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How to flash Middleton?

R30/R40, A30/A31, G40/G50 and Z60/Z61 Series. NOT for AMD-Ryzen.
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600X
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How to flash Middleton?

#1 Post by 600X » Thu Nov 10, 2016 9:16 pm

I am trying to flash the 2.24 R61 BIOS on my R61 in order to get Penryn CPU's to work. However, no matter if I use the CD or OS method, I keep getting the 'BIOS image file cannot be found' error message. What am I doing wrong? I've never had any such problems on my T61's.
Daily: Custom Mini-ITX (Ryzen 5, A2000 12GB, 3:2)
ThinkPads: 600X (i3), A31p (FlexView), T43, T60 (FlexView), T61p (4:3), R61 (QXGA), X301 (AFFS), W500, X1

danikayser84
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Re: How to flash Middleton?

#2 Post by danikayser84 » Thu Nov 10, 2016 10:02 pm

Did you download the correct Middleton BIOS for your machine type? (there's one for 15" standard screen, 14.1" widescreen with FireWire, 14.1" without FireWire, 15.4" with FireWire, 15.4" without FireWire)

All T61s use the same Middleton download no matter what form factor (14.1" standard, 14.1" wide, 15.4" wide), however R61s use different ones (if you try to flash the wrong one, the flasher will not let you in order to prevent a brick)
Current: T440p (Win10), W500 4058-CTO (Win10), T61 8892-01U (Win2000), Semi-Retired: T61 8892-01U (Win10)
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600X
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Re: How to flash Middleton?

#3 Post by 600X » Thu Nov 10, 2016 10:48 pm

2.24 is the only one that would allow to use Penryn CPU's and that other people have successfully flashed on the R61. There is no point in flashing the correct one for my machine because it does not offer Penryn compatibility.
Daily: Custom Mini-ITX (Ryzen 5, A2000 12GB, 3:2)
ThinkPads: 600X (i3), A31p (FlexView), T43, T60 (FlexView), T61p (4:3), R61 (QXGA), X301 (AFFS), W500, X1

RealBlackStuff
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Re: How to flash Middleton?

#4 Post by RealBlackStuff » Fri Nov 11, 2016 6:31 am

If you try to use the included .ISO file, did you burn it or just copy it onto CD?
The latter won't work, instead use e.g. ImgBurn from http://www.imgburn.com/

Also, if yours is a "European" 15" R61, see this: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=115964
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600X
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Re: How to flash Middleton?

#5 Post by 600X » Fri Nov 11, 2016 8:54 pm

RealBlackStuff wrote:Also, if yours is a "European" 15" R61, see this: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=115964
That did the trick. Thank you very much for that link RBS. Now my R61 can enjoy T8300 Penryn goodness.
Daily: Custom Mini-ITX (Ryzen 5, A2000 12GB, 3:2)
ThinkPads: 600X (i3), A31p (FlexView), T43, T60 (FlexView), T61p (4:3), R61 (QXGA), X301 (AFFS), W500, X1

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