Automatic updates Kobo

[Edemen]

Hello
Is there a way to bypass automatic updates when resetting to factory settings, when configuring the Kobo Clara BW reader? I want to make sure that the 4.40 or 4.41 update does not pop up.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Edemen

Hello
Is there a way to bypass automatic updates when resetting to factory settings, when configuring the Kobo Clara BW reader? I want to make sure that the 4.40 or 4.41 update does not pop up.

4.40 or 4.41 won't show up. it's the 4.42 firmware that you'll get. If you sync, you'll eventually get the current firmware. So if you sync, you may as well just go for it.

[Edemen]

But I don't want to go for that, I want firmware 3.19. I will never sync the reader.

[PeterT]

Originally Posted by Edemen

But I don't want to go for that, I want firmware 3.19. I will never sync the reader.

That will NEVER happen. The Clara BW was released with 4.39.22801; older versions of f/w do NOT support it's hardware.

[Edemen]

I see
And version 4.39 is possible precisely by not allowing updates after a hard reset?

[JSWolf]

You cannot install any older firmware then the device comes with. The older firmware dies not support newer devices.

And give that your Clara BW cannot go farther back then 4.39, you are best to go for 4.42. Then you won't have to worry about firmware updates.

[PeterT]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You cannot install any older firmware then the device comes with. The older firmware dies not support newer devices.

And give that your Clara BW cannot go farther back then 4.39, you are best to go for 4.32. Then you won't have to worry about firmware updates.

I *think* you mean 4.42 not 4.32.

[PeterT]

Originally Posted by Edemen

I see
And version 4.39 is possible precisely by not allowing updates after a hard reset?

I don't understand what you mean here.

[Edemen]

To block updates when configuring a new device.

[PeterT]

The challenge seems to be that with the newer Kobos they've removed the ability to do a setup without WiFi. This in turn means that when you initially turn the device on it
a) won't connect via USB to your desktop
b) you'll get a forced upgrade to the current f/w version

Now in theory what should work is to accept that, go through the setup, turn WiFi off , then connect via USB and download and manually copy a compatible f/w build to the .kobo directory and then let the device reboot.

This should install your chosen f/w. For bonus points see if there is a disable upgrade patch available for that particular f/w and install that.

I've not tried this and frankly, have no interest in trying it.

[Edemen]

Ok, I have to accept that.
And is it possible to at least downgrade from 4.42 to 4.40?
I won't brick the reader, because apparently that happened when I tried to downgrade to 4.39?

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by PeterT

I *think* you mean 4.42 not 4.32.

Yes. That was a typo. Thanks for catching that mistake.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Edemen

Ok, I have to accept that.
And is it possible to at least downgrade from 4.42 to 4.40?
I won't brick the reader, because apparently that happened when I tried to downgrade to 4.39?

Do not downgrade the firmware. The issue is there is a newer Clara BW that needs 4.42 and you have to be sure you don't have this new Clara BW.

If you do have an older Clara BW, there's not much different between 4.42 and 4.39 (if that's what it comes with). You are best to just do the upgrade if that's what happens and leave it be. I've not read of any gotchas that would mean there's a reason for not going to 4.42.

[PeterT]

Originally Posted by Edemen

Ok, I have to accept that.
And is it possible to at least downgrade from 4.42 to 4.40?
I won't brick the reader, because apparently that happened when I tried to downgrade to 4.39?

No idea. I wouldn't expect there to be a problem.

Do ensure that you copy all the contents of the downloaded f/w zip file to your Kobo; this includes the KoboRoot.tgz, the manifest.md5sum and the folder upgrade (including the contents). These three items belong in the .kobo directory.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by Edemen

Ok, I have to accept that.
And is it possible to at least downgrade from 4.42 to 4.40?
I won't brick the reader, because apparently that happened when I tried to downgrade to 4.39?

As long as you are using a supported firmware version for the hardware platform you are installing it on. If you look at Patrick Gaskin's Kobo Firmware Downloads page and click on the Other Versions button for the Clara BW, you will see the links to the firmware versions that are compatible with the kobo12 hardware.

I am wondering why you want to use the 4.39.whatever firmware since I can't see any advantage in doing so.