[GUIDE] How to Flash Custom Binaries Without Ever Incrementing the Flash Counter!!

[streak4m3]

As far as I know, it will do neither. It replaces the secondary bootloader with the UCKH7 secondary bootloader. I'm pretty sure you still need a jig to reset the flash counter.

Don't flash a bootloader unless you absolutely need to. If the flash gets interrupted, it will hard brick your device.

Got it. Thanks again, man.

 

[boliviano3]

You can wipe data/factory reset from stock 3e recovery as well as CWM recovery.

Is is also vol up+down and power to get into the stock 3e recovery?

 

[creepyncrawly]

Is is also vol up+down and power to get into the stock 3e recovery?

Yes.

It would have taken you only about 30 seconds to try it and find out... instead of waiting over an hour for an answer.

 

[boliviano3]

Yes.

It would have taken you only about 30 seconds to try it and find out... instead of waiting over an hour for an answer.

It's not my phone, it's for someone else. I'm trying to read up as much on this as possible before I attempt to root so I'm ready in case there are any hiccups.

 

[creepyncrawly]

It's not my phone, it's for someone else. I'm trying to read up as much on this as possible before I attempt to root so I'm ready in case there are any hiccups.

Oh. (sheepish grin) Well, keep learning and asking.

 

[Nosferatu.]

So the jig method will remove the triangle as well as reset the flash counter?

I can understand why some people get frustrated on the forum that not only some people don't search they also don't read. I'm not singling you out but I was just following this thread since I commented in it recently and no more than a few posts up from yours I gave you the answer already...

Just wanted to report back. Got the jig. Turned phone off...plugged in jig, it went into download mode, unplug jig, rebooted phone...no more yellow triangle

YAY!

You guys rock!

 

[stalked_r/t]

I can understand why some people get frustrated on the forum that not only some people don't search they also don't read. I'm not singling you out but I was just following this thread since I commented in it recently and no more than a few posts up from yours I gave you the answer already...

This doesn't quite fit the current situation, but some searches are very vague in getting an answer. Let's say somewhere there is a thread that discusses a similar product to the iPhone's 3G Unrestrictor app. Now if I didn't know that the iPhone's app was called 3G Unrestrictor, what would I search for to try to find an existing thread? The search string would consist of these words.

3g, no wifi, google talk, no need for wireless.

That's a very vague search string that would result in either no direct result searches, or you search for the word wireless and get 85 pages of results. the point I'm making is that many seem to want to gripe about people searching, but sometimes, it just doesn't pan out how we would like it to.

***Stepping off my soapbox***

 

[doggyollie]

Thanks so much for this guide! Works like a charm!

The extracted file from 2c is actually called "I777UCKH7 OCD With Root.exe", not "I777UCKH7 OCD Root No BL.exe"

 

[cdef]

Just checking...

Before I go any further, I just want to verify what I've done and what I'm about to do.

Here is what I've done so far:

• Step 1
• Step 2c
• Install Mobile Odin Pro
• Download kernel with CMW 5.0.2.3 from the link in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285823

If I extract the zImage from the tar file and put it on my phone and flash it with Mobile Odin, it will not increment the flash counter, correct? I just want to double check because most of what I've read seems to indicate that flashing a custom kernel with Odin will increment the counter. I also read somewhere else that Mobile Odin does all that Odin3 does and more so I just want to make sure that doesn't include incrementing the flash counter.

Thanks!

 

[creepyncrawly]

Yes, it is a bit confusing, because the developer called his tool mobile odin, while in reality it flashes things using a version of ClockworkMod Recovery that it installs on your phone (the phone specific add-on apk.)

Installing a custom kernel using a version of Odin3 from a windows pc will increment the flash counter. Installing a custom kernel using mobile odin, ClockworkMod Recovery, adb or android terminal emulator will not.

Actually, the answer is in step 4 of the guide.

 

[cowhow]

I wanted to post back that I flashed my GS2 using method 2c, which reverted me back to UCKH7. I applied the OTA update to UUCK6 and retained root. All without hitting the flash counter. I then used 3c to install Entropy's DD kernel with CWM, again without hitting the counter. Creepyncrawly, I sent a thanks your way. You did a great job putting this thread together. And if I had really listened to what you were saying about using this method I could have saved 8 bucks and not bought a jig. But, I guess it's nice to have on hand.

The only mod I made to the kernel was to OC it. I know there's all kinds of posts about the pros and cons of OCing. But, like most everyone here. I just had to try it for myself. I'm running 1.4 stable for now. This phone runs pretty sweet out of the box. I'm evaluating battery life to determine where I'm going to land with clock speed.

 

[cdef]

Yes, it is a bit confusing, because the developer called his tool mobile odin, while in reality it flashes things using a version of ClockworkMod Recovery that it installs on your phone (the phone specific add-on apk.)

Installing a custom kernel using a version of Odin3 from a windows pc will increment the flash counter. Installing a custom kernel using mobile odin, ClockworkMod Recovery, adb or android terminal emulator will not.

Actually, the answer is in step 4 of the guide.

Thanks. I didn't get that far because I wanted to make sure I did everything correctly and in order. I appreciate it!

Edit: Everything appeared to work correctly and I'm running a Nandroid backup right now.

 

[3/75th Ranger]

Superb! Did it and right on the money!! No issues at all and my count is "0"-Zero---ZEEERROOO!!
My i777 works great.
Donated!

 

[creepyncrawly]

Superb! Did it and right on the money!! No issues at all and my count is "0"-Zero---ZEEERROOO!!
My i777 works great.
Donated!

Thank you very much, and enjoy your wonderful phone.

 

[rquinn19]

Multiupload seems to be down. Anyone have a mirror for:
Odin3 One-Click Downloader Stock I-777 UCKH7 with Root no BL

I've searched everywhere and can't find it.

 

[i777SGS2]

Thanks for the awesome write up. Just a suggestion though, is it possible to add the last date the instructions was updated on the top?

 

[Ginguskhan]

Help! Noob needing urgent help

Ok, so I read this and decided to give it a shot, but I now have a few problems 1) no wifi and 2) I incremented the flash counter by using ODIN to install SGH-I777_ClockworkMod-Recovery_5.0.2.3.tar 3) Lost my contacts after reset to factory settings

I read the guide and recorded my starting info:
Model: Samsung SGH-I777
2.3.6 Android Version
Baseband Version I777UCKK6
Kernel version: 2.6.35.7
Build #: GINGERBREAD.UCKK6

I did step #1 and verified 0 flash counter.
I did step #2c (only one compatible with UCKK6), got the "PASS!" and phone rebooted no problem. However, once it rebooted I had no wifi. Looking through this thread I found out I had to do the factory wipe, so I did (without backing up anything, DOH!) and the wifi worked, but I lost all m contacts!

So then I decided I would use this threadto install SGH-I777_ClockworkMod-Recovery_5.0.2.3, as I couldn't seem to figure out from 3a what kernel I needed to add CWM. This incremented the flash counter....

CWM 5.0.2.3 works no problem, but when I did the OTA update and applied the latest UCKK6 stock kernel, the WIFI stopped working again. Just as others described, it disables a few second after you enable it. So, I did another factory wipe/restore in CWM and still no WIFI after reboot. Also, I'm not sure when this happened but the way I connect to my phone via USB is dfferent as it is detecting as "Samsung_android", then on the phone I have to select "mass storage mode"...so I can connect via USB to transfer files if that can rescue me from this situation.

 

[ComradeTao]

I tried flashing the self-contained exe package just now and it stuck me in a boot loop. Any suggestions?

 

[Ginguskhan]

I'm almost back and rooted!

**UPDATE**
I was able to repeat Step 2c, which fixed the Wifi issue and cleared the yellow triangle at boot. I have not done the OTA update to UCKK6.
I was also able to get nearly all of my contacts back from syncing with gmail and FB.
Now, only two issues remain:
1) Flash counter is still at 1, so I am ordering a USB jig to fix that. Do I try to do it the conventional way, then if it doesnt work try the bootloader fix for andriod 2.3.4+? Is there any harm in trying to use the usb jig and it fails to reset the FC?
2) No CWM installed. I have tried to follow step 3a, and after installing Odin Mobile Lite, I don't know which kernel I need on the xda site to get CWM installed, please advise/direct me to one or more that includes CWM and is compatible with my setup. What should I be looking for:

my starting s2 info:
Model: Samsung SGH-I777
2.3.6 Android Version
Baseband Version I777UCKK6
Kernel version: 2.6.35.7
Build #: GINGERBREAD.UCKK6

Current S2 info:
Model: Samsung SGH-I777
2.3.4 Android Version
Baseband Version I777UCKH7
Kernel version: 2.6.35.7
Build #: GINGERBREAD.UCKH7

3) Also, if I do the OTA update to UCKK6 will that kill my WIFI or did the CWM containing kernel I downloaded do that (see two pots up for link)?

 

[Vuitres]

Ugh...

I have been struggling to download this file (I777UCKH7 OCD Root No BL.7z). Each and every time I get to the end (which is taking about 4 to 5 hours lately...don't know why, I have great internet connection but I'm getting a consistent 11.5 - 16.7 kbps) my browser, or something, refuses to validate the file and it errors out. The one time I actually get the file completely downloaded, it was corrupted or something and it wouldn't open. I am at my wits end. Can someone offer some advice on how I can get this going? I am truly tired of being stock.

Current Config:
Android Version: 2.3.6
Baseband: I777UCKK6
Kernel: 2.6.35.7
Build: GINGERBREAD.UCKK6

Thank you gentlemen, in advance, for your assistance.