I have a Samsung S3 model sgh-1747 atomatic update on phone deleted settings

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AC Question

After update ( not sure what update was for I think OS) message read "unfortunately settings has stopped working" come to find out there is no "settings" icon in the aps. it is gone, deleted, not on the phone anywhere. Providers answer was buy new phone. Everyone else advice was factory reset but might not work. I was told a reset would possibly fix it if it was a soft ware issue but might also brick phone. but no one seems to really know. Everyone i talk to says "okay lets try this. go to more..." i say "I cant there is no settings." "okay" they say "try this go to apps and find settings." i say "THERE. IS. NO. SETTINGS." Can you help? I have backed up the phone to my PC and ready for factory reset. just checking with you for any other suggestions? Thank you