Database Develop

Invalid IMEI prompt on bootup

Guys,
I just updated with the CM10 nightly and I am getting a prompt on bootup that my IMEI is not valid. The IMEI is not blank, and isnt something like 0123456789. Is this a big issue? My calling and texting are working fine, as is my mobile data.
Thanks

The same happens to me. I did an efs backup with root manager but is there any risk? Could someone explain please?

I backed up with cwm before loading cm10 0823. And did an imei restore from Nitrality and it says successful. However I still get an invalid imei on bootup
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Updated to cm10 0824. Same issue. Should I do a full cwm restore?
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Hey guys common issue if you want it back follow my guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1845104 you might want to titanium backup your apps first then backup your sd
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium

Restored cwm backup from before the issue started. No long have invalid imei. Update to latest cm 10 and invalid imei prompt on startup. However the imei screen under About has an imei number in it still.
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Correct imei though as in the same as the one under the battery?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium

Nope. Its a different one.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium

webchaos said:
Nope. Its a different one.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK so its invalid try the link I previously posted if it works or not get back to me
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium

After going back to stock GB, darky resurrection ROM, cm9 and finally cm10. IMEI is back and looking OK. Thanks.
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That's good
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Felt a bit of nostalgia going back through the last 2 years of ROMs lol. Thanks again.
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webchaos said:
Felt a bit of nostalgia going back through the last 2 years of ROMs lol. Thanks again.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, in my case, my father's phone lost all efs backups, and nv_data.bin is corrupted (regenerated new one with default generic IMEI).
So, there is nothing to restore from. Reflashing to stock 2.3.6 JW5 firmware didn't help. So you think that I will have to reflash to 2.2.1? How so? I don't understand how older firmware may help restoring correct IMEI...and I don't own JTAG, z3w or SPT boxes...
And for morrons - no, there is no .nv_data.bin, no nv_data.bin.bak, or similiar...only new nv_data.bin(md5) with default, generic IMEI.
Is there any way to restore it? if somebody start to complain that I am thief, I can prove by photos of original phone box, and buying papers I have (my father gave them to me for this purpose).
And no, I don't have to steal anything, I own SGS3, SGS2, SGS, SGT10.1....so stealing another SGS is not an option for me
I just want to restore that phone to it's stock state (and then reflash again with CM10).
Anyone?

Virnik0 said:
I just want to restore that phone to it's stock state (and then reflash again with CM10). Anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can get a rescue kit from My Android Collections and or a solution from My Android Solutions
just flash a JVU and a PIT , should get you back your IMEI or look at My android solutions for details

xsenman said:
you can get a rescue kit from My Android Collections and or a solution from My Android Solutions
just flash a JVU and a PIT , should get you back your IMEI or look at My android solutions for details
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you so confident, that JVU will regenerate /efs?
as said before, my father was so genius, that he has wiped /efs partition out. I have restored some data, but without proper IMEI, so now I have generic one. I still do have old JVU package somewhere on my NAS, but I do not understand, how old firmware may help, because I am without any /efs backup anywhere... is that firmware customized so it checks and regenerates /efs if its damaged? If so, why is this feature missing from latest full JW5 firmare? Please understand that I know what I am doing, but right now, I have empty hands...without JTAG, z3w or similiar low-level gadget, it is really hard to restore proper /efs on my own...
But thank you for links, I will take a look on them...

More Clues On Fixing IMEI Issue (solved for me)
In my case I upgraded directly from Froyo to CM10.1 and got then same dreaded 'default' invalid/corrupt IMEI=004999010640000
On inspection of the /efs files present it was clear they had been created by the system in response to not being present.
Following advice in this thread and elsewhere I downgraded back to Froyo (XXJPU) and like magic my correct IMEI re-appeared but as soon as I upgraded up to CM9 it changed back to the invalid default of 004999010640000 again.
To cut a long story short I downgraded back to Froyo (XXJPU) again, flashed a recent CWM recovery and booted into the recovery. I then used ADB to get a (root) shell prompt and discovered that the correct /efs data was being mounted from the device /dev/stl3 and at this point I was able to tar up the contents of /efs and safely make a backup. I then upgraded to CM10.1, restored the correct /efs backup and rebooted.
Happy with correct IMEI now
I am not sure what is going on but I am speculating that the big jump from Froyo to CM10.1 bypasses come critical intermediate ROM build where the correct IMEI data is copied from /dev/stl3. CM10.1 assumes this step has taken place and makes no attempt to get the original IMEI data.
... Robert

robertrath said:
In my case I upgraded directly from Froyo to CM10.1 and got then same dreaded 'default' invalid/corrupt IMEI=004999010640000
On inspection of the /efs files present it was clear they had been created by the system in response to not being present.
Following advice in this thread and elsewhere I downgraded back to Froyo (XXJPU) and like magic my correct IMEI re-appeared but as soon as I upgraded up to CM9 it changed back to the invalid default of 004999010640000 again.
To cut a long story short I downgraded back to Froyo (XXJPU) again, flashed a recent CWM recovery and booted into the recovery. I then used ADB to get a (root) shell prompt and discovered that the correct /efs data was being mounted from the device /dev/stl3 and at this point I was able to tar up the contents of /efs and safely make a backup. I then upgraded to CM10.1, restored the correct /efs backup and rebooted.
Happy with correct IMEI now
I am not sure what is going on but I am speculating that the big jump from Froyo to CM10.1 bypasses come critical intermediate ROM build where the correct IMEI data is copied from /dev/stl3. CM10.1 assumes this step has taken place and makes no attempt to get the original IMEI data.
... Robert
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly that. Same goes with going from Gingerbread to Jelly Bean.
That critical intermediate rom... Is CM9
In other words, to safely preserve your IMEI,
Froyo/GB ---> CM9 ----> CM10/10.1/JB
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk HD

Undo IMEI clone

Hi, I've got a soft brick then I restored using partitions copy from my friend device.
Now my device has the same IMEI as from device from my friend.
How I restore to original IMEI?
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app

Sorry I was on wrong forum, how do I move?
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app

ask to administrator..they can move your post to other section
my gt-i9070 drop message

do you have your old imei anywhere? like written down or as a backup file? there are apps for imei backup and restore in the play store... if you dont have a backup of your original imei i don't thinm there is any way of recovering it.
Gesendet von meinem GT-I9070P

If you don't have backups you can't recover it, you will need a service box or send back to samsung, but that's risky, because that's not covered by the warranty.
Which files/folders have you copied exactly ?

Szaby59 said:
If you don't have backups you can't recover it, you will need a service box or send back to samsung, but that's risky, because that's not covered by the warranty.
Which files/folders have you copied exactly ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've overwritten entire EFS partition thru dd.
I do not had backup and the partition was already corrupted.
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app

The original imei should be available on the box in which the phone is shipped. Search it. Then you will have to dd the efs partition as an image file and edit the imei in it using hex.
It's difficult, but your original imei can be recovered!
I do not respond to tech support via PM

I tried it on my phone (ace 2 - same novathor chipset) but after I flashed a new efs my imei still was the same.
Are you sure you didn't changed anything else ?
Also you can try this: *#197328640# in dialer, and search for "NV Restore" or "NV Rebuild" option (for me it's under "Common") I'm not sure how it works, but maybe the phone has some backups on a different partition.

Szaby59 said:
I tried it on my phone (ace 2 - same novathor chipset) but after I flashed a new efs my imei still was the same.
Are you sure you didn't changed anything else ?
Also you can try this: *#197328640# in dialer, and search for "NV Restore" or "NV Rebuild" option (for me it's under "Common") I'm not sure how it works, but maybe the phone has some backups on a different partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried to delete every file on /efs but cloned IMEI remains.
I think that IMEI is stored or cached anywhere else.
I already tried that option (NV Restore).

Modemfs also contains some files from the EFS partitions RFHAL.DEF/RFHAL folder.
Have you flashed a JB or any firmware with repartition ?
I noticed from a log file in /efs/pre_recovery.log, when the device is repartitioned there is an additional check if the imei is valid or requires a restore.

Szaby59 said:
Modemfs also contains some files from the EFS partitions RFHAL.DEF/RFHAL folder.
Have you flashed a JB or any firmware with repartition ?
I noticed from a log file in /efs/pre_recovery.log, when the device is repartitioned there is an additional check if the imei is valid or requires a restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, my 3G stopped working after downgrade using Philippines ROM and I tried check repartition.
My 3G started to work after I copied modemfs partition from my friend device.
Do you know how to recover from that?
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app

Well if you don't have backups it's difficult because I can't even tell where the phone stores the imei, or how does it work.
Of course it's possible to reverse encryption and edit the files from your friends phone but it's VERY difficult.
It's clearly uses a different method, because there is no nv_data.bin (on other Samsung devices the imei/simlock/product code are stored in this file).
If I find anything I'll let you know.
The cheapest sollution is offered by this guy: http://forum.samdroid.net/f70/repair-imei-s2-5729/
Or a very risky sollution: Brick the device and send back to the repair center if it's still under warranty.
Edit: Try flashing that rom again with repartition and see what happens, also check the efs/pre_recovery.log, for me says "valid IMEI & skip restore" so obviously there are at least 2 places for the imei, that's why for me doesn't changes even if I wipe the efs.

I've lost the imei some months ago and i've solved flashing the italian GB firmware, but you can also use another firmware.
Inviato dal mio GT-I9070 con Tapatalk 2

You probably flashed a wrong modem, but basically you didn't lost your IMEI, just the modem part wasn't for your device and it couldn't get the info.
This usually happens when you flash a firmware from different region, for example i9070L rom on i9070 device.

Szaby59 said:
You probably flashed a wrong modem, but basically you didn't lost your IMEI, just the modem part wasn't for your device and it couldn't get the info.
This usually happens when you flash a firmware from different region, for example i9070L rom on i9070 device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no way to regenerate/restore the modem part?

I wrote this to giagia96.
In your case I don't know why the phone "decided" to change the imei.

How do I backup my IMEI?

How do I backup my IMEI? I saw some cases in which it requests the IMEI when switching ROM and would like to prevent.

elderap said:
How do I backup my IMEI? I saw some cases in which it requests the IMEI when switching ROM and would like to prevent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
anything that asks you for your IMEI should be viewed as highly suspect. unless its a registered LG site, or program.
anything else. do research on it before using it. or you'll find your phone wont log into mobile networks all over the place.

necrowakker said:
anything that asks you for your IMEI should be viewed as highly suspect. unless its a registered LG site, or program.
anything else. do research on it before using it. or you'll find your phone wont log into mobile networks all over the place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not know Google translator lived up to what I wanted to know. My fear is time to replace the lost ROM my IMEI as I saw it happen (especially in Samsung devices), therefore, wanted to back you know?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

elderap said:
I do not know Google translator lived up to what I wanted to know. My fear is time to replace the lost ROM my IMEI as I saw it happen (especially in Samsung devices), therefore, wanted to back you know?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see.
Well, flashing roms, and even basebands cannot delete your IMEI, on this device.
but if it does happen for any reason (like erasing CAL data) it can be restored, as long as you have a windows computer, and the number under your battery.
just whatever you do. don't go giving random people your IMEI.
so no need to back up. IMEI can be restored using Hyper Terminal, in windows. winxp - win8

necrowakker said:
I see.
Well, flashing roms, and even basebands cannot delete your IMEI, on this device.
but if it does happen for any reason (like erasing CAL data) it can be restored, as long as you have a windows computer, and the number under your battery.
just whatever you do. don't go giving random people your IMEI.
so no need to back up. IMEI can be restored using Hyper Terminal, in windows. winxp - win8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply, I am calmer to know that this device does not run much risk and would not need a backup.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

elderap said:
Thanks for your reply, I am calmer to know that this device does not run much risk and would not need a backup.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you do root your phone, and have a compatible recovery installed.
make sure to make a backup of each of your roms, incase you need to revert back to it from a bad flash.
this phone is very tough. its known as an Unbrickable phone, but that does not make it flawless.
always keep a backup of your most stable roms. if your planning to start flashing new roms to your phone, its always good to have something that works always at hand, incase you need it.

[Q] internal storage faulty or partition corrupt

hi guys,
i just received a s3 mini which seems to have massive problems related to either it's storage drive or partition.
the phone is entirely stock. it's showing some developer overlay screen with yellow text.
when i check in system settings for storage, it's showing me 0.00b total space and 143mb applications.
when plugging it into the computer, the phone will show up as a drive but the size is messed up, too. it's showing -15827131273 bytes space.
when i reboot the phone i think it's kinda discarding all changes. I flashed twrp with odin. flashing suceeded after rebooting and trying to access recovery, twrp was not available but the standard recovery.
check attachments
so what can be done to fix the problem?

endrancer said:
hi guys,
i just received a s3 mini which seems to have massive problems related to either it's storage drive or partition.
the phone is entirely stock. it's showing some developer overlay screen with yellow text.
when i check in system settings for storage, it's showing me 0.00b total space and 143mb applications.
when plugging it into the computer, the phone will show up as a drive but the size is messed up, too. it's showing -15827131273 bytes space.
when i reboot the phone i think it's kinda discarding all changes. I flashed twrp with odin. flashing suceeded after rebooting and trying to access recovery, twrp was not available but the standard recovery.
check attachments
so what can be done to fix the problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
load up stock pit and firmware
baseband is also screwed
check general section on how to guides to get all that done

could only find f-ing slow mirrors for it

flashed I8190XXANC2 with odin and used stock pit file to re-partition. didn't help

endrancer said:
flashed I8190XXANC2 with odin and used stock pit file to re-partition. didn't help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was the phone before rooted?
War das handy davor gerootet?
Sent from my GT-I8190 using xda app-developers app

the phone was pretty much stock everything. the owner does not have any technical knowledge of rooting, modding or bricking the phone. he said from one day to another, all data was just gone and the phone could not been used because it's pretending to have no space anymore.
flashing with odin seems fine, but partition / other things do still mess up everything like before. is it an issue thinking modem and baseband being unknown / corrupted etc? is there a way to get them seperately to flash them ?

endrancer said:
the phone was pretty much stock everything. the owner does not have any technical knowledge of rooting, modding or bricking the phone. he said from one day to another, all data was just gone and the phone could not been used because it's pretending to have no space anymore.
flashing with odin seems fine, but partition / other things do still mess up everything like before. is it an issue thinking modem and baseband being unknown / corrupted etc? is there a way to get them seperately to flash them ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think modemfs or EFS is/are corrupted. If you go to settings > about phone > status does your phone show your IMEI, serial number etc. as NULL? if not then is your EFS not corrupted (or type *#06# for checking your IMEI number )
Sent from my GT-I8190 using xda app-developers app

it shows imei and serial number
imei sv ( 00 )

endrancer said:
it shows imei and serial number
imei sv ( 00 )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMEI SV should be 01
Sent from my GT-I8190 using xda app-developers app

thats no solution to know.
let's find out why sdcard0 is empty and whenever i reboot all data and changes are discarded

i also faced same problem but i resolved it by restoring efs

how to do with no efs backup present?

qasim799 said:
i also faced same problem but i resolved it by restoring efs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Err. how do you restore EFS on this thing? I have a somewhat similar problem with the OP where changes are discarded after a reboot and been searching for weeks on how fix this problem. I hope you will not mind sharing

auxdefault said:
Err. how do you restore EFS on this thing? I have a somewhat similar problem with the OP where changes are discarded after a reboot and been searching for weeks on how fix this problem. I hope you will not mind sharing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need an efs backup and you will get your phone back.yolaaaa

Here you go for efs http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2755787
Sent from my GT-I8190 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I also faced same problems like you and the problem is definately corrupted efs go to my forum and restore it.
Sent from my GT-I8190 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Emei Null... EFS folder deleted

Hi,
I am in India and just purchased an unlocked t mobile note 4 yesterday.
I rooted it and installed Maximum Overdrive ROM. Now EMEI is gone and shows null. I did do a backup of efs using Dr. Ketan EFS backup app but somehow the folder got deleted.
Please suggest if there is any way to recover the emei? Please suggest. THANKS

Isn't the IMEI number located under the battery?

it is there... but since its shows null when I check by *#06# phone is not reading the SIM card... says SIM card is not registered
Its an unlocked T mobile phone
AlkaliV2 said:
Isn't the IMEI number located under the battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

kanu1and said:
it is there... but since its shows null when I check by *#06# phone is not reading the SIM card... says SIM card is not registered
Its an unlocked T mobile phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not comfortable giving you any advice at this point because you're clearly using this phone in an international unlocked way and any advice I could provide could lead to further damage. You can Google Search "Restore IMEI without EFS Backup" and find guides that will help, but if you decide to follow them that will be on you. Sorry I can't be of more assistance.

Thanx for reverting mate... got it fixed... flashed stock kitkat old version and everything is working fine now... :good:
AlkaliV2 said:
I'm not comfortable giving you any advice at this point because you're clearly using this phone in an international unlocked way and any advice I could provide could lead to further damage. You can Google Search "Restore IMEI without EFS Backup" and find guides that will help, but if you decide to follow them that will be on you. Sorry I can't be of more assistance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Glad to hear everything is working fine now, if possible make a brand new EFS backup and store it off the phone. I have tried different apps and by default most store the folder in the phone (which doesn't make any sense) so i had to manually export it. I am currently using EFS Manager(IMEI)-Note4 which lets you backup to the SD and cannot recommend it enough.

did that already mate... this time I have copied complete folder as well using root explorer...
cant take chances
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

Note 4 imei null
I have same problem, how did you fix it? Please share, thnx

Flash stock ROM reroot and flash custom... that should fix the issue
Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk