Database Info

"Unauthorized Software Found" Notice -- How to reset it?

Hi guys.
So I am very new to the Verizon Galaxy S3, and I didn't see this question anywhere that I looked in this section so forgive me anyways if it has been posted before.
After flashing the cm10 nightly from 2012-10-05 (October 5) I got the unauthorized software notice and I can't get it to go away.
Does anybody know how to reset it?
Help is much appreciated.
Thanks.
--Sam

You will have to Odin back to stock and start over. That message means you did not unlock your bootloader.

apacseven said:
You will have to Odin back to stock and start over. That message means you did not unlock your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did unlock my bootloader. But now that I can't tether it might be a while to download the 1.2GB file. Thanks man!

If you used ez unlock, there is a chance u had the version that wasnt unlocking properly. That message def comes from flashing custom kernel and a secure aboot in my experience. I think the version everyone said for sure works was 1.2.

apacseven said:
If you used ez unlock, there is a chance u had the version that wasnt unlocking properly. That message def comes from flashing custom kernel and a secure aboot in my experience. I think the version everyone said for sure works was 1.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to use 1.1 cause 1.2 wouldn't open on my phone. :/

Yep, the dreaded triangle. I had use EZ Unlock v1.4 and it screwed me. Use v1.2 or v1.0 I had to Odin back to stock and start from there. All is running well now.
This was how I got it back to stock (rooted). I had to use that special tip in the grey box to work for mine.

I remember when I had this happen to me. I was a total noob at flashing when I got my S3. Tried to install some rom with custom kernel and kept getting this at reboot. Didn't know anything about unlocking bootloader
A month later and I'm a pro... Well maybe not a pro, but no more triangle of death!
At the time, though, I nearly **** my pants lol.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

That happened to me, I thought sh#%, I gotta go to Verizon and act stupid. I Messed with it for a few minutes and figured it out. Then odined it back. You learn fast thanks to the geniuses in these forums.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Sorry for posting on an old thread but I though a link to Ez Unlocker V1.2 would be nice for anyone else having this problem. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=31819403

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Had this happen to me last weekend. I thought my boot loader was unlocked but it turned out the superuser app I flashed (which I thought was an updated one) didn't have the thing to unlock the boot loader. Basically I just rooted and assumed I had it unlocked... Then flashed MOAR and after aroma froze 5 times and finally got the whole way through i met mr triangle. Haha
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Download the official software update from somewhere online and flash it in Odin. Just make sure you download it for Verizon
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

No longer works after Verizon 4.3 OTA
ThePatelBros said:
Download the official software update from somewhere online and flash it in Odin. Just make sure you download it for Verizon
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This process no longer appears to work after Verizon OTA'd the official 4.3 update. I tried to flash back to stock following the steps here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840030
However I'm unable to flash the VRALEC bootchain successfully. I'm wondering if Verizon had a little extra magic in that update.

johncase142 said:
This process no longer appears to work after Verizon OTA'd the official 4.3 update. I tried to flash back to stock following the steps here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840030
However I'm unable to flash the VRALEC bootchain successfully. I'm wondering if Verizon had a little extra magic in that update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't flash anything in Odin. Once on TW 4.3, you're permanently on TW 4.3 because of Knox bootloader. You have the potential to brick your device if you flash anything in Odin.

SlimSnoopOS said:
Don't flash anything in Odin. Once on TW 4.3, you're permanently on TW 4.3 because of Knox bootloader. You have the potential to brick your device if you flash anything in Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have already tried the original 4.0.4 ROM and am getting the yellow unauthorized triangle. Any idea how to make this thing boot again?

johncase142 said:
I have already tried the original 4.0.4 ROM and am getting the yellow unauthorized triangle. Any idea how to make this thing boot again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After which step did you see this yellow triangle? Could you be very specific? Did the ICS tar flash successfully? Cuz from what I understand with 4.3 on other carrier's S3, once you're on TW 4.3 you can't downgrade. I want to tell you to flash VRBMF1 jellybean stock firmware since you've already flashed ICS firmware with no hard brick.

SlimSnoopOS said:
After which step did you see this yellow triangle? Could you be very specific? Did the ICS tar flash successfully? Cuz from what I understand with 4.3 on other carrier's S3, once you're on TW 4.3 you can't downgrade. I want to tell you to flash VRBMF1 jellybean stock firmware since you've already flashed ICS firmware with no hard brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried flashing the VRALEC bootchain first, and it took, but then threw the yellow triangle. After that I tried loading VRALF2 stock firmware and it did not give any errors. I tried again with VRALEC bootchain with no success. Then tried VRALF2 bootchain and VRBMD3 bootchain. I can boot into stock recovery and Odin, but that's all.

johncase142 said:
I have already tried the original 4.0.4 ROM and am getting the yellow unauthorized triangle. Any idea how to make this thing boot again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We don't know. That means bootloader is locked. It would have to be Odin again. If got that with stock tar could be brick. If try to unlock may get hard brick. You kinda past the point of no return. Can try to Odin another newer one like MF1 and see what happens. It is saying the kernel is not compatible. Can't clear that message anyway without another stock Odin. Can't unlock with that message anyway. It's too late.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2

prdog1 said:
We don't know. That means bootloader is locked. It would have to be Odin again. If got that with stock tar could be brick. If try to unlock may get hard brick. You kinda past the point of no return. Can try to Odin another newer one like MF1 and see what happens. It is saying the kernel is not compatible. Can't clear that message anyway without another stock Odin. Can't unlock with that message anyway. It's too late.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I'm already downloading MF1 on my really slow Internet connection. It may be done by sunrise.

[Q] Yellow triangle of death?

Got the yellow triangle with " unauthorized software found on your device. Return to authorized Verizon dealer." I was trying to return this to stock and the directions on Odin said the bootloader had to be locked. I took the EZunlock and locked it back then all hell broke loose. Any ideas?

ergon said:
Got the yellow triangle with " unauthorized software found on your device. Return to authorized Verizon dealer." I was trying to return this to stock and the directions on Odin said the bootloader had to be locked. I took the EZunlock and locked it back then all hell broke loose. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where did u read the bootloader had to be locked? all u need to do is odin back to stock, root, unlock bootloader.

All you need to do is download Odin, and and whatever tar file you want, boot phone into download (volume down, home, power), select yes when it asks are you sure, open Odin, select the tar file and start. Easy schmeasy
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

ergon said:
Got the yellow triangle with " unauthorized software found on your device. Return to authorized Verizon dealer." I was trying to return this to stock and the directions on Odin said the bootloader had to be locked. I took the EZunlock and locked it back then all hell broke loose. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You rebooted your phone after locking the bootloader. You shouldn't have done that. Your issue isn't unfixable tho, not by any means. IIRC VRALF2 I'm pretty sure is the only stock image that doesn't re-lock the bootloader(I haven't tested all of them). If you choose VRALG1 that will re-lock the bootloader for you when you flash it, it did for me the other day when I started over.
Just boot into download mode and flash the G1 thru Odin then do a factory wipe and you should be fine. I'm 99% sure you didn't trip the flash counter doing this, someone else chime in on this please?
And make sure you use PDA mode when you use Odin and don't unplug your phone from it until it says finished(even if it says removed, let it continue rebooting and doing its thing before unplugging. The Start and Cancel buttons should 'come back to life' when it's ok)

This might be the source the OP was referring to:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1867253&highlight=odin+to+stock
Although it clearly says to NOT reboot after re-locking your bootloader, it does say that the first step is to lock it before flashing to stock via Odin. Further down in the thread he says he'll remove it from the guide, but I don't think flashing stock via Odin locks the BL so if youre trying to return it to Verizon I would lock it first.

nghtrain88 said:
This might be the source the OP was referring to:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1867253&highlight=odin+to+stock
Although it clearly says to NOT reboot after re-locking your bootloader, it does say that the first step is to lock it before flashing to stock via Odin. Further down in the thread he says he'll remove it from the guide, but I don't think flashing stock via Odin locks the BL so if youre trying to return it to Verizon I would lock it first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Certain stock images do. I've had g1 lock and I've read that he will to.
Don't get me wrong, locking it yourself prior to flashing thru Odin is a good thing to do just to make sure. It's easier than having to re-root just to lock it then flash all over again.

Brian Gove said:
Certain stock images do. I've had g1 lock and I've read that he will to.
Don't get me wrong, locking it yourself prior to flashing thru Odin is a good thing to do just to make sure. It's easier than having to re-root just to lock it then flash all over again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only stock rom i have found that locks the bootloader is vralhd... are you sure g1 locked your bootloader because i thought we had this conversation already lol? unless your returning the device, why would you even want to lock it back up?

droidstyle said:
the only stock rom i have found that locks the bootloader is vralhd... are you sure g1 locked your bootloader because i thought we had this conversation already lol? unless your returning the device, why would you even want to lock it back up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I meant HD, not HE.
We did, but that was when I flashed F2. F2 doesn't lock it, but a week or so ago I had to flash back to stock to start over, used G1 and it re-locked my bootloader on me.
One of these days when I'm bored I'll sit down and try them all just to double check too.

cvbcbcmv said:
Don't over think it. This is simply happening because the bootloader is locked and your trying to run a custom rom. Just restore to stock and you're fine.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having the same issue but when I go to restore back to stock Odin says it has completed 100% but when the phone reboots I get the triangle again. Please help.

i get this very same problem with with yellow triangle when i try to flash a rom it happend to me 2 times so i had to odin back any ideas why it happens when i try to flash a rom

Bootloader is locked
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Verizon note 2 will not go into download just yellow triangle
Okay bye hope someone can help me I rooted my galaxy note 2 by Verizon with framaroot and didn't realize the boot loader was locked and try to download ROM manager and it locked my phone up all I got was a yellow triangle said that they did not recognize a program then I did Adam's way of returning to stock with casual will not read it so then I found the root66_vzw..... same as stock but rooted and unlock boot loader and I flashed it and the pit file that went with it using Odin. It said pass when everything was done it upload bar on the phone I seen it on the screen and when it went to reset then it come back to the same Verizon yellow triangle and now I can't get it to going to download mode or do anything at all except for when I plug in the cable to my computer the yellow triangle come on. Can someone help?? Please I really we'd love to have my phone back! I would appreciate it very much thank you sincerely

worknman69 said:
Okay bye hope someone can help me I rooted my galaxy note 2 by Verizon with framaroot and didn't realize the boot loader was locked and try to download ROM manager and it locked my phone up all I got was a yellow triangle said that they did not recognize a program then I did Adam's way of returning to stock with casual will not read it so then I found the root66_vzw..... same as stock but rooted and unlock boot loader and I flashed it and the pit file that went with it using Odin. It said pass when everything was done it upload bar on the phone I seen it on the screen and when it went to reset then it come back to the same Verizon yellow triangle and now I can't get it to going to download mode or do anything at all except for when I plug in the cable to my computer the yellow triangle come on. Can someone help?? Please I really we'd love to have my phone back! I would appreciate it very much thank you sincerely
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We don't have a Note 2 go to the Note 2 forums to get help.

[Q] Need some help... rooted my phone, then received OTA update JZO54K.I535VRBMF1...

Hello,
Need some help here... I am a newbie... I had rooted my phone to unlock and use data while traveling in Europe with the below instructions... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046439 .... worked great!
I installed VRBLK3 (last update) before I received the VRBMF1 OTA update last night which automatically updated my phone. I am faced with error saying Unauthorized Software on phone, goto Verizon.
I am unable to boot into Odin Recovery Mode, but I can boot into Odin mode. I am unable to perform any steps to flash my phone again and then load the latest update manually via Odin.
What am I missing here? Thoughts? Any assistance would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jason

Your bootloader wasn't unlocked correctly and the update sure did mess up it up as it updated while you are rooted.
You can odin it just takes time as soon pull out the battery as soon as you out it in hold power, volume up and home. You should get into odin so you can flash a stock image.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I have the same problem. I haven't run the update, but it has downloaded. Either with buttons or through rommanager, I can't get into recovery mode (I have ClockWorkMod Recovery installed) . I keep deferring the update.
What are the steps to flash a stock image?

airtrons said:
I have the same problem. I haven't run the update, but it has downloaded. Either with buttons or through rommanager, I can't get into recovery mode (I have ClockWorkMod Recovery installed) . I keep deferring the update.
What are the steps to flash a stock image?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the ODIN program and then download the stock image from rootzwiki (or here at XDA if its posted)
Plug your phone into the USB port of a computer and then run the ODIN program. Then post the entire .tar package in the PDA section after your phone gets recognized (you'll need to boot into download mode, which is volume down+power+home).
Read the guide over at XDA for a better explanation. Here's the URL.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709
sent from my GS3 from the infected army

Addiso said:
Your bootloader wasn't unlocked correctly and the update sure did mess up it up as it updated while you are rooted.
You can odin it just takes time as soon pull out the battery as soon as you out it in hold power, volume up and home. You should get into odin so you can flash a stock image.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can get into Odin Download Mode, but I can't get into Odin Recovery (it gives me error in upper left corner ... SECURE FAIL: KERNEL).
When I get into Odin Download Mode and I hook it up to my laptop, it doesn't recognize the device even though I have the drivers loaded on my laptop.
Thoughts?

It should still work. Check the USB drivers in device manager.
Sent from my XT912 using xda app-developers app

Similar Problem
OK, so I've just been deferring the update. Just wanted to know if there is a way to get the update without having to unroot my phone first. I'd really rather not run through the motions of doing the whole unroot-reroot process but this update is bugging me.

iamme216 said:
OK, so I've just been deferring the update. Just wanted to know if there is a way to get the update without having to unroot my phone first. I'd really rather not run through the motions of doing the whole unroot-reroot process but this update is bugging me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was rooted (stock), took the OTA (a no no but did it anyway) this locked the bootloader and i lost root.
I used this one click to unlock bootloader, gain root AND install TWRP custom recovery and it worked FLAWLESSLY!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2332825
-SKB

iamme216 said:
OK, so I've just been deferring the update. Just wanted to know if there is a way to get the update without having to unroot my phone first. I'd really rather not run through the motions of doing the whole unroot-reroot process but this update is bugging me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42978477&postcount=9
try this it worked for me

kidhudi said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42978477&postcount=9
try this it worked for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe I just got soft bricked with this method.

iamme216 said:
I believe I just got soft bricked with this method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what? how is that possible? what were the steps you took? where did things go wrong?
if you can get into odin you should be ok. just flash the stock image and use the one-click method. but be careful i am reading about the one click casual method causing hard bricks on some devices.

kidhudi said:
what? how is that possible? what were the steps you took? where did things go wrong?
if you can get into odin you should be ok. just flash the stock image and use the one-click method. but be careful i am reading about the one click casual method causing hard bricks on some devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed everything. started the update, it reset and i got a "system software not authorized by Verizon Wireless has been found on your phone. Please turn off your phone and go to the nearest verizon wireless store for help." About to go in and odin now.

sorry about that bro. that process worked for me and a buddy of mine flawlessly. are you able to get into odin mode?
I deleted that post. I really still don't understand what went wrong. I have used these apps successfully MANY times in the past.
let me know how it all works out.

kidhudi said:
sorry about that bro. that process worked for me and a buddy of mine flawlessly. are you able to get into odin mode?
I deleted that post. I really still don't understand what went wrong. I have used these apps successfully MANY times in the past.
let me know how it all works out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just went all the way back to stock. Had to erase everything. Luckily I have most of my stuff on my SD card and my TiBu backup so not all is lost. Sucks I ended up having to do what I didn't want just for an update.

skbgiants said:
I was rooted (stock), took the OTA (a no no but did it anyway) this locked the bootloader and i lost root.
I used this one click to unlock bootloader, gain root AND install TWRP custom recovery and it worked FLAWLESSLY!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2332825
-SKB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's interesting. The same exact thing happened to me. I was rooted, running stock, accepted the ota, lost root but it left the bootloader unlocked.And then the next time I powered up my phone I saw Verizon had given me an unlocked icon and it says custom under it. I originally rooted my phone using that one click casual so now I'm really not sure if I should use it to root again. Any thoughts?

RipRip said:
That's interesting. The same exact thing happened to me. I was rooted, running stock, accepted the ota, lost root but it left the bootloader unlocked.And then the next time I powered up my phone I saw Verizon had given me an unlocked icon and it says custom under it. I originally rooted my phone using that one click casual so now I'm really not sure if I should use it to root again. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want root, then root. Preexisting root tools still work on the latest VRBMF1 ota. You can check if you're still rooted by downloading Root Checker from the store.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

RipRip said:
That's interesting. The same exact thing happened to me. I was rooted, running stock, accepted the ota, lost root but it left the bootloader unlocked.And then the next time I powered up my phone I saw Verizon had given me an unlocked icon and it says custom under it. I originally rooted my phone using that one click casual so now I'm really not sure if I should use it to root again. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously use this tool. Works great!

(Help please) Verizon warning triangle after trying to update to 4.3 from 4.1.2

I'm in need of some serious help here guys. Tonight I tried to update my rooted s3 on 4.1.2 to the new update 4.3. I accepted the download and after the download I installed it. My phone booted into the yellow Verizon triangle telling me it noticed I have unauthorized programs on my phone not authorized by Verizon and to turn the phone off and take it into Verizon. I tried to boot into clockwork recovery and it would not let me and booted back to the yellow Verizon triangle.
I have no idea what to do, did I permanently brick my phone or can I get back to 4.1.2 some how? I would greatly appreciate any information pointing in the direction to fix this.

I managed to recover my phone! I pulled the battery and sim card prior to signing up on xda because I read someone having the same issue on a note 2. Once the battery and sim is removed let it set for a half hour then place the sim and battery back into the phone. Once they were back in the phone press the power button ,it should boot right up as it normally would. I'm not saying there isn't more than one way of fixing this issue but this method worked for me and I thought I would share for those who might experience this yellow triangle notification as well. On a side note it did not successfully updated my phone but returned me back to 4.1.2

You need to be 100% stock to take an OTA (unrooted, stock recovery). The easiest way to get to that state is to ODIN a stock factory image. This will delete your internal storage.
Was your bootloader unlocked prior to trying to update to 4.3? I'm assuming so if you were running CWM recovery.

I actually had the same problem and am trying to fix right now. I tried running rootkeeper before the update, but that obviously didn't work. Anyone know where I can get the 4.1.2 image to flash? Also, do i need to do that "Triangle Away"? My custom binary dL says "Yes (4 counts)."

irl5fan said:
I actually had the same problem and am trying to fix right now. I tried running rootkeeper before the update, but that obviously didn't work. Anyone know where I can get the 4.1.2 image to flash? Also, do i need to do that "Triangle Away"? My custom binary dL says "Yes (4 counts)."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Triangle Away is free for XDA members. Must be stock rooted to work. Won't work on every rom. May have to odin stock, root run Triangle and then Odin Stock again. Remove tar from MF1 zip to Odin. Once on 4.3 there is no return and no unlock. Can run Saferoot to root. Do not try to unlock or flash custom recovery or device will brick.
Triangle Away- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=22462960&postcount=1
MF1- http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23134718111254196

BattsNotIncld said:
You need to be 100% stock to take an OTA (unrooted, stock recovery).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sure about that? Seems quite a few people were on 4.1.2 stock + rooted, took the update, and went to 4.3 fine, but lost root.
Quite a few in the main 4.3 thread.

BattsNotIncld said:
You need to be 100% stock to take an OTA (unrooted, stock recovery). The easiest way to get to that state is to ODIN a stock factory image. This will delete your internal storage.
Was your bootloader unlocked prior to trying to update to 4.3? I'm assuming so if you were running CWM recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my bootloader is unlocked. I think I'm going to postpone the 4.3 update until I hear better reviews. I have seen posts on here where people are having issues after taking the update. I simply did not know what was going on if I had hard bricked my device or not, luckily I did not and was able to get back to 4.1.2

Rsc25 said:
Yes my bootloader is unlocked. I think I'm going to postpone the 4.3 update until I hear better reviews. I have seen posts on here where people are having issues after taking the update. I simply did not know what was going on if I had hard bricked my device or not, luckily I did not and was able to get back to 4.1.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated my wifes Via the OTA and she has had 0 issues. I think most of the issues people are having after the OTA are self inflicted.

stock image
BattsNotIncld said:
You need to be 100% stock to take an OTA (unrooted, stock recovery). The easiest way to get to that state is to ODIN a stock factory image. This will delete your internal storage.
Was your bootloader unlocked prior to trying to update to 4.3? I'm assuming so if you were running CWM recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just wonderingim trying to get a stock vrbm1 tar but every link I try is down I did have it on a usb but lost it, originally from dark menace if you know of another source would be great ive downloaded a few but md5 doesn't match

[Q] Was rooted - took OTA - hanging at white Verizon logo screen

I was rooted and made the mistake of accepting the latest OTA update, which I assume was the new and devious 4.3. The update process seemed to work fine, but on reboot, phone is now freezing at the white Verizon logo screen.
My boot sequence looks like this: "SAMSUNG ([lock pic] Custom)" -> "SAMSUNG GALAXY S III" on black -> Swirly SAMSUNG logo on black -> Verizon animation on white -> HANG at indefinitely repeating few-frame loop animation of shining Verizon logo on white background.
I can get to Download mode - it looks like this:
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: SCH-I535
CUSTOM BINARY DOWNLOAD: Yes (2 counts)
CURRENT BINARY: Custom
SYSTEM STATUS: Custom
QUALCOMM SECUREBOOT: ENABLE
*NO* mention of Warranty Bit.
Does this mean I am still on 4.1.2 and not dreaded 4.3 Knox? I don't want to screw up and accidentally brick this thing.
Unfortunately I have crappy notes from my original rooting, so I don't know if I had a simple root or custom ROM or custom bootloader or what. I know I have CF-Auto-Root-d2vzw-d2vzw-schi535.tar.md5, VRBMB1_Bootchain.tar.md5, and VRALEC.bootchain.tar.md5 in my work folder, and I was only rooting so I could use SGS3 Easy UMS so I likely did whatever method was needed for that.
How can I get back to functional? Stock or custom, I don't care, but with all the bricking dangers I'm reading about after this new OTA update I just want to proceed extra carefully. Also I'd really like to not have to wipe the phone with a factory reset or anything like that.
Thanks for your help!

scrowdid said:
I was rooted and made the mistake of accepting the latest OTA update, which I assume was the new and devious 4.3. The update process seemed to work fine, but on reboot, phone is now freezing at the white Verizon logo screen.
My boot sequence looks like this: "SAMSUNG ([lock pic] Custom)" -> "SAMSUNG GALAXY S III" on black -> Swirly SAMSUNG logo on black -> Verizon animation on white -> HANG at indefinitely repeating few-frame loop animation of shining Verizon logo on white background.
I can get to Download mode - it looks like this:
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: SCH-I535
CUSTOM BINARY DOWNLOAD: Yes (2 counts)
CURRENT BINARY: Custom
SYSTEM STATUS: Custom
QUALCOMM SECUREBOOT: ENABLE
*NO* mention of Warranty Bit.
Does this mean I am still on 4.1.2 and not dreaded 4.3 Knox? I don't want to screw up and accidentally brick this thing.
Unfortunately I have crappy notes from my original rooting, so I don't know if I had a simple root or custom ROM or custom bootloader or what. I know I have CF-Auto-Root-d2vzw-d2vzw-schi535.tar.md5, VRBMB1_Bootchain.tar.md5, and VRALEC.bootchain.tar.md5 in my work folder, and I was only rooting so I could use SGS3 Easy UMS so I likely did whatever method was needed for that.
How can I get back to functional? Stock or custom, I don't care, but with all the bricking dangers I'm reading about after this new OTA update I just want to proceed extra carefully. Also I'd really like to not have to wipe the phone with a factory reset or anything like that.
Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got lucky. For some reason your boot chain didn't flash so it's still unlockable.
You need to flash this file in Odin:
http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23134718111254196
Using section 5 of this guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709
Then root and unlock with casual:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2332825
Then download ez unlock 1.2 and verify it's unlocked.
Then you're good to go again. Install a custom rom and never accept an Ota again.
As far as wiping your phone goes, you can't really do much about that, this is pretty much a last resort.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

It's a nice write up Badusername..:good:
I just want to add that if you want to keep stock rooted, just make sure you disabled OTA. Like Badusername mentioned if you decided to flash custom rom then you don't have to worry about OTA.

If that's everything in download mode, then you are still on 4.1.2. If you want to try retaining your /sdcard data, then you could try Odin flashing the no-wipe VRBMB1 image.
If you would like to start clean and wipe away /sdcard, then Odin flash this VRBMF1 4.1.2 stock image. You would need to root and unlock in both cases. DO NOT accept the 4.3 OTA in either case.
Edit: ninja'd lmao...badly

Thanks! I am operational again with the No-Wipe flash. Whew!
Unfortunately, it looks like I lost all my text messages though. That was one of the main things I had been hoping to preserve, to keep a record of some conversations. Unless there's something I'm missing and they might still be lurking somewhere?
My photos survived and it looks like apart from a few settings it's mostly unwiped. Cool! Glad I didn't ruin it. Now I can try a custom 4.3 or something else if I want, but for now I'm just glad to have it working again.

This happened to me after flashing VZW-I535VRUCML1-20131220083128 instentionally to return back to stock.
after flashing with odin in PDA mode, the samsung 'custom' screen came on then the loop on the white logo.

blueblur said:
This happened to me after flashing VZW-I535VRUCML1-20131220083128 instentionally to return back to stock.
after flashing with odin in PDA mode, the samsung 'custom' screen came on then the loop on the white logo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you boot into recovery and do a factory reset?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

SlimSnoopOS said:
Did you boot into recovery and do a factory reset?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When? Before flashing stock? No. After? No, but if I can get into recovery, I will.
edit:::
went into recovery after flashing odin image, that did the trick. thank you.
still showing 'custom' when starting up

blueblur said:
When? Before flashing stock? No. After? No, but if I can get into recovery, I will.
edit:::
went into recovery after flashing odin image, that did the trick. thank you.
still showing 'custom' when starting up
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Click to collapse
No problem. Idk why custom would be there unless you tried flashing something pre-4.3 in Odin beforehand? Odin flashing the VRUCML1 tar would wipe everything else off the phone in terms of rom and root. It doesn't affect anything unless you plan on doing a warranty replacement.

SlimSnoopOS said:
No problem. Idk why custom would be there unless you tried flashing something pre-4.3 in Odin beforehand? Odin flashing the VRUCML1 tar would wipe everything else off the phone in terms of rom and root. It doesn't affect anything unless you plan on doing a warranty replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was trading it in to verizon for the note 3. i'm good to go now. thanks for your help!

scrowdid said:
Thanks! I am operational again with the No-Wipe flash. Whew!
Unfortunately, it looks like I lost all my text messages though. That was one of the main things I had been hoping to preserve, to keep a record of some conversations. Unless there's something I'm missing and they might still be lurking somewhere?
My photos survived and it looks like apart from a few settings it's mostly unwiped. Cool! Glad I didn't ruin it. Now I can try a custom 4.3 or something else if I want, but for now I'm just glad to have it working again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a suggestion. I use an app in the play store called sms backup plus. It backs up your texts to your email.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zegoggles.smssync
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2