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
Related
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.
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.
Hi there.
Hope someone can guide me on this. I've been reading all the posts related to unknown imei, lost efs folder, etc and tried several things to solve the problem, but anything worked out.
The phone got wet with some raindrops (very few raindrops). Warranty was lost because they told me the motherboard was damaged by water. At first the battery exhausted in no time and it didn't charged properly, but a couple of months later everything seems to be all right except that it tells there's no IMEI, and the SIM card isn't read by the phone. Later on I've brought it to another technical service where they've told me the motherboard wasn't damaged, but the SIM connector. They wanted me to pay a big amount of euros for such a little piece. I picked up the phone and decided to investigate by myself.
The actions done to the phone: I fisically opened it and applied a connector cleaning spray; then I upgraded it to ICS and finally rooted it. Then I tried lots of solutions that are posted in the forum, like the GSII_repair, busybox, backup of the efs folder via android-sdk, efs pro, etc.
The only thing about efs that I can read in the phone are two files: an efs.tar.gz and an efs.img.
The efs.tar.gz seems to contain everything needed to restore EFS folder: nv_data.bin, nv_data.bin.md5, etc.
I have no idea how to tidy all this mess up. I know that it's possible that the phone won't work again because of the rain, but I want to sold all the possibilities out before using it only as an ipod galaxy, and I resist thinking that if it was damaged by water the phone woulnd't work ok like it does.
What do I want? Trying to give it its IMEI number again and seeing whether it catches signal. Any idea on how to do that with the files efs.tar or efs.img.
Thank you so much.
Since you have some kind of an EFS backup, then you can use kTool, in the Google Play Store, to restore that backup.
kTool requires root.
Hi and thank you for the reply.
I've downloaded this hc-ktool and tried to restore EFS from backup via efs.tar.gz and via efs.img but anyone worked out. It still says "unknown IMEI". Any idea about why it didn't work?
lespou said:
Hi and thank you for the reply.
I've downloaded this hc-ktool and tried to restore EFS from backup via efs.tar.gz and via efs.img but anyone worked out. It still says "unknown IMEI". Any idea about why it didn't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, I am still a noob in Android.
Do you have unknown baseband problem? If yes, then try flashing another modem via Odin.
przemcio510 said:
Do you have unknown baseband problem? If yes, then try flashing another modem via Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the baseband section it tells UNKNOWN, as well as the telephone number, IMEI, IMEISW and Bluetooth. D'you think changing the modem will change all the other unknown stuff? I'll try it anyway, thanks.
lespou said:
In the baseband section it tells UNKNOWN, as well as the telephone number, IMEI, IMEISW and Bluetooth. D'you think changing the modem will change all the other unknown stuff? I'll try it anyway, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing to do with the modem. I changed it and everything's still the same.
Still rounding the problem... I installed root explorer and I saw there is an original efs folder in the root of the memory, not in the internal sdcard of the phone. So, what can the problem be? Is the phone really damaged? Or do someone think is only a software matter (is the efs folder corrupted?). Anyone can help?
http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/f258/galaxy-s6-edge-imei-null-null-1960154/
Hello all.
Yesterday i was trying to install the last version of Paranoidandroid but when phone booted, i noticed that it had no data connection.
So i tried to make a call, but when you compose a number and press the phone button i get the error "not registered on the net" (hope the translation is good as i get the message in my language Italian).
Reading here and there i was able to undestand that the problem is the IMEI: my IMEI is changed and it displays a general one.
The big problem is that i pluged in into my PC the Hard disc that i used to backup my data and it doesn't work.... nothing...All the data are lost...
Am i able to recover my original IMEI (i found some guide around the web to get back IMEIs for AT&T and Verizon S3s with no backup, but not International GT-I9300) without a efs backup or do i need to send it back to Samsung (already resetted counters and restored original stock rom)? If i need to send it back, will they fix it in warranty (i'm still warranty covered) or will they ask me for moneys?
thanks in advance.
Hi,
First, you must try to install the latest stock firmware corresponding to your country and do a wipe data/cache. In some cases, the true IMEI will be back.
After that, if it doesn't work and if you haven't an EFS folder backup, there are no solution to fix your problem. As you said, we can get back IMEI for Qualcomm based Galaxy S3 (corresponding to USA Market) but Exynos' Galaxy S3 used EFS folder containing nv_data.bin that packaged the IMEI number and cannot be write without proprietary software.
If you cannot retreive your IMEI with the first method, send your Galaxy S3 to Samsung After Sale Services. Be sure that your custom flash counter is set to 0 and the firmware is a stock one before try a warranty fixing. In some case, it's covered by warranty (if there are no flashing watermark) but they can demand you some money to do that if they think you have flash/root the device.
lelinuxien52 said:
Hi,
First, you must try to install the latest stock firmware corresponding to your country and do a wipe data/cache. In some cases, the true IMEI will be back.
After that, if it doesn't work and if you haven't an EFS folder backup, there are no solution to fix your problem. As you said, we can get back IMEI for Qualcomm based Galaxy S3 (corresponding to USA Market) but Exynos' Galaxy S3 used EFS folder containing nv_data.bin that packaged the IMEI number and cannot be write without proprietary software.
If you cannot retreive your IMEI with the first method, send your Galaxy S3 to Samsung After Sale Services. Be sure that your custom flash counter is set to 0 and the firmware is a stock one before try a warranty fixing. In some case, it's covered by warranty (if there are no flashing watermark) but they can demand you some money to do that if they think you have flash/root the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, i really appreciate your reply.
Already flashed the latest stock rom for my country and operator and resetted all the counters, guess my last resort is Samsung after sales service... let's hope they will not ask for money.
Like @lelinuxien52 said, we can't restore those devices. Next time you should make several backups of your /EFS partition and them put them to an online storage facility, like DropBox, Google Drive or SkyDrive.
Would have loved to help, but you'll have to:
A: Beg that you have an old dusty backup on your PC or SD card somewhere,
B: flash a new Sammy stock ROM (Download here: http://sammobile.com/firmware) and hope that that works,
or
C: Send it to your carrier and hope they can fix it. They'll probably send you a new device, but if you're lucky they have some kind of program which can generate an EFS paritition with the data from the stickers on your phone or box.
Agree with @familyguy59 : DropBox or Google Drive (why not Mega instead of SkyDrive !) is your best friend against EFS folder problem. Do not forget to save it when you receive your new/fix smartphone.
C: Send it to your carrier and hope they can fix it. They'll probably send you a new device, but if you're lucky they have some kind of program which can generate an EFS paritition with the data from the stickers on your phone or box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be nice if the software could be available here (but available only for user with bricked /efs folder, not for thieves !).
familyguy59 said:
Like @lelinuxien52 said, we can't restore those devices. Next time you should make several backups of your /EFS partition and them put them to an online storage facility, like DropBox, Google Drive or SkyDrive.
Would have loved to help, but you'll have to:
A: Beg that you have an old dusty backup on your PC or SD card somewhere,
B: flash a new Sammy stock ROM (Download here: http://sammobile.com/firmware) and hope that that works,
or
C: Send it to your carrier and hope they can fix it. They'll probably send you a new device, but if you're lucky they have some kind of program which can generate an EFS paritition with the data from the stickers on your phone or box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honests the only lesson i learned here is: Keep that device as stock and stop messing around with it lol
It'a already wonderfull as stock, i had really no need to flash custom ROMs... it's just that i'm a flash-addicted user since my first android phone (Acer Liquid) but well... i deserved it i think ^^
Thanks anyone for the replies
ash1684 said:
To be honests the only lesson i learned here is: Keep that device as stock and stop messing around with it lol
It'a already wonderfull as stock, i had really no need to flash custom ROMs... it's just that i'm a flash-addicted user since my first android phone (Acer Liquid) but well... i deserved it i think ^^
Thanks anyone for the replies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well then you missed something... You can and should mess around with it. Just be more careful.
(Check my description) I have created a universal Android tool kit which, in the next update, hopefully, will be able to back up the GS III's /EFS partition. Check it out, some time.
familyguy59 said:
Well then you missed something... You can and should mess around with it. Just be more careful.
(Check my description) I have created a universal Android tool kit which, in the next update, hopefully, will be able to back up the GS III's /EFS partition. Check it out, some time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, thank you ^^
ash1684 said:
ok, thank you ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
click the button to thank him
Glebun said:
click the button to thank him
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click the button and say it
Hi,
So I'm a victim of the "broken power button" issue.
I have been semi-fixing it, but I might soon get a replaced logic board from someone that has a broken (screen) S3 laying around.
Now I'm wondering, what if i put it in, do I transfer my IMEI number? or just don't care and use the one of that logic board? I have EFS backup for example from my own phone, can I just flash that?
Anyone ever done this?
Grtz
No, the motherboard contains the imei number already -you cannot transfer your old one or restore a backup, it wouldn't work and it is illegal.
boomboomer said:
No, the motherboard contains the imei number already -you cannot transfer your old one or restore a backup, it wouldn't work and it is illegal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, but how does samsung do it then when they replace it? Guess they flash ti logic board again?
Well, if I can restore nandroids I already have, that should work atleast?
I heard that when Samsung replace motherboard, they use IMEI etc. from damaged board and flashes it on a "blank" MB. Other just replace motherboard which has new IMEI