yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy S 5 General] Paolonicus:
Charge it to experience

I know how hard and painful it is to be ripped-off of your hard-earned cash. I would like to share with you some of the things I've learned when getting a new phone:

1. Always buy from legitimate sources, e.g. popular mobile phone stores.

2. Be very wary of buying things online. If your instincts tells you that something is wrong with the seller or with his/her item, it probably is.

3. If you have to buy your phone from a person, make a background check on him/her first. Only purchase items from persons with good & long reputation as a seller.

4. Even if you did make a purchase and that seller gives you an authentic mobile phone as agreed, it may have undeclared defects, something you should be worried about. So ask other phone owners, like for this instance other Galaxy S5 owners on what to look for and how to thoroughly check the phone.

5. If you have doubts about checking the phone, have the meet-up near a mobile-repair shop, or ideally in this case near a Samsung Service Center, and tell him/her you want to make sure you are getting the real thing by having the manufacturer itself check the device in question.

6. If the deal was made, nothing found to be a problem, keep in mind that whatever he or she tells you about the phone's warranty is only as good as his/ her words. Just because the phone is in perfect working order when you got it, it doesn't mean that it will never run into problems later on. I bought mine from a branch of a popular chain of gadgets and electronics shops inside Saudi Arabia. After 2 days, I found out that the Mini USB3.0 Port is busted because the phone is no longer charging even if it detects that you've plugged in the Data cable connected with the stock charger. I brought back the phone, complete with the packaging and receipt, and the store happily gave me a replacement unit. And I've never encountered anymore problems with the replacement S5.

But I can see that at least you've learned a lesson from this experience, and next time you ought to be a new phone, don't get all too excited and forget common-sense.

Be thankful for the other things you still have. One day, you will remember this experience, and you will just laugh at how stupid you were back then. :D

I hope you can get a real Galaxy S5, somehow.

Cheers!;)
[Galaxy S 5 General] wajiman:
also for all of your information, now adays, especially in middle east there is a scam going on of buy 2 and get 1 free any phone. the list of the phones that tops the list are s5, note3 and iphone 5s. with s5 and note 3 you also get a gear.

they ask you to pay through western union or wire transfer. so becareful about it.
[Galaxy S 5 General] deepen915:
this is an obvious fake phone.. just look at the silver earpiece! The S5 has a black earpiece! How would you fall for this? You should be ashamed to be an XDA-developers user.
[Galaxy S 5 General] Jonny:
Ok, ok, I think after what, 13 pages, this thread has run its course... Yes there are fake phones out there, mostly they are easy to spot but at the end of the day, this is XDA-DEVELOPERS.com, not XDA-WHINY-USERS.com so there's not much more that can be said about it.

Thread closed.
[General Topics] andynumpty:
Hi, is it possible to have your incoming SMS messages diverted to another mobile number like you can with voice calls.
[General Topics] Lurker0:
Unlike diverting voice calls, diverting of SMSes is not a part of standard GSM services. But some operators provide such a service. You should ask yours.
[General Topics] sarvesvara.dasa:
if you are in UAE... you can do diverting :)
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
Hey everyone.

I've spent the better of the last three hours scouring the inter webs, Google, and these forums trying to find the answers to my questions - but to no avail (I've found partial answers, but I am afraid a partial answer could lead to a total brick). So anyway I apologize ahead of time if this has already been addressed somewhere else.

Here we go:

I bought one of the first Sprint HTC One M8's through Amazon. Here are the details:

Model: 831C

Android Version 4.4.2

Software Version 1.12.651.17

Unlocked but S-On (Using TWRP)

Naturally, right out of the box I rooted it. However, I did not save the original recovery image (ROM?).

--> I want to restore the phone to its original state so I can accept the OTA update and hopefully address the god-awful cell signal.

I've found a lot of stock recoveries online, but none that match 1.12.651.17.

Do I need to find that specific recovery (1.12.651.17) to flash to my phone? Will another one work (e.g. 1.54.654.13)? Or, is the recovery image specific to each phone's firmware?

I've never worried about saving my stock recovery in the past (been rooting since the HTC Evo days) but it looks like not doing so finally caught up with me.

Thanks in advance.

PS I did find something 1.12.651.17 related in the link below, but how to flash this to my phone (or whether or not it will brick) is beyond me. I've downloaded all 6 files and am waiting to figure out how the heck to get them to my phone.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2736048
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
I don't know if this will help at all, but here is a link to the "Nandroid" backup downloads, courtesy of Rydah805 (thank you).

https://

drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-_A25cR0bQFc1NxdHJkVTJsb0U&usp=sharing

(sorry can't post outside links yet)

I've downloaded all six but am not 100% how to proceed as far as flashing them to the phone via TWRP goes.

Also, not 100% if this will allow me to get back to "stock" so that I can accept the latest OTA update and (hopefully) fix my horrible connection issues.

I am usually one to do my research and then dive in, damn the torpedoes. However in this case I am thinking doing that could turn my phone into a coaster.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] {ParanoiA}:
all you need is a stock recovery installed and you can do an ota
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Tbaggington:
i was in the same boat as the OP last week. check this thread starting at my post #126 for some assistance from some members:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2759908&page=13

instead of going back to stock to accept OTA, i went S-Off using firewater and then flashed the modified firmware located in post #18 in the same thread:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2759908&page=2

cell signal is 100% improved, it uses 3g more than the LTE spark but it doesnt drop calls or go roaming at random now.

hope that helps.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
Hot damn that sure does help. I've been having the same issues as you: dropped calls, roaming out of nowhere, failed call origination, etc etc. I may just go the S-Off route instead. Thank you very much for those two links … I have about 24 tabs open in my browser with different possible steps in different possible fixes.

Right on … so any Sprint M8 stock recovery will work? I don't have to specifically get one that matches my phone's current firmware 1.12.651.17?
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Tbaggington:
in one of the posts, Magnum Enforcer directed me to a link in his sig. that was key in getting me across the finish line. his post cleared away so much fog in my brain so big thanks to him.

cant help on the stock recovery question, it was too confusing to me so i went the other direction! :D
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
He's referring to the second link in my sig. There is a section in the guide regarding firmware updates. Towards the bottom of the first post is also a link to Captain Throwback's firmware thread. No need to go through the hassle of returning to stock to take the OTA if all you want to do is update your firmware. You have to be S-off to update your firmware.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
Outstanding!

So basically to get my phone "up to date" (and equivalent to taking the most recent OTA update), I simply flash the firmware of my choice to my phone. The trick is to be S-off first.

Then, instead of worrying about OTAs I can just flash the latest firmware whenever it becomes available?

Thanks for bearing with me and for all the great info!
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
That's correct:thumbup:

Sent from my HTC device
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
Sweet. Thanks man.

Well I'm installing firewater as we speak and I am on the last step after having accepting the terms (including not to taunt firewater). It's hanging up at the "……." part. Not sure if I should hold the power button, start all over, or just panic.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
By the way, I'm reading your guide right now (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=51516247#post51516247)… awesome work and very helpful, thank you!
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
Well just an update:

I have tried the firewater method 6 times now and I keep getting stuck at the same screen I attached on the last page of this thread. I've let this sit for as little as 5 minutes and as long as 30 minutes. Holding the power button for 60 seconds doesn't do anything (unless this prompt means I am supposed to restart the phone).

I'm wondering if the fact that I'm stuck at "………" instead of even getting to the "opening bottles" part means one of the following:

I have a conflict somewhere on the phone or my computer.

or

firewater doesn't work with my Sprint HTC M8

I'll keep digging around to see what I can find.

That notwithstanding, I may have to go back to Plan A and see if I can't get this thing unrooted so I can at least get the OTA and fix the #1 issue: horrible cell reception.

Thanks again for all the helpful input!
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
Another update … I used #firewater on andirc and the response from beaups was el-quicko. It turns out I was trying to install a version of firewater that wasn't the most recent.

So anyway I guess that's good information for anyone who runs into a similar problem in the future:

Make sure you're trying to install the most recent version of firewater! lol
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
Interesting developments …

Firewater was a success and I also was successful in downloading the latest firmware to my Mac. I had to select all the files in the folder (it didn't download as a zip) and create a zip file while also naming it the correct name.

Everything went fine as far as sending it to my SD card and using HBOOT method to install. The install went perfectly and I rebooted the phone, but when checking under the About>Software Version on my phone it is still showing Software Version 1.12.651.17 …

Any thoughts?

Thanks.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
Software & firmware are different from one another. Flash a different ROM to change the software version.

Sent from my HTC device
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
I just read a helpful FAQ http://themikmik.com/showthread.php...1-54-651-8-OTA&p=299474&viewfull=1#post299474

Looks like the firmware updates but not the software version.

I'm guessing the same happens whenever someone takes an OTA?
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
If you take a OTA both software & firmware get updated.

Sent from my HTC device
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
Thank you Magnum! I just came across the FAQ right after your post. So I guess I should go ahead and flash a new ROM just to make the process complete.

Thanks again for the help - I'm sure I've already mentioned this, but your guide was extremely useful. In the past (original Evo 4g) I've always simply rooted my device and that was it; however, now I'm finally dabbling in the S-Off territory. Sounds like you can do a lot more that way.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
Glad to help:thumbup:

S-off is definitely the way to go. I've had S-off on every HTC device I've ever owned and it's worth the extra effort to obtain it.

Sent from my HTC device
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
For sure!

I'm guessing there is really no reason to update my software (that's the RUU stuff, right?) As long as the firmware has been updated, I should hopefully see some improvements to my radio/cell signal.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
You can change your software version by flashing a ROM, not just by running a RUU (which would also change both firmware & software, just like a OTA). But yes, the firmware is really what will affect your signal, etc.

Sent from my HTC device
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] xforsakerx:
Hey guys been trying to use firewater and everytime i get to the last step and do /data/local/tmp/firewater i get a directory or file not found...
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
OK well ... the firmware updates didn't work as far as signal goes.

I contacted Amazon and they are going to exchange the phone for me. This is great, but now I am going through the process of installing the original image (1.12.651.17). I can only find partial files for this, which will allow me to restore only Boot and System ... but not Data.

#1 - will doing this be OK (restoring without Data). I'm thinking the answer is no.

#2 - can't I just use a different nandroid with the same prefix of 1.12.xxx.xx ?

At this point my main concern is just getting this whole back-to-stock-unroot-s-on thing done (I am following this guide: http://theunlockr.com/2014/06/08/how-to-unroot-the-htc-one-m8-video/
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
I fail at reading right now ...

"They only include backups of the boot.img (kernel) and /system partition, and are safe to flash on any Sprint HTC One M8. "

Anyway, restoring the stock nandroid as we speak. Fingers crossed.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
You could have run one of the recently-released RUU's, which would have put the phone back to stock.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
OK I will do that. I'm fumbling around with Hasoon's All-in-One toolkit and it's not pretty. lol...

Now to find the recently released RUU's! :)
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
Man I'm really going down the rabbit hole now ... I found the RUU thread from your guide ( http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2729173 ) but after reading " DO NOT proceed if you do not know what you are doing! " I am heeding the warning, since I am not sure if I have a Harman edition or not. I'm betting dollars to donuts that I do not have the Harman edition, or it would have explicitly said so (and I double checked my Amazon order as well as the Sprint page .. no mention that this is a Harman edition).

Something tells me I just need to stop for the day (been working on this for four hours running into blocks, troubleshooting them, and running into new blocks) and just pick it up tomorrow with a fresh brain.

I figured just returning to stock, locking bootloader, and turning s-on would have been a bit easier but so far that's not the case. Not giving up though!

Would the simplest and most idiot-proof way to do this be to just follow the RUU process? If so, is this the right link (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2729173)?

Thanks again.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
Use the 1.54.651.10 RUU from the first post of that thread and follow the instructions directly below the download link.

The HK version is black with gold trim and says Harman Kardon on the back, by the way. If that's what you have don't use the RUU I listed above.

Sent from my HTC M8
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
OK I definitely don't have the Harman edition.

So I would use the instructions under "1.54.651.10 RUU (fastboot ONLY)":

-Download Sprint_HTC_One_M8_1.54.651.10_RUU.zip

-extract 0P6BIMG.zip to ext sd card

-boot into bootloader

-make sure hboot is highlighted, press power button

-it will scan your ext_sd card, then ask if you want to start the update

-press volume up & let it do it's thing...

Also making sure I do the following:

fastboot oem writecid 11111111

I've honestly done my reading and tried to do things methodical, but after a while all the information (both good, bad, and irrelevant) starts to make a large steaming soup of confusion. I'm prepared to fall back on a weaksauce method of any flavor if I can find it.

I just need to get this phone looking somewhat unmolested so I can exchange it. (And next time I will be a bit smarter and make a nandroid backup of course)
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
No need to do fastboot oem writecid 11111111 as you don't need SuperCID to run that particular RUU. Everything else is correct.

Sent from my HTC M8
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
OK Cool ... so if I do the following then I will be back to stock and I can proceed to lock the bootloader, un-tamper-tag, and turn s-on?

-Download Sprint_HTC_One_M8_1.54.651.10_RUU.zip

-extract 0P6BIMG.zip to ext sd card

-boot into bootloader

-make sure hboot is highlighted, press power button

-it will scan your ext_sd card, then ask if you want to start the update

-press volume up & let it do it's thing...

Sorry for the belabored questions but I don't want to get sloppy and eff something up after being so cautious ...
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
That's right. There's a specific command to turn the phone back to S-on but for now don't sweat it and run the RUU.

Sent from my HTC M8
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
Awesome ... will do. First things first lol ...

Thanks man!
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
Well after a good night's sleep and a fresh brain I flew through those steps. Worked like a charm.

Next to turn back to S-On and to lock the bootloader.

Almost there!

Would you say the method for S-on/Relock here is good enough? --> http://theunlockr.com/2014/06/08/how-to-unroot-the-htc-one-m8-video/
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
Yep, that should get it done:thumbup:

Sent from my HTC M8
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
Hells yeah!

You, sir, are a real asset to the community. I really do appreciate you taking the time out of your day to answer what are probably mundane questions.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
More than happy to help:cool:

Sent from my HTC M8
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] ecvorst:
I'm pretty new to firewater but never ran across that kind of problem. I'm on a Sprint phone using a Mac though, so it's probably different. Sorry I couldn't help.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Droidbot451:
Ever since I got my Sprint htc one m8, I've had frequent dropped calls, delayed text messages (up to 15 min), and horrible on and off 3g and spark data service. I want out of Sprint now, but I added a viper rom. I want to return my phone to its original condition, stock rom, no root, (couldn't get S-off to work), and no TWRP. Will the RUU do this for me? Also need to get the unlocked and tampered off fastboot, but seems like the only way is to get S-off (Firewater keeps failing at the first chug, I don't have the money right now to pay for Sunshine). Any thoughts, suggestions?
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
A RUU will work but it will still show tampered and relocked in the bootloader. When you run Firewater make sure you have it set to grant permission instead of ask. The only way to get totally stock is to be S-off first so you can get rid of the tampered and relocked warnings. If you can get S-off you can use the guide linked in post #34.

Sent from my HTC M8
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] AarSyl:
Correction...the RUU will only show Relocked when it is completed.
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] Magnum_Enforcer:
Been awhile since I've messed with a RUU. Thanks for the clarification:thumbup:

Sent from my HTC M8
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] pm.mohanani@gmail.com:
1. delete old copy of firewater.. Download new one.

2. Internet Connection should be with hi-speed. & Both the Devices(Mobile & PC/Notebook) Should have the Data Active.

this will solve your Problem...
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] PhallusOfGod:
Updates?

Any updates on this firmware? Are they still good? I'm going to flash mine now.

---------- Post added at 09:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:20 PM ----------

Will this work for the Harmon Edition?
[Sprint HTC One (M8)] PhallusOfGod:
Anyone participating?
[LG Optimus G (International)] Erkaft95:
I bought an LG Optimus G, and I want to install CWM recovery to my device, but I didn't find any method what working. :(

I want install the cwm recovery, and after install the new update (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2784649), because the support tool don't give the 4.4.2 for my device. :(

Please help me!
[LG Optimus G (International)] patalao:
Use freegee from playstore.

It unlocks the bootloader and installs cwm or twrp.

Enviado do meu LG-E975 através de Tapatalk
[LG Optimus G (International)] hasan4791:
[MENTION=4818912]Erkaft95[/MENTION] I SUGGEST YOU TO SEEK HELP FROM MODERATOR TO MOVE THIS THREAD TO Q/A

Sent from my LG-E975 powering Stock 4.1.2
[LG Optimus G (International)] Erkaft95:
Thanks, it works with mako mode :)
[LG Optimus G (International)] Erkaft95:
I think it be the best place, because it help to an another noob! ;)
[LG Optimus G (International)] hasan4791:
http://xdaforums.com/announcement.php?a=81

Please see 15th point... Noob shud read those rules first...!!

Sent from my LG-E975 powering Stock 4.1.2
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] tcb4:
I'm am so frustrated. Lol, I called verizon today and sat on the line waiting for what seemed like forever and after talking to someone I finally got transferred to "technical support." Well, lucky for me my home phone decided to die (about an hour after I pulled it off the charger to call them) and am now waiting to speak to another representative where I can once again be transferred to verizon's technical support. The reason I called them is because I get no mobile data. When I first got the phone it worked some of the time, but now I get nothing. Calls and texts come through fine, but after toggling mobile data, airplane mode, pulling the sim, restarting the phone, and numerous other things like clearing cache I still get nothing. The phone is stock and not rooted. The 4g lte logo shows at the top of the phone and everything, it even shows a little down arrow as if it's trying to get data, but nothing is coming through. Is there a good chance it's a bad sim or should I just go ahead and factory restore the device? I'll try putting the sim in my galaxy s3 and see if it works, but this sure has been a frustrating night.

Edit:I'm thinking it's the sim as mobile data does not work on my s3 either. I still have the sim from my galaxy s3, anyway I can set that up to work with my galaxy s5, or will some functionality be missing?
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] kingsley404:
Just go into a vzw store and they will give you a new Sim card
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] NotDavid:
Hey, it might be a problem with the sim / a problem on Verizon's end. But did you Odin a stock rom recently?
[Verizon Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] tcb4:
yeah, looks like a problem on verizon's in. I got a new sim card and it still quits working at random times.
[Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G] pantherz:
When I go into Device>System>usr>keylayout>sec_keypad.kl I changed the funtion keys from:

key 59 MENU

key 60 HOME

to:

key 59 HOME

key 60 MENU

I then restarted the phone but there was no change to the settings. I went back to the sec_keylayout.kl file and it shows that the keys have still been changed but there is no effect to the phone at all. I've also downloaded the program called "Buttom Remapper" but the changes I make there has no effect either. I'm also looking for ways to remap the long press functions on some of the keys but I'm not sure which numbers represent those functions. I also know about "Home2shortcut" but that application only works with home buttons which this phone does not have. I also have my phone rooted but I don't know if its S-OFF or S-ON so i don't know if that could be a reason I'm having this issue. PLEASE HELP!!!!!
[Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G] pantherz:
Just checking to see if anybody has any idea on how to solve this issue?!?!? HELP???