Database Users

[Q] S4 Restore to original MDL version or how to install Fixed Kernel via CWM

Help needed!
Tried to root my Sprint SPH-L720 MDL version (really need to be able to use it as HotSpot like I was using my previous phone) and having issues with getting root access as Sprint has added a SetUID restriction on the kernel with the latest update.
But most important, Good Enterprise stopped working as it detected that phone is rooted or partially rooted (as Titanium Backup gives me a message that it was able to acquire Root Privs – but its UI never opens up). Not having Good Enterprise is not an option for me.
So, decided to go back to Original as seen posts with instructions (these were key for me to move forward with rooting) that it is easy to do, however only know realized that all these ports are using MDC version of Firmware and I could not find Official Firmware for MDL version. Only MDC version available. Ouch!
Question #1: Anyone knows if MDL version of Original Firmware even exists and if yes where to download it? Or should I just use MDC version? Would it work?
If recovery is not available, I could pass this phone to one of my kids but I will need to fix root. To fix root I need to flash new MDL kernel using ODIN & CWM recovery. I have Fixed MDL Kernel, but I could not find instructions on how to flash it.
Question #2: Anyone could point me to the instructions on how to flash Kernel using ODIN and CWM Recovery?
Thank you In advance!

only way right now is to flash mdc and then take the ota.
for some reason Samsung has not released the mdl yet.
kernels you flash in recovery like a rom just read the install instruction in any kernel thread.
there is also an unroot script posted in dev you might try.
for rooting did you odin cf auto root? pretty hard not to root that way.

Can anyone help me figure out why NONE of my safestrap flashes work??

Hi folks. I don't know what I'm doing wrong here. I know I am bound to safestrap at this point but NONE of the safestrap ROMs work for me. I don know what the deal is. I've done probably 5-10 other phones with CWM or TWRP and I never really have too much trouble. I cannot for the life of me get any ROMs to work other than flashing the tar build of the Sammy Stock ROM via Odin. That's the only thing that I can get working. If anyone would help me troubleshoot I would be really grateful. Here is what I have been doing:
1. First ROM was stock Sammy 4.4.4 (i think). whatever the latest that there was for Sammy stock OTA update.
2. Went through days of nonsense after a VZ to ATT phone flash on accident.
3. I now I have Safestrap working when I want it to.
4. Basically my process starts with flashing stock Sammy Rootable 4.4 with Odin
5. Next I root with towl and install safestrap.
6. Then I download and copy ROMs to the SD card.
I do notice that when I install Safestrap, click Install Recovery, it confirms but the second part of the app says "not active". Is that right?

fuzzyreets said:
Hi folks. I don't know what I'm doing wrong here. I know I am bound to safestrap at this point but NONE of the safestrap ROMs work for me. I don know what the deal is. I've done probably 5-10 other phones with CWM or TWRP and I never really have too much trouble. I cannot for the life of me get any ROMs to work other than flashing the tar build of the Sammy Stock ROM via Odin. That's the only thing that I can get working. If anyone would help me troubleshoot I would be really grateful. Here is what I have been doing:
1. First ROM was stock Sammy 4.4.4 (i think). whatever the latest that there was for Sammy stock OTA update.
2. Went through days of nonsense after a VZ to ATT phone flash on accident.
3. I now I have Safestrap working when I want it to.
4. Basically my process starts with flashing stock Sammy Rootable 4.4 with Odin
5. Next I root with towl and install safestrap.
6. Then I download and copy ROMs to the SD card.
I do notice that when I install Safestrap, click Install Recovery, it confirms but the second part of the app says "not active". Is that right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For every ROM i have flashed through Safestrap, I have always had to flash it to the 'stock' slot. Once you Odin to stock (or for me on NB1, I actually odin to MK2 but retain my NB1 kernel) root it, then install safestrap, then reboot into safestrap, wipe everything except sd, and flash the Safestrap compatible TW-based ROM you want from the zip on your extsd into the stock-slot. Then, while still in Safestrap, flash Venom's KitKat magic AT&T modules. At least, that's how I have done it. Follow the Install Instructions section of the [Index] thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
Once you root and get Safestrap installed, you should only use Odin in case you screw up and softbrick and need to get back to your base stock ROM to start the process over again.
Good luck.

manstable said:
For every ROM i have flashed through Safestrap, I have always had to flash it to the 'stock' slot. Once you Odin to stock (or for me on NB1, I actually odin to MK2 but retain my NB1 kernel) root it, then install safestrap, then reboot into safestrap, wipe everything except sd, and flash the Safestrap compatible TW-based ROM you want from the zip on your extsd into the stock-slot. Then, while still in Safestrap, flash Venom's KitKat magic AT&T modules. At least, that's how I have done it. Follow the Install Instructions section of the [Index] thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
Once you root and get Safestrap installed, you should only use Odin in case you screw up and softbrick and need to get back to your base stock ROM to start the process over again.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couple questions about what you wrote....
"Once you Odin to stock (or for me on NB1, I actually odin to MK2 but retain my NB1 kernel)"
This is something I have been trying to understand. What is MK2 vs what is NB1? I don't understand these pieces of this rooting puzzle. In my mind currently I have the Boot puzzle piece which is safestrap at this point and the ROM which is WHATEVER. No?
"flash the Safestrap compatible TW-based ROM"
Does it have to be a TW ROM? I'm doing this to try to get away from Touchwiz.
Thank you VERY much for your reply. I appreciate your time in explaining. Outside of flashing the ATT modules, I think I have been doing the other procedure the same.

fuzzyreets said:
Couple questions about what you wrote....
"Once you Odin to stock (or for me on NB1, I actually odin to MK2 but retain my NB1 kernel)"
This is something I have been trying to understand. What is MK2 vs what is NB1? I don't understand these pieces of this rooting puzzle. In my mind currently I have the Boot puzzle piece which is safestrap at this point and the ROM which is WHATEVER. No?
"flash the Safestrap compatible TW-based ROM"
Does it have to be a TW ROM? I'm doing this to try to get away from Touchwiz.
Thank you VERY much for your reply. I appreciate your time in explaining. Outside of flashing the ATT modules, I think I have been doing the other procedure the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MK2, MF3, NB1, NC1, etc., are all different versions (or builds) of the baseband software our ROMs run on. A kernel (as I understand it at least) is the underlying software that sits below the ROM and is intermediary software that connects the top-most software we interact with (the ROM) to actually control our phone's hardware -- the IR blaster, wifi chips, touch screen capacitive sensors, etc. When playing around with ROMs, you need to know what kernel you are on (i think it's unchangeable for phones with locked bootloaders like ours) -- but more importantly what BASEBAND you are on. The baseband (and possibly the kernel?) updates from taking OTA updates direct from AT&T/Samsung. You can only flash ROMs that are compatible with the baseband you have upgraded too -- which you can see on your "About Device" page in settings. For example, I am running Goldeneye v34 which is a XXUGNE8 build, on my AT&T SGH-i337 that is on a baseband of I337UCUNB1.
Edit: Unfortunately, you have to flash TW-based ROMs...due to our bootloaders being locked (and us being stuck on the stock-kernel). Safestrap is the only way we can flash ROMs with firmware that is MF3 or newer (several several builds ago) but only works with TW-based ROMs.
Please click THANKS if you found this helpful...trying to get posting privileges in dev forums that i've been lurking in for way too long.

manstable said:
MK2, MF3, NB1, NC1, etc., are all different versions (or builds) of the baseband software our ROMs run on. A kernel (as I understand it at least) is the underlying software that sits below the ROM and is intermediary software that connects the top-most software we interact with (the ROM) to actually control our phone's hardware -- the IR blaster, wifi chips, touch screen capacitive sensors, etc. When playing around with ROMs, you need to know what kernel you are on (i think it's unchangeable for phones with locked bootloaders like ours) -- but more importantly what BASEBAND you are on. The baseband (and possibly the kernel?) updates from taking OTA updates direct from AT&T/Samsung. You can only flash ROMs that are compatible with the baseband you have upgraded too -- which you can see on your "About Device" page in settings. For example, I am running Goldeneye v34 which is a XXUGNE8 build, on my AT&T SGH-i337 that is on a baseband of I337UCUNB1.
Edit: Unfortunately, you have to flash TW-based ROMs...due to our bootloaders being locked (and us being stuck on the stock-kernel). Safestrap is the only way we can flash ROMs with firmware that is MF3 or newer (several several builds ago) but only works with TW-based ROMs.
Please click THANKS if you found this helpful...trying to get posting privileges in dev forums that i've been lurking in for way too long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is invaluable information. I can't thank you enough. I would hit the THANKS button 100 times if I could for you. You totally saved me here and put the pieces together for me for the most part. I don't completely understand it but I have things working now. Thank you VERY much.

manstable said:
MK2, MF3, NB1, NC1, etc., are all different versions (or builds) of the baseband software our ROMs run on. A kernel (as I understand it at least) is the underlying software that sits below the ROM and is intermediary software that connects the top-most software we interact with (the ROM) to actually control our phone's hardware -- the IR blaster, wifi chips, touch screen capacitive sensors, etc. When playing around with ROMs, you need to know what kernel you are on (i think it's unchangeable for phones with locked bootloaders like ours) -- but more importantly what BASEBAND you are on. The baseband (and possibly the kernel?) updates from taking OTA updates direct from AT&T/Samsung. You can only flash ROMs that are compatible with the baseband you have upgraded too -- which you can see on your "About Device" page in settings. For example, I am running Goldeneye v34 which is a XXUGNE8 build, on my AT&T SGH-i337 that is on a baseband of I337UCUNB1.
Edit: Unfortunately, you have to flash TW-based ROMs...due to our bootloaders being locked (and us being stuck on the stock-kernel). Safestrap is the only way we can flash ROMs with firmware that is MF3 or newer (several several builds ago) but only works with TW-based ROMs.
Please click THANKS if you found this helpful...trying to get posting privileges in dev forums that i've been lurking in for way too long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw the issue is resolved. Good work. Just to clarify, though... The baseband in the "about device" page is actually your modem. Most of time the modem will match the kernel and bootloader, but it's not always the case...
1. MK2 base users that use the magic tool to flash kitkat roms, end up flashing the mld modem in odin (part of the magic tool files). After they flash a rom, their baseband will show up as mld.
2. You can flash any modem in safestrap and you will see your baseband change... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2496517
Unless you are on 100% stock where you know the base matches the modem, the best way to verify your base can be found in post 4 here... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51067793&postcount=4

[Q]

I need help installing a rom on my I337 mk2. I got as far as getting the device rooted and the safestrap kernel installed. It says these are the steps to installing a new rom:
"For MK2 Base Users (never took NB1 OTA)
Files you will need before starting:
ON EXTSDCARD...
-- Safestrap-JFLTE-3.72-kk-B01.apk from here
-- ROM Install Zip (check ROM notes... may need to replace updater-script)
-- MK2-Deadly-Venom-Kitkat-Magic-Tool.rar from Kitkat Magic Tool Version 2 -- MLD/MK2-safestrap kit
-- mldmodules.zip extracted from MLD/MK2-safestrap kit
-- UPDATE-SuperSU.apk-v1.93.zip from here
ON COMPUTER...
-- Odin 3.09 and files from MLD Odin Files folder from MLD/MK2-safestrap kit"
Source here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52030326
There's a provided list of safestrap approved roms and shoshock is one of them (http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2468860).
I'll follow the instructions exactly (install rom, install MDLmodules, and install updated the superSU.zip. But after I reboot, I get a glitched out screen, filled of very vibrant pink and blue neon artifacts. I think I have the odin files they are referencing to at the end but everytime you install something through odin it reboots so I can't install all of them before it freezes. I've also tried installing just the rom itself with nothing else and same thing happens. Does shoshock just not run on safestrap 3.72?

aspen1135 said:
I need help installing a rom on my I337 mk2. I got as far as getting the device rooted and the safestrap kernel installed. It says these are the steps to installing a new rom:
"For MK2 Base Users (never took NB1 OTA)
Files you will need before starting:
ON EXTSDCARD...
-- Safestrap-JFLTE-3.72-kk-B01.apk from here
-- ROM Install Zip (check ROM notes... may need to replace updater-script)
-- MK2-Deadly-Venom-Kitkat-Magic-Tool.rar from Kitkat Magic Tool Version 2 -- MLD/MK2-safestrap kit
-- mldmodules.zip extracted from MLD/MK2-safestrap kit
-- UPDATE-SuperSU.apk-v1.93.zip from here
ON COMPUTER...
-- Odin 3.09 and files from MLD Odin Files folder from MLD/MK2-safestrap kit"
Source here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52030326
There's a provided list of safestrap approved roms and shoshock is one of them (http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2468860).
I'll follow the instructions exactly (install rom, install MDLmodules, and install updated the superSU.zip. But after I reboot, I get a glitched out screen, filled of very vibrant pink and blue neon artifacts. I think I have the odin files they are referencing to at the end but everytime you install something through odin it reboots so I can't install all of them before it freezes. I've also tried installing just the rom itself with nothing else and same thing happens. Does shoshock just not run on safestrap 3.72?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you do the Odin files? And are you sure you used the Safestrap version?
Sent from my SGH-I337 running GPE

Yup I've done all of that. The one thing that I might be on the fence about is the odin files which is the very last step. In the folder of the stuff they want me to install, theres a MLD and MK2. And in those theres ap, bl, and cp versions of md5 files. Which of these am I supposed to install? I tried the MK2 ones last time I think and they didn't work.

[Q] NOOB trying to update MK2 firmware to Lollipop

As the Title states I have been trying to flash to Lollipop using the thread Update to lollipop and keep root using Flashfire app. I have downloaded and followed the procedure (yes I am rooted and confirmed with RootBasic) with it failing.
What happens is I load the files in order stated per the guide hit the lightning bolt, does the reboot and then gives error no command and then sits at stock flash update where you can either reboot, flash file or few other choices. I have tried numerous times with each time same result. What is going wrong? As I stated on am on MK2 firmware with ATT update frozen so not sure why this is. When put in download mode I confirm Knox 0 and Offical software with it having 0x30 for bootloader. Any suggestions or should I ODIN update but with what?

Frankpjr said:
As the Title states I have been trying to flash to Lollipop using the thread Update to lollipop and keep root using Flashfire app. I have downloaded and followed the procedure (yes I am rooted and confirmed with RootBasic) with it failing.
What happens is I load the files in order stated per the guide hit the lightning bolt, does the reboot and then gives error no command and then sits at stock flash update where you can either reboot, flash file or few other choices. I have tried numerous times with each time same result. What is going wrong? As I stated on am on MK2 firmware with ATT update frozen so not sure why this is. When put in download mode I confirm Knox 0 and Offical software with it having 0x30 for bootloader. Any suggestions or should I ODIN update but with what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We just discovered this morning on the Vz S4 that FF does not function properly on their MK2(4.2) firmware which is likely also the issue here. You will first need to update to KitKat using the following file then root with towel root before updating to 5.0: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23501681358548937

Before I proceed to KitKat with file linked to is there a guide to properly performing this and then rooting? I will update from MK2 to NB 1 then I need to root, then do the FlashFire and Lollipop undate. I see the guide to use ODIN but then I will have to root I also have not used towel root either so any guide would be awesome. This should not change KNOX either correct (although I guess it does not matter since I am long out of warranty)?
I want to have a clear understanding of procedure so I don't brick the phone! I have not used ODIN before since I haven't really done much rooting other than when I first got the replacement phone last year

I'd suggest [GUIDE]Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Installing Safestrap by guut13, and of course [How-To] Update to I337_OC3 - 5.0.1 and KeepRoot (4/7/2015) by muniz_ri for rooted Lollipop. Look in the I337 General forum for both.

Thanks Creepyncrawly and muniz_ri for both of your help it was easy to update from MK2 for this noob!
Ok I followed the guide and did update to stock nb1 and rooted, used towel root and then used flashfire to Lollipop and all seems to be working (I still am in process of setting phone up but it is running lollipop).
Since this is oc3 rooted is there anything else I have to do such as freeze att update? Anything else I should do right away?

[Q] Please Help! Cant Flash Recovery!

Ive been going so crazy trying for about 15 hours total now trying to root and get a custom recovery on my phone, for some reason, nothing will work. I do have alot of experience with rooting and ive done just about everything, attempting to get this phone to flash a custom recovery.
ATT SGH i337
4.4.4
KTU84P.I337UCUFNJ4
I am currently rooted, but i cannot get a custom recovery. I have just tried this method,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297033
with that tool, however after running it, it successfully flashes the recovery, then boots me into the Odin Mode Download screen with the picture of an android. Same thing with trying any other method of flashing a recovery. Can someone please tell me how to get past this, im so exhausted trying to fix this. I tried factory reseting my phone from the phones settings and even that brought me back to the download screen with a picture of an android. I cant get into any recovery at all! Stock or custom it sends me back to that screen.
How can i flash a custom recovery and get this working? Thank you guys in advance

You're on nj4. Safestrap is the only recovery you're going to be able to use. Read the stickies in the general forum
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
You're on nj4. Safestrap is the only recovery you're going to be able to use. Read the stickies in the general forum
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i installed the proper NJ4 safestrap apk and pressed install recovery, however it still says it is not installed "reboot to recovery" is greyed out. Upon booting into recovery, i am still stuck in Odin mode. Anyway for me to stop odin mode from continuing to come up instead of recovery?.

I would guess the system is looking for stock recovery, and it isn't there any more due to your flashing the CWM OUDHS recovery and/or TWRP. You probably need to put the stock recovery back.

I know and I've been trying to find out a way to do that. Could you help me if that's what I need to do? Once I reinstall stock recovery will safestrap work?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

I would suggest that you flash nb1 then nb4, root and install safestrap. At this point, a clean install is your best bet. Refer to this thread in the general forum.

U can get stock recovery back by either flashing the whole stock firmware via odin or extracting the recovery image from the firmware and flashing it by its self via odin I don't know anything about safestrap as I'm on Canadian version some one else can hopfully help u out with tht

I read what you posted and I don't entirely understand. Could you point to me to a download a maybe dumb it down a bit?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

How would I do that..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

xstokerx said:
U can get stock recovery back by either flashing the whole stock firmware via odin or extracting the recovery image from the firmware and flashing it by its self via odin I don't know anything about safestrap as I'm on Canadian version some one else can hopfully help u out with tht
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exxoriscism said:
I read what you posted and I don't entirely understand. Could you point to me to a download a maybe dumb it down a bit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exxoriscism said:
How would I do that..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are on NJ4 (I337UCUFNJ4). There is no flashable "whole stock firmware" for that version. There is a flashable whole stock firmware for the NJ1 version (I337UCUFNB1). Also, there is no easy way to "extract the recovery image out of the firmware and flash it by its self via odin." The reason for this is that you need a .tar archive to flash in odin, so if you extract just the recovery, you then need a Linux box, or a Linux virtual machine running on your windows pc to make the tar file from it.
This is why I suggested that you flash the NB1 full stock firmware, and then flash the upgrade to NJ4 from stock recovery, as outlined in the guide I linked.
As you asked for a little more detailed help, I'll try to walk you through following the Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Safestrap Guide.
First, read through post #1 and the FAQ in post #3. Next, you need to decide what version you want to end up with. Let's assume that you want to end with NJ4 -- KitKat 4.4.4. (If you want to end with OC3 -- Lollipop 5.0.1, then the instructions are a little different.)
In post #2, under the section titled NJ4 -- KitKat 4.4.4 expand Step 1 - Odin to stock. The files you need to download are at the top of this section. Follow the steps; they are pretty self explanatory. Part 1 installs full stock NB1, and Part 2 installs the upgrade to NJ4.
You are now on fully stock NJ4. If you want to root and install Safestrap, expand Step 2 -- Root and Install Safestrap. The files you need to download are at the top of this section. Again, the steps are pretty self explanatory.
That's it. If you want to now install custom firmware, you are ready, or you can just stay on stock if you prefer.

creepyncrawly said:
You are on NJ4 (I337UCUFNJ4). There is no flashable "whole stock firmware" for that version. There is a flashable whole stock firmware for the NJ1 version (I337UCUFNB1). Also, there is no easy way to "extract the recovery image out of the firmware and flash it by its self via odin." The reason for this is that you need a .tar archive to flash in odin, so if you extract just the recovery, you then need a Linux box, or a Linux virtual machine running on your windows pc to make the tar file from it.
This is why I suggested that you flash the NB1 full stock firmware, and then flash the upgrade to NJ4 from stock recovery, as outlined in the guide I linked.
As you asked for a little more detailed help, I'll try to walk you through following the Odin to Stock, Updating, Rooting, and Safestrap Guide.
First, read through post #1 and the FAQ in post #3. Next, you need to decide what version you want to end up with. Let's assume that you want to end with NJ4 -- KitKat 4.4.4. (If you want to end with OC3 -- Lollipop 5.0.1, then the instructions are a little different.)
In post #2, under the section titled NJ4 -- KitKat 4.4.4 expand Step 1 - Odin to stock. The files you need to download are at the top of this section. Follow the steps; they are pretty self explanatory. Part 1 installs full stock NB1, and Part 2 installs the upgrade to NJ4.
You are now on fully stock NJ4. If you want to root and install Safestrap, expand Step 2 -- Root and Install Safestrap. The files you need to download are at the top of this section. Again, the steps are pretty self explanatory.
That's it. If you want to now install custom firmware, you are ready, or you can just stay on stock if you prefer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and i did everything under the NJ4 Kitkat 4.4.4 section. I am rooted and everything worked except for safestrap. I open it and press install recovery and everytime it finishes it says "state:Not Installed". And reboot to recovery is greyed out. Upon manually rebooting into recovery mode, i am in normal stock recovery.
I cant use the selinux mode changer it says. To root i didnt use towelroot because installing the NC1 kernel disables my wifi connection, and since the phone has no service, i had to use KingO Root. I have confirmed root access using root checker. But Safestrap wont work.
What do i do? Is safestrap not working because i didnt root with towelroot? I assumed it didnt quite matter how i rooted. If it is because of towelroot, then how do i get towel root to work while on the NC1 kernel with no wifi and no cell service?

Update: I found a selinux Mode changer apk on xda and installed it. I tried it and safestrap still would not work and said "not installed". I also reflashed the NC1 Kernel and the same thing happened. I booted into recovery for confirmation.
I guess its maybe because i didnt root with towelroot? But it is impossible without phone service because flashing NC1 disables the wifi. Please reply as soon as you can

I can't help with your current issue with safestrap because I don't own this phone. I have worked on my son's S4, and a couple of others that have come through my hands. I have performed the exact process you just used with no issues.
I would suggest you post your issues in the guide thread where someone who has more experience with safestrap can help.

creepyncrawly said:
I can't help with your current issue with safestrap because I don't own this phone. I have worked on my son's S4, and a couple of others that have come through my hands. I have performed the exact process you just used with no issues.
I would suggest you post your issues in the guide thread where someone who has more experience with safestrap can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can i move this thread?

Exxoriscism said:
Can i move this thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't move this thread into that one. But you can state your issue in that thread and then provide a link to this one for more info.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app