This ThinkPad BIOS Update Utility updates the BIOS 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 R50, R50p - ThinkPad R51 (M/T 1829, 1830, 1831 and 1836)(*1) - ThinkPad T40, T40p, T41, T41p, T42, T42p
Notes: - (*1) Machine Type 2883, 2887, 2888, 2889, 2894 and 2895 of the ThinkPad R51 family are not supported. - This version of the BIOS will only work with Embedded Controller Program Version 3.04 (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.
Version 1RETDRWW (3.23)
Note: This BIOS version will only work with Embedded Controller Program Version 3.04 (or higher).
(Fix) ThinkPad will not resume after undock from a docking station while a system is in hibernation mode.
(New) USB storage drive letter handling modified.
(New) Support for a new video memory for certain AMD video chips. Note: The 3.21 and previous release of the BIOS handles USB drive letter well on the Windows 98, 98SE. Please use 3.21 BIOS for the Windows 98, 98SE.
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 system program (BIOS).
If your computer is attached to any kind of docking station or port replicator, turn off the computer and detach it before proceeding.
Make sure the System Program Service Diskette is write-protected.
For Windows 98, 98SE users: The release 1RETDRWW (3.23) and later version will have special USB drive letter assigning and this will cause a limitation in the Windows 98/98SE drive letter assignment. Please use BIOS 1RETDRWW (3.21), if you use USB storage devices on Windows 98/98SE.
Print these instructions or display on another computer.
Firmly connect the AC adapter to the computer.
Insert the System Program Service Diskette into the diskette drive and turn on the computer.
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. Note: If you are updating the system program through the external diskette drive (USB type), it will take quite a long time to complete reading the system program file, but it is normal. Continue the update.
Attention: Do not turn off or suspend the computer until the update has been completed. If you turn off or suspend the computer 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.
Make sure there is no diskette in the diskette drive, then turn off the computer.
While the "To interrupt normal startup, press the blue Access IBM button" message is displayed at the lower-left of the screen, press the Access IBM button.
Select Start setup utility. If you have set a supervisor password, the BIOS Setup Utility menu appears after you type in the password. The BIOS version and date are displayed on the first screen of the BIOS Setup Utility.
Verify the BIOS version and date.
Turn off the computer.
Initializing the BIOS
BIOS Initialization is suggested for some problems. To initialize the BIOS settings:
Turn off the computer.
Make sure there is no diskette in the diskette drive.
Turn on the computer.
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 Access IBM button.
Double-click Start setup utility. The BIOS Setup Utility menu will be displayed. If you have set a supervisor password, the BIOS Setup Utility menu appears after you enters the 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 re-apply some settings that you had changed previously.
After the initialization has been completed, the system restarts automatically.
BIOS information
Each version of the System Program Service Diskette contains the following system program (BIOS). The BIOS Version and the date as well as the Embedded controller version number can be viewed by running ThinkPad Configurator from your operating system and selecting the System Information button or by invoking the BIOS Setup Utility.
Make sure there is no diskette in the diskette drive, then turn off the computer.
Turn on the computer.
While the To interrupt normal startup, press the blue Access IBM button message is displayed at the lower-left of the screen, press the Access IBM button.
Select Start setup utility. If you have set a supervisor password, the BIOS Setup Utility menu appears after you type in the password. The BIOS version and date are displayed on the first screen of the BIOS Setup Utility.
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 BIOS area
C0000-CFFFF reserved for Video BIOS
D0000-D3FFF reserved for Option ROM of Ethernet (*1)
DC000-DFFFF reserved for USB BIOS (*2)
E0000-FFFFF reserved for BIOS
Notes:
(*1) This area becomes free by disabling the Internal Network Option ROM option under Config and Network in the BIOS Setup Utility. This choice will disable PXE and WOL features.
(*2) This area becomes free by disabling the USB BIOS Support option under Config and USB in the BIOS Setup Utility. This choice does not affect using USB devices in Windows operating systems.
Usable Area
The following memory address can be used by the memory manager such as EMM386.
D4000-DBFFF
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.
Restrictions
For ThinkPad T41, T41p, T42, T42p
Passwords can be set with passphrase feature, however, that supports Windows 2000 and Windows XP only. Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0 and OS/2 are not supported.
