Need help Installing CWM on i747 - AT&T, Rogers, Bell, Telus Samsung Galaxy S III

Its been awhile since I've done my firmware, but I'm giving my phone over to my sister soon and upgrading to a Note Edge.
I'm trying to get this phone on Likewise S5, but having a little difficulties with the older guilds to install various stuff, also all the warning on the Likewise S5 don't show up in the guide I was following for the actual installation, like stuff about bootloaders and modems (I don't know what these are), I am a techy just I'm not well versed in Cellphone Firmware talk at all, more of a PC person.
This was the guide I'm following well can't link it, its on Team android, for the likewise S5 for S3 i747
I'm Trying to install CWM Because I believe I don't have one currently installed, if I do is there a way I can find out? all I believe I have is just a oem 4.1.2 firmware that was rooted.
Almost all the CWM guides that are out have their own downloads that no longer work for the CWM that they provide, and honestly I don't wanna mess with it anymore and want to get the proper combination, I've downloaded the latest one for Samsung Galaxy S3 from the Official Clockwork mod website for Touch version, but I'm not sure how to flash "that" I know it says to use PDA on 1.85 Odin which i've tried but it just says
<ID:0/004> Added!!
<ID:0/004> Odin v.3 engine (ID:4)..
<ID:0/004> File analysis..
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1) (No pass or fail)
I'm not sure what I'm doing at this point and could really use some help, specific to what I'm doing.
And to be specific I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 i747 From Rogers Wireless in Canada (Sept 2012), and it isn't bricked have booted it up just fine.
Currently I am dealing with a finnicky USB port as well, need to get some alchohol and see if I can get a more reliable connection out of it. I got it to point now I feel like I'm comfortable flashing it just eh, could be better, long as its sitting generally its connected slight pressure in cord to be sure, usually charges no problem but USB connectivity is whats finnicky. I cleaned out the lint with a needle didn't really seem to help a whole lot but definetly lets the plug go in further now, even bought a new cord that gets a decent click but it still a little floppy side to side, feels like its the plug has room to move inside the female end of the plug, vs anything being "loose"

Any chance your phone is already rooted? Odin flashing anything with a flaky USB port would make me a little nervous.
If you're rooted, there's an app called flashify that makes updating recovery pretty simple and there is no USB connection needed.
Also in the Play store if you search for Samsung Phone Info you should find an app that will tell you what firmware you're on. Install it and report back what it tells you you're on for bootloader and baseband and someone here should be able to chime in on whether it will run newer roms ok, or how to proceed if its out of date.

jason2678 said:
Any chance your phone is already rooted? Odin flashing anything with a flaky USB port would make me a little nervous.
If you're rooted, there's an app called flashify that makes updating recovery pretty simple and there is no USB connection needed.
Also in the Play store if you search for Samsung Phone Info you should find an app that will tell you what firmware you're on. Install it and report back what it tells you you're on for bootloader and baseband and someone here should be able to chime in on whether it will run newer roms ok, or how to proceed if its out of date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am already rooted I know that I did the root myself, to get Super admin permissions for the Ps3 controller blutooth controller permissions.
I'll look into Flashify, I'll install phone info now

Ok here is from my Samsung phone info app;

DMF1 firmware is pretty out of date. Unless you pick an older build of a custom rom, you'll run into some issues.
The full Canadian carrier updates for i747m are all available for download from sammobile.com, but those will be really big files to flash with Odin. I wouldn't try that unless you're really confident in that USB port. This won't be a really quick flash and interrupting it could brick your phone.
The safest route might be to unroot the phone and take carrier OTAs until your firmware is up to date. You'll have to be on stock recovery for OTAs. Once you're unrooted if you power down and reboot your phone, I'm pretty sure the stock recovery will come back. If not, here's a link to a stock recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2026751
To get going with rooting and custom roms again you'll have to flash a custom recovery in Odin once you get up to date on OTAs, but that will be a 5 - 10 MB file to flash as opposed to a 1 GB+ full system update. Don't worry about that until you get the bootloader and modem up to date, one step at a time. :good:

How do I perform an update though to manually update the phone, like to unroot it basically I'm Connecting it to USB getting it to recognize in Kies?
Like I have full USB access to my phone now, yes the port is flaky but it functions. Kies says my device is on latest firmware even though I know 4.4.2 was released by rogers for the device, i.e I don't understand how to unroot it and bring it up to date
I don't know what a OTA is, I don't understand what a modem/bootloader is etc.
I'm assuming what I have to do is update it to 4.4.2 via the normal firmware but currently it isn't giving me an option to

OTA is "over the air" updates. They are pushed to your phone and often update your phone's bootloader, modem, and rom to new versions. They'll download and install with wifi or cell data, no USB connection required. It is a very safe way to update your phone, but OTA updates will fail if you are rooted and have custom recovery (at least AT&T's will).
With android 4.1 and DMF1 firmware you're something like 2 or 3 updates out of date. Usually OTA notifications just pop up on their own, or you might have a "check for updates" option somewhere in your rom settings. Has this phone been off the grid for a while, update process frozen, or just declining OTAs for the last year and a half or so? Is it not tied to a carrier anymore?
I have updated bootloaders and modems outside of the OTA process, but only on the i747 AT&T variant. If OTA is not an option for some reason, I can't comment on what your safest route would be on the Canadian variant, but there are plenty of expert i747M users on here. Someone will chime in to help you out.
If OTA is an option, then the easiest way to unroot used to be to install SuperSU from the Play store, if you're not already using it. In SuperSU settings there used to be a "full unroot" option.

Ok So what do I need to do exactly I unrooted the phone no problem but it still doesn't recognize it as needing new firmware still so I'm still confused how to update it.
My understanding is I need to update this to latest base version which would be 4.4.2, but I'm not sure how to do that exactly since its not automatically doing it given the custom rom.

Confirm the bootloader on your phone and post it here.
It is the bootloader that will determine which stock firmware to flash from sammobile.com onto your i747m.

audit13 said:
Confirm the bootloader on your phone and post it here.
It is the bootloader that will determine which stock firmware to flash from sammobile.com onto your i747m.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, I'm not well versed in android terminology etc, I don't really know what a bootloader is, everything in those screen caps above is what I'm using

If you want to be on the latest stock, just use Odin to flash the stock Rogers 4.1.1 ROM from sammobile.com. Then use OTA updates to update the phone to the latest KK.

audit13 said:
If you want to be on the latest stock, just use Odin to flash the stock Rogers 4.1.1 ROM from sammobile.com. Then use OTA updates to update the phone to the latest KK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, I Really Need more details Odin isn't so simple that its Oh Slot dis dat flash in der and poof completeo, if you read through the thread you'd you I have a flaky USB port that isn't 100% stable, flashing a 1gb rom through a iffy connection doesn't sound smart.
How do I flash this correctly from SD card if I can?
Please describe, Which App I need for it, what I need to do in app etc, cuz Odin is like AD AP DS WE aslaksd its all gibberish to me unforunately for different flashing locations

I know of no way to flash a completely stock ROM from an SD card.
If you wanted to flash it from an SD card, you would probably need to download the entire ROM, strip out the stock recovery, and re-pack the ROM into a zip file.

I'm still extremely confused, I need consise directions what I need to do, so far I haven't had solid details in this thread yet how to get my firmware installed :crying:

Evockzi said:
I'm still extremely confused, I need consise directions what I need to do, so far I haven't had solid details in this thread yet how to get my firmware installed :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
since youre computer literate , so to speak , perhaps this method would help/be more 'simple'. IDK , just a thought.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2225405
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"

Is that method compatible with my device? before I've only been following ones that flash with odin.
The Reason why the isn't helpful immediately for me, I Do Not Know what I need to Do to achieve what I need.
Bootloader means almost nothing to me, I do Not know what I need to accomplish, No one has answered that question yet for me.
My Question is again, So, Do I need to install 4.4.2 Base as downloaded from that Samsmobile, and How Do I install Specifically that?
Beyond That my question expands into, Ok After I install that What do I need to do to install likewise.
I Do not know what I need to do so all these guides about doing specific tasks that you know what you need to do are useless to me at this moment I'm afraid.
I have enough of a stable USB connection I can Odin it Right now I just need to know what to select, etc

I yolo'd it with the connection, and flashed it with older odin 1.85 since I know PDA is the correct one idk what the hell it is in the new odin.
Passed, took almost 8 mintues to flash it, Now I just need to get back to original question of installing CWM Recovery and Getting Likewise S5 rom installed.
Do I have correct 4.3-4.4 Modem and boot loader that it spams in bright red on the likewise requirements?

Managed to finish all the installations without a hitch,
Followed a guide to CWM install and then root it through installing SuperSU, Then had everything to install Likewise which can be done on the device.
Everything installed perfect now I have a S5 to give to my sister cheers

@Evockzi glad you got it figured out.:victory:
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"

Related

[Q] Any "Kies" alternative?

I have had nothing but issues trying to use this software to update the firmware on my ATT S3. I'm new to Android (From Apple) and I'm still a noob but I have rooted and I have been trying all kinds of different ROMS. I cannot update my phone because I am getting the dreaded "Communication failed" error that more than a few people are getting.
One fix is to install latest update through Kies - but I can't seem to accomplish that. Am I able to update my firmware using Odin? I really haven't figured out much about Odin, I only rooted my phone with it once and that was easy and I din't learn a lot about Odin.
Can I use Odin to update firmware? If so how do I go about getting firmware file and whats the quick of it?
Thanks! :good:
jackryan57 said:
I have had nothing but issues trying to use this software to update the firmware on my ATT S3. I'm new to Android (From Apple) and I'm still a noob but I have rooted and I have been trying all kinds of different ROMS. I cannot update my phone because I am getting the dreaded "Communication failed" error that more than a few people are getting.
One fix is to install latest update through Kies - but I can't seem to accomplish that. Am I able to update my firmware using Odin? I really haven't figured out much about Odin, I only rooted my phone with it once and that was easy and I din't learn a lot about Odin.
Can I use Odin to update firmware? If so how do I go about getting firmware file and whats the quick of it?
Thanks! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What firmware are you trying to update to? Once your phone is rooted and your "trying all kinds of different ROMS" I question your need for Odin. Unless your trying to go back to a bone stock ROM I'd think that you would want to use whatever custom recovery that you've installed (CWM or TWRP) to install a ROM. I'm not going to link to it but I can guarantee that if you search for it here or on Google you'll find several guides to Odin.
rcook55 said:
What firmware are you trying to update to? Once your phone is rooted and your "trying all kinds of different ROMS" I question your need for Odin. Unless your trying to go back to a bone stock ROM I'd think that you would want to use whatever custom recovery that you've installed (CWM or TWRP) to install a ROM. I'm not going to link to it but I can guarantee that if you search for it here or on Google you'll find several guides to Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, here's the thing. ATT has pushed out updates and I'm not getting them. I know some updates improve things - like call quality etc. Since I am not getting these I'm worried that I am missing out. I have uninstalled EVERY SINGLE ROM I have tried because of one issue: everyone I talk to on my phone hears an echo of their voice, it's so bad they tell me they have to hang up. It only does this on custom ROMs. So, I would like to be able to get these updates...not sure if I am making sense or not. Since Kies is such an incredibly horrible piece of software, I was hoping there was another way I could update my phone?????
Got ya, you should be able to use Odin to install the stock ROM. I think it's Sam Mobile? that you can register at and get the latest stock firmware. Again, search for the best way but it's doable.

[Q] Didn't know you couldn't downgrade 4.3 Now im stuck?

I tried to downgrade the ota 4.3 update, i didnt know you couldnt upgrade..
Now im stuck at the Firmware upgrade encountered an issue screen..
Kies 2 will start saying "connecting" but thats as far as it gets.. then Kies 3 says that the device thats plugged in isnt compatible with kies 3.
IDK what to do xD
Johnnysauur said:
I tried to downgrade the ota 4.3 update, i didnt know you couldnt upgrade..
Now im stuck at the Firmware upgrade encountered an issue screen..
Kies 2 will start saying "connecting" but thats as far as it gets.. then Kies 3 says that the device thats plugged in isnt compatible with kies 3.
IDK what to do xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Place your cell in Download mode, then use Odin to insert the official android 4.3 package.
andyistic said:
Place your cell in Download mode, then use Odin to insert the official android 4.3 package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You wouldn't happen to have a dl link for official would you?
Johnnysauur said:
You wouldn't happen to have a dl link for official would you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start up Kies (no cellphone connected), then go to Tools / Firmware Upgrade
It will ask you for the model number, so put that in.
Then it will ask you for either the serial number or MEID, so put that in, too.
Then it should download a big-ass android package (around 1.5 gigabytes).
After the package is decrypted, copy it from the temp directory to some safe place on your local hard drive.
Use Odin in Download Mode to install this package.
The package should end with .tar.md5
If you accepted the official OTA 4.3 update, and you tried to revert your bootloader back to before KNOX... you're lucky since that should have completely hard-bricked your phone. I think, given to your description and assuming you've got the KNOX bootloader now, your best bet would be to try to repair the install by doing what I think is referred to as a "dirty" flash... which basically means you don't format or wipe your data before you attempt another installation of the same version.
I don't know for sure though, so don't take my word without someone who knows more verifying or refuting this.
Good luck, I'll be interested in seeing what you wind up working out.
-Zen
FallenZen said:
If you accepted the official OTA 4.3 update, and you tried to revert your bootloader back to before KNOX... you're lucky since that should have completely hard-bricked your phone. I think, given to your description and assuming you've got the KNOX bootloader now, your best bet would be to try to repair the install by doing what I think is referred to as a "dirty" flash... which basically means you don't format or wipe your data before you attempt another installation of the same version.
I don't know for sure though, so don't take my word without someone who knows more verifying or refuting this.
Good luck, I'll be interested in seeing what you wind up working out.
-Zen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded the mk3 modem, and flashed it in odin, it fixed the softbrick. i rooted it with cf-auto and it went through no issue. disabled knox no problem, and now got cwm working.

Second Hand Note II, cannot get cellular data

I apologize if i am not as clear in this post as I need to be. My dad tried to root his note 2 sgh i371 using odin but said that once he did this, he was unable to access the internet outside of connecting to wifi, he could not get any cellular data. Because of this issue, he tried to then un-root his phone by flashing 4.1.2 stock rom. Unfortunately, the issue of not being able to get cellular data persists. In his frustration, my dad bought a note 3 and gave his note 2 to me saying that if I could fix it I could keep it. This is my first android and I would like to make it my primary phone if possible. what I would like to simply to reset the phone to factory default settings by flashing the latest stock rom for the phone. I have Odin, I was hoping that someone could tell me where I could get the latest stock rom and, if they believed that flashing it would fix the cellular data issue. I do not believe my dad made a backup at all. Thank you in advance.
GreatGrizzwald said:
I apologize if i am not as clear in this post as I need to be. My dad tried to root his note 2 sgh i371 using odin but said that once he did this, he was unable to access the internet outside of connecting to wifi, he could not get any cellular data. Because of this issue, he tried to then un-root his phone by flashing 4.1.2 stock rom. Unfortunately, the issue of not being able to get cellular data persists. In his frustration, my dad bought a note 3 and gave his note 2 to me saying that if I could fix it I could keep it. This is my first android and I would like to make it my primary phone if possible. what I would like to simply to reset the phone to factory default settings by flashing the latest stock rom for the phone. I have Odin, I was hoping that someone could tell me where I could get the latest stock rom and, if they believed that flashing it would fix the cellular data issue. I do not believe my dad made a backup at all. Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sammobile has all the stock firmwares for our phones, check there. Also check in about phone to see what it says, if it says Baseband unknown, then the EFS folder (and subsequently IMEI #, etc) have been corrupted. It's possible flashing the latest stock firmware will fix it (it includes a new modem and all), so try that first.
http://www.sammobile.com/
absinthesummer said:
Sammobile has all the stock firmwares for our phones, check there. Also check in about phone to see what it says, if it says Baseband unknown, then the EFS folder (and subsequently IMEI #, etc) have been corrupted. It's possible flashing the latest stock firmware will fix it (it includes a new modem and all), so try that first.
Thank you very much for the advice. I am downloading the firmware now. baseband version is showing i317ucama4. Right now the phone is not activated with AT&T, is there a way I could test if I will be able to get cellular data before going to AT&T and activating it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you're baseband is good. Just get a little cheap prepaid sim card for testing purposes. The stock firmware should fix anything in the modem or system that could have been corrupted... So flash that and have a cheap at&t Sim handy for testing.
Just use your father's sim card. Either it connects to the GSM network or it doesn't.
absinthesummer said:
Well you're baseband is good. Just get a little cheap prepaid sim card for testing purposes. The stock firmware should fix anything in the modem or system that could have been corrupted... So flash that and have a cheap at&t Sim handy for testing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I attempted to flash the stock rom via odin v. 307 but I get a failed message. The phone shows I have a custom binary download (12 counts), official Samsung binar but, my system status is custom and my knox warranty is void: 1. Then there is a red message stating "unsupported version" at the bottom. The date for the stock rom was Jan 2013 AT&T, US on the sammobile site. I can no longer boot into the phone's OS, I am stuck in download mode until I manually restart and then it displays a message that I need to connect to Kies recovery. Thank you for the help so far, Any chance I can salvage this phone still? I did try going into Kies, but it cannot connect with my phone for some reason?
1425
rangercaptain said:
Just use your father's sim card. Either it connects to the GSM network or it doesn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I got the phone when I was visiting home, I currently live a few states away from him. It would definitely make things much simpler if I didn't right now though.
GreatGrizzwald said:
I attempted to flash the stock rom via odin v. 307 but I get a failed message. The phone shows I have a custom binary download (12 counts), official Samsung binar but, my system status is custom and my knox warranty is void: 1. Then there is a red message stating "unsupported version" at the bottom. The date for the stock rom was Jan 2013 AT&T, US on the sammobile site. I can no longer boot into the phone's OS, I am stuck in download mode until I manually restart and then it displays a message that I need to connect to Kies recovery. Thank you for the help so far, Any chance I can salvage this phone still? I did try going into Kies, but it cannot connect with my phone for some reason?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like the phone was updated previously to either 4.3 or 4.4.2, which have Knox and that pesky counter. Technically you can't directly downgrade, so be sure you're downloading firmware that is 4.3 or higher. I didn't realize sammobile only went to MA4 for US AT&T. (In a pinch you can use Canadian firmware, but we have other links for stock firmware). Also, don't worry too much about Kies. It can be helpful, but honestly I could never get my note 2 recognized by kies either.
When I get back from taking my kids to school, I'll gather some links that will help you revive this phone Links below:
@GreatGrizzwald:
More recent links to stock firmware: STOCK PACKAGES TO MK6 This is LJ2 (4.1.2), MK6 (4.3) and up. He's got all the stock firmwares, available for flashing either in recovery on via odin. I've highlighted the one I would use in the attached screenshot (MK6- ODIN)
He also has a thread for NE5 (The latest firmware, 4.4.2) HERE
So if MK6 doesn't work, try NE5. One of those two has to work. You're dad already updated to either 4.3 or 4.4.2, I don't know which so start with 4.3 (MK6) and if it doesn't work try 4.4.2 (NE5)
On those two threads, he has a TON of links that will be helpful to you in getting back to stock also.
And here's a reference page with some useful links: One Stop Shop
This one is dedicated to downgrading back to LJ2 (4.1.2) from 4.3+, it MIGHT come in handy for you: Downgrade Instructions
If you have trouble with the stock firmware, you can also try Chainfire's CF Auto Root. It's stock firmware but it's rooted. Try the other firmwares by Zen Arcade first though CF AUTO ROOT
We'll get it going for you The stock firmware will re-flash the modem and all the configuration files so you're data should work again. Then you can do whatever you want, root, recovery, flash other stuff, or leave it stock. You got this
---------- Post added at 07:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:09 AM ----------
GreatGrizzwald said:
Unfortunately, I got the phone when I was visiting home, I currently live a few states away from him. It would definitely make things much simpler if I didn't right now though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also you have to figure out if it's software or hardware. I'm inclined to believe it's software so I think if you get it back to stock you'll be good. If it was hardware, it wouldn't even recognize a sim being inserted (recently repaired an htc one mini with this problem, it needed a new Sim tray, thankfully it was only $20).
But it sounds more like a bad flash corrupted some of those important files and configurations controlling data connections, it's all good, if it's software it can definitely be fixed. If it were hardware it could still be fixed it would just be a bit more time consuming.
One more thing, after you flash the stock firmware, and you have a sim card to test with, make sure your apn settings are correct for whichever carrier you're using. If the apn is wrong, or there is no apn listed, it won't connect. If you need assistance with that, let me know.
absinthesummer said:
One more thing, after you flash the stock firmware, and you have a sim card to test with, make sure your apn settings are correct for whichever carrier you're using. If the apn is wrong, or there is no apn listed, it won't connect. If you need assistance with that, let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for all this, I will start working with it today. You have been a huge help.
GreatGrizzwald said:
Thank you for all this, I will start working with it today. You have been a huge help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, I know how much of a pain it can be when things just don't seem to be working. But you have all the resources you need now and I'm gonna talk to my friend who runs the one-stop shop page to see if he will update it and add some of these resources to make it easier for you, and others with similar problems, to find what they need. Good luck!
1100
absinthesummer said:
One more thing, after you flash the stock firmware, and you have a sim card to test with, make sure your apn settings are correct for whichever carrier you're using. If the apn is wrong, or there is no apn listed, it won't connect. If you need assistance with that, let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I was able to flash the stock rom you recommended, everything is working fine. Took the phone to AT&T and got a new sim card, everything seems to be working perfectly. Thank you again for all your assistance. could not have done this without your help.
GreatGrizzwald said:
Hey, I was able to flash the stock rom you recommended, everything is working fine. Took the phone to AT&T and got a new sim card, everything seems to be working perfectly. Thank you again for all your assistance. could not have done this without your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is great news! I'm so glad it's working for you. Enjoy your (new-to-you) note 2 and keep those files on hand in case you need them in the future!
absinthesummer said:
No problem, I know how much of a pain it can be when things just don't seem to be working. But you have all the resources you need now and I'm gonna talk to my friend who runs the one-stop shop page to see if he will update it and add some of these resources to make it easier for you, and others with similar problems, to find what they need. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I can ask one more question, the phone keeps trying to download and install a software update however, it is unable to complete the update. Could this be because my counter was tripped? or could I be missing something that I should have flashed along with the stock firmware?
GreatGrizzwald said:
If I can ask one more question, the phone keeps trying to download and install a software update however, it is unable to complete the update. Could this be because my counter was tripped? or could I be missing something that I should have flashed along with the stock firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few reasons it won't flash. If it still says custom in download mode, for instance, from when your dad tried to root it. You can check in your about phone section to see if it says modified or official. It should say official there but when you're in download mode it will tell you your status:custom.
Something like
Model : SGH-i317
Binary count:
Firmware: Samsung official
Status: Custom (it should say official to receive OTA)
Knox warranty bit: 0x1 (from where your dad tried to root)
^Either of those last two can prevent an OTA from completing. The update checks for certain things and then continues or rejects based on those checks.
Also (and this shouldn't apply to you) if you have a custom recovery installed or you've rooted and removed pre-installed apps, it won't flash. Check those things and your OTA should work. If it still doesn't, you can download the ne5 firmware I linked you to before. That's official 4.4.2 firmware and it will update you to the latest via Odin if you can't take the OTA for whatever reason.
The firmware you flashed should have taken everything back to stock for you, but it wouldn't really reset the Knox counter & custom status... and that very well could would an OTA. It seems it does anyway, so just update yourself with Odin.
Lastly, if you really want to reset completely, and be able to OTA, you can do that downgrade method I linked before to completely reset your phone and allow you receive OTAs again. (It would take you ALL the way back to 4.1.2 and you would OTA back to 4.3-4.4.2. Personally, I wouldn't do all that unless I planned to sell it, because the firmwares that are released for OTAs are usually available on here to flash with Odin within a day of release, so you'll always be able to have the latest firmware regardless.
Hope that helps you didn't miss anything, it's just the nature of the OTA.
---------- Post added at 09:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:02 PM ----------
Edited to add, you can also go about it another way: root it and use triangle away to reset your custom status & flash counter and then reflash the same firmware you did yesterday. Then you should be able to OTA. (Although I'm not 100% on whether or not the Knox counter will interfere with the OTA update, I think it's just the flash counter that trips it).
And if you want the OTA notice to stop completely, you can root it and turn off the notifications entirely. I wasn't sure on whether you wanted to take the update or not... if you do, I'd just update with the latest via Odin. It's the simplest way to update and you wouldn't have any issues or surprises that people tend to get with OTAs.
absinthesummer said:
There are a few reasons it won't flash. If it still says custom in download mode, for instance, from when your dad tried to root it. You can check in your about phone section to see if it says modified or official. It should say official there but when you're in download mode it will tell you your status:custom.
Something like
Model : SGH-i317
Binary count:
Firmware: Samsung official
Status: Custom (it should say official to receive OTA)
Knox warranty bit: 0x1 (from where your dad tried to root)
^Either of those last two can prevent an OTA from completing. The update checks for certain things and then continues or rejects based on those checks.
Also (and this shouldn't apply to you) if you have a custom recovery installed or you've rooted and removed pre-installed apps, it won't flash. Check those things and your OTA should work. If it still doesn't, you can download the ne5 firmware I linked you to before. That's official 4.4.2 firmware and it will update you to the latest via Odin if you can't take the OTA for whatever reason.
The firmware you flashed should have taken everything back to stock for you, but it wouldn't really reset the Knox counter & custom status... and that very well could would an OTA. It seems it does anyway, so just update yourself with Odin.
Lastly, if you really want to reset completely, and be able to OTA, you can do that downgrade method I linked before to completely reset your phone and allow you receive OTAs again. (It would take you ALL the way back to 4.1.2 and you would OTA back to 4.3-4.4.2. Personally, I wouldn't do all that unless I planned to sell it, because the firmwares that are released for OTAs are usually available on here to flash with Odin within a day of release, so you'll always be able to have the latest firmware regardless.
Hope that helps you didn't miss anything, it's just the nature of the OTA.
---------- Post added at 09:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:02 PM ----------
Edited to add, you can also go about it another way: root it and use triangle away to reset your custom status & flash counter and then reflash the same firmware you did yesterday. Then you should be able to OTA. (Although I'm not 100% on whether or not the Knox counter will interfere with the OTA update, I think it's just the flash counter that trips it).
And if you want the OTA notice to stop completely, you can root it and turn off the notifications entirely. I wasn't sure on whether you wanted to take the update or not... if you do, I'd just update with the latest via Odin. It's the simplest way to update and you wouldn't have any issues or surprises that people tend to get with OTAs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, that makes a lot more sense now. Thanks again.
Hey I forgot you don't have custom recovery. Anyway, I sent you PMs,and you can do a search of this very forum- use the search term "update" or "ota" and you will find a LOT of threads on boot failures after OTA. Most people got their phones back.
If you can't get into DL mode (Vol-, Home, Power), try getting into the stock recovery (Vol+, Home, Power) because you should/could be able to factory reset the device from there. Also hold the button combo longer than usual. If one recovery option (DL mode) isn't working, than theoretically the other should still be accessible, through which you can adb sideload to the device or try factory reset. I know it's frustrating, but you're not the first nor the last to have an OTA go wrong ;/ We'll get ya back up & running.
You're not the only one in trouble after that update: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-2-att/help/todays-update-soft-bricked-phone-t2939649

Seriously need some help. At the end of my patience with trying to update this thing

I'm really frustrated. I've been trying to update this Galaxy S3 for days now with no success. Currently I am running on Slimkat 7.0. It's sometimes slow and buggy and needs some updating.
For reference, this is the phone at its current state:
- Bootloader: i747ucalh9 (literally taken from the fail message when trying to update to any other bootloader)
- Modem/firmware (?): I747UCLH9
Here's what has happened, greatly summarized (note I'm using CM6.0.4.7 for all of these operations, and when I say "update", I mean "flash"):
- I tried updating to Slimkat 9 but received no signal. I gave up on it entirely for a while
- I tried installing various LP ROMs, including CM12.1.
- I had 12.1 running for a bit, but I had no connectivity. LTE, 3G,H+ nothing.
- I tried installing a newer modem (this thread. Finally at MJB, I could actually get connectivity in some of the newer ROMs (including Slimkat 9)... but it was very erratic. It would just randomly oscillate between LTE and 3G and H+. This also broke CM12.1 entirely.
- Again, the above problem was always present. Most of the LP ROMs would just bootloop me, though. The only one that worked was Cyanide L... which I didn't really like.
- I thought maybe the issue was the bootloader. My bootloader is still i747ucalh9. So I tried updating it to various bootloaders from here, but none of the updates will work. Literally, they give me error 6 or 7 and pretty much essentially tell me that I can't do it.
- So after repeating the cycle of "let me try to update this" several times and having the update fail on me, I'm still stuck at Slimkat 7 as the only thing that worked on LTE (note the past tense). Worse yet, I tried simply downgrading my modem to match my current bootloader version, but that made things worse than better. I am now stuck at 3G... which just recently went back to LTE. Talk about erratic.
- I also tried going full stock by flashing this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2363882 But it expects 5 arguments for format, and got 3... or something. Failed hard.
So, I'm pretty much at the end of my rope here. I really might just go and grab a new phone at this point. I just really don't want to because this thing still works fine.... I guess I got unlucky and am at a version of the bootloader that is difficult to update from. I can't seem to go anywhere with this thing. Anyone have any ideas? Do I need to use a different recovery?
Thanks...
First and foremost, verify your bootloader. Install the Samsung phone info app, or in a terminal app or adb shell enter:
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
If you're on any of the older bootloaders (the ones that do not end in MJB, NE4, or NJ1) there are two ways you can go (you probably will be given the age of your modem). If you're on any of the ones that end in MJB, NE4, or NJ1 you've got to be a lot more careful because downgrading them will hard brick your phone (Odin back to stock is not an option anymore).
Option 1: If you're on the older bootloaders, you can go to sammobile.com, grab the 4.1.1 firmware from there and flash it with Odin. Do not do this if your bootloader ends in MJB, NE4, or NJ1 (can't stress that enough). This will reset your phone completely to stock. You should now start getting OTA updates. They will be incremental updates, you'll have to take at least three or four to get up to date on bootloader and modem and they're big downloads. They will come every 24 hours, but you can cheat that by setting your system time forward 1 day to make them a little more rapid fire. This is a nice, safe way to get your firmware current. Once you're up to NJ1 firmware you can use Odin to flash a custom recovery and get back to custom ROMs; I'd recommend TWRP 2.8.6 if you're going to be flashing newer ROMs as CWM and Philz aren't as up to date and sometimes give problems with newer ROMs.
Option 2: I'm pretty sure your version of CWM is a big part of your problem. If you're going to be flashing lollipop you ought to update your recovery to TWRP 2.8.6; easiest way to get it is just use the Flashify app. I'd get that recovery up to date before messing with bootloaders too. Next get your firmware up to date. If your bootloader version is before MJB, then you have to start with MJB. Then update to NE4. Then update to NJ1. It has to be done incrementally, and the bootloader and modem must match on the newer firmwares, or you'll hard brick. This thread has recovery flashable MJB and NE4 bootloaders/modems; the bootloader and modem are packaged together in the same zip so you can't get out of sync. This thread has recovery flashable NJ1 bootloader/modem. This will get your firmware all up to date, and data should start behaving on newer kitkat and lollipop ROMs. This route is a lot more risky than the OTA route described above because of all the manual steps you have to take, but you could get it done quite a bit faster if you're confident in your abilities. Just read those linked threads very, very carefully and make certain you understand.
Good luck.
jason2678 said:
First and foremost, verify your bootloader. Install the Samsung phone info app, or in a terminal app or adb shell enter:
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
If you're on any of the older bootloaders (the ones that do not end in MJB, NE4, or NJ1) there are two ways you can go (you probably will be given the age of your modem). If you're on any of the ones that end in MJB, NE4, or NJ1 you've got to be a lot more careful because downgrading them will hard brick your phone (Odin back to stock is not an option anymore).
Option 1: If you're on the older bootloaders, you can go to sammobile.com, grab the 4.1.1 firmware from there and flash it with Odin. Do not do this if your bootloader ends in MJB, NE4, or NJ1 (can't stress that enough). This will reset your phone completely to stock. You should now start getting OTA updates. They will be incremental updates, you'll have to take at least three or four to get up to date on bootloader and modem and they're big downloads. They will come every 24 hours, but you can cheat that by setting your system time forward 1 day to make them a little more rapid fire. This is a nice, safe way to get your firmware current. Once you're up to NJ1 firmware you can use Odin to flash a custom recovery and get back to custom ROMs; I'd recommend TWRP 2.8.6 if you're going to be flashing newer ROMs as CWM and Philz aren't as up to date and sometimes give problems with newer ROMs.
Option 2: I'm pretty sure your version of CWM is a big part of your problem. If you're going to be flashing lollipop you ought to update your recovery to TWRP 2.8.6; easiest way to get it is just use the Flashify app. I'd get that recovery up to date before messing with bootloaders too. Next get your firmware up to date. If your bootloader version is before MJB, then you have to start with MJB. Then update to NE4. Then update to NJ1. It has to be done incrementally, and the bootloader and modem must match on the newer firmwares, or you'll hard brick. This thread has recovery flashable MJB and NE4 bootloaders/modems; the bootloader and modem are packaged together in the same zip so you can't get out of sync. This thread has recovery flashable NJ1 bootloader/modem. This will get your firmware all up to date, and data should start behaving on newer kitkat and lollipop ROMs. This route is a lot more risky than the OTA route described above because of all the manual steps you have to take, but you could get it done quite a bit faster if you're confident in your abilities. Just read those linked threads very, very carefully and make certain you understand.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the help! I actually did/tried a majority of this an hour or two before you posted that, except the latest firmware update link you supplied. I knew it existed and I had seen that thread before, but I couldn't dig up the link again before I had to go to work. Thing is I kind of wanted to avoid Odin for some reason but I finally gave up and used it. And yeah I already knew my bootloader version. The phone told me when it failed to update the bootloader lol.
Here's what happened thus far:
- I used Odin to flash the sammobile 4.1.1. The flashing worked just fine, but booting into it did not. It hung on the Samsung logo. So, OTA updates were out the window.
- I have no idea why, so I just used Odin to flash TWRP onto it afterwards (from here)
- I tried one of the ROMS. Data still didn't work.
- I used the thread you linked to update to MJB bootloader and whatnot. The update went fine.
- Tried another few ROMs. Data worked, but LTE was still erratic.
- Updated to NE4 and then grabbed the deoxed stock ROM.
- The deoxed stock rom failed to boot (stuck at ATT globe logo). For some reason my phone can't use stock ROMs.
- So again used Odin to put TWRP onto the phone
- Installed various LP ROMS. Again the data was erratic and plus the battery life was horrid.
- Tried getting the ktoonsez kernel. My service was murdered.
- Gave up on LP. Tried Slim 9.0. Erratic data.
- Tried Liquidsmooth 4.4.4 instead.
Currently that's kind of where I'm at. The LTE data works fine (takes a bit to get up and running after reboot though) and thus far everything is okay (though that can quickly change considering I haven't done much of anything), so I don't even know if I want to mess with it anymore. It looks like this specific ROM includes a custom kernel. So I'm guessing it's an incompatibility between the kernel and the firmware version on the other ROMs. It seems like most of the LP roms have horrible battery life (back of my phone feels like a furnace on them), so I'm not even sure if I want to do that last firmware update to use them.
It'd be kind of nice to use the OTA but apparently my ability to go stock in any form or fashion is just totally borked.
Thanks for the post though, that's pretty gold. I'm sure someone in a situation like me where they have a super old firmware will find this thread of some use as it has actual instructions and links to what you need to do to get up and running. Before you posted that, I had to go digging around pretty much everywhere figuring out what and where was going wrong.
Glad you've got it mostly working.
You might have been able to get that stock ROM to boot if you had booted into the stock recovery and run a full wipe. Touchwiz ROMs can be tough to get running after being on AOSP. As a general progression try to format internal storage with TWRP (the wipe where you have to type "yes" to confirm), if that doesn't work try a wipe with Philz, and if that doesn't work nothing, not even Odin, is effective as a wipe in the stock recovery.
Thanks for typing all this out I believe it will help me put cm12.1 official on a friends phone.
Are these the steps?
1) verify latest software
2) twrp via Odin
Alt 2) root via apk then use rashr or similar to flash twrp
3)wipe
4)In twrp install official d2att from cm website
5) install current gapps
6) profit
I'm not new to this at all but I've never even touched an att gs3 and I know most devices have their quirks and I don't want to brick.
Also does towel root work on this? I don't mind Odin but I can do this on the fly I think if I can attain root.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Free mobile app
mrkhigh said:
Thanks for typing all this out I believe it will help me put cm12.1 official on a friends phone.
Are these the steps?
1) verify latest software
2) twrp via Odin
Alt 2) root via apk then use rashr or similar to flash twrp
3)wipe
4)In twrp install official d2att from cm website
5) install current gapps
6) profit
I'm not new to this at all but I've never even touched an att gs3 and I know most devices have their quirks and I don't want to brick.
Also does towel root work on this? I don't mind Odin but I can do this on the fly I think if I can attain root.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. You've got it. If you're on the latest and greatest firmware I think the towelroot exploit has been patched, unless geohot has retaken the lead in that arms race.
Easiest way to root on this phone since the bootloaders are unlocked is to just use Odin to flash a custom recovery then use the custom recovery to flash SuperSU. There's just a little trick to it. Store SuperSU.zip somewhere on your phone before flashing the custom recovery. Uncheck everything but f.reset time when you use Odin; don't let it auto reboot. Upon success pull battery. Replace battery and boot straight into recovery with vol up + home + power. If you mess up and boot into unrooted stock ROM with a custom recovery it will get overwritten with a stock recovery and you'll have to Odin custom recovery back onto it and try again.
I would do this to root your stock ROM just to execute this command in a terminal app or adb shell before any more serious flashing:
Code:
su
reboot nvbackup
That fixes a derp and gives you a working efs backup on a few backup partitions built into your phone instead of a blank one. Highly recommended before doing any ROM flashing. This will just look like a pretty normal reboot. You might see a quick flash of tiny blue text if you're watching for it.
Then you're ready to make a nandroid backup (just in case), wipe, and flash away. Take a look at LiquidSmooth if you're looking for a good lollipop ROM.
Nice... So the recovery partition gets rewritten every boot up until a custom ROM is installed and the efs can disappear... This is why you always ask questions.
Thanks for the suggestion on the ROM but I think I'll stick to official cm12.1 it's not my phone and that should be a nice readily updatable bland flavor of lollipop.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Free mobile app
mrkhigh said:
Nice... So the recovery partition gets rewritten every boot up until a custom ROM is installed and the efs can disappear... This is why you always ask questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the Android 4.3 update it was noticed that flashing a custom recovery would be overwritten by the stock recovery on the initial reboot unless following the method Jason described. Another solution was to delete two lib or .so files. On devices still on stock recovery, stock recovery does not overwrite itself.
There is a blank EFS partition on the device intended for a backup. The nvbackup command populates that partition with an image which will rebuild your EFS if it is lost during a modem update or ROM flash. The loss of EFS does happen. I believe wanam, of the xposed module fame, created an EFS backup tool for Samsung devices. I don't believe he updates it any longer because he rolled the functionality into a partition backup tool, the later is in the PlayStore listed under a different creator name, yet it's still him.
So I'm finally going to take the plunge, and update my boot loader/modem.. I never messed with it because all the Roms I used always worked.. I want to try lollipop, but due to old bootloader my phone won't boot with those Roms..
I'm on UCDLK3 bootloader/modem.. I know I have to upgrade to MJB, NE4, then NJ1 in that order in increments..
So my question: can I upgrade from LK3 straight to MJB with out any problems?? Or is there something I need to flash before I can get to MJB?? I think I can go straight to MJB, but better safe then sorry..
I know downgrading after upgrade most likely will brick.. Any information is appreciated... Oh, its an ATT I747..
coolwhipp420 said:
So I'm finally going to take the plunge, and update my boot loader/modem.. I never messed with it because all the Roms I used always worked.. I want to try lollipop, but due to old bootloader my phone won't boot with those Roms..
I'm on UCDLK3 bootloader/modem.. I know I have to upgrade to MJB, NE4, then NJ1 in that order in increments..
So my question: can I upgrade from LK3 straight to MJB with out any problems?? Or is there something I need to flash before I can get to MJB?? I think I can go straight to MJB, but better safe then sorry..
I know downgrading after upgrade most likely will brick.. Any information is appreciated... Oh, its an ATT I747..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you are on LK3 you may want to considr applying the free sim/carrier unlock method before upgrading; that is if you are on stock LK3 and you have not previously carrier unlocked your device.
There was an OTA release for the MG2 stock ROM, I believe that was 4.1.2. You may want to go to that before MJB. Did you make the nvbackup suggested by Jason?
Why would I do a carrier unlock, if I'm not switching carriers?? And if I do it, will I be able to use the same carrier?? Just seems like a waisted step for me.. But idk..
Jason's first post, option 2 is how I was planing to update.. And no, I haven't done the nvbackup yet.. How would I apply that backup if things go wrong? Not really sure what a nvbackup is..
Any information is appreciated..
coolwhipp420 said:
Why would I do a carrier unlock, if I'm not switching carriers?? And if I do it, will I be able to use the same carrier?? Just seems like a waisted step for me.. But idk..
Jason's first post, option 2 is how I was planing to update.. And no, I haven't done the nvbackup yet.. How would I apply that backup if things go wrong? Not really sure what a nvbackup is..
Any information is appreciated..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a command to manually trigger the restore routine. I think it's
Code:
reboot nvrestore
but don't hold me to that. I'd never execute that command except if in dire need. The problem with this phone is there is an automatic routine that can be triggered in the event of a bad flash that will overwrite your nvram with the backup, even if the backup is blank. I don't think the backup stores anything modem specific, but I've never been able to confirm that. So I've always done it again after updating modems (only had to once).
Having the phone sim unlocked can be nice if you plan on traveling internationally. Otherwise, potential future carrier hopping or added resale value are the only reasons to do it.
coolwhipp420 said:
Why would I do a carrier unlock, if I'm not switching carriers?? And if I do it, will I be able to use the same carrier?? Just seems like a waisted step for me.. But idk..
Jason's first post, option 2 is how I was planing to update.. And no, I haven't done the nvbackup yet.. How would I apply that backup if things go wrong? Not really sure what a nvbackup is..
Any information is appreciated..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you will never be switching carriers, nor ever sell/give/trade the phone to someone who will switch, then it is an unecessary step to do the carrier unlock.
I see Jason beat me to answering both of your questions.

Please identify my SM-T705 build!!!

Hi there,
I have the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 LTE version, which I purchased through Ebay - I believe it came from Asia somewhere as it showed up with an international adapter for the power supply. It was sold as a "Verizon" model - I ditched that sim card and have been using it with Bell Mobility in Canada.
Recently, I tried to update my firmware using the latest version of Samsung Kies and I'm running Windows 10 latest version. For some reason Kies needs to reinstall the USB driver before performing the update to the firmware and this causes Windows 10 to crash without fail. (This is also happening to my Note 3 - Samsung informs me Kies is not compatible with Windows 10 although it seems to work for everything else - just not the update). Kies doesn't seem to care that I already have the latest drivers installed.
I can't update via the tablet because my device has been "modified" - rooted.
Finally I went to Sammobile for the firmware, however I can't find any US firmware for a compatible carrier under SM-T705. I am debating flashing the Bell Canada firmware, but the model is listed as SM-T705W. In case this is not ok and I need to revert to the original, I'm hoping someone can help me identify my build? The samsung agent offered to identify it but once she discovered it was from outside Canada she said she had no information. So much for Samsung International!
Please help! I'm having battery issues and I'm hoping updated firmware will help, plus I would like to have the latest version of Android. Thanks!
If you're in Canada then just flash the Canadian firmware.
ashyx said:
Cellular south is us
Region XAR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there, forgive me for being thick, but how do you tell it's Cellular south, and what do you mean by region XAR? I'm sure that the fellow I bought this unit from flashed US firmware, however I can't find it on the Sammobile site - in fact I can't find any US carrier firmware listed for this model.
As mentioned above, I did find Bell mobility (Canada) firmware listed for the SM-T705W but nothing for the SM-T705.
Further explanation greatly appreciated!
LostinCanada said:
Hi there, forgive me for being thick, but how do you tell it's Cellular south, and what do you mean by region XAR? I'm sure that the fellow I bought this unit from flashed US firmware, however I can't find it on the Sammobile site - in fact I can't find any US carrier firmware listed for this model.
As mentioned above, I did find Bell mobility (Canada) firmware listed for the SM-T705W but nothing for the SM-T705.
Further explanation greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash any firmware for that model, so just flash the Canadian firmware, no point in flashing a us firmware.
ashyx said:
You can flash any firmware for that model, so just flash the Canadian firmware, no point in flashing a us firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok great. I would like to locate the US firmware though for future use. I travel alot in the US and in the event I need a different carrier's modem... Are the US carriers listed somewhere else or am I blind? http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/search/SM-T705/
Thanks!
LostinCanada said:
Ok great. I would like to locate the US firmware though for future use. I travel alot in the US and in the event I need a different carrier's modem... Are the US carriers listed somewhere else or am I blind? http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/search/SM-T705/
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have root so install twrp from the development section and do a full back up of your current system.
You can then restore as you please.
Seems no US firmware for the t705.
ashyx said:
You have root so install twrp from the development section and do a full back up of your current system.
You can then restore as you please.
Seems no US firmware for the t705.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL... ok now I have another problem. I had already downloaded the Bell mobility file from Sammobile and hadn't seen this response - in the meantime I hooked up with Odin and my download failed twice - I don't get it. I just did my Note 3 10 minutes ago without any issues. Rebooted device and odin between both attempts.
Thoughts?
Don't flash anything until you make that full backup with TWRP, trust me it will save a massive headache should you need it.
Download Flashfire from the link below then set your date back to August, run Flashfire then load up the firmware, select the Flash firmware package option.
From the partitions list select system.img and boot.img only.
Under the reboot options select download mode then hit the flash button.
Once it has flashed and booted to download mode you will need to flash a lollipop bootloader (assuming you are flashing lollipop?)
You will find them in the bootloader thread.
After that just reboot the tablet, it will take about ten minutes for it to fully boot.
http://likewaphd.in/filewap-1-load/...2015/FlashFire_Pro_v0.21_-_Likewap.apk-0.html
Uh... ok you lost me early on. I downloaded the file - how do I install it? I remember using the TWRP thing several phones back when I was messing with custom ROMs. I had a problem with recovery and since then have never gone this route - I've been happy with stock rom and root - installed using Odin... sortof the KISS principle.
I can try TWRP, but could you dumb down the instructions a bit - as I mentioned, I'm a bit thick - particularly with some of the terminology! LOL
This is the file I downloaded - yes, Lollipop - I don't understand why I have the Odin Fail - google isn't helping me understand either. I have root, USB debugging is enabled and I followed the same steps as with my Note 3 - the message said write fail.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/52301/T705WVLU2BOE4_T705WOYA2BOE4_BMC/ Is this what you mean by bootloader?
TWRP - flash with odin then boot into twrp using POWER + HOME + VOL UP - http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...p-2-8-6-1-unofficial-sm-t800-805-807-t3074633
Bootloader - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3099362
ashyx said:
TWRP - flash with odin then boot into twrp using POWER + HOME + VOL UP - http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...p-2-8-6-1-unofficial-sm-t800-805-807-t3074633
Bootloader - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3099362
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok but those "bootloaders" are custom ROMS are they not? And I don't see my device on the TWRP site - I have the LTE version, it only shows Wifi.
Really all I want to install the Bell stock firmware (assuming it is indeed compatible - SM-T705 vs SM-T75W) I linked to from the Sammobile site and then do Chainfire's auto-root.
Why isn't Odin writing the firmware to my device? I've never had this issue before and I don't see what I might have done differently with this device - it's the first time I've tried to update it, but I had no trouble rooting it with the chainfire auto-root.
LostinCanada said:
Ok but those "bootloaders" are custom ROMS are they not? Really all I want to install the Bell stock firmware (assuming it is indeed compatible - SM-T705 vs SM-T75W) I linked to from the Sammobile site and then do Chainfire's auto-root.
Why isn't Odin writing the firmware to my device? I've never had this issue before and I don't see what I might have done differently with this device - it's the first time I've tried to update it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they are bootloaders they are required to boot the firmware , roms are the os.
Odin won't flash because certain devices will refuse to flash another regions firmware.
My advice to you is to flash the lollipop bootloader first, to make sure it will flash then flash the firmware with flashfire.
Obviously make the twrp backup first.
ashyx said:
No they are bootloaders they are required to boot the firmware , roms are the os.
Odin won't flash because certain devices will refuse to flash another regions firmware.
My advice to you is to flash the lollipop bootloader first, to make sure it will flash then flash the firmware with flashfire.
Obviously make the twrp backup first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I flashed the bootloader, and then I tried to flash the firmware with Odin again but it still won't do it - write fail again. I've never used flashfire - windows 10 won't open it...
UDATE: Ok I read to transfer the file to the download folder on the tablet, and then install on tablet. So I did that, but when I click on the icon it doesn't run. How the heck do I use this to install the firmware update?
Figured out the date bit, ran Flashfire.... problems during the install - got stuck in boot loop - tried a factory reset - that didn't work... stuck in loop. I think I'm bricked....
Left the default settings in place - very little in the way of instructions - read the bit about not trying to write over protected settings...
And got this:
You're not bricked as long as the tablet starts up and you can boot to Download mode.
I've seen that error with corrupt downloads so not sure why you're getting it.
Reboot to download mode. Just hold POWER + HOME + VOL DOWN until the device restarts and boots to download mode.
Doesn't matter if it's boot looping.
Reflash TWRP and restore the backup you made earlier. You will be back to where you started.
At this point I think the best option is to flash a custom lollipop rom.
There is a very good one I use on my t805 which is practically stock with a bit of bloatware removed.
Its in the development section called sweetrom.
At least one positive is that you were able to flash the lollipop bootloader, so upgrade is not impossible.
I'm definitely able to get to download mode - I was surprised that the factory recovery mode didn't work. I'm wondering if the file from sammobile is corrupted - I used the same file with Flashfire - now I think Odin was trying to save me. I'm downloading the same file again fresh, and it looks like Telus and possibly the other Canadian variants are the same - unless it's the same corrupted file.
I just hope the problem isn't because my phone identifies itself as a straight SM-T705. That is why I asked about that point earlier. There are plenty of straight 1705 options available - just don't know which country would be compatible - particularly for the modem.
I didn't understand how to use TWRP and I've had problems with it in the past (recovery) when I did figure out how to use it and was messing with custom ROMS a couple of years ago. I would really like to get myself back in order with a proper stock ROM and root. This tablet belongs in my car and right now I just want it to work properly - I'm using Torque to resolve some ongoing engine issues and it will suck if I have to go back to using the small screen on my Note 3.
If there is any way to figure out which of those countries for the 705 are compatible with Canadian carriers, in case this Bell firmware is defunct, that would be appreciated.
As well, is that bootloader going to cause any problems with stock firmware? I've already flashed it - does stock firmware come with bootloaders included?
OK before I go any further with this I need you to install twrp and make that back up. Twrp is now very stable.
Twrp will back up some very important partitions namely the Efs and modem. Don't take this warning lightly. The amount of people that have soft bricked their device because they didn't do this.
Boot into twrp then simply select the backup option and make sure the partitions on the left are ticked particularly boot,
Efs and modem.
Now as regards which firmware.
I would forget about installing the Canadian firmware.
It looks like this firmware will only install specifically on a Canadian device.
It doesn't really matter which firmware from which region you install as they are pretty much all the same except for the carrier ones which just add more bloat and some csc specific stuff.
Just go for an international rom. You've already flashed a bootloader from one of these roms so that proves you can flash.
Use odin to flash.
If you have connection issues afterwards then all you need do is restore your modem backup with TWRP.
That's why it's important you do this.
Follow these instructions and we will get you up and running.
Whole again!
Whole again!
For the record, I read elsewhere that it is NOT recommended to flash other letter variants of a model. In the meantime I downloaded all four Sammobile Canadian Carrier files and they appear to be the exact same file and all install attempts failed For anyone else with an actual SM-705W I read in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/general/t705-lollipop-t3099945 a fellow Canadian was having a problem with those same files. Dunno what happened with him in the end, however I tried one more W file I found elsewhere that appeared to be different but it failed as well.
Based on the comments in the above thread, I flashed the Hong Kong variant for the SM-705 from Sammobile - apparently it was the first firmware widely available and users from several countries posted they had used it successfully. So far it seems to be working ok - after flashing it, I did a factory reset on the device as was also recommended in the above thread. Sure hope the battery life will be better than before - love this tablet but I've never seen a device drain so rapidly! CF-Auto Root restored!
As a side note my Ebay seller did reply to my origins query and was helpful once he realized I wasn't complaining about the device and wanting to return it... LOL. Apparently my unit originated in Singapore and arrived with that firmware along with a Verizon SIM which I never tested. As long as the OS is smooth, and the modem compatible, and unless someone advises a better country variant, I guess I'll stick with this one.
Now just need to get Torque reconfigured!

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