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This program expects to find a working modem.  In other words, your modem needs to be inserted before this program is started.

U. S. Robotics modems have internal programs called "firmware" that tell the modem how to behave.  Many of these modems allow you to change the firmware through a process called "flashing."  Flashing takes a version of firmware, which is stored as a computer file, and copies it into the memory of the modem.  By flashing a new version of firmware onto the modem, it is possible to add new features or to correct problems with the modem.

The program PFWIN is written to make this flashing process as easy as possible. The program automatically detects what type of modem you have, and determines which .UPG files can be used to upgrade that modem -- providing a description of each version and the changes in each.  It then allows you to flash the updated firmware onto your modem.

The firmware is stored on a computer chip in your card, and it tells the card how to operate. Updating this firmware can allow you to fix errors or add new features to your PC Card.

Before running this program, move the files PFWIN.EXE, PFWIN.HLP, and any .UPG, .UPF, .UPP files you want to flash to a common directory on your hard disk.

The following Help Topics are available:

PC CARD SELECTION

UPGRADE FILES (.UPG)

UPGRADE (FLASH PC CARD)

WARNING:

Flashing the modem is a process that cannot be interrupted.  If the process is interrupted, your modem can be ruined.

If you are running the program on a laptop computer, you should check that the battery is fully charged or that the computer is plugged in.  Also, you may want to modify the computer settings so that the computer will not go to sleep (see your computer manual for instructions on how to do this).

For Help on Help, Press F1


PC CARD SELECTION

If AUTODETECT is on, the Current Card is the first enabled U. S. Robotics PC card with a modem found on your machine, starting at COM4 and working to COM1.  This is the ONLY card that will be upgraded.

If you want to select a specific modem, use the COM Port selection list.


UPGRADE FILES (.UPG)

This utility examines all files in the current directory that have the file extension .UPG in order to compile a Card File list of firmware upgrades for the current card.

Not all .UPG files can be flashed over all types of cards, so the Card File list may not contain all .UPG files.  Select the Card File combo box to view all the possible upgrades.

Choose the Card File needed and select Continue to progress to the next screen.


UPGRADE (FLASH PC CARD)

From this screen you can replace the Current Card firmware with the New Card firmware selected in the previous screen.

Select the Upgrade button to begin the process, or select the Cancel button to abort and not change the firmware.

U. S. Robotics recommends that this upgrade utility NOT be run from a floppy disk.

The actual upgrade time will vary with the type or version of modem.  It is essential that the upgrade process be uninterrupted.