Cannot update Embedded controller program

[Bigby]

I recently discovered the "Thinkpad software installer" - and it looked promising. I installed lots of updates - but I cant install the Embedded controller program. I even tried downloading it manually from IBMs website.

What happens is, the pc restarts, blue IBM screen comes up, and it says "Reading Embedded controller program" - and nothing happens. It seems to be frozen. In the top left corner it says "Divide error".

Any suggestions? I have the required BIOS version.

My pc is a TP42. Model 2373.

Regards,

Søren - from Denmark

[Leon]

Which version of BIOS and Controller Program do you have?

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[Bigby]

My BIOS is 3.15

Embedded controller - not sure where it says. I have Danish Windows, but if my translation is right (kontrolenhedsversion) the version of the controller is: 3.03.

Søren

[Leon]

Your problem is that you need to update the Embedded Controller FIRST. Now, you need to rollback your BIOS to the previous release, update the Embedded Controller, and THEN update the BIOS.

[Bigby]

Oh dear.

Thanks for the info.

Where do I find the old BIOS file - and how exactly do I install it?

[Bigby]

I found and installed the older BIOS (3.14) - and then tried to install only the Embedded controller program.

However, the screen still freezes when it says: "Reading the Embedded Controller program file. Please stand by...". No divide error in the corner this time, though (only noticed it once before).

But after giving it 10 minutes, all I can do is turn the pc off.

Do I need an even older BIOS ??

[Bigby]

Anyone?

Maybe there is something else that needs to be uninstalled, before upgrading the embedded controller program

[Bigby]

So, apparently no help on this one.

Somehow my wireless connection is working again. But it bothers me that I dont have the most recent updates.

Do I miss out on anything if I continue with this configuration (my pc is a t42 model 23737wa):

BIOS: 3,14
Embedded controller: 3.03
SMBIOS: 2.33

The newest Embedded controller (3.04) fixes quite a lot of issues like battery charging and so on according to this article:
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mo ... hj10us.txt

So although I have not yet experienced any of these problems, it troubles me that I cannot get the Embedded controller update to work.



Regards,

Søren

[Leon]

I would call Technical Support. In Denmark, the number is 7010-5150. Let us know what happens.

[Bigby]

Unfortunately, IBM in Denmark refuses to support this pc since it is a "GREY IMPORT" - actually a Singapore model.

I could call the dealer (www.laptops.dk), but he would just tell me to reinstall everything (as might IBM) which would probably not resolve the issue if it is bios-related.

[FTC]

Hi,

Download again the embedded controller program... but this time use the *other* version, i.e if you used the "diskette" one use now the "standalone", just for safety... it's quite possible that your current copy is somehow corrupted.

[aamsel]

I have said this several times in the past, but...

I am not sure why many of you jump to install the latest firmware and other updates???

Yes, I realize that you said that it supposedly fixes some issues, but how major an issue were you having?

I used to work in a computer engineering environment, with software and hardware engineers. The hardware engineers would refer to firmware upgrades (written by the software engineers) as: "Tuesdays fixes with Wednesday's bugs"!!!

Bottom line...if you are not having huge issues, don't upgrade firmware. You will end up likely having an issue that you didn't previously have.

My opinion only.

Andrew
Austin, TX