Related
Is this downgrading from ME7 to MDK possible? If so please guide me in the right direction.
Its not possible... Once you take the update theres no going back...
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
So I am new to the s4 and rooting. I really want to install the Hyperdrive ROM. I have been researching and researching what to do and I think i have found my answer for now and im not happy about it.
From what i gathered, since i installed the update and I am now on ME7, there is no root method bc they locked the phone down. Is this correct?
hondabomdc5 said:
So I am new to the s4 and rooting. I really want to install the Hyperdrive ROM. I have been researching and researching what to do and I think i have found my answer for now and im not happy about it.
From what i gathered, since i installed the update and I am now on ME7, there is no root method bc they locked the phone down. Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the search button...this has been posted about a 1000 times...but yes you can root it but no custom recovery.
hondabomdc5 said:
So I am new to the s4 and rooting. I really want to install the Hyperdrive ROM. I have been researching and researching what to do and I think i have found my answer for now and im not happy about it.
From what i gathered, since i installed the update and I am now on ME7, there is no root method bc they locked the phone down. Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can root, but cant install custom recoveries or roms.
bfmetcalf said:
You can root, but cant install custom recoveries or roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for being kind and thanks for the info. I did state that I was new and have been looking. I could have started a whole new thread but instead asked the question in here. I do want to install the Hyperdrive rom but since with ME7 you cant install roms...looks like i wont be rooting until somebody gets this figured out. Again, thanks for being cool and answering my question.
y can't we just odin back to mdk?
Stauf99 said:
y can't we just odin back to mdk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because of the bootloader will only allow signed packages to be installed on the phone and checks against older firmware and will not allow it. Unless you have the signed key you ain't flashing anything unless we find a workaround.
magneticzero said:
Use the search button...this has been posted about a 1000 times...but yes you can root it but no custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So why is there ROMs for the ME7 build if they can't be flashed?
This [email protected] sucks!
So, I'm stuck on ME7 as well (32GB S4, otherwise I'd just go down to the store and swap it, complaining about something -- seems they don't stock them at any local corporate stores).
I'm coming from a Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and we have OMAP-Flash, which is like a low-level PROM flashing tool from the Samsung R&D team, and I could fix even a DEAD, or bricked phone with that. Is there something like that here to get back the original bootloader? I cant believe we're stuck on this crap... How 'bout a 2nd-init like my Droid-x days, or something slick like SafeStrap on the RAZR family?
...Just thinkin' "out loud".
IMGetwired said:
So, I'm stuck on ME7 as well (32GB S4, otherwise I'd just go down to the store and swap it, complaining about something -- seems they don't stock them at any local corporate stores).
I'm coming from a Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and we have OMAP-Flash, which is like a low-level PROM flashing tool from the Samsung R&D team, and I could fix even a DEAD, or bricked phone with that. Is there something like that here to get back the original bootloader? I cant believe we're stuck on this crap... How 'bout a 2nd-init like my Droid-x days, or something slick like SafeStrap on the RAZR family?
...Just thinkin' "out loud".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Short answer is 'no' - you're currently stuck with root as your best option. Hopefully this will change in the not-too-distant future.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Yeah, this does suck.
Seems like we need someone to pick up the Dragonboard 8074 development kit to help us figure this out...even then, I'm sure Samsung has so many mods in there it'd be nuts to reverse engineer... Ugh, I'm so impatient! :silly:
Slimfast35 said:
So why is there ROMs for the ME7 build if they can't be flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because there for people that didn't get robbed by Samsung and update through the evil over the air update lol
Slimfast35 said:
So why is there ROMs for the ME7 build if they can't be flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not quite understanding what a rom is and is not. There is no such thing as a rom for ME7. There are roms that use the ME7 base. They are flashable only by those who have the MDK bootloader. When a build number is listed for a rom, it is the build that the rom is based from.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
Slimfast35 said:
So why is there ROMs for the ME7 build if they can't be flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ROM's that the devs based on MDK have been updated with the ME7 code just like any good developer does. But the bootloader those users have is still from their MDK (original) install. Once you go ME7 you can never go back, downgrade, crossgrade or get beyond the bootloader, for now anyways. Someone will find a way.
Nm
Ok, a little info on me. I have had an iPhone since 2007. I decided to buy a used G S4 to see if I would like it. So far I like it a lot but need help getting it just right.
I am trying to install custom roms on my device. I want to try CM.10 first. So far I have achieved root aaccess, and installed gooManager.
The problem is that when I install a custom recovery script so I can have a custom recovery the phone locks up. What could I be doing wrong? I am sure this has been covered a hundred times but there is so much info on here its overwhelming to someone new to android. Thanks to everyone for the great work and contributions s already made.
Try odin to flash!
iPhone*convert said:
Ok, a little info on me. I have had an iPhone since 2007. I decided to buy a used G S4 to see if I would like it. So far I like it a lot but need help getting it just right.
I am trying to install custom roms on my device. I want to try CM.10 first. So far I have achieved root aaccess, and installed gooManager.
The problem is that when I install a custom recovery script so I can have a custom recovery the phone locks up. What could I be doing wrong? I am sure this has been covered a hundred times but there is so much info on here its overwhelming to someone new to android. Thanks to everyone for the great work and contributions s already made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when i installed my custom recovery i used cwm recovery (my preference) and used odin to flash it. its not as easy but its more reliable to me just look up a tutorial on how to flash custom recovery on odin. There are many vids on youtube
mylifeandroid said:
when i installed my custom recovery i used cwm recovery (my preference) and used odin to flash it. its not as easy but its more reliable to me just look up a tutorial on how to flash custom recovery on odin. There are many vids on youtube
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I watched all of the videos. Do I have a locked boot loader? Does that keep me from installing open recovery script? If so do I need a device with an older baseband in order to root, install custom recovery, and run custom roms?
I have a SCH-I545 running 4.3 with an mk2 baseband.
Yes, your bootloader is locked and currently there is no way to unlock it. Safestrap is your only option for ROMs now. Start with reading the OP.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441441
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
How do I find an older gs4 with an unlocked bootloader? How will I know when I find one? What baseband version should I be looking for?
iPhone*convert said:
How do I find an older gs4 with an unlocked bootloader? How will I know when I find one? What baseband version should I be looking for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where your phone says mk2 the other will say mdk. . As far as finding one people sell them on ebay
iPhone*convert said:
How do I find an older gs4 with an unlocked bootloader? How will I know when I find one? What baseband version should I be looking for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out www.swappa.com
People have em up for sale, just look for the last three letters of the build (or baseband I suppose) to be MDK. Anything newer than that is locked down.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
iPhone*convert said:
How do I find an older gs4 with an unlocked bootloader? How will I know when I find one? What baseband version should I be looking for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Information is easily available in these forums concerning bootloaders and rooting and recoveries....with you phone your only option is safestrap and just one or 2 roms are available..
look before you jump
Nobody posts the build number in their adds on ebay or that swappers site. I'm messaging them all individually haha. Lmfao why didn't I read about this more before buying this boot locked pos lol.
Me7 and mj7 are worthless right?
iPhone*convert said:
Me7 and mj7 are worthless right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be honest this is the first phone that i have ever been satisfied with rooted debloated stock but I am very greatful my flashing itch is able to be somewhat scratched with safestrap. The above builds aren't worthless but I guess that all depends on your point of view and what your wanting to do with your device.
iPhone*convert said:
Me7 and mj7 are worthless right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't understand the statement?
the stock roms run extremely well and with root you can debloat pretty easily. S4 phone is a superior device to most anything else out there at this moment whether you mod it or not
Hey your in luck there is a guy selling his mdk s4 for 330 on the general thread.
I'm currently on a Galaxy S3, but I have an S4 coming in on Friday.
I saw a thread for rooting the S4, but do I need to unlock the bootloader like I did in the S3 to install a rom?
Basically, where is the thread that has all the info I need to root, unlock, and install a custom recovery for the S4?
I have one for the S3, but can't find it for the S4.
GlitchMob said:
I'm currently on a Galaxy S3, but I have an S4 coming in on Friday.
I saw a thread for rooting the S4, but do I need to unlock the bootloader like I did in the S3 to install a rom?
Basically, where is the thread that has all the info I need to root, unlock, and install a custom recovery for the S4?
I have one for the S3, but can't find it for the S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you cant find thread? How hard did you look? There is a stickie can't be missed in the general section.
BTW, the bootloader is locked for all versions of firmware since mdk.
only option is safetrap.
decaturbob said:
you cant find thread? How hard did you look? There is a stickie can't be missed in the general section.
BTW, the bootloader is locked for all versions of firmware since mdk.
only option is safetrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay maybe my understanding on the purpose of unlocking the bootloader is incorrect.
I thought the bootloader has to be unlocked in order to install a custom rom?
On my S3 if the bootloader wasn't unlocked the phone would brick.
Safestrap is a custom recovery so how is that relevant to bootloader? I can't seem to draw the connection.
Thanks!
GlitchMob said:
Okay maybe my understanding on the purpose of unlocking the bootloader is incorrect.
I thought the bootloader has to be unlocked in order to install a custom rom?
On my S3 if the bootloader wasn't unlocked the phone would brick.
Safestrap is a custom recovery so how is that relevant to bootloader? I can't seem to draw the connection.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
plenty of threads here to read to educate yourself.
S4 bootloader is locked since mdk firmware. MDK had an exploit that Loki process allowed custom recovery
safestrap uses an exploit to work around it so its the only custom recovery for the locked bootloader.
Each subsequent firmware release locks the bootloader and exploits down further. Anyone taking the next round of kit kat OTA's will likely loose root as well.
GlitchMob said:
I'm currently on a Galaxy S3, but I have an S4 coming in on Friday.
I saw a thread for rooting the S4, but do I need to unlock the bootloader like I did in the S3 to install a rom?
Basically, where is the thread that has all the info I need to root, unlock, and install a custom recovery for the S4?
I have one for the S3, but can't find it for the S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More then likely the device you get will come with the new baseband MJ7 or MK2. You need to check this before you start messing with anything. That said the bootloader is locked up tight and you will be very limited with what you can do with it. You can root, and install safestrap(a custom recovery by Hashcode that bypasses the bootloader). This will allow you to install certain touchwiz based roms but you have to be sure they are compatible with safestrap.
Root for 4.3 baseband:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Safestrap:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441441
Both these links are in the android devlopment section. It is very difficult with this device because there are multiple root methods and recovery methods depending on baseband version. If by some chance you get the phone and the baseband is MDK, DO NOT UPDATE!!!! This will allow you to install loki'ed recovery and flash any rom you want. Chances are that won"t happen though. Good luck
decaturbob said:
you cant find thread? How hard did you look? There is a stickie can't be missed in the general section.
BTW, the bootloader is locked for all versions of firmware since mdk.
only option is safetrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
decaturbob said:
plenty of threads here to read to educate yourself.
S4 bootloader is locked since mdk firmware. MDK had an exploit that Loki process allowed custom recovery
safestrap uses an exploit to work around it so its the only custom recovery for the locked bootloader.
Each subsequent firmware release locks the bootloader and exploits down further. Anyone taking the next round of kit kat OTA's will likely loose root as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that I need to look into it, but the way things are organized is different. I've been on an S3 for almost two years now and the forums in the S4 are just overwhelming with information that is scattered. Here is an example of what I was hoping for when I came to the S4 section.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709
onemeila said:
More then likely the device you get will come with the new baseband MJ7 or MK2. You need to check this before you start messing with anything. That said the bootloader is locked up tight and you will be very limited with what you can do with it. You can root, and install safestrap(a custom recovery by Hashcode that bypasses the bootloader). This will allow you to install certain touchwiz based roms but you have to be sure they are compatible with safestrap.
Root for 4.3 baseband:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Safestrap:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441441
Both these links are in the android devlopment section. It is very difficult with this device because there are multiple root methods and recovery methods depending on baseband version. If by some chance you get the phone and the baseband is MDK, DO NOT UPDATE!!!! This will allow you to install loki'ed recovery and flash any rom you want. Chances are that won"t happen though. Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. This is the response I was looking for. As you said there are many stipulations with each baseband. This is something I am not used to coming for an S3, which is far simpler to deal with. Thanks again!
GlitchMob said:
Thank you. This is the response I was looking for. As you said there are many stipulations with each baseband. This is something I am not used to coming for an S3, which is far simpler to deal with. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The difference isn't in the baseband, it's in the bootloader. You can run a newer baseband than your bootloader, for example, especially if you have the MDK bootloader.
Since you're starting from stock, the baseband and the bootloader revisions are the same and can be found from Settings/More/About phone.
Before you flash anything, please read the what you need to know thread in the General section. Also, there's my thread in this forum.
The S4 is more complicated than the S3 largely because Samsung has really locked it down much more effectively than the S3. Consequently, there's lots of ways to go wrong. Reading first can save you a lot of grief.
k1mu said:
The difference isn't in the baseband, it's in the bootloader. You can run a newer baseband than your bootloader, for example, especially if you have the MDK bootloader.
Since you're starting from stock, the baseband and the bootloader revisions are the same and can be found from Settings/More/About phone.
Before you flash anything, please read the what you need to know thread in the General section. Also, there's my thread in this forum.
The S4 is more complicated than the S3 largely because Samsung has really locked it down much more effectively than the S3. Consequently, there's lots of ways to go wrong. Reading first can save you a lot of grief.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more question. Is there a way to flash the s4 back to stock? I'll find the info on how, but going into the whole rooting and coming phase it would be nice to know that I could flash back to stock with odin. As I have with my s3.
GlitchMob said:
One more question. Is there a way to flash the s4 back to stock? I'll find the info on how, but going into the whole rooting and coming phase it would be nice to know that I could flash back to stock with odin. As I have with my s3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Read the second link in my reply above - it tells you how to identify what build you're on and has links to the downloadable Odin images for each build.
k1mu said:
Yes. Read the second link in my reply above - it tells you how to identify what build you're on and has links to the downloadable Odin images for each build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help. Turns out I'm on MJ7. I'm going to let this puppy charge while I hit the gym. I'll root it and see what rom I can install later tonight. Thanks again!! :victory:
GlitchMob said:
Thanks for your help. Turns out I'm on MJ7. I'm going to let this puppy charge while I hit the gym. I'll root it and see what rom I can install later tonight. Thanks again!! :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mind as well update to mk2. You can do the same as mj7 but are most up to date. Just my 2 pennies. Btw I'm on bonestock 2.1 in SS romslot 1.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Slowbalt said:
Mind as well update to mk2. You can do the same as mj7 but are most up to date. Just my 2 pennies. Btw I'm on bonestock 2.1 in SS romslot 1.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a noticeable difference? If its the same, why upgrade?
I am coming from a similar situation as you. I cracked my screen on my S3 and Asurion replaced it with an S4, which I received on Monday. I thought that I was going to be able to load SlimKat and pick up where I left off, but no.
The posts that k1mu linked are a great starting point. A few of my thoughts that I came to realize this week. These are my ways of looking at it and may not be totally correct.
The bootloader is locked and there isn't a total unlock (yet). Safestrap allows you to crack the door open a little and reach your arm in to grab a few things.
You will need to stick with ROMs that work with the TouchWiz kernel. The post that k1mu referenced has a link to compatible ROMs. You will not be able to load SlimKat, CM, Carbon, etc. Basically any ROM you choose will have TW underneath. Some of the ROMs will try to look like an ASOP, but it is still a TW base.
Safestrap will allow you to create ROM slots where you can try out the ROM to see if you like it. I am still trying to decide what I want to use. Currently I have Hyperdrive as the leader. Everything that I do continues to work. The Eclipse ROM looks good but it is not quite there yet, but he is working on a build in the next couple days. Here is a link to their website with more up to date status. Eclipse . I also looked at the Foxhound ROM and it is good also. For me support and future upgrades are the most important. I am starting to think that i will embrace TW instead of trying to cover it up and will go with Hyperdrive.
If you use TiBu, read this post, especially with Hyperdrive http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2653044.
The other realization that hit me was that while Safestrap can create partitions for loading different ROMs, each one is restricted to a maximum of a 3GB /data partition. When I tried to restore all of my apps this was quickly used up. It isn't supported by Safestrap to flash to the stock location, but it can and has been done. Since Safestrap isn't doing a flash there are more risks and I think that this should probably be kept to a minimum. This is where you want to test all the candidate ROMs first and then decide which one to use and then flash to the stock location. Obviously this could cause problems with the phone and would use ODIN as a fallback. Unless something get totally hosed and then you are out of a phone.
One thing that I realized a long time ago is that when you change devices you may want to do everything exactly the way it was before. On the phone or even when looking for information. But in most cases it is better to change your processes or work flow to work with the new device than it is to change the device to work in your previous work flow.
I currently own a Galaxy S Nexus and a Galaxy S3. Added another Family member. WERE SO PROUD!!! lol
Anywho I need some help. I am looking for a flashing guide so I do not do anything wrong and brick our new little buddy,
It is on 4.4.2 I545
I found this link for some firmware --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=56006060&postcount=29345 (LOOKS PROMISING)
I just need to know which version of Odin, how to root it, and which kernel and Custom recovery to use.
I do not want to use goomanager if can help it. I'd rather use my laptop.
Unfortunately since your phone has been updated you cannot completely unlock the bootloader. You will need to use Safestrap to load a recovery/ROM. More info can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441441
I would suggest rooting your phone using Towelroot:
https://towelroot.com/
Install SuperSU from the Play Store afterwards to complete the root access.
I can't give you much info about SafeStrap as I have never used it (I am on an unlocked bootloader).
To fully unlock the bootloader, you're going to need an S4 on the MDK firmware. I'd suggest heading over to Swappa, selling yours and picking up an unlocked S4. This is something I've done with every replacement Verizon has sent me...
So it's safe to assume that you can't just flash back to the mdk version via Odin or something then huh?
lazarus2297 said:
So it's safe to assume that you can't just flash back to the mdk version via Odin or something then huh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot
Yeah, sorry to say that development on this is kinda slim. The only phone that I actually hate, also my next phone is going to be the first phone I pay full retail for (nexus 6) because the s4 is so locked down.
travisjshepherd said:
Yeah, sorry to say that development on this is kinda slim. The only phone that I actually hate, also my next phone is going to be the first phone I pay full retail for (nexus 6) because the s4 is so locked down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you pick up one with an unlocked bootloader your opinion may change. I have had quite a few phone that I have unlocked and the S4 is by far my favorite.
This is a great tread but it should be moved in the Help section.
Agreed, this isn't a development thread.
But I can vouch for the S4 mdk bootloader being great. You can use a lot of stuff from I9505 and JFLTE unified threads on this phone. I have MDK and currently running unofficial CM 12 (android 5.0) with Alucard kernel. All this is from i9505 threads.
However, life is much more simple and stable with a Nexus device, I have Nexus 7 and much less bugs and rooting is so easy.
cambunch said:
If you pick up one with an unlocked bootloader your opinion may change. I have had quite a few phone that I have unlocked and the S4 is by far my favorite.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Treken said:
This is a great tread but it should be moved in the Help section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, not new to rooting and such but I'm a little confused. Just got this Note 2 after breaking my G2. I'm on ND7, managed to root and install safestrap. I've made a stock back up and flashed over my stock as there is no rom slot support yet. I've flashed Alliance 30 and it worked well. My question is, can I flash other Rom's like Wilson's CM12? My bootloader is still locked. Is there a safe way to unlock it? I've searched and found that if you have a locked bootloader you can't flash kernels. I think? Not trying to be annoying. Just confused. I haven't used safestrap since my old Razr days, lol. Any help would be awesome. Thanks in advance. ..
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
I think you can flash any rom using safestrap. The only ones I tried so far are DN3 and Alliancerom. They flashed with no problems. I would like to add on to this question though, Can I flash any mods using safestrap?
Right. Or kernels for that matter? It's strange because there's some people with unlocked bootloader's, some with safe strap, and some just plain old stock rooted (which was a pain in it's self).
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
Did a little more digging into the thread, basically if your bootloader is locked, the only Rom's that you can flash are those with the same build and kernel that you are currently on. So you were right. As far as flashing mods with safestrap, still unsure. ???
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
No other ROMs besides the above mentioned? Seems almost worth sending it to that company to downgrade
any group pricing?
Installed Mocha DrIzzle, liking it so far except the network speed mod
If I couldnt stand to be without telelphone....
stoph8n24 said:
No other ROMs besides the above mentioned? Seems almost worth sending it to that company to downgrade
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be on the "Send it Off" wagon.
I've seen destructions for using ODIN to flash a KIES image in, and then go about fixing it that way but many many more posts saying this is impossible.
What I'd like to know, if I have to go with the same darn kernel etc, is how the everloving **** to get rid of ALL and I mean *ALL* of the crapware/verizonware/amazonware/etc and completely strip the touchwhiz down to just what I need....
This phone thing is a nasty addiction....:cyclops:
stoph8n24 said:
No other ROMs besides the above mentioned? Seems almost worth sending it to that company to downgrade
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone know if there is a list? I was just given this phone. I rooted it, but also stuck with the locked boot loader. I did install Safestrap and did a back up, and was able to create a ROM slot, but that is all I've done so far.
Since I'm "developmentally chsllenged" (I can follow instructions, but I can't do any development work or anything) I try to just go with trusted info, which has worked so far. I just came from a RAZR Maxx HD with CM12 and am not happy with the way this phone runs.
I'm in the same boat as you guys, and I believe you can only flash 4.4.2 ROMs. That's what I gathered from the Safestrap thread. However, you can (and should) backup your stock ROM in Safestrap and flash other ROMs over that.
I'm currently using Alliance, and it's decent. Nowhere near the amount of modifications as CyanideL, which is really what I want, but can't install because it's currently on Android 5.x.
Ridiculous what Samsung has done to this phone. Glad it was relatively cheap though, good lesson to avoid any manufacturer who locks the bootloader in the future.
Does anyone know if we can just flash an older version of the stock ROM? Couldn't we odin, or something, down to 4.1.x and go from there?
adobrakic said:
I'm in the same boat as you guys, and I believe you can only flash 4.4.2 ROMs. That's what I gathered from the Safestrap thread. However, you can (and should) backup your stock ROM in Safestrap and flash other ROMs over that.
I'm currently using Alliance, and it's decent. Nowhere near the amount of modifications as CyanideL, which is really what I want, but can't install because it's currently on Android 5.x.
Ridiculous what Samsung has done to this phone. Glad it was relatively cheap though, good lesson to avoid any manufacturer who locks the bootloader in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have SS and did a back up, but I thought I read about people running into problems and then bricking? I think they got them back after doing some stuff but since I am no where as talented with this stuff I try to be cautious. I've rooted and SS' ed a Bionic and ran several ROM's on that one until replacing it with a RAZR Maxx HD that I rooted (and was able to take advantage of the exploit before they pushed a patch and unlocked the bootloader).
If I can just flash over the stock ROM safely, then I'll get flashing right away
I read the issues with bricking as well, but I think those people were trying to flash 5.x ROMs. I agree about wanting to avoid it though. I have a HTC One S that I saved from being bricked a few times, but I don't even wanna have to go through the process of that for the Note 2. Here's the Safestrap thread, if you're a little wary and would like to read more about it.
As far as I can tell, you should be good with flashing 4.4.2 ROMs, since that's what I did and we seem to have the same config (4.4.2 Note 2, Safestrap 3.72). The only thing I wonder is what TWRP you have. I have the latest 2.7.0.x. If that's what you have, you should be just fine with flashing a 4.4.2 ROM over the stock ROM.