Messed Up Big Time - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

I think I may have bricked my SGS3. Well, not permanently, I hope, but I'm stuck at a point and have reached the limit of my knowledge.
I had flashed AOKP. Part of this meant installing VZW GS3 EZ-Recovery App and flashing some sort of file with it, which I believe may have been a kernel. In retrospect, my lack of knowledge here probably should have made me pause... I'm not exactly clear on what a kernel is in the first place.
Due to some issues, I decided to go back to my rooted stock. I planned on booting into recovery and restoring to the point I backed up with Clockwork Mod. Suspecting that this kernel(?) business would need to be the same as when I was on stock before, I opened VZW GS3 EZ-Recovery App and tried to flash to the “stock” option in it. I think this was my mistake.
From here, I rebooted into recovery. And that’s where the problem started. I’m stuck in what I think is the generic Android recovery menu. I can clear data and cache, but there is no option to restore. When I select the reboot option, an error picture shows up in the background. The phone will begin to reboot, but always ends up back in recovery.
I’m guessing that ODIN thing is going to be used to solve this, and I have downloaded it.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I thought I knew the basics of rooting, having installed several custom ROMs on my old Droid X, but my current situation makes me think that I don't know as much as I thought I did. I'm sorry if I'm missing something blindingly obvious. If you want to lecture me on why I should have researched more or tried to do less, go ahead—as long as you can help. This is my personal phone, and I have my fingers crossed that I didn’t do irreversible damage.
Feel free to ask for any more information. I can probably take a picture of the recovery menu if that will help.
Again, I’m sorry for my stupidity.
Thanks,
Romuluscrohns

Get your phone in download mode and flash a stock rooted or stock rom with odin. To get in download mode turn off your phone and turn it on by pressing volume down, home, and power together. We all make mistakes while learning to root a phone and then we learn from it. Just remember to always be careful with what you do.

Thank you for the advice! I am trying this right now.
EDIT: SOLVED! Thank you again! I'll definitely be more careful.

Related

[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?

[GUIDE] T-Mobile US One S - How to ROOT and flash ROMs

So I know there's been some controversy and scares going around about the US version, since it JUST came out. I'm here to calm you guys down. I have now rooted mine, flashed an interim CWM touch version (not permanent) and have flashed a ROM......ALL successfully.
Here's what I did:
UNLOCKING:
Unlock your bootloader by registering at HTCdev.com and following the unlock instructions. Under device, choose "All other devices", as the One S is not yet listed. It'll walk you through getting your unlock token and flashing it.
ROOTING
Follow Paul O Brien's instructions on rooting your phone. I flashed the r3 superboot file he had. The first time it didnt take and just booted the phone back up. Second time it took, and seems to have stuck, at least for apps. Please note that my phone says *TAMPERED* along with the *UNLOCKED* notification. I have no idea what that means exactly, but everything works great for me.
This means if you dont want to leave Sense but want to get the tons of useless and annoying T-Mobile and other bloatware apps out, you can. T-Mo are dicks and make almost 100% of the apps on it by default SYSTEM apps, therefore unremovable. So you'll need root and Titanium Backup to freeze or delete them. I'd recommend freezing the non-TMo one's just in case.
FLASHING ROMS
1. Flash Paul O Brien's intermin CWM touch version. You MUST use this interim CWM version for the moment, as the others do not work properly. Some things like USB mount dont work in this interim version, but the important functions like wipe and flash, backup and restore, and restart do work. The CWM recovery seems permanent, based on my initial trials, so no worries about reflashing it each restart.
2. Flash your ROM of choice from Clockworkmod Recovery. I'm using Black Dragon right now, but there are others out there as well. I'm personally looking forward to CM9, but its a little ways away, usability-wise.
So there you have it, all you US guys. Don't be afraid to mod your phone. Remember all the warranty void disclaimers as always. I'm not responsible for you bricking your phone. This is just my experience in just under 24hrs of use. Things are looking good for the One S.
bump... i see US users still asking.
Mods, can we perhaps sticky this post of mine? I don't want to take credit for the actual methods of rooting, since Paul O Brien and others deserve that credit, but I think it'd be helpful for US users, since many don't know whether or not the international method works.
That, or perhaps editing the Intl guides to make it clear that the US version accepts the same methods and ROMs.
Worked great for me
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda premium
So if we root and flash a custom ROM is there any way to get the phone back to factory state, and get rid of the *TAMPERED* and *UNLOCKED* notification??
Did anyone else get a bit of a sad chuckle out of the first step in the instructions being "remove and reinsert battery"?
cyberchuck9000 said:
Did anyone else get a bit of a sad chuckle out of the first step in the instructions being "remove and reinsert battery"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, now my blisters on my fingers will heal.
But still.... I cannot imagine not needing a batt pull.
nickmv said:
Mods, can we perhaps sticky this post of mine? I don't want to take credit for the actual methods of rooting, since Paul O Brien and others deserve that credit, but I think it'd be helpful for US users, since many don't know whether or not the international method works.
That, or perhaps editing the Intl guides to make it clear that the US version accepts the same methods and ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
androidcues said:
Great, now my blisters on my fingers will heal.
But still.... I cannot imagine not needing a batt pull.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you need to perform a hard reset on the One S, you hold down the power button for about 7-10 secs.
First of all, thanks for this thread...I used the HTC One S All in one tool kit to unlock my phone, unfortunately I miss understood one of the directions(#5) and stopped using the tool kit and followed another thread, much to my surprise, my bootloader is unlocked, hooray My question is, how do I get back to the original state if that is possible? The reason I ask, is I would like to go back and do it correctly...I used better terminal emulator to see if I had root, but all I got was the $ sign instead of the # sign So I would like to start over...
Thanks in advance for the help
I'm honestly not sure what the procedure is for relocking an HTC bootloader. Perhaps do some Google research on some of the latest models, and I bet you'll find something.
That being said, once you unlock the bootloader a single time, the best you can do is go to **RELOCKED** state. You'll never get back **LOCKED**. Once it's gone it's gone. I'm curious about the **TAMPERED** message though. That's an ugly word.
not sure what exactly went wrong.
somehow flashed CWM and now thats the only thing my phone will boot to, even after re-flashing the stock recovery.
can't get the phone to turn on, only CWM every single time.
suhailtheboss said:
not sure what exactly went wrong.
somehow flashed CWM and now thats the only thing my phone will boot to, even after re-flashing the stock recovery.
can't get the phone to turn on, only CWM every single time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh oh that doesn't sound good
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda premium
yeah, tried reflashing both CWM & stock recovery. phone still boots to CWM everytime.
Luckily i can still access the phone via ADB, (while in recovery) so i'm sure i'll be able to sort it out. just need to take a fresh crack at it tomorrow. gonna switch back to my galaxy nexus tonight. (oh wait, i dont have any other phones that use microsim)
haha.
Hmm, interesting. Did you flash the interim recovery that Paul O Brien posted, and not another version? Just wanna make sure. I've heard of this happening in my past experience with the Nexus S, but I can't recall what the deal was. Regardless, I don't think you're in trouble. As with your GNex, it's very hard to completely brick the device unless you flash perhaps a bad hboot file, however I'm not really familiar with HTC devices.
This is my first HTC so I'm still trying to learn how the hboot and other processes work together. Sry to hear you had bad luck.
UPDATE: You should try the root install script. It tells the phone to boot after install. That might get you booted atleast.
Some thoughts:
1. Flash the stock recovery back and reflash CWM
2. Clear cache and dalvik within CWM, and make sure to use the 'Reboot System' option if you aren't already.
From what I can tell, your "boot-to-recovery" flag is set on the phone, and isn't getting cleared.
nickmv said:
So I know there's been some controversy and scares going around about the US version, since it JUST came out. I'm here to calm you guys down. I have now rooted mine, flashed an interim CWM touch version (not permanent) and have flashed a ROM......ALL successfully.
Here's what I did:
UNLOCKING:
Unlock your bootloader by registering at HTCdev.com and following the unlock instructions. Under device, choose "All other devices", as the One S is not yet listed. It'll walk you through getting your unlock token and flashing it.
ROOTING
Follow Paul O Brien's instructions on rooting your phone. I flashed the r3 superboot file he had. The first time it didnt take and just booted the phone back up. Second time it took, and seems to have stuck, at least for apps. Please note that my phone says *TAMPERED* along with the *UNLOCKED* notification. I have no idea what that means exactly, but everything works great for me.
This means if you dont want to leave Sense but want to get the tons of useless and annoying T-Mobile and other bloatware apps out, you can. T-Mo are dicks and make almost 100% of the apps on it by default SYSTEM apps, therefore unremovable. So you'll need root and Titanium Backup to freeze or delete them. I'd recommend freezing the non-TMo one's just in case.
FLASHING ROMS
1. Flash Paul O Brien's intermin CWM touch version. Some things like USB mount dont work, but the important functions like wipe and flash and restart do. The CWM recovery seems permanent, based on my initial trials, so no worries about reflashing it each restart. I cant speak for the non-interim solutions, but from what I can gather, they are problematic, so avoid them for now.
2. Flash your ROM of choice from Clockworkmod Recovery. I'm using Black Dragon right now, but there are others out there as well. I'm personally looking forward to CM9, but its a little ways away, usability-wise.
So there you have it, all you US guys. Don't be afraid to mod your phone. Remember all the warranty void disclaimers as always. I'm not responsible for you bricking your phone. This is just my experience in just under 24hrs of use. Things are looking good for the One S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this part a must? Would you mind PM'ing me with how to do this part if it's a must? I have Unlocked and rooted my phone, just waiting for a good ROM to come by.
Thongvilay said:
Is this part a must? Would you mind PM'ing me with how to do this part if it's a must? I have Unlocked and rooted my phone, just waiting for a good ROM to come by.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That step is only if you want to flash ROMs, or need to wipe cache, dalvik, etc. CWM is used for flashing and recovery/backup purposes. If you're not using ROMs yet, then you have no need for it.
nickmv said:
Hmm, interesting. Did you flash the interim recovery that Paul O Brien posted, and not another version? Just wanna make sure. I've heard of this happening in my past experience with the Nexus S, but I can't recall what the deal was. Regardless, I don't think you're in trouble. As with your GNex, it's very hard to completely brick the device unless you flash perhaps a bad hboot file, however I'm not really familiar with HTC devices.
This is my first HTC so I'm still trying to learn how the hboot and other processes work together. Sry to hear you had bad luck.
UPDATE: You should try the root install script. It tells the phone to boot after install. That might get you booted atleast.
Some thoughts:
1. Flash the stock recovery back and reflash CWM
2. Clear cache and dalvik within CWM, and make sure to use the 'Reboot System' option if you aren't already.
From what I can tell, your "boot-to-recovery" flag is set on the phone, and isn't getting cleared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the tips, i had tried clearing cache/dalvik within CWM and it still would not work. and yes i did flas the interim CWM from paulobrien
luckily the phone would work via ADB while in CWM. So i pushed three different ROMS to the phone, at first each oen would lock up and reboot within 20 seconds of doing anything. I then went back into recovery & wiped data/cache/dalvik maybe 10 times out of sheer frustration. Then re-flashed a fresh copy of black_dragon_v4.0, didnt do anything after boot. just let it sit there till this morning.
now the phone seems to be working perfectly...
so hopefully if anyone encounters this problem my last couple posts will help them out!
suhailtheboss said:
thanks for the tips, i had tried clearing cache/dalvik within CWM and it still would not work. and yes i did flas the interim CWM from paulobrien
luckily the phone would work via ADB while in CWM. So i pushed three different ROMS to the phone, at first each oen would lock up and reboot within 20 seconds of doing anything. I then went back into recovery & wiped data/cache/dalvik maybe 10 times out of sheer frustration. Then re-flashed a fresh copy of black_dragon_v4.0, didnt do anything after boot. just let it sit there till this morning.
now the phone seems to be working perfectly...
so hopefully if anyone encounters this problem my last couple posts will help them out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I have no idea dude. That sounds kinda crazy. Hopefully all will be well in the future and you won't come across it again.
the only variable i can think of is that i did have the phone about a week before launch. HTC mailed it to me directly.
I thought maybe that had somethign to do with it, but as far as i can tell the phone was the final shipping version.
I sent you a PM, trying to find a solution.

[q] Help Boot Loop! WIND

I don't know where to post this, I'm coming here all panicked and retarded, so I'm apologizing in advance.
I literally bought my Galaxy S 4G from WIND (Canada) this morning. From what I understood, upgrading the OS was dangerous, all I wanted to do was root... I followed this guide: ht tp ://w ww.gal axyforum s.ne t/forum/off-topic-forum/5053-rooting-tutorial-here-posted-permission-t-mobile-galaxy-s-4g-gingerbread.html (remove spaces)
which I found in a post on these forums. Someone who also was on WIND said it worked fine for them... They were rooted. I foolishly tried it, everything seemed FINE. When I load CWM it can't mount my SD card. I don't know what to do, it's stuck in T-Mobile boot screen loop if I try to exit.. I literally just stopped crying. My dad is going to KILL me if he finds out I ****ed up the new phone I just bought HOURS ago. I don't know what the **** to do, I don't know what's wrong. I need help, please. Anybody know what I can do? I don't care about rooting, I just need my device to work. Please, someone, anyone with any idea, what should I do? I can get back into download mode, and CWM. Is there anything I can do there? There's a recovery guide pinned but it says it's for the T-Mobile version, which I read is the same, can I use that to fix my phone?
This is my first Android device, I've never owned one before. I don't know ****, I shouldn't have tried anything... I just got cocky and made a mistake. I'm usually very good with this kind of stuff. Please someone tell me if there's something I can do to fix this, please!
I'm sorry if I sound stupid, I'm trying not to, I'm just really panicky and stressed right now.
I've tried searching through the forums - I still am searching through them, I'm sorry if I missed a post that can help me.
EDIT: I found someone who is also stuck in a boot loop... He seems to have SD Card issues as well, but doesn't speak English very well, so I don't thing he was able to communicate what his issue was...
Quote:
Originally Posted by GMK63
.......(---------THAT WHAT I FOLLOWED .
But I did the first part and They said i should get the stuff I store on my SD Card to pull out a file (``12) In CWM, use your volume up/down positions to navigate, scroll down to "Install Zip From SDcard". Select with a click of the power button. Navigate to where you put sms-T959V-KJ6-v0.1.1-rc1-unsigned-update.zip (in the root of your SDcard) and select with the power button. Confirm you want to install.
``)
but it doesn't give me the option to go get it on my SDcard and Now my Phone just turns on and off with the samsung galaxy S logo plus T-mobile exclusive logo . The only possitive thing about all the damage is that I can still put my phone on dowload mode and I just think if someone knows how to get my phone back to it state they will need me to put it on download mode.
Thank you in advance for your Help, for replying and offering to help.
I appriciate it. My phone is Mobillicity carrier just like wind .[/B]
Then, user bhundven replies to him saying:
Ok, this is really simple. I've explained it in quite a few threads in the Galaxy S 4G forums in General, Q&A, and the Dev forum. I'm going to explain this, but in a way to be more general. So I'm being verbose in case anyone else with a T959W happens to run across this and has not tried anything yet.
Again, I'm not good with windows at all, and I prefer it that way.
If you're on windows, check out our wiki:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki...xy_S/SGH-T959V
There is tons of help there for setting up heimdall on windows with all the right drivers and such.
Once you have heimdall setup get AntonX's latest cwm zip for his kernel.
This kernel is a BML kernel, and this guide I am giving you right now will help you get cm9 installed which is an MTD kernel. You can find out more about BML vs. MTD here.
Once you have downloaded AntonX's kernel, extract the zImage from it and open up the terminal/cmd prompt and navigate to the directory you extracted the zImage to.
Put your phone into Download Mode and type the following in the command prompt:
Code:
heimdall flash --kernel zImage
The heimdall program will flash this kernel+initramfs to the kernel partition and reboot the phone. Do not unplug the usb cable until you see the "Galaxy S" screen. When you see that screen, unplug the usb cable and remove the battery from the back.
Assuming you downloaded CM9 and put it on your sdcard already, you can get into recovery by holding the vol+ and vol-, then pressing the power button to turn the phone on. When you see the "Galaxy S" screen, let go of the buttons, and you should be in the recovery now.
This is where things get a little tricky. If you have not tried to do anything to your phone yet. This would be a great time to use the "Backup and Recovery" menu on CWM. Do a full backup.
The "assert 7" error that the previous person got was because the cwm install script (the updater-script) checks the already installed /system/build.prop's data against the "to be installed" build.prop to verify this rom can be installed. If it doesn't exist, then it moves forward.
So the first order of business is to wipe the /system partition. Go to "Mounts and Storage" and format the system partition.
Now go back to the main screen and do "Factory Reset/Wipe Data".
Now go "Install zip from sdcard" -> "choose zip from sdcard" -> and use the volume keys to select the zip file.
After the rom is installed, navigate back to the main screen and "Reboot the system now" if it doesn't reboot by itself.
When the phone reboots, because it is going from BML to MTD, it obviously can't just install the files to what would be an MTD partition if the kernel knows nothing about MTD. So it boots into the newly installed MTD kernel and continues the installation, which in the end will also reboot again.
The first boot is very slow. It is building a cache of all the pre-installed system applications. Let it sit for a while. I know it's tempting to go play with your phone right away, but resist if you can.
The next CM9 release will be on a different kernel, and albeit a much better rom.
I will also be adding OTA Asserts for SGH-T959W so that you will not have to wipe /system before installing the rom, but I do that still just for good measure. But this also means that your phone will work properly with the google play store.
If this still does not work, please let me know what went wrong and I will be happy to assist!
-Bryan
Is what Bryan is saying my solution? I don't think he understood the SD Card mount issue. Does anyone know how to fix that? I really hope to hear from you guys ASAP before my dad catches on... Please. I really need help. I'll search more in the morning, it's 1 AM here.
Okay well first of all.. GET A GRIP OF YOUR SELF
*slaps twice across the face
This phone is unbrickable so can you get in to download mode? (power off phone then when it's off hold the volume up and down buttons at the same time, while holding them down connect your phone to a usb cable)
A green android digging thing should show on your screen. Tell me when you get this far.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app
As a matter of fact, you don't entirely need a download mode screen to recover your device too. I've gotten to a pixelized colorful screen and thought my phone was done for, but Odin/Heimdall still recognized it, so I was able to recover my phone.
Calm down and as long as your phone can still be detected on your computer, you will be fine. Odin or Heimdall should be able to show that he device was "added" when you plug it in.
bkoon1218 said:
As a matter of fact, you don't entirely need a download mode screen to recover your device too. I've gotten to a pixelized colorful screen and thought my phone was done for, but Odin/Heimdall still recognized it, so I was able to recover my phone.
Calm down and as long as your phone can still be detected on your computer, you will be fine. Odin or Heimdall should be able to show that he device was "added" when you plug it in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true, just make sure you have the drivers installed for the phone first and for the purpose of my method of recovery download Odin. If you did everything correctly you'll see a green light in Odin under recognized devices once you're in download mode
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app
lonoguge said:
Okay well first of all.. GET A GRIP OF YOUR SELF
*slaps twice across the face
This phone is unbrickable so can you get in to download mode? (power off phone then when it's off hold the volume up and down buttons at the same time, while holding them down connect your phone to a usb cable)
A green android digging thing should show on your screen. Tell me when you get this far.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the slaps, I needed them!
Yes! I think I am still able to get into download mode, atleast I was able to last night (After the loop issue). Also, I formatted (factory reset option or something?) my settings when I was in CWM last night assuming that would change it back to the way it was, or atleast fix the SD mount problem..I hope this doesn't cause any issues.
What should I do when I'm in download mode?
bkoon1218 said:
As a matter of fact, you don't entirely need a download mode screen to recover your device too. I've gotten to a pixelized colorful screen and thought my phone was done for, but Odin/Heimdall still recognized it, so I was able to recover my phone.
Calm down and as long as your phone can still be detected on your computer, you will be fine. Odin or Heimdall should be able to show that he device was "added" when you plug it in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news! It's nice to hear that someone who's phone was also messed was able to repair it.
lonoguge said:
That's true, *just make sure you have the drivers installed for the phone first and for the purpose of my method of recovery download Odin. *If you did everything correctly you'll see a green light in Odin under recognized devices once you're in download mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can I get these drivers? Should I download the latest version of Odin?
I'll try this as soon as I get back from taking my little sister to school.
I just want to say again, this is the SGH-T959W from WIND in Canada. It's apparently the same hardware as the SGS4G from T-Mobile, just different software. I hope this isn't a problem.
Thank you both for replying so soon. After tossing and turning in bed for the last 5 hours, barely getting any sleep, it's such a relief to read these posts!
Obviously you didn't read too much if you bought the phone and tried to mess with it the same day. You would have seen if you went to the 2nd page of here and actually read something like this, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1552119 where I clearly say, it is it different, you will get boot looped, I am working on a package to fix it, and for anyone on a wind phone to hold on and wait.
I don't have time to try and help and fix every single wind phone in the world because people get too impatient and start flashing everything in the world from the first post they read. Odin and Heimdall fail at certain parts of flashing this phone. I am trying to give the Heimdall creator as much as I can to help fix this, so everyone telling to flash this or that package, it's not going to work, it will fail. I have verified this 100 times with Heimdall.
I can't put together a 1click package that fails flashing, that's why people are ending up in this position in the first place.
I can get your phone fixed but not right this second. There is no permanant damage done, and the less you just keep flashing random stuff, the more likely the chance I can help you fix it, but I'm busy, I run my own business and my paying customers come first as does my mortgage and bills before spending an hour teamviewed into someones pc to fix this.
So hang tight, I will try later to get this fixed, it's not screwed, quit flashing anything you find.
Past what getochkn just said (and please do ignore the "advice" given by people who don't experience with a T-959W), next time you see a "helpful" post on some site that starts off "get this from [the original source]" -- please, please take the time to read the original source.
Secondly, just because your phone has the a similar "trade name" as another phone doesn't mean they are even close to the same inside. Even the model numbers don't mean much. Firmware from a T-959 generally won't work on a T-959V, and, as you have found out, T-969V firmware can make a T-959W a nice paperweight for a while.
Thirdly, I just don't "get" why people even consider flashing their phone on the first day they own it, before they have any idea what it came with and what it can do, not to mention voiding their warranty before even the buyer's remorse period has expired.
While you're waiting for someone to bail you out, you might want to take the time to download Java, the Microsoft C++ executables, and a full version of Heimdall.
getochkn said:
Obviously you didn't read too much if you bought the phone and tried to mess with it the same day. You would have seen if you went to the 2nd page of here and actually read something like this, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1552119 where I clearly say, it is it different, you will get boot looped, I am working on a package to fix it, and for anyone on a wind phone to hold on and wait.
I don't have time to try and help and fix every single wind phone in the world because people get too impatient and start flashing everything in the world from the first post they read. Odin and Heimdall fail at certain parts of flashing this phone. I am trying to give the Heimdall creator as much as I can to help fix this, so everyone telling to flash this or that package, it's not going to work, it will fail. I have verified this 100 times with Heimdall.
I can't put together a 1click package that fails flashing, that's why people are ending up in this position in the first place.
I can get your phone fixed but not right this second. There is no permanant damage done, and the less you just keep flashing random stuff, the more likely the chance I can help you fix it, but I'm busy, I run my own business and my paying customers come first as does my mortgage and bills before spending an hour teamviewed into someones pc to fix this.
So hang tight, I will try later to get this fixed, it's not screwed, quit flashing anything you find.
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Click to collapse
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
I really didn't read enough, big mistake, I was just really cocky because I've modded almost every device I own (Wii, PSP, PS3, PS2 various and iDevices [mine, and friends]). Of course, they're all different (Not saying it's all the same thing! ), I just felt very confident because I've never had issues with anything before. At least this is a good learning experience, I've really been put in my pace. I always felt that bricking was something that happened to other people, it doesn't happen to me. I know that sounds stupid, but idk, that's just how I felt. I physically feel sick over this 'whole ordeal (Seriously), I'm such an idiot. >.<'
Thanks for the warning, I won't flash anything! I'm so relieved to hear that there's no permanent damage done, and to be able to speak to someone who's familiar with this specific problem and this specific model of the SGS4G, AND is willing to help me!
Do you know when you'll be able to help me? Of course, take your time, I completely understand that you have other stuff going on, I'm just wondering to see if I can maybe think of some cover up so my dad doesn't find out.
Also, I have a 14 day warranty, is it void now even though the root didn't work? I'm assuming it is.
Edit: Yup, if what jeffsf says is true, it's void.
jeffsf said:
Past what getochkn just said (and please do ignore the "advice" given by people who don't experience with a T-959W), next time you see a "helpful" post on some site that starts off "get this from [the original source]" -- please, please take the time to read the original source.
Secondly, just because your phone has the a similar "trade name" as another phone doesn't mean they are even close to the same inside. Even the model numbers don't mean much. Firmware from a T-959 generally won't work on a T-959V, and, as you have found out, T-969V firmware can make a T-959W a nice paperweight for a while.
Thirdly, I just don't "get" why people even consider flashing their phone on the first day they own it, before they have any idea what it came with and what it can do, not to mention voiding their warranty before even the buyer's remorse period has expired.
While you're waiting for someone to bail you out, you might want to take the time to download Java, the Microsoft C++ executables, and a full version of Heimdall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just very impatient sometimes. I really do enjoy doing this kind of stuff, it's fun for me. I just got really excited and wasn't thinking straight and just went out and tried rooting it. I've wanted an Android for a while now, and have always planned to root it to unlock it's full potential. I've never modded anything else day 1 (and never will again), this is the first time I've done this. I feel terrible about it.
Will do, thanks for helping, jeffsf.
If your still under 14 days return it with a stupid I don't know what happened look. If its stuck just on the tmob screen they most likely will never know what you did. Your other choice is to be a man and own up to it. Tell your dad and take your lumps. That choice is yours. Give it serious thought before you choose as it might define what type of person you end up becoming.
hechoen said:
If your still under 14 days return it with a stupid I don't know what happened look. If its stuck just on the tmob screen they most likely will never know what you did. Your other choice is to be a man and own up to it. Tell your dad and take your lumps. That choice is yours. Give it serious thought before you choose as it might define what type of person you end up becoming.
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Click to collapse
I feel like they might know. I'm willing to try it as a last resort, I'd like to give getochkn a shot first.
I'll tell my dad what happened after it's fixed. I just can't deal with him stressing me out about it more than I already am.
I will have a package probably tomorrow that will provide as detailed instructions as I can.
getochkn said:
I will have a package probably tomorrow that will provide as detailed instructions as I can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, wow! That's much sooner than I was expecting! Thanks for taking the time to do this for me, it really means a lot. Thank you so much getochkn!
Package and instructions here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1956025
getochkn said:
Package and instructions here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1956025
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Click to collapse
Thank you so much getochkn!
I read all the instructions before attempting this. But, I have a problem. Heimdall failed to flash. It said something about failing to retrieve the PIT or something? So, I tried again. Didn't work. So, I restarted my computer, and my phone.
Phone doesn't go into download mode, instead, I end up on a screen saying "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again."
What should I do?
BagelBreath said:
Thank you so much getochkn!
I read all the instructions before attempting this. But, I have a problem. Heimdall failed to flash. It said something about failing to retrieve the PIT or something? So, I tried again. Didn't work. So, I restarted my computer, and my phone.
Phone doesn't go into download mode, instead, I end up on a screen saying "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again."
What should I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That firmware screen should detect as download mode still in Heimdall. I have gotten that and reflashed from Heimdall before. Not sure why it's trying to download the pit, it should only do that when you tell it to download pit. Flashing shouldn't trigger that. See if Heimdall will detect it in that firmware recovery mode and I guess try again, otherwise your phone is really borked.
getochkn said:
That firmware screen should detect as download mode still in Heimdall. I have gotten that and reflashed from Heimdall before. Not sure why it's trying to download the pit, it should only do that when you tell it to download pit. Flashing shouldn't trigger that. See if Heimdall will detect it in that firmware recovery mode and I guess try again, otherwise your phone is really borked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the quick reply!
It worked! I really can't thank you enough! Thanks again for taking the time to do this!
I think it may have said "Uploading Pit" because it said it again this time, but it didn't encounter a problem when it did that.
I know I have 3 choices, the one I would like to choose is ICS. Would mind pointing me in the direction of an ICS ROM that's compatible with my device? I'm afraid to use something that may not work and mess up my phone again.
EDIT: Actually, I think I'll just stick with this. I just installed the twist kernal and the modem, everything works, I'm rooted and have recovery. I'd rather not mess with it until I'm more experienced with droids.
Thanks again everyone, especially you getochkn! I'm so relieved that my phone is working again! My dad didn't notice that I wasn't using the new phone I got, so I didn't have to cover up or anything.

Soft brick help

Hey guys, I somehow managed to soft brick my verizon GS3 this afternoon. I just need a little help in getting the thing back up and running and possibly an explanation on were I went wrong. I thought I had unlocked the bootloader and then rooted the phone. I managed to install TWRP 2.5.0.0 and do a backup. Then I installed a custom ROM and got the infamous "Software not authorized" message with the yellow triangle.
1st, is it possible to get this far with the bootloader still being locked??
2nd, If I understand correctly, I need to use ODIN to go back to stock and start over. Correct? Or is there another way to salvage this situation. If I have to go back to stock, can someone point me to the latest files? I've found links to a lot of different ones and I don't want to make a bad situation worse. BTW, I can't get into recovery but I can get into ODIN mode.
Any help is greatly appreciated!!
Ok, using ODIN, I was able to get a stock ROM onto the phone and get the thing booted. So essentially I'm back to square 1 and I still didn't figure out what I did wrong the first time around. Bummer Eh?
scheirere said:
Ok, using ODIN, I was able to get a stock ROM onto the phone and get the thing booted. So essentially I'm back to square 1 and I still didn't figure out what I did wrong the first time around. Bummer Eh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I soft bricked once and was able to boot into recovery by holding volume up, power, and home at the same time while the phone was off. I thanked my lucky stars I had a nandroid backup. I would make sure you unlocked the boot loader properly. When I first started rooting YouTube was great for instructions. I would post a link to a YouTube video but it won't allow me until I have ten posts, I swear some of these rules are retarded. Anyway search in YouTube having visual and audio guide helps a lot. good luck!

S6 G920F stuck on boot logo

Not sure if my phone is a lost cause and only good as a door stop. My phone at one stage would only display a screen asking me to plug into smart switch to recover the phone so I tried that but smart switch wasn't happening. I downloaded the latest stock rom and installed it successfully via ODIN but now my phone will not get past the boot logo. I can only get into download mode, Any advise on if I can get my phone working again?
Thanks
Andrew
andrew88 said:
Not sure if my phone is a lost cause and only good as a door stop. My phone at one stage would only display a screen asking me to plug into smart switch to recover the phone so I tried that but smart switch wasn't happening. I downloaded the latest stock rom and installed it successfully via ODIN but now my phone will not get past the boot logo. I can only get into download mode, Any advise on if I can get my phone working again?
Thanks
Andrew
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro, I've been there and this is why I made an account on xda to see if my s6 (G-920F) can be fixed in any way. Yesterday I had the same thing as you when I tried to re-flash the phone with its proper, latest stock-ROM (UK/EE Nougat 7.0). Given how it hadn't worked, the update attempt through Odin screaming a big "FAIL!" at me, I was afraid I had bricked it completely, so I proceeded to re-install TWRP with Odin by putting the phone in download mode. I wiped the phone again with TWRP and now I'm not sure what I have to do as I am stuck with the UK Nougat bootloader and nothing else on it.
Before this whole ordeal I had rooted the phone and unlocked the bootloader following some instructions from a Youtube video and successfully installed a nighty build of LineageOS, which was buggy as **** (couldn't answer calls, use data, use the camera and a ****ton of apps were just not working). Dumbly enough, I thought I could just remove it through a wipe and put something else back on it but oh was I wrong.
Right now I'd just want to get my phone back to working (like you), as I am out of a job and need to be able to take phone calls with a normal, working phone.
Sorry I couldn't be of much help, but yeah maybe a first step towards fixing it would be to flash TWRP recovery on it and through the terminal, see what bootloader version you have with the command "getprop ro.bootloader". At least you will know the version of the broken bootloader you're experiencing difficulties with and *hopefully* an actual dev from the forums will entertain themselves in trying to solve this noobish puzzle we've created for ourselves.
Seriously, if there is a dev ready to board this crazy adventure with us, please help.
My namesake or username is pretty much a clue to what got me into this position.
I wish it was that simple for me mate, I cant access the recovery menu, I've tried flashing various recovery options but cant boot into any of them. I'm certain I could fix the phone if I could get to recovery. I'm now leaning towards it being a hardware fault with my phone. As you have access to recovery I think you may have more luck with your phone.
TerribleChoices said:
Bro, I've been there and this is why I made an account on xda to see if my s6 (G-920F) can be fixed in any way. Yesterday I had the same thing as you when I tried to re-flash the phone with its proper, latest stock-ROM (UK/EE Nougat 7.0). Given how it hadn't worked, the update attempt through Odin screaming a big "FAIL!" at me, I was afraid I had bricked it completely, so I proceeded to re-install TWRP with Odin by putting the phone in download mode. I wiped the phone again with TWRP and now I'm not sure what I have to do as I am stuck with the UK Nougat bootloader and nothing else on it.
Before this whole ordeal I had rooted the phone and unlocked the bootloader following some instructions from a Youtube video and successfully installed a nighty build of LineageOS, which was buggy as **** (couldn't answer calls, use data, use the camera and a ****ton of apps were just not working). Dumbly enough, I thought I could just remove it through a wipe and put something else back on it but oh was I wrong.
Right now I'd just want to get my phone back to working (like you), as I am out of a job and need to be able to take phone calls with a normal, working phone.
Sorry I couldn't be of much help, but yeah maybe a first step towards fixing it would be to flash TWRP recovery on it and through the terminal, see what bootloader version you have with the command "getprop ro.bootloader". At least you will know the version of the broken bootloader you're experiencing difficulties with and *hopefully* an actual dev from the forums will entertain themselves in trying to solve this noobish puzzle we've created for ourselves.
Seriously, if there is a dev ready to board this crazy adventure with us, please help.
My namesake or username is pretty much a clue to what got me into this position.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
andrew88 said:
I wish it was that simple for me mate, I cant access the recovery menu, I've tried flashing various recovery options but cant boot into any of them. I'm certain I could fix the phone if I could get to recovery. I'm now leaning towards it being a hardware fault with my phone. As you have access to recovery I think you may have more luck with your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh dear.
Yeah it does sound like something got deeply ****ed up in this case. I had the luck to somehow get past the smart switch error when the phone died of low battery. As I attached it to the charger I quickly boot it into download mode before the screen would become a bootloop again and that's where I was able to reinstall the latest version of TWRP recovery. After that, I was able to flash a stock ROM of Nougat that didn't have a ****ed up bootloader like I had. Specifically the one from this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6/help/device-5-binary-3-s6-sm-g920f-t3706025
by forumber2.
It's the Netherlands stock-ROM. Not sure if you're from the US and the carrier would be wrong with that CSC, but it was a good bet for me. I got my phone back to working normally now.
Worst case scenario I'd say see if you have a phone repair shop nearby and ask them an opinion on what could be wrong. I'm just an amateur like you.
Still, I wish you the best of luck with it. Maybe there's still some hope. :/

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