I attempted to root my SGS (which had stock Gingerbread Value 2.3.6) using a guide on the Snappyguides blogspot page (the system won't let me, as a newbie, post the URL).
Odin did its thing and then the Samsung Galaxy screen came up (just the white lettering, not the multicoloured animated S) and then... nothing. It just stayed like that for about five seconds, then the white Samsung Galaxy S came up again, then the blank screen ad infinitum.
I can access the download screen and I can access the recovery screen (which does seem to indicate that ClockworkMod v2.5.1.0 has been installed). The trouble is that none of the options seem to do anything.
I have tried searching the forum for similar problems and have read the sticky. The only answers I seem to have been able to find so far suggest flashing a new Rom.
Before I go this far, is flashing a new Rom really necessary in this instance? I have never done this procedure before, so I'm wary of messing things up even further. But obviously if the phone is past the point of no return as far as the stock Rom is concerned, then that'll be what I have to do.
I'd appreciate some advice before doing anything else to my phone though.
I now seem to be able to get the recovery menu options to respond, so maybe all is not lost. Have set it to root and it's currently converting to EXT4 and is about halfway through that.
I'm hoping once that's done, it'll be bootable.
If not, what do I need to do to make the SGS boot again? Is there any way of getting back to stock or can I only flash a stock rom back on?
Nope, still not booting. It just keeps going to the Samsung I9000 white lettering, stays there for five seconds, goes blank for five seconds, then the white lettering goes back and on, off like that forever.
So... anyone willing to help?
...
have a look in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1225879
Lexrsk said:
have a look in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1225879
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for responding.
Sorry for being a n00b but I can't find anything in there that helps me. All I see is a lot of jargon about various roms, kernels and something called Voodoo.
I had a working phone with Gingerbread 2.3.6 Value. I added Clockworkmod via Odin. Now I can't get the phone to boot beyond the splash screen. It doesn't even get as far as the animated S, all I get is the splash screen going on and off every few seconds.
All I want is to get my phone working again, I really couldn't care less about custom roms etc.
If anyone can help this poor n00b, I'd be very grateful!
Incidentally, I've downloaded what I understand to be the factory rom for JW4 from sammobile.com - this is a 171MB zip file with just two files inside - a tar file called JW4_JW5_JW4 and a dll file called SS_DL.dll. I'm not really sure what to do with these to restore my phone via Odin. This is the kind of thing I need help with - the threads I've read so far don't make much sense to a poor confused n00b I'm afraid.
evilcartman2 said:
Thanks for responding.
Sorry for being a n00b but I can't find anything in there that helps me. All I see is a lot of jargon about various roms, kernels and something called Voodoo.
I had a working phone with Gingerbread 2.3.6 Value. I added Clockworkmod via Odin. Now I can't get the phone to boot beyond the splash screen. It doesn't even get as far as the animated S, all I get is the splash screen going on and off every few seconds.
All I want is to get my phone working again, I really couldn't care less about custom roms etc.
If anyone can help this poor n00b, I'd be very grateful!
Incidentally, I've downloaded what I understand to be the factory rom for JW4 from sammobile.com - this is a 171MB zip file with just two files inside - a tar file called JW4_JW5_JW4 and a dll file called SS_DL.dll. I'm not really sure what to do with these to restore my phone via Odin. This is the kind of thing I need help with - the threads I've read so far don't make much sense to a poor confused n00b I'm afraid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll help u, I went through this when I was a noob and because I didn't know about xda I had to just figure a way out, I am sorry to say but u have soft bricked your phone, luckily its not hard to unbrick, here's a link to a post i made the other day with proper guides that I use often and they are noob friendly, the files u need to download are there but it 2.3.3 and it JW4 but it will be a start to get ur phone back to life,
If you like my posts hit thanks
Here the link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25572245
If you like my posts hit thanks
OK, thanks for that. I'm supposed to be asleep right now, so I'll come back to this later but thanks for helping.
But just to clarify for now - this will restore the phone to a working version of 2.3.3 and from there I can get back to the latest stock rom (2.3.6) via Kies, yes? I need to get into Kies anyway to restore my contacts from backups (as I haven't yet seen a way of restoring the backups except via Kies).
Thanks once again.
evilcartman2 said:
OK, thanks for that. I'm supposed to be asleep right now, so I'll come back to this later but thanks for helping.
But just to clarify for now - this will restore the phone to a working version of 2.3.3 and from there I can get back to the latest stock rom (2.3.6) via Kies, yes? I need to get into Kies anyway to restore my contacts from backups (as I haven't yet seen a way of restoring the backups except via Kies).
Thanks once again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yip I guess that is right. I have never tried it but yes it should work
If you like my posts hit thanks
Well, I did get it working again in the end by using a factory rom. Thanks for your help anyway, W1nst0n.
I do intend to attempt to root it again but this time I intend to do it properly.
Any suggestions on what may have caused the boot problem I had? Perhaps using a version of ClockworkMod that was incompatible with 2.3.6 Value?
evilcartman2 said:
Well, I did get it working again in the end by using a factory rom. Thanks for your help anyway, W1nst0n.
I do intend to attempt to root it again but this time I intend to do it properly.
Any suggestions on what may have caused the boot problem I had? Perhaps using a version of ClockworkMod that was incompatible with 2.3.6 Value?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that or the wrong root file for ur baseband
If you like my posts hit thanks
evilcartman2 said:
Well, I did get it working again in the end by using a factory rom. Thanks for your help anyway, W1nst0n.
I do intend to attempt to root it again but this time I intend to do it properly.
Any suggestions on what may have caused the boot problem I had? Perhaps using a version of ClockworkMod that was incompatible with 2.3.6 Value?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check in about phone for the kernel version. for example mine is 2.6.35.7-I9000TDVJV6-CL530973
The important part is the bold text.
search the link that i posted earlier for a odin version and flash as PDA
Good luck
Evilcartman, when u wanna get me help find me on the I9000 q&a-ask me anything I got the answer thread, it where I spend most of my time.
If you like my posts hit thanks
Related
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.
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
HELP! I am so scared...somebody help me!
I tried to installed the Overcome kernel but didn't like it, as each time I boot up, that voice comes up.
And plus, a few of my original apps was lost (including Market). So I thought i'd install with Odin again the:
CF-Root-TAB7_XX_OXA_JQ1-v3.3-CWM3RFS.tar
And now, when i switch on the tablet, it'll boot with the animation and sound, but then a blank screen.
I can manage to boot into ClockworkMod recovery. Can i be saved? Please somebody help me!
Thanks
geoyakult said:
HELP! I am so scared...somebody help me!
I tried to installed the Overcome kernel but didn't like it, as each time I boot up, that voice comes up.
And plus, a few of my original apps was lost (including Market). So I thought i'd install with Odin again the:
CF-Root-TAB7_XX_OXA_JQ1-v3.3-CWM3RFS.tar
And now, when i switch on the tablet, it'll boot with the animation and sound, but then a blank screen.
I can manage to boot into ClockworkMod recovery. Can i be saved? Please somebody help me!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can boot into CWM, then you should easily be able to get into Download mode as well. You can go back to the stock image for your Tab, or try and reflash a different rom via CWM... sounds like just a bad flash for a soft brick..
pvtjoker42 said:
If you can boot into CWM, then you should easily be able to get into Download mode as well. You can go back to the stock image for your Tab, or try and reflash a different rom via CWM... sounds like just a bad flash for a soft brick..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there, thanks for reply back to me.
I've managed to actually get it going again, by reflashing to the Overcome kernel.
However, some apps has disappeared and also the market.
Anyways, i wish to revert the whole thing back to stock, kernel and firmware. Is there a way I can do this via Kies?
Let me know what information regarding my tab you need. I believe it is the CPW (GSM) UK version.
cheers
geoyakult said:
HELP! I am so scared...somebody help me!
I tried to installed the Overcome kernel but didn't like it, as each time I boot up, that voice comes up.
And plus, a few of my original apps was lost (including Market). So I thought i'd install with Odin again the:
CF-Root-TAB7_XX_OXA_JQ1-v3.3-CWM3RFS.tar
And now, when i switch on the tablet, it'll boot with the animation and sound, but then a blank screen.
I can manage to boot into ClockworkMod recovery. Can i be saved? Please somebody help me!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. FYI, your Tab is not haunted. That voice that you refer to, is basically an indicator that the file-system on the Tab is being converted from RFS to EXT4 (what some would affectionately refer to as the lag-fix). You should have left it to continue. That's the reason we ask people to let it finish booting before doing anything else. As always, when it comes to flashing a new firmware/kernel, it's always better to read up and know what to expect.
Anyway, by the looks of it, you might have a corrupted file-system, since you keep shutting it down mid-conversion. That's the reason "the voice" keeps coming back. If you'd allowed it to complete, it should not have returned.
Secondly, flashing the Overcome Kernel alone will NOT remove the Market application. If you were already on the CF-Root kernel, it might remove the CF-Root specific applications like the CwM "app" (and not the recovery functionality, mind you...) and the Tweaks app as these apps were created by ChainFire specifically for his kernel.
Best advice would be to re-flash a stock firmware first, to get your Tab into a clean system. From there, you can continue to to install the kernel of your choice (like ChainFire or Kouxudaxi's fine kernels as well.... these kernels, if I'm not mistaken, do not do automatic EXT4 conversions)
If you're unsure of how to do this, refer to the guide in teamovercome.net and it'll guide you in basic re-stocking (but using our Stock safe package which will provide you with the Gingerbread-based JQ1 firmware).
LOL, +100000000000000000000000 thepitbull...
thepittbull said:
LOL. FYI, your Tab is not haunted. That voice that you refer to, is basically an indicator that the file-system on the Tab is being converted from RFS to EXT4 (what some would affectionately refer to as the lag-fix). You should have left it to continue. That's the reason we ask people to let it finish booting before doing anything else. As always, when it comes to flashing a new firmware/kernel, it's always better to read up and know what to expect.
Anyway, by the looks of it, you might have a corrupted file-system, since you keep shutting it down mid-conversion. That's the reason "the voice" keeps coming back. If you'd allowed it to complete, it should not have returned.
Secondly, flashing the Overcome Kernel alone will NOT remove the Market application. If you were already on the CF-Root kernel, it might remove the CF-Root specific applications like the CwM "app" (and not the recovery functionality, mind you...) and the Tweaks app as these apps were created by ChainFire specifically for his kernel.
Best advice would be to re-flash a stock firmware first, to get your Tab into a clean system. From there, you can continue to to install the kernel of your choice (like ChainFire or Kouxudaxi's fine kernels as well.... these kernels, if I'm not mistaken, do not do automatic EXT4 conversions)
If you're unsure of how to do this, refer to the guide in teamovercome.net and it'll guide you in basic re-stocking (but using our Stock safe package which will provide you with the Gingerbread-based JQ1 firmware).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there,
Thank you so much for your time in replying - I've managed to install what i believe is stock Gingerbread from Samsfirmware. So everything looks back to normal... tho i have posted another Question, with all my firmware details so I can be reassured I am back to stock.
So sorry, I panicked so badly last night..ha!
You have also special thread with many scenarios how to fix your tablet if anything goes wrong.
It helped me yesterday to revive my Galaxy Tab. Just suddenly it started freezing and restarting, after 3 weeks working perfectly on Overcome. Nothing changed, or updated, nothing installed for days, and all what was ever installed are programs I already have on my two other Android phones, it simply froze in the middle of work. Wipe didn't work, changing file system didn't work, etc...
Read the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1133590
Very good material.
nidza said:
You have also special thread with many scenarios how to fix your tablet if anything goes wrong.
It helped me yesterday to revive my Galaxy Tab. Just suddenly it started freezing and restarting, after 3 weeks working perfectly on Overcome. Nothing changed, or updated, nothing installed for days, and all what was ever installed are programs I already have on my two other Android phones, it simply froze in the middle of work. Wipe didn't work, changing file system didn't work, etc...
Read the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1133590
Very good material.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im very glad that the guide helps many ppl
@the Op : do me a fav and flash safe
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
k0sh said:
Im very glad that the guide helps many ppl
@the Op : do me a fav and flash safe
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, in future i will be more careful when flashing, so glad that my tablet is back to normal (albeit with the Italian release of GB ) but everything works fine.
Will do more reading on the forums before undertaking any more flashing, make sure i know what i am doing and which Rom is best for me to use.
Cheers
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
geoyakult said:
Yup, in future i will be more careful when flashing, so glad that my tablet is back to normal (albeit with the Italian release of GB ) but everything works fine.
Will do more reading on the forums before undertaking any more flashing, make sure i know what i am doing and which Rom is best for me to use.
Cheers
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
best reaction i never read
HI!
Just recently signed up so I can't seem to post this question in the FASTY III forum....I kind of understand why xda has this policy about new members not being able to post int he developmental forums...but still...
I recently moved from FASTY II to III...ran into a bunch of issues but I managed to resolve most of them by going through the forums. What I am having trouble with is my inability to get to the Recovery menu. I have tried to go there thru the shutdown menu, by doing the button holding trick, and even from ROM Manager... none of those seem to work for me. Very frustrating... All those mentioned attempts only bring up an ATT screen which wont go away until I reboot the phone into a normal start....
So why am I unable to enter Recovery mode?
Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you!
nycmon said:
HI!
Just recently signed up so I can't seem to post this question in the FASTY III forum....I kind of understand why xda has this policy about new members not being able to post int he developmental forums...but still...
I recently moved from FASTY II to III...ran into a bunch of issues but I managed to resolve most of them by going through the forums. What I am having trouble with is my inability to get to the Recovery menu. I have tried to go there thru the shutdown menu, by doing the button holding trick, and even from ROM Manager... none of those seem to work for me. Very frustrating... All those mentioned attempts only bring up an ATT screen which wont go away until I reboot the phone into a normal start....
So why am I unable to enter Recovery mode?
Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in terminal emulator type su and then reboot recovery maybe it work
or may be you just flashed unsupported recovery
nycmon said:
HI!
Just recently signed up so I can't seem to post this question in the FASTY III forum....I kind of understand why xda has this policy about new members not being able to post int he developmental forums...but still...
I recently moved from FASTY II to III...ran into a bunch of issues but I managed to resolve most of them by going through the forums. What I am having trouble with is my inability to get to the Recovery menu. I have tried to go there thru the shutdown menu, by doing the button holding trick, and even from ROM Manager... none of those seem to work for me. Very frustrating... All those mentioned attempts only bring up an ATT screen which wont go away until I reboot the phone into a normal start....
So why am I unable to enter Recovery mode?
Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been having the same problem recently, but not just with this rom. I have flashed many roms to my device, but it appears that almost everytime i try to flash something now, the same exact thing happens as the OP. any information on what is wrong or how to fix this would be greatly appreciated.
When you boot up...do you guys get a scrambled screen that looks like white noise?
that's caused by froyo bootloaders on a gingerbread ROM.
Not all That familiar with fasty though...dunno of the jump from 2 to 3 was froyo to ginger, just a guess.
studacris said:
When you boot up...do you guys get a scrambled screen that looks like white noise?
that's caused by froyo bootloaders on a gingerbread ROM.
Not all That familiar with fasty though...dunno of the jump from 2 to 3 was froyo to ginger, just a guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes this happens, but i am usually still able to use the rom after i wait for awhile. Recently it just gets stuck at the ATT logo screen and does nothing else.
HERE is a package containing JUST the ginger boots.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GOOD PHONE/PC CONNECTION, FLASHING BOOTLOADERS IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRULY HARD BRICK
studacris said:
HERE is a package containing JUST the ginger boots.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GOOD PHONE/PC CONNECTION, FLASHING BOOTLOADERS IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRULY HARD BRICK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just tried it with a solid connection and it almost instantly said failed in the red box. now i cant turn it on or get to download mode so im pretty sure it is hard bricked. is there any way you can help me with this?
EDIT: False alarm, i can still get to download mode so i can ODIN back to stock, but i do not know if i should risk it again
Whew that was close.
You can flash to stock using a bootloader less package, that way if it fails it can't hard brick.
Then if that works, find an entire stock gingerbread package with bootloaders included, and flash that instead of just the bootloader one click. this again, will involve risk, but full Odin package seem to work better on some phones than one clicks do.
I tried to flash the bootloader again and it succeeded. i then proceeded to try and flash Fasty KK4 v1.1 and once again i was stuck at the ATT logo. For some reason with every rom i flash, when the logo pops up, it starts dim and then get bright. After it gets bright, it stays that way and it is a real pain not being able to use custom roms anymore.
If you have the GB bls just make sure you follow LL's instructions in the OP for Fasty. I had the same issue, but it was me mistake for not following the istructions properly
studacris said:
When you boot up...do you guys get a scrambled screen that looks like white noise?
that's caused by froyo bootloaders on a gingerbread ROM.
Not all That familiar with fasty though...dunno of the jump from 2 to 3 was froyo to ginger, just a guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i DO get a very colorful white noise screen whenever it boots up ...the screen goes away once it fully reboots....I wondered about it but just assumed it was a quirk of the FASTY III package...
Is Rom Manager a froyo based app?
No, ROM manager is poop. Not implemented on galaxy devices properly, and won't work past eclair, and even them it was severely limited to just downloading an update.zip to your sdcard...which you could put there manually with out having to root...
FORGET ROM MANAGER EXISTS
studacris said:
No, ROM manager is poop. Not implemented on galaxy devices properly, and won't work past eclair, and even them it was severely limited to just downloading an update.zip to your sdcard...which you could put there manually with out having to root...
FORGET ROM MANAGER EXISTS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Rom Manager helped me a lot until this Fasty III installation....even in my previous rom Fasty II it worked fine and did great for backing up and restoring backups....saved my asss a few times with those restores lol....But if this program doesn't work for fasty III what comparable program can I use?
Also I still can't intorecovery mode...nothing works...I even tried using ADB and Droid Explorer....nothing seems to get it into recovery mode...
Am I going to have to flash back to stock ROM and try reinstalling fasty iii again? This seems all so tedious lol...
OR is there a way for me to flash back to Fasty II without having to go back to stock rom? or without having to access the recovery screen?
Thank you^
All that backing up and restoring you did with ROM manager can be done in cwm recovery and that's what you should use from now on. No app needed at all.
Follow the instructions I've already provided in this thread. You'll either need Odin to flash the gingerbread bootloaders,
or to go back to a froyo firmware, first flash a froyo kernel with Odin and THEN the froyo ROM. stock isn't needed.
Recovery in a gingerbread kernel is completely inaccessible with froyo bootloaders.
studacris said:
All that backing up and restoring you did with ROM manager can be done in cwm recovery and that's what you should use from now on. No app needed at all.
Follow the instructions I've already provided in this thread. You'll either need Odin to flash the gingerbread bootloaders,
or to go back to a froyo firmware, first flash a froyo kernel with Odin and THEN the froyo ROM. stock isn't needed.
Recovery in a gingerbread kernel is completely inaccessible with froyo bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the info!
Looks like fasty III is a GB based mod after all...I guess I should read up more on the rom before installing lol....I did not expect the dev to go from froyo to gb -_-
I was thinking of using your previous post for the one click gb bootloaders only....but it seems a little iffy and I can't afford to hardware brick the phone lol...
Makes me wonder tho...is it really THAT risky to flash bootloaders? It would make things simpler if i could just flash the gb bootloaders and go from there....
the whole flash should take less than a minute, where the actual writing takes only a few seconds...but if you were to lose communication in that awful window then it would be bad day.
But that is a small window, and if you have never had connection issues you should be ok if Odin tends to be iffy, you van try heimdall I've heard that works better for some.
Still haven't tried flashing the bootloaders because i'm scared of the possibility of hard bricking my phone... If worst case scenario was to happen and it gets hard bricked....are there any options to restore that phone? or is it just paper weight after?
Also until I flash those bootloaders there is no way to back up my phone or anything?
Thanks for all ur help btw!
another issue i am having is that the phone seems pretty laggy after installing this rom...even with tegra overclock premium and tweaking it up to 1252mhz 1275mv 1100mv setting...it still seems laggy when opening sms etc....is this just the results of a bad rom install? also battery life seems crappy....even after doing the battery recalibration...of course i couldn't wipe the battery stats since i cant get into recovery...
Hard bricks are recoverable by a hardware modification known as unbrickable mod, search for user Adam outler, or go to mobiletechvideos.com they both offer this service if you're not a soldering expert.
Battery recalibration does NOTHING the stats are reset everytime you charge to 100, and besides that they don't calculate your current battery level, just what's been using it, its what's used in settings> about phone> battery use. It has nothing to do with extending battery life.
oh lol...i have been reading all these threads where people are talking about how much their battery life improved after they did the recalibration and stat wipe ....well anyways I am going to attempt the bootloader flashing...I hope everything goes well! after that I want to try reflashing the fasty III ROM...
Do you have any recommendations as far as a good ROM for teh captivate? One that doesn't lag and has good gps & battery life? I would appreciate any help you can give.
Thanks!
I need some help here, and I need to stop bothering the guys in the ROM forum about it so I'm asking here instead.
It's a t-mobile note 4. I was running Dynamic Kat on it and it was suggested I update the modem and bootloader with a partial flash file. Now my phone is stuck in a bootloop.
I CAN get into both download mode and TWRP, however, so it seems like this should be fixable. I'd be happy with even going back to fully stock and rerooting it.
I found this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...to-downgrade-cod6-to-nk4-upgrade-nk4-t3095585 which seems to about flashing back to stock NK4 or cod6. I know those are bootloaders, but I don't really understand what they mean beyond that.
Or can I just flash to the new stock lollipop t-mobile put out this week? If so, how? If anyone has the time to help me with this, I would really appreciate it.
Edit: I found instructions on sammobile.com. Going to try them. *fixed
Caelrie said:
I need some help here, and I need to stop bothering the guys in the ROM forum about it so I'm asking here instead.
It's a t-mobile note 4. I was running Dynamic Kat on it and it was suggested I update the modem and bootloader with a partial flash file. Now my phone is stuck in a bootloop.
I CAN get into both download mode and TWRP, however, so it seems like this should be fixable. I'd be happy with even going back to fully stock and rerooting it.
I found this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...to-downgrade-cod6-to-nk4-upgrade-nk4-t3095585 which seems to about flashing back to stock NK4 or cod6. I know those are bootloaders, but I don't really understand what they mean beyond that.
Or can I just flash to the new stock lollipop t-mobile put out this week? If so, how? If anyone has the time to help me with this, I would really appreciate it.
Edit: I found instructions on sammobile.com. Going to try them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy fix. ODIN flash the stock COD6 software. Then start over again with cf auto root. There is a thread that had all of the files you need in one zip.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Yayyy I think it worked! Stock Lollipop is booting up. It's in the Optimizing apps phase.
Caelrie said:
Yayyy I think it worked! Stock Lollipop is booting up. It's in the Optimizing apps phase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you the same one who renamed the tar.md5 file to tar? If so, when you ask for help you really should mention all the steps you took to get there. Where it went wrong, etc.
When in doubt, Odin flash full firmware to get back to stock. There are other steps you could have taken as well but Odin is almost always a surefire bet.
(Also remember to hit the thanks button for those who have helped you get things sorted, like that fella above and the people who helped you in the rom thread- not me of course because I didn't do anything but for those who did I'm sure they would appreciate it)
absinthesummer said:
Are you the same one who renamed the tar.md5 file to tar? If so, when you ask for help you really should mention all the steps you took to get there. Where it went wrong, etc.
When in doubt, Odin flash full firmware to get back to stock. There are other steps you could have taken as well but Odin is almost always a surefire bet.
(Also remember to hit the thanks button for those who have helped you get things sorted, like that fella above and the people who helped you in the rom thread- not me of course because I didn't do anything but for those who did I'm sure they would appreciate it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yah, that was me. I came over here to ask for help instead because I shouldn't be bothering you guys in the ROM thread. I was making progress though. By the time I made this thread, I'd figured out that if I could get into TWRP or download mode, I could odin my way out of it. Just needed some help on that doing that, but then I figured that out too thanks to sammobile
Caelrie said:
Yah, that was me. I came over here to ask for help instead because I shouldn't be bothering you guys in the ROM thread. I was making progress though. By the time I made this thread, I'd figured out that if I could get into TWRP or download mode, I could odin my way out of it. Just needed some help on that doing that, but then I figured that out too thanks to sammobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, glad you got it sorted. Yeah as long as you can access download mode you're golden, and a bonus if you can get into recovery as well.
Excellent job actually searching and reading and fixing your problem, far too many people want answers just handed to them, so kudos to you for that.
Just for the future if you need help, try to remember and list all steps you took (even if you don't know where you went wrong) in excruciating detail because it helps us troubleshoot and figure out what the problem is. Without certain pertinent info it could take a lot longer to solve it.
Overall good job, glad you're up & running.
Go to rapture download the rom and load it to sd card. Then follow directions exactly and u will be ok. No loading anything. Fresh start
BAD ASS NOTE 4
I am in the same boat with the boot loop. I flashed the partial firmware file as well and I did not rename it and the flash went fine. After that it boot to the screen that says powered by Android then it reboots over and over. Currently downloading the stock cod so I can odin that.
ElAguila said:
I am in the same boat with the boot loop. I flashed the partial firmware file as well and I did not rename it and the flash went fine. After that it boot to the screen that says powered by Android then it reboots over and over. Currently downloading the stock cod so I can odin that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically you shouldn't be flashing just the partial firmware. It sets up a base so that you can flash a lollipop rom in recovery without issues. I'm not sure why someone is recommending just flashing the partial firmware only. I guess they figured it wouldn't cause issues.
Anyway, here is how the partial firmware should be used:
Flash partial firmware in Odin
Flash flashable stock lollipop in recovery.
Set up rom, make a backup.
From here you can restore your old kitkat backups without the problems that some are seeing (those who Odin the full firmware are having problems restoring kitkat backups/flashing kitkat roms without Odining ank4 first). The partial firmware prevents that but it's designed to be flashed right before flashing a lollipop rom.
I hope that helps some of you who are having issues.