Requirements:
- Additional Laptop/PC to run commands
- Debug board
- FPC cable
- CH341A USB programmer
- PH0 screwdriver
- 1.8V adapter (Required for machines using AMD processors)
To begin, place the StarBook Mk VI on a soft protected surface to avoid any possible scratching of the anodized finish.
1. Remove the 2x long Phillips screws from the backplate, these are located in the top corners.
2. Remove the remaining 8x short Phillips screws from the backplate.
3. Carefully remove the backplate.
4. Remove Battery: Remove 5 x Phillips screws that hold the Battery in place.
Note: The centre-right screw is intentionally absent.
Disconnect the battery connector.
5. Assemble the Programmer, Debug board, and FPC cable.
Below is a colour-coded diagram showing how to connect your boards. Match the colours together in the correct orientation. (Open the image in a new tab and zoom in if you need a closer look). The first pin is also marked with a 1 if you'd prefer to line up the boards with that pin. The 1.8V adapter is stamped with numbers for pins including pin 1.
USE A 1.8V ADAPTER IF YOU HAVE AN AMD MACHINE; OTHERWISE, YOU RISK DESTROYING YOUR MACHINE!
6. Locate the debug connector on your StarBook's mainboard.
Keep in mind the location of the debug connector will be different depending on which processor and StarBook model you have.
7. Connect your FPC cable to the board's debug connector and your programmer to your external computer's USB port. The blue side of the FPC cable ends should be facing up.
Note: Ensure the programmer is resting on a non-conductive surface, such as a wooden table, or a work mat, such as a mousepad.
8. To perform the recovery, install Flashrom with the below command:
sudo apt install flashrom
9. Download the relevant Firmware file.
All firmware can be found on our GitHub Repository. Using the StarBook Mk VI Intel machine firmware as an example, browse to the .rom file here, and then click the download button.
Keep in mind that the latest firmware may be different from the links provided above, so ensure that you are using the latest firmware.
10. Finally, run the following command, changing where it says coreboot.rom to the location of your own .rom file.
sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi -w coreboot.rom -n -N
DO NOT DISTURB FLASHROM WHILE IT IS FLASHING.
11. Wait for Flashrom to finish flashing, and then plug in your machine to power. Wait for a blue light to flash on the left side and boot normally.