Hi folks, first posting. My 9150 has been seizing up recently, won't respond to any button or remote command, sometimes can be cleared by switching off and on again, sometimes not. It's never had its software updated, so perhaps now's the time, can't do the OTA updates as it's in a holiday home and we're never there at the right time.

I've had no joy with the downloads from the Humax site, .hdf and .txt files that I can't open. Asked Humax "support" for help, got answer in Chinese! I've bought the right cable for the job, but am stuck now- any ideas?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Cheers 123

You don't open any of the upgrade files that you download from the Humax site. You simply use the upload application that is also available on the site to copy them to the Humax.

The instructions are here as is the application you need to copy the files to the Humax

http://www.humaxdigital.com/uk/suppo...ategory_seq=64

See the Download Instruction tab.

I have used the application they supply to update my own 9150 without any problems.

Also what type of cable have you got? There are two types of serial cable commonly available. You need what is commonly called a "null modem" cable. The other type, "straight through" won't work. Also if you don't have a serial port on the computer you are using be aware that some USB adapters can be a bit flakey.

Software update does sound the right thing to do. Can I suggest you try http://www.tynecomp.co.uk/flash9200.html

Hi, yes I have the right cable, and port on PC. The problem is that having downloaded the tool and update from the Humax site, I click on the file (WN4OAK) and no "install" dialog box appears, merely a box from Windows telling me it can't open the file because it doesn't have a suitable programme. Similarly with the update file, so I can't go any further.

Hi Martin, I'll have a look at that. Cheers.

The WDN4OAK file is a zip file. You just unzip it, which Windows should be able to do all by itself, certainly any version from XP onwards. All you should have to do is right click it and select Extract All from the pop up menu. Then you can run the installer for the program.

Like I said you do not open any of the update files in Windows. There is no need to. They are only of use to the Humax.

Hi Chris, yes the file is unzipped (Windows 7), all 10 sub-files extracted, but not one of them will install the program. I assume _INST32I.EX_ is the one but all I get when clicked is Windows saying it can't do anything with it, and directing me to the internet. Most frustrating. Cheers and thanks for the help so far. Peter

It's the SETUP.EXE you run. Though Windows has an annoying habit of hiding certain file name extensions (the bit after the dot) and there are two SETUP files that may not have a .xxx bit.

Depending on what view mode you have set the file list in it may say Application next to one of the SETUP file icons. Or it may say Application in the bottom section of the list window if you single click the file name. But that is the one to run.

Oh bu**er

Just tried it on my laptop (Win 7 64 bit) and get an error message saying it's not compatible with this version. So if you've also got Win 7 64 bit you'll get the same result most likely.

Might have to use the alternative software suggested above in that case.

Thanks for your interest Chris, and for the info. I've got Win 7 32, so might be different, but as I say I've tried them all. Anyway, I'll have another go tomorrow and if still no success I'll try Martin's fix. Thanks again. Peter

I have a Windows 7 32 bit machine at work, I'll try installing WDN4OAK tomorrow.

I'll look forward to hearing how you get on Les- cheers Peter

Yes WDN4OAK does install into Windows 7 32 bit with no problem and runs. I don't have the opportunity to use it to install software into a Humax but I would expect it to work. Martin's Flash9200 (post #3) works on Windows 7 according to his web page and is a stand alone .exe file so does not need any installation, that might be the easier way to go.

It also works on 64 bit versions of Windows and I believe it to be easier to use than WDN4OAK in various ways.

It's certainly easier to set up in the first instance, I'll have to have a go with it one day. Any chance of a version for Ubuntu?

It's also designed to be more forgiving with problem RS232 and pseudo RS232 ports.
I've used it and it would be my first choice over the Humax-provided utilities.

I have a command line version for Linux and could develop a full user interface but there doesn't seem to be any demand.

Thanks very much guys, I'll have a go this afternoon and see what occurs...... Cheers all. Peter

Hi Martin, opened the programme, got the dialog box, but no COM ports shown. Tried re-scan, no change. Do you think there is a problem with my PC?

Do you actually have any serial ports on the back of the PC? It is not impossible that it only has USB.

You're probably right Martin, Windows is very much the main stream mainly because it's bundled with all new PCs. I think thought that Ubuntu has developed considerably in the last couple of years and I for one enjoy using it. Maybe if more people knew about it...... who knows what might develop.

Just a thought: could you ask a trusted neighbour of your holiday home to nurse it through an OTA when the next scheduled date hits? See here.

Hi Chris, yes there's a port on the back and yes I've connected the cable to it. I've never used it before so I suppose there's always a chance it's not been connected up properly.....

Sue, thanks for that thought. If all else fails that may be the only way to do it. However, from what I've read the OTA process is not without its problems...

If it's there I would have thought it will be connected up properly, it might be disabled in the BIOS though. Check to see if a COM port is listed in Device Manager.

If there is a serial port then it is more than likely hard wired to the motherboard. It is possible that it needs to be enabled in the BIOS. I know some PC BIOSs (or is they BIOSes?) let you select whether a serial port is COM 1 or 2 if there is only the one fitted. Perhaps your PC also lets you turn it off completely.

But before diving into the BIOS go into Device Manager in Windows (via the Control Panel) and see what it says. There should be an entry for Com Ports and if Windows thinks there are any there what Com Port number they are using and how many. If you see a yellow ! next to the entry though it means there is an issue with the port, probably a driver problem. So a ! or no listing of any Com ports would explain why you can't select one to use.

If there are no ports listed then try going into the BIOS and find the section relating to the serial ports and see if they do need to be enabled or a Com Port number assigned.