[grasshopper]

1. This all may sound obvious, but overlooking these thing will lead to problems. Most of this information is for downloading files to the receiver via serial cables, but a lot applies to units that update by USB drive. And remember that receiver failures can only be corrected by serial cable or jtag. Those not correctable in this way require chip replacement. This is all good information to know even if you always use a USB update.

a. Know exactly what kind of receiver you have. Manufacturer (lot of clones out there), Model, Type and Date of manufacture.

2. Read all the guides and FAQ’s for your model receiver BEFORE trying to do ANYTHING. I know everybody is anxious to play with a new toy, but it won't do you any good as a doorstop if you ruin it before you get started.

3. Download the correct software and loaders required. It is a good idea to download the files when you are not trying to download anything else to avoid file corruption.
a. Remember to Unzip the files before you attempt to flash. It is a good idea to unzip and save them to the same folder on your PC. I name a folder say, vsfiles or ftafiles for this use. You can find unzip utility links if you need them: Winzip/WinRar

4. Make sure that you have the correct type of serial cable for your receiver.
The cable that you need will come with the receiver from the factory typically and has a DB9 9 pin female connection on both ends. There are two types of these cables, null and straight through. The type will vary even from the same manufacturer.

5. Connect receiver to your TV and turn it on. Make sure receiver works before you
continue.

6. Power off the receiver and connect serial cable to receiver and computer.

7. Prepare to flash your receiver.
a. Start the loader on you computer. Make sure to close other programs and disable the internet while you are doing the flash. This will minimize any chances of a crash during download and the possibility that you might 'kill' the receiver.
b. Check that the correct box is checked off on the loader. (Boot, app, or channel list)
c. Make sure the loader is configured to the correct com port. There is a utility here for that if you have com port trouble: Com Port Finder
d. Start your download with the loader.
e. Wait for download to complete. Receiver will turn off and reboot.
e. Again wait for download to complete (completed message on loader). Don't go by a percentage display alone. This is the most crucial part of the flash procedure. DO NOT interrupt the flash before it is finished completely.
f. Power off the receiver and disconnect the serial cable.

8. You can now reconnect any satellite/TV cables, if you moved the receiver, plug in and power up the receiver.

9. Check your antenna/dish settings in the receiver menu and verify them after loading new files. A new file can sometimes change the settings.

10. Be patient. After loading a new file it
takes awhile for it to begin autoroll the first time. Set to a channel and wait for it to pick up the autoroll.

11. If you have a new computer with no serial port you will need to purchase a USB to serial port adapter and install the proper drivers for it or get a serial port card. Your cable will plug into the adapter or card.

If you follow these guidelines, your receiver updates should be trouble free.

Thanks to szot

GH