Brick - few questions - General Questions and Answers

Hello,
I was wondering if someone could explain me, how BRICK happens or what to do to stay away from brick.
I searched for this question, but cannot find proper answers...
Thx in adv

TwinHeadedEagle said:
Hello,
I was wondering if someone could explain me, how BRICK happens or what to do to stay away from brick.
I searched for this question, but cannot find proper answers...
Thx in adv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends what device you have. Different things can cause different devices to brick. Usually a "bricked" device is caused by a bad kernel (more so by over clocking or overvolting), (If you have an HTC device) a bad HBoot, flashing a leak that is incomplete or flashing an update (RUU, Odin, whatever) for the wrong device, or flashing a package for the wrong device or one that is improperly coded.
You CANNOT brick your device by flashing custom roms and recoveries or anything like that, and permanent, unfixable, hard bricks are VERY rare and are usually because someone did something stupid.
If you're worried about installing a custom ROM or something, don't worry, it won't brick you.

TwinHeadedEagle said:
Hello,
I was wondering if someone could explain me, how BRICK happens or what to do to stay away from brick.
I searched for this question, but cannot find proper answers...
Thx in adv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bricks happen when you try something not meant for your phone.
Sent from my U8150 using XDA

Thank you so much for clarifying this to me...
I am not total beginner, i possess Galaxy GT-I9001, for 4 months and i installed CWM last week, with complications, i used Odin 4.03 what one guy instructed to me, beside 4.43. First 4.03 failed and my phone failed to boot, I was worrying i could lose the phone. Then i used 4.43 from the Wiki tutorial what fixed the things...
Now i want to Root the phone, so this previous experience scared me, now i am not confident about it so I used to ask here...
So to clarify:
- rooting
-CWM
-flashing - installing custom ROMS
in proper way and following instructions won't brick my phone?
Is it possible that the dev/alpha/beta ROM versions could brick my phone?
How hard brick happens I am interested?
Is soft brick always fixable?
Sorry for bothering with this stupid questions, I am just not too confident, and i don't wanna destroy the phone, i've got no money for another
Thanks again and sorry if bad English

bricked= corrupted bootloader
a really bricked phone is like "dead' and the only way to solve this problem is to flash a new-and-happy bootloader by hardware tools like Medusa jtag jig also you can't solve bricked phone by PC software if yo do so then your phone is not really bricked
I don't know anything about hard/soft bricked what's that ??
you can't brick a phone by flashing a beta rom if you don't touch bootloader but you can destroy or cause hardware damage by flashing a rom/kernel not made for your phone so that's very important to know !
to prevent bricking your phone:
1. never use a flashing tool not made for your phone
2.when flashing bootloader made for your phone only use a stable PC connection/cable and is better to use a laptop on battery
3.about ROM Manager :if you don't see your phone in list never use it to flash recovery/rom
rooting means to get root access this is like your Administrator account in Windows OS well, it happens because by default phones come out from manufacturer with root disabled to protect the phone and their business
CWM is a custom recovery in fact this is a little OS that works like Safe Mode in Windows it can help you to flash a rom/update/theme etc
CWM recovery is different compared to stock recovery because it gives you the chance to flash custom things to your phone I mean you have to give a package a digital signature in order to flash it to your phone and stock recovery is restrictive it allows you to flash only signed-by-manufacturer things like roms/updates/themes and here is the place where CWM comes it allows to flash self-signed packages

Follow tutorials and you won't brick your phone. Stick to your device forum. E.g ,Just because something worked on the galaxy ace doesn't mean you can use that tutorial on a galaxy mini.
Soft bricks can be fixed,those are just installation errors.
Sent from my U8150 using XDA

I was wondering how to remove CWM and to restore original recovery...
I suppose i have to flash my stock ROM, am i right?
Do i need to wipe all data before flashing my custom ROM, just to add i have 2.3.3 i only did CWM nothing else is changed.
One thing isn't clear, when I flash CWM is my stock ROM changed?

TwinHeadedEagle said:
I was wondering how to remove CWM and to restore original recovery...
I suppose i have to flash my stock ROM, am i right?
Do i need to wipe all data before flashing my custom ROM, just to add i have 2.3.3 i only did CWM nothing else is changed.
One thing isn't clear, when I flash CWM is my stock ROM changed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you want to remove cwm? Its a custom recovery, without it you can't go custom. Use cwm to create a nand backup. To go back to stock recovery, you are correct, but make sure you have correct files etc in Odin. Pulling out your USB cable in Odin without completed will brick your phone, I know cuz I did it. The wrong files can do the same. CWM doesn't change the ROM, just the recovery. I have also heard of bricks from Samsung kies mini. Yes you need to wipe/ factory data reset when flashing a new ROM. If you are only updating a custom ROM, going from (ROM name) v 1.2 to (ROM name) v 1.3 it is not always necessary to do factory data reset but follow the instructions per developer of ROM/thread. Get root, put custom ROM on sd, in recovery make a nand backup, wipe cache, wipe dalvik cache, factory data reset, install zip from sd, reboot.
Also sometimes when flashing a ROM it might not boot first time. Don't panic, pull battery out/in 3 button to recovery, install zip again, reboot and enjoy.
Hope this helps....if so hit thanks button!
sent courtesy of the pony express

TwinHeadedEagle said:
I was wondering how to remove CWM and to restore original recovery...
I suppose i have to flash my stock ROM, am i right?
Do i need to wipe all data before flashing my custom ROM, just to add i have 2.3.3 i only did CWM nothing else is changed.
One thing isn't clear, when I flash CWM is my stock ROM changed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No,your stock rom is not changed,just your recovery. You'll need clockworkmod do install custom roms since stock recovery lacks the features needed to install non-manufacturer roms.
If you are concerned about altering your current rom,you can make a backup using clockworkmod recovery, and store it somewhere like your PC.
Yes,just to be safe, it is better to wipe data. Unless it's an update of the same rom which again, isn't always guaranteed. Just to be sure your safe,backup your apps and clear everything.
Clockworkmod is removed in the bootloader by swapping it out with something else(like amon-ra).
Sent from my U8150 using XDA

Ok, thanks
I am planning to use custom roms, but it's not important at this time, I am satissfied with current...
I only need to know how to restore stock recovery, if the phone is somehow damaged and needs to be taken to the service warranty is lost with CWM installed?
Thank you and Sorry again if i am too noob, and asking stupid questions, i just need detailed explanations from people that experienced this, and apparently I've got it

TwinHeadedEagle said:
Ok, thanks
I am planning to use custom roms, but it's not important at this time, I am satissfied with current...
I only need to know how to restore stock recovery, if the phone is somehow damaged and needs to be taken to the service warranty is lost with CWM installed?
Thank you and Sorry again if i am too noob, and asking stupid questions, i just need detailed explanations from people that experienced this, and apparently I've got it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible to reset the phone fully to stock. This removes clockworkmod recovery and your custom rom and allows you to claim warranty. So far only Sony is the one I'm aware void your warranty permanently if you unlock your bootloader using their 'official' method. They keep you on record,so even if you relock it you're outside warranty.
Sent from my U8150 using XDA

How To Unbrick my Kindle Fire?
Hello, I'm a Noobie,
I think I bricked my Kindle Fire. “kindle fire” stays on the screen when I turn it on. I can see the device on my computer as ‘Removable Disk (G’ however I am unable to access the drive. Am I BRICKED for good? Kindle running 6.3.1.; PC running Window 7. Please help…..

lcharrisej said:
Hello, I'm a Noobie,
I think I bricked my Kindle Fire. “kindle fire” stays on the screen when I turn it on. I can see the device on my computer as ‘Removable Disk (G’ however I am unable to access the drive. Am I BRICKED for good? Kindle running 6.3.1.; PC running Window 7. Please help…..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Redownload the rom with a stronger internet connection, flash it again.
Sent from my U8150 using XDA

@ Allanitomwesh
You didn't tell me how to reset phone fully to stock

I am assuming you haven't started playing with your phone.
Dial *#1234# and write down the three ID Strings PDA, CSC & PHONE ID
They'll be useful later. Just for paranoia, use adb to save your IMEI details (adb is for windows PC's don't worry)
Install Samsung Keis in same PC. Make sure it recognises your phone. Always check this before running Odin.
Always do a full backup (apps, data,settings) before resetting to stock or just any flashing.
Odin will install custom roms on your phone,and it will also take you back to stock if need arises. This is done by 'flashing' stock rom into your phone.
You can follow this tutorial
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1345671
Where the rom is the stock one. You can get the right one here http://www.sammobile.com/firmware/?page=1&t=2 Clockworkmod and root access will be lost.(those come with custom roms,don't worry)
When using Odin, a few tips,
1.always run as administrator (right click on icon>run as administrator)
2.Odin runs better without sim card and SD card. You can take them out before entering download mode
3.NEVER EVER interrupt a flashing process,its a guaranteed soft brick.It takes about 10 minutes. If you're impatient, walk away. Also for paranoia,better to have a ups.
4. Perform factory reset before and after flashing. * Menu* Settings* Privacy* Factory data reset* Reset phone& Erase everything. Before and after.
If your rom doesn't boot try this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1660596
Sent from my U8150 using XDA

Would someone help me? I just installed CM10 Jelly bean for Iconia A500 and flashed the corresponding GApss right after. Now I'm stuck on Acer logo and can't go to recovery. Help.

xmond said:
Would someone help me? I just installed CM10 Jelly bean for Iconia A500 and flashed the corresponding GApss right after. Now I'm stuck on Acer logo and can't go to recovery. Help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ask here for better assistance
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1211
Sent from my U8150 using XDA

Thanks
Allanitomwesh said:
Redownload the rom with a stronger internet connection, flash it again.
Sent from my U8150 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response, I however cannot access my Kindle Fire. It shows up on my computer as 'G:' drive. I can go to TWRP on the device but there's nothing to restore. I think I wiped out everything. There is a message that says "E:failed to mount /sdcard (Invalid argument)" I'm Bricked for good aren't I?

lcharrisej said:
Thanks for your response, I however cannot access my Kindle Fire. It shows up on my computer as 'G:' drive. I can go to TWRP on the device but there's nothing to restore. I think I wiped out everything. There is a message that says "E:failed to mount /sdcard (Invalid argument)" I'm Bricked for good aren't I?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily, but it does sound like you went abit overboard with clearing data.
Try and restore stock rom on your kindle. The method where you lose root preferably.
Sent from my U8150 using XDA

Related

[Q] Reverting X10 mini pro back to stock help

I have tried to look through the numerous threads but still dont seem to beable to find the answer to my question, I bought a x10 mini pro from someone and it has cyanogenmod 7 v005 on it but i want to revert it back to stock.As i bought this with cyanogenmod already on it i dont have the stock rom. I have checked and it does have xrecovery installed so can i just find a stock rom and install it using xrecovery or do i need another custom rom. If anyone can point me to the right thread (i know there prob is one and ive missed it) or to the stock rom? It would be greatly appreciated. TIA.
anyone able to help??
so am i stuck on this custom rom?
if you find a stock rom that is in a format that the recovery mode can use, yes.
if not you will probably have to use a flash program like odin and flash the stock rom that way.
argggh i got impatient waiting for a response and read elsewhere using pc companion to restore would work and now stuck in SE logo loop, is it now bricked? or is there a solution ???
Dark3n said:
if you find a stock rom that is in a format that the recovery mode can use, yes.
if not you will probably have to use a flash program like odin and flash the stock rom that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for that odin never heard of it b4 but it worked a charm
big thanks ....
fatc2k3 said:
thanks for that odin never heard of it b4 but it worked a charm
big thanks ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure thing, always happy to help .
If you still have download mode or something similar it is not fully bricked.
On the sgs you can even make a custom usb plug to get it into flash mode when your download mode is broken, it just takes more expertise to get it working again the more you brick it .
**SOLVED**
I did a repair in PC Companion, and that gave me stock ROM - but I didn't get the correct hardwarekeyboard...
And I lost Root I guess, so I can't replace/change the keyprint.xml file.
xRecovery seems to be gone, but what about JIT(what is that?)?
I want to be all stock due to warranty.
Oh, and how should I format my sd card?! I have an ext3 and a fat32 partition now, to support apps2sd, but dont want that. should i just format whole card to fat32?
Not sure about the SD card. However I would first backup any data/files on the SD card before trying anything.
Regarding JIT, it basically boots the performance of your phone, its related to Android's software compiler.
I think Android versions 2.2 & above already have JIT enabled, however to have this on version 2.1 you may need to root the device.
Dark3n said:
if you find a stock rom that is in a format that the recovery mode can use, yes.
if not you will probably have to use a flash program like odin and flash the stock rom that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heyy!! I tried Graphical flash software.. but it wont detect my phone when i connect it while holding the <-- (back) button.. Can u kindly post a link to ODin for x10 mini pro.. and is there any video on youtube that shows how to do it??
I must have the Stock ROM for the U20i in German, Can youre help???

[Q] Samsum Galaxy Fit No Boot

Greetings.
It doesn´t boot.
First details:
Galaxy Fit rooted and 2.3.4 Gingerbread (worked fine)
I downloaded rom-manager and wanted to change to custom roms.
So far.
As I tried to install clockwork I found this in your forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1339640
and did everything exactly written there
then restartet, started rom-manager and chose the first option (Clockworkthingy).
As there was a choice of the device, I didn´t find my device and chose the last in list (which did´t work and then I picked the first in list and accepted.
downloaded syanogen 7.0 and after download and backup-chose it told me it would reset and start in recovery ... that was the last I´ve seen from my galaxy ...
Is it broken now.
Please help!
note: tried to start recovery with vol+, home and power as well as usual way to start it. without success
Come on. Some of you Guys are able for sure to tell me, if it is hopeless or there IS something I can do to get it working again.
I know nearly nothing about Smartphones and stuff so
Please!
Rodsengard said:
Come on. Some of you Guys are able for sure to tell me, if it is hopeless or there IS something I can do to get it working again.
Please!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to say that your phone is bricked.
First, rom manager doesn't support your device.
Second, you are an idiot that you selected unknown device from list to make it work.
Third, the thread doesn't have any tutorial about rom manager it is CWM that is meant to be flashed using odin.
Fourth, I probably this is hard brick and nothing can be done.
IN MY VIEW GO TO THE SAMSUNG SERVICE CENTER AND TELL THEM THAT YOU LEFT YOUR FOR CHARGING OVERNIGHT AND ITS NOT BOOTING.
THEY WILL SURELY HELP FOR FREE AS THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU DID AND THIS IS AN APPROPRIATE REASON.
Thank you for your honesty.
Your phone still can be fix up. Your phone not brick yet.. Your phone might get bricked if it running out of battery during flashing, like a half way flashing, then you are in the worse case scenario.
Recovery mode unavailable? Forget about recovery since it has been.broken. What important now is to get access to download mode by pressing vol down + power + home key. If you can access download mode, then your phone can be fixed in 5min.
Read this, before you go any further, if you sure that you already successfully flashed any rom before it went brick. Just do this simple step, for cm7, u need siyah kernel, go download (siyah 2.1.1 .tar)... Not .zip.
Remove your battery then put it back, get into download mode then flash siyah 2.1.1 with Odin 1.85.if your phone already flashed cyanogenmod7, then your phone should boot up and work properly.
If it doesnt work, click the link on my signature, follow all steps provided tp get back your to work as stock. Then start flashing again.
Ps : dont use backup, dont use romanager.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
My guide is for SGS2 International. Not ATNT, please find stock rom for your phone version. But the flashing method are just the same..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Thank you for your efforts neobirdrio, but as I wrote above, nothing works.
No combination with vol+ or - and the 2 other HW-Keys.
But if we are still in Topic, what exactly do I have to do with an intact Galaxy fit to flash it to a custom ROM.
What Custom ROMS would run with it?
Where Do I get the Newest Version?
And is it worth changing it?
I wanted something special, something faster than Gingerbread and (of course the original Froyo on it), including something needs less Space.
Could you advice me?
(I ordered a new one swince it happened)
Try read this post,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1120880
Latest stock firmware for galaxy fix is 2.3..which is gingerbread.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Still trying this out.
Did it in this way press three Keys, push batery in and so on ... One time on my netbook it came to life by meaning system told me, that it installs driver (seemed to be recognized right) and ODIN told, there is a connection. I started ODIN (which was prepared to do Gingerbread onto it) But it did nothing. I am not sure if I startet Odin with Adminrights, soooo ... Do now backup of the partition, put a much earlier backup on my PC and try it again (I am running out of PCs, so I simulate, that this is a new Computer )
I keep you informed.
Thanks again so far.
Tried it again, but it didn´come back to life
So Thanks to all ppl helped me.

[Q] Clockworkmod warns: "bad recovery" - What to do?

Hello guys,
a few days ago I dared to root my Xperia X10 Mini Pro with SuperOneClick and flashed a Cyanogenmod 7 Android 2.3.3 ROM. All in all, it worked pretty well.
After doing some apps installation stuff I rebooted in the Recovery (Clockworkmod which obviously came along with the ROM) and made a backup, just for the case. Afterwards, I selected "power off" in the CWM menu because I wanted to go to bed.
Then, immediately, CWM said something like "Error - This recovery seems to be bad" and something with a "risk". I managed however to power off. Can't remember if that worked via CWM or if I pushed the power off hardbutton or removed the battery.
Yet - the ROM seems to work. Now I'm a bit anxious because of the CWM error.
Is there really a risk? I planned to dare unlocking the bootloader soon. Is it dangerous to do this with a "bad recovery" or doesn't that matter at all?
Is there a possibility to repair CWM? Can I just install a new CWM? If yes - how?
Sorry - pretty noobish questions, I know.
Can you help me anyway?
Thanks a lot!
deleted post
Thank you for your help! I already thought that no one would answer because the thread disappered on page 3 of this forum
I've never heard from Odin before and therefore googled it. It only occured in connection with Samsung devices. Are you sure it is compatible to my Sony Ericsson?
Anyway, can I also install a new CWM via ROM Manager or wouldn't you recommend this?
Warning: I'm a noob. Take my advice at your own risk!
From what I understand, flashing CWM via Rom Manager is exactly the same as manual flashing (perhaps better, since the Rom Manager presumably keeps up to date). So I think you should be able to do so and make another recovery (without going through any of that manual flashing stuff). You should get a second opinion just because I'm so noobish, but I think this is the case.
However, from my limited understanding, I don't think the recovery will make any difference when dealing with the bootloader. The bootloader is, more or less, the very first set of instructions executed when the phone turns on. If you mess that up, your phone won't even be able to get into recovery mode. Also, the recovery images are stored on your sd card, which is wiped upon unlocking. Once again, I could be wrong.
deleted post
Dude, what are you talking about? You can't use ODIN on a non-Samsung phone.
trich025 said:
don't use rom manager just use the odin for your safety, you can bet that samsung users are the one benefiting on odin but as you can see erricson and samsung are both android phones and if you examine them both device have similar programs, and one thing, always keep in mind that you have to back up your current rom for emergency uses so you can still get back to were you started in case something went wrong.
if i helped you with this problem you could click the thanks button >>>>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK now this is flat out wrong. Each Android device has a different program used. Samsung has Odin, HTC has an RUU. Not sure about SE. But never use a software made for one device on another unless you want a brick. Just because they both use android doesn't mean they are the same.
Thanks to everyone, especially Product F(RED)!
No offence, trich025, but I guess you were wrong.
Can I destroy something by re-installing or updating CWM via ROM-Manager just in case my CWM has a bug?

Installed New update, soft brick. Need an official signed rom

Anyone know of, or or have a link to a factory rom (hell any rom would do at this point) that I would be able to flash with the stock S3 recovery? Just trying to unbrick my phone. Story of what happened below:
I'm running stock 4.1.1 rooted touchwiz. I wake up this morning to a notification saying I had an update on my phone. Should have definitely waited but without thinking I went ahead and updated, which of course soft bricks? The phone. (boots up, and but hangs at the 4Glte, flash screen)normally this would be an easy fix, I could Odin back to stock or something but I'm down in Mississippi till Monday for training and do not have access to my pc.
I can access the factory recovery on the phone but that's it, have no clue where CWM is. I've tried flashing some backups but the factory recovery says that it's not a signed package or whatever. Anyone have any idea how I can get this sucker booted up and running using just an android tablet?
What about reflashing CWM so I can access my backups? Could I somehow flash CWM with factory recovery?:
Dr. Light said:
Anyone know of, or or have a link to a factory rom (hell any rom would do at this point) that I would be able to flash with the stock S3 recovery? Just trying to unbrick my phone. Story of what happened below:
I'm running stock 4.1.1 rooted touchwiz. I wake up this morning to a notification saying I had an update on my phone. Should have definitely waited but without thinking I went ahead and updated, which of course soft bricks? The phone. (boots up, and but hangs at the 4Glte, flash screen)normally this would be an easy fix, I could Odin back to stock or something but I'm down in Mississippi till Monday for training and do not have access to my pc.
I can access the factory recovery on the phone but that's it, have no clue where CWM is. I've tried flashing some backups but the factory recovery says that it's not a signed package or whatever. Anyone have any idea how I can get this sucker booted up and running using just an android tablet?
What about reflashing CWM so I can access my backups? Could I somehow flash CWM with factory recovery?:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first of all you can't flash anything on a stock recovery hence the need of a custom recovery. Second you don't accept the OTA when rooted as it can cause the exact issue that you have. Last there isn't a way to fix your problem via another android device that I know of.
U are going to need a pc and then u will need to download Odin http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1165122&d=1340993443 and u can get the official software from here on XDA http://hotfile.com/dl/182822657/9f6...WBLK3_381038_REV09_user_low_ship.tar.md5.html this is the 4.1.1 software. Here is a link to some official pre rooted software http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984436 all of these software's you can install though Odin just look up here on XDA on how to use Odin and you will be fine once your phone is up and running again then you will need to get you a custom recovery. Then you can access your backups.
Always_Jonezen said:
U will need to download Odin http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1165122&d=1340993443 and u can get the official software from here on XDA http://hotfile.com/dl/182822657/9f6...WBLK3_381038_REV09_user_low_ship.tar.md5.html this is the 4.1.1 software. Here is a link to some official pre rooted software http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984436 all of these software's you can install though Odin just look up here on XDA on how to use Odin and you will be fine once your phone is up and running again then you will need to get you a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He doesn't have access to his PC PLUS he already knows what to do on that end.
jmxc23 said:
He doesn't have access to his PC PLUS he already knows what to do on that end.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just trying to help out but of course someone always has to criticize. I don't see you giving him any advice.
Thanks for all of advice guys. I'll prob just wait it out till Monday. Thanks again.
Always_Jonezen said:
Just trying to help out but of course someone always has to criticize. I don't see you giving him any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He was asking if he can use an android tablet to fix his phone. He doesn't have access to PC at least until Monday it says so in his post. I wasn't even criticizing you at all. Unless he knows someone with a PC in Mississippi or someone here knows how to use one android device to flash something on another android device he sadly will have to wait until he gets home to fix his phone. You didn't do anything to be criticized for trying to help all I did was point out the info that you missed without personally attacking you making it a critique.
jmxc23 said:
He was asking if he can use an android tablet to fix his phone. He doesn't have access to PC at least until Monday it says so in his post. I wasn't even criticizing you at all. Unless he knows someone with a PC in Mississippi or someone here knows how to use one android device to flash something on another android device he sadly will have to wait until he gets home to fix his phone. You didn't do anything to be criticized for trying to help all I did was point out the info that you missed without personally attacking you making it a critique.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey all, I've been reading , downloading etc for hours trying to get back into my GS3.. i was as usual roaming around and saw a post that said something to this effect "do ya need to get back to stock?" and figured yes i need to so i jumped in with both feet ..i had my boot loader unlocked and for some reason locked the darned thing remembering it was locked before i rooted and then i get the screen that says ie: "System software not authorized ~~~~~~~~~~~~" with a yellow triangle over it with an "!" mark in it..
all would have been ok except the line up of the way to do things was kinda outta line.. after i had locked bootloader "which is the way the GS3 came" i thought. at any rate i am now where i said i was and if i can be helped it would be appreciated.. and no repeated.. next time i'll read their whole line up first.. so help me if ya can and i am game right now for about anything ..

Most directions "how to root" seem to be from 2012...

On July 20th 2013, I bought a new Verizon Galaxy S3 i535 (no contract due to I need unlimited data). As a 50 year old guy, I admit that I never rooted before. I decided to do some research on the web which also included this XDA site. By the way, this is the best site!!
As someone who never rooted, I found multiple different ways of rooting which caused great confusion. Some told me to download Odin, while some did not. Some told me to download a superSU or something like that, while other directions did not, and so on and on......
But what really concerns me is that most of the directions were written back in 2012. Should this be a concern?
I don't want to seem like a retard or impose, but would someone do a video skype with me and walk me thru rooting my phone for the very first time? Perhaps during that skype session I could ask a few questions? I would pre download all files so that the session would not take too long.
Any volunteers?
Respectfully,
Bryan
All you need to Do is visit this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42791826
Those are the most straight forward directions you can find. And it will Root, unlock your bootloader, and install a custom recovery.
thank you for the reply. this is yet another way off rooting. why does this not use Odin? will this method allow me to undo or fix something if something goes bad?
BKSinAZ said:
thank you for the reply. this is yet another way off rooting. why does this not use Odin? will this method allow me to undo or fix something if something goes bad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't use Odin because it doesn't need to. The one click solution includes all the tools needed to make the necessary changes to your phone.
If something goes wrong, then you would use Odin to go back to stock no matter what root /unlock method you used. This is because Odin has the lowest level access to your phone, and can rescue it as long as you can boot into download mode.
As long as you don't flash files intended for other phones (including s3s from other carriers) your phone should be safe.
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funnyperson1 said:
It doesn't use Odin because it doesn't need to. The one click solution includes all the tools needed to make the necessary changes to your phone.
If something goes wrong, then you would use Odin to go back to stock no matter what root /unlock method you used. This is because Odin has the lowest level access to your phone, and can rescue it as long as you can boot into download mode.
As long as you don't flash files intended for other phones (including s3s from other carriers) your phone should be safe.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok... here is one of my last questions before I begin the root process....
Do I need to make a backup of my stock phone? There are no pictures or music, but do I need to make a backup in anyway first so if things go bad I can return to stock?
BKSinAZ said:
Ok... here is one of my last questions before I begin the root process....
Do I need to make a backup of my stock phone? There are no pictures or music, but do I need to make a backup in anyway first so if things go bad I can return to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to pop in here and help out. Once you do the casual root process, it will also install a recovery for you. You can make a nandroid backup with your recovery and just keep that somewhere safe. There are also directions on how to recover and return your phone to Verizon here. Hope that answers your question.
BKSinAZ said:
Ok... here is one of my last questions before I begin the root process....
Do I need to make a backup of my stock phone? There are no pictures or music, but do I need to make a backup in anyway first so if things go bad I can return to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, as I said above, as long as you can reach download mode on your phone you can always Odin back to stock. If you somehow break download mode, then your phone is pretty much bricked without sending it out to someone with a JTAG programmer. The risk of that happenning though is minimal unless you flash a ROM intended for a different device (such as the international i9300 S3).
funnyperson1 said:
No, as I said above, as long as you can reach download mode on your phone you can always Odin back to stock. If you somehow break download mode, then your phone is pretty much bricked without sending it out to someone with a JTAG programmer. The risk of that happenning though is minimal unless you flash a ROM intended for a different device (such as the international i9300 S3).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK... did exactly what you and the directions stated. Upon the phone booting up, there is a 'padlock' and the option to swipe. When I swipe, I am not as the home screen that I am accustomed to. I am in the Team Win Recovery Project" with the only option to 'select zip to install" and 6 buttons to press (install, backup, mount, advanced, wipe, restore, settings, reboot)
This was an unexpected step and was wondering what to do next?.... or did I mess things up?
BKSinAZ said:
OK... did exactly what you and the directions stated. Upon the phone booting up, there is a 'padlock' and the option to swipe. When I swipe, I am not as the home screen that I am accustomed to. I am in the Team Win Recovery Project" with the only option to 'select zip to install" and 6 buttons to press (install, backup, mount, advanced, wipe, restore, settings, reboot)
This was an unexpected step and was wondering what to do next?.... or did I mess things up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you were successful in rooting and unlocking your phone's bootloader. The program you are seeing (TWRP recovery) allows you to flash roms/mods (install), backup your phone, wipe and restore your phone. However, this shouldn't be what you see on bootup unless you pressed volume up while booting. Your stock ROM may have been wiped during the root process.
I suggest you dive into the world of Custom ROMs with CleanROM which is basically a de-bloated and tweaked version of the stock ROM.
Download the file from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1832070
Use your PC to put it on a microSD card. In TWRP recovery, perform a Factory Reset (from the Wipe Menu), then navigate to the external_sdcard and install CleanROM (from install menu). Wipe caches and reboot once installation is finished. You should boot straight into CleanROM.
funnyperson1 said:
It sounds like you were successful in rooting and unlocking your phone's bootloader. The program you are seeing (TWRP recovery) allows you to flash roms/mods (install), backup your phone, wipe and restore your phone. However, this shouldn't be what you see on bootup unless you pressed volume up while booting. Your stock ROM may have been wiped during the root process.
I suggest you dive into the world of Custom ROMs with CleanROM which is basically a de-bloated and tweaked version of the stock ROM.
Download the file from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1832070
Use your PC to put it on a microSD card. In TWRP recovery, perform a Factory Reset (from the Wipe Menu), then navigate to the external_sdcard and install CleanROM (from install menu). Wipe caches and reboot once installation is finished. You should boot straight into CleanROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems that when I went into the backup area and made a backup (a backup of what, I do not know because I am totally new to this) and after the backup the phone rebooted to the normal home screen with all the normal icons. I even just received a phone call so I guess all is good.
I don't know what to do now that my phone is rooted. My goal was just to uninstall unwanted programs etc, So when I get the courage, I will use the CLEANROM.
Question.... do I now have to constantly update my existing root or Cleanrom once installed? Do I now avoid Verizon or Samsung updates?
BKSinAZ said:
OK... did exactly what you and the directions stated. Upon the phone booting up, there is a 'padlock' and the option to swipe. When I swipe, I am not as the home screen that I am accustomed to. I am in the Team Win Recovery Project" with the only option to 'select zip to install" and 6 buttons to press (install, backup, mount, advanced, wipe, restore, settings, reboot)
This was an unexpected step and was wondering what to do next?.... or did I mess things up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're not ready to flash roms just touch reboot and you'll be back to your stock jellybean. In regards to the padlock, I also got that after using CASUAL and underneath the padlock it says custom. I haven't gotten a definitive answer about that but the general consensus is that it's nothing to worry about. I suppose it's just Verizon letting you know that they detected changes to your phone.
Do yourself a favor and read for days and days before you start flashing roms. You'll find the answers here and YouTube.
BKSinAZ said:
It seems that when I went into the backup area and made a backup (a backup of what, I do not know because I am totally new to this) and after the backup the phone rebooted to the normal home screen with all the normal icons. I even just received a phone call so I guess all is good.
I don't know what to do now that my phone is rooted. My goal was just to uninstall unwanted programs etc, So when I get the courage, I will use the CLEANROM.
Question.... do I now have to constantly update my existing root or Cleanrom once installed? Do I now avoid Verizon or Samsung updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great. The backup you made is what is called a "nandroid" backup. By default it includes the Android System, your apps, and associated application data and settings. This is great because it basically includes everything you need to restore your phone to it's previous state. So if you were to flash a custom ROM and ended up not liking it you could always restore this backup and it would restore your phone to how it is now.
Being rooted allows you to install and use applications from the Play store that require root. There are tons of them. The one I use most often is called Titanium Backup. It's primary purpose it to backup and restore your data and applications on an individual basis. I use it mostly to save my text messages and game save data between ROM flashes. It also allows you to uninstall, wipe data, and freeze (disable) any application on your phone.
Right now since you are still running stock rooted, you want to avoid installing any official updates, otherwise you may have to re-root. Beanstown may have disabled system updates through the rooting method, but I am not sure. If a new update is released, keep your eyes on the forums here, someone will create a flashable zip of the new firmware that maintains root/unlocked bootloader, you can then flash that in TWRP. Also once you flash a custom ROM like CleanROM, they removed the Samsung Firmware updater most likely so you don't have to worry about it.

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