How to Read Write Hard Drive Computer BIOS Firmware to SPI Flash Memory w/ CH341a Programmer NoMusic
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Similar to computers, tablets, and smartphones, hard disk drives require instructions describing exactly how to boot. For hard drives, this data on how to boot is stored on 8-pin Flash memory chips and is accessed using the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol.
During the Data Recovery process, it is often wise to both inspect and make backup copies of drives' boot firmware. Once saved, hard disk firmware can be copied (programmed) to other Flash Memory Chips and can be reprogrammed when firmware data loss is suspected or confirmed.
The CH341a Mini Programmer is an inexpensive tool for reading and writing directly to Flash memory chips using both the SPI and IC2 communication protocols.
When combined with AsProgrammer software available for free on GitHub.com:
github.com/nof...
Firmware can be save to and loaded from Microsoft Windows .BIN Binary Files:
en.wikipedia.o...
This video illustrates how to use the CH341a Mini Programmer in conjunction with the free AsProgrammer software to both read and write to hard disk drive and computer SPI Flash Memory Chips.
If you need help with a data recovery, please feel free to contact us 7 days a week by telephone and text at 1.858.692.0541, by e-mail at info@it-sd.com, or visit our website at www.it-sd.com.
DATA RECOVERY PROCEDURE:
1. Connect the CH341a Programmer to the Flash Memory Using the Appropriate Adapters
2. Connect the CH341a Programmer to a Microsoft Windows Computer USB Port
3. Download AsProgrammer from GitHub.com
4. Install & Run AsProgrammer
5. Select SPI as Desired Communication Protocol
6. Select CH341a From List of Supported Devices
7. Read Memory Chip ID (Automatically or by Manual Entry)
8. Read and/or Write Directly to Flash Memory Chips
What about 2tb 4tg hdd they don't have normal 8 pin bios ???????
To read and write Flash NAND and NOR memory chips with more than 8 pins, the Xgecu T56 or T48 TL866-3G programmers can be used. They are more expensive than the CH341a but can read a wider range Flash memory chips and can support more chip adapters.
@IT-SD how to know how to position the clamb correctly on the BIOS EPROM? Is there a notch or mark to know where to align the clamb or red wire to the chip?
Wire #1 on the clamp is painted red.
@@it-sd and where to Position it to the Chip?
@Gabriel-iz4kp Pin #1 on the chip is denoted by a small painted or engraved circle on one corner of the chip. All IC chips have them to help identify which pin is Pin #1.
Another tip is to lookup the specifications on the chip on the internet using the markings printed on the top of the chip. The specs sheet will clearly identify the name and purpose of every chip connection (leg).
Awesome thanks
I would have thought the flash memory would be more than 512kB.
They don’t even fully utilize the full 512kB. There’s a lot of empty, unused space on the memory chip and the data is even repeated.
It’d be interesting to see if newer drives’ firmware code has gotten any longer or shorter, and how firmware size is impacted by the type of drive.
I bet drives that implement shingling, for instance, have more extensive firmware code than drives that don’t utilize cylinders so close together that sectors from neighboring cylinders overlap.
The Holy Grail of hard drive data recovery is firmware. Understanding how the firmware works unlocks the keys to everything.
I wish I could explain in detail the purpose and behavior of every line of firmware code but to do that, one either needs access to proprietary manufacturer data or the ability to reverse engineer the firmware (like what ACELab and DeepSpar do).
It is remarkable that the manufacturers get hard drives working using such little firmware code. I would have assumed they would have needed much more than 512kB, as well.
@@it-sd -- what is the manufacturing date on the drive you were working with?
@toddb930 The Date Code is “13177”. I’m assuming that means it’s the 177th day in 2013, so late May or very early June 2013.
Thanks for the video! Will the CH341a work on a 2.5v BIOS chip?
You’re very welcome! I would not use the CH341a to read a 2.5V powered memory chip. It may work but I would be concerned the 3.3V produced by the CH341a would overpower your 2.5V memory chip and damage it.
I have a 3.3V to 1.8V adapter for use with the CH341a but I was not able to locate a similar 2.5V adapter for sale.
Will your 2.5V memory chip run on 1.8V? If it will, get the 1.8V adapter and you’ll be good.
If not, there must be ways to both modify the Ch341a to safely power memory chips at 2.5V and create a 3.3V to 2.5V adapter board.
@@it-sd I’m not sure it’ll run on 1.8v, it might do but will search for a 2.5v adapter then. Many thanks 👍🏻
@fabioisolano256 You’re welcome 😀, and best of luck! Please let me know how everything works out and if you locate a 2.5V adapter (I’d like to get one, too 😏).
Where to get the software and driver? I spent 2 hours ended up with junk forced antivirus and buggered desktop, now keeps hunting for Windows Internet explorer
github.com/nofeletru/UsbAsp-flash/
@@it-sd looked at git last night, came up with long list of variants, did not know which one.
@Salman-sc8gr github.com/nofeletru/UsbAsp-flash/releases/tag/v2.0.4
Under Assets, download: ASProgrammer_2.0.4.zip.
Direct Download Link:
github.com/nofeletru/UsbAsp-flash/releases/download/v2.0.4/AsProgrammer_2.0.4.zip
@it-sd Thanks much,also what windows system is OK,32 64 and memory etc?
@Salman-sc8gr ASProgrammer is a small, 32-bit application so it should run on both the 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Windows. Using Windows 10, it only uses 3.3MB of memory while running. I’m not sure if it will work on versions of Windows older than Windows 10 but it probably will.
I have read that the CH341a provides a 5v from GND that could complicate efforts when flashing and 3.3V is recommended instead. Did you encounter any issues? Thanks!
According to Electronics Repair School, if I remember from the video correctly, the CH341a automatically adjusts to 3.3V when reading from and writing to 3.3V memory chips.
ruclips.net/video/J8-Sh7DjiXw/видео.htmlsi=4U2HRExvKhRoOvZ4
I have not had any issues reading from and writing to 3.3V powered chips using an un-modded CH341a.
You do need to use a power converter to work with 1.8V chips, though.
@@it-sd So I watched the video and that was an awesome demonstration. The places I read about the 5v vs 3.3v discrepancy tested the voltage but never while it was connected to the BIOS chip. I really appreciate the link to the video. Now I have no reason to modify my CH314a.
@@it-sd Yeah I do not think I need the converter at the moment. I plan on flashing soon so your information and guidance will and has been a big help. I'll make sure to keep ya posted! Thanks again!
@@chacho1155 Outstanding! I’m glad you concur with me. I saw Sorin’s video many months ago but as I remember, he convinced me that no modifications were necessary to read 3.3V chips.
thanks
Exellent😊
Thank you! 😀