Help OTA updates failed - no firmware (ATT)

[thaKing]

I've had issues getting the OTA updates to install. Always downloads then when it installs, it gets to 1-2% and reboots and tells me the update failed. Tried once again today and it failed, but this time when I check for new updates it tells me No Firmware. WTF?!

So, here are my questions:

1. To get past the firmware notification, do I need to go to an ATT store and have them flash the latest update?
2. Or, do I need to do a factory reset and then download the update again?
3. With either option above, I'm guessing I need to backup my info (definitely with #2). I'm used to rooted phones and backing up my info. Since I'm on ATT (non-rooted), I need some guidance.
   1. I have SMS backup+ to backup texts.
   2. I can backup Nova settings through the app.
   3. Photos, videos, music all backed up to SD card.
   4. Contact info - how do I guarantee all contacts are synced with my google account?
   5. What am I missing? What other things should I backup?

Thanks for any tips you can provide on this issue.

 

[thaKing]

Update (pun intended): the No Firmware message is gone and it is downloading the update. I'll report back later if I can get the update to load or not.

 

[thaKing]

Was finally able to install the update. Disregard!