Hello Everyone,
New member, longtime lurker here. I have a I535 Verizon GS3, and am rooted. It has been quite a while since I did that, and I just wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into before I tried to upgrade to a newer rom. The reason I want to upgrade is I currently have a Sony Smartwatch 2, that I love but I shattered the screen. In preparation to buy one of the new Android wearables, I need to be on a newer version of android as far as I can see.
Right now I am on: 4.1.2/ Baseband version, I535VRBMB1/ Kernel Version 3.031-86103/Build number JZO54K.I535VRBMB1
I am not sure what of that info is important so I posted it all. I don't remember the exact name of the rom I flashed before, but I think it was created by member Dalep, and it was something like "Stock Rooted". It was basically just a rooted version of the stock rom. My only reason for rooting was to use a wifi tethering app which has been working well for me. I was nervous with the initial rooting and flash process, so once I got what I needed I stopped working on it and used my phone as is until now. Now I would like some guidance on how to get my phone safely up to date.
1. I am running Clockwork Mod Recovery v6.0.2.3. Is this still usable or do I need to update it?
2. What rom would you all recommend for someone who wants a fairly stable phone and does not care so much about tinkering/customizing?
3. What does a nandroid backup do and what can I do with the backup (I did one before I installed this current rom)
4. What is the best way to get my phone back with the apps I have installed? (i.e. reinstall from Playstore, etc) I don't have many apps.
I am sure there will be more questions, but thank you for reading my long first post, I just want to make sure I am clear about my current state, skill level and intentions.
Thanks,
Victor
Update recovery to latest version of whichever recovery you prefer. I use TWRP. Flash the MF1 firmware and ML1 modem in that order. This will bring you as far up to date as possible without locking down the phone. Then you can flash any rom currently available. I run stock deodexed ML1 4.3 base and then mod it the way I want it. Scott has one in the rom threads. As far as nandroid it will make an image of your current setup in case you need to return due to problems or trying some other rom. There are several options for backing up apps such as TIBU, My Backup or even Google can restore your apps. Here is firmware and modem. Flash MF1 first and ML1 second. ML1 will replace the MF1 modem but leave rest of firmware (bootchain) at MF1 level and will retain root and unlock status.
Flash in recovery in order posted:
#1- MF1 Firmware -- http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407591785
#2- ML1 Modem -- http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407591786
Thanks for the response, I will flash those and check out that rom
Related
Hey guys I have a random stupid question. My phone is rooted and I have safestrap recovery installed but I haven't messed with it in a while. I have a few roms on it but I for some reason I can't remember I have just been using the stock rom. I've been getting prompted for system update for a long time now but it errors out when I install it (probably because of being rooted). How can I manually install the latest "stock rom". What is the actual name for the stock rom? Right now I'm running 9.16.6.XT926.Verizon.en.US which is android version 4.1.2. Since I haven't messed with it in over a year I would imagine there's quite a few updates to the one I'm running. So basically my question is what is the official name for the stock rom (I keep wanting to call it firmware but I'm pretty sure thats not it) and where can I get the latest and greatest. Thanks!
thibaulb said:
Hey guys I have a random stupid question. My phone is rooted and I have safestrap recovery installed but I haven't messed with it in a while. I have a few roms on it but I for some reason I can't remember I have just been using the stock rom. I've been getting prompted for system update for a long time now but it errors out when I install it (probably because of being rooted). How can I manually install the latest "stock rom". What is the actual name for the stock rom? Right now I'm running 9.16.6.XT926.Verizon.en.US which is android version 4.1.2. Since I haven't messed with it in over a year I would imagine there's quite a few updates to the one I'm running. So basically my question is what is the official name for the stock rom (I keep wanting to call it firmware but I'm pretty sure thats not it) and where can I get the latest and greatest. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the update is probably failing because of something you did with root access. However, before you decide to update, I would unlock your bootloader. You're still on a system version that can be unlocked. Once you're unlocked, you can FXZ to the newest update, flash an aftermarket recovery, and then flash a SU.zip to gain root.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vh04gc3ysgib7i9/VRZ_XT926_9.8.1Q-94-1_CFC.xml.ziphttps://www.dropbox.com/s/vh04gc3ysgib7i9/VRZ_XT926_9.8.1Q-94-1_CFC.xml.zipYou are on the last software version which allowed bootloader unlocking. So if you haven't already done so, you should unlock first. Here's a screenshot showing the current software version. Also included link to the zip.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app
Hi everyone,
So, not sure if I have a unique situation here, but have looked through the forums and haven't found any that seemed to answer my question. Sorry if there's a duplicate situation posted elsewhere. My level is pretty noob...I do pretty much only the basics. I understand about half of what I read, hahaha. Previously had a Verizon Galaxy Nexus that was unlocked/rooted and running Gummy, and then AOKP, so was able to keep up with that to some degree, though things like S-Off, CID, etc., still are a bit confusing to me.
Main target: Update Verizon HTC One (M8) to 4.4.3 Stock
My current situation:
My PC has adb/fastboot ready to go
My phone is already unlocked and S-Off
Running current TWRP recovery (2.8.0.1)
Phone running stock otherwise (4.4.2, Software # 1.55.605.2 Official)
I got the firmware that Tigerstown/Santod posted http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2723159 (no boot/recovery version). I installed via Fastboot, and can confirm that the firmware took hold (e.g. radios definitely updated, reads 1.09.20.0702 in fastboot). Phone starts back up just fine.
Now, I assume I'm just stupidly expecting to see my Android version read 4.4.3, but it's still at 4.4.2. I'm guessing that it's because I only updated firmware, not software. Can also confirm I do not have the option for Extreme Power Saving mode. To add to that, I get the OTA notification that I can download 4.4.3 and update, but of course, I can't, because I'm running TWRP, not stock recovery. Tried flashing the stock 4.4.3 recovery from Tigerstown's thread, but the only thing I see is a picture of a phone with a red triangle, so I had to reflash TWRP, which is working again.
You can probably tell I'm in a bit over my head. Would like to be on 4.4.3 everything (not just the firmware underneath). Don't want to have to wipe everything if I decide to stay stock (have tons of photos and video of my kids that I don't want to have to reorganize), though I'm considering Android Revolution or ViperOneM8 (and would obviously have to wipe then). What am I missing, and what should I be doing? Or, since I'm not running any custom ROMs and the firmware seems to have taken hold, should I just leave it alone for now?
I appreciate any help and direction you can give! Let me know if you need further info that I didn't describe here.
branmuffin17 said:
Hi everyone,
So, not sure if I have a unique situation here, but have looked through the forums and haven't found any that seemed to answer my question. Sorry if there's a duplicate situation posted elsewhere. My level is pretty noob...I do pretty much only the basics. I understand about half of what I read, hahaha. Previously had a Verizon Galaxy Nexus that was unlocked/rooted and running Gummy, and then AOKP, so was able to keep up with that to some degree, though things like S-Off, CID, etc., still are a bit confusing to me.
Main target: Update Verizon HTC One (M8) to 4.4.3 Stock
My current situation:
My PC has adb/fastboot ready to go
My phone is already unlocked and S-Off
Running current TWRP recovery (2.8.0.1)
Phone running stock otherwise (4.4.2, Software # 1.55.605.2 Official)
I got the firmware that Tigerstown/Santod posted http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2723159 (no boot/recovery version). I installed via Fastboot, and can confirm that the firmware took hold (e.g. radios definitely updated, reads 1.09.20.0702 in fastboot). Phone starts back up just fine.
Now, I assume I'm just stupidly expecting to see my Android version read 4.4.3, but it's still at 4.4.2. I'm guessing that it's because I only updated firmware, not software. Can also confirm I do not have the option for Extreme Power Saving mode. To add to that, I get the OTA notification that I can download 4.4.3 and update, but of course, I can't, because I'm running TWRP, not stock recovery. Tried flashing the stock 4.4.3 recovery from Tigerstown's thread, but the only thing I see is a picture of a phone with a red triangle, so I had to reflash TWRP, which is working again.
You can probably tell I'm in a bit over my head. Would like to be on 4.4.3 everything (not just the firmware underneath). Don't want to have to wipe everything if I decide to stay stock (have tons of photos and video of my kids that I don't want to have to reorganize), though I'm considering Android Revolution or ViperOneM8 (and would obviously have to wipe then). What am I missing, and what should I be doing? Or, since I'm not running any custom ROMs and the firmware seems to have taken hold, should I just leave it alone for now?
I appreciate any help and direction you can give! Let me know if you need further info that I didn't describe here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone with the red triangle is what you are supposed to see. When you see that, you need to hit Vol-Up + Vol-Down and Power and it will take you into recovery. With that, you should be able to do the OTA to 4.4.3. I'm not sure if you need to flash the 4.4.2 firmware first or not. You can give it a try. If it fails then go ahead and flash back to the 4.4.2 firmware from Tigerstown's thread and try it again.
branmuffin17 said:
Hi everyone,
So, not sure if I have a unique situation here, but have looked through the forums and haven't found any that seemed to answer my question. Sorry if there's a duplicate situation posted elsewhere. My level is pretty noob...I do pretty much only the basics. I understand about half of what I read, hahaha. Previously had a Verizon Galaxy Nexus that was unlocked/rooted and running Gummy, and then AOKP, so was able to keep up with that to some degree, though things like S-Off, CID, etc., still are a bit confusing to me.
Main target: Update Verizon HTC One (M8) to 4.4.3 Stock
My current situation:
My PC has adb/fastboot ready to go
My phone is already unlocked and S-Off
Running current TWRP recovery (2.8.0.1)
Phone running stock otherwise (4.4.2, Software # 1.55.605.2 Official)
I got the firmware that Tigerstown/Santod posted http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2723159 (no boot/recovery version). I installed via Fastboot, and can confirm that the firmware took hold (e.g. radios definitely updated, reads 1.09.20.0702 in fastboot). Phone starts back up just fine.
Now, I assume I'm just stupidly expecting to see my Android version read 4.4.3, but it's still at 4.4.2. I'm guessing that it's because I only updated firmware, not software. Can also confirm I do not have the option for Extreme Power Saving mode. To add to that, I get the OTA notification that I can download 4.4.3 and update, but of course, I can't, because I'm running TWRP, not stock recovery. Tried flashing the stock 4.4.3 recovery from Tigerstown's thread, but the only thing I see is a picture of a phone with a red triangle, so I had to reflash TWRP, which is working again.
You can probably tell I'm in a bit over my head. Would like to be on 4.4.3 everything (not just the firmware underneath). Don't want to have to wipe everything if I decide to stay stock (have tons of photos and video of my kids that I don't want to have to reorganize), though I'm considering Android Revolution or ViperOneM8 (and would obviously have to wipe then). What am I missing, and what should I be doing? Or, since I'm not running any custom ROMs and the firmware seems to have taken hold, should I just leave it alone for now?
I appreciate any help and direction you can give! Let me know if you need further info that I didn't describe here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SCrosler has posted a stock rooted 4.4.3 ROM. If you flash that you will all up to date (or you could flash Viper 2.4 or NuSense 2.0) essentially flashing any 4.4.3 ROM will get you where you want to be.
Here is the link to the stock, rooted ROM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...m-stock-rooted-vzw-ota-2-21-605-2-wp-t2874699. With your updated firmware and that ROM you will be stock, and up to date on 4.4.3
@BladeRunner & @jsaxon2, thank you very much for your replies and the help. Looks like this was covered to some degree, and has answered my questions.
Going to try dirty-flashing the ODEX rom. I want to flash Viper pretty badly, but don't want to have to wipe everything right now. When Android L comes out, that will be fully worth starting from scratch. I have just enough patience to wait.
Will confirm shortly that everything has worked.
FYI, dirty flash of the ODEX (just wiped cache/dalvik, left data alone) worked perfectly. Software is now reading 4.4.3. Thanks to @scrosler for the stock ROM!
Hi Experts,
I'm trying to load a custom ROM.
I did the useless hting of OTA update of the 4.3
I did this ROM Changing thing long back and I even once bricked my Phone.
I have to go to a local store and get it fixed.
SO I don't want to do that mistake once again.
I have Alliance ROM, and my chances are a lot limited, if my Booklooader is Locked or something.
Can anyone please let me know if anyone found out a way to unlock the bootloader, or we don't have any options other than to go for the 3-4 ROMS that are available??
Thanks a lot for Your help.
qzmpal said:
Hi Experts,
I'm trying to load a custom ROM.
I did the useless hting of OTA update of the 4.3
I did this ROM Changing thing long back and I even once bricked my Phone.
I have to go to a local store and get it fixed.
SO I don't want to do that mistake once again.
I have Alliance ROM, and my chances are a lot limited, if my Booklooader is Locked or something.
Can anyone please let me know if anyone found out a way to unlock the bootloader, or we don't have any options other than to go for the 3-4 ROMS that are available??
Thanks a lot for Your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader is not unlocked if you are on the official 4.3 OTA or higher. And most likely no one will ever find a way to unlock it. You are restricted to using one of the safestrap compatible ROMs.
I realized that the 4.3 Bootloader cannot be unlocked.
But when I'm trying to load a ROM, basic things are not working.
My basic doubt is, if anyone upgrades to 4.3, will the most basic 2 features in the phone,
1. making calls and
2. Wifi,
Will they work or not?
I'm confused here.
But my experience with Alliance ROM is the worst.
Worst Support, Very few users, useless ROM, FULL OF COMPLICATIONS.
qzmpal said:
I realized that the 4.3 Bootloader cannot be unlocked.
But when I'm trying to load a ROM, basic things are not working.
My basic doubt is, if anyone upgrades to 4.3, will the most basic 2 features in the phone,
1. making calls and
2. Wifi,
Will they work or not?
I'm confused here.
But my experience with Alliance ROM is the worst.
Worst Support, Very few users, useless ROM, FULL OF COMPLICATIONS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The dev provided 2 years of support from preorder to early/mid 2014. There aren't many Verizon S3 users left, it is a 2+ year old phone and Samsung has made this phone increasingly more difficult to mod as time passed. Those of us that are able to help, basically help blindly because we don't have locked bootloaders on our phones. Your anger should be directed at Samsung not us.
Now, with any VRUCML1 rom installed using Safestrap you have two options:
1) Flash the VRUCML1 rom, choose stock VRUCML1 kernel, then flash the VRUCML1 kernel modules to enable wifi. VRUCML1 kernel modules are in the Safestrap thread. Failing to flash the kernel modules will leave you with no working wifi.
OR
2) Flash the VRUCML1 rom in Safestrap and choose Safestrap kernel. Then boot into the rom and see if wifi works without flashing kernel modules.
If you took the VRUCNC1 4.3 OTA, you need to do a lot more work because none of the above will enable wifi for you at all. Lastly to answer your question, yes Samsung crippled this phone to the point that users will have no working wifi if they do not flash the kernel modules for their respective OTA BEFORE booting into the rom.
I have successfully rooted my note 12.2 - thanks to this awesome forum.
With that I can't do OTA or use Kies to stay up to date. So I'd like to know how I can stay up to date as Samsung releases new firmwares? For example I just downloaded the newly released 5.0.2 from Samobile and flashed it with Odin 3.09. That went well but of course it wiped my machine so I'm starting fresh again. I'd like to be able to stay up to date with out a complete re-wipe each time if possible. Thoughts?
As a long time root user I can tell you that the cardinal rule is that one should give up the notion of getting OTA updates for good once one roots for the simple fact that with each major OTA update comes the risk of losing root forever should the update lock the doors on the exploit used to gain root to begin with.
Casual root users are best served by watching forum threads after updates are released to see how more experienced users are fairing with getting their devices up to date. The exception to this is if a custom ROM is installed and the developer updates the ROM periodically to integrate the updated software or features that the device manufacturer releases. Even then, if a major update is released that let's say jumps to a new system like kitkat to lollipop there's a chance that a full wipe can't be avoided. ROM developers typically warn users when clean installs are required, and some even distribute their own OTAs.
I'm a religious user of titanium backup, and I will often dirty flash a ROM update or use prior titanium backups to restore data but this can be risky business when major updates are released because if software or drivers change from one major firmware release to another a backup of a particular application may no longer be compatible and stability may be affected upon restore.
Bottom line, if you want lollipop on your note pro, rooted, can live with the current bluetooth issues and want to be able to update further easily while retaining root then go with a custom ROM like civs and just monitor the thread of that ROM for updates.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the excellent advice. One two more more question on the topic. I had root on KitKat, but after flashing the new stock Lollipop via Odin, I lost root. So after installing the stock Lollipop I had to re-do the root flash via Odin to get root back, thankfully it all worked out. (Lollipop is awesome BTW).
Questions:
1. Was I in danger of forever losing root as you state above or was this a safe route? I understand that OTA and even Kies can make me lose root forever, but what about flashing a stock via Odin?
2. Are you saying that next time there's an update I could try to dirty flash the ROM via TWM (after doing a good backup via Titanium of course)? Basically find ROM on samobile, download, copy to SD card and dirty flash away using these suggestions: https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/sthr8/dirty_flashing_what_it_is_and_is_not_lets_set_the/
Typically to keep root the stock recovery is replaced with a custom one, TWRP is the main one used for our device. Stock updates from Samsung downloaded as OTA will typically fail to flash in TWRP. Odin flashing stock images will erase everything including the custom recovery, thus causing loss of root. In other words you'll typically lose root one way or another and the key to retaining it is to not blindly update until a root method is ensured for the next version of firmware. Resign to the fact that with each update you will temporarily lose root and need to redo it. Plan ahead, wait for root confirmation and then update with a plan of how to get root again.
I typically don't TWRP flash stock so I don't know if it works but in the distant past I recall that it wouldn't so thus I never try. Maybe someone can confirm. For me I haven't updated firmware on my note pro for a year now and I am not missing anything. ..
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Sup guys,
I've rooted every phone I've had, but I do it so infrequently that I always have to refresh my memory with it. Current situation is that I have a rooted M8 running mostly stock 4.4.4 ROM, but with a bunch of Xposed mods and a few system tweaks - it's dialed in just the way I want it, but the screen is separating so I've got my hands on another M8 running 4.4.2. I basically want to get the 4.4.2 M8 to the state of my 4.4.4 device. I've already made a complete backup ROM from the 4.4.4 phone and I want to restore that ROM to the 4.4.2 device. With the 4.4.2 device, I plan to:
S-Off (Try Firewater. May or may not work. If doesn't work, try Sunshine)
Install recovery - CWM or TWRP
Flash Super SU
Update firmware from 4.4.2 to 4.4.4 from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52017763&postcount=2
Flash my complete backup ROM from my current device
Sanity check? Am I missing anything here? When I rooted my current M8 (4.4.2), weaksauce actually worked, and I flashed CWM recovery and Super SU by placing them on the SD card. That is what I plan to do again since that was so easy. Recommendations?
Cheers guys!
j006 said:
Sup guys,
I've rooted every phone I've had, but I do it so infrequently that I always have to refresh my memory with it. Current situation is that I have a rooted M8 running mostly stock 4.4.4 ROM, but with a bunch of Xposed mods and a few system tweaks - it's dialed in just the way I want it, but the screen is separating so I've got my hands on another M8 running 4.4.2. I basically want to get the 4.4.2 M8 to the state of my 4.4.4 device. I've already made a complete backup ROM from the 4.4.4 phone and I want to restore that ROM to the 4.4.2 device. With the 4.4.2 device, I plan to:
S-Off (Try Firewater. May or may not work. If doesn't work, try Sunshine)
Install recovery - CWM or TWRP
Flash Super SU
Update firmware from 4.4.2 to 4.4.4 from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52017763&postcount=2
Flash my complete backup ROM from my current device
Sanity check? Am I missing anything here? When I rooted my current M8 (4.4.2), weaksauce actually worked, and I flashed CWM recovery and Super SU by placing them on the SD card. That is what I plan to do again since that was so easy. Recommendations?
Cheers guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
firewater sever is taken down, even if you have an old version of it laying around it is useless.. you must pay for sunshine.
but other than that everything looks good.
you have your nandroid backup, on the new m8, s-off using sunshine, then update the firmware from 442 to 444, then flash custom recovery (TWRP is recommended), and then wipe and restore the nandroid and you should be good to go. :good:
(no need to flash supersu as the ROM you have backed up using nandroid is already rooted)
Many thanks! A couple of years ago when I did this I remember it being fairly straightforward. Do you personally find any real benefit in upgrading to one of the Lollipop ROMs this go 'round? Seems like it's more trouble than what you gain, though I may be uninformed of course..
Cheers!
j006 said:
Many thanks! A couple of years ago when I did this I remember it being fairly straightforward. Do you personally find any real benefit in upgrading to one of the Lollipop ROMs this go 'round? Seems like it's more trouble than what you gain, though I may be uninformed of course..
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find many benefits to LP over KK personally.
If you like a stock ROM we have stock based LP ROMs, and firmware.zip you can flash and you are up an running a stock LP ROM within 10 minutes. Sure you need to set things up, but most can be backed up and if you take some screen shots of everything it's pretty easy to get everything set up to your liking.
If you want some customization there are ROMs like mine, that come mostly stock with some benefits like root, busybox, etc, and then offer you a MOD Pack.
See ROM thread here
If you want to customize pretty much every aspect of the ROM you have Venom at your fingertips.
Venom ROM thread
There is the benefit of having all the security updates with the newest firmware.
We also have Marshmallow 6.0 ROMs out already that are rock solid.
A Google Play Edition ROM found here
And a Sense based ROM found here
You can also run some Sense 7 ROMs that are very stable, you can find one in my linked thread posted above, and in the Development area.
I personally would try things out, that's the great benefit of root/s-off/custom recovery/ROMs
You can always make a nandroid backup of your current ROM, and flash the older firmware to get right back where you left off.
Best of luck, enjoy your flashings