What is a Stock ROM?
Stock ROMs are the firmware that has been released from Samsung Kies official firmware server. These are being pulled from Kies by an Android firmware experts and carefully re-bundled it to make it flashable by using Odin flasher tool, via CWM and some prepared tool like chainfires’ Mobile Odin. This guide here tackles an Odin flashable stock ROM only, you might also see other methods like flashing via CWM and Mobile Odin (whuch is to be added soon).Stock ROMs contains the binary and image files of the whole software packaged, like these:
* Sbl.bin
* cache.img
* factoryfs.img
* hidden.img
* modem.bin
* param.lfs
* zImage
Inside the stock ROM bundled, those binary and images files are packed in three different formats.
The PDA, CSC and PHONE.
Some full packaged stock ROM comes in multiple package this includes with BOOTLOADER image and PIT files, but in flashing it’s been safe not to use these files.
PDA – This the software/firmware build number version and consists to a code of numbers and letters
CSC – (Consumer Software Customization) Refers to the specific country or carriers for that said firmware is being build.
This where it contains the default settings of each specific geographical region, carrier network providers and network data connections.
Phone – This renders the specific Baseband or device modem data (GSM/HSPDA).
PIT – the PIT file refers as ‘Partition Information Table’. This is only useful for fixing bricked devices if somehow something changed with the partition table layout of the phone’s system memory. But in normal flashing, you should not use this file, or you may screw up your phone if handed carelessly.
FAQ about flashing stock ROM
Q: Does it safe to flash stock ROM?
A: There is a risk danger in flashing firmware either original stock ROM and or custom ROMs on the device. Any unwanted interruption occurred will cause your device into softbricks. If it is your first time heard about this method, it is highly recommended to search more and learn about flashing stock ROM before you proceed.
A: There is a risk danger in flashing firmware either original stock ROM and or custom ROMs on the device. Any unwanted interruption occurred will cause your device into softbricks. If it is your first time heard about this method, it is highly recommended to search more and learn about flashing stock ROM before you proceed.
Q: Does Flashing will remove all my data stored on the device.
A: Yes and NO. There are two types of stock ROM, the wiped and non-wiped version. It is highly recommended that you should back-up all your important data stored in the phone’s memory like contacts, messages before flashing.
A: Yes and NO. There are two types of stock ROM, the wiped and non-wiped version. It is highly recommended that you should back-up all your important data stored in the phone’s memory like contacts, messages before flashing.
Q: Do I Need to ROOT or UNROOT my phone before flashing stock ROM?
A: NO need to root or unroot yor device, but you will loose root once flashing is made. So, you need to re-root your device again.
A: NO need to root or unroot yor device, but you will loose root once flashing is made. So, you need to re-root your device again.
Q: Does Flashing stock ROM to my phone will erase the network lock?
A: NO. Your network (or SIM) lock will still remain active.
A: NO. Your network (or SIM) lock will still remain active.
Q: Does Flashing stock ROM will remove root on my phone?
A: Yes. If you currently have rooted, your phone will return back to original factory settings after flashing. You need to re-root again to install any 3rd party applications.
A: Yes. If you currently have rooted, your phone will return back to original factory settings after flashing. You need to re-root again to install any 3rd party applications.
Q: Does flashing an operator specific firmware will restrict my open phone to that operator’s network?
A: NO. Your phone still remain open for any Operator SIM. Operator specific builds usually containing “only specific country or carrier provider” logo, bloatwares, wallpapers and/or browser settings, etc.
A: NO. Your phone still remain open for any Operator SIM. Operator specific builds usually containing “only specific country or carrier provider” logo, bloatwares, wallpapers and/or browser settings, etc.
You may read and follow this guide on how to properly and safely use these stock ROM
how-to-install-stock-rom-on-samsung-galaxy-s3-s-iii-gt-i9300