Database Users

Updating to 2.3.4 firmware - if you don't want to root

HI
This is Just for People who want to flash 2.3.4 firmware or any other firmware but don't want to root their phones like me.
Again All Posts are within XDA and Due Thanks to the OP's and DEVS
I'll Try to be as informative and clear as possible ( Its more for the newbies )
First off all it has been stated this 2.3.4 is leaked and not official
So lets Begin
1. Install latest Kies of samsung > connect your phone and make sure all drivers are Installed and your phones is recognised in Kies > Backup if you wanna
2. Close Kies ( make sure its not running in the system tray) > Install ODIN
Get Odin v1.85 from here: http://www.multiupload.com/1RTGSE061G
Just extract Odin folder and keep the odin3.ini file in it.
How to USE ODIN in SECOND POST
3. Download your 2.3.4 Firmware ( or any other firmware you wish to flash)
a) Download Link Stock XXKG1 : http://www.multiupload.com/2EMBQMYF4V (via ficeto) or If you can find other links
and Extract It > you should have four files:
b) CODE_I9100XXKG1_CL349526_REV02_user_low_ship (goes into PDA section)
GT-I9100-CSC-MULTI-OXAKG1 (Goes into CSC section)
MODEM_I9100XXKG1_REV_02_CL1034110 (Goes into Phone section)
u1_02_20110310_emmc_EXT4.pit (not required)
4. Open ODIN and put the files in the respective TABS > Do not change (tick or untick any other boxes) read the second post by intratech
5. Put phone in Download Mode
a) DOWNLOAD MODE - Volume Down + Home Button + Power Button
b) Volume Up to get into Download Mode
c) Connect phone and wait till First Box in ODIN turns Green
d) Click Start and wait till phone flashes and Reboots automatically ( can take up to 15 mins)
e) Once phone reboots you are Done you can close ODIN
ORIGINAL POSTS, OFFICIAL FIRMWARES and CARRIER FIRMWARES HERE
Thanks to - INTRATECH,TANMAY,FICETO and the DEVS CONCERNED
PS : If I have missed out anything let me Know and I will update

INTRATECHS GUIDE TO FLASHING WITH ODIN - Scroll Down to see the screen shots in HIS POST
Flashing Firmware with Odin
1. Just download the firmware version you want from above and extract the .tar file in the archive and save it somewhere
2. Reboot your phone to download mode.
To get download mode shut down the device. After it shuts off completely simultaneously press the Down volume key+ Home button + press the power button .
You should see a warning asking you to press volume up if you want to continue or volume down to cancel, press volume up. You are now in download mode!
3. Start Odin
4. Click on the PDA button and browse to the .tar file that you extracted in step 1
If the package has more than one .tar archive then they will be labelled with PDA, Phone/Modem and CSC. Just put them in the corresponding section of Odin
5. DO NOT PUT .PIT FILE AND DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT TICK REPARTITION.
Anyone ask about .pit file is a moron
Should look like this screenshot
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5705/odinm.jpg
If the package has 3 files it should look like this:
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/8290/odinxm.jpg
Regardless of firmware version it's still the same methodology
6. Connect the USB cable and wait for the ID:COM section to turn yellow
7. Click start to flash
8. Do not disconnect the cable or turn off the device, it will reboot when it finishes.
It will not wipe your phone if you flash as recommended

Will I loose all my data and programs?

let me be the first to thank you
i am coming from iphone4 so all these terms and apps are new to me, and while i can use the search function a lot of times it takes several pages of read-thru to piece together what you have put in 1 concise post
btw i love the SG2 and android platform, steve jobs can toss my salad

If you flash any 2.3.3 you don't seem to loose any data... but yeah updating to 2.3.4 you do loose data and programs.
I didn't have many programs, but market restored most of them from me, and good to backup first.
Also kies gives me that I can't update firmware maybe cause its the latest one and it don't recognise the firmware.
Please be aware this is a leaked version, so if you want you could wait for the official one, I so far had no problems whatsoever

Just one noob question, SII being my first android phone, i assume that in order not to lose warranty you still have to use USB jig to reset rom counter if something bad happens, right ?

Sp1tfire said:
Just one noob question, SII being my first android phone, i assume that in order not to lose warranty you still have to use USB jig to reset rom counter if something bad happens, right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I have no clue about that But I guess you could always flash the carrier branded firmware from INTRATECH's posts.. links in my first post as well.
I guess it only applies if you root your phone (I could be wrong).
Here is a link if its any good to you
[HOWTO] reset custom binary counter in download mode

obionenairobi said:
Will I loose all my data and programs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With low packages you will so yes.
Good work tfn.

Intratech said:
With low packages you will so yes.
Good work tfn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All thanks to you Mate , It mostly all leeched off your posts

Sp1tfire said:
Just one noob question, SII being my first android phone, i assume that in order not to lose warranty you still have to use USB jig to reset rom counter if something bad happens, right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using stock kernel there is no counting in custom binary,so no problem with your warranty.You can check your counter if you go to download mode.By the way usb jig is always usefull.
Regards
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

afilopou said:
If you are using stock kernel there is no counting in custom binary,so no problem with your warranty.You can check your counter if you go to download mode.By the way usb jig is always usefull.
Regards
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info

Is it possible to use another CSC from older stock releases together with this? ie, flashing this, and then after that flashing the multi CSC "MultiCSC OXXKF1" for instance? The reason im asking is that ppl have reported this rom to not include the nordic keyboard's for swype etc, and thats sort of a gamebreaker for me.

rulleeeee said:
Is it possible to use another CSC from older stock releases together with this? ie, flashing this, and then after that flashing the multi CSC "MultiCSC OXXKF1" for instance? The reason im asking is that ppl have reported this rom to not include the nordic keyboard's for swype etc, and thats sort of a gamebreaker for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont see any reason why not.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

tried it, and it worked to install that CSC, but i thought the keyboard layouts were included in that but i was misstaken, guess ill go back to the KF3 nordic release, meh

password request
after i install it asks me to confirm password.i dont know anyone help me please

xboxfan said:
after i install it asks me to confirm password.i dont know anyone help me please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it must be your samsung account password.. or unless you had a security lock password.. Try one of those

xboxfan said:
after i install it asks me to confirm password.i dont know anyone help me please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whatever the pin unlock code that you use to unlock the device in the password that you need.

tfn said:
If you flash any 2.3.3 you don't seem to loose any data... but yeah updating to 2.3.4 you do loose data and programs.
I didn't have many programs, but market restored most of them from me, and good to backup first.
Also kies gives me that I can't update firmware maybe cause its the latest one and it don't recognise the firmware.
Please be aware this is a leaked version, so if you want you could wait for the official one, I so far had no problems whatsoever
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tanx so much!!!..i`m downloading...keep it up bro

There is one thing I don't understand how to do. Before I flash my firmware with the new 2.3.4 version, I would like to take a copy of my existing firmware from my phone first and save it to my PC. So that I have the option of putting my phone back to how it was if for some reason I want to revert my phone. I understand that I would need to buy a jig to reset the update counter.
So is it possible to save my existing firmware to my PC first?
I did try looking at the download page but there were so many different countries and carrier versions that I found it confusing. I am stock KF3 uk unbranded O2 still running 2.3.3
Thanks

Thank you tfn. Great instructions, I am loving the new update.

[Q] Verizon Note 3 OTA update fails - Help Please!

Verizon - Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - White
I have been trying to update the the latest OTA firmware update, but I am having troubles. I am sorry if this is a repeat post or this has already been solved, I did do a pretty extensive search for my problem before I made this post.
MI9 to MJ7
Status: Update failed
Code: 404
I have included 2 screenshots below with the problem I am having. I am not currently rooted, I did not trigger Knox, and it is still not working after the third factory data reset.
Does anyone out there have any ideas as to why this is broken and what I can do to fix it?

When you plug your phone into a computer, a folder pops up with some folders and some files. One of the files is a program from Verizon. I do not recall the name at the moment. But if you double click on it, it will install a program on your computer that will help you install firmware through your computer. Try updating with that. Just follow the prompts. And let us know if updates you to the current firmware, or if you're still having problems.
♢NoteIII♢

Since you are not rooted download Kies 3. It's a Samsung utility. Download it and install it on your computer and that should get you on the latest and greatest. I did it on my windows pc with both updates. Current being MJE.
Then if you want to root later you can with Kingo app.
---------- Post added at 09:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 AM ----------
LeftyGR said:
When you plug your phone into a computer, a folder pops up with some folders and some files. One of the files is a program from Verizon. I do not recall the name at the moment. But if you double click on it, it will install a program on your computer that will help you install firmware through your computer. Try updating with that. Just follow the prompts. And let us know if updates you to the current firmware, or if you're still having problems.
♢NoteIII♢
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's also Odin if you are familiar with that

Harleydroid said:
●
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am. But I wasn't sure how deep to go with him. And my suggestion was easier for someone who wasn't familiar with kies or odin. ( just in case he is not familiar with kies or odin). It is his first post on XDA
♢NoteIII♢

LeftyGR said:
I am. But I wasn't sure how deep to go with him. And my suggestion was easier for someone who wasn't familiar with kies or odin. ( just in case he is not familiar with kies or odin). It is his first post on XDA
♢NoteIII♢
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh my fault LeftyGR I meant to quote his post. I think we were replying about the same times there.

Thanks and Update
I tried forcing the update through the pc using the Verizon Wireless software, and had no luck. It fails at 66% exactly when my phone switches to ODIN Mode and says Downloading... - Did not trigger KNOX - 0x0 in both rows.
My next step is to try Samsung Kies3 and see my luck with it. I will post an update with the results.
I want to thank everyone for the information. I had not heard of Kies did see Odin mentioned but it looks a little involved.
Credentials and Thoughts:
I have some experience with root and custom roms from Droid 1, Droid 3. I rooted my Note 3 in October 2013, so I may have missed the first OTA update that was so minor, it didn't get a build number. I have a feeling that my problem is that I am trying to go from update 0 to update 2 while skipping minor update 1. With no build number, I don't know how to tell if that is the problem. Is there a stock rom I could install, that has the newest update? I already backed up everything and wiped so, it doesn't hurt to go one step further.
Thanks again.

SacJester said:
I tried forcing the update through the pc using the Verizon Wireless software, and had no luck. It fails at 66% exactly when my phone switches to ODIN Mode and says Downloading... - Did not trigger KNOX - 0x0 in both rows.
My next step is to try Samsung Kies3 and see my luck with it. I will post an update with the results.
I want to thank everyone for the information. I had not heard of Kies did see Odin mentioned but it looks a little involved.
Credentials and Thoughts:
I have some experience with root and custom roms from Droid 1, Droid 3. I rooted my Note 3 in October 2013, so I may have missed the first OTA update that was so minor, it didn't get a build number. I have a feeling that my problem is that I am trying to go from update 0 to update 2 while skipping minor update 1. With no build number, I don't know how to tell if that is the problem. Is there a stock rom I could install, that has the newest update? I already backed up everything and wiped so, it doesn't hurt to go one step further.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP, were you able to update through Kies? If that doesn't work, I would recommend backing up what you can (search for a no-root backup solution, or use the one built into Kies), and factory reset, then attempt the update. If you back up your stuff through Kies, the only thing you'll lose is apps, I believe, but Kies might even back that up for you as well.

I'm having similar problems myself. Update fails through the OTA, Kies, as well as the Verizon Update Assistant... Any ideas on how to update otherwise? I've flashed phones with ODIN before but i haven't found a good walk through with the Note3 or what order to flash everything in...

SacJester said:
I tried forcing the update through the pc using the Verizon Wireless software, and had no luck. It fails at 66% exactly when my phone switches to ODIN Mode and says Downloading... - Did not trigger KNOX - 0x0 in both rows.
My next step is to try Samsung Kies3 and see my luck with it. I will post an update with the results.
I want to thank everyone for the information. I had not heard of Kies did see Odin mentioned but it looks a little involved.
Credentials and Thoughts:
I have some experience with root and custom roms from Droid 1, Droid 3. I rooted my Note 3 in October 2013, so I may have missed the first OTA update that was so minor, it didn't get a build number. I have a feeling that my problem is that I am trying to go from update 0 to update 2 while skipping minor update 1. With no build number, I don't know how to tell if that is the problem. Is there a stock rom I could install, that has the newest update? I already backed up everything and wiped so, it doesn't hurt to go one step further.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link in my sig has a good offering of some top roms for the N3 (of course new roms are created regularly), just about every step by step you will need to make your N3 experience worry free!
Enjoy!

[Q] Help finding a specific stock ROM - i9505

Hi all,
Long time lurker, first time poster
I've been experimenting with a spare i9505 that I have, flashing roms etc (it was having serious wifi issues so I was trying to fix it)
However something's gone wrong and I now have the 'Firmware upgrade experienced an issue' screen, and Knox Warranty is 0x1. I don't really care about it as it's a spare, but I'd like to flash a ROM to it so that it at least works.
I'm not exactly a power user when it comes to this stuff, more an 'enthusiastic amateur'. I followed instructions in a similar thread to flash TWRP and use that to Advanced Wipe before flashing a new ROM, which I've done, but the threads I've found feature loads of ROMs and I don't know which one to use. I found a couple that I tried to use, but Odin is failing every time and SW Rev Check Fail pops up on the screen, which I believe (from more lurking!) means I'm trying to use the wrong firmware.
Was hoping someone here could point me in the right direction!
Just to recap the phone status:
- S4 i9505
- UK based (came from Vodafone if that matters?)
- Firmware update encountered an issue
- Knox Warranty Void 0x1
- Previously running 4.2.2
Thanks guys

Knox warranty void cannot be recoverd till now
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk

aayushkhajuria2842 said:
Knox warranty void cannot be recoverd till now
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not worried about the warranty, I've read up on it and I know that's a lost cause. I just want the phone to work really as it's currently displaying 'Firmware update encountered an issue' on boot. I only mention the 0x1 thing as from my research I understand that it limits you in terms of what ROMs you can install, meaning I would need a particular one to get the phone working again.
Thanks!

Then install stock firmware via odin first
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk

aayushkhajuria2842 said:
Then install stock firmware via odin first
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... That's kinda the point of my post. I know what I need to do, I just don't know which file to use.
For example, this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2250824 has a bunch of stock firmware files, but I don't know which one I would need to download, for my specific circumstance.

What firmware u tried to install? If u tried to install android 4.3 or android 4.4.2 maybe ur bootloader is updated and u cant flash android 4.2.2. Give us more info :fingers-crossed:

Joku1981 said:
What firmware u tried to install? If u tried to install android 4.3 or android 4.4.2 maybe ur bootloader is updated and u cant flash android 4.2.2. Give us more info :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was worried that might be the case.
OK so I've tried two md5 files so far:
I9505XXUBMGA_I9505OXXBMG3_I9505XXUBMGA_HOME.tar.md5
I9505XXUFNB8_I9505BTUFNB3_I9505XXUFNB8_HOME.tar.md5
To PROPERLY go back and re-cap from beginning...
- Phone was stock, wi-fi didn't work (worked for a bit, then cut off and wouldn't come back on)
- Ran CyanogenMod Installer to update and hopefully fix the issue
- Install was successful but didn't fix wi-fi issues
- Used Odin to flash the 2nd md5 listed above, went back to stock but wi-fi still didn't work
- Tried to flash the 1st md5 listed above, didn't work and must have errored at some point as now I get that 'Firmware upgrade encountered an issue' message.
- Looked up the issue in a thread on here, followed instructions to flash TWRP, boot into Recovery > Wipe > Advanced wiping everything bar last two options, and then 'install your stock recovery firmware'
Only issue I have now, I don't know which file that is As I say the last two I tried (above) give me the SW Rev error, so they're clearly incorrect.
I don't care about warranty, and I don't care about root either really... just want the phone to work again, even on stock!

Well. Step by step:
- You will have to WIPE all
- If the phone is branded to Vodafone is one thing, if not is other.
- I let u the correct firmware for ur phone with Vodafone: HERE or HERE
- If ur phone is unbranded the correct firmware is: HERE
- Download it and flash it through ODIN
- If u have problems with ODIN, paste it here and good luck :highfive:

Awesome! Thanks man, the phone came from Vodafone initially but I don't think it's branded (no logos on the phone, no Vodafone logo on boot)
I'm downloading both just to make sure. Will let you know results ASAP! Thanks again :good:

[GUIDE] [OFFICIAL ROM] [GT-N5100] 4.4.2 Kitkat Update!

Hello everyone, Im new here and this is my first thread. Please forgive me if I make mistakes. And sorry, I got no screenshots.
Did you ever wish you had Android KitKat on your GT-N5100? Well wish no more! The Official Update has already been released to Korea and Poland! It shouldn't take long for it to reach to other countries.
But if you are impatient, you can flash it now via Odin! ☺
Notes:
Make sure you have at least 80%
Make sure you have a back up
Make sure you remove ALL signs of root (e.g. Xposed,Busybox etc.)
Make sure all the apps in your External SD is moved to your Internal Storage. (To avoid force closing problems)
Make sure you have USB Debugging Enabled in Settings>Developer Options>USB Debugging
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE MAKE SURE YOU MAKE A BACK UP BECAUSE THIS CAN SOFT BRICK YOUR DEVICE.I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING YOU DO WITH YOUR PHONE/TABLET/PHABLET
LETS BEGIN!!!
Download the Firmware from the Post below
After that unzip it and you will see 2 files, just put your attention to the tar.md5 files
Install Odin3 (Links below)
Now you need to install Samsung Kies. (Link also Below)
After installing kies go to the Odin3 Folder, Right click on it and hit "Run as Administrator"
Now that your done with the PC's Part. Put your attention on your tablet and shutdown/Power Off
After that press Volume Down and Home for a few seconds until you get into a screen with a Warning, just press Volume Up to continue.
And after that connect your phone to your PC via USB and Odin should automatically detect it.
An ID:COM[Number] will show in a box on the upper right and then click on PDA and go to the directory of where you put the unziped firmware folder you downloaded from SamMobile. Select the tar.md5 file.
After that make sure you dont have re-partition checked. Double check if you need to and hit "START"
PLEASE DONT REMOVE YOUR PHONE UNTIL YOU SEE A "PASS" MESSAGE IN THE BOX.
After that it should reboot and you now have Android 4.4.2 Kitkat on your GT-N5100!
Good Luck!
Incase you get in a Boot Loop
Press Volume Up and Power button to get into Recovery and perform a Factory Reset (Data wipe) then Wipe Cache Partition and Reboot.
Enjoy!
Source: International Business Times
Hit that thanks button if this helped!
LINKS ADDED! YEY!
ROOTING GUIDE COMING SOON
TROUBLESHOOTING
If your PC doesnt recognize your device, try reinstalling drivers, and if you are stuck on Download Mode just press and hold the Power Button until it shuts down then press and hold it again to turn your device on!
Tested on a Note 8! Didnt brick the device and is working, just make a backup incase you screw up.
Wanna see the changes? Go here

LINKS!
LINKS
Firmware
Kies (After updating make sure you use Kies3)
Odin3
Don't want to download Kies? Download these USB Drivers instead.
Enjoy!

ROOTING GUIDE IS NOW HERE
Click here to root you Samsung Galaxy Note 8!

John Shenon Uy said:
ROOTING GUIDE IS NOW HERE
Click here to root you Samsung Galaxy Note 8!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick and noob question.
I have Note N5100 stock, it is still on 4.1.2 firmware, now i want to flash with odin official 4.4.2 kitkat on it. (from above post)
So question is, do i need to root it first so i can flash 4.4.2?
Thank you.

CowboyWorld said:
Quick and noob question.
I have Note N5100 stock, it is still on 4.1.2 firmware, now i want to flash with odin official 4.4.2 kitkat on it. (from above post)
So question is, do i need to root it first so i can flash 4.4.2?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not flash official 4.4.2 kitkat with odin, over kies or over ota. You will get kitkat bootloader with knox, no write permissions for your apps to sd card, no working rooting method which would not trigger knox and void your warranty.
The rooting method he linked does not work for Exynos 4412 devices. Read the comments to the original geohots post in s5 forum or at least the towelroot thread in this section.

Yulka said:
I would not flash official 4.4.2 kitkat with odin, over kies or over ota. You will get kitkat bootloader with knox, no write permissions for your apps to sd card, no working rooting method which would not trigger knox and void your warranty.
The rooting method he linked does not work for Exynos 4412 devices. Read the comments to the original geohots post in s5 forum or at least the towelroot thread in this section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it doesn't work, use CF-Auto-Root. Works perfectly,but you will see SuperSU Force closing or in some cases, it is not installed to fix this, install/update SuperSU
If and onlyif it doesn't work, try again.

John Shenon Uy said:
Yeah it doesn't work, use CF-Auto-Root. Works perfectly,but you will see SuperSU Force closing or in some cases, it is not installed to fix this, install/update SuperSU
If and onlyif it doesn't work, try again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done update to 4.4.2 with odin and with out root.
And there is no waranty woid or knox trigger.
So everything was OK. But i have downloaded Poland version of 4.4.2 N5100XXDND8 from samsung updates page.

thank U

Sorry for the newbie question but how can I efficiently and completely backup my device? Any apps/software I can use? I know that I can just make a copy of all my photos, videos, etc to my laptop but how about my apps and its data? Will they be deleted after flashing this firmware?

I've got a problem here .
My simcard doesn't work .
It keep saying emergency calls only
Sent from my GT-I8262 using XDA Free mobile app

excuse me sir do you have a mirror of this firmware link like 4shared or mediafire?

would you please update download link of firmware? its expired
thanks

After I flashed my GT-N5100 with Samsung's official firmware, it keeps crashing apps everytime... Why??
PS: I can't install Ten Million (10000000) game as well somehow.
---------- Post added at 07:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:32 PM ----------
imaniacsz said:
excuse me sir do you have a mirror of this firmware link like 4shared or mediafire?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try the official Firmwares: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-N5100/

Thanks

efs problematic after flashing firmware N5100
HI, its my first post on xda and new to this world so i will try to be reasonable here.
i followed the steps mentioned in this thread except one, i.e. i didnt make a backup. Now my n5100 wont move beyond initial samsung logo and the recovery mode says "cannot mount / efs"
i also found a thread which makes some excellent points (see below), but i would still like to know if any of you tried this and had a similar problem. if so, did you find a DIY method
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/ref-imei-efs-stuff-i9300-including-t2393289

[Q] Please help w/ getting back to stock.

I don't want this post to be too long but I need some help here, let me sum it up.
I purchased a secondhand Note3 off Ebay to replace my Note2. I got it an it appears to me that it's been "modified", I see this SafeStrap thing at startup and a SuperSU App. Once I saw this I decided to hold off on putting my sim card in and have just been using it on wifi. I used the "RootChecker" app to see if it's rooted and it tells me yes. System info tells me the phone is running 4.3. I know not much of this rooting, flashing, roms, kernel scene. So:
- My goal is to get this phone back to stock setting, no SafeStrap or root of any kind if it's there, so the phone operates and is just as it would be if purchased new from Verizon. What is the easiest way to go about doing this?
From there I might actually think of trying my hand at rooting this thing since it's a secondhand device, but I first want to eliminate any modifications made to the phone by the previous owner, and if I do root I want to start from ground zero and do it myself.
I apologize for my ignorance in this but could really use the help and hopefully learn more about this world along the way since it seems everyone who roots swears by it, I must be missing something but for now my objective is a clean slate with this device
Thanks in advance.

mgftp said:
I don't want this post to be too long but I need some help here, let me sum it up.
I purchased a secondhand Note3 off Ebay to replace my Note2. I got it an it appears to me that it's been "modified", I see this SafeStrap thing at startup and a SuperSU App. Once I saw this I decided to hold off on putting my sim card in and have just been using it on wifi. I used the "RootChecker" app to see if it's rooted and it tells me yes. System info tells me the phone is running 4.3. I know not much of this rooting, flashing, roms, kernel scene. So:
- My goal is to get this phone back to stock setting, no SafeStrap or root of any kind if it's there, so the phone operates and is just as it would be if purchased new from Verizon. What is the easiest way to go about doing this?
From there I might actually think of trying my hand at rooting this thing since it's a secondhand device, but I first want to eliminate any modifications made to the phone by the previous owner, and if I do root I want to start from ground zero and do it myself.
I apologize for my ignorance in this but could really use the help and hopefully learn more about this world along the way since it seems everyone who roots swears by it, I must be missing something but for now my objective is a clean slate with this device
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're basically going to use Oding to flash the MJE software. Everything you need for instructions and files can be found HERE.

airmaxx23 said:
You're basically going to use Oding to flash the MJE software. Everything you need for instructions and files can be found HERE.
Click to expand...
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Thanks so much. Following this will remove safestrap, unroot, and basically undo any changes made to the phone and bring it back to 4.3 out of the box from Verizon status? If so, I'll give this a go tomorrow.

mgftp said:
Thanks so much. Following this will remove safestrap, unroot, and basically undo any changes made to the phone and bring it back to 4.3 out of the box from Verizon status? If so, I'll give this a go tomorrow.
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Click to collapse
Yes it will.

And since you're new to this, even tho it is a straight - forward procedure, read and make sure you understand what you are doing before proceeding. Ask additional questions if necessary. And let us know how it goes!
《 #VerizonLovesYou 》

airmaxx23 said:
Yes it will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LeftyGR said:
And since you're new to this, even tho it is a straight - forward procedure, read and make sure you understand what you are doing before proceeding. Ask additional questions if necessary. And let us know how it goes!
《 #VerizonLovesYou 》
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys, hopefully I can find some time tomorrow to tackle this.
One question just reading through the guide quickly, for step 2, downloading the stock image, I assume I want 4.3 for retail? IF so, I see 3 options: Official VRUBMJE 4.3, Official VRUBMJ7 4.3, and Official VRUBMI9 4.3. Does it matter which one? I am assuming they are just different releases of 4.3 but not sure, or if I could pick one that would work better than another.
I'll copy and paste the info below if you don't know off-hand what I am referring to.
Thanks again! :good:
Section 1: How to return to Stock Android 4.3 and recover from a Soft Brick.
Take Note If your Retail Locked N3 took the OTA update, you can not revert back to older firmware. Verizon now has Samsung blacklist the older firmwares bootloader after each update. If you try and flash older firmware the device will softbrick.
Step 1: Download and install Odin to a Windows based PC- http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2189539
Step 2: Download a stock Odin image and Pit file to the PC. If Odin does not recognize the file then extract it with a program such as 7zip.
RETAIL Locked N3 Restore Files
Official VRUCNC4 4.4.2- http://samsung-updates.com/details/2...0VVRUCNC4.html(Only use this if you took the OTA or do not mind being stuck on stock...there is currently no root method available yet!)
Official VRUBMJE 4.3- http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23269279319196106(Retail locked N3 only)
Official VRUBMJ7 4.3- http://d-h.st/IEW(Retail Locked N3 ONLY)
Official VRUBMI9 4.3- https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B26p...LWs/edit?pli=1(Retail Locked N3 ONLY)
Developer Edition N3 Restore Files
DE_VRUBMJE 4.3-http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23269279319196402
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HLTE_32gb.PitFile- http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23159073880936457(works for bothe DE and Retail devices)
Step 3: Power device off, hold the volume down/home/power keys until you see a yellow triangle, then press the volume up key to access "odin or download mode".
Step 4: Open Odin and connect the oem usb cable from pc to device. The driver should automatically install( it did for me on windows 7 64bit). There should also be a "comport number" in upper left hand corner of Odin indicating communication between the pc & device.
*If the drivers do not automatically install, then manually install the drivers in link and proceed to the next step. http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2038555
Step 5: Click on the Pit function of Odin and select Pit file you downloaded in Step:2.
Step 6: Click on the AP/PDA(depends on Odin version) function of Odin. Select the stock 4.3 image you downloaded in step 2, then select start. This operation should take less than 8 minutes before Odin will say pass/reset.
Step 7: Your device should boot back up into factory stock 4.3 Android! However, these stock Odin files do not wipe data. To wipe data, power the device off, press and hold the volume up/home/power buttons until the samsung logo appears. The device will boot into recovery and from there you will need to wipe data/factory reset, then reboot.
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Click to collapse

The mje should do fime. It's the latest jb stock firmware. Once you boot up into that, your phone should promt you to accept the new kk update.
I know you do not want or care about root, but I'll say this anyways. Once you've accepted the new ota update, there's no way to root and there's no way to get back to jb. Like I said, probably not a concern of yours... just throwing it out there.
《 #VerizonLovesYou 》

Hey guys, in the process to this and stuck at these steps:
Step 5: Click on the Pit function of Odin and select Pit file you downloaded in Step:2.
Step 6: Click on the AP/PDA(depends on Odin version) function of Odin. Select the stock 4.3 image you downloaded in step 2, then select start. This operation should take less than 8 minutes before Odin will say pass/reset.
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Click to collapse
Following step 2 gave me one file, which I believe is the 4.3 image ( the file is 1.28GB). What exactly is the Pit file I am missing and how do I get it?
Thanks

u shouldnt need it. I think its a fix for a bootloop. I've returned my note 3 to stock many of times and havent had the use for a pit file
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

mike7728 said:
u shouldnt need it. I think its a fix for a bootloop. I've returned my note 3 to stock many of times and havent had the use for a pit file
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
So essentially I just skip step 5 in that guide and proceed?
Thanks for the response.

mgftp said:
So essentially I just skip step 5 in that guide and proceed?
Thanks for the response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. The pit file is really only needed to fully wipe and reparation the phone.
《 #VerizonLovesYou 》

Thanks guys, giving this a go now... will report back.

Another hangup, clicking on AP in Odin it doesn't seem to recognize the image file I downloaded. It seems to be looking for .tar, .md5, .smd, .gz, and .tgz . The file I got from the guide is .7z
Am I doing something wrong?

mgftp said:
Another hangup, clicking on AP in Odin it doesn't seem to recognize the image file I downloaded. It seems to be looking for .tar, .md5, .smd, .gz, and .tgz . The file I got from the guide is .7z
Am I doing something wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to download a program called 7zip and use that to extract the md5.

ouch1976 said:
You need to download a program called 7zip and use that to extract the md5.
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Click to collapse
Thanks!
-
Now how do I know if Odin is working? It doesn't seem to be doing anything that I can tell. Last message is "D:0/004> Odin v.3 engine (ID:4)..

mgftp said:
Thanks!
-
Now how do I know if Odin is working? It doesn't seem to be doing anything that I can tell. Last message is "D:0/004> Odin v.3 engine (ID:4)..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So 30min later no change, I feel as if it's frozen but scared to power down phone or try to exit application :/

mgftp said:
Thanks!
-
Now how do I know if Odin is working? It doesn't seem to be doing anything that I can tell. Last message is "D:0/004> Odin v.3 engine (ID:4)..
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Click to collapse
Sounds like you're all set to go. Just add the md5 to the PDA section and click start.

mgftp said:
So 30min later no change, I feel as if it's frozen but scared to power down phone or try to exit application :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Across the top of odin, there's a series of boxes. Are any not blank?
《 #VerizonLovesYou 》

ouch1976 said:
Sounds like you're all set to go. Just add the md5 to the PDA section and click start.
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Click to collapse
I clicked start and I am 99% sure it's frozen, I don't see anything that would indicate that it's working and it's nearly 1 hour later.
Is it safe to try and power down the phone and/or exit Odin and try again or could that screw something up?

mgftp said:
I clicked start and I am 99% sure it's frozen, I don't see anything that would indicate that it's working and it's nearly 1 hour later.
Is it safe to try and power down the phone and/or exit Odin and try again or could that screw something up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you haven't run anything then you're safe to reboot it.