HI,

Im new to the forum and the information on here is great. I have a Japanese Pioneer system that came with my Mazdaspeed Axela and it looks very similar to the Z series. I want to try to use the Z3 image and see if it boots up in English with my system. Is there an image without all the map data, as Im not in the US and therefore cant use my GPS here? Im sure the map data is the bulk of the download, so if there is any image out there without it, that would be mush easier to d/l.

Thanks for the great info so far.

I have a upgraded z1 with z2 firmware. do i have to redo the hack so i can drive and watch dvds, etc.?

Quick question, the guide has led me to believe the image is a single file but I am downloading the torrent now and it is 13 files without rar extensions. Am I supposed to use winrar to build the image or does Arconis use all 13 tib files to build the image.

Thanks

yeap, Acronis use those files.

I have a upgraded z1 with z2 firmware. do i have to redo the hack so i can drive and watch dvds, etc.?

No, it will work fine with the Z3 update.

Ok Guys. need help. I started the upgrade. I am an IT guy but I think I am missing a step here.

I am here:

STEP 6 - Create a Backup of Your Current AVIC Z1/Z2/Z3 Hard Drive

Use Acronis True Image Home 2010 to create a backup image of your AVIC Z1/Z2/Z3 hard drive. This step is optional but good practice incase you have problems later on.

After I disabled the security lock I rebooted and started acronis. Acronis didnt see the drive. i checked the MANAGE screen inder windows and it only sees the drive with a red X. I initilized it and created a partition BUT DIDNT FORMAT (I HOPETHIS IS CORRECT??? I AM CROSSIG MY FINGERS) and created a backup.

SO:

1. DID I DO THIS RIGHT?

2. ALSO, When I restore the image, I would like to keep my music files and settings, but I dont see how I can restore individual partitions. Am i suppoed to wipe the drive now and create them individually? If so what sizes etc. Didnt see that in the instructions.

I am using the stock Toshiba mk3029gace to upgrade.

REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP

Did you buy the $5 or $50 license for unlocking your drive?

5.00

If you used the $5 unlock license, then all your old data is gone. You will not be able to do a backup or restore of your old music and settings. You will be starting from scratch, so you can not do a full restore with Acronis using the 9gb download.

Can anyone attach the torrent file please??

the link on this post from megaupload doesnt work...

I just checked the link, it is working for me.

I have a faster hard drive that I wanted to load the Z3 image onto to put in my Z1. What I was wondering is - If I have any issues (i.e. rebooting problems), can I put the factory Z1 drive back in the unit?

Yes. Make sure you new drive is a Toshiba drive, otherwise you will have random reboot issues.

Hi All!

This message is directed towards garrettoomey:, but anyone whom bought the drives thru him before can also answer:

I got the 40GB/60GB drive directly thru him last time, for the 2008 maps + higher capacity then the OEM of Z3 (by the way, I have the Z3).

Reading this post is interesting, as I have now completed downloading the "torrent" of the *.TIB files for the 2009 image.

Now, I can't remember, if Garrett's drive I bought from him is already unlocked on a permanent basis.

I don't have any saved music or data of my own on the drive (since I use mostly MP3 / iPod for my music needs).

Can I simply use a usb adapter to connect the 2.5" Z3 HDD drive on Win7 64-bit, and load the TIB files to restore the partition thru TrueImage Home 2010 (windows version)?

Or do I still need to connect via a 2.5" to 3.5" IDE cable thru my Motherboard?

If you're trying to write over the drive you bought from Garret, it is already unlocked and all you need is a USB connection.

Kathigan,

The drive you got from me is already unlocked. You only need to restore the first 2 partitions (LDAT and SDAT). If you only restore these partitions, then you will save all your personal information and settings. Good luck.

Thanks!

I was able to restore the partition and my system update is complete.

Working very well.

Thanks.

Call me stupid b/c I have the Z3_2009_virgin_torrent.zip file downloaded and winrar download but I'm stuck as to what I do with the Z3_2009_virgin_torrent.zip file. I thought I was suppose to extract it but its asking me for a program to open it with when it clearly has the .rar icon.

ignore my previous post. I forgot that I had to open my torrent program. Now I'm downloading, hopefully all will go well.

I have an upgrade problem.

I have a 40GB Toshiba HD that has worked for a year with the Z3 2008 files.

When I do a straight upgrade using the Z3 2009 image, everything is fine. When I write the image, and then expand the MSV partition to include the extra 10 gig of unallocated space, the unit will not work. It barely boots, and will only let me into the a/v screens.

Anyone know how to properly expand the MSV partition?

I was using EASEUS partition tool, I deleted both the user and msv partitions after saving the folders inside, re-made the partitions making the msv bigger, and copying the files back in.

Thanks.

I use acronis and restore 1 partition at a time. While restoring the MSV partition, I expand it. Good Luck.

garrettoomey, I have a drive I purchased from you about a year and a half ago. I would like to send it back to you and have it updated and keep my music. Can you do it and how much. thanks Chris Huie

garrettoomey, I have a drive I purchased from you about a year and a half ago. I would like to send it back to you and have it updated and keep my music. Can you do it and how much. thanks Chris Huie

PM sent

I've been reading through this thread and want to do this upgrade on my Z1 but looking to buy a new hard drive. Any suggestions?

Most of the Toshiba hard drive models I see in the thread are older models.

The older models are the ones that are known to work without issue. The Z can only use about 50gb of any drive do to the Pioneer database limitation of 400 albums/artists.