[Galaxy S I9000 General] shanghai01:
EDIT: See Bottom of Post for Details concerning Flashing a Fix for 3 Button Issue

Hi All,

After a framework-res.apk file mucked up my boot and basically bricked my SGS (stuck on black screen with lit up buttons), I found out unfortunately that my Download/Recovery Modes were 'disconnected' or 'disabled' as some have put it. I use the term disconnected because it is reachable using ADB but NOT the Three Button Method.

After scouring the interwebs for a solution, I was left unhappy and deeply regretful for the silly moderation gone wrong.

My phone was not registering on ADB ("device not found") and hence I couldn't push a new framework-res back in.

After reading up on Wiki, I found that a certain Batch of SGS phones were released with this disconnection of Three Button Boot for Recovery/Download. I found a number of cases existing within the 60-64 range and can confirm that it also existed with mine which was 58.

For others wondering. I purchased mine with Optus in Australia from a retailer around the 18 August.

If you don't know what numbers I'm talking about, check out the IMEI number on your phone/box and it should say XXXXXX/XX/$$XXXX/X. The numbers corresponding with $$ are the numbers youre looking for.

It seems that the issue is mostly haunting the 60-64 range but I can confirm mine was 58.

Edit: Users have reported that 'haunted' phones exist outside of the 60-64 range as mentioned previously. It seems like there is no distinguishing IMEI for the affected phones. I'm afraid you will have to just open the box and try the 3 buttons.

My solution unfortunately was no magic trick, I took the phone back to retailer claiming ELF (Early Life Failure). I received a replacement "70" range one with full functionality.

To confirm again, the procedure is.

1. Power Off Machine

2. Press Menu (Middle Button), holding it

3. Press Volume Up, Also holding it

4. Press Power, Holding it

---- Wait for Samsung Galaxy S Splash

5. Release Power, Holding onto the first two buttons

6. Phone will Boot into Recovery Mode at which point you can release all buttons

To put it Black and White. If you are one of the unlucky folk who are stuck with a 'disconnected' device, I highly recommend taking it back to your retailer and obtaining a replacement. It will be too late when your device 'bricks' and you have no backdoor into the system. When explaining to retailer, make sure you explicitly point out that it is a feature of the phone that whilst not advertised, is expected and a necessity. A simple firmware upgrade through Kies could potentially brick your device for eternity and this is a basic procedure expected to function correctly on your SGS. Hence, a replacement with full functionality is definitely and utterly deserved and within the scope of the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).

EDIT: I explain this on page 2 for another user, figured it is probably helpful for the original post.

Usually, there is a 14 day policy regarding goods deemed unfit or 'problematic' and you can get a replacement with RETAILER. After those 14 days, the responsibility lies with the manufacturer and you must chase up Samsung instead. Your retailer I'm sure will be aware of this. My advice is to act fast and as soon as possible.

Since the problem cannot be induced by user carelessness or intentionally, theoretically you can still chase up the retailer after 14 days, but since you do not have statutory backing, it may be more difficult. a lucky dip of sorts.

If it does get that far, you do have the law on your side and a simple complaint letter to the ACCC demanding assertion of 'Quality of Goods' under Trade Practices Act is the appropriate next step. Photocopy the letter and showing it to your retailer should show them youre serious and convince them to replace your device. If not, go through with it, don't be scared and enjoy a Tribunal Hearing. Let the law work for you because remember you deserve a phone with full functionality.

Just wanted to share my experience and knowledge to anyone else cursed with the same problems as I.

Regards,

EDIT: Far as we can tell for now, there has been no official 'fix' (although) Samsung Canada have recognised the issue and said they will look into developing firmware or software fixes for it. As for 'third party fix', I am unaware of any successful current techniques. As a warning, if someone does develop one, please be reminded that it will void your warranty, and in the case of failure, your phone will definitely brick since you cannot 3 button boot.

Thanks to Davidke, "I found "official" samsung download mode instructions. Feel free to tattoo it to the face of whomever told you it wasn't a "supported" feature.

This is a screen shot from the Samsung Kies Firmware Restoration panel.

It comes up like this in the very rare circumstance where a previous firmware update has failed.

"

It seems that there have been mixed reports from users contacting Samsung Technicians across the world. Whilst some have shunned this as being a feature sold with the device, others in Canada and Optus (Australia) have said that Samsung recognises it as a fault and is working to resolve it for the affected devices.

Thanks to Bigl666, "Samsung Mobile: Canada Some of you have reported to us that there is an intermittent software issue affecting the Galaxy S and “recovery mode” functionality. We’ll be announcing a downloadable software update shortly. Thank you for your patience."

At the same time, Samsung Representatives have been implying that the feature has been disabled on purpose. A Australian Forum (Whirlpool) has a survey which reports almost a 1 in 3 SGS device has being 'disabled'.

EDIT:

There has been a fix released in the android development forum that proclaims to fix the 3 button issue by flashing a new bootloader into the device, overriding the old one through use of Odin. It is risky as with all flashing, but relatively straightforward and user-friendly. It may or may not be compatible with your variant of the SGS. Please read the guide carefully.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=785201

Thanks to Richthofen for the brilliant insight and effort.