Tried to update - now officially frustrated

I've gone through the instructions in the past few months and finally made time today to update the firmware - step by step, got to the "Verify Serial Port" screen, clicked on "Select Serial Port" drop down box and was presented with ONE choice: "Intel(R) Active Ma...ology-SOL(COM3)". Since that was the only choice, I selected it, and then this message appeared: "Couldn't verify Serial Connection on Intel(R) Active Management Technology". Total gibberish. I've never had trouble selecting or connecting to a COM port, but this is baffling, so I had to unplug and give up on updating my firmware. What now?

Hank,

It's time to call Ben at Outlaw. He will help you out, and, one way or another we will get you updated.

Peter

Hank,

I'd be glad to talk to you about the Model 975 software update. Please give me a call at your convenience; I can be reached, M-F 9:00am -5:00pm EST, at (866) OUTLAWS.

Will do, but it will have to be tomorrow - I'm working until 4:00 (CST) today. Unit won't turn on with either front panel button or remote.

Hank,
I had a similar problem with my initial attempt. I actually tried it a half dozen times and couldn't get it to work. After a couple calls to Outlaw where we made no progress I was advised to try a different computer. I borrowed the kid's laptop. Loaded the SW and it worked first time through, no problems.

I don't know what it was about my laptop, but it just wouldn't work.

Hank,

If the switch on the back of the Model 975 is still in 'Service 1' Mode, the unit will not turn on. If you wish to use the unit until we talk tomorrow, please unplug the power and switch it back to 'Normal', you can then plug in the power cord and the unit should operate properly.

EEman, that's an interesting experience.
Ben, I switched it back to "Normal" plugged the power back in after I gave up trying to electronically connect.

Just got off the phone with Ben, and it appears I have the same problem as you, EEman. My HP notebook will not recognize the Outlaw null modem. I'll borrow another notebook and try again and if it doesn't work, I'll pack up and ship the unit to Ben.
One item I need to stress, Ben: My unit appears "bricked". As I noted yesterday, when I put the switch back too "Normal", plug in power, the unit will not turn on, either from front panel or remote.

Hank, Please make sure you hear the switch slide into position when you've moved it back to normal. If it is not fully seated, this will happen. Next would be to pull the power cord and plug it back in. When in 'Normal,' you should not hear a relay click when plugging in the power but only when hitting the power button. Please give me a call tomorrow.

Unit received last Friday, hooked up and working. Usual Outlaw great customer service!