Reading contents of pcmcia software flash card

[rpalmeida]

Hi
Does anyone know how I can read [and copy] the contents of the flash card on a norstar system ? (in this case a startalk and/or a CICS)

I want to backup the software before I have it upgraded.

Thanks
R

 

[Roldan]

you will need the NRU and a RAD to do a backupof your system, I'm assuming you want it just in case the upgrade doens't go as planned and you need to go back. as for the Startalk, you cannot back that up, you can only get a print out of the program info.

 

[rpalmeida]

Actually, I want to copy the software from the flash card (not the configuration), onto my hard disk, send my flash card to be upgraded to the latest software - check that works, if it works, to buy the proper flash card.

My startalk 180 2 port (UK name for Startalk Flash) system (second hand) came with 2 software flash cards, the original with its label, and a new one, which had clearly had this process done as the label had been removed from the flash card (but, I dont know what s/w version it is!)

R

 

[mroberts]

The PCMCIA card (Flash card) cannot be copied. They won't be upgrading the actual Flash card, they will simply send you a new PCMCIA card that is the newer software revision. MRoberts
mroberts@americaii.com
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[rpalmeida]

Thats what I beleived. Until I met this chap in Canada who says that it is possible. I assume he has some special software to do it. (but he wont tell me how he does it)

After all, its just a bog standard Intel flash card (according to the intel part number on it)

R

 

[mroberts]

It is proprietary software and more than likely copyrighted so he may not be telling you how to do it because it's illegal? MRoberts
mroberts@americaii.com
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[Roldan]

You're right MRoberts. I too have seen software like that, but don't know how it was done, in fact out of the 10 that I saw 5 were defective. I know cause I had another vendor trying to use it, and he had to replace the bad ones so it may not be worth the trouble.

 

[Arr]

It is never worth the trouble. Ghost Busters don't do phones.

PhM

 

[mroberts]

I LIKE that, PhM. I gotta remember that. ;-) MRoberts
mroberts@americaii.com
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[PeterHurst]

I have successfully backed up our Startalk PCMCIA card using ELAN PC-Card software - you can backup the card using anything that can read memory cards and ELAN (laptop for instance) but you may need a PCMCIA that supports 5V to write one. I have an Action-Tec PC-Card reader in my desktop that copied it OK.

 

[exsmogger]

Backing up the card does not backup your programming. Voicemail programming is stored on the motherboard of the Flash voicemail. Brian Cox
J & J Communications

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

brian@jandjcommunications.com

 

[MontrealSoft]

PeterHurst I'm curious how you did this. Is there a specific release of ELAN we should look for ?

This could get useful for newbies to learn about the specific versions of software and their difference, by reflashing the rom of a test KSU to different revisions (and test VM interfacing with those as well!)

Luc@ MontrealSoft.com

 

[curlycord]

If you figured out how to read the flash card you still cannot however see all the files on the flashcard as half of the files are hidden.

http://www.spoctel.com

 

[mitelman]

There is a program that you can "save" flash cards with. I use one all the time to upgrade software for Mitel PBX's. Mitel actually endorses the use of this. I have "copied" an image of a flash lite to my pc, but I have not tried writing to a new flash card and loading it on a voicemail. The program saves all the info as an image. So if it is a 4 meg flash card you will get a 4 meg binary file on your PC. You can't read the files on the image. The program that I am using is from Smart Modular Technologies. See the address below:

http://www.smartm.com/product/product.cfm?productID=17

 

[rconn]

I have read a product bulletin from Nortel regarding the StarTalk Flash. On April 28, 2003 they will be releasing a Backup Restore Utility flash card (likely last release)where the VM programming can saved to the Flash card using the same programming prompts as the larger VM's. In the event of a VM failure the Flash card can used to restore all programming.

Rob

 

[Arr]

rstar,
Any hint that this would be compatable with the CPs?

PhM

 

[rconn]

Nothing on CallPilot, just the Flash.


Rob

 

[MontrealSoft]

rstar That would mean we can actually remove the card while the system is in operation ??

Arr The good thing about the CP is that the flash card IS readable easily. Just plug and read...

A system backup via the network would be cool.

Luc MontrealSoft.com

http://www.montrealsoft.com

 

[rconn]

My reading of the bulletin is that the flash card memory is larger and includes both the VM software and the room required to back up the user programming. The card can be reused if the Flash unit must be replaced to restore programming, however if the flash card is failed then you are out of luck.

I would not remove the card as the operational software is still required. I hope to have one shortly after release for a Flash unit I have. I should be better informed once I get a chance to play with it.

Rob