HP Prime Graphing Calculator will not update. Stuck at x2 + y2 = 1

[dhstarr]

I tried to update my brand new HP Prime Graphing Calculator using an updated version of HP COnnectivity Kit.  THe update failed and the calculator will reset but not go beyond x2 + y2 =1.  I tried using the following manual method from a post on Educalc and the usbtool will not load the update.  ANY HELP, PLEASE!!

HP Prime Manual Firmware Update

1 Download firmware files and unzip to a folder

2 Wipe calculator (optional)
a Hold down F,C and O buttons while resetting calculator
b At menu, press 4,3 and then Enter
c When format is complete, proceed to step 3

3 Reset calculator (button on back) while holding the "Symb" button
(will display either ARM update tool or recovery mode screen)

4 Connect the calculator using USB cable
(wait for USB to recognize device)

5 Run usbtool.exe

6 Select "Auto update" check box

7 Click "Update" button
(blue bars will show as the unit is updated)

8 Reset calculator

Note: if any step fails, please start from step 3

[dhstarr · Accepted solution]

Please do not try to update your HP Prime using Parallels Desktom on a MAC.  I tried it and the USB Port drivers would not allow the update to finish correctly using HP Connect, the Update.exe program, or the usbtool.exe application.  I was successful by using an old laptop running XP using the USBTool.exe app using a native PC environment.  

I will say that I am running OS X 10.10 Mavricks Beta 2 on my MAC, but I do not think that is a problem, although I will let Parallels know.  

If you are using a MAC, borrow a PC (ugggh) to update your HP Prime.

NOTE: the usb tool is posted as a part of ROM updates for HP Prime on educalc.com at: http://www.educalc.net/2336439.page

David

[BartdB]

Hi,

Under normal circumstances there is NO need to use the USBTOOL.

The recommended update procedure is:

Use a Windows PC connected to the internet, using the Prime Connectivity Kit supplied on the CD with the calculator.

• Connect your HP Prime calculator via the supplied USB cable (directly connected, do not use a USB hub)
• Start the HP Connectivity Kit 
• Click the Calculator tab 
• Right-click the name of the HP Prime you wish to update (it would be the one you connected before starting this procedure) 
• Make a note of the version number and then click the OK button 
• Click on the Help Menu and select Check for update 
• Check for update pop-up box, check version number that it is newer than the one you wish to update. 
• Then click download button 
• That's it, you'll see on the screen of your calculator the update being loaded and installed. Don't click too fast to get out of the HP Connectivity Kit, wait a minute or so after completion. 
• Also, there is a step in the Connectivity Kit where it is advised to back-up the version you had before you run the procedure, just in case. That way you have a way to re-cover.

As you have discovered, the only way to update the firmware of a Prime is using a Windows PC. HP have not released their connectivity kit for native operation on any other platform.

There is a third-party connectivity kit that supports MacOS:

http://www.hpcalc.org/details.php?id=7474

read more about it here:

http://www.hpmuseum.org/forum/thread-52.html

However, although it can do file transfers, I do not think it can be used for firmware updates - you'll have to beg or borrow a Windows PC for that :(.

[ChuckBecker]

Thanks for the excellent explanation, however I'm still totally stuck.  I just got an HP Prime calculator that reports "d/dx(e^x) = 0" when the correct answer is "d/dx(e^x) = e^x".  Another poster on these forums said this was a known bug eliminted long ago, all I needed to do was update the firmware [current version 2013 8 13 (5106)].  I installed the HP Connectivity Kit, at its suggestion downloaded the current firmware (20141203), and when prompted to "Update firmware" clicked on 'update'.  The "Firmware update" dialog box appeared, a few moments later my calculator disappeared from the HP Connectivity Kit window, my computer (an HP Pavilion DM4) and Windows 7 bleeped the usual "USB device connect/disconnect" bleep, and the "Firmware update" reported "Waiting for a connection..." endlessly.

What I have tried:

Changing USB ports

Starting Windows in safe mode

Resetting calculator with paperclip

Resetting calculator while holding down 'symb' and paperclip

Even as a longtime HP calculator loyalist (early 80's HP 41 CX), I am frustrated and disappointed with this experience.  I have an instrument I can't trust and can't fix, and HP really doesn't seem the least bit interested in hearing about this, much less doing something about it.

If anyone has a recommendation that doesn't involve downloading and unzipping questionable 3rd party software, I would be profoundly grateful.

Best,

Chuck

[BartdB]

Hi,

You can try installing the latest connectivity kit, download it from:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/calculators/Prime/

You should only need to download and install "HP_Prime_Connectivity_Kit_20141203.exe", as far as I am aware this contains the new firmware for the Prime.

(Of course you can download and install the updated Virtual Prime too).

Best regards.

[ChuckBecker]

Hello,

Thanks much for your time and courtesy in offering a recommendation to resolve my problem.  Motivated by one of your earlier posts, I did download the current connectivity kit with the latest firmware, but got the same result: after clicking on 'update', the dialog appears with 'waiting for connection', my calculator disappears from the connectivity kit windown, my calculator is in 'recovery mode v13', and the system hangs at that point.  After a good 24 hours trying to resolve this problem, with little to no help from either the vendor or HP, I need to step back for a while because my frustration is not helping the situation.

Thanks,

And best regards,

Chuck

[BartdB]

Hi,

Other options that I have read that have helped:

1) If you are using a PC with a 64-bit OS, try using a PC with a 32 bit OS.

2) If you haven't already, try with a different USB cable (a standard USB cable with the same connectors (USB "A" to "micro-B" ) should work).

As a last resort, return the calculator.

On a personal note: I understand your frustration, an hours work has turned into days. For me there will be no future HP calculator purchases. Users of the 39gii and Prime are paying to be beta-testers. The mathematical errors I have found in the 39gii and seen in the Prime are such that I will never trust them for professional use - no matter how many updates they get. The 50G is last useful calculator - it was built on the code base of the great-48.

Best regards,

Bart

[BartdB]

Hi,

Another idea (if you haven't tried it already):

When running the connectivity kit, try running it as administrator.

i.e. on the program icon, right click and select "Run as administrator"

(this will avoid the interruption when windows asks permission for the "Updater utility" to make changes).

Best regards.

[WildorAC]

I had the same problem, apparently the firmware upgrade is the problem, hopefully  the next update solves the problem.