Database Info

Samsung Dart T499 Rooted

OK i got this thing Rooted with superoneclick if any one is interested.
I will be working on a rom dump img.
Ill up load a link to rooting tool, and make a nice guide after work in next few days i should be able to compile a nice bit of info for this phone.
Here is the link for the tool to root this phone http://www.megaupload.com/?d=80IAHHZC

Hoping to find a recovery img. that works..

steph2 said:
OK i got this thing Rooted with superoneclick if any one is interested.
I will be working on a rom dump img.
Ill up load a link to rooting tool, and make a nice guide after work in next few days i should be able to compile a nice bit of info for this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm interested! I wish this phone had its own space here at xda.

Working on a rom dump just for that the problem is that I don't own the phone. So I get limited time with my good friends phone. Also I got a family so us getting together to do this stuff is kinda hard. If I get a rom dump I might be able to port cm7 to this model. I am no major developer I just tinker mainly. But would like to do more and his dart is a good start for doing more.
Looking to make recovery image as well
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

i have the samsung dart from tmobil which is this model phone and was curious about rooting it. what kind of benefits does rooting do for a phone? also does anyone have any guide on how to root this phone?
any help would be appreciated and thanks

Download the tool plug in USB cable to phone set phone to USB debugging in (settings >manage applications>development>USB debugging) run superoneclick as administrator.
Then click the root button. Easy as pie.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

ok thank you for the information. just want to ask a few questions, do you know if there are other roms that can be used with a rooted dart? also will rooting be able to help with battery life on my phone?
thanks for any help you can provide.

ok thank you for the information. just want to ask a few questions, do you know if there are other roms that can be used with a rooted dart? also will rooting be able to help with battery life on my phone?
thanks for any help you can provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well there is no custom roms as of now I am tring to get one together but without source code its not easy to do anything. But you can use an app called root explore to remove T mobile boatware. Also use any app that requires root.
Also root will be helpful when a recovery image is made for the dart. Then custom roms will be possible.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

ok thanks for the information, i appreciate the help .

Hi, I had a T499 I read that is the same model than S5570 and I tried to flash it with an android 2.3.4 but the phone does not work anymore, you are the only one person I found that may be can help me I'm looking for the original firm android 2.2.1from tmobile because I want to restore it, when I start the phone in download mode is still respond it let me download the firm and also reset the phone I was working with the Odin Multidownloader 4.38, but when I start the phone only a black screen appears, it seems that the T499 and s5570 are different phones, any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in Advance

Ok ill work A little harder you can try warranty with t moible
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

The only problem is that I bought this phone in the US and now I'm in Argentina, if you have the chance to get an original t499 please contact me [email protected]
thanks in advance

Can do
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I have a T499 (AKA Dart) and I am familiar with ADB, Linux, Kernel Building, Rooting, etc etc etc. Let me know what you guys need/want and I will help however I can. I like this phone, for a 600mhz armeabi, its fast. We need some custom kernel love on this device.. Lets do this.

Has there been any news on any custom roms out? Any luck on software being released?
Sent from my SGH-T499 using XDA App

spindizy said:
I have a T499 (AKA Dart) and I am familiar with ADB, Linux, Kernel Building, Rooting, etc etc etc. Let me know what you guys need/want and I will help however I can. I like this phone, for a 600mhz armeabi, its fast. We need some custom kernel love on this device.. Lets do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Need a recovery image. so we can at least nandroid. I haven't seen anything other than root for this phone yet.

any updates on this, any custom roms for this phone yes

do not USE ROM MANAGER
taqulic said:
Need a recovery image. so we can at least nandroid. I haven't seen anything other than root for this phone yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NANDROID is not compatible with this device, i tried to install on a rooted t499; all well, but when i tried to boot into the clockwork recovery from ROM Manager, NOW I HAVE A DEAD PHONE....ZIPPO, NOT EVEN A BLINK, i've 3 pieces needing repair. however, i'm shooting for 2 will be fully functional. ONCE, i get my hands on the original firmwares...FULL.. so, if anybody out there can DUMP all the files on a link TO FLASH WITH ODIN, THANKS A ALOTTO.
REQUESTING samfirmware FOR ODIN T499---URGENT
also have 1 piece dead as a deer...help

I've been working on dumping the rom but all I get is a 'segmentation fault' when using romdumper... still trying to figure all that out. I think its the way superoneclick roots it.

I know it must be hard to work on, is there any updates on custom roms?
Sent from my SGH-T499 using xda premium

[ROM][9/26][TMo] - Stock Rooted ROM - D80110c

This is just that... A T-Mobile Stock Rooted ROM based on Build D80110c
Features
A stock rooted ROM
Pre-rooted
Busybox
zipaligned
Odex. De-Odex later!
Must be on latest OTA!
Includes boot.img that is pre-lokied.
You dont not need to worry about loki or OTA's.
Thanks
Semantics for helping test it, djrbliss, dees_troy, chainfire, Anonymous Donator!
Download HERE
Please Hit Thanks!
Its just as easy as hitting download!​

Sharing Policy
The spirit of Open Source is to share your knowledge and files with the rest of the world so they can improve on what you do when possible. This is also my philosophy and I would never compromise that!
You are free to use this ROM or any part of this ROM any way you like as long as you give proper credits!
Do not use my work if you cannot give proper credits!
Consider this your permission! Please do not PM me asking if its OK to build off this ROM. Permission granted!
However this does not include my CleanROM series of ROMS. Please do not use those without contacting me first!
This ROM is not a CleanROM. Its a stock rooted and all yours!
Hit Thanks!

Reserved

I take it you'll have a CleanROM for T-Mobile also?
Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk 4

dw9906 said:
I take it you'll have a CleanROM for T-Mobile also?
Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In time yes...

I was very happy to help, Scott. I know from experience the ROM is worth the wait! Thanks again for looking out for us T-Mo folks!
Being the guinea pig, I can confirm 100% that everything works perfectly. It does take about 5 mins to wipe and 5 mins to install so don't freak out!

Semantics said:
I was very happy to help, Scott. I know from experience the ROM is worth the wait! Thanks again for looking out for us T-Mo folks!
Being the guinea pig, I can confirm 100% that everything works perfectly. It does take about 5 mins to wipe and 5 mins to install so don't freak out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for all the help! TMo people owe you a thanks!

A huge thanks. Great to see some dev work for our device.

Good ROM, thank you to the Devs. Excited for more ROMs! 1 thing though is, what is that weird icon on the status bar? It looks like an N. I never saw that before!?
Sent from my TMO LG G2 D801.

NFC icon
Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk 4

Ohhhh. Sorry for the noob comment. I have lots of experience with Android. Should have known that!
Sent from my TMO LG G2 D801.

This looks awesome. Looking forward to the de-bloater for tmobile

noob question, but how is a stock rooted rom different from just the stock version that comes with the phone, and what are the advantages?

TonyWhiteShoes said:
noob question, but how is a stock rooted rom different from just the stock version that comes with the phone, and what are the advantages?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been zipaligned and odexed. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448022
Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk 2

TonyWhiteShoes said:
noob question, but how is a stock rooted rom different from just the stock version that comes with the phone, and what are the advantages?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The biggest thing is he now has a base. I sent Scott our system dump and boot.img files and he put something together, and while he couldn't test it, I did at the risk of bricking my phone so we can all have a clean base for ROMS. You're welcome

TonyWhiteShoes said:
noob question, but how is a stock rooted rom different from just the stock version that comes with the phone, and what are the advantages?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are zero advantages to the "average" person. None at all...
Unless you fall into these categories...
1. Screwed your phone up and half the things just don't work right because you "read something on the internet to make your phone (battery last longer, speed it up, random useless failed feature here)" and it didint quite go the way you expected it to and you cannot send TXT messages (just a random made up example). This would be a great way to fix that...
2. You flashed "Dev A's" ROM and you realized that the color (random color here) is not for you and you are about to go insane but are on the road so you can just flash this back to get back to a stock look.
3. You want to build your own ROM for personal use and you really dont know where to begin but you know what apps you DONT want in the phone. Yo could use this base to get started.
4. Your another Dev that doesnt have the experience of setting up a stock rooted ROM and may need to use this base to get started. Many people use my stock rooted ROMS across a MULTITUDE of devices because they trust that they are as close to perfect in all aspects as possible. (I was a newb once too and needed to use other stock roots).
If you dont fit into those categories... Then this rom has no value to you.

@scrosler
Will you be supporting the Sprint version of the LG G2 with ClearnROM when it comes out?

I know you're busy and all and I'm not trying to rush you or anything but how's the clean ROM for T-Mobile coming along ? :fingers-crossed:

ericdabbs said:
@scrosler
Will you be supporting the Sprint version of the LG G2 with ClearnROM when it comes out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but members of my team are...
bodom_hc said:
I know you're busy and all and I'm not trying to rush you or anything but how's the clean ROM for T-Mobile coming along ? :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Meh, havent started... Are you game for testing? If so PM me.

scrosler said:
No, but members of my team are...
Meh, havent started... Are you game for testing? If so PM me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be once it arrives in the mail in a day or so!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 (SM-T217T) CWM recovery and Root

Hey All,
I didn't want to risk the ban as I have found this site very useful over the years so I'm posting this here. I know a lot of work goes into finding ways to root each device when possible so I thought I'd throw my $0.02 in.
I purchased a T-Mobile (SM-T217T) Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 last night and wanted it rooted. After hours of trying every method I could (SuperOne Click, Cydia Impactor, Kingo, and every other non Odin based root I could find) I gave up and decided to try some Odin methods.
I downloaded the CWM recovery for the SM-T217S
I grabbed The Universal Root file.
And lastly Odin 3.07
BEFORE STARTING put the untouched Universal Root file on your EXTERNAL SD CARD
Put the Tab in download mode (Power + Vol DOWN)
Open Odin 3.07
Connected your Tab to the PC
Click PDA in Odin, and select the CWM file which then asks to select the recovery file inside the tarball.
Make sure the ONLY options selected are Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time and then click start.
Once the Tab turned off I let it reboot fully before touching it to make sure I didn't brick it but You can skip that and go right into recovery if you want.
Reboot into recovery (POWER +Vol. UP)
**Vol. Up and Down control line selections and Power selects the line**
Select Install Zip
Select Choose Zip From External SD Card
Select android-armeabi-universal-root-signed.zip
Select Yes
Reboot
WIN!
Once I can find a way to safely upload a a nandroid or similar back-up (maybe a more experience Dev can send me a guide/walk me through it) I'll update this post with a link for a T-Mobile stock rooted rom. Or someone else can do it after you have root.
If You were part of creating any of the root files I used (found through Google and direct linked here) please let me know so I can credit you in my post.

I see no files to download?
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

files.
jpeps said:
I see no files to download?
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, the links became invalid after a day or so.
I suggest just looking around XDA for the specific file names.

jpeps said:
I see no files to download?
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Files are here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2514821
to be perfectly clear, I followed JUNCEY's INSTRUCTIONS, not the ones listed in the link I provided.
Enjoy!!!

Thanks juncey and umrico for your posts! Worked great!

hobo05 said:
Thanks juncey and umrico for your posts! Worked great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
worked flawlessly on my brand new t-mo. thanks OP.

Make Calls
Has anyone figured out how to make calls with the Tab 3 T217T? Like I have a mobile network with my sim lte works I can message from the messaging app. But no luck on calls any help would be awesome.

gamethriller said:
Has anyone figured out how to make calls with the Tab 3 T217T? Like I have a mobile network with my sim lte works I can message from the messaging app. But no luck on calls any help would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried "GrooVe IP" application, which works in conjunction with you "Google voice" account. Works awesome for me.

Thanks.
getting my post count up so i can post into development threads.
Cheers
S

sweet!!!
Awesome, just got a tab 3 4 days ago and it rooted like nothing, Thanks, now all we need is a sm-t217t kitkat rom :fingers-crossed:

Thanks juncey
It was quick and painless and it worked great. Now I can finally debloat my tab

That would be awesome as long as it doesn't come with Knox
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app

billgates420 said:
It was quick and painless and it worked great. Now I can finally debloat my tab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was the entire reason of my exploring with root methods. I hate T-Mobile's unlock plan and figured the first step was rooting and debloating.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app

Has anyone been able to find a T217T ROM anywhere? I hope someone comes up with an AOSP ROM for our device.

billgates420 said:
Has anyone been able to find a T217T ROM anywhere? I hope someone comes up with an AOSP ROM for our device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't really looked to be honest. I'm not sure if anyone has attempted to flash anything custom yet or if they have then they had issues and haven't posted for the rest of us.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app

billgates420 said:
Has anyone been able to find a T217T ROM anywhere? I hope someone comes up with an AOSP ROM for our device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to go OT but I've looked around and i can't find anything for the T217T but i did find this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2796921 ... there is a rom for the T217S which is the sprint version but is identical to the T217T under the hood http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2589048 i asked if is safe to flash this remedy rom on our T217T tablets but i got NO answer what so ever I would donate $40 for a T217T kitkat rom if there was anyone out there willing to make one or port...

cronikman84 said:
Not to go OT but I've looked around and i can't find anything for the T217T but i did find this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2796921 ... there is a rom for the T217S which is the sprint version but is identical to the T217T under the hood http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2589048 i asked if is safe to flash this remedy rom on our T217T tablets but i got NO answer what so ever I would donate $40 for a T217T kitkat rom if there was anyone out there willing to make one or port...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking into it.

cronikman84 said:
Not to go OT but I've looked around and i can't find anything for the T217T but i did find this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2796921 ... there is a rom for the T217S which is the sprint version but is identical to the T217T under the hood http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2589048 i asked if is safe to flash this remedy rom on our T217T tablets but i got NO answer what so ever I would donate $40 for a T217T kitkat rom if there was anyone out there willing to make one or port...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those are 4.2.2 which we already have I'm trying for 4.4.2

jds3118 said:
Those are 4.2.2 which we already have I'm trying for 4.4.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know those are 4.2.2 but at least they are getting attention, meaning at least there's devs developing for it even if it's a modified 4.2.2 stock rom... 4.4.2 would be awesome for this tablet no doubt...I'm just hopping to get some development support for this puppy :fingers-crossed:, i hate this stupid TW...

cronikman84 said:
i know those are 4.2.2 but at least they are getting attention, meanning at least there's devs developing for it even if it's a modified 4.2.2 stock rom... 4.4.2 would be awesome for this tablet no doubt...I'm just hopping to get some development support for this puppy :fingers-crossed:, i hate this stupid TW...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Working on it bro so far I'm testing a stock t217t 4.2.2 rooted deodexed with xposed framework, gravity box, and wanam. I'm trying to see if I can get the sprint 4.4.2 to boot on our t217t

SCH-S968C Roms.

I have rooted my phone (SCH-S968C) and everything. I read a forum that said you can install a rom from SCH-i535 and It was successful but you couldn't call and text. I need a rom exactly for the SCH-S9968C. Thanks :fingers-crossed::laugh:

help!!
Did you ever find the correct rom? I flashed the new gummy rom. It works great but i have no mobile data!! I cant get my 3g or anything. When i go to set a new apn it will not save. Please tell me you found somthing that may help me.

WesSmiley315 said:
I have rooted my phone (SCH-S968C) and everything. I read a forum that said you can install a rom from SCH-i535 and It was successful but you couldn't call and text. I need a rom exactly for the SCH-S9968C. Thanks :fingers-crossed::laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lilfroggy1189 said:
Did you ever find the correct rom? I flashed the new gummy rom. It works great but i have no mobile data!! I cant get my 3g or anything. When i go to set a new apn it will not save. Please tell me you found somthing that may help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
both of you start your journey here, all the goodies, just takes a few fixes and 3rd party apps if that's cool with you, its explained in the thread just read carefully, there is even a stock tar, unbrick.img, modem.zip, and bin files for the camera fix earlier in the thread just look back til you find what you need, hope you got an old sim card though, doesn't have to be active just as long as you have one, good luck! ENJOY
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2516498&page=30
Sent from my SCH-S968C using Tapatalk

N_psycho_PD_uh? said:
both of you start your journey here, all the goodies, just takes a few fixes and 3rd party apps if that's cool with you, its explained in the thread just read carefully, there is even a stock tar, unbrick.img, modem.zip, and bin files for the camera fix earlier in the thread just look back til you find what you need, hope you got an old sim card though, doesn't have to be active just as long as you have one, good luck! ENJOY
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2516498&page=30
Sent from my SCH-S968C using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I eventually uninstalled the clean ROM and reflashed my stock rom. I have yet to try a new ROM since. Have you flashed a ROM where everything works?
Sent from my SCH-S968C using XDA Free mobile app

ROMS with newly found working fixes are in the thread, all the d2lte roms and d2vzw roms are now working except for stock camera and stock MMS but there is a camera app that fixes camera and a fix for MMS through hangouts or a 3rd party text app, other than that its smooth sailing on all ROMs, there's even a working CM12 (lollipop 5.0) ROM!!!!! SWEET
Sent from my SCH-S968C using Tapatalk

What Roms on what pages in the thread? Thanks.
Sent from my SCH-S968C using XDA Free mobile app

WesSmiley315 said:
What Roms on what pages in the thread? Thanks.
Sent from my SCH-S968C using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the thread discusses needed FIXES for the ROMs, do a search for the d2vzw and d2lte ROMs, they are in the verizon S3 forums, find the ROM you want but go back to the thread I linked to find how to make the ROMs work, you'll have to read the thread and do the work yourself but there are fixes for everything you'll run into in the thread
Sent from my SCH-S968C using Tapatalk

Awesome thank you very much!
Sent from my SCH-S968C using XDA Free mobile app

WesSmiley315 said:
Awesome thank you very much!
Sent from my SCH-S968C using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
search for mastamoon's CM12 (lollipop), fixes for it in thread also, you'll need an old sim no matter what ROM you use
Sent from my SCH-S968C using Tapatalk

Help!
I have no service after flashing several custom roms. I think i may have screwed up the modem. Is there any way i can get straight talk service on my sch-968c with cm11 or 12 installed and how?

Michaelvfricke said:
I have no service after flashing several custom roms. I think i may have screwed up the modem. Is there any way i can get straight talk service on my sch-968c with cm11 or 12 installed and how?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you just need to get a CDMA SIM, a Verizon LTE 4G SIM is best, yes, I know the device is 3G, dont bother asking or wondering, just take my word for it, ALL of the LP d2vzw ROMs require SIM because they are for the Verizon S3 which is a 4G device and 4G devices require SIM for service and data, that makes us need it also. Another thing, stock MMS won't work with any other SIM than Verizon 4G SIM then dialing *228 to auto program SIM then manually edit APNs. Get a SIM and I'll set you up with what you need. Until you get a SIM just go back to stock or one of the kit kat ROMs from the first 6 months of last year and you won't need the SIM on those.

Does anyone know if Android M (Marshmellow) will be available for the S3 ? (d2vzw) ?

Jaws4God said:
Does anyone know if Android M (Marshmellow) will be available for the S3 ? (d2vzw) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its in the works but I can't tell you when it will be available.

Droidriven said:
Its in the works but I can't tell you when it will be available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
awesome! Did they already make a Preview version? Can I do anything to help?

Jaws4God said:
awesome! Did they already make a Preview version? Can I do anything to help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about the preview version. Everything is hush hush for now.
The team of guys I know are pretty good at what they do. Its mostly in the works upstream with the CM team. The guys I know are working as it comes from upstream. Its coming soon to the STS3 though. The team I know is already at work on it, they have it under control, I don't know about the other ROM teams though. It won't be out for beta testing for a couple of months so just be patient.

Droidriven said:
I don't know about the preview version. Everything is hush hush for now.
The team of guys I know are pretty good at what they do. Its mostly in the works upstream with the CM team. The guys I know are working as it comes from upstream. Its coming soon to the STS3 though. The team I know is already at work on it, they have it under control, I don't know about the other ROM teams though. It won't be out for beta testing for a couple of months so just be patient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how are things going with it?
Sent from my SCH-I535

Jaws4God said:
how are things going with it?
Sent from my SCH-I535
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No recent news or developments yet, they are still working on it, very few teams or developers have it ready to go yet, I've seen it released for other devices but not this one yet.

Note Edge Lollipop Root

Hi,
I have the Lollipop update for my Note edge and I want to root it.... Cannot fi d it anywhere..... So any help is appreciated.....
Thank you.
Sent from my SM-N915G using XDA Free mobile app

morphywolf said:
Hi,
I have the Lollipop update for my Note edge and I want to root it.... Cannot fi d it anywhere..... So any help is appreciated.....
Thank you.
Sent from my SM-N915G using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't look too hard, did we... - http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-edge/general/easiest-root-n915g-t2989909

Thats for Kit Kat
Better check before u do all your sarcastic bull****.......That's for KitKat ,not Lollipop........

1) The person you're telling to check and accusing of sarcastic bullsh*t is the OP of the linked thread.
2) Literally the very next two posts are about using the exact same method for Lollipop.
As someone once famously said, "Better check before . . . "

I did try it and it didn't work on my Lollipop...... I did check it and I did try it.... Plus I did search for my the root before I asked for help......
There is a big difference between just helping and being a ***** about it...... Anyways..... Thanks for helping..... But it did not work for me..... Guess it's my phone.....
Let it go man..... Was not looking to get into a fight or something.....
Everything got wiped when I tried it..... So was pissed off a little.....
Sent from my SM-N915G using XDA Free mobile app

morphywolf said:
I did try it and it didn't work on my Lollipop...... I did check it and I did try it.... Plus I did search for my the root before I asked for help......
There is a big difference between just helping and being a ***** about it...... Anyways..... Thanks for helping..... But it did not work for me..... Guess it's my phone.....
Let it go man..... Was not looking to get into a fight or something.....
Everything got wiped when I tried it..... So was pissed off a little.....
Sent from my SM-N915G using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every Note 4/Edge I've worked with has accepted whatever root method was used in KitKat for Lollipop. From what I've read, there may be a few models around the world that this doesn't apply to, but I haven't worked with any of those.

Mine's from India? Know anything about that? Is there a way around this?
Sent from my SM-N915G using XDA Free mobile app

Any chance of downgrading? I thought I saw a post somewhere about upgrading to lollipop while keeping root.

Will that work?
I'll try it out then.....
Sent from my SM-N915G using XDA Free mobile app

To be honest, I have no idea. It's just one of those threads I glanced at while looking for something else. I'm not planning on upgrading to lollipop until xposed and more support in general, so it didn't interest me at the time.

Firstly, sorry if I sounded sarcastic, there a a million+ people out there who start by just going "how do I root....." without checking and having the information stickied EVERYWHERE - been here a while & am a shift worker....
Sorry to hear it wiped your info, didn't have that problem because I always have everything backed up and start on fresh install, less problems that way...
As to getting root in KK and keeping it through a flash to Lollipop, Chainfire has a new flashing app called Flashfire that seems to be VERY good (as per all his apps) but it is a beta test you need to apply and join, you also need to be rooted.
I've used it to backup most of my data with good results but haven't felt the need to flash anything yet. It is the successor of Mobile ODIN so you will need to flash Lollipop bootloader, modem and non-hlos.bin in PC ODIN but it should be able to flash Lollipop while injecting supersu (1.46 Supersu) and keeping root.
I'd start there - Chainfire's Flashfire.
Good luck

Yes, that's what I was trying to remember. Best bet right there if normal root methods aren't working. I personally like to run towelroot, even though there's an effectively 0% chance of it doing anything, just 'cause I can