Develop Bugs

[Q] Unlock OTA 4.3 - Any methods working yet?

I currently have OTA 4.3 installed (Rogers version from SamMobile -SGH-i747M). I would like to unlock the phone. The only methods I could find involve reverting to 4.1.1, which is impossible after OTA 4.3 update (according to many other XDA threads). So, 2 questions:
1) Are there any known 4.3 unlock methods presently?
2) Are there any known methods for reverting 4.3 to 4.1.1 presently? (to use old unlock methods)
Thanks!

Update: I've been able to downgrade from 4.3 to 4.1.1 by using Mobile Odin ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1347899 ), which does not flash the bootloader (so the bootloader stays at 4.3, bypassing the failures when trying to downgrade with regular Odin). It required rooting 4.3, which I achieved with method 2 here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2538991
However, now when I attempt to use the unlock method posted here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2014982 - when I get into the Service Mode screen, there are NO options (instead of the 3 before or the 4 required to complete the unlock). I've attempted flashing modems from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1831898 to no avail.
Suggestions?

sabrinaela said:
Update: I've been able to downgrade from 4.3 to 4.1.1 by using Mobile Odin ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1347899 ), which does not flash the bootloader (so the bootloader stays at 4.3, bypassing the failures when trying to downgrade with regular Odin). It required rooting 4.3, which I achieved with method 2 here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2538991
However, now when I attempt to use the unlock method posted here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2014982 - when I get into the Service Mode screen, there are NO options (instead of the 3 before or the 4 required to complete the unlock). I've attempted flashing modems from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1831898 to no avail.
Suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You downgraded? What 4.1.1 Rom or file did you flash with mobile Odin to downgrade?

shortydoggg said:
You downgraded? What 4.1.1 Rom or file did you flash with mobile Odin to downgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried both the 4.1.1 AT&T and the 4.1.1 Rogers files from SamMobile (the phone is locked to Rogers). In both cases, in About Phone the "baseband" shows as "unknown", which I'm guessing is why the Service Mode menu shows nothing: something about being unable to detect the modem? Using regular Odin to flash the Rogers 4.3 ROM puts it back to its normal state with the baseband showing normally.
Another possibility is that the 4.3 bootloader (which cannot be downgraded) does something funny so that even if you're running 4.1.1 for everything else (bootloader still at 4.3), it screws things up? Not sure how that would work.

Tried another method - No luck
Update:
I've tried the 4.3 method suggested by Mr. X in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2529200
Unfortunately it didn't work for me (a couple other posters report that it didn't work for their 4.3 devices either).
I have seen some variants of the Service Mode unlock with different menu options (since 4.3 doesn't have the 4 required that are visible in 4.1.1). Any suggestions on other menu options that might work?
Any other ideas for unlocking 4.3 devices?

Bump - Lots of people have same issue
I've been watching the forums and this thread keeps coming up. Lots of people want to unlock from OTA 4.3. I'm bumping this thread because I've detailed what I've already tried with links so that things don't get repeated too much.
Anyone found a way to unlock from 4.3 yet?

sabrinaela said:
I've been watching the forums and this thread keeps coming up. Lots of people want to unlock from OTA 4.3. I'm bumping this thread because I've detailed what I've already tried with links so that things don't get repeated too much.
Anyone found a way to unlock from 4.3 yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked the same question a while ago and no answers came up. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2541909
I ended up paying one these services that give you the code. If you do that make sure you are on stock ROM or it won't work. Hope some solution comes up.

I think we can rule out unlocking phone ourselves.
Thanks for info. So cellunlocker works.
I looked at sammobile unlocker as well... but was uncertain if they service US customers, as they charge in uk currency.
Has someone in US tried sammobile unlock service on s3 on 4.3 successfully?
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk

You guys try "galaxSim unlock" from the play store...says it has 4.3 support. Worth a try. I think there is actually a thread on xda that the developer lets you use the app for free.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=30541172
Edit... nevermind says US qualcomm devices not supported at this time.
GL
Sent from my SGH-I747M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Just unlocked my s3 from cellunlocker, so can comfirm that.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

Bump - Seeing lots of threads. Anything yet?
Bump. I'm still seeing this thread appear a lot. Anyone have an unlock method for OTA 4.3 yet?

sabrinaela said:
Bump. I'm still seeing this thread appear a lot. Anyone have an unlock method for OTA 4.3 yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bump

sabrinaela said:
Bump. I'm still seeing this thread appear a lot. Anyone have an unlock method for OTA 4.3 yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still not possible.
Ive just tried 4.1.1 - success
second one with Mr.X methodon 4.3 NO success.
The z3x box team reports unlocking on rooted 4.3 firmware by imei re-write method = success.
Code:
http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/f453/samsung-i747-4-3-unlocked-1750949/index2.html
Thanks.

Has anyone tried RegionLock Away?

iBowToAndroid said:
Has anyone tried RegionLock Away?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know that these phones were region-locked. Does this mean that a Canadian s3 that has been sim unlocked may not work in Europe?

audit13 said:
I didn't know that these phones were region-locked. Does this mean that a Canadian s3 that has been sim unlocked may not work in Europe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
US phones aren't region locked because they're already SIM locked (I have no idea what the situation is with the Verizon Note 3). I'm not sure about Canadian phones - the region lock appears to exist on phones that are sold unlocked. (All you have to do is activate the phone in the region it was intended to be sold/used in and the region lock is removed - you only encounter issues when the first service you try to use the phone with is outside of its region.) But someone found that RegionLock Away SIM unlocked his T-Mo Note 3, and since then it's been found to remove the SIM lock on quite a few Samsung devices

[Q] How to Network Unlock Galaxy S3 sgh-T999

I'm a bit of a noob, so apologies if this is in the wrong section. I've had a very difficult time finding threads that focus on those who have (stupidly!) applied the OTA 4.3 jellybean update, and what they can do to network unlock the phone. So here goes:
Samsung Galaxy SIII
SGH-T999
Android Version 4.3
Baseband Version T999UVUEMJC
Stock build. No root.
The closest step-by-step I've come across:
Remove T-Mobile SIM. Replace with ATT SIM. Reboot phone.
*#197328640# which successfully puts me into service mode.
This brings up the following menu:
MAIN MENU
[1]UMTS
[2]CDMA
[3]LTE
[4]SIM
From there its
[1]UMTS
[1] DEBUG SCREEN
[8]PHONE CONTROL
[6]NETWORK UNLOCK
[3]PERSO SHA256 OFF ...
Now, that's as far as I can get. The guide then says to go back to [6] and there should be an option, [4] NV INITIALIZZ.
This option is not there for me. (Note: at this point the PERSO SHA256 status is indeed set to SHA256_ENABLE_FLAG [0]).
Another guide suggested BACKing to the MAIN MENU and selecting option [5] run EFS SYNC() after selecting [3]PERSO SHA256 OFF.
I have done this and the screen reads: SYNC success. please reboot.
I do so, heart aflutter... only to be met with a SIM unlock PIN code entry screen.
Unlock fail.
Other threads have suggested downgrading to 4.1.1 in order for this to work and the necessary options be made available. Most of what I have read has said that attempts to downgrade from OTA 4.3 (with big brother KNOX) will result in a hard brick.
So, if you've made it this far... Has anyone figured out how to SIM unlock this particular phone running OTA 4.3 without rooting/downgrading?
If there is a more suitable thread discussing SIII's that are running 4.3 please direct me there.
Many thanks!

You could try and flash a 4.1.1 Modem. After that, try the above process.
Note - In that process, you are required to be super patient at each step.

Perseus71 said:
You could try and flash a 4.1.1 Modem. After that, try the above process.
Note - In that process, you are required to be super patient at each step.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the response.
Yes, most of what I have come across has indicated that I would need to get 4.1.1 by hook or by crook in order to network unlock the phone, having upgraded to 4.3.
I have some experience fiddling with such things, but many posts have also indicated that, with the new KNOX package in tow, backing down from 4.3 will hard brick this device. I am hoping that, with access to Service Mode, someone will discover a way to network unlock without root/flashing.
Thanks again!

Are you Rooted ? If so flashing the LJC modem from Doc's thread won't brick your device.

Perseus71 said:
Are you Rooted ? If so flashing the LJC modem from Doc's thread won't brick your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is not currently rooted, no. Most rooting instructions I've seen are for 4.1.1 or 4.1.2. My guess is I'm going to have to root to unlock...
Could you direct me to instructions for rooting OTA 4.3?
Again, many thanks for taking the time to help.

etrash310 said:
The phone is not currently rooted, no. Most rooting instructions I've seen are for 4.1.1 or 4.1.2. My guess is I'm going to have to root to unlock...
Could you direct me to instructions for rooting OTA 4.3?
Again, many thanks for taking the time to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow these. Effectively Flash Custom Rom using ODIN then flash SuperUser Zip.

Perseus71 said:
Follow these. Effectively Flash Custom Rom using ODIN then flash SuperUser Zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. I will try this tonight.

etrash310 said:
Awesome. I will try this tonight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, no luck. Followed all the directions I could (provided by some awesome contributors including Doc) including:
1)Rooting using the aforementioned method and installing 4.3 with SU and no KNOX. Then just flashing stock modem 4.1.1 UVDLJC, in order to reveal the [4] NV INITIALIZZ option that is not present in Servicemode on jellybean 4.3 firmware.
--- This resulted in very slowed down system with no WiFi capability and no startup or shutdown sounds. Logging into Servicemode just resulted in a blank screen that said Servicemode.
--- Ultimately had to emergency restore firmware via KIES. (Thanks to reading a post by Doc on another thread). This got me up and running again.
2) Rooting using aforementioned method. And searching for stock 4.1.1 firmware in order to downgrade...
--- This has proven to be impossible. I can not find stock 4.1.1 anywhere. All links that have turned up have either been dead hotfile.com links or corrupted .zip files.
--- Additionally, I have been informed that once you upgrade to 4.3 OTA it is IMPOSSIBLE to flash an earlier firmware using ODIN. (Is is possible using CWM perhaps?)
In the end, it appears that the jellybean 4.3 OTA update currently has the community stumped as to how to unlock the SGH-T999 for use on another network with your only option to either convince T-Mobile to give you an unlock code or ordering one online. (And I've read of too many folks getting bogus codes ordering online...)
Still having fun trying, and its very cool to see all the hard work and info that folks like Doc are compiling on here. Maybe somebody is on the way to cracking this nut!!!

etrash310 said:
In the end, it appears that the jellybean 4.3 OTA update currently has the community stumped as to how to unlock the SGH-T999 for use on another network with your only option to either convince T-Mobile to give you an unlock code or ordering one online. (And I've read of too many folks getting bogus codes ordering online...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So after all that, what is your current Rom and Firmware ? Can you try Root66 of 4.2 Rom ? Doc has Re-Hosted with mirrors.

I followed cLogic's guide that you linked to above and am running 4.3 rooted w/o Knox garbage.
Ended up getting phone network unlocked at a local hole in the wall phone shoppe. Figured it was worth a couple extra bucks to have it unlocked face to face in case code didn't work rather than fish out a reputable online source on my own.
Will be curious to compare its power usage to stock 4.3. Phone is working well, although it seems I will have to play with the APN settings as I am unable to send MMS messages... hmmm. Any advice off the top of your head?
I'd given root66 a try and also gave Doc's reposts another shot, but no dice.
So the sum of my endeavors are as follows:
1) If you want to network unlock your galaxy s3 on your own, DO NOT upgrade to jellybean 4.3 OTA until you do. It does not seem anyone has figured a way to ala ServiceMode in 4.1.1 yet.
2) If you have upgraded to 4.3 OTA you can use cLogic's guide linked to above to root your phone sans Knox.
3) If you have already upgraded to 4.3 OTA and want your phone network unlocked, you will have to pay to have it factory unlocked.
4) XDA is the bomb.

UPDATE:
Looks like the MMS messages I was trying to send finally went through... it just took an inordinately long time for them to do so.. not sure why yet.

Of dubious help to the OP, who had his phone commercially unlocked, but for others reading this thread or the OP's curiosity.. the 4.3 update has caused all kinds of grief. Amongst various bugs and battery drain issues, 4.3 has changed dialer codes or shuffled menus around. I can confirm the same results as the OP up to the point where he found that the initialize NV menu missing.
To progress further, I found that I needed:
An active SIM from a different carrier, with said SIM needing to be the phone throughout. This is in contrast to the previous method that worked without a SIM in the phone during the unlock procedure. I successfully unlocked a Note 2 with 4.3 using the steps in this techbeasts.com post.
And was successful with a 4.3 S4 using a slight variation (no NV initialize menu!.. back.. key input.. 1.. back). Both phones were M (Canadian) models.​
Reading between the lines of various reports in addition to first hand experience implies that there may be several different carrier specific dodges being employed here. Playing musical chairs with the missing menu items that now have different dialer codes, are now found on hidden sub menus (key input = 1) or in back up files.
The commercial unlock guys are using proprietary tools such as Samsung tool v 16.8. Which usually seem to be database based factory unlocks fetched (or calculated?) from their servers.
.

since this worked on a note2, would it work on a sgs3 t999 that is already on 4.3?
fffft said:
Of dubious help to the OP, who had his phone commercially unlocked, but for others reading this thread or the OP's curiosity.. the 4.3 update has caused all kinds of grief. Amongst various bugs and battery drain issues, 4.3 has changed dialer codes or shuffled menus around. I can confirm the same results as the OP up to the point where he found that the initialize NV menu missing.
To progress further, I found that I needed:
An active SIM from a different carrier, with said SIM needing to be the phone throughout. This is in contrast to the previous method that worked without a SIM in the phone during the unlock procedure. I successfully unlocked a Note 2 with 4.3 using the steps in this techbeasts.com post.
And was successful with a 4.3 S4 using a slight variation (no NV initialize menu!.. back.. key input.. 1.. back). Both phones were M (Canadian) models.​
Reading between the lines of various reports in addition to first hand experience implies that there may be several different carrier specific dodges being employed here. Playing musical chairs with the missing menu items that now have different dialer codes, are now found on hidden sub menus (key input = 1) or in back up files.
The commercial unlock guys are using proprietary tools such as Samsung tool v 16.8. Which usually seem to be database based factory unlocks fetched (or calculated?) from their servers.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

etrash310 said:
Well, no luck. Followed all the directions I could (provided by some awesome contributors including Doc) including:
1)Rooting using the aforementioned method and installing 4.3 with SU and no KNOX. Then just flashing stock modem 4.1.1 UVDLJC, in order to reveal the [4] NV INITIALIZZ option that is not present in Servicemode on jellybean 4.3 firmware.
--- This resulted in very slowed down system with no WiFi capability and no startup or shutdown sounds. Logging into Servicemode just resulted in a blank screen that said Servicemode.
--- Ultimately had to emergency restore firmware via KIES. (Thanks to reading a post by Doc on another thread). This got me up and running again.
2) Rooting using aforementioned method. And searching for stock 4.1.1 firmware in order to downgrade...
--- This has proven to be impossible. I can not find stock 4.1.1 anywhere. All links that have turned up have either been dead hotfile.com links or corrupted .zip files.
--- Additionally, I have been informed that once you upgrade to 4.3 OTA it is IMPOSSIBLE to flash an earlier firmware using ODIN. (Is is possible using CWM perhaps?)
In the end, it appears that the jellybean 4.3 OTA update currently has the community stumped as to how to unlock the SGH-T999 for use on another network with your only option to either convince T-Mobile to give you an unlock code or ordering one online. (And I've read of too many folks getting bogus codes ordering online...)
Still having fun trying, and its very cool to see all the hard work and info that folks like Doc are compiling on here. Maybe somebody is on the way to cracking this nut!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well try this link .... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1949687

well i dont know if it will work for me because my t999 is running cyanogenmod 12.1

The phone must be running stock 4.1.1 in order to sim unlock using the free method. Once the phone is on a 4.3 or newer bootloader, sim unlocking must be done using a code specific to the phone's imei. In order to enter the unlock code, the phone must be running a stock ROM or possibly a custom ROM based on a tw kernel.

audit13 said:
The phone must be running stock 4.1.1 in order to sim unlock using the free method. Once the phone is on a 4.3 or newer bootloader, sim unlocking must be done using a code specific to the phone's imei. In order to enter the unlock code, the phone must be running a stock ROM or possibly a custom ROM based on a tw kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I previously rooted my s3. It is locked to tmobile. Then I unrooted and tried to unlock it but of course after 4.3 update (LUVUBOH1 Big mistake I see! I tried to flash a different 4.3 stock baseband just to make sure I flashed stock rom but odin failed. I kept trying and even updated odin, but no dice. Any ideas??

Do you have an unlock code? If not, you'll have to buy an unlock code and enter the code while running a stock ROM.

audit13 said:
Do you have an unlock code? If not, you'll have to buy an unlock code and enter the code while running a stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I did purchase an unlock code. I'm going to try a different sim. I THINK I'm running stock rom 4.3 LUVUBOH1.

When you insert a non T-Mobile sim, you're not prompted to enter a network unlock code?

How do I downgrade the ROM?

Hey XDAdevelopers forum!
I need your guy's assisstance in trying to unlock my Note 2, Canadian Rogers. (I317M.)
Looking around the forums and doing searching, I've managed to download the ROGERS MODEM I317MVLALJ2, and looking at the thread for everything Note 2 AT&T I've also seen the Rogers Stock 4.1.1 firmware.
I'm trying to unlock my phone right now, but I don't want to call rogers and pay their absurd $50 fee or use a website like cellunlocker.net for something I can do for free.
So this is what I need your help with. I have the original 4.1.1 rogers firmware downloaded, and I have the modem, but I don't know what to do with them.
I'm rooted with a 4.4.2 ROM right now, and from looking around some have said that I can just use the modem and unlock my phone that way, without having to change my current ROM. This would be the ideal situation but I don't think it's possible for me to do.
The other option is to use the Rogers I317 firmware, which should work on my I317M (don't know the difference), and flash it on CWRP recovery and then use this method to unlock.
The original rogers firmware includes a "SS_DL" file and a "KIES_HOME_I317UCALJ2_I317ATTALJ2_215287_REV04_user_low_ship.tar.md5" file.
The modem includes a META-INF folder, and a modem.bin file. I have no idea on what to do with these files to be able to unlock my phone, and I need your guy's help.
Thanks!!
(both files are from this thread [REF] Your One-Stop Shop for the Note II (Kernels, Roms, Guides, Modems, Etc.)

[Q] Currently have 4.3 and trying to unlock

Hi i'm attempting to unlock my Brother's S4 for him. I haven't unlocked anything manually in nearly 2 years back when I did my EVO. But his phone is currently 4.3 and it's M919. The couple guides that I found that seemed simple enough require I be at 4.4.2. But my problem is when I try to update his phone manually, it will update it to 4.4.4, which is clearly newer. So my problem is, How do I go about this? Is anything available for 4.3 that I didn't find yet or is there something i'm missing?
Any guidance would be appreciated.
Thanks

No unlocking with Tmobile.
Read the threads. ???
Pp.

You trying to carrier unlock? I just did this last night mine also came 4.3 there are some great guides that explain how to do this. Basically you need to download the stock 4.2.2 firmware and flash it in Odin then you need to flash the UAV modem file then you can get into the service menu and unlock(this did not work for me) if this doesn't work you need to root then install regionaway apk and this will region and carrier unlock you this worked for me. Next you need to flash stock 4.3 or 4.4.4 its been over 10 days since you made this post so if you still trying to unlock your brothers phone reply here and I will find the guides and post them.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app

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.