Mobile Handset Problem

[Old_Geezer]

Recently I have been using a Samsung Galaxy SIII mini mobile handset. Not long ago the Messages app stopped sounding and vibrating when a text arrived, nor did it show the number of unread texts on the icon any more. Even though the setting show it should. At the same time (probably not a coincidence) something called Hangouts seemed to try to take over unbidden. Something I don’t want.

Going into Settings I managed to switch this Hangout nuisance off but the Messages app still failed to work properly. In desperation I went into Application Manager / All, found the Messages App, and tried to reset it. But all I seem to have done is removed it from whatever starts up at power up, so the Icon no longer appears at the bottom of the screen. I now have just 4 icons there rather than 5.

This is all very frustrating. And I’m hoping someone can suggest how I solve both issues. a) returning the start-up Message icon back to the bottom of the screen again, and b) getting it to start working once more.

Hoping to avoid a trip to the shop I bought it.

I did this morning, download something called Kies (as I had spotted a reset to factory option in the settings, but feared that would mean someone having a great laugh as all I had installed is slung away). All I really want is the OS to get itself fixed. But the short look at it I had over lunch it is very un-instinctive and refers to Outlook (what the heck is it suggesting ?) and all I want to do is back up all to my local hard drive so worst comes to worst it can be reinstalled. So I’m unsure if that is the thing to use after all. It’s not very confidence giving anyway as I click on the Apps option and the first thing it claimed was that my mobile wasn’t supported !

Any suggestions ?

[RATTER15]

I think the answers you require would be very long winded, it it easily sorted by someone that knows how to do it, maybe pop into the shop where you bought it?

[Old_Geezer]

That is a major trip to somewhere about 130 miles away.
Surely it can't be that difficult ?

[tamborine]

Hth.....the wonders of youtube ;)

[Old_Geezer]

Thanks tamb, but those settings have always already been set. They ceased to have an effect around the time Hangouts suddenly made a take over bid. and they didn't return to having an effect when I turned Hangouts off.

[tamborine]

Try settings>personal>backup....you can backup to factory?

[Old_Geezer]

I did see that but it says I need to set up a backup account, which makes me very suspicious. Obviously I need no account, I have a perfectly good hard drive. And for sure I'm not trusting personal information off of my own PC. So that isn't looking an option.