[Q] Unable to encrypt stock NC1 rooted device - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

I'm unable to encrypt my Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-i337. I need to encrypt for work access. I'm currently running stock NC1 rooted using the steps here.
When I try to encrypt, I get through the confirmation steps, enter my password and select "Encrypt device." It immediately goes to a black screen with the Android encryption logo (attached), and then a few seconds later the phone reboots to my home/login screen. No encryption.
I've read through quite a few threads from people having similar problems. I'm aware of the problem with trying to install Safestrap on encrypted devices so I tried uninstalling Safestrap but that didn't help. I've also tried the following: retry right after boot, use Airplane mode, stop running apps, unfreeze bloatware, factory reset (tried both from within Android and from the stock recovery menu, both retains root). The only thing I haven't tried is unroot, but I've read that encryption should work with root.
Any other ideas? Thanks.

I am wondering if you already installed SafeStrap it left any remnants on phone after uninstalling. You could Odin the NB1 tar and return to stock. Then do your encryption and then go to NC1 and retry towel root--

That worked! I installed NB1 through Odin and tried encryption again and this time it worked. I then applied the NC1 update in stock recovery, I lost encryption which I kind of expected, but I was able to encrypt again and then root with towelroot just fine. I'm all set. I guess the problem was with that NC1 rom I had installed before, it was supposed to be stock, but ran on top of MK2 and had root built in.
Thanks for your help.

dwestall said:
That worked! I installed NB1 through Odin and tried encryption again and this time it worked. I then applied the NC1 update in stock recovery, I lost encryption which I kind of expected, but I was able to encrypt again and then root with towelroot just fine. I'm all set. I guess the problem was with that NC1 rom I had installed before, it was supposed to be stock, but ran on top of MK2 and had root built in.
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you got it--:good:

Safestrap !
dwestall said:
That worked! I installed NB1 through Odin and tried encryption again and this time it worked. I then applied the NC1 update in stock recovery, I lost encryption which I kind of expected, but I was able to encrypt again and then root with towelroot just fine. I'm all set. I guess the problem was with that NC1 rom I had installed before, it was supposed to be stock, but ran on top of MK2 and had root built in.
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One question, Could you install Safestarp after encryption? (Rom back up and retsore is what I mainly want the safestrap for).
Thanks,

joseph230 said:
One question, Could you install Safestarp after encryption? (Rom back up and retsore is what I mainly want the safestrap for).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know, I never tried installing Safestrap after encrypting and rooting. I didn't want to risk it, though I agree it would be nice to have ROM backup and restore capability.

Related

[Q] AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 - No System

I know I am stupid, but I am trying to just get this phone to work. I did try and search for something that would come close to what I am encountering, but so far I can't find anything that would suggest a possible workaround. So, I hope this is in line with the rules, if not, please let me know and I will remove this myself pronto.
I was on 4.3 (MK2), rooted with TWRP and installed Xposed, all was fine and well, until AT&T decided to attack my phone to "remind" me to update to a newer version. After a few weeks I finally gave in, and knowing that I have somewhat heavily modified this phone, I went ahead and disable and uninstall Xposed, then head on to try and flash NC1 onto this phone via TWRP 3.72.
I was following this post, using post#3, and all was well, expect when I tried to flash AP using Odin, it was late and I failed to catch the fact Odin didn't connect my phone, so I guess the kernel didn't update. Then I went ahead and try booting it up. It got to the AT&T globe logo, only it has orange strips instead of blue. I waited maybe 15 mins for it to boot, and upon thinking it is not working, I pulled the battery and went into recovery and found I had a very early version backup, which I then restored that. It did boot! But the wifi wouldn't turn on, so I went and checked, the baseband was on NC1, but everything else is at MK2 (4.3). At that point, I give up and went to bed.
This morning, after giving it some good thoughts and research, I tried to Odin again, and this time I succeed, Odin recognizes my phone, and it flash the AP as it should. But when I try boot it up, it would only get to "safestrap disabled" and then black screen. After that, I can only get into the custom recovery, but no matter what I try, full/advance wipe, install, it would show something like "E: cannot mount system" so no matter what ROM I downloaded, it would not install, and when I try and re-boot, it would warn me that there is " No System"
So my question now is: since I can still see and access recovery, not all hope is lost, but since this is a work phone, I do need it back up and running, and I need it fast. How should I proceed from here? I tried straight flash a GPE ROM from here, but it would still run into the error of "E: cannot mount system" and trying to wipe/advance wipe would not work either.
If anyone has any idea what kind of problems I am running into, I am all ears to hear and try my best to get my work phone back up and running. Thank you all for taking you time to read, think and maybe help.
iantung329 said:
I know I am stupid, but I am trying to just get this phone to work. I did try and search for something that would come close to what I am encountering, but so far I can't find anything that would suggest a possible workaround. So, I hope this is in line with the rules, if not, please let me know and I will remove this myself pronto.
I was on 4.3 (MK2), rooted with TWRP and installed Xposed, all was fine and well, until AT&T decided to attack my phone to "remind" me to update to a newer version. After a few weeks I finally gave in, and knowing that I have somewhat heavily modified this phone, I went ahead and disable and uninstall Xposed, then head on to try and flash NC1 onto this phone via TWRP 3.72.
I was following this post, using post#3, and all was well, expect when I tried to flash AP using Odin, it was late and I failed to catch the fact Odin didn't connect my phone, so I guess the kernel didn't update. Then I went ahead and try booting it up. It got to the AT&T globe logo, only it has orange strips instead of blue. I waited maybe 15 mins for it to boot, and upon thinking it is not working, I pulled the battery and went into recovery and found I had a very early version backup, which I then restored that. It did boot! But the wifi wouldn't turn on, so I went and checked, the baseband was on NC1, but everything else is at MK2 (4.3). At that point, I give up and went to bed.
This morning, after giving it some good thoughts and research, I tried to Odin again, and this time I succeed, Odin recognizes my phone, and it flash the AP as it should. But when I try boot it up, it would only get to "safestrap disabled" and then black screen. After that, I can only get into the custom recovery, but no matter what I try, full/advance wipe, install, it would show something like "E: cannot mount system" so no matter what ROM I downloaded, it would not install, and when I try and re-boot, it would warn me that there is " No System"
So my question now is: since I can still see and access recovery, not all hope is lost, but since this is a work phone, I do need it back up and running, and I need it fast. How should I proceed from here? I tried straight flash a GPE ROM from here, but it would still run into the error of "E: cannot mount system" and trying to wipe/advance wipe would not work either.
If anyone has any idea what kind of problems I am running into, I am all ears to hear and try my best to get my work phone back up and running. Thank you all for taking you time to read, think and maybe help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you have Safestrap 3.72? It should be working if you do. Either way, try flashing the MK2 AP file/kernel from the downgrade thread or the KitKat Toolkit. That should guarantee it mounts and then you can try again. If that doesn't work, you might just have to ODIN NB1 and start from the downgrade.
DeadlySin9 said:
Are you sure you have Safestrap 3.72? It should be working if you do. Either way, try flashing the MK2 AP file/kernel from the downgrade thread or the KitKat Toolkit. That should guarantee it mounts and then you can try again. If that doesn't work, you might just have to ODIN NB1 and start from the downgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am now just trying to boot up the phone to check, and right now it is stuck at the Samsung Custom lock (white). So I guess either Odin NB1 or MK2 and start from there?
The only thing I think its odd is, it keeps telling me that it can't mount the system, and I can't for the live of me figure why that would even happen....
iantung329 said:
I am now just trying to boot up the phone to check, and right now it is stuck at the Samsung Custom lock (white). So I guess either Odin NB1 or MK2 and start from there?
The only thing I think its odd is, it keeps telling me that it can't mount the system, and I can't for the live of me figure why that would even happen....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you had not taken the OTA from AT&T your phone bootloader is still on MK2.
Did you flash NC1 before or after you received OTA from AT&T.
sway8966 said:
If you had not taken the OTA from AT&T your phone bootloader is still on MK2.
Did you flash NC1 before or after you received OTA from AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not able to take the OTA from AT&T, due to that it was rooted and Xposed, so somehow the system check would backfire. When I got the phone, it was on MK2, and I only rooted it and installed custom recovery, for I only need to be able to delete some stuff at will, thus, the root access.
Actually, since I can't boot pass the Samsung custom lock, is it still possible to use Odin? I would have thought Odin would not recognize the phone since it is not on.....
iantung329 said:
I was not able to take the OTA from AT&T, due to that it was rooted and Xposed, so somehow the system check would backfire. When I got the phone, it was on MK2, and I only rooted it and installed custom recovery, for I only need to be able to delete some stuff at will, thus, the root access.
Actually, since I can't boot pass the Samsung custom lock, is it still possible to use Odin? I would have thought Odin would not recognize the phone since it is not on.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will still work, ODIN requires you to hold one of the volume buttons while powering on to go into download mode on the phone which doesn't require booting to system.
DeadlySin9 said:
It will still work, ODIN requires you to hold one of the volume buttons while powering on to go into download mode on the phone which doesn't require booting to system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so just tried Odin it using the files from Deadly Venom Kitkat Magic Tool. Odin caught the phone alright, but after the files are lined up (the mk2 ones), it give me the following:
Get PIT for mapping..
There is no PIT partition
All threads completed. (succeed 0/ failed 1)
And of course, the top also showed FAIL!
Any suggestions? Try going directly to NB1 and downgrade from there?
iantung329 said:
OK, so just tried Odin it using the files from Deadly Venom Kitkat Magic Tool. Odin caught the phone alright, but after the files are lined up (the mk2 ones), it give me the following:
Get PIT for mapping..
There is no PIT partition
All threads completed. (succeed 0/ failed 1)
And of course, the top also showed FAIL!
Any suggestions? Try going directly to NB1 and downgrade from there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So after an all-night, I finally got it back up and running. Here is what I did, in case someone runs into the same problem.
I grabbed the MK2 file here, un-zip it, Odin it to its respective slots, and then flash it. It took over 10 mins, but it did finish the flash, and Odin showed "PASS!"
So, now I have another question, I booted it up like when it first came in the box, so went through and did all the setup. I went into setting, and I see the following:
Android version: 4.3
Baseband: I337-MK2
Kernel: signed Sat Nov 16 14:33:13 KST 2013
Build #: JSS-MK2
So if I want to do this upgrade to 4.4.2/4.4.3 again, would I consider my phone as stock MK2 that has not been tried to upgrade to 4.4.2/4.4.3? I did try and confirmed that I don't have root (obviously), so I guess I have to treat this phone as if it never took any updates/modifications? Then I would ask which route to follow to ensure the best and most confirm result of upgrading to either 4.4.2/4.4.3.
Thanks all for your thoughts on how to de-bug this. :laugh:
iantung329 said:
So after an all-night, I finally got it back up and running. Here is what I did, in case someone runs into the same problem.
I grabbed the MK2 file here, un-zip it, Odin it to its respective slots, and then flash it. It took over 10 mins, but it did finish the flash, and Odin showed "PASS!"
So, now I have another question, I booted it up like when it first came in the box, so went through and did all the setup. I went into setting, and I see the following:
Android version: 4.3
Baseband: I337-MK2
Kernel: signed Sat Nov 16 14:33:13 KST 2013
Build #: JSS-MK2
So if I want to do this upgrade to 4.4.2/4.4.3 again, would I consider my phone as stock MK2 that has not been tried to upgrade to 4.4.2/4.4.3? I did try and confirmed that I don't have root (obviously), so I guess I have to treat this phone as if it never took any updates/modifications? Then I would ask which route to follow to ensure the best and most confirm result of upgrading to either 4.4.2/4.4.3.
Thanks all for your thoughts on how to de-bug this. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes your phone is stock MK2.
I do not know about 4.4.3 but you can find many 4.4.2 custom rom in the developer section.
First you need to root the phone. You can get the required files and instruction from here.
Second, you need to install the custom recovery. Since you are on MK2 you need to use Safestrap version 3.71. You can get the file and instructions here.
Once you have rooted and finish installing the SS (safestrap) you can find the custom rom in the developer section. Find the roms with SS option.
sway8966 said:
Yes your phone is stock MK2.
I do not know about 4.4.3 but you can find many 4.4.2 custom rom in the developer section.
First you need to root the phone. You can get the required files and instruction from here.
Second, you need to install the custom recovery. Since you are on MK2 you need to use Safestrap version 3.71. You can get the file and instructions here.
Once you have rooted and finish installing the SS (safestrap) you can find the custom rom in the developer section. Find the roms with SS option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sway8966, thank you for saving my behind more than once.
I will be following your instruction as to rooting the phone and also install custom recovery. However, if you see my first post, it seems I need to first install SS 3.71 to root, then SS 3.72 to upgrade to NB1/NC1? I will take a safe bet that I can't just use SS 3.72 to avoid brick. Also, that GPE version ROM, I had trouble finding the kernel, would there be a place to find it? Or is it in the package? I un-zipped it, but can't find the file that looks like the kernel in it.
Thanks again. :laugh:
iantung329 said:
Sway8966, thank you for saving my behind more than once.
I will be following your instruction as to rooting the phone and also install custom recovery. However, if you see my first post, it seems I need to first install SS 3.71 to root, then SS 3.72 to upgrade to NB1/NC1? I will take a safe bet that I can't just use SS 3.72 to avoid brick. Also, that GPE version ROM, I had trouble finding the kernel, would there be a place to find it? Or is it in the package? I un-zipped it, but can't find the file that looks like the kernel in it.
Thanks again. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iantung329 I am glad to help you out.
You do not need to install SS recovery first to root the phone. Rooting is done by using the adb command to push the super user in the system area.
Since you are in a MK2 firmware/bootloader Safestrap 3.71 is the only one you can use.
Also your bootloader is MK2 so I would not go to install the NB1/NC1 system file on your phone. SS 3.72 is for the NB1/NC1.
To upgrade your phone to 4.4.2 OS you can find the custom rom packages (including the kernel) in here.
Bootloader MK2 and above can not use the custom kernel since there is no exploit for the kernel out so far. So you need to choose the TOUCHWIZ rom with SS version, not AOSP (Android open-source project) rom.
We are not supposed to tell you which rom to choose because people might not have similar taste or expectation in the choice of rom. Read around and choose the rom that you want.
If you'd asked me, I use Golden Eye rom. I am on NC1. You can see that in my signature section.
I will tell you how I installed the Golden eye rom as an example.
I download the package (zip file), my NC1 stock kernel file and superSU file.
Using the safestrap I installed the package zip file. After the installation finished I installed the NC1 kernel file and SuperSU file. Then I reboot my phone. That is. Other roms might have different instructions.
iantung329 said:
Sway8966, thank you for saving my behind more than once.
I will be following your instruction as to rooting the phone and also install custom recovery. However, if you see my first post, it seems I need to first install SS 3.71 to root, then SS 3.72 to upgrade to NB1/NC1? I will take a safe bet that I can't just use SS 3.72 to avoid brick. Also, that GPE version ROM, I had trouble finding the kernel, would there be a place to find it? Or is it in the package? I un-zipped it, but can't find the file that looks like the kernel in it.
Thanks again. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sway8966 said:
iantung329 I am glad to help you out.
You do not need to install SS recovery first to root the phone. Rooting is done by using the adb command to push the super user in the system area.
Since you are in a MK2 firmware/bootloader Safestrap 3.71 is the only one you can use.
Also your bootloader is MK2 so I would not go to install the NB1/NC1 system file on your phone. SS 3.72 is for the NB1/NC1.
To upgrade your phone to 4.4.2 OS you can find the custom rom packages (including the kernel) in here.
Bootloader MK2 and above can not use the custom kernel since there is no exploit for the kernel out so far. So you need to choose the TOUCHWIZ rom with SS version, not AOSP (Android open-source project) rom.
We are not supposed to tell you which rom to choose because people might not have similar taste or expectation in the choice of rom. Read around and choose the rom that you want.
If you'd asked me, I use Golden Eye rom. I am on NC1. You can see that in my signature section.
I will tell you how I installed the Golden eye rom as an example.
I download the package (zip file), my NC1 stock kernel file and superSU file.
Using the safestrap I installed the package zip file. After the installation finished I installed the NC1 kernel file and SuperSU file. Then I reboot my phone. That is. Other roms might have different instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As sway said, you do not need Safestrap to root, you just use Saferoot and you have root. However, you can actually use SS 3.72 and it would be better to use it since you can then mount /system even while on a 4.4.2 kernel. You can also use the single GPE located in the general section. Sway's ROM flashing instructions are correct, but also remember to flash the kernel module zip in Safestrap, and you would be using the MLD set since you have the MK2 bootloader. The kernels and everything you need are included in the KitKat Magic Toolkit.
DeadlySin9 said:
As sway said, you do not need Safestrap to root, you just use Saferoot and you have root. However, you can actually use SS 3.72 and it would be better to use it since you can then mount /system even while on a 4.4.2 kernel. You can also use the single GPE located in the general section. Sway's ROM flashing instructions are correct, but also remember to flash the kernel module zip in Safestrap, and you would be using the MLD set since you have the MK2 bootloader. The kernels and everything you need are included in the KitKat Magic Toolkit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:crying::crying::crying:
Sigh, I will admit, I have done it again, so I am back to flashing the MK2 file from a few post ago.
I think I will either go with stock rooted ROM or the GPE version, I think the only thing I am missing is the kernel, which I found in one of the post I have to Loki it since I am on AT&T, but I can't find the Loki software, or would that be using Odin as well?
The only reason I am looking to root this phone is so that I can tether. Traveling roughly 2-3 weeks a month ain't fun, but not all hotels have free wifi, so having my phone rooted and able to tether is like a life line. Also, after I tried GB, its wonderful! Apart from I can't find a good quiet time option, everything is awesome being able to use GB and AdBlock. Does either Sway or DeadlySin9 have a good recommendation for quiet time app/mod?
As soon as I get the phone back on stock MK2, I will be looking into either stock root ROM or GPE version. Thanks all! :fingers-crossed:
iantung329 said:
:crying::crying::crying:
Sigh, I will admit, I have done it again, so I am back to flashing the MK2 file from a few post ago.
I think I will either go with stock rooted ROM or the GPE version, I think the only thing I am missing is the kernel, which I found in one of the post I have to Loki it since I am on AT&T, but I can't find the Loki software, or would that be using Odin as well?
The only reason I am looking to root this phone is so that I can tether. Traveling roughly 2-3 weeks a month ain't fun, but not all hotels have free wifi, so having my phone rooted and able to tether is like a life line. Also, after I tried GB, its wonderful! Apart from I can't find a good quiet time option, everything is awesome being able to use GB and AdBlock. Does either Sway or DeadlySin9 have a good recommendation for quiet time app/mod?
As soon as I get the phone back on stock MK2, I will be looking into either stock root ROM or GPE version. Thanks all! :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. @DeadlySin9, got the final question (hopefully :fingers-crossed
I am going to flash GPE version (here) and I will be following the direction on that, wipe, flash, kernel then reboot. You mentioned that I should use the MLD kernels, but which one is that in the Kitkat magic tool? AP_MLD, BL_MLD? And now I have SS 3.71 on the phone, would you recommend uninstalling that and install SS 3.72 instead, since I will be flashing GPE version anyway?
Also, what of this ROM (here)? I guess I can't flash this one?
iantung329 said:
OK. @DeadlySin9, got the final question (hopefully :fingers-crossed
I am going to flash GPE version (here) and I will be following the direction on that, wipe, flash, kernel then reboot. You mentioned that I should use the MLD kernels, but which one is that in the Kitkat magic tool? AP_MLD, BL_MLD? And now I have SS 3.71 on the phone, would you recommend uninstalling that and install SS 3.72 instead, since I will be flashing GPE version anyway?
Also, what of this ROM (here)? I guess I can't flash this one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, neither of those work. There's one in the General section, with Safestrap in the thread title. That's the one you need. I do recommend going to 3.72 on Safestrap, and you need to use both the AP and BL files in ODIN.
Sent from my SGH-I337 running GPE
DeadlySin9 said:
Actually, neither of those work. There's one in the General section, with Safestrap in the thread title. That's the one you need. I do recommend going to 3.72 on Safestrap, and you need to use both the AP and BL files in ODIN.
Sent from my SGH-I337 running GPE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the only one I can find (here)
Also, by the look of it, paid apps wouldn't work in this ROM, that might be a problem.
Here is another one that I was considering from the start (here), but I am not sure if I should follow the first post or second?
iantung329 said:
This is the only one I can find (here)
Also, by the look of it, paid apps wouldn't work in this ROM, that might be a problem.
Here is another one that I was considering from the start (here), but I am not sure if I should follow the first post or second?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're still on MK2 then you can use the second one. And yeah, you can't download paid apps from the Play Store for some reason.
DeadlySin9 said:
If you're still on MK2 then you can use the second one. And yeah, you can't download paid apps from the Play Store for some reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@DeadlySin9, thanks for pointing out the correct one to use, and yes, I am still stock on MK2, rooted and have not installed SS, pending the version discussion. I will go ahead and install SS 3.72 and the ROM from the first post and :fingers-crossed: that it will work wonders.
The reason that I am choosing this over the GPE, don't get me wrong, GPE I think is better, but no download paid apps is not going to work for me, some apps like, root explorer and a few others are a must on the phone. So that's a bummer. I wish it works, then I can just flash and be in peace.
Thank you @sway8966 also for helping out on this. I just freaked out when I found out the work phone was dead.....

Xposed and Safestrap on Lollipop?

I recently upgraded today from 4.4.2 to 5.0 OC4 and kept root using this method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...0-keeproot-t3068546/post59791648#post59791648
However, I had no Idea it would be so hard (impossible?) to get xposed back. Is there any way in which I could install xposed ARM without having a custom recovery on my verizon G900V running lollipop?
I also read an article on another website that said you can flash safestrap with odin, go into safestrap, install anything necessary, and then reflash current ROM? I am not TOO knowledgable with all of this, however I have found my way around all this enough to ensure myself root and all needed features. Any help or information would be amazing.
Article: http://www.droidforums.net/threads/galaxy-s5-safestrap-after-the-lollipop-update.279867/
I was considering flashing the xposed ARM file with flashfire, however I read someone else was stuck in a bootloop who tried this. Would this not work? Is there any method? I was also looking into flash gordon which lets you flash .zip files without requiring custom recovery. Thanks!
EDIT: Just did some more research and found this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/nc1-flasher-odin-to-safestrap-t3082620
It seems as if its possible, however this thread is for the OC3 version, while I flashed the OC4... Anyone out there done anything like this before, or knows how to provide the needed steps? Thanks again.
Go to the xposed thread and read any comment at all. It doesn't work on touchwiz based lollipop architecture. PERIOD. you didn't need a new thread in this forum to learn that...
I see, is there some way that I could downgrade. I've been looking into that for awhile now to go back to my 4.4.2 but there's a ton of methods and I am not sure which is required for my device. I canno't seem to find a specific method for my g900v s5. Thanks for you're reply, and I hope I can downgrade.
synkro1 said:
I see, is there some way that I could downgrade. I've been looking into that for awhile now to go back to my 4.4.2 but there's a ton of methods and I am not sure which is required for my device. I canno't seem to find a specific method for my g900v s5. Thanks for you're reply, and I hope I can downgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3088571 it might need some modification for 4.4.2, however.
synkro1 said:
I see, is there some way that I could downgrade.j I've been looking into that for awhile now to go back to my 4.4.2 but there's a ton of methods and I am not sure which is required for my device. I canno't seem to find a specific method for my g900v s5. Thanks for you're reply, and I hope I can downgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can go up and down as often as you like. I would Odin the NCG tar from the link below and reroot.
You probably still have safestrap. You could try this first. Go to download mode and Odin the NE9 kernel. When your phone starts booting up you should see the safestrap option to boot into recovery. Boot into recovery, install a rooted NE9 ROM of your choice. Boot back into download mode via safestrap and Odin the NE9 firmware. Let your phone boot all the way up and you should be good to go. Use NCG kernels and firmware-roms if you would rather be on NGC.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ment/stock-collection-kernels-modems-t2842069
If safestrap doesn't show up, Odin the full NCG tar file and reroot your phone.
Thanks so much for your help, the only problem is I never installed safestrap on my phone. So I do not currently have safe strap, or any custom recovery. So i can just use the odin method then, correct?
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synkro1 said:
Thanks so much for your help, the only problem is I never installed safestrap on my phone. So I do not currently have safe strap, or any custom recovery. So i can just use the odin method then, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, sir. That would be correct. Since you are rooted, there is an app called Flashfire you could use that doesn't even require a computer but if you are familiar with Odin that is a good way to go as well.
I have flashfire installed, in fact I used it to upgrade to lollipop. What settings should I use with flashfire to downgrade to lollipop? Do i have to clear cache or anything? And will the file from the notes #4 from here work?: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...0-keeproot-t3068546/post59791648#post59791648
synkro1 said:
I have flashfire installed, in factj I used it to upgrade to lollipop. What settings should I use with flashfire to downgrade to lollipop? Do i have to clear cache or anything? And will the file from the notes #4 from here work?: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...0-keeproot-t3068546/post59791648#post59791648
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ROM do you want to have on your phone?
Just a normal stock 4.4.2 ROM works fine for me.
synkro1 said:
Just a normal stock 4.4.2 ROM works fine for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download this ROM onto your SD card. I prefer deodex
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2793931
Download the NGC retail firmware from here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ment/stock-collection-kernels-modems-t2842069
In Flashfire, select firmware and navigate to your firmware. Just check boot and recovery
Next select zip-ota, navigate to your ROM. Leave auto mount unchecked.
Select firmware again. This time check boot, recovery, modem, and firmware. Flashfire will ask if you want them in separate zips. Click yes
Now select wipe. Check everything but SD card.
Now arrange everything in this order
Wipe
Firmware-boot recovery
Zip-rom
Firmware modem firmware
Firmware-boot recovery
Ever root- inject supersu
Boot normal
That should do it. You should be rooted on 4.4.2
Tulsadiver said:
Download this ROM onto your SD card. I prefer deodex
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2793931
Download the NGC retail firmware from here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ment/stock-collection-kernels-modems-t2842069
In Flashfire, select firmware and navigate to your firmware. Just check boot and recovery
Next select zip-ota, navigate to your ROM. Leave auto mount unchecked.
Select firmware again. This time check boot, recovery, modem, and firmware. Flashfire will ask if you want them in separate zips. Click yes
Now select wipe. Check everything but SD card.
Now arrange everything in this order
Wipe
Firmware-boot recovery
Zip-rom
Firmware modem firmware
Firmware-boot recovery
Ever root- inject supersu
Boot normal
That should do it. You should be rooted on 4.4.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ur amazing. I'll try it and let you know. Thanks so much for your help.
Thanks so much! It worked perfectly! I had a problem initially after installing towelroot and xposed and got an error when rebooting the phone called "Process system isn't responding". My phone kept freezing and was super slow because of this. I believe it was due to me restoring contacts from titanium backup. I restored the contacts system app as a whole. I didn't realize that at the time however, and just system restored my phone again, and did everything the same yet didn't restore my contacts, and the message is now gone. I am not running root with xposed on 4.4.2. Your amazing!

I need help with installing the Alliance ROM PLEASE.

EDIT: I have successfully installed the Alliance ROM. Here's how i did it.
Prerequisites:
Your phone at at least 50% battery
A charge cable
MicroSD card that you can plug into your computer
Odin 3.09
SafeStrap, version 3.75 APK on your MicroSD card
Alliance ROM on your MicroSD card
NCG tar.md5 (the big file, not the kernel)
I started off on a rooted 5.0 VZW Galaxy S5. After some confusion, I downgraded to NCG (4.4.2) using Odin. After doing that, I went to Towelroot, got the APK, rooted, downloaded SuperSU from the play store (I had to sign into google at this point), installed it's binaries (NORMALLY! Don't choose the TWRP method), rebooted when it asked me to. From there, I installed BusyBox from the play store and installed it within the app. Then I installed Safestrap (version 3.75), which I had on my MicroSD card. I used the app My Files to navigate to my MicroSD and installed the APK. Then I installed it within the app, and when the "reboot to recovery" button worked, I rebooted into SafeStrap recovery mode. At this point, the Alliance ROM zip file should ALREADY BE ON YOUR MICROSD CARD, WHICH SHOULD BE IN YOUR PHONE. Now, you're going to press the INSTALL button to the top right in Safestrap recovery, and you're going to navigate to your MicroSD card. It might be already opened to that. Then you're gonna select the Alliance ROM and flash it. After it successfully flashes, reboot into download mode (if for some reason you aren't able to do it immediately, you get into download mode by holding volume down, home button, and power button at the same time). Now, using Odin, you're gonna flash the firmware that the instructions in the Alliance thread tells you to (here's the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver.../rom-alliancerom-build-3-rom-control-t2818632). If everything works, it's gonna take a couple of minutes, optimize apps, and boot.
Huge thanks to Beans and his team for creating the Alliance mod, and huge thanks to Tulsadiver for helping me get through the process during my confusion.
Original thread below
Hi. I'll cut to the chase. I was an idiot and thought I could just flash the Alliance ROM from my SD card, but my phone is currently a factory restored 5.0. So, after unsuccessfully flashing Alliance ROM, I thought, well, I probably need to be on 4.4.2 to do this. So, what I'm wondering is, do I need to go back down to 4.4.2 to install Alliance ROM? And do I need Safestrap recovery to do it, or can I do it from stock recovery (home button+volUp+Power)? I did a lot of digging in the Alliance ROM post and there were no posts regarding my problem/question, probably because they're all experienced and I'm not (this is my first time trying to flash a custom ROM).
It SOUNDS like I need to flash a full stock tar using Odin, is that correct? Once I do that, I would be on stock wiped 4.4.2, I assume. From there, could I flash the Alliance ROM and continue with the instructions? Or do I need to root first and get safestrap and all that crap? I feel like Beans was really vague with his instructions on installing ROMs, but whatever. Please help though, I'm kind of stuck in the middle of this with a softbricked phone.
Thank you so much in advance, I appreciate it.
~isra
EDIT: Also, I was on ROOTED 5.0 Lollipop just before this. I just got so sick of lollipop, I was ready for something different. So here we are. To confirm, my phone is the standard retail SM-G900VZW model.
EDIT2: Apparently App Ops and SuperSU survived the wipe and, after downloading Root Checker, I can confirm that I'm still rooted... Huh.
israphial said:
Hi. I'll cut to the chase. I was an idiot and thought I could just flash the Alliance ROM from my SD card, but my phone is currently a factory restored 5.0. So, after unsuccessfully flashing Alliance ROM, I thought, well, I probably need to be on 4.4.2 to do this. So, what I'm wondering is, do I need to go back down to 4.4.2 to install Alliance ROM? And do I need Safestrap recovery to do it, or can I do it from stock recovery (home button+volUp+Power)? I did a lot of digging in the Alliance ROM post and there were no posts regarding my problem/question, probably because they're all experienced and I'm not (this is my first time trying to flash a custom ROM).
It SOUNDS like I need to flash a full stock tar using Odin, is that correct? Once I do that, I would be on stock wiped 4.4.2, I assume. From there, could I flash the Alliance ROM and continue with the instructions? Or do I need to root first and get safestrap and all that crap? I feel like Beans was really vague with his instructions on installing ROMs, but whatever. Please help though, I'm kind of stuck in the middle of this with a softbricked phone.
Thank you so much in advance, I appreciate it.
~isra
EDIT: Also, I was on ROOTED 5.0 Lollipop just before this. I just got so sick of lollipop, I was ready for something different. So here we are. To confirm, my phone is the standard retail SM-G900VZW model.
EDIT2: Apparently App Ops and SuperSU survived the wipe and, after downloading Root Checker, I can confirm that I'm still rooted... Huh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download busybox from play store. Install it. Install safestrap. Once recovery is installed, go into recovery, install alliance, from within safestrap, boot into download mode and flash the full firmware Odin tar.
Tulsadiver said:
Download busybox from play store. Install it. Install safestrap. Once recovery is installed, go into recovery, install alliance, from within safestrap, boot into download mode and flash the full firmware Odin tar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so I don't need to downgrade my phone? Keep in mind I'm on stock rooted 5.0, which just got factory reset so I got nothing except for the root. Also, what full firmware odin tar are you referring to? NE9? This one: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23610159112652201
Or this one: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23622183712472727
I'm getting these links from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ment/stock-collection-kernels-modems-t2842069
I really appreciate you replying. Thank you.
The first one. That firmware will downgrade you to NE9.
Tulsadiver said:
The first one. That firmware will downgrade you to NE9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I don't need to downgrade to install the ROM. Got it. Thank you. Is there anything else I should know?
Not that I know of. ROM installations are different so always refer to their installation instructions. Some will say to flash the firmware first. The op knows best. Alliance NE9 says to do a full wipe (everything but SD card). Install the ROM, reboot to download mode ( don't hit reboot system). Once in download mode, flash the firmware tar and let your phone reboot.
Tulsadiver said:
Not that I know of. ROM installations are different so always refer to their installation instructions. Some will say to flash the firmware first. The op knows best. Alliance NE9 says to do a full wipe (everything but SD card). Install the ROM, reboot to download mode ( don't hit reboot system). Once in download mode, flash the firmware tar and let your phone reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I installed Safestrap and did all that, but when I press the reboot into recovery button, it just reboots the phone normally. It doesn't go into safestrap recovery. Am I supposed to hold some buttons or something?
Did safestrap ask for SuperSU permissions? Did you install busy box? You can't just download the app.
Tulsadiver said:
Did safestrap ask for SuperSU permissions? Did you install busy box? You can't just download the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I've installed BusyBox and given SS root permissions. I installed the APK 3.75 Safestrap that I used to get into SS recovery when I was getting to rooted 5.0 a while back, so I know that the APK isn't corrupt or anything like that.
I forgot. You are on lollipop. You need to flash the NE9 kernel first ( via Odin). You already have safestrap but it doesn't work on lollipop. After you flash the NE9 kernel you will have the option to boot into recovery. Have alliance on your SD card ready to install.
Tulsadiver said:
I forgot. You are on lollipop. You need to flash the NE9 kernel first ( via Odin). You already have safestrap but it doesn't work on lollipop. After you flash the NE9 kernel you will have the option to boot into recovery. Have alliance on your SD card ready to install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found a "NE9 Stock tar.md5". Does that sound right? DL is here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23578570567721275
Found a "NE9 Stock tar.md5". Does that sound right? DL is here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23578570567721275
israphial said:
Found a "NE9 Stock tar.md5". Does that sound right? DL is here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23578570567721275
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is it.
Tulsadiver said:
That is it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I'm going to flash the kernel then, then I'll get back to you if anything comes up. Again, I really appreciate you helping me. Thank you.
Tulsadiver said:
That is it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It booted into stock recovery mode after odin successfully flashed NE9. Now do I install the ROM from stock recovery, or do I boot the phone and get to Safestrap to install the ROM from Safestrap recovery? I am currently in recovery mode.
You must not have had safestrap on your phone after all. Can you get back to download mode? You probably need to flash your lollipop kernel to get back to lollipop.
Tulsadiver said:
You must not have had safestrap on your phone after all. Can you get back to download mode? You probably need to flash your lollipop kernel to get back to lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely had safestrap. Though, here's something: Everyone talks about a menu that pops up during boot that allows you to enter either safestrap recovery, or boot, and I've never had/seen that menu, even when I was rooting 5.0. Yes, my BusyBox worked and was properly installed, and yes, I had Safestrap recovery installed.
I just tried rebooting and it after sitting at the first screen for a while, it rebooted quickly and went back into recovery mode. What if I try installing Alliance from recovery mode? Will it work?
israphial said:
I definitely had safestrap. Though, here's something: Everyone talks about a menu that pops up during boot that allows you to enter either safestrap recovery, or boot, and I've never had/seen that menu, even when I was rooting 5.0. Yes, my BusyBox worked and was properly installed, and yes, I had Safestrap recovery installed.
I just tried rebooting and it after sitting at the first screen for a while, it rebooted quickly and went back into recovery mode. What if I try installing Alliance from recovery mode? Will it work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never been on stock recovery before. I think it has to be a custom recovery. You might need to pull your battery and let it set for a bit and see if you can get into download mode.
Tulsadiver said:
I've never been on stock recovery before. I think it has to be a custom recovery. You might need to pull your battery and let it set for a bit and see if you can get into download mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can get into download mode perfectly fine. I'm going to kernel back to 5.0 then...
But what do I do now? Should I downgrade to 4.4.2 with the stock firmware once I successfully boot 5.0?
EDIT: Yup, booted 5.0 perfectly fine. Now what? Downgrade to 4.4.2 and flash the NE9 Kernel?
Proof that Safestrap is on my phone:
http://imgur.com/cGa1v1n

Unbrick/get into safestrap after OC3 upgrade

OK, so I recently upgraded to a lollipop ROM on my locked bootloader ATT I337. To get into safestrap now, I have to use NC1 flasher to temporarily flash the NC1 kernel, and then boot into SS, then flash the OC3 kernel to get back. PITA, but it worked. So I tried restoring a backup, and when I rebooted it didn't work (black screen, kept getting FC's of every app, couldn't actually do anything). I rebooted 3 times, after which it seems to be working. Weird. However, if this happens again, how do I get back to safestrap so that I can wipe and reinstall the lollipop ROM? Can I just flash the NC1 kernel via Heimdall/ODIN? If so, which file is it? When I was looking, it seemed like I needed to start from scratch with a full KK flashable package, then upgrade, downgrade, etc, etc.
nola mike said:
OK, so I recently upgraded to a lollipop ROM on my locked bootloader ATT I337. To get into safestrap now, I have to use NC1 flasher to temporarily flash the NC1 kernel, and then boot into SS, then flash the OC3 kernel to get back. PITA, but it worked. So I tried restoring a backup, and when I rebooted it didn't work (black screen, kept getting FC's of every app, couldn't actually do anything). I rebooted 3 times, after which it seems to be working. Weird. However, if this happens again, how do I get back to safestrap so that I can wipe and reinstall the lollipop ROM? Can I just flash the NC1 kernel via Heimdall/ODIN? If so, which file is it? When I was looking, it seemed like I needed to start from scratch with a full KK flashable package, then upgrade, downgrade, etc, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, you can flash NC1 kernel in AP slot in ODIN. I'm not sure about Heimdall as I haven't used it.
NC1 kernel: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23487008491965103
Thanks, hopefully won't have to try it
Just as a bit of an update. I did another safestrap restore, and again ended up booting into the same situation, with black screen, mult FC, etc. Figured out that to exit this, boot into the system bootloader, and from there choose "reboot". For whatever reason, it then boots normally.

AT&T I377 Stock Recovery Problems and Other issues

I have a Galaxy S4 AT&T i377 UCSGOK3 5.01. I have been fiddling with it and broke the recovery mode. When I select "reboot system now" it reboots, BUT has numerous "Unfortunately...has stopped" errors, finally resulting in unresponsive blank screen. I then have to factory reset and rebuild again. I CAN use recovery mode, IF I remove the battery instead of "reboot system now".
Here are the chain of events leading up this this:
- successfully rooted with Kingroot and replaced with Super SU
- attempted to install TWRP with "Official TWRP App" (I know, should not have done that)
- before attempting TWRP install, made backup of recovery.img (original one) with Official TWRP App
- tried to reinstall original recovery.img with Official TWRP App, Odin, and Flashify. Not working, does not boot into recovery mode.
- installed extracted NB1 recovery.img. From "AT&T Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 UCUFNB1 (Android 4.4.2)" with Odin. This one works, but has the reboot error problem.
Questions:
Is there a Stock AT&T OK3 firmware I can get a recovery.img from or will it still be a NB1 recovery?
Would it be helpful to do a complete re-install of stock firmware? Which one?
Can I install Safestrap on OK3?
Is there a fix for the numerous "Unfortunately...has stopped errors" after recovery reboot?
Thanks in advance,
Todd K.
The bootloader on the phone is locked and cannot run any version of TWRP or any custom ROM that is not based off a stock Samsung ROM.
The reboot problem may be due to a mismatch between the bootloader and recovery.
There is no stock OK3 ROM because AT&T never released a Odin-flashable version of the ROM. OK3 was only offered as an OTA update.
I suggest going back to stock OK3. This thread may help: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
The S4 is a great phone and I still have one as my backup phone.
audit13 said:
I suggest going back to stock OK3. This thread may help:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Audit13. just to clarify, Do you suggest sticking with stock OK3 instead of safestrapping to some compatible custom ROM?
For some people, a rooted and no-bloat stock ROM is the most suitable as it's pretty stable and works with many apps.
You can try a custom ROM with safestrap but they'll all be based off a stock ROM which may not run the apps you need.
audit13 said:
For some people, a rooted and no-bloat stock ROM is the most suitable as it's pretty stable and works with many apps.
You can try a custom ROM with safestrap but they'll all be based off a stock ROM which may not run the apps you need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I got it to Stock OK3 rooted after a couple of tries. 1st time, I installed the rootable NB1, rooted with towelroot. It wouldn't take the upgrade zips to get from NB1 to OK3. I started over with the plain Stock NB1 ROM, then upgraded in steps from NB1 to OK3, no problem. Then kingrooted and replaced with SuperSU using root.sh script.
I then de-bloated with "System app remover (ROOT)" I wasn't sure what was safe to remove and was afraid of bricking it and having to start over, but it seems to be OK as I was conservative.
Which method do you recommend to de-bloat?
Finally is there a way to do a complete system, app, data, settings backup without CWM/TWRP? Safestrap? ADB? I have Titanium Backup but I don't think it will restore settings and ONLY the apps I want without the bloatware.
Thanks,
Todd K.
I have never owned the sgh-i337 as I'm in Canada and the sgh-i337m (unlocked bootloader, works with TWRP) is the version carried by Canadian carriers.
When dealing with bloatware, I either manually freeze or remove it with Titanium Backup.
toddk63 said:
Thanks, I got it to Stock OK3 rooted after a couple of tries. 1st time, I installed the rootable NB1, rooted with towelroot. It wouldn't take the upgrade zips to get from NB1 to OK3. I started over with the plain Stock NB1 ROM, then upgraded in steps from NB1 to OK3, no problem. Then kingrooted and replaced with SuperSU using root.sh script.
I then de-bloated with "System app remover (ROOT)" I wasn't sure what was safe to remove and was afraid of bricking it and having to start over, but it seems to be OK as I was conservative.
Which method do you recommend to de-bloat?
Finally is there a way to do a complete system, app, data, settings backup without CWM/TWRP? Safestrap? ADB? I have Titanium Backup but I don't think it will restore settings and ONLY the apps I want without the bloatware.
Thanks,
Todd K.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the mybackup app (formerly called my backup root) to debloat/freeze bloat. It's sort of like titanium backup. You can use flash fire on the play store to do a system backup without safe strap, just using safe strap is better and probably faster.

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