Aspire Software Update Instructions
As the Aspire system uses a PC-ATA card for software upgrades, it is possible to receive or download a com-
pressed file from NEC containing the system software. The following information details the steps required to
update the system software when this type of file is used.
Requirements
G
Customer Provided: PC-ATA Flash Card Reader OR a PCMCIA Slot in a Laptop
Customer Provided: 32MB PC-ATA Flash Card
Aspire System Software Zip File
WinZip application
G
G
G
Backing Up Database
As a precaution, it is recommended that the customer database be saved prior to updating the system software.
There are two methods of saving the database - either using the PCPro application or saving directly to a PC-ATA
flash card.
Using PCPro, download the the database and save the file on the PC’s hard drive. To save the database using a
blank PC-ATA card, insert the card into the NTCPU and, using Program 90-03, save the software. Due to the file’s
naming structure, note that a PC-ATA card can only hold one customer database (each database is saved to a direc-
tory called DATA - this directory would be overwritten if a second database were saved to the same card). Each
database to be saved will require its own separate card.
If the customer data needs to be reloaded, the method for restoring the database is determined by how the
database was saved. Using PCPro, the customer database is uploaded using the Upload option within the
application. If the database is stored on a PC-ATA card, use Program 90-04, with the database to be
restored installed in the NTCPU.
After reloading the customer data to the system, exit programming mode (this could take a minute or more
to save the database), then reset the system by powering down and back up. Wait a few minutes for the pro-
gramming to take affect before accessing any lines or special system features. Otherwise some unusual
LED indications may be experienced. To prevent the PC-ATA card from possibly being over-written,
remove the card after reloading the database.
Copying the Software Files to the Flash Card
1. After receiving the compressed software file, it must be unzipped using the WinZip application.
If the file was received by EMail, detach the zip file to your computer.
2. Locate the zip file on your computer and double-click on the file.
The file opens the WinZip application and displays a list of the compressed files.
3. Click ACTIONS - EXTRACT or click the EXTRACT button on the tool bar.
4. In the Extract window that appears, make sure the USE FOLDER NAMES options is checked. This is
required to keep the proper paths for the files as they are extracted.
5. Select the location to which the files should be extracted and click the EXTRACT button.
Suggestion: You may want to create a directory in which all Aspire software can be kept (with a sub-
directory for the version type - example: Aspire_Software/1_01). This allows you to keep the original
source files for future use, if required.
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