Fix “Name Contains Illegal Characters” Firmware Update Error on Viewtron NVR / DVR

I am trying to update my Viewtron NVR / DVR and I am getting an error that reads “Name contains illegal characters”. How do I fix it?

That error typically indicates that the firmware file name has a space or other illegal character. The most common cause is downloading the same file more than once: Windows then adds (1), (2), and so on before the extension. Spaces anywhere in the name will also trigger it.

What a bad filename looks like

An illegal firmware filename looks like this (note the space and parentheses before .fls):

Example of a bad name:

• N0N_UI1A_251031_1412_82058.release (1).fls

A valid name has no spaces and no parentheses. After the word release it should go straight to .fls, for example:

• N0N_UI1A_251031_1412_82058.release.fls

How to fix it

1. On your computer, open the folder where you downloaded the firmware file (usually Downloads).
2. Rename the .fls file so it has no spaces and no parentheses (or other special characters such as <, >, *).
3. If Windows added (1) or (2), remove that part entirely so the name ends with .release.fls.
4. Copy the cleaned file back to your USB drive (or the path the recorder uses for firmware).
5. Run the firmware update again on the Viewtron NVR / DVR.

Quick checklist

• Error text: Name contains illegal characters during firmware update.
• Cause: spaces, parentheses, or other illegal characters in the .fls file name (often from a second download).
• Fix: rename so the file ends with .release.fls with nothing between release and .fls.
• Retry the update after renaming.

Related

• Viewtron security camera systems
• Viewtron NVRs forum

Questions on a live Viewtron NVR / DVR firmware update? Email mike@cctvcamerapros.net or call / text 1-561-433-8488.