How can I connect my Samsung Galaxy S4 to PC?

[AC Question]

Can't connect Samsung Galaxy S4 to PC

I used to have a Samsung Nexus 4 that, when connected to a PC, shows up as an external drive. This was very convenient when I wanted to transfer pics, sounds or videos to and fro.

Now I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 with Android 5.0.1 . When I USB it to my PC, it gives me the usual Found New Hardware routine but says that it may not work properly. I've contacted Samsung, my service provider, and was told to download and install on my PC drivers, Keis 3 and Smart Switch, all to no avail.

And yes, I've made sure that the phone is in MTP mode when connected.

My PC is running Windows XP, and I don't have WiFi.

Do I need an app on my phone? I've tried running Smart Switch on both the phone and PC but no link was established.

What to do?

 

[nahoku]

Re: Can't connect Samsung Galaxy S4 to PC

Connect your phone to your PC. Open Windows Task Manager, then click on the Processes tab. Do you see an entry in the list called "WudfHost.exe"?

 

[lordvolvo]

Re: Can't connect Samsung Galaxy S4 to PC

No. Anything else I can try? It shouldn't be this difficult to interface my phone with my PC.

 

[nahoku]

Re: Can't connect Samsung Galaxy S4 to PC

It shouldn't be this difficult to interface my phone with my PC.

No it shouldn't be, but for a long time it has been, that's why there are so many threads on this subject. The problem is that natively WinXP doesn't have the right drivers. You would either need to install them yourself or get them via updates.

In any case, try this...

Uninstall Kies
Uninstall the Samsung driver
Go to C:\Program Files and delete both the Kies and Samsung folders, and Restart your computer (it may work even if you don't do this step)

Download and install Windows Media Player 11 HERE (uncheck the MSN BING search offer), or at least the run time files. If you already have WMP11, you can skip this.
Reinstall the Samsung driver HERE. This is the version I use (1.5.49.0). They have a newer one, but this works just as well.
Download and install the framework driver HERE.

Connect your phone to your computer and see if it connects. The computer may still have a problem with the Samsung driver so you may have to point it to the Samsung USB Driver folder. I think I used the 25_escape folder.

 

[lordvolvo]

IT WORKED !!! THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!

I've spent hours and hours Googling this problem, firing off emails to Samsung and Credo Wireless, and installing and uninstalling Keis and Smart Switch and Samsung drivers. Nothing.

Until I came here!!! SaWeet !

I'm confused as to what Windows Media Player has to do with talking to the phone. I'm assuming that was the issue since I had deleted it from my PC. I already had a newer version of the framework driver.

When I plugged the phone in, almost instantly the PC gave the option to view files on the device, even before the drivers were fully accessed by Windows.

Again, thanks! Flag this post for future reference! And enjoy your positive Karma !!

 

[nahoku]

You're very welcome!

I'm unsure exactly what the WMP runtime files do. It might be that the phone is recognized or classified as a media device by Windows so it needs some of WMP's drivers.

In any case, I'm very happy for you! I've been trying to help a few people with this problem, but so far, no one seems serious about fixing it. You're one of the few that was serious enough to ask more questions. Your perseverance paid off! Good for you!

 

[lordvolvo]

I am stubborn!

I didn't want to use my data limits to upload video and images (and I don't have WiFi at home). I also wanted to upload audio files to the phone for ring tones and notifications. Now I can !! Thanks again!!