Dear Community,
I just joined the forums today but have done quite a bit of reading already, particularly about the upgrade to 2.3.5 i hope to carry out in the near future once i clear up just a few remaining points.
Just for the record: i have watched the introductory video prior to registration and am well informed concerning my duty to "search before asking". And while i have 'scoured' the forums for answers to every one of the questions i am about to ask, it could very well be that relevant information has eluded me by virtue of chance.
To a certain extent, these questions have in fact been answered to a certain extent already, however most have not been answered to a degree i consider sufficient before taking the plunge into firmware flashing. I therefore appreciate that to more experienced users my inquires might seem somewhat redundant. The most i can offer in return is to create an intelligible and clearly structured post that might serve to help others who find themselves in a situation similar to my own.
Here goes:
1. Frankenstein Firmwares: As the name would imply, these are custom ROM packages that are not official in the sense that they are not available through Samsung Kies (i.e. official channels), however they consist entirely of stock components. In other words, they are only considered custom because they are available in a particular configuration not officially sanctioned by Samsung and not available via their official channels.
Is this assessment correct?
2. Flashing via Odin vs. ClockWorkMod (CWM): To tell the truth, i am not sure to what extent these two are actually related. According to willk22's excellent FAQ CWM is " designed so that if the user messes up a ROM installation, they can recover their phone. CWM is a modified recovery installed into the recovery partition that allows advanced control over ROM recovery, installation and much more." According to this FAQ, it can also to "install a ROM contained inside a flashable .zip file."
Based on what i have been able to gather, ROM packages destined for flashing via ODIN cannot be flashed via CWM and vice versa. Just out of curiosity, when would i use CWM to install a ROM and when Odin? Is this left solely to the discretion of the developer? What are the major differences?
3. Frankenstein Firmwares vs. Carrier Specific vs. Country Specific: What i don't precisely understand in this regard is how the CSC (Consumer Software Customization) relates to the different ROM packages. For example:
Intratech, in his extremely helpful ROM thread offers a number of packages for download that are considered "multi-csc", meaning that by typing a certain key combination into my phone i can gain access to a 'hidden' menu which will allow to determine the CSC version. If i then select my carriers CSC, what would the exact difference be between a custom carrier firmware and the firmware with the specific carrier CSC selected?
4. Android 2.3.5 for SGS2: Assuming i want to install ('flash') the latest android firmware version containing Android 2.3.5 for my SGS2, which firmware would i be best advised to use? I assume that i would probably be most sensible to use Intratech's XWKI8 / XXKI3 / XXKI4 Frankenstein Firmwares. Assuming, however, that i live in Poland or the 'Nordic Countries' (for which an official 2.3.5 firmware already exists), would it then be more sensible to use the country specific firmware build?
5. GSM / 3G Issues: I read in a few individual posts that flashing a country specific firmware (e.g. Poland or Nordic Countries) could result in loss of 3G coverage or otherwise inhibit cellular service. Is there any truth to these rumors?
6. The Jig: I know what the USB Jig does (it is a physical piece of hardware used to reset the flash count of the SGS2 used in case the phone needs to be shipped to Samsung for maintenance) but i am not sure when exactly it needs to be used. For example, if i flash one of the firmware packages mentioned above (XWKI8 / XXKI3 / XXKI4), would i need to use a jig to reset my flash count to zero? Or does the use of a jig only matter when rooting a phone - rooting of course not being necessary for firmware flashing in this case - ?
Thats it for now. Thanks for bearing with me, and thanks in advance for reading my post.
HeroTwin
HeroTwin said:
Dear Community,
I just joined the forums today but have done quite a bit of reading already, particularly about the upgrade to 2.3.5 i hope to carry out in the near future once i clear up just a few remaining points.
Just for the record: i have watched the introductory video prior to registration and am well informed concerning my duty to "search before asking". And while i have 'scoured' the forums for answers to every one of the questions i am about to ask, it could very well be that relevant information has eluded me by virtue of chance.
To a certain extent, these questions have in fact been answered to a certain extent already, however most have not been answered to a degree i consider sufficient before taking the plunge into firmware flashing. I therefore appreciate that to more experienced users my inquires might seem somewhat redundant. The most i can offer in return is to create an intelligible and clearly structured post that might serve to help others who find themselves in a situation similar to my own.
Here goes:
1. Frankenstein Firmwares: As the name would imply, these are custom ROM packages that are not official in the sense that they are not available through Samsung Kies (i.e. official channels), however they consist entirely of stock components. In other words, they are only considered custom because they are available in a particular configuration not officially sanctioned by Samsung and not available via their official channels.
Is this assessment correct?
2. Flashing via Odin vs. ClockWorkMod (CWM): To tell the truth, i am not sure to what extent these two are actually related. According to willk22's excellent FAQ CWM is " designed so that if the user messes up a ROM installation, they can recover their phone. CWM is a modified recovery installed into the recovery partition that allows advanced control over ROM recovery, installation and much more." According to this FAQ, it can also to "install a ROM contained inside a flashable .zip file."
Based on what i have been able to gather, ROM packages destined for flashing via ODIN cannot be flashed via CWM and vice versa. Just out of curiosity, when would i use CWM to install a ROM and when Odin? Is this left solely to the discretion of the developer? What are the major differences?
3. Frankenstein Firmwares vs. Carrier Specific vs. Country Specific: What i don't precisely understand in this regard is how the CSC (Consumer Software Customization) relates to the different ROM packages. For example:
Intratech, in his extremely helpful ROM thread offers a number of packages for download that are considered "multi-csc", meaning that by typing a certain key combination into my phone i can gain access to a 'hidden' menu which will allow to determine the CSC version. If i then select my carriers CSC, what would the exact difference be between a custom carrier firmware and the firmware with the specific carrier CSC selected?
4. Android 2.3.5 for SGS2: Assuming i want to install ('flash') the latest android firmware version containing Android 2.3.5 for my SGS2, which firmware would i be best advised to use? I assume that i would probably be most sensible to use Intratech's XWKI8 / XXKI3 / XXKI4 Frankenstein Firmwares. Assuming, however, that i live in Poland or the 'Nordic Countries' (for which an official 2.3.5 firmware already exists), would it then be more sensible to use the country specific firmware build?
5. GSM / 3G Issues: I read in a few individual posts that flashing a country specific firmware (e.g. Poland or Nordic Countries) could result in loss of 3G coverage or otherwise inhibit cellular service. Is there any truth to these rumors?
Thats it for now. Thanks for bearing with me, and thanks in advance for reading my post.
HeroTwin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lengthy post there bud. I will answer to the best as far as I know as I am not all clued up either.
Q1 - yes is is correct because of the demand of different modems and csc packages.
Q2 - as far as I know you use odin to flash stock roms and CWM to flash custom roms. however CWM has a few nice features like wipe battery stats and NANDbackup.
(Hope you read about usb jig to reset your counter after flashing for warranty reasons)
Q3 - I am in South Africa where 2.3.3 is available via kies and I flashed both XXKI3 and XWKI8 so it is not country specific. I am not too sure if it applies if your device is carrier branded and you would like to keep it that way then you have to flash official firmware in carrier firmware thread or wait for kies.
The csc is for specific network settings such as texts, mms and phone calls. People sometimes have the problem of calls not coming thru or not being able to send texts. By flashing the csc for your region solves this problem.
The loss of coverage is related to the csc is what I think. Once you flash your csc it should be solved. Not too sure though. Ask the pro's to confirm but I have not had issues. But because I am on csc of my region
1edge1 said:
Lengthy post there bud. I will answer to the best as far as I know as I am not all clued up either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes; i might have been able to cut back on some things, but i also wanted this thread to be useful to people who find it through search so i decided it would be good to provide a bit of context.
1edge1 said:
The csc is for specific network settings such as texts, mms and phone calls. People sometimes have the problem of calls not coming thru or not being able to send texts. By flashing the csc for your region solves this problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the thing! There are CSC's for both regions and carriers. If i have the correct CSC of my region is that just as good as having the correct CSC of my carrier? I recently changed my CSC from my carrier specific to my region in order to get official updates faster and have not noticed any coverage issues whatsoever, so ive been wondering to what extent this makes any difference...
HeroTwin said:
Yes; i might have been able to cut back on some things, but i also wanted this thread to be useful to people who find it through search so i decided it would be good to provide a bit of context.
That's the thing! There are CSC's for both regions and carriers. If i have the correct CSC of my region is that just as good as having the correct CSC of my carrier? I recently changed my CSC from my carrier specific to my region in order to get official updates faster and have not noticed any coverage issues whatsoever, so ive been wondering to what extent this makes any difference...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the csc for your region, it will automatically be able to detect your carrier's settings. The csc are for regions, not carriers. If you flashed your region. Your good to go
lets try to give you so clear answer to your questions.
1. frankenstein versions are not custom roms and not official roms, they are different generic files mixed togather to allow for customizable for different regions by flashing different csc. they can be seen by kies depending on which csc is used.
custom roms cannot be seen by kies as the extensive customization to the files has removed or altered certain checks used by kies to determine if it is upgradable.
2. flashing via odin is using tar files and can be done external without the phone working as you can enter download mode by using the external hardware buttons.
CWM is a modified file used on a rooted phone which gives you more access to the file structure of your phone so you can install certain files like apks seperately. ODin will not allow individual apks to be installed by themselves.
CWM uses zip files if you want to flash custom roms are the developers can in future upgrades just replace certain files and post them within hours but tar files take a little longer to make.
cwm uses stored files on your internal sd card to maker changes but odin uses external files that have to be downloaded to your computer.
you can use internet on your phone to download the files then uses cwm to flash them as zip files usually have the installer as part of the file..
odin files have to be downloaded to your pc and a special installer packager called odin or heimdall if you are using a linux based machine to flash them.
3. basically the difference is that frankenstein versions as explained earlier are generic versions and not carrier specic roms which can be adjusted through the uses of modems and csc.
modems supplied with carrier branded roms will not work in other regions as their mdems (radios) for different regions and countries.
csc does the same as the modem but is geared to the data end of the phone.
4. if you want to stay as close t stock as possible use frankenstein versions with the csc for your region amd you can use odin to flash it.
if you want custom roms follow the developers instructions and use cwm to flash it.
5. Yes the rumors are true, different regions use different modens (radio)
Thanks for the replies - i believe i am slowly starting to get my head around firmware flashing.
Just one more question:
modems supplied with carrier branded roms will not work in other regions as their mdems (radios) for different regions and countries.
csc does the same as the modem but is geared to the data end of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this would mean, if i wanted to install Intratech's 2.3.5 Frnakenstein Firmware, that i would:
First: Flash the entire 2.3.5 standard package
Second: Flash one of the Multi-CSC packages that contains the necessary CSC for my region so that my network settings and mobile internet work properly.
Is this correct
What do i do about the modem/radio? I see that there is a special are where you can flash the the CSC in Odin, but there is not corresponding way to flash the modem. Will altering the CSC also change the necessary radio/modem settings?
Thanks again!
HeroTwin said:
Thanks for the replies - i believe i am slowly starting to get my head around firmware flashing.
Just one more question:
So this would mean, if i wanted to install Intratech's 2.3.5 Frnakenstein Firmware, that i would:
First: Flash the entire 2.3.5 standard package
Second: Flash one of the Multi-CSC packages that contains the necessary CSC for my region so that my network settings and mobile internet work properly.
Is this correct
What do i do about the modem/radio? I see that there is a special are where you can flash the the CSC in Odin, but there is not corresponding way to flash the modem. Will altering the CSC also change the necessary radio/modem settings?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you are starting to understand the concept.
you can flash modems using phone section of odin.
Cosmic Blue said:
Yes, you are starting to understand the concept.
you can flash modems using phone section of odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK..however the case with Intratech's packages seems to be that he only offers the CSC for download separately, whereas the 'Modem' is combined with the PDA and the CSC in one .TAR file, with the occasional exception for certain packages. I double checked the the Modem in the standard package is the correct one for my region anyway, so i wont even need to be flashing it fortunately.
Thanks again for the help!
modems can be downloaded separately if need or unzip the tar package into its seperate components depending on what you are trying to do.
You are fortunate that the rom suits your needs.
Cosmic Blue said:
modems can be downloaded separately if need or unzip the tar package into its seperate components depending on what you are trying to do.
You are fortunate that the rom suits your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is really quite lucky. I do have one question remaining however:
Will i need to reset my install counter with USB hardware jug after i upgrade my firmware using Intratech's packages?
Please note, i don't intend to root my phone - I just hope to upgrade the firmware.
Thanks again for all the great support!
Only if you plan on having some work done at a service centre otherwise do not worry about it. It has no effect on how your phone works.
Thanks!
I have successfully carried out the update and have made a small guide/FAQ detailing my experiences, which could be of use to other beginners who wish to flash their devices for the first time.
>>> Absolute Beginners Guide to Flashing Firmware to SGS2 via Odin
I really hope this guide can help others.
If there are any changes or modifications i should make, please just let me know!
Related
Can anyone point me to a collection of stock roms for flashing?
And how do we flash roms onto the phone?
http://www.samfirmware.com/
You'll need to sign up. There's also a guide on how to flash ROMs on that site.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
Thanks!
When the 2.3.4 update is rolled out, is it essentially a new ROM flash? so the fw lettering and naming will change right?
Also, the XDA thread that lists all the stock fw, it is mentioned that the TAR files might contain all three subparts -
"If the package only contains one .tar archive then it will have everything, pda+phone+csc, in the one file."
Just wondering if I flash a Europe based version of a ROM, could I keep the Phone and CSC portion as per my region? Worried that flashing a Europe Phone and CSC portion might affect the signal and call quality~~
rantzzz said:
Thanks!
When the 2.3.4 update is rolled out, is it essentially a new ROM flash? so the fw lettering and naming will change right?
YES
Also, the XDA thread that lists all the stock fw, it is mentioned that the TAR files might contain all three subparts -
"If the package only contains one .tar archive then it will have everything, pda+phone+csc, in the one file."
YES
Just wondering if I flash a Europe based version of a ROM, could I keep the Phone and CSC portion as per my region? Worried that flashing a Europe Phone and CSC portion might affect the signal and call quality
You can change modem /Phone and CSC
they will either work or not CSC most likely not to work as its country specific with a list of local networks but you can always set APN manually .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw a guide pertaining to branded firmwares, but didn't see a guide regarding changing various countries firmware permanently to the Uk firmware. If there is guide on this subject, could you please direct me to it?
1. If you have a unlocked firmware from one of the various countries, how do you flash to the UK unlocked Firmware?
2. Additionally, if and when you are able to flash to the UK unlocked firmware what needs to be changed so that your phone is recognized as a UK unlocked firmware phone (to always get the latest updates)?
3. The latest update on Kies just released, this is available for UK unlocked phones?
4. If the UK firmware always gets the updates first, then why doesn't everyone update their phone to the UK firmware?
AC
Attackcenter said:
I saw a guide pertaining to branded firmwares, but didn't see a guide regarding changing various countries firmware permanently to the Uk firmware. If there is guide on this subject, could you please direct me to it?
1. If you have a unlocked firmware from one of the various countries, how do you flash to the UK unlocked Firmware?
All firmware is unlocked flash firmware via ODIN .
Details in the STOCK rom post in dev section .
3. The latest update on Kies just released, this is available for UK unlocked phones?
All Phones that match product codes .
4. If the UK firmware always gets the updates first, then why doesn't everyone update their phone to the UK firmware?
Because the UK has never got the firmware first you are misinformed .
Samsung release firmware by location its sent to the network providers who then choose to update or not they send it to Kies .
Stock rom post dev section .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Also:
1. Doesn't Europe in general usually get the lastest updates first?
2. Is there a carrier that you can flash your phone to so that you will always get the latest updates?
3. Cant you flash your phone to a different country firmware? Isn't the advantage of this that you would always get the firmware first if that particular area usually has them first?
4. Carriers in what particular area get the firmwares first?
AC
Attackcenter said:
1. Doesn't Europe in general usually get the lastest updates first?
No it varies but probably more towards the front of the queue
2. Is there a carrier that you can flash your phone to so that you will always get the latest updates?
No
3. Cant you flash your phone to a different country firmware? Isn't the advantage of this that you would always get the firmware first if that particular area usually has them first?
Yes if your supposition was true .
In which case Europe firmware .
4. Carriers in what particular area get the firmwares first?
None they all get them at the same time from Samsung and they decide if and when to release .
Most XDA users flash latest firmware stock Samsung via Odin from dev section stock roms or Samfirmware.com. That gets the latest firmware .
Current latest is KG3 .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the help. Few more Q's
1. I have seen at least one person that bricked his phone using Odin? How rare is that? Isn't there an safety advantage of taking a chance with flashing your phone to Europe firmware and always getting your firmware from Kies?
2. The KG3, is that a beta leak or the final release version?
3. If your phone is unlocked, would KG3 eventually be available through Kies? What's an estimated time frame?
4. Have any of the updates in the past been rolled out OTA and not through Kies? If so is this for carrier locked phones only?
Thanks,
AC
Attackcenter said:
1. I have seen at least one person that bricked his phone using Odin? How rare is that? Isn't there an safety advantage of taking a chance with flashing your phone to Europe firmware and always getting your firmware from Kies?
Safety Odin v Kies Odin about 1% chance of bricking phone rising to 100% if not following instructions .
KIES about 15% chance of a failed firmware update
return to Samsung for a fix .(or use Odin as thats what Samsung will use )
2. The KG3, is that a beta leak or the final release version?
Its not a Beta .
3. If your phone is unlocked, would KG3 eventually be available through Kies? What's an estimated time frame?
Eventually 3 weeks to 3 months time scale or nobody really knows .
4. Have any of the updates in the past been rolled out OTA and not through Kies? If so is this for carrier locked phones only?
OTA only just switched on July and testing inplace though it does seem to have started its carrier roll out for some phones .
Should be both Kies and OTA but we dont really know yet .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very Helpful thanks. ?
1. I've heard if you update to KG3, you have to wipe your phone in the process. What is the equivalent to wiping on the I9100? Does it mean that your everything will be wiped clean including settings, apps, miscelanous files, and videos? Of just your settings will be reset?
3. Does the process of upgrading to KG3 include having to root? Because of there being more steps involved because of a wipe, is there any reason not to just root your phone? Is your phone rooted?
2. If KG3 does include the process of having to do a "full wipe" equivalent to a format, and then is there any reason not to just update with the most recommended and stable custom roms?
3. Do you have KG3 on yours? If so do you have the full KG3 or partial, please explain? Do you have one of the custom roms
I've thanked you on every post and hope everyone else does the same.
AC
Attackcenter said:
1. I've heard if you update to KG3, you have to wipe your phone in the process. What is the equivalent to wiping on the I9100? Does it mean that your everything will be wiped clean including settings, apps, miscelanous files, and videos? Of just your settings will be reset?
Wipe is everything .
3. Does the process of upgrading to KG3 include having to root?
No
Because of there being more steps involved because of a wipe, is there any reason not to just root your phone? You van just root .
Is your phone rooted?
ALWAYS from day two .
2. If KG3 does include the process of having to do a "full wipe" equivalent to a format, and then is there any reason not to just update with the most recommended and stable custom roms?
No you could use one of the roms no problem .
3. Do you have KG3 on yours? If so do you have the full KG3 or partial, please explain? Do you have one of the custom roms
Current is Cognition rom 1.2 KG2 based later release 1.3 is KG3 but i have not bothered to update to 1.30
Also Villain Rom both in dev section .
If i update to a new rom as in new builder i do a full wipe and reinstall my apps as a matter of course and then would not update again just for minor upgrades in the rom . Preferring to wait and see if their is any real reason to upgrade .
Recovery to warranty state is a matter of flashing a stock Samsung rom or the correct branded rom for the phone even an old one . Resetting the custom rom counter via the usb recovery jig and Samsung non the wiser .
Lot of users rush in to putting a custom rom on the phone followed by multiple custom roms and never bothering to read the instructions end up with a bricked phone . but a bricked SGS has a 99% chance of recovery by flashing a stock rom back .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all of your help. Comment/Question
I went ahead and updated to the No wipe KG3, posted by Intratech and found here:
Frankenstein non-wipe package:http://www.multiupload.com/G3X5DJSUBK
I noticed that Intratech also posted the Stock XXKG3 kernel: http://www.multiupload.com/7LEXO574OT
Password: [email protected]
1. Is there any advantage of installing a wipe vs no wipe package? Will a no wipe package now or in time leave remnants of installations and eventually not give you a clean installation?
2. What was the intention of the posting of the Kernel? What is it for? Doesn't the NO Wipe package already include this?
I had not known exactly what to expect (even with the title no wipe). So I backed up my apps with Super Manager and App Backup. I also backed up my APN'S with APN Backup and Restore and APN Manager. I flashed with the instructions by Intratech at: (which was painless) at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
Afterwords I found this was an easy and painless process. All of my apps, settings, and APN's were still there and intact (didn't even require the backups as I presumed).
3. I notice that I am able to just use the windows explorer to move files directly to my i9100 now instead of having to use Kies. Was this always the case? I am not sure because I had crashing when I tried to do this before. I do notice however, that when I move supported files directly to the device through explorer that works fine, but when I tried to move an unsupported movie format (ts movie file) to the i9100 it crashes and won't let me do it? Is this because my I9100 isn't rooted that it is restricting me from doing this?
4. What are the advantages of rooting for you?
Hello!
I've been researching a lot the last few days about flashing ROMs, Unbranding and Root etc..
i currently have SGS2 which is also my first Smartphone / Andriod Phone.
So even tho I've read FAQ's Wikis guides. etc i still have some things to get cleared up. which i hope some here could help me with ^_^.
1. I live in Scandinavia, more specific Denmark. Do i have to use Certain "CSC" and "PHONE" Number/Codes, for the phone to work, where i live. afaik. the CSC and Phone is the things that controls WIFI BT GPS, and the 2g/3g networks.
2. Sometimes i see people mention "Kernel" and that its important to use a rom based on the same "kernel" is kernel just another word for firmware? the thing is i think its entirely different. some clarification is needed here.
3. If i flash a modified Stock rom To my phone. with ROOT CWM for example this one (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399). is it possible to undo Root and CWM. i'm in doubt because further down in the thread, he states by flashing a stock rom onto the phone, you can remove the triangle but not the root and cwm.
This is the things that is still unclear for me. and since it's my first time to try and do all this, i must be 100% sure, i understand it all correctly.
Thanks!
Edited the first post.
If the questions is hard to understand, i can try and Re-formulate them.
//Tolana
1. I live in Scandinavia, more specific Denmark. Do i have to use Certain "CSC" and "PHONE" Number/Codes, for the phone to work, where i live. afaik. the CSC and Phone is the things that controls WIFI BT GPS, and the 2g/3g networks.
on your dialler enter *#1234# and look at the last 3 letters of the description under PDA.
- You will also find this info if you go in to settings\about phone\Baseband Version
2. Sometimes i see people mention "Kernel" and that its important to use a rom based on the same "kernel" is kernel just another word for firmware? the thing is i think its entirely different. some clarification is needed here.
Similar to what I mentioned above, use one of the ROMs that has the same 'extension' as your phone now as it is most likely using the same modem etc..
3. If i flash a modified Stock rom To my phone. with ROOT CWM for example this one (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399). is it possible to undo Root and CWM. i'm in doubt because further down in the thread, he states by flashing a stock rom onto the phone, you can remove the triangle but not the root and cwm.
If you flash a stock, unmodified ROM, it will remove root. It's like getting an update from Samsung directly.
Tolana said:
Hello!
I've been researching a lot the last few days about flashing ROMs, Unbranding and Root etc..
i currently have SGS2 which is also my first Smartphone / Andriod Phone.
So even tho I've read FAQ's Wikis guides. etc i still have some things to get cleared up. which i hope some here could help me with ^_^.
2. Sometimes i see people mention "Kernel" and that its important to use a rom based on the same "kernel" is kernel just another word for firmware? the thing is i think its entirely different. some clarification is needed here.
Kernel is not firmware its the base below OS level that communicates with the CPU . Firmware is a full package CSC Modem OS Kernel APPS .
Kernels can be mixed but thats a user choice and user accepts it may not work well .
3. If i flash a modified Stock rom To my phone. with ROOT CWM for example this one (http://forum.xda-developers.com/sho...ecovery jig .
Makes it much easier .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answers.
I'm still a bit unclear on my first subject.
The Modem/PHONE number, does it have to be a specific "Scandinavia Compatible" Number/Code for my phone to function with calls etc.
the same goes for the CSC code.
Thanks again.
//Tolana
Some users report that particular radios/modems work better in certain countries than others, but you sohuld be able to use ANY of the modem/radios found on these forums on your SGS2.
For example, my phone came with KE1 radio. I flashed KE7 to match the cf kernel installed when rooting. It works fine
Right. Thank You!
Button Combos:
Download Mode: Volume Down+Home+Power
Recovery Mode: Volume Up+Home+Power
Once in recovery use volume keys to navigate, home button to select and power button to go back
Official Firmware Version
PDA: I9100MUGKG2
Phone: I9100MUGKG2
CSC: I9100MBMCKG2
Product Code: GT-I9100LKMBMC
Unlock
Galaxy_S Unlock App by Helroz found here https://market.android.com/details?id=com.helroz.galaxysunlock&feature=search_result.
Rooting
CF-Root Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
We do not have a CF-Root version of our kernel so just flash any kernel using the instructions provided in the link and flash the stock kernel back (found below). Root will remain as well as the CWM app but you will loose clockwork mod recovery.
Alternative method:
Zergrush exploit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682&highlight=zegrush
Yellow Triangle Removal
Tutorial can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1193091
Alternatively you can use a Jig as it also resets the custom Rom counter
I9100 Secret Codes
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1193285
All links below are for Gingerbread 2.3.3 MUGK2
Stock Bell/Virgin Modem
Directions: Use Odin and place .tar file in "phone" section
Download
Mirror: Download
Stock Firmware
Download
Mirror: Download
Stock Kernel
Directions: Place .tar file in PDA section using ODIN
Download
Mirror: Download
Bell CSC
Directions: Flash with Odin in CSC section
Download
Mirror: Download
Additional Modems:
Some users are experiencing better Gps/Reception with the KH3/KI3 modem
Directions: Unzip file and flash modem.bin with Odin under "phone" section
I9100XXKH3-Download
I9100XXKG6-Download
I9100XXKI1-Download
I9100XXKI3-Download
I9100XXKI4-Download
*CWM Compatible Modems can be found here
Flashing Instructions
How to install the latest firmware on your phone. This will also get rid of Bell's bloatware:
1) Make sure you have working drivers installed on your computer. If you do not, the easiest way is to download Kies and it will install it for you.
2) Install Odin 1.85 on your computer (attached at the bottom of this post)
3) Pick any firmware version you would like to flash from Intratech's thread linked here. The firmware is arranged from oldest to newest so the last ones are obviously going to be the newest.
4) Start Odin in "administrator" mode and make sure Kies is not running in the background. Use task manager to check
5) Place your downloaded firmware .tar or .md5 file into the PDA section in Odin. Make sure re-partition is not selected. Auto reboot and reset time should be selected by default.
6) Remove any external sd cards and the sim card from your phone (precaution) then reboot into download or hold volume down + home + power key. If a warning pops up press the volume up key to continue.
7) Connect your phone to the computer with the USB cable. You should see the I.D:Com port turn yellow.
8) Once you are certain everything is where it should be, select START. Once the process has completed your phone will re-boot. Exit out of Odin. That's it!
Optional (Rooting)
9) If you wish to root your will need to download a cf-root kernel that matches the firmware you just flashed from here. For example if you flashed XXKI4 then you will need to download the cf-root kernel that ends with XXKI4
10) Restart Odin and place the kernel .tar file in the PDA section, connect your phone and press START.
Alternative TWlaunchers
Since upgrading to 2.3.4/2.3.5 firmwares, some (including myself) have noticed some lag/stuttering when flipping through homescreens. I find that this gets worse when using the program monitor widget. I put together some alternatives that I pulled from the US variants of the Galaxy S2.
I have tested them and they have pretty much eliminated the issue. I personally find them much smoother. These are stock Twlaunchers with no mods. The files can be found at the bottom of this post. Requires Root.
Directions: These files a deodexed but will work with Odexed Firmwares (I tested on 2.3.5) Make sure to download another launcher and use it as your primary. While using an alternative launcher, back up the twlauncher.apk and .odex files under system app then the libglcanvas.so under system/lib. Then delete twlauncher.odex. Boot into CWM recovery and flash the new twlauncher. If you do not have CWM recovery you can also unzip the file and drop the .apk into system/app and the .so into system/lib.
AT&T
App version: 2.3.4
Features: Long press on menu button brings up search. Endless scrolling through home screens. Option to set app drawer alphabetically.
Epic 4G Touch (Sprint)
App version: 2.3.4
Features: Option to set app drawer alphabetically.
T-Mobile Galaxy S2 (Hercules)
App version: 2.3.5
Features: Long press on menu button brings up search. Endless scrolling through homescreens and widget selection screen. Option to set app drawer alphabetically.
credits: Intratech, x-cimo
Is there a way to turn off the sound (music) when the SGS2 starts?
mpsrent said:
Is there a way to turn off the sound (music) when the SGS2 starts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no sound when the phone is in vibration/slient mode.
How to root sgs2 from BELL (GT-9100M)?
details steps plz for a beginner
turki_00 said:
How to root sgs2 from BELL (GT-9100M)?
details steps plz for a beginner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Download and install ODIN on your PC.
-From XDA, download the kernel CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip(ZIP.File)
-unzip the above file and it will unzip itself to CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.tar (TAR File)
-Fire up ODIN and under 'PDA' browse to the above mentioned .tar file.
-Place your phone on download mode (either USB jig, or boot it up while holding vol down+home+power)
-once in download mode, plug in to the computer.
-everything should be default settings in ODIN,butmake sure repartition and flashlock IS NOT ticked.
-click start
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
DONE
BTW, Im not sure if this is just for Rogers users but I tried disabling 'fast dormancy' and it actually slowed down my upload link connection. Not sure about Telus, or Bell users but it would be worth a shot to test as it helps drastically with battery life.
SMS Time Stamp Fix
I'm sure most already knows this but just I just wanted to post this here.
For anyone on the Rogers network (or any network that is affected) that is experiencing their text messages coming in 4 hours behind, download this free app in the market called time stamp fix and set the offset hours to 4. Link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mattprecious.smsfix&feature=search_result
KayvinM said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
Currently the best 3 choices that is closest to our firmware version are:
CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip
CF-Root-SGS2_JP_XSG_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip
CF-Root-SGS2_XX_OXA_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip
Note: You will not be able to revert back to the stock kernel until Samsung releases our Firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CF-Root-SGS2_XX_OXA_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip is not even close to our version of android. It is a 2.3.4 kernel. Just because it says KG2, doesn't mean it's the same. That only refers to a single geographical area's release for a month. I'll explain:
The rom letter versions are actually based upon 5 letters, not 3. There are several variants of KG2. Basically, the Samsung naming convention is as follows:
Model name: I9100M
Provider/Area: UG (Bell/Virgin/Sasktel)
Rom Version: KG2
Now, the rom version can get broken down into each letter as well...
K = 2011
G = July
2 = 2nd version that month.
All area's roms are developed completely separate from each other...
Ours is UGKG2. Which is unavailable for download from the Samsung servers, so we're not able to actually get back to stock, or make any kind of custom firmwares/kernels based upon it.
All the other ones, including ZS, JP, and XX are completely different roms and kernels than what we have on our Bell phones.
The KG2 that either of those 3 kernels are based on are either 2.3.4 roms or different 2.3.3 roms. So, matching that is no different than installing a KG1 or KG3 or any KF* CF-Root kernels. ChainFire has not made a CF-Root based upon UGKG2 yet, so no matter what one you install, it's not based upon our rom, meaning you can basically install ANY CF-Root Kernel and as long as your phone still works with it, it doesn't matter. All the roms are completely different and the naming convention has nothing to do with each other unless all 5 letters/numbers match up.
Lesson of the night???? Just because a pile of uninformed people on a forum agree about something, it doesn't make it correct...
KayvinM said:
I'm sure most already knows this but just I just wanted to post this here.
For anyone on the Rogers network (or any network that is affected) that is experiencing their text messages coming in 4 hours behind, download this free app in the market called time stamp fix and set the offset hours to 4. Link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mattprecious.smsfix&feature=search_result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have also found that upgrading KG3+ will solve the issue.
Electroz said:
CF-Root-SGS2_XX_OXA_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip is not even close to our version of android. It is a 2.3.4 kernel. Just because it says KG2, doesn't mean it's the same. That only refers to a single geographical area's release for a month. I'll explain:
The rom letter versions are actually based upon 5 letters, not 3. There are several variants of KG2. Basically, the Samsung naming convention is as follows:
Model name: I9100M
Provider/Area: UG (Bell/Virgin/Sasktel)
Rom Version: KG2
Now, the rom version can get broken down into each letter as well...
K = 2011
G = July
2 = 2nd version that month.
All area's roms are developed completely separate from each other...
Ours is UGKG2. Which is unavailable for download from the Samsung servers, so we're not able to actually get back to stock, or make any kind of custom firmwares/kernels based upon it.
All the other ones, including ZS, JP, and XX are completely different roms and kernels than what we have on our Bell phones.
The KG2 that either of those 3 kernels are based on are either 2.3.4 roms or different 2.3.3 roms. So, matching that is no different than installing a KG1 or KG3 or any KF* CF-Root kernels. ChainFire has not made a CF-Root based upon UGKG2 yet, so no matter what one you install, it's not based upon our rom, meaning you can basically install ANY CF-Root Kernel and as long as your phone still works with it, it doesn't matter. All the roms are completely different and the naming convention has nothing to do with each other unless all 5 letters/numbers match up.
Lesson of the night???? Just because a pile of uninformed people on a forum agree about something, it doesn't make it correct...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lesson learned and post edited. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
I have a friend with a Bell branded GS2 which he unlocked by buying a code to use on the Telus network. He wants me to upgrade it to 2.3.4 for him this weekend, but doesn't want it rooted.
I have an international unbranded GS2 and have flashed numerous firmwares. I have kept mine unrooted and have only flashed official leaked firmware via Odin (no custom ROM's). Can I update his the same way without rooting? I realize his model number will change (GT-I9100m to GT-I9100) and that he won't be able to go back until the Bell ROM is posted. I'm just not sure if there is any difference because his phone is branded and mine isn't.
No difference at all. Go ahead and install 2.3.4. Our phones are exactly the same as the international version. It's an I9100M due to Bell's firmware.
Sent from my GT-I9100M using XDA App
I am a TELUS customer with a Bell SGS2, and everyone I call or who calls me experiences an echo on their end. I did some research and found that it was actually my phone that was the problem. People said they were able to rectify the problem by disabling "Noise Cancellation", however, the only way I've been able to find to disable it is within the call itself, which means I have to disable it in every call.
Does anyone know how to disable Noise Cancellation permanently? Thank you!
Hi KayvinM and Electroz, I'm from Canada and I ordered my S2 from Newegg.ca, so my phone came factory unlocked and right now I'm running it on the Telus Network.
My phone is running on the UK firmware but I would like to use a North American firmware.
My questions is that would I be able to run any firmware from any region I want without damaging my phone?
And witch firmware is the latest one for the Canadian region?
Here's the details for my SCS2:
PDA: I9100XWKF3
Phone: I9100XXKE7
CSC: I9100XEUKD1
I posted a thread about this yesterday but I didn't get much help, so I really appreciated if you guys can help me.
Thanks in advance.
Sobai said:
I am a TELUS customer with a Bell SGS2, and everyone I call or who calls me experiences an echo on their end. I did some research and found that it was actually my phone that was the problem. People said they were able to rectify the problem by disabling "Noise Cancellation", however, the only way I've been able to find to disable it is within the call itself, which means I have to disable it in every call.
Does anyone know how to disable Noise Cancellation permanently? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird thing is I had this exact issue a couple of days ago. What kernel do you have installed at the moment?
id_mew said:
Hi KayvinM and Electroz, I'm from Canada and I ordered my S2 from Newegg.ca, so my phone came factory unlocked and right now I'm running it on the Telus Network.
My phone is running on the UK firmware but I would like to use a North American firmware.
My questions is that would I be able to run any firmware from any region I want without damaging my phone?
And witch firmware is the latest one for the Canadian region?
Here's the details for my SCS2:
PDA: I9100XWKF3
Phone: I9100XXKE7
CSC: I9100XEUKD1
I posted a thread about this yesterday but I didn't get much help, so I really appreciated if you guys can help me.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey id_mew, you can run any firmware you would like without damaging your phone. Just make sure you read up lots and you are comfortable with the process and using Odin. Also avoid using any .pit files when flashing unless it's called for. All the firmwares can be found in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278 As off right now the latest canadian firmware is bell's/virgin UGK2 which is 2.3.3 based. Problem is if you are not currently on this firmware, you wont be able to flash it because it hasn't been released yet. As to my knowledge the latest official firmware is XXKG5 (poland based) and KG7 (Brazil) which was released earlier this month. Here is one the threads I found regarding ithttp://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1200044 As far as I understand there is no difference between the European and the Canadian version of the sgs2. Both phones make use of the same cell tower frequencies, meaning you should have no issues running a european based firmware here in canada. It just comes down to personal preference. Hope I was able to help
KayvinM said:
Weird thing is I had this exact issue a couple of days ago. What kernel do you have installed at the moment?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PDA: I9100XXKG5
PHONE: I9100XXKG5
CSC: I9100OXAKG5
Kernel: [email protected] #20
I only flashed the kernel yesterday which made my battery life so much better (20 hours of use with data/wifi/gps turned off most of the time) but still had echo problems before flashing the Kernel. I know its the noice reduction feature because when I disable the feature the person I'm speaking to no longer hears the echo. I just wish I knew how to disable it for good, rather than every time I answer a call.
As many of us is waiting for UGKG2 the stock bell rom, will it be available eventually? Quite a few people I know need that rom to revert so the phone can be send back for repair if need be.
Sent from my GT-I9100M using XDA Premium App
shuweee said:
As many of us is waiting for UGKG2 the stock bell rom, will it be available eventually? Quite a few people I know need that rom to revert so the phone can be send back for repair if need be.
Sent from my GT-I9100M using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's whenever Samsung plans to make it available. They might someday, or they may never. Other cellular firmwares are readily available, so I don't see why the Bell firmware won't. My guess is that the firmware will probably be released when Bell releases a new firmware with 2.3.4.
So where is this site or server that I can go check for firmwares
Sent from my GT-I9100M using XDA Premium App
hi guys,
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 (i9100P), originally on orange, but since then I've moved onto T-Mobile. I have been having problems with low signal and many callers complaining that they cannot clearly hear and the sound is cutting out on both sides. T-Mobile have given me a signal booster and although the signal strength has massively improved, I still have poor call quality
Now I could be wrong here, but I think the signal issues have started since I flashed the original orange fw with NeatRom v5.6.
From searching on my pc, I've found my original orange brand fw, which was: I9100PXXLSS_I9100PBVLS2_I9100PORALS6_HOME.tar
Now I want to keep Neatrom, but I want to flash the modem and baseband which are showing as I9100XXMS4 on neatrom....I believe these could be the problem. Where can I get the correct versions that correspond to my mobile and network (EE) and how do I correctly flash these?
Thanks!
Come on guys, someone must be able to help me pls? :crying:
Just flash xxlss baseband (if it was ur original fw) in phone category in odin...
Thanks for helping me dr droid. I'll be honest mate... I don't have a clue what to do.
1. Do you have a link to a step by step guide to flash the modem fw and/or baseband? Could you show me?
2. Where do i get the correct baseband file for t-mobile network?
wowandroid said:
Thanks for helping me dr droid. I'll be honest mate... I don't have a clue what to do.
1. Do you have a link to a step by step guide to flash the modem fw and/or baseband? Could you show me?
2. Where do i get the correct baseband file for t-mobile network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the firmware (the actual one which u said was present since the beginning)
Open the fw package with winrar
U will see a modem.bin file
Extract it to a known location
Connect phone in Download mode.
Open odin
Click on phone tab and then select ur extracted modem.bin
Flash ...
doctor_droid said:
Download the firmware (the actual one which u said was present since the beginning)
Open the fw package with winrar
U will see a modem.bin file
Extract it to a known location
Connect phone in Download mode.
Open odin
Click on phone tab and then select ur extracted modem.bin
Flash ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much dr droid. The problem I have is that I've only got the original nandroid backup with the following files:-
boot.img
cache.img
data.img
nandroid.md5
system.img
I extracted these using yaffey, but there is no file called modem.bin. Could you please tell me where it is located?
If this is not possible, where can I download the original orange fw with the following details:-
(MODEL: GT-I9100P
ANDROID VERSION: 2.3.4
BASEBAND VERSION: I9100PBVKI2
KERNEL: [email protected] #2
BUILD NO: GINGERBREAD.BVKI3)
Nandroid backups don't include the modem. Download the entire rom from Samfirmware, extract the modem.bin from that, flash as previously instructed.
Thanks mistah.
I've just done that, but it seems that my mobile's fw does not exist on their site anymore:-
Model: GT-I9100P
Product Code: GT-I9100LKNORA
Hidswver: I9100PBVKI3/I9100PORAKI3/I9100PBVKI2/I9100PBVKI3
Filename: I9100PBVKI3_I9100PORAKI3_ORA.zip
File not found
Find the most recent firmware for your country/carrier, download it, extract the modem.bin from it, flash that. If you get no joy from that, try another modem from another rom for your country/carrier. Modems are cross-compatible between roms & don't need to be used with a rom that's the same Android version/whatever, E.G - you can use modems that came bundled with GB roms if you're currently running ICS or JB & vice versa, etc, etc. Basically you can use any modem for the I9100, though I wouldn't recommend using modems specified as being for the I9100T unless you've tried every other modem first as these are specifically 'tuned' for the I9100T/the networks of carriers which sold it.
If you find none of the modems bundled with stock roms released by your carrier work for you, you can either:-
A) Root your phone, and start flashing any CWM flashable modem you can get your hands on (there are dozens, obviously - one for each stock rom released by each carrier around the world, there will be several for each carrier at least). This will be easier than downloading several dozen roms & extracting the modem.bin for each if you do get to this stage
and/or
B) Service centre/local mobile repair shop, though I would be doing A & trying as many modems as I could find on here (you will find dozens with an XDA or Google search) before doing that given that involves parting company with money.
MistahBungle said:
Find the most recent firmware for your country/carrier, download it, extract the modem.bin from it, flash that. If you get no joy from that, try another modem from another rom for your country/carrier. Modems are cross-compatible between roms & don't need to be used with a rom that's the same Android version/whatever, E.G - you can use modems that came bundled with GB roms if you're currently running ICS or JB & vice versa, etc, etc. Basically you can use any modem for the I9100, though I wouldn't recommend using modems specified as being for the I9100T unless you've tried every other modem first as these are specifically 'tuned' for the I9100T/the networks of carriers which sold it.
If you find none of the modems bundled with stock roms released by your carrier work for you, you can either:-
A) Root your phone, and start flashing any CWM flashable modem you can get your hands on (there are dozens, obviously - one for each stock rom released by each carrier around the world, there will be several for each carrier at least). This will be easier than downloading several dozen roms & extracting the modem.bin for each if you do get to this stage
and/or
B) Service centre/local mobile repair shop, though I would be doing A & trying as many modems as I could find on here (you will find dozens with an XDA or Google search) before doing that given that involves parting company with money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much Mistah.
1. I've checked on Sammobile.com and there are new i9100P orange firmwares, but since I've now moved to t-mobile, can I still use these? Also does it matter if my phone is a "P" variant?
2. My phone is already rooted with NeatRom v5.6, so how do I:-
a. Backup the current modem incase I flash the wrong modem or mess up?
b. Flash the new modem?
OK...Some clear thinking required...
1) Basically you can use any modem for the I9100 (this includes the I9100P)
2) You can't back up a modem, or not easily at any rate. And you don't need to given how easy they are to flash. If you want to go back to a previous modem, simply re-flash it. If you don't have a copy of your current modem, you might want to find a copy of it somewhere before you go flashing something else (not sure why that would be important to you given your current modem is giving you no connectivity, but, anyways...).
3) CWM flashable modems are flashable in the same manner as any other mod/kernel/rom in CWM. You should already know how to flash stuff in CWM if you're running a custom rom, if you don't, you need to start doing some searching (and how did you get a custom rom on your phone if you didn't know how to flash with it ?).
Right. I've given you more than enough info & won't be posting further to this thread, this stuff is really very simple, and we have guides/tutorials (most of which are stickied near the top of the General section) you can read if you need further info, and everything you've asked can easily be found with a search.
Up to you now...
MistahBungle said:
OK...Some clear thinking required...
1) Basically you can use any modem for the I9100 (this includes the I9100P)
2) You can't back up a modem, or not easily at any rate. And you don't need to given how easy they are to flash. If you want to go back to a previous modem, simply re-flash it. If you don't have a copy of your current modem, you might want to find a copy of it somewhere before you go flashing something else (not sure why that would be important to you given your current modem is giving you no connectivity, but, anyways...).
3) CWM flashable modems are flashable in the same manner as any other mod/kernel/rom in CWM. You should already know how to flash stuff in CWM if you're running a custom rom, if you don't, you need to start doing some searching (and how did you get a custom rom on your phone if you didn't know how to flash with it ?).
Right. I've given you more than enough info & won't be posting further to this thread, this stuff is really very simple, and we have guides/tutorials (most of which are stickied near the top of the General section) you can read if you need further info, and everything you've asked can easily be found with a search.
Up to you now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries mate. Thanks for your help and advice.