ME5024 ME5.1.0.0.0 - Unable to upgrade firmware (Bad format image) + One controller hardware fault

Hi Dell Community,I recently purchased a used Dell PowerVault ME5024 and encountered two issues I need help with.## System Information- Model: Dell PowerVault ME5024- Current Firmware: ME5.1.0.0.0 (earliest release version)- Configuration: Dual controller (K3F8W), 10x Samsung PM1643a 960GB SAS SSD## Issue 1: Cannot upgrade firmwareAttempted to upload firmware bundles via PowerVault Manager (Web UI):- ME5.1.0.1.0_enc.sfw → Failed: "Code Load Fail. Bad format image"- ME5.1.1.0.5_enc.sfw → Failed: "Code Load Fail. Bad format image"- ME5.1.2.2.1_enc.sfw → Failed: "Code Load Fail. Bad format image"Also attempted FTP upload on port 21, same result.SFTP on port 1022 connects but returns Permission Denied.It appears ME5.1.0.0.0 cannot accept any firmware bundle regardless of version.Note: There is an older bundle "I200C003" already installed but NOT activated(CPLD 1.3, older than current 1.4, so I did not activate it).## Issue 2: Controller A hardware fault- Controller A: Health Fault  - FRU Status: Fault  - Supercap status: Unknown  - Fail Over Reason: Non volatile device flush or restore failure  - Hardware Version: blank (should be 2.0)  - CLI Console via Micro USB: No output at all- Controller B: Health OK, fully operational  - System is currently running on Controller B only (single controller mode)Swapped both controllers between slots to confirm:- The faulty controller fails in both slots- The good controller works in both slots- Confirmed it is the controller module itself, not the slot/midplaneThe tamper seal on the faulty controller is intact - it has not been opened.## Questions1. Is there any way to upgrade firmware from ME5.1.0.0.0?   Is there a special upgrade package or procedure for this specific version?   I also have access to the MFG port on the controller - is there a way to   force flash firmware through this port?2. For the faulty controller - is the supercapacitor replaceable as a separate   component, or does the entire controller module need to be replaced?Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.