Flash image to DM600 - no serial port

**rhubarbe** · 30-12-2007

I don't have a serial port on my laptop, and although I do have a null modem cable I:

can't find it

couldn't do much with it without a serial port

I want to flash Gemini 4.2 to the box.

Its image files are .nfi so I can't use the root.cramfs method.

FlashWizard Pro says that the .nfi files aren't supported (yet).

Flashwizard Pro says that the two .nfi files I have are not valid firmware files ????? (I was trying to flash image to HDD to try multiboot).

The DM600 doesn't have a front VFD or the same buttons as the DM7020 so, although I have read that using the webif method should work, I can't do it.

Does anybody have any bright ideas?

Please?

**T_G** · 30-12-2007

I am not sure what the problem is. if you are conected to your dreambox through a crossover cable then you can load up any Gemini image. If you download them from the IHAD site they come ready to go for Flash Wizard. Where did you get this .nfi file?? What is it?

**rhubarbe** · 30-12-2007

The Gemini file is:

gemini-420-dm600pvr-200712172013.nfi and I got it out of the database on the ihad site.

I'm not connected to the DM600 by crossover, I am connected by wired LAN (via a DHCP router).

Can I do the flash with this configuration? If so, what software should I be using?

Tried DreamUp but it fails for lack of COM connection.

**rhubarbe** · 30-12-2007

It's this file here:

_http://www.i-have-a-dreambox.com/wbb2/database_arc.php

**T_G** · 30-12-2007

OK, I see. The root.cramfs method does not work with this box.
You have to either use a null modem and dreamup, or use the "Very Simple Flash Assistant" (has englsih menu in it) .
I have not used it, but it works if you have MSframework 2.0 or later.Got to have a fixed IP for box.
ww.i-have-a-dreambox.com/wbb2/attachment.php?attachmentid=42563

Try it out, and if it works maybe you could do an idiot guide post about it so other 600 users will know about it too.

**rhubarbe** · 30-12-2007

Excellent, thanks very much. I'll try that and see what happens.

**mhku** · 30-12-2007

You can also flash an image using Firefox/ webif but I've not done it this way so don't know how reliable it is.

**rhubarbe** · 31-12-2007

Yes, I have used webif to flash a 7025, but that had the buttons on the front which corresponded with the instructions for the webif flash update. The 600 doesn't have the buttons and it doesn't have the VFD to receive the response from the box.

I'm brave, but I'm not that brave.

Samsnake · 06-01-2008

Hi, just got new DM600 and I also have laptop. I couldnt get dreamup to work so I reflashed by following these instructions I found on the web....added a few notes myself to help.

Flashing a DM600 - Thanks to Macker

Slightly different to other dreamboxes. You can either use the Dreamup software (takes ages) or use the method below instead.

Basically, with DM600 connected to network (no null modem required), you can reflash image, to start first download and install Dreambox Control Centre to PC and have your new image ready and unzipped...

1. Boot your DM600, goto the communication menu and note the ip address.
***note: this is the original IP of the box....192.168.0.5 or similar***

2. Run DCC, connect to the dreambox. Once the network is connected ok, click on the the 'Telnet' option.

3. In the telnet window, type the following, pressing <return> at the end of each line.

mount /boot -o remount,rw
rm /boot/*
reboot

4. You should now get a message saying that the Dreambox is rebooting.

5. Wait a few seconds and then run Explorer (Firefox or whatever) and enter the ip address of the Dreambox in the address bar.

6. On the screen that appears, choose the 'Upgrade firmware' option, find the .nfi file and click the 'Flash' button.

7. Once the progress bar reaches 100%, reboot the box

Note: The IP address is critical. I changed my box IP to my own networks, noted it and then attempted to follow this install.....did'nt work!!!!.....luckily I remembered earlier IP number before I edited it...then worked ok?

I hope this helps

**rhubarbe** · 06-01-2008

When you say that you had changed the IP of the DB to your own network IP, do you mean that you had changed 192.168.0.x to 192.168.x.x?

My 600 is already on a 192.168.0.xxx IP, and I really can't see how changing this to 192.168.0.5 (or whatever if I could remember it) would make any difference at all.

Changing from a DHCP generated IP address to a fixed one I can see the point of.

Comments?

**v9oly** · 06-01-2008

This is probally stating the obvious, but why not purchase a serial to usb adapter, I have one and found it extremely useful, for what it cost, used it today to flash an image.

Regards,
Ollie

**rhubarbe** · 06-01-2008

Yes, thanks. I have one too. It didn't work.

**rhubarbe** · 07-01-2008

Well, I got as far as the telnet reboot. Telnet says:

*** Server has closed ***

DM600 sits there red light flashing and then green light flashing, no other signs of lfe.

I've unplugged it.

Great start.

***BonceChops*** · 08-01-2008

Its time to take you dreambox to a friends PC with a serial port by the look of it.

**rhubarbe** · 08-01-2008

Well, I do have a PC at work with a serial port. I could use that. Trouble is that I have no way of monitoring the 600 at work - no TV.

I have an IBM X41 that has a serial port on the expansion base but every time I plug it into the base the pointing device stops working.

**mhku** · 08-01-2008

USB/ serial adapter is reported as being unreliable.

There is no need to xxx out your IP address as it is a LAN IP address and is not public (50% of the people here probably use the same IP

)

And yes, point 1 in Post #9 is set a fixed IP address for the Dreambox if you don't already use one.

But it sounds like you're already having fun... good luck!

**rhubarbe** · 08-01-2008

I wasn't xxxing out the IP address. I was using xxx for "whatever".

However, since I now have a brand new DM600 that won't boot and that I can't connect to in DCC, does anybody have any suggestions to to what to do next?

**mhku** · 08-01-2008

Time to find a friend with a PC with a serial port. Or if you have a PC (not a laptop) install a serial card.

**rhubarbe** · 08-01-2008

OK, I can take it to work. But then what?

**mhku** · 08-01-2008

Follow the "how to flash" instructions, connecting the Dreambox to the PC with the null modem cable (in the correct sequence).

You'll need the image and a copy of DreamUP.

**rhubarbe** · 08-01-2008

What, even if it won't boot?

I have the image, the Dreamup, a null modem cable (somewhere or other).

And remember I have no possibility to monitor the thing while I am at work.

You reckon reflashing under these circumstances will work?

**mhku** · 08-01-2008

You said:

OK, I can take it to work. But then what?

Have no idea what you mean:

And remember I have no possibility to monitor the thing while I am at work.

How can you not see the Dreambox connected to the PC you're sat in front of?

**rhubarbe** · 08-01-2008

OK, then, I'll go through what I think you mean.

Take to work, connect to power and to PC via null modem cable.

Open up Dreamup, follow instructions to flash with new image.

Find image.

Flash.

It's the reboot after flashing I have guidance with because the DM600 will not be connected to a TV I won't be able to see any onscreen instructions.

**T_G** · 08-01-2008

Well, do the flashing at work. it it tells you that the flash was successful you take it back home and try it out there. With a bit of luck....

**rhubarbe** · 08-01-2008

OK, thanks very much. I'll do that, then.

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