yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] gonnapushthru06:
Man we gotta figure this thing out I don't understand why for some it's pulling them out but others it isn't maybe too much had been done already too it so it wouldn't work maybe if that would have been like one of the first steps it might have been different
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] bigbiff:
I have done these steps multiple times with heimdall with no issues yet.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] chrisa887:
I have a somewhat funny issue, phone takes like 5 sec to turn on when I hit the home button and also corrupted 2 of my new SD cards, I Trying to make it bootloop to return it and get a new one, I made a back up and restored it and it will not boot loop. Can't get it to. I going to Tri a flak Darthstalker and then restore again to get it to boot loop lol
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] JT man:
When restoring, what do you restore I'm just curious?

---------- Post added at 05:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:11 PM ----------

Can you share the heimdall link please. ..
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] chrisa887:
Just wiped everything and restored stock rooted rom. Which might be why it did bootloop. I downloading darthstalker now going to flash it then restore my stock rom and see if it does it.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] JT man:
When restoring make sure everything is check in the restoring screen and see if that bootloop

Edit:Restore Boot, Recovery, system, Data, Cache,and EFS
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] vibrantliker:
That's so ****ty Steve. Who would've thought this kind of crisis would happen with a new flagship, high-end phone. It's very disturbing. I got the bootloop of death like the 2nd day after I got it. Felt sick about it. I was lucky to run to T-Mobile and exchange for new one, no questions asked. Now rooted but stock (for a long time!)
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Bizzach:
Thought I'd share my experience...

Went to put on TWRP via goo.me app as their site said... said it downloaded and applied the recovery, but it didn't reboot and actually didn't instal it. Still stock recovery. Then I put TWRP .3 on via ODIN. Downloaded the Darth ROM v2 (though it took a loooong time to D/L)... did a nandroid backup then flashed the rom. Said it was successful, but went into bootloop on the Note 3 screen. Tried again with verification, but said failed. I hadn't checked the md5, I guess the file got corrupted?

Then I went to do a restore and of course it didn't do anything. Been in a bootloop til I got that stock .tar file from the sammy website and flashed via ODIN. Seems to be working ok on wifi so far, but haven't put in SIM yet.

So I was able to get it working, whew! I'm guessing mine was okay because I just had a bad flash before I did the restore? Thought I was screwed after coming on here and seeing everyone's restore attempt that caused the problem.

Though it shows 'custom' in the about phone screen now.

Oh, and I tried to return it at the TMO store... played dumb. But it was charging me a $50 restocking fee... when the clueless rep went to the manager about that, the mgr knew what was up and saw the custom recovery. Put a note on my acct saying I couldn't return the phone at another store! :(
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Warrior1975:
Wow, that's horrible. I'm sorry to hear that. It does look like the devs are making progress, so hopefully you will get it up and running again. Did you try Bigbiff 's suggestion on post 2 of the TWRP recovery thread yet?

sgh-TWEAKED-889©
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] lm that guy:
I hope you used the right cwm recovery. The latest version (1010) that claims to Fix the bootloops isn't even out for T -Mobile yet

Sent from my SM-N900T
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] HughesNet:
Shouldn't have charged you the restocking fee. That is for swapping or returning not a warranty exchange. Till the manager caught you of course :)
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] glensta:
Man that was my fear that somehow they'd know, but I was lucky...... So thankful. I'm cool with Stock for now. This phone is so nice, I'm really stoked
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] bobbyphoenix:
Yeah it's out there now. I'm rooted, but stock, and have no issues staying here for a while, but I checked with the local store about a return, and the first thing I was told was "It's possible as long as there's not proof of tampering like a custom recovery or rooting. We're told to check now." WOW. I guess there have been enough exchanges already to flag this stuff for checking.

Sent from a Galaxy Note 3 far, far away....
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] glensta:
Oh crap, that's scary. Sounds like no 2nd chances
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Warrior1975:
They must be getting a lot of returns. Perhaps if they didn't put this unbelievable security on our phones to begin with... This will probably be my last Samsung device. I can't stand not being able to mod my device to my liking. Hopefully the Nexus line steps it up some.

sgh-TWEAKED-889©
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
That sucks,

You should have flashed back to stock, maybe they would have missed, or not been as tuned in to the fact it had been rooted. Pretty lame they would make a note on your account, like others have said, word must have come down from Cooperate to start a closer screening process due to the high amount of returns they're seeing.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] zmore:
Have patience, you must.

XDA tames all beasts. KNOX and SElinux should be no exception.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Not really the phones fault.. Great device that paid the price due to the owners over zealous modding addiction... But as you can see in my signature, I did get a replacement :thumbup:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] vibrantliker:
Will you able to return it? Looks like you have another?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
That's what I'm doing, after all the initial bullsh*t, I still haven't even rooted this one yet, and it's been three days!!! lol, guess I'm just a little paranoid, even though I know rooting isn't going to be an issue, what if something else legit happens? With the way they're clamping down on returns, just doesn't feel right..
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] les_garten:
All they would really have to do is send out a memo to make sure they all went into DL mode and check the KNOX counter.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Warrior1975:
Exactly. Don't like this at all. Maybe Google will do more "dev" versions of the best phones on the market.

sgh-TWEAKED-889©
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] les_garten:
Wouldn't that be nice!
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] decalex:
To give another perspective (having worked for a particular magenta carrier)..TLDR:

most people don't know what rooting is. Most employees don't mod their phones, and very very few know how to even get into download mode to check that. It wouldn't hurt to go to a busy store, and just try to do an equip replacement. The notes may be there, but it's not like the screen flashes red when they pull up your account. You have to drill down into them, and for equip replacements, most employees don't do that. There are types of notes they can add that tell you on the main screen, but these guys are mostly interested in sales.

Hopefully this all gets resolved, but keep in mind there's no phone police (afaik). You're a paying customer.. they want to keep you as a paying customer, and sometimes it's just about finding the right person FWIW, TLDR.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Warrior1975:
I had to hit two stores. First one wanted to run a diagnostic, unfortunately I was "late for work", which was true.

Second store he did boot the recovery, tried to reset it. Thank God he didn't enter download mode. Damn knox. I did bring some extra cash with me, just in case. I know it would have worked, last phone I bought there the rep wanted to root my phone for me for $20. True story.

sgh-TWEAKED-889©
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Yeah, basically the way it worked out for me in the end is an online order cancellation due to faulty equipment. Due to my move across the country (NY to Las Vegas) and time constraints, they noted my account and told me to go to the nearest store to do a in-store purchase (zero down, heck yeah) , send them the faulty one back, and I'll get my refund for the online purchase. So no complaints from me..
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] glensta:
LOL, $20 Root whore :p
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] les_garten:
Wowzer!
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] blewis540:
I was reading through this thread in anticipation for my tmn3 to arrive via fedex - and noticed people kept asking for PIT files

It appears there is something called PIT magic? http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1916936

If we just get the values for the N3 folks should be able to create their own PIT files and see if it fixes the partition issue?

----

Looks like a PIT can be exported...

adp or terminal emulator

dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0 of=/sdcard/out.pit bs=8 count=481 skip=2176
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Warrior1975:
So basically, anyone with a working phone, can export this for someone who is bootlooping.

sgh-TWEAKED-889©
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] blewis540:
thats correct if the pit file is the cure, which it seemed like thats what was suggested
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] JT man:
Do you have to be rooted?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] blewis540:
I don't think so... you can use adb to do it just enable usb debugging etc.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] JT man:
Ok let me try...

Edit:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] shin lucifer:
http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=46362620&postcount=305

Can we get the confirmation on this please, from people whose mobile is stuck in limbo... Or if this method been tried and failed. Either way post any update please.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] JT man:
Still waiting on bigbiff to respond cause Odin isn't seeing those files to flash, post doesn't say to rename the files

I haven't updated adb yet, didn't had time so maybe some time today I'll try.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] jmerlos:
***Update***

These instructions posted by Bakachu worked for me to get out of the bootloop caused by restoring a TWRP backup using 2.6.3.1. Attached is a pic of my replacement and the soft bricked device I just recovered using these instructions. :D

Originally Posted by bakachu View Post

I fixed my brickloop by doing the following:

(I would backup your efs partition before doing this, just for completeness sake)

Installed Stock firmware via Odin,

Installed TWRP 2.6.3.2 via odin, rebooted to recovery

Did an "adb shell" when phone is in recovery mode to run commands via TWRP

From the ADB shell: Wiped the EFS partition with the following command:

mke2fs /dev/block/mmcblk0p12

mkdir /efs

mount -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p12 /efs

(the last two commands probably did nothing, but thats what I did anyway)

Did a Factory Reset

Then... reboot to system

Afterwards, no more boot looping, the phone successfully registered on the mobile network, and my IMEI is there and correct. Seems like the EFS partition can rebuild itself now I guess...
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] glensta:
Wow, congratulations on this, very cool. I hope it works for others
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] jmerlos:
Also it seems that the bootloop is caused by restoring the EFS backup. I used the same TWRP version and the same backup that first caused the soft brick but only selected System and Data and it restored everything correctly. Wiping EFS also had no effect, my IMEI is still the same and phone seems to be working perectly.

---------- Post added at 11:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:46 PM ----------

Another update

I've been able to replicate the bootloop. Restoring a backup with all other options except EFS boots up perfectly. Restoring including EFS caused the bootloop for me. Restored using Odin and used the same steps to successfully recover the phone a second time.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] stress1ner:
sweet going to try it right now

---------- Post added at 01:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:28 AM ----------

This is awesome 100% confirmed working.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] vibrantliker:
Let's get more confirmations on this!!
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] chrisa887:
I would but can't get it to boot loop
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
lol.. Lucky bashterd... :) gimme that thing, I'll get it looping.. :p
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] chrisa887:
Lol I should of got a lottery ticket lol
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] nowy57:
try this thread

..

.

.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2480593

.

.

.

.

.

.

.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Nevermind... :)
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Grew my testi's back this morning and figured I'd give this a try, nothing else to do. Rooted, installed TWRP, flashed Darthstalker, made a backup, restored. Basically done everything as I had originally done before this issue became what it is.. Sure enough, brickloop..

However, I'm happy to say this worked!! Out frickin standing!!! Just wanted to say thanks for the efforts :thumbup:

I was about to sh*t my pants when the T-Mobile screen seemed to hang a tad longer, like it does with the brickloop, but nope, the bad boy booted up!!
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Warrior1975:
You are a brave soul!! Glad you got it working bro. It's tempting me, but I'm waiting for Tweaked.

sgh-TWEAKED-889©
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Yeah, don't get me wrong, I'll be avoiding restoring anything like it's the plague until things settle, but it's nice to know there's an out..:thumbup:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Bumping to the top, updated OP with instructions to tame the beast...
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] glensta:
Balls to the wall Steve. I'm still going to wait though I'd like to see lots more confirmations before I make a move

-------------------------------------

If I have helped you, please hit the "Thanks" button

-Sent from one of my Obsessions
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] edouble312:
Great work everyone. I was worried about this issue when I flashed my phone with twrp recovery. Very reassuring to know there's a fix for the problems.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
OP updated, see edit 2 to save some time...If applicable..:good:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] nowy57:
how can I backup EFS ?

is there any good stuff for it ?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] les_garten:
There is an EFS backup app somewhere
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] nowy57:
but it doeasnt work properly

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2447342
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] les_garten:
Zip the entire folder up with zip runing on the device. I think if you cruise around you'll find gzip. or you could use tar. Then copy that out to your SDCARD and PC
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] vibrantliker:
Thanks for all the work Steve.

Sorry in case you spelled it out already, but what do we need to not do for this to happen in the first place when/if restoring?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Warrior1975:
Don't restore EFS. That's a start. Use TWRP 2.6.3.1 (I believe that is the only fully working version).

sgh-TWEAKED-889©
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] chrisa887:
^^+1
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
As stated by Warrior and Chris, avoid backing up EFS. When you make a backup in TWRP, just check the sys - data - boot blocks..

I've had the best results using TWRP 2.3.6.1 backing up and restoring the Stock ROM and Darthstalker ROM so far. As stated, avoiding efs restoration is crucial.. Sys - Boot - Data :thumbup:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] bobbyphoenix:
I've been following this here and there, so please excuse my question if it's common knowledge. What is "EFS", and how do you avoid backing it up? When I do a back up I select "Full backup", so does that include it, or is there a special way to backup now?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] zmore:
You can back up the EFS partition if you want, just don't restore it, as that's what's causing the brickloops with knox. The EFS partition is where stuff like your WiFi and Bluetooth MAC addresses are stored, and where your IMEI used to be stored a long time ago (but not anymore - that's nvdata requiring a special qualcomm tool), but this entire partition can be reformatted and restored by a factory reset to get out of the brickloop.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] bobbyphoenix:
Ah, OK, so if I do a full back up, and I run into issues, the backup will include the EFS, but if I do a restore, and right after do a factory resest, I can basically start over with a fresh install with no issues? I just want to get this 100% down.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] mocsab:
''

I do not currently have a bootloop problem but I want to be prepared if it happens again. I have SDK manager on my computer and I have pushed files to my phone in ADB before..but I have never done anting with ADB in twrp - I would love to see a video of this to give me something I can use a guide for the steps and process to do it correctly.

I did a search on line for a video like this and can't find one - do you know of one? Or do you know anyone who woud be willingto throw one together? I just need the step by step directions - watching a video would be be best - Just in case I ever need to do this ??

thoughts?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] vibrantliker:
Other than the brickloop that we don't want, is there anything our phone should have from the efs. It's ok to do a restore without it?

---------- Post added at 03:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:20 PM ----------

Is that pretty much 100%?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Yes, I've restored fully functional backups of both Stock and Darthstalker ROM 's by backing up sys - data - boot in TWRP 2.3.6.1 more than once for each, from one to the other and vice versa..
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
I really wouldn't do a full backup, just in case you forget to uncheck efs when you go to restore.

When doing a backup just backup sys - data - boot. If you have to restore, just select that backup and your good..
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
You're just using the "Terminal Command" in TWRP.... I didn't post a video, but I did update the OP with a step by step guide...Pretty straight forward, let me know if it's a help..:good:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] mocsab:
THANKS - that is exactly what I needed. I honestly hope I never need to use it - but in the event I do, this will prove to be very helpful.

Thanks Again.
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Bump,

I still for the life of me can't figure out how folks aren't aware of this issue yet... :what:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Jack$on:
This worked for me..... BUT!!!!

Everytime I try to install a new Custom ROM ....back to bootloop.

tried 2 roms.... had to go back to stock.

Able to create root. Install TWRP.

But after new CUSTOM rom.. it just boot loops

H'm
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
You using TWRP 2.6.3.1 ....even though the instructions use .2..After getting out of the loop, install .1 you'll be golden:thumbup:

Just use odin to flash the the .1 release .tar off the teamwin site, makes it easy. .

Edit: After getting out of the initial loop , as long as you didn't restore the efs again, you don't need to go through the whole process again, just flash the .1 version of TWRP. .
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Jack$on:
Yes using .2

So... Install stock rom; than cf root, than TWRP .1 release; than custom rom?

TWRP is making boot loop on custom rom?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Just updated my post above...Just odin TWRP ver 2.6.3.1, then flash away. .Updated the OP as well to clarify this :eek:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Jack$on:
Yes! worked!!

.1 release !!!
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Good to hear. .:thumbup:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Brandon_schulze:
My phone was stuck in the brickloop after restoring via TWRP. Now when I tried to flash the stock image via ODIN it fails every time at either the system step early on or as it's about to finish in the Modem step. I just got my note 3 yesterday and have no other phones for t mobile. please help me out, i'm very stressed out over this. Thanks
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] chrisa887:
There's a thread a page back and in the q/a section to
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
See the first post, read it all, right up to the end about installing the correct twrp version after getting out of the bootloop. Then perform the steps to get out of the bootloop. If you get stuck post, I'll be checking... :thumbup:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Brandon_schulze:
1. Install Stock firmware via Odin, then re-run auto-root (to regain root of course)

I cant do this because the flash in ODIN fails every time. it never gets past modem
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Did you try downloading it again? You should be able to flash the stock ROM. There are links to two of them in the android development thread.

Also, did you try just running the terminal commands and restarting...
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Brandon_schulze:
I've downloaded countless times from both sammobile and a thread in the android development section. I tried reinstalling kies. I tried with kies. What version of odin should I be using? I'm on 3.07

Sent From My Galaxy S VI Developer Preview Edition

---------- Post added at 03:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:34 AM ----------
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
I am running 3.07, so that's not the issue.

Try this, if you still have recovery..

Using ODIN, install TWRP 2.3.6.1

Run the terminal commands

Try flashing a ROM.. Darthstalker, Stock, MyRom.. Any of them..
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Brandon_schulze:
Same thing... it fails
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Warrior1975:
Did you do this with kies running? Sometimes it conflicts with odin. Also, make sure your drivers are up to date, using the USB 3.0 cable provided too might help. Check your md5.

sgh-TWEAKED-889©
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Brandon_schulze:
How do I check my md5?
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Download 7zip.... Also, as Warrior pointed out, make sure Kies is closed out, there's no need for it once Odin sees your device..
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Well, this one's interesting, never had an issue with Odin during this whole fiasco. It's got to be your files...
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Just for sheets and giggles, try running the auto root tar before installing twrp.. But I still think there's a file issue with your download..

Edit ; Do you still have a custom recovery installed to boot into, or is it stock..
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Either way, if you can boot into recovery, if it's stock, run the auto root.. See if it works, if it does, then try installing twrp again..
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] c_est_la_vie:
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

CONFIRMED AND WORKING ON TELUS SM-N900W8!!!!

:laugh::laugh::laugh::good::good::good::D:D:D:laugh::laugh:
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Brandon_schulze:
Could it be because I'm using a VMWare virtual machine on my Mac?

Also, where do you suggest I try downloading from? I got the Recovery straight from here

http://www.techerrata.com/browse/twrp2/hltetmo

Also, its stock recovery, and I cant boot into it. it only goes to download mode.

If I try to boot into Recovery it says "Firmware Upgrade Encountered an Issue. Please Select Recover Mode in Kies and Try Again"
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Warrior1975:
Could be the virtual box. If you have a windows disk, try running Boot Camp, dual boot your Mac. That's what I would do. That link is fine for TWRP.

sgh-TWEAKED-889©
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Steve Lazarus:
Yeah, that could be a problem, though I can't confirm it as I don't have one... No Windows machines around? lol :eek:

We need to get that stock ROM on there.., using Windows..
[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 3] Brandon_schulze:
Trying the autoroot