Database Develop

[RESOLVED] Please Help! Forgot Lock Screen Password - Unrooted!

Apparently i've changed my lockscreen password this morning which i'm sure i remembered the changed password but i could not access into my phone ever since. I've gone through the forum for the possible ways to resolve my issue but i couldn't find the best way to do it as some threads are most probably out of date.
I would still want my data to be kept therefore i did not perform the factory reset. The data i would like to maintain are my contacts and pictures.
My phone is unrooted, it's probably not usb debugged as well. I'm unsure of the firmware version of my phone too.
I did not try to root my phone yet because I am not sure what I'm doing and am not sure if i can actually root it when my lock screen is locked.
Please advise on how i can resolve the issue without losing my data. I do not mind having an option to copy my data out from the phone storage before resetting my phone though.
Thank you!
Updated:
Apparently i had registered my phone with a samsung account which allows me to unlock my phone via the "where's my phone" through the Samsung website. I did not root nor factory reset my phone for this, but i still appreciate everyone who replied to my post! For anyone who is having the same problem with me and unfortunately did not have an account with Samsung/gmail, you might want to look through the suggestion below! :good:

Vivarini said:
Apparently i've changed my lockscreen password this morning which i'm sure i remembered the changed password but i could not access into my phone ever since. I've gone through the forum for the possible ways to resolve my issue but i couldn't find the best way to do it as some threads are most probably out of date.
I would still want my data to be kept therefore i did not perform the factory reset. The data i would like to maintain are my contacts and pictures.
My phone is unrooted, it's probably not usb debugged as well. I'm unsure of the firmware version of my phone too.
I did not try to root my phone yet because I am not sure what I'm doing and am not sure if i can actually root it when my lock screen is locked.
Please advise on how i can resolve the issue without losing my data. I do not mind having an option to copy my data out from the phone storage before resetting my phone though.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45260919
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app

Try something simillair to this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.thomascannon.screenlockbypass.pro&hl=en
READ UP ABOUT IT. I have never used it but I saw it once with good reviews.

Vivarini said:
Apparently i've changed my lockscreen password this morning which i'm sure i remembered the changed password but i could not access into my phone ever since. I've gone through the forum for the possible ways to resolve my issue but i couldn't find the best way to do it as some threads are most probably out of date.
I would still want my data to be kept therefore i did not perform the factory reset. The data i would like to maintain are my contacts and pictures.
My phone is unrooted, it's probably not usb debugged as well. I'm unsure of the firmware version of my phone too.
I did not try to root my phone yet because I am not sure what I'm doing and am not sure if i can actually root it when my lock screen is locked.
Please advise on how i can resolve the issue without losing my data. I do not mind having an option to copy my data out from the phone storage before resetting my phone though.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, first of all You have to root Your phone with this file: http://adfoc.us/4207233512571
Put it on Your external sdcard, reboot Your phone into CWM (volume up+home+power) and flash it. Great, now You have root.
Since You don't have usb debugging enabled You will have to use aroma file manager.
Before running aroma file manager in CWM make sure You have data mounted. (mounts and storage->mount data).
If You have it installed go to: /data/system/ and delete such file as "gesture.key" and some other "*.key" files in case there are some others.
Ok, now You should be done. Reboot Your phone. If it won't boot You will have to flash good kernel, but I think this should work.
One more thing, reseting data won't delete Your pictures as they are stored on sdcard and contacts are probably synced to google account.
In case You had some questions or problems just ask me.
I'll answer as soon as possible. If You will need some faster help we could talk on Facebook or Skype.

There are too many ways to reset your lockscreen.. I will give you the easiest way (Make sure that you are using the way I will give for your own phone, not someone else phone, as we don't want to get in trouble..!!)
1. Download @Phil3759 custom recovery from here (the zip one).
2. Download [updater-script]_Remove_LockScreen_Security.zip from attachment in this thread here.
2. Put both zip files in sdcard
3. Reboot to recovery mode by pressing and holding Power button + Volume up + Home button simultaneously.
4. Once you are in recovery, flash Philz recovery.
5. Reboot to recovery mode again (press and hold Power button + Volume up + Home button).
6. You will be in Philz recovery now, just flash [updater-script]_Remove_LockScreen_Security.zip which will remove the lockscreen security.

treacherous_hawk said:
Check:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45260919
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the aroma file manager method but could not flash it to my unrooted phone, i get "e:signature verification failed" when i did it. Anyway i've resolve the issue with "Where's my phone" from Samsung website.
Thank you for your reply on the following, really appreciate it!:good:

XxPixX said:
Try something simillair to this:
READ UP ABOUT IT. I have never used it but I saw it once with good reviews.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, i've tried this as well, but apparently my device is not compatible with the app, my firmware version might not be up to date for it. But i've resolve my issue in another way, really appreciated your time and help here!

jakuburban said:
Ok, first of all You have to root Your phone with this file:
Put it on Your external sdcard, reboot Your phone into CWM (volume up+home+power) and flash it. Great, now You have root.
Since You don't have usb debugging enabled You will have to use aroma file manager
Before running aroma file manager in CWM make sure You have data mounted. (mounts and storage->mount data).
If You have it installed go to: /data/system/ and delete such file as "gesture.key" and some other "*.key" files in case there are some others.
Ok, now You should be done. Reboot Your phone. If it won't boot You will have to flash good kernel, but I think this should work.
One more thing, reseting data won't delete Your pictures as they are stored on sdcard and contacts are probably synced to google account.
In case You had some questions or problems just ask me.
I'll answer as soon as possible. If You will need some faster help we could talk on Facebook or Skype.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Jakuburban for your reply, even though i did not follow you method to resolve my issue but i still very much appreciate your help. i will try to root my phone in the near future when i have the time to do so, really appreciate your time to reading my post and replying. :good:

majdinj said:
There are too many ways to reset your lockscreen.. I will give you the easiest way (Make sure that you are using the way I will give for your own phone, not someone else phone, as we don't want to get in trouble..!!)
1. Download @Phil3759 custom recovery from here (the zip one).
2. Download [updater-script]_Remove_LockScreen_Security.zip from attachment in this thread here
2. Put both zip files in sdcard
3. Reboot to recovery mode by pressing and holding Power button + Volume up + Home button simultaneously.
4. Once you are in recovery, flash Philz recovery.
5. Reboot to recovery mode again (press and hold Power button + Volume up + Home button).
6. You will be in Philz recovery now, just flash [updater-script]_Remove_LockScreen_Security.zip which will remove the lockscreen security.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeap i agree with you, there are too many ways to reset my lockscreen that's why i was so confused so i posted this thread, and your reply does seem very straightforward even though i did not try it just yet, nevertheless, i really appreciate your help and reply to my thread! :good:

[ROM][ODIN]SPH-L720 MF9 (MF9 Modem/Kernel/Bootloader/ROM - No Data Wipe - Rooted)

First, a HUGE thanks goes @garwynn for being my partner through all of this and then to @sfhub for teaching me how to create Odin One-Click.exe files and creating the original thread I'm using as a template for this one, @agat63 for helping me get the hang of what sfhub started teaching me, @MoHoGalore for helping test and put together so many of these one-clicks, @crawrj for providing the TAR I used to compile the one-click, and to everyone else in our community who makes this possible!
This Odin One-Click.exe contains a Rooted Stock MF9 ROM, Bootloader, Kernel and Modem for the Sprint Samsung Galaxy S4 (SPH-L720).
The only changes to the ROM from the initial build released by Samsung are that root access has been added along with SuperSU and BusyBox.
This will NOT trigger the Yellow Triangle NOR will it increment the Odin flash count.
This one-click resets your whole phone to a rooted stock MF9 experience and it does not wipe user data.
Instructions:
1: Backup anything important and Disable any PINs.
During this process your phone's software will be returned to the Stock setup. All system data will be lost. To be safe, it is best to archive your backup off your phone, ie on your PC or Dropbox.
2: Install Samsung USB/Android drivers (if necessary).
Samsung Drivers Download Link
3: Download the MF9 Stock ROM One-Click.
SPH-L720_MF9_Rooted_NoData_Restore(compressed archive).exe
4: Unzip One-Click ROM using 7zip (this package is a self-extracting exe you should just be able to double-click on it after download and it will do the rest).
5: Start the Odin One-Click.
Navigate to the location where the SPH-L720_MF9_Rooted_NoData_Restore.exe was saved upon extract from the 7Zip archive.
Double-click on SPH-L720_MF9_Rooted_NoData_Restore.exe. *On Vista or newer, you may need to right-click on the file and Run as Administrator.
6: Place phone in Download Mode.
- Power phone completely off.
- Press and hold Volume Down, Home and Power buttons, all at the same time.
- Release the buttons only when the ‘Warning!!’ message appears.
- Press [Volume Up] to enter Download mode.
7: Connect USB cable to PC and phone.
Odin should show a yellow COM port in the second column. If you do not see a yellow COM port, you may need to run the Odin One-Click as Administrator and/or unplug/plugin the USB cable after starting Odin One-Click.
8: Start Odin flash process.
Press [Start].
9: Complete - PASS!
Status should change to green PASS! At this point your phone should automatically reboot.
Android Instructions:
Download and install ZArchiver on your phone. Use it to unpack the Odin One-Click 7zip self-extracting exe file (long press on the 7zip exe. Select "Open As Archive". Select the One-Click.exe and then select Extract). Use Mobile Odin to Open File the SPH-L720_MF9_Rooted_NoData_Restore.exe. FYI - Modem will not flash with Mobile Odin.
The boot process will take slightly longer than usual during which time you'll see the Sprint 4G logo screen.
Congratulations! You've flashed the Rooted No Data Factory Restore MF9 build!

Download Link: http://www.rwilco12.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=12

Lol.. You guys ain't playing here...that's what's up.... again a Big Thanks...
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

Thank you very much!
This might be a crazy question, but do you plan on offering a rooted, data wipe version of this?

Parnelli98 said:
Thank you very much!
This might be a crazy question, but do you plan on offering a rooted, data wipe version of this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should be able to work something out.
Gotta find the time to do it though. This one was easy as Crawrj did the work of building the TAR already. I'll have to either build the TAR or find one that has the data wipe written in.

rwilco12 said:
I should be able to work something out.
Gotta find the time to do it though. This one was easy as Crawrj did the work of building the TAR already. I'll have to either build the TAR or find one that has the data wipe written in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No rush! Having a data wipe rooted option makes it easy to do some "spring cleaning" and start fresh if a flashed ROM gives me trouble. Thanks again for both files! I'm a new owner of a GS4, and I'm learning all over again. Had a GS3 for a year and found that to be extremely easy to root/restore and flash. I hope the GS4 is the same!

9: Complete - PASS!
Status should change to green PASS! At this point your phone should automatically reboot.
....
....
The boot process will take slightly longer than usual during which time you'll see the Sprint 4G logo screen.
Congratulations! You've flashed the Rooted No Data Factory Restore MF9 build!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin flash passes, and phone reboots, but never makes it past the solid yellow Sprint screen with the LED pulsing slowly in blue (waited 10min).
unplugged from pc, powered off and rebooted, still hangs
pulled battery, and rebooted, still hangs
powered off, switched to download mode, and re flashed with Odin, same deal...
any suggestions ?

xshawk said:
Odin flash passes, and phone reboots, but never makes it past the solid yellow Sprint screen with the LED pulsing slowly in blue (waited 10min).
unplugged from pc, powered off and rebooted, still hangs
pulled battery, and rebooted, still hangs
powered off, switched to download mode, and re flashed with Odin, same deal...
any suggestions ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try flashing the full restore from the link below and then retry flashing the rooted no data restore. Could be some incompatible data in your previous build.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2485502

rwilco12 said:
Try flashing the full restore from the link below and then retry flashing the rooted no data restore. Could be some incompatible data in your previous build.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2485502
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried booting to recovery, wiped data, then rebooted phone (without re-flashing from Odin again)
this time it did boot, and I am now waiting for all of the Spring bloatware to finish loading...
looks good so far
Ian

Sorry I didn't get to this. Things came up over past week. Thanks rwilco12, I'll help get a rooted together if not done this weekend.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk

Thank you rwilco, and garwynn. You two are great people and helped us so much. Thank you both
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

Thanks so much for this guys. I've been busy the last few weeks and didn't see this posted. I've really missed the one-clicks from the S2 days and I'm glad you could come up with these. I'm stuck in a hotel in NOLA with crappy internet and I'm trying to download both the unrooted restore file to wipe my phone, and then I'll run this on top of it.
For anyone who hasn't used these one-clicks before, I highly recommend them. So easy, especially if you want to totally wipe the phone and start from scratch like I do periodically.
Thanks again!

Do you plan to update this with the new 4.3 Sprint ROM releasing today?

Alpine- said:
Do you plan to update this with the new 4.3 Sprint ROM releasing today?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have an S4 myself so I have no way to grab the TAR files I need to make it happen. If someone happens to grab the TAR let me know and I'll see what I can do to make it happen.

Alpine- said:
Do you plan to update this with the new 4.3 Sprint ROM releasing today?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can test injecting root into system.img or getting via dump, but no promises that it will flash. N3 didn't work, it's why there's no one click yey.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk

xshawk said:
tried booting to recovery, wiped data, then rebooted phone (without re-flashing from Odin again)
this time it did boot, and I am now waiting for all of the Spring bloatware to finish loading...
looks good so far
Ian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After 1-click odin"pass", I was aslo stuck Sprint Yellow animation screen. I booted into stock recovery & wiped data and rebooted as instructed above and phone booted up. Thank You

Hello, did anyone get lucky to get this MF9 ROM on MJA baseband ?

Manik24 said:
Hello, did anyone get lucky to get this MF9 ROM on MJA baseband ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lmao my phone is brick. I tried doing this on MJA Baseband but it felt. I'm downloading the MJA stock firmware now so i can put everything back to normal. I wanna go back to MF9 :crying:

Anyone have a faster download link for this file? "SPH-L720_MF9_Rooted_NoData_Restore"

TheEndGame7 said:
Anyone have a faster download link for this file? "SPH-L720_MF9_Rooted_NoData_Restore"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no mirrors. It is expressly forbidden. I'm fairly sure it's in the OP.
Sent from: SGS2 - JB 4.1.2 GB27 / SGS4 - JB 4.2.2 MF9

not good....

I think I might have done it, this time. I installed RebelROM on my phone, as I was curious if it would be more battery friendly. I decided that it wasn't, and went to reboot into recovery to reinstall the nandroid I had made earlier in the afternoon. Oops. My only available recovery was CWM, not TWRP. No problem, I thought, I will just reinstall with CWM. Give me a chance to learn the new recovery, I thought. But, CWM wasn't seeing my external SD card, so I went back and forth to move the nandroid I had made to the internal SD, so CWM could see it. I also installed TWRP to the internal SD, as CWM was proving to be a pain. Unfortunately, TWRP wasn't able to access my internal SD, where the nandroid was now stored, so I tried to recover into an older nandroid. Now, though, the phone won't boot at all, past the screen that describes the phone as an Exhibit from T-Mobile. I can't boot back into recovery. I can't access the drives through the USB cord, either. Any suggestions? Skyukillparanormal has disappeared. Ironically, I'm up in his neck of the woods. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Proud2banoob said:
I think I might have done it, this time. I installed RebelROM on my phone, as I was curious if it would be more battery friendly. I decided that it wasn't, and went to reboot into recovery to reinstall the nandroid I had made earlier in the afternoon. Oops. My only available recovery was CWM, not TWRP. No problem, I thought, I will just reinstall with CWM. Give me a chance to learn the new recovery, I thought. But, CWM wasn't seeing my external SD card, so I went back and forth to move the nandroid I had made to the internal SD, so CWM could see it. I also installed TWRP to the internal SD, as CWM was proving to be a pain. Unfortunately, TWRP wasn't able to access my internal SD, where the nandroid was now stored, so I tried to recover into an older nandroid. Now, though, the phone won't boot at all, past the screen that describes the phone as an Exhibit from T-Mobile. I can't boot back into recovery. I can't access the drives through the USB cord, either. Any suggestions? Skyukillparanormal has disappeared. Ironically, I'm up in his neck of the woods. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pull the battery. After replacing, push down the power button and volume up at the same time. Hole them down for a few seconds. CWM should reappear. Either restore your recovery if it was CWM created or reflash the ROM.

ArtfulDodger said:
Pull the battery. After replacing, push down the power button and volume up at the same time. Hole them down for a few seconds. CWM should reappear. Either restore your recovery if it was CWM created or reflash the ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, AD, CWM is not reappearing. I had been holding down the power and volume down keys to no avail. Now I know why. It seems, though, that the power/volume up combo has the same (lack of) effect. Am I screwed?

Proud2banoob said:
Unfortunately, AD, CWM is not reappearing. I had been holding down the power and volume down keys to no avail. Now I know why. It seems, though, that the power/volume up combo has the same (lack of) effect. Am I screwed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that isn't working there are more serious problems. Try 2 or 3 times as it doesn't always work the first time. You can try ODIN but it's for advanced users. If you don't know how to use it probably not the best option. I hope you didn't brick your recovery because in that case that's the only option that will save you.

ArtfulDodger said:
If that isn't working there are more serious problems. Try 2 or 3 times as it doesn't always work the first time. You can try ODIN but it's for advanced users. If you don't know how to use it probably not the best option. I hope you didn't brick your recovery because in that case that's the only option that will save you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried multiple times. I was thinking ODIN might be my only option, but I would never do that myself. I will have to do some research to learn if there is someone near where I am now, or where I live. Thanks for your help. I thought we'd lost you to the S2 fora....

Proud2banoob said:
I tried multiple times. I was thinking ODIN might be my only option, but I would never do that myself. I will have to do some research to learn if there is someone near where I am now, or where I live. Thanks for your help. I thought we'd lost you to the S2 fora....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well soon that will be the case but not yet! Anyway here the link to get ODIN: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2012979&d=1370213005
Instructions here:
2. With your phone powered off, go into the Download (or Odin) mode by pressing the volume down and power buttons. When the screen with the exclamation mark appears, select the volume up button. You should now be in download mode.
3. Connect your Galaxy Exhibit to your PC.
3. Open Odin Multi Downloader v4.43.exe on your PC.
4. click on the OPS-Button and navigate to the folder with the extracted files and select Ancora.ops file.
5. Select the options: One Package, Protect OPS. I did not touch the Auto Reboot, Reset Time options.
6.Click on the One Package-Button and select the md5 file in the extracted folder.
7. Click on the Start button. The flashing process took around 5 minutes for me, at which point the phone rebooted into recovery mode to finish the process. I selected reboot the system.
ODIN flashable CWM here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1962398&d=1368560948
If you do this, keep in mind I can't be responsible for the results. Otherwise then yes, seek assistance from somebody who can help you in person.

ArtfulDodger said:
Well soon that will be the case but not yet! Anyway here the link to get ODIN: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2012979&d=1370213005
Instructions here:
2. With your phone powered off, go into the Download (or Odin) mode by pressing the volume down and power buttons. When the screen with the exclamation mark appears, select the volume up button. You should now be in download mode.
3. Connect your Galaxy Exhibit to your PC.
3. Open Odin Multi Downloader v4.43.exe on your PC.
4. click on the OPS-Button and navigate to the folder with the extracted files and select Ancora.ops file.
5. Select the options: One Package, Protect OPS. I did not touch the Auto Reboot, Reset Time options.
6.Click on the One Package-Button and select the md5 file in the extracted folder.
7. Click on the Start button. The flashing process took around 5 minutes for me, at which point the phone rebooted into recovery mode to finish the process. I selected reboot the system.
ODIN flashable CWM here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1962398&d=1368560948
If you do this, keep in mind I can't be responsible for the results. Otherwise then yes, seek assistance from somebody who can help you in person.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the link, but I can already tell that there will be a problem with that solution, as well. I tried over and over to press the power volume down button. I never saw a screen with an exclamation point. I never see anything until I release both buttons, at which point it starts up normally, but like I said, freezes before the rom loads, or before loading any recovery. There seems to be no difference if I hold down the vol up or the vol down button.

Proud2banoob said:
Thank you for the link, but I can already tell that there will be a problem with that solution, as well. I tried over and over to press the power volume down button. I never saw a screen with an exclamation point. I never see anything until I release both buttons, at which point it starts up normally, but like I said, freezes before the rom loads, or before loading any recovery. There seems to be no difference if I hold down the vol up or the vol down button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just like CWM, it can take a few tries. Yeah I know that gets old but sometimes it's taken me 4 or 5 attempts before I can get the phone into download mode. Don't give up until you're sure there is nothing to be done. It really just sounds like a soft brick to me.
Maybe if all else fails just say the hell with it, and if you can, get the Galaxy Light on HSN ($150). They'll let you pay in installments if you can't/don't want to pay all at once. You won't be able to root it just yet since it's new, but man maybe it's for the best. At least you will not be able to brick that phone! It has JB on it anyway.

ArtfulDodger said:
Just like CWM, it can take a few tries. Yeah I know that gets old but sometimes it's taken me 4 or 5 attempts before I can get the phone into download mode. Don't give up until you're sure there is nothing to be done. It really just sounds like a soft brick to me.
Maybe if all else fails just say the hell with it, and if you can, get the Galaxy Light on HSN ($150). They'll let you pay in installments if you can't/don't want to pay all at once. You won't be able to root it just yet since it's new, but man maybe it's for the best. At least you will not be able to brick that phone! It has JB on it anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Soft brick is what I was thinking, too.
Man, that Galaxy Light is perfect! I have been looking for exactly that phone for a while. When did it come out? And paying in installments makes it even better. Plus, I've now learned my lesson. When I do root that phone, I will be more careful about my flashaholic tendencies. If I get it, that is. We'll have to see.

Proud2banoob said:
Soft brick is what I was thinking, too.
Man, that Galaxy Light is perfect! I have been looking for exactly that phone for a while. When did it come out? And paying in installments makes it even better. Plus, I've now learned my lesson. When I do root that phone, I will be more careful about my flashaholic tendencies. If I get it, that is. We'll have to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Came out in just the past couple of months. The hardware is so much better than the Exhibit. Again keep in mind, there presently is no way to root it and there are no custom ROMs right now. Activity on XDA for this device has been pretty light, only downside to this phone and the main reason I passed on it.

ArtfulDodger said:
Came out in just the past couple of months. The hardware is so much better than the Exhibit. Again keep in mind, there presently is no way to root it and there are no custom ROMs right now. Activity on XDA for this device has been pretty light, only downside to this phone and the main reason I passed on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand about there being no xda activity. That's a consideration. With 8 GB of internal storage _plus_ a removable SD card, though, I can't see bloatware being a problem for a bit. By then, the Slimroms guys will have gotten ahold of it and put together something, I am sure. Can I live with stock jb? Can I even pick this up? Hmmmmmm...... Food for thought.

ArtfulDodger said:
Well soon that will be the case but not yet! Anyway here the link to get ODIN: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2012979&d=1370213005
Instructions here:
2. With your phone powered off, go into the Download (or Odin) mode by pressing the volume down and power buttons. When the screen with the exclamation mark appears, select the volume up button. You should now be in download mode.
3. Connect your Galaxy Exhibit to your PC.
3. Open Odin Multi Downloader v4.43.exe on your PC.
4. click on the OPS-Button and navigate to the folder with the extracted files and select Ancora.ops file.
5. Select the options: One Package, Protect OPS. I did not touch the Auto Reboot, Reset Time options.
6.Click on the One Package-Button and select the md5 file in the extracted folder.
7. Click on the Start button. The flashing process took around 5 minutes for me, at which point the phone rebooted into recovery mode to finish the process. I selected reboot the system.
ODIN flashable CWM here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1962398&d=1368560948
If you do this, keep in mind I can't be responsible for the results. Otherwise then yes, seek assistance from somebody who can help you in person.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, AD. I have one more question. Once I reboot into recovery mode, can I just reflash a nandroid, or do I have to reload the rom and kernel again?

Proud2banoob said:
sorry, AD. I have one more question. Once I reboot into recovery mode, can I just reflash a nandroid, or do I have to reload the rom and kernel again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to restore the nandroid. Since you have CWM working again, you can always do a full wipe & flash the ROM again if that doesn't work.

ArtfulDodger said:
You should be able to restore the nandroid. Since you have CWM working again, you can always do a full wipe & flash the ROM again if that doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thought, exactly. Thanks.

ArtfulDodger said:
You should be able to restore the nandroid. Since you have CWM working again, you can always do a full wipe & flash the ROM again if that doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got everything going to the point where I was to select the md5 file. There was no md5 file in the Odin folder I downloaded and extracted. Where should I look for the md5 file to restart the phone? It also seems that ODIN doesn't recognize that the phone is connected. The phone says it's in ODIN mode, but the program isn't showing any indication that the phone is connected. Thanks.

Proud2banoob said:
I got everything going to the point where I was to select the md5 file. There was no md5 file in the Odin folder I downloaded and extracted. Where should I look for the md5 file to restart the phone? It also seems that ODIN doesn't recognize that the phone is connected. The phone says it's in ODIN mode, but the program isn't showing any indication that the phone is connected. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, then that means you don't have the Samsung drivers installed. This is getting more complicated. You'll have to have the drivers installed for this device. Unfortunately it might be too late because after you get them installed to your PC, you have to connect your phone and it would have to be in a usable state for the drivers to finish installing if I remember correctly.
Anyay you can still try it, here's the drivers you need: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/SGH-T679DBBTMB?

it sure is nice being able to reach out and having people give assistance. thanks guys.

ArtfulDodger said:
Wow, then that means you don't have the Samsung drivers installed. This is getting more complicated. You'll have to have the drivers installed for this device. Unfortunately it might be too late because after you get them installed to your PC, you have to connect your phone and it would have to be in a usable state for the drivers to finish installing if I remember correctly.
Anyay you can still try it, here's the drivers you need: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/SGH-T679DBBTMB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, all is not lost. The drivers have been located and installed and the phone is now detected. Exactly which boxes are checked on the ODIN panel? You had mentioned that you didn't touch two of them (Protect OPS and Reset Time, I believe), but those were already selected when the program started. Right now, all 4 options are selected. Is the CWM .tar file all you need for the One Package link, or is there something else?

Proud2banoob said:
Actually, all is not lost. The drivers have been located and installed and the phone is now detected. Exactly which boxes are checked on the ODIN panel? You had mentioned that you didn't touch two of them (Protect OPS and Reset Time, I believe), but those were already selected when the program started. Right now, all 4 options are selected. Is the CWM .tar file all you need for the One Package link, or is there something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No the CWM file is all you need. After you flash that you're done.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Exhibit running AOIP.
---------- Post added at 09:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:05 AM ----------
teerout said:
it sure is nice being able to reach out and having people give assistance. thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what the community should be all about. If I need something I'd hope someone would do the same for me and usually they do.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Exhibit running AOIP.

ArtfulDodger said:
No the CWM file is all you need. After you flash that you're done.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Exhibit running AOIP.
---------- Post added at 09:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:05 AM ----------
That's what the community should be all about. If I need something I'd hope someone would do the same for me and usually they do.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Exhibit running AOIP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Error message saying an unnamed file was not found and operation terminated...
edit-never mind. it's fine. it's doing its thing....
It says "pass" and the 5 min timer is done, but the phone has not rebooted. Is there something else I need to do? Auto-reboot is selected, but it doesn't seem to be booting. Thanks.

[Unbrick] Fix All For Samsung S5 AT&T (SM-G900A) Lollipop 5.1.1

I decided to create this thread for the many who have attempted to downgrade their AT&T Samsung Galaxy S5[and failed]. The many videos and threads that claim the 100% success rate for downgrading all models of the S5 are terribly mistaken.
In the link I'm providing four files to help all, from noobs to intermediate to maybe even advanced users.
*I am not a developer just someone who was persistent enough to have scavenged for these files and figure out the order to use
Steps:
1. Download all files and place under one directory. (make a new folder for these files to be placed in, make them easy to find.)
2. Run Samsung_USB_Driver_for_Moblie_Phones_v1_4_6_0
3. Unzip Odin3_v3.10.7
4. In Odin3_v3.10.7 folder run Odin3_v3.10.7.exe
5. In Odin select options tab and double check the default of Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time (These should be the only selected)
6. In Odin click AP and navigate to G900A_OC4_Stock_Partitions.tar and open (wait 10-30 seconds for Odin to respond and load)
7. Boot phone into Odin download mode (Press Volume down + home + power on) [for convenient reboot take back panel off and dis->re connect battery]
8. Plug in phone. Under ID:COM it should be blue this means the drivers are properly installed and cable is a sync data cable.(Not charge only)
9. Press start. Wait for PASS to show. Press reset. Unplug phone.
10. Phone will reboot to Samsung powered by android logo. (You've won the first battle)
11. Reboot into Odin download. (Take out battery, shove back in with button combo)
12. Unzip G900A_5.1.1_Fix
13. Plug phone back in and flash under AP the files in order, resetting phone into download mode each time. (boot, modem, NON, recovery)
On final boot put back panel back on and wait on the at&t symbol for 2-3 minutes.
I hope this thread is easily found and my instructions are clear enough that I help all who have had my same problem I've fretted over the past 2 days.
S5 Fix All SM-G900A - Google Drive
drive.google.com
Credit goes to for:
-Initial fix: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...w-to-unbrick-flash-to-stocknce-g900a-t3077652 (second link on thread)
-Final and true fix: http://mobile.techforums.space/mobi...sung-galaxy-s5-g900a-on-511-oi5-7fb1114c.html

thank! mod

DOes this work for unrooted too?
I just got an AT&T s5 came with 5.1.1. and out of the blue it started bootlooping. Could not get into recovery but could get into download mode.
Just found this thread was going to try but now seems to boot. Not sure what happened. I did several battery pulls.
In any case good to know if this works in case it happens again.
Any idea why I would boot loop? Did nothing to the phone other than disable some system apps. But did not try to flash anything

Yes
Canadoc said:
DOes this work for unrooted too?
I just got an AT&T s5 came with 5.1.1. and out of the blue it started bootlooping. Could not get into recovery but could get into download mode.
Just found this thread was going to try but now seems to boot. Not sure what happened. I did several battery pulls.
In any case good to know if this works in case it happens again.
Any idea why I would boot loop? Did nothing to the phone other than disable some system apps. But did not try to flash anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this method can be used on unrooted s5. I can say this with 100% certainty because mine wasn't rooted.

Would this method work for the GS5 active? I have the same issue...

Thank you man this save my phones life
Spent 7 hours trying to fix this, this was giving me such a migraine headache, I am happy to say that my phone is back thank you so very much this is greatly appreciated for this easy to follow step by step instructions

Mirrors for Download
Can mirrors for the download be provided, please? Can not seem to download from the google drive.

Importance of Step 2?
My Phone seems to be working after Step 10. What is the importance of the next steps? Thank You.

After Step 10
meisteryaw said:
My Phone seems to be working after Step 10. What is the importance of the next steps? Thank You.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The next steps are if part of the boot process was overwritten by trying to downgrade. This would happen if part of the downgrade flash in Odin was successful.

No
mrredcon2 said:
Would this method work for the GS5 active? I have the same issue...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't recommend using these (zip/tar) files. However, you can use this process, but you need g870a files. These files are to fix the 900a.

Sure
meisteryaw said:
Can mirrors for the download be provided, please? Can not seem to download from the google drive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone who is able to download is free to make a mirror for these files. I, however, have no idea how.
I don't know why you wouldn't be able to access them. Anyone who clicks the link has access. (You may need to be logged into google.)

Mistake
I screwed up. I thought one of my replies wasn't being posted, didn't see second page.
Now I can't delete this.
I will re-edit this to answer a question.
P.S. sorry for taking so long with answers, I hadn't checked thread in a while.
If urgent you are more than welcome to private message me.

Thank you. This worked for me. I made the mistake of taking the AT&T automatic upgrade to Android 5.1.1 and then trying to downgrade to 4.4.X. and got the Samsung Galaxy S5 splash screen freeze. After too many hours of trying to find a downloadable AT&T Android 5.x version as someone suggested, I came across this post. Thank you again. Once suggestion, I would check sum the downloads so people know what they are getting is legit (I hope these download are . Also the Odin v3.10.7 failed to install on my Windows XP system, but I did have a Odin v3.10.6 that worked fine.

:good:

Hi... can I use this method to upgrade my ATT S5 with android 4.4.4.?

Stuck on startup logo even though i can hear the the startup sound ....

Suggestion
aamszia said:
Stuck on startup logo even though i can hear the the startup sound ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you go through this procedure try going into stock recovery, (same button combo only vol up instead of down) then clear cache and/or factory reset. Then redo the second half(5.1.1 stock partition tar flash)

Looks like this should become a sticky for all us AT&T SM-G900A's stuck around 5.1.1.
I will do this process in the next day or so. I assume no PIT file is needed?

I ready to do this. unlocked and rooted all my phones but this one over the years. . .
QUESTION: I purchased this at 5.1.1 C015 upgrade. Does this method helped attaining root (not mentioned anywhere), or just flashing 5.1.1 stock again? I dont need a flash a ROM already working, although still containing bloatware and major battery drain.

Birkyjon said:
Once you go through this procedure try going into stock recovery, (same button combo only vol up instead of down) then clear cache and/or factory reset. Then redo the second half(5.1.1 stock partition tar flash)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
already done that .. still same problem ...
what should i do next ???

[GUIDE] Returning to stock/Recovering from brick without a backup

Code:
WARNING: Anything done wrong could result in a brick! Make sure you use the proper firmware, and really only do this if have skill with Odin, or absolutely have to due to a brick.
Code:
Following this guide will restore your phone to 'Samsung OFFICIAL' and reset your model to default. This will not reset your Knox counter.
Code:
Please note: I have no experience with Jodin3, and would advise you read or watch a couple guides before using it. I don't know whether or not it is stable, so I cannot take the blame if Jodin3 ruins your phone, It's just the only alternative for Mac OS X. (WineHQ does not have USB support on Mac OS.)
Edit:
Let me just clear something up. When I say PC I MEAN ANY COMPUTER!
What makes me more annoyed than anything is when people call Windows computers exclusively, and don't consider an iMac or Linux machine a PC. PC literally means Personal Computer!
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/pc
Hello everybody! A couple days ago I was uninstalling Magisk and installing SuperSU instead, due to the fact that I couldn't change file permissions in root explorer. (I'm back on Magisk, because I found out ES would change the permissions with Magisk.) When I did it, the encryption breaker wouldn't work, due to already flashing it. (When fullofhell made his Pixel 2 rom.) I had reset my SD card, but forgot, so I didn't have a backup when it ended up boot looping. (Stuck on android logo forever.) I ended up having to use Odin and go to stock, however it wasn't as easy (or atleast not something that I knew how to do) to figure out how exactly to do it.
1.) The first thing you need to do is download the stock ROM from here or from Updato. (It doesn't matter what version you use, as long as it's for T or T1, meaning you could install Marshmallow if you wanted to.)
2.) Download and install Odin3 for your Windows PC. (I own a iMac, but I honestly don't feel like risking using it with Jodin3 because I don't know it's potential) or use WineHQ on Linux. After doing so open Odin3, Odin3 WineHQ, or Jodin3.
3.) Download and install the Samsung USB Drivers if you haven't already from here.
4.) Put your phone in Odin mode, via holding Volume Down + Home + Power or by entering recovery and then rebooting into Download mode, and pressing volume up when it prompts you.
5.) Plug your phone in via USB, and if everything done correctly you should see 'Added' in the dialouges, and see a box turn blue saying Com3.
6.) Select AP and then select your stock file. After selecting Odin might freeze or even get a dialouge saying "Odin3.exe has stopped working." When this happens don't close it.
7.) In settings disable Auto Reboot.
8.) Select flash and wait.
Do not unplug your USB, shutdown your phone, and do not shutdown your PC.
9.) When done shut down your phone. (Battery pull may be necessary, for people like me.)
10.) Boot into recovery mode, by holding Volume Up + Home + Power. You should not boot into TWRP or any custom recovery, if you do something went wrong.
11.) Use volume keys and power keys to select buttons:
Select Factory Reset phone
Select Reset Cache
12.) Boot up your phone. (You will be on the T-Mobile screen for 10 seconds to 1 minute.)
13.) Do not install any apps or important data after setup if you intend to root, as you will need to install TWRP via Odin, and then wipe /data when install Magisk or SuperSU to avoid a brick.
I hope I helped in any way.
Please note all I did was gather a bunch of links and put together a guide.
I do not take credit for stock ROM, TWRP, Odin, SuperSU, Magisk, or any other programs and files.
I would like to thank @fullofhell for giving this post a better website in replacement for sammobile.

Hey man thanks! I was really worried after I flashed Magisk due to the fact that I didn't know that I needed to make a backup. This thread works for the SM-J700F, you just need to get a different firmware file! :good:

Don't use sammobile. It's awful. Use updato.aka updates for android. See screenshot. 100x better.

fullofhell said:
Don't use sammobile. It's awful. Use updato.aka updates for android. See screenshot. 100x better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it have a website, or do I have to download it from the app?
It doesn't really seem suitable for a brick, but I think it would be amazing for returning to stock without a brick.

TechNash said:
Does it have a website, or do I have to download it from the app?
It doesn't really seem suitable for a brick, but I think it would be amazing for returning to stock without a brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app allows for direct download.its perfectly suitable for any type of brick. There hasn't been a brick I haven't been able to unbrick. As long as u can power on the device and boot to the bootloader or download mode, you are fine. Use the app to get the firmware, extract, and flash with odin or what have u

fullofhell said:
The app allows for direct download.its perfectly suitable for any type of brick. There hasn't been a brick I haven't been able to unbrick. As long as u can power on the device and boot to the bootloader or download mode, you are fine. Use the app to get the firmware, extract, and flash with odin or what have u
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay I see. But lets say you are an utter idiot and have no idea what you are doing to your phone. (NOT CALLING ANYONE WHOM BRICKED THEIR PHONE AN IDIOT! EVERYONE WILL!) You managed to brick it, how do you access the app? How would you download the firmware from the app if your phone is bricked? (without pre-downloading the firmware)

TechNash said:
Okay I see. But lets say you are an utter idiot and have no idea what you are doing to your phone. (NOT CALLING ANYONE WHOM BRICKED THEIR PHONE AN IDIOT! EVERYONE WILL!) You managed to brick it, how do you access the app? How would you download the firmware from the app if your phone is bricked? (without pre-downloading the firmware)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use another device. And if u are modding your device,.before doing so, one should already have stock firmware handy, along with any twrp(recovery IMG.), Encryption break zips,.and a hardcopy nandroid copied to a computer.these are things one should have learned and have ready just in case. To not do such things sells yourself short. Always be prepared. Do that and read and learn as much about the current task at hand BEFORE doing it

fullofhell said:
Use another device. And if u are modding your device,.before doing so, one should already have stock firmware handy, along with any twrp(recovery IMG.), Encryption break zips,.and a hardcopy nandroid copied to a computer.these are things one should have learned and have ready just in case. To not do such things sells yourself short. Always be prepared. Do that and read and learn as much about the current task at hand BEFORE doing it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay well I'll put that in the guide as a precaution or ANOTHER method of getting firmware, as not everyone has multiple Android devices.
Thanks for the suggestion and explaining @fullofhell

TechNash said:
Okay well I'll put that in the guide as a precaution or ANOTHER method of getting firmware, as not everyone has multiple Android devices.
Thanks for the suggestion and explaining @fullofhell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here is the website, which also offers much more stable firmware downloads as they are the same mirrors the mobile app uses. If you try to use sam mobile, you may download the firmware after a day or so, it used to take forever even on my 300mbps connection.
https://updato.com/

Thank you very much!
I said sammovile because I didn't know of anything else, and I figured if you are following this guide you could probably be desperate enough to sleep on the download.
I'll put that in the post.