Related
This assumes you:
- Have the latest FROYO OTA installed 3.70.651.1
- Have some experience working with flashing things in recovery
- Have NOT deleted/uninstalled ANYTHING in /system
- Have defrosted any bloat you froze with Bloat Freezer or Ti Backup Pro
- Have S-OFF (Used Unrevoked Forever or a version of Unrevoked3 that includes Forever)
OK now let us get to it.
1. Go ahead and download the OTA like normal on your phone, but DO NOT install it.
2. Using a file manager copy the OTA zip file from /cache to /sdcard
3. Using Rom Manager, flash Amon RA Recovery 2.3 (Down at the bottom)
4. In Rom Manager, click the Reboot into Recovery button.
5. Select apply zip from SD Card and flash the OTA zip file that you put in /sdcard
--10 Minutes later.....you now have the UNROOTED OTA installed just as if you installed it normally--
6. Download the 2.6.0.1 ClockWorkMod Recovery zip from here and place it in the root of your SD card
7. Under settings > applications > disable FastBoot (re-enable this when you are done with the whole process)
8. Power off and reboot holding Volume down. The bootloader will scan and then will and ask you to press Volume up to install. Reboot.
9. Delete the PC36IMG.zip file from your SD card and place the attachment below in the root of the SD card.
10. Power off and reboot holding Volume down and then select recovery to start CWM recovery.
11. Choose apply zip from sd card. Choose select zip on sd card. You will see the SU file on the list, flash it to root your phone. Reboot.
You should now be rooted and can upgrade the recovery now to whatever style and version you want!
Enjoy! Please click the THANKS button if it worked for you!
----------------------------------------
Developer of Bloat Freezer - Freeze Your Pre Installed System Apps in One Click
Bloat Freezer - Android Market Link
Very cool!!
Great info ..hey if I follow these steps and skip the last part will my phone be stock / uprooted and good to go.for a trade in or repair? I've been trying to figure out the best way to unrest when.e3d comes out
I never updated to 3.70. I'm assuming I can do that the same way, root again, download the gingerbread, and root again?
I'm thinking it might just be easier to flash the rooted ROM and radios, but I'm not sure what's best.
if you have amon ra recovery (and a stock rom), you can simply download and click install.
I clicked install, amonra booted up, detected and ran update, click reboot, then the stock recovery will be active and updates the radios, once back in to sense, you can reinstall amonra or clockwork, then SU
worked for me.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1109230
im curious why the title says "WITHOUT flashing a new ROM" yet you are clearly flashing the rom in amon ra. sorry just got to nit pick
what happens if you have deleted some system apps. Such as nova and blockbuster. I saved the APKS on the SD card however but I did delete them?
JMQUINT00 said:
what happens if you have deleted some system apps. Such as nova and blockbuster. I saved the APKS on the SD card however but I did delete them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I wouldn't want to try it unless your prepared to do a full ruu reset if it fails.
the OTA is like a patcher, it deletes unneeded files, adds new files, and updates existing files... if its not completely stock it may (or may not) cause an error which the updater can't handle, and then you may be left with a half upgraded system.
if you nandroid *before* downloading the ota, you should always be able to go back, assuming you have perm soff from unrevoked forever.
it should run whether you have removed files or not. if it tries to delete a file that does not exist the script will just skip it. op i think you have bit of confusion going on though. you were only able to reattain root because you are s-off from unrevoked forever. if you are not s-off and do your method, which is no different then just excepting the ota and letting it do its thing btw, you will loose root until this new ota is cracked. just fwi, there was no "magic" from you flashing manually, the same script is ran and the same files are moved and patches are made regardless.
cant I reinstall the apps and put the apks in their original system folder?
DomSim said:
it should run whether you have removed files or not. if it tries to delete a file that does not exist the script will just skip it. op i think you have bit of confusion going on though. you were only able to reattain root because you are s-off from unrevoked forever. if you are not s-off and do your method, which is no different then just excepting the ota and letting it do its thing btw, you will loose root until this new ota is cracked. just fwi, there was no "magic" from you flashing manually, the same script is ran and the same files are moved and patches are made regardless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol OK so which one is it? Can n just accept the ota and run? I'm rooted on stock rom, but I deleted nova and blockbuster from the system? I know I will loose root which I got by using unrevoked 3, but I just want to know if I can do it without bricking the phone. Ty
JMQUINT00 said:
Lol OK so which one is it? Can n just accept the ota and run? I'm rooted on stock rom, but I deleted nova and blockbuster from the system? I know I will loose root which I got by using unrevoked 3, but I just want to know if I can do it without bricking the phone. Ty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shouldn't be any worry about bricking but make 100% sure you are s-off from unrevoked forever and you should be able to re-root pretty much how the op outlined.
im currently running cm7. if i go back to a rooted stock froyo rom, will this work???
confused. I just don't understand why you wouldn't download the rooted version of the ROM from here on XDA and just flash it like a normal rom. Maybe I'm overtired and missing the point.
To me, its like this. If you're rooted, and want an OTA update, just wait for the devs at XDA to go through it and root it, and make it available for download. Then just download it and flash it. You get the same exact update that way, as if you took the OTA from sprint. Except this way you don't risk losing root, and your good to go.
If you're not rooted and your phone is stock, accept OTA like normal.
I don't understand why all this extra stuff needs to be done, and add more to the confusion. If your rooted, updating to the latest is simple. Download it and flash it in recovery.
DaEXfactoR said:
im currently running cm7. if i go back to a rooted stock froyo rom, will this work???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just download the update from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1038701
Do a full wipe and flash like any other rom you've ever flashed before. You'll then be on the latest and greatest . (you'll probably be going right back to CM)
EDIT: and to the OP, sorry that I don't agree with you. I just find it more confusing that way, and I guess that whatever the point of doing it that way is, is sailing miles above my head.
k2buckley said:
confused. I just don't understand why you wouldn't download the rooted version of the ROM from here on XDA and just flash it like a normal rom. Maybe I'm overtired and missing the point.
To me, its like this. If you're rooted, and want an OTA update, just wait for the devs at XDA to go through it and root it, and make it available for download. Then just download it and flash it. You get the same exact update that way, as if you took the OTA from sprint. Except this way you don't risk losing root, and your good to go.
If you're not rooted and your phone is stock, accept OTA like normal.
I don't understand why all this extra stuff needs to be done, and add more to the confusion. If your rooted, updating to the latest is simple. Download it and flash it in recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see your point. I guess I am anxious. So there will be a stock ROM that is rooted, thats what I was wondering. I wasnt sure if every ROM would be customized somewhat...Thanks
DaEXfactoR said:
I see your point. I guess I am anxious. So there will be a stock ROM that is rooted, thats what I was wondering. I wasnt sure if every ROM would be customized somewhat...Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That link I supplied a couple posts up is a completely 100% stock and rooted version of the OTA update.
This is from the first paragraph of the first post of that thread.
"Stock 4.22.651.2 ROM, rooted and ready for your flashing pleasures. This is a completely stock ROM that has had nothing done to it outside of rooting & deodexing, it's not even zip aligned yet (sorry DrMacinyasha)
As always make sure your wipe your dalvik and create a nandroid before flashing."
k2buckley said:
That link I supplied a couple posts up is a completely 100% stock and rooted version of the OTA update.
This is from the first paragraph of the first post of that thread.
"Stock 4.22.651.2 ROM, rooted and ready for your flashing pleasures. This is a completely stock ROM that has had nothing done to it outside of rooting & deodexing, it's not even zip aligned yet (sorry DrMacinyasha)
As always make sure your wipe your dalvik and create a nandroid before flashing."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for your insight. only thing I am confused on at this point is why there are kernels listed to flash from May just below it? wouldnt the htc stock kernel from the ota be in this rom already? seems like alot of folks are looking for newer kernels to flash after flashing xhaus rom. Any insight would be great. thanks again!
rileyd5 said:
thanks for your insight. only thing I am confused on at this point is why there are kernels listed to flash from May just below it? wouldnt the htc stock kernel from the ota be in this rom already? seems like alot of folks are looking for newer kernels to flash after flashing xhaus rom. Any insight would be great. thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was a little curious about why those kernels were linked there too. I honestly haven't really kept up with thread, because I don't have an interest in flashing the update to begin with. I noticed those kernels are from May 4th, so it doesn't seem like they'd be the most current one. Without reading that thread, I first would've presumed that the kernel that comes with the rom would be the one to use. So, you've read through the thread and you're seeing that people are having trouble with the kernel that the rom comes with?? I'll take a gander over in the thread in a few minutes and see what I make out of it.
Well I f'd up and installed the latest update straight from sprint, instead of waiting for the rooted version to come out. I guess I thought I would find something exciting, but now I would realize it was kind of worthless and want to go back to a different rom like miui or vaelpak. I am s-off with unrevoked. Is there some combination of the steps listed I can use to back out of this?
Let me take a guess...did this update my radios and hboot to a version that would be incompatible with these roms?
I am on stock 4.0.4 with a locked bootloader. I want to have root with the stock rom, nothing else just root.
So I am gonna use the tool provided here,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1544940
I have already installed drivers and have the tool downloaded.
Then I would like to flash the stock google 4.0.4 rom that will let me receive OTA updates. Is this the right file?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1569509
Or can I just flash the stock rom from here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572307
I heard there are problems flashing stock rom with CWR if the stock recovery isnt removed? Thats why I dont know if I should flash the stock image.
Is the process of flashing rom with CWR recovery the same as with stock recovery?
My phone is the i9023.
Thanks a bunch in advance.
Gambler_3 said:
I am on stock 4.0.4 with a locked bootloader. I want to have root with the stock rom, nothing else just root.
So I am gonna use the tool provided here,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1544940
I have already installed drivers and have the tool downloaded.
Then I would like to flash the stock google 4.0.4 rom that will let me receive OTA updates. Is this the right file?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1569509
Or can I just flash the stock rom from here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572307
Is the process of flashing rom with CWM recovery the same as with stock recovery?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Baseband version? under about phone
billchen0014 said:
baseband version? Under about phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i9023xxki1.
Sorry should have specified my phone in the OP.
Best way is to do it manually. You can find all of the steps required here. The only difference is that you should be flashing the latest recovery from here and the latest superuser.zip file when flashing with recovery.
Note, unlocking bootloader will cause loss of EVERYTHING on the device that you have put on there (sdcard, apps, data partition, etc).
Harbb said:
Best way is to do it manually. You can find all of the steps required here. The only difference is that you should be flashing the latest recovery from here and the latest superuser.zip file when flashing with recovery.
Note, unlocking bootloader will cause loss of EVERYTHING on the device that you have put on there (sdcard, apps, data partition, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You suppose thats better to do manually so I will have latest version of recovery and superuser?
And yes I am aware of the data loss waited sometime to finish all my games now I am ready to lose all my app data.
Harbb said:
Best way is to do it manually. You can find all of the steps required here. The only difference is that you should be flashing the latest recovery from here and the latest superuser.zip file when flashing with recovery.
Note, unlocking bootloader will cause loss of EVERYTHING on the device that you have put on there (sdcard, apps, data partition, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do it this way. The one click is fine but using Android SDK and going through all that will help you in the long run. This way you know the process in case something goes wrong. It may be confusing at first but worth it. It will teach you a lot more than flashing a one click!
I learnt a lot from this and feel much more experienced and capable because of it. I know I will be able to solve any major issues using Android Debug Bridge (adb).
Okay then I am gonna try the manual way and gonna take out time for it. Now I just need to know what do I flash once I have unlocked bootloader and installed CWR?
I just want the stock google rom and receive OTA if nexus S continues to be supported by google.
You won't need to reinstall the ROM if you are currently on 4.0.4. The ROM stays there as-is. Feel free to do your wipes in recovery and reflash stock 4.0.4 through CWM if you must. You flash CWM to your phone and then superuser through CWM.
Steps:
Setup ADB/fastboot
Bootloader --> fastboot oem unlock --> agree
Bootloader --> fastboot flash recovery recovery.img --> this will give you CWM
Recovery --> flash superuser.zip and, if you must, wipe and reflash ICS (flash su AFTER this if done)
Reboot --> bingo
Also note, with stock ROMs it will replace your current recovery with stock recovery on each boot. If you want to keep CWM, delete /system/etc/flash-recovery.sh when you first boot. You'll have to reflash recovery afterward and it will stick.
Oh I was of the impression that unlocking bootloader wipes everything means it wipes the OS as well. That is nice if it's just data and not the OS, dont think I would reflash it if it's not needed.
Can you explain what you mean by will have to reflash recovery? I will have to do that even if I delete that file on first boot? And whats the drawback if I dont delete that file and stick with stock recovery?
As soon as you boot into stock android it will replace the recovery. So if that file is there on first boot, it will replace it while booting and you will be without CWM (stock instead). After first boot you can delete the file (you can reflash a ROM which has this deleted, or delete it yourself from a stock ROM, or even use adb or a recovery-based file manager to delete the file, then you won't have this problem at all) and it will no longer reflash stock recovery, but you would already have the stock one and need to flash CWM one more time to get it to stick. Easiest way is to just flash CWM and delete it within android imo, saves mounting commands and the such.
No downside really. If you need to flash something for one reason or another you'll just have to reflash CWM before you do so. Once rooted, ROM Manager can do this for you within android anyway.
I had already downloaded and installed the drivers from the one click root thread and my computer shows the android adb thing when I connect my phone with USB debugging.
But as you guys suggested I am gonna do the manual way. So do I just skip the installing driver on computer in the part 1 of this guide?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1007782
In my bootloader menu why is it showing my phone as an i9020?? Is it normal?
Gambler_3 said:
In my bootloader menu why is it showing my phone as an i9020?? Is it normal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you have a Nexus S with amoled. That's the i9020. The i9023 is SLCD.
DeuXGod said:
Because you have a Nexus S with amoled. That's the i9020. The i9023 is SLCD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He has the i9023 to my knowledge. It is completely normal, though. Bootloader and recovery for i9020 and i9023 series are the same, this can be attributed to the issue with 4.0.3 recovery backlight not turning on.
If fastboot recognises your phone in the bootloader (the fastboot menu), your drivers are installed an working perfectly.
Finally got to the unlock bootloader screen, didnt do it just yet but now I know how to do it.
I must say the guide is a bit outdated, the software has changed quite a bit seems. The most frustrating part was that the fastboot file is actually in the platform tools folder instead of the tools folder which I didnt figure for a while. I will hold off rooting when I have a whole day off because once I lose everything I would be very anxious to get my phone back to normal which will take time.
Thanks for the help harbb, if I have any problem flashing recovery and superuser I will come back for more help.
And yes I have the LCD version i9023.
Btw the guide said the fastboot will be in the tools folder but the tools folder had a read me that "adb has moved to the platform tools folder" this is how I figured to go to that folder and thats where the fastboot file actually was.
Now it says I should put the recovery image in the tools folder so should I do that or put it in the platform tools folder?
In the instructions for the flashing recovery I am not understanding one thing.
6 - Then back on the SNS select Power Off (Reboot also works)
Part 4 - Root
1 - Power ON the SNS
So after flashing recovery I have to reboot? Since I am on stock rom that would bring back the stock recovery so how would I flash superuser then?
If I delete the stock recovery can I still get OTA updates?
fastboot and adb is now in platform tools, that is correct. Easiest way is to put your recovery in there too so you don't have to type in the absolute file path to it, don't put it in tools.
Don't power off or reboot the phone. After you flash recovery go straight into the recovery menu and root, flash custom ROMs, kernels, etc. You can transfer files to flash via the mounts and storage --> mount usb storage menu. After this feel free to reboot.
Harbb said:
fastboot and adb is now in platform tools, that is correct. Easiest way is to put your recovery in there too so you don't have to type in the absolute file path to it, don't put it in tools.
Don't power off or reboot the phone. After you flash recovery go straight into the recovery menu and root, flash custom ROMs, kernels, etc. You can transfer files to flash via the mounts and storage --> mount usb storage menu. After this feel free to reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to update that I successfully unlocked and rooted. Thanks a bunch mate.
Gambler_3 said:
Just wanted to update that I successfully unlocked and rooted. Thanks a bunch mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good work, been wandering what you were up to on this
Hope you enjoy the possibilities.
So i did something stupid right after rooting my Relay. I deleted basic stock files that are necessary for the phone to function properly. I was able to copy them from my current phone (rooted T-Mobile G2/Desire Z) onto an SD card and in turn push them back onto my Relay. My problem is that I still get error messages constantly after boot up and the simplest tasks can take hours (not to mention I can't use phone, contacts, messaging). I have seen all over the web (and XDA) about unrooting the phone and retuning it to stock. I was thinking that I could unroot, then reroot my Relay and that will solve my problem.
I was all set to unroot when I encountered yet another issue. Samsung-updates.com and sammobile both direct you to download the firmware files from hotfile. Hotfile has been shut down due to copyright infringement. Where I can find the stock firmware files now that hotfile has been shut down?
Please help me as I anxiously await using my new phone without the extra bloatware!
Thank you,
RockinRita
RockinRita said:
I was all set to unroot when I encountered yet another issue. Samsung-updates.com and sammobile both direct you to download the firmware files from hotfile. Hotfile has been shut down due to copyright infringement. Where I can find the stock firmware files now that hotfile has been shut down?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would Samsung's Kies software be able to restore it to stock, or is it too far gone for Kies to work?
Bobby Tables said:
Would Samsung's Kies software be able to restore it to stock, or is it too far gone for Kies to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without the stock files wouldn't Kies be pointless?
The easiest way I've found to completely revert to stock, is to get a CWM flashable version of the unmodified stock rom (From the straight system image, not an update.zip reformated image) and a CWM flashable version of the stock recovery. Flash those in. If you want to reset your flash counter, make certain to also flash a su binary of some form (I personally prefer SuperSU, since it's so easy to clear out, run triangle away, then uninstall your su app properly.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48581775&postcount=6
I've just put up recovery and system flashables of Stock JB.
Pushing on a Relay
RockinRita said:
So i did something stupid right after rooting my Relay. I deleted basic stock files that are necessary for the phone to function properly. I was able to copy them from my current phone (rooted T-Mobile G2/Desire Z) onto an SD card and in turn push them back onto my Relay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did a very similar thing to my Relay and I can only get it boot off of the SD card. I am curious how you performed the push. I assumed that you
used adb push, but how?
Thanks,
Lou
scopedial said:
I did a very similar thing to my Relay and I can only get it boot off of the SD card. I am curious how you performed the push. I assumed that you used adb push, but how?
Thanks,
Lou
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I copied the files from my rooted HTC Desire Z/ T-Mobile G2 to a spare SD card I have and then I inserted that card into my Relay and started it up. It took me a few hours to get passed all the error messages that constantly pop up. And then I went into my files, external SD and moved the files over to the system folder on the Relay. After several reboots, the error messages still are coming up which I why I need to unroot it and reroot it.
Magamo said:
The easiest way I've found to completely revert to stock, is to get a CWM flashable version of the unmodified stock rom (From the straight system image, not an update.zip reformated image) and a CWM flashable version of the stock recovery. Flash those in. If you want to reset your flash counter, make certain to also flash a su binary of some form (I personally prefer SuperSU, since it's so easy to clear out, run triangle away, then uninstall your su app properly.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48581775&postcount=6
I've just put up recovery and system flashables of Stock JB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may have just saved me, Magamo! Thank you for saving them to Drive! Once I get on my old slow Dell laptop (i'm on my Chromebook now- which unfortunately doesn't support most things) I'll try to flash your files and update you here since I cannot comment on your post as I have not posted enough myself.
Stock ROM Restore Method I Used
Magamo said:
The easiest way I've found to completely revert to stock, is to get a CWM flashable version of the unmodified stock rom (From the straight system image, not an update.zip reformated image) and a CWM flashable version of the stock recovery. Flash those in. If you want to reset your flash counter, make certain to also flash a su binary of some form (I personally prefer SuperSU, since it's so easy to clear out, run triangle away, then uninstall your su app properly.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48581775&postcount=6
I've just put up recovery and system flashables of Stock JB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could also use Odin to flash a md5 sum of T699UVBMC5_HOME using the download mode of the Relay. Place in PDA, and tick off the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time and hit start. Make sure you have the drivers required to do this. I think they're included with Kies. In my case, I used CWM to format /system, then I used download mode. However, I had to reset my device. AND CWM (plus root access) was erased after the stock restore. I didn't miss an important detail, did I?
furboom1240 said:
You could also use Odin to flash a md5 sum of T699UVBMC5_HOME using the download mode of the Relay. Place in PDA, and tick off the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time and hit start. Make sure you have the drivers required to do this. I think they're included with Kies. In my case, I used CWM to format /system, then I used download mode. However, I had to reset my device. AND CWM (plus root access) was erased after the stock restore. I didn't miss an important detail, did I?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be honest, you've got me on this one. I've never used ODIN, and am not well versed in its use. But yes, this is sounds like a more technical way of doing it without the CWM flashables I've mentioned. -- Impossible in some situations. For example, my fiancee's phone's USB port has died for all purposes other than charging, So if I'm to send it in for a warranty repair, I'll have to use the method I posted.
Confused here
Magamo said:
The easiest way I've found to completely revert to stock, is to get a CWM flashable version of the unmodified stock rom (From the straight system image, not an update.zip reformated image) and a CWM flashable version of the stock recovery. Flash those in. If you want to reset your flash counter, make certain to also flash a su binary of some form (I personally prefer SuperSU, since it's so easy to clear out, run triangle away, then uninstall your su app properly.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48581775&postcount=6
I've just put up recovery and system flashables of Stock JB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Magamo,
I'm sorry, but I'm still totally confused here. Not sure how to flash the files in. I downloaded Kies and both of the zip files from your post. Successfully updated the firmware and my error messages are gone, but I don't have CWM on it. I extracted your files, but now what? I'm not very technologically inclined so this is all Greek to me.
furboom1240 said:
You could also use Odin to flash a md5 sum of T699UVBMC5_HOME using the download mode of the Relay. Place in PDA, and tick off the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time and hit start. Make sure you have the drivers required to do this. I think they're included with Kies. In my case, I used CWM to format /system, then I used download mode. However, I had to reset my device. AND CWM (plus root access) was erased after the stock restore. I didn't miss an important detail, did I?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
furboom,
What is T699UVBMC5_HOME? How do I get the md5 sum of it? How do I use CWM to format /system? How do I get to stock restore? Again, I'm sorry for asking so many questions, i just have no clue what I'm doing here.
Thanks,
Rockin Rita
RockinRita said:
Magamo,
I'm sorry, but I'm still totally confused here. Not sure how to flash the files in. I downloaded Kies and both of the zip files from your post. Successfully updated the firmware and my error messages are gone, but I don't have CWM on it. I extracted your files, but now what? I'm not very technologically inclined so this is all Greek to me.
furboom,
What is T699UVBMC5_HOME? How do I get the md5 sum of it? How do I use CWM to format /system? How do I get to stock restore? Again, I'm sorry for asking so many questions, i just have no clue what I'm doing here.
Thanks,
Rockin Rita
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't have CWM, or some other custom recovery running on this, how did you get root in the first place? The easiest way to get root is to use heimdall or ODIN to flash CWM or another custom recovery, then flash Superuser or SuperSU using your new custom recovery.
The .zip files I linked are only meant to be flashed through recovery. Not Kies, not ODIN, not any other method.
Got it!!
With the help of this site (http://www.celldekho.com/how-to-unroot-samsung-galaxy-s-relay-4g/) and the file it linked to on rapidshare, along with your tip Magamo, I was able to unroot my Relay successfully. I'll reroot it later when I have the time and make sure not to delete important files LOL Thanks so much for the help!
FAQ section in the 2nd post.
BEWARE OF EVERYTHING! I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE if your phone implodes, aliens take over Mars, don trump starts WW3 and WW4, or your dish washer starts working again from using this guide. Remember: just because it worked for me, does not mean it will work for you, but it might! I recommend having an ODIN copy (.tar file) of the MDL bootloader so in case anything goes south, you can get back to stock and start over from scratch.
IMPORTANT! This guide will show you how to (easily) maneuver around the At&t sgh-i337 on the MDL bootloader as far as root and other things are concerned. This guide is NOT for any other bootloader! Once you have updated past jelly bean 4.2.2 then you will not be able to use this guide!
Now for the good stuff...
So you've just taken your new At&t GS4 out of the box and discovered that you're on the MDL bootloader (like I did)! First you're going to want to root it. You can do this by grabbing a good 'ol copy of towel root (just search the forums here or Google for it). Next, you're going to want to freeze the OTA update so the phone won't update off the MDL bootloader (after installing SuperSU of course). You can do this via the Titanium Backup app or the MyBackup Root app (now called just MyBackup I think).
Let's recap...you will need a copy of the towel root app, then SuperSU, then TB or MyBackup Root app. SuperSU will kill the evil KNOX for you.
Next you may want to install a custom recovery. To do this, you will need to use an exploit file called Loki Doki. Follow this video to take the needed steps to get loki'ed and a recovery installed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmkL9atpVHw
Yes, I know it installs CWM which is way out of date, if you want to use TWRP go ahead. However, this guide deals with CWM so if you use TWRP you're using it at your own risk and going against the guide! GO WITH THE GUIDE!
However, if you want to update to TWRP recovery then this video by the same guy as in the last video should do it: https://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-...or-verizon-galaxy-s4-with-twrp-v-2-8-4-0/amp/
Once you've got loki lurking around your phone's memory, you're good to install a custom ROM! TA-DA! Awesome how all that worked out isn't it?
How to install a custom (TW) ROM
If and only if you followed the ZedoMax video, you should now have OUDhs CWM Touch Req0very v1.0.3.4 installed. Now would be a great time to boot into it so power off your phone then hold power, home, and volume up at the same time. Hold it! Hold it! Hold it! Release when you see the CWM menu. Now let's Nandroid this hush puppy!
Goto backup and restore and hit backup. It will most likely save it to your internal memory, but you can copy it to SD card later, or just reboot now and move it. We now have a working backup in case your dog eats your homework. After that's done, make sure the ROM .zip file you are going to boot is on your SD card. Now go to wipe cache partition and select yes. Go to Advanced and wipe dalvik cache. Go to wipe data/factory reset and select yes. Goto mounts and storage and select format cache, then select format /system.
NOTE: If you want to keep all your personal data (pics, videos, etc.) then stop here! If you want to completely nuke your phone and start from scratch then select format /data from the mounts and storage menu.
Once you've formatted /system (or did a complete wipe by formatting /data too so now you have nothing), you're ready to install a ROM. Select install zip from SD card from the main menu. Find your ROM .zip file and select it. I used the latest GoldenEye ROM because it has an Aroma installer built in so it pretty much does everything for you once you tell it what you want. Easy!
ROM should now be installed and everything should work ok once your phone reboots out of CWM recovery.
How to boot a custom (AOSP/CM) ROM
WARNING! THIS IS EXPERIMENTAL! Following this may get your ROM booted or not. Do so at your phone's own risk! You could erase stuff on accident!
Place the ROM file on your SD card. Boot into recovery and select wipe cache partition. Then select wipe dalvik cache. Now select wipe data/factory reset. Once all that's done, you will need to format /system and /data. Now goto install .zip from SD card. Select your ROM file and pray to whatever higher power yourbelieve in that it worked. Next you're going to (maybe) need a kernel.
Kernels and Modems
Download a compatible kernel for the ROM you want to use. Boot into recovery and flash the .zip file for the kernel from your internal memory or external SD card. Be sure if you are booting a TW ROM that you use a TW kernel. Same goes for CM and AOSP.
Modems are pretty much universal on the MDL firmware and possibly on others as well. To flash a modem just select the .zip file and flash in recovery from your SD card or internal memory. You can use any baseband modem...MDB, MK3, NB1, OC3, etc.
FAQ Section
What is the MDL bootloader? It's the jelly bean 4.2.2 firmware for the at&t galaxy s4. It's a locked bootloader, however it has a flaw in it that can be exploited by Loki Doki to allow a custom recovery to be installed.
What is Loki Doki? It's something that exploits the flaw in the MDL bootloader allowing you to do things an unlocked bootloader can do. To my best of knowledge, it acts similar to a PlayStation modchip by tricking the bootloader into thinking that whatever you feed it, is authorized to boot.
Can I downgrade my bootloader to MDL if I took the OTA? Only if you're a Samsung or at&t smartphone hardware tech.
Why can't I use Loki on other bootloaders? Because the flaw that loki exploited was patched in the MF3 firmware. With the exception of the MDB bootloader which was the bootloader before MDL.
Do I need motochopper to root my at&t s4? Nope, towel root works just fine to get root on the MDL bootloader.
Why does OUDhs CWM recovery tell me root or recovery may be lost on reboot and want to fix it? I have no idea, I think it's a bug. Just select "go back" until your phone reboots and all should be fine.
Why does your guide say "experimental" for AOSP or CM based ROMs? Mainly because I haven't messed around with any and am basing on how to boot them off my time using the galaxy s2.
Why can't I use TWRP recovery instead of CWM? You can, as I pasted a link to get TWRP installed in my guide. It's just I based my guide around CWM because that's what I have always used. Do note that TWRP is different, so you'll have to figure out how to wipe and install the ROM property.
What's the difference between CWM recovery and TWRP recovery? Nothing really, except the UI and how they handle files and things. Due note that CWM recovery has been discontinued, while TWRP still thrives today with updates.
So I am on MDL and have OctOS 7.1.1 flashed but no root. I have tried towelroot with no success. I do however have TWRP 3.0 on my phone but SuperSU won't flash. Do you have any ideas?
Tubifex said:
So I am on MDL and have OctOS 7.1.1 flashed but no root. I have tried towelroot with no success. I do however have TWRP 3.0 on my phone but SuperSU won't flash. Do you have any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OctOS has root disabled by default. You have to flash a root .zip file to activate root. Make sure you are loki'ed and that you have the right TWRP version as well as the right root .zip for your phone. Towel root only works on stock Android jelly bean 4.2.2, 4.3, and kit kat 4.4.2
StoneyJSG said:
OctOS has root disabled by default. You have to flash a root .zip file to activate root. Make sure you are loki'ed and that you have the right TWRP version as well as the right root .zip for your phone. Towel root only works on stock Android jelly bean 4.2.2, 4.3, and kit kat 4.4.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you suggest I find root.zip file?
Tubifex said:
Where do you suggest I find root.zip file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not too sure, I haven't messed with OctOs at all. Try here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/orig-development/rom-team-octos-oct-n-t3532663
Someone there in that thread will probably know.
Finished! This guide is done!
Bump....happy flashing!
Does this APK work anymore? It will not download to my phone. I had to download it to my pc then transfer it via usb to my phone. When I go to install it I get an error saying There is a problem parsing the package.
Can anyone please provide the ATT-I337UCUAMDL-20130430103714.zip file? All the mirrors are dead
NVMD,found something similar here:
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=23203820527944165
and here:
https://server.samsung-firmware.org...de28764422/ATT-I337UCUAMDL-20130430103714.zip
jabulon said:
Can anyone please provide the ATT-I337UCUAMDL-20130430103714.zip file? All the mirrors are dead
NVMD,found something similar here:
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=23203820527944165
and here:
https://server.samsung-firmware.org...de28764422/ATT-I337UCUAMDL-20130430103714.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are needing the MDL ODIN .tar / zip file correct?
7ravler said:
Does this APK work anymore? It will not download to my phone. I had to download it to my pc then transfer it via usb to my phone. When I go to install it I get an error saying There is a problem parsing the package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which APK file are you referring to? Towel root or something else?
StoneyJSG said:
You are needing the MDL ODIN .tar / zip file correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, but I've already found it
Thank you!
jabulon said:
yep, but I've already found it
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I'm trying to find a way to install MDL to be able to get past my att bootloader lock. I have everything except the MDL Odin file. Can you please tell me the link to get it. I'm new on the site sorry if Im in the wrong section. I want to be able to install custom rom on my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 Att. I have already downgraded all the way to NB1 and rooted and updated all the way back to OK2 without losing Root access. I went ahead and reflashed stock for fun however to see if I could do it. It worked. So now I'm unrooted back on OK3 official via OTA. I just tricked the time on the phone, changed the date, to bypass ATT's stupid ota 24 hour update wait period inbetween updates. . So I have no issue experimenting because I have the way to downgrade all the way back to NB1 no problem with Odin and then Ota update back to OC3 then OK2, Ok3 ext. Ext. So I just need to get to MDL so I can use loki from what I have read. I'mean only able to get to NB1 basically due to lack of .tar/Odin file for the exploitable mdl bootloader.
So if I can get the Odin file or zip to MDL I will know what to do.. Thank you ahead of time for all your hard work! This post is amazing.
-Scott
(Hopefully I did this right lol)
Scottie32583 said:
Hi,
I'm trying to find a way to install MDL to be able to get past my att bootloader lock. I have everything except the MDL Odin file. Can you please tell me the link to get it. I'm new on the site sorry if Im in the wrong section. I want to be able to install custom rom on my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 Att. I have already downgraded all the way to NB1 and rooted and updated all the way back to OK2 without losing Root access. I went ahead and reflashed stock for fun however to see if I could do it. It worked. So now I'm unrooted back on OK3 official via OTA. I just tricked the time on the phone, changed the date, to bypass ATT's stupid ota 24 hour update wait period inbetween updates. . So I have no issue experimenting because I have the way to downgrade all the way back to NB1 no problem with Odin and then Ota update back to OC3 then OK2, Ok3 ext. Ext. So I just need to get to MDL so I can use loki from what I have read. I'mean only able to get to NB1 basically due to lack of .tar/Odin file for the exploitable mdl bootloader.
So if I can get the Odin file or zip to MDL I will know what to do.. Thank you ahead of time for all your hard work! This post is amazing.
-Scott
(Hopefully I did this right lol)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once your phone has been updated past MDL, you cannot go back. NB1 is the farthest back you can go without bricking. You are stuck with safe strap recovery for kit kat and flash fire for lollipop. You can only boot custom touchwiz ROMs.
Thank you so much!! You saved me a lot of time with this information. I can quit trying to find a way to go back. I will stick with flash fire and safestrap.
Scott
No problem. Be careful as safe strap works only with kit kat to my knowledge. If you're on NB1 I think that's kit kat. Flash fire works with lollipop as safe strap doesn't. Flash fire may also work under kit kat, but I am not sure.
StoneyJSG said:
Which APK file are you referring to? Towel root or something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to leave you hanging here. I was referring to towel root and I did find a good file. Thanks. I see you posted that I cannot go back to mdl after updating to OC3? Bummer! I should have researched a little more before I did that
Nope, once you update past MDL which is MK3 I believe it patches the loki doki exploit so it can't be used and also makes it so if you try to downgrade back to MDL you can brick the phone.
good guide.
err on the side of kindness
I have a Shield Tablet (post battery fire exchange) and I would like to update it to the newest firmware/os... It is currently rooted, running BitO-Kernel, and stock nvidia rom. I did all the rooting and flashing on this tablet originally, but I never kept it up to date with newer updates. I heard on this forum awhile back that it's not just as simple as flashing a new rom, something about having to flash some other system stuff first or some partition or something. Basically I'm looking for a guide on how to update a Shield Tablet from rooted 5.1.1 to the newest OS version avalible. I tried sreaching the forum, but I couldn't find what I was looking for (maybe I'm not using the right search keyworks).
Agreed, that it is typically best to keep devices updated with the whole OTA update, which include firmware, modems, and whatever other partitions (not always flashed with custom ROMs). Although I'm not sure if there is much changed in those partitions between 5.1.s and 5.2.
That is the original Shield tablet (not the K1) right?
If so, I think you can just download the full OTA zip, and flash in TWRP: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72501806&postcount=35
Then root (flash Magisk or SuperSU) right away before rebooting, if you want to keep TWRP. If you don't root, the update will cause TWRP to be replaced with stock recovery.
Another option, if you made a backup of the stock ROM before installing custom ROM (I suggest always doing that) you can restore it, and should get the OTA notification. Then you should be able to just download and update that way. Again, root before rebooting, if you want to retain TWRP.
If all the above fail, you can download the recovery OS, and flash all the components using fastboot, as described in the supplied instructions:
https://developer.nvidia.com/gameworksdownload#?search=SHIELD%20Tablet%20wifi&tx=$additional,shield
redpoint73 said:
Agreed, that it is typically best to keep devices updated with the whole OTA update, which include firmware, modems, and whatever other partitions (not always flashed with custom ROMs). Although I'm not sure if there is much changed in those partitions between 5.1.s and 5.2.
That is the original Shield tablet (not the K1) right?
If so, I think you can just download the full OTA zip, and flash in TWRP: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72501806&postcount=35
Then root (flash Magisk or SuperSU) right away before rebooting, if you want to keep TWRP. If you don't root, the update will cause TWRP to be replaced with stock recovery.
Another option, if you made a backup of the stock ROM before installing custom ROM (I suggest always doing that) you can restore it, and should get the OTA notification. Then you should be able to just download and update that way. Again, root before rebooting, if you want to retain TWRP.
If all the above fail, you can download the recovery OS, and flash all the components using fastboot, as described in the supplied instructions:
https://developer.nvidia.com/gameworksdownload#?search=SHIELD Tablet wifi&tx=$additional,shield
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I appreciate the help! Yes it's an original tablet (not the k1). It's currently rooted with the Bit-O kernel running over the stock Nvidia 5.1.1 os (also has twrp on it as well). I'd like to keep root. I'll have to do some more search to see if I can find the old thread where I was told it's more difficult the a simple flash, I remember it was explained fairly clearly, I just can remember exactly what that was lol.
EDIT: found the original post where I was asking about this from last year, the issue revolves around the Staging Blob which I've never worked with before and know nothing about it (usually just ROMs and kernel flashes and occasionally radio images).
https://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tablet/help/how-update-rooted-shield-tablet-to-t3355436
bluegizmo83 said:
It's currently rooted with the Bit-O kernel running over the stock Nvidia 5.1.1 os (also has twrp on it as well). I'd like to keep root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't be able to update the OS and keep root. Which is pretty typical when updating most Android devices (root will be lost). But for the 1st and 2nd options I gave (flashing the OTA zips in TWRP), it's easy to just root the device again. Just have your preferred root zip (Magisk or SuperSU) on the phone when you update. Then after the update (before rebooting to OS) while still in TWRP, just flash the root zip. Then you will be rooted, and TWRP will not be wiped (replaced by stock recovery).
3rd option (flash Recoveyr OS in fastboot), getting root again is a few more steps, but still not that hard. After flashing all the components, reboot and verify everything is working. Then go to fastboot again, flash TWRP. Then boot into TWRP, and flash the root file (Magisk or SuperSU).
For any of the options 1-3, if you want to then flash your custom kernel again after rooting, you are free to do so. I'd probably verify the stock OS is working. Then boot to TWRP, make a backup of the stock kernel & ROM, then flash your desired kernel.
bluegizmo83 said:
I'll have to do some more search to see if I can find the old thread where I was told it's more difficult the a simple flash, I remember it was explained fairly clearly, I just can remember exactly what that was lol.
EDIT: found the original post where I was asking about this from last year, the issue revolves around the Staging Blob which I've never worked with before and know nothing about it (usually just ROMs and kernel flashes and occasionally radio images).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the 3rd option (flash Recovery OS in fastboot), if you go to the link then click the desired version 5.2, it will expand, and you will see Downloads for the Windows or Linux files, and instructions below that. Click on "instructions" and you will see there are steps to extraxt various components, than flash each one individually using fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash userdata userdata.img
fastboot flash staging blob
If you do the other methods (flash OTA zip with TWRP) I believe all these components are included, and just flash automatically.
redpoint73 said:
You won't be able to update the OS and keep root. Which is pretty typical when updating most Android devices (root will be lost). But for the 1st and 2nd options I gave (flashing the OTA zips in TWRP), it's easy to just root the device again. Just have your preferred root zip (Magisk or SuperSU) on the phone when you update. Then after the update (before rebooting to OS) while still in TWRP, just flash the root zip. Then you will be rooted, and TWRP will not be wiped (replaced by stock recovery).
3rd option (flash Recoveyr OS in fastboot), getting root again is a few more steps, but still not that hard. After flashing all the components, reboot and verify everything is working. Then go to fastboot again, flash TWRP. Then boot into TWRP, and flash the root file (Magisk or SuperSU).
For any of the options 1-3, if you want to then flash your custom kernel again after rooting, you are free to do so. I'd probably verify the stock OS is working. Then boot to TWRP, make a backup of the stock kernel & ROM, then flash your desired kernel.
On the 3rd option (flash Recovery OS in fastboot), if you go to the link then click the desired version 5.2, it will expand, and you will see Downloads for the Windows or Linux files, and instructions below that. Click on "instructions" and you will see there are steps to extraxt various components, than flash each one individually using fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash userdata userdata.img
fastboot flash staging blob
If you do the other methods (flash OTA zip with TWRP) I believe all these components are included, and just flash automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh ok thanks! I'll definitely try to flash that 5.2 OTA zip from twrp and see if that works. After that, I should be able to flash any current update (like 6.0) also, correct? And I assume I need to flash 5.2 first before flashing 6.0 (or whatever the most current shield tablet OTA is), correct?
bluegizmo83 said:
Oh ok thanks! I'll definitely try to flash that 5.2 OTA zip from twrp and see if that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure it's how I updated to 5.2 (then rooted), and probably the easiest of the options. It's been a busy last couple months, so it's all a little blurry!
bluegizmo83 said:
After that, I should be able to flash any current update (like 6.0) also, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
bluegizmo83 said:
And I assume I need to flash 5.2 first before flashing 6.0 (or whatever the most current shield tablet OTA is), correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not 100% sure. It's a full OTA zip, not an incremental update. So in those cases (full OTA) it may not need the preceding update installed. But again, I'm not sure.
redpoint73 said:
Pretty sure it's how I updated to 5.2 (then rooted), and probably the easiest of the options. It's been a busy last couple months, so it's all a little blurry!.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks again, I appreciate all the help! One last question I promise lol. Do I need to wipe anything in twrp before I flash an OTA zip? In the past I've been told wipes are not required for incremental updates (like 5.0 to 5.1 to 5.2) but they are usually recommended for larger os revisions like 5.0 to 6.0, does that still hold true?
bluegizmo83 said:
One last question I promise lol. Do I need to wipe anything in twrp before I flash an OTA zip? In the past I've been told wipes are not required for incremental updates (like 5.0 to 5.1 to 5.2) but they are usually recommended for larger os revisions like 5.0 to 6.0, does that still hold true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say that is still true. Don't think you need to wipe anything (except cache and Dalvik - which I usually wipe when flashing anything), and I don't think I did either. Make a TWRP backup, in case anything goes wrong, as well as any other backups of apps, data, etc. (such as Titanium)..
Ask all the questions you like. It's fun to help, although I may not necessarily always know the answer!
redpoint73 said:
I would say that is still true. Don't think you need to wipe anything (except cache and Dalvik - which I usually wipe when flashing anything), and I don't think I did either. Make a TWRP backup, in case anything goes wrong, as well as any other backups of apps, data, etc. (such as Titanium)..
Ask all the questions you like. It's fun to help, although I may not necessarily always know the answer!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks. I did just think of one more question, its not 100% related to flashing though... On my shield tablet, I have a 128gb SDcard in it, and I use Folder Mount to move all my large apps and games to the SDcard. Do these backup through TWRP if I check every box (I don't think it does cause there isn't a check box to backup the sdcard)? Would titanium backup work better to backup and restore these large apps & games that were moved with Folder Mount?
bluegizmo83 said:
Ok thanks. I did just think of one more question, its not 100% related to flashing though... On my shield tablet, I have a 128gb SDcard in it, and I use Folder Mount to move all my large apps and games to the SDcard. Do these backup through TWRP if I check every box (I don't think it does cause there isn't a check box to backup the sdcard)? Would titanium backup work better to backup and restore these large apps & games that were moved with Folder Mount?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't backup internal storage or SD card in TWRP.
I don't personally use anything like Folder Mount. I would think as long as the folders are where they are supposed to be, and the data for Folder Mount is preserved/migrated properly, then it will all still work as it did before the update. If you are really paranoid, you can make a copy of the folders on your SD card to your computer as a "backup".
redpoint73 said:
You can't backup internal storage or SD card in TWRP.
I don't personally use anything like Folder Mount. I would think as long as the folders are where they are supposed to be, and the data for Folder Mount is preserved/migrated properly, then it will all still work as it did before the update. If you are really paranoid, you can make a copy of the folders on your SD card to your computer as a "backup".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just noticed on that download link you posted earlier, that Nvidia lists the newest update as 5.2.0, but that is actually Android os version 7.0. Earlier when I said on was on 5.1.1 I meant Android os 5.1.1 (as in Lollipop), not shield os version 5.1 (which is Nougat). Sorry if that wasn't clear in the beginning. Does that effect any of your original advise? Just thought I should double-check that.
bluegizmo83 said:
I just noticed on that download link you posted earlier, that Nvidia lists the newest update as 5.2.0, but that is actually Android os version 7.0. Earlier when I said on was on 5.1.1 I meant Android os 5.1.1 (as in Lollipop), not shield os version 5.1 (which is Nougat). Sorry if that wasn't clear in the beginning. Does that effect any of your original advise? Just thought I should double-check that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if it matters with the OTA. My feeling is, that it won't matter, and it will still install.
My guess is that in the worst case, the OTA fails, and you have to resort to flashing the recovery OS version.