yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Re: [Beginners Guide] Rooting the Sprint GalaxyS3 the Easy Way

You never need to go back just for an ota. The devs here are great. Within 24 hours of every update (so far) someone puts out a bone stock ROM and firmware of the update. All you will have to do is flash the modem/firmware and then the ROM in recovery. And you're completely up to date.

My note2 has never been booted unrooted. I took it out of the box, charged the battery, the first time the power button was pressed it went into download mode. I flashed recovery in Odin, then flashed root from recovery. Then flashed a custom ROM. This phone has NEVER seen stock and is on the current version.

No worries.... :D
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] sirnoob:
O..... i did it a little different then. I was ver 4.0.4 and updated to 4.1.1. I checked the temp unroot button in Superuser, updated, rebootedin recovery mode and reflashed the TeamEpic zip. I was back up in a minute or two. I guess that way is more dangerous thou.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] fabulousnotion:
So, followed the steps carefully and got CWM on, and got the device rooted, but when I plug it in to transfer over a custom ROM, my computer is telling me that the composite ID of the device/hardware is not recognized.

Did I miss a step? I installed the drivers and everything.

edit: I will also add that as I was rebooting after rooting from recovery, it said "Android is updating" after it got to the Sprint screen.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Re: [Beginners Guide] Rooting the Sprint GalaxyS3 the Easy Way

That happens when you allow Microsoft update to update usb drivers. You can remove your Samsung drivers with add and remove programs and reinstall or simply reboot you computer.

If you reboot your computer and then plug in your phone it will be recognized only one time. Then if you hook it up a 2nd time, you will get the error again.

You need to setup Windows to not update drives. I will post hired to do this when I have more time.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] jodigibson:
noob sph-l710 model of galaxy iii

Well a noob is asking a question and yes I searched my little pee brain off,,lol I have a samgung galaxy siii model SHP-l710 I need to unlock it, but I can not find this model number in the options. can I use another model number?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Re: [Beginners Guide] Rooting the Sprint GalaxyS3 the Easy Way

Sorry, I really don't know anything about unlocking a device.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] twig49:
Well Done

Had to register just to say thanks.

I've been lurking here since my moto droid x days but never really did anything to any device.

I'm not tech challenged by any means, but being this is the first root I've tried/done, I'm certainly a noob.

I decided to have a go with this root thing and have to say it went perfectly by following this guide.

The phone is running stock JB 4.1.2 MB1 with a Windows 8 Laptop on the other end and the only issue for me was the laptop not seeing the phone without restarting. No big deal.

I got root, got titanium backup pro immediately and did a backup. Then played around with a rom that i promptly hosed up somehow and the phone asked me to activate it on ...... verizon's network.

LOL, I just restored the backup and like a treat, I'm good to go.

In any case, I wanted root simply to be able to get rid of the junk I don't want or need on the phone, not really to flash ROM's kernals or overclock, etc.

I froze a lot of things already and will do more I'm sure, but just what I've done so far has made the phone get better Quadrant scores, and it seems to have helped the battery life somewhat as well, which seems logical on both instances since there is not as much "garbage" running.

Anyway, Thanks for this guide skunk ape. Well done and much appreciated. :good:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] djflaco23:
Re: [Beginners Guide] Rooting the Sprint GalaxyS3 the Easy Way

I did this root when I first got this GS3,now my phone is asking me to do android system upgrade. What do I do now. Do the upgrade or how do I turn it off.?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Re: [Beginners Guide] Rooting the Sprint GalaxyS3 the Easy Way

It will keep bugging you until you either update or edit your build prop.

Just follow the dirrections in post #2 of the following thread.

Your way to update to MB1

http://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=252327
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] djflaco23:
i went to the link you told me too and i clicked on the odexed version. it took me to another page and the file was not found. Please help and thanks in advance
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Zappa_Zapper:
I used the root from recovery method to root my bosses SGS3 with no problems once I remembered the key combination to boot into recovery.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Rajata:
Thank you so much SkunkApe! No problem rooting my Samsung S3. Which rom do you use? Also how to install one? I'm a total noob. :highfive:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Panface:
So, I just got an S3 and am going to root it today. I downloaded the drivers and installed, but when I plugged it into my computer, it said it couldn't identify to and on the phone, it said I needed to install Samung KIES. What's up with that? I switched over from the EVO 3D, so I'm used to plug and play, not having to install anything to explore my phone on my computer.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Whatever you do don't install kies. It will conflict with Odin. Are you still at the installing drivers step? If so, try disconnecting the phone and rebooting the computer. When computer is back up and stable reconnect your phone and see if it doesn't finish loading the drivers. A thing to note: the usb chord must be plugged directly into the computer and NOT a hub. The ports on the back of the computer often work if the ones on front don't.

If it still doesn't recognize your phone, try different cables as the one that comes with your phone is of poor quality and often won't work.

If all the above still doesn't work, uninstall the drivers using add and remove programs and reinstall them.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Panface:
So, when I click the device driver installation icon on the tray, it says MTP Device failed. One thing to note, for some reason, it took a while for the drivers to be installed in the first place after I downloaded the root kit. Like, it took about an hour.

EDIT: That's weird... I unplugged it and plugged it back in and it all works now.

EDIT 2: Got it. Thanks.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] savannahmick:
New OTA 4.1.2 and want to ROOT

Hi I am just asking about the new OTA 4.1.2 is this method still usable to root after this update? I had a EVO 4g rooted before I got this Galaxy S3 so I have rooted and flashed a many a ROM just wanted to be sure. Thanks!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
It's in the OP... If you have the Sprint gs3, his method will work on ANY version of android.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] boomerb5:
easy-peasy

I'm coming from the original HTC Evo, which was a great device to learn rooting and mods and stuff. It looks like the GS3 is going to be just as straight forward.

:good: :highfive: :fingers-crossed:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] treo4life:
Just got this phone, rooted in record time! thanks for the simple instructions...:good:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] mdshin2001:
thanks!!!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
No problem
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] veritas789:
system update

Im receiving an ota system update for my phone. What is my best route to deal with it?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
If you are rooted and have custom recovery, the best method is to flash the prerooted stock ROM and flash it in recovery. If you are on a custom ROM that you want to stay on, you will just have to wait for the developer to update it.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] flastnoles11:
And to get rid of the update message if you want to stay on your current Rom you have to edit your build.prop, there is a sticky on ota updates that explains exactly what you need to edit within the build.prop, but you will be changing your current build number to the one of the update.. so say you're on an lj7 room, open your build.prop and change every instance if lj7 to mb1, reboot to recovery, clear caches and reboot system. Then the update notice will be gone for good

SPRINT GS3 FAQ
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Correct...
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] veritas789:
Thanks!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Rajata:
Hello. I rooted my sprint about 2 weeks ago with no problem. But today i noticed my sprint s3 keeps rebooting. Once it's boot up all it does is freezes after less than a minute. All i can do is hold power down and it restarts and freezes again everytime i do this. Does anyone know how to fix this problem? Thank you in advance!:confused:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Have you u tried a simple factory reset? It will not remove boot but may very well fix your issues.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Rajata:
Hello sir Skunk thanks i will try to do that. Can you please explain to a noob on how to do that pretty please??? Also will it wipe everything if i factory reset?

Thanks so much!!! :highfive:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Rajata:
Hello Mr. Skunk. I haven't done the factory reset because i don't want to lose everything. Instead can i just flash to JB 4.1.2 to fix the freezing problem??? Thanks in advance!:confused:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
You can try. But you need to get over your fear of factory resetting. You are supposed to do this every time you flash. It is going to catch up to you, if it hasn't already.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Rajata:
Thanks for the tip Skunk! But if i do factory reset i will lose all my data right? I have no way to back up my files because once the phone boots up it freezes in less than 30 seconds. I don't know what is causing this because it's also now happening on my daughter's phone that i rooted 2 weeks ago. Thanks again! :crying:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Did you make nandriod backup in recovery? If so, you should restore a known good backup.

Which ROM are you on? You may be able to flash freeza's stock ROM and be good.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Rajata:
Hi Skunk! I don't think i did Nandroid back up. I only followed your tutorial on how to root. I'm not on any rom. Should i try using one to fix the problem? Thanks again for helping me. :angel:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Rajata:
What i should i do Mr. Skunk? I really need to fix my phone. :crying:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
You have 2 choices. Go to freeza's thread and flash the stock ROM (it may help) or doing a factory reset.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] EVObastard:
Big thanks for this tutorial :good:, I'm getting ready to root but I don't see in the instructions anything about doing a nandroid back up. Is this necessary or only when flashing a new ROM? I rooted my EVO a while ago and can't remember. Thanks again.

WOOHOO my root is done. :D
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Rajata:
Ok thanks soooo much bro Skunk! I will try freeza's rom first...if not hard reset huhuhuh :crying:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Rajata:
Mr. Skunk, i didn't bother trying the freezas rom so i just factory reset. I'm just wondering why my phone is still rooted after wiping data??? :confused:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] flastnoles11:
Because a data wipe doesn't wipe system, which is actually where root files and such are stored

SPRINT GS3 FAQ
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
I told you you would keep root. Did it fix your problem though?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] ndguerrier:
I just want to be sure, as i have to replace my S3, as i have been looking through the forums. This guide is the most up to date and current root method?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Rajata:
Cool dude! I think i will stay away from overclocking. It did fixed the problem. Now i just have to reinstall all my apps! Gonna be fun! hahaha...Thanks again Skunk!!! :victory:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] BraveRobot:
I got stuck on the first step. :/

I was installing the usb drivers and I got some errors.

It seems the three samsung drivers were installed but the other two failed.

USB Controller (No driver found)

MTP USB Device (Failed)

Any idea how to fix this?

edit: Turns out my USB drivers for my mobo weren't installed properly. I went to the mfg website and installed them. Root went smoothly. Thanks for the guide.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] BigMosley:
I don't know of this is a stupid question or not... I have an unrooted fresh out the box s3 currently on MB1. IF I take the MC3 ota will I have problem rooting & installing custom recovery? Thanks.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
I would have to answer this with a very loud YES because it's answered in the 2nd paragraph of the guide.

-----NOTE-----

This method will root ANY software version for the Sprint GalaxyS3.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] g_money:
Lol. Skunk Ape1, I was actually going to try to correct you, thinking that you may have mis-read the question. But, that's exactly what I did after getting my s3. I took the mb1 update, then (following your guide to a "tee") I flashed cwm and team recovery. And got root. I think I first came across your tutorial over on A.C. my son-in-law told me to stick to XDA. When I saw your guide here, I jumped right in. Complete n00b on cell phones, but I did my homework, and then followed your instructions. Everything went perfect. Because of what I learned initially I was able to flash all zips for md4! Not sure where I found the info but I made sure to make a nandroid right after getting root. Still don't know enough to attempt to overclock, but maybe someday...

Sorry for the book (and rants) but serious a "serious" thanks for your help. Your guide was the shiz...

g_money
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Welcome to xda... Yup... my guides are on android central as well.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] taylorrod:
thanks

thanks
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] SwellVermin:
I know the OP dictates that this method will work with any software version of the Sprint GS3. I took someones word on this in the exact same fashion but it only would work with stock 4.1.1 or earlier. Now I am back on stock 4.1.2 and just want to make sure I dont brick or soft brick (AGAIN) my GS3. So, the method in the OP works or does not work with stock 4.1.2?

Thanks,

Swelly
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Yes it works.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] SwellVermin:
That's great! I just did it and working flawlessly. Stock ROM with full root access. Very nice indeed. Thanks so much!

A question as well....Will 4G LTE still work? No 4GLTE in my area, YET, but I travel a lot and am always in 4GLTE areas. I noticed some had issues being unable to receive 4G LTE..
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Rooting does not effect 4g lte functionality.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] TheBKBurger:
Just wanted to say thanks for the help here, this is really a lot of help.

Im having an issue with Cyanogenmod and singal strength but I think it's unrelated to what I did here.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Yes it's unrelated to root. But likely related to cm.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] savannahmick:
Hey! I know answering this again is a pain but I just wanted to be sure the method here works with my Sprint GS3 running stock OTA 4.1.2 JB and hardware version L710.14 because I am ready to root and flash. I had a old EVO for 2 yrs which I rooted and flashed a thousand ROMS on it so I have a basic understanding of running custom ROMS, kernels, and etc.! Anyway I follow the directions in the first post of this thread right? THANKS AGAIN!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
No... It will work on everyone's Sprint gs3 but yours because it's special. What does the flippin op say? Your right. I'm very tired of answering this question because the answer is in bold in the 2nd paragraph of the op. In addition it is answered more than a dozen times in this thread.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] savannahmick:
OK! You don't have to be a jerk and I have asked 2 questions in about a year on here! I assure you I won't bother you again! I should have looked thru the thread more but I wouldn't start a beginners guide if you can't deal with beginner questions. Lighten up!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
It's in the 2nd paragraph of the op. Did you even begin to read it?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] CNexus:
And you shouldn't be doing this if you can't do some research about your $600 device. Being a "beginner" isn't an excuse for not doing your hw.

The answer isn't only posted here btw, it's also posted in about 20 other threads in General and Q&A.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] flastnoles11:
I admire your patience! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] savannahmick:
I just wanted to be sure and there's a bunch of guides that haven't been updated since this newer OTA! I race nitro RC in a semi pro class and there's always someone who ask me questions that have already answered for them before but I don't look down on them and act like it's the end of world! I am a long time member I was here before you with my Rooted Hero and Evo but I have been absent for almost a year and using a new phone. I admit I should have looked over thread more and for that I am sorry for wasting your time.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] 4FatSno:
ok people...hug it out!!!

:)

sent from outerspace
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Danywaz:
samsung S lll

Its very nice smart phone and easy to use best in all kind of use,buy now
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Rajata:
MD4 question...

Hello again Mr. Skunk. Noob questions here. How do i get update to MD4? My wife got the ota update just today but she's not rooted. Can you please give me steps on how to update to MD4 on rooted phones? Thanks in advance. :confused:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] CNexus:
Search in Q&A, it's been asked tons of times already.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
The easiest way would be to simply flash a ROM that is already updated to md4. Below is a link to the files and directions to flash the md4 stock, prerooted rom. Just follow the directions in POST#2 of the following thread link.

http://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=272331
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Rajata:
Thanks so much sir Skunk! Have a bless day! :highfive:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] iSaint:
Thanks so much... Really helps noobs like me
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
I'm hoping you can answer this SkunkApe1!

I have the SCH-S960L, the Straight Talk branded Sprint SGS3.

I was wondering if this guide would root this variant as well?

Your earliest, expert response would be greatly appreciated.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
I will look into it. The only thing that would or could be different is the recovery.....

I am working on my Rom right now but will look it up for you when I get a chance. Keep checking this thread...
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
SkunkApe1,

If you need any info from my phone, being that it's obviously still stock, let me know. I would be more than happy to help in any way I can!

And thanks for that super-quick response!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Model number and baseband version could be helpful. You can find this information in about phone.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
No problem! I thought I posted a screenshot w/that but I guess something went wonky...

See if it works this time.

If not, here ya go:

Model:SCH-S960L

Android:4.1.2

Baseband:S960LWYAMB3

Kernal:3.0.31-984706

se.intra@SEP-129#1

Thu Feb 21 02:41:31KST 2013

Build:JZ054K.S960LWYAMB3

Hardware:S960L.01

Hopefully that helps
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
The GS2 on Straight Talk had the issue with flashing the custom recovery you described...if the phone rebooted before you flashed the root zip, the stock recovery would be reinstalled.

This is why I'm thinking that your method for the S3 will work...it's almost identical to rooting my S2. My main concern is the radios and that kind of thing.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
This method will not change radios. This method only installs custom recovery and root.

This phone is not like the gs2 in that the recovery is not built into the kernel like it is with the gs2. It is completely separate from the kernel on the gs3.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
I thought about at least trying to install CWM and see what happens...??
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] CNexus:
If you're gonna do that, make sure the recovery tar is for your device or you'll have issues.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
This procedure will work and from everything I read on the cwm website the recoveries for the gs3 are pretty universal especially when it comes to the us versions. But I'm really not sure.

Here is all the different version of cwm. If you would like to look. they seem to have one for every gs3 except straight talk.

http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
That's the way it was w/my s2 but someone...mr cook I believe...ported over the i777 version along w/the root method. My phone showed that it was an i777. Like I said I just worry about radios, etc since I have to flash a different root file...??

I have the xda app so I'll just keep up w/the posts as they come in I guess...
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
The root file does not change the radios on your phone. I have used the same root file on AT&T GS3, the Sprint GS3, the AT&T Note2 and the Sprint Note2. It does not change anything, it's just superuser, and busybox. Nothing more.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
Good to know! I'm so tempted!! Especially since kies recognizes it and shows the current firmware...

AAARRR! I DON'T KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO! BE PATIENT I GUESS?

I did message CWM and TeamEpic for their insights as well, so we'll see if I get anything back from them.

Thanks for all your help!

---------- Post added at 02:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:32 PM ----------

I went thru the same thing waiting for a verified method for the s2 on straight talk...soft bricked my first one and my brother in law's also, then had to wait almost 2 weeks for the closest walmart to get more in stock.

I don't want to go through that again!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Kies should be uninstalled from your computer before using odin. They are not compatible.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
As long as both aren't running @ the same time there isn't a problem...@ least that's what I was taught...I just make sure Kies doesn't auto-start and I never had a problem otherwise.

---------- Post added at 03:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:23 PM ----------

OK...I'M GONNA GIVE IT A SHOT!

If I don't post again tonight...it didn't go well!

---------- Post added at 04:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:51 PM ----------

IT WORKED! SO FAR, SO GOOD!

ONLY THING I HAD TO DO WAS INSTALL STERICSON VERSION OF BUSY BOX FROM THE PLAY STORE!

---------- Post added at 04:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:27 PM ----------

Making backups right now w/Titanium Backup then, check to see if CWM Touch stuck!!

UPDATES TO COME!!

---------- Post added at 05:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:56 PM ----------

SO...looks as though everything is working great! Now, I'm curious...i wonder what roms are compatible??
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
I haven't a clue.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] tresveces:
thanks but a question

Thanks very much for the guide but I have a question regarding the following step:

when I copy the file from PC to the internal sdcard on the phone, what's the destination folder on the sdcard? or:confused: it doesn't matter?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] flastnoles11:
Oops, free thanks, really it doesn't matter, just put it on the root or somewhere you can find it

Sent from my ANTHRAX sniffing GS3