Database Users

[Q] Bricked my At&t galaxy s iii

So, I tried to root my phone using instructions here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1703488
I skimmed it the first time and missed the red, bold text saying not to use this on the US version and I also did not perform a backup, but thats in the past. Currently, it will boot, give me the Samsung logo and shutdown.
I'm sure this is wrong, so I hope someone can correct me.
-First, I need to find the correct rom(which I've been unable to do so far)
-I boot the phone into download mode(Vol down+home+power?) and plug it into my pc
-I open Odin, select the new rom as the pdf file, and press start.
Also, if I manage to screw this up again, would at&t be willing to help since its not totally bricked?

anonymous78 said:
So, I tried to root my phone using instructions here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1703488
I skimmed it the first time and missed the red, bold text saying not to use this on the US version and I also did not perform a backup, but thats in the past. Currently, it will boot, give me the Samsung logo and shutdown.
I'm sure this is wrong, so I hope someone can correct me.
-First, I need to find the correct rom(which I've been unable to do so far)
-I boot the phone into download mode(Vol down+home+power?) and plug it into my pc
-I open Odin, select the new rom as the pdf file, and press start.
Also, if I manage to screw this up again, would at&t be willing to help since its not totally bricked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is correct. I would recommend looking on Sammobile and see if you can find a stock version for your phone model. You use the PDA file in ODIN, then you flash.
As for AT&T, I am not sure of their policy regarding software crashes on phones.

NightSkylar said:
Yes, this is correct. I would recommend looking on Sammobile and see if you can find a stock version for your phone model. You use the PDA file in ODIN, then you flash.
As for AT&T, I am not sure of their policy regarding software crashes on phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked last night and I didn't see it (sgh-i747 right?). Some guides use a PIT file in odin as well, will I need this and where would I find it? If I can't get the stock rom are there any compatible custom ones you'd recommend?

anonymous78 said:
I looked last night and I didn't see it (sgh-i747 right?). Some guides use a PIT file in odin as well, will I need this and where would I find it? If I can't get the stock rom are there any compatible custom ones you'd recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its rare that you would have to use a PIT File, mostly for the fact that it can mess up the bootloader.
As you have performed a soft brick, you likely do not have CWM, thus you cannot flash any custom firmware. *
My advice would be to wait to see if someone will upload the stock firmware for your model. I would also visit AT&T and say that your phone suffered a software crash.
:good:
* However, it is possible to flash a custom ROM if they can be flashed VIA ODIN, such as the CM9 Resurrection edition. (Does not exist for the AT&T Edition just yet)

I considered going into the store and playing dumb, but I heard they just replace the phone on the spot and sometimes later check the bricked phone before fixing it. I don't want to risk receiving a $600 bill in two weeks.
Can they tell the difference in my case?

I doubt it, as they are not trained as samsung tech support is.
Go into download mode, at the top corner, you will see
Produit name:
Custom Binary download:
Current Binary:
System Status:
Can you tell me what those are on your device?

NightSkylar said:
I doubt it, as they are not trained as samsung tech support is.
Go into download mode, at the top corner, you will see
Produit name:
Custom Binary download:
Current Binary:
System Status:
Can you tell me what those are on your device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Product name: SGH-I747
Custom Binary download: yes(3 counts)
Current Binary: Custom
System Status: Official

In this case, as it is a custom Binary, it would most likely void your warranty. However, if they do not know how to check, then you should be good

So I went down to the at&t store and they couldn't do anything without sending it to tech or having them come in or something. She also said that if the warranty is void they won't do anything, not even for a fee.
I suppose I'll have to activate my old phone until the rom is released.

I'm sorry to hear that mate, but no worries, it wont be long till someone post's the official stock firmware

I hope you had taken a efs backup before this blunder.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA

Man, I feel for you but just got to be patient with things like this. You're performing something that can and will damage your phone if you don't read the directions.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Galaxy S4 SGH-1337 will not boot into recovery mode...

First off, I updated my GS4 OTA to I337UCUAMF3, which I wish I hadn't done. I lost root from it from it because I didn't do my research before accepting the update. I then searched for a way around the update and was able to re-root my phone. When I went to flash CM10 to my phone, it booted into download mode (Odin Mode) with a message in the upper left corner that reads:
Could not do normal boot.
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: SGH-I337
CURRENT BINARY: Samsung Official
SYSTEM STATUS: Official
CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0x30
WRITE PROTECTION: Enable
I found a fix for this that allows me to reboot my phone into working order. However, I am no longer able to boot into Recovery Mode, nor am I able to factory wipe my phone. Any time I attempt either of these things, it goes back into the "Could not do normal boot." Odin mode. I tried going back to stock, but it fails every time. I'm sort of new to all of this, obviously, but any help would be appreciated. Everything I have tried has been based on things I've read on XDA, but I guess just because someone posts something doesn't mean you should try it. Lesson learned.
AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4
SGH-I337
Baseband: I337UCUAMF3
Android 4.2.2
Build number: JDQ39.I337UCUAMF3
Kernel version: 3.4.0-812098
[email protected] #1
I can try my best to provide any further information that may assist you in assisting me! Just ask. Thanks in advance.

babrandon said:
First off, I updated my GS4 OTA to I337UCUAMF3, which I wish I hadn't done. I lost root from it from it because I didn't do my research before accepting the update. I then searched for a way around the update and was able to re-root my phone. When I went to flash CM10 to my phone, it booted into download mode (Odin Mode) with a message in the upper left corner that reads:
Could not do normal boot.
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: SGH-I337
CURRENT BINARY: Samsung Official
SYSTEM STATUS: Official
CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0x30
WRITE PROTECTION: Enable
I found a fix for this that allows me to reboot my phone into working order. However, I am no longer able to boot into Recovery Mode, nor am I able to factory wipe my phone. Any time I attempt either of these things, it goes back into the "Could not do normal boot." Odin mode. I tried going back to stock, but it fails every time. I'm sort of new to all of this, obviously, but any help would be appreciated. Everything I have tried has been based on things I've read on XDA, but I guess just because someone posts something doesn't mean you should try it. Lesson learned.
AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4
SGH-I337
Baseband: I337UCUAMF3
Android 4.2.2
Build number: JDQ39.I337UCUAMF3
Kernel version: 3.4.0-812098
[email protected] #1
I can try my best to provide any further information that may assist you in assisting me! Just ask. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
having the same exact issues. Ive been trying the past 4 hours on getting it to work.

I think you're both hosed. You can try jtag. Check out mobiletechvideos.com. but call them first and explain what you did. Jtag may not even work.

Mf3 update has new bootloader. No custom recovery options as of now. You can have root but no recovery no flashing.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium

You lost root because, as you said, you didn't do any research before accepting the OTA update. Now you're about to bork your device trying to flash onto it without, yet again, doing any research. I don't mean to be a hardass but I don't want to see anyone with a brick on this forum. You would be better off with an unrooted stock s4 and just keep your eyes and ears on xda for root/recovery updates for MF3.
Cheers

babrandon said:
First off, I updated my GS4 OTA to I337UCUAMF3, which I wish I hadn't done. I lost root from it from it because I didn't do my research before accepting the update. I then searched for a way around the update and was able to re-root my phone. When I went to flash CM10 to my phone, it booted into download mode (Odin Mode) with a message in the upper left corner that reads:
Could not do normal boot.
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: SGH-I337
CURRENT BINARY: Samsung Official
SYSTEM STATUS: Official
CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0x30
WRITE PROTECTION: Enable
I found a fix for this that allows me to reboot my phone into working order. However, I am no longer able to boot into Recovery Mode, nor am I able to factory wipe my phone. Any time I attempt either of these things, it goes back into the "Could not do normal boot." Odin mode. I tried going back to stock, but it fails every time. I'm sort of new to all of this, obviously, but any help would be appreciated. Everything I have tried has been based on things I've read on XDA, but I guess just because someone posts something doesn't mean you should try it. Lesson learned.
AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4
SGH-I337
Baseband: I337UCUAMF3
Android 4.2.2
Build number: JDQ39.I337UCUAMF3
Kernel version: 3.4.0-812098
[email protected] #1
I can try my best to provide any further information that may assist you in assisting me! Just ask. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get the same thing as well. You said "I found a fix for this that allows me to reboot my phone into working order". Could you explain how you got this to reboot back to normal? That's all I want at this time too.

l33t_killa said:
I get the same thing as well. You said "I found a fix for this that allows me to reboot my phone into working order". Could you explain how you got this to reboot back to normal? That's all I want at this time too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you just have to go to ur phone download mode by holding volume down and home button and when u get to download mode just simply click on cancel(restart) it will boot ur phone..

mdanish4 said:
you just have to go to ur phone download mode by holding volume down and home button and when u get to download mode just simply click on cancel(restart) it will boot ur phone..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently, it's sitting on the ATT sphere, white background, with the blue LED light on, got the opening chimes on the reboot as well. Been a couple of minutes now sitting there...
UPDATE
Was able to power it off as it was getting hot, got it plugged into laptop, charging animation is on, with the red LED light on as well. Cooling back down. What do you think now?
UPDATE 2
Did a reboot after charging for a bit, still hanging on the ATT sphere, white background, with the blue LED light on

mdanish4 said:
you just have to go to ur phone download mode by holding volume down and home button and when u get to download mode just simply click on cancel(restart) it will boot ur phone..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am/Was in the EXACT same boat as the OP. I did what was posted above and I was good to go, meaning I can use my phone etc. I have had the phone for 5 days after using an iPhone for 5 years so I am still learning and almost learned the hard way. I will just wait until I can flash ROMs etc.
Thanks for making this thread OP.

babrandon said:
First off, I updated my GS4 OTA to I337UCUAMF3, which I wish I hadn't done. I lost root from it from it because I didn't do my research before accepting the update. I then searched for a way around the update and was able to re-root my phone. When I went to flash CM10 to my phone, it booted into download mode (Odin Mode) with a message in the upper left corner that reads:
Could not do normal boot.
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: SGH-I337
CURRENT BINARY: Samsung Official
SYSTEM STATUS: Official
CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0x30
WRITE PROTECTION: Enable
I found a fix for this that allows me to reboot my phone into working order. However, I am no longer able to boot into Recovery Mode, nor am I able to factory wipe my phone. Any time I attempt either of these things, it goes back into the "Could not do normal boot." Odin mode. I tried going back to stock, but it fails every time. I'm sort of new to all of this, obviously, but any help would be appreciated. Everything I have tried has been based on things I've read on XDA, but I guess just because someone posts something doesn't mean you should try it. Lesson learned.
AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4
SGH-I337
Baseband: I337UCUAMF3
Android 4.2.2
Build number: JDQ39.I337UCUAMF3
Kernel version: 3.4.0-812098
[email protected] #1
I can try my best to provide any further information that may assist you in assisting me! Just ask. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having the exact same problem. I had read on the forums that people with root were able to install the OTA update no problem. But after I'd installed it this problem came up and there were no solutions in sight

ashkan101 said:
I'm having the exact same problem. I had read on the forums that people with root were able to install the OTA update no problem. But after I'd installed it this problem came up and there were no solutions in sight
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The solution is in post 7 of this thread...though that will get you able to boot, you will not have a stock (or any) recovery...as trying to install a custom recovery when it's not actually possible is a bad thing!

ashkan101 said:
I'm having the exact same problem. I had read on the forums that people with root were able to install the OTA update no problem. But after I'd installed it this problem came up and there were no solutions in sight
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding myself to this post... Having the same problem.

sincity said:
Adding myself to this post... Having the same problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried what was explained in post 7. Boot into download mode and when it gives you the option to continue or cancel, cancel. Others have reported this working.

jd1639 said:
Have you tried what was explained in post 7. Boot into download mode and when it gives you the option to continue or cancel, cancel. Others have reported this working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did. Actually my situation is a little different. But was hoping to grab info from here too.
What happened: Installed Chainfire3D by accident. Reboot and from that point it got stuck in boot.
Rooted AT&T I337 MF3

sincity said:
Yes I did. Actually my situation is a little different. But was hoping to grab info from here too.
What happened: Installed Chainfire3D by accident. Reboot and from that point it got stuck in boot.
Rooted AT&T I337 MF3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, didn't see it was for froyo and Gb only. What firmware do you have?

jd1639 said:
Oh, didn't see it was for froyo and Gb only. What firmware do you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whatever 4.2.2 is I'm assuming...
My phone was stock... I can't boot into recovery either.

sincity said:
whatever 4.2.2 is I'm assuming...
My phone was stock... I can't boot into recovery either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of these are 4.2.2, mdb, mdl, mf3. If you have the first two there's hope. If you have the last one, which I'm guessing you do, its no going to be so easy.

jd1639 said:
All of these are 4.2.2, mdb, mdl, mf3. If you have the first two there's hope. If you have the last one, which I'm guessing you do, its no going to be so easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MF3 - and I'm learning that I might just have to be patient until someone releases a stock/bootloader MF3. Sucks to have this issue.

sincity said:
MF3 - and I'm learning that I might just have to be patient until someone releases a stock/bootloader MF3. Sucks to have this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or perhaps the creeps in charge at AT&T will unlock the bootloader, that would get everyone up and running again. I've done my part to send them messages to that effect...(perhaps I should have not called them creeps, but I can't come up with a nastier term that is able to be printed politely.)

Stuck in download mode SGH-I337 AT&T!! KIES and Odin both fail
Is there a fix yet? I just got my device, successfully had it rooted and then tried installing a custom recovery using goo. It was stupid without research, but it happened.

[Q] galaxy s4 gti9505 WAS rooted but cant change status back to normal

hi all, as you can tell, im a noob well, I have a samsung galaxy s4 gti9505 that I rooted with odin WHEN I had a pc, and it just so happens, whenever I root an android, it works but then things start to go wrong like lagging, freezing, drainage of the battery really fast ect. So this time I decided to google how to unroot my phone without a pc to fix my problem. I did that using super su or something which had the unroot option witch I did successfully. But just a few moments ago, I was just checking to see if there were any updates available for my phone because my camera decided to stop working, (well the camera works but when trying to record, a pop-up box appears saying camera failed). So when I tried to update, it said that I cant update because my phone is modified, now as stated above, I am a noob to this subject so please be patient with me trying to comprehend the technical terms use will use hahaha. Can someone please explain to me if it is possible to change the status from custom to normal without the help of a computer? Thanks in advance

help meeh please
Can anyone help?

I don't understand why you want to return back to stock without computer/laptop. In any case following instruction will help you to return your S4 back to stock:
1.First you need to download official firmware for your region from this site: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/
2. Second upload it to phone with Odin http://www.andromint.com/download-odin-latest-version/
If needed you can also use Triangle away to reset custom flash count.
That's all...
.

Dear all,
I have a similar question.
I've rooted my i9500. I wonder is there any way to roll back my phone like Triangel Away etc. I mean in case of any guarantee situation.

As far as understand, as of now no way to reset.
I hope someone can find a way to reset everyhing to get warranty back.

[email protected] said:
As far as understand, as of now no way to reset.
I hope someone can find a way to reset everyhing to get warranty back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash official firmware with Odin PC should do the job. I pretty sure counter will be reset too.

Mittaa said:
Flash official firmware with Odin PC should do the job. I pretty sure counter will be reset too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try.
First i will unroot phone than flash original firmware with Odin as you say.
If it works, i will add ss here.
Thanks

[email protected] said:
I will try.
First i will unroot phone than flash original firmware with Odin as you say.
If it works, i will add ss here.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to un-root before flash ... you will for sure lose root anyway

romrak said:
I don't understand why you want to return back to stock without computer/laptop. In any case following instruction will help you to return your S4 back to stock:
1.First you need to download official firmware for your region from this site: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/
2. Second upload it to phone with Odin http://www.andromint.com/download-odin-latest-version/
If needed you can also use Triangle away to reset custom flash count.
That's all...
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any way i can download at more than 200KB's?
http://puu.sh/4YTbL.png
Cause the captcha for the rom download on the link says it's wrong even when i type it right..

I must do something wrong here, because it's not working for me.
I followed the instructions and device still says it is modified and it will not check for updates from samsung.
What is my next step?
Procedure so far:
Gained root acces with ODIN
I did not flash a custom rom.
Used Triangle away to reset counter (counter checked 0 afterwards)
Flashed Galaxy stock firmware downloaded from internet (PHN-I9505XXUDMHB-20130922121848.zip unpacked this once) with ODIN
Furthermore, regarding KNOX reading:
KNOX KERNEL LOCK: 0X0
KNOX WARRANTY VOID: 0X1
(I suppose the latter means Samsung still is able to see I did something)
Would a hard reset solve this issue do you think?

[Q] Help finding a specific stock ROM - i9505

Hi all,
Long time lurker, first time poster
I've been experimenting with a spare i9505 that I have, flashing roms etc (it was having serious wifi issues so I was trying to fix it)
However something's gone wrong and I now have the 'Firmware upgrade experienced an issue' screen, and Knox Warranty is 0x1. I don't really care about it as it's a spare, but I'd like to flash a ROM to it so that it at least works.
I'm not exactly a power user when it comes to this stuff, more an 'enthusiastic amateur'. I followed instructions in a similar thread to flash TWRP and use that to Advanced Wipe before flashing a new ROM, which I've done, but the threads I've found feature loads of ROMs and I don't know which one to use. I found a couple that I tried to use, but Odin is failing every time and SW Rev Check Fail pops up on the screen, which I believe (from more lurking!) means I'm trying to use the wrong firmware.
Was hoping someone here could point me in the right direction!
Just to recap the phone status:
- S4 i9505
- UK based (came from Vodafone if that matters?)
- Firmware update encountered an issue
- Knox Warranty Void 0x1
- Previously running 4.2.2
Thanks guys

Knox warranty void cannot be recoverd till now
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk

aayushkhajuria2842 said:
Knox warranty void cannot be recoverd till now
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not worried about the warranty, I've read up on it and I know that's a lost cause. I just want the phone to work really as it's currently displaying 'Firmware update encountered an issue' on boot. I only mention the 0x1 thing as from my research I understand that it limits you in terms of what ROMs you can install, meaning I would need a particular one to get the phone working again.
Thanks!

Then install stock firmware via odin first
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk

aayushkhajuria2842 said:
Then install stock firmware via odin first
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... That's kinda the point of my post. I know what I need to do, I just don't know which file to use.
For example, this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2250824 has a bunch of stock firmware files, but I don't know which one I would need to download, for my specific circumstance.

What firmware u tried to install? If u tried to install android 4.3 or android 4.4.2 maybe ur bootloader is updated and u cant flash android 4.2.2. Give us more info :fingers-crossed:

Joku1981 said:
What firmware u tried to install? If u tried to install android 4.3 or android 4.4.2 maybe ur bootloader is updated and u cant flash android 4.2.2. Give us more info :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was worried that might be the case.
OK so I've tried two md5 files so far:
I9505XXUBMGA_I9505OXXBMG3_I9505XXUBMGA_HOME.tar.md5
I9505XXUFNB8_I9505BTUFNB3_I9505XXUFNB8_HOME.tar.md5
To PROPERLY go back and re-cap from beginning...
- Phone was stock, wi-fi didn't work (worked for a bit, then cut off and wouldn't come back on)
- Ran CyanogenMod Installer to update and hopefully fix the issue
- Install was successful but didn't fix wi-fi issues
- Used Odin to flash the 2nd md5 listed above, went back to stock but wi-fi still didn't work
- Tried to flash the 1st md5 listed above, didn't work and must have errored at some point as now I get that 'Firmware upgrade encountered an issue' message.
- Looked up the issue in a thread on here, followed instructions to flash TWRP, boot into Recovery > Wipe > Advanced wiping everything bar last two options, and then 'install your stock recovery firmware'
Only issue I have now, I don't know which file that is As I say the last two I tried (above) give me the SW Rev error, so they're clearly incorrect.
I don't care about warranty, and I don't care about root either really... just want the phone to work again, even on stock!

Well. Step by step:
- You will have to WIPE all
- If the phone is branded to Vodafone is one thing, if not is other.
- I let u the correct firmware for ur phone with Vodafone: HERE or HERE
- If ur phone is unbranded the correct firmware is: HERE
- Download it and flash it through ODIN
- If u have problems with ODIN, paste it here and good luck :highfive:

Awesome! Thanks man, the phone came from Vodafone initially but I don't think it's branded (no logos on the phone, no Vodafone logo on boot)
I'm downloading both just to make sure. Will let you know results ASAP! Thanks again :good:

[Q] Downgrading from 5.0 back to 4.4.2 UK

Hey all,
I have tried searching about this on the forum, but I can't seem to find anything solid. And I'm a novice at that.
I made the mistake of auto updating my S5 to Lollipop and my phone is seriously laggy, wont respond at times battery drains very quickly etc etc.
I've looked into ways of downgrading back to 4.4.2 and I'm sure I can use Odin and possibly Kies.
Kies seems like the easier option, can you downgrade using it? Through Tools, then Firmware Upgrade and initialization? Or will it restore it to the current version 5.0?
Odin seems to be more difficult, I've seen comments on how it hasn't worked out and I don't want to muck my phone up I've only had it this year, this procedure wont void the warranty will it?
Going through SamMobile on country, my carrier is o2UK would I select o2 or BTU? As I'm sure my phone shipped unlocked. (bought it through o2)
Would I need to also download a 7Zip driver? Or use the stock one which comes with Windows?
I've backed the phone up using Kies3.0, I'm just scared about using Odin.
This may seem ridiculous to you, but I would really appreciate any help, or tips.
Thanks.

All the info you need is in multiple threads all over this forum, just read some
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/help

Like I said, I looked through pages in the Help & troubleshooting and can't find anything which is a solid step by step guide...

Dolos said:
Like I said, I looked through pages in the Help & troubleshooting and can't find anything which is a solid step by step guide...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58381871

I have a idea how to do it, just some reassurance would be nice, and if you look at my original post I ask several questions hoping someone can answer them?
I have found no threads with these type of questions.

Dolos said:
I have a idea how to do it, just some reassurance would be nice, and if you look at my original post I ask several questions hoping someone can answer them?
I have found no threads with these type of questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reply to your questions:
Kies will not restore previous version of firmware. It will restore only current settings and what you have checked to be backuped.
Using odin will not void your warranty.
In About Phone - there is version of your number this is relevant if you want to flash original 02 rom.
Windows embeded zip functions are enough to unpack firmware.

Thanks for clearing that up,
So if anybody could please confirm I have the procedure down correctly?
1) back up device
2) Install Kies Driver
3) Download 4.4.2 o2 SM-G900F stock rom
4) unzip/extract Downloaded file
5) Install Odin v3.09
6) Unzip/extract Odin and run as administrator
7)Paste Md5 file in AP/PDA
8) Turn off device, and hold down vol/pwr to activate download mode
9) connect device to PC
10) First box should turn blue
11) click start
12) Couple mins should show pass
13) factory reset device from recovery mode
14) All done?
PLEASE let me know if I have missed something, or should do it differently.
Thank you very much

Anybody?

As far as I remember the procedure you wrote is pretty much correct. At the 8th point - it should be: 'Vol -' + 'Home' + 'Power'. And before clicking start in the odin make sure 're-partition' is not ticked. I did downgrade on my s5 couple of days ago - Lollipop is terrible... , but I encountered some problems... Just after turning on fresh and clean KitKat I turned off Android auto-update option and couple of minutes later - bang, phone is downloading the lollipop again. I'm furious. Any ideas?

That sucks! First thing I did after the download was turn off auto-update.
Hope this doesn't happen to me, seems pointless to do it otherwise.
I hope I don't muck this up

Can't add much to your list or what's been additionally suggested........
Except......
Make sure kies is NOT running......go to windows task manager and kill any processes that mention kies.
Turn off anti virus and firewalls before starting the flash.
Sent from my rooted kn0x0 SM-G900F S5

very helpful indeed, was looking for downgrading.
cheers!