Database Develop

[Q] FIX Device ID: How?

Thanks to the good folks here i've just upgraded my Galaxy S to the leaked JPM firmware. So far so good - much faster than JPK I was on.
However - I'm having problems with the Appbrain Fast Web Installer and seem to have found out that it's due to the android device ID being the same because we're all using the same ROM (or something) (http://ip208-100-42-21.static.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=798644)
So.... How can I find out what my Device ID was/should be and how can I then change it to be "correct".
Any help much appreciated. Seems it might be a common issue....

Have you tried checking whether your IMEI changed after flashing? Type *#06# and if your IMEI starts with 0049... (I think...) then you need to do what almost everyone has been doing since JPC ... follow the instructions from here or some other threads from around here.
If your IMEI is fine, then I have no idea...

nonreviad said:
Have you tried checking whether your IMEI changed after flashing? Type *#06# and if your IMEI starts with 0049... (I think...) then you need to do what almost everyone has been doing since JPC ... follow the instructions from here or some other threads from around here.
If your IMEI is fine, then I have no idea...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for info - checked my IMEI and it seems to be fine - i.e. the one i registered with my insurance with (starts 3547)
I've read the thread you linked to trying to figure out what's what but I can't see anywhere how to find out what my product code is/was/should be or how I can change it. I've seen stuff about backing stuff up (nv_data?) but I'm not aware of having changed these.
All I've done to my phone - flashed JMX and now JPM and applied SuperOneClickv1.4-ShortFuse root. Will that have changed my product code?
I'm a bit lost with this one.

Use sgs toolbox to see the crc code.
Sometimes you got the right code in the backup file.
Just do a backup of all file on a safe place. The remove the 2 original file. Restart.
You need to be rooted for this.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

DamianGto said:
Use sgs toolbox to see the crc code.
Sometimes you got the right code in the backup file.
Just do a backup of all file on a safe place. The remove the 2 original file. Restart.
You need to be rooted for this.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A bit of info that might help(?):
I loaded up SGS toolbox and pressed ""check product code" it says:
---------------------
Got root access
Copied nv_data files...
nv_data.bin could not be read!
No backup .nv_data.bak found!
-----------------------------------------
I'm guessing that's bad news?!
Under Firmware Info it says:
------------------------------
PDA: I9000XXJPM
PHONE: I9000XXJPM
CSC: I9000OXAJPM
Build Info: 2010. 10
--------------------------------------
When I tap CSC selection it says: "USSD code running" and then "UNKNOWN APPLICATION"
When you say to backup 2 original files - i'm guessing it looks like I don't have those. Is there another way I can check or is it definite from the above. If I don't have the original files am I stuck? Can I get them from anywhere else? Are they default to a phone by region or carrier (my phone is from O2 in the UK and is the 8gb version)
If you say delete the original files (which aren't there it seems) - am I right in thinking this will them make the phone auto-generate new ones? (I really have no idea what these files are for or what they do).
What's the next thing to try? Can I get hold of the missing files from somewhere? Do I even need them? And how do I restore the Product ID (if it's changed!)?
Thanks

Have you checked the path manually for them?
If they are not there you are in deep water.
Its you personal data for the phone and you can't use others file.
Search this forum for help about this.
I can only give you a advice what i would do if i had that problem.
I would flash a original firmware that is lower than its on kies.
Then i would upgrade thought kies.
Then i would check if the crc code is there and right.
If it still wrong then i guess i would make the phone look like it was out of the box and return it.
If the code is right i would make a backup(full) and on this files( to my external sdcard).
Then i would upgrade to jpm/jp6.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

DamianGto said:
Have you checked the path manually for them?
If they are not there you are in deep water.
Its you personal data for the phone and you can't use others file.
Search this forum for help about this.
I can only give you a advice what i would do if i had that problem.
I would flash a original firmware that is lower than its on kies.
Then i would upgrade thought kies.
Then i would check if the crc code is there and right.
If it still wrong then i guess i would make the phone look like it was out of the box and return it.
If the code is right i would make a backup(full) and on this files( to my external sdcard).
Then i would upgrade to jpm/jp6.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi - thanks for reply
I've checked the /efs folder with Root Explorer and it seems i've got:
.android - folder
.nv2.bak
.nv2.bak.md5
.nv_data.bak
.nv_data.bak.md5
.nv_state
/imei - folder
nv_data.bin
nv_data.bin.md5
Now i'm guessing this is good? is it all in the right folder?
Just to clarify - I've never messed with this folder - I've only ever flashed with Kies and cleared the cache and restored factory settings with recovery. I've also formatted internal and external memory card.
So are these files my original files? How can I tell? Are these included with the Rom's I've flashed? (JPK and now JPM)
I've copied the entire efs folder to a safe place - is there anything else I should backup also incase I can't restore it?
SGS toolbox still says:
---------------------
Got root access
Copied nv_data files...
nv_data.bin could not be read!
No backup .nv_data.bak found!
-----------------------------------------
Why can't SGS toolbox read the files?
Many Thanks

Maybe I am not following this thread correctly, but your last post deals with IMEI and unlock data. Your first post said you needed to change your deviceID. You even link to the Captivate thread that discusses the problem AND in that captivate thread is a link to change Device ID - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=8604909&postcount=3550
review that post as it tells you where your device ID is located (it is not in the nv_data.bin file). Also, in the captivate thread, one person said he just made one up and that worked for him.
If you mess up with nv_data.bin you will mess up your IMEI and any unlock the phone has - so I caution you be careful.

I made a thread with the solution
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=815503
This should work.

alsheron said:
Hi - thanks for reply
I've checked the /efs folder with Root Explorer and it seems i've got:
.android - folder
.nv2.bak
.nv2.bak.md5
.nv_data.bak
.nv_data.bak.md5
.nv_state
/imei - folder
nv_data.bin
nv_data.bin.md5
Now i'm guessing this is good? is it all in the right folder?
Just to clarify - I've never messed with this folder - I've only ever flashed with Kies and cleared the cache and restored factory settings with recovery. I've also formatted internal and external memory card.
So are these files my original files? How can I tell? Are these included with the Rom's I've flashed? (JPK and now JPM)
I've copied the entire efs folder to a safe place - is there anything else I should backup also incase I can't restore it?
SGS toolbox still says:
---------------------
Got root access
Copied nv_data files...
nv_data.bin could not be read!
No backup .nv_data.bak found!
-----------------------------------------
Why can't SGS toolbox read the files?
Many Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem.
I installed Busybox from the App Market and it solved the problem.

abumuqaatil said:
I had the same problem.
I installed Busybox from the App Market and it solved the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks...had same problem and that solved it

[Q] (i9000)Deleted efs folder without backup!! Possible to restore?

Unlike other cases posted previously...
All files in efs were deleted, including all hidden .bak files
Now, kies displayed my phone have a product code of XXXXXXXXX and a fake IMEI...
Is it possible to restore the nv_data.bin and other files??
Please help! Thanks....

I have the same problem, is there a solution for that?? Please answer!

Did you install sgs toolbox and used it's check product code function before you deleted your efs? If yes, there is still a chance. If no, there are currently no public fix available yet.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

We are on the same boat, as what francis posted. No public fix yet but pretty sure there will be.. its just a matter of time.

the same thing happened to me yesterday when i flashed Cyanogenmod 7, got fake imei but everything worked just fine (call, data, market).
today i deleted everything from efs folder using Root Explorer then installed i9000XWJS5 then, surprise, i got my original imei back.
do not know how and do not know if it will work on you but it worth a try

The same thing happened to me.
If I dial *#06# no imei appears.
In order to use the phone everytime I boot up I have to give r/w permission to system folder. Otherwise it doesn't recognize the sim card.
It seems to me that that the device is not anymore able to recognize itself.
If I try to install CM or other AOSP rom I have status 7 error.
In Rom manager I have a window where I should select wich kind of device it is.
In fastweb installer there is a list of devices and I have to choose wich of them I am using.
I know that there is nothing to do with warranty. But is it possible to go back to a stage where it is possible to install AOSP rom?
Thanks

don't know it may work or not, but some custom roms make a backup of the efs folder on sdcard under /sdcard/backup/efs or /sdcard/backup/efs-XXX
(XXX= some numbers). you can try to restore it from there.
again don't know for sure...

Normallary Not

hellboy2703 said:
don't know it may work or not, but some custom roms make a backup of the efs folder on sdcard under /sdcard/backup/efs or /sdcard/backup/efs-XXX
(XXX= some numbers). you can try to restore it from there.
again don't know for sure...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I have checked, but there is no backup.
I know the only one to blame it's me.
Do you think that there is anyway to make possible installing AOSP rom?

Watch out! That guy below me is spam! (User @yankee86)

restore nv-data.bin

So. my IMEI is jacked up. I made a copy of /efs when I got the phone but instead of making an archive I did a straight copy, Seems like the fat filesystem owned the permissions.
I am trying to restore from that backup but I am not having luck. People say you can just drop those files into place but it seems that they are replaced after every reboot. What do the permissions need to be? I see that ownership needs to be 1001:1001. Also, can I do this on JH7 with any success?

If your flashed back to stock OTA JH7? Shouldn't need to have to restore them.
Only need to input that (if Android ID doesn't work) - you should be able to copy it using ADB shell and SU.
cp /dir/foo /dir/newfoo

I used the CWM flashable zip to get back to JH7, didn't use odin (im not at home yet, and this was eating away at me at work, heh).
Ill flash back with odin and then see where that gets me. For my own sanitys sake, could you tell me what the permissions are on your files in /efs?

i have a fix that worked for me posted in the dev section

bames said:
i have a fix that worked for me posted in the dev section
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm..my product id is correct (...AATT). Maybe my current files are only half borked. Ill try restoring to jf6 with odin and see where I get. Thanks for the reply

z28james said:
Hmm..my product id is correct (...AATT). Maybe my current files are only half borked. Ill try restoring to jf6 with odin and see where I get. Thanks for the reply
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
once in jf6 if your imei isn't corrected then delete everything but the nv_data.bin and .nv_data.bak.md5.
use android terminal emulator to execute following (must have busybox installed)
su
busybox chown 1001:1001 /efs/nv_data.bin
reboot

avgjoegeek said:
If your flashed back to stock OTA JH7? Shouldn't need to have to restore them.
Only need to input that (if Android ID doesn't work) - you should be able to copy it using ADB shell and SU.
cp /dir/foo /dir/newfoo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fyi android id is different than the device id. Device ID = IMEI.

I see my problem, the efs directory I have is from my OLD captivate. Arrrg....I have no backup of my current /efs. The random nv_data.bin it creates has the correct product code already.
There must be something in the phone that knows the imei as this is why it was not accepting my dropped in files (the files from my old phone).
Ah well...ill use it till ATT blocks the test IMEI "lose" mine and go get a refurb as I have insurance.
FYI, the stock original firmware does not create those .bak files from what I could see. I bet your files had jacked product IDs but perhaps the part that went with your IMEI was still intact. This would be why my phone wont accept my old phones nv_data.bin?

once your in stock
run the terminal emu commands you should have baks once your system reboots.
I can delete my baks
run the term commands reboot and they will generate again.
if you have both bin.md5 and bak.md5 delete the bin and run terminal commands.

bames said:
once your in stock
run the terminal emu commands you should have baks once your system reboots.
I can delete my baks
run the term commands reboot and they will generate again.
if you have both bin.md5 and bak.md5 delete the bin and run terminal commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of those files get generated for me or exist. If I remove everything, a generic nv_data.bin and .imei get created. Thats it. If I copy over the files from my old captivate, I believe they do get created but since the IMEI in that file does not match whatever is being checked in the phone, new files are created anyways.
I suppose nobody as of now knows how to generate the string that is in the nv_data.bin based on an IMEI so it seems that I am out of luck.
Perhaps some shady place in town can help me repair the IMEI or something

I ended up calling Samsung today. I described the problem (damaged IMEI) and they sent me a pre-paid shipping label to send it off to Plano TX to have them take a look (i'm in Austin).
I will let you guys know how this turns out.

My phone is on its way back to me. They ended up swapping the mainboard under warranty.
I suppose if you have a damaged IMEI and can deal with using an old phone for a week, consider sending it over to samsung.

did you have to pay for new mainboard? cause i got the same problem but i am not the orginal owner for the phone.

Jeez, that's wild. What is the correct way to go about backing up the necessary information while the phone is still stock? Planning on rooting (but not unlocking) my gf's Captivate and want to make sure I leave a proper trail of breadcrumbs.

Phateless said:
Jeez, that's wild. What is the correct way to go about backing up the necessary information while the phone is still stock? Planning on rooting (but not unlocking) my gf's Captivate and want to make sure I leave a proper trail of breadcrumbs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was no cost. They could see based on the IMEI that it was still in warranty. My mistake is I forgot to make a backup of /efs. If you make a backup before doing the OTA update, the unlock code in in clear text

z28james said:
It was no cost. They could see based on the IMEI that it was still in warranty. My mistake is I forgot to make a backup of /efs. If you make a backup before doing the OTA update, the unlock code in in clear text
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So just back up that efs folder and that's it? Anything else?
This phone was purchased used on Craigslist so I don't there's any warranty remaining. It's a 1007 so it's older...

Phateless said:
So just back up that efs folder and that's it? Anything else?
This phone was purchased used on Craigslist so I don't there's any warranty remaining. It's a 1007 so it's older...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the warranty period is a year and so since its been less than a year since the captivates release, you should be good. It would seem the only way it would be out of warranty would be if samsung for some reason deemed it to be at some point. Im sure you could call samsung with the IMEI and verify.
In my case, my product ID had become damaged. My problem is although I had a backup of /efs, it was for my first captivate, not my current. I deleted /efs and moved the backup into place. Seeing that it was the nv_data.bin for some other phone with another IMEI (the IMEI is encrypted inside that file) it instead replaced the files with a generic set of files and the dreaded test IMEI.
Since nobody had a good way to write the IMEI to that file as it expects, I was SOL.
If I could do it again, I would make a .99 cent jig (I did this using a wonderful thread here labeled something like "make a jig without cutting up USB cable) which gets you into download mode if odin or something soft bricks your phone, root, make a backup of /efs and then take a nandroid backup. I THINK I remember reading that sgstools can backup /efs for you but in the sticky there is a method on how to make a .tar of /efs (good as this will retain permissions/ownership as if you straight copy them to the sd card with fat32, the filesystem does not understand linux permissions and blows them away).

Master-Clear did the trick 4 me
OP I had the same exact same problem here. I spent many hours looking for a fix, N/G, nothing I tried would work. Didn't want to go to AT&T so I took a big chance and went into the efs folder and started deleting files one at a time. When I was through the efs was empty, did this with Root Explorer. When I did a reboot I wound up with a different IMEI, had NO data connection, NO APN, but wifi worked fine. I then did a factory reset from CW which did nothing, still no data connection. More time down so I loaded up ODIN3 One-Click and did a Master Clear. This was the last thing I was going to try before a trip to your friendly AT&T store. Well low and behold after the Master Clear and a reboot everything is back to normal! My IMEI is correct, APN is back, 3G working, wifi working. TITS! What a rush!

TommyZee said:
OP I had the same exact same problem here. I spent many hours looking for a fix, N/G, nothing I tried would work. Didn't want to go to AT&T so I took a big chance and went into the efs folder and started deleting files one at a time. When I was through the efs was empty, did this with Root Explorer. When I did a reboot I wound up with a different IMEI, had NO data connection, NO APN, but wifi worked fine. I then did a factory reset from CW which did nothing, still no data connection. More time down so I loaded up ODIN3 One-Click and did a Master Clear. This was the last thing I was going to try before a trip to your friendly AT&T store. Well low and behold after the Master Clear and a reboot everything is back to normal! My IMEI is correct, APN is back, 3G working, wifi working. TITS! What a rush!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know where I can find this ODIN3 one-click and how to do a master clear?

[Q] No SIM-card found

Hey all!
So my problem is that my SGS can't find any SIM cards...
First of all i got 2.1 android and then i updated to 2.2 version:I9000NEJP2
After that it seemed that my SGS was really slow, so i decided to use CFW.
I installed Darky's v.8.0
Everything worked fine, was really fast.
The next step was to unlock the simlock. First i tried SGS Unlock freeware.
I watched some vids and read some threads and the most of em said or wrote that this app worked fine. I tried it but the app couldn't find any codes on the phone.
After that i decided to try the PC version. I downloaded "Generate Unlock Windows" but this doesn't work for me too. No keys were shown in the box -.- .
So i tried it sometimes, and the result was, that i couldn't use my SGS any more.
Can't find the sim. I tried several times, nothing worked.
Then i downgraded my fw to I900XXJP2 once more, but useless...
does anybode have an unfreeze code, or does anybody know how i could solve that prob?
maybe unlock-code?
and if yes, where could i get this the best way?
Simlock is [3; Austria]
IMEI (still the original one): 354795/04/228598/8
thanks for any kind of help
maybe i'll sound a little bit nooby, but i'm new in that forum and also a new android user
thx

This may or may not solve your problem but some people have found that their SIM card seems to stop working after they have changed their product code. The fix for this is to run the following commands from ADB (you need to be rooted with SU installed):
- adb shell
- su
- busybox chown 1001:1001 /efs/nv_data.bin
- reboot
Or if you have a Terminal Emulator on your phone you can do the following:
-su
-chown 1001:1001 /efs/nv_data.bin
-reboot
AFAIK it can't do any harm running this file ownership command on nv_data.bin even is it isn't the cause of thr problem so give it a try, I hope it helps!

so first of all i got to tell u, that i've never used ADB before, and i do not know what that is and how i can start that
i started to google it but after reading several pages i'm do not know more...
could you pls tell me how i can start and type that?
and also where i can find it?
thx

didnt work
I tried the one with the terminal emulator..
did everything like u wrote, reboot...
nothing happened
seems that i ruined something -.-
maybe an other idea how i could solve that prob?
additional information: i got a little simcard symbol at the top of the screen and next to it there is a callsign

try nav_data.bin copy to your pc and run sgux from cmd or post it here

can't find the efs folder on my phone, where should i look for the file?...

Alex Varga said:
can't find the efs folder on my phone, where should i look for the file?...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in market download super manager also install busybox if you don't have
run super manager>settings>select busybox file
then select /system/xbin/busybox
and select enable ROOT function
after that run file explorer in super manager and go back till first folder isn't acct and 2nd cache folder; now scroll to efs and copy nv_data.bin to sdcard
after that you can unclick enable root function in settings of user manager

00.ante said:
in market download super manager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok i searched with astro for it and i looked for it manually.
Astro couldn't find it and i also saw that there isn't anything in the efs folder.
So now i got a problem, right?^^

Alex Varga said:
Ok i searched with astro for it and i looked for it manually.
Astro couldn't find it and i also saw that there isn't anything in the efs folder.
So now i got a problem, right?^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wrote before with astro but then remembered that astro doesn't have root rights so I've edited text if you want copy complete efs folder and post it here.
One more question did you ty another sim card?

00.ante said:
in market download super manager also install busybox if you don't have
run super manager>settings>select busybox file
then select /system/xbin/busybox
and select enable ROOT function
after that run file explorer in super manager and go back till first folder isn't acct and 2nd cache folder; now scroll to efs and copy nv_data.bin to sdcard
after that you can unclick enable root function in settings of user manager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok i copied it to my card, and now i have the file...
i don't know what u mean with that cmd action, but here is my file...
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TLWMXQ23

when you enter this code *#7465625# is it only first option (I think it's Network lock; nos sure) ON and rest is OFF? also keep your orginal nv_data.bin on pc

00.ante said:
when you enter this code *#7465625# is it on first ON and rest is OFF? also keep your orginal nv_data.bin on pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the first is ON, the rest is OFF...
What does this mean?
And i think the file isnt the same as it was when the phone got out of the factory...
I dumba** didn't make a backup befor i started workin' on it...

Alex Varga said:
So the first is ON, the rest is OFF...
What does this mean?
And i think the file isnt the same as it was when the phone got out of the factory...
I dumba** didn't make a backup befor i started workin' on it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So for ON is network lock which is good.
Ok you keep your orginal nv_data file on pc and copy these files to your efs folder with super manager. Then reboot phone and post back does sim work now.

00.ante said:
So for ON is network lock which is good.
Ok you keep your orginal nv_data file on pc and copy these files to your efs folder with super manager. Then reboot phone and post back does sim work now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, it doesn't...
the same problem
so what could i do now?
I found that thread, but i don't know what i have to put in there.
Do you know a side where i could find the codes for other countries?
Or what things i shall do too.
This guy wrote that he tried it at 2.1 and i have 2.2.
Could that be a prob?
thx for ur help

when you enter code from post before what does it say on first option? is it on or off now

00.ante said:
when you enter code from post before what does it say on first option? is it on or off now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it, used the code and somehow there didn't appear OFF or ON.
Nothing is standing there.
What does this mean?

Alex Varga said:
I tried it, used the code and somehow there didn't appear OFF or ON.
Nothing is standing there.
What does this mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure but try this. delete files I send you in elf folder and copy these 2 files from zip and then reboot phone and see with code is network lock on or off and if it doesn't work then delete files from elf folder (ones I send you) and copy orginal nv_data.bin back; then reboot phone and with code see network unlock
and please post back for all situations. Also try booting phone without any sim in it and then with sim
when enter code if no locks are there then it should be everything like in picture

Alex Varga said:
I tried it, used the code and somehow there didn't appear OFF or ON.
Nothing is standing there.
What does this mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK this is last shot. If nothing worked before try these 2 files from zip on phone and post back; and before coping them delete old ones and also can you post your nv.log from efs folder?

Tried everyone of your solutions and in every case i could NOT see the [ON] or [OFF].
It seems like it disappeard. Only space left, no symbols, nothing.
And the card can't be found too.

ups sorry forgot to attach 2 files. If this doesn't work I don't know what will. then put back orginal file in efs folder.
Also if you know someone who has also sgs still locked to your network copy his files here (complete efs folder)
all files I posted are modified and worked without problem on my sgs. Also please post nv.log from you efs folder here

[Q] Missing /efs folder yet phone works

Hi All,
like many of the users I have a problem with missing /efs folder. Although I can't find it I have my IMEI and my phone (S5830) works fine. I can make and receive calls.
But let's start from the beginning. I had Android in 2.3.3 version.
Using this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1034145 I have upgraded it to 2.3.6.
I have also rooted it using universal_gb_root_v25.zip.
Now I wanted to play with it a little more so I though of doing backup. Previously I made one using CWM but I read that it doesn't backup /efs folder that stores IMEI and other important data. So I started searching through the forum for a solution. I've downloaded EFS Professional but for some reason it gives me error "An error occured while getting partition list!" when I select my phone from the drop-down list on the backup tab. I cannot do backup because the "Device Partitions" window is empty.
I did not give up and searched the forum a little more. So I've downloaded two apps: ES File Explorer and Root Explorer. Unfortunately both could not locate /efs folder. All the Linux folders were there except /efs. There's dev and next is etc. No efs.
So I though that maybe the folder was hidden but the I checked the options of Root Explorer to show hidden files.
Lastly I checked the method with adb shell and busybox like below:
adb shell
su
tar zcvf /sdcard/efs-backup.tar.gz /efs
but as I though I got the message that /efs folder could not be found.
Has anyone have an idea how to get to /efs folder in my case? Where does my phone keep IMEI? How to backup (and restore) my phone in this scenario? Is there any other way to backup the most important files?
I know there are lot of questions but I'd appreciate helping me with it. Thanks in advance.

habit81 said:
Hi All,
like many of the users I have a problem with missing /efs folder. Although I can't find it I have my IMEI and my phone (S5830) works fine. I can make and receive calls.
But let's start from the beginning. I had Android in 2.3.3 version.
Using this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1034145 I have upgraded it to 2.3.6.
I have also rooted it using universal_gb_root_v25.zip.
Now I wanted to play with it a little more so I though of doing backup. Previously I made one using CWM but I read that it doesn't backup /efs folder that stores IMEI and other important data. So I started searching through the forum for a solution. I've downloaded EFS Professional but for some reason it gives me error "An error occured while getting partition list!" when I select my phone from the drop-down list on the backup tab. I cannot do backup because the "Device Partitions" window is empty.
I did not give up and searched the forum a little more. So I've downloaded two apps: ES File Explorer and Root Explorer. Unfortunately both could not locate /efs folder. All the Linux folders were there except /efs. There's dev and next is etc. No efs.
So I though that maybe the folder was hidden but the I checked the options of Root Explorer to show hidden files.
Lastly I checked the method with adb shell and busybox like below:
adb shell
su
tar zcvf /sdcard/efs-backup.tar.gz /efs
but as I though I got the message that /efs folder could not be found.
Has anyone have an idea how to get to /efs folder in my case? Where does my phone keep IMEI? How to backup (and restore) my phone in this scenario? Is there any other way to backup the most important files?
I know there are lot of questions but I'd appreciate helping me with it. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its difficult to find the efs folder bt u can check ur IMEI number by this code *#06#.
you can backup efs files by efs professional tool.
a CWM backup is also safe as it includes most of important files.
hit thanx if helped.

its difficult to find the efs folder bt u can check ur IMEI number by this code *#06#.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was clever enough to write down my IMEI before but this is not an issue. The phone works fine.
you can backup efs files by efs professional tool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already wrote that I'm getting an error "An error occured while getting partition list!" using EFS Pro
Anyone has other ideas?

habit81 said:
I was clever enough to write down my IMEI before but this is not an issue. The phone works fine.
I already wrote that I'm getting an error "An error occured while getting partition list!" using EFS Pro
Anyone has other ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1637249 may this thread help u

forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1637249 may this thread help u
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the one above. From this post I read that SGA does not have /efs (folder/partition) or it is not mounted by default so I can't see it. Which one is the right answer? It does not exists or it is not mounted?
If doesn't exists then where should I look for IMEI data and all other critical stuff?
If it exists I could issue:
mount -r -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p3 /efs
-r not to make any changes. I would have to create /efs folder first using: adb shell mkdir /efs
Am I following the right path?
I'd have already tried that but don't want to screw up my phone. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

habit81 said:
Thanks for the one above. From this post I read that SGA does not have /efs (folder/partition) or it is not mounted by default so I can't see it. Which one is the right answer? It does not exists or it is not mounted?
If doesn't exists then where should I look for IMEI data and all other critical stuff?
If it exists I could issue:
mount -r -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p3 /efs
-r not to make any changes. I would have to create /efs folder first using: adb shell mkdir /efs
Am I following the right path?
I'd have already tried that but don't want to screw up my phone. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can suggest you
DON'T TOUCH/MOUNT ESF FOLDER AND DON'T TRY TO BACK UP IT EITHER,DOING IT = BRICK!!

I can suggest you
DON'T TOUCH/MOUNT ESF FOLDER AND DON'T TRY TO BACK UP IT EITHER,DOING IT = BRICK!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion however this doesn't bring any useful information to this topic. I already know to be very careful with EFS data.
I would like to get some answers about configuration of this data on SGA. I would like to know whether there is a way to back it up That's all

habit81 said:
Thanks for the suggestion however this doesn't bring any useful information to this topic. I already know to be very careful with EFS data.
I would like to get some answers about configuration of this data on SGA. I would like to know whether there is a way to back it up That's all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's useful...anyway It's really simple, FORGET TO BACKUP YOUR EFS FOLDER OR YOU'LL BRICK YOUR PHONE!!

First... the question is why would you wanna backup your IMEI ? You needn't even write it down as a backup if you have the bill of your phone. And in case if you ever lost the IMEI, there is a guide to restore it & you can restore your older IMEI. So why worry to backup ?
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium

I wrote the IMEI down just as a precaution. I didn't know it was on the bill as to be honest the phone used to belong to my wife. I know there are several threads about restoring IMEI and other necessary data. I have already viewed them.
The reason I put this thread was that I was unable to locate the famous efs folder. I'm new in this stuff but I'm also a quick learner. After going through several threads and articles I was curious why I could not locate efs folder on my SGA. Answers such as "don't look for it or you will damage your phone" are just simply not what I was looking for. Anyway if someone please explain me the technical details of this phone and the reason why I can't make a backup using several tools and methods I would be very grateful.

Your quest for the efs folder is unending. I appreciate your effort in learning new things but what's the point of finding something that's of no practical use ? Yeah, you can't find the efs folder & no one else has ever worried about it coz everyone knows how to get their phone back online when they lose their IMEI. So either backing it up or looking for it is not worth a penny . All that counts is that the phone works & that the IMEI is secured, be it without that folder of your interest. If you clearly state your intentions with what you have to do by backing it up, someone might be able to help.
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium

Hi I am have just joined the forum searching for a help. It was my first time flashing custom roms and had been at fault in technically missing some of the instruction. I have failed to backup any bin, img or efs folder which could help me fix IMEI. using MTK droid tool (for MT6589), I am receiving an error of missing pttycmd1 and even searching the root of my phone, I can't find any nv_ram or efs. Is there any other way to fix my device?
Baseband: Unknown
No IMEI
cannot use AT+egmr command
thanks for the reply.

efs ?
efs is a partition for sim unlock right ?

i do hope so, because I just read from other threads about exploring and backup of efs can fix baseband & imei.

I can't find my efs either. The issue I'm having is to get rid of Factory Mode. Have seen tutorials on how to do it, but the efs file is missing and so I can't actually do it. Any suggestions on how to fix these issues? Thanks