The Firmware Page

Hi

My first post here... I am the (un)fortunate owner of a HP laptop which has the matshita drive... I watched a couple of Region 1 DVD's on the laptop (was set to Region 2) - each time asking me am I sure I wish to change the region.

I have upgraded the firmware to 1.03 (got it from the HP website) - which is as far as I can see is the latest version.

My problem is that: under DVD drive properties - the DVD region tab - it says that I have 1 change remaining. So I can change it one more time before it is permanent. This however does not work when I try to change it ("ensure there is a region 2 media in the drive and that you have admin rights" error message).

I also ran the Drive Region Info V2.2 tool:
Region Code: 1
User: 1 changes left
Manufacturer: 4 changes left
Status: Permanent, but can be changed by manufacturer

I have tried each and every available software product to bypass this region checking (AnyDVD, DVD Genie, DVD Region+CSS Free etc etc). Nothing works...

I am willing to accept this - BUT I would like to use my one last chance to change the Region to 2... It is fine if it is permanent on Region 2... How come it will not allow me to use the last chance to change?

Any help / information regarding this will be greatly appreciated!

Regards, Hendrik

obviously its been reported wrong by the drive, this line gives it away



its locked to region 1

Ok yes well my worst fears realised... But why displaying still one change left?

Is there ANY way I can get the drive to Region 2 (without physically replacing the drive)?

maybe software is affecting this, as with all these matshita drives, there is no solution that works 100%, its either new drive time or an expensive amount to get it changed by the manufacturer

Matshita aswell as Panasonic will strictly deny to reset the region counter which is possible for an manufacturer...

hmm i know people who have had this done by the way, its not cheap and you need to know the right person there

Yes, but the info was exactly what you get if you read on their sites.

not arguing that fact, i am merely stating that it can be done if you know the right person