can i still download an update for my 990 i have tried with 404 errors
also is there a place that can service one (Syracuse NY area)

I doubt you have a repair facility near you. I don't know if Outlaw will still do the repairs but they may. Give them a call. They can probably send you the update file via email.

I believe you would need no later than the XP OS. Maybe a laptop that still has one?

Correct; no later than Windows' XP. Otherwise, when you try to download the file, newer operating systems won't even show the file extension. Please make sure to follow the Model 990 instructions and requirements to the T.

Well it finally happened!!!!!
My trusty 990 died Friday 6-19-2020.
I contacted Outlaw and they are still supporting the 990 so I can send it back to them and they will repair it.
Here's the quandary.
Is it worth fixing or is now the time to join the 21st century and buy the 976?
What say you?

Well, my 975 died and I have been facing the same question for quite some time now. In the mean time I have the XBox and Roku going directly to the TV and and OPPO directly plugged in to the amplifier and that works for me, for now.

I'm thinking that when I do make a move it'll be to upgrade rather than repair.

I did notice a significant difference when going from my old 970 to the 975 so I'm sure you'd notice a difference from the 990 to the 976.

I think that replacing the 990 with the 976 is the way to go.
I got the approval from my CFO (AKA-wife) so I will move forward and order the 976.
Thank you for your thoughts.

976 is ordered!!!!!!

Got the 976 on Tuesday and have it up and running.
So far I like what I am hearing and I was able to get rid of a whole bunch of wiring and adaptors.
That is a big plus!!!!

I have had my 990 for a long time now too. Since August, 2008. I am getting very frustrated getting the Toslink inputs to allow 5.1 audio. Sometimes it works from my cable box and TV (apps). Sometimes from my Roku with an external HDMI to Toslink extractor. I think I just need a firmware update. I don't think I ever did that. Like Supertom above, I can't seem to download it. I can figure out a way to get it to an old computer to update the 990, but I should be able to download it from a website.