Database Users

Confusion regarding 4.3 Bootloaders on SG4

My S4 has the original firmware (MDL) and I have since installed a custom recovery (the loki method). I am now running GoldenEye 4.3, which is based off the Internation S4. I love it. I love what my phone can do. Anyway, I downloaded triangle away and it says the binary is official and the counter is 0. I did not see Samsung Knox Warranty 0x0 or 0x1 anywhere. Would I have this if I did the original OTA update to 4.3 from AT&T? I'm guessing its best never to upgrade and stay far away from the knox crap. So much for the Galaxy S5 then. ):
Why did Samsung ever have to implement the Knox 0x0 crap? If its so important to them voiding people's warranties, then why didn't they originally do it when the S4 launched?
As of right now, is my bootloader knox free, since I have a 4.3 rom on it? Would triangle away work if I ever needed to send it in?
Why is there a different root method or custom recovery for each firmware version on the i337?

MattMJB0188 said:
My S4 has the original firmware (MDL) and I have since installed a custom recovery (the loki method). I am now running GoldenEye 4.3, which is based off the Internation S4. I love it. I love what my phone can do. Anyway, I downloaded triangle away and it says the binary is official and the counter is 0. I did not see Samsung Knox Warranty 0x0 or 0x1 anywhere. Would I have this if I did the original OTA update to 4.3 from AT&T?
....With pushed OTA the Bootloader would add a Knox warranty flag to the download mode screen.
I'm guessing its best never to upgrade and stay far away from the knox crap. So much for the Galaxy S5 then. ):
Why did Samsung ever have to implement the Knox 0x0 crap?
....Military, Govt. & Corporate sales. The consumer warranty part is just gravy for them.
If its so important to them voiding people's warranties, then why didn't they originally do it when the S4 launched?
As of right now, is my bootloader knox free, since I have a 4.3 rom on it? Would triangle away work if I ever needed to send it in?
....Afaik no. Recent postings indicate it's not 4.3 compatible. Check your. ROM thread for Knox status.
Why is there a different root method or custom recovery for each firmware version on the i337?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...Not the firmware as much as model specific differences force incompatability where it exists.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

pc103 said:
...Not the firmware as much as model specific differences force incompatability where it exists.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, not every S4 will have the knox counter?

MattMJB0188 said:
So, not every S4 will have the knox counter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the record: Triangle Away is not compatible with any locked bootloader and I don't believe it resets KNOX yet anyways. I think that if you have loki exploit you can use it, but I'm not entirely sure. It's only for the flash counter anyways.
The reason root and recovery methods are different is because with each new firmware Samsung patches the old security flaws that let us have root and recovery in the first place. I don't know if that's at their discretion or at the carrier's request (the locked bootloaders are at carrier request and Samsung must update the security on them to protect their business interests).
Not every S4 gets the KNOX counter, only those with the bootloader from the 4.3 update.

DeadlySin9 said:
For the record: Triangle Away is not compatible with any locked bootloader and I don't believe it resets KNOX yet anyways. I think that if you have loki exploit you can use it, but I'm not entirely sure. It's only for the flash counter anyways.
The reason root and recovery methods are different is because with each new firmware Samsung patches the old security flaws that let us have root and recovery in the first place. I don't know if that's at their discretion or at the carrier's request (the locked bootloaders are at carrier request and Samsung must update the security on them to protect their business interests).
Not every S4 gets the KNOX counter, only those with the bootloader from the 4.3 update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So when the AT&T S4 received its official OTA update from AT&T, did it include knox?

MattMJB0188 said:
So when the AT&T S4 received its official OTA update from AT&T, did it include knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It did. With the warranty bit newly added.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

pc103 said:
It did. With the warranty bit newly added.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. What a shame. It looks like they are doing everything to stop custom roms and root. After the loki method, it got really hard. Seems like more devices would be bricked now, than they would before.
I am wondering why they are cracking down so much now. The AT&T Galaxy S2 (i777) and S3 had unlocked bootloaders and huge development communities.

+1 now many are thinking of ditching their carriers & mfr in favor of costlier, but mod friendlier alternatives truer to Android's progressive core concept.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

pc103 said:
+1 now many are thinking of ditching their carriers & mfr in favor of costlier, but mod friendlier alternatives truer to Android's progressive core concept.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but its still never the same with another carrier's device. For example, I used the T-Mobile Note 3 on AT&T and the experience was not so great. Sure, I had custom recovery and root, but it had that knox warranty thing. It also struggled tremendously holding onto an LTE signal. The overall signal was poor.
Purchasing the international S4 comes with the trade off of loosing LTE. I am hoping with the S5, Samsung includes all major LTE bands with it, so those of us who want to modify our devices can get AT&T LTE.

Understanding knox.

I need to check some facts
When upgraded to 4.3 I lost root and my is back to stock? True or false
Would it be safe to post a pic of my knox screen?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

cinnamngrl said:
I need to check some facts
When upgraded to 4.3 I lost root and my is back to stock? True or false
Would it be safe to post a pic of my knox screen?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you took the OTA update to 4.3, then yes you are on the Knox bootloader. AND you are stock unrooted (unless you've since rooted).
Yes it's safe to post a pic of you system config; there is nothing anyone can take from that information that is harmful to you.

Is this a clean knox? Or is it already tripped.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

cinnamngrl said:
Is this a clean knox? Or is it already tripped.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clean Knox
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

To get Root, you can use Kingo root without tripping Knox.

optimummind said:
To get Root, you can use Kingo root without tripping Knox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't it the custom recovery that ends up tripping the Knox anyways?
I'm a Verizon guy and also have a sprint s4 that I threw Philz on. So I'm not sure if you can do that without tripping Knox, that's the impression I got though.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Mistertac said:
Isn't it the custom recovery that ends up tripping the Knox anyways?
I'm a Verizon guy and also have a sprint s4 that I threw Philz on. So I'm not sure if you can do that without tripping Knox, that's the impression I got though.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, custom recovery will trip Knox.

1. My phone was previously rooted,
2. Got 4.3 update
3. Now has a clean knox
My questions are
A. can I root my phone again?
B. Will later android updates give me another clean knox?
C. Are any procedures like triangle away that will keep knox clean?
D. Is warranty the only reason I want a clean knox?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

cinnamngrl said:
1. My phone was previously rooted,
2. Got 4.3 update
3. Now has a clean knox
My questions are
A. can I root my phone again?
B. Will later android updates give me another clean knox?
C. Are any procedures like triangle away that will keep knox clean?
D. Is warranty the only reason I want a clean knox?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A. Yes you can, if you don't want the Knox warranty flag use Safe Root. If you google safe root for S4 you should find the link. The Knox flag is actually tripped when you install a custom recovery. This means if you use cf autoroot, twrp, philz, or any other root or recovery the Knox flag will be tripped. If you want to install a custom rom or mod, then you will trip the Knox flag since those require a custom recovery. If you just want to root and remove bloat, backup with TiBu, install xposed framework modules, or even unlock the hotspot then you can do those without a custom recovery and keep your Knox warranty flag in place.
B. No, once you have tripped the Knox warranty flag, so far the flag is not reset by installing updates or the full stock tar file of a newer version.
C. Not at his time.
D. Yes, at this time the only thing the Knox warranty flag does is show Samsung that your device has been tampered with at one time. Sprint and Assurian still honor the TEP insurance, but if your phone has to be sent to Samsung for repair or warranty that is where you will have problems.
Sent from my icrap 2 using Tapatalk HD

cruise350 said:
D. Yes, at this time the only thing the Knox warranty flag does is show Samsung that your device has been tampered with at one time. Sprint and Assurian still honor the TEP insurance, but if your phone has to be sent to Samsung for repair or warranty that is where you will have problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if this is true or not, but wouldn't triggering Knox prevent you from activating the device on a corporate network?

dimm0k said:
Not sure if this is true or not, but wouldn't triggering Knox prevent you from activating the device on a corporate network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostlikely YES.
My brother's device had problems with some of their corporate apps (email/portal stuff) designed to look for ROOT and othe security (knox I bet) changes. Is IT guys literally swapped out his phone after he rooted it!
Plus it seems that a whole lot of people are having issue connecting to PEAP WiFi networks; primarily, I'm guessing' Cisco based. [Cisco is notoriously behind the curve. Heck they have security devices (ASAs) that must be accessed with OLD java versions.]
But there ARE some solutions for that around here.

leaderbuilder said:
Mostlikely YES.
My brother's device had problems with some of their corporate apps (email/portal stuff) designed to look for ROOT and othe security (knox I bet) changes. Is IT guys literally swapped out his phone after he rooted it!
Plus it seems that a whole lot of people are having issue connecting to PEAP WiFi networks; primarily, I'm guessing' Cisco based. [Cisco is notoriously behind the curve. Heck they have security devices (ASAs) that must be accessed with OLD java versions.]
But there ARE some solutions for that around here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your voice to text is making some confusing word choice s
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

cinnamngrl said:
Your voice to text is making some confusing word choice s
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only thing I think is really wrong is "Is" instead of "His" (IMHO)... but then again, I'm an IT guy...
That, and I need to put my S4 in my sig! :silly:

leaderbuilder said:
Mostlikely YES.
My brother's device had problems with some of their corporate apps (email/portal stuff) designed to look for ROOT and othe security (knox I bet) changes. Is IT guys literally swapped out his phone after he rooted it!
Plus it seems that a whole lot of people are having issue connecting to PEAP WiFi networks; primarily, I'm guessing' Cisco based. [Cisco is notoriously behind the curve. Heck they have security devices (ASAs) that must be accessed with OLD java versions.]
But there ARE some solutions for that around here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what I need is a hotspot. not too often, but itsa drag not to have it.

cinnamngrl said:
what I need is a hotspot. not too often, but itsa drag not to have it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hot spot is easy, run the safe root file from your pc to root your phone. Then download the odexed MK2 hot spot mod in post 337 in the hot spot mod thread. Use 7zip or similar app to extract the services.jar and services.odex file to your sdcard. Then use root explorer to copy them to the system/framework directory. It is a good idea to backup the original files. After you copy the new files you will need to change the permissions to rw-r-r. After this is done reboot and enjoy free hot spot. This will not trip knox since you don't have to install a custom recovery.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

cruise350 said:
Hot spot is easy, run the safe root file from your pc to root your phone. Then download the odexed MK2 hot spot mod in post 337 in the hot spot mod thread. Use 7zip or similar app to extract the services.jar and services.odex file to your sdcard. Then use root explorer to copy them to the system/framework directory. It is a good idea to backup the original files. After you copy the new files you will need to change the permissions to rw-r-r. After this is done reboot and enjoy free hot spot. This will not trip knox since you don't have to install a custom recovery.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am i missing some obvious reason that you described the location instead of including a link? BYTW yes, i tried to find it. And thank you

cinnamngrl said:
Am i missing some obvious reason that you described the location instead of including a link? BYTW yes, i tried to find it. And thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but I was responding from my phone and couldn't post links but here you go:
Find the correct MK2 odexed hot spot mod in post #337 of this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2256950&page=34
Then you can follow crawj's procedures here to manually install the update without a custom recovery: https://skydrive.live.com/view.aspx...E!131&app=Word&wdo=2&authkey=!AJdLcpl9ak9eZnw
Good Luck

is there a way to remove KNOX completely without tripping the 0x1 flag? has there been developments in this area? seems like everyone's focused on trying to reverse the flag once it's set, but what about the removal of KNOX so that it never sets that flag?

dimm0k said:
is there a way to remove KNOX completely without tripping the 0x1 flag? has there been developments in this area? seems like everyone's focused on trying to reverse the flag once it's set, but what about the removal of KNOX so that it never sets that flag?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem occurs within the bootloader of the MJA or newer firmware. With that version of the software, Samsung has prevented the downgrading of the bootloader so there is no way to get rid if that feature. You can go through the rom and remove or disable the Knox files, which do nothing for the phone except free up some space. Knox's purpose is to allow Samsung to create a secure environment for corporate and government companies that need to protect their info and intellectual properties. The average user will never need Knox, so it's safe to remove. When Samsung fully implemented Knox with 4.3 they integrated it into the bootloader. Now, all of us assume the Knox warranty flag voids your Samsung warranty, which it probably does, but I believe its true purpose is to void the Knox integrity check so the Knox secure containers know the phone has been tampered with and can't guarantee data security.
Data security is big business and Samsung wants a piece of that pie.
Sent from my icrap 2 using Tapatalk HD

computer programs and knox
so once knox is tripped to 0x1 does that prevent your phone being read by other programs? only reason i ask is because i have tripped knox and some of my data on my phone has been erased (notes, pics, sms, contacts) and the programs i have wont even acknowledge my phone.

[Q] General inquiry about KNOX and FW types

Hello all,
I searched the forums round and round, and couldn't find my answers so I hope you will be able to help me out.
i'm looking for a new phone and decided I want to go with the S5. that was before i learned about KNOX and it's wonderful ways.
i'm a heavy modder, who will most definitely use a custom recovery and ROM/kernel.
my questions are:
1. would it be possible to flash a custom recovery / rom / kernel / modem despite KNOX being preset?
2. other then getting this 0x1 and voiding my official warranty, are there any other result to this? will something not work?
3. assuming I get an unlocked international phone, is there any need to mess/change my FW? or is that just part of guides for rooting without tripping KNOX ?
Basically, I want to be sure that I could do whatever I want to the phone without getting stuck or turning it unusable because of KNOX. my current phone is a Nexus 4 and it has been heaven. I want to preserve this feeling
thanks for the help guys, appreciate it!

Did you tried Towelroot method for rooting your device? I heard that doesn't trigger knox..

I would imagine my rooting the phone is the least of my worries.
as far as I know - and this is one of my questions - flashing a custom recovery and or rom will 100% trip KNOX.
not that I care, I just need to know if this is true..and my other questions as well
thanks!

A brief answer
If you - as you say "i'm a heavy modder" Samsung phones are not for you

I've heard tales of people having issues flashing modems when knox is triggered. I have not checked that out for myself Joe have I searched any further into the matter.
I plan on breaking knox soon though because screw knox.
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

chainbr3ak said:
A brief answer
If you - as you say "i'm a heavy modder" Samsung phones are not for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This answer really worries me to be honest.
could you elaborate?
I don't really care about KNOX, and as long as I can mod away and jump back and forth between modems/roms/kernels - I don't care for the warranty.
If indeed there is truth in the matter, and modem flashing will become a problem if KNOX is tripped, then this would be a deal breaker for me on this phone.
anyone care to add more info here?

Amornik said:
This answer really worries me to be honest.
could you elaborate?
I don't really care about KNOX, and as long as I can mod away and jump back and forth between modems/roms/kernels - I don't care for the warranty.
If indeed there is truth in the matter, and modem flashing will become a problem if KNOX is tripped, then this would be a deal breaker for me on this phone.
anyone care to add more info here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can, but you will always have problems like network, connection,calls, bugs and so on
Samsung devices do not provide the old pleasure as previously
Knox killed freedom of developers and people who like customizations

I would really appreciate an answer from someone who knows for sure.
does tripping KNOX disables the option to upgrade/downgrade the modem?

Amornik said:
I would really appreciate an answer from someone who knows for sure.
does tripping KNOX disables the option to upgrade/downgrade the modem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, KNOX tripping is only at the moment a warranty void solution for samsung. its like the flash count flags.
basically if you trip knox. you're already in it. you do what you want

Amornik said:
I would really appreciate an answer from someone who knows for sure.
does tripping KNOX disables the option to upgrade/downgrade the modem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my phone with ANCE firmware and the KNOX was tripped in the first hour by CF-AutoRoot. Now I'm on ANG2, flashed with Odin and the modem is updated correctly.

Dark_Avenger said:
I bought my phone with ANCE firmware and the KNOX was tripped in the first hour by CF-AutoRoot. Now I'm on ANG2, flashed with Odin and the modem is updated correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now i'm a bit confused when you say you upgrade the FW, you mean the modem baseband, right ?

Amornik said:
Now i'm a bit confused when you say you upgrade the FW, you mean the modem baseband, right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, but with full stock image flush (including bootloader). The full stock tar.md5 form sammobile includes the modem/bootloader/rom. I think that the important thing is to have a modem which is compatible with the bootloader (same version). Didn't try to mix different bootloader/modem(baseband) versions.

Tripping KNOX will only disable the feature which allows you to store some data on a encrypted part of the device (Mostly comercial use) when KNOX is tripped any data stored on the 'special' partition is destroyed.
So there are only 2 things that will be affected, your warranty (Not a problem in Europe) and the special partition that I explained earlier.
Sent from my SM-G906S using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Thanks guys, excellent replies !
So...I did it !
I went and bought a brand new S5, and tripped KNOX within the hour. Man, did it feel sooo good !
custom recovery up, rom up, here we go!

[Q] Galaxy S5 SM-G900F,trip knox or not?

Hello everyone. I bought a Galaxy S5 SM-G900F 3 Months ago,and till then I kept it stock. I am undecided if to root/cwm and start modding it,or keep it stock till Android 5.0 From Samsung. The thing that stops me from doing that is the damned warranty that decays with Knox -.-" Till now the phone hasn't got any problems,nor I had to contact the customer care for issues. My question is,would it be worth to trip knox for modding it? And if the phone has any issue,can I avail myself of the European law on Android Phones? Sorry If this may be noob questions,but I'd really want to start mod my S5,and the only thing which stops me is Knox..

Wolf80 said:
Hello everyone. I bought a Galaxy S5 SM-G900F 3 Months ago,and till then I kept it stock. I am undecided if to root/cwm and start modding it,or keep it stock till Android 5.0 From Samsung. The thing that stops me from doing that is the damned warranty that decays with Knox -.-" Till now the phone hasn't got any problems,nor I had to contact the customer care for issues. My question is,would it be worth to trip knox for modding it? And if the phone has any issue,can I avail myself of the European law on Android Phones? Sorry If this may be noob questions,but I'd really want to start mod my S5,and the only thing which stops me is Knox..
Check this out
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=54719865
Then if you need more info on options try
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51949790
As for its it worth it to trip Knox, if you can avoid it great, it's your choice in the end but to me... I will never own a stock phone as long as XDA exists.. Just my opinion.
SM-G900W8, 0x1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I knew of this,but it's only for root. I would install TWRP or CWM, and the CM12 Alpha..so knox gets tripped anyway no?
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app

Wolf80 said:
I knew of this,but it's only for root. I would install TWRP or CWM, and the CM12 Alpha..so knox gets tripped anyway no?
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, as soon as you install recovery, you trip Knox.
I don't think you can install CM12 without a recovery so yup, a choice has to be made.
I also have insurance on my phone so I think it is worth the risk for the enjoyment I get from fooling it.
SM-G900W8, 0x1

ragz said:
Yes, as soon as you install recovery, you trip Knox.
I don't think you can install CM12 without a recovery so yup, a choice has to be made.
I also have insurance on my phone so I think it is worth the risk for the enjoyment I get from fooling it.
SM-G900W8, 0x1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You think that it Will be worth to trip knox? I came from an S3 which was full modded lol
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app

Wolf80 said:
You think that it Will be worth to trip knox? I came from an S3 which was full modded lol
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tripped mine 3 hours after I bought it, this is my 4th phone and all have been modded so I guess my opinion is obvious.
SM-G900W8, 0x1

Wolf80 said:
You think that it Will be worth to trip knox? I came from an S3 which was full modded lol
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is worth it, I tripped my know the same day of purchase, to me warranty isn't an issue.

ila420 said:
It is worth it, I tripped my know the same day of purchase, to me warranty isn't an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well,I kept mine stock with knox unaltered cause the first months there could be problems. I am 4th month now and no problems still....what will I lose apart the warranty? I read that fingerprinter scanner could not work anymore,right?

Wolf80 said:
Well,I kept mine stock with knox unaltered cause the first months there could be problems. I am 4th month now and no problems still....what will I lose apart the warranty? I read that fingerprinter scanner could not work anymore,right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fingerprint scanner still works on tw roms after knox 0x1.
Edit: just enabled Fingerprint scanner and it is working perfect.
SM-G900W8, 0x1

Just an FYI, no fingerprint scanner, and no heartbeat sensor, and no tw camera on any aosp or cm based ROM. If you'll miss those don't even bother tripping Knox.
No one reads, searches anymore.
This klte forums are like a kindergarten. Nobody knows nothing and want stuff handed to them.

Root without tripping knox?

I have done a search (with little sucess) to find anew answer to if I can root my s7 edge without tripping knox? I have a EE UK 820 model
Any help or if you could point me in the right direction it would be appreciated
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers mobile app

re: knox
1iam5mith said:
I have done a search (with little sucess) to find anew answer to if I can root my s7 edge without tripping knox? I have a EE UK 820 model
Any help or if you could point me in the right direction it would be appreciated
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to have ROOT without tripping Knox.
Once you trip Knox you cannot un-tripped it.
That's why you were unsuccessful in all your searches.
Good luck, have a great day!

Yep, unfortunately there's no way possible to do this. You either root and trip knox permanently, or not at all.

Was wondering if anyone has even tried rooting s7 edge on u.s. cellular?
Sent from my SM-G935R4 using XDA Free mobile app

1iam5mith said:
i have done a search (with little sucess) to find anew answer to if i can root my s7 edge without tripping knox? I have a ee uk 820 model
any help or if you could point me in the right direction it would be appreciated
sent from my sm-g935f using xda-developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you cant root without tripping knox on any marshmellow firmware

So as i get it, without root we can't install/use Titanium Backup???

there are specialist shops that have expensive boxes to erase this knox trip once you have tripped it. Im not sure if they work for S7 EDGe YET. They exist though and it IS POSSIBLE. Just as its possible to change your IMEI (repair) or other things the legality and available is per device and country, so check into it, spend a few weeks searching with at least 4 to 6 hours a day and you will find something and someone to contact who MAY be legitimate or a fraud, you wont know until you try.
Also if you fancy learning how to do chip erasures and programming you could buy a 2000-5000$ chip programmer and learn how to program chips yourself, you might need to desolder the original and replace it or could just be a simple flash.
Even if its something as protected as certain STmicro devices, you can still decapsulate the chip and probe the gates for the logic with a microscop. Bottom line is if MAN makes it, MAN can break it. Everything is possible, never give up.

Well, rooting without tripping knox is not possible at the moment.
Apart from philosophical suggestions about never giving up - I agree in general, but this time it'd be too much - root could be available in future if an engineering bootloader leaks out or if a kernel vulnerability is found.
The second chance is not something I would await very soon, since the update policy has been implemented on a monthly basis and every hole will be very likely closed ASAP.
Chances are that some employee at Samsung lets a signed engineering bootloader leak...It has already happened in the recent past. If so, root without tripping knox would be possible.

Sadly, it is not possible yet, and maybe it's better that way...

Is there any change to this folks? I keep reading various pages saying that it's possible but they don't seem very credible.

Scott M said:
Is there any change to this folks? I keep reading various pages saying that it's possible but they don't seem very credible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm about to find out!
https://www.androidexplained.com/galaxy-s7-root-verizon-att-t-mobile-sprint/4/