Replaced 9300 motherboard, EFS folder empty CSC not matching - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

My friend overclocked his s3 and fried the mobo. He bought a replacement and installed it.
After installing, the black box with yellow txt pops up showing PDA, Phone, CSC etc. and it won't go away.
I researched it has to do with the phone being in factory mode, and in order to turn it off i need to go into the esf folder, open the txt file and change it to "OFF".
The esf folder is empty.
So I have tried flashing this damn motherboard with MANY different stock firmwares under I9300XXEME2 (because that is the same as the EMEI on the phone) and no luck. I've tried german region, UK, nothing. same stupid box, esf folder still empty.
the phone was originally from germany.
I used ODIN to flash the stock firmwares.
Help please?

Folder / EFS / is not unique nahradit.Pokud have no backup can not restore, just try flash ofic.fw.for odin when the phone recognizes

misacek said:
Folder / EFS / is not unique nahradit.Pokud have no backup can not restore, just try flash ofic.fw.for odin when the phone recognizes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what any of that means, but i was able to get the EFS folder to show. I had to root and did a backup via ktool.
My main problem is my SIM won't work. says unknown network etc. EMEI is okay, matches, phone is always in factory mode, and reception/ 3g network won't work.
I also tried flashing 4.0.4 stock firmware but got stuck at the samsung boot logo and it wouldn't go away.

If the IMEI in order and not a network sim card check modem, radio and use the sim unlock application

Related

IMEI changed

after few try of different roms today suddenly my phone shows emergency calls only,but in setting it shows my network operator name,when i check my imei no. it is changed completely.now i cant make a call...............
plz help me.................
Did you backup your EFS folder?
If not flash it back to stock if you are on custom, reset the download counter, and send it back to samsung.

[Q] i9100 not registering on cell network: /efs corrupted, or other?

Hello. Yesterday, after accidentally doing a data wipe in CWM Recovery, the phone stopped asking for PIN and registering on the cell network. Everything else works fine (incl. WiFi and Bluetooth). The phone says it is out of range and won't even make emergency calls.
When going to the "About Phone" menu and then to the Status page, both IMEI and IMEISV come up as "unknown", the network is "unknown" and the signal level is zero. Does this mean that /efs somehow got corrupted? I can still see files in it though and nv_data.bin / nv_data.md5 are present.
This behaviour is with stock-based firmware. CM7, though, behaved differently: it asked for PIN but could not unlock the card (it showed a "unlocking sim card" message which stuck for a while before dissapearing without unlocking the card).
I have both a .tar.gz and an .img backups of /efs. How can I restore the second one? I tried this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=882039 but it failed, leaving an unbootable phone (which I salvaged by flasing a firmware via odin).
Also, for some reason, Root Explorer won't mount /efs as R/W.
In case I have to send it to Samsung, do you think that reverting to stock and resetting the custom dl counter with jig will fool them?
mobiler77 said:
Hello. Yesterday, after accidentally doing a data wipe in CWM Recovery, the phone stopped asking for PIN and registering on the cell network. Everything else works fine (incl. WiFi and Bluetooth). The phone says it is out of range and won't even make emergency calls.
When going to the "About Phone" menu and then to the Status page, both IMEI and IMEISV come up as "unknown", the network is "unknown" and the signal level is zero. Does this mean that /efs somehow got corrupted? I can still see files in it though and nv_data.bin / nv_data.md5 are present.
This behaviour is with stock-based firmware. CM7, though, behaved differently: it asked for PIN but could not unlock the card (it showed a "unlocking sim card" message which stuck for a while before dissapearing without unlocking the card).
I have both a .tar.gz and an .img backups of /efs. How can I restore the second one? I tried this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=882039 but it failed, leaving an unbootable phone (which I salvaged by flasing a firmware via odin).
Also, for some reason, Root Explorer won't mount /efs as R/W.
In case I have to send it to Samsung, do you think that reverting to stock and resetting the custom dl counter with jig will fool them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't like booting from recovery on recent radio. Try full power off and on.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

[Q] EFS issues

Managed to wipe my EFS partition while trying to factory unlock my Galaxy S4 SCH-i545.
I had an IMEI of all 0's. I used EFS Pro change my IMEI to match that of the sticker under my battery. I managed to connect to the mobile network again, but this time as data/voice roaming. I have also backed up my /efs folder to my SD card. I used ODIN to use a .PIT file to repartition, and a stock Galaxy S4 image to do a full factory restore. I then re-rooted and installed CWM using the I545 All-In-One Tool. The phone was then in Factory/Test mode. I used Rom Toolbox's Root Browser go to /efs/FactoryApp/factorymode. I then changed it from "OFF" to "ON," removing the Factory Mode display after a reboot.
However, I am still unable to get 4G, still data roaming, and still unable to use the phone as I normally did. I no longer have a copy of the original /efs folder, as it was lost during the ODIN restore. Any way I can restore full use of my phone?
About Phone:
Model: SCH-I545
Android Version: 4.2.2
Baseband version: I545VRUAMDK
Kernal Version: 3.4.0-562219
[email protected]#1
Mon Apr 29 22:51:22 KST 2013
Build number: JDQ39.I545VRUAMDK
SELinux status: Permissive
Hardware version: I545.00
Status
Network: Unknown
Signal strength: -92 dBm 2 asu
Mobile network type: (switches between Unknown, 1xRTT, eHRPD:13)
Service state: In service
Roaming: Roaming
Mobile network state: disconnected
PRL version: 15233
ERI version: none
IMEISV: 00
Device status: official
I'm in the same boat. I didn't explicitly delete my EFS partition. I simply backed it up using Hyperdrives Aroma prior to installation. My phone has these connection issues also. Are you certain EFS is responsible? I'm not sure how I managed to corrupt it with a backup. Moreover my IMEI wasn't reset. I can't find the backup on my phone either. Was on the phone with tech support for an hour last night to no avail. Please let me know if you figure out how to fix it. I'll keep you posted as well. I just order a new sim card
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
I'm certain EFS is responsible.
Currently working on a way to use another phone's /efs folder, after the proper modifications, in my phone.
I did this. Do a factory reset through settings menu on phone. It reset and bingo
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
doom82 said:
I'm in the same boat. I didn't explicitly delete my EFS partition. I simply backed it up using Hyperdrives Aroma prior to installation. My phone has these connection issues also. Are you certain EFS is responsible? I'm not sure how I managed to corrupt it with a backup. Moreover my IMEI wasn't reset. I can't find the backup on my phone either. Was on the phone with tech support for an hour last night to no avail. Please let me know if you figure out how to fix it. I'll keep you posted as well. I just order a new sim card
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
found a solution ? got same problem
Since my original post, I have obtained a copy, obtained via dd using ADB while the phone was in recovery. It has not fixed the issue. Rather, the IMEI was again reset to 0 after the restoration. Getting a new SIM card has not helped, either. I'm about to restore everything using an ODIN image to complete stock, and send the unit in for repair.
EDIT:
Here are the things I've tried so far:
I have also tried flashing the ME7 radio firmware, to see if that could do something. So far, nothing.
I have edited the serial_no in the efs folder, no luck as well.
I may restore the bootloader to factory, and update to the ME7 build to see if that can fix the issue.
Restored mmcblk0p10, mmcblk0p13, mmcblk0p14, and mmcblk0p15 with clones from known-good devices obtained via dd when the phone was in recovery.
Used DFS to push a PRL and change the IMEI to the correct one.
Tried EFS Pro to restore an EFS backup made from another phone.
Repartition via a PIT file.
Factory restore of VRUAMDK via ODIN.
Flashed VRUAME7 radio firmware.
I fixed mine with this app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amoopa.samservicemode
doom82 said:
I fixed mine with this app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amoopa.samservicemode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had that app. Was yours a Verizon S4? What did you change to fix it?
bump. anyone have any advice?
EFS problem?
I'm not sure if I'm having a similar EFS problem...
I factory restored then rooted with the all in 1 kit. Periodically I see a message and big red X that says "please install sim card"
I'm getting a terrible delay from hitting call to when it actually connects - sometimes it won't connect at all. I have to reboot phone to get voice calls but data works fine, which makes me think its not EFS...
sound familiar to anyone?
huffbuck said:
I'm not sure if I'm having a similar EFS problem...
I factory restored then rooted with the all in 1 kit. Periodically I see a message and big red X that says "please install sim card"
I'm getting a terrible delay from hitting call to when it actually connects - sometimes it won't connect at all. I have to reboot phone to get voice calls but data works fine, which makes me think its not EFS...
sound familiar to anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why post in a thread about EFS issues?
Rikairchy said:
Then why post in a thread about EFS issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By ruling things out, I can focus on other areas.
Since that didn't work, it appears the purpose of the post and its title are merely to give your life meaning...
huffbuck said:
By ruling things out, I can focus on other areas.
Since that didn't work, it appears the purpose of the post and its title are merely to give your life meaning...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought you had already eliminated the EFS as an issue. It sounds like you need a new SIM card. My phone did that before I received a new one
EFS Problem here also
I have a similar problem. I can surf the web in 4G and on Wi-Fi, but when I attempt to make a call, I get "Service Unavailable" and all my inbound calls go to voicemail. So, no voice calls for me. I called verizon, and they gave me a new SIM, but I still have the same issue.
IMEI and IMEI SV match the back of the phone:
Fix:
> Settings > Accounts > Backup and reset
> Factory data reset
i restored back to stock. verizon sent me a new sim and refurb phone.
installed the new sim in old phone and it said could not activate...
thoughts?
huffbuck said:
i restored back to stock. verizon sent me a new sim and refurb phone.
installed the new sim in old phone and it said could not activate...
thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Restoring back to stock by loading the original image (unrooting) did NOT work for me.
Restoring to defaults via settings cured my problems.
n0ah_fense said:
Restoring back to stock by loading the original image (unrooting) did NOT work for me.
Restoring to defaults via settings cured my problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have also done a full reset via the OS, the recovery menu, ADB, and restoring the update firmware using ODIN
Rikairchy said:
I have also done a full reset via the OS, the recovery menu, ADB, and restoring the update firmware using ODIN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bumping for any help anyone can provide...
Odin packages do not fix the efs partition. The efs partition is where the phone's information is stored. Like your unique imei number. Without said number the phone cannot be activated at all. There are paid services available that will fix it for a fee(Don't pm me... You have Google. Use it)
You can try to do an nv data reset but I doubt that will work either because that relies on the idea that you just messed up something in your NV data and not fully deleted the partition.
To do nv data reset you need to get into your touchwiz hidden menu. Can't access hidden menu? You need to enable it(Google).
Hidden menu is huge with tons of submenus. I won't be walking you through any of it specifically. But here are some dialer codes. For more... Google.
*#06# shows if your IMEI is still there
*#1234# show hardware and software version
*#*#4636#*#* test mode. Set preferred network mode. Enable disable radio. Change band. Etc
*#7780# and *2767*3855# factory reset
*#197428640# and *#0011# and *#9090# and *#2263# and *#27663368378# service menu (through this you can generally access the entire hidden menu by hitting menu button and selecting back until you are at the root of the menu)... Navigating said menu is on YOU.
*#2263# rf band select
*#7284# UART MODEM PDA selection
Not trying to be giant **** or anything but that's why there are EFS warnings&posts. Also why some root users shouldn't really have root( / ) access.
sent from my Verizon Galaxy sIV
I'm in a similar situation.
Empty EFS folder (No Backup)
Because of this it is stuck in Factory Mode.
I was able to freeze factory mode through TiBu but the only things i haven't been
able to fix are my lock screen and power menu. (no lock screen/power menu)
I've tried every fix i was able to dig up on here but no luck. :\
Any suggestions would be appreciated

Please help! IMEI gone and can't recover for some reason.

Hi
I have an S2 GT-i9100 that someone gave me after they deleted the EFS folder from without taking a backup.
None of these fixes seem to work for me. I have IMEI unknown, IMEI SV unknown, Baseband is unknown, Network is unknown and the service menu displays no options. LOL!
Where the signal bars should be is a circle with a diagonal line through it.
I have rooted it, flashed several stock firmwares with Odin with no change.
I have an EFS backup from an old S2 (same model) that was water damaged beyond repair and thrown away. Is it possible to put that IMEI on this phone? I have tried copying it and going through this process detailed here and it completes fine but doesn't make a sausage of difference, even after reboot.
Any ideas or is it shagged?
I thought if the EFS folder was deleted the IMEI reverted to the Samsung default IMEI? When I dial the #06 all it says is "IMEI" in large letters.
Oh deary deary....
sparkyuiop said:
hi
i have an s2 gt-i9100 that someone gave me after they deleted the efs folder from without taking a backup.
None of these fixes seem to work for me. I have imei unknown, imei sv unknown, baseband is unknown, network is unknown and the service menu displays no options. Lol!
Where the signal bars should be is a circle with a diagonal line through it.
I have rooted it, flashed several stock firmwares with odin with no change.
I have an efs backup from an old s2 (same model) that was water damaged beyond repair and thrown away. Is it possible to put that imei on this phone? I have tried copying it and going through this process detailed here and it completes fine but doesn't make a sausage of difference, even after reboot.
Any ideas or is it shagged?
I thought if the efs folder was deleted the imei reverted to the samsung default imei? When i dial the #06 all it says is "imei" in large letters.
Oh deary deary....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ignore this post! Someone took out the baseband chip. Well that was a waste of 3 hours!

need help to restore my IMEI

hi Guys,
First, I apologize for that I'm doing the hundredth post on this topic
and secondly, I apologized for my "google translator english" (unfortunately I can not so good English because I am from Germany)
to my problem
I had the "Cyanogenmod 11 nightly" ROM on my Samsung Galaxy S 3. By the time the system was slow and I have flashed the latest CyanogenMod Rome via Odin on my phone. After the reboot, I had no connection to the mobile network, my serial number consisted entirely of zeros and my IMEI was not like it is in the battery compartment.
I have now spent several days trying to find a solution but for all IMEI Restore tutorials have not brought with me. Unfortunately, I did not know much about even before the Android system per se and the EFS folder and have therefore no backup.
I tried the IMEI
restore the NV_data.bin + NV_data.bin.md5 method​Result: IMEI was still so wrong seem right that my IMEI is no longer located in the System​
restore with the downgrade to a German MG6 Android version​Result: IMEI was still not right​restore using tools like QPST + nv ReaderWriter or EFS Professional​Result: EFS Professional -> Qualcomm NV Tools (after efsprofesional the mobile phone has put into the correct USB mode) -> connect to my phone broke off as soon as I wanted to read or write
QPST + nv ReaderWriter -> gave me appear not correct port on my phone
all the drivers I have installed clean and tidy. After further investigation, I found out that I need a special UARTcable this (and maybe a Z3X Box or something similar?)​
My question is
How can I get now establish a new nv_data.bin file that includes my right IMEI
or whether (if it is really expensive) someone is so net and created me such a file
my Hardware is Samung Galaxy s 3 (i9300) (unbranded) (may u need this too: i bought it in germany)
I only want my own IMEI and I do not think out a like or I like to personally via PN or so to sample photos (for example, a predetermined word from the person) and the battery compartment of the phone with the IMEI
for I illigalität knows that it is illegal but not his own restore its IMEI change, because you paid a lot of money for his mobile phone and the IMEI is jointly contain. Who's afraid these publicly to write here because this information could be misused can I enjoy writing via private message. I would be very happy
Now im trying again to solve my problem with this Tutorial -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT42ri37RBU
my preperations:
im installing now a fresh windows 7 on my Laptop​
i flashed I9300XXUGNG3_I9300DBTGNG2_I9300XXUGNA8_HOME.tar.md5 (SGS3 Stock Firmware DBT with android 4.3) downloaded with the SamFirm tool from http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/general/tool-samfirm-samsung-firmware-t2988647​
i rooted my phone with Odin3 and CF-Auto-Root-m0-m0xx-gti9300.tar.md5​
i put the usb debugging on (settings > options > about device > [clicked 7 times on Buildnumber] that activates the developer menu and i put usb debugging on in settings > options > developer options > usb debugging)​
i´ll post the results
dont work for me becouse "ONLY for US variants. It DOES work on Qualcomm CPU and DOESN'T work on Galaxy International Version with Exinos CPU!"
someone maybe got antoher way to fix it?
@sLeCks:
1. Flash last firmware with Odin (again), go to recovery immediatly and do factory reset.
2. If 1. doesn't help, try Ariza patch.
3. If 2. doesn't help, let it repair by Samsung-service (cheap).
Firmware Update dont restored IMEI (got still 0049 imei)#
Ariza patch wont help it just restore the baseband (like written in the Thread "wont help if u goot a 0049 imei)
maybe it works if someone got a i9300 (intl) (exynos NOT Qualcomm) and a z3x-box or another. i send him my right imei-number he backup his efs folder and create the right nv_data.bin file for me. then he send it to me via email or he put it on uploadet in ecample. i download it in put it on my phone and restore my imei.
maybe i think is a full efs.img backup file better xD. if this way work it would be the best i think.
Ißve called some mobile reperature stations an mony of then dont do an imei-restore. i got one and go now to him maybe he can help. but if someone got a box and a old sgs3 i would be sooooooo happy if he could help me.

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