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[Q] Rooting question with not fully loaded OTA update

I own a Verizon SCH-I535 that had version 4.1.2 and after months of avoiding the Verizon update I stupidly pressed install now instead of later. I did have enough mind to take the battery out before it could reboot but my question is can I still root? And can I still use the 4.1.2 method? I don't want to install any roms just wish to uninstall any bloat apps.

I had a very similar issue some time ago. Check out my thread at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2607252
I went in a few circles, soft bricked my phone, but was able to recover. I think the important thing is to verify if your bootloader has been locked or not; boot into odin/recovery mode and checkout the messages posted in my thread. If the bootloader is not locked yet then you have options. If it is locked, you should probably just reboot the phone and let it do it's thing as the locked bootloader cannot be reverted.
Depends on how important this is to you. My wife got the 4.3 update and loves it, but she is not the type to do any customization. I now have a CM 10 d2vzw and am happy. It I were to do this again, I would probably verify you have an unlocked bootloader and re-flash the complete stock 4.1.2 image as I did. Issue is, you will probably lose a lot of data & settings, but things like pictures, etc. should sitll be there. Once the stock 4.1.2 is there you will want to root and disable updates, or else flash a new rom.

The 4.3 update (and anything after it) locks the bootloader. If that's a big deal to you, then you need to push some custom roms. If not, towelroot works on everything so far, so you'd be able to reroot (pretty hassle free) and do what you want.

[Q] Help a noob make a safe upgrade...

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

[General] Lollipop Information Thread S4

General Lollipop Information Thread​
Since many users asking the same questions over and over again i'm going to start with many "basics" answers for you
Why? because you guys won't use the search button :silly:
Can i revert back to kitkat safely?
Yes And No, If you have upgraded the bootloader.
If you have upgraded with Bootloader you might have some IMEI issues, And afaik there is none that has fixed this. Thus who hasn't updated the booloader can still revert back.
I got no baseband or WIFI
Go to More > About Device
Scroll down until you see baseband. if you don't have HOA7 in the end that means you're wifi won't work with stock kernel
Make sure that you always read the OP and if OP hasn't stated it, you need to update your modem and NON-HLOS.bin
Make sure to uncheck auto reboot before flashing!
Battery life is terrible
Yeah ofc you haven't had the rom for more than x days so it hasn't been fully set.
Can i use CF-Auto Root
NO! People who used this also flashed update-su in recovery, however flashing CF-Auto root isn't needed and it will not work due to old binaries.
How can i root?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/general/guide-t3018625
Why does X And Y FC
because you didn't provide logcat.
Why does it takes 2x minutes for it to boot first time?
because samsung made some changes which i can't tell, i've never seen such a slow upgrading screen on lollipop neither on stock versions.

LastStandingDroid said:
General Lollipop Information Thread​
Since many users asking the same questions over and over again i'm going to start with many "basics" answers for you
Why? because you guys won't use the search button :silly:
Can i revert back to kitkat safely?
Yes And No, If you have upgraded the bootloader.
If you have upgraded with Bootloader you might have some IMEI issues, And afaik there is none that has fixed this. Thus who hasn't updated the booloader can still revert back.
I got no baseband or WIFI
Go to More > About Device
Scroll down until you see baseband. if you don't have HOA7 in the end that means you're wifi won't work with stock kernel
Make sure that you always read the OP and if OP hasn't stated it, you need to update your modem and NON-HLOS.bin
Make sure to uncheck auto reboot before flashing!
Battery life is terrible
Yeah ofc you haven't had the rom for more than x days so it hasn't been fully set.
Can i use CF-Auto Root
NO! People who used this also flashed update-su in recovery, however flashing CF-Auto root isn't needed and it will not work due to old binaries.
How can i root?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/general/guide-t3018625
Why does X And Y FC
because you didn't provide logcat.
Why does it takes 2x minutes for it to boot first time?
because samsung made some changes which i can't tell, i've never seen such a slow upgrading screen on lollipop neither on stock versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can u port soundcamp to s4 ?

i've flashed cf autoroot and it works perfectly
i did a completly downgrade,also bootloader and no issues
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app

i have installed official lollipop 5.0.1. If I root my phone, I will be able to flash official updates from samsung in the future? or I won't because of triggered knox

ViPER4Android
I managed to install Viper as system app but problem is How do I Activate it? In Sound settings there is No Music fx, (although it's installed), so I don't have the option switch Viper on, let only see Adapted Sound and in custom profile doesn't select it either. Am I missing something or is it because this update is so terrible

great info Droid! saw this thread in your signature

Revert from LL 5.0.1 to KK 4.4.2 is possible even if you flashed the Bootloader!
Personaly tested and working like charm!
No IMEI lost, no issues soo far found....

re
Is it possible to flash i9506 lollipop ROM on E330S?........... They are same hardware wise?

Xain47 said:
Is it possible to flash i9506 lollipop ROM on E330S?........... They are same hardware wise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah..they are the same but i don t know if modems are diferent. i think you should not flash i9506 on E330s

Help Deodexing stock rom-Verizon i535PP

im in need of help deodexing. i used the universal deodexer and didnt get proper start up. it became stuck on verizon logo. i reflashed the firmware so its like new again. question is how to properly deodex the stock rom so i can theme status icons? maybe some zip file that i can use in safestrap to make things easier. oh im using verizon prepaid galaxy s3 which is i535PP. any help is appreciated

bjf189 said:
im in need of help deodexing. i used the universal deodexer and didnt get proper start up. it became stuck on verizon logo. i reflashed the firmware so its like new again. question is how to properly deodex the stock rom so i can theme status icons? maybe some zip file that i can use in safestrap to make things easier. oh im using verizon prepaid galaxy s3 which is i535PP. any help is appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If root can even be obtained this might be an option, otherwise your probably out of luck
Sent from my Nexus 5

Root has been obtained @ShapesBlue
Nobody has created a ROM for i535PP users yet(the i535 roms run but no wifi/data). And you're correct about having to use safestrap to flash it.If you're comfortable with a bash terminal you can try using one of the various tools found around here to modify the stock rom. If you're not then I'll see what I can do this weekend and try to get something for us i535pp users (after a day or so of testing)

ShapesBlue said:
If root can even be obtained this might be an option, otherwise your probably out of luck
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, there wasn't really a need to mention me in this thread. Everytime someone does that I get an email. And just because root has been obtained doesn't mean you can flash roms via safestrap
Sent from my Nexus 5

ShapesBlue said:
Ok, there wasn't really a need to mention me in this thread. Everytime someone does that I get an email. And just because root has been obtained doesn't mean you can flash roms via safestrap
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing via safestrap appears to work fine on my i535pp. The only issue I ran into was wifi not working with roms meant for the i535. And sorry for you having to receive an email for that.

OpenSourcererSweg said:
Flashing via safestrap appears to work fine on my i535pp. The only issue I ran into was wifi not working with roms meant for the i535. And sorry for you having to receive an email for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its cool. Good to see safestrap works on the prepaid version also
Sent from my Nexus 5

I'm not sure what a bash terminal is unless it's the same thing as the terminal emulator. I tried using that rom that's called paulpizz or something like that. I used some other rom to. The paulpizz one always failed to install even after downloading it a third time. The other one i can't remember the name but it installed but wouldn't start at all. It would just go black and bootloop and goes into stock recovery for some reason. I came across the nf5 module when i found that paulpizz rom on the goo server they hosted it on. So i got the module and i figured if i were to flash the module over the i535 rom that it would fix the wifi an data problem but never got an answer because it always failed to start up properly and would just bootloop into stock recovery. Ugh Verizon is making things so difficult with modding lol. As of now I'm just using xposed to get at least some theming in and tweaks. I couldn't get any deodex program to work. Whenever i used the deodex files and pushed them to the system of apps and framework, it would restart and just stick on the Verizon logo. So i had to flash the firmware to fix the problem.

When i was on 4.3 with this phone safestrap worked and i got the wifi and data sim error. Now that i got it replaced I'm running the kernel of July 22 2014. Everyone was saying I'm out of luck but i came across kingroot and got the most recent version and it worked. I have root. Installed safestrap for 4.4 and it runs fine but can't get any custom roms to boot. I only managed to find one 4.4 touchwiz rom unfortunately

OpenSourcererSweg said:
Root has been obtained @ShapesBlue
Nobody has created a ROM for i535PP users yet(the i535 roms run but no wifi/data). And you're correct about having to use safestrap to flash it.If you're comfortable with a bash terminal you can try using one of the various tools found around here to modify the stock rom. If you're not then I'll see what I can do this weekend and try to get something for us i535pp users (after a day or so of testing)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OpenSourcererSweg said:
Flashing via safestrap appears to work fine on my i535pp. The only issue I ran into was wifi not working with roms meant for the i535. And sorry for you having to receive an email for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell me what rom you have successfully flashed with safestrap? I would like to test something

bjf189 said:
Can you tell me what rom you have successfully flashed with safestrap? I would like to test something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...iterom-v1-0-i535vrudne1-t2805797/post53919312
If you're going to try flashing an i535 rom and then the i535pp modules let me know how that goes, can't test as I won't be able to do anything till the weekend. If that's the case then there's no need for roms for the pre paid version. Cyanogenmod was also bootable but very buggy.

OpenSourcererSweg said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...iterom-v1-0-i535vrudne1-t2805797/post53919312
If you're going to try flashing an i535 rom and then the i535pp modules let me know how that goes, can't test as I won't be able to do anything till the weekend. If that's the case then there's no need for roms for the pre paid version. Cyanogenmod was also bootable but very buggy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll let you know how it goes and thank you. How is it that you were able to boot CM? From my understanding being that the bootloader is locked and has Knox for extra security to make the unlocking like impossible. But a genius came up with safestrap so we are able to use some custom roms but the down side is that it has to be the same Android OS and has to be a touchwiz based rom. So how are you getting lucky with all this? I love CM and I'd pick CM over any custom rom any day but i gave up an lost hope of ever getting CM because of the locked bootloader

bjf189 said:
I'll let you know how it goes and thank you. How is it that you were able to boot CM? From my understanding being that the bootloader is locked and has Knox for extra security to make the unlocking like impossible. But a genius came up with safestrap so we are able to use some custom roms but the down side is that it has to be the same Android OS and has to be a touchwiz based rom. So how are you getting lucky with all this? I love CM and I'd pick CM over any custom rom any day but i gave up an lost hope of ever getting CM because of the locked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap 3.75 had support for AOSP roms (wifi/data didn't work for them either) and 4.0 dropped support for that (there is currently no point). Read the thread for more info http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2797314

Ok i wasn't using safestrap 4.0. I had 3.75 B05 which i thought was the latest version they had. I'm updated to 4.0 now and about to test the modules on the superlite rom

Update: i have tried the super lite rom using safestrap. The boot animation won't work during start up. When it gets to the welcome screen it freezes. It still does it even without applying the nf5 module. It freezes and will keep popping up that system isn't responding. System just keeps freezing and prompting me to wait or force close. So not sure why my s3 has a problem running it but yours don't

bjf189 said:
Update: i have tried the super lite rom using safestrap. The boot animation won't work during start up. When it gets to the welcome screen it freezes. It still does it even without applying the nf5 module. It freezes and will keep popping up that system isn't responding. System just keeps freezing and prompting me to wait or force close. So not sure why my s3 has a problem running it but yours don't
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you wipe cache/data after installing? Other than that I can't think of anything that would cause that

OpenSourcererSweg said:
Did you wipe cache/data after installing? Other than that I can't think of anything that would cause that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well no. The instructions just said to do a full wipe off everything then install and reboot so extra what i did. What version you running of the rom?

bjf189 said:
Well no. The instructions just said to do a full wipe off everything then install and reboot so extra what i did. What version you running of the rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running the stock prepaid rom, not superlightrom, sorry if there's any confusion there.
When I tried out superlightrom (quite some time ago) it appeared to work fine (excluding wifi/data and nagging about no SIM card being inserted, nothing like what you're describing) and I went back to stock.

Oh ok. Well it seems that the prepaid version or the s3 in general is dead. That's unfortunate

Migrating from one M8 to another - sanity check

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