"Unable to Flash Firmware"

Whenever I try to update my firmware for my Lite-On SHW-1635SX, I always get this message, "Unable to Flash Firmware". I've tried just about everything I can to make it to work. What do you all suggest?

Thanks

 

Are you running any antivirus software? If so, did you disable it during the flashing procedure (My first thought)?

Then I ran a search at www.rpc1.org for your model name and found NO listing. There were results for a liteon 1635S, but not an "SX" suffix. Maybe your drive can not be flashed?

 

I disabled my Anti-Virus during the flash process. 1635SX is the External version of the 1635S, they run on the same firmware

 

Hmmm ... the "unable to flash firmware" message is not very specific help from your system.

I have an internal Sony and an external Toshiba, both have been able to flash without problems. I don't think internal vs external should be an issue. Have you tried a Liteon tech or one of their support forums?

Maybe another member here might have another view on this?

 

I have contacted them, their support didn't work either. Also I joined a forum, that is a little more specific on Lite-On, still no help. Anyone else have any ideas?

 

Can you connect the drive as an internal? There are sometimes problems flashing external drives. Is it connected via USB?

What format is the flash utility (ie is it a exe, bin, etc)?

 

I can't make it internal, as far as I know, and I connect via usb. The firmware is .exe

 

Put the firmware on a floppy and boot into Safe Mode. Try and flash from there.

 

I definatly got farther with trying that, it appeared to go about three times as far, before I got the message.

 

Do you have another cable to try? It is a USB 2 cable, right?

 

It has a weird end to one side, it is the cord that comes in the box with it

 

By "weird end" do you mean the one end is smaller than the other? That's called an A to B cable. The larger being the A and the smaller one the B. You might want to try and get a new cable. Make sure, if you do, it's USB 2.0 NOT 1.1

A 1.1 cable will be cheaper but will slow down data transfer. Might result in burn errors.

 

I tried using a different A to B cord, but still the same result

 

Does the .exe file have an icon (picture) or is it a blank box?

Where did you get the firmware update from? What version is it? Did you try and download it again?

 

.exe with picture. Downloaded from their website. Multiple times

 

Try the one from here:
http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?category=4&manufactor=17

Scroll down to find your burner model.