Can`t connect to Kies or odin for firmware update

[mecanician]

Hi
I`m with Tmobile(UK) no OTA update can`t connect to server!
Installed Kies and was informed there was an update
So for the last 4 nights I`ve been trying to update the firmware using Kies & XP virus protection & firewall off,
Heres the scenario
start kies - once its up and running connect phone(usb debugging NOT ticked)
Kies tells me there is an update- prepare for update back-up contacts etc.
Download is painfully slow
Just as its preparing to flash the update the connection to the phone drops out! Tried this about 8 times!
Got fed up with this.So looking around on here and XDA thought I would try to root the phone using Odin.
followed the rooting guide on here and XDA
Start with usb debugging checked
connect phone start Odin
Get yellow box
try to flash an insecure kenel - the process hangs after an hour,thought I`d bricked my phone disconnect pull battery the phones OK!!
I know its not the end of the world! But I like to keep the phone updated!
Many Thanks In Advance
Mark.

 

[Hawker]

something not right there. rooting takes 30 seconds at most.

did you reboot your pc between trying kies and odin?
odin doesnt like kies running, so perhaps there was a conflict.

If you did reboot, then it may be worth uninstalling+reinstalling kies, rebooting, then try Odin.

 

[mecanician]

Thanks
I've managed to update firmware using my sons laptop still had to find a work around though,the laptop is new running windows 7 had to find a usb socket that kies liked and then downloaded the MTP driver for a galaxy S everything updated OK,albeit slow
Going to leave rooting for a few weeks I'm off on holiday.
Many Thanks