Database Info

[GUIDE][I9500][Help Thread] Updating, Resolving soft bricks, root issues and stuff.

This is the guide for updating to 4.3 from stock unrooted state or while having a custom rom on it.
Many people have suffered bootlops or worse issues when trying to update to 4.2.2. Alright. Thisthread will also be used for helping people who hace bricked their devices and i will actively help whenever i can.​
This process is quite tedious for unpatient people so stay away from the thread if you cant follow all the steps.
Pre-requisites:
Galaxy S4 I9500 (exynos/octa)
odin version 3.09 (attached to 2nd post)
A stock 4.3 firmware package (take it from firmware thread)
cwm 6.0.4.4 by S.a.M.e.R_d (for root users) link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2489234
adonis.pit (8.94 gb) (attached to 2nd post)
cf autoroot(for root users) link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292615
Degrated Shadow's KNOX Remover.zip script (attached to the post
some patience and brain (no links for these .. lol.. cant attach either)
Scenario 1: You aren't rooted and have all the status's official and old bootloader on 4.2.2
Best way for you is to connect to the kies and download and update and install it through kies.
Do not download otas.
For some people it gives bootlopping error and for some it just works alright. It bootlop'ed for my brother but not for my friend who were on same stock firmwares and all.
if it is bootlopping now
1. Go to recovery (when phone is switched off press power butoon+volume up+home button)
2. Wipe Data/Factory Reset (this will wipe your data and its necessary because now you cant downgrade without triggering you warranty bit)
Scenario 2: You are on prerooted stock firmware.
Download the 4.3 firmware package(with 4 files)
Set the drivers up on windows
1. Open Odin v3.09
2. Put appropriate files in AP BL CP CSC
AP=previously PDA
BL=bootloader
CP=Modem
CSC=file starting with CSC
3. Download the adonis it and put it in pit.
4. Connect device in download mode (when phone is switched off press and hold power button+volume down+home button)
Voila you are done.
Scenario 3: You are rooted and are on custom roms or a custom pit (adonis_c.pit comes with 11.82 gb storage which is incompatible with 4.3 firmwares.
1. Flash pit seperately without the firmware package in odin v3.09
2. Perform a battery pull then put the battery back
3. Go into download mode (when phone is switched off press and hold power button+volume down+home button).
4. Flash the 4 package file
AP=previously PDA
BL=bootloader
CP=Modem
CSC=file starting with CSC
5. Flash cf autoroot by chainfire by putting it in AP
let it root and install stock recovery
6. Go back to download mode and install GT-I9500-CWM-6.0.4.4.tar Build #1 as AP
Step 7 and following are to be followed for using custom roms although they arent available at the time this is posted. wanam has relesed 3.0 but is a test rom
7. Boot back into recovery and go to mounts and storage
Format everything except the ext sd card
8. Wipe Data/Factory Reset
Wipe Cache
Wipe Dalvik Cache(in advanced menu in cwm)
this whole step might seem unnecessary but always be at the safer side
9. Install the custom rom and boot back into android
10. Flash the KNOX remover script by me
11. YOU are good to go
Voila you are done
NOW FOR ROOT USERS
after setting up all accounts and stuff
1. Go to play store.
2. Update supersu.
3. Open supersu and install the binaries.
4. Flash the KNOX remover script by me OR Install Titanium Backup link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup&hl=en
5. Freeze or delete all knox crap. ( I prefer deleting).
6. Reboot.
Now you are set and ready to install all the apps and root is working.
Scenario 4: you are on 4.3. want to flash a custom rom. and dont care about warranty.
1. Flash CF autoroot by chainfire/ Flash latest perseus kernel
2. Then power off. go to download mode (power button+Home button+volume down)(
3. Flash cwm 6.0.4.4
4. Flash any custom rom you want now from recovery. but remember to format system atleast once before that.
Credits: @Chainfire ( for cf autoroot)
@S.a.M.e.R_d (for cwm 6.0.4.4
@wanam (for explaining that the security policy is hardcoded into the kernel)
@nickboy360 (He will also help people in my absence because of boards)
@runedrune (for solving my doubts in day to day life)
Samsung (for knox crap, painful security policy, irritating enforcing mode of selinux, and the smoothest ever touchwiz ROM)

Alright. SO this thread will be used for hel;ping people who have soft bricked their devices or similar issues like not getting root or sound problems
My friend @nickboy360 is going to help you all in my absence although he will buzz me when there is a confusing case.
This place wont stand for spammes and they will be reported.
Peace
​
all the attachments are here

Dude you seriously made my ****ing day !!!! I LOVE YOU !!!!!! I have been cracking my head since i tried to boot rom !!!!!! YIPPI A kingCobra 4.3 is soon to be realesed . AGAIN I LOVE YOU . Rated 5 stars and shared

S.a.M.e.R_d said:
Dude you seriously made my ****ing day !!!! I LOVE YOU !!!!!! I have been cracking my head since i tried to boot rom !!!!!! YIPPI A kingCobra 4.3 is soon to be realesed . AGAIN I LOVE YOU . Rated 5 stars and shared
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks and please share your recovery here too when it is updated.
thanks in advance

Degrated Shadow said:
thanks and please share your recovery here too when it is updated.
thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem bro
BTW I will request this thread to be posted on XDA news i imagine noobs with out you .
I booted the rom with odin but not with my custom boot loop . As soon as i het home it will be test test test .

Why is there a need for the PIT file?

Simonetti2011 said:
Why is there a need for the PIT file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because by using pit file you can restore partitions to their correct size or automatically fix any partition error
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk

i cant freeze knox services(there are 5). Its only on donation versions. Any ideas?

royts2007 said:
i cant freeze knox services(there are 5). Its only on donation versions. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
download a root app
navigate to /system/apps
delete everything you find related to knox.

Degrated Shadow said:
download a root app
navigate to /system/apps
delete everything you find related to knox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can i have a link? And u sure its safe?

royts2007 said:
Can i have a link? And u sure its safe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummy.root.browserfree&hl=en
perfectly safe.
dont go on a deleting rampage of other apks without asking thoug.
u see the word knox u select and delete it without a hitch

Degrated Shadow said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummy.root.browserfree&hl=en
perfectly safe.
dont go on a deleting rampage of other apks without asking thoug.
u see the word knox u select and delete it without a hitch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you it worked.
What about KLMSAggent.apk/odex ? Delete both of them too?

i have problem with my s4
after i flash pit and stock room, then i flash cfroot, them 6.044, after all of them i install wanam3 from cwm, reboot, after "SAMSUNG S4 i9500" text then blank.. all black... may u help me?

deadball80 said:
i have problem with my s4
after i flash pit and stock room, then i flash cfroot, them 6.044, after all of them i install wanam3 from cwm, reboot, after "SAMSUNG S4 i9500" text then blank.. all black... may u help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
format all the things in mounts and storage in recovery except the ext sd card and install wanam 3.0 again.
you will be good. And follow the zteps carefully

royts2007 said:
Thank you it worked.
What about KLMSAggent.apk/odex ? Delete both of them too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes delete the .odex files too only for knox and klmsagent.apk

hi, is there a "standard" 4.3 firmware I can use as my country hasn't released 4.3 yet? XFE (South Africa) is currently only on 4.2.2.

mattdt said:
hi, is there a "standard" 4.3 firmware I can use as my country hasn't released 4.3 yet? XFE (South Africa) is currently only on 4.2.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use the India or russian version
Can I restore a nandroid backup I made in 4.2.2 after updating to 4.3?

Guys I have installed the Russian official coming from arrows rom. Everything went well and I'm running 4.3 successfully. I now want to install wanams 4.3 but I'm not sure what the adonis.pit file is for? I have the I9500 32gb... do I just copy wanam to my sd and flash through recovery?
Sent from my GT-I9500 using xda app-developers app

atsavlis said:
Guys I have installed the Russian official coming from arrows rom. Everything went well and I'm running 4.3 successfully. I now want to install wanams 4.3 but I'm not sure what the adonis.pit file is for? I have the I9500 32gb... do I just copy wanam to my sd and flash through recovery?
Sent from my GT-I9500 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root with cf root
flash cwm 6.0.4.4 in AP
go to recovery
format everything under mounts and storage menu ecpet ext sd card
flash wanam 3.0

OP updated with a knox remover script by me.
enjoy!!!!

[GUIDE] Fully restore Moto G from GPE 4.4.4 to stock (and recover softbrick)

Please note: I know there are other guides here on XDA but none worked for me, so I'm writing this to help other stuck people.
Disclaimer: I tested this on my XT1032, I don't know if or how it will work on other variants. Following this guide you'll lose all data on your phone, make sure to backup important stuff. I'm not responsible for what you do to your phone following this guide (anyway if you're here probably you have not much to lose...)
Introduction
What happened: a couple of weeks ago I wanted to try GPE rom on my XT1032, so I flashed the appropriate rom for my device (4.4.3 KOT49H.M004) and then applied OTA (4.4.3 KOT49H.M004 to 4.4.4 KTU84P.M003). Today I decided to go back to stock, so I rebooted in bootloader mode and tried to flash stock 4.4.3.
Result: a bunch of fastboot errors, ranging from "wrong size partitions", to "preflash validation failed", to ... well I don't remember all of them, as I said they were a lot..
Then I tried older versions, I tried to reflash 4.4.3 GPE, I tried to follow guides, here on XDA and around the vast internet.. All with no luck. Until I found one and, long story short I did it. I'm back to stock 4.4.4 (flashed stock 4.4.3 and applied OTA)
I'm sharing this what I did to recover from the soft-brick, hoping to help someone. This guide is not a temporary workaround while waiting for full 4.4.4 GPE image, this will fully restore your Moto G.
Let's start
- Make sure you have fastboot drivers installed (if you managed to soft-brick it you probably have them already installed, otherwise you can get them here)
- Download and extract this
- Reboot your phone in fastboot mode (keep Volume Down and Power buttons pressed for about 5 seconds then release the power button) and plug it to the PC
- Open the extracted folder and run "GPE_XT1032_KOT49H.M004_CFC.bat". Wait for it to finish (ignore errors, they're normal), then reboot to bootloader again (choose Normal powerup and keep pressed Volume Down until it boots to bootloader again)
- Download and extract this (mirror)
- Open the extracted folder and run THE FILE "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img.bat" (poorly chosen filenames, I know)
- Wait for it to finish, then choose "Recovery" item in bootloader and let it reboot to recovery.
- Go to "mounts and storage" and select "format cache", confirm, then select "format /data and /data/media", confirm.
- Go back to main menu and select "wipe data/factory", confirm.
- Return to the folder and run the file "adb push a.zip sdcard a.zip.bat", let it finish (it will take a couple of minutes, the window will close itself when done).
- From recovery select "install zip", then "choose zip from sd card" and select "a.zip". Let it finish, then go back to main menu and choose "power options", then "reboot to bootloader"
- Download and extract this (mirror)
- Open the extracted folder and run "flashall.bat". You should see no error (I got an error while it was flashing recovery but this is not important, what you should notice is that all the errors you got before are gone). Let it finish, then give it some time to boot.
Enjoy
You're done. Now you should have a stock 4.4.2 retail EU moto g. At this point you can flash the rom you want (for example, I flashed the original retail de, since my phone is german) without getting errors
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More or less I followed this, but I wrote the exact steps I made, I fixed wrong commands and uploaded a more complete version for last file

i have the same problem... i am waiting for thoe missing files... and i will try to go back to stock
EDIT i can't download the filles from mega
and the first download is broken

bannab said:
i have the same problem... i am waiting for thoe missing files... and i will try to go back to stock
EDIT i can't download the filles from mega
and the first download is broken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fixed first link, I'm going to check the one from mega... If you find some other problems please let me know so I'll update
Edit: mega link is working. I suppose you're from Italy (me too), it's a DNS problem (mega has been blocked by AGCOM). you can follow this guide to change dns to google ones (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). When you downloaded the file you can set them back to auto. If someone can suggest an alternative good host (and possibly a way to directly upload from mega (I have a veeeeery slow upload bandwidth) I'll appreciate

i have already tried that method but no luck..

bannab said:
i have already tried that method but no luck..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try with tor bundle.. It's a version of firefox modified for privacy and security purposes, you should be able to download from mega with it
Or this

nope
again lo luck for me.. flash of stock gives me always the same errors.. i think i will keep gpe with root... and wait for a camera with slow-mo..

bannab said:
again lo luck for me.. flash of stock gives me always the same errors.. i think i will keep gpe with root... and wait for a camera with slow-mo..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you follow exactly the guide? Did you get errors while wiping or flashing a.zip from recovery?

flashing stock
maybe beacuse i have booted after flashing gpe... i needed to boot it beacuse adb gives me error (device not found)
so i will keep gpe

bannab said:
flashing stock
maybe beacuse i have booted after flashing gpe... i needed to boot it beacuse adb gives me error (device not found)
so i will keep gpe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is due to drivers.. OK, in case you do it again, check recovery messages to be sure it's doing its things

You saved my phone, thank you ! :victory:

JcruzV said:
You saved my phone, thank you ! :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome.. That little heart attack when you see it's not booting and it doesn't flash anything [emoji1]

It worked! Thank you.

doodoo28s said:
It worked! Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I helped

Thank's my Friend ! You have save my phone ! Thank youuuuuuu !!!!!!! <3

Hello.I tried to root my device with superboot and now my phone is not booting up,i tried to reboot but still the same,my screen stays black.Can this fix my phone? thnks

Nicolae-Daniel said:
Hello.I tried to root my device with superboot and now my phone is not booting up,i tried to reboot but still the same,my screen stays black.Can this fix my phone? thnks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is useful if you can't flash anything. If you can, you can just flash stock or custom ROM

i suceed come back to 4.4.2 stock!!! thank you!!!!

finally a fix
thanks for posting this fix and all the others involved. i'm on EU so now i have to get back to my regular 4.4.4 Google Play Edition. this is good till i can get that back. been trying for 2 weeks to unbrick this thing and now i have it. thanks again and to the member JcruzV who linked this post. and not to forget PhilZ. :good:

bootsie35 said:
thanks for posting this fix and all the others involved. i'm on EU so now i have to get back to my regular 4.4.4 Google Play Edition. this is good till i can get that back. been trying for 2 weeks to unbrick this thing and now i have it. thanks again and to the member JcruzV who linked this post. and not to forget PhilZ. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't know this was linked in other threads
I hope this will be sticked or something, to avoid being forgotten in a couple of months. When I was searching how to unbrick I read of people who gave up and bought a replacement, wasting money when fortunately there is a solution

It did work!
I used Linux, so had to change a few things in the command files.
There are also two things:
1.
adb push a.zip /sdcard/a.zip - no apsce before the 2nd a.zip
2.
after the 3rd step recovery complains about "new ROM will overwrite recovery" - I have answered Yes.
I have got also another problem. Meanwhile I tried to recover my phone after the downgrade from 4.4.4 GPE to 4.4.2 Motorola ROM (before this thread), I have lost the IMEI... Currently it's still 0.
Anyone have an idea to recover this?

[How-To] Update to G900V_OA8 - 5.0 and KeepRoot (2/3/2015)

**You can begin the following process from any build/ROM but you must have both root and Safestrap installed before proceeding**
1. Place the G900V_OA8_100%_Stock_Rooted_ROM onto your ext-sdcard.
2. From Safestrap recovery press "Wipe" then "Advanced Wipe" and wipe everything but your ext-sdcard.
3. From the main menu press "Install," then select and install the G900V_OA8_100%_Stock_Rooted_ROM.
4. Once complete, from the main menu press "Reboot," then "System." Done!
After following the above process your phone will pause on the Verizon splash screen for about 2 minutes before rebooting.
Caution! Users are reporting issues after using TitaniumBackup to delete or freeze unwanted apps, e.g. rotation stops working. Additionally, users have reported that their device runs hotter with severe battery drain after updating to 5.0. The problem seems to stem from the SHealth pedometer, heart rate monitor, and Facebook Messenger running in the background. Consider disabling these items and rebooting to resolve the issue (Verizon Community Forum: https://community.verizonwireless.com/thread/851032?start=0&tstart=0).
Optional - Enable Native Tethering AddOn:
1. Place the G900V_OA8_TetherAddOn.zip onto your external sd-card.
2. Flash back the G900V_NK2_Stock_Kernel in order to access the Safestrap recovery splashscreen.
3. Flash the file using "Stock" Slot but do not wipe!
4. Last , press "Home", then reboot into Download Mode and re-flash the G900V_OA8_Stock_Kernel. Done!
Notes:
1. The above process will not affect your Knox Warranty Flag.
2. This process will update your Modem, Non-hlos, System, Kernel, Stock Recovery, and Bootloader to OA8 (BusyBox is also pre-installed).
3. Safestrap will no longer function after updating to OA8 5.0. However you can access Safestrap recovery on 5.0 by flashing back the G900V_NK2_Stock_Kernel (reflash the G900V_OA8_Stock_Kernel once you are done using Safestrap).
4. If you do not already have root access you must first flash the G900VVRU1ANCG_Full_Odin.tar (flash in Odin's PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+)), root with Towelroot (this version does not require internet access), install Safestrap, then proceed with the above process.

muniz_ri said:
**You can Odin back to NK2 at anytime after updating to OA8 5.0**
1. Place the G900V_OA8_100%_Stock_Rooted_ROM onto your ext-sdcard.
2. Use Safestrap's "Backup" function to backup your User Data.
3. Next, press "Home" and perform an "Advanced Wipe" and wipe everything but your ext-sdcard.
4. Flash the ROM using the "Stock Slot."
5. Once complete press "Home" then "Restore" and restore User Data.
6. Last, press "Reboot" and reboot into "Download Mode" and flash the G900V_OA8_Stock_Kernel in Odin's PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+). Done!
The phone will pause on the Verizon splash screen for about 2 minutes after following the above process before completing booting.
Notes:
1. The above process will not affect your User Data or Knox Warranty Flag.
2. This Custom ROM process will update your Modem, Non-hlos, System, Kernel, Stock Recovery, and Bootloader to OA8.
3. Safestrap will no longer function after updating to OA8 5.0.
4. When flashing the kernel the most common cause of an Odin flash failure is a bad usb port or cable. Please check before reporting a failure!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for doing this!!!! I can upgrade straight to OA8 from NK2 (stock root)? Im in process of downloading the stock rom files now... Just a quick reminder on how to apply in 0din would be great. And also havent used SS yet ;/

Thanks for saving me from having to figure this out!
Upgraded and kept root. Wish I had safestrap, but oh well--I suppose in the scheme of things it's fortunate that there's even still root. Yes, "fortunate" ...
Best regards.

Thanks for the guide! I was already updated to OA8, but I just flashed a stock nk2 tar (didn't have an nk2 backup) then followed the ncg root method, went back to nk2, installed safestrap, and then followed your guide.

awesome thread.. i lold at ppl saying we wouldnt have root.. only downgrade is that if already on L you have to go back to a ss compatible rom to upgrade again.. i will be working on Extreme Syndicate when I get home! It will also be deodexed if all goes well
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 06:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:09 AM ----------
elliwigy said:
awesome thread.. i lold at ppl saying we wouldnt have root.. only downgrade is that if already on L you have to go back to a ss compatible rom to upgrade again.. i will be working on Extreme Syndicate when I get home! It will also be deodexed if all goes well
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
speaking of, you mind if i use your roofed oa8 as a base? of course i will give proper creds!
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

elliwigy said:
awesome thread.. i lold at ppl saying we wouldnt have root.. only downgrade is that if already on L you have to go back to a ss compatible rom to upgrade again.. i will be working on Extreme Syndicate when I get home! It will also be deodexed if all goes well
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 06:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:09 AM ----------
speaking of, you mind if i use your roofed oa8 as a base? of course i will give proper creds!
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
elliwigy are going to make a custom 5.0 ROM? Or update Syndicate? Wasn't sure what you meant but I'm waiting for a good ROM to come out for 5.0. Hopefully eclipse ROM gets updated

elliwigy said:
awesome thread.. i lold at ppl saying we wouldnt have root.. only downgrade is that if already on L you have to go back to a ss compatible rom to upgrade again.. i will be working on Extreme Syndicate when I get home! It will also be deodexed if all goes well
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 06:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:09 AM ----------
speaking of, you mind if i use your roofed oa8 as a base? of course i will give proper creds!
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. Look forward to your ROM.

Can't wait to get home from work and try this out. So if I understand this right you can be on any rom base with root busybox and safe strap and this method will update you right? Or do you need to be on NK2 first?
Just finished the video I made on this process please check it out.
http://youtu.be/WUDIOVas81U

Tomsgt said:
Can't wait to get home from work and try this out. So if I understand this right you can be on any rom base with root busybox and safe strap and this method will update you right? Or do you need to be on NK2 first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash the ROM from any base. The process will update all partitions to OA8. Although someone just reported that their baseband remained at NK2 after flashing the ROM. Let me know if anyone else experiences that issue and I will check it out.

downloading it and the stock NK2 tar so I can go through the upgrade (I'm running Rick's ROM on NI2 currently, and pretty sure I need to ODIN back to stock first)
will report back

muniz_ri said:
You can flash the ROM from any base. The process will update all partitions to OA8. Although someone just reported that their baseband remained at NK2 after flashing the ROM. Let me know if anyone else experiences that issue and I will check it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I am planning on making a video on this process as soon as I can. Probably later tonight. I want to fully understand before I start. I will be interested to see more info about the baseband also. Awesome work by the way. I didnt think that lollipop would get root this quick and since it is downgradable anyone can root which is awesome.

Tomsgt said:
Thanks I am planning on making a video on this process as soon as I can. Probably later tonight. I want to fully understand before I start. I will be interested to see more info about the baseband also. Awesome work by the way. I didnt think that lollipop would get root this quick and since it is downgradable anyone can root which is awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you guys were lucky the qfuse counter remained the same as previous firmware. I hope that ATT is as kind to us but doubt it.

Just a note that both of the download files say:
for the Samsung Galaxy S4, by muniz_ri
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when you go to download them. The S4 thing is somewhat confusing...

Good Morning,
I understand the whole process and have all the files ready to go. Could some please inform me if I need ODIN to flash the Kernel, or can I use Safestrap to flash, can I flash the update and boot as normal and flash the kernel later? I ask because I do not have access to a computer and it looks like a long day here at the hospital.

muniz_ri said:
You can flash the ROM from any base. The process will update all partitions to OA8. Although someone just reported that their baseband remained at NK2 after flashing the ROM. Let me know if anyone else experiences that issue and I will check it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am starting over from scratch and will let you know if the mismatch is still present.

kgoroway said:
Just a note that both of the download files say:
when you go to download them. The S4 thing is somewhat confusing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but I think we are OK. I support many devices and variants and my file naming convention seems to be clear enough for most.

Does anyone know if I do a factory reset while on the ROOTED lollipop......will I keep root or will it be lost? Just curious....
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

So then does anyone know definitively if Xposed will be available for 5.0?
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

Jeff Speake said:
I am starting over from scratch and will let you know if the mismatch is still present.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Immediately after flashing the ROM in safestrap can you go to "Advanced" then press "copy log to sd" and send me the .txt file? Thx.

muniz_ri said:
**You can Odin back to NK2 at anytime after updating to OA8 5.0**
1. Place the G900V_OA8_100%_Stock_Rooted_ROM onto your ext-sdcard.
2. Use Safestrap's "Backup" function to backup your User Data.
3. Next, press "Home" and perform an "Advanced Wipe" and wipe everything but your ext-sdcard.
4. Flash the ROM using the "Stock Slot."
5. Once complete press "Home" then "Restore" and restore User Data.
6. Last, press "Reboot" and reboot into "Download Mode" and flash the G900V_OA8_Stock_Kernel in Odin's PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+). Done!
The phone will pause on the Verizon splash screen for about 2 minutes after following the above process before completing booting.
Notes:
1. The above process will not affect your User Data or Knox Warranty Flag.
2. This Custom ROM process will update your Modem, Non-hlos, System, Kernel, Stock Recovery, and Bootloader to OA8.
3. Safestrap will no longer function after updating to OA8 5.0.
4. When flashing the kernel the most common cause of an Odin flash failure is a bad usb port or cable. Please check before reporting a failure!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I echo the earlier questions. Is there a way to do this process without access to a PC? I am currently on NI2 with full root and want to get to 5.0 hopefully still with root. The only computer I have is my work computer which will not allow me to install ODIN or Kies since I am not an administrator. Any help would be greatly appreciated and thank you all for your hard work on all of this stuff.

[N900] ALL-IN-ONE Guide[Root/Recovery/ROM/Knox Reset(claim warranty)/Revert-to-Stock]

Note: There are a lot of guides all over XDA-Fourm for the things that i am going to share in this thread, I am just trying to get all the things at one place and in easy manner, so i request you to please don't ask why another thread . I have mirrored all the files in this thread to my own Drive links so that it would be available till i die , you can find the original links in References at the end.
I am just a normal user, been through all of the things mentioned below just like many of you, but there are still users who are new to all these stuff. So i thought of getting all the things at one place and write the steps in a layman's language.If there is something wrong and needs to be changed, do mention that.
This guide is for the Exynos version of Samsung Galaxy Note 3 only which includes:
How to Root
How to Install recovery
How to Flash a new ROM
How to install Xposed on TouchWiz based ROMs (5.0 and 5.0.2)
How to Reset KNOX & Revert to Stock (to claim warranty)
Downloads:
1. Odin v3.07(odin application- needed to flash stuff)
2. USB Drivers(drivers for windows)
3. 'CF-Auto-Root' file by @Chainfire(to root)
4. Bootloader to Reset KNOX counter
5. TWRP Recovery (Use this when you have to flash CM based ROMS)
6. CWM 6.0.7.0 OR Philz Touch 6.47.7 (use these when you have to flash TouchWiz based ROMs)
7. Stock Firmware - from Sammobile Mirror for N900XXUEBOE3_N900ODDEBOB2_INS.zip (Indian Version)
8. XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4 (Tried and tested)
9. xposed-v65-sdk21-arm-arter97-V5-generic OR xposed-v75-sdk21-arm-arter97-exynos.zip (Works with the latest N900ZSUEBOK3 firmware)
Step 0. Backup
Take backup of your contents (contacts, messages, images, videos, etc.)
Step 1. Getting things ready
Download & Extract and Install USB Drivers 1.5.20.
Download & Extract Odin v3.07.
Download CF-Auto-Root-ha3g-ha3gxx-smn900.tar.md5 (make sure you get a file with .md5 extension).
Step 2. Connection
Run Odin on your PC (as administrator).
Turn off your phone.
Keeping the volume down and home button pressed, turn on your phone.
Get into download mode by pressing volume up after you are asked on the phone screen.
After all the above, connect phone with USB cable to PC.
One of the box will turn yellow and confirm that the phone is connected
Step 3. Root (KNOX will show change in counter, but you can always reset that when you need to claim warranty)
Choose PDA in Odin and select the .md5 file extracted in step 1 (don't change anything else in odin)
Press “Start”, the process will complete in few seconds and phone will automatically restart.
Congrats!! You rooted your phone, you will get a SuperSu app in the app drawer.
Step 4. Custom Recovery
In Odin choose PDA and select any of the two recovery as per your need:
twrp-2.8.7.0-ha3g.tar
OR
n900-cwm6.0.7.0.tar (philz zip file is not odin compatible, you can flash it within the recovery)
the press “Start”
Step 4.1 Full Backup (Similar to Restore Point - only after flashed a custom recovery)
Turn off the phone
Keeping the volume up and home button pressed, turn on the phone, you will get to recovery.
Go to Backup & Restore and choose backup to sdcard or backup to extSdCard (will take about 10-15 minutes)
Now you have a restore point, you can go back to this state whenever you want.
Step 5. Flashing a new ROM (if you want to)
Although you must always refer the individual ROM thread as they may have some different steps, but this is a general way to flash a ROM
Download the ROM (zip file) and copy to internal/external storage on your phone.
Turn off the phone
Keeping the volume up and home button pressed, turn on the phone, you will get to recovery.
Follow as per your choice of clean or dirty flash (in the Note)
Then choose install zip, select your ROM, then “yes”
reboot the phone.
Done. You have a new ROM
Note: Clean install/flash means - wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache, wipe dalvik cache (sometimes wipe system too) then install ROM.
Dirty install/flash means – direct install without wiping any partition
Step 6. Install Xposed -only for 5.0 or 5.0.2 ROMS (if you want to, you will need a deodexed rom, won't work on stock odexed roms)
Download the XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4 & xposed-v65-sdk21-arm-arter97-V5-generic and copy both the files to your phone (internal or sd-card).
Install the XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4.apk but don't run the app.
Restart your phone into Recovery Mode. (turn off then pressing volume up + home and turn on)
choose install a zip, select the xposed-v65-sdk21-arm-arter97-V5-generic.zip or xposed-v75-sdk21-arm-arter97-exynos.zip
reboot your phone. (you will get android is upgrading which will take a while)
Step 7. Revert to stock with KNOX counter as 0x0 and system state as Official (you can claim warranty comfortably)
a. Download and Extract the bootloader.zip
b. Run Odin
c. Turn off your phone.
d. Keeping the volume down and home button pressed, turn on your phone.
e. Get into download mode by pressing volume up after you are asked on the phone screen.
f. Connect phone with USB cable to PC.
g. Choose PDA in Odin and select the Bootloader.tar file. (don't change anything else on odin)
h. Press “Start”, the process will complete in few seconds and phone will automatically restart.
i. Go to download mode and check if the Knox has turned back to 0.
j. Now choose PDA on odin and select the official firmware (download from the above provided link) and press Start
k. After completion of the process let the device start but don't setup the device, just turn it off.
l. Reboot to stock recovery by pressing vol up + home + power and wipe data/cache and flash the firmware again, once flashing the firmware is completed enter download mode and check if current binary and system status has turned to official. If not repeat the process from step j.
Credits & References:
1. Reference Guide to Reset KNOX thanks to @RuchRha
2. Reference to all the three recoveries thanks to @uzairabdulmajeed
3. SamMobile for stock firmware links
4. OdinDownloads for odin and drivers
5. Working Xposed for 5.0 & 5.0.2 based roms thanks to @arter97 (i have not tried newer versions)
6. Thanks to the whole XDA Community, we all are connected because of it.

Reserved
Changes:
Added new Xposed v75 link that works with the latest stock firmware - N900ZSUEBOK3 (deodexed), as previous version was giving boot loop with alexega deodexed rom.
For the 5.0.1/5.0.2 based aurora roms (s6/note5) port you can use previous version provided (v65) and the apk is the same - XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4

Reserved 2
Reserved 2

thnks i was just not rooting my new 3 days old note 3 just because of knox warranty issue, thnks for helping, rooted my phone. just wanna b sure that will i get knox 0 if i wanted?

raman99311 said:
thnks i was just not rooting my new 3 days old note 3 just because of knox warranty issue, thnks for helping, rooted my phone. just wanna b sure that will i get knox 0 if i wanted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you can get the KNOX to 0 whenever you want (there is nothing like hardware fuse). i have done that thrice
just download the bootloader file and the original firmware.
Also you can check out the referenced thread, users have posted their knox status photos

kaliyaakakallu1 said:
Step 6. Install Xposed -only for 5.0 or 5.0.2 ROMS (if you want to)
Download the XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4 & xposed-v65-sdk21-arm-arter97-V5-generic and copy both the files to your phone (internal or sd-card).
Install the XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4.apk but don't run the app.
Restart your phone into Recovery Mode. (turn off then pressing volume up + home and turn on)
choose install a zip, select the xposed-v65-sdk21-arm-arter97-V5-generic.zip
reboot your phone. (you will get android is upgrading which will take a while)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can xposed run on odex stock TW, sir? Or cook, or only deodex stock? Thanks sir!

sieuan said:
Can xposed run on odex stock TW, sir? Or cook, or only deodex stock? Thanks sir!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xposed runs only on deodexed rom mate.
i will add this to the post.

i tried using this method, knox turned zero but the system status remains to custom. i am flashing stock rom using odin. any help?
edit : tried the whole process again and the system status turned to official , thanks

I keep getting stuck on the PIT thing then Complete(Write) fail error happens. I have repartition unticked and install then removed KIES for the driver. It's for SM-N900.

Razraffion said:
I keep getting stuck on the PIT thing then Complete(Write) fail error happens. I have repartition unticked and install then removed KIES for the driver. It's for SM-N900.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to change anything in PIT, all you need to do is select PDA and choose the file.
Sent from my SM-N9200 using XDA Free mobile app

raman99311 said:
i tried using this method, knox turned zero but the system status remains to custom. i am flashing stock rom using odin. any help?
edit : tried the whole process again and the system status turned to official , thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it always works for me too at the second time only
Sent from my SM-N9200 using XDA Free mobile app

kaliyaakakallu1 said:
Reserved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was very helpful
Thank You

El Matpouly said:
It was very helpful
Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear that
Sent from my SM-N9200 using XDA Free mobile app

Lol know im thinking to buy an exynos note 3 and sell my snapdragon (due to knox reset)
Knox apps are working ?

xda_Noob. said:
Lol know im thinking to buy an exynos note 3 and sell my snapdragon (due to knox reset)
Knox apps are working ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha
Yes after reset, all knox system and app working great
Sent from my SM-N9200 using XDA Free mobile app

hello
How can i get bootloader for reset knox on my galaxy S6 model G920F.i need to reset knox from ox1 to 0x0

beka_soft said:
How can i get bootloader for reset knox on my galaxy S6 model G920F.i need to reset knox from ox1 to 0x0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea about S6, you may ask in the s6 forum and there you might get your answer
Sent from my SM-N9200 using XDA Free mobile app

Great guide - helped me a lot with my first root - thanks!

thank you
you are the best

Changes:
Added new Xposed v75 link that works with the latest stock firmware - N900ZSUEBOK3 (deodexed), as previous version was giving boot loop with alexega deodexed rom.
For the 5.0.1/5.0.2 based aurora roms (s6/note5) port you can use previous version provided (v65) and the apk is the same - XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4

How to "downgrade" to Kitkat on lollipop (PB1 bootloader) NCG Safestrap Working

How to "downgrade" to Kitkat on lollipop (PB1 bootloader) NCG Safestrap Working
If you took the OTA for lollipop (PB1) you are no longer able to downgrade to any version of kitkat with a standard tar it will fail because of a tripped qfuse but this way you can pretty much downgrade to kitkat. You will just have PB1 bootloader.
FYI I did this on a CID 11 locked bootloader Verizon S5
1. Download these files
NCG Kernel: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23991606952612346 (Tar is in .zip file)
NCG Modem: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23991606952612348 (Tar is in .zip file)
NCG Stock Tar: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23991606952612350 (Tar is in .zip file)
Towelroot apk: https://Towelroot.com/
Get safestrap from here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2793891
2.
-Open flashfire grant it root access then click the plus in the bottom right hand corner and click flash firmware package choose the NCGStocktar.md5
-make sure boot, recovery, system and cache are selected make sure modem firmware and firmware are unchecked then click the checkmark
-look for process cache click it and uncheck Enable and allow cache wipe then click the check mark
-click everroot and uncheck inject SuperSu
-then click Reboot and choose Download
- then click the plus again and choose wipe make sure System Data, 3rd Party apps, dalvik cache, cache partition, cache partition format
-Click and hold on wipe and drag it above flash firmware package
-then click flash and click ok when it says it will go black for a second if its black for more than a minute pull the battery and retry
3.
-once in download mode open Odin on PC (if it doesnt go to download and attempts to boot pull battery and manually go into download)
-verify the device shows up under ID:COM
-now click options and uncheck auto reboot
-now choose NCG stock kernel in ap slot and click start this will flash the kitkat kernel
-when its done unplug the phone from the computer and pull the battery
-then when the battery is back in hold volume down, home and power all together until you see download mode
-click reset in odin then select the NCG Stock Modem in ap slot then click start
-when odin is finished the device should reboot and attempt to boot kitkat
4.
-when kitkat is booted download towelroot from the phone or copy it from the pc to your phone and install the apk
-open towel root and click make it rain it should say no reboot required
-now download supersu from playstore
-open it and click update su binary then click reboot
-now donwload busybox from the play store and install it
-now download the safestrap NCG apk file install it open it and accept the license agreement now click install safestrap
-then click reboot to recovery it should reboot your phone to safestrap
Thanks @klabit87 and @al50 for helping me find and test this method.

Nice work and GREAT Thread to start for one's that don't know of this or the experience to do so or of completely the 'how-to-do'...:good:

What is the reason for Safestrap in this case? Is it necessary for just the downgrading to 4.4?
I used Safestrap some time ago to load a second rom on my S3. Does Safestrap have the same purpose for the S5?
Thank you very much. This is clearly written and should be easy to follow if I need to do so.

Bren123 said:
If you took the OTA for lollipop (PB1) you are no longer able to downgrade to any version of kitkat with a standard tar it will fail because of a tripped qfuse but this way you can pretty much downgrade to kitkat. You will just have PB1 bootloader.
FYI I did this on a CID 11 locked bootloader Verizon S5
1. Download these files
NCG Kernel: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23991606952612346 (Tar is in .zip file)
NCG Modem: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23991606952612348 (Tar is in .zip file)
NCG Stock Tar: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23991606952612350 (Tar is in .zip file)
Towelroot apk: https://Towelroot.com/
Get safestrap from here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2793891
2.
-Open flashfire grant it root access then click the plus in the bottom right hand corner and click flash firmware package choose the NCGStocktar.md5
-make sure boot, recovery, system and cache are selected make sure modem firmware and firmware are unchecked then click the checkmark
-look for process cache click it and uncheck Enable and allow cache wipe then click the check mark
-click everroot and uncheck inject SuperSu
-then click Reboot and choose Download
- then click the plus again and choose wipe make sure System Data, 3rd Party apps, dalvik cache, cache partition, cache partition format
-Click and hold on wipe and drag it above flash firmware package
-then click flash and click ok when it says it will go black for a second if its black for more than a minute pull the battery and retry
3.
-once in download mode open Odin on PC (if it doesnt go to download and attempts to boot pull battery and manually go into download)
-verify the device shows up under ID:COM
-now click options and uncheck auto reboot
-now choose NCG stock kernel in ap slot and click start this will flash the kitkat kernel
-when its done unplug the phone from the computer and pull the battery
-then when the battery is back in hold volume down, home and power all together until you see download mode
-click reset in odin then select the NCG Stock Modem in ap slot then click start
-when odin is finished the device should reboot and attempt to boot kitkat
4.
-when kitkat is booted download towelroot from the phone or copy it from the pc to your phone and install the apk
-open towel root and click make it rain it should say no reboot required
-now download supersu from playstore
-open it and click update su binary then click reboot
-now donwload busybox from the play store and install it
-now download the safestrap NCG apk file install it open it and accept the license agreement now click install safestrap
-then click reboot to recovery it should reboot your phone to safestrap
Thanks @klabit87 and @al50 for helping me find and test this method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this maybe an old thread want to ask am on pb1 lollipop cid 11 bootloader if i downgrade to kitkat will be able to upgrade back to llollipop since i wiil still have pb1 bootloader ? do i flash pb1 tar in odin to upgrade or theres another method to upgrade or i wiil be stuck with kitkat once downgraded . sorry for long text.

reubenm said:
this maybe an old thread want to ask am on pb1 lollipop cid 11 bootloader if i downgrade to kitkat will be able to upgrade back to llollipop since i wiil still have pb1 bootloader ? do i flash pb1 tar in odin to upgrade or theres another method to upgrade or i wiil be stuck with kitkat once downgraded . sorry for long text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can restore back to PB1 just flash the tar in odin you won't be stuck on kitkat I no longer have my galaxy S5 but I can try to help you if you run into any issues.

radnor27 said:
What is the reason for Safestrap in this case? Is it necessary for just the downgrading to 4.4?
I used Safestrap some time ago to load a second rom on my S3. Does Safestrap have the same purpose for the S5?
Thank you very much. This is clearly written and should be easy to follow if I need to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I somehow missed your reply no it's not necessary for the downgrade it's just nice to have if you have a Verizon S5 that can't be unlocked.

Bren123 said:
You can restore back to PB1 just flash the tar in odin you won't be stuck on kitkat I no longer have my galaxy S5 but I can try to help you if you run into any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the reply mate will give it a shot tommorow and give feedback

Does this method work if OS was updated to MM (assuming I revert to LL first)?
Links for files listed in OP are no longer working - any idea where I can get them?

arficus said:
Does this method work if OS was updated to MM (assuming I revert to LL first)?
Links for files listed in OP are no longer working - any idea where I can get them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes.
2. Search for "ancg" string on androidfilehost.com.

bbsc said:
1. Yes.
2. Search for "ancg" string on androidfilehost.com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1... Great, thank you.
2... Done. No joy.
Been searching for other possibilities, finding only dead links to AFH.
AFH search for "ncg" shows:
20140409_G900V-NCG_MODEM.tar.md5
20140409_G900V-NCG_MODEM_NON-HLOS.tar.md5
NCG_Firmware_No_Bootloaders_V3.zip
Hmm, AFH search engine is quirky. Search for "NCG_Firmware" includes:
VRU1ANCG_FIRMWARE_ONLY.tar.md5
AFH search for G900V_NCG includes:
G900V_NCG_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
I'm hoping/guessing that (please correct me if I'm wrong):
"NCG Modem" [file from OP] = 20140409_G900V-NCG_MODEM.tar.md5
"NCG Kernel" = G900V_NCG_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
NCG_Firmware_No_Bootloaders_V3.zip does not contain a tar, but directions in OP indicate firmware should be flashed via flashfire (vs odin for others), so I'm assuming that this can be flashed instead. So:
"NCG Stock Tar" = NCG_Firmware_No_Bootloaders_V3.zip
Will these work? If yes I will post links to files.

arficus said:
AFH search for "ncg" shows:
20140409_G900V-NCG_MODEM.tar.md5
20140409_G900V-NCG_MODEM_NON-HLOS.tar.md5
NCG_Firmware_No_Bootloaders_V3.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggested searching for "ancg", not for "ncg".
You were supposed to find G900VVRU1ANCG_G900VVZW1ANCG_G900VVRU1ANCG_HOME.zip - a stock firmware file.
Additional search for modem and kernel is not necessary because you can easily pull them from this stock firmware and pack into tar-files.
7zip will do this for you under Windows.
P.S.
Hmm, AFH search engine is quirky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks quirky, probably.
But as a good search engine it should index all those filenames somehow.
I suspect that it splits filenames in letter/non-letter points and indexes all those parts after this.
At least, this theory explains why searching for "ncg" and "ancg" produce completely different results.

bbsc said:
I suggested searching for "ancg", not for "ncg".
You were supposed to find G900VVRU1ANCG_G900VVZW1ANCG_G900VVRU1ANCG_HOME.zip - a stock firmware file.
Additional search for modem and kernel is not necessary because you can easily pull them from this stock firmware and pack into tar-files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did search for "ANCG" and I did find G900VVRU1ANCG_G900VVZW1ANCG_G900VVRU1ANCG_HOME.zip.
I downloaded it and opened zip to see if it had separate tar files for modem and such. It's just one tar file, and given that I didn't know it was option to pull out individual components and tar them (nor do I know how to do this as I don't know file locations/names), I figured it wasn't correct file...

arficus said:
I didn't know it was option to pull out individual components and tar them (nor do I know how to do this as I don't know file locations/names)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ANCG_kernel.tar
ANCG_modem.tar
The links will be there till tomorrow.

bbsc said:
ANCG_kernel.tar
ANCG_modem.tar
The links will be there till tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
---------- Post added at 04:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:28 PM ----------
I just realized my fave KK rom requires 4.4.4. Will it work if I follow procedure in OP with NK2 components substituted?

arficus said:
I just realized my fave KK rom requires 4.4.4. Will it work if I follow procedure in OP with NK2 components substituted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not tried that but why not.
Will be interesting to hear from you.
Search AFH for "ANK2" and use 7zip archiver to deal with tar-files.

Bren123 said:
Sorry I somehow missed your reply no it's not necessary for the downgrade it's just nice to have if you have a Verizon S5 that can't be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I see. Thank you

I have searched all over and cannot find these files all links are dead.
Does anyone still have these ?
Thanks
STRUZZIN