Dangers of flashing modems

chrisc

chrisc

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I've read here about flashing modems to update the firmware, and even flashing modems to make them operate like a different modem (unless I misread the post). I have updated the BIOS on motherboards plenty of times and that has solved many compatibility problems

However, when you flash a BIOS, the software always allows you to keep a copy of the original firmware in case something goes wrong, but I notice that this wasn't offered on the upgrade for a Huaweu E1820 modem.

Not wanting to (tiny) brick it, I didn't do it.
 
Not for a different model. It must be the same hardware, sometimes it is named differently (branded versions).
Not every PC BIOS will offer you backup copy. With modems I haven't seen such things. Software update package will not save your existing copy on the hard drive either. You can return to your current version only if you find the update software with the same version as yours.

The last warning. In the case of Huawei modems if you flash a locked version (not ending with .00), modem will be locked to such firmware. To return to the generic firmware you will need to know flash code for your modem.
 
chrisc4290 said:
I've read here about flashing modems to update the firmware, and even flashing modems to make them operate like a different modem (unless I misread the post). I have updated the BIOS on motherboards plenty of times and that has solved many compatibility problems

However, when you flash a BIOS, the software always allows you to keep a copy of the original firmware in case something goes wrong, but I notice that this wasn't offered on the upgrade for a Huaweu E1820 modem.

Not wanting to (tiny) brick it, I didn't do it.
Click to expand...

LOL @ tiny brick. Yep, always a risk. I agree, would be good to be able to back it up first.
 
Yes, having looked properly at the router, it does allow a backup. However, some of the remarks on Openwrt forum make me think its really for 7th year rocket scientists. Would updated firmware really make a performance difference? I see TP-Link's website offers additional modem files for some new 3G modems, but I can't see the speed shooting from 2mb to 16mb in one go.
 
Flashing branded modems, for example K4505 to E182E can be done usually with a trade-off. In the case of the K4505 the top speed will drop to 21Mbps and any warranty will be lost of course.

Provided you flash the K4505 with E182E firmware all will be OK for example. Even if you have a catastrophic failure half way through, Windows locking up for instance... This should not pose of problem because the Huawei flash program allows for a forced download to the device. However, should you be foolish enough to flash with any other firmware then you really enter uncharted waters because a larger flash file could overwrite important areas like the IMEI for example!!

The device settings are backed up and restored at the end of flashing. Because you can still flash a modem with the firmware erased with forced download, creating a backup is a waste of time and in any case you couldn't reload this backup to the device easily.

If you look up your device here: http://www.dc-files.com/files/huawei/ and you find an unbranded flash, then you can use it with confidence as all of the flashes here have been fully tested!

If you need a flash code, I can supply if you PM me the device IMEI.

I'll just add a footnote because some people get their knickers in a twist when cross flashing. After you have started the flash procedure do NOT interrupt the process until you get the OK message. After this, I strongly recommend removing the device, rebooting the PC and only once fully rebooted reinsert the modem. This can save much racing of pulses and feelings of great nausea!!
 
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Hi JimM,
Problem originally outlined is that if you can't do backup of the original firmware, you have no return. For warranty return for example.
 
chrisc4290 said:
I've read here about flashing modems to update the firmware, and even flashing modems to make them operate like a different modem (unless I misread the post). I have updated the BIOS on motherboards plenty of times and that has solved many compatibility problems

However, when you flash a BIOS, the software always allows you to keep a copy of the original firmware in case something goes wrong, but I notice that this wasn't offered on the upgrade for a Huaweu E1820 modem.

Not wanting to (tiny) brick it, I didn't do it.
Click to expand...

ALWAYS REMOVE THE SIMCARD BEFORE FLASHING A MODEM
 
Flashing Modem
DSC_7606.JPG

You're Doing it Wrong​
 
You mean that picture is wrong? I'm so disappointed, since I just recharged some AA batteries and cleaned out the corroded terminals from my flash that I haven't used since 198?. Was nearly all set..

What about doing it in the sunshine, with a magnifying glass? After all, if you can make ants explode with a concentrated beam of sunlight, surely this is bright enough to flash the modem. btw, my modem is a different colour, does it matter?
 
sajunky said:
Hi JimM,
Problem originally outlined is that if you can't do backup of the original firmware, you have no return. For warranty return for example.
Click to expand...

Get the 'correct' flash file for your modem and keep safely in case you need to flash back to original state.

By and large Huawei devices are very reliable and in the unlikely event that you did need to return under warranty, you are making the wild assumption that any of the networks employ anyone in their service centres who would know that it had the 'wrong' firmware on it!!
 
JimM said:
Get the 'correct' flash file for your modem and keep safely in case you need to flash back to original state.
Click to expand...
Yip! Thats a point: if you can get original flash file. :)
 
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