BIOS - is it safe to update from v1.24 to 3.23 ?

[manvinder]

Hi,

Need a little help with my IBM R50 1836-3SU - trying to update bios after 6 years.

Presently, I have BIOS 1.24 and ECP 1.04

Lenovo "Release notes" have put me in a bind :-
:: This version of the BIOS will only work with Embedded Controller Program Version 3.04 (or higher).
:: This version of Embedded Controller Program will only work with BIOS Version 3.13 (or higher).

Is it safe to do this update?
... OR do I have to update some intermediate version before stepping up to version 3.23 ?

Thanks,
Manvinder

[RealBlackStuff]

First BIOS, then ECP.
You can go straight to BIOS 3.23
For the ECP, see this post: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=101802
It is highly advisable to buy/borrow a USB floppy drive for this.

[manvinder]

Thanks! I wasn't aware of the ECP problem.

Another issue(?) -

I had to get the motherboard repaired - original ATI video card burned out.
Now device-manager shows Intel 82852/82855 GM/GME Graphics Controller.

I hope that won't create any trouble with BIOS/ECP update.

[RealBlackStuff]

Hold it, I think you are trying to apply ATI GPU BIOS/ECP to an Intel GPU motherboard!
Open the RAM door on the bottom and remove the RAM.
Under there you should see a white label with the motherboard P/N or FRU.
What is it?

Your original R50:
ThinkPad R50 (1836-3SU)
P M 1.6GHz, 256MB RAM, 60GB HDD, 15 SXGA+(1400x1050) TFT LCD, 32MB ATI Radeon 9000, 24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD, Modem/Bluetooth(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), IBM 802.11a/b/g wireless, Secure Chip (TCPA), IEEE 1394, 9 cell Li-Ion battery, WinXP Pro

Upon boot, press F1 to go into BIOS.
On the first page, what are the first 7 characters after System-Unit serial number: ?

[manvinder]

Under the RAM module :-
Planar FRU PN: 39T5510

Also, I checked BIOS setup :-
System unit serial number: 2887MQ5_____

Originally, my R50 did have ATI Radeon. I got it repaired from Lenovo service when the display died on me.

I noticed another strange thing.
Although sticker on my machine lists the Type as R50 1836-3SU, as does AccessIBM,
HWiNFO shows "Computer brand name" as Thinkpad R51 !!!

HWiNFO shows Video Chipset as "Intel i852GM Integrated" (64mb)

[RealBlackStuff]

ThinkPad R51 (2887-MQ5)
Based on 2887-PCA: Celeron M 350(1.3GHz), 512MB RAM, 40GB 5400rpm HD, 14.1in 1024x768 LCD, Intel Extreme, CDRW/DVD, Intel 802.11bg wireless, Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, 6c Li-Ion batt, DOS license

Your replacement mobo (from an R50 or R51) is indeed one with integrated Intel graphics.
This means you need these updates: (always BIOS first, then ECP)
BIOS 1.29: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloa ... D=DS013843
ECP 1.04: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloa ... MIGR-54997
You only need to update the BIOS, your ECP is already the latest.

Put a sticker with 2887-MQ5 (print in letter-size 7 in MS Word) over/under the one on the bottom of your laptop.

[manvinder]

You are right. Choosing "Auto-detect my model" on Lenovo.com shows the same specs that u listed.

What a bummer... beats me why Lenovo service had to misinform about that repair job!

Thanks for your responses, RealBlackStuff - you saved my Thinkpad from a possible mishap.

Regards,
Manvinder

[RealBlackStuff]

Be glad, the R50/R51 and T40/T41/T42 ATI motherboards have a tendency to die after several years, the Intel ones run cooler and have no problems.