Samsung Galaxy S II Owners Thread

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569 posts

Ultimate Geek

#520207 12-Sep-2011 21:52

joker97:
Brendan:
joker97: just a question - i did a CWM backup. is it a complete 100% image that fully restores everything back to that point (like windows 7 PC backup) with one click?

No, not quite - it doesn't back up the EFS partition or the boot sectors (or the sd cards). As far as I know (correct me if i'm wrong). Just the OS itself and user settings.

It is imperative to backup your EFS before any custom roms are installed. Someone elses efs will NOT EVER work.

what is EFS? (is it the network provider settings?)

my phone only ever had 2 things done to it:

rooted with custom kernel (Chainfire)

then flashed with "no wipe" rom (cognition 2.1)

will this have changed the:
"EFS"
"boot sectors"

everything still works (network connection much better, but no longer able to do samsung dive phone tracking due to corrupted/malfunctioning IMEItracker)

The EFS data never changes, back it up now. The EFS folder contains the IMEI info - unique only to your phone. If it gets corrupted then your phone is toast, at least as a phone anyway. I guess Samsung might be able to fix it, but certainly not under warranty and the few posts I've seen on the subject have not ended well....

I don't think the boot stuff can be backed up by normal means. Anyone know if a new firmware flash will fix corrupted/missing boot sector files?

nofam

1094 posts

Uber Geek

#520219 12-Sep-2011 22:10

K1000716:
joker97:
Brendan:
joker97: just a question - i did a CWM backup. is it a complete 100% image that fully restores everything back to that point (like windows 7 PC backup) with one click?

No, not quite - it doesn't back up the EFS partition or the boot sectors (or the sd cards). As far as I know (correct me if i'm wrong). Just the OS itself and user settings.

It is imperative to backup your EFS before any custom roms are installed. Someone elses efs will NOT EVER work.

what is EFS? (is it the network provider settings?)

my phone only ever had 2 things done to it:

rooted with custom kernel (Chainfire)

then flashed with "no wipe" rom (cognition 2.1)

will this have changed the:
"EFS"
"boot sectors"

everything still works (network connection much better, but no longer able to do samsung dive phone tracking due to corrupted/malfunctioning IMEItracker)

The EFS data never changes, back it up now. The EFS folder contains the IMEI info - unique only to your phone. If it gets corrupted then your phone is toast, at least as a phone anyway. I guess Samsung might be able to fix it, but certainly not under warranty and the few posts I've seen on the subject have not ended well....

I don't think the boot stuff can be backed up by normal means. Anyone know if a new firmware flash will fix corrupted/missing boot sector files?

It does appear to be possible to restore your IMEI if your EFS directory gets nuked, but it's certainly not recommended!!

If you have root access then you should definitely back up /EFS, but one note of caution: from what I've read on XDA, copying it via Root Explorer/Astro doesn't retain the correct permissions. . . .you're best to do it via ADB, or get the app that Hellcat wrote that creates an .img of it, and can also restore it.

K1000716

569 posts

Ultimate Geek

#520220 12-Sep-2011 22:14

nofam: It does appear to be possible to restore your IMEI if your EFS directory gets nuked, but it's certainly not recommended!! If you have root access then you should definitely back up /EFS, but one note of caution: from what I've read on XDA, copying it via Root Explorer/Astro doesn't retain the correct permissions. . . .you're best to do it via ADB, or get the app that Hellcat wrote that creates an .img of it, and can also restore it.

Is IMEI tinkering legal here? It seems to be illegal in most places so probably not what you want to get into. Hellcat's app seems to work fine (certainly easy!), but I've never had to restore mine so can't confirm ;)

Batman

Mad Scientist
29770 posts

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#520248 12-Sep-2011 23:35

hmm hellcat's thing needs me to flash another kernel! why is this now getting so complicated ;p

ok i have another rant (probably doesn't apply to Kiwiland people unless you're on VFNZ 3gb smart plan) ... the wifi hotspot is 50-50 ... sometimes works sometimes doesn't. and it's got nothing to do with whether 3g reception/speed is good or not coz when you touch the phone is it blazingly fast and then "no internet" on computer. restarted already and still the same!!!

Brendan

716 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#520274 13-Sep-2011 01:26

joker97:
Brendan:
joker97: just a question - i did a CWM backup. is it a complete 100% image that fully restores everything back to that point (like windows 7 PC backup) with one click?

No, not quite - it doesn't back up the EFS partition or the boot sectors (or the sd cards). As far as I know (correct me if i'm wrong). Just the OS itself and user settings.

It is imperative to backup your EFS before any custom roms are installed. Someone elses efs will NOT EVER work.

what is EFS? (is it the network provider settings?)

my phone only ever had 2 things done to it:

rooted with custom kernel (Chainfire)

then flashed with "no wipe" rom (cognition 2.1)

will this have changed the:
"EFS"
"boot sectors"

everything still works (network connection much better, but no longer able to do samsung dive phone tracking due to corrupted/malfunctioning IMEItracker)

The EFS is the area of your phone containing your IMEI number and other unique info ideintifying your phone. Should this information become corrupted or lost, your phone will NOT connect to ANY phone network in a useful manner (you will only be allowed to make 111 calls).

Backing it up is not optional; there is no way to recover it, it is factory generated according to confidential processes. It is NOT something trivial. If it is stuffed up, it means buying a NEW PHONE. You have been warned. Info on how to back it up is in my FAQ below.

No ROM is supposed to change it; but mistakes can be made and things can go wrong. You are playing with the firmware of your phone after all, you ARE putting yourself in dangers way.

That everything is still working for you is great; don't test your luck further.

This is not meant to sound harsh... I am in fact trying to save you from an expensive mistake, and wish to emphasize the importance of this to everyone.

Brendan

716 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#520275 13-Sep-2011 01:29

nofam:
K1000716:
joker97:
Brendan:
joker97: just a question - i did a CWM backup. is it a complete 100% image that fully restores everything back to that point (like windows 7 PC backup) with one click?

No, not quite - it doesn't back up the EFS partition or the boot sectors (or the sd cards). As far as I know (correct me if i'm wrong). Just the OS itself and user settings.

It is imperative to backup your EFS before any custom roms are installed. Someone elses efs will NOT EVER work.

what is EFS? (is it the network provider settings?)

my phone only ever had 2 things done to it:

rooted with custom kernel (Chainfire)

then flashed with "no wipe" rom (cognition 2.1)

will this have changed the:
"EFS"
"boot sectors"

everything still works (network connection much better, but no longer able to do samsung dive phone tracking due to corrupted/malfunctioning IMEItracker)

The EFS data never changes, back it up now. The EFS folder contains the IMEI info - unique only to your phone. If it gets corrupted then your phone is toast, at least as a phone anyway. I guess Samsung might be able to fix it, but certainly not under warranty and the few posts I've seen on the subject have not ended well....

I don't think the boot stuff can be backed up by normal means. Anyone know if a new firmware flash will fix corrupted/missing boot sector files?

It does appear to be possible to restore your IMEI if your EFS directory gets nuked, but it's certainly not recommended!! If you have root access then you should definitely back up /EFS, but one note of caution: from what I've read on XDA, copying it via Root Explorer/Astro doesn't retain the correct permissions. . . .you're best to do it via ADB, or get the app that Hellcat wrote that creates an .img of it, and can also restore it.

It can also be done through a terminal emulator ON the phone, as detailed in my/our FAQ.

Where is the info for this program for backing in up, any links? I might put it in the FAQ.

K1000716

569 posts

Ultimate Geek

#520276 13-Sep-2011 01:32

Brendan: Where is the info for this program for backing in up, any links? I might put it in the FAQ.

It's called the Companion Tool and is halfway through the OP here.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

nofam

1094 posts

Uber Geek

#520305 13-Sep-2011 08:08

joker97: hmm hellcat's thing needs me to flash another kernel! why is this now getting so complicated ;p

No, it's available as a standalone app - see K1000716's post above this for the link.

Damager

2125 posts

Uber Geek

#520953 14-Sep-2011 13:40

Hi everyone

Can i get a link for the official telecom firmware for the sgs2 9100t please?

Thanks!

Steve

- Telstra HTC Touch Pro2 - Energy ROM WM6.5.5 20 Oct/Cyanogen Mod Froyo 2.2 - R.I.P
- AT&T Galaxy S Captivate 16GB on XT (now with brother)
- Samsung Galaxy S2 on XT- Runs ICS 4.0.3 Resurrection Remix 9.2
- Business Hours - Work In The Electricity Industry, After Hours - DJ/Turntablist - Will Scratch Vinyl For Free'
- What's next??? S3?

nofam

1094 posts

Uber Geek

#520958 14-Sep-2011 13:48

Damager: Hi everyone

Can i get a link for the official telecom firmware for the sgs2 9100t please?

Thanks!

Steve

I've posted a requst on Intratech's XDA thread - he seems to be able to get all stock firmwares.

Can you please type #*1234# into your dialler, and tell me what it says?

Damager

2125 posts

Uber Geek

#521181 14-Sep-2011 20:53

nofam:
Damager: Hi everyone

Can i get a link for the official telecom firmware for the sgs2 9100t please?

Thanks!

Steve

I've posted a requst on Intratech's XDA thread - he seems to be able to get all stock firmwares.

Can you please type #*1234# into your dialler, and tell me what it says?

Eek.. It says MMI invalid.

nofam

1094 posts

Uber Geek

#521182 14-Sep-2011 21:00

Damager:
nofam:
Damager: Hi everyone

Can i get a link for the official telecom firmware for the sgs2 9100t please?

Thanks!

Steve

I've posted a requst on Intratech's XDA thread - he seems to be able to get all stock firmwares.

Can you please type #*1234# into your dialler, and tell me what it says?

Eek.. It says MMI invalid.

Actually, I typed the dialer code wrong (was up to my neck in a nasty SQL statement!) - it should be *#1234#

What ROM are you running at the moment?

cokeman2

919 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#521191 14-Sep-2011 21:38

new toys/accessories for the s2 came today :)

https://cdn.geekzone.co.nz/imagessubs/blog59ad76174b7077035165c71b3b99cb70.jpg

Social Bitcoin meetup every 2 weeks in Hamilton PM me for details

Damager

2125 posts

Uber Geek

#521200 14-Sep-2011 21:56

nofam:
Damager:
nofam:
Damager: Hi everyone

Can i get a link for the official telecom firmware for the sgs2 9100t please?

Thanks!

Steve

I've posted a requst on Intratech's XDA thread - he seems to be able to get all stock firmwares.

Can you please type #*1234# into your dialler, and tell me what it says?

Eek.. It says MMI invalid.

Actually, I typed the dialer code wrong (was up to my neck in a nasty SQL statement!) - it should be *#1234#

What ROM are you running at the moment?

Dlev 1.1 Rom so it's all KH3.

I had a note of the stock stuff and it was pda KH1 phone KG2 csc KH1(TNZ)

nakedmolerat

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#521201 14-Sep-2011 22:09

cokeman2: new toys/accessories for the s2 came today :)

https://cdn.geekzone.co.nz/imagessubs/blog59ad76174b7077035165c71b3b99cb70.jpg

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