Hello! My Galaxy Note 3 Exynos SM-N900 is now officialy a brick, so I guess this thread will help others to not do the same as I did. Here I go:
As you guys know, Exynos version of the Galaxy Note 3 doesn't have a lot of custom roms, so, I get tired of waiting for the kitkat update, donwloaded the Crisktelo rom 4.4.2, and flash it. Nothing wrong. The problem get with the camera, it works but takes so poor quality photos.
I tried to get back to stock, I get the Panama's TBA 4.4.2 stock firmware from Sammobile, because I am from Costa Rica and my Sammy is unlocked carrier free. Flashed as usual using Odin but the phone was the same no data was deleted, just the firmware changed. I wanted to get full wype to start again, backup everything and make factory reset using the menu on the phone. I totally forgot that the security option using Samsung Account to prevent theft was enabled. So I get to the screen of Samsung Account and get the ERR_0000 (Processing Failed) when I put my email and password for my Sammy Account. Aparently there is no way no get my phone back, this error is very weird in forums to happens and tried everything, from changing my password, by unsuscribing my account and enable it again. Flash the stock firmware several times, and as you know I can get the warranty because of the Know counter.
So maybe some of you are thinking to use that security feature, I guess if you use custom roms is a bad idea, but if you use stock there is no problem, even if your phone gets stolen, neither the thief or you can get it work again.
PS: I know ther is a thread similar to this one, but the difference is I KNOW my password and user, and this error is in the equation. So maybe I can get help or get help to others. Either way, I'm looking for a new phone, HTC One or LG G2?
As u can see Processing Error means -> wrong email/account has been entered.
Please use the correct account fro N900 otherwise u need to perfrom EFS clear
Also, can you check REACTIVATION LOCK in download mode and post result.
That is surely an expensive lesson. I guess Samsung Service Center can help you out providing that u can bring prove of purchase and be prepared for some financial charges as this kind of thing is surely out of warranty.
exprxp said:
As u can see Processing Error means -> wrong email/account has been entered.
Please use the correct account fro N900 otherwise u need to perfrom EFS clear
Also, can you check REACTIVATION LOCK in download mode and post result.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the whole thread but apparently is not available for end users just for Samsung Support... I think that is the solution but I can`t do it. But thanks!
nlatifolia said:
That is surely an expensive lesson. I guess Samsung Service Center can help you out providing that u can bring prove of purchase and be prepared for some financial charges as this kind of thing is surely out of warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. My note 3 is just 3 months old, I have the invoice, I will send the phone this saturday to them, if they charge me more than $200 to do that I will let the phone as a loss and buy a new one. I'll update this thread.
JosHeron said:
Indeed. My note 3 is just 3 months old, I have the invoice, I will send the phone this saturday to them, if they charge me more than $200 to do that I will let the phone as a loss and buy a new one. I'll update this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noone will charge you.
JosHeron said:
Hello! My Galaxy Note 3 Exynos SM-N900 is now officialy a brick, so I guess this thread will help others to not do the same as I did. Here I go:
As you guys know, Exynos version of the Galaxy Note 3 doesn't have a lot of custom roms, so, I get tired of waiting for the kitkat update, donwloaded the Crisktelo rom 4.4.2, and flash it. Nothing wrong. The problem get with the camera, it works but takes so poor quality photos.
I tried to get back to stock, I get the Panama's TBA 4.4.2 stock firmware from Sammobile, because I am from Costa Rica and my Sammy is unlocked carrier free. Flashed as usual using Odin but the phone was the same no data was deleted, just the firmware changed. I wanted to get full wype to start again, backup everything and make factory reset using the menu on the phone. I totally forgot that the security option using Samsung Account to prevent theft was enabled. So I get to the screen of Samsung Account and get the ERR_0000 (Processing Failed) when I put my email and password for my Sammy Account. Aparently there is no way no get my phone back, this error is very weird in forums to happens and tried everything, from changing my password, by unsuscribing my account and enable it again. Flash the stock firmware several times, and as you know I can get the warranty because of the Know counter.
So maybe some of you are thinking to use that security feature, I guess if you use custom roms is a bad idea, but if you use stock there is no problem, even if your phone gets stolen, neither the thief or you can get it work again.
PS: I know ther is a thread similar to this one, but the difference is I KNOW my password and user, and this error is in the equation. So maybe I can get help or get help to others. Either way, I'm looking for a new phone, HTC One or LG G2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not alone here, and I can tell you that this problem has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that you're using a custom rom, because my phone is on the stock 4.4 rom, and has never been rooted, wiped (until now), or tampered with.
This is not an "Expensive lesson," or a mistake on your part.
This is a broken feature of the note 3 device, and I have been on and off the phone with samsung all day.
So far there is nothing they can do from their end. And for those of you who are wondering, yes, you can log into your samsung account from your PC or whatever, but the activation lock will not let you in. I'm still working on resolving this issue. I think it's a problem with Samsung's login gateway to be honest. I experienced this last night at 10pm, and so far it hasn't been fixed.
So far I have this:
10pm - 7am EST: "Processing Failed.(ERR_0000)"
7am - 9am EST: "Unfortunately Samsung Login has stopped."
10am - 2pm EST: Processing failed
Between not letting me in and crashing, everything else has been pretty useless. Don't waste any more time formatting or wiping.
I CAN tell you that the minute I get back into the phone, I'm returning it to stock and putting it up for sale.
zer0xp said:
You're not alone here, and I can tell you that this problem has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that you're using a custom rom, because my phone is on the stock 4.4 rom, and has never been rooted, wiped (until now), or tampered with.
This is not an "Expensive lesson," or a mistake on your part.
This is a broken feature of the note 3 device, and I have been on and off the phone with samsung all day.
So far there is nothing they can do from their end. And for those of you who are wondering, yes, you can log into your samsung account from your PC or whatever, but the activation lock will not let you in. I'm still working on resolving this issue. I think it's a problem with Samsung's login gateway to be honest. I experienced this last night at 10pm, and so far it hasn't been fixed.
So far I have this:
10pm - 7am EST: "Processing Failed.(ERR_0000)"
7am - 9am EST: "Unfortunately Samsung Login has stopped."
10am - 2pm EST: Processing failed
Between not letting me in and crashing, everything else has been pretty useless. Don't waste any more time formatting or wiping.
I CAN tell you that the minute I get back into the phone, I'm returning it to stock and putting it up for sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I try to spread this info to as many people as I can, Google+, Twitter, Facebook... People need to know that Samsung is doing this, and I know that this "feature" is not well implemented, I will go to the store and try to get a replacement. If Samsung is keeping this Knox and other security "fails" features, they are gonna keep me away from their products. Please keep updating if you get your device back working.
zer0xp said:
You're not alone here, and I can tell you that this problem has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that you're using a custom rom, because my phone is on the stock 4.4 rom, and has never been rooted, wiped (until now), or tampered with.
This is not an "Expensive lesson," or a mistake on your part.
This is a broken feature of the note 3 device, and I have been on and off the phone with samsung all day.
So far there is nothing they can do from their end. And for those of you who are wondering, yes, you can log into your samsung account from your PC or whatever, but the activation lock will not let you in. I'm still working on resolving this issue. I think it's a problem with Samsung's login gateway to be honest. I experienced this last night at 10pm, and so far it hasn't been fixed.
So far I have this:
10pm - 7am EST: "Processing Failed.(ERR_0000)"
7am - 9am EST: "Unfortunately Samsung Login has stopped."
10am - 2pm EST: Processing failed
Between not letting me in and crashing, everything else has been pretty useless. Don't waste any more time formatting or wiping.
I CAN tell you that the minute I get back into the phone, I'm returning it to stock and putting it up for sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had the exact same experience. A guy from tech support in the US said that mine may be trying to authenticate in the US, but since it is from Panama, it is conflicting and causing the error. He also mentioned a seemingly universal unlock code that can be provided from Samsung in the UK. I have already spent 10USD adding Skype credit in order to contact them, but they were closed when I called. I'm going to attempt it tomorrow. I will be destroyed if I have to send my phone to Panama or a similar place; the wait and customs can be aggravating.
The phone was so awesome (minus the volume warnings and skype vs call app default selection not working) before I upgraded to KitKat. I just wanted to factory reset it to make it stable :/
We should warn people not to select that Samsung Account option; it is certainly not stable.
lagoboss said:
I have had the exact same experience. A guy from tech support in the US said that mine may be trying to authenticate in the US, but since it is from Panama, it is conflicting and causing the error. He also mentioned a seemingly universal unlock code that can be provided from Samsung in the UK. I have already spent 10USD adding Skype credit in order to contact them, but they were closed when I called. I'm going to attempt it tomorrow. I will be destroyed if I have to send my phone to Panama or a similar place; the wait and customs can be aggravating.
The phone was so awesome (minus the volume warnings and skype vs call app default selection not working) before I upgraded to KitKat. I just wanted to factory reset it to make it stable :/
We should warn people not to select that Samsung Account option; it is certainly not stable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's definitely not a bad idea.
If you find out anything about this "universal unlock code," be sure to post it here for the rest of us!
zer0xp said:
Yeah, that's definitely not a bad idea.
If you find out anything about this "universal unlock code," be sure to post it here for the rest of us!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do. If you can beat me to it, here is the "elevated tech support" number US: 1-888-987-4357 and this is the number in the UK that he gave me for the probable pipe dream code lol 4401932454358.
lagoboss said:
Will do. If you can beat me to it, here is the "elevated tech support" number US: 1-888-987-4357 and this is the number in the UK that he gave me for the probable pipe dream code lol 4401932454358.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I talk with the support in Panamá today. Because I Live in Costa Rica, I can call them for free. They didn't tell me anything about the universal unlock code. But only I have to take my phone back to the store and they will reset it. I Was wondering about what you say, how they can give you a unlock code even if they can't verify from distancie that you are the true owner of the phone?
I read in another thread here that Samsung support guys can only reset the phones verifying the true autenticy of the owner. If you wish, i can call samsung support in Panamá today and así if your phone using a firmware from Panamá needs to be sent there. I guess not but I can ask.
JosHeron said:
I talk with the support in Panamá today. Because I Live in Costa Rica, I can call them for free. They didn't tell me anything about the universal unlock code. But only I have to take my phone back to the store and they will reset it. I Was wondering about what you say, how they can give you a unlock code even if they can't verify from distancie that you are the true owner of the phone?
I read in another thread here that Samsung support guys can only reset the phones verifying the true autenticy of the owner. If you wish, i can call samsung support in Panamá today and así if your phone using a firmware from Panamá needs to be sent there. I guess not but I can ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be so helpful. Please ask them about it because my Spanish sucks lol. And please report back about the reset experience.
As far as that code, I admit that it does sound fishy like most things Sammy reps say. I thought they would investigate the processing failure instead of exploring the possibility that it wasnt really my phone.
I hope all goes well with resetting yours.
Sent from my XT560 using xda app-developers app
Thanks again JosHeron for offering to talk to Sammy in Panama for me.
I fixed my issue I used a XXUDNA9 4.4.2 KitKat rom that I flashed with ODIN 3.7. Once I flashed the rom, the phone rebooted and then it said that it was optimizing the apps. After that, I went through all of the steps and on the sign-in screen, it accepted my Sammy account and password on the first try.
Here is my theory on what caused the issue. When I did the recovery screen (vol up, home, power) wipe data and erase all, I think that it tripped the abnormal reset thing. Im not sure if it would do the processing failed if I had reset the phone from the settings menu. In any case, attempt to reinstall XXUDNA9 4.4.2 KitKat and then try to enter the Samsung account and Password.
Detailed Steps:
I am assuming that you have a SM-N900 International Note 3. If your phone does not boot with SM-N900 on the splash screen, find the appropriate stock rom for your phone. Otherwise, you can break your phone
This process should could take 4 hours +/- 1 depending on your internet speed.
Step 1: Get Materials (Adapted from http://nasirtech.blogspot.com/2014/02/n900xxudna9-android-442-kitkat-firmware.html)
- Download KitKat XXUDNA9 4.4.2 for SM-N900: http://terafile.co/3120933f433b
- Download Odin Verision 3.07 (3.09 does not play well with Note 3 and the old KitKat): https://copy.com/zowadQ32bn9T
Step 1: Factory Wipe and Clear Cache (Adapted from http://nasirtech.blogspot.com/2014/02/n900xxudna9-android-442-kitkat-firmware.html)
- Switch off the phone
- Remove the battery and then re-insert it after several seconds
- Next, press and hold simultaneously Volume Up, Home and Power.
- Release the buttons when the screen flickers and then wait for the Recovery Mode main screen to appear.
- If the Recovery Mode doesn’t boot, then you should keep trying until it does.
- Select factory wipe with the volume up key and then the power button, confirm
- Select Clear Cache
- Reboot the phone in normal mode by selecting the Reboot option.
Step 2: Make Sure the Phone to at least 80% capacity
Step 3: Reinstall KitKat XXUDNA9 (Adapted from http://nasirtech.blogspot.com/2014/02/n900xxudna9-android-442-kitkat-firmware.html)
- Switch off your phone and boot Galaxy Note 3 N900 into Download Mode by pressing and holding the Volume Down+Home+Power buttons (long press until the boot screen appear), now press Volume Up key to proceed to Download Mode.
- Extract the downloaded Odin3.07 zip file and run the Odin3 v3.07.exe file as an administrator (Right click on the .exe file and click on Run as administrator)
- Now connect your Galaxy Note 3 N900 to your computer via USB cable
- In Odin3 screen, you should see a COM Port number like “0:[COM7]” at ID:COM section and “Added!” text at the message box. This means -your device has been detected by Odin3.
- Make sure that, only the “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” options are checked. Failure to do so can brick (break/damage your device)
- Now, extract the downloaded firmware zip file, you’ll find a firmware file with extension .tar.md5
- In Odin screen, click on PDA button and select the firmware file with .tar.md5 extension (The firmware file look something like: N900XXDLJ5_N900ODDDLI7_INU.tar.md5)
- Now, click on the Start button to begin the installation process, wait few moments.
- Once completed, you would see “PASS!” message in ID:COM port having green background
- Your phone should automatically reboot after completion
- You can now disconnect your phone from computer
You should be able to enter your Samsung Account and Password without processing error_0000 now.
(Update: There is an issue with the Internet browser, flash the latest KitKat to fix)
Although it is fixed, I'm still scared about what else Samsung and Knox may do. I love the phone, but the thought of $700.00 down the drain was pretty horrific.
Lessons learned: Turn off that Samsung Activation thing before reset and don't update the phone until most users say that it is stable.
I hope this helps. I'm going to get some sleep. I've spent the night obsessing over it lol
lagoboss said:
Thanks again JosHeron for offering to talk to Sammy in Panama for me.
I fixed my issue I used a XXUDNA9 4.4.2 KitKat rom that I flashed with ODIN 3.7. Once I flashed the rom, the phone rebooted and then it said that it was optimizing the apps. After that, I went through all of the steps and on the sign-in screen, it accepted my Sammy account and password on the first try.
Here is my theory on what caused the issue. When I did the recovery screen (vol up, home, power) wipe data and erase all, I think that it tripped the abnormal reset thing. Im not sure if it would do the processing failed if I had reset the phone from the settings menu. In any case, attempt to reinstall XXUDNA9 4.4.2 KitKat and then try to enter the Samsung account and Password.
(Update: Email, the default Samsung app may crash. In order to fix, navigate to settings-> application manager -> Email -> and then force stop. Next clear the cache.)
Although it is fixed, I'm still scared about what else Samsung and Knox may do. I love the phone, but the thought of $700.00 down the drain was pretty horrific.
Lessons learned: Turn off that Samsung Activation thing before reset and don't update the phone until most users say that it is stable.
I hope this helps. I'm going to get some sleep. I've spent the night obsessing over it lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really does give me great pleasure to announce that this method worked for me as well. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that the rough, official fix for this issue is as follows: (you'll get more detailed instructions on flashing and using Odin elsewhere, typing this quickly at work)
1) Download XXUDNA9 4.4.2 firmware for the SM-N900
2) Download Odin 3.07 (it is reported that the note 3 doesn't play well with 3.09)
3) connect your phone to your pc, open Odin and select your md5 file under PDA
4) allow it to complete the flashing process and then log into your Samsung account
Thanks to everyone who helped in trying to figure this out. I'm gonna check back and make sure everyone's phone was fixed.
Good luck!
lagoboss said:
Thanks again JosHeron for offering to talk to Sammy in Panama for me.
I fixed my issue I used a XXUDNA9 4.4.2 KitKat rom that I flashed with ODIN 3.7. Once I flashed the rom, the phone rebooted and then it said that it was optimizing the apps. After that, I went through all of the steps and on the sign-in screen, it accepted my Sammy account and password on the first try.
Here is my theory on what caused the issue. When I did the recovery screen (vol up, home, power) wipe data and erase all, I think that it tripped the abnormal reset thing. Im not sure if it would do the processing failed if I had reset the phone from the settings menu. In any case, attempt to reinstall XXUDNA9 4.4.2 KitKat and then try to enter the Samsung account and Password.
(Update: Email, the default Samsung app may crash. In order to fix, navigate to settings-> application manager -> Email -> and then force stop. Next clear the cache.)
Although it is fixed, I'm still scared about what else Samsung and Knox may do. I love the phone, but the thought of $700.00 down the drain was pretty horrific.
Lessons learned: Turn off that Samsung Activation thing before reset and don't update the phone until most users say that it is stable.
I hope this helps. I'm going to get some sleep. I've spent the night obsessing over it lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, finally I can join and tell that my phone is back and running as before. Thank you guys, this method is the real fix for this issue and as always, I can find better support here than the official one.
7 days without the phone was horrible, because I had to use a laggy, crashed screen iPhone 4 with those little keyboards. God, no. I repeat Thank you!
JosHeron said:
Well, finally I can join and tell that my phone is back and running as before. Thank you guys, this method is the real fix for this issue and as always, I can find better support here than the official one.
7 days without the phone was horrible, because I had to use a laggy, crashed screen iPhone 4 with those little keyboards. God, no. I repeat Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem, but after doing the procedure described before is working as well, I must say thank you to give us a solution, everything is working as before with my phone. thanks again.
I know this is off topic, but do you guys know of a real backup without root? After I reinstalled kitkat and restored the backup, I was not impressed; Kies is a joke
Sent from my SM-N900 using xda app-developers app
lagoboss said:
I know this is off topic, but do you guys know of a real backup without root? After I reinstalled kitkat and restored the backup, I was not impressed; Kies is a joke
Sent from my SM-N900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never do a "real" backup, I just backup my photos on OneDrive, Dropbox and Google+. My sms and whatsapp chats always get lost and the others like Telegram have sync. But do you ever tried Helium?
JosHeron said:
I never do a "real" backup, I just backup my photos on OneDrive, Dropbox and Google+. My sms and whatsapp chats always get lost and the others like Telegram have sync. But do you ever tried Helium?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Helium looks like it could work. I lost my subway surfer progress after I fixed the phone. With kies, it only saved text messages, photos and music, and some other useless settings. I think I may have backed up incorrectly with kies. When I selected apps, I don't think all of them were actually selected.
Anyhow, I'm definitely going to try helium. Some people in the comments said that it backed up the kind of data that I'm interested in.
Thanks.
Sent from my SM-P600 using xda app-developers app
Note, other threads related to this software go back to Oct 2014 (search computrace on XDA forum) however my issue with the software has not been discussed.
I have just encountered this software (along with others according to a quick google search) on my new Note 4 (SM-N910F) on EE. Initially the phone auto updated to lollipop before I knew this was pushed to the device while I set up my accounts on it. The SIM was not active and I found a number of outgoing, but failed SMS messages containing encrypted information being sent to the number (+13106916499). I immeditaly did a factory reset to remove my accounts and details, restarting with the stock lollipop build from EE.
Again the sms messages attempts started up again (and failed). The only downloaded app on the phone was Computrace Agent, with permissions to do everything on the device, including sending SMS messages (showing the cost warning too). As other threads have gone into what this app is, I'll leave that out, but will mention it is impossible to uninstall or even (force)stop this application. Ok you can force stop, but it restarts immediately, and sends another text!
I've left the phone with no accounts on it, and had the SIM activated. As soon as this was complete, Computrace successfully sent a new message to the above number., but has not stopped attempting to send more (failed for some reason).
I contacted EE support and registered a complaint, but they deny knowledge of the software, or it's intended use as a legitimate tracking tool. They also have no idea what the number this SMS is being sent to is for, nor what the information in the encrypted contents actually contains.
I'm looking for others recent experience with this software, and whether people have had charges/resource consumption on any newish device. I have the option to cancel the contract for 14 days, and I am mainly looking for more information before making my decision. Obviously nobody in their right mind would use such a compromised handset, so it's remaining in airplane mode and will have no accounts/services added while I have it, which kinda makes it an oversized 1990's brick right now!
Look forward to your comments and advice.
Thanks
4t
EDIT: My brother, who has more Android brains than I do found the number was actually registered to T-Mobile in the US http://www.whitepages.com/phone/1-310-691-6499
EDIT/Update: OK I went to the local shop today, they were also shocked at the texts, and knew nothing about it. The guy there is now checking his note 4 too, just in case. He hadn't seen the software before but admitted to not really looking for anything untoward. He recommended I call it in as a dodgy phone and get a replacement. So I tried that, but was passed onto Samsung support.. like transferred to their switchboard! Another queue? Stuff that, I hung up, called back on 150 and cancelled the contract. I'm now buying an unlocked replacement and will shop about for cheaper deals on the SIM as I'm out of contract. I still intend to raise a ICO complaint about the encrypted sms sent to the US though.
I noticed this as well with mine when I got it. Mine was EE locked, and before I inserted a SIM I was getting multiple messages just like yours, but containing different letters and symbols.
I have since unlocked my note and rooted, flashed a debloated stock ROM and all is good. It might not be carrier specific to EE, since Computrace is a Samsung app that's in all stock firmwares.
Hi. I'm also having ussues with this software. I want it GONE!
Info: this forum - p=60864843&postcount=896 | I cant post links, sorry.
I tried deleting it from /presdata/ to no avail. It reinstalls the dropper again. If anyone can remove this I will generously tip you. I want this removed from my phone.
illuz said:
Hi. I'm also having ussues with this software. I want it GONE!
Info: this forum - p=60864843&postcount=896 | I cant post links, sorry.
I tried deleting it from /presdata/ to no avail. It reinstalls the dropper again. If anyone can remove this I will generously tip you. I want this removed from my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From other information I have found around the net, the only way to remove is to flash a new rom that does not contain the software. I'll take a look at your post but see the poster above yours.
MDaveUK said:
I noticed this as well with mine when I got it. Mine was EE locked, and before I inserted a SIM I was getting multiple messages just like yours, but containing different letters and symbols.
I have since unlocked my note and rooted, flashed a debloated stock ROM and all is good. It might not be carrier specific to EE, since Computrace is a Samsung app that's in all stock firmwares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you might be right there, but the pattern so far from my Googling seems to point at EE/T-mobile. I'm not comfortable flashing my phone in the 1st 6months, also never done it before so I'd prefer a solution from my carrier. Also, I showed the situation to a family member who is senior in local trading standards. He was shocked, and more than a little interested in finding out more (no holding breath there though, resources and all).
I still have the Computrace app in my debloated ROM, it's not something easily removed I'm afraid. However, it doesn't send any sms messages in my ROM, I tried testing by removing my sim and rebooting the phone.
I did a little research into what it actually does and I believe it's what Samsung use for their 'Find my phone' feature, and to remotely delete data and lock it.
This info page sounds just like it:
http://www.absolute.com/en/landing/...demo?sc_camp=231FCC716F544DF08BFA6C366AA77EF5
So if you try to remove Computrace you are probably disabling this feature. But it's part of the firmware's SystemUI so removing it breaks the firmware.
This is still largely a guess but I would bet on this being exactly the case.
If it still bothers you I would search for a ROM that somehow totally removes it, or CyanogenMod 12.1 if you want to avoid any Samsung software at all.
It lies in the /dev/block/.../sda13 which links to - /persdata/absolute
Please check out this thread too: (google for thread link,I can't post them) galaxy-g900f-s5-phone-has-been-disabled-ee-1899259
I will work on removing it later, I have to go out, in my post you'll see I said I was runing XtresoLite deodexed ROM along with new bootloader and modem firmware, the software still persists.
illuz said:
It lies in the /dev/block/.../sda13 which links to - /persdata/absolute
Please check out this thread too: (google for thread link,I can't post them) galaxy-g900f-s5-phone-has-been-disabled-ee-1899259
I will work on removing it later, I have to go out, in my post you'll see I said I was runing XtresoLite deodexed ROM along with new bootloader and modem firmware, the software still persists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This post? http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/10834349-post19.html
So you flash that file in Odin and it will wipe it out, nice.
Guys. Let me tell you my problem and how I solved the computrace issue on my Note 4 N910F on EE.
I bought my Note 4 from a community called Gumtree in UK. It was a phone locked to EE on contract from the guy I got it from. At this point, I didn't know what computrace was or whether to look for it on the phone.
Normally when I get a new phone, I wipe it, root it and make it work to my taste coz, what's android for right?
I installed titanium backup to freeze some bloatware and remove some as well. I then came across computrace and the name "trace" sounded funny to me. I decided to use titanium backup to remove it right away coz i dont want any Samsung crap snooping on my phone.
After a reboot, the software installed itself back and i was like WHAT?
I removed it again and it installed itself again and again. And i was like F*** this. I installed a custom recovery and installed a custom rom but it was still there. It appeared it wasn't a software on the data or system partition. It has a separate untouchable partition to itself or something. Very dangerous app even more than the NSA to me.
So i was randomly using my phone some day and my phone went to lockscreen to say "ABSOLUTE COMPUTRACE SOFTWARE, this phone has been disabled by EE.... Bla bla bla" and I needed a pin to unlock to use it.
I called EE, they didn't do jack ****. I called the person I bought the phone from, he was long gone. I checked the IMEI of the phone using swappa esn checker but it is clean and not blacklisted. Turns out the guy breached his contract coz the phone still belongs to EE for 6 months and within that time, he had sold it. It also kept sending some random jargon sms in form of an encrypted message to my most recent contacted person via sms. Weird and dangerous stuff is what Computrace is. I went on their website to read about them but I don't believe in them and need to sue them.
I had to resort to using a CyanogenMod rom for about a month to avoid the phone asking me for that pin coz the phone was basically useless. But having a note 4 with cm, letting go of all the Samsung and seen feature is like me cheating myself.
I went into deep research and finally found a solution to remove it completely by wiping the partition it's installed in (I think).
Using odin, I placed the file in AP/PDA then flashed a rom that is BTU CSC and not anything that had to do with EE (EVR) so that it won't come back. I booted my phone and computrace is totally gone. I was able to use the phone again.
I have uploaded the file here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/k59gxqpwv7hofco/Note4PersistWipe.tar?dl=0
Reboot to recovery.
1. Wipe your current rom and install a fresh one.
2. Don't reboot into system yet.
3. Reboot to download/bootloader mode
4. Open Odin and place the file in AP/PDA.
5. Press "Start"
6. Reboot
7. Profit and give the middle finger to computrace.
Please note that this file is only tested on the SM N910F because that is what version of Note 4 I have.
As said here and one of the simplegx threads. http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/help/remove-computrace-reinstalling-t2929102#post60906417
On my device it seemed to mostly sit idle doing not much except waste memory, but after I did a rom flash it went crazy and had the following issues.
Laggy access to the "usage data" part of the settings. (taking 30 seconds to load it)
"Restrict background data" setting kept been turned back off.
Large battery drain by the computrace agent process.
All these symptoms stopped after I uninstalled it in the app manager (have to be on a non EE rom to successfully do this). It hasnt ran on my device since.
This is on my s5 901f which I got from UK carrier EE.
There is a thread on the EE forum, where they did initially deny the software is to do with them, but then instead of denying they started to ignore the discussion. But given all non EE roms seem to not have this software, it does point to them.
---------- Post added at 10:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:47 PM ----------
illuz said:
It lies in the /dev/block/.../sda13 which links to - /persdata/absolute
Please check out this thread too: (google for thread link,I can't post them) galaxy-g900f-s5-phone-has-been-disabled-ee-1899259
I will work on removing it later, I have to go out, in my post you'll see I said I was runing XtresoLite deodexed ROM along with new bootloader and modem firmware, the software still persists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I still have these files, somehow I cannot remove them.
The bad news is abit of googling shows this rootkit gets embedded into the bios not just the OS, so I think managing to stop it running in the OS is probably about as far as we can go. I ran a file in odin which supposedbly wipes that partition but the dir still exists.
A bit worryingly also is a few of the files can be deleted but then get recreated suggesting something somewhere still is using that folder. I asked androidgx (creator of simplegx rom) if he could add a command in the recovery installer to wipe that folder but he said it isnt possible.
---------- Post added at 11:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:54 PM ----------
ok guys I read the forum illuz said to search for on google, I wont post the url incase it breaks XDA rules (dont know why he couldnt post it)
long story short did some reading and then went to this url.
http://www.cellrabta.pk/2015/05/thi...oftware-computrace-free-solution-all-samsung/
That guide worked for me, the flashing in odin wouldnt get rid of the folder, but manually issuing the commands in adb worked.
After booting the phone back up, I still had an empty absolute folder, but this time I wiped it in root explorer, there was nothing blocking the wipe.
So thankfully you dont need to factory reset the device like that guide says.
EE has never locked my phone, but I didnt like that rootkit been on it, thanks to those involved in the research.
Nice one, another poster here has a similar solution. I updated my post today, pretty much dropping EE. I called after getting advice from the local EE shop to do a return on the handset for one without computrace, and they almost instantly forwarded my call to Samsung switchboard before I could object! I'm not going to repeat the language I shouted down the phone here.
I hung up, and called 150 and cancelled my contract (14 day terms). I'm getting an unlocked Note 4 from a reputable retailer now, so we shall see if that has Computrace on it too (though advertised as Kitkat so doubtful). If I run into this malware again, I'll be grateful for all the help.
Edit: Phone has arrived, is clean and has kitkat 4.4.4, which I have been told to stick with (by the guy in the EE shop).
from what I understand all touchwiz roms now have ABTPersistenceService which enforces the file state, however the computrace agent app seems unique to EE roms so I think the ABTPersistenceService is just a support service, and so far I have not heard of any other EU carrier activating computrace agent.
The steps that seem to be required are (assuming phone hasnt been locked by the service).
1 - install a non EE rom, BTU is recommended.
2 - uninstall computrace agent app via app manager. (not listed on the other site but I did this)
3 - wipe the persdata partition using adb whilst in recovery using the guide I linked to (I didnt bother backing it up).
4 - enjoy
If its worked there should be no computrace app running and the absolute folder should stay empty.
ABTPersistenceService seems to recreate the folder tho but not the files.
To disable ABTPersistenceService, the framework2.jar needs patching.
Galaxy SM-G920X FIX:
1. Download a CLEAN NON-EE ROM.
2. Root the device & install TWRP (2.6.8.2), Copy ROM to the handset.
3. Advanced - Terminal - Execute the two commands: "dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/sda11" && "dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/sda13"
4. Install the ROM - Do not reboot the device, stay in TWRP.
5. Wipe dalvik & data / factory reset.
Hi,
How can I find out whether Computrace Agent is running on my phone or not?
I have Galaxy S4 I9500.
Thanks
I just swapped from my Amaze 4g, to a used Note 3, and I'm a little lost as far as where I should start.
It says that it's on 4.4.2, and that I cannot update due to a modified system.
Basically, I would like to get updated to 5.1.1 (or as close as is official for the Note 3), and root it.
I'm afraid I'm not familiar with Samsung devices, and because I purchased this from ebay, I don't know how to tell the exact state that the former user put it in (I expected they would return it to stock prior to selling).
It's currently a T-Mobile branded, SM-N900T, on 4.4.2, build is KOT49H, security software MDF v1.0 release 2. Kernel is 3.4.0-660648.
It is supposedly unlocked for carriers, though I have not attempted a SIM card use yet, until I can tell that what I have is a valid device and the IMEI is checked out.
Any thoughts on how to validate the IMEI, and sort out how to get my new phone up to date would be appreciated. As I stated, I expected the vendor would have returned it to stock, but that is clearly not the case, so I don't want to accidentally boot loop it by doing something I shouldn't. I have not owned a Samsung before, so I want to be careful on how it differs from my Nexus 7, Amaze 4g, and Droid X, as they're all obviously very different in the OS area.
Thank you for the help1
Download tbe stock 4.4.2 rom and use odin to install. Then you will get the OTA updates.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk
There is no stock 5.1.1 for note 3, only cm12.1/ aosp. Latest is 5.0 and you can use odin to flash. Maybe it's rooted that's why you can't update.
bladebarrier said:
I just swapped from my Amaze 4g, to a used Note 3, and I'm a little lost as far as where I should start.
It says that it's on 4.4.2, and that I cannot update due to a modified system.
Basically, I would like to get updated to 5.1.1 (or as close as is official for the Note 3), and root it.
...
Thank you for the help1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some apps to install from Play Store...
Phone INFO Samsung - this will tell you all about your phone and the firmware etc.
Root Checker Basic - tells you if you are rooted or not.
SuperSU - this is so valuable you should buy the Pro licence. Chainfire does some great work for our phones.
TWRP - I have the zip version on my extSDCard and an Odin version on PC in case I have to rebuild from a Stock firmware. CWN works OK but most ROM builds seem to be for TWRP I think and a backup from one will not work on the other.
I don't know your previous phone so you probably need Odin v3.09 - this sits on PC and lets you flash firmware to the phone. (connected by USB)
For which you need Samsung USB drivers so the PC will recognise the phone. Install on PC before connecting phone.
Then do some browsing and find the processes to root your phone and install the ROM you want. If you just want Stock and access to all your phone, you can root it after flashing the original v5.0 download (from Sammobile or similar site - note on Sammobile you need a free account to DL) and then install Custom recovery (if wanted - it WILL trip the Knox flag but that may not matter given it's 2nd hand and might already be tripped anyway)
Read, make SURE you understand what is being said BEFORE you do anything - ask if you don't.
Good luck...
N9005 Lollipop brick
Hi All, just need a huge help here, a friend of mine has been using a N9005 which was auto restarting, she went online and downloaded this firmware...N900AUCUEOC1_N900AATTEOC1_N900AUCUEOC1_HOME.tar.md5....2.5GB in size...and flashed it, but the phone is stuck in boot loop even after recovery wiping data and cache, the phone can boot into download mode but re flashing the firmware always fails.....is there a solution for this.....please help
Thank you all for the info, especially the detailed info from Journyman16. I checked, and it is flagged as custom, which is fine, so I'm going to go ahead and try to return to mostly stock, update it, and root it.
Ok, everything went well. I had to do two attempts at rooting, but I think it's just one of those things where sometimes it doesn't restart into the process every time.
All seems good. I'm on 5.0, rooted, busyboxed, and smooth sailing.
Thank you all, again, for the tips. The Note 3 is running very well. Thank you to all of the devs that have made this process so refined. I've donated to you before, and did so again today. It's outstanding to have such well versed coders, on XDA, helping out the community.
mjmbirige said:
Hi All, just need a huge help here, a friend of mine has been using a N9005 which was auto restarting, she went online and downloaded this firmware...N900AUCUEOC1_N900AATTEOC1_N900AUCUEOC1_HOME.tar.md5....2.5GB in size...and flashed it, but the phone is stuck in boot loop even after recovery wiping data and cache, the phone can boot into download mode but re flashing the firmware always fails.....is there a solution for this.....please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have never learned not to ask in others posts? What does your problem has to do with this topic at all?
When you need help. Just click on Q&A then Create a new thread. How hard is it?