Novatel MC950D Modem - need help upgrading firmware and software

I bought my Novatel MC950D 3G in March of 2008 and I've noticed that my firmware is very outdated. So I want to update it with the latest firmware available on Vodacom's website. I've also noticed that VMC Lite disconnects more frequently than the 'full' version which a friend of mine is using so I want to switch to the full version.

I have read through this thread http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=166684 which explains the process but I'm already stuck.

I've removed my sim card from my modem and then rebooted my laptop (just to be thorough), reconnected the modem and then ran the firmware exe file which I downloaded from Vodacom. It fails and complains about not be able to communicate with the device? The device is definitely plugged in, the light on it flashes red (due to the sim card being removed). Anything I'm missing?

Is VMC Lite still running in the background? Or any version of VMC still running?

nuyork said:

Is VMC Lite still running in the background? Or any version of VMC still running?

Click to expand...

Nope - I found the problem though. I needed to uninstall a device in Device Manager named Agere Systems HDA modem.

After doing that the firmware upgrade ran flawlessly and the device seems to be functioning much more stable! Woohoo!

Just as a followup to anyone who might stumble across this thread on google.

Follow the instructions in this thread : http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=166684

But also remember to uninstall a device named "Agere Systems HDA modem" from your device manager if it's in there.

The new firmware combined with the full version of VMC (all links are available in the other linked thread) made a world of difference to my browsing experience on Vodacom 3G.
The signal is better and my connection if far more stable.

PS. I did not install Windows Mobilink-Lite Connection Manager and Driver- Installer as recommended in the other thread - I get HSUPA signal without it. Also, follow the instructions for the firmware update very carefully. It apparently has the potential to brick your modem if you mess it up.

Isn't the Agere thingy the built-in dialup modem? I haven't used dialup modems in at least the last 10 years, although my notebooks during this period always had one. So it shouldn't matter if you removed it, and you can always re-install.

SoTrue said:

Isn't the Agere thingy the built-in dialup modem? I haven't used dialup modems in at least the last 10 years, although my notebooks during this period always had one. So it shouldn't matter if you removed it, and you can always re-install.

Click to expand...

It may be but as you state it doesn't matter if you remove it, Windows Vista was able to reinstall the driver all by itself.