Thinkpads Forum

Hi, group,

Finally got up the courage to attempt BIOS update on a Thinkpad 600E 2645-4AU that I got cheap (current BIOS version is INET24WW, I'm updating to 36WW so I can max out memory at 2 X 256 + 32 MB.)

Accordingly I went to the IBM/lenovo site, downloaded the files, and put them on a freshly formatted diskette. They turned out to be just two files, named "spsdin36.exe" and "spsdin36.txt."

The .txt file contained the following steps to do the update:

1. Print the instructions - I did this.
2. Firmly connect the AC adapter to the computer - I did this.
3. Insert the System Program Service Diskette into the diskette drive and turn on the computer - assuming the "System Program Service Diskette" mentioned is the diskette with the two files I just downloaded, I did this.
4. Select Read this first from the menu and carefully read the information that appears - here's where I have a problem.

I don't get a menu at this step, instead I get the DOS "Non-system disk or disk error" message.

A friend says I have to put the spsdin36 files on a DOS-bootable diskette and execute the .exe file by typing its name in at the B> prompt, but I'm not sure I believe this. Isn't the BIOS supposed to be the interface between the OS and the hardware? If so, it shouldn't be possible to run an .exe under DOS that would change the BIOS because DOS would be talking to the hardware (CPU, memory) through the BIOS. It would be like trying to change a car's transmission while driving.

What am I missing here? Help, please!

You have to execute the spsdin36.exe. It will prompt you to insert a blank diskette. Then the spsdin36.exe will extract itselves on to that diskette, which will become bootable.
You will use this diskette in step 3 of the procedure you have listed. It is the 'System Program Service Diskette'

SMA's right.

SMA wrote:You have to execute the spsdin36.exe.

-- normally you do this from within Windows by double-clicking the file on the same computer you used to download it (probably your 600E itself, but it could be any Windows computer with a floppy drive).

Phil.

Worked like a charm! You'd think something like this would be part of the spsdin36.txt documentation. Thanks, SMA and Bill!