> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/power-on-works-but.../software-update-failed.md).

# Software update failed

## Before you move on

You are here because you tried to [update the BactoBox® software](/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/qc-test-fails/i-get-error-40xx.md)?

See also [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/readme.md).

<img src="/files/EyVwPa0HWk6A7ZSVgN0G" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">

## It says *update failed*

You get a message that looks like this image:

<figure><img src="/files/ILKHweymxcgcqwjbf0pf" 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/Qofb2WszD72619ngDicw" 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](/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](/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.


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