Is this forum a waste of time? New Member

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nickm · #1 Post by **nickm** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 6:48 pm

I posted this question some time ago. It is either a stupid question or beyond the scope of this forum. I have been in the computer busines for 25 years and I don't think it is either but no response??????????????

I have just acquired a T30 and It has the original BIOS Ver 1.02. I would like to upgrade to the latest Ver 2.10 and load Win XP Pro. However someone has already updated the Embedded Controller to Ver 1.07. Lenovo website says to Flash the BIOS first and then the Embedded Controller. So should I load an old version of the Embedded Controlller then flash the BIOS then load the newest version Embedded controller? OR Just Flash the BIOS? Anyone know the best proceedure.
Thx
Nick

#2 Post by **JaneL** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 6:56 pm

There are many possible reasons you didn't get an answer. It may be as simple as no one knowing the answer or that it's been asked and answered so many times that it was ignored or that your question just got overlooked in a flurry of other messages.

I don't think, however, that it was the message itself. The subject line was descriptive and the question was clear.

I wish I knew the answer for you, but I will help by bumping this message up one time.

Anyone out there who can help?

#3 Post by **jdhurst** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:22 pm

Sometimes we miss things, and I guess that happened here. If the forum is a waste of time for you, by all means move on. Of course, stay if you wish.

To your question: The Readme file for 1IET69WW (T30 Bios Version 2.08) says it needs Embedded Controller 1.05 or higher. Then it says if you wish to update both, update the Embedded Controller first and the BIOS second. I have seen that sequence before, always done it in that order (T23, T30 and now T41) and I think I have posted that here in another thread somewhere.

The Readme file for 1IHT20WW (T30 Embedded Controller Version 1.07) says it only runs with BIOS Version 2.08.

Now since your machine is running and has BIOS Version 1.02 with EC 1.07, then it seems reasonable you could run the BIOS update for 2.08, 2.09 or 2.10. The most recent version I have for client machines is 2.09.

I would use the diskette method, and be sure you follow the advice about charged batteries and a solid AC connection. Your combination is very far out of whack, and so there is some risk you will have to accept. But at least the order is correct for you according to the directions.
... JD Hurst

pianowizard · #4 Post by **pianowizard** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:32 pm

I've done it both ways (on non-T30's), i.e. the BIOS first then the Embeded Controller, or the other way around, and didn't notice problems either way.

And by the way, this forum is NOT a waste of time. I have gotten lots of help and support from other members. Well, actually, in a way it's a waste of time because this forum is so good that I spend way too much time here!

#5 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:56 pm

Searching back through the T2x/T30 archives yielded this thread:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=19291

Reading the instructions on IBM's site is a little confusing at times since you must follow the general recommendation of updating the BIOS before the Embedded controller program (ECP), yet each BIOS seems to require a specific version of ECP. Since I have not yet done a "large" increment of BIOS update (but may have to soon), I suppose the safest procedure would be to perform incremental updates of both BIOS and ECP until you reach the latest versions of each.

As to the lack of replies... I saw this thread when it first appeared but since I have not had personal experience with this type of upgrade I did not respond, assuming that somebody else with better knowledge would do so. I hope that you get a more concrete answer than what I supplied, since I would like to know how to do this as well. (And I see that while I was composing this message, searching the archives, and being interrupted by my boss, two others have replied.)

It's also likely that due to the extremely remote possibility of a botched upgrade turning your laptop into a doorstop, nobody wants to stick their neck out with advice.

#6 Post by **underclocker** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 9:22 am

FWIW, I've noticed that IBM now does recommend an order for BIOS and EC upgrades (I did not notice this in the past).

Needless to say, over the years I've done the upgrades in either order. I've also purchased numerous TP's with one or the other updated. I had no issues updating the remaining one.

There probably is a reason why an order is "preferred" but it may be for minor rather than catastropic reasons.

Bottom line, just upgrade. A search of ths forum did not turn up anyone posting adverse issues with upgrading out of order.

P.S. While some of us waste time here, the forum itself is definitely not a waste of time.

nickm · #7 Post by **nickm** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 9:36 am

Thanks to everyone who replied
Nickm

dinos_2006 · #8 Post by **dinos_2006** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:45 pm

First of all I consider myself lucky for finding this forum...
When I post a question I do not expect an answer. No one is obligated to reply and to lose time for my problems. If someone knows something I hope he / she will spare sometime to post a possible solution. I use it at my own risk. If no one replies no harm done. That 's how forums work...

Is this forum a waste of time? New Member

Is this forum a waste of time? New Member

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