## Star LabTop Mk IV — Firmware Recovery Guide --- ### Requirements Before starting, make sure you have the following: - An additional laptop or PC to run commands - 8-pin test clip with adaptor - CH341A USB programmer - PH0 screwdriver ![Required Tools](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/Recoveringfirmware3.png?v=1614696304) --- ### 1. Prepare the Laptop Place your **Star LabTop Mk IV** on a soft, protected surface to prevent scratching the anodised finish. ![Preparation](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/9d1865f76e-873cb42adab35cea5ca0.jpeg?v=1613999089) --- ### 2. Remove the Backplate Screws 1. Remove the **10 short outer Phillips screws** from the backplate. ![Outer Screws](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/276c98f0bf-eec7414dba9a78b0f8df.jpeg?v=1613999245) 2. Then remove the **2 longer inner Phillips screws** from the center. ![Inner Screws](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/339bd9d83c-ab4f995eb0dc996a7cc1.jpeg?v=1614000310) --- ### 3. Remove the Backplate Carefully lift the backplate away from the chassis. > > ⚠️ **Important:** The speakers may be lightly attached to the backplate. > When lifting the bottom left and right corners, **check the speaker cables and connectors** to avoid damage. ![Backplate Removal](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/6c6c27d56c-90dd728f2bd1bb453404.jpeg?v=1614000742) --- ### 4. Disconnect the Battery Before proceeding, **disconnect the battery connector** to ensure safety during the flashing process. ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/dd1a490786-fed9e8195f7807d3fe11.jpeg?v=1614001301) ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/858e4b47a2-4cc5d586414584a2646e.jpeg?v=1614001365) ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/f96356bdce-e76983086dd174489264.jpeg?v=1614001413) --- ### 5. Prepare the Programmer 1. Attach the **test clip adaptor** to the **CH341A USB programmer**, ensuring the **pin numbers are correctly aligned**. - Pin **1** is located in the top-left corner of both the adaptor and the programmer socket. ![Adaptor Setup](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/recoveringfirmware.png?v=1614693324) ![Alignment](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/unnamed_5.jpg?v=1614701059) 2. Lock the adaptor in place by lowering the lever on the CH341A. ![Lock Lever](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/recoveringfirmware2.jpg?v=1614694022) --- ### 6. Connect the Test Clip Attach the test clip cable to the adaptor. Ensure that the **red wire aligns with pin 1**—this indicates correct orientation. ![Test Clip Alignment](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/unnamed_1.jpg?v=1614697307) --- ### 7. Locate the SOIC Chip On the mainboard, locate the **SOIC (Serial Flash Memory) chip**. ![SOIC Location](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/rect12.png?v=1614697672) The small **dot in the top-right corner** of the chip indicates **pin 1**. This pin must align with the **red wire** on your test clip. ![Pin 1 Marker](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/recoveringfirmware4.png?v=1614699118) Carefully attach the clip to the SOIC chip, ensuring a secure connection. ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/unnamed_7.jpg?v=1614762156) ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/unnamed_8.jpg?v=1614769371) Once attached, the **red wire** should sit in the **top-right position**, corresponding to **pin 1**. ![Correct Orientation](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/unnamed_4.jpg?v=1614699968) --- ### 8. Connect the Programmer Plug the **CH341A USB programmer** into your secondary laptop or PC and open a **Terminal** window. > > 💡 **Tip:** Avoid resting the programmer directly on the laptop’s surface to prevent short circuits. --- ### 9. Install Flashrom Install the required utility using the following command: ```bash sudo apt install flashrom ``` --- ### 10. Download the Firmware All firmware files are available from the [Star Labs GitHub repository](https://github.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware). For example, to download the **Star LabTop Mk IV firmware**, open the `.bios` file [here](https://github.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware/raw/refs/heads/main/roms/L4.bios) and click **Download**. --- ### 11. Flash the Firmware Finally, run the following command, replacing `~/Downloads/L4.bios` with the path to the firmware file you downloaded: ```bash sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi -w ~/Downloads/L4.bios ``` This process will write the firmware to the SOIC chip. --- ✅ **Once complete**, disconnect the test clip, reconnect the battery, and reassemble your laptop. You’ve successfully recovered the firmware on your Star LabTop Mk IV.