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Firmware Upgrades Creating Doorstops?

Posted by Cliff on from the delicate-devices dept.

Michael Droettboom asks: "I recently purchased a Linksys WMLS11B. Nice enough unit for the money. One gotcha, though: when upgrading the firmware (past its refundable date where I bought it), my machine crashed, turning the WMLS11B into a doorstop along with it. Linksys has offered to replace the unit, but I don't want it if the box is so easily corrupted. I have always been on a strict policy of updating firmware on all my devices, but was wondering if anyone else has had experience with devices so broken as to not recover from a broken upgrade?"

8 of 69 comments (clear)

  1. Upgrading... by rawg · · Score: 5, Insightful

    First: don't fix it if it isn't broken. Never upgrade the firmware unless your having problems. Never upgrade the firmware over a wireless link.

    Next: Did you know that D-Link has a three year warranty on their stuff? I just found out today while RMA'ing a few 810+ bridges.

    --
    The above is not worth reading.
    1. Re:Upgrading... by WhatAmIDoingHere · · Score: 3, Informative

      We're NOT talking about a router with a firewall. Click the link to the product. "The Linksys Wireless-B Music System lets you bring the digital music stored on your computer to your Home Entertainment Center, without running cables through the house. Using a wireless connection, the Music System finally frees your digital music collection from those little computer speakers to play in full glory through your stereo system." Afraid somebody is going to hack your gibson through your wireless music system?

      --
      Not a Twitter sockpuppet... but I wish I was.
  2. Wha? by icemax · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Don't bitch if the problem was cause by your end. How many devices can you begin a flash and then have your computer crash and still use the device?

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    __________
    Love conquers all... except CANCER
  3. Most vendors have clear disclaimers by Artifex · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Many vendors say clearly don't upgrade if the router, mobo, or whatever else you have is currently working properly for you. Sometimes new BIOS revisions are specifically created for new hardware revisions that are slipstreamed in, and they don't always properly document that.

    Unless you've read in the changelog that it patches a hole/bad code or adds functionality that you need, don't take the chance that it's going to crater. Even if your vendor is nice enough to replace the component out of warranty, you're still going to be inconvenienced waiting.

    --
    Get off my launchpad!
  4. Indeed by Judg3 · · Score: 4, Informative

    This is why I use Gigabyte Motherboards almost exclusively, with their dual-BIOS onboard. If the machine crashes during a flash, all I need to do is reboot and it'll fire up on the backup BIOS and I'm in the running again.

    Really though, I wouldn't bitch about the device not being able to recover itself. Adding on self-healing abilities (Basically fixing end user screw ups) adds parts to the device, which adds to the cost. It is a *consumer* level device, remember, so price is the big concern. Stop whining and get a new one - you screwed it up, the company isn't to blame here.

    --
    Looking for hardware (Currently need: Large Etch-a-Sketch) Have one? See my journal!
  5. WTF? by WIAKywbfatw · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Let's get this straight: as it stands, your device is broken and the manufacturer is offering to replace it with another unit and you're not happy with that situation?

    Just what do you think would constitute good customer service on their part if replacing a dead unit with a working one isn't to your satisfaction? Just what do you want out of Linksys? Blood?

    If Linksys told you to go take a running jump and were of no help whatsoever I'd understand you having a beef with them but they've done what they should do in this situation and yet you're still not happy.

    There's no pleasing some people.

    --

    "Accept that some days you are the pigeon, and some days you are the statue." - David Brent, Wernham Hogg
    1. Re:WTF? by wpc4 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Ditto. Get the new one, ebay it and go get something else at the very least.

  6. Touchy! by fm6 · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Linksys has offered to replace the unit, but I don't want it if the box is so easily corrupted.
    Well then, you better not buy anything with upgradable firmware. Perhaps there are devices that can survive having an upgrade interrupted, but I've never seen any. I have seen a of lot devices where the documentation warns you about just this kind of situation. If this small risk scares you, that's why god invented UPSs!

    My experience with Linksys routers says "buy from them next time because you know their stuff works." Now you add to that, "they'll replace the hardware even if the screwup wasn't their fault." Sounds pretty positive to me.