StarBook Mk V/VI/VII - Installing/recovering firmware with external programmer

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

1. Remove the Screws

Remove the two long Phillips screws from the top corners of the backplate.
Step 1

Then remove the remaining eight short screws.
Step 2

Carefully lift off the backplate.
Step 3
Step 3b

2. Remove the Battery

Remove the five Phillips screws securing the battery.

Note: The centre-right screw is intentionally missing.

Battery

Disconnect the battery connector carefully.

Battery Disconnect
Battery Disconnect 2
Battery Removed

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
Programmer Setup

⚠️ 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

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

6. Install Flashrom

On your external computer, open a terminal and install Flashrom:

7. Download the Firmware

Firmware files are available on our GitHub Repository.

For example, for the StarBook Mk VI (Intel), you can find the .rom file here.

🔍 Note:
Firmware is updated regularly — make sure to download the latest version for your model.

8. Flash the Firmware

Run the following command, replacing coreboot.rom with the path to your downloaded file:

⚠️ 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.