yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] westlandnick:
Congrats you are now rooted! Proceed to Adam Outler's thread for unlocking the bootloader HERE

I have a suggestion. You should update the OP to say: If you only want to have superuser root and stock recovery, follow these instructions, but if you want full root with a custom recovery then - "Proceed to Adam Outler's thread for unlocking the bootloader HERE[/B]"

I suggest this because Adam Outlers method with CASUAL, you do NOT need to do any of this. Not that its a big deal, but I did this method, then decided I wanted to have TWRP and figured out that I could have just used CASUAL. This flashes you back to the original stock VRALJB, when I bought my phone it had the newer VRALL4 on it. Now CASUAL will unlock the bootloader & root & install TWRP on the latest firmware. In fact it is suggested that you accept the OTA from Verizon before using CASUAL. Now I am pretty sure that even after I flashed this method with Odin, my modem was still the VRALL4, not the VRALJB. When I did flash it through Odin, my Baseband showed I605VRALL4, and my Rom showed to be the VRALJB, can't remember excatly how it read... I am now on the JellyBeans rom from beanstown.

My last phone was a Samsung GS2, Sprint version, and we used ODIN to root and flash most stock roms/leaked stock roms. So I just assumed that my awesome new Note 2 would be the same, which flashing with Odin did give me superuser/root but no recovery. Of course even on my GS2, once you flashed your stock rom with root, if you wanted custom recovery you had to flash a repacked kernel with odin or mobile odin... But it looks like that is not a good idea on our GN2's...

Anyway, just a suggestion. I'm also assuming that CASUAL is different now than when this thread was written... So maybe when this was started you did have to do this first.. I just want others to know when they decide they want root and a custom recovery they know ahead of time. Even now, in our threads, Adam Outlers thread is in the "original development" section, so someone new to this phone starts looking on how to root and this thread is pinned to the top and shows to be how to root. So I would think most new GN2 Verizon people are going to find this thread and roll with it. So, it would be good to clarify that this method is only necessary if you do NOT want to flash custom roms.

Thanks for your work, I appreciate everything that every developer on XDA has done, I'm just trying to help future Verizon GN2 owners. Please don't take this as disrespect. I know that I couldn't achieve root on my own, and if it wasn't for all the amazing work of everyone here on XDA I might as well own an iphone. :) and that would be terrible!!!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
i will update it soon as i get s chance thx.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] themanwithcoke:
Thanks very much for the guide, I used to think rooting was some 30-step process but it turns out to be very simple.

I have rooted my phone just yesterday, but I want to be sure to know what I'm doing with custom ROMs first.

I know asking a bunch of 101 questions isn't the best way to build a background here, but I am a very quick

learner with this and if I can just get a few answers I won't have Androparanoia eating away at me for weeks.

1. If I were to unlock the bootloader for my Note 2, can or do I have to re-lock it if I wanted to return it to full stock?

Is there a step for this in 1b I'm missing?

2. If I were to return to stock with this method, would I be able to use OTA software updates, or would it still brick

the phone in some way?

3. Since I'm rooted (I haven't touched custom kernels and ROMs yet), how exactly do I update my phone (if possible)?

I'm assuming I have to keep up with this thread and keep updating the version manually.

4. I'm planning on getting an AOSP ROM and kernel for this, so although I sacrifice Samsung features, everything available on Android should still work with no kinks, right? It's not like I chunk the S Pen, do I?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] denpad2010:
My friend is rooted and using jellybeans build 13, and also using exposed installer(bot sure what this means or does) anyway he want go back to stock, should he just flash this Odin package... He is on the latest OTA, also does he need the pit file I saw other tread they don't mention the pit file
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
pitfile is mainly for bricked devices since it remaps the partition layout, but it does not hurt to use it. yes just flash the alternate restore file.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] themanwithcoke:
I'm attempting to flash Jedi ROM and I can't tell which Gapps file I should choose. Goo-im's giving me a recommendation for a 20121011 package, but I'm assuming since Jedi ROM has 4.2.2 installed, I should be downloading the 20130301 package instead, right?

Also, for your instructions on flashing, you say to install CWM, but you also say to look "for the Team Win logo", so which one are you recommending in this case? I don't mind either, but does it really matter which one I use? I'm using TWRP 2.5 at the moment, but you're saying use CWM, the ROM devs are saying use TWRP, I'm just a bit confused is all. Again, thanks for the guide, really helpful stuff.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
I need to update that part...back when I wrote the guide aosp roms were not campatible with twrp because of assert issues. That has been fixed and the latest version of twrp should work fine.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] jayo1978:
Dev Edition of Note 2

Just want to confirm the root process although I'm sure it's somewhere within these threads,but I have the dev edition of the Note 2 so I need not worry on going with Adam Outlers thread as my bootloader should be unlocked can someone please confirm this I'm on version i605vrall4
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
confirmed :p
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] jayo1978:
Is there another one click method that'll work with a MBP as this one ExynosAbuse.APK I believe is no good cause of the L4 OTA Or will I have

to go use w7
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] ccrsems5:
Hey. I was posting in another thread, but I thought I should post here too, as I am afraid I have bricked my note 2 from Verizon... I had used casual to root, and it went fine, no roms, etc, that was all I did. I was using this thread to go back to stock.downloaded odin 3, the stock rom, and pit file, and followed instructions exactly. It went well, and odin was working, but when it got to sboot, it failed. Now it will not boot, but will still go into odin and download mode. If I try to boot normally, get a message that says "firmware upgrade encountered an issue" and sits there. I have rooted a lot in the past, tons of roms, but not on this phone. Any help greatly appreciated.

Update, using the Alternate restore, that has an unlocked bootloader, I was able to get phone back up. However, now I am wondering if I can actually go back to stock to get the oTA? I am a little skittish to try again.. lol so any ideas are greatly appreciated.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] Breezer23:
Has anyone tried restoring back to stock with the new update/modem from beans? It didn't fix the WiFi issue that suddenly started last week. I may end up having to have a new device (legitimate replacement...) sent out ot me and would hate to send it back rooted. They wanted me to try the new update before they'd send me a replacement device. This seemed like the only way to do it being that I can't relock the bootloader after loading up VRALL4 (from my understanding anyway...).
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] ccrsems5:
Hey. Ok, I had used Casual to root, and it worked great. I know this is a rehash of my earlier post... but here goes anyway. I only rooted, and when I tried Odin, it failed and phone was messed up. I had used the first restore on that post. Sl... I went back, got the Alternate Restore, ran odin, and it worked, phone came back on 4.1.1. I then took the OTA, it went through, now it is on 4.1.2. Not sure about the recovery, or bootloader, etc, Anyway, just thought I'd share.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] waucbulldog24:
Hello, I followed the guide here and had to download the Alternate Restore because my phone had the VRALL4 OTA update and I had to unlock the bootloader.

http://xdaforums.com/show....php?t=2024207

When I downloaded the L4 OTA stock Firmware, it was a .xz and Odin does not recognize that as a valid file when clicking on the PDA. I tried older stock firmware, but that does not work. Can someone please help me? I have to send my device to Verizon today to get it fixed. Thank you for your time
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] Breezer23:
Use the program 7-ZIP to unzip the *.tar file from within the *.xz archive.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] Breezer23:
Hmm... ODIN doesn't even see the Note 2 on VRAMC3 in Download mode...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
hmmm....try older version of odin. 1.85
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] craigbailey1986:
if that doesnt work any suggestions? I believe I bricked my phone and cant access odin at all.... screen goes into download mode but odin never recognizes phone
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] Breezer23:
I used a different computer and 3.07 worked fine. I restored completely back to the factory image, relocked my bootloader and took the OTA updates so I can send the phone back.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] hacku:
I was running the latest Beanstown ROM, but felt my phone getting sluggish for some reason, so I decided to return back to stock and give that a try again since the phone really isn't bad in stock form.

Anyway, I used the original method and not the alternate method. Restored my phone back to stock without any problems whatsoever. Figured I would share in case anyone else is looking to go back to stock.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
if you can get into download mode your not bricked...try a different usb port(rear), usb cable, and if all else fails try a different pc.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] craigbailey1986:
Well after 4 hours of trying it finally connected... somehow i am rooted. Dont ask me how it happened cause I flashed a stock image. But hey I am happy. Thanks.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] wtoj34:
VRAMC3?

Have searched through the thread for a confirm on the VRAMC3 Update. Just to clarify I have not rooted this phone, just got it and it updated to the ota. I am just looking for how to root and was wondering if it was confirmed yet.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] BoostedB18C:
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=41054134
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] wtoj34:
Thanks man, guess I didnt catch that yesterday. So I guess its time to play the waiting game for now until its 100% confirmed :P
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] BoostedB18C:
From what I have read, it will work as long as you follow the directions. Give it a try
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] craigbailey1986:
Cant get it to work as well as several others in that thread.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=41144228&postcount=1400
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
nevermind that dont work...looks like samsung patched the latest MC3 frimware yet again. prime example why its posted to never accept ota updates!!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
Update...I revamped section 1. Hopefully this provides a clearer path to rooting/unlocking/ and returning to stock for the end user.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] d08speed3:
Is it safe to us admas program? I see he closed his thread?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
that version is not ready from what i see...the other versions work.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] scoobntaz1996:
So after using the pit and the root 66 to get back to stock 4.1.1 is it safe to take the new 4.1.2 Verizon update? now that it is back to stock? My phone says it is still rooted according to root checker.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
Do Not Do it! If you are already rooted and unlocked your wasting time and setting yourself up for potential problems. Beans has the OTA packaged up into a .zip format with root and Imnuts has a stock files upgrade tutorial, both in dev section. also both methods will not apply the latest bootloader that relocks the device.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] JamesPumaEnjoi:
for some reason before when I tried to turn on my phone it just kept flashing the team win recovery menu...I try to enter recovery and it wont enter just keeps flashing the recovery screen....try to turn phone on normally and it just keeps flashing the team win recovery screen...I ran these revert back to stock flies (Root66 stock VRALJB 4.1.1 12/2/12 and SCH-I605_16gb.Pit) through odin and it says successful however when it tries to reboot back to stock it just keeps flashing the teamwin screen...I thought this process was supposed to completely remove everything from the phone...any help Is much appreciated because im really at the end of my rope and have absolutely no clue what to do
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
^ try the alternate restore file.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] JamesPumaEnjoi:
Worked like a charm dude thank you so much for the response...man I love this community just when you think theres no hope beautiful man thanks again
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
No problem at all!! That's what we are here for :good:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] nhpctech:
Return to stock

Does anyone know if it is possible to odin back to official 4.1.1 after updating to official 4.1.2 and being rooted and unlocked? My guess is having the bootloader unlocked i could do it successfully, but I am not sure I want to try without an answer. Thanks in advance!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
yes use the alternate restore file...this has been stated many times here and is posted in the guide. :)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] nhpctech:
What I mean is that with VRALL4 unlocked and rooted I could successfully Odin back to stock with official Odin file for VRAJLB and then take the ota for VRALL4. I would then be stock, locked and unrooted. Is it possible to flash the full Odin for 4.1.1 and then reinstall the otas. Thanks again for your help.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
No you can not change bootloader versions with odin once your on VRALL4. However the alternate restore file is a full VRALJB odin version minus the bootloader. So you will still be unlocked. If you INSIST on locking the device, then simply OTA update. I would only OTA update if your returning the device, other than that its pointless to relock.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] nhpctech:
So I will be able to apply both otas after using Odin to flash alternative file even though I have VRAMC3 bootloader?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
Yes the bootloader version does not have anything to do with being able to ota update...having a custom recovery will cause a ota update to fail.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] nhpctech:
Thank you very much for your help! Greatly appreciated.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
anytime :)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] nhpctech:
I noticed the alt Odin file is prerooted. Are there any non rooted ones without boot loader? Or will the otas remove root themselves?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
the alternate restore file is not rooted...your combining two different links. thats a no no lol. root66 is just a prerooted image. It was the very first root method brought to this device...back before casual and unlocking was a option. i felt the need to leave it up for archive purposes. yes ota will overwrite root, unless you download voodoo ota root keeper.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] nhpctech:
oh boy ...thanks! Is the alternate in the first post? I'll do a search a see what i find.

Edit: Nevermind I found it :)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] zactheandroidmac:
Anyone know if its okay too use twarp to unroot will it work?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] bajasur:
It's probably right in front of my face but can someone let me know where the “alternate" file is in the OP?

Thank you
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] BoostedB18C:
In the OP where it says use the alternate file there is a link to another thread that has the alternate files
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] C1audia:
I need help desperately.

I've soft bricked my Note 2, after doing all this;

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=41582862#post41582862

I tried restoring using the PIT file here and Alternate restore link, but Odin gives me a FAIL message.

What, if any, options do I have?

Thank you!

EDIT: Fixed it! Thanks to some help from BoostedB18C!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] bajasur:
Flashed back ljb successfully. But surprised I haven't been prompted with an ota yet, been 24 hours.

I'm sending the phone back to Verizon so I'm actually trying to take the ota then get a refurbished device.

Ota says service unavailable

Can I flash to mc3 4.1.2 via Odin then ship it back?

Thanks
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
you cant flash anything with the bootloader locked...that being said just send it back.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] bajasur:
Just out of curiosity...

If I did reroot and unlock is there an stock MC3 Odin package I could flash to be up to date?

Thanks again
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
no not yet.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] universexda:
Where is link to the alternate/alternative restore file?

I no longer see it in it any thread OP, though perhaps I'm overlooking it.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] universexda:
To answer my own question the link is in Imnuts OP at:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2040264
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] thereisone:
DEAD 4.1.2 link

Seems the link you ave for the 4.1.2 is dead. When i click on it, its saying the thread no longer exists... yes i was lazy and did not read all 11 pages in the thread to see if someone else pointed this out.

If not... Now you know.... :cyclops:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
Fixed.... thanks for the heads up!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] thereisone:
Awesome!!! Great and fast support!!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] jbrown30:
I downloaded the alternate restore option and it downloaded with a .xz on the end and i can't place it in the pda section. Am i missing something?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
extract it with 7zip
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] freeky1:
I agree. A lot of us are noobs and could use that info. A lot of the people on this site think that we're all og hackers.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
better instructions? maybe its not the instructions but more the lack of comprehension on your part. everything needed to go back to stock is provided in section 1b. there is one file that has a bootloader, modem, system img and thats the official vraljb image. however once you update past vraljb, you can not revert back to that bootloader without softbricking the device. So root66 and the alternate restore file are the only option...fwiw they have everything included minus the bootloader in the odin image. so in short NO, there is no easier way to do things. If you dont like it then call samsung and verizon and ***** at them. Its not my fault this device shipped with a locked bootloader to further complicate the rooting, roming, going back to stock process.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
this guide is as dumbed down as it gets...if you still have trouble then spend more time researching android or leave your device stock. unfortunately when samsung releases a new ota that patches the old unlock methods, this complicates things. please do not come into this thread mucking things up. its a five stsr rated thread that has helped hundreds of users...you are the minority here and there is not much I can do to help that other than maybe post flash cards? :p
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] LakerFam0824:
Hey Dstyle quick question I am having an issue with my 4G not turning on I have flashed diff modems diff ROMS still no dice. I have not gone back to TW ROM figured I would just go back to stock to see if that would fix my issue then flash back AOS(K)P goodness. I never took the update and I would like to keep it rooted with custom recovery so do i just flash Root66 stock VRALJB 4.1.1 12/2/12 in ODIN?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
yea I was having the same issue the other day and simply flashed root66...this will keep you bootloader unlocked and custom recovery intact and should fix your data issues. however since your on aosp, you might want to boot into recovery after flashing and wipe data.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
na I dont let the internet ruin my day...in the end I do this for free based solely on personal interest. If somebody wants to write a better guide and answer all the rehetorical questions on a daily basis, then be my guest. Im sure my wife and daughter would appreciate it!:)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] highwaybandit:
so droidstyle if your rooted and wanna go fully stock root66 and alternate will get you back so u can take the official over the air.. this will keep you from getting the samsung blinking nonstop which im assuming is a soft brick i had after using imnutz restore and then taking the ota i knew i shouldnt have accepted but did anyways.. and being soft bricked can i still flash in odin even though it fails everything?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] BoostedB18C:
Read the quoted post above. Droidstyle said if someone else wants to make a better guide then go for it. The guy does have a life and family.

Don't just complain that something isn't the way you think it should be, donate your time to solve the problem :thumbup:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
yes alternate or root66 will get you back and you can flash it over any bootloader version.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] BoostedB18C:
Now I feel kind of bad for trying to help you yesterday. On the other hand I am feeling better because you did brake your phone and spend so long fixing it.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] highwaybandit:
Is pit file needed . And if u don't mind me asking what does the pit file do?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] enkrypt3d:
The PIT file sets up the partitions so that the android file system can be created on them.... I always use the PIT file. This creates the structure so that android can load.....:angel:

but sometimes it doesn't always work as you can see above.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] thepolishguy:
Okay - I just want to make sure I have got this right. I'm selling my Note2 and want to take it back to completely stock. I am on bootloader unlocked, rooted, vramc3 right now.

Flash the alternate restore file and pit.

Take the update.

Take another update.

...?

Profit.

Thanks for any help. Really wanting this to go smoothly.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] *Madmoose*:
yep, almost done with second attempt.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] Speedy Gonzalez:
damm mine is bootlooping too :(

coming from stock
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] mrRobinson:
Please state if coming from first image or from stock.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] *Madmoose*:
Still Bootlooping, md5 checks out as well. This is not coming from stock, it is from the first image with the mic probs.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] iamsamiam:
how much of a difference would this make? cause i flashed the original one... im kinda scared to flash this one. :D
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] BeansTown106:
im about to test coming from stock.. and ill logcat it for ya mb its something small u missed lol
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] Bern612:
See if you can odin back to first file
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] *Madmoose*:
I'll wait for mrRobinson to reply first, if there's something i can troubleshoot for him, i wouldn't want to convolute it by going back and forth.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] droidstyle:
same here
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] shelooga:
yea bootloops here too. i came from the earlier release w mic issues
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II] Speedy Gonzalez:
some one try to go back