I'm running Cyanogenmod 10.1.0-RC5-Hercules on a rooted phone with Jelly Bean 4.2.2 I got off eBay that way (in other words, I'm a newb when it comes to root).

The problem started when I tried updating CM--I can't remember what I tried to update it to, it came through as a new update and I clicked it. Next thing I know, I'm stuck in a boot loop for a solid day. I figured out how to get out of that, but then had a problem with the keyboard not working, couldn't even get online because I couldn't enter the wifi password. I eventually got into recovery mode, where I tried things like wiping the cache partition, wiping the davlik partition, fixing permissions, anything. The only thing that worked was reinstalling an older version of CM.

Fine. This fixed it mostly, except I lost my mobile network and data connection. Long story short, I've been poking around and following tutorials, and the bottom line is I think I've corrupted my EFS. The folder is there, but missing the nv_data files. I've looked around a little more and there doesn't seem to be much hope for me now. I've seen the suggestion to flash Odin, and feel I could manage it, but I'd like to stay rooted if possible (but a fully functional phone is preferable if this is my only option). Does anyone have any suggestions for a newb? I'm so frustrated at this point, and I'll probably never, ever update CM again if I can get my phone back to working smoothly and perfectly like it was.

Thanks in advance

 

Thank you so much, Atma, for your suggestions. I've spent all morning at this site, GalaxyS2root.com, which I highly recommend for all noobs to rooting. Has all kinds of tutorials with super easy step-by-step processes complete with photos to guide you through. I used Odin to reflash back to Jellybean T-Mobile stock which fixed the network problem (and I was prepared to live with stock but I HATED the cartoony UI after CM's sleek look), then re-rooted and reinstalled CM 10.1 M3. My phone is beautiful and functional again, and I feel much more confident now working with root.

(Oh, the boot loop turned out to be the easiest thing to fix (for anyone who needs it). Every site I found said to hold down volume up (or down) plus home plus power, which did nothing. It was actually volume up AND down plus power.)

I LOVE MY PHONE AGAIN! Thanks