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[Q] Question On Galaxy S3 Verizon rooting/odin flashing/.bootloader

Hello All,
Long time lurker, first time poster. I currently have my galaxy s3 for Verizon rooted and bootloader unlocked on the VRBMA2 firmware. I want to upgrade this to the VRBMB1 official release as I realize that the MA2 was just a leak.
I have a tar file for tge MB1 firmware. Since my device is already rooted and the bootloader is already unlocked, if I flash in odin the MB1 no wipe tar.md5 - would it simply upgrade me without removing my root and unlocked bootloader?
If the above is not the case, does anyone know what the correct steps to getting this done would be?
Thank you so much for any and all help! It is much appreciated!

You could try OTA Rootkeeper and the make a backup copy of your root. Then do the upgrade. Then use EZ Unlocker to unlock the bootloader if it gets locked. PM me if you need anything.

DarkMenace said:
You could try OTA Rootkeeper and the make a backup copy of your root. Then do the upgrade. Then use EZ Unlocker to unlock the bootloader if it gets locked. PM me if you need anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to use a no wipe already rooted tar.md5 file and it worked perfectly . I didn't lose anything! I did however download the programs you suggested as I never knew about them and they are handy to have!
Thank you!

backdown,
can you provide the link to this rooted tar.md5? I had root before VBRMF1 and now casual root fails, and I my boot loader is locked until I get root?
backdown00 said:
I was able to use a no wipe already rooted tar.md5 file and it worked perfectly . I didn't lose anything! I did however download the programs you suggested as I never knew about them and they are handy to have!
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Is there a way to root on 5.1.1 23.4.A.1.200 ?

Hello there,
have been trying to root my new xperia z3 for 3 weekends now with no luck.
My bootloader has been unlocked through sony website, then relocked and unlocked many times using flashtool.
Looks like all the recoveries (doomlord, twrp) I could find work only on 4.4.4. Then I use flashtool to flash lollipop 5.1.1 23.4.A.1.200 and either wipe and loose the root or don't wipe all and enter a bootloop.
Flashing those recovery kernels straight on lollipop make the phone enter bootloop.
Are you guys able to root those Z3 under 5.1.1 ?
thank you

Sure shot easy way is flash kitkat firmware and use giefroot or flash 5.0 firmware and use kingroot.

Mate, you have to flash a prerooted version of 5.1.1 you can't just flash a stock rom and expect to stay rooted.
Downgrade to Kitkat then root and install a custom recovery. Then you download 5.1.1, Super Su and a custom recovery, create a pre rooted flashable zip with PRFcreator . Then flash it in your custom recovery and you're done. Rooted 5.1.1 with a custom recovery ready to rock.

Kingroot isn't recommendable, your IMEI is sent to China. Downgrade to 4.4, root with giefieroot, upgrade with pre-rooted ROM.
Btw: did you make a backup of your TA partition before unlocking bootloader?

Thanks a lot for your answer guys.
Am unusually struggling with this device.
lol1rfs said:
Mate, you have to flash a prerooted version of 5.1.1 you can't just flash a stock rom and expect to stay rooted.
Downgrade to Kitkat then root and install a custom recovery. Then you download 5.1.1, Super Su and a custom recovery, create a pre rooted flashable zip with PRFcreator . Then flash it in your custom recovery and you're done. Rooted 5.1.1 with a custom recovery ready to rock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have already downgraded to kitkat, installed custom recovery and rooted. But the 5.1.1 stock flash indeed wipe everything.
Haven't found yet a custom recovery for 5.1.1 that doesn't make the phone enter a bootloop. Would you happen to have a link ?
I'll give a look to that PRFcreator, didn't know about it.
Jkay7 said:
Kingroot isn't recommendable, your IMEI is sent to China. Downgrade to 4.4, root with giefieroot, upgrade with pre-rooted ROM.
Btw: did you make a backup of your TA partition before unlocking bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I read about kingroot and haven't found any other way to root a 5.1.1 stock.
Where could I find a pre-rooter ROM then ? My wish was to be stock and rooted to be able to use apps like titanium backup and adblockers. Used to try custom roms every other day on my old SGS but today I'd be happy with something that just works.
Did not make any backup before unlocking but looked like flashtool was able to relock the device. Am I right guessing I didn't loose my DRM keys then ?
Thanks again for your answers.
Edit: looks like am missing sthg, what's the point in rooting a kitkat to upgrade with a pre-rooted lollipop right after ?

After KitKat root you get a Lollipop pre-rooted image and flash it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/d6603-5-0-2-flashable-stock-23-1-0-690-t3056361
Here are the steps: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/guide-rootrecovery-how-to-root-install-t3017056

I hope you made a TA backup before unlocking your bootloader, otherwise you have lost your DRM keys forever.
Anyway, if your bootloader is now locked, follow the guide that Licaon_Kter linked in the above post.
The exploit that lets us root our Z3 only works on Kitkat, so downgrade first, run the exploit to obtain root, and install recovery.
You will then have stock, rooted, KitKat.
To get to 5.1.1, you will then need to either create your own pre rooted firmware, or download one that someone has kindly posted on here.
If you want to learn how to do it, read this --> Create your own pre rooted firmware with PRF Creator
PRF Creator will create a zip file that can be flashed from recovery, so once you have recovery installed, it's dead easy.
That will get you where you want to be.
However . . . and there's always a however lol . . .
. . . if you still have an unlocked bootloader, it is much simpler from wherever you are.
Find any custom rom that has recovery built in, and almost all do, then fastboot the kernel only, the boot.img.
Reboot your device and enter recovery.
Install your pre rooted firmware that you have either created with PRF Creator, or downloaded from here.
Job done.
My personal advice is read, read, and then read some more.
It can be very complicated, but you'll get the hang of it.

Licaon_Kter said:
After KitKat root you get a Lollipop pre-rooted image and flash it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/d6603-5-0-2-flashable-stock-23-1-0-690-t3056361
Here are the steps: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/guide-rootrecovery-how-to-root-install-t3017056
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have an unlocked bootloader since flashtool can lock and unlock it in a matter of a second.
Went back again in KK rooted with twrp recovery.
Wiped data, cache, dalvik.
Flashed D6603_23.4.A.1.232_Customized_US_SuperSU_XZDR2.8.2 1 from the link above and ... CWM recovery report install from sdcard completed after 1s and nothing more. Am still booting in KK after that.
This didn't work for me. Am losing it now with this phone.
Am I missing sthg ? Any advice ?
Can't use PRFCreator, am under mac os...
Thanks to all for your help

Try with TWRP too

Licaon_Kter said:
After KitKat root you get a Lollipop pre-rooted image and flash it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/d6603-5-0-2-flashable-stock-23-1-0-690-t3056361
Here are the steps: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/guide-rootrecovery-how-to-root-install-t3017056
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Licaon_Kter said:
Try with TWRP too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried twrp found there http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/development/recovery-z3-twrp-2-8-4-0-t3028846
phone is not booting anymore.
twrp post says it doesn't work on stock room.
---------- Post added at 02:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:05 PM ----------
Is there really anyone out there with a rooted stock lollipop ?
or you are all using customs ?
am seriously questionning the thing now

Why would you NOT follow the steps?
GO AGAIN from the start: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/guide-rootrecovery-how-to-root-install-t3017056

Licaon_Kter said:
Why would you NOT follow the steps?
GO AGAIN from the start: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/guide-rootrecovery-how-to-root-install-t3017056
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just can't, I don't have access to a window machine

Both giefroot and FlashTool are for Win/Mac/Linux.

Licaon_Kter said:
Both giefroot and FlashTool are for Win/Mac/Linux.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate your still trying to help me.
I do use flashtool and am able to root a Kitkat 23.0.A.2.93, so I don't see the point in using giefroot unless it could root a lollipop.
I have read thoroughly and downloaded pre-rooted lollipop stock roms from the link you provided.
Once under KK, rooted, with all settings set properly (debug, security, etc...), and all caches/dalvik/data wiped, the CMW recovery just don't flash those lollipop roms. After just one sec, it says install completed but then the device still boot under KK.
TWRP doesn't even intall, so am wondering if this is even possible to get a TWRP on stock rom.
Have tried all of those with bootloader unlocked and locked, or a mix like unlocked first to be able to root a KK, then relock to flash a stock prerooted 5.1.1 (as stated in the post) but then I get a device that doesn't even boot.
Tried dualrecovery too, flash the zip, and nothing.
I suspect all of you guys have used some sort of .bat windows utility to get through this.
Once again, thanks for your help and patience.

ikho said:
I do use flashtool and am able to root a Kitkat 23.0.A.2.93, so I don't see the point in using giefroot unless it could root a lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point is to go from the BEGINing _again_: Flash stock KK, giefroot, XZ, pre-rooted LP
I have done it in Linux w/ locked bootloader and stock ROM, hence my pointers.
XZDualrecovery has TWRP 2.8.7.0. But, do take note that you use Volume Down to enter PhilzTouch Recovery and Volume Up to enter TWRP.

Licaon_Kter said:
Both giefroot and FlashTool are for Win/Mac/Linux.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
am sorry, can't find how to use giefroot on a mac.
read quite a few post of people saying that was not working for them.

Run the INSTALL.SH file in a console (just like they instruct you for the .BAT file for Windows), it detects OS and runs either adb for Linux or for Mac.
Well, like I said, it worked fine in Linux, I guess it should work on Mac, providing the device is detected ok beforehand and such. ( what does "adb devices" outputs with the phone connected ? )

Licaon_Kter said:
Run the INSTALL.SH file in a console (just like they instruct you for the .BAT file for Windows), it detects OS and runs either adb for Linux or for Mac.
Well, like I said, it worked fine in Linux, I guess it should work on Mac, providing the device is detected ok beforehand and such. ( what does "adb devices" outputs with the phone connected ? )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yaaay, houray it finally worked
big thanks man, you saved me $500 on that one !

Regain root after Marhmallow update?

I had Android 5.0 (PB1) and was rooted. I updated to Marshmallow using the posted method, and everything went well, but I did lose root access after updating to Marshmallow, which I did expect. I did downgrade to 5.0 (PB1) and tried to root using the posted directions, but to no avail. I am now attempting to update back to marshmallow. I also have a LOCKED bootloader.

Goto rooting the S5 thread as locked 6.0.1 is rooted for days now.
Killing Them Loudly

Molon-Labe said:
Goto rooting the S5 thread as locked 6.0.1 is rooted for days now.
Killing Them Loudly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I still can root with 6.01 with a locked bootloder?

No, you cannot. This is discussed in numerous threads. Such as Muniz_ri's root thread and the unlock bootlooder thread. Please search before posting a thread which this has been mentioned. Thank you

Got to downgrade then root etc..
Killing Them Loudly

Molon-Labe said:
Yes look after method 4
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3337909
Killing Them Loudly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read that article, but you need to be rooted do that, I tried to downgrade to 5.0 (PB1) and tried to root according to the directions from the link that is also referenced to on that page, but it did not work. Is there a specific way to downgrade to 5.0 (PB1) and to root? What iI did was I used Odin and flashed the PB1 image and then tried the rooting method mentioned, but it did not work. If there is a specific way to downgrade to PB1 and root, then I can follow the directions that you suggested to me.

Uptime73 said:
I read that article, but you need to be rooted do that, I tried to downgrade to 5.0 (PB1) and tried to root according to the directions from the link that is also referenced to on that page, but it did not work. Is there a specific way to downgrade to 5.0 (PB1) and to root? What iI did was I used Odin and flashed the PB1 image and then tried the rooting method mentioned, but it did not work. If there is a specific way to downgrade to PB1 and root, then I can follow the directions that you suggested to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i did this a bunch of times with my S5 with a locked bootloader (i have a Toshiba 11 emmc) --
flash stock PB1 and follow the Get Root instructions on PB1, http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370
then follow upgrade instructions for locked bootloader to PD1. try this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ow-to-flash-custom-6-0-1-roms-locked-t3393943 (this worked for me)
( there is also this one, but it didnt work for me: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...w-to-update-to-g900voe1-5-0-keeproot-t3149784 )
All the info is here in the forums. good luck!

stras1234 said:
i did this a bunch of times with my S5 with a locked bootloader (i have a Toshiba 11 emmc) --
flash stock PB1 and follow the Get Root instructions on PB1, http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370
then follow upgrade instructions for locked bootloader to PD1. try this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ow-to-flash-custom-6-0-1-roms-locked-t3393943 (this worked for me)
( there is also this one, but it didnt work for me: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...w-to-update-to-g900voe1-5-0-keeproot-t3149784 )
All the info is here in the forums. good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was initially on PB1 with root access, and looking back, I should have followed the link of how to unlock the boot loader and to update to PD1. Unfortunately, I followed the directions on the last link you gave me, the one you said that didn't work for you.....the one about updating to PD1 for locked boot loaders. Unlike you, it worked for me. I was on PD1 without a problem, but I wasn't rooted.. So I tried to downgrade back to PB1 and then follow the rooting directions, but it didn't work for me.
From what I have been told, since I upgraded to 6.0 (PD1), it is IMPOSSIBLE to downgrade to 5.0 and root. Is this correct?
Also, if that is the case, then is it possible for me to apply a pre rooted 5.0 image, so I can unlock the blootloader and update to 6.0?
Thanks in advance.

THERE IS NO ROOT FOR PD1 (MashMellow) for LOCKED BOOTLOADER yet. Once you're on MM 6.0 you will lose root. If you want root, you need to downgrade back to PB1 (LP), then get root working again. Once up upgrade from PB1 LP to 6.0 MM you will lose root.

buhohitr said:
THERE IS NO ROOT FOR PD1 (MashMellow) for LOCKED BOOTLOADER yet. Once you're on MM 6.0 you will lose root. If you want root, you need to downgrade back to PB1 (LP), then get root working again. Once up upgrade from PB1 LP to 6.0 MM you will lose root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am aware that once I got to PD1, I will lose root. I am also aware that I need to downgrade to PB1 and get root working again, but that is my precise problem. I have gotten back to PB1 flashing PB1 image, but I can't seem to get it rooted, at least not by following the directions mentioned on http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370.
Question. After flashing back to PB1, do you I need to flash the PB1 bootloader? For some reason, I am unable to root when I get back to PB1.

Uptime73 said:
I am aware that once I got to PD1, I will lose root. I am also aware that I need to downgrade to PB1 and get root working again, but that is my precise problem. I have gotten back to PB1 flashing PB1 image, but I can't seem to get it rooted, at least not by following the directions mentioned on http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370.
Question. After flashing back to PB1, do you I need to flash the PB1 bootloader? For some reason, I am unable to root when I get back to PB1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to flash PB1 bootloader. Did you try install Kroot manually as suggested? Please show me where it failed? Did you run root.bat and if not working install Kroot manually and run roo2.bat.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

buhohitr said:
You don't need to flash PB1 bootloader. Did you try install Kroot manually as suggested? Please show me where it failed? Did you run root.bat and if not working install Kroot manually and run roo2.bat.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can tell you that when I tried to run the root and root2 batch files, I got a message that said the files were missing, so I looked at the root.bat file, and I ran the individual tasks in the batch file manually., including the manual install of king root. When I ran king root, it said no methods were available.

Uptime73 said:
I can tell you that when I tried to run the root and root2 batch files, I got a message that said the files were missing, so I looked at the root.bat file, and I ran the individual tasks in the batch file manually., including the manual install of king root. When I ran king root, it said no methods were available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to run the bat files in regular mode too, not as administrator.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

buhohitr said:
Try to run the bat files in regular mode too, not as administrator.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so very much!!! I ran the root.bat file in regular mode, and not as administrator, and it worked!!! I didn't think it would matter, but apparently it did. I now have root access on PB1. Unfortunately, I am unable to unlock the bootloader as I have a Toshiba 11 emmc.

Root noob: downgraded, TWRP, rooted, flashed 6.0.1 now.....

Hey guys,
Got a Z3 with locked BL, decided recently I wanted to root the phone so followed the downgrade method, installed TWRP, installed 6.0.1 using this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/stock-marshmallow-6-0-1-build-23-5-0-t3357509
That should have rooted the device and installed MM. MM seems to work ok but ES file explorer says there is no root. Also my TWRP recovery isn't working due to this problem (probably): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=66232031&postcount=328
I'm a bit new to this but I can't seem to fix the TWRP problem without root access and I can't get root access without a custom recovery? I have Flashtool and tried to follow this method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=66232031&postcount=328
But I'm not sure how I'm meant to flash the required zips. Any help would be much appreciated, step by step would be a bonus xoxo
Tig

Flashed recroot before reboot?
Take a look here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/d6603-5-0-2-flashable-stock-23-1-0-690-t3056361

Thanks, presuming I'd need to downgrade and root again. Trying to avoid that if possible...

Tig5 said:
Thanks, presuming I'd need to downgrade and root again. Trying to avoid that if possible...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/recovery-root-mm-575-291-lb-t3435214

DISCONTINUED_[VZW_Stock TW Rom][6.0.1 MM QA1 Build Odex For Locked Bootloader SafeStrap Only]

Do Not Flash This On Unlocked Bootloaders Or You Will Relock Your Bootloader!!!​Once your on MM 6.0.1 you cannot restore a Lollipop Backup using SafeStrap or vice versa. Follow the link at bottom of post for guide and files to downgrade back to Lollipop
Ok the first thing I want to make clear is YOU WILL NOT HAVE ROOT! You will still have the use of Safestrap Recovery even though phone will not be rooted. What this will allow you to do is boot the non rooted rom back into safestrap. While in Safestrap you can do what you have always done, Flash Zips, Make Backups,Etc. This will also make it easy if you want to go back to PB1 rooted rom.
You must be on A rooted rom preferably A PB1 rom running SafeStrap
If Running FlashFire
Make sure latest busybox is installed
Install MM_Safestrap.apk
Reboot to safestrap
Wipe Data,Cache,System
Install VZW_QA1_STOCK_SAFESTRAP_ONLY_V2.zip
Roms will take a long time to boot up be patient!
This will put you on pure stock rom MM QA1 rom but from here you can get to safestrap to flash other roms or mods
To return to Safestrap you will need to flash a kitkat kernel NI2_stock_kernel.tar.md5 using odin then when phone reboots click on enter safestrap recovery. When leaving safestrap you must flashMM_KERNEL_SS-FF_Flashable.zip. Which will be located on your internal storage In a folder called MM_KERNEL_SS-FF_Flashable
If you want to flash other custom roms a guide can be found HERE

Useful zips
View attachment ADBlocking_2_5_17.zip
View attachment DebloatScript.zip

Thanks Jkruse!
Question... I tried your stock PB1 before and it worked well. I however hosed myself flashing the incorrect firmware and USB bulk mode occured when I attempted to go back to PHX11 5.0 ROM. I flashed firmware as when I reloaded the backup of PHX 11 I had no data or wifi.
I saved the phone however and need to know what is the correct procedure to go back to LP backups if I try this and decide not to stay? I want to avoid bulk mode again!
Thank you!!

ridenickel9 said:
Thanks Jkruse!
Question... I tried your stock PB1 before and it worked well. I however hosed myself flashing the incorrect firmware and USB bulk mode occured when I attempted to go back to PHX11 5.0 ROM. I flashed firmware as when I reloaded the backup of PHX 11 I had no data or wifi.
I saved the phone however and need to know what is the correct procedure to go back to LP backups if I try this and decide not to stay? I want to avoid bulk mode again!
Thank you!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once your on this rom The link at the bottom of the OP has a guide and files for going back to lollipop BP1 build without having to reroot. It's in the second post of that guide

jrkruse said:
Once your on this rom The link at the bottom of the OP has a guide and files for going back to lollipop BP1 build without having to reroot. It's in the second post of that guide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll read up! Thank you!!
Would this be the same procedure for OG5 just substitute the PB1 caution firmware with OG5 caution firmware? I assume just match the ROM you go to with the caution zips that don't contain the bootloader.
Pretty sure I didn't use the caution firmware before and that what caused my issues.

ridenickel9 said:
I'll read up! Thank you!!
Would this be the same procedure for OG5 just substitute the PB1 caution firmware with OG5 caution firmware? I assume just match the ROM you go to with the caution zips that don't contain the bootloader.
Pretty sure I didn't use the caution firmware before and that what caused my issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you goback to lollipop it will need to be PB1

Added debloat script to post 2 that can be flashed with safestrap

jrkruse said:
If you goback to lollipop it will need to be PB1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thank you for clarifying. I use PHX 11 and always need to flash the OG5 kernal from safe strap so I assumed I'd need OG5 firmware for that particular situation.
Also thanks for updating the OP about using backups to and from MM - that will help others avoid issues.
I'll stop clogging the thread now! Appreciate all the information and work you do!!

Hey, thanks for this great site and all of your guides. It really helps.
I just rooted my s5 g900v and Im still on KITKAT NK2. Would it be possible for me to update from that version to this one following your guide?
Sorry for asking really basic questions. My phone at the moment is sim unlocked and rooted, but CID starts with 11 so I cannot unlock the boatloader, right? Then I assume this ROM is my best option. I want to be really sure that I will still be sim unlocked on the new ROM, its got nothing to do with it, right?
Many many thanks in advanced!

nachoalt said:
Hey, thanks for this great site and all of your guides. It really helps.
I just rooted my s5 g900v and Im still on KITKAT NK2. Would it be possible for me to update from that version to this one following your guide?
Sorry for asking really basic questions. My phone at the moment is sim unlocked and rooted, but CID starts with 11 so I cannot unlock the boatloader, right? Then I assume this ROM is my best option. I want to be really sure that I will still be sim unlocked on the new ROM, its got nothing to do with it, right?
Many many thanks in advanced!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can update to this rom and also verizon phones are all sim unlocked so it will rermain sim unlocked. Just remember if your still on kitkat when you flash anything with safestrap do not use rom slots flash on the stock rom slot. If you dont know what this means then dont worry about it

jrkruse said:
Added debloat script to post 2 that can be flashed with safestrap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the hard work, unfortunately my cid 15 just took a nice fat swim and i had to get a replacement and got a cid 11 instead (##$$%@@@!#[email protected]). Your guides have been great to get to this point but got a couple questions:
Any link to what the debloat script removes? I just ran it and it doesn't seem to remove anything (ran it at same time as addblock). Going to reboot and flash it again see if it does. Any way we can remove the stuff we don't want? (all the VZW junk)