Windows XP on a T20 + BIOS update problems

[dave23579]

I recently obtained a used T20 for free. I would like to install Windows XP, but I am unable to update the BIOS (discussed later).

What problems will I encounter if I do not update BIOS and install XP?
Specifically, do I risk damaging the hardware in the system?

I can live with a few freezes or random shutdowns, but not with permanently damaging the system.

(I go into detail about the BIOS update problem below)

As I metioned, I am unable to update the BIOS. When atttempting the "non-diskette" BIOS update, I receive a message "The diskette in the default drive will not run on this system. ..." After spending some time searching for answers on this web-page and others, I concluded this error occurs, because the "System Unit" S/N is not set. The entry is blank in the BIOS display. (The system board must have been replaced in the past, but this System Unit S/N was not set.) Unable to identify the system, the BIOS update program refuses to install.

(Can I "force" a BIOS update in spite of this missing S/N?)

I looked for a remedy to this problem (short of visiting an IBM sevice center.) Apparently, an "IBM Maintenance Disk" is necesary to set this System Unit S/N. Version 1.72 (maint172.exe) is unavilable to the public, but I did find Version 1.69 (maint169.exe.)

I created the floppy using maint169.exe, moved that image to a bootable CD (no floppy drive), and booted it sucessfully. I tried selecting the option to update sytem information, but received an error message "EEPROM is write-protected. Please ... <snip>" It instructed me to press ESC during the IBM logo splash at start-up. I attempted this, but it did not work.

At this point I've tried every possible permutation of ESC holding and ESC tapping (hitting it once, hitting multiple times, pressing and holding, etc) during that splash screen, but I continue to recieve the same "write-protected" message. I set the BIOS to deafult values - no help. I disabled all BIOS passwords - no help. I have not tried using a USB floppy to boot the maintenance disk, but I do not expect that would make a difference.

I do not know what to do next and am resigned to either install Windows XP without the update or live with Windows 98.

So,

Has anyone managed to successfully use this maint169.exe utility on a T20 to set the System Unit S/N?

Has anyone had any luck period setting the System Unit S/N on a T20?

If you've read this far, thanks. If you can offer any advice or solution, many more thanks.

(I'm trying to avoid taking it to an IBM service provider, since the nearest I can find is an hour away and of course wants $$$.)

[dsvochak]

What problems will I encounter if I do not update BIOS and install XP?

Go here for XP limitations on a T2X: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-40060

Go here for IBM's instructions regarding installing XP: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-39961

There's also a link to the device driver matrix for the T20. You'll want to download all the XP drivers/utilities and have them available after the basic install. Also, read the instructions because some of these must be installed in a specific order.

Regarding the BIOS, according to the readme version 1.17 was updated to include XP support so if you're at that level or higher you're probably okay.

I suggest you pick up an Ultrabay 2000 floppy drive (@ $10 on ebay) to eliminate the difficulties you've described regarding trying to update the BIOS.