Firmware Version

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I have two LiteOn LH20A1H DVD/CD drives. How can I ascertain the firmware version?

All is not right with this new system, I know the PSU is undersized and am awaiting a replacement much larger unit, but programs will not install correctly if at all, I want to check all possibilities.

Thanking in anticipation.

Ted

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Without the use of any external special system information tool; try the System Information utility at Start > Accessories > System Tools (or run msinfo32.exe).

In the console pane, left, expand Components, click CD-ROM device. For each drive you should see a “PNP device ID”.

This string includes the OEM name for the drive and model, for example “IDECDROMLG_DVD-ROM_DRD8160B”. This is a LG DVD-ROM DRD-8160B. Then you probably will see an underscore line “_______” that will end with a number. Again for example “____1.01”.

This is the firmware revision for that drive.

The same information is found, enabled by default in XP SP2, in Device Manager > DVD/CD-ROM devices > Properties > Details tab.

A third way, under Windows XP:
-Start > right-click My Computer, select Manage
-Expand “Storage”, if not expanded
-Expand “Removable Storage” and “Libraries”
-Right-click the device and select Properties
-Select Device Information Tab
-Revision will show the number.

It may depend on model and drivers but firmware revision number can be shown if available.

If you are able to find the revision number and find information about firmware updates, I think you should be careful about updating the firmware, since firmware updates that go wrong can ruin the device.

If possible you could test the drive(s) in another PC temporarily, or troubleshoot with several media. And of course, sometimes CD-ROM devices just stop working. A firmware update, in my view, is to add compatibility, stability/reliability, maybe adjust performance slightly. I have never seen any revive a CD-ROM device with firmware. But wait and see if anyone else has deeper knowledge in this area.

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Again I “Dips me lid” to the skill of the lounge. Your first method worked a treat. It shows the version I had downloaded.

I started to flash the firmware the dialogue box information was that I was about to flash with the same version, hence my concern.
These drives are very new, reviewers have written that they will not read some media. I guess I am lucky in a way, what one will read the other will not and vice versa.
Thank you most gratefully.
Ted

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