That's the one, yes. If you fix Hyperterminal (or preferably a better terminal program) to it, 115200 8N1, you should be able to see it boot. Actually, do that first, if you don't mind, and post the log. It'll help figure out what there currently is on your player.

Actually, thinking about it a bit more, if you can get a shell on the player using Hyperterminal -- if you can reach the shell prompt -- then you should be able to issue the Linux commands to mount the upgrade CD and directly run the "upgrader" program from it, which might be less hassle than mucking with EmpegUpgrade.exe.

Peter