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[perrin26]

OK,

after reading every post in the other forums related to this probem, (man that took a long time), I have figured out a few hints to my problems from pieces of posts here and there.

A while back a guy named Razor? on here had a problem flashing his drive (the 8163b) Something changed on the drives after june 2005...
they used to be:
HL-DL-ST-DVD
NOW they are
HL-DT-ST-DVD
I have no idea what the difference is, the model number is the same, however the flash program isn't finding the drive. Now Razor? found a flash utility that he was able to flash his drive with, but had problems with windows afterwards, which sounds about right, Menzel mentioned this many times that the drive wouldn't be detected by windows after that, but I wanted to find out, what program he used to flash it with, and what the different between DL and DT is.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[perrin26]

I just wanted to make sure that I clarified the processes that I have tried:

Booted from a dos boot disk made specifically for flashing,
made my own boot from windows xp (dos boot)
Downloaded a loaded boot disk for specifically flashing this drive (the hl dl st version)
Tried from a boot cd on the very drive I was trying to flash.

I have followed the instructions and read all forums pertaining to this drive.

I used the FIXED version of the bios

I used the program that came with it for flashing
I have tried this drive as a slave and a master with all options on all IDE
I have tried reflash
When I reflash, it gives me an error message saying the drive sent back and error message or something like that, it doesn't do anything to the drive itself which still works fine as a pc drive in windows, but it won't accept the /r flash option.

The date on the drive is June 2005
The other types of flashing just send back the message
no CD/DVD

Once again, my drive is:
Hl-DT-St DVD ROM Lg 8163b
the one it looks for is
Hl-DL-ST DVD ROM LG 8163b

[perrin26]

Hopefully someone someday will have some insight, but there is some new news, nothing big, but something that helps narrow down the problem?

The Drive was manufactured June 2005, which must have been near the end of the production of this model of drive, seeing how the 8164's started to be produced shortly after this date.  I was wondering if it is possible there were some changes to the drive's firmware or something even though the model number stayed more or less the same. Does this reflect why the vendor part of the information went from DL to DT,

I flashed the drive recently successfully using the windows flasher for the drive.  I guess I should say reflashed since it flashed it with the same version of the firmware that was already on it, but it at least proves that the companies flasher works, but only the flasher that is the EXE version that comes up with FWFlashup and has the automated choices of version and file select in it.  I wish it worked, file select is greyed out, so I can't try flashing the 8050 info to the drive.  *is there a way to crack that and use this flasher to flash the bios to the drive?*  The SF8163.exe doesn't recognise the drive, the flashup ones previous to the integrated version doesn't recognise it, only the integrated one.  I am wondering if there is a 8164 flasher and if it would recognise this drive since it is so close to the new line of drives that came out.  Just a thought.  

If anyone has an idea how I can use the fwflash to flash the 8050 file let me know.
TTFN!

[The Zep Man]

A question: what revision (REV.) number does your drive have? I have a 8163B next to me which was made in june 2005 and which was flashed without a problem. If you give the revision number (look at the top), I will throw this ol' bird in a PC and check it out with the flasher what ID the drive is.

[edit]
I also confirmed that this drive works in an Xbox by plugging the yellow cable in a real Xbox DVD-ROM drive and the IDE-cable in the 8163B. It booted a retail disc without any problems. Haven't had any time to mod it further (adding the connector, reshaping the drive/the Xbox, etc.).

This post has been edited by The Zep Man: Jul 20 2006, 06:59 AM

[perrin26]

Thanks for the reply!  Hopefully I can find that information, I couldn't find anything that said REV, so I will write everything on both stickers:

Top sticker (big with scanbar)

The first area with any numbers is near the manufactured date.
Under manufactured it says:
3850H-1394E
Under the serial number it has:
Rom Ver.:0L23

Of course the usual info:

DVD - Rom DRive
MODEL: GDR-8163B
5V/12V 0.9a/1.4a

Then there is an arrow in a circle pointing right that says d33017

There is a
DHHS Code:GH
Factory ID:GH


Then there is the sticker that is over the lazer
6150
UDMA33 INT OEM
MR 20 GDR-8163B
ITEM 6450
146151 6

That's all the visible info with numbers.

I read somewhere that maybe trying mtkflash might work, I don't want to try it until I have heard all advice about the native hitachi flasher.

[The Zep Man]

I'm going to comment the information about my drive based on what you wrote.

QUOTE(perrin26 @ Jul 20 2006, 04:14 PM)

Top sticker (big with scanbar)

The first area with any numbers is near the manufactured date.
Under manufactured it says:
3850H-1394E
Under the serial number it has:
Rom Ver.:0L23

I too have the "manufactured" text. It says 3850H-1395C with me (that's not a typo (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ).
Under the serial, a second bar code is available for me with "REV. A00" under it. I assume that this is the place where your drive says "Rom Ver.:0L23".

QUOTE

Of course the usual info:

DVD - Rom DRive
MODEL: GDR-8163B
5V/12V 0.9a/1.4a

The same information is on my drive.

QUOTE

Then there is an arrow in a circle pointing right that says d33017

This is also the same, including the number.

QUOTE

There is a
DHHS Code:GH
Factory ID:GH

I have the same codes in the lower-right corner. The text "PRODUCT OF CHINA" is printed below the codes.

QUOTE

Then there is the sticker that is over the lazer
6150
UDMA33 INT OEM
MR 20 GDR-8163B
ITEM 6450
146151 6

I haven't opened my drive yet, so I can't comment about this.

QUOTE

That's all the visible info with numbers.

I read somewhere that maybe trying mtkflash might work, I don't want to try it until I have heard all advice about the native hitachi flasher.

I must ask you, which flash-program do you use (from which RAR-file)? Just to avoid confusion on both our parts. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[deadparrot]

Mine's a July 2005 model.  Flashed and works just fine using the package on Xbins.

[perrin26]

sf8163.exe 8050L.dld 2 /f /c /p /o
This was the one I used, I got it off of xbins going through mirc and then flash something program to download it from that site.  (the one where it dumps you after a minute and you have to get the password again)

I also tried flashup, and another version of the hitachi flasher.

The EXE flasher for Hitachi works for flashing this drive from windows with the 8163b firmware, however it's all embedded in the EXE file, and there is no way to try to use it to flash this drive.  The drive operates normally in windows.

I haven't tried mtkflash yet however.

Just to clarify the file mentioned it was the FIXED version, and this was done from a 3.5 dos bootdisk.  I have tried with dvd rom support and without, do I need dvd rom support on to flash the drive in dos?

QUOTE(deadparrot @ Jul 20 2006, 04:38 PM)

Mine's a July 2005 model.  Flashed and works just fine using the package on Xbins.

 
Whenever I hear someone who has a newer version of this drive have success I feel there is a ray of hope.  I have the bad feeling I won't be able to get my xbox up for my Saturday night Halo Game.

This post has been edited by perrin26: Jul 20 2006, 03:51 PM

[The Zep Man]

QUOTE(perrin26 @ Jul 20 2006, 06:07 PM)

sf8163.exe 8050L.dld 2 /f /c /p /o
Whenever I hear someone who has a newer version of this drive have success I feel there is a ray of hope.  I have the bad feeling I won't be able to get my xbox up for my Saturday night Halo Game.

Relax.

I thought that the sf8163.exe-flasher for DOS also could restore badly flashed drives. I'm back in ~30 minutes with the results of my 'reflash'.

By the way, is there any chance that your drive is an OEM model or something (taken from a HP/Dell/other OEM computer, for example)? It might explain the different strings.

[perrin26]

QUOTE(The Zep Man @ Jul 20 2006, 05:27 PM)

By the way, is there any chance that your drive is an OEM model or something (taken from a HP/Dell/other OEM computer, for example)? It might explain the different strings.

I bought the drive direct from the store, and it came with a manual, but not much else, and no cords.  on the drive it says this:

UDMA33 INT OEM

The drive is "supposedly new" is there any way to check this?

[The Zep Man]

I just tested this drive again and I already think what my problem was.

First, here is the output of the flashing program. Remember, I'm reflashing the drive with the same firmware so your results might differ for a bit at the 'Drive Information' part.

CODE

A:\>sf8163.exe 8050l.dld 2 /f /c /p /o /i

   Drive Firmware Update Utility Rev. 3.21c
  (C) 2001,2002 Hitachi-LG Data Storage, Inc.
  
Download file information:
   File Name         :8050l.dld
   Vendor ID         :HL-DL-ST
   Product ID        :DVD-ROM GDR8163B
   Firmware Revision :0L23
  
Drive Information:
   Port              :Secondary-Master
   Vendor ID         :HL-DT-ST
   Product ID        :DVD-ROM GDR8050L
   Firmware Revision :0012
  
The update utility will start firmware updating.
Don't power off or reset the PC while updating.
Would you like to continue the updating? [Y or N]  y

Updating drive firmware now!
................................................................................
................................................
Drive firmware update has completed successfully.
Please re-boot your computer.

A:\>

Note the switches I used for the program:

[2] - Secondary Master
[/f] - disable revision check
[/c] - disable vendor ID check
[/p] - disable product ID check
[/o] - disable OEM code check
[/i] - interactive mode (asks if you want to flash when the program is ready)

Without using /o, I would get "Vendor or Product ID check error." and the program would simply not flash my drive. I have also experienced this when I wanted to flash my drive for the very first time. After the flashing, I put the drive on Slave and connected it to the IDE-cable of my Xbox. After putting in retail discs in both my original Xbox-drive and my 8163B, my Xbox would boot up and read from the 8163B (and start the game).

Are you sure that the drive, when connected to the system, is set on 'Master' and connected to the second IDE bus on the mainboard of your PC? Is your BIOS confirming this? Does sf8163.exe at least offer you to flash the drive after you use the parameters I used (2 /f /c /p /o /i)?

This post has been edited by The Zep Man: Jul 20 2006, 06:32 PM

[perrin26]

QUOTE

A:\>sf8163.exe 8050l.dld 2 /f /c /p /o /i

The only part I didn't do was the /i
I have also allowed it to autosearch the drive before.

QUOTE

  Drive Firmware Update Utility Rev. 3.21c
  © 2001,2002 Hitachi-LG Data Storage, Inc.
 
Download file information:
   File Name         :8050l.dld
   Vendor ID         :HL-DL-ST
   Product ID        :DVD-ROM GDR8163B
   Firmware Revision :0L23

I get to this point and this is the point where I get the
No CD/DVD dirve  (yes it actually says Dirve instead of drive.)  

QUOTE

Drive Information:
   Port              :Secondary-Master
   Vendor ID         :HL-DT-ST
   Product ID        :DVD-ROM GDR8050L
   Firmware Revision :0012

This part I have never seen before, This is however interesting since I noticed it listed your drive as
HL-DT-ST as well.  but it worked for you.

The drive I have tried on slave and master on two different IDE's
If I look at my motherboard, I have PR and SE as the lables for my IDE's, instead of the way my old motherboard was that just said, IDE1 IDE2, I assumed that PR was for Primary and Se was for Secondary.
I had it on the Secondary, I made sure that it was the only thing attached to the secondary IDE, and Put the jumper pins on two Verticle pins on the farthest right (master as the drive shows it (faintly) etched in the top of the drive) )  Now the jumper pin is supposed to go verticle isn't it?  that's normally the case, although I have had a few drives the pin went horizontal.  I imagine that the drive wouldn't work if it were wrong anyway, and I have been able to flash it with the actual firmware flasher for this drive, so it probably is setup properly.  (I wish that it gave you a log or more detailed information when you used the proper flasher)

[The Zep Man]

QUOTE(perrin26 @ Jul 20 2006, 07:49 PM)

Put the jumper pins on two Verticle pins on the farthest right (master as the drive shows it (faintly) etched in the top of the drive) )  Now the jumper pin is supposed to go verticle isn't it?

Yes. With the 8163B the jumper always must be vertical. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

QUOTE

and I have been able to flash it with the actual firmware flasher for this drive, so it probably is setup properly.  (I wish that it gave you a log or more detailed information when you used the proper flasher)

I have one theory left. Does your BIOS see the drive? Windows has a few 'tricks' to bypass the IDE detection of the BIOS.

I think that your drive isn't "different". I think you have a small problem flashing under DOS. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) sf8163.exe simply sees nothing at Secondary Master (no DVD-drive, no HDD, nothing... it should detect ANY CD/DVD-ROM drive and ask to flash it).

First, use BIOS Defaults. Next, check the tab where you can see your IDE devices. Can you put Secondary Master on 'Auto' or something? Try it. Do you see the drive at the POST screen? If you do, try to flash it again with my options. If it still doesn't work, try another computer.

This post has been edited by The Zep Man: Jul 20 2006, 05:52 PM

[perrin26]

QUOTE(The Zep Man @ Jul 20 2006, 07:06 PM)

Yes. With the 8163B the jumper always must be vertical. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I have one theory left. Does your BIOS see the drive? Windows has a few 'tricks' to bypass the IDE detection of the BIOS.

I think that your drive isn't "different". I think you have a small problem flashing under DOS. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) sf8163.exe simply sees nothing at Secondary Master (no DVD-drive, no HDD, nothing... it should detect ANY CD/DVD-ROM drive and ask to flash it).

First, use BIOS Defaults. Next, check the tab where you can see your IDE devices. Can you put Secondary Master on 'Auto' or something? Try it. Do you see the drive at the POST screen? If you do, try to flash it again with my options. If it still doesn't work, try another computer.

EYE'S WIDENING *SOMETHING CLICKING*

I haven't used dos in years, but still prefer it, for something like this to pass me by ....
I just realized the truth of something you said.  When I boot from the A:  boot disk, I can't change to any other drive letter, none of the hard drives connected to the computer are accessible from DOS
Is that normally the case? I can't remember.... but ifnot, that might explain a lot.  

(I used computers when they came out with the commodore vic 20 and programming was all about Poke commands)  I dated myself I think with that statement.

If that's the case, I will reset all the options to default, but if that doesn't work, I will open the other computer in the house and see if I can flash it from there.  That will have to wait until tonight though, I am at work...
I will probably have a reply at 7pm - 7:30ish PST (it's currently 12:05 by my watch)  Thanks again, I think you may have a very good theory here.

Though, I have had the dvd rom work in dos, with another boot disk I used briefly where i booted from the dvd drive (I made a boot CD) and the cd drive was considered A:,
also I have used the mscdex to make the drive work in dos as well doing this procedure, but maybe that's not related to the program searching for the drive.  Anyway, a little hope.
Thanks! I will try to get a hold of a digital camera today and document the process.

Thanks again!

[The Zep Man]

QUOTE(perrin26 @ Jul 20 2006, 08:23 PM)

EYE'S WIDENING *SOMETHING CLICKING*

I haven't used dos in years, but still prefer it, for something like this to pass me by ....
I just realized the truth of something you said.  When I boot from the A:  boot disk, I can't change to any other drive letter, none of the hard drives connected to the computer are accessible from DOS
Is that normally the case? I can't remember.... but ifnot, that might explain a lot.

Well, you could say that I know 'something' about DOS environments. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

The NTFS partitions on your HDD aren't supported under DOS ('Windows ME' DOS, included with Windows XP, only supports FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32). That's why DOS doesn't map a drive letter to them. Don't worry, it's normal. However, a small tip: also disconnect your HDD's when flashing to a CD/DVD-ROM drive. You can leave the power cables in. Just a safety precaution. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

QUOTE

(I used computers when they came out with the commodore vic 20 and programming was all about Poke commands)  I dated myself I think with that statement.

Quite some things changed over the years. Every computer is more different now, where in the 80's most 8-bit computers from one series (Commodore 64 and 128, for example) where almost the same. It helped a lot when programming something, knowing almost for sure that it would also work for others. It still doesn't mean that it was easier in that era.

QUOTE

If that's the case, I will reset all the options to default, but if that doesn't work, I will open the other computer in the house and see if I can flash it from there.  That will have to wait until tonight though, I am at work...
I will probably have a reply at 7pm - 7:30ish PST (it's currently 12:05 by my watch)  Thanks again, I think you may have a very good theory here.

I'll be around. Don't worry and don't feel like you should rush yourself. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

QUOTE

Though, I have had the dvd rom work in dos, with another boot disk I used briefly where i booted from the dvd drive (I made a boot CD) and the cd drive was considered A:,
also I have used the mscdex to make the drive work in dos as well doing this procedure, but maybe that's not related to the program searching for the drive.  Anyway, a little hope.

You shouldn't have to load any drivers for the DVD-ROM drive. It also would be better if you didn't use any drivers at all. Under Windows XP, create a bootable floppy. Make sure that XP can see all hidden/system files. Delete all files on the floppy, except command.com, io.sys and msdos.sys. Those three files (and the boot record, which you can't see on the file system) are the bare minimum to boot a real-mode DOS environment and offer the perfect setup for flashing CD/DVD-ROM drives and even the BIOS of computers. Off course, you will also have a lot of space on the floppy for flash utilities this way. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

QUOTE

Thanks! I will try to get a hold of a digital camera today and document the process.

Good idea. Would love to see the outcome.

QUOTE

Thanks again!

Let's first check if it indeed works. Everything else can wait for later. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

This post has been edited by The Zep Man: Jul 20 2006, 07:13 PM