How to copy Bios to floppy prior to using latest Bios quest

[IamtherforeIthinkpad]

Hi
I am new here and just got a t21,
I want to replace several components, including the CMOS battery.

How do I copy the existing Bios so that I can restore it if my attempt to flash to the latest version fails?

Thanks

Also, will I automatically have to re-flash the bios if I remove the CMOS battery to exchange it?

Thank you

[Robbyrobot]

How do I copy the existing Bios so that I can restore it if my attempt to flash to the latest version fails?

I just flashed the newest BIOS on one of my T21s yesterday, and can reassure you that it's not as critical as one might think. But if you want to have a "way back", the best thing would be to download the previous BIOS from the Lenovo/IBM site.

The only really critical thing is that you don't turn off the machine and don't have a power outage right in the middle of BIOS updating. But that's why the software requires a functional battery in addition to the AC power supply.

Also, will I automatically have to re-flash the bios if I remove the CMOS battery to exchange it?

No. You'll just have to reset the time and date.

[IamtherforeIthinkpad]

Thanks for the response,
I am trying to find out the steps on how to copy what my present bios is, Prior ,
to downloading the latest versions

[IamtherforeIthinkpad]

I realize this is a boring topic, but I am just lookin for a little assistance,
any help appreciated
Thanks

[rkawakami]

Robbyrobot has already posted a good idea and the only one that I can think of at the moment. Simply download a copy of the one that matches your current setup from here:

T21 BIOS update - non-diskette
T21 BIOS update - diskette

Scroll down the page to section III, "System BIOS Information", and you should be able to get a copy of the earlier releases.

[IamtherforeIthinkpad]

Much appreciated