Database Users

Firmware decision before buying a new Galaxy Note 3

I would like to upgrade my aging N7000 to an N9005 but not without doing the proper reading first. Unfortunately all the reading also confused me more then it resolved my questions. My main Question is what would be a good Firmware to look for on a Note 3 before buying it. Regarding not trying to trip Knox. (If it turns out to be too much of a pain I will survive tripping that flag and living with a preexisting condition. )
I gave up searching for a black 64GB Note 3. They seem to exist but are harder to come by then a Ghost. Am I correct to assume that de la Vega Root only works on pre 4.2.2.Firmwares? For CF Root are there any prefered Firmwares?
I know it is usually hard to check the Firmware when they are still brand new and packaged but there are lots of customer returns at local Media Markt’s. Besides the ones that have been upgraded to 4.3 there are some with 4.2.2 N9005XXUENA2 on it. Do you think I should keep searching for a older one or rather go online and find a used one which has never been update? Or does it really not matter? Still enjoying Paranoid Android on my Note 1. Or is there a good reasons to wait a little longer?
Media Markt Switzerland is selling the Samsung Galaxy Note N9005 32GB for CHF 599.- = $680 which is not a bad price. MSRP in Switzerland is CHF 768.- = $872 (Customer Returns would go for about CHF 50.- = $56 cheaper)
Any thoughts on this? Or any additional reading material that I should not miss? Any hints and tips are greatly appreciated.

swiss420 said:
I would like to upgrade my aging N7000 to an N9005 but not without doing the proper reading first. Unfortunately all the reading also confused me more then it resolved my questions. My main Question is what would be a good Firmware to look for on a Note 3 before buying it. Regarding not trying to trip Knox. (If it turns out to be too much of a pain I will survive tripping that flag and living with a preexisting condition. )
I gave up searching for a black 64GB Note 3. They seem to exist but are harder to come by then a Ghost. Am I correct to assume that de la Vega Root only works on pre 4.2.2.Firmwares? For CF Root are there any prefered Firmwares?
I know it is usually hard to check the Firmware when they are still brand new and packaged but there are lots of customer returns at local Media Markt’s. Besides the ones that have been upgraded to 4.3 there are some with 4.2.2 N9005XXUENA2 on it. Do you think I should keep searching for a older one or rather go online and find a used one which has never been update? Or does it really not matter? Still enjoying Paranoid Android on my Note 1. Or is there a good reasons to wait a little longer?
Media Markt Switzerland is selling the Samsung Galaxy Note N9005 32GB for CHF 599.- = $680 which is not a bad price. MSRP in Switzerland is CHF 768.- = $872 (Customer Returns would go for about CHF 50.- = $56 cheaper)
Any thoughts on this? Or any additional reading material that I should not miss? Any hints and tips are greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For Note 3 there seem to be no firmware before 4.3.
For Knox and N9005 you really want any firmware BEFORE 4.3 MJ3. I have seen reports that you can still work with some post-mj3 if you are in Canada/Mexic and you have the N900W8.

swiss420 said:
I would like to upgrade my aging N7000 to an N9005 but not without doing the proper reading first. Unfortunately all the reading also confused me more then it resolved my questions. My main Question is what would be a good Firmware to look for on a Note 3 before buying it. Regarding not trying to trip Knox. (If it turns out to be too much of a pain I will survive tripping that flag and living with a preexisting condition. )
I gave up searching for a black 64GB Note 3. They seem to exist but are harder to come by then a Ghost. Am I correct to assume that de la Vega Root only works on pre 4.2.2.Firmwares? For CF Root are there any prefered Firmwares?
I know it is usually hard to check the Firmware when they are still brand new and packaged but there are lots of customer returns at local Media Markt’s. Besides the ones that have been upgraded to 4.3 there are some with 4.2.2 N9005XXUENA2 on it. Do you think I should keep searching for a older one or rather go online and find a used one which has never been update? Or does it really not matter? Still enjoying Paranoid Android on my Note 1. Or is there a good reasons to wait a little longer?
Media Markt Switzerland is selling the Samsung Galaxy Note N9005 32GB for CHF 599.- = $680 which is not a bad price. MSRP in Switzerland is CHF 768.- = $872 (Customer Returns would go for about CHF 50.- = $56 cheaper)
Any thoughts on this? Or any additional reading material that I should not miss? Any hints and tips are greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you prefer to keep knox cool for warranty then find the one with old firmware lower than MJ4 as it's still possible to root and keeps warranty. But maybe not easy to find it.
The first note 3 firmware is MJ1 which is 4.3(there is no 4.2.2). 4.4.2 starts with NA6. So far not possible to root 4.4.2 without tripping knox.

xclub_101 said:
For Note 3 there seem to be no firmware before 4.3.
For Knox and N9005 you really want any firmware BEFORE 4.3 MJ3. I have seen reports that you can still work with some post-mj3 if you are in Canada/Mexic and you have the N900W8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rosli59564 said:
If you prefer to keep knox cool for warranty then find the one with old firmware lower than MJ4 as it's still possible to root and keeps warranty. But maybe not easy to find it.
The first note 3 firmware is MJ1 which is 4.3(there is no 4.2.2). 4.4.2 starts with NA6. So far not possible to root 4.4.2 without tripping knox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys you made one thing clear that I can not read correctly. lol For some odd reason 4.4.2 looked to me like 4.2.2. My misstake but atleast that clears up allot. Sorry for making that misstake.
So the 4.3 Customer Returns would be acctualy the ones I should be looking at to see what Firmware they have on them. I will go check to see whats available. Thanks.

Rosli59564 said:
...
The first note 3 firmware is MJ1 which is 4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many people (myself included) have bought their N9005 with MI7, and I have recently seen a report that there was a very special early version (no knox, never sold to customers) around MI2.

xclub_101 said:
Many people (myself included) have bought their N9005 with MI7, and I have recently seen a report that there was a very special early version (no knox, never sold to customers) around MI2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now everything makes much more sense. Anyhow I did check the others with 4.3. See attachments.
The white one would be an original release as it seems. I prefer the black one, but reserved both for now. Any thoughts on these two?

Both of them can be rooted without tripping knox!
Trimis de pe al meu SM-N9005 folosind Tapatalk

swiss420 said:
Now everything makes much more sense. Anyhow I did check the others with 4.3. See attachments.
The white one would be an original release as it seems. I prefer the black one, but reserved both for now. Any thoughts on these two?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, both should be OK, BUT you also need to ask the seller for a picture in download mode - you really want knox warranty flag 0x0 and reactivation off, here is an example of how that looks:
http://galaxynote3root.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/howto-root-galaxynote3-3-1024x656.jpg
How you get in download mode is described in step 3 below:
http://galaxynote3root.com/galaxy-note-3-root/how-to-root-galaxy-note-3/

xclub_101 said:
Well, both should be OK, BUT you also need to ask the seller for a picture in download mode - you really want knox warranty flag 0x0 and reactivation off, here is an example of how that looks:
http://galaxynote3root.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/howto-root-galaxynote3-3-1024x656.jpg
How you get in download mode is described in step 3 below:
http://galaxynote3root.com/galaxy-note-3-root/how-to-root-galaxy-note-3/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the Tip I already looked at how to check the flag and will do that before commiting but Media Markt is a large Retail Store and on Customer Returns they have the same 2 Year Warranty as on the new ones. I am able to start and check them before buying. Chances are the new ones have the same Firmwares but I will try to get a better price with a Customer Return.

Rooted
Just a quick update to end this Thread on a good Note.
Ended up buying the Customer Return for 539.- ($614) with a MJ3 Firmware and tried the Root de la Vega method to Root it without triggering the Knox Flag.
Rooted to the bone but Knox is triggered. Oh well not sure what I did wrong. I will live with it.
Links I used:
Root de la Vega Thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2498850
SamMobile Firmwares:
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=SM-N9005&pcode=AUT#firmware
(Link for my Firmware did not work and I had to search for the Firmware on the Internet. Sorry dont know the exact link anymore where I eventually found it but dont just download it from anywhere. Make sure it is untouched and prefereably from SamMobile)
Root de la Vega How to Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGnQLrg16l8
My Post on my Procedure:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51040376&postcount=392
Odin3 (v3.09)
http://www.chip.de/downloads/Odin3_12992520.html

swiss420 said:
Just a quick update to end this Thread on a good Note.
Ended up buying the Customer Return for 539.- ($614) with a MJ3 Firmware and tried the Root de la Vega method to Root it without triggering the Knox Flag.
Rooted to the bone but Knox is triggered. Oh well not sure what I did wrong. I will live with it.
Links I used:
Root de la Vega Thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2498850
SamMobile Firmwares:
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=SM-N9005&pcode=AUT#firmware
(Link for my Firmware did not work and I had to search for the Firmware on the Internet. Sorry dont know the exact link anymore where I eventually found it but dont just download it from anywhere. Make sure it is untouched and prefereably from SamMobile)
Root de la Vega How to Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGnQLrg16l8
My Post on my Procedure:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51040376&postcount=392
Odin3 (v3.09)
http://www.chip.de/downloads/Odin3_12992520.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you tripped the KNOX flag you might as well just update to 4.4.2 and re-root it. It's just that much better :good:

Trying it again....
nicholaschum said:
Since you tripped the KNOX flag you might as well just update to 4.4.2 and re-root it. It's just that much better :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where you are right you are right but I got another Note 3 which I am going to try again using the Root de la Vega Method.
MJ1 Firmware
Just trying to figure out what I could have done wrong on my first Note 3. Anyone have any Ideas? Maybe I used the wrong firmware. Will try it this time with a MJ1 Firmware. On the first one I will go ahead and upgrade to KitKat. Just wondering what the best way is?
Anyone have any thoughts on these two issues?

[MOVED] Just got 4.4.2 ATT Note 3 N900AUC. Rooting options?

[redacted] question was in regards to ATT variant. Please kindly remove thread
If you would like to help me..I would appreciate it here!: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=52107137

stanleyopar2000 said:
hello everyone! today I just got my Note 3 N900a. with 4.4.2 KK today.I would like to root but I don't really know where to start as I don't want to brick this device. my G Pro is rooted and custom flashed but this is my first time dealing with Knox. so I have a few questions before I dive in:
1. Will Kingo root my Note 3 and not trip knox or UVDLV work better?..what about CF-Autoroot?.I heard sammy caught on so it might not work..but I saw that it will work but still trip knox? i'm rather confused here.. My AP is N900AUCUCNC2.
2. IF I DO GET ROOT PRIVILEGES. I know that I can't flash a custom recovery and there is an ongoing bounty to unlock the bootloader. So is it safe to use safetrap and will it affect knox? Or will safestrap remove my Recovery? (On my old S4 I did the mistake of Goomanagering a recovery and wiped my stock recovery but It still worked fine haha..just couldn't update or it would go into ODIN loop..which I could get out of) I will probably want to flash a custom de-bloated KK TW ROM if I do get the chance. I used safestrap on my old Razr M but is it different now? I sound like a total idiot right now but before the Note 3 I pretty much am a confident android power user but what scares me is that while I was using my G Pro, my friend from work had a Note 3 and he bricked it and now he's stuck using his Note 2. I don't want to make a critical mistake. If a more experienced user could guide me and show me what my options are or what I have to work with I would love you forever! XD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best answer I can give you is to check in HERE at the ATT Note 3 forum and ask, since this is the international forum for the N900/N9005 we have limited to no knowledge of other models.

oh schitt.....can someone delete this thread..my apologies

[ROOT] [INFO] Root Methods available for most Tab 4's

Turning this into a central root method & information thread as there are more than one root method available now as well as the issue of the lack of root for some models.
VROOT - Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 only
For the Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 models there is currently one root method reported to work, it's a bit more complicated in that you have to go through extra steps to use your preferred SU app instead of the one that's included in the root method.
If you are interested the method is VROOT and here is a thread by ShinySide which explains how to use it:
The search continues for a better root method and you can check this thread for more info, If/when a better root is obtained I will update this post with the info.
Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 & 10.1 root methods
For the Galaxy Tab 8.0 and 10.1 models there are currently 2 root methods available. The first one that came out was the popular CF-Auto-Root by Chainfire and more recently is Towelroot by Geohot. Please support these devs by donating to them and/or buying their apps.
I'm listing Towelroot first because:
1. I've personally tested it and verified it works on my own Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 WiFi (SM-T330NU)
2. It seems to be easier (it was very easy)
3. It does not seem to trip the KNOX counter (did not for me in any case)
Towelroot
There is a new root method developed by Geohot called Towelroot.
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/breaking-geohot-roots-the-verizon-galaxy-s5-with-towelroot/
Originally designed for the AT&T & Verizon Galaxy S5 and Note 3 it seems that this root method works on many other phones and devices. From what I understand it should work on most KitKat devices with a Kernel dated before 03 June 2014.
What this means is that even if you don't want to root right now but you want the option to root later you should not take an OTA update for your tablet unless you've verified that you can still root post-update. Likewise if you are rooted (no matter what method) it's recommended that you never take an OTA update because you should always assume that root will be lost (and may not be obtainable again) and in some extreme cases taking an OTA on a rooted device can brick your device.
I used Towelroot on my Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 WiFi (SM-T330NU) and it worked like a charm.
Here's the thread with more information which also includes Geohot's PayPal information.
CF-Auto-Root
Chainfire has released CF-Auto-Root for the Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 and Galaxy Tab 4 10.1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=52846251&highlight=sm-t330nu#post52846251
The files and instructions for how to use them are located on his site:
http://autoroot.chainfire.eu/
Please make sure you read all the disclaimers and warnings on his site and make sure you get the correct Auto-Root for your device.
SM-T330 - Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 WiFi
SM-T330NU - Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 WiFi
SM-T331 - Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 3G (HSPA)
SM-T335 - Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 LTE
SM-T337T - Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 T-Mobile
SM-T530 - Galaxy Tab 4 10.1 WiFi
SM-T530NU - Galaxy Tab 4 10.1 WiFi
SM-T531 - Galaxy Tab 4 10.1 3G (HSPA)
SM-T535 - Galaxy Tab 4 10.1 LTE
I don't know what the difference is between the Tx30 and Tx30NU, just make sure you get the correct one for your tablet model.
If you have a carrier-specific version (if you got your tablet from AT&T for example) you may (probably do) have a different model number and you should triple check to make sure your model matches before attempting to use any of these files.
Your model number might be visible on a sticker on the back of the tablet (it was for me) but in any case you should be able to find it in Settings - General - About Device.
Hope this was helpful, all credit for these root methods goes tot he creators of the methods.

Info combined into original post.

error to me, when i'm trying to root.

Do you have a method and a Custom ROM to flash on the Galaxy Tab 4 8 T330NU (asking you since you have the same tablet as me, you maybe have found a rom to flash on ?!?!)

poudigne said:
Do you have a method and a Custom ROM to flash on the Galaxy Tab 4 8 T330NU (asking you since you have the same tablet as me, you maybe have found a rom to flash on ?!?!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Towelroot to root mine. I am not aware of any custom ROMs or recoveries that are available yet.

raitchison said:
I used Towelroot to root mine. I am not aware of any custom ROMs or recoveries that are available yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can add SM-T337T to Chainfire list.
T-Mobile LTE 8 inch

raitchison said:
Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 & 10.1 root methods
I'm listing Towelroot first because:
1. I've personally tested it and verified it works on my own Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 WiFi (SM-T330NU)
2. It seems to be easier (it was very easy)
3. It does not seem to trip the KNOX counter (did not for me in any case)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least I'm getting an error when I try to search for a new firmware, telling me that this firmware had been altered. Used towelroot on my SM-T530NU as well.
How can I tell if KNOX counter got up?

husky69 said:
At least I'm getting an error when I try to search for a new firmware, telling me that this firmware had been altered. Used towelroot on my SM-T530NU as well.
How can I tell if KNOX counter got up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your OTA or most official updates will fail if you are rooted, it does't mean you have tripped KNOX.
To verify if you have or haven't tripped KNOX you boot into the bootloader, if it says "KNOX WARRANTY VOID 0x0" that means you have not tripped KNOX, If it says "KNOX WARRANTY VOID 0x1" then KNOX is tripped.

raitchison said:
So your OTA or most official updates will fail if you are rooted, it does't mean you have tripped KNOX.
To verify if you have or haven't tripped KNOX you boot into the bootloader, if it says "KNOX WARRANTY VOID 0x0" that means you have not tripped KNOX, If it says "KNOX WARRANTY VOID 0x1" then KNOX is tripped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55405627&postcount=95&nocache=1&z=2483499539084732

husky69 said:
At least I'm getting an error when I try to search for a new firmware, telling me that this firmware had been altered. Used towelroot on my SM-T530NU as well.
How can I tell if KNOX counter got up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What shows your counter Knox ?

need help
Phone unit: Samsung Tab 4 SM-T231
Android version: 4.4.2
Baseband version: T231XXU0ANE2
LINK TO VOLD.FSTAB:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-eC3fXZBPkcRERVR0RmdU9rZVE/view?usp=sharing
would highly appreciate once modified vold.fstab is done please send to [email protected]
MORE POWER, THANKS A LOT IN ADVANCE!!!!!

hay
srsroot works also ----> srsroot.com

thelous said:
srsroot works also ----> srsroot.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this method also work with an updated tab with new kernel? (SM-T230)

sunsettrack4 said:
Does this method also work with an updated tab with new kernel? (SM-T230)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can test, srsroot is 100% risk free. Sometimes it says that root succesfully instslled but doesnt reslly work :/

[Q] VZW GN3 SM-N900V 4.4.3 ROM Install?

Hey guys,
I've got a Verizon Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N900V) running 4.4.2 and "NC4" which I believe is the kernel version? It's the last 3 digits of the baseband and build number, so I think I've got that right.
At any rate, I've rooted and installed custom ROMS before on a past phone(EVO 4G, HTC One, LG Optimus), but never a Samsung. Currently the phone is rooted (used Towel Root) so that's a plus. I'd just like to install a 4.4.3 ROM so I can connect the phone to my new head unit in my car - which only supports 4.4.3. So my questions are as follows:
-Which STOCK 4.4.3 ROM would you suggest? Basically I just want to be able to "upgrade" to 4.4.3 but keep it otherwise stock.
-Do I need to use ODIN to flash a different kernel first, since I've got NC4? (For the life of me I couldn't figure this out) If so, can someone provide a bit of clarity on this?
Thank you.

Samsung S5 - Lollipop - can i downgrade back to KitKat

Hi Guys,
I stupidly got excited and installed the official Lollipop (S5 on THREE UK network) update when i was notified.
BUT...
I want to go back to KitKat as i preferred it (i wont go into reasons why)
Is there a downgrade path for me, either officially or unofficially?> I dont think there is at the moment.
Thanks guys!

Yep, this forum is literally packed with instructions on how to do it, a simple search will bring up what you need

hi thanks, i thought with the new protected bootloader i didnt think it possible.
this is what i read:
Note: The G900FXXU1BNL9 Android 5.0 Lollipop update comes with a protected bootloader it is clearly emphasize that the “SE for Android Status – Enforcing” that might cause issues when you try to downgrade to the old software updates. This also applies if you are planning into rooting and installs any custom recovery and any unsigned firmware once you are on Android 5.0 Lollipop , so please be aware with that.

manikm303 said:
hi thanks, i thought with the new protected bootloader i didnt think it possible.
this is what i read:
Note: The G900FXXU1BNL9 Android 5.0 Lollipop update comes with a protected bootloader it is clearly emphasize that the “SE for Android Status – Enforcing” that might cause issues when you try to downgrade to the old software updates. This also applies if you are planning into rooting and installs any custom recovery and any unsigned firmware once you are on Android 5.0 Lollipop , so please be aware with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yesterday I tried out AllianceROM 6.0 and a few hours ago I went back to 4.4.2 'cause I liked it better than Lollipop. Here's what I did :
1. Enter Download Mode and flash STOCK 4.4.2 KitKat firmware in Odin (I used 3.10.6) and let it start booting.
2. It won't boot, this is normal (I panicked when this happened though ).
3. Go to recovery and factory reset/wipe data your phone.
4. Now hit reboot in recovery and your phone will boot up again (YAY :sun.
5. OPTIONAL : If you've made a nandroid backup before going to 5.0 you can now flash TWRP and restore it over your STOCK 4.4.2 KitKat firmware.
Hope I helped Let me know if it works out for you!

SUCCESS!!!
All sorted.
The hardest part was finding a link to the rom. sammobile kept giving me a gateway 502 error.
im now back to kitkat, AND no THREE UK rubbish.

manikm303 said:
SUCCESS!!!
All sorted.
The hardest part was finding a link to the rom. sammobile kept giving me a gateway 502 error.
im now back to kitkat, AND no THREE UK rubbish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol.....so which firmware did you flash? I'm with 3 as well......though for me, all the 3 c**p was frozen with TiBu as soon as I rooted (along with 100+ other 'system' apps too)......I don't want/need all that knox/Samsung/Google rubbish either.......lol
Sent from my rooted kn0x0 SM-G900F S5

I used a stock Samsung 4.4.2 btu mate...took me forever to find a good link though
Still got the Samsung rubbish on it though but I prefer an official rom to a 3rd party one.

Guide me Please
manikm303 said:
I used a stock Samsung 4.4.2 btu mate...took me forever to find a good link though
Still got the Samsung rubbish on it though but I prefer an official rom to a 3rd party one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okey so i want to downgrade mine s5 from Lolipop to Kitkat 4.4.2. But i wonder if i breaks my varanty and can you make like an min guide and add the links you used also please
Would be really helpful since i'm not sure on where to download the things required. And can i get the Stock samsung 4.4.2, whitout messing up anything, incase i turn my phone in for repairs some time and what not. (cause they can complain that you have touched up stuff in the programs ect )
i appriciate any help peace

answer
hey guys i just followed this tutorial to downgrade it was so easy took several minutes now im running kitkat again yaaay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glNRCuH4Yyw