yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] joederp:
I'm not talking about what is displayed in the System Info window. There is a bit set in the flash, or how else can the bootloader state "Modified" in addition to the flash counter.

Anyways, there is a disturbing bit in the .apk where it makes a call to "SysDial" but what is in SysScope.db file is pretty harmless.

the .apk resources.arsc lists "SysScope permission - No SysDial class definition found in your device" so it likely phones home

your IMEI, so it's not "nothing to worry about".
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] misterwal10:
Thanks so much for this method. I spent all last night trying to get another root method to work to no success, but this worked right away!

sent from my galaxy s3
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] obla1:
i got a US tmobile s3.. and i want to download the stock ODIN tar. but i see there are 2 versions of it. which one is the right one for my phone?

T-Mobile Image

Updated!

Note: This is based off of the stock image TMO T999UVALH2

Temp Mirror: Download - MD5 Sum: 4abdcf029f248e66caa83c9c8477bdff root66_TMO_T999UVALH2.7z

Original Image

Note: This is based off of TMO T999UVALEM that was posted in this thread, thanks to AdamLange.

Perm Mirror: Download - MD5 Sum: 057D7D1C39DD415EE9091297C53B8CEB
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] scooter1942:
you can use either, the updated is just, as it says, an updated version of android. still ICS though
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] avataranjie:
the stock one. The root one doesn't flash the data partition so that might mess things up a bit
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] Kryo_genik:
I havent done an odin flash in some time (last one was my vibrant). But if I was to do this will I need to reinstall all of my apps and what not?

Or will this just more or less reinstall over the top with root but keep my apps and everything?
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] joederp:
Not with this root66 rom it just replaces same stock with one with root. /data is ok
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] Kryo_genik:
so my apps wont need to be redone, nice.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] rakeshchn:
MrRobinson, i used this method to root long back and still rocking UVALEM firmware which is the original version. Are you planning to update the thread when Jellybean OTA is out? Do you think that can be Odin flashed directly on top of T999UVALEM without losing apps and settings?

Sent from my SGH-T999
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] mrRobinson:
I'll keep this updated when the full stock roms are released through official channels. I won't update it based from leaks or from OTA's. Though usually once the OTA is out it typically isn't too long before the full stock of it hit's Kies. I only do this to ensure the image integrity. I think of this root method as the way to use if you messed up your phone and it will no longer boot. You can drop to download mode and flash this and ensure you are on stock yet with root so you can easily move from this point forward.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] rakeshchn:
Great...thank you sir! I just hope it will preserve my apps and settings just like the first time i used your method. For me that is the biggest plus compared to flashing a custom rom.

Sent from my SGH-T999
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] darklipslide:
Thanks, worked like a charm!! Love not having to restore data and apps. Was able to root and fix the damn SGS III clipboard issue
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] id_mew:
I have the bell Galaxy s3 and I'm just wondering if I want to use it on Wind or Mobility city, do I flash the corresponding images in the OP?

Thanks.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] joederp:
This is just the/system.. so if you need a different modem rom, you will have to flash that also. Not sure if wind is same as bell.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] scooter1942:
sounds like a good way to at least soft-brick your phone if you ask me... flashing another carriers modem sounds like a hard brick. then you better have had insurance and go run your phone over to get it replaced
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] mrRobinson:
You want to jump over to the att side.

There is bell specific there: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=28019751
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] obla1:
according to mr. robinson's method, i need to download a tmobile ODIN flashable ROM thats 500MB big...

1. will the 500MB file be downloaded to my phone?

2. will i lose all my data and settings?
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] chrisram88:
Download it to your desktop then extract tar..The tar will be flashed in Odin while phone is in download mode.

No you will not lose and data or settings. All it will do is insert root to system

Sent from my SGH-T999
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] ipaq_101:
EDIT
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] obla1:
hello again, chrisram.. thanks for the info., but i really need to know if the 500MB file will be installed on my phone with this method. if not, then how much will be?
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] Woody:
It gets installed in the /system partition. Not on your IntSD or ExtSD
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] obla1:
so it gets installed to the phone.. but will it take up a lot of space there? and if so, will it take up 500MB? arent there other methods that dont involve such huge files to install to root it?
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] chrisram88:
You won't even see it man! You will have same storage space.. Same setup as you have right now.

Sent from my SGH-T999
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] obla1:
chrisram, i dont mean to be this picky but i need to be sure.. what part of the phone does the 500MB go to then? thats all i need to know.. and i really need to know before i can proceed.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] mrRobinson:
It goes to /system as he already said. It takes up no storage that you use. you don't store anything in system. Your apps install to data and you have sdcard and optionally external sdcard storage.

Also as he already said you won't see this. it goes into your system partition where you already have files taking 500mb of space, its simply replacing them.

and yes there are other ways to root. Search for about 30 seconds and you'll see them all.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] obla1:
ok i got tmobile for my S3.. but there are 2 images listed below that is required to root my phone.. which one is the correct one to download for my phone?

Note: This is based off of the stock image TMO T999UVALH2

Temp Mirror: Download - MD5 Sum: 4abdcf029f248e66caa83c9c8477bdff root66_TMO_T999UVALH2.7z

Note: This is based off of TMO T999UVALEM that was posted in this thread, thanks to AdamLange.

Perm Mirror: Download - MD5 Sum: 057D7D1C39DD415EE9091297C53B8CEB
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] mrRobinson:
Use the newer one, TMO T999UVALH2.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] raykovitz:
Seriously..... ? :rolleyes:
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] chrisram88:
Lol better be safe than sorry... Think it's his first Android phone ever.

Sent from my SGH-T999
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] stlouie65:
Yes, seriously. This method is very safe and doesn't trip your counter. Plus, you can enjoy the benefits of ROOT and await the Carriers OTA's.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] chrisram88:
Bro I was only defending you. Like I said better be safe than sorry.

Sent from my SGH-T999
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] Woody:
This issue has been taken care of.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] Papa Smurf151:
I have cleaned this mess up in here. I suggest in the future that everyone get along and not flame each other or infractions will follow.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] Papa Smurf151:
Cleaned once more...Anyone else want an infraction. Publicly flaming and talking down to people will not be tolerated on xda. Next time some one get an vacation.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] fishman0919:
Woodrube....

Nice to see you around here.... Forum Mod!! very nice... you deserve it my friend!
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] tr82691:
so i flashed the LH2 file and now its stuck at the "Samsung" logo after the tmobile boot... flashed again to try and get it going but still stuck... any suggestions?
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] mrRobinson:
re-download the file and try again. what did you come from? if you came from anything non stock you'll want to wipe /data first.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] tr82691:
i did that and still a no go. checked md5 and they matched... was on stock LH2 when tried.... had to reflash stock LH2 to get phone booting again
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] joederp:
It's almost always the permissions something in system/app isn't root.root or maybe not chmod 644 (you can check and fix with TWRP file manager) or click fix permissions on your recovery (Unless this was from ODIN.. then it should just work).
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] tr82691:
I used odin to flash
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] reapur:
Thank you.

I did the three steps, easy as pie.

I am wondering why some of us are worried about the flash counter, like me, while others don't seem to care, what am I missing?

I got my phone thru tmobile and I'm paying for the monthly insurance plan, wont' they cover it no matter what?
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] obla1:
will rooting the s3 with this method drain the battery?
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] mrRobinson:
Long story. Some carriers will refuse to warranty replace/repair device if counter tripped. att for example i've personally known to do this. Sprint doesn't seem to care from what i can tell. I'd put TMO in the middle of them. Regardless of that, when these phones first came out once you tripped the counter you could not reset it back to zero. So once tripped you were taking your chances on getting it covered under warranty. Now we can reset the counter so no big deal if you mess up.

I like this method for a few reasons still: One using Odin with this image is a good way to ensure you are undoing anything you might have messed up. if you root by flashing a recovery you might flash a custom rom, new kernel, leaked modem, etc. You flash this you go back to everything stock yet get root so you can safely move forward from there. As a side effect I like that it doesn't trip the counter just one less thing to reset with an app you should buy or with a dd command you can mistype.

So I wouldn't say one should worry about the flash counter but if you don't mind using Odin first time around this is a safe way to root.

No. Its no different than the stock image.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] reapur:
Thanks for the explanation. I had a nexus s running CNA that was stolen last weekend so I got the GS3. So far I like the system on it I loaded APEX to make it more familiar. I'll just wait for the jelly bean version of this rooted ROM.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] lapdog101:
I had the same issue coming from a JB rom. I did a battery pull, went into stock recovery, wiped data again, and rebooted system. Booted up right away.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] 1Shotwonder:
Ok looking at doing this later today after a good nights rest but first a few questions to clarify before I go gun hoe lol.

1.) Flash Mr.rob method and no worry on counter(does not matter anymore due to triangle away?) I still will flash this way one less thing to worry about if I need to go back to stock.

2.) Does the IMEI still disappear from installing custom recovery such as CWM? If so is there a way to fix this or something recommend to do just in case this happens? I.e. create a backup of some location if so what?

3.) Can we use TWRP(does twrp trip counter when flashing via twrp) instead of CWM(which you said does not trip counter) or is CWM all that you recommend?

4.) When rooted we can remove the t-mobile bs bloat wear apps and samsung apps(only one I find cool is media hub id like to keep) is that possible?
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] Woody:
Another thing I suggest is getting OTA Rootkeeper from the market. It will back up your Root and you will be able to temporarily unRoot to take the OTA if need be. BUT (there is always one of these), in order to take the OTA, you will need to have your /system intact, unRoot using OTA RKeeper and the most important part, you need the Stock Recovery. If you have CWM or TWRP, the OTA will fail the integrity checks and not update. Just food for thought and good luck.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] RaymondPJR:
The only thing I can add is that as long as you only flash modems, kernels, various tweaks like Google Now, or other fully stock ROMs, the flash counter will not be tripped. Flashing custom ROMs in CWM is what trips the flash counter. At least that's how I understand it and I could be wrong.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] nicky9door:
Flashing custom files with ODIN is what trips the flash counter. If you root and install CWM as instructed, you can flash anything in the recovery afterward
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] Paramount X:
I have T999. How do I know if I have the right software/firmware. Whatever version I need to start this..

All of the above downloads generously hosted by AllAboutAndroids. <-- Thank him!

Second,

Extract the root66 tar file from the .7z file you downloaded.

Put phone into download mode [ with phone off, hold vol. down + home + power ], connect to computer and open Odin.

once in odin click the PDA field and select the root66 tar you downloaded.

Leave Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time checked.

click start and

when done let phone reboot.

If you have issues flashing with Odin please ensure you are using the microusb cable that came with the phone, users have had issues using other cables.

If you just want a stock, rooted phone with no custom recovery, no plans to flash custom roms, etc. then you can stop HERE. Whenever an OTA update is available you can try using Voodoo OTA root keeper from the play store to keep root and apply the update.

Third, (optional)

If you want to get clockworkmod recovery loaded so you can flash whatever you want, nandroid, etc then continue on....

Once rebooted you can essentially follow this thread to load the clockworkmod recovery. As long as you flash the recovery using the dd method with adb (or use terminal emulator from the play store) then you will NOT trip the flash counter. If you use ODIN to flash a custom recovery you will trip the counter.

[Note: Flashing this with ODIN will not wipe /sdcard or /data. Keep that in mind depending on your usage.]

Thanks

To get the injected root system image I followed pieces of

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=27801304&postcount=1

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=22798858&postcount=32

so thanks to those guys. Neither of those worked out of the box needed a bit of tweaking.[/QUOTE]
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] RaymondPJR:
Thanks for correcting me.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] 1Shotwonder:
thanks woodrube I did a backup of my whole NV lastnight and a seperate just IMEI so tonight I will root and see if I will flash twrp recovery or cwm and if I will stay stock rom or go custom got so reading to do...:cyclops:
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] reapur:
Regarding IMEI problem mentioned above, I read the threads that are linked and I know how to back up and restore the IMEI now but what is the problem, I still don't understand what I need to watch out for.

Can someone give a brief 411 on that.

cheers
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] stlouie65:
Not sure what the issue is. This method is FLAWLESS, IF you follow the instructions. I've been on several LH2 roms and when I want to start over, I always perform this method and all is good.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] obla1:
you can disable apps even without root.. all you do is go to application manager and press the 'All' tab. then disable unwanted apps. the apps will remain disabled even after you reboot.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] EfoK:
This method wipes internal sdcard!

I just used this method with Odin as described,

It completely wiped my internal sdcard!

It also does not completely reset your Odin counter.

Still shows as custom under system status in download mode.

Custom binary download : no. Current binary: Samsung Official. System status: Custom.

This does not show up as modified under 'about system; though.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] mrRobinson:
Wow man. No way for it to wipe your sdcard. It isn't intended to reset the flash counter. Use triangle away app or run the dd command that'll do it. The system status custom has been discussed as well. It's nothing to worry about.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] obla1:
mrRobinson, quick question.. i'm going to root my phone with your method.. but is there a way to backup my whole phone, as in make an image of it to backup and restore it in case something wrong happens during rooting? if so, please let me know..
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] nicky9door:
The main thing is to backup your IMEI. This method basically puts the same image that's on your phone already but with root.

As a precaution, you might want to also backup the files on your internal storage e.g music, videos etc.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] reapur:
Can you please give a brief description of the problem with the IMEI, I keep seeing references to it but still don't know what the problem is and what to watch out for.

Thanks
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] electech_poc:
Thanks so much for this rooted without tripping counter!
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] otariq:
I have never used Samsung before just so im clear Odin is a program u install on pc?
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] gaww:
I used it to recover from a not being able to boot up in recovery and do a backup. It did wipe the

internal

SD in the process - including a few backups.

---------- Post added at 03:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:54 PM ----------

Yes - read the OP carefully and make sure you have also installed the USB drivers.

This process works very good - it was the first thing i did after I got the ohone.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] otariq:
When I first connected my phone to pc it said it was already installing usb drivers are those the only ones I need?
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] gulbir101:
doesnt Triangle Away work now? i seen that they've add Compatibility with all S3's (ATT,T-Mo,Vzw,Sprint) .. some reviews from the T-Mobile S3 said it worked. but i dont know.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] Woody:
If on Windows7, then probably so. Went the same way with mine too.

Yes it works.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] otariq:
Oh I have windows 8 maybe ill just reboot and use it with windows 7 to be safe
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] gulbir101:
since i have nandroid of Stock 4.0.4, could i just nandroid back, run the Triangle away and then unroot?
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] otariq:
thank you for this simple guide. just successfully rooted my phone. but my phone now says modified? is that normal? if i unroot will it go back to normal?
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] reapur:
mrRobinson a quick question.

I've already followed the instructions and I'm rooted and I installed CWMR

I'm reading that a lot of Tmobile users are saying that TWRP doesn't wreck the IMEI like CWMR seems to be doing.

So I'm wondering two things:

1- Do you know of method like your step 3 in the OP but for TWRP? (I couldn't fine anything concise when I searched for it)

2- Is it OK to simply flash TWRP over CWMR?

Thanks
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] otariq:
If it makes u feel any better I just rooted my phone tonight and put cmw thru ROM manager. Couldn't get the stupid touch recovery to work thru terminal emulator but I then flashed cm10 and imei is intact. I did however backup my imei before doing anything as a precaution
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] gaww:
If you had first run this T-Mobile_T999_GSIII_Samsung_USB_Driver_v1_4_6_0.zip , and then after connected it installed and indicated it was installed OK, you are fine.

I forgot the source of the driver zip but it should be easy to find.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] mrRobinson:
yes.

I'm not a tmo user so I'm not 100% sure which recovery users here have a better experience with. On the att gs3 i use twrp.

if you aren't 100% comfortable using the dd method which you can use for either recovery, then I'd recommend in this case using rom manager to put CWM on or if you want touch recovery use goo manager and select install open recovery to get that. Both are safer than messing up a dd command to your recovery partition.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] 1Shotwonder:
tmobile perm. link inop?

EDIT NOW WORKING AT :9:44
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] stlouie65:
Just wanted to share. I came back to this ROM for the battery life
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] reapur:
Shooter can you say this again, not sure what you mean.

I have to agree. I sat here the other day looking at codename:android (I loved that ROM on my nexus s) but I couldn't really find a reason to install a custom ROM, this seems to have everything I need, well except the black infinitum theme.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] critofur:
Device Status : Modified :eek:

Hello,

I rooted my T999 S3 then noticed my 4G connection stopped working and I got re-directed to a web page saying I needed to upgrade the service on my device... OH NO?

So, I read and read and bought Triangle Away (even though there's a free version). I ran Triangle Away and reset my counter, still says "Modified" (after having said "Scanning" for what seemed like a long time).

So, do I just follow the directions at the beginning of this thread to restore my device to "Normal" status?

EDIT: What's this people are saying about their IMEI?

EDIT2: Strange, my 4G seems to be working again even though Device Status is still "Modified"?

EDIT3: Ok, it was only working for a few minutes, now I get redirected again (to a blue page which says "web2go": "You data plan does not work on this device. Click here to sign up for a new data plan."
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] RaymondPJR:
That is really strange. I'd flash back to stock/unrooted or wait for the experts, mrRobinson or Woodrube to answer.
[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] mrRobinson:
When you first rooted where were you coming from? what version/rom?

Triangle away has nothing to do with the modified status and don't worry about that status while you have root. that is easily reset by removing root.

IMEI can be lost by flashing things but I've never seen an example of someone losing it using ODIN, only a non-stock recovery. So don't worry about that yet either.

Referencing your EDIT2 statement, nothing will be affected based on the status of modified. Your 4G issue is something else.

Referencing EDIT3: Almost sounds like bloatware/malware. Can you go into stock recovery do a factory reset and then load the stock rooted image again? This will ensure you have nothing in /data that could be messing with you. Also after the first boot from ODIN go into the settings -> more settings -> mobile networks if you don't have 4G, click on Access Point Names, bring up the menu and select reset to defaults. Wait a minute then reboot.