NEC ND-3540 Use the Firmware detect tool to determine the firmware of the drive. (The firmware on the test drive featured opposite is currently 1.01 but there is an upgrade available to 1.04) The upgrade comes as 2323_FW_ND-3540A_win104.zip archive. Once this file has been extracted we have the executable NECND354_v104.exe together with the readme.htm document. Assuming you have taken all the precautions as outlined previously you are now ready to perform the upgrade. Before you start, eject the drive tray and remove any disc that may be in it. This firmware update is for use only on PCs with Windows XP, 2000, ME, or Windows 98.

Follow the instructions below for the update procedure:

• Connect drive to secondary IDE channel as Master
  
  
• Disconnect all slave hardware from IDE secondary
  
  
• Use a standard UDMA-2 IDE cable
  
  
• Update in Windows "Safe Mode"
  
  
• Under Windows 2000 & XP, make sure you login as a user with administrative priveleges.
  
  
• Update without DMA mode. (If using Windows XP & 2000, In Device Manager -"IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers", you can switch between DMA and PIO mode)
  
  
• Disconnect all external USB/ Firewire devices.
  
  
• Deactivate virus scanners, active desktop programs and packet writing agents
  
  
• Do not turn off power during the updating process.

Please Note: Warranty will be lost if using incorrect updating procedures, or if unofficial modified firmware is used.

•  Click Flash (Fig.1) and the firmware will commence the upgrade (Fig.2)

Fig.1

Fig.2

• Select Power Off to reset your system
  

WARNINGS:-

• Do not open any programs or start any system functions during the update, as they will interfere with data transfer and damage the drive.
  
  
• Do not cancel the operation once it has been started or the drive will become permanently damaged, as a result.
  
  
• It is important to reboot the PC immediately after a firmware upgrade so that Windows can register the drive correctly.