New BIOS Update 1RETDPWW (3.21) T40/p, T41/p, T42/p

[GomJabbar]

BIOS Update (Non-Diskette) - ThinkPad R50/p, R51 (1829, 1830, 1831, 1836), T40/p, T41/p, T42/p

File details

Version: 1RETDPWW (3.21)
Release Date: 2006/06/12

Summary of changes
Version 1RETDPWW (3.21)
Note: This BIOS version will only work with Embedded Controller Program Version 3.04 (or higher).
(New) Added new BIOS setup menu, to hide the following internal communication device from the Operating System:
Infrared Device: click Config, then select Infrared

[kstuart]

Yeah, I just noticed that on the site.

Why would you want to hide Infrared from the OS ?

[DIGITALgimpus]

sometimes done for security reasons. IT guys do it, then lock the BIOS. Often done for bluetooth or wifi if the laptop has it as well. Not sure why they just chose infrared, I don't think bluetooth or wifi are currently able to be done.

[GomJabbar]

Why would you want to hide Infrared from the OS ?

I "think" the majority of users don't even use the Infrared on their ThinkPads. By blocking it from the OS, you free up resources that can be used elsewhere. But more importantly, if your laptop is not secured properly from outsiders, someone nearby can browse your ThinkPad and pull files off of it, or else send some malware or spyware to it. Many noobs do not know how to properly secure their computers. At least we don't hear too many virus horror stories on this forum; suggesting that ThinkPad users are smarter than the average bear.

[christopher_wolf]

Why would you want to hide Infrared from the OS ?

I "think" the majority of users don't even use the Infrared on their ThinkPads. By blocking it from the OS, you free up resources that can be used elsewhere. But more importantly, if your laptop is not secured properly from outsiders, someone nearby can browse your ThinkPad and pull files off of it, or else send some malware or spyware to it. Many noobs do not know how to properly secure their computers. At least we don't hear too many virus horror stories on this forum; suggesting that ThinkPad users are smarter than the average bear.

Ah, yes; c0rrect 1337 spe11ing is n00b.

Have you heard of BlueJacking? Far easier than IR jacking since IR is not only line of sight (rarely an issue in a good sized room) but *always* alerts you and asks to send an ACK back to accept or send a file. With Bluetooth, those are enabled by default, but can still be disabled by the user.

I don't know how many resources you can free up by ignoring the IR port since it uses little resources to begin with. One idea is that they could be saving it and putting it into later versions of R&R such that you could interface and troubleshoot the system through the IR port, or send/receive diagnostic signals without interfering with the rest of the operation of the sytem by using the keyboard and/or the Trackpoint/Trackpad/External mouse; thereby eliminating variables. Although saving the resources is a possibility, I don't know what I would do without the ability to use it to snc up with another Thinkpad, laptop, or PDA device. What about controlling your Thinkpad with a remote too?

It might even become the receiver for a remote control for the Thinkpad; Thinkpad in suspend mode? Press a button on the reomte and have the IR tell the BIOS directly to wake it up. Want it to go into suspend? Do the same thing from a distance.

[J.B.]

Is there anyone having problem to apply this update? I ran the BIOS update file which prompted and restarted the PC, but then it just booted back to Windows as it normally would, didn't take me to the BIOS upate screen...I tried serveral times with the update, same result

[GomJabbar]

Is there anyone having problem to apply this update? I ran the BIOS update file which prompted and restarted the PC, but then it just booted back to Windows as it normally would, didn't take me to the BIOS upate screen...I tried serveral times with the update, same result

The OP "ME" as a matter of fact. I ended up transferring the file to my spare hard drive, which pretty much has only the original factory software, then the BIOS update ran OK. Who knows which program or Windows qwerk was preventing the BIOS update from running? If you really want to apply the BIOS update, you can download the floppy disk version and install it from a floppy disk. Of course you need a USB floppy drive to do this. I have one, but it's not at my present location.

BTW Chris, this n00b stands corrected. I guess everyone is a n00b at something - except perhaps The Pretender, Jarod.

The IR port does use an IRQ, DMA, and a Service if I'm not mistaken (I'm not sure, as I have mine disabled now via the BIOS update). As far as the use of IR, that has been a technology that I wanted to use, but there was always something missing. No IR port on desktop PC's except in rare occasions. Only a very few printers have IR ports. Sometimes the port could be added, but the cost was more than I wanted to spend. I tried controlling my media software via the built-in IR port and a remote control, but it was too tempremental to be practical. You have found a use for your IR port, and that's great. Myself? I just don't have a need to do the same things you do. I don't sync my ThinkPad with anything.

I have not tried syncing my ThinkPad with another computer, but I did become alarmed once when a coworker of mine brought out his A20 and I proceded to get an IR connection alert. I thought perhaps if the sound was turned off, and one wasn't paying attention, someone could sneak in. From what you say, I take that it's not quite that easy.

[mailclw]

After updated bios, It is fine.
Once I ran Fan control v0.18, My trackpoint and touchpad are gone, even if I tried enable/disable from Bios setting for either or both of them.
It seems ACPI problem.
What should I do?
thank you

[rssb]

Did they change anything wrt to the HD detection, primary / secondary master /slave.

i have 2 hds, one runs linux, and i use the windows boot loader, after this bios upgrade the grub is unable to recognize the partitions, each time have to manually use the F12 to select booting from the other harddrive and then specify the root for grub, then it boots fine.

[christopher_wolf]

Is there anyone having problem to apply this update? I ran the BIOS update file which prompted and restarted the PC, but then it just booted back to Windows as it normally would, didn't take me to the BIOS upate screen...I tried serveral times with the update, same result

The OP "ME" as a matter of fact. I ended up transferring the file to my spare hard drive, which pretty much has only the original factory software, then the BIOS update ran OK. Who knows which program or Windows qwerk was preventing the BIOS update from running? If you really want to apply the BIOS update, you can download the floppy disk version and install it from a floppy disk. Of course you need a USB floppy drive to do this. I have one, but it's not at my present location.

BTW Chris, this n00b stands corrected. I guess everyone is a n00b at something - except perhaps The Pretender, Jarod.

The IR port does use an IRQ, DMA, and a Service if I'm not mistaken (I'm not sure, as I have mine disabled now via the BIOS update). As far as the use of IR, that has been a technology that I wanted to use, but there was always something missing. No IR port on desktop PC's except in rare occasions. Only a very few printers have IR ports. Sometimes the port could be added, but the cost was more than I wanted to spend. I tried controlling my media software via the built-in IR port and a remote control, but it was too tempremental to be practical. You have found a use for your IR port, and that's great. Myself? I just don't have a need to do the same things you do. I don't sync my ThinkPad with anything.

I have not tried syncing my ThinkPad with another computer, but I did become alarmed once when a coworker of mine brought out his A20 and I proceded to get an IR connection alert. I thought perhaps if the sound was turned off, and one wasn't paying attention, someone could sneak in. From what you say, I take that it's not quite that easy.

No, it isn't easy with IR or with Bluetooth either. The most you can do if you have good security settings is get bugged by it asking you if you want the device to connect. IR and Bluetooth have simple, yet very strong, security protocols.

As for the uses of IR? Many. My uncle's team put together the first desktop with IR at IBM awhile ago. And, surprise, it was meant to talk to printers with IR ports as well as act as a form of wireless communication between systems. It has hung on pretty well thus far, I have yet to see a fully-featured laptop without an IR port.

[EOMtp]

The new BIOS works fine with Fan Control v0.18svc (the version that runs as an XP Service). I have not tried the non-Service version.

[boofoo]

The new BIOS works fine with Fan Control v0.18svc (the version that runs as an XP Service). I have not tried the non-Service version.

Works with both here.

[acz]

This is an interesting development. Should I install this BIOS update, or not?

I have used the IR port quite a bit on all of my Thinkpads, including my current T41p.
I can think of three common uses:

1. I use it several times each week to sync my iPaq PDA with the laptop
2. I have used it to print to IR-enabled printers at various client locations where a quick connection to print one or two documents was sufficient
3. I have used it just recently to pass files back and forth with a colleague who uses a new Mac (less than six months old). We were never able to get a peer-to-peer wifi network to work, but the IR connection worked fine on the first try, and has worked fine subsequently. We carefully align the two laptops on a table. Then, I am notified on the taskbar and via sound when the two machines come into range and connect.

I am able to enable/disable the IR port in the Thinkpad Configuration program. There are also some IR settings under Start, Control Panel, Wireless Link.

Will I LOSE this IR functionality if I update the BIOS to 1RETDPWW (version 3.21) ???? Or will I still be able to turn it off and on as described here ???

I have a T41p 2373 GEU, and the answer may be obvious, but just now I am confused. Many thanks to anyone who can clarify the situation.

[freedomtraveler]

BIOS Update (Non-Diskette) - ThinkPad R50/p, R51 (1829, 1830, 1831, 1836), T40/p, T41/p, T42/p

File details

Version: 1RETDPWW (3.21)
Release Date: 2006/06/12

Summary of changes
Version 1RETDPWW (3.21)
Note: This BIOS version will only work with Embedded Controller Program Version 3.04 (or higher).
(New) Added new BIOS setup menu, to hide the following internal communication device from the Operating System:
Infrared Device: click Config, then select Infrared

what is the function of this BIOS update? only hide Infrared from the OS? could someone can tell me the answer?

[mhca]

Will I LOSE this IR functionality if I update the BIOS to 1RETDPWW (version 3.21) ???? Or will I still be able to turn it off and on as described here ???

I have a T41p 2373 GEU, and the answer may be obvious, but just now I am confused. Many thanks to anyone who can clarify the situation.

I haven't tried to test this myself but to me it seems quite obvious as you say yourself. As long as you do not choose the option "Hidden" in the bios everything with your IR port should work as always.