# Software update failed

## Before you move on

You are here because you tried to [update the BactoBox® software](/protocols/best-practices/update-bactobox-r-software.md) but something went wrong.

Is this not the case? Then let's take a step back. [Does your BactoBox® not power on](/troubleshooting/power-on-fails.md)? [Does the *QC test* program give errors](/troubleshooting/qualification-fails/i-get-error-40xx.md)?

See also [BactoBox® acting up?](/troubleshooting/bactobox-r-acting-up.md).

<img src="/files/4YvqkQVU1cELIaUHIgWW" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">

## It says *update failed*

You get a message that looks like this image:

<figure><img src="/files/SJJBNhH9RGGWCeWLBYgm" alt=""><figcaption><p>What it looks like when a software update fails.</p></figcaption></figure>

This doesn't say much on its own. Just below, however, there is a *Messages* field. Click on the *Messages* field to expand it like so:

<figure><img src="/files/UzQHR1YSjYsV8zdJ7dop" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>Messages</em> field. We omit the irrelevant lines of text. We highlight the relevant error message with a purple box.</p></figcaption></figure>

Find the lines that start with <mark style="color:red;">ERROR</mark>. This will tell you what is wrong. There may be multiple <mark style="color:red;">ERROR</mark> lines. Then, look up the error message in the sections below.

## SW not compatible with hardware

**The software update file is not meant for your version of BactoBox®.** Note that *very* old versions of BactoBox® don't receive software updates anymore.

Find the latest software update file for your hardware version here: [Update BactoBox® software](/protocols/best-practices/update-bactobox-r-software.md). Make sure that you select the right hardware version first!

## CPIO Format not recognized

**The software update file is in the wrong format.**

Make sure that you use a SWUpdate file (has the `.swu` extension). Find the latest software update file here: [Update BactoBox® software](/protocols/best-practices/update-bactobox-r-software.md).

## Checksum WRONG !

Usually followed by something like `Computed 0xf3e09ee1, it should be 0xf3e09f86` .

**The SWUpdate file is malformed.** This sometimes happen during a file transfer.

Download the software update file again. Then, try to update the device using the new file.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/power-on-works-but.../software-update-failed.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.