Database Users

Rooted MDL Now to MF9

First Thanks to: bender beerman, Salil99, nemofbaby2010 and the others I most likely left out in holding my hand to root 2 720's. One an MDL and one a MF9. (BTW so you don't end up in the bathroom on the can when it seems to freeze MAKE SURE YOU SET USB DEBUGGING!).
So the wifes phone is MF9, seems I should - for my sanity's sake, keep them the same - I have a "System Update Downloaded/Touch to Install" sitting here, so ...
There is this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2277480 which is nice, but I want only to update, I am running stock ROM/software and would like to keep it that way, I'm fine with it.
My question is, if I change the file for native tethering BEFORE I update, what update/method would I use that would keep everything nice and kosker?
AND how does one tell if this is a deodexed or odexed ROM?
A big thanks in advance - and if you haven't donated to these guys get off you ...

RBraverman said:
First Thanks to: bender beerman, Salil99, nemofbaby2010 and the others I most likely left out in holding my hand to root 2 720's. One an MDL and one a MF9. (BTW so you don't end up in the bathroom on the can when it seems to freeze MAKE SURE YOU SET USB DEBUGGING!).
So the wifes phone is MF9, seems I should - for my sanity's sake, keep them the same - I have a "System Update Downloaded/Touch to Install" sitting here, so ...
There is this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2277480 which is nice, but I want only to update, I am running stock ROM/software and would like to keep it that way, I'm fine with it.
My question is, if I change the file for native tethering BEFORE I update, what update/method would I use that would keep everything nice and kosker?
AND how does one tell if this is a deodexed or odexed ROM?
A big thanks in advance - and if you haven't donated to these guys get off you ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a bit confused on the question. What do you mean by changing the file? Usually if you want to update with a modified ROM, you usually have to do a factory reset (I know, boo :crying: )
As for checking for odexed vs deodexed, you need a file manager with root permissions. Navigate to /system/app, and if you see any .odex files, then you're odexed. If you see any .apk files, then you are deodexed (Credits to Android Central for this one!)
Thanks for the mention! I do have an extra 9 at the end, haha.

Salil999 said:
I'm a bit confused on the question. What do you mean by changing the file? Usually if you want to update with a modified ROM, you usually have to do a factory reset (I know, boo :crying: )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WAAAAAAH.
Now that I got that out of my system, re-read my post and well, er, let me reword it: To do the native tether mod without a custom recovery you need to copy over two files - services.jar and services.odex. What I'm asking is, if I do that, THEN take the update that Sprint has waiting for me already downloaded on the phone[/I] (which I believe is MF9), will it take out root and that mod?
Now that I've done a bunch of reading ( yes one of my finer points is my ability to read) I AM going to put TWRP V2.5.0.0.0 - which I am familiar with and understand plays nice with the S4 - on the phone via GooManager, so that makes the tether mod easy, but what about this update waiting on my phone? As far as I'm concerned I'd not do it, but I now one day I'm going to pass my finger over "Touch to Install" and then ...
Salil999 said:
As for checking for odexed vs deodexed, you need a file manager with root permissions. Navigate to /system/app, and if you see any .odex files, then you're odexed. If you see any .apk files, then you are deodexed (Credits to Android Central for this one!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! - first person able to explain that (I did search but did not see that link which I'm on my way to when finished here).
Salil999 said:
Thanks for the mention! I do have an extra 9 at the end, haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't think that looked right - my deepest apologies.
******************************* update ********************
Installed, via GooManager (now this is REALLY making things too easy!) TWRP V2.6.0.0, backed it up, and now one 1 phone I'll be adding the Native Tether Mod, the other - mine - has a notification that there is a software update - Touch to Update, which I do not want to do, in case it's firmware.

If you apply the the hotspot mod before applying the MF9 upgrade the update will fail because you will have modded system files. Just apply the update now, then re root with cf autoroot and then apply the correct hotspot mod for MF9. I don't understand why people worry about losing root when the cf autoroot works so well. Remember, in order to apply the update you must be on a stock recovery also.
Sent from my icrap 2 using Tapatalk HD

The update won't work anyway if you are rooted. I've accidentally pressed it before too. First it will prompt you to update, so you don't have to worry about that.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

cruise350 said:
If you apply the the hotspot mod before applying the MF9 upgrade the update will fail because you will have modded system files. Just apply the update now, then re root with cf autoroot and then apply the correct hotspot mod for MF9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can do, but ...
cruise350 said:
I don't understand why people worry about losing root when the cf autoroot works so well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not worried about losing root, I'm just TRYING to sift through the 100 or so ways of doing the bits and pieces, that - put together - make a rooted MF9/Custom Recovery/WiFi Tethered S4 without a lot of scary things happening.
cruise350 said:
Remember, in order to apply the update you must be on a stock recovery also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now THAT is of interest. I've TWRP 2.6.0 on it, can you point me in the right direction where there are instructions on going BACK to a stock recovery?
I'm beginning to think enough - I'm fine where I am - after I add the tether MOD - the Wife's a MF9, with tether MOD to be put on it today.
Sent from my icrap 2 using Tapatalk HD[/QUOTE]
How do I flash - and where IS the file - back to stock recovery in MDL?
OR do I flash this file L720VPUAMDL_L720SPTAMDL_SPR.zip which will give me a stock MDL and Recovery and THEN let the MF9 OTA update happen, CF-Root, then TWRP via GooManager, then Tether MOD?

Salil999 said:
The update won't work anyway if you are rooted. I've accidentally pressed it before too. First it will prompt you to update, so you don't have to worry about that.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me ask, what are you on?
I ask, as I have that update waiting, ( and notice your tag says you are a MDL ) but as posted above, am thinking about staying where I am, and just finish it by applying the Hotspot MOD.

RBraverman said:
Let me ask, what are you on?
I ask, as I have that update waiting, ( and notice your tag says you are a MDL ) but as posted above, am thinking about staying where I am, and just finish it by applying the Hotspot MOD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on MDL, currently using CyanogenMod. I had stock for a really long time though, and I never upgraded to MF9. I've heard countless problems and issues with it and other various mods out there. I personally think it's just easier to stay MDL. I've also heard that MF9 has a long boot time (1-2 minutes, even) whereas MDL is about 15-35 seconds.
So bottom line, I'm staying MDL (and I advise you to do too! but everything is your choice! :good

Salil999 said:
I'm on MDL, currently using CyanogenMod. I had stock for a really long time though, and I never upgraded to MF9. I've heard countless problems and issues with it and other various mods out there. I personally think it's just easier to stay MDL. I've also heard that MF9 has a long boot time (1-2 minutes, even) whereas MDL is about 15-35 seconds.
So bottom line, I'm staying MDL (and I advise you to do too! but everything is your choice! :good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I basically agree. I'm beginning to hear - even from the store where I bought them, there have been problems. I got caught up in the fact that I have 2 phones (2 fer sale) and wanted them the same o I wouldn't get mixed up if I did something later on.
BUT, other then the notification - which bugs the hell out of me, it's doing everything I want it to do, so I am staying put.
PLUS, while there is a TON - probably 5 tons - of info on this site, it's a bear trying to find the right info. I can't tell you how many times I've had to ask a question that HAS been answered before, but with 10 different answers.
Thank you again.

[Q] Multiple questions regarding my S4.

First of all, i recently rooted using cf autoroot and afterwards installed cwm recovery. I'm on 4.3.
After the things listed above i am completely clueless on things regarding flashing and things of that nature.
My first question is how do i backup my phone to my pc without the need of a external sd card, because mine is only a 1gb i cant backup to it.
2nd question is how to verify if i am on mf9, mdl, or whatever else. From what i have read it seems to matter regarding roms.
3rd and last question is once i am all setup and have chosen a rom how would i go about flashing it.
I'm sorry for my extreme case of noobness regarding androids and flashing, any well detailed links would really help and would love to be recommended roms.
Once again i have a Sprint Galaxy s4 running jellybean 4.3.
EDIT: Also the difference between Touchwiz and AOSP roms and kernels would help.

1. Not sure. I use Dropbox so I'm of no help here.
2. If you are on 4.3, you are on MJA. You can verify this from the About screen in System Settings.
3. Download your desired ROM to your phone. Turn off phone. Boot into recovery holding power and volume up. Flash away.
EDIT: Touchwiz is Samsung's Android interface. AOSP is closer to pure Android. Basically a user preference thing. Try them both.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

frostedunit said:
1. Not sure. I use Dropbox so I'm of no help here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but on the above did you backup with cwm and then post to dropbox?

As far as flashing a ROM goes, follow whatever instructions the OP has posted. Read through all their initial posts on their ROM before you flash.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

Buy a bigger sdcard!! What are they like $10 for a 16gb now.

[Q] Help with Durn updates!

my Computer crashed on me a few weeks back and I lost pretty much all my files. Thankfully my personal files were all backed up, but none of my phone modification files survived. I meant to post here to ask for links and such, but couldn't remember what exactly I had. Then an update hits my phone. Never ever had luck updating a rooted phone. Always just ended up ignoring the icon until I got a new one. Well now there's TWO updates that I've fallen behind on......Better figure it out. So. Please. Help.
Info on phone:
Sprint L720T on MK5 Rooted stock rom.
My Question(s)
How to either un-root to get the updates OTA,
OR
How to flash updated stock roms
I've used odin, obviously, to flash the rooted stock. Pretty sure I used cf's autoroot. I just need a Link to Odin and a brief run down of what I'm trying to do. I may fire back a question or two.
I saw a post on flashing what I believe was a stock 4.3 and then up to 4.4.2. Well that's awesome, but I've TWO updates. Is 4.4.2 the newest? And why am I seeing numbers for jellybean, when I typically see things like "NAE" or "MK5".
And why is it sooo easy to root a bloody phone, but a nightmare to UNROOT said phone? Would think that "click, click....and bam. back to normal". Unfortunately, either I'm looking at the wrong things or I really do have to track down stock files for my specific model to re-flash with odin, then accept OTA, then re-root....?
If so, that SEEMS simple enough, but finding stock for my SPECIFIC model is....frustrating. So please, kind folks, help me out with some direct links to what I need?

Pretty sure answers to the question posted above exist on XDA
Use odin to flash L720TVPUAMK5_L720TSPTAMK5_L720TVPUAMK5_HOME.tar.md5
Use the stock recovery to factory reset.
Phone is now unrooted.
.

This^^ there are tutorials and videos on YouTube that show how to use Odin. All you do is place the tar on the PDA section.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

8er said:
Pretty sure answers to the question posted above exist on XDA
Use odin to flash L720TVPUAMK5_L720TSPTAMK5_L720TVPUAMK5_HOME.tar.md5
Use the stock recovery to factory reset.
Phone is now unrooted.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all I needed. Ty!

wait. i cant seem to come up with that file.

Got the stock ROM from sammobile.com.
http://www.sammobile.com
Ralamzull said:
wait. i cant seem to come up with that file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hit the thanks button if this helped.

[Q] Need Help Updating AT&T S.Galaxy 4 V. 4.2.2 Rooted to Newest Version AT&T

Hey guys,
I ran a search but I don't understand half the things people are writing. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could please explain to me my options. In layman's terms, as I do not understand half the abbreviations and jargons here.
I rooted my phone over a year ago and really don't remember much about the process. I can't download important apps from Google Play anymore as they require newer versions than 4.2.2... So I'm stuck on this old version and need to update ASAP.
I have ONLY rooted the phone. I haven't done any mods or installed any ROMS. It's on stock AT&T Rom. (sometimes I wonder why I even bothered in the first place).
Can someone please point me in the right direction, I want a regular STOCK AT&T newest version, whether it stays rooted or not that's fine, but a newer version, KitKat preferably. What are my options? The simplest method would help me the most.
Things I really need backed up: My Text Messages, Voicemail, Call Logs, Whatsapp Messages etc. What is the best way to back that up? If I use Titanium Backup, and I don't have root after I update, Titanium Backup would be obsolete. So what would my other option?
Please help.
Much appreciated,

Are you sure you want to update from 4.2.2. You probably have the option to flash custom roms on your phone. There are many custom roms that that'll put 4.4.4 on your phone. Since you're rooted get terminal emulator from the play store. In it type
getprop ro.bootloader
If the last three characters are mdb or mdl you have a lot of options. I can help walk you through on how to get a custom rom on your phone.
You can update your firmware and bootloader to 4.4.4 too but you'll lose the option to flash most custom roms.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Are you sure you want to update from 4.2.2. You probably have the option to flash custom roms on your phone. There are many custom roms that that'll put 4.4.4 on your phone. Since you're rooted get terminal emulator from the play store. In it type
getprop ro.bootloader
If the last three characters are mdb or mdl you have a lot of options. I can help walk you through on how to get a custom rom on your phone.
You can update your firmware and bootloader to 4.4.4 too but you'll lose the option to flash most custom roms.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks bud,
I got I337UCUAMF3
I'll be honest, I haven't really messed with any custom ROMS before. I just use the stock AT&T one. But I would like to upgrade to KitKat so my phone is faster and can download / upgrade the latest Apps. Lollipop isn't out for the AT&T Samsung S4 right?

Kepela523 said:
Thanks bud,
I got I337UCUAMF3
I'll be honest, I haven't really messed with any custom ROMS before. I just use the stock AT&T one. But I would like to upgrade to KitKat so my phone is faster and can download / upgrade the latest Apps. Lollipop isn't out for the AT&T Samsung S4 right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will the phone Not download the latest 4.4.4 from the phone settings?? Settings/More/About Device/Software Update. It must be connected to WiFi to download!!! Or you can get the AT&T S4 i337 to Stock 4.4.4 NJ4 Kit Kat Scroll down this page, easy to do. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642

tailgunner9 said:
Will the phone Not download the latest 4.4.4 from the phone settings?? Settings/More/About Device/Software Update. It must be connected to WiFi to download!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. My phone is rooted... Is it supposed to download to 4.4? And also couldn't there be issues with that?

I found this post. So I know this is ONE option: But I'll lose my Root. Which is fine if that's my only option.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2728462
As the OP says, I will lose ROOT. So my question would be, If I back up using Titanium Backup, how can I restore my backup if Titanium Backup works only on ROOT? This is very important.
@ jd1639 - He had mentioned there were several other options, so I will wait to hear them, and I can make a decision from there. Otherwise, I may have to fork out another $150 - $200 Bucks on a Samsung Galaxy S5 or S6. depending which suits my needs.
Many thanks for the replies!

Kepela523 said:
I found this post. So I know this is ONE option: But I'll lose my Root. Which is fine if that's my only option.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2728462
As the OP says, I will lose ROOT. So my question would be, If I back up using Titanium Backup, how can I restore my backup if Titanium Backup works only on ROOT? This is very important.
@ jd1639 - He had mentioned there were several other options, so I will wait to hear them, and I can make a decision from there. Otherwise, I may have to fork out another $150 - $200 Bucks on a Samsung Galaxy S5 or S6. depending which suits my needs.
Many thanks for the replies!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're on mf3 bootloader which doesn't really allow you to flash any roms anyway. You'd have to use safestrap.
What I'd do is flash the nb1 tar file in Odin. That'll update you to 4.4 and the device should then ota update itself from there. You will lose root, you can root it again if you want. See this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50912149
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
You're on mf3 bootloader which doesn't really allow you to flash any roms anyway. You'd have to use safestrap.
What I'd do is flash the nb1 tar file in Odin. That'll update you to 4.4 and the device should then ota update itself from there. You will lose root, you can root it again if you want. See this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50912149
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks JD, do you know if this wipes my phone? In other words, does it factory reset my phone?

Yes Flash the NB1 Stock file as he said. But you are going to loose Root and any pictures etc. stored on phone memory, so copy them to your PC or SD card. I always like to take SD card out just in case when I flash just in case it may erase it. But after you flash NB1 Stock or the Stock Root it is like a phone and have to set it up. Then it should Update to 4.4.4 itself from the settings/ Software update. Good luck. Any problem let us now.

Ah cheers,
Last question: Do you recommend the First or second option?
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Stock_Odin_tar
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Rootable_Stock_Odin_tar
Just a bit confusing as why he would post two separate links? I'm interpreting the first cannot be rooted ever.
Thanks again to the both of you for helping with this.

Kepela523 said:
Ah cheers,
Last question: Do you recommend the First or second option?
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Stock_Odin_tar
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Rootable_Stock_Odin_tar
Just a bit confusing as why he would post two separate links? I'm interpreting the first cannot be rooted ever.
Thanks again to the both of you for helping with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible to root even the 4.4.4. It just gets a little trickier to do it and you have to flash modules in Odin. In the general forum see "all things at&t....." by guut13
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Kepela523 said:
Ah cheers,
Last question: Do you recommend the First or second option?
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Stock_Odin_tar
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Rootable_Stock_Odin_tar
Just a bit confusing as why he would post two separate links? I'm interpreting the first cannot be rooted ever.
Thanks again to the both of you for helping with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep I think you are correct. So if you want to root again use the Rootable to flash in Odin. Once you go from Jelly Bean to Kit Kat bootloaders are Locked for some .tar Same for Lollipop, they have not been able to root and unlock bootloader as yet. Just follow the steps and take your time and all will be good. Have done it several times on mine with Odin.

Hey guys, I just wanted to take the time and thank you both for the help. I finally updated today. After backing up all my data and making sure everything was safe to go. Bam! I did exactly as you suggested and had zero issues... I am now on 4.4.2
There were a couple hiccups along the way, but I figured them out without too much of a hassle.
Cheers again and best of luck to the both of you!

Upgrading to 5.0 from NI2

Does 5.0 not suck enough to do this yet? My new car has AndroidAuto and I want to use it but can't with my current 4.4.4 verison. Last I read, 5.0 sucked and everyone was trying to downgrade. I'm currently rooted with xposed framework and would miss not being able to turn my phone into a hotspot so hopefully that's possible by now too. What exactly do I need to do?

If you are on N12 you can get to 5.0 rooted. There are many threads on this. Have a search around!
I used a method by Jkruse, and now can even use safestrap without ODIN.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

ridenickel9 said:
If you are on N12 you can get to 5.0 rooted. There are many threads on this. Have a search around!
I used a method by Jkruse, and now can even use safestrap without ODIN.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a dedicated thread for the Jkruze method? I see him referenced here but I don't see anything about his method so far.

I used this as I was already rooted on N12. At the bottom of the first post here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62333947
If you are not rooted you likely want to start here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=53447240
Warning/disclaimer: read everything before attempting anything to your phone....multiple times. These links / help may ruin your phone. Be careful

Ok, I get the process now after reading but I don't know how to SafeSTrap on NI2 if I'm already rooted. The instructions aren't clear on that, the title says you'll be able to use SafeStrap without ODIN but if I'm already rooted on KK then it just tells me to boot into safestrap...
Do I need to install SS? Do I need to disable xposed if/when I install it?

Ok I'm in SS now and I'm not sure if I should flash over the stock ROM or use a ROM slot. Thoughts? I already made a backup of the entire system and these phones have useless internal memory so I wanted to save space by wiping/installing over the stock ROM. Are there drawbacks to that?

If your rooted, you should have safestrap installed. When you boot your phone do you get a screen that pops up after the S5 screen?
It would show a image and have 2 buttons. One option would be recovery.

I didn't have it but I do now. My main question is about the slots, should I overwrite the stock one or install along side? Don't really have the storage to keep the stock slot but also don't know if doing that will do something irreplaceable.

Since you can load a stock 5.0 rooted ROM I'd do the stock slot... however, that's your call. Make sure you follow instructions to get right kernel and such.
Will you ever need 4.4.4 again ? Even so, long as you don't update the bootloader and can see it in Odin you can always rebuild.
Remember, once your on 5.0 with the newer kernel you can only get to safestrap by flashing the n12 kernel. U can do it by using odin, or lollipop safestrap application if applicable.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

berfles said:
I didn't have it but I do now. My main question is about the slots, should I overwrite the stock one or install along side? Don't really have the storage to keep the stock slot but also don't know if doing that will do something irreplaceable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think the slots were ever working before the dev quit working on it.

Ok cool, that's what I wound up doing anyway and already had to test my backup to see that it worked (it does). Thanks for the help, I'm now on 5.0 and still rooted. Maybe my next step will be xposed, but the only thing I really used on that was the tethering and it already seems to work in this ROM.

Awesome! Glad to hear all is well.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app