shooting in wrong direction? I want to stay on default firmware since i like to use ISIS till they keep running those cashback promos
Would appreciate some feedback.

Download MJB firmware (thread in General) and flash with Odin. You can stop there or try the ota again.

DocHoliday77 said:
Download MJB firmware (thread in General) and flash with Odin. You can stop there or try the ota again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
Just to confirm so that i don't mess up, i will apply the following(is modem same as firmware?) and then try OTA.
I747UCUEMJB: modem_CWM_I747UCUEMJB.zip

No. The modem is only one part of the firmware. Firmware includes bootloaders, kernel, system, modem and more.

[Q] A little guidance for a galaxy newbie

Hello,
I just bought my first Galaxy device (had a CDMA LG for a while, and I have a Nexus Tablet), and I am looking at how to get this new phone set up right. I bought my i747 retail, so I was unable to unlock it. However, now I'm struggling with finding the right method for upgrading, rooting, etc. I know nothing about knox or any of these Samsung intricacies. Could someone please give me a little guidance on how to go about getting to the OS and status that I'm looking for? This is what I've done so far:
Came unrooted with 4.1.2 stock rom
Unlocked using legit unlock code
Tried OTA updates, but none were available (must be because of unlock)
Rooted w/ ODIN using 4.1.1 file based of MrRobinson method. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426)
Now I keep getting popups like process. ... .acore,media, etc. stopped.
I'm looking to ideally get a custom recovery (either CWM or TWRP, whichever is better) and either kitkat Touchwiz or possibly kitkat nexus stock (I read somewhere that it was possible). Also, i just bought it, and have the code still, so I don't mind deleting everything if needed. Regardless, I'd like the ability to get it back to pure stock with no flash counter (I have a manufacturer's warranty I want to use if need be).
Could someone please just give me a little guidance? I'm pretty capable with rooting, etc., so you'd only need to lead me to other threads, etc. that will take me where I want to go. Thank you very much.

Before flashing or doing anything else, confirm the bootloader on your phone. Download and install the Samsung Phone Info app from the playstore and post your bootloader.

audit13 said:
Before flashing or doing anything else, confirm the bootloader on your phone. Download and install the Samsung Phone Info app from the playstore and post your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the bad news is I already flashed using MrRobinson's instructions, and now my phone is barely workable, as things like process.android.media and Touchwiz keep crashing. I was able to install the info app though, and my bootloader is listed as I747UCDLK3. Thanks again though, and let me know what else you need from me.

I recommend starting over by flashing the stock AT&T 4.1.1 firmware from sammobile. Once flashed, boot the phone and make sure your phone is sim unlocked. If it isn't sim unlocked, unlock it using the free method or your unlock code.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SGH-I747/
After sim unlocking, run OTA updates until you have the latest stock AT&T ROM on your phone. Upgrading the phone's bootloader and modem is the easiest way to do it for someone that is new to the phone and custom ROMs.

audit13 said:
I recommend starting over by flashing the stock AT&T 4.1.1 firmware from sammobile. Once flashed, boot the phone and make sure your phone is sim unlocked. If it isn't sim unlocked, unlock it using the free method or your unlock code.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SGH-I747/
After sim unlocking, run OTA updates until you have the latest stock AT&T ROM on your phone. Upgrading the phone's bootloader and modem is the easiest way to do it for someone that is new to the phone and custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, but wouldn't OTA updates install Knox, which would basically void my warranty if I tried to flash anything after that? And, I've checked for OTA updates twice, once on 4.1.2 and on 4.1.1, and both times it said my software was up to date.
I spoke with StoneyJSG about my situation, and he suggested that I go to stock 4.1, root w/ saferoot, then flash a kitkat custom rom without Knox through TWRP. That way, I could use triangle away and flash stock unrooted if I needed to send it in.
Although, I'm not sure if I should do that, as I thought I read that you need to update the radio and bootloader first before you can install a custom kitkat rom from jelly bean, but I'm still not entirely sure how that works.

The most recent release of many custom ROMs will not work but you may not have a signal without an updated modem and you should not be running updated modems on an older bootloader. Doing this could brick your phone.
With a rooted system, OTA updates will not work.

Thank you again for helping walk me through the minutia around this phone.
I think I have a much better understanding of everything now. I read the following article on Knox (http://omegadroid.co/wanted-knox-void-warranty-0x1/) and with an understanding of that, I get now that there is no way to load any custom rom on 4.3 or higher without losing my warranty.
So, basically my options are to stay at 4.1 and flash whatever, using triangle away to erase my tracks. Or, I could update to 4.3, but only be able to use saferoot/towelroot, otherwise I'd trip the warranty void. But, if all I did use was towelroot (no custom recovery or rom), then I could just unroot the phone using the full unroot option in SuperSU and send it on in for service if needed, right?
Also, I did unroot my phone and did a factory reset, so it's back at 4.1.1 and unrooted. Yet, I still do not see any software updates available from Samsung. I even plugged it into Kies, and nothing (http://i.imgur.com/E0xPGpf.png). Does anyone know why this could be? Does it have something to do with my not having a carrier for the phone yet? I'm sorry for all the questions, but I do appreciate your help.

jateed said:
Thank you again for helping walk me through the minutia around this phone.
I think I have a much better understanding of everything now. I read the following article on Knox (http://omegadroid.co/wanted-knox-void-warranty-0x1/) and with an understanding of that, I get now that there is no way to load any custom rom on 4.3 or higher without losing my warranty.
So, basically my options are to stay at 4.1 and flash whatever, using triangle away to erase my tracks. Or, I could update to 4.3, but only be able to use saferoot/towelroot, otherwise I'd trip the warranty void. But, if all I did use was towelroot (no custom recovery or rom), then I could just unroot the phone using the full unroot option in SuperSU and send it on in for service if needed, right?
Also, I did unroot my phone and did a factory reset, so it's back at 4.1.1 and unrooted. Yet, I still do not see any software updates available from Samsung. I even plugged it into Kies, and nothing (http://i.imgur.com/E0xPGpf.png). Does anyone know why this could be? Does it have something to do with my not having a carrier for the phone yet? I'm sorry for all the questions, but I do appreciate your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is your cell service? If not AT&T, you will never get OTA.

Whether you get OTA can vary from carrier to carrier and phone to phone in my opinion.
I have a Rogers HTC One X that gets OTA updates from HTC even though I am on the Bell network.
I have a Bell S3 that is running on the Rogers network and it receives OTA updates from Bell even though it has a Rogers sim card in the phone.
I have a Telus Moto G running on the Bell network and it received the Telus KK OTA update while connected to the Bell network.

audit13 said:
Whether you get OTA can vary from carrier to carrier and phone to phone in my opinion.
I have a Rogers HTC One X that gets OTA updates from HTC even though I am on the Bell network.
I have a Bell S3 that is running on the Rogers network and it receives OTA updates from Bell even though it has a Rogers sim card in the phone.
I have a Telus Moto G running on the Bell network and it received the Telus KK OTA update while connected to the Bell network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I have an AT&T model which I unlocked and will be putting on Cricket at the end of the week (when my plan month is set to end). Right now there's no SIM in it, and I've been doing everything over wifi. I looked up whether the carrier had something to do with the OTAs, and I was told that Samsung sent the updates out, not AT&T, so I figured that the carrier info was irrelevant. I now wonder what my options are.
Can I manually flash 4.3 stock without tripping the knox warranty void?
Does Towelroot/Xposed framework trip the Knox void flag?
If I can update to 4.3/4.4 and root without tripping the knox flag, I might just manually update and just run towelroot and xposed to modify my OS the best I can until my warranty runs out.
If I can't root it at all once I'm on 4.3+, then I'll just sit on 4.1.1 for a few months until I can't stand it anymore and just void the warranty anyway.
Thanks again everyone. This whole knox/binary counter thing is not something I dealt with on my CDMA LG or Nexus, so I was totally in the dark about how it all worked. This is also my first GSM phone, so all those intricacies are new to me too. Once I know about manually flashing stock and running towelroot/xposed, I think I'll be in good shape.

Flashing the stock 4.3 ROM should not trip the counter as long as you do not need to install a custom recovery to flash it.
Apparently, the latest KK stock ROM cannot be rooted using Towelroot.
If you want a custom ROM, use one that will work with a 4.1.1 bootloader and modem. Once on 4.3 or higher, it's a little harder to recover from a soft brick.

audit13 said:
Flashing the stock 4.3 ROM should not trip the counter as long as you do not need to install a custom recovery to flash it.
Apparently, the latest KK stock ROM cannot be rooted using Towelroot.
If you want a custom ROM, use one that will work with a 4.1.1 bootloader and modem. Once on 4.3 or higher, it's a little harder to recover from a soft brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent. If I did flash stock, i would just use ODIN, then factory reset to wipe the caches. And that's good to know about the KK rom, as I would probably update straight to 4.4 if at all (I've read a lot of bad things about 4.3 on the S3), but not if it means I cannot root safely and cleanly.
I'll check out the custom roms for 4.1.1. I know that flashing the rom and/or a custom recovery will trip the binary counter, but I can just use triangle away to clean that up. Do you know if there is a list of custom 4.1.1/4.1.2 roms somewhere, or do I need to scour the older threads here?
Thank you very much audit13 (thanks to StoneyJSG and pre4speed as well). You have been immensely helpful and really brought me up to speed on everything surrounding S3 customization. Needless to say it's way more complicated than what I've dealt with from LG and Google/Asus. (I mean, i could root my nexus with a single click using Wugfresh's toolkit)

4.1.1 is the only complete stock ROM that AT&T released for flashing via Odin.
4.3 ROMS and higher were prepared by XDA members for flashing in either a custom recovery or Odin.

audit13 said:
4.1.1 is the only complete stock ROM that AT&T released for flashing via Odin.
4.3 ROMS and higher were prepared by XDA members for flashing in either a custom recovery or Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, so what other way can you flash a stock rom, if not through ODIN or a custom recovery? Regardless, it seems as though I really should not dive into 4.3+ until I'm ready to concede that my warranty is over. There are just too many potential pitfalls and headaches.
On the lighter side, I've found a few 4.1.2 based custom roms that have some promise. I'm going to post them here in case anyone has opinions on them, or if someone else in my situation sees this thread and wants to go custom 4.1 too:
Hyperdrive RLS16
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2176793
Slim Bean-d2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1865262
Jedi Academy
http://www.teamandroid.com/2013/12/...oid-412-jedi-academy-jelly-bean-custom-rom/2/
Jelly ‘Beans’
http://www.teamandroid.com/2013/04/...ndroid-412-att-galaxy-s3-sgh-i747-custom-rom/

I was also torn when I got my s3 that was running 4.1.2. I downgraded to 4.1.1, sim unlocked the phone, used it on stock 4.1.2 for about a week to make sure everything was working, hardware wise, upgraded to stock 4.4.2, installed a custom recovery and a custom ROM. I wasn't too concerned about the warranty since I got the phone as a free upgrade and had no intention of using the s3 as my daily phone. I kept it as a backup until my niece needed and phone and then it went to her. It's been over a year and there are still no problems with the phone.

URGEN: Trying to go from CM11 to any TW firmware to use unlock code

Hello, it's been a long time since I messed with this but I'm smart. I'm also in a rush (unfortunately) to find a TW-based firmware that I can flash to from CM11.
The end goal is to use the unlock code I just purchased, but that won't work because I'm on CM11, I assume.
I'm knee deep in information, half of which I understand, half of which I think I barely understand.
What information do you need to help me?
From what I understand, being on a 4.4.4 CM 11 I must have a firmware that is at least android 4.3 or higher, is that correct?
If so, what other specs do I need to ensure I don't brick the phone from having the wrong bootloader, modem, ect from being incompatible?
Effectively, I'm tyring to find firmware to get back to any TW-based firmware from CM11 android 4.4.4. (Also somewhat unsure if it needs to be just TW based or 100% stock)

politelyowned said:
Hello, it's been a long time since I messed with this but I'm smart. I'm also in a rush (unfortunately) to find a TW-based firmware that I can flash to from CM11.
The end goal is to use the unlock code I just purchased, but that won't work because I'm on CM11, I assume.
I'm knee deep in information, half of which I understand, half of which I think I barely understand.
What information do you need to help me?
From what I understand, being on a 4.4.4 CM 11 I must have a firmware that is at least android 4.3 or higher, is that correct?
If so, what other specs do I need to ensure I don't brick the phone from having the wrong bootloader, modem, ect from being incompatible?
Effectively, I'm tyring to find firmware to get back to any TW-based firmware from CM11 android 4.4.4. (Also somewhat unsure if it needs to be just TW based or 100% stock)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first thing I would recommend is to verify your bootloader and modem version. There is a playstore app, Phone Info *Samsung*, by vndnguyen that will do this. Or you can use the terminal emulator that is in CM roms and find out with these two commands:
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
getprop | grep version.baseband
All I have seen indicates you will need to be on a stock rom with a stock dialer to use the code. You may even need to unroot before using (I am not sure about root/unroot.) Before recommending any stock rom source, are you using an i747 or an i747M?

dawgdoc said:
The first thing I would recommend is to verify your bootloader and modem version. There is a playstore app, Phone Info *Samsung*, by vndnguyen that will do this. Or you can use the terminal emulator that is in CM roms and find out with these two commands:
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
getprop | grep version.baseband
All I have seen indicates you will need to be on a stock rom with a stock dialer to use the code. You may even need to unroot before using (I am not sure about root/unroot.) Before recommending any stock rom source, are you using an i747 or an i747M?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that it is an I747. I will comment again when I have the info for bootloader and modem.
So lets assume we find a rom that is; i747 gs3 stock rom and stock dialer; meets android version requirements (which I would love to have confirmed, based on the OP); compatible bootloader and modem; and is rooted, and the unlock code doesn't work. If we assume the unlock failed because it is rooted, is there a way to unroot the phone that doesn't require flashing a different, unrooted, to spec, rom? That is something that I truly don't understand what is happening.
Is there a wiki, or a list, or somewhere I can go to learn more about bootloaders and modems? I don't understand how they play into the overall configuration; such as how they may be X or Y when I'm running CM11, instead of being mandatory for a given configuration. I guess that question is, what prerequisites determine the bootloader and modem options that one may be and can be running or that one can flash successfully.

politelyowned said:
I know that it is an I747. I will comment again when I have the info for bootloader and modem.
So lets assume we find a rom that is; i747 gs3 stock rom and stock dialer; meets android version requirements (which I would love to have confirmed, based on the OP); compatible bootloader and modem; and is rooted, and the unlock code doesn't work. If we assume the unlock failed because it is rooted, is there a way to unroot the phone that doesn't require flashing a different, unrooted, to spec, rom? That is something that I truly don't understand what is happening.
Is there a wiki, or a list, or somewhere I can go to learn more about bootloaders and modems? I don't understand how they play into the overall configuration; such as how they may be X or Y when I'm running CM11, instead of being mandatory for a given configuration. I guess that question is, what prerequisites determine the bootloader and modem options that one may be and can be running or that one can flash successfully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of the stock ROMs will remove root, that would be one way to resolve the issue. If you flash a stock image that is rooted, and it is rooted with SuperSu you can use the options in the SuperSu app to either temporarily unroot or to completely remove root.
I don't recall seeing a specific source for info about what bootloader / modem is needed in each situation. Most is accumulated knowledge from reading many posts and threads.
There are variations on what is correct, it all depends on the specifics of a device's status. For example, CM 11 would run on 4.3 bootloaders and modems up until about September of a year ago (or was that two years ago), since then you need to be on 4.4.2 bootloaders and modems. I think the same held true for AOSP based roms. I don't recall seeing where any of the 5.x.x roms have run on 4.3 bootloaders and modems. (Well, I think the devices run but have signal and data issues - both 4.4.x and 5.x.x roms.)
Generally you will see it said that the 4.4.2 Touchwiz based custom roms must be on 4.4.2 bootloaders and modems. In truth there were a number of such roms that would run with the 4.3 bootloader and modem IF one of a few specific kernels were flashed just after the rom was flashed.

I need 4.1.1 firmware for Koodo i-317M

Hello guys,
For some reason, my phone shows that my SIM is locked ( I was on RR 6.0). I need to flash the 4.1.1 firmware for Koodo to unlock the SIM.
Can anyone send me a link for this firmware?
Thank you!

You don't need Koodo to unlock the sim. Just flash the stock LJ2 firmware with Odin and use the dialler menu to permanently network unlock the phone.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2014982
Maybe this will work: http://rapidgator.net/file/0207e341...yos.com/samsung-galaxy-note-2-stock-firmware/

I know it's been a long time, but did this procedure actually WORK? AFAIK, Koodo Note 2s never came with less than KitKat, and we all know that Samsung has blocked downgrading though its bootloader starting then.
The reason I ask is I'm looking for a spare phone for mine as a backup and can't seem to find one on which I can load my Jellybean 4.1.2 CM based phone image.

Well this an interesting post, I have a similar problem, I have 2 exact Note 2 phones one with custom firmware (4.1.1) one without, I would like to copy/clone the stock firmware to my other (as I somehow managed to delete the stock firmware on it)
Now I have made a backup with TWRP and copied it to the other phone but TWRP refuses to install it, it tries to install and gets most of the way but at the very end I get the 255 error "install failed"
Why can't I copy/ install this backup?
Do I need to to use some other recovery software or make a backup some other way.
Thanks

Old faithful said:
I know it's been a long time, but did this procedure actually WORK? AFAIK, Koodo Note 2s never came with less than KitKat, and we all know that Samsung has blocked downgrading though its bootloader starting then.
The reason I ask is I'm looking for a spare phone for mine as a backup and can't seem to find one on which I can load my Jellybean 4.1.2 CM based phone image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The note 2 sgh-i317m was used by Telus, Rogers, and Bell.
This downgrade method works. I've used it to network unlock four note 2 models.
The stock 4.1.1 firmware from sammobile.com did not contain a bootloader file which allowed me to flash it using Odin on a phone running a stock 4.4.2 rom.

audit13 said:
The note 2 sgh-i317m was used by Telus, Rogers, and Bell.
This downgrade method works. I've used it to network unlock four note 2 models.
The stock 4.1.1 firmware from sammobile.com did not contain a bootloader file which allowed me to flash it using Odin on a phone running a stock 4.4.2 rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, if this really works it's going to solve all my problems. Are you saying you can flash the 4.1.x ROM on top of the the 4.4.2 bootloader (presumably one could deselect the bootloader from the 4.1.x ROM if it was included - sorry I'm quite rusty at this, haven't used Odin in years), so that the phone may be running ICS or JB despite having a 4.4.2 encrypted (locked) bootloader?
The idea is being able to load Clockworkmod recovery and from it, the rooted 4.1.2 backup on my external sd card...
Sorry if it's been asked before and if I may be confused - Thing is, I haven't done this type of tweaking in 5 years

I could flash a stock 4.1.1 ROM from sammobile.com on top of a stock 4.4.2 ROM because the stock 4.1.1 ROM didn't contain a bootloader. I did this to use the menu method to network unlock the sgh-i317m; however, the phone cannot stay on a stock 4.1.1 ROM with a 4.4.2 bootloader because the phone cannot connect to a cellular network with this 4.1.1 ROM/4.4.2 bootloader combination. After I unlocked the phone, I either re-flashed a stock 4.4.2 ROM or a new custom ROM.
The bootloader on the Canadian Note 2 was never locked the way it was with some USA carriers.

audit13 said:
The bootloader on the Canadian Note 2 was never locked the way it was with some USA carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying the Koodo/Rogers.... 4.4.2 Note 2 bootloader is NOT locked on our phones, ergo, that I could downgrade to 4.1.1 including its bootloader successfully?! If so I'm set, I could purchase a used one on kijiji and simply reload my old Bell based ROM backup on it I simply look for a way to load my 5 year old Rooted ROM onto a newer version of the phone. I have on it apps that won't run on 4.4.2 that I sorely miss on my tablet (which runs 4.4.4)

The bootloader is not locked which allows for the installation of TWRP and cwm but it cannot be downgraded.

audit13 said:
The bootloader is not locked which allows for the installation of TWRP and cwm but it cannot be downgraded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In other words it does allow for installing the 4.1.1 ROM for unlocking the phone, but it can't can't actually be used with the 4.1.1 ROM... What if I simply reinstalled the 4.4.2 modem, wouldn't that work?
I now I'm asking quite a lot - but in my case if I haven't been able to find a used phone that hadn't been at some point 'upgraded' and consequently became shackled (I've been looking for over a year now) in which case I might as well mourn it and move on to a new phone and start the fight for freedom all over again Honestly, I've grown tired of having to fight for the basic right of ownership against the relentless push for slavery that is the general trend in technology, to force people away from freedom of using the software they prefer and force them into a system where they must follow the dictates of corporate giants so perfectly exemplified by the cell phone, computer and browser based service industry.
Like Frederick Douglass famously said "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never had and never will"... In other words if you want freedom and true control, you MUST FIGHT the providers and the manufacturers whose prime interest is to keep you enslaved

Installing the 4.4.2 modem will install but the stock 4.1.1 dialer doesn't work with a 4.4.2 modem and 4.4.2 bootloader from what I recall. It's been a long time since I had a note 2.