Glo Reset impossible? - Page 2

Rojofo · 11-21-2024, 10:10 AM

I am thinking of looking for a way of setting up an SD card with files that would be the same as those normally on a Kobo Glo SD card.... some kind of "fake"...

bluepeter · 11-21-2024, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rojofo

Thank you, Bluepeter, for this advice.
I got the firmware from the same site that you mentioned.
I have never used an SD card in this Kobo Glo, so there is no "original SD"; I can only use any old SD card, unfortunately. This may be why the Kobo does not recognise the firmware.
Is there any way of making a kind of "fake" SD card copy to try to trick the Kobo to recognise it?

Many Kobos (including the Glo) use a microSD card for their onboard storage. It's mounted on the device's mainboard. You'll need to (carefully!) lever the Glo's back off before you can see it.

This YouTube video shows how to do it for a Glo HD; I assume that it'll be the same for the older Glos as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rojofo

Sorry Bluepeter! I got my Peters mixed up!

No worries - easily done!

(In any case, it just so happens that my surname begins with a "T", anyway.)

DNSB · 11-21-2024, 12:17 PM

The original µSD card mentioned is the one internal to the Kobo Glo. You will have to remove the back cover to access the µSD card. Once you have the card extracted, you can mount it on your computer (if you are using Windows, note that the card has 2 Linux ext4 partitions and Windows will want to format the card. Do not format the card. After that is done with, you should see the FAT32 partition mounted. You can copy the unzipped firmware into the .kobo directory, reinstall it in your Glo and when you power your Glo on, the firmware should install.

Given the USB computer detection just requires the V+ and gnd connections on the USB cable, it is possible that your Glo's USB port is damaged. You can try cleaning the port to see if that helps.

I've attached an image of a Glo with the back off and the battery removed.

See this thread for advice on removing the internal µSD card: Memory Upgrade Mod Guide (With Pictures)

Rojofo · 11-21-2024, 01:10 PM

Thank you DNSB for this very helpful advice and the perfect photo of the inside of the Glo. Combined with Bluepeter's suggestions and earlier advice, I think I now understand what to do. One question though; I gather that on the internal SD card there will be a file with a name like this
.kobo.com/firmwares/kobo4/Oct2024/kobo-update-4.38.23171.zip
and this I should replace with the new firmware, if I have properly understood.

Rojofo · 11-21-2024, 01:46 PM

Update!!

I have taken out the SD card from inside the Kobo Glo reader and it was immediately recognised by my Mac which tried to do an update on the Kobo Desktop application but this failed.
So now I suppose I should add the firmware update that I have to the SD card. Now i have two kobo files on the SD card. On the first level I have .kobo and inside this on the second level, I have a Kobo file (with a capital) and inside this level there is a file called Kobo ereader conf. At what level should I place the new firmware zip file ?
Thanks once again for advice!

bluepeter · 11-21-2024, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rojofo

Update!!

I have taken out the SD card from inside the Kobo Glo reader and it was immediately recognised by my Mac which tried to do an update on the Kobo Desktop application but this failed.
So now I suppose I should add the firmware update that I have to the SD card. Now i have two kobo files on the SD card. On the first level I have .kobo and inside this on the second level, I have a Kobo file (with a capital) and inside this level there is a file called Kobo ereader conf. At what level should I place the new firmware zip file ?
Thanks once again for advice!

Give me a couple of minutes - my reply to your last post will explain what you need to do now.

Rojofo · 11-21-2024, 01:54 PM

Please don't hurry! I have plenty of time and I do appreciate your help! Another question: should I unzip the firmware update before adding it?

bluepeter · 11-21-2024, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rojofo

Thank you DNSB for this very helpful advice and the perfect photo of the inside of the Glo. Combined with Bluepeter's suggestions and earlier advice, I think I now understand what to do. One question though; I gather that on the internal SD card there will be a file with a name like this
.kobo.com/firmwares/kobo4/Oct2024/kobo-update-4.38.23171.zip
and this I should replace with the new firmware, if I have properly understood.

When you've got the SD card mounted on your computer, look at the FAT32 partition. It should contain a folder called ".kobo" in the root directory - see my first screenshot for what it looks like in Windows 11. Open that directory.

Now go to the kobo-update-4.38.23171.zip that you downloaded. Open that. Take the contents and put them in KOBOeReader\.kobo* - see my second screenshot. The last three items in the list (the ones highlighted) will be what you've just added.

Now eject the SD card from your computer and replace it in the e-reader.

Turn the e-reader on and wait a few seconds. It should automatically update with the new firmware.

*Sorry - it'd be KOBOeReader\.kobo if you had the device plugged in. Please substitute whatever your computer calls the SD card for "KOBOeReader".

bluepeter · 11-21-2024, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rojofo

Please don't hurry! I have plenty of time and I do appreciate your help! Another question: should I unzip the firmware update before adding it?

Anticipated and answered!

Rojofo · 11-22-2024, 06:21 AM

Well, using the advice given me by Bluepeter, DNSB and others, I was able to update the internal firmware on the Kobo Glo. This SD was recognised by the Mac without any problem. When placed back in the Kobo the Kobo seemed to work perfectly with the update.

Unfortunately the update did not solve the connection problem. The Kobo recognises the Mac and reacts by proposing the connection and once the option is chosen, the message "connected and charging" appears on the Kobo screen. But the Mac does not display the Kobo which remains inaccessible, making it impossible to add books. The Wifi connection on the Kobo does not work properly and it fails to connect. It is strange that the internal SD card is recognised when it is taken out of the Kobo but the Kobo itself is not recognised.
There is no problem with the battery or the touchscreen. I have used an old USB hub connection but this Kobo is still not recognised despite changing cables and USB ports.

I am at a loss to understand this situation.

bluepeter · 11-22-2024, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rojofo

Well, using the advice given me by Bluepeter, DNSB and others, I was able to update the internal firmware on the Kobo Glo. This SD was recognised by the Mac without any problem. When placed back in the Kobo the Kobo seemed to work perfectly with the update.

Unfortunately the update did not solve the connection problem. The Kobo recognises the Mac and reacts by proposing the connection and once the option is chosen, the message "connected and charging" appears on the Kobo screen. But the Mac does not display the Kobo which remains inaccessible, making it impossible to add books. The Wifi connection on the Kobo does not work properly and it fails to connect. It is strange that the internal SD card is recognised when it is taken out of the Kobo but the Kobo itself is not recognised.
There is no problem with the battery or the touchscreen. I have used an old USB hub connection but this Kobo is still not recognised despite changing cables and USB ports.

I am at a loss to understand this situation.

I'm glad to hear that the firmware update has worked.

As for the connection problem, it does still sound as if it might be the USB port on the device.

I hear what you say regarding the fact that the device recognises a connection but your Mac doesn't. I think I read somewhere that the device only needs to see a couple of good connections to know that there's something to connect to (just those that provide power?), but the Mac needs a full set (including those needed to transfer data as well as power?) before it'll recognise a connected device. So if you've got some good connections in the USB socket and some bad ones, that'd give the symptoms that you describe.

The Wi-Fi ought to work. The fact that it doesn't also seems to point to more hardware problems.

For all that you said at the beginning of this thread that you had a "Kobo Glo which is in excellent condition", I fear that time has taken its toll on it. Appearances can sometimes be deceptive.

JSWolf · 11-22-2024, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rojofo

Well, using the advice given me by Bluepeter, DNSB and others, I was able to update the internal firmware on the Kobo Glo. This SD was recognised by the Mac without any problem. When placed back in the Kobo the Kobo seemed to work perfectly with the update.

Unfortunately the update did not solve the connection problem. The Kobo recognises the Mac and reacts by proposing the connection and once the option is chosen, the message "connected and charging" appears on the Kobo screen. But the Mac does not display the Kobo which remains inaccessible, making it impossible to add books. The Wifi connection on the Kobo does not work properly and it fails to connect. It is strange that the internal SD card is recognised when it is taken out of the Kobo but the Kobo itself is not recognised.
There is no problem with the battery or the touchscreen. I have used an old USB hub connection but this Kobo is still not recognised despite changing cables and USB ports.

I am at a loss to understand this situation.

Do you have a Windows computer or know someone with one? It would let you know if the problem is your MAC or not.

Rojofo · 11-23-2024, 05:08 AM

Thank you for this suggestion,JSWolf.

I have tried 3 different Macs to no avail. I am looking for access to a Windows computer to test this idea, though I am not very optimistic. The internal SD card of the Kobo was recognised by my Mac immediately when it was connected after being taken out of the Kobo.

I suspect, as you originally suggested, and in more detail by Bluepeter, that the USB connector on the Kobo is slightly damaged.

Rojofo · 11-23-2024, 11:48 AM

Just to conclude this thread, i'll mention that I have managed to get the Wifi working on the Kobo Glo.I deleted the old wifi connection and set it up again and the connection worked. I hope this will be reliable!
I am trying to send books to the Kobo glo using Calibre but with no success for the moment. So as not to pollute this thread, I have started another one on sending books from Calibre to Kobo:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=364777

Thanks to all who helped with my problem!

11-21-2024, 10:10 AM	#16
Rojofo Groupie Posts: 169 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: none	I am thinking of looking for a way of setting up an SD card with files that would be the same as those normally on a Kobo Glo SD card.... some kind of "fake"... Last edited by Rojofo; 11-21-2024 at 10:14 AM.

11-21-2024, 12:17 PM	#18
DNSB Bibliophagist Posts: 46,377 Karma: 169098492 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Vancouver Device: Kobo Sage, Libra Colour, Lenovo M8 FHD, Paperwhite 4, Tolino epos	The original µSD card mentioned is the one internal to the Kobo Glo. You will have to remove the back cover to access the µSD card. Once you have the card extracted, you can mount it on your computer (if you are using Windows, note that the card has 2 Linux ext4 partitions and Windows will want to format the card. Do not format the card. After that is done with, you should see the FAT32 partition mounted. You can copy the unzipped firmware into the .kobo directory, reinstall it in your Glo and when you power your Glo on, the firmware should install. Given the USB computer detection just requires the V+ and gnd connections on the USB cable, it is possible that your Glo's USB port is damaged. You can try cleaning the port to see if that helps. I've attached an image of a Glo with the back off and the battery removed. See this thread for advice on removing the internal µSD card: Memory Upgrade Mod Guide (With Pictures) Attached Thumbnails Last edited by DNSB; 11-21-2024 at 12:20 PM.

11-22-2024, 06:21 AM	#25
Rojofo Groupie Posts: 169 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: none	Well, using the advice given me by Bluepeter, DNSB and others, I was able to update the internal firmware on the Kobo Glo. This SD was recognised by the Mac without any problem. When placed back in the Kobo the Kobo seemed to work perfectly with the update. Unfortunately the update did not solve the connection problem. The Kobo recognises the Mac and reacts by proposing the connection and once the option is chosen, the message "connected and charging" appears on the Kobo screen. But the Mac does not display the Kobo which remains inaccessible, making it impossible to add books. The Wifi connection on the Kobo does not work properly and it fails to connect. It is strange that the internal SD card is recognised when it is taken out of the Kobo but the Kobo itself is not recognised. There is no problem with the battery or the touchscreen. I have used an old USB hub connection but this Kobo is still not recognised despite changing cables and USB ports. I am at a loss to understand this situation. Last edited by Rojofo; 11-22-2024 at 06:23 AM.

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11-21-2024, 01:10 PM	#19
Rojofo Groupie Posts: 169 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: none	Thank you DNSB for this very helpful advice and the perfect photo of the inside of the Glo. Combined with Bluepeter's suggestions and earlier advice, I think I now understand what to do. One question though; I gather that on the internal SD card there will be a file with a name like this .kobo.com/firmwares/kobo4/Oct2024/kobo-update-4.38.23171.zip and this I should replace with the new firmware, if I have properly understood.

11-21-2024, 01:46 PM	#20
Rojofo Groupie Posts: 169 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: none	Update!! I have taken out the SD card from inside the Kobo Glo reader and it was immediately recognised by my Mac which tried to do an update on the Kobo Desktop application but this failed. So now I suppose I should add the firmware update that I have to the SD card. Now i have two kobo files on the SD card. On the first level I have .kobo and inside this on the second level, I have a Kobo file (with a capital) and inside this level there is a file called Kobo ereader conf. At what level should I place the new firmware zip file ? Thanks once again for advice!

11-21-2024, 01:54 PM	#22
Rojofo Groupie Posts: 169 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: none	Please don't hurry! I have plenty of time and I do appreciate your help! Another question: should I unzip the firmware update before adding it?

11-23-2024, 05:08 AM	#28
Rojofo Groupie Posts: 169 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: none	Thank you for this suggestion,JSWolf. I have tried 3 different Macs to no avail. I am looking for access to a Windows computer to test this idea, though I am not very optimistic. The internal SD card of the Kobo was recognised by my Mac immediately when it was connected after being taken out of the Kobo. I suspect, as you originally suggested, and in more detail by Bluepeter, that the USB connector on the Kobo is slightly damaged.

11-23-2024, 11:48 AM	#29
Rojofo Groupie Posts: 169 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: none	Just to conclude this thread, i'll mention that I have managed to get the Wifi working on the Kobo Glo.I deleted the old wifi connection and set it up again and the connection worked. I hope this will be reliable! I am trying to send books to the Kobo glo using Calibre but with no success for the moment. So as not to pollute this thread, I have started another one on sending books from Calibre to Kobo: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=364777 Thanks to all who helped with my problem!