I had the same problem once on win2000 and it required a strict sequence of actions to be taken.
It seemed that after loading a faulty init, the serial port of the empeg is sending out crap constantly, which locks up the serial port of the PC. Here's how :

- unplug your empeg from mains and serial
- reboot your PC
- start the upgrade program
- plug in the serial cable
- plug in the power for the empeg.

Frank van Gestel
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Frank van Gestel