[GUIDE][VZW Edition]How to Root/Rom/Return to Stock the VZW Galaxy Note II!

[mattnmag]

Hi. I've just started experimenting with flashing roms via TWRP and I currently am running CM11 nightlies, so I'm somewhat familiar with the process.

I'd like to bring my phone back to stock, with the latest update (4.4.2?), and keep root.

1. Which of these sections/procedures do I follow on the main page?
2. Do I have to go back to 4.1 first or is there a stock 4.4.2 that I can jump to?
2b. If I have to go back to 4.1, do I have to be unrooted to get the OTA updates for 4.4.2?

Thanks!

If you put full factory 4.3 or 4.4.2 on your Note2, then you will end up locking your bootloader with no current method to unlock it again. (4.1.2 is the last build version for our phones with a current do it yourself bootloader unlock method). If you want to try out 4.3 or 4.4.2 ROM'S, there are ones in the development section that you can flash through your custom recovery... and still maintain an unlocked bootloader.

 

[RoyVegasPinoy]

If you put full factory 4.3 or 4.4.2 on your Note2, then you will end up locking your bootloader with no current method to unlock it again. (4.1.2 is the last build version for our phones with a current do it yourself bootloader unlock method). If you want to try out 4.3 or 4.4.2 ROM'S, there are ones in the development section that you can flash through your custom recovery... and still maintain an unlocked bootloader.

I've decided to just go back to stock then. To quote my situation,

"I've just started experimenting with flashing roms via TWRP and I currently am running CM11 nightlies, so I'm somewhat familiar with the process."

Which of these sections/procedures do I follow on the main page? Will it bring me back to 4.1.2?

Thanks again,
Roy

 

[mattnmag]

I've decided to just go back to stock then. To quote my situation,

"I've just started experimenting with flashing roms via TWRP and I currently am running CM11 nightlies, so I'm somewhat familiar with the process."

Which of these sections/procedures do I follow on the main page? Will it bring me back to 4.1.2?

Thanks again,
Roy

Hi Roy,

You're saying you want to return to stock, but it's important to make sure you understand that if you put the official "factory" stock 4.3 or 4.4.2 on your phone, it will lock the phone's bootloader and you won't be able to unlock it again... (unless someone comes up with a method, which seems unlikely at this point). If you're wanting to lose ability to unlock your bootloader by putting factory 4.3/4.4.2 on your phone, then you would need to ODIN restore back to factory 4.1.2, and then take the OTA's to update the phone... that's the easiest way I can think of.

If you want to return to stock and still keep the option to unlock your bootloader again, (so you can continue to experiment with AOSP/Touchwiz based custom ROM's), you will need to restore the phone back to Factory Stock 4.1.2/ VRAMC3 and then run CASUAL again.

To do this, go to section 1b in the first post of this thread (that we're in): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024207. Droidstyle provides the steps and links to all the files needed to restore the phone back to 4.1.2. You will need to choose the download link for the "Official VRAMC3 4.1.2 5/5/13" stock restore image, along with the 16gb pit file to restore the phone to full stock, and just follow Droidstyle's steps 1-7 to Odin flash those 2 files back to the device. (I would add the recommendation that after you restore back to stock 4.1.2, to boot into the Stock Recovery (e.g. hold volume up + Home + Power buttons at the same time)... then complete a Factory Reset & Wipe Cache... this will make sure to fully wipe all leftover data from the phone).

After you restore to stock 4.1.2... then you can use Adam Outler's Casual program to root and unlock the bootloader again. CLICK HERE for Adam's guide. The version of Casual that worked for me was R515.... just make sure you totally disable all virus scanning on your computer before running it, including Windows Defender.

If you want a more detailed guide on ODIN, here's a link from another forum that should be helpful... GENERAL ODIN GUIDE. Also... here's a link to a Youtube video that should be helpful for visual reference with restoring to stock -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qtbEevn1VA. (These 2 links are just for reference... so I would stick with getting your download files from Droidstyle's guide and following Droidstyle's restore instructions).

Don't forget to hit the thanks button for Droidstyle for his helpful guide... and for Adam Outler for the awesome Casual program .

Good luck!!

Edit: If you're wanting to try out stock 4.3/4.4.2 ROM's and keep your bootloader unlocked.... here's a couple of links to check out. They are made to be flashed in custom recovery (e.g. TWRP, PHILZ, CWM...).

Stock rooted 4.4.2

Stock rooted 4.3

Oh... one more thing- if you decide to stay on stock rooted 4.1.2, then you need to use an app like Titanium Backup to freeze the SDM app to prevent your phone from trying to install the OTA's. You can alternatively use a file explorer program to rename "SDM.apk" to "SDM.bak." Either way, you'll need to disable SDM to prevent your phone from taking the OTA's.

 

[DroidOnRoids]

Hi, so I want to Odin back to stock. I took the ND7 update and know I cannot downgrade firmwares. Where is the ND7 firmware file to Odin back? Or can I use the 4.3 firmware to Odin and then OTA it to ND7?

 

[mattnmag]

Hi, so I want to Odin back to stock. I took the ND7 update and know I cannot downgrade firmwares. Where is the ND7 firmware file to Odin back? Or can I use the 4.3 firmware to Odin and then OTA it to ND7?

From what I understand, once you're on ND7, you can't ODIN flash back to 4.3 or any other previous firmwares because of the locked 4.4.2 bootloader. If you're having problems with ND7 after you took the OTA, and you're wanting the ND7 firmware to try to restore it... the Sammobile site has the ND7 firmware and instructions on how to ODIN flash it. This is the link to the 4.4.2/ND7 firmware for the SCH-I605: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/3/?download=30950.

 

[C1audia]

I need some guidance, please.
I am currently on 4.1.2, stock rooted.
My phone is starting to feel like it's bogging down. My SD card had died, I can't unfreeze my apps to try and go back to stock.
I only need root to tether.
What should I do?
How can I update to 4.4.2 and use ghettoroot for root?

TIA for any help offered!

 

[bigmike35]

I need some guidance, please.
I am currently on 4.1.2, stock rooted.
My phone is starting to feel like it's bogging down. My SD card had died, I can't unfreeze my apps to try and go back to stock.
I only need root to tether.
What should I do?
How can I update to 4.4.2 and use ghettoroot for root?

TIA for any help offered!

I wouldn't do that honestly, but that's me (meaning take the update). I would buy a new sd (bought one from amazon class 10 64gb sandisk for $30) but in the meantime, flash 4.1.2 firmware and re root and what not (if you desire to stay on 4.1.2). Or, do a factory reset and see if that helps (it will completely wipe internal, back up before performing this). If custom recovery is install, you can wipe, data, cache, dalvik and start fresh (back up apps using titanium or something to that nature) Or install a new rom (Plenty to choose from, TW and AOSP). I wouldn't take the update as you will lose ability to use custom kernels and unlocked bootloader.

 

[C1audia]

I wouldn't do that honestly, but that's me (meaning take the update). I would buy a new sd (bought one from amazon class 10 64gb sandisk for $30) but in the meantime, flash 4.1.2 firmware and re root and what not (if you desire to stay on 4.1.2). Or, do a factory reset and see if that helps (it will completely wipe internal, back up before performing this). If custom recovery is install, you can wipe, data, cache, dalvik and start fresh (back up apps using titanium or something to that nature) Or install a new rom (Plenty to choose from, TW and ASOP). I wouldn't take the update as you will lose ability to use custom kernels and unlocked bootloader.

Thank you, Bigmike.
I've never installed roms or anything of that nature, and don't intend to. Just want root for those apps that need it, i. e. TiBu, tethering.
I will try factory reset tonight. That will most likely unfreeze those apps that were freezed with TiBu, but now I don't have access to them because my SD card is not accessible (died).

Thanks again!

 

[dpadaddict]

Replacement phone with 4.4.2

Hey guys quick question. I had to replace my note 2 with VZW insurance because I broke mine. I got the note 2 the day it came out and rooted right after. From what I'm reading at the moment there is no possible way to root the note 2 with 4.4.2 stock correct?

Thank you!!

 

[dtroup64]

Hey guys quick question. I had to replace my note 2 with VZW insurance because I broke mine. I got the note 2 the day it came out and rooted right after. From what I'm reading at the moment there is no possible way to root the note 2 with 4.4.2 stock correct?

Thank you!!

There is actually. Here's the link for the Towelroot thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...t-adb-ghettoroot-v0-1-towelroot-port-t2864125

And under development, Beastmode is working on a Safestrap that will work for us on KitKat as well:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2704992&page=14

 

[artisan_lewa]

From what I understand, once you're on ND7, you can't ODIN flash back to 4.3 or any other previous firmwares because of the locked 4.4.2 bootloader. If you're having problems with ND7 after you took the OTA, and you're wanting the ND7 firmware to try to restore it... the Sammobile site has the ND7 firmware and instructions on how to ODIN flash it. This is the link to the 4.4.2/ND7 firmware for the SCH-I605: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/3/?download=30950.

I sort of broke my device with a bad ODIN push of a 4.3 stock ROM. I will flash this stock 4.4.2 ROM to fix it, then?

 

[mattnmag]

I sort of broke my device with a bad ODIN push of a 4.3 stock ROM. I will flash this stock 4.4.2 ROM to fix it, then?

It looks like you've already fixed your phone based on your other post here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=56434840. If not, then it would help to post more details about exactly what you flashed and the error message you got in odin.

 

[artisan_lewa]

It looks like you've already fixed your phone based on your other post here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=56434840. If not, then it would help to post more details about exactly what you flashed and the error message you got in odin.

Boy you're fast. Yes I did, it worked. Now working on getting metro PCS APN to work, a pain in the butt.

 

[pmsrefugee]

Just got phone back after hard bricking it. They did a JTAG repair and installed stock 4.1.2. I loaded the Casual and turned off windows defender and hit Do It. Ran find until it got No partition with identifier 60 exists in the specified PIT. Here is the log...
http://pastebin.com/3DEdXRKC

what should I do? I can try another cable and usb port, but I want to wait to see if it is something else I need to download first.
thanks in advance.
http://pastebin.com/5sLfRF1D

 

[lacoursiere18]

Just got phone back after hard bricking it. They did a JTAG repair and installed stock 4.1.2. I loaded the Casual and turned off windows defender and hit Do It. Ran find until it got No partition with identifier 60 exists in the specified PIT. Here is the log...
http://pastebin.com/3DEdXRKC

what should I do? I can try another cable and usb port, but I want to wait to see if it is something else I need to download first.
thanks in advance.

Paste got removed bro.. Upload again

 

[pmsrefugee]

Paste got removed bro.. Upload again

here you go.
http://pastebin.com/5sLfRF1D
Found the problem. Disabled Windows Firewall in Services.msc and thought I disabled Windows Defender, but . . . when I opened Windows Defender and started checking the tabs, I found Real Time Protection was still on. Turned it off and ran Casual successfully!!!!
On to Alliance Build 29 unless Brian is already on 30 LOL. I don't know how you do it with your job, school, and new baby.

 

[Caveman419]

It has been a while since I have really played with this device and I am selling it to a non-technical person. I am going to flash back to stock and do not need to worry about the phone ever being rooted again. I can just use the PIT file and the VRUEMJ9 4.3 to take it back and then it will get the 4.4.2 update? The last thing that I flashed on here was a CM 11 nightly so it is running 4.4.4 right now.

 

[Caveman419]

From what I understand, once you're on ND7, you can't ODIN flash back to 4.3 or any other previous firmwares because of the locked 4.4.2 bootloader. If you're having problems with ND7 after you took the OTA, and you're wanting the ND7 firmware to try to restore it... the Sammobile site has the ND7 firmware and instructions on how to ODIN flash it. This is the link to the 4.4.2/ND7 firmware for the SCH-I605: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/3/?download=30950.

If I am on the ND7 build from flashing the latest CM11 build and want to go back to stock image (I do not care about the locked bootloader), then is this the way to go? Do I need the PIT file?

Or since my bootloader is unlocked, can I simply flash the PIT file along with the 4.3 MJ9 Tar and be good?

**Update - Since my case was pretty much the same as in this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55829040&postcount=1823 I tried flashing back to 4.1.2. After I got the Pass in Odin, I get a bootloop on the Samsung Note 2. I can not boot into recovery at all but I can boot into Odin Mode. Anybody have any suggestions?

 

[mattnmag]

If I am on the ND7 build from flashing the latest CM11 build and want to go back to stock image (I do not care about the locked bootloader), then is this the way to go? Do I need the PIT file?

Or since my bootloader is unlocked, can I simply flash the PIT file along with the 4.3 MJ9 Tar and be good?

**Update - Since my case was pretty much the same as in this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55829040&postcount=1823 I tried flashing back to 4.1.2. After I got the Pass in Odin, I get a bootloop on the Samsung Note 2. I can not boot into recovery at all but I can boot into Odin Mode. Anybody have any suggestions?

Just to confirm, you did try to flash back to VRAMC3 4.1.2 following Droidstyle's restore guide.... and flashed the 4.1.2 firmware and the pit file at the same time? Also... you didn't try to flash official Verizon stock 4.3 or 4.4.2 onto the device?

I would probably try doing the 4.1.2 ODIN flash again. If ODIN v3.07 isn't working to restore back to 4.1.2, then you could try one of the other ODIN versions. You can find links to the newer Odin versions (3.09 or 3.10) in this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=56167850

You could also try flashing just the stock recovery back to the device and see if it lets you boot into recovery and do a factory reset/wipe cache. Then see if the phone will boot back up. This thread ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=53624921) should help you flash just the VRAMC3 stock recovery.

If you still can't get it fixed, you could try Kies Emergency Firmware Recovery. You'll need KIES 2.6 if you're trying to restore 4.1.2.... ( here's a guide for Kies 3 since the 2.6 guide seems unavailable now: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/faq/FAQ00059169/81100/SCH-I605TSAVZW)

Verizon's Repair Assistant might also be worth trying: https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/knowledge-base-80201/

 

[Caveman419]

Just to confirm, you did try to flash back to VRAMC3 4.1.2 following Droidstyle's restore guide.... and flashed the 4.1.2 firmware and the pit file at the same time? Also... you didn't try to flash official Verizon stock 4.3 or 4.4.2 onto the device?

I would probably try doing the 4.1.2 ODIN flash again. If ODIN v3.07 isn't working to restore back to 4.1.2, then you could try one of the other ODIN versions. You can find links to the newer Odin versions (3.09 or 3.10) in this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=56167850

You could also try flashing just the stock recovery back to the device and see if it lets you boot into recovery and do a factory reset/wipe cache. Then see if the phone will boot back up. This thread ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=53624921) should help you flash just the VRAMC3 stock recovery.

If you still can't get it fixed, you could try Kies Emergency Firmware Recovery. You'll need KIES 2.6 if you're trying to restore 4.1.2.... ( here's a guide for Kies 3 since the 2.6 guide seems unavailable now: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/faq/FAQ00059169/81100/SCH-I605TSAVZW)

Verizon's Repair Assistant might also be worth trying: https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/knowledge-base-80201/

Correct, I have only flashed the pit file and the VRAMC3 4.1.2 (both files together). I flashed them using Odin 3.09. I am going to continue down your troubleshooting list in order. Thank you for your response.

**Update 1 - When I just try to Odin the 4.1.2 VRAMC3 file it fails:
<ID:0/008> Added!!
<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..
<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> KIES_HOME_I605VRAMC3_I605VZWAMC3_1098177_REV04_user_low_ship.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/008> Odin v.3 engine (ID:8)..
<ID:0/008> File analysis..
<ID:0/008> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/008> Initialzation..
<ID:0/008> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/008> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/008> SingleDownload.
<ID:0/008> boot.img
<ID:0/008> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/008> FAIL!
<ID:0/008>
<ID:0/008> Complete(Write) operation failed.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

**Update 2 - When i try to Odin Stock Recovery it also failes:
<ID:0/003> Added!!
<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..
<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> stock_mc3_recovery.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/003> Odin v.3 engine (ID:3)..
<ID:0/003> File analysis..
<ID:0/003> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/003> Initialzation..
<ID:0/003> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/003> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/003> recovery.img
<ID:0/003> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/003> FAIL!
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

**Update 3 - Kies 2.6 can not connect to the device either through Plugging it in (keeps bootlooping the Samsung Note 2 screen) or Plugging it in through ODIN mode.

**Update 4 - I can not find a link to the actual download of the Verizon Upgrade Assistant for the Note 2. I have one for the S4 but I can not get it to launch on Windows 8.1.