Unlocking Rooted Vibrant - Vibrant General

Can anyone tell me, if it is okay to unlock a rooted vibrant?
I read somewhere on a forum on this site, that it is not recommended.
I just bought a phone but it has come rooted and I need it unlocked to use with a different carrier, so I do not have choice.
Any suggestions? Or should it be okay?

Un root it
Constantly drinking

Are all devices rooted the same?
I bought this phone off ebay, so I am not sure how this person rooted it.
Would this method for unrooting shown on this link work... no matter how this person rooted the phone... h tt p://droiditude.com/?p=6

What is the best method of unrooting...
Odin 3? Or is there any other methods that are better?

molson24 said:
What is the best method of unrooting...
Odin 3? Or is there any other methods that are better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked mine with no problems while already rooted.
you mostly have a problem if your using JI6 firmware or above.
if your still on JFD unlocking is incredibly easy theres actualy an app in the market for it.
but after you update to JI6 then you have to use the slightly more complicated method but it workes rooted or not.
also if you really feel like you must unroot then the galaxys rooter app on the market has an option for unrooting to make it easy.
but do note that if you've updated to JI6 then even unrooted people have trouble unlocking normaly.

Okay that is good to know.
What is J16? Sorry I am new to this!
This is my first smart phone or whatever you want to call it... My other phone was a peice of **** flip phone i just used for texting. lol.
I'll ask the person on ebay who sold it to me, if he added J16 and find out.
I know the phone is running Froyo 2.2, which is stated when I bought it.
So you would try and unlock it while its rooted? I heard also that if I were to unroot it, I would have to take off the Froyo2.2 which is currently running, then unroot it, and then use the one click unroot program. Or would I just use Odin3 and that would be fine? Sorry for all the questions... I am getting the phone in a few days so that is why.

molson24 said:
Okay that is good to know.
What is J16? Sorry I am new to this!
This is my first smart phone or whatever you want to call it... My other phone was a peice of **** flip phone i just used for texting. lol.
I'll ask the person on ebay who sold it to me, if he added J16 and find out.
So you would try and unlock it while its rooted? I heard also that if I were to unroot it, I would have to take off the Froyo2.2 which is currently running, then unroot it, and then use the one click unroot program. Or would I just use Odin3 and that would be fine? Sorry for all the questions... I am getting the phone in a few days so that is why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if its rooted with 2.2, then odin would work right off to get you back to 2.1 and would also unroot you.
if its running froyo then thats actually a step beyond JI6 which is 2.1 (eclair)
I unlocked my phone while rooted on JI6, but I cant say for sure weather it would work on a 2.2 rom.
so to be safe you should probably Odin back to 2.1 if you feel safe using Odin, or you can follow a guide to flashing back to 2.1, its more complicated but doesent involve Odin (some people just dont like Odin)
unless anyone else who has unlocked while rooted on 2.2 wants to chime in?

Yes I know forsure its running on Froyo 2.2.

What is the risk of running Odin? And why are people afraid of using it? lol
I just downloaded both Odin and the one click root and unrooter program.
Odin seems more easier to me...
I just want to be certain I am using the right files and roms with whatever method I choose.
So How would I use Odin to bring it back to 2.1?
I wouldent mind doing either way... W/e way works the best.
I found this video showing how to flash it using Odin... Would this work?
http: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnY7P14JSWQ

when you get the phone dial *#7465256# and if it all says off then your phones already unlocked so ignore the rest of this.
otherwise heres a step by step as best as I can figure for you:
1. Use Odin to get back to stock JFD or use the flashing method:
make sure there is no lagfix enabled!! (you might ask the guy whos selling it if he had one, or search the sd card for a lagfix folder or something)
1.1 Odin Method
Download these files and follow Justanothercrowd's instructions to install and use Odin by going here (these files will get you back to JFD 2.1 stock unrooted
1.2 Flashing Method (I've never done this myself so I'll let someone else post instructions if you dont want to use Odin)
2. Follow these instructions to unlock (specificaly by helroz, if you need to, read ahead and see what problems other people have had though)
3. dial *#7465256# in the dialer (as soon as you hit the last # it should work)
make sure everything says off (this means your unlocked)
4. Reroot your phone using one of two methods:
4.1 the guide found here
4.2 Or download the galaxy s rooter app or OCLF app from the market and follow the instructions in the app.
5. download the rom of your choice (If you would rather stay with the stock one then ignore the rest)
6. without unzipping or doing anything to the rom file, place it on the root of your internal sd card (the big one. it should be 13 GB or so)
7. download and install rom manager from the market.
8. open rom manager and choose the first option (flash clockworkmod recovery)
choos the samsung vibrant as your phone and wait, it will probably take a few minutes.
9. choose the second option in Rom manager (reboot into clockworkmod recovery)
the first time you do this you'll boot back into stock recovery, just hit reinstall packages and it will reboot into clockworkmod.
10. choos install zip from sd card.
11. choose the rom file you downloaded and wait while it installs
12. choose the option to reboot the device.
13 enjoy your unlocked rooted phone running your choice of roms.
EDIT: Make sure you have ADB (Android Debug Bridge) installed on your computer before running the script.
Also make sure that you have USB debugging checked by hitting (from the home screen) Menu >> Settings >> Applications >> Development >> USB Debugging
You can download and install the Android SDK (Software Development Kit) by following the instructions here
This will also install ADB.
another good idea is to make a backup of your efs file (I beleive this is in the instructions for running the script, but I thought I should say it again)
just in case something goes wrong.
this file is located in: the root of your data partition if I remember correctly, it should be labeled "efs"
you can use a root file manager (I use root explorer but it is a paid app) or you can use ADB to pull it.
you can also try this method by going here
and following the directions. ( I have not tested this method myself)
EDIT 2: you may want to download the drivers for your phone as well, if you haven't already that is.
you can get them here

molson24 said:
What is the risk of running Odin? And why are people afraid of using it? lol
I just downloaded both Odin and the one click root and unrooter program.
Odin seems more easier to me...
I just want to be certain I am using the right files and roms with whatever method I choose.
So How would I use Odin to bring it back to 2.1?
I wouldent mind doing either way... W/e way works the best.
I found this video showing how to flash it using Odin... Would this work?
http: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnY7P14JSWQ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin is kinda quirky sometimes.
some people have trouble getting it to recognize their device, or have trouble getting into download mode stuff like that.
its really not that hard to use, its just scary looking if something goes wrong lol
but if you really mess things up, Odin is what you end up using to fix it
and theres really not much that you cant fix with Odin aside from hardware failure.
that youtube video should work great

Thanks bro!! I appreciate you helping me out.
I will just use the video as a guide, and refer back to your guide to help install the roms and all that jazz.

molson24 said:
Thanks bro!! I appreciate you helping me out.
I will just use the video as a guide, and refer back to your guide to help install the roms and all that jazz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds good
good luck

Can anyone help?
I tried to unroot the samsung vibrant I have.
I used the method from http ://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=734475
Downloaded s1_odin_20100512.pit and loaded it in PITT
Downloaded T959UVJFD.tar and loaded it in PDA
And Started it...
It gave me the following message...
Com6
<ID:0/006> Added!!
<ID:0/006> Odin v.3 engine (ID:6)..
<ID:0/006> File analysis..
<ID:0/006> Can't open the serial(COM) port.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

Never mind... I had to re start my computer.
It worked okay.

Related

[GUIDE] The Easiest Guide on Earth for Flashing ROMs on to your SGS i9000

The Easiest Guide on Earth for Flashing ROMs on to your SGS i9000
I dont really post all that much here, actually this is my first post but I love all the work everyone is doing here and wanted to be helpful in some way.
My contribution are in thousands in porn boards, so bear with me if I sound off topic or horny.
Here it is.
If you mess this up:
1. You probably need to stop jerking off and give it another try.
2. I am not responsible for any damages, even if it was my posts on other boards on which you were jerking off.
DISCLAIMER:
I AM NOT AN EXPERT IN ANY OF THIS. I HAVENT DEVELOPED ANY OF THIS, SO THANKS TO THOSE DRUNK HIGH PROGRAMMERS (LOVE Y'ALL). THROUGH THIS GUIDE ONE BLIND PERSON IS TRYING TO GUIDE MANY BLIND PEOPLE (BUT THIS SHOULD WORK)
I learnt this after bricking my phone. Thanks to this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=814091
Before you start, remember:
1. If the phone is doing something, dont interrupt, fiddle or turn it off - its rude. (oh and it will f*** you up big time)
2. Dont EVER EVER EVER open any zip / tar file unless this guide has told you to. If you do, delete that file and redownload it.
3. The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step
Device:
SAMSUNG GALAXY S i9000 sold in ASIA (the tiny continent next to europe)
Running on JP6 Firmware, 2.2 Froyo STOCK - not rooted / modded.
ROM
The ROM used in this guide is by Darkyy (Amazing developer and architect, bad at making guides )
Its called "Darky's v8.0 Gingerbread Edition"
DOWNLOADS TO DO BEFORE STARTING:
Download the following files and keep em ready. Dont get confused reading all the names, its actually very simple.
FILES:
0. Z4 One click root setup file for your phone (Attached)
1. Samsung USB drivers (this is 32 bit one, google 64 bit)
**ttp:// drivers . softpedia.com/get/MOBILES/Samsung/Samsung-Galaxy-S-USB-Driver-for-Windows-x86 . shtml
2. Darkyy's ROM (i.e. the main image file) - **ttp://www . multiupload . com/SHPR3TXLYB
3. ROM manager application for your phone (available in market)
STEPS:
0. Fire up your phone and go to Settings > Applications > "Unknown sources" must be checked / ON, if it isnt, turn it on. Then, scroll down in the same menu and go to Development > USB Debugging and make sure it is also checked / ON.
1. Extract on your PC and then copy the contents of "z4root.1.3.0.zip" to your phone and run it using a file manager ("Astro file manager" - install from Market / gay "My files" which is pre-installed on your phone by gay Samsung)
2. It will ask your permission to proceed with installation, press next and wait for it to say "Successfully installed". Then press "Close". Then go to the application and run it. It will give you two options - 1. Temporary root or 2. Permanent root. Select PERMANENT ROOT.
- now the phone will start to act funny and turn off without warning, reminding you of your wife. It will then restart and act a little more funny before starting up as normal again. -
3. Connect your phone to the PC, copy the ROM (which is the 200mb zip file) on the phone memory (not your external SD card). Also, install "Samsung USB drivers.exe" (Not needed if you have gay "Kies" already installed. )
4. Install "ROM Manager" from Market.
5. Now run the ROM manager and select first "Flash ClockWorkMod Recovery", it will be the first option from the top. Select "SAMSUNG GALAXY I9000" from the menu that follows. It will begin downloading a file.
- look for a download progress bar just below the notification bar at the top. If the download freezes for some reason, feel free to exit and re do the same process. -
6. In this same application there will be an option "Install ROM from SD card", select this option, it will show you your internal memory, now scroll down to the copied 200mb zip file and select it. Click yes / whatever to make it proceed.
- The phone will restart, go through some matrix command prompt ****e that will eventually start you up to a new animation, it will take around 5 mins for that animation to go away. Voila! - Your phone is running on Custom software! -
This guide will work for many ROMs you get off the interent, just dont be a **** - download only custom / original fw that is actually made for your phone (SGS i9000).
You will read a lot about OCLF / One click lag fix / Lag fixes - DO NOT INSTALL THEM. Darky's ROM comes preinstalled with it. To activate Lag Fix on your newly installed ROM, you will need to restart your phone in recovery mode, use the volume rocker keys to navigate to "VOODOO lag fix" after the phone restarts, and enable it from there. And then reboot using the same console. Then a creepy voice will tell you that your phone will self destruct in 2 mins, wait... wait... and done! After 4-5 mins the phone will boot up normally.
Another thing - If you brick your phone, follow this video
www . youtube . com/ watch?v=D0aoabVtPJ8
its as easy as monkey see, monkey do. Trust me, I did it in 10 minutes.
Enjoy. And thank me if you like the pics I post. (You pervert )
Looks good.
Maybe you can consider adding an FAQ or a guide for those who think they have "bricked" their phones (e.g. re-flashing stock firmware and so forth).
Anyway, good guide, looks simple enough to follow for newbies.
splish2010 said:
Looks good.
Maybe you can consider adding an FAQ or a guide for those who think they have "bricked" their phones (e.g. re-flashing stock firmware and so forth).
Anyway, good guide, looks simple enough to follow for newbies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually want to know how one does it. I dont know how to reflash stock fw, or where to download it from etc.
Darkyy's ROM is addictive. Very addictive. I dont think I'll go to another stock version of SGS, ever.
reflux21 said:
I actually want to know how one does it. I dont know how to reflash stock fw, or where to download it from etc.
Darkyy's ROM is addictive. Very addictive. I dont think I'll go to another stock version of SGS, ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is very addictive indeed, I love it! There's firmware all over the place, essentially all you need to do is pick up an older official firmware such as XXJPM and flash it via Odin in Download mode again. If users seem to experience that problem maybe I'll hook you up with a little guide.
I'm just wondering why do you use Z24 root and then use another root method after? why not just use CF root. For users still on 2.1 they can just put clockkworkMod update.zip on there phone and load up recovery 2e , flash update.zip then flash Darky's from there. You also only linked to the JP5 CF root when there are multiple versions ;p not everyone is running JP5.
Another way to if your already on 2.2/2.2.1 is to just flash Speedmod with odin and then just use CWM from there since its built into the kernel.
Not saying your method will not work just seems longer then it has to be ;p.
Samdroid_G_S said:
I'm just wondering why do you use Z24 root and then use another root method after? why not just use CF root. For users still on 2.1 they can just put SlockworkMod update.zip on there phone and load up recovery 2e , flash update.zip then flash darky's from there.
Another way to if your already on 2.2/2.2.1 is to just flash Speedmod with odin and then just use CWM from there since its built into the kernel.
Not saying your method will not work just seems longer then it has to be ;p.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
7.5, jpy, k12k bm 500hz.
splish2010 said:
It is very addictive indeed, I love it! There's firmware all over the place, essentially all you need to do is pick up an older official firmware such as XXJPM and flash it via Odin in Download mode again. If users seem to experience that problem maybe I'll hook you up with a little guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samdroid_G_S said:
I'm just wondering why do you use Z24 root and then use another root method after? why not just use CF root. For users still on 2.1 they can just put SlockworkMod update.zip on there phone and load up recovery 2e , flash update.zip then flash darky's from there.
Another way to if your already on 2.2/2.2.1 is to just flash Speedmod with odin and then just use CWM from there since its built into the kernel.
Not saying your method will not work just seems longer then it has to be ;p.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did all this, so I didnt want to change anything, and btw, I didnt understand a word of that line except darky's.
If you think this works, then Im going to let it remain unaltered. Lets the asses do the extra work. Serves em right
reflux21 said:
I did all this, so I didnt want to change anything, and btw, I didnt understand a word of that line except darky's.
If you think this works, then Im going to let it remain unaltered. Lets the asses do the extra work. Serves em right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was saying if the user is already on 2.1 (eclair) firmware, then this means they already have recovery 2e, recovery 2 e is what is needed to get CWM working. From there they could just skip the CF-Root just install Z24 Root and Rom manager and install Darky's from there and skip the whole Odin step. Or they could Just download CWM and install it in recovery 2e as a Update.zip, then use CWM recovery to install Darky's.
If your on 2.2/2.2.1 (froyo) then you can just flash Speedmod with Odin install Rom manger and install Darky's or just boot into Recovery once you have speedmod installed and install Darky's from there using Update from SD.
Samdroid_G_S said:
I was saying if the user is already on 2.1 (eclair) firmware, then this means they already have recovery 2e, recovery 2 e is what is needed to get CWM working. From there they could just skip the CF-Root just install Z24 Root and Rom manager and install Darky's from there and skip the whole Odin step. Or they could Just download CWM and install it in recovery 2e as a Update.zip, then use CWM recovery to install Darky's.
If your on 2.2/2.2.1 (froyo) then you can just flash Speedmod with Odin install Rom manger and install Darky's or just boot into Recovery once you have speedmod installed and install Darky's from there using Update from SD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes sir... I kinda understand what you're saying now... So will redo the above texts in some time...
I kinda had a doubt I was rooting twice, but expected someone to point that out if it was the case
reflux21 said:
Yes sir... I kinda understand what you're saying now... So will redo the above texts in some time...
I kinda had a doubt I was rooting twice, but expected someone to point that out if it was the case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In your guide you are rooting your phone twice, Once with Z4 root then again using odin and flashing CF "ROOT".
Redone!
Thanks for the guidance!
Now if someone can make it sticky...
This guide seems so simple to use. I feel like im missing something. Right now im rooted on JL2 i9000m. I installed ROM Manager earlier today and flashed Clockworkmod from the menu. The next step really is only downloading darky's rom and adding it to my SD then Flash from sd? seems way to simple
or guides have like 38 steps!
BottleB said:
This guide seems so simple to use. I feel like im missing something. Right now im rooted on JL2 i9000m. I installed ROM Manager earlier today and flashed Clockworkmod from the menu. The next step really is only downloading darky's rom and adding it to my SD then Flash from sd? seems way to simple
or guides have like 38 steps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your next step would be flashing a kernel that has 2e recoveryand cwm such as hardcores kernel if you have not already done so if you have then use cwm to install Darky's rom.
This guide will only work if your coming from a 2.1 rom. JL2 is a 2.2 rom that has 3e recovery you need 2e recovery for cwm to work like I said Hardcores kernel will get you that, once you have cwm just put Darky's rom on your sd, load up cwm recovery and install darkys from there.
Sent from my I9000m using XDA's app.
Samdroid_G_S said:
Your next step would be flashing a kernel that has 2e recovery and cwm if you have not already done so then use cwm to install Darky's rom.
Sent from my I9000m using XDA's app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2e kernel is flashed using odin right? and do any of the stock firmwares have this (2e)? making this odin free as possible
BottleB said:
2e kernel is flashed using odin right? and do any of the stock firmwares have this (2e)? making this odin free as possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but your on JL2 witch has the .sbl (secondary boot loader) update so flashing back to jh2 or another 2.1 firmware will not work unless its a full rom with the sbl included. This is why I recomend using odin and just flashing hardcores kernel then you can use rom manager or cwm to install darky's from there. Installing hardcoes kernel you will still keep all your current apps nothing will change except the kernel.
Sent from my I9000m using XDA's app.
this guide is not that clear and easy as it should be, sorry.
needs review ...
Samdroid_G_S said:
Yes but your on JL2 witch has the .sbl (secondary boot loader) update so flashing back to jh2 or another 2.1 firmware will not work unless its a full rom with the sbl included. This is why I recomend using odin and just flashing hardcores kernel then you can use rom manager or cwm to install darky's from there. Installing hardcoes kernel you will still keep all your current apps nothing will change except the kernel.
Sent from my I9000m using XDA's app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks a bunch dude!
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App

need help rooting vibrant KA6 2.2 FROYO

Hi, I have tried z4root and SuperOneClick. But both dont seem to work, they freeze like mid-way. Z4ROOT gets stuck with the loading sign continuing to spin, but I have seen videos when it takes like 30 seconds. SuperOneClick gets stuck on Waiting for Device.... AND YES, I have tried these methods with USB Debugging checked.
I have, however, NOT tried the traditional update.zip/reinstall packages method. Because I cannot find a thread that confirms that works for froyo 2.2 (KA6).
I have read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=870480 (and if someone could walk me through ^ that process, it'd be nice)
but in order for me to continue with those steps, i need to root my phone, which I cant.
thanks.
have you not seen this thread? it's in the SAME SECTION that you just posted in.
look up aio vibrant toolbox... does errything nice and easy
I would just ODIN back to stock 2.1 and root with the update.zip... your choice, nice to have choices.
s15274n said:
I would just ODIN back to stock 2.1 and root with the update.zip... your choice, nice to have choices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or odin a stock rom thats prerooted
alright thanks, ill try it out and let you guys know.
geoffcorey said:
have you not seen this thread? it's in the SAME SECTION that you just posted in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i alrdy told you that superoneclick doesnt work for me
have u tried using 1 click root yet
crazyreefa said:
have u tried using 1 click root yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks ill try that
People love to micro-mod without reading and just look like idiots...
Odin back to 2.1 and then use superoneclick.
fragmentttt said:
Hi, I have tried z4root and SuperOneClick. But both dont seem to work, they freeze like mid-way. Z4ROOT gets stuck with the loading sign continuing to spin, but I have seen videos when it takes like 30 seconds. SuperOneClick gets stuck on Waiting for Device.... AND YES, I have tried these methods with USB Debugging checked.
I have, however, NOT tried the traditional update.zip/reinstall packages method. Because I cannot find a thread that confirms that works for froyo 2.2 (KA6).
I have read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=870480 (and if someone could walk me through ^ that process, it'd be nice)
but in order for me to continue with those steps, i need to root my phone, which I cant.
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know the feeling, i was having issues with SuperOneClick, worked for 3 hours on this. http://forums.t-mobile.com/t5/Samsung-Vibrant/How-Do-i-Root-my-2-2-Vibrant/td-p/709625 helped me out a bunch.
the traditional update.zip doesnt work until you get a new recovery mode installed.
i'll run thru his steps with my comments.
1. also make sure you are up to date on .NET
2. i ran this with both exploits, both times busybox didnt install (not enough space on system)
3.for step 6 it may be easier to unzip the 3e_recovery zip
4. i was a little confused as to where to put things, so i removed my micro SD card, and then put it on the "root" of the vibrant after mounting it.
5.and install it, i used it to figure out if i had "enough" root.
6. i installed a bunch of file browers trying to access system/bin, in the end my request for superuser wasn't popping up until i installed "superuser" from the market, then i used root explorer to do the rest.
7. i got lost trying to find this folder, its /res and /efs
8. more or less ignore what superoneclick says after you click the button, until it finishes.
9.install.bat is the one
10.i didnt do this
11. i had the install.bat send me into recovery mode and i reinstalled the packages
12. with any luck you should be there.
other notes: i installed busybox from the market, and used it to check to see if i had enough root. make sure busybox installs correctly before step 8.
also i ignored the instructions about turning on and off usb debugging, on my vibrant i could only turn it on and off if usb wasn't plugged in.
hopefully this helps!

I have spent two hours on this site and I am clueless, please help me!! (srs)

- want to root my galaxy s (or w.e its called so i can dl free aps and stuff)
- think my firmware version is 2.1 it says 2.1.update1 or something
- i'm from australia
- need a simple, straightforward guide
i have read all the stickies
please help
plzhelpme said:
- want to root my galaxy s (or w.e its called so i can dl free aps and stuff)
- think my firmware version is 2.1 it says 2.1.update1 or something
- i'm from australia
- need a simple, straightforward guide
i have read all the stickies
please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First Get your selft updated to 2.2 or 2.2.1 if available.
1) then look for CF-Root in xda ...that will help you...
2) If not then install OCLF from Market and root it.
3) Use SuperOneClick ... Be sure to read manual first.
To elaborate a little on the last post....first try to update to 2.2 or 2.2.1 through your local service provider or by using Kies (available from Samsung, their official firmware updating tool). However Kies does not work in all regions and is very finicky, and you should research it here before you try to use it.
As for rooting, I rooted 2.2 directly using SuperOneClick but I believe it can be used for 2.1 as well. You can learn about it and downloaded here at XDA (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682). It is very simple and easy to use but be sure you read the entire thread about it and even watch the video included. Remember forewarned is forearmed.
If you then wish to install a lagfix without changing any other element of your software, then you can use OCLF from the Android Market. Look for it here on XDA and as always, read up on it before you use it. Some people feel that the Ext2 lagfix method OCLF uses is unsafe, but just as many people swear by it, so read up on it, and make your own choice. Lagfixes will often improve your user experience dramatically, especially on on stock firmwear.
Next, you may wish to flash a new kernel. Even more then swapping mods, kernels can bring some very impressive changes to your phone and is also essential if you wish to use Clockwork Mod for backing up and flashing your firmware. The best guide I have found for doing this the first time is put out by Hardcore, and his SpeedMod kernel is a great choice for new users. Find out all about it at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=822756 and be sure to follow his instructions EXACTLY for best results.
If you decide you want to flash an entire new Mod, there I can't help you (haven't had the nerve to do it yet, but likely will once final Gingerbread mods are released), but there is plenty of great advice around here on that topic, seek and ye shall find.
Good luck
If you want to download paid apps for free you don't need root, you just need to find a place to download the apps from. Discussion of warez is not permitted on XDA though, so you better find yourself another place.
XlAfbk said:
If you want to download paid apps for free you don't need root, you just need to find a place to download the apps from. Discussion of warez is not permitted on XDA though, so you better find yourself another place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP doesn't actually mention paid apps, they used the term "free apps"
We have a thread for aussies here mate, so come on in and ask friends ;-)
Bring flame proof budgies though LOL
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=934409
The majority of Android apps are free and on the market and downloadable on older versions of Android .
jje
ok when i open kies and click firmware update it says device cannot be updated
so what now
Virtualsk said:
2) If not then install OCLF from Market and root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But he shouldn't use oclf as a lagfix i am sure you didn't want to suggest that i just wanted to emphesise it again....
@threadstarter read the sticky ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723596 ) we mostly don't flash with kies we use heimdall or odin .
2.1 is a pos against the new very good 2.2.1 roms
Before flashing read more and test your 3btn combo
yea my 3-button-combo works
ok i used the superoneclick and have succesfuly rooted my phone thx guys
now wat do i do
plzhelpme said:
ok i used the superoneclick and have succesfuly rooted my phone thx guys
now wat do i do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can for example install titanium backup and make a backup of your apps and backup your efs folder never know when you need it
Next i would suggest you reed about flashing and if you are comfortable with everything install a custom rom like darky's (beginner friendly) be aware of the risks and have fun with a much better phone
But I think my phone is still Android 2.1 as it says under Firmware version; 2.1-update1 this I obtained from the Settings->About phone.
do i need to update or something cos i still can't update via kies
2. Flashing stock firmwares.
--Why, when, where: You should usually do this if your phone doesn't work with your current firmware, if there is a new firmware out that might work better or if you just want to go to a stock firmware.
--Prerequisites: Odin, a stock firmware (from www.samfirmware.com for example).
NOTE: Apparently there are people that report that using Odin v1.3 might interrupt the flashing and leave you with a soft brick and that v1.7 doesn't have this problem. I have always used v1.3 and never had problems because of it, but if v1.3 isn't working for you, you might give v1.7 (or even heimdall) a try before giving up.
The steps to flashing a stock firmware are already described in a couple of other threads, like: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=818556
Nonetheless, here a quick sum-up of what you have to do:
2.1. Open up Odin.
2.2. Put your phone in the "Download mode" with the 3-button-combo (Volume Down + Home + Power).
2.3. Connect your phone to your computer (DO NOT CONNECT THE PHONE BEFORE OPENING ODIN OR THIS WILL NOT WORK).
2.4. Odin should recognize your phone and one of the "com" boxes should light up yellow. If this isn't the case, try repeating the previous steps and eventually connect your phone to another USB port.
2.5. Select your firmware in Odin.
2.5.1. --OPTIONAL-- If you want your phone to be like new, you can select "Re-Partition" in Odin, which will make it repartition your Internal SD. In this case you also have to use a .pit file (WARNING -- you will lose all of your installed applications and settings).
2.6. Take a deep breath and click the "Start" button.
2.7. Wait for the firmware to be flashed and for the device to be restarted.
2.8. You now have a stock firmware. If you also selected "Re-Partition" in Odin, all your programs and settings will be gone and your device will be like new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok so that is what I am trying to do but when I go to the site I'm not sure which files I should download
I have already downloaded odin 1.8 so does this mean i download the 2.2 america/australia firmware for galaxy s ?
which is this one: I9000BVJJPD ## 512.PIT Version 2.2 2010 December DOWNLOAD 1 file select NO .PIT
from : http://www.samfirmware.com/WEBPROTECT-i9000.htm

How To Recover Your Fascinate From Any Brick, And Rooting Methods

HOW TO UN-BRICK YOUR FASCINATE NOW THAT YOU HAVE BRICKED IT
SINCE IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION SOME POEPLE ARE CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT PHONE THIS IS FOR, I WILL MAKE IT AS CLEAR AS POSSIBLE
THIS IS FOR THE VERIZON FASCINATE
So you think you bricked your phone? The first thing you need to do is CALM DOWN, NO NEED TO PANIC , the odds are great that following this guide will fix your mistakes and recover your phone.
Sorry Fascinate owners, but I can no longer support this thread. As state below I test everything I post to make sure it works as advertised. I no longer have a fascinate so i can not test anything new. Sorry but the links to some of the files are gone I don't have them anymore so I suggest you look through the comments someone will have someplace to get what you need. Your recovery methods may have changed but this can still be used to recover your device. If you are looking for anything new look at nitsuj17's roll up post here, he maintains it very well so you should be able to find whatever else you need there.
I HAVE PURPOSELY BRICKED MY PHONE BY DOING THE THINGS YOU ARE TOLD NOT TO JUST TO TEST THE CAPABILITIES OF THESE RECOVERY PROGRAMS. UNLESS YOU CAN AFFORD TO HAVE YOUR PHONE REPLACED BY INSURANCE, TRUST THAT I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT.
SECTION 1: ODIN
SECTION 2: HEIMDALL
SECTION 3: ROOTING METHODS
Since there seems to be an abundance of posts in the Q&A and General Forums asking for help fixing, unbricking, their Fascinates, I decided to try to make a one stop walk through for odin and heimdall with links. Most of us "flash addicts", Developers, and testers have found the Samsung Galaxy Phones are nearly impossible to truly brick without causing physical damage to your phone, in almost all cases it is possible to get it working again.This is nothing more than how to get back a working STOCK phone, nothing custom here that's in the Development section. The first section will cover odin, the second heimdall, the third recovery and rooting.
USUAL WARNING: Everything here is done at your own risk. None of us on the XDA Developers site are responsible in any way, after all we didn't brick it you did. Doing any of this is your decision, I am just providing a collection of information. All credit for everything here belongs to others, who worked hard to give you a way to fix your mistakes, and it usually is the owner of the device trying something without learning how first, or not following directions that got you here in the first place.
My Phone wont boot at all, is stuck at logo, or I cant do anything with it is it a paperweight?
Most likely, no, so lets get to fixing it. All download links necessary for each process will be posted in this walk through and have been tested to make sure they work.
SECTION 1: ODIN
Everything except for the pit file in odin MUST be done in the PDA slot, if not it will not work requiring you to odin again, or possibly have to use heimdall (covered later in this thread) to fix that. After you download odin, I use v1.83 but I will provide all versions I have.
First you need to decide if you want to go all the way back to DI01 (Android 2.1 "Eclair") or EB01, EC01, or a little more involved process for ED01, or ED03 (android 2.2 "Froyo") it makes all the difference with the files you need. The pit file is not necessary for most recoveries, but I have included due to a few issues that will require you to completely wipe everything but your SD card and start over. All of this is possible thanks to our talented developers. After you have odin and all the files you need on your Windows Vista or Win 7 PC, This DOES NOT work on XP, I have had a lot of responses to support this, so lets go with it won't work use Vista or Win 7. To load any file you click that button and use the windows explorer pop up to find your file select it and click open at the bottom of the window.
Start by powering off phone, the pull out battery.
Open odin and load your file in PDA and ONLY THE PDA (downloads) section, If you knew enough about this program to use the other areas you would not need this walk through, soPDA and ONLY THE PDA (downloads) section, for an, all in 1 Recovery. If you are doing a non packaged update I suggest installing the rom one first, modems and recoveries are a lot faster install.
If you are repartitioning put the pit file in the (Pit) section,verify repartition is checked.
Plug your phone into a USB slot, then hold the volume down hard key on the side of the phone. You should see a yellow triangle with a construction droid on your phones screen, and a box on the left right above options (ID:COM) is now yellow.
Now you are in download mode, verify check box next to PDA is checked and the block has the file location in it. Make sure Repartition (unless you are repartitioning and have the pit file in place), Dump, Phone EFS clear, and Bootloader, Phone Bootloader Update, and Flash Lock are NOT CHECKED in the Options section. Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time can be checked or not it doesn't really matter with the battery out. These are the default settings in the options section but double check it anyway.
You are ready to go, click start, and let odin run, it can take anywhere from just a minute to around a half hour. If anything happens like your computer shuts off, you accidentally unplug your phone from your PC, or download failed. Don't freak, just do it again from step one, sometimes it takes multiple attempts to get it. I think at six failed attempts in a row it may be time to look into heimdall, the walk through for that is below this one.
Once odin finishes and does its test you will get a green box lit up that says Pass in it just above where you saw the yellow box showing you were connected. Congratulations on a successful recovery. reinstall your battery and the back cover, reboot your phone and wait for it to boot up. The boot process can take several minutes so be patient. If the boot was successful you should be looking at a stock bloated Verizon Fascinate, that is asking you to back up your system and log into Gmail.
Fascinate USB driver from Samsung, just in case you need it.
Sch-i500 USB driver
odin v1.3
odin v1.7
odin v1.83
Atlas v2.2 Pit file
DI01All in 1
EB01All in 1
ODIN CWM ED01 Stock ROM/Kernel/Recovery Courtesy of Imnuts
ODIN ED03 ROM/Kernel/Recovery Courtesy of Imnuts
MODEM ODIN CWM DL09, EA28, ED01, ED03 modems without ridiculous 100MB OTAs Courtesy of Comradesven (I can now say this works and is easy to do just folloy the instrictions on thread.) Decided to try out this method after bricking my phone again, EASY AND FAST, love it.
EC09 Gingerbread Leak CAUTION:It has not happened to me yet even after several times of flashing something custom and using this to odin back to stock with, but there are many reports of this corrupting users SD cards. This is a leak and as always USE THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!
Here are the ONLY TWO, as far as we know guaranteed to get you fixed up, odin files, for anyone coming from CM7 or MUI MTD for the Fascinate.
YOU MUST USE THE ATLAS V2.2 PIT FILE, ONE OF THESE FILES, AND REPARTITION. IF YOU DON'T ODIN WILL FAIL TO COMPLETE THE RECOVERY.
CI500_VZW_DL09_ECLAIR
CI500_VZW_EB01_FROYO
SECTION 2: HEIMDALL
Now for the heimdall walk through, so follow along. I don't think it is possible to completely brick this phone short of actually smashing it, why take unnecessary chances.
First go to the link for heimdall. Download, unzip this and open the folder. In this folder you will find another folder labeled Drivers, open it and you will see a program called zadig.
Now put your Phone into download mode, that is remove the back cover, take out the battery and plug it into your PC with the OEM cable (the one that came with the phone when you got it), then press and hold the down volume button till a yellow triangle and construction droid , now you are in download mode.
Double click zadig and when it opens, click on options and click list all devices. Now drop the usb drop down box and you will find an option for SAMSUNG android composite ADB device, or Samsung composite usb driver, select it then click install drivers. the usual install stuff from windows about do you want to install this, yes you do. Now If the warning about publisher could not be verified, whatever, install it anyway, no it's not a virus. Your phone MUST be in download mode or zadig will not have the USB you need as an available option.
Now you need the files for this program to install and recover your phone. I was motivated to set up a zip file for download with files ready due to confusion on how to accomplish this step, you will find links below.
Now back into the heimdall file you opened earlier you will need to double click the heimdall.exe file, and click run on the windows pop up, it will show a cmd prompt type screen then disappear shortly after, it's supposed to do that.
Again in the click the application called heimdall-frontend. here is where you can go wrong so I will do this side by side with heimdall names and DI01/EB01 file names. I don't believe there are currently any other full recoveries.
To eliminate confusion on where to put your files follow the guige below.
Heimdall on this side of =Recovery file names on this side.
In Repartition:
PIT = atlas_v2.2.pit see below.
In PDA/Code:
FactoryFS=factoryfs.frs
Kernel(zImage)=zImage
Param.lfs=param.lfs
Primary Bootloader=boot.bin
Secondary Bootloader=slb.bin
In CSC:
Cache=cache.rfs
Database Data=dbdata.rfs
In Other:
Modem=modem.bin
Recovery=recovery.bin
Now that all the are files loaded into the correct spots, the necessary drivers installed, and phone in download mode, the start button will be able to be clicked, not shaded outlines like before, did you even notice that? If you followed everything in this tutorial step by step, click the START button and let heimdall run. After it finishes reboot your Verizon stock, Bing bloated, WORKING Fascinate. After this is completed successfully you will be able to use odin again if you need or want to.
Heimdall
DI01 heimdall package
EB01 heimdall package
Why did this happen?
Why was this necessary, as far as I can find out, through research, I wont even try to figure out how many times I had to odin ,and the eight, yes that's right I said 8, times I have HAD to use heimdall, because my phone would not recover through odin. Usually because like me you flashed a rom on for a different phone or, it seems to be, dbdata or another partition can not mount. This has happened to me because I didn't remove voodoo, or flashed a pre edify rom after accidently putting cwr3, which is for edify, on a non edify rom. So moral of the story is twofold, yes it is very likely it can be fixed, and remove voodoo before going to nonvoodoo, and make sure you have a version of cwr that supports both ammend and edify script if you are not sure. Don't flash a rom for a different phone on your Verizon Fascinate or you most likely WILL need heimdall.
NEVER USE A FILE, ROM, KERNEL, ANYTHING, THAT IS NOT CLEARLY FOR THE VERIZON FASCINATE.
Remember, thank the developers by clicking the thanks button on threads you find helpful, they did the work. All I did was take some time and put together all the links and processes I have read and had to learn. Some of the walk through threads are well written by the Dev's and some were hard for me to follow. Sometime I wonder if our Dev's forget that us mere mortals have no idea what they are talking about, and I pride myself on being much better than average with computers and software. That said if you have trouble working e mail and office, I think it's fair to say you would be lost. I hope this is easy to follow and always successful for you. Better yet I hope you never need this.
READ:If heimdall, or odin fail, but you can still get into download mode, do it again, and keep trying while you look for further assistance on this site. If you can't get into download mode with your phone plugged into your PC, unplug usb from PC and plug it into the wall outlet, and try to put it into download mode there. When It goes into download mode, unplug usb from adapter, plug it into PC and put it into download mode, This does work.
If this has Helped you not have a $600 dollar paperweight, consider donating to some of our Dev's working so hard to not only give you better than what big red and sammy gave you, but also a way to fix your mistakes without the need for an insurance claim. Isn't it worth a few bucks to support the developers who save you from the insurance deductable? Think about that before you complain about the devs.
SECTION 3: ROOTING METHODS
Here are two easy ways to accomplish rooting your phone.
ROOTING YOUR PHONE VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY. I NOR ANYONE ELSE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING YOU CHOOSE TO DO. NO ONE HERE IS MAKING YOU DO ANYTHING, JUST PROVIDING INFORMATION ON WAYS TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU WANT TO DO.
Super One Click method: unzip file, open file, double click ADB, it will show a quick cmd like window. Now make sure you phone has USB debugging enabled, connect to PC, don't mount USB. Click the SuperOneClick.exe icon and let it run. If it fails run it again, sometimes it does that. If anything pops up on the screen, read and answer. Unless you are using a Captivate leave the Captivate tab alone it is for getting an unlock code and you don't need that for your Fascinate. (works on all fascinate stock OS to include ED03, and EC09 GB, tested by me.)
CWR & SU Method: (DOES NOT WORK ON 2.2.1) Put superuser.zip zip file on root of SD card, odin in cwr, boot phone into recovery by holding power and volume at same time. To do this simply install battery after unpluging from PC press and hold power and volume buttons at the same time. DO NOT let the phone boot as far as the Samsung logo or you will have to odin in cwr again. Go to Install zip, choose zip, install from SD card. Find your superuser.zip file and install it. Reboot, you are rooted, install busybox, free from market if necessary. If you need odin or instruction on using it, see section 1.
GINGERBREAK Method: Gingerbreak v1.20.apk is an easy to do method, put the apk on your sd card, install from file manager, run it.​
KEEPING CWR3 IN 2.2.1: To keep CWR on any ED OTA release you need to make some adjustments to a few files. Don't worry I am going to tell you which ones, and I suggest a simple method of adding .no to the end of the file. That way if you ever need to undo it, simply go back in and remove the .no and your not trying to remember what the file name and extension was. Now here are the file names for each file, you will need something like root explorer and a rooted Fascinate to do this, and you can't rename a file unless you tap the mount system as r/w not r/o, its easy here are the examples of how I did it.
/system/recovery-from-boot.p becomes /system/recovery-from-boot.p.no
/system/bin/recovery becomes /system/bin/recovery.no
/system/etc/install-recovery.sh becomes /system/etc/install-recovery.sh.no
Superuser+busybox
CWR 3/30 Fix all
CWR3 Voodoo.tar Blue
times_infinity's recoveries
Gingerbreak v1.20
Special thanks to Adrynalyne, Imnuts, Jt1134, Nitsuj17, Landshark, Sbrissen, ChainsDD, Times Infinity, and Comradesven and anyone I forgot to thank, for creating and sharing, the heimdall, odin, and other files.
This is a great source of information. The formatting could be a little better though. Perhaps break up those great giant paragraphs a bit. It would be easier to follow along. Especially for noobs in a panic state after "bricking" their phone.
Great work though. This should be stickied.
I will Update thread to an easier format over the next few days. Thanks for the tip, i looked good to me but now i see what you are talking about. It took hours today to gather all the info, pull up each program ans walk through it. I guess I was in mental overload.
Attempted Heimdall today after odin has failed using the EB01, error was "Failed to retrieve config descriptor" any ideas?
If I flash with all CSC options unchecked the flash is successful.
When trying to boot after flash without CSC i receive a phone and a computer with a dotted line connecting the to on power up. Phone will return to DL mode.
Also attempted to flash DL01, it seems there are several files that correspond with Heim that are not in the package are the EB01 files interchangeable with the missing files?
Not trying to be that guy, but the DL01 is actually DI01. The build number DL01 doesnt exist.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
times_infinity said:
Not trying to be that guy, but the DL01 is actually DI01. The build number DL01 doesnt exist.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You were that guy.
times_infinity said:
Not trying to be that guy, but the DL01 is actually DI01. The build number DL01 doesnt exist.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, but at least i was consistant on the typo...LOL. I will fix it this weekend.
I just got a fascinate.....commingle from a vibrant.....I can't find a root method that doesn't include a computer,my previous phone I downloaded update.zip went into recovery and bammo rooted then have spent the last unknown amount of time playing with the Roms and now want the same. With this phone anyone help? Thanks.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
Figured out this morning I wasnt using my factory usb cable switched cables odin'd stock eb01 worked perfectly now I feel retarded.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Excellent write up. Thanks a bunch.
What are some other differences in Odin 1.7 vs 1.3? I have used 1.3 many times and never had any issues. Any improvements?
Thanks so much Dale! headed to work now, but will try this tonight
Rayn1328 said:
I just got a fascinate.....commingle from a vibrant.....I can't find a root method that doesn't include a computer,my previous phone I downloaded update.zip went into recovery and bammo rooted then have spent the last unknown amount of time playing with the Roms and now want the same. With this phone anyone help? Thanks.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=897889 you pretty much need a computer. z4root worked at one time iirc I used it on my fascinate at some point.
More reasons as to why you should never fear bricking your phone and testing new kernels and ROMs. Thank you for the thorough tutorial.
cbalt said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=897889 you pretty much need a computer. z4root worked at one time iirc I used it on my fascinate at some point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer what i think is a much simpler method. Just go to this link and follow Post 2. I don't believe I have ever had it so easy to root a phone:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=948722
nice write up, thanks for posting. I hope I never have to use it
netwalker0099 said:
Attempted Heimdall today after odin has failed using the EB01, error was "Failed to retrieve config descriptor" any ideas?
If I flash with all CSC options unchecked the flash is successful.
When trying to boot after flash without CSC i receive a phone and a computer with a dotted line connecting the to on power up. Phone will return to DL mode.
Also attempted to flash DL01, it seems there are several files that correspond with Heim that are not in the package are the EB01 files interchangeable with the missing files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got that once cause i didn't install the drivers in zadig. I installed it, didn't reboot PC, worked fine. If you had the CSC unchecked then you didnt install a cache or database, so no your phone wont work like that. Unless you ran into something new, follow this guide step by step, and it should work. I would also make sure you get the files from here, they are tested and known to be good. There are some incomplete, and bad files out there, these work.
Heimdall is officially the greatest piece of software ever created and DaleV is my hero!!! FINALLY have my phone up and running again! Was serious contemplating dropping around $300 for a new phone on Craigslist.
Trying to root a Fascinate, and it showed up in ODIN once, then the flash failed. Now it's in download mode and not showing up in ODIN, any ideas?
Oxirane said:
Trying to root a Fascinate, and it showed up in ODIN once, then the flash failed. Now it's in download mode and not showing up in ODIN, any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
after it failed did you unplug then replug and go back into download mode? also I updated the OP with a superuser.zip file it works better than the one in the market for showing you have root access, I have no idea why.
Also you might try a different usb port, sometimes that does the trick.
I've unplugged and replugged and rebooted it a dozen times... it first goes to 2e recovery, then I reinstall packages and it reboots to the simplified download mode with just basic little icons. Doesn't get recognized by the computer though. :/
Wont boot into anything but 2e, and from there into oldschool download mode.

Need Urgent Fascinate Help

I had my girlfriend's fascinate running MIUI and then I flashed CM7. When I booted into recovery it took me into the red one and now I can't do anything. I'm always getting errors. How can I get back to the blue recovery or what can I do?
I can't get past the Glitch screen it just stays on there
Please help
want a droid said:
I had my girlfriend's fascinate running MIUI and then I flashed CM7. When I booted into recovery it took me into the red one and now I can't do anything. I'm always getting errors. How can I get back to the blue recovery or what can I do?
I can't get past the Glitch screen it just stays on there
Please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin the proper clockwork,reboot straight to it, wipe data and then flash CM7 from the SD card.
Please give me step by step instructions with links. I'm an HTC Thunderbolt guy myself so I am having a hard time finding all the right links and stuff. I really appreciate your help!
First sticky in this forum has all the links and steps.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
I tried flashing the fix all recovery and it's still not working. Again, I appreciate your guy's help.
want a droid said:
I tried flashing the fix all recovery and it's still not working. Again, I appreciate your guy's help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? did you look at the sticky?
Code:
HOW TO UN-BRICK YOUR FASCINATE NOW THAT YOU HAVE BRICKED IT
SINCE IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION SOME POEPLE ARE CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT PHONE THIS IS FOR, I WILL MAKE IT AS CLEAR AS POSSIBLE
THIS IS FOR THE VERIZON FASCINATE
So you think you bricked your phone? The first thing you need to do is CALM DOWN, NO NEED TO PANIC , the odds are great that following this guide will fix your mistakes and recover your phone.
Sorry Fascinate owners, but I can no longer support this thread. As state below I test everything I post to make sure it works as advertised. I no longer have a fascinate so i can not test anything new. All of the files, I cant guarantee links to other OP's, will still be available, I wont take them down. Your recovery methods have not changed, nor have the PIT files, so this can still be used to recover your device. If you are looking for anything new look at nitsuj17's roll up post here, he maintains it very well so you should be able to find whatever else you need there.
I HAVE PURPOSELY BRICKED MY PHONE BY DOING THE THINGS YOU ARE TOLD NOT TO JUST TO TEST THE CAPABILITIES OF THESE RECOVERY PROGRAMS. UNLESS YOU CAN AFFORD TO HAVE YOUR PHONE REPLACED BY INSURANCE, TRUST THAT I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT.
SECTION 1: ODIN
SECTION 2: HEIMDALL
SECTION 3: ROOTING METHODS
Since there seems to be an abundance of posts in the Q&A and General Forums asking for help fixing, unbricking, their Fascinates, I decided to try to make a one stop walk through for odin and heimdall with links. Most of us "flash addicts", Developers, and testers have found the Samsung Galaxy Phones are nearly impossible to truly brick without causing physical damage to your phone, in almost all cases it is possible to get it working again.This is nothing more than how to get back a working STOCK phone, nothing custom here that's in the Development section. The first section will cover odin, the second heimdall, the third recovery and rooting.
USUAL WARNING: Everything here is done at your own risk. None of us on the XDA Developers site are responsible in any way, after all we didn't brick it you did. Doing any of this is your decision, I am just providing a collection of information. All credit for everything here belongs to others, who worked hard to give you a way to fix your mistakes, and it usually is the owner of the device trying something without learning how first, or not following directions that got you here in the first place.
My Phone wont boot at all, is stuck at logo, or I cant do anything with it is it a paperweight?
Most likely, no, so lets get to fixing it. All download links necessary for each process will be posted in this walk through and have been tested to make sure they work.
SECTION 1: ODIN
Everything except for the pit file in odin MUST be done in the PDA slot, if not it will not work requiring you to odin again, or possibly have to use heimdall (covered later in this thread) to fix that. After you download odin, I use v1.83 but I will provide all versions I have.
First you need to decide if you want to go all the way back to DI01 (Android 2.1 "Eclair") or EB01, EC01, or a little more involved process for ED01, or ED03 (android 2.2 "Froyo") it makes all the difference with the files you need. The pit file is not necessary for most recoveries, but I have included due to a few issues that will require you to completely wipe everything but your SD card and start over. All of this is possible thanks to our talented developers. After you have odin and all the files you need on your Windows Vista or Win 7 PC, This DOES NOT work on XP, I have had a lot of responses to support this, so lets go with it won't work use Vista or Win 7. To load any file you click that button and use the windows explorer pop up to find your file select it and click open at the bottom of the window.
Start by powering off phone, the pull out battery.
Open odin and load your file in PDA and ONLY THE PDA (downloads) section, If you knew enough about this program to use the other areas you would not need this walk through, soPDA and ONLY THE PDA (downloads) section, for an, all in 1 Recovery. If you are doing a non packaged update I suggest installing the rom one first, modems and recoveries are a lot faster install.
If you are repartitioning put the pit file in the (Pit) section,verify repartition is checked.
Plug your phone into a USB slot, then hold the volume down hard key on the side of the phone. You should see a yellow triangle with a construction droid on your phones screen, and a box on the left right above options (ID:COM) is now yellow.
Now you are in download mode, verify check box next to PDA is checked and the block has the file location in it. Make sure Repartition (unless you are repartitioning and have the pit file in place), Dump, Phone EFS clear, and Bootloader, Phone Bootloader Update, and Flash Lock are NOT CHECKED in the Options section. Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time can be checked or not it doesn't really matter with the battery out. These are the default settings in the options section but double check it anyway.
You are ready to go, click start, and let odin run, it can take anywhere from just a minute to around a half hour. If anything happens like your computer shuts off, you accidentally unplug your phone from your PC, or download failed. Don't freak, just do it again from step one, sometimes it takes multiple attempts to get it. I think at six failed attempts in a row it may be time to look into heimdall, the walk through for that is below this one.
Once odin finishes and does its test you will get a green box lit up that says Pass in it just above where you saw the yellow box showing you were connected. Congratulations on a successful recovery. reinstall your battery and the back cover, reboot your phone and wait for it to boot up. The boot process can take several minutes so be patient. If the boot was successful you should be looking at a stock bloated Verizon Fascinate, that is asking you to back up your system and log into Gmail.
Fascinate USB driver from Samsung, just in case you need it.
Sch-i500 USB driver
odin v1.3
odin v1.7
odin v1.83
Atlas v2.2 Pit file
DI01All in 1
EB01All in 1
ODIN CWM ED01 Stock ROM/Kernel/Recovery Courtesy of Imnuts
ODIN ED03 ROM/Kernel/Recovery Courtesy of Imnuts
MODEM ODIN CWM DL09, EA28, ED01, ED03 modems without ridiculous 100MB OTAs Courtesy of Comradesven (I can now say this works and is easy to do just folloy the instrictions on thread.) Decided to try out this method after bricking my phone again, EASY AND FAST, love it.
EC09 Gingerbread Leak CAUTION:It has not happened to me yet even after several times of flashing something custom and using this to odin back to stock with, but there are many reports of this corrupting users SD cards. This is a leak and as always USE THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!
Here are the ONLY TWO, as far as we know guaranteed to get you fixed up, odin files, for anyone coming from CM7 or MUI MTD for the Fascinate.
YOU MUST USE THE ATLAS V2.2 PIT FILE, ONE OF THESE FILES, AND REPARTITION. IF YOU DON'T ODIN WILL FAIL TO COMPLETE THE RECOVERY.
CI500_VZW_DL09_ECLAIR
CI500_VZW_EB01_FROYO
SECTION 2: HEIMDALL
Now for the heimdall walk through, so follow along. I don't think it is possible to completely brick this phone short of actually smashing it, why take unnecessary chances.
First go to the link for heimdall. Download, unzip this and open the folder. In this folder you will find another folder labeled Drivers, open it and you will see a program called zadig.
Now put your Phone into download mode, that is remove the back cover, take out the battery and plug it into your PC with the OEM cable (the one that came with the phone when you got it), then press and hold the down volume button till a yellow triangle and construction droid , now you are in download mode.
Double click zadig and when it opens, click on options and click list all devices. Now drop the usb drop down box and you will find an option for SAMSUNG android composite ADB device, or Samsung composite usb driver, select it then click install drivers. the usual install stuff from windows about do you want to install this, yes you do. Now If the warning about publisher could not be verified, whatever, install it anyway, no it's not a virus. Your phone MUST be in download mode or zadig will not have the USB you need as an available option.
Now you need the files for this program to install and recover your phone. I was motivated to set up a zip file for download with files ready due to confusion on how to accomplish this step, you will find links below.
Now back into the heimdall file you opened earlier you will need to double click the heimdall.exe file, and click run on the windows pop up, it will show a cmd prompt type screen then disappear shortly after, it's supposed to do that.
Again in the click the application called heimdall-frontend. here is where you can go wrong so I will do this side by side with heimdall names and DI01/EB01 file names. I don't believe there are currently any other full recoveries.
To eliminate confusion on where to put your files follow the guige below.
Heimdall on this side of =Recovery file names on this side.
In Repartition:
PIT = atlas_v2.2.pit see below.
In PDA/Code:
FactoryFS=factoryfs.frs
Kernel(zImage)=zImage
Param.lfs=param.lfs
Primary Bootloader=boot.bin
Secondary Bootloader=slb.bin
In CSC:
Cache=cache.rfs
Database Data=dbdata.rfs
In Other:
Modem=modem.bin
Recovery=recovery.bin
Now that all the are files loaded into the correct spots, the necessary drivers installed, and phone in download mode, the start button will be able to be clicked, not shaded outlines like before, did you even notice that? If you followed everything in this tutorial step by step, click the START button and let heimdall run. After it finishes reboot your Verizon stock, Bing bloated, WORKING Fascinate. After this is completed successfully you will be able to use odin again if you need or want to.
Heimdall
DI01 heimdall package
EB01 heimdall package
Why did this happen?
Why was this necessary, as far as I can find out, through research, I wont even try to figure out how many times I had to odin ,and the eight, yes that's right I said 8, times I have HAD to use heimdall, because my phone would not recover through odin. Usually because like me you flashed a rom on for a different phone or, it seems to be, dbdata or another partition can not mount. This has happened to me because I didn't remove voodoo, or flashed a pre edify rom after accidently putting cwr3, which is for edify, on a non edify rom. So moral of the story is twofold, yes it is very likely it can be fixed, and remove voodoo before going to nonvoodoo, and make sure you have a version of cwr that supports both ammend and edify script if you are not sure. Don't flash a rom for a different phone on your Verizon Fascinate or you most likely WILL need heimdall.
NEVER USE A FILE, ROM, KERNEL, ANYTHING, THAT IS NOT CLEARLY FOR THE VERIZON FASCINATE.
Remember, thank the developers by clicking the thanks button on threads you find helpful, they did the work. All I did was take some time and put together all the links and processes I have read and had to learn. Some of the walk through threads are well written by the Dev's and some were hard for me to follow. Sometime I wonder if our Dev's forget that us mere mortals have no idea what they are talking about, and I pride myself on being much better than average with computers and software. That said if you have trouble working e mail and office, I think it's fair to say you would be lost. I hope this is easy to follow and always successful for you. Better yet I hope you never need this.
READ:If heimdall, or odin fail, but you can still get into download mode, do it again, and keep trying while you look for further assistance on this site. If you can't get into download mode with your phone plugged into your PC, unplug usb from PC and plug it into the wall outlet, and try to put it into download mode there. When It goes into download mode, unplug usb from adapter, plug it into PC and put it into download mode, This does work.
If this has Helped you not have a $600 dollar paperweight, consider donating to some of our Dev's working so hard to not only give you better than what big red and sammy gave you, but also a way to fix your mistakes without the need for an insurance claim. Isn't it worth a few bucks to support the developers who save you from the insurance deductable? Think about that before you complain about the devs.
SECTION 3: ROOTING METHODS
Here are two easy ways to accomplish rooting your phone.
ROOTING YOUR PHONE VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY. I NOR ANYONE ELSE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING YOU CHOOSE TO DO. NO ONE HERE IS MAKING YOU DO ANYTHING, JUST PROVIDING INFORMATION ON WAYS TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU WANT TO DO.
Super One Click method: unzip file, open file, double click ADB, it will show a quick cmd like window. Now make sure you phone has USB debugging enabled, connect to PC, don't mount USB. Click the SuperOneClick.exe icon and let it run. If it fails run it again, sometimes it does that. If anything pops up on the screen, read and answer. Unless you are using a Captivate leave the Captivate tab alone it is for getting an unlock code and you don't need that for your Fascinate. (works on all fascinate stock OS to include ED03, and EC09 GB, tested by me.)
CWR & SU Method: (DOES NOT WORK ON 2.2.1) Put superuser.zip zip file on root of SD card, odin in cwr, boot phone into recovery by holding power and volume at same time. To do this simply install battery after unpluging from PC press and hold power and volume buttons at the same time. DO NOT let the phone boot as far as the Samsung logo or you will have to odin in cwr again. Go to Install zip, choose zip, install from SD card. Find your superuser.zip file and install it. Reboot, you are rooted, install busybox, free from market if necessary. If you need odin or instruction on using it, see section 1.
GINGERBREAK Method: Gingerbreak v1.20.apk is an easy to do method, put the apk on your sd card, install from file manager, run it.
KEEPING CWR3 IN 2.2.1: To keep CWR on any ED OTA release you need to make some adjustments to a few files. Don't worry I am going to tell you which ones, and I suggest a simple method of adding .no to the end of the file. That way if you ever need to undo it, simply go back in and remove the .no and your not trying to remember what the file name and extension was. Now here are the file names for each file, you will need something like root explorer and a rooted Fascinate to do this, and you can't rename a file unless you tap the mount system as r/w not r/o, its easy here are the examples of how I did it.
/system/recovery-from-boot.p becomes /system/recovery-from-boot.p.no
/system/bin/recovery becomes /system/bin/recovery.no
/system/etc/install-recovery.sh becomes /system/etc/install-recovery.sh.no
Superuser+busybox
CWR 3/30 Fix all
CWR3 Voodoo.tar Blue
times_infinity's recoveries
Gingerbreak v1.20
Special thanks to Adrynalyne, Imnuts, Jt1134, Nitsuj17, Landshark, Sbrissen, ChainsDD, Times Infinity, and Comradesven and anyone I forgot to thank, for creating and sharing, the heimdall, odin, and other files.
Everything you need can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1026746
odin...
atlas_v2.2.pit
CI500_VZW_ED05_FROYO_REL.tar.md5
check repartition
then follow the CM wiki
I don't understand why I'm getting this: http://imgur.com/WkDsK
Sorry for rotated picture.
I'm in the process of flashing the verizon firmware but it's taking forever to download. I thought I could just odin the CWM?
You better do some research before u brick ur ****...there are guides all over the place on how to get back to stock/flash roms. And last but not least all questions should be posted in the q&a section...that's what its there for...seriously use it!
Ok I flashed Verizon firmware, then did the CM Wiki steps, but for some reason my recovery is acting funky.
When I try to connect it to my mac it says it can't read what I'm trying to connect. When I connected it to windows laptop it says its a CD drive that is write protected.
I can't move any files in or out. Also when I try to flash a rom zip in recovery it doesn't work.
I'm in the process of trying to restore her MIUI backup. Here's to hoping that works.
EDIT: Supposedly the restore worked, but here is part of the error that showed when trying to flash a zip (top text): http://imgur.com/X1RQL
Oh and I'm stuck on the Samsung screen now...what do I do?
want a droid said:
Ok I flashed Verizon firmware, then did the CM Wiki steps, but for some reason my recovery is acting funky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fail.
if you did CM Wiki, you have CWM 4.X, not 2 or 3
you need to flash back to stock like i said
I did flash back to stock. Anyways in the broken clockwork recovery I decided to try and install MIUI again and when I clicked it it took me to an orange recovery.
Then I flashed her backup and it loaded up fine. Hopefully everything is back to the way it was. I'm not sure what ever went wrong in the first place.Thanks for your help.
Dude...sounds like you just made it hard. Its actually quite simple.
Pull battery, put in download mode.
Odin the Verizon firmware with atlas.pit and repartition checked.
let it boot, then shut it back down and go back into download mode and Odin the fixed recovery for CM7. Then flash MIUI and profit.
It shouldn't take but about 15 minutes out so for the whole process
Swyped via Tapatalk
Well I wish you had been here last night. I was told to do the heimdall thing and then after all that the phone wouldn't be recognized in odin.
It was a frustrating 3 hour long process (granted ~1h was waiting for the 441MB file to download).
so I found this thread searching through the fascinate forums and i gotta say, it saved my ass. I used heimdall 1.3.1 and it wasn't working right for the flash. IDK why but when I tried 1.1.1 it worked first try to flash back to stock after brick. I used the eh03_full_odin.zip file in heimdall and it quick and easy to get back to stock =] this forum rox!!

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