Help galaxy S3 USB file xfer- is it possible?

[lkasdorf]

When I first got the galaxy S3, I plugged the USB into my system, and the phone appeared as a storage device. I was able to find my photos and extract them, I sorta was able to move mp3s onto the phone (tho I never understood where they should go).

Then at some point there was an OS upgrade, and I couldn't use USB anymore.

I keep trying- updating my windows 8.1 drivers with the latest from samsung, trying different usb cables and ports, cleaning out the usb jack on the phone with contact cleaner and compressed air.

It just never connects. I get the windows msg USB device not recognized. I have also seen USB device malfunctioning.

As a result- I am unable to put audio files on my damn phone. And getting a photo off of it requires that I email it to myself.

And this Kies thing- I've tried to make that work at least 3 times. I think I had it kinda work a little bit, but then it didn't the next time.

What the hell? Why is this so hard?

BTW- I'm a tech geek- I do software dev for a living - since early 1980s. I've been around the block with technology.

Any thoughts?

 

[MoodyBlues]

Hi there, lkasdorf, and welcome aboard.

I think your problem/question would be better served on the S3 board, so I've moved it there. If it turns out to be more of a generic problem, we can always move it back.

 

[Mikestony]

I'm not going to guarantee this will work, but what about a factory reset?
Are there other issues besides the USB issue after the update?

Yes you will lose any info/apps/contacts on your phone, but there are ways to back them up

I've always read that if you are having issues after an OTA, one thing to do after all other attempts have failed, is to do a factory reset.

You seem to know what you are doing, and as you stated, are well informed/experienced with computers (more so than I am for sure ), so as far as what to do on the computer side---not sure, sorry