I had ME7 and rooted that, MODded some stuff, tweaked settings, disabled/froze bloatware... and everything was fine. Stable, fast enough.
Then I allowed (because I couldn't stand the constant Update Nag!!!) the MI1 update and DeLaVega Rooted that and things have been unstable since. Seemingly random apps are crashing and occasionally causing rebooting, sometimes it needs the battery pulled. The most critical app, and the one that leads to reboots the most, is Google Maps Nav - the one app I need most.
I am thinking I would like to revert to factory stock ME7, then re-root it, and maybe TWRP (and I have Titanium). There's nothing in MJ7 I need or want and I don't trust MI1 (it was out what... three weeks?)
I would do this myself but I can seem to find a ME7 Image that WIPES and unroots the phone.
It would probably help if someone would explain a bit more how the pieces work. I gather there's a bootloader, a kernal, the ROM and user data. Rooting deals with the boot cycle, the kernal is the main OS, the ROM contains OS layer above the kernal along with system apps and such. Obviously, those three have to get along. So my question is, if I used DeLaVega to root MI1, Can I just flash a non-wipe ME7 ROM? It seesm to me that the MI1 root tool would not get along with the ME7 ROM -- is that right?
BTW, I'm not a ROMmer. I get how ODIN works but I've never flashed anything (via Odin) to my phone(s) other than that MI1 root image (and WHY/WHAT is that 1.3gb?!? The ME7 exploit was a few KB)
Thank you VERY MUCH in advance for explanations, links and so on.
-- Bear
lordbear said:
I had ME7 and rooted that, MODded some stuff, tweaked settings, disabled/froze bloatware... and everything was fine. Stable, fast enough.
Then I allowed (because I couldn't stand the constant Update Nag!!!) the MI1 update and DeLaVega Rooted that and things have been unstable since. Seemingly random apps are crashing and occasionally causing rebooting, sometimes it needs the battery pulled. The most critical app, and the one that leads to reboots the most, is Google Maps Nav - the one app I need most.
I am thinking I would like to revert to factory stock ME7, then re-root it, and maybe TWRP (and I have Titanium). There's nothing in MJ7 I need or want and I don't trust MI1 (it was out what... three weeks?)
I would do this myself but I can seem to find a ME7 Image that WIPES and unroots the phone.
It would probably help if someone would explain a bit more how the pieces work. I gather there's a bootloader, a kernal, the ROM and user data. Rooting deals with the boot cycle, the kernal is the main OS, the ROM contains OS layer above the kernal along with system apps and such. Obviously, those three have to get along. So my question is, if I used DeLaVega to root MI1, Can I just flash a non-wipe ME7 ROM? It seesm to me that the MI1 root tool would not get along with the ME7 ROM -- is that right?
BTW, I'm not a ROMmer. I get how ODIN works but I've never flashed anything (via Odin) to my phone(s) other than that MI1 root image (and WHY/WHAT is that 1.3gb?!? The ME7 exploit was a few KB)
Thank you VERY MUCH in advance for explanations, links and so on.
-- Bear
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as for as i know there is no method to downgrade once you have taken an update, not even with ODIN. once you take an OTA or update it you are stuck with it, you cannot go backwords
th3bl3d said:
as for as i know there is no method to downgrade once you have taken an update, not even with ODIN. once you take an OTA or update it you are stuck with it, you cannot go backwords
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1.
Now the only thing I can say is backup using TI and do a FDR (factory data reset).
This should clean up your issue. You will not lose root.
After that restore your apps one at a time and by all means make sure you *DO NOT* take the MJ7 update.
You think you are stuck now????
I have MI1 and it's rock solid with no crashes.
I have all the bloat frozen or disabled.
My phone never reboots or hangs.
tech_head said:
+1.
Now the only thing I can say is backup using TI and do a FDR (factory data reset).
This should clean up your issue. You will not lose root.
After that restore your apps one at a time and by all means make sure you *DO NOT* take the MJ7 update.
You think you are stuck now????
I have MI1 and it's rock solid with no crashes.
I have all the bloat frozen or disabled.
My phone never reboots or hangs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did FDR twice. Turned off restore of Google stuff during setup wizard, turned of AutoUpdate in Store so I could control what apps loaded, too.
After first FDR it appears I still had root. I think that MAYBE something went funky because I was rooted on ME7, let MI1 come via OTA, then DeLaVega'ed that. I just don't know.
Now, I have a different phone, I am going to need to UNroot and FDR the phone I will send back. Haven't found info on UNroot for Mi1/DeLaVega yet. I've seen ROMs for ME7-nowipe and MJ7-wipe.
Thanks
Bear
lordbear said:
I did FDR twice. Turned off restore of Google stuff during setup wizard, turned of AutoUpdate in Store so I could control what apps loaded, too.
After first FDR it appears I still had root. I think that MAYBE something went funky because I was rooted on ME7, let MI1 come via OTA, then DeLaVega'ed that. I just don't know.
Now, I have a different phone, I am going to need to UNroot and FDR the phone I will send back. Haven't found info on UNroot for Mi1/DeLaVega yet. I've seen ROMs for ME7-nowipe and MJ7-wipe.
Thanks
Bear
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at this thread. -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301259
Related
Hey guys,
Alright, so I was on my stock rooted ROM and saw an OTA come in. I download and apply the update, but it freezes and stops the update. So I unrooted, and tried again. Still failed. So then I remember I didn't disable SafeStrap, and I go and re-root, disable SafeStrap, unroot again, and THEN try the update. Still failed.
I did delete some of the games that came with the phone (while unrooted; I didn't remove system files to my knowledge). What do you guys think the problem could be? I'd really like improved signal connectivity and eventually ICS. And Fastbooting didn't work for me the last time I used it for some reason (although I wasn't on stock ROM at the time - could that have done it?)
Thanks!
Edit: Tried factory reset, did NOT work. Looks like SBF/Fastboot is my only option. What happens if it doesn't work? I'm on stock and unrooted and everything. Maybe I just need to install the missing files? I think I only deleted thinks like NFL 12 and the similar games that were ALLOWED to be deleted. SO blown right now...ugh.
It probably was the bloatware you removed. Before the update came down, I fastbooted back to make sure there weren't any issues with the update. Several people have said that with bloatware removed, the update will fail.
How did you unroot? The only way I've done it is to fastboot it (just to be on the safe side).
I used some app called Ginger Unroot from the market. Surprisingly, it actually worked - SU operations (including SafeStrap apk tasks, SetCPU, etc) ceased function due to a lack of root. I almost feel like VZW could just reset the phone because it is TECHNICALLY not rooted and is still not accepting the OTA. Also, I have a Mac, so it's a hassle to have to borrow a friend's PC every week and try again. But I'll see. There's absolutely NO WAY to fastboot via a Mac, right?
(Also - would a factory reset put the missing apps back and allow, then, for an OTA?)
Thanks!
Things like Safestrap can prevent OTA update.
Safestrap changes the boot structure.
I removed SafeStrap though. Like, it is NO LONGER on my phone, either in bootup OR in apk form. So it shouldn't be affecting the process anymore, right?
Sorry for double post - I found a FastBoot utility for Mac that MIGHT work. Not 100% on it though, but everyone who's used it has indicated it has worked for them.
You say you are unrooted now. Have you rooted before? If so what modifications did you make?
After a very similar experience I finally an updating and it appears that the update hasn't failed. My two previous attempts failed after I unrooted (protected using OTA Rootkeeper), disable Safestrap, and reloaded my preinstall files. If you have ever used Safestrap or done anything to tamper with the preinstall files, webtop, or the bloat apps you will not be able to update.
See, that's my problem...I got rid of apps like the blockbuster app and Madden 12...you're telling me, essentially, that I'm screwed because VZW was stupid enough to make "vital" apps deletable? Also, I deleted those apps while non-rooted. How's that for ironic...
ViaCapita13 said:
You say you are unrooted now. Have you rooted before? If so what modifications did you make?
After a very similar experience I finally an updating and it appears that the update hasn't failed. My two previous attempts failed after I unrooted (protected using OTA Rootkeeper), disable Safestrap, and reloaded my preinstall files. If you have ever used Safestrap or done anything to tamper with the preinstall files, webtop, or the bloat apps you will not be able to update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you reload the pre install files? Where did you get the files?
I'm having same issue on xt926.
Thank you very much for the help!
I rooted my phone to prevent KitKat from installing, because I didn't want to lose access to FoxFi. I forze the SDM file so it wouldnt look for updates. Today FoxFi has fixed the problem, so I no longer fell the need to be rooted, and I would very much like a taste of that KitKat. If I understand correctly I should not unfreeze the the SDM file and take the OTA update, because it could "brick my phone". Is that the case?
Do I need to unroot first, and is there a thread without a hundred pages that explains how to unroot. I am on Build VRUEMK2.
Thoughts?
Under the settings in the Superuser app is an option to "Full Unroot" Will this really work for unrooting the device, or do i need to do the odin thing i keep reading about? Why would odin even be necessary if this is an option. It seems to easy.
You will need to return your phone to stock, root will prevent the OTA. You can try to unfreeze SDM and take the update, it won't brick your phone, it will just fail to install because root will cause it to fail.
There are threads about using Odin and no-wipe MK2 or MJ7 files to return your phone to stock without losing data. That is the best way to roll your phone back to take the update. Alternatively, you could just do a factory reset from the stock recovery, but you'll lose all your data on the phone. Otherwise, you can just update using the Odin tars that are available now, but since it seems like you don't want to do the research on how to do that, you'd probably better not try.
Paramemetic said:
There are threads about using Odin and no-wipe MK2 or MJ7 files to return your phone to stock without losing data. That is the best way to roll your phone back to take the update. Alternatively, you could just do a factory reset from the stock recovery, but you'll lose all your data on the phone. Otherwise, you can just update using the Odin tars that are available now, but since it seems like you don't want to do the research on how to do that, you'd probably better not try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
So you do not recommend or know about the "Full Unroot" option in the Superuser settings.
I do not mid a factory reset, as this is phone is only a month old. If it is that easy, I will probably go that route.
I am currently downloading a file called VRUAMDK_NoWipe.tar.zip which I understand to be a stock image of my android before i rooted that is supposed to take me back to pre-root. But if factory resetting will accomplish the same goal, then that seems like an easier way to go.
I do like the openness of being rooted, but My concern about updating with the root, is that some functions may not work like they are supposed to. I haven't been involved in rooting since the days of playing with my HTC Eris, and Droid X. Maybe things a re different today, but most roms I played with were found to have issues with thinks not functioning correctly. Do the 4.4 "tars" that you are referring to have all the functions?
I'd sit tight and see what comes from the latest tar files of NC5. Maybe nothing, but can't hurt to wait.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Rageboardr said:
Thanks,
So you do not recommend or know about the "Full Unroot" option in the Superuser settings.
I do not mid a factory reset, as this is phone is only a month old. If it is that easy, I will probably go that route.
I am currently downloading a file called VRUAMDK_NoWipe.tar.zip which I understand to be a stock image of my android before i rooted that is supposed to take me back to pre-root. But if factory resetting will accomplish the same goal, then that seems like an easier way to go.
I do like the openness of being rooted, but My concern about updating with the root, is that some functions may not work like they are supposed to. I haven't been involved in rooting since the days of playing with my HTC Eris, and Droid X. Maybe things a re different today, but most roms I played with were found to have issues with thinks not functioning correctly. Do the 4.4 "tars" that you are referring to have all the functions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The no wipe image you are downloading is probably not the correct version for your phone unless you are still on the MDK firmware.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
jmgib said:
The no wipe image you are downloading is probably not the correct version for your phone unless you are still on the MDK firmware.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bummer, I was wondering about that after i started looking at different image names. I started seeing the common theme, and no I am not on MDK, I am on MK2. Bummer because that file took along time to download here at work.
kude87 said:
I'd sit tight and see what comes from the latest tar files of NC5. Maybe nothing, but can't hurt to wait.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the difference between a tar file, and ROMing. Are TAR files more reliable?
I am in no real hurry, but as this is my daily phone, I need everything to work correctly, and no reason to wait if its like ROMs, and there seem to always be things that are quirky in a ROM.
Rageboardr said:
What is the difference between a tar file, and ROMing. Are TAR files more reliable?
I am in no real hurry, but as this is my daily phone, I need everything to work correctly, and no reason to wait if its like ROMs, and there seem to always be things that are quirky in a ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is your daily and you aren't in any hurry, I strongly suggest waiting it out. Read some forums and get a better feel about rooting and romming.
A tar file is flashed through Odin, and depending which one you download, could lock your bootloader (I forget which firmware you're on). I'd personally wait for/if NC5 is rooted and proceed then.
"Romming" is a broad term used to define flashing custom roms. Predominantly, this means you have an unlocked bootloader and are flashing zip files through a custom recovery.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Rageboardr said:
I rooted my phone to prevent KitKat from installing, because I didn't want to lose access to FoxFi. I forze the SDM file so it wouldnt look for updates. Today FoxFi has fixed the problem, so I no longer fell the need to be rooted, and I would very much like a taste of that KitKat. If I understand correctly I should not unfreeze the the SDM file and take the OTA update, because it could "brick my phone". Is that the case?
Do I need to unroot first, and is there a thread without a hundred pages that explains how to unroot. I am on Build VRUEMK2.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I had the same issue. mk2, rooted, wanted to take the ota update and didn't mind losing root.
You won't brick trying to take the update it will just fail with error 402. I wrote out my steps below to guide you thru the process I used and were successful for me.
1. Unroot using SuperSU.
2. Use Kies to update/restore firmware on your PC.
3. Once rebooted search for system update.
4. Download and install the update. I did the whole process using only data no WiFi (not sure if it makes a difference but that's what I did).
5. Once your phone reboots you will be greeted by a lovely red Verizon splash screen.
Hope this helps you and others!
Sent from my Hp Touchpad Android 4.4.2 using Tapatalk Pro
Hey guys... I need some help.I have many questions.
So as the title says. My S4 over heated. It's actually been happening for a while and the glass had begun separating from the digitizer over the last few months. A few day ago I awoke to a blotched out black screen that blacks out every so often.
I held off getting a replacement because I was rooted, loki'd on the MDK bootloader.
My replacement arrived today and it was the MK2 baseband. Upon start up VZW tried to push the OTA to me. i stopped it and postponed it to 6:00 AM eastern, MDK was easy, but I'm not familiar with this new process and had some questions. So using searches on XDA I have:
1) Rooted with Saferoot
2) Installed Wanam Xposed
3) Renamed SDM.apk & FWUpgrade.apk to .bak's to the update <-- was this right? I dont want to wake up to a voluntarily installed OTA.
Questions
1) Should I install SafeStrap, if so which version? I see there's an ATT version out there for upgrading to NC5, but there's also a MK2 version.
2) I see a lot up people were able to update to NC5 and keep root with Surge's method. Is there an advantage to this?
3) What's everyone doing for hotspot/tethering now on MK2 and up?
4) On MDK, most of the ROMs were debloated. What do I do to get rid of some of this VZW bloat on here.
Now I need help with the old phone.
Even though the other phone over-heated. I can just see VZW rejecting the exchange because I was rooted, Now with the screen being all black blotches and cutting out, I can't really return it to stock. The phone turns on, and works. I just cant see what's on the screen.
Is there a way for me to utilize my computer to unroot, return to stock recovery, and install a stock ROM all without being able to see the screen on the phone?
I don't want to delete my old Clockwork Mod nandroids from my SD card until I can return the old phone to stock.
Thanks for your help in advance.
ymDroid said:
Hey guys... I need some help.I have many questions.
So as the title says. My S4 over heated. It's actually been happening for a while and the glass had begun separating from the digitizer over the last few months. A few day ago I awoke to a blotched out black screen that blacks out every so often.
I held off getting a replacement because I was rooted, loki'd on the MDK bootloader.
My replacement arrived today and it was the MK2 baseband. Upon start up VZW tried to push the OTA to me. i stopped it and postponed it to 6:00 AM eastern, MDK was easy, but I'm not familiar with this new process and had some questions. So using searches on XDA I have:
1) Rooted with Saferoot
2) Installed Wanam Xposed
3) Renamed SDM.apk & FWUpgrade.apk to .bak's to the update <-- was this right? I dont want to wake up to a voluntarily installed OTA.
Questions
1) Should I install SafeStrap, if so which version? I see there's an ATT version out there for upgrading to NC5, but there's also a MK2 version.
2) I see a lot up people were able to update to NC5 and keep root with Surge's method. Is there an advantage to this?
3) What's everyone doing for hotspot/tethering now on MK2 and up?
4) On MDK, most of the ROMs were debloated. What do I do to get rid of some of this VZW bloat on here.
Now I need help with the old phone.
Even though the other phone over-heated. I can just see VZW rejecting the exchange because I was rooted, Now with the screen being all black blotches and cutting out, I can't really return it to stock. The phone turns on, and works. I just cant see what's on the screen.
Is there a way for me to utilize my computer to unroot, return to stock recovery, and install a stock ROM all without being able to see the screen on the phone?
I don't want to delete my old Clockwork Mod nandroids from my SD card until I can return the old phone to stock.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Install Safestrap for your corresponding baseband. If you have mk2 then install safestrap for mk2.
2. If you upgrade to NC5 and keep root you can flash 4.4.2 touchwiz roms on the stock slot usingthe att 3.72 safestrap
3. For tethering you can use foxfi or you could use surges tethering unlock
4. You can debloat stuff by just disabling the apps you dont want.
For your old phone,
1. You should be able to get your data off of it by just connecting it to your computer then copying stuff from your old phone to your computer.
2. To reset it back to mdk stock, you should boot into odin mode doing the keypress when your phone is off, then after a few seconds press volume up to comfirm boot into odin mode. Then you should be able to odin mdk stock from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2751461
Best of Luck
joshuabg;52899257
2. To reset it back to mdk stock said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2751461[/url]
Best of Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU.
Quick question. Does this odin MDK flash install the stock recovery back.
ymDroid said:
THANK YOU.
Quick question. Does this odin MDK flash install the stock recovery back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should, I think it goes over all partitions, boot, persdata, system, recovery, modem, etc.
Won't hurt to try.
So I was on 4.3 MJ7 for a long time and everyday I would hit "install later" on the OTA update pop up but one day I messed up without realizing it and now my phone is on 4.3 MDK, I rerooted my phone and I want to remove my custom rom I've had forever that I don't even use because my internal space is almost used. Well I can't access Safestrap recovery. It says it's installed but it won't go into recovery mode. Also I haven't reinstalled it or anything as I don't know how it would effect the custom roms accessibility. Safestrap is v3.71 and I just need to get rid of Hyperdrive. By the way the OTA pop ups are back so I'm thinking of just updating all the way then rooting, I just need a clean device first. I hope to receive a solutionn and appreciate any help. BTW I have installed Busybox as some people have found that as a solution, well I didn't and to be perfectly honest I don't even know what Busybox does or is lol.
infamouskash said:
So I was on 4.3 MJ7 for a long time and everyday I would hit "install later" on the OTA update pop up but one day I messed up without realizing it and now my phone is on 4.3 MDK, I rerooted my phone and I want to remove my custom rom I've had forever that I don't even use because my internal space is almost used. Well I can't access Safestrap recovery. It says it's installed but it won't go into recovery mode. Also I haven't reinstalled it or anything as I don't know how it would effect the custom roms accessibility. Safestrap is v3.71 and I just need to get rid of Hyperdrive. By the way the OTA pop ups are back so I'm thinking of just updating all the way then rooting, I just need a clean device first. I hope to receive a solutionn and appreciate any help. BTW I have installed Busybox as some people have found that as a solution, well I didn't and to be perfectly honest I don't even know what Busybox does or is lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you mean MK2....easiest solution is to odin full wipe Mk2 image....cleans everything
decaturbob said:
you mean MK2....easiest solution is to odin full wipe Mk2 image....cleans everything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes MK2 sorry I misspelled, but won't the wipe clean my device completely? I wouldn't want to lose my information and all the data on my phone.
I am giving two VZW GS4's to my parents for Christmas and I would like to make things as simple as possible for them, which means getting rid of all the boatware that Verizon/Samsung includes. I'm familiar with rooting/flashing etc. with my Sprint GS4, but I am still somewhat bewildered by all the info regarding the VZW phones and all the different versions.
These VZW phones are on the NC5 baseband (?) and if I understand correctly they can be rooted with towelroot but cannot install a custom recovery because the bootloader is locked.
Once I root, will the phone still receive OTA updates and install properly, or will there just be a continual message saying that the update failed?
I don't plan on trying to install a custom ROM, but if I understand correctly the only way to do so is by using safestrap?
Is it possible to backup the phone, similar to a ROM backup in TWRP for example? Will I be able to return to a full stock state after root? In other words, after I root what happens if I do a factory data reset?
Thanks in advance.
buckeyestargazer said:
I am giving two VZW GS4's to my parents for Christmas and I would like to make things as simple as possible for them, which means getting rid of all the boatware that Verizon/Samsung includes. I'm familiar with rooting/flashing etc. with my Sprint GS4, but I am still somewhat bewildered by all the info regarding the VZW phones and all the different versions.
These VZW phones are on the NC5 baseband (?) and if I understand correctly they can be rooted with towelroot but cannot install a custom recovery because the bootloader is locked.
Once I root, will the phone still receive OTA updates and install properly, or will there just be a continual message saying that the update failed?
I don't plan on trying to install a custom ROM, but if I understand correctly the only way to do so is by using safestrap?
Is it possible to backup the phone, similar to a ROM backup in TWRP for example? Will I be able to return to a full stock state after root? In other words, after I root what happens if I do a factory data reset?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You are correct. The nc5 can only be rooted. The bootloader is not unlocked or even possible to workaround; safestrap is your only option.
2. Once you root, your phone will not be stock anymore so OTAs will not work. You must unroot and restore your phone back to stock in order to update via OTA. However, if you learn how to use ODIN, your life will become much easier.
3. Safestrap is the only way.
4. You can backup with Safestrap. Yes you will be able to return back to a full stock state using ODIN. If you use ODIN to factory reset, your phone becomes back to stock i.e. unrooted.
Raymondlikesroot said:
2. Once you root, your phone will not be stock anymore so OTAs will not work. You must unroot and restore your phone back to stock in order to update via OTA. However, if you learn how to use ODIN, your life will become much easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. One more question: Once rooted, if I stay on the stock rom, will the phone still receive OTA update notifications (even though it will fail install)?
I'm a little familiar with odin so I should be able to go back to full stock if necessary.
buckeyestargazer said:
Thanks. One more question: Once rooted, if I stay on the stock rom, will the phone still receive OTA update notifications (even though it will fail install)?
I'm a little familiar with odin so I should be able to go back to full stock if necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, unfortunately, you will receive constant update messages. However, if you are rooted, you can stop these messages. Download an app called "titanium Backup" and freeze fwupdate.apk. That specific app is what causes all the update messages to appear.