[HOW TO]Update to 4.4.2 NAE w/Root while Keeping MF9 Bootloader w/ Lock Screen Fix

THANKS To Unknownforce, Sac23, Phil3759, runwithme, cmonsterf50, fgr, tallblazer124 and Chainfire!

For Lock Screen FIX Only Skip to Bottom of OP. You can Also Skip Flashing MK2 if you decide to do it this way.

This HOW TO will help you update your Sprint S4 to Stock Rooted NAE including NAE modem while keeping the MF9 bootloader.

MDC, MDL, MF9, MJA, MK2 and NAE are versions of the stock OS released by Samsung. MDC was first then MDL, MF9, MJA,MK2 and now NAE.

The recent MJA/MK2/NAE update was major in terms of firmware in that Knox was incorporated. (firmware on the GS4 is the bootloader, recovery and modem/radio. the ROM is the OS) Currently, once you update to the new MJA, MK2 or NAE bootloader you can't go back.

Why would you go back? Well Knox is a pain in the a$$ and trips the flash counter in the bootloader, which will most likely void your warranty. For crack flashers this is a nightmare.

Right now staying on the MF9 bootloader and flashing the stock NAE Rooted ROM from Unknownforce gives you no lock screen security settings. I have found a workaround that lets you keep the MF9 BL and flash the NAE Rooted ROM with lock screen security working. To go any further you must have NOT accepted the latest OTA and are still on MF9 Bootloader.

I am not responsible for anything happening to your phone. Proceed at your own risk. Basic knowledge in flashing via Odin and custom recoveries is required. If you follow this guide word for word you will not have any issues. Read entire post and download all files needed before starting.

ALL FILES Needed:
Odin 3.07(Other versions may work. This is what I use): http://xdaforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1168421&d=1341114315
NAE Modem/Firmware - http://d-h.st/zWf
Philz 6.08.9 Recovery (last one I tested) or later - http://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/jflte
Stock MK2 Rooted ROM Odex - http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23321874045862533
Stock NAE Rooted ROM - http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407572159 OR Sac23's v3 http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2673380
SD Card Write Fix - https://www.mediafire.com/?tpnv6l67wdl98i2
Hot Spot Mod (Choose NAE Odex) - http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2653666

How To Video: thanks wwjoshdew!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoM5P93m-yg

Step 1 Update modem and firmware to NAE

Download NAE modem and NAE firmware (with knox removed) thanks to Unknownforce (be sure to unzip before use)
Follow his instructions for installation from here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2338919

Step 2: Install Philz Recovery

Download Philz recovery version 6.08.9 MD5 (last one I tested)

Turn off your S4. Wait for a full power down. Boot into download mode (hold power and volume down, then volume up) Connect USB cable and boot Odin.

Using Odin v3.07 flash Philz Advanced CWM recovery in PDA mode with AUTO REBOOT UNCHECKED. When it says RESET hold the power button, and as soon as the device turns off hold volume up to boot into the new recovery.

Step 3: NAE ROM Install and Workaround for Lock Screen Security Settings

1. Back up Apps with Titanium Backup
2. Boot into Philz Recovery
3. Factory Reset>Wipe to install a new ROM
4. Install the Stock MK2 Odex Rom
5. Boot the Stock MK2 ROM. I did not set up any of my google accounts nor wifi, I just skipped until the pre-setup was finished. I then let the Sprint stuff install.
6. Go to lockscreen settings and set up a pattern or pin lock.
7. Reboot to recovery and wipe System, Cache, Preload and Dalvik Cache. DO NOT WIPE DATA.
8. Install the NAE Stock Rooted Rom from Unknownforce OR Sac23's v3 ROM
9. Reboot and profit.Your lock screen settings should now be functional.
10.Flash SD Card write fix if needed. (most likely you will)
11.(Optional) Install Hotspot mod.
12. Install Busybox and ROM Toolbox from Google Play. Fix permissions In ROM Toolbox go to (Run Script) > (Fix Permissions).

*****Alternate Lock Screen Fix*****

Thanks to @tallblazer124 for this much easier way to get lock screen settings:

Another fix for lock screen which is very quick, is use root explorer or a similar app and edit the buildprop in the system folder.

You can just add # before

security.mdpp=None

in build prop and it will work.

The entry will then look like this

#security.mdpp=None

Then restart your phone and you should have all the lock screen options.

510jungleboy said:

I am now trying to add recovery, but it doesn't work. I tried so many times, it doesn't work for me. I did the 3x , plus the battery pull. I also tried both recovery, still it didn't stick. I will just wait.

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

Try this. After you flash a custom recovery, instead of doing the battery pull right away, hold down the power button until the device turns off. Then do your USB cable pull and battery pull. I had to do this for a friends S4.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

Ok making a nand backup now of what I got. Will upload to dropbox as soon as its done and post a link.

510jungleboy said:

Yup. That did the trick. Thanks.

Mudavo,

Which MDL Hot Spot Mod did you install? Odexed or Deodexed ?

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

Glad to see it worked for you I am using Odexed MDL Hotspot mod.

jmak512 said:

So lets say now i want to have deoxed Rom do we just flash CRJ Deoxed Rom?

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

Yes. Since it does not include kernel and modem you should be fine. Do nand backup first though

willsurg said:

Too kool of you to leave your nand backup so some of us who are too lazy, or want to avoid odin can restore your back up!
Now, can I use TWRP to restore or do I have to figure out how to change recovery to CWM?

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

Not sure. I havn't used TWRP. I'm going to guess and say yes? I guess just try it. If it doesn't work load Shabby's or SexTape's CWM recovery. They are both easy to install if you can follow directions

crawrj said:

Good post. Thanks for the help. I just wanted to clarify that if people restore your nand it won't install the modem. I see you mentioned the modem so just wanted to clear things up in case people tried to do it just to get the modem.

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

Thanks and your welcome! Was not aware of this . Yeah, modem was pretty much the whole point. That's too bad. Sorry guys link removed


Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2