my buddy has that software and in the middle of loading up my new tune that damn laptop died...so now its showing that the car has no vin which doesnt allow him to upload the new tune since he has to buy the credits according to vin's just wandering if any one else has had that problem with one...and what to do without buying a new credit?

 

From the HPTuners "Help!" docs:

VCM Write Failed

An error during the write process has occurred.
DO NOT pull your VCM's fuse in attempt to correct the problem.
Restart the software and try to write the VCM again. If the
problem persists please contact customer support
(support@hptuners.com).


If you have no comms whatsoever I would try doing the PCM reset,
pull both PCM fuses and key on, key off. If you were just writing
tune data then when the bus gets unhung it may let you use the
recovery feature. But follow their advice first in the Troubleshooting
section.

If you were doing a "write entire" (OS as well as data) then there
is more chance that you lobotomized it and might need it reflashed
with a dealership TechII or worse.

Check with support@hptuners about things to try after your buddy
looks over the "Help!" docs

I always run the laptop off inverter power just to make double-dog-
sure the laptop can't take a nap right in the middle of brain surgery.

 

what year LS1 are we talking about? Were you doing a full write or a partial write? Im assuming his laptop is not salvagable? Have you contacted support directly?

 

Me too! Don't trust the battery or the laptop manufacturer or Windows really.

 

Ran into issues trying to read a car with an inverter attached so havent used one since...i just make sure I've got a good working battery thats fully charged, turn off all powersaver functions & screensavers and go to town...never had an issue.

BTW guys he was doing a full write on a 98 LS1 fbody when his laptop died so his pcm is pretty much DOA in talking to him.