18 updates for brand-new T42p?

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kjarrett · #1 Post by **kjarrett** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 5:38 pm

I realize that these hard drive images are built months in advance, and the machines are imaged when built, however, this is an alarming list of updates, and I'm not sure which I should or should not install. These all came down through the IBM Update Connector and are sitting on my hard drive awaiting install. Suggestions?

Intervideo WinDVD
Presentation Director
IBM Access Connections & Wireless LAN Driver Pack
Thinkpad Software Installer
Thinkpad Access IBM Message Center
Thinkpad Hard Disk Drive Firmware Update
IBM Update Connector and Access IBM PMEM Update
Thinkpad IBM Integrated 56k Modem Software
Thinkpad Battery Maximizer and Power Management Features Package
Thinkpad Audio Features
Thinkpad IBM Active Protection System
IBM Thinkpad Presentation Director
Thinkpad IBM a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter Software
Thinkpad BIOS Update Utility
Thinkpad Configuration Package
Thinkpad Power Management Driver Special Package
Thinkpad Embedded Controller Program Update Utility
Thinkpad Intel PRO/Wireless LAN 2100 3B Mini PCI Adapter Software ???
Thinkpad Trackpoint Driver

I dont even HAVE an Intel card in this machine ... so ... I'm somewhat concerned these may not be the proper downloads for my machine. Most of them look right, though.l

Thanks, kj

#2 Post by **jdhurst** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 6:32 pm

Mostly, the list looks correct. You do have to pick out the updates for your particular audio, video, Wired NIC, Wireless NIC and modem. You can find these things in the Device Manager.

IBM has been releasing updates at a furious rate to get all their drivers and applications compliant with XP Service Pack 2. I read somewhere else that IBM has put out new machines with SP2 preloaded so they must be getting near the end of the process.

I see a new BIOS has been issued (a week after the most recent release).
... JDHurst

Plinkerton · #3 Post by **Plinkerton** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 7:44 pm

Are these something I should be concerned about? I have a 2378-FVU, and I haven't really paid attention to any updates, as everything is functioning perfectly. I haven't installed SP2 yet, as I don't want to fix what ain't broke.

Are any of these updates something I should really considered installing?

Thanks,
Plink

kjarrett · #4 Post by **kjarrett** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 7:50 pm

I generally update device drivers as soon as they are released.

That said, I will be waiting for my 2nd HDD adapter so I can Ghost again before going on my little update frenzy.

Blessed are those who make backups...

-kj-

sugo · #5 Post by **sugo** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 8:53 pm

I read the release notes, unless it fixes an issue that affects me I just skipped the update.

Some of them are no brainer. For example integrated 56K AMR modem driver Version 7.02.04.00, release notes say it adds support for G41 and fixes windows freeze on Hyper Threading enabled system. Obviously a pentium M equipped T42 doesn't need it.

Since applying intel wireless driver 8.1.0.28 all windows drivers are working fine here. I am waiting for hdd firmware A5EA though as it has a fix that I need.

But then sometimes IBM doesn't even say what has changed, for example the DVD-RW firmware K104, it doesn't say if it's any different from K103. I ended up not applying it.

kjarrett · #6 Post by **kjarrett** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 6:50 am

Any suggestions as to which of these bad boys to do first?

I'm thinking:

1) BIOS
2) Embedded controller update utility
3) Thinkpad Software Installer

... and letting it (the installer program) tell me what to do run from there.

Thoughts?

-kj-

Elhabash · #7 Post by **Elhabash** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 8:29 am

The Embedded controller should be done before the BIOS update, if it is not the current version.

#8 Post by **jdhurst** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 9:24 am

Elhabash wrote:The Embedded controller should be done before the BIOS update, if it is not the current version.

Generally I agree with you. That is the way I did my T30 then my T41. But I am fixing a T23 for a friend, and the instructions clearly say do it the other way around. So always be sure to check the instructions for your particular machine. ... JDHurst

kjarrett · #9 Post by **kjarrett** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 7:02 pm

Ok...

I updated the BIOS (3.12) and the Embedded Controller Program (3.03). No problems. My heart always skips a beat when updating the BIOS, how about you?

Anyway I then went to the Thinkpad Software Installer and checked everry program listed as "available to update." In almost every case, the "current" version was the same as the one available to update, indicating no action was necessary.

There was no version info listed for:

Audio, Bluetooth, Intel PROSet, Intel GV3 Processor driver. Not wanting to fix something not broken, I left well enough alone.

So it appears I've got all the latest updates. Now to see if my shutdown problems recur. Hopefully the BIOS and Embedded Controller Program updates will have done the trick. If not, it's time for some troubleshooting.

Thanks all!

-kj-

18 updates for brand-new T42p?

18 updates for brand-new T42p?

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