Database Users

Motorola to adjust strict Bootloader Lock policy?

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/motorola-ready-to-make-sweet-love-to-rom-devs-and-rooters/
Looks like future Motorola devices might be better off than the DroidX/2/Milestone.
If you are too lazy to read, Moto stated:
"We are working closely with our partners to offer a bootloader solution that will enable developers to use our devices as a development platform while still protecting our users' interests. More detailed information will follow as we get closer to availability."
Not sure how nobody has posted this yet...
EDIT: Looks like this was mentioned in this thread already. Anyway we'll see what happens.

They have posted it all over the internetz and the general consensus is that Moto will just keep locking the bootloaders.
We can always hope though...

Mortalys77 said:
They have posted it all over the internetz and the general consensus is that Moto will just keep locking the bootloaders.
We can always hope though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moto did not have to come out and say this.
What is your reasoning that they will just continue to keep it locked if they outright say they aren't?
and in their statement, who would their "partners" be? The carriers?

Hmmmm interesting
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

Yes you are right I know it has been posted many places. I was curious to hear the thoughts of people in this forum in particular some devs. I trust XDA forum opinion above others .
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

sciulli999 said:
What is your reasoning that they will just continue to keep it locked if they outright say they aren't?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because they won't unlock it now, and this was just of a damage control thing.

They won't unlock the bootloader forbthis phone likely ever, but it is starting to look like they are going to work for their phones being development friendly judging by their recent response on facebook or twitter. I can't find it now, but they did state that they would like their phones to be more dev friendly
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

Actually, the link is in the first post(OP). that is at least promising
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

sciulli999 said:
Moto did not have to come out and say this.
What is your reasoning that they will just continue to keep it locked if they outright say they aren't?
and in their statement, who would their "partners" be? The carriers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They definitely had a reason to come out and say this. It was a direct response to: http://www.droid-life.com/2011/01/1...er-to-buy-elsewhere-if-they-want-custom-roms/
I don't get the feeling that their willing to unlock any of their current phones. Someone would've said something by now if they were really working with devs.

What's most likely is they will phones through google unlocked but not discounted by the cell companies.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

Protecting users? That line makes it sound like you would have to go out of your way to unlock the bootloaders. Either by giving up warranty rights beforehand, or buying a "development model", at unsubsidized pricing. Either way is reasonable, but as an average joe, I like warranties and cheap/er phones lol
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

Well rumor mill is there will be an optional ota that will unlock bootloader. Your warrenty will be void BC it shows on your esn number.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

papi92 said:
Well rumor mill is there will be an optional ota that will unlock bootloader. Your warrenty will be void BC it shows on your esn number.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, this would be very cool, where are you seeing rumors like this?
If it comes out as an OTA then I'll just wait for the devs to get it and break it apart so we can finally have an unlocked bootloader without having to SBF to get the OTA.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

Just a friend. Its an idea there tossing around you wont need to sbf as its optional and only unlocking bootloader which will show on your esn and void your warranty
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

honestly I would take the loss of my manufacturer warranty as long as I still have assurian for lost or damaged I'm cool just give me an unlock option and I would stay with motorola

Im not sure if it voids your whole warrenty. I will have to get back on that as it seems this isn't the set plan yet.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

papi92 said:
Im not sure if it voids your whole warrenty. I will have to get back on that as it seems this isn't the set plan yet.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you getting your information?

My neighbor is on the team that develops for moto
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

Alot of you guys have a good point. However. Papi92 is a liar. Show some proof and ill give u the benefit of the doubt. Till then you are just gonna be a liar in my book
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

ksizzle9 said:
Alot of you guys have a good point. However. Papi92 is a liar. Show some proof and ill give u the benefit of the doubt. Till then you are just gonna be a liar in my book
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not listen to this man! Look at his post count! "Posts: 666"

I need to unroot shift

How do you unroot this bad boy I'm still on stock I just want to know how to turn S-ON.
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk

Check this link newkidd hooked it up mad props to him I keep that file on my SD card
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=971550
I downloaded a zip file that runs from bootloader to unroot and s on ill go look for it if nothing I'm sure I can email it or whatever I'm limited to search speed cause I'm on on my phone my computer is on number 25 of 102 updates
popasmurfn23 said:
How do you unroot this bad boy I'm still on stock I just want to know how to turn S-ON.
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA Premium App

Cool thanks
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk

You should be able to click on links while in tapatalk but i guess not
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk

A minute ago I just copy and pasted the link in my reply this time I hit the more button to add a link props to newkidd again for this
There we go
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=971550
popasmurfn23 said:
You should be able to click on links while in tapatalk but i guess not
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA Premium App

Somebody should make a .zip that makes the phone show S-ON even while it's still rooted. That way if you go to a sprint dealer they can't verify that it is rooted if that is the way they check...
lol

just use the stock ruu and you should be good to go

Well I'm pretty sure if your on a custom rom u would have more work to do because of certain files but I think even if u covered ur tracks they prob have some soft when they hook up your they can trace everything you've done on it unless they had a reason to it would be invasion of privacy but anyways.
SHMaRiM said:
Somebody should make a .zip that makes the phone show S-ON even while it's still rooted. That way if you go to a sprint dealer they can't verify that it is rooted if that is the way they check...
lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk

All they would do is install a app that requires root access and poof your cover is blown son
SHMaRiM said:
Somebody should make a .zip that makes the phone show S-ON even while it's still rooted. That way if you go to a sprint dealer they can't verify that it is rooted if that is the way they check...
lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk

I learned something new today thanks buddy.
strapped365 said:
A minute ago I just copy and pasted the link in my reply this time I hit the more button to add a link props to newkidd again for this
There we go
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=971550
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk

popasmurfn23 said:
All they would do is install a app that requires root access and poof your cover is blown son
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly don't think that would try installing apps that require root access. I could see them booting the phone into bootloader though to check if it has either s-off or s-on...
But I agree that they may have software that they run the phone by. But again, software is unnecessary when they can just go to the bootloader.

Does sprint even check if its rooted??? Do they even know what it is???. I exchanged my evo shift and didn't even think about unrooting it and they still took it. Though I'm sure they didn't check
Sent From My Htc Evo Shift 4G using Xda Premium

I think the tecs got to look at sooner or later seeing how its being returned as a faulty device. Maybe someone that works for sprint can chime in and give us a run down for squirts and giggles.
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk

Be thankful...
Be thankful your rooted HTC EVO Shift 4G didn't make it into the Sprint retail store where I work because if your device had ended up in my hands, your account would be red flagged with the fact your HTC EVO Shift 4G had been rooted and all service and repair work would have to be conducted through HTC as our M&Ps pertaining to rooted smartphones regardless of what OS platform is installed states the warranty of such device would be rejected through the S&R channel and would need to have the customer referred to the smartphone's manufacturer for all service and repair. I have already sent an e mail to all the S&R technicians within my market on how to check Android OS devices for whether or not rooting had been performed. From my understanding, once the S-On is triggered to S-Of, S-On is not possible to be restored even if RUU is done.

Yeah that sucks? Lol
wireless.praying.mantis said:
Be thankful your rooted HTC EVO Shift 4G didn't make it into the Sprint retail store where I work because if your device had ended up in my hands, your account would be red flagged with the fact your HTC EVO Shift 4G had been rooted and all service and repair work would have to be conducted through HTC as our M&Ps pertaining to rooted smartphones regardless of what OS platform is installed states the warranty of such device would be rejected through the S&R channel and would need to have the customer referred to the smartphone's manufacturer for all service and repair. I have already sent an e mail to all the S&R technicians within my market on how to check Android OS devices for whether or not rooting had been performed. From my understanding, once the S-On is triggered to S-Of, S-On is not possible to be restored even if RUU is done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA Premium App

strapped365 said:
Yeah you can get s-on after you get s-off I have done it on my shift
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shhh... !!! Don't let that guy above you hear that!
^ Shift Faced

wireless.praying.mantis said:
Be thankful your rooted HTC EVO Shift 4G didn't make it into the Sprint retail store where I work because if your device had ended up in my hands, your account would be red flagged with the fact your HTC EVO Shift 4G had been rooted and all service and repair work would have to be conducted through HTC as our M&Ps pertaining to rooted smartphones regardless of what OS platform is installed states the warranty of such device would be rejected through the S&R channel and would need to have the customer referred to the smartphone's manufacturer for all service and repair. I have already sent an e mail to all the S&R technicians within my market on how to check Android OS devices for whether or not rooting had been performed. From my understanding, once the S-On is triggered to S-Of, S-On is not possible to be restored even if RUU is done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool story bro. Way to be a ****.
EVO Shift and XDA app

Yeah he might call all the Sprint stores to tell on us lmao ill go edit my post lol
jesusice said:
Shhh... !!! Don't let that guy above you hear that!
^ Shift Faced
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA Premium App

Id tell your store just give me my ishhh back than. Haha.
wireless.praying.mantis said:
Be thankful your rooted HTC EVO Shift 4G didn't make it into the Sprint retail store where I work because if your device had ended up in my hands, your account would be red flagged with the fact your HTC EVO Shift 4G had been rooted and all service and repair work would have to be conducted through HTC as our M&Ps pertaining to rooted smartphones regardless of what OS platform is installed states the warranty of such device would be rejected through the S&R channel and would need to have the customer referred to the smartphone's manufacturer for all service and repair. I have already sent an e mail to all the S&R technicians within my market on how to check Android OS devices for whether or not rooting had been performed. From my understanding, once the S-On is triggered to S-Of, S-On is not possible to be restored even if RUU is done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk

And then i would red flag ur store in all the forums ja lol
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk

[Q] Unroot Sprint Samsung Epic 4g from SD card

Hello, I got issue with my phone and can't connect it to any computer, tired all different drives and 5 USB cables on 5 diffrent computers, and can't use Odin to unroot it.
Tried to search at the forums and checked many threads found by google and didn't find way to unroot the phone from SD card.
I will really appreciate if someone can help me with it.
Thanks.

systemhalter said:
Hello, I got issue with my phone and can't connect it to any computer, tired all different drives and 5 USB cables on 5 diffrent computers, and can't use Odin to unroot it.
Tried to search at the forums and checked many threads found by google and didn't find way to unroot the phone from SD card.
I will really appreciate if someone can help me with it.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32dOsaIrdEc

Same problem here, I try to conect my epic to odin and it just won't appear no matter what I do
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

You can unroot by following the method in qbking77's video but remember it will not change your modem. If you have the EC05 modem you are good. If you have a leaked GB modem and wish to go to Sprint hope for a lazy tech that won't check your baseband.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1027904
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

here's a little tip,
WE DONT CARE IF YOUR ROOTED OR MODIFIED!

squshy 7 said:
here's a little tip,
WE DONT CARE IF YOUR ROOTED OR MODIFIED!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really, you can speak for all of sprint people?
I had to go through Asurion and pay $100 because they wouldn't work with my rooted phone when it had a physical defect un-related to any software issue.
I'll be more than happy to work with you to get my $100 back, other than that don't tell people it's ok.
What was the issue you might ask? My phone stopped communicating with any computer, same as OP. They blamed it on me flashing/rooting and therefore wouldn't work with it.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

squshy 7 said:
here's a little tip,
WE DONT CARE IF YOUR ROOTED OR MODIFIED!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must mean after Sprint makes them pay the $100 deductible. We were talking about warranty repairs which of course are considered void on a rooted phone.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

It worked, thanks for the video, getting a new phone in a few days.

I've said this several times, so please take it to heart.
As service and repair technicians, our M&P (methods and procedures) states that rooted and modified phones DO NOT void any sort of warranty. This was just recently changed several months ago. It wast publicly announced for obvious reasons. Manufacturer warranty, I can't speak for that. But if you pay for TEP, being rooted DOES NOT void your TEP extended warranty.
Any sprint rep or tech who tells you otherwise and refers you to asurion is WRONG or MISINFORMED or LAZY. Please tell them and their manager to refer to their phone triage M&P.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

Actually, a point of clarification, our M&P never explicitly states anything regarding warranty, rather they hide that fact in verbage.
It states how to troubleshoot and repair a rooted device, and what "tier" it falls into (a quick fix/a free fix if you have TEP or 35 if you dont/a fix that needs claimed with asurion if you have TEP or screwed if you don't). Rooted devices (so long as there's no liquidd damage or accidental damage) fall into tier 2, which means a free fix at the S&R location if you have TEP or $35 if you don't.
Sooo...put 2 and 2 together..this means (implicitly) that root is does not void the terms of your extended warranty through TEP.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

Thank you for that Squishy...it seems a lot of techs didn't get the memo and try to get that $100 deductible. I am sure this info you provided will help a lot of people stuck rooted.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

kennyglass123 said:
Thank you for that Squishy...it seems a lot of techs didn't get the memo and try to get that $100 deductible. I am sure this info you provided will help a lot of people stuck rooted.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem
Well it's to keep their exchange rate down, I imagine. That bit of info doesn't come without forewarning, however. Sprint still strongly discourages it.
For instance, latest rumor I heard here is that if you own a 3D and go through HTC's official unlock method, your ESN is flagged in the system for things regarding free tethering and the like. So there is still risk assumed by rooting.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

squshy 7 said:
No problem
Well it's to keep their exchange rate down, I imagine. That bit of info doesn't come without forewarning, however. Sprint still strongly discourages it.
For instance, latest rumor I heard here is that if you own a 3D and go through HTC's official unlock method, your ESN is flagged in the system for things regarding free tethering and the like. So there is still risk assumed by rooting.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes me want to keep the Epic forever...lol.

Warranty Replacement arrives with MF3 loaded!!!

Hi all,
Over the past week I have been struggling with an inadvertent partial upgrade from MDL -> MF3 (The saga is in several other threads).
It left my phone soft bricked with only Odin mode avaliable. Samsung has not and apparently will not make the MF3 update available via kies.
In the end I made a warranty claim which AT&T honored with no argument or resistance.
The new phone (refurbished) arrived today.
It came with MF3 loaded.
Be aware that they are shipping phones already updated.
I do not know if this is true of the fresh (new) stock or only part of the refurb process...
Keep this in mind when making a warranty claim.
Good luck.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

SaltyFoam said:
... It came with MF3 loaded. ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's really sad to hear this, but thank you for sharing this with everyone. Very useful information when people are considering Warranty replacements right now.
Also, don't lose all hope, because the bounties are increasing, and Verizon apparently just got root again with their latest update. :fingers-crossed:

I have absoulute faith that a hole will be found.
My experience as a developer (started with a TRS-80 model 1 with 4k ram) has taught me that all programs have bugs/holes.
An old proverb taught me by a professor when I declared a program perfect on a PDP-11, written in Oregon Pascal "All programs have at least one bug and can be reduced by one instruction and therefore can be reduced to one instruction that does not work." :-O
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

SaltyFoam said:
"All programs have at least one bug and can be reduced by one instruction and therefore can be reduced to one instruction that does not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bomb professor :good:

SaltyFoam said:
Hi all,
Over the past week I have been struggling with an inadvertent partial upgrade from MDL -> MF3 (The saga is in several other threads).
It left my phone soft bricked with only Odin mode avaliable. Samsung has not and apparently will not make the MF3 update available via kies.
In the end I made a warranty claim which AT&T honored with no argument or resistance.
The new phone (refurbished) arrived today.
It came with MF3 loaded.
Be aware that they are shipping phones already updated.
I do not know if this is true of the fresh (new) stock or only part of the refurb process...
Keep this in mind when making a warranty claim.
Good luck.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you know its a refurb?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

ahfu25 said:
How do you know its a refurb?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because thats what you get as a warranty replacement. a phone only, no back cover or battery. i'm assuming that's what the OP meant when he referenced "refurb"

It was explicitly stated by att rep.
Other than that I can not say.
Is there an indication on the phone label?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Exactly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

xBeerdroiDx said:
bomb professor :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah dude was intense... PhD in history of science, into fossils and a collection of several thousand jazz LPs which fueled his radio show, and, on topic, "developed virus interdiction firmware"
His obit is intense...
Dr. Warren Watson, Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio...
http://ysnews.com/news/2009/04/warren-watson
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Lucky me...my warranty replacement came with MDL!! Back to rooting and def freezing the auto update
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

ahfu25 said:
Lucky me...my warranty replacement came with MDL!! Back to rooting and def freezing the auto update
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine did too, got it in the mail a week ago yesterday, had old firmware on it.. Had it rooted and apps froze before I even stuck the SIM card in.

Lets see how this works out for me. Had to do a warranty claim today "damn data issues" ill be one of the few to get mf3 knowing my luck..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Ugh I made such a mistake

I upgraded yesterday and noticed my husband's galaxy box said MF3 so I was looking pretty screwed for rooting/roms. Cue today when I notice that my box says MDL! I am filled with hope! Then I realize with dread that my phone made a crazy noise in the middle of the night and I half asleep hit update. Dreaded MF3 now. Ugh. I feel like the world's biggest idiot and I can't reverse.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Look nto safestrap itll allow u to duel boot a rooted device so as not to touch thestock rom
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Did you get your phone at the AT&T store?
Just asking in case because if you got the phone from Costco by any chance, you can return it without any questions asked and get one that has MDL on it.

deron37129 said:
Look nto safestrap itll allow u to duel boot a rooted device so as not to touch thestock rom
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I will it just seems like the difficulty level has increased a lot. I considered myself fairly tech savvy (coming from a jailbroken iPhone 5) but a lot of rooting information is going over my head
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Wittyusernametaken said:
Oh I will it just seems like the difficulty has increased a lot. I considered myself fairly tech savvy (coming from a jailbroken iPhone 5) but a lot of rooting information is going over my head
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting is very different than jailbreaking and more user involved. Don't feel bad. You'll get it down and then you'll be an Android master.

emckai said:
Did you get your phone at the AT&T store?
Just asking in case because if you got the phone from Costco by any chance, you can return it without any questions asked and get one that has MDL on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah att store think I'm borked cause I could pay the restocking fee but how to exchange?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

If u just got it. Then u have 14 days to return to AT$T without restock fee. But doesn't guarantee u will get lucky with ur next one being MDL either. I bought 1 for each family member (4 total) and received only 1 MDL outta the bunch. But I been reading on the safe strap and it may be easier than dealing with AT$T
Sent from somewhere in the Galaxy using my S4Tardis

Wittyusernametaken said:
Yeah att store think I'm borked cause I could pay the restocking fee but how to exchange?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I had the Lumia 920 and returned it within 14 days, I still had to pay the restocking fee. ($36)
Just say you have some issue with your WiFi and it's extremely weak at your house, but your husbands WiFi strength is full. Basically tell them you have a defective device. They should be able to exchange the phone for you without the restocking fee. If you're brave enough, ask kindly if you could get a phone with the MDL software. If they bring one out that is MF3, ask kindly if they can recheck.
Good luck!

Wittyusernametaken said:
Oh I will it just seems like the difficulty level has increased a lot. I considered myself fairly tech savvy (coming from a jailbroken iPhone 5) but a lot of rooting information is going over my head
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go straight to the point with pictures and videos should be easy enough.
http://gs4.wonderhowto.com/how-to/root-your-at-t-samsung-galaxy-s4-mf3-firmware-0148603/
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

emckai said:
When I had the Lumia 920 and returned it within 14 days, I still had to pay the restocking fee. ($36)
Just say you have some issue with your WiFi and it's extremely weak at your house, but your husbands WiFi strength is full. Basically tell them you have a defective device. They should be able to exchange the phone for you without the restocking fee. If you're brave enough, ask kindly if you could get a phone with the MDL software. If they bring one out that is MF3, ask kindly if they can recheck.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually am having a few issues with dropping wifi so I'm going to try my luck and see if I can get an MDL one this afternoon. Thanks. Hoping to avoid the restocking fee
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Good luck! Eager to know how it goes...

Wittyusernametaken said:
I actually am having a few issues with dropping wifi so I'm going to try my luck and see if I can get an MDL one this afternoon. Thanks. Hoping to avoid the restocking fee
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck! I'm also eager to know how it went.
If they tell you it might be the router that is causing the issue, tell them they're wrong because your husbands S4 stays connected all the time and doesn't have any problems.

I took the MF3 uptate by choice just for a new challenge and its actually very easy to root using the card reader exFAT formated SdCard method.Safstrap is also very easy to install and use.its all good reading material here in Xda
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

I was sweating bullets. They forced a factory reset and were saying I had to keep the phone and so I pushed the fact that we are a cell phone only house and with no coverage at random it wasn't safe (since we use a mcell tower for coverage) then they approved it and had ONE in back.
Success!!!!
Can anyone tell me how I turn off updates so I stay at MDL and point me to the direction of the best rooting tutorial for slightly techy people? Lol.this was crazy.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Wittyusernametaken said:
I was sweating bullets. They forced a factory reset and were saying I had to keep the phone and so I pushed the fact that we are a cell phone only house and with no coverage at random it wasn't safe (since we use a mcell tower for coverage) then they approved it and had ONE in back.
Success!!!!
Can anyone tell me how I turn off updates so I stay at MDL and point me to the direction of the best rooting tutorial for slightly techy people? Lol.this was crazy.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will get you rooted and a custom recovery. On page 2 post 14 has the option for CWM or TWRP.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
You need Titanium Backup (paid version) to freeze these 3 files.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41424569&postcount=4
*edit* Whatever you do, do not put the SIM in or setup your wifi until the 3 files are frozen.

~wolverine~ said:
This will get you rooted and a custom recovery. On page 2 post 14 has the option for CWM or TWRP.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
You need Titanium Backup (paid version) to freeze these 3 files.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41424569&postcount=4
*edit* Whatever you do, do not put the SIM in or setup your wifi until the 3 files are frozen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!! Uh, I connected to the wi-fi for a little bit but I'm still on MDL, I just turned it off, hopefully I was fast enough. I'm rooting right now and then Titanium Backup to freeze the files.

Wittyusernametaken said:
Thank you!! Uh, I connected to the wi-fi for a little bit but I'm still on MDL, I just turned it off, hopefully I was fast enough. I'm rooting right now and then Titanium Backup to freeze the files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use the tutorial that is located in the General section.
Root -> Custom recovery (I suggest CWM) -> Custom ROM.
If you use CASUAL to root, Loki and install TWRP after that is complete, download ROM Manager from the playstore and flash CWM. (I've been having boot issues with AOSP (CM10.1) and switching to CWM helped)
If you want a really simple ROM, I suggest CyanogenMod 10.1 RC2 (get.cm) or you could do NIGHTLIES. Up to you.
Glad you were able to get an MDL version!

emckai said:
If you use CASUAL to root, Loki and install TWRP after that is complete, download ROM Manager from the playstore and flash CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CASUAL will give the option to install CWM. No need for ROM Manager.

~wolverine~ said:
CASUAL will give the option to install CWM. No need for ROM Manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it gives you an option to install CWM?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
That is the one I used and it never gave me the option to pick CWM over TWRP.

emckai said:
I don't think it gives you an option to install CWM?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
That is the one I used and it never gave me the option to pick CWM over TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to post 14 in this thread like I said and you'll have the option for TWRP or CWM!