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[Q] [SOLVED] Is my friend's device soft bricked?

Hello there everyone...
I was helping my friend with his sgs iii and I successfully rooted and unlocked its bootloader and flashed TWRP recovery and such. Anyways, I decided to install Synergy rom on it, but when the phone booted, wifi didn't work. I figured it might be a kernel issue so I downloaded Scrosler's kernel and flashed that. Anyways, now instead of booting up, the phone just says "software unauthorized by Verizon has been installed on this device, please power off and take your device to the nearest Verizon store to get fixed". I can get into download mode but adb does not recognize the device and I am not sure how to get into recovery otherwise. Is there a shortcut to get into it from the powered off state? Or is my friend's sgs iii soft bricked and do I need to follow the guide in this thread here?
I apologize if this has been asked before but I searched and could not find anything specific on fixing this...
Thanks in advance

If you actually unlocked the BL, you shouldn't be seeing that message.
I'm keeping track of these separate "Bricked" threads. If you would have read the 13 other ones, you would know what to do.
Odin. That's your answer.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah, you're soft bricked. This was the easiest way i find for a fix.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840030

Odin a stock kernel, then odin stock rom...section 6 of my guide for further information.

You didn't unlock the phone bootloader. Synergy has a failsafe built into the rom that prevents loading its kernel if you are not unlocked.
Follow the guide droidstyle posted and if you had searched no WiFi in the synergy thread you would have seen lots of advice to unlock bootloader before you soft brickedm
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

fearjego said:
Yeah, you're soft bricked. This was the easiest way i find for a fix.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840030
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
droidstyle said:
Odin a stock kernel, then odin stock rom...section 6 of my guide for further information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
voodoomanx said:
You didn't unlock the phone bootloader. Synergy has a failsafe built into the rom that prevents loading its kernel if you are not unlocked.
Follow the guide droidstyle posted and if you had searched no WiFi in the synergy thread you would have seen lots of advice to unlock bootloader before you soft brickedm
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys I was able to fix it. I am going to unlock the bootloader today.

new root method

dear all,
has anybody tried this? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1940630

Already rooted, going to try it on a demo phone at work,
sent from my giant f$%&en Q

I tried it today works great, thanks posting it here i wanted root but didnt want unlock it.
Sent from my XT897 using xda app-developers app

Thanks a lot for confirming this as I am in the same boat. I will eventually unlock based on the fact that I hear you can't have custom recovery unless you unlock. I also came from a samsung epic and I haven't quite gotten the moto lingo down so I don't quite follow the boot and fastboot stuff yet. I think i have pieced together that moto has a better stock recovery than Samsung therefor you don't necessarily need a custom recovery to flash stuff if unlocked, but please correct me if I have assumed to much. Thx again.
Sent from my XT897 using xda app-developers app

bryanfritz1 said:
Thanks a lot for confirming this as I am in the same boat. I will eventually unlock based on the fact that I hear you can't have custom recovery unless you unlock. I also came from a samsung epic and I haven't quite gotten the moto lingo down so I don't quite follow the boot and fastboot stuff yet. I think i have pieced together that moto has a better stock recovery than Samsung therefor you don't necessarily need a custom recovery to flash stuff if unlocked, but please correct me if I have assumed to much. Thx again.
Sent from my XT897 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked and trashed the stock recovery and ported TWRP immediately after getting the device...
BUT with that said, typically stock recoveries will only flash signed/stock stuffs. So I doubt you'll be able to install anything aftermarket with their stock recovery... Obviously I don't know if this is true or not, I never even had stock reco on long enough to find out .

This worked great for me. No unlocked bootloader prior to running the script.
Now if only I could get wifi tether working...

bryanfritz1 said:
Thanks a lot for confirming this as I am in the same boat. I will eventually unlock based on the fact that I hear you can't have custom recovery unless you unlock. I also came from a samsung epic and I haven't quite gotten the moto lingo down so I don't quite follow the boot and fastboot stuff yet. I think i have pieced together that moto has a better stock recovery than Samsung therefor you don't necessarily need a custom recovery to flash stuff if unlocked, but please correct me if I have assumed to much. Thx again.
Sent from my XT897 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no stock recovery can flash OTA's and thats all
i was wondering how long it would take people to find this . reason why i dindt post it? next OTA that comes and wipes it out youve gutta wait until a new exploit is found... or unlock the bootloader and flash a recovery.

Install ota rootkeeper from the market and you will keep root through an update. Works great. I obviously haven't used the app on the photon q but it worked on a few other devices.
Having said that, sometimes updates come with different bootloaders and sometimes you don't want a newer bootloader.

CWM

What is the best way to install CWM on my TF300T, I am on the 4.2 bootloader, and I tried to put the CORRECT JB 4.2 version of TWRP 2.5.0 and it is like a split screen and will not function. Some time before that it asked for a password when I booted the recovery. I just want to start fresh with Clockwork Mod I guess.
Please point me in the correct direction.
Thank you

ScottBroker said:
What is the best way to install CWM on my TF300T, I am on the 4.2 bootloader, and I tried to put the CORRECT JB 4.2 version of TWRP 2.5.0 and it is like a split screen and will not function. Some time before that it asked for a password when I booted the recovery. I just want to start fresh with Clockwork Mod I guess.
Please point me in the correct direction.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to be a douche but use the search function. And use twrp. Cwm is too buggy on the tf300. Its very easy for it to bug out and brick your pad.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

mhays705 said:
Not to be a douche but use the search function. And use twrp. Cwm is too buggy on the tf300. Its very easy for it to bug out and brick your pad.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
well you are being a DB!
Do you not think I would search , too many posts with too many options.
TY for nothing. TWRP on TF3000T is very buggy btw.

ScottBroker said:
well you are being a DB!
Do you not think I would search , too many posts with too many options.
TY for nothing. TWRP on TF3000T is very buggy btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you searched you would have seen all your questions are answered in the stickies. Also you would have seen twrp is recommended over cwm due to cwm bricking devices. I'm sure you would prefer that not to happen.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

If anyone has some useful information, please let me know.
Thanks

ScottBroker said:
If anyone has some useful information, please let me know.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First and foremost learn how to search. Its a damn stickied topic. Here is what your looking for took less than a minute to search. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2187982
If you learned to read you wouldn't have a double screened twrp.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

I have tried that and still get a split screen, that is why I want to just flash CWM.
I have looked at that thread as well..

ScottBroker said:
I have tried that and still get a split screen, that is why I want to just flash CWM.
I have looked at that thread as well..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update to the most recent boot loader. I'm trying to tell you. You have to use twrp. Cwm bricks the tf300t while flashing ROMs. Everyone advises not to use it. I don't even think there's a guide here for it since its too much of a liability. If your getting a split screen you are doing something wrong. Reading everything and doing everything exactly right is the name of the game here. The tf300 is way to easy to brick. If your having problems just installing a custom recovery your best to just stay away from flashing on this device. You have to pay attention to boot loader version and firmware version or you are going to get errors. Your lucky you haven't hard bricked yet.
I know what I'm talking about. I didn't just fall off the turnip truck.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

mhays705 said:
Update to the most recent boot loader. I'm trying to tell you. You have to use twrp. Cwm bricks the tf300t while flashing ROMs. Everyone advises not to use it. I don't even think there's a guide here for it since its too much of a liability. If your getting a split screen you are doing something wrong. Reading everything and doing everything exactly right is the name of the game here. The tf300 is way to easy to brick. If your having problems just installing a custom recovery your best to just stay away from flashing on this device. You have to pay attention to boot loader version and firmware version or you are going to get errors. Your lucky you haven't hard bricked yet.
I know what I'm talking about. I didn't just fall off the turnip truck.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advise, but as you can see, I have almost 3 times the thanks than you have posts. But anyway, I have been flashing for years, I have had every Iphone, and every Galaxy and have not had problems like with the tablet. I like TWRP, I have the latest bootloader, I am on 4.2.....
Maybe I will just return to stock and start fresh again...
Thanks anyway

ScottBroker said:
Thanks for the advise, but as you can see, I have almost 3 times the thanks than you have posts. But anyway, I have been flashing for years, I have had every Iphone, and every Galaxy and have not had problems like with the tablet. I like TWRP, I have the latest bootloader, I am on 4.2.....
Maybe I will just return to stock and start fresh again...
Thanks anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, I went back to stock, and reflashed, and now with your helpful guide, I am back on TWRP.
TY

ScottBroker said:
FYI, I went back to stock, and reflashed, and now with your helpful guide, I am back on TWRP.
TY
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is defiantly one of the most sensitive device to do everything on. Asus wasn't to friendly. Its like they want you to brick. And my bad about the rudeness extreme lack of sleep has made me very irritable.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Indeed flashing cwm is another way to brick the TF300. Lucky you didn't flash it.
The problem is that the latest bootloader changes the partition table on the TF300 - it makes /system larger in order to accommodate the larger Asus ROM. The issue is most of the legacy recoveries including the non 4.2 twrp and cwm don't understand this and thus the device becomes bricked as the partition table is now messed up.

sbdags said:
Indeed flashing cwm is another way to brick the TF300. Lucky you didn't flash it.
The problem is that the latest bootloader changes the partition table on the TF300 - it makes /system larger in order to accommodate the larger Asus ROM. The issue is most of the legacy recoveries including the non 4.2 twrp and cwm don't understand this and thus the device becomes bricked as the partition table is now messed up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotta love sbdags knowledge and amazing rom
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Want to root, have some questions first.

Hello everyone, so I have a couple questions for you guys in regards to rooting my S3. Back in November when I got the phone, I had rooted it and unlocked it using Odin and the EZ-Unlock app off of the play store. Not long after that, i returned back to stock, and here we are 6/7 months later and I am wanting to re-root, but I have discovered that the way to go about this has since changed.
I have looked at this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046439 and looked at these videos http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2295146 but am still a little iffy about jumping right into this since the methods involved are different than the last time I did it. One thing I noticed on the guide that I linked is that they do not have the bootchain for the version on my phone (VRBMF1).
Basically so this thread does not turn into a short story, I am just going to ask if the steps I lay out is the correct way to go about this. I am strictly wanting to root and unlock so that I can flash to a custom ROM, mainly CM10.
1. install samsung drivers
2. download Odin
3. download the "both root and unlocked bootloader"
4. download VRALEC bootchain
5. download either CWM or TWRP
6. and for this step, should I just flash to either VRBMB1 or VRBMD3, or should I just skip this step since it is optional and go straight to flashing a custom ROM?
In addition to this, I have heard things mentioned about backing up the IMEI, and I see them saying you can do it in a Terminal Emulator (the su and reboot nvbackup commands) . Is this something that has to be done after root and unlock?
I would love to get back to rooted and running custom ROMS again, so any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Bump.

Flash the VRBMD3 bootchain and backup your IMEI after rooting and unlocking the bootloader but before flashing a custom ROM.

Thanks for your reply. Is there any benefit to flashing the md3 bootchain if I am just going to be flashing to a custom ROM?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

The boot chain makes a great stable platform before you go off on a custom. That way you can boot and make sure the root has taken
Sent from my SCH-I535

Lord_Tardis said:
The boot chain makes a great stable platform before you go off on a custom. That way you can boot and make sure the root has taken
Sent from my SCH-I535
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. I am happy to report that I listened and flashed the VRBMD3 bootchain and am successfully unlocked and rooted and am running a custom ROM. I did not know that the bootchain would have an effect after I had flashed a custom ROM, so I am glad that I did that. Thanks for your replies everyone. One question though. Since my baseband version is VRBMF1, is there any downside to flashing the VRBMD3 bootchain or does it really matter?

Atwooooood said:
Thanks for your reply. I am happy to report that I listened and flashed the VRBMD3 bootchain and am successfully unlocked and rooted and am running a custom ROM. I did not know that the bootchain would have an effect after I had flashed a custom ROM, so I am glad that I did that. Thanks for your replies everyone. One question though. Since my baseband version is VRBMF1, is there any downside to flashing the VRBMD3 bootchain or does it really matter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The mf1 is the most current radio data. I do not believe there is harm in flashing to an older one. The best bet is to find the one that gives you the best signal strength.
Sent from my SCH-I535

If I wanted to test a couple bootchains as far as signal strength goes , am I able to flash to a different one after I've already flashed a custom ROM or are there more steps involved?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Correct me if I'm wrong. But bootchains do not affect signal. Only modems/basebands. You can go download any which one as long as kids meant for your model/carrier.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

Sandman-007 said:
Correct me if I'm wrong. But bootchains do not affect signal. Only modems/basebands. You can go download any which one as long as kids meant for your model/carrier.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
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Click to collapse
You, sir, are correct.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Thanks for clarifying guys. Appreciate your alls help.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

How I unlocked a Bell Galaxy S4 on 4.4.2

My brother gave me his Bell locked Galaxy S4 today, so I've spent the day trying to unlock it to use on Rogers. After much reading of posts here, I managed to get it unlocked as follows:
I am no expert, though I am experienced with rooting and such. The following steps describe what I did to unlock my phone. I am not sure if all of these steps are necessary but they did work. Since I am not an expert, there is no point asking me questions if you have any problems, since I will not be able to help. Of course, some of these steps can void warranty, and could brick your phone if done improperly. I am not responsible for anything bad that happens.
1) Download and flash stock Columbia 4.2.2 rom with Odin (i used 3.09)
2) Root with CF-Auto Root
3) Flash Clockwork Mod (I use Caboomi's img2tar for this)
4) Get rid of KNOX by "installing" DE-KNOX zip in CWM (DE-SAMSUNGNIZER_KNOX_REMOVAL_SCRIPT_V2.0)
5) Download Chainfire's RegionLock Away, install and run
6) Restart and success!
7) Finally, I flashed the current (4.4.2) firmware of the provider I switched to (Rogers), as I was having problems with the phone and some other things. This seems to be operating properly now.
Note: I was able to install 4.2.2 rom even though I was unable to downgrade to 4.3. (Fail to flash aboot like many people get) I assume this is because the 4.2.2 rom does not modify aboot. Also, Chainfire states the RegionLock Away only works for the Note 3, however many people have used it successfully on the S4 as well. It did not work for me on 4.4.2, so I'm guessing either installing 4.2.2, or removing KNOX, or both got it to work.
I hope this helps some people. If it does, thank the developers who made everything above!

What firmware where you on when u began? 4.4.2? Or earlier?
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Free mobile app

I don't think KNOX affects the sim locking and unlocking. I know for sure that RegionLockAway works in 4.2.2 because I downgraded my phone to that rom and unlocked it...without doing any of the KNOX related stuff.
I think this method you are using trips the KNOX fuse when you downgrade from KitKat.

OK but how did u downgrade? I don't care about the Knox flag mine is tripped I just want to get back to 4.2 so I can use real custom Roms. Everything I have seen suggests you cannot downgrade
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Free mobile app

Psykologikal said:
OK but how did u downgrade? I don't care about the Knox flag mine is tripped I just want to get back to 4.2 so I can use real custom Roms. Everything I have seen suggests you cannot downgrade
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downgraded to 4.2.2 by simply using ODIN. This process will trip the fuse. The trick in getting it to work is to clear all of the leftover files from 4.4.2 after the flash. You can't boot directly into the system after the flash. You have to go into recovery mode and do a factory reset. If you don't do this, the system wouldn't boot as what everyone is finding.

So do I need to do a nand erase or something? Or just regular flash then boot into recovery factory reset then flash again? Cuz I would love to get back to 4.2 and start flashing custom Roms agaib
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Free mobile app

Psykologikal said:
So do I need to do a nand erase or something? Or just regular flash then boot into recovery factory reset then flash again? Cuz I would love to get back to 4.2 and start flashing custom Roms agaib
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a simple factory reset should do.

So nothing for 4.4.2 directly? We have to downgrade? Thanks