Nervous about updating DRU500a Firmware, have Qs

[DVD Enthusiast]

Hi all,

I'm just about ready to upgrade the firmware on my Dru500a (still at 1.0c out of the box), but there are 2 things that I am unsure about and just wanted to get clarification before I proceed. On the Sony website, the instructions for upgrading firmware states 2 things that I don't quite fully understand:

Before executing firmware update, uninstall any packet writing software, such as [DLA], [DirectCD], [B's CLiP] etc, from the PC.

I have neither of these installed, but the "etc." part leads me to believe there are other similar softwares. What other "packet writing" softwares are there? Is Nero? CDClone?

Also, If you are using the DRU-500A, disable [DMA setting] in Windows before executing firmware update. For details, refer to [Help and Support] in Windows.

Where exactly should I be disabling the DMA setting in the device manager? The properties for the Dru500a didn't have any DMA options that I could find.

Lastly, all Sony offers is the 1.0g update. Is this fine? Or should I try to locate the 1.0f update instead? I've read a few posts complaining about the 1.0g update - just want to be sure before I upgrade.

Thanks in advance!

[Dartman]

Turn off your antvirus software just in case. Don't worry about the DMA part, quite a few of us have done it without disabling and it works fine. DO NOT turn off the computer or do anything else till it's done, preferably have a UPS online just in case.
It takes a little less then a minute and works fine in windows, print out the instructions if you want so you can double check as you set up for it.
So far mine and a friends have been fine with the G firmware. His will even do cheap Princo single speeds at 2x.

[tazdevl]

Only time you need a UPS is if you live in a third world country and have gerbils running on a wheel to generate electricity. The chance of something happening from that standpoint is slim to none.

I'd disable DMA in the device manager just to be safe. Just select the channel (IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers) that the drive is on. Right clck on the channel, properties, advanced settings tab, use the drop down for device 0 and select PIO only. After the flash is over, re-enable DMA and reboot. Should be fine.

InCD from Ahead is another packet writing software app.

[DVD Enthusiast]

Thanks for the replies! Upgrade successful.

[Dartman]

Well your right about the UPS but I use one and if nothing else it's way better then a surge protected power strip. You can buy a pretty nice one here at Costco for 119 bucks that is a 900 va model, pretty stout for most home users. I got a PowerWare 5115 to replace my older ancient 525 va model that was tired battery wise and couldn't keep up with my gear anymore.
Found it on E-Bay for 156 including delivery, 1400 va, will run this Puppy here for half an hour with everything on, that was brand new in da box.
I couldn't believe it went so cheap but the guy never made it clear this was a top of the line for the series unit so nobody else bid
Anyways glad to here your upgrade went like mine did, have fun with the toy, mine is great so far.