Honeywell VM2 Laptop User Manual


 
5 - 52
Upgrading the Thor VM2
There may be firmware and BIOS upgrades available for the Thor VM2. Contact Technical Assistance (page 9-1) for upgrade
information and instructions. In some cases, it may be necessary to upgrade firmware before upgrading the operating system.
Contact Technical Assistance (page 9-1) for upgraded firmware or operating system files. Follow the upgrade instructions pro-
vided by Technical Assistance.
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 VM2. Firmware that
can be updated includes BIOS, EC (Embedded Controller) and Screen MCU (Micro Controller Unit). Firmware updates are dis-
tributed 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.
Use the Software tab of the About (see page 5-4) control panel to determine the currently installed firmware versions.
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 VM2 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 VM2 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 9-1) for upgrade files.
FWxxyyzz.cab - This file contains the firmware update files and a utility to verify version compatibility and install the firm-
ware 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 VM2 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.
2. The Thor VM2 automatically reboots and starts the update process after detecting the updatefw.tag file. No user
intervention is required to reboot the Thor VM2 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.
The Thor VM2 must be connected to external power before upgrading the BIOS, firmware or operating systems.
If the Thor VM2 is operating on UPS battery power, the upgrade process does not initiate and the Thor VM2 is not up-
graded.
Be sure to copy the updatefw.tag file to the D: drive last. The Thor VM1 begins the reboot process after detecting this
file.
!
!