I tried to unlock my vibrant phone and lost my IEMI # i ended up getting a generic # that worked, i have since sent my vibrant to Samsung for a reflash i just need to know what program is needed, so that i can get a copy of my original iemi # so that if i do have this problem again i can restore my iemi # back on my phone, problem the first time was i did not make a back up. Thanks in advance
Unfortunately for you my man, this is no easy task. What you needed to backup was your efs folder which contained that info. I backed up my efs folder when I attempted to unlock my phone, but had no idea what I was really doing, and ended up throwing the original folder away since I thought it was useless.
I believe the bible in development has a link to an extensive tutorial on how to try and attempt to restore your IMEI. I've already spent a good couple hours troubleshooting my own phone, and have to basically hack the file that contains the number sequence for your IMEI. I have yet to find it, and have just given up since it doesn't affect me either way. Best of luck to you though.
Lost IEMI
Thanks for the reply now i know what to do when i get my vibrant back from samsung. it his getting reflashed it was still under warranty and it is being done at no charge
So, because the phone didn't work out with unlocking it, they are replacing it?
Lost IEMI
No they are not replacing phone just reflashing the phone to it's original status my phone was still under warranty, i just told them i tried to unlock phone an account i was traveling out of the country and that when i did try to unlock i lost my IEMI # on phone, they sent me a ups label so that i could print out and send to them.
well when it comes back if it has a proper IMEI (most likely there just gonna send you a refurb easier and faster then restoring your imei)
get Root
use a Root explorer (i use ES File Explorer)
on the root of your SD is a Folder called efs COPY it somewhere on your internal/external sd then back it up on your pc.
Hi,
I know there's a lot of post about the topic already, but so far I haven't seen anyone on Galaxy S III.
I haven't had the chance to root my phone yet when the problem occurred so no efs back up. It just suddenly stopped working. I read somewhere that it may have been corrupted because of the pattern lock which I was using but I don't really have any evidence for that.
I tried everything mentioned in S II forums except for GSII_Repair since its only for GS II. I tried the recommended copy the nv_data.bin to the sdcard. delete the original and copy it back again but the nv.log is telling me that MD5 has failed and it just keeps replacing the nv_data.bin with the default.
I already went to the service center and they will replace the phone in about two weeks but I just wanted to check with you guys if anyone else have experienced this on S III. And if ever kindly give advice on how to not get this problem again hehe.
no one experienced it yet?
Its not a standard fault so i would not expect posts . Rooting or flashing may break the EFS folder hence the number one recommend to back up EFS folder before flashing .
jje
Hello, today I got a live demo unit from Samsung, but it's a small problem, in this device, it is not possible to use the phone part, it is possible to fix this? phone is not locked, and the sim card is in working, and all apn is i order, but it wont register on the network.
NEW INFO!
My phone is "out of service" and i cant turn it on, so i can use it.. can some one please help me.
the raido is working, becasue WIfi is working, the same with thew bluetooth, so it seems to be loocked for use of sim cards.
please help me some one?
my imei is a very strange imei starts with 00499................
Hello Jespersen84. Seems like i9300 live demo units don't have their own IMEI (they all have the same) and the EFS folder isn't complete, some files are missing.
You can use everything, except phone calls, sms, mms and 3G data.
Thats correct,
but i was hoping it can be fixed, maybe change imei, or is it possible to copy the files that are missing to the efs folder?
i have tried to root it, i have installed new custom rom, nothing wil work, i thing i have to cange the IMEI to get it to work.
Marius
Jespersen84 said:
Thats correct,
but i was hoping it can be fixed, maybe change imei, or is it possible to copy the files that are missing to the efs folder?
i have tried to root it, i have installed new custom rom, nothing wil work, i thing i have to cange the IMEI to get it to work.
Marius
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Change IMEI is illegal and against XDA rules .
jje
Closed, as changing, and discussion changing IMEIs is illegal, and against XDA rules.
Hello, a few days ago I dropped my Samsung Galaxy S II in a small bucket of water. I immediately took it out, pulled battery out. Waited for it to dry up (used hair dryer) pulled battery in and ... well it worked ... sort of. Everything worked apart from WiFi and USB connection (i.e. PC does not recognize mobile) which is not that important, most important was that I could phone.
I did make phone calls and I did receive phone calls. Then I changed the simcard with another one (I was abroad when the accident happened so abroad I use one simcard and at home I use another one) ... and I got no service. I put back the previous simcard and still no service (note: both simcards work in other mobiles).
Then I realized that pressing *#06# I get just a message box with 'IMEI' written but no IMEI number (not even a default one, none). From the mobile settings (Settings > About phone > Status) I can notice that IMEI is unknown and IMEI SV is unknown, Baseband version is unknown as well.
I tried factory restart (a few times now)
I searched on the internet. Installed Framaroot to root mobile (as mobile was never rooted), installed Root Explorer and Terminal and followed a tutorial that basically asked to make a copy of EFS folder, delete original EFS folder, reboot, copy .nv_data.bak in the root EFS folder (from the copy), rename this to nv_data.bin, copy imei folder, etc.
This did not work.
I also tried to BusyBox and GSII_Repair but GSII_Repair does not manage to repair either (i think because at this stage by EFS folder is already doomed).
What I noticed is that in my "imei" folder in the "efs" folder I only have three files and none of the files have an imei number.
So my question is: does anyone know where the imei number is stored?
or if there is an app that simulates an imei number?
Mobile looks ok (I can literary do anything apart from phoning and browsing internet).
sim085 said:
Hello, a few days ago I dropped my Samsung Galaxy S II in a small bucket of water. I immediately took it out, pulled battery out. Waited for it to dry up (used hair dryer) pulled battery in and ... well it worked ... sort of. Everything worked apart from WiFi and USB connection (i.e. PC does not recognize mobile) which is not that important, most important was that I could phone.
I did make phone calls and I did receive phone calls. Then I changed the simcard with another one (I was abroad when the accident happened so abroad I use one simcard and at home I use another one) ... and I got no service. I put back the previous simcard and still no service (note: both simcards work in other mobiles).
Then I realized that pressing *#06# I get just a message box with 'IMEI' written but no IMEI number (not even a default one, none). From the mobile settings (Settings > About phone > Status) I can notice that IMEI is unknown and IMEI SV is unknown, Baseband version is unknown as well.
I tried factory restart (a few times now)
I searched on the internet. Installed Framaroot to root mobile (as mobile was never rooted), installed Root Explorer and Terminal and followed a tutorial that basically asked to make a copy of EFS folder, delete original EFS folder, reboot, copy .nv_data.bak in the root EFS folder (from the copy), rename this to nv_data.bin, copy imei folder, etc.
This did not work.
I also tried to BusyBox and GSII_Repair but GSII_Repair does not manage to repair either (i think because at this stage by EFS folder is already doomed).
What I noticed is that in my "imei" folder in the "efs" folder I only have three files and none of the files have an imei number.
So my question is: does anyone know where the imei number is stored?
or if there is an app that simulates an imei number?
Mobile looks ok (I can literary do anything apart from phoning and browsing internet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the link below
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1264021
Sun90 said:
Check the link below
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1264021
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did follow that link but did not solve anything for me. Step 6 says to make another copy of the ".nv_data" file but I have no such file, the file I have is ".nv_data.bak" ... is this normal? I am afraid by copy of EFS is also corrupted as I did it after the problem appeared and after I had factory reset the mobile the first time.
Edit:
Also the default EFS folder I get generated after the reboot does not have all files I have in the backed up EFS file (for example I do not get nv_data.bin.md5)
Can I copy the efs folder from one mobile to another (for example from a Samsung Galaxy ACE to the Samsung Galaxy SII)??
The .bak file is a backup of your previous file
Rename it to remove the ".bak" part and hope for the best.
BTW - water damage is very serious matter. I suggest to remove the battery, SD card, SIM and put the phone in a jar of rice (completely covered by rice) for 48h at least. Rice will absorb all moisture from the device.
f-r said:
BTW - water damage is very serious matter. I suggest to remove the battery, SD card, SIM and put the phone in a jar of rice (completely covered by rice) for 48h at least. Rice will absorb all moisture from the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that info ... will try that hoping no permanent damage has been already done.
Just another quick question: I am afraid that my copy of EFS folder is also corrupt (as this was done after the accident and after I had factory reset). Is there a way how I can set this up in memory AFTER the mobile is on? or can I copy the EFS folder from another samsung mobile (I bought a Samsung Galaxy ACE as a replacement and was wondering if I could copy the EFS folder of this onto my Samsung Galaxy S2)?
Factory reset does nothing to IEMI files - it deletes all the app settings and app data.
Focus on restoring your original efs. I'm not sure that SGS2 and Ace are compatible for efs "transplant". It's worth a shot (after backup).
f-r said:
Factory reset does nothing to IEMI files - it deletes all the app settings and app data.
Focus on restoring your original efs. I'm not sure that SGS2 and Ace are compatible for efs "transplant". It's worth a shot (after backup).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can check if someone at work has a Samsung Galaxy S II like mine and is happy to give me a copy of his EFS folder. That should definitely solve the problem if my problem is with a corrupt EFS folder right?
sim085 said:
I can check if someone at work has a Samsung Galaxy S II like mine and is happy to give me a copy of his EFS folder. That should definitely solve the problem if my problem is with a corrupt EFS folder right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it won't work. Take it to a local mobile shop and give them a small fee and they will fix it. Also water damaged is not good as stated above.
andrewwright said:
No it won't work. Take it to a local mobile shop and give them a small fee and they will fix it. Also water damaged is not good as stated above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer, just out of curiosity ... why wouldn't it work?
Because the IMEI is a unique hardware identifier I.E one IMEI for every mobile device on the planet, his EFS folder contains details pertaining to the IMEI attached to his phone. Even if you could do it, you'd end up getting both IMEI's blacklisted rendering both phones useless (good luck getting them unblacklisted).
Pay the small fee as advised to have someone fix it.
MistahBungle said:
Pay the small fee as advised to have someone fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not about paying a small fee, I actually already bought a new mobile. I just would like to try and fix it for the fun of it!
MistahBungle said:
Because the IMEI is a unique hardware identifier I.E one IMEI for every mobile device on the planet, his EFS folder contains details pertaining to the IMEI attached to his phone. Even if you could do it, you'd end up getting both IMEI's blacklisted rendering both phones useless (good luck getting them unblacklisted).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand what you mean ... but ... if I do the copy of the efs folder, remove simcard, turn it on, enter *#60# then I should see the same IMEI number as the one of the other mobile without blocking the IMEI number (as there is no simcard). Then all I would have to do is see how to replace that IMEI number with my IMEI number by using the steps suggested in the second post.
It won't work because the IMEI is baked into the hardware. You're thinking about it in a simplistic way, and it doesn't work like that.
You're venturing into rather dubious territory discussing changing IMEI's, which is forbidden here (because it's illegal, even in the manner you're suggesting), I suggest you steer away from that, lest mods close your thread.
Your phone can be fixed (the IMEI/EFS can be re-written to the device), but it requires specialist hardware to do it, which you can either pay for & stumble around to try and learn how to use it without permanently borking your phone, or you can pay someone who already has the equipment & knows what they're doing 20 quid to do it in 10 minutes.
MistahBungle said:
Your phone can be fixed (the IMEI/EFS can be re-written to the device), but it requires specialist hardware to do it, which you can either pay for & stumble around to try and learn how to use it without permanently borking your phone, or you can pay someone who already has the equipment & knows what they're doing 20 quid to do it in 10 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not want to be doing anything illegal. I will follow your suggestion. I bought the mobile as part of a contact from Vodafone (no longer under warranty) should I take it to them?
Note: USB does not work. I can charge it but PC does not recognize it. Would an IMEI/EFS re-write still be possible? or I am better off finding a motherboard over ebay?
MistahBungle said:
It won't work because the IMEI is baked into the hardware. You're thinking about it in a simplistic way, and it doesn't work like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you must be right. I though IMEI was stored in a file not burned on a chip, can't understand how the hacks i found on the net work if IMEI is stored on a chip.
No. They'll send it to a Samsung service centre (like Vodafone do here) & they'll charge you an arm & a leg to fix it. Ring around local mobile repair shops.
In that case it might need a USB port replacement, which is cheaper than the IMEI fix (you could do this first yourself, then pay to have the IMEI/EFS fixed) if you do it yourself. There's been a bunch of threads on here over the past 12 mths, search for/read those before you do it, you need to order the right part & there are 4 revisions.
A motherboard replacement with a board sourced from a 'donor' phone/phone with a broken screen which is otherwise OK for example is doable & relatively cheap compared to having a service centre put a new motherboard in (your IMEI will change if you put a 2nd hand board in which is OK/not illegal or anything)
The EFS stuff relies on the the stuff in the chip not being scrambled/corrupted (which invariably happens in these situations).
sim085 said:
Do not want to be doing anything illegal. I will follow your suggestion. I bought the mobile as part of a contact from Vodafone (no longer under warranty) should I take it to them?
Note: USB does not work. I can charge it but PC does not recognize it. Would an IMEI/EFS re-write still be possible? or I am better off finding a motherboard over ebay?
Yes, you must be right. I though IMEI was stored in a file not burned on a chip, can't understand how the hacks i found on the net work if IMEI is stored on a chip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MistahBungle said:
No. They'll send it to a Samsung service centre (like Vodafone do here) & they'll charge you an arm & a leg to fix it. Ring around local mobile repair shops.
In that case it might need a USB port replacement, which is cheaper than the IMEI fix (you could do this first yourself, then pay to have the IMEI/EFS fixed) if you do it yourself. There's been a bunch of threads on here over the past 12 mths, search for/read those before you do it, you need to order the right part & there are 4 revisions.
A motherboard replacement with a board sourced from a 'donor' phone/phone with a broken screen which is otherwise OK for example is doable & relatively cheap compared to having a service centre put a new motherboard in (your IMEI will change if you put a 2nd hand board in which is OK/not illegal or anything)
The EFS stuff relies on the the stuff in the chip not being scrambled/corrupted (which invariably happens in these situations).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your answer. I will take my chances and open it to see if I can fix the USB. After that I hope to find a repair shop that can re-put my IMEI back on the mobile.
Thanks again.
Hello all, GREAT NEWS! I opened my Samsung Galaxy S2, was going to remove the main board when I noticed that a connector with label JB55 looked like had some corrosion (not sure if that is what its called), just brushed it a little, re-connected, a pop, I had my IMEI back
However I noticed that reception is low, just get one bard where usually had three. Does anyone know what module determines reception?
Still not working is USB connection with PC (I will replace that USB port) and WIFI and Bluetooth! ... but hey I can phone
I just purchased a used VZW Note 2. I am flashing it to Page Plus. However, I have noticed that the EFS is empty. Is this correct? I don't think it is. I have used Odin to flash back to stock and used the PIT file as well. EFS is still emtpy. Is there any way to get the directories and files back without having a backup of them? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Umm..search for efs repair I'm pretty sure that the s3 for at&t and Sprint had these problems and people in those fora came up with great guides and solutions for repairing them that *SHOULD/MIGHT* work for you, but in any case without a backup you may be looking at doing some qpst/cdma workshop software edits unless they have better ideas. Can't hurt to check it out..and once you do get it restored (which is definitely possible even if you have to manually enter the correct information) make sure you use TWRP and create at the least a backup of EFS. Good luck and whatever you end up doing, hopefully you can post it here for anyone else who may have the same issue?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the reply. I was not able to see anything using DFS. I would read the EFS and EFS2 and everything was empty. I tried CDMAWS and was unsuccessful as well. Finally I read somewhere that QPST 2.7 build 378 would read the VZW Note 2. I uninstalled the latest QPST 2.7 and installed build 378 and voila, I was able to see everything there in the EFS Explorer. I was able to paste the 10.key file into the DMU directory just fine. Afterwards, I am still not able to see the EFS folder in DFS or CDMAWS. Strange that only QPST 2.7 build 378 works.