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[REF][DEV]How to unpack / repack normalboot.img

Hi all, like you know our phone is different from other cause - to flash the kernel - you need to pack it with the ramdisk files and flash it to the phone as normalboot.img.
Some people want try to build a custom kernel but after they obtain the zImage file they are not able to flash it to the phone.
So here is the "HOWTO" to explain what you have to do for unpack/repack normalboot.img.
You need Linux to do this (also a visrtualized distro).
1- download and unzip the attached file;
2- place the normalboot.img file into the tools folder;
3- go in the root folder and do:
Code:
./unpack-all.sh
4- now you have succesfull unpacked your file. You can find the zImage file in the "kernel" folder and the ramdisk files in the "ramdisk" folder.
Basically now you can do all that you want. If you have a custom kernel overwrite the zImage file with your. If you want edit the ramdisk go in the folder called "ramdisk" and mod what you want.
When you finished do:
Code:
./create_boot.img.sh
Now you will find the .tar file ready to be flashed on your phone with odin.
If you are asking yourself "where can i find normalboot.img file?" the answers are:
1- into the PDA.tar of your Firmware;
2- dump it from the phone with:
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/bml7 of=/sdcard/normalboot.img
Bye

Thanks Buddy..
BTW your posts are always very crisp and enlightening. I appreciate.
regards

I tried the script, and it seems to work. Seems, because it unpacked and repacked fine, and I replaced the kernel with a self compiled one. But, to make it short, the phone didn't boot. It was stuck on the "Galaxy S"-screen.
Any ideas, why a kernel which compiled without errors does not boot? Skin, did you change specific settings for compiling your OC-kernel, besides the overclocking adjustments?

XDA_Bam said:
I tried the script, and it seems to work. Seems, because it unpacked and repacked fine, and I replaced the kernel with a self compiled one. But, to make it short, the phone didn't boot. It was stuck on the "Galaxy S"-screen.
Any ideas, why a kernel which compiled without errors does not boot? Skin, did you change specific settings for compiling your OC-kernel, besides the overclocking adjustments?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that your kernel version doesn't match with the modules... so in your Makefile change the version name to match it with the stock.... so you have to change the version from 2.6.35.7 to 2.6.35.7-CL..... (don't remember if the number are correct)

Thanks, Skin! That did the trick. Now running self compiled vanilla kernel. Interestingly, it is about 200kb bigger than the stock kernel.
EDIT: Obviously, the repack-script is running fine.

other way to do dis is by using kitchen ..
js rename ur normalboot.img to boot.img den replace the boot.img in ur working directory ..
in the kitchen advanced options , unpack/repack boot.img ...
u ll get the same output
this one is easier as we dont need to remember the commands

XDA_Bam said:
Thanks, Skin! That did the trick. Now running self compiled vanilla kernel. Interestingly, it is about 200kb bigger than the stock kernel.
EDIT: Obviously, the repack-script is running fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To make it smaller you can use the Buildscript used in the froyo version of kernel source... Amit told me it this morning... and it worked greatly

bajju123 said:
other way to do dis is by using kitchen ..
js rename ur normalboot.img to boot.img den replace the boot.img in ur working directory ..
in the kitchen advanced options , unpack/repack boot.img ...
u ll get the same output
this one is easier as we dont need to remember the commands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Commands? You can do it with two mouse click!

Skin1980 said:
To make it smaller you can use the Buildscript used in the froyo version of kernel source... Amit told me it this morning... and it worked greatly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, works. But my kernel stays at 3.3MB... still 0.2 larger than the stock one.
By the way: Had a SOD with the self-compiled kernel. Screen didn't wake up from standby, but soft buttons were lid. Guess the info from Samsung that closed source software is missing from the package is correct

i still have sod also with the new compilation mod.... by me sammy is missing something or simply the source are not updated like i supposed....

thanks....this rescued me
---------- Post added at 07:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:20 AM ----------
i have a silly doubt
cud i download the linux kernel v3 from korg and compile it for i9003?or do i have to stick with 2.6.35?

Maybe it would be possible. The main problem are the drivers - they would most likely require major changes. But even CyanogenMod is running 2.6.37 and nothing more recent.
If you want to use a newer kernel, you could try that one, or - to minimize problems - use the 2.6.35.14 bugfix release. This seems most reasonable to me.

XDA_Bam said:
Maybe it would be possible. The main problem are the drivers - they would most likely require major changes. But even CyanogenMod is running 2.6.37 and nothing more recent.
If you want to use a newer kernel, you could try that one, or - to minimize problems - use the 2.6.35.14 bugfix release. This seems most reasonable to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shoot........404 not found
Those hackers...................

you are our phone's God!
Sent from my GT-I9003 using xda premium

i need help, i try to make stock normalboot.img tar with ur files.
but there is a big bug
phono booting but stay at "samsung" screen.
someone have this bug like me and u says that "chance ur kernel version in make boot file" but i cant find how chance kernel version in make boot file. how can i?
ROM: 2.3.6 JVKPB TUR ROM (galaxy sl i9003)
please help...

Skin1980 said:
Hi all, like you know our phone is different from other cause - to flash the kernel - you need to pack it with the ramdisk files and flash it to the phone as normalboot.img.
Some people want try to build a custom kernel but after they obtain the zImage file they are not able to flash it to the phone.
So here is the "HOWTO" to explain what you have to do for unpack/repack normalboot.img.
You need Linux to do this (also a visrtualized distro).
1- download and unzip the attached file;
2- place the normalboot.img file into the tools folder;
3- go in the root folder and do:
Code:
./unpack-all.sh
4- now you have succesfull unpacked your file. You can find the zImage file in the "kernel" folder and the ramdisk files in the "ramdisk" folder.
Basically now you can do all that you want. If you have a custom kernel overwrite the zImage file with your. If you want edit the ramdisk go in the folder called "ramdisk" and mod what you want.
When you finished do:
Code:
./create_boot.img.sh
Now you will find the .tar file ready to be flashed on your phone with odin.
If you are asking yourself "where can i find normalboot.img file?" the answers are:
1- into the PDA.tar of your Firmware;
2- dump it from the phone with:
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/bml7 of=/sdcard/normalboot.img
Bye
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow you are great !!! Loved it .. so easy .... made my dead phone alive .. you are the best \m/

compile google sources with samsung ICS

Hi,
i'm trying to compile google sources version 4.0.4 with samsung sources from opensource samsung
From samsung sources i've only used the platform files. I've done all the steps that are in the platform readme:
How to build Mobule for Platform
- It is only for modules are needed to using Android build system.
- Please check its own install information under its folder for other module.
[Step to build]
1. Get android open source.
: version info - Android gingerbread 4.0.4
( Download site : source android)
2. Copy module that you want to build - to original android open source
If same module exist in android open source, you should replace it. (no overwrite)
# It is possible to build all modules at once.
3. Check module is in 'build\core\user_tags.mk'
If not, you should add your module name in it.
ex1) external\libjpega : Write "libjpega \" into "build\core\user_tags.mk"
ex2) external\libexifa : Write "libexifa \" into "build\core\user_tags.mk"
4. In case of 'external\bluetooth',
you should add following text in 'build\target\board\generic\BoardConfig.mk'
BOARD_HAVE_BLUETOOTH := true
BOARD_HAVE_BLUETOOTH_BCM := true
5. excute build command
./build.sh user
The command user was ./build.sh eng
Before running this command i've installer jdk 6 and follow the steps from android initializing
the ./build.sh eng run with success and after this i've run the make.
Some hours later i've got a new folder "OUT", inside there is a system folder but i've tryed to flash this folder with odin
and no success.
What am i doing wrong?
Thanks.

Trying to build the kernel + modules?
If i understand what your trying to do, Install new kernel and modules?
!!!!!Before you try this, do some research for your device and make sure this is the correct action!!!!!
you are looking for a file called: zImage
It should be in <build path>/arch/arm/boot/
To install the new kernel, you put your device into fastboot
Code: adb reboot-bootloader
Then you can install the new kernel:
Code: fastboot flash zimage /<path to your zImage file>/zImage
Then you can boot your device and manually copy over the modules.
Note: I didn't see in your steps where you mentioned configuring the kernel, are you doing this?

Thanks for your reply.
the kernel i've already compiled like you mentioned and it is ok i've flashed the zImage.
But there is another part that is the platform module that corresponds to the system.
When you have a Rom there are 3 things inside:
- boot.img that has the zImage (kernel)
- meta-inf
- system
i'm changing the code in one file that corresponds to the nfc part and them compile the samsung sources
and google sources to get that system.
after compile the is one folder out that has system.img but i can't flash this .img file the mobile phone gets like a stone :S
All Black!

Please describe the process you are using to flash the system.img.
Have you though about just copying over the modified files?
Also, if you could create a step by step list of your process, maybe we can figure out what's going wrong.

i've compiled the google+samsung sources and this created the system.img.
Then i used Heimdall to choose only system to flash and It didn't work.
i've tryed also to change only the nfc.apk file put it in the app folder tryed to flash the ROM (in this case from Cyanogenmod) and it didn't work.
Thanks.

pec0 said:
i've compiled the google+samsung sources and this created the system.img.
Then i used Heimdall to choose only system to flash and It didn't work.
i've tryed also to change only the nfc.apk file put it in the app folder tryed to flash the ROM (in this case from Cyanogenmod) and it didn't work.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you tried to remove and install your nfc.apk using adb rather than trying to flash the entire rom? I would think all you need to do is mod the kernel, flash the kernel, then copy over any modules and replace the nfc.apk.

[TOOL] CIVICX KERNEL PACKING TOOL-2.0 [TOOL-kernel]

CIVICX KERNEL PACKING TOOL
Well i made this simple kernel packing tool for new users out there who want to enter into this kernel developement. I am using this tool of myself from many days and now i will like to share . Some names of bashcripts are **** given so dont look over those !
Code:
[COLOR="Red"]NOTE:THIS TOOL IS ADAPTED FOR XPERIA L ONLY , YOU WILL HAVE TO EDIT IT IN ORDER TO WORK WITH NEW DEVICE [/COLOR]
Ok so i consider all of you may be using Git and if you are not simply click on Download as zip
https://github.com/aniketroxx/Aniket_Packer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For Cloning Type this Command :
Code:
git clone https://github.com/aniketroxx/Aniket_Packer.git
Now in AOSP_RAMDISK
Insert the Ramdisk from Stock Kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now in RECOVERY_RAMDISK
Insert or Create your own Recovery ramdisk folder Structure with ****ing init script and bootrec ,busybox and all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into cloned folder or downloaded folder and Simply type :
sh menu.sh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rest of things are self explainatory !
Currently this is adopted for Packing of Kitkat Kernel which is having Page Size of 2048 ,
if you want to change it then simple open the pack.sh in any text editor [Provided that you are root directory of Packer]
Type command :
cd Z_PACKER
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gedit pack.sh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At almost the end of line you will see page size , you can change it whatever you like
If you got any error then simple reply the thread
FAQ
AOSP_RAMDISK :
This will contain the ramdisk that you get from stock sony kernel , like as sony updated from 4.1 to 4.2 their ramdisk changed so here you can place that ramdisk in extracted form for further compression
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RECOVERY:
Suppose you are implementing some cwm/twrp then then you can put it here for further xz compression
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RECOVERY_RAMDISK:
This will contain the Recovery ramdisk structure with all of your bootrec and init.sh script and all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ZPACKER/OUT:
This will contain your output boot.img
You can flash the kernel directly through the option present in the menu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
INPUT
Here you can put the boot.img of the kernel you want to extract
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z_IMAGE
Your extracted zImage will contain in this folder
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EXTRACTED_RAMDISK
This will contain the ramdisk extracted from the boot.img , if you want to use it for packing then you will have to copy it to RECOVERY_RAMDISK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Changelog:
Version 1.0
Initial Release includes Packing Stock Ramdisk Packing Recovery Ramdisk Creating boot.img
Version 1.1
Added option for packing CWM/TWRP in XZ compression
Version 1.2
Added option for flashing kernel that you packed Fastboot must be installed
Version 1.3
Fix the normal bugs , syntax error in menu and remove device specific path
Version 1.4
Added the missing directory and changed SE-Linux to permissive
Version 1.5
Added automated fastboot and adb installer for linux thanks @HeadFox
Version 2.0
Added the ability to extract the kernel having ramdisk with xz compression​

Nice work! :highfive:

Nice work buddy

aniketroxx said:
Changelog:
Version 1.0
Initial Release includes Packing Stock Ramdisk Packing Recovery Ramdisk Creating boot.img
Version 1.1
Added option for packing CWM/TWRP in XZ compression
Version 1.2
Added option for flashing kernel that you packed Fastboot must be installed
Version 1.3
Fix the normal bugs , syntax error in menu and remove device specific path
Version 1.4
Added the missing directory and changed SE-Linux to permissive
Version 1.5
Added automated fastboot and adb installer for linux thanks @HeadFox​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you fix this? I am on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS
menu.sh: 38: menu.sh: Syntax error: ")" unexpected (expecting ";;")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

FantasticalX said:
Can you fix this? I am on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its fixed , sorry i forgot to push one commit ! Now just type in packer directory
Code:
git pull
or
Code:
git clone url
if you want to clone it somewhere else

aniketroxx said:
Its fixed , sorry i forgot to push one commit ! Now just type in packer directory
Code:
git pull
or
Code:
git clone url
if you want to clone it somewhere else
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for fixed it! Btw can i unpack zImage with this tool?

FantasticalX said:
Thanks for fixed it! Btw can i unpack zImage with this tool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no not yet , i will add it soon ! you can use kernel kitchen for unpacking

Ability to extract boot.img has been added to the tool @FantasticalX :fingers-crossed:

aniketroxx said:
Ability to extract boot.img has been added to the tool @FantasticalX :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! Glad to hear that! Thank you so much for your work :angel:

Is there a Stock Kernel with Safetynet Patch?

I'm looking for a stock kernel that only patches Safetynet checking. Does this exist? If not, is it easy for me to "make it" myself?

I'm not sure if there's a prebuilt one, but building one yourself isn't too hard. The patch is at https://github.com/sultanxda/androi...bc05b16bbd33521c2fffaf491c5657a94bfcfc5.patch. You just follow the steps at http://source.android.com/source/building-kernels.html as usual with the following notes:
Use "kernel/msm" as the source location
Use "marlin_defconfig" as the build configuration
Apply the patch after running the git checkout command
Use the aarch64 prebuilts, not the arm ones

Cares said:
I'm looking for a stock kernel that only patches Safetynet checking. Does this exist? If not, is it easy for me to "make it" myself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on your motivation for a "stock kernel" you might try franco kernel. He doesn't seem to do anything that MIGHT introduce instability or strays very far from stock.

I can vouch for franco. He does minimal performance-only tweaks by default.

josephcsible said:
I'm not sure if there's a prebuilt one, but building one yourself isn't too hard. The patch is at https://github.com/sultanxda/androi...bc05b16bbd33521c2fffaf491c5657a94bfcfc5.patch. You just follow the steps at http://source.android.com/source/building-kernels.html as usual with the following notes:
Use "kernel/msm" as the source location
Use "marlin_defconfig" as the build configuration
Apply the patch after running the git checkout command
Use the aarch64 prebuilts, not the arm ones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for the tip. I went ahead and patched the no safetynet patch to the android-msm-marlin-3.18-nougat-mr1 kernel source and compiled it. I now have a Image.gz-dtb file which I zipped (I also just have a binary file named "Image"). What should I with those now, just flash those like I would one of the other kernels? And which file exactly? The gz file? or the just binary file named "Image"?
So essentially "fastboot flash kernel <file_name>"?
When I was compiling I got two warnings by the way:
drivers/soc/qcom/Kconfig:371:warning choice value used outside its choice group
drivers/soc/qcom/Kconfig:376:warning choice value used outside its choice group
Anything I should be concerned about? I've never done this before, but did a lot of reading before I went ahead and used to do some C coding back in the day, so it's not completely unknown to me.
Essentially, these are the steps I followed, after quickly installing Linux Mint:
Code:
Create a working directory in /home/$USER/ (I created /home/sakete/android)
Enter working directory
Download android kernal source
git clone https://android.googlesource.com/kernel/msm
Download prebuilt toolchain
git clone https://android.googlesource.com/platform/prebuilts/gcc/linux-x86/aarch64/aarch64-linux-android-4.9
cd aarch64-linux-android-4.9
export PATH=$(pwd)/prebuilts/gcc/linux-x86/aarch64/aarch64-linux-android-4.9
export CROSS_COMPILE=$(pwd)/bin/aarch64-linux-android-
export ARCH=arm64
export SUBARCH=arm64
Checkout specific kernel branch for Pixel/PixelXL (be in 'msm' folder)
git checkout android-msm-marlin-3.18-nougat-mr1
Get Safetynet Patch (still be in 'msm' folder)
git fetch https://github.com/sultanxda/android_kernel_oneplus_msm8996 cm-13.0-sultan
git cherry-pick abc05b16bbd33521c2fffaf491c5657a94bfcfc5
Build kernel (still be in 'msm' folder)
make clean
make mrproper
make marlin_defconfig
make -j$(grep -c ^processor /proc/cpuinfo)
I initially got some build errors, but running this command solved it: sudo apt-get install build-essential
This is a useful link for those of you who are interested in doing this as well: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=69627576&postcount=7108

Hey if you can build it and post it here, that would be awesome. This is exactly what I'm looking for.
It will let me preemptively unlock my Verizon bootloader before flashing the latest OTA, while keeping Android Pay.
Has Google already posted the source for the 7.1.1 update kernel?

The source I pulled (android-msm-marlin-3.18-nougat-mr1) should be what's in the December update. It should be 7.1.1

Sakete said:
Hey thanks for the tip. I went ahead and patched the no safetynet patch to the android-msm-marlin-3.18-nougat-mr1 kernel source and compiled it. I now have a Image.gz-dtb file which I zipped (I also just have a binary file named "Image"). What should I with those now, just flash those like I would one of the other kernels? And which file exactly? The gz file? or the just binary file named "Image"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Image.gz-dtb file is the one you want.
Sakete said:
So essentially "fastboot flash kernel <file_name>"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never done it like that, but that's apparently how Franco's kernel installs, so it's worth a shot I guess. Another way of doing it is to unpack the stock boot image with either pbatard's unmkbootimg or osm0sis's Android Image Kitchen, replace its kernel with your Image.gz-dtb, then repack and flash the new boot.img to the boot partitions.
Sakete said:
When I was compiling I got two warnings by the way:
drivers/soc/qcom/Kconfig:371:warning choice value used outside its choice group
drivers/soc/qcom/Kconfig:376:warning choice value used outside its choice group
Anything I should be concerned about? I've never done this before, but did a lot of reading before I went ahead and used to do some C coding back in the day, so it's not completely unknown to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing you need to worry about.

josephcsible said:
The Image.gz-dtb file is the one you want.
I've never done it like that, but that's apparently how Franco's kernel installs, so it's worth a shot I guess. Another way of doing it is to unpack the stock boot image with either pbatard's unmkbootimg or osm0sis's Android Image Kitchen, replace its kernel with your Image.gz-dtb, then repack and flash the new boot.img to the boot partitions.
Nothing you need to worry about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, thanks, I'll try flashing the kernel tomorrow night and will post it if successful.
Interestingly it seems that Pixel (sailfish) and Pixel XL (marlin) use the same kernel / kernel source? There at least doesn't seem to be a sailfish specific source. Will be interesting to see how it pans out tomorrow.

Sakete said:
Interestingly it seems that Pixel (sailfish) and Pixel XL (marlin) use the same kernel / kernel source? There at least doesn't seem to be a sailfish specific source. Will be interesting to see how it pans out tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. The same kernel binary can run on both devices. (The ElementalX and Franco kernels don't even have separate builds for the two.)

Would you mind posting the image you built?

iPwn_ said:
Would you mind posting the image you built?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm at work now, will post it tonight.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Stock Kernel + SafetyNet Patch applied
Well holy crap, it actually worked! Just flashed the kernel, set up android pay no problem! And everything else works just fine too.
Attached is a zip.
Steps to install (make sure you have adb and fastboot set up):
- Download file and unzip
- Reboot into bootloader (power down, hold Power + Volume Down)
- Attach device to computer
- Enter command: fastboot flash kernel <kernel_image>
- Enter command: fastboot reboot
- Disconnect device and wait for it to finish booting. That's it!

You're my hero.
Might be a lot to ask, but it would be dope if you maintained where you update the build every month for Google's latest release.

iPwn_ said:
You're my hero.
Might be a lot to ask, but it would be dope if you maintained where you update the build every month for Google's latest release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm creating a thread in the dev section.
Edit: thread is up.

Cares said:
I'm looking for a stock kernel that only patches Safetynet checking. Does this exist? If not, is it easy for me to "make it" myself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A bit late, but just for the record, ElementalX is just like stock with added features. If you don't use those features, you are essentially using the stock kernel.

I am thinking about going this route.. but I am not sure the process to flash a custom kernel on my Pixel.. would anyone be able to walk me through it? thanks!

Development boot.img for SM-A127F and SM-A125F with the touch and MTP fixed

Here is a few boot.img files (tarred for Odin and zipped) intended to be used together with GSI systems (e.g. LineageOS) which suffer from the non-functional touchscreen after the wake-up and the non-functional MTP (USB file transfer). The boot.img files contain the recompiled stock kernel taken from Samsung Open Source with only a couple of the most necessary fixes. 99.9% unaltered, 100% open-source
All credits for the touchscreen fix go to manteiga25, he's done an amazing job on figuring this all out, still from his solution which includes additional performance tweaks I've taken the absolute bare minimum so that the problem is no longer present. Also huge thanks to Osvaldo Costa for the wonderful bootimgtool.
NOTE: If you did not yet flash any non-stock boot.img or recovery.img you may get the bootloop after flashing of any of these files (except for the orig's). That bootloop is caused by bootloader refusing to boot the VB-unsigned kernel together with the rest of the VB-signed components. The only solution (unfortunately) is the full factory reset, so you'll have to lose your user data; everything else, including the GSI will remain intact, but you'll have to set it up from scratch.
UPDATE 01/09/23: added the version based on A127FXXU7CVL2 (Android 13) version of the kernel.
UPDATE 01/11/23: added the fixed kernels for SM-A125F.
UPDATE 03/16/23: added the version based on A127FXXU5BVF3 (Android 12) version of the kernel.
Files for SM-A127F:
boot_sm-a127f-u4_fixed.zip: A127FXXU4AUK1-based kernel, Ilitek ili9881x fix, MTP fix
boot_sm-a127f-u5_fixed.zip: A127FXXU5BVF3-based (Android 12) kernel, Ilitek ili9881x fix, MTP fix
boot_sm-a127f-u7_fixed.zip: A127FXXU7CVL2-based (Android 13) kernel, Ilitek ili9881x fix, MTP fix
orig_boot_sm-a127-u4.zip: the original unaltered A127FXXU4AUK1 boot.img for undo
orig_boot_sm-a127-u5.zip: the original unaltered A127FXXU5BVF3 boot.img for undo
orig_boot_sm-a127-u7.zip: the original unaltered A127FXXU7CVL2 boot.img for undo
src_sm-a127f_fix.zip: all the altered source files
Files for SM-A125F:
boot_sm-a125f-u2_fixed_v1.zip: A125FXXU2BVB4-based kernel, Ilitek ili9881x fix, MTP fix
boot_sm-a125f-u2_fixed_v2.zip: A125FXXU2BVB4-based kernel, Ilitek ili9881x fix, Novatek nt36525 fix, MTP fix
orig_boot_sm-a125-u2.zip: the original unaltered A125FXXU2BVB3 boot.img for undo
src_sm-a127f-fix_v2.zip: all the altered source files
v1 should be easy on battery, but v2 will probably eat more because it basically disables the power saving features of the touchscreen chip (unfortunately that's the only solution at the kernel side).
If you don't trust me or if you're in desperate need of a more recent kernel, here are the steps how to rebuild it all yourself (for SM-A127F on Debian 11):
Download the kernel source from Samsung Open Source (A127FXXU3AUJ5)
Unpack SM-A127F_RR_Opensource.zip and Kernel.tar.gz inside
Unpack SM-A127F_RR_Opensource_A127FXXU4AUK1.zip into the same dir (overwriting the files)
Unpack the attached source.tar.gz, it contains only the changed files and build.sh facilitating compilation
From root: apt install clang-9 gcc-9-aarch64-linux-gnu
Remove any other versions of clang. Then cd /usr/bin; ln -s clang clang-9; ln -s clang++ clang++-9; ln -s clang-cpp clang-cpp-9
Back in the Kernel dir, run build.sh and wait for the kernel to compile
Download bootimgtool and compile it (just "make")
Download the stock firmware
Extract boot.img from AP_A127FXX[...].tar.md5 (unpack using tar, ignore the .md5) to the root dir of your Kernel
bootimgtool disassemble boot.img
cp Kernel/arch/arm64/boot/Image kernel
bootimgtool create -o boot.img
Flash boot.img as is using Heimdall or pack into .tar and flash using Odin
For SM-A125F you'll need to use the Google's patched Clang and GCC instead, and there is no way around that except for lots and lots of additional include paths for the Mediatek drivers (and even that does not guarentee that it will be compiled successfully).

uluruman said:
Here is the boot.img (tarred for Odin) intended to be used together with GSI systems (e.g. LineageOS). It contains the recompiled stock U4 kernel taken from Samsung Open Source with only a couple of the most necessary fixes, namely the freezing touchscreen and the non-functional MTP. 99.9% unaltered, 100% open-source.
All credits for the touchscreen fix go to manteiga25, he's done an amazing job on figuring this all out, still from his solution which includes additional performance tweaks I've taken the absolute bare minimum so that the problem is no longer present. Also huge thanks to Osvaldo Costa for the wonderful bootimgtool.
If you don't trust me here are the steps how to rebuild it all yourself (on Debian 11):
Download the kernel source from Samsung Open Source (A127FXXU3AUJ5)
Unpack SM-A127F_RR_Opensource.zip and Kernel.tar.gz inside
Unpack SM-A127F_RR_Opensource_A127FXXU4AUK1.zip into the same dir (overwriting the files)
Unpack the attached source.tar.gz, it contains only the changed files and build.sh facilitating compilation
From root: apt install clang-9 gcc-9-aarch64-linux-gnu
Remove any other versions of clang. Then cd /usr/bin; ln -s clang clang-9; ln -s clang++ clang++-9; ln -s clang-cpp clang-cpp-9
Back in the Kernel dir, run build.sh and wait for the kernel to compile
Download bootimgtool and compile it (just "make")
Download the stock firmware
Extract boot.img from AP_A127FXX[...].tar.md5 (unpack using tar, ignore the .md5) to the root dir of your Kernel
bootimgtool disassemble boot.img
cp Kernel/arch/arm64/boot/Image kernel
bootimgtool create -o boot.img
Flash boot.img as is using Heimdall or pack into .tar and flash using Odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazing work. Love to see developers still working on this device. Does it work with SM-A125F?

Allehandro said:
Amazing work. Love to see developers still working on this device. Does it work with SM-A125F?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try, it may work, but most likely will bootloop. SM-A125F is based on a Mediatek SoC, SM-A127F is based on Exynos, which has a different kernel config.

uluruman said:
You can try, it may work, but most likely will bootloop. SM-A125F is based on a Mediatek SoC, SM-A127F is based on Exynos, which has a different kernel config.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to risk it as it is my main device and don't want to have to restore the device later on. Thanks though.

I've finally managed to compile the SM-A125F kernel (A125FXXU2BVB4 - SM-A125F_EUR_RR): somehow it turned out to be MUCH harder than that for SM-A127F, as nearly everything there is designed for only one specific toolchain, plus the non-Samsung s_mtp driver did not compile, so I had to take it from A127F's source. Anyway, I've ported the same fixes and here is the experimental boot.img. As I don't have SM-A125F I cannot test it, so I need someone to test it. Also attached is the original U2 boot.img: in case it does not work you just flash the original.

Amazing bro! Mad respect!!!!
I will soon put this baby to the test and see what's made of!!!
I can flash this using ODIN (PDA) directly over the current LOS GSI right?
Also, do you plan to include this kernel in your gsi building script so that the boot img of the gsi will be this one?
One other issue that I seemed to also have in my phone was the proximity sensor was not working e.g. when I was in call the screen would remain on....

axy_david said:
Amazing bro! Mad respect!!!!
I will soon put this baby to the test and see what's made of!!!
I can flash this using ODIN (PDA) directly over the current LOS GSI right?
Also, do you plan to include this kernel in your gsi building script so that the boot img of the gsi will be this one?
One other issue that I seemed to also have in my phone was the proximity sensor was not working e.g. when I was in call the screen would remain on....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, flash using Odin. GSI should not be affected in any way. If anything does wrong I've also attached the original A127FXXU4AUK1 boot.img, so that you could revert the changes.
Currently I'm struggling to make the same fixed boot.img for my second phone, which is SM-A325F, and I cannot: even if I just unpack and repack back the same boot.img using any tool, including the Google's official mkbootimg, it causes the bootloop. So all of this is currently experimental.

uluruman said:
Currently I'm struggling to make the same fixed boot.img for my second phone, which is SM-A325F, and I cannot: even if I just unpack and repack back the same boot.img using any tool, including the Google's official mkbootimg, it causes the bootloop. So all of this is currently experimental.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This issue is sorted out: one cannot flash a custom boot.img over the signed stock one and don't do the full factory reset afterwards. Only after the factory reset the system boots with the unsigned boot partition. Interestingly enough, Download allows flashing such an image without any warnings (in contrast to flashing up_param.bin) but the system just refuses to boot.

uluruman said:
This issue is sorted out: one cannot flash a custom boot.img over the signed stock one and don't do the full factory reset afterwards. Only after the factory reset the system boots with the unsigned boot partition. Interestingly enough, Download allows flashing such an image without any warnings (in contrast to flashing up_param.bin) but the system just refuses to boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is it possible to fix the proximity sensor?

axy_david said:
is it possible to fix the proximity sensor?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no physical proximity sensor in this phone, but with the latest firmware you can normally use the Phone app. Now it normally reacts on touching the top part of the screen with your ear and blanks the screen. The screen does not blank on approaching the screen but only on touching it.

uluruman said:
Here is the boot.img (tarred for Odin) intended to be used together with GSI systems (e.g. LineageOS). It contains the recompiled stock U4 kernel taken from Samsung Open Source with only a couple of the most necessary fixes, namely the freezing touchscreen and the non-functional MTP. 99.9% unaltered, 100% open-source.
If the fixed boot.img does not work for you for some reason, I've also attached the original U4 boot (taken from the SM-A127F_NPB_A127FXXU4AUK1 firmware) so you could revert the changes.
All credits for the touchscreen fix go to manteiga25, he's done an amazing job on figuring this all out, still from his solution which includes additional performance tweaks I've taken the absolute bare minimum so that the problem is no longer present. Also huge thanks to Osvaldo Costa for the wonderful bootimgtool.
If you don't trust me or if you're in desperate need of a more recent kernel, here are the steps how to rebuild it all yourself (on Debian 11):
Download the kernel source from Samsung Open Source (A127FXXU3AUJ5)
Unpack SM-A127F_RR_Opensource.zip and Kernel.tar.gz inside
Unpack SM-A127F_RR_Opensource_A127FXXU4AUK1.zip into the same dir (overwriting the files)
Unpack the attached source.tar.gz, it contains only the changed files and build.sh facilitating compilation
From root: apt install clang-9 gcc-9-aarch64-linux-gnu
Remove any other versions of clang. Then cd /usr/bin; ln -s clang clang-9; ln -s clang++ clang++-9; ln -s clang-cpp clang-cpp-9
Back in the Kernel dir, run build.sh and wait for the kernel to compile
Download bootimgtool and compile it (just "make")
Download the stock firmware
Extract boot.img from AP_A127FXX[...].tar.md5 (unpack using tar, ignore the .md5) to the root dir of your Kernel
bootimgtool disassemble boot.img
cp Kernel/arch/arm64/boot/Image kernel
bootimgtool create -o boot.img
Flash boot.img as is using Heimdall or pack into .tar and flash using Odin
P.S.: the U5 kernel sources are suspicously segregated between RR (rest of the world), EUR, CIS and CIS-SER (Russia). It's quite interesting what are the differences?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you make one for A127F/DSN U7? (I don't have linux)

just tested on my phone latest U7 or s7???? nevertheless it bootloops

axy_david said:
just tested on my phone latest U7 or s7???? nevertheless it bootloops
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it only works for u4 currently.

TheWorldYT said:
Can you make one for A127F/DSN U7? (I don't have linux)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will, hold on.

just tested on my phone latest U7 or s7???? nevertheless it bootloops
TheWorldYT said:
it only works for u4 currently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
damn, and I can't downgrade, im using A127FXXS7BVK1 the latest update for europe really

axy_david said:
just tested on my phone latest U7 or s7???? nevertheless it bootloops
damn, and I can't downgrade, im using A127FXXS7BVK1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same thing.
also:
uluruman said:
I will, hold on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
axy_david said:
just tested on my phone latest U7 or s7???? nevertheless it bootloops
damn, and I can't downgrade, im using A127FXXS7BVK1 the latest update for europe really
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uluruman said he will create one.

axy_david said:
just tested on my phone latest U7 or s7???? nevertheless it bootloops
damn, and I can't downgrade, im using A127FXXS7BVK1 the latest update for europe really
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done! ) See the update in the first post.
I've used the A127FXXU7CVL2 version source but it should work anyway because it's also U7-based (anyway there is no alternative - Samsung provides only that U7-based kernel). The only thing that theoretically can be needed is the factory reset: at least with my SM-A325F that was the case of the weird boot loop - the Verified Boot protection being voided (the warranty void bit being set) caused the bootloader to refuse loading the kernel.

uluruman said:
Done! ) See the update in the first post.
I've used the A127FXXU7CVL2 version source but it should work anyway because it's also U7-based (anyway there is no alternative - Samsung provides only that U7-based kernel). The only thing that theoretically can be needed is the factory reset: at least with my SM-A325F that was the case of the weird boot loop - the Verified Boot protection being voided (the warranty void bit being set) caused the bootloader to refuse loading the kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!

uluruman said:
I've finally managed to compile the SM-A125F kernel (A125FXXU2BVB4 - SM-A125F_EUR_RR): somehow it turned out to be MUCH harder than that for SM-A127F, as nearly everything there is designed for only one specific toolchain, plus the non-Samsung s_mtp driver did not compile, so I had to take it from A127F's source. Anyway, I've ported the same fixes and here is the experimental boot.img. As I don't have SM-A125F I cannot test it, so I need someone to test it. Also attached is the original U2 boot.img: in case it does not work you just flash the original.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can u make flashable zip for fix touch and mtp for a125f cause i think it dndt work after flashing only boot.img in twrp,still i found out that the baseband version is still bv5 instead of bv4 i hope you fix that bro because i want to install gsi

uluruman said:
Here is the boot.img (tarred for Odin) intended to be used together with GSI systems (e.g. LineageOS). It contains the recompiled stock U4 kernel taken from Samsung Open Source with only a couple of the most necessary fixes, namely the freezing touchscreen and the non-functional MTP. 99.9% unaltered, 100% open-source.
If the fixed boot.img does not work for you for some reason, I've also attached the original U4 boot (taken from the SM-A127F_NPB_A127FXXU4AUK1 firmware) so you could revert the changes.
All credits for the touchscreen fix go to manteiga25, he's done an amazing job on figuring this all out, still from his solution which includes additional performance tweaks I've taken the absolute bare minimum so that the problem is no longer present. Also huge thanks to Osvaldo Costa for the wonderful bootimgtool.
UPDATE 01/09/23: added the version based on A127FXXU7CVL2 (Android 13) version of the kernel.
If you don't trust me or if you're in desperate need of a more recent kernel, here are the steps how to rebuild it all yourself (on Debian 11):
Download the kernel source from Samsung Open Source (A127FXXU3AUJ5)
Unpack SM-A127F_RR_Opensource.zip and Kernel.tar.gz inside
Unpack SM-A127F_RR_Opensource_A127FXXU4AUK1.zip into the same dir (overwriting the files)
Unpack the attached source.tar.gz, it contains only the changed files and build.sh facilitating compilation
From root: apt install clang-9 gcc-9-aarch64-linux-gnu
Remove any other versions of clang. Then cd /usr/bin; ln -s clang clang-9; ln -s clang++ clang++-9; ln -s clang-cpp clang-cpp-9
Back in the Kernel dir, run build.sh and wait for the kernel to compile
Download bootimgtool and compile it (just "make")
Download the stock firmware
Extract boot.img from AP_A127FXX[...].tar.md5 (unpack using tar, ignore the .md5) to the root dir of your Kernel
bootimgtool disassemble boot.img
cp Kernel/arch/arm64/boot/Image kernel
bootimgtool create -o boot.img
Flash boot.img as is using Heimdall or pack into .tar and flash using Odin
P.S.: the U5 kernel sources are suspicously segregated between RR (rest of the world), EUR, CIS and CIS-SER (Russia). It's quite interesting what are the differences?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please create working flashable zip file for twrp for a125f cause i dont have pc i cant use odin,thank you