Hello all,
My partner bought a Galaxy S3 (GT-i1900) International (I live in the UK) off a friend .
We noticed that the network connection periodically failed. I noticed that the software was some of the earliest on this phone, and so i thought I'd better update it, as it was suggested that sometimes if the phone is running some of it's earliest software it can cause problems with the network connection, and as it works 95% of the time, surely it can't be the antenna? I went to software update and tried to update it there, it's then I realised the phone had been rooted, and even Kies would not update it. I came to the conclusion that perhaps my friend had tried to mess with the phone some how, and may have caused this network problem, or perhaps was trying to cure it? Who knows
I decided to flash the latest stock rom (i9300XXUGMK6_I9300OXAGMK6_I9300XXUGMK6_HOME.tar.md5) I found on Sammobile. Everything went well, the phone booted up perfectly, the only minor worry being that the first screen was in Polish, quickly remedied by changing the language to English UK. All seemed fine, until we tried to make a call. it was then we realised that there was no network connection whatsoever. I tried other sim cards with other networks - still no connection. It only shows the signal bars.
I read the forums for a couple of days and tried:
Going in Network Settings and searching for my network, 3, which it found amongst all others. it said 'Registered on Network' but then immediately flashed up '3 network not connected' or similar. fail.
Installing CWM recovery, then flashing the 2 modem zips (DDEMG2 & XXDME4) all went fine, but the phone still says 'disconnected' under Device settings Mobile network state
Using the Ariza patch. I tried this, but on the last step where it says 'just click patch' mine gets stuck on a downloading state, possibly as I'm using a stock rom I read some kernel has to be changed first? - Beyond me.
It was then I decided to scrutinize every difference between my working S3, exactly same phone on same network, and my partners.
The IMEI number was correct, something I see people have problems with. The signal strength reading are the same, suggesting the antenna at least is fine.
The serial number - Now this is the ONLY thing I can see that seems to have been changed, from the correct format, to one starting with 4df1 ...... Is this the problem, that has made the phone not register with network? In the UK phones are not locked into a specific phone number /contract and so I don't see how the network would decline a differing serial number?
Anyway that's where I'm at a phone that has no network connection, with a differing serial number.
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
extra[/ATTACH]
Screenshots of the device status in case that helps . SCREENSHOTS REMOVED DUE TO PRIVATE INFO
I've noticed after Googling the baseband version, it says 'New modem DDEMG2 (16/07/13) India,Sri Lanka,Bangladesh'
I live in the UK and have a network free unlocked unbranded International S3!
Surely the steps I followed to flash the modems as stated above are incorrect?!
Do I need to flash the UK one?
Anyone know which one for 4.3?
How do I do it and where would I find it?
Any help greatly appreciated!
ricrea said:
extra[/ATTACH]
Screenshots of the device status in case that helps .
I've noticed after Googling the baseband version, it says 'New modem DDEMG2 (16/07/13) India,Sri Lanka,Bangladesh'
I live in the UK and have a network free unlocked unbranded International S3!
Surely the steps I followed to flash the modems as stated above are incorrect?!
Do I need to flash the UK one?
Anyone know which one for 4.3?
How do I do it and where would I find it?
Any help greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to Samsungmobile and download 4.3 BTU ( it's for Uk,simfree phones.) Flash via Odin,maybe that will help
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app
thanks so much for the response!
Im sure that romwas the btu one? Does it not seem correct? I will check again.
ricrea said:
thanks so much for the response!
Im sure that romwas the btu one? Does it not seem correct? I will check again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so since setup started in Polish
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app
Attached is the screenshot the latest 4.3 btu. It wants me to download. Ive just looked on the phone, and it is the same
name exactly, and this is where I got it from. What could have gone wrong?
many thanks
ricrea said:
Attached is the screenshot the latest 4.3 btu. It wants me to download. Ive just looked on the phone, and it is the same
name exactly, and this is where I got it from. What could have gone wrong?
many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean Pda,Csc and Modem are the same? Or md5 is the same?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app
YOU ARE CORRRECT. Im downloading and the file name is different. No idea what i did.
Thanks for your help.
ricrea said:
YOU ARE CORRRECT. Im downloading and the file name is different. No idea what i did.
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Report back if you get your network back:thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app
ricrea said:
YOU ARE CORRRECT. Im downloading and the file name is different. No idea what i did.
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi couple of things first you have posted screen shots with your mobile no and Imei no on I would delete them
I am pretty sure flashing another rom won't fix your issue you can easily use roms from a different region and still have full network connection but you can give it a try as suggested above.
First thing first because you have upgraded your phone your efs as changed from efs v1 to efs v2 (which you probably already know) flashing the (DDEMG2 & XXDME4) modems would not work because you need a modem later than mg4 for 4.3 roms.
What you need to try is flash a patched mk6 modem and kernel from here >> https://drive.google.com/folderview...sharing&tid=0B6MIUd7HJudAbU5YaGkzOUowMG8#list << flash then reboot if you get stuck in a bootloop factory reset and wipe cache in recovery.You could also try this >> http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ii-network-problem-update-sn-t1918601/page199 << look at post 1984 this is basically the same thing with a rom included and as had some success.
If the patched modems do not work and you don't have a efs backup then I would suggest you need to send for repair.
tallman43 said:
Hi couple of things first you have posted screen shots with your mobile no and Imei no on I would delete them
I am pretty sure flashing another rom won't fix your issue you can easily use roms from a different region and still have full network connection but you can give it a try as suggested above.
First thing first because you have upgraded your phone your efs as changed from efs v1 to efs v2 (which you probably already know) flashing the (DDEMG2 & XXDME4) modems would not work because you need a modem later than mg4 for 4.3 roms.
What you need to try is flash a patched mk6 modem and kernel from here >> https://drive.google.com/folderview...sharing&tid=0B6MIUd7HJudAbU5YaGkzOUowMG8#list << flash then reboot if you get stuck in a bootloop factory reset and wipe cache in recovery.You could also try this >> http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ii-network-problem-update-sn-t1918601/page199 << look at post 1984 this is basically the same thing with a rom included and as had some success.
If the patched modems do not work and you don't have a efs backup then I would suggest you need to send for repair.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I have absolutely no idea what EFS is or how to back up. I would never have usually played with a phone like this it's just my partner was getting fed up of the connection disapearing every now and again, forcing her to reset. I have about 12 hours worth of knowledge on root access, flashing and modifying phones. I am worried I'm going to completely brick the phone. Is there anyway I can make a back of the phone as it is so that if I mess things up I can some how reset it, as at the moment I have Nothing as such. I am going to read up on EFS, I suspect due to the fact the phone was already rooted when I bought it, yet still stuck on the original software and and not updated in anyway, with a pre-exsisting network connection issue, that the phone was already un fixable. I hope not.
I will try all the steps suggested and post results.
Thanks a lot people
ps i hardly have any experience of using forums so sorry if i'm making a mess of this
ricrea said:
Thanks. I have absolutely no idea what EFS is or how to back up. I would never have usually played with a phone like this it's just my partner was getting fed up of the connection disapearing every now and again, forcing her to reset. I have about 12 hours worth of knowledge on root access, flashing and modifying phones. I am worried I'm going to completely brick the phone. Is there anyway I can make a back of the phone as it is so that if I mess things up I can some how reset it, as at the moment I have Nothing as such. I am going to read up on EFS, I suspect due to the fact the phone was already rooted when I bought it, yet still stuck on the original software and and not updated in anyway, with a pre-exsisting network connection issue, that the phone was already un fixable. I hope not.
I will try all the steps suggested and post results.
Thanks a lot people
ps i hardly have any experience of using forums so sorry if i'm making a mess of this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry just take your time and read all the guides if you install a custom recovery you can do a nandroid backup which is basically a full backup of everything on your phone and will restore your phone to how it was before (if you do it right) I recommend using PhilZ recovery and flash it with Odin.
tallman43 said:
Don't worry just take your time and read all the guides if you install a custom recovery you can do a nandroid backup which is basically a full backup of everything on your phone and will restore your phone to how it was before (if you do it right) I recommend using PhilZ recovery and flash it with Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have cwm recovery will this suffice?
I'm using Samsungtool as we speak to back up the EFS folder.
ricrea said:
I have cwm recovery will this suffice?
I'm using Samsungtool as we speak to back up the EFS folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep that will do fine although you are backing up a partially corrupt efs that's the reason you are not getting a signal because the efs v2 can't read the modern correctly that's why you may need a patched modem & kernel to help read it.But back it up anyway in case the efs gets any worse and gets totally corrupt.
tallman43 said:
Yep that will do fine although you are backing up a partially corrupt efs that's the reason you are not getting a signal because the efs v2 can't read the modern correctly that's why you may need a patched modem & kernel to help read it.But back it up anyway in case the efs gets any worse and gets totally corrupt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my thinking, the IMEI isn't corrupt yet so I thought best to back up what I have. Ive also backed up using CWM.
Im now trying to flash the proper version of 4.3 for my unlocked uK S3, so im at least using the correct os.
Im flashin zip from cwm, but when i select it on my sd card, it says the following:
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
Installing update...
Installation aborted.
Any ideas why it won't install? Iv'e been Googling it
for 2 hours.
cheers
update - I spent ten hours downloading the proper rom 4.3 btu uk unlocked one, finally flashed it using mobile odin.....
started in Polish again - with no network. I think that this is standard.
Next, I am going to try to flash the patched modem.
tallman43 - do you think my strange serial number needs to be corrected? Is this possible or necessary?
Many thanks - one very tired migraine creating finger-nail biter.
Update:
I finally got the phone to work by following the instructions on the page below;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-fixing-gt-i9300-network-4-3-stock-t2609635
The patched kernel didn't work on it's own, but the kernel I installed from this thread, along with the other two files, seemed to work, and though the phone is now registered using a much better Android 4.3, it still disconnects every now and again forcing a restart. I really wish I could work out why it does this, I'm starting to believe it may be a hardware issue now.
Is there a program that I could use to test the part of the phone that malfunctions and loses signal completely, to try and work out what is happening when the phone suddenly loses all signal and shows only a circle with a line on it (no sign)
Many thanks to all the people who helped me with this I really appreciate it.
I want to close this thread now as what I require now is off topic from the original post so many thanks for your help people.
Related
Hey there!
Before anyone asks, I have done the following.
Searched on google/XDA for solutions
Flashed different ROM's
Changed Kernels
Wiped all cache
Did factory Reset
I am currently having bad network problems with my phone.
I am running JellyBam 6.7.0 with default kernel.
Baseband: XXLQ6
Problem
I constently get No Service or "Emergency Calls only" in areas that I've never had emergency calls in. I am not aware of my old modem or RIL, and so am completely lost of what to go from here as I haven't found posts that could help my issue.
When I reboot my phone, turn airplane mode on, or just randomly it will go into the stage above, to where it will stay without signal for 10 minutes up to days (I've had it go for 2 days with no signal). When I try to search for networks (In places where there is 100% a network) it will say "error searching for network".
I have no idea what to do, and am rather scared. There have been 2 emergency situations to where I needed a phone, and yet mine had no signal.
My second question, is if I manage to get it back to stock ICS (4.0.4) and do all the updates through KIES, will I get the original modem + RIL back as well as the ROM? Or will I still need to flash that myself.
TLDR: If I reset it back completely to stock ICS, will everything that I have done (root, flash modems, flash kernels etc...) be erased.
Thanks so much for reading, I've got so much stress rigt now.
Are you getting no service all the time or only intermittently ? Also, check your IMEI in settings/about phone to see if it's the generic one (0049.....), whatever you do tho don't post your actual IMEI here. Just a yes/know answer to the 'is it the generic one' question will do.
If it's a constant thing, call your carrier to check if it's been IMEI blocked. If it's intermittent, flash a stock ICS rom as you'd suggested. You'll end up with whatever modem/baseband is attached to the rom you flash, and yes, you'll lose root & the kernel you're currently running will be replaced by the stock kernel in the rom you flash.
MistahBungle said:
Are you getting no service all the time or only intermittently ? Also, check your IMEI in settings/about phone to see if it's the generic one (0049.....), whatever you do tho don't post your actual IMEI here. Just a yes/know answer to the 'is it the generic one' question will do.
If it's a constant thing, call your carrier to check if it's been IMEI blocked. If it's intermittent, flash a stock ICS rom as you'd suggested. You'll end up with whatever modem/baseband is attached to the rom you flash, and yes, you'll lose root & the kernel you're currently running will be replaced by the stock kernel in the rom you flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's only intermittent, so not a problem with the IMEI.
So if I find, and download stock ICS to bring it to factory it should be fine? If I were to, let's say, flash the ICS onto the phone, is there any way to keep the RIL+ Baseband and flash back JB? Or when flashing JB, will it replace whatever RIL+Baseband is attached with the ROM.
Also, thanks for the quick reply. I was expecting days for a response.
Forget about JB/custom roms/anything else until or unless you get your phone working normally again. Flash an ICS stock rom for your region.
And forget about the current RIL/baseband. It sounds like it may well be the cause of the problems you're having; quite possible if you've been mucking around with different RIL's in particular. Pretty sure I said in my PP that you'll end up with whatever baseband is lumped in with the stock rom you flash.
Actually, you might want to stick with a stock rom specific to your carrier if there is one, at least that way you know the modem/baseband will more than likely have been tested by your carrier & is likely to work well with it unless there are other issues (carrier side connectivity issues or other problems with your phone).
As to whether doing this will fix your issues, no idea. At the moment, and in the absence of any clue as to what's causing your issues, it's the best option you've got. If it doesn't fix the problems, then it's probably a carrier-side issue (possible given it only happens at certain times/in certain locations) or a physical problem with the phone (less likely).
xxshabsxx said:
Yes it's only intermittent, so not a problem with the IMEI.
So if I find, and download stock ICS to bring it to factory it should be fine? If I were to, let's say, flash the ICS onto the phone, is there any way to keep the RIL+ Baseband and flash back JB? Or when flashing JB, will it replace whatever RIL+Baseband is attached with the ROM.
Also, thanks for the quick reply. I was expecting days for a response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MistahBungle said:
Forget about JB/custom roms/anything else until or unless you get your phone working normally again. Flash an ICS stock rom for your region.
And forget about the current RIL/baseband. It sounds like it may well be the cause of the problems you're having; quite possible if you've been mucking around with different RIL's in particular. Pretty sure I said in my PP that you'll end up with whatever baseband is lumped in with the stock rom you flash.
Actually, you might want to stick with a stock rom specific to your carrier if there is one, at least that way you know the modem/baseband will more than likely have been tested by your carrier & is likely to work well with it unless there are other issues (carrier side connectivity issues or other problems with your phone).
As to whether doing this will fix your issues, no idea. At the moment, and in the absence of any clue as to what's causing your issues, it's the best option you've got. If it doesn't fix the problems, then it's probably a carrier-side issue (possible given it only happens at certain times/in certain locations) or a physical problem with the phone (less likely).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I'm having problems to what official ROM to use from the list.
The only one on the list is Optus, but my phone is with virgin (on the optus network) should that be fine?
The rom is I9100XWLP8
Once again many thanks! I'll update you with the progress.
Yep. Flash the Optus rom given you're effectively using their network & see what happens.
MistahBungle said:
Yep. Flash the Optus rom given you're effectively using their network & see what happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate, you're a champion!
No probs Post here again if you have any dramas.
MistahBungle said:
No probs Post here again if you have any dramas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just downloaded it (Hotfile takes forever) and flashed through odin.
Worked fine after a factory reset. However, Kies won't update my phone.
Network seems to running smooth, so we'll see how it goes. The more things I do, I guess the more things I can rule out.
EDIT:
I updated the phone, and I get the message "Unfortunately, Application installer has stopped". What am I supposed to do?
Factory reset
Sent from the little guy
gastonw said:
Factory reset
Sent from the little guy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That didn't work.
Anyhow, I managed to track down a 4.0.4 variant of the ROM I was using, and made sure the CSC, PDA and Baseband all matched up with what Kies wanted, and flashed it. I think the error occured I was trying to update a ROM with the wrong CSC and Baseband to one with the correct ones and Kies didn't like that.
Hi,
Firstly thanks for time and sorry if this is a noob question but I only have a fairly small amount of experience regarding custom roms.
Here goes...
I have changed the rom on my phone about 5 times over the last couple of years and never had a problem. I have the latest version of teamwin and I'm currently running Android Revolution HD 50.0 by mike1986. This rom works great as have all the other I have used in the past ie Cyanogenmod, Omega etc but the problem I am having is over the last 4 months I am completely losing network and even if I try to search for a mobile operator my phone can't find any unless I run a full power cycle.
I have been reading as much online mainly xda-developers to find a solution to this problem but I'm afraid I'm now just running into a brick wall. I understand this could just be a hardware fault but I have read somewhere that I may have the wrong modem installed for my phone.
How likely is this? Can having the wrong modem cause intermittent problems? Also if this is the case where the I find a tutorial on correcting this issue. Plus which modem should I be using in the UK?
Again thanks for you time and any help would be much appreciated.
Mike
Do a full wipe and flash the latest stock firmware for your country, then factory reset.
Test fully before you install or restore anything. If it is still the same then probably hardware.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
ok, Will do. I am just waiting for the UK stock firmware to download. I left it downloading while I was out this afternoon and for some reason it failed and now is asking me to wait an hour before retrying
I'll let you know if this solves my problem.
Thanks
ok..
I managed to get hold of the stock firmware from another site. I first installed a version of ICS so I could run triangle away properly after rooting with CF auto root as without doing this I couldn't reset my binary counter even after flashing stock recovery. Then I installed the latest version of JB and ran the official Samsung update to get my phone up to the very latest Official software with device status official.
So now my phone is completely back to if it just came out of the box. I finished late last night and installed nothing but WhatsApp. Then at about 3pm today again I completely lost network and couldn't restore in without a full power cycle. Even searching for Network operators in settings couldn't restore the connection. I can't think of anything else to try.
Any ideas what to try next please?
P.S. The firmware I installed is as far as I can tell for my location. I'm in the U.K. and I'm using the stock BTU version on baseband version I9300XXUGMK6
the same i9300 problem
Mike_aMPLe said:
ok..
I managed to get hold of the stock firmware from another site. I first installed a version of ICS so I could run triangle away properly after rooting with CF auto root as without doing this I couldn't reset my binary counter even after flashing stock recovery. Then I installed the latest version of JB and ran the official Samsung update to get my phone up to the very latest Official software with device status official.
So now my phone is completely back to if it just came out of the box. I finished late last night and installed nothing but WhatsApp. Then at about 3pm today again I completely lost network and couldn't restore in without a full power cycle. Even searching for Network operators in settings couldn't restore the connection. I can't think of anything else to try.
Any ideas what to try next please?
P.S. The firmware I installed is as far as I can tell for my location. I'm in the U.K. and I'm using the stock BTU version on baseband version I9300XXUGMK6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I am have the same problem.. I've tried 2x reapir store.. but just can say: "you need put new main board".
But I have trust that its not better solution (at least for me).
So if you find some solution, please dont forget reply here.
Thanks
O2 by any chance? .. if so it's a network issue. It happened to me a while back but cleared up after a day or two.
shivadow said:
O2 by any chance? .. if so it's a network issue. It happened to me a while back but cleared up after a day or two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly the issue I have now - I can get some signal, but can't get anything in terms of using 3G/Mobile data :/
I have a I9300 that is not getting any network, the IMEI is 0049... and the serial number is a string of zeros. It was previously running stock 4.1.2 but I wanted to upgrade to at least the latest official ROM - 4.3 and thats how I ended up in this situation.
I've been a Linux user forever and I've owned and flashed a few Android phones in the past but this is my first Samsung Android handset and so the first time I've been bitten by efs. I did lots of reading before attempting the upgrade so I knew to backup the efs partition before doing any flashing. I did this with ktool but restoring my efs backup to various ROMs hasn't restored my network connectivity.
I'm on the 3 network in the UK so when I've been using Odin to restore stock ROMs (I've tried restoring both 4.3 and 4.1.2) I've been using the BTU versions ie
I9300XXUGMK6_I9300OXAGMK6_BTU
I9300XXEMG4_I9300OXAEMG4_BTU
I have now spent four full days reading and trying various solutions suggested in an array of threads on this forum, I've read all the stickies in http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/samsung-galaxy-s3-sticky-roll-thread-t2344125 plus many more threads and now I've just about given up. I've tried flashing various unofficial ROMs too like CM 10.2, 11 and RevolutionS5 but they all have no network.
My phone is not in factory mode and I've tried zuluman's patched kernel/modem with 4.3 without any luck. I've tried factory resets, deleting /efs, changing the permissions of and editing nv_data.bin with a hex editor amongst other tricks. No go.
So it seems my only remaining option is to take / send my phone to be repaired or fork out for one of these hardware devices that claim to be able to repair IMEI issues. Problem is then I'm back to square one, I've not learned what I wanted to about my phone (how to safely reflash/upgrade it) and I'll be stuck on whatever the repair shop leave me with.
I'd much, much rather fix this myself as then that opens the doors to experimentation, it will prolong the (so far all too brief) life of my phone and be much more satisfying. Until now I thought the SGS3 was (is?) a class phone and I think its much better than the Nexus 4 I had previously, despite inferior specs in many respects.
I'm sure its possible to recover from this without buying dedicated hardware or at least it should be..
I bought my phone 2nd hand less than three months ago but its no longer under any warranty. Another thing that could be an issue is that I was sold it without a box and there is no IMEI printed under or on the battery.
Thanks for your help!
It would seem from my experimentation that reflashing stock ROMs with Odin on the I9300 doesn't affect the efs partition, or at least the stock ROMs I've been flashing don't repair/recreate efs.
I'd be perfectly happy using the Samsung generic IMEI if it will let me connect to my phone network. If anyone knows how might enable that, please speak up!
Same problem encountered before until now...
This are when the problem starts.
My GS3 International had CynagenMod stable build.
1. I've noticed one morning that my GS3 is stuck in a bootloop.
2. Tried reflashing the stable CM ROM, but still stuck n the bootloop.
3. Tried flashing my stock rooted firmware from my TWRP backup.
- after this, I've noticed that only emergency calls and not registered on network always appears.
- my IMEI becomes now generic with 0049...00 but with serial number.
4. Tried sending it for repair in our local cellphone repair shop. Network signal is fixed now but it always ask for permission for the radio. So battery drain is massive.
5. I didn't send it back. Tried to fix it myself. Installed the stock firmware 4.3 using jellybean. To my surprise, the IMEI and serial number comes back. But still no network signal (emergency calls only).
Lastly, still looking for a fix. If anyone had a fix for this one this will be a great help. Also tried restoring/updating through Kies. All the process I took had failed.
Not sure if the problem was the EFS/IMEI or the modem or radio install from the firmware I just installed.
For now, I'm using the stock 4.3 firmware. The only problem now is the network signal. Any suggestions or fix is a great help. TIA!
I have read of people fixing the no network by flashing a known good efs image but I suppose it would have to contain a working generic IMEI. Please PM me if you have such an image for a i9300. I'll have to find such a thread again and get PM'ing.
I've been disappointed by a few things in trying to upgrade my SGS3.
* There is no well documented fix for this EFS/IMEI/no network issue
* This issue seems to be very common for SGS3 owners who have attempted an upgrade to 4.3 or flashing alternate ROMs yet there is no mention of any of this on
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Known_Issues_page_for_i9300
and
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/SGS3FAQ
There needs to be.
* It doesn't seem Heimdall is able to flash a tar.md5 in one hit like Odin can which is a shame for us Linux and OSX users
Great phone but not for hackers and tweakers it seems.
Sounds like the efs was already corrupt before you tried the upgrade, probably a previous botched repair which only worked on 4.1
Take it to a repair centre and pay for them to recode it for you, there is no other fix. Make sure it connects on 4.3 before you pay.
Suggestion: flash a firmware older than MG4 and let it update OTA or by KIES. Generating the efs-v2-data may solve.
the battle rages on...
rp158:
That sounded like a good suggestion to me so I used Odin to install I9300XXELL4_I9300OXAELL4_BTU, which predates MG4. Because the aim was to try an OTA update, I did not root or flash a custom recovery as I know they don't like that.
Like all the ROMs I've tried since my prob, it installed fine but I get no network. After connecting to wifi I first tried OTA via Settings -> About Device -> Software update -> Update but it just says "Failed to update firmware due to network or server problem". I can browse the internet fine so could this be a problem with Three (my telco)? I've heard of some providers blocking OTA.
So next I tried Kies (not Kies 3) under Windows 8. I went to Tools -> Firmware Upgrade and Initialisation but I just get the error 'GT-I9300 does not support initialising'. Fail, fail and fail!
I've yet to run 'Triangle away' and so I have several flash count points listed on the download screen. Could this stop OTA from working? Is there a limit to the number of flashes you can perform before something nasty happens? I presume its just something retailers check before they refund or repair phones.
Something else I noticed while fighting my phone today was that recovery says the CSC code is now KOR. Could that stop OTA working?
Likes me a good idea to run 'Triangle away': I think there is no max. count for flashes, but perhaps counter>0 and status=custom block the update-procedure. So try after unroot both methods again. (CSC-code I down't know.)
Whilst still running I9300XXELL4_I9300OXAELL4_BTU, I rooted it then successfully ran Triangle Away to clear the flash counter before running csc changer to change my CSC to BTU (from KOR). I would've changed it to XEU but that wasn't an option. I checked that worked fine, which it did, and running CSC changer also (conveniently, in my case) un-roots your phone.
After that I tried updating via both Kies and 'About Device' software update but both just gave me the same errors as before so scratch another idea off my very long list then.
Then go to #5
rp158 said:
Then go to #5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
?
Do you mean Odin flash I9300XXEMB5, which I think is the last release before MG4?
pfmdan said:
?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, too short. Post 5 = repair by Samsung.
So, if I choose to get my phone fixed, has this proven that I will be unable to flash any alternate ROMs on it without losing my network/IMEI/serial again?
Maybe I should've backed up my EFS with philz recovery or dd insteal of ktool, then I might not have ended up in this situation?
Maybe the US/Qualcomm models of the S3 are safe to flash with alternate ROMS whilst the Exynos-based models aren't?
Can anyone recommend a good repair service in the UK if my local repair shops can't help?
Thanks for your suggestions rp158!
pfmdan said:
So, if I choose to get my phone fixed, has this proven that I will be unable to flash any alternate ROMs on it without losing my network/IMEI/serial again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's unnormal. But read before flashing, what users say (some beta's or nightlies are buggy).
Maybe I should've backed up my EFS with philz recovery or dd insteal of ktool, then I might not have ended up in this situation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably. I suggest Philz, TWRP or by TerminalEmulator.
Can anyone recommend a good repair service in the UK if my local repair shops can't help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Official Samsung repair-service.
I thought Philz was the only recovery that gave you the option of backing up EFS? I didn't think TWR supported EFS backup/restore? CWM doesn't.
TWRP can, of course.
A corrupted efs can also effect the stability and use of wifi as mac address etc is also stored there.
Check if there is a backup of your efs. Some roms make a backup of it also - neatrom for example. Try flashing xxemg4 or later baseband to see if it fixes it because after having the later bb you also have efs v2
FIXED
Thanks to everyone who made suggestions in trying to get my phones connection back. Its working again now. My 0049 IMEI has gone, my real IMEI come back and my serial number has returned so I can make and receive calls again!
The thing that was preventing my connection and leaving me to suffer the dreaded 'Emergency Calls Only' and 'Not registered on network' errors was nothing to do with EFS but because I had an incorrect CSC. I had flashed stock BTU roms instead of H3G, which is what I should've used being on Three. As soon as I flashed a rom with the correct CSC, my IMEI and serial numbers both returned and this allowed the zuluman patched modem / kernel combo to work. I'm now happily running 4.3 whereas I was previously on a rooted stock 4.1.2.
There are literally 100's of threads on the S3 forums here with S3 owners ending up with a generic IMEI and no serial after attempting a 4.3 upgrade and the standard response is nearly always 'your EFS is probably corrupt' or 'your EFS in the wrong format'. That will be the case sometimes but I'd bet that more often than not the EFS is fine (if updated) and users have flashed a CSC for the wrong region for their telephone network.
Key tools in getting this prob fixed that hardly get any mention are the csc changer app (downloadable via Play but requires root and also factory resets/unroots when run) and A.S_id's rescue firmware
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/odinfirmware-sgsiii-i9300-prerooted-t1825272/
I'd recommend I9300 users flash A.S._id's ROM if they can't find a firmware with the correct CSC for their network and/or csc changer doesn't restore their IMEI and serial.
Lets fix these forums by getting this info into the FAQs in both the general and QA stickies because I know it to be missing hence the endless invalid IMEI / no network postings.
I'll be back shortly wth more details and suggested additions to the S3 FAQs / stickies.
Thanks all!
I've ended up running A.S._id's 4.3 deodexed 'stock' ROM w/ Boeffla 5.3 kernel and zuluman's patched XXUGMK6 modem.
When I used zuluman's patched XXUGMK6 kernel, I would experience small but frequent glitches in 3G streamed audio. I don't have this problem with Boeffla 5.3.
I'd also highly recommend stock TW users turn off smart screen to massively increase your battery life very easily.
Hy everybody. I'm here to took with you about a common problem on samsung s3. One week ago i notice that i can't receive calls, messages etc and i found the "not registered on network" problem. What actually i want to say, is the fact that it appear suddenly, my phone always have 4.3, i didn't upgrade nothing....the problem persist, i changed sim, modem.bin, flash 4.1, modified network connections from setting....nothing work!!! I always have signal but that's all....what can i do more? (and my imei has changed to this: 00499*******
international variant
Perseus said:
Can you please let us know if you have international variant or US Variant ? If US then which carrier please ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is a international variant, made in Vietnam, i also tryed to flash 4.1.2 I9300XXEMG4, so then i can flash MG4 modem which can still read the modified EFS...if it is modified, but didn't work.., i think i need to send the phone to a gsm/service, but maybe you guys can help me without cost me money..
Perseus said:
I will request to have your thread moved to appropriate forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx man, i hope someone knows how can i solve the problem.
What had you done before you got to this issue of no cellular signal?
Did you flash a custom ROM etc..? Which version were you on before? 4.3?
What did you do after you found out about this issue? Did you by any chance flash an older version?
Because that tends to do that, atleast that's what happened to me.
I had a wrong/fake IMEI ("0049..."), which caused that I had no cell reception and couldn't use the phone to call or send/receive sms etc...
I googled a lot and I tried some of the TUT on the web, but nothing helped. Until I found a thread on the xda that said one could try to flash a newer stock ROM (don't know the exact thread).
So I went ahead and checked the version I was on...luckily it was 4.0.4
I then downloaded a newer stock ROM 4.3 for my region and flashed that using ODIN...once it passed I went to recovery: wiped cache and factory reset.
and voila...when I checked the IMEI code again, it was back to the original one.
If that doesn't help check the following thread on xda: here
I suspect he allowed the battery to run out, which corrupted the efs partition, as he says his phone was on 4.3 and didn't change anything until after the problem happened.
Flashing latest stock firmware is the first step, as suggested above, but I think the OP may have to pay for a repair. Make sure it works on 4.3 before you accept the bill.
I forgot to say, my battery got bigger before that happened, i can't fit it in my phone, is double than a normal one, i buy other battery, have this something to deal with the problem?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app
contactmsd said:
What had you done before you got to this issue of no cellular signal?
Did you flash a custom ROM etc..? Which version were you on before? 4.3?
What did you do after you found out about this issue? Did you by any chance flash an older version?
Because that tends to do that, atleast that's what happened to me.
I had a wrong/fake IMEI ("0049..."), which caused that I had no cell reception and couldn't use the phone to call or send/receive sms etc...
I googled a lot and I tried some of the TUT on the web, but nothing helped. Until I found a thread on the xda that said one could try to flash a newer stock ROM (don't know the exact thread).
So I went ahead and checked the version I was on...luckily it was 4.0.4
I then downloaded a newer stock ROM 4.3 for my region and flashed that using ODIN...once it passed I went to recovery: wiped cache and factory reset.
and voila...when I checked the IMEI code again, it was back to the original one.
If that doesn't help check the following thread on xda: here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on 4.3 version, i didn't do nothing, i even not installed the root/cwm....the problem appeared from nothing...right before i change my battery. I tried with my region stock rom (4.1.2;romania) and with 4.3 stock ROM but didn't work.
Today i let the phone on a service....i told her what is the problem and i hope there's nothing to do with motherboard. Anyway, please let me know if there's something else to do while i wait 3-4 days for the answer
Spike97 said:
I forgot to say, my battery got bigger before that happened, i can't fit it in my phone, is double than a normal one, i buy other battery, have this something to deal with the problem?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not good...bulging/expanding battery is a very bad thing and should be replaced asap.
Why it happens, is another thing...could be due to various reason such as thermal runaway or even acid leakage.
Fix that first before you move to any flashing and/or other stuff...
contactmsd said:
That's not good...bulging/expanding battery is a very bad thing and should be replaced asap.
Why it happens, is another thing...could be due to various reason such as thermal runaway or even acid leakage.
Fix that first before you move to any flashing and/or other stuff...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already replaced it.
Fixed
Hi everybody, i finally sent the phone to service and they fixed it for 17€; everything ok, no problem occurred...i flashed stock 4.3 ROM, then CWM and SU, but....then....after one day of use, i forgot to shut down the phone and, again, removed the battery with the screen on....i connected quickly the battery and the phone started without press any button.....and then, surprise!!! Me trying to make a phone call: "Not registered to network"...fu**...but IMEI was still alright(w t f?). Third day i sent again the phone to the service and they told me that i am playing whit the soft (what man? just because i flashed CWM and SU? damn), i told them again what i do with the battery and they said is not true (now what i am supposed to do? they don't trust me) but fixed it again free..for first and last time. Now here is the question: what i need to back up in case that will happen again? It can't be fixed with a backup of IMEI/Modem file...
Go read the sticky thread in general forum.
Hello everyone,
First of all i want to thank you for all this guides that i was trying to use here
So here's my story.
I got Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 with bootloop issue so i decide to fix this by myself.
I was trying to install fimware using KIES but i doesn't fix my issue.
Then i was trying to search for right rom on several websites.
The right one and only working one was 4.0.4 with orange brand logo.
So i was excited that its finally working
Then i realize that my imei is null and my sim card is not working.
So i was trying to restore EFS using several tools and methods.
Finally i got it default IMEI 0049 but it was still not working.
My phone is not qualcomm based model so i cannot use nv item reader writer as it's required to edit IMEI
Even after applying phonutil patch my device is not being recognize as Qualcomm one.(because it's not)
So i was still looking for another way to change my imei manually as i have my original one on the box and under battery.
Finally I realized that i cannot make even Emergency calls it comes with message Out of service area.
So i was trying to apply few modem and radio updates to my phone but none of them are helping.
Anyone have similiar issue?
I have another Galaxy S3 that is working can i copy imei or whole system to my not working phone?
I know that after that i cannot use other device, but thats ok if its possible.
Rockafella71 said:
Hello everyone,
First of all i want to thank you for all this guides that i was trying to use here
So here's my story.
I got Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 with bootloop issue so i decide to fix this by myself.
I was trying to install fimware using KIES but i doesn't fix my issue.
Then i was trying to search for right rom on several websites.
The right one and only working one was 4.0.4 with orange brand logo.
So i was excited that its finally working
Then i realize that my imei is null and my sim card is not working.
So i was trying to restore EFS using several tools and methods.
Finally i got it default IMEI 0049 but it was still not working.
My phone is not qualcomm based model so i cannot use nv item reader writer as it's required to edit IMEI
Even after applying phonutil patch my device is not being recognize as Qualcomm one.(because it's not)
So i was still looking for another way to change my imei manually as i have my original one on the box and under battery.
Finally I realized that i cannot make even Emergency calls it comes with message Out of service area.
So i was trying to apply few modem and radio updates to my phone but none of them are helping.
Anyone have similiar issue?
I have another Galaxy S3 that is working can i copy imei or whole system to my not working phone?
I know that after that i cannot use other device, but thats ok if its possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried patched modem and kernel? Did you read the guides on xda >> http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/ref-imei-efs-stuff-i9300-including-t2393289 << and no you cannot copy imei from another phone.
tallman43 said:
Have you tried patched modem and kernel? Did you read the guides on xda >> http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/ref-imei-efs-stuff-i9300-including-t2393289 << and no you cannot copy imei from another phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried everything from this guide.
Regarding patch:
4.0.4-I9300BVALE4 firmware is the only one working on my Samsung
Patched modem and kernel that i found and try it are XXUGMK6.
Maybe they are different one or dedicated to my firmware
Rockafella71 said:
I tried everything from this guide.
Regarding patch:
4.0.4-I9300BVALE4 firmware is the only one working on my Samsung
Patched modem and kernel that i found and try it are XXUGMK6.
Maybe they are different one or dedicated to my firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason you can't make calls is because at some point your phone software was on 4.3 this means your efs as changed to efs v2. Now because your current firmware is at 4.0.4 then your efs can't read this because 4.0.4 is efs v1. So you need to get a 4.3 stock rom onto your phone (I know you said only 4.0.4 works) but what are you using install firmware are you using Odin? If so what errors are you getting installing with Odin.
The patched modems and kernels are for 4.3 so they won't work on 4.0.4 or any other apart from 4.3
I was trying so many of them but its always ends with samsung logo loop it doesn' matter if i'm
do things like wipe cache, factory settings etc everytime its not working.
Even on 4.0.4 only this one rom is working.
Im always using ODIN, with KIES its always ends with samsung logo loop.
Rockafella71 said:
I was trying so many of them but its always ends with samsung logo loop it doesn' matter if i'm
do things like wipe cache, factory settings etc everytime its not working.
Even on 4.0.4 only this one rom is working.
Im always using ODIN, with KIES its always ends with samsung logo loop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok a couple of things you could try (if you haven't already) I presume you have a custom recovery? Try flashing a custom stock 4.3 with recovery I suggest this >> http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/rom-sammys-stock-deodexed-rooted-t2585670 << This is as close to stock as possible but can be flashed with a custom recovery like Cwm,PhilZ,Twrp etc. You will also need to flash a 4.3 modem for this which is included in the thread. If the modem in the thread does not give you a signal (presuming the rom boots ) then keep the same custom rom but flash a patched modem and kernel on top with your custom recovery.
Don't forget to factory reset after flashing!
If none of that works you can always try the rescue firmware here >> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=30087735&postcount=6 << obviously flash the 4.3 one. Hope that helps
Thank you very much for your help i will try this and let know here if it's working
Rockafella71 said:
Thank you very much for your help i will try this and let know here if it's working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it's me again.
I have good news and bad news.
So i was able to install both of firmware with success.
After applying patched modem everything was still working.
But when im calling 112 for example im still having "out of service area" and my imei is still 004999...
So issue is still exist.
I can discover any network when i choose network its even says"registred on network" but then if im trying to choose some number im having error message that im not registred or if emergency call "out of service area".
Any ideas what still can i try ?