I thought I'd share this firmware flash for the Cendyne 32x12x40 hot deal from Staples a few weeks ago ($79.98 with $50.00 rebate). The Cendyne packaging contained a Verbatim 321240AL which is a rebranded Liteon LTR-32123S so I set out to modify Liteon's flash utility to convert the drive to a "real" LTR-32123S.
From the readme:
Verbatim 321240AL -> Liteon LTR-32123S (32x CDR, 12x CDRW, 40x read)
The Verbatim 321240AL is a rebranded Liteon LTR-32123S. Cendyne also resells the Verbatim 321240AL. Using this program, you can flash the Verbatim (any firmware revision) to a Liteon LTR-32123S. The firmware is version XS0X, the latest available at the time of this writing (Sept 1, 2002). The program explicitly checks that you have a Verbatim 321240AL before flashing and will not allow you to proceed if it does not find it on the IDE bus.
Why would you want to do this? Pretty simple, really. The OEM, Liteon, periodically makes new firmware releases that improve performance and compatibility. Third-party resellers generally do not synchronize their firmware releases with the OEM's, in which case you are stuck with old firmware. Once you have "converted" your model to identify itself as a Liteon, you will be able to use future Liteon firmware releases to keep your drive up-to-date.
The usual disclaimers apply. By using this program, you absolve me of any responsibility should anything go wrong. And yes, even though it is a simple name string change, it probably will void your warranty. I do not plan to release a version that will convert your drive back to its third-party name. If you do not have problems with your drive and/or are not comfortable with the concept of flash firmware, do not use this program. Nevertheless, the flash utility is an easy-to-use Windows program, so you don't have to deal with the usual DOS command line. Anyone with the most basic computer knowledge can use it.
Download the file here.
Best regards,
Floyd
From the readme:
Verbatim 321240AL -> Liteon LTR-32123S (32x CDR, 12x CDRW, 40x read)
The Verbatim 321240AL is a rebranded Liteon LTR-32123S. Cendyne also resells the Verbatim 321240AL. Using this program, you can flash the Verbatim (any firmware revision) to a Liteon LTR-32123S. The firmware is version XS0X, the latest available at the time of this writing (Sept 1, 2002). The program explicitly checks that you have a Verbatim 321240AL before flashing and will not allow you to proceed if it does not find it on the IDE bus.
Why would you want to do this? Pretty simple, really. The OEM, Liteon, periodically makes new firmware releases that improve performance and compatibility. Third-party resellers generally do not synchronize their firmware releases with the OEM's, in which case you are stuck with old firmware. Once you have "converted" your model to identify itself as a Liteon, you will be able to use future Liteon firmware releases to keep your drive up-to-date.
The usual disclaimers apply. By using this program, you absolve me of any responsibility should anything go wrong. And yes, even though it is a simple name string change, it probably will void your warranty. I do not plan to release a version that will convert your drive back to its third-party name. If you do not have problems with your drive and/or are not comfortable with the concept of flash firmware, do not use this program. Nevertheless, the flash utility is an easy-to-use Windows program, so you don't have to deal with the usual DOS command line. Anyone with the most basic computer knowledge can use it.
Download the file here.
Best regards,
Floyd
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