[Q] Root, Unlock, Debrand and Update - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello All, I have a few questions which I hope to get answered here in this great forum.
I have T-Mobile UK loacked and branded SGS2. The Firmware info which is get by pressing *#1234# is
Code:
PDA : I9100BOKE3
PHONE : I9100BOKD1
CSC : I9100TMUKE3
I have tried to update the software from Settings > About phone > Software update but it never connects to the server hence I stopped trying. Now I have following questions:
===============================================================================
Question 1. Rooting.
===============================================================================
I have read the thread --[17.08.2011][CF-Root v4.1] KE2/7/8, KF1/2/3/4, KG1/2/3/5/6/7, KH1/3 - su+bb+CWM4-- None of the rooted kernals (zip file) match my kernal which in my case is KE3.
Do I have to flash a different version of fimware/kernel before rebooting?
If yes,
Can I use latest generic UK firmware
Code:
XWKF3
PDA:XWKF3
PHONE: XXKE7
Build date: 09/06/2011
provided in thread --[ROM + Guide]Official i9100 Firmwares KF1/2/3/4/, KG1/2/3/5/6/7, KH1/3 Download--
There are two files under this firmware which relate to my phone
XEU (Generic UK+Europe) and XWKF3 Stock Kernel
Which one of these files do I need to flash.​
If No,
Then what else do I have to do​===============================================================================
Question 2. Unlocking.
===============================================================================
After I have rooted the device I intend to unlock it. Odia has mentioned in his thread --[HOWTO] GT-I9100 Free SIM Unlock via nv_data.bin by Odia-- that the unlock method only works for
HW Version MP 1.200 and further in post 284 He says
Samsung have now moved to the new simlock protection across the GT-I9100 range even MP 1.200 hardware has it @ least from KG1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will I be able to unlock if I have the latest UK firmware XWKF3 mentioned in question 1?
How do I check Hadware version of my SGS2
===============================================================================
Question 3. Debranding.
===============================================================================
As my phone T-Mobile branded, I want to de-brand it.
jutley has provided a method to de-brand O2 branded SGS2 in his thread -[GUIDE] Debrand & Rebrand back to O2 for Samsung Galaxy S2-.
So if I use XWKF3 UK generic firmware during rooting and change CSC will it de-brand my phone too or I have to use the earlist UK firmware for de-branding.
===============================================================================
Question 4. Future Updates.
===============================================================================
Do I have to keep using flash method to update the firmware or I can use KIES.
===============================================================================
Question 5. Resetting Flash counter.
===============================================================================
I have heard that there is some counter in SGS2 to track how many times the phone has been flashed.
I have read about USB jig on internet that automatically resets the flash count.
Is there any mod I can do to accomplish this without usinf USB jig.
I hope I have explained all my questions properly and await positive reply.

Read this thread,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113928.
Regards.

Hi,
I have a T-Mobile SGS2 and I downloaded Keis and it updated my phone to KF3, I then found the rooted kernel for T-Mobile KF3 and flashed that using Odin. (it's in the link posted above)
Now I can have backlight notification installed but I've probably bust my warranty.

Well, yes if you root then bang goes your warranty. Do you have a yellow triangle with a ! symbol when you boot the phone? That's shows you have installed a custom rom, and have more than likely voided your warranty.
But don't worry! Just flash an official firmware from the thread above and your SGS2 is back to it's original form and your warranty is intact.

gadjet0 said:
Hi,
I have a T-Mobile SGS2 and I downloaded Keis and it updated my phone to KF3, I then found the rooted kernel for T-Mobile KF3 and flashed that using Odin. (it's in the link posted above)
Now I can have backlight notification installed but I've probably bust my warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I have 1 question answered:
To root my device I can upgrade my firmware to KF3 using Kies and then root my device using Chainfire's CF-Root v4.1.
Can you confirm that I can still unlock the device after update?
I had apple iPhone 4 and by mistake I updated it to latest firmware which makes unlocking impossible because I can't revert the firmware back anymore.
Do we have the same issue with SGS2

t4ure4n said:
So I have 1 question answered:
To root my device I can upgrade my firmware to KF3 using Kies and then root my device using Chainfire's CF-Root v4.1.
Can you confirm that I can still unlock the device after update?
I had apple iPhone 4 and by mistake I updated it to latest firmware which makes unlocking impossible because I can't revert the firmware back anymore.
Do we have the same issue with SGS2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I paid for my unlock code from T-Mobile so I could use my O2 SIM (Long story). After the kernel flash to root the device it still worked with my O2 SIM.
I should have rooted it first (Hindsight is wodnderful!) and then run the unlock App, OH Well.

Related

[Q] Vodafone Netherlands Branded SGSII - how to remove?

Earlier in June I received a Galaxy SII that was unbranded, but I had to return it due to a little circle that seemed to be 'burned' into the screen.
Now I finally received my new Galaxy S II but to my great disappointment it's loaded with Vodafone crap, and branded:
PDA:KE5 / PHONE:KE1 / CSC:KE2 (VDF)
I want to replace the branded FW for the official non branded FW and I was wondering how to do that.. I went to this thread but i'm not quite sure which FW i'll need.. Does anyone happen to know?
Use the XEN version of XWKF3 firmware, it's for the Netherlands.
As intratech said flag stock unbranded firmware for your country
You can also try latest 2.3.4 based roms as batista 70, cognition or vilian
Search on the development section
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Thanks for the quick replies, i'm downloading the Kernel and FW now, but before I get to work with that:
how do i backup the complete kernel/fw of my phone as it is right now, in case I ever have to send it in for repairs and don't want to void my warranty?
Will I be able to update future firmwares with KIES or will i have to keep doing it manually once I install the unbranded firmware?
After flashing the XWKF3 XEN firmware on my phone instructions say i need to flash the insecure kernel before i can flash the stock XWKF3 kernel. I was wondering which Chainfire version I have to get. I think it's the KF3 one from this post but I'd like to make very sure before I start doing things.
Then after flashing the Chainfire kf3 kernel I can use Odin in the same way to flash the stock KF3 kernel, correct?
Once all this is done, will KIES recognise my phone and offer me updates when they become available or will i have to keep doing it manually?
Is it possible to backup my current FW/Kernel with Odin so that I can put those back on in case I ever need to return my phone for repairs and don't want to get any trouble with warranty?

Have an O2 branded S2, how do I revert to normal stock?

Hi, I just got a new Galaxy S2 but it is locked to O2 and is O2 firmware branded.
I don't mind wiping all data (since there's nothing on it yet), but is there a way I can change the firmware to the original Galaxy S2 firmware?
Or what is fastest?
I don't like all the preinstalled junk that has come with the phone, I'm not bothered about unlocking it since I'm using O2 anyway.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
Flash a uk rom from here. I'm personally using KH3 with XEU CSC
Locked then you need to get it unlocked .
Debrand O2 in Dev section as well .
jje
Do I need to unlock it before I put the stock firmware on?
To unlock you need to root (use cf-root) then download chainfires unlock app from the market (may not work on newer sgs2's due to them being more secure)
You dont need to be rooted or unlocked to flash a newer stock firmware, there is a fully guide and list of firmwares to download from this thread, using any firmware from there will debrand the phone, try KG6 (older) or KH3 (newer) both are good 2.3.4 roms.

[Q] Question following update from 2.3.3 to 2.3.4 on UK T-Mobile S2

Hi all,
I used to flash my HD2 all the time with Win Mob 6.5 Roms reguarly prior to moving over to my S2, which was the best decision I ever made.
However I got so sick of waiting for T-Mobile to get their backside into gear with their ROM updates, I took the decision to flash the latest CPW Rom.
I have tried using the search function to find the following information however my questions do not seem to flag up the correct search..... additionally I read the stickies numerous times before doing anything.
I moved from Product Code: GT-I9100LKATMU
Latest firmware: I9100BOKG2/I9100TMUKF1/I9100BOKG1/I9100BOKG2
to the latest CPW UK XEU release using Check Fus and Odin;
Product Code: GT-I9100LKACPW
Latest firmware: I9100XWKI4/I9100CPWKH1/I9100XXKI1/I9100XWKI4
My questions are;
1. Will this swapping these ROMS void my warranty?
2. Will it trigger the binary flash counter? How do I view the flash counter?
3. If I flash another stock ROM using Odin will it trigger the counter or does this only count when rooting/flashing frankenstein Roms?
4. If I had to send my phone back to T-Mobile for any reason could I just reflash the latest T-Mobile Rom with Odin, because Kies is now saying my ROM is unofficial
With Thanks In Advance for any replies
rd1979 said:
Hi all,
itionally I read the stickies numerous times before doing anything.
I moved from Product Code: GT-I9100LKATMU
Latest firmware: I9100BOKG2/I9100TMUKF1/I9100BOKG1/I9100BOKG2
to the latest CPW UK XEU release using Check Fus and Odin;
Product Code: GT-I9100LKACPW
Latest firmware: I9100XWKI4/I9100CPWKH1/I9100XXKI1/I9100XWKI4
My questions are;
1. Will this swapping these ROMS void my warranty?
Not with Samsung but in theory seller can say thats not my firmware .
2. Will it trigger the binary flash counter? How do I view the flash counter?
No if stock
4. If I had to send my phone back to T-Mobile for any reason could I just reflash the latest T-Mobile Rom with Odin, because Kies is now saying my ROM is unofficial
Yes if you saved it or its in the branded/provider rom thread .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^ jje's right
Also to view the counter its in download mode
Excellent, thanks for your answers
Think I will stick with this ROM for a short while before I take the next step and start rooting, using a jig etc.

[Q] Help: "Your device does not support software upgrading via kies"

Hi There,
I purchased my SGS2 outright from O2 UK and I'm on a pay monthly SIM-only plan with O2. The phone came loaded with the stock O2 UK firmware and whenever I connected it to Kies it would recognize the firmware and say that the current firmware is up to date, which was fine. Since then I have played around with rooting my phone, installing different mods and installing newer stock samsung firmwares to try out Android version 2.3.4. etc.
After all this playing around I wanted to be sure that I could get my phone back to the standard O2 UK branded configuration in case I ever needed to send it in under warranty for repair. I hunted around on the internet and found a website with a link to a copy of the official O2 UK branded firmware which was a tarball called: I9100XWKDD_I9100XXKDH_I9100O2UKD1_HOME.TAR. Using odin I flashed my phone with this firmware and now my phone starts up with the O2 logo and everything seems back to normal, except when I connect it to Kies. I know for a fact that the O2 firmware I'm now on has been superseded by newer releases from O2, but when I connect to Kies, it says:
"Your device does not support software upgrading via kies. Current firmware version: I9100XWKDD/I9100O2UKD1/I9100XXKDH/I9100XWKDD"
I'm guessing that there is something else on my phone that I need to install/flash/change for Kies to start recognizing it as "Official". Does anyone know what this might be? What is it that Kies looks for on your phone to work out if it supports upgrading it or not? I am running the latest version of Kies.
I have attached a screenshot from my kies to show you what I'm talking about and a screenshot from my phone to show you software/firmware versions it is running.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Cheers
tommyteacosy said:
Hi There,
I purchased my SGS2 outright from O2 UK and I'm on a pay monthly SIM-only plan with O2. The phone came loaded with the stock O2 UK firmware and whenever I connected it to Kies it would recognize the firmware and say that the current firmware is up to date, which was fine. Since then I have played around with rooting my phone, installing different mods and installing newer stock samsung firmwares to try out Android version 2.3.4. etc.
After all this playing around I wanted to be sure that I could get my phone back to the standard O2 UK branded configuration in case I ever needed to send it in under warranty for repair. I hunted around on the internet and found a website with a link to a copy of the official O2 UK branded firmware which was a tarball called: I9100XWKDD_I9100XXKDH_I9100O2UKD1_HOME.TAR. Using odin I flashed my phone with this firmware and now my phone starts up with the O2 logo and everything seems back to normal, except when I connect it to Kies. I know for a fact that the O2 firmware I'm now on has been superseded by newer releases from O2, but when I connect to Kies, it says:
"Your device does not support software upgrading via kies. Current firmware version: I9100XWKDD/I9100O2UKD1/I9100XXKDH/I9100XWKDD"
I'm guessing that there is something else on my phone that I need to install/flash/change for Kies to start recognizing it as "Official". Does anyone know what this might be? What is it that Kies looks for on your phone to work out if it supports upgrading it or not? I am running the latest version of Kies.
I have attached a screenshot from my kies to show you what I'm talking about and a screenshot from my phone to show you software/firmware versions it is running.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have got two recommendations for you:
1. Have a look at http://fus.nanzen.se/ to get Check Fus Downloader and check what the latest official firmware for your phone and region is.
2. Got to Intratech's Carrier Branded Firmware thread here => http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113928 to get the carrier branded firmware you want/need to flash using Odin.
If you do not need a carrier branded firmware (Kies does not need a branded ROM on your phone), you can also check Intratech's Official Firmware thread here => http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278 to get the latest official and un-branded firmware flashable via Odin.
See second post of his thread.
If you flash a stock ROM for your region, KIES should recognize it again.
Good luck !
It_ler said:
I have got two recommendations for you:
1. Have a look at http://fus.nanzen.se/ to get Check Fus Downloader and check what the latest official firmware for your phone and region is.
2. Got to Intratech's Carrier Branded Firmware thread here => http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113928 to get the carrier branded firmware you want/need to flash using Odin.
If you do not need a carrier branded firmware (Kies does not need a branded ROM on your phone), you can also check Intratech's Official Firmware thread here => http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278 to get the latest official and un-branded firmware flashable via Odin.
See second post of his thread.
If you flash a stock ROM for your region, KIES should recognize it again.
Good luck !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are a lifesaver! Thank you so much for your recommendations. I downloaded Check Fus Downloader which I was then able to use to download the latest O2 UK firmware, which, as it turns out, was only released yesterday and uses android 2.3.5. I then used odin to flash the new firmware and now when I connect to Kies it says I have the latest firmware installed.
Happy Days!! and Thanks again!
It_ler said:
I have got two recommendations for you:
1. Have a look at http://fus.nanzen.se/ to get Check Fus Downloader and check what the latest official firmware for your phone and region is.
2. Got to Intratech's Carrier Branded Firmware thread here => http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113928 to get the carrier branded firmware you want/need to flash using Odin.
If you do not need a carrier branded firmware (Kies does not need a branded ROM on your phone), you can also check Intratech's Official Firmware thread here => http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278 to get the latest official and un-branded firmware flashable via Odin.
See second post of his thread.
If you flash a stock ROM for your region, KIES should recognize it again.
Good luck !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same issue, when i upgraded the Stock firmware. When connect to Kies, message popup is "Your device does not support software upgrading via kies. Current firmware version: ...XXKH2"
I have reset to factory format my SG2 9100 (watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzDb6m7sQ7A&feature=related). After that when i connect it showing current and latest firmware..
I did exactly the same as the OP. I just flashed back to the latest carrier firmware and Kies still does not recognize it but I don't really care.
My question is: if I send it to warranty, is there any way they can see I have previously installed other official firmwares from Intratech's thread? I have never rooted it, only installed official firmwares.
Thanks.
nevrozel said:
I did exactly the same as the OP. I just flashed back to the latest carrier firmware and Kies still does not recognize it but I don't really care.
My question is: if I send it to warranty, is there any way they can see I have previously installed other official firmwares from Intratech's thread? I have never rooted it, only installed official firmwares.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung honour official firmware for warranty does not matter if you have reflashed as long as the firmware is stock and custom rom counter is zero .
jje
tommyteacosy said:
You are a lifesaver! Thank you so much for your recommendations. I downloaded Check Fus Downloader which I was then able to use to download the latest O2 UK firmware, which, as it turns out, was only released yesterday and uses android 2.3.5. I then used odin to flash the new firmware and now when I connect to Kies it says I have the latest firmware installed.
Happy Days!! and Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flashed the firmware using Odin, will you stay rooted after that? Or you will have to root it again? Sorry, I'm new to the Android world.
Thanks in advance,
antzlisoul said:
If you flashed the firmware using Odin, will you stay rooted after that? Or you will have to root it again? Sorry, I'm new to the Android world.
Thanks in advance,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to reroot as you have wiped the root kernel .
jje
antzlisoul said:
If you flashed the firmware using Odin, will you stay rooted after that? Or you will have to root it again? Sorry, I'm new to the Android world.
Thanks in advance,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on what firmware. Some custom firmwares come rooted. Official stock firmwares do not.
Hello,
I upgraded my galaxy S2 to the SFR (France) ICS firmware I9100SFRLP7 by using CheckFusDownloader. It works but unfortunately my mobile is still not recognized by Kies. The message "your device does not support software upgrading via kies" is displayed on the screen.
Phone Info:
PDA: I9100BULPC
PHONE: I9100BULP6
CSC: I9100SFRLP7
Any idea ? If the CSC is not correct, what is the correct one and how to change it ?
Thanks for your help.

[Q] remove CPW CSC and use XEU

hi i am currently, according to Kies, using the latest version available to me on my Galaxy S2 (i9100) which is unlocked and i bought from the carphone warehouse.
The fimware I am using is 2.3.4 and my Kernel is 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKI4-CL575468
PDA:KI4 / PHONE:KI1 / CSC: KH1 (CPW)
however i know that this isn't the latest official release for the UK. I have researched numerous threads and i have tried changing me CSC using #*272*IMEI# however i am locked to CPW. So i then did more research and have found that i need to debrand my galaxy s2 from CPW to XEU to get the latest generic unlocked UK firmware. Can someone please tell me how to do this without using #*272*IMEI# because that doesn't work?
Your phone is unlocked but you want to unlock it ???
CPW is about the best CSC for the UK as it covers more networks ..
You will not get an update via KIES by changing your CSC ..
You can update and debrand by flashing a stock rom from the stock rom thread but you will may lose the KIES update path from then on.
Stock Roms .and csc
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
jje
yes but if i remain on CPW i will stay on android 2.3.4 where as if i switch to XEU i get the latest updates since it is the most generic UK firmware? and surely if i change my CSC then Kies will offer me an update to 2.3.6
bomskiboy said:
yes but if i remain on CPW i will stay on android 2.3.4 where as if i switch to XEU i get the latest updates since it is the most generic UK firmware? and surely if i change my CSC then Kies will offer me an update to 2.3.6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CSC has nothing to do with updates .
KIES reads the firmware and hardware and vendor codes from the phone .
Two paths to updates official via KIES you wait for vendor release
Or XDA via ODIN using latest stock Samsung firmware
Third possible is to use CheckFus to download firmware or find a way to change the codes on the phone .
jje
okay well howcome if i have unlocked handset i am still on 2.3.4 when there are people in the UK with 2.3.5? (sorry i am a noob)
bomskiboy said:
okay well howcome if i have unlocked handset i am still on 2.3.4 when there are people in the UK with 2.3.5? (sorry i am a noob)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a set of codes on your phone that determine its vendor and ID etc
Kies reads those codes
O2UK xxxx O2UK 11xxxx etc etc .
Then looks for that firmware on the server if it matches it downloads if it does not match it cannot download . So unless the vendor has updated then you have no download . Its the phone vendor who updates .
CheckFus and SpoofFW are two roous that may bypass the Kies checkup .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1318683&highlight=spooffw
But this is XDA Developers and we dont use KIES .
jje
okay how do i know who my phone vendor is? i think it would be easier for me to just install cyanogenmod 7.1 however i am having trouble because when i followed all the instructions, i successfully rooted my phone installed ROM manager. however when i installed clockwork recovery and rebooted my phone it loaded android recovery mode 3e and says signature verification required. i gave up after a few attempts and thought it was due to my kernel? does the kernel version affect cyanogenmod? i.e. do newer versions of CM require a newer kernel?
You have Carphone Warehouse CSC hence no updates as most carriers tend to provide the updates.
Root with CF-ROOT and use customs or just flash a different firmware newer version with uk CSC with ODIN.
Sent from the valley of the shadows....
how do i CF-Root? and cant i just change my CSC so i get the newer updates if cpw doesn't release any?
No for reasons jje already said.
CF-ROOT is in original development and has concise instructions its very simple
There are lot's if stickys too take some timeout and read up as most information there will help you regarding learning about device.
Sent from the valley of the shadows....
okay then can you answer to questions for me? does a newer kernel affect the cyanogen mod and can you tell me how to install CM7.1 using CF root seeing as it didn't work last time due to signature error?
bomskiboy said:
okay then can you answer to questions for me? does a newer kernel affect the cyanogen mod
Do you mean can you put another kernel in CM a rom that already has a kernel
and can you tell me how to install CM7.1 using CF root seeing as it didn't work last time due to signature error
The instructions are on the first page .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1297557&highlight=cm7
First time flashing CyanogenMod 7 to the Samsung Galaxy S II, or coming from another ROM?
Root the device and install ClockworkMod Recovery.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
Perform a NANDroid backup of your current ROM.
Copy rom to internal SD card .
Format the system, data & cache partitions of your device via mounts and storage recover
Perform a factory reset.
Flash CyanogenMod.
Flash CM a second time .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first time and does whatever kernel you currently are on affect CM mod? or does CM install a new mod?
BTW 2.3.4 is the latest XEU firmware so changing to this won't make any difference to your firmware version number.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

Categories

Resources