Thinkpads Forum

Well, I can't boot with usb to update BIOS, I've got a pile of cd/dvd's that didn't work. I guess everyone still has floppies but me. Apparently I have to order a floppy drive for the 600e and my desk pc to use once.
No way to get it on a CD?

The only download appears to make a floppy disk. Can the model boot from CDs at all? It is possible to make a cd boot a floppy image but if the update process needs to write anything to the floppy that won't work.

In reality, when the ultrabay floppy option costs $15 on ebay, you should just buy it:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-IBM-THINKPA ... 4d2d422b53

It's possible that the 600E's CD drive is not working.
I don't know how difficult finding replacement drives can be.

With an old computer like that, you'll probably find yourself using floppy disks from time to time. I'd invest in a floppy drive.

In reality, when the ultrabay floppy option costs $15 on ebay, you should just buy it:

Getting one Amazon for $21(case and cable), and another one for the desk top. O yeah, some floppy's. That's $45 all together; to use once. Now that's reality. LOL

It's possible that the 600E's CD drive is not working.

Have used it to install stuff, it works.

With an old computer like that, you'll probably find yourself using floppy disks from time to time. I'd invest in a floppy drive.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.





Thanks guys.

TrowaBarton wrote:The only download appears to make a floppy disk. Can the model boot from CDs at all?

Yes, the 600E can definitely boot from CD. It cannot, however, boot from USB.

Buying a couple of floppy drives and some disks may not be much of a waste of money. I use floppy disks to run programmes such as Memtest86+, HDAT2, Symantec Ghost and Darik's Boot And Nuke, even on newer computers, using a USB floppy drive. Plus if you come into another older computer, you'll be able to update the BIOS the way the OEM intended. Using CD-Rs or USB flash drives for such small programmes is a waste, and I find that I always need at least one USB flash drive for transferring drivers and what not between computers. By using floppy disks you have a disk dedicated to each programme, so everything is easier to track.

Well, whether I like it or not I'm getting the order in. You are right. I've got memtest on my smallest thumb drive, 4G.
I don't think my MOBO even has a regular hook up. So I'm ordering a external with USB.