a newbie question...

[Scymitar72]

What's all this fuss I hear about flashing a drive to try to revive it after a firmware upgrade gone bad? What is flashing? I may have 2 (count em, 2) drives suffering from this very problem and would love to know how to revive them if possible.

Another drive I have keeps opening and closing the tray from boot up to shut down. I may have fried the drive when I tried to hook up the wrong cable while the computer was plugged in (ya, only now do I appreciate what a truly stupid move that was and am kind of embarrassed admitting to it...) Is that drive gone for good or is there a chance to save that one too?

Thanks so much!!!!

 

[woody]

Welcome to the forum!

I have read your other post too.I honestly think you should bring your system to somebody to have it looked at.It is difficult at times to troubleshoot a system through a forum.Flashing a drive can disable it permanently if something goes wrong.Maybe a friend with good computer knowledge can help out.I fear you may get in over your head.I'm not trying to discourage you,I think this may the best way.

 

[Scymitar72]

Thanks, I have been fairly warned. But, would you mind explaining what this flash business is? Read over the updated replys to my other Q's and maybe you will get a better idea of what my level of understanding is regarding these drives (novice - yes, but able to comprehend new info).

I will consider taking the drive to someone who is qualifed to make any needed repairs, after I become convinced that it is beyond my ability to make the damn thing work. First, I want to at least have all the environmental variables set up correctly, i.e. hardware settings, correct software/firmware (caution will be used with firmware, but I'd rather try and fail and deal with results than to just throw the towel in and pay someone else to do something I may have been able to do myself!).

This was my purpose in joining this forum - to learn. If we succeeded at everything new we ever tried, not much would be learned. It's our failures that produce the most expansion in our understanding of things. So, yes, it's risky attempting to troubleshoot this problem on my own, but, Damn the Torpedos, Full Speed Ahead!

Thanks for your concern and your cautious response to my question, to true - sometimes a little knowledge is the most dangerous!

 

[The-poacher]

In a nutshell firmware is software that when it is applied it changes the hardware chip to give different attributes to the hardware (eg recognise more media for a DVDR burner) <> the process of applying the fimware is generally known as "flashing" <> unfortunately some flashing is complicated & needs "expert" installing <> bad flashing can make the hardware US & unrepairable.

 

[woody]

Scymitar72 I was a novice too. Now I can build computers,you will be there soon. My biggest concern was the fact you connected a cd writer with the power on.

Some things you probably know.Hardware must be installed when the power is off,with computer unplugged,and proper grounding procedures to avoid static discharge.If not followed you risk damage to hardware components and the motherboard.Updating firmware normally does make a drive come to life.There must be other factors why it's not functioning.

So...let's start from the beginning.We need you to name your hardware devices,and OS.we need the MB and processor speed,etc.Also need Cdr burning software you have installed.Need the configuration too..which devices are on what IDE channel.

We can try to help you,but updating firmware with an improperly functioning system would make it that much more risky.