General Firmware and OS version questions

[antinull]

How do i find out what firmware i am on?
Can i update the OS without updating the firmware?
How do i update the OS?

[KRIKzz]

OS and firmware version shown in "device info" menu
yes, you can update os without firmware update
you can update os via "update os" menu

[BM-Viper]

Any way to recover from a bad OS update? I was trying to update to OS v15 from v8, and my cat got excited and accidentally pulled out the power cord, so it just boots to a blank screen.

[KRIKzz]

try press A+B+C or A+B+C+UP, before power on, keep butons until reserve OS copy will be loaded (should start immediately after sega copyright screen).

[BM-Viper]

Would using a 6 button controller make any difference? I've tried both combos and both give me the same black screen.

[KRIKzz]

console show sega copyright screen?

[BM-Viper]

Yes, it does show the normal copyright screen, then is black after that.

[KRIKzz]

can you remember which default OS version was installed on your cart in the beginning?

[BM-Viper]

I got it during the assembler group buy. I think it was v5 maybe?

[KRIKzz]

I remember that some old carts have bootloader which mey not load reserve OS by some reasons. i will try instal same bootloader on my cart and check how to run reserve OS. i will let you know soon

[BM-Viper]

Thank you.

[KRIKzz]

give me more info about your system please. MD/GENNY? 1/2? 3/6 button joy?

[BM-Viper]

It is a Genesis Model 1, High Definition graphics. I'm using a 6 button 3rd party controller as that is all I have.

[KRIKzz]

i have solution! problem in joypad initialisation. joypad not inited by bootloader, so need to int joypad by some game.
demo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S64trH2hUOU

[BM-Viper]

I have tried it repeatedly with sonic 2, vectorman, and aladdin and so far no luck, I still only get a black screen. I'll keep trying though. Also, is there a specific way i need to pull the cart as sometimes it seems to reset itself.

EDIT: I did manage to get it to work! I updated with the update-os module to v15, which took no time at all. Before when using the built in OS upgrade in the toolbox menu it ran for a few minutes and didn't have a progress bar or anything. Should it take that long?

EDIT 2: Thank you soooooo much KRIKzz, you have made my birthday so much better! I appreciate all of your hard work.

[KRIKzz]

so all ok?

[BM-Viper]

Yes, everything is working fine now. Got it updated to OS v15, and it works normally if I power it off and back on.

[KRIKzz]

good. i guess your cat will stay a live now (:

edit: i like cats

[BM-Viper]

Yes, she seems quite happy about that as well :) LOL

[BM-Viper]

Oh the trick to getting it to work was A+B+C+Up, just A+B+C did not work. Worked on the first try when holding Up.