How to update the firmware and kernel on a VP6300

Owned by IT-ADMIN G (Deactivated)
Last updated: Apr 03, 2020
3 min read

These instructions show how to update the firmware and kernel on a VP6300. Updating firmware should be a rare thing and should only be done if directed to do so by a technician. Once the process has begun it must be finished. Do not cancel, disconnect the reader, or power anything down while the firmware is being updated. If you are using a laptop ensure it is connected to a stable powersource (not on battery power). Check that all connections are secure. The lates firmware file should be posted on the VP6300 (IDVV-58X8X1AA): Home page in the Firmware Downloads section.

There are Test/Demo VP6300s and there are Productions VP6300s. Test/Demo units have demo keys injected) and Production units are injected with a production key. Inspect the Model No. on the label carefully. If the Model No. has a "D", it is a TEST unit. If not, it is a Production unit. TEST units will ONLY work with firmware signed for TEST units. The firmware file is depicted as Test unit firmware by the word "TEST" in the firmware's file name (as in VP6300 FW v1.00.052.0331.S TEST.zip). Likewise, production units will only work with firmware signed for production units. I.e. You cannot load demo firmware on to a production unit or visa versa... it won't work.


Click on each image below to enlarge the image.



  1. Extract the firmware update package on to the local machine.
  2. Launch the IDTechBootload.EXE tool.
  3. ensure that USB HID / RS232 is selected and click OK. 
  4. Ensure that the desired device is shown at the bottom of the screen, then click the Reload APP File Path button.
  5. Select the folder named for the firmware version to which you are updating, click ok. 
  6. You will see the firmware file with the desired version number in the grid. Click the Reload Kernel File Path button. 
  7. Select the Kernel folder, click ok. 
  8. You will see the kernel files have now been loaded to the grid. Check the Select all checkbox. Click the Update. 
  9. You get a confirmation message with a file list that contains all the selected files. Click Continue. 
  10. You will see progress bar for each file. Each file's status will change to Completed. Once all have completed, Update Succeeded  will be displayed. 
  11. You can now safely close the window or disconnect the VP6300 and connect another to be updated.