Unable to Update Q5 Pro from custom 2.0.1

[stl]

There's a 2.0.4 version you can install directly over android 5, you could downgrade and install that one:
https://www.futeko.com/newforum/index.php?topic=2097.0

If that doesn't work try to contact Himedia directly describing the issue and everything you've done: export@himedia.cn

If you mainly use third party apps like YouTube and Kodi there's really not much you're missing from the latest firmware, there are some bug fixed, some not fixed and some new ones for me the greatest advantage is the physical keyboard layout settings.
You can install the latest Android TV version of YouTube from apk mirror.

[JBMouse]

I am sure I did try the android 5 to android 7 with f/w 2.0.4 before, and it didn't work, but, as I can't be sure having tried so many things so many times, I will give it a go! Hopefully, if it fails, I will just get myself back to custom 2.0.1 fromAndroid 5 or wherever else the Q5 lands up, telling if I have 5 or 7 by whether I have a robot or a ring.
I will be using a different usb port this time, just to see if that makes a difference, and maybe fat32 usb and ntfs usb.
Will try Himedia just in case they can help.

[JBMouse]

I have tried absolutely everything, every combination and permutation of firmwares and ways to install them, including going back to Android 5 and upgrading, all multiple times with no success, but I can alwys get F/W 2.0.1 working perfectly, just not able to progress to F/W 2.0.3 and then beyond!
Emailed Himedia, but no response as yet. I's a good thing this is not my main media player, (which is the Q10) or I would be swapping it out for something else.
I guess I am the only person with this problem, so it must be me or the hardware.
Thanks to all who gave advice and help.

[JBMouse]

WooHoo, I finally did it! Got to Official Firmware 2.1.1

I contacted Himedia, and they could only point me to 2 files, the first to update Android 5 to Android 7 with firmware 2.0.4, the to update to firmware 2.1.1. So I decided to try it, which meant I downgraded to Android 5 first, all OK in firmware 1.0.8
I used the first file, to go from Android 5 to Android 7 with firmware 2.0.4 but I seemingly had no luck, the robot progress bar only got to 80% then the Q5 rebooted, but I was left with a blank TV screen, and just 'boot' on the LCD screen of the Q5, no home screen at all, so no luck I thought.
Remembering all my previous attempts I realised that at this point before if I tried to install an Andoid 7 based firmware, 2.0.1 I did get the Android 7 rings when using the paper clip method, so I knew Adroid 7 was on the Q5, and working. So I upgraded to firmware 2.1.1 paper clip method, but not had a working Q5 since Android 5, and I waited, and then, hey presto - Android 7 and firmware 2.1.1 all good to go, with the official home screen, and old version of Kodi, but it is working.
I will take a deep breath and upgrade to Custom Firmware 2.1.1 and then, another even deeper breath, and try to go gor 2.1.2
Such a long journey, the scenic route, but I appear to be where I want.
Thanks to all.