[Q] need some serious help - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

i was wondering if anyone can help me my son got a hold of my phone which i had left on the table with file explorer open was trying to mod some thing.... don't know exactly what he moded or deleted but i had to do a factory rest.........now things get even crazier....no matter what i try to install it says insufficient memory....i can no longer root cause it says eloc_library[1315]: 14871 cannot locate 'android_reboot'...CANNOT LINK EXECUTABLE...also everytime i try to connect to my wifi it tries to obtain the ip address then sits with disabled underneath it along with the type of security for it....i am running 2.3.6 on the rogers network in canada.......i have no apps installed and a 16 gig memory card with 11 gigs available.....sorry if i am in the wrong section but i need help real bad!!!!would hate to take it back to rogers in this stae.....i have been using the motofail rooting method

If you have clockworkmod or any other custom recovery then you may flash the stock rom, this will help for sure (the question if you can do it). Factory reset doesn't reinstall all files of the system, just cleans the data, so if something was deleted it was not recovered.

damek25 said:
If you have clockworkmod or any other custom recovery then you may flash the stock rom, this will help for sure (the question if you can do it). Factory reset doesn't reinstall all files of the system, just cleans the data, so if something was deleted it was not recovered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sadly,i am a noob at this and that was what i was working on at the time of this disaster.....so i can say that i do not have a back-up!!!!!!!!! thanks for your response!!!

Please tell me you did a Nandroid backup immediately after rooting your phone. It is the first thing I do after rooting incase myself or one of my friends accidentally delete a critical file. If you did it would be as simple as booting into recovery and doing a Nandroid restore.
*EDIT* Sorry I did not catch the last post where you mention no Nandroid backup, with no mention of the phone model or manufacturer it is difficult to point you the right way (For example on a HTC on Sprint I could point you to the RUU to basically set it up as it was when it left Sprint for the market) Including these details will make it easier for someone to point you in the right direction. On better examination it appear you are using a Motorola track down the SBF file for your phone and reflash through RSDLite

ItzCrooK2UxD said:
Please tell me you did a Nandroid backup immediately after rooting your phone. It is the first thing I do after rooting incase myself or one of my friends accidentally delete a critical file. If you did it would be as simple as booting into recovery and doing a Nandroid restore.
*EDIT* Sorry I did not catch the last post where you mention no Nandroid backup, with no mention of the phone model or manufacturer it is difficult to point you the right way (For example on a HTC on Sprint I could point you to the RUU to basically set it up as it was when it left Sprint for the market) Including these details will make it easier for someone to point you in the right direction. On better examination it appear you are using a Motorola track down the SBF file for your phone and reflash through RSDLite
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry about that its a motorola razr xt910 and im with rogers in ontario canada

lol
beast69 said:
sorry about that its a motorola razr xt910 and im with rogers in ontario canada
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry for such a noob question but what is a SBF file and would you be able to point me in a general direction.....thanks for the help!!!!!!!!!!!

confused
beast69 said:
sorry for such a noob question but what is a SBF file and would you be able to point me in a general direction.....thanks for the help!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
was reading a post by upndwn4par on xda saying i should NOT flash the sbf files (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1850135 ) anyone else have any idea on how to fix my issues......(be nice).....now i'm really confused

ty
beast69 said:
was reading a post by upndwn4par on xda saying i should NOT flash the sbf files (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1850135 ) anyone else have any idea on how to fix my issues......(be nice).....now i'm really confused
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fixed my problem thanks to all for the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Related

Stock Nandroid Image

If anyone needs a stock nandroid image (with root),
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YWQJRO90
There is no need to flash this unless you messed up or just want to go back to stock (with root).
instructions:
DO NOT install it as update.zip . you are supposed to unzip the file after you download it and place the folder called 2010-09-21.18.31.12 in /sdcard/clockworkmod/backup then you boot into cwm and goto backup and restore -> restore -> 2010-09-21.18.31.12
what is this nandroid ? stock image ? i mean im new to android and i keep seeing nandroid but im not sure what it does
+1 thanks easier then using oden
dialect129 said:
what is this nandroid ? stock image ? i mean im new to android and i keep seeing nandroid but im not sure what it does
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid makes a complete backup of your phone, all your data, apps, everything. It's like it takes a snapshot of your phone, and when you restore it your phone will be back to the exact state of when you made the backup.
The image i posted will take your phone back to what it was like when you pulled it out of the package, except with root. In order to use nandroid, you have to flash the cwm kernel and install the recovery for your phone through rom manager.
bubbleywine said:
+1 thanks easier then using oden
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problem, yeah i dont like using odin.
wasupwithuman said:
Nandroid makes a complete backup of your phone, all your data, apps, everything. It's like it takes a snapshot of your phone, and when you restore it your phone will be back to the exact state of when you made the backup.
The image i posted will take your phone back to what it was like when you pulled it out of the package, except with root. In order to use nandroid, you have to flash the cwm kernel and install the recovery for your phone through rom manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so that means if i accidently erased swype i'd have it back again with this one?
dialect129 said:
so that means if i accidently erased swype i'd have it back again with this one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it has everything you would have stock. just rooted already.
wasupwithuman said:
yes it has everything you would have stock. just rooted already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry for all the question so ok then after that to get all my stuff back would i use titanium for my apps contacts etc?
dialect129 said:
sorry for all the question so ok then after that to get all my stuff back would i use titanium for my apps contacts etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, you will have to put the information for your gmail account back in, restore anything from titanium. It's completely stock, it has no user infomation on it.
wasupwithuman said:
yeah, you will have to put the information for your gmail account back in, restore anything from titanium. It's completely stock, it has no user infomation on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
titanium does backup contacts to though im thinking
once u sync your gmail u shouldnt have to worry about your contacts, that takes care of all of it.
ksizzle9 said:
once u sync your gmail u shouldnt have to worry about your contacts, that takes care of all of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea but i disabled google sync because it kept putting contacts from my old phone in that i didnt want and i cant figure out how to change it online
Is this with todays update?
dialect129 said:
yea but i disabled google sync because it kept putting contacts from my old phone in that i didnt want and i cant figure out how to change it online
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok well i tried to flash this with clockwork butttttttttttt it just freezes no luck ..what am i doing wrong
Ok, so I am getting my Fascinate tomorrow (can't wait by the way). I have been cruising the forums doing my research before I attempt to root, flash CWM recovery, etc. I am completely unfamiliar with with using Odin, but have used nandroid via Amon's recovery on my Droid Eris (which is running Froyo by the way).
Here's my question: how do I apply this image? Do I have to be rooted first, or can I go ahead and apply this zip and never have to fool with Oden? I just want to be sure I don't make a mistake. Eris development was firmly established by the time I arrived on the scene, so I have not had to worry about these kinds of things. Sorry if this seems like a noob question?
Sent from my Froyo Eris using XDA App
dlongb13 said:
Is this with todays update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, the update is not compatible with root right now. Wait for a dev to release the root friendly vzw update.
bendbowden said:
Ok, so I am getting my Fascinate tomorrow (can't wait by the way). I have been cruising the forums doing my research before I attempt to root, flash CWM recovery, etc. I am completely unfamiliar with with using Odin, but have used nandroid via Amon's recovery on my Droid Eris (which is running Froyo by the way).
Here's my question: how do I apply this image? Do I have to be rooted first, or can I go ahead and apply this zip and never have to fool with Oden? I just want to be sure I don't make a mistake. Eris development was firmly established by the time I arrived on the scene, so I have not had to worry about these kinds of things. Sorry if this seems like a noob question?
Sent from my Froyo Eris using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone is a noob at first.
You need to root first
follow this:
http://forum.androidcentral.com/fasc...-how-root.html
then install cwmrecovery
follow this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788099
you won't need this nandroid backup.
wasupwithuman said:
If anyone needs a stock nandroid image (with root),
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YWQJRO90
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this doesnt seem to work
dialect129 said:
this doesnt seem to work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wait it works i had to upzip your file and put it in the folder for the images along with the other back ups then go into rom manager and manage back ups .. thanks i finally have SWYPE BACK!!..yes i did all that for swype lol
dialect129 said:
this doesnt seem to work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the link or the nandroid? cause i just tested the link and it works. And someone already tested the nandroid and it worked.
wasupwithuman said:
nope, the update is not compatible with root right now. Wait for a dev to release the root friendly vzw update.
Everyone is a noob at first.
You need to root first
follow this:
http://forum.androidcentral.com/fasc...-how-root.html
then install cwmrecovery
follow this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788099
you won't need this nandroid backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really appreciate the prompt response. I think I am going to wait until a dev develops a root friendly vzw update. Or I may go ahead and root and wait till then ..... decisions, decisions
I saw where you posted that some Sticky topics need to be compiled, wasupwithuman. I could not agree more. A couple more questions for you (maybe these will help someone else too) .... (1) How stable is CWM on the Fascinate? I read somewhere that it is a duct-taped together recovery that will do for now. Is this true??? (2) Should I just wait for a dev to develop a custom recovery (like Amon's on the Eris), or is CWM stable enough as it currently is? There seems to be some confusion about this from topic to topic. (3) This is unrelated, but has anyone confirmed Wireless Tether working on their Fascinate. I believe I read that it was somewhere else, but would like to know for sure. Thanks again!!!
P.S. - First link is down, but I found another guide on XDA and will probably just follow it (considering it uses adb which I am familiar with from my Eris).

CWM recovery vs ROM Manager need Backup before GiingerBlur

Hello,
I'm new. I got my Atrix 5 days ago. I migrated from an iPhone 3g. I am on AT&T. I have done TONS of research before doing anything with my phone. I really dont want to brick it and I want to make sure im doing it right the first time and everytime. since its new it has 1.83 on android ver 2.2. I rooted using gingerbreak, obtained sideloading and tether using Gladiatrix. I am contemplating installing Gingerblur but I am hesitant. its not the installation that worries me. its the uninstalling should something go wrong. I understand creating a nandroid back is the way to go as I SHOULD be able to reflash to my backed up stock ROM. and be MOSTLY back to where I am now. here is my problem... HOW? I have done hours of combing numerous forums looking for how to create a nandroid backup. I understand ROM Manager is the way to go. but it keeps telling me "you must have clockworkMod Recovery installed before continuing. Install the recovery through ROM Manager first." so i click "install" and a dialog box pops up and gives me multiple phones to choose from, none of which is my Atrix. so i did more research and found another way (I think) using the Moto a4 bootstrap located here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1019143 using these instructions (watch from 3:08 to 4:46). Is this where I am going wrong? Im getting this screen (also has a "charge boot" button): http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k...kMod-Recovery-for-Motorola-Atrix-4G_thumb.png
what am I missing? What am I doing wrong? how do i create a nandroid backup?
I have found numerous posts/sites that tell me to use ROM Manager but im getting the above error.
Do I even want GingerBlur this bad?
thanks for listening and I really hope someone has some answers soon as I have spent HOURS looking for an answer. in the mean time im going to bed.
You're almost there. Click Install Recovery. Allow root. Make sure your phone is plugged into the wall charger. Then click Recovery Boot. Your phone will reboot into recovery, and there should be a menu item for backing up your phone. Use the volume up/down to navigate the menu and the wake button to select.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Next time put something in the subject line other than [Q] so everyone can see what the thread is about.
You should know to do this no matter what forums you are posting on!
CaelanT said:
Next time put something in the subject line other than [Q] so everyone can see what the thread is about.
You should know to do this no matter what forums you are posting on!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Or to at least help with the search tags...
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
I appologize for the subject, I typed it out else where on my pc and copy/pasted it in and missed the subject.
Thanks, the instructions I had found were very blurry when he got to the recovery mode portion and i couldnt tell if there was a backup option.
so this AM went into recovery mode and made a backup to my external SD card. will ROM Manager work at this point? or is it not completely supported yet (because its not in the list)
I feel much more comfortable trying out Gingerblur at this point now that I have a backup of the stock ROM.
Thanks for your help, and again sorry bout the subject, simple mistake.
theencode said:
will ROM Manager work at this point? or is it not completely supported yet (because its not in the list)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 is it possible to get Rom manager working on our device?
robertlawson225 said:
+1 is it possible to get Rom manager working on our device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no
10 chars
I got this answer on another forum with a similar question:
In a nutshell, in order to use CWM and do a Nandroid backup, you must use a phone that has an unlocked bootloader; which allows certain changes to be made to the Operating System which enables those two apps. The Atrix has not yet been unlocked, and Gingerblur is not a true ROM. It's only a "pseudo-ROM"...more like a theme on Android than a rewritten version of Android, which is what a true ROM is. So, in other words, "you can't get there from here".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... we cannot use ROM Manager at all because of our current locked status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the simple answer. thanks for the help everyone.

[Q] Any method to relock phone after being rooted?

Is there a method to relock the phone after you are rooted for both the docked version and dockless version?
Yes. You can either flash a new SBF, which will overwrite the /system partition -- or you can manually go and remove the "su" executable from the partition and uninstall any root-enabled apps you have.
brianez21 said:
Yes. You can either flash a new SBF, which will overwrite the /system partition -- or you can manually go and remove the "su" executable from the partition and uninstall any root-enabled apps you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless I'm the exception and not the rule. Flashing the stock SBF only unrooted the phone. My phone is still unlocked with CWM recovery.
Lokifish Marz said:
Unless I'm the exception and not the rule. Flashing the stock SBF only unrooted the phone. My phone is still unlocked with CWM recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flash your phone with the stock sbf it will relock your phone...
brianez21 said:
Yes. You can either flash a new SBF, which will overwrite the /system partition -- or you can manually go and remove the "su" executable from the partition and uninstall any root-enabled apps you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm new to this and have rooted my Photon successfully. Everything was great until yesterday morning when my 3g connection refused to start. I've tried everything including Sprint's advanced tech support...I'm now forced to take my MoPho to the in-store tech and have them diagnose, so I need to get it unrooted.
Here's my question: can somebody please do a step by step on how to manually remove the executable? I really need to get this thing fixed! It SUCKS having no data connection outside of wifi!!
DutchDogg54 said:
I'm new to this and have rooted my Photon successfully. Everything was great until yesterday morning when my 3g connection refused to start. I've tried everything including Sprint's advanced tech support...I'm now forced to take my MoPho to the in-store tech and have them diagnose, so I need to get it unrooted.
Here's my question: can somebody please do a step by step on how to manually remove the executable? I really need to get this thing fixed! It SUCKS having no data connection outside of wifi!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just do a factoy reset then flash the stock sbf and you'll be all set..good luck!
Yay 4 Juggs said:
just do a factoy reset then flash the stock sbf and you'll be all set..good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! Ok...noob at the keys here...where do I find the stock sbf and how do I flash it...I only was able to root because of the friendly step by steps and video. I really want to get into this kind of stuff but it's a steep learning curve, ya know? Thanks for baring with me
DutchDogg54 said:
Thanks man! Ok...noob at the keys here...where do I find the stock sbf and how do I flash it...I only was able to root because of the friendly step by steps and video. I really want to get into this kind of stuff but it's a steep learning curve, ya know? Thanks for baring with me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1202666 check that thread for the answers to your questions.
Sweet, I've read through that whole thread before but I wasn't sure because it sounded like it was a supplement, like one that people were doing to improve something, not to return to original...but I'm working through it.
1 snag -- my web filter is blocking the multiupload site...I've got the wheels spinning to get it unblocked but I was curious where to find these other servers you mention provided by xda?
"Download HERE or use one the many servers provided by our good friends here at xDA!!
UPDATE #1
***I found a mirror that was not blocked ***
Wouldn't let me post the link though...I'm too new
UPDATE #2
It worked to un-root my phone but didn't work to fix the 3g connectivity problems I was having. I was forced to factory data reset, but it's working now.

Fastboot from backup?

Hey guys I need major help (I searched the whole forum and the internet).
I rooted my device and installed Razr Bootstrap and then I installed Arctic 3.0.0 + Hebrew mod, and I got boot looped.
So the thing is, I gotta fastboot now, but Im not sure which fastboot file I need (there are many versions and Im not sure which one matches my phone).
The thing is, I have a backup file I mad using CWM on my external SD card, can I use it to fastboot?
Please help me, Im kinda hopeless right now.
BTW: My computer wont recognize the Razr, I downloaded the drivers through MotoHelper and still nothing, what do I do?
Ofirfir said:
Hey guys I need major help (I searched the whole forum and the internet).
I rooted my device and installed Razr Bootstrap and then I installed Arctic 3.0.0 + Hebrew mod, and I got boot looped.
So the thing is, I gotta fastboot now, but Im not sure which fastboot file I need (there are many versions and Im not sure which one matches my phone).
The thing is, I have a backup file I mad using CWM on my external SD card, can I use it to fastboot?
Please help me, Im kinda hopeless right now.
BTW: My computer wont recognize the Razr, I downloaded the drivers through MotoHelper and still nothing, what do I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go into motorola.com and look for support/warranty then provide your IMEI and you'll get exactly model of your razr. Then grab the indicared rom to ur razr and flash it with rsd lite
After flashing correct rom you'll be able to restore ur backup on it.
A few tools you may need
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1540648
Thanks!
Sent from my XT910 using Tapatalk
Ofirfir said:
Hey guys I need major help (I searched the whole forum and the internet).
I rooted my device and installed Razr Bootstrap and then I installed Arctic 3.0.0 + Hebrew mod, and I got boot looped.
So the thing is, I gotta fastboot now, but Im not sure which fastboot file I need (there are many versions and Im not sure which one matches my phone).
The thing is, I have a backup file I mad using CWM on my external SD card, can I use it to fastboot?
Please help me, Im kinda hopeless right now.
BTW: My computer wont recognize the Razr, I downloaded the drivers through MotoHelper and still nothing, what do I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other poster gave good info. If it is not recognized try uninstall and then re install all drivers. Try different cable. Try different usb port.
Thanks guys, a few more questions.
Where can I see my IMEI?
Do I need to provide my IMEI to a motorolla support employee, or can I get the model by IMEI automatically?
Open up the slot where you put in your Sim card. Your imei is printed there.. On the flap.
Sent from my XT910
Ofirfir said:
Thanks guys, a few more questions.
Where can I see my IMEI?
Do I need to provide my IMEI to a motorolla support employee, or can I get the model by IMEI automatically?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Press *#06# on your dialer.
This is universal for all mobile phone.
Thanks guys, got my IMEI.
But I still dont understand - how can I get the RAZR version using the IMEI?
If I fastboot my phone with the wrong version will I get bricked?
Do I have to use the exact same version?
Guys Im really sorry to bother, but you have to understand Ive been hanging around with no phone for 2 days, please help me out.
Will I get bricked if I get the wrong Fastboot file? cuz if I dont, I can try a few.
And how can I get my phone system version without turning it on? (it's on a bootloop).
The world is a big place dude. Where did you get your phone from? Africa? America? Asia? And which Telco?
Help us help you.
Well seeing since you have the Hebrew mod I assume it is a GSM xt910.And looking at the Rom page you downloaded from it says you need to start with a file from
Working for all build number 6.5.1-73. Find that build for your country. So Im also assuming you can get your file if you know your country from here.
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/umts_spyder/list.php

Samsung S3 memory full

My work colleague is an idiot - Despite warnings from his S3 that phone memory was low he continued taking videos and pictures and he has no sd card in the phone. Now the phone boots up but the pattern unlock screen is unresponsive. I offered to try to help him as he said "The last 2 years photos of my life are on there" so clearly a factory reset will lose them all so that's not an option.
So I installed Kies, thinking I'll just grab them to my PC for him - but alas no. MTP USB driver installation fails every time and yes I've googled my socks off, tried all the regedit fixes, even tried installing Win 7 32 bit on a spare hard drive.
I've checked that the ribbon connector for the screen is attached, tried linux boot disks that don't see the phone and now I'm all out of ideas. Any help would be vastly appreciated :fingers-crossed:
Hello,
Welcome to XDA.
Most of the time the screen being locked wont let PC interact with the device. There are many different models of S3, give me your model number and I'll guide you to where you can find answers.
You may can flash a custom recovery or a temporary recovery(not sure because I don't know what is available for the model you're working with and what isn't), if you can get one of those recoveries then you may can use the factory reset in recovery(it wont wipe his photos) or adb to get the phone working.
Remember to create an XDA account so you can post and reply in the forums.
Droidriven said:
Hello,
Welcome to XDA.
Most of the time the screen being locked wont let PC interact with the device. There are many different models of S3, give me your model number and I'll guide you to where you can find answers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there and many thanks for the welcome. The model number is GT-19300 :fingers-crossed:
Azarameus said:
Hi there and many thanks for the welcome. The model number is GT-19300 :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your issue is unusual because of how it got that way, I'm not certain exactly which subforum or thread you need but I will link you to the GT I9300 Main Forum linked below:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3
You can check through the subforums there for anything you think applies, the Q&A and the 2 development subforums are most likely where you will find help, this thread will be moved to the GT I9300 Q&A forum linked below:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help
If you get replies you can check them and respond there, you might want to find some off topic threads to post in until you have at least 10 posts so that you can post in the development forums there if you need to, there is a 10 post minimum before you can post there. Good luck.
Droidriven said:
Your issue is unusual because of how it got that way, I'm not certain exactly which subforum or thread you need but I will link you to the GT I9300 Main Forum linked below:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3
You can check through the subforums there for anything you think applies, the Q&A and the 2 development subforums are most likely where you will find help, this thread will be moved to the GT I9300 Q&A forum linked below:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help
If you get replies you can check them and respond there, you might want to find some off topic threads to post in until you have at least 10 posts so that you can post in the development forums there if you need to, there is a 10 post minimum before you can post there. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks again. I can get it into Recovery mode but all I've tried so far is clearing the cache, as I don't want to do anything that might lose his pictures.
Azarameus said:
Ok thanks again. I can get it into Recovery mode but all I've tried so far is clearing the cache, as I don't want to do anything that might lose his pictures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is stock recovery then I believe if you can get to download mode then you can flash a custom recovery and flash the superSU zip to root the device then factory reset/wipe data, wipe cache and wipe dalvik cache, this will clear the lockscreen but won't erase his pictures, music, etc., it may let him back into his phone, he will just have to be careful because the device will be rooted and he could make things worse if he doesn't know what he's doing. If that works and he gets back in his phone but isn't comfortable with the risk of having a rooted device without understanding its usage then the device can be un rooted by going into the superSU settings and choosing the unroot and uninstall option. He'd still have custom recovery though. You might even be able to just flash the recovery to do the wipes and not have to root, I'm not sure about that though because I've never used recovery without root so I can't speak from personal experience.
I've never owned the i9300 so I'm not sure if you can do that or not safely from the state you are in so you may want to verify in this forum before you try it, but I don't see an issue with you doing it, its commonly used to root the S3 variants and doesn't wipe any important data or factory reset the device
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
If it is stock recovery then I believe if you can get to download mode then you can flash a custom recovery and flash the superSU zip to root the device then factory reset/wipe data, wipe cache and wipe dalvik cache, this will clear the lockscreen but won't erase his pictures, music, etc., it may let him back into his phone, he will just have to be careful because the device will be rooted and he could make things worse if he doesn't know what he's doing. If that works and he gets back in his phone but isn't comfortable with the risk of having a rooted device without understanding its usage then the device can be un rooted by going into the superSU settings and choosing the unroot and uninstall option. He'd still have custom recovery though. You might even be able to just flash the recovery to do the wipes and not have to root, I'm not sure about that though because I've never used recovery without root so I can't speak from personal experience.
I've never owned the i9300 so I'm not sure if you can do that or not safely from the state you are in so you may want to verify in this forum before you try it, but I don't see an issue with you doing it, its commonly used to root the S3 variants and doesn't wipe any important data or factory reset the device
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whew, most of that went right over my head lol. An idiot's guide please? Bearing in mind that my PC can't currently connect to the phone I'm guessing that I need to put the custom recovery file (where to find one?) on an SD card via a PC card reader and try it from there in download mode? I think he'll be delighted just to get his pictures and videos back even if the phone never works again, so it being rooted won't be an issue.
Azarameus said:
Whew, most of that went right over my head lol. An idiot's guide please? Bearing in mind that my PC can't currently connect to the phone I'm guessing that I need to put the custom recovery file (where to find one?) on an SD card via a PC card reader and try it from there in download mode? I think he'll be delighted just to get his pictures and videos back even if the phone never works again, so it being rooted won't be an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, to get to download mode you need to have the phone off, then press and hold the volume down+home+power button, when you see the caution screen you press up, if you can get to this mode you may can flash a TWRP recovery through Odin from PC to phone.
But first, before we get to Odin, do you or he know what android version he had before this happened, Kit Kat? Lollipop? I need to see if there are locked bootloaders on your device builds and which ones they are and which are safe to flash TWRP, if the i9300 is like some of the other Samsung devices with certain locked bootloaders that can't be unlocked or downgraded then flashing TWRP could and probably would brick the device. I need some info so I can check for you.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
No, to get to download mode you need to have the phone off, then press and hold the volume down+home+power button, when you see the caution screen you press up, if you can get to this mode you may can flash a TWRP recovery through Odin from PC to phone.
But first, before we get to Odin, do you or he know what android version he had before this happened, Kit Kat? Lollipop? I need to see if there are locked bootloaders on your device builds and which ones they are and which are safe to flash TWRP, if the i9300 is like some of the other Samsung devices with certain locked bootloaders that can't be unlocked or downgraded then flashing TWRP could and probably would brick the device. I need some info so I can check for you.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly have no idea which android build it is running on, as I can't get into the settings page or anything else and I very much doubt if my friend knows as he is pretty much clueless on such things, hence the problem. All I know is that its a few years old and when it starts up there is a three.co.uk white screen icon before it gets to the unresponsive lockscreen. I am also almost as clueless with android devices (I'm only a PC guy) - so far my only experience has been to set up kodi with addons for TV viewing which is why I came here to ask you expert guys
Methinks I won't try to get into download mode just yet in case it makes things worse
All your help is much appreciated, thank you!
Azarameus said:
I honestly have no idea which android build it is running on, as I can't get into the settings page or anything else and I very much doubt if my friend knows as he is pretty much clueless on such things, hence the problem. All I know is that its a few years old and when it starts up there is a three.co.uk white screen icon before it gets to the unresponsive lockscreen. I am also almost as clueless with android devices (I'm only a PC guy) - so far my only experience has been to set up kodi with addons for TV viewing which is why I came here to ask you expert guys
Methinks I won't try to get into download mode just yet in case it makes things worse
All your help is much appreciated, thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The device was never updated, it never had stock upgrades? If not then I can narrow down what was on it, when was the device bought?
If you can boot to download mode and if it is recognized in Odin then you've got a chance, at the moment your PC isn't recognizing the phone but if it successfully connects to Odin then you've got a chance, otherwise I'm not sure what success you'll have.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
The device was never updated, it never had stock upgrades? If not then I can narrow down what was on it, when was the device bought?
If you can boot to download mode and if it is recognized in Odin then you've got a chance, at the moment your PC isn't recognizing the phone but if it successfully connects to Odin then you've got a chance, otherwise I'm not sure what success you'll have.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would put a spare miniSD card in, flash TWRP recovery in odin, access the storage from there and copy the files to the SD card. Easy as pie.
The international version of the S3 (GT-i9300) already has an unlocked bootloader. So no problem there.
Important to note is that if the device is not rooted the TWRP recovery won't "stick" when the device is allowed to reboot automatically after the odin flash. So in odin you have to UNTICK(!) the reboot option and after flash reboot directly to recovery via holding Vol UP + Home + Power for about 7 sec.
Droidriven said:
The device was never updated, it never had stock upgrades? If not then I can narrow down what was on it, when was the device bought?
If you can boot to download mode and if it is recognized in Odin then you've got a chance, at the moment your PC isn't recognizing the phone but if it successfully connects to Odin then you've got a chance, otherwise I'm not sure what success you'll have.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I showed him this thread at work earlier and although he growled somewhat at being called an idiot in my OP, he had to agree he was lol. It turns out he bought his partner the same phone around the same time so I checked and it has Automatic upgrades ticked and is on build 4.3 so we can hopefully assume the problematic one is on the same version. When I mentioned the possibility of bricking to him he became unsure as to whether I should proceed with flashing. If he was to send the phone to Samsung themselves would they be able to retrieve his data safely, albeit with some cost and waiting?
Thanks again for your input
Hawaiihemd said:
I would put a spare miniSD card in, flash TWRP recovery in odin, access the storage from there and copy the files to the SD card. Easy as pie.
The international version of the S3 (GT-i9300) already has an unlocked bootloader. So no problem there.
Important to note is that if the device is not rooted the TWRP recovery won't "stick" when the device is allowed to reboot automatically after the odin flash. So in odin you have to UNTICK(!) the reboot option and after flash reboot directly to recovery via holding Vol UP + Home + Power for about 7 sec.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds good - all he wants is his files back safely. It certainly isn't rooted. So once that is done and I'm back in recovery mode how do I get out of there, just reboot it from there?
Thanks for the help, it is much appreciated
Azarameus said:
That sounds good - all he wants is his files back safely. It certainly isn't rooted. So once that is done and I'm back in recovery mode how do I get out of there, just reboot it from there?
Thanks for the help, it is much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, after you copied the files via the "File Manager" in TWRP you simply choose "reboot system". Rebooting to system will automatically restore the original recovery you are used to. Or you can choose to shutdown in TWRP, remove the SDcard "safely" first and then reboot.
Even more: After you copied all the photos/videos from internal storage (which should be under /storage/sdcard0/DCIM/camera) to SDcard you could simply delete a few of those.
If them taking up too much space is the problem for the lockscreen not working, deleting a few would of course free up some space again, which would then most likely make the lockscreen work again.
But let me make one thing clear: Flashing anything always brings with it the slight(!) possibility something could go wrong, because you are writing to the EMMC of the phone. BUT I can't imagine a samsung staff member doing anything different. He/she would also need to gain access somehow...
After all it's your choice but hundreds of people (including me) have used odin and twrp on different devices for years now without any problem whatsoever. :good:
--- Edit ---
Ah one more thing. I would definitely make a full backup (System/Data, EFS and bootloader) while I'm at it! You just choose "backup" in twrp, then the "MicroSD card" under "storage" and go from there. Pretty self explanatory. Never hurts to have a backup!
Hawaiihemd said:
Yes, after you copied the files via the "File Manager" in TWRP you simply choose "reboot system". Rebooting to system will automatically restore the original recovery you are used to. Or you can choose to shutdown in TWRP, remove the SDcard "safely" first and then reboot.
Even more: After you copied all the photos/videos from internal storage (which should be under /storage/sdcard0/DCIM/camera) to SDcard you could simply delete a few of those.
If them taking up too much space is the problem for the lockscreen not working, deleting a few would of course free up some space again, which would then most likely make the lockscreen work again.
But let me make one thing clear: Flashing anything always brings with it the slight(!) possibility something could go wrong, because you are writing to the EMMC of the phone. BUT I can't imagine a samsung staff member doing anything different. He/she would also need to gain access somehow...
After all it's your choice but hundreds of people (including me) have used odin and twrp on different devices for years now without any problem whatsoever. :good:
--- Edit ---
Ah one more thing. I would definitely make a full backup (System/Data, EFS and bootloader) while I'm at it! You just choose "backup" in twrp, then the "MicroSD card" under "storage" and go from there. Pretty self explanatory. Never hurts to have a backup!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks again. I am going to attempt this tonight, will update on any progress
Azarameus said:
Ok thanks again. I am going to attempt this tonight, will update on any progress
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that worked! My idiot friend is happy now. Thanks a million for the help - you guys ROCK!
Azarameus said:
Well, that worked! My idiot friend is happy now. Thanks a million for the help - you guys ROCK!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! And were you able to get the lockscreen working again?
Hawaiihemd said:
Nice! And were you able to get the lockscreen working again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes indeed, all is working now as it should. The village idiot actually danced off to his car when I returned his phone - he has strict orders from me to move all his stuff to the SD card and make regular backups to his PC!
Thanks again - would never have done it without you guys

Categories

Resources