Troubleshooting a Failed Lorex Firmware Update
Keeping your Lorex security system's firmware up to date is vital for accessing new features and protecting against security vulnerabilities. However, a firmware update that fails can cause significant problems, from system instability to a completely unresponsive NVR or DVR. If you're facing a failed update, it's important to proceed carefully to avoid further issues. This guide will walk you through the common causes of Lorex firmware update failures and provide clear, step-by-step solutions to get your system back on track.
## Pre-Update Preparation: The Key to Success
The best way to deal with a failed update is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Proper preparation is essential.
### Using the Correct Storage Device
The USB flash drive you use to transfer the firmware is a common point of failure.
- Format Correctly: Your USB drive must be formatted to the FAT32 file system. Lorex systems will not recognise other formats like NTFS or exFAT.
- Use a Reliable Drive: Use a high-quality USB drive from a reputable brand. A faulty or low-quality drive can lead to data corruption.
- Isolate the Firmware File: The only file on the USB drive should be the firmware file (e.g., a
.binor.davfile). Do not place it inside any folders.
### Verifying the Firmware and Power
Ensuring you have the right file and a stable power source is non-negotiable.
- Match the Model Number: Carefully check the model number of your Lorex NVR, DVR, or camera. Download the firmware that corresponds exactly to that model from the official Lorex support website. Using the wrong file is the most common reason for failure.
- Ensure Stable Power: Power fluctuations during an update can corrupt the system. If possible, plug your NVR/DVR into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect it from unexpected power cuts.
## Steps to Recover from a Failed Update
If the update has already failed and your system is unstable, follow these recovery steps.
### What to Do if the System is Stuck
If the screen is frozen on the update progress bar for an unusually long time (more than 30 minutes), proceed with caution.
- Patience First: Do not immediately power cycle the device. Some updates can take a long time. Give it ample time to complete.
- The Risky Reboot: If it's clear the process is completely frozen, you may have no choice but to perform a hard reboot by turning the power off and on again. This is a last resort and carries a risk of bricking the device.
- Check System Status: After rebooting, see if the system boots up normally. If it does, check the system information to see if the firmware version has changed. If it hasn't, the update failed, and you should try again after re-checking all preparation steps.
### Performing a Factory Reset
If the system boots up but is behaving erratically after a failed update, a factory reset can clear out corrupted configuration files.
- Navigate the Menu: Go to the main menu, find the 'System' or 'Maintenance' section, and look for the 'Default' or 'Factory Reset' option.
- Confirm the Reset: You will be prompted to confirm the action. Proceeding will erase all your custom settings, including passwords, network settings, and recording schedules.
- Reconfigure and Retry: After the reset, you will need to set up your system again. Once configured, you can re-attempt the firmware update, ensuring you follow the preparation steps meticulously.
## Contacting Lorex Support
If your system is completely unresponsive (bricked) and will not boot up after trying these steps, you will need to contact Lorex support directly. They may have advanced recovery tools or procedures that are not available to the public.