Help/frustration with DRU-500A firmware upgrade

[puterguy]

Official instructions seem to require uninstalling Intel Accceleration, CD packet writing, Drive DMA, etc.

Is this all really necessary? I have never seen a firmware upgrade before that we required me to uninstall programs. This is very unfriendly, (especially since I spend much of my time in the Linux world).

So is there any way to upgrade the firmware without doing radical surgery on my computer OS and applications?

Thanks!

[dun4cheap]

Do this at your own risk, but I am running the Intel Acceleration with windows XP. The only down fall with updating the sony firmware that I have experienced is I have to reset my computer after the update. So personally wrather than uninstall it I would update it and when it goes to re-start the computer after the update is complete it will freeze. Reset or power off then back on and the drive will be recognized by Windows on the boot. It will come up and tell you it detected new hardware which it will be the DRU500a. This is normal because of the new firmware.


Ed

[Benzima]

I would follow the instruction as closely as possible. Why not?

I upgraded my firmware from d to f yesterday. I specifically held off installing any of the bundled software except for PowerDVD before doing the firmware thing. My strategy was first, mount the drive, boot up to make sure XP recognized it etc. Played a regular DVD just to make sure everything is working. I had to install PowereDVD for that. I then rebooted into Safe Mode and did the firmware update. It was kinda weird because the very first time you run the exe it doesn't install the update. It makes you reboot again and then it installs.

Good luck.

Now get out there and starting ripping and burnin' !!!

[donpedro]

Try safe mode in WinXP. It worked for me and others. I beleive that only minimum programs and drivers are loaded in this mode.

[ghoster]

if you just close out as many programs as possible the upgrade will install fine and it won't hang up. when the computer is restarting.....

[somte]

I followed the direction and everything seems to work fine. So the moral of the story is to follow the direction. Read the instruction before upgrading.

[donpedro]

I just don't get it. Why is everybody trying not to follow directions and also avoiding to use Safe Mode. What is a big deal about this ? Isn't it safer to do whatever they tell you then wondering what night be wrong ?

[spsp2]

OK ya'll listen to this one. I have the Sony DRU500A and can not upgrade the firmware , i tried 1.0d when it came out , did everything Sony told me to try .Now i can't install 1.0f either. Got the drive connected by itself as master right now. Tried booting in safe mode and diaignostic mode. Turned off dma , nothing works. I get an error message "Write Buffer Failed" "Can't write f/w to Buffer" "Write Mode 6 Buffer Failed" Any Ideas ??? Help!!!
Oh and i tried to write to 3 different Memorex (version 2) DVD-R discs last night and it will only write to DVD+R/RW Thanks for any help you can come up with
stanley@netpathway.com
OH Yeah and now Windows XP wants me to reactivate again.

[dun4cheap]

Try another system or mother board. What mb do you have, video etc. Windows Activation really sucks, so find a work around for that.

[spsp2]

I just built this computer in late July. Motherboard is Epox EP 8KHAL+
512 mb ram , ATI All IN Wonder Radeon 7500 video card
80 gig IBM hard drive...I am going to worry Sony tech support till we get it right.....i thought it was strange it would not burn the Memorex dvd-r
(3 trys ) i stuck in a DVD+R and it burned no problem..spsp2

[somte]

it won't update if a disc is already inserted. Take any disc that is inside the DRU-500A before you upgrade.

[puterguy]

Thanks!

Installing in "safe mode" seems to work and avoids the nasty need to uninstall stuff

[spsp2]

There was no disc in the drive and i tried safe mode and diaignostic mode , neither helped.....thanks for your replies....Spsp2

[donpedro]

spsp2,

Couple of questions ...

1. How did you managed to upgrade to 1.0d ?
2. Are you still having problem to upgrade to 1.0f ?
3. During attemt to upgrade you followed Sony's instructions ? (No DLA, InCD, No DMA, and logged in as Administrator ?)

[spsp2]

No i could not get any of the firmware upgrades to install. Yes i uninstalled Easy CD Creator and did all the other stuff and safe mode ,diaignostic mode , you name it i tried it.....spsp2

[spsp2]

I'm sorry , when i said "I Tried 10D i meant i tried to install it with no luck.........Spsp2

[spsp2]

YEEEEEES !!!!!! Problem solved. I uninstalled the VIA Busmaster and Easy CD Creator and rebooted and closed most everything running in the background and the upgrade to 10f installed like a charm. It was the VIA Busmaster keeping it from installing. Now i got to test it......thanks to everyone who replied...Stan

[donpedro]

CONGRATULATION !!!

[spsp2]

Thanks.....i'm tickled pink.....spsp2

[spsp2]

Well i spoke too soon......my DRU500A has died. The firmware installed and i was trying to copy a disc and it died. No light , the tray won't open , it doesn't show up in the BIOS , nothing. I will be calling Sony in the morning......spsp2