[Q] Device Softbricked, PIT errors and flash dead ends - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
A few days ago, my device spontaneously soft-bricked itself (haven't installed any mods or stuff), and after a quick regression, it is now only able to boot into download mode (recovery mode sends it to a screen with white horizontal and diagonal lines..)
In download mode, it reads:
ODIN MODE:
product name: GT-I9300
Custom binary download: NO
Current Binary: samsung official
System status: custom
I have tried setting up cyanogenmod but haven't been able to flash their provided custom recovery, due to my computer being unable to download the PIT from the device.
I also tried using the master version of heimdall to do that, with no success.
I also tried recovering my device with KIES, but after downloading the firmware update to my computer, it gets into a load where it would be uploading said update into my device, but just hangs at 0%
I tried uploading a stock firmware using odin 3.07, and I recieved some error regarding my PIT file.
Finally I tried repartitioning with a downloaded PIT file but I got this message: <ID:0/003> Can't open the serial(COM) port.
My phone's status remained the same so I am pretty certain that I haven't caused any further damage to it.
Sooo, any ideas?
If possible, I would very much prefer to install CM on it, and am considering rooting it, but most importantly i'm dissapointed with samsung's default os.
Thanks in advance,
Macro

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If odin cant see it you've buggered it proper.
The method was
Install cfautoroot
Install clockwork recovery (official, custom borks your phone).
Install cyanogenmod (via cwm).
The error with the pit file would most likely be a bad file or wrong version. Playing with the partition table is a no-no and a last resort only.
If you can get odin to see the device in download mode you can flash stock and start over. If not, you have an expensive paperweight.
Samsungs "os" is bada. I think you mean "overlay". I agree. Touchwiz is rubbish but i think samsung only do it to grate some apple.
I wish I stole my HTC M9.

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Hi! Thank you for the reply
I tried earlier to download a stock and flash it with odin (3.07) and got the same pit file error, specifically this:
Code:
<ID:0/003> Added!!
<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..
<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> I9300XXUGMK7_I9300OJKGMK1_I9300JKUGML1_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/003> Odin v.3 engine (ID:3)..
<ID:0/003> File analysis..
<ID:0/003> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/003> Initialzation..
<ID:0/003> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/003>
<ID:0/003> There is no PIT partition.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
What kind of wrong files would I have? Are you talking about the cfautorout version for my model, or do you mean that I should use a different odin version?

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macrokrome said:
Hi! Thank you for the reply
I tried earlier to download a stock and flash it with odin (3.07) and got the same pit file error, specifically this:
Code:
<ID:0/003> Added!!
<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..
<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> I9300XXUGMK7_I9300OJKGMK1_I9300JKUGML1_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/003> Odin v.3 engine (ID:3)..
<ID:0/003> File analysis..
<ID:0/003> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/003> Initialzation..
<ID:0/003> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/003>
<ID:0/003> There is no PIT partition.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
What kind of wrong files would I have? Are you talking about the cfautorout version for my model, or do you mean that I should use a different odin version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I see you should send your device for a repair. It says there is no pit partition that as I know it mean there is no pit partition in your device!! So you totally messed it up and don't know what you have done but it needs a repair.

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As oddly as it sounds, I had practically nothing on it. Never messed with it or anything. Barely any apps, no root/mod/whatever.
After looking into it with a friend, it seems like this problem is called SDS, and I saw some references to it over here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/ultimate-gs3-sudden-death-thread-t1993044
I will look into it tomorrow afternoon once I'm free, but according to my friend, this would require a replacement motherboard... Might as well buy a new phone, lol
Still, if you have any ideas, I'd be happy to hear them. Thanks for your help up until now