[Q] IMEI lost, need help - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello everyone,
as stated in the title, I've somehow lost my Imei nr on my internat. sgsIII. Now, since I am a bloody newbie I don't have any clue how to fix this problem. It just started a couple weeks ago by itself with the message "not registered in network" and that I could not use the phone anymore, only through wifi. Since then I obviously made a huge mistake by taking it too easy fixing that problem on my own. Before the problem appeared, I've never rooted nor manipulated my phone in any way (I did not knew how or what "root" is), after my problem occured I've rooted my phone several times, "flashed" via Odin 3 my phone with div. firmwares etc. and now I understand that I really messed it up and lost the trail. I don't know where to start or what to look for. My "efs-folder" is now empty and since I am ignorant to this, I never made a backup of the efs-folder.
Acc. to my phone:
Imei is: 0049. . . . . . (developer Imei)
ImeiSV: 01
serial Nr: 4df184. . . . . (which seems strange)
Android Vers: 4.3
Baseband: I9300XXUGNA8
Kernel Ver: 3.0.31-2713958
[email protected]#1
BuildNr: JSS15J,I9300XUGNG3
My phone is now rooted via cf autoroot
Can anyone help me? I hope you people could bring me back to trail, I thank you in advance
(sorry for my english)

Take it to a repair centre, unless you can find an efs backup on your sd card (some custom roms make a copy).
Make sure it works on 4.3 before you pay the repair bill.

boomboomer said:
Take it to a repair centre, unless you can find an efs backup on your sd card (some custom roms make a copy).
Make sure it works on 4.3 before you pay the repair bill.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I try to avoid that one. . . . I do have somekind of an efs copy from my phone on my PC but I guess it is just a copy of a regenerated efs folder after I flashed my phone with a new firmware. I can't read the contain of that copy it says something like:
(folder) bluetooth
(folder) carrier
(folder) drm
(folder) factoryApp
(folder) imei (contains: mps_code.dat)
(folder) wifi
0000000 authokcont
gyro_cal_data
h2k.dat
nv.log
nv_data.bin
nv_data.bin.md5
wv.keys
thx&greetings

Related

nv_data.bin modified each hour

Hello all SGS3 users.
I have a strong issue on my branded Samsung I9300. When I browse the /efs folder (with Root Explorer for example), I notice a strange thing.
Two files are changed every hour (the date and the time). Revelant files are : nv_data.bin & nv_data.bin.md5
I know it's important files (including IMEI number and other important information). I have already make backup.
I said that my phone work properly with the right IMEI number, but I'm afraid to turn off my phone not to stop writing files.
Have you ever heard of this ?
Note : I use I9300XXBLG8/I9300OXABLG8 PDA/CSC. I have try to unlock my phone with Voodoo unlocker (thanks supercurio) with previous firmware. When I upgrade my phone to LG8 (and loose my unsimlock), I haven't try to fix Voodoo issue. I have the same network provider as the phone.
Note 2 : I'm sorry for my bad skill in english
just check on mine and it seems to do the same thing
It should come from the new samsung "feature" that make voodoo unlock useless for now
Do not be worry: I have turned my phone off a few times since I flashed LG8 without issue
Thank you for your reply.
If I can restard my phone without issue, it's a good news.
Can you just watch what happens in "nv.log". In my case, no record about it.
same thing: not listed in nv.log
I have upgrade my modem OTA (with the LH1 available today).
It does change this issue.
Others are in this situation ? (I think of guys who don't have try unlock their phones with software hacks)
lelinuxien52 said:
Hello all SGS3 users.
I have a strong issue on my branded Samsung I9300. When I browse the /efs folder (with Root Explorer for example), I notice a strange thing.
Two files are changed every hour (the date and the time). Revelant files are : nv_data.bin & nv_data.bin.md5
I know it's important files (including IMEI number and other important information). I have already make backup.
I said that my phone work properly with the right IMEI number, but I'm afraid to turn off my phone not to stop writing files.
Have you ever heard of this ?
Note : I use I9300XXBLG8/I9300OXABLG8 PDA/CSC. I have try to unlock my phone with Voodoo unlocker (thanks supercurio) with previous firmware. When I upgrade my phone to LG8 (and loose my unsimlock), I haven't try to fix Voodoo issue. I have the same network provider as the phone.
Note 2 : I'm sorry for my bad skill in english
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you have already stated in your post EFS folder contains important information such as IMEI number, Phone number and other details...the nv_data.bin file changes it size as the time passes... it is a known behaviour and is not a bug..backup your efs partition on to external medium and restore when required...
read this post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1314719
zoot1 said:
As you have already stated in your post EFS folder contains important information such as IMEI number, Phone number and other details...the nv_data.bin file changes it size as the time passes... it is a known behaviour and is not a bug..backup your efs partition on to external medium and restore when required...
read this post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1314719
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer. I have already make backup with Toolkit v4.0 and EFS Pro 1.8.

[Q] NEED EFS PArtition (shv-e120s)

Help me plz my phone is (shv-e120s) and i lost my efs.img
my efs PArtition is invalid and my imei is lost / 00000000000000
i need working efs folder included nv_data.bin & nv_data.bin.backup .. etc
and thanks to all
That's not going to help you because they're unique - IMEI's are device specific, and it's illegal to change them.
That said, most mobile repair shops have equipment that can re-write an IMEI to a phone fairly cheaply (for example, where I live I can have this done for AU$30 or so).
MistahBungle said:
That's not going to help you because they're unique - IMEI's are device specific, and it's illegal to change them.
That said, most mobile repair shops have equipment that can re-write an IMEI to a phone fairly cheaply (for example, where I live I can have this done for AU$30 or so).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am not want to change my imei ... i just need to bring back original imei
and i live in syria in my country unfortunately there mobile repair shops didn't have box opticos to repair it
i just need efs.img for device specific
and thank you to replay
And as I said in my previous post, someone else's EFS folder(s) isn't going to bring your IMEI back.

help me in 0049*******IMEI

HI.....
I have a problem with galaxy S3 GT-I9300
I can't make calls or text messages..It's written NOT REGISTERED ON NETWORK
and also I have a generic IMEI 004999010640000/01
serial: 3204954f2b0e21f1 but it's wrong no match with the one on back
of my phone
This is my phone info:
Model number: GT-I9300
Android version: 4.3
Baseband version: I9300XXUGNA8
kernel version : 3.0.31-2554463
[email protected]#1
Build number: JSS15J.I9300XXUGNB6
CSC: I9300OJVGNB3
What is a solution for it...
What I did with it is:
1-rooted.
2-flashed a lot of custom ROMS.
3-Downgrade and upgrade via Odin
unable to upgrade via kies ....device not supported.
4-different patches and modems.
5-change SIM CARDS no problem with my SIM CARD.
6-read a lot of threads on XDA and other forums and websites but i couldn't fix it. I've been searching
for days but OOPS to no avail.
7-I've also downloaded a suitable firmware for my phone and country.
Iam sure it has a software issue and I want to fix it and learn it.
I don't have Z3X-BOX. I want another solution without using tools..
I haven't backed up efs folder before ,but now I have...
I have these files in backed up efs folder in external memory card
.nv_core.bak
.nv_core.bak .md5
.nv_data.bak
.nv_data.bak.md5
.nv_state
nv_data.bin
nv_data.bin.md5
and also imei folder and some other files and folders.
Any help ?
no help?

samsung galaxy sIII neo write IMEI new board cpu armeabi-v7a

Hi all,
I change main board on samsung galaxy SIII neo which it haves cpu armeabi-v7a.
I put the firmware GTI9301I 4.4.2 and with terminal emulator app give the IMEI of old main board in new main board but nothing.
Also, I see with ES and ROOT Browser the EFS folder which contain serial number and IMEI and second some other folder which IMEI backup hav e IMEI number with *.bat file . I deleted they and put IMEI from old board on word *.docx file but nothing.
I use everithing which I see on google-internet but nothing... what can I do???
I have not last mail or backup efs of old board.
please help...
John
Unfortunately XDA doesn`t allow IMEI modifications talks, we can`t take responsibility to advise you on your matter, IMEI changes are illegal , we have no prove whether the device you`re trying to change the IMEI has been stolen or not.
You better ask for help at a service center which actually can solve this on legal terms .
Thanks for understanding
Dan - forum moderator
Thread closed

Samsung GS3 I9300 IMEI corrupted/lost/null restoration.

Ok. So here's the deal:
My SGS3 I9300 exynos phone did the famous IMEI 0049 and SN null trick.
I cannot say what precipitated it but is simply stopped registering on the network, so no calling or data. All other functions operational.
After much searching and reading, I settled on flashing the stock 4.3 back. This succeeded only in doing absolutely nothing to alleviate this issue. I wiped the entire phone. Maybe I missed a critical section wipe, but since the stock ROM overwrites all? the CSC/BL/MODEM functions I thought it would set the default for EFS (which I believe is where these critical data live). I'm not a programmer so I cannot say diddly about the architecture and interrelationship of OS files, but I am technical and I know how SW and HW does what it does.
This phone is my own and I have all the rights to it.
I had loaded RRemix ROM a loong while ago and it was functioning fine. Probably a corruption of the EFS due to battery contact being loose. This is in my mind the most likely cause as the system may be accessing the EFS files, say making a call, or accessing data, and the power drops out and voila! Corruption. But again this is theoretical.
Needless to say I tried the usual hocus-pocus out there with no avail.
Getting to understand the system better it seems obvious that these critical identification numbers are hard-coded into the chips on the phone. Which explains the ability to 'fix' them with JTAG and other cable/box solutions and SW. However, I cannot see how the SW loses the ability to read the IMEI/SN that is hard-coded (fused?) into the main-board.
All my research pointed to the EFS files having something to do with this.
Way back when I loaded the custom ROM I did not come across the 'backup your EFS' as a necessary step, so I had nothing to go back on.
And loading the stock 4.3 ROM back on and not having that fix the issue, led me to believe something else was up.
Somewhere in the guts of this phone something is screwing up the layer between reading the registers where the numbers sit and the software layer that reports the numbers.
So, much searching led to the nv_data.bin file being a key component in all this fiasco.
Now, before I say any more, I believe that describing the next steps could be a big no-no here.
Now, understand, all I want to do is get MY personal device working again. I have the SN and IMEI numbers on the physical device.
Sure, I could have stolen it and am attempting to change these to avoid prosecution. Anyone can say anything online.
Therefore, before I can proceed, I need advice from moderators and VPP to either say 'Yes you may post this info' or 'No. Go away'.
Am I allowed to do the following:
1) Describe how I restored my IMEI (Not changed, overwritten, or subverted to my limited knowledge)
2) In the case of 1 not allowed, post the link to where I found the info to achieve this.
3) Submit the 'fix' to a moderator or developer to check whether this is indeed and restoration or a change.
If it's a restoration of existing functionality, I cannot see how this could be a problem. If its changing something, then it's a whole other sack of ferrets.
My reasons for posting are that xdadevelopers has given me years of joy with my SG devices. (Yes, I have the whole range exclusively) Many ROMS, customs, fixes, hints and saves deserves something back, and the difficulty in achieving this particular fix, warrants it.
But I don't want to break any rules, this being my first post.
So, please let me know what I can do to help others stuck in this position...
You can find it if you have the correct search parameters. Perhaps I can say that instead?
Thanks.
And thanks to all who have helped over the years.
T
[Edit] Just to clarify, the solution requires no special HW or 'boxes'. You do need root, however, and a hex editor. I had a reply explaining the use of Octoplus, which requires credits and registration. You will need none of those.
I can't speak English but I will try.
1- flash stock firmware.
2- root your device s3 .
3-in the web download " octuplus crack box"
4-in youtube see how install " octuplus crack"
5- before install stop your antivirus PC
6- open octuplus and connecte your phone with PC
7- chose your device i9300 .
8 click repair imie
9 click read info and do what OCTU said to do.
10- click repair or write the true imie in your device ( remove battery to see)and click repair.
11- restart phone .
12- see: call work fine
13- in phone go to mobile network\ access point names\ apn's
14- write your network.
TrinityTrip54 said:
Ok. So here's the deal:
Repair is ok Change or Modding is now:good::good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to restore corrupted or null 0049 IMEI on SGS3.
Right.
Thanks to the moderators for agreeing to let me share the solution. :good:
Thanks to the reddit poster who found this solution. I don't know how the hell you figured this out, but big-ups to you. For privacy I will not mention names or addresses.
You do need a rooted phone and I cannot assist anyone without root as I have not tried it.
Whether this only works to restore a corrupt IMEI or change it, I cannot say, but it managed to restore my existing one.
Preparation: Get your IMEI number from under your battery compartment. Say your IMEI no. is: 123456789101213, write/type it in the following fashion: 1 23 45 67 89 10 12 13
Now some funky transposition: Excluding the first number, transpose the subsequent pairs of numbers so that you have: 1 32 54 76 98 01 21 31. Can you see it? Swap 23 to get 32. 45 to get 54 and so on.
Now add 08 to the beginning and add A after the 1 so that the completed number is: 08 1A 32 54 76 98 01 21 31
Now you will need:
Rooted Galaxy S3 (This may work for all android devices that have an EFS folder. If anyone can confirm that would help others.)
Hex editor (PC based or Android app) - PC is faster and easier. I used hex workshop trial version but I'm sure any editor will do. I used the default install configuration.
USB Data cable (if using PC editor mentioned above)
You should probably back up the EFS folder entirely, just to be sure.
Using your favorite root explorer browse to root/EFS folder and copy the nv_data.bin file to an accessible area in sdcard. I use a /sdcard/Downloads folder.
Either open the file with your hex editor app or transfer the file to PC where you can open it with your hex editor program.
Open the file and jump to address 00550.
Now, get your modified IMEI number from the prep steps above and enter the values in the ASCII TEXT window to the right, NOT the HEX values window to the left. This may be different for other editors but hex workshop works like this.
Double check your address and entered data. When satisfied, save the file and transfer back to the phone if copied to PC.
Now, place the phone in Airplane mode, turning off the cell radios.
Go to the EFS folder and rename the original nv_data.bin file to something else. I used nv_databak.bin.
Copy the modified nv-data file into the EFS folder.
Turn off Airplane mode and do a full reboot.
Your IMEI number should be restored and cellular functions should work.
My previously garbled serial number was also restored.
I hope this works for you. I have no knowledge of any other method as I did not delve further into trying other numbers or such. I can't assist any more other than further clarifying the steps above if you don't understand something.
If anyone can decipher what is going on here, I would love to hear about it. I suspect something between the HW and SW layers is getting garbled or corrupted and this kick starts the process to get the correct data again.
Maybe.
May also contain nuts.
Hastalavista.
T
THANKS FOR POSTING THIS HERE!
I have this Samsung Galaxy S3 that I bricked 4 years ago and never wanted to sell it or even try to give it away. I searched for months for a frekin solution to this problem. Yesterday night i decided i wanted to try and install custom roms on it and so i wanted to give another shot at this stupid issue i had with the lost IMEI before doing so...and BAM! Today it's fixed!
I'm so thankfull I wanted to post here so that you know that you helped at least one person with this
Thanks a bunch!
@TrinityTrip54
Hi,
can you confirm that this is a permantent solution and remains when flashing new (custom) ROMs? Or is it just for the current installed ROM?
And I am having an issue with "jump to address 00550" in Hex Workshop. There is no address like this, just 540 and the next one is already 558. When inserting 00550 in the goto search field of Hex Workshop it jumps to 210. Any idea?
thanks anyway.
bert

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