Need original IMEI help - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II SGH-I777

Hello everyone,
I'll admit, I flashed a CWM touch recovery to my phone believing it was meant for it, turns out after CWM flashed it that it read something about Nexus 7 touch recovery successfully installed. I was like "NO!" Since then I had to restore my /efs directory from scratch. Only I still have one problem. I have a generic IMEI and AT&T suspended my service. I called them to restore it, giving them my real IMEI from behind the battery. Service came back on immediately after they confirmed it on their end however my phone still shows an incorrect-generic IMEI. How do I get my real IMEI programmed back onto my phone again? All help is appreciated. I'm currently running a CWM/SU injected stock ICS ROM.

juvezavala said:
Hello everyone,
I'll admit, I flashed a CWM touch recovery to my phone believing it was meant for it, turns out after CWM flashed it that it read something about Nexus 7 touch recovery successfully installed. I was like "NO!" Since then I had to restore my /efs directory from scratch. Only I still have one problem. I have a generic IMEI and AT&T suspended my service. I called them to restore it, giving them my real IMEI from behind the battery. Service came back on immediately after they confirmed it on their end however my phone still shows an incorrect-generic IMEI. How do I get my real IMEI programmed back onto my phone again? All help is appreciated. I'm currently running a CWM/SU injected stock ICS ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you are stock ics i'd just odin back to stock ukk6 or whatever it was (gingerbread). Just for a fresh start and see if that helps...other than that i have no idea.

Update
I've done enough searching to understand somewhat that this relies on the nv_data.bin file that is located inside of the /efs directory. I've gone in to look at the file through hex editor and have managed to change the model number back to my correct one (SGH-I777, it was showing SGH-I897Z or something before). My best guess is that the data in this file is either showing the incorrect IMEI but I just can't figure out which hex line it is so that I can go in and change it. If anyone beats me to the punch please let me know! Hope this helps someone else out too!

Going back to stock may help. I guess all you can do is attempt to restore your /efs again. I was in a similar situation (generic imei due to an unlock tool) and ended up having to get warranty repair. I had several /efs backups and attempted to restore it using numerous methods: all to no avail.
It appears that your options are as follows.
1. Keep attempting to restore/repair /efs (tons of threads around on it) using multiple tools. The key lies in the nvdata.bin file.
2. Samsung Warranty Repair
3. Mobile Tech Videos repair
4. AT&T insurance replacement may be an option?

Just a few questions then...
1. Will flashing to stock 2.3.4 2.3.6 overwrite the /efs directory to where it goes back to stock too?
2. Is there any harm in leaving the generic IMEI in place?
I think I'll close this thread after this.
Thanks!

juvezavala said:
1. Will flashing to stock 2.3.4 2.3.6 overwrite the /efs directory to where it goes back to stock too?
2. Is there any harm in leaving the generic IMEI in place?
I think I'll close this thread after this.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It might work; didn't for me. I've seen it suggested numerous times around /efs threads.
2. Not really. Carrier-wise? Yes. Once AT&T blocks it, there's no way around keeping it in place; you won't be able to use it. I've also seen people report that PC market installs were wonky or occurred randomly from other origins (as a result of having the same imei as other devices).

have u tried this guide yet? as long as u have the original shipped EFS folder this should work. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1264021
also try this EFS PRO tool, kinda old http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1308546
good luck!

Related

[Q] Very odd problem related to efs

Update:
Well, I tried flashing a GB official ROM (I was on CM9) and Odin got stuck on "NAND write start", and any other ROM I try does the same thing. I now only boot into download mode or a screen that says something along the lines of "Firmware update failed, use Kies recovery mode". Is my phone completely screwed? If so what are my repair options given that I'm in the US and I bought the unlocked international version off of Amazon through a reseller (I believe it was originally a French phone) last July?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So yesterday I got the odd 'Encryption Unsuccessful' error (phone only boots into screen saying: Encryption Unsuccessful, you have to reset...) after my phone ran mysteriously low on battery, rebooting, everything crashing, pulling out the battery and rebooting again.
I did a factory reset/data wipe from within CWM, and the phone would boot up normally, but I got no cell service. I checked in settings, and the baseband was listed as 'Unknown' as well as the IMEI. I had a look in the /efs folder and it was empty except for two more empty folders, 'bluetooth' and 'wifi'.
My problem now is that regardless of what I add or remove to /efs, or if I restore it from a backup, it always resets itself after boot to just contain those two empty folders 'bluetooth' and 'wifi', and the baseband and IMEI are still unknown.
Any help would be much appreciated!
AUAnonymous said:
So yesterday I got the odd 'Encryption Unsuccessful' error (phone only boots into screen saying: Encryption Unsuccessful, you have to reset...) after my phone ran mysteriously low on battery, rebooting, everything crashing, pulling out the battery and rebooting again.
I did a factory reset/data wipe from within CWM, and the phone would boot up normally, but I got no cell service. I checked in settings, and the baseband was listed as 'Unknown' as well as the IMEI. I had a look in the /efs folder and it was empty except for two more empty folders, 'bluetooth' and 'wifi'.
My problem now is that regardless of what I add or remove to /efs, or if I restore it from a backup, it always resets itself after boot to just contain those two empty folders 'bluetooth' and 'wifi', and the baseband and IMEI are still unknown.
Any help would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[GUIDE] Recover your IMEI in 9 steps.
(Found in the General section via a Google search...)
ctomgee said:
[GUIDE] Recover your IMEI in 9 steps.
(Found in the General section via a Google search...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh sorry I should have mentioned I've tried that as well as many other efs recovery tools. I can't follow that guide because step 4 is "go to EFS folder using root explorer, and delete 'nv_data.bin', 'nv_data.bin.md5'", but there are no such files automatically generated like it says. Thanks though.
AUAnonymous said:
Oh sorry I should have mentioned I've tried that as well as many other efs recovery tools. I can't follow that guide because step 4 is "go to EFS folder using root explorer, and delete 'nv_data.bin', 'nv_data.bin.md5'", but there are no such files automatically generated like it says. Thanks though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the whole thread? Specifically, check out pages 5 & 6.
Well, I tried flashing a GB official ROM (I was on CM9) and Odin got stuck on "NAND write start", and any other ROM I try does the same thing. I now only boot into download mode or a screen that says something along the lines of "Firmware update failed, use Kies recovery mode". Is my phone completely screwed? If so what are my repair options given that I'm in the US and I bought the unlocked international version off of Amazon through a reseller (I believe it was originally a French phone) last July?
AUAnonymous said:
Well, I tried flashing a GB official ROM (I was on CM9) and Odin got stuck on "NAND write start", and any other ROM I try does the same thing. I now only boot into download mode or a screen that says something along the lines of "Firmware update failed, use Kies recovery mode". Is my phone completely screwed? If so what are my repair options given that I'm in the US and I bought the unlocked international version off of Amazon through a reseller (I believe it was originally a French phone) last July?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing you say here convinces me you read what I had to say, and actually read those pages. Because they would have led you to tools you don't mention, that could have helped you.
ctomgee said:
Nothing you say here convinces me you read what I had to say, and actually read those pages. Because they would have led you to tools you don't mention, that could have helped you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me I've tried using GSII_Repair, HC-k Tool, EFS Pro, reformatting 'mmcblk0p1' via adb and via an on the phone terminal emulator and doing a bunch of other stuff, and while I really do appreciate your help (no one else has even suggested anything , and it's understandable that you're probably used to dealing with idiots, 11 year olds and people that barely speak English), it seems like my problem goes deeper than simply the efs folder being messed up somehow (which I think the original "Encryption Unsuccessful" error points to as well). At any rate, the problem now is not being able to flash a ROM using Odin, and the more I try the more I'm thinking that I'm basically screwed. And before you ask, I've gone through a lot of this thread already, as well as tried other random purported solutions, but any suggestions are definitely welcome.
AUAnonymous said:
Trust me I've tried using GSII_Repair, HC-k Tool, EFS Pro, reformatting 'mmcblk0p1' via adb and via an on the phone terminal emulator and doing a bunch of other stuff, and while I really do appreciate your help (no one else has even suggested anything , and it's understandable that you're probably used to dealing with idiots, 11 year olds and people that barely speak English), it seems like my problem goes deeper than simply the efs folder being messed up somehow (which I think the original "Encryption Unsuccessful" error points to as well). At any rate, the problem now is not being able to flash a ROM using Odin, and the more I try the more I'm thinking that I'm basically screwed. And before you ask, I've gone through a lot of this thread already, as well as tried other random purported solutions, but any suggestions are definitely welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, sorry. Unfortunately, for the most part, I do find myself dealing with the group you describe.
Well if you've done the "fix unflashable" thread already... Hmm. I don't know then. When you say you're not able to flash, what do you mean, exactly?
ctomgee said:
Yeah, sorry. Unfortunately, for the most part, I do find myself dealing with the group you describe.
Well if you've done the "fix unflashable" thread already... Hmm. I don't know then. When you say you're not able to flash, what do you mean, exactly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well everything is fine in Odin until it gets to "NAND write start", which it never gets past (I've left it overnight). I've tried different ROMs, repartitioning, a different USB cable and everything else I could think of but I've really given up all hope now .
If it keeps failing at NAND write, NAND is stuffed. Service centre job. JTAG repair won't fix it & a person who normally does JTAGs won't be able to fix it at all unless they're able to swap out the NAND.
Well thanks for the confirmation at least :/ looks like I might be getting the GSIII seeing as I can get it on contract at the discounted price. The only downside being that I'll have to get a limited data plan and that the $700 I spent on this one go down the drain unless I can repair it...
AUAnonymous said:
Well everything is fine in Odin until it gets to "NAND write start", which it never gets past (I've left it overnight). I've tried different ROMs, repartitioning, a different USB cable and everything else I could think of but I've really given up all hope now .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I had a similar problem with not being able to write a kernel, and ending up with the logo and thebn black screen.
The way I fixed it was to use the Recovery Mode to reflash the rom that I had last working. (in my case it was wannamlites stock ICS). After that I was able to then flash back to my previous Gingerbread Custom rom using CWM's restore function.
Q) You didn't happen to use CWM Touch recovery did you?
*** there is a known issue with CWM touch recovery (which is built on an ICS base) and certain emmc (internal sdcard) firmware id
which could result in the flash being corrupted in a way that can't be fixed outside of the factory.
See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1648362
By the way, if your phone does boot, can you dial *#1234# and tell me what the H/W is reported as. Mine currently says "unknown"
centuriondan said:
Hi, I had a similar problem with not being able to write a kernel, and ending up with the logo and thebn black screen.
The way I fixed it was to use the Recovery Mode to reflash the rom that I had last working. (in my case it was wannamlites stock ICS). After that I was able to then flash back to my previous Gingerbread Custom rom using CWM's restore function.
Q) You didn't happen to use CWM Touch recovery did you?
*** there is a known issue with CWM touch recovery (which is built on an ICS base) and certain emmc (internal sdcard) firmware id
which could result in the flash being corrupted in a way that can't be fixed outside of the factory.
See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1648362
By the way, if your phone does boot, can you dial *#1234# and tell me what the H/W is reported as. Mine currently says "unknown"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice but unfortunately I can't boot into recovery, only download mode., and I wasn't using CWM touch beforehand. It didn't even break when I was flashing a ROM, just when I was using the phone normally. I'm going to be in Europe in a couple weeks and I'll be able to take it in to a repair center where it's still under warranty. All I need to do is to use a USB Jig to reset the counter back to 0 so they'll work on it.
Have you tried Heimdall:
And I'd suggest reinstalling CM9. I found that when I had issues re-installing the kernel that I had to go back to the last working rom (ICS based) b4 I could downgrade.
The fact that you can't get into recovery indicates that either the primary or secondary bootloader is corrupted. Try flashing them again with the CM9 versions. Use the USB jig to get into download mode everytime you do flashing so that if you trash it further the counter is always zero. Also use the original USB cable with no hubs in between the phone and computer, and remove any other usb devices plugged in too.
BTW What was the result of *#1234* HW version?
i've read through all the posts from this topic. mine situation is slightly different.
I"m able to flash to any ROM. I can jump from gingerbread to ICS or vice versa with Odin.
When i type *#06#, it always show "unknown imei" no matter which firmware i'm on.
when i checked in EFS folder, i only have 2 folders : bluetooth and wifi.
I've tried to copy EFS files from people from this forum and paste into the phone's EFS. As soon as i restart the phone, back to 2 folders in its again.
any solution?
aznboix said:
i've read through all the posts from this topic. mine situation is slightly different.
I"m able to flash to any ROM. I can jump from gingerbread to ICS or vice versa with Odin.
When i type *#06#, it always show "unknown imei" no matter which firmware i'm on.
when i checked in EFS folder, i only have 2 folders : bluetooth and wifi.
I've tried to copy EFS files from people from this forum and paste into the phone's EFS. As soon as i restart the phone, back to 2 folders in its again.
any solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=17587351, but I see you claim to have tried this already. If it didn't work, you'll need to take it to service.
BTW, the efs folder from another phone won't help you. IMEI is unique to each phone.
i dont have any files in EFS excepte the two folders that i mentioned above. Can't even start the procedures.
Service centre job, or contact Odia via PM & he might be able to recover it for you (for the cost of a case of beer).

[Q] Problem: IMEI number, serial number, baseband, etc. unknown

Hello!
I have a samsung galaxy SII that has lost all network connection (wifi works though). It's just a check of the pillars and cant either call or text.
When you go in and check Baseband it says unknown. Similarly, IMEI, serial number and all network related stuff.
I have searched and found EFS Pro but it did not work following the wizard.
Is there anyone out there who can help me get my phone working again?
Would appreciate any help very much!
Im running CM9 stable by the way.
Restore your EFS backup. No EFS backup (Gee, that would be a shock. Everyone does those ) either service centre & explain what you've been doing with the phone (and hand over the contents of your wallet to have it repaired), or if you contact Odia by PM (and wait patiently for a reply, do not hound him) he might be able to recover it for you.
Have you tried to reflash baseband through Odin?
KUMAz said:
Hello!
I have a samsung galaxy SII that has lost all network connection (wifi works though). It's just a check of the pillars and cant either call or text.
When you go in and check Baseband it says unknown. Similarly, IMEI, serial number and all network related stuff.
I have searched and found EFS Pro but it did not work following the wizard.
Is there anyone out there who can help me get my phone working again?
Would appreciate any help very much!
Im running CM9 stable by the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please answer these questions:
1. Did your problem occur after flashing in CWM recovery with your phone charging?
1. Do you have a good /efs backup?
2. Have you ever flashed Siyah kernel before?
3. Post screenshots of Settings>About phone, and Settings>About phone>Status on your phone.
thanks
przemcio510 said:
Have you tried to reflash baseband through Odin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I have not tried it yet, you do not have a good guide on how to do it?
Thanks for reply!
Jokesy said:
Please answer these questions:
1. Did your problem occur after flashing in CWM recovery with your phone charging?
1. Do you have a good /efs backup?
2. Have you ever flashed Siyah kernel before?
3. Post screenshots of Settings>About phone, and Settings>About phone>Status on your phone.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I do not know, I got the phone from a friend who had the same problem with it. He ran the phone stock. So I flashed the CM9.1 and after it worked it in about a week and then it stopped working again simply. He bought the phone used so do not know what is done with it before. However, I had the charger when I tried to flash it yesterday, it is something that you should not do?
2. I tried some kind of stock EFS I found, but did not get better for it. Then if you go into the EFS folder in your phone, there are. .bak files are dated 2011 which might be ok?
3.I got it as soon as I get access to the phone.
Thanks for reply!
KUMAz said:
1. I do not know, I got the phone from a friend who had the same problem with it. He ran the phone stock. So I flashed the CM9.1 and after it worked it in about a week and then it stopped working again simply. He bought the phone used so do not know what is done with it before. However, I had the charger when I tried to flash it yesterday, it is something that you should not do?
2. I tried some kind of stock EFS I found, but did not get better for it. Then if you go into the EFS folder in your phone, there are. .bak files are dated 2011 which might be ok?
3.I got it as soon as I get access to the phone.
Thanks for reply!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes, it has something to do with it. Don't flash in CWM recovery when connected to charger. It's a known bug.
2. I meant do you have a real backup of your /efs .tar or .rar? Check your internal and external SD for anything efs
3. Ok
i have the same problem and have a backup of efs ...it has 5 folders efs,efs-163,198,200,490..i dunno wat to do please help me with this problem thank u
IMEI lost when copying nandroid backup from old phone to new
Beware.
After receiving a new Nexus 5 to replace my cracked but still working one I immediately rooted/unlocked it and then copied my old N5 backup to it. Used WugFresh Tool Kit 1.8.4 to root and TWRP to recover and both phones were at Android 4.4.4 so what could go wrong? (I thought) Somewhere along the way the new N5's IMEI number was lost (=0) and so no service. Tried factory reset and recopying but no luck.
I factory restored the phone and returned it to Google. I expect some penalty for my antics. I will get delivery on another N5 today and will refrain from tinkering for awhile. Fun.
Correction to above: The newest Nexus 5 received today came with Android 4.4.2 not 4.4.4 as I assumed (and perhaps incorrectly) for the new N5 described above. This could have been the deal breaker, copying a 4.4.4 system over a 4.4.2 one, that screwed the IMEI (?).

[Q] S5830i strange rom flash imei issue -Need kind assistance!

Hello.
I really didn't want to make a thread but i've been bouncing of dead lnks and failed search results or outdated incorrect info all day and i can't seem to get the information i need. I'm sorry if i haven't done everything i can before this psot but i have rtied, i really have!
My issue:
I have a Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830i which was running so slow it was terrible. I found a nice slimline rom that i read about and was happy to use.
I used Samsung recovery to then run CWM ClockWorkRec5830i, which i used to install 'update' which gave me Superuser access and rooted my phone (i think, if i understand) then i made a backup of my phones stock image, then i used it to wipe the phone, clear cache, and finally install my new rom.
...so far so good.
The rom installed, the phone rebooted, everything was working (really fast and really well, i was VERY pleased) however i have hit my issue:
IMEI data was gone. *#06# showed nothing, so i went back into Samsung recovery, loaded ClockWorkRec5830i and restored my phone back ro original using my backup. The IMEI returned! All was well again, so i got Galaxy Toolbox from Play store, ran it with Superuser access and created a backup of the EFS file.
I returned my phone back to the new rom that i had chosen and again installed Galaxy Toolbox to use the 'restore EFS' option.
The IMEI is still blank using *#06# which has me very confused.
I can open the EFS backup file in Hex workshop and the serial number data is is there. I can use Galaxy Toolkit device info and see the IMEI in there, so i don't understand what i have done wrong for the IMEI not to be showing in the phone.
Can anyone help or educate me please. I do generally want to learn more about why i haven't realised the mistake may.
I love learning this stuff but it can be overwelming sometimes until someone comes along and calls you an idiot and tells you the obvious lol! Please, "I'm an idiot" hehee.
Thankyou
Drew (United Kingdom)
DrewKrew said:
Hello.
I really didn't want to make a thread but i've been bouncing of dead lnks and failed search results or outdated incorrect info all day and i can't seem to get the information i need. I'm sorry if i haven't done everything i can before this psot but i have rtied, i really have!
My issue:
I have a Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830i which was running so slow it was terrible. I found a nice slimline rom that i read about and was happy to use.
I used Samsung recovery to then run CWM ClockWorkRec5830i, which i used to install 'update' which gave me Superuser access and rooted my phone (i think, if i understand) then i made a backup of my phones stock image, then i used it to wipe the phone, clear cache, and finally install my new rom.
...so far so good.
The rom installed, the phone rebooted, everything was working (really fast and really well, i was VERY pleased) however i have hit my issue:
IMEI data was gone. *#06# showed nothing, so i went back into Samsung recovery, loaded ClockWorkRec5830i and restored my phone back ro original using my backup. The IMEI returned! All was well again, so i got Galaxy Toolbox from Play store, ran it with Superuser access and created a backup of the EFS file.
I returned my phone back to the new rom that i had chosen and again installed Galaxy Toolbox to use the 'restore EFS' option.
The IMEI is still blank using *#06# which has me very confused.
I can open the EFS backup file in Hex workshop and the serial number data is is there. I can use Galaxy Toolkit device info and see the IMEI in there, so i don't understand what i have done wrong for the IMEI not to be showing in the phone.
I love learning this stuff but it can be overwelming sometimes until someone comes along and calls you an idiot and tells you the obvious lol! Please, "I'm an idiot" hehee.
Thankyou
Drew (United Kingdom)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't consider yourself idiot at all lol. You have explained everything so clearly.
Well,
This problem is so much common with this phone. Don't know why !
Many people including me facing this problem.
Sometimes you just reboot your phone and you will see ur IMEI is gone. Reboot again and its back. -_-
Its really strange issue actually.
You already knew all methods to get IMEI back. This is comman issue with this phone. Suffer it.
Maybe @iamareebjamal have figured this prob out.
Sent from my GT-S5830i using Tapatalk 2
The rom i found was great. It performed so much faster, did not take up much of the very limited memory on the handset, it was the perfect solution to my needs but whenever i use it i cannot make any calls etc due to no IMEI (*#06# shows a complete blank box) and i have tried rebooting the phone so so many times, repeating the process of installing the rom again and again and not once can i ever get it to show IMEI in *#06#. I could understand if the EFS backup also showed that the imei had reset or become corrupt, but it looks fine in Hex Workshop, shows up in device info on Galaxy Toolbox app, i just can't conclude anything from it's behaviour.
Using my original phone's backup the IMEI is restored instantly, and i have taken the EFS backup whilst running the phone on it's original state.
Could it be because something is not right in the rom? Is the rom changing something that i could possibly correct myself? Or something in the rom not suitable for my model and version of the GT-S5830i handset (compatibility issue)?
I really want to be able to use this rom and other's seem to be able to use it without issue which just makes me more determined to find the cause and correct my issue. I also see that many people do lose their IMEI and the EFS backup/restore method seems to work perfectly for them, because they seem to have their IMEI turned to blank values when checking in HexWorkshop whereas mine is still showing as expected.
I cannot make sense of this scenario at all lol.
I appreciate ANY and ALL advice
The rom is was trying was MEHDI ROM v2. I am in the United Kingdom using a GT-S5830i on o2 newtwork with no network locks or restrictions.
Make a new backup of your IMEI(make sure it is lost by once or twice rebooting) . And open via Hex Workshop.
If you see your IMEI in there, then reflash stock ROM and flash this Custom ROM without wiping anything.
If it doesn't solve your issue now too
Try restoring the efs partition before Media Scanning starts and Reboot the phone after media scanning is started.
These all are hit and trial methods. I've myself never found a fully satisfying solution
If nothing works, you'll have to try any other ROM.
DrewKrew said:
Hello.
I really didn't want to make a thread but i've been bouncing of dead lnks and failed search results or outdated incorrect info all day and i can't seem to get the information i need. I'm sorry if i haven't done everything i can before this psot but i have rtied, i really have!
My issue:
I have a Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830i which was running so slow it was terrible. I found a nice slimline rom that i read about and was happy to use.
I used Samsung recovery to then run CWM ClockWorkRec5830i, which i used to install 'update' which gave me Superuser access and rooted my phone (i think, if i understand) then i made a backup of my phones stock image, then i used it to wipe the phone, clear cache, and finally install my new rom.
...so far so good.
The rom installed, the phone rebooted, everything was working (really fast and really well, i was VERY pleased) however i have hit my issue:
IMEI data was gone. *#06# showed nothing, so i went back into Samsung recovery, loaded ClockWorkRec5830i and restored my phone back ro original using my backup. The IMEI returned! All was well again, so i got Galaxy Toolbox from Play store, ran it with Superuser access and created a backup of the EFS file.
I returned my phone back to the new rom that i had chosen and again installed Galaxy Toolbox to use the 'restore EFS' option.
The IMEI is still blank using *#06# which has me very confused.
I can open the EFS backup file in Hex workshop and the serial number data is is there. I can use Galaxy Toolkit device info and see the IMEI in there, so i don't understand what i have done wrong for the IMEI not to be showing in the phone.
Can anyone help or educate me please. I do generally want to learn more about why i haven't realised the mistake may.
I love learning this stuff but it can be overwelming sometimes until someone comes along and calls you an idiot and tells you the obvious lol! Please, "I'm an idiot" hehee.
Thankyou
Drew (United Kingdom)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May these help you..
As about these issue i do flash a Custom Kernel after flashing Rom with no IMEI Number
So After Flashing any Custom Kernel my IMEI Gets back
You can try it with any kernel
I use to flash Rafael.Baugis Kernel flash both its Modules and E3Boot.img
may be try changing kernel..
try any custom kernel...it helps me every time..
i have wiered problem, i can't use custom kernel on stock rom...or stock kernel on custom rom, both of these combination makes my imei disappear every time.
go to this thread for all the explanation
DrewKrew said:
Hello.
I really didn't want to make a thread but i've been bouncing of dead lnks and failed search results or outdated incorrect info all day and i can't seem to get the information i need. I'm sorry if i haven't done everything i can before this psot but i have rtied, i really have!
My issue:
I have a Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830i which was running so slow it was terrible. I found a nice slimline rom that i read about and was happy to use.
I used Samsung recovery to then run CWM ClockWorkRec5830i, which i used to install 'update' which gave me Superuser access and rooted my phone (i think, if i understand) then i made a backup of my phones stock image, then i used it to wipe the phone, clear cache, and finally install my new rom.
...so far so good.
The rom installed, the phone rebooted, everything was working (really fast and really well, i was VERY pleased) however i have hit my issue:
IMEI data was gone. *#06# showed nothing, so i went back into Samsung recovery, loaded ClockWorkRec5830i and restored my phone back ro original using my backup. The IMEI returned! All was well again, so i got Galaxy Toolbox from Play store, ran it with Superuser access and created a backup of the EFS file.
I returned my phone back to the new rom that i had chosen and again installed Galaxy Toolbox to use the 'restore EFS' option.
The IMEI is still blank using *#06# which has me very confused.
I can open the EFS backup file in Hex workshop and the serial number data is is there. I can use Galaxy Toolkit device info and see the IMEI in there, so i don't understand what i have done wrong for the IMEI not to be showing in the phone.
Can anyone help or educate me please. I do generally want to learn more about why i haven't realised the mistake may.
I love learning this stuff but it can be overwelming sometimes until someone comes along and calls you an idiot and tells you the obvious lol! Please, "I'm an idiot" hehee.
Thankyou
Drew (United Kingdom)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, did you solved your problem? i had the same problem once and it was just that the backup made with galaxytoolbox didn't match. So the best solution is to do a backup again and you will have to open the new file and edit it with the HEX editor and input your imei number manually. Here the thread with the info http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2064034&page=1 and this video is great, but it's in spanish. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kbY0EZYsXE Hope this solves your problem.
I cannot use the galaxy toolbox for my restoring unfortunately as the galaxy toolbox is not working with my current rom, if you know of another program that can help me fix it, i would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Fab
fabiolaec said:
Hey, did you solved your problem? i had the same problem once and it was just that the backup made with galaxytoolbox didn't match. So the best solution is to do a backup again and you will have to open the new file and edit it with the HEX editor and input your imei number manually. Here the thread with the info http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2064034&page=1 and this video is great, but it's in spanish. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kbY0EZYsXE Hope this solves your problem.
Fab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies, but unfortunately i have not yet resolved the problem.
I have gone over the process again and again, repeating it the same way, trying slightly different ways, the outcome is always the same. Everytime i try i take a EFS backup (taken while the phone is restored to running on it's original stock rom and setup, with the IMEI all working and displaying via *#06#) the EFS file shows the IMEI in Hex Editor. Everytime. It's always there.
Then, as soon as i flash a rom and reboot the phone i have no IMEI. I use the good EFS backup and restore the EFS to the phone (which has the IMEI data intact) but the phone still will not display the IMEI via *#06# and if i check the EFS again it is still showing the IMEI as being in the EFS backup and still good.
So i have no idea why the phone is not seeing the IMEI because apparently it IS still there!
I'm installing roms by using the recovery method to 'apply update', using Samsung basic recovery mode, but could i use the CWM recovery to install? Would that have a different effect? Is it safe to use CWM to install roms as the guide i read said to only install roms using Samsung restore as CWM adds a risk of crashing or bricking the phone?
So many people are able to successfully flash a GT-S5830i and i just do not know enough yet about phone roms to feel confident to do more daring things with different methods for fear of making a critical mistake. So much of the information i have read contradicts itself, and other information neglects to explain certain things or simply assumes you know about bootloaders, CSC files and the like...
I've modified so many gadgets before and am fairly confident with doing such things it's just i can't seem to educate myself correctly over the modifying of these Samsung Android phones.
I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S GT-i9000 today and wanted to remove some of the bloatware so that's my next phone to read up on.
I have been put off a bit because of the issue of losing IMEI. It seems to be a big risk with this model, do other Samsung models have issues with IMEI loss?
Thankyou to all who are taking time to post. I read and appreciate every post, and am enjoying learning about this new topic to me.
Perhaps i shouls restore back to my original working setup, then install the rom using recovery (or via CWM recovery - i have no idea which is safest and the correct method as i read conflicting information) then install the rom without resetting/wiping anything? Would that help?
When i select roms should i be making sure they contain a compatible baseband or something?
I don't understand this area.
DrewKrew said:
Perhaps i shouls restore back to my original working setup, then install the rom using recovery (or via CWM recovery - i have no idea which is safest and the correct method as i read conflicting information) then install the rom without resetting/wiping anything? Would that help?
When i select roms should i be making sure they contain a compatible baseband or something?
I don't understand this area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About recovery use CWM
If you do not wipe then there will some problem occur may be like the phone will not boot after flashing Rom so must do wipe
And about baseband and all don't worry you can use any stock Rom for flashing Roms.
DrewKrew said:
Thanks for the replies, but unfortunately i have not yet resolved the problem.
I have gone over the process again and again, repeating it the same way, trying slightly different ways, the outcome is always the same. Everytime i try i take a EFS backup (taken while the phone is restored to running on it's original stock rom and setup, with the IMEI all working and displaying via *#06#) the EFS file shows the IMEI in Hex Editor. Everytime. It's always there.
Then, as soon as i flash a rom and reboot the phone i have no IMEI. I use the good EFS backup and restore the EFS to the phone (which has the IMEI data intact) but the phone still will not display the IMEI via *#06# and if i check the EFS again it is still showing the IMEI as being in the EFS backup and still good.
So i have no idea why the phone is not seeing the IMEI because apparently it IS still there!
I'm installing roms by using the recovery method to 'apply update', using Samsung basic recovery mode, but could i use the CWM recovery to install? Would that have a different effect? Is it safe to use CWM to install roms as the guide i read said to only install roms using Samsung restore as CWM adds a risk of crashing or bricking the phone?
So many people are able to successfully flash a GT-S5830i and i just do not know enough yet about phone roms to feel confident to do more daring things with different methods for fear of making a critical mistake. So much of the information i have read contradicts itself, and other information neglects to explain certain things or simply assumes you know about bootloaders, CSC files and the like...
I've modified so many gadgets before and am fairly confident with doing such things it's just i can't seem to educate myself correctly over the modifying of these Samsung Android phones.
I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S GT-i9000 today and wanted to remove some of the bloatware so that's my next phone to read up on.
I have been put off a bit because of the issue of losing IMEI. It seems to be a big risk with this model, do other Samsung models have issues with IMEI loss?
Thankyou to all who are taking time to post. I read and appreciate every post, and am enjoying learning about this new topic to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if you missed this step.
I did efs backup on stock rom and tried to restore with galaxy toolbox on the new rom and IT DIDN'T WORK....
you have to copy your imei number manually (or directly from the sticker) and once you are in the NEW ROM, make a backup of the IMEI. of course if you open it with the hex editor it will be EMPTY.
Then in this new back up file newly created you have to manually input your IMEI number using the HEX EDITOR.
This should work.
Rgds,
Fab
Backup imei of gts5830i
Hi i have just rooted my glaxay ace gts5830i &
want to install custom rom bt i want to first
backup its IMEI bt i don't know much abut
it ....
i heard glaxay toolbox in playstore backup the
IMEI bt in some cases it might no able to
backup ...is there any other way plz tell me i
also tried EFS pro...bt not able to backup bcuz
it didn't show my model name even on
refresh... plz help me to backup its imei...
sahil chandel said:
Hi i have just rooted my glaxay ace gts5830i &
want to install custom rom bt i want to first
backup its IMEI bt i don't know much abut
it ....
i heard glaxay toolbox in playstore backup the
IMEI bt in some cases it might no able to
backup ...is there any other way plz tell me i
also tried EFS pro...bt not able to backup bcuz
it didn't show my model name even on
refresh... plz help me to backup its imei...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't ask the same question in two different threads.
Galaxy toolbox works almost every time.
Did anyone having a similar issue manage to resolve it or can suggest other steps to follow?
I am having the exact issue but for the life of me can not make the IMEI appear even though galaxy toolbox reports it is fine. Here is my post from another thread, before I found this one.
Flashed ROM, all working fine except as above, no network connection (mobile connection). Wifi, etc all working. IMEI is blank when I do *#06#
Have tried
1. reboots, sim out, reboots, etc
2. tried using galaxy toolbox to backup imei/efs and then restoring after flash. nope no help.
3. tried backing up imei and editing with hex editor but the image already has correct imei. galaxy tool box does report correct imei.
4. just tried flashing rafel kernal using instructions but after doing so, phone does not boot past samsung screen.
5. reflashed back to stock room and crap radio still not working lol
so any suggestions? i need a kernel and then one that works with this rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the above, tried thunderbird kernal and I am still without IMEI.
I would just like to ask. Is it possible, at some point I have deleted EFS partition? Should I be able to see this EFS partition somewhere? Browsing through PC, on SD card or through CW recovery?
My only idea is that I have deleted efs partition so galaxy toolbox has no where to restore to BUT the app itself reports correct IMEI as does the hex value with a backup file.
Ideas, rants and possible suggestions welcome!
Thanks
cyrax.net said:
Did anyone having a similar issue manage to resolve it or can suggest other steps to follow?
I am having the exact issue but for the life of me can not make the IMEI appear even though galaxy toolbox reports it is fine. Here is my post from another thread, before I found this one.
Since the above, tried thunderbird kernal and I am still without IMEI.
I would just like to ask. Is it possible, at some point I have deleted EFS partition? Should I be able to see this EFS partition somewhere? Browsing through PC, on SD card or through CW recovery?
My only idea is that I have deleted efs partition so galaxy toolbox has no where to restore to BUT the app itself reports correct IMEI as does the hex value with a backup file.
Ideas, rants and possible suggestions welcome!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow my restoring guide check my sign.
Hitesh2626 said:
Follow my restoring guide check my sign.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Hitesh but I beleive I have tried all the methods. Check my reply here...
I solved my issue by flashing kernel again...see...
my post

[Q] Help with formated EFS partition

Hey, messed up my phone and could really use some help:
I own a Galaxy Note (GT-N7000). Suddenly the IMEI went null/null and baseband unknown. Tried many things to recover from this but nothing seemed to work. I left the phone with the latest stock rom (Jellybean 4.1.2)
I then installed EFS Professional (rooting the phone first and installing BusyBox) and could connect to the phone with EFS Pro. I tried doing baseband and IEMI repair, and though the log showed it had successfully restores from .bak files in /efs partition, IMEI and baseband were still null.
So then I totally screwed it, hitting the "format EFS partition" by mistake (it was 3am by then) and didn't make a backup first. The phone wouldn't boot, so I flashed the latest stock rom again and now it continually loops when showing the Samsung logo when I turn it on. I can turn it on in download mode and recovery mode. When on recovery mode, it says /efs partition not found so I guess that makes sense.
The question here would be: is there any way I can fix it without sending it to service? Some options that sound possible:
- Flash the phone with some other custom ROM that would repartition the whole phone, thus creating an /efs partition again
- Use some nice software to recover the /efs partition
I'm sure that if a service can fix it, there should be a way I could do it as well.
I know my IMEI number (it's in the sticker on the back of the phone) so there should be a way to restore it into de efs partition, right?
Thank you all and forgive me if I've made some noob comment on this post...just doing my best
javigoile said:
Hey, messed up my phone and could really use some help:
I own a Galaxy Note (GT-N7000). Suddenly the IMEI went null/null and baseband unknown. Tried many things to recover from this but nothing seemed to work. I left the phone with the latest stock rom (Jellybean 4.1.2)
I then installed EFS Professional (rooting the phone first and installing BusyBox) and could connect to the phone with EFS Pro. I tried doing baseband and IEMI repair, and though the log showed it had successfully restores from .bak files in /efs partition, IMEI and baseband were still null.
So then I totally screwed it, hitting the "format EFS partition" by mistake (it was 3am by then) and didn't make a backup first. The phone wouldn't boot, so I flashed the latest stock rom again and now it continually loops when showing the Samsung logo when I turn it on. I can turn it on in download mode and recovery mode. When on recovery mode, it says /efs partition not found so I guess that makes sense.
The question here would be: is there any way I can fix it without sending it to service? Some options that sound possible:
- Flash the phone with some other custom ROM that would repartition the whole phone, thus creating an /efs partition again
- Use some nice software to recover the /efs partition
I'm sure that if a service can fix it, there should be a way I could do it as well.
I know my IMEI number (it's in the sticker on the back of the phone) so there should be a way to restore it into de efs partition, right?
Thank you all and forgive me if I've made some noob comment on this post...just doing my best
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
something like a stock odin flash would fix it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261598 as long as it flashes a pit file
then once that works, see if efs pro will let you manually set the imei.
if not, then make sure you are stock, and make sure you use triangle away or something and then send it in.
Lgrootnoob said:
something like a stock odin flash would fix it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261598 as long as it flashes a pit file
then once that works, see if efs pro will let you manually set the imei.
if not, then make sure you are stock, and make sure you use triangle away or something and then send it in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help! I'm downloading the AT&T stock rom from the thread you provided and will let you know how it works after flashing it
javigoile said:
Thanks for the help! I'm downloading the AT&T stock rom from the thread you provided and will let you know how it works after flashing it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoaaaa You should STOP ASAP! You can't flash the AT&T firmware via Odin since you have the international version.
es0tericcha0s said:
Whoaaaa You should STOP ASAP! You can't flash the AT&T firmware via Odin since you have the international version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm from Argentina, this phone is from Movistar carrier. Right now I have the latest stock rom from Movistar flashed, but the rom available does not have any PIT file, so I can't get my efs partition restored and the phone does not boot in normal mode (only download and recovery mode).
As far as I can remember, any phone that works with AT&T in the US works just fine in Argentina with Movistar. I've brought some iPhones from AT&T (not unlocked) and they worked without a problem.
I believe that I have the international version, but what could happen if I flashed the AT&T stock rom?
Thanks!
javigoile said:
I'm from Argentina, this phone is from Movistar carrier. Right now I have the latest stock rom from Movistar flashed, but the rom available does not have any PIT file, so I can't get my efs partition restored and the phone does not boot in normal mode (only download and recovery mode).
As far as I can remember, any phone that works with AT&T in the US works just fine in Argentina with Movistar. I've brought some iPhones from AT&T (not unlocked) and they worked without a problem.
I believe that I have the international version, but what could happen if I flashed the AT&T stock rom?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's either going to fail at trying to install the modem and do nothing, or it'll make it worse. In no way is it going to help anything.
You should be able to find your firmware here:
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/
Thanks. I had already downloaded the Movistar stock rom from Sammobile and this time I tried flashing it (using Odin) together with the PIT file and though it said something in the result log about using pit file for mapping, result was the same...still stuck with a bad efs partition that makes the booting loop again and again...
Any thoughts? How can I fix my efs partition? Any help is much appreciated.
Not sure there would be much more to do on your own without the official backup without special tools like SPT, Octopus Box, SRS, etc, but those cost more than the phone, so would have to find a shop that has the equipment and is also competent at using them. Many of the major software tools have repos with files like you need and the correct way to load them. I'd love to have one for my shop, but requests to fix stuff like this don't come often enough to justify the expense when there are more pressing matters...
On another forum they were saying that you can use the efs backup from another clean phone because it does not actually contain the IMEI, so if you could find one of those... I tried to download a couple for you yesterday to test but they either failed to open correctly or didn't pass the md5 validity check in Odin, which is why I didn't repost.
I didnt mean flash the rom I linked. That was an example. sorry guys.
Lgrootnoob said:
I didnt mean flash the rom I linked. That was an example. sorry guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Desperate times call for desperate measures
I'm still working on restoring the /efs partition, even with a null IMEI, at least to be able to use the phone with wi-fi for other purposes (if I can't find someone to flash a good efs.img and restore the IMEI completely).
Right now it's still a brick. Will post update soon.
Thank you all!
javigoile said:
Desperate times call for desperate measures
I'm still working on restoring the /efs partition, even with a null IMEI, at least to be able to use the phone with wi-fi for other purposes (if I can't find someone to flash a good efs.img and restore the IMEI completely).
Right now it's still a brick. Will post update soon.
Thank you all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found some links.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1724415
http://www.sammobile.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13564
http://imadn2008.blogspot.com/2013/01/fix-boot-loop-for-samsung-galaxy-note.html

imei repair

i have the unknown baseband and null imei. is there any fix for this?
i have flashed stock 4.0.4 and nothing
flashed 4.4.4 and worked for a day then all signal bars turned to the circle with bar across
flashed all possible radios when i was on stock 4.0.4 and nothing
flashed back to 2.3.6 and nothing.
replaced sim reader and bottom antenna and still nothing
tried to repair imei with android terminal and said i didnt have permission
tried with mtk tool but no option for my model
tried like 3 softwares to replace imei, with my own, but no luck.
is there any other way i can flash the imei to my phone? thanks
I believe discussion of imei changing, or modifying is prohibited on xda. You might want to double check that.
even if im trying to put phones imei back in since its been null?
440bro said:
I believe discussion of imei changing, or modifying is prohibited on xda. You might want to double check that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they're trying to repair imei\baseband in order to get data working again so its cool, i think you're thinking of swapping esn\imei perhaps... now thats a different story around here.
Edit: @ op do you have a backup of your EFS laying around?
no i cant seem to find it, i know i had a backup on my pc but no where to be found. i have another note and tried to back that one up and put in my bad note but there was no nv_data.bin
do note efs backups have this file?
ufuknut said:
no i cant seem to find it, i know i had a backup on my pc but no where to be found. i have another note and tried to back that one up and put in my bad note but there was no nv_data.bin
do note efs backups have this file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oops sorry about that, I automatically assumed it did have NV_data.bin. I'm so use to my galaxy I thought the note would have it also since its a Sammy. perhaps a member with more knowledge regarding this device will chime in and assist you with this problem but it might be one of the files in the root of "efs" folder...
sent from my Liquid Smooth SGH-I717
both my notes dont have this file and one is working without issue, just the one i sue for custom roms is messed up.
ufuknut said:
both my notes dont have this file and one is working without issue, just the one i sue for custom roms is messed up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you restored the phone via keys? or maybe try the apps that back up EFS from the good phone and then restore to the bad phone. I have no idea about this area.
Also have you read here
tried both with no luck. i backed up the efs with hc-k tools and restored with same program on back phone and still no bars. :crying:
yes i tried the link above and the guy said he lost the link to the rom he used to restore his.

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