Samsung Galaxy S - Update help!

Yeah this firmware update won't change the sim lock, it will still only work on T-mobile.

Worst case scenario is you'll have to reconfigure the APN for t-mobile data. In fact, it may be worth downloading this http://android.riteshsahu.com/apps/apn-backup-restore, make a backup of your current APN's and restore it when you've updated to 2.3.x

I can pretty much guarantee you won't need root, unless you want to block ads in android apps, or change the battery indicator icon etc. It's just like admin rights for your phone basically.
 
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The only thing that might change is your CSC code as the JVR and JVS CSCs won't have the T-Mobile customisation pack, so you may need to use the special key code after installing to change your CSC to XEU (it may default to KOR - Korea).

I would also back up your efs folder before flashing anything, and verify the 3-button mode is working.

EDIT: The JVS package should have the APN info for T-Mobile, so your data and MMS should work OK afterwards, we can check this easily though.
 
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It seems that wifi is flakey in JVS. Have either of you used the JVS listed in that tutorial? Has it been fixed now? Or am I best to look elsewhere?

Thanks for the APN backup link - I'd actually just seen that myself but it looks useful.

I might do the root thing too, just because it makes sense to do all this 'scary' :p stuff at once, and a 'better' recovery tool could be useful I can imagine. Any real reasons *not* to do it?

About SIM lock - I am not fussed if it still stays locked to T-Mobile (if that is the case) but I've read that if the phone has a SIM lock you can end up bricking the phone after the ROM update... Essentially you need to have removed the SIM lock before doing the upgrade. Can you confirm if this is true or not?

alex: What is this special key code? When would I use it? Is it something to be worried about? Also, I have already backed up by connecting in USB Mass Storage device and copying everything... Is this enough? I do not have anything that needs saving on the phone anyway (only photos which are already backed up), so I intend to do a hard reset before and after the update anyway. Also, you say JVS will have APN for T-Mobile... Will JVR too? Also how will it have T-Mobile *and* other networks? Will I have to delete others, else how does it know which to use? Finally - 'we can check this easily though' - How?!

Thanks again to the both of you!!! :)
 
I wouldn't worry about the APN's, just backup your current one, you could even write down the settings, or have them texted to you http://support.t-mobile.co.uk/help-and-support/index?page=home&cat=SOFTWAREDOWNLOADS

The i9000 I flashed with JVR was sim locked to Orange and it worked fine. I can confirm wifi is fine on JVR, too.

Technically anything on the usb mass/sd shouldn't be touched during the upgrade, does no harm backing it up though. I trust your contacts are synced to gmail?
 
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Okay, cool. At the moment I am leaning towards JVS just to have the latest (I cannot really think of a reason to get the older one?). I plan to have a go at this when I get home later tonight... Await a message if everything goes wrong... Quite nervous :P.

Having said this, I am now also considering doing the SIM unlock as well because, again, whilst I am messing around I may as well get it sorted... At least I'll have a fully updated (to official release) SGS unlocked. Sounds good on paper, at least.
 
Right.

I have used JVS for about one and a half weeks and never had a single issue, even with WiFi, so I'm not sure why people are having issues, but it may be a result of incorrect or untidy flashing of their handset.

No need for root, and in theory it makes the phone less secure, so only do it if you need it (which you'll already know).

My handset has always been SIM locked, probably flashed it 60 times since I got it and had no issues with that. It's easy enough to unlock if you want, don't see the point at this stage though.

The key code to change the CSC needs inputting after flashing if the country code (e.g. yours is T-Mobile custom 'TMU') has changed to an incorrect one, though it only really affects things like language and input options, but ideally we'll want UK English and common european languages (XEU). If you flash a new CSC (part of the ROM) and your code doesn't match, it defaults to KOR, which is for Korea. To change the CSC (and select from available ones, JVS is multi-csc, use the code *#272*???????????????# where the question marks are your IMEI number. (To find IMEI look inside phone or use *#06# on the dialer). Then you can select XEU from the list, it will factory reset and reboot the phone with the new CSC. Make sure you back up the EFS folder before this though as the phone can lose the IMEI this way and not work on any network, and simply copying this folder back is the easiest way. You'll only need to do this once, but you'll need root to do it. I used Root Explorer and flashed the appropriate CF-Root kernel to get root access before flashing the new ROM to do this. I know this complicates things a bit, but if you do screw up the IMEI somehow, this will save you possibly a lot of heartache if it goes wrong.

Other things you might want to back up are contacts and SMS. Contacts can be exported in the menu (and you can then copy the file across), SMS can be backed up using SMS Backup and Restore from the market, and the file saved to restore later.

Another thing I'd do is factory reset and format the internal sd, remove the external sd once you're backed up and before you start flashing a new ROM. This prevents problems occurring from incompatible versions of android and apps.

The ROMs JVR and JVS should both detect T-Mobile and install the APN automatically, should be no need to do anything. To check, you can simply go though the android settings to APNs and see if they're there.
 
Is that really necessary alex, do you think he'd be better off flashing an XEU JVR? He's already confused enough as it is:p
 
alex24 said:
The key code to change the CSC needs inputting after flashing if the country code (e.g. yours is T-Mobile custom 'TMU') has changed to an incorrect one, though it only really affects things like language and input options, but ideally we'll want UK English and common european languages (XEU). If you flash a new CSC (part of the ROM) and your code doesn't match, it defaults to KOR, which is for Korea. To change the CSC (and select from available ones, JVS is multi-csc, use the code *#272*???????????????# where the question marks are your IMEI number. (To find IMEI look inside phone or use *#06# on the dialer). Then you can select XEU from the list, it will factory reset and reboot the phone with the new CSC. Make sure you back up the EFS folder before this though as the phone can lose the IMEI this way and not work on any network, and simply copying this folder back is the easiest way. You'll only need to do this once, but you'll need root to do it. I used Root Explorer and flashed the appropriate CF-Root kernel to get root access before flashing the new ROM to do this. I know this complicates things a bit, but if you do screw up the IMEI somehow, this will save you possibly a lot of heartache if it goes wrong.
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Thanks for the detailed response. The bit above is the only bit that worries me... It also suggests I should 'root' otherwise I will not be able to do as you suggest above...

How do I back up the EFS folder? I take it that is not as easy as mount as USB? And if so, I already get two drives mounted (I think internal and external SD).

Thanks.
 
Also, just noticed that I cannot get into recovery mode (up, home and on).

I can get into download mode though.

I am only testing this as lots of the tutorials I have found suggest making sure you can access this before you begin.

Not a good start :(.
 
Recovery wont work as you've not installed a recovery;)

Download mode is what you need to flash via Odin so you're all set.
 
loltim said:
Is that really necessary alex, do you think he'd be better off flashing an XEU JVR? He's already confused enough as it is:p
Click to expand...

Fair point, there isn't a lot of difference at all between JVR and JVS. I just like having the latest, but I've already got an EFS backup. It sure is good practice to make sure you have one though, but you're right, it's not necessary to flash.

RastaManBob said:
Thanks for the detailed response. The bit above is the only bit that worries me... It also suggests I should 'root' otherwise I will not be able to do as you suggest above...

How do I back up the EFS folder? I take it that is not as easy as mount as USB? And if so, I already get two drives mounted (I think internal and external SD).

Thanks.
Click to expand...

You'd need to root the current ROM, not the new one. See above though, don't bother if you're not sure, but I think it's worth making a backup of for the future. It's very unlikely you'll have any problems with it, but it's up to you to take the risk.

The EFS folder is actually in the android system, so you need root and root explorer or similar software to back it up. It won't appear on the PC, but on the phone. It just contains a few files about your IMEI and CSC etc that if lost, you can copy back to get the phone working again. Without them, you'll have trouble, that's all. I know it massively complicates things, but you'll have to balance up if it's worth doing it or just risking it (very small risk tbh). I went the route of not risking it :)

Do you have the 3-button download mode working? With the phone off, hold power+select+volume down until the first galaxy s writing comes on the screen, then let go of them all. The phone should start into a mode where there's just an android with a shovel or something on the screen saying 'Downloading....'
 
Yes I have download mode working (will actually do the install when I get home), but no recovery mode. I was under the impression that recovery mode was a standard feature but that 'better' recoveries could be installed instead.

Is it normal not to have recovery at this time?

And also; I intend to install JVR or JVS from the one of the following:

http://www.theandroidsoul.com/how-to-root-xxjvr-using-odin-on-galaxy-s-i9000/
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/root-xxjvs/

I had originally planned to go with JVS 'just because' it's newer... Tim's comment of 'flashing an XEU JVR' has made me consider... Are either (or both??) of the above links XEU? Or will they require the system code you mentioned previously?

Thanks.
 
Sorry, neither of those links are working for me (maybe my ISP playing up again) but I'll try answer.

I think JVR has just an XEU code (so you'll go onto the correct code whatever), whereas JVS has a selection of codes (multiCSC), so you may end up on KOR. Just go with JVR as it's less complicated for now then.

I always thought recovery mode was on all ROMs, if you can get into download, you should be able to get into recovery. There is a knack to it though, and I've found it's easier to get into download, which always seems to go in, but sometimes you can't get into the recovery properly and it can take quite a few tries at first. Took me 6 times or so to get that right the first time! On Android 2.1 you should have the Android Recovery (2e). No need for recovery at this point though, Odin only needs download mode, and a new ROM will put a new recovery mode on there anyway.
 
Sorry, the links should have been:

http://www.theandroidsoul.com/xxjvr-latest-galaxy-s-firmware/
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/downl...mware-update-galaxy-s-i9000-to-android-2-3-5/

The first links I posted do work, but are for the root guide rather than the ROM guide.

I notice on the JVS it says 'And for your information, this Android 2.3.5 update firmware/ROM, XXJVS, is said to be an official leak of Samsung’s team, but like always there is no confirmation from Samsung about that. We’ll know only when XXJVS reaches to consumers using Kies, Samsung’s PC update software', whereas it does not say this on the JVR page. What is the latest Android version that Samsung have 'officially' released (e.g., via Kies)?

I ask because I think I understand (from your instructions) what is needed to use JVS so still considering it, but trying to work out which is actually best to have (people also seem to mention wifi problems on JVR). If, however, JVR has been confirmed to be official Samsung (and available on Kies) whereas JVS hasn't then I guess I'm 'safer' to go JVR.

Thanks :).
 
Hi,

First stage to report - GOOD!

I have done the JVS install. Now next thing I'd like to do is to check that I have the correct CSC:

It says:

I9000OXA

What is OXA? Should I really use XEU?

Thanks.
 
Just used the command mentioned earlier in this thread to select XEU. (Was originally KOR).

Doing *#1234# I still get I9000OXA though, but I guess this is okay? It has picked up the APN settings okay...
 
Just to try and close up on this one; Firstly thanks for the help... With the help received here and the specific guides linked to everything was pretty smooth. Still one or two last questions but otherwise good!

In the end I went with JVS. Did not bother putting the rooted ROM on after as I could not think of any case where I'd need it, my partner certainly wouldn't if she does have my phone from me and it was just another stage to possibly go wrong. Additionally I liked the idea of using a 100% Samsung ROM rather than using one somebody has messed around with further. This means I did not bother with the SIM lock but not fussed... My SIM obviously works (T-Mobile) and if my partner does swap phones with me she'll on T-Mobile too (convenient else I wouldn't be able to have her phone).

-I was under whelmed with the 'overall' difference between Eclair and Gingerbread. Sure I did not know what to expect (never looked at the change log)... But nothing seemed *hugely* different.

-The Samsung Launcher is still as useless as ever. In fact, after putting Launcher Pro back on the phone looks almost identical to before.

-Some of the minor changes are for the worse... Disappointed that the volume rocker no longer goes between SILENT <-> VIBRATE <-> VOLUME LEVELS. That is a really let down as I used that a lot. I've got some software from the Market which helps but not perfect.

-Otherwise, much snappier and more responsive. No lag in menus, things launch faster, the screen on/off during a call is much better.

-Not sure on battery life yet. Obviously I've not gone through one cycle yet, however took the phone off charge at about 0800 and it's already down to 84%. Not sure if Gingerbread was ever meant to help this, though.

-I've also noticed it seems far more sensitive in switching between 'T-Mobile' and 'T-Mobile Orange'. Not sure if this is good (possibly selecting best signal?) or not.

Quick question:

-After updating I checked the Phone/PDA/CSC versions. They are:
PDA: I9000XXJVS
PHONE: I9000XXJVS
CSC: I9000OXAJVS

I thought it was odd that the CSC was not the same as PDA and PHONE and so did the button combination discussed here. The CSC was in KOR mode and I change it (using that command) to XEU. I know this has worked as on subsequent hard resets the console that flashes up shows the CSC to be XEU.

Despite this, the above Phone/PDA/CSC versions display the same.

Is this correct? And is it okay to have the CSC as OXA? What does this mean?

Note that now the 'About phone' shows:
Model Number: GT-I9000
Firmware Version: 2.3.5
Baseband Version: I9000XVS
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9000XXJVS-CL565837, se.infra@SEP-73 #2
Build Number: GINGERBREAD.XXJVS

Are all of these settings okay, too?

Still not decided if I'll keep the phone but at least it's up to date. Thanks for the help :).
 
Samsung haven't changed the TouchWiz interface much at all, so on the face it it, there's not a lot of difference in the software, it's mainly in the performance.

Launcher Pro is good, I've always used a custom launcher on the phone, currently Go Launcher as Launcher Pro development has stagnated completely. You should try it, lots of options for customisation.

Your volume/silent problem, I can't remember, but it may be an option in the settings to allow it to come back, otherwise you could use a widget like SwitchPro, which works brilliantly well and would be even quicker.

Gingerbread performs a lot better than Eclair. The main difference is the lack of massive lags that would occur when trying to do various things, with no apparent pattern. Gingerbread is nice and smooth.

Your signal switching may well be to optimise the signal strength, but also balance with battery life. It uses a different modem that Samsung have fine tuned over time. If you find you've lost 3G too much, you can flash a different modem easily enough. I would stick with it though, JVS is the latest and *should* be the best.

Your battery life will probably take 3 full cycles to stabilise, so pass judgement at that point. It should be better. There is also the possibility to recalibrate battery stats if you think the performance has got worse (usually a result of flashing on low battery), but try it for a while and see.

The CSC for JVS is OXA, that's fine as it looks as though you've correctly changed to XEU. The dialer code that I said above will tell you what it really is, the about phone will stay the same. Looks good to me!
 
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