Database Users

[Q] Semi-bricked? HELP!?

So I began playing around with "rooting," my Vibrant. I'm a computer engineer, but relatively new to the whole "smart phone," thing. Loaded a few different ROMs, played around a bit. No problem. At some point tonight, I tried to load a new ROM, and after clockworkmod, the vibrant screen took FOREVER. That's about the time my cats went crazy. Long story short, I dropped the phone. Cover popped off, battery fell out.
Now, the phone is sitting at the Vibrant screen for hours, will not boot into recovery mode, and if I plug it in, it just shows a gray battery.
I've tried the 3-button recovery mode over and over, with no success. Nothing at all. I CAN get to "download," mode, where I get the droid icon, and it says "Downloading...Do not turn off Target!!!" That said, I have no idea what, if anything, I can do from this screen. I have no idea what to do, but I know I can't afford another 500.00 phone. Please help!!
--SFGAirborne

http://androidspin.com/2010/08/09/how-to-restore-or-recover-your-samsung-vibrant/
Sent from my Vibrant running Bionix-v 1.2.1 in GingerRED

Probably you will need a couple of things in your tool kit.
You will need Odin 1.3 or higher
Pit file (there are 512 and 831) Guessing you will need the 512pit
Original JFD stock file 2.1
Eugenes froyo that does not brick
Remove the sim and the sd card, remove the battery have Odin up on the computer> then hold down the 3 buttons and plug in the phone to the usb connected to computer. If this works and Odin sees the phone (does not matter if it says com5 or 6 etc.) then you can go from there, If not then you will need a jig, people here sell them, i saw connextion2005 sells them but there are others (like 8bucks) or you could make it is 301k resistors tied to one 2 pins of the usb (do a search if you are interested).
Then the sequence for the fix is to flash the Froyo first that does not brick (do not check repartition) once it begins to reboot pull the battery out (does not need to reboot) then flash the JFD on top and this time check the repartition
Let this finish reboot> then use super one click root or other of your choice. Then download CWM and Titanium backup...... flash your new rom and you are back in business.
Hope that helps

Thanks a ton! Open-source research indicates Odin is a proprietary tool used by Samsung techs, correct? I'm not at home right now, so I can't do anything with it, but I will download and run when I get home. Does it have to be run from Windows? I'm a Linux user. If necessary, I can build a VM, but if Odin will work easily in Wine, that's better for me.
Again, thanks for the help!

Odin is your one way stop to guarantee that your phone will always work, unless it's hardware issues.
I have used Odin to go back to stock so many times to clear data, to reflash ROMs or to recovery from splash screen loops or soft bricks. Always works like a charm.
You should check out CyanogenMod forums under Galaxy S and there is a step by step guide how to do it. That's what I use. Works always!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

sfgairborne said:
Thanks a ton! Open-source research indicates Odin is a proprietary tool used by Samsung techs, correct? I'm not at home right now, so I can't do anything with it, but I will download and run when I get home. Does it have to be run from Windows? I'm a Linux user. If necessary, I can build a VM, but if Odin will work easily in Wine, that's better for me.
Again, thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a friend running fedora and odin works fine for him, if you have problems with Odin there is another application out there called heimdall, you will have to excuse me as i have no experience with it, but have heard that it plays well with linux and unix systems when odin doesnt.

sfgairborne said:
Thanks a ton! Open-source research indicates Odin is a proprietary tool used by Samsung techs, correct? I'm not at home right now, so I can't do anything with it, but I will download and run when I get home. Does it have to be run from Windows? I'm a Linux user. If necessary, I can build a VM, but if Odin will work easily in Wine, that's better for me.
Again, thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Heimdall: Here is a post I did last week:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=944598
maybe you will get better results with this, there also is a linux version as well

The Bible is also a good reference:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=771111

Restoring via ODIN, as we speak. No idea how long it'll take, but I'll let you know the outcome. Again, thanks a ton!
And, I've definitely learned my lesson. Being a "computer guru," does not necessarily translate to being a "technology guru." I should probably RTFM before playing with things I don't know next time. If I can ever off you all any network security advice/assistance, please feel free to ask.

You all rock! Fully restored, back up and running!!

Help!!! Volume up and power does nothing!!

HELP!!
My Sprint Galaxy tab seems to be soft bricked. I tried to install the CWM recovery using the bootstrap method and then rebooting into recovery, factory reset/data wipe, and cache wipe, then rebooting. Got stuck at samsung logo and the directions of the thread said to just hold power and volume up and that will reboot into recovery so the file convertion could continue, but its SCREWED! And the worst part is that I am on vacation and I use my tab for everything. I was planning on using all this trip and I only have a mac, not a PC so Odin is out. If someone could please help and get me back up and running I would really appreciate it. Like I said all the resources at my disposal are a macbook pro and a HTC Inspire 4g. TIA

do you have an sdcard installed? Yours is doing what mine did, and then i inserted the sdcard and it started working. basically, if you dont. the phone is trying to find it so it can convert it to ext 4 and just loops.

laxwillsch said:
...Got stuck at samsung logo and the directions of the thread said to just hold power and volume up and that will reboot into recovery so the file convertion could continue, but its SCREWED!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the instructions are to power off the device, then hold vol up and power. This may be what you were trying to say, but if you indeed tried to do it exactly as you said then it would simply power off the device.

Yes that is what I was trying to say, I held volume up and power till the samsung logo came on

And mine had an sd card in the device, do you think it is worth it to take it out and put it back in? I am willing to try anything at this point. I really just want to get it back up and running, I bought it outright and don't use the sprint network, and I use my phone for gps so I don't need either of those. Just want to know how to flash back to stock, want to use it for an ereader and to watch movies.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

How far into the CwM process did it get? Did you ever make it into CwM Recovery? If not, then the issue was with the kernel/recovery flash and that should be all you need to fix.
You have a few options for doing this if you can still get to DL mode (vol down and power to boot), the easiest being Heimdall GUI or Odin. You already said Odin is out due to your current situation, so how about Heimdall? I am not sure where to get a stock kernel/recovery for Sprint, but the KhasMek Voodoo Kernel with Recovery is working for Sprint users, but perhaps with some limitations that are outlined in the thread later on. Check out the Heimdall instructions in the OP to see what you need to do if you can use Heimdall. The same instructions should apply if you can find a reliable stock kernel/recovery zImage for the Sprint tab.

beestee said:
How far into the CwM process did it get? Did you ever make it into CwM Recovery? If not, then the issue was with the kernel/recovery flash and that should be all you need to fix.
You have a few options for doing this if you can still get to DL mode (vol down and power to boot), the easiest being Heimdall GUI or Odin. You already said Odin is out due to your current situation, so how about Heimdall? I am not sure where to get a stock kernel/recovery for Sprint, but the KhasMek Voodoo Kernel with Recovery is working for Sprint users, but perhaps with some limitations that are outlined in the thread later on. Check out the Heimdall instructions in the OP to see what you need to do if you can use Heimdall. The same instructions should apply if you can find a reliable stock kernel/recovery zImage for the Sprint tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok Thanks I just downloaded Heimdall and am going to give it a shot, what do I have to lose. If all else fails I can just wait till I get home where I have a PC with odin and I can just flash the almost stock rom that is floating around. If I successfully flash the zimage from the kernel thread will that just replace the current kernel that may be causing the issues?

Well I think I am screwed. Heimdall failed with a failure to get a response from device error and now all I have is the phone ! pc graphic. I really dont know what to do now. I think I am going to be screwed I dont know how to get out of this. No more download mode no recovery mode. NOTHING!

PLEASE ANYONE OUT THERE!!! I REALLY NEED SOME HELP WITH THIS!! I eard that if the battery goes dead while your at phone ! pc your screwed and have to tear it down. And because I dont have a windows computer I cant use the odin method just yet.

Well not that anyone cares because of the lack of activity on this thread, but I thought I would post what fixed it just in case someone else has this problem. I downloaded a stock Sprint Rom, that actually came with a modem that works I think (I don't use sprint service but my baseband is there) and with working GPS. I found it on this forum somewhere it was called Sprint_D30_Tab or something. I went and borrowed a windows 7 pc from a neighbor, plugged my tab in when it was in Phone ! Pc mode, let it download the drivers, then loaded odin up with no PIT no Repartition, and did the CSC and PDA slots, then let it run. It took alot longer than any odin did on my captivate but it worked. I have a fully functional Tab again!

Thats good news! The cwm bootstrapper sure seems volatile for some, likely why it has never left beta status. I would recommend avoiding it, and if you get the itch to install recovery again I would go straight for KhasMek kernel until a better solution for CDMA tabs comes around, if ever.

find one windows pc and flash the pit with rerepartition, dont know if it gona boot your tab but a least alow you to acces to the download mode! pm if you need the file.

How To Recover Your Fascinate From Any Brick, And Rooting Methods

HOW TO UN-BRICK YOUR FASCINATE NOW THAT YOU HAVE BRICKED IT
SINCE IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION SOME POEPLE ARE CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT PHONE THIS IS FOR, I WILL MAKE IT AS CLEAR AS POSSIBLE
THIS IS FOR THE VERIZON FASCINATE
So you think you bricked your phone? The first thing you need to do is CALM DOWN, NO NEED TO PANIC , the odds are great that following this guide will fix your mistakes and recover your phone.
Sorry Fascinate owners, but I can no longer support this thread. As state below I test everything I post to make sure it works as advertised. I no longer have a fascinate so i can not test anything new. Sorry but the links to some of the files are gone I don't have them anymore so I suggest you look through the comments someone will have someplace to get what you need. Your recovery methods may have changed but this can still be used to recover your device. If you are looking for anything new look at nitsuj17's roll up post here, he maintains it very well so you should be able to find whatever else you need there.
I HAVE PURPOSELY BRICKED MY PHONE BY DOING THE THINGS YOU ARE TOLD NOT TO JUST TO TEST THE CAPABILITIES OF THESE RECOVERY PROGRAMS. UNLESS YOU CAN AFFORD TO HAVE YOUR PHONE REPLACED BY INSURANCE, TRUST THAT I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT.
SECTION 1: ODIN
SECTION 2: HEIMDALL
SECTION 3: ROOTING METHODS
Since there seems to be an abundance of posts in the Q&A and General Forums asking for help fixing, unbricking, their Fascinates, I decided to try to make a one stop walk through for odin and heimdall with links. Most of us "flash addicts", Developers, and testers have found the Samsung Galaxy Phones are nearly impossible to truly brick without causing physical damage to your phone, in almost all cases it is possible to get it working again.This is nothing more than how to get back a working STOCK phone, nothing custom here that's in the Development section. The first section will cover odin, the second heimdall, the third recovery and rooting.
USUAL WARNING: Everything here is done at your own risk. None of us on the XDA Developers site are responsible in any way, after all we didn't brick it you did. Doing any of this is your decision, I am just providing a collection of information. All credit for everything here belongs to others, who worked hard to give you a way to fix your mistakes, and it usually is the owner of the device trying something without learning how first, or not following directions that got you here in the first place.
My Phone wont boot at all, is stuck at logo, or I cant do anything with it is it a paperweight?
Most likely, no, so lets get to fixing it. All download links necessary for each process will be posted in this walk through and have been tested to make sure they work.
SECTION 1: ODIN
Everything except for the pit file in odin MUST be done in the PDA slot, if not it will not work requiring you to odin again, or possibly have to use heimdall (covered later in this thread) to fix that. After you download odin, I use v1.83 but I will provide all versions I have.
First you need to decide if you want to go all the way back to DI01 (Android 2.1 "Eclair") or EB01, EC01, or a little more involved process for ED01, or ED03 (android 2.2 "Froyo") it makes all the difference with the files you need. The pit file is not necessary for most recoveries, but I have included due to a few issues that will require you to completely wipe everything but your SD card and start over. All of this is possible thanks to our talented developers. After you have odin and all the files you need on your Windows Vista or Win 7 PC, This DOES NOT work on XP, I have had a lot of responses to support this, so lets go with it won't work use Vista or Win 7. To load any file you click that button and use the windows explorer pop up to find your file select it and click open at the bottom of the window.
Start by powering off phone, the pull out battery.
Open odin and load your file in PDA and ONLY THE PDA (downloads) section, If you knew enough about this program to use the other areas you would not need this walk through, soPDA and ONLY THE PDA (downloads) section, for an, all in 1 Recovery. If you are doing a non packaged update I suggest installing the rom one first, modems and recoveries are a lot faster install.
If you are repartitioning put the pit file in the (Pit) section,verify repartition is checked.
Plug your phone into a USB slot, then hold the volume down hard key on the side of the phone. You should see a yellow triangle with a construction droid on your phones screen, and a box on the left right above options (ID:COM) is now yellow.
Now you are in download mode, verify check box next to PDA is checked and the block has the file location in it. Make sure Repartition (unless you are repartitioning and have the pit file in place), Dump, Phone EFS clear, and Bootloader, Phone Bootloader Update, and Flash Lock are NOT CHECKED in the Options section. Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time can be checked or not it doesn't really matter with the battery out. These are the default settings in the options section but double check it anyway.
You are ready to go, click start, and let odin run, it can take anywhere from just a minute to around a half hour. If anything happens like your computer shuts off, you accidentally unplug your phone from your PC, or download failed. Don't freak, just do it again from step one, sometimes it takes multiple attempts to get it. I think at six failed attempts in a row it may be time to look into heimdall, the walk through for that is below this one.
Once odin finishes and does its test you will get a green box lit up that says Pass in it just above where you saw the yellow box showing you were connected. Congratulations on a successful recovery. reinstall your battery and the back cover, reboot your phone and wait for it to boot up. The boot process can take several minutes so be patient. If the boot was successful you should be looking at a stock bloated Verizon Fascinate, that is asking you to back up your system and log into Gmail.
Fascinate USB driver from Samsung, just in case you need it.
Sch-i500 USB driver
odin v1.3
odin v1.7
odin v1.83
Atlas v2.2 Pit file
DI01All in 1
EB01All in 1
ODIN CWM ED01 Stock ROM/Kernel/Recovery Courtesy of Imnuts
ODIN ED03 ROM/Kernel/Recovery Courtesy of Imnuts
MODEM ODIN CWM DL09, EA28, ED01, ED03 modems without ridiculous 100MB OTAs Courtesy of Comradesven (I can now say this works and is easy to do just folloy the instrictions on thread.) Decided to try out this method after bricking my phone again, EASY AND FAST, love it.
EC09 Gingerbread Leak CAUTION:It has not happened to me yet even after several times of flashing something custom and using this to odin back to stock with, but there are many reports of this corrupting users SD cards. This is a leak and as always USE THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!
Here are the ONLY TWO, as far as we know guaranteed to get you fixed up, odin files, for anyone coming from CM7 or MUI MTD for the Fascinate.
YOU MUST USE THE ATLAS V2.2 PIT FILE, ONE OF THESE FILES, AND REPARTITION. IF YOU DON'T ODIN WILL FAIL TO COMPLETE THE RECOVERY.
CI500_VZW_DL09_ECLAIR
CI500_VZW_EB01_FROYO
SECTION 2: HEIMDALL
Now for the heimdall walk through, so follow along. I don't think it is possible to completely brick this phone short of actually smashing it, why take unnecessary chances.
First go to the link for heimdall. Download, unzip this and open the folder. In this folder you will find another folder labeled Drivers, open it and you will see a program called zadig.
Now put your Phone into download mode, that is remove the back cover, take out the battery and plug it into your PC with the OEM cable (the one that came with the phone when you got it), then press and hold the down volume button till a yellow triangle and construction droid , now you are in download mode.
Double click zadig and when it opens, click on options and click list all devices. Now drop the usb drop down box and you will find an option for SAMSUNG android composite ADB device, or Samsung composite usb driver, select it then click install drivers. the usual install stuff from windows about do you want to install this, yes you do. Now If the warning about publisher could not be verified, whatever, install it anyway, no it's not a virus. Your phone MUST be in download mode or zadig will not have the USB you need as an available option.
Now you need the files for this program to install and recover your phone. I was motivated to set up a zip file for download with files ready due to confusion on how to accomplish this step, you will find links below.
Now back into the heimdall file you opened earlier you will need to double click the heimdall.exe file, and click run on the windows pop up, it will show a cmd prompt type screen then disappear shortly after, it's supposed to do that.
Again in the click the application called heimdall-frontend. here is where you can go wrong so I will do this side by side with heimdall names and DI01/EB01 file names. I don't believe there are currently any other full recoveries.
To eliminate confusion on where to put your files follow the guige below.
Heimdall on this side of =Recovery file names on this side.
In Repartition:
PIT = atlas_v2.2.pit see below.
In PDA/Code:
FactoryFS=factoryfs.frs
Kernel(zImage)=zImage
Param.lfs=param.lfs
Primary Bootloader=boot.bin
Secondary Bootloader=slb.bin
In CSC:
Cache=cache.rfs
Database Data=dbdata.rfs
In Other:
Modem=modem.bin
Recovery=recovery.bin
Now that all the are files loaded into the correct spots, the necessary drivers installed, and phone in download mode, the start button will be able to be clicked, not shaded outlines like before, did you even notice that? If you followed everything in this tutorial step by step, click the START button and let heimdall run. After it finishes reboot your Verizon stock, Bing bloated, WORKING Fascinate. After this is completed successfully you will be able to use odin again if you need or want to.
Heimdall
DI01 heimdall package
EB01 heimdall package
Why did this happen?
Why was this necessary, as far as I can find out, through research, I wont even try to figure out how many times I had to odin ,and the eight, yes that's right I said 8, times I have HAD to use heimdall, because my phone would not recover through odin. Usually because like me you flashed a rom on for a different phone or, it seems to be, dbdata or another partition can not mount. This has happened to me because I didn't remove voodoo, or flashed a pre edify rom after accidently putting cwr3, which is for edify, on a non edify rom. So moral of the story is twofold, yes it is very likely it can be fixed, and remove voodoo before going to nonvoodoo, and make sure you have a version of cwr that supports both ammend and edify script if you are not sure. Don't flash a rom for a different phone on your Verizon Fascinate or you most likely WILL need heimdall.
NEVER USE A FILE, ROM, KERNEL, ANYTHING, THAT IS NOT CLEARLY FOR THE VERIZON FASCINATE.
Remember, thank the developers by clicking the thanks button on threads you find helpful, they did the work. All I did was take some time and put together all the links and processes I have read and had to learn. Some of the walk through threads are well written by the Dev's and some were hard for me to follow. Sometime I wonder if our Dev's forget that us mere mortals have no idea what they are talking about, and I pride myself on being much better than average with computers and software. That said if you have trouble working e mail and office, I think it's fair to say you would be lost. I hope this is easy to follow and always successful for you. Better yet I hope you never need this.
READ:If heimdall, or odin fail, but you can still get into download mode, do it again, and keep trying while you look for further assistance on this site. If you can't get into download mode with your phone plugged into your PC, unplug usb from PC and plug it into the wall outlet, and try to put it into download mode there. When It goes into download mode, unplug usb from adapter, plug it into PC and put it into download mode, This does work.
If this has Helped you not have a $600 dollar paperweight, consider donating to some of our Dev's working so hard to not only give you better than what big red and sammy gave you, but also a way to fix your mistakes without the need for an insurance claim. Isn't it worth a few bucks to support the developers who save you from the insurance deductable? Think about that before you complain about the devs.
SECTION 3: ROOTING METHODS
Here are two easy ways to accomplish rooting your phone.
ROOTING YOUR PHONE VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY. I NOR ANYONE ELSE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING YOU CHOOSE TO DO. NO ONE HERE IS MAKING YOU DO ANYTHING, JUST PROVIDING INFORMATION ON WAYS TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU WANT TO DO.
Super One Click method: unzip file, open file, double click ADB, it will show a quick cmd like window. Now make sure you phone has USB debugging enabled, connect to PC, don't mount USB. Click the SuperOneClick.exe icon and let it run. If it fails run it again, sometimes it does that. If anything pops up on the screen, read and answer. Unless you are using a Captivate leave the Captivate tab alone it is for getting an unlock code and you don't need that for your Fascinate. (works on all fascinate stock OS to include ED03, and EC09 GB, tested by me.)
CWR & SU Method: (DOES NOT WORK ON 2.2.1) Put superuser.zip zip file on root of SD card, odin in cwr, boot phone into recovery by holding power and volume at same time. To do this simply install battery after unpluging from PC press and hold power and volume buttons at the same time. DO NOT let the phone boot as far as the Samsung logo or you will have to odin in cwr again. Go to Install zip, choose zip, install from SD card. Find your superuser.zip file and install it. Reboot, you are rooted, install busybox, free from market if necessary. If you need odin or instruction on using it, see section 1.
GINGERBREAK Method: Gingerbreak v1.20.apk is an easy to do method, put the apk on your sd card, install from file manager, run it.​
KEEPING CWR3 IN 2.2.1: To keep CWR on any ED OTA release you need to make some adjustments to a few files. Don't worry I am going to tell you which ones, and I suggest a simple method of adding .no to the end of the file. That way if you ever need to undo it, simply go back in and remove the .no and your not trying to remember what the file name and extension was. Now here are the file names for each file, you will need something like root explorer and a rooted Fascinate to do this, and you can't rename a file unless you tap the mount system as r/w not r/o, its easy here are the examples of how I did it.
/system/recovery-from-boot.p becomes /system/recovery-from-boot.p.no
/system/bin/recovery becomes /system/bin/recovery.no
/system/etc/install-recovery.sh becomes /system/etc/install-recovery.sh.no
Superuser+busybox
CWR 3/30 Fix all
CWR3 Voodoo.tar Blue
times_infinity's recoveries
Gingerbreak v1.20
Special thanks to Adrynalyne, Imnuts, Jt1134, Nitsuj17, Landshark, Sbrissen, ChainsDD, Times Infinity, and Comradesven and anyone I forgot to thank, for creating and sharing, the heimdall, odin, and other files.

This is a great source of information. The formatting could be a little better though. Perhaps break up those great giant paragraphs a bit. It would be easier to follow along. Especially for noobs in a panic state after "bricking" their phone.
Great work though. This should be stickied.

I will Update thread to an easier format over the next few days. Thanks for the tip, i looked good to me but now i see what you are talking about. It took hours today to gather all the info, pull up each program ans walk through it. I guess I was in mental overload.

Attempted Heimdall today after odin has failed using the EB01, error was "Failed to retrieve config descriptor" any ideas?
If I flash with all CSC options unchecked the flash is successful.
When trying to boot after flash without CSC i receive a phone and a computer with a dotted line connecting the to on power up. Phone will return to DL mode.
Also attempted to flash DL01, it seems there are several files that correspond with Heim that are not in the package are the EB01 files interchangeable with the missing files?

Not trying to be that guy, but the DL01 is actually DI01. The build number DL01 doesnt exist.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

times_infinity said:
Not trying to be that guy, but the DL01 is actually DI01. The build number DL01 doesnt exist.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You were that guy.

times_infinity said:
Not trying to be that guy, but the DL01 is actually DI01. The build number DL01 doesnt exist.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, but at least i was consistant on the typo...LOL. I will fix it this weekend.

I just got a fascinate.....commingle from a vibrant.....I can't find a root method that doesn't include a computer,my previous phone I downloaded update.zip went into recovery and bammo rooted then have spent the last unknown amount of time playing with the Roms and now want the same. With this phone anyone help? Thanks.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App

Figured out this morning I wasnt using my factory usb cable switched cables odin'd stock eb01 worked perfectly now I feel retarded.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Excellent write up. Thanks a bunch.
What are some other differences in Odin 1.7 vs 1.3? I have used 1.3 many times and never had any issues. Any improvements?

Thanks so much Dale! headed to work now, but will try this tonight

Rayn1328 said:
I just got a fascinate.....commingle from a vibrant.....I can't find a root method that doesn't include a computer,my previous phone I downloaded update.zip went into recovery and bammo rooted then have spent the last unknown amount of time playing with the Roms and now want the same. With this phone anyone help? Thanks.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=897889 you pretty much need a computer. z4root worked at one time iirc I used it on my fascinate at some point.

More reasons as to why you should never fear bricking your phone and testing new kernels and ROMs. Thank you for the thorough tutorial.

cbalt said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=897889 you pretty much need a computer. z4root worked at one time iirc I used it on my fascinate at some point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer what i think is a much simpler method. Just go to this link and follow Post 2. I don't believe I have ever had it so easy to root a phone:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=948722

nice write up, thanks for posting. I hope I never have to use it

netwalker0099 said:
Attempted Heimdall today after odin has failed using the EB01, error was "Failed to retrieve config descriptor" any ideas?
If I flash with all CSC options unchecked the flash is successful.
When trying to boot after flash without CSC i receive a phone and a computer with a dotted line connecting the to on power up. Phone will return to DL mode.
Also attempted to flash DL01, it seems there are several files that correspond with Heim that are not in the package are the EB01 files interchangeable with the missing files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got that once cause i didn't install the drivers in zadig. I installed it, didn't reboot PC, worked fine. If you had the CSC unchecked then you didnt install a cache or database, so no your phone wont work like that. Unless you ran into something new, follow this guide step by step, and it should work. I would also make sure you get the files from here, they are tested and known to be good. There are some incomplete, and bad files out there, these work.

Heimdall is officially the greatest piece of software ever created and DaleV is my hero!!! FINALLY have my phone up and running again! Was serious contemplating dropping around $300 for a new phone on Craigslist.

Trying to root a Fascinate, and it showed up in ODIN once, then the flash failed. Now it's in download mode and not showing up in ODIN, any ideas?

Oxirane said:
Trying to root a Fascinate, and it showed up in ODIN once, then the flash failed. Now it's in download mode and not showing up in ODIN, any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
after it failed did you unplug then replug and go back into download mode? also I updated the OP with a superuser.zip file it works better than the one in the market for showing you have root access, I have no idea why.
Also you might try a different usb port, sometimes that does the trick.

I've unplugged and replugged and rebooted it a dozen times... it first goes to 2e recovery, then I reinstall packages and it reboots to the simplified download mode with just basic little icons. Doesn't get recognized by the computer though. :/
Wont boot into anything but 2e, and from there into oldschool download mode.

Stock DL17 ODIN Image With Root

I notices a few users have mentioned that they're dealing with trying to restore or unbrick their Continuum after flashing incompatible kernels and other problems.
I made this backup immediately after I got root, before I did anything else, to make absolutely sure I wouldn't be SOL if anything went awry. I've made absolutely certain this works, by unzipping and flashing on my own Continuum prior to uploading. It contains the system, recovery, and kernel partitions.
This file is also helpful if you need to get back to stock for warranty purposes, in which case you can manually un-root by using your favorite file explorer (I happen to prefer ES File Explorer), grant root permissions, mount system as rw, then manually delete SuperUser from /system/apps, su from /system/bin, and busybox from /systen/xbin. I hope this helps some of you who have been stuck.
You don't need to be rooted to flash this. Simply unzip, flash the .tar.md5, and you're golden. If you end up in restore mode after flashing, you probably need to do a hard reset, but this is unlikely as I tested it by flashing this a few times after installing various programs from the Market and never had to do a hard reset.
Don't forget to put your phone in Download mode by removing the battery, then holding the vol down button while inserting the usb cable. Good luck!
http://www.mediafire.com/?a897dbakz4j7k4f

Thanks for this. I had been messing around with the phone. I was able to get it back to stock.

Kay I try to flash this and it's telling me it's an invalid image type

Never mind, I got it. Thanks

Not a problem, glad I could help!

My phone was soft-bricked. This worked like a charm. Thank you so much!

I ran this and everything passed then when i boot up the phone with animations and sound after the animated verizonwireless logo is up for a while; everything goes black.
any suggestions? never mind I had to do a wipe then it worked

kingtuk1 said:
I ran this and everything passed then when i boot up the phone with animations and sound after the animated verizonwireless logo is up for a while; everything goes black.
any suggestions? never mind I had to do a wipe then it worked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, gotta wipe! At first it's so easy to forget this step. When you get to customizing your installation, you'll get to used to having to wipe it'll become second nature!

I'm so glad to hear this is coming in handy for you all! Now that you got this done, get yourself froyo, courtesy of imnuts: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1197415

Ok after having installed EC03 Froyo via imnuts's thread. Everything was going fine except for some bugs here and there. Fast forward a couple weeks later and I try to fix those bugs by installing a stock odin rom via torque's thread (seems so foolish now that I look back on it). Which brings me to today and my bricked Continuum.
Well to explain further I tried to install the odin Rom only to receive a FAIL in the end (Selected the md5 file through the PDA option and proceeded to flash). Disconnected afterwards only to find out I can't even get the Samsung logo to show up or the phone to charge, but the phone will still go into download mode.
And this leads me to this thread with the same outcome. I've tried flashing this eclair? image only to end up with the fail message again. After the recovery.bin stage it just says "Complete(write) operation failed." Any help with this matter would be appreciated.
Edit: After some searching, gonna try it with imnuts' DL17 image. Will post results.
Edit2: No luck with that either. Guess I'll just wait until the Bionic gets released, but for now I'll have to dig up my dumbphone.

Native89 said:
Ok after having installed EC03 Froyo via imnuts's thread. Everything was going fine except for some bugs here and there. Fast forward a couple weeks later and I try to fix those bugs by installing a stock odin rom via torque's thread (seems so foolish now that I look back on it). Which brings me to today and my bricked Continuum.
Well to explain further I tried to install the odin Rom only to receive a FAIL in the end (Selected the md5 file through the PDA option and proceeded to flash). Disconnected afterwards only to find out I can't even get the Samsung logo to show up or the phone to charge, but the phone will still go into download mode.
And this leads me to this thread with the same outcome. I've tried flashing this eclair? image only to end up with the fail message again. After the recovery.bin stage it just says "Complete(write) operation failed." Any help with this matter would be appreciated.
Edit: After some searching, gonna try it with imnuts' DL17 image. Will post results.
Edit2: No luck with that either. Guess I'll just wait until the Bionic gets released, but for now I'll have to dig up my dumbphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the OP from pastorbennett here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1203597 and try the unbrick process. You can do a search for pastorbennett and trailblazer. Both have posted "recovery processes", or at least links to others that have posted recovery processes. They've saved my butt a couple of times... Except on my first phone that wouldn't go into DL or Recovery Mode. It would just flash the Samsung logo, over, and over, and over again... That happened before pastorbennett posted the unbrick info. Oh well, Verizon replaced it under the hardware warranty. Thankfully.

Looks like I didn't search hard enough.
Thanks for the link Moon. I will be trying this ASAP.
Hit a little bit of a snag trying to get it to work. It told me to install drivers for my device, however my Phone does not show up in the dropbox and the only related thing I can find is "Gadget Serial".
I've tried uninstalling the drivers, but Win7 is being a fool and automatically installing drivers for me.

Does anyone know why i get a 'FAILED' after trying to flash this with Odin? My phone is soft-bricked btw.

Native89 said:
Looks like I didn't search hard enough.
Thanks for the link Moon. I will be trying this ASAP.
Hit a little bit of a snag trying to get it to work. It told me to install drivers for my device, however my Phone does not show up in the dropbox and the only related thing I can find is "Gadget Serial".
I've tried uninstalling the drivers, but Win7 is being a fool and automatically installing drivers for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, if you can, grab a different computer (either Windows XP or Windows 7) and install the samsung drivers from this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1203597. The hint here with ANY Windows computer is to install the device drivers FIRST! (I've been a system administrator for about 20 years.) Then plug in the hardware. It usually makes the installations go MUCH smoother.
If you have to use your computer, try installing the Samsung drivers first, then plug the phone in.
zzir said:
Does anyone know why i get a 'FAILED' after trying to flash this with Odin? My phone is soft-bricked btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The key to odin seems to be this:
1. Start odin.
2. Click the PDA button and select the odin TAR or MD5 file. (You can only do one. Not both.)
3. Make sure the phone is not plugged into the computer.
4. Make doubly sure the phone is not plugged into the computer.
5. Put your phone into download mode. (With the phone off, hold the Volume Down button and turn the phone on.)
6. Then plug the phone into the computer.
7. Start the odin flash and you should be good to go. Also, before unplugging the phone, make sure it says either success or failed. If it doesn't say anything, or says loading (or something like that), WALK AWAY! Go get yourself a cup of coffee, a soda, a nice cup of tea... Something. I recommend waiting at least 10 minutes. If the progress bar has not moved, in that time, okay, then pull the cable and the battery and start again.

I tried to do this, but when it boots into recovery mode, it says update.zip is gone. Any ideas why this might be happening? Also if it's like this, will Verizon take it back within the 14 day return policy without charging me anything?

Tarheel487 said:
I tried to do this, but when it boots into recovery mode, it says update.zip is gone. Any ideas why this might be happening? Also if it's like this, will Verizon take it back within the 14 day return policy without charging me anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you flash the CWM Recovery in Odin? (cwm_recovery_test4_adryn.tar) Can be found here if not http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1230072

is it possible to flash this with heimdall or only odin?

ntien said:
is it possible to flash this with heimdall or only odin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know, however, pastorbennett posted this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16600453&postcount=29. It might help? I use Linux at home to build most of this stuff, then use my wife's Windoze machine to flash. It just seemed easier.

Yes, you can use heimdall, you just need to extract this .tar and put the extracted files in the corresponding location in heimdall xD
Sent from my SCH-I400 using xda premium

yeah i saw that but in heimdall 1.3 the UI is different. i don't know where to put any of the stuff. i have the .tar but i dont know where to put the other stuff. here's a screenshot

[GUIDE][Troubleshoot a failed Odin flash]

This guide is provided for information only. I will not be held responsible if you cause any damage, software or hardware, to your phone by following the guide. You are choosing to follow this guide, and as such, you choose to accept any responsibility for any mishap that may occur.
WARNING: Do not follow this guide if you think (or even suspect) that your USB port may be faulty in any way (ie, slow charging, loose connection among other faults). If your USB port is faulty, it must be fixed before flashing, or you are in danger of hard-bricking your phone. If the connection to the computer fails even for a moment, at best the flash will fail, and at worst the phone will need a new motherboard. Either send it to a service centre, or here is a good place to start if you want to DIY.
WARNING #2: If at all possible, make sure you have a backup of your efs folder (using Hellcat's app, "kTool" from playstore). Efs is the folder which contains your imei. No imei =no signal. Flashing a ROM may corrupt the efs folder, in which case the backup will be invaluable. If you do not have a working backup of your efs folder, I am not responsible if you choose to follow this guide and your efs becomes corrupt.
Symptoms
This guide is for people who find themselves in the situation where:
The phone currently will not boot.
The phone can only enter download mode (If it can’t do that, see the section below.)
If, for whatever reason, an Odin flash fails.
It assumes you know the basics of Odin flashing. If not, see here.
No download mode?
If your phone won’t enter download mode, you can try three things:
A USB jig. Don’t pin your hopes on this, they rarely succeed in this scenario.
‘Jump starting’ – You might need someone else to give you a hand for this. Take the battery out of your phone and wait 30 seconds. Now, press the button combination to enter download mode, and with this combination still depressed, get someone to put the battery back in. Hopefully this will jolt your phone into download mode.
Take out the phone battery, and re-insert it, but don’t turn the phone on. Now, plug in the charger while holding the volume down button. Keep holding volume down till you enter download mode.
If your phone won’t enter download mode, and will do nothing but get hot when you attempt to do anything to it (charge it, turn it on), then your motherboard is in need of replacement.
Your options
I’ve seen a lot of people, when their Odin flash fails, either:
Give up. Not a good option.
Flash a .pit file. That should be used as an absolute last resort. There’s a lot to try before getting to that stage! If a flash of a .pit file fails in Odin, your phone is well and truly unrecoverable, and you will need a motherboard (MB) replacement.
Send their phone to a service centre. That costs money (& you’re without a phone for a week or so).
Read on and hopefully you will be able to recover your phone without spending anything.
What to do
Keep flashing via Odin. You don't really have a choice. As for the files to flash: It’s worth trying to flash a range of stock ROM’s and custom kernels. I recommend downloading a stock firmware from Samfirmware for your device; either ICS 4.0.3 or JB 4.1.2. Stay away from 4.0.4 (research emmc brickbug if you’re interested.) See here for the stock ROM’s. Alternatively you can also download firmwares from xda. Make sure you’re using the correct firmware for your device variant and region (i9100, i9100g, i9100p etc).
As for custom kernels: If you manage to flash a custom kernel onto your phone, that gives you recovery (usually CWM for i9100), from which you can either restore a nandroid backup, or flash a custom ROM. ONLY for i9100: See here for Siyah kernel. If you were previously on ICS, flash ‘siyahkernel s2-v5.01’ from that link. If you were previously on JB stock, flash the ‘S2-v6.0beta5’. You want the .tar extension in both cases. If you were on a 4.2.2 or 4.3/4.3.1 ROM, see here. You want the file called "Kernel_Dorimanx-V9.43-[12-16]-[24-10]-TAR-FOR-ODIN.tar". None of the other files downloadable from that mirror are Odin-flashable. All files linked are for international I9100. Even still:
Your best bet is to continue to attempt to flash Stock ROMs for your model variant and region.
Another option for i9100
If you have an i9100, probably the best option to flash is to flash 4.1.2 JellyBean leak. Huge thanks to It_ler for providing the file after it was lost during the shutdown of hosting site hotfile.com and re-hosting on his dev-host, and for keithross39 for re-hosting the file on his storage. Download it here: (Android File Host link) or here: Mega link. This is a 3-part firmware. It will wipe your device as it flashes, and in many cases this extra wipe while flashing contributes to a successful flash. To set this file up in Odin (as it is 3 parts): PDA = CODE_I9100XXLSJ.tar, PHONE = MODEM_I9100XXLS6.tar, and CSC = CSC_HOME_OXX_I9100OXXLS1.tar. As usual, do not tick 'repartition'.
Now that you have chosen a file to flash, continue on.
If Odin won't recognise the phone ...if it does, continue to 'Preliminary Steps'
Firstly, keep trying. Many users will find that Odin will recognise the phone in download mode eventually, but this will take perseverance. Note that if you do get Odin to recognise your phone in download mode, attempt to flash a stock ROM then. Don't unplug it thinking 'you'll try again later'.
Things to try if the phone isn't recognised by Odin:
Open Odin without the phone plugged in. Enter Download mode without the phone plugged in. Now, plug the phone in and wait a few seconds.
Didn't work? Try again in a different USB port. Still didn't work? Try all the USB ports, and then a different computer. If that doesn't work:
Uninstall the USB drivers using Revo Uninstaller. This program can remove the registry edits from the drivers, giving you a completely clean install of the drivers. Reinstall the USB drivers: Latest version here, or a "tried 'n true version here". Both are worth trying. If you are using Windows 8, I strongly recommend you try Windows 7/XP. These drivers don’t usually work with Windows 8. (See here if you’re on Windows 8.) Otherwise, use the linked file to the Samsung USB drivers.
If you're still not having any luck, then follow these steps: (Credits to 4-2ndtwin)
1. Turn off both the computer and phone. Fully shut down.
2. Disconnect phone from computer: the USB cable from both the computer and phone.
3. Boot up the computer. Log in and let it settle.
4. Start up Odin and let it settle.
5. Put phone in download mode.
6. Connect phone to a USB port.
If that doesn't work, keep repeating those steps, with different USB ports on your PC/laptop. Change the USB cable you're using, multiple times (preferably use the cable that came with the phone). If all that doesn't work, start again at 'If Odin won't recognise the phone' on a different computer. Keep persevering
Now assuming you can get your phone into download mode, and is recognised by Odin:
Preliminary steps
Odin failing a flash usually isn’t a failure of the software itself. It’s usually to do with the way the flash is set up. Before we get on to the troubleshooting steps: you must always- i.e. every flash:
Run Odin as an administrator in Windows (only for Windows 7. This doesn’t apply for Windows XP). Yes, Odin is Windows only. If you use Linux/a Mac, you’ll need to use someone else’s Windows computer.
Ensure Kies is installed on your computer but you must kill all Kies running services in the Windows task manager. Most people have 4 running continuously. I personally only have 2, so don’t stress if you can’t find 4 to kill.
Make sure you're not using a USB hub of any description.
Remove your phone case, if you're using one. I've seen cases which make it not possible for the cable to correctly sit in the USB port.
If you haven’t done those steps on your previous Odin flash, it’s worth flashing again making sure you do those three things. Still didn’t work?
Troubleshooting steps
Things to do:
Change the USB cable you’re using. Preferably, use the original cable that came with the phone. If you’re already using the original cable, change to another, genuine, S2 cable. Try at least 3 different cables.
Remove your phone case, if you're using one. I've seen cases which make it not possible for the cable to correctly sit in the USB port.
Try different USB ports on your computer. You have to be using a mainboard (powered) port. Try as many of those as you have on your computer.
Use different versions of Odin: Attached at the bottom of this post is a zip file containing versions 1.3, 1.83, 1.85, 3.04 3.06, and 3.07. Try them all, but particularly 1.3, 1.85, 3.04 and 3.07. Make sure to extract the Odin files before using them.
Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers. If you are using Windows 8, I strongly recommend you try Windows 7/XP. These drivers don’t usually work with Windows 8. (See here if you’re on Windows 8.) Otherwise, use the linked file.
Turn off all antivirus/antimalware/antispyware/firewalls. I advise downloading all files you need before doing this step so you’re not without antivirus whilst downloading files. I’m not responsible if you do manage to get a computer virus during this time.
Check the rom/kernel you download, making sure it’s not a corrupted file. The best way to do this is to check the MD5 sum using md5summer. If you don’t have the MD5 sum, then you can use WinRar, 7Zip, or IZarc to test the file. If any tests (MD5 or the 7Zip test) fail, then you need to re-download the file. Test the new file before using it.
Run Windows update on the computer you’re using.
What now?
Ok, so if you’ve got to the bottom of the list, but you’re still having failed flashes:
Use a different computer. Now, run through the list again. Yes, the whole list. Try everything all over again on the new computer. Didn’t work? Try again on one more computer. Keep persevering, the feeling you’ll get when your S2 is back to life will be worth it
Last Resort
What if… Ok, so you genuinely can’t get anything to work. This really is a last resort. It’ll be either up to you to choose whether:
You research the flashing of .pit files. If you are going down that route and have an I9100, two good places to start are here and here.Note that your phone will be stuffed if it fails. Full stop. Motherboard replacement. Ask yourself “if Odin won’t flash a ROM without failing, why will it flash a .pit successfully?” Only click that link if you have tried the steps over and over and over again as stated.
You take your phone to a service centre.
Many thanks to keithross39 for proofreading & editing this guide, and re-hosting the 3-part firmware.
Also many thanks for It_ler for providing and hosting the 3-part firmware, after it was lost during the shutdown of hosting site hotfile.com.
Credits:
MistahBungle, on whose posts these troubleshooting steps are based.
keithross39, for his guide on replacing the USB port.
Intratech, for his guides on the basics of Odin flashing & stock ROM collection.
4-2ndtwin, for his troubleshooting steps if Odin won't recognise the phone.
SamHaLeKe, for the updated Samsung USB drivers.
ApriliaM3, for the USB driver hosting.
daerragh, for the Windows 8 drivers.
king_below_my_lord, for his guide on I9100 .pit file flashing.
metalgearhathaway, for his thread containing .pit files

Nice hopper, let's make this a sticky
Sent from the little guy

This is going to be VERY useful.....
I agree, it needs to be stickyed....
I can see myself referring a lot of folks to this thread.....
Excellent work mate......
Edit.....mods, get the glue out please.....lol
Sent from my rooted, de bloated, stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and XDA developers app

keithross39 said:
I agree, it needs to be stickyed....
Edit.....mods, get the glue out please.....lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've PM'd a mod, so hopefully it can be stickyed

I thought thanks/credit is supposed to be given to the originators of the info.
Maybe a mod could look into that as I dont see any of that here.
-------------------------------------------
maybe your an iphone expert
------------------------------------------

theunderling said:
I thought thanks/credit is supposed to be given to the originators of the info.
Maybe a mod could look into that as I dont see any of that here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the information in this guide is freely available on the internet, a lot of it XDA. If you are referring to the steps MistahBungle wrote, he has specifically stated there is no need to credit him for those steps as the info is freely available on the internet. If it makes you feel better, I can credit him anyway. I used over 20 XDA threads as well as info from outside XDA to write this guide. Would you like me to credit every single one of them?
Edit: Have credited MistahBungle in OP. I hope that puts your mind at rest.

It wasnt only mistahbungle I was thinking of,eg the 1st link is from Intratech.
I am not the one making up guides so I dont need to know what the correct protocol is regarging credits,this is up to a mod to decide.
-------------------------------------------
maybe your an iphone expert
------------------------------------------

OP edited, new section with troubleshooting steps if Odin won't recognise the phone. Also, many many credits are added, for all linked files/guides.

Good job Hopper, everyday I find that many people here are doing a great job of answering people in trouble, the best are Gastonw(watch out this guy answers anything) , Mistahbungle, Keith, The Underling, you, I hope these guy's will be around for some more time(before the device becomes obsolete) I find myself quite unnecessary, as all the above mentioned guys are tackling all possible problems with great success. I am happy to be a part of such a great forum.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app

But custom, I don't do custom.
Sent from the little guy

OP updated with a warning not to flash anything if USB port is faulty in any way. Thanks to Keithross39 for the suggestion to add this.

Sponsor it with a "don't flash without backing up EFS" banner
Sent from the little guy

gastonw said:
Sponsor it with a "don't flash without backing up EFS" banner
Sent from the little guy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure many people following this are in a position to back up efs? I've started at the point that they can only enter download mode.

You'd be surprised....
Sent from...this is not even my S2

gastonw said:
You'd be surprised....
Sent from...this is not even my S2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP updated. Thanks for the suggestion

Whow whow, that was a joke.
The whole banner thing...damn, the meme thread &%#@*+ me up.
Edit: nevermind, fitted nicely
Sent from the little guy

This is rapidly turning into one helluva guide......
Pretty soon, everyone's going to be able to find out everything about their phone.....right here.... lol
Sent from my rooted, de bloated, stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and XDA developers app

The DeLorean is coming too.
Sent from the little guy

keithross39 said:
This is rapidly turning into one helluva guide......
Pretty soon, everyone's going to be able to find out everything about their phone.....right here.... lol
Sent from my rooted, de bloated, stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and XDA developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just hoping it can still be stickyed...
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

It will.
Sent from...this is not even my S2