Database Develop

[I9020T][ROM][STOCK]Nexus S Android 2.3, Build GRH55 Factory Firmware

Please read this post in its entirety before downloading and flashing.
THIS IS FOR I9020T ONLY! IF YOU DECIDE TO GET BRAVE AND TRY THIS ON AN I9020A, I9023 OR D720, MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED TO ANY PHONE BY USING THIS ROM.
YOU MUST FLASH THIS ROM USING CLOCKWORKMOD RECOVERY. THIS WILL NOT FLASH USING THE STOCK ANDROID 3E RECOVERY AS THE ZIP FILE IS NOT SIGNED. I HAVE NOT TESTED IT ON OTHER RECOVERIES.
This is probably more for posterity now than anything else, however I have created a CWM-flashable full on ROM for the original Nexus S Gingerbread firmware, version 2.3, build GRH55. This is built exactly the same way that the full OTA ROM packages for 2.3.3 and 2.3.4 were built.
Some notes:
1. Since GRH55 did not include the script that automatically overwrites alternate recovery images with the stock one (this was introduced in GRH78/2.3.1), flashing this ZIP will flash the stock Android 3e recovery that came with GRH55. This means that ClockworkMod Recovery will go away after flashing this ZIP and you will need to re-flash it manually if you want it back.
2. Flashing this ZIP will overwrite your bootloader and radio, restoring them to I9020XXJK1 and I9020XXJK8 respectively. These are the versions that came stock with GRH55.
3. GRH55 is receiving OTA updates. As of this writing, the latest version of Android is 2.3.4, and Google is pushing an OTA update for 2.3 to 2.3.4.
4. This ZIP will NOT clear your user data or cache. For users running a stock ROM, I would highly suggest clearing your data and cache manually as sometimes downgrading without clearing data and cache can cause problems. If you are coming from a non-stock ROM, you are required to clear your data and cache or the ROM will not boot.
5. The market app works just fine but does not update to the current style and look. The market app that comes with GRH55 is version 2.12, which is the look that's now 2 generations old. For whatever reason, Google no longer allows version 2.12 to update to newer versions. That said, if you install a later version of the Android Market (3.0.27 as of this writing) manually, it will update to future versions automatically.
6. Since writing NFC tags wasn't introduced until GRI40/2.3.3, the Tags app is read-only.
7. There is no video chatting through Google Talk. This feature was not introduced until GRJ22/2.3.4.
Instructions:
1. Download the Stock GRH55 ROM package here.
2. Copy it to the root of your USB storage.
3. Reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery (or flash it).
4. Select "Install ZIP From SD Card"
5. Select "Choose ZIP"
6. Find the ZIP file and select it.
7. Wait for it to finish.
8. Wipe data and cache (optional but HIGHLY recommended for stock ROM users and REQUIRED for non-stock ROM users)
9. Reboot and have fun.

Reserved...just in case.

oldblue910 said:
Please read this post in its entirety before downloading and flashing.
THIS IS FOR I9020T ONLY! IF YOU DECIDE TO GET BRAVE AND TRY THIS ON AN I9020A, I9023 OR D720, MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED TO ANY PHONE BY USING THIS ROM.
YOU MUST FLASH THIS ROM USING CLOCKWORKMOD RECOVERY. THIS WILL NOT FLASH USING THE STOCK ANDROID 3E RECOVERY AS THE ZIP FILE IS NOT SIGNED. I HAVE NOT TESTED IT ON OTHER RECOVERIES.
This is probably more for posterity now than anything else, however I have created a CWM-flashable full on ROM for the original Nexus S Gingerbread firmware, version 2.3, build GRH55. This is built exactly the same way that the full OTA ROM packages for 2.3.3 and 2.3.4 were built.
Some notes:
1. Since GRH55 did not include the script that automatically overwrites alternate recovery images with the stock one (this was introduced in GRH78/2.3.1), flashing this ZIP will flash the stock Android 3e recovery that came with GRH55. This means that ClockworkMod Recovery will go away after flashing this ZIP and you will need to re-flash it manually if you want it back.
2. Flashing this ZIP will overwrite your bootloader and radio, restoring them to I9020XXJK1 and I9020XXJK8 respectively. These are the versions that came stock with GRH55.
3. GRH55 is receiving OTA updates. As of this writing, the latest version of Android is 2.3.4, and Google is pushing an OTA update for 2.3 to 2.3.4.
4. This ZIP will NOT clear your user data or cache. For users running a stock ROM, I would highly suggest clearing your data and cache manually as sometimes downgrading without clearing data and cache can cause problems. If you are coming from a non-stock ROM, you are required to clear your data and cache or the ROM will not boot.
5. The market app works just fine but does not update to the current style and look. The market app that comes with GRH55 is version 2.12, which is the older look and it never got updated before GRH78/2.3.1 came out. You can install a later market version manually, but if you do, you'll have to re-install it every time you reboot as the market updater will remove it and restore it back to 2.12. For whatever reason, Google forces GRH55 to stay with 2.12. You may be able to root the ROM and then upload a newer version into /system/app and overwrite 2.12 entirely, but do so at your own risk. If you want the latest version of the market (2.3.6 as of this writing), you can get it here.
6. Since writing NFC tags wasn't introduced until GRI40/2.3.3, the Tags app is read-only.
7. There is no video chatting through Google Talk. This feature was not introduced until GRJ22/2.3.4.
Instructions:
1. Download the Stock GRH55 ROM package here.
2. Copy it to the root of your USB storage.
3. Reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery (or flash it).
4. Select "Install ZIP From SD Card"
5. Select "Choose ZIP"
6. Find the ZIP file and select it.
7. Wait for it to finish.
8. Wipe data and cache (optional but HIGHLY recommended for stock ROM users and REQUIRED for non-stock ROM users)
9. Reboot and have fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NEWBIE HERE. Just to be clear, my phone has to be rooted to do this, right?

Not necessarily. You just need to have ClockworkMod recovery installed. That is independent from having root.

oldblue910 said:
Not necessarily. You just need to have ClockworkMod recovery installed. That is independent from having root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that related to ROM Manager? ROM Manager is saying my phone has to be rooted to use it.

jrocka01 said:
Isn't that related to ROM Manager? ROM Manager is saying my phone has to be rooted to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, it can be. Or you can unlock your bootloader (you can find threads on how to do that, it's very simple) and then flash clockworkmod manually. Basically, you need ClockworkMod in order to root, but the two are not synonymous.

oldblue910 said:
Again, it can be. Or you can unlock your bootloader (you can find threads on how to do that, it's very simple) and then flash clockworkmod manually. Basically, you need ClockworkMod in order to root, but the two are not synonymous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem. Unlocking the bootloader deletes USB storage. Kinda don't want that. Not being able to access my USB data is the reason I'm here in the first place. I know there's software to back up internal storage but what about SD storage? Of course on this phone there's no SD card to remove.

jrocka01 said:
Problem. Unlocking the bootloader deletes USB storage. Kinda don't want that. Not being able to access my USB data is the reason I'm here in the first place. I know there's software to back up internal storage but what about SD storage? Of course on this phone there's no SD card to remove.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would just plug the phone into your computer via USB and copy everything to your computer, then once you unlock the bootloader, copy it back. That'll take care of your USB storage.

oldblue910 said:
I would just plug the phone into your computer via USB and copy everything to your computer, then once you unlock the bootloader, copy it back. That'll take care of your USB storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said I lost USB connectivity, from the manual 2.3.4 install, which is why I'm trying to go back to an older version in the first place. No SD card on the NS. Do you know of another way?

try to install a program named websharing.
and you will be able to ftp your phone with you pc.
after that will be easy to transfer your SD data to your PC.

searius said:
try to install a program named websharing.
and you will be able to ftp your phone with you pc.
after that will be easy to transfer your SD data to your PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like a great idea. After I back them up I don't care if the SD gets wiped. Thanks for that.

fone broke
wont turn on. is there anything that can be done?
sory idid not read the whole post before flashing.

chaybag said:
wont turn on. is there anything that can be done?
sory idid not read the whole post before flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should read entire thread before questioning
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 03:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:40 PM ----------
oldblue910 said:
Please read this post in its entirety before downloading and flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[I9020T][ROM][STOCK]Nexus S Android 2.3.1, Build GRH78 Factory Firmware

Please read this post in its entirety before downloading and flashing.
THIS IS FOR I9020T ONLY! IF YOU DECIDE TO GET BRAVE AND TRY THIS ON AN I9020A, I9023 OR D720, MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED TO ANY PHONE BY USING THIS ROM.
YOU MUST FLASH THIS ROM USING CLOCKWORKMOD RECOVERY. THIS WILL NOT FLASH USING THE STOCK ANDROID 3E RECOVERY AS THE ZIP FILE IS NOT SIGNED. I HAVE NOT TESTED IT ON OTHER RECOVERIES.
This is probably more for posterity now than anything else, however I have created a CWM-flashable full on ROM for the Nexus S Gingerbread firmware, version 2.3.1, build GRH78. This is built exactly the same way that the full OTA ROM packages for 2.3.3 and 2.3.4 were built.
Some notes:
1. Flashing this ZIP will remove ClockworkMod Recovery on first boot. Android 2.3.1 introduced a script that automatically overwrites alternate recoveries with the stock Android 3e recovery each time you reboot your phone. The script is located in /system/etc/install-recovery.sh. If you root the ROM, you can rename this file to avoid flashing the stock recovery on each reboot.
2. Flashing this ZIP will overwrite your bootloader and radio, restoring them to I9020XXJK1 and I9020XXJK8 respectively. These are the versions that came stock with GRH78.
3. GRH78 is receiving OTA updates. As of this writing, the latest version of Android is 2.3.4, and Google is pushing an OTA update for 2.3.1 to 2.3.4.
4. This ZIP will NOT clear your user data or cache. For users running a stock ROM, I would highly suggest clearing your data and cache manually as sometimes downgrading without clearing data and cache can cause problems. If you are coming from a non-stock ROM, you are required to clear your data and cache or the ROM will not boot.
5. Since writing NFC tags wasn't introduced until GRI40/2.3.3, the Tags app is read-only.
6. There is no video chatting through Google Talk. This feature was not introduced until GRJ22/2.3.4.
Instructions:
1. Download the Stock GRH78 ROM package here.
2. Copy it to the root of your USB storage.
3. Reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery (or flash it).
4. Select "Install ZIP From SD Card"
5. Select "Choose ZIP"
6. Find the ZIP file and select it.
7. Wait for it to finish.
8. Wipe data and cache (optional but HIGHLY recommended for stock ROM users and REQUIRED for non-stock ROM users)
9. Reboot and have fun.

Reserved...just in case.

Hello,
I tried your ROM with my Nexus S (I didn't know the version exactly) and I have now a black screen and the phone won't boot or show me anything =(

OyoKooN said:
Hello,
I tried your ROM with my Nexus S (I didn't know the version exactly) and I have now a black screen and the phone won't boot or show me anything =(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aw come on man.......you gotta read! Can you get into recovery?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

Yes I know, I'm a dumb ass.
I have only access to fastboot (via Terminal only).

Try flashing Clockwork Mod Recovery with fastboot.
fastboot flash recovery.img

I did but I even don't know if I can boot into the recovery because the screen stay off.

Can you get to the bootloader? If you don't even see the bootloader screen, you may have bricked it.

I managed to fix it using ODIN.
Thanks.

Congrats Glad you got it working.

plz plz help begging u !
OyoKooN said:
I managed to fix it using ODIN.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i made the same mistake plz plz help me ....
i m stuckkkkk !

Lol I can't help but say what a bunch of retards haha. Make sure you gave the correct version before flashing. Might give it a try one of following days
Sent from my Nexus S

[I9020T][ROM][STOCK]Nexus S Android 2.3.2, Build GRH78C Factory Firmware

Please read this post in its entirety before downloading and flashing.
THIS IS FOR I9020T ONLY! IF YOU DECIDE TO GET BRAVE AND TRY THIS ON AN I9020A, I9023 OR D720, MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED TO ANY PHONE BY USING THIS ROM.
YOU MUST FLASH THIS ROM USING CLOCKWORKMOD RECOVERY. THIS WILL NOT FLASH USING THE STOCK ANDROID 3E RECOVERY AS THE ZIP FILE IS NOT SIGNED. I HAVE NOT TESTED IT ON OTHER RECOVERIES.
This is probably more for posterity now than anything else, however I have created a CWM-flashable full on ROM for the Nexus S Gingerbread firmware, version 2.3.2, build GRH78C. This is built exactly the same way that the full OTA ROM packages for 2.3.3 and 2.3.4 were built.
Some notes:
1. Flashing this ZIP will remove ClockworkMod Recovery on first boot. Android 2.3.2 contains a script that automatically overwrites alternate recoveries with the stock Android 3e recovery each time you reboot your phone. The script is located in /system/etc/install-recovery.sh. If you root the ROM, you can rename this file to avoid flashing the stock recovery on each reboot.
2. Flashing this ZIP will overwrite your bootloader and radio, restoring them to I9020XXJK1 and I9020XXJK8 respectively. These are the versions that came stock with GRH78C.
3. GRH78C is receiving OTA updates. As of this writing, the latest version of Android is 2.3.4, and Google is pushing an OTA update for 2.3.2 to 2.3.4.
4. This ZIP will NOT clear your user data or cache. For users running a stock ROM, I would highly suggest clearing your data and cache manually as sometimes downgrading without clearing data and cache can cause problems. If you are coming from a non-stock ROM, you are required to clear your data and cache or the ROM will not boot.
5. Since writing NFC tags wasn't introduced until GRI40/2.3.3, the Tags app is read-only.
6. There is no video chatting through Google Talk. This feature was not introduced until GRJ22/2.3.4.
Instructions:
1. Download the Stock GRH78C ROM package here.
2. Copy it to the root of your USB storage.
3. Reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery (or flash it).
4. Select "Install ZIP From SD Card"
5. Select "Choose ZIP"
6. Find the ZIP file and select it.
7. Wait for it to finish.
8. Wipe data and cache (optional but HIGHLY recommended for stock ROM users and REQUIRED for non-stock ROM users)
9. Reboot and have fun.

Reserved...just in case.

Thank You will post results if needed,i doubt it,again thank you very much,ping33tx

I can access the bootloader, I can access the clockwordrecovery, odin recognizes the device, but I can not access the intern sd.
I can only try to restore by odin
I'm looking rom to use the odin.
My nexus s is bricked, anyone help-me
I'm Brazilian and I used google translate, sorry.

i was googling for stock roms and found this
i had no idea if i have the i9020t or not
now my phone wont even turn on, no life
any ideas?
*EDITED: not sure which version i do have actually

SS2006 said:
this rom was bad...i was googling for stock roms and found this
i have the i9020t
now my phone wont even turn on, no life
any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wanted to flash this ROM, just wanted you to confirm that yours is an i9020A, not i9020T, therefore that's the reason why it won't turn on now.
Sorry for your phone by the way.

that could be the reason, i got this phone for very cheap and it was soft bricked so i had no idea if it was 9020a or 9020t (no box with it)
if this is the case, what can i do, USB jig or jtag?

Can you boot it to bootloader?
From off position, try Vol UP + Power.
If you can see the Android logo and 4 menu options, you got yourself a great deal.

SS2006 said:
that could be the reason, i got this phone for very cheap and it was soft bricked so i had no idea if it was 9020a or 9020t (no box with it)
if this is the case, what can i do, USB jig or jtag?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See at the back of your battery....
reboot to boatloader..
hopefully you can still get to recovery...

al_madd said:
See at the back of your battery....
reboot to boatloader..
hopefully you can still get to recovery...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He doesn't need to. If he can get to the bootloader, he can flash and boot a recovery via fastboot.

No guys, seems i got myself in a mess. It is indeed a i9020a (the info under battery was erased so i didnt know0 and i flashed the i9020t rom in this thread (different radios)
so this thing is HARD bricked, screen won't turn on, no bootloader, nothing, tried to get it into download mode (even without screen turning on) assuming it was working, but odin doesn't realize its there
so i think my only solution is jtag. I can buy a usb jig but I think that usb jigs dont do anything for hard bricked phones, am i right
Much thanks for your help.

CWM Recovery Won't Install

I'm following this tutorial on how to root my Orange UK GT-I9305 LTE Unlocked phone running 4.1.2.
Everything goes fine with Odin the phone reboots, then I unplug and turn off my phone, and boot into recovery mode only to find it hasn't installed and Android system recovery 3e is still there.
Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

synthecypher said:
I'm following this tutorial on how to root my Orange UK GT-I9305 LTE Unlocked phone running 4.1.2.
Everything goes fine with Odin the phone reboots, then I unplug and turn off my phone, and boot into recovery mode only to find it hasn't installed and Android system recovery 3e is still there.
Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not flashing as instructed is the usual .Like unzipping the file or wrong file faulty file download .
Try another recovery.
jje

JJEgan said:
Not flashing as instructed is the usual .Like unzipping the file or wrong file faulty file download .
Try another recovery.
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did follow them to the letter, does installing CWM Recovery actually root the phone or is "rooting" the phone a different process entirely that's required for installing CWM Recovery?.
:laugh:
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE
Model Number: GT-I9305
Build Number: JZO54K.I9305XXBMF1

synthecypher said:
I did follow them to the letter, does installing CWM Recovery actually root the phone or is "rooting" the phone a different process entirely that's required for installing CWM Recovery?.
:laugh:
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE
Model Number: GT-I9305
Build Number: JZO54K.I9305XXBMF1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All depends upon the package but most CWM are root and recovery .
TRYhttp://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2002953

Ended up using Auto-Root which seemed to work no problem.

synthecypher said:
Ended up using Auto-Root which seemed to work no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I initially had a rooted stock ROM that i was using for ages then upgraded to a custome ROM but for personal reasons decided to go back to stock.
Loaded stock ROM with intention of rooting only to get rid of bloatware, but not one of the ODIN Flash recoveries work at all, not one, so like you ended up using CF Auto and that worked but now im still stuck with Stock Recovery. I dont understand why none of the recoveries flash when they did before.
Cheers

trouble with cwm/ twrp
Hi all. Yes I'm a noob and I wouldn't ask If hadn't tried a plethora of ways to install either cwm or twrp.
It took me a good hour to find this thread so hope I'm in the right place.
Ok I used odin to root and cwm didn't stick so still on stock rec. However I used framaroot to get super su working and titanium says I'm all rooted up. Other apps only for root also work.
I've since tried using goo manager and Rom manager to install cwm or twrp and both say unsupported.
I've searched these here threads and found a few with same problem namely when using odin cwm wont stick and android reinstalls stock recovery.
So I'm a bit stuck, I'm rooted but have no cwm or twrp.
Any help would he much appreciated.

Try Philz recovery .

I have never used a custom recovery on this phone but i think i read somewhere that when flashing by odin the thing to do is not let odin reboot the phone. untick the reboot option. then when odin is done flashing and says pass shut down the phone . dont let it boot up.once phone is off you can boot into recovery by vol up+hom+power Here is the tricky part. as soon as you see the white samsung start to load aka bootloader screen release the power button but continue to press volume up and home. you should see the circle with the hat symbol. and enter into clockworkmod once in clockwork mod you will need to wipe data cache and dalvick DO NOT WIPE SYSTEM then flash a custom rom zip that you have previously copied to either your extsdcard or sdcard0 at the same time you probably will want to flash gapps as well. the thing is if you boot up before entering recovery . the default native recovery from samsung will take its place back. maybe it is easier to just flash rom manager in the play store. flash clockworkmod and then boot into recovery from the app itself. I9300 is supported . dont know about I9305

thanks !
ashraf sharif said:
I have never used a custom recovery on this phone but i think i read somewhere that when flashing by odin the thing to do is not let odin reboot the phone. untick the reboot option. then when odin is done flashing and says pass shut down the phone . dont let it boot up.once phone is off you can boot into recovery by vol up+hom+power Here is the tricky part. as soon as you see the white samsung start to load aka bootloader screen release the power button but continue to press volume up and home. you should see the circle with the hat symbol. and enter into clockworkmod once in clockwork mod you will need to wipe data cache and dalvick DO NOT WIPE SYSTEM then flash a custom rom zip that you have previously copied to either your extsdcard or sdcard0 at the same time you probably will want to flash gapps as well. the thing is if you boot up before entering recovery . the default native recovery from samsung will take its place back. maybe it is easier to just flash rom manager in the play store. flash clockworkmod and then boot into recovery from the app itself. I9300 is supported . dont know about I9305
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats exactly how I understood the cwm not sticking problem. I have tried rom manager and said not compatable with my device as did goo manager for twrp. I think odin is the only way I get it to stick. So il flash in odin and il try to get into cwm as it boots and wipe those two files you mentioned.
But then can I just boot up as normal ? or will android try to reflash its stock rom ? Damn my phone for being so difficult
I only ask because I haven't decided what CR to use yet (or even looked for any). I was gonna get it all ready first then learn how to install a CR - 1 thing at a time i thought.
Anyway thanks for your help :good:
JJEgan I found Philz thread to be helpful but something I feel Im just not ready for. Im new to this and although the updated cwm looked cool there were just to much going on, maybe for a later day.
Thanks all the same :good:

wiping data plus cache plus dalvick cache is done to prepare your phone for the custom rom that you are going to flash. the wiping is to clean those partitions because if they are not erased you will have problems. especially if you go from one android version to another or touchwiz to aosp. it is done so you get a clean install with minimal issues. if it is not done you will most likely bootloop. effectively it is a factory reset. all of your apps and app data will be gone so you do not want to do that unless you have backed up your apps . however sometimes google automatically installs them after you sign in.
I am not sure why clockwork mod does not stick but if you copy the rom you want to your phone install clockworkmod with odin and then use clockwork mod to flas the rom and gapps package then factory reset you will not have the stock recovery anymore. but this has to be done without booting into android stock . PLEASE FOLLOW THE FLASHING INSTRUCTIONS TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY. AND UNDERSTAND ANYTIME YOU FLASH OR MODIFY YOUR PHONE YOU VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND POSSIBLY CAN CAUSE IRREPARABLE DAMAGE. BEST OF LUCK!
---------- Post added at 04:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:24 PM ----------
Also philz recovery is highly recommended
HERE IS SOME VERY GOOD READING http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2362743&highlight=philz+recovery http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2344125

think I got it lol
Ok that's sounds good. However I've just read the threads you linked and now I've got to back up my imei and NV files first or il loose them when flashing. The procedure is all there and seems doable for a noob but i read some peeps are having trouble just doing that. I really wanted to root/install a CR regardless of the troubles cos I want full access and more importantly want to learn all the ins and outs so I can get the best use from my phone so glad I found this forum cause I'm sure I would have bricked my phone otherwise.
Might I ask if I've got this right tho?
1: backup imei/NV files
2: use odin to get cwm to stick using your method
3: boot into cwm to wipe data/dalvick cache and gapps
4:use cwm to flash a CR
5:factory reset
I think that's right?

CLOSE
1 BACKUP EFS FOLDER(IT CONTAINS imeiAND SERIAL NUMBER AND OTHER NETWORK SETTINGS) MAKE AT LEAST 2 BACKUPS ONE FOR EXTERNAL SDCARD AND ONE TO KEEP ON YOUR PC
2 INSTALL CWM RECOVERY USING ANY WORKING METHOD. byTHE WAY PHILZ CAN BACKUP EFS.
3 IN CWM RECOVERY MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP OF YOU CURRENT ROM. I FORGOT TO TELL YOU THAT ,THIS IS IN CASE YOUR FLASH FAILS YOU CAN RESTORE CURRENT ROM FROM BACKUP. ALWAYS BACKUP BEFORE A FLASH
4 IN CWM RECOVERY WIPE DATA, CACHE , AND DALVIK CACHE
5 IN CWM RECOVERY FLASH ZIP FOR ROM AND FLASH ZIP FOR GAPPS "GOOGLE APPS"
6 BOOT ANDROID THIS MAY TAKE UP TO 10 MINUTES FOR THE INITIAL BOOT. BE PATIENT. IF IT BOOTS YOU ARE DONE
7 IF PHONE DOES NOT BOOT THEN IN RECOVERY WIPE DATA AND CACHE AND DALVIK AGAIN
8 STILL NOT BOOTING FLASH ROM ANG GAPPS AGAIN
NOT BOOTING? RESTORE NANDROID
FACTORY RESET=WIPE DATA AND CACHE
DONT EVER WIPE SYSTEM UNLESS YOU HAVE A RECENT NANDROID. NANDROID IS GOOD BUT THE OLDER IT IS THE MORE LIKELY IT IS TO GET CORRUPTED
ALSO IF YOU GET FORCE CLOSES FIXING PERMISSIONS USUALLY WORKS FOR THAT.
SOME ROMS ARE FLASHED IN DIFFERENT WAYS .ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DEVELOPERS INSTRUCTIONS

i had the same Problem before.
I Just disassembled the battery after a full-wipe for few minutes and it works... i don't know y, but that was the only way... ?!

brilliant thanks!
ashraf sharif said:
CLOSE
1 BACKUP EFS FOLDER(IT CONTAINS imeiAND SERIAL NUMBER AND OTHER NETWORK SETTINGS) MAKE AT LEAST 2 BACKUPS ONE FOR EXTERNAL SDCARD AND ONE TO KEEP ON YOUR PC
2 INSTALL CWM RECOVERY USING ANY WORKING METHOD. byTHE WAY PHILZ CAN BACKUP EFS.
3 IN CWM RECOVERY MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP OF YOU CURRENT ROM. I FORGOT TO TELL YOU THAT ,THIS IS IN CASE YOUR FLASH FAILS YOU CAN RESTORE CURRENT ROM FROM BACKUP. ALWAYS BACKUP BEFORE A FLASH
Am I backing up to ext SD card?
4 IN CWM RECOVERY WIPE DATA, CACHE , AND DALVIK CACHE
5 IN CWM RECOVERY FLASH ZIP FOR ROM AND FLASH ZIP FOR GAPPS "GOOGLE APPS"
Are these seperate zips?
6 BOOT ANDROID THIS MAY TAKE UP TO 10 MINUTES FOR THE INITIAL BOOT. BE PATIENT. IF IT BOOTS YOU ARE DONE
7 IF PHONE DOES NOT BOOT THEN IN RECOVERY WIPE DATA AND CACHE AND DALVIK AGAIN
8 STILL NOT BOOTING FLASH ROM ANG GAPPS AGAIN
NOT BOOTING? RESTORE NANDROID
FACTORY RESET=WIPE DATA AND CACHE
DONT EVER WIPE SYSTEM UNLESS YOU HAVE A RECENT NANDROID. NANDROID IS GOOD BUT THE OLDER IT IS THE MORE LIKELY IT IS TO GET CORRUPTED
ALSO IF YOU GET FORCE CLOSES FIXING PERMISSIONS USUALLY WORKS FOR THAT.
SOME ROMS ARE FLASHED IN DIFFERENT WAYS .ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DEVELOPERS INSTRUCTIONS
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Click to collapse
Thank-you for all that,I really appreciate it.
Can I ask the difference between the apps nandroid manager and titanium? I've backed up with both and wondered if i really needed to? The nandroid backup was nearly 3gb!
Also I was gona backup with qpst for imei and NV files but then read its only for US versions? Will the backup of efs folder include those?

honestly i really dont know what the differences are. l do not use custom recoveries or custom roms. i dont use titanium backup .Any rom I flash i get from sammobile.com. one reason i do not use custom roms is that none can support mhl. I use a monitor and bluetooth mouse and keyboard . without mhl I cant mirror my screen so i always stay with stock roms. i use Xposed framework for modifications.

ashraf sharif said:
I have never used a custom recovery on this phone but i think i read somewhere that when flashing by odin the thing to do is not let odin reboot the phone......
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Click to collapse
thx you so much. this was the secound s3 that had this issue. deactivating auto reboot did the job!!!!

[EXPERIMENTAL] Flashing on G900A_OC4 - 5.0 Lollipop

FlashFire - Play BETA - PREVIEW
1. Join the G+ community using the same Google account as you're using for Play on your phone/tablet Here.
2. Sign up to receive the BETA versions from Play Here.
- Use the link provided after sign-up to download the app
With the amazing work by @Chainfire we are blessed with a what seems to be almost perfect replacement for SafeStrap. Yes, this is still in Beta and you should go into this expecting to soft brick your phone every time when flashing something with this. That's why we need some brave souls to test the limits of FlashFire for our poor device.
If you would like to help contribute to see what we can flash with this application here are a couple tutorials on flashing by @muniz_ri
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...w-to-update-to-g900aoca-5-0-keeproot-t3076803
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...-to-enable-native-tethering-g900aoc4-t3078561
If you come across anything that you can flash from the smallest things or even ROMs that you have found compatible please share the knowledge here and I will try to put it in an index that others can see through this beta testing and early phase of Android Lollipop for the G900A.
ROMs that have been confirmed to be flashed and working:
G900A_OC4 5.0 Stock Rooted Android Lollipop by @muniz_ri
Miscellaneous things that have been confirmed to be flashed and working:
Native Tethering by @muniz_ri
300 Fonts for Lollipop and KitKat by @nitol
Titanium Backup's update.zip file
Remote Play Installer
Notes:
If your device stays at the black screen when you try to flash something simply pull the battery out. Then, boot into recovery and wipe the cache partitions. That should allow you to boot your device again after failure.
If you find yourself in a boot loop and downgrading back to NCE you can restore your 5.0 backup while on 4.4.2 (if you made one like you should have) by following my tutorial in the following link. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60095108&postcount=21

Here is what I know so far about FlashFire's capabilities on locked bootloader devices:
- Will run on Android v4.x.x/5.0.x.
- Will not trip your Knox Warranty Flag.
- Will flash ROM's (use "flash .zip or ota" option).
- No AROMA installer ROM's.
- Caution! FF flashes to the boot partition, i.e. flashing custom kernels will result in soft brick!
- You can drop a Full Odin .tar or .zip file containing the raw images onto your device and it will flash system, kernel, cache, and recovery (will not flash modem, non-hlos, or bootloader) (use "flash firmware package" option).
- You can flash the remaining partitions via a .zip at the same time or via your PC using Odin.
- Flashes .tars with unsigned images, e.g. system.img.ext4, modem.bin. (use "flash firmware package" option).
- You can also flash individual (un-.tar'd) images, e.g. recovery.img, boot.img.
- Flashes .zip files, e.g. mod's, SuperSu Update.zips, etc (use "flash .zip or ota" option).
- Makes Backups of and Restores all partitions.
- Wipes partitions.
- Injects Root.
I will add here as I test and learn more.
Also want to add a note of caution....if you are a noob and don't have much experience with these things don't rush in. Best to sit back until safe and responsible guides are created. I for one am not at all sympathetic to those that don't take the time to read and understand before jumping in.

muniz_ri said:
Here is what I know so far about FF:
- Will run on Android v4.x.x/5.0.x
- No AROMA installer ROM's.
- Caution! FF flashes to the boot partition, i.e. flashing custom kernels will result in soft brick!
- Flashes stock or modified images, e.g. system.img.ext4, modem.bin, non-hlos.bin.
- Flashes .zip files, e.g. mod's, SuperSu Update.zips, etc
- Makes Backups of and Restores all partitions.
- Injects Root
I will add here as I learn more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of my questions about FlashFire is will it work on encrypted phones? My work phone is Verizon GS5 and SafeStrap would not work because of my encryption, so I'd be very interested in updating that phone without losing root if it will work. Thanks for all your work!

I attempted to flash Alliance ROM 7.1 from the International Forums.
My Steps:
1. Downgrade to NCE
2. Root
3. SuperSU
4. Install FlashFire
5. Set up FlashFire in the following order;
- Wipe
- Flash Partitions and Bootloader
- Flash Alliance ROM
Everything looked to be working perfectly, but it was getting stuck on the second boot screen. Going to try it again, but after I finish installing Stock Rooted 5.0 again. Maybe it will work then. Only one way to figure out.

Great thread. I'll have a deodexed build up in the next few days then start adding mods and working on other things

Nyxerosoir said:
I attempted to flash Alliance ROM 7.1 from the International Forums.
My Steps:
1. Downgrade to NCE
2. Root
3. SuperSU
4. Install FlashFire
5. Set up FlashFire in the following order;
- Wipe
- Flash Partitions and Bootloader
- Flash Alliance ROM
Everything looked to be working perfectly, but it was getting stuck on the second boot screen. Going to try it again, but after I finish installing Stock Rooted 5.0 again. Maybe it will work then. Only one way to figure out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm downloading Alliance as well. Let me know how your flash goes. If love to get a Rom going on lollipop.

dirtydodge said:
I'm downloading Alliance as well. Let me know how your flash goes. If love to get a Rom going on lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should I try flashing the ROM as a Firmware package this time or a Zip/OTA?

Nyxerosoir said:
Should I try flashing the ROM as a Firmware package this time or a Zip/OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure. I'd think as a zip. I'm trying to learn FF.

dirtydodge said:
Not sure. I'd think as a zip. I'm trying to learn FF.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Going to try as a firmware package
When I tried to flash as a zip in FlashFire all it did was wipe my device then once it tried to insall the ROM it stopped then rebooted.

Nyxerosoir said:
Going to try as a firmware package
When I tried to flash as a zip in FlashFire all it did was wipe my device then once it tried to insall the ROM it stopped then rebooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sounds good. I'm backing up with Kies right now.

dirtydodge said:
I'm sounds good. I'm backing up with Kies right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just updated the 2nd post. It should provide some guidance.

muniz_ri said:
Just updated the 2nd post. It should provide some guidance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried to flash Allience in zip/ota and after it wipes it says that it is installing the .zip file for a second then it stops and reboots. Could this be a bug from FlashFire or the ROM not compatible?
Maybe try a dirty flash of the ROM?

I grab a stock ROM directly from G900F, make G900A boot.img and system.img.ext4 into tar.md5. Flash as package in FireFlash along with G900A_OC4_Stock_Partitions_wOA1_BL.zip. Works out pretty well. Just need to disable KNOX with Titanium Backup (for some reason SuperSU doesn't detect KNOX being present) and use Root Explorer to get csc through.
However haven't figured out how to enable VoLTE yet.

Nyxerosoir said:
Tried to flash Allience in zip/ota and after it wipes it says that it is installing the .zip file for a second then it stops and reboots. Could this be a bug from FlashFire or the ROM not compatible?
Maybe try a dirty flash of the ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the dirty flash. Just stuck at black screen. I let it sit for 25 min then did a battery pull. Rom did not install. I'll leave it alone tonight before i have to stay up all night fixing a soft brick. Haha.

82801BA said:
I grab a stock ROM directly from G900F, make G900A boot.img and system.img.ext4 into tar.md5. Flash as package in FireFlash along with G900A_OC4_Stock_Partitions_wOA1_BL.zip. Works out pretty well. Just need to disable KNOX with Titanium Backup (for some reason SuperSU doesn't detect KNOX being present) and use Root Explorer to get csc through.
However haven't figured out how to enable VoLTE yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is some very useful information. Can't wait to give it a go tomorrow! Time for some rest.
Do you have SQLite Editor? Maybe VoLTE can be implemented though it.

Nyxerosoir said:
That is some very useful information. Can't wait to give it a go tomorrow! Time for some rest.
Do you have SQLite Editor? Maybe VoLTE can be implemented though it.
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Click to collapse
@Nyxerosoir It's not that the option that is not there. It is just I am not able to enable it (grayed out) or it says "VoLTE is not supported by your current software version. Contact customer service for more details." if I try to enable it on quick settings.

Nyxerosoir said:
Tried to flash Allience in zip/ota and after it wipes it says that it is installing the .zip file for a second then it stops and reboots. Could this be a bug from FlashFire or the ROM not compatible?
Maybe try a dirty flash of the ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A general principle to keep in mind is when flashing ROM's at the very least the kernel needs to match the system, i.e. 5.0 system requires the G900A Stock 5.0 kernel, 4.x system requires the G900A Stock 4.x kernel. The matching G900A Stock non-hlos will likely also be required in order for the ROM to work correctly.

I finally managed to get the font package by @nitol to work. The first time I ended up with a bootloop, but then I tried wiping dalvik and cache and flashing. Worked like a charm! Updated it in the OP for the index.

Can i upgrade from custom 4.4.2 to stock 5.0 via flashfire without needing a pc odin to flash bootloader and modem ? (I have G900F so unlocked bootloader)

waleed794 said:
Can i upgrade from custom 4.4.2 to stock 5.0 via flashfire without needing a pc odin to flash bootloader and modem ? (I have G900F so unlocked bootloader)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, follow @muniz_ri's guide and you can successfully upgrade from 4.4.2 to 5.0 without a PC.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...w-to-update-to-g900aoca-5-0-keeproot-t3076803