Automatic Firmware Update Utility
Windows Embedded Standard 7 and Windows 7 Professional only.
The automatic firmware update utility provides an automated process to update the firmware on the Thor VM1. Firmware that can be updated includes BIOS, EC (Embedded Controller) and Screen MCU (Micro Controller Unit). Firmware updates are distributed as cabinet (.cab) files. The .cab file contains the necessary firmware files (BIOS, EC and Screen MCU) and a utility to install firmware files. The firmware update utility is installed as part of the factory software load. This utility can be used to install newer firmware or to revert to older firmware.
It may be necessary to update firmware before installing an updated operating system.
Requirements
The automatic firmware update utility requires the hard drive (CompactFlash card) to have both C: and D: partitions. When the Thor VM1 is shipped with either a Windows 7 Professional or Windows Embedded Standard 7 operating system, these partitions are created during the manufacturing process.
The automatic firmware update utility is not supported for a Thor VM1 with a Windows Embedded Standard 2009 operating system.
Firmware Distribution Files
The following software files must be copied to drive D: in the order listed. The files can be copied to the D: drive manually or remotely. Contact Technical Assistance (see page
FWxxyyzz.cab - This file contains the firmware update files and a utility to verify version compatibility and install the firmware files. The file name is structured such that xx identifies the last digits of the BIOS firmware version, yy identifies the Embedded Controller firmware version and zz identifies the screen MCU version.
UpdateFW.tag - The file that triggers the update utility to begin. Be sure to copy this file only after all the .cab file has been copied. As soon as the Thor VM1 detects the presence of this file, the unit reboots in five seconds.
Update Process
1.Copy the files listed above to the D: drive. Copy the.cab file first then the .tag file.
!Be sure to copy the updatefw.tag file to the D: drive last. The Thor VM1 begins the reboot process after detecting this file.
2.The Thor VM1 automatically reboots and starts the update process after detecting the updatefw.tag file. No user intervention is required to reboot the Thor VM1 or run the update utility after the reboot. The update utility operates in a DOS screen.
3.If the update is not successful, the update is tried three more times.
4.If the update fails, drive D: is cleaned up leaving flashapp.exe, a flashlog.txt and a retry.tag file.
5.Review the flashlog.txt file. The log file lists what firmware (if any) has been installed. If an error has occurred during the update process, it is detailed in the flashlog.txt file.
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