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Tips n Tricks thread.

Advanced steps to take for Kies connection problems

1. Ensure your phone is not in USB debugging mode:
Go to Settings, Applications, Development and make sure USB debugging is switched off.
2. Press the Home Key your GS2 and make sure it is not locked. If it is, unlock it.
3. Plug the USB cable into the PC.
4. Plug the other end into the GS2.
5a. Pre KH3: You will now see a picture of a USB connector entitled MTP Application, with a message on the bottom saying Connected Press home key to quit Samsung Kies.
5b. KH3+: You will see an MTP-Initialization message in the notification bar. If successful you will shortly see that message change to MTP Connected.
6. Keep tapping the screen of your GS2 so that it does not shut off (and possibly activate the phone's lock if you have one set). Keep doing this until you get to step 14 below.
7. Wait for Windows to pop up an Auto Play window.
8. Select Open device to view files using Windows Explorer
9. In the window that this opens, double click Phone.
10. Keep this window open, minimize it if you want to. If it remains open for any length of time (10+ seconds) then you have a great chance.
11. Open Kies. As long as Windows Explorer's Phone window is still open then you will probably find Kies detects the GS2.
12. Kies should now be attempting to connect to your GS2.
13. Once connected you will see your phone appear in the top left of Kies
14. Begin using Kies.

If unsuccessful along any of these step then give it a few attempts. Dont just give up after the first connection failure to do something more drastic. I have had the Auto Play window (point 8) not popping up at all after connection, or it pops up, stays open only for a few seconds, and it closes itself. If this happens, unplug the USB from the GS2 and repeat from step 4.
If reconnecting the cable at the GS2 end keeps failing after several attempts, unplug both ends of the USB cable and repeat from step 2.
If this again keeps failing, unplug both ends of the USB cable and try a few more times in another USB port, repeating from step 2. If it still continues to fail each time then more drastic action is required:

If you can NEVER get your PC to see your GS2
You need to wipe all existence of Kies from your PC and try again. To do this follow these steps:

Open up your PC's Device Manager (right click Computer, Properties, Device Manager) then plug in the USB cable and connect cable to GS2. You may find that the device list refreshes every second or two and the device does not get added. If the Auto Play window pops up, then device manager will stop refreshing and you will see your GT-I9100 appear under the Portable Devices section. If Auto Play does not pop up, Device Manager will continually refresh. This indicates a problem:
1. Uninstall Kies
2. If you were previously on a version of Kies prior to 2.3.0.12035_16_4, run program files\samsung\usb drivers\uninstall.exe (This is important! This does not get done on a Kies uninstall if you are on a version of Kies prior to 2.3.1.12044_18 10)
3. Reboot
4. Delete the Samsung folder from Program Files.
5. If you want to be even more thorough, run a free utility called CCleaner on the files and registry, and if your confident, remove anything that references program files\samsung in the registry using regedit. (You have to know what your doing with regedit, as it is possible to "break" your PC if you do something wrong).
6. Reboot then reinstall Kies.
7. Plug in your GS2.

Do not rely on Kies to detect new version, as it will only detect major increment leaps.
It will ignore the last number, and will only detect a change if the first group of numbers in the version have changed. (See this thread)

Personally I think that all these problems we are having do not lie with the Kies software itself, but with Samsung's USB drivers for the device, as I've seen the Auto Play window disappear after a few minutes when not even opening the Kies software, thereby constant refreshing in Windows Device Manager occurs. I dread to think what would occur if this happened in the middle of performing a firmware upgrade!!

Just remember, plug+play your GS2 isn't. It's more like plug+pray!

If you simply cannot connect to Kies at all, then try the following:
1. Open up your dialer
2. Dial *#7284# This opens up the PhoneUtil menu

There are 2 sections:
UART
MODEM
PDA

USB
MODEM
PDA

3. Ensure PDA is selected for USB. If it already selected to PDA, try reselecting it by selecting Modem, then PDA.
4. Press the Back key
5. Retry Kies

Download the latest version of Kies and manuals here

Kies Version History
2.3.2.12054_20_1 (13 Jun, 2012) Current version
2.3.2.12054_19_1 (4 Jun, 2012)
2.3.2.12054_18_2 (29 May, 2012)
2.3.1.12044_18 10 (May, 2012)
2.3.0.12035_16_4 (6th Apr 2012)
2.2.0.12014_18_8 (8th Mar 2012)
2.2.0.12014_18_7 (9th Feb 2012)
2.1.1.11124_17_6 (2nd Jan 2012)
2.1.0.11112_41_7 (2nd Dec 2011)
2.1.0.11095_121_6 (9th Nov 2011)
2.0.3.11082_152_4 (24th Sept 2011)

Tracking Thread


Hey there,

I have an I9100G, bought it late: on 1st of may, and suddenly for the last couple of weeks, it is not being recognized nor accessed in ANY way! It was ok for like 3 weeks, then it just sopped!

I get this message: failed to install Samsung Mobile MTP Device, and i can't even access it as a mass storage: no autoplay, nor even it appears on explorer as a drive (i use WinXP SP3).

I have tried EVERYTHING!

I completely swept Kies out, removed it from registry, all Samsung USB drivers, and all .dll's, reinstalled them 3 times now - > nothing

Connection troubleshooter -> nothing

Updated .NET Framework before one of the Kies reinstalls -> nothing

Opened it with debug mode on, then when it's off (drivers in debug mode install fine, though) -> nothing

Tried the UART/USB trick - > nothing.

Can't execute the "18 characters long" files delete, as i can't access my mobile through USB in the first place.

I am fed up, frustrated and tired! I would be very thankful if you helped me with this.
 
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Hi can anyone tell me how you were supposed to switch folders after the ice cream sandwich update I use to be able to push and hold on in box and it would like to pull up the other folders and switch now I have to hit menu and then going into folders and then I have to choose the other folder I'm looking for this is very laborious is there a solution that allows you to quickly switch between folders
 
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Hi can anyone tell me how you were supposed to switch folders after the ice cream sandwich update I use to be able to push and hold on in box and it would like to pull up the other folders and switch now I have to hit menu and then going into folders and then I have to choose the other folder I'm looking for this is very laborious is there a solution that allows you to quickly switch between folders

We are encouraged to post questions in existing threads but my experience is that nobody replies?
Anybody? Please!
 
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I found the incall volume to be a little low. When you max out the volume using the volume button it actually only goes to a default setting of 87 out of 100. If you would like to change the default settings here is what you need to do.
call this number *#*#197328640#*#*
This will open the service mode menu.
choose option [5] AUDIO
choose option [1] (VOICE CALL)
choose option [1] HANDSET
choose option [1] Volume
choose option [1] SRC Speech RX Volume
choose option [5] 5_lvl : 87
press the menu button (left side)
choose Key Input
enter a value between 0 and 100, I choose 100 the loudest setting.
press ok
now press the menu button and select back this should save (don't use the right side back key you normally use to navigate the phone or you will quit out of the settings) keep hitting the menu and back until you leave the service mode menu.
You will also note you can change volume settings for other things like bluetooth, head sets, video call etc.

Note: this is not permanent, if you turn off the phone it resets back to the default levels .

Hi

I am able to open main menu(1.Debug screen....6.Common)
by typing that command.But when i am selecting the option 5.Audio it's not allowing me to edit.help plz...thanks in advance.
 
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Hi I have update my Samsung galaxy s2 to ICS 4.0.4 latest version so far since I have done that I m having call alert problem during voice call I don't get notification alert audio tone e if I m on another call unless I look on to screen for missed call massage.
I have checked all call alert notification options they r enabled but I.still don't get call alert tone most of time
Can some body please help me with issue will be highly appreciated thanks
 
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No call alert during a call after ICS updates Galaxy s2

Hi I have update my Samsung galaxy s2 to ICS 4.0.4 latest version so far since I have done that I m having call alert problem during voice call I don't get notification alert audio tone e if I m on another call unless I look on to screen for missed call massage. I have checked all call alert notification options they r enabled but I.still don't get call alert tone most of time Can some body please help me with issue will be highly appreciated thanks
 
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Hi Ironass,

Thanks for providing this excellent post, I am following it : ), I have the following query

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...1gdDJRekl4QmkyNmIzUmRvX2h3UDVkQXc&output=html

Nasim: In the spreadsheet shared their a column "Safe to Remove", as per I understanding I can actually uninstall from the phone rather then just freeze it, Could you please confirm the same.

Also what is the impact of the frozen app/process in android after the phone gets restart, will it remain frozen.


App's shown in red on this list should not be frozen.

11. Those in yellow can be frozen using caution. For instance, I have K-9 mail installed and use it to download and send my Gmail. Therefore I have frozen the Gmail app so that it does not appear in my app drawer or run. I have also frozen Messaging as I use Handcent which does not require Messaging support as it is standalone.

Thanks & Best Regards
Muhammad Nasim
 
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*In Applications menu, you can press menu key>edit. If you didn't notice, in here you can move the Phone, Contacts and Messaging widgets from the bottom of the screen into the applications area, and replace them with other applications, or just remove them altogether to leave just the blue applications widget for every homescreen.

Note that for this to work you have to switch into "Grid" view first. The option isn't available in "List" view.
 
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Tips when constant romming
Hi all here are some tips i have when trying out numerous roms if anyone has more would be appreciated
Contact numbers ,pictures,ringtones-i use RINGTONE KEEPER brilliant little app that restores all the ringtones you have set for each contact after
restoring them.
Contacts- i deleted all my sim contacts from another mobile and only use Google gmail to restore them,doing this the pictures are there every time
and never any duplicate numbers.
Indivdual notification sms tones-for messages and different tone for each contact if you want i use another brilliant app called MP3 RINGTONE EDITOR
this is so easy to use and good for recognising messages that arent important thus ignore.
For restoring messages i use SMS BACKUP & RESTORE i usually wait a week and store a load of messages then back them up,when adding a
new rom restore them back and then just put the tones for each contact you want back on.
The messaging app i use is CHOMP SMS (paid version)i have always used this one and find it faultless TBH and it has regular updates.
Hope this helps someone Adious
 
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Tip 1: use the custom equalizer with all frequencies at the max to boost the volume of speaker
Tip 2: to have access to your ringtones files in the settings for incoming calls and also messages, create a folder called "Ringtones" and put your files inside. Then put this folder inside the folder "Notifications" of the phone
Tip 3: Strangely enough, SD card is the internal memory, when the memory card is called external_SD
 
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Hey guys I recently found an interesting tip by accident. Sorry if it's old, but I never noticed.

When you're on the lock screen, try holding the home button. I get a flashlight coming on! You have to hold the button down to get the light on. I never knew that! Handy dandy!

Also, I think everyone knows but wherever you are on the phone, if you tap the home button 4 times you invert all the colours. There's an option to do it, but this is a nice shortcut if that's your thing.

btw I'm on 4.0.4 AndyX v17, which is Sammy-based, so I don't know if this works on AOSP/AOKP, but you're welcome to try!
 
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I found the incall volume to be a little low. When you max out the volume using the volume button it actually only goes to a default setting of 87 out of 100. If you would like to change the default settings here is what you need to do.
call this number *#*#197328640#*#*
This will open the service mode menu.
choose option [5] AUDIO
choose option [1] (VOICE CALL)
choose option [1] HANDSET
choose option [1] Volume
choose option [1] SRC Speech RX Volume
choose option [5] 5_lvl : 87
press the menu button (left side)
choose Key Input
enter a value between 0 and 100, I choose 100 the loudest setting.
press ok
now press the menu button and select back this should save (don't use the right side back key you normally use to navigate the phone or you will quit out of the settings) keep hitting the menu and back until you leave the service mode menu.
You will also note you can change volume settings for other things like bluetooth, head sets, video call etc.

Note: this is not permanent, if you turn off the phone it resets back to the default levels .

Hi Guys!!!

when i call this number *#*#197328640#*#* my S2 with ICS 4 gives completely diffrent options, screen shot for the same is attached below. for sound option 5 it says 'sound blocked'.


Please advice.
Thanks a lot.
 

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edit: Damn I just realised, this has already been posted. 1973 didnt turn up in the search results for this thread though, odd!


The call volume through the headset on the S2 is notoriously quiet, the following will help increase the volume through the headset.

note: Use the menu key->Key input to enter values

1. Open the dialler
2. Dial *#*#197328640#*#*
3. Navigate through the following menus:
(5) Audio
(1) Voice call
(2) Headset
(1) Volume
(1) SRC Speech RX Volume
4. Enter 5100. This sets the maximum level (5) to the maximum volume (100).
5. Use the menu key, and select back six times to navigate back to the dialler.

The headset volume setting is now set to the maximum when the volume toggle switch is set to the maximum.

Note: When the phone is reset or powered off, the firmware will reset these settings back to the default, so you will have to go through this procedure again.

Hope it helps!

mine does not
 
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