VMAX A1 G4 (4K) – Recovery Guide
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Affected Roles: Administrator
Last Edit: August 1, 2024
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System Recovery
In the event of system errors, software corruption or display issues, recovery firmware files can be applied as a final troubleshooting step. By running the recovery program, the VMAX® A1 G4 will be defaulted and reverted to an older version of its firmware, resolving most operational issues. Once the recovery is complete, the DVR firmware can be upgraded back to the latest release.
This article will guide you through the recovery process for the VMAX A1 G4.
Supported/Affected Devices:
- VMAX® A1 G4 Series (4K)
- DW-VA1G416xT
- DW-VA1G48xT
- DW-VA1G44xT
Required Equipment
- USB Stick (FAT32 format; should not exceed 32 GB)
- Display Monitor (connected to the VMAX A1 G4)
- USB Mouse (connected to the VMAX A1 G4)
**NOTE: It is recommended to avoid the use of Kingston and San Disk brand USB sticks, as the recorder may experience an issue while allocating the firmware files from the USB.
Downloading Recovery Files
Click HERE to download the recovery files for the VMAX A1 G4.
Be sure to download the correct set of recovery files for your recorder. The files are organized into folders by sub-model.
- recovery_ft-3104 = VMAX A1 G4 (4-CH)
- recovery_ft-3108 = VMAX A1 G4 (8-CH)
- recovery_ft-3116 = VMAX A1 G4 (16-CH)
**NOTE: When running the firmware recovery program, there should be no other items on the USB stick other than the recovery firmware files. Additionally, ensure that the files are placed in a folder as the system will be unable to locate the files if they are placed in the root directory of the USB stick.
Recovering the System
To perform a firmware recovery:
- Download the firmware recovery files for the VMAX A1 G4 recorder from the Downloading Recovery Files section above.
- Extract and copy the contents of the recovery_files.zip folder for your recorder model to a blank USB stick (FAT32 format).
- Power OFF the VMAX A1 G4. There is no dedicated power button on the recorder, but you can shut the system down through the user interface or by unplugging the power cable if the DVR is unresponsive.
You will know that the DVR has been powered off when there are no LED lights illuminated on the front panel of the recorder.
- Insert the USB stick into an available USB port, located in the rear panel. While there is a USB port in the front panel of the DVR, the recovery USB should be utilized only from the rear ports.
- After inserting the recovery USB, power ON the DVR. There is no dedicated power button on the recorder, but you can turn the unit on by reconnecting the power cable.
The unit will recognize power input and begin to boot.
- The DVR will begin to run the recovery program automatically. It is normal for the DVR to beep during this process. Do not remove the USB until the recovery process has finished.
You will hear two (2) initial beeps then the screen will turn red and beep again to indicate that the recovery program has completed.
Disconnect the USB stick from the DVR and power cycle the DVR to reboot the unit. Additionally, disconnect and reconnect the USB mouse to regain cursor control for the DVR.
**NOTE: If the recovery was unsuccessful. Please try again using a different USB stick. If the problem persists, you can contact DW Technical Support for further assistance.
For More Information or Technical Support
DW Technical Support: 866.446.3595 (option 4)
https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/
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DW Sales: 866.446.3595 [email protected] www.digital-watchdog.com
