Database Develop

[Q] Bricked phone after JI6/Odin

Okay so, I used the Odin JI6 Froyo flash and everything went peachy. Also installed the OCLF and the Voodoo one from off the market.
Problem is that the root wasn't total/complete and the update.zip was replaced but could not be used in full rooting or something along those lines (I'm not certain).
Anyhow, the phone worked great for the last three days, then this evening the browser wasn't refreshing facebook so I restarted the phone. After the AT&T logo it went blank and it vibrated like a beating heart constantly before restarting again after about 5 minutes, which then made it beat like a heart again etc.
I tried going to the boot screen/safe mode and reinstalling the update.zip (which didn't work because of the failed root), tried clearing my data cache, and then also i formatted the sd card. Nothing.
After that I tried putting it into download mode and flashing Odin, which didn't work. It said it was sending the PIT files but stalled there and never changed. I tried a master clear and it didn't go anywhere either.
Any advice?

You should've read the forums more before flashing and saved yourself this headache. You will need this to flash back to stock.
use thishttp://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731989
Dowload Odin and the drivers on the first page of the thread. Install the drivers. Run Odin as Administrator. You need to then remove your SIM, battery and external sd card if you have one. Hopefully your button combo will work to get you into download mode. Next, put battery back in, hold the vol + & - buttons and plug in your USB from pc to phone and do not let go of the volume buttons, do not touch power and you should then enter download mode. Yellow screen with android shovelling. Odin should see your phone, push start on Odin and let Odin do it's thing. When Odin finished and your phone reboots you will be back on stock JF6. While your phone is powered on and on your homescreen master clear with Odin.
You need to read a bit before flashing anything again. One Click Root doesn't work with Froyo, neither does Voodoo. Had you taken some time and read you would know this.
Good Luck, I hope this helps.

ApplCobbler said:
Okay so, I used the Odin JI6 Froyo flash and everything went peachy. Also installed the OCLF and the Voodoo one from off the market.
Problem is that the root wasn't total/complete and the update.zip was replaced but could not be used in full rooting or something along those lines (I'm not certain).
Anyhow, the phone worked great for the last three days, then this evening the browser wasn't refreshing facebook so I restarted the phone. After the AT&T logo it went blank and it vibrated like a beating heart constantly before restarting again after about 5 minutes, which then made it beat like a heart again etc.
I tried going to the boot screen/safe mode and reinstalling the update.zip (which didn't work because of the failed root), tried clearing my data cache, and then also i formatted the sd card. Nothing.
After that I tried putting it into download mode and flashing Odin, which didn't work. It said it was sending the PIT files but stalled there and never changed. I tried a master clear and it didn't go anywhere either.
Any advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel your pain. Been there, done that. Although your process of bricking reminds me of a more sophisticated approach....lol....mine was out of total complete noobness.
Question:
1) Can you manually boot into download/ recovery manually using 3-button combo? If so you have hope (meaning your phone is basically "un-brickable").
-Bet that made you feel better huh?
-If you can't use 3-button to go into either modes, then you are in the same boat as i was. Hope you are still within your 30 days, or at least warranty. One way to tell if you can/ can't go into either modes is to check your "Batch #."
a) remove battery
b) look below your Serial Number
c) if your Batch # = 1007 = You are safe
d) Batch # = 1008 = good luck
2) When you say Brick, do you have the unfortunate "Phone (!) PC" screen? If yes, then its a "soft brick." If No, then its a "hard brick." I would start to worry.
3) According to your post, it sounds like you have the Regular Odin and NOT the One click version, correct? If you have regular Odin, i would at least try the One click. Regardless, both versions should be able to get you back to stock (JF6), but we already know how well your current version Odin has gotten you.
If you need help, there are TONS more knowledgeable people here in the Captivate forum than I. They should be able to help.
Good Luck!

1. Yes I can go into download and recovery mode. I've attempted to reinstall the 2.2 off odin but it doesn't take. It is the One Click Odin Froyo, it does not work. The Comm screen is yellow, and the logs just say it's loading the PIT and doesnt ever change from there.
2. I have seen that phone ! computer screen, but I'm not stuck at it. When that came on I held the vilume buttons and the power button and it went back to regular boot up (which obviously still doesn't work).
3. It is the one click. I'm not smart enough to use something that involves more than one click.

Stop trying to flash Froyo. Flash back to stock then master clear. Then go read the threads in the development section of the forum before flashing anything. The fact that you tried to apply Voodoo to Froyo and you tried to use one click lagfix on Froyo shows you haven't read and don't know what your doing. You corrupted something by flashing incompatable stuff, flash back to stock and master clear for now. Read a bit and then flash Froyo.

ApplCobbler said:
1. Yes I can go into download and recovery mode. I've attempted to reinstall the 2.2 off odin but it doesn't take. It is the One Click Odin Froyo, it does not work. The Comm screen is yellow, and the logs just say it's loading the PIT and doesnt ever change from there.
2. I have seen that phone ! computer screen, but I'm not stuck at it. When that came on I held the vilume buttons and the power button and it went back to regular boot up (which obviously still doesn't work).
3. It is the one click. I'm not smart enough to use something that involves more than one click.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL . I as well. I know enough to be dangerous.
Now, on to business. If you actually read what Rhiannon has posted for you, and click on the actual link itself, you will realize that the version of Odin you are using (yes the one click) is NOT the correct version for flashing back to stock (JF6/ Eclair.....NOT froyo). Remember, if all else fails....."The One must return to the Source...." <-----Plus 9,000 to whoever can guess where thats from.
Obviously your phone falls within the 1007 since you have the Luxury/ Advantage of manually entering Download/ Recovery mode....i wish i did.
Rhiannon224 said:
You should've read the forums more before flashing and saved yourself this headache. You will need this to flash back to stock.
use thishttp://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731989
Dowload Odin and the drivers on the first page of the thread. Install the drivers. Run Odin as Administrator. You need to then remove your SIM, battery and external sd card if you have one. Hopefully your button combo will work to get you into download mode. Next, put battery back in, hold the vol + & - buttons and plug in your USB from pc to phone and do not let go of the volume buttons, do not touch power and you should then enter download mode. Yellow screen with android shovelling. Odin should see your phone, push start on Odin and let Odin do it's thing. When Odin finished and your phone reboots you will be back on stock JF6. While your phone is powered on and on your homescreen master clear with Odin.
You need to read a bit before flashing anything again. One Click Root doesn't work with Froyo, neither does Voodoo. Had you taken some time and read you would know this.
Good Luck, I hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well Said!

Thanks Spartan, I'm guesing too much skimming and not enough reading.
OP when someone says flash back to stock they don't mean Froyo. I don't mean to sound harsh, really I want to help you, but you have to read and follow instructions when you ask for help or it becomes frustrating to all that try to help you. If you want to get out of the mess you are in read my original post and use the Odin thread I linked for you please.

Rhiannon224 said:
Thanks Spartan, I'm guesing too much skimming and not enough reading.
OP when someone says flash back to stock they don't mean Froyo. I don't mean to sound harsh, really I want to help you, but you have to read and follow instructions when you ask for help or it becomes frustrating to all that try to help you. If you want to get out of the mess you are in read my original post and use the Odin thread I linked for you please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see you are still on Cog 2.2 B5......dont care for 8 or any of the new ones? Or Sheps? What's your story?
Mine is simple....Patience. lol

I am on Cog beta 5.5 with 2e recovery kernel, I swapped the kernel myself before DG updated. It has working GPS and it is pretty zippy, I am not noticing lag. I was going to flash beta 8 last night but there were some modem issues and people losing 3g. Then 8.1 came out and I read the changelog and it isn't much different from my setup. I didn't go to beta 7 because Tw Launcher was removed and you need that for Kies to see your phone so that's a no go. Shep is using an I9000 kernel and I don't want to mess with I9000. I liike to flash my phone but I need to use it as a phone. I have tried some ROMS that I didn't think worked as well so I stick with what has worked best for me. I have all the mods on it, stock lock screen, battery circle mod, and gps works. I may try AOSP this weekend but I work all week not at a computer and I can't just flash all day. I find that things can go wrong and it takes time to reconfigure apps and contacts and if anything goes wrong it sould take a while to fix and I haven't had time to mess with it this week. I see you are still on 2.1, that is patience. I tried out Froyo and when gps worked for the first time ever since having the phone I'm sticking with Froyo. I am waiting for Voodoo to make ot to 2.2 then it will be perfect.
Also, I forget to edit my signature if i only try something for a day or two. I was on Froyo for a few before i remembered to change my sig.

Rhiannon224 said:
Thanks Spartan, I'm guesing too much skimming and not enough reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, Jesus I get it, I didn't do my homework; repeating it over and over isn't going to help any more. Thank you for the info, I'm downloading the right Odin right now and I'll do the fixes you said.

Rhiannon224 said:
I am on Cog beta 5.5 with 2e recovery kernel, I swapped the kernel myself before DG updated. It has working GPS and it is pretty zippy, I am not noticing lag. I was going to flash beta 8 last night but there were some modem issues and people losing 3g. Then 8.1 came out and I read the changelog and it isn't much different from my setup. I didn't go to beta 7 because Tw Launcher was removed and you need that for Kies to see your phone so that's a no go. Shep is using an I9000 kernel and I don't want to mess with I9000. I liike to flash my phone but I need to use it as a phone. I have tried some ROMS that I didn't think worked as well so I stick with what has worked best for me. I have all the mods on it, stock lock screen, battery circle mod, and gps works. I may try AOSP this weekend but I work all week not at a computer and I can't just flash all day. I find that things can go wrong and it takes time to reconfigure apps and contacts and if anything goes wrong it sould take a while to fix and I haven't had time to mess with it this week. I see you are still on 2.1, that is patience. I tried out Froyo and when gps worked for the first time ever since having the phone I'm sticking with Froyo. I am waiting for Voodoo to make ot to 2.2 then it will be perfect.
Also, I forget to edit my signature if i only try something for a day or two. I was on Froyo for a few before i remembered to change my sig.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all good. I was just curious, that's all. As far as the 19000, that makes two of us. I tried it, hoping that the voodoo + OCLF combo would work.......WRONG! lol
When 7 came out and i too noticed the TW removed, i thought Everyone would take a plunge into that, since many have complained that TW i/o was just unbearable. Oh well. As far as everything else you mentioned, i feel the same way.
Edit: "I9000"

spartan062984 said:
It's all good. I was just curious, that's all. As far as the 19000, that makes two of us. I tried it, hoping that the voodoo + OCLF combo would work.......WRONG! lol
When 7 came out and i too noticed the TW removed, i thought Everyone would take a plunge into that, since many have complained that TW i/o was just unbearable. Oh well. As far as everything else you mentioned, i feel the same way.
Edit: "I9000"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you were curious, I figured I would just tell you my story. I froze Tw Launcher with TIBU for now, I've used Launcher Pro for months and didn't wanmt a second running in the backround, i will unfreeze it when I need it. Yeah, I try stuff anf when it doesn't work the way I need i go back to what works. I've been using DG's stuff since SRE and I update when it is a better package for my needs, so far his stuff works for my needs. I want Voodoo though, lol. Sory to hijack the thread, lol.

ApplCobbler said:
Alright, Jesus I get it, I didn't do my homework; repeating it over and over isn't going to help any more. Thank you for the info, I'm downloading the right Odin right now and I'll do the fixes you said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, sorry if I sounded harsh, i am just trying to help you get out of the mess you're in. You can flash Froyo in the future you just need to learn about these ROMS and fixes so you don't have these kinds of headaches. I will stop repeating now. i really hope this works. I know your stressed and wasn't trying to give you a hard time, I just thought you were missing something and I am from NY and we are pushy Let us no if you get it working.
I have made some mistakes along the way too and it was because I didn't read the instructions clearly so I do understand how you felt.

Rhiannon224 said:
I know you were curious, I figured I would just tell you my story. I froze Tw Launcher with TIBU for now, I've used Launcher Pro for months and didn't wanmt a second running in the backround, i will unfreeze it when I need it. Yeah, I try stuff anf when it doesn't work the way I need i go back to what works. I've been using DG's stuff since SRE and I update when it is a better package for my needs, so far his stuff works for my needs. I want Voodoo though, lol. Sory to hijack the thread, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
""Sory to hijack the thread""
I started it. No worries. I too would love to have voodoo. So far, with stock OS, ext2 + OCLF seems to work for me....for now. Keep in mind that i too would like to have the functionality of a Phone. That was my intention in the first place...lol.

Bricked Rogers Samsung Captivate (i896)

silly me decided to install a custom battery icon. In the description for the mod on app planet it said to use with froyo but didnt say it would not work with eclair. I installed the mod without problems and I thought everything was going well, but now my phone is bricked, and wont load past the samsung i896 boot screen even after deleting all user data and wiping my cache in recovery mode. So I guess my only option now is to flash a rom using odin, but id rather prefer not to flash to a stock ATT 2.1 rom, i would like to flash back to my original stock rogers.
Is it possible to flash to an ATT rom, then do a factory reset from the privacy settings of the phone to bring me back to rogers stock rom?

ATT rom =/= Rogers rom
You'll need to search and find a Rogers rom you can stick in Odin and flash with if you want Rogers

I don't think you can easily return to Rogers stock rom using odin. Most people end up having AT&T logo on boot. However, since you're soft bricked anyways, why don't you try using Heimdall, new Open-Source Flashing Software and this dump generated from stock Rogers phone.
I haven't seen any reports of tests on Captivate yet, but it seems to work well on other Galaxies. Check Heimdall thread for more info, and if it works well for you, please report to this thread. Good luck!

thanks, i installed heimdall perfectly fine, it recognizes my device, but i cant download that PIT file from megaupload, its failed to download multiple times. Is there any other links?
I will keep trying

all good to go now,
used this rogers stock rom
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BD2EF4WF
and flashed it without any problems. Glad to have a working phone again even though i lost everything

Did you use heimdall our some other method?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I896 using XDA App

Hi! I just came across the same issue. I've been using the Cognition ROM on my Captivate for some months now and only today decided to switch to Perception 8. I downloaded the latter and rebooted through ROM Manager which, as I've done before, rebooted and backed up all my data. It then proceeded to erase all user data and cache and attempted to install Perception 8 ROM, but was unsuccessful. It provided me with a usual list of options, including 'Reboot', 'Backup' (i think) and others. I chose to Reboot thinking it would just go back to the last best ROM (i.e. Cognition latest, in my case).
Now it just reboots and refuses to go past the at&t World Phone boot screen.
I've tried the button combinations. Up-volume+down-volume+power button, up+power, up+home+power, down+home+power (!). All these seem to reboot the phone and in about 10 seconds after I press them, takes me right back to the same boot screen and not past it.
I'm fairly sure my old data is backed up somewhere inside.
I've tried to read the other forums, but nothing in particular seems to work for me. I run Ubuntu on my laptop, wanted to try Heimdall but its download page is down.
Any suggestions on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated.
1) Any other button combinations?
2) Any other tricks, including ways to using Heimdall (whose source files I can't seem to find), to get into my device?
Apologies for the detail, but I presume there's someone who knows exactly what I'm talking about.
OP, what software did you end up using on your computer to gain access to the device?
Thanks.

sshvetsov said:
Did you use heimdall our some other method?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I896 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i used it, installed the drivers on my pc, downloaded the rom i provided in my response and flashed it, worked flawlessly without problems.

nostratispeak said:
Hi! I just came across the same issue. I've been using the Cognition ROM on my Captivate for some months now and only today decided to switch to Perception 8. I downloaded the latter and rebooted through ROM Manager which, as I've done before, rebooted and backed up all my data. It then proceeded to erase all user data and cache and attempted to install Perception 8 ROM, but was unsuccessful. It provided me with a usual list of options, including 'Reboot', 'Backup' (i think) and others. I chose to Reboot thinking it would just go back to the last best ROM (i.e. Cognition latest, in my case).
Now it just reboots and refuses to go past the at&t World Phone boot screen.
I've tried the button combinations. Up-volume+down-volume+power button, up+power, up+home+power, down+home+power (!). All these seem to reboot the phone and in about 10 seconds after I press them, takes me right back to the same boot screen and not past it.
I'm fairly sure my old data is backed up somewhere inside.
I've tried to read the other forums, but nothing in particular seems to work for me. I run Ubuntu on my laptop, wanted to try Heimdall but its download page is down.
Any suggestions on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated.
1) Any other button combinations?
2) Any other tricks, including ways to using Heimdall (whose source files I can't seem to find), to get into my device?
Apologies for the detail, but I presume there's someone who knows exactly what I'm talking about.
OP, what software did you end up using on your computer to gain access to the device?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i used heimdall, which was linked above, but I was able to get into download mode through my phone since it was soft bricked. IF you can get back into Download mode, then you are fine... Keep trying until you do, otherwise you might have to use the JIG method.

stavs said:
yes i used it, installed the drivers on my pc, downloaded the rom i provided in my response and flashed it, worked flawlessly without problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news! I'm sure a lot of rogers captivate users will be very happy to learn that. Just curious, where did the linked rom dump come from?
EDIT: Nevermind, found this thread describing Rogers stock restore procedure using Heimdall and the bundle you used.

@nostratispeak: if you have questions about Heimdall, you might want to check the official thread.

sshvetsov said:
@nostratispeak: if you have questions about Heimdall, you might want to check the official thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. Just did. The site is back up and working. I've the downloaded the files too. Now, to get my phone to work.

@stavs Thanks.
Just curious. What's the difference between a soft brick and hard one? My Captivate simply refuses to get past the AT&T World Phone logo white boot screen - the very first one when you normally reboot the Captivate. I'm not sure if I'm in the 'Download' mode. And, I don't have access to the material required for the JIG. So, I'm hoping to get this done the software route.
Is there a chance that anything from my last best Cognition ROM is still active in there somewhere?
I'm also afraid that if I keep my phone ON for too long, it will simply die out and refuse to recharge.
Thanks.
EDIT: I followed the instructions from this thread and I have the phone in what I believe, is the Download mode: Droid shoving dirt within a filled yellow triangle, with a message "Downloading" "Do not turn off Target". My device is connected to my laptop. I don't see anything popping up on the screen. I also have Heimdall frontend up and running in Ubuntu.
I've downloaded a few ROMs, including Cognition and some samsung stock firmware. There are conflicting information in different pages. Am not sure what to do next. Help?

nostratispeak said:
@stavs Thanks.
Just curious. What's the difference between a soft brick and hard one? My Captivate simply refuses to get past the AT&T World Phone logo white boot screen - the very first one when you normally reboot the Captivate. I'm not sure if I'm in the 'Download' mode. And, I don't have access to the material required for the JIG. So, I'm hoping to get this done the software route.
Is there a chance that anything from my last best Cognition ROM is still active in there somewhere?
I'm also afraid that if I keep my phone ON for too long, it will simply die out and refuse to recharge.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your device isn't bricked as such, it's caught in a boot-cycle. This is actually worse than a soft brick and in some ways is comparable to a "hard" brick. It's comparable to a hard brick because when you're in a boot cycle you usually can't get into download mode. Presumably the only option is to use a custom JIG, as you've mentioned.
There is no official terminology but a soft brick is generally when your phone displays the "connect phone to pc" screen. A hard brick is a bit more difficult to define, but I'd say it's fairly reasonable to assume that this is when your phone won't turn on or charge. A brick (full brick?) is when your device is absolutely not recoverable by any means.

nostratispeak said:
@stavs Thanks.
Just curious. What's the difference between a soft brick and hard one? My Captivate simply refuses to get past the AT&T World Phone logo white boot screen - the very first one when you normally reboot the Captivate. I'm not sure if I'm in the 'Download' mode. And, I don't have access to the material required for the JIG. So, I'm hoping to get this done the software route.
Is there a chance that anything from my last best Cognition ROM is still active in there somewhere?
I'm also afraid that if I keep my phone ON for too long, it will simply die out and refuse to recharge.
Thanks.
EDIT: I followed the instructions from this thread and I have the phone in what I believe, is the Download mode: Droid shoving dirt within a filled yellow triangle, with a message "Downloading" "Do not turn off Target". My device is connected to my laptop. I don't see anything popping up on the screen. I also have Heimdall frontend up and running in Ubuntu.
I've downloaded a few ROMs, including Cognition and some samsung stock firmware. There are conflicting information in different pages. Am not sure what to do next. Help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats great news than, now with the one of the downloaded roms you have saved on your computer, take the data (ie Factoryfs.rfs,cache.rfs, modem.bin and Zimage) and link it appropriately in the program. Then just click the start button and it will automatically install the rom within minutes. You shouldnt see anything pop up, i dont remember seeing anything, but during the installation there should be a download bar on your phone to indicate data is being transfered and downloaded to your phone. After your phone should reboot and be back to normal.

stavs said:
all good to go now,
used this rogers stock rom
and flashed it without any problems. Glad to have a working phone again even though i lost everything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this remove the AT&T boot logo and replace with the Rogers logo as well? Stavs, I'm assuming you went from the Rogers ROM, back to the Rogers ROM, so this probably not apply to you, but have any of you guys been able to get rid of the AT&T logo from a previous flash, and restore the Rogers logo using this method, and ROM?

stavs said:
all good to go now,
used this rogers stock rom
megaup*****com/?d=BD2EF4WF
and flashed it without any problems. Glad to have a working phone again even though i lost everything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
used the same rom flashed it with odin but didnt load the pit file... made sure re-partitioned was UNchecked and off i went... restored my phone to 2.1 and was finally able to get kies to recognize my phone and upgrade it after 5 days in hell trying various things, flashing different "stock" ROMs... i finally did it tho... running froyo as we speak...

I am not sure if anyone suggested this already but i896 users can flash stock Rogers 2.1 using this method. No AT&T screens. Works great.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=979133

Flashing back to DG's OTA JH7

Does this correct the imei and nav bin issue from flashing other kernels...and will doing this install the stock kernel as well or will that have to be flashed..I see it flashes a kernel..but doesn't say which one...I've looked but really haven't found anything about going back to stock on this..since this was for those whose OTA update failed..or semi bricked their phones..
The reason I ask is I am seriously considering taking my phone into a corporate AT&T store tomorrow and see if I can walk out with a new phone..I want it as stock as I can get it so I will have no issue from them..
I have my Cap ID # already written down..but didn't get the nav_bin info before flashing a few months ago.
Mac

Should be fine doing that. It replaces the kernel too. Or use the other one click stock and kies mini.

smokestack76 said:
Should be fine doing that. It replaces the kernel too. Or use the other one click stock and kies mini.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that and it shows it as a unregistered device with Kies..
Mac

If you are talking about the newest full Kies application, the Captivate won't register. You have to use the Mini Kies version.
Sent from a phone somewhere in the universe

cappysw10 said:
If you are talking about the newest full Kies application, the Captivate won't register. You have to use the Mini Kies version.
Sent from a phone somewhere in the universe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought...but did download the mini keys...and it still wouldn't take...I tried the AT&T OTA from the phone...it downloaded it completely but failed at 50% on the install, and showed 2.1 updated in the menu... Sooooo I said screw it...and went ahead and flashed back with Odin to Jf6 and master cleared and factory reset then to put my update zip on the internal Storage..along with DG's OTA JH7 Zip...let it do it's stuff and back to JH7...
My IMEI # and my Captivate ID number along with the product code # are all correct...so that saves me having to go into the terminal to change anything...Now all I gotta do is to delete some apps..and 1 click un-root it...and I think this thing will really be 100% stock again...hell..it sure acts like it is now right now with all the lag and random automatic shut downs..
I'll be seeing what the corporate AT&T store says in the morning about walking out with a new one...got my fingers crossed...
Mac

Rooting again, hit a snag...

So Ive rooted many times switching back and forth and updating various roms. I always use "unleash the Beast" for rooting. This morning I decided to try out the Serendipity 7 so I cleared everything with Odin and when I placed the "Unleash" file on my phone (as update.zip) it will not install? There used to be a re-install packages file on my phone and Id just hit that and id be rooted, that wasnt there and just selecting the actual file from re-boot mode doesnt work either. When I Odin'd this time did I somehow get a newer version of a stock Rom or something? I'll Odin again and see if I did something different, just posting this in the mean time.

dont mind me. Looks like I used a different version of Odin than normal and it gave me a 2.3 Droid which didnt have the re-install packages included.

[Q] Softbrick due to attempted downgrade from 5.0 to 4.4.2

Hey guys,
Basically today I was getting tired of the android 5.0 install I had running on my S5 so I figured I would reinstall 4.4.2 via Odin - a process which I had done a few times previously. I didn't really think about the fact that I was going from one version of the OS to another, and whether this would create an issue, but it has. My phone now loads up the samsung logo, but doesn't finish the animation and then freezes. A few seconds later, the screen will go black and the LED on the top of the phone will just glow blue. The phone will sit like this forever, and never boot. I have tried re-installing the AP in Odin a few times, all of which show pass in Odin, but to no avail. I have also wiped all data and the cache within the recovery. I don't know where to go from here. Any suggestions?
Thanks

Philpro said:
Hey guys,
Basically today I was getting tired of the android 5.0 install I had running on my S5 so I figured I would reinstall 4.4.2 via Odin - a process which I had done a few times previously. I didn't really think about the fact that I was going from one version of the OS to another, and whether this would create an issue, but it has. My phone now loads up the samsung logo, but doesn't finish the animation and then freezes. A few seconds later, the screen will go black and the LED on the top of the phone will just glow blue. The phone will sit like this forever, and never boot. I have tried re-installing the AP in Odin a few times, all of which show pass in Odin, but to no avail. I have also wiped all data and the cache within the recovery. I don't know where to go from here. Any suggestions?
Thanks
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I think you need to find the lollipop kernel. But I'm not 100 percent sure.

try opening kies with your phone connected and look for a menu option to the effect of restore/repair device
sent from my galaxy a5 (SM-G900AZ) on Cricket

I'm not sure if this helps you or not, but I did the same thing, trying to downgrade. I did not take the OTA update when I went from KitKat to Lollipop, instead I flashed one of the Lollipop ROMs, so be wary of that. If you took the OTA update, I don't know if this will work for you.
Anyways, I spent the better half of a day trying different kernels and stock ROMs using the factory recovery etc and nothing was working, each time I would either end up frozen at the Samsung screen or the initial splash screen when you power the phone on. I found this thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...w-to-update-to-g900aoca-5-0-keeproot-t3076803
Under "notes", step 4 I downloaded the file G900A_Downgrade_to_NCE.tar and flashed through Odin. This is the file that got me out of this hole, so maybe it will work for you as well. After flashing, it rebooted and went past the Samsung screen to the initial first time setup screen. Looks like this put me back at stock UNrooted 4.4.2.
Good luck, hope this helps someone else out.

Wait, are you saying that you updated your phone using the stock recovery? Were you rooted? @mangomango

Its_Tim said:
Wait, are you saying that you updated your phone using the stock recovery? Were you rooted? @mangomango
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I flashed through Odin, but yes I was rooted when I went from KK to LP.

I purchased an AT&T sm-g900a that was supposed to come with 4.4.2 according to info on site and sticker on the box indicated it originally had 4.4.2 on it too. I have no way of knowing if someone flashed it with the whole 5.0 file or just updated it. It was sold to me as a new and unlocked phone, and I got a good deal. The phone looks new with an AT&T screen cover attached, packaging, etc. and contents were still in sealed packaging. Will this work? https://www.androidpit.com/how-to-downgrade-galaxy-s5-from-lollipop-to-kitkat ? Is this the same file as the downgrade one referred to? Sammobile only has the 4.4.2 file. There is a significant cost difference in this model and the t-mobile version. Otherwise, I would just return it. I do not like the newer software at all.

I had the same thing happen today with my g870a. I tried 5.0, and 4.4.2 kernels, 4.4.2 firmware (which I knew wasn't corrupt) in Odin but nothing worked. The whole reason was to go redo my Alliance Rom and use FF beside Safestrap (the LP kernal would get rid of the SS). What I ended up doing was going into stock recovery and went to where it says "install update from ext SD". Then I went into my FF backup and found twrp.zip and selected it. It's did some things, said some stuff failed, then booted up enough to get me to FF to get it straight. One problem...my g870a thinks it's a 900, wtf?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk