How to backup your original wh16ns40 firmware for safe keeping

[S.p.e.c.t.r.e.]

A few weeks ago, I saw a post that had instructions on how to backup the original firmware for safe keeping.
You might need more information so here it is.
Drive Information
OS device name: E:
Current profile: BD-ROM
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE WH16NS40
Revision: 1.04
Serial number: nonyabizz
Firmware date: 2119-01-04 13:48
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 65

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible, not yet enabled
Drive platform: MT1959

It was manufacturered in March 2020.
SVC code: NS50.
Connected to

I've read so many posts my head is about to explode.

This is what I think I have to do so far.

A. backup my firmware. (can't find the instructions for this using a dos command to operate makemkv, need help with this.
B. I will need first to install the same version software (except it has a bit flipped to allow downgrades from 1.04 to something else.
C. Once I'm able to downgrade, I'm not sure which firmware I should try.

Questions
1. I know I definitely want the drive libre enabled to help with speed and reading regular bluerays. Should I temp fate and be greedy and convert my drive to a UHD disk reader also?
2. Is it better to do all the firmware changes back to back immediately?
3. What will I lose as functionality by making my drive libre enabled? Will I lose the ability to burn disks?
4. What will I lose as functionality by making my drive UHD read capable. Will I lose the ability to burn disks?

[mike admin]

A. backup my firmware. (can't find the instructions for this using a dos command to operate makemkv, need help with this.

No easy way (near to impossible) for this FW version. The "easiest" way - do user area backup (sdftool dump), then flash 1.04 mk, then downgrade to 1.03 and then you will have ability to make a full dump (sdftool dump all). Then, having a bootloader from 1.03 full dump, user data from 1.04 and clean 1.04 image, you can combine them into your original 1.04 raw image. There should be zero practical need for you to do so, though.

B. I will need first to install the same version software (except it has a bit flipped to allow downgrades from 1.04 to something else.
C. Once I'm able to downgrade, I'm not sure which firmware I should try.

No. Just flash to 1.04MK.

3. What will I lose as functionality by making my drive libre enabled? Will I lose the ability to burn disks?

There will be NO changes in functionality going from 1.04 to 1.04MK, except that you will gain LibreDrive. At any moment you can flash original 1.04 back and your drive would be same as new.

Other questions - no offence, but please do read the faq.

[Beast]

I have the same drive. And I sent the small dump file to the support address.

I am wondering where do I find the 1.04MK firmware file ??? I d/l the 4-15-2020 firmware zip file. There is a 1.04Mk file for the
wh14ns40-ns50 folder but the wh16ns40-ns50 folder only has a 1.03MK.

[Billycar11]

I have the same drive. And I sent the small dump file to the support address.

I am wondering where do I find the 1.04MK firmware file ??? I d/l the 4-15-2020 firmware zip file. There is a 1.04Mk file for the
wh14ns40-ns50 folder but the wh16ns40-ns50 folder only has a 1.03MK.

you can use the 1.04mk from the WH14NS40 but i recommend you use WH16NS60 1.02mk it rips faster and no sleepbug.

[Beast]

Thanks for the info. I assume that I will have to first flash the wh14ns40 1.04MK file, and than downgrade to the wh16ns60 1.02MK.

Or is it possibale to just flash directaly from stock to wh16ns60 1.02Mk. ?

[Billycar11]

Thanks for the info. I assume that I will have to first flash the wh14ns40 1.04MK file, and than downgrade to the wh16ns60 1.02MK.

Or is it possibale to just flash directaly from stock to wh16ns60 1.02Mk. ?

go directly to 1.02mk