Database Develop

Ginger-Root Resource Thread: How-To + Issues + Fixes

Ok so I have successfully rooted my phone after updating to Gingerbread. However, I had a few issues and had to read through a bunch of different posts to get there. So I'm bored and decided to consolidate everything into one.
If anyone has any other issues or fixes post them here and I will update the OP.
Credit goes to mtmichaelson and all those who helped get this working
http://androidinvasion.us/forum/index.php/topic,77.0.html
Here it is:
1. ROOT PROCESS
A. Get back to Stock:
-download the stock Zv4 ROM zip from here and put it on your external SD card- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1326893
-Back up all your apps in titanium (important: USER apps only, no data or system apps)
NOTE: It has been reported that restoring apps and data in titanium may cause some issues coming from Froyo to Gingerbread. I backed up my user apps only for easy re-install and NO data or system apps. It worked without a problem.
-MAKE SURE YOU HAVE 4G ENABLED
-boot into recovery (CWM)
-backup?
-factory reset
-select "install ZIP from SD card" in CWM, and install the stock ZIP from the link
-re-bootyour phone (you will have to re-activate it as well)
-install revo toolkit from here if it was wiped with the system reset - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1144951
-press "install recovery" and then !!!Revo Stock!!! to go back to stock recovery and wait for it to complete
B. Update to Zv6 then Zv7 (Gingerbread)
-manually search for the update and install it (this will install the v6 update)
-once that installs, manually search again to install the gingerbread update
NOTE: Some people still can't get gingerbread. Verizon has not finished rolling the update out to everyone yet.
Now here is where it gets a little dicey...
C. Rooting Your Gingerbread Phone
-pick up the rooting package from mtmichaelson here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1326509
-follow the instructions he has on that page to obtain root
-Two issues arose for me from this point on.
2. ISSUES
A. Drivers Issue
-The first issue was that some people, including myself, couldn't download the esteem drivers.
-Some people were able to get the drivers from this page to work - http://androidnerds.net/2011/10/08/lg-esteem-oneclickroot-now-ready/.
-I was not able to get my computer to recognize my phone using the above drivers either. I would run the root command from the downloaded package and it would get stuck at "running daemon something something".
-What I did was manually uninstall the LG drivers from my computer and deleted everything "LG related"
-Then I got the drivers from the LG website at this link - http://www.lgforum.com/resources
-Scroll down to the Verizon section and download the "LG_VZW_UNITED..." drivers.
-Your phone should be recognized using the drivers from one of these links.
B. Superuser/Root access Issue - NOTE: this should be fixed now with mtmichaelson's newest root method found here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1326509
-The second issue that came up was that the previous superuser app I had installed stayed on my phone after the updates, even though I lost root.
-The root command from the LG Esteem page would think I had root, but I actually didn't get root access.
-Apparently this issue came up on the Esteem previously and someone wrote a fix for it here - http://androidforums.com/esteem-all...-w-superuser-3-0-6-binary-3-0-3-download.html. It will uninstall the old superuser and install the new version.
3. INSTALL CWM RECOVERY
-mtmichaelson's new rooting package should automatically install CWM recovery on your phone now.
Old method:
-To get CWM back on your phone it's the same process as before the update. Get the Revo Toolkit from thecubed here and follow the instructions - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1144951
-There is sometimes an issue where the recovery does not install correctly and gives a fatal error. If this happened, make sure you have version 1.17.1 of busybox installed at system/bin. This worked for me and I got it installed correctly.
...And you should have root after trying a combination of the above. Hope this helped.
-If you have READ through this and still have any issues you can get more personalized help on the IRC channel here.
-Again I did not help with any of this, I'm just consolidating info. If you want to thank someone, thank mtmichaelson and everyone else who helped figure all this out.
-I will keep updating this as new issues arise.

Thank you for compiling this information, it is a useful reference for people to have. I know that the drivers issue took me quite a while to work out even though it is pretty simple. Hopefully this helps others to get rooted with much less trouble.

Quick question using that stock ROM will it completely unroot me?
Also a bit confused with me running revolt does that mess up me just flashing that and it has the stock boot image.
I've Revolted have you?? Sent via tapatalk plugin.

i'm having issues with CWM... i flashed back to my stock+root backup and every time the OTA update tries to install it boots to clockwork. ran the exitrecovery.zip in clockwork and it still boots to clockwork. i cleared the cache/dalvik again, the OTA is downloading gonna try it again...

xjli said:
i'm having issues with CWM... i flashed back to my stock+root backup and every time the OTA update tries to install it boots to clockwork. ran the exitrecovery.zip in clockwork and it still boots to clockwork. i cleared the cache/dalvik again, the OTA is downloading gonna try it again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey guys, I have a new package for root for those having problems. I need testers though. If you can come on irc in about 20 minutes. It has the drivers in it also.
Sent from my VS910 4G using xda premium

xjli said:
i'm having issues with CWM... i flashed back to my stock+root backup and every time the OTA update tries to install it boots to clockwork. ran the exitrecovery.zip in clockwork and it still boots to clockwork. i cleared the cache/dalvik again, the OTA is downloading gonna try it again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to use Revo toolkit to get cwm off and the stock recovery back on. from there it will run fine. Then you just have to reroot using MT's modified rooting .bat file

Haro912 said:
You need to use Revo toolkit to get cwm off and the stock recovery back on. from there it will run fine. Then you just have to reroot using MT's modified rooting .bat file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How? I'm pretty good at this stuff but i feel like a moron bc i can't figure this out.

xjli said:
How? I'm pretty good at this stuff but i feel like a moron bc i can't figure this out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it. I guess the first release of revo toolkit didn't have the flash stock recovery option. Can't wait to finally have gb on this thing..

Still reboots to cwm... it won't flash stock recovery. Any ideas?

xjli said:
Still reboots to cwm... it won't flash stock recovery. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into revotoolkit, Click install clockwork recovery, it should pop up to choose !!revo_stock!! or 4.0.0.2. Choose the revo stock. After it runs, click to check which recovery is installed and make sure it says revo stock, then reboot.
Sent from my VS910 4G using xda premium

mtmichaelson said:
Go into revotoolkit, Click install clockwork recovery, it should pop up to choose !!revo_stock!! or 4.0.0.2. Choose the revo stock. After it runs, click to check which recovery is installed and make sure it says revo stock, then reboot.
Sent from my VS910 4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't..still says 4.0.0.2... how long should it take to 'install?'

OP updated for the new packages from mtmichaelson

xjli said:
It doesn't..still says 4.0.0.2... how long should it take to 'install?'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on you connection speed. If it's 3g a while. I recommend doing it on 4g or wireless. You also need busybox installed in the right location. Install the version 1.17.1 in system/bin. The newer versions of busybox may work now but they previously did not.

jrf28 said:
It depends on you connection speed. If it's 3g a while. I recommend doing it on 4g or wireless. You also need busybox installed in the right location. Install the version 1.17.1 in system/bin. The newer versions of busybox may work now but they previously did not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Righto. Only slow 3g in my silo of an office :-/ ill let it go for a while.

Just reinstalled busybox... got it!

The only issue I'm having is getting CMW to stick. I install it, reboot into recovery, and it's there. Reboot, open RevoToolKit, check version, and it says none installed. Hmmm. Trying to install again and see...

borborpa said:
The only issue I'm having is getting CMW to stick. I install it, reboot into recovery, and it's there. Reboot, open RevoToolKit, check version, and it says none installed. Hmmm. Trying to install again and see...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like it's a common problem. I haven't installed the ROM yet but mt's new gingervolt rom is supposed to make CWM stick - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1326542

Ok so I'm a complete and utter noob when it comes to CWM etc. Never had an android device before this one, never flashed a ROM.
I've got a pretty good grasp of whats going to be happening here, but I'm a little skiddish.
I'm on stock GB with root, at the point where i'm supposed to install CWM with the RevoToolkit. In the RevoToolkit instructions, thecubed says "If no version is listed, STOP and post here.". Well, no version is listed, presumable because i'm on a GB stock recovery. Do I stop here, or do I proceed with installing clockwork recovery?
Specifically, RevoToolkit reports "Version Not Found".
Advice?

i_t_n said:
Ok so I'm a complete and utter noob when it comes to CWM etc. Never had an android device before this one, never flashed a ROM.
I've got a pretty good grasp of whats going to be happening here, but I'm a little skiddish.
I'm on stock GB with root, at the point where i'm supposed to install CWM with the RevoToolkit. In the RevoToolkit instructions, thecubed says "If no version is listed, STOP and post here.". Well, no version is listed, presumable because i'm on a GB stock recovery. Do I stop here, or do I proceed with installing clockwork recovery?
Specifically, RevoToolkit reports "Version Not Found".
Advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same thing I got all pissed and thought I was screwed then someone mentioned the GB thing. You'll be fine if you flash cwm. Just flash cwm, boot into it, make a backup in cwm, flash gingervolt, and reboot. everything will work fine

Haro912 said:
I had the same thing I got all pissed and thought I was screwed then someone mentioned the GB thing. You'll be fine if you flash cwm. Just flash cwm, boot into it, make a backup in cwm, flash gingervolt, and reboot. everything will work fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thank you for the quick reply. Another stupid question that i'm sure is answered somewhere on here, but what exactly will I lose when flashing a ROM, and what will I be able to restore back with a backup?

[Solved] SuperSU binary not updating, temporarily losing root

I've seen one or two threads that were in the same vein as this, but no clear resolution. Every time I open SuperSU, I get the message, "The SU binary needs to be updated. Continue?" I select "Continue," and am given the message to install it normally or through TWRP/CWM. If I try through TWRP, the phone restarts into TWRP, but does nothing. If I select "Normal," I get the "Installation failed!" message. I tried uninstalling/reinstalling SuperSU, but that didn't do anything.
In a related problem, I only have root access pretty much immediately after I reboot. Only immediately after I restart the phone can I use apps like WiFi Tether or Titanium.
I'm on stock, rooted 4.1.2. Any help would be great, thanks!

http://d-h.st/0du
Go into twrp and reflash supersu.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium

eyeisdasteve said:
http://d-h.st/0du
Go into twrp and reflash supersu.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for responding! Just to clarify, should I follow that readme file’s instructions, even though I’m already rooted and have TWRP? If simply choose “install” in TWRP and select this zip, will I have the option to just install SuperSU, or should I extract one of the following 3 zips in that file first?
SuperSU-v1.41.zip
superuser.zip
Superuser-3.2-RC3-arm-signed.zip
I assume this won’t wipe my phone, but of course, I’ll do a nandroid backup first. 

Well, I went into TWRP, went to "install," and selected the whole .zip, but it didn't look like it was going to give me the option to flash just SuperSU.
Agh... I should do this stuff more often so I'm not so clueless each time I need to do stuff in recovery...

SOLVED!
I figured I just needed one of those SuperSU zips found in the file linked above, but first, I decided to first see if there was a more up-to-date version. I wound up downloading the updated version from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
After flashing "UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.41.zip" in TWRP, my root access is much more robust (i.e., not losing root after one app successfully requests access) and I am no longer being prompted to update my binaries!
Thanks again!

SuperSU
subhumanderelict said:
SOLVED!
I figured I just needed one of those SuperSU zips found in the file linked above, but first, I decided to first see if there was a more up-to-date version. I wound up downloading the updated version from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
After flashing "UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.41.zip" in TWRP, my root access is much more robust (i.e., not losing root after one app successfully requests access) and I am no longer being prompted to update my binaries!
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad U got it working. I on the other hand am hosed. I wish the thing worked like everything else. I consider this to be a near
fatal weakness with the product. I at this point won't update until I get a clear understanding of what the heck is up with it.
Also Kyocera does not seem to be well supported. I got a Kyocera Hydro from a family member who was going to throw it
away. Guess I should have let him

rwilcher said:
Glad U got it working. I on the other hand am hosed. I wish the thing worked like everything else. I consider this to be a near
fatal weakness with the product. I at this point won't update until I get a clear understanding of what the heck is up with it.
Also Kyocera does not seem to be well supported. I got a Kyocera Hydro from a family member who was going to throw it
away. Guess I should have let him
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So er.. what's your problem exactly? I could try to help you out.

not updating
Hi, I'm here about SuperSU not updating, but I have a normal rom, not TWRP or thecother one. Every time I go on SuperSU, it tells me there's an update. I click continue, then Normal, because that's the rom I have, but then it says the update failed. What do I do? Please help!

limehedd21 said:
Hi, I'm here about SuperSU not updating, but I have a normal rom, not TWRP or thecother one. Every time I go on SuperSU, it tells me there's an update. I click continue, then Normal, because that's the rom I have, but then it says the update failed. What do I do? Please help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP is a recovery not a ROM. If Normal doesn't work, select the other one. Assuming you have a custom recovery (I recommend TWRP for this phone), it should restart into recovery and flash the update there.

Hello, im new here and if you can please answer me on German
My problem is when i start to update SuperSU Binary it is failing on Normal mode and TWRP is happening nothing.
When i rooted first everything was glad, but there was no button to update the Binary and when i used apps like Xmodgames it says, my root is maybe no succesfull, so i rooted again without deinstalling the SuperSU blabla. And now is nothing working, if i go in Root Checker it cant find my root. Pls Help, sry for bad Grammar etc.

still have the problem
I did the flashing of the latest su update zip on my recovery reboit and ny supersu still prompts me to update binary just like before...HELP!!

my samsung galaxy s duos 2 is not updating binary in any modes
what should i do please help me

Is there any other way to update the binary other than through TWRP or CWM. I can't for the life of me find a CWM or TWRP recovery for my Hannspree Titan.

Hey guys, I have a problem here...
I had rooted my tablet and installed SuperSU, I choose the normal mode for binary update but it said it failed. Then I tried in TWRP/CWM but it just restarted my tablet and there it stayed.
When I power it on, it just keeps restarting every 5-7 seconds and it doesn't do anything else.
What should I do?

[OTA] [KITKAT] For 98.18.94 stock phones

I had my phone download this and then just copied it off. My phones build was 98.18.94. Not sure what the difference between this and 98.30 is. I'm rooted so I haven't installed it but it's here for anyone that wants it. My phone downloaded a different version than I found online. It was version 182.46.10XT907.Verizon.en.US. I don't know what other phone builds it will work with. Either way use at your own discretion.
Here is the update for phones running 98.18.94
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxU6nmErI6QFS0M1Z0o3QmlrTmM/edit?usp=sharing
Here is the update for phones running 98.30.1
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxU6nmErI6QFRkdyUGdxZk9TeW8/edit?usp=sharing

Did anybody try it with unlocked bootloader?
Bootloader still unlocked or OTA relock it?

St.Noigel said:
Did anybody try it with unlocked bootloader?
Bootloader still unlocked or OTA relock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understand is that it should leave the bootloader unlocked. It will replace the recovery, radio and other system partitions. If you removed anything from the /system/apps folder then I think it will fail/abort install. I've removed some so I need/want to RSD back to stock and then update but if I do then I'll lose root which I use.

Yes, and with SELinux and some other enhancements in KitKat I wouldn't even take a future root for granted.

remijenkins said:
I had my phone download this and then just copied it off. My phones build was 98.18.94. Not sure what the difference between this and 98.30 is. I'm rooted so I haven't installed it but it's here for anyone that wants it. My phone downloaded a different version than I found online. It was version 182.46.10XT907.Verizon.en.US. I don't know what other phone builds it will work with. Either way use at your own discretion.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxU6nmErI6QFS0M1Z0o3QmlrTmM/edit?usp=sharing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Posting updates on how to use this thru the stock recovery.
This is how it is supposed to be used:
1 - Flash LATEST stock SBF of JB thru RSD. (Android 4.1.2
Blur_Version.98.30.1.XT907.Verizon.en.US)
2 - After RSD flash reboot phone on stock recovery and proceed to install update from SD card, here select the file that is provided at the beginning of the thread.
3 - After this first flash completes, phone is going to reboot in recovery again, to open the menu of this specific recovery, the combo of the buttons is power + vol up.
4 - proceed to install from sd card again and select the same file that you selected on the second step.
5 - Wait for it to finish
6 - Wipe data/factory reset
7 - Select restart system, Phone will restart in KK, enjoy guys.
Keep in mind that you have to follow the explanation at the beggining of the thread or this one, if you dont follow this steps like this, you wont be able to install this update or you wont be able to finish installing the update.

is this the offical KK update?

Yes it is official. Like I posted earlier, its OTA from Verizon.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app

And it works like a charm.

roxy.schram said:
I had my phone download this and then just copied it off. My phones build was 98.18.94. Not sure what the difference between this and 98.30 is. I'm rooted so I haven't installed it but it's here for anyone that wants it. My phone downloaded a different version than I found online. It was version 182.46.10XT907.Verizon.en.US. I don't know what other phone builds it will work with. Either way use at your own discretion.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxU6nmErI6QFS0M1Z0o3QmlrTmM/edit?usp=sharing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where does one locate the file to copy? Id like to share... I am downloading the ota now and I'm currently on 98.30.1.

[DELETE]

Can you flash this using a custom recovery?
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

H0LT3R said:
Can you flash this using a custom recovery?
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt it. It's for stock phones. It will need a stock recovery I do believe.

Hmmm..
My razr is stock & rooted, and I have manually removed several bloat apps. If I attempt to this update ota could it cause any harm to my system aside from possible abort/update fail? Will it remove root? Gracias.

It won't install... or its not suppose to.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app

Does it lose root after OTA?
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Free mobile app

allen_ho said:
Does it lose root after OTA?
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.

allen_ho said:
Does it lose root after OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is you can retain some root functionality using SuperSU Pro's Survival Mode. I believe you'll still lose R/W capability.
The best approach would be to unlock your bootloader. I've heard some success with custom recovery, though stock recovery would be best bet.

triloger said:
Posting updates on how to use this thru the stock recovery.
This is how it is supposed to be used:
1 - Flash LATEST stock SBF of JB thru RSD. (Android 4.1.2
Blur_Version.98.30.1.XT907.Verizon.en.US)
2 - After RSD flash reboot phone on stock recovery and proceed to install update from SD card, here select the file that is provided at the beginning of the thread.
3 - After this first flash completes, phone is going to reboot in recovery again, to open the menu of this specific recovery, the combo of the buttons is power + vol up.
4 - proceed to install from sd card again and select the same file that you selected on the second step.
5 - Wait for it to finish
6 - Wipe data/factory reset
7 - Select restart system, Phone will restart in KK, enjoy guys.
Keep in mind that you have to follow the explanation at the beggining of the thread or this one, if you dont follow this steps like this, you wont be able to install this update or you wont be able to finish installing the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method did not work for me after i flashed back to 98.30.1 the stock recovery doesnt see the update and i just get the android logo. When i go to software updates the service is unavailable/

my bootloader has unlock. and does it mean I can have root permission after I flash the stock zip package?

OK here it is, black and white and very simple:
Bootloader Locked - NO ROOT, NO CUSTOM RECOVERY.
Bootloader Unlocked - CWM Recovery and FULL ROOT with SuperSu.
That's it, no if ands or buts.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

[Q] Safestrap is not working

I'm using JB so I installed SS 3.71. After trying everything installing thousands of times Busybox. My safestrap is still not working. Everytime I reboot, the choosing screen does not show....WHY?!
I'm crazy...........:crying::crying::crying::crying:

Did you install busybox app, then open busybox app and install symlink applets?
You can also install this busybox check app to verify you have root access and proper busybox installation.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.superdevnl.busyboxchecker

tong1213 said:
I'm using JB so I installed SS 3.71. After trying everything installing thousands of times Busybox. My safestrap is still not working. Everytime I reboot, the choosing screen does not show....WHY?!
I'm crazy...........:crying::crying::crying::crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SS 3.71 doesn't need busybox, only the KK version 3.75 needs busybox can you post your device's about screen that could help troubleshoot...

Using the right version ss, right? I believe there is a separate one for jb.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

brisinger08 said:
SS 3.71 doesn't need busybox, only the KK version 3.75 needs busybox can you post your device's about screen that could help troubleshoot...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here is the screen shot. It's saying SS is installed but the option screen never shows....

tong1213 said:
here is the screen shot. It's saying SS is installed but the option screen never shows....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm that's the right version for JB...try hitting "install" again and rebooting (with the power button not from the app) if it's still not working can you post a screen shot of your device info? Menu > system settings > general > about

brisinger08 said:
Hmm that's the right version for JB...try hitting "install" again and rebooting (with the power button not from the app) if it's still not working can you post a screen shot of your device info? Menu > system settings > general > about
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still not working.....i want to smash my phone so much....here is the screenshot of my device info

tong1213 said:
Still not working.....i want to smash my phone so much....here is the screenshot of my device info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks good, you might want to start over with a clean install of safestrap...
1) verify you have root access https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joeykrim.rootcheck&hl=en
2) uninstall busybox
3) uninstall safestrap recovery (in the app)
4) uninstall safestrap app
5) reboot
6) redownload (just in case of bad download) and install safestrap 3.71
7) open safestrap app and grant root access
8) install safestrap recovery
9) reboot
If you get any errors then you may need to reroot or head over to the MJ5 restore thread

brisinger08 said:
Looks good, you might want to start over with a clean install of safestrap...
1) verify you have root access https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joeykrim.rootcheck&hl=en
2) uninstall busybox
3) uninstall safestrap recovery (in the app)
4) uninstall safestrap app
5) reboot
6) redownload (just in case of bad download) and install safestrap 3.71
7) open safestrap app and grant root access
8) install safestrap recovery
9) reboot
If you get any errors then you may need to reroot or head over to the MJ5 restore thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is what happened after I restored following the thread you just sent me.....

tong1213 said:
this is what happened after I restored following the thread you just sent me.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After the last step in the restore process did you verify that you have root access and SuperSU is installed properly?

brisinger08 said:
After the last step in the restore process did you verify that you have root access and SuperSU is installed properly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did. I did everything that has to be done......
Is there anyway I can upgrade to KK without using safestrap?

tong1213 said:
Yes I did. I did everything that has to be done......
Is there anyway I can upgrade to KK without using safestrap?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can go straight to official NC2 here. It's a straightforward odin flash but read all the warnings, once you flash NC2 you can't go back to JB or install any JB-based roms

brisinger08 said:
Yes you can go straight to official NC2 here. It's a straightforward odin flash but read all the warnings, once you flash NC2 you can't go back to JB or install any JB-based roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man!!!!! really appreciate your help!

tong1213 said:
Thanks man!!!!! really appreciate your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I wasn't able to help with safestrap but the jump to KK is easy and with towel root rooting takes 3 seconds..and the kitkat roms out there are great if you're of the rom-flashing persuasion Hope everything works out for you!

[How-To] Root GS5 Active - G870A_OA1 - 4.4.4 (2/7/2015)

**Make certain that your reactivation lock in security settings is off before beginning this process**
1. Take the OA1 OTA update.
2. Download and install Towelroot-v3.apk(this version does not require internet access).
3. Place your phone into "Download Mode" (press and hold the Home, Volume Down, and Power keys until the phone powers on and displays warning screen, then press Volume Up key) and flash the G870A_NE4_Stock_Kernel using Odin's PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+).
4. Open the Towelroot app from your app drawer and press "Make it Rain" to root your device.
5. Power off then boot into "Download Mode" again and flash the G870A_OA1_Stock_Kernel also using Odin's PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+).
6. Install SuperSU to manage root access. Done!
Troubleshooting:
1. Should the OA1 OTA update fail consider flashing the G870AUCU1ANE4_Full_Odin.tar to return to factory stock then take the OTA updates to OA1. Or, place the G870A_NE4_to_NG3_OTA.zip and G870A_NG3_tA1_OTA.zip onto your ext-sdcard and sideload each file from stock recovery beginning with the G870A_NE4_to_NG3_OTA.zip. Once updated to OA1 continue from Step 2 above.
2. When flashing the kernel the most common cause of an Odin flash failure is a bad usb port or cable. Please check before reporting a failure!
Notes:
1. The above process will not affect your User Data or Knox Warranty Flag.
2. After flashing the NE4 kernel your phone will run a little wonky and towelroot may not root on the first try. If that happens reboot and try towelroot once again. Once rooted and after flashing the OA1 kernel your phone will once again run like a champ!
Alternative Method for Safestrap Users:
1. Place the G870A_OA1_100%_Stock_Rooted_ROM onto your ext-sdcard.
2. From Safestrap recovery press "Backup" and backup your User Data.
3. From the main menu press "Wipe" then perform an "Advanced Wipe" and wipe everything but your ext-sdcard.
4. Next, press "Install," then select and install the G870A_OA1_100%_Stock_Rooted_ROM.
5. Once complete, press "Restore" and restore your User Data.
6. Last, from the main menu press "Reboot," then "System." Done!
After following the above process your phone will pause on the AT&T splash screen for about 2 minutes before rebooting.
Notes:
1. The above process will not affect your User Data or Knox Warranty Flag.
2. The ROM will update your Modem, Non-hlos, System, Kernel, Stock Recovery, and Bootloader to OA1.
3. The "Backup" and "Restore" steps in the instructions are not mandatory but will greatly reduce your device's set-up time. All currently installed non-system apps and settings will be automatically restored.
4. The ROM does not contain BusyBox which is required by the Safestrap.apk. Download the BusyBox Installer to re-install BusyBox.

Let me be the first to comment...I rooted doing this but since I was already rooted I had to Odin back to ne4 then ng3 (sideload or ota, what ever works) and then update to oa1 (sideload or what ever works). After that, everything is exactly as the tutorial says.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Did you have to revert just the kernel or the whole ROM before you could install the OTA update? I'm currently Towelrooted on NG3 and patiently awaiting the OTA download.

bigric_tx said:
Did you have to revert just the kernel or the whole ROM before you could install the OTA update? I'm currently Towelrooted on NG3 and patiently awaiting the OTA download.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to Odin the whole ne4 Rom and then from there use the ota update files to get to oa1 and then use the kernel trick to root with towelroot. Other wise it kept giving me signature errors even if I Odin'd just the system partition
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Can anyone tell me whether the G870AUCU1ANE4 full odin tar file will reinstall previously deleted system files or not. I was thinking of using titanium backup to remove a lot of bloatware but want to know first if this will get me back to stock with all factory equipped apps. When I flashed this full odin tar so that I could update and then reroot, my home screen and all my apps went unchanged so I'm skeptical to believe it's similar to flashing the phone back to stock.
thank you for any help

nhautotech said:
Can anyone tell me whether the G870AUCU1ANE4 full odin tar file will reinstall previously deleted system files or not. I was thinking of using titanium backup to remove a lot of bloatware but want to know first if this will get me back to stock with all factory equipped apps. When I flashed this full odin tar so that I could update and then reroot, my home screen and all my apps went unchanged so I'm skeptical to believe it's similar to flashing the phone back to stock.
thank you for any help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

bigwillyg said:
Yes it will
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it will replace deleted system apps but leaves user installed apps alone?
Will performing a factory reset on this phone replace deleted system apps?
The phone i had prior was an s2 and when using odin to flash it with a stock rom, it would be similar to factory resetting it but when i flashed the full ne4 on this one, I still had all my apps and home pages, settings etc. I know the flash worked cause i was able to install the update that i couldn't before flashing due to towelroot.
I just realized the full ne4 file linked to in this thread (.rar zip file) isn't exactly the same as the stock firmware file available from sammobile (zip zip file). Is the ne4 .rar file linked to here modified to leave the users apps and settings alone?

Thanks. Worked great. :good:
I used safestrap. Very easy, after days of annoying update notifications.

nhautotech said:
So it will replace deleted system apps but leaves user installed apps alone?
Will performing a factory reset on this phone replace deleted system apps?
The phone i had prior was an s2 and when using odin to flash it with a stock rom, it would be similar to factory resetting it but when i flashed the full ne4 on this one, I still had all my apps and home pages, settings etc. I know the flash worked cause i was able to install the update that i couldn't before flashing due to towelroot.
I just realized the full ne4 file linked to in this thread (.rar zip file) isn't exactly the same as the stock firmware file available from sammobile (zip zip file). Is the ne4 .rar file linked to here modified to leave the users apps and settings alone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hadn't looked at the one on here but if it's a .tar.md5 then flashing through Odin should reset it back to ne4 stock out of the box with everything. I used the firmware to fully go back to stock
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

I rooted for the 1st time since getting my new s5 active. Well, it came w/3NG build; Got the OTA BEFORE my 1st attempt at root.
I installed ND via Odon, made it rain, rebooted, & am still on 4.4.4 (0A1A or something of the like.
Didn't even have to follow (or get to) the step to Flash newer kernal to get back to 4.4.4. Thanks all involved

gitardan17 said:
I rooted for the 1st time since getting my new s5 active. Well, it came w/3NG build; Got the OTA BEFORE my 1st attempt at root.
I installed ND via Odon, made it rain, rebooted, & am still on 4.4.4 (0A1A or something of the like.
Didn't even have to follow (or get to) the step to Flash newer kernal to get back to 4.4.4. Thanks all involved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to flash the newer kernel because your phone could have issues
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

@muniz_ri Your rooted stock rom worked like charm. Thanks bunch!

You were right bigwillg. Didn't really get a chance to test it 1st. After noticing choppy stuff & a bigger than usual battery drain, I "Odin'ed" the newer kernal. Now its like butter. Still on stock ROM with frozen bloat stuff. Considering uninstalling em all together at a future date. Gonna get to know my phone 1st I guess.
In case I didn't already hit thanks on OP, I soon will. And on a side note THANK you for this topic/forum.
Edit: Watch them push lollipop now. Literally right after I did this. Lol

Hi. Question? Does the Odin in the first post work on the phone, or would I need to use Odin on a PC? Sorry...been out of the scene for awhile lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using XDA Free mobile app

sailzfast said:
Hi. Question? Does the Odin in the first post work on the phone, or would I need to use Odin on a PC? Sorry...been out of the scene for awhile lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin is for your computer

Unable to install latest OTA
My G870A was rooted before the previous OTA was sent.
This latest OTA gets to about 27%, then fails.
I have looked around to see how to fix this, yet I can't seem to find anything.
The steps here start with the OTA, so they're currently useless to me.
I have tried going back to 4, but towelroot has no way to remove root once set.
SuperSU mentions a removal of root, but it appears to be just to uninstall itself.
Anyone have any ideas?
Andy

llandyw said:
My G870A was rooted before the previous OTA was sent.
This latest OTA gets to about 27%, then fails.
I have looked around to see how to fix this, yet I can't seem to find anything.
The steps here start with the OTA, so they're currently useless to me.
I have tried going back to 4, but towelroot has no way to remove root once set.
SuperSU mentions a removal of root, but it appears to be just to uninstall itself.
Anyone have any ideas?
Andy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to review the OP more thoroughly.

I repeated the steps, and this time it worked.
Don't know why it didn't work the first time. I don't think I missed any steps.
Andy

odin app?
Im currently stock not rooted was wondering if i absolutely need to use a pc to root my gs5active, or does the odin app work? No pc access, all i have is my phone and a asus memo pad, thanks ; )

Hello,
I am with tmobile with G870A with Ne4 modem rooted. Can I just flash the OA1 modem?