Which Firmware? - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

First - sorry - I know this gets asked all the time, and yes - I have read a large chunk of IntraTech's simply indispensable thread, but... While I am more than happy with the flashing of Roms and Kernels, I can't work out which the best (Firmware/Kernel) one for my phone is
I'm on the i9100, it is an unbranded one from CarPhoneWarehouse (grrrr! ) and they kindly left me with a kernel from the stone age! I have just flashed with I9100XXKL1 from Sam which is touted as an Open Europe 2.3.6, but it turned out to be a branded 2.3.4 - I'd much rather go with one from Intra's site, but it seems like he's still trying to get his stuff back online after the Megaupload disaster.
I will obv. be looking to root the phone, initially just with CF-Root 5.2. Which Kernel is best for me? (Not looking for ICS until the 'official' Samsung one comes out)

CFRoot thread. Use the kernel that corresponds to the "baseband" details in settings/about phone.

cavemanxd said:
First - sorry - I know this gets asked all the time, and yes - I have read a large chunk of IntraTech's simply indispensable thread, but... While I am more than happy with the flashing of Roms and Kernels, I can't work out which the best (Firmware/Kernel) one for my phone is
I'm on the i9100, it is an unbranded one from CarPhoneWarehouse (grrrr! ) and they kindly left me with a kernel from the stone age! I have just flashed with I9100XXKL1 from Sam which is touted as an Open Europe 2.3.6, but it turned out to be a branded 2.3.4 - I'd much rather go with one from Intra's site, but it seems like he's still trying to get his stuff back online after the Megaupload disaster.
I will obv. be looking to root the phone, initially just with CF-Root 5.2. Which Kernel is best for me? (Not looking for ICS until the 'official' Samsung one comes out)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would suggest you root the phone and then flash WANAM"s xwla4 stock and unbranded.
as for the kernel it is a matter of choice and what you need battery or performance.
Siyah kernel is great and RedPill kernel(thi is what i am using)
rom thread :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1292825
Siyah kernel :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1263838
RedPill kernel :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1288850

I'm on KG4 which is not in the list - i was hoping to flash my phone with the 'best' kernel then use gthe cf-root option but can't work out which one to use

mariosraptor said:
i would suggest you root the phone and then flash WANAM"s xwla4 stock and unbranded.
as for the kernel it is a matter of choice and what you need battery or performance.
Siyah kernel is great and RedPill kernel(thi is what i am using)
rom thread :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1292825
Siyah kernel :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1263838
RedPill kernel :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1288850
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for those - I do like the look of Red Pill - I was hoping to go with the stock firmware, but if i can't track it down i may well go with Red Pill

Just realised that my Baseband (KG4) and Kernel (KG7) now don't match. How much impact will this have, and don't most of the packages normally do both?
Can anyone tell me what the latest Official unbranded Samsung Firmware is for the UK SGII?

cavemanxd said:
Just realised that my Baseband (KG4) and Kernel (KG7) now don't match. How much impact will this have, and don't most of the packages normally do both?
No modems are not matched to kernel
Can anyone tell me what the latest Official unbranded Samsung Firmware is for the UK SGII?
Stock firmware thread .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

JJEgan said:
No modems are not matched to kernel
Can anyone tell me what the latest Official unbranded Samsung Firmware is for the UK SGII?
Stock firmware thread .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reassurance on the modem/kernel matching.
I understand that it is quite painful to answer the same questions over and over, but as I mentioned in the 1st post, I have had a good root through Intra's thread (Stock Firmware) - if that's the one you mean - and I'm still a little unsure which one is best for me, I assume that...
I need a firmware with either XX or XW (UK)
I need one of the 2.3.6 ones (near the bottom of the exhaustive list)
The Firmware will flash both the Baseband and Firmware (PDA and Phone)
I can use any one that matches the UK and 2.3.6 bits
Given all of that, I can see the following that would work for me:
XWKK2, XWKK5, XWKL1 (Official?), XWLA4 (This one as it has no carrier branding?)
That's 4 that I can see that all seem 'correct' - Please can someone either give me the missing piece of the puzzle and tell me what I'm missing, or just say "the latest official firmware for your phone is..."
Please!

So, I put the LPH tar in PDA section of Odin and flash as normal like I would with GB builds?
I will do a full wipe and a back up, but would anyone suggest returning to stock GB first or just go with the flow?
Thanks

XWLA4
Android 2.3.6
There is no carrier branding
This package has: PDA: XWLA4| Modem/phone: XXKI3| CSC: XEUKH2
Download: http://uploadmirrors.com/download/3V...I9100XEUKH2.7z
UK CSC so should work fine for you .
jje

Perfect - thanks for that - been a real pain trying to work it out - especially as half the links were down

Sorry for highjacking the thread with my question. It was meant for Intra's thread where i shall post it again.
oops lol

No snags
All done - Flashed and Rooted - all looking good - thanks for all the help!

Related

[Q] Kernel versions and roms

Sorry if the question is really really simple in advance!
My phone is currently
Baseband - I9100XXDJ
Kernel - I9100XWKE2
Build - Gingerbread.XWKE2
Now i've seen the various insecure kernels and a couple of roms, but the roms mention xwke7. so am I able to flash with a newer kernel or do i have to stick on the same kernel i have now. will me moving from ke2 to ke7 do anything to my phone apart from just update the kernel?
What i had hoped to do was:
- install villianrom
- install the stock ke7 kernel to improve battery life (mine is dreadful atm, i barely get 10 hours out of it in standby!)
- have new rom with root access
would i be able to do this? the phone is on O2 with the O2 boot animation and i've read its possible to flash back to o2 image if needed?
any help would be greatly appreciated
thanks
mk2media said:
Sorry if the question is really really simple in advance!
My phone is currently
Baseband - I9100XXDJ
Kernel - I9100XWKE2
Build - Gingerbread.XWKE2
Now i've seen the various insecure kernels and a couple of roms, but the roms mention xwke7. so am I able to flash with a newer kernel or do i have to stick on the same kernel i have now. will me moving from ke2 to ke7 do anything to my phone apart from just update the kernel?
You update the firmware not just the kernel its all in one package .
would i be able to do this? the phone is on O2 with the O2 boot animation and i've read its possible to flash back to o2 image if needed?
Yes but you need to have saved to O2 rom .
Luckily O2 original rom is posted in the dev section .
Gingerbread 2.3.4 is rumoured/fact to arrive by next week in which case i would not update to KE7 ..
You can mix kernels and roms even modems and roms but that would be your choice ..
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the advice
so if i wait to update to 2.3.4 what options do i then have?
instead of starting a new thread thought i would post here.
I am wanting to root my SGS2 and have read through the CF-Root thread.
Im just a bit confused/aprehensive as to the firmware. My phone says -
Baseband: I9100BOKD1
Kernal version: BOKE3
do i have to stick to the same firmware for rooting so KE3 over KE3 or can i just use the KE7 firmware to gain root?
Thanks
Your chice KE7 is later firmware but 2.3.4 due anytime may pay to wait .
jje
JJEgan said:
Your chice KE7 is later firmware but 2.3.4 due anytime may pay to wait .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe XWKE8 is out .
stian230 said:
I believe XWKE8 is out .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some India yes .
jje

[Q] Help for a Newb?

Hey everyone, just recieved delivery of my SG2 today, scared that i do not want to brick it or something. Its a Vodaphone Australia I9100T version.
Looking to root it, all seems straight forward except for the kernal to download and flash..., from the CF-Root posts.
My
Kernel version is 2.6.35,7-I9100TDUKF2-CL264900
does that mean I just pick the KF2 one from CF's posts and it should be right?
Am I missing anything, ODIN - flash it and its done?
How do i take a backup of my original kernel?
Cheers
It's pretty hard to brick your phone if you follow instructions. Easier than jailbreaking an iPhone, in most respects. Here, follow this link, I rooted mine last week at work and it took like 15 minutes. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
Hey,
i too have a galaxy S II from vodafone in australia.
under *#1234# it says pda is I9100TDUKF2, phone is I9100TDUKF2, and the csc is I9100TVAUKF2.
To root my device do i choose the XXKF2 generic or stock kernel from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278 ?
Or do i use the frankenstein ones? (Im not even sure on the major difference =X) I only ask because the CSC doesnt quite match up with any, and as this is my first and recently new android phone i dont want to brick it ><
In my opinion you should use CF-Root
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
Just read post 1,2,3,4 and just follow the instructions and nothing can go wrong. And yes you should pick the KF2 kernel.
Lennyz1988,
Does the difference in CSC matter? aka VAU for mine, compared to the OXA on the KF2 kernel in the link you gave? another nooby question.. should i use the kernel provided in the CF-Root link you gave, or one of the ones from the other guide?
cheers
You should pick the kernel from the thread I provided. In post 4 is the kernel you need. But read the other posts first of course CSC is not relevant at the moment.
Another noob here. I have the Vodafone (UK) version and I've upgraded it as far as I can with Kies. I now have:
Baseband: i9100BUKE1
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-I9100BUKE5-CL227058 [email protected] #2
Build number: GINGERBREAD.BUKE5
I would like to root it and ideally (if I can find a way to back up an restore reliably) flash a non-vodafone-riddled-with-crap ROM on it.
I read the instructions on how to flash the kernel rom to root it with CF_root, however they don't seeem to have the any version for KE5 (or am I wrong?). What are my alternatives for rooting?
Thanks
thanks for the quick reply Lenny1988,
hopefully i dont stuff things up, but i did get the KF2 kernel from the 4th post as you suggested. Does it change much that my phone is the I9100T and not the I9100?
cheers!
UPDATE : so i went ahead and did it, tis currently sitting at a screen that appears to be a battery charging. Hopefully all is well =\
UPDATE 2 : so all went well, got the triangle, followed CF-Root and removed it. now i have a rooted stock galaxy S 2, cheers Lennyz1988 for the direction

[Q] Question on firmware information

Hi ,
I am using SGS2 from Germany (unbranded)
My initial firmware for KE2 and I then flashed KF2.
My current phone config is
Code:
PDA : I9100XXKF2
PHONE : I9100XXKF2
CSC : I9100XAKF2
Ofcourse as always for me, Kies is not working for firmware upgrade (is it because i have it rooted?)
Anyway I was checking the fiwmare details on CheckFusdownloader and found out today that the firmware for Europe is
Code:
I9100XWKF3/I9100XEUKD1/I9100XXKE7/I9100XWKF3
After downloading the file, the TAR looks like this
Code:
I9100XWKF3_I9100XXKE7_I9100XEUKD1_HOME.TAR
My questions are:
1. How can I map the above with Phone / PDA / CSC etc?
2. Is this the new firmware than KF2?
3. IS it worth moving to this firmware?
4. Would I be able to root?
My battery life seems to be somewhat improved from KE2 to KF2.
Thanks
The newest kernel is KG1 Gingerbread 2.3.4.
Move to KG1. Forget KF3. everyone's on KG1. Fixes battery life and other things Google talk+video.
It goes in alphabetical order efg so G is the newest KG1.
and I am assuming they are in order
So PDA then Phone then CSC.
My CSC is UNKNOWN LOL, true fact.
Latest firmware is KG2 and thats 2.3.3.
KF2 is slighly older than KF3 .
KG12.3.4 is not a Samsung release its a leaked test firmware .
Root yes read the root post in dev section ..
My view wait for 2.3.4 to be released by Samsung for next upgrade if phone is working OK .
jje
1- As long as you are on stock firmware Kies won't make any difference, rooted or not.
2- AFAIK KF2 is the newer build than KF3 and the latest available for Europe.
3- Press *#1234# to see software info.
4- I'd say you should wait for official KG1 to be released. The current one is leaked and have bugs, so better avoid it.
Regards.
Sent from GT-I9100
I'd look up Lite'ning rom 2.2 if i were you...
Roots your phone, KG1 and all in there. Also Gingerbread 2.3.4.
Works perfect for me. Why wait for the official update. Modders will implement it very fast.
Good luck!
If you change to KG1 dont bother flashing the CSC, use the one you have at the moment.
I am not sure if there is much advantage to that KF3 based rom over KF2, so if you are happy with KF2 and dont want to jump to KG1 (which is working perfectly for me, I dont use stock browser) I wouldn't bother.
Yes you would be able to root btw, just use the KF3 kernel from chainfire.
Thanks guys for your feedback
BTW whats with CSC what will happen if I mess with it? phone will get bricked? lets s say if I flash CSC from another country will i be able to go back to Europe CSC?
Is this only for language?
CSC is only a few text files and xml files with lists of networks etc .
Not really needed for phone to work and a new one can easily be flashed .
jje
JJEgan said:
CSC is only a few text files and xml files with lists of networks etc .
Not really needed for phone to work and a new one can easily be flashed .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So that means i can flash any country's SGS2 firmware? Whats with baseband? have any info on that?
Baseband = modem/radio.
Yes flash any firmware and enter the networks APN manually as long as its on the same mhz it will work .
But if you flash Chinese firmware it will have Chinese keyboard etc .
PDA = firmware including kerel
Phone = modem/radio/baseband
CSC = country specifics with a list of local networks keyboard to use language to use etc .
Many firmwares are multi CSC say covering most of Europe .
jje
Thanks mate for the clarifications
one quick question. What happens if i try to update phone with multiple basebands?
galaxyII said:
one quick question. What happens if i try to update phone with multiple basebands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't, the device can only have one modem at a time.
thanks infratech, I mean more of flashing one baseband and reflashing another version. sorry too bad in explaining
galaxyII said:
thanks infratech, I mean more of flashing one baseband and reflashing another version. sorry too bad in explaining
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will just replace the old one.

[Q] Need Kernel Version for SG2 GT-I9100TDCKH2 insecure and original

Hi Advisors,
Pls advise where can I find Stock Kernel Version GT-I9100TDCKH2 both insecure and original. I was informed the site multiupload.com/K03I6J79KX (Password: [email protected]), but I couldn't access the web at all.
Could you kindly advise?
Many thank in advance!
Use KH1 or KH3 to root your phone from the CFRoot thread (there is no KH2), so far as the original kernel goes, search for the entire rom on Samfirmware.com & you should be able to extract the kernel (zImage) from the tar.
Also, you may be able to download the original rom with the PC version of Checkfus (search for it on here/Google), depending on whether your carrier has issue a firmware update since this firmware you're looking for has been released, I.E Checkfus allows you to download the latest firmware for your carrier/country, if they haven't released an update since KH2, you should be able to download it with Checkfus & extract the kernel as above.
My GS2 Kernel Version GT-I9100TDCKH2, can I really root with
- CF-Root-SGS2_XX_OXA_KH1-v4.1-CWM4.zip
- CF-Root-SGS2_XX_OXA_KH3-v4.1-CWM4.zip ?
For original kernel, rom on samfirmware.com, could you advise which one?
My GS2:
- Device: GT-9100T
- Product Code: GT-9100LKTTHL
- PDA: I9100TDCKH2
- Phone: I9100TDCKF1
- CSC: I9100TTHLKF1
Kindly advice. Thanks!
Re: rooting with CFRoot, what did I say in my previous post ? (I'm not repeating it). So far as finding your firmware on Samfirmware goes, I have no idea which one you should use. I've never downloaded or used any firmware from there, and my stock firmware is different to yours because I'm in a different part of the world.
As far as I know, Samfirmware have their firmwares organised into carrier/country so you should be able to match up your current firmware with one from there.
If you're in any way unsure of what you're about to with your phone (this goes for the future as well as now), stop. And don't do whatever it is until the process is clear in your mind & you understand it fully without having it explained to you in minute detail.
I just wanna confirm again as I see different comment on the "XX" and "OXA" besides "KH1/2/3". Apologize if that annoys you.
Anyway, thank very much indeed for your advise!
As per this line in Chainfire's CFRoot thread:- "What matters most (KG1) in this case, is in bold. Try to find the matching file under downloads..." I.E the "XX" & so on is not important.

[Q] Flashing rom - noob needs help!

Hi, Im kind of new to this.
I looked in a couple forums on how to flash the Official ICS rom. but I would like to know can I just pick any official ICS firmware and flash it?
my phone is:
android version- 2.3.6
Baseband version- I9100XXKI1
I know the firmware I have now is the Chinese one but would like to flash the European one. The person I bought the phone off of seemed to have flashed the Chinese firmware 2.3.6 themselves and I couldn't use Kies to update it, not sure if the phone was originally the Chinese firmware or not.
These were the two sites I was looking at to flash it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278&page=2
and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1544487
also is there a difference between those websites for the latest ICS firmware?
any help would be appreciated. thank you!
mrpug said:
Hi, Im kind of new to this.
I looked in a couple forums on how to flash the Official ICS rom. but I would like to know can I just pick any official ICS firmware and flash it?
my phone is:
android version- 2.3.6
Baseband version- I9100XXKI1
I know the firmware I have now is the Chinese one but would like to flash the European one. The person I bought the phone off of seemed to have flashed the Chinese firmware 2.3.6 themselves and I couldn't use Kies to update it, not sure if the phone was originally the Chinese firmware or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't matter. The reason Kies won't update it now though is probably because the original owner flashed a firmware that has a CSC that doesn't match your location/carrier. You should be able to flash any I9100 firmware you wish, as long as it is NOT an I9100G firmware.
mrpug said:
These were the two sites I was looking at to flash it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278&page=2
and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1544487
also is there a difference between those websites for the latest ICS firmware?
any help would be appreciated. thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those two are pretty much the same, if you are looking at the same versions. (e.g. XWLP4) They are just hosted on different sites. I think the one on Intratech's thread may have the older bootloaders included instead of the newer ones (newer ones which prevent USB jigs from resetting the binary flash counter), and the one on Faryaab's thread probably has the newer bootloaders, but that should be the only difference.
And that difference probably doesn't matter much, as I believe with ICS, you can use Chainfire's "Triangle Away" app to reset the counter regardless of which bootloaders you have. (but I don't know that info for sure)
Thanks for the help, just flashed it and works great !

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