************************************************************ * * * Intel(R) SATA SSD Firmware Update Tool Instructions * * This document makes references to products developed by * Intel. There are some restrictions on how these products * may be used, and what information may be disclosed to * others. Please read the Disclaimer section and contact * your Intel field representative if you would like more * information. * ************************************************************ ************************************************************ * DISCLAIMER: Intel is making no claims of usability, * efficacy or warranty. The INTEL SOFTWARE LICENSE * AGREEMENT contained herein completely defines the license * and use of this software. * ************************************************************ ************************************************************ ************************************************************ * CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT ************************************************************ The Intel SATA SSD Firmware Update tool supports the following Intel(R) Solid-State Drives in all capacities: - Intel(R) Solid-State Drive 320 Series - Intel(R) X18-M and X25-M SSDs (34nm, silver case, G2) - Intel(R) X18-M and X25-M SSDs (50nm, black case, G1) - Intel(R) X25-E SSD (50nm, black case) - Intel(R) X25-V SSD (34nm, silver case) Refer to the RELEASE NOTES located on the download page for the specific firmware fixes for each SSD product family with each release. This document contains the following sections: 1. Requirements for using the Firmware Update Tool 2. Known Issues 3. Instructions for updating firmware 4. Intel Software License Agreement ************************************************************ * 1. REQUIREMENTS FOR USING THE FIRMWARE (FW) UPDATE TOOL ************************************************************ Intel strongly recommends that you backup your SSD before changing or removing your drive password and attempting the firmware update process. These instructions are intended for experienced users. If you need step-by-step instructions, see the Intel SATA Solid-State Drive Firmware Update Tool Guidelines. POWER If you are updating a mobile system, make sure that the battery is fully charged and the system is plugged into a power outlet. Do not unplug the system during the firmware update process as this could render your SSD inoperable. DRIVE PASSWORD The Firmware Update Tool will not run correctly if your Drive Password is set. Make sure that your Drive Password is turned off (in your BIOS settings) before beginning the firmware update process. After the firmware update has completed successfully, turn the drive password on again. BIOS STORAGE CONFIGURATION This tool will only function correctly with the BIOS SATA ports configured to "Legacy"/"Compatibility" mode or "AHCI" mode. Some BIOS configurations support SATA port modes such as "IRRT", "RAID", and "Native + IDE" mode, which are not supported by this utility. TOOL MEDIA This Intel SATA SSD Firmware Update Tool is designed to run on a CD (CD-R or CD-RW) that has been loaded with the Intel SSD Firmware Update ISO image. NOTE: Burning an ISO image cannot be accomplished by simply copying the ISO file to a CD. To correctly burn an ISO image to a CD requires: 1) A read and writable (R/W) CD-ROM drive 2) An image loading software package If you have a R/W CD-ROM drive and are using Microsoft Windows* 7, a tool to burn ISO images is included called "Windows Disc Image Burner". Right-click on the ISO image file, select "Open With," select "Windows Disk Image Burner," and follow the directions. For Windows XP* and Windows Vista*, most R/W CD-ROM drives already come with software that can burn an ISO image correctly to a CD. If your system does not, there are many software packages available on the Internet that can burn an ISO image to a CD. Some are free and some can be purchased online. Select one that is best for you by searching on the Internet for "How to copy an ISO image." ************************************************************ * 2. Known Issues ************************************************************ 1. RAID Platforms ISSUE: The Firmware Update Tool cannot execute a firmware update when SSDs are in a RAID configuration. WORKAROUND: Go into the BIOS and disable RAID mode using "Legacy" or "Compatibility" mode for the firmware update. If the system is using Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager (IMSM) or Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology (Intel(R) RST) driver, it is important that you do not disable RAID within IMSM, Intel RST, or other software configuration utility. After configuring BIOS to "Legacy" or "Compatibility" mode, reboot the system and perform the firmware update. Once all RAID drives have been updated and verified, enable RAID in BIOS, save and reboot to complete the process. 2. Lenovo* ThinkPad* T410 and T510 and IdeaPad* Y460 ISSUE: The Firmware Update Tool does not recognize Intel SSDs installed in these systems. WORKAROUND: Change the drive mode from AHCI to IDE or Compatibility mode, then start the firmware update process. 3. Micro-Star International Company* (MSI) K9A2 Motherboard ISSUE: If your system uses the MSI K9A2 motherboard, the Firmware Update Tool cannot detect SSDs on ports 3, 4, 5, and 6 . Only ports 1 and 2 are visible to the tool. WORKAROUND: Move your SSD to port 1 or 2 before running the firmware update. 4. USB CD-ROM drives ISSUE: In systems that use a USB-based CD-ROM drive, the system may not allow booting from the CD-ROM. WORKAROUND: Install a SATA-based CD-ROM drive and retry the firmware update. 5. "Drive not recognized" in AHCI SATA mode ISSUE: Some platform BIOS implementations of SATA port settings or some NVIDIA chipsets are not compatible with the update program's process for locating the SSD within the system in AHCI mode. WORKAROUND: For best compatibility, configure the BIOS SATA port mode to "Legacy" or "Compatibility" mode to perform the firmware upgrade. Ensure you return the port to AHCI mode after the firmware upgrade for best performance. ************************************************************ * 3. INSTRUCTIONS ON UPDATING FIRMWARE ************************************************************ See the Firmware Update Tool Guidelines for complete instructions. 1. Load the .ISO image onto a blank CD (CD-R or CD-RW) using CD-ROM burning software of your choice. 2. Ensure the Intel SSD is attached to a SATA port in the system. For best results, ensure the SATA port is a native control port of your south bridge controller (generally SATA ports 0 through 4). SATA ports attached to a third-party SATA controller bridge chip or add-in SATA controller expansion cards are not recommended for use when updating the firmware. For more details, consult your system technical documentation. 3. Insert the Intel SATA SSD Firmware Update CD into the system. 4. Ensure the CD-ROM drive is enabled as a bootable device in BIOS and the CD-ROM boot priority is ahead of the drive containing the OS boot partition. For more details, consult your system documentation. 5. Complete a safe system shutdown and power off completely, count to 10 (seconds), and then reboot the system. A restart or warm reset (CTRL-ALT-DEL) is not adequate. 6. Power on your system to start the update process. - The tool will prompt you through the update process for all the SSDs that qualify for the firmware update in your system. - To verify that the firmware update is complete, power down per step 5 above with the CD still installed and let the firmware update software scan for SSDs in your system again. The scan should now display your SSD and the firmware should now show the new firmware number for your specific SSD. - Once the firmware has been verified, remove the CD and power down the system again. - If you changed SATA port mode from AHCI to "Compatibility" or or "Legacy" mode for the firmware update, ensure you change the port back to AHCI mode for best performance. Note: For computers booting into Windows 7 after a firmware update, a message appears when the operating system starts that prompts you to restart the computer. Restart when prompted. If you have questions about any of these steps, please contact Intel Customer Support for further assistance at the following website: http://www.intel.com/go/ssdsupport/ ************************************************************ * 4. INTEL SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT (Final, Single User) ************************************************************ IMPORTANT - READ BEFORE COPYING, INSTALLING OR USING. Do not use or load this software and any associated materials (collectively, the "Software") until you have carefully read the following terms and conditions. By loading or using the Software, you agree to the terms of this Agreement. If you do not wish to so agree, do not install or use the Software. LICENSE. You may copy the Software for use on any computer you personally own, for your personal, noncommercial use, and you may make one back-up copy of the Software, subject to these conditions: 1. This Software is licensed for use only in conjunction with Intel component products. Use of the Software in conjunction with non-Intel component products is not licensed hereunder. 2. You may not copy, modify, rent, sell, distribute or transfer any part of the Software except as provided in this Agreement, and you agree to prevent unauthorized copying of the Software. 3. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software. 4. You may not sublicense or permit simultaneous use of the Software by more than one user. 5. The Software may contain the software or other property of third party suppliers, some of which may be identified in, and licensed in accordance with, any enclosed "license.txt" file or other text or file. OWNERSHIP OF SOFTWARE AND COPYRIGHTS. Title to all copies of the Software remains with Intel or its suppliers. The Software is copyrighted and protected by the laws of the United States and other countries, and international treaty provisions. You may not remove any copyright notices from the Software. Intel may make changes to the Software, or to items referenced therein, at any time without notice, but is not obligated to support or update the Software. Except as otherwise expressly provided, Intel grants no express or implied right under Intel patents, copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights. You may transfer the Software only if the recipient agrees to be fully bound by these terms and if you retain no copies of the Software. LIMITED MEDIA WARRANTY. If the Software has been delivered by Intel on physical media, Intel warrants the media to be free from material physical defects for a period of ninety (90) days after delivery by Intel. If such a defect is found, return the media to Intel for replacement or alternate delivery of the Software as Intel may select. EXCLUSION OF OTHER WARRANTIES. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE, THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF ANY KIND INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Intel does not warrant or assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within the Software. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. IN NO EVENT SHALL INTEL OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, OR LOST INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE, EVEN IF INTEL HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME JURISDICTIONS PROHIBIT EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER LEGAL RIGHTS THAT VARY FROM JURISDICTION TO JURISDICTION. TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT. Intel may terminate this Agreement at any time if you violate its terms. Upon termination, you will immediately destroy the Software or return all copies of the Software to Intel. APPLICABLE LAWS. Claims arising under this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Delaware, excluding its principles of conflict of laws and the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the Sale of Goods. You may not export the Software in violation of applicable export laws and regulations. Intel is not obligated under any other agreements unless they are in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Intel. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS. The Software is provided with "RESTRICTED RIGHTS." Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in FAR52.227-14 and DFAR252.227-7013 et seq. or their successors. Use of the Software by the Government constitutes acknowledgment of Intel's proprietary rights therein. Contractor or Manufacturer is Intel Corporation, 2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95052. SLA/OEM/IHV/RBK/ April 23, 2004 *********************************************************** Information in this document is provided in connection with Intel products. Except as expressly stated in the INTEL SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT contained herein, no license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual property rights is granted by this document. Except as provided in Intel's Terms and Conditions of Sale for such products, Intel assumes no liability whatsoever, and Intel disclaims any express or implied warranty, relating to sale and/or use of Intel products, including liability or warranties relating to fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability or infringement of any patent, copyright or other intellectual property right. Intel products are not intended for use in medical, lifesaving, or life-sustaining applications. *********************************************************** * Intel Corporation disclaims all warranties and * liabilities for the use of this document, the software * and the information contained herein, and assumes no * responsibility for any errors which may appear in this * document or the software, nor does Intel make a * commitment to update the information or software * contained herein. Intel reserves the right to make * changes to this document or software at any time, without * notice. *********************************************************** * Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others. Copyright (c) Intel Corporation, 2011