Newb needing help please

[POGolly]

Hi everyone. Been browsing this forum for the past couple of months as I have an ongoing problem with my S2.
Like most others I have a battery drain problem, mine lasts anywhere from 8 - 12 hours max. I have checked thru all the forums and taken all the advice re battery saving. I run it on power saving and screen saving mode. I regularly close down apps in the task manager, use wi-fi mostly. I am not a heavy user, mostly text messaging with about 3 to 4 phone calls per day. I dont use any games apps, but do use facebook and a couple of other apps.
On checking my battery monitor I find that Android OS runs between 30% and 65% although it does drop to around 4% when I have had the phone on charge. My phone has been in to Vodafone 3 times now for repair, the battery has been changed, and on its last "holiday" they exchanged the handset. None of which seems to work.
My OS is version 4.0.3 and a Baseband version i9100BULP7, and the Kernel version is 3.0.15-i9100BULPD-CL672248dpi@DELL177#3.
My wife also has the S2 which runs on OS 4.0.4 and she has no problems at all with her phone / battery life.
Would it help if I upgraded to 4.0.4 and, if so, how do I go about it (in really simple terms please!!!!!!).
I have checked on Kies several times and it states I have the most up to date firmware.
Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am now seriously thinking of locking myself up in a padded cell, sticking 2 pencils up my nose and yelling "Wibble Wibble" to anyone who cares to listen!!!!!!!!!!!

[greenman]

Can be very frustrating, but think the solution is relatively simple.
Changing firmware from Gingerbread to ICS left many owners with heavy battery use, forced closures, and poorly responding phone.
The answer was to go to Recovery mode:
Press and hold Volume up + Home button + Power button until in blue writing of the Recovery screen.
Use volume to select Clear Cache and power to action.
Now do same with Clear data/Factory reset.
WARNING: A Factory reset will result in data/contact loss, so backup with Kies first.

If you want to update your phone to 4.0.4, which is a better firmware, forget the above and first check to see if your phone is unlocked to any network. You can put another networks sim card in your phone or dial this number:
*#7465625# = Check the phone lock status

If unlocked, go to FIRMWARE on www.sammobile.com and in Search box put i9100.
You will get a list of firmware. Choose the one you want and download to your computer.
Unzip once only.
Now look at this link on how to install with Odin.
http://androidfirmwares.net/Guide/Details/2

[POGolly]

Phone came ready supplied with ICS 4.0.3 and I have tried the Recovery mode without success.
On checking my Phone Unlock status it reads as follows:
Network Lock OFF
Network Subset Lock OFF
SP Lock OFF
CP Lock OFF

I take it this means my phone is already unlocked!

Many thanks for you time and advice Greenman... very much appreciated.

[greenman]

Yes, it's good news, your phone is unlocked. Why not have a go at installing 4.0.4 as it is a better firmware. If you need help just ask.

[POGolly]

My wife has a Vodafone SIM card but got her phone thru Carphone Warehouse and has the 4.0.4 OS. Would installing her SIM card on my phone allow me to upgrade?

[RichH]

No, it doesn't work like that, but Kies should update your phone to 4.04 if you connect it with the data cable.

[POGolly]

Unfortunately Kies says I have the latest update for my phone RichH. It seems Vodafone are the ONLY one of the major mobile companies yet to send out an update to 4.0.4!!!

[RichH]

Use Odin to put open FW on then you will always get future updates first.....

[POGolly]

Is Odin a programme I need to download on my PC or is that the programme which opens when my phone is put into reboot mode? sorry to be a pain in the backside, but at my age this techno stuff takes a little time to sink in!!!!! When I get it done once it will stick there.... honest!!!!

[Doomed]

Odin is software that is required, a long with the firmware you need to be downloaded off of the net and installed on you PC. Once phone in in download mode, phone connected, firmware added to odin, may the firmware be installed on your phone