I understand these directions and have printed them out for reference. Note: you must "accept" these directions before being provided the link to the firmware.

Caution

Do not flash with incorrect or unapproved firmware. Doing so may destroy the DVD drive or reduce its functionally!

1. This is a Windows-based flash utility. Using "Add or Remove Programs" on the "Control Panel", verify that neither of the following programs are installed on the system. These applications must be un-installed prior to proceeding or the firmware update will fail.

   + Intel Ultra-ATA Storage Driver
   + Intel Application Accelerator
   Note: These applications can be reinstalled after the firmware has been updated. The latest files can be found at www.intel.com .

Note: Firmware updates for NEC DVD drives will generally only add new media information and will not solve issues in conjunction with some software packages.

2. Use the following steps to determine if the NEC DVD/RW drive is master or slave.
   1. Start >> Settings >>Control Panel
   2. Double click on the System icon
   3. Navigate to the device manager.
   4. Click the plus to the left of the DVD/CDROM icon.
   5. Double click on the NED DVD/RW drive icon.
   6. If the Location is:
      ‘0’ the drive is configured as Master
      ‘1’ the drive is configured as Slave
      

Note: Determine if the NEC DVD/RW driver being updated is configured as a master or slave before proceeding.

3. If the NEC DVD/RW is the master drive the slave drive must be disabled.
   
   1. To disable the slave drive; go to the "Device Manager" under the "System" icon on the "Control Panel".
   2. Expand the DVD/CD-ROM drives by clicking the "+".
   3. Right click the slave IDE device on pull down menu and select "Disable".
   4. Verify that a "red-x" displayed over the slave drive indicating that the drive is disabled before proceeding

Steps to update

Caution

Do not interrupt the update process while the update is in process by attempting to access the drives. Verify that all CD media is removed from all drives connected to the system.

4. Close all applications that are currently running on the PC system.
5. Verify that NO CD media is in any drive and all CD trays are closed.
6. Double click on the firmware file downloaded.
7. Verify that NEC DVR/RW drive is selected in the "Selected Drive" window.
8. If the software is unable to detect the CD drives, the followed message will be displayed. "Target drive is not found" (Figure 1 or Figure 1a.)

Target drive not found
Figure 1

Target drive not found
Figure 1a

9. If no drives are detected, click the cancel button. This error can occur if the firmware does not meet the update requirements.
10. To confirm the current firmware version see the following figures.
    Note: Current and new firmware versions and drive model will be displayed.

The Drive has the latest firmware.
Update NOT Required
Figure 2

The Drive has newer firmware.
Update NOT recommend
Figure 3

The Drive has older firmware.
Figure 4

11. If the firmware is older (Figure 3) then click Flash button. The firmware will be updated (Figure 4). Or click the Cancel button to close the program and return to windows.

The drive firmware is being updated.
Figure 5

Caution

Do not cancel the program or shut down the system until instructed.

12. Wait until the message "Flashing is Completed" (Figure 6 or Figure 6a) is displayed before continuing.

Flashing is complete
Figure 6

Flashing is complete
Figure 6a

13. Double Click the Power Off button to power down your system. Wait 30 - 40 seconds before turning power back on. If the updating firmware is fails, the followed message will be displayed. "Flashing Error"
14. After the system has rebooted, and slave drive was disabled in step 3, perform the following:
    1. To enable the slave drive; go to the "Device Manager" under the "System" icon on the "Control Panel".
    2. Expand the DVD/CD-ROM drives by clicking the "+".
    3. Right click the slave IDE device on pull down menu and select "enable".
    4. Verify that there is NOT a "red-x" displayed over the slave drive before proceeding.
15. Reinstall the Intel Ultra-ATA Storage Driver and Intel Application Accelerator, if previously removed in step 1.
    1. If the orginal system installation disk is not available, visit Intel to obtain the drivers for the system.
    2. If unable identify the correct drivers, please contact the system manufacturer.

Note: Firmware updates for NEC DVD drives will generally only add new media information and will not solve issues in conjunction with some software packages.

If the firmware upgrade is not performed correctly or if the power supply is interrupted during the upgrade, the drive may be rendered unusable. If you wish to upgrade the firmware, you do so at your sole and exclusive risk. NEC takes no responsibility for any errors or problems with any firmware upgrade. This software is provided "as is" with no warranty whatsoever. NEC will not supply any technical service or support regarding this firmware or any upgrade.

The above NEC firmware upgrades should not be used with external USB / FireWire drives or with OEM drives from HP, DELL, Medion, Fujitsu, Siemens, Gateway, or any other OEM manufacturer. If you wish to update the firmware on an OEM drive, please contact the dealer or manufacturer.

I understand these directions and have printed them out for reference. Note: you must "accept" these directions before being provided the link to the firmware.