Related
Hey everyone,
So I'm having a bit of an issue. I currently own (and love) a Verizon Galaxy S4 (model number: SCH-I545). I rooted my phone back at the end of November, right after the MJ7 framework release and it's been splendid. I've gotten rid of all the bloatware using Titanium Backup and my phone absolutely soars through every program I run on it as well as works as a great business device.
I'm currently encountering two problems:
1. I can't seem to find a ClockwordMod or any type of recovery software that'll actually work and install correctly. I've tried the GooManager one and the ClockworkMod app one, and nearly bricked my phone in the process of doing so. As I'm sure you all know, not being able to have a recovery program makes it a pain in the butt to deal with. I was gonna flash CyanogenMod (like I once had on my Galaxy Tab) and go with it; however, standard rooted S4 seems to do the trick and is fast and some of the Samsung stuff isn't half bad, to be fair.
2. I need to find a MK2 zip that once I do get a recovery pushed, I can update the root for stability fixes. I've searched up and down and just can't find an MK2 pushable zip that won't be like the OTA one and make me lose my root.
So XDA, can you all point me in the right direction to get both of these fixed?
No
JacobNWolf said:
Hey everyone,
So I'm having a bit of an issue. I currently own (and love) a Verizon Galaxy S4 (model number: SCH-I545). I rooted my phone back at the end of November, right after the MJ7 framework release and it's been splendid. I've gotten rid of all the bloatware using Titanium Backup and my phone absolutely soars through every program I run on it as well as works as a great business device.
I'm currently encountering two problems:
1. I can't seem to find a ClockwordMod or any type of recovery software that'll actually work and install correctly. I've tried the GooManager one and the ClockworkMod app one, and nearly bricked my phone in the process of doing so. As I'm sure you all know, not being able to have a recovery program makes it a pain in the butt to deal with. I was gonna flash CyanogenMod (like I once had on my Galaxy Tab) and go with it; however, standard rooted S4 seems to do the trick and is fast and some of the Samsung stuff isn't half bad, to be fair.
2. I need to find a MK2 zip that once I do get a recovery pushed, I can update the root for stability fixes. I've searched up and down and just can't find an MK2 pushable zip that won't be like the OTA one and make me lose my root.
So XDA, can you all point me in the right direction to get both of these fixed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no custom recovery available for your build. Only Safestrap. There's a few stickies you might want to read in the General section.
As far as MK2, I think your only option would be to use Odin and re-root using Saferoot.
Sent from my NCC 1701 using Tapatalk 4
JacobNWolf said:
Hey everyone,
So I'm having a bit of an issue. I currently own (and love) a Verizon Galaxy S4 (model number: SCH-I545). I rooted my phone back at the end of November, right after the MJ7 framework release and it's been splendid. I've gotten rid of all the bloatware using Titanium Backup and my phone absolutely soars through every program I run on it as well as works as a great business device.
I'm currently encountering two problems:
1. I can't seem to find a ClockwordMod or any type of recovery software that'll actually work and install correctly. I've tried the GooManager one and the ClockworkMod app one, and nearly bricked my phone in the process of doing so. As I'm sure you all know, not being able to have a recovery program makes it a pain in the butt to deal with. I was gonna flash CyanogenMod (like I once had on my Galaxy Tab) and go with it; however, standard rooted S4 seems to do the trick and is fast and some of the Samsung stuff isn't half bad, to be fair.
2. I need to find a MK2 zip that once I do get a recovery pushed, I can update the root for stability fixes. I've searched up and down and just can't find an MK2 pushable zip that won't be like the OTA one and make me lose my root.
So XDA, can you all point me in the right direction to get both of these fixed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't find a custom recovery for your phone because there isn't one.
Please, before you brick your phone - disconnect the USB cable, walk away, then go read this sticky thread in the general forum.
Then read this thread.
The only thing available for post-MDK Verizon GS4s is Safestrap.
k1mu said:
You can't find a custom recovery for your phone because there isn't one.
Please, before you brick your phone - disconnect the USB cable, walk away, then go read this sticky thread in the general forum.
Then read this thread.
The only thing available for post-MDK Verizon GS4s is Safestrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was reading the Safestrap recovery link that you linked and I noticed it was for locked bootloaders. How do you identify what bootloader you have? When I turn on the phone, it has the "Unlocked" sign, so it may be that I'm on the old bootloader. Any idea?
JacobNWolf said:
I was reading the Safestrap recovery link that you linked and I noticed it was for locked bootloaders. How do you identify what bootloader you have? When I turn on the phone, it has the "Unlocked" sign, so it may be that I'm on the old bootloader. Any idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a locked bootloader. You will have to use safestrap. Be sure to read. Lots of helpful links and tips in the general section. Yesterday I upgraded to mk2. Used saferoot. Installed safestrap. Loaded up hyperdrive. Runs great.
Pmmac said:
You have a locked bootloader. You will have to use safestrap. Be sure to read. Lots of helpful links and tips in the general section. Yesterday I upgraded to mk2. Used saferoot. Installed safestrap. Loaded up hyperdrive. Runs great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the zip/update package for mk2? Can't seem to find it myself
JacobNWolf said:
Hey everyone,
So I'm having a bit of an issue. I currently own (and love) a Verizon Galaxy S4 (model number: SCH-I545). I rooted my phone back at the end of November, right after the MJ7 framework release and it's been splendid. I've gotten rid of all the bloatware using Titanium Backup and my phone absolutely soars through every program I run on it as well as works as a great business device.
I'm currently encountering two problems:
1. I can't seem to find a ClockwordMod or any type of recovery software that'll actually work and install correctly. I've tried the GooManager one and the ClockworkMod app one, and nearly bricked my phone in the process of doing so. As I'm sure you all know, not being able to have a recovery program makes it a pain in the butt to deal with. I was gonna flash CyanogenMod (like I once had on my Galaxy Tab) and go with it; however, standard rooted S4 seems to do the trick and is fast and some of the Samsung stuff isn't half bad, to be fair.
2. I need to find a MK2 zip that once I do get a recovery pushed, I can update the root for stability fixes. I've searched up and down and just can't find an MK2 pushable zip that won't be like the OTA one and make me lose my root.
So XDA, can you all point me in the right direction to get both of these fixed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
take some time to read...this is a stickie
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606501
decaturbob said:
take some time to read...this is a stickie
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606501
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not a n00b to this at all. I now have Safestrap, it runs fine. I rooted it by myself and have done a lot to it since (November 2013). I get how these things work, but I can't for the life of me find an update zip for MK2. That's all I'm looking for at this point.
JacobNWolf said:
I'm not a n00b to this at all. I now have Safestrap, it runs fine. I rooted it by myself and have done a lot to it since (November 2013). I get how these things work, but I can't for the life of me find an update zip for MK2. That's all I'm looking for at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you have to search for an MK2 tar file to use with Odin.
Sent from my NCC 1701 using Tapatalk 4
The success is real!
riker147 said:
I think you have to search for an MK2 tar file to use with Odin.
Sent from my NCC 1701 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FOUND IT! WOOP, thanks for the help guys; for anyone else trying to find one, use the "No-Wipe" in this thread, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2578209 and flash with ODIN 3.09, located here: http://rootjunkysdl.com/getdownload.php?file=Galaxy S4/Firmware Odin MK2/Odin3-v3.09.zip
I have been reading around here a few hours, but I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for, So I thought I'd ask.
Here is what I have:
Safestrap version:3.65
Baseband Version: I545VRUAME
Kernel: 3.4.0-690088
Build Number: JDQ39.I545VUAME7
Rooted Stock Rom running 4.2.2
I am looking to update to 4.4.x, and be rooted.
Preferable to have CM, but not necessary.
Do need root, for a few of the tweaks/apps I use every day.
I have seen that there are odin files to upgrade to 4.4.3 directly, but it seems cloudy whether or not it can actually be rooted after that.
I like the way safe strap has rom slots, but due to the large size of the roms, I could really only use one at a time any way. (what I am saying is that SS isn't necessary, just what I already know.)
Thank you, so much in advance.
aron7676 said:
I have been reading around here a few hours, but I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for, So I thought I'd ask.
Here is what I have:
Safestrap version:3.65
Baseband Version: I545VRUAME
Kernel: 3.4.0-690088
Build Number: JDQ39.I545VUAME7
Rooted Stock Rom running 4.2.2
I am looking to update to 4.4.x, and be rooted.
Preferable to have CM, but not necessary.
Do need root, for a few of the tweaks/apps I use every day.
I have seen that there are odin files to upgrade to 4.4.3 directly, but it seems cloudy whether or not it can actually be rooted after that.
I like the way safe strap has rom slots, but due to the large size of the roms, I could really only use one at a time any way. (what I am saying is that SS isn't necessary, just what I already know.)
Thank you, so much in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to read the stickie in the general forum before you brick your phone... Not sure how you missed it.
sent via safestrap 3.72 and echo v25.1! !
Well I followed the instructions in this post (which was stickied) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2720163
and now all I am getting is "System software not authorized by Verizon Wireless has been found on your phone. Please turn off your phone and go to the nearest Verizon Wireless store for help. "
Tried rebooting into download mode, and into recovery, neither would come up.
Anyone have some advice?
I would post in the forum I linked but I dont have enough posts under my belt to post in that category.
Oh, and in the top left side of the screen in red letters I see Secure Fail: kernel
Aaron
Got back into download mode.
Trying to flash I545VRUFNC5-AIO-incl-modem-hlos-nobootloaders-gogolie.tar again in the AP slot in odin.
Failed again.
Same Results as listed above.
now downloading the "The Complete Package - Absolutely everything you'll need in one .rar file."
Help upgrading from ME7 to NC5
I have the same problem as Aaron, Want to get to Rooted NC5
Can anyone let me to right post, Info etc........
I have been looking now for 3 Days Brick my phone 3 times :crying:
Thanks
To root on nc5, Google towelroot and install it. Open the app and just click make it rain to root
I need to Get to NC5, I'm Stuck on ME7..... I could take the OTA update, is this what You"all recommend ?
Everything I trey I get Bricked, I have to odin the ME7 Tar to un-brick
Capaints said:
I need to Get to NC5, I'm Stuck on ME7..... I could take the OTA update, is this what You"all recommend ?
Everything I trey I get Bricked, I have to odin the ME7 Tar to un-brick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't use OTA unless the phone is totally stock. You can upgrade by odin-flashing the no-wipe or full-wipe NC5 tar files that are in their own thread in the Android Development section
joshm.1219 said:
You can't use OTA unless the phone is totally stock. You can upgrade by odin-flashing the no-wipe or full-wipe NC5 tar files that are in their own thread in the Android Development section
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now I'm completely Stock " odin ME7 full wipe tar" I have tried to odin to NC5 But No Luck, gets Bricked, have tried a few different files....
maybe You know a NC5 Full wipe or ??? I can odin to ?
I watched a couple YouTube videos on the Upgrade to Rooted NC5 with Super SU and still No Luck......
Need Help, Take the OTA update ? Thx
Capaints said:
Right now I'm completely Stock " odin ME7 full wipe tar" I have tried to odin to NC5 But No Luck, gets Bricked, have tried a few different files....
maybe You know a NC5 Full wipe or ??? I can odin to ?
I watched a couple YouTube videos on the Upgrade to Rooted NC5 with Super SU and still No Luck......
Need Help, Take the OTA update ? Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2735172
Use this full wipe file and follow Surge's instructions. If you're using Odin 3.10 and having trouble, try rolling back to 3.09
joshm.1219 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2735172
Use this full wipe file and follow Surge's instructions. If you're using Odin 3.10 and having trouble, try rolling back to 3.09
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You Joshm, that did it ! First try and Now on NC5
Now I need to Root it and load Safe Strap :good:
Capaints said:
Thank You Joshm, that did it ! First try and Now on NC5
Now I need to Root it and load Safe Strap :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I just bought an S4 that is on ME7 and is Bone Stock. I need to get it to NC5 as well.
Can I use the Full Wipe File to get me to where I need to be? Just Want to do this the safe way.
---------- Post added at 01:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:54 PM ----------
Ok I got impatient and tried this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2735172
as was suggested up above. Luckily it worked first time out of the box and had Zero issues.
Thanks Guys!
Hello all,
I have an S4 running NC5 and I have used TowelRoot to get root. I have deleted pretty much all of the apps on the Safe to Remove list in the general forum. I now want to accept the new OTA Update that was released two days ago in hopes of it fixing my SMS not sending issue.
I am not looking to keep root or rom in the future, life is too busy for that anymore, I just want the new OTA and a totally bloated stock unrooted ROM.
How can I restore these deleted apps? Please tell me there is a way. I know there will be a few guys wanting to say "Shoulda froze them" lol but I figured there would be a way to restore them.
Thanks to any and all responses
E.
OK, download Odin 3.07 or above, and also download the i545 nc5 factory.tar file. Put the nc5.tar in the PDA/AP slot, and put your s4 into download mode by holding down+home+power when its off. Then click start once Odin finds the s4 and let it do its thing. When its done, go through the setup like when you got the phone and just take the ota. Should be stock with the latest ota. Hope I helped, reply if you have a question
bamige1 said:
OK, download Odin 3.07 or above, and also download the i545 nc5 factory.tar file. Put the nc5.tar in the PDA/AP slot, and put your s4 into download mode by holding down+home+power when its off. Then click start once Odin finds the s4 and let it do its thing. When its done, go through the setup like when you got the phone and just take the ota. Should be stock with the latest ota. Hope I helped, reply if you have a question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked like a charm. Now im on NG6, and my phone is running smoothly. Thank you very much!
Glad I was able to help you! I've had to use Odin so many times, it isn't funny.
I was one of the idiots that accidentally upgraded to the newest firmware when it first came out. My device is totally rooted, but I've been reading that I'm required to use things such as SafeStrap or Loki to install custom roms. I'm not sure if this is still the case as its been months since this was discovered. I've been trying to search the forums extensively for a fix, but I've been unable to find one. One thing I came across: here seems to be a very simple way to install TWRP on the Galaxy S4, however, I don't wan to run the risk of bricking my phone and being SOL because I have ****ty firmware and no way to custom recover my phone.
Point blank, would I be able to install TWRP manager via GooManager given that I've updated to NC5? Or even if not, what are my options for custom recovery/roms? End game, I want to walk away with 5.0.1 GPE or Cyanogenmod 12. Hopefully.
I'd really appreciate any and all help. Attached is a screenshot of my phone information.
zQueal said:
I was one of the idiots that accidentally upgraded to the newest firmware when it first came out. My device is totally rooted, but I've been reading that I'm required to use things such as SafeStrap or Loki to install custom roms. I'm not sure if this is still the case as its been months since this was discovered. I've been trying to search the forums extensively for a fix, but I've been unable to find one. One thing I came across: here seems to be a very simple way to install TWRP on the Galaxy S4, however, I don't wan to run the risk of bricking my phone and being SOL because I have ****ty firmware and no way to custom recover my phone.
Point blank, would I be able to install TWRP manager via GooManager given that I've updated to NC5? Or even if not, what are my options for custom recovery/roms? End game, I want to walk away with 5.0.1 GPE or Cyanogenmod 12. Hopefully.
I'd really appreciate any and all help. Attached is a screenshot of my phone information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you updated to anything past MDK there's no going back . Safestrap is the only option to install Touchwiz ROMS.
scrillakev said:
Once you updated to anything past MDK there's no going back . Safestrap is the only option to install Touchwiz ROMS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn! That's what I figured. I followed [this guide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLHZfPwLkPM) and installed the SafeStrap APK, but stopped at the "install recovery" step. I've been reading that this can soft brick your phone. Do you have any input? Is it safe to do? If it does brick my phone will I be able to factory reset with Odin?
Sorry for the barrage of questions, I'm a bit of a noob.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
EDIT:
Well, I decided to go ahead with it. It worked fine. I rebooted to SafeStrap and went right to do a backup. It failed. I tried to reboot into my stock rom, and it was 0MB. I really might blow up Verizon HQ.
zQueal said:
Damn! That's what I figured. I followed [this guide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLHZfPwLkPM) and installed the SafeStrap APK, but stopped at the "install recovery" step. I've been reading that this can soft brick your phone. Do you have any input? Is it safe to do? If it does brick my phone will I be able to factory reset with Odin?
Sorry for the barrage of questions, I'm a bit of a noob.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
EDIT:
Well, I decided to go ahead with it. It worked fine. I rebooted to SafeStrap and went right to do a backup. It failed. I tried to reboot into my stock rom, and it was 0MB. I really might blow up Verizon HQ.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never used SafeStrap so I doubt I will be much help. But once you rebooted your stock ROM is no longer there? Might have to just flash a stock image via ODIN and try again. Verizon isn't going to help you either with modding your phone, XDA is the place to be.
Has there been anything new since this thread was posted or is it impossible still?
mcbeat257 said:
Has there been anything new since this thread was posted or is it impossible still?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry buddy you're SOL
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
If you are rooted use a terminal editor app and type:
getprop ro.bootloader
If it says anything other than I545VRUAMDK your only choice is SafeStrap.
That means if you bought an S4 and it came with MK1, NC5, NK1, or anything other than MDK you cannot flash a custom recovery. The same applies if you took an OTA from VZW. This has been stated 1000's of times here.
Hint:
Look on the box that your S4 came in and read the last three characters where it says what build the phone has.
mcbeat257 said:
Has there been anything new since this thread was posted or is it impossible still?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep checking up on SS they are working on the ability to also use custom kernels on top which would make it essentially as efficient as a custom recovery, with some storage loss.
safestrap version
Well, I decided to go ahead with it. It worked fine. I rebooted to SafeStrap and went right to do a backup. It failed. I tried to reboot into my stock rom, and it was 0MB. I really might blow up Verizon HQ.[/QUOTE]
***Make sure you are using the correct version of safestrap for your current baseband
another good app from the google play store to download is samsung info
I have used safestrap in the past as I was in the same scenario as you. I currently now have a MDK phone
Illogi.xbone said:
Keep checking up on SS they are working on the ability to also use custom kernels on top which would make it essentially as efficient as a custom recovery, with some storage loss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How come they haven't been able to unlock the bootloader when only the build version is changing......
There should have been an exploit awhile ago....and why haven't they made an odin option for MDK yet?
mcbeat257 said:
How come they haven't been able to unlock the bootloader when only the build version is changing......
There should have been an exploit awhile ago....and why haven't they made an odin option for MDK yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The exploit was weeded out after MDK
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
The bootloader was never "unlocked" on MDK, there was just an exploit available that allowed the installation of a custom recovery. That exploit was closed in the first update from MDK and a new one has not been discovered. The bootloader itself has some pretty strong encryption so it may never be unlocked.
I rooted my s4 and installed twrp a long time ago used the phone for a little while then stashed it away. It had the following rom installed I545VRVFNC5 stock root oder I believe it was 4.4.2. The other night I installed flash fire and attempted to flash I545_OC1_Stock_rooted_rom mdk. It flashed ok but now I'm getting the verizon warning message and I can't bypass. I can no longer boot into twrp. I think the bootloader is still unlocked, padlock is unlocked upon boot. How do I get myself out of this message?
looneyk said:
I rooted my s4 and installed twrp a long time ago used the phone for a little while then stashed it away. It had the following rom installed I545VRVFNC5 stock root oder I believe it was 4.4.2. The other night I installed flash fire and attempted to flash I545_OC1_Stock_rooted_rom mdk. It flashed ok but now I'm getting the verizon warning message and I can't bypass. I can no longer boot into twrp. I think the bootloader is still unlocked, padlock is unlocked upon boot. How do I get myself out of this message?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to Odin back to MDK, if you had TWRP... If that doesn't work, nc5. You can't do custom ROM's like Cynanogenmod, but you have a limited amount of freedom with safestrap.
looneyk said:
I rooted my s4 and installed twrp a long time ago used the phone for a little while then stashed it away. It had the following rom installed I545VRVFNC5 stock root oder I believe it was 4.4.2. The other night I installed flash fire and attempted to flash I545_OC1_Stock_rooted_rom mdk. It flashed ok but now I'm getting the verizon warning message and I can't bypass. I can no longer boot into twrp. I think the bootloader is still unlocked, padlock is unlocked upon boot. How do I get myself out of this message?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The open padlock means the firmware you have installed is custom and not stock, doesn't mean your boot loader is unlocked. I would simply boot into download mode and re-image your device back to MDK, if that's where you were. What's your current boot loader version?
looneyk said:
I rooted my s4 and installed twrp a long time ago used the phone for a little while then stashed it away. It had the following rom installed I545VRVFNC5 stock root oder I believe it was 4.4.2. The other night I installed flash fire and attempted to flash I545_OC1_Stock_rooted_rom mdk. It flashed ok but now I'm getting the verizon warning message and I can't bypass. I can no longer boot into twrp. I think the bootloader is still unlocked, padlock is unlocked upon boot. How do I get myself out of this message?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SCH-I545
SnyderGuy said:
The open padlock means the firmware you have installed is custom and not stock, doesn't mean your boot loader is unlocked. I would simply boot into download mode and re-image your device back to MDK, if that's where you were. What's your current boot loader version?
Sent from my SCH-I545
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using an MDK S4.
I can bit to room, but cannot reboot to recovery.
Corrupted recovery after update via TWRP app.
How exactly, do I re-image my device back to MDK?
Do I use this stock MDK ROM? http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ment/rom-i545oc1-5-0-1-100-stock-mdk-t3097902
Do I put it in the BL or AP box in ODIN?
No, that is a ROM. You need the stock official software.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2289325
SHOULD be that one...
Put that in AP
XxD34THxX said:
No, that is a ROM. You need the stock official software.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2289325
SHOULD be that one...
Put that in AP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just read it all. Looks like fun!
I sure would like to know what I did wrong. I only used the TWRP app to update TWRP.
pizza_pablo said:
I just read it all. Looks like fun!
I sure would like to know what I did wrong. I only used the TWRP app to update TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That I cannot answer since I do not have MDK. My assumption is a corrupted download of TWRP or a partial install that was interrupted for some reason.
XxD34THxX said:
That I cannot answer since I do not have MDK. My assumption is a corrupted download of TWRP or a partial install that was interrupted for some reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may have been the case, since my connection was weak.
I'm just about to do the deed and I checked phone info and the bootloader is now I545VRUFNK4, vice MDK.
Here I go....
Well....I tried these to .tar files with no luck:
http://www.rwilco12.com/downloads.p...Galaxy S4 (Verizon) (SCH-I545)/Stock ROMs/TAR
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=22979706399752783
I did get the "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again."
Now, I no longer have the option to cancel Download Mode and bot ROM.
I didn't want to do anything in Kies, for fear of taking an OTA.
Do I have any options?
Even just taking an OTA and selling a former MDK treasure?
This seems to be happening a lot. A LOT. Before you try kies, go into device manager and uninstall the Samsung USB drivers. Then download the DRIVERS ONLY from Sammobile/Samsung. THEN use Odin with a full wipe and repartition of MDK. If you get the same message again, then you have lost the MDK bootloader, and will have to repeat the process with an nc5 tar, which will loose custom ROMs, but you will have root and safestrap.
XxD34THxX said:
This seems to be happening a lot. A LOT. Before you try kies, go into device manager and uninstall the Samsung USB drivers. Then download the DRIVERS ONLY from Sammobile/Samsung. THEN use Odin with a full wipe and repartition of MDK. If you get the same message again, then you have lost the MDK bootloader, and will have to repeat the process with an nc5 tar, which will loose custom ROMs, but you will have root and safestrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. So I am going to uninstall Kies, just for safety sake. Uninstall the Samsung PC drivers. Reinstall the PC drivers.
Use ODIN to flash this http://www.rwilco12.com/downloads.php?dir=Files/Devices/Samsung%20Galaxy%20S4%20%28Verizon%29%20%28SCH-I545%29/Stock%20ROMs/TAR in the AP box. Sacrifice a chicken and dance with snakes.
What do you think may have caused the bootloader to change?
At this point I guess any use of the phone will be a positive and somehow retaining MDK will be a miracle.
Thanks, for your assistance, as I am at a loss, at this point!
that is a .gz, so make sure to unip it/ delete that extension so Odin can use it.
My assumption is you may have accidently flashed the entire nk4, not just one with the MDK stuff still in.
XxD34THxX said:
that is a .gz, so make sure to unip it/ delete that extension so Odin can use it.
My assumption is you may have accidently flashed the entire nk4, not just one with the MDK stuff still in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the link file, from my last post.
After I unzip it, delete the " .gz "
Got it. Thanks, again!
XxD34THxX said:
that is a .gz, so make sure to unip it/ delete that extension so Odin can use it.
My assumption is you may have accidently flashed the entire nk4, not just one with the MDK stuff still in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I just looked at the computer file and there was no .gz extention on the file I flashed thru ODIN.
It was not zipped, either.
On the xda page that you link, there was another choice on thier link. It was titled "one click". It is an .exe, titled "SCH-I545_MDK_562219_Stock_Restore.exe" .
What could ODIN do with this?
The other file I found, that I tried, but no change, was titled "VRUAMDK_NoWipe.tar.md5" .
Do you have any other suggestions,please?
Use the Full wipe in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301259
If that does not fix anything you have either
A)Hard Brick(unlikely since the device is semi-working)
B) lost MDK.
XxD34THxX said:
Use the Full wipe in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301259
If that does not fix anything you have either
A)Hard Brick(unlikely since the device is semi-working)
B) lost MDK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used this one, the other night, with no change, but this time I will delete Kies and phone drivers, then reinstall phone drivers, before ODIN.
You're a champ!
XxD34THxX said:
Use the Full wipe in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301259
If that does not fix anything you have either
A)Hard Brick(unlikely since the device is semi-working)
B) lost MDK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I remove the .md5 extension as well as the .gz and just leave the .tar on the end?
ETA: Well, I tried removing both extensions and ODIN would not take it. Received error pop up.
I tried, with no success, ODIN flashing the full wipe and no wipe tars, with no success.
Giving up for the night.
XxD34THxX said:
This seems to be happening a lot. A LOT. Before you try kies, go into device manager and uninstall the Samsung USB drivers. Then download the DRIVERS ONLY from Sammobile/Samsung. THEN use Odin with a full wipe and repartition of MDK. If you get the same message again, then you have lost the MDK bootloader, and will have to repeat the process with an nc5 tar, which will loose custom ROMs, but you will have root and safestrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I woke up in the middle of the night and something popped into my head and I couldn't get back to sleep, so here we go....
The phone was on Echoe v49 which is Lollipop and I didn't like it. So I decided to go to the last Echoe version that was KitKat, v34.
I flashed this https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95747613655044521 Which apparently is T-Mobile based, and the v20 international patch.
What popped into my head was that maybe my phone was thinking it was a T-Mobile S4, because I picked the wrong kernel. At the time everything seemed to work, except sending SMS. I could make phone calls and receive SMS.
This is was got me out of bed. I went to my notes for the Aroma install, to see what kernel I chose. I recalled picking the stock kernel, which may have been T-Mobile, but my notes say that I picked KTOONES kerenel in Aroma and in the Patcher, picked ADD VZW FILES AND BUILD PROP and NO KERNEL.
I was thinking that I had put a VZW version of TWRP onto a "T-Mobile" S4, getting me stuck to bootup in Download mode only, but still able to cancel Download and boot to system. Then I ODINed the VZW MDK stock firmware and am now with either Download mode or the yellow PC connected to phone screen, with the "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again."
I woke up thinking that maybe I had a T=mobile kernel and when I lost TWRP and only had stock recovery, downloaded the VZW version of TWRP on top of T=Mobile install. But the note makes it look like I would have been OK as far as the phone thinking it was a VZW S4.
Sorry if rambling, just trying to pass as many details and thoughts as possible.
Do I have any options, now?
I downloaded the stuff to do Heimdall One Click and was thinking about trying that route, with a file named "SCH-I545_MDK_562219_Stock_Restore.exe"
I have a 32GB MDK VZW SCH-i545 S4 that is running fine on ECHOE v29. Can I copy anything from that phone and flash in ODIN to recover the 16GB (was MDK) VZW SCH-i545 that is stuck on Download mode only?
Is there any way to flash a NANDROID via ODIN or some other program from a PC thru ODIN?
hmmm.. The Ktoonez kernal works on any s4. But if you flashed T mobile Files, which I don't think was the case since you flashed the Verizon stuff... I have never used Heimdall, so I can't comment on that. I don't know what to say. There might be a way to make a debrick image... Someone more experienced will have to help, sorry.
XxD34THxX said:
hmmm.. The Ktoonez kernal works on any s4. But if you flashed T mobile Files, which I don't think was the case since you flashed the Verizon stuff... I have never used Heimdall, so I can't comment on that. I don't know what to say. There might be a way to make a debrick image... Someone more experienced will have to help, sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to apologize! You have helped all you can. I appreciate it greatly!
I just want to ensure that I exhaust ALL possibilities of recovering the MDK, before I throw in the Kies upgrade towel.
I wonder if I'll get in hot water for starting a new thread.....