MichaelMyers

This is an authorized Nikon Service Center, and apparently it was a freak accident.  The owner of the shop has been doing this for years, but apparently the camera tipped over or something.  He has already ordered the part it needs, and he will cover the costs.  I should have it back in a week.  Yes, I know all those warnings, and I was tempted to do this myself, but decided to bring it to the shop instead.

Hmmm...

The only upgrade I do, it was Nikon D2x to the last version firmware version, the changes were important as the camera becomes virtually a Nikon D2xs.

Thank you!  I also have a Nikon D2x, but didn't have any plans to use it again.  After what you wrote, maybe I should re-consider.  

Now that you've done it, how did it help?   D2xs....     fascinating.  Not sure what I would do with it, I bought the D3 to replace it.

Good advice - that's why I didn't try on my own:

Always remember, If you are not confident that you can perform the update successfully, the update can be performed by a Nikon service representative.

They take the responsibility in case of malfunction. Sometimes the free is expensive when you do it yourself as your own risk.