Need help flashing back to stock with dead screen (Solved, Kinda) - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

Hi Everyone, I was wondering if I could get a little help -
I've had my S3 for a little over a month, rooted, stock kernel, cm 10.1. The other day the display suddenly went haywire, shifted green, and is now completely fubar (all black except for a little flickering strip up at the top).
Verizon sent me a replacement and I have to send the old one back, but I need to find a way to reset the flash counter and flash un-rooted stock rom before doing so...without a working screen.
The phone seems to work fine (pc recognizes it as well), I just can't see the damn thing and so can't install Traingle Away or any other apps that would help me.
Could anyone help me figure out a way to clear the flash counter and restore this thing to stock so I can send it back? I have 5 days and am getting kinda desperate...thank you in advance!
UPDATE: Lucky me, the screen turned on again after a day without functioning. It was green and had extremely low resolution, but it was enough to see what I was doing to unroot/return to stock. I wonder if this problem could have been caused by CM 10.1? I'm asking because touchwiz is the ugliest, clunkiest interface since the abacus and I want to root/flash the new phone right away...but I'm not sure if the gpu instability (I'm guessing that's what it was) was related to me flashing a custom rom and new firmware...any thoughts?

...Could I take the motherboard out of the broken phone, put it into the replacement, perform the necessary steps to return it to factory stock, and then put the motherboard back? I hope there's a less intimidating option...

id be shocked if they investigated it further after the device screen wont turn on as you describe.
especially if its not just ablack screen and it still sorta functions.

ddurandSGS3 said:
id be shocked if they investigated it further after the device screen wont turn on as you describe.
especially if its not just ablack screen and it still sorta functions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But won't it become an issue when they replace whatever's defective with the screen/gpu and see that it boots to CM when they try to refurbish it?

If your computer recognizes it and your phone is indeed functional. Try to get into download mode on your phone and flash a stock unrooted image. That should do the trick!
Sent from my Galaxy S3

TheKucho said:
If your computer recognizes it and your phone is indeed functional. Try to get into download mode on your phone and flash a stock unrooted image. That should do the trick!
Sent from my Galaxy S3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I do that through ODIN? I've always used clockwork for flashing roms, and I can't see the screen even in recovery. Also, would that reset the flash count?
Still kind of a noob at this, so sorry if any of the questions seem obvious. Thanks again for all your feedback

Exactly what thekucho said.
I had this exact problem, my screen took a crap while I was rooted and I needed to get back to stock before I sent it back. I was able to get it into download mode and Odin back to stock. I didn't even bother with resetting the flash counter and I haven't heard anything about it.
Boot into download mode (vol down + home + power), Odin back to stock, and you're good!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I just threw mine in a microwave for 4 seconds... :silly:

Related

[Q] Anyone having freezes, reboots, ALSO in CWM recovery?

I have had my TF for a week or so, and have had no issues whatsover. I have am rooted, running a custom kernel.
All of the sudden I am having the TF reboot at random places, and now it is freezing even in CWM recovery. I wiped everything and went back to stock and still having the problem (on 3.1). Anyone else with this issue, and does it sound like hardware at this point? I think I may return it today, but I am nervous since the screen on this one is perfect.. don't want to get one with light bleed like my last.
Thanks guys.
yes. A quick search will show you the multitudes of threads regarding this issue.
skydirt said:
yes. A quick search will show you the multitudes of threads regarding this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. I get that.. I have been on XDA for 4 years.
I understand the freezes and reboots happen and are happening and other people are having them happen, however per my subject line I was looking for people who are having it happen while they are in their recovery mode. I have had the tab freeze after booting into recovery, as well as during a restore and backup. I wasn't having any issues for an entire week and without any kernal or rom mods this just started. (SPECIFICALLY IN RECOVERY MODE AS WELL AS NORMAL MODE)
If it freezes + reboots in recovery, see if a Ramdump file is placed in the root of your /sdcard/ folder. If so, paste it up here so we can look at it.
sassafras
sassafras_ said:
If it freezes + reboots in recovery, see if a Ramdump file is placed in the root of your /sdcard/ folder. If so, paste it up here so we can look at it.
sassafras
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually have a bunch of those files. I attached them here. Oddly, today I am trying to dup the issue after the tablet has sat on but unused, it is working fine. I went into CWM, moved around the menus and waited for it to freeze but it didn't. I restored my backup and am currently testing different things to repeat the freezes. I know there was an issue so if possible I would love to be able to find out what it was/is, and make sure it will or won't happen again so I can get a replacement if needed while I can.
I post if I have the issue again..
EDIT: yup rebooted 3 times again after barely using the tablet. Also completely locked up on one boot before I even put in my pass pattern.
I then went into recovery mode, moved around the menu system and it froze again in CWM.
superevilllama said:
I actually have a bunch of those files. I attached them here. Oddly, today I am trying to dup the issue after the tablet has sat on but unused, it is working fine. I went into CWM, moved around the menus and waited for it to freeze but it didn't. I restored my backup and am currently testing different things to repeat the freezes. I know there was an issue so if possible I would love to be able to find out what it was/is, and make sure it will or won't happen again so I can get a replacement if needed while I can.
I post if I have the issue again..
EDIT: yup rebooted 3 times again after barely using the tablet. Also completely locked up on one boot before I even put in my pass pattern.
I then went into recovery mode, moved around the menu system and it froze again in CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there superevilllama, glad to see you back on XDA. Question, are you running custom firmware, ie. custom kernel, ROM, etc? If so, I would suggest downloading the stock firmware from ASUS and flashing back completely to stock and see if that alleviates any issues. If this continues to happen on a completely stock system, you might have faulty hardware.
It was the kernel...
Alright guys.. It was the kernel. I wiped and reset to stock, thinking I had already went back to stock kernel but apparently flashed the same kernel instead of stock.
I checked Clemsyn's kernel thread and # 17 of his had other people getting lockups and reboots too, OC or not. Gave me a scare because I did a bunch of things at one time.. updated kernel, got a new keyboard dock, updated setcpu.
I kept freezing all over the place and rebooting, OC or not. Thought I restored back to stock kernel but I didn't. Thought it was wierd as I had no issues before. Back to 16 of Clemsyn's kernel and all is well, both when not overclocked and OC to 1.5ghz.
I appreciate your help guys. Glad to know my TF is still in good shape. Good thing because the replacement I got had bbaaadd light leakage. Now I can just take it back.
Yes, it was the kernel.
More importantly, it looks like it was the clock speed.
sassafras
It is wierd that it froze in recovery mode tho. I thought recovery had its own kernel, I didn't think it used whatever kernel I had flashed. Eh either way I am glad it is working.

[Q] Skyrocket is lagging a few times a day

Hi so I have been dreading bothering anyone and I have tried many things but no success.
The issue: My phone all of a sudden gets super super slow during the day. Happens with or without my apps i like on my phone. If it happens while I am not using the phone I will not get any texts or any phone calls. I can sometimes unlock the screen but clicking on things it just lags to the max. Nothing Force Closes or anything but its just super slow. It gets so slow I have to hold the power button to shut it off and then restart it. This happens at least 2 times a day.
What I have: I have a stock Rom that was rooted using the easy root command on a Windows 7 Machine. I also have CWM installed and the features all work.
What I have tried: I have tried a few different things including using odin to root the phone. I have restored the stock recovery using odin and also wiped and re installed stock Rom with odin. the same thing is happening after all of that work. Its not an app that is doing it because I used a os monitor app and nothing is using the CPU 100% or anything.
I need help otherwise I am going to see if I can exchange it with AT&T but unfortunately trying to repair this thing I had to set off the counter 2 times so I don't know if that will prevent me from being able to do a exchange under warranty.
Freeze the bloatware. If that does not help flash a custom rom
Thank you for the quick response. I did freeze the bloatware and I did try TPC rom and the same exact thing happens.
Then i would exchange it if i was you.
Yea I think i am going to just worried about the flash counter being at 2 now. Right now there is still no way to reset it correct?
No no way to reset. But odin the stock tar. They wont even check the flash counter anyway. Atleast thats been the case for most people.
Carlobravo said:
Yea I think i am going to just worried about the flash counter being at 2 now. Right now there is still no way to reset it correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go on eBay and purchase a USB JIG and it would reset it. It only cost about $2.00 USD but you would have to wait about a week since it ships from China...
That what happend to my phone too. I install CWM and root then phone get verry slow. I think there was bloatware so i install custom rom, but then bluetooth stop working and have some more issue with phone not responding. So i install stock and want to start from scrach, but after this i steel had some problem with bluetooth and incoming calls ( phone not pick them up ). I go to ATT store and replace for new one and with orginal software no problem at all for last 45 days. No root no CWM and no problem.. . I use samsung infuse 4G for all software games and works exelent on custom roms and all..
Above&Beyond™ said:
Go on eBay and purchase a USB JIG and it would reset it. It only cost about $2.00 USD but you would have to wait about a week since it ships from China...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how to I use that to reset it I thought the jig just puts it in download mode?
Carlobravo said:
how to I use that to reset it I thought the jig just puts it in download mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently they aren't working at the moment with 2.3.5, you might want to look more into it.

Please help with a flashing mess

I had previously rooted, unlocked and put a custom bootloader on my S3. I was enjoying Beans 10, but wanted to try Slimbeans. I got the initial .zip of Slimbeans installed, but the AIO .zip kept failing, so I had a useless device. Interestingly, I could not boot to recovery. My computer wasn't recognizing my stock Verizon ROMs. I was able to eventually download root66 and Odin that onto my phone, but when it starts up, it gets stuck at the Verizon 4G/LTE screen and never gets passed it. I have pulled the battery and turned the phone on several times, but get the same result. I thought I'd try another Odin attempt, but when I hold down the vol. down/power/home keys and then select the vol. up, I very briefly see the android guy and then then phone reboots. Please help, I'm stuck!
Well, I downloaded a different stock ROM and got that installed. In the meantime, I had to use my iPhone 4 as a backup. When I contacted Verizon to switch me back to the S3, it shows me as roaming. The tech was no help. Anyone with an idea?
Check network settings. Make sure you are on SIM and not NV
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for the reply. GrainOSand, I had missed this.
I got the stock ROM flashed and thought I was good. The tech's were no help, but told me I needed a new SIM card. I went to my local Verizon store, got the card, the guy there tried to get my S3 going again, but couldn't.
Now, it acts like it is in a loop. It starts the Startup Wizard and very soon I just get the circle spinning and it tries to call the network. I Odin'd the ROM again with the same effect. I have a new phone that is supposed to be here tomorrow, but my Flash counter is at 1. Anyone know how I can get this thing working enough to use Triangle Away?
So, am I asking retarded questions, or is there really no answer?
At the wizard, try tapping all four corners clockwise, starting at the upper left to bypass the activation screen.
lvgdgts said:
Thanks for the reply. GrainOSand, I had missed this.
I got the stock ROM flashed and thought I was good. The tech's were no help, but told me I needed a new SIM card. I went to my local Verizon store, got the card, the guy there tried to get my S3 going again, but couldn't.
Now, it acts like it is in a loop. It starts the Startup Wizard and very soon I just get the circle spinning and it tries to call the network. I Odin'd the ROM again with the same effect. I have a new phone that is supposed to be here tomorrow, but my Flash counter is at 1. Anyone know how I can get this thing working enough to use Triangle Away?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to root the phone then install and run triangle away to get rid of the flash count http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114 then odin back to stock
Also Im pretty sure you can simply odin to either the F2 or G1 ICS builds then type this in the dialer to fix the roaming issue as long as your imei is still intact.... *2767*3855#
No need to have the phone replaced, easily fixable
Roninrc51 said:
At the wizard, try tapping all four corners clockwise, starting at the upper left to bypass the activation screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounded interesting, but didn't work.
x714x said:
You need to root the phone then install and run triangle away to get rid of the flash count http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114 then odin back to stock
Also Im pretty sure you can simply odin to either the F2 or G1 ICS builds then type this in the dialer to fix the roaming issue as long as your imei is still intact.... *2767*3855#
No need to have the phone replaced, easily fixable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give this a go at home tonight.

Minor Screen Defect

Hi all, I bought a new TF700 two days ago. I proceeded to successfully unlock, root, flash Cromi-x. After some teething problems got it working beautifully. Unfortunately my girlfriend noticed what looks like a big smear of some type of adhesive inside the glass. Kind of looks like something has wiped the back of glass or the panel itself, and has dried but with residue. Anyway its only visible when the screen is off or on a black background but I contacted Asus anyway and they immediately advised me to get it replaced at place of purchase.
I realise they don't normally allow this but they've given me the Return Authorisation number and the store has shipped the replacement device to my nearest store for collection. SO, do I just go ahead and swap it or do you think it will come back to bite me later on? Even if they do come back later and say they found it was unlocked, Ill have already unlocked + flashed the replacement so I figure whats the worst that can happen?
It seems the rumored 'database update' back to Asus when unlocking isnt accurate as I got through no problems and they checked serial number etc.
Any thoughts?
Great Minds Think Alike!
rogannzb said:
Hi all, I bought a new TF700 two days ago. I proceeded to successfully unlock, root, flash Cromi-x. After some teething problems got it working beautifully. Unfortunately my girlfriend noticed what looks like a big smear of some type of adhesive inside the glass. Kind of looks like something has wiped the back of glass or the panel itself, and has dried but with residue. Anyway its only visible when the screen is off or on a black background but I contacted Asus anyway and they immediately advised me to get it replaced at place of purchase.
I realise they don't normally allow this but they've given me the Return Authorisation number and the store has shipped the replacement device to my nearest store for collection. SO, do I just go ahead and swap it or do you think it will come back to bite me later on? Even if they do come back later and say they found it was unlocked, Ill have already unlocked + flashed the replacement so I figure whats the worst that can happen?
It seems the rumored 'database update' back to Asus when unlocking isnt accurate as I got through no problems and they checked serial number etc.
Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A fellow immediate modder...I like it
For me, you've already answered your own question. Once you've got your new tablet, what do you care? Even if they do notice that your original tablet was rooted, what are they going to do, force you to give the new one back....threaten to sue you if you don't? Not likely. You've got to remember that it's all about money for these guys, so once you've got your new tablet, even if they do spot your rooted original, it's going to cost them more to try to get the new one back from you than it would for them to just repair & re-sell the original.
I think that once you've got your new one, start enjoying it
Ok so Im taking it back tomorrow for replacement. But before I do...
For my reference can anyone explain to me how to flash this back to the stock Rom? I downloaded from Asus website, rebooted into TWRP and tried to install the stock software, which failed.
Also I'd like to know if I should be 'removing TWRP somehow? I know I cant reverse the unlock process but can I revert everything else back to factory configuration?
When one reboots via power and holding volume down, you get the menu with RCK, Android and Wipe Data - what are the definitions of RCK and Android? From what I gather one boots recovery and the other the installed ROM?
Finally - when one does a Restart from within Cromi and there are options for Bootloader and Recovery - what is the difference between these two options? Do they achieve the same things as the point above (ie reboot to recovery versus the installed rom?)
Thanks, sorry for the noob questions.
Unzip the zip from Asus first and you will see an update zip inside. Flash this from twrp and it will reset you back to stock.
rogannzb said:
Ok so Im taking it back tomorrow for replacement. But before I do...
For my reference can anyone explain to me how to flash this back to the stock Rom? I downloaded from Asus website, rebooted into TWRP and tried to install the stock software, which failed.
Also I'd like to know if I should be 'removing TWRP somehow? I know I cant reverse the unlock process but can I revert everything else back to factory configuration?
When one reboots via power and holding volume down, you get the menu with RCK, Android and Wipe Data - what are the definitions of RCK and Android? From what I gather one boots recovery and the other the installed ROM?
Finally - when one does a Restart from within Cromi and there are options for Bootloader and Recovery - what is the difference between these two options? Do they achieve the same things as the point above (ie reboot to recovery versus the installed rom?)
Thanks, sorry for the noob questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flash the stock firmware it will replace TWRP with the stock recovery.
If you bot with Power + Volume down you boot into the bootloader menu. Your correct on RCK and Android.
It is not recommended to use Wipe Data fro the bootloader if you have a custom recovery installed, btw. If you want to wipe do it fro TWRP.
The Restart options are just a more convenient way to boot into the bootloader or recovery .
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Thanks to you both for the replies.
@ sbdags - Its funny I actually noticed the zip within the zip and after it failed the first time removed the zip out on its own. I astill got the same error message. To be clear, I was using the install option from within TWRP and selecting this file on my external sd card. Im re-downloading it now to test this again.
rogannzb said:
Thanks to you both for the replies.
@ sbdags - Its funny I actually noticed the zip within the zip and after it failed the first time removed the zip out on its own. I astill got the same error message. To be clear, I was using the install option from within TWRP and selecting this file on my external sd card. Im re-downloading it now to test this again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done it lots of times and it works fine for me.

[Q] What ROM will get me back to stock, but not lock my bootloader.

So the power button on my phone is working intermittently and I took it to Bestbuy for them to replace it with my insurance. The dude there wanted to wipe and do a factory reset on my phone, because it was part of the procedure they had to do. (Why they do this, I have no idea,) This had never happened to me before, so I didn't backup my phone and flash back to stock like I usually do if I have to get a phone serviced. I told him I would back it up at home, and be back another day.
So basically what I need is a ROM for the Galaxy S3 that is as close to stock as possible so this dude can reset my phone (for no reason)? This ROM needs to be able to stand up to a little scrutiny from a Geeksquad employee.I would just flash back to stock 4.3, but that will lock my bootloader. I need a stock 4.3 ROM that doesn't lock bootloader, and will reset the "Verizon way".
Just odining to stock won't lock your bootloader. You'd have to actually download and install the update. But if you're getting a replacement why do you care? You're not going to have the phone any longer anyway. But just as an FYI, if you do replace your phone, chances are you'll get one with the updated firmware and a locked bootloader.
Good luck.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
I don't think I will get an update phone, as I had a cracked screen in mid January and received a phone on 4.1.2
I'm having of a hell time getting into download mode as well. For some reason after I go to download mode, the screen goes away after a few seconds.
To do a factory reset the "Verizon way" you need a stock recovery. If you really want to, load cleanrom 8, then use ez-recovery to flash the stock recovery to the phone. But if you have to turn it in to get a new phone you might have to Odin back to stock anyway, and could get in trouble having a custom rom loaded.
They can do a factory reset through the stock recovery and probably won't notice you're custom, and you won't have to worry about it updating to 4.3.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Don't get a new s3. Most likely it'll come preloaded with 4.3 and you'll be stuck on TW ROMs only.
Watch, as I combine all the juice from my mind...
If vzw store has some of the older s3 it wnt come preloaded but will load wen u set up. So u might be lucky and get a 4.1 or 4.2 s3
Sent from my d2lte using Tapatalk

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