GE Healthcare MAC 5

Asset Type

Electrocardiograph (EKG) Machine

Manufacturer

GE Healthcare

Model

MAC 5

What This Guide Helps With

This guide helps troubleshoot Copying Software Upgrade Files Unsuccessful on a GE Healthcare MAC 5 when the software image or digital signature on the USB flash drive does not have sufficient permissions to copy the files. This condition can stop a USB software upgrade before it can continue and may leave the device unavailable until the upgrade media issue is corrected.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

• Remove the MAC 5 from patient use before troubleshooting software upgrade errors.
• Do not attempt software upgrade troubleshooting while the device is needed for active ECG acquisition.
• Move patient testing to another available ECG machine if needed.
• Expected: The device is safely available for service activity without interrupting patient care.

Verify the Reported Error and Behavior

• Confirm the exact message displayed is Copying Software Upgrade Files Unsuccessful.
• Determine whether the error appears during USB software upgrade, after the USB drive is inserted, while copying upgrade files, before the upgrade process starts, or repeatedly with the same USB flash drive.
• Expected: The error is reproducible during the software upgrade file copy process.
• This confirms a software upgrade media or file-access issue rather than a general device failure.

Confirm the USB Flash Drive Is the Intended Upgrade Media

• Verify the USB flash drive is the correct drive prepared for the MAC 5 software upgrade.
• Remove any unrelated USB devices from the unit.
• Expected: Only the intended upgrade USB drive is connected.
• Multiple USB devices or incorrect media can cause the wrong files or path to be accessed.

Check That the Required Upgrade Files Are Present

• On a workstation, inspect the USB flash drive and confirm the software image and digital signature files are present.
• Do not rename the software image or signature file unless directed by approved upgrade instructions.
• Expected: The USB drive contains the expected software image and matching digital signature file.
• The MAC 5 must be able to access both the software image and signature to continue the upgrade.

Check File Permissions on the USB Flash Drive

• From a computer, confirm the software image and digital signature files are not locked, restricted, blocked, or set with permissions that prevent access.
• Verify the files allow normal read/write access.
• Expected: The software upgrade files can be opened, copied, and accessed from the USB drive.
• This error specifically indicates the software image or digital signature does not have sufficient permissions to copy.

Test Copying the Files Manually on a Workstation

• Copy the software image and digital signature from the USB flash drive to a temporary folder on a computer.
• If appropriate, copy them back to the USB drive after confirming access.
• Expected: Files copy without permission errors.
• A manual copy test helps confirm whether the issue is related to file permissions, USB media, or file corruption.

Verify the USB Drive Is Not Write-Protected

• Inspect the USB flash drive for a physical write-protect switch if applicable.
• Check whether the computer reports the USB drive as read-only.
• Expected: The USB drive allows files to be written, modified, and copied.
• A write-protected or read-only USB drive can prevent upgrade file handling.

Reapply Proper File Permissions

• Provide appropriate read/write permissions to the software upgrade files on the USB flash drive.
• If the files were copied from a restricted network folder, secure archive, or locked computer account, recopy them from an approved source using proper permissions.
• Expected: The MAC 5 can access and copy the software image and digital signature files.
• The upgrade process depends on the system being able to read and copy the files without restriction.

Try a Known-Good USB Flash Drive

• If permissions appear correct but the error remains, prepare a different USB flash drive with the same valid upgrade files.
• Use a clean, reliable USB drive approved by the facility or service process.
• Expected: The upgrade copy process proceeds without the permission-related error.
• USB media can fail, mount incorrectly, or behave as read-only even when files appear present.

Restart the MAC 5 and Retry the Upgrade

• Safely power cycle the MAC 5.
• Reinsert the prepared USB flash drive and retry the software upgrade process.
• Expected: The software upgrade files copy successfully.
• Restarting clears temporary software states before retesting with corrected media.

Stop When Resolved

• If correcting file permissions or replacing the USB drive resolves the error, complete the upgrade process according to site procedure.
• Confirm the MAC 5 boots normally after upgrade activity.
• Return the device to service only after basic function checks pass.
• Expected: The error is cleared, the upgrade process completes or proceeds normally, and the device is operational.

If the Problem Persists

If the error continues after verifying file permissions, confirming the software image and digital signature are present, testing a known-good USB flash drive, and restarting the device, external causes have been ruled out.

At that point, the issue may involve corrupted upgrade files, incompatible upgrade media, USB access problems, or an internal device software or storage issue.

Remove the MAC 5 from service, label it Out of Service, and send it for repair, bench evaluation, or vendor-supported software service.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot software upgrade errors on an active patient. Move the patient to a backup ECG machine first and maintain testing continuity until the MAC 5 upgrade issue is resolved and the device passes functional checks.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"MAC 5 displayed Copying Software Upgrade Files Unsuccessful during USB software upgrade, and upgrade files would not copy from the USB flash drive."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Software image or digital signature files on the USB flash drive did not have sufficient permissions for the device to copy the upgrade files. External USB file permission issue suspected or confirmed."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Removed device from patient use, verified USB upgrade contents, checked file access, corrected read/write permissions on the software image and digital signature files, and retried upgrade. Device returned to service after upgrade process continued successfully and functional checks passed."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Exact alarm behavior or error text displayed
• Whether error occurred immediately or during file copy
• USB flash drive tested
• Software image present
• Digital signature file present
• Accessories or USB media swapped
• Power behavior during upgrade attempt
• Environmental factors such as workstation restrictions, locked files, or restricted network source
• Indicator lights or USB detection behavior
• File permissions checked and read/write access verified
• Alternate USB drive attempted
• Whether upgrade completed
• Final device status

Final Thought

Software upgrade errors should be handled carefully because they can affect device availability and reliability. For Clinical Engineering, the correct approach is to confirm the displayed error, verify the USB upgrade files, check permissions, rule out bad media, and escalate when the device still cannot copy valid files. Clear CCR documentation helps show whether the issue was corrected externally or requires repair support.

That is successful troubleshooting.