Recovery Firmware For VMAX® A1 (2.1 MP)
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Affected Roles: Administrator
Complexity: Medium
Last Edit: July 30, 2024
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System Recovery
In the event of System errors, software corruption, or display issues, Recovery Firmware files can be applied as a final troubleshooting step. By running the recovery program, the VMAX® A1 will be defaulted and reverted to an older version of its firmware, resolving most operational issues. Once the recovery is complete, the DVR firmware can be upgraded back to the latest release.
This article will guide you through the recovery process for the VMAX® A1 Series.
Supported/Affected Devices
- VMAX® A1 Series (2.1 MP)
Required Equipment
- USB Stick (FAT32 format; should not exceed 32 GB)
- Display Monitor (connected to the VMAX® A1)
- USB Mouse (connected to the VMAX® A1)
**Note: It is recommended to avoid the use of Kingston and San Disk brand USB sticks, as the DVR may experience an issue while allocating the firmware files from the USB.
Downloading Recovery Files
Use the following links to download the appropriate Recovery Firmware files for your DVR. There will be a Download button in the top-right of the DropBox webpage.
If you do not know the model number or generation of your VMAX® A1, inspect the sticker on top of the VMAX® A1 or the current firmware version (located in the System Information menu).
First Generation VMAX® A1 Series
(S/N begins with “VAH”)
(Firmware begins with 7.2.x.x.x)
Second Generation VMAX® A1 Series
(S/N begins with “HDR”)
(Firmware begins with 8.2.x.x.x)
**Note: When running the firmware recovery program, there should be no other items on the USB stick other than the Recovery Firmware files. Ensure that the files are not placed in a folder, as the System will be unable to locate the files if they are not placed in the root directory.
Recovering The System
To perform a firmware recovery, please follow these steps:
- Download the Recovery Firmware files from the link(s) above.
- Extract the contents of the downloaded the folder to a blank USB (FAT32 format).
Do not place the Recovery Firmware files into a folder on the USB stick. If files are not in the root directory of the USB stick, the DVR may not be able to locate the files to run the recovery program.
Once the files are copied to the USB stick, you may eject the USB stick from the computer.
- Power off the DVR (VMAX® A1). There is no power button on the VMAX® A1, so if you cannot shut the System down through the user interface, unplug the power cable for the DVR.
You will know that the DVR has powered off when there are no LED lights ignited on the front panel of the VMAX® A1.
- Insert the USB stick into the rear USB port. While there is a USB port on the front panel of the DVR and a USB port on the rear panel of the DVR, the recovery USB may only be utilized from the rear port.
- Power on the DVR. There is no power button on the VMAX® A1. To power the unit on, reconnect the power cable for the DVR. The unit will recognize power input and begin to boot.
- The DVR will begin running the recovery program automatically. It is normal for the DVR to beep during this process.
**Note: The recovery process time will take between 5 – 7 minutes. It is recommended to stay nearby the unit to remove the USB stick upon completion (see next step).
- Once the firmware recovery program has completed, the DVR will reboot automatically. Please disconnect the USB stick from the DVR at this time.
Upgrading Firmware
The DVR is currently using an outdated version of firmware as a result of running the recovery program. To learn more about the upgrading process, you can read Upgrading Firmware For A VMAX A1 (2.1 MP).
Follow the instructions below to update the DVR to the latest firmware build:
- Download the latest firmware version for the DVR. Use the links below to acquire the up-to-date firmware file from the Digital Watchdog website.
**Note: The links below will download the up-to-date firmware file(s) through your default web browser.
First Generation VMAX® A1 Series
(S/N begins with “VAH”)
(Firmware begins with 7.2.x.x.x)
Second Generation VMAX® A1 Series
(S/N begins with “HDR”)
(Firmware begins with 8.2.x.x.x)
- Copy the up-to-date firmware file to a USB stick. If you are using the same USB stick used during the firmware recovery process, you must replace the Recovery Firmware files with the up-to-date firmware file. Once the file has been copied over, you may eject the USB stick.
**Note: Do not place the up-to-date firmware file in a folder.
- Insert the USB stick to the DVR. There is a USB port on the front panel of the DVR and a USB port on the rear panel of the DVR.
- If you have not already done so, log into the DVR as the Admin or as a user with Administrator privileges.
- Right-click with the mouse and select Setup Menu. Navigate to the System Information menu.
- Click the Upgrade button, located next to the current firmware Version.
- Set the Method to USB, then click on the Scan button. The DVR will detect the USB and display its model information in the Device box.
- Click the Start button. The upgrade progress will display in the Progress bar. Allow the DVR to download and install the update. Once the upgrade is complete, the DVR will automatically reboot and begin using the new firmware.
- Remove the USB stick once the unit is done rebooting
This completes the Firmware Recovery process. User and System settings will have been defaulted as a result of recovering the System.
If operational or System issues persist, please contact Digital Watchdog Technical Support for further assistance.
