Database Develop

[Q] Upgrade to 2.2 from 2.1-update1

Hi. I have a newly purchased SGS which runs android 2.1. When I connect it to my laptop via the usb cable and run Kies, I get a message in bold letters saying "This version of the device cannot be updated", in the firmware information tab.
It shows "Current firmware version: PDA:JG8 / PHONE:JG2 / CSC:JG9 (DBT)"
I want to upgrade to 2.2 and 2.3, or directly to 2.3 (if possible), without rooting my phone.
This phone is purchased from Saudi Arabia and did not have the Market app, Youtube app, Maps app and Navigation app initially. But when I selected restore factory settings from settings menu, I got all of the above apps installed automatically.
I have latest version of Kies installed.
Please, please help me how to upgrade without rooting my device.

If you want, you can download the latest UK Gingerbread XXJVT ROM from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1289875
then follow the steps to manually flash a new ROM from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723596

Thanks for the reply. I found the "how to install guide" in the first link itself. Gotta take some time though to get it installed as I have a pretty slow connection.

Just make sure you back up you data before flashing!
I Swyped this on my Galaxy S

I have downloaded the following files:
i9000XXJVT.zip (android 2.3.5) &
Semaphore_kernel_JVT_1.8.2bm.tar
I have read the how to guide and want to instal the new firmware!
Am I good to go?
waiting for reply !

How about Odin? I see that you chose the BM version of Semaphore, just take note that it'll screw up your 720p video recording.
I Swyped this on my Galaxy S

Hi sorry about replying so late. Busy in exams! Well I downloaded odin 1.83 from a website (don't remember the name). And I downloaded the normal version of semaphore too.
Hey.... Thanx for being patient with me! I was quite upset to see that my phone would not be upgraded but now I believe that the latest firmware for my device is only a few clicks away! Thanx alot.
So am I ready? To flash?

It's our carriers fault for not providing the latest firmware, UK usually gets the latest firmwares first.
Yes you are ready to flash. Just take note that by installing the semaphore kernel, your phone will be immediately rooted, just reminded you because of what you've written in your first post.
Just follow the steps on flashing a firmware then after that, flash Semaphore kernel.
Good luck! I hope you'll love your new firmware. The performance improvement will be very noticeable compared your current Eclaire FW.
I Swyped this on my Galaxy S

Hi... I just flashed my SGS!! Everything looking good!!
Wanted to ask, do I have to "wipe Cache partition" and "wipe data/factory reset"? Its given in the how to install guide.
And i have downloaded the JVT phone fix But I dont know how to install it.

Kashif Ahmed said:
Hi... I just flashed my SGS!! Everything looking good!!
Wanted to ask, do I have to "wipe Cache partition" and "wipe data/factory reset"? Its given in the how to install guide.
And i have downloaded the JVT phone fix But I dont know how to install it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't bother with the phone fix unless you really have constant phone force closes, because it might make the problem worse. If you had wiped everything before flashing, you don't have to wipe again.
Also, I noticed that you downloaded semaphore's kernel. But you said you didn't want to root your device. Well, semaphore's kernel, as well as all custom kernels here, are rooted. So, if you don't want root, just flash only the files from that JVT.zip which you downloaded.

Yes. I understood that. And I still don't want to root but a member of the forum said I should make an efs-backup since I'm flashing for the first time. Thats why I downloaded the semaphore kernel. Have not yet touched that though.
Is it okay without the efs-backup? I have flashed my phone and its working almost fine. Only thing is Boot up is pretty slow and after start-up, I get a message about some service (related to samsung) has stopped working.
Rest of it, I'm loving it! Its fast!!

[Q] Question on firmware updates and ROOT for my new SGN

Hi!
First of all, I thank you all devs doin so much work on these forums, I am going to donate to most of you developing for my phone. I am new to Android (coming from symbian, FINALLY!!). Maybe this helps, I used to read these forums regarding flashing, ROMs, MODs, etc, it didn't make sense till I purchased this SGN. I have little knowledge. So...
I've installed Titanium Back-up Pro (yes I payed for it) then this asked for root access, then I installed/flashed this kernel with root, CWM, Super User and other stuff.
Everything seems fine so far, Titanium says it's ok, I back-ed up all stuff with it.
My questions are:
1. I want to know if this change will remove completely my Samsung warranty? (the author of the modified kernel says that Samsung can track changes done to the sys files like kernel)
2. If Yes, this also mean I cannot update the firmware via Kies anymore?
3. Is there any possibility that the kernel I use to get updated? Does this mean it could conflict with some new firmware version (If I manage to get it updated)?
4. If I update the firmware (if possible considering existing situation), will this put back the original kernel? Is there any side effect?
Please take a minute to understand my concerns. I payed quite some $$.
Danny

dnp_sgn said:
Hi!
First of all, I thank you all devs doin so much work on these forums, I am going to donate to most of you developing for my phone. I am new to Android (coming from symbian, FINALLY!!). Maybe this helps, I used to read these forums regarding flashing, ROMs, MODs, etc, it didn't make sense till I purchased this SGN. I have little knowledge. So...
I've installed Titanium Back-up Pro (yes I payed for it) then this asked for root access, then I installed/flashed this kernel with root, CWM, Super User and other stuff.
Everything seems fine so far, Titanium says it's ok, I back-ed up all stuff with it.
My questions are:
1. I want to know if this change will remove completely my Samsung warranty? (the author of the modified kernel says that Samsung can track changes done to the sys files like kernel)
2. If Yes, this also mean I cannot update the firmware via Kies anymore?
3. Is there any possibility that the kernel I use to get updated? Does this mean it could conflict with some new firmware version (If I manage to get it updated)?
4. If I update the firmware (if possible considering existing situation), will this put back the original kernel? Is there any side effect?
Please take a minute to understand my concerns. I payed quite some $$.
Danny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.Rooting voids the warranty, but good thing, flashing back to stock, you regains warranty.
2.You can update via kies (If your currant firmware same as it shud be for your country, b'coz if you manually update newer firmware, which was not released over kies in your country, Kies wont recognise and so you cant update) but, You will lose Root + CWM
3.Usually you will get newer kernel according to your firmware from thread you have used early. But to be practical almost newer near release kernel works for others. e.g. I am using CF Root KL7 for LA4
4.It depends on the way you are updating, If tou update over Kies OR with PC Odin, it will replace with original Kernel. Too keep Rooted n preserve CF root Kernel, you have to use Mobile Odin/ CWM to update firmware.
You may get details of updating newer firmware here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1424997
go through post#2 n 3 in detail

Excellent!
Thanks for your quick reply!
Sounds like you have the freedom to do all around upside down: go "illegal", go back to legal, but there seem to be more for me to understand:
Ok, suppose I proceed with update via Kies, I loose ROOT and CWM. Then, if I want to put back the root and the CWM, I need to find one compatible and it's not going to be for the same KKA I have right?

1. If your device is rooted then the their is so warranty.
2. Yes.. you will not get updates from Kies. (if you are rooted)
3. You can flash Official ROM and Kernel via PC Odin. (Warranty Revoke)
4. you have to flash Official PDA, PHONE, CSC Via Odin PC.
Then you ll get complete Official warranty. Be careful while flashing. Read everything.
Follow this thread for more details about flashing and follow the instructions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1424997
---------- Post added at 02:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:42 PM ----------
Doc u too fast..

I don't fully understand this new language, it's a bit confusing.
Anyway, I am now trying to connect Kies and it does not allow it initiated from computer, but from the phone itself, via browser.

dnp_sgn said:
I don't fully understand this new language, it's a bit confusing.
Anyway, I am now trying to connect Kies and it does not allow it initiated from computer, but from the phone itself, via browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted the device then you cant update from Kies. Just forget about kies.
if you want update device, download Firmware from above mentioned thread and extract it.
you should get 3 files.
Download Odin from the same thread.
Open Odin Attach those 3 files as mentioned in thread.
(i.e : PDA= CODE_xxx , PHONE: MODEM_xxx, CSC: CSC_xxx)
UnTick Re-Partition and leave Auto Reset and F.Reset time ticked.
1. turn off your device .
2. Put device in download mode by pressing Volume Down + Home + Power hold it for 3 - 5 seconds.
3. Device will prompt you to press volume up to continue and volume down to cancel. just press volume up then you can see Downloading mode screen.
4. Connect your data cable to device and PC.
now you can see yellow colored block on Odin and shows "Device Added".
5. Click start. Thats it wait until it restarts.

Thanks again, excellent!

dnp_sgn said:
Thanks again, excellent!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
after install feedback...
Goodluck..

I will give you feedback once I have the chance to update, my phone has the latest update now.

dnp_sgn said:
I will give you feedback once I have the chance to update, my phone has the latest update now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok now I understand there is a new update XXKKA but it's not available for Mobiles in my country, but it's available in Germany (everytime they have it first).
I will purchase a MicroSD in the next couple of days and back-up my apps and user data, then I will try to flash this latest firmware XXLA4.
I hope I can upgrade firmware with CWM so I can keep my data, my accounts, my apps and settings.
My question is now, my firmware now is XXKKA (my phone says it's the latest), is there any conflict with this latest XXLA4 or maybe kernel issue? I don't know much about these, I am just concerned.

dnp_sgn said:
Ok now I understand there is a new update XXKKA but it's not available for Mobiles in my country, but it's available in Germany (everytime they have it first).
I will purchase a MicroSD in the next couple of days and back-up my apps and user data, then I will try to flash this latest firmware XXLA4.
I hope I can upgrade firmware with CWM so I can keep my data, my accounts, my apps and settings.
My question is now, my firmware now is XXKKA (my phone says it's the latest), is there any conflict with this latest XXLA4 or maybe kernel issue? I don't know much about these, I am just concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here one think you should notice that LA4 is an official update for only some regions. it means if the LA4 dint released in your region , Kies wont Support LA4 too even it is an Official.
I suggest you to update to LA3 , any way ICS will be releasing soon for our Note. and Don't bother about Kies update. more over in this ROM you ll get warranty too.

Thanks again man, I guess you will be assisting me at that time

dnp_sgn said:
Thanks again man, I guess you will be assisting me at that time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any time....

I think I have an idea, what if we will work together to do a documentation here on how to do it, you help with the know-how, I help with the copyright (I used to write documentation, so my language will be clear as the blue sky ).

[Q] Question about upgrading to ICS OTA vs ICS via Kies and safety concerns

I'm very confused by all the conflicting reports about ICS and the eMMC bug. I have OTA available but have been putting off upgrading to ICS for a) fear of the bug and b) utter confusion as to what the best way to upgrade is.
I have stock GB. I do not intend to root or mod my phone just yet.
Would really appreciate it if someone more knowledgeable would help me out. I have a bunch of questions:
1. I read that deleting large files could trigger the bug, but can't find any actual reports of that happening. I also know that Samsung was unable to reproduce this bug with stock phones. Is stock ICS safe if I don't root, mod or wipe my phone?
2. Is there a difference between installing ICS OTA or via Kies? Someone was saying that OTA merely patches your current firmware, Kies flashes the full ROM over. Which is better/less buggy? Is there effectively no difference?
3. Would you recommend I wipe my phone in GB before updating? Is that necessary for a bug free install, or is that a myth?

I would also like answers to this.

1. ICS is perfectly safe to use if you dont do any wipes, factory reset etc.
2. No idea tbh.
3. Yes its recommended to do a factory reset while still in GB. To get a clean system before upgrading to ICS.

i usually update with pc odin and download the rom with checkfus, ics is safe just dont do any wipes as i do not believe that the emmc bug has been repaired so better to be safe than sorry
i have never done an ota so cant answer that one
i have flashed a few roms on my gtn7000 without doing any wipes i have done a factory reset while on ics

I'd do a full wipe either before or after the upgrade, i had a few small issues street upgrading to the German rom that this fixed.
I wouldn't worry massively about bricking your phone. If you haven't rooted or installed a custom ROM, worst case scenario is that you get a new phone. Factory resets are a normal function of the phone, and the only people who really need to worry are people who have modified their phone by rooting/custom rom.
Anyone else who ends up with a dead phone would have every right to demand a replacement. Just be sure to keep anything important on an external sd card, or backed up regularly to a pc.
Ftb

I also need help!
Oneiricl said:
1. I read that deleting large files could trigger the bug, but can't find any actual reports of that happening. I also know that Samsung was unable to reproduce this bug with stock phones. Is stock ICS safe if I don't root, mod or wipe my phone?
2. Is there a difference between installing ICS OTA or via Kies? Someone was saying that OTA merely patches your current firmware, Kies flashes the full ROM over. Which is better/less buggy? Is there effectively no difference?
3. Would you recommend I wipe my phone in GB before updating? Is that necessary for a bug free install, or is that a myth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking of upgrading to ICS via KIES.
From what I gather...
1. Though I didn't find a definitive YES, STOCK ICS via KIES has eMMC bug, what I found is everypost is saying DON'T WIPE / FACTORY RESET even if it is STOCK ICS via KIES.
2. I assume no difference?
3. Above post says recommended to do a wipe before updating.
My question is:
How do I go back to GB rom once I update STOCK ICS (in case I don't like it.) Would it be through PC ODIN>Flash STOCK GB ROM?
Or would it be Root current ICS ROM, flash Abyss Kernel, revert back to GB ROM, in that case, how do I root the updated ICS ROM?

Oneiricl said:
I'm very confused by all the conflicting reports about ICS and the eMMC bug. I have OTA available but have been putting off upgrading to ICS for a) fear of the bug and b) utter confusion as to what the best way to upgrade is.
I have stock GB. I do not intend to root or mod my phone just yet.
Would really appreciate it if someone more knowledgeable would help me out. I have a bunch of questions:
1. I read that deleting large files could trigger the bug, but can't find any actual reports of that happening. I also know that Samsung was unable to reproduce this bug with stock phones. Is stock ICS safe if I don't root, mod or wipe my phone?
2. Is there a difference between installing ICS OTA or via Kies? Someone was saying that OTA merely patches your current firmware, Kies flashes the full ROM over. Which is better/less buggy? Is there effectively no difference?
3. Would you recommend I wipe my phone in GB before updating? Is that necessary for a bug free install, or is that a myth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Stock ICS is perfectly safe.. eMMC is a bug on the Exynos chip and it is usually triggered when you do a full wipe on your phone. Kies flashes but it does not do a full wipe on your phone. Stock ICS is better than GB. Overall, it's pretty much smoother than what I've experienced with GB before.
2. ICS OTA and via KIES? no difference at all. Only difference is that, with OTA, depending on your HSDPA/3G/LTE network connection and the amount of battery power on your phone. With Kies? it's much better updating thru it as you have the comfortable and suitable time as the firmware will be downloaded (in your computer) w/o the hassles of looking if your phone's battery would conked out (with OTA update that is)
3. I would recommend you start in stock all GB first before doing the necessary upgrade.
Cheers,

I am in Canada with an international phone with the newest stock GB - never put anything else but OTA stock updates on the phone. I got a OTA for ICS, while watching tv I used my in house wireless to update, was simply and relatively fast. Have been using the update for 2 days no issues: songs and apps were all there as was all other data, just had to re-setup icons, wallpaper. No issues with Skype, battery, wifi so far. Haven't found one broken or erroring app - ICS is clean and efficient - biggest issue so far is the extra confirmation buttons on going in and out of 3G using touch wiz press and hold power button.
-steve

ATO and Kies differences
Oneiricl said:
2. Is there a difference between installing ICS OTA or via Kies? Someone was saying that OTA merely patches your current firmware, Kies flashes the full ROM over. Which is better/less buggy? Is there effectively no difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've just update my cell using OTA, I have a Galaxy Note N7000 and I upgrade to 4.0.4 ICS Android, I've seen videos in Youtube and I've found at least two differences:
-The gallery is suposed to be new with fancy 3D effects, mine is the just the same that I had before
-You're suposed to get a video playing in front while using multitask (mesages, phone,...), my video plays just like the old version :crying:
Now I don't know what to do, I want the complete new ROM, ¿Can I install it with Odin? ¿Can I install with Odin the version 4.0.4 on a phone tha already has 4.0.4? ¿Should I downgrade my ROM and upgrade later? ¿How do I do that? ¿Can I reinstall 4.0.4 with Kies?

no u cant reinstall a firmware with kies until there is a new upgrade available
u can download the latest firmware from www.sammobile.com and install it with Odin..
its perfectly fine to install a 4.0.4 over 4.0.4.. there is no need to downgrade... just make sure till u r on the stock kernel.. donot perform any wipes

DBT in CSC
It wasn't a problem with OTA update, my phone had CSC from France (XEF), so, the update wasn't the last one.
I download the Germany firmware (DBT) and now I have fancy 3D gallery and video with multitask, but I try to change my CSC (with *#272*imei#*) to DBT for getting new updates from Kies but I don't have the option DBT, only TGY from Hong Kong.
Is there a way to get DBT in my CSC?
I try reinstalling the firmware but it didn´t work, is there a file for Odin that install DBT in CSC?

may be u can try installing the ROM again by select it in the CSC tab of odin

DBT in CSC
The problem wasn't the OTA update, I found that my phone is from France (XEF) and the update isn't the last one, I installed the Germany firmware (DBT) and the gallery and video with multitask was working.
Now I have another problem, I tryed to change my CSC to DBT (with *#272*imei#*) but I only have the choice XEF. Now I want to change it to DBT in order to get updates from Kies but I don't know how.
Can I change my CSC to DBT with ODIN? Is there a md5 file to do this? How can I change it?

Ya thats wat i am saying.. Use the same firmware file rhat u flashd. This time select it in the csc tab of odin and flash it. Then go to *272*imei# and chekc if u have dbt there

Did it but still not working
nokiamodeln91 said:
Ya thats wat i am saying.. Use the same firmware file rhat u flashd. This time select it in the csc tab of odin and flash it. Then go to *272*imei# and chekc if u have dbt there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it, but still is not working...
I put it only in CSC in ODIN

OXALC1 form Gingerbread
What if I use GT-N7000-MULTI-CSC-OXALC1 from GB 2.3.6 in CSC with ODIN? This is from de German version...
Will it work?

Didn't work
aborbon said:
What if I use GT-N7000-MULTI-CSC-OXALC1 from GB 2.3.6 in CSC with ODIN? This is from de German version...
Will it work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I try this but didn't work...
I don't know why, I try also with GT-N7000-MULTI-CSC-OZSLPF.tar.md5 and this works, but this is from Hong Kong and Taiwan...
If GT-N7000-MULTI-CSC-OZSLPF.tar.md5 works I don't know why GT-N7000-MULTI-CSC-OXALC1.tar.md5 doesn't. I'm going to try with GT-N7000-MULTI-CSC-OXAKL8.tar.md5 that I found. I'll tell you later if it worked.

SOLVED!!!!
aborbon said:
I try this but didn't work...
I don't know why, I try also with GT-N7000-MULTI-CSC-OZSLPF.tar.md5 and this works, but this is from Hong Kong and Taiwan...
If GT-N7000-MULTI-CSC-OZSLPF.tar.md5 works I don't know why GT-N7000-MULTI-CSC-OXALC1.tar.md5 doesn't. I'm going to try with GT-N7000-MULTI-CSC-OXAKL8.tar.md5 that I found. I'll tell you later if it worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I did:
1) I download the 4.0.3 version for Germany N7000XXLPY_N7000OXALPY_DBT from:
http://www.hotfile.com/dl/155490069/c7932d4/N7000XXLPY_N7000OXALPY_DBT.zip.html
2) I uncompressed it and get the md5 file, I uncompressed this archive in ubuntu, I took the cache.img and compressed it in tar.
3) I put this file in ODIN in CSC, install it and finally appear DBT in CSC.
Everything is working now!!! :victory:

awesome. dude

update to lollipop from twrp/root?

ok i want to upgrade to lollipop stock tmobile and then root.. can i update by TWRP? download the stock lollipop tmo then just flash it? then use CF root to root it?
this is what im on right now..

re: lollipop update
markysd said:
ok i want to upgrade to lollipop stock tmobile and then root.. can i update by TWRP? download the stock lollipop tmo then just flash it? then use CF root to root it?
this is what im on right now..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot update to lollipop using twrp.
It has to be done using odin.
If you want to stay 100% stock and rooted then you need
to odin flash twrp and cf-autoroot.
If you want to flash a custom lollipop rom then you will
need to odin flash lollipop official firmware and odin
flash twrp.
All custom roms are pre-rooted so no need to root them.
Good luck!

Misterjunky said:
You cannot update to lollipop using twrp.
It has to be done using odin.
If you want to stay 100% stock and rooted then you need
to odin flash twrp and cf-autoroot.
If you want to flash a custom lollipop rom then you will
need to odin flash lollipop official firmware and odin
flash twrp.
All custom roms are pre-rooted so no need to root them.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.. So can I just straight up update from what I'm on now?
Just put phone in download mode and update via Odin correct?
Will this erase my stuff internal memory? Movies/pictures

Yes you can. You should back up your stuff though because you'll want to do a factory reset or erase data to get the best results with lollipop.
Although, I did all that and I've got my movies and pictures.

Karakoram2 said:
Yes you can. You should back up your stuff though because you'll want to do a factory reset or erase data to get the best results with lollipop.
Although, I did all that and I've got my movies and pictures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK backed up my data and moved my stuff to my SD card...
So I'm on that 4.4.4 kit Kat custom ROM.. Just put phone in download mode and flash the lollipop tmobil stock ROM ? I'll just root it with CF after .. I want a clean stock ROM that's just rooted for now..

re: updating to lollipop
markysd said:
OK backed up my data and moved my stuff to my SD card...
So I'm on that 4.4.4 kit Kat custom ROM.. Just put phone in download mode and flash the lollipop tmobil stock ROM ? I'll just root it with CF after .. I want a clean stock ROM that's just rooted for now..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure you get the proper version of the lollipop N910T tmobile
firmware from a reliable source like http://sammobile.com and
flash it using odin.
Before flashing new firmware it's always best to do a factory reset first.
Back up all your important stuff first.
Good luck!

Misterjunky said:
Be sure you get the proper version of the lollipop N910T tmobile
firmware from a reliable source like http://sammobile.com and
flash it using odin.
Before flashing new firmware it's always best to do a factory reset first.
Back up all your important stuff first.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks.. OK I finally have time to flash. And update... So it's ok and safe to factory rest on my custom ROM im on right now?
factory rest /put phone on download mode and update by Odin on my computer correct?
Sure is a big file to download :silly:

That's totally safe.
I just odin flashed.
I didn't erase data till I flashed my rom.
Admittedly within a minute of going through the process.

Mega's instructions are good. You just stop at 5

odin reads and i get the com light up and reads it but it wont find my lollipop firmware i downloaded on the pda part

re: odin
markysd said:
odin reads and i get the com light up and reads it but it wont find my lollipop firmware i downloaded on the pda part
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to navigate in odin and find the location where you saved the firmware file.
There is a box next to the PDA slot and you need to click it and use it to locate the file.
Good luck!

Misterjunky said:
You need to navigate in odin and find the location where you saved the firmware file.
There is a box next to the PDA slot and you need to click it and use it to locate the file.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes ive done it.. clicked the box and PDA to search my FW but wont see it..i even tried to extract it.. the sammobile FW was taking way too long and found another DL.. its legit FW.. i thought my FW DL was not good so i deleted it and now i was for the download again:silly: taking long... ived updated my kies and the drivers also...
is it safe to update using kies? i tried it and reads my phone and the FW but i chicken out when it said " might not work right if device is rooted" something like that

markysd said:
yes ive done it.. clicked the box and PDA to search my FW but wont see it..i even tried to extract it.. the sammobile FW was taking way too long and found another DL.. its legit FW.. i thought my FW DL was not good so i deleted it and now i was for the download again:silly: taking long... ived updated my kies and the drivers also...
is it safe to update using kies? i tried it and reads my phone and the FW but i chicken out when it said " might not work right if device is rooted" something like that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's perfectly safe and doing it that way you will not loose any data,
passwords or settings.
It also is a lot faster than downloading the firmware file.
I am not sure if rooting makes a difference, when I updated using kies
it worked fine for me, kies did tell me that I have un-official firmware
but it gave me the option to continue which I did without any issues.
With kies it takes less than 1/2 the time for it to complete the download and
install/update the firmware compared to a standard download and flash..
Good luck!

Misterjunky said:
Yes it's perfectly safe and doing it that way you will not loose any data, passwords or settings.
It also is a lot faster than downloading the firmware file.
I am not sure if rooting makes a difference, when I updated using kies
it worked fine for me, kies did tell me that I have un-official firmware
but it gave me the option to continue which I did without any issues.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thanks will try that.... thanks again..sorry for the new bee FAQ lol.. been a while :silly: just want to make sure..

Give it a try. There are faster ways to download it. Pretty sure we sure we showed you.
You're not going to break the phone.

Just in case we didn't
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3098187

N920I Question

Hello everyone, I have what I hope to be a quick question. I'm pretty new to Samsung devices, I've had tons of rooting experience but mostly with Nexus phones and HTC, my last Samsung was my Galaxy S3. I just bought a N920I unlocked of swappa.com that I'm going to use on AT&T. The seller noted that it is already rooted with a custom ROM on it. When I get it I want to flash back to complete stock, but I'm not sure exactly what firmware to flash, I know how to use Odin, but there are tons of different firmware versions on sammobile here http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-N920I/ and I'm not sure which one to flash. After I go full stock I'm only really interested in rooting and running Xposed, maybe a custom kernel, at least until I get the hang of this device more, should I just flash the newest one? I've heard that I shouldn't flash one that has anything to do with a carrier, the newest one AOL2 but it says that is for Vodafone? I've tried looking around in the General and Q&A sections but can't seem to find a definite answer.

You can download from Sammobile if you like, but it will take awhile if you do not have their premium service. I recommend using Samsung Kies. I have a N920I that I use on ATT and this is what I did . . . .
Place the phone in download mode, open Samsung Kies 3 (ignore the not compatible popup), click Tools, then Firmware upgrade and initialization, Model : SM-N920I (include caps) , and then put in your serial. It will let you know that its going to restore the phone to factory and wipe the data, etc.
I don't have any issues with cell service, data, etc on OL2. I did not even need to manually set up the APN.

147aaron said:
You can download from Sammobile if you like, but it will take awhile if you do not have their premium service. I recommend using Samsung Kies. I have a N920I that I use on ATT and this is what I did . . . .
Place the phone in download mode, open Samsung Kies 3 (ignore the not compatible popup), click Tools, then Firmware upgrade and initialization, Model : SM-N920I (include caps) , and then put in your serial. It will let you know that its going to restore the phone to factory and wipe the data, etc.
I don't have any issues with cell service, data, etc on OL2. I did not even need to manually set up the APN.
Click to expand...
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Awesome, thanks for the info. After that it'll be set back to factory right? With it already being rooted and on a custom ROM I have no idea what all the guy before me has done to it and I just wanna start fresh. Then after that, from what I've read, I can just use Odin to flash TWRP right?

zacharyt86 said:
Awesome, thanks for the info. After that it'll be set back to factory right? With it already being rooted and on a custom ROM I have no idea what all the guy before me has done to it and I just wanna start fresh. Then after that, from what I've read, I can just use Odin to flash TWRP right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you will be back to stock. You could even go the extra mile by booting into recovery and wiping the System, Data, Caches, and Internal storage before using Samsung Kies, but that isn't necessary (kinda overkill because kies should wipe it). I understand, I would wipe it and everything too.
When ready to root, follow @dr.ketan post here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/note5/general/how-to-root-note-5-t3205073
There is also a link for Xposed in there. If you want xposed, download the SDK22-ARM64

Check the baseband in the settings. That will tell which firmware to download, because there are a lot for the 920I. Sammobile is the fastest place I could find firmware available... 300 kb/s max speed unless a donor.