ThinkVantage System Update - Wrong product number

[mogliii]

Hi,

I have a T40, more than 3 years old. Model Number is 2373-19g.

I recently istalled Think Vantage System Update 3 an run it. When searching for updates, it asks if I agree on sending some information. This is, in particular, the model number, the OS and the language of the OS.

It didnt find any updates. Then I checked again and found, that it is transfering a wrong model number (2393-19g).
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2844 ... terdb8.jpg

From search on the Lenovo homepage I found out, that there is no model with this number.

I filled out a form on the lenovo homepage and mentioned this problem, and they told me to call the service hotline. There I was rejected as I dont have warranty anymore.
On the download page of TV System Update there is a link to give a comment on the software. But it is strictly for people having still warranty.

Then I sent email directly to (Fragen@de.lenovo.com) and they just replied me that I should go to the download page and let my system recognized. But then I have to download every update by hand.

I wonder if anyone has an idea where to report this bug, as I want to help to improve that software. And I just hope its not a inteded method of ignoring older computers from the automated update mechanism.



Afte

[mogliii]

Just installed the IE-ActiveX control, and it also detects 2393-19g and tells me that product does not exist.

How to tell them that their software has a bug?

[Harryc]

The problem is that there is no 2393 machine type. Is this a second hand machine? It is possible that the system board was replaced and programmed incorrectly. What does it say in BIOS?

[richk]

I have seen that more than once. People screw up the process with the maintenance disk.

[Harryc]

Is it reversible with a maintenance disk?

[richk]

Yes. It can just be written correctly - no problem.

[mogliii]

Hi,

I just checked. And in the Bios its written
239319G******* , where ****** is the serial.

The Motherboard was changed maybe 1 1/2 years ago by the ibm service. Due to a warranty issue....

Now I remember: I installed the TV System Update software one year ago, and it always failed. But that version never told me which model number is transmitted. So I downloaded the ThinkPad drivers and programms by hand.

But now I am so left behind with updating, that I thought I can just use the "System Update".

#################
Summary:

Problem due to wrong model number in Bios, possibly falsly set by IBM service on motherboard change.
################

Question:
Can I change the model number by myself? Or do I need the IBM service (thats gonna be horribly expensive)


Thank you for your responses up to now!

[Harryc]

You need a maintenance diskette. You need to be a business partner to get it from Lenovo. Try Google ...

[GomJabbar]

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=12263

[coreman]

GomJabbar's link shows how to do it yourself but I'm the kind of person that would force IBM to fix their error...rather than me.

They should do it for free since they screwed up the replacement.

[mogliii]

Hi,

found the exe to make the service diskette. But I didnt have time to use a computer with diskette drive, as I have to make a bootable cd from it.

Going on vacation today, but I am sure it will work when I try it in two weeks.

Thank you all for the help! Great forum!

[richk]

The bootable CD does not work. It needs a real floppy to unlock the eeprom