leftystrat

I kept hitting SOFTWARE UPDATE to update to ICS. Stupid me... the rep told me I had to install Kies. Naturally Kies doesn't work under linux. In fact, it also doesn't work under Windows.

The OS sees the tablet and installs drivers. Kies sees that the tablet connects, brings up the connect screen, then sits there and does nothing else. This happens on two Win 7 computers. The tablet says that it's connected via MTP.

I called Samsung. Level1 was a joke. Level2 went through his script and told me he's seen this before. My only choices were to reset the device (losing all data and settings) or send it back to Samsung (where they'd lose my data and settings).

I asked for the install package so I could xfer it to the tablet but was repeatedly told there's no install package. Sure there is. Does Kies do anything beside xfer to the tablet?

Any suggestions? I guess I could root, but I wanted to try it the normal way first.

Jacksmyname

Do a factory reset on the tab.
That usually solves the problem with connecting.

leftystrat

Appreciate the suggestion but this is precisely what I'm trying to avoid.

Coach70

You do not need to install Kies to update your tablet. I have done about four updates now without the use of Kies, including ICS. I also have never been able to get Kies to work, but in the end decided 'so what?' this isn't an iPad, i dont need to ever sync it to a PC.

ScandaLeX

Being precisely what you're trying to avoid isn't helping you or your tablet if it's the best advice being given to you. Backup your tablet--theirs plenty of apps in the play store to save your data. I use MyBackup Pro. Do the factory reset.

I've had much success with updates on my tablets without the use of that nightmare called Kies.

Ingi09

I too have been plagued with the same issues. As I read more postings on this site and other sites, I have come to the conculsion that backing up the data from tablet. Then performing a factory reset and loading ICS from that point would be a stress reliever.
Though will try 2 more things first, will add details later.

Jacksmyname

Yep, back up your data, do the reset, update, restore data.
Kies can actually be useful for backups.
And the update to ICS has fixed the connecting problem with Kies.

HotRoderX

This might help but its USE AT YOUR OWN RISK

SamMobile Firmware Page

They normally have the firmware packages Kies is a joke

ScandaLeX

Unless you've done something massively bizarre you should not have to reinstall firmware. Factory resetting your device should clear up any pesky glitches.

leftystrat

With nowhere else to go, I backed up, reset the tablet, and finally connected with Kies. The update showed up immediately and I have ICS on the tablet.

Samsung is enough to make people go to the dark side (Apple). I already had to send the tablet back to Samsung once, when it refused to charge. I like the device (when it works).

There is a lot of pressure at work to become an iHole, like everyone else, but I'm sticking with Android.

Thank you all for your suggestions and assistance.


The entire experience is chronicled at my blog.
ThermionicEmissions