Database Users

Bricked epic4g using odin

I know there are various threads like this one but my situation is a bit different. I tried using odin to clean install 2.2 to then use the custom rom epic experience. I attempted to install 2.2 using odin but it would get stuck in "setup connection" and I would have to quit and try again. Last time I tried my phone got the "phone connection caution computer" icon and to get into recovery I would have to hold the power and camera button, not the volume down button. When I go to try and install things straight from my SD card I would get an error like "status 7" cus I didn't have the sprint apps to install 2.2. I believe I get these errors installing straight from the card cus I rooted my phone, modifying the kernal cus I read somewhere because when trying to update, it tries to verify but can't cus things are missing or edited cus of the root. I can't try to use odin again because my computer can't recognize the phone anymore regardless reinstalling the samsung drivers. SOOOO, I'm basically ****ing stuck for sure I think. The way I access the SD card is by using an adapter. The only way I see this working is if I find a fix using the SD card, but it's looking slim cus of the stupid root.

I don't know much about this yet, as I'm still learning myself. Did you try using another usb port and are you putting the phone in download mode?. Restart the computer and the phone. Make sure odin is running before you plug in the phone as well. And try another usb port. Are you using the cable that came with the phone? That one trends to have problems for some people.
Edit: I don't believe your phone is bricked either, people tend to throw the word around to much because that arnt quite sure about the definition. Just hang in there and the community will help you get back up and running. Good luck
Sent from my shoe, I mean....Epic shoe... I mean Samsung Epic!

mxcoldhit said:
I don't know much about this yet, as I'm still learning myself. Did you try using another usb port and are you putting the phone in download mode?. Restart the computer and the phone. Make sure odin is running before you plug in the phone as well. And try another usb port. Are you using the cable that came with the phone? That one trends to have problems for some people.
Edit: I don't believe your phone is bricked either, people tend to throw the word around to much because that arnt quite sure about the definition. Just hang in there and the community will help you get back up and running. Good luck
Sent from my shoe, I mean....Epic shoe... I mean Samsung Epic!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You see, I'm out of options. Last thing I thought of was installing a custom rom 2.1 rom cus 2.2 roms need odin, but I try to install and I get a signature error or whatever. I'm about to throw the phone against the wall, crack the screen, and use my warranty and get a new phone cus I literally tried EVERYTHING. I spent my ****ing 8 hours of my saturday trying to fix this.

Try a different computer my new Dell XPS 9100 will never reconize my Epic, however, my wifes laptop will always reconize it. I know that sounds weird, I always thought I had a poblem with my phone but it ended up being my computer.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

cbpagent72 said:
Try a different computer my new Dell XPS 9100 will never reconize my Epic, however, my wifes laptop will always reconize it. I know that sounds weird, I always thought I had a poblem with my phone but it ended up being my computer.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
omfg, I used my mom's lappy and the drivers worked. Meaning I can try and use an odin fix.

Odin can be tricky to use because of a few factors other than itself. 1) if you can, use a deskto pc and attach to a usb port literally on the motherboard, no front or pci, this may work, but this I what I found (reading countless threads) to be the most failsafe for everyone. 2) your sammy usb cable is for charging or non critical data transfer ONLY, as it is garbage... repeatedly proven in the threads. 3) reboot pc and phone, boot phone into download mode, (hold down 1. On physical keyboard and press power... DO NOT CONNECT YET! Start up odin, place files where needed (.pit, etc...) uncheck all but what you're told in the flashing instructions with the file you're flashing, most have awesome detals, but sometimes your little issue is resolved on page 50 of the thread... not in the OP. Ok so now plug in the usb connection, odin should find it. If it doesn't, search for drivers, uninstall, reinstall start over, OR you have a bad connection, refer back to usb port and cable. I have 1 out of 4 mobo usb ports that the drivers will maintain a connection to, so try another. Then, once odin has a connection, make sure you're following the guides to the T (and read all the posts)... after that, odin is your best friend. The problem lies elsewhere... odin is the goods. If you have run into problems maintaining connection, and plan to re-root, read all the one click posts and if it drops connection a lot, enter the commands in one by one, repeat if one fails till it sticks. There are way better guides, but you seem to have run into the same issues I did, and after hours and hours, I got that scary ass reconnect me now screen. Just read the whole threads, and if your problem hasn't already been resolved, post in the appropriate thread, so others may learn from your discoveries!
Don't give up, once you figure out the quirks of the relationship between your pc and phone, and of course meticulously follow instructions, your elation when successful will make you forget that pesky 'bricked' screen... trust me I got it too, and no matter how much everyone says you can't brick these following instructions on here... its still scary till it all works. If things are wonky, wipe, go back to DI18 and start over... or just sit tight for froyo roms... good luck!
Oh, and sorry for no links, but it would seem you've probly already read em all... not sure I can do links...

Maybe its just my eeepc that doesn't like the drivers, good luck! Sounds like you're on the way... oh don't forget with the drivers to let em install on connect, leave it plugged in for like 10 mins, unplug, it will then complain it wasn't done, reconnect, then after that finishes, reboot. Crazy drivers...

At least I got a computer recognizing my phone, so I can try and use odin. I've been trying to use this fix
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=9755894#post9755894
and so far odin has been stuck at this one step "file analysis..."

Yeah I used that method to no avail, but it was about 3 pasts old at the time, so I figured id try
something more stable. Tried a couple dk17 roms, then went back to 2.1 and am now using syndicate xtreme. Id suggest going back to DI18, then go from there. Let me check for another post of mine, theres a dialer code I had to do too at one point...
Ok when doing one click root, someone suggested ##8778# in the dialer, then keyboard enter, then set UART to pda not modem. This and removing comodo firewall, all the sudden my intermittent connection was solid. Not responsible for what this does, but it worked for me. Never found out what it does..... still curious. So this may help you even in odin, try to flash di18 after doing this, then the all in one rom you're looking at...

Oddly enough, I managed to semi-brick my phone several hours ago - my wireless adapter was on the same USB header, and both the wireless adapter and the phone crapped out while trying to flash with Odin.
Thankfully I was still able to get into download mode, and plugging the phone into a different USB port worked fine.

After some more research, about 10 hours of it, odin finally cooperated with me after I downloaded about every kind of file that could make my phone work and finally got it into 2.1
I first flashed the stock kernal to get it working, then flashed stock 2.1
Now I'm that my phone isn't rooted anymore I tried installing 2.2 through the recovery menu and I still get error status 7. Any ideas?

Probly best to post in the thread for the package/rom you are trying to install... others using it should be able to help... or you can do a 2.1 rom and wait for a final froyo based rom... glad to hear you're not bricked... the only way I've heard you can absolutely do that with these is installing a GSM rom or something crazy like that... but non-functional phone is scary regardless...

ungovernable1977 said:
Probly best to post in the thread for the package/rom you are trying to install... others using it should be able to help... or you can do a 2.1 rom and wait for a final froyo based rom... glad to hear you're not bricked... the only way I've heard you can absolutely do that with these is installing a GSM rom or something crazy like that... but non-functional phone is scary regardless...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright I completely fixed my phone. After I rooted my phone on 2.1, I then used odin v1.6 to install the froyo .tar file into pda and it worked. I then rooted it again so now I'm back to normal. Honestly, I did so many things I forgot what I did but I now have my phone functional. Thanks for help everyone, I greatly appreciate it!

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

Extremely confused

I've had the SGS2 for close to a month and in this time, i swear to honest God i've been more confused then i've been during my Symbian authoring days with my N95. I'm a tech savvy individual that reads up and researches things to death before acting but i'm just dumbfounded.
I have a Vodafone Romania SGS2 with the fallowing firmware: PDA: KE1 / Phone: KE1 / CSC: KE1 (CNX). I want to update to the KE5 firmware Kies is apparently showing me but due to a CTD Kies refuses to work and actually froze up my PC.
After repeaded tries, reinstalls, updates and tweaks i gave up on using Kies, especially after reading that it bricked some phones. So on i went to manually flashing it with Odin. I didn't get far because i've stumbled upon the thread with the official ROMS. So far i just want to install the official honest to god KE5 update for my network, to not mess anything up and still keep the warranty.
Romania
BUKE1:multiupload.com/7C3C2AOWGZ
Firmware info: PDA:BUKE1| PHONE:BUKE1| CSC:CNXKE1
BUKE1 Stock Kernel: Use the UK Kernel, it's the same.
BUKE5:multiupload.com/KHFWY2ZUOW
Firmware info: PDA:BUKE5| PHONE:BUKE1| CSC:CNXKE1
BUKE5 Stock Kernel:multiupload.com/EQ8RFFVB7A
Password: intratech XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, i assume i need the BUKE5, which is the KE5 update, the full one, not the kernel alone? So i go there and the filename is: GT-I9100_VDC_I9100BUKE1_I9100BUKE1_I9100VDCKE1.exe (265.11 MB)
Am i just paranoid or is that not the correct firmware update? Also, upgrading the firmware needs to delete all my apps and app data. I backed them up using astro and the kies software to the best of my ability, but i ended up being stonewalled that doing anything, from firmware to rooting to etc, lands me with more work to be done restoring the apps and settings after i'm done with it.
I just had so many issues with the phone, and in the end it doesn't seem as 'smart' as i though it'd be. Everyone had high praise for it and to be honest, after beating around with it so much, i really wish people would have told me about the numerous issues it has before buying. Sadly, only glowing and positive reviews. -.-
In the end, can someone please help me atleast update the firmware?
LE: Forgot to mention in case of the Kies, Win7 Professional.

external sd card doesn't get wiped. Internal sd card doesn't get wiped.
You could try a no wipe root by just flashing a rooted kernel like chainfire rather than full rom. Then backup user apps using titanium.
Use odin for both and generally only use PDA file, and defaulted options like reboot and do on. See various kernel threads for that.
Look here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthead.php?t=1103399
[29.06.2011][CF-Root v4.0] KE2/7/8, KF1/2/3/4 - su+bb+CWM4
Or here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
[ROM + Guide]Official i9100 KE7/KE8/KF1/KF3/KF4/KF2/KF3 download and Root Guide.
The difference its that chain fire adds recovery tools but its only a kernel. You can add that later if you want.
After that, first full custom rom or rebranded rom does mean /data which are user app data directories may get wiped.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

Edit I have ke7
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

Ok then, so i'm installing CF kernel to make a full backup for one thing. I get to the post, stumble around only on google with fake versions to see Odin at the bottom of the post attached. Get that, get the Zip, then get to the 'put your phone in download mode'. Ok i guess that's the USB mass storage? Two minutes later.. nope. More google. Realise it ment to reboot the phone in download mode by pushing Volume down, power button and the home key.
Right, finally i manage to install the CF kernel without issues. Now i accessed Titanium Backup and begin backing up all it can.
Will keep updated here.
After a bit of searching, i found Intratech actually put the wrong link up for the BUKE5 update on the vodafone network for Romania. I PM'd him and waiting for an update.

Good Luck. I'm sorry to hear you have had so many problems.
With regards to your warranty, you can always Odin the stock firmware and buy a USB Jig (devs are currently working on a software solution, should be cracked soon removing the need for the jig) from ebay to reset the custom ROM counter before you return the phone if needed.

The very next day, i got the BUKE5 firmware update and installed it succesfully. I will continue by rooting the phone with CF again and i should be done.
Atleast i got my 'totally painless easy-to-update firmware'.
Later edit: Seems there is no KE5 CF root. -.-

You probably do not need ke5 root.
So called insecure kernel only needed for two things.
1) flash secure rom (ke5) then insecure kernel (ke2 or ke7 kernel only) that you flash over your secured rom (ke5).
Insecure lets running one click root, that installs super user and busy box.
That is what you do I guess.
Then optionally you flash regular kernel (ke5) kernel only, not whole rom. You will keep super user and root but I lose adb root which you probably will not miss.
2) flash custom kernel. E.g. one like tegrak for cpu flexibility, or one like chain fire keep for custom recovery if you like
Cmw recovery
.
So get the latest that is compatible. New over old its often okay.
ke7 or kf2. Or do what some are doing and wait for ke9 (rumoured gingerbread upgrade release from samsung) that on my magic was a big upgrade in performance)
You get to do great stuff like tegrak over clock app with both 1 and 2.
Advantage of (1) is that flashing a genuine kernel after an insecure one used just too get root gets rid of that yellow ! you get with custom kernel when you boot the phone that could alert an engineer with a warranty claim.
Or stay on custom kernel and use a jig like previous poster said to clear the alert. Two pounds fifty well spent.
Advantage of (2) is that recovery installs are very convenient, and do not put the ! warning. Oh and updating phone on the train gets funny looks from fellow passengers looking over your shoulder.
On the other hand some people like using odin anyway "because that's what samsung engineers use"
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

Can anyone help on how to upgrade my galaxy s vibrant

Hi there, is there anyone of you out there who can help me upgrade my sgh-t959 galaxy s vibrant 2.1 eclair to 2.2 froyo..
you can add my YM anchierazos
thanks

Go to the Q&A section. There is a noob guide for the vibrant. It has all the info you will need. Also in the development section, download the AIO toolbox. It has Odin and all the files you need in case you Bork your phone up. Good luck and please read and understand before you try anything.

thanks for replying to my question

Your welcome. Let me know how it goes or if you want help on choosing a rom.

Go download the 2.2 rom of your choice,astro file manager,or root explorer(paid app but the best in my opinion).
Now you can do all this simply and completely by phone without hooking up to your computer....but if something does go wrong go ahead and download Odin and the tar and pit file to your computer,you will need them down the road anyway.
Just google "root samsung vibrant" to find update.zip
or search xda for the update.zip.
Download it, when youve gotten this far use astro/root explorer,, go to your download folder and move the rom of your choice and the update.zip to the root of your internal sd(meaning dont put it in any folders).
now turn phone off then hold both volume up and down together at same time....now while holding them press and hold down your power button,when you see the boot up start and see "vibrant" let only the power button up then you will see yellow print pop up then release the volume rocker and you will be in blue recovery.....now hit reinstall packages then there will be some activiity and will most likely eturn to blue recovery again,thats ok just hit reinstall packages again...activity then you should get a green recovery.......be back later to finish this

Shortbus-Driver said:
Go download the 2.2 rom of your choice,astro file manager,or root explorer(paid app but the best in my opinion).
Now you can do all this simply and completely by phone without hooking up to your computer....but if something does go wrong go ahead and download Odin and the tar and pit file to your computer,you will need them down the road anyway.
Just google "root samsung vibrant" to find update.zip
or search xda for the update.zip.
Download it, when youve gotten this far use astro/root explorer,, go to your download folder and move the rom of your choice and the update.zip to the root of your internal sd(meaning dont put it in any folders).
now turn phone off then hold both volume up and down together at same time....now while holding them press and hold down your power button,when you see the boot up start and see "vibrant" let only the power button up then you will see yellow print pop up then release the volume rocker and you will be in blue recovery.....now hit reinstall packages then there will be some activiity and will most likely eturn to blue recovery again,thats ok just hit reinstall packages again...activity then you should get a green recovery.......be back later to finish this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow? really?
Download Kies Mini - here
Plug in phone
Click Upgrade

Guy wants help is there an issue there?
Ok ok im done ....if you want more info pm me....i may have gone too far with this lol

Hey, do you want to run a custom rom or stock?
If you are on stock 2.1 right now, you can download a program onto your computer released by Samsung named "Kies Mini."
Kies mini will automatically detect your phone upon usb connection and check for updates. It will automatically update you to Froyo 2.2.
I personally sugest doing that, because when I updated to Froyo 2.2 using this Kies Mini approach I noticed it did something to my SBL (second boot loader) and made my 3-button recovery entrance work much better. Some of the Froyo 2.2 roms here...people took out the SBL because of claims of bricking phones.
Need more help message back, lots of people here willing to help you.

SamsungVibrant said:
Hey, do you want to run a custom rom or stock?
If you are on stock 2.1 right now, you can download a program onto your computer released by Samsung named "Kies Mini."
Kies mini will automatically detect your phone upon usb connection and check for updates. It will automatically update you to Froyo 2.2.
I personally sugest doing that, because when I updated to Froyo 2.2 using this Kies Mini approach I noticed it did something to my SBL (second boot loader) and made my 3-button recovery entrance work much better. Some of the Froyo 2.2 roms here...people took out the SBL because of claims of bricking phones.
Need more help message back, lots of people here willing to help you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SamsungVibrant is right, if you want plain old froyo, use kies. If you want something better especially to get rid of all that bloat ware on the phone use a custom rom.
If you need help you can always pm me.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium

@frazius - it's not like it's one way or the other. You can do the official Samsung update through Kies Mini (HERE) and play around with it for a while. But, if you're on a site like XDA, you're probably going start thinking about a custom ROM soon enough. While it sounds daunting at first, it gets easy quick and is well worth the time and effort to learn. Have fun with the with update.

[Q] KitKat on a rooted Note 3.

Hi Guys,
First, I beg of you not to say RTFM on similar questions here regarding this. I have read them, and read them in their entirety. The problem I have is that none of them list how to get me though my issues on my Galaxy Note 3 SM-N900A.
My problem is that I (as many others) really want to upgrade to the Kit Kat OTA released from AT&T a week or so ago. The thing is, I did root my device and as everyone know's this fails any OTA updates.
My question is two fold, but first I would like to explain that I rooted my device NOT for being able to install any custom ROM's. In fact I never had an interest in doing so as I actually like the stock OS's which right now I am still running 4.3. I rooted it specifically to be able to run network / packet sniffers on my own home network as a method to learn a little more about how things go over a network, seeing what I can learn and see if I can find any vulnerabilities. I also used it to try and clean bloat ware and other programs that with out root I can not uninstall or use, such as certain fast reboot apps. So, I really had no intention of using the Root to get me a custom ROM, as I wouldn't even know where to begin.
So my questions are this. Is there anyway that I can "un do" the root in order to let the device act as if it were never rooted? Or, is there anyway to force the OTA regardless of the device being rooted. My biggest fear is losing all the apps and files that I have on my device and I have never been able to get any kind of back up app to work, especially to restore anything from them.
I had read that one can use ODIN to flash the Kit Kat ROM, but while I have installed ODIN on my laptop, I am clueless on how to use it. I tried everything, but even with the USB drivers installed and working (I know this because plugged into the USB port, I am able to browse all the files on my device, yet ODIN continues to tell me that no device has been found.
Can someone please help me to understand what I need to do? Again, I don't care if I lose Root, I care that I don't lose all the stuff I spent months installing and getting my device where I want it. I really need someone to explain somethings to me as if I were a two year old, with out scalding me and making me feel like a complete idiot. I came here because everyone I have talked to told me that you guys would be the ones that could help me, and if you can't, then I am screwed and will have to just wipe the entire device and I just can't do that. I may wind up having to buy a new device and just transfer over what ever I can, however, in the mean time that is not an option.
To this end, I come begging for some serious help since I know you guys are the literal gods of Androids. If I must take some kind of custom ROM in order to get Kit Kat, I am somewhat willing, but I do not fully understand or know what ROM I would want to install as I have never in my life seen a custom ROM and what the benefits of having one are which is kind of why I really want to stick with the stock ROM and just keep getting the updates via OTA.
I have all the faith in the world you guys can help, I just don't know if anyone is willing to help since I know similar questions have been asked, but I do not know how to use what I learned for my particular device.
Thanks very much.
EU

Dardwizzle said:
Hi Guys,
First, I beg of you not to say RTFM on similar questions here regarding this. I have read them, and read them in their entirety. The problem I have is that none of them list how to get me though my issues on my Galaxy Note 3 SM-N900A.
My problem is that I (as many others) really want to upgrade to the Kit Kat OTA released from AT&T a week or so ago. The thing is, I did root my device and as everyone know's this fails any OTA updates.
My question is two fold, but first I would like to explain that I rooted my device NOT for being able to install any custom ROM's. In fact I never had an interest in doing so as I actually like the stock OS's which right now I am still running 4.3. I rooted it specifically to be able to run network / packet sniffers on my own home network as a method to learn a little more about how things go over a network, seeing what I can learn and see if I can find any vulnerabilities. I also used it to try and clean bloat ware and other programs that with out root I can not uninstall or use, such as certain fast reboot apps. So, I really had no intention of using the Root to get me a custom ROM, as I wouldn't even know where to begin.
So my questions are this. Is there anyway that I can "un do" the root in order to let the device act as if it were never rooted? Or, is there anyway to force the OTA regardless of the device being rooted. My biggest fear is losing all the apps and files that I have on my device and I have never been able to get any kind of back up app to work, especially to restore anything from them.
I had read that one can use ODIN to flash the Kit Kat ROM, but while I have installed ODIN on my laptop, I am clueless on how to use it. I tried everything, but even with the USB drivers installed and working (I know this because plugged into the USB port, I am able to browse all the files on my device, yet ODIN continues to tell me that no device has been found.
Can someone please help me to understand what I need to do? Again, I don't care if I lose Root, I care that I don't lose all the stuff I spent months installing and getting my device where I want it. I really need someone to explain somethings to me as if I were a two year old, with out scalding me and making me feel like a complete idiot. I came here because everyone I have talked to told me that you guys would be the ones that could help me, and if you can't, then I am screwed and will have to just wipe the entire device and I just can't do that. I may wind up having to buy a new device and just transfer over what ever I can, however, in the mean time that is not an option.
To this end, I come begging for some serious help since I know you guys are the literal gods of Androids. If I must take some kind of custom ROM in order to get Kit Kat, I am somewhat willing, but I do not fully understand or know what ROM I would want to install as I have never in my life seen a custom ROM and what the benefits of having one are which is kind of why I really want to stick with the stock ROM and just keep getting the updates via OTA.
I have all the faith in the world you guys can help, I just don't know if anyone is willing to help since I know similar questions have been asked, but I do not know how to use what I learned for my particular device.
Thanks very much.
EU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does ur kies run? if so turn it off.
USB debugging off? turn it on.
are u in download mode of ur phone? if not, switch off n wait till vibrate to make it really off. then press vol down + home + power. then follow instructions to press vol up once u inside warning screen.
after that u can plug in ur phone.
Sent from somewhere under the sky, at the corner of this rounded earth.

antique_sonic said:
does ur kies run? if so turn it off.
USB debugging off? turn it on.
are u in download mode of ur phone? if not, switch off n wait till vibrate to make it really off. then press vol down + home + power. then follow instructions to press vol up once u inside warning screen.
after that u can plug in ur phone.
Sent from somewhere under the sky, at the corner of this rounded earth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi antique_sonic, I would just like to clarify a couple things as well as answer your questions.
>does ur kies run? if so turn it off. <--- If you mean is it installed on my laptop and work? Yes it is, and yes it does, however, I almost never use it. Mainly because I was told that once you root a Samsung Device, Kies is no longer able to be used.
>USB debugging off? turn it on. <--- It is and has been turned on in an effort to try to sideload KitKat, but that was a hug fail. But I will leave it on for this discussion.
>are u in download mode of ur phone? <---- I have gotten here before but don't exactly know what to do once I am there since I don't know where to get a Kit Kat ROM, where to put it once I have it, or how to use anything in d/l mode.
> if not, switch off n wait till vibrate to make it really off. then press vol down + home + power. then follow instructions to press vol up once u inside warning screen. after that u can plug in ur phone. <--- Are these instructions for wiping the device back to the factory default? Will I lose everything currently installed and loaded on my Note 3? Or does this some how fix / allow for the OTA update to install completely because it no longer can tell the device is rooted?
Again, I must apologize because this is so greek to me.I am just trying to understand at this point what infact the instructions you gave me do, and what they are intended for. Is this just to get the USB drives to work properly? Or is this something that will help me undo root so that I would be able to install KitKat via the AT&T OTA. If now the latter, where I can I get a complete Kit Kat ROM and use ODIN to flash the ROM? This outcome would suck because I believe that this will cause me to lose everything on my device I worked so hard to get where I wanted. I have just over looked the fact that in rooting my device I there by killed my ability to keep my device updated with the latest OTA releases / patches.
Again, I appreciate you reply, but sadly I am in need of a bit more info if you could please.
Thank you so very much. I hope one day to be able to pay it forward, passing along the knowledge you have shared with me,
Regards,
EU

Dardwizzle said:
Hi antique_sonic, I would just like to clarify a couple things as well as answer your questions.
>does ur kies run? if so turn it off. <--- If you mean is it installed on my laptop and work? Yes it is, and yes it does, however, I almost never use it. Mainly because I was told that once you root a Samsung Device, Kies is no longer able to be used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do check, is it running in background ? check your task manager. if so, kill the process. Kies should not run together with ODIN. Otherwise sometimes will give problem to your ODIN process.
I normally only install the USB driver only, as this is the only thing needed to connect your phone to comp (as MTP, or as ODIN connection).
Dardwizzle said:
>are u in download mode of ur phone? <---- I have gotten here before but don't exactly know what to do once I am there since I don't know where to get a Kit Kat ROM, where to put it once I have it, or how to use anything in d/l mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, in a very simple word. download mode is basically a state whereby your phone is ready to download system files and install the system files on your device.
This is the only state possible to get a connection to your ODIN PC to flash stock firmware, recovery (in .tar/.md5 format).
How to get the KK ROM ?
1) identify your device. which model it is. N9005? N900T? N900A? N900 blablabla?
2) goto samfirmware.com (register there if you don't have account. it is free). after that you can just find your firmware by typing on the search device textbox your device model (e.g N9005), and it will come out the list of your device firmware (normally they will show for the latest firmware list)
3) choose the firmware that you want to download (if your device N9005 international 32 gb, try to avoid the Hongkong / Taiwan firmware, as they have different PIT partition).
4) once you have the downloaded zip file from samfirmware, extract the zip, and then you will get the (.tar/.md5) file. Now you can use to flash this one over ODIN.
Dardwizzle said:
> if not, switch off n wait till vibrate to make it really off. then press vol down + home + power. then follow instructions to press vol up once u inside warning screen. after that u can plug in ur phone. <--- Are these instructions for wiping the device back to the factory default? Will I lose everything currently installed and loaded on my Note 3? Or does this some how fix / allow for the OTA update to install completely because it no longer can tell the device is rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. no. no.
This is how to go into download mode in your device
Not yet talking about factory reset.
But yes, you have to backup your internal storage, as sometimes upgrading will cost you to do factory reset, and your internal storage will be gone.
Dardwizzle said:
Again, I must apologize because this is so greek to me.I am just trying to understand at this point what infact the instructions you gave me do, and what they are intended for. Is this just to get the USB drives to work properly? Or is this something that will help me undo root so that I would be able to install KitKat via the AT&T OTA. If now the latter, where I can I get a complete Kit Kat ROM and use ODIN to flash the ROM? This outcome would suck because I believe that this will cause me to lose everything on my device I worked so hard to get where I wanted. I have just over looked the fact that in rooting my device I there by killed my ability to keep my device updated with the latest OTA releases / patches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
up to this point, I just remembered that you have N900A (AT&T) version. hahaha.
I go check the samfirmware, no release of KK yet at the samfirmware.
I'm sorry, I own N9005, and I never explore too much on the N900A, so I won't know what is the latest release, and where to get it other from samfirmware.
Dardwizzle said:
Again, I appreciate you reply, but sadly I am in need of a bit more info if you could please.
Thank you so very much. I hope one day to be able to pay it forward, passing along the knowledge you have shared with me,
Regards,
EU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problem. you just get your latest firmware first, once you have it, you let me know, i can give you step by step in detail, on how to flash to your device.

antique_sonic said:
up to this point, I just remembered that you have N900A (AT&T) version. hahaha.
I go check the samfirmware, no release of KK yet at the samfirmware.
I'm sorry, I own N9005, and I never explore too much on the N900A, so I won't know what is the latest release, and where to get it other from samfirmware.
no problem. you just get your latest firmware first, once you have it, you let me know, i can give you step by step in detail, on how to flash to your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure sure, just laugh at me why don't ya!! LOL I will continue to try to find the appropriate firmware. I guess if I learned one valuable lesson in all this, it is just don't root your device if you don't plan on using custom ROM's. I had no idea that there would be no way to "unroot" your device once it's rooted. I was really hoping that you could just undo what ever is done to actually root the device, this way the OTA's will just start working again. Or that there would be a way to just force the OTA regardless of whether the device is rooted. I am not sure I truly understand why the OTA just won't install just because the device is rooted.I mean sure it adds SU to the device, and unlocks (I think) the boot partition or the boot loader, which ever, but regardless, why should the OTA package care and fail to install just because of that change?
Anyway, that's probably a discussion for another thread. I actually did find a Kit Kat zip that is like 150MB's it has a boot.img inside the zip, but it has nothing with an extension that ODIN can recognize. I would love to show you the zip, but it's too large to attach or email. The file name is 2400258.zip, but I forgot where I downloaded it from. It may be what I need to do the job, but with out someone seeing the zip I have no way of knowing if it's the files I need. I was not about to find any files with in it that are in txt readable format for me to say exactly what it is. It does have subfolders names Google and Android and the like but I am sure that is pretty useless with out seeing the full zip.
I will keep my eye on this thread and when I find something I can work with, or if you guys find anything I can work with I will come back and see where we can go next.
Thanks again bud!

Dardwizzle said:
Sure sure, just laugh at me why don't ya!! LOL I will continue to try to find the appropriate firmware. I guess if I learned one valuable lesson in all this, it is just don't root your device if you don't plan on using custom ROM's. I had no idea that there would be no way to "unroot" your device once it's rooted. I was really hoping that you could just undo what ever is done to actually root the device, this way the OTA's will just start working again. Or that there would be a way to just force the OTA regardless of whether the device is rooted. I am not sure I truly understand why the OTA just won't install just because the device is rooted.I mean sure it adds SU to the device, and unlocks (I think) the boot partition or the boot loader, which ever, but regardless, why should the OTA package care and fail to install just because of that change?
Anyway, that's probably a discussion for another thread. I actually did find a Kit Kat zip that is like 150MB's it has a boot.img inside the zip, but it has nothing with an extension that ODIN can recognize. I would love to show you the zip, but it's too large to attach or email. The file name is 2400258.zip, but I forgot where I downloaded it from. It may be what I need to do the job, but with out someone seeing the zip I have no way of knowing if it's the files I need. I was not about to find any files with in it that are in txt readable format for me to say exactly what it is. It does have subfolders names Google and Android and the like but I am sure that is pretty useless with out seeing the full zip.
I will keep my eye on this thread and when I find something I can work with, or if you guys find anything I can work with I will come back and see where we can go next.
Thanks again bud!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't like spoonfeeding too much actually.
but I find u r quite funny. no offence.
I have no idea this will work or not, but I found this as the 1st search result on Google.
http://www.droidviews.com/install-android-4-4-2-kitkat-ota-on-att-galaxy-note-3-sm-900a/
just have a look first nd don't do anything till u understand the article.
Sent from somewhere under the sky, at the corner of this rounded earth.

antique_sonic said:
I don't like spoonfeeding too much actually.
but I find u r quite funny. no offence.
I have no idea this will work or not, but I found this as the 1st search result on Google.
(I had to remove the link as the website thought I was adding it and gave me a no no warning that I can't post outside links cause I be a newbie!) BAH!!!
just have a look first nd don't do anything till u understand the article.
Sent from somewhere under the sky, at the corner of this rounded earth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey antique_sonic, no offence taken my friend, I am a giant goof ball, but I am also someone who doesn't mind working out my own problems. It's just sometimes with things like this where I am clueless and need a little hand holding. It's nice to know that there are people like you around to help out the dopes like me My apologies for not getting back to you sooner, and I will be looking into the link you sent tonight. I haven't been feeling well lately, I have two herniated disks in my back and I have End Stage Liver disease and I am only 39, so I sometimes get a bit under the weather and am down for the count for a few days. So I do appreciate your patience with me and all the help and direction you are giving me. I try never to abuse the help as that is no way to learn, and learning is actually one of favorite hobbies! Weird huh.... So, I am off to go read the link you provided me and update the stock on my website and hope I make some more sales so I can get some money to buy a new phone when I brick this one! LMAO! Thanks again Sonic, I really appreciate everything!

Dardwizzle said:
Hey antique_sonic, no offence taken my friend, I am a giant goof ball, but I am also someone who doesn't mind working out my own problems. It's just sometimes with things like this where I am clueless and need a little hand holding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries and yeah you should try to find first. by this way, you will learn faster, compare if someone do the spoonfeed.
Dardwizzle said:
It's nice to know that there are people like you around to help out the dopes like me My apologies for not getting back to you sooner, and I will be looking into the link you sent tonight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My pleasure to help. And no worries for late reply, as I will do the same when I busy with my real life job.
Dardwizzle said:
I haven't been feeling well lately, I have two herniated disks in my back and I have End Stage Liver disease and I am only 39, so I sometimes get a bit under the weather and am down for the count for a few days. So I do appreciate your patience with me and all the help and direction you are giving me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are welcome mate. I'm sorry to read the news about your conditions. I can't say anything about this, but wish you all the best. Don't ever feel down in whichever state you are, just do the best in life, and we will never regret that 1 more day has passed.
Dardwizzle said:
I try never to abuse the help as that is no way to learn, and learning is actually one of favorite hobbies! Weird huh.... So, I am off to go read the link you provided me and update the stock on my website and hope I make some more sales so I can get some money to buy a new phone when I brick this one! LMAO! Thanks again Sonic, I really appreciate everything!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GOOD !!!
go and grab sales, rather than you brick the phone.
Once again, u r welcome mate.