yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II] absinthesummer:
It sounds like the phone was updated previously to either 4.3 or 4.4.2, which have Knox and that pesky counter. Technically you can't directly downgrade, so be sure you're downloading firmware that is 4.3 or higher. I didn't realize sammobile only went to MA4 for US AT&T. (In a pinch you can use Canadian firmware, but we have other links for stock firmware). Also, don't worry too much about Kies. It can be helpful, but honestly I could never get my note 2 recognized by kies either.

When I get back from taking my kids to school, I'll gather some links that will help you revive this phone Links below:

[MENTION=6087428]GreatGrizzwald[/MENTION]:

More recent links to stock firmware: STOCK PACKAGES TO MK6 This is LJ2 (4.1.2), MK6 (4.3) and up. He's got all the stock firmwares, available for flashing either in recovery on via odin. I've highlighted the one I would use in the attached screenshot (MK6- ODIN)

He also has a thread for NE5 (The latest firmware, 4.4.2) HERE

So if MK6 doesn't work, try NE5. One of those two has to work. You're dad already updated to either 4.3 or 4.4.2, I don't know which so start with 4.3 (MK6) and if it doesn't work try 4.4.2 (NE5)

On those two threads, he has a TON of links that will be helpful to you in getting back to stock also.

And here's a reference page with some useful links: One Stop Shop

This one is dedicated to downgrading back to LJ2 (4.1.2) from 4.3+, it MIGHT come in handy for you: Downgrade Instructions

If you have trouble with the stock firmware, you can also try Chainfire's CF Auto Root. It's stock firmware but it's rooted. Try the other firmwares by Zen Arcade first though CF AUTO ROOT

We'll get it going for you ;) The stock firmware will re-flash the modem and all the configuration files so you're data should work again. Then you can do whatever you want, root, recovery, flash other stuff, or leave it stock. You got this ;)

---------- Post added at 07:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:09 AM ----------

Also you have to figure out if it's software or hardware. I'm inclined to believe it's software so I think if you get it back to stock you'll be good. If it was hardware, it wouldn't even recognize a sim being inserted (recently repaired an htc one mini with this problem, it needed a new Sim tray, thankfully it was only $20).

But it sounds more like a bad flash corrupted some of those important files and configurations controlling data connections, it's all good, if it's software it can definitely be fixed. If it were hardware it could still be fixed it would just be a bit more time consuming.
[AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II] absinthesummer:
One more thing, after you flash the stock firmware, and you have a sim card to test with, make sure your apn settings are correct for whichever carrier you're using. If the apn is wrong, or there is no apn listed, it won't connect. If you need assistance with that, let me know.
[AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II] GreatGrizzwald:
Thank you for all this, I will start working with it today. You have been a huge help.
[AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II] absinthesummer:
No problem, I know how much of a pain it can be when things just don't seem to be working. But you have all the resources you need now and I'm gonna talk to my friend who runs the one-stop shop page to see if he will update it and add some of these resources to make it easier for you, and others with similar problems, to find what they need. Good luck!
[AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II] GreatGrizzwald:
1100

Hey, I was able to flash the stock rom you recommended, everything is working fine. Took the phone to AT&T and got a new sim card, everything seems to be working perfectly. Thank you again for all your assistance. could not have done this without your help.
[AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II] absinthesummer:
That is great news! I'm so glad it's working for you. Enjoy your (new-to-you) note 2 and keep those files on hand in case you need them in the future!
[AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II] GreatGrizzwald:
If I can ask one more question, the phone keeps trying to download and install a software update however, it is unable to complete the update. Could this be because my counter was tripped? or could I be missing something that I should have flashed along with the stock firmware?
[AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II] absinthesummer:
There are a few reasons it won't flash. If it still says custom in download mode, for instance, from when your dad tried to root it. You can check in your about phone section to see if it says modified or official. It should say official there but when you're in download mode it will tell you your status:custom.

Something like

Model : SGH-i317

Binary count:

Firmware: Samsung official

Status: Custom (it should say official to receive OTA)

Knox warranty bit: 0x1 (from where your dad tried to root)

^Either of those last two can prevent an OTA from completing. The update checks for certain things and then continues or rejects based on those checks.

Also (and this shouldn't apply to you) if you have a custom recovery installed or you've rooted and removed pre-installed apps, it won't flash. Check those things and your OTA should work. If it still doesn't, you can download the ne5 firmware I linked you to before. That's official 4.4.2 firmware and it will update you to the latest via Odin if you can't take the OTA for whatever reason.

The firmware you flashed should have taken everything back to stock for you, but it wouldn't really reset the Knox counter & custom status... and that very well could would an OTA. It seems it does anyway, so just update yourself with Odin.

Lastly, if you really want to reset completely, and be able to OTA, you can do that downgrade method I linked before to completely reset your phone and allow you receive OTAs again. (It would take you ALL the way back to 4.1.2 and you would OTA back to 4.3-4.4.2. Personally, I wouldn't do all that unless I planned to sell it, because the firmwares that are released for OTAs are usually available on here to flash with Odin within a day of release, so you'll always be able to have the latest firmware regardless.

Hope that helps :) you didn't miss anything, it's just the nature of the OTA.

---------- Post added at 09:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:02 PM ----------

Edited to add, you can also go about it another way: root it and use triangle away to reset your custom status & flash counter and then reflash the same firmware you did yesterday. Then you should be able to OTA. (Although I'm not 100% on whether or not the Knox counter will interfere with the OTA update, I think it's just the flash counter that trips it).

And if you want the OTA notice to stop completely, you can root it and turn off the notifications entirely. I wasn't sure on whether you wanted to take the update or not... if you do, I'd just update with the latest via Odin. It's the simplest way to update and you wouldn't have any issues or surprises that people tend to get with OTAs.
[AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II] GreatGrizzwald:
Awesome, that makes a lot more sense now. Thanks again.
[AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note II] absinthesummer:
Hey I forgot you don't have custom recovery. Anyway, I sent you PMs,and you can do a search of this very forum- use the search term "update" or "ota" and you will find a LOT of threads on boot failures after OTA. Most people got their phones back.

If you can't get into DL mode (Vol-, Home, Power), try getting into the stock recovery (Vol+, Home, Power) because you should/could be able to factory reset the device from there. Also hold the button combo longer than usual. If one recovery option (DL mode) isn't working, than theoretically the other should still be accessible, through which you can adb sideload to the device or try factory reset. I know it's frustrating, but you're not the first nor the last to have an OTA go wrong ;/ We'll get ya back up & running.

You're not the only one in trouble after that update: http://xdaforums.com/galaxy-note-2-att/help/todays-update-soft-bricked-phone-t2939649
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
See here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=56030788&postcount=2281

**Please use this thread in the General Section for non-development related discussion. Thank you**
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] vicariouscheese:
I'll be testing this out... once I unbrick my phone :P Second time bricking it trying to get blackbox 3.2.3 to work.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] robthefive0:
Cannot get it installed. SE For Android will not change to "Permissive". It's stuck on "Enforcing"
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jmpiv4:
what baseband are you using?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] vicariouscheese:
Just reporting in to say it's working for me, installed on stock Verizon nc5, have blackbox on rom slot 1.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
What exactly happens when you attempt to install ss?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] techguy2002:
I am having trouble too. I get a message app is not installed. Something about a similar package is already installed but it's not
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
Try deleting any previously granted ss root priviledges from the supersu app before installing. may help if you post a screen shot.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] techguy2002:
Hope this helps
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
Never seen that before. There may be a better way but one option is to odin flash back to stock nc5 and start over.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] robthefive0:
I'm on the NG6 update which I'm assuming is the reason it won't install. When I was on nc5 the terminal emulator trick worked.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
Did you have v3.72 installed before taking the update? If so does it still work?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] robthefive0:
No. I used Odin to reinstall nc5 due to a brick problem. One too many experiments with my phone. Anyway, it was clean when it took the update.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
If you are game i will send you a file to update to ng6 using the new safestrap. Ss should continue working after the update. But you will have to be back on stock nc5.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
Has anyone been able to install and use SS v3.75 on the new NG6 build?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
I545_NC5_to_NG6_KeepRoot_OTA.zip

Assuming the answer is no to the above question can someone try the following and see if it allows you to update to NG6, Keep your root access, and allow you to continue to use ss v3.75 after the update:

This "KeepRoot" method uses a modified version of the official NC5 to NG6 OTA Update.zip to upgrade while maintaining your User Data & Root Access!

**Prerequisite** This method requires that your NC5 system is 100% stock except for root and Safestrap. The update will fail if any system files have been modified or deleted, e.g. thru Xposed, etc. You must first restore the stock files or reflash back to stock NC5 and re-root. If you are not 100% stock please don't waste your time by attempting this method.

Here it is: I545_NC5_to_NG6_KeepRoot_OTA.zip

1. Place the I545_NC5_to_NG6_KeepRoot_OTA.zip in the root of your ext sdcard.

2. Use Towelroot-v3.apk to root your device.

3. Install Safestrap-I545-3.75-KitKat.apk

4. Boot into Safestrap recovery but Do Not Wipe!

5. Flash the I545_NC5_to_NG6_KeepRoot_OTA.zip in the "Stock Slot." Once flashing is complete press "Home" and reboot into "Download Mode".

6. Last, flash the I545_NG6_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5 in Odin's PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+).

Once complete the phone will reboot then "optimize apps" before completely rebooting. Done!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] robthefive0:
Muniz how is that possible? Can I even Odin back to nc5 after I already updated to ng6? Isn't it a different kernel?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] techguy2002:
I'm getting on my phone that towelroot v3 my phone is not supported
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
Yes you can odin back to nc5.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] robthefive0:
muniz thanks for your help. I didn't know I could odin back. Thought I was stuck on ng6. Im staying on nc5 for now. Was randomly rebooting on ng6. SS3.75 installed fine on nc5.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] LGtMgG2t:
I'm on NC5 and glad to test any builds and let you know the results. Thanks for all your efforts on this guys!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] yrrot:
I'm on NK1 also, with root and stock. Would be glad to test.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dmkimm:
I was also having difficulty installing with build NK1 so, I Just tried the above instructions and I still am unable to install SS. My Verizon S4 has build NK1. The toast says the installation completed, but the SS interface says it is not installed.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] blackops11252:
Did you install busy box first
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] cheppallet:
Why do my rom slots only have 4 mb of space? Ng6 kk 4.4 2 echoe v 29 rom here. Usung ss 3.75 b.03
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] DKDroid3:
Update: (can't login on tapatalk as dmkimm) I tried to do a factory reset and couldn't do It, so I refashed to NC5 , rooted & successfully installed safe strap fixed the ext sdcard_r w issue so my titanium backs up to the extSD card and now everything is fine. I also froze the sdm program so it won't auto update the OTA anymore. Froze much of the bloatware, once I have confirmed no issues, I hope to delete them! Happy and working once again.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] kevinco1:
Deleted
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] sem1mat1c316:
Ive followed word for word instruction on rooting and installing busy box then safestrap. Im running NK1. Ive achieved root and installed busy box and safestrap. When I try to boot into safestrap recovery it pops up a Samsung logo with a unlock symbol? Then when safestrap should pop up is says safestrap disabled and you have the option to either continue or go to recovery. I select recovery and it wont respond? If I hit the power button a twrp unlock symbol pops up still unresponsive. I eventually have to pull the battery out to get the phone to turn off. Holding the power down wont turn it off.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] LGtMgG2t:
Has anyone else been having backup problems? I've been using this 3.75 a03 version for months and never ha backup problem. Now when I go to backup either stock or slot 1 the screen goes black immediately, I then wake the screen up and see it is back to the main SS menu. I'm baffled as I've already used Odin full wipe NC5 at least 3 times and still having the same issue. Any ideas?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] LGtMgG2t:
Just a heads up for anyone else having odd backup problems in SS. I had tried backing up to both internal and external storage and still had the issue where the screen would go black. On a hunch, I decided to format the external SD card and backups started working again. I'm not sure why this would fix the problem though. Perhaps some hidden files are stored on the SD card somewhere and once they were wiped then things started acting normal again.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] scootier:
Anyone else having to install SS modules for NC5 after every reboot in order to use wifi?

I've found if I don't reflash the modules every time - wifi doesn't work. Would love a fix otherwise will need to go back to 3.72 and forgo any rom slot capabilities.

Edit:

Reinstalled gogloies nc2 wifi fix, then upgraded modem to nc5 and it is working after reboots now.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] D3Seeker:
I had similar issue in 3.72. Though it was after switching roms/rom slots. The rom I was out of, the wifi would stop working for no apparent reason. Though with me I had to restore it a few times before it started working.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] XxD34THxX:
Will I still have to uninstall Xposed? I have Busybox and root from TR on my s4 on NG6(I used the keep root method by OP).
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] budeone:
Hello,

I have a co-workers phone. It is a galaxy S4 on Verizon. Its fully rooted and I changed roms last week. I went to do a back up in recovery and it kept failing. I saw he needs to be on safestrap Safestrap-I545-3.75-KitKat-A03.apk. He is on 3.72 right now. I followed the directions, uninstalled recovery and have had zero luck uninstalling the program itself. I have used different apps in hopes to uninstall but it just will not show up anywhere. I even went and user root explorer and deleted the directory I was in this thread. Just like other people in this thread I can not install 3.75 until 3.72 is uninstalled.

Model number

sch-1545

4.2.2

base

nc2

ker

3.4.0

hardware

1545.07

he is running EMPTYGALAXYROMBNL13415.zip right now

Thank you
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ATGkompressor:
I had a back up fail on me a couple weeks ago. It was because of low storage space. Went in, cleaned all the junk off my sd card and rebooted, and tried again and it worked. Although, you're on 4.2.2 so it could be a totally different issue, but check your storage space. Make sure u have at least 6 gig available. Once sdcards start getting up to 2 - 1 gig free, they start acting funny...sometimes.

As far as removing safestrap, you have to go into the apk, and hit uninstall recovery, then uninstall apk, reboot and should be the end of it. If that's not the case and your're still having issues, try to Odin flash your stock base, re-root, and try the SS/backup again.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] budeone:
Yeah, Thats what I thought of also. I have had that issue in the past but always gives me an not enough room error. He does have plenty of room both on int and ext. I even tried bu to int.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ATGkompressor:
Only thing I can think of is Titanium Backup. It has cause ppl problems in the past with safestrap.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] sinner822:
Did you delete data/media/safestrap?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Fadtydawg:
system/etc/safestrap

Delete that safestrap file and try again.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] rawfullz:
Hey there guys,

I have been up since 10pm trying to get this thing going and I have the phone running

just no wi fi and no success at all with any recovery. I dug up and found out that I needed Safestrap because of my MDF version. However, this safestrap STILL does not enable recovery! I have used TWRP, CWM and PHILZ and I cant even get into recovery to do a ROM install!

If you guys can help me, I would appreciate it.

I have attached the picture for you guys to help me out!

Thanks!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] newkydawg:
Safestrap doesn't enable recovery. It IS your recovery. You cannot use TWRP, CWM or PHILZ because you have a locked bootloader. I suggest you google "how to use Safestrap" to find out how to use it as there's not enough room for me to type out what all is involved. There are videos on using Safestrap that you can watch as well. Good luck
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jadedfs:
Whenever I try to flash any ROM (All TW-based), I get the error "E: Unable to open zip file"

I've re-installed stock and SS, along with trying various ROMs, then re-downloading them again, but I always get the same error. I've tried making sure permisisons allow anyone to read and write, and made sure su access is allowed on startup, etc, but nothing works.

Oh, and I'm on NG5.

Anyone else have the same problem/know of a solution?

Thanks.

[EDIT: My idiocy once again makes itself apparent. I forgot to fully uninstall saferoot the first time. Sorry for cluttering the thread...]
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] marinegundoctor:
Is this from a fresh install? Maybe system didn't get wiped prior to installation ?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
Glad to hear it but it sounds as if the update plugged up the whole that allowed us to use selinux mode changer. That would suck.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] techguy2002:
Mine is working
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
That's good to hear! Thx.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] vicariouscheese:
FYI, in the hyperdrive thread there are a couple people reporting losing wifi on both stock and rom slot 1. I was using stock verizon nc5 on stock slot, trying to get wifi working on blackbox in rom slot 1, lost wifi on both. Seems to be happening to few others and safestrap related. I actually odin'd back to stock because I thought I had accidentally flashed a wrong modem on my stock slot and couldn't fix it after several reflashes.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
I would not necessarily conclude those issues are ss related. If those roms flash kernel modules or nonhlos that may result in wifi issues.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] techguy2002:
Thanks muniz!!!

Are the modules somewhere to get native tethering?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] liljoe727:
If nobody has done this by Friday night then I will. I'm on NC5 but if I can just Odin back to NC5 stock via the tars on surges thread, I'm game for some messing about. If you get an answer before tomorrow night, please let me know. To be clear though, I'm gonna need to be on stock NC5 (I'll flash the full wipe Odin tar), rooted, and safe strapped with version 3.75 (busy box and selinux mode changer for that) before I attempt this?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
Thanks but I put this out there because it sounded like selinux mode changer was not working on the new update. However at least one person has stated that it does work so the keeproot method isn't needed. Thanks again though!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] liljoe727:
Oh. I thought the issue was getting Safestrap 3.75 to work on NG6.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] muniz_ri:
Someone had trouble getting it to install which also made me curious whether or not it functioned on NG6. One user confirmed he was able to accomplish both.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] liljoe727:
You referring to techguy saying "mine is working"? I'm only asking because there is another thread in q and a and there is a guy having problems installing 3.75 on an NG6 build and I'm trying to help him. This is the thread http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2907731. He said he is rooted, busyboxed, and has SElinux set to permissive and has had no luck.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Tromatic:
Works great for me. Stock NC5 ROM in the "Stock" slot, and Eclipse in "Slot 1". The power menu does not work for me either. However, Titanium Backup Pro rebooted the phone to restore my old Android ID.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Flydude112282:
So...If I start using the new version of safestrap, all Roms that i might use should be installed on Rom slot one and the stock slot should be left clean...right? And what's the difference between NC5 and NG6?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] liljoe727:
You took the NG6 update?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Tromatic:
Sorry, no. NC5!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] techguy2002:
Hmmm

Everything is working like I expect it to so thats good. Only question I have is how do you or can you swap the internal storage for sd card storage? Or am I still stuck with using one slot and making backups and alternating between the backups for slot 1?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Beartooth01:
SafeStrap needed to load roms on SCH-I545 NC5?

Okay, so this sounds like a newbie question, but I've never installed custom rom/firmware on a Samsung, and I have a rooted Galaxy S4 SCH-I545 NC5 version. It has superSU, busybox, Titanium, and ClockworkMod recovery on it, but I'm running the stock rom KitKat 4.4.4 with the Nova launcher.

I am pretty sure nobody's figured out how to unlock the S4 NC5 bootloader yet (please correct me if I'm wrong) and I'm looking at several ROMs - CyanogenMod 10.2.1 (the latest stable version), ParanoidAndroid, AOKP, and PACMAN (which is supposed to be a mashup of the best of CM, AOKP, and PA). Other suggestions appreciated.

So, my question is - given the locked bootloader, do I have to install SafeStrap before installing or sideloading the ROM?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] liljoe727:
You are on NC5 and can't flash any of the Roms you mentioned. You can't use Clockworkmod for a recovery either and if you try to, you're going to soft brick your phone. You can only use Safestrap because like you said, the bootloader is locked down. You can only flash Safestrap compatible ROMs that are touchwiz based.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Tromatic:
Quick Boot is also working for me. Reboot, Recovery, Boot Loader and Power Off are all working. Using the power switch does not!