CROWPANEL HOME ASSISTANT — RECOVERY TOOL GUIDE
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Use Recovery_Tool.exe only when the normal firmware update in Settings → System cannot be completed, or when the panel starts on the blue USB Recovery Mode screen.

The Recovery Tool installs the encrypted firmware image included in this package. It updates the application in the inactive OTA partition and does not perform a complete flash erase.


BEFORE YOU START
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You need:

- a Windows computer;
- a USB data cable;
- access to the panel's UART0 connector;
- Recovery_Tool.exe and the firmware folder from the same release package.

Keep all files in their original folders. Do not replace individual firmware files with files from another release package.

Close Firmware_Flasher.exe, CrowPanel-Config.exe, ESP-IDF Monitor, serial terminals, and any other application that may be using the panel's COM port.


1. ENTER USB RECOVERY MODE
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1. Keep the panel powered on.
2. Press the physical Reset button three times, approximately one second apart (press it as soon as you see "loading" on the screen).
3. Do not leave more than 2.5 seconds between presses.
4. Wait for the blue USB Recovery Mode screen to appear.

The Recovery Tool cannot start the recovery mode automatically. Do not continue until the blue recovery screen is visible.

2. CONNECT THE PANEL
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1. Connect the USB data cable to the panel's UART0 connector.
2. Connect the other end to the Windows computer.
3. Wait a few seconds for Windows to detect the COM port.

IMPORTANT: Use UART0. The USB 2.0 connector is not used by the Recovery Tool.

If no COM port appears, run CH341SER\SETUP.EXE as administrator, select Install, reconnect the cable, and try again.


3. INSTALL THE RECOVERY UPDATE
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1. Run Recovery_Tool.exe.
2. If one suitable USB-UART device is connected, its COM port is selected automatically.
3. If several COM ports are available, enter the number shown next to the panel's port.
4. Press Enter to start the update.
5. Keep the panel powered and connected while the following stages are shown:
   - Preparing and erasing the inactive OTA partition;
   - Sending encrypted firmware;
   - Verifying and installing the update.
6. Wait for this message:

   SUCCESS: Firmware was verified and installed.

7. The panel restarts automatically. Keep it powered and wait 1–2 minutes for the first start to complete.

Do not press Reset, disconnect the cable, or turn off the panel while the firmware is being transferred, verified, or installed.


4. VERIFY THE RESULT
====================

After the panel starts:

1. Open Settings → System.
2. Confirm that the expected firmware version is shown.
3. Return to the Home Assistant screen and confirm that the panel connects normally.

The Recovery Tool updates the application only. Existing panel settings should remain unchanged.


TROUBLESHOOTING
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NO COM PORTS FOUND

- Confirm that the cable supports data transfer.
- Confirm that the cable is connected to UART0.
- Close every program that may be using the COM port.
- Install the bundled CH340/CH341 driver from CH341SER\SETUP.EXE.
- Disconnect and reconnect the cable.
- Try another USB cable or computer USB port.


PANEL IS NOT READY

- Confirm that the blue USB Recovery Mode screen is visible.
- Close the Recovery Tool completely.
- Enter recovery mode again using three Reset presses.
- Restart Recovery_Tool.exe and select the correct COM port.


TRANSFER FAILED AT BYTE ...

- Keep the panel powered.
- Close the Recovery Tool and reconnect the UART0 cable.
- Enter recovery mode again before retrying.
- Avoid USB hubs and try another cable or USB port.
- Confirm that no serial monitor is running in the background.


VERIFICATION FAILED

- Use Recovery_Tool.exe and the firmware folder from the same release package.
- Do not rename, edit, or mix firmware files from different packages.
- Download or copy the complete release package again if a file may be damaged.
- Enter recovery mode again and repeat the update.


THE PANEL DOES NOT SHOW USB RECOVERY MODE

Recovery_Tool.exe cannot repair a blank panel, a missing bootloader, or a damaged partition table when the recovery screen cannot start.

Use Firmware_Flasher.exe for a complete erase and installation. Follow FIRST_START_GUIDE.txt and keep the panel connected until flashing finishes.
