Help Factory reset didn't downgrade back to 2.3.3 from 2.3.6

[sueling]

Hi, I'm new to Android and I really need some help because I don't know what to do anymore.

My SGS2 is a GT-I9100G and I updated Gingerbread from 2.3.3 to 2.3.6 thinking that this would solve some freezing and crashing problem I was having with the phone. Let me say that during this time, my battery (with the use of JD Ultimate) was working beautifully enough for me at least with 30+ hours on battery with moderate use.

Lately I noticed that my battery has been draining very quickly (down to 75% in under 4 hours) and I know this topic has been beaten to death so I did some research in solving it before posting a question here.

It was during this time that I found out that this 2.3.6 update may not be suitable for my international model of the SGS2 so I decided a factory reset would be my best option. I did check "wake locks" through Better Battery Saver but didn't really see anything that was causing the problem. Something was continuously using the battery for sure, but being "Android OS" at 58% constantly, I really have no idea what. I did come across several articles on downgrading to 2.3.3 manually but like I mentioned, I'm really new to Android and I just don't understand all the technical jargon.

I backed up all my stuff and did the factory reset. Maybe it's just me who doesn't know this but Gingerbread remains at 2.3.6! I am shocked and rather upset that I went through all that trouble for nothing. Now I'm at a loss for what to do. As far as rooting the phone goes, I'm not confident enough in my knowledge of Android to go about that.

Is there a way for me to revert back to 2.3.3? Can you help me please? Thanks!

 

[Slug]

I backed up all my stuff and did the factory reset. Maybe it's just me who doesn't know this but Gingerbread remains at 2.3.6!

Yup, "reset" only works with the currently-installed OS. You replaced the original 2.3.3 with 2.3.6, and it can only be restored by flashing the official Samsung 2.3.3 firmware back using Odin.

 

[sueling]

Yup, "reset" only works with the currently-installed OS. You replaced the original 2.3.3 with 2.3.6, and it can only be restored by flashing the official Samsung 2.3.3 firmware back using Odin.

Thanks for the reply. Googled Odin so I'll try that. Seems to be a "Master Clear" option and a "download mode" option. Not sure if they're the same or two separate ones.

 

[Slug]

Odin works with the handset booted into "download mode" by switching it on with HOME+POWER+VOL_DOWN buttons all depressed.

 

[sueling]

I did that, all pressed together. When the phone starts up, does it look the same as a regular boot up because that is what I am seeing. Nothing seems different (or at least obviously shows that it's in "download mode"".

 

[Slug]

When the phone starts up, does it look the same as a regular boot up because that is what I am seeing.

No, it should boot into a warning that you have to confirm to proceed, and then "download mode" will appear at the top of the screen in (iirc) red.

You did power the handset down before restarting? Hold HOME and VOL_DN with one hand then, keeping them depressed, press and hold POWER until the handset enters download mode.

 

[sueling]

No, it should boot into a warning that you have to confirm to proceed, and then "download mode" will appear at the top of the screen in (iirc) red.

You did power the handset down before restarting? Hold HOME and VOL_DN with one hand then, keeping them depressed, press and hold POWER until the handset enters download mode.

Did as per your instructions. I turned off the phone, pressed the buttons in the accordance you mentioned. The "Samsung Galaxy S2" logo came up (as it would do when normally rebooting) but then nothing. Just black. Nothing happens until I let go, then it boots up normally.

OH WAIT it suddenly worked! Okay, will try Odin now.

 

[sueling]

Did as per your instructions. I turned off the phone, pressed the buttons in the accordance you mentioned. The "Samsung Galaxy S2" logo came up (as it would do when normally rebooting) but then nothing. Just black. Nothing happens until I let go, then it boots up normally.

OH WAIT it suddenly worked! Okay, will try Odin now.

It finally went into download mode (yay!) but now when I click "Start" on Odin nothing happens. It keeps repeating this line :

<OSM> All threads completed. (succeeded 0 / failed 0)

Now what?

 

[ironass]

Just a thought but are you trying to flash Galaxy S2 i9100 firmware on to a Galaxy S2 i9100G phone?

 

[sueling]

Just a thought but are you trying to flash Galaxy S2 i9100 firmware on to a Galaxy S2 i9100G phone?

Almost. I realized that before going through with it. Like I said, I'm new to this... but learning. Still suffering here with terrible battery. Right now I'm a DZKJ2 but I was just informed that I'm supposed have DZKL3, being that the phone was bought from Malaysia. How am I going to do that? Kies refuses to update my phone too.

 

[Russell Ng]

If Kies says you are updated, then you are. The DZKL3 is for i9100 and its 2.3.6

Don't know about G, but I am guessing you are using the latest.

 

[ironass]

These threads should provide you with some useful options for the, "G", version:-

http://androidforums.com/galaxy-s2-...laxy-s-ii-i9100g-custom-roms.html#post3536827

http://androidadvices.com/update-samsung-galaxy-s2-i9100g-official-xwkj2-gingerbread-236-firmware/

http://samsungmobileclub.com/how-to...th-official-xwkj2-gingerbread-2-3-6-firmware/

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2087464/all

Hope this helps.

 

[Russell Ng]

Great links. I did give another in another post I think. Will look for it again and post.

Anyway, guess 2.3.6 is already available.... via ODIN though so not official.

Good luck whoever tries the update.

Found it

http://10division.com/samsung-galax...timate-comparison-guide-all-you-need-to-know/

 

[mcwong]

Almost. I realized that before going through with it. Like I said, I'm new to this... but learning. Still suffering here with terrible battery. Right now I'm a DZKJ2 but I was just informed that I'm supposed have DZKL3, being that the phone was bought from Malaysia. How am I going to do that? Kies refuses to update my phone too.

I just updated from DZKJ2 to DZKL3 via Kies. Turn USB debugging off. Make sure you have more than 3gb space on pc hard disk. It took about 30 min (download firmware, extract binary, download to device, etc). After completion just wait a few minute and device will reboot automatically and about 1 minute for lock screen to display. Disconnect USB and its all done. My Internet bandwidth is 5mb, laptop is celeron running vista 32 bit. Also make sure pc Kies is updated before performing the firmware upgrade.

 

[mcwong]

Almost. I realized that before going through with it. Like I said, I'm new to this... but learning. Still suffering here with terrible battery. Right now I'm a DZKJ2 but I was just informed that I'm supposed have DZKL3, being that the phone was bought from Malaysia. How am I going to do that? Kies refuses to update my phone too.

I bought the 9100G with DZKJ2 and just upgraded to DZKL3 via Kies. See my earlier comments. Hope it helps. I did it on a celeron laptop and Internet bandwidth of 5mb.