DRU500A Firmware 1.0f, Cannot Disable DMA, Problem?

[rkr1958]

If you are using the DRU-500A, disable [DMA setting] in Windows before executing firmware update. For details, refer to [Help and Support] in Windows.

Am I running a risk of damaging my drive if I execute the program that does the Fireware upgrade if I don't disable DMA?

I'm running W98SE and apparently I'm using third-party disk drive controllers because when I go to control panel ==> system ==> and so on until I get to properties for my drive contollers there is no check box available for DMA. According to the Microsoft website this is the result of using third-party disk controllers.

I'd like to upgrade to the lastest firmware but I don't want to risk damaging my drive.

[crimpshrine]

When I upgraded to 1.0d I was running it in a Win98 box and was able to flash fine with DMA on. (Win98 did lockup at the very end when it was supposed to reboot, but the flash went fine)

I just upgraded to 1.0f on a XP box and did not diable DMA either, worked fine.

[sangMan]

Version 1.0F ?
What happend to Version 1.0E??

anyway, when I upgrade the firmware from 1.0C to 1.0D,
I boot it into safe mode and update it that way,
I found this is the safest way of doing it (I don't have to worry about disable any other software, because safemode will not load anyother programs only basic stuff that will get windows to boot to gui)

hope that help.. it work for me. (I'm using XP, but it should be the same for other)

[rkr1958]

crimpshrine & sangMan thanks for your replies.

I boot it into safe mode and update it that way

Is DMA automatically disabled in safe mode? If so, safe mode sounds like the way to go. Maybe I parnoid but I don't want to risk damaging my drive.

[crimpshrine]

crimpshrine & sangMan thanks for your replies.

I boot it into safe mode and update it that way

Is DMA automatically disabled in safe mode? If so, safe mode sounds like the way to go. Maybe I parnoid but I don't want to risk damaging my drive.

Yes DMA should be disabled in safe mode in win98.

I am a bit reckless. Actually didnt see why DMA should need to be disabled so I took my chances. (Which I don't really think was a chance at all)

Kind of like some bios updates for Motherboards, some makers say disable this cache, a + b + c etc in CMOS before you update etc.. I never do that heh. I think they try to eliminate other possible issues by having users turn off certain settings.

[sangMan]

when you boot in safe mode...
Windows will load only the bare minimum to get to OS running..
when you installed new software or hardware and windows stop working.. It will boot you into safe mode so you can trouble shoot.
Yes, it will disable everything (even your graphic driver, sound driver or anyother program that usually load up when you start windows.. like those little icons you see in your task bar)

[morac]

When I upgraded to 1.0d I left DMA enabled and after the drive flashed, the machine hung.

When I upgraded to 1.0f I turned off DMA and it didn't hang.

In either case it upgraded though.

Under Windows XP you don't have to reboot when enabling or disabling DMA so it can't hurt.

[Alshadin]

It is best to take the advice of Sony, since it appears that many people here have had their systems hang if DMA is enabled. I ran the 1.0d firmware update with DMA on and ran into no problems at all (WinXP SP1). It was turned off when I ran the 1.0e update, due to a motherboard swap I had just done.

So, follow Sony's recommendation and things should go smoothly.

[rkr1958]

It is best to take the advice of Sony, ... So, follow Sony's recommendation and things should go smoothly.

The problem that I have is that there is no way that I can see to disable DMA in W98SE, since I'm running with 3rd party disk controllers, except by doing the upgrade in Safe Mode.

[Alshadin]

You should be able to change the mode regardless of the controller you use (I'm assuming you're using either a Highpoint or Promise based controller). But then again, you may not be able to. Safe mode should do the trick anyway.

[rkr1958]

Update ... I received my DRU-500A drive today (it had been on back order for 2 weeks now). Installed it and successfully performed the firmware upgrade from 1.0d to 1.0f. I did this upgrade in W98SE, but NOT in safe mode; however, I shut down everthing but explorer. The upgrade went smoothly and took approximately 40-seconds. However, my computer did hang on shut-down for re-boot. But once I powered off and booted back up everything was fine. I appreciate everyone who took the time to reply. I guess I was a little parnoid but I didn't want to damage my new drive which I have been waiting for for two weeks while it was on backorder.