How do I recover my model name?

[ZPrime]

I just replaced the system board in my T42p due to a failing graphics system. After doing the replacement, how do I go about changing the machine type & model code on the system back to what I actually own?

The original system is a 2379-EZU
The board they shipped me came from a 2373-something.

The BIOS update utility will allow me to go in and change the portion after the dash - so I could give myself a 2373-XXX if I wanted - but I can't change the machine type at the beginning. Anyone know if there's a different utility to do this?

[GomJabbar]

You need the Hardware Maintenance Diskette. See following thread. http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=12263

The links to version 1.69 do not appear to work anymore. Maybe you can find it with Google. I know 1.69 should work. 1.60 is likely too old a version, but I really don't know for sure. The Hardware Maintenance Manual actually says you should use version 1.73.

[P-Meyer]

I believe this diskette is not normally available, only to authorised IBM (Lenovo) service personel.

Unfortunately when I managed to get hold of one I found out that it could only be used on my A31 when the serial number was not entered (all 00's).

Am at a loss why they would replace it with another board - perhaps they ran out and upgraded the board to one with higher specifications? In such case I would not want to change the serial number because the BIOS may be (slightly) different between the models or when you look for software updates then you may find slight differrences.

Peter

[GomJabbar]

If an IBM/Lenovo certified service center changed out the system board, then they should have the Hardware Maintenance Diskette for entering the model and serial numbers. If you changed it out yourself, then try and find a copy of the diskette, or bring it to a service center to have them enter the information for you.

[ZPrime]

I changed it myself, but under warranty. My employer is an IBM VAR, so I think that is why they were willing to give me parts instead of making me depot the system. I wanted the least amount of downtime - I got the board in a day and had it installed that night, so I was only down for two days total. Depot repair would've been at LEAST 3 if not more due to the weekend...

They did warn me when they sent parts that if I screwed up the install they wouldn't cover it; big surprise.

They just didn't mention to me the whole model/serial thing and it didn't occurr until after it happened. I suppose I could call support back and they'll probably give it to me, I was just hoping someone would have the utility here.

Actually, it seems like another member did, he e-mailed me v1.74.

I'm going to post the license info here, and if it looks legit I will host it somewhere.

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Page 1:
IBM Program License and Limited Warranty Agreement
==================================================

IBM provides this Program License and Limited Warranty Agreement
for your computer. The IBM computer "System" consists of the
1) machine and
2) licensed programs (Programs) IBM provides to you with the machine,
excluding any programs IBM may include with your computer
which come with their own license agreements.
This Agreement applies to the System, not to such excluded programs.
You are responsible for the use of the System and results
you obtain from it.

You indicate your acceptance of this Agreement by breaking the seal
on the packaging enclosing the System or by your initial use of
the System.

License
=======

Programs are licensed, not sold.  IBM hereby licenses your use of
Programs.  This Agreement applies to Programs, including any
replacement Programs, regardless of the media upon which they
are recorded.

IBM owns, or has licensed from the owners, copyrights in Programs.
IBM grants you no rights other than the license described
in this Agreement.  IBM or its licensors retain title to copies of
Programs IBM provides to you and any copies made from them.

Your license is terminated when you are no longer the owner or
the rightful possessor of the System.
In such event, you agree to destroy all your copies of Programs.
IBM may terminate your license if you fail to comply with the
terms of this Agreement.

You may:
1) use each Program on only one machine at any one time;
2) copy each Program for backup or modification purposes; and
3) modify each Program and/or merge it into another program.

Any time you make a copy, or partial copy, of any Program, you must
reproduce and include the copyright notice(s) on such copy.

You may transfer the System to another party by transferring
the "User's Guide", this Program License and Warranty Agreement,
all other documentation, and at least one complete, unaltered copy
of each Program along with the machine.
Also, you must either give to the other party, or destroy,
all your other copies of Programs, including
modified copies or portions of Programs merged into other programs.
IBM licenses the other party when that party accepts
the terms of this Agreement by initial use of the System.

You may not:
1) use, copy, modify, merge, or transfer copies of any Program,
   except as this Agreement provides;
2) reverse assemble or reverse compile any Program; or
3) sublicense, rent, lease, or assign any Program or any copy
   of it.

What I gather from this - it is against the terms of the license to have/use this program if you don't have a Thinkpad ("System"). It's against the terms to distribute it to others, unless you are distributing it WITH a System during a sale/etc.

This implies that as long as you have a System, you should be allowed to have this program... it's just shady for you to get it from anyone other than IBM, which makes the hosting of it possibly a bad idea.

If mods are OK with it I'm going to put it up somewhere and post the URL; the worst that IBM will do is yell at me for having it and tell me to take it down...