Super virus? - Samsung Galaxy Core Prime Questions & Answers

I'm having issues with a Samsung Galaxy Core Prime (G360T1UVU1AOFA). Long story short a customers device had some form of virus labeled with "the FBI" lol so I took the phone figuring I could fix it and return it to him. I flashed the stock rom to the phone via ODIN. it passed and was a success. The reason I didn't try a master reset first was the customer did not know his Gmail PW required to set up the phone after reset. After the flash the device booted like a brand new phone, apps got optimized all that good stuff. Made it through the initial setup WITHOUT requiring the Gmail. About 30 seconds after getting to home screen the virus pop up came back asking for exactly (no tax) 500$ to unlock. Ok awesome... So I then master reset the phone thinking the stock rom that was flashed would have reset the device. Nope. It required me to input the original Gmail used to setup the device. I'm willing to bet an unlocked Samsung bootloader that the virus is still there even after the master reset. What can I do to RESET this phone? I thought a flash was a complete reinstall.

ok well im not an expert by any means in fact still reletively new to all this so take this with a grain of salt or however that expression goes but my first reactionary answer would b: flash does not always = complete reinstall especially using odin unless u know wut ur doin (im not yet even close to thinkin i even know wut im doin with odin)
anywho id suggest just searchin the forums (probly actually find more for this model posted under the "samsung galaxy core" section since the prime wasnt given its own seperate one) for an odin-friendly version of twrp (or cwm tho ive never tried it on this particular phone) flash ur preferred custom recovery but keep in mind rule #1 above anything else with this phone for the love of roms DO NOT EVER BOOT INTO RECOVERY IN ANY OTHER WAY BESIDES THE 3 BUTTON COMBO (power+menu+volume up)
anywho then id return to the forums n search for a good stock sm-g360t1 flashable zip n use twrp (or cwm depending on personal preference) to wipe everything that can be wiped and then go ahead n flash the stock rom locally that way n see if that makes any sorta difference?
again im still pretty new to all this n even more so to samsungs soo ideally id suggest gettin a second opinion butt since nobody has yet answered u i figured id throw my opinion out there in case it happens to help u out
but, anybody who knows more than i pls pls pls by all means if u find any flaws with my suggestion feel free to correct me or add ur 2 cents im totally fine with constructive criticism, and i realize that theres countless things i know little to nothing about but im always willing to listen n learn from anyone more experienced than i

Related

[Q] KitKat on a rooted Note 3.

Hi Guys,
First, I beg of you not to say RTFM on similar questions here regarding this. I have read them, and read them in their entirety. The problem I have is that none of them list how to get me though my issues on my Galaxy Note 3 SM-N900A.
My problem is that I (as many others) really want to upgrade to the Kit Kat OTA released from AT&T a week or so ago. The thing is, I did root my device and as everyone know's this fails any OTA updates.
My question is two fold, but first I would like to explain that I rooted my device NOT for being able to install any custom ROM's. In fact I never had an interest in doing so as I actually like the stock OS's which right now I am still running 4.3. I rooted it specifically to be able to run network / packet sniffers on my own home network as a method to learn a little more about how things go over a network, seeing what I can learn and see if I can find any vulnerabilities. I also used it to try and clean bloat ware and other programs that with out root I can not uninstall or use, such as certain fast reboot apps. So, I really had no intention of using the Root to get me a custom ROM, as I wouldn't even know where to begin.
So my questions are this. Is there anyway that I can "un do" the root in order to let the device act as if it were never rooted? Or, is there anyway to force the OTA regardless of the device being rooted. My biggest fear is losing all the apps and files that I have on my device and I have never been able to get any kind of back up app to work, especially to restore anything from them.
I had read that one can use ODIN to flash the Kit Kat ROM, but while I have installed ODIN on my laptop, I am clueless on how to use it. I tried everything, but even with the USB drivers installed and working (I know this because plugged into the USB port, I am able to browse all the files on my device, yet ODIN continues to tell me that no device has been found.
Can someone please help me to understand what I need to do? Again, I don't care if I lose Root, I care that I don't lose all the stuff I spent months installing and getting my device where I want it. I really need someone to explain somethings to me as if I were a two year old, with out scalding me and making me feel like a complete idiot. I came here because everyone I have talked to told me that you guys would be the ones that could help me, and if you can't, then I am screwed and will have to just wipe the entire device and I just can't do that. I may wind up having to buy a new device and just transfer over what ever I can, however, in the mean time that is not an option.
To this end, I come begging for some serious help since I know you guys are the literal gods of Androids. If I must take some kind of custom ROM in order to get Kit Kat, I am somewhat willing, but I do not fully understand or know what ROM I would want to install as I have never in my life seen a custom ROM and what the benefits of having one are which is kind of why I really want to stick with the stock ROM and just keep getting the updates via OTA.
I have all the faith in the world you guys can help, I just don't know if anyone is willing to help since I know similar questions have been asked, but I do not know how to use what I learned for my particular device.
Thanks very much.
EU
Dardwizzle said:
Hi Guys,
First, I beg of you not to say RTFM on similar questions here regarding this. I have read them, and read them in their entirety. The problem I have is that none of them list how to get me though my issues on my Galaxy Note 3 SM-N900A.
My problem is that I (as many others) really want to upgrade to the Kit Kat OTA released from AT&T a week or so ago. The thing is, I did root my device and as everyone know's this fails any OTA updates.
My question is two fold, but first I would like to explain that I rooted my device NOT for being able to install any custom ROM's. In fact I never had an interest in doing so as I actually like the stock OS's which right now I am still running 4.3. I rooted it specifically to be able to run network / packet sniffers on my own home network as a method to learn a little more about how things go over a network, seeing what I can learn and see if I can find any vulnerabilities. I also used it to try and clean bloat ware and other programs that with out root I can not uninstall or use, such as certain fast reboot apps. So, I really had no intention of using the Root to get me a custom ROM, as I wouldn't even know where to begin.
So my questions are this. Is there anyway that I can "un do" the root in order to let the device act as if it were never rooted? Or, is there anyway to force the OTA regardless of the device being rooted. My biggest fear is losing all the apps and files that I have on my device and I have never been able to get any kind of back up app to work, especially to restore anything from them.
I had read that one can use ODIN to flash the Kit Kat ROM, but while I have installed ODIN on my laptop, I am clueless on how to use it. I tried everything, but even with the USB drivers installed and working (I know this because plugged into the USB port, I am able to browse all the files on my device, yet ODIN continues to tell me that no device has been found.
Can someone please help me to understand what I need to do? Again, I don't care if I lose Root, I care that I don't lose all the stuff I spent months installing and getting my device where I want it. I really need someone to explain somethings to me as if I were a two year old, with out scalding me and making me feel like a complete idiot. I came here because everyone I have talked to told me that you guys would be the ones that could help me, and if you can't, then I am screwed and will have to just wipe the entire device and I just can't do that. I may wind up having to buy a new device and just transfer over what ever I can, however, in the mean time that is not an option.
To this end, I come begging for some serious help since I know you guys are the literal gods of Androids. If I must take some kind of custom ROM in order to get Kit Kat, I am somewhat willing, but I do not fully understand or know what ROM I would want to install as I have never in my life seen a custom ROM and what the benefits of having one are which is kind of why I really want to stick with the stock ROM and just keep getting the updates via OTA.
I have all the faith in the world you guys can help, I just don't know if anyone is willing to help since I know similar questions have been asked, but I do not know how to use what I learned for my particular device.
Thanks very much.
EU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does ur kies run? if so turn it off.
USB debugging off? turn it on.
are u in download mode of ur phone? if not, switch off n wait till vibrate to make it really off. then press vol down + home + power. then follow instructions to press vol up once u inside warning screen.
after that u can plug in ur phone.
Sent from somewhere under the sky, at the corner of this rounded earth.
antique_sonic said:
does ur kies run? if so turn it off.
USB debugging off? turn it on.
are u in download mode of ur phone? if not, switch off n wait till vibrate to make it really off. then press vol down + home + power. then follow instructions to press vol up once u inside warning screen.
after that u can plug in ur phone.
Sent from somewhere under the sky, at the corner of this rounded earth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi antique_sonic, I would just like to clarify a couple things as well as answer your questions.
>does ur kies run? if so turn it off. <--- If you mean is it installed on my laptop and work? Yes it is, and yes it does, however, I almost never use it. Mainly because I was told that once you root a Samsung Device, Kies is no longer able to be used.
>USB debugging off? turn it on. <--- It is and has been turned on in an effort to try to sideload KitKat, but that was a hug fail. But I will leave it on for this discussion.
>are u in download mode of ur phone? <---- I have gotten here before but don't exactly know what to do once I am there since I don't know where to get a Kit Kat ROM, where to put it once I have it, or how to use anything in d/l mode.
> if not, switch off n wait till vibrate to make it really off. then press vol down + home + power. then follow instructions to press vol up once u inside warning screen. after that u can plug in ur phone. <--- Are these instructions for wiping the device back to the factory default? Will I lose everything currently installed and loaded on my Note 3? Or does this some how fix / allow for the OTA update to install completely because it no longer can tell the device is rooted?
Again, I must apologize because this is so greek to me.I am just trying to understand at this point what infact the instructions you gave me do, and what they are intended for. Is this just to get the USB drives to work properly? Or is this something that will help me undo root so that I would be able to install KitKat via the AT&T OTA. If now the latter, where I can I get a complete Kit Kat ROM and use ODIN to flash the ROM? This outcome would suck because I believe that this will cause me to lose everything on my device I worked so hard to get where I wanted. I have just over looked the fact that in rooting my device I there by killed my ability to keep my device updated with the latest OTA releases / patches.
Again, I appreciate you reply, but sadly I am in need of a bit more info if you could please.
Thank you so very much. I hope one day to be able to pay it forward, passing along the knowledge you have shared with me,
Regards,
EU
Dardwizzle said:
Hi antique_sonic, I would just like to clarify a couple things as well as answer your questions.
>does ur kies run? if so turn it off. <--- If you mean is it installed on my laptop and work? Yes it is, and yes it does, however, I almost never use it. Mainly because I was told that once you root a Samsung Device, Kies is no longer able to be used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do check, is it running in background ? check your task manager. if so, kill the process. Kies should not run together with ODIN. Otherwise sometimes will give problem to your ODIN process.
I normally only install the USB driver only, as this is the only thing needed to connect your phone to comp (as MTP, or as ODIN connection).
Dardwizzle said:
>are u in download mode of ur phone? <---- I have gotten here before but don't exactly know what to do once I am there since I don't know where to get a Kit Kat ROM, where to put it once I have it, or how to use anything in d/l mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, in a very simple word. download mode is basically a state whereby your phone is ready to download system files and install the system files on your device.
This is the only state possible to get a connection to your ODIN PC to flash stock firmware, recovery (in .tar/.md5 format).
How to get the KK ROM ?
1) identify your device. which model it is. N9005? N900T? N900A? N900 blablabla?
2) goto samfirmware.com (register there if you don't have account. it is free). after that you can just find your firmware by typing on the search device textbox your device model (e.g N9005), and it will come out the list of your device firmware (normally they will show for the latest firmware list)
3) choose the firmware that you want to download (if your device N9005 international 32 gb, try to avoid the Hongkong / Taiwan firmware, as they have different PIT partition).
4) once you have the downloaded zip file from samfirmware, extract the zip, and then you will get the (.tar/.md5) file. Now you can use to flash this one over ODIN.
Dardwizzle said:
> if not, switch off n wait till vibrate to make it really off. then press vol down + home + power. then follow instructions to press vol up once u inside warning screen. after that u can plug in ur phone. <--- Are these instructions for wiping the device back to the factory default? Will I lose everything currently installed and loaded on my Note 3? Or does this some how fix / allow for the OTA update to install completely because it no longer can tell the device is rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. no. no.
This is how to go into download mode in your device
Not yet talking about factory reset.
But yes, you have to backup your internal storage, as sometimes upgrading will cost you to do factory reset, and your internal storage will be gone.
Dardwizzle said:
Again, I must apologize because this is so greek to me.I am just trying to understand at this point what infact the instructions you gave me do, and what they are intended for. Is this just to get the USB drives to work properly? Or is this something that will help me undo root so that I would be able to install KitKat via the AT&T OTA. If now the latter, where I can I get a complete Kit Kat ROM and use ODIN to flash the ROM? This outcome would suck because I believe that this will cause me to lose everything on my device I worked so hard to get where I wanted. I have just over looked the fact that in rooting my device I there by killed my ability to keep my device updated with the latest OTA releases / patches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
up to this point, I just remembered that you have N900A (AT&T) version. hahaha.
I go check the samfirmware, no release of KK yet at the samfirmware.
I'm sorry, I own N9005, and I never explore too much on the N900A, so I won't know what is the latest release, and where to get it other from samfirmware.
Dardwizzle said:
Again, I appreciate you reply, but sadly I am in need of a bit more info if you could please.
Thank you so very much. I hope one day to be able to pay it forward, passing along the knowledge you have shared with me,
Regards,
EU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problem. you just get your latest firmware first, once you have it, you let me know, i can give you step by step in detail, on how to flash to your device.
antique_sonic said:
up to this point, I just remembered that you have N900A (AT&T) version. hahaha.
I go check the samfirmware, no release of KK yet at the samfirmware.
I'm sorry, I own N9005, and I never explore too much on the N900A, so I won't know what is the latest release, and where to get it other from samfirmware.
no problem. you just get your latest firmware first, once you have it, you let me know, i can give you step by step in detail, on how to flash to your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure sure, just laugh at me why don't ya!! LOL I will continue to try to find the appropriate firmware. I guess if I learned one valuable lesson in all this, it is just don't root your device if you don't plan on using custom ROM's. I had no idea that there would be no way to "unroot" your device once it's rooted. I was really hoping that you could just undo what ever is done to actually root the device, this way the OTA's will just start working again. Or that there would be a way to just force the OTA regardless of whether the device is rooted. I am not sure I truly understand why the OTA just won't install just because the device is rooted.I mean sure it adds SU to the device, and unlocks (I think) the boot partition or the boot loader, which ever, but regardless, why should the OTA package care and fail to install just because of that change?
Anyway, that's probably a discussion for another thread. I actually did find a Kit Kat zip that is like 150MB's it has a boot.img inside the zip, but it has nothing with an extension that ODIN can recognize. I would love to show you the zip, but it's too large to attach or email. The file name is 2400258.zip, but I forgot where I downloaded it from. It may be what I need to do the job, but with out someone seeing the zip I have no way of knowing if it's the files I need. I was not about to find any files with in it that are in txt readable format for me to say exactly what it is. It does have subfolders names Google and Android and the like but I am sure that is pretty useless with out seeing the full zip.
I will keep my eye on this thread and when I find something I can work with, or if you guys find anything I can work with I will come back and see where we can go next.
Thanks again bud!
Dardwizzle said:
Sure sure, just laugh at me why don't ya!! LOL I will continue to try to find the appropriate firmware. I guess if I learned one valuable lesson in all this, it is just don't root your device if you don't plan on using custom ROM's. I had no idea that there would be no way to "unroot" your device once it's rooted. I was really hoping that you could just undo what ever is done to actually root the device, this way the OTA's will just start working again. Or that there would be a way to just force the OTA regardless of whether the device is rooted. I am not sure I truly understand why the OTA just won't install just because the device is rooted.I mean sure it adds SU to the device, and unlocks (I think) the boot partition or the boot loader, which ever, but regardless, why should the OTA package care and fail to install just because of that change?
Anyway, that's probably a discussion for another thread. I actually did find a Kit Kat zip that is like 150MB's it has a boot.img inside the zip, but it has nothing with an extension that ODIN can recognize. I would love to show you the zip, but it's too large to attach or email. The file name is 2400258.zip, but I forgot where I downloaded it from. It may be what I need to do the job, but with out someone seeing the zip I have no way of knowing if it's the files I need. I was not about to find any files with in it that are in txt readable format for me to say exactly what it is. It does have subfolders names Google and Android and the like but I am sure that is pretty useless with out seeing the full zip.
I will keep my eye on this thread and when I find something I can work with, or if you guys find anything I can work with I will come back and see where we can go next.
Thanks again bud!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't like spoonfeeding too much actually.
but I find u r quite funny. no offence.
I have no idea this will work or not, but I found this as the 1st search result on Google.
http://www.droidviews.com/install-android-4-4-2-kitkat-ota-on-att-galaxy-note-3-sm-900a/
just have a look first nd don't do anything till u understand the article.
Sent from somewhere under the sky, at the corner of this rounded earth.
antique_sonic said:
I don't like spoonfeeding too much actually.
but I find u r quite funny. no offence.
I have no idea this will work or not, but I found this as the 1st search result on Google.
(I had to remove the link as the website thought I was adding it and gave me a no no warning that I can't post outside links cause I be a newbie!) BAH!!!
just have a look first nd don't do anything till u understand the article.
Sent from somewhere under the sky, at the corner of this rounded earth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey antique_sonic, no offence taken my friend, I am a giant goof ball, but I am also someone who doesn't mind working out my own problems. It's just sometimes with things like this where I am clueless and need a little hand holding. It's nice to know that there are people like you around to help out the dopes like me My apologies for not getting back to you sooner, and I will be looking into the link you sent tonight. I haven't been feeling well lately, I have two herniated disks in my back and I have End Stage Liver disease and I am only 39, so I sometimes get a bit under the weather and am down for the count for a few days. So I do appreciate your patience with me and all the help and direction you are giving me. I try never to abuse the help as that is no way to learn, and learning is actually one of favorite hobbies! Weird huh.... So, I am off to go read the link you provided me and update the stock on my website and hope I make some more sales so I can get some money to buy a new phone when I brick this one! LMAO! Thanks again Sonic, I really appreciate everything!
Dardwizzle said:
Hey antique_sonic, no offence taken my friend, I am a giant goof ball, but I am also someone who doesn't mind working out my own problems. It's just sometimes with things like this where I am clueless and need a little hand holding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries and yeah you should try to find first. by this way, you will learn faster, compare if someone do the spoonfeed.
Dardwizzle said:
It's nice to know that there are people like you around to help out the dopes like me My apologies for not getting back to you sooner, and I will be looking into the link you sent tonight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My pleasure to help. And no worries for late reply, as I will do the same when I busy with my real life job.
Dardwizzle said:
I haven't been feeling well lately, I have two herniated disks in my back and I have End Stage Liver disease and I am only 39, so I sometimes get a bit under the weather and am down for the count for a few days. So I do appreciate your patience with me and all the help and direction you are giving me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are welcome mate. I'm sorry to read the news about your conditions. I can't say anything about this, but wish you all the best. Don't ever feel down in whichever state you are, just do the best in life, and we will never regret that 1 more day has passed.
Dardwizzle said:
I try never to abuse the help as that is no way to learn, and learning is actually one of favorite hobbies! Weird huh.... So, I am off to go read the link you provided me and update the stock on my website and hope I make some more sales so I can get some money to buy a new phone when I brick this one! LMAO! Thanks again Sonic, I really appreciate everything!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GOOD !!!
go and grab sales, rather than you brick the phone.
Once again, u r welcome mate.

[Q] ANNOYING S4!! Help needed

Ok guys, here's the deal. i bought a secondhand s4 which was advertised as a google edition. it has a couple of annoying issues, first i noticed it switching itself off and on. the worst problem with it is that when my battery goes reeeally dead it just bootloops when i have recharged. the only way i can get it back on is to start it in recovery mode (which is clockworkmod v6.0.4.4) then do a factory wipe. so yeah thats a major pain. the s4 itself is a red model and behind the battery it says its a gt-19505, however in the settings on the phone it says its a gt-19505g.
my goal is to install an official firmware if possible that i may be able to update easily, the worry that i have is that i dont know if it would then accept my network as although it appears to run google edition custom firmware it may not once i install something official on it. this may be a nooby statement i know but a noob i am lol.
if its at all possible could i keep the cwm recovery?
and if its any help when i load the other boot loader thingy (with the green android on it) in the top left it says gt-19505, im just sayin cus im sure its vital which ever this phone actually is.
here are as many details as i can give but please ask if im missing anything
ANDROID VERSION 4.4.2
KERNEL VERSION 3.4.0-faux123-KK44-GE-Custom
[email protected]omain #20
Sun Dec 1 02:30:28 CST 2013
BASEBAND VERSION 19505XXUFNA1
BUILD NUMBER KOT49H.S001.131204
also upon booting in the top left it says "kernel is not seandroid enforcing
set warranty bit:kernel"
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME And please tell me where to start as i tried updating it via kies to fix it but it just wont connect, i assume due to custom firmware.
The Google Play Edition S4 devices didn't come in any color but white. Therefore, this is an I9505 with a custom ROM on it. The download mode screen reading GT-I9505 confirmed it.
Since this is an I9505 and not an I9505G, the main question is whether this device will work with your SIM card. For that, simply insert your SIM card and boot the device. If you get signal, you're good. Otherwise you'll have to unlock the device, either by purchasing an unlock code from one of the sites that sells them, or by trying the unlock methods available on the forums.
This will also help answer the question of which stock ROM you can install on the device. If the S4 doesn't prompt you to unlock the device, then you can install one of the unbranded S4 ROMs available on sammobile.com. After that, you can put the recovery of your choice on the S4, though I recommend TWRP over the other options.
Thanks for your help. I'm a little confused though, at the moment with this custom google edition ROM it does take my sim, in fact I bet it takes any sim, I heard that was a feature of google play devices. What I meant was after I install the stock ROM will it then not take my sim. So if it has already been unlocked How would I know which ROM to install? As I now know its not a google edition, is it possible to install an official google edition ROM? Do i use this download mode, Odin, or cwm to install a firmware. I'm just not sure what my starting point is. I don't wanna follow someone's guide yet to installing something just in case I'm jumping the gun and need to uninstall this custom ROM somehow.
Sorry for asking questions that I'm sure seem dumb I'm really just trying to learn at the moment I'm green as they come with android. BTW thanks for your suggestions so far, you def seem like you know what you're talking about, cheers
Google Play devices are carrier unlocked, but this is not a Google Play Edition S4. Therefore the device was carrier unlocked at some point in its past. The unknown here is how the original owner unlocked the device. If he or she used the unlocking methods found on XDA there is a chance the lock will be lost when installing a stock ROM.
If the S4 is unlocked, you aren't restricted to a particular region and can install any I9505 ROM using Odin, though I recommend the carrier unbranded ROMs. You cannot install a stock Google Play Edition ROM on the device as the model number of a GPE device is not the same as the device you have. However, you're already rooted and have a custom recovery installed. In I9505 Development here on XDA there is a Google Play Edition ROM that can be installed on your device. Download it to your S4, wipe everything in recovery, then flash the ROM's flashable zip in recovery. I've used said ROM and it works quite well.
OK I have found the 5.0.1 ge ROM , but in there it says I must use latest recovery or whatever plus it recommended one different to mine, is it safe to install using my version of cwm or do I need to learn how to change it??
Deleted by user
TWRP is recommended as there are people who are still maintaining it, unlike Clockworkmod and Philz. While you probably can get the ROM installed using the version of Clockworkmod you have, learning how to change recoveries is useful.
OK thank you for all your help my friend, I will now find out how to do this, I'm sure there is a section on this somewhere, BTW I think you are right about my device being rooted, but I wanted to check and I followed a guide and used super su but apparently its not rooted so I guess something must've gone wrong. Bit scary if I try to change my recovery or my firmware and this causes a brick hmmmmm
It's virtually impossible to brick the S4, especially as the recovery is flashed through Odin.
Phew that's a relief. Thanks man.... Well I'm gonna just risk using cwm for now as I'm new to this........ Thanks a whole lot for your time I really mean that.
KlLLFRENZY said:
Phew that's a relief. Thanks man.... Well I'm gonna just risk using cwm for now as I'm new to this........ Thanks a whole lot for your time I really mean that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use TWRP. CMW is outdated.
Lennyz1988 said:
Use TWRP. CMW is outdated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to, I really do but I'm struggling here. Before I wrote that last comment I tried to find a guide on this forum for swapping to twrp, but couldn't and didn't wanna bug this guy as he had helped enough. Anyway I went to the place he told me and have hit another wall anyway because I don't know how to use the firmware the relevant kernel or the git. My life is so busy and I'm getting about an hour on this subject a day and its gonna take forever lol
If you can help me on my way even a little its much appreciated, I would like to use twrp and the 5.0.1 ge plus the right kernel of course
KlLLFRENZY said:
I want to, I really do but I'm struggling here. Before I wrote that last comment I tried to find a guide on this forum for swapping to twrp, but couldn't and didn't wanna bug this guy as he had helped enough. Anyway I went to the place he told me and have hit another wall anyway because I don't know how to use the firmware the relevant kernel or the git. My life is so busy and I'm getting about an hour on this subject a day and its gonna take forever lol
If you can help me on my way even a little its much appreciated, I would like to use twrp and the 5.0.1 ge plus the right kernel of course
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxys4internationalqualcomm.html
Follow the Odin guide. It's excactly the same when you flashed CWM.
@Lennyz1988: The S4 was bought secondhand and already had CWM on it from the original owner.
@killfrenzy: Follow the guide Lenny mentioned, but don't worry about the second paragraph. Our device isn't one of those that restores the original recovery on boot.
ok will do, i just tried the app install method but as i suspected, it said root is required for this app and promptly exited so i shall do the odin method, i heard that some people remove root or it could be that it was done wrong. also after reading a few posts here and there i found out that someone had similar issues with their phone random re-booting and they had custom ge with the wrong kernel so it seems once im done my issues should be history if i learn how to install fw + kernel, after this twrp thing i will be one step closer for sure. i also know ppl slate lollipop but once im all done with this im sure i will have picked up enough terminology to install cfw's to my hearts content. hooray for forums and people like you, sounds like im kissin ass but its just gratitude
so using the twrp install guide i gotta install using the odin method i have now got 3.07 odin but this is the next step.........
Odin Install Method (No Root Required):
You will need to download and install Odin on your PC. Once you have Odin installed, download the proper .tar file for your device from the download link above. Power off your device. Turn on your device using the proper key combo to get into download mode and attach the device to your computer via a USB cable. Use the PDA tab or button to browse to and select the tar file that you downloaded and flash the device.
lololol nothins ever simple i see the list of tar files in the link above but no mention at all as to which is the proper .tar for my device, i guess they assume the guide is for people who have done it before. more research tomorrow maybe i gotta be up early ugh
Lennyz1988 said:
https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxys4internationalqualcomm.html
Follow the Odin guide. It's excactly the same when you flashed CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think you misunderstood, I have flashed nothing yet I got it like this. I'm completely green
Don't suppose anybody knows which is the tar file for my device?? S4gt-19505
OK now I get it, the list of tars in that section are all the same just newer builds of the same version. Seems obvious if you have done this before, but I wasn't to know that and cannot assume things. I'm also gonna guess and say Lenny thinks my s4 needs this particular version for an international, am I right?? Anyway it would've made a lot of sense but how does he know. I have no idea what this phone was I have never owned it new.
Different devices have different codes. For example, jfltexx is the I9505. A T-Mobile S4 would be jfltetmo, and so on.The link Lenny provided is for the I9505. Download the 2.8.6.0 version as its the latest.
As to how you were supposed to know, having never owned one, you weren't. There are tutorials in the General forum though that can help.

Recovery for SM-S550TL

if anyone has a custom recovery for this phone please send me a download link i need it badly. This phone is a samsung galaxy on5 Sm-s550TL simple mobile.
Heyabhay1127 said:
if anyone has a custom recovery for this phone please send me a download link i need it badly. This phone is a samsung galaxy on5 Sm-s550TL simple mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how can i get this for you ? i have the same phone .
rein013 said:
how can i get this for you ? i have the same phone .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a custom recovery already installed, can you please give me the download link for the one you used?
thanks
Heyabhay1127 said:
If you have a custom recovery already installed, can you please give me the download link for the one you used?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude so I was scared to install TWRP backup because it wasn't for this exact phone carrier and I saw a lot of people were screwing up their phones doing the process so do you know of a process which I could get TWRP on this phone whileist not screwing it up like everyone else ?
Phone is brand new and I would have backed up and and installed debloated rom already but again with everyone having issues im kind of hesitant .
So I'm probably going to do it anyway ( my phone is my phone damn-it! ) but I need to read more throughout the forums and see exactly what's causing these issues because I do not want to brick mine and any insight you have as to what happened to yours during the process could be beneficial .
I already tried
rob.e.rein said:
Dude so I was scared to install TWRP backup because it wasn't for this exact phone carrier and I saw a lot of people were screwing up their phones doing the process so do you know of a process which I could get TWRP on this phone whileist not screwing it up like everyone else ?
Phone is brand new and I would have backed up and and installed debloated rom already but again with everyone having issues im kind of hesitant .
So I'm probably going to do it anyway ( my phone is my phone damn-it! ) but I need to read more throughout the forums and see exactly what's causing these issues because I do not want to brick mine and any insight you have as to what happened to yours during the process could be beneficial .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For samsung devices, the only method to flash a recovery seems to be odin. I did not find a recovery for my variant
I ended up returning the phone anyway since there is no recovery, its best you do the same. It was a good phone for $30 though. I ended up getting super desperate, and i tried to flash all the recoveries available for this phone, none of them worked. It did not brick my phone however. If you still want to give it a try you can. If it does brick you should be able to restore using power, vol UP and home. Just wait a bit and an android recovery comes up where you can reset to factory. Im not entirely sure about this process. Best of luck to you!
Heyabhay1127 said:
For samsung devices, the only method to flash a recovery seems to be odin. I did not find a recovery for my variant
I ended up returning the phone anyway since there is no recovery, its best you do the same. It was a good phone for $30 though. I ended up getting super desperate, and i tried to flash all the recoveries available for this phone, none of them worked. It did not brick my phone however. If you still want to give it a try you can. If it does brick you should be able to restore using power, vol UP and home. Just wait a bit and an android recovery comes up where you can reset to factory. Im not entirely sure about this process. Best of luck to you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i tried and failed as well . all i want is to be able to use the memory card as storage for apps and whatnot so that i don't run out of 8gb of space after installing only a few programs . what a shame because the phone is not too bad but by samsung removing this feature that's built into the android ecosystem , what a bunch of dicks .
much luck back to you my friend .
Same crap just happened to me sobi flashed a stock firmware thru Odin. Now whwnbi power I n the phonebir foes thru a factory binary loading screen and then all this factory crap. Anyvone know how to get it back to normal?
rein013 said:
how can i get this for you ? i have the same phone .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too! No cup. Help

SM-S727VL Root and Recovery

I cannot for the life of me get this phone rooted or a recovery installed. Odin always fails and ADB doesn't recognize the device. Does anyone have any info on rooting this device? I really just want to at least be able to update this thing to nougat.
Nobody knows much about this device since it's not that popular. Some team named TWRP builder built a twrp for the SM-S727VL but it cannot be flashed even when converting to .tar.md5 or .tar.
Also I believe the bootloader on this phone is locked and CROM service does not function (if I am correct) on this device. CROM service will show it being unlocked but it seems to be lying to you.
djared704 said:
Nobody knows much about this device since it's not that popular. Some team named TWRP builder built a twrp for the SM-S727VL but it cannot be flashed even when converting to .tar.md5 or .tar.
Also I believe the bootloader on this phone is locked and CROM service does not function (if I am correct) on this device. CROM service will show it being unlocked but it seems to be lying to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that figures, im willing to use my device to work at it if anyone knows where to start.
I have 3 of these... not a noob but not an expert...say Pre-elite lol. I'm wanting to learn how to go further than use everybody else's solutions to root my phone's if somebody can give me some advice as to where to start as in I know how to root put it that way I was one of the people back in the day with the Evo when it was actually difficult no worries most of them were fine but these files we keep flashing these ROMs these kernels these firmwares where does one start when a phone like this 727 VL is obscure supposedly and nobody is doing anything to be able to root them I have everything that I need I'm sure and if I don't get it. It's somebody point me to a person or in the right direction to get started on what I need to due to learn how to write for I mean what where's the first step on these I've always just use everybody else's files. If that even makes any sense to anybody and anybody can give me a hand or show me the right way I'd be willing to do the work from there on I just need somebody to stick up a finger and say go there.... I mean if we have a twrp written, and we have OEM unlock, then why can't one of us do this I've been around long enough I've read long enough I've never once posted in these forms but I've read them daily... I know I got the skills I just need to know which ones to use. Odin fails like he said, fastboot for some reason still won't recognize, I actually made it one step with one of mine but it has to be a little incorrect because the only thing noticeable is it pops up with vo LTE at the top instead of just regular LTE like this one I'm on now. I was able to flash it with Odin believe it or not with what seems to be possibly just stock S727VLUDU2AQG1_ENG_boot_boxwares.tar
BUT the point is I was able to flash it with Odin and also it did change something because my phone now says there's been unauthorized changes and it wants me to restart it all the time so it can correct itself however it does not, it stays whatever it is, yes I know this is pretty vague however I got to the point where I just started trying anything on one of these phones to see if I could get any kind of anything to work and it did.. kind of.
I will say the USB drivers that's you find every where now do not work you have to go back to looks like version 1.5.5 1.0 SAMSUNG-USB-Driver-for-Mobile-Phones-15510.
With these drivers fast boots if I remember correctly will recognize it when you do fastboot devices however it still hangs on waiting on device. I'm sure I got more information my brains just a little foggy at the moment it is like 3 in the morning and I hope I didn't break any rules posting.
I did try flashing from SD card with no success yet nothing at all just error after error. I have tried twrp however it's supposed to be for this 727 VL I'm sure it's the same one everybody's got because it's only in one place that I've found but it comes up twrp-3.2.1-j7popqltefnvzw-201 and it will not flash.
I realize I have been pretty obscure however there's no reason why if all 5 of us with this VL stick together we can't get it rooted because I'm not going to give up LOL
Keep up the good work
I to have a j7 sky Pro, we need to figure out how to get this bootloader unlocked I would love the links to any from builds or twerp builds you have for this j7POPQLTEFNVZW
twrp
[email protected] said:
I to have a j7 sky Pro, we need to figure out how to get this bootloader unlocked I would love the links to any from builds or twerp builds you have for this j7POPQLTEFNVZW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a twrp that I managed to find on the internet but i have heard that it was for an older version of the phone. meaning it has to be updated somehow. I do know that the phone had a security patch update on June 1, 2018. I am currently trying to figure out if how to update the twrp or something, but I think I might need a little assistance. Because I am no expert ROM developer or anything of the sort but I am trying to learn, so I can eventually build a custom ROM for this phone.
Masterx4020 said:
I have a twrp that I managed to find on the internet but i have heard that it was for an older version of the phone. meaning it has to be updated somehow. I do know that the phone had a security patch update on June 1, 2018. I am currently trying to figure out if how to update the twrp or something, but I think I might need a little assistance. Because I am no expert ROM developer or anything of the sort but I am trying to learn, so I can eventually build a custom ROM for this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said in another thread about this issue, We are not to that bridge yet. The bootloader is locked and we cannot flash it yet.
Justin1198 said:
Like I said in another thread about this issue, We are not to that bridge yet. The bootloader is locked and we cannot flash it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, have you tried anything to unlock it. If so can you tell me what you have tried so I can see what doesn't work.
Masterx4020 said:
Okay, have you tried anything to unlock it. If so can you tell me what you have tried so I can see what doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See post #11 on thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j7/how-to/sm-s727vl-analysis-partition-table-t3858632
Justin1198 said:
See post #11 on thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j7/how-to/sm-s727vl-analysis-partition-table-t3858632
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way to tell if the bootloader is locked? (Sorry if I am asking noobish questions. I am just trying to learn.)
You can tell the Bootloader is locked because you get “Secure Check Failed” if you try to flash anything that has been modified. For example; The TWRP recovery file. We need root to bypass the Bootloader.
Allow
allow what
I feel like you're telling me to do something that's way over my head cuz I do not understand what do you mean by allow
I have read write access to root files now !!
I can now access all files on my 2nd of 3 J7s. I am attaching pics. When I try to duplicate and copy on my other J7 ,the factory ones, I get check file permissions access denied. However I've passed it on this one particularly. It also now gives me a security notice on the lock screen of unauthorised actions have been detected please restart phone to correct them. However even when you restart the phone it stays so it isnt temporary. I have actually even going to factory reset to see believe it or not it stays. So the next step would be one in which I need some input to know which files I need to modify to be able to install BusyBox Superuser and from their custom recovery excetra and we're in I believe correct me if I'm wrong.
Can't post pics yet so someone get at me here and I will send them to you to post. Or on my FB at Mighty.Whity.Titan
You can send them to me if you like.
No problem how do I not familiar with these forms
josh0426 said:
You can send them to me if you like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One b a d d a d d i e i o and that said the old Google Mail you know if you want to send me an email I can forward them all to you cuz I can't post them and that's about the best I can do
Pre-Elite said:
One b a d d a d d i e i o and that said the old Google Mail you know if you want to send me an email I can forward them all to you cuz I can't post them and that's about the best I can do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[email protected]
Pre-Elite said:
I can now access all files on my 2nd of 3 J7s. I am attaching pics. When I try to duplicate and copy on my other J7 ,the factory ones, I get check file permissions access denied. However I've passed it on this one particularly. It also now gives me a security notice on the lock screen of unauthorised actions have been detected please restart phone to correct them. However even when you restart the phone it stays so it isnt temporary. I have actually even going to factory reset to see believe it or not it stays. So the next step would be one in which I need some input to know which files I need to modify to be able to install BusyBox Superuser and from their custom recovery excetra and we're in I believe correct me if I'm wrong.
Can't post pics yet so someone get at me here and I will send them to you to post. Or on my FB at Mighty.Whity.Titan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please share the method that you used to gain read/write access? If you indeed have temp access, I can make it permanent also what firmware build are you on?
Absolutely
I'm not home right now but I'm headed there I'll be there in a couple hours I can if somebody wants to give you their email or email me because I can't post links or anyting I have the file that I used the wrong and I have the driver for Samsung for Odin that I used which I think I've mentioned in my original or previous post and by the way it is not temporary. This is permanent. I did a factory reset and it stays. I just need to know which permissions which file to go to to get my Superuser installed because it's still will not let me install that. But email me or tell me how to send it on here or something that way I can let you guys know or give you guys what I got. I'll tell you this I did not flash it with a v l ROM. I flashed it using a Verizon ROM the only thing that didn't work was my wife I which I think I originally and said back when I made my first comment on this thread I haven't done anything else I set my phone down and it was done clear back there I just didn't realize it. But it is not a VL ROM it's a Verizon ROM a v not a straight talk and my wife I would not which turned out to be something unrelated. I'm in no way trying to keep this from anybody because I know just how much we all want these damn things. But I would sure love to finish the job that I started but I do not mind handing over what I've got.
---------- Post added at 02:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:40 AM ----------
Josh I just emailed you six pictures I just now seen your email in your post and Justin as soon as I get home if you can shoot me an email or get in contact somehow or I can send you everything I got so far once I get there
Here are the pictures

how to remove frp on samsung prime

I got a phone given to me because they havent used it in a long time, so i figured a free phone to mess up. Anyway they told me that they did a factory reset on it and now they dont remember the email and what not for the phone, I guess now i know why it was free. Anyway it is a Samsung prime model sm-g530r4 and it is for Us cellular. I have read and read a lot and have messed with this thing for the past 3 days and cant anywhere with it. I was thinking okay they say an otg cable to bypass this, I bought one and it didnt work for me. I read that reflashing stock firmware with Odin, nope that didnt work. I could go on and on. Im here all the time reading and what not but I just dont ask for help that often, most of the time I am work at it into I get it but this one is hitting a nerve with me, maybe it is old age not sure tho. Anyway i also have tried to use adb to see if i can get anywhere with that but again a dead end. The phone is not rooted, or anything. As I was going to give it to my 75 year old mother, first smartphone, lol.
Ive thought about downgrading it but I cant find anything below 5.1.1 and some say that wont work. Ive got different os on computers and most of the time use Linux but it seems like the tools are made for windows, so im using a windows 10 right now, but i have a windows 7 and a couple xp., also a few different linux systems. Just incase some work better than others. Right now i have been messing with aabox that a member posted here to see if i can get it to work and no go again. Please any help would be great, if not i might take it out side and practice with my new glock.
Anyway thanks for your time and have a good one. thanks
If you have a full stock firmware, did you try to go into recovery and wipe data ?
If you can flash a twrp recovery, boot into it and wipe data + cache + dalvik cache, and wipe PERSISTENT partition.

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