Database Users

[Q] [i9505G] Back up stock before rooting

This is perhaps a general Android question and one I have not found the magic search terms to find an answer. Before I mess with this phone, I'd like stock images of boot.img, recovery.img, and the OS itself. Is this possible without root?
I did a full adb backup (including shared stuff, system) but it's unclear if that will restore the phone to a factory state including the images above.
If anyone has any direction for me, much appreciated. Not getting far on my own. Thanks!

jaymzz said:
This is perhaps a general Android question and one I have not found the magic search terms to find an answer. Before I mess with this phone, I'd like stock images of boot.img, recovery.img, and the OS itself. Is this possible without root?
I did a full adb backup (including shared stuff, system) but it's unclear if that will restore the phone to a factory state including the images above.
If anyone has any direction for me, much appreciated. Not getting far on my own. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not possible to create a nandroid backup without root. Remember, you can always odin the stock firmware after rooting if you'd like to return to stock. Hope that helps

C.Sweat said:
Its not possible to create a nandroid backup without root. Remember, you can always odin the stock firmware after rooting if you'd like to return to stock. Hope that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If anyone has that I9505G stock firmware to flash with Odin, I'd love to have it...

C.Sweat said:
Its not possible to create a nandroid backup without root. Remember, you can always odin the stock firmware after rooting if you'd like to return to stock. Hope that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - this is what I'd like to do, but I don't have the stock images to be able to do this. Also I don't have the ability to use Odin - I'm limited to its Linux counterpart heimdall which may explain the disconnect if Odin offers that service and heimdall does not. This is my first serious foray into Samsung - I'm missing some context I think.
I did locate "S4GE_v4_422.zip" which is supposed to be the stock ROM but it's obviously de-odexed and rooted. That may be fine for my use, but not necessarily a way back to day 0.
And I'd be happy to share the stock firmware if I can locate or download it from my phone.
Thanks for your help!

ack154 said:
If anyone has that I9505G stock firmware to flash with Odin, I'd love to have it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but im not sure where to find an Odin flashable Google Edition stock firmware (I can only find the flashable rom). Good luck
jaymzz said:
Thanks - this is what I'd like to do, but I don't have the stock images to be able to do this. Also I don't have the ability to use Odin - I'm limited to its Linux counterpart heimdall which may explain the disconnect if Odin offers that service and heimdall does not. This is my first serious foray into Samsung - I'm missing some context I think.
I did locate "S4GE_v4_422.zip" which is supposed to be the stock ROM but it's obviously de-odexed and rooted. That may be fine for my use, but not necessarily a way back to day 0.
And I'd be happy to share the stock firmware if I can locate or download it from my phone.
Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem at all. Heimdall, like Odin, can flash the stock firmware as well. You can find the carrier specific flashable firmwares here

I think this is it...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43500355
Not in a position to mount from work and see if it's rooted or not, but if I were bricked I don't think I'd care!

jaymzz said:
I think this is it...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43500355
Not in a position to mount from work and see if it's rooted or not, but if I were bricked I don't think I'd care!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's as close as we have right now. And yes, it is rooted. Mine prompted for SuperSU install as soon as it booted.

ack154 said:
And yes, it is rooted. Mine prompted for SuperSU install as soon as it booted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

STOCK and ROOTED SGH-I257M

Thanks to @spyke555 for his backup copy of the Rogers version of the SGH-I257M firmware. I managed to root it with vroot, so there is a chinese version of SU on there but it works. I also stuck busy box on it and tried to get rid of most of Rogers apps.
Now to use this, you must stick it into your backup folder (i.e: clockworkmod/backup) it is NOT a flashable rom, it is a backup. If anyone wants to turn it into a flash rom, or create custom roms out of it, please do. Need to see some I257M roms popping up.
Dropbox
Box.com
G Drive
We also have @dsavard copy of the stock firmware from Koodo, which you can flash with Odin
Dropbox
Mirror 1
And here we have all of the STOCK and UNROOTED firmware for the Canadian I257M over at Sammobile
All vroot does is give root access without changing the rom. It uses the chinese program Superuser 1.0.4. You can get rid of this by following these steps:
Go to play store and install SuperSU.
Start SuperSU and you will be asked for permission by Superuser 1.0.4, choose 允许(means allow). (Should be the right side option.)
SuperSU will prompt to install SU binary, go ahead with OK and it will display successful.
Now, freeze Superuser 1.0.4 in titanium backup, just in case you need it again.
Note: If you uninstall straight away from app manager, you need to make sure SuperSU updated the binary.
Re-run SuperSU to make sure everything is alright. You will be prompt again to install SU binary, just do what it asked.
After that, you are rooted with SuperSU and Superuser 1.0.4 will not be there anymore.
Once you do that, SuperSU will be the default and will be in english.

Good to see this here. I just picked up my S4 Mini today. I'm from Canada so I'm assuming it's a slightly different version than the other models? Cause mine in an SGH-1257M. Is it a different process to root it?
I'm not too familiar with vroot. My last phone was an HTC Evo 3D.

Skyty said:
Good to see this here. I just picked up my S4 Mini today. I'm from Canada so I'm assuming it's a slightly different version than the other models? Cause mine in an SGH-1257M. Is it a different process to root it?
I'm not too familiar with vroot. My last phone was an HTC Evo 3D.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
vroot is like SRS or any other one touch root program, but it's in chinese. Easy to use and has a high success rate for most phones. the I257M is slightly different from what we can tell from the other models; different features. As far as I can tell there isn't a different way to root this but I'm not to sure how the others were rooted. I also don't know if there is anything different between the Bell, Rogers, Fido, etc. versions besides their own bloatware. I hope I can get all the different versions uploaded.

Omega2513 said:
vroot is like SRS or any other one touch root program, but it's in chinese. Easy to use and has a high success rate for most phones. the I257M is slightly different from what we can tell from the other models; different features. As far as I can tell there isn't a different way to root this but I'm not to sure how the others were rooted. I also don't know if there is anything different between the Bell, Rogers, Fido, etc. versions besides their own bloatware. I hope I can get all the different versions uploaded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I have a Rogers phone. Just got it yesterday.
Is there a guide on here how to root with vroot? I'm not too good at rooting and whatnot. I've only done it once on my Evo 3D and that was more than a year a go haha!

Just google it. The vroot forum has step by step with pictures
Sent from my SGH-I257M disguised as a GT-I9195

hey can someone help me?
i have a telus version and i would like to back mine up and post an image for you guys. we can then update the first post with the different carrier versions if we ever need to go back to stock for warranty purposes. i'd also like to see if there are different files from the carriers.

Omega2513 said:
Just google it. The vroot forum has step by step with pictures
Sent from my SGH-I257M disguised as a GT-I9195
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do!
Edit: So I found this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2455822
It mentions select the drivers for your phone? Is the S4 Mini supported?

infamouskid said:
hey can someone help me?
i have a telus version and i would like to back mine up and post an image for you guys. we can then update the first post with the different carrier versions if we ever need to go back to stock for warranty purposes. i'd also like to see if there are different files from the carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are forums here on how to temporarily give root and install CMW to make a backup.

Well, I just rooted my phone using VROOT. It is still recognized as an SGH-I257M. However, when any of my apps update it's all in Mandarin (I think?). Would I simply use the backup you posted? Would that solve that issue?
Will the I9195 roms work with phone even though I didn't root it as a I9195?

Skyty said:
Well, I just rooted my phone using VROOT. It is still recognized as an SGH-I257M. However, when any of my apps update it's all in Mandarin (I think?). Would I simply use the backup you posted? Would that solve that issue?
Will the I9195 roms work with phone even though I didn't root it as a I9195?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All vroot does is give root access without changing the rom. It uses the chinese program Superuser 1.0.4. You can get rid of this by following these steps:
Go to play store and install SuperSU.
Start SuperSU and you will be asked for permission by Superuser 1.0.4, choose 允许(means allow). (Should be the right side option.)
SuperSU will prompt to install SU binary, go ahead with OK and it will display successful.
Now, freeze Superuser 1.0.4 in titanium backup, just in case you need it again.
Note: If you uninstall straight away from app manager, you need to make sure SuperSU updated the binary.
Re-run SuperSU to make sure everything is alright. You will be prompt again to install SU binary, just do what it asked.
After that, you are rooted with SuperSU and Superuser 1.0.4 will not be there anymore.
Once you do that, SuperSU will be the default and will be in english.
You can use the backup that I posted but it would be the same as your stock rom. The backup is just for those who don't want to root their own rom, doesn't trust the program, etc. The I9195 roms will still work, but when you flash them, your phone will recognize itself as a GT-I9195 instead of SGH-I257M

Sorry for bumping this, but I wanted to ask, did you have any trouble installing CWM after you rooted with VROOT?
It keeps telling me that SGH-I257M is unsupported.

What I did was use the I9195 rooting method to get CWM installed then switch back with I257M backup. It turns your phone back to I257M but CWM stays installed. You could also try installing twrp
Sent from my SGH-I257M disguised as a GT-I9195

Omega2513 said:
What I did was use the I9195 rooting method to get CWM installed then switch back with I257M backup. It turns your phone back to I257M but CWM stays installed. You could also try installing twrp
Sent from my SGH-I257M disguised as a GT-I9195
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah... that's why I'm having issues. I'll look into TWRP.
Edit: Just tried TWRP. No luck.
It wouldn't backup my ROM. Just booted me into recovery with no option of backing up.
Edit #2:
Slowly figuring this out. I unrooted my phone and re-rooted with the I9195 method. I now have CWM.

What I think it is, the I9195 method unlocks the bootloader where just rooting the I257M doesn't do that
Sent from my SGH-I257M disguised as a GT-I9195

Be warned, VRoot and Kingo rooting methods have been temporarily banned from XDA forums. All links to the software have been removed from the posts.
During the rooting process, they collects sensitive data like IMEI and send it to remote servers. XDA moderators are currently investigating the issue to determine if it was done with bad intention or not.
For more information, check this thread : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2516942

dsavard said:
Be warned, VRoot and Kingo rooting methods have been temporarily banned from XDA forums. All links to the software have been removed from the posts.
During the rooting process, they collects sensitive data like IMEI and send it to remote servers. XDA moderators are currently investigating the issue to determine if it was done with bad intention or not.
For more information, check this thread : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2516942
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... good to know... thanks!
I unrooted my phone and re-rooted via the I9195 so I could get CWM. Hopefully it removed anything that VROOT left.

dsavard said:
Be warned, VRoot and Kingo rooting methods have been temporarily banned from XDA forums. All links to the software have been removed from the posts.
During the rooting process, they collects sensitive data like IMEI and send it to remote servers. XDA moderators are currently investigating the issue to determine if it was done with bad intention or not.
For more information, check this thread : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2516942
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that was possible

@Omega2513 As a safer alternative, why not install the S4Mini_RootKit_v1.zip from arco68 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2364980) from CWM Recovery ? It is the same for all s4 mini (I9190, I9192 and I9195), so I suppose it will work for the SGH-I257M too.

It's possible it could work. Never tried it, but since it does the other models, I don't see why not.
Sent from my SGH-I257M disguised as a GT-I9195

I've got a backup of the latest Koodo SGH-I257M stock firmware [MK5 (KDO)]) by following this recipe:
​http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23188887
I've uploaded it online for anyone who could need it :
​[EDIT: Download not available anymore. Anyway the firmware is now available on Sammobile.]
It seems to be in the same format than firmwares found on the sammobile web site. So, it could be useful for those who wish to revert to stock with Odin... and know how to do it.

(PLEASE HELP) How to Update to 4.3?!

(mods can remove my other post, mine belongs here)
So i've been tearing my hair out for the past few hours trying to figure this out.
I've been trying to get my Galaxy S4 to update to 4.3, the newest 727.56MB update. I have tried to download and it downloads, reboots, and then loads to 25%.
I have tried deleting all of the busybox files in /system/xbin as well as uninstalling/full unroot on SuperSU.
I have, on top of that, ALSO done a factory reset, and STILL to no avail!
I don't know what to do at this point and am furious that I cannot get updates from AT&T if my device is rooted.
I still have the stock recovery on my phone, and no longer have root because I uninstalled it. (I rooted my device using the exFAT SDcard method a few months back in July)
So, if ANYONE could help me out that would be GREAT. I am so confused and now have a fully clean phone with all my information gone from it.
SO: If anyone can PLEASE inform me how I would go about updating my phone to the 4.3 update, that would be great.. please help me....
And, yes, i'm pretty sure that I can't update OTA anymore, but can ANYONE please tell me how to update then?! Please.
Thanks guys, hope to hear from anyone soon.

Pertinent info missing. Carrier, model, fw version . You'll have better luck if you include those.
Sent from my SGH-I337M

azuziel said:
Pertinent info missing. Carrier, model, fw version . You'll have better luck if you include those.
Sent from my SGH-I337M
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He said AT&T, which is SGH-I337, and I'm going to assume MF3 firmware (why else would he want to upgrade?).
As for the question at hand, there's a few download links for the update that people have pulled and you can reboot into stock recovery and try sideloading it via ADB or just flash it from your SD card. Just make sure if it's a .cfg file to change it to .zip before doing any of those methods.
Hope this helps!

Mosch26 said:
He said AT&T, which is SGH-I337, and I'm going to assume MF3 firmware (why else would he want to upgrade?).
As for the question at hand, there's a few download links for the update that people have pulled and you can reboot into stock recovery and try sideloading it via ADB or just flash it from your SD card. Just make sure if it's a .cfg file to change it to .zip before doing any of those methods.
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming fw revisions and models is dangerous. Better off to double check. I wasn't rude, simply asking to verify the info. You know how many people post in the wrong forums? At least he can vent on you now if he bricks
Sent from my SGH-I337M

1050F: OTA Update #S100256_160119

Received this yesterday evening and am wondering if anyone has a good idea of what this update entails. It states is security patch and stability fix, if I'm not mistaken. Probably just a regular non-major update, then?

I am in the middle of returning my tab back to stock to then update to this update... Will report back in a while. @all
If you have unlocked your bootloader to use a custom recovery DO NOT UPDATE. It will soft brick!!! I tried in vain and am having to resort to 'back to stock' as, like a pleb, I don't backup before I tinkered
Sent from my SM-G901F using Tapatalk

I happens to the best of us, man. Sorry to hear. I'm currently not rooted, but at some point will, so that possibility of messing up will ALWAYS be there.

i have just updated my yoga 830LC. But i forgot my bootloader is unlocked. It's soft brick. Can you help me how to back to stock Lollipop ROM. please help me! thanks

Do you have a backup? When I first tried to update I think it did update part of the rom. I reflashed the patched esp (which you should still have if you have unlocked you boot-loader)
It then let me in to recovery and to restore.
Try that and report back
Sent from my SM-G901F using Tapatalk

Hi. I have this update from lenovo too, my 1050F is rooted, how I do a backup ? and you flash which stock rom, before upgrading ?
If possible, I want to keep my data.
Thank you.

I think the only way to keep you data is with something like Titanium backup saved to an external source and then whenever the update is finished re-root and restore selected backed up data

If you have unlocked you boot-loader you must have flashed a customers recovery. I did a twrp back up and selected what I want to restore.
Edit - get the files you need from this post
corasman said:
Hi Rob
These files I copied from various threads on here.
They are on my g/drive,if they are any good to you or anyone else.
http://tinyurl.com/zdr92pf
http://tinyurl.com/zmmaww5
http://tinyurl.com/zgt7sjo
http://tinyurl.com/hjy4kks
http://tinyurl.com/jhrjscj
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SM-G901F using Tapatalk

I have the 8 inch version of this tablet (830F) and received a similar update notification.
I just used the temp recovery trick to root and disable some bloat but left it otherwise stock. The tablet is currently in the process of backing up with temp TWRP and I was thinking of unrooting and giving this update a shot.
But it's not worth losing root over it...
Did anyone apply the patch in the meantime? Were you able to root again?
Thanks.

Yeah I have rooted, unlocked the boot-loader and flash twrp... All is good.
Have you flashed the patched boot-loader? If so you will need to flash the stock 830F ROM

Soft Brick
I'm just leaving my experience in case anyone does the same mistake as I.
I tried to use de "Hide root" option of SuperSu before upgrading, I have a locked bootloader, so I thought that it would be enough but I well... it didn't even boot after de lenovo screen
So I had to returno to stock, after reading what other peole did I manage to finally flash it back to stock lollipop.
I download this stock rom from lenovo-forums.ru
1050f_s100196_151123_row_lос-50
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[As rookie, cannot post links :silly:]
Before flashing, the flash.xml has to be edited. Find
<string>fastboot flash system $system_file</string>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and add -s 1G to the command
<string>fastboot -S 1G flash system $system_file</string>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then, enter on bootloader mode. I did it from de Recovery Mode (PWR on, and after de "lenovo" press both volume keys)
And just flash it with Phone Flash Tool
Everything it's probably pretty obvious for many of you but I leave this here for noobies like me! :victory:

Thank you 69PerTTu69.
Did you have keep your data partition?
I have understood you have only install system partition. Right ?
If so, I Will try to use your method.

Sounds good. No I only have the temp twrp bootloader pushed from the pc. Untethered it is stock but it's rooted. I'll revert that tomorrow and give this a shot. Cheers.

-beluga- said:
Sounds good. No I only have the temp twrp bootloader pushed from the pc. Untethered it is stock but it's rooted. I'll revert that tomorrow and give this a shot. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a new 1050F which has finished churning through all the updates to get it from KitKat.
It is now at the level of this update (..S100256_160119..)
I was about to root following the "[HOW TO] Root Yoga Tablet 2 [STEP-BY-STEP] [NOOB FRIENDLY]" 1st post instructions by AndroMAN (which uses a temporary pushed recovery) but I'm now a little concerned since that will put me in exactly the position of you -beluga-.
I'd be grateful if you could let me know how you get on (or if anyone else can comment on whether attempting to root this way is now a bad idea)

-beluga- said:
Sounds good. No I only have the temp twrp bootloader pushed from the pc. Untethered it is stock but it's rooted. I'll revert that tomorrow and give this a shot. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, this was a success -
1. Unroot through the SU app (just to be safe)
2. Restart
3. Apply the update through the regular system/settings UI and wait for it to finish
4. Re-root as before (using IntelAndroid-FBRL-07-24-2015 and BETA-SuperSU-v2.67-20160121175247)
Keep in mind that I was on stock bootloader and didn't alter much besides disabling crapware. Deeper modifications may cramp your style.
Cheers
---------- Post added at 12:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:17 PM ----------
dingers01 said:
I have a new 1050F which has finished churning through all the updates to get it from KitKat.
It is now at the level of this update (..S100256_160119..)
I was about to root following the "[HOW TO] Root Yoga Tablet 2 [STEP-BY-STEP] [NOOB FRIENDLY]" 1st post instructions by AndroMAN (which uses a temporary pushed recovery) but I'm now a little concerned since that will put me in exactly the position of you -beluga-.
I'd be grateful if you could let me know how you get on (or if anyone else can comment on whether attempting to root this way is now a bad idea)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this worked fine. See my other follow up post. Good luck.

saupiquet said:
Thank you 69PerTTu69.
Did you have keep your data partition?
I have understood you have only install system partition. Right ?
If so, I Will try to use your method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the delay, but no. Everything within the internal storage will be lost.

Download Unsuccessful MSG - KK to N910VVRU1BOAF

I'm trying to root, then unlock my Retail phone. I heard it can be done on BOAF 5.0.1. I downgraded my phone to KK ANJ5 (details on what steps I took, here)
I actually did a Factory Data Wipe twice before beginning, although the instructions said I only needed to do it once (doing it twice shouldn't hurt).
When I tap the System Updates button, it appears to start downloading, then after a few minutes, I'll get an error message saying "Download Unsuccessful". I've done this several times. Why is this happening now? I've cleared everything. Could Verizon have pulled the update? Can I install the two files manually? If so, please point me to the right direction. Thanks.

Flash N910VVRU2BOG5_StockRestore.tar.md5 using Odin. It will upgrade you and you will be able to convert your phone to developer mode using the steps in the thread.

Sizzlechest said:
Flash N910VVRU2BOG5_StockRestore.tar.md5 using Odin. It will upgrade you and you will be able to convert your phone to developer mode using the steps in the thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took the latest safe upgrade, I think it's BP1 or something like that., to 5.1.1. THAT worked.

So basically we have to be on 5.1.1 ??
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Premium HD app

rrjskj said:
So basically we have to be on 5.1.1 ??
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just saying that's what for sure worked for me. KK didn't work at all. I don't know if you "have to" be on it or not.

JOSHSKORN said:
I'm just saying that's what for sure worked for me. KK didn't work at all. I don't know if you "have to" be on it or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might give it a whirl if fix doesn't come soon. In the meantime could u point me in the right direction for the safe upgrade files and what Odin version ?? Thanks in advance.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Premium HD app

http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...nt/firmware-safe-upgrade-to-lollipop-t3313224
read everything!

Rom-Addict said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...nt/firmware-safe-upgrade-to-lollipop-t3313224
read everything!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already did it I appreciated.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Premium HD app

I've had it work on boaf, bpa, bog5. kk wouldn't work for me. using king root 4.0,.all unlocks (n4.n4.bin. n4.fix) worked for me. bpa (5.1.1)required the emotion kernel to boot. also returned my original Cid to use kies to restore all apps & data, then odined back again, unlocked, rooted ect. be patient

Rom-Addict said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...nt/firmware-safe-upgrade-to-lollipop-t3313224
read everything!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What confused me and a few other people in that thread is that you NEED to flash that kernel before the SuperSU linked there if you want to root 5.1.1 firmware. I thought it was just if you had taken the OTA 5.1.1.

Sizzlechest said:
What confused me and a few other people in that thread is that you NEED to flash that kernel before the SuperSU linked there if you want to root 5.1.1 firmware. I thought it was just if you had taken the OTA 5.1.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I did (I think). Kinda hard to remember everything. For more information, read through the HOWTO thread. I think I started posting at about page 9.
went ahead and did the safe upgrade via Odin
Swapped out my MicroSD card for a different one I had laying around
Unlocked my phone
Powered Down (If I could, or remove the battery)
Removed the MicroSD card (otherwise it would boot loop)
Connected to My Computer
Boot to Download Mode (DOWN ARROW+HOME+POWER BUTTON)
Flashed TWRP using Odin
Reinserted the original MicroSD Card (Different SD card than what was used during the unlock process, the same one I was using prior to unlocking)
Booted into TWRP (UP ARROW+HOME+POWER BUTTON)
It prompted me to install SuperUser, so I did, it caused a bootloop, so I pulled my battery.
Removed MicroSD Card, plugged it into my computer and put SuperSU.zip and a kernel (See this post) zip file on it, re-inserted the MicroSD into my phone
Booted to TWRP (UP ARROW+HOME+POWER BUTTON)
Flashed the two files I'd just put on my MicroSD (Not sure if a reboot is required or if they could be done at the same time, I rebooted each time)
I did not clear cache/dalvik. Not sure if that was necessary.
This is all what got me to where I'm at, now.

JOSHSKORN said:
This is what I did (I think). Kinda hard to remember everything. For more information, read through the HOWTO thread. I think I started posting at about page 9.
...
This is all what got me to where I'm at, now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For 5.0.1, you don't need to flash a new kernel, so that's why it works. If you want to upgrade to N910VVRU2BPA1:
Download N910VVRU2BPA1_StockRestore.tar.md5.7z and uncompress with 7-zip.
Flash with Odin.
Reboot phone back into Download Mode and flash TWRP with Odin.
Copy MultiSystem-Kernel_LP-5.1.1.zip and BETA-SuperSU-v2.67-20160203160253-TruncatedBoot-Fix.zip to the phone's internal memory. (Include xposed-v75-sdk21-arm-arter97-snapdragon.zip if you want XPosed.)
Reboot to recovery and flash all three in the above order.
Wipe cache and Davlik cache. Reboot to system.

Sizzlechest said:
Flash N910VVRU2BOG5_StockRestore.tar.md5 using Odin. It will upgrade you and you will be able to convert your phone to developer mode using the steps in the thread.
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Click to collapse
I'm on 4.4.4 is this what I need to do a lot of other people are having the problem of getting the commands to work on 4.4.4 and are asking the question of do we need to upgrade some aren't getting answered and some are being told different things I'm sorry for asking but I need to know so I can unlock my bootloader thank you

Jimmy8 said:
I'm on 4.4.4 is this what I need to do a lot of other people are having the problem of getting the commands to work on 4.4.4 and are asking the question of do we need to upgrade some aren't getting answered and some are being told different things I'm sorry for asking but I need to know so I can unlock my bootloader thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There seems to be a bug in the detection routine on the program that changes the bootloader to developer when run on 4.4.4. If you want to follow the original directions, upgrade (first) to a 5.0.1 firmware since that is known to work with the unlocker and no new kernel needs to be flashed. If you get it to work for 5.0.1, then you can always upgrade to 5.1.1 or flash another rom.
If you want to try to go straight to 5.1.1 by flashing through Odin, you can try it. I'm almost positive you could downgrade to 5.0.1 if that doesn't work. (If you take the software upgrade through Verizon, you will have problems downgrading AFAIK.)

Sizzlechest said:
There seems to be a bug in the detection routine on the program that changes the bootloader to developer when run on 4.4.4. If you want to follow the original directions, upgrade (first) to a 5.0.1 firmware since that is known to work with the unlocker and no new kernel needs to be flashed. If you get it to work for 5.0.1, then you can always upgrade to 5.1.1 or flash another rom.
If you want to try to go straight to 5.1.1 by flashing through Odin, you can try it. I'm almost positive you could downgrade to 5.0.1 if that doesn't work. (If you take the software upgrade through Verizon, you will have problems downgrading AFAIK.)
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Thanks I just upgraded through Verizon to 5.0.1 and I'll give that a try and see if it works if not I'll safe upgrade to 5.1.1 thanks

Jimmy8 said:
I'm on 4.4.4 is this what I need to do a lot of other people are having the problem of getting the commands to work on 4.4.4 and are asking the question of do we need to upgrade some aren't getting answered and some are being told different things I'm sorry for asking but I need to know so I can unlock my bootloader thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that doesn't work, I recommend you rollback to 4.4.4 (you should be able to if you're on BOAF), then take the safe upgrade to BP1. Once you do that, you should be good to go. That is, I wasn't able to convert to developer mode on KK, but after taking the safe upgrade, I was. Maybe it had to do with the BOAF bootloader, and if that's the case, "maybe' you're ok doing it as is. Good luck. I'm sure you'll be back if it doesn't work, but if it DOES work, can you report back? In fact, I also have a thread in Q&A titled Root Survey. Please post there as well ONLY if you were able to successfully convert. I wanted to compile a list of users that were able to convert, where they were before they started, what worked, what didn't, and so far, all what I'm seeing is, is that starting from KK doesn't work, although we were told all along to keep KK. I also heard one user said that he had taken all OTAs to 5..1.1., still made the conversion process work, BUT, his phone was a developer phone to begin with but he accidentally locked it with a Retail ROM. I'm kind of a noob, myself, but from what I do know, I don't recommend taking any OTAs anyway past BOAF, otherwise the conversion "might not" happen, but there are a lot of people who have taken all OTAs so we'll see what happens with them.

JOSHSKORN said:
If that doesn't work, I recommend you rollback to 4.4.4 (you should be able to if you're on BOAF), then take the safe upgrade to BP1. Once you do that, you should be good to go. That is, I wasn't able to convert to developer mode on KK, but after taking the safe upgrade, I was. Maybe it had to do with the BOAF bootloader, and if that's the case, "maybe' you're ok doing it as is. Good luck. I'm sure you'll be back if it doesn't work, but if it DOES work, can you report back? In fact, I also have a thread in Q&A titled Root Survey. Please post there as well ONLY if you were able to successfully convert. I wanted to compile a list of users that were able to convert, where they were before they started, what worked, what didn't, and so far, all what I'm seeing is, is that starting from KK doesn't work, although we were told all along to keep KK. I also heard one user said that he had taken all OTAs to 5..1.1., still made the conversion process work, BUT, his phone was a developer phone to begin with but he accidentally locked it with a Retail ROM. I'm kind of a noob, myself, but from what I do know, I don't recommend taking any OTAs anyway past BOAF, otherwise the conversion "might not" happen, but there are a lot of people who have taken all OTAs so we'll see what happens with them.
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Click to collapse
I can't even get king root to root it constantly reboots my phone during rooting process I've tried different versions and it doesn't matter do you have any suggestions or point me in the direction to roll back to 4.4.4 I've been out of the game for a while so I've forgotten a lot of stuff on how to do this thank for all your help so far

Jimmy8 said:
I can't even get king root to root it constantly reboots my phone during rooting process I've tried different versions and it doesn't matter do you have any suggestions or point me in the direction to roll back to 4.4.4 I've been out of the game for a while so I've forgotten a lot of stuff on how to do this thank for all your help so far
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Click to collapse
Believe me, I'm with you right there, as well, been out of the game for so long. Thanks Verizon Retail locking. Anyway....
Where are you right now? Your Android version/Build Number.

joshskorn said:
believe me, i'm with you right there, as well, been out of the game for so long. Thanks verizon retail locking. Anyway....
Where are you right now? Your android version/build number.
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Click to collapse
5.0.1 / n910vvru1boaf