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[Guide]Samsung Galaxy S3[GT-I9300]Complete Basic Guide -One Stop Location

Hi Everyone, I had made some guides for Galaxy S3 on my blog and thought it would be enough. But after seeing the same questions being repeated again and again I felt I will post them here as well in a single thread.
If the mods find this useful they can put it up in the Stickies.
So here you go.
All about Android-Series
Samsung Galaxy S3 - GT-I9300
Part 1-
How to install a Custom ROM
This is a generic guide. Sometimes it may vary according to the ROM. So read the OP very carefully.
The main feature which distinguishes Android from all other operating system is the ability to tweak and customize the OS as per your liking.
If you are good at Linux commands and Java you can do this yourselves or you can install a Custom ROM prepared by other developers.
Before I start this, I would like to elaborate on what a Custom ROM or a ROM means. ROM in computer terms is Read Only Memory. It is specifically designed to be only accessible for reading and is not accessible to users for modifications. But in Android you can get access to this partition (if you are rooted)and make any changes you want to make.
For all practical purposes, a ROM is your Operating System or OS.
Now that it is out of the way, lets start.
Requirements:
For installing any custom ROM you will need to root your phone and have ClockworkMod (CWM) recovery installed.
A recovery is a partition on your internal memory which is used to install Software Upgrades or act as a last line of defense against a bricked device.
For Rooting and Installing CWM you will have to follow the procedures mentioned Below:
For rooting use Chainfire's CF AutoRoot. Your recovery will remain stock. Click.
Now you need to install a custom recovery. For that you have 2 options; either use ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery Click or Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) recovery Click.
Once you have that you can come back here.
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How to:
Okay now that you have CWM recovery and root.
Go here and search for a Custom ROM you like. Keep in mind that read the first post of the thread very carefully. It will have all the features of that ROM in detail. Download the ROM from that thread.
Once you have downloaded the ROM, follow these steps:
Put the ROM in the root directory of your Internal/External SDcard
Reboot into recovery: Press and Hold Power+Home+Volume Up buttons together and release it only when you see the recovery menu come up.
Now, Choose Wipe data.Factory Reset from here
Then, Wipe Cache and, goto Advanced and choose Wipe Dalvik Cache
You are now ready to Flash your Custom Rom
Choose, Install From Sdcard option in the Main Menu of the Recovery
Choose the ROM which you had earlier put on your SDcard
It will ask you whether you want to install or not, navigate to "Yes" and choose it.
Voila, You ROM will be installed, now Reboot.
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Your Custom ROM is ready to be used.
Enjoy the Android Goodness!!

backing up your Device and Data
All about Android-Series
Samsung Galaxy S3 - GT-I9300
Part 2 -
How to Backup your device
Now that we have gotten fairly good at flashing Custom ROM, the biggest challenge we face is to restore all the application and application data we had earlier on our phone before going flash happy. It is often a very cumbersome task to download all you apps again from the PlayStore and the irritation goes to another level if we are in the midst of playing a big game and had completed 20 levels out of 22.
Once we do a Factory Reset/Data Wipe from the recovery menu all our saved data is lost and hence the Games and Apps.
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In this post I will update you on how to backup your device, your data and your apps effectively.
Backing up your device
To effectively backup your device before flashing any custom ROM, you will need to have ClockworkMod Recovery installed. If you don't have it or don't know what it is, read my guide in Part 1.
Once you have CWM installed, reboot into Recovery by pressing and holding Volume Up+Power+Home buttons together, release the buttons only when you see the Recovery Menu come on the screen.
Navigate to Backup and Recovery, Choose Backup from here.
This option will then backup all the system files, apps, app data and settings which you have on your device. There are two things which are not backed up here:
Your data on Internal/External Sdcard
Your Modem or Radio
Once the backup has completed, it will ask you to reboot the device. Reboot and you are backed up against any flashing misfortunes.
To Restore this backup just navigate again to backup and restore option in CWM recovery. Choose Restore option from here and Select the Backup you want to restore.
This is also known as Nandroid Backup.
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Backing up your Applications and Application Data
Performing a Nandroid backup will not be useful if you want to try out a new ROM, as all the applications will be in the Nandroid backup and restore it you will have to restore the complete backup or Use Advance Restore from the options which is slightly cumbersome.
The best option here is to use Titanium Backup Application from the PlayStore. Get this app from here.
You will need to be rooted to use this application.
Now to backup your apps, fire up this application and grant it Superuser permissions.
It will show you all the apps which are not backed up. Choose the option of backing up all the apps with data.
It backs up all the apps and data on your internal sdcard.
Now after flashing a Custom ROM/New ROM you can restore all your applications to the same state by again going in TB and clicking restore all apps with data.
It is advisable that you don't restore System Apps and System Data if you have moved onto a different ROM, otherwise you will end up in Force Closes and unresponsive system.
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Backing your SMSes
Another important data which we don't want to loose are our SMSes. To backup the SMSes we will use another application knows as SMS Backup and Restore. Get it from the PlayStore from here.
Open up the Application and click Backup. It will ask you for a name, give the backup a name preferably with a date. Now, you also have an option to save this backup in your dropbox account along with the SDcard. For it you will have to download an additional add-on for this app from here.
Once you have to add-on installed, navigate to Preferences>Backup Settings and Configure your Dropbox account here. Check that the Upload to Dropbox option is ticked. You can also configure a schedule for it to do the backups automatically and at the same time uploading it to Dropbox.
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Backup Contacts
This is already done by Google and all your contacts get backed in your Google account automatically.
Just ensure that you have added a Google account in your phone and the sync option is turned On.
Sometimes it so happens that you store all your contacts in your phone instead of your Google account and many times people are not aware of this. In this case even if the phone is synced with Google the contacts are not backed up in the Google account. So as a precautionary measure always backup your contacts to your SDcard and move it to the PC before wiping. For it go to Contacts -> Settings -> Backup contacts to SDcard.
Alternatively, you can also backup your Contacts, Call Logs, Messages, WiFi APs using Titanium Backup Pro.
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Backing Up Your EFS Partition
The EFS folder in the root directory of your phone contains the most sensitive data peculiar to your device. Sometimes it so happens that while flashing a Custom ROM, this folder gets messed up. So, It is imperative that you back this folder up. I will explain this procedure using kTool application.
Download the kTool App from Playstore.
Now open the app and grant Superuser permissions (you should be rooted to use this applications)
Choose the "Backup EFS to Sdcard/EFS.img" option
Verify the Backup by clicking Yes on the Popup
Run Check in the resulting Screen
If the output says 100%(0 bytes differ) then your backup has been performed successfully.(when you later check this backup again there might be a difference so don't worry it is meant to be that way)
Now, using any file explorer upload this to your storage account and PC for safe keeping you might need it later for restoration.
Your EFS folder is now backed up..rest in peace.
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I hope after following all these steps your are fairly protected against any misfortunes and can go and flash as many ROMs as you want.
Enjoy the Android Goodnes !!

Installing Latest Jelly Bean ROM
Using Odin:
Odin is the all purpose tool for Samsung devices which has completely replaced Kies on many PCs. It is light, fast, fluid and reliable.
You will need to first set up Odin in your PC (Hemidall in case of Mac users, don't ask me how to do it as I don't have a mac). Get Odin from here.
Once you have downloaded the zip file. Extract it somewhere you will remember.
Open the extracted folder and then open Odin3_v3.04.exe. It will ask you for administrator privileges, grant it.
Now download the latest ROM from:
www.samfirmware.com
Checkfus
XDA Page
Extract the tar from this zip to your PC.
Boot your phone into download mode, you can do this by pressing and holding Volume Down+Power+Home buttons together. Release the buttons when you see a robot with yellow triangle. Now press volume up button to enter into download mode.
Connect your phone to your PC. You will see Odin will recognize your phone and will show a message "Connected". The first box in the third row from the top will turn blue and say ID:COM7.
Now, the fun starts, click on PDA button and choose the tar file you had just extracted. Only Auto Reboot and F.Reset.Time options should be checked in the boxes above. If the Re-Partition box is checked Un-check it.
Click on Start, Odin will start installing your ROM. It will take some time so be patient. Once the installation is complete, your phone will reboot and you will have Jelly Bean on your phone.
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Using ClockworkMod Recovery:
To get CWM recovery on your phone check my earlier post.
Download the ROM from here or here.
Put the zip file on your SDcard. Reboot into CWM recovery by pressing and holding Volume Up+Power+Home buttons together.
Choose "Install from SDcard", Navigate to the zip file and choose "Yes" when asked for confirmation.
Once installed reboot your phone and enjoy the Jellybean goodness.
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These Firmwares can be used by any International Galaxy S3 phones. You don't have to worry about which firmware you are currently at.
Enjoy the Android Goodness !!

Moving Back to Stock ROM
How to return back to Stock ROM: After you have played with Custom ROMs
In the Android world it is often said that "If you have not played with it, you have not used it". Most people who are familiar with the Android development play with Custom ROMs (Operating Systems). These are made by developers who know their way around the Android File system and programming language. The purpose is to get more out of each and every device.
Many android users use these custom roms to personalize their device to their liking. However, sometimes it so happens that you need to take the device back to the original state, the state it was in when you took it out of the box. The reasons for doing so may vary from:
Sending it for warranty repair
Starting afresh
Sorting out some bugs etc.
In this part I will guide you through the steps required for doing so.
Step 1: Download the Original Firmware (Complete OS, includes Boot image, Recovery image, sboot, partition information etc.).
The Original Firmware for your region may be downloaded from various sources:
samfirmware.com
Checkfus
XDA
In either of the above sources you will have to specify your OS name, Device Name, OS version and Region. After that you will be presented with a list of the latest firmwares. Download the firmware.
Step2: Reset the Binary Counter
If you have been into Custom Roms and have rooted your phone, most likely your binary counter is not 0.
You can check your binary counter by booting into Download Mode.
It can be done by pressing and holding Volume Down + Power + Home buttons together. You will get to screen which will ask you if you want to enter into download mode. Now press volume up button.
Here you will get all the information about your device status:
Odin Mode Product Name: GT-I9300
Custom Binary Download: a number
Current Binary: Samsung Official/Custom
System Status: Official/Custom
Our purpose is to change the "Custom Binary Download" to 0.
For this we will require a special application know as "Triangle Away" made by XDA Elite Recognized Developer Chainfire. You can buy this app from the Playstore or download it free from XDA Developers website.
Once installed, fire up the app and follow the instructions given there. Don't worry it should not damage your device.
After it has done the trick, check the download mode again to see whether the binary counter has changed to zero or not.
Step 3: Flash the Official Firmware
Now you will need to flash the official firmware you had downloaded in the first step.
Open, Odin application on your pc and connect your phone (For detailed instructions check out this blog post)
After you have flashed the firmware, you have now reverted your phone back to the status it was in when you had bought it.
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Please feel free to post your comments and questions.
Enjoy the Android Goodness!!

Trouble shooting [FAQs]
Trouble Shooting Guide
Q. I have used Odin to flash stock ROM, now my phone is stuck in Bootloops. What should I do?
A. You have 2 options:
Boot in to Stock Recovery. Press and hold Volume up + Power + Home buttons together. Factory reset from there. However, if you do this you will loose all your data on the internal Sdcard
Flash CWM Recovery from here. Boot into recovery using the same button combo and Wipe Data/Factory Reset from there. You will not loose your data on internal SDcard this way.
Q. Can I flash JellyBean leak over the Stock ICS ROM?
A. Yes, you can. Just wipe Data, Cache and Dalvik Cache if flashing using ClockworkMod Recovery.
Q. How do I flash a kernel?
A. A kernel is flashed in the same way as a Custom ROM. So place the zip file on your Sdcard. Boot into recovery. Wipe Cache and Dalvik Cache. Flash the kernel.zip file.
Q. Can I flash XXXX modem over XXXX ROM?
A. Yes, Modem generally works independent of the ROM. So, You can flash whichever modem works best for your carrier/region.
Q. I have flashed XXXX ROM and now my CSC is unknown?
A. Generally Speaking CSC does not make much of a difference. If you are really facing a problem which is related to CSC such as some specific apps not working, some language not there etc. Either:
Use
Type *#272*Device IMEI# at Phone dial pad.
Select the CSC that you want.
Click Install.
or Install CSC changer app from the Market and change the CSC
Both ways yopur device will be factory resetted.
Q. I have installed a new ROM, but I am getting a strange notification in my status bar?
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
A. This icon means that your notifications are turned off. Drag your finger from the top of the screen down and you should see a bunch of buttons and the notification area, tap on the big button with the "i" so it turns green.
Q. What is the difference between a Theme and a ROM?
A. A ROM is a complete operating system whereas a Theme is a visual change made to some parts of a ROM.
Q. I have excessive battery drains?
A. More often than not it is your own fault. You have installed some app which is keeping your device awake. First of all before coming to any conclusions monitor your battery for atleast 2-3 charge discharge cycle. If you still feel the battery drain is high, install better battery stats from the market.
Now charge your mobile fully and let it discharge to 10%. Check the output of BBS and see which apps are causing the most wakelocks (i.e. keeping your device awake for the longest periods).
If it a non-system app, force stop/freeze the app and again monitor the battery drain for 1 complete cycle.
If the drain has improved, you have found the culprit, uninstall the offending app.
Additionaly, enable only those services out of
Location Services
GPS
WiFi
Sync etc
Which you use and disable those after you have used them.
Q. I have installed a new ROM, now my device does not see my photos/music?
A. This is a issue of the Media Scanner. The things which you should do in the decreasing order of priority are:
Reboot
Clear Cache/Data of the Gallery/Music Player app and Reboot
Clear Cache/Data of Media Storage and Reboot
Download Media Scanner app from Play Store and force rescan Media
Check in the media folders using a root enabled app for a .nomedia file, if found delete it
Re - Install the ROM after a full wipe.
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Q. Where do I find XXXXXX?
A. Use the search option in the Thread Tools or Forum Tools. Use an many keywords as possible.
Q. I do not find the solution to my problem in this thread, should I start a new thread?
A. Strictly No, post your problem in this thread, more often than not you will find someone with an answer. Useless threads spam the forum which makes person looking for information do twice/thrice the work.
And Most important:
Always Thank the person who has helped you!!
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I will be updating these guide regularly. SO feel free to comment and point out if I have missed/misrepresented anything.
Also, Please comment if any particular guide needs to be added.

Ask a mod to move the guide to a sticky .
On second thoughts users who would benefit from this guide refuse to read Stickies \FAQS and Guides .
jje

Zoot1, you are an absolute legend! Well done, should hopefully stop some of the stupid questions.... or at least give us an easy answer, by directing people here.
Should defo be stickied.
I would suggest adding a bit about backing up EFS (I only say it cos I buggered mine a couple of weeks ago, and had a mild heart attack until I remembered I had backed it up!).
BTW, there is a spelling mistake in post 2 - How to backup YOU device.... should say YOUR device.

krs360 said:
Zoot1, you are an absolute legend! Well done, should hopefully stop some of the stupid questions.... or at least give us an easy answer, by directing people here.
Should defo be stickied.
I would suggest adding a bit about backing up EFS (I only say it cos I buggered mine a couple of weeks ago, and had a mild heart attack until I remembered I had backed it up!).
BTW, there is a spelling mistake in post 2 - How to backup YOU device.... should say YOUR device.
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Edited the post thanks for pointing it out.

Added a guide on backing up EFS folder.

Don't know if I'm posting this in the right place (I hope I am).
Rooted my galaxy s3 using odin. CWM and su were installed. After booting up I got process.android.gapp has stopped working. Also playstore force closes and restarts when I try initiating downloads initially. Now it doesn't open at all. It just closes immediately it opens. What could be wrong? And what can I do?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

ciphoenix said:
Don't know if I'm posting this in the right place (I hope I am).
Rooted my galaxy s3 using odin. CWM and su were installed. After booting up I got process.android.gapp has stopped working. Also playstore force closes and restarts when I try initiating downloads initially. Now it doesn't open at all. It just closes immediately it opens. What could be wrong? And what can I do?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Step 1 would be to remove your google account..the clear data and cache from google framework services and play store...reboot...
If that does not work then ..backup your apps and data..boot into CWM recovery..wipe data and cache from there...hopefully this will resolve your issue..
Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

Originally Posted by ciphoenix
Don't know if I'm posting this in the right place (I hope I am).
Rooted my galaxy s3 using odin. CWM and su were installed. After booting up I got process.android.gapp has stopped working. Also playstore force closes and restarts when I try initiating downloads initially. Now it doesn't open at all. It just closes immediately it opens. What could be wrong? And what can I do?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Step 1 would be to remove your google account..the clear data and cache from google framework services and play store...reboot...
If that does not work then ..backup your apps and data..boot into CWM recovery..wipe data and cache from there...hopefully this will resolve your issue..
Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. The first step did it. Can now download from the playstore.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

waiting time after flashing stock
how long does the samsung logo stay on (animating) after flashing back to stock.
i have just followed your instructions on going back to stock (I9300XXEMB5) but now my phone wont boot up. i waited half an hour for it then i pulled the battery. and tried again but still it gets nowhere

mahall1988 said:
how long does the samsung logo stay on (animating) after flashing back to stock.
i have just followed your instructions on going back to stock (I9300XXEMB5) but now my phone wont boot up. i waited half an hour for it then i pulled the battery. and tried again but still it gets nowhere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot into stock recovery.. Wipe data/factory reset from there and try again..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

zoot1 said:
Boot into stock recovery.. Wipe data/factory reset from there and try again..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
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your amazing thank you

very very inforrmative thank yo. jsut one more thing, what about images and vids etc? how do i back them up?

abukad said:
very very inforrmative thank yo. jsut one more thing, what about images and vids etc? how do i back them up?
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Images can be backed up on Dropbox.. Similarly for videos as well.. However it is better to move all your important data on the internal sdcard to a pc before formatting..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Thank you. Now I know!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Thot I had synced contacts to Google... turns out dey were all saved to phone.. so ended up losing all contacts... so restored my nandroid n exported contacts to SD card... think u shud mention that
Sent from my GT-I9300

Rets88 said:
Thot I had synced contacts to Google... turns out dey were all saved to phone.. so ended up losing all contacts... so restored my nandroid n exported contacts to SD card... think u shud mention that
Sent from my GT-I9300
Click to expand...
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Thanks I will add it to the guide..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

stuck on CWM screen after Reboot. LG G2

Hi,
Need help as yesterday in the night my phone suddenly got restarted and got stuck on CWM recovery screen. Phone seems to work well during CWM recovery screen. but does not reboots properly to normal model.
Anyone please help me here as my phone is dead now and does not works further.
Rgds,

yusuf00786 said:
Hi,
Need help as yesterday in the night my phone suddenly got restarted and got stuck on CWM recovery screen. Phone seems to work well during CWM recovery screen. but does not reboots properly to normal model.
Anyone please help me here as my phone is dead now and does not works further.
Rgds,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Rom were you on before this? if you still have the zip file, just reflash it.. wipe cache and Dalvik cache nd reboot

nayak.aj said:
What Rom were you on before this? if you still have the zip file, just reflash it.. wipe cache and Dalvik cache nd reboot
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Click to collapse
I was on stock rom. But I am not able to even transfer the custom rom to the phone as it is not giving me any options to transfer any file.

yusuf00786 said:
I was on stock rom. But I am not able to even transfer the custom rom to the phone as it is not giving me any options to transfer any file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this might help you bro = http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471370 or cek ur pm

yusuf00786 said:
I was on stock rom. But I am not able to even transfer the custom rom to the phone as it is not giving me any options to transfer any file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah thats not good,i suppose you dont have a Nandroid either? i suggest you do a nandroid backup right now, format data & cache and try rebooting. If it still doesnt work , your /System partition may be corrupt. best to go with the above mentioned post by klebengan which would return you back to stock.
Mind you, in both cases you would lose your data. so do a nandroid right now, atleast wou would have a chance to extract important data later once you are up and running again.
BTW, This is the wrong place for this thread, it should be in Q & A and i m pretty sure there would be similar or related posts

nayak.aj said:
Ah thats not good,i suppose you dont have a Nandroid either? i suggest you do a nandroid backup right now, format data & cache and try rebooting. If it still doesnt work , your /System partition may be corrupt. best to go with the above mentioned post by klebengan which would return you back to stock.
Mind you, in both cases you would lose your data. so do a nandroid right now, atleast wou would have a chance to extract important data later once you are up and running again.
BTW, This is the wrong place for this thread, it should be in Q & A and i m pretty sure there would be similar or related posts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, thanks for the tip but I tried to even follow the Klebengan post but the main problem is that I am not even able to go to the download mode with the volume key up and Plugin in the usb cable.
I have the flash tool and the kdz file but as i said I am not able to go to the download mode so I am not able to use the LG flash tool also.
If somebody can help me with the steps of transfering the zip file in to the phone memory I can atleast try to install the custom rom once the phone goes on and starts than I may try to flash with the kdz file.
pls help

yusuf00786 said:
ok, thanks for the tip but I tried to even follow the Klebengan post but the main problem is that I am not even able to go to the download mode with the volume key up and Plugin in the usb cable.
I have the flash tool and the kdz file but as i said I am not able to go to the download mode so I am not able to use the LG flash tool also.
If somebody can help me with the steps of transfering the zip file in to the phone memory I can atleast try to install the custom rom once the phone goes on and starts than I may try to flash with the kdz file.
pls help
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Click to collapse
My wifes phone just did this same thing after recieving the update that at&t rolled out this morning. I did not know her phone was rooted.She got it off craigs list. The only thing it will do is boot back on cwm. HELP!!

yusuf00786 said:
Hi,
Need help as yesterday in the night my phone suddenly got restarted and got stuck on CWM recovery screen. Phone seems to work well during CWM recovery screen. but does not reboots properly to normal model.
Anyone please help me here as my phone is dead now and does not works further.
Rgds,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay i just recoverd my phone yesterday! I did the stupid thing which was not to read before doing anything drastic. I updated my phone after installing recovery (a very bad thing)
here is how you fix it, just go in recovery and execute these commands through any mean
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2451696
enjoy

aatish said:
okay i just recoverd my phone yesterday! I did the stupid thing which was not to read before doing anything drastic. I updated my phone after installing recovery (a very bad thing)
here is how you fix it, just go in recovery and execute these commands through any mean
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2451696
enjoy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankyou my friend but I just got my phone replaced.

I messed up for sure. Need help

Basically what I did was follow this guide here http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
I used step number 9 to install the MHC19I update while I was on Pure Nexus ROM and Elemental X Kernel. Then, I went ahead and dirty flashed the newer version of the ROM and kernel, but I made a nandroid back-up beforehand on TWRP 3.0.0.1. So when it finished and reboot, none of the apps worked. Everything I tried to open gave me a message saying "unforunately X has stopped" with a report and ok button options. Couldn't really use the phone at all. So I tried restoring the back up that I made and now it's either 1)taking a really long time or 2) not booting up at all because all it says is Google with the white unlocked lock at the bottom and hasn't changed.
I'm pretty sure I messed up pretty bad, so I'd appreciate some guidance on what to do. Thank you

suckafoola said:
Basically what I did was follow this guide here http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
I used step number 9 to install the MHC19I update while I was on Pure Nexus ROM and Elemental X Kernel. Then, I went ahead and dirty flashed the newer version of the ROM and kernel, but I made a nandroid back-up beforehand on TWRP 3.0.0.1. So when it finished and reboot, none of the apps worked. Everything I tried to open gave me a message saying "unforunately X has stopped" with a report and ok button options. Couldn't really use the phone at all. So I tried restoring the back up that I made and now it's either 1)taking a really long time or 2) not booting up at all because all it says is Google with the white unlocked lock at the bottom and hasn't changed.
I'm pretty sure I messed up pretty bad, so I'd appreciate some guidance on what to do. Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you followed step 9 you should be on the latest vendor, bootloader and radio. Go to the pure nexus thread and download the the newest Gapps release. I would verify the rom download and make sure it wasn't corrupted. Maybe redownload it to make sure. Boot in to TWRP and go to advance wipe. Select everything except internal data. Once it is wiped go to install and flash PureNexus rom, Gapps and then your custom kernal if you wish. You should be good to go after that.

murphyjasonc said:
Go to the pure nexus thread and download the the newest Gapps release... Once it is wiped go to install and flash PureNexus rom, Gapps and then your custom kernal if you wish. You should be good to go after that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will try this right now. Just a question though, once I download Gapps, how do I flash it on the phone since I don't have it downloaded on my phone?

suckafoola said:
Basically what I did was follow this guide here http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
I used step number 9 to install the MHC19I update while I was on Pure Nexus ROM and Elemental X Kernel. Then, I went ahead and dirty flashed the newer version of the ROM and kernel, but I made a nandroid back-up beforehand on TWRP 3.0.0.1. So when it finished and reboot, none of the apps worked. Everything I tried to open gave me a message saying "unforunately X has stopped" with a report and ok button options. Couldn't really use the phone at all. So I tried restoring the back up that I made and now it's either 1)taking a really long time or 2) not booting up at all because all it says is Google with the white unlocked lock at the bottom and hasn't changed.
I'm pretty sure I messed up pretty bad, so I'd appreciate some guidance on what to do. Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is most likely that you dirty flashed the ROM. Also, what partitions did you backup/restore?

Worse comes to worst, you can just flash the factory image to boot back up

suckafoola said:
Thanks, I will try this right now. Just a question though, once I download Gapps, how do I flash it on the phone since I don't have it downloaded on my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can add gapps to your phone using adb or just connect your phone to your computer when you are in TWRP, your computer should recognize your phone's internal storage and you can just move it there.

suckafoola said:
Thanks, I will try this right now. Just a question though, once I download Gapps, how do I flash it on the phone since I don't have it downloaded on my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download it in your PC then just plug your phone in and transfer the file over. Your phone will most likely be defaulted to USB charge mode though. Once you plug it in to your USB port an option on your phone should pop up to be able to change it to mtp file transfer. Then just copy the file to your internal storage, reboot in to TWRp and flash it in the steps above.

I use Superbeam a lot to transfer files from my computer to my phone if I don't want to find the plug to hook up the phone to the computer. I have also used pushbullet to send the link to my phone, and then download the file directly to the phone.

Urgent help require for recovering data

Hi there,
Its been a long time using the Note 3 since 2013. It had many issue but still carried on. But few days back when weak up in the morning saw the phone was off, though it was in charge full night. When turned it on it stuck in the Samsung glowing logo and nothing after that, it keep showing the same logo until it power is gone. Don’t know what happened that night, it was installing an update by itself or not.
Then google it and no steps helps, used odin and reflash with latest firmware from sammobile but that too didn’t help. I’ve lots of data in internal storage including sms and contacts and pictures. I’ve no issue to throwing off the phone but I cant lost all data in it, it will be a huge loss as just became a father and lots of pics on my new born baby, so you can understand the value.
Can anyone suggest how can I recover the data? Check the attachment for its current state. Thanks in advance.

soumen.sam said:
Hi there,
Its been a long time using the Note 3 since 2013. It had many issue but still carried on. But few days back when weak up in the morning saw the phone was off, though it was in charge full night. When turned it on it stuck in the Samsung glowing logo and nothing after that, it keep showing the same logo until it power is gone. Don’t know what happened that night, it was installing an update by itself or not.
Then google it and no steps helps, used odin and reflash with latest firmware from sammobile but that too didn’t help. I’ve lots of data in internal storage including sms and contacts and pictures. I’ve no issue to throwing off the phone but I cant lost all data in it, it will be a huge loss as just became a father and lots of pics on my new born baby, so you can understand the value.
Can anyone suggest how can I recover the data? Check the attachment for its current state. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how viable, but have you tried to install a custom recovery (TWRP, won't erase your media) and access recovery, connect to the computer and enable MTP.
It would be totally up to you.

ShaDisNX255 said:
I don't know how viable, but have you tried to install a custom recovery (TWRP, won't erase your media) and access recovery, connect to the computer and enable MTP.
It would be totally up to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes just found and read about TWRP, I'm reading how to install it. Can you tell me in short? also If I flash with PIT file, does it clear the data? My goal is not only the pictures, I had many notes in snote etc.

soumen.sam said:
Yes just found and read about TWRP, I'm reading how to install it. Can you tell me in short? also If I flash with PIT file, does it clear the data? My goal is not only the pictures, I had many notes in snote etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Short version: Download the TWRP .tar file for your specific model and flash via Odin. I'm not sure about the PIT file, I've never messed around with it.

ShaDisNX255 said:
Short version: Download the TWRP .tar file for your specific model and flash via Odin. I'm not sure about the PIT file, I've never messed around with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the TWRP flash after done can I connect to my PC to get the data back? or do I only have to copy it to memory card? If so then can I use an OTG pendrive to copy? issue is I dont have so large free memory card to take backups.

soumen.sam said:
With the TWRP flash after done can I connect to my PC to get the data back? or do I only have to copy it to memory card? If so then can I use an OTG pendrive to copy? issue is I dont have so large free memory card to take backups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With TWRP all you have to do is to boot into recovery and select the "Mount" option en check if MTP is enabled. After that your PC should recognize your phone as storage and you can recover/move anything from the internal SD card to the computer or to a USB drive if you want, or just save it to the PC. However, this will only allow you to recover things you have saved in your internal memory. This only includes photos, videos, whatsapp files, etc.... and not contacts, SMS and app settings.

ShaDisNX255 said:
With TWRP all you have to do is to boot into recovery and select the "Mount" option en check if MTP is enabled. After that your PC should recognize your phone as storage and you can recover/move anything from the internal SD card to the computer or to a USB drive if you want, or just save it to the PC. However, this will only allow you to recover things you have saved in your internal memory. This only includes photos, videos, whatsapp files, etc.... and not contacts, SMS and app settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thanks for the details, I've set everything and just waiting to hit the start button for TWRP Recovery. Before doing just wanted to know isnt their any file that I can copy and replace in other phone like contact.spb which stored all contact data (just for example)
And If I do the TWRP Recovery, after those backup done can I go back to the original recovery just by flashing it again? then I will look for another way to turn on the phone?

soumen.sam said:
ok thanks for the details, I've set everything and just waiting to hit the start button for TWRP Recovery. Before doing just wanted to know isnt their any file that I can copy and replace in other phone like contact.spb which stored all contact data (just for example)
And If I do the TWRP Recovery, after those backup done can I go back to the original recovery just by flashing it again? then I will look for another way to turn on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it IS possible to return to previous recovery (I've never attempted it) but you'd have to find the file to flash via Odin and try to return that way.
I'm not sure about moving your contact information from one phone to another by the method you described, I always sync my contacts via my Google account so usually any other phone I sync with Google has all my contacts.

ShaDisNX255 said:
I think it IS possible to return to previous recovery (I've never attempted it) but you'd have to find the file to flash via Odin and try to return that way.
I'm not sure about moving your contact information from one phone to another by the method you described, I always sync my contacts via my Google account so usually any other phone I sync with Google has all my contacts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the TWRP I managed to take all contents backup except contacts and sms, I also took the action memo folder and I've another note 3 neo and I will try to copy paste to see if that works.
After the backup done from TWRP when I boot to system the TWRP option never again, even by going to recovery menu it went to the stock recovery option. Any idea how to take the contact and sms backup?

soumen.sam said:
even by going to recovery menu it went to the stock recovery option. Any idea how to take the contact and sms backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Contact & sms location in root/data/data
Search contact folder
Btw flash back twrp
Hope you still in root or did you never root?
Good luck

Anon_Help_You said:
Contact & sms location in root/data/data
Search contact folder
Btw flash back twrp
Hope you still in root or did you never root?
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Thank you, I never payed with the phone and neither rooted though I'm a IT guy. With the twrp I couldnt see the root folder, though I checked to mount system but still not. I dont know how to root it, just want to throw the phone off after taking backup. Now trying with the CWM recovery and taking a full backup, dont know even it can be restored in other phone, looks like the backup is very larger. I've feb month contact and sms backup I used kies to do it. But recently my new card pin sent by the bank sms and cant use it until I get it.
Experience with this phone:
After 6month vibration gone
after 2 year charging port gone
Replaced at service station and thereafter no tower in room, no 3g, only 2g. 3g if I only if I go out side still only 20%time I get 3g.

soumen.sam said:
But recently my new card pin sent by the bank sms and cant use it until I get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats very important.
But phone only stuck in bootloop.
If bootloop everything can be solved.
The only problem you need to save data
Btw you said
soumen.sam said:
Don’t know what happened that night, it was installing an update by itself or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it is easy to fix by wipe cache
Did you ever do wipe cache in recovery?
If never do that, try wipe cache and dont wipe other things.
After that reboot, see if that bootloop still there.
99% success if what you said is correct.

soumen.sam said:
Hi, Thank you, I never payed with the phone and neither rooted though I'm a IT guy. With the twrp I couldnt see the root folder, though I checked to mount system but still not. I dont know how to root it, just want to throw the phone off after taking backup. Now trying with the CWM recovery and taking a full backup, dont know even it can be restored in other phone, looks like the backup is very larger. I've feb month contact and sms backup I used kies to do it. But recently my new card pin sent by the bank sms and cant use it until I get it.
Experience with this phone:
After 6month vibration gone
after 2 year charging port gone
Replaced at service station and thereafter no tower in room, no 3g, only 2g. 3g if I only if I go out side still only 20%time I get 3g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root by flashing CF Auto Root via Odin then boot into recovery and now try the Mount "System" option and see if you can now access files from the root of the phone.

Anon_Help_You said:
Thats very important.
But phone only stuck in bootloop.
If bootloop everything can be solved.
The only problem you need to save data
Btw you said
I believe it is easy to fix by wipe cache
Did you ever do wipe cache in recovery?
If never do that, try wipe cache and dont wipe other things.
After that reboot, see if that bootloop still there.
99% success if what you said is correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I know the issue is bootloop but how to solve this? I also tried few software for auto fix like fonepaw-android-data-recovery but nothing helped.
I can take the full system backup from CWM, the backup is very large like over 10GB but there have no option to take sms and contacts only. I dont know even with the backup I can restore it in other phone. If possible, restore and then I can take the sms and contact backup from there.
I did wipe cache partition 100 times. Nothing helped.

ShaDisNX255 said:
Root by flashing CF Auto Root via Odin then boot into recovery and now try the Mount "System" option and see if you can now access files from the root of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I root it and say I got the contact and sms store file then if I have to take them and paste in other phone then I have to root that phone as well right?

soumen.sam said:
If I root it and say I got the contact and sms store file then if I have to take them and paste in other phone then I have to root that phone as well right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely, yes. I've never done it, but you could also search for a .??? extension reader (depends on what file extension the contacts and sms files are, not really sure) on google and try to read them that way, it is a high possibility that you might find software for your PC specifically designed to read those files.
Heck, you might even be able to open them with a text reading app, who knows.

soumen.sam said:
I can take the full system backup from CWM, the backup is very large like over 10GB but there have no option to take sms and contacts only. I dont know even with the backup I can restore it in other phone. If possible, restore and then I can take the sms and contact backup from there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so sure if this work for you but work for me, long time not using Stock ROM.
Just flash TWRP by Odin
After finish with Odin go to recovery mode
Go to advance then file manager
At root folder, go data/data
Backup what you want save to SD
But I believe our contact location is same
Mine at /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/
If fail you need root
Inside contact folder got .db files
You can read using root explorer, root explorer got sql lite reader, you can read it.

ShaDisNX255 said:
Most likely, yes. I've never done it, but you could also search for a .??? extension reader (depends on what file extension the contacts and sms files are, not really sure) on google and try to read them that way, it is a high possibility that you might find software for your PC specifically designed to read those files.
Heck, you might even be able to open them with a text reading app, who knows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anon_Help_You said:
Not so sure if this work for you but work for me, long time not using Stock ROM.
Just flash TWRP by Odin
After finish with Odin go to recovery mode
Go to advance then file manager
At root folder, go data/data
Backup what you want save to SD
But I believe our contact location is same
Mine at /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/
If fail you need root
Inside contact folder got .db files
You can read using root explorer, root explorer got sql lite reader, you can read it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, thanks for your help and feedback. I'm trying again today and let you know what happens. With a CWM version I think my phone is rooted but not sure. While installing I saw the CWM saying rooting for a sec and then restart.

So after few days I got some time to work on it. I did CWM Recovery and took the full backup and the format and reset. Now the phone turned on and restored the backup by CWM but again its in Boot loop. Now what to do? and yes I think its rooted now.
I only need contacts sms and action memo, thats all

Help! No OS anymore!

I had Lineage OS installed on my pro3. It worked fine for a while.
But this morning, after the latest Lineage OS upgrade, the phone entered fastboot mode. And I could not find a way to boot it into Android.
So I went into TeamWin, wiped out everything. Now when I try to reboot from TeamWin, it says no OS.
I tried to connect it to a pc and use adb to upload the latest ROM. But adb says "no devices/emulators found", although I can see it from pc's device management and fastboot tool in pc.
What can I do now?
Thanks for any help.

Mount the device in TWRP and copy your time and gaaps to internal storage

andrew2401 said:
Mount the device in TWRP and copy your time and gaaps to internal storage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I ask how to mount the device(phone) in TWRP?
Thanks

lzy_tek said:
May I ask how to mount the device(phone) in TWRP?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I can use ADB sideload to transfer rom from pc to the phone.
THanks

Sometimes this happens on some builds. Dunno why. Usually you'll be able to boot back into system after rebooting a couple of times. Eventually the problem gets fixed in the next release. My advice: stop updating so much. Stay on a stable build and wait for feedback on the build before updating.
You mount the phone in TWRP by connecting it to your PC via cable. You can then make a Nandroid backup and transfer it to your PC (and also restore it) from there. Then you can unzip it and extract photos and stuff from your PC.

I have the same problem. Today morning, I downloaded the new version of Lineage OS from the phone and press the button ''Install'' but now the phone doesn't boot or do anything.
I tried to make wipes of the data and system and now I have no system anymore, moreover, I can't push any file to the phone to flash a new ROM, my PC gives me an error message like ''It's not possible to copy the file. The device stopped working or shuted down.'' (it's a simple translation from spanish, I don't know the actual message in english).
I've just tried to push files using fastboot but it gives me also errors, if you could help me to make this phone works again, I would be really pleased with you.
andrew2401 said:
Mount the device in TWRP and copy your time and gaaps to internal storage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lzy_tek said:
May I ask how to mount the device(phone) in TWRP?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sk8223 said:
Sometimes this happens on some builds. Dunno why. Usually you'll be able to boot back into system after rebooting a couple of times. Eventually the problem gets fixed in the next release. My advice: stop updating so much. Stay on a stable build and wait for feedback on the build before updating.
You mount the phone in TWRP by connecting it to your PC via cable. You can then make a Nandroid backup and transfer it to your PC (and also restore it) from there. Then you can unzip it and extract photos and stuff from your PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

When you boot into TWRP select mount and enable mtp. Also make sure you running the latest TWRP. Which can be found here
https://dl.twrp.me/zl1/

andrew2401 said:
When you boot into TWRP select mount and enable mtp. Also make sure you running the latest TWRP. Which can be found here
https://dl.twrp.me/zl1/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Andrew, first of all, thank you for your answer.
But I have already installed the last version of TWRP and when I select mount and enable MTP it doesn't happen anything.
I see the phone in my PC, but it appears totally empty, with no folder or anything related to Android system, and when I try to put any file into it, it gives me the error I said before.
So now I have no idea what to do

tdsystems said:
Hi Andrew, first of all, thank you for your answer.
But I have already installed the last version of TWRP and when I select mount and enable MTP it doesn't happen anything.
I see the phone in my PC, but it appears totally empty, with no folder or anything related to Android system, and when I try to put any file into it, it gives me the error I said before.
So now I have no idea what to do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update your driver's use the Google ones
---------- Post added at 07:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:35 PM ----------
tdsystems said:
Hi Andrew, first of all, thank you for your answer.
But I have already installed the last version of TWRP and when I select mount and enable MTP it doesn't happen anything.
I see the phone in my PC, but it appears totally empty, with no folder or anything related to Android system, and when I try to put any file into it, it gives me the error I said before.
So now I have no idea what to do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use this toolkit
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/tool-tool-one-driversunlocktwrpfactory-t3358711

andrew2401 said:
Update your driver's use the Google ones
---------- Post added at 07:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:35 PM ----------
Use this toolkit
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/tool-tool-one-driversunlocktwrpfactory-t3358711
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IT WORKED THANK YOU SO MUCH :highfive::highfive:
Thanks for sharing such an amazing tool, I've installed the stock recovery and then the stock ROM and it works fine. Now I can install a custom ROM as usual.
Greetings!!!!

tdsystems said:
IT WORKED THANK YOU SO MUCH :highfive::highfive:
Thanks for sharing such an amazing tool, I've installed the stock recovery and then the stock ROM and it works fine. Now I can install a custom ROM as usual.
Greetings!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it works out for you. In my case, once I started sideload in my phone, I can upload rom from pc through adb.

tdsystems said:
IT WORKED THANK YOU SO MUCH :highfive::highfive:
Thanks for sharing such an amazing tool, I've installed the stock recovery and then the stock ROM and it works fine. Now I can install a custom ROM as usual.
Greetings!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem glad I could help ? But all credit goes to the original developer