Never had any problems using
Open TFTP Server. Just install the tftp server on your workstation, configure your NIC for a static IP 192.168.1.168/24 and set the listening IP:port (192.168.1.168:69) and set the home directory folder (e.g. d:\Fortigate-Firmware) in the OpenTFTPServerMT.ini. Run the program as Administrator. I also disable the Windows firewall during firmware uploading.
From your description of the problem, it sounds like either your workstation' s firewall is blocking the connection or your NIC is not configured for a static IP (192.168.1.168). (I assume you do have firmware available to offer via tftp.)
If the 40C is bootable, it may be easier to upload new firmware via the GUI or by USB stick. And if the 40C already has a backup firmware (assuming it is not the diag firmware) you could try booting the fgt into that (from the boot menu).
NSE4/FMG-VM64/FortiAnalyzer-VM/6.0 (FWF30E/FW92D/FGT200D/FGT101E/FGT81E)/ FAP220B/221C