Q1. Why is the flashing tool stuck on "Checking Baudrate"?

This is the most common issue when using the SPD Upgrade Tool and it indicates a communication failure. This is almost always caused by an incorrect driver installation or not using the correct boot key sequence. Re-install the SPD drivers and ensure you are pressing and holding the Volume Down key *before* connecting the USB cable.

Q2. Can I use this firmware to upgrade my Archos 40 Helium to a newer Android version?

No. This is the official Android 5.1 Lollipop firmware, which was the final OS version officially released by Archos for this model.

Q3. My phone's IMEI is null after flashing. How can I fix it?

Losing the IMEI is a risk when flashing Spreadtrum devices. This firmware will not restore it. You will need a separate SPD IMEI repair tool to write your original IMEI numbers back to the device. The original numbers are printed on the phone's retail box or on a sticker under the battery.

Archos 40 Helium Stock Firmware (.pac File for SPD Tool)

The Archos 40 Helium is a compact 4.0-inch 4G LTE smartphone from the French company Archos, released in 2016. Running on Android 5.1 Lollipop, it was designed as an affordable, pocket-friendly device for basic connectivity. If your Archos 40 Helium is bricked, stuck in a bootloop, or has become unusable due to software errors, flashing the official stock firmware is the definitive method to restore it to its original factory condition.

Important Note: This device is powered by a Spreadtrum (now UNISOC) chipset. The flashing process requires the SPD Upgrade Tool and a `.pac` firmware file. Following this guide will completely erase all your personal data.

⚠️ Prerequisites: Before You Begin

Click Here for the Essential Pre-Flashing Checklist

Backup Your Data: All your files, photos, and contacts on the internal storage will be permanently deleted.
Charge The Battery: To prevent interruptions, ensure the phone’s battery has at least a 50% charge before you begin.
Windows PC & USB Cable: This procedure requires a Windows computer and the phone’s micro USB data cable.

📱 Quick Device Specifications

Device: Archos 40 Helium
Release Year: 2016
Chipset: Spreadtrum SC9830A
Display: 4.0″ WVGA LCD (800×480)
Battery: 1500 mAh
OS: Android 5.1 Lollipop
RAM/Storage: 1GB / 8GB

🛠 Required Tools & Downloads

File / Tool	Download Link
SPD Upgrade Tool	Download Tool
SPD SCI USB Drivers	Download Drivers

⬇️ Archos 40 Helium Stock ROM / Firmware

Model	Android	Chipset	Type	Download	Size
40 Helium	5.1 Lollipop	Spreadtrum SC9830A	SPD (.pac File)	Google Drive	587 MB

⚡ Quick Flashing Guide

Download and install the SPD SCI USB Drivers. Extract the firmware (Archos_40_Helium...SPD.zip) to get the .pac file, and extract the SPD Upgrade Tool.
Launch UpgradeDownload.exe. Click the first gear icon (Load Packet) and select the .pac firmware file you extracted.
Click the third icon, the play button (Start Downloading), to put the tool in standby mode.
Power off your phone completely. Press and hold the Volume Down button.
While holding the volume button, connect the phone to your PC. The flashing will begin. You can release the button once the progress bar appears.
Wait for the process to finish, indicated by a green “Passed” message. Disconnect the phone and power it on.

For a more detailed, step-by-step walkthrough, please refer to our main guide:
👉 Full Tutorial: How to Flash Firmware with the SPD Upgrade Tool

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why is the flashing tool stuck on “Checking Baudrate”?: This is the most common issue when using the SPD Upgrade Tool and it indicates a communication failure. This is almost always caused by an incorrect driver installation or not using the correct boot key sequence. Re-install the SPD drivers and ensure you are pressing and holding the Volume Down key *before* connecting the USB cable.
Q2. Can I use this firmware to upgrade my Archos 40 Helium to a newer Android version?: No. This is the official Android 5.1 Lollipop firmware, which was the final OS version officially released by Archos for this model.
Q3. My phone’s IMEI is null after flashing. How can I fix it?: Losing the IMEI is a risk when flashing Spreadtrum devices. This firmware will not restore it. You will need a separate SPD IMEI repair tool to write your original IMEI numbers back to the device. The original numbers are printed on the phone’s retail box or on a sticker under the battery.

🔧 Device-Specific Troubleshooting

Phone Not Detected by PC: If drivers are properly installed, the problem is likely the connection method. Ensure the phone is completely powered off. Hold the boot key (Volume Down is standard, but some devices use Volume Up) firmly *before* you plug in the USB cable. You should see a new device appear in your Windows Device Manager.
“Operation Failed” Error During Flashing: If the process starts but then fails, try using a different USB port (USB 2.0 is often more reliable) and a known-good data cable. The .pac file could also be corrupted, so downloading the firmware again is a good step.
4G LTE / SIM Card Not Working After Flashing: If your phone doesn’t detect the SIM card or has no network signal, the first thing to check is the IMEI by dialing *#06#. If it shows “Invalid” or is blank, the NVRAM partition was wiped. You must restore the original IMEI using a dedicated SPD IMEI tool for the network to function.
Stuck on Archos Logo After a “Passed” Message: If the flash completes successfully but the phone won’t boot, a factory reset is necessary. Boot into recovery mode (usually by holding Power + Volume Up), and in the menu, select “wipe data/factory reset.” This will clear old data conflicts and allow the new system to boot.