Database Users

[Q] /EFS folder empty?

I own a SIM locked Tab from Bell Canada and I'm working on unlock the SIM lock. I just used Z4root get the root privilege and was about to use RootExplorer to backup the /EFS folder to a microSD card. But the RootExplorer didn't show any file under the /EFS folder. I rebooted and checked again, still nothing in the folder.
ROM version: P1000XXJID
So what's going on here? Can anyone offer some suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

Was this an out of the box new tab or used? The empty efs folder is evidence of someone trying to avoid the t-mobile redirect when using the internet.
Go to settings> about device> phone etc and see what your serial number and IMEI number are.

Thanks for you response captain.
The tab is a sealed one (it's from authorized bell retailer), but the store claimed they got a batch of tabs with phone function (could be pre-flashed to some euro rom??). Just checked the SN and IMEI, they all match to the label on the back of tab.
The baseband version is P1000XXJID, don't know if this is the one for bell canada.

Well, don't worry, I deleted everything from that folder and I am in good shape. At least you have your serial number and IMEI.
Other than a blank efs folder, is everything else ok?

Captain, everything else works in the way as they should do. But I cannot unlock the SIM lock until I modify nv_data.bin file under the /EFS folder, can I?
So under this circumstances, how can I perform the SIM unlock?

Put in a sim from another carrier and see what happens - my guess is it's already unlocked. Anytime you use another sim you have to change the apn setting. That's in settings> wireless network> mobile network settings>access point name. If you don't know the particular details (approximately 14 entries), search xda for it, or google it. Usually I get lucky and the settings are already there when I go to change them.

Captain, I entered *#7465625# and it says Network Lock is "ON". I've searched everywhere....ahh, drives me crazy...

hiroshik said:
Captain, I entered *#7465625# and it says Network Lock is "ON".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The proof of successful unlocking is putting in another brand sim and having the tab connect and run on the other company network, not what some setting says.

First of all, make sure that your device is rooted, after this install from the market: superuser, busybox & super manager.
Open super manager and give them root access in settings. This worked for me.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

If your /efs folder "appear" to be empty it's because you do NOT have root privileges. The files are there you just can't see them.
You need to root your tab b4 anything else.
P_

hiroshik said:
I own a SIM locked Tab from Bell Canada and I'm working on unlock the SIM lock. I just used Z4root get the root privilege and was about to use RootExplorer to backup the /EFS folder to a microSD card. But the RootExplorer didn't show any file under the /EFS folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He already has root and installed Root Explorer.
I think you should put in another carrier's sim card and verify lock/unlock.
Cromed makes a good point. Is Superuser installed? And have you installed the latest busybox from the market?

I put in Rogers SIM card, the tab asked me for unlock code after bootup. I dismissed it and then the tab only allowed me dial emergency numbers.
I switched back to Bell SIM and using z4root to unroot and then rooted again. The root explorer still couldn't find any file under the efs folder.
P.S. I have installed both superuser and busybox from the market.

Captain, do you think it is possible that the retailer deleted the nv_data.bin file? It was quite suspicious that he mentioned of "official unlock service is available for $60". Assume they delete such file makes us no way to unlock the tab but pay for an "official service"...
And the tab comes with firmware with phone function which is supposed not available on Bell tab? Is P1000XXJID an euro firmware?

I'm sure that's what happened. I saw somewhere Roto sent someone a blank file for them to edit. Maybe search the forum. Have you flashed any rom yet? I deleted my efs folder contents and now files are in there.

Captain, I have NOT personally flashed any rom. Maybe i should re-flash the tab. Anyway, thanks for your help.

I just backed up my efs folder, then flashed Roto JMG, the full install, which wipes your sd card, and the efs folder had all the usual files and folders.
I would flash, because you don't need to be unlocked to do that.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

The files only show up when you use a file manager with root access enabled. I had to download Super Manager (free) and give it root access in its settings and then I could see them.

hiroshik said:
I just used Z4root get the root privilege and was about to use RootExplorer to backup the /EFS folder to a microSD card. But the RootExplorer didn't show any file under the /EFS folder. I rebooted and checked again, still nothing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the op.

deleted efs folder

hi,
i don't known how... i have deleted the /efs folder on my TAB, and now my
TAB only works in wifi mode...
please, anyone can be send a /efs folder backup in order to try if is possible to make the phone functional?

You're very funny. what you asked..."Could you please give me your credit card #, expiration date and security codes please!"

can you tell me I can do with your IMEI number in another country, probably on another continent?
your imei identifies your phone hardrware, NOT your operator account!
thank's

Do a factory-reset and the folder will be back.
Go to the recovery. volume-up+powerbutton. In the recovery clear cache and clear data/factory-reset. The tab will restart and you have a fresh phone/tablet

Yeah except that everything in the efs folder requires root access to modify which means that there IS no backup. If you go deleting stock apps and master reset, they will not magically come back. If the efs folder was cleared you can get your device to generate new files with a random IMEI but your stock IMEI information is gone fooooooorever

rocker33 said:
hi,
i don't known how... i have deleted the /efs folder on my TAB, and now my
TAB only works in wifi mode...
please, anyone can be send a /efs folder backup in order to try if is possible to make the phone functional?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you're screwed prime time.
You SHOULD NOT delete the /efs folder which contains ALL your machine ID info (including serial and IMEI which are unique to your machine).
I moved /efs to memory card (in order to restore) and found serial changed to 00000000.

/efs don't returns after a wipe.
is not possible to use the tab as a phone without this folder

[Q] Just rescued my old i5700, need help!

I had a Galaxy i5700 a few years ago but it has been sitting gathering dust. I changed to an iPhone 3GS and now onto a Galaxy S3 which I love.
I want to get my old i5700 back in use as a prepaid phone on a different network but I have a few issues.
1 - it needs to be unlocked. I flashed the firmware along time ago to get rid of network branding but I'm now trying to use it on the 3 Ireland network and I think it is still locked on 3 UK. When I turn on with the sim in it says "sim network unlock code".
2 - I don't have the Play Store, only the old Market app and I can't seem to update to the play store. I tried to download what I think is the APK for it but when I try to install is says "there was an error parsing the package".
I kow this is an old phone but can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks!

How To
Hello! With regard to Play Store, you must update the device to version 2.2 or higher! If you can not install it because you, Presumably, the 2.1 is the latest version available officially for the Galaxy Spica.
As regards the release to use other sim driving is this:
UPDATED# 24/4/2011
Hello another time.
I dicovered a new method to unlock the Spica for all carriers.
This method can be public, is no related with imei generation, I do it public for all Spica users.
You need be root, root explorer and one hex editor, I use UltraEdit, you can use the trial version.
First step, backup efs folder.
With root explorer, copy the efs folder from your Spica to your sd memory, save two copies in your pc, one is a backup, no modify it, and the other copy is for modify nv_data.bin to unlock the Spica.
Second step, edit nv_data bin and paste in efs folder.
Open nv_data.bin with your hex-editor, I use Ultraedit.
Go to line 433a0h, you only need do changes in this line.
Look at this first image, is your locked sim nv_data.bin:
You need do this changes, is a unlocked sim nv_data.bin:
Edit line 433a0h, do changes in hexadecimal area, not the encrypted area, only two values, change 01 to 00, see the pictures, and save the nv_data.bin modify.
Now the nv_data.bin is sim unlocked.
Put the new nv_data.bin in your sd card.
Copy with root explorer from your sd card, and paste in to efs folder, overwrite the original nv_data.bin.
Reboot and enjoy
PD: Other values, and changes in near lines too are valid, this disable the check sim.
If you like my work, buy me a english dictionary, is very bad Donate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Via Samdr*id
Seraser thanks for the guide, Samdr*id*com Forum user. I would put the link but I have 10 posts and then the forum does not allow that to prevent spam.

[Q] Corrupted EFS(IMEI, nv-data.bin etc...) Restore Efs folder, IMEI, nv_data.bin etc

Hey, I am now very much fed up with this Sprint Samsung Galaxy S4 Phone.
A few days ago I was trying to unlock my phone using simlock code *#0011#. That did NOT work! I tried other alternative methods to get even the sim card connect like connect to network. I used DFS CDMA tool to change my IMEI number but still nothing.
Then I found out about the nv_data.bin file. I rooted my phone, copied the "efs" folder using root browser not with command or anything I just copied it into my phone then to my computer. I then used EFS Pro tool //(I wasn't able to backup the efs folder before with this software)// to format the efs folder, then I copied the efs folder from the phone's other location and change the keystr to ON and factorymode to ON to get back my power menu and take out the yellow bar from comming. After that I checked that my baseband is saying unknown and IMEI is unknown. When I type *#06# to get the IMEI, it says "MEID" as title of the box and nothing else not even zeros. Also I do have only one file called maps_code.dat file in the /efs/imei folder. i mentioned this because I've read others' posts that they have maps_code.dat, keystr, and bt.txt files.
So Can anyone here PLEASE HELP ME!!! WITH THIS PROBLEM!!!
I have tried lots of different methods, none worked for me to restore the IMEI number I even tried to look into the nv_dat.bin fole using hex editor, but it says "ffff" and on the other side dots thats it. i looked at others, they had numbers and letters into them. However mine doesnt have any thing except "fff..." i can send all the pics you need to see.
THANKS!!!

Is there any Dongle/Box to repair the phone???

So first and foremost,im no expert with this,but here are my suggestions from what ive been reading.
The nv_data files are generated by the android os.
So this assumes you have no backup of the "/efs" folder.
Get ODIN,and download the stock MF9 tar file,i believe theres a listing for the files somewhere in the development thread.
Rooted or deodexed,you choose.
From what ive gathered,youre gunna need to reflash(with Odin) the stock firmware,and it "should" regenerate those files.
The Stock MF9 TAR file should be about 1.4 GB in size and ~2.x GB after extracted.if youre unfamiliar with how to use Odin,let me know ill walk you through it.
Before following through with all this,BE SURE to backup music,Pictures Etc,to your EXTERNAL SD card or better yet your PC.ODIN will reflash EVERYTHING.including your internal sd,so if you have anything there youre gunna want to back that up too.
In the meanwhile,
Read this.its for an S2,but the same concept applies.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1264021
iPhone 4S 6.1.3
GotHeart

the /efs folder on our Sprint GS4 has almost nothing to do with our actual EFS where the MEID/IMEI etc is stored. You should not have messed with these files.
I would first try to put the phone into download mode and flash a full stock tar. mdc, mdl, mf9.. doesnt matter. if you still have no signal after that... i would then try to do a ##786# > reset (you will need spc/msl).
keep us posted on your progress.

yep best to get a S4 tar file flash with Odin
easily found here
http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SPH-L720
see if this works first.

autoprime said:
the /efs folder on our Sprint GS4 has almost nothing to do with our actual EFS where the MEID/IMEI etc is stored. You should not have messed with these files.
I would first try to put the phone into download mode and flash a full stock tar. mdc, mdl, mf9.. doesnt matter. if you still have no signal after that... i would then try to do a ##786# > reset (you will need spc/msl).
keep us posted on your progress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It asks me for the MSL code, i dont know what that is, could you pls help me with this situation?
Thanks!

tidu12 said:
It asks me for the MSL code, i dont know what that is, could you pls help me with this situation?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you figure this out? I bought a used L720 but it was flashed to metro PCS so now i need to restore it to sprint settings. that means restoring the imei.... thanks in advance

dreyo27 said:
did you figure this out? I bought a used L720 but it was flashed to metro PCS so now i need to restore it to sprint settings. that means restoring the imei.... thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not yet.

any luck with solving this issue??????

[Q] HELP! Samsung Galaxy S5 Stuck In Factory Mode!

Hello Everyone.
So... I'll get right to the point here. My Galaxy S5 got stuck in factory mode. That day i was installing a bunch of ROMS. If you need a list of them, let me know.
I decided to go back to my old nandroid backup because I wanted to wait for a 4.4.4 version of the ROM i had found. However, I also got interested in installing a Custom Kernel, so I went ahead and installing Chronik Kernel cause I heard that it was really good. However, I forgot to wipe the cache and dalvik cache before installing the zip, so now I think it messed up my EFS partition, and am stuck in factory mode without WiFi and calling.
I have tried many methods involving the "FactoryApp" folder, but when I checked my phone to edit the text, the folder wasn't in the EFS folder. So I also knew that the Terminal Emulator option was out.
I even tried unrooting and re-installing the stock firmware and doing a factory reset, (I have a nandroid backup on computer) but even that didn't work. I can re-root if needed, but please someone help me, I really want to fix my phone soon. (Also I probably shouldn't have tried doing this on my vacation from home, oh well I am a really curious guy)

Help please!!
Someone please help me! I really don't know what to do! All that is in my EFS Folder is a bunch of APK files for apps i have installed and these files called: act_lock, react_lock and react.lock.bak. Someone please... I really want to get back on WiFi, also I am back from vacation, so I can use my Data plan to install things needed.

Is anyone going to help me?
OK. What is taking so long? I understand that lots of people have questions, but come on its been 1 week and no I be had helped me yet. Like I understand 3 to 4 days but a week? Please someone help me soon!

V1Command3r said:
OK. What is taking so long? I understand that lots of people have questions, but come on its been 1 week and no I be had helped me yet. Like I understand 3 to 4 days but a week? Please someone help me soon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Typically it is in a file efs/FactoryApp/factorymode.
Can you show your efs folder structure?

EFS
vndnguyen said:
Typically it is in a file efs/FactoryApp/factorymode.
Can you show your efs folder structure?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright so inside that system folder is a bunch of apk files. The only thing that's in my efs folder is apks and a file called react_lock

V1Command3r said:
Alright so inside that system folder is a bunch of apk files. The only thing that's in my efs folder is apks and a file called react_lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like you have an invalid efs folder.
Did you make the imei backup? If so just restore it.
If you don't have imei backup, try reflashing full stock firmware.

vndnguyen said:
It looks like you have an invalid efs folder.
Did you make the imei backup? If so just restore it.
If you don't have imei backup, try reflashing full stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No imei backup and I've tried installing stock firmware, still in factory mode

EFS
Weird thing is imei still the same. . I don't know why my phone being so
weird.

V1Command3r said:
Weird thing is imei still the same. . I don't know why my phone being so
weird.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is not too weird as Samsung now does not store the IMEI in EFS partition. It does store in another 2-3 partitions (these partitions are vary from model to model).
EFS partition does not contain the IMEI. It contain the S/N, WiFi and Bluetooth MAC addresses, etc...
Please do the following things:
1- Install Phone INFO ★Samsung★ app and look for the IMEI and S/N (in the DEVICE ID section), and compare them with the IMEI and S/N on the sticker behind the battery. Are they the same?
2- Create a file with a name 'factorymode' on the sdcard, open it, input 'ON' and then save it. Navigate to the efs folder, create the folder with a name 'FactoryApp' (case sensitive). Finally move the file 'factorymode' you have created above to that folder. Reboot the phone to see if the problem still persists?

EFS
vndnguyen said:
Yes, it is not too weird as Samsung now does not store the IMEI in EFS partition. It does store in another 2-3 partitions (these partitions are vary from model to model).
EFS partition does not contain the IMEI. It contain the S/N, WiFi and Bluetooth MAC addresses, etc...
Please do the following things:
1- Install Phone INFO ★Samsung★ app and look for the IMEI and S/N (in the DEVICE ID section), and compare them with the IMEI and S/N on the sticker behind the battery. Are they the same?
2- Create a file with a name 'factorymode' on the sdcard, open it, input 'ON' and then save it. Navigate to the efs folder, create the folder with a name 'FactoryApp' (case sensitive). Finally move the file 'factorymode' you have created above to that folder. Reboot the phone to see if the problem still persists?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright so the imei is the same but serial number isnt, however when I try to create folder it will say in efs partition: Operation failed:No Space Left On Device

V1Command3r said:
Alright so the imei is the same but serial number isnt, however when I try to create folder it will say in efs partition: Operation failed:No Space Left On Device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, as I have said, the efs folder does not contain the imei. However it does contain the S/N.
What did you mean by 'serial number isnt'? The S/N in Phone INFO app is still in valid format? Or it is zero or empty? Can you PM me that S/N (in Phone INFO app)?
Regarding creating folder, make sure your file explorer app has been grant root permission. And try to move/delete some APK files (in efs folder) to free space.

vndnguyen said:
Yes, it is not too weird as Samsung now does not store the IMEI in EFS partition. It does store in another 2-3 partitions (these partitions are vary from model to model).
EFS partition does not contain the IMEI. It contain the S/N, WiFi and Bluetooth MAC addresses, etc...
Please do the following things:
1- Install Phone INFO ★Samsung★ app and look for the IMEI and S/N (in the DEVICE ID section), and compare them with the IMEI and S/N on the sticker behind the battery. Are they the same?
2- Create a file with a name 'factorymode' on the sdcard, open it, input 'ON' and then save it. Navigate to the efs folder, create the folder with a name 'FactoryApp' (case sensitive). Finally move the file 'factorymode' you have created above to that folder. Reboot the phone to see if the problem still persists?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
vndnguyen said:
Yes, as I have said, the efs folder does not contain the imei. However it does contain the S/N.
What did you mean by 'serial number isnt'? The S/N in Phone INFO app is still in valid format? Or it is zero or empty? Can you PM me that S/N (in Phone INFO app)?
Regarding creating folder, make sure your file explorer app has been grant root permission. And try to move/delete some APK files (in efs folder) to free space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I removed some apks, added the folder, rebooted and now my phone is working ?thank you so much!

V1Command3r said:
Hey I removed some apks, added the folder, rebooted and now my phone is working ?thank you so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, glad that it worked and was helpful.
Please backup your IMEI asap (search for IMEI Backup app on the Play Store)

vndnguyen said:
Hey, glad that it worked and was helpful.
Please backup your IMEI asap (search for IMEI Backup app on the Play Store)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i still have the same problem did evry thing but didn't work for me :S