[General Topics] MotoJunkie01:
LG OPTIMUS ZONE 3 - UNBRICKING GUIDE AND 5.1.1 FACTORY FIRMWARE

This guide has two main objectives: (1) for those with a bricked device who want to restore to the latest factory firmware image; and (2) those who need .kdz Stock 5.1.1 Factory Firmware files.

1. UNBRICKING THE LGVS425PP:

The Verizon LGVS425PP comes, pre-installed on the device, a Windows compatible LG Software Upgrade and Repair utility. When connected via micro USB cable, your device will connect to your PC as an installer and, if you look in your PC directory, you will see an installation directory for the Verizon LG utility. Inside that directory is an .exe file that will install the upgrade/repair utility on your PC. When launched, the utility will auto detect your device, determine if a firmware update is available, and give you an option to repair your device. The repair option will backup your existing userdata (depending on the level of damage to the firmware), download the most recent firmware build for your device, and flash your device to complete stock condition.

Of course, there are those who bricked their devices before being able to install the Verizon LG Upgrade/Repair utility on their PCs. And this utility appears difficult to locate for download on the internet. So, below is a download link for the utility:

DOWNLOAD LINK

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1Sfod4HWfk2elpGQ3JEbzF4Q0E?usp=sharing

The Verizon LG utility should install the correct USB mobile drivers on your PC. But just in case any driver issues arise, download and install the following LG United Mobile Driver package:

DOWNLOAD LINK

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1Sfod4HWfk2RHY2c29mTWg1Rkk/view?usp=sharing

Once the utility is launched, make sure your PC is connected to the internet, put your device in download mode by holding +Volume while connecting your micro USB cable for your PC connection. The utility will then detect your device. Select the REPAIR option and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. STOCK 5.1.1 FACTORY FIRMWARE

The following link is for four software versions of stock 5.1.1 Factory Firmware .kdz files for the Optimus Zone 3: VS425PP2, VS425PP4, VS425PP7 & VS425PP8. Also in the link is the LG United Mobile Driver, the LG-UP flashing tool, and the LG-UP .DLL for the VS425PP. Use these tools at your own risk. I am not responsible for bricked or inoperable devices. I want to thank each and every member in this thread who has tested and reported their findings and issues. That narrows it down greatly. And thanks guys for your patience.

As to rooting the Zone 3, several recent advancements have been achieved and full root access is now possible. Thanks to [MENTION=8236433]Astr4y4L[/MENTION], a comprehensive root package is available for download. http://astrayalslanding.dynu.net:88/Android_Development/ Click on this link and scroll down the the bottom and click the projects link. His package includes precise instructions and alI the files you will need to root this phone. I am currently drafting a concise tutorial for downgrading this phone. Instructions for downgrading can be found within this thread, albeit somewhat scattered. I will update the OP accordingly as further progress is made. Guys, please be sure to thank [MENTION=8236433]Astr4y4L[/MENTION] for his unceasing hard work and development on this device. If you like his work and benefit from it, donations are always nice, even if just a couple bucks.

DOWNLOAD LINK

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1Sfod4HWfk2MUwxNk1oeXJCZEE?usp=sharing