Security Blocking Camera Firmware Update

[smoke665]

I tried downloading a firmware update yesterday. Got to the point in the camera where it said it was loading but after a few seconds it would kick out and display a message that there were issues with the file. After multiple attempts with the same result I stumbled on what I think may be the problem. In the general properties of the downloaded zip file at the bottom is "Security - This file came from another computer and might be blocked to protect this computer, and to the side is a check box to unblock." I first tried extracting the file as is, when I did it changed the "modified" date to the current date, and wouldn't run.

If I chk the unblock box before I extract, then the extracted file shows the created, modified, and accessed dates the same as the original. I haven't tried this one yet as I'm concerned about messing up the camera.

Has anyone encountered this problem on a downloaded zip file, and am I correct in unblocking it before extracting?

 

[RVT1K]

That's a new one for me.
The first thing I found odd was the need to zip the firmware file as they typically are not very big.

Is the file available from a different source?

Can you save the original firmware? If you can, I would try what you propose. The worst will be having to revert back to the original firmware.

 

[smoke665]

That's a new one for me.
The first thing I found odd was the need to zip the firmware file as they typically are not very big.

Is the file available from a different source?

Can you save the original firmware? If you can, I would try what you propose. The worst will be having to revert back to the original firmware.

Actually it's a fairly large file. The firmware update is from the manufacturer (Pentax), no other source. As the firmware is installed on the camera, I'm not aware of any method of extracting/saving the original version, and Pentax deletes old firmware versions from their site, as new ones are added. Here's a screen grab of the properties on the zip file showing what I'm talking about

 

[RVT1K]

Coincidentally, I need to look into a firmware issue on what I'm currently working on. But this is a different situation, I can remove the chip and read the file from a programmer.

I'm afraid that I don't have specific info for you.

I spoke with my coworker who has an IT background and his suggestion was to simply check the unblock box and move forward.

 

[smoke665]

I spoke with my coworker who has an IT background and his suggestion was to simply check the unblock box and move forward.

That's my thinking as well. However I have a shoot coming up on Thursday and a wedding on July 6th, so I may just wait till after those are over.

 

[RVT1K]

I agree with your caution.
My background is mostly hardware-related and I see problems like these (software/firmware) as landmines waiting to be stepped on.
Good luck with that.

 

[smoke665]

landmines waiting to be stepped on.

Not only that but my luck seems to be that there is a trickle down effect. Step on one, and three more pop up.

 

[tirediron]

Have you called Pentax?

 

[smoke665]

Have you called Pentax?

Called multiple times, left messages, and emailed, they will eventually get back to me. Love the camera, but Pentax has no customer support. Adobe is a saint next to them.

 

[tirediron]

Have you called Pentax?

Called multiple times, left messages, and emailed, they will eventually get back to me. Love the camera, but Pentax has no customer support. Adobe is a saint next to them.

Wow... really sad to hear that. I expected them to be top-notch in that department.

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

You probably know, but I was reading you should save the update to a memory card and upload to the camera from the card. I don't know why or even if that might be the problem?

 

[smoke665]

Have you called Pentax?

Called multiple times, left messages, and emailed, they will eventually get back to me. Love the camera, but Pentax has no customer support. Adobe is a saint next to them.

Wow... really sad to hear that. I expected them to be top-notch in that department.

You'd think. I don't know if they don't have enough people, or what. Fortunately there is a world of information/experience on the Pentax forum, kind of self help bunch of folks.

 

[smoke665]

You probably know, but I was reading you should save the update to a memory card and upload to the camera from the card. I don't know why or even if that might be the problem?

To force the update, you have to have it loaded in the boot directory of the card, so when you turn on the camera it does it's thing.

 

[Derrel]

Every firmware update I have done ( four or five, IMMSMC) has been from a memory card installed in the camera. I was really surprised to see the size of that at 8.7 Mb...pretty big!

I would un-block it, expand the Zip file, and then copy it over to the memory card, then put the card in the camera.

 

[smoke665]

I would un-block it, expand the Zip file, and then copy it over to the memory card, then put the card in the camera.

I' ve already done the first three, it's that last one I'm trying to get up the courage to do, after three failed attempts already.