Kies dies when trying to update Galaxy Note firmware I downloaded and installed Kies in my Windows 7 laptop. (Toshiba Satellite.) I plug the phone in the USB, it is recognized and its storage shows in Explorer. Then I run Kies. It says there is a firmware upgrade available. I click to update. A window shows with a progress bar at the bottom, saying something like "downloading update components."

After the download goes to 100%, Kies just silently dies on the PC, no error messages, its windows just vanish. And nothing happens on the phone. My phone is not rooted, it still has the carrier-provided software, regularly updated via Play. It was bought here in Brazil.

Kies is trhe latest version, I had it check for upgrades. I also disabled the PC antivirus to no avail.
I had the same problem, did everything I could think of. Finally last night, I decided to try something different. I ran Kies in "Compatibility Mode for XP SP3" it took forever, left the phone plugged in while I went to bed, woke up this morning with 4.1 finally on it.

I run a Windows 7 Premium Home 64bit.  Not sure if this will help with everyone's problems with Kies but hopefully it will help a few people. It's worth a try. 

My phone is a Galaxy S III from AT&amp;T.  To change to "Compatibility Mode" do the following:


Go to C:\ drive, right click and click on `Explore'.
Go to \Program Files x86, look for Samsung then right click on that folder.
Click on Properties then click the Compatibility tab and choose XP SP3


If you are given the option, select Run as administrator. 

I really hope this helps everyone else as it has me.