S4 SGH-I337 5.0.1 do I have to root to retrieve deleted data?

[AC Question]

I recently discovered my S4 is deleting text messages that are required for court. I have attempted to recover them, however most retrieval programs don't support the 5.0.1 OS and are telling me to root my device. I don't know how to do this and don't really want to be playing around with my phone. Can this be done without rooting my phone? If not, how do I go about rooting my device. Are there risks that the deleted material will vanish?

 

[Raptor007]

The ability to root is carrier dependent so if you are on one of those root unfriendly carriers you will have issues, plus rooting may require wiping the device which is what you don't want. I would contact your wireless carrier and since these are required by court your legal counsel could also assist in getting the messages. If cops can get ahold of these messages so can you with the right amount of legal assistance.