Database Users

[Q] Hong Kong 32GB n9005 and PIT

I want to flash an Aussie ROM on my HK 32GB n9005. I've been doing some reading and what I think I need to do is as follows...
ghibli3's thread at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2550823 specifically addresses this issue and thanks to those contributing there and elsewhere.
Now to check I understand what they are saying before I brick my phone.
I have these:
CSB_signed_HLTE_EUR_OPEN_32G_0718.pit
CSB_signed_HLTE_EUR_OPEN_32G_0805.pit
ghibli3-N9005.pit
ratcom-N9005.pit
I also used ghibli3's N9005-SaveMyPit from http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2426123&d=1385903491 to get a copy of my current pit.
I have my original HK MI7 stock, a HK stock MK2 (used to root my phone originally using RDLV) and both an MI7 and MJ7 Aussie ROMs.
So... here is what I think I need to do... Please let me know if this is correct or tell me how to do it better.
Using Odin and with phone in DL mode, USB Debugging on, Samsung drivers and ADB setup on PC...
1. Load a PIT file in [PIT] in Odin and tick [Re-Partition] then [Start]
(1st question, do I reboot the phone or just go to the next step?)
2. Follow RDLV steps to flash the Aussie MJ7 to root the phone.
(2nd question, should I drop back to the MI7 version for the root operation? I don't think it is needed as when I rooted my phone with HK version, I had HK MI7 on the phone and used HK MK2 to root it)
(3rd question, I have Kies 3 on my PC - should I uninstall it before doing any of this or might it be helpful to have it still installed?)

OK, so no comments so far... let's try a slightly different approach.
(4th question, Can I load the PIT into Odin, tick [Re-Partition] and add in the VEGA version of the AP (from RDLV) and then flash them as one?

Journyman16 said:
OK, so no comments so far... let's try a slightly different approach.
(4th question, Can I load the PIT into Odin, tick [Re-Partition] and add in the VEGA version of the AP (from RDLV) and then flash them as one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For using PIT file, you need to add the PIT to Odin when you flash so it'll repartition as it's flashing. However, don't take that as a solid cause I am not 100% sure myself as I haven't messed with PIT files (yet) - but from what I have read that is how it is done. - Have a scan through the HK bricked (solved) threads to be doubley sure cause yeah, it's easy to end up with a brick

Thanks for that. Kinda what I was planning to do but I'm not sure if I do the PIT flash first then do the rest or if I do it all as one process. I'll check out that thread... been looking anywhere I could find a PIT reference.

Well, that was fun... not.
I tried the PIT files with NAND erase all, re-partition f. reset time and Auto reboot all ticked - it failed - I got a systemconnection error. I tried again with each of the PITs listed above except ratcom's - his is from an MJ7 build and I was unsure if that would trip Knox or not.
2 hours pass, with me looking all around XDA and trying a variety of things. Incidentally I think maybe the systemconnect thing might be related to not restarting the phone to get the error screen. It seems Odin can do things when that screen is on that it can't do in plain Download mode. At least, on mine, the eventual fix worked only AFTER I had the error screen (shows the hone pic and a PC pic)
I didn't try flashing CWM. Nor doing anything that might add an MJ7 or KK bootloader. If I trip Knox I want it to be by my choice, not because I can't fix something.
But clearly I am doing something wrong in trying to repartition my phone - none of the PIT flashes worked. None of the flash ROM's worked. I looked around for a MJ3 or less ROM with the 4 files - figured I could get that I could try using a PIT for the right CSC and those files and solve both issues at once.
I tried my MK1 HK Vega image and no go. So I sat and thought it through and realised that last time I had problems I had the error screen NOT download mode so I rebooted the phone and Voila! up popped the error screen. Odin promptly flashed my HK MK1 version and now I am restoring my apps from the extSDcard. Got a bit of setup work to do but it's up and running again.
But I will have to trip Knox now - I'm sick of not having a Nandroid backup that could just restore everything where it was instead of me having to manually put things back as they were.
Any ideas as to what I did wrong?

Journyman16 said:
Well, that was fun... not.
I tried the PIT files with NAND erase all, re-partition f. reset time and Auto reboot all ticked - it failed - I got a systemconnection error. I tried again with each of the PITs listed above except ratcom's - his is from an MJ7 build and I was unsure if that would trip Knox or not.
2 hours pass, with me looking all around XDA and trying a variety of things. Incidentally I think maybe the systemconnect thing might be related to not restarting the phone to get the error screen. It seems Odin can do things when that screen is on that it can't do in plain Download mode. At least, on mine, the eventual fix worked only AFTER I had the error screen (shows the hone pic and a PC pic)
I didn't try flashing CWM. Nor doing anything that might add an MJ7 or KK bootloader. If I trip Knox I want it to be by my choice, not because I can't fix something.
But clearly I am doing something wrong in trying to repartition my phone - none of the PIT flashes worked. None of the flash ROM's worked. I looked around for a MJ3 or less ROM with the 4 files - figured I could get that I could try using a PIT for the right CSC and those files and solve both issues at once.
I tried my MK1 HK Vega image and no go. So I sat and thought it through and realised that last time I had problems I had the error screen NOT download mode so I rebooted the phone and Voila! up popped the error screen. Odin promptly flashed my HK MK1 version and now I am restoring my apps from the extSDcard. Got a bit of setup work to do but it's up and running again.
But I will have to trip Knox now - I'm sick of not having a Nandroid backup that could just restore everything where it was instead of me having to manually put things back as they were.
Any ideas as to what I did wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2nd link in my signature.
Follow it to step 6. Then flash whatever ROM you want. Make sure your phone is 32 gigs or more. Won't work on 16 gb version.

So this gets a bit strange now... I downloaded Phone Info from Play Store and ran it. I did that because I noticed I was having Wifi issues - it was working but kept thinking it was off - I'd click it to turn it on and the button wouldn't go green, but I had signal in the Notification bar. Going to Recovery to clear cache showed it was now applying CSC-code as BTU instead of TGY, so SOMETHING worked when I was doing the PITs.
So, Phone Info shows my Region Code as BTU, my CSC country as UK/IRE and my CSC Country ISO as GBBut I have a mix of ROM info:
Bootloader: ZHUBMI7
Baseband: ZHUDMJ9
PDA: XXUDMK2
CSC: OXADMK2
So, PDA and CSC are from a UK MK2 I tried to use early on and failed with, while BL and BB are from the original HK MI7 (BL) and the HK MK1 I rooted with.
So my question is now, can I now flash a BTU or other normal ROM onto my phone, using the RDLV process to make sure I get root and don't trip Knox?
IIRC I think the process works up to MK2 (and certainly does to MK1 as that what I used originally) so I should be able to DL (say) XXUBMJ1 to use for the BL and use XXUDMK2 for the root process. (i.e. the same as I did using HK MI7 for the BL and HK MK1 for the root process)
3 questions:
1. Is it the PDA that determines the partition Hong Kong users have such problems with? Or is it the Bootloader?
2. Can anyone think of a reason why this would not work? (now my CSC is BTU)
3. Could I now use an Aussie ROM to run the RDLV process?

FeralFire said:
2nd link in my signature.
Follow it to step 6. Then flash whatever ROM you want. Make sure your phone is 32 gigs or more. Won't work on 16 gb version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the Reply.
For now I'd prefer to stay away from KK ROMs - too many people having issues, and the prevention of returning to 4.3 is, to me, a killer until Samsung get the bugs out. Given that many people are doing OK with KK, I think it is unlikely Samsung will do much about the bugs until a larger number of people have problems and start bombarding their support lines.
Plus, on 4.3 I have a very fast phone that gives more than 2 days use even with fairly heavy use (for me) and up to 4 days for light use. Why make an irreversible change when the phone is doing well already? For me the next step is custom recovery - I don't like not having a Nandroid BU and several times now after restoring apps I find I need to fix permissions - without custom recovery that means a laborious uninstall/reinstall from Play Store, one app at a time. Pisses me off...
I find it interesting that Samsung are clearly using users such as XDA members as their testing area, while at the same time shutting down the activities we like to do. (Custom ROMs etc) I say clearly using us because otherwise there is no excuse for the regularity of leaked ROMs - Samsung pass it on to us to try and I would bet, have staff watching us to see what issues we have.
So it seems a bit counter-productive to work so hard to lock the phones so we can't play with them.

Journyman16 said:
Thanks for the Reply.
For now I'd prefer to stay away from KK ROMs - too many people having issues, and the prevention of returning to 4.3 is, to me, a killer until Samsung get the bugs out. Given that many people are doing OK with KK, I think it is unlikely Samsung will do much about the bugs until a larger number of people have problems and start bombarding their support lines.
Plus, on 4.3 I have a very fast phone that gives more than 2 days use even with fairly heavy use (for me) and up to 4 days for light use. Why make an irreversible change when the phone is doing well already? For me the next step is custom recovery - I don't like not having a Nandroid BU and several times now after restoring apps I find I need to fix permissions - without custom recovery that means a laborious uninstall/reinstall from Play Store, one app at a time. Pisses me off...
I find it interesting that Samsung are clearly using users such as XDA members as their testing area, while at the same time shutting down the activities we like to do. (Custom ROMs etc) I say clearly using us because otherwise there is no excuse for the regularity of leaked ROMs - Samsung pass it on to us to try and I would bet, have staff watching us to see what issues we have.
So it seems a bit counter-productive to work so hard to lock the phones so we can't play with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need the international pit file in your phone. Flashing the CSC file will put that pit in your phone. It won't touch the bootloader or the system files.

FeralFire said:
You need the international pit file in your phone. Flashing the CSC file will put that pit in your phone. It won't touch the bootloader or the system files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, PIT's don't seem to come easy. As above I have about 4 of them I tried. There seems a bit of a disconnect between what the AP/CP/CSC are and what the files in a ROM are e.g. in XXUBMH1 there's boot.img, recovery.img, system.img.ext4, userdata.img.ext4, persdata.img.ext4, persist.img.ext4 and in XXUBMI7 there's sbl1.mbn, aboot.mbn, rpm.mbn, tz.mbn, sdi.mbn, NON-HLOS.bin, boot.img, recovery.img, system.img.ext4, modem.bin, cache.img.ext4, hidden.img.ext4
While I've been around a while now, this seems to be a blank spot for me at present - how do I flash a CSC? From reading it seems some ROM.s come with 4 or 5 files, e.g. see attachment - but I haven't been able to find one yet. (the one in the pic was hosted on Hotfiles which is now defunct thanks to the Almighty USA draconian control freaks. )
Update: I think I have found a copy of it so I can try that when it finishes DL'ing.
Other than that, anyone know of where there might be another such ROM to DL? Also if I am flashing a CSC file do I flash the PIT as well (i.e. at the same time) or do the PIT first?
Which Odin options get ticked for a PIT? I tried [F. Reset Time] [Re-Partition] [Auto Reboot] [Nand Erase All] previously and it didn't seem to work. I saw a recovery type post that suggested ticking [Phone EFS Clear] but seems to me that is a tick towards Brick - and the Recovery being offered was to a KK ROM anyway.

FeralFire said:
2nd link in my signature.
Follow it to step 6. Then flash whatever ROM you want. Make sure your phone is 32 gigs or more. Won't work on 16 gb version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FeralFire said:
You need the international pit file in your phone. Flashing the CSC file will put that pit in your phone. It won't touch the bootloader or the system files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just looked at your post again - I realise I might have a wrong idea. Although the leaked ROM is KK, I was assuming flashing the CSC would upgrade my phone - is that the case or can I use your 6 steps just to change my PIT and then do the 4.3 RDLV process to have a root 4.3 phone?
Downloading it now - started with the torrent but that's running slow; I will let it run to completion to maybe help some others get it faster but I've got the Storage Cow one running as well. We'll see which one arrives first Either way I'll leave it seeding.

Journyman16 said:
I just looked at your post again - I realise I might have a wrong idea. Although the leaked ROM is KK, I was assuming flashing the CSC would upgrade my phone - is that the case or can I use your 6 steps just to change my PIT and then do the 4.3 RDLV process to have a root 4.3 phone?
Downloading it now - started with the torrent but that's running slow; I will let it run to completion to maybe help some others get it faster but I've got the Storage Cow one running as well. We'll see which one arrives first Either way I'll leave it seeding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you should be able to.
I tried flashing the MK2 ROM after flashing that CSC. It worked perfectly. But then I upgraded to kitkat. So I can't test JB stuff anymore.

FeralFire said:
Yeah, you should be able to.
I tried flashing the MK2 ROM after flashing that CSC. It worked perfectly. But then I upgraded to kitkat. So I can't test JB stuff anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it let me flash the vega BTU MK2 ROM but now there's a wifi problem. Still waiting for cygwin to download so I can RDLV on the XSA ROM. There seems to be some kind of conflict between BTU and Australian settings. Says to turn on wireless and actually finds my SSID's but then doesn't connect properly. le sigh...

Well it's been coming up to 24 hours with no phone but I seem to have found my way.
The problem seems to have been a mismatch between BL, CSC and PIT. In trying to get off the Hong Kong set up I wound up with a ZHU BL, BTU CSC and XSA CP and AP. It worked but I had no wifi. tried a few things to get it working and in trying to flash an XSA CSC (I think it was XSA) I got the Knox bit change. With no wifi I thought maybe the problem was the BUT-based CP needed changing. In trying to fix that, somehow I triggered Knox
I tried DL & Install of Omega 6 (it's a 4.3 - not ready to go KK yet) but although it completed nicely (so many ROM's got hidden or system errors in Odin) the phone didn't start. I tried installing Philz so I could run things from the extSDcard but an XSA wouldn't work nor would anything I had below MJ7. Last Phone Info view I had I still had a ZHU CP, even though AP and CSC were XSA-based.
Finally I got the MJ7 ROM from http://forum.xda-developers.com/sho...9005xxudmj7-pre-rooted-knox-free-odex-bl-free and it did the trick.
It's been a learning experience but I'd be happier if I knew for sure both what triggered the Knox bit (I was being very careful about it) and why some of the other ROM installs simply didn't work.

Resurrecting this one because I'm looking for info on flashing my 32G HK Note 3, but it came with KK pre-installed. So I'm not sure what differences I have to be aware of. Any tips?

For whoever still experiences issues with HK 32GB n9005 devices, After wasting half a day on that crap, i was able to flash N9005ZSUGOK2_N9005OZSGOK2_TGY from sammobile coupled with the PIT attached.

sm-n900
sm-900 and pit

S5 Debranding

Ok i have tried to de brand the firmware worked but still said the OLD CSC
I have tried the XDA File info CSC changer and it says there is a file missing
The firmware is a Multi CSC but i can not find any way to change this
Help !!!

Flash unbranded firmware in Odin, until auto reboot, go into recovery and factory reset. Backup all your important data first, though!

Northern.dj said:
Help !!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately you didn't provide any information about your situation making it impossible to tell if the majority of possible options would be viable in your case. You didn't even tell us which S5 model, firmware version or carrier you have, let alone anything else.
Given the lack of crucial details, all I can suggest is that you look at debloating threads or consider installing a custom ROM.
.

fffft said:
Unfortunately you didn't provide any information about your situation making it impossible to tell if the majority of possible options would be viable in your case. You didn't even tell us which S5 model, firmware version or carrier you have, let alone anything else.
Given the lack of crucial details, all I can suggest is that you look at debloating threads or consider installing a custom ROM.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S5 Model is SM-G900F
the Carrier is Vodafone
and they have just rolled out another 4.4.2 Variation and its not on sammobile yet
just dumps more apps eg the RCS
why the XDA CSC changer will not help is strange as it has on other phones
I don't want a custom rom on as I am passing this down to my son so I don't want super user root on

Then use Odin to install the generic 900F European Open firmware, which is unbranded.
If you have any ongoing issues, backup any files important to you and do a factory data reset as well.
.

fffft said:
Then use Odin to install the generic 900F European Open firmware, which is unbranded.
If you have any ongoing issues, backup any files important to you and do a factory data reset as well.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
Rather than start a new thread, I think I might get help here. I'll also say sorry in advance since I have searched through almost the entire forum since last Thrusday, but havent figured out how to fix this.
I have a carrier unlocked G900F (CSC:XFV, South Africa, using latest ANG2 FW) with Vodacom branding. No amount of data resets and flashing with the generic BTU firmware seems to remove the Vodacom boot animations and its bloatware.
Some facts:
(1) The boot and shut down animation seem hardcoded or deodexed or something in the nand. I have tried replacing the files in the system/media folder but no avail. Using offshelf programs was no help.
(2) The Vodacom bloatware deleted with Titanium Backup comes back with with every flash, data or cache reset.
(3) I am already rooted using the Towelroot method and Knox is 0x0.
(A) Is there a way to permanently clean up the above and start off with a fresh clean phone?
(B) Can a 'generic' bootloader be flashed through Odin?
Again I apologize for hogging the thread.
Cheers.

turborrr said:
Rather than start a new thread, I think I might get help here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's customary to start your own thread, rather than piggyback or hijack someone else's. And you should probably do that if you have any follow up questions.
The boot animations are not hard coded and there are a number of existing threads that elaborate on the format. The files are in /system/media e.g. bootsamsung.qmg, bootsamsungloop.qmg, shutdown.qmg. You said that you replaced the files here, but unfortunately gave no specifics or details thereof, making it impossible to discern where you went awry. Perhaps you have a cached copy extant. Try booting to recovery mode and wipe the system cache. In the alternative, did you install any utilities or a custom kernel that may be using the generic Android bootanimation.zip format, instead of the default Samsung .qmg?
Bloatware is a plague. Most firmware, including multi-CSC and probably Open_Eur (ope) (unconfirmed) have carrier specific apps and bloatware. In multi-CSC configurations the apps are triggered by your CSC sales code. you can either change your CSC or simply freeze or debloat your ROM by renaming, moving or deleteing bloatware apps. Or migrate to a custom ROM as they have typically been debloated by the developer in advance.
The goal of a "clean" ROM, devoid of carrier specific apps or bloatware is an elusive one that you probably can't do simply by installing an alternate stock firmware. You generally have to debloat firmware yourself or avail yourself of a custom ROM to the same effect.
Odin is a software package made by Samsung. You are more likely to see flying unicorns than before Odin will freely write third party bootloaders. But it's a moot point as first you'd have to find such a bootloader.
Bootloaders are hardware specific and written by hardware vendors for a given hardware platform. The bootloader is outside Android, it boots the device into Android. Even "open source" Android projects like CM or ASOP use the proprietary bootloader of necessity. Given the proprietary hardware interfaces and drivers it is a daunting task to write a bootloader from scratch for undocumented hardware.
Open source Android bootloaders exist e.g. the Little Kernel bootloader but they do not support most hardware.
.

Northern.dj said:
why the XDA CSC changer will not help is strange as it has on other phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try this one: Phone INFO ★Samsung★ --> Menu --> Other Tools --> CSC Changer?
P.S. This tool needs ROOT permission to work.

vndnguyen said:
Did you try this one: Phone INFO ★Samsung★ --> Menu --> Other Tools --> CSC Changer?
P.S. This tool needs ROOT permission to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The XDA App does not work it reports a file missing But i have some success
I will post a method as soon as i get it down
But it only works on "F" models with unlocked Bootloaders

Northern.dj said:
The XDA App does not work it reports a file missing But i have some success
I will post a method as soon as i get it down
But it only works on "F" models with unlocked Bootloaders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please try the Phone INFO app I have mentioned above. I should work.

vndnguyen said:
Please try the Phone INFO app I have mentioned above. I should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope it does not work reports in yellow that a file is missing from the internals SD
It does work on other devices but so does CSC Changer but that says it may need root Accses

Northern.dj said:
Nope it does not work reports in yellow that a file is missing from the internals SD
It does work on other devices but so does CSC Changer but that says it may need root Accses
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it need ROOT permission to change the CSC.

vndnguyen said:
Yes it need ROOT permission to change the CSC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well I have managed to change the CSC from VOD to BTU with No root
I have just repeated the same with a O2 Network Phone and even reversed the proses but its only for the S5 and Note 3
I will put a Link up soon when I have wrote the instructions but the app is still handy to confirm one point of the excises

fffft said:
It's customary to start your own thread, rather than piggyback or hijack someone else's. And you should probably do that if you have any follow up questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose this was my first post at XDA. You could cut some slack here.
Anyway, issue sorted. The trick is to go directly into recovery (unchecking auto-reboot in Odin helps) after flashing a clean FW, and wipe data and cache. Rinse and repeat if you want.
CSC successfully changed from XFV to BTU. Surprisingly also gained quite a bit of disk space but I can not confirm the exact amount. All the bloat is gone with no sign of it.
Thanks anyway.

FRP Locked S8 G950U

I have a Galaxy S8 that is FRP locked.
The exact model and version is: 8.0.0/R16NW/G950USQS3CRE2
From what I understand this has the v3 bootloader and Oreo, correct?
I need some help getting this phone unlocked. Anyone care to lend a hand? I can use Odin and ADB just fine, I just need to find the correct files needed for the version I have.
Also, if I can actually get the correct files., can someone outline the steps needed to do this? I've been trying to unlock this thing for about three weeks and my brain is turned to mush with all the things I've tried.
Please don't send me PMs trying to get me to contact through other means.

nookle said:
I have a Galaxy S8 that is FRP locked.
The exact model and version is: 8.0.0/R16NW/G950USQS3CRE2
From what I understand this has the v3 bootloader and Oreo, correct?
I need some help getting this phone unlocked. Anyone care to lend a hand? I can use Odin and ADB just fine, I just need to find the correct files needed for the version I have.
Also, if I can actually get the correct files., can someone outline the steps needed to do this? I've been trying to unlock this thing for about three weeks and my brain is turned to mush with all the things I've tried.
Please don't send me PMs trying to get me to contact through other means.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey. Don't worry. Frp lock is a protection for your phone this occurs when your oem lock is on. To unlock it go into developer options and then tick the oem unlock option . But for now your phone locked all you can do it flash stock firmware using odin . That's the only way . I know the data ma be precious inside the phone but it be useless until phone in not booting . So ho and flash stock firmware for your device from sammobile.com
Thats all . I hope may this helps you and inform me as soon as possible.
Stay Blessed?
Sorry for bad english.

Rana Ahmad said:
Hey. Don't worry. Frp lock is a protection for your phone this occurs when your oem lock is on. To unlock it go into developer options and then tick the oem unlock option . But for now your phone locked all you can do it flash stock firmware using odin . That's the only way . I know the data ma be precious inside the phone but it be useless until phone in not booting . So ho and flash stock firmware for your device from sammobile.com
Thats all . I hope may this helps you and inform me as soon as possible.
Stay Blessed
Sorry for bad english.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, flashing the firmware doesn't reset the FRP. Tried just AP, AP and BL, all five, doesn't matter. On first boot it requires the previous owner to log in. It's stored somewhere that's not touched by the flashing process somehow. Or it fails. After doing all five files on first boot it says it's installing something, gets into the 30% range, then says erasing for a bit and reboots.
Is there any way to do this?

Rana Ahmad said:
Hey. Don't worry. Frp lock is a protection for your phone this occurs when your oem lock is on. To unlock it go into developer options and then tick the oem unlock option . But for now your phone locked all you can do it flash stock firmware using odin . That's the only way . I know the data ma be precious inside the phone but it be useless until phone in not booting . So ho and flash stock firmware for your device from sammobile.com
Thats all . I hope may this helps you and inform me as soon as possible.
Stay Blessed
Sorry for bad english.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no oem unlock on a U model. Need to study up a bit before advising.
nookle said:
Yeah, flashing the firmware doesn't reset the FRP. Tried just AP, AP and BL, all five, doesn't matter. On first boot it requires the previous owner to log in. It's stored somewhere that's not touched by the flashing process somehow. Or it fails. After doing all five files on first boot it says it's installing something, gets into the 30% range, then says erasing for a bit and reboots.
Is there any way to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flash a combination file factory reset from combo then flash legit bit 3 or higher firmware. The 30% failure after erasing is normal. 32% normally

Thanks for the reply. Is this what I need?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...bination-files-bit-5-g950uu1-g955uu1-t3816112
I've never done a combination file, so not sure what's involved.

nookle said:
Thanks for the reply. Is this what I need?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...bination-files-bit-5-g950uu1-g955uu1-t3816112
I've never done a combination file, so not sure what's involved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes flash it in odin. It's a single file

TheMadScientist said:
Yes flash it in odin. It's a single file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I may ask, what is a "combination file?" What exactly does it do? I'll flash it this evening after work.

nookle said:
If I may ask, what is a "combination file?" What exactly does it do? I'll flash it this evening after work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its test and diagnostic firmware released by Samsung. It is not a usable rom. You'll flash this. Factory reset from inside the settings menu. Then you can reflash official firmware. And you should be good to go unless this has been patched

TheMadScientist said:
Its test and diagnostic firmware released by Samsung. It is not a usable rom. You'll flash this. Factory reset from inside the settings menu. Then you can reflash official firmware. And you should be good to go unless this has been patched
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I went ahead and flashed the combination file in the first link and did a factory reset. Now when I try to flash the files I already have it fails. I'm assuming that's because I flashed a bit 5 combination firmware, and the stock files I have are not bit 5.
How do I know which firmware files I need? Do I need to do all files (BL, AP, CP, CSC) or just one? It's very hard to figure out what to do when everything I read is different.

nookle said:
So I went ahead and flashed the combination file in the first link and did a factory reset. Now when I try to flash the files I already have it fails. I'm assuming that's because I flashed a bit 5 combination firmware, and the stock files I have are not bit 5.
How do I know which firmware files I need? Do I need to do all files (BL, AP, CP, CSC) or just one? It's very hard to figure out what to do when everything I read is different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea you need bit 5 files. Flash all 4. If you look at a firmware number. 5th dig from far end will be a 1-6 that's the current bit, anti rollback whatever you want to call it.

TheMadScientist said:
Yea you need bit 5 files. Flash all 4. If you look at a firmware number. 5th dig from far end will be a 1-6 that's the current bit, anti rollback whatever you want to call it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the help. I'm getting closer.
I am currently downloading a file called G950USQU5DSC1. Should be bit 5. I'm pretty sure it's for Sprint, and this phone was originally Verizon. Will this be a problem? I'd very much prefer AT&T or T-Mobile, but Verizon might be OK if I'm locked to it.

nookle said:
Thank you so much for the help. I'm getting closer.
I am currently downloading a file called G955USQU5DSC1. Should be bit 5. I'm pretty sure it's for Sprint, and this phone was originally Verizon. Will this be a problem? I'd very much prefer AT&T or T-Mobile, but Verizon might be OK if I'm locked to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
verizon firmware is unlocked sim wise sprint firm probably wont work but also should setup based off of your sim card inserted.
dsc1 i believe is pie which is awesome on s8 you can change carrier also with the combination file pretty much as your doing with each personalized firmware to each carrier

TheMadScientist said:
verizon firmware is unlocked sim wise sprint firm probably wont work but also should setup based off of your sim card inserted.
dsc1 i believe is pie which is awesome on s8 you can change carrier also with the combination file pretty much as your doing with each personalized firmware to each carrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm grabbing the file from this page: https://www.theandroidsoul.com/samsung-galaxy-s8-firmware/
How can I tell which carrier is which? I'd rather just flash the correct one off the bat. Looks like the only one on that page for the 950U that is Pie is the Sprint one. I don't have a SIM. Well, I could take the one out of my current phone temporarily if it'll help set it up correctly.
Is the process for switching carriers just flashing the CSC file? Or is it more involved.
EDIT: There is a CRK1 file that is U5 and Oreo. Pretty sure that is Verizon. Cancelled the other file and am downloading this one. Going to take a while, using my phone as it's faster than my home internet.

nookle said:
I'm grabbing the file from this page: https://www.theandroidsoul.com/samsung-galaxy-s8-firmware/
How can I tell which carrier is which? I'd rather just flash the correct one off the bat. Looks like the only one on that page for the 950U that is Pie is the Sprint one. I don't have a SIM. Well, I could take the one out of my current phone temporarily if it'll help set it up correctly.
Is the process for switching carriers just flashing the CSC file? Or is it more involved.
EDIT: There is a CRK1 file that is U5 and Oreo. Pretty sure that is Verizon. Cancelled the other file and am downloading this one. Going to take a while, using my phone as it's faster than my home internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CsC determines sales code and carrier setup. I use sammobile or updato.com they have all firmwares needed

Boom. It worked. Typing this on the S8. Even accepted my AT&T SIM and connected to data.
Flashed an 8.0 firmware, but it seems to be getting updates. Maybe it'll update automatically to 9.
Anyway, thanks again. Free S8 is nice.

nookle said:
Boom. It worked. Typing this on the S8. Even accepted my AT&T SIM and connected to data.
Flashed an 8.0 firmware, but it seems to be getting updates. Maybe it'll update automatically to 9.
Anyway, thanks again. Free S8 is nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good deal glad it worked

nookle said:
Thank you so much for the help. I'm getting closer.
I am currently downloading a file called G950USQU5DSC1. Should be bit 5. I'm pretty sure it's for Sprint, and this phone was originally Verizon. Will this be a problem? I'd very much prefer AT&T or T-Mobile, but Verizon might be OK if I'm locked to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that firmware is from sprint. something worth sharing is that all S8's designated for the US market are literally the exact same physically. You CAN flash whatever firmware you want for whatever carrier on a g950u. You will need a modified version of Odin to flash firmwares originally intended for a different phone tho. I had the FRP lock on my dads old S5 the other day, but i was able to get thru it with my gmail information oddly enough. Not sure why google thought that authenticating use on that device per my gmail account credentials was ok, but..... ok i guess.
Once you get the phone up and running, put a sim card from whatever provider you intend on using in the phone, if it asks you for an unlock code, then youll need to get one from the original carrier it was intended for or a third party paid site. AT&T has a sim unlock tool on their own site you can try.
Teh reason i mentioned that all the S8s intended for the USA are literally identical is because you can take a sprint S8 and use it on Verizon, AT&T, T-Mob blah blah provided youve flashed the correct firmware, which is either the U1 version or the bespoke firmware for that carrier

youdoofus said:
that firmware is from sprint. something worth sharing is that all S8's designated for the US market are literally the exact same physically. You CAN flash whatever firmware you want for whatever carrier on a g950u. You will need a modified version of Odin to flash firmwares originally intended for a different phone tho. I had the FRP lock on my dads old S5 the other day, but i was able to get thru it with my gmail information oddly enough. Not sure why google thought that authenticating use on that device per my gmail account credentials was ok, but..... ok i guess.
Once you get the phone up and running, put a sim card from whatever provider you intend on using in the phone, if it asks you for an unlock code, then youll need to get one from the original carrier it was intended for or a third party paid site. AT&T has a sim unlock tool on their own site you can try.
Teh reason i mentioned that all the S8s intended for the USA are literally identical is because you can take a sprint S8 and use it on Verizon, AT&T, T-Mob blah blah provided youve flashed the correct firmware, which is either the U1 version or the bespoke firmware for that carrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good info. Thanks.
When I first booted the phone after flashing I had put my StraightTalk AT&T SIM in and it connected right away. It also started downloading and installing system updates, all the way through the Android 9 upgrade and the August security update. Pretty cool. The only thing I see is after a reboot or power on a notification pops saying that a non-Verizon SIM is installed. But that notification can be dismissed, and as far as I can see doesn't recur until next boot. So easily ignored. And there's Verizon specific bloatware. Maybe I'll download AT&T and T-Mobile images just in case. I've been thinking about carrier hopping, as I have pretty poor AT&T coverage in my area, since with StraightTalk I can get a Verizon SIM added to my plan and take my AT&T one off pretty easily.
I haven't really used the phone much yet, as I'm waiting on a case, but I'm not sure I'm going to like the Samsung skin. I'm used to a very stock Android experience, as I've only really used Motorola phones and my current Nokia 6.1. I just like plain vanilla Android. But I'll give it a shot. Already installed Nova Launcher and F-Droid.

followed everything on this thread, uploaded 5 level firmware files just fine, but now i get a "system software not authorized by at&t.." message.. any help?

troolplay1 said:
followed everything on this thread, uploaded 5 level firmware files just fine, but now i get a "system software not authorized by at&t.." message.. any help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's ok. Treat it as download mode and flash

Anyone got stock S8 Pie Firmware for SM-G950F

Hi all,
Has anybody got the stock Android 9 Firmware for the SM-G950F. All the download links i have tried have failed. I'm currently running TWRP with a Samsung Android 9 ROM.
I want the stock firmware in order to get access to Google Pay, etc..
My phone has a UK vodafone sim card.
Thank you

flashable though TWRP or the Odin files?

Keo-nii said:
flashable though TWRP or the Odin files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Through ODIN as i want to get rid of TWRP

Go to sammobile.com/firmwares/archive
Register with your email and seach for your model number and select your country, then download the zip with 5 files: AP, BL, CSC, HOME CSC and CP.
Open odin and put the files in the specific box (in CSC I use Home CSC file).
Boot your device in Download Mode (POWER+VOL DOWN+BIXBY)
Connect to your Pc and press Star
Wait until Odin shows PASS, the device take more time to boot.
I suggest to fully charge the phone before flashing the firmware

lolli.filippo said:
Go to sammobile.com/firmwares/archive
Register with your email and seach for your model number and select your country, then download the zip with 5 files: AP, BL, CSC, HOME CSC and CP.
Open odin and put the files in the specific box (in CSC I use Home CSC file).
Boot your device in Download Mode (POWER+VOL DOWN+BIXBY)
Connect to your Pc and press Star
Wait until Odin shows PASS, the device take more time to boot.
I suggest to fully charge the phone before flashing the firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a version of ODIN that you reccomend?

The website gives the download for the best version of odin, usually is v. 3.13.3

lolli.filippo said:
The website gives the download for the best version of odin, usually is v. 3.13.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thank you. I'll try this on Friday and let you know how it went.

lolli.filippo said:
The website gives the download for the best version of odin, usually is v. 3.13.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I decided not to use the stock ROM as i have found a custom one that allows google pay and other restricted apps. Thank you tho for providing the link. I will use the stock firmware later on when i change phones. :good:

I use the stock firmware and I disabled the apps that i dont use with ADB. Do you suggest me to root my S8 or not?

Guys i need a stock firmware with all the 5 files aswell...I want to sell the phone but i cant sell it as it is running LOS16 currently...Im downloading a firmware from sammobile but its very slow, 4 hours to download it...

lolli.filippo said:
I use the stock firmware and I disabled the apps that i dont use with ADB. Do you suggest me to root my S8 or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldnt suggest rooting. I dont feel theres any useful apps that need root

loris100 said:
Guys i need a stock firmware with all the 5 files aswell...I want to sell the phone but i cant sell it as it is running LOS16 currently...Im downloading a firmware from sammobile but its very slow, 4 hours to download it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That happened to me aswell. Just do it overnight. It will probably take the same amount of time for someone to upload it to google drive etc.

kristof5 said:
Hi,
I decided not to use the stock ROM as i have found a custom one that allows google pay and other restricted apps. Thank you tho for providing the link. I will use the stock firmware later on when i change phones. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you share the link of the custom Rom?

Hi, sorry for the late reply.
There seems to be a newer version of the ROM, but everything should work fine.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-hadesrom-pie-stock-v1-1-s8-s8-note8-t3891932

Can I reinstall the android 10 update and keep my files & settings?

Since the update i keep getting a lot of random restarts, i was hoping there maybe an easy way to just reinstall the android 10 update and not have to wipe?
After all it just updates when you get it OTA so i am guessing i can maybe just run that update again in some way?
Can anyone help
thanks
James

Yes. All you must do is to create a Samsung Account and backup everything before wipe out. Once you get wiped, just restore using your Samsung Account.
Also, there are many good apps that you can do it without create an account, although I would create it and backup if I were you.
Cheers

You could also use frija and odin to download and install the latest update, however this is the whole software about 5gb.
You just use home_csc which does not wipe data.

Darkat70 said:
You could also use frija and odin to download and install the latest update, however this is the whole software about 5gb.
You just use home_csc which does not wipe data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, this sounds what i would probably want, would this be the closest thing to just doing a reinstall in the hope that it may overwrite some bad data that may be making my phone randomly restart?
Is this above basically the same as when you get the OTA and it just installs over the top without losing anything, i'd be best clearing cache after wouldn't I?

james_lpool said:
Thanks, this sounds what i would probably want, would this be the closest thing to just doing a reinstall in the hope that it may overwrite some bad data that may be making my phone randomly restart?
Is this above basically the same as when you get the OTA and it just installs over the top without losing anything, i'd be best clearing cache after wouldn't I?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes just overwrites existing firmware, i used this method on Tues fo install January security updates. Theres a thread in chat and discussion with all the instructions.

Darkat70 said:
You could also use frija and odin to download and install the latest update, however this is the whole software about 5gb.
You just use home_csc which does not wipe data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darkat70 said:
Yes just overwrites existing firmware, i used this method on Tues fo install January security updates. Theres a thread in chat and discussion with all the instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darkat, sorry to bother you again i have got the fw and odin etc, i see the home csc which you mentioned, do i still add the ap, bl and cp files or just the home csc one?
Its been years since ive used odin sorry

james_lpool said:
Darkat, sorry to bother you again i have got the fw and odin etc, i see the home csc which you mentioned, do i still add the ap, bl and cp files or just the home csc one?
Its been years since ive used odin sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes add the others to the respective fields in odin.
One thing i did notice, i think the second on the list in odin when i added it, odin seem to stop responding, dont panic about that just leave it for a minute and it will come good.
Remember to uncheck re-partition.

Thank you