Samsung Galaxy S3 — S3 kitkat installation loop

Hi,

I wonder if anyone can help me with this one!

I have an S3 GT-I9305 that was running on jellybean (not sure which version). I recently revieved a push message to update my OS to kitkat. After it downloaded I was asked to approve the installation which I did.

Once the installation reaches 100% the phone restarts, displays the model name and then starts installing the update again in a continuous loop. It will continue this until the battery is flat. I have taken the battery out for 10 minutes, but on turning the phone on it starts the installation again and enters the loop.

I have tried entering safe mode by holding down the power, home and volume+ buttons, this causes the phone to restart, but doesn't get me into safe mode. The loop continues.

I have tried the above method, but taking my finger off the power button when the model name is displayed - does nothing.
There is no vibration or anything. The loop continues.

I talked to a help desk who advised me to take me phone to a service center in the country I bought the phone (Australia). Unfortunately I'm on assignment in Nepal and won't be home for some time (maybe year or two).

Any assistance would be appreciated.

I'm thinking I will need to do some kind of external boot either through a usb or maybe an SD card so I can do a factory reset or something. Is it possible to do this?

Leigh

Unfortunately I can't enter recovery or safe mode. Will odin software override the phone start-up boot?

Leigh