yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy S 5 General] parrotgeek1:
https://www.paypal.me/parrotgeek1 [it's set up as a business to hide my address/last name]
[Galaxy S 5 General] omgitsMATT:
I dont' understand how to use simg2img, can you explain? I got a vague idea but I keep failing.

I let simg2img change it correct? It's not as simple as me editing the extracted file and typing all that in?
[Galaxy S 5 General] parrotgeek1:
yes

put the ext4 files in the same folder as simg2img.exe

open cmd

cd C:\users\wherever\simg2img_win-master

simg2img system.img.ext4 system.img

simg2img cache.img.ext4 cache.img
[Galaxy S 5 General] omgitsMATT:
Dude, it f' works. I get paid Thursday, will give you what I can. Definitely not worth the work you put into this though.

Sorry it took so long to follow directions. I've never done a lot of this before and I use most of it intuitively and from practice, not from an informed approach. So I had to learn things to follow directions, but your directions were surprisingly simple but full of information so it wasn't as hard as it could of been.
[Galaxy S 5 General] parrotgeek1:
Thank you! Now, you can root it with kingroot. I could have explained how to inject SuperSU into the system.img but it's too hard. Does everything work?
[Galaxy S 5 General] omgitsMATT:
There are some quirks, Data does not work still. Cant find the option to adjust APN from before.

I am using work Wifi but its metered, Im afk in 20 mins. Im at work for next 16hrs and will probably be very tired and sleep, so wont be able to give proper feedback for a day or two.

I also have no idea what options I have now except rooting. I feel like this opened up a door of options but dont know what they are. For one, can we unlock bootloader?
[Galaxy S 5 General] parrotgeek1:
I'm sorry, I didn't see this because you didn't qoute me

I'll think about the data

no you can't unlock BL
[Galaxy S 5 General] Brandon.Black:
Hi, I wanted to input a little info. I'm very sorry if I'm completely wrong on this, I'm not too smart on any coding or rooting methods of my own but I do have this device also and I'm scrambling for a root method. In the developer options there is an "OEM Unlock", isn't that to unlock the bootloader if I'm not mistaken? Or is it for a completely different function. I read it here on the forums:
[Galaxy S 5 General] DJBhardwaj:
Hello :) "OEM Unlock" doesn't unlock the bootloader itself. In simple words, if it is disabled, executing the unlock command won't work. So to make it work, we have to enable this option. :highfive:
[Galaxy S 5 General] parrotgeek1:
It doesn't actually do anything on locked bootloader devices. I don't know why the option is still there.
[Galaxy S 5 General] DeepPurple72:
downgrade from 6.01 to 4.4.2 Verizon SM-903vl

*****************************************************************************************************************

Just got this crappy phone because my old phone didnt work with straight talk verizon network.

I have a few questions & thoughts:

So, with a locked bootloader on 6.01, I can still downgrade to 4.4.2 factory to attempt root?

The 902L 4.4.2 firmware is for "Tracfone" - I assume the no data problem is due to APN in this ROM is set to use tracfone and not verizon (straight talk) - If root access is achieved, perhaps the APN can be fixed by editing some system file?

on my 5.01 stock rom, rooted tablet ( touchwiz) in root explorer doing a search for "apn", the only file result

is apns-conf.xml , located in the /system/etc folder. IDK if this file could solve the mobile data issue.

Basically, I want root to (a) debloat and (b) run VIPER-4-ANDROID audio mod

Will the phone still be rooted after the 902L system.img & cache.img is applied?

also, can su / superuser be injected into the factory system.img.ext4 instead of using kingroot? How?

Can anyone confirm that the 902L system.img works on the sm-903VL ? I want to try but if I brick phone I cant afford to buy another one any time soon. Is the 902L and 903VL basically the same phone, just different firmware? Thanks
[Galaxy S 5 General] DeepPurple72:
kernel / se linux policies / security patches on 6.01 is blocking 'su' and 'su-arm' come to find out.... crap!
[Galaxy S 5 General] Fiskjeskill:
What is ''SM-S903VL'', I think, there is SM-G903F only (Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo).. And does it work on S5neo?
[Galaxy S 5 General] bjf189:
install phone info app and go to secret codes. go to the bottom of the list and look for something that says LTE on it. just launch it with root or normal. it shouldnt be blocked even if not rooted. after opening it, look for APN settings and click it then simply add a new APN and activate it. after doing this, my data worked and yes that method worked. im going to post a thread later on how to do it exactly but more simplified and have no converting to worry about to confuse any members or noobies. of course i will give proper credit to the users though. just keep a look out on the threads for my post and maybe push a common thanks.
[Galaxy S 5 General] brekstar:
!!Unbelievable!! My SM-S903VL is Everything I ever wanted!

First of all, my heart goes out to DeepPurple and parrotgeek1 for making this happin. i bought a new S5 from Walmart (straight talk) its a SM_S903VL yes it had Marshmallow on it android 6.01. and no way to kingroot or rom or no way to TWRP it with a hard core LOCKED BOOT LOADER. I did downgrade to that CRAPPY TEST FIRMWARE that when installed nothing really worked any longer. Sure i could ROOT but working with SAFESTRAP is like walking on thin ICE! and yes I hard bricked my S903 many times.Yes i did get in there and change premissions and delete files to try to patch things together but it never was a complete working S5. Like my ole SM-S902l was.. After i download a factory rom for a SM-S902L and took that ROm apart to get SYSTEM.IMG AND CACHE.IMG and ADB shelled it to my S903VL thats when my eyes and my heart were filled with JOY once again! Now mySM-S903VL is ROOTED (with Towel v.3 works) im on android ver. 4.4.2 All functions work great like:

ViperFX

WIFI tether

Xposed

and i have full access to edit any system files (to turn up my volume!)

At first i did have errors just with:

shealth.apk and context

just ignore and they will update and fix themselfs.

I dont have any custom RECOVERY installed but I dont plan on changing this firmware out for any reason.. Im very happy to say my SM-S903VL is now a SM-S902L and I love it!!

If anyone is having trouble with there SM-S903VL p.m me and I would be glad to help!

THANKS XDA FORUMS for being there for all of us!
[Galaxy S 5 General] DeepPurple72:
Thankyou Brekstar!

So you installed the 903vl factory test rom, rooted it, then sent the system.img & cache.img from the 4.4.2 902v rom? Thats great!!!!! I want root, xposed, & viper4android. Oh, and wifi tether too.

im gonna do it, now i know someone got this to work! I can debloat rom with root.

Too bad we cant install twrp though... but i'll take what i can get.... i was literally ready to trash this s5 and buy an expensive phone with a bootloader that could be unlocked.... but now i dont have to!

Thanks again for your post above.... now i have hope for this 903vl s5, or should i say "902" !
[Galaxy S 5 General] DeepPurple72:
Fix APN settings

I haven't tried this, but I found this info from https://www.reddit.com/r/galaxys5/comments/3uniq8/looking_for_lollipop_firmware_files_for_model/

The link on that page to the apk didnt work, but I found a working link and put it below.

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

Just an FYI any of the VZW s5 roms that boots has a work around for getting Data/mms/sms back. You can bypass the msl code needed to edit APN settings.

Download Phone Info app to SDcard: http://apk.center/down_Phone-INFO-Samsung_apkcenter.html

When it boots sideload phone info.apk from SD Open Phone Info app Click on Secret Codes Click launch STEALTHMODE Click LTE APN SETTINGS Hit the + to add APN

Enter the follow information;

Name=Verizon Internet APN=TRACFONE.VZWENTP Proxy=(LEAVE BLANK) Port=(LEAVE BLANK) Username=(LEAVE BLANK) Password=(LEAVE BLANK) Server=(LEAVE BLANK) MMSC=(LEAVE BLANK) Multimedia message proxy=(LEAVE BLANK) Multimedia message port=(LEAVE BLANK) MCC=311 MNC=480 Authorization type=None Click menu in right hand corner and save Select new APN APN type=default,dun Bearer=Unspecified Mobile virtual network operator type=None

Click menu in right corner save. Select new APN reboot phone.

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

This info did not come from me. I just copied & pasted it from the URL given above, so I do not take any credit for this.

If this works for someone, post a reply
[Galaxy S 5 General] DeepPurple72:
*** 902L Kitkit 4.4.2 Stock ROM ROOTED working on NEW 2017 SM-903VL ( Originally had 6.01 MM )

GOT IT WORKING! THANKS EVERYONE + BREKSTAR for CONFIRMING HE GOT IT WORKING!

After ODIN and putting the 903vl Factory Test 4.4.2, could not root with TowelRoot or KingRoot APK versions

theres a bug with the "DOWNLOADS" provider system app, if you open it it says "CANNOT CREATE FOLDER"

WORKED AROUND THIS BS by using the WINDOWS PC version of KINGROOT.

Once it rooted it, I could ADB SHELL & get a "ROOT" prompt after issuing "su" command

I copied the system.img & cache.img to the INTERNAL SD ( NOT the Removable SD! )

type stop, then did the 2 "dd" commands, exited the adb shell, type "adb reboot recovery"

( since in adb shell the "reboot recovery" gave unknown command)

I did another "adb reboot recovery" on boot screen after the 1st recovery auto-rebooted,

and wiped the data ( factory reset) as in the original instructions posted.

*NOTE: ROOT (KINGROOT) disappears after doing the system/cache img's and the data wipe.

Didnt want KR anyways! LOL!

I was then able to use Towel Root 3.0 to root the Sm-S902L kitkat 4.4.2 rom on my sm-903vl

*I can make calls, but it appears the APN is incorrect, as there is no mobile data yet....

I will see if I can fix the APN, and post how to get it working ( Straight-talk Prepaid using Verizon as carrier USA )

yeah, the S.HEALTH is griping with errors, but via WIFI I am doing the playstore updates. that should fix that.

Hope this helps others. who desperately desire ROOT on this Walmart S5

*** UPDATE: Using the "FIX APN SETTINGS" method I previously posted, IT WORKED!!!!

I now have LTE data working. Phone calls Work, wifi, bluetooth, etc - ITS A WINNER!!!!!:laugh:

Also, installed SuperSu from playstore, updated su binary & disabled knox - No issues!

S.Health no longer gives error box, but CONTEXT PROVIDER still does with apps that use it.

Found a solution here: http://forums.androidcentral.com/sa...4-verizon-s5-context-service-has-stopped.html

Basically, using a root file manager, rename the contextprovider.apk as described in the link above.

It is in the /SYSTEM/PRIV.APP folder. I renamed it to contextprovider.apk.2 and problem went away!
[Galaxy S 5 General] DeepPurple72:
SM-S902L 4.4.2 Firmware on SM-903VL

Still cant enable native WIFI TETHER. Maybe there's a build.prop setting?

I did enable USB + BLUETOOTH internet tethering in /system/build.prop, and noticed

that TETHERING shows up in system settings now ( but havent actually tested them yet )

Tried every wifi tethering app I could find - none work....

Usually says "Mobile Hotspot not supported" on device.

Perhaps theres a way to use either a script ( via tasker or automate ) to force this.

Or maybe make a change in WIFI TETHER (root) app. IDK.

hostapd is present in root terminal, wifi is on WLAN0. Dont know device name of mobile LTE data.

I would really like to get the wifi-tether hotspot working.

Also noticed finger print scanner does not work. Could also be a build.prop setting and/or the 902 uses a different HW for FP-scanner than 903,

but I dont really need the FP-scanner.

* for usb/bluetooth tethering, in the /system/build.prop I changed this:

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

# Disable Group play tethering (Tracfone)

net.tether.blocked=true

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

Change the 'true' to 'false' in the above, save & reboot.

If anyone knows of additional build.prop tweaks/hacks for this S5, please post them.

Also, any hacks via secret codes/hidden service menus ( via phoneinfo app ) too.

With that aside, everything is working great! XPOSED Intaller 2.6.1 ( Last Stable KitKat Version ),

both Viper-FX & Viper-XHiFi ( FX even BETTER with XHifi running together! ), Lucky Patcher!

The 903vl has been RESURRECTED with ROOT via 902L KK-rom, battery good, VERY FAST.

Also, I use some FDROID repo apps too - AUTOSTARTS app to BLOCK memory hogs from auto-running @ boot!

Great F.O.S.S. apps in fdroid!

---------- Post added at 10:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:30 PM ----------

If you have GAMES/APPS that detect XPOSED and close ( XPOSED SECURITY ALERT CODE 2 error )

See my post here to fix: https://xdaforums.com/xposed/xposed-security-alert-code-2-netmarble-t3400258

Have your cake & eat it too! You DONT have to uninstall XPOSED, NOR REBOOT!
[Galaxy S 5 General] DeepPurple72:
*** IDEA: IS IT POSSIBLE to 'HACK" the SM-903vl original MM 6.01 (PH3) IMGs to get working root?

Was curious if it could be achieved by:

DOWNGRADING to SM-903vl FACTORY TEST 4.4.2, Kingroot PC it, install Busybox,

Similar to how the 902l KK IMGs were put on phone, without odin:

then use the adb shell + su to dd some "hacked" .img's of the stock 6.01 PH3 firmware.

In linux, I can mount + edit the .img files generated by the simg2img command.

I can edit/delete/add files to the IMG no problem.

Wondering if we could perhaps strip out the 'su' blocking security policy stuff from the system.img

and also inject 'su' to /system/xbin and superuser.apk to /system/priv-app and get a custom working rooted 6.01 MM

working on this phone. The 902L 4.4.2 KitKat is rootable and works, except NO WIFI-HOTSPOT & NO FINGERPRINT SCANNER.

( looking at the build.prop files from the 902 & 903, the FP-SCANNER appears to be different H/W - so it cant work)

I extracted the SM-903vl 6.01 (PH3) .MD5, and it has ODIN .MD5 files for BL, AP, CP, CSC, & CSC files.

Inside the AP md5 file, it has: boot.img, persist.img.ext4, recovery.img, system.img.ext4, and userdata.img.ext4 files.

Perhaps someone more knowledgeable can attempt the above proposal ?
[Galaxy S 5 General] DeepPurple72:
*** FCC ID under battery of the SM-903vl says

it is the model SM-G900V.

since theres a few issues with sm-s902l 4.4.2 on the 903:

Fingerprint scanner doesnt work

Wifi forgets saved passwords after reboot

"mobile hotspot not supported"

perhaps instead of the 902 fw, we could try the

sm-g900v verizon 4.4.2 fw instead?

build G900VVRU1ANE9 can be rooted with TR

link to fw: https://samsung-firmware.org/model/SM-G900V/

let us know if this works for anyone.

***********************************************************************************

HOW TO MODIFY ( HACK ) the .IMG files using LINUX

(Note: I am using Ubuntu 16.04 LTS w/ MATE Desktop)

***********************************************************************************

*** The converted .IMG files created by simg2img can be edited in Linux

(1) as a superuser ( via 'su' or 'sudo' ) create a folder to use as a mount-point

or in File Manager, RT-CLICK on the parent folder, OPEN AS ADMIN.

(2) Create a folder - ex: system1

(3) change into the directory where your system.img file is

either via terminal or in file manager, RT-CLICK-Open in Terminal

(3) Use 'su' in terminal first ( if not already root user )

(4) mount -o loop,rw,sync system.img /path-to/system1

( *Replace '/path-to/system1' with actual path name )

(5) Use Filemanager, and rt-click on the mount-folder, OPEN AS ADMIN

(* or from terminal: sudo caja ( or sudo nautilus ) )

(6) You can now R+W the mounted image in FIleManager as Superuser ( or via Terminal as superuser ), and Remove KNOX, Security Update, edit build.prop, Inject 'su' to ./xbin, inject superuser,apk, etc

(7) unmount the mounted img. Now its ready to be copied to Internal SD, and 'dd' it thru the adb shell as root

* I wonder if the 6.01 Stock ROM could have KNOX/Security crap removed, su + superuser.apk injected, and 'dd' from rooted Factory Test 4.4.2 ???? Could we get a stock rooted 6.01 ? Then extract boot.bin from the AP archive, TAR just the boot.bin file, then ODIN as AP mode the boot.bin.tar to flash MM Kernel ( boot.bin ). Modems can be flashed via odin AP too by making a TAR using just the modem.bin. ( I have MM 6.01 PH3 modem/baseband on the 902L KK Rooted ROM, works great btw )

Anyone brave enough & got time to try that?
[Galaxy S 5 General] DeepPurple72:
Getting XPOSED SECURITY ALERT CODE 2 errors with some Games/Apps ?

Oh, if you are ROOTED + XPOSED and play games, some games ( like NetMarble games ) detect XPOSED , pop up an error, and wont allow you to play them.

See my post here on how to defeat this ( without uninstalling xposed and without any reboot! )

https://xdaforums.com/xposed/xposed-security-alert-code-2-netmarble-t3400258
[Galaxy S 5 General] DeepPurple72:
SM-S903VL Factory Repair Firmware KitKat 4.4.4

Found this today, hopelessly googling for bootloader unlock for S5 with toshiba emmc CID

Since we cant flash the G900V BOOT.IMG ( Kernel ), and we are using the SM-903VL Factory Test 4.4.2 Boot.img / Kernel

I noticed the G900V KK 4.4.4 is running as "Factory Mode" due to the Factory Test Kernel.

I was going to take a chance & flash the SM-903VL MM 6.01 PH3 BOOT.IMG, but found this.

https://firmware.gem-flash.com/index.php?a=browse&b=file-info&id=20393

( The ONLY site that will let you DL this Firmware for free ( and FAST DL too ) )

I am not sure what exactly this FW does. I am thinking about just flashing the boot.img file.

Since the G900V i'm running is KK 4.4.4 (NK2) w/ 903VL KK 4.4.2 Factory Test Kernel,

I'm thinking about flashing the 4.4.4 Kernel for use with G900V System ROM.

Here's how to flash the KERNEL ( BOOT.IMG ):

(Extract the AP archive from the MD5, Extract the BOOT.IMG file from the AP archive. Make a .TAR from the boot.img)

(Then use ODIN AP mode to flash the boot.img.tar)

Anyone know what exactly this FW does? Is it ( very wishful thinking!) able to UNLOCK the BOOTLOADER?

If anyone wants to DL this and FLASH the ENTIRE FW, please do post your findings!

( * MAKE A BACKUP BEFORE TRYING THE FACTORY REPAIR FW - Especially your /EFS data !!! )

(* There is an APP on PLAYSTORE called "PARTITIONS BACKUP" that can do this, just make

sure you save backups as "IMG" format to be able to RESTORE them )

After full FW flash, does it still say "SECURE BOOT ENABLED" in DOWNLOAD/RECOVERY MODE?
[Galaxy S 5 General] Ibuprophen:
Just a friendly FYI...

The SELinuxToggler is located here:

https://xdaforums.com/android/apps-games/app-selinuxtoggler-t3574688

Thanks!
[Galaxy S 5 General] omgitsMATT:
I dont' really have the skill set to experiment, but I can follow directions. Everything you've suggested to do works no problem. It's not easy for me, but if I move slow I can do it all no problem. This phone is worth the expense because of this thread and this thread alone.
[Galaxy S 5 General] Ibuprophen:
I completely agree with your reasoning.

I always try to make it a point for individuals, who are not familiar with something, to do a little research/homework and, importantly, ask questions if needed.

I try my best to provide help and support the best way i can and there are times when i am not clear with or just plain stumped. Those are the moments that I have to do a little research and ask questions to educate myself before providing any further information.

This elevates any bad/incomplete information that can result in a loss of confidence with me that is valuable to have and even harder to get back.

"When in doubt, Ask it out!"

I also feel that an individual takes on a certain responsibility to another when providing guidance.

"Live Long and Prosper..."

~Ambassador S'chn T'gai Spock

Sent via Communicator [D2VZW] from the Bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise [NCC-1701].
[Galaxy S 5 General] omgitsMATT:
I am not kidding when I say I learned a ton from this thread. This has been the hardest phone I have ever rooted and the way to get a debloated operating system was not simple. But it wasn't hard kinda either! Just a ton of reading and slow moving. So much fun though. I should say it was work, but not hard.

I do have a few questions if anyone has a minute.

How do I get the moden.bin file out of the stock rom? What's the process there with a Windows OS? I have a paid version of WinRAR. I unzipped the tar.md5 file but struggled to find the modem.bin in the AP section. Spent a few hrs trying and Googling but I am stuck. I know I can flash it fine if I can just find it.

I renamed ContextProvider.apk in /system/priv-app to ContextProvider2.apk and have stopped getting errors. I renamed the .odex file qith a 2 at end also. Was that a good call? Is there a proper fix or will that work? I am having no problems anymore. I saw in some random threads I found that worked for similar phones and roms.

Also, anyway to get rid of the Verizon boot logo when phone first turns on? Earlier in the thread when I was being coached through getting the test rom for this rom working (before we started just using other stock roms for older S5s and only had stock or firmware testing rom very early on for this rom) there were some .qmg files that needed replaced in the /system/media that changed all the boot logos. I was hoping to strip the Verizon logo off the phone as much as possible. That's really the last thing I wanna toss. I tried using the .qmg files posted earlier but they refuse to copy. Am I doing something wrong?

If I could get rid of Verizon boot logo and flash that mobile.bin file I would be absolutely done. I have stripped all the bloat (and then some!) off this phone. I am so happy with it I can't even put it into words.
[Galaxy S 5 General] omgitsMATT:
I also made Superuser a system app so when I factory reset in future I am rooted right from the start. That won't be a problem will it?
[Galaxy S 5 General] omgitsMATT:
Renaming Context Service in /system/priv-app got it to stop crashing as I used the phone. But it still crashed once as I would turn on phone. But after that initial crash it would stop and everything functioned as normal. To get it to stop even then when phone would boot into operating system for first time I froze it with Titanium Backup Pro. Now it won't even crash on boot up.

What does this app do? Can I just delete it?
[Galaxy S 5 General] Droidriven:
I'm having trouble finding the stock 6.0.1 stock firmware, can you tell me where you got it or pass me a link?

All I'm finding is the test firmware and a PH3 4.4.4 for S903VL, I have the 4.4.4, looking for 6.0.1.

Thanks for the info so far, I'm trying to put something together with links to firmwares needed and the extracted system+cache .imgs and a prepackaged flashable modem.tar to go with your instructions to make it easy for everyone else that finds these threads. I'll also continue to find a way to use the 6.0.1 system with root. Did you ever try? I'm wondering if injecting systemless SuperSU would work.
[Galaxy S 5 General] chady2:
how

<ID:0/003> Removed!!

<ID:0/004> Added!!

<ID:0/004> Odin engine v(ID:3.1203)..

<ID:0/004> File analysis..

<ID:0/004> SetupConnection..

<ID:0/004> Initialzation..

<ID:0/004> Set PIT file..

<ID:0/004> DO NOT TURN OFF TARGET!!

<ID:0/004> Get PIT for mapping..

<ID:0/004> Firmware update start..

<ID:0/004> SingleDownload.

<ID:0/004> sbl1.mbn

<ID:0/004> aboot.mbn

<ID:0/004> FAIL! (Auth)

<ID:0/004>

<ID:0/004> Complete(Write) operation failed.

<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
[Galaxy S 5 General] godkingofcanada:
This is the Walmart version of the s5. Seriously. It's super locked down. Bootloader is locked. It's similar to the at&t variant. Huge pain. And to make it worse it's not even a very common model of the phone so no devs really got too into it.