It can be used either to backup or load a new firmware (always at .BIN format) at your LiteON CD/DVD Recorder...

Is it really necessary to keep spreading LtnFlash?

(in reply to emperor)

Is there a particular problem? Users keep asking which flasher they should use with the Binaries...

(in reply to dhc014)

And, this is a classic for LiteOn drives!

(in reply to emperor)

I'll post up one of dhc014's pages http://dhc014.rpc1.org/howto.htm

LtnFW is the preferred Windows flasher (UNLESS you are also going to backup the EEPROM), as it does not allow you to accidentally destroy the EEPROM contents, the one sure way to kill a Liteon, or at least be certain it will never be the same again, as the EEPROM is YOUR drive's calibration, and while loading another one if you mess up yours may enable the drive to work, but not well!

However, if you ARE going to tinker deeply, crossflash and patch, then I'd say you SHOULD backup the EEPROM and original firmware, so you have a complete "zero point" to return to, and you NEED LtnFlash to do that.

If you just want to load a firmware update, then use the official updates.

If you use dangerous tools, then you take responsibility for your own actions and don't go crying to Liteon if you screw it up - they've already made firmware hacking harder than it used to be, despite the fact that their DVD writers are sorely in need of any improvement the firmware hackers can make to them, especially the lamentable 12x and 16X models.

(in reply to MP3Mogul)

[Deleted by Admins]

(in reply to dhc014)

Matthew you do have some point, what is the latest version of LtnFW?

(in reply to Deleted User)

nice another link for ltnflash. it gets harder and harder to find sometimes. either way only those who understand and know how to use it should. not all that bad realy you just have to use common sense and pay attention when using it. oh yea and never attempt to use it while falling asleep.

(in reply to emperor)

LtnFW is *newer* and more stable than this old version of LtnFlash. Plus, it's also safer because it doesn't let people accidentally mess with the EEPROM, which, despite all the warnings, inevitably happens. There are other reasons for discouraging LtnFlash and encouraging LtnFW instead. This is also why dhc014 removed LtnFlash from his website and replaced it with LtnFW.

(in reply to S33K3R)

so your suggestion code65k would be to remove LtnFlash and add LtnFW?

(in reply to code65536)

I would not remove ltnflash and replace with ltnfw. ltnfw doesnt allow eeprom backup wich is a nice feature. overal its a 3 in 1, can backup eeprom, firmware and makes your drive region free. why bother downloading a bunch of different tools when you have it all in one.
I say nay to ltnfw and yay to ltnflash.
If you do not take the time to backup everything before flashing anything you should not even bother to use any of these utilities. Perhaps I am wrong but I have not seen another utility that allows you to back up the eeprom.
A better idea would be to post a warning to use extreme caution when using the program and those who are to scared will probably not even attempt to use it.

(in reply to emperor)

Personally, I'd offer both. LtnFW gets the spotlight. And LtnFlash gets buried in a heap of warnings. Most people don't need LtnFlash, so it doesn't need to be prominent.

and there might be an alternative EEPROM backup tool available soon-ish anyway

(in reply to S33K3R)

code65k where we can get LtnFW and host it? Hopefully we can see that alternative EEPROM backup util soon?

(in reply to code65536)

how about a utility like ltnflash for benq drives that would be best

(in reply to emperor)

For every company would be even better. I like this because you can read the supported speeds for each media and know what you should buy.

(in reply to S33K3R)

It's been so long ago since I last downloaded LtnFW. :p dhc014's website should have info about it. http://dhc014.rpc1.org/

(in reply to Iggy)