How to install/ flash Android Jelly Bean ROM / Firmware on Samsung Galaxy S II / Galaxy S III / Galaxy Note / Galaxy Note II

As a smart phone user, there is probably nothing more frustrating than knowing that there is a new version of the OS around but you cannot have it for at least months to come because your carriers is taking their sweet time to add their bloatwares. Well, where there is a problem, there is a solution.

This step by step guide will walk you through on how to flash a stock or customer ROM on Samsung Galaxy S II / Galaxy S III / Galaxy Note / Galaxy Note II so you won't be at the mercy of your carrier. This may well apply to other Samsung phones but I haven’t had a chance to test them.

You can use this guide to upgrade or downgrade your phones ROMs.

Disclaimer: Please note that you are using this at your own risk and I am not responsible to any possible damage to your phone or computer. Please also not that flash a customer ROM is likely to void your warranty.

Preparation:

1. Check and make a note of your current firmware/version: You can do this by typing *#1234# or go into Setting-About Device. This will enable you to revert back to your old rom if something went wrong.
2. Download the latest rom for your device: You can download all Samsung ROMs from http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/. Please make sure that you download the correct rom for your device because Samsung sell phones with slightly different hardware under the same name. A wrong rom can lead to catastrophic result.
3. Download PC Odin: PC Odin 1.85. Please only use V1.85, newer versions doesn't mean better versions here.
4. Make sure you have the correct Samsung driver installed. The easiest way to do this is to install the latest version of Samsung Kies.
5. FULLY charge your phone.
6. Prepare a good quality USB cable (preferably the supplied one) and a stable PC.
7. Backup your personal data such as: Contacts, Messages, Applications, Pictures and Videos. You can do this very easily using Kies.
8. Backup your apps using something like Titanium backup.
9. Revert your phone back to factory state. This is not mandatory but is highly recommended to minimize any potential problems. The easiest way to do this is Setting-Backup-Reset-Factory reset. Or you can go into the bootloader by pressing Power+Volume up+Home and follow the onscreen instructions. There is also a full reset key combination *2767*3855#.

Now we have done all the necessary preparation and it’s time to FLASH.

Rom flashing: Please follow the instruction TO THE WORD to avoid any problems.

1. Extract PC Odin.
2. Extract the downloaded firmware or stock ROM.  a. If your Rom only has one file, ignore step 5, this file contains everything you need, it normally has a file extension of .tar.md5.  b. if your rom has more than one file, ignore step 4.
3. Right click PC Odin and run as administrator.
4. Check Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes and uncheck all others. Then click PDA and point to the rom you have downloaded. Make sure your screen is like the one below.
   
5. Check Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes and uncheck all others. Then  a. Click on the PDA button then select and load a file with: CODE_N7000xxxxx_CLxxxxxxx_REVxx_user_low_ship.tar.md5    b. Click on the PHONE button then select and load a file with: ODEM_N7000xxxxxx_REV_00_CLxxxxxx.tar.md5    c. Click on the CSC button then select and load a file with:  GT-N7000-CSC-MULTI-xxxxxx.tar.md5
6. (Picture from DroinAngel)
7. Turn the phone off then boot into Download Mode by pressing and holding the Volume Down, HOME and Power ON button at the same time. You will then present into a "Warning Message" screen, just press the Volume Up to continue. Once the Android robot and a "Downloading" message appears, connect your phone with the PC.
8. (Picture from DroinAngel)
9. The ID:COM box will turn yellow when the phone is properly connected and you are ready to go. DO NOT proceed and check your connection if this didn't happen.
10. Now press start and you are on your way.
11. DO NOT Interrupt the flashing process.
12. When you are finished, you will be presented with successful message.
13. It's recommended to factory reset your phone again after flashing.

Now you are done, enjoy your new ROM.