How do you update a LabQuest 3 unit?

Below are the errors that can come up during an update and what you need to do to successfully complete the update.

Number Description Resolution
101 USB flash drive was not present Verify that the USB flash drive has a supported format (FAT16 or FAT32) and try the update again. Try a different USB drive if you continue to have problems.
102 Did not find any SWU to install Verify that you are not already running the latest update and try the update again. Put the update file in the root directory of the USB flash drive so it can be found automatically. Download the file again and/or try a different USB flash drive if you continue to have problems.
201 First boot failed Insert a USB drive that has an update (SWU) file in the root directory (it cannot be in a folder) that you know is good (e.g., used to update another unit successfully). Press and hold the power button until the unit reboots and wait for the unit to update normally.
202 Failed to update system tools Insert a USB drive that has an update (SWU) file in the root directory (it cannot be in a folder) that you know is good (used to update another unit successfully). Press and hold the power button until the unit reboots and wait for the unit to update normally.
203 Main update failed Insert a USB drive that has an update (SWU) file in the root directory (it cannot be in a folder) that you know is good (used to update another unit successfully). Press and hold the power button until the unit reboots and wait for the unit to update normally.

When updating a unit running this initial release of the software, a general “Update Failed” message is displayed whenever there is a problem. The most common failure is the LabQuest unit not finding the USB drive after the update has started. When this happens, the update can get into a loop where the software fails to update and continuously retries.

Follow these instructions to resolve a failed update:

  1. Make sure the USB flash drive with the update file is still connected to the unit. If it is not, reconnect it.
  2. If it is still connected, remove the flash drive then press and hold the LabQuest power button until the unit turns off.
  3. Turn the unit back on and allow the unit to boot normally.
  4. Reapply the update.

If this fails to resolve the issue, download the file again and/or try a different USB flash drive.

If you continue to have trouble, contact Vernier for additional support.