I've never had any issues flashing ROMs until I tried flashing one of the beta builds of the 4.4.4 Google edition ROM. The creator of the ROM has been having issues with WiFi and data not locking correctly and released an APN zip to possibly resolve the issue. Flashing that zip though, which I'm pretty sure changed the radio, resulted in the phone having connection issues on any ROM. I also noticed that the baseband version was changed from MDK to NC5, so long story short, I used ODIN to revert back to MDK bone stock, reverted back to to MD2 (I believe) to root, then back to MDK.
Here's where I'm a little stumped. I tried to use the ROM manager app to install CWM touch recovery and every time it would say it's successful, but booting into recovery would give me the stock android version, which we all know is pretty useless other than for stock updates and erasing data/cache. So the only way to get CWM recovery installed was to use terminal on the phone to do the Loki flash method. I'm a little out of touch, so can someone explain to me what exactly Loki is other than a "workaround" for the bootloader, how it applies to MDK for running AOSP ROMs without the "unauthorized software" message, and what, if any was the unlocking method for the MDK bootloader? It's been so long that I can't remember how I set everything up initially, and doing a search didn't yield any kind of guide for newbies or those out of touch like myself.
Thanks for taking the time to read and help!
Saint Isaiah said:
I've never had any issues flashing ROMs until I tried flashing one of the beta builds of the 4.4.4 Google edition ROM. The creator of the ROM has been having issues with WiFi and data not locking correctly and released an APN zip to possibly resolve the issue. Flashing that zip though, which I'm pretty sure changed the radio, resulted in the phone having connection issues on any ROM. I also noticed that the baseband version was changed from MDK to NC5, so long story short, I used ODIN to revert back to MDK bone stock, reverted back to to MD2 (I believe) to root, then back to MDK.
Here's where I'm a little stumped. I tried to use the ROM manager app to install CWM touch recovery and every time it would say it's successful, but booting into recovery would give me the stock android version, which we all know is pretty useless other than for stock updates and erasing data/cache. So the only way to get CWM recovery installed was to use terminal on the phone to do the Loki flash method. I'm a little out of touch, so can someone explain to me what exactly Loki is other than a "workaround" for the bootloader, how it applies to MDK for running AOSP ROMs without the "unauthorized software" message, and what, if any was the unlocking method for the MDK bootloader? It's been so long that I can't remember how I set everything up initially, and doing a search didn't yield any kind of guide for newbies or those out of touch like myself.
Thanks for taking the time to read and help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Loki is an exploit that allows the system to bypass bootloader checks and load custom software. If this happens again, restoring an EFS backup should fix your issue.
If you ever need to go back to stock MDK, you no longer need to do the downgrade to the prerelease MDL kernel. Just go to towelroot.com, install the towelroot apk, then hit the make it ra1n button. It's a new root method that came out a few months ago and works for a ton of devices. The easiest way to flash a compatible custom recovery for our device is to download Flashify from the play store and from there you can get the latest TWRP.
joshm.1219 said:
Loki is an exploit that allows the system to bypass bootloader checks and load custom software. If this happens again, restoring an EFS backup should fix your issue.
If you ever need to go back to stock MDK, you no longer need to do the downgrade to the prerelease MDL kernel. Just go to towelroot.com, install the towelroot apk, then hit the make it ra1n button. It's a new root method that came out a few months ago and works for a ton of devices. The easiest way to flash a compatible custom recovery for our device is to download Flashify from the play store and from there you can get the latest TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha, seems pretty straightforward. Wasn't there an actual unlock method for the bootloader though? I remember getting my download mode to read as custom as well as the boot logo, I just can't remember how and it seems like all traces of how to do it vanished.
Thanks for the help!
Also, what in the world does it mean to "Loki" a ROM after installing it? Kinda confused there
Saint Isaiah said:
Gotcha, seems pretty straightforward. Wasn't there an actual unlock method for the bootloader though? I remember getting my download mode to read as custom as well as the boot logo, I just can't remember how and it seems like all traces of how to do it vanished.
Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, never an actual bootloader unlock, besides Dev editions that came unlocked. My download mode still says "install custom ROM" or whatever. There's no discernable difference to the end user between an unlocked bootloader and an exploit like the Loki bypass.
joshm.1219 said:
No, never an actual bootloader unlock, besides Dev editions that came unlocked. My download mode still says "install custom ROM" or whatever. There's no discernable difference to the end user between an unlocked bootloader and an exploit like the Loki bypass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, and I'm assuming the reason why being on MDK is so important is because upgrading to ME7 patches the vulnerability that can allow the boot loader to be bypassed, forcing you to use safestrap, which results in no custom kernal being able to be used?
And my question above: what does it mean to install, then "Loki" a ROM in the install steps?
Thanks again, you're awesome!
Saint Isaiah said:
OK, and I'm assuming the reason why being on MDK is so important is because upgrading to ME7 patches the vulnerability that can allow the boot loader to be bypassed, forcing you to use safestrap, which results in no custom kernal being able to be used?
And my question above: what does it mean to install, then "Loki" a ROM in the install steps?
Thanks again, you're awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes exactly, ME7 patched it.
If you flash a TW ROM not built specifically for our device, The ROM (depending on kernel you flashed or if the ROM includes a kernel) may not have the files included to boot on a device with the Loki specific bypass. So you need to flash the " Loki doki zip " after the ROM and before initial boot. You can find the file on Google.
joshm.1219 said:
Yes exactly, ME7 patched it.
If you flash a TW ROM not built specifically for our device, The ROM (depending on kernel you flashed or if the ROM includes a kernel) may not have the files included to boot on a device with the Loki specific bypass. So you need to flash the " Loki doki zip " after the ROM and before initial boot. You can find the file on Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks Josh! This might make a great sticky for the "what is Loki?" newvies and explaining the importance of MDK for those still on it and not sure why.
Related
The number one reason people brick their Verizon Galaxy S4 phones is due to attempts to flash recovery using Goo Manager, dd, and other tools without understanding when those will or won't work. The Verizon S4 is very locked down, and will reject such attempts in most cases.
The only Verizon Galaxy S4 release that permits a custom recovery is a phone with the original MDK bootloader. Not checking first to tell what's installed before flashing will often break your phone.
1. What releases are there, and how can you tell what you have?
There are currently 7 different releases of the firmware for the I545.
VRUAMDK (Usually called just "MDK")
VRUAME7 ("ME7")
VRUDMI1 ("MI1")
VRUEMJ7 ("MJ7")
VRUEMK2 ("MK2")
VRUFNC2 ("NC2")
VRUFNC5 ("NC5")
There's another release that was apparently a leak or limited release, MG7.
You've got to know what bootloader and firmware you have installed before you do anything. The bootloader is the critical thing, but unless you're using a MDK bootloader, chances are that the bootloader on your phone is the same as the build version. To figure out what you're running, use the "Settings", "More", "About phone" menu. In most cases, the "Baseband version" displayed and the "Build number" will be the same, which tells you what build you're on. The best way to tell what bootloader you have is to install an app - "Phone INFO *Samsung*" and "Phone info" will both tell you what build and bootloader you have.
The "Developer Edition" devices have "I545OYUA" build numbers versus the consumer versions, which start with I545VR.
Once you're on a particular build, it is not possible to downgrade to an earlier release. The single exception to this is that you can flash MJ7 over MK2, but that's it.
If you're past MDK, you can't bypass the bootloader until an exploit is found.
If you start flashing things without verifying that it's for the release on YOUR phone, you risk bricking it. There's dozens of youtube videos telling you how to flash custom recovery on your phone that WILL NOT WORK unless you're on the MDK bootloader. Be sure to comment in the youtube thread after they assist you with bricking your phone.
If you need to tell for sure what bootloader you're on, you can use applications like "Android System Info" (Open the "System" tab and the "Buildinfos" and look for Bootloader), or from a shell by using the command "getprop ro.bootloader". Use either adb shell or the "Terminal Emulator" app to do that.
2. What can you do with your phone?
Rooting:
For MDK, root using this link. or this link.
For ME7, root using this link.
For MI1, root using this link.
For MJ7 and MK2, root using this link.
For NC2 and NC5, you can't currrently root unless you downgrade the baseband to MK2.
If you want to install a custom recovery, you MUST have the MDK bootloader. Follow the MDK link above.
If the bootloader isn't "I545VRUAMDK" you have a locked bootloader and can only use Safestrap to install custom ROMs. Custom recovery is not possible. Attempts to install custom recovery will soft-brick your phone and require you to re-flash a stock ROM.
Information on Safestrap is available in this thread.
Recover by re-flashing stock
For MDK, Follow this link.
For ME7,Follow this link.
For MI1, Follow this link.
For MJ7, there's a no-wipe and a full wipe image.
For MK2, Follow this link.
Flash new Modems
The firmware that runs the phone's radios, which allows you to connect to the networks (CDMA, LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth) can be updated independently of the bootloader. Flashing the MJ7 modem can get you new LTE bands, for example. Read here for information on available modems.
3. What to avoid
Every carrier's version of the Galaxy S4 is different. Things that work for the Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers phones may not work on the Verizon version and can lead to bricking your phone. Don't do things just because it works on the T-mo, AT&T, or sprint phones unless you don't care if your phone is rendered useless.
Regardless of what you read, recommendations to use Goo Manager to flash custom recovery will not work and will soft brick your phone unless you're running the MDK bootloader. Don't do that.
If you manage to do the wrong thing and soft-brick your phone, search the Android Development forum for a factory image that can be flashed to recover it based on what baseband you started with.
For example, this image for MJ7 (Android 4.3).
I posted this hoping it would become a sticky.
Moderators: any chance? Or is this unacceptable since it's not a question?
k1mu said:
I posted this hoping it would become a sticky.
Moderators: any chance? Or is this unacceptable since it's not a question?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this really needs to be a sticky as we all know how many aren't taking the time to more than a cursory check in these threads
---------- Post added at 06:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:09 AM ----------
k1mu said:
The number one reason people brick their Verizon Galaxy S4 phones is due to attempts to flash recovery using Goo Manager, dd, and other tools without understanding when those will or won't work. The Verizon S4 is very locked down, and will reject such attempts in most cases.
The only Verizon Galaxy S4 release that permits a custom recovery is the original MDK baseband. Not checking first before flashing will often break your phone.
If you need to know what baseband you're on, use "Settings", "More", "About phone" and scroll down to the "Baseband Version".
Every carrier's version of the Galaxy S4 is different. Things that work for the Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers phones may not work on the Verizon version and can lead to bricking your phone. Don't do things just because it works on the T-mo, AT&T, or sprint phones unless you don't care if your phone is rendered useless.
Regardless of what you read, recommendations to use Goo Manager to flash custom recoverywill not work and will soft brick your phone unless you're on the MDK baseband. Don't do that.
If you manage to do the wrong thing and soft-brick your phone, search the Android Development forum for a factory image that can be flashed to recover it based on what baseband you started with.
For example, this image for MJ7 (Android 4.3).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
k1mu, I also created a step by step guide (with links) that walks you thru the entire process of going from ME7/MI1 to MJ7 by flashing the wipe tar image of MJ7, installing your saferoot, safestrap and HD11
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2579278
I was feeling pretty bad for all the people that were messing up their phone becasue od not understanding the entire process.
Props to you both ! The only thing I would emphasize for MDK users is to get yourself educated (plenty of threads) on the Loki process. The proper use of it when flashing unfamiliar recoveries or kernels can save alot of headaches (trust me I know !!)
Bumping
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
MJ7
Excuse my ignorance but I am running what I believe to be MDK but I updated my modem to MJ7 and now my baseband says MJ7. I have the latest TWRP installed. I am not running SafeStrap. Should this situation be noted in the thread?
sixtythreechevy said:
Excuse my ignorance but I am running what I believe to be MDK but I updated my modem to MJ7 and now my baseband says MJ7. I have the latest TWRP installed. I am not running SafeStrap. Should this situation be noted in the thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope updating modem changes what your baseband version says.
For those who are unsure if you can install the custom recovery:
The BUILD must be MDK not the MODEM. If you are running different build you can flash different modems. Just because you have the MDK modem does not mean you can flash a custom recovery.
Yeah you can flash any baseband at any time you like...that's your radio/modem. You can also flash a new build as long as your bootloader remains on MDK. For example, I'm running a stock MJ7 ROM but I'm still Loki'd on the MDK bootloader.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
ok heres my issue
Delete
What really matters here is what Bootloader you're running. Since updating the modem changes the Baseband string, that can't be used to tell if a phone is locked. I've updated the OP to say Bootloader version and to explain how to get to the Bootloader version.
FordNate said:
I'm MDK on the GS4 and believe me i knew about the whole Verizon/At&t/TMO long time ago (smarter than the average near and able to laugh at people when they do do things like that) ok so my issue i tried updating my recovery earlier to philz 6.08 from just CWM 6.0.44 (?). It soft bricked my phone. I just spent 7 hours getting it back to operational order. I tried everything under the sun, u name it i probably did it, but i kept with Verizon packages only. Trying to find a stock image of MDK is impossible to say the least. Good news though. its up and running again only issue i lost root
Root the first time was simple and maybe took 20 minutes. Now i cant get motochopper or any other exploit to to work. Phone "see's" that a program is trying to get access but does not allow me to accept it, only offers to reboot now or later. Help a man out here.. I'm still on mdk just cant get root back. yes i check usb debug even toggled it a couple times. Verify apps unchecked and unknown checked.. Dang Stock is not good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301720
tkacer said:
Have you tried this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301720
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes and got it running again with root
Happy 4 ya - nothing worse than a borked phone !!!!
This I think has happened to me. I used Goo also. Now whenever I reboot it goes to the download screen. PITA. I am running build MK2. I am still unsure as to what I need to do to get back to a "before" state so I can do it properly?
ANy help appreciated.
THanks,
Derek
:crying:
dbinnc said:
This I think has happened to me. I used Goo also. Now whenever I reboot it goes to the download screen. PITA. I am running build MK2. I am still unsure as to what I need to do to get back to a "before" state so I can do it properly?
ANy help appreciated.
THanks,
Derek
:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install the MK2 no-wipe from here.
I want to bump this thread so we can use the OP as a starting point for a stickie guide concerning verizon S4 and what you need to know for modding your phone.
Naddict will be assisting in getting the sticky set up. This will be a WIP and will NOT be a thread to post questions. Lets get all our smart people contributing with info and links as needed to help all those who wish to mod their phone from not repeating all the same errors and bricking.
k1mu said:
The number one reason people brick their Verizon Galaxy S4 phones is due to attempts to flash recovery using Goo Manager, dd, and other tools without understanding when those will or won't work. The Verizon S4 is very locked down, and will reject such attempts in most cases.
The only Verizon Galaxy S4 release that permits a custom recovery is a phone with the original MDK bootloader. Not checking first to tell what's installed before flashing will often break your phone.
1. What releases are there, and how can you tell what you have?
There are currently 5 different releases of the firmware for the I545.
VRUAMDK (Usually called just "MDK")
VRUAME7 ("ME7")
VRUDMI1 ("MI1")
VRUEMJ7 ("MJ7")
VRUEMK2 ("MK2")
You've got to know what bootloader and firmware you have installed before you do anything. The bootloader is the critical thing, but unless you're using a MDK bootloader, chances are that the bootloader on your phone is the same as the build version. To figure out what you're running, use the "Settings", "More", "About phone" menu. In most cases, the "Baseband version" displayed and the "Build number" will be the same, which tells you what build you're on.
If you start flashing things without verifying that it's for YOUR phone, you risk bricking it.
If you need to tell for sure what bootloader you're on, you can use applications like "Android System Info" (Open the "System" tab and the "Buildinfos" and look for Bootloader), or from a shell by using the command "getprop ro.bootloader". Use either adb shell or the "Terminal Emulator" app to do that.
2. What can you do with your phone?
Rooting:
For MDK, root using this link. or this link.
For ME7, root using this link.
For MI1, root using this link.
For MJ7 and MK2, root using this link.
If you want to install a custom recovery, you MUST have the MDK bootloader. Follow the MDK link above.
If the bootloader isn't "I545VRUAMDK" you have a locked bootloader and can only use Safestrap to install custom ROMs. Custom recovery is not possible. Attempts to install custom recovery will soft-brick your phone and require you to re-flash a stock ROM.
Information on Safestrap is available in this thread.
Recover by re-flashing stock
For MDK, Follow this link.
For ME7,Follow this link.
For MI1, Follow this link.
For MJ7, there's a no-wipe and a full wipe image.
For MK2, Follow this link.
Flash new Modems
The firmware that runs the phone's radios, which allows you to connect to the networks (CDMA, LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth) can be updated independently of the bootloader. Flashing the MJ7 modem can get you new LTE bands, for example. Read here for information on available modems.
3. What to avoid
Every carrier's version of the Galaxy S4 is different. Things that work for the Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers phones may not work on the Verizon version and can lead to bricking your phone. Don't do things just because it works on the T-mo, AT&T, or sprint phones unless you don't care if your phone is rendered useless.
Regardless of what you read, recommendations to use Goo Manager to flash custom recoverywill not work and will soft brick your phone unless you're running the MDK bootloader. Don't do that.
If you manage to do the wrong thing and soft-brick your phone, search the Android Development forum for a factory image that can be flashed to recover it based on what baseband you started with.
For example, this image for MJ7 (Android 4.3).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent! Thank you!
Developers edition bootlader
Want to apologize up front if this is too off topic but it's kind of related to rooting. I have the Verizon Dev Ed and it arrived two weeks ago w MJ7 installed. within an hour of turing it on the phone starts OTA update to MK2. (yeah, i know. say it ain't so)
Now, both versions are BL locked on the NON-DE devices, but how does that work for DE? MY boot screen has a symbol of and "unlocked" padlock. I assume this indicates BL unlocked. My question/comment is this: If the BLis in fact, unlocked, then why can I not flash recovery? after scouring the websites I tried ADB. i figured this would be worth a shot as it does't use apps to "function". Reading here says Goo manager and other programs are a no go. THe only thing I have used any program w is Rom manager and that was to chose and install the recovery. Did not work. Tried flashing in odin- no dice.I have come across a DL copy of MK2 and that is flash-able and then root-able with safe root, but wth is up w the BL? Why can't I install and boot into recovery? Both CWM and TWRP recognize the device and install recoveries but they can't succeed getting into their respective recovery.
Can anyone shed some light on this or point me in the right direction? IF anyone want to know anything else about the Dev Ed I ll be happy to share whatever I can. Also, Anyone need a guinea pig try some of their stuff out (in exchange for helping educate me in the ways of the rom, of course). (I NEVER had this much trouble with DE Motorola devices)
kerryh420 said:
Want to apologize up front if this is too off topic but it's kind of related to rooting. I have the Verizon Dev Ed and it arrived two weeks ago w MJ7 installed. within an hour of turing it on the phone starts OTA update to MK2. (yeah, i know. say it ain't so)
Now, both versions are BL locked on the NON-DE devices, but how does that work for DE? MY boot screen has a symbol of and "unlocked" padlock. I assume this indicates BL unlocked. My question/comment is this: If the BLis in fact, unlocked, then why can I not flash recovery? after scouring the websites I tried ADB. i figured this would be worth a shot as it does't use apps to "function". Reading here says Goo manager and other programs are a no go. THe only thing I have used any program w is Rom manager and that was to chose and install the recovery. Did not work. Tried flashing in odin- no dice.I have come across a DL copy of MK2 and that is flash-able and then root-able with safe root, but wth is up w the BL? Why can't I install and boot into recovery? Both CWM and TWRP recognize the device and install recoveries but they can't succeed getting into their respective recovery.
Can anyone shed some light on this or point me in the right direction? IF anyone want to know anything else about the Dev Ed I ll be happy to share whatever I can. Also, Anyone need a guinea pig try some of their stuff out (in exchange for helping educate me in the ways of the rom, of course). (I NEVER had this much trouble with DE Motorola devices)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure you'll need to root first. Also I'm not sure standard twrp is what you need for the Dev edition. They are lokied and I don't believe you have a need for that. That being sailing not exactly sure what your process for rooting will be or which recovery you need.
Maybe this thread will give you some insight.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2339849
Then research about flashing roms on the Dev. Edition. It will be different for you.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The first step for flashing Alliance was making sure i have the 4.3 firmware. Flashed via Odin.
I experfienced some trouble with a bootloop issue so i changed cables and then partitioned with the .pit file.
All's well now, it at least runs the stock firmware just fine. Now i'm strugglling with the most basic simple part IMO... how do i install the custom Rom without the recovery??
sduffy89 said:
The first step for flashing Alliance was making sure i have the 4.3 firmware. Flashed via Odin.
I experfienced some trouble with a bootloop issue so i changed cables and then partitioned with the .pit file.
All's well now, it at least runs the stock firmware just fine. Now i'm strugglling with the most basic simple part IMO... how do i install the custom Rom without the recovery??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are rooted still correct? Easiest way I guess is to just download Rom Manager or GooManager depending on using TWRP or CWM.
KuNiT said:
You are rooted still correct? Easiest way I guess is to just download Rom Manager or GooManager depending on using TWRP or CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I chose to bump up my android version cuz i friend another SIM card. I tether for my Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and whatever else, thankfully my laptop can get weak unsecured internet signals, but i'm walking my Note around the apartment trying to get good 1x reception Problems may be overlapping but next step is something basic from the Play Store to verify root.
I read of some luck with root for 4.3, just not bootloader. Am i correct?
KuNiT said:
You are rooted still correct? Easiest way I guess is to just download Rom Manager or GooManager depending on using TWRP or CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not rooted. it sounds like rooting is still an option, just not custom recovery?
Is using ODIN to flash stock rooted an option? No valuable files on phone currently.
(Fortunately I'm at work right now so I have time to make well informed decisions. Thanks for your help)
sduffy89 said:
Not rooted. it sounds like rooting is still an option, just not custom recovery?
Is using ODIN to flash stock rooted an option? No valuable files on phone currently.
(Fortunately I'm at work right now so I have time to make well informed decisions. Thanks for your help)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe if you took/flashed the OTA update, your kinda out of luck and stuck now. I'm not 100% certain of this though but I think it probably relocked the bootloader and the only thing to do is wait for someone to root/unlock 4.3.
KuNiT said:
I believe if you took/flashed the OTA update, your kinda out of luck and stuck now. I'm not 100% certain of this though but I think it probably relocked the bootloader and the only thing to do is wait for someone to root/unlock 4.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. If you took the OTA it relocked your bootloader and you are stuck. You can still root the official 4.3 but you are stuck waiting until someone unlocks the bootloader. This means no custom ROMs/Recovery.
Which 4.3 firmware did you flash? If its the OTA then yes you're outta luck.
If you did follow the Alliance's rom thread. There is a 4.3 MJ9 firmware you need to flash. It doesn't have the locked bootloader. You are then able to boot up in the basic recovery and then flash either TWRP or CWM recovery.
After looking through some of the threads, I think I have a slightly unique situation.
I got my S4 through swappa, and it was already on MK2. I rooted using motochopper and installed safe strap, and that worked (when booting, I could get into the options screen mess with stuff, etc). I didn't install any ROMS since there weren't any I was interested in besides cyanogenmod
In my attempt to install cyanogen mod, I tried installing another recovery, I think TWRP. That earned me the unlocked symbol when booting, and I was stuck in a weird boot loop for a while. I started researching flashing a clean ROM onto my phone, but lo and behold, it actually fixed it's own boot loop and started up again.
That was a month or two ago, before the NC5 4.4.2 update. I decided since it had resurrected itself I would just wait for a bit and see what other tools came out.
After the 4.4.2 update came out, I ignored it for a bit. I tried installing the OTA update once and it went through it's song and dance and after it rebooted it said it couldn't complete the update so nothing was changed. I assume that is because it's rooted? I didn't really force uninstall any apps, I just disabled them through the included app manager.
So where I'm at now is I'm still on MK2, I can't install the OTA update, everytime I reboot my phone I get the unlock symbol and it says "Recovery Booting..." in blue letters at the top, but it never boots into any sort of recovery.
I have tried installing safe strap again and the safe strap app says "State: Installed" but when I reboot it says that recovery booting thing, and then just boots into the regular phone. I don't see the safe strap logo or button options at all.
Where can I go from here? Ideally I'd like to get on a custom ROM that's on the rootgalaxys4 website (it won't let me post links) but I don't know if I have the MDK bootloader, or even what my recovery situation is.
If anyone could help shed some light on this, it would be much appreciated!
Install phone info from play store. ..If you have mk2...bootloader and firmware I have no idea how you got a cm base rom loaded....As for taking an OTA. ..you have to be 100% stock...no root..nothing frozen.
sent by bajarom v2.2 kitkat
decaturbob said:
Install phone info from play store. ..If you have mk2...bootloader and firmware I have no idea how you got a cm base rom loaded....As for taking an OTA. ..you have to be 100% stock...no root..nothing frozen.
sent by bajarom v2.2 kitkat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually don't have a CM base rom loaded, sorry if I made it sound like that. I am still on 4.3 stock w/ root. I wanted a CM ROM, and it seemed like I couldn't do it through safe strap so I tried to put TWRP recovery on there and I got boot-looped (which ended up fixing itself). Now I am trying to figure out how to get a recovery on there, and what my ROM options are (if I can get to 4.4.2 rooted, I would be happy).
I got the phone info program, is there any specific info you wanted off of there?
It says bootloader version I545VRUEMK2, baseband is same
apefist said:
I actually don't have a CM base rom loaded, sorry if I made it sound like that. I am still on 4.3 stock w/ root. I wanted a CM ROM, and it seemed like I couldn't do it through safe strap so I tried to put TWRP recovery on there and I got boot-looped (which ended up fixing itself). Now I am trying to figure out how to get a recovery on there, and what my ROM options are (if I can get to 4.4.2 rooted, I would be happy).
I got the phone info program, is there any specific info you wanted off of there?
It says bootloader version I545VRUEMK2, baseband is same
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your ONLY option for recovery is Safestrap. You can ONLY install Touchwiz based Roms.
There are a lot of threads in the General and Development sections you should check out before you go any further. I would link them for you, but I'm on my way out. Good luck.
riker147 said:
Your ONLY option for recovery is Safestrap. You can ONLY install Touchwiz based Roms.
There are a lot of threads in the General and Development sections you should check out before you go any further. I would link them for you, but I'm on my way out. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, well then my current problem is even though I have the safestrap app installed, and the program reports safestrap recovery as being installed, I can't access it. There is no safe strap screen while booting or button options, and even if I do the forced boot into recovery (press power+vol up+home at the same time and hold until you see the "Recovery Booting" message) it just boots to the normal phone every time.
Also worth noting is for every boot, no matter how i start it, it says "Recovery booting" at the top, but never boots into recovery. I have tried uninstalling safe strap recovery through the safe strap app and re-installing but it is the same thing.
apefist said:
After looking through some of the threads, I think I have a slightly unique situation.
I got my S4 through swappa, and it was already on MK2. I rooted using motochopper and installed safe strap, and that worked (when booting, I could get into the options screen mess with stuff, etc). I didn't install any ROMS since there weren't any I was interested in besides cyanogenmod
In my attempt to install cyanogen mod, I tried installing another recovery, I think TWRP. That earned me the unlocked symbol when booting, and I was stuck in a weird boot loop for a while. I started researching flashing a clean ROM onto my phone, but lo and behold, it actually fixed it's own boot loop and started up again.
That was a month or two ago, before the NC5 4.4.2 update. I decided since it had resurrected itself I would just wait for a bit and see what other tools came out.
After the 4.4.2 update came out, I ignored it for a bit. I tried installing the OTA update once and it went through it's song and dance and after it rebooted it said it couldn't complete the update so nothing was changed. I assume that is because it's rooted? I didn't really force uninstall any apps, I just disabled them through the included app manager.
So where I'm at now is I'm still on MK2, I can't install the OTA update, everytime I reboot my phone I get the unlock symbol and it says "Recovery Booting..." in blue letters at the top, but it never boots into any sort of recovery.
I have tried installing safe strap again and the safe strap app says "State: Installed" but when I reboot it says that recovery booting thing, and then just boots into the regular phone. I don't see the safe strap logo or button options at all.
Where can I go from here? Ideally I'd like to get on a custom ROM that's on the rootgalaxys4 website (it won't let me post links) but I don't know if I have the MDK bootloader, or even what my recovery situation is.
If anyone could help shed some light on this, it would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is really hard to follow.
You can't root MK2 with motochopper, only MDK. Try installing the "Phone INFO *Samsung*" app from the app store to figure out what bootloader and baseband you actually have.
You can't install an OTA update if critical system files are modified, so you'll need to re-flash to a stock ROM to do that. But if it's really MDK, you do not want to allow any OTAs to upgrade your bootloader.
k1mu said:
This is really hard to follow.
You can't root MK2 with motochopper, only MDK. Try installing the "Phone INFO *Samsung*" app from the app store to figure out what bootloader and baseband you actually have.
You can't install an OTA update if critical system files are modified, so you'll need to re-flash to a stock ROM to do that. But if it's really MDK, you do not want to allow any OTAs to upgrade your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, ok, I did the root a while ago, so I think I mixed up which one I had used, I believe it was SafeRoot via this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Someone earlier suggested installing the phone info app above, so I checked it and it says I545VRUEMK2 for both bootloader and baseband.
The OTA update thing was just me trying to provide as much info as possible, I don't really want to do the OTA update because it seems like it removes root, and there is no good way to get it back on NC5.
At this point I would like to install some kind of rooted ROM, but I can't get into any sort of recovery. Safe Strap says it is installed but I can't boot into it.
Would the next step be to reflash a stock recovery? Is there some way to do that?
apefist said:
Ah, ok, I did the root a while ago, so I think I mixed up which one I had used, I believe it was SafeRoot via this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Someone earlier suggested installing the phone info app above, so I checked it and it says I545VRUEMK2 for both bootloader and baseband.
The OTA update thing was just me trying to provide as much info as possible, I don't really want to do the OTA update because it seems like it removes root, and there is no good way to get it back on NC5.
At this point I would like to install some kind of rooted ROM, but I can't get into any sort of recovery. Safe Strap says it is installed but I can't boot into it.
Would the next step be to reflash a stock recovery? Is there some way to do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing safestrap is a 2 step process. Did u do both steps?
sent by bajarom v2.2 kitkat
decaturbob said:
Installing safestrap is a 2 step process. Did u do both steps?
sent by bajarom v2.2 kitkat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the two steps are:
1: Install the safestrap app (v3.71)
2: Go into the app and install the recovery.
In the app the recovery is listed as "Installed"
apefist said:
If the two steps are:
1: Install the safestrap app (v3.71)
2: Go into the app and install the recovery.
In the app the recovery is listed as "Installed"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok buddy you want to upgrade i take it?
click on the thread in my signature and download the 1st file listed called the COMPLETE PACKAGE it has everything you need.
you'll start tho by reflashing MK2 system through Odin then rerooting via Saferoot then reinstall Safestrap. Then the 4.4.2 ROM you want to use then reboot to Odin/Download mode and flash any of my NC2/NC5 1 File Upgrade packages. This is the easiest and most simplistic way to help you get to where you want to go. This will also keep your bootloaders at MK2 and your KNOX intact at 0x0! THE COMPLETE PACKAGE has all the modules, safestrap, supersu ect then if you have any questions the guys or me in the thread will help u. altho if you really do have CM running on your phone take screenshots I've tried porting to work with 4.3 and altho i can get two AOSP roms working I've never gotten close with CM it needs a custom kernel which is something we cannot use with our locked bootloader. only AOSP/GE Roms that will work for 4.4.2 or 4.3 are ones that are compatible with the stock 4.3 or 4.4.2 kernels theres a thread in the development section for that subject as well.
Im stuck at boot loader, someone please help!!
Ive got a verizon SCH-i545 running NC5. I did towel root, got root access no problem. I then installed ROM manager and did install recovery. This seemed to work too. Then after installing that, I saw something about safestrap and decided to install that too. So I installed BusyBox and then safestrap and I could boot into safestrap no problem, made a backup of my device and then wiped everything (/data dalvik&system) After that my phone rebooted and went into CWM recovery, i didn't think anything of it and I tried flashing the latest nightly CM11 build (cm-11-20140821-NIGHTLY-jflte.zip) but when I try this it gives me:
E:could not verify whole-file signature
E:signature verification failed
In red and then continues and tries to reboot, but when it does it just gets frozen at the Samsung loading screen. Ive tried a few different CM builds but they all do the same.
Is there a way to disable signature verification? Am I just using the wrong build? Should I try different a different ROM (if so suggestions)?
Thanks and hopefully i didn't permanently brick my phone...
Swigster said:
Im stuck at boot loader, someone please help!!
Ive got a verizon SCH-i545 running NC5. I did towel root, got root access no problem. I then installed ROM manager and did install recovery. This seemed to work too. Then after installing that, I saw something about safestrap and decided to install that too. So I installed BusyBox and then safestrap and I could boot into safestrap no problem, made a backup of my device and then wiped everything (/data dalvik&system) After that my phone rebooted and went into CWM recovery, i didn't think anything of it and I tried flashing the latest nightly CM11 build (cm-11-20140821-NIGHTLY-jflte.zip) but when I try this it gives me:
E:could not verify whole-file signature
E:signature verification failed
In red and then continues and tries to reboot, but when it does it just gets frozen at the Samsung loading screen. Ive tried a few different CM builds but they all do the same.
Is there a way to disable signature verification? Am I just using the wrong build? Should I try different a different ROM (if so suggestions)?
Thanks and hopefully i didn't permanently brick my phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok - bad news - you are screwed! Unless you are on MDK bootloader, you are limited to root, safestrap and a TW-based ROM like Eclipse. No CM! Some people have had some success with an AOSP rom but stick with TW based ones.
Do a factory reset and try flashing a stock build.
Then reroot, load safe strap as before and your TW based rom.
zeb carter said:
Ok - bad news - you are screwed! Unless you are on MDK bootloader, you are limited to root, safestrap and a TW-based ROM like Eclipse. No CM! Some people have had some success with an AOSP rom but stick with TW based ones.
Do a factory reset and try flashing a stock build.
Then reroot, load safe strap as before and your TW based rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darn, thanks I was going to try and find a stock ROM and see if that works. Any idea where I can find one?
Also what do you mean when you say TW based ROMS? Is there a way I can get an MDK bootloader?
Swigster said:
Darn, thanks I was going to try and find a stock ROM and see if that works. Any idea where I can find one?
Also what do you mean when you say TW based ROMS? Is there a way I can get an MDK bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much was your phone?
Do some reading because your going to brick it.
You can use safestrap with roms based on your current kernel version, you can flash roms but cannot change your kernel, so the rom must use the stock kernel. Read threads on safestrap, as well as your current firmware version.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2735172
Do that, root your phone, then read into SafeStrap.
Whoop5 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2735172
Do that, root your phone, then read into SafeStrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, this is what I have been trying to do but I cant get a valid .md5 file, tried the one from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2484726 but I just cant extract it. Will try this one and hopefully it extracts and I can just get my phone back to stock
Our S4 has a locked bootloader, so you can't just flash whatever you so please. The safest route is to flash a stock NC5 image since that's what you're running. Either the downloads aren't finishing, or your internet is nuts fast (and thus I envy you.)
Whoop5 said:
Our S4 has a locked bootloader, so you can't just flash whatever you so please. The safest route is to flash a stock NC5 image since that's what you're running. Either the downloads aren't finishing, or your internet is nuts fast (and thus I envy you.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I finally got that file downloaded and extracted but when I load it into Odin after clicking the PDA button it says MD5 hash value is invalid. What does that mean and how do i fix this??
What version of odin are you using? Also which tar file are you using? If you're on kitkat you NEED to use the NC5 tar file that Whoop5 posted. If you use any of the ones that you posted you have a chance of bricking your phone. you should probably use the full wipe stock image. You're going to need the samsung jfltevzw 16g.pit file
You should be able to find the pit file in Surge123's post that Whoop5 has posted here. I can post a odin 3.10 if you need it.
Warning: VRUGOC1 is impervious to previous bootloader bypass methods, and cannot be downgraded. Proceed with caution.
I managed to hose my phone while rooting it somehow, so I had to track down the factory image for I545VRUGOC1 / I545VZWGOC1. To actually flash it, I had to use Odin 3.10.6 rather than 3.09 for some reason, which is available in the links below. I also replaced Odin's SS_DL.dll with the one from the zip that contains the tar file, but I'm not sure if that was necessary.
Hope this helps anyone else from who's stuck
TAR
https://mega.nz/#!T0tTDZKA!tIw4ebWEWhsTJWTbyWVx9e07aSBSc_1_Xm2mWWkdu8I
Mirror: http://upple.it/4b1331ec4f4dd04e/VZW-I545VRUGOC1-20150502144520.zip
Slower / crappier mirrors I found in case the above doesn't work:
http://rapidgator.net/file/6f4fd8106796c1bba92dd20a7b5a5c51
http://uploaded.net/file/zcbqwyz5
Odin
http://odindownload.com/download/Odin3_v3.10.6.zip
Mirror: https://mega.nz/#!qh9UTJ6Q!gLDkj2xwXRb8Wa2YTbPODpdrhqowK-s6eZjXI_bTrhQ
kd- said:
Warning: VRUGOC1 is impervious to previous bootloader bypass methods. Proceed with caution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I found the file here too:
http://d-h.st/LNQV
My question is, I have a Kitkat Verizon phone here, I assume upgrading it restricts custom ROMs that can be loaded to it?
Thanks for another mirror - the more the better
Yes, I don't think any current custom ROMs work with the VRUGOC1 bootloader, etc. FlashFire has worked for a couple experiments I've run (flashing wireless hotspot fix, for example), but I'm hesitant to flash anything more substantial. I have not tried SafeStrap but I have not seen anything about it working yet.
kd- said:
Thanks for another mirror - the more the better
Yes, I don't think any current custom ROMs work with the VRUGOC1 bootloader, etc. FlashFire has worked for a couple experiments I've run (flashing wireless hotspot fix, for example), but I'm hesitant to flash anything more substantial. I have not tried SafeStrap but I have not seen anything about it working yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
muniz_ri has posted a stock, de-odexed (and odexed, too of course) that should work with OC1 bootloader (it doesn't have a bootloader in it, so the current bootloader should stay)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ment/rom-i545oc1-5-0-1-100-stock-mdk-t3097902
I haven't installed flashfire yet, but i am on OC1 and already went through the rooting process.
Does this boot if I flash it and the NK4 bootloader?
Oishikatta said:
Does this boot if I flash it and the NK4 bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
muniz_ri has a tar with the oc1 build and the nk4 bootloader, look in either general or Android development
^^
It's in android development. Only two or three ROMs work on OC1(at most). I only know of one confirmed.
XxD34THxX said:
^^
It's in android development. Only two or three ROMs work on OC1(at most). I only know of one confirmed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
muniz has a stock rooted ROM for the oc1 people, which makes sense if you're going from stock. you can flash deodexed ROM and be able to use xposed framework
skepticmisfit said:
muniz has a stock rooted ROM for the oc1 people, which makes sense if you're going from stock. you can flash deodexed ROM and be able to use xposed framework
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, it works just fine, flashed with FlashFire.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4RU_ZH5QUASaU9LcDJ3WWZfdXM/edit?usp=docslist_api&pli=1 I found it here two
Can somebody please help me? First, my phone is locked and I was in NK1, so I decided to flash OC1 by the flashfire method (I don't remember who's the author of the topic), everything went fine and I started to use lollipop, but then I was about to sell my phone and I went to settings, then factory reset and the phone restarted, wiped data and cache by itself and then turned on, I thought everything was ok, but then it just stayed in the samsung's wizard screen, it never passed from that screen. So, I decided to manually enter recovery and do a factory reset again, but the result was the same. In order to unbrick the phone I had to use odin and install the NC5 original firmware .
So, my question is, If I want to install lollipop and I don't care to stay with an unlockable bootloader I justt need to use this Firmware and install it through odin? Or do I need to have an specific firmware (e.g nc5, nk1) and unlocked bootloader?
bayron_olaff said:
Can somebody please help me? First, my phone is locked and I was in NK1, so I decided to flash OC1 by the flashfire method (I don't remember who's the author of the topic), everything went fine and I started to use lollipop, but then I was about to sell my phone and I went to settings, then factory reset and the phone restarted, wiped data and cache by itself and then turned on, I thought everything was ok, but then it just stayed in the samsung's wizard screen, it never passed from that screen. So, I decided to manually enter recovery and do a factory reset again, but the result was the same. In order to unbrick the phone I had to use odin and install the NC5 original firmware .
So, my question is, If I want to install lollipop and I don't care to stay with an unlockable bootloader I justt need to use this Firmware and install it through odin? Or do I need to have an specific firmware (e.g nc5, nk1) and unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that sounds correct. Personally, I wouldn't flash the OC1 factory image unless you have to - I'd flash the NK1 image, which should reset everything, then upgrade to Lollipop using a method that doesn't upgrade the bootloader so whoever gets the phone next can downgrade if they want to.
Can anyone confirm the mega link is a no-wipe oc1 package?
persdata.img doesnt appear in it just making sure.
Edit : been tested it appears to be a no wipe Odin package