This BIOS Update Utility updates the BIOS (system program) stored in the ThinkPad system to fix problems, add new functions, or expand functions as noted below.
This release supports the following systems: - ThinkPad R51e
The supported operating systems are as follows: - Microsoft Windows XP (Home Edition and Professional) - Windows 2000
Notes: - If Windows Vista is already installed on your system, then you must use the diskette format of this BIOS update. - This version of the BIOS will only work with Embedded Controller Program Version 1.01 (or higher). The Embedded Controller Program (H8 controller firmware) is available in an additional package, a link is provided below. - If you need to update the Embedded Controller Program as well as the BIOS, update the BIOS first. - This program is language independent and can be used with any language system.
Remove the Power-on password prior to updating the system program (BIOS) in RDM (Remote Deployment Manager) environment or similar environment.
You need an AC adapter and a charged battery pack to update the BIOS.
If a USB Diskette Drive is attached to your system, turn off the system and detach it before proceeding.
Manual installation
Print these instructions or display on another system.
Firmly connect the AC adapter to the system.
Start a supported version of Windows XP, 2000, logon with administrative privileges on the target system.
Make a temporary directory on the hard drive (for instance, C:\Temp)
Download the ThinkPad BIOS Update Utility from the web site and store the file into the temporary directory.
Click Start, then click Run...
In the Open dialog box, specify the utility filename with the full path name where you stored the ThinkPad BIOS Update Utility (e.g. C:\Temp\xxxxxxxx.EXE) and then press the Enter key. Note: For unattended update, specify the file name with options "-s -a -s". (e.g. C:\Temp\xxxxxxxx.EXE -s -a -s) The BIOS is updated without any user interaction.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Depending on the operating system configuration, restarting the operating system and rerunning this BIOS update utility may be required. In this case, the following message will appear on the screen. "DeviceIoControl() returns 2. Please restart your operating system and execute the BIOS or Embedded Controller update utility again."
Windows will shut down automatically and the ThinkPad BIOS Update Utility screen appears.
Select Read this first from the menu and carefully read the information that appears.
Press the Esc key to return to the menu.
Select Update system program and follow the instruction on the screen.
Attention:
Do not turn off or suspend the system until the update has been completed. If you turn off or suspend the system while the update is still in progress, the system board may have to be replaced.
After the update has been completed, the system is automatically turned off.
Do the following to make sure the BIOS is updated correctly.
Turn on the system.
While the To interrupt normal startup, press the blue Access IBM button message is displayed at the lower-left of the screen, press the F1 key. The BIOS Setup Utility menu will be displayed. If a password prompt appears, type the correct password.
Check BIOS Version and Embedded Controller Version.
Turn off the computer.
Initializing the BIOS
BIOS Initialization is suggested for some problems. To initialize the BIOS settings:
Turn off the system.
Turn on the system.
While the "To interrupt normal startup, press the blue Access IBM button" message is displayed at the lower-left area of the screen, press the F1 key. The BIOS Setup Utility menu will be displayed. If a password prompt appears, type the correct password.
Press the F9 key to load default configuration.
Select Yes.
Press the F10 key to save default configuration and exit.
Select Yes.
Notes:
After initialization you may need to reapply some settings that you had changed previously.
After the initialization has been completed, the system restarts automatically.
BIOS information
Each version of the ThinkPad BIOS Update Utility contains the following system program (BIOS). The BIOS Version and the date can be viewed by running ThinkPad Configuration from your operating system and selecting the System Information button or by invoking the BIOS Setup Utility.
Turn on the system.
While the To interrupt normal startup, press the blue Access IBM button message is displayed at the lower-left of the screen, press the F1 key. The BIOS Setup Utility menu will be displayed. If a password prompt appears, type the correct password.
Check BIOS Version and Embedded Controller Version.
The following information shows memory areas that are either unavailable or that can be included with a memory manager such as EMM386.
Reserved Area
The following conventional memory addresses are reserved by BIOS and others.
C0000-CBFFF : Reserved for Video BIOS
CC000-CE5FF : Reserved for Option ROM of Ethernet (*1)
E0000-FFFFF : Reserved for System BIOS
Notes:
(*1) This area becomes free by disabling the Internal Network Option ROM option under Config and Network in BIOS Setup Utility. This choice will disable PXE and WOL features.
Usable Area
The following memory address can be used by the memory manager such as EMM386.
CE600-DFFFF
Note: Certain addresses in this area will be reserved for CardBus Controllers or others by Operating Systems. The addresses vary and depend on the design of each Operating System.
