I have an AOPEN DVD1240 AMH DVD-ROM drive and I wanted to update the firmware. I am hoping that this will allow me to read DVD-/+R and RW disks as right now they come up blank.

The directions that came with the firmware said to do the following:

1. Turn ON the computer with the drive is connected to the host.
2. Re-boot into MS-DOS mode by selecting "End of Windows" on the "Start" manual when Windows9X is used.
3. Make sure there is no disc installed in the drive.
4. Decompress 12AMHR09.exe
5. Type "f110f r09.bin" and then press "enter"
6. Reboot system

(Remarks)
Make sure the Power supply for the drive never be cut while the up-grade is in process, otherwise,
the up-grade fails and the drive never be back operative condition.

When I run f110f R09.bin, however, I get the following (error) message:
"Automode selected. Filename R09.bin.
No password, not flash region information.
Detect ATAPI...
IDE1...[device]
IDE2...[device]
IDE3 AOpen 12x DVD-ROM/AMH 10272000 R06."

The firmare does not get updated.

I saw this message on the AOpen forums but I am confused on how to do this:

try to transfer & install your DVD1240/AMH drive as secondary master on your board without any slave drive attached to its own cable then try to update again your firmware in DOS & check the results.


HELP! :(

as secondary master on your board without any slave drive attached

Each motherboard has two IDE controllers. They will be marked usually, but different manufacturers use different terminology, making it more difficult to describe with text but here goes...IDE0 and Primary IDE are most often used for the Primary IDE controller, usually the hard drive goes there. A second connector on the board should have CD ROM drive(s) connected, that will be IDE 1 or Secondary IDE. Some are also marked IDE 1 and IDE 2. IDE 2 would be secondary. Component ID (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25502) might help.

Each controller should have a ribbon cable connected, usually gray. Secondary IDE should be connected to the CD/DVD drive(s). If two are connected, disconnect the one you do not plan to update. Set the jumper on back of the drive you DO want to update to the MASTER position. The thread above should have a post about those jumpers too. Plug the end connector of the ribbon cable to that drive without the other drive connected, then it should be setup and jumpered to match what's quoted above. Secondary Master with no Slave attached.

OH...make sure the machine is ALWAYS completely shut down before pulling any cables loose.

Thanks, I will try this when I get home. However, there was no information in that thread about the jumper settings. I think that there might be a diagram on the back of the drive itself though. I'll check and do a search for that info if its not. Stay tuned! :)