Kies will not update Samsung Galxay SIII

[rg28]

I have ran the undate on my SG3 several times via Kies. Everytime the phone gets to download upgrade componets. Once the download begins the phone is no longer displayed in the connected device window. Worse yet once the download gets to 100% kies shuts down. I uninstalled and re-installed Kies several times. I have made sure that it is updated to the most recent version. I have done a soft reset by removing the batteryn from the phone and waiting 30 sec before replacing and starting the phone. I even took to the phone back to factory by doing a reset. No matter what I do the phone will not upgrade. I have talke to Samsung via online chat and the phone help line. Neither could resolve the issue. At this point Samsung won't do anything as they are blaming server traffic for the issue. Their recommendation is to wait 2 days - 2 weeks while trying to do updates. I do not beleive that this is a server isseue. Does anyone have a solution?