Database Develop

[Q] Galaxy S software screwed up. How to restore the stock?

Hello,
i've got a serious problem with my galaxy S.
Recently i updated my software of my SGS to 2.2.1 with kies. I was happy for a little while but then i saw darky's rom and i wanted also the Gingerbread look on my phone. I rooted my 2.2.1 using Odin and i installed Clockwork recovery Mod or something like it. After that i flashed Darky's rom on my phone.
It all worked perfectly. But then Yesterday suddenly when i tried to call home my phone wasnt working like it should. And it wouldnt call anybody.
So at home i searched up a stock firmware from samfirmware .com And i flashed it.
Now my phone is all **** because the software force closes and kies doenst work any more. I think i may should have first deinstalled Clockwork mod and unroot?
The only thing i want is to get back to 2.2 or 2.1 Im running vodafone and im from holland don't know if that makes a difference?
Anyways i really hope someone on this forum can help me please.
I just need the stock firmware and everything else like CWM and root of my phone although i cant see superusers anymore in my menu so i think its off?

first of all boot into recovery. do a factory reset/ wipe the cache and also try to format the internal sd card.
secondly boot into download mode and try to flash your stock rom again, do not use re-partition or pit unless you have 3 files (pda, modem, csc), if that completes, let me know what happens after the flash... or PM me if you want to.

Just to add, if you have these problems, you should flash with repartition to make sure that everything will be fixed, but as azzledazzle said, you need all the 3 files to do that.

you knw what a problem is i think ..that i'm not sure im using the right rom to flash with? could you maybe tell me what file i need to flash with? what is the stock for my phone and how can i see it?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846913 this has all the stock firmwares you need. im not sure which ones come in 3 files. ideally you will be wanting one that also has dbdata... if you cant find it i would suggest flashing darkyys new 9.2
you can flash that thru odin, you can use 512 pit even tho it only has 1 pda file. and it also contains dbdata which will restore the old one incase of corruption or deletion (happened to me yesterday)

when i try to format the sd it says .
E:can't mound /dev/block/mmcblk0p1
(device or resource busy)
E:copy_dbdata_media: can't mount SDCARD:
do i need to do anything about this? is it bad?

i would try and flash a rom with dbdata if that doesnt work you could try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=905975 or this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=563298
if that doesnt work i think it may need to go back to samsung i suspect it could be a corrupt sd card... (but i may be wrong)

yes yes YESSS i think it worked really thanks man for the fast help etc. now it boots i flashed it and there are no weird apps or force closes...Only one question left if i want to just root 2.2.1 is there an easy app for it? or do u have a file to just root stock with odin?

airdude13 said:
Hello,
i've got a serious problem with my galaxy S.
Recently i updated my software of my SGS to 2.2.1 with kies. I was happy for a little while but then i saw darky's rom and i wanted also the Gingerbread look on my phone. I rooted my 2.2.1 using Odin and i installed Clockwork recovery Mod or something like it. After that i flashed Darky's rom on my phone.
It all worked perfectly. But then Yesterday suddenly when i tried to call home my phone wasnt working like it should. And it wouldnt call anybody.
So at home i searched up a stock firmware from samfirmware .com And i flashed it.
Now my phone is all **** because the software force closes and kies doenst work any more. I think i may should have first deinstalled Clockwork mod and unroot?
The only thing i want is to get back to 2.2 or 2.1 Im running vodafone and im from holland don't know if that makes a difference?
Anyways i really hope someone on this forum can help me please.
I just need the stock firmware and everything else like CWM and root of my phone although i cant see superusers anymore in my menu so i think its off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's funny.. I did the exact same thing yesterday, and the same result happened to me. Now I'm dealing with how to unbrick my phone.

easiest way is to flash speedmod kernel thru odin, that gives you root and lagfix (if desired) also some extra tweaks to speed up the phone.
PS: Dont forget the thanks button ---------------------------------------------->>>>>

well maybe this can be some use to u it worked for me i guess only prob is i cannot connect to kies but that's just finding the right firmware

damn man it still is not the right firmware how can i see what firmware i need? the one i got now kies still says it cant update

damn man i still dont have the right firmware how can i see what firmware i need for my phone? its a dutch vodafone branded phone i want 2.2

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846913
select the firmware you want from there. dont listen to what kies tells you.

HELP!! how to get back to original software?

Help, i need this REALLY fast.
My friend got a sgs, and i flashed a new kernel (backed up the original one) and a new rom.
Now i don't know how to get back...
Anyone help me?
Do i have to restore the kernel and use Samsung Kies?
Sent from my X10i TripNMiUI using XDA Premium App

He's running a custom 2.2 ROM and wants to go back to stock 2.1
Should i use Odin? Will this brick anything if it goes wrong?
Damnit i'm in trouble

right ! chill out, take a breath lol you will be back to normal before you no it !!
first of all, go to www.samfirmware.com to get the firmware you need.
put the downloaded files in the correct boxes using Odin.
If the firmware comes in 3 files, Use 512 PIT and check re-partition
hit start, wait for the pass sign and your done !!

You need the jm1 firmware from samfirmware.com, use the flashing instructions on their site using odin.its very simple, just take your time. Jm1 is a low level firmware for 2.1 which will enable you to upgrade to the latest offering via kies making your phone completely stock and "legit".
It will remove the 3 button recovery and download mode which you can restore using instructions elsewhere but I guess that is the least of your worries for now and is the price for going back to eclair.
Good luck and take your time.
Please hit the thanks button if you find this post useful
Sent from my GTI9000 using XDA App, gingerbread 2.2.3 rooted, ADW launcher + gingerbread theme

you have to flash it using odin. try to find your original firmware in www.samfirmware.com, if not, try to find it using checkfusdownloader descrybed in this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1032437.
once you flash it, sometimes you need to restore your csc code using *#272* Imei # .
once you done that, your phone will be like new, and kies will recognize it, and you will be able to upgrade it via Kies.

You say that you saved the original rom .
That should be re storable depending upon format as to how .
jje

JJEgan said:
You say that you saved the original rom .
That should be re storable depending upon format as to how .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, only the original kernel

so my friend wants a stock 2.1 ROM
should i use the latest European 2.1 ROM from HERE?
and for odin i have to check if there is a sim lock...
if there is one, how do i remove it?
and witch one should i use for 3button combo (I dont know how to get in)
This: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=785201
or
This: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=819551
I'm really noob on SGS so please dont blame me...

turn the phone off press and hold volume down , the middle button and power this should give you download mode....
and why would your friend want 2.1? doesn't even support flash...
You should tell your friend to flash JS8 android 2.2.1 it will make the sgs alot better

Jason123420 said:
turn the phone off press and hold volume down , the middle button and power this should give you download mode....
and why would your friend want 2.1? doesn't even support flash...
You should tell your friend to flash JS8 android 2.2.1 it will make the sgs alot better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, i told him but he's stupid (trust me 0o ) ^^
Thx hope download mode works then...
Sent from my X10i TripNMiUI using XDA Premium App

another question...
isn't there an update.zip from an ORIGINAL ROM?

PoTi_96 said:
another question...
isn't there an update.zip from an ORIGINAL ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not came across one
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

[Q] Massive SGS Problem

Hey All, sorry if its and easy problem or if its been posted heaps before i have been searching and tried everything to no avail so here i am putting it to all u xda members to help me with all your wisdom. See i have had my galaxy for a few months and thought hey time to play with the pre release of 2.3.3 before it was officially released well now im buggered lol i cant wipe, i cant factory reset i flash another firmware and it all goes fine it reverts back but all my apps and settings and accounts are still there and when i delete my apps and restart there all back again! i install new apps and they delete on restart... frustrating...i cant put any update.zip onto my internal as it deletes it straight away and installing from external SD dosent seem to work, i tried a few posts like this one as suggested by JJEgan else where to no avail either (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=818556) id love to be able to use my SGS again as i bought a windows phone 7 as a replacement and i dont like it lol SAVE MY ANDROID AND MY SANITY PLEASE!!!!!

Is it an international I9000? Or the I9000B? It seems to me as though your sdcard might be corrupt... Wipe your Dalvik cache. Did you try flashing a DBDATA containing firmware onto your phone, using ODIN? If not, flash XXJPU (Froyo) and see if that helps...

well its a telstra GT I9000T the 2.3.3 firmware i have is the only one i can seem to find with the 3 files lol i try to wipe dalvik it says it completes but nothing changes at all do u know anwhere i can get 3 file firmwares from as samfirmware.com only has 1 file flashes cheers for the help!

Prankzter said:
well its a telstra GT I9000T the 2.3.3 firmware i have is the only one i can seem to find with the 3 files lol i try to wipe dalvik it says it completes but nothing changes at all do u know anwhere i can get 3 file firmwares from as samfirmware.com only has 1 file flashes cheers for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look around for a I9000T firmware that contains DBDATA. It should hopefully fix what you're experiencing... Personally, mine's an I9000 so I have no idea about your firmwares... But you can search this forum..

Prasad007 said:
Look around for a I9000T firmware that contains DBDATA. It should hopefully fix what you're experiencing... Personally, mine's an I9000 so I have no idea about your firmwares... But you can search this forum..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the help mate ill google around

Prankzter said:
thanks for the help mate ill google around
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome.

nah no good for some reason recovery wont even change back from 3e i flashed my original firmware and it changed to 2e i reset to flash to 2.2.1 as u suggested and its back at 3e so who knows...may have to reflash to original and take it back to telstra unless u have any other ideas

Prankzter said:
nah no good for some reason recovery wont even change back from 3e i flashed my original firmware and it changed to 2e i reset to flash to 2.2.1 as u suggested and its back at 3e so who knows...may have to reflash to original and take it back to telstra unless u have any other ideas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have warranty, you should flash the stock firmware for your phone and take it in for repairs... Honestly, can't think of anything else... Unless there's more input from others here on the forum with your model.

Prasad007 said:
If you have warranty, you should flash the stock firmware for your phone and take it in for repairs... Honestly, can't think of anything else... Unless there's more input from others here on the forum with your model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeh looks like its time to return it...maybe i can get a sgsII lol i cant even repartition the damn thing...on a side note all my other flash based things like my camera and usb dongles and sd cards are all doing the same as in restoreing everything on reboot or unplug...wierd

[Q] what is going on with my captivate?

so i have a captivate that ive had for a little while now. and of course ive flashed a few different gingerbread roms like usual.
anyways i wanted to try a froyo from so i used the odin 1 click stock tool to flash back to jf6,
that worked, but for some reason it wont allow me to master clear.
also my phone keeps switching between showing service, and a blue circle with a cross out sign....
(no internet access)
if i flash a rom over it, it starts acting like normal again
any idea whats wrong or whati can do?
thanks!

USB Debugging is need to do master clear. Did you turn on debugging?

speedy_11 said:
USB Debugging is need to do master clear. Did you turn on debugging?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah it was enabled.

The_Zodiac said:
so i have a captivate that ive had for a little while now. and of course ive flashed a few different gingerbread roms like usual.
anyways i wanted to try a froyo from so i used the odin 1 click stock tool to flash back to jf6,
that worked, but for some reason it wont allow me to master clear.
also my phone keeps switching between showing service, and a blue circle with a cross out sign....
(no internet access)
if i flash a rom over it, it starts acting like normal again
any idea whats wrong or whati can do?
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happened on one of my old cappies that i got replaced. It was a 1008 build. It's an error in the efs folder. Did you make a backup of your efs folder before you started flashing?
If you didn't here's a method that worked for me that might get you back to normal. What i did was use Kies mini to upgrade to stock 2.2 then make sure the botton combos were working (vol up+dwn/plug usb to get to download mode, and vol up+vol dwn + power to get to recovery.) If those are working, now flash back to stock using Odin 1 click.
This wokred for me. hope it helps.
If you have your original efs folder, use Root Explorer to place the original folder ni place of the current one while on stock 2.1, then reboot to see if it worked.

What Gingerbread Roms did you "play" around with, I'm guessing you used the I9000 bootloaders also?

jack man said:
This happened on one of my old cappies that i got replaced. It was a 1008 build. It's an error in the efs folder. Did you make a backup of your efs folder before you started flashing?
If you didn't here's a method that worked for me that might get you back to normal. What i did was use Kies mini to upgrade to stock 2.2 then make sure the botton combos were working (vol up+dwn/plug usb to get to download mode, and vol up+vol dwn + power to get to recovery.) If those are working, now flash back to stock using Odin 1 click.
This wokred for me. hope it helps.
If you have your original efs folder, use Root Explorer to place the original folder ni place of the current one while on stock 2.1, then reboot to see if it worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im not sure what build because its a replacement from att and they didnt put the build number on the sticker.
i did backup the efs folder so i can try that.
melbourne408 said:
What Gingerbread Roms did you "play" around with, I'm guessing you used the I9000 bootloaders also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a few apex, dvlevs, obsession. and yes i loaded gb bootloaders.
does jf6 flash you back to eclair bootloaders?

The_Zodiac said:
im not sure what build because its a replacement from att and they didnt put the build number on the sticker.
i did backup the efs folder so i can try that.
a few apex, dvlevs, obsession. and yes i loaded gb bootloaders.
does jf6 flash you back to eclair bootloaders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your going to want to flash back to eclair (imho) or froyo if you'd rather, but it will have to be done through odin without a 1 click method. If you know what I'm talking about all good. If not lemme know and I'll help ya to the links, cleaning the kitchen atm but its all good
Sent From My Swaggin 1.6 Son Of A Glitch

^^^^Wtf are you talking about? Odin one click to jf6 (eclair) includes both bootloaders... Thus replacing the I9k ones...
Op if everything works after you rom it and you have no plans to go to stock does it matter?
It could just be how the phone acts with the jf6 modem as its a signal problem...
And what exactly are you doing when trying to master clear and what happens?

studacris said:
^^^^Wtf are you talking about? Odin one click to jf6 (eclair) includes both bootloaders... Thus replacing the I9k ones...
Op if everything works after you rom it and you have no plans to go to stock does it matter?
It could just be how the phone acts with the jf6 modem as its a signal problem...
And what exactly are you doing when trying to master clear and what happens?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my concern if my phone stops working for whatever reason and i sen it in under warranty it will have to be stock att froyo.
(i get to that by flashing stock eclair then by using mini kies)

The_Zodiac said:
my concern if my phone stops working for whatever reason and i sen it in under warranty it will have to be stock att froyo.
(i get to that by flashing stock eclair then by using mini kies)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couple things for the Master Clear
1. Make sure to shut down Odin then restart it without the phone connected
2. If that doesn't work restart your PC
3. If all else fails, root, install ROM Manager, get into CWM and do a factory reset
Like Studacris said, Odin to JF6 flashes the proper bootloaders, so you dont need to worry there. I've done it TONS of times
Edit** Are you using this Odin?
http://www.mediafire.com/?0w2y31maz8mdom4 If not, I would HIGHLY recommend using it

studacris said:
^^^^Wtf are you talking about? Odin one click to jf6 (eclair) includes both bootloaders... Thus replacing the I9k ones...
Op if everything works after you rom it and you have no plans to go to stock does it matter?
It could just be how the phone acts with the jf6 modem as its a signal problem...
And what exactly are you doing when trying to master clear and what happens?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dam, bad correlation on my part. Didn't want anything going wrong with bootloaders, my self learned fault on being incoherent and half asleep, just didn't want any brick brick brickety brick bricks-as my dad laughs to me all the time. Thanks for the correction.
Sent From My Swaggin 1.6 Son Of A Glitch

I'll try to follow up on what Studa was going for.
The_Zodiac said:
my concern if my phone stops working for whatever reason and i sen it in under warranty it will have to be stock att froyo.
(i get to that by flashing stock eclair then by using mini kies)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, but that would be a good thing, you can just use the signal problem as an added reason for sending it in. If you can flash stock and it boots, all is well. Anything else just goes in your favor of why you deserve a new one.
Plus, if the phone stops working to the point it does not boot they will have no real way of telling what was running before, nor will they waste the time to find out. It will get tossed into the re-write pile, and go thru the paces for becoming a referb.

You do realize that the phone has to be regularly on to do a master clear and not be in download mode right?

dsilvan55 said:
You do realize that the phone has to be regularly on to do a master clear and not be in download mode right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i do...

Reflash the stock jf6 with no sim card
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

[Q] Trying to update to Gingerbread through Kies but it just loops?

Hi,
I'm trying to upgrade my firmware through Kies, as I've just connected and it's alerted me that I am now able to upgrade to PDA:JVN / PHONE:JV1 / CSC:JV5(OPS). I am currently on PDA:JP5 / PHONE:JP3 / CSC:JP4(OPS), but when I click on the upgrade, it will pop up with a window that looks like it's downloading the firmware, but they disappears as quickly as it appeared, and my phone then needs to re-connect to kies...
This appears to be an infinite loop, without ever really getting anyway. My phone is rooted if that matters, and I don't think I have any lag fixes applied? I know I have applied lag fixes before, but I think I've since flashed with the stock 2.2 firmware, so there shouldn't be any lag fixes going on... :/..
Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong or how I can better debug this problem?
Thanks in advance
Denno

denno020 said:
Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Kies, may be
If you have the 3 buttons combo, prefer Odin...

Kies is Satan Tool, its a big cup of ....
if u want do upgrade use just and only ODIN

Thanks for the replies..
I would much prefer to use ODIN too, however I don't want to loose my installed apps and how I've got my home screens set up etc, so this is why I was trying to use Kies. I'm not familiar enough with ODIN to know if there is a way I can use it to upgrade without losing installed apps and home screen layouts etc??
Thanks
Denno

Well i think if u backup ur apps then u can save them otherwise i dnt think they remain on ur phone while using the odin is simple.
just go to www.samfirmware.com make an account and chk the firmware sec in toolbox and then select ur model and download the latest formware...JVR is the latest firmware on samfirmware download it and download odin extract that downloaded folder and u have 4 file 1 pit file 2 code 3 csc 4 modem.
Now open odin and put these file respectively ( dnt forget to close kies if u have even from running services on windows) now put ur phone in download mode and connect through odin and tick the repartition on leftside and then start odin...
Of all goes well u r on stock GB
wait phone to phone to boot
now choose any kernel to root ur phone and again turnoff ur phone and get in download mode and choose that kernel in pda option of odin and this time unchk the repartition and start odin
now ur rooted
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

thanks for the reply Ali Khalid... I'm looking on samfirmware, but I'm not able to find the Gingerbread firmware version for Australia? I downloaded I9000XWJVN ## under the 'America Australia Samsung I9000 Firmwares' heading, but that only had a tar file, with a heap of files I didn't recognize..
Any chance you could give me some more direct help? Like exactly which one I should download for Australia? Looking at the country letter code, which is DT for Aus, they only have firmwares for 2.1 and 2.2...
I'm really lost with this upgrading thing :/..

Can someone please help? I need to know which firmware I should download from samfirmware for an Australian I9000...
Thanks

denno020 said:
Can someone please help? I need to know which firmware I should download from samfirmware for an Australian I9000...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a specific reason you need Australian version? You can flash any firmware you wish.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

There isn't a specific reason... I thought I would have to go with the Australian one to be sure that calls and stuff can connect to my phone through the network correctly? I'm completely lost with all this stuff to be honest...
If I don't have to get a specific Aussie one, which one should I download? As I mentioned earlier, I downloaded one called I9000XWJVN ## but it didn't have the pda files and pit files as expected.. they were all different things :/..

Im running JVS 2.3.5 (with JVR modem) I haven't bothered to flash an Australian/Optus csc but i guess you can if you wish. I did have to add APNs but that is no big deal.
After that you might want to flash a non-stock kernel for root, lagfix etc. I am running semaphore 1.7 and stock+ theming for extended power menu, %battery crt off etc.
Keep in mind if you are going down this route you will be voiding any warranty you have but ask anyone here it is worth it to make the most of your phone.
Do some reading around the forum and ask any questions you need so you know what you are doing.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Thankyou for your reply Mrlwik, but it's gone totally over my head. I really don't understand any of that.. I have flashed stuff to my phone before, but it was easy because I already had the 3 required files, and there was a step by step..
I guess I could just pop over to the custom roms sub-forum and download one from there and give it a go again..
Do I need to get a special modem or csc file or something to make sure it'll still work with Optus?

denno020 said:
Thankyou for your reply Mrlwik, but it's gone totally over my head. I really don't understand any of that.. I have flashed stuff to my phone before, but it was easy because I already had the 3 required files, and there was a step by step..
I guess I could just pop over to the custom roms sub-forum and download one from there and give it a go again..
Do I need to get a special modem or csc file or something to make sure it'll still work with Optus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I was really confused once too, I will do my best to break it down a little.
You don't need a specific modem for Optus although different modems will give different results depending on your location regarding signal, 3g, gps and battery (due to signal strength) its quick and easy to change modem and this can be done anytime (through CWM recovery) without any data loss.
CSC is a bit different, although you can use a CSC that is different to your location/carrier it basically denotes any specific apps and APNs. CSC can be changed with odin but will factory reset you phone and you will lose data.
-APN details can be found with a quick Google search and can be added no problem through settings>wireless and network>mobile network>access point and as I don't care for carrier specific apps (apart from "my account" but the .apk for that easy to find) I haven't bothered to change it. Others do find it important.
I know the stock 2.3.5 JVS from samfirmware will contain the 3 files (code, modem, csc) and the .pit file for flashing because it is what i flashed.
Or alternitavely there are a few custom roms that can be flashed through odin regardless of what firmware and bootloaders you are currently running.
Some firmwares/ROM only have one file and it can be flashed under PDA. There are guides for flashing on samfirmware(for stock), here and video guides on YouTube. Always stick to the guide.
Decide what direction you want to take (stock with non-stock kernel or custom rom) and read up on some of the topics in the general section about flashing and/or any topics relating to any ROM you want to flash.
Once you know what you want to do with your phone it will mean much less reading for you and others will be able to help you more as you will know what questions to ask.
There is lots of info here, its just a matter of knowing what info you need and how to find it.
Hope that helped a little..
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

denno020 said:
Thanks for the replies..
I would much prefer to use ODIN too, however I don't want to loose my installed apps and how I've got my home screens set up etc, so this is why I was trying to use Kies. I'm not familiar enough with ODIN to know if there is a way I can use it to upgrade without losing installed apps and home screen layouts etc??
Thanks
Denno
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you phone is rooted download titanium backup and backup all apps before flashing, then install it again after flashing and restore only apps.

Wow thankyou so much for that breakdown Mrlwik! That does actually help a little! I'm going to find a stock firmware from samfirmware instead of a custom rom.. But it's great to know that I can swap modems to try and find the one that best suits my needs, as I do have problems with reception in my house, so maybe a new modem could fix that?
Anyways, thankyou again, and great effort and writing all of that with your phone! It definitely helped

Well I finally took the plunge and flashed my phone. I used the JVS firmware, which worked seamlessly. Then I wasn't sure if I were still rooted or not.. so I downloaded Dark Core (or something), and flashed that in PDA using ODIN. Then I was definitely sure I was rooted . Now I've just got to figure out a 'lag fix', my quadrant score at the moment is ~1400, but I reckon I can get much better, so I'll try some overclocking apps from the market I think, see which works best for me.
The most painful thing is restoring all my apps using Titanium Backup.. I have to click install for everyone of them, it doesn't automate it, which is so very annoying, but I'll get there eventually :/... lol
Thanks for all your help Mrlwik, very greatly appreciated

I had a similar problem with KIES in South Africa.
I don't use KIES any longer, it doesn't even have the "connect to internet" option.
Since you've rooted your device, I'm sure you have Clockworkmod flashed...if not, flash that using Odin. After that, you can flash any ROM, custom or stock, using clockworkmod recovery, then you don't require Odin again...just copy the ROM or apps you want to flash to your phone, boot into recovery, flash, and restart. Can't be easier than that.

ali_khalid5518 said:
Well i think if u backup ur apps then u can save them otherwise i dnt think they remain on ur phone while using the odin is simple.
just go to www.samfirmware.com make an account and chk the firmware sec in toolbox and then select ur model and download the latest formware...JVR is the latest firmware on samfirmware download it and download odin extract that downloaded folder and u have 4 file 1 pit file 2 code 3 csc 4 modem.
Now open odin and put these file respectively ( dnt forget to close kies if u have even from running services on windows) now put ur phone in download mode and connect through odin and tick the repartition on leftside and then start odin...
Of all goes well u r on stock GB
wait phone to phone to boot
now choose any kernel to root ur phone and again turnoff ur phone and get in download mode and choose that kernel in pda option of odin and this time unchk the repartition and start odin
now ur rooted
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
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My question is, will this wipe out the device? I want to upgrade and keep my information and apps on my phone.