Database Develop

[Q] Captivate Don't boot

Got my captivate into download mode by the adb command method. Fired up odin and clicked start. It showed my phone as com4 (Yellow). It kept hanging so I unplugged my phone and removed the battery and now the phone boots to a nice phone ... to computer icon. Any help? suggestions?
Notes:
I tried entering download mode again via the volume keys and removing the battery no luck. This didn't work prior to using odin. I had to use method 1 to even get into download mode. I was trying to install 2.2 via odin one click.
this phone has 2.1 update 1 on it.

How long did you let it run? Did you start Odin before putting your phone in download mode? Search the forums there are numerous threads already on this.

I let in a run for like 2 mins just sat there. I saw videos and it didn't hold like it did for me. Almost like it was froze. I started odin before. didn't show. put device in download mode still didn't show unplugged it and replugged it in and it showed finally.

Try this open Odin one click then with the phone unplugged remove battery, SIM, external card if you have one, hold both volume buttons and do not let go, do not touch power, plug phone into pc, put battery in and you should go into download mode. I have read that this has worked for others in your situation. See if this works.
What were you running on your phone when you decided to use Odin? If you were running any I9000 the button combo may be different.

I tried that still stuck with the "phone+!+computer" screen. No Digging android man. I hold both volume keys, No Power and plug it and still no go.

What did you have running on your phone when you were attempting to flash? What were you flashing?
Did you take the battery out? Open Odin, battery out, try holding just the volume down and power buttons, plug in the phone to pc, keep holding the buttons, then put the battery in. There are different combos that I have read that work for people. You can always pop in the Cognition chat room and see if someone there can help you. http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=Cognition Also, was your phone in debugging mode.

This phone is brand new out of box. Nothing Was running just factory settings. I was trying to install the froyo leak via this odin downloader. I've tried that method along with a few others I've fount in search. None seem to help to no avail at all.

boomwbb said:
This phone is brand new out of box. Nothing Was running just factory settings. I was trying to install the froyo leak via this odin downloader. I've tried that method along with a few others I've fount in search. None seem to help to no avail at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should've left Odin running with the phone plugged in, not trying to kick you while you are down. Go to the Cognition chatroom and see if you can get help. If you bought it from AT&T return it and blame it on the failed OTA, you're within 30 days. I know I'll get **** for saying that but oh well.

I've read that these #1008 Lot phones don't have the ability to get into download via the button combination. That's what my phone is it's a #1008 lot. I didn't buy my phone from AT&T I bought it from an ebay seller.

But you did get into download mode once. You can always send it to Samsung for waranty repair. Call Samsung support, blame the OTA from AT&T.

boomwbb said:
I've read that these #1008 Lot phones don't have the ability to get into download via the button combination. That's what my phone is it's a #1008 lot. I didn't buy my phone from AT&T I bought it from an ebay seller.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This made chills go up my spine.
Rhiannon is right, try Samsung warranty method.

yeah I did via ADB tho sending the adb reboot download command. Other than that before that I had no luck with key combination's.

boomwbb said:
yeah I did via ADB tho sending the adb reboot download command. Other than that before that I had no luck with key combination's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call Samsung support and send it in for waranty repair. However, the seller sold you a phone that won't go into download mode. Maybe E-Bay could get you a refund. Then you can buy one from AT&T to avoid these types of ussues. Sorry for your trouble, I hope you get it resolved with Samsung waranty repair or the seller. If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for it on e-bay?

[Q] Bell Vibrant, black screen, no recovery

I've read several topics but i couldn't find the right answer. I hope you can help me.
The problem i have happened without me doing anything recent. I have never flashed any rom, and i rooted my phone for titanium backup like 2 month ago and it worked fine.The last things i did was to install pocket legend, the new mmorpg like 3 days ago.I charge my phone during night, and take it for the day in the morning. Today, the screen stayed black when i picked it up. When i reboot, the screen goes black after the samsung logo.
The problem is that i have recovery mode (the 3 buttons) disabled and when i try to connect to kies it says i am not in samsungs kies mode.. Is there a way to force it to detect my phone so i can try update it?
According to the wiki, my phone doesnt seem to be bricked as i can still see the battery charging when i plug it. Is my phone bricked? Any hope?
I know the easiest way would be to return it to the store, but i dont want them to see my personal information/rooting as i cant even factory reset it.
There is also that topic on internal sd that has failed but i think this is not my case. You can still boot into android without the internal sd right?
I've seen a topic on soldering two mini usb cable to force the phone to go into recovery mode. I not familar enough to do it. If this method could solve my problem, could anyone sell me one?
Was there an over the air update today that could've done this to my phone?
I am lost, please help i am really clueless in what is happening to me.

are you able to go to download mode
flash your phone that way with odin i had the same problem as you

download mode as in using the 3 buttons? no i cant unless there is another way?

I can't get odin to recognize my phone.. I can't get into os so no usb debugging...

read this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=819551
then it'll help you flash back to whatever you want

Okay, I know the jig will DEFINITELY work in this case. Any phone state I've come across with that jig, I can throw the phone into downloading. However, it seems that there MAY be hope for you PRIOR to using the jig. Are you familiar with the ADB commands? If so, turn on the phone, connect via USB, run cmd as administrator, navigate to the proper adb folder and under the prompt type in adb devices. If it shows any device, type in adb reboot download and it'll throw it into download mode for you.

AllGamer said:
read this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=819551
then it'll help you flash back to whatever you want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the JIG is my last resort but i dont have any solder skill
If you know anyone that could sell me one i would be very happy!
krazykidd said:
Okay, I know the jig will DEFINITELY work in this case. Any phone state I've come across with that jig, I can throw the phone into downloading. However, it seems that there MAY be hope for you PRIOR to using the jig. Are you familiar with the ADB commands? If so, turn on the phone, connect via USB, run cmd as administrator, navigate to the proper adb folder and under the prompt type in adb devices. If it shows any device, type in adb reboot download and it'll throw it into download mode for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear that the JIG would work. As for ADB commands, doesn't it need the usb to be put in debugger mode? Is there any way to do it externally, without going in the setting menu? I am not very familiar with the adb commands but if its doable i will go read about it.
Thanks for suggestions!

slay3r85 said:
As for ADB commands, doesn't it need the usb to be put in debugger mode? Is there any way to do it externally, without going in the setting menu? I am not very familiar with the adb commands but if its doable i will go read about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly... it's not possible via ADB in your conditions

Thanks you for help!
I still tried but it said that it couldn't find my phone.
I leaning toward making a JIG. I just have to figures out how if no one sell them

Did you really tryed Download Mode?
"Vol Down" + "Home" + "Power" instead of "Vol Up" + "Home" + "Power"?

I tried several time different combo listed on wiki without any success. About 3h long!
I bought my phone the first day it came out so i guess the hardware method is locked.
As soon as i can get it back running i will apply that new fix for the combo.
I am a bit worried about the homemade JIG, will it still work without usb debugging?

Where in the world are you?
If you are in the GTA area, then you can invite me for a coffe

slay3r85 said:
I tried several time different combo listed on wiki without any success. About 3h long!
I bought my phone the first day it came out so i guess the hardware method is locked.
As soon as i can get it back running i will apply that new fix for the combo.
I am a bit worried about the homemade JIG, will it still work without usb debugging?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. It will. As long as the phones off and the jig is in when you turn it on
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA

AllGamer said:
Where in the world are you?
If you are in the GTA area, then you can invite me for a coffe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish i could but i live too far Quebec / Laurentides. I think its about 8h driving!
krazykidd said:
Yes. It will. As long as the phones off and the jig is in when you turn it on
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks you for confirming this! I ordered the components and i will try to do it myself.
Some people have done it without any solder skill ! I hope it get here fast! I didn't know i would miss my phone so much!

Seriously! ??? I just soft bricked my phone I really don't know why these software and hardware companies can't get this right the first time. I was going to by an iphone until a sales rep showed me the galaxy s and I was impressed until I saw the black screen of death. A whole lot of B.S. to fix something that should work right in the first place. I'm getting tired of faulty equipment.
My Galaxy is still under warrenty I'll bring it back to store but I'm fed up with worthless technology.

black screen help plz
hey guys i have a galaxy s vibrant which will turn on nd the home nd back nd other buttes will turn on but my screen wont any idea what it might be ?

[Q] Seems to be bricked..

Hey everyone, First time poster here and it seems my captivate is bricked. I'm fairly new to android but I caught on with ROM/kernel/etc.. flashing and all seemed to be going well. I saw the new 3.5 update for precision and wanted to update from 3.0. I did my usual thing and restored to stock with ODIN instead of flashing over. Rooted all over again, downloaded ROM manager and flashed clockwork recovery. I selected the ROM when I was in CWrecovery and rebooted.. but for some reason the phone never gets past the boot screen. The ATT logo shows up, then the suckerpunch logo (as suckerpunch is included in the precision ROM) and then the precision logo.. but it just keeps starting over from there. I thought I did a clean flash but something went wrong obviously.
Ive tried the three button combo and anything that has been stated before on here about the three button combo timing and whatever. So it seems that I cant get in recovery or download by using the traditional methods.
I'm guessing my phone is soft-bricked, which should be relatively easy to fix, but I can't get into any mode at all. Ive seen plenty of threads with people having boot loop issues but they seem to have been solved my some combination of buttons used or the ODIN usb download mode technique. Ive seen mention of using adb commands to get into download mode, but I think I have to have usb debugging enabled which I can't enable, clearly.
Any help would be appreciated, especially since in the meantime I'll have to use my old 903sh.

CCDillon said:
Hey everyone, First time poster here and it seems my captivate is bricked. I'm fairly new to android but I caught on with ROM/kernel/etc.. flashing and all seemed to be going well. I saw the new 3.5 update for precision and wanted to update from 3.0. I did my usual thing and restored to stock with ODIN instead of flashing over. Rooted all over again, downloaded ROM manager and flashed clockwork recovery. I selected the ROM when I was in CWrecovery and rebooted.. but for some reason the phone never gets past the boot screen. The ATT logo shows up, then the suckerpunch logo (as suckerpunch is included in the precision ROM) and then the precision logo.. but it just keeps starting over from there. I thought I did a clean flash but something went wrong obviously.
Ive tried the three button combo and anything that has been stated before on here about the three button combo timing and whatever. So it seems that I cant get in recovery or download by using the traditional methods.
I'm guessing my phone is soft-bricked, which should be relatively easy to fix, but I can't get into any mode at all. Ive seen plenty of threads with people having boot loop issues but they seem to have been solved my some combination of buttons used or the ODIN usb download mode technique. Ive seen mention of using adb commands to get into download mode, but I think I have to have usb debugging enabled which I can't enable, clearly.
Any help would be appreciated, especially since in the meantime I'll have to use my old 903sh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you describe exactly which three button methods have you performed? The one that always seems to work to get to download mode is hold both volume up and down and plug in USB cable to the computer and you should be able to get into download mode (of course after taking out the battery, shutting off your phone first). You should have ODIN open before this, then after that just press start on ODIN.
I believe people with captivates who have problems with 3 button combos have batch 1008. Please tell if you can't use the method above then we can check your batch.

koreancanuck said:
Can you describe exactly which three button methods have you performed? The one that always seems to work to get to download mode is hold both volume up and down and plug in USB cable to the computer and you should be able to get into download mode (of course after taking out the battery, shutting off your phone first). You should have ODIN open before this, then after that just press start on ODIN.
I believe people with captivates who have problems with 3 button combos have batch 1008. Please tell if you can't use the method above then we can check your batch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the fast response.
Ive tried the above method and it didn't work. Ive also tried plenty of others like holding the power button with the two volume buttons (to try recovery) Ive also held the buttons down for certain amounts of time to see if my timing is just off, and pretty much a few other generic three button combos that are performed when this sort of thing happens. Instead of getting into download mode, it of course just shows the battery charging.
If the phone is plugged in while it is doing its rebooting cycle then ODIN actually detects it, but I still wouldn't be able to do anything I'm sure.
Ive read through many posts about this but I just cant find anything to work at all, maybe buying a jig would be the final solution. :/
EDIT: If it helps, before flashing my captivate for the very first time a month back, i was told to check to see if I could enter into download mode and recovery safely, which I could and this was on stock rom. Ive been able to get into download/recovery with other ROMs as well, idk what's up now though

CCDillon said:
I appreciate the fast response.
Ive tried the above method and it didn't work. Ive also tried plenty of others like holding the power button with the two volume buttons (to try recovery) Ive also held the buttons down for certain amounts of time to see if my timing is just off, and pretty much a few other generic three button combos that are performed when this sort of thing happens. Instead of getting into download mode, it of course just shows the battery charging.
If the phone is plugged in while it is doing its rebooting cycle then ODIN actually detects it, but I still wouldn't be able to do anything I'm sure.
Ive read through many posts about this but I just cant find anything to work at all, maybe buying a jig would be the final solution. :/
EDIT: If it helps, before flashing my captivate for the very first time a month back, i was told to check to see if I could enter into download mode and recovery safely, which I could and this was on stock rom. Ive been able to get into download/recovery with other ROMs as well, idk what's up now though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you could get into download before, I don't know why you wouldn't be able to do it now. The fact that you can see the battery charging icon indicates that you should easily be able to get into download mode. Can you double check your methods and if neither work, you could always go for JIG.

you may need to buy this to get into download mode:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...69977&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_623wt_1139

just to clearify and add one more thing to try...
you are experiencing a boot-loop not brick..
ive heard of boot loop problems sometimes getting into download mode by:
remove battery
plug in usb
hold volume buttons
put in battery
(slight change on usual method)
EDIT: you may also want to try the AIO captivate toolbox in the Dev section, it can try to put your phone into download mode

I had this happen before. I did what Tresselo said and it worked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

plug in your usb cable. let the phone reboot and see if the comp recognizes the phone at any point during your boot loop. if it does - your in luck, sort of... I had this problem as well with the same ROM. idk if its the ROM or just me screwing up (probably me screwing up) anyhow, type this command into a command prompt (must have the android sdk and adb installed) get into the tools folder where ever that may be at for me its C:\android\tools
from this dir type this: adb reboot download - do this as soon as the comp recognizes your phone - should work.... IF the comp is seeing the phone. If its not you WILL need a JIG which can be made fairly easy.

Try adb if you haven't already. Instructions are in the stickies in the Dev section.
Sent from my Captivate using XDA App

Thanks for all the replies guys, got a good community here. Sadly no suggestions have worked at all.
jgc121 said:
plug in your usb cable. let the phone reboot and see if the comp recognizes the phone at any point during your boot loop. if it does - your in luck, sort of... I had this problem as well with the same ROM. idk if its the ROM or just me screwing up (probably me screwing up) anyhow, type this command into a command prompt (must have the android sdk and adb installed) get into the tools folder where ever that may be at for me its C:\android\tools
from this dir type this: adb reboot download - do this as soon as the comp recognizes your phone - should work.... IF the comp is seeing the phone. If its not you WILL need a JIG which can be made fairly easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded the android SDK and installed all the necessary components, as soon as I hit the right directory (for me C:\Program Files\Android\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools>adb reboot download) and I get "error: device not found". So adb seems to be running right and I may just have to get my timing right, but as of trying a good ten times I'm not having any luck.
When booting up my cap while plugged into the computer, the noise that signals a usb connection sounds and when going into device manager and looking at usb connections, its says samsung android device. Seems like I could get into download, but I guess I'll just keep trying to time it exactly right even though Ive hit the command near the connection noise every time.
I'm not losing hope, but I went ahead and ordered the jig off of ebay that mengbo posted, I'm really hoping that the jig could solve my problem for good. From your perspective guys, would the jig DEFINITELY work? Or is it just a kinda one shot, hope for the best thing?

The JIG is a pretty sure thing seeing as how you are just in a boot loop.

CCDillon, Im in the same boat as you. Same thing happened to me. I have tried a jig and it did not work for me. Hopefully it works for you. I have tried ADB also and it could not find the device. I really hope there is something out there that can help us.

aw man, that's not good at all.. hope you can find a way. Did you make a jig and were you using the same ROM?

Hopefully its just mine and the jig works for you. I didnt mean to scare you. I made a jig at first, and it kept booting the phone. Thought I didnt make it correctly so I got one off of ebay, thinking it had to work. That one did the same thing. Thought maybe it was a faulty jig and the guy I got it from ('mengbo' on this forum) sent me another one to see if that was it. The new jig he sent (that worked on his phone) did the same thing. So, something else is going on.
I was going from Phoenix 4.5 to Supernova ROM and it gave me the same error you got. Now it Boots the ATT screen then loops the Phoenix ROM logo over and over. 1 vibrate followed by 2 more

I'm hoping the JIG works for mine, otherwise I'm not sure what to do. I admit it does scare me a bit to see that you've tried all these different things with no result. I was scanning the precision thread and it seems one of the avid users/posters got caught in a boot loop and it looks like they have gotten out of it, I sent a PM so maybe I can see what that user did, though part of me is thinking that the three button method worked for him but for some reason not for me. This is very frustrating and I'll keep an update on everything, the JIG should be here in about 3 days or so.
Also, you think it may have something to do with how many times our phones have been flashed? Ive looked up to see if flashing is bad for the phones "health" but it seems flashing won't really hurt anything, nor have I really flashed too much. Btw, my phone acts the same you described as well, with the random vibrating and everything.
My mind just seems to be jumping to any random possibility, it just sucks not having a working phone.
Hope SOMETHING works for you

Seriously - you guys are all worked up over a boot loop. the JIG will put you into dl mode just fine... only time it has high chance of NOT working is if you only see black screen - no power up at all.... you can make a JIG by getting 3 - 100k ohm resistors and a 1k ohm resistor from radio shack for about $1.25... its simple.

I removed my 3 button combo accidentally by flashing att 1 click, theres an att 1 click with 3 button fix, flash that when you can get into download mode.
If you can connect with adb use it to go to download, if not, you need a jig... it works, I have been down your path!

jgc121 said:
Seriously - you guys are all worked up over a boot loop. the JIG will put you into dl mode just fine... only time it has high chance of NOT working is if you only see black screen - no power up at all.... you can make a JIG by getting 3 - 100k ohm resistors and a 1k ohm resistor from radio shack for about $1.25... its simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Learn how to make the JIG you need HERE...
Or buy one from me HERE... < Shameless plug.

I was in the same situation as you guys after i had a bad flash and the loop on the bootanimation. I bought a jig online and it worked. The trick is to take out your microsd, and simcard and leave out the battery for 15 seconds. Then put back ONLY the battery in, and plug in the jig. It should turn back on and be put into download mode then flash with one click odin.

odin one click WITH 3 button fix....... saftey first.

Help Me!!! Black Window in Galaxy Tab P7510

i´ve got my brand new galaxy tab P7510 and after two day and swiching it down, black screen appears. Cant get it to start and i tried to charge it and wait for several hour but nothing happens. When i connect it to the pc it ask me for atx drivers wich ive already installed, but now i dont know what to do.
First i know i have to wait for samfirware to release the firmware for my tab i suppose and then flash it win odin i guess.
Is this the correct way or should i send it inmeately to samsung´s support service.
The main problem for me is that i live abroad and it would be very difficult to send it to usa.
thank you.

You're posting in the wrong forum!!!
Read the instructions!!

condorazul said:
i´ve got my brand new galaxy tab P7510 and after two day and swiching it down, black screen appears. Cant get it to start and i tried to charge it and wait for several hour but nothing happens. When i connect it to the pc it ask me for atx drivers wich ive already installed, but now i dont know what to do.
First i know i have to wait for samfirware to release the firmware for my tab i suppose and then flash it win odin i guess.
Is this the correct way or should i send it inmeately to samsung´s support service.
The main problem for me is that i live abroad and it would be very difficult to send it to usa.
thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have u tried recovery mode? On the 7" you press and hold in vol-up while pressing and holding in power, release the buttons when you se Samsung logo...but maybe you don't se that at all? But if you can enter recovery try a factory reset, it will be wiped.
Are you sure its off? maybe it has hanged and stopped responding to input. Try to hold in power button several secounds to force power off.
btw you should post questions in q&a...
/qsec

why do people keep on posting at the wrong thread? we need moderators intervention here.

all of these done, no signal from the table, with power + volume nothing at all, and holding power does nothing, no logo appears, always blackscreened. Sorry to post in this forum but as i saw how to unbrick tutorial here i though it was the correct place. Beg administrator to move to correct one
thank you

condorazul said:
all of these done, no signal from the table, with power + volume nothing at all, and holding power does nothing, no logo appears, always blackscreened. Sorry to post in this forum but as i saw how to unbrick tutorial here i though it was the correct place. Beg administrator to move to correct one
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have provided this info in the first post i wouldn't have bother to suggest things that you already have tried.
I guess there is no battery animation when you put the changer in?
If so i believe you have a genuine brick.
But it is a bit strange your pc reacts when you plug it in tho...
Did all this happen without you flashing anything thru odin or cwm?
You just turned it off and then i won't start anymore?
One thing i would try is to remove the battery and put it in again, but will for sure void any warranty.
Read this "coma brick" did you charge with ac for several hours?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1133590
/qsec

Never tried to do anything with the tab. Just load apk and nothing more. I charged it for several hours with two different charges and Pluged into Pc. Nothing works. I suppose it is really broken but what its strange is that Pc recognizes it

i think the nearest Samsung service Center will solve this for you . i advice you to check with them
note : they will think that you flashed something , even though you didn't . but its ok if you still under the warranty , maybe it takes 3 weeks to 4 though

if you hold vol down and power, can you get into download mode? it's an android dude with a shovel. if you can do that, then search the forums for your specific hardware files, and use heimdall or odin to flash them.

No way it doesnt start anything only black window. No logo no shovel nothing at all. Tried all the combinations and the only thing I can do is connect it to the Pc and it ask me for apx drivers which I've already installed but nothing to do with it. Also the firmware at samfirmware won't be available till next week, then I'll try to reflash if it is possible. About the service here in Spain they don't want even touch it, told me to send it to USA cos they say they can't get usa firmware and they only take care of product bought in Spain it stinks. And I offered the guy to pay for it even out of warranty but they don't want to mess with it. There's another guy in other forum that has the same problem with same tab. But still find no solution. I should have bought a ****... iPad at least if it crashes can be recovered easily. If this is a software problem I would have to send it there several times which is very expensive

How long have you held the power button? I had a similar issue this morning on my p1010 and I just held the.power button for maybe a minute and it restarted. It takes a long time when holding the button.
I'm new to the tab so don't shoot me if this is something you already tried.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130574
Can anyone one expert tell me if the solution on this post will work for me

I think you have a dead screen or lcd inverter, or dead back light. Definetely a warranty issue.
Take the tab out in bright sun and try the power buttons - maybe you can see the screen change?

Same Thing
I had the same thing happen.
No combination of buttons seems to bring life to the tablet. i'm going to download the driver now and see if I can get into adb to try to reset it.
I was watching a video, the video got really fuzzy, then the tablet froze up. I held down power to power it down and that is the last time it was on. Never flashed or rooted.
condorazul said:
i´ve got my brand new galaxy tab P7510 and after two day and swiching it down, black screen appears. Cant get it to start and i tried to charge it and wait for several hour but nothing happens. When i connect it to the pc it ask me for atx drivers wich ive already installed, but now i dont know what to do.
First i know i have to wait for samfirware to release the firmware for my tab i suppose and then flash it win odin i guess.
Is this the correct way or should i send it inmeately to samsung´s support service.
The main problem for me is that i live abroad and it would be very difficult to send it to usa.
thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Semi Bricked?

I've got an 896 Rogers Captivate that has been draining my sanity for hours now.
I managed to get it to download mode exactly ONCE out of ... literally eight hours of hold buttons, remove battery, replace battery, hold buttons, remove battery, etc etc.
I reached download mode by using the three button technique Volume Up + Volume Down + Power.
Once there I idiotically said "I can get here again.." and removed the battery.
I got this phone from a family member and managed to get it to download mode, but every other time I hold buttons (any buttons) it does exactly this:
If plugged into the computer it shows the loading daisy (which doesn't animate). I can hold any combination of the volume buttons and power button and it will flash black and return to the daisy.
If not plugged in, it shows the model number and 'Samsung'. Behavior is the same. Holding volume up, or down and the power button will flash black after eight seconds and then show the model and 'Samsung'.
I haven't tried Odin (although I've downloaded it and a rom thusly), a Jig, or any of the other brute force approaches to reaching download mode simply because I know that if I reached there once, I should be able to reach there again. Computers aren't sentient (although I swear this phone enjoys tormenting me).
Does any body have any insight to why I would be going through this?
Why won't it reach download mode again?
Just fyi: I have literally tried every button combination I can suss from the countless threads I've scoured and scanned.
Thanks in advance for any insight anyone can provide.

Just to make sure, as I didn't see it in the post, you did do v+/v- and insert the usb cord from a powered off state, right?
Also, check the captivate connection issues thread in my signature if you haven't already.

Different reaction
Hey thank you! Your list is handy!
I'm shocked I hadn't stumbled upon it already, or your signature for that matter..
Seriously can't understand how this is the first time I've seen it.
I've tried the [FROM A POWERED-DOWN STATE - BATTERY REMOVED] procedures but none of them got me into download mode.
Thanks all the same.
I'll try the battery charging list next.
Quick (and possibly stupid) question : Does it matter if it's an official Samsung USB cable?
As I noted in my initial post, I managed to get into download mode earlier today (little Android digging my grave with the same cable I've been struggling with for the past six hours.

Luck!
omigodomigodomigodomigodomigodomigod
okay, so I managed to get into d/l mode by plugging to power (outlet usb) and then applying three buttons.
So:
Battery Out
Plugged into USB
Battery In
Hold VolUp+VolDown+Power
Android man digging my grave showed up.
It should be noted that this same process was conducted several times against my PC upon which the technique worked several hours (and several hundred attempts, and half a season of StarTrek TNG) ago.
...now what (lol!)
I guess I'll fire up Kies and conduct a few more hours of scouring!

well you COULD go about flashing roms and kernels and modems to your hearts delight. But I would advise against that. I'd recommend first backing up EVERYTHING. Especially your /efs (you'll need to be rooted) folder if your considering flashing a rom. Once you do that you're free to flash. Just be sure to read the OP of the rom to make sure you meet the requirements for the rom or kernel, such as if you have the right boot loaders. As long as you read, you really can't go wrong with the captivate.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App

I'm not entirely sure how the phone reached this state but according to all the stuff I've read, if the phone is in this state it's recoverable using Kies.
However Kies doesn't seem to care that I've got this phone plugged in.
Frankly, there's nothing to back up, and if flashing out with Odin is the only way to establish a working Captivate then I suppose i've got some files to download.
Does anybody have any insight regarding Kies and getting it to play nice nice?

Do you have Samsung drivers installed?
Personally, I have only got Kies to work when the phone was actually on.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App

If your in download mode, I suggest just flashing back to stock using heimdal.
(I don't use odin 1-click stocks because my first attempt at using it corrupted my bootloaders. My phone would power on, go through the AT&T screen for hours. I also could not enter recovery or download using 6 different methods including a jig. I lost hope and accidentally left my phone on when I went to bed. I wake up next morning and it booted up. I used terminal emulator from the market and used the command Reboot Download. I worked, then I flashed back to stock using hiemdal. I am not completely sure why I shared this story but w.e )