Develop Bugs

[Q] Will Verizon S4 Mini Ever Have Odin Files, Custom Recovery?

I am wondering if I will ever be able to install a custom recovery on my Verizon S4 Mini (SCH-I435). I used Kingo to root, but I don't really want to mess with the phone too much, because if I screw it up, there is no coming back from it. Do we know if anybody is working on extracting the stock Odin image files for this model?
As much as I LOVE the S4 Mini, if this model can't be hacked more than just root, I may return it for the Moto X.
Thanks.

mactechnm said:
I am wondering if I will ever be able to install a custom recovery on my Verizon S4 Mini (SCH-I435). I used Kingo to root, but I don't really want to mess with the phone too much, because if I screw it up, there is no coming back from it. Do we know if anybody is working on extracting the stock Odin image files for this model?
As much as I LOVE the S4 Mini, if this model can't be hacked more than just root, I may return it for the Moto X.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have all the partitions extracted but have had no luck building a Oden file. Keep getting Fail with oden.
And signature verification errors in recovery.
Tried to build recovery, but its beyond what I know how to do.
I have a Rom ready, just waiting on recovery to test it.
I am fairly new to samsung, been on HTC's for years. Ive soft bricked my first mini, so I know how you feel.
I was ok with the mini til they blocked wifi tether hotspot in the VRUAMK5 update.
I'm willing to do whatever I can to get this device going. If not, gotta move on
It seems like its gonna be a while.
Any help would be greatly appreciated

the Verizon model i435 can do a recovery to factory through the Verizon upgrade and repair app if you ever need to go back to stock.

Any news/developments on this? I'm really hoping to get CWM recovery installed.

It's hard without having adb during boot or odin to see exactly where what i have is going wrong. thinking around the bootloader method is going to do it but how is my question now cause i keep getting kernel: fail crap from knox i believe

I froze, then deleted all things knox. Here's hoping that doesn't mess my noise up.

Any updates on recovery? Sorry if this bumps a dead thread.

Hate to dig up old threads. but i have been working on some development on this device, mostly putting it on Straighttalk.
I have 2 of the same phones that are both working on Straighttalk and AT&T.
Heres where im at right now:
Rooted.
Android 4.4.2
baseband I435VRUBNE1
BUILD # KOT49H.I435VRUBNE1
SE "ENFORCING"
Now i used THIS THREAD to install a recovery onto the device (3.75 BETA Version)
all i need is someone to develop the recovery for the mini instead of the note 3...
ANY HELP?

getyroks said:
Hate to dig up old threads. but i have been working on some development on this device, mostly putting it on Straighttalk.
I have 2 of the same phones that are both working on Straighttalk and AT&T.
Heres where im at right now:
Rooted.
Android 4.4.2
baseband I435VRUBNE1
BUILD # KOT49H.I435VRUBNE1
SE "ENFORCING"
Now i used THIS THREAD to install a recovery onto the device (3.75 BETA Version)
all i need is someone to develop the recovery for the mini instead of the note 3...
ANY HELP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You successfully got a custom recovery on your SCH-I435 via the safestrap for note3? If that works plz let me know the details cause I have needed to get a custom recovery on my I435 forever now. Thanks

mortsotruk said:
You successfully got a custom recovery on your SCH-I435 via the safestrap for note3? If that works plz let me know the details cause I have needed to get a custom recovery on my I435 forever now. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The safestrap recovery dpi is all messed up so theres no way to test it out. i have 2 phones that i can try this out on but i have no idea how to change the graphics interface to match the resolution so the buttons are correctly placed on the screen...

Won't start after updating firmware! Need help!

I have a sprint galaxy s3 (rooted and with clockwork mod recovery) and I wanted to install cm11 on it so I had to update the firmware, everything normal so far. I got the update from here => http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1910947 and after flashing it (no errors) and it didn't reboot, now I can't get anything out of it. When I plugged it into windows it said DHUSB-DLOAD in devices and printers (I'm hoping that means there is a usable open interface). Is this fixable? Will I have to send it into sprint to have it fixed (and if so how much will that cost)? Any help is much appreciated

bootloader bricked. Find a thread under Q&A or general section regarding a debrick fix for the firmware of your device.
You'll need an sdcard ( same size as your device class 10 ) and a program that'll write your sdcard to debrick your device.
if its not a bootloader brick bug, then it is probably something serious and you can email mobile tech videos on what needs to be fixed.
and a last option you can do, send it in for repairs.

Kinda noob said:
I have a sprint galaxy s3 (rooted and with clockwork mod recovery) and I wanted to install cm11 on it so I had to update the firmware, everything normal so far. I got the update from here => http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1910947 and after flashing it (no errors) and it didn't reboot, now I can't get anything out of it. When I plugged it into windows it said DHUSB-DLOAD in devices and printers (I'm hoping that means there is a usable open interface). Is this fixable? Will I have to send it into sprint to have it fixed (and if so how much will that cost)? Any help is much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why did you flash jellybean zip and not the Odin flashable ND8/NDC KK 4.4.2 stock Rom? cause that's what you need in order to flash CM11? who gave you the advise to flash JB firmware(which includes modem) in recovery? the link you provided said it had to be flashed on pure stock and what was your android version before you did this?

[Q] Flash T210 4.4.2 firmware into T2105?

Hi, i bought a Galaxy Tab 3 7" Disney Edition but i don't care about kids stuffs, is it possible to flash it with latest T210 (ITV) firmware 4.4.2 with Odin?
My model is T2105 (ITV) and is still at 4.1.2
Thanks

It might work. Flash a custom (TWRP) recovery to backup the device first, then give it a try. Only problem is, anything could brick the device since there seems to be little to no info.
Some ideas:
Soe ifo on the recovery:
from http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-3/general/root-sm-t210-r-using-heimdall-t2936061
I used the Pit mapping for the T210. The recovery partition is "mmcblk0p10." I checked the partition info on my T210R using Partition Table by Lakshman. The T210R also has its Recovery partition on "mmcblk0p10," so I expect it to work no problem. And TWRP Odin flashables tend to be compatible with several 7.0 variants.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP for tab 3 7.0
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=12871
PIT files and info:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2722948
ROMs
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-3/general/tab-3-7-0-sm-t210-r-stock-4-4-2-kitkat-t2930075
CAUTION: Anything could result in bricking the device. Any attempt without any confirmed information is acceptance of the fact that the device may become completely unusable.
Please be willing to lose functionality of the device if you proceed.
There do seem to be Odin flashables for the 4.1 software, which should be able to recover the device, but I would obtain one of those first.
If you proceed, please keep us updated so that other users out there can find this information

Greaper88 said:
It might work. Flash a custom (TWRP) recovery to backup the device first, then give it a try. Only problem is, anything could brick the device since there seems to be little to no info.
Some ideas:
Soe ifo on the recovery:
from http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-3/general/root-sm-t210-r-using-heimdall-t2936061
TWRP for tab 3 7.0
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=12871
PIT files and info:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2722948
ROMs
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-3/general/tab-3-7-0-sm-t210-r-stock-4-4-2-kitkat-t2930075
CAUTION: Anything could result in bricking the device. Any attempt without any confirmed information is acceptance of the fact that the device may become completely unusable.
Please be willing to lose functionality of the device if you proceed.
There do seem to be Odin flashables for the 4.1 software, which should be able to recover the device, but I would obtain one of those first.
If you proceed, please keep us updated so that other users out there can find this information
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks, i'll try and report it; if Odin fails, is rhere a flashable zip file of stock rooted 4.4.2 so i can try to flash in recovery?

code72 said:
Ok thanks, i'll try and report it; if Odin fails, is rhere a flashable zip file of stock rooted 4.4.2 so i can try to flash in recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try The Nolekat Rom. It is fest Best Customrom for our Tab.

Sooooo.....
Did it work? Im curious as I got the T2105 tab for my kid and the darn thing is really slow for running Spider- Man Unlimited and some other apps
I want to put Cyanogenmod on it or some other rom with less crap

Ive been after the answer to this as well. I have the 2105 myself, and have TWRP installed and root, but not one single custom rom has worked. They just bootloop. Then you have to ODIN the stock rom. I have the original rom from sammobile, but they only have the factory 4.1.2 roms. Im wondering if a stock rom from the 210r or another Tab3 wifi rom would work.
It seems almost every tab3 from around the globe has been updated to 4.4.2 except this one...ive been checking sammobile everyday, but still no update for the 2105...

juggalofr33k said:
Ive been after the answer to this as well. I have the 2105 myself, and have TWRP installed and root, but not one single custom rom has worked. They just bootloop. Then you have to ODIN the stock rom. I have the original rom from sammobile, but they only have the factory 4.1.2 roms. Im wondering if a stock rom from the 210r or another Tab3 wifi rom would work.
It seems almost every tab3 from around the globe has been updated to 4.4.2 except this one...ive been checking sammobile everyday, but still no update for the 2105...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your Bootloop prob is like the same as we have on The other device.
Flash a recovery with The Kitkat KK extension.

Well, actually its not a bootloop...it just reboots to recovery. Ill give a KK recovery a shot. any suggestions on which one would be the best? Or the recovery most likely to work? CWM or TWRP? Anything to get this off JB and onto KitKat...lol.. Apprecitae your help!

juggalofr33k said:
Well, actually its not a bootloop...it just reboots to recovery. Ill give a KK recovery a shot. any suggestions on which one would be the best? Or the recovery most likely to work? CWM or TWRP? Anything to get this off JB and onto KitKat...lol.. Apprecitae your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thats bootloop into recovery.
I prefere CWM or PhilzTouch on all my device.

Right on. Ill give those recoveries a shot. I have used CWM in the past (HTC Aria), but ive been using TWRP since i got the Galaxy Nexus. Ill give them both a try and report back in a few days... My internet connection sucks ass, so it takes hours to download a rom...

code72 said:
Hi, i bought a Galaxy Tab 3 7" Disney Edition but i don't care about kids stuffs, is it possible to flash it with latest T210 (ITV) firmware 4.4.2 with Odin?
My model is T2105 (ITV) and is still at 4.1.2
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its amazing that everyone is posting when they have question but no one cares to post their findings. I (also an owner of Galaxy Tab3 Kids T2105 bought in Australia) was fed up with the old and slow firmware. So, I decided to go ahead and flash a new firmware (T210XXBNI1 4.4.2 UK upgrade for SM-T210). First I tried to upgrade with Odin 3.9 but the process would fail after "Nand Write Start". Then I tried it with Odin ver. 3.07 and the process went smoothly and now I am a proud owner of Samsung Galaxy Tab3 with 4.4.2 Kitkat. It does feel a little bit swifter than the Jellybean. Anyways, so far so good. Will post if encountered any problem !

thethakuri said:
Its amazing that everyone is posting when they have question but no one cares to post their findings. I (also an owner of Galaxy Tab3 Kids T2105 bought in Australia) was fed up with the old and slow firmware. So, I decided to go ahead and flash a new firmware (T210XXBNI1 4.4.2 UK upgrade for SM-T210). First I tried to upgrade with Odin 3.9 but the process would fail after "Nand Write Start". Then I tried it with Odin ver. 3.07 and the process went smoothly and now I am a proud owner of Samsung Galaxy Tab3 with 4.4.2 Kitkat. It does feel a little bit swifter than the Jellybean. Anyways, so far so good. Will post if encountered any problem !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for report thethakuri... i tried to do this too, but for me it doesnt work ... after i installed the 4.4.2, i had a black screen on boot and my tablet dont charge offline... so, i turned to 4.1.2... can you give me any sugesttion?

Update from me: Just upgraded my US SM-T2105 Kids tablet to the UK KK version as well (T210XXBOA3_T210BTUBOA2_Home.tar.md5). Did not work with Odin 3.11 but worked with 3.07 as mentioned above.

The Tab3 Kids is so far holding up very well with the 4.4.2 Firmware. Much more responsive.
Only issue I have is that it switches on when charging and the screen is not very responsive afterwards. A reboot fixes that.
I came across a post somewhere that there is a new bootloader required to fix that but I can't find the post anymore . If someone has that link please post it here. Thanks !

idefix_sin said:
The Tab3 Kids is so far holding up very well with the 4.4.2 Firmware. Much more responsive.
Only issue I have is that it switches on when charging and the screen is not very responsive afterwards. A reboot fixes that.
I came across a post somewhere that there is a new bootloader required to fix that but I can't find the post anymore . If someone has that link please post it here. Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever find a fix for the screen issue? I'm going to give this a shot this weekend my daughter really wants pokemon go on her tablet!

Unfortunately I could not find it anymore.
Using ours now just with the new firmware and make it a conscious effort to switch it off after charging it. So far works fine.

idefix_sin said:
Unfortunately I could not find it anymore.
Using ours now just with the new firmware and make it a conscious effort to switch it off after charging it. So far works fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks.. by the way did use a recovery? or just flash T210XXBOA3_T210BTUBOA2_Home.tar.md5 with oden?

Hi.
Will update to 4.4.2 would enable the move app to sd card?
Thank you.

any solution to remove kids feature

Root the device and uninstall using root uninstaller.

[HELP] Note 4 N910P looking for 6.0 firmware incl recommendations to download

Good day all. I have rooted my Sprint Note 4 N910P (just to remove the bloatware) and did not get the 6.0 update. The error message from my phone's system update states to "...use Samsung Smart Switch to update using my computer".
However, I find that Kies is the most preferred method, if not all (aside from Odin), used to update to 6.0 via computer.
Could I get some feedback on which method is best and where would I get the 6.0 firmware as I have found a few but don't know how reliable these are in trying to avoid any problems.
Much thanks in advance.:good:

Smart Switch has replaced KIES as far as Samsung is concerned. It is a Samsung preferred way to update a phone, but I don't know if it will like a modified device. I think it has an emergency recovery mode that will do it.

Reivaj1803 said:
Good day all. I have rooted my Sprint Note 4 N910P (just to remove the bloatware) and did not get the 6.0 update. The error message from my phone's system update states to "...use Samsung Smart Switch to update using my computer".
However, I find that Kies is the most preferred method, if not all (aside from Odin), used to update to 6.0 via computer.
Could I get some feedback on which method is best and where would I get the 6.0 firmware as I have found a few but don't know how reliable these are in trying to avoid any problems.
Much thanks in advance.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm gonna keep this brief as I'm assuming since you have a rooted device that you somewhat know the basics of what your doing.
I personally would start fresh.
First completely back up your phone.
Second Then download Odin and the current stock Rom from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-sprint/general/stock-tar-odin-flashable-t3250864 (If you want Stock Rom)
Or you can use this to download Rom from Samsung http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/general/tool-samfirm-samsung-firmware-t2988647
Third Flash Rom and root and debloat by which ever way you did before. (Assuming Titanium Backup)
I am by no way an expert and there might be a better way but I like having clean installs. Just make sure to research anything you don't know or are unfamiliar with.
Here's super su thread I use for Root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/supersu/2014-09-02-supersu-v2-05-t2868133
Always give thanks to Devs and threads.
As I stated this are just brief outline of steps I would take. Hope it helps. Good day sir!

Root, Twrp, flash ApocalypseX_MM 8.1.0 and Kernel Flashpoint 4.3 beta.
So far no problem and running smooth with best battery life

Help - Updating s4 mini i9192

I have an s4 mini i9192 4.2.2 and I want to upgrade it to 4.4.2. My current csc country is in Saudi Arabia and I cant find any updated firmware for that. How to update and which firmware can i use?

atnasan said:
I have an s4 mini i9192 4.2.2 and I want to upgrade it to 4.4.2. My current csc country is in Saudi Arabia and I cant find any updated firmware for that. How to update and which firmware can i use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way to update is to use a Custom ROM.

Same problem for my Devise S4 mini Dous GT-I9192, Officially you will not find any Samsung Stock Rom higher than 4.2.2 the only way to look for Custom Roms the only problem you will face both Sims are on always as all Custom Roms based on CM. other problems are minor specially when you use Stable Custom Rom

Alaioby79 said:
Same problem for my Devise S4 mini Dous GT-I9192, Officially you will not find any Samsung Stock Rom higher than 4.2.2 the only way to look for Custom Roms the only problem you will face both Sims are on always as all Custom Roms based on CM. other problems are minor specially when you use Stable Custom Rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure the sim problem is in Nougat roms. You can turn off sims in Marshmallow.

Help
I tried to update it using the odin way and it had an error. What to do now? The other methods aren't working either.

atnasan said:
I tried to update it using the odin way and it had an error. What to do now? The other methods aren't working either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which instructions are you following?
what rom are you flashing?
What was the error msg?

atnasan said:
I tried to update it using the odin way and it had an error. What to do now? The other methods aren't working either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cna you be more specific. Please?

help
android(dot)gs how to manually update galaxy s4 mini duos to android 4.4.2 kitkat
This is the site I used.
I cant remember the error msg but it popped up when I pressed start.
I have no idea what I am doing. I never tinkered with my phone before so I don't know what you mean when you say flashing a rom. I just googled how to update and I found this site. I'm a complete novice at these things.
The other methods I used are Kies and the normal way in settings.

atnasan said:
android(dot)gs how to manually update galaxy s4 mini duos to android 4.4.2 kitkat
This is the site I used.
I cant remember the error msg but it popped up when I pressed start.
I have no idea what I am doing. I never tinkered with my phone before so I don't know what you mean when you say flashing a rom. I just googled how to update and I found this site. I'm a complete novice at these things.
The other methods I used are Kies and the normal way in settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First you need to take some time to learn all about "flashing" (writing new software [firmware really] onto hardware ie chip in your phone), as doing it wrong can "brick" your phone (turn phone into a brick, yes never work again!), eg flashing wrong model number eg I9190 firmware to your phone.
I couldn't find the tutorial you mention in first 5 pages of search, do you mean this one?
http://android.sc/update-android-4-4-2-i9192xxucng2-kitkat-on-samsung-galaxy-s4-mini-duos/
strictly speaking you should not flash firmware from another region as it can stop your phone working properly. But it is possible, though I don't know about your phone or these tutorials as I haven't read them and checked all files etc
This tutorial has more info, that may help you if you decide to continue (at your own risk!)
http://techbeasts.com/update-galaxy-s4-mini-duos-i9192-to-android-4-4-2-kitkat-official-firmware/
in particular it says back up your EFS which is particular important when flashing different region in case you mess up (save to external SD & copy to PC also)
by flashing you will wipe all your personal data stored on internal SD eg photos, msg, notes, calendars etc so you need to back them up to PC (or external SD)
Kies wont let you flash that ROM as it's from wrong region (I think). Odin will though.
Nobody can help unless you give us the exact error msg + other info like Odin ver, file names etc
If you are going to flash a new ROM you might want to flash a newer custom ROM, like Cyanogenmod 13, Linage 13 or 14 (Android versions 6 & 7 respectively), you'll get new features, much better battery life, security and privacy though you will lose Samsung apps like notes etc

Help
I tried it again using the firmware from TT. This was before I saw your reply and I got this message. It was stuck for a while and I plugged in my internet adapter and it said it failed. ( in the pictures)
If you type in this,"manually update i9192 kitkat" on google, it should be the first site to come up which is the one I used.
My phone was made in china, bought in the USA, being used in the Caribbean but has Saudi Arabia codes. I don't understand. The last update from them is 2014. I used the one from Russia and TT. Both of them failed.
Should I stick with updating it to 4.4.2, flash a newer ROM ? Would this 'newer ROM' be able to work on my phone?
Or drop the whole thing because I have no idea what I'm doing?
Is there a low chance of me bricking my phone if I flash a newer ROM?

atnasan said:
I tried it again using the firmware from TT. This was before I saw your reply and I got this message. It was stuck for a while and I plugged in my internet adapter and it said it failed. ( in the pictures)
If you type in this,"manually update i9192 kitkat" on google, it should be the first site to come up which is the one I used.
My phone was made in china, bought in the USA, being used in the Caribbean but has Saudi Arabia codes. I don't understand. The last update from them is 2014. I used the one from Russia and TT. Both of them failed.
Should I stick with updating it to 4.4.2, flash a newer ROM ? Would this 'newer ROM' be able to work on my phone?
Or drop the whole thing because I have no idea what I'm doing?
Is there a low chance of me bricking my phone if I flash a newer ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your phone connecting properly? There is nothing showing in the id com port window at top left, when connected properly there will be, or does that disappear when error msg shows? I can't remember. Possible it means your drivers are not installed properly, or try newer ones here (though not always better)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=961956&page=61
(scan with anti virus first)
You might want to try a newer version of Odin
Though first thing is try another usb cable. Also usb cable must always be connected to usb connectors attached direct to the PC pcb (normally at the back (or side on laptop), not an extra one like at the front and definitely not thought an external usb hub.
Your phone is probably grey market, nothing wrong with that, mine is too (mine is German phone, bought from HK used in Australia). However if pre owned it could have had other roms flashed,
It's entirely up to you which version of Android you want to use, they will all work on your phone, though anything higher than 4.4.2 will be a custom ROM, most of us here run them ie Cyanogenmod (CM) or Linage (LOS) which has recently replaced CM. LOS still has a few little issues but it is already stable, though a couple of small bugs. The good thing is you will get regular updates for many, including the monthly security updates, and they have a many new features too. To flash these you will however need to unlock your bootloader and use TWRP for the recovery.
I suggest you make a nandroid back up as soon as you install TWRP, then you can always go back to your current setup.

Alaioby79 said:
Same problem for my Devise S4 mini Dous GT-I9192, Officially you will not find any Samsung Stock Rom higher than 4.2.2 the only way to look for Custom Roms the only problem you will face both Sims are on always as all Custom Roms based on CM. other problems are minor specially when you use Stable Custom Rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where we can find samsung official ROMs? There is some 4.4.2 roms available in
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-I9192/

hnikaein said:
Where we can find samsung official ROMs? There is some 4.4.2 roms available in
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-I9192/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not for S4 mini Dous GT-I9192, all Stock ROMs for our devise is only 4.2.2

Alaioby79 said:
not for S4 mini Dous GT-I9192, all Stock ROMs for our devise is only 4.2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in this page you can also see we can upgrade to 4.4.2:
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9190_galaxy_s4_mini-5375.php

hnikaein said:
in this page you can also see we can upgrade to 4.4.2:
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9190_galaxy_s4_mini-5375.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung said it will update to 4.4.2 but it did not, GSMARENA.COM sometimes not offering or updating to actual status and I had communicated with SAMSUNG but no reply from them however S4 mini is from S-Line which shall be more valuable to SAMSUNG but they did not care.

Alaioby79 said:
not for S4 mini Dous GT-I9192, all Stock ROMs for our devise is only 4.2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you mean in some regions. Because otherwise your statement is completely false. I had the 4.4.2 stock firmware on duos for instance.

xdmusicbx said:
Maybe you mean in some regions. Because otherwise your statement is completely false. I had the 4.4.2 stock firmware on duos for instance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes for some region only not for all variants

Help me
Yes, it's connected properly. It is highlighted blue by ID:COM before the error occurs. I just installed the drivers you sent me.
I did the update with the latest Odin and I still got the error message.
Only my original cable connects to the computer so I cant try any others. Once it's connected and appears in 'my computer', doesn't that means its connected?
It wasn't pre-owned but how would I know if a ROM is already installed?
I think I want to upgrade to the 4.4.4 and IF I get it to work, I will then upgrade to the latest one. I'm assuming this is easier and since I have no idea what I'm doing or where to go, I should definitely go with the easiest first. Right ? You lost me at Cyanogenmod. This is guy stuff.
Can you direct me where I need to go please with some instructions ?
Thank you

you should quote msg or use @atnasan to be sure your reply is seen by other poster.
If I remember correctly (it's been a long time) when odin gets stuck at get pit it is normally a communication issue even though your phone appears to show up correctly in it. You must run Odin with full admin rights on your pc. Some used to say only the Odin for S4 Mini & ver 3.07 or 3.09 (I think it was) would work (see the S4 mini Odin thread) Some firewalls can cause issues so turn them off (maybe reboot with antivirus off). You need a usb port that connects direct to the motherboard & original usb cable (really just needs a good quality cable in good condition, I think, just not one of those thin $5 ones).
If that doesn't work try to borrow another USB cable or try another PC or laptop.
Luckily I've never had any issues, all Odin ver worked, I just right click on Odin to run as admin from my user account on Windows 7 64bit even with Zonealarm firewall running. But other people have had problems.
No need to update to 4.4.2 etc if you will try to install a custom ROM like Linage or Cyanogenmod or one of the more customised . (in fact on my I9195 updating to 4.4.2 loaded a new bootloader, which had a stronger ver of knox)
If Odin won't flash stock you can try flash TWRP with Odin then use that to try flash a custom ROM from your sd card using TWRP instead of using Odin. Use TWRP from the neozone75 thread, I am using the tryout ver 3.1 which is working perfectly, so I suggest that. (ver 3.0..3 gave me errors checking the md5, though most people don't both with that check, so would work). Linage OS is about to change official version from LOS13 to LOS14 (Android 6 & 7) so you might want to wait a week or so if you choose that ROM, as I don't think there will then be any updates to LOS13 after that as each phone on LinageOS downloads section only has 1 Android version supported.