T430 will not update bios

[garytoosweet]

Hello,

My T430 will not update BIOS. Currently running 1.16.

Originally tried updating with the Vantage app when I got this PC a year or so ago.

When the computer restarts, it boots as normal without updating the BIOS.

I have now tried the standalone app from Lenovo's website, and the result is the same.

I have tried several app versions from 1.17 to 2.64.

I then tried using the bootable .iso via a USB key with Ventoy

The result was the app loading, then upon restart with 'Flashing Embedded Controller. Do not power off' screen flashing for one second, followed by a black screen for 5-10 minutes, then rebooting into Windows with no updated BIOS.

I don't have a CD burner to actually burn the image to a disc, if that would make any difference.

I am running Windows 10. I have turned off fast start-up. The Bios settings are set to default.

I'm wondering if there is anything else I can try.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

[garytoosweet]

I have also tried Lenovo System update with the same result.

I have tried the USB bootable .iso a few times again and was unable to see the 'Flashing Embedded Controller" again.

I have also tried USB bootable with harddrive removed.

Below is the text from winuptp.txt which I assume is the log from the Lenovo flash software.

Seems like the Bios is flashing fine but not loading upon restart.

I feel like to further troubleshoot I need to know more about how the Bios is flashed, and what is the purpose of the two steps (writing to one chip within windows, then restarting and moving it to the other?). I know there are 2 chips, a 4MB and an 8MB.

Not sure what else to try.

[2023/12/6 10:56:20]
OS = Windows 10 64bit
Driver Loading....Done
System BIOS Version -> G1ET41WW
Applying BIOS Version -> G1ETC2WW
System EC Version -> G1HT35WW
Applying EC Version -> G1HT36WW
AC adapter/Battery check....OK.

EC Flashing....EC Flash completed.
BIOS Flashing....BIOS Flash completed.

EDIT:
Also, I am beginning to suspect a hardware error. Just because it is still on the very first BIOS version, maybe BIOS flashing has never worked.