Another Android 2.3.6 firmware has leaked for the Galaxy Note. Sure we’re all waiting desperately for a firmware leak that is based on Ice Cream Sandwich, which Galaxy S2 has already had a bunch of leaks for.

Anyway, every leaked firmware from the Samsung labs is exciting enough for us to try & test, as in most cases they are more stable than the older firmwares. So lets proceed to the installation steps..

Warning!

The methods and procedures discussed here are considered risky and you should not attempt anything if you don’t know completely what it is. If any damage occurs to you or your device, we won’t be held liable — you only will be responsible, you’ve been warned!!!

Compatibility

This rom and the guide below is compatible only and only with Galaxy Note, model number N7000. It’s not compatible with any other device. Check your device’s model number in:Settings » About phone.

Pre-Installation tips:

  1. Backup your Apps and important data — bookmarks, contacts, SMS, APNs (internet settings), etc. This Android backup guide would help you.
  2. If you have Samsung’s PC software Kies installed, un-install it first because it may interrupt the flashing process.
  3. Drivers! — it’s important you’ve the proper drivers installed. Download links below: 32 bit (x86) Windows |   64-bit (x64) Windows

Install XXLA4 Firmware on Galaxy Note:

  1. Download XXLA4 firmware. Filename: N7000XXLA4_N7000OXALA4_DBT.zip. Size: 551 MB →Download Link. [password: samfirmware.com]
  2. Download Odin3 v1.83.exe. Download Link
  3. Extract the downloaded file ‘N7000XXLA4_N7000OXALA4_DBT.zip’ of XXLA4 firmware to get these 2 files (the file-name may end with .tar instead of md5 as the file extension is hidden, so don’t worry):
    1. N7000XXLA4_N7000OXALA4_N7000XXLA4_HOME.tar.md5
    2. SS_DL.dll [not to be used]
  4. Disconnect your phone if it’s connected to PC.  Switch Off your phone. Wait for vibration to confirm complete switch off.
  5. Now, put the Galaxy Note in Download Mode — press and hold these keys together: Volume Down + Home + Power. A warning screen will come up.. press Volume Up key to continue..
  6. Open Odin (from step 2) — double-click the Odin3 v1.83.exe.
  7. Connect your phone to PC now. You should get the message “Added! !” under the Odin’s message box in the bottom left. If you don’t get this message, then probably there is a problem with drivers. Make sure you’ve proper drivers installed. See point 3 above under ‘pre-installation tips’.
  8. Now, in ODIN, click on PDA, then select the file ‘N7000XXLA4_N7000OXALA4_N7000XXLA4_HOME.tar.md5’ that you got in step 3.1.
  9. Important! On Odin, make sure Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time check boxes are selected. Do not touch any other check box or tab or anything, except as was required in step 7 above.
  10. Double check everything said in step 8 and 9 above. Your Odin’s window should look similar to this:  

  11. Now, hit the START button to start flashing of XXLA4 on your Galaxy Note. When the flashing is complete, your phone will automatically reboot — and when you see the Samsung logo, you can safely unplug the cable. Plus, you’ll get a PASS (with green background) message in the left-most box at the very top of the Odin.

    IMPORTANT Note: If ODIN gets stuck and doesn’t seem to be doing anything, or you get a FAIL message (with red background) in ODIN, do the following:

    Disconnect the phone from the PC, close ODIN, remove battery, re-insert it, turn phone on in Download mode again, and do the procedure again from Step 6.

  12. When it has restarted, your Galaxy Note will be running the XXLA4 2.3.6 firmware. Check version in Settings>About phone.
That’s it. XXLA4 is up and running on your Galaxy Note. Add your comments and problems below and we’ll help you out. Thanks!