Database Users

Rooted MDL Now to MF9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note 2 - 4.3 Update coming soon:

Well instead of me writing, here is the link:
http://www.guru3d.com/news_story/galaxy_s4s3note_2_getting_4_3_gear_support_in_the_coming_weeks.html
I hope someone can leak out the final built for the n7105 section... I live in Australia, if America is getting it in a couple of weeks it means I'm getting it in a couple of years so we would appreciate the leak once it's released.

new thread, subsribed!!
via Note2

agreed mate
electroking said:
Well instead of me writing, here is the link:
http://www.guru3d.com/news_story/galaxy_s4s3note_2_getting_4_3_gear_support_in_the_coming_weeks.html
I hope someone can leak out the final built for the n7105 section... I live in Australia, if America is getting it in a couple of weeks it means I'm getting it in a couple of years so we would appreciate the leak once it's released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im the same live in brissy been trying the at&t version seanz rom everything works but dont have wifi due to bootloader issues be sweet once that is sorted the rom is butter smooth but no wifi is the killer as vodafone data sucks nuts on 4g where i am

This is the update schedule for American carriers. Does that mean that unlocked phones will get it sooner? I hope so. I only just bought the note 2 (Best decision ever) and would love it to be running on 4.3 ASAP.

mattytheflasher said:
im the same live in brissy been trying the at&t version seanz rom everything works but dont have wifi due to bootloader issues be sweet once that is sorted the rom is butter smooth but no wifi is the killer as vodafone data sucks nuts on 4g where i am
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Brizzy too and I'll second or third that if its the only way we can get it? Sorry for the possibly stupid question, but is it true that if you have rooted and installed a custom rom, then you won't get the push update from your carrier anyway?... so.... the only way to get 4.3 on my (and I assume your rooted phone) is via custom rom download?

whokilledsanta said:
I live in Brizzy too and I'll second or third that if its the only way we can get it? Sorry for the possibly stupid question, but is it true that if you have rooted and installed a custom rom, then you won't get the push update from your carrier anyway?... so.... the only way to get 4.3 on my (and I assume your rooted phone) is via custom rom download?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or if you go back to stock.
have issues with the ota updater as soon as i root my device. The moment i do that i get the message that my device has been changed and i cannot use the updater then. if i flash stock withouth root i don't have this issue.
reckon its best to make a backup of your apps with TB or any similar program when the official update is available, then flash back stock (no root) and update, afterwards simply restore your normal (non-system) apps and your ready

I'm in Aus too, but the official story (courtesy of Telstra) is that there won't be any updates as of JB 4.1.2, unless there's sufficient backlash ...

morph000 said:
I'm in Aus too, but the official story (courtesy of Telstra) is that there won't be any updates as of JB 4.1.2, unless there's sufficient backlash ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer you and the gentleman above... Australia will probably be the last country on earth to get the update as usual. So we might have to reside to getting it of some kind developer who uploads it here somewhere.
If you do wish to get updates you should go back to stock firmware (probably the first backup you made for your telstra 4.1.2) doesn't matter if it's rooted. Connect your phone to the PC and have KIES installed. Click update firmware and update (done, it will automatically unroot your phone and put back the stock recovery). You can easily update after that.
If anyone finds any android 4.3 working please update us here as soon as you can with a link to the page. If I find a working ROM for the official android 4.3 TW ROM I'll post it here too.

I don't think Aussie tel companies will well I don't have high hopes when it comes to Samsung I've always had HTC and Samsung and it's always the same get f all. I'm using 4.3.1 carbon I use GMD spen features for spen control and gestures don't use stock Sammy apps anyway.. just the 4.3 would be good because it's smooth as
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk

I like the update 4.3 but ill want rom without knox. I need root
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

Well now...I've been holding off playing with rooting my phone (as I'm new to 'droid and have an awful lot to learn, but have come a LONG way in 2 weeks) as I was expecting Telstra to release an update. Since that appears NOT to be forthcoming, Ill consider the various root options, none of which are particularly appealing at the moment mainly as it seems no-one has a stock ROM for this phone online and I can't backup mine without root. Catch 22 it seems. Information on locked bootloaders, Telstra ROM mods, rooting the 7105 "T" version is VERY limited
So...if anyone happens to have a link for a ROM copy please let me know.
(Or info on a rooting technique that works)

Ultimately every one on xda will be using the custom 4.3 rom for the note 3 goodies because Samsung will not be releasing those features in it's official release
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

morph000 said:
Well now...I've been holding off playing with rooting my phone (as I'm new to 'droid and have an awful lot to learn, but have come a LONG way in 2 weeks) as I was expecting Telstra to release an update. Since that appears NOT to be forthcoming, Ill consider the various root options, none of which are particularly appealing at the moment mainly as it seems no-one has a stock ROM for this phone online and I can't backup mine without root. Catch 22 it seems. Information on locked bootloaders, Telstra ROM mods, rooting the 7105 "T" version is VERY limited
So...if anyone happens to have a link for a ROM copy please let me know.
(Or info on a rooting technique that works)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay I will explain what I done for you...
When I first rooted my Galaxy Note 2 in May, I was a new-comer to android, I had an iPhone for a long time. What I done was root my phone, I Odin installed TWRP after rooting because I really don't like CWM (those are the names of the 'recoveries' available), they will replace the default Samsung recovery. Just make sure you get TWRP. I think it's up to TWRP 2.6.3
Well yeah let's get back to the topic, as soon as I rooted I used TWRP to make a backup of my default Telstra ROM (completely with EFS, MODEM, basically tick everything you can possibly backup).
I took that backup and put it on my laptop and on my PC and I kept a copy on my external card the whole time. That was the best idea, any time I ever had any problems with my phone I went back to that backup. I even soft bricked my phone once and after hours of panicking I realised I can just Re-install the default backup, and it fixed my phone.
Oh and I just recently un-rooted my phone to check for updates. All I done was use SuperSU to do an UNROOT. Then went into recover, restored the original backup I made of the Telstra ROM. Plugged my phone into the PC, and used Samsung KIES to check for firmware update. It just restarted my phone, removed TWRP recovery, re-installed the samsung one, and it removed the root completely and I'm basically went back to my original telstra ROM. I can go into settings and check for updates and everything. (I can confirm there is no update as of yet).
AS for your other QUESTION.
ALL THE ROMS in the N7105 Section will WORK with your N7105T Model. It's the same thing. JUST WATCH OUT and make sure you never install N7100 ROMS (They will soft-brick and could hard-brick your phone).

Thanks for the input.
I've been considering between 3, namely CF AutoRoot, Galaxy Note Toolkit And (exploit based) Framaroot, with a bias towards Toolkit so far ( as it specifies the 7105 "T" variant).
But if you've actually ODINed a GT-7105T (Telstra) with CWP without issues, I'll certainly consider that.
Any one else care to chime in on this (if you've done the same phone/telco only though !)
I've come far enough to understand rooting,boot processes, CWM/TWRP, exploits AND the importance of picking the exact model !:laugh:
I'll take the plunge when I get enough input to decide.

morph000 said:
Thanks for the input.
I've been considering between 3, namely CF AutoRoot, Galaxy Note Toolkit And (exploit based) Framaroot, with a bias towards Toolkit so far ( as it specifies the 7105 "T" variant).
But if you've actually ODINed a GT-7105T (Telstra) with CWP without issues, I'll certainly consider that.
Any one else care to chime in on this (if you've done the same phone/telco only though !)
I've come far enough to understand rooting,boot processes, CWM/TWRP, exploits AND the importance of picking the exact model !:laugh:
I'll take the plunge when I get enough input to decide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that hard really, you can't really mess it up if you follow the instructions... Hey root it whichever way you see fit, whatever you think is easier for you, don't listen to me. But I do highly recommend you get TWRP for backing up and formatting and installing your ROMS. Also I recommend PAC-MAN it's a good ROM, but it's not very stable at the moment (kind of).

electroking said:
It's not that hard really, you can't really mess it up if you follow the instructions... Hey root it whichever way you see fit, whatever you think is easier for you, don't listen to me. But I do highly recommend you get TWRP for backing up and formatting and installing your ROMS. Also I recommend PAC-MAN it's a good ROM, but it's not very stable at the moment (kind of).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't take offense at my asking for multiple inputs. I just don't want to brick at $600 phone needlessly
I've now sourced a ROM from Sammobile and downloaded it last night.
I'm backing up settings and stuff tonight and will run with Galaxy Note 2 Toolkit tomorrow (I went PRO) and go for option 3 - THE LOT !
Hopefully it'll all go ok.

morph000 said:
Don't take offense at my asking for multiple inputs. I just don't want to brick at $600 phone needlessly
I've now sourced a ROM from Sammobile and downloaded it last night.
I'm backing up settings and stuff tonight and will run with Galaxy Note 2 Toolkit tomorrow (I went PRO) and go for option 3 - THE LOT !
Hopefully it'll all go ok.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha you don't go pro over night my friend. Hope it all went all, if you have any issues or like to share your experience with the ROMS let us know.

electroking said:
Haha you don't go pro over night my friend. Hope it all went all, if you have any issues or like to share your experience with the ROMS let us know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I did the deed last night with Toolkit PRO and it all went smoothly. No Telstra or Samsung nasties reared their heads PLUS there wasn't a yellow triangle either !
That's the trouble with being in Oz. It's such a small market and REAL information is very hard to come by...so one is very cautious !
Anyway thanks for your assistance :victory:

morph000 said:
Well, I did the deed last night with Toolkit PRO and it all went smoothly. No Telstra or Samsung nasties reared their heads PLUS there wasn't a yellow triangle either !
That's the trouble with being in Oz. It's such a small market and REAL information is very hard to come by...so one is very cautious !
Anyway thanks for your assistance :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Odin flashed mine straight out of the box before I even set it up pulled backup and kept stock rom for warranty only.. these phones are pretty much unbrickable to an extent just don't go trying flashing n7100 roms and you'll be fine at&t roms are ok too just don't flash their bootloaders or even try to.. I change roms daily and have for like the last 2 years on my original note plus HTC's if your unsure on anything this place is helpful more than bloody Samsung
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk

Sammobile: 4.3 is rolling out for the S3.

New to S4

How's it going? I am upgrading to the S4 coming from the e4gt on Thursday. I've flashed just about everything there is for the e4gt, but would like to know what is recommended for starting out with this phone. What recovery do you recommend? I've downloaded the cf autoroot which I plan on using, and also the cwm jfltespr 6.0.3.6. Is this the best route for getting started? Thanks in advance.

Welcome over bt.
If you're going to stay on 4.2 then TWRP 2..5.0.2 has proven best for me and most others. TWRP-Recovery-jfltespr-2.5.0.2
If you're going to jump in to 4.3 (and I suspect you will) then use Philz CWM based recovery. philz_touch_5.18.2-jfltespr.tar
Just know that if you take the OTA or Odin 4.3 there is NO going back to 4.2 because of the Knox bootloader.
You can however run 4.3 on 4.2 firmware (non Knox tripped bootloader).
Many of the usual Sammy stuff caveats are the same. biggest difference is that Kernels are seperated from Recoveries. Making it easy to mix and match.
Flashing is a breeze, developers here are great - many came from the e4gt and S3. Same with the contributors and others.
Take some time to read through the posts and you'll soon get a good handle on it.
Have fun!

Hey, i remember you. It's great to see you here. How do I avoid the ota? Can I freeze system updates in tb or for toolbox? Also, what rom do you recommend that I try first? I was looking at the carbon rom, but will try 4.2 first because it looks like they have the save data issues on 4.3 like the e4gt. I will miss all the guys on project x.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

btvolta said:
Hey, i remember you. It's great to see you here. How do I avoid the ota? Can I freeze system updates in tb or for toolbox? Also, what rom do you recommend that I try first? I was looking at the carbon rom, but will try 4.2 first because it looks like they have the save data issues on 4.3 like the e4gt. I will miss all the guys on project x.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you install a custom recovery and kernel you won't be able to take the OTA - it may download but shouldn't install. I use TB to freeze Sprint Installer and Sprint Zone. Sprint Installer is a really sneaky app - it goes out and grabs all their crapware and just loads it up!.
I'd recommend Any of the 4.2 ROMs if you'd like to mess around - Sac, Unknownforce, Negamann's and of course rujelus22's.
For 4.3 I'd say give those guys a go too; just be sure to do it without tripping the Knox counter - using custom recovery and flashing ROM that has the knox bootloader removed.
For CM/AOSP type there are some pretty good ones too.Carbon, Sniper and Garwynn have some builds up. I like to try them but I'm a TW guy - I have to have everything working flawlessly for business so even small things like no 4G, no sms or the like make using them for my daily driver still out of the question for now.

leaderbuilder said:
If you install a custom recovery and kernel you won't be able to take the OTA - it may download but shouldn't install. I use TB to freeze Sprint Installer and Sprint Zone. Sprint Installer is a really sneaky app - it goes out and grabs all their crapware and just loads it up!.
I'd recommend Any of the 4.2 ROMs if you'd like to mess around - Sac, Unknownforce, Negamann's and of course rujelus22's.
For 4.3 I'd say give those guys a go too; just be sure to do it without tripping the Knox counter - using custom recovery and flashing ROM that has the knox bootloader removed.
For CM/AOSP type there are some pretty good ones too.Carbon, Sniper and Garwynn have some builds up. I like to try them but I'm a TW guy - I have to have everything working flawlessly for business so even small things like no 4G, no sms or the like make using them for my daily driver still out of the question for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a chance my phone will come with the 4.3 already installed?

btvolta said:
Is there a chance my phone will come with the 4.3 already installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A friend of mine just bought the S4 two days ago and maybe he was lucky but it was still on 4.2 But don't know if that's the case with all of them.
GS4 Stock Rooted MJA 4.3,Philz Touch CWM,HotSpot Mod,Transparent Weather Widget,8SMS(Stock Messaging,KitKat)

btvolta said:
Is there a chance my phone will come with the 4.3 already installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as @BIGSAMDA1ST said, there is that possibility. Really depends on the supplier and how deep their inventory is.
If is on 4.2, after initial setup it will surely try and update to 4.3 if you let it - I wouldn't. But that's just me. I'd keep it 4.2 and go the 'non-knox' route to 4.3.

btvolta said:
Is there a chance my phone will come with the 4.3 already installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome!
I just got mine on Monday Pre Balck Friday Sale, been on E4GT bricked 3, 4th the power button broke and the E4GT was BO so the bumped me to GS3 was rooted running Cyan 11 4.4 kitkat, PA Gapps, Xposed 128 DPI then the Pre Sale .96 cent's upgraded to this GS4. Monday got it and a hour later the 4.3 OTA was pushed to the phone.
I do have to say this is a Big Learning Curve because a lot of the customization i was used to do on my phone is already stock on this phone.
Been researching trying to figure what exactly to do but also been running tests to see what improvements Sprint and or the phone has made for me. I agree with Leaderbuilder " I have to have everything working flawlessly for business so even small things like no 4G, no sms or the like make using them for my daily driver still out of the question for now".
Everything has seemed to be running great my wife upgraded from Galaxy S "GB" love ginger just not as a OP. Spending a lot of time finding how things work for her and have yet to set my phone up or let it settle in. I say all this to say "what I've read" in all different posts is there is possibly 1 stable 4.4 rom and just now trying to compare the benefit for me rooting. I know removing bloatware but it doesn't seem to be messing the phone up like it did on E4GT, battery life? What I've seen this is pretty good. So take your time get your phone and get used to it I think those of us who came from E4GT was used to having a "fairly good" phone and rooting to make it better however this seems to be at a different level.

I just moved from the Epic 4G to an S4. Still really missing my slide-out keyboard...
I bought my S4 a week ago and it came with 4.2.2. I had NO clue about the Knox BS, and doing a quick Google for 4.3 issues did not bring it up, so I took the OTA update. BIG mistake... Especially since I need to root to run ARLiberator.
Thankfully, my Sprint dealer is great, and after finding they could not roll it back, gave me a direct exchange to a new S4 with 4.2.2. If they would not have done that, I would have exchanged it for a white one to get back to 4.2.2.
Sooo, to sum it up, as of yesterday, it was possible to still get an S4 with 4.2.2 without Knox on it.

VaderSS said:
I just moved from the Epic 4G to an S4. Still really missing my slide-out keyboard...
I bought my S4 a week ago and it came with 4.2.2. I had NO clue about the Knox BS, and doing a quick Google for 4.3 issues did not bring it up, so I took the OTA update. BIG mistake... Especially since I need to root to run ARLiberator.
Thankfully, my Sprint dealer is great, and after finding they could not roll it back, gave me a direct exchange to a new S4 with 4.2.2. If they would not have done that, I would have exchanged it for a white one to get back to 4.2.2.
Sooo, to sum it up, as of yesterday, it was possible to still get an S4 with 4.2.2 without Knox on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chalk it up to me being an old 48 gray haired (although consider myself pretty good searcher) What exactly is Knox and why/not want or want it?What is the issue with taking the OTA update? Layman's terms? My sprint store has really cool tech's but they know nothing about rooting and all different issues. Always like playing with my phone for a bit and never get pissed if I get an issue they can't resolve.
Should I not have done the OTA update? I'm trying to determine if I actually want to root or not because things have seemed good so far.
Main 4.4 item i wanted was "OK Google" but I've got that on my stock phone, sure 128 dpi would be great but if it really worth it for me? I'm still out to lunch on that one.

VaderSS said:
I just moved from the Epic 4G to an S4. Still really missing my slide-out keyboard...
I bought my S4 a week ago and it came with 4.2.2. I had NO clue about the Knox BS, and doing a quick Google for 4.3 issues did not bring it up, so I took the OTA update. BIG mistake... Especially since I need to root to run ARLiberator.
Thankfully, my Sprint dealer is great, and after finding they could not roll it back, gave me a direct exchange to a new S4 with 4.2.2. If they would not have done that, I would have exchanged it for a white one to get back to 4.2.2.
Sooo, to sum it up, as of yesterday, it was possible to still get an S4 with 4.2.2 without Knox on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying you can't root it because of the update? I believe you still can.

btvolta said:
Are you saying you can't root it because of the update? I believe you still can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jtsv said:
Chalk it up to me being an old 48 gray haired (although consider myself pretty good searcher) What exactly is Knox and why/not want or want it?What is the issue with taking the OTA update? Layman's terms? My sprint store has really cool tech's but they know nothing about rooting and all different issues. Always like playing with my phone for a bit and never get pissed if I get an issue they can't resolve.
Should I not have done the OTA update? I'm trying to determine if I actually want to root or not because things have seemed good so far.
Main 4.4 item i wanted was "OK Google" but I've got that on my stock phone, sure 128 dpi would be great but if it really worth it for me? I'm still out to lunch on that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OTA update installs the Knox boot loader which cannot be rolled back. Once on it, you are on it for good, at least at present.
Knox adds a tattle-tale, so that if you root in the conventional, "fully rooted" manner, install a custom recovery, rom, or kernel, it will trip a flag, titled "Knox Warranty Void" which cannot, at present, be reset. which also breaks certain functionality in the phone. If you don't care about tripping this flag, it looks like you can still mod your phone as before.
There is a way to partially root in spite of Knox, without tripping the flag, but this method may open your phone up in ways you don't want to do. This is still under investigation.
Personally, I did not want a non-resetable flag telling Sprint/Samsung that I had modded my phone... That in itself was enough to make me return the phone.

Thank you for explaining now you have given me more to think about. Why do they care since warranties still cover rooting? Also makes me have something else to add to the puzzle do I root or not. Most things I was rooting for are now stock so I will continue to think about now knowing about the Knox.

Hello BTVOLTA...looking fwd to being here as well. Coming from the E4GT myself this evening and am looking forward to the stuff this thing has the ability to do:thumbup:

btoddweber said:
Hello BTVOLTA...looking fwd to being here as well. Coming from the E4GT myself this evening and am looking forward to the stuff this thing has the ability to do:thumbup:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm waiting in line right now
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

jtsv said:
Thank you for explaining now you have given me more to think about. Why do they care since warranties still cover rooting? Also makes me have something else to add to the puzzle do I root or not. Most things I was rooting for are now stock so I will continue to think about now knowing about the Knox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the knox bootloader is big if you are worried about warranty issus and if may need to run 4.2 ROMs.
If you don't think you ever will have either of those situations then that shouldn't matter.
Knox also does have some cool stuff for the corporate world - high security container for applications etc. It's essentially a secure 'sandbox'. I think you'll find many more corps. insisting on an using it. I know my brothers company gave him an S4 with knox for just that reason - secure email/CRM container and connection. This guy had the need too.
But for me I really am pissed that, if needed, I could not set my device to factory original.
Just one more thing an entity will use to keep from supporting a hardware problem they should own by blaming me.
I've had phones with bad radios (GPS part) that needed warranty replacement and one time was told no because I had a custom ROM and the problem was my ROM or my fault for 'destroying' the chip. I promplty went back around the corner flashed a stock .tar and walked back in and proved it to be the hardware.
All that being said this is so far the best phone I've had. And the developers and support folks here are great.
Welcom over y'all and have some fun.

Just got mine and I guess while I was looking foe a case they pushed the update while setting up my s4.
Any advice on what to do?

Depending on the inventory your new one may come with MF9. If so you can just use cf-autoroot to root install a custom recovery and go from there. There is a thread on how to update that firmware (modem and radio) without tripping the knox counter.
To keep it from updating don't take any 'Sprint Firmware updates' during install. You can root right away and then use Titanium to freez the sprint installer and sprint zone to keep the update at bay.
If it comes with MJA you can still root and then install custom recovery. You will just not be able to run a 4.2 ROM stock (using Odin).

Yeah thats the issue part says dont care othet says dont need security issue but its nice to be safe amd secure. Bricked 3 E4GT andb4th power button broke but all covered by insurance when they upgraded me to GS3 and then I needed a new phone and got the Gs4.
My 3 was running Cyan 11 w/4.4 kitkat and Xposed 128 dpi. I have almost everything I was used to with root with this stock except the 128 dpi so Im trying to figure if I just need to play it safe for a while or not.
I'm irritated by the play store every time I try to install with it pulling 1 of 3 error codes ever since upgraded to 4.3 so part of me wants to just root to 4.4 since I know how it runs but Ive only found 1 stable 4.4 available and not too familiar of roms since my experience is from E4GT and Gs3 days.
My first thoughts are if I know I may have issues and create more issues with my phone with Knox then why even bother?
Last clarification if I root Knox then acts like the old odin counter and or it also will keep me from flashing unroot back to stock? Kinda if can't reboot back to stock then if I softbrick and need help im on my own where as in past I still got help from sprint tech support and insurance because they couldn't prove I rooted an csused the issue.
Knox makes it permanent like water damage sticker with iOs?

btoddweber said:
Just got mine and I guess while I was looking foe a case they pushed the update while setting up my s4.
Any advice on what to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was all over it, made sure they didn't push the update. I now have it frozen, and I flashed beanstalk. It's running great so far. It seems though that none of the nice features that come with this phone are on this ROM. Next I will look to flash another kernel and then comadose. BTW, the recovery I installed B is Philz. It appears that if you want to use some of the nice stock options, probably need flash a TW ROM.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

Here's a little Help on getting root on N900A KK (not my Work)

First I Downgraded from MLG to MJ5 then rooted with Kingoapp and installed the SAFESTRAP as a recovery. [Will wipe EVERYTHING]
First Downgraded - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2559715
Sec Root - http://www.kingoapp.com/
Third Safestrap Recovery - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572978
Forth Flash Rom AOPS - http://galaxynote3root.com/att-galaxy-note-3-roms/dynamic-kat-xtreme-rom-for-att-galaxy-note-3/
All of this worked for me Hope this helps
Tell me if this works for you and if different 4.4.2 roms work...

this is amazeballz...this actually worked lol

Lizzo said:
this is amazeballz...this actually worked lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What build # did you have?
Sent from my SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

any chance this will work on nc2?

juman097 said:
First I Downgraded from MLG to MJ5 then rooted with Kingoapp and installed the SAFESTRAP as a recovery. [Will wipe EVERYTHING]
First Downgraded - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2559715
Sec Root - http://www.kingoapp.com/
Third Safestrap Recovery - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572978
Forth Flash Rom AOPS - http://galaxynote3root.com/att-galaxy-note-3-roms/dynamic-kat-xtreme-rom-for-att-galaxy-note-3/
All of this worked for me Hope this helps
Tell me if this works for you and if different 4.4.2 roms work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tyvm for at least something for me to *try* today
just unboxed a Note3, was hoping for 4.3 randomly but as expected got 4.4.2.
I'm going in.

Tell me if it works for you. I'm going to be trying it on my other note 3 that has nc2 soon.
Sent from my SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

BryanMicon said:
Tyvm for at least something for me to *try* today
just unboxed a Note3, was hoping for 4.3 randomly but as expected got 4.4.2.
I'm going in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just received my Note 3 today from AT&T and luckily it had 4.3 on it.

First "Fail" msg of the day
So I'm a "new" member and can't post links so imagine you didn't have to copy-paste this: m.imgur.com/3Ln2tdq
to see a screen that says Odin Fails on my computer + this msg on the 'droid:
UDC START
SW REV CHECK FAIL: [aboot]Fused 3 > Binary 2
I put all the required files on the SD Card, but maybe made a mistake when it says here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2559715 [step 1, the rollback]
"Put everything except for the system.img on your external SD card"
does that mean everything in the "system" folder? deleting / firing again.... any help is of course massively appreciated.
I have bitcoin, so I'm down to tip for relevant info

It doesn't work for NC2!

Nevermind, this piece of crap is going back to ATT.
I have the 'ole NC2 and I think that means it's unrootable for now
*#1234# to check yours
so sad that us humans can make such brilliant devices and greedy corporations destroy them with bloatware and restrictions.
#SadPanda
no way I'm rocking this un-rooted. Back to the drawing board...

What ROM is MLG? I don't recognize that. I went from 4.3 right to NC2.

MLG was the leaked KK rom for the note a few weeks ago
Sent from my SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

Id jist warranty it out for software malfunction. No root is a malfunction imo and assurion sends 4.3 devices.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

just got another note and couldn't root. started looking around. is it really (still) true you cant root 4.4.2 nc2??
anyone know if this is a sammy decision or att?? cause this is not okay in my opinion.
so.. i guess.. does anyone have an invite I can have for the 1+ that I could have? Please.
BryanMicon said:
Nevermind, this piece of crap is going back to ATT.
I have the 'ole NC2 and I think that means it's unrootable for now
*#1234# to check yours
so sad that us humans can make such brilliant devices and greedy corporations destroy them with bloatware and restrictions.
#SadPanda
no way I'm rocking this un-rooted. Back to the drawing board...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

For starters, if your on MLG you can always go backwards as long as you didn't flash the boot loader.
2. There may never be root.
3. If you upgraded from NB4 to NC2, I don't feel sorry for you in the slightest. ( I played with a phone that had it, didn't make barely the slightest difference except lock you down even tighter.
4. Why must we post the same kind of threads over and over. ie.. What we don't have root, when's there going to be root. Can I root this 4.4.2. EVERY SINGLE DAY.
5 If you can't handle no root, return it in the 14 day window. Asurion will send a referb phone, which may be OK it may not.
Sent from my SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

Scott

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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