I am so confused, and let me be the first to apologize for my stupidity. Many years ago I had a Droid, and life was so easy, you rooted, you added a ROM and Kernel, and life was good. Today, I have the Galaxy S4 and I am rooted, and I thought this was going to be as easy as it was back then, but I got to read about the nightmares people were having, so I stayed rooted and didn't go any further, for I was afraid I was going to brick my new phone. Now, I am reading that you can't go further because of the bootloader is locked, so how are people loading ROM's with it locked? So, as a person such as myself who has not a clue about all this techy stuff, can you load a ROM with a locked bootloader? I am asking if someone can simplify all this for me. Thanks.
AM
am2354 said:
I am so confused, and let me be the first to apologize for my stupidity. Many years ago I had a Droid, and life was so easy, you rooted, you added a ROM and Kernel, and life was good. Today, I have the Galaxy S4 and I am rooted, and I thought this was going to be as easy as it was back then, but I got to read about the nightmares people were having, so I stayed rooted and didn't go any further, for I was afraid I was going to brick my new phone. Now, I am reading that you can't go further because of the bootloader is locked, so how are people loading ROM's with it locked? So, as a person such as myself who has not a clue about all this techy stuff, can you load a ROM with a locked bootloader? I am asking if someone can simplify all this for me. Thanks.
AM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did your phone take the ME7 update or come with ME7 on it ? If so, root, debloat, Titanium Backup, play with Nova Launcher for customization is about as far as you can go at present. If you are lucky enough to have an MDK build then you can root, install custom recovery, flash roms & kernels to your heart's content. To find which you have : If you are stock, go to settings, more, about phone. Scroll down. If you see VRUAME7, in baseband, build and have not installed any custom roms then you are out of luck. If you see VRUAMDK, Congratulations! You are golden.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
Verizon has locked down the bootloader for ME7 based roms...I personally would not alter the state of your phone until a bootloader unlock has been achieved. Please see Hascode's OP at http://forum.xda-developers.com/sho...E7] Safestrap Recovery v3.5x [WIP DISCUSSION]
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
This why I joined this forum, for everyone is so knowledgeable and willing to help. I thank you all for you replies, and yes, I am on ME7, and I guess I have to sit it out until there is hope. Thank you.
Related
As the title states, I'm new to the S4, but not to flashing. I had the Fascinate (S1) for the past 3 years and did EVERYTHING with it! I picked up the S4 yesterday and have some questions.
I saw Shane's (DroidModderX) video on how to Root the S4 (ME7) and also his video on how to LOKI bootloader hack, but this all warns against not working after the l latest OTA. When I got the phone, the VZW tech made sure my phone was totally updated and so I'm sure I'm in that stuck area.
I'm working on backing up my SD card before I try formatting to extFAT, so I haven't done anything yet. But do I have any options available to me in terms of rooting/custom ROMs?
Not sure what the relevant information is for the S4, but I've attached my phone info.
You can root only currently. Hopefully SafeStrap wil be available soon to give you other options.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the news. What, exactly, is SafeStrap? A new way to flash customs, a recovery method or something altogether new to me?
adamklo said:
Thanks for the news. What, exactly, is SafeStrap? A new way to flash customs, a recovery method or something altogether new to me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap is a very similar way to flash roms as phones that have UNLOCKED bootloaders. The main difference is that the bootloader is locked currently on S4. safestrap doesnt go around bootloader but it does give people the option to flash so custom roms, but you dont get the wide variety as you would on a unlocked bootloader phone.
Also I don't mean to ruin the fun, but the bootloader each year becomes tougher. The developer that did the LOKI mentioned once on a post that this would probably one of the last option he will be able to find a way to unlock bootloaders.
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.
First, let me say to please move this post if I am incorrectly posting this in the wrong forum; this appears to be the spot for me to post this, but I am not above being wrong
Currently I am running a 4.2.2 ROM, Bonestock 1.1.3, on the MDK firmware. I guess my first question is, should I fully upgrade OTA to current stock by factory resetting my phone for the updates? Or, is there a way to use my current setup using TWRP 2.5.0.3 to flash to a true 4.4.2 image?
I've picked up on a few threads here and there about upgrading/downgrading and booting and whatnot; but none as easy as "download this ROM and flash it". Now I completely understand that with bootloaders and software versions it becomes increasingly difficult to break down an image and root it and whatnot, so the simple "get this and flash it" method may be unatainable. However, the few threads I DID find, are so cumbersome and involved that a 20 minute process takes hours to complete because a step may be missed, or an error occurred that wasn't anticipated, or whatever.
I apologize for my ignorance and inability to understand all that is involved, but if someone could kindly point me down the right path, that would be sweet. With the internet by my side and my own personal ability to muddle through things and understand as I go, I should hope I can get KitKat on my phone sooner than later. I've muddled through the original root of my S4, my previous phone RAZR and my OG Droid before that .... along with an A500 tablet....if only it were put a bit more simply, I could accomplish this as well!
Thanks in advance for the help, if any is available
Wrong section, questions go in Q&A, only development goes in the development section.
Anyway, if you're on MDK you can continue flashing roms as normal. Extended directions are for safestrap users that are on locked bootloader firmware.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
MDK upgrade
Seems like the question asked is in the Question section so not sure why the blast.....
You are lucky to have an MDK phone, as these are pre a lot of lockdowns that make custom Roms more complicated to work with. Because it is MDK, you can root, get a recovery module and after backups load a new Rom. Keep reading for details, but you have the easiest to work with.
Sparxx2k8 said:
First, let me say to please move this post if I am incorrectly posting this in the wrong forum; this appears to be the spot for me to post this, but I am not above being wrong
Currently I am running a 4.2.2 ROM, Bonestock 1.1.3, on the MDK firmware. I guess my first question is, should I fully upgrade OTA to current stock by factory resetting my phone for the updates? Or, is there a way to use my current setup using TWRP 2.5.0.3 to flash to a true 4.4.2 image?
I've picked up on a few threads here and there about upgrading/downgrading and booting and whatnot; but none as easy as "download this ROM and flash it". Now I completely understand that with bootloaders and software versions it becomes increasingly difficult to break down an image and root it and whatnot, so the simple "get this and flash it" method may be unatainable. However, the few threads I DID find, are so cumbersome and involved that a 20 minute process takes hours to complete because a step may be missed, or an error occurred that wasn't anticipated, or whatever.
I apologize for my ignorance and inability to understand all that is involved, but if someone could kindly point me down the right path, that would be sweet. With the internet by my side and my own personal ability to muddle through things and understand as I go, I should hope I can get KitKat on my phone sooner than later. I've muddled through the original root of my S4, my previous phone RAZR and my OG Droid before that .... along with an A500 tablet....if only it were put a bit more simply, I could accomplish this as well!
Thanks in advance for the help, if any is available
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do not take any OTA with your phone,
Do not take an OTA because it will upgrade you from the mdk firmware which is th easiest to work with. Once you put a custom rom on, it will cease to allow OTA and protect you from carrier and mfg nasties that can try to cripple your phone.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
myklbear said:
Seems like the question asked is in the Question section so not sure why the blast.....
You are lucky to have an MDK phone, as these are pre a lot of lockdowns that make custom Roms more complicated to work with. Because it is MDK, you can root, get a recovery module and after backups load a new Rom. Keep reading for details, but you have the easiest to work with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A moderator moved it after I posted
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
I'm planning on flashing my mom's phone to a custom ROM tomorrow, she's tired of all the AT&T crap that's gumming up her phone. It was originally locked to AT&T, but we've gotten the unlock from them, so it's unlocked now and on T-Mobile. Is there going to be any issues putting a custom ROM on it? Will it still be unlocked when I'm done? Any special steps I need to be aware of?
Thanks!
J
fusedpositron said:
I'm planning on flashing my mom's phone to a custom ROM tomorrow, she's tired of all the AT&T crap that's gumming up her phone. It was originally locked to AT&T, but we've gotten the unlock from them, so it's unlocked now and on T-Mobile. Is there going to be any issues putting a custom ROM on it? Will it still be unlocked when I'm done? Any special steps I need to be aware of?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am simply suggesting you search the forums and do lots of research first. These i717 forums are the best. I'm not on T-MO but I believe there are posts specific to it relating to which rom to flash, rooting procedures, etc. The "Super Everything" thread is always a great place to start.
If your Mom wants stable without issues, stick to a stock based ROM. Custom Roms come with brilliant perks but are not created for your individual phone's hardware like a stock ROM and may suffer in some (specific) ways. Good luck and have fun.
Perhaps this link will help
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=36979101
Or this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43498032
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717
Thanks for the advice, but I want to go ahead with a newer ROM. They've abandonded it on ICS and I think she would benefit from going up to KitKat. Worst case, I flash it back down to stock.
I searched about the unlock, and didn't find anything.
fusedpositron said:
Thanks for the advice, but I want to go ahead with a newer ROM. They've abandonded it on ICS and I think she would benefit from going up to KitKat. Worst case, I flash it back down to stock.
I searched about the unlock, and didn't find anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FWIW a search of this forum gives results stating that you must unlock from stock. ( Standard exclaimer: your device may be different, etc.) I believe you can flash custom after that. Most people here have flashed dozens of ROMs on this device, myself included, but we are not all on the same carrier, etc.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717
fusedpositron said:
Thanks for the advice, but I want to go ahead with a newer ROM. They've abandonded it on ICS and I think she would benefit from going up to KitKat. Worst case, I flash it back down to stock.
I searched about the unlock, and didn't find anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44921009
Just another link that may be of help.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717
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.