Database Users

[Q] Flash failing in ODIN

Hello everyone, I have a SCH-R970C from Cricket that I have been trying yo flash with GT-I9505 firmware. I did get it to flash with Omega's rom. The problem is it keeps giving me the error that com.android.phone has stopped. My guess is due to the modem being the stock R970C still. I have been trying to flash this with a GT-I9505 modem and it keeps failing in ODIN. I have tried flashing it to SGH-I337M for Bell SCH-R970C to take it back to stock and nothing seems to work (they all fail in ODIN). Now today i noticed before it fails it says response from bootloader then it fails. Now I am assuming the bootloader is locked. The R970 file i was trying to flash was a US cellular one does anyone have a stock from for a Cricket on as I can't seem to find one. Also would that one flash if it is a bootloader locked. I do have another cricket s4 if there was a way to retrieve complete rom from it. Thanks so much in advance.

gilbes4 said:
Hello everyone, I have a SCH-R970C from Cricket that I have been trying yo flash with GT-I9505 firmware. I did get it to flash with Omega's rom. The problem is it keeps giving me the error that com.android.phone has stopped. My guess is due to the modem being the stock R970C still. I have been trying to flash this with a GT-I9505 modem and it keeps failing in ODIN. I have tried flashing it to SGH-I337M for Bell SCH-R970C to take it back to stock and nothing seems to work (they all fail in ODIN). Now today i noticed before it fails it says response from bootloader then it fails. Now I am assuming the bootloader is locked. The R970 file i was trying to flash was a US cellular one does anyone have a stock from for a Cricket on as I can't seem to find one. Also would that one flash if it is a bootloader locked. I do have another cricket s4 if there was a way to retrieve complete rom from it. Thanks so much in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cricket is a CDMA Carrier. You need to stick with CDMA ROMs.

Craptain Krunch said:
Cricket is a CDMA Carrier. You need to stick with CDMA ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Craptain Krunch, I was aware that Cricket was CDMA. I was doing research and it appears that the base phone is the same between all carriers with the exception of the I9500 it is the software that determines what carrier it belongs to. I was trying to make it into a world phone and have the capability of using it on CDMA and GSM. Part of the reason of the post was to obtain a Cricket rom so I can flash it back to Cricket and at least make it useable on their network again. I was also wondering if I could copy a flashable rom from my wifes S4. Again thank you for any info given. I greatly appreciate the help.

gilbes4 said:
Thank you Craptain Krunch, I was aware that Cricket was CDMA. I was doing research and it appears that the base phone is the same between all carriers with the exception of the I9500 it is the software that determines what carrier it belongs to. I was trying to make it into a world phone and have the capability of using it on CDMA and GSM. Part of the reason of the post was to obtain a Cricket rom so I can flash it back to Cricket and at least make it useable on their network again. I was also wondering if I could copy a flashable rom from my wifes S4. Again thank you for any info given. I greatly appreciate the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll see if I can find you a stock Cricket ROM, then explore which ROMs may work for you.
---------- Post added at 05:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:32 PM ----------
I can only find US Cellular:
Model: SCH-R970
Country: USA
Version: Android 4.2.2
Changelist: N/A
Build date: N/A
Product Code: USC
PDA: R970VXUAMDL
CSC: R970USCAMDL
MODEM: R970VXUAMDL
DOWNLOAD
You CANNOT flash an i9505 modem.
I'm assuming this phone has a SIM slot?
---------- Post added at 05:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:36 PM ----------
I've also found this:
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8301.html
You can probably flash custom ROMS for US Cellular
To make it a world phone, you need the SIM card slot unlocked
You can only flash CDMA modems

Yes Sir, it does have a sim card slot but it does not have the regular commands to unlock the sim slot. I contacted Cricket about having it unlocked and I must say they are not very intelligent lol. After about 5 phone calls and escalation I did end up getting a unlock code but no way to put it in. As per the rom I did try to flash a us cellular one from sammobile. I will try this one and get back to you. I greatly appreciate the help as I have been banging my head against the wall on this for a week. Luckily I still have my SII.

gilbes4 said:
Yes Sir, it does have a sim card slot but it does not have the regular commands to unlock the sim slot. I contacted Cricket about having it unlocked and I must say they are not very intelligent lol. After about 5 phone calls and escalation I did end up getting a unlock code but no way to put it in. As per the rom I did try to flash a us cellular one from sammobile. I will try this one and get back to you. I greatly appreciate the help as I have been banging my head against the wall on this for a week. Luckily I still have my SII.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With CDMA phones you have to enter a service code containing the unlock code to unlock it, or insert a non-approved SIM and the unlock code prompt will pop up.

Craptain Krunch said:
With CDMA phones you have to enter a service code containing the unlock code to unlock it, or insert a non-approved SIM and the unlock code prompt will pop up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried a bunch of tricks, when you insert the non approved sim it does not pop up the unlock window. I then tried:
#7465625*638*UNLOCKCODE#
#0111*UNLOCKCODE#
#7465625*638*# Once prompted for code, enter the 8 digit Unlock Code

gilbes4 said:
I have tried a bunch of tricks, when you insert the non approved sim it does not pop up the unlock window. I then tried:
#7465625*638*UNLOCKCODE#
#0111*UNLOCKCODE#
#7465625*638*# Once prompted for code, enter the 8 digit Unlock Code
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you on TW?

Craptain Krunch said:
Are you on TW?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I apologize I do not understand the acronym "TW". Could you please explain. Thank you.

gilbes4 said:
I apologize I do not understand the acronym "TW". Could you please explain. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you running a TouchWiz ROM or AOSP?

Craptain Krunch said:
Are you running a TouchWiz ROM or AOSP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I find out. It is an omega rom that is in it right now. As for factory which is what was in it when i tried to unlock it first it was factory cricket. So if i am correct i believe it would have been touchwiz.

gilbes4 said:
How do I find out. It is an omega rom that is in it right now. As for factory which is what was in it when i tried to unlock it first it was factory cricket. So if i am correct i believe it would have been touchwiz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both of those ROMs are TW, and the codes nor the unapproved SIM brought up the prompt on either ROM?

Craptain Krunch said:
Both of those ROMs are TW, and the codes nor the unapproved SIM brought up the prompt on either ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.

Craptain Krunch said:
Both of those ROMs are TW, and the codes nor the unapproved SIM brought up the prompt on either ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Craptain Krunch. I tried the two options you gave me. The one from prepaids unleashed did go into the phone and then I did the super su update as the site said but it still stayed on the I9505 so it appears the file was just a kernel. As the for the uscellular one this is what returns back from Odin:
<ID:0/005> Added!!
<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..
<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> R970VXUAMDL_R970USCAMDL_R970VXUAMDL_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/005> Odin v.3 engine (ID:5)..
<ID:0/005> File analysis..
<ID:0/005> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/005> Initialzation..
<ID:0/005> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/005> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/005> aboot.mbn
<ID:0/005> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/005> FAIL! (Auth)
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
Thanks again

gilbes4 said:
Hello Craptain Krunch. I tried the two options you gave me. The one from prepaids unleashed did go into the phone and then I did the super su update as the site said but it still stayed on the I9505 so it appears the file was just a kernel. As the for the uscellular one this is what returns back from Odin:
<ID:0/005> Added!!
<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..
<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> R970VXUAMDL_R970USCAMDL_R970VXUAMDL_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/005> Odin v.3 engine (ID:5)..
<ID:0/005> File analysis..
<ID:0/005> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/005> Initialzation..
<ID:0/005> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/005> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/005> aboot.mbn
<ID:0/005> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/005> FAIL! (Auth)
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a stock debloated ROM. You may have to install PhoneUtil.apk for the codes to work.

Craptain Krunch said:
Flash a stock debloated ROM. You may have to install PhoneUtil.apk for the codes to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't been able to find a stock Cricket Rom. I can find lots of US Cellular but they don't want to play nice lol. I tried the phoneutil on the GT-I9505 rom wouldn't let it install. If I could get back to stock I will try it. Do you know how to extract a good rom from a working phone? Thanks.

gilbes4 said:
I haven't been able to find a stock Cricket Rom. I can find lots of US Cellular but they don't want to play nice lol. I tried the phoneutil on the GT-I9505 rom wouldn't let it install. If I could get back to stock I will try it. Do you know how to extract a good rom from a working phone? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know how to extract individual partitions.

So I got the phoneutil.apk to run on my wife's phone. It opened the network lock entry window. The code Cricket gave me for her phone did not work but I can work with Cricket on that. Now to figure out how to get a stock version of Cricket software to get mine back to stock. Or download the rom from my wife's phone if anyone knows how to do that out there I would be very greatfull. Thank you very much to Craptain Krunch for all the help.

Ok, so.... I found a stock cricket rom, flashed it and now have my cricket phone back. Woooohooooo. But..... now when I try to connect to wifi it gives me an error "The device has detected an application attempting unpermitted actions and has stopped loading. To protect your device it is recommended you reboot." Rebooted and keeps giving me the error. It for some reason superSU is stilled installed even with new software and a factory reset. Would this cause this error? Thanks.

gilbes4 said:
Ok, so.... I found a stock cricket rom, flashed it and now have my cricket phone back. Woooohooooo. But..... now when I try to connect to wifi it gives me an error "The device has detected an application attempting unpermitted actions and has stopped loading. To protect your device it is recommended you reboot." Rebooted and keeps giving me the error. It for some reason superSU is stilled installed even with new software and a factory reset. Would this cause this error? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you been able to get it work with Gsm,I do have R970 US Cellular,wondering if I cat get it to work on GSM.

[Q] Bricked my note 3

i just picked up my Note 3 the other day from verizon (SM-N900V) and i attempted to root it using Root_de_la_vega. It was my fault for not doing more research, but i thought since i wasn't going to do anything fancy other than remove all the bloat ware that it should be simple enough. Now when i use Odin (3.09) it keeps failing and now my phone is bricked and now it says i need to use the software repair assistant.I have tried downloading Kies 3 as one site suggested, but for some reason it does not recognize the device What is the quickest way to repair this? I don't care if it goes back to default. I really need to fix it ASAP! Please help!
Below is the script that shows up in odin when i try to root it:
ID:0/003> Initialzation..
<ID:0/003> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/003> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/003> SingleDownload.
<ID:0/003> cache.img.ext4
<ID:0/003> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/003> FAIL! (Auth)
<ID:0/003>
<ID:0/003> Complete(Write) operation failed.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

Make sure you are using the latest MJE odin file. Also try a different usb port or even a different version of Odin such as 1.85/3.07

droidstyle said:
Make sure you are using the latest MJE odin file. Also try a different usb port or even a different version of Odin such as 1.85/3.07
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, im new to this, and its my fault for jumping in the deep end without doing my proper due diligence. I dont have a good clue what you mean my MJE odin file? Are you refering to the AP file that i drop into odin?

droidstyle said:
Make sure you are using the latest MJE odin file. Also try a different usb port or even a different version of Odin such as 1.85/3.07
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i also tried using different versions of odin. Can you link to a good root file for SM-N900V?

When @droidstyle mentioned MJE, he is talking about the most current customer release ".tar.md5" file for use with Odin. (There have been at least three public releases so far - MI9, MJ7, and now MJE)
I *think* links for the files you want are here (section 1 of this post)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2483380
I haven't been down the road you are travelling, so I honestly don't know if you are soft bricked (recoverable) or in worse shape than that.
If you succeed in getting things working again, let us know what steps you took.
.

theicro was
bftb0 said:
When @droidstyle mentioned MJE, he is talking about the most current customer release ".tar.md5" file for use with Odin. (There have been at least three public releases so far - MI9, MJ7, and now MJE)
I *think* links for the files you want are here (section 1 of this post)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2483380
I haven't been down the road you are travelling, so I honestly don't know if you are soft bricked (recoverable) or in worse shape than that.
If you succeed in getting things working again, let us know what steps you took.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so it seems like i was able to find a .tar.md5 that worked. It loaded up and it seems to have gone back to how it was before i mucked around with it. However i am not sure if i achieved super user. Is there a easy way to tell?

Just to Add Here Are 2 Other Good Places To Look
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2576104
How To Flash in ODIN
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2543386
Root Recovery Roms
---------- Post added at 11:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:01 PM ----------
deathrage said:
Ok, so it seems like i was able to find a .tar.md5 that worked. It loaded up and it seems to have gone back to how it was before i mucked around with it. However i am not sure if i achieved super user. Is there a easy way to tell?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download root checker from play store

thanks all for the help, and thanks for not chastising me much for my ignorance. Ill def make sure to do much much much more research before i try to do something like this again lol.

Your all back up and running with root I take it then ?

Root checker says that my device was not correctly rooted.....ill look into i more, not sure why it did not take.....it seems like verizon makes it more difficult than any other carrier to root their devices

deathrage said:
Ok, so it seems like i was able to find a .tar.md5 that worked. It loaded up and it seems to have gone back to how it was before i mucked around with it. However i am not sure if i achieved super user. Is there a easy way to tell?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Odin factory image stuff returns everything back to 100% factory, so you shouldn't be rooted if that's all you did.
And since you didn't mention anything else, I suppose that's exactly what we should presume.
Normally when you use that Odin procedure, you are returning to square one - you need to root. Probably with kingo.

As btfb0 said.... root with KingoApp (dot) com.

drag&fly said:
As btfb0 said.... root with KingoApp (dot) com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you seem to have figured out, the more research you do, the more likely you are to succeed at stuff like this. At least you were able to recover it.
That being said, KingoApp is definitely the best/easiest way to root this phone.

[Q] Stuck while "fixing" my SGH-I337

Hello everyone,
I'm a new poster here at XDA , and I've gotten myself into a bit of a predicament. If there are any rules that I happened to skim over that are broken, please let me know! I have performed a search of my issue, but no solution has been procured from what I can tell.
For three days now, I've been trying to fix my phone. Stats below:
Model: SGH-I337 (AT&T Galaxy S4)
Build Number: JSS15J.I337UCUEMK2
OS: 4.3 (JB)
I believe that's all that needs to be listed, I'll be able to provide more information upon request if necessary.
I'll try to shorten my story to the key elements: Less than a week ago I tried to root, unlock, and flash a custom ROM to my S4 to no avail. I completed the rooting successfully and I believe I may have bypassed unlocking it via LOKI, but the ROM did not install. Since that failed, I've been trying for three days to completely restore my phone to stock and just deal with Samsung's TouchWiz UI. I can flash (through ODIN) my phone to stock 4.3 and everything is fine except for a lack of WiFi and Data. This is where my conundrum comes in to play.
Knox seems to display a message stating "The device has detected an application attempting to perform actions that are not permitted. These actions have been blocked. It is recommended that you restart your device." anytime that I attempt to turn WiFi on. The widget and the setting in options will attempt to turn on for a split second and turn off prior to displaying this security message. It's as if Knox believes my WiFi is attempting to access parts of my phone that are restricted. My data is able to be turned on in the settings, but no 3g/4g is ever utilized. I figured an update off of 4.3 would help remedy this issue, but I can't seem to update my phone through any other means (ODIN, Kies, no OTA due to no WiFi/Data, etc.).
I've run out of different combinations of the keywords about my problem to search for in Google and any question about my problem was asked approximately April-October 2013, not answered, and not many more similar questions have risen since then.. which leads me to believe that this fix should be relatively easy.
On an S3 forum thread (I know, different device) I read that there could be corruption of my Nandroid system, but I'm not even sure what that entails. The user answering implied that the phone was done for. Again, though, this was a separate thread for another user about a Galaxy S3.
Well, apologies for the wall of text, folks. If you are willing to assist me, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you very much for reading my issue and I hope assistance can be organized.

What did you use to get back to stock
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

seedeh said:
What did you use to get back to stock
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used ODIN to flash (What I'm very confident is) 4.3 Stock in the same manner I flashed the custom ROM.
I feel like that isn't specific enough for you though. I used Odin3 v3.09 first and then after several failures switched to Odin3 v1.85 as demonstrated in a few tutorials I've seen.

Did you use this tutorial?: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2621279 cause if you didn't, do.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

seedeh said:
Did you use this tutorial?: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2621279 cause if you didn't, do.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me attempt this thread's instructions before I make more of a fool of myself. Thank you for the assistance so far. I really appreciate it.

No problem
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

seedeh said:
No problem
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seedeh,
The errors still continued as usual even with the explicit following of the linked directions. It appears that during the process:
<ID:0/007> Odin v.3 engine (ID:7)..
<ID:0/007> File analysis..
<ID:0/007> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/007> Initialzation..
<ID:0/007> Set PIT file..
<ID:0/007> DO NOT TURN OFF TARGET!!
<ID:0/007> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/007> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/007> SingleDownload.
<ID:0/007> sbl1.mbn
<ID:0/007> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/007> sbl2.mbn
<ID:0/007> sbl3.mbn
<ID:0/007> rpm.mbn
<ID:0/007> aboot.mbn
<ID:0/007> FAIL! (Auth)
<ID:0/007>
<ID:0/007> Complete(Write) operation failed.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
that the "NAND Write Start" step isn't really even trying to write before it fails.
Kies "Emergency Firmware Recovery" also yields no success due to "Firmware emergency recovery stopped due to GALAXY S4(SGH-I337) error. If the problem persists, please contact the Samsung service centre.", which does persist each time I attempt to do so.
If you have any more suggestions, I'd be more than happy to attempt them.
Thank you.

AmpGuitarChase said:
Hello everyone,
I'm a new poster here at XDA , and I've gotten myself into a bit of a predicament. If there are any rules that I happened to skim over that are broken, please let me know! I have performed a search of my issue, but no solution has been procured from what I can tell.
For three days now, I've been trying to fix my phone. Stats below:
Model: SGH-I337 (AT&T Galaxy S4)
Build Number: JSS15J.I337UCUEMK2
OS: 4.3 (JB)
I believe that's all that needs to be listed, I'll be able to provide more information upon request if necessary.
I'll try to shorten my story to the key elements: Less than a week ago I tried to root, unlock, and flash a custom ROM to my S4 to no avail. I completed the rooting successfully and I believe I may have bypassed unlocking it via LOKI, but the ROM did not install. Since that failed, I've been trying for three days to completely restore my phone to stock and just deal with Samsung's TouchWiz UI. I can flash (through ODIN) my phone to stock 4.3 and everything is fine except for a lack of WiFi and Data. This is where my conundrum comes in to play.
Knox seems to display a message stating "The device has detected an application attempting to perform actions that are not permitted. These actions have been blocked. It is recommended that you restart your device." anytime that I attempt to turn WiFi on. The widget and the setting in options will attempt to turn on for a split second and turn off prior to displaying this security message. It's as if Knox believes my WiFi is attempting to access parts of my phone that are restricted. My data is able to be turned on in the settings, but no 3g/4g is ever utilized. I figured an update off of 4.3 would help remedy this issue, but I can't seem to update my phone through any other means (ODIN, Kies, no OTA due to no WiFi/Data, etc.).
I've run out of different combinations of the keywords about my problem to search for in Google and any question about my problem was asked approximately April-October 2013, not answered, and not many more similar questions have risen since then.. which leads me to believe that this fix should be relatively easy.
On an S3 forum thread (I know, different device) I read that there could be corruption of my Nandroid system, but I'm not even sure what that entails. The user answering implied that the phone was done for. Again, though, this was a separate thread for another user about a Galaxy S3.
Well, apologies for the wall of text, folks. If you are willing to assist me, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you very much for reading my issue and I hope assistance can be organized.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Loki is for MF3 not for MK2. So you should just Odin back to stock. Here are the tar files.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2621279.
If that didn't work, then follow ted77USA's guide.
Once you are back on Stock MK2 firmware, here are your options. Have a good read of this guide.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
Be sure to thank the op in the threads that help you & of the developers of the roms you flash. Good luck :fingers-crossed: & remember, reading saves phones.

John The Rhino said:
Loki is for MF3 not for MK2. So you should just Odin back to stock. Here are the tar files.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2621279.
If that didn't work, then follow ted77USA's guide.
Once you are back on Stock MK2 firmware, here are your options. Have a good read of this guide.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
Be sure to thank the op in the threads that help you & of the developers of the roms you flash. Good luck :fingers-crossed: & remember, reading saves phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
John The Rhino,
Thank you for you assistance. I will surely give credit where credit is due
I've attempted the XDA Full Odin Tar MK2 link's instructions three times on two separate computers (one w8 and one w7) to no avail. I've triple-checked the instructions, but my Odin always fails when attempting to Complete(Write).
NAND Write Start!
sbl2.mbn
sbl3.mbn
rpm.mbn
aboot.mbn
Complete(Write) Operation Failed
All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
Odin settings: Auto Reboot checked, F. Reset Time checked, PDA = I337MK2_Full_Odin_Tar.tar file, nothing else is checked.
Device: Dev mode activated, USB debugging active, this is all verified after a recovery-initiated factory reset, device is in download mode.
Computer(s): Samsung Android ADB Interface drivers are installed, Odin does show a yellow bar upon device connection. MicroUSB cable is the default one that came with the device, all USB ports have been tried with the same results.
I tried to be as thorough as possible with my setup. I'll see if my process is correct now just in case that will help.
[Fixing Device to Working Status w/o wifi/data permissions] Flashed AP_I337UCUEMK2_1921628_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5 via Odin
Automatic Reboot via Odin
[Device is back to working status w/o data/wifi permissions (No reset has been done)]
Power off
Reboot in Recovery Mode (Volume up + Home + Power)
Wipe data/factory reset command
Wipe cache (just in case)
Reboot
[Phone is now factory reset 4.3 MK2 (WiFi/Data permissions denied still]
Enable developer options
Enable USB debugging and Screen Stay Awake during charging
Power off
Boot into download mode (Volume down + Home + Power)
Open Odin3 v1.85
Bar in Odin for COM Port is yellow
Auto reboot & F. Reset Time are both checked
Load I337MK2_Combined_Odin_Tar\I337MK2_Full_Odin_Tar.tar.md5 in PDA slot
Screenshot of Odin before "START" http://i.imgur.com/oXufVNQ.png
Odin START
Wait for Odin to check .md5 compatibility
<ID:0/005> Added!!
<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..
<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> I337MK2_Full_Odin_Tar.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/005> Odin v.3 engine (ID:5)..
<ID:0/005> File analysis..
<ID:0/005> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/005> Initialzation..
<ID:0/005> Set PIT file..
<ID:0/005> DO NOT TURN OFF TARGET!!
<ID:0/005> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/005> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/005> sbl1.mbn
<ID:0/005> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/005> sbl2.mbn
<ID:0/005> sbl3.mbn
<ID:0/005> rpm.mbn
<ID:0/005> aboot.mbn
<ID:0/005>
<ID:0/005> Complete(Write) operation failed.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
Back to where these points began
Apologies for the length, but again I wanted to be as thorough as possible. My WiFi still won't turn on due to permissions issues and Data is on, but no 3g/4g/LTE comes through.
Surely I'm just missing an essential step or two.
Can you offer any further advice on this matter?

Odin can be finicky, try different usb ports, 2.0 not 3.0, and make sure you're using the cable that came with your device. I don't see that your doing anything wrong, keep trying.
Sent from my Nexus 5

The bootloader on MK2 and later is encrypted and without the key it will always fail. ODIN sees the ABOOT is locked and cannot flash the complete image. AT&T and Verizon have chosen this method to keep you off their cheaper competitors. I had to take my I337 to Best Buy Samsung experience to have it re flashed so that it would boot after a refused OTA from MDL and now it is a paperweight.

jd1639 said:
Odin can be finicky, try different usb ports, 2.0 not 3.0, and make sure you're using the cable that came with your device. I don't see that your doing anything wrong, keep trying.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think Odin is the issue as it flashes what I like to call "The cure-firmware" .md5 AP_I337UCUEMK2_1921628_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5) file just fine every time with no issues with Odin. Only when I try to flash that file, it works. I wish there was a way to tell what exactly is going wrong with the other files. I also can't seem to find where I located this file, but whatever it's doing works on my S4. I'd like to find either a 4.2.2 or 4.4.2 version of this stock OS that would work.
I'm beginning to wonder if it'd be more worthwhile to reroot, reset the flag binary counter, reset, and drive an hour and a half away to the closest AT&T store and see if they can fix my device. Does this sound like it may be my best course of action?
Again, thanks for all the help guys. I means a lot.

There is no way to downgrade to 4.2.2 from MK2. The bootloader is locked. Read the guide for MK2 it will help you.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 11:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:04 AM ----------
Check your APN settings re enter according to correct settings posted on XDA.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Hey guys,
Solution confirmed!
I remedied the situation by flashing an NB1 firmware on the device. I'm aware that this firmware has a locked bootloader, but Loki is evidently a solution to that problem. I'll cross that bridge eventually when I cross it.
You guys are terrific and I really appreciate all the assistance that you've offered.
Take care.

AmpGuitarChase said:
Hey guys,
Solution confirmed!
I remedied the situation by flashing an NB1 firmware on the device. I'm aware that this firmware has a locked bootloader, but Loki is evidently a solution to that problem. I'll cross that bridge eventually when I cross it.
You guys are terrific and I really appreciate all the assistance that you've offered.
Take care.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Loki does not work with MF3 and up

Congrats!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

AmpGuitarChase said:
Hey guys,
Solution confirmed!
I remedied the situation by flashing an NB1 firmware on the device. I'm aware that this firmware has a locked bootloader, but Loki is evidently a solution to that problem. I'll cross that bridge eventually when I cross it.
You guys are terrific and I really appreciate all the assistance that you've offered.
Take care.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't flash Loki to your phone, as it's only for MF3 not MK2 or above. You need to read the guide, which obviously you still haven't or you wouldn't be talking about flashing Loki on the new 4.4.2 Kit Kat firmware. Reading saves phones!

John The Rhino said:
Don't flash Loki to your phone, as it's only for MF3 not MK2 or above. You need to read the guide, which obviously you still haven't or you wouldn't be talking about flashing Loki on the new 4.4.2 Kit Kat firmware. Reading saves phones!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
John The Rhino,
Thank you for the advice. I posted in a hurry earlier out of excitement and stated the incorrect method as you've pointed out. I'll be sure to be extremely thorough in the future when I decide to flash new software to my device. You've been a tremendous help and it is greatly appreciated.
Take care until my next issue. Haha.
Chase

AmpGuitarChase said:
John The Rhino,
Thank you for the advice. I posted in a hurry earlier out of excitement and stated the incorrect method as you've pointed out. I'll be sure to be extremely thorough in the future when I decide to flash new software to my device. You've been a tremendous help and it is greatly appreciated.
Take care until my next issue. Haha.
Chase
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. I'm glad it all worked out for you. As they say in the construction business, measure twice, cut once. Well same here, except I'd recommend as do others to read thrice (3x) FLASH once. Then you'll rarely have issues. Enjoy.

i337 same issue as original post
i have done the same research as posted in this link and read exhaustively every means google XDA and all the other pages dealing with rooting and flashing my AT&T s4 i337. I have ended up in the same boat as this guy with:
Baseband version - I337UCUFNB1
Build Number - JSS15J.I337UCUEMK2
i have attempted Kingo Loki, Motochopper, Odin(4 or 5 versions) adb flash in Linux(2 builds) and Winblows 7. My original desire was to have this build
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJLKX_QWSpc
which got my hopes up immensely, as having wasted days upon days several times over the course of the last 9 months rooting this i337. The guy in the vid says he was able to get UT up and running following guidance from XDA. I want to be able to flash a twrp-like dual boot recovery to my device maintaining Andy functionality using UT as a daily driver.
I have read, as reading saves phones, everything I can glean from the aforementioned posts and forms, researched this thing to death and neded up with a phone with the knox-? security message listed in the original post. I have no Idea where to go from here, but know you guys do, as like a myriad of others, I worship this site like a god.
Please help an old retired disabled veteran of most of the sandy wars in the past 25 years. All I have now are my devices which bring me some comfort to my days.
I really need your help, as I've tried seemingly all and have a semi-dead i337.
buxtor, aka, Chief

Stuck on recovery mode after NCG Kernel flash on S5 SM-G900V

I have been literally sitting in front of my PC for hours on end to try and resolve this issue. I cant get back my current firmware now even. Just stuck on the recovery mode. I flashed NCG kernal and it went through as normal, however, all it does not is after the samsung loading sign it goes back into system recovery. I have tried everything from cache wipe to factory reset, system reboot, everything! it just does the same thing - goes back into recovery mode- it is getting really frustrating for me. I would really appreciate it if someone could tell me exactly how to get out of it and use the phone as normal again.
I am on sm-g900v
G900VVRU2BOG5
Verizon mobile S5
I have tried to flash almost all the available ROMS and nothing works everytime this come up: ( i am using the latest Kies drivers, Odin 3.10.6, etc)..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> ALL_VZW_G900VVRU1ANCG_G900VVZW1ANCG_964333_REV00_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/007> Added!!
<ID:0/007> Odin engine v(ID:3.1005)..
<ID:0/007> File analysis..
<ID:0/007> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/007> Initialzation..
<ID:0/007> Set PIT file..
<ID:0/007> DO NOT TURN OFF TARGET!!
<ID:0/007> Get PIT for mapping.. - i have the pit file and if i use it to flash i get the same output failed completion.
<ID:0/007> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/007> SingleDownload.
<ID:0/007> aboot.mbn
<ID:0/007> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/007> FAIL! (Auth)
<ID:0/007>
<ID:0/007> Complete(Write) operation failed.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU

You are on the latest OTA of BOG5. The bootloader is completely locked down and you cannot root, downgrade, or flash anything. You are stuck with the phone as is. You will have to find the BOG5 full stock firmware .tar file and flash that through ODIN to get your phone back.

Damn!!!!
do you know any links from where i can download the BOG5 firmware from?

I am having the exact same issue. Any help is appreciated!

I am also stuck with the same issue on my S5. I attempted to flash the NCG Kernel from Android 5.0 using the file referenced in here: androidbiits.com/root-verizon-samsung-galaxy-s5-sm-g900v-android-4-4-4-kitkat/ (sorry I can't post links yet). Now my phone can't leave recovery mode. Did you guys figure out where to get the BOG firmware or how to fix this issue?

You need to reinstall the BOG5 firmware on the S5 again. You can download it via sammobile.com You can pay £5.40 approx if your from UK and download the firmware quicker within an hour otherwise be prepared to wait 11 hours minimum for download to complete.

So I managed to get mine back working by using the VZW-G900VVRU2BOG5-20150813111348.zip firmware downloaded from Sammobile.com and flashing using Odin3.
Used the first firmware on Sammobile firmware page for model SM-G900V
Unzipped the file and flashed the .md5
Back up and running.
Hope this helps someone.

wgafsck said:
I am having the exact same issue. Any help is appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jac1985 said:
I am also stuck with the same issue on my S5. I attempted to flash the NCG Kernel from Android 5.0 using the file referenced in here: androidbiits.com/root-verizon-samsung-galaxy-s5-sm-g900v-android-4-4-4-kitkat/ (sorry I can't post links yet). Now my phone can't leave recovery mode. Did you guys figure out where to get the BOG firmware or how to fix this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
smn216 said:
You need to reinstall the BOG5 firmware on the S5 again. You can download it via sammobile.com You can pay £5.40 approx if your from UK and download the firmware quicker within an hour otherwise be prepared to wait 11 hours minimum for download to complete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously, do none of you have even the basic, simple ability to look through these forums at all? The answer to your question is right here in the Verizon Galaxy S5 General forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general
You simply scroll down to the fourth thread and see that it is this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/g900vvru2bog5-factoryodintarimage-t3179527
The title of the thread is literally "G900VVRU2BOG5_Factory_Odin_Tar_Image. Good Lord!

landshark68 said:
Seriously, do none of you have even the basic, simple ability to look through these forums at all? The answer to your question is right here in the Verizon Galaxy S5 General forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general
You simply scroll down to the fourth thread and see that it is this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/g900vvru2bog5-factoryodintarimage-t3179527
The title of the thread is literally "G900VVRU2BOG5_Factory_Odin_Tar_Image. Good Lord!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, I am new here. I was freaking out the other night because everything I was trying was failing. I understand with a little more patience and effort I could have found this. Then again with a little more research before attempting to root I probably would have avoided the whole issue. I messed up, my bad.

Seriously, do none of you have even the basic, simple ability to look through these forums at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, in fact it was my first time posting and I was also kind of lost. In any case, thanks for the lesson and the links.

wgafsck said:
Hey man, I am new here. I was freaking out the other night because everything I was trying was failing. I understand with a little more patience and effort I could have found this. Then again with a little more research before attempting to root I probably would have avoided the whole issue. I messed up, my bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understood. It just gets very old and frustrating answering the same questions over and over again, and questions for which the answer is already readily available. Glad you got it straightened out, and that you realized more research before embarking on your adventure would have helped. When it comes to messing around with an expensive piece of hardware like these smart phones, it's best to think of the carpentry line - measure twice, cut once. Read, read, read, and make sure you know what you are doing before you do it when it comes to rooting and modding your phone.

Thanks a million! I thought my phone is toasted.

Odin fails to downgrade Galaxy S4 from Lollipop to KitKat

All,
I've spent the better part of the last two days trying with zero success to downgrade my Verizon Galaxy S4 SCH-I545 from 5.0.1 to 4.4.2. I've read dozens of pages on various forums, both on general instructions for the procedure as well as pages relating directly to the fault I'm seeing. In short, I get the Complete(Write) operation failed error in Odin. The reason I'm trying to do this is a general disappointment in Lollipop, it has slowed the phone down (I need to kill off all apps at least once a day just to keep performance up) and I've enjoyed none of the "benefits" of Lollipop on the phone. It's been so bad I've deliberately ignored all requests my Tab 4 makes to upgrade to Lollipop.
I've tried the firmware reflash using Odin 3.04 as well as 1.85. I've tried both versions on two different computers, one running Windows 7 Home, the other running XP. I've run them standard, and on Win7 as Administrator. Fresh reboots. The Win7 has Kies (not running) and the WinXP computer has never had Kies, just downloaded the current Samsung USB drivers. I've tried running two different firmwares downloaded from Sammobile, on each machine, with every combination I can think of. I'm using the factory USB cable plugged directly into the motherboard on each machine. I've varied the moment I plug the phone into the cable based on various recommendations, waiting until Odin is already running, or getting the phone in download mode first then plugging in, etc. I've also tried re-running the update again immediately on failure, and again after rebooting the phone back into Download mode, trying multiple times in a row without closing down Odin, and then alternately restarting everything after each failure. Basically I've tried pretty much everything I've read, and it feels like I'm following the rules of an old gypsy woman, if I update the phone at midnight while swinging a dead rooster over my head, standing on my left foot only, all will go ok. Only nothing goes ok.
This is the complete error I get in Odin 3.04:
<ID:0/012> Added!!
<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..
<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> I545VRUFNG6_I545VZWFNG6_I545VRUFNG6_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/012> Odin v.3 engine (ID:12)..
<ID:0/012> File analysis..
<ID:0/012> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/012> Initialzation..
<ID:0/012> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/012> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/012> aboot.mbn
<ID:0/012> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/012>
<ID:0/012> Complete(Write) operation failed.
<ID:0/012> Added!!
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
The first four lines happen almost immediately. Then it seems to wait or hang for about 45 seconds (meanwhile one CPU maxes out), afterwards the rest of the lines pretty much spit out instantly. On the phone the display changes slightly, one little tick mark appears on the progress bar, then nothing else. The phone appears to be locked and needs a very long hold of the power button to shut off. These symptoms appear identical regardless of which computer I use, or which version of Odin I use, which makes me suspect the phone is the culprit rather than the software/hardware of either computer. I figure if I had, for example, a corrupted firmware file it would fail somewhere down the line in the install, or even after it's dumped the file to the phone.
One thing that worried me (and I NEVER found any mention of this in any directions) is the amount of available space on the phone. With the bloatware on the phone (7.07GB of "miscellaneous files"?!?) I only have 2.76GB free on the internal memory, and the firmware file is 2.4GB. I'm assuming that it all needs to copy to internal memory first. After my first failed attempts I checked space available and I had less than 2.4GB free. After clearing cache and a few apps I got it up to 2.76GB.
USB debugging is on, battery level is full or high on the phone, reactivation lock is off, the phone connects to either computer just fine and interfaces with Windows Explorer, I can see and access files on the phone via My Computer without any error.
I saw one page describing using Heimdall as a wholly different idea, it seemed MUCH more complex and my gut reaction is it looks like it would be easier to brick the phone. Is there some manual way I can dump the firmware to the phone and get it to read the file such that it doesn't require a computer?
Anything else to suggest? In general I still like the phone and don't have a great deal of interest in upgrading, but it's getting frustrating enough that I'm considering junking the phone.
Thanks in advance,
Ryan

Try a different Odin version. 3.09 worked fine for flashing modems and bootloaders on my device.
Whe should not forget that Odin is a leaked software.

GDReaper said:
Try a different Odin version. 3.09 worked fine for flashing modems and bootloaders on my device.
Whe should not forget that Odin is a leaked software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, my first attempt with 3.09 is doing something different. I have no idea if it's working or not. It's gone as far as Checking MD5 finished Successfully, then it's been on "Leave CS..." for the past 15 minutes or so. No change on the phone's screen. I have no idea if it's hung, or downloading, working, etc. Guess I'll let it sit there unless someone can tell me what's going on. Thanks!

Diddler77 said:
Well, my first attempt with 3.09 is doing something different. I have no idea if it's working or not. It's gone as far as Checking MD5 finished Successfully, then it's been on "Leave CS..." for the past 15 minutes or so. No change on the phone's screen. I have no idea if it's hung, or downloading, working, etc. Guess I'll let it sit there unless someone can tell me what's going on. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got pissed and disconnected it after about 45 minutes. Switched to my desktop/Win7 machine. With the bigger monitor I could see that the whole time it was sitting on "Leave CS" it wasn't doing a thing, it now gave me the option to hit the 'Start' button at the bottom of the screen. I LOVE applications that don't let you resize to fit odd sized monitors (like my old Netbook).
So, I hit 'Start', and it pretty much immediately fails. Some of the error messages are differerent though, here's the whole thing:
<ID:0/012> Added!!
<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..
<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> I545VRUFNG6_I545VZWFNG6_I545VRUFNG6_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/012> Odin v.3 engine (ID:12)..
<ID:0/012> File analysis..
<ID:0/012> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/012> Initialzation..
<ID:0/012> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/012> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/012> SingleDownload.
<ID:0/012> aboot.mbn
<ID:0/012> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/012> FAIL! (Auth)
<ID:0/012>
<ID:0/012> Complete(Write) operation failed.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
What I find most interesting is the 5th and 4th line from the bottom, Write start followed by FAIL! (Auth). I interpret it as Odin failed to get authorization from the phone to perform the write function. Any other ideas? Going to try Odin 3.10.6 next.

Diddler77 said:
Going to try Odin 3.10.6 next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, same problems on both computers, both new versions of Odin. Did notice something this time around on the phone's screen that I hadn't noticed before, though it seems to happen in all versions of Odin. Two lines appear on the phone when I hit 'Start' in Odin:
START [224,1440]
SW. REV CHECK FAIL : FUSED : 8, BINARY : 6
The numbers after FUSED and BINARY are very difficult to read. Above is my best guess. Any of them may be a 0 or an 8.
Thanks!

Have you tried flashing the rom together with a pit file?
Make sure you also tick?"re-partition" when you do it.

GDReaper said:
Have you tried flashing the rom together with a pit file?
Make sure you also tick?"re-partition" when you do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That I have not tried. From what I gather I need a PIT file specific to the model. Any idea where I can get it? In terms of the end result, what's the difference between using the PIT and re-partitioning compared to what I've been trying? Like, why do both options exist?
Thanks!

You need a pit file specific to the storage size of your device.
With a pit file, the phone storage will be repartitioned. Something like you would do on a pc when you need more storage on one partition. Only that here you don't get to choose the size.
I am not that familiar with pit files. But it is worth a try, since everything else failed.

GDReaper said:
You need a pit file specific to the storage size of your device.
With a pit file, the phone storage will be repartitioned. Something like you would do on a pc when you need more storage on one partition. Only that here you don't get to choose the size.
I am not that familiar with pit files. But it is worth a try, since everything else failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont the firmwares originally come with pit files ?

Deathvirus said:
Dont the firmwares originally come with pit files ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what little I gather from the simple Odin instructions page, some firmwares are packaged with additional files. The two versions I've downloaded from sammobile for my device type only contained a single tar.md5 file when unzipped.

Check http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-verizon if you haven't already done so, but I think you're going to have a problem trying to downgrade, as your device has a locked bootloader. The bootloader being locked is primarily designed to prevent root, but it also has the effect of preventing downgrades. If it didn't have that capability, users could simply flash a bootloader that could be compromised, obtain root, and remove the bloatware.
You posted your question in the International S4 forum, and international devices don't lock their bootloaders, which is why no one has really picked up on this until now. The only reason I picked up on the possibility of it being your bootloader is because I own an international device yet live in the US, so I'm acutely aware of the locked bootloaders foisted upon us by AT&T and Verizon.

It is my understanding that Odin fails after trying to flash aboot.mbn because the ROM being flashed has a bootloader that is older than the bootloader currently installed on the phone.
Some models of the s4, such as the Canadian version (sgh-i337m) can be flashed from stock LP to stock KK using Odin without issue.

You're right about the age of the bootloader being a reason why downgrading fails. You're also right that most devices can downgrade without issue. However, the OP's device is not one of them. He happens to have one of the models with a locked bootloader, and to the best of my recollection, the locked bootloader means you cannot downgrade, period.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Check http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-verizon if you haven't already done so, but I think you're going to have a problem trying to downgrade, as your device has a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this is true, I'm really ticked off. What a waste of time. You'd think that somewhere, on ANY of the forums and websites someone would have mentioned that my device is crippled in this manner. Every single site makes Odin sound like the silver bullet.
Why is there even firmware available for Verizon GS4's then?
Understand I'm not ungrateful for the advice, I do appreciate it. Just venting.
-sigh-

100% true, and it's not limited to Verizon either. AT&T also locks the bootloader. As to mentioning it, it likely is mentioned in the AT&T and Verizon S4 General forums, but you won't find that information here. As I mentioned, this is the International S4 forum, and we don't have locked bootloaders to deal with.
I know it sucks, but this is what we deal with in the US. That's why for my next device I went with a Nexus.

I don't have a PIT file for OF4 firmware on the SM-S975L (Straight Talk variant) so the downgrade failed as for OP, I'm stuck in download mode with a yellow triangle.
Yeah, Verizon released this phone to Straight Talk evidently. I'm locked tight and basically hard bricked. Wicked pissed, too. Since Kies says phone model not supported. CANNOT restore.
Nexus it probably is. This phone was a waste of money.
Or at least...that was until I found a hack that let me install the old Jellybean kernel! http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ariant-of4-t3279890/post64511525#post64511525
Only problem is, sure, you can get your kitkat kernel back, but I wasn't successful probably because NB1 firmware was Verizon firmware at the time of my flash so my CSC didn't work, but since they're both JellyBean I got root. But as long as they're the same carrier my hack should work. Link me your firmware, I can let you try. It'll trip the hell out of KNOX though. I used Odin 3.07. It requires some by-hand hex editing. When you gain root you can disable Knox to flash other things with SuperSU.

@LupineDream: Of course you weren't successful in changing kernels. The SM-S975L is not a CDMA (i.e. Verizon) phone, but uses T-Mobile towers. The SCH-R970G is the other Straight Talk S4 and it used Sprint as a carrier. Verizon does not allow MVNOs access to their LTE network, which is how you can tell that you're NOT on Verizon.
The bootloader on Straight Talk S4 devices is not locked down like the OP's bootloader. Otherwise it would not be possible to install custom ROMs to the device. I have a distinct feeling that your hack will not work. Not because it's incorrect as you clearly had success, but because of the locked bootloader on the device, which is designed to prevent the very thing you successfully accomplished on your Straight Talk device.
To restore your phone to working condition, download the S975L firmware from sammobile and flash it through the BL slot in Odin. Then sell it and get a Nexus.

Hey, if I found a workaround for obtaining root on the ATT variant, users of that phone now have an fstab and an (almost complete) list of partitions and mount points for a device tree. So I hope that information at least made their lives better. In knowing they can indeed flash a kernel with said workaround. The device list, fstab, and mount points are all in my root guide now. Since after reflashing the boot image by itself the device boots again and has maintained root status, though with broken WiFi which can be fixed with a custom kernel. Oh well, at least users of my phone get a custom ROM., at least if you've got the ATT variant. All the info is in my thread for ATT variants. I' don't have my stock kernel, however. But it isn't an issue as for what I've provided, I think its enough to get a custom one for the ATT variants. Still going to sell and get my Nexus. But left it with a bang I suppose. I'll hack a locked bootloader until I'm blue in the face if it means I got root. You are indeed right, though. It isn't for ME to keep around, but please note that before I was even able to flash a kernel, I had to hack it. It was displaying secure boot status and would not allow flashing of anything. I was told they where all locked. I was never able to root OF4 before because of "locked conditions" where NB1 refused to flash before my hack.
I'm going shopping soon. Maybe I'll get the Verizon variant on the side to see if I can force my way in through another one of these types of loopholes. After all, my device would not flash a kernel before I did what I did to it...I was able to disable knox and allow kernel flashing by doing so. Through SuperSU. That bit was set before I did what I did to the device. All it takes is flashing of the NB1 kernel to Verizon through tricking knox it's official firmware and enough know-how to get the system to boot well enough to be able to inject root.
My device still won't flash non-official firmware or recovery. Because of a verification check in the kernel. I tried. Sig fai on kernel. But, now that Knox can be disabled, all it takes is an if/of dd flash of modified aboot in adb and then anything is possible at that point. I looked into loki_tool for always passing signature check passed to hardware knox. And clearing out EERAM before knox gets a chance to react. Loki'fied aboots satisfy knox pretty well I'd say.
The ROM displayed there iis for the Verizon variant by the way. I found Verizon-related apks in system.img.ext4. Even without the modem, it still won't flash. Have a download, rename it, extract the tar and hex edit look through the file. Yep, that's a verizon variant ROM.
One question, however, is does hardware knox do a checksum on aboot? That would pretty much make this argument a moot point.

Ask Chainfire. He needed to know about how Knox functioned so he could get SuperSU to disable it.