QRDGAME | OFFICIAL FIRMWARE UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS
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QRD FERROX M5 - 2.4GHz USB DONGLE
USB Dongle Firmware: V1.35
Supported PC operating systems: Windows 10 / Windows 11

IMPORTANT: READ THIS FILE BEFORE OPENING THE FIRMWARE PROGRAM.

THIS FILE IS FOR THE 2.4GHz USB DONGLE ONLY.
The FERROX M5 controller uses a SEPARATE firmware update tool
(Controller Firmware V1.71). Do NOT interchange these files.

IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE:
  DONGLE: Hold the PAIR button WHILE inserting the USB Dongle into the PC.
  CONTROLLER: Uses a different firmware update procedure.
  NEVER use the controller's Y-button update method for the USB Dongle.


1. FIRST - EXTRACT THE ENTIRE FIRMWARE PACKAGE
---------------------------------------------
Some QRD firmware packages use a self-extracting EXE. Opening such a
package directly can cause errors including:
  - Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library
  - Debug Assertion Failed
  - filecore.cpp Line 320

If the download is a ZIP archive:
  1) Right-click the ZIP and choose "Extract All".
  2) Open the fully extracted folder; do not run the tool from the
     ZIP preview.

If the download contains a SELF-EXTRACTING EXE archive:
  1) Do not directly double-click the self-extracting EXE to install.
  2) Right-click the file, open it as an archive with 7-Zip or WinRAR.
  3) Extract ALL files to a normal folder, for example:
        Desktop\QRD_FERROX_M5_Dongle_V1.35\
  4) Keep ALL extracted files and subfolders together.
  5) Locate the actual firmware update program in the extracted folder.
  6) Right-click the actual update program and select
     "Run as administrator".

If the downloaded package already contains the real firmware updater
and its support files in a folder, simply run the updater from that
fully extracted folder. Do NOT try to unpack an ordinary application
EXE that is not a self-extracting archive.

Do NOT move just one EXE out of the extracted folder, or delete DLLs
and other supporting files. An incomplete extraction may cause a C++
error even if Microsoft Visual C++ is already installed.


2. WHAT YOU NEED
----------------
  - Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.
  - QRD FERROX M5 original 2.4GHz USB Dongle.
  - Official USB Dongle Firmware V1.35 update tool/package.

You do NOT need a USB-C data cable to update the USB Dongle.
The USB Dongle plugs directly into a USB port on the Windows PC.

Before you start:
  - Make sure the USB Dongle is NOT plugged into the PC yet.
  - Close games and controller-related applications.
  - Use a direct USB port when possible, not an unstable USB hub.
  - Confirm that you opened the DONGLE updater, not the CONTROLLER
    updater (V1.71).


3. UPDATE THE USB DONGLE TO FIRMWARE V1.35
-----------------------------------------
STEP 1. Fully extract the firmware package (see Section 1).

STEP 2. Open the actual USB Dongle firmware update tool on the
        Windows PC.

STEP 3. With the USB Dongle still disconnected, locate its PAIR
        button on the Dongle itself.

STEP 4. PRESS AND HOLD the PAIR button on the USB Dongle.

STEP 5. WHILE KEEPING THE PAIR BUTTON PRESSED, plug the USB Dongle
        directly into the PC USB port.

STEP 6. Wait for the firmware program to show "READY".
        Do NOT click "Update" unless the program detects the Dongle.

STEP 7. Click "Update" in the USB Dongle firmware program.

STEP 8. Wait for the confirmation message "Successful (offline)".

STEP 9. Only after that success message appears, remove the
        USB Dongle from the computer.

CRITICAL SAFETY NOTES:
  - Do NOT unplug the USB Dongle while firmware is being written.
  - Do NOT close the updater, restart or shut down the PC mid-update.
  - Do NOT use the controller firmware tool to update the USB Dongle.
  - Do NOT repeatedly click "Update" if "READY" is not displayed.


4. FIX A MICROSOFT VISUAL C++ / DEBUG ASSERTION ERROR
----------------------------------------------------
Typical error messages:
  - "Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library"
  - "Debug Assertion Failed"
  - "filecore.cpp Line 320"

FIRST TRY THE EXTRACTION FIX:
  1) Close the error message and the firmware program.
  2) Remove any incomplete extracted folder.
  3) Re-extract the official package with 7-Zip or WinRAR.
  4) Keep the extracted executable and its required support files
     together in one folder.
  5) Run the ACTUAL update tool from that folder as administrator.
  6) If the error persists, download a fresh official copy, restart
     Windows, and try again.

A C++ error does NOT automatically mean Microsoft Visual C++ is missing.
QRD's support article identifies incomplete self-extraction as a
possible cause. If Windows specifically reports a missing runtime,
consult the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable guidance.
The appropriate x86/x64 package depends on the updater's architecture.
Do NOT download random DLL files or disable Windows security protections
just to force the firmware tool to run.

Official QRD C++ error guide:
https://qrdgame.com/blogs/software/how-to-fix-c-error-when-opening-firmware-file

Official Microsoft Visual C++ information:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist


5. IF THE UPDATE PROGRAM DOES NOT SHOW "READY"
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  1) Close the firmware tool and unplug the USB Dongle.
  2) Confirm you are running the FERROX M5 USB DONGLE V1.35 updater.
  3) Reopen the update tool.
  4) Press and hold the PAIR button BEFORE inserting the Dongle.
  5) Keep PAIR pressed WHILE inserting the Dongle into the PC USB port.
  6) Try another direct USB port if the Dongle is not detected.
  7) Restart Windows and repeat the steps if needed.

If "READY" still does not appear, do not attempt to force the update.
Contact QRD Support and provide a screenshot of the update tool.


6. AFTER UPDATING: CONTROLLER + DONGLE CONNECTION
------------------------------------------------
For best compatibility, update BOTH items using their own packages:
  - FERROX M5 CONTROLLER firmware: V1.71
  - FERROX M5 USB DONGLE firmware: V1.35

After both compatible updates have been completed:
  1) Insert the USB Dongle into a compatible console or PC USB port.
  2) Move the controller's power switch to ON.
  3) Allow approximately 3-5 seconds for automatic pairing/connection.

With the updated firmware, ordinary first-time connection does NOT
require pressing the Dongle PAIR button or holding HOME for 2 seconds.
The PAIR-button operation in Section 3 is specifically for entering
DONGLE FIRMWARE UPDATE MODE, not everyday controller connection.

If the controller connects but Xbox or Windows does not recognize it
correctly, the QRD update guide also documents a compatibility key-group
switch: press A + X + LB together for 3 seconds while connected.
The controller may vibrate and briefly disconnect/reconnect. This is
not required for a normal successful connection.


7. OFFICIAL FIRMWARE LINKS AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
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USB Dongle Firmware V1.35 (THIS DEVICE):
https://qrdgame.com/blogs/software/v1-35-qrd-ferrox-m5-usb-dongle-firmware-version-1-35-release

Controller Firmware V1.71 (SEPARATE UPDATE):
https://qrdgame.com/blogs/software/v1-71-qrd-ferrox-m5-firmware-version-1-71-release

FERROX M5 FAQs:
https://qrdgame.com/blogs/qrd-ferrox-m5-faqs

QRD Support: support@qrdgame.com

When contacting support, please provide:
  - Your Windows version.
  - A screenshot of the exact error or the update program.
  - Whether "READY" is displayed.
  - The downloaded package name.
  - Confirmation that you are updating the USB Dongle, not controller.

This README is for the FERROX M5 USB Dongle Firmware V1.35 only.
Do not use it as instructions for another QRD device.

QRDGAME Technical Support
www.qrdgame.com
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