Long story short, a week ago I tried to encrypt a new rom and the rom did not show the encryption process, and after 3 hours I thought something went wrong and rebooted it. This is where the problems started. I obviously corrupted my EFS.
I tried installing stock firmware from sammobile, several different versions, and none worked. I looked through dozens and dozens of threads on here, and other sites, and found various solutions for EFS problems but everything entailed making a copy of the EFS and restoring it. Before I found these, I tried something else (I can't remember what), and apparently destroyed my EFS and was stuck at bootloader. After a lot of research I found a thread on here, for recreating the EFS partition, which allowed me to boot my phone into Android again, except it is stuck in factory mode. Network was still not working, IMEI was still wrong. After flashing a new modem, my phone detected my simcard, shows network detected, I can choose my APN and network, but network is still not working. No data, no sms, no calls. I've flashed several different stock firmwares again, and phone is still in factory mode, and IMEI is still on 0049. Factory reset and everything, wiped cache, flashed latest TWRP. I installed root browser, and it is showing the necessary files and folders in the EFS folder. Oh, and knox has been tripped, so no official firmware upgrade through Kies.
Before someone suggests sending phone in for repairs, or giving up hope, the fact that flashing the modem has gotten the phone to recognise the simcard and my carrier details, that must mean that there is some solution. Question is, what is the solution? I have gone through more threads than I can count with regards to EFS corruption and such, and I have searched for a solution to the problem but I have not found anything yet. There are no original EFS backups on my phone, and the only equipment I have are my laptop, Odin, and the internet. There aren't any service centres nearby either, which means my phone would need to be sent in for repairs, which can take anything from a week to a month. Does anyone have an idea on how to solve this problem? I can't imagine that I am doomed, considering the progress I have made.
Well, your main problem is this: The IMEI is NOT in the EFS folder, because the nv_data.bin file that used to be located in that folder was moved to a hidden partition on the device at some point during the lifetime of the S4. So even if you backed up the EFS folder you'd still be out of luck. A more comprehensive tool like Wanam's EFS Backup tool would have helped, since it not only does a backup of the EFS folder but the hidden partitions where the modem, its backup, and several other crucial pieces of information are stored, including the IMEI.
That said, there may still be hope for you. Attempt to flash your ROM through Odin, but also use a PIT file for your device, which can be found on the forums. It will recreate your partitions, and in doing so may resurrect your IMEI. However, if that does not work, you will have no choice but to send the device in for service.
Related
Alright, so I paid cellunlocker to unlock a new to me Note 3. Not blacklisted, everythings good on that end.
my IMEI shows as the correct number with two extra digits - not sure if thats my issue.
However I cannot connect to any mobile network. Well thats not true, I can see I'm connected to their tower but cannot get any phone calls, texts I just get the message on the screen.
I didn't back up my EFS partition, having 6 android phones so far all, rommed, and everything I never had to do that.
I understand its likely that this partition is messed up.
.. So how can I restore it?
I'm rooted, I'll install a recovery I don't mind any of that. however I do not have a backup of my EFS partition. Is there any way to extract this from a stock file?
Can I just use Kies or something to flash the entire software and restore this partition?
Seeking some guidance from the Note Experts.
Thanks,
KeirP said:
Alright, so I paid cellunlocker to unlock a new to me Note 3. Not blacklisted, everythings good on that end.
my IMEI shows as the correct number with two extra digits - not sure if thats my issue.
However I cannot connect to any mobile network. Well thats not true, I can see I'm connected to their tower but cannot get any phone calls, texts I just get the message on the screen.
I didn't back up my EFS partition, having 6 android phones so far all, rommed, and everything I never had to do that.
I understand its likely that this partition is messed up.
.. So how can I restore it?
I'm rooted, I'll install a recovery I don't mind any of that. however I do not have a backup of my EFS partition. Is there any way to extract this from a stock file?
Can I just use Kies or something to flash the entire software and restore this partition?
Seeking some guidance from the Note Experts.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- The extra 2 digits after the IMEI is the IMEISV. It is not the issue.
- The EFS partition is store inside your device, not in the stock firmware. Of course you can not extract it from the stock files.
- You can try to flash the entire stock firmware (using Kies or Odin). Sometime that may help to fix the problem.
Appears to be a case of delayed blacklist or something.
Didn't show up in any searches and not to my carrier, yet later now it does appear it is.
Now to return it to the carrier so they can get it back to the owner, and to track down the ass I bought it from.
Hi everyone,
My S4 has lost its IMEI, and here is my situation.
I was using Prism v14 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2537515), and it was totally fine. Last night, I tried to flash a new S6 port rom, this http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/i9500-develop/rom-aurora-s6-port-t3063408, and my fone lost its signal. The signal icon is still full, but it was only available at emergency calls. When i check, IMEI and Serial number were still there. I tried flashing the Prism v14 again, didnt fix it.
Then I took my fone to the care center and left it there for a few hours. When i come back, they told me that, they flashed it back to stock, and when i ceck, the IMEI was gone. They explained that, when I flashed the S6 port rom, the real IMEI was gone, it was only the fake IMEI from the rom that I saw (didnt know if this was true).
So now im asking for any possible help/solution. I was bad to forget backing up my EFS. So i wonder if I can use someone else's EFS to restore? If yes, it would be great if any one can share with me the EFS backup.
Thank you for reading and please excuse my bad English.
The EFS folder doesn't store the IMEI, despite having an IMEI folder, thus it won't help you. nv_data.bin also will not be found there, if my S4 is any indicator, but will be found in the hidden partitions.
You'll need to try flashing the baseband for your device again, and to do that you're going to have to download a copy of the ROM, which should be found on the forums here. Sometimes the baseband needs to be flashed twice for everything to properly work. I can only speculate why that is, but I believe it to be due to having two hidden partitions for the baseband. When the baseband is copied into the first partition it isn't copied into the second, resulting in a mismatch. Flashing the baseband a second time writes the baseband to the second partition, and everything functions correctly.
If flashing the modem again does not work, getting your IMEI back will require using methods that cannot be discussed here on XDA.
Dear all,
I am writing here as a last resort. I have an S5 G900F european model, I have rooted and flashed custom firmware without problems. I've been messing with samsung devices since the S2, so I know a bit about rooting and stuff. Funnily enough after rooting and flashing custom firmware, I noticed receiption getting worse by the day. I ended up with very minimal to no reception at all inside, and outside slightly better.
I am on Vodafone 4g, and getting not registered to network in worst cases even if reception looks full. I've tried original firmwares, reflashing modems, various CSC's but nothing worked, not even changing the SIM.
My warranty is void, so what can I do ? Can this be a hardware problem ? Nothing is working. PIT file is only for repartitioning, and I have no problems with that, so didn't try PIT Files. Csc as I said, i've changed them but with no luck, along with various modems.
Any help ? Please!
Thanks!
Did you make a full Nandroid backup of the original ROM before flashing custom?
I believe the EFS partition on the phone contains pretty important things such as IMEI and radio files/data
If that got messed up, it could be the cause of your problems
Hopefully you made a backup of that, and can try restoring that partition
IMEI Number is still present.
I have no back up unfortunately. That's a mistake. But how can I fix it ? The IMEI Number is still present and it's the correct one according to the sticker, so that's ok.
How can I fix the rest?
*Detection* said:
Did you make a full Nandroid backup of the original ROM before flashing custom?
I believe the EFS partition on the phone contains pretty important things such as IMEI and radio files/data
If that got messed up, it could be the cause of your problems
Hopefully you made a backup of that, and can try restoring that partition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is the EFS partition and you don't have a backup, I'm not sure
I have read some people saying they have backed up one S5 EFS, and restored it to another successfully, but I don't know the consequences of doing that, I would imagine it would cause problems having two identical devices on the same network, like two identical IPs conflict on the same network, but I'm just guessing - possible if the operator blocks one S5, it would block both
I'd make a backup of it anyway
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2696153
Flash another modem
drowsy1982 said:
I've tried original firmwares, reflashing modems, various CSC's but nothing worked, not even changing the SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Akalsemann said:
Flash another modem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------------
I have flashed various modems, with no luck. I noticed my IMEI matches the one under the battery but as a /01 at the end. Is it corrupt ? Can I fix it ? Probably that's causing the issue. I've heard /01 is fake or corrupt IMEI.
Mine has a /01 at the end of the *#06# IMEI too, and mines not corrupt or fake
Doesn't sound like the IMEI side of things is the problem, but possibly the radio side
Like I say though, I don't know much about the EFS partition, only that it contains very important data for the phone to work correctly
Definitely back it up before trying to fix it further
I have backed it a few days ago to be super sure not to do further damage. I'm just very confused. The reception goes up decently in certain areas and very low in others. Definitely goes completely down or no network when inside. It's like the antenna in not connected correctly like it happened to me once with my SGS 4 when I dismantled it and forgot the wire connecting the antenna.
But in the case the mobile is only a week old...never opened. I'm guessing i messed up as I noticed these signal problems only a day after flashing the mobile. Could it be something else ? I've tried PIT files, new firmware, clearing the NAND and EFS with Odin, and still the same problem. Even Kies firmware recovery. Nothing helped and dozens of firmwares and modems.
I'm stuck
*Detection* said:
Mine has a /01 at the end of the *#06# IMEI too, and mines not corrupt or fake
Doesn't sound like the IMEI side of things is the problem, but possibly the radio side
Like I say though, I don't know much about the EFS partition, only that it contains very important data for the phone to work correctly
Definitely back it up before trying to fix it further
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello.
I'll first describe the secuence of events and then tell which solutions I've tried. Bear with me. I'll be brief.
I've bought a second hand Samsung Galaxy S4 (i9500) sold through a local carrier. By law the carrier can only give the unlock code to the original buyer of the phone, and the person from who I bought it from wasn't him/her.
I tried to unlock it by my means (basically this, trying lots of variants until "186" code dead-end), which resulted in rooting, flashing diferent modems and trying a CM based custom ROM (GearCM). Before going on any of this, I made an EFS, cdma-radio, radio, m9kefs1/2/3 backup.
As I couldn't do it, I took the phone to a repair shop, where they unlocked it with a box. Then they told me that the SIM tray was broken, and after trying a different one, they concluded that it was a software problem (I suggested it) and flashed a stock ROM from the carrier, which still didn't recognized any SIM.
This is when I took back the phone.
I've restored the EFS and flashed the correct modem (In fact I've found two which work: I9500UBUHPB2-CP and I9500UBUHOI1), but even if the SIM card is recognized, I can't connect to the network, I think, because the IMEI which displays the phone is different from the factory IMEI. In fact, is the infamous generic IMEI 0049... with IMEISV 01.
I've since tried this methods:
- Changing permissions of the EFS folder
- Flashing the stock ROM after completly wiping out the phone
- Manually deleting the EFS contents and restoring
And combinations of the above with RegionLockAway and with both working modem drivers.
I still have to try rooting an older stock ROM, maybe 4.4.2, but I wanted to ask more wise people if there is a logical, correct order to any of the above steps, or if you think I'm missing something here.
The only other answer that comes to me is that it's something done by the repair shop with the box, but still I've no conclusive proofs of that. I wanted to exhaust options.
Thanks in advance. Any answer will do good.
Restoring the EFS does nothing, as the IMEI is no longer stored in it. Thus none of the things you tried will help. You'll have to take the device back to the place who fixed it for you.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Restoring the EFS does nothing, as the IMEI is no longer stored in it. Thus none of the things you tried will help. You'll have to take the device back to the place who fixed it for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would have thought that it was stored on it. Do you infer that from my failed attemps? Where should it be "stored"?
I don't "infer" anything. It's a fact. IMEI was stored in a file named nv_data.bin in EFS, but for some time now it's no longer been located there. It's been moved to three hidden partitions that a nandroid backup does not touch. You'd have to use Wanam Partition Backup and Restore to see the partitions in order to be able to back them up as well as restore them. Thus, your IMEI is gone, and the repair shop is going to have to fix it.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I don't "infer" anything. It's a fact. IMEI was stored in a file named nv_data.bin in EFS, but for some time now it's no longer been located there. It's been moved to three hidden partitions that a nandroid backup does not touch, m9kefs1, m9kefs2, and m9kefs3. You'd have to use Wanam Partition Backup and Restore to see the partitions in order to be able to back them up as well as restore them. Thus, your IMEI is gone, and the repair shop is going to have to fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I have a backup of those partitions, made with Wanam Partition Backup. I've restored them in this order: cdma-radio, EFS, radio, m9kefs1, m9kefs2, m9kefs3. Somehow, its not working.
That's why I think maybe it has to do with the order of the steps I'm taking, maybe even before restoring the partitions.
I edited my post while you were making yours.
My backup consists of much more than those three partitions. I have in addition to those efs.img, fsg.img, modemst1.img, and modemst2.img. The IMEI is in one of those partitions, NOT EFS.
Well then... I hope they can repair the IMEI then. It would be a damn shame if not... Thanks for your time.
I somehow erased my IMEI (it shows 0 in Settings) after flashing custom ROMs. I have no way to restore it as I did not backup the efs partition and I can't find the box for the phone with the IMEI sticker on it. I wiped modemst1 and modemst2 but that didn't change anything. I still have service but I'm worried I might get into legal trouble for using a phone without an IMEI. I also can't send it to ZTE as I can't be without a phone for days/weeks. Should I keep the phone or get a new one?
Odd that you still have service... I would keep using it.
same thing here on two boards. no luck with service on either, though. (Tmobile) both have no imei, no serial. fortunately, i have another DD axon and 1 body to test and work on the two boards. the best theory i have is to use QPST to backup .qcn and restore it. i feel like imei and serial are stored in the qfuse system. i cannot, however find a detailed answer on how to do that aside from videos and posts here and there that claim CDMA workshop ($100) will fix/restore it. my belief is that there is a function within qpst and qfil to do this, but i cant get my handset booted and recognized in a mode that allows such. there is also the lack of detail on how to boot into diagnostic mode (which i thought was EDL, but that doesnt work). really, i wish someone from ZTE would just say here is the factory image file (not edl, the whole emmc flash file) and this is how you flash it. Wishful thinking, i know.
so in a strange twist of events, restoring my efs backup reflashing b35 edl, despite it breaking touch, wiping data and flashing b29 edl (which restored my touch) netted me my IMEI back. i dont know why, but it did. finally. month long task finally back.
@bkores did you figure it out?
EDIT: i finally restored mine. took updating to b35 and wiping internal to register again for some weird reason. but its back.