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How to use the Update Model Number function in BIOS updates?

T40/T41/T42/T43 Series
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virge
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How to use the Update Model Number function in BIOS updates?

#1 Post by virge » Wed Sep 09, 2009 5:14 am

Background: I have a T40 that boots to a RFID error. It works fine after pushing "Esc" but I would like to fix it. One thing that seems to have worked for some people is deleting, then re-entering the model/UUID information.

Problem: Here's where I need a little help. Using the BIOS update file from IBM/Lenovo, I was able to delete the old number. I am trying to enter the new (actually the same) model number. The screen shows _____-____. The cursor is in the second (3 digit) portion of the blanks, and I can't get it over to the other side. At this point, I can only get it to accept 3 digits.

This seems like something simple... but its 3AM over here, and I just don't see it. If anyone who's done this before could give me a tip, I'd appreciate it.
Current Thinkpads: 600E, 600X, 701C, A31 (Flexview), R51 (Flexview), R60, T42P (Flexview), TR50E, T60 (Flexview), X61s (Ultralight), Z61m (Ti) Non-Thinkpad: Toshiba 100ct

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Re: How to use the Update Model Number function in BIOS updates?

#2 Post by RealBlackStuff » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:30 pm

To enter/change the laptop's serial numbers, model/type etc. you need the HMD or Hardware Maintenance Diskette.

EDIT: I have made a new post in the *How to and FAQ* Forum with the latest official (Lenovo) download address
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=80127
Last edited by RealBlackStuff on Wed Sep 09, 2009 4:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: How to use the Update Model Number function in BIOS updates?

#3 Post by killer » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:25 pm

Blimey, RBS, that's clever of you. :bow: I saw virge's question early this morning and hadn't a clue.
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virge
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Re: How to use the Update Model Number function in BIOS updates?

#4 Post by virge » Wed Sep 09, 2009 4:03 pm

Double :bow: to you RBS. Silly how the BIOS update program will let me delete the Model Number and not re-enter it. :| Thanks for the help and the link to the HMD. I will be trying this out as soon as I get home!
Current Thinkpads: 600E, 600X, 701C, A31 (Flexview), R51 (Flexview), R60, T42P (Flexview), TR50E, T60 (Flexview), X61s (Ultralight), Z61m (Ti) Non-Thinkpad: Toshiba 100ct

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Re: How to use the Update Model Number function in BIOS updates?

#5 Post by TTA » Wed Sep 09, 2009 4:44 pm

it's a very handy utility to have. I've 'talked' easy serve into letting me download it before so I don't think it's as hush hush as people think.
RFID error could be a bad eeprom though if I remember correctly. (it's been a long time, we've just been reading and (doing unmentionable things with them) for years 8)
If that's the case I do have some bad boards with GPU issues I'd ship for next to nothing. (if you had to replace your eeprom of course)
T60p/x32/t42p/a31p and about 100 more 8)
Jim

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Re: How to use the Update Model Number function in BIOS updates?

#6 Post by RealBlackStuff » Wed Sep 09, 2009 5:17 pm

AFAIK you can disable the RFID in your BIOS, that would also help.
I have yet to see an RFID unit in any Thinkpad (and I have seen only about 120 so far...) 8)
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
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virge
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Re: How to use the Update Model Number function in BIOS updates?

#7 Post by virge » Wed Sep 09, 2009 10:21 pm

RBS, the HMD did the trick. :banana: Thanks for the suggestion and the link to the file!
Current Thinkpads: 600E, 600X, 701C, A31 (Flexview), R51 (Flexview), R60, T42P (Flexview), TR50E, T60 (Flexview), X61s (Ultralight), Z61m (Ti) Non-Thinkpad: Toshiba 100ct

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Re: How to use the Update Model Number function in BIOS updates?

#8 Post by RealBlackStuff » Thu Sep 10, 2009 4:53 am

You're welcome. Glad it worked for you.
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
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dvnobles
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Re: How to use the Update Model Number function in BIOS updates?

#9 Post by dvnobles » Thu Sep 14, 2017 8:27 am

Would be nice to be able to actually READ what was in the link that was posted instead of an "unauthorized to read this forum" even after registration. Gatekeepers make me sick!

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Re: How to use the Update Model Number function in BIOS updates?

#10 Post by ajkula66 » Thu Sep 14, 2017 12:03 pm

dvnobles wrote:
Thu Sep 14, 2017 8:27 am
Would be nice to be able to actually READ what was in the link that was posted instead of an "unauthorized to read this forum" even after registration. Gatekeepers make me sick!
Welcome to the forum!

The message that you saw means that the link contained material not allowed to be posted here.
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)

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