Beware !

N.B.

N.B.

1
Staff member
Hi people !

Just a stick thread to tell you something:
To update the firmware of your burner is a dangerours process. It might end in an usable defect device. For upgrading burners it isn´t as dangerous as for mainboards, if you upgrade a mainboard and something goes wrong, the mobo is dead, and you computer doesn´t boot anymore.
Basically the same may happen to your burner, or CDROM drive, so it is just not operateable anymore. Usually it works just fine, but rethink before doing the update :)
Maybe you should ask first, so people tell you about the right steps, so everything runs smooth !
Yeah ...
so far :)

Happy burning :)
 
ponzan

ponzan

1
most significant and forgotten computer advice:

if it is not broken do not fix it


PS: I'm aware that our lakeside member here, states this in all his posts, but this is of common knowledge and neglect and we have to thank him for remember it to us

and I'm very tempted right now to flash my DVD-ROM to make it region free (almost out of changes and it's new!!) wish me luck
 
Last edited:
dx

dx

1
ponzan said:
if it is not broken do not fix it
Click to expand...
Agreed...every time I see a new firmware I cringe at all the peeps who upgrade just for the fun of it. If you are having no significant problems with the device, why tempt fate. Just because its new doesn't make it better (another pearl of wisdom ;) ).

However, if you are having problems, a firmware flash may be necessary. Sometimes significant bugs are fixed in a little .bin file.

After 100's of firmware updates that I have performed in the past my best advice is follows...

1) check out and subscribe to various forums of your hardware. cdfreaks is a great place for CDR drives amdmb.com is great for AMD Mobo, etc. Check out if any significant bugs are fixed in the update and act accordingly. If there is no problem with your device, then you have your answer.

2) Flash in DOS...don't flash in Windows. Flashing in Windows is easy, but there are too many drivers and software that can get in the way.

a) When booting to DOS use Dr. DOS. it loads no significant drivers to mess you up (unlike a Windows Boot disc).

b) Use the appropriate DOS flashing proggie and learn how to use it! Follow the damned instructions to a tee. Don't take shortcuts.

c) Get the correct .bin file. Don't laugh...this is a big problem. Many Peeps in the rush to upgrade, get the wrong firmware for the device. Woops...bad flash!
 
davlyn

davlyn

1
ponzan....THE words...IF it is not BROKEN do not fix it...
This is the best advise you can ever be given...
 
Artelion

Artelion

1
You all are right.
I had a really funny bug after upgarding my old burner's Firmware. I had a Yamaha 8x8x24 burner. After I made the "upgrade", the burner started to exept only EXPENSIVE media, it just stopped to recognize those chip media CDs, It prefered those Expensive ones, and I was stuck with a recorder which left my pockets empty.
The funniest thing was - I never found the Firmware that was installed on that recorder in the first time.
 
daveml

daveml

1
Also remember that the BSA get at manufacturers to remove copy protection beating feature.
An upgrade could be a downgrade.
 
stevie_boz

stevie_boz

1
yup..all valid points..i've flashed my fw loads of times on various mobo's and writers and my liteon dvd rom..just for multi region ;) it can be risky but if you make sure you follow dxkim's tips everything SHOULD go ok...
 
VIPER_1069

VIPER_1069

1
I would be more warey of MBOARD flash than a rom flash anyday, i flashed my DVD to multi region same day i bought it lol it was a case of put yer head between yer knees and kiss yer butt goodbye and hope for the best lol :) fortunatly it worked 1st time and was fine ! :)

i ALWAYS give people a warning when telling them how to upgrade firmware and advise that if anything should go wrong i nor the forum are liable for their OWN actions and we cannot be held responsible for any DAMAGE they may occour when it all goes wrong !!! :) after advice is given its IN THEIR own hands to proceed and take the risks involved :)
 
I

ivwshane

1
With lite-on cdrw drives however, you can recover from a bad flash thanks to some freeware apps.

More info is available at the h**p://w*w.cdfreaks.com forums.
 
N

NetLion

1
M8s ! All of you are right !!

A few months ago I've flashed the MoBo BIOS to fix a problem with WinXp boot. When the flash was finished, my computer was finished too.

I had to send the BIOS to a mate to flash again. ( in another city- 400 km distance) and I've spend some bucks (phone calls, mail, service) and time and 1 week without my machine.

BEWARE !
Flash only if it's the last alternative.
 
Dnd4evr

Dnd4evr

1
Flashing can be risky and DX covered just about everything. The only thing I would add is make sure the process isn't interrupted! If you can get access to an unterrupted power supply, use it during the flash. Chances are you will never have a problem, but why take a chance if you don't have to. Power outages have a tendency to occur at the most inopportune times.

Oh, and if you can backup the current firmware first, its good insurance (most bios's software allows backing up the current bios). Like Daveml said, some upgrades can be a downgrade.

If anything goes wrong and you can't fix it, contact the manufacturer. Some companies will reflash for a modest fee. Giga-byte reflashed my bios for only $10 (long story).
 
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