Database Users

[HOWTO] My journey from Stock MJE to Hyperdrive KK RLS8 (rooted) w/ Safestrap 3.72

I am posting this here because I saw others asking and with my experience last night these are the links and software guides and downloads I used to piece together the process of going to HD KK RLS8 from MJE.
Thanks and credit go to the people in the links who originally created these methods and small guides. I just brought them together in one easy to find resource based on my experience of performing this process. You do this at your own risk.
I decided to take this plunge last night after my phone was damaged and my new replacement arrived in the mail. Here are my steps on how I went from Stock MJE (no root) to Hyperdrive Kitkat 4.4.2 rom with root and Safestrap 3.72
This guide assumes you already have your Samsung USB drivers installed as well as Odin downloaded. (As well as a basic knowledge on how to use it).
Step one: I was having problems with Kingo saying failing to root so I downloaded vroot from http://www.mgyun.com/en/getvroot
Parts of this are in Chinese, but you can use the common guess that OK is on the Right side of the popup, Cancel on the left. ETC. At some point it will ask to install the mlkcamera and root security app, you need to accept the install of these to obtain root. After doing so, vroot rooted my phone in under 2 minutes. It leaves behind two apps. You can follow http://www.w0lfdroid.com/2013/11/How-to-Remove-Replace-VRoot-Chinese-superuser-with-SuperSU.html for how to replace these two Chinese apps with the normal popular SuperSU.
Step two: Once rooted and with the new SuperSU installed, I then proceeded to install Safestrap 3.65. Found at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2517610 (Both 3.65 and 3.72 download links are here, download both as you will need both).
Step three: Download and place the rom you wish to use onto your external SD CARD in your phone, for this example we will use the Stock 4.4.2 Kitkat with root available in Odex or Deodex. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726558
Step four: Next make sure to download the FIRMWARE link from the same link above, it is directly below the Odex or Deodex links. Make sure to extract this from its zip as it is currently in .md5.zip format which once extracted will be n900v_kk_firmware.tar.md5
Step five: Boot into safestrap recovery. Perform a default wipe of the system. Next make sure you are on the STOCK slot (should be by default). Now select Install and select the new hltevzw_root_odex_nc2.zip file. This will flash to your stock slot. DO NOT REBOOT HERE ONCE DONE, hit the back button in the bottom right corner to get back to the main page, then choose to reboot to DOWNLOAD mode.
Step six: Now your in download mode (and have already hit UP to start download mode). Open ODIN on your PC, plug in your phone and wait for it to identify its COM port. Now select the FIRMWARE file you previously downloaded and extracted: n900v_kk_firmware.tar.md5 in AP and click on Start. This now flashes the new firmware needed for Kitkat.
Step seven: Boot back into recovery and do one more wipe (I originally skipped this step but had a TON of FC app errors which I fixed by wiping again, hence adding this step) Then reboot into the stock Kit Kat 4.4.2 with root.
Step eight: Download safestrap 3.72, Run the new Safestrap and click the Uninstall recovery button, then click Install, next reboot to recovery!
At this point I booted into recovery and installed the ROM Hyperdrive, which is a 4.4.2 rooted highly tweaked rom which I have to say is ABSOLUTELY awesome. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2520550 I flashed this to the STOCK spot and then wiped the data on the phone once more and rebooted! DO NOT FLASH THE FIRMWARE AGAIN from the NC2 rom.
Now I again reinstalled Safestrap 3.72 and am currently running Hyperdrive KK RLS8 w/ Safestrap 3.72 successfully!

[Q] How to install room ( XtreStoLite )

I just got a brand new Samsung G900F. I was able to root it successfully and now i'd like to install the XtreStoLite room.
The install instruction say
- Do a Data/Factory reset first in your recovery
- Start the installation
- Reboot
- Enjoy the Rom!
- Optionally: Flash the Aroma add-on Package, to restore some of the removed Samsung Apps/Functions that you want (You can do this anytime!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Besides reboot I don't know how to do any of those steps. If anyone could explain to me how to install it I'd be very grateful.
Thanks

dubstax said:
I just got a brand new Samsung G900F. I was able to root it successfully and now i'd like to install the XtreStoLite room.
The install instruction say
Besides reboot I don't know how to do any of those steps. If anyone could explain to me how to install it I'd be very grateful.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must have a Custom Recovery installed (Philz Touch, TWRP...), you can find them in Android Development section, download then flash it via Odin. Then go to Recovery Mode by pressing the following combination keys: VOLUME UP + POWER + HOME BUTTON. Then follow the instructions above.
Good luck bro
Warning: If you using towelroot, you will trip knox anyway if flashing any custom recovery. If not, so just forget what I just said.

babygau said:
You must have a Custom Recovery installed (Philz Touch, TWRP...), you can find them in Android Development section, download then flash it via Odin. Then go to Recovery Mode by pressing the following combination keys: VOLUME UP + POWER + HOME BUTTON. Then follow the instructions above.
Good luck bro
Warning: If you using towelroot, you will trip knox anyway if flashing any custom recovery. If not, so just forget what I just said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the quick reply but i'm not much smarter yet..
Whats the custom recovery and why do I need it before installing a custom ROM? I did "root" my phone already with Odin.
So I downloaded Philz Touch but i'm not sure what to do with the zip file and Odin.
A step-by-step would be very helpful. I really woudn't want to brick my phone. Thanks

I will explain to you some definitions first
1. Custom recovery will overwrite your phone stock recovery. It has many features that stock one does not. Such as: backup/restore your rom, install custom zip/ota update (install custom kernel, custom rom) and many more...
2. According to 1. To install a custom rom, you must have a custom memory first, right? Because custom rom mostly is packaged in a zip file. You can't use Odin to flash it as you did with a stock firmware
There is no chance you will brick your phone mate if you do the following instruction carefully. Provided that, you have your custom rom put into your internal memory or sd card.
1. Use Odin to flash Philz Touch recovery. Its steps are exactly as the same as you root
2. After flashing Philz Touch, your phone will automatically reboot, turn off your phone after that
3. Now, enter recovery mode by pressing a combination keys as I said above
4. After a few seconds, you will see recovery menu.
5. Choose wipe data/factory reset - > clean install a new rom
6. Choose install from zip - > install from sd card if you put your custom rom in internal memory OR install from sd card 1 if yours is in sd card - > choose the rom and install. Follow its instruction and reboot
THATS IT.

babygau said:
I will explain to you some definitions first
1. Custom recovery will overwrite your phone stock recovery. It has many features that stock one does not. Such as: backup/restore your rom, install custom zip/ota update (install custom kernel, custom rom) and many more...
2. According to 1. To install a custom rom, you must have a custom memory first, right? Because custom rom mostly is packaged in a zip file. You can't use Odin to flash it as you did with a stock firmware
There is no chance you will brick your phone mate if you do the following instruction carefully. Provided that, you have your custom rom put into your internal memory or sd card.
1. Use Odin to flash Philz Touch recovery. Its steps are exactly as the same as you root
2. After flashing Philz Touch, your phone will automatically reboot, turn off your phone after that
3. Now, enter recovery mode by pressing a combination keys as I said above
4. After a few seconds, you will see recovery menu.
5. Choose wipe data/factory reset - > clean install a new rom
6. Choose install from zip - > install from sd card if you put your custom rom in internal memory OR install from sd card 1 if yours is in sd card - > choose the rom and install. Follow its instruction and reboot
THATS IT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the clarification mate. the only thing i'm having trouble to understand now is how to load philz touch on to my phone with odin.
so i got a zip file with a recovery.img file and a folder META-INF. How do I add it to Odin?

Nope, you downloaded the wrong one. File name should be ended with tar.md5
---------- Post added at 03:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:19 PM ----------
Link here, choose the latest one goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/klte

babygau said:
Nope, you downloaded the wrong one. File name should be ended with tar.md5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah, yea that sounds better.
Do i have to put the phone in to the download mode first or just connect it and install philz_touch with Odin?

Always enter download mode when you use Odin bro

babygau said:
Always enter download mode when you use Odin bro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know.
I just did everything like you said and it worked perfect! thanks a ton mate :good:

You are welcome. I'm glad it helped ?

Root lollipop on AT&T Note 3 without Safestrap!

IT CAN BE DONE​
Here's how I did it. (And don't blame me if you brick the phone, etc., etc....)
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THESE NOTES! Read them thoroughly!
1. Install stock NC2 (Instructions are all over)
2. Root with towelroot.
3. Install latest SU from the play store and update binary (you know the drill, right?)
4. See Chainfire's site here. http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/paid-software/flashfire-t3075433 Get FlashFire
5. Place the AT&T stock lollipop .tar file on your SD card. It is available in the note 3 forum.
6. Run FlashFire. Once it has done its thing, click on the + sign.
7. Click on flash firmware package and navigate to the stock .tar file.
8. FlashFire will analyze the file and you will see a screen with partitions checked. These are the partitions that FlashFire can write (AND ROOT)
9. Click the download sign at the top on the red bar.
10. Click on the check mark to Create New Archive (FlashFire will create a .tar.md5 file take note of where it is saved and COPY TO YOUR PC BEFORE you run FlashFire! You will need it!
11. Next you will see the screen with ACTIONS on a red bar. Scroll to the bottom and touch FLASH
12. FlashFire will now write the partitions that are checked. When it reboots the phone, IMMEDIATELY hold the volume down, home, and power button to enter download.
13. Go to your PC where you copied the archive (that .tar.md5 fike). Right click on the file and choose rename. Remove the .md5 from the file name or odin will likely give you an error.
14. Open odin and connect your phone. Place the .tar archive FlashFire created in the AP section and flash. It will write the partitions that FlashFire could not.
15. Reboot and enjoy rooted lollipop on your phone.

Hate that I still have to wipe data to get it to boot at all, but a minor gripe I suppose. Just hate having to reinstall my apps and set them back up. Thanks for sharing this, been waiting for something like this for a while!

Yeah but if you're already on rooted nc2, why not just flash the stock rooted lollipop rom?

Doesn't that process require using SafeStrap, where this process does not?

netracerx said:
Doesn't that process require using SafeStrap, where this process does not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use flashfire...
Plus why go through all this hassle to reach the same result?

That's absolutely true. but think it is a matter of preference. I had some issues with Safestrap, but were it still supported for lollipop, I would probably still be there. I also had a soft brick when I attempted to do a backup, which supposedly still works by booting from the power screen. SO for those who would prefer a cleaner option, this might suit them better. Flashfire also has the potential to install other custom roms. I am still looking at that option.

swapavi said:
You can use flashfire...
Plus why go through all this hassle to reach the same result?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is the first post i've seen for the N900A that advised using Flashfire, all other posts required using Safestrap (which i personally did not like the idea of using just because it wasn't actually updating the OS on the phone, but essentially tricking the phone into loading a different set of files much like multi-booting). if it were possible to use Flashfire with the rooted lollipop roms, i'm surprised none of the thread OPs updated their posts to reflect that.

FlashFire has only been out since April. It is Chainfire's successor for Mobile Odin. It takes a while for all of the phones to be tested. There are a couple of other users that have tested it. Just search the FlashFire forum for Note 3 and you can read the comments. At least one other has used it on the AT&T variant.

reboot into download mode
I just finished your method successfully. Thank you. I would like to add that there was an option to reboot into download mode after flashing with FlashFire. I didn't have to worry
about immediately holding vol. down . I think the version of FlashFire I used is a little newer. Anyway thanks again!

I will keep trying
Hi all,
I was able to go through all the steps but keep getting stuck on step 14. Odin fails at the very very end and never finishes. I have done the whole process 3 times over.
Questions:
1. When picking the .tar in step 7, I am selecting the largest file of lollipop. I believe it is an AP file about 2.2 Gigabytes. This is the right one to select in step 7??
2. On step 10 when it ask you to Create New Archive, do i check ALL the boxes?? Nothing is checked by default when i press the download sign in step 9.
Other than these two things, everything else seems to work nicely. I did also notice that when Flash Fire runs and writes the system, wipe is set to OFF. I figured it was like that on purpose but just saying.
Thanks in advance,
John :good:

Sorry for the delay. I have moved on to the S6, so been busy with it.
For step 7, choose whichever ROM you wish to use. The one you have should be fine.
With regards to the second question, Flashfire should check the files in step 8 that are needed for the archive. Are you using a stock rom for step 7? If not, it might be able to flash without a separate tar file.

Ok,
Yes it was stock and thanks for the tip i will give this a shot as soon as i can and see how it goes.

So this will work to Root the Note III on Lollipop?

What exactly does Flashfire do in this case? Is it unlocking the bootlader, allowing for flashing a custom rom? Or is it only rooting Lollipop? I was looking at safestrap for running a custom rom on the AT&T Note 3, and someone mentioned in another thread that Flashfire was a better option for doing so, with no need for the multi-boot workaround. Thanks to anyone who can straighten me out on this, and if Flashfire doesn't allow for flashing a custom rom on the AT&T note 3, is there anything else out there that does?
I'm under the impression that the AT&T note 3 has a locked bootloader, which is my point of confusion.

fitzly said:
What exactly does Flashfire do in this case? Is it unlocking the bootlader, allowing for flashing a custom rom? Or is it only rooting Lollipop? I was looking at safestrap for running a custom rom on the AT&T Note 3, and someone mentioned in another thread that Flashfire was a better option for doing so, with no need for the multi-boot workaround. Thanks to anyone who can straighten me out on this, and if Flashfire doesn't allow for flashing a custom rom on the AT&T note 3, is there anything else out there that does?
I'm under the impression that the AT&T note 3 has a locked bootloader, which is my point of confusion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great Guide and find.
Flashfire has the power to bypass the security that would provent Odin from installing , for example a custom kernel, so be carefull with Flashfire, it installed a custom kernel on my phone and flagged Knox to a 1

Followed the steps in the 1st post...worked flawless! May I add its good to clear cache & delvic cache as well
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

Excellent. I don't like Safestrap, so this was perfect... I didn't have to wipe my phone, and everything went perfectly the first time. One note, I did have to put my phone in Download Mode (as stated in the OP) after the reboot from Flashfire. Thanks so much to all who worked on this!
Update: The OC2 update happened pretty much immediately after I booted. The OTA update actually managed to complete, and I still have root.

I am currently on 4.3 MI9 version..
i rooted it with chainfire method root de la vega.
Now can i flash NC2 with odin and continue the thing ?

Can someone point me to the stock lollipop tar? I cannot for the life of me find it in any of these forums. Please & thank you.

Chocu1a said:
Can someone point me to the stock lollipop tar? I cannot for the life of me find it in any of these forums. Please & thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
look here, if you still have issues let me know
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2703006

Flashing on 935F

Hi all.
I have the 935F International on it's way to me, delivering in the next day or so
By all accounts the 935F is already unlocked. To prepare, I have already downloaded Odin 3.11.1, CF's root file, TWRP twrp-3.0.2-2-hero2lte tar, and a custom ROM and bootloader/modem files.
I'm not a noob to flashing, just newish to Samsung.
What is the best way to start? Boot into stock, enable bootloader unlock on developer options, run Odin and flash TWRP, then CF's root file? Also, I want to run unencrypted - format data using advanced wipe 'yes' method?
The ROM states it sets root on installation. Do I then need to flash CF's root file?
Further, how are bootloader/modem tar files flashed? Is it as simple as selecting BL for bootloader, although I don't see anything for the modem??
Finally, what is the actual order of all this? I'm thinking: TWRP first, Format internal data second, CF root third, ROM flash from TWRP fourth, reboot to download mode from TWRP and then flash modem/bootloader last. Then reboot all together to set the phone up?
Thanks and any help is appreciated

1. Update to latest firmware
2. CF-Autoroot
3. TWRP
4. Flash no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip, wipe data.
5. Reboot recovery, mount system.
6. Wipe all except internal and external sd.
7. Flash your ROM

dynospectrum said:
1. Update to latest firmware
2. CF-Autoroot
3. TWRP
4. Flash no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip, wipe data.
5. Reboot recovery, mount system.
6. Wipe all except internal and external sd.
7. Flash your ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info :good:
When you say update to latest firmware this is Bootloader and Modem yes?
Steps 2 & 4 - just having done a little more research, are these outdated now?; as TWRP (latest) now fixes encryption and the ROM will inject (for a better term ) SuperSU when installing it? Or will this still need to be done irrespective of using the latest version of TWRP and ROM?
Cheers and thanks :good:

If you're not new to rooting and custom roms, pretty much all you need is to unlock OEM in Dev Options in Settings, Restart the device and hold Vol Down+Home+Power to get into Download Mode and press Up at the blue screen. Plug in your USB to your phone and run the tool on your PC.
Once Rooted, its business as usual. You don't need a guide to install TWRP, just install the Flashify app and let it do it for you, and then have no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip handy to flash. I know no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip is essential if you flash TWRP through ODIN, but not 100% sure if you should if you flashed TWRP through Flashify, I always flash no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip regardless so I unno.
Also if you find yourself in a semi-bricked situation where you can't figure out your problem, as long as you have Download Mode, you'll always have a way to get back to a working device. Samsung Smart Switch for Windows has an Emergency Mode that will revert your device back to Factory Conditions.

peteri8706 said:
Thanks for the info :good:
When you say update to latest firmware this is Bootloader and Modem yes?
Steps 2 & 4 - just having done a little more research, are these outdated now?; as TWRP (latest) now fixes encryption and the ROM will inject (for a better term ) SuperSU when installing it? Or will this still need to be done irrespective of using the latest version of TWRP and ROM?
Cheers and thanks :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been doing things this way since day 1 with no problems. My advice would be to do it the same way. I can assure you a solid install ;]
Yes, firmware is bootloader & modem. Great thread for this is here http://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/official-stock-firmware-update-odin-t3335065

installing ota update

I am trying to install an update for 7.0. I have twrp and root (supersu) installed. When I download and restart, it boots into twrp. I can't find the image. How do I update my phone?

Thee are two methods:
I Method
1. Download system image - I know it's a large file,
2. Unzip package and then unzip image-angler-xxx ZIP file
3. Flash via fastboot system and vendor images
4. Done.
II Method
1. Download OTA zip
2. Instal FlashFire
3. Open appa and hit + button
4. Choose "Flash firmware package"
5. Chose same images like in method I
6. Hit flash and You're done
Choosing/flashing other images can factory reset device and restore default recovery, depending which images You'll chose

downloading from here: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/ota
Will this wipe my phone when I flash it?
Is there a way to install the update without loosing all of my data and apps?
And in the app, when I choose the zip, do I select the boot and modem firmware checkboxes?

Flashing the OTA Zip file will not overwrite your data and apps if you don't flash the userdata.img file

For some reason it is failing to install the update using FlashFire. How do I find out why?

adam_pl said:
Thee are two methods:
I Method
1. Download system image - I know it's a large file,
2. Unzip package and then unzip image-angler-xxx ZIP file
3. Flash via fastboot system and vendor images
4. Done.
II Method
1. Download OTA zip
2. Instal FlashFire
3. Open appa and hit + button
4. Choose "Flash firmware package"
5. Chose same images like in method I
6. Hit flash and You're done
Choosing/flashing other images can factory reset device and restore default recovery, depending which images You'll chose
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you forgot bootloader image which was actually updated in the last OTA...
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app

Which bootloader do I select in flashfire? primary and secondary are greyed out. there is trustzone (bootloader.tz.img), dbi/sdi (bootloader.sdi.img), and several others.

rchtk said:
you forgot bootloader image which was actually updated in the last OTA...
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed that latter, cause when I was writing this I haven't updated my 6P. So my question is - can I just flash new BL without any risk?

adam_pl said:
I noticed that latter, cause when I was writing this I haven't updated my 6P. So my question is - can I just flash new BL without any risk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure. The recommended way to flash BL is to use manual fastboot.

sniper8752 said:
Which bootloader do I select in flashfire? primary and secondary are greyed out. there is trustzone (bootloader.tz.img), dbi/sdi (bootloader.sdi.img), and several others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* BUMP *