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I don't know who's going to read this and/or if there will be any comments to it. I just want to take this horrible frustration and downheartedness out of my chest. I hope this will be of some help for anybody out there trying the same.
Today, I've hit what I hope will be the lowest most bitter point for me as an Android aficionado. Ever since the G1 was announced and came out, I jumped on the wagon and pre-ordered from Tmo (I was a customer at that time). As soon as I had it in my hands, I began learning about its customization, user experience, etc. I came here and learned how to root it (although I registered a bit later). I've owned four G1s, two G2s, an HTC Sensation and two Tbolts. All of them motivated me to dare tweaking and customizing more and more. Always with more or less satisfying results at the end, after overcoming the always present unexpected troubles. This time, however... I feel like I've got a pretty ugly dose of failure.
<s>I'll try to make it short.</s> My in-laws came from China. They had very old phones and wanted to get iPhones. However, the screen ended up seeming pretty small for them compared to my Tbolt. They asked me if I could help them get a good phone. I came up with a couple of choices. The HTC One X and the Samsung Galaxy S2. After thinking about it, I went for the S2. Now, it was a matter of picking the right (GSM) one. Either the ATT or Tmo version. I did more research and picked the ATT (I777) version, since "that's closer" to the international version.
I purchased two of them, still sealed, from Craigslist. I just loved them! Immediately, I purchased the unlocking codes for both. I got home and inserted a Tmo SIM to test them. I couldn't wait to hand them over to them. Then, things started to go just wrong in every way...
I was shocked to see the S2 had no Chinese option in language. The only Asian language available was Korean. At some point later, I realized that the Chinese options in my other phones were probably due to HTC being a Taiwanese company. I kept searching for an answer and ended up trying a couple of apps from the market like Morelocale2, etc. But they only translated about %30 of the whole. Failure.
I kept reading and learned I could flash a ROM with the language included. After more and more reading and rooting it, I had two choices. I could flash the Hong Kong or Singapore version of the phone. Those two come with the language already installed. Even though I don't know Chinese, I managed to get some help from a dev acquaintance and found the HK (I9100) version that even had the ICS version. I followed the tut and flashed it using Odin. When it booted it looked all good. Looking at that Chinese all over the place even made me smile. I sighed and said "I'm done"... little did I know my failure was far from avoided.
First of all, I learned that only two of the four buttons work due to the kernel. Only Back and menu work. I tried to see the good side. It'd be easier for them to get used to using only two buttons. I started installing more goodies, like Chinese input (by strokes, not by keyboard), even a wonderful app I found called Buttonsavior to replace the physical buttons. I was "done" and handed over the phone; only one of them. I wanted to be sure of the procedure to go, before doing the other. Then, I realized something horrific...
As they were trying the phone, poking menus here and there to become familiar with the UI; suddenly, while testing making a phone call, I heard that phrase: "It has no sound!" I wanted to kick myself out of my own disbelief... I thought "OMG! It was so hard hard to get a hold of that ROM. Now what?" I sadly understood I'd have to restore and go back to trying to find a solution to the partially translated gingerbread version. Then, I restored and went cold when I realized what had happened.
During the restoring, I was quite glad I had backed up in case of a disaster. When I booted up and just out of curiosity of how good the sound of the call was supposed to sound, I made a call. Guess what? IT DIDN'T WORK EITHER! This is when I started panicking! I thought "OK, I restored, now what?" I quickly did a wipe, factory reset, even unrooting back to the stock ROM. Did it work? No!! No audio call! "OMG!! The phone I just bought on Craigslist it's defective!"
I didn't give up and let that make me feel down (completely). I said "OK, after all this struggle and time, at least I'm going to make the other one work." I took the other phone and made a call to finally hear the quality of the audio call. It was very good to say the least. It was very nice and clear. At this point I started to feel half of an epic failure. In less than 5 mins the phone was rooted and being updated to the HK ICS ROM. I went as quickly as I could through the initial setup. I hit the home screen and the first thing I touched was the phone call icon, dialed and waited to see what the phone was supposed to be like. Then, the half failure, became full failure. I don't remember feeling that down for something before. I threw in the towel...
The audio didn't work... that's when I realized I had just messed up two brand new S2s I bought out of a stranger's hands. I've thought about it, and I got the feeling something can be done, but at this point I'm not sure what. I feel like my brain has dried up. I struggled with this for about a week, having a massive headache at least three times. But the story didn't end there...
In a feeling of total defeat, I did the last thing I could think of... I called tech support and tell them about the lack of sound. After lot of talking and pushing for some solution (they wanted me to take it back to the 'store'), they said the warranty was good for another eleven months. They've got my info and emailed me a prepaid UPS label. You think think it's a happy ending? No. You want to know why? I can't even reset the binary counter. I even got a jig connector to do the job, but of course 'for some strange reason', it won't do it. If this isn't an example of a perfect failure, then what is it? Total lost: $900.
I'm not as good as most guys here, but I like to read and use common sense as much as I can. This time I thought to my self "I'm a dumbass, what else can I say?" Aren't I?
Thanks for reading,
Edit: Yes, I did flash a stock ROM.
Hi buddy,
I just read your story.. U will both phone work again, I am pretty sure! Try to get some experienced help! Fully restoring by flashing a stocks rom should be the help... Make sure I do it correct!
Good luck!!!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
*you do it right..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
I can tell you right off the bat that the reason the Home and Search buttons didn't work on your i777 (AT&T S2) is because you flashed an i9100 ROM. The i9100 has a physical home button and no search button. i9100 ROMs ARE compatible with the i777 since other than that they are identical phones, but you need to fix the key mappings. As for the audio, I'm not sure.
I don't know if I forgot to mention it, but I did flash a stock ROM.
I may not have the greatest knowledge of these things but are you sure it's not a radio issue? Have you tried flashing a different radio (one that's compatible with the ROM and region you want to install)? I know I mate who had an issue with calls after flashing a new ROM to his new S2 and the problem turned out to be the radio. Once he flashed a new one (it may have been the factory one he flashed back on to it) it all worked.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2
Man that's a crazy story. Not sure if I over read it or not cuz I'm baked or not but maybe they were tinkered with before you got them? Like did audio work originally? I know I'm sure glad I found the sbf files for my old OG, since they've saved me numerous times being able to flash to out of the box status. Sounds like you might've jumped into it too quickly without ironing out all the details. Shoot I know it took me like 2 weeks thinking about just rooting my phone to finally do it a couple years ago.
Sent from my OG using XDA
Yes, that was my first thought after flashing that ICS regional ROM: the radio. And that was the reason why I decided to flash the unrooted stock ROM. But like I said, nothing! I'm sure there was nothing wrong with the phones. The second was working fine before I did it. I actually tested it over and over, kind of like to make me feel better that at least that one of them was going to work.
Hi, are you getting no sound at all or just no sound in call.
I would suggest flashing back using Odin. I've had some issue's when flashing using Odin for customers. Some have had non EU devices and wanted EU firmware flashed. After flashing i also experienced sound issues.
I found that flashing back to the earliest possible stock Samsung Rom helped in my case.
hope this help you out bro
gazlufc said:
Hi, are you getting no sound at all or just no sound in call.
I would suggest flashing back using Odin. I've had some issue's when flashing using Odin for customers. Some have had non EU devices and wanted EU firmware flashed. After flashing i also experienced sound issues.
I found that flashing back to the earliest possible stock Samsung Rom helped in my case.
hope this help you out bro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said. The reason why I thought it was a radio issue (and flashed a stock ROM via Odin) was because they do have sound, but no during a call.
gazlufc said:
Hi, are you getting no sound at all or just no sound in call.
I would suggest flashing back using Odin. I've had some issue's when flashing using Odin for customers. Some have had non EU devices and wanted EU firmware flashed. After flashing i also experienced sound issues.
I found that flashing back to the earliest possible stock Samsung Rom helped in my case.
hope this help you out bro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd still suggest trying to flash a radio separately. When it happened to my mate he still had sound issues after flashing back to a stock ROM and it was only fixed by flashing a separate radio zip.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2
GraphicGoose said:
I'd still suggest trying to flash a radio separately. When it happened to my mate he still had sound issues after flashing back to a stock ROM and it was only fixed by flashing a separate radio zip.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think trying that is the only thing that separates me from having spent $900 in, virtually, two paper weights. I got this strange feeling it might be a fate prank. If so, I'll probably take a break from this kind of endeavors.
The only time I've done a radio update was when updating my G1 to 1.6. The radio file was hard to find though...
The_Forastero said:
I think trying that is the only thing that separates me from having spent $900 in, virtually, two paper weights. I got this strange feeling it might be a fate prank. If so, I'll probably take a break from this kind of endeavors.
The only time I've done a radio update was when updating my G1 to 1.6. The radio file was hard to find though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This could be a start:
http://www.veyka.co.uk/radios/
http://www.mofirouz.com/wordpress/2011/11/samsung-galaxy-s2-radios/
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2
GraphicGoose said:
This could be a start:
http://www.veyka.co.uk/radios/
http://www.mofirouz.com/wordpress/2011/11/samsung-galaxy-s2-radios/
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much mate! Really, I really appreciate it. The clock is ticking back. They're leaving tomorrow. I'll get into it and report back.
Thanks again,
While trying to find the right radio, it just hit me. Should I use a chinese (ZS, ZC) version? I feel like a total n00b asking this, but... does the baseband has to do with roaming or something like that?
Thanks,
The_Forastero said:
While trying to find the right radio, it just hit me. Should I use a chinese (ZS, ZC) version? I feel like a total n00b asking this, but... does the baseband has to do with roaming or something like that?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That one I'm not overly sure about sorry mate. Someone else might be able to chime in? But hey, considering they don't work in their current state it can't hurt to give it a try?
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2
The modem firmware has to match the hardware. You need to the one that came with the phone. The frequencies are physically programmed into the radio and flashing a radio with a different frequency will make it not work until you flash the correct one.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Product F(RED) said:
The modem firmware has to match the hardware. You need to the one that came with the phone. The frequencies are physically programmed into the radio and flashing a radio with a different frequency will make it not work until you flash the correct one.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that mean, that there are worldwide phones with different hardware chips? Isn't there any chance to reconfigure these chips?
KanocX said:
Does that mean, that there are worldwide phones with different hardware chips? Isn't there any chance to reconfigure these chips?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phones are identical in terms of hardware specs (i9100s I mean) but each region may have one that picks up different frequencies. No you can't reconfigure it unless the radio supports it which is rare and not the case for the S2. Like I said flash the radio that came with the phone. You most likely flashed a ROM for an S2 that was a different region and came with a different radio. The software for the radio is trying to tell the radio to tune to a frequency it doesn't support. Get it?
Hopefully you made a nandroid backup before you did anything and can restore it. Also you can always play around with it in English and then change the language to Chinese when you are done if you are able to find a rom that has the language support.
Dear All,
today I ran into a massive problem with my brand new i9300, which i bought 2 days ago and literally bricked the phone in very unusual way - no network available so I can not make/receive calls, texts or data.
I bought the phone in Bangkok(Thailand), as is(without warranty as it is not from original thai distribution therefore I saved bit over 100 bucks). When I got home and start exploring the phone a little I noticed weird thing - when booting up the logo is GT-I9300T and when I checked on firmware, it was showing GT-I9300T as well but the paper boxe(written in french) showed GT-I9300 as well as the sticker under the battery(GT-I9300). The phone was unlocked and rooted, can not remember the firmware it was equipped with but it was TELSTRA branded(boot on/off animation plus lots of crap appz TELSTRA related). Plus there were few bugs like phone was not able to lock itself(pin, face unlock etc. etc. - nothing was working, no unlocking needed because it never locked anyway) no matter what I did. That really annoyed me so I decided to flash DarkyROM III v3(have been playing with DarkyROMs for last 2 years on my SGS) as I learned that i9300 and i9300T firmwares are interchangable anyway so it should not matter. So I flashed according the guide, no problems encountered at all, it went very smooth. But after the phone booted up, despite everything else was working nicely, there was no signal/network available. Only the "crossed-circle" in the top-right corner where usually the signal bars are.
So I went to the service mode, tried to force different bands in both - GSM and WCDMA but no luck. Still no networkd available. So I decided to give a go to few another modems - both versions i9300 and i9300T - flashed in CWM and Odin too - no luck, still the same. So I reflashed few SAMSUNG stock firmwares plus tried the various modems again, still the same result - crossed circle instead of signal bars, no network. So I went to SAMSUNG SERVICE CENTER, they were very helpful, played with my phone for almost an hour, flashed latest official thai firmware but the result is still the same. No network. They even reflashed the initial bootup animation so now it is showing correctly GT-I9300. They checked the imei+s/n and confirmed the phone is I9300 coming from France originaly(french distribution) and apologized, because it is french phone they do not have the required firmware/software on hand so that they can help me and fix my phone. So what can I do? I guess if SAMSUNG Service Center can not help me, does it mean I should throw away my phone into the nearest thrashbin? I spent almost 600USD on it - its a lots of money for me. Well lesson for me is - never buy anything from unofficial distribution!
But please let me ask you guys - any idea what can I do to make it work again? Anyone else have similar experience as me?
The phone shows same IMEI as on the paper sticker below the battery, but the serial number shows ony zeros(0000000) instead the letters/numbers which are mentioned on the sticker.
Any more info, please let me know. I will appreciate any suggestion/help/assistance to make my SGS3 work again, please please please help me!
Thanks a lot, kind regards
Tomas
Are you absolutly sure that this phone wasnt stolen? It can be locked by IMEI If it was.
By Tapatalk 2
SirKunon said:
Are you absolutly sure that this phone wasnt stolen? It can be locked by IMEI If it was.
By Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea, how can I find out? I guess SAMSUNG Service Center would tell me, no? And the phone was working perfectly until the flash.
Its not brand new if its been rooted .
See the recent posts regarding the T Model and network .
jje
Maybe this phone was simunlocked in some kind of temporary way. After flashing original firmware efs was rebuilded with simlock to original carrier, Telstra in this case? I dont think you have got their sim to check this. Maybe try few ways to simunlock now, just after flashing a tripplefile stock firmware with mx.pit and repartition checked in Odin.
Take out your current simcard and external sd card while flashing.
By Tapatalk 2
@JJEgan: thanks but as per SAMSUNG SC the unit is i9300, not i9300t as was flashed originally.
@SirKunon: how complicated is it to simunlock? Do I need some specialized equipment/sw? So what you suggest is to find stock firmware with three separate files - pda, phone, csc - and flash them together with mx.pit repartition ticked? Can't that mx.pit do some more harm? And how about bootloader, what is it really good for?
Indopilot said:
@SirKunon: how complicated is it to simunlock? Do I need some specialized equipment/sw? So what you suggest is to find stock firmware with three separate files - pda, phone, csc - and flash them together with mx.pit repartition ticked? Can't that mx.pit do some more harm? And how about bootloader, what is it really good for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader is usualy included in all firmwares and flashed, no matter is it one or three files. But generaly only roms with separete csc, pda and modem include script commands for wiping data (dalvik also) and cache just after flashing a firmware. Some carriers are using diffrent than stock recommended partition layout and that why i suggest repartition - to wipe all junks from Telstra branding.
About simunlock You should search this forum, I didnt do that with my s3 becouse its stock unlocked. I only debranded my phone from T-mobile to stock. On sgs and sgs2 i have to use some soft, I dont remember how its names. From efs folder (root needed) extract nvdata.bin in this file are informations about IMEI and simlock encoded. You need to find that software which will remove simlock bytes and after that push nvdata.bin back to efs partition and set right owner (radio or root) and permissions. Maybe three is also easiest way to do that. But root always will be necesary.
This is only things that may help if sammys SC itself failed.
By Tapatalk 2
Easy solution for you :-
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1838480
Can people stop using the term "bricked" when it's clearly not please.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
riso123 said:
Can people stop using the term "bricked" when it's clearly not please.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure people like me can stop using the term "bricked" if you know a better term for a cell you can not use for calling, texting and using data anymore(sorry but phone u can not use for its main purpose is a brick to me). But honestly I would expect more from a senior member like u than an "advice" like that just to add an 1 extra count on your posts count. If you don't know how to or don't want to help, just say that straight away or don't reply at all. Your comment like this is not gonna help anyone and certainly no-one is gonna learn anything new from it.
Indopilot said:
I'm sure people like me can stop using the term "bricked" if you know a better term for a cell you can not use for calling, texting and using data anymore(sorry but phone u can not use for its main purpose is a brick to me). But honestly I would expect more from a senior member like u than an "advice" like that just to add an 1 extra count on your posts count. If you don't know how to or don't want to help, just say that straight away or don't reply at all. Your comment like this is not gonna help anyone and certainly no-one is gonna learn anything new from it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does me being "senior" have to do with it? It doesn't make me any more of a role model, doesn't earn me extra money and doesn't make my poopie smell nice...
Your phone is not bricked, it's just lacking in functionality at the moment. It's likely something that can be fixed... if it was bricked, you would have no functionality and no way to fix the device, thus making it a useless brick...
So yeah, my original post stands... your using the term, along with a lot of other people, incorrectly and it's annoying.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
try flashing it with stock rom for australia.
riso123 said:
What does me being "senior" have to do with it? It doesn't make me any more of a role model, doesn't earn me extra money and doesn't make my poopie smell nice...
Your phone is not bricked, it's just lacking in functionality at the moment. It's likely something that can be fixed... if it was bricked, you would have no functionality and no way to fix the device, thus making it a useless brick...
So yeah, my original post stands... your using the term, along with a lot of other people, incorrectly and it's annoying.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well what else can I add, maybe just "thank you very much for your very useful advice, it's very much appreciated and it helped me a lot". But on a serious note now, obviously you have absolutely no idea how to help as the SAMSUNG SC does, but at least they don't try to be a smart ass and admit that straight away. Anyways my apologies to everyone who got offended by my term "brick", I should use more proper term "useless". I hope this will make you happy now so you can get a good night sleep Mr. Smart###!
Indopilot said:
Well what else can I add, maybe just "thank you very much for your very useful advice, it's very much appreciated and it helped me a lot". But on a serious note now, obviously you have absolutely no idea how to help as the SAMSUNG SC does, but at least they don't try to be a smart ass and admit that straight away. Anyways my apologies to everyone who got offended by my term "brick", I should use more proper term "useless". I hope this will make you happy now so you can get a good night sleep Mr. Smart###!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have been given the needed advise to fix the problem. The only reason that flashing your carrier and country brand firmware would be that your IMEI has been blocked. If your IMEI is blocked then the phone is likely a stolen unit.
What more advise do you want/need, Mr Arrogant?
Edit: oh, and of course your EFS could be screwed. But again, flashing to stock would fix that too...
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
First if all, not all country implemented the IMEI blocking.
It requires huge resource to maintain the database.
Which country and network you are trying to use it at?
Secondly I haven't seen one method of flashing to change the boot logo like SAMSUNG SC did.
Can the Thai have done the same originally?
What is the model number under the battery.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using xda app-developers app
priyana said:
First if all, not all country implemented the IMEI blocking.
It requires huge resource to maintain the database.
Which country and network you are trying to use it at?
Secondly I haven't seen one method of flashing to change the boot logo like SAMSUNG SC did.
Can the Thai have done the same originally?
What is the model number under the battery.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I have no idea about IMEI blocking - maybe it is not that common here due to huge amount of mobiles in use around here? I am in northern Thailand, trying to use it on DTAC and yesterday got 2 more SIMs to try another operators - AIS and TRUEMOVE. Even tried my czech and indonesian SIMs, without luck.
I do not know the way SAMMY SC used to change my boot logo but they did it somehow. And this morning I dropped my S3 to one of those street shops specialised in unlocking and repairing phones - they said should be no problem to fix it, left it there for an hour but they returned it to me with apologies that they reflashed what they could and tried different firmwares but no luck. And BTW they reflashed the boot logo too - now it is back to GT-I9300T(which is annoying, will go to SC again on Monday to reflash it back to I9300).
The model number under the battery states: GT-I9300 and SAMMY SC confirmed I9300.
And yes I am sure despite the fact the phone has been sold to me as brand new, someone must have tampered with it - I guess to unlock it or something - it was rooted and CWM was installed. As I mentioned according SAMMY SC the phone comes from french distribution, is GT-I9300 but it was TELSTRA(I think australian) branded and flashed with GT-I9300T.
And to top it up - KIES can not identify what was the original FW for this unit - after inserting the model and S/N into KIES, it just says to check the S/N again and insert the correct one. Real mistery!!!:crying:
But anyway thanks a lot for help and suggestion priyana,
Tomas
Indopilot said:
Sorry I have no idea about IMEI blocking - maybe it is not that common here due to huge amount of mobiles in use around here? I am in northern Thailand, trying to use it on DTAC and yesterday got 2 more SIMs to try another operators - AIS and TRUEMOVE. Even tried my czech and indonesian SIMs, without luck.
I do not know the way SAMMY SC used to change my boot logo but they did it somehow. And this morning I dropped my S3 to one of those street shops specialised in unlocking and repairing phones - they said should be no problem to fix it, left it there for an hour but they returned it to me with apologies that they reflashed what they could and tried different firmwares but no luck. And BTW they reflashed the boot logo too - now it is back to GT-I9300T(which is annoying, will go to SC again on Monday to reflash it back to I9300).
The model number under the battery states: GT-I9300 and SAMMY SC confirmed I9300.
And yes I am sure despite the fact the phone has been sold to me as brand new, someone must have tampered with it - I guess to unlock it or something - it was rooted and CWM was installed. As I mentioned according SAMMY SC the phone comes from french distribution, is GT-I9300 but it was TELSTRA(I think australian) branded and flashed with GT-I9300T.
And to top it up - KIES can not identify what was the original FW for this unit - after inserting the model and S/N into KIES, it just says to check the S/N again and insert the correct one. Real mistery!!!:crying:
But anyway thanks a lot for help and suggestion priyana,
Tomas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Tomas,
I am experiencing the same problem have u been able to fix your phone? If so how did you do it? I hv tried flashing so many firmwares and took it to like 10 stores without success. Imei is shown also, but sn differs from the one on the sticker. Thanks!
Yes, the issue has been solved easily and free of charge although Sammy SC in Czech Republic and Thailand told me it is a hardware issue and motherboard has to be replaced(costs 225UDS in Thailand and 250EUR in Czech Republic). I repeat it is a lie and trick how to rip you off of some cash - it is SW issue only and I found a place where it has been fixed in less than half an hour and free of charge. Sorry, I m travelling now, will give u more details later Keep hope alive!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
manormachine said:
Hi Tomas,
I am experiencing the same problem have u been able to fix your phone? If so how did you do it? I hv tried flashing so many firmwares and took it to like 10 stores without success. Imei is shown also, but sn differs from the one on the sticker. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to visit some service centre wih SPT box.
It will make your phone functional.
But you need to remove modem before flashing roms
If you flash modem after repair you will loose signals.
muhammad.ali123 said:
You need to visit some service centre wih SPT box.
It will make your phone functional.
But you need to remove modem before flashing roms
If you flash modem after repair you will loose signals.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this issue can not be solved and I will have to stay on the same modem forever? So how can we ever update our firmware if modem can not be tampered with? It sounds like this issue bans us completely from updating our firmware I wanted to try other stock/modded firmwares or at least kernels but now I m afraid to touch the firmware in order not to lose signal again:'(
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Hi All,
I flashed the Samsung newest 4.1.2 and when I did it I noticed I could not call anyone as no network etc. Since then I have done some digging and found that my imei on the phone under status is different from the one in the back of the phone under the battery. I have read about an app called gsII - repair to try and get it back to normal as it has done some damage to the efs backup file (I think).
I have been flashing for well over a year but have not got a clue how to get my phone working again, can anyone help please??
I have read loads on here but as I am a noob with code etc it looks extremely difficult, so any advice would be great as I have a phone that does not phone at the moment and my wife is doing her nut in as I am away on business and she can't get hold of me...
Thanks in advance, Phil
pump-22 said:
Hi All,
I flashed the Samsung newest 4.1.2 and when I did it I noticed I could not call anyone as no network etc. Since then I have done some digging and found that my imei on the phone under status is different from the one in the back of the phone under the battery. I have read about an app called gsII - repair to try and get it back to normal as it has done some damage to the efs backup file (I think).
I have been flashing for well over a year but have not got a clue how to get my phone working again, can anyone help please??
I have read loads on here but as I am a noob with code etc it looks extremely difficult, so any advice would be great as I have a phone that does not phone at the moment and my wife is doing her nut in as I am away on business and she can't get hold of me...
Thanks in advance, Phil
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There are plenty of topics on this for you to read or reply to, no need for creating another one just to get same answers you could have got from the others.
Firstly, I'm not a noob.
Secondly, I've even opened the phone to see if there is anything loose.. I used to repair phones, and hardware wise everything looks fine. Plus, the issue can happen while the phone is just sitting there, it isn't caused by the phone being moved that I can tell.
So I might suddenly have a voicemail show up, because my phone didn't have signal. Or if I call out, it never gives an error of any kind, it just doesn't ring.. same idea with text, sometimes they just come in all at once.
But the whole time, it SHOWS I have signal. If I search for networks(Settings>more>networks>available networks) when I have no issues, it searches, and shows US or AT&T(which is odd since I have tmobile, but whatever).. if I do this while I AM having the issue - it doesn't search, and nothing shows. Hitting search doesn't do anything.
If I put into airplane mode and take it back out, it will show no signal until the problem goes away. Restarting the phone doesn't appear to solve the issue.
I'm at a total loss here. I've searched - a LOT. This is kind of a hard issue to search for, haven't seen anyone else describe something similar.. so I am just throwing this out here, hoping someone might have some thoughts?
Silentbtdeadly said:
Firstly, I'm not a noob.
Secondly, I've even opened the phone to see if there is anything loose.. I used to repair phones, and hardware wise everything looks fine. Plus, the issue can happen while the phone is just sitting there, it isn't caused by the phone being moved that I can tell.
So I might suddenly have a voicemail show up, because my phone didn't have signal. Or if I call out, it never gives an error of any kind, it just doesn't ring.. same idea with text, sometimes they just come in all at once.
But the whole time, it SHOWS I have signal. If I search for networks(Settings>more>networks>available networks) when I have no issues, it searches, and shows US or AT&T(which is odd since I have tmobile, but whatever).. if I do this while I AM having the issue - it doesn't search, and nothing shows. Hitting search doesn't do anything.
If I put into airplane mode and take it back out, it will show no signal until the problem goes away. Restarting the phone doesn't appear to solve the issue.
I'm at a total loss here. I've searched - a LOT. This is kind of a hard issue to search for, haven't seen anyone else describe something similar.. so I am just throwing this out here, hoping someone might have some thoughts?
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did your efs changed?
cause if you have generic imei that should be the problem
MrAlez said:
did your efs changed?
cause if you have generic imei that should be the problem
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I clearly said that I can receive calls and texts.. just not all the time. I had a problem with my EFS a long time ago, but was able to fix it, my IMEI is good, and I can't see any issue in my phone information(including serial, etc). As I said, this is an intermittent problem- right now I would say the issue only happens 20% of the time, maybe less.
It isn't often, but I have had multi-hour phone calls, and none have ever been disconnected by this issue, tho I feel like if I wasn't on the phone the issue would have happened at some point..
Let me point out that this has been going on over two months - in that time I have used stock roms, slim roms, every rom and android version from 4.1-4.4 and many kernels - none seemed to remotely effect the issue.
Is there a possibility of some strange modem thing? My friend has the us variant of the s3, and he has read that he can't downgrade his modem.. so I've avoided using any early modems just in case.. our phone seems to have less and less updated threads for things like modems.
Silentbtdeadly said:
I clearly said that I can receive calls and texts.. just not all the time. I had a problem with my EFS a long time ago, but was able to fix it, my IMEI is good, and I can't see any issue in my phone information(including serial, etc). As I said, this is an intermittent problem- right now I would say the issue only happens 20% of the time, maybe less.
It isn't often, but I have had multi-hour phone calls, and none have ever been disconnected by this issue, tho I feel like if I wasn't on the phone the issue would have happened at some point..
Let me point out that this has been going on over two months - in that time I have used stock roms, slim roms, every rom and android version from 4.1-4.4 and many kernels - none seemed to remotely effect the issue.
Is there a possibility of some strange modem thing? My friend has the us variant of the s3, and he has read that he can't downgrade his modem.. so I've avoided using any early modems just in case.. our phone seems to have less and less updated threads for things like modems.
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Actually, you can change your modem, but if you went to the 4.3 version of touchwiz, try using other modem from another 4.3 tw, you can give a try, but dont use a 4.1 or 4.2 modem, just a 4.3 modem, (efs2)
MrAlez said:
Actually, you can change your modem, but if you went to the 4.3 version of touchwiz, try using other modem from another 4.3 tw, you can give a try, but dont use a 4.1 or 4.2 modem, just a 4.3 modem, (efs2)
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I think that was when I had my original efs issue - I was unaware about not going down below 4.3 again- but like I said, that was fixed. Or at least I think it was.
Is there a process to going to efs1 type partition? Perhaps if I properly go back to the original type.. and then upgrade properly(all after backing up my EFS of course..)
I guess the real issue is- could this be related to my problem AT ALL? I mean I get reception most of the time(guessing80%+), and it doesn't even show a signal loss when I can't find a network operator by manually searching!
I guess another thing that has me curious - it shows US or AT&T as the network operators, even tho I am on tmobile(not even pre-paid or anything).. if I select US it works, if I select automatic, it works, if I select AT&T it says your sim card doesn't allow you to register on this network..?
I'm just at a loss, because it doesn't seem like a hardware issue.. I'm actually on the phone with tmobile at the moment trying to see if MAYBE it is something on their side, how they have me registered on the network.. something!
Silentbtdeadly said:
I think that was when I had my original efs issue - I was unaware about not going down below 4.3 again- but like I said, that was fixed. Or at least I think it was.
Is there a process to going to efs1 type partition? Perhaps if I properly go back to the original type.. and then upgrade properly(all after backing up my EFS of course..)
I guess the real issue is- could this be related to my problem AT ALL? I mean I get reception most of the time(guessing80%+), and it doesn't even show a signal loss when I can't find a network operator by manually searching!
I guess another thing that has me curious - it shows US or AT&T as the network operators, even tho I am on tmobile(not even pre-paid or anything).. if I select US it works, if I select automatic, it works, if I select AT&T it says your sim card doesn't allow you to register on this network..?
I'm just at a loss, because it doesn't seem like a hardware issue.. I'm actually on the phone with tmobile at the moment trying to see if MAYBE it is something on their side, how they have me registered on the network.. something!
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Bro like the said says "Once you go black, you never go back" lol jk, i read somewhere that once you go efs2 is difficult to go to efs1 you will face "UNKNOWN NETWORK", the only thing you left to do is, restore to stock tmobile, root, use triangle away, unroot, flash again stock, and go to your network operator and tell them what problem you have, i think it my be a problem with the network problem idk more, im out of ideas, you should try that. thanks for reading
Silentbtdeadly said:
...
I'm at a total loss here. I've searched - a LOT. This is kind of a hard issue to search for, haven't seen anyone else describe something similar.. so I am just throwing this out here, hoping someone might have some thoughts?
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Had this issue when I installed KK rom after stock 4.3
Fixed it with patched mg4 modem.
RazorMC said:
Had this issue when I installed KK rom after stock 4.3
Fixed it with patched mg4 modem.
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So you're sure you were having an issue just like mine? I've read dozens and dozens of threads for tons of samsung devices.. I recall one of them talking about patched modems - any chance you can post the link or even upload a flashable? If this turns out to be a fix.. you will be a god among men!
Silentbtdeadly said:
So you're sure you were having an issue just like mine? I've read dozens and dozens of threads for tons of samsung devices.. I recall one of them talking about patched modems - any chance you can post the link or even upload a flashable? If this turns out to be a fix.. you will be a god among men!
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Yeah more or less what you were facing. Internittent network drops.
Dropbox link for patched MG4
Let me know if it worked out.
PS: If that doesn't work, then you can also try a modem for your region. Currently using NA8 right now and no issues shifting between stock 4.3 and KK Roms
RazorMC said:
Yeah more or less what you were facing. Internittent network drops.
Dropbox link for patched MG4
Currently using NA8 right now and no issues shifting between stock 4.3 and KK Roms
Let me know if it worked out.
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I'll definitely give it a try.. where is the source you found it from, how did you figure it out? I found this emergency zip uploaded by justarchi that looks like a patched modem.. is this it? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=43946365&postcount=15
Otherwise, for curiosities sake, if you figured this out(and it does fix my issue), I am QUITE curious how you figured it out!
Silentbtdeadly said:
I'll definitely give it a try.. where is the source you found it from, how did you figure it out? I found this emergency zip uploaded by justarchi that looks like a patched modem.. is this it? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=43946365&postcount=15
Otherwise, for curiosities sake, if you figured this out(and it does fix my issue), I am QUITE curious how you figured it out!
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I found it on xda long ago. But since it took ages to find the link, I bookmarked the link so I could post without having to spend hours scouring threads for it. It was originally in the modem/baseband thread.
AFAIK, JustArchi was referring to old modems no longer working with stock 4.3 firmwares and the resulting corrupted IMEIs when you use old modems or tried to go back to 4.1.2.
This post on my thread recommended patched MK6 kernel + patched MK6 modem.
But I went with just patched MG4 and worked. The issue at that time was no network, but I've been able to resolve network drops with patched modem.
This is just my experience though.
Before you flash the modem, make a backup in PhilZ Recovery first. Backup efs and modem both.
Hello, first off I would like to say I'm terribly sorry for posting in the wrong section, but there isn't a section for the US Cellular Galaxy S3 and I don't want to spend an hour trying to find the correct section. Anyway, I've had my S3 for 1.5 years now and I finally decided to ditch Touchwiz and install Cyanogemod. So I got TWRP recovery, installed the correct cyanogenmod 11 version and gapps. I was extremely happy with the smoothness that I decided to text a friend. Text wouldn't go through. Nor could I make phone calls. Anyway I went into settings and it claimed my phone number was something along the lines of '000-000-9356' (Not entirely sure on last 4 digits) So I tried restoring to the backup that I had made, which did not work. Data however did work after tinkering with settings. Fast forward 2 weeks and I decide to try and fix the sms and phone problem. I couldn't find any help and stumbled upon a list of modems for SCH-R530U. Flashed one of those and when the phone booted back up, I had no data connection at all. I tried flashing the rest of them in a panic to try and fix what I broke but none of them changed the broken connection. I went into settings, about phone, status, and the phone says unknown for my network type, phone number, MIN, PRL version, MEID, IMEI, and ICCID. I know realize that I most likely have broken this phone beyond repair and I can't seem to find any fix or any stock firmware for my phone. If anyone could provide some help, it would be greatly appreciated instead of comments telling me to go to iOS, stating that I ****ed it up, or anything similar that I have recently gotten on other forums I've tried to get help from.
SamsungMakesMeCry said:
Hello, first off I would like to say I'm terribly sorry for posting in the wrong section, but there isn't a section for the US Cellular Galaxy S3 and I don't want to spend an hour trying to find the correct section. Anyway, I've had my S3 for 1.5 years now and I finally decided to ditch Touchwiz and install Cyanogemod. So I got TWRP recovery, installed the correct cyanogenmod 11 version and gapps. I was extremely happy with the smoothness that I decided to text a friend. Text wouldn't go through. Nor could I make phone calls. Anyway I went into settings and it claimed my phone number was something along the lines of '000-000-9356' (Not entirely sure on last 4 digits) So I tried restoring to the backup that I had made, which did not work. Data however did work after tinkering with settings. Fast forward 2 weeks and I decide to try and fix the sms and phone problem. I couldn't find any help and stumbled upon a list of modems for SCH-R530U. Flashed one of those and when the phone booted back up, I had no data connection at all. I tried flashing the rest of them in a panic to try and fix what I broke but none of them changed the broken connection. I went into settings, about phone, status, and the phone says unknown for my network type, phone number, MIN, PRL version, MEID, IMEI, and ICCID. I know realize that I most likely have broken this phone beyond repair and I can't seem to find any fix or any stock firmware for my phone. If anyone could provide some help, it would be greatly appreciated instead of comments telling me to go to iOS, stating that I ****ed it up, or anything similar that I have recently gotten on other forums I've tried to get help from.
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I have done a quick search for you and it seems to the same as the one from verizon. Thats what google told me and this link leads to so don't quote me 100% and it also states "This device does not have dedicated subforums, you may be able to find assistance in the Verizon subforums. "
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wik.../SCH-R530#XDA-Developers_Forums_for_the_Phone
According to us cellular it is a SCH-R530U with baseband R530UVXUCNF3 and android 4.4.2.
Have done abit or search but I will not post links as Im not familiar with it and don't want to be the one to give you a link to brick it so im afraid that's as far as I can go and suggest you go to verizon section
SamsungMakesMeCry said:
Hello, first off I would like to say I'm terribly sorry for posting in the wrong section, but there isn't a section for the US Cellular Galaxy S3 and I don't want to spend an hour trying to find the correct section. Anyway, I've had my S3 for 1.5 years now and I finally decided to ditch Touchwiz and install Cyanogemod. So I got TWRP recovery, installed the correct cyanogenmod 11 version and gapps. I was extremely happy with the smoothness that I decided to text a friend. Text wouldn't go through. Nor could I make phone calls. Anyway I went into settings and it claimed my phone number was something along the lines of '000-000-9356' (Not entirely sure on last 4 digits) So I tried restoring to the backup that I had made, which did not work. Data however did work after tinkering with settings. Fast forward 2 weeks and I decide to try and fix the sms and phone problem. I couldn't find any help and stumbled upon a list of modems for SCH-R530U. Flashed one of those and when the phone booted back up, I had no data connection at all. I tried flashing the rest of them in a panic to try and fix what I broke but none of them changed the broken connection. I went into settings, about phone, status, and the phone says unknown for my network type, phone number, MIN, PRL version, MEID, IMEI, and ICCID. I know realize that I most likely have broken this phone beyond repair and I can't seem to find any fix or any stock firmware for my phone. If anyone could provide some help, it would be greatly appreciated instead of comments telling me to go to iOS, stating that I ****ed it up, or anything similar that I have recently gotten on other forums I've tried to get help from.
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have that problem on a Korean SKTELECOM phone, and I fixed it with a restore of my efs partition. if you dont have a backup of your previous efs partition, you must have to go to a samsung service center and fix it using some money.
I have the same phone and I flashed the same ROM. i had a horrible experience doing it. let me say that the ROM is awesome. but As we know it is a pain on the butt. I just can't do calls. I dial the number and it won't call. the camera app don't have a flash yet I think. and if you have a bad signal it gets worst. using your post I would like someone or maybe you if you know any other ROM to install on this phone. what is the best?
Sent from my SCH-R530U using XDA Free mobile app