DW Technical Bulletin

To: DW® Customers

Date: June 22, 2026

Re: DW Blackjack CX Recovery Guide

DW Blackjack CX – Ubuntu 22.04 LTS System Default Instructions

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Affected Model Numbers: DW Blackjack CX

Operating System: Linux Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS

Release Date: June 22, 2026

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DW Blackjack CX System Recovery

In the rare event that the DW Blackjack CX recording server has become corrupted, infected with a computer virus, or is otherwise not operating as it should, system administrators can attempt to use a USB recovery drive to restore the system to a working condition.

This document will outline how to restore a malfunctioning DW Blackjack CX unit by using:

Option 1: Ubuntu GNU GRUB Embedded Recovery – used when the Blackjack unit’s operating system is not operating normally and must be reset and restored.
Option 2: Ubuntu System USB Key Recovery – used when the Blackjack unit’s operating system will not load properly, and the embedded recovery tool is not accessible. An external resource (USB) must be used in this case to recover the system.

Before You Begin

Network Settings Documentation

The recovery process will completely reset the NVR and return the system to its factory default. If you are using static IP settings in a managed network, it is recommended to document your computer’s network settings. You can use this information when reintegrating the computer into the network.

IP Settings include:

IP Address
Subnet or Subnet Prefix Length
Gateway Address
Preferred DNS Address
Alternate DNS Address

Media Archive Data Backup

Data will be deleted during the formatting process. DW Blackjack units use separate drive partitions to preserve DW Spectrum Media archives but if you are using a custom-built server or have altered the default save location of the DW Spectrum Server Media, it is recommended to back up the media archives. For more information on manually backing up server archives, you can refer to the article “Large Storage Backup from a DW Spectrum Server”.

Running the Ubuntu 22.04 Recovery USB

Option 1: Ubuntu GNU GRUB Embedded Recovery Method

The DW Blackjack CX includes a built-in recovery tool that can be used to restore the computer’s operating system and default applications. Follow the directions below to use the embedded recovery on a server with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.

To boot the DW Blackjack CX into the Ubuntu Recovery Environment:

Restart the system. When the Ubuntu GNU GRUB menu displays, use the arrow keys to select “Recovery” then tap the ENTER key.

**NOTE: If you do not see the GNU GRUB menu when rebooting the system, make sure that your display monitor is not asleep. Some display monitors will go into sleep mode when a computer has been rebooted.

The system will begin to prepare the recovery process. When prompted, press the Enter key to begin the system recovery.

A warning message will display that existing data within the storage partition hosting the operating system will be overwritten. The DW Spectrum Media archives are hosted in a separate partition from the system.

Press the Y key to accept and proceed with the recovery.

The recovery program will begin to run. This process may take between 3~5 minutes. Allow the process to run. The system will need to reboot once the process has been completed.

Option 2: Ubuntu System USB Key Recovery Method

The USB Recovery key uses an automated script to run recovery options when restoring a system.

**NOTE: USB recovery version is not readily for general distribution. A DW Support ticket containing a clear assessment of the situation, documented troubleshooting record, and DW Technical Support approval is needed before the recovery material can be provided.

Perform the following steps to prep the Blackjack for USB recovery.

Insert the USB Recovery Key into an available USB port. The USB 2.0 ports located in the rear panel of the unit are recommended.

With the USB inserted, reboot the machine.

As the system is powering ON, tap the Delete key on the keyboard to access the system BIOS.

When you are prompted to enter the BIOS password, use “admin”.

Use the arrow keys to select the “Boot” menu tab.

For the Boot Device Priority, set the USB recovery key as Boot Option #1.

Save and exit the BIOS.

The Clonezilla GNU GRUB menu will appear.

Use the keyboard to select the first option from the list.

The program will ask for confirmation to overwrite the listed disk. Enter “Y” (YES) with the keyboard to confirm that the correct hard disk and partition(s) are selected.

The program will then ask for you to confirm again. Enter “Y” (YES) again.