A good news for the owners of AT&T Galaxy Note SGH-I717. You can finally root your device, thanks to a custom kernel developed by XDA member Da_G. This kernel will provide you with root access to your device, however you’ll need to install the ‘Superuser’ app separately from the  Android Market for managing superuser permissions — which is no big deal, right?

So, read on as we guide you through the rooting procedure for Galaxy Note SGH-I717.

Warning!

The methods and procedures discussed here are considered risky and you should not attempt anything if you don’t know completely what it is. If any damage occurs to you or your device, we won’t be held liable — you only will be responsible, you’ve been warned!

Also, this will increase your flash counter, which is presumably used by Samsung as a reason to decline warranty service.

Compatibility

This Kernel and the guide below is compatible only and only with Samsung Galaxy Note [for AT&T, TELUS, Bell, Rogers], model number SGH-I717. It’s not compatible with any other device. Check your device’s model number in: Settings » About phone. If it’s not SGH-I717 please do not attempt this.

Kernel info:

  • Developer: Da_G
  • Support for custom boot animations
  • ADB root
  • init.d support
  • runs a script to auto-root your “/system” partition

Pre-Installation Requirements/Tips

  1. Although this process will not touch any of your apps or data, but still it’s recommended that you backup your Apps and important data — bookmarks, contacts, SMS, APNs (internet settings), etc. This Android backup guide would help you.
  2. If you have Samsung’s PC software Kies installed, uninstall it first because it may interrupt the flashing process.
  3. Drivers! — it’s important you’ve the proper drivers installed.
    Download links: 32 bit (x86) Windows |   64-bit (x64) Windows

How To Root AT&T Galaxy Note SGH-I717:

  1. Download the kernel file from the original development page.
    Filename:  pda.tar | Size: 9.19 MB
  2. Download Odin 1.85 from → Here | Filename: Odin3-v1.85.exe
  3. Disconnect your phone if it’s connected to PC.  Switch Off your phone. Wait for vibration to confirm complete switch off.
  4. Now, put the Galaxy Note in Download Mode — press and hold these keys together: Volume Down + Power. You’ll get a ‘Warning!‘ screen.. press Volume up to continue to enter download mode.
  5. Open Odin now by double clicking on Odin3 v1.85.exe file you got in step 2.
  6. Connect your phone to PC now. You should get the message “Added! !” under Odin’s message box in the bottom left. If you don’t get this message, then probably there is a problem with drivers. Make sure you’ve the correct drivers installed.
  7. In Odin, click on PDA and select the file “pda.tar″ (from step 1).
  8. Important! On Odin, make sure Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time check boxes are selected. Do not touch any other check box or tab or anything, except as was required in step 6 above.
  9. Now, hit the START button to start the flashing procedure. When the flashing is complete, your phone will automatically reboot — and when you see the Samsung logo, you can safely unplug the cable. Plus, you’ll get a PASS (with green background) message in the left-most box at the very top of the Odin.IMPORTANT Note: If ODIN gets stuck and doesn’t seem to be doing anything, or you get a FAIL message (with red background) in ODIN, do the following:

    Disconnect the phone from the PC, close ODIN, remove battery, re-insert it, turn phone on in Download mode again, and do the procedure again from Step 6.

  10. When it has restarted, your Galaxy Note will be running the custom Kernel. Check kernel in Settings → About phone.

That’s it. You now have the custom Kernel installed on your Galaxy Note. Share your thoughts and problems (if any) in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help you out.