Database Info

[Q] Infuse zip flashing stuck at "Finding update package"

Hi guys, this is the first post i upload and want to take the occasion to greet you all.
In these days i bought a Samsung Infuse 4G...i really like this phone but want to be able to use it with some special features such as connecting various USB devices to the phone and other juicy stuff.
I read that the builtin ROM is not capable of such this thing, and Ice Cream Sandwitch, witch should allow to do that, is not available for this smartphone model. At least not officially.
My choice fell upon CM7 LinuxBozo ROM ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311960 ).
I rooted my device. I'm sure of that because i am able to use the root explorer with root privileges and the root menu shows up among my applications.
I then followed the instructions here ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1107881 ) in order to install the ClockWorkMod Flashing Menu but I am not sure whether anything went allright or not as, after trying both the methods shown on the guide, nothing happened (in the first case, the automatic install through ROM Manager seems to work, a message appears on the screen confirming anything went smooth but when i reboot i see the normal reboot menu, no advanced menu nor CWM menu; in the second case i tried to manually load the CWM menu by placing the update file in the SD and renaming it to update.zip, the update gets stuck somewhere saying something about a bad or wrong signature, tried it a few times and with different CWM update versions but nothing to do).
I then stumbled into a workaround to fix that issue by an even more manual procedure ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkMo8rBehHg&feature=related ) basically consisting in copying the "recovery" executable from the CWM update archive to the directory /system/bin and of course chmodding it to rwxr-xr-x and chowning it to the root.
Now the CWM screen appears but, as i attempt to flash the CM7 ROM, the flashing gets stuck at "Finding update package". I read here ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=821499 ) that it could happen sometimes and it's just a matter of trying and trying again... I tried at least ten times up to now but it keeps getting stuck...maybe it's not my case.
Hope someone will help me out...i really need that USB reading feature. Thank you.

baareem said:
Hi guys, this is the first post i upload and want to take the occasion to greet you all.
In these days i bought a Samsung Infuse 4G...i really like this phone but want to be able to use it with some special features such as connecting various USB devices to the phone and other juicy stuff.
I read that the builtin ROM is not capable of such this thing, and Ice Cream Sandwitch, witch should allow to do that, is not available for this smartphone model. At least not officially.
My choice fell upon CM7 LinuxBozo ROM ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311960 ).
I rooted my device. I'm sure of that because i am able to use the root explorer with root privileges and the root menu shows up among my applications.
I then followed the instructions here ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1107881 ) in order to install the ClockWorkMod Flashing Menu but I am not sure whether anything went allright or not as, after trying both the methods shown on the guide, nothing happened (in the first case, the automatic install through ROM Manager seems to work, a message appears on the screen confirming anything went smooth but when i reboot i see the normal reboot menu, no advanced menu nor CWM menu; in the second case i tried to manually load the CWM menu by placing the update file in the SD and renaming it to update.zip, the update gets stuck somewhere saying something about a bad or wrong signature, tried it a few times and with different CWM update versions but nothing to do).
I then stumbled into a workaround to fix that issue by an even more manual procedure ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkMo8rBehHg&feature=related ) basically consisting in copying the "recovery" executable from the CWM update archive to the directory /system/bin and of course chmodding it to rwxr-xr-x and chowning it to the root.
Now the CWM screen appears but, as i attempt to flash the CM7 ROM, the flashing gets stuck at "Finding update package". I read here ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=821499 ) that it could happen sometimes and it's just a matter of trying and trying again... I tried at least ten times up to now but it keeps getting stuck...maybe it's not my case.
Hope someone will help me out...i really need that USB reading feature. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what color is your cwm screen?
this may be a simpler way of gettin cwm:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1220090
specifically, the CWM instructions set.

I see that the instructions you suggested me would mean to start the process almost from scratch. I will do that as soon as i finish studying the nazis for my school report .
And maybe after getting the next answer from you
The boot screen is green text on black backgroud.
Holding audio and power buttons for 10 seconds doesn't prompt me to the red boot screen if it was what you meant and if I read the instructions provided well (witch i didn't as i have no time now)... don't get me wrong. Just trying to provide you as more information as possible.

baareem said:
I see that the instructions you suggested me would mean to start the process almost from scratch. I will do that as soon as i finish studying the nazis for my school report .
And maybe after getting the next answer from you
The boot screen is green text on black backgroud.
Holding audio and power buttons for 10 seconds doesn't prompt me to the red boot screen if it was what you meant and if I read the instructions provided well (witch i didn't as i have no time now)... don't get me wrong. Just trying to provide you as more information as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you still have root, download from market
sgs kernel flasher and the flash the gingerbread kernel to give you RED recovery and flash the rom of your choice after a factory reset and usual wipes

Cool... i'm now running CM7 !
Here is what i missed for anyone who would have the same problem in the future (you can find the download links here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1220090 ):
CWM Installation Instructions:
1) You must be rooted.
2) If you have a /Voodoo folder on your internal SD card, delete it and reboot.
3) If you're already running a custom ROM with Voodoo lagfix FULLY enabled, you can skip to step 7.
4) Download CWM-community-kernel-v8.zip if you're on Froyo or CWM-infused-v2.0.1-kernel.zip if you're on Gingerbread and place it on your internal SD card.
5) Install SGS Kernel Flasher from the Market.
6) Open SGS Kernel Flasher, select choose kernel, select the file you downloaded, and select flash kernel. Your phone will reboot and begin to enable Voodoo lagfix. Let it do that and boot all the way up. It will take a while (5-10 minutes) because it's converting all partitions to ext4.
7) Download update-infused-v2.X.X-full.zip and place it on your internal SD card.
8) Power off your phone.
9) With the phone powered off, hold both volume keys and the power button for about 10 seconds and then release. This should boot you into RED CWM.
10) Select "install zip from sdcard" and select update-infused-v2.X.X-full.zip.
11) Once that finishes, select "wipe data/factory reset".
12) Select "reboot system now".
13) Do NOT restore system data with Titanium Backup. Do NOT restore ALL apps with data. If you absolutely must restore something with Titanium Backup, only restore MISSING apps with data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now just another question: i noticed different errors when running the market and other old built-in apps... I just need to reinstall gapps right?

yeah, that is why it's stickeyed.
you just had to read/search them.
market wise, there's a market fix
or you can also factory reset and wipe cache and dalvik in cwm

Thanks. You helped me solving this and now anything works fine. Have a good day.
Thread (NOT) SOLVED.
--------
(Edited after realizing gapps still don't show up as installation didn't really worked)

baareem said:
Thanks. You helped me solving this and now anything works fine. Have a good day.
Thread SOLVED.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
np. take it easy, bro.

I was too quick saying it worked.
The Infuse just booted up but nothing changed. I then tried to do the zip installing through rom manager again but invane.
When trying with the manual install it promts me with this error:
E: Can't open /emmc/gapps-gb-xxxxxxx-signed.zip
(bad)
Installation aborted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried different versions of gapps including the one suggested in the CM wiki but with no luck. I guess the problem is somewhere else.
PS: now i see the blue on black bootscreen as in order to install gapps with rom manager i was asked to reinstall CWM trough it...

baareem said:
I was too quick saying it worked.
The Infuse just booted up but nothing changed. I then tried to do the zip installing through rom manager again but invane.
When trying with the manual install it promts me with this error:
I tried different versions of gapps including the one suggested in the CM wiki but with no luck. I guess the problem is somewhere else.
PS: now i see the blue on black bootscreen as in order to install gapps with rom manager i was asked to reinstall CWM trough it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what version of ROM were you running when you tried this?
Stock FRoyo?

Cyanogenmod 7 ... exactly this version : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311960
Kernel version is 2.6.35.7 , android v 2.3.7.
The old, OOB version i had was froyo 2.2.6 if i well remember.

baareem said:
Cyanogenmod 7 ... exactly this version : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311960
Kernel version is 2.6.35.7 , android v 2.3.7.
The old, OOB version i had was froyo 2.2.6 if i well remember.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't played with CM7, it's not an infuse based rom.
I recall some installation issues with it.
I remember an unsuccess reboot intially and pull battery thing..not sure.
If you're looking to install another rom, odin back to stock and start over.
check out my sig line for some useful links

[Q] How to restore phone from backup made prior to ROM download

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1875914
Hi I used the above guide to root my phone and I also did the backup from recovery mode thing AND I backed my phone up with Kies on my computer beforehand. Well I messed my phone up and had to use Odin to restore it and now I'd like to see how I can restore my phone from the backup I made in recovery mode. Every time I try to backup using kies it crashes on my computer. Also, if possible, I'd like to know a way to not have to use the same app I used to back the phone up to restore it. I used an app called EZ Recovery or something like that. If someone could help with this I'd appreciate it thank you!

gamer6592 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1875914
Hi I used the above guide to root my phone and I also did the backup from recovery mode thing AND I backed my phone up with Kies on my computer beforehand. Well I messed my phone up and had to use Odin to restore it and now I'd like to see how I can restore my phone from the backup I made in recovery mode. Every time I try to backup using kies it crashes on my computer. Also, if possible, I'd like to know a way to not have to use the same app I used to back the phone up to restore it. I used an app called EZ Recovery or something like that. If someone could help with this I'd appreciate it thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So currently you are unrooted and still using the Odin factory rom? If so, the first steps are to:
1) Re-root
2) Unlock your bootloader using EZ Unlock v1.2 found here: http://rootzwiki.com/topic/32456-app-920-ez-unlock-14-easiest-way-to-unlock-your-bootloader/
3) Custom Recovery backup files are proprietary, they only will restore using the same recovery you used. For the GSIII, you have two custom recoveries to use: ClockWorkMod or TWRP. If you want to restore to your previous backup that you made using your linked guide, then EZ Recovery will be the absolute easiest to use.
Two questions:
A) Why don't you want to use EZ Recovery? It's the easiesr way to install CWM recovery and you only use it once.
B) Which recovery did you select to make a backup using EZ Recovery? Was it touch based?
3) [Edit] Disregard my question about Kies, I believe I misinterpreted what you asked.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda-developers app

SlimSnoopOS said:
So currently you are unrooted and still using the Odin factory rom? If so, the first steps are to:
1) Re-root
2) Unlock your bootloader using EZ Unlock v1.2 found here:
3) Custom Recovery backup files are proprietary, they only will restore using the same recovery you used. For the GSIII, you have two custom recoveries to use: ClockWorkMod or TWRP. If you want to restore to your previous backup that you made using your linked guide, then EZ Recovery will be the absolute easiest to use.
Two questions:
A) Why don't you want to use EZ Recovery? It's the easiesr way to install CWM recovery and you only use it once.
B) Which recovery did you select to make a backup using EZ Recovery? Was it touch based?
3) [Edit] Disregard my question about Kies, I believe I misinterpreted what you asked.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason I didn't want to use EZ Recovery is because I thought it was an app that requires root, and I didn't want to root anymore because I thought that was why my phone jacked up in the first place, even though it was probably just because I'm dumb.
I did the backup as explained in that guide, as well as the one explained in the video I have posted. I didn't know if they were both necessary or if they were different types of backups or something so I did them both. Neither were touch based. The only thing that was touch based was when I touched the part in the apps to go into the recovery mode that I used to backup my phone. One just said to click on "backup" the other tutorial said click on "backup to ext sd card" so I did both. Both were initiated through the recovery mode thing though where you use the volume buttons and the power button. Thank you for the help!
Edit: I realized I can't link so if you go to "that place where you broadcast yourself" and after it says "watch?" And "v [equals]" in the link, paste the following: cgvEYCXHy7k&sns=em
(Sorry I deleted the link and it still kept saying I had a link in here I didn't know what was triggering it. Lol)

gamer6592 said:
The reason I didn't want to use EZ Recovery is because I thought it was an app that requires root, and I didn't want to root anymore because I thought that was why my phone jacked up in the first place, even though it was probably just because I'm dumb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you want to restore to that exact ClockWorkMod (CWM) backup, you do in fact need to be rooted. Even if you don't want to do anything else.
Just reboot into recovery using EZ Recovery, select "Backup and restore," then restore your backup. It's relatively easy honestly.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

SlimSnoopOS said:
Well if you want to restore to that exact ClockWorkMod (CWM) backup, you do in fact need to be rooted. Even if you don't want to do anything else.
Just reboot into recovery using EZ Recovery, select "Backup and restore," then restore your backup. It's relatively easy honestly.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SlimSnoopOS said:
Well if you want to restore to that exact ClockWorkMod (CWM) backup, you do in fact need to be rooted. Even if you don't want to do anything else.
Just reboot into recovery using EZ Recovery, select "Backup and restore," then restore your backup. It's relatively easy honestly.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks I'll do that. I suppose it can't hurt to do it again. If it does I'll just have to restore my phone yet again. Couple questions though:
1: Is my phone any different right now since I used that Odin thing? I honestly didn't know what it was. I just looked up how to unbrick your phone because I tried downloading jelly bean and I got that software not authorized by verizon message so I followed another youtube video's tutorial and they said download that app and do a bunch of other stuff with it.
2: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840414
In this thread, his first link (Titled "this page") has a bunch of things called nightlies. Wtf are those? Just a crap load of re-issued versions of the same software (jelly bean)? Are they all from trusted developers or could anybody post one there? Should I take any precautions in making sure I don't get a messed up version/virus? I would assume in that video I referenced, the two downloads he was talking about were just the top/newest "nightly" in that link and the other download he was talking about (GAPPS or Google Apps) is the second one from the top in that other link, right? The one that says it's for Android Version 4.1.x?
3: In that first link I sent you, the guide to rooting, at the bottom it says that rooting and bootloader unlocking are completely finished but the reason everyone says they think my phone messed up and gave me the unauthorized software message was because I didn't unlock my bootloader. There is a second link in the jelly bean download guide for downloading a different boot unlocker. Is that the one I should be downloading? Should I do that on top of everything else I did in that rooting guide?
4 (last question I promise): Also, in that bootloader unlocker he said I should really "know what I'm doing" if I am running windows because it was intended for Mac and Linux. I run windows and I really don't want to run linux or Ubuntu or anything and i don't have a Mac. I haven't actually downloaded or tried to run the BL unlocker yet but I mean is it really that hard to use on Windows? I know it may sound quite hard to believe because of how much of an idiot I sound like when it comes to rooting and crap but I really AM, at least in my opinion, quite good with computers. At the very least as far as fundamentals go. But yeah when it comes to programming and all this stuff, I'm as dumb as a rock. But what does "know what I'm doing" mean? Is the BL Unlocker you linked to different? Should I just use yours?
Thanks man you're the ****.

gamer6592 said:
Okay thanks I'll do that. I suppose it can't hurt to do it again. If it does I'll just have to restore my phone yet again. Couple questions though:
1: Is my phone any different right now since I used that Odin thing? I honestly didn't know what it was. I just looked up how to unbrick your phone because I tried downloading jelly bean and I got that software not authorized by verizon message so I followed another youtube video's tutorial and they said download that app and do a bunch of other stuff with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whenever you use Odin, it's primarily to return to stock or flash a modified image to your Samsung device. In essence what you want to only use Odin for, is to return to the way you purchased your phone: fresh out of the box. You "should" be on a stock image if that's what resolved your previous issue which led to you creating this thread. In all honesty, I'm amazed that you fixed your phone via youtube. Going forward, all that you need to know about the Verizon GSIII is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709
Stick to using XDA for now.
2: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840414
In this thread, his first link (Titled "this page") has a bunch of things called nightlies. Wtf are those? Just a crap load of re-issued versions of the same software (jelly bean)? Are they all from trusted developers or could anybody post one there? Should I take any precautions in making sure I don't get a messed up version/virus? I would assume in that video I referenced, the two downloads he was talking about were just the top/newest "nightly" in that link and the other download he was talking about (GAPPS or Google Apps) is the second one from the top in that other link, right? The one that says it's for Android Version 4.1.x?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nightlies = a new version of that rom is updated each night. Some things may break, some things may be fixed but from nightly to nightly, there are new things introduced and new things broken. A nightly is essentially a prolonged "beta" of the overall rom. You can update from one nightly to another or even choose to update weekly if that works best for you, it's all about choice. Now in regards to CM10, CM10 = CyanogenMod10. This is the most popular Android rom and is supported on the most amount of Android phones. The [OFFICIAL] Verizon GSIII CM10 rom is one rom that is pulling software and improvements that are being worked on hourly by the "lead" or primary CyanogenMod team. If that doesn't make sense, the Verizon GSIII version of CM10 is one branch from the giant, ever growing tree that is CyanogenMod.
The "OP" or original post is the very first post, on the first page of any thread. It is also labeled #1. So, the OP of your thread would be your initial post which I responded to. When reading rom threads, the OP is where all the primary information and download links are. People will use this term all the time. I'm just dropping knowledge on this for future reference.
Usually, developers or respected developers have that title just below their name. For example, look at my name and it does not say "recognized developer." This is a title granted by the awesome people that run XDA to people who apply for this title. If accepted, this is a label that informs new users that this is someone of knowledge. Now, if someone doesn't have this title, then this does not mean they did not develop said rom or that they do not know what they're doing. Anyone can be a developer, but just know that there are people here who will easily put you in your place if you pretend to be one.
The thing about XDA is, you download anything and everything at your own risk. By modifying your phone software, you and you alone voided your warranty and accept this. Now, to answer your question. The OP in any thread that is in the Development or Original Development section is supposed to be a "true and reliable" link. If there were ever a virus or malware posted in the Development section, this is unquestionably a website that will remove it. For any and every phone that has a forum on XDA, there are moderators (or mods) who patrol and work for XDA to keep this place awesome, concise, and welcoming to new and old users alike. If you look at any given world/regional/carrier phone, there are a team of moderators who govern those entire threads. Sure, someone can post a spam link at any time but you should feel relatively safe knowing that there are people in place to control for those things. Now, if you see links ANYWHERE else, then I don't suggest downloading it unless you see others have done so as well and provided significant feedback as well.
This is by no means a rule but if a thread has over maybe 30 pages, then it's something that many others have used. Read a few pages if you have any doubts. The most recent posts about the rom are always at the end of the thread. The CM10 link that you posted has over 600 pages...it's trusted lol. The nicest way to say this is...the most popular roms may be the threads with the most pages.
Also, stick to downloading roms from XDA or Rootzwiki and download only what you feel comfortable with downloading to your phone. You mentioned a youtube video earlier, disregard it and refer to DroidStyle's Guide that I linked after your first question. Rooting may not be for you and that is perfectly fine because this is a hobby. As you can tell, there's a LOT to learn and I've barely scratched the surface.
3: In that first link I sent you, the guide to rooting, at the bottom it says that rooting and bootloader unlocking are completely finished but the reason everyone says they think my phone messed up and gave me the unauthorized software message was because I didn't unlock my bootloader. There is a second link in the jelly bean download guide for downloading a different boot unlocker. Is that the one I should be downloading? Should I do that on top of everything else I did in that rooting guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To properly unlock the bootloader on the GSIII, you need to be rooted first then you need to download EZ Recovery v1.2. I provided and labeled that in a prior post. The "unauthorized software" message occurred because you (I am assuming btw) watched that youtube video from July which predates when our bootloader was officially unlocked (August) and followed its instructions. Since our bootloader was unlocked on August 15, 2012: you must be rooted and unlocked prior to flashing roms or kernels.
You can use that thread to root BUT for the sake of helping you, just download EZ Unlock v1.2 (bootloader unlock tool) that I linked to on Rootzwiki.
4 (last question I promise): Also, in that bootloader unlocker he said I should really "know what I'm doing" if I am running windows because it was intended for Mac and Linux. I run windows and I really don't want to run linux or Ubuntu or anything and i don't have a Mac. I haven't actually downloaded or tried to run the BL unlocker yet but I mean is it really that hard to use on Windows? I know it may sound quite hard to believe because of how much of an idiot I sound like when it comes to rooting and crap but I really AM, at least in my opinion, quite good with computers. At the very least as far as fundamentals go. But yeah when it comes to programming and all this stuff, I'm as dumb as a rock. But what does "know what I'm doing" mean? Is the BL Unlocker you linked to different? Should I just use yours?
Thanks man you're the ****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I do not want to confuse you further, the only bootloader unlock tool you need to know of is EZ Unlock v1.2 which is located on Rootzwiki. If you rooted with your laptop, just install EZ Unlock v1.2 and press "Unlock." You only need to do this one time and can uninstall the app afterwards.
To restore your CWM backup, you need to:
1) Root
2) Unlock via EZ Unlock v1.2
3) Install CWM using EZ Recovery
4) Reboot into recovery
5) Restore your backup in CWM recovery
6) Enjoy your backiup predating the triangle warning "Unauthorized software on this device" incident
Did I cover everything? haha

SlimSnoopOS said:
Whenever you use Odin, it's primarily to return to stock or flash a modified image to your Samsung device. In essence what you want to only use Odin for, is to return to the way you purchased your phone: fresh out of the box. You "should" be on a stock image if that's what resolved your previous issue which led to you creating this thread. In all honesty, I'm amazed that you fixed your phone via youtube. Going forward, all that you need to know about the Verizon GSIII is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709
Stick to using XDA for now.
Nightlies = a new version of that rom is updated each night. Some things may break, some things may be fixed but from nightly to nightly, there are new things introduced and new things broken. A nightly is essentially a prolonged "beta" of the overall rom. You can update from one nightly to another or even choose to update weekly if that works best for you, it's all about choice. Now in regards to CM10, CM10 = CyanogenMod10. This is the most popular Android rom and is supported on the most amount of Android phones. The [OFFICIAL] Verizon GSIII CM10 rom is one rom that is pulling software and improvements that are being worked on hourly by the "lead" or primary CyanogenMod team. If that doesn't make sense, the Verizon GSIII version of CM10 is one branch from the giant, ever growing tree that is CyanogenMod.
The "OP" or original post is the very first post, on the first page of any thread. It is also labeled #1. So, the OP of your thread would be your initial post which I responded to. When reading rom threads, the OP is where all the primary information and download links are. People will use this term all the time. I'm just dropping knowledge on this for future reference.
Usually, developers or respected developers have that title just below their name. For example, look at my name and it does not say "recognized developer." This is a title granted by the awesome people that run XDA to people who apply for this title. If accepted, this is a label that informs new users that this is someone of knowledge. Now, if someone doesn't have this title, then this does not mean they did not develop said rom or that they do not know what they're doing. Anyone can be a developer, but just know that there are people here who will easily put you in your place if you pretend to be one.
The thing about XDA is, you download anything and everything at your own risk. By modifying your phone software, you and you alone voided your warranty and accept this. Now, to answer your question. The OP in any thread that is in the Development or Original Development section is supposed to be a "true and reliable" link. If there were ever a virus or malware posted in the Development section, this is unquestionably a website that will remove it. For any and every phone that has a forum on XDA, there are moderators (or mods) who patrol and work for XDA to keep this place awesome, concise, and welcoming to new and old users alike. If you look at any given world/regional/carrier phone, there are a team of moderators who govern those entire threads. Sure, someone can post a spam link at any time but you should feel relatively safe knowing that there are people in place to control for those things. Now, if you see links ANYWHERE else, then I don't suggest downloading it unless you see others have done so as well and provided significant feedback as well.
This is by no means a rule but if a thread has over maybe 30 pages, then it's something that many others have used. Read a few pages if you have any doubts. The most recent posts about the rom are always at the end of the thread. The CM10 link that you posted has over 600 pages...it's trusted lol. The nicest way to say this is...the most popular roms may be the threads with the most pages.
Also, stick to downloading roms from XDA or Rootzwiki and download only what you feel comfortable with downloading to your phone. You mentioned a youtube video earlier, disregard it and refer to DroidStyle's Guide that I linked after your first question. Rooting may not be for you and that is perfectly fine because this is a hobby. As you can tell, there's a LOT to learn and I've barely scratched the surface.
To properly unlock the bootloader on the GSIII, you need to be rooted first then you need to download EZ Recovery v1.2. I provided and labeled that in a prior post. The "unauthorized software" message occurred because you (I am assuming btw) watched that youtube video from July which predates when our bootloader was officially unlocked (August) and followed its instructions. Since our bootloader was unlocked on August 15, 2012: you must be rooted and unlocked prior to flashing roms or kernels.
You can use that thread to root BUT for the sake of helping you, just download EZ Unlock v1.2 (bootloader unlock tool) that I linked to on Rootzwiki.
Because I do not want to confuse you further, the only bootloader unlock tool you need to know of is EZ Unlock v1.2 which is located on Rootzwiki. If you rooted with your laptop, just install EZ Unlock v1.2 and press "Unlock." You only need to do this one time and can uninstall the app afterwards.
To restore your CWM backup, you need to:
1) Root
2) Unlock via EZ Unlock v1.2
3) Install CWM using EZ Recovery
4) Reboot into recovery
5) Restore your backup in CWM recovery
6) Enjoy your backiup predating the triangle warning "Unauthorized software on this device" incident
Did I cover everything? haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. PERFECT. Last couple loose ends though.
1: Will the restore take me to the last time I did all this recovery mode backup crap? The main reason I'm concerned about all this is because I have a game I've put hundreds of hours into that I'm trying to recover my progress on. I'd like it though if when I do restore, I still remain rooted because once I retrieve my game I'd like to try once more to get JB.
2: Is there a way, if my recovery is successful, to get Jelly Bean and THEN recover all this?
Yet again, you rock man. Lol Thanks
Edit: I restored anyways and THANK GOD found that my game save data was still intact. Everything is exactly the way I had it, with root and everything. So NOW my only questions are:
1: Since i rooted my phone the way in the guide I linked to the first time and then the second time I did it the way your guide link said, but the restore was made from the first time I rooted, is that restore I just did from your guide completely gone and now my phone is 100% back to as if I hadn't done anything else after rooting it my way yesterday? If so, should I root my phone yet again except doing it the way your guide said to again because apparently the first way I did it from my guide is what messed my phone up initially, right? So what should I do? Just download EZ-Unlock and keep my phone like it is or start all the way over with your method?
2: Since it was possible to retrieve my game save data with my previous root, do you think if I root again successfully or w/e I need to do and then get Jelly Bean, that my save data and stuff will transfer over as is to Jelly Bean also?

gamer6592 said:
2: Is there a way, if my recovery is successful, to get Jelly Bean and THEN recover all this?
Yet again, you rock man. Lol Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you just restored using CWM correct? First step would be to download "titanium backup" via the Play Store and now you can back up app data (don't do system data) so that when you wipe/flash roms you can restore that app data. Last time I used the free version (a year ago) the free version did app backups/restore but app restores were one at a time and you have to tap install for each app. The paid version (proud paid user here!) does app restore without you having to press "install" for each app you're restoring. There are other app backup utilities but this is likely the most popular and most powerful. You will have to manually recreate your homescreen layout.
Step 2 would be to download a rom, boot into recovery, factory reset then wipe dalvik cache, then flash your rom. Once the rom boots up and you've signed into Gmail, re-download Titanium Backup and restore your apps.
If you were to try this of course.
Edit: I restored anyways and THANK GOD found that my game save data was still intact. Everything is exactly the way I had it, with root and everything. So NOW my only questions are:
1: Since i rooted my phone the way in the guide I linked to the first time and then the second time I did it the way your guide link said, but the restore was made from the first time I rooted, is that restore I just did from your guide completely gone and now my phone is 100% back to as if I hadn't done anything else after rooting it my way yesterday? If so, should I root my phone yet again except doing it the way your guide said to again because apparently the first way I did it from my guide is what messed my phone up initially, right? So what should I do? Just download EZ-Unlock and keep my phone like it is or start all the way over with your method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just did a restore via CWM, you're still rooted. Have any doubts? Download "Root Checker" from the Play Store and it will tell you if you're rooted. Your CWM backup is already rooted, you need to be rooted to install a custom recovery so you're set. The CWM restore file is actually located on sdcard/ClockWorkMod/Backup (or something to that effect) and onside should be a file name that contains "1970" and resembles a calendar date. The date is wrong, unfortunately that's just how recovery is. I'm not sure how to rename CWM backups because doing so incorrectly changes the file integrity and will cause your CWM restore to fail should you try restoring it. Your CWM restore file does not delete itself once you use it, it continues to take up space and sits there until you need it or you delete it using CWM.
What messed you up the first time was the fact that you didn't unlock your bootloader before flashing CM10. There's nothing wrong with the CWM backup that you have. Do you have just the one CWM backup or two?
TWRP recovery allows you to name backups but I wouldn't get into that until you're more familiar with CWM and the flashing process.
2: Since it was possible to retrieve my game save data with my previous root, do you think if I root again successfully or w/e I need to do and then get Jelly Bean, that my save data and stuff will transfer over as is to Jelly Bean also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely do and you don't need to root again btw.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

SlimSnoopOS said:
Whenever you use Odin, it's primarily to return to stock or flash a modified image to your Samsung device. In essence what you want to only use Odin for, is to return to the way you purchased your phone: fresh out of the box. You "should" be on a stock image if that's what resolved your previous issue which led to you creating this thread. In all honesty, I'm amazed that you fixed your phone via youtube. Going forward, all that you need to know about the Verizon GSIII is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709
Stick to using XDA for now.
Nightlies = a new version of that rom is updated each night. Some things may break, some things may be fixed but from nightly to nightly, there are new things introduced and new things broken. A nightly is essentially a prolonged "beta" of the overall rom. You can update from one nightly to another or even choose to update weekly if that works best for you, it's all about choice. Now in regards to CM10, CM10 = CyanogenMod10. This is the most popular Android rom and is supported on the most amount of Android phones. The [OFFICIAL] Verizon GSIII CM10 rom is one rom that is pulling software and improvements that are being worked on hourly by the "lead" or primary CyanogenMod team. If that doesn't make sense, the Verizon GSIII version of CM10 is one branch from the giant, ever growing tree that is CyanogenMod.
The "OP" or original post is the very first post, on the first page of any thread. It is also labeled #1. So, the OP of your thread would be your initial post which I responded to. When reading rom threads, the OP is where all the primary information and download links are. People will use this term all the time. I'm just dropping knowledge on this for future reference.
Usually, developers or respected developers have that title just below their name. For example, look at my name and it does not say "recognized developer." This is a title granted by the awesome people that run XDA to people who apply for this title. If accepted, this is a label that informs new users that this is someone of knowledge. Now, if someone doesn't have this title, then this does not mean they did not develop said rom or that they do not know what they're doing. Anyone can be a developer, but just know that there are people here who will easily put you in your place if you pretend to be one.
The thing about XDA is, you download anything and everything at your own risk. By modifying your phone software, you and you alone voided your warranty and accept this. Now, to answer your question. The OP in any thread that is in the Development or Original Development section is supposed to be a "true and reliable" link. If there were ever a virus or malware posted in the Development section, this is unquestionably a website that will remove it. For any and every phone that has a forum on XDA, there are moderators (or mods) who patrol and work for XDA to keep this place awesome, concise, and welcoming to new and old users alike. If you look at any given world/regional/carrier phone, there are a team of moderators who govern those entire threads. Sure, someone can post a spam link at any time but you should feel relatively safe knowing that there are people in place to control for those things. Now, if you see links ANYWHERE else, then I don't suggest downloading it unless you see others have done so as well and provided significant feedback as well.
This is by no means a rule but if a thread has over maybe 30 pages, then it's something that many others have used. Read a few pages if you have any doubts. The most recent posts about the rom are always at the end of the thread. The CM10 link that you posted has over 600 pages...it's trusted lol. The nicest way to say this is...the most popular roms may be the threads with the most pages.
Also, stick to downloading roms from XDA or Rootzwiki and download only what you feel comfortable with downloading to your phone. You mentioned a youtube video earlier, disregard it and refer to DroidStyle's Guide that I linked after your first question. Rooting may not be for you and that is perfectly fine because this is a hobby. As you can tell, there's a LOT to learn and I've barely scratched the surface.
To properly unlock the bootloader on the GSIII, you need to be rooted first then you need to download EZ Recovery v1.2. I provided and labeled that in a prior post. The "unauthorized software" message occurred because you (I am assuming btw) watched that youtube video from July which predates when our bootloader was officially unlocked (August) and followed its instructions. Since our bootloader was unlocked on August 15, 2012: you must be rooted and unlocked prior to flashing roms or kernels.
You can use that thread to root BUT for the sake of helping you, just download EZ Unlock v1.2 (bootloader unlock tool) that I linked to on Rootzwiki.
Because I do not want to confuse you further, the only bootloader unlock tool you need to know of is EZ Unlock v1.2 which is located on Rootzwiki. If you rooted with your laptop, just install EZ Unlock v1.2 and press "Unlock." You only need to do this one time and can uninstall the app afterwards.
To restore your CWM backup, you need to:
1) Root
2) Unlock via EZ Unlock v1.2
3) Install CWM using EZ Recovery
4) Reboot into recovery
5) Restore your backup in CWM recovery
6) Enjoy your backiup predating the triangle warning "Unauthorized software on this device" incident
Did I cover everything? haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay awesome. Haha. Perfect. I am wanting to try doing jelly bean again. I'm kinda lost though. That guide doesn't explain ****. So I go to that nightlies page and just download the top one, right? And then download the second from top GAPPS thing in that other link? I download them i.e throw them on my phone or ext SD card from my computer, right? If I do this I'd like to make another backup on my phone because I've even gotten more data on it since I just recovered my backup, but I don't want to have 2 backups just sitting there using up so much memory. How do I delete the old one and replace it with a new and more current one? Will anything mess up if I delete the old one? Also, I made both backups, the "backup" option one from the recovery mode screen, as well as the "backup to external SD card" option one from the same screen so I'd like to delete them both and just make a new one.
When I installed that app and just simply clicked the unlock button, that unlocked my bootloader, right? I keep hearing the word unlock so I can't help but feel like there's multiple things I need to be "unlocking."
So at this point, other than doing a fresher backup, the only thing I have to do is download the top nightly thing or w/e and that GAPPS thing to my computer, then drag them to the folder for either my internal memory or my EXT SD card? Then what do I do? I know I have to execute them from that recovery mode thing but which app do I use to enter recovery mode? Does it matter?
EDIT: Also, I downloaded and bought Titanium Backup and this thing is like trying to learn a foreign language. Wtf am I even supposed to be doing with it? Lol.

gamer6592 said:
Okay awesome. Haha. Perfect. I am wanting to try doing jelly bean again. I'm kinda lost though. That guide doesn't explain ****. So I go to that nightlies page and just download the top one, right? And then download the second from top GAPPS thing in that other link? I download them i.e throw them on my phone or ext SD card from my computer, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aight, my question to you is do you like TouchWiz? Because any AOSP rom (CyanogenMod, AOKP, Codename Android, etc.) will basically have the interface/UI of a Google Galaxy Nexus or a Nexus 4. It will not have anything Samsung related. Is this ok? If so, read on.
GApps = Google apps. When you see the GApps page, there should be a few dozen to choose from.
You have the proper steps. Once you download the AOSP rom and respective GApps, move these two zips outside of any folder on either your internal or external sd card. I'm going to stop here and tell you to backup your IMEI, which you only need to do this one time. Everything you need to know is described in this thread. Backup your IMEI:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255
If I do this I'd like to make another backup on my phone because I've even gotten more data on it since I just recovered my backup, but I don't want to have 2 backups just sitting there using up so much memory. How do I delete the old one and replace it with a new and more current one? Will anything mess up if I delete the old one? Also, I made both backups, the "backup" option one from the recovery mode screen, as well as the "backup to external SD card" option one from the same screen so I'd like to delete them both and just make a new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, nothing messes up. Just boot into CWM, go to "backup and restore," and delete the previous backups. Once it deletes them, select the option for "Free up space" for your internal sd card, then do this once more for your external sd card if you deleted backups. Now, make a new backup. I suggest keeping at least an old CWM backup or this new CWM from today on a computer in case of unforeseen issues down the road. This file will still be incomprehensible in the sense that the date on the zip is from 1970 and is off by at least 2-3 months.
When I installed that app and just simply clicked the unlock button, that unlocked my bootloader, right? I keep hearing the word unlock so I can't help but feel like there's multiple things I need to be "unlocking."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. It doesn't do anything more once you've selected "unlock." It serves one function, to unlock your bootloader.
So at this point, other than doing a newerbackup, the only thing I have to do is download the top nightly thing or w/e and that GAPPS thing to my computer, then drag them to the folder for either my internal memory or my EXT SD card? Then what do I do? I know I have to execute them from that recovery mode thing but which app do I use to enter recovery mode? Does it matter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but first I need you to backup your IMEI. Once you've successfully done this, I or someone else will tell you how to wipe/install your first rom.
EDIT: Also, I downloaded and bought Titanium Backup and this thing is like trying to learn a foreign language. Wtf am I even supposed to be doing with it? Lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To backup app data
1) Open Titanium Backup
2)Tap "Backup/Restore"
3) Tap "Click to edit filters." Make sure "Filter by status" is set to "All", make sure "Filter by type" is set to "User" only. Press the green check mark on the upper right corner. What this does is filter the apps that show and limits them to just the user apps: apps that you downloaded and apps that came with the phone.
4) You should see a list of your apps now. Right? Good, now tap the grey checkmark on the top right then on this new screen tap "Run" for "Backup all user apps."
5) This new list of apps should have checkmarks next to them. Uncheck whichever apps that you do not want to backup. I usually Uncheck Google Apps because that data is backed up to the cloud. Everything checked will be backed up, tap the green checkmark to begin your backup and you're done.
To restore apps, do Step 3 but instead select "backed up" for "Filter by Status" and select "Uninstalled" for "Filter by type." Then for Step 4, scroll down and tap "Run" for "Restore missing apps with data." I strongly suggest only restoring just that one game's data and maybe a few apps to minimize any issues that will occur once you use the rom.
**This does not backup texts nor phone calls.
Most importantly, only download roms to your phone if it states: d2vzw or SCH-i535. This is our device's model name.

SlimSnoopOS said:
Aight, my question to you is do you like TouchWiz? Because any AOSP rom (CyanogenMod, AOKP, Codename Android, etc.) will basically have the interface/UI of a Google Galaxy Nexus or a Nexus 4. It will not have anything Samsung related. Is this ok? If so, read on.
GApps = Google apps. When you see the GApps page, there should be a few dozen to choose from.
You have the proper steps. Once you download the AOSP rom and respective GApps, move these two zips outside of any folder on either your internal or external sd card. I'm going to stop here and tell you to backup your IMEI, which you only need to do this one time. Everything you need to know is described in this thread. Backup your IMEI:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255
Nope, nothing messes up. Just boot into CWM, go to "backup and restore," and delete the previous backups. Once it deletes them, select the option for "Free up space" for your internal sd card, then do this once more for your external sd card if you deleted backups. Now, make a new backup. I suggest keeping at least an old CWM backup or this new CWM from today on a computer in case of unforeseen issues down the road. This file will still be incomprehensible in the sense that the date on the zip is from 1970 and is off by at least 2-3 months.
Correct. It doesn't do anything more once you've selected "unlock." It serves one function, to unlock your bootloader.
Yes, but first I need you to backup your IMEI. Once you've successfully done this, I or someone else will tell you how to wipe/install your first rom.
To backup app data
1) Open Titanium Backup
2)Tap "Backup/Restore"
3) Tap "Click to edit filters." Make sure "Filter by status" is set to "All", make sure "Filter by type" is set to "User" only. Press the green check mark on the upper right corner. What this does is filter the apps that show and limits them to just the user apps: apps that you downloaded and apps that came with the phone.
4) You should see a list of your apps now. Right? Good, now tap the grey checkmark on the top right then on this new screen tap "Run" for "Backup all user apps."
5) This new list of apps should have checkmarks next to them. Uncheck whichever apps that you do not want to backup. I usually Uncheck Google Apps because that data is backed up to the cloud. Everything checked will be backed up, tap the green checkmark to begin your backup and you're done.
To restore apps, do Step 3 but instead select "backed up" for "Filter by Status" and select "Uninstalled" for "Filter by type." Then for Step 4, scroll down and tap "Run" for "Restore missing apps with data." I strongly suggest only restoring just that one game's data and maybe a few apps to minimize any issues that will occur once you use the rom.
**This does not backup texts nor phone calls.
Most importantly, only download roms to your phone if it states: d2vzw or SCH-i535. This is our device's model name.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gosh this is a pain in my ass... I've been working on this ALL DAY. Kid you not.
I finally just figured out how to do everything with downloading that ADB crap and I am doing part B (SynergyROM's "Plan B" manual backup). I am really worried because I have a slight problem... Now whenever I boot into recovery mode (holding volume up+home+power) it doesn't look the same as when it did the previous times i had to boot into recovery. The options are completely different and there isn't one for "install zip from sd card". Following is a description of what it says/how it looks now:
(it says the following in blue letters)
"ANDROID SYSTEM RECOVERY <3e>
Volume up/down to move highlight;
power button to select.
reboot system now
apply update from external storage
wipe data/factory reset
wipe cache partition
apply update from cache"
____________________________________________________________
(then it says the following in yellow letters)
# manual mode #
-- Applying Multi-CSC...
Applied the CSC-code : VZW
Successfully applied multi-CSC
And it has that picture of the android in the background with the thing that looks like you could twist it on it's back and the hologram coming out of it's front.
Why is my recovery mode different all of a sudden? It's like I'm just getting the standard Android version of RM now.
EDIT: I clicked "flash CWM Recovery" and now it boots into the regular CWM RM screen.
Okay. I'm all done with the IMEI backups and stuff.
I can haz Jelly Bean now?
Man I wish there was an IM or something I could contact you at so I didn't have to have you keep coming back to this thread so many times. Plus, I'm impatient. I want JB already! Lol. I appreciate it though!

Go haz your jellybeans! Lol sorry for the delayed response, I just got off work. Keep a backup of the Synergy folder (the backed up IMEI file) on your laptop for safe keeping.
As a reminder, this AOSP rom you're installing is stock Jellybean aka what's on a Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 4.
To flash a rom:
1) boot into CWM recovery
2) Factory reset, wipe cache, go into "Advanced" and wipe Dalvik Cache
3) Install rom. If you're installing CM10, AOKP, or any Android Open Source Project (A.O.S.P.) rom then install GApps as well.
4) Reboot and enjoy.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

SlimSnoopOS said:
Aight, my question to you is do you like TouchWiz? Because any AOSP rom (CyanogenMod, AOKP, Codename Android, etc.) will basically have the interface/UI of a Google Galaxy Nexus or a Nexus 4. It will not have anything Samsung related. Is this ok? If so, read on.
GApps = Google apps. When you see the GApps page, there should be a few dozen to choose from.
You have the proper steps. Once you download the AOSP rom and respective GApps, move these two zips outside of any folder on either your internal or external sd card. I'm going to stop here and tell you to backup your IMEI, which you only need to do this one time. Everything you need to know is described in this thread. Backup your IMEI:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255
Nope, nothing messes up. Just boot into CWM, go to "backup and restore," and delete the previous backups. Once it deletes them, select the option for "Free up space" for your internal sd card, then do this once more for your external sd card if you deleted backups. Now, make a new backup. I suggest keeping at least an old CWM backup or this new CWM from today on a computer in case of unforeseen issues down the road. This file will still be incomprehensible in the sense that the date on the zip is from 1970 and is off by at least 2-3 months.
Correct. It doesn't do anything more once you've selected "unlock." It serves one function, to unlock your bootloader.
Yes, but first I need you to backup your IMEI. Once you've successfully done this, I or someone else will tell you how to wipe/install your first rom.
To backup app data
1) Open Titanium Backup
2)Tap "Backup/Restore"
3) Tap "Click to edit filters." Make sure "Filter by status" is set to "All", make sure "Filter by type" is set to "User" only. Press the green check mark on the upper right corner. What this does is filter the apps that show and limits them to just the user apps: apps that you downloaded and apps that came with the phone.
4) You should see a list of your apps now. Right? Good, now tap the grey checkmark on the top right then on this new screen tap "Run" for "Backup all user apps."
5) This new list of apps should have checkmarks next to them. Uncheck whichever apps that you do not want to backup. I usually Uncheck Google Apps because that data is backed up to the cloud. Everything checked will be backed up, tap the green checkmark to begin your backup and you're done.
To restore apps, do Step 3 but instead select "backed up" for "Filter by Status" and select "Uninstalled" for "Filter by type." Then for Step 4, scroll down and tap "Run" for "Restore missing apps with data." I strongly suggest only restoring just that one game's data and maybe a few apps to minimize any issues that will occur once you use the rom.
**This does not backup texts nor phone calls.
Most importantly, only download roms to your phone if it states: d2vzw or SCH-i535. This is our device's model name.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SlimSnoopOS said:
Go haz your jellybeans! Lol sorry for the delayed response, I just got off work. Keep a backup of the Synergy folder (the backed up IMEI file) on your laptop for safe keeping.
As a reminder, this AOSP rom you're installing is stock Jellybean aka what's on a Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 4.
To flash a rom:
1) boot into CWM recovery
2) Factory reset, wipe cache, go into "Advanced" and wipe Dalvik Cache
3) Install rom. If you're installing CM10, AOKP, or any Android Open Source Project (A.O.S.P.) rom then install GApps as well.
4) Reboot and enjoy.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Okay thanks but.. I don't remember if you ever answered me on whether it matters if I drag the thing to my phone or my SD card. And also, if I just download and drag the top "nightly" thing and then download and drag the 2nd from top GAPPS thing. Should I create a folder and put them both in or just leave them out by themselves in the main directory or does it matter?

Just put both the nightly and Gapps on your internal storage for now. Leave them on the root of the sd card (in no folders).
If recovery let's you use your external sd card, then use that if you prefer cuz it doesn't matter. If recovery fails to see your external sd card (meaning it didnt let you perform a backup to the external sd) then it needs to be formatted to Fat32 before you can flash anything off of the external sd.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

SlimSnoopOS said:
Just put both the nightly and Gapps on your internal storage for now. Leave them on the root of the sd card (in no folders).
If recovery let's you use your external sd card, then use that if you prefer cuz it doesn't matter. If recovery fails to see your external sd card (meaning it didnt let you perform a backup to the external sd) then it needs to be formatted to Fat32 before you can flash anything off of the external sd.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yay!!! I did it!! You rock man I owe you one. My only other question is how I get everything back on my phone like my apps and app data and stuff. Thanks dude!

gamer6592 said:
Yay!!! I did it!! You rock man I owe you one. My only other question is how I get everything back on my phone like my apps and app data and stuff. Thanks dude!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TB = Titanium Backup
Congrats! From my previous post on TB:
To restore apps with TB, do Step 3 but instead select "backed up" for "Filter by Status" and select "Uninstalled" for "Filter by type." Then for Step 4, scroll down and tap "Run" for "Restore missing apps with data." I strongly suggest only restoring just that one game's data and maybe data from a few other apps to minimize any issues that will occur once you use the rom. I rarely have force closes or random issues after restoring apps but that's a risk one takes when restoring apps and app data. If you notice an app is behaving unusually, uninstall it and then re-
download it from the Play Store.
Never restore system data.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

lol.. you're gonna hate me but... I'm pretty sure I want to switch back... TB messed up my game data so I can't recover it so I really want to at least recover my entire phone from the CWM backup and THEN maybe go back to jelly bean again because the game I'm playing let's you store your data on their servers so I'd rather do that and THEN come back to jelly bean and restore from their servers... but yeah my game is not working at all :'-( lol.. fml

Just restore your Nandroid backup in CWM then do whatever it was you needed to do
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Please Help With Downgrade CyanogenMod 11 To Stock 4.2.1 Rom

Please help me someone with Downgrade Cyanogen Mod 11 To Stock 4.2.1 Rom on my TF700T
Now I have cm-11-20140103-NIGHTLY-tf700t (CWM Recovery v6.0.4.4) and I want go back to WW_epad-user-10.6.1.14.8
I was try search lot of solutions, but nothing help me. Please If possible give me Step Instructions how can I do this . Thank you very much.

Eric-Caff said:
Please help me someone with Downgrade Cyanogen Mod 11 To Stock 4.2.1 Rom on my TF700T
Now I have cm-11-20140103-NIGHTLY-tf700t (CWM Recovery v6.0.4.4) and I want go back to WW_epad-user-10.6.1.14.8
I was try search lot of solutions, but nothing help me. Please If possible give me Step Instructions how can I do this . Thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to downgrade your bootloader to 10.6.1.14.x and also downgrade your TWRP.
The fastest way would be to flash my bootloader and TWRP package from the CROMi-X 5.2.3 thread in my sig.

sbdags said:
You need to downgrade your bootloader to 10.6.1.14.x and also downgrade your TWRP.
The fastest way would be to flash my bootloader and TWRP package from the CROMi-X 5.2.3 thread in my sig.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, can you give me please correct instruction (Steps) what I need to do. And what kind softs I need to use.

You did find sbdags thread? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2425383
Scroll down past the change logs and choose the bootloader/TWRP package for your SKU under "Scenario 2"
Download the file to your tablet.
Download the 10.6.1.14.8 Asus firmware file for your SKU from Asus support/download website to your PC, unzip it once and copy the resulting zip to your tablet
Boot to CWM and flash the bootloader/TWRP package
Reboot (and do not skip this step!)
Boot back into recovery (which should be TWRP at this point)
Choose 'Install', select the Asus firmware file and flash it
Any specific reason you want to cripple your tablet by installing stock firmware?

berndblb said:
You did find sbdags thread? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2425383
1.Scroll down past the change logs and choose the bootloader/TWRP package for your SKU under "Scenario 2"
2.Download the file to your tablet.
3.Download the 10.6.1.14.8 Asus firmware file for your SKU from Asus support/download website to your PC, unzip it once and copy the resulting zip to your tablet
4.Boot to CWM and flash the bootloader/TWRP package
5.Reboot (and do not skip this step!)
6.Boot back into recovery (which should be TWRP at this point)
7.Choose 'Install', select the Asus firmware file and flash it
Any specific reason you want to cripple your tablet by installing stock firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thx for answer. But i have problem with 4th Step. Can you please explain correct how can I do that. Because I don't understand how I need Flash some file. Into CWM I don't see any options I just see options "reboot to bootloader" when I press it, he open for me again CWM options.
And reason why I want back to Stock Rom, because I don't like some thinks. Like - screen sleep time - max 30min. (I watch Move and every 30 min I need touch screen) Splashtop soft work not so correct like on Stock Rom, and battery drain faster. Than DSP MANAGER doesn't work. And there is more little bugs for me. That's why I want back Stock 4.2.1 cause I use custom Luncher and that enough for me.
And I want do the same on my SGS3, there is same problem with this ROM, and Also Contact Book is bed for me Camera focus is Slow e.t.c Only one reason why I go to cyanogen is because I was looking for some solution on my Phone Battery Heating when I play games. Because after 4.3 update the Phone start Heating when play games. And on Tablet I just want try maybe Tablet work faster, Better, but finally I don't see this.

Eric-Caff said:
Hi, thx for answer. But i have problem with 4th Step. Can you please explain correct how can I do that. Because I don't understand how I need Flash some file. Into CWM I don't see any options I just see options "reboot to bootloader" when I press it, he open for me again CWM options.
And reason why I want back to Stock Rom, because I don't like some thinks. Like - screen sleep time - max 30min. (I watch Move and every 30 min I need touch screen) Splashtop soft work not so correct like on Stock Rom, and battery drain faster. Than DSP MANAGER doesn't work. And there is more little bugs for me. That's why I want back Stock 4.2.1 cause I use custom Luncher and that enough for me.
And I want do the same on my SGS3, there is same problem with this ROM, and Also Contact Book is bed for me Camera focus is Slow e.t.c Only one reason why I go to cyanogen is because I was looking for some solution on my Phone Battery Heating when I play games. Because after 4.3 update the Phone start Heating when play games. And on Tablet I just want try maybe Tablet work faster, Better, but finally I don't see this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You installed a pretty new version of CM. I bet even with CM 10.2 stable your experience would have been better. But if you are looking for a "better but similar" stock rom that is totally stable, do yourself a favor and try CROMi-X before you return to stock! Once you flash the stock firmware you will loose your custom recovery!
Since you are not very familiar with flashing, backup all your files, pictures etc off the tablet! Don't worry about apps - you can always install them from the Play Store.
Ok, I assume you have the standard version (not the touch based version) of CWM. You should have a bunch more options than "reboot to bootloader" in the recovery menu, one of them being "install zip from sdcard".
I haven't used CM in a while but I believe you toggle between these options with the Volume buttons and execute the selected function with the Power button. Try it out. Whatever you have been pressing - press a different button. If you have trouble with this, check Youtube. I bet there are videos you can follow.
If you want to try CROMi-X, download version 5.2.3 ODEX from the same post you got the bootloader/TWRP package.
Do not unzip any of these files. It is only the Asus firmware from the Asus website you have to unzip ONCE.
To make them easier to find, place both files into the root of your internal storage. That means: Not into any folder, just into the top level of your internal storage.
Boot into recovery, select 'Install from sdcard', navigate to the bootloader/TWRP zip file, select it and flash it.
Reboot (and do not skip this step!)
Boot back to recovery (which will be TWRP at this point).
TWRP has a touch based interface. Touch 'Wipe' and then swipe the button to wipe your data.
You have to do this going from one ROM to another, so don't skip this step.
Go back to the Home screen of TWRP.
Touch 'Install", choose the CROMi-X zip file
Before you swipe the button, make sure the box next to "verify zip signature" is checked
Swipe the button
The Aroma installer will start and walk you through the installation process. There are a lot of options to choose from. If you are not sure, just leave the default selection.
Let the installation finish which will return you to TWRP.
Choose reboot and give the ROM 10 minutes to stabilize.
Enjoy!

berndblb said:
You installed a pretty new version of CM. I bet even with CM 10.2 stable your experience would have been better. But if you are looking for a "better but similar" stock rom that is totally stable, do yourself a favor and try CROMi-X before you return to stock! Once you flash the stock firmware you will loose your custom recovery!
Since you are not very familiar with flashing, backup all your files, pictures etc off the tablet! Don't worry about apps - you can always install them from the Play Store.
Ok, I assume you have the standard version (not the touch based version) of CWM. You should have a bunch more options than "reboot to bootloader" in the recovery menu, one of them being "install zip from sdcard".
I haven't used CM in a while but I believe you toggle between these options with the Volume buttons and execute the selected function with the Power button. Try it out. Whatever you have been pressing - press a different button. If you have trouble with this, check Youtube. I bet there are videos you can follow.
If you want to try CROMi-X, download version 5.2.3 ODEX from the same post you got the bootloader/TWRP package.
Do not unzip any of these files. It is only the Asus firmware from the Asus website you have to unzip ONCE.
To make them easier to find, place both files into the root of your internal storage. That means: Not into any folder, just into the top level of your internal storage.
Boot into recovery, select 'Install from sdcard', navigate to the bootloader/TWRP zip file, select it and flash it.
Reboot (and do not skip this step!)
Boot back to recovery (which will be TWRP at this point).
TWRP has a touch based interface. Touch 'Wipe' and then swipe the button to wipe your data.
You have to do this going from one ROM to another, so don't skip this step.
Go back to the Home screen of TWRP.
Touch 'Install", choose the CROMi-X zip file
Before you swipe the button, make sure the box next to "verify zip signature" is checked
Swipe the button
The Aroma installer will start and walk you through the installation process. There are a lot of options to choose from. If you are not sure, just leave the default selection.
Let the installation finish which will return you to TWRP.
Choose reboot and give the ROM 10 minutes to stabilize.
Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You very much, you right about CROMi-X, yesterday I was test them and I really happy with this ROM :good: And on my SGS3 now I testing SlimBean Rom, look good, but need more time for full test :fingers-crossed:
P.S And my ASUS with CROMi-X have best score in Antutu Benchmark 17752, but with Cyanogen 11 was best 16732

[Q] My Infuse upgrade journey to 4.x.x, I need help

Hi,
Background:
I am a retired software engineer. I worked on the windows platform and focused on the Visual Basic family of code though I was familiar with many languages from assembly to C. I am very familiar with the programming jargon but find myself at a loss when reading to posts here, so bear with me if I don’t have a complete grasp on the terminology.
My Story:
I have an AT&T Samsung Infuse with android v2.3.6 and have been very happy with it. This is my first smartphone and didn’t pay much attention to how it worked until now. I bought an irrigation controller that has an app for the phone. After installing the controller, I found out the app only runs on v3.0 or newer (mine is v2.3.6). So, here I am trying to upgrade my phone to a newer version so the app will work (trying not to buy a new phone for this). My first goal was to back up everything, so I spent a number of days reading threads here trying to understand what I needed to do. I discovered that v3.0 is a tablet only OS (not completely sure about this). I researched the different version and thought that v4.3 or v4.4 would be the final goal. This lead me to finding a path that required going through v4.0 to get there (please correct me if I have drawn the wrong conclusion on this). I could not find a way to back up the OS without stumbling on the instructions to either root the phone and/or wipe the data and cache to install something.
What I have done so far:
1). I paid to have my phone rooted. The apps I installed would not back up the entire OS and my recovery did not have an option to do that.
2).I followed [ODIN][UCLB3] AT&T 2.3.6 Gingerbread with root and CWM recovery option - Infuse 4g instructions. I was able to back up the entire rom from the red recovery.
3).Next I followed the [Firmware][ICS]UNOFFICIAL CM9 for the Infuse 4G (07/28/2012) instructions. I was now up in the v4.0.4 OS but did not have any of my applications or any of my old data.
4). I redid step 2 and restored the backup I made and was back on v2.3.6 again.
5). I installed fx w/root, Easy Back, then step 3 and got some of what I wanted but no apps. So step 4 again. I did this again with My Backup Root (MBR). I had a backup of my apps this time but they would not install in v4.0.4. So I did step 4 once more.
And yes I have been bitten by a boot loop. I did something wrong after I got it to 4.0.4 once. Not sure what it was.
Questions:
1). Is (was) there a way to back up the OS(ROM) from my vanilla v2.3.6 so I had a true representation of my original phone? Seems like a bit of a catch 22.
2). When I was on v4.0.4, I could not find settings/application to change both my USB settings and Playstore options. This caused the restore to fail because it was not from the playstore. I was able to use fx to find the backup file, select an apk file and try to restore it that way. It told me it was not a playstore app, but gave me a link to settings/Application so I could change it. Then I restored the app successfully. Then I went back to MBR and tried to restore the data for that app, it failed. Now that the Playstore option was turned off, I tried to restore from MBR. This went successfully but the restore of the Data failed because the app was not installed. I am thinking that there is a difference in the folder structure that is causing this (maybe to do with MTD). I was not able to turn on the Setting/Application/Playstore option. Where did the Settings/Application option go in v4.0.4?
3) Is there a way to backup up applications from v2.3.6 and restore them to v4.0.4 (or any 4.0 + version)? I could do it one at a time from the MBR backup but not the applications data.
4). I noticed that in v4.0.4 there was a screen after the first Samsung one that said Galaxy S. Can this be changed?
5). After the Galaxy S screen (again in v4.0.4) came a screen with a stickman and real intense flashing. Can this be changed?
6). How can I find the most stable ROM to use? is there a list of available ROMs all the way to v4.4?
I am sure I will have more questions, Thanks

Shoraht said:
Hi,
Background:
I am a retired software engineer. I worked on the windows platform and focused on the Visual Basic family of code though I was familiar with many languages from assembly to C. I am very familiar with the programming jargon but find myself at a loss when reading to posts here, so bear with me if I don’t have a complete grasp on the terminology.
My Story:
I have an AT&T Samsung Infuse with android v2.3.6 and have been very happy with it. This is my first smartphone and didn’t pay much attention to how it worked until now. I bought an irrigation controller that has an app for the phone. After installing the controller, I found out the app only runs on v3.0 or newer (mine is v2.3.6). So, here I am trying to upgrade my phone to a newer version so the app will work (trying not to buy a new phone for this). My first goal was to back up everything, so I spent a number of days reading threads here trying to understand what I needed to do. I discovered that v3.0 is a tablet only OS (not completely sure about this). I researched the different version and thought that v4.3 or v4.4 would be the final goal. This lead me to finding a path that required going through v4.0 to get there (please correct me if I have drawn the wrong conclusion on this). I could not find a way to back up the OS without stumbling on the instructions to either root the phone and/or wipe the data and cache to install something.
What I have done so far:
1). I paid to have my phone rooted. The apps I installed would not back up the entire OS and my recovery did not have an option to do that.
2).I followed [ODIN][UCLB3] AT&T 2.3.6 Gingerbread with root and CWM recovery option - Infuse 4g instructions. I was able to back up the entire rom from the red recovery.
3).Next I followed the [Firmware][ICS]UNOFFICIAL CM9 for the Infuse 4G (07/28/2012) instructions. I was now up in the v4.0.4 OS but did not have any of my applications or any of my old data.
4). I redid step 2 and restored the backup I made and was back on v2.3.6 again.
5). I installed fx w/root, Easy Back, then step 3 and got some of what I wanted but no apps. So step 4 again. I did this again with My Backup Root (MBR). I had a backup of my apps this time but they would not install in v4.0.4. So I did step 4 once more.
And yes I have been bitten by a boot loop. I did something wrong after I got it to 4.0.4 once. Not sure what it was.
Questions:
1). Is (was) there a way to back up the OS(ROM) from my vanilla v2.3.6 so I had a true representation of my original phone? Seems like a bit of a catch 22.
2). When I was on v4.0.4, I could not find settings/application to change both my USB settings and Playstore options. This caused the restore to fail because it was not from the playstore. I was able to use fx to find the backup file, select an apk file and try to restore it that way. It told me it was not a playstore app, but gave me a link to settings/Application so I could change it. Then I restored the app successfully. Then I went back to MBR and tried to restore the data for that app, it failed. Now that the Playstore option was turned off, I tried to restore from MBR. This went successfully but the restore of the Data failed because the app was not installed. I am thinking that there is a difference in the folder structure that is causing this (maybe to do with MTD). I was not able to turn on the Setting/Application/Playstore option. Where did the Settings/Application option go in v4.0.4?
3) Is there a way to backup up applications from v2.3.6 and restore them to v4.0.4 (or any 4.0 + version)? I could do it one at a time from the MBR backup but not the applications data.
4). I noticed that in v4.0.4 there was a screen after the first Samsung one that said Galaxy S. Can this be changed?
5). After the Galaxy S screen (again in v4.0.4) came a screen with a stickman and real intense flashing. Can this be changed?
6). How can I find the most stable ROM to use? is there a list of available ROMs all the way to v4.4?
I am sure I will have more questions, Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. when updating unless you have a google account synced for contacts and apps....it all disappears when you jump from gb to ics to jb to kk
2.the only apps that will back up to the google account will be ones downloaded from the playstore..minus the data
3. that galaxy s screen will stay all the way to 4.4.3 kk
4.you can always change the bootanimation in custom roms (the stickman screen)
5.CarbonRom so far most stable 4.4.3 kk rom https://carbonrom.org/downloads/?device=infuse4g&type=nightly flash with these gapps http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2397942
6. after a certain point you cant flash a GB backup on KK cwm cause it will cause brick so if you want to go back to stock use heimdall or odin to do so
7.most of the apps on a gb roms wont run on ics or higher same with ics apps and jb apps

6th_Hokage said:
5.CarbonRom so far most stable 4.4.3 kk rom https://carbonrom.org/downloads/?device=infuse4g&type=nightly flash with these gapps http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2397942
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply
Can I go directly to 4.4.3 from 2.3.6 or do I need to step through 4.0.x like the others? I can't seem to find any specific instructions for them.
There are only nighty's at that link, no releases. How do I know what version they are (4.4.2/4.4.3)? I think it is the one dated 4/19/14.
Thanks again.

Shoraht said:
Thanks for the reply
Can I go directly to 4.4.3 from 2.3.6 or do I need to step through 4.0.x like the others? I can't seem to find any specific instructions for them.
There are only nighty's at that link, no releases. How do I know what version they are (4.4.2/4.4.3)? I think it is the one dated 4/19/14.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go to the channel log https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zcp6iVWVw_7iH-ErnKgkYy3r5QuqV8PHFoQMb8hoBwQ/pub if you look at it itll tell you updating to 4.4.3 no nightlys or something like that but right now all the latest nightlys are 4.4.3......sorry not linking you to that before and they may be nightlys but they are stable im running the latest one at the moment
---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:39 PM ----------
and som infuse phones have been able to jump to kk from stock with red cwm with lagfix turned off.....http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2773833 look here for som more info

6th_Hokage said:
go to the channel log https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zcp6iVWVw_7iH-ErnKgkYy3r5QuqV8PHFoQMb8hoBwQ/pub if you look at it itll tell you updating to 4.4.3 no nightlys or something like that but right now all the latest nightlys are 4.4.3......sorry not linking you to that before and they may be nightlys but they are stable im running the latest one at the moment
---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:39 PM ----------
and som infuse phones have been able to jump to kk from stock with red cwm with lagfix turned off.....http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2773833 look here for som more info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
I missed your update

Shoraht said:
Thanks,
I missed your update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you been able to update?

6th_Hokage said:
have you been able to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try tomorrow. I will post the results
Thanks.

6th_Hokage said:
and som infuse phones have been able to jump to kk from stock with red cwm with lagfix turned off.....http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2773833 look here for som more info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got RiseFox to try my method and it work out for him also and probably work for others too.. Skip ICS and JB

scmfxt said:
Got RiseFox to try my method and it work out for him also and probably work for others too.. Skip ICS and JB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i went back to stock to see if your method would work and it did even jumping to 4.4.4 kk

scmfxt said:
Got RiseFox to try my method and it work out for him also and probably work for others too.. Skip ICS and JB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I am about to try this but have a couple questions. In other instructions, the clear cache (step 6a,b and c) is done before the flash, yours is after. What is the difference between the two methods? In step 3 you say "DISABLE vodoo lagfix and /system lagfix". I have CWM v2.5.1.3. I can see the option for vodoo lagfix but not /system lagfix. What is /system lagfix and where can I find this option?
[UPDATE] I found /system lagfix. it shows after selecting the voodoo lagfix option.
I am also making the assumption that because I got CWM v2.5.1.3 through [ODIN][UCLB3] AT&T 2.3.6 Gingerbread with root and CWM recovery option - Infuse 4g instructions, that I can skip step 1 thru 2c and start at step 3

OK,
Everything went well. Even better than I hoped. I can't remember what setting I changed to make this happen, but all the apps in playstore have been restored to the phone, even the free ones. I used Titanium to backup all my apps and then used it to restore the data for some apps like color notes. There is a setting that tells it to use the new locations instead of the original locations. I am a happy camper.
It will take a while for all this to finish, but this is what I was expecting.
I still can't find the equivalent option for Settings/Application from v2.3.6. Like, let me chose what USB mode when I plug it in? Most of the time I just use it to charge the phone. And where can I change the permission to restrict installing only apps from playstore?
Thanks your input.

Shoraht said:
I still can't find the equivalent option for Settings/Application from v2.3.6. Like, let me chose what USB mode when I plug it in? Most of the time I just use it to charge the phone. And where can I change the permission to restrict installing only apps from playstore?
Thanks your input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you got most everything working. The option you are looking for is under Settings > Security > Device Administration (heading), and it should be called Unknown Sources. Hope this helps.

Ok,
Now I am having a new issue. I can't seem to get any of the apps that move apps to the external sd to work. The option to move is missing in the storage section. I am running out of space in the 2gb partition. AppMgr III and App to SD can show me a list of apps that can be moved, but when selected, there is no Move button present. Am I using the wrong app for 4.4.3?
It would be nice if that 2gb partition could be made bigger.
Thanks for any advice.

Shoraht said:
OK, I am about to try this but have a couple questions. In other instructions, the clear cache (step 6a,b and c) is done before the flash, yours is after. What is the difference between the two methods? In step 3 you say "DISABLE vodoo lagfix and /system lagfix". I have CWM v2.5.1.3. I can see the option for vodoo lagfix but not /system lagfix. What is /system lagfix and where can I find this option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't hurt to clear them and safer for new rom to boot up w/o residual data from previous version. Flashing from odin would wipe all data from your phone.. not your Internal SD card. Reason I did it after is because of the installing of sgs kernel flasher to flash Synthesis GB Kernel. If you didn't install anything then just wipe cache partition and dalvik cache are good enough.
[UPDATE] I found /system lagfix. it shows after selecting the voodoo lagfix option.
I am also making the assumption that because I got CWM v2.5.1.3 through [ODIN][UCLB3] AT&T 2.3.6 Gingerbread with root and CWM recovery option - Infuse 4g instructions, that I can skip step 1 thru 2c and start at step 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes skip them if you already reached that part. The rest is simple enough to do once lagfix is disabled.

joel.maxuel said:
Glad you got most everything working. The option you are looking for is under Settings > Security > Device Administration (heading), and it should be called Unknown Sources. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
That solves the Application install option. I still need to find the USB connect option so I can select at connect.

OK, New problem,
Everything was working just fine. Then I unplugged the USB cable and went for a ride. No Mobile Data (no Internet). I checked all the settings That I know about (They moved them all of course) and it looks like everything is set right (though I am not an expert). Can anyone help me with this?
Thanks again

Shoraht said:
OK, New problem,
Everything was working just fine. Then I unplugged the USB cable and went for a ride. No Mobile Data (no Internet). I checked all the settings That I know about (They moved them all of course) and it looks like everything is set right (though I am not an expert). Can anyone help me with this?
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I found out that the APN was changed, not sure how. It is a good think my wife has the same phone that I can check or I would be going back to my stock image to find this.
Thanks,

Convert I337 to M919 (+ Wifi calling) on Tmobile Network

Hello All,
I have an ATT GS4 I337 which I have been using it on Tmobile Network for a while. To convert it into a fully functional T Mobile phone, I have went through many threads and melted down the steps to what you will see here. It works for me and I am using it as my daily device.
On different threads I saw many people were asking about the same issues that I encountered and some could not figure it out how to overcome them.
Finally I decided to put the steps I went through along with links to what I have used to make the process noob friendly.
Note: I am not the main developer of what is being presented here. What I have here is combinations of what I have seen on different threads.
Disclaimer: You are the one who are deciding to use what I am presenting here, All the risks are on you.
NOTE1: my phone has a locked bootloader so I am only explaining what needs to be done for locked bootloaders. If you are not familiar with this concept, make some research and make sure if you want to proceed.
NOTE2: This has nothing to do with sim-unlocking the phone. If your phone does not accept tmobile sim, first sim-unlock your phone (I am not Google!) then come here and go through the steps.
Approach:
I assume that your ATT i337 has been soft bricked and therefore I will go through all the steps from bringing it back to life until converting it to a M919 equivalent.
Sections:
1-Prerequisits
2-Bring the phone back to life (fresh start)
3- Update to Latest ATT ROM (NI1)
4- Root NI1 Rom
5- Installing SafeStrap
6-Converting it to Tmobile Phone
7-[Optional] Installing missing Tmobile/Samsung apps/widgets <--> and UNDO it!
8-[Only IF] you do not want to be on NI1
9- 4.4.4
Thanks to:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2679913
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/how-to-root-i337ucufni1-t2881298”

Prerequisites
1- Have Samsung USB drivers installed. I personally install Samsung Kies (which installs the required drivers with it). Here is the link to kies: http://www.samsung.com/us/kies/ (I installed 2.6 version)
Note: After installing the KIES, connect you phone and make sure that it gets detected by kies. This a confirmation that you will not have any issues along the way.
2- Having ODIN software: download version 3.09 from here:https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95747613655042250
3- Stock odinable ROM. I personally go with this rootable NB1: I337UCUFNB1_Rootable_Full_Odin.rar
4- NI1 Update from NB1 zip file: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95747613655042260
5- SafeStrap Ready Stock 4.4.2 Tmobile ROM: Joseph230_V1.0__Fenny_V1.3_STOCK_M919NB4_for_I337NI1.zip
6- [Optional] Missing Samsung and Tmobile Apps/Widgets: Joseph230_V1.01_Missing_Sam_TMO_Stuff.zip
Stock Recovery:
How to: hold volume UP + home button and then press and hold power button. When you see a galaxy logo with a tiny blue line on up left side of screen let go of power button but keep holding the volume up and home power. After couple of seconds you will enter stock recovery. Now let go of all buttons.
Download Mode:
How to: hold down volume rocker + home button, Then hold power button. When you see a warning screen, release all buttons, then press UP on volume rocker. Now you should be in download mode.
I am putting following links here in case you need to be on NB1/NC1. Refer to post 9.
Towelroot-v3.apk
I337_NI1_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
I337_NC1_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
I337_NB1_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
ATT_NC1_Update_From_NB1_2400258.zip
ATT_NI1_modules.zip
ATT_NC1_modules.zip
ATT_NB1_modules.zip

Bring the phone back to life (fresh start)
As long as your phone can be entered into “Download Mode” you have a way out.
1- Put the phone on “Download mode”.
2- Connect your phone using a (original) USB cable to a USB (version 2.0) port on your PC.
3- Give windows some time to detect and install required drivers. ( You should have gone through prerequisites section prior this step.)
4- Run ODIN program.
5- You should see a com port value under most left side of the top row of odin. This means odin has detected the phone.
6- Extract the file from “Step 3” of prerequisites.
7- click on “AP” button on ODIN and select I337UCUFNB1_TWRootable_Full_Odin.tar.md5 file.
8- Be patient. Odin will need some time to check the file and make sure it is not corrupted or anything. (odin will not be responsive during this time).
9- When you see “Leave CSC” on ODIN window, this means you are ready to flash the stock rom.
10- Hit the Start button on ODIN and give it some time until it flashes the stock rom. Phone will be rebooted 2 times. Do not disconnect the phone until you see a PASS on odin and see your phone booted correctly.
NOTE: some times you will see a pass on ODIN but your phone never passes the boot animation screen. In this case unplug the usb cable from phone, remove battery and put it back. Now enter into stock recovery screen.
Use volume rocker to select factory reset line and hit power button. Then agree that you want to do a factory reset. This 99% of time will solve your boot loop issue that you experienced.

Update to Latest ATT ROM (NI1)
1- Copy “I337_NB1toNI1_OTA_Update.zip” into your external sd-card (not internal).
2- Power off your phone.
3- Go to “Stock Recovery”.
4- Select “apply update from external storage“ and then hit power button.
5- use volum rocker to select “I337_NB1toNI1_OTA_Update.zip” file and then hit power button.
6- Be patient while phone applies the NI1 update.

Root NI1 Rom
If you have followed all the steps now you have a STOCK ATT 4.4.2 NI1 Rom on your phone.
1- Follow steps 1 to 6 from “http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/how-to-root-i337ucufni1-t2881298” to gain root.
2- Install “SuperSu” from Google play. Run it. When it asks to install the binary hit “continue”, then hit “normal”. After it finished installing, it will detect the KNOX, let it disable it. If not succeeded, reboot the phone run the supersu again and let it disable the knox (for me it always works second time).

Installing SafeStrap
1- Install v3.72 SafeStarp from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45693712#post45693712
2- Install “Busybox” from Google Play. Then Run busybox and hit “install” to let the app install required files.
3- Install “SELinux Mode Changer” from Google Play. Run the app and then select “Permissive”.
4- Now run the SafeStarp that you installed on step 1. Hit the “Install Recovery”.
5- you should see “State:Installed” on SafeStarp main screen. Now go ahead and hit “Reboot to Recovery”. You will need to hit it 2 times. First time it gets the root access, second time it actually will reboot.

Converting it to Tmobile Phone
1- Copy “Joseph230_V1.0__Fenny_V1.3_STOCK_M919NB4_for_I337NI1.zip” into you phone (internal/external sd-card)
2- Reboot your phone.
3- When on SafeStrap screen, hit recovery to enter into SafeStarp Recovery.
4- Hit “Wipe”. Hit “Advanced Wipe”. Select “Dalvik Cache”, “Data”, “Cache” and “System”. (Do not select “Micro SDcard”).
5- Swipe to wipe.
6- Go back to main screen of SafeStrap.
7- Select “Install” then select “Joseph230_V1.0__Fenny_V1.3_STOCK_M919NB4_for_I337NI1.zip”.
8- swipe to install.
Note: You do not need to flash any ATT modules since the above rom has NI1 modules.
9- Reboot the phone, be patient until it boots up.
Now you should have a Fully working (even wifi calling) M919 4.4.2 Rom on I337 GS4. This rom is stock-ish rom so go ahead and do your own modifications.

[Optional] Installing missing Tmobile/Samsung apps/widgets <--> and UNDO it!
After Step 6 you have a Stock-ish Tmobile 4.4.2 Rom on you I337 GS4 which works flawlessly. UNLESS you are one of those fellows that like 100% stock with all the Tmobile and Samsung apps and widgets; To make this more clear, that rom you have running right now misses Samsung weather widget!!! and etc...
I am using Fenny's V1.3 as base and he has removed bunch of stock apps/widgets for his own reasons. I decided to have a separate zip that you can flash after step 6 to bring back all the missing apps/widgets.
You can [dirty] flash "Joseph230_V1.01_Missing_Sam_TMO_Stuff.zip" and get all the missing stock apps/widgets.
Obvious Note: Having root access, you always can remove what bothers you
Dirty Flash:
Flashing without clearing "data" and "system". It is always recommended to clear "Cache" and "Dalvik" if you are not executing "Step 7" immediately after "Step 6".
How undo the optional step:
In case you installed the optional apps/widgets and then changed your mind:
1- Download "Joseph230_Undo_V1.01_Missing_Sam_TMO_Stuff.zip"
2- Go into recovery mode and install the zip
3- Clear Dalvik/cache and reboot.
Note: the above step exaclty deletes all the files that get installed via Joseph230_V1.01_Missing_Sam_TMO_Stuff.zip, nothing less, nothing more.

[Only IF] you do not want to be on NI1
I started the thread with the assumption that people prefer to be on the latest modem (NI1). Now I see there are some folks that want to be on NB1 or NC1 due to signal/battery/personal reasons (*****This posts is for you guys****).
Get the necessary files from "Prerequisites" post.
If you want to be on NB1:
Do followings:
1-if you need to bring your phone back to life or want to have a fresh start, do the Step 1
2-Install Towelroot-v3.apk and root your phone.
3-Put your phone in "Download Mode" and use ODIN to flash "I337_NB1_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5"
4-Install Safestrap
5-Convert it to Tmobile Phone
6-Reboot into Safestarp and install "ATT_NB1_modules.zip"
If you want to be on NC1:
Do followings:
1-if you need to bring your phone back to life or want to have a fresh start, do the Step 1
2- Update to NC1
2-1- Copy “ATT_NC1_Update_From_NB1_2400258.zip” into your external sd-card (not internal).
2-2- Power off your phone.
2-3- Go to “Stock Recovery”.
2-4- Select “apply update from external storage“ and then hit power button.
2-5- use volume rocker to select “ATT_NC1_Update_From_NB1_2400258.zip” file and then hit power button.
2-6- Be patient while phone applies the NI1 update.​2-Install Towelroot-v3.apk and root your phone.
4-Install Safestrap
5-Convert it to Tmobile Phone
6-Reboot into Safestarp and install "ATT_NC1_modules.zip"

4.4.4
Now that ATT has rolled out 4.4.4 update, we can use Tmobile 4.4.4 Rom. (Note: we needed the official 4.4.4 kernel by ATT to have a fully functioning M919 ROM working on our ATT GS4).
At this point, you should have a 4.4.2 with Safestrap on your phone (no need to be tmobile)
Steps:
1- First use " Alternative Method for Safestrap Users:" from muniz_ri thread to update to latest ATT 4.4.4 ROM. This makes sure that we have latest kernel, modem, ....
Note1: While at the thread, do not forget to hit Thanks and give a thumps up to "muniz_ri" for his good work.
Note2: I personally did not use data back up and recovery... Not sure if you encounter any difficulties or not. I always go for a fresh install to prevent any conflicts and potential headaches.
2- Download "M919_NH7_for_I337_NJ4.zip" and copy it to the phone.
3- Download "UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.02.zip" and copy it to the phone.
4- Reboot into Safestrap and do a full wipe (except for sd card).
5- Install M919_NH7_for_I337_NJ4.zip
6- Install UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.02.zip
7- Just to be sure, do a dalvik/cache wipe
7- Reboot, be patient while phone boots up, now enjoy your 4.4.4 Tmobile Rom on your I337 ATT GS4.

I have installed a tmobile modem on my att s4 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2291589) to use the TMobile bands. Will I need to go through that again if I follow your guide?

Woot, thanks it worked perfect....
Idk if it just me however, I lost the clock and Calendar widgets?

I read on the fenny's thread, he removed these apps. If you want, dl v1, extract these apps and places those in system folder.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Tsuul said:
I have installed a tmobile modem on my att s4 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2291589) to use the TMobile bands. Will I need to go through that again if I follow your guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems that you have a unlocked bootloader! If I were you I would stick to it. My phone has locked bootloader and I only can use safestrap.
Anyhow, you can skip the flahsing using ODIN to keep your modem and bootloader as is.

hyl4me said:
I read on the fenny's thread, he removed these apps. If you want, dl v1, extract these apps and places those in system folder.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, You are right, Fenny's 1.3 has some of Tmobile's apps removed.
I may go ahead and make an update just to add missing tmobile apps. (I personally use some of them).
Side note: You can install most of them from google play.

devil_2 said:
Woot, thanks it worked perfect....
Idk if it just me however, I lost the clock and Calendar widgets?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear that
You are not alone. That is what Fenny has done in its V1.3 ROM. I will make an update to bring all the missing apps back.

joseph230 said:
Seems that you have a unlocked bootloader! If I were you I would stick to it. My phone has locked bootloader and I only can use safestrap.
Anyhow, you can skip the flahsing using ODIN to keep your modem and bootloader as is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish I had an unlocked bootloader, instead I am on MF3.

joseph230 said:
Glad to hear that
You are not alone. That is what Fenny has done in its V1.3 ROM. I will make an update to bring all the missing apps back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh that would be sweet
Anyway i managed to recover some of what I needed for the most part from stock rom of galaxy s4 and s5
S planner apk
S planner widget
weather clock widget
Those where the only stockish apps that I used anyway ..... Other than that Its great, I appreciate you going out of your way and uploading the edited version of the rom to work on our devices(in which i failed miserably at :silly: )

devil_2 said:
oh that would be sweet
Anyway i managed to recover some of what I needed for the most part from stock rom of galaxy s4 and s5
S planner apk
S planner widget
weather clock widget
Those where the only stockish apps that I used anyway ..... Other than that Its great, I appreciate you going out of your way and uploading the edited version of the rom to work on our devices(in which i failed miserably at :silly: )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you managed it.
My Stock update will be uploaded soon, in case someone needed it.
Mean while, would you share your version of APKs that worked for you. I will try to make a zip update out of them in case someone wanted to use them.

joseph230 said:
Glad you managed it.
My Stock update will be uploaded soon, in case someone needed it.
Mean while, would you share your version of APKs that worked for you. I will try to make a zip update out of them in case someone wanted to use them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried adding the Calendar from stock galaxy s4< it kept crashing (so i gave up on that, probably was missing a side app that goes with it, oh well )
So Instead I installed S planner (galaxy s5 version), it looked nicer and it worked.
As for the Calendar widget I used the S4 one (widgets: 4x4 monthly works, 4x2 daily crashes, if you want 4x2 daily you can install the google calendar)
weather Clock widget (installed Galaxy s5 version, looks the same, and it works perfect)
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qrvtby5iove2ssg/AAD2sLU5ZJE_aDG4WeD_Uat6a?dl=0
For Calendar Install both:
S Planner and Splanner widget apps and place in system/App/ give them full permisions/ and reboot
For Weather Clock stock widget
Install accu weather and weatherdeamon (no need for system app placement but recommended (i am not sure if daemon was already installed on the phone, if it is add extension .bin to the older version, before placing this one in system app)