Ronsters Guide To Flashing Box For Newbies

[lucky13]

UFL_Max_BLUE_21_04_08.exe is the firmware for genuine blue boxes - this is a unified loader and firmware. Just follow ronsters instructions of the first page of this thread = connect up your box, launch the firmware on laptop and hit the large download button and the firmware will download onto the box.

An rs232 NULL MODEM cable looks like an rs232 serial cable but the internal wiring is different.

TIP - Updating firmware normally wipes all your channel information so to save you from having to rescan your channels and re-sort your FAVs:
Bfore you download the firmware, under the Channel Data section click on upload (this will back up your channel information to a '.cdf' file on your laptop). After you have downloaded the firmware, click on the smaller download button under the Channel Data section and this will restore all your channel info back to the box.

[chipsteruk]

Thanks

I've just hit the upload button to save my channels

Error no available com port??? Could this have something to do with the rs232 lead?

What does this mean? Remember have have no knowledge of how xp works, or how to change anything, or even find settings to do it

Regards

[fj1200]

You'll need to check your com port settings. You have to use com port 1 to 4. com 3 seems to be most successful. Not sure with xp but try your control panel then look for device manager then com ports. You may have to force it to use com 3 if its not available

[lucky13]

The UFL looks for the box in com ports 1 thru 4 only. Go Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Computer Management / Device Manager and then into Ports(COM & LPT) and check/re-assign the com port you are using.

The cable you are using may not be a NULL MODEM cable (a standard rs232 cable won't work).

Are you using an rs232 to USB adapter? These are very hit and miss work for some but not for others.

[chipsteruk]

Thanks

Go Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Computer Management / Device Manager and then into Ports

This path just isn't their. but i can find my way to device manager tho, but i cant see Ports (COM & LPT) tho

Yes i'm using the usb lead

What exactly does reassigning the com's do?

Do i need to install the software that came with the lead first?

[lucky13]

You said your on xp so am I

Start / Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Computer Management / Device Manager

On the right hand side of screen, double click on Ports (COM & LPT). You should see your Serial to USB listed now. Double click on this and under the General Tab make sure the device is set to enabled. Next, under the Settings Tab, click on the Advanced button and set to COM3. Save and apply your changes.

If you are using a USB lead, you still need a NULL MODEM cable ie. box to null modem cable to USB lead to laptop.

Change the com port is a bit like having 10 USB cables sticking out of your laptop (theoretically of course) and you're telling your laptop which USB cable will have the box connected to end of it.

[fj1200]

You might find that ports 1 to 4 are in use but you can reassign (force) the computer to use a port that's already in use.

[chipsteruk]

But i dont see Administrative Tools in the control panel.. How can i tell if its xp or not? the laptops not mine you see

[chipsteruk]

Originally Posted by fj1200

You might find that ports 1 to 4 are in use but you can reassign (force) the computer to use a port that's already in use.

So can i just achieve the same result by trying to do it, with the connection in one of my 4 usb connections available till i get the right one? or is this just to simple

[lucky13]

In your Control Panel click on Help and select About Windows - this will tell you the operating system