Database Users

[Q] clarification on multiple topics for a beginner.

Hey guys. I want to start off by saying that I've researched answers to my following questions but the answers have raised more questions.
I will first explain my current setup and the process in which I took to get here.
When I first got my phone it was mj7
From fully stock (no root) I installed the OTA mje update.
I then rooted using Kongo
Installed SS
Installed the JellyBeans rom
Now wwhee I need clarification. ..
If I'm upgrading a new version in the future of this same rom it states to do a factory reset. To me this means use ss and perform a wipe on the rom slot the current rom is installed on. Is this correct? I ask because I've seen posts saying you should reroot before doing so. This leads me to my next question....
If I'm going to unroot and put back to stock as if I was going to do a warranty swap can I use the kingo unroot option and be all set? I've read that this works perfectly fine but then I see others saying you should flash the tar file. And that brings me to my last question. ..
If needing to fflash the tar file should I flash the current mj version my phone is on (I believe this is called the kernel version? ) or whatever is the latest one released ?
I totally understand these are basic questions that I should already know and have been talked about a million times but for a beginner like me and the HUGE amount of info out there I feel I'm getting some contradicting information. Please forgive my lack of knowledge, I'm just now stepping into this world. Thank you in advance... any and all input would be hugely appreciated.

JiMiHenDriX420 said:
If I'm upgrading a new version in the future of this same rom it states to do a factory reset. To me this means use ss and perform a wipe on the rom slot the current rom is installed on. Is this correct? I ask because I've seen posts saying you should reroot before doing so. This leads me to my next question....
If I'm going to unroot and put back to stock as if I was going to do a warranty swap can I use the kingo unroot option and be all set? I've read that this works perfectly fine but then I see others saying you should flash the tar file. And that brings me to my last question. ..
If needing to fflash the tar file should I flash the current mj version my phone is on (I believe this is called the kernel version? ) or whatever is the latest one released ?
I totally understand these are basic questions that I should already know and have been talked about a million times but for a beginner like me and the HUGE amount of info out there I feel I'm getting some contradicting information. Please forgive my lack of knowledge, I'm just now stepping into this world. Thank you in advance... any and all input would be hugely appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One you have updated to MJE and achieved root and installed SS, you're good, until the next OTA rolls out from verizon. Currently I have my stock slot with root and nothing else. My first custom Rom slot has Beans' Rom on it. when people say to do a factory reset, they are talking about a factory reset on the specific rom slot you wish you flash. When you wipe a Rom slot, only that slot is affected, nothing else. So the phone will not lose root, or MJE, or SS.
So, in your case, back up your apps with TB or whatever you use, save your media on your MicroSD if you have one, and wipe the slot that youre going to flash. Dont wipe the stock slot, unless that's the one youre re-flashing. after you wipe, flash the new Beans 5, then either have google sync up your apps, or install titanium backup and go restore everything. Personally i had problems doing a full batch restore, so I only restored a few things, (i left out a bunch of system app data restores such as settings and dictionaries), but that should do the trick.

Attempting to flash ROM, just automatically fails even though I'm following instructi

Finally got my ATT SG4 rooted and recovery installed. Downloaded Goldeneyerom, backed up, wipe/reset, and when i try to flash it fails immediately
downloading another ROM in the meantime but what has happened here? i swear i never get it right :/
and for the record i'm clueless here. I dont know what MK2 and NC1 and all that is, I just want to flash something that lets me bypass the load screen and has all the bloatware removed. Any link would be appreciated

Please be specific
What bootloader is your device using? What Firmware are you currently running? What Rom are you trying to flash? Did you verify the MD5 of the ROM you downloaded? Are you sure you are rooted? What custom recovery are you using?

Thread cleaned and moved.

ponp74 said:
What bootloader is your device using? What Firmware are you currently running? What Rom are you trying to flash? Did you verify the MD5 of the ROM you downloaded? Are you sure you are rooted? What custom recovery are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bootloader is locked
stock mk2
any rom that will actually work
not sure how to verify the MD5
towelroot says im rooted
super user is installed
root checker says i have root access
using safetrap as recovery since its the only one i can use
hopefully that was enough info for you to be able to help me with the next step. I should this was going to be alittle easier, been at it two weeks now and i have basically just been doing everything the wrong way.

Are you using SafeStrap specific ROM?
My device needs Loki Doki. I've never had a SafeStrap device. I wonder if the ROM you're attempting to use doesn't work for your device type. Try using ROMs like http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2468860 wich are made for devices uing SafeStrap. Most ROMs on here are de-bloated so whichever one you choose, it'll be better than the original one your phone came with.
Firmware/Radio shouldn't affect your phone's ability to install a ROM, just affects your performance (i.e. signal quality, etc.)
Like I've mentioned, I've yet to ever deal with SafeStrap so its a bit out of my league. Can anyone else offer up some advice?

ponp74 said:
My device needs Loki Doki. I've never had a SafeStrap device. I wonder if the ROM you're attempting to use doesn't work for your device type. Try using ROMs like http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2468860 wich are made for devices uing SafeStrap. Most ROMs on here are de-bloated so whichever one you choose, it'll be better than the original one your phone came with.
Firmware/Radio shouldn't affect your phone's ability to install a ROM, just affects your performance (i.e. signal quality, etc.)
Like I've mentioned, I've yet to ever deal with SafeStrap so its a bit out of my league. Can anyone else offer up some advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright i tried flashing that rom with safestrap and it also failed immediately
help!

I am not SafeStrap savvy either. But, with MK2, I "think" you can only flash 4.3 roms and may need the older SafeStrap. I would, if you haven't, get up on the SafeStrap thread and check out "All Things MK2 etc" thread. This isn't an easy phone to flash and some more research may save some headaches. I didn't catch your post count. You need 10 to post in Dev Section. Always wipe System along with Data and Caches before flashing rom. Assume those are available in SafeStrap recovery. You might want to upgrade to NB1/NC1.
You do need to check rom md5 after downloading with file manager like ES File Explorer. I use a Command Window and just drag downloaded rom to window. The md5 is basically a way to check that you got to your phone what the download site was suppose to send. It is a checksum. Roms don't always download correctly. However with all your failures, I doubt that is your problem. The md5, if available will be listed on thread OP page and/or download page. Also, try downloading to Internal, if you are not, and see if that helps.
A lot of this you can Google, as I did in the beginning. If all else fails go to the thread "No Stupid Questions" It is Stickied at top of Q&A and SafeStrap is currently toward bottom of first Q&A page. :good:

It's probably because you have safestrap version 3.71? If that's the case all the latest Roms require Safestrap 3.72 so try updating and see what happens

rugmankc said:
I am not SafeStrap savvy either. But, with MK2, I "think" you can only flash 4.3 roms and may need the older SafeStrap. I would, if you haven't, get up on the SafeStrap thread and check out "All Things MK2 etc" thread. This isn't an easy phone to flash and some more research may save some headaches. I didn't catch your post count. You need 10 to post in Dev Section. Always wipe System along with Data and Caches before flashing rom. Assume those are available in SafeStrap recovery. You might want to upgrade to NB1/NC1.
You do need to check rom md5 after downloading with file manager like ES File Explorer. I use a Command Window and just drag downloaded rom to window. The md5 is basically a way to check that you got to your phone what the download site was suppose to send. It is a checksum. Roms don't always download correctly. However with all your failures, I doubt that is your problem. The md5, if available will be listed on thread OP page and/or download page. Also, try downloading to Internal, if you are not, and see if that helps.
A lot of this you can Google, as I did in the beginning. If all else fails go to the thread "No Stupid Questions" It is Stickied at top of Q&A and SafeStrap is currently toward bottom of first Q&A page. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
brownie9987 said:
It's probably because you have safestrap version 3.71? If that's the case all the latest Roms require Safestrap 3.72 so try updating and see what happens
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
says 3.72 isnt for MK2. And when i tried it it won't even load into recovery. So i guess I can't use any KitKat roms.
SO now that the umpteenth problem is out of the way, while I'm downgrading back to 3.71 can anyone recommend a good 4.3 rom?

Damani311 said:
says 3.72 isnt for MK2. And when i tried it it won't even load into recovery. So i guess I can't use any KitKat roms.
SO now that the umpteenth problem is out of the way, while I'm downgrading back to 3.71 can anyone recommend a good 4.3 rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, told you. Sorta. Would keep reading those related threads and go to the 4.3 ROM threads listed in All Things MK2 and read the OP and last 20 pages of thread to get a feel. The different SafeStraps are particular in how you flash Roms to them. So check that out too. As far as how the roms work, it will vary for each user. So, have a backup. Good Luck.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk

Well you're right on that part 3.72 isnt for MK2 BUT! after you get Safestrap 3.71 installed on MK2 you can use this method and flash this NC1 Rooted Rom in Safestrap Method 2 Post 3 to be exact http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2730144 follow the instructions to a T and you will be on NC1 4.4.2 and once there you will have to download terminal emulator and type "su" then enter then "setenforce 0" (that changes you're SElinux status to Permissive instead of enforcing) because the safestrap 3.72 apk wont install properly once done with that download a busybox apk installer and reinstall busybox after that you should be good to go install safestrap 3.72 and then reboot into VIOLA
Damani311 said:
says 3.72 isnt for MK2. And when i tried it it won't even load into recovery. So i guess I can't use any KitKat roms.
SO now that the umpteenth problem is out of the way, while I'm downgrading back to 3.71 can anyone recommend a good 4.3 rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Damani311 said:
says 3.72 isnt for MK2. And when i tried it it won't even load into recovery. So i guess I can't use any KitKat roms.
SO now that the umpteenth problem is out of the way, while I'm downgrading back to 3.71 can anyone recommend a good 4.3 rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Daman you got two pieces of bad advice here.
1. Double check suggestions before doing them
2. That's done by reading thoroughly the threads I suggested till you understand enough not to get into trouble
Looks like trouble on Hyper also, that's why I am re-stressing study first. I want you to get it right the first time. SafeStrap is complicated untill you understand all of it--:good:

rugmankc said:
Daman you got two pieces of bad advice here.
1. Double check suggestions before doing them
2. That's done by reading thoroughly the threads I suggested till you understand enough not to get into trouble
Looks like trouble on Hyper also, that's why I am re-stressing study first. I want you to get it right the first time. SafeStrap is complicated untill you understand all of it--:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i bricked my sd card permanently with that 3.72 attempt
i got another thread going where i've flashed the rom, but it doesnt have wifi and i can't get it to work right...i'm getting there. slowly:silly:

Damani311 said:
yeah i bricked my sd card permanently with that 3.72 attempt
i got another thread going where i've flashed the rom, but it doesnt have wifi and i can't get it to work right...i'm getting there. slowly:silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok good
did flash correct modules?
another month you'll be getting other folks out of trouble--

rugmankc said:
ok good
did flash correct modules?
another month you'll be getting other folks out of trouble--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well just putting 3.72 on there and trying to flash anything bricked my sd card
not sure what order to flash rom/modules/compatiblility packet, but i'm getting no wifi/internet and all the bloatware is still there: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2520418&page=111
my posts are on the second to last page but i just want to flash that rom. or any rom.. I've been at this ten days now :/

Damani311 said:
well just putting 3.72 on there and trying to flash anything bricked my sd card
not sure what order to flash rom/modules/compatiblility packet, but i'm getting no wifi/internet and all the bloatware is still there: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2520418&page=111
my posts are on the second to last page but i just want to flash that rom. or any rom.. I've been at this ten days now :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I won't be able to assist any further, sorry. I have reached my limit on SafeStrap.
Go to the No Stupid Question thread in Q&A. And tell exactly where you are and ask for next step. Maybe odin back to stock and start over after some re-reading. jd is pretty good there with helping out on all kinds of issues. You generally won't get much help in the actual Dev thread. :good:
Also, tedusa77 is pretty good too
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2621279

[Q] Very confused about what options are available to someone with nc4,

Hello all, I posted a similar topic a few days back, and cannot seem to find it. I fear it was deleted, but could be wrong. I only looked back a few pages in the history.
My problems have multiplied since that posting. I have nc4, when I bought my phone it was on there. Used towelroot and was able to root, download safestrap 3.75 and was able to add/delete slots, attempted to use hyperdrive, experienced a lot of weird things like my SMS would randomly not send, battery life was not spectacular,and just other misc things. IT seemed like I might have used a rom that could not be used properly for nc4. I then tried bajarom, which completely does not work for my phone, probably because it's nc2 and I didn't realize that?? Tried jellybeanz or whatever the exact name was, my phone won't even boot, says it successfully installed but sticks on the black screen.
Somehow over the past few days I managed to wipe my stock so I do not have the stock, thus I cannot go back.
I am sure I can find or maybe be directed to the stock firmware and reflash it.
I am not sure if it's possible but I'd really love to be able to get nc2, or if someone more knowledgable than myself could point out a solution for me, I would like to have a custom rom if theres one that would work properly on my phone.
Another confusion I have, with the nc4, am I able to use odin to flash a different radio, should I even bother? I would sincerely appreciate someone who would help clear some of this up for me, I'm pretty novice as you can see. Thanks in advance.

update
I guess my question is unclear. I really can use some help if anyone would be so obliged.
I am trying to use ADB to push the file over, it says access denied, I was previously rooted and verified as much. My issue is I need a way to send the roms over to my SD or my regular phone internal mem so I can at least load a rom. Currently my phone is bricked and I am just getting very upset, I really could use someone to give me a bit of guidance.
I opened the cmd with admin and it's still saying access denied. IS there a way to force the phone to open as a media device via cmd? That way I can edit sd card info and push on there what needs to go?

I am currently trying to find a way to get hyperdrive, or another rom over.
I have beanstowns rom on there, it appears as .zip yet when I try to install from safestrap I end up exploring the directory, as opposed to just being an option I can choose.
Baja is the same way, both are still on my sd, yet for whatever reason I cannot select them to install them.

Hope is not lost.
I think your initial problem was that you tried using rom slots. It specifies in the Safestrap OP that rom slots are only supported on NC2 bootloader. Since you are on the NC4 bootloader you cannot go backwards, however you can flash the NC2 kernel if you want to run a custom rom, you simply need to use the stock slot alone.
Since I know very little about ADB & Terminal CMD, I will try to give you directions to get up and running the way I know how.
First you'll need to reflash the stock NC4 tar via odin and reroot. Files can be found here.
Since you've flashed a couple different roms that have probably messed with the system settings I would do a factory reset before rerooting.
After you are up, running and rooted, follow the instructions here to get on the NC2 kernel.
Once you've completed these steps you will be on the NC4 bootloader with the NC2 kernel and be able to flash a custom rom in the stock rom slot. Only a NC2+ rom will function so make sure it is based on NC2/NC4 (i.e. jelly 'beans' will not run on NC2+ firmware as it is based on MJE).

kinstre11 said:
Hope is not lost.
I think your initial problem was that you tried using rom slots. It specifies in the Safestrap OP that rom slots are only supported on NC2 bootloader. Since you are on the NC4 bootloader you cannot go backwards, however you can flash the NC2 kernel if you want to run a custom rom, you simply need to use the stock slot alone.
Since I know very little about ADB & Terminal CMD, I will try to give you directions to get up and running the way I know how.
First you'll need to reflash the stock NC4 tar via odin and reroot. Files can be found here.
Since you've flashed a couple different roms that have probably messed with the system settings I would do a factory reset before rerooting.
After you are up, running and rooted, follow the instructions here to get on the NC2 kernel.
Once you've completed these steps you will be on the NC4 bootloader with the NC2 kernel and be able to flash a custom rom in the stock rom slot. Only a NC2+ rom will function so make sure it is based on NC2/NC4 (i.e. jelly 'beans' will not run on NC2+ firmware as it is based on MJE).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
firstly, thank you so much for the reply.
I did flash nc2 kernal, but was confused when I still saw nc4 in the about section. I flashed with odin NC2_modem_kk.tar and nc2kernel.tar.
The issue I was having is with hyperdrive, and baja I had some serious issues, so I assumed it was because I was using them incorrectly, ie didn't install one of the above files correctly, or did something else wrong in the process. Just for example, with hyperdrive, my sms would just stop sending/receiving/ double sending. My sim card was not being recognized. And a whole lot of other issues.. So I kept messing around and now im at a point where nothing boots up, I cannot reflash, and I'm just stuck.
I will follow your link and attempt to do as you said, will wipe, and then will try again.

deindichter said:
firstly, thank you so much for the reply.
I did flash nc2 kernal, but was confused when I still saw nc4 in the about section. I flashed with odin NC2_modem_kk.tar and nc2kernel.tar.
The issue I was having is with hyperdrive, and baja I had some serious issues, so I assumed it was because I was using them incorrectly, ie didn't install one of the above files correctly, or did something else wrong in the process. Just for example, with hyperdrive, my sms would just stop sending/receiving/ double sending. My sim card was not being recognized. And a whole lot of other issues.. So I kept messing around and now im at a point where nothing boots up, I cannot reflash, and I'm just stuck.
I will follow your link and attempt to do as you said, will wipe, and then will try again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, I applied to nc4 and did a factory reset, made sure all my slots were deleted (had 2). Then factory reset and rebooted, saw safestrap, pressed continue, and i'm looking at a blank screen now as though there is nothing to boot to. I was under the impression factory reset would undo all and it has not.
Did I do something wrong, or am I missing something?

deindichter said:
Alright, I applied to nc4 and did a factory reset, made sure all my slots were deleted (had 2). Then factory reset and rebooted, saw safestrap, pressed continue, and i'm looking at a blank screen now as though there is nothing to boot to. I was under the impression factory reset would undo all and it has not.
Did I do something wrong, or am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you already boot into download mode and flash the correct files through Odin? If so that should set your phone back to stock. Then you would have to re root.

fsolares said:
Did you already boot into download mode and flash the correct files through Odin? If so that should set your phone back to stock. Then you would have to re root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did and it did not boot me back into stock. I then found http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1922461which led me to download the files directly from samsung.

After downloading the official partition table/ modem/ kernal from the verizon website I finally have this back to stock. LOL. wow. Thank you very much for helping, and working with me on this.

deindichter said:
After downloading the official partition table/ modem/ kernal from the verizon website I finally have this back to stock. LOL. wow. Thank you very much for helping, and working with me on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can u post the link from where u got the official partition table/modem/kernel on verizon website...

deindichter said:
After downloading the official partition table/ modem/ kernal from the verizon website I finally have this back to stock. LOL. wow. Thank you very much for helping, and working with me on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So are you good to go now?

moin786 said:
can u post the link from where u got the official partition table/modem/kernel on verizon website...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
could you post where you found all this since im trying to get my phone back to stock.

Paulrybicki83 said:
could you post where you found all this since im trying to get my phone back to stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously, just Google for the Samsung official firmware. It's on their site. Not Verizon.

[Q] AT&T SG4 SGH-I337 Slow

Hello. Sorry for the noobie question. I tried to search the forums, and I did find the noob beginner guide, but I still wasn't sure, so I prefer to ask before I screw up my phone lol.
I have the AT&T SG4 SGH-I337 Phone. It was fine before it was upgraded to 4.4.2 (I didn't want to upgrade, but it did it on its own one day). Once it went to 4.4.2, everything is just DOG SLOW. I mean everything. In Car Audio takes forever to connect, phone calls takes like 5 secs to answer, even after I press the answer button. To unlock the phone I have to press the code 2-3 times, as I can see the keys I press is lagging behind.
What I wanted to ask is this: How can I bring this phone back to the previous OS? Or How can I modify this phone to a stock OS, where all this bloatware crap is not installed?
All I care for is my Bluetooth, in car audio and calls and have a phone that's fast enough as it was originally.
can someone point me to the right thread where it gives me step by step instructions? Ive never modified a Samsung Phone before.
I found this thread, but wasn't sure if its the right one for my phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261573
Thank you VERY MUCH. Thanks....

Don't use those links, some are redirecting me to questionable sites. Not sure if it does to you also.
I don't have time atm but someone will get you the correct info. :good:
It may have been a bad download that updated you--
Also, those files are too old for you if you look at thread date--
---------- Post added at 07:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:25 PM ----------
This would be a starting point
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
Assume you are now on NC1
Believe you will need to Odin back to NB1 then update to NC1
If you want to root other steps involved--This thread covers it pretty well
Some one else more familiar can be exact, as I am on old bootloader and no handson exp--
Read the OP on the link very well and generally not a good idea to use links outside xda unless you are 120% sure of what you are doing--good luck--

Cornelp said:
Hello. Sorry for the noobie question. I tried to search the forums, and I did find the noob beginner guide, but I still wasn't sure, so I prefer to ask before I screw up my phone lol.
I have the AT&T SG4 SGH-I337 Phone. It was fine before it was upgraded to 4.4.2 (I didn't want to upgrade, but it did it on its own one day). Once it went to 4.4.2, everything is just DOG SLOW. I mean everything. In Car Audio takes forever to connect, phone calls takes like 5 secs to answer, even after I press the answer button. To unlock the phone I have to press the code 2-3 times, as I can see the keys I press is lagging behind.
What I wanted to ask is this: How can I bring this phone back to the previous OS? Or How can I modify this phone to a stock OS, where all this bloatware crap is not installed?
All I care for is my Bluetooth, in car audio and calls and have a phone that's fast enough as it was originally.
can someone point me to the right thread where it gives me step by step instructions? Ive never modified a Samsung Phone before.
I found this thread, but wasn't sure if its the right one for my phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261573
Thank you VERY MUCH. Thanks....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest getting the Google Play Edition rom as stock android is much better optimized. Tutorials are available on the all things NC1 post. This will require root and installing a custom rom. Your warranty (if still applicable) will be void if you choose to do this. Regardless, the software on the device is not well optimized and the touchwiz UI is unnecessary imo. The GPE rom also does not have the samsung or at&t bloatware.

cxzzcx said:
I would suggest getting the Google Play Edition rom as stock android is much better optimized. Tutorials are available on the all things NC1 post. This will require root and installing a custom rom. Your warranty (if still applicable) will be void if you choose to do this. Regardless, the software on the device is not well optimized and the touchwiz UI is unnecessary imo. The GPE rom also does not have the samsung or at&t bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The google play ROM I would not mind, but I cant seem to find a way to root my SG4 NC1 firmware.
Do you happen to have a link or directions, please?
Thanks...

Cornelp said:
The google play ROM I would not mind, but I cant seem to find a way to root my SG4 NC1 firmware.
Do you happen to have a link or directions, please?
Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can root using geohot's towelroot.

Cornelp said:
The google play ROM I would not mind, but I cant seem to find a way to root my SG4 NC1 firmware.
Do you happen to have a link or directions, please?
Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the "All things ATT" link rugmankc gave you. In the first posts in that thread you will get links to the root method, safestrap, and a list of compatible ROMs. A few thoughtsL
1. Before making any changes to you phone, charge it to 100 %, unplug the charger, and let it sit idle for some number of hours. Then check to see what services are using most of the power. For a while my own 4.4.2 GS4 was slow, and it turned out to be google play framework services bogging things down, and this showed up as an excessive battery drain during idle. If you phone uses more than say 0.5% battery per hour when completely idle / screen off (but with cell and wifi on), something's up. Fix it and maybe your problems will resolve.
2. Next step: back up any data / photos etc. and do a factory data reset from the settings menu. After it has been reset, perhaps whatever problem is going on will be cleared up.
3. You don't need to root the phone to ODIN a stock firmware (NB1 then flash update to NC1). Links are on the ALL Things ATT thread. This should take it all the way back to proper NC1, bypassing any mess that might have happened if you got a corrupt flash during your OTA update.
If the phone still performs so poorly as you describe after a flash back to stock, there's a problem that's more than the OS/ROM. Sure, the stock build is a bit laggy and bloated, but it's not so bad as what you are seeing.
If you find a restored stock ROM to be better but still laggier than you like, I have had good results with the GoldenEye ROM, flashed according to the instructions in the ATT thread. To flash, you must first root and install safestrap (selinux mode changer set to permissive may be required). You then boot to the safestrap recovery, wipe everything but the SD card, then flash the rom, SuperSU, ATT Module, and ATT BuildProp/APN. That should get you up and running on a new ROM.
I'm a died in the wool geek but I read through this forum and others for two weeks before attempting... but I'm very happy with the phone as it works on GoldenEye. I'm on V36, but V38 is current.
Good luck

Frankenscript said:
Use the "All things ATT" link rugmankc gave you. In the first posts in that thread you will get links to the root method, safestrap, and a list of compatible ROMs. A few thoughtsL
1. Before making any changes to you phone, charge it to 100 %, unplug the charger, and let it sit idle for some number of hours. Then check to see what services are using most of the power. For a while my own 4.4.2 GS4 was slow, and it turned out to be google play framework services bogging things down, and this showed up as an excessive battery drain during idle. If you phone uses more than say 0.5% battery per hour when completely idle / screen off (but with cell and wifi on), something's up. Fix it and maybe your problems will resolve.
2. Next step: back up any data / photos etc. and do a factory data reset from the settings menu. After it has been reset, perhaps whatever problem is going on will be cleared up.
3. You don't need to root the phone to ODIN a stock firmware (NB1 then flash update to NC1). Links are on the ALL Things ATT thread. This should take it all the way back to proper NC1, bypassing any mess that might have happened if you got a corrupt flash during your OTA update.
If the phone still performs so poorly as you describe after a flash back to stock, there's a problem that's more than the OS/ROM. Sure, the stock build is a bit laggy and bloated, but it's not so bad as what you are seeing.
If you find a restored stock ROM to be better but still laggier than you like, I have had good results with the GoldenEye ROM, flashed according to the instructions in the ATT thread. To flash, you must first root and install safestrap (selinux mode changer set to permissive may be required). You then boot to the safestrap recovery, wipe everything but the SD card, then flash the rom, SuperSU, ATT Module, and ATT BuildProp/APN. That should get you up and running on a new ROM.
I'm a died in the wool geek but I read through this forum and others for two weeks before attempting... but I'm very happy with the phone as it works on GoldenEye. I'm on V36, but V38 is current.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your help. Yeah everytime I redo my phone, from scratch, it works OK for about an hour. Then bam, it goes back to being a low pain in the rear. This is ONLY after the phone upgraded to 4.4.2. I didn't choose that upgrade, actually I didn't want to upgrade, but OTA upgrade took over and BAM, I got screwed.
OK I just installed the Safestrap and rooted the phone. Now I gotta figure out the rom part.
Im still going thru that link that rugmankc gave me above. Now im trying to figure out how to change the OS, since I just rooted the phone. I have to do this. Ive gotten really really tired of the phone being so slow, I basically give up on many tasks that I need to do, just cause its too slow.
Ill update once I get it figured out, hopefully I wont brick it, that's the only thing that im afraid of.

Don't remember, did you consider Odin back to stock and start over. If not, whatever was causing the slow downs may still be there. Could have been a bad update.
Read the SafeStrap thread by HashCode carefully. I read the OP 100% and last 30 pages or so of thread and don't even use it. It is complicated to me. IE which slot to flash to stock or rom. I think stock, Flash Modules. Install Selinux and set to permissive. And using correct SafeStrap. Gives me a headache and I am not even needing to use it--
Good Luck--as mentioned just backup whenever you can before moving to next major step. :good::good:

rugmankc said:
Don't remember, did you consider Odin back to stock and start over. If not, whatever was causing the slow downs may still be there. Could have been a bad update.
Read the SafeStrap thread by HashCode carefully. I read the OP 100% and last 30 pages or so of thread and don't even use it. It is complicated to me. IE which slot to flash to stock or rom. I think stock, Flash Modules. Install Selinux and set to permissive. And using correct SafeStrap. Gives me a headache and I am not even needing to use it--
Good Luck--as mentioned just backup whenever you can before moving to next major step. :good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Actually I backed up my phone already, as I reformatted it last night again. I don't know how to Odin back to stock. What is that? Is that a stock Android? Sorry I don't know.
Thanks...

It's in the same All Things ATT, MK2 thread under Returning to Stock Odin. An option if you still have issues. Takes you back to stock NB1, firmware and all. Kinda like your update, but think you may have got a bad update. Other options are to wipe internal in case bad stuff still there. Frankenscript was pretty thorough--:good:
SafeStrap is how you are going to flash a new OS/Rom. You can't flash custom kernels and aosp roms unless TW based like a couple GPE mentioned.
Read/Scan the two mentioned threads, as in OP and first and last couple dozen pages. Probably the last are more important. You will see folks asking the same questions you will eventually ask. I have read thousands of pages over the years and it has kept me out of trouble--most of the time--

rugmankc said:
It's in the same All Things ATT, MK2 thread under Returning to Stock Odin. An option if you still have issues. Takes you back to stock NB1, firmware and all. Kinda like your update, but think you may have got a bad update. Other options are to wipe internal in case bad stuff still there. Frankenscript was pretty thorough--:good:
SafeStrap is how you are going to flash a new OS/Rom. You can't flash custom kernels and aosp roms unless TW based like a couple GPE mentioned.
Read/Scan the two mentioned threads, as in OP and first and last couple dozen pages. Probably the last are more important. You will see folks asking the same questions you will eventually ask. I have read thousands of pages over the years and it has kept me out of trouble--most of the time--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, that link really got me confused as heck lol. Ive been reading that link the entire weekend and still im a bit confused.
I rooted the phone with towelroot. Ive installed SafeStrap, but it worked the first time I ran it. Now if I want to run it again it crashes my phone. Not sure what that is about.
Either way, now my understanding is that I should be able to download a rom for my phone and flash it. From that link that I was given, its very confusing.
Could someone PLEASE PLEASE help me here with this?
My phone is an AT&T US SG4. Here are the details:
SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
Android 4.4.2
BaseBand I337UCUFNC1
Kernel Ver 3.4.0-1125940
Build # KOT49H.I337UCUFNC1
Which ROM can I use for my phone? As long as its stock, I don't care which version, Google Play ROM or CY or Golden, whichever, as long as I get rid of this crappy Samsung and AT&T stuff off my phone.
Could someone please help me out here? I know that link says everything, but jeez, im trying to make sense of it, and so far, I got the phone rooted, but just cant figure out the ROM part.
Thanks...

I can't help with specifics as I don't need SS.
Make sure you have correct SS--3.72, afaik
Flash, I believe, to stock slot not rom slot but confirm that
Install Selinux app from Play and set Permissive--afaik
The above items are things people get into trouble with, so reconfirm them
Just keep reviewing the thread and the SafeStrap thread in Dev section by HashCode. Maybe go back more pages from end of threads as you have time. You can post in All things thread now for help and at 10 posts in Dev section. It will come together in time--:good:
Flash roms only for you build, think there is a list within that thread or another one in General or Q&A.
iB's Goldeneye 38 is good and you can use the Aroma to select SafeStrap and the Slimmed down version.
Read his SS flashing instructions first.
Make sure you use SafeStrap recovery to wipe ALL--System/Data/Caches before flashing--:good:

Cornelp: Having recently been through all this, I wrote up a short summary with some links for another user, and it might help you to look through it. It's an overview written from my end-user perspective, not a replacement for the detailed posts the devs have done.
However, based on your description, I would say the best thing to do is ODIN back to stock because I have a sneaking suspicious you got a bad OTA flash. It happens. Going back to stock will be the best way to eliminate that as a source of problems. Learn how in the All things ATT thread OP.
Best of luck to you!
Marc

Frankenscript said:
Cornelp: Having recently been through all this, I wrote up a short summary with some links for another user, and it might help you to look through it. It's an overview written from my end-user perspective, not a replacement for the detailed posts the devs have done.
However, based on your description, I would say the best thing to do is ODIN back to stock because I have a sneaking suspicious you got a bad OTA flash. It happens. Going back to stock will be the best way to eliminate that as a source of problems. Learn how in the All things ATT thread OP.
Best of luck to you!
Marc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Frankenscript,
Thank you very much, I will read up on that link you gave me. How would I ODIN back to stock? Do you have specific details on that? I did read something about that on the All things ATT, but wasn't clear.
Thanks...

Cornelp said:
Frankenscript,
Thank you very much, I will read up on that link you gave me. How would I ODIN back to stock? Do you have specific details on that? I did read something about that on the All things ATT, but wasn't clear.
Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Complete instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51130818&postcount=5
Basically, download ODIN to your PC, run it, get phone into download mode, connect phone to PC via USB, in ODIN select the NB1 file, tell it to start. When done, reboot phone. Then flash the NC1 update from an SD card using stock recovery.
A good pictorial description of how to flash can be found in this S3 thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
Though for a different phone (the S3, not our S4), the process is still the same.
Good luck. I'm headed off to a work trip and won't be on the forum much this week!

Frankenscript said:
Complete instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51130818&postcount=5
Basically, download ODIN to your PC, run it, get phone into download mode, connect phone to PC via USB, in ODIN select the NB1 file, tell it to start. When done, reboot phone. Then flash the NC1 update from an SD card using stock recovery.
A good pictorial description of how to flash can be found in this S3 thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
Though for a different phone (the S3, not our S4), the process is still the same.
Good luck. I'm headed off to a work trip and won't be on the forum much this week!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you all. I was able to revert back to the NB1 stock, but it failed the first time. I had to download and install the NB1 Rootable Odin. For some reason, the NB1 Odin didn't work, but the Rootable one worked.
So im glad I was able to go back. Now I just gotta test it and see if it does slow down as it did before. I will post update, in case anyone else has the same problem, maybe this would be a good solution.
Thanks again to all of you guys, really appreciate it. I really hope it worked.

[Q] JFLEATT MDL to NJ4

Greetings, what is the best way for me to take my JFLEATT from MDL to NJ4?
I've not yet put a SIM or SDHC in the phone. It's been connected to my PC to run Casual and to a Wi-Fi network to install the TWRP Manager from the Play store. I also updated TWRP to 2.8.4.0 (after first updating to 2.8.5.0 and experiencing the dead recovery discussed here). I've just wiped the phone and made a compressed, non-encrypted backup of all the filesystems for disaster recovery purposes.
I've performed steps 1-5a in this awesome topic.
Is it true, can I just flash stock/rooted/custom ROMs through TWRP?
Although it's probably right in front of me, I can't seem to find a stock/rooted NJ4 ROM to use with TWRP. A recommendation would be very much appreciated.
So what do I do next to get from MDL to NJ4?
.

xpanmanx said:
Greetings, what is the best way for me to take my JFLEATT from MDL to NJ4?
I've not yet put a SIM or SDHC in the phone. It's been connected to my PC to run Casual and to a Wi-Fi network to install the TWRP Manager from the Play store. I also updated TWRP to 2.8.4.0 (after first updating to 2.8.5.0 and experiencing the dead recovery discussed here). I've just wiped the phone and made a compressed, non-encrypted backup of all the filesystems for disaster recovery purposes.
I checked out this awesome topic. I think step 5B, near the bottom of the OP, applies to me. .......is it true, can I just flash stock/rooted/custom ROMs through TWRP?
Although it's probably right in front of me, I can't seem to find a stock/rooted NJ4 ROM to use with TWRP.
What do I do next to get from MDL to NJ4?
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your bootloader is MDL and you take the NJ4 update you will be locked and forced to use safestrap recovery. If you are MDL you are one of the few lucky ones remaining with the options to flash a lot of custom roms using TWRP. Don't upgrade would be my suggestion. You can find great TW roms without upgrading.

Thanks
What do I need to watch for to make sure I don't lock the bootloader?
I want the KK/Sammy stock experience, rooted. I'm thinking Goldeneye is a good place to start.
With much respect to iB4STiD and his users, I might like to try something tighter to stock. Is there a popular TWRP-flashable ROM which could get me there?
.

xpanmanx said:
Thanks
What do I need to watch for to make sure I don't lock the bootloader?
I want the KK/Sammy stock experience, rooted. I'm thinking Goldeneye is a good place to start.
With much respect to iB4STiD and his users, I might like to try something tighter to stock. Is there a popular TWRP-flashable ROM which could get me there?
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the instructions in the thread you mentioned. They apply to your device. Specifically the FIRST post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42320391&postcount=1
Once that's done report back to us. Some parts might be out of date, in that case just do a quick search around the forum. Your want to get the latest version of TWRP flashed into recovery for example.

NighthawkXL said:
Follow the instructions in the thread you mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I've done that already, through step 5a.
(I see how my OP could be confusing on that point; I've gone back and edited it for clarity.)
Are there any other recommendations for a KK/Sammy stock/rooted experience that can be flashed from TWRP? Goldeneye looks great, I'm just trying to learn of others.
.

xpanmanx said:
Thanks, I've done that already, through step 5a.
(I see how my OP could be confusing on that point; I've gone back and edited it for clarity.)
Are there any other recommendations for a KK/Sammy stock/rooted experience that can be flashed from TWRP? Goldeneye looks great, I'm just trying to learn of others.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your set then, you already have a Nandroid.
Grab a ROM, put it on your external SD card, reboot into TWRP, wipe the device, and flash the ROM, kernels, etc. ~ Most ROM's your find in the subforums around here are already have been loki-doki'ed so you shouldn't be over worried about. Besides, most ROM threads will mention in the first post if they are already loki patched. Enjoy your "unlocked" S4, you lucky person ^^