Database Develop

[Q] Captivate USB charges but no data connection - flashing stock w/o ODIN

Just a quick question- I have a Captivate that will charge when plugged in via USB but there is no data connection. The phone doesnt recognize that its plugged in to a computer, and therefore despite being able to boot into download and recovery mode, I cannot use ODIN to do anything. Clockwork wont work either due being on 2.2.
Ive read some other threads where most concluded it is more or less a hardware failure. Im coming to that conclusion myself, but wanted to check with you guys first. The audio jack did the same thing for a couple days-- it wouldn't work when plugged in. It did come back on its own, though Im not sure why.
Im running Cognition 2.2beta3, and cannot flash back to a stock rom nor to any other rom due to the lack of being able to use ODIN.
Is there any other way to flash back without ODIN? Also, if this is indeed a hardware failure- how can I go about getting it fixed? I traded for it on craigslist for an iPhone 4 so I didnt get it direct from AT&T. It did work for the first couple months.
Thanks in advance for your help!

Do you have USB debugging enabled (Settings-Applications-Development)?
If so, you won't get the connection choice screen when you plug in your USB. You can either disconnect USB debugging to get the choice screen, or leave USB debugging enabled and click on the "Select to copy files" choice in notifications.

I have tried with USB debugging on and off, and in various USB modes. None work, as the Captivate doesnt even acknowledge theres a data connection that has been made.
It worked in the past in all modes... debugging with the option to mount the drive, mass storage, Kies, and the media mode. No dice at the moment. Tried a hard reset today... nothing.
Looks like it could be a hardware issue-- just weird as the audio jack had the same issue and seemed to (randomly) resolve itself. Thanks for the suggestion! Any other ideas?

cmr0385 said:
I have tried with USB debugging on and off, and in various USB modes. None work, as the Captivate doesnt even acknowledge theres a data connection that has been made.
It worked in the past in all modes... debugging with the option to mount the drive, mass storage, Kies, and the media mode. No dice at the moment. Tried a hard reset today... nothing.
Looks like it could be a hardware issue-- just weird as the audio jack had the same issue and seemed to (randomly) resolve itself. Thanks for the suggestion! Any other ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the exact same issue as you few days ago. One forum member recommended to me to uninstall the Samsung USB driver and reinstalling it again. It worked as soon as I did this. You should give it a try.

I had a similar issue when performing a master clear and flashing JI6. I am on windows 7, and I noticed that a different driver is needed to use Odin in download mode. I had been sideloading apps as well as transferring files with the stock driver from samsung, but my computer still wouldnt recognize the phone when in download mode. The solution was quite simple, when entering download mode my computer gave me the "driver not found" messege. I just let Windows Update find the right one for me (not sure if its generic or not) and everything worked fine after that. Hope this was relevant to your issue.

And I guess you can't do the phone off, open Odin, plug in USB with vol up/down pressed, right?

Not sure if this will help, but I bought a second USB cable to carry in my laptop case. If I use it I can charge the phone but cannot connect it to a PC. If I use the one that came with the phone it works fine.
I have actually tried some other cables and they have issues too. They all have a larger cable housing towards the end that plugs into the phone, where the one that comes with the phone is slimmer.
A friend at work as a Fascinate and he has the same issue, we suspect that the increased size is keeping the usb from connecting all the way in the phone.

Ive tried different computers and different cables, as well as different drivers. Ive used 64bit systems and 32bit systems... XP and Vista.
The phone itself goes into download mode, though I have to go through the terminal and use 'reboot download'. I cant use command line on the computer as it doesnt find the device... the phone never is identified to it. It just charges.
Is there any way to perform the commands that ODIN does without actually using ODIN? If nothing else, Id like to flash back to JF6 and be able to use the OTA updates. At this point, Im stuck till clockwordmod works with 2.2.

I experienced the same thing. My Captivate would charge, but it couldn't connect to any of three computers (WinXP w/drivers, Mac OS X, and Linux) with either of two micro usb cables I had. I would always get a USB error in some form.
I was on cog 2.1, and was able to roll back to the JH7 OTA update without ODIN. Afterward I brought it to an ATT Tech Center and convinced them it was a hardware failure.
I got a warranty replacement, and it didn't work either.
It turned out to be bad micro usb cables. One was the original Samsung cable, but it was loose, there was plenty of play and wiggle in the sockets of both phones.
The best micro usb cable I've found is from a Kindle. It has a a larger plastic base than the stock from Samsung, but critically it has a longer connector. There's a solid click when connected and absolutely no play or wiggle possible. It works every time.
I don't know if you can restore from 2.2 to JH7 without ODIN. Now that we have 2e Recovery on Froyo (in Cog 2.2 BETA6), could you use Clockwork Mod (Rom Manager) to flash designgear's JH7 OTA ROM?
Try some alternate micro USB cables, you might be surprised!

Im having the same issue, was there any resolution to this from the OP??
I suspect hardware also, and Ive got another Micro USB on order from Amazon and will prob buy one from a store tomorrow also.
the stock cable is horrible, I bought a nice charger the other day and it has a nice click and stay, and since I plugged it in to the new charger it no longer shows up on any computer with the stock cable. Im wondering if the new charger with a tad larger connector spread the connectors just a tad too far for the stock cord.
I tried everything as well, I hard rebooted, put into recovery mode and even deleted all my user data to try and see if there was some software that was blinding the computer to the connection... no luck
Ill let you know what I find.

Same issue here. Has anyone had any luck with a new usb cable? Luckily, I can transfer files from my computer via bluetooth for now, but it takes forever!

unable to connect USB

So I've searched through threads and can't seem to find any solutions. I'm running Axura 2.1CE w/ JK3 kernel. I've used multiple cables, on different computers and none of the computers are able to even detect the device. Any thoughts?

autocorrelation said:
So I've searched through threads and can't seem to find any solutions. I'm running Axura 2.1CE w/ JK3 kernel. I've used multiple cables, on different computers and none of the computers are able to even detect the device. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this happen to me a couple of times. One time i just needed to restart my phone, and at least once it was a bad flash and I just had to reflash over and master clear. never had it become a permanent problem.

used2hvatreo said:
I had this happen to me a couple of times. One time i just needed to restart my phone, and at least once it was a bad flash and I just had to reflash over and master clear. never had it become a permanent problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried rebooting more than once and also it won't connect to ODIN =\

autocorrelation said:
I've tried rebooting more than once and also it won't connect to ODIN =\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you not get into download mode using hardware buttons?

The usb cable that came with the phone is not working for you even after installing the proper samsung usb drivers? What windows OS are you trying on?

Make sure it is a data cable and not a charge only cable. Look at the tag that is on the cable and it should tell you what it is.

Like UpNSmoke said.. make sure your using the correct cables.
It is suggested that if your having issues with a computer recognizing your phone to plug the cable in to the USB Port that is on your Motherboard on your Computer.
I would also suggest that if you haven't already - use the drivers that are in Design Gears ODIN 1 Click Back to Stock (links also provided in the sticky here as well). These are the one's I've been using since I've had my phone - and haven't had any issues.
Another thing you can do is - plug in your phone - and then re-install the drivers while the phone is plugged in.
And lastly.. I seem to have better luck with my Windows 7 box then my work's Windows XP machine. Good luck..

used2hvatreo said:
can you not get into download mode using hardware buttons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've put it into download mode, though nothing comes up
upNsmokeAllDay said:
The usb cable that came with the phone is not working for you even after installing the proper samsung usb drivers? What windows OS are you trying on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cable I used was the one that came with the phone, what's odd is that I've never had this problem until earlier this week. I've tested it on Win7 x64 and Win7 x86
avgjoegeek said:
Like UpNSmoke said.. make sure your using the correct cables.
It is suggested that if your having issues with a computer recognizing your phone to plug the cable in to the USB Port that is on your Motherboard on your Computer.
I would also suggest that if you haven't already - use the drivers that are in Design Gears ODIN 1 Click Back to Stock (links also provided in the sticky here as well). These are the one's I've been using since I've had my phone - and haven't had any issues.
Another thing you can do is - plug in your phone - and then re-install the drivers while the phone is plugged in.
And lastly.. I seem to have better luck with my Windows 7 box then my work's Windows XP machine. Good luck..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried ODIN 1-click and every machine I've run it on is windows 7.

I haven't had any luck getting a decent connection to my phone yet either. I've tried several different drivers, x86 and x64, different versions of each. Different versions of Kies and Kies Mini. I've tried suggestions from online. Nothing has gotten me anything reliable. I almost forgot, I've tried 2 different phones also. It would be one thing if it just NEVER worked, but for it to work sometimes and other times not, mostly not, is frustrating. I'm afraid to try a new ROM since everything I see about unbricking a Captivate requires a USB connection.

You definitely need to have to have a working USB connection before flashing... and plus you need it to return to stock using ODIN.
Have you tried re-installing the drivers with the phone plugged in and no dice?

I've tried plugged in, not plugged in. USB hub, USB motherboard connection. Just about everything I've seen online I've tried. Some don't work at all and others work briefly but usually within a day refuse to work more than it does work.

[Q] USB seems to have died???

When I try to connect to the computer I get nothing, just a beep on the phone, I was getting an error and now I don't even get that on my computer. (USB still charges the phone though)
I tried 2 different cables, 2 different computers and 4 different operating systems, Windows based. And lots of Captivate USB drivers.
I have tried Kies, odin one click, mass storage, debugging on, off, everything I can think off.
I tried 2 different Roms, (Apex 7 and 10.1) 3 different kernels and 6 or more factory resets. MTP is listed under apps but when I plug in the USB cable I don't see it under running tasks.
I have a Captivate I896 running Gingerbread I9000 software. I would like to go back to stock but without USB I can not run the software, (computer does not see Captive in download mode or in recovery mode.)
Would anyone know how to troubleshoot this, is there a way to debug the software and see just what is happening on the phone.

Dam you have tried a lot of things... lol
I have a suggestion... have you try 'adb'?
Let me see If understand right...the problem is that ODIN is not recognizing your device and you want to go back to stuck? you don't specify if you can transfer files between your computer and phone...and also if you can connect with 'adb'.
Probably was you micro usb on your phone got damage...have you been experimenting with a jig?

ya I have tried adb and when I type in adb shell I get a response of no device found. and no the only thing that went in to the usb connector ever, was the Samsung usb micro cable. I think I will take it to Samsung next week if I can find the service center around me, I think it is still under warranty.

Check to make sure the cables you're trying are data/charging cables. My stock cable went out so I found one I had in the closet. The one I found would charge but no data passed (ie. PC wouldn't see it).

[Q] Driver Issues? Or maybe cable?

So recently I soft-bricked my phone (phone---!---computer) and it won't go download/recovery. It randomly froze while odin was running. But anyways, I've been trying to use http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1153310 to unbrick it but it keeps telling me the drivers are not installed.
I've installed drivers using kies, the one click unbrick, and just from the samsung website and none of them seem to work. When I plug my phone in, it makes the usb plug in noise, then an icon shows up in the bottom right task bar for maybe 1/10th a second and then disappears. I'm running vista x32. Any ideas? Could it be the cable?

Heimdall uses special drivers.

As part of the heimdall one-click operation, it should ask you if you want to install the drivers (zadig.exe, I believe, is the application that does this).
If, for some reason, it doesn't, grab the full Heimdall package (search in the Development section for "Heimdall"), and that will definitely have the drivers.

jmtheiss said:
As part of the heimdall one-click operation, it should ask you if you want to install the drivers (zadig.exe, I believe, is the application that does this).
If, for some reason, it doesn't, grab the full Heimdall package (search in the Development section for "Heimdall"), and that will definitely have the drivers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea it told me to install the samsung usb composite driver and I did that. After rebooting my computer, when I plugged in the phone, windows confirmed that I had the driver installed but for some reason when I plug my phone into the usb it only recognizes the phone for a split second.
Edit: Actually the instructions tell me to put my phone into download mode in order for the driver to be installed successfully. Since my phone is bricked, I can't do that but it let me install the driver anyway. So I guess that's why it tells me drivers are not properly instaled.

That does sound like either a flaky cable or a USB port that's not behaving. If you have multiple USB ports, try plugging the phone into different ones. If you're on a desktop, the ones in the back are usually better. You may need to reboot the computer between tries.
If all that fails, see if you can get your hands on a different cable, or even a different computer.

jmtheiss said:
That does sound like either a flaky cable or a USB port that's not behaving. If you have multiple USB ports, try plugging the phone into different ones. If you're on a desktop, the ones in the back are usually better. You may need to reboot the computer between tries.
If all that fails, see if you can get your hands on a different cable, or even a different computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I would have to agree. People don't realize how much havoc a faulty cable can cause.

I ran on it on my roomate's ubuntu computer and it worked instantly! Thanks for the suggestions!

whoisdatt said:
I ran on it on my roomate's ubuntu computer and it worked instantly! Thanks for the suggestions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great to hear. Happy flashing.

mrhaley30705 said:
Yeah, I would have to agree. People don't realize how much havoc a faulty cable can cause.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So true, that happened to me, but not noticed at all besides the not recognized error, then used my bros cable from HTC inspire 4g ,worked instantly!
Sent from my I897 using xda premium

[SOLVED] Charging but not recognized by the PC

Hi,
I connected my note 5 to my laptop today, and surprise surprise, it is no longer recognized by the PC (though it charges). It used to be fine, I don't know what changed!
I tried different cables, different USB ports and different laptops
I tried to plug it in normal mode, safe mode, recovery mode and download mode
I tried switching USB debugging on/off
I tried the *#0808# menu, and I tried MTP+ADB and CP options
I uninstalled drivers from the PC and installed the latest from the samsung website
I tried both kies and smart switch
nothing worked! I am not doing a factory reset because I have seen many people do it for other devices and none of them solved it this way! I'm waiting for the Marshmallow update, maybe it will fix this annoying issue. Meanwhile do you have any other ideas guys?

Hazardous Pain said:
Hi,
I connected my note 5 to my laptop today, and surprise surprise, it is no longer recognized by the PC (though it charges). It used to be fine, I don't know what changed!
I tried different cables, different USB ports and different laptops
I tried to plug it in normal mode, safe mode, recovery mode and download mode
I tried switching USB debugging on/off
I tried the *#0808# menu, and I tried MTP+ADB and CP options
I uninstalled drivers from the PC and installed the latest from the samsung website
I tried both kies and smart switch
nothing worked! I am not doing a factory reset because I have seen many people do it for other devices and none of them solved it this way! I'm waiting for the Marshmallow update, maybe it will fix this annoying issue. Meanwhile do you have any other ideas guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi,
you don't say what Laptop o/s you using on laptop.?
Windows 10, Windows 8.1 Windows 8 or Windows 7...... or Apple o/s.?
Briefly my take is on this is, most probably the laptop and not phone.?
(Yes, i might be wrong of course.)
My reason is, i have Windows 10 laptop
and sometimes / a few time, ) my
laptop does not recognize my Note5
Yes, , it charges phone (just like yours) but does not recognize phone.!
I then have to re install drivers for phone I use Smart Switch to re install drivers.
Then it works ok for a while etc..
Why don't you test phone on someone else's pc or laptop to make sure.?
Overall my Note5 is mostly recognized by laptop
Good luck

willcor said:
hi,
you don't say what Laptop o/s you using on laptop.?
Windows 10, Windows 8.1 Windows 8 or Windows 7...... or Apple o/s.?
Briefly my take is on this is, most probably the laptop and not phone.?
(Yes, i might be wrong of course.)
My reason is, i have Windows 10 laptop
and sometimes / a few time, ) my
laptop does not recognize my Note5
Yes, , it charges phone (just like yours) but does not recognize phone.!
I then have to re install drivers for phone I use Smart Switch to re install drivers.
Then it works ok for a while etc..
Why don't you test phone on someone else's pc or laptop to make sure.?
Overall my Note5 is mostly recognized by laptop
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply.
As I have already mentioned, I did try another laptop. Mine is windows 8.1 x64 and my brother's windows 10 x64. I tried re installing the drivers from smart switch but to no avail.
Any other ideas?

Hazardous Pain said:
Thank you for the reply.
As I have already mentioned, I did try another laptop. Mine is windows 8.1 x64 and my brother's windows 10 x64. I tried re installing the drivers from smart switch but to no avail.
Any other ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi ,
why i still think its laptop /pc drivers related.
(But yes ,i might be completely wrong ..?)
i have laptop win 10 x64 also.
The issue is of laptop, not always recognizing a device /similar as yours ,but charging device .
Other devices, when trying to connect to laptop (,not just my Note5 ),( from time to time) eg Note 2,..3 ..4 , USB flashstick ..my Polar M400 running watch etc .Device is not recognized but charging .
So for me,
its just not Note 5 but other devices also (.from time to time) .
My "take " on this issue is that it points between drivers (pc ,laptop) //// relevant devices eg Note 5 ..etc . and not just the firmware issue of Note 5 ,??
but yes, as stated i might be wrong .
good luck
Post note ,
i have to add reinstalling drivers "sometimes " help " ,
but it happens again, later. ( not recognizing device )
So i am pointing fingers, at Windows o/s + the "company/maker " of laptop ..pc and + devices .The compatibility between all three above ,combined and yes i had similar issues ( from time to time with Win 8 ../Win 8.1 etc ).
Yet, i have also found that certain of my devices
that work nearly 100% of time on my laptop !,
which indicates to me, the compatibility of devices between device /laptop ,is very good ..??

I have a note 2 and it works every time when I plug it to either pc. My laptop is lenovo with all the latest drivers. Hopefully, marshmallow will address this issue because otherwise, this means that I can't root my device.

Hazardous Pain said:
I have a note 2 and it works every time when I plug it to either pc. My laptop is lenovo with all the latest drivers. Hopefully, marshmallow will address this issue because otherwise, this means that I can't root my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, have you tried this yet?
Pull down notification menu while phone is plugged in and there should be a option for changing from charge mode to mtp and such. Just pull down notification and tap on the biodiversity that's lasted.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

Hazardous Pain said:
I have a note 2 and it works every time when I plug it to either pc. My laptop is lenovo with all the latest drivers. Hopefully, marshmallow will address this issue because otherwise, this means that I can't root my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi ,
strange ,
just for the record i also have a Lenovo Flex 2 laptop ( x64 ) Win 10 .!!!
i have rooted all my devices on Lenovo laptop ( Note 2, Note 3 , Note 4 and my Note 8.0 tablet etc )
Yet , i am at moment not interested in rooting my Note5 ( i have it already a couple of months )
I am happy keeping myself busy with Theme store ,tweaks/beta apps and lately with the interesting Lockmaster app( Play store ) for lockscreen ... etc .
If i get the root "urge " i pick up my other rooted devices and use them .or /update or/ install root only tweaks/apps etc. for my rooted devices .!!
i hope Marshmallow fixes your issues .!!
good luck

Jammol said:
Wait, have you tried this yet?
Pull down notification menu while phone is plugged in and there should be a option for changing from charge mode to mtp and such. Just pull down notification and tap on the biodiversity that's lasted.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no options in the pull-down menu it just says cable charging

Hazardous Pain said:
There are no options in the pull-down menu it just says cable charging
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try clicking where it says Cable Charhing?
Edit: Never mind that. I see what you mean. That's odd it's not there for you. It definitely sounds like a PC issue. You can try completely removing all Samsung drivers and start over. Just using the Uninstaller will not cut it though. You'll have to do a system level cleaning of all samsung drivers.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

Hazardous Pain said:
Hi,
I connected my note 5 to my laptop today, and surprise surprise, it is no longer recognized by the PC (though it charges). It used to be fine, I don't know what changed!
I tried different cables, different USB ports and different laptops
I tried to plug it in normal mode, safe mode, recovery mode and download mode
I tried switching USB debugging on/off
I tried the *#0808# menu, and I tried MTP+ADB and CP options
I uninstalled drivers from the PC and installed the latest from the samsung website
I tried both kies and smart switch
nothing worked! I am not doing a factory reset because I have seen many people do it for other devices and none of them solved it this way! I'm waiting for the Marshmallow update, maybe it will fix this annoying issue. Meanwhile do you have any other ideas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

navdeepavi said:
Hazardous Pain said:
Hi,
I connected my note 5 to my laptop today, and surprise surprise, it is no longer recognized by the PC (though it charges). It used to be fine, I don't know what changed!
I tried different cables, different USB ports and different laptops
I tried to plug it in normal mode, safe mode, recovery mode and download mode
I tried switching USB debugging on/off
I tried the *#0808# menu, and I tried MTP+ADB and CP options
I uninstalled drivers from the PC and installed the latest from the samsung website
I tried both kies and smart switch
nothing worked! I am not doing a factory reset because I have seen many people do it for other devices and none of them solved it this way! I'm waiting for the Marshmallow update, maybe it will fix this annoying issue. Meanwhile do you have any other ideas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is not with your device. It's because of Windows. Is there another computer that you can use to connect your device to that you have never connected to before? Also make sure that you are using either the cable that came with your device, or at least a good quality cable. I've had that issue occur in the past because I was using a cheap cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Jammol said:
The issue is not with your device. It's because of Windows. Is there another computer that you can use to connect your device to that you have never connected to before? Also make sure that you are using either the cable that came with your device, or at least a good quality cable. I've had that issue occur in the past because I was using a cheap cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did plug it in my brother's laptop but no dice. I tried the OEM cable and an Asus cable on USB 2 and 3 ports, it did not work on either pc. How can I completely uninstall samsung drivers?

For users having the same issue, I found a solution (which also fixes all charging issues by the way).
If you look at the charging port, you will see a "tongue" where the pins connect. We all know that fast charging requires 5 pins not 4. The OEM cable comes with 5 as you all know. However, I found the OEM cable to be very fragile and not reliable, one pin tends to get bent without much pressure. This leads to the "tongue" going down somehow. The fix is to get the "tongue" up a bit, use a toothpick or something that does not conduct power. As for the cable, I suggest you use an Asus cable (I have 3 of those, 2 from my nexus 7s and 1 from my Zenwatch). Asus cables come with 5 pins and they are sturdier than Samsung's and they are a bit longer as well. Now the phone charges properly, fast charging and all and the computer recognizes it once again.
Hope this helps you too

Hazardous Pain said:
For users having the same issue, I found a solution (which also fixes all charging issues by the way).
If you look at the charging port, you will see a "tongue" where the pins connect. We all know that fast charging requires 5 pins not 4. The OEM cable comes with 5 as you all know. However, I found the OEM cable to be very fragile and not reliable, one pin tends to get bent without much pressure. This leads to the "tongue" going down somehow. The fix is to get the "tongue" up a bit, use a toothpick or something that does not conduct power. As for the cable, I suggest you use an Asus cable (I have 3 of those, 2 from my nexus 7s and 1 from my Zenwatch). Asus cables come with 5 pins and they are sturdier than Samsung's and they are a bit longer as well. Now the phone charges properly, fast charging and all and the computer recognizes it once again.
Hope this helps you too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so meaning the charging port "tounge" need to be lift up a bit? so not the cable problem? im on this situation now.. i tried all my cables and only fast charging.

jayyusz said:
so meaning the charging port "tounge" need to be lift up a bit? so not the cable problem? im on this situation now.. i tried all my cables and only fast charging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, exactly

Hazardous Pain said:
Yes, exactly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having this same problem these same problems. Other then I'm not able to get it to recognize even after doing everything that was said to do in this thread.
I feel like I'm missing a file? I was messing with them and just may think that could be my problem. is there anything else that has not been said in this thread I could do to fix this problem? When connected to my computer it recognize it as a charger. I can't access my files from my computer to my phone.
any help would be very helpful! Thanks!

I'm having the exact same problem but now I tried to use Flashify to go back to original recovery instead of TWRP & now by recovery or boot IMG is screwed so it wont even boot to recovery..
It boots only to download mode & is not recognized by any PC we have, with every cable I've tried.. uhhgggggg

I was having the same issue. Here is what solved it for me:
• Disconnect the usb cable.
• Go to Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Troubleshooting\Hardware and Sound
o Go down to device / hardware and devices – click on that
o Follow instructions to correct issues. This found I needed a bus device driver update.
o Let it update and once done go out.
• On PC - Go to Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center\Advanced sharing settings - go down until you get to the part that says "All Networks" ...expand the list by clicking on the arrow to the right. In this area you will see "Media Streaming" There should be an area highlighted in blue that says "Choose media streaming options" click on that. Make sure you "allow all" . Once that is done, click "ok" at the bottom. Plug your device into the usb and it should be recognized. Seems a recent Windows update has that filter off.
• Now, restart your computer.
• Use original usb cord that came with phone! Plug in phone then plug in usb to computer.
• It should recognize your device now.
I now have to restart computer every time I want to connect my device but it works.

Hi I am having that same problem with my note 4. It doesn't seem to be a pc problem as no pc at all none Nada recognizes the phone. Windows 7 to Windows 10. None. Used 2 workmates of mine who also have note 4s on my laptop and all the laptops i used i used their phine on itand they worked so blaming the pc seems to be out of the equation..your solution and all those settings have been untouched as it has all devices allowed ..... tried cleaning the connectors and also different oem cables to no avail ..The only thing I have not done is change the logic board

Hi I hope somebody can help me. I am having exactly the same issue. though I don't think its PC or Laptop problem. I have two Note 5 the other one is working just fine, while the other Note 5 that was just charging was connected I noticed that running *#0808# I can select AP and CP but MTP+ADP was not selected and if I try selecting the radio button I will be able to but after pressing Ok or Reboot it back to no selection at all. Which I observe on my other Note 5 that was working its always selected every time I run *#0808#.
One more thing noticed is that on the Note 5 that was not working I boot it download (ODIN) mode and connect back to USB of my PC and Laptop, I hear a sound (the typical sound in windows once you connect any USB device) though I cannot access it I am positive that my USB port on both device are in good condition and since it was detected in windows through ODIN boot mode I was under the impression that its a phone software/firmware related. Can somebody help me on this one? thanks