How to Convert Kernel Zip to Tar.md5 File [Tool]

After spending hours trying to find a way to convert zip files to tar.md5 files that can be flashed using ODIN, I came up with a solution that is mentioned in this guide. Most cloud storage does not allow uploading of ODIN flashable tar.md5 files. So, you can only find zip files of custom ROMs and recoveries over the internet. There is a need to convert kernel zip to tar.md5 so that they can be flashed.

The following guide has a tool for converting .zip files to tar files. I have used this tool, and it works fine. Beware: Flashing kernels is not a kids’ job. You can get your phone bricked, so proceed with caution. If you follow the guide as it is, then don’t worry. I have explained everything in detail. Still, if you have questions or confusion, feel free to ask me in the comments.

How to convert Kernel Zip to Tar.md5:

The following are some prerequisites that you will need to proceed. Ensure you know how to flash ROMs and recoveries; this guide is not for beginners. You must have basic knowledge of Android, flashing firmware, and custom recoveries. Even if it’s your first time, don’t freak out. Do exactly as written in the guide, and ask in the comments if you have any confusion.

Prerequisites:

• Before flashing, make a NANDROID backup of your phone. If your phone experiences a problem while flashing a new kernel, you can restore the backup and get back to a stable state.
• You will need a kernel .zip file.
• An unzipping tool like WinRAR.
• A Computer.
• ODIN v3.10.7. (Download ODIN from here.)
• CreateTarForKernel Tool.
• Samsung USB drivers. (You will have to install Samsung drivers on your computer so that when you connect your phone to the computer, it recognizes it. This is essential for using ODIN.)

Note: Check these premade tar files, which can be flashed directly using ODIN. You might find the required one from this collection.

Step-to-step guide on how to convert zip file to tar (.tar.md5)

1. First of all, download CreateTarForKernal.
2. Make a new folder on your computer’s desktop, or anywhere you can find it easily.
3. Now extract the CreateTarForKernal zip file into that folder.
4. Now on your computer:(This is to unhide some files)
   • Go to Start
   • Write Folder Options.
   • Click to open it
   • Click on the View Tab.
   • Uncheck “Hide extensions for known file types”
   • Apply and Okay.
5. Download the Kernel Zip and extract it into the folder you just created.
6. Rename boot.img to or whatever the name of the .img file is to “zimage” (remove .img). If zimage file is already present in the folder, then you don’t have to perform this step. (Sometimes zimage.img file is present in some sub-folder of the kernel. Move it to the main CreateTarForKernel folder.)
7. Run tar.bat.
8. Once completed. You can rename the .tar.md5 file.
9. To ensure that the conversion was successful, see the size of the converted tar file. It should be almost the same as the kernel file you just converted.
10. Now, you can flash easily using ODIN.
11. You can add the .tar.md5 file you just created to the ODIN AP or PDA, put your phone in download mode, and connect it to your computer.

Important Note: One thing to consider is that PIT files also flash the ROM, which might delete all data on your phone.

That’s all on how to convert kernel zip to tar file. Feel free to ask me in the comments if you have any questions or confusion. Do give us feedback about how this guide worked out for you. In the above guide, I have also attached some premade tar files that are ready to be flashed using ODIN. You can select from them. If you find any suitable kernel for your phone. You can ask if you have any confusion while performing this guide to convert kernel zip file to tar file. Best of luck.