Hey guys... I had the same problem yesterday and after researching for like hours, I came across a solution that actually worked for me...
You have to unroot your NOTE to a gingerbread version using ODIN..
After that you can upgrade to ICS through the software update from the phone.
It took me around 3 hours cause I had to download the gingerbread 2.3.6 version (~550mb), Samsung Kies, Odin and then unroot, factory reset and then update my phone around 3-4 times to get the final ICS update.
Download:
Gingerbread Link:
[STOCK ROMS] N7000 All stock ROMs + install + Root guide All at 1place,Latest ICS LQ3 - xda-developers (Select appropriate link based on region, only the 2.3.X versions)
Odin: Download Tools/ODIN/Odin3v185.zip at StockROMs.net
Kies: Download Samsung/Kies_2.0.3.11082_152_4.exe at DownloadAndroidROM.com
Step 1: Download from all of the above links and unzip. Install Kies if not done so in order for your pc to detect your phone.
Step 2: Put your Galaxy Note into download mode by holding down the Volume Down, Center button, and the Power button together for about 10 seconds. Then press volume up when you see the warning sign. Connect it to your computer.
Step 3: Run Odin
Step 4: Choose
