[Samsung Galaxy S8 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Oth] binvius:
Firstly, huge thanks to [MENTION=8360749]partcyborg[/MENTION] as with out all the hours of effort put in, all of us would be stuck on stock. Thank you, thank you!

Being an old-school considerate Brit with many years rooting, I knew it was imperative to follow every word of the guide before turning to help. I spent 6-7 hours every day trying - but unfortunately all to no avail.

I understand every sentence of the instructions especially those in bold/caps and have re-read them and the entire thread several times along with dozens of other threads.

_Specs:

- Came with: Android 8.0.0

- Build/Baseband: R16NW.G892AUCU2BRC5

- Kernel: 4.4.78-13220380

- Security Enhancements: Enforcing, SEPF_SM-G892A_8.0.0_0002

- Knox: 3.1, API 25, TIMA 3.3.0

- Security Software: MDF, WLAN, SPN PP-MOD, ASKS, SMR

- Security Patch: March 1, 2018

- IMS Registration: Not registered

- Device Status: Official

All developer options untouched:

- USB Debugging: off

_Situation:

Imported second hand to England from the beautiful USA.

When a UK sim is in, it naturally asks for an unlock code.

- Including odexed, I've tried every combination of every v2 file(they have different file names from each mirror) on every brand-new USB2 cable on every USB port on every machine.

- All with several versions of fresh USB drivers

- All with no trace of firewalls/antivirus/kies

- All instant and leaving 5 minutes between each step

- All with Part2 > Part1 and all with Part1 > Part2 > Part1 (auto-reboot off for 1st Part1)

- All with every combination of administration rights and compatibility mode

- I can flash back to stock fine with stock BL, AP, CP & CSC

_Also tried:

- Fresh Windows install with nothing else installed or running

- Leaving the battery to go flat once in loop

- Clearing cache/factory reset in stock recovery prior to attempting

- Re-downloading files several times in different browsers

- USB debugging on and off

- Changing file types to tar.md5 to .tar

- Several other things

- Tried the newer patched odin here:

https://xdaforums.com/android/software/patched-odin-3-13-1-t3762572

_Note:

I never get the SamFail magic auto-reboot upon first attempt and only once I've flashed one of the parts first and then repeat the guide.

_Result:

Whatever I do, I cannot enter Recovery Mode no matter how quick I am; instead it just loops with a blue Android then exclamation mark then differing scrolling text, mainly:

No Support SINGLE-SKU
Supported API:3

@ MANUAL MODE v1.0.0@
E:failed to mount /cache (Invalid argument)
E:failed to mount /system (Invalid argument)
E:failed to mount /system (Invalid argument)
[omc-app-link] fail to mount /system as ref:failed to mount /system (Invalid argument)
omc-permission] fail to mount /system as ref:failed to mount /system (Invalid argument)
[omc-res-permision] fail to /system mount as ref:failed to mount /system (Invalid argument)
[hxr_symlink] fail to mount /system as ref:failed to mount /system (Invalid argument)
E:failed to mount /cache (Invalid argument)
E:failed to mount /system (Invalid argument)
E:failed to mount /cache (Invalid argument)

_On Boot:

It freezes on the Samy logo with overlay:

Carrier: ATT
RPMB fuse blown
RPMB PROVISIONED
Current Binary: Official
System Status: Official
FRP Lock: Off
Warrant Void: 0x0
Qualcomm Secureboot: Enable
RP SWREV: B2(1,1,1,1,1) K1 S2
Secure Download: Enable
DID: 205E394491CB
Secure Check Fail: system

Things appear to have changed a lot in the rooting world over the past year I was forced on stock, so not sure how safe it is these days to push PIT files/ADB format System, etc.

Some of what I am reading suggests PrinceComsy Odin was blocked in January but perhaps not applicable:

https://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-galaxy-s8-note8-bootloader-odin/

What would be lovely is if anyone has found themselves down this path before, if they could think of any further suggestions, ideally aside from trying a forth usb cable brand.

After a couple of very tough years, I saved and sacrificed for months to get this dream phone that I desperately need and having foolishly spent a lot on accessories, I am determine to get this working as there must be a solution. Ideally one that is the least risky as simply cannot come close to a full brick.

So, thank anyone, particularity those with dev experience, if you can spare a few seconds to point me in the right direction. I am happy to reward any successor in anyway he/she may see fit.

Respectful & warmest regards,

Rupert

EDIT: spellings