Kobo still bricked - Page 2

SameerH · 07-12-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcanthony

AMAZING service!!! I'm back up and running, thanks SameerH!

Excellent. Happy reading.

gmos · 07-12-2010, 10:48 AM

I too have a bricked unit, and the retailer will not be able to replace it for 1-2 weeks.

I'm very keen to find out how to un-brick it.

Here is my message to Kobo Customer Service from yesterday:

Purchased Kobo from Angus & Robertson in Australia, unit worked fine. Connected to pc(using Ubuntu Linux), opened Kobo Desktop, was prompted for an update and followed the instructions. At step 8 all had went exactly as the update was meant to, unplugged usb and waited for software installion to finish - it never did. The "one moment please" screen stayed on indefinitely and never finished (reader only had the pre-installed free books on it).

Reader is now not recognised by pc on usb, cannot get back to update mode, all buttons unresponsive, the 'paper clip' reset reboots - but only to the seven bar progress indicator where it stays -- basically 'bricked'. Contacted phone support, with no success. Advised to return the device to bookshop for replacement. (Have to wait a couple of days for new stock)

On Mobileread forums https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89833 SameerH from Kobo was looking into providing the software image from the SD Update card as a method to help those with failed updates. Users could then copy the software on to their own SD card. Could this please be made available quickly ??

It would save me (and many others) from having to return the device, and it seems a more reliable method. Formatting an SD to ext2/3/4 etc is no problem.

Since then I've been able to get into Update Mode and retry - but still stalls at step 8 and will not fully load when rebooted.

Are there any secrets to help un-brick the device? Can anyone share some info?

zoran · 07-12-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmos

On Mobileread forums https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89833 SameerH from Kobo was looking into providing the software image from the SD Update card as a method to help those with failed updates. Users could then copy the software on to their own SD card. Could this please be made available quickly ??

It would save me (and many others) from having to return the device, and it seems a more reliable method. Formatting an SD to ext2/3/4 etc is no problem. [/INDENT][/I]

Are there any secrets to help un-brick the device? Can anyone share some info?

People tend to stress how SD card upgrade goes better than via
desktop application. Could someone comment on this?
If better, let desktop app synchronize books and use image as the
only way of upgrade.
Another idea may save time to developers. If they forget all operating
systems in usage, they might produce live CD and do all the stuff
that way. No more service pack 3, no more usb drivers or missing
libraries. No more os I use right now.
Best regards.

clintbradford · 07-12-2010, 02:09 PM

>> ... People tend to stress how SD card upgrade goes better than via desktop application. Could someone comment on this?

For a very few kobo owners, our units were in such a "frozen" state that the SD card upgrade process was the ONLY way to get us up and running again. But for the vast majority, the "traditional" kobo online method is fine.

hyperb · 07-12-2010, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmos

I too have a bricked unit, and the retailer will not be able to replace it for 1-2 weeks.

Are there any secrets to help un-brick the device? Can anyone share some info?

Australian Borders stores should have the 1.0 firmware on an SD card. Give them a call and see if they'll try restoring with that.

remcdonald · 07-12-2010, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clintbradford

>> For a very few kobo owners, our units were in such a "frozen" state that the SD card upgrade process was the ONLY way to get us up and running again. But for the vast majority, the "traditional" kobo online method is fine.

This is true from what I have seen but I had to say I am disappointed that they released it all without finding out this would happen. You plan for the small few who might have a problem not the majority (especially when doing something which might break the entire product). And if there is a problem you make sure that you get it fixed PDQ and that your tech support people are helpful. I have received some help from the tech people at Kobo but it hasn't worked in my case and now I have been waiting 3+ days (yes there was a weekend in there but so what when you do something like this people better be working weekends you plan for that too) for someone to propose anything for me that may work. As it stands my option is return my machine via mail and wait a week and a half for replacement if I'm lucky which sucks considering I already had to do that once. For what it's worth if you live in Canada I say take it to a Chapters (where if they break it they at least can replace it right away hopefully) and anywhere else get an SD card don't risk breaking yours like mine.

gmos · 07-12-2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyperb

Australian Borders stores should have the 1.0 firmware on an SD card. Give them a call and see if they'll try restoring with that.

Thanks for that suggestion. Hopefully Kobo can provide an image of the updated firmware so I can do it myself.

But, if I can't get a quick resolution from Kobo I'll check it out with Borders or Angus & Robertson (and be wary about attempting an update again!!).

I've noticed reading through threads that this 'bricking' is a problem a few others have encountered too.

MDK · 07-12-2010, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBig

Hi, unfortunately it won't go into upgrade mode. I can press all of the keys without issue, the red light comes on for only as long as I am holding the buttons and the screen never blanks.

I had the same issue. The device won't enter upgrade mode if its running low on battery. Let the battery drain then do a full charge and try again.

SameerH · 07-13-2010, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDK

I had the same issue. The device won't enter upgrade mode if its running low on battery. Let the battery drain then do a full charge and try again.

Plugging it in and then going Menu + Center + RESET should work as well.

francoisG · 07-13-2010, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBig

To recap, my problem is this:
Kobo no longer connects over USB
All of my books were deleted
It will go to sleep, but as soon as it tries to power off it locks up and requires a reset

I have the same problem

I try to re-update with menu-center-clip
On step 5, my kobo was found by the software updater, but no sign of it in my pc.

Step 6 is fine

then it jump to 8 and it is like before the re-update : no more book (even the 100), device doesn't register, only see the charging screen when plug via USB

Please help me, I'll be away for a week soon, and I need my kobo working.

francois

MrBig · 07-14-2010, 04:07 PM

Hi Sameer, it's been 2 weeks since I started correspondence with customer service and a week since they received my address. I have not received the SD card or even been notified if they shipped it.
Can you please find out what the hell is going on?
Thanks.

RonH · 07-14-2010, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmos

[I][INDENT]Purchased Kobo from Angus & Robertson in Australia, unit worked fine. Connected to pc(using Ubuntu Linux), opened Kobo Desktop, was prompted for an update and followed the instructions. At step 8 all had went exactly as the update was meant to, unplugged usb and waited for software installion to finish - it never did.

My installation was on Windows XP, but I don't recall being instructed to unplug the USB cable at that point. In fact, it took at least 3 minutes for the "wait a moment" message to disappear and only then, as I recall, did I eject the USB cable.

It's been working fabulously since the upgrade.

MarkG · 07-14-2010, 07:29 PM

I am hoping some one can help. I have a similar problem with my Koboreader. The upgrade failed. I cannot get any books on the reader after the upgrade. I followed the instructions in this thread. I finally got it into the upgrade mode, installed the new reader software on the PC. Then I connect. At step 6 it disconnects and tells me to phone a number. I see that SameerH helped another person with the same problem and he got his working. Hopefully someone can get SameerH to contact me at markdgal@yahoo.com with the ame answer. Thank you

zoran · 07-15-2010, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkG

I am hoping some one can help. I have a similar problem with my Koboreader. The upgrade failed. I cannot get any books on the reader after the upgrade. I followed the instructions in this thread. I finally got it into the upgrade mode, installed the new reader software on the PC. Then I connect. At step 6 it disconnects and tells me to phone a number. I see that SameerH helped another person with the same problem and he got his working. Hopefully someone can get SameerH to contact me at markdgal@yahoo.com with the ame answer. Thank you

Followed his recommendation for correct button pressure? I recall
exactly your problem depicted.

francoisG · 07-15-2010, 02:34 PM

I went to a Chapter Store today, It was not easy (it crashed when preparing the file for the update with the SD Card), but it worked.

Now. my Pc see it as a drive, and all the original books are there.
I can't wait to be home, and re-sync with the ones I bought.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New Calibre Kobo Driver allows deleting of Kobo Free books	timlegge	Kobo Reader	46	08-27-2011 10:16 PM
Firmware Upgrade Bricked my Kobo	jml78	Kobo Reader	3	04-04-2011 04:09 AM
PRS-505 Bricked	duckbill	Sony Reader	5	05-06-2010 07:57 PM
Is my PP bricked?	rock	Astak EZReader	28	04-23-2010 09:01 PM
Bricked...	mrsonyreader	Sony Reader Dev Corner	8	08-21-2008 04:26 AM

07-12-2010, 10:48 AM	#17
gmos Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Melbourne, Australia Device: Kobo	I too have a bricked unit, and the retailer will not be able to replace it for 1-2 weeks. I'm very keen to find out how to un-brick it. Here is my message to Kobo Customer Service from yesterday: Purchased Kobo from Angus & Robertson in Australia, unit worked fine. Connected to pc(using Ubuntu Linux), opened Kobo Desktop, was prompted for an update and followed the instructions. At step 8 all had went exactly as the update was meant to, unplugged usb and waited for software installion to finish - it never did. The "one moment please" screen stayed on indefinitely and never finished (reader only had the pre-installed free books on it). Reader is now not recognised by pc on usb, cannot get back to update mode, all buttons unresponsive, the 'paper clip' reset reboots - but only to the seven bar progress indicator where it stays -- basically 'bricked'. Contacted phone support, with no success. Advised to return the device to bookshop for replacement. (Have to wait a couple of days for new stock) On Mobileread forums https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89833 SameerH from Kobo was looking into providing the software image from the SD Update card as a method to help those with failed updates. Users could then copy the software on to their own SD card. Could this please be made available quickly ?? It would save me (and many others) from having to return the device, and it seems a more reliable method. Formatting an SD to ext2/3/4 etc is no problem. Since then I've been able to get into Update Mode and retry - but still stalls at step 8 and will not fully load when rebooted. Are there any secrets to help un-brick the device? Can anyone share some info?

07-12-2010, 02:09 PM	#19
clintbradford Older ... slower ... Posts: 450 Karma: 1924 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Jurupa Valley CA US Device: Kobo, Kindles 2/3/Keyboard/Fire/Fire HD, HDX.	>> ... People tend to stress how SD card upgrade goes better than via desktop application. Could someone comment on this? For a very few kobo owners, our units were in such a "frozen" state that the SD card upgrade process was the ONLY way to get us up and running again. But for the vast majority, the "traditional" kobo online method is fine.

07-14-2010, 04:07 PM	#26
MrBig Member Posts: 18 Karma: 292 Join Date: Jun 2010 Device: Kobo	Hi Sameer, it's been 2 weeks since I started correspondence with customer service and a week since they received my address. I have not received the SD card or even been notified if they shipped it. Can you please find out what the hell is going on? Thanks.

07-14-2010, 07:29 PM	#28
MarkG Junior Member Posts: 1 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: KoboReader	I am hoping some one can help. I have a similar problem with my Koboreader. The upgrade failed. I cannot get any books on the reader after the upgrade. I followed the instructions in this thread. I finally got it into the upgrade mode, installed the new reader software on the PC. Then I connect. At step 6 it disconnects and tells me to phone a number. I see that SameerH helped another person with the same problem and he got his working. Hopefully someone can get SameerH to contact me at markdgal@yahoo.com with the ame answer. Thank you

07-15-2010, 02:34 PM	#30
francoisG Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: kobo	I went to a Chapter Store today, It was not easy (it crashed when preparing the file for the update with the SD Card), but it worked. Now. my Pc see it as a drive, and all the original books are there. I can't wait to be home, and re-sync with the ones I bought.