Thank you, davidfor.
I was unable to to a factory reset. Maybe because I had modified the software for android on the micro SD card.
Anyway, I was able to restore my Aura HD with the image you provided and I went through the reset procedure and the update and the darn thing froze again after the update! Blank screen! Flashes 2x when turning off but otherwise nothing!
But this time, I am able to perform the factory restore!
Now if I can just figure out why it won't take to latest update from Kobo!
OK, the two updates that froze were performed using the Kobo Desktop software. When I perform the update via wi-fi..........Success!
Thank you, it looks like all is working again.