SVOD4 NPCX997

[arestlessknight]

Ah, okay. Thank you volinakis . I'm assuming like this? Or is this the wrong header on the mobo?

[volinakis]

Ah, okay. Thank you volinakis . I'm assuming like this? Or is this the wrong header on the mobo?

nope, that's connector for trackpad. you have to put the ribbon into keyboard connector, align with 1st pin. You have tutorials on youtube

[arestlessknight]

Hello again everyone! I wanted to thank everyone for their help. I was able to successfully erase the SVP from my laptop and change the settings to allow me to boot into Linux. I really appreciate the time/effort/experience that goes into helping newbies like myself.

Everything works as expected, so it is not critical, but I get a message about "invalid RFID serialization area" which tells me there is something slightly off with the binary I flashed. I will post the original and modified binaries later if anyone cares to look.

[james-b0nd]

Hello arestlessknight,

It would be great if you could give us some information and the binaries. I have the exact same laptop:
Model: Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen3 AMD
Type: 21CG-S1D600
Serial No.: PF-4AFKP5
Mainboard Type: NM-E441 Rev: 1.0
BIOS Chip 1?: 25LR256EYIG
BIOS Chip 2?: 25LB128ESIG
Chip: GigaDevice

Do you also have both installed BIOS chips? Or which of the two is the correct one? See image.



I've already ordered the SVOD4 programmer and am still waiting for delivery. As soon as it arrives, I want to get started.

[Kodza]

a BIG BIG Thanks to the SVOD team who activated my tool.
I now notice a new box in the software and now reading is done perfectly

Hello Maxpower3, I need software for svod4 version 0.0.5.5 if you have, I am having same issue trying to read NPCX997 and I can only get software version 0.0.5.9 and I have tried everything on the forums without success. For the past 3 days I have sent messages, pics to svod support but no one is coming forth to help. Thanks

[james-b0nd]

I have exactly the same problem, does anyone have version 0.0.5.5?

[nijaylo]

Hello 👋 need some help after i flash the bios from other website using svod 4 to remove passcode but it came to no display even the back up files not working too
i just notice after that when i power on the laptop the indicator light blink 3 times and stop to stable light but no display. Here the model and other information.

serial no. PF-4EX3CK
Type no. 21CG-SOVT3V
NM-E441 Rev:1.0

[Kodza]

I have exactly the same problem, does anyone have version 0.0.5.5?

Here is version 0.0.5.5 hope it helps but as for me its not working. I have tried different windows on different computers but I cant read NPCX997 on Lenovo T14 G4 NM-F261

[james-b0nd]

Thank you Kodza.
OK, it doesn't work for me even with version 0.0.5.5.
According to SVOD support, software 0.0.5.9 should work with NPCX997K without any problems.
Maybe I need to connect the programmer directly to the chip and not via the keyboard input.
I hope someone can help us here.

[rediii]

Thank you Kodza.
OK, it doesn't work for me even with version 0.0.5.5.
According to SVOD support, software 0.0.5.9 should work with NPCX997K without any problems.
Maybe I need to connect the programmer directly to the chip and not via the keyboard input.
I hope someone can help us here.

i'm not using this programmer, but the ufpi (best on the market in my opinion). timing is important. in this case you need to read the chip id just BEFORE plugging in the power cord (bat disconnected)! maybe it helps...

[volinakis]

Thank you Kodza.
OK, it doesn't work for me even with version 0.0.5.5.
According to SVOD support, software 0.0.5.9 should work with NPCX997K without any problems.
Maybe I need to connect the programmer directly to the chip and not via the keyboard input.
I hope someone can help us here.

it should work, few days ago I unlocked a T14 gen3 AMD. I think I have an older software version from March, I didn't update it to last version but I will try also with new version. Set voltage (power) to 1.8V, sometimes it helps even NPC isn't powered by SVOD4. I also let the CMOS battery plugged in so the motherboard doesn't start up. Oh, one last thing: I always remove motherboard from chassis or remove all connectors entering in motherboard.

[Kodza]

it should work, few days ago I unlocked a T14 gen3 AMD. I think I have an older software version from March, I didn't update it to last version but I will try also with new version. Set voltage (power) to 1.8V, sometimes it helps even NPC isn't powered by SVOD4. I also let the CMOS battery plugged in so the motherboard doesn't start up. Oh, one last thing: I always remove motherboard from chassis or remove all connectors entering in motherboard.

Thank you for the reply but I am starting to believe that my SVOD 4 is defective. 5 days I am trying to read this ic. The response from SVOD support is poor they don't give anything to work with. If you plug charger on the motherboard without cmos battery and main battery does your board power on because I see you mention CMOS battery. When I plug charger on my board it does not power on by its self so could that contribute

[volinakis]

Thank you for the reply but I am starting to believe that my SVOD 4 is defective. 5 days I am trying to read this ic. The response from SVOD support is poor they don't give anything to work with. If you plug charger on the motherboard without cmos battery and main battery does your board power on because I see you mention CMOS battery. When I plug charger on my board it does not power on by its self so could that contribute

there is a facebook group for svod4, users are sharing their experiences there. Some are saying they let the main battery plugged in.

[james-b0nd]

Great, thanks for all the tips. Reading the bin file worked. Can someone tell me how to proceed?

[volinakis]

Great, thanks for all the tips. Reading the bin file worked. Can someone tell me how to proceed?

fill with 00

[james-b0nd]

Thank you so much, Volinakis.
- I filled in the area with 00.
- Then I wrote it back to the chip.
- When I restarted, the ThinkPad created a self-healing backup.
- F1 > Supervisor Password Blank
- I can now access the BIOS, but I can't make any changes.

What do I have to do now?

[Kodza]

Great, thanks for all the tips. Reading the bin file worked. Can someone tell me how to proceed?

Hi how did you do it, me I am stuck on Armcore Detected, error 20, Ready Faulty

[volinakis]

Thank you so much, Volinakis.
- I filled in the area with 00.
- Then I wrote it back to the chip.
- When I restarted, the ThinkPad created a self-healing backup.
- F1 > Supervisor Password Blank
- I can now access the BIOS, but I can't make any changes.

What do I have to do now?

extract Ec from update, is the .fl2 file or ask help from Maxpower3. I filled that area with 00 and it worked for me.

[james-b0nd]

Hello volinakis, could you describe in more detail what I should do? Where can I get the .fl2 file? Sorry, this is my first time.

[james-b0nd]

Hi how did you do it, me I am stuck on Armcore Detected, error 20, Ready Faulty

1. Remove the battery

2. Remove the CMOS battery

3. Connect the ribbon cable EXACTLY to pin 1 on the left (see photo)



4. Connect the SVOD4 USB GND cable to the laptop



5. Start the SVOD Pragrammer v4

6. Select the programmer mode (NUVOTON)

7. Select 1.8 V

8. Select config NUVOTON (256K and NPCE38/48/58/68)

9. Connect the power supply to the laptop

10. Read the ID

11. Read

12. Save the .bin file



13. Open the file with a HEX editor



14. Fill the displayed area with 00



15. Save

16. Then use SVOD4 (Write)

17. Reinstall everything: battery, CMOS battery, and keyboard

18. Start the laptop. Sometimes you have to try 2-3 times.

19. Then it should start.

20. When I restarted, my ThinkPad created a self-healing backup.

21. Then you'll see a message asking you to enter your supervisor password. Just leave it blank and click Continue.

22. Then you'll enter the BIOS.

That was my approach. Unfortunately, I can't get any further here because I can't make any changes in the BIOS.

@volinakis
23. Extract Ec from the update, which is the .fl2 file. Then fill the area with 00.

Unfortunately, I don't fully understand step 23. Perhaps you can explain it in more detail. Thank you in advance.

Perhaps this guide will help someone who's just starting out.