## Requirements Before you begin, make sure you have the following: - An additional laptop or PC to run commands - Debug board - FPC cable - CH341A USB programmer - PH0 screwdriver - 1.8V adapter (**required for AMD-based machines**) --- Place your **StarBook Mk VI** on a soft, protected surface to avoid scratching the anodized finish. ![StarBook on Surface](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/IMG-8816.jpg?v=1629296240) --- ### 1. Remove the Screws Remove the **two long Phillips screws** from the top corners of the backplate. ![Step 1](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/IMG-8818.jpg?v=1629297196) Then remove the **remaining eight short screws**. ![Step 2](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/IMG-8817.jpg?v=1629297575) Carefully lift off the backplate. ![Step 3](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/IMG-8819.jpg?v=1629297575) ![Step 3b](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/IMG-8821.jpg?v=1629298198) --- ### 2. Remove the Battery Remove the **five Phillips screws** securing the battery. > > **Note:** The centre-right screw is intentionally missing. ![Battery](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/IMG-8847.jpg?v=1629301986) Disconnect the battery connector carefully. ![Battery Disconnect](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/IMG-8843.jpg?v=1629301545) ![Battery Disconnect 2](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/IMG-8844.jpg?v=1629301708) ![Battery Removed](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/IMG-8849.jpg?v=1629302467) --- ### 3. Assemble the Programmer Connect the **programmer**, **debug board**, and **FPC cable** as shown below. Match the colours and orientation — or align using **Pin 1**, which is marked on both the adapter and boards. The **1.8V adapter** also has numbered pins, including Pin 1. ![Programmer Diagram](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/colour-coded-programmer-kit-first-pin-numbered-cropped.png?v=1738673414) ![Programmer Setup](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_29.jpg?v=1724251523) > > ⚠️ **Important:** > If your machine uses an **AMD processor**, you **must** use the 1.8V adapter — not doing so may **permanently damage your device.** --- ### 4. Locate the Debug Connector Find the debug connector on your StarBook’s mainboard. This location may vary slightly depending on the processor and model. ![Debug Connector](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/starbook-6-debug-connector.jpg?v=1738670146) --- ### 5. Connect Everything Attach the **FPC cable** to the mainboard’s debug connector, and plug the **programmer** into your external computer’s USB port. Ensure the **blue side** of the FPC cable is facing upward. > > **Tip:** Place the programmer on a non-conductive surface (like a wooden table or mousepad) to avoid short circuits. ![Connected Setup](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/starbook-programmer-setup.jpg?v=1738670632) --- ### 6. Install Flashrom On your external computer, open a terminal and install Flashrom: ```bash sudo apt install flashrom ``` --- ### 7. Download the Firmware Firmware files are available on our [GitHub Repository](https://github.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware). Download the `.bios` file for your model from the main branch: - [StarBook Mk V (`B5.bios`)](https://github.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware/raw/refs/heads/main/roms/B5.bios) - [StarBook Mk VI Intel (`B6-I.bios`)](https://github.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware/raw/refs/heads/main/roms/B6-I.bios) - [StarBook Mk VI AMD (`B6-A.bios`)](https://github.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware/raw/refs/heads/main/roms/B6-A.bios) - [StarBook Mk VI r2 Intel (`B62-I.bios`)](https://github.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware/raw/refs/heads/main/roms/B62-I.bios) - [StarBook Mk VII N-series (`B7-N.bios`)](https://github.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware/raw/refs/heads/main/roms/B7-N.bios) - [StarBook Mk VII U-series (`B7-U.bios`)](https://github.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware/raw/refs/heads/main/roms/B7-U.bios) > 🔍 **Note:** > Firmware is updated regularly — make sure to download the **latest version** for your model. --- ### 8. Flash the Firmware Run the following command, replacing `~/Downloads/B6-I.bios` with the path to your downloaded file: ```bash sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi -w ~/Downloads/B6-I.bios -n -N ``` > ⚠️ **Do not disconnect or disturb the programmer while flashing is in progress.** --- ### 9. Finish Up Once Flashrom completes, plug in your StarBook’s power cable. A **blue light** will flash on the left side — this means the board is active. Your laptop should now **boot normally.**