Why does one IBM support link have more recent drivers ???

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#1 Post by **aamsel** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:41 am

I am wondering why I am finding generally more recent drivers here:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... R-55386#PA
than here:
http://www.ibm.com/products/finder/us/f ... r&trac=SU1

The second link is where you put in the exact 4 digit code of your Thinkpad, yet I am seeing consistently later versions of drivers at the first link.

Is this a known fact, or am I missing something???

Thanks!!

Andrew
Austin, TX

beeblebrox · #2 Post by **beeblebrox** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 8:32 am

maybe the IBM servers and web sites get synchronized once every week on sunday night?

#3 Post by **aamsel** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 9:45 am

No, there are drivers listed on the first site that are MANY MONTHS newer than on the second one where you put the 4 digit system type in.

So, your thought...although a good one, can not be correct.

Andrew
Austin, TX

beeblebrox wrote:maybe the IBM servers and web sites get synchronized once every week on sunday night?

dvorak · #4 Post by **dvorak** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:16 am

Most of the drivers there are now new because of T43 and actually don't bear any updates. Maybe that also is causing the drivers to be different on those pages.

LumberJack · #5 Post by **LumberJack** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:01 pm

This may be related to the fact that IBM updater does not provide the newest updates automatically. Personally I check every month or so on the first link and get the newest stuff that applies to me.

LJ

#6 Post by **jdhurst** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:13 pm

I see the first link is the support site, and the second link is a generic IBM link. The second link does not produce the most recent results for my T41 either. They probably don't keep the generic link up-to-date.

I know that I used my support site link last night as well, and there are a whack of brand new drivers out - most to accomodate the T43, but there are bug fixes in some of them as well in the fine print. I downloaded them all last night and installed them all. Everything seems to be working fine.
... JD Hurst

byron · #7 Post by **byron** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:21 pm

the IBM driver matrix is what i ALWAYS use.. i don't trust that POS IBM update connector application.

#8 Post by **aamsel** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:59 pm

Thanks!
The driver matrix is what I will use from now on.
However, I was NOT using update connector application, in fact, I have done a clean re-install, and I didn't even load that application, and won't!

Andrew
Austin, TX

byron wrote:the IBM driver matrix is what i ALWAYS use.. i don't trust that POS IBM update connector application.

byron · #9 Post by **byron** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 1:06 pm

aamsel wrote:Thanks!
The driver matrix is what I will use from now on.
However, I was NOT using update connector application, in fact, I have done a clean re-install, and I didn't even load that application, and won't!

ya.. i was just stating how i hate update connector.

Guest · #10 Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 6:14 am

I just bought a refurbished T21, so I need to get the drivers. I tried numerous times, to download ANY T21 driver, but IBM never could bring up a download page...instead, they just looped me back to question number 1.

So I ordered the drivers CD, as I could not find anywhere else on the web, where T21 drivers can be downloaded. As for IBM: really tacky, offering driver downloads that are not actually available. Well, I did NOT break down, and make a purchase from you. Instead, I ordered the CD from another source.

#11 Post by **jdhurst** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:11 am

Put your machine type and model number in here please, and we'll see if we can help. The site has never failed to bring up the drivers page if I key in the correct model (e.g. 2647-8NU for my T23).
... JD Hurst

Guest · #12 Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:24 am

PROBLEM SOLVED:

I have just been able to download the audio drivers file, using the Firefox browser. But the problem remains using my regular browser, Opera. Here is a more detailed description:

nonny wrote:Did you try the link referenced in item #2 from the FAQ?

Yes indeedy...it takes to the same IBM download pages that don't seem to work. Example:

The link you mentioned allows me to narrow down my search to the T21 (my notebook), which is this page:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... IGR-4PJN96

So I select the audio link, which opens to this page:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... IGR-4PJN96

And the link to download the audio drivers is:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... at21se.exe

Which opens a pop-up window stating "Terms and conditions". You have the option of using IBM's own downloader utility, or proceed with your own method. Either option, however, does nothing. If I try IBM's download, I get the following error:

"Download Director failed to load or Java scripting is disabled. Try again?"

But both Java and Javascript are turned ON...in my Opera browser. If I deselect their downloader, then proceed, the page just stays there, nothing happens.

===

BTW, I don't use IE...but I can't even try it for this problem, 'cause it's borken anywayz. M$ does this a lot, and IE's just too dangerous to use anyway. I conclude that IBM's download sections are very flaky...which then encourages the visitor to PURCHASE the CD from them.

So thanks for your help, everyone. I'm staying on this board of course...as I've been searching for Thinkpad fans on the 'net. Know of any other hot Thinkpad sites? TIA.

#13 Post by **JaneL** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:23 am

Did you try the link referenced in item #2 from the FAQ?

Guest · #14 Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:42 pm

PROBLEM SOLVED:
I ran Mozilla Thunderbird browser, and was able to download the audio file. But IBM is indeed a real nuisance, I guess to get visitors to BUY the CD instead.

Anywayz, I'm staying with this board, as I've been looking for hot Thinkpad fan sites. Know of any others?

FYI, here's the ridiculous vicious cycle I experienced when attempting to download drivers from IBM, using the Opera 7.51:

nonny wrote:Did you try the link referenced in item #2 from the FAQ?

Yes indeedy...it takes to the same IBM download pages that don't seem to work. Example:

The link you mentioned allows me to narrow down my search to the T21 (my notebook), which is this page:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... IGR-4PJN96

So I select the audio link, which opens to this page:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... IGR-4PJN96

And the link to download the audio drivers is:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... at21se.exe

Which opens a pop-up window stating "Terms and conditions". You have the option of using IBM's own downloader utility, or proceed with your own method. Either option, however, does nothing. If I try IBM's download, I get the following error:

"Download Director failed to load or Java scripting is disabled. Try again?"

But both Java and Javascript are turned ON...in my Opera browser. If I deselect their downloader, then proceed, the page just stays there, nothing happens.

s0larian · #15 Post by **s0larian** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:02 pm

I remember an Opera 7 version where I experienced the same problem. But with Opera 8 beta 2 and Java Runtime 1.5.1 there is no problem at all. Great browser anyway

Guest · #16 Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:09 pm

tea21 wrote:PROBLEM SOLVED:
I ran Mozilla Thunderbird browser, and was able to download the audio file. But IBM is indeed a real nuisance, I guess to get visitors to BUY the CD instead.

Well, it takes FOREVER for IBM to set up the download and procede. Files that should take only 5 mins. to download at 56kbps, wind up taking almost a half hour. Not good.

Guest · #17 Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:16 pm

s0larian wrote:I remember an Opera 7 version where I experienced the same problem. But with Opera 8 beta 2 and Java Runtime 1.5.1 there is no problem at all. Great browser anyway

I have NO problems download with Opera 7.x, nor have I EVER had any download problems with any of their previous versions. It's IBM's cruddy download system...and that is how they get more people to just open their wallets. These folks know what they're doing...it's crude, but true.

#18 Post by **jdhurst** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:17 pm

tea21 wrote:
tea21 wrote:PROBLEM SOLVED:
I ran Mozilla Thunderbird browser, and was able to download the audio file. But IBM is indeed a real nuisance, I guess to get visitors to BUY the CD instead.
Well, it takes FOREVER for IBM to set up the download and procede. Files that should take only 5 mins. to download at 56kbps, wind up taking almost a half hour. Not good.

I'm not sure where all the problems are coming from. I use IE6 (I bothered to secure it and disable or prompt the Active X functions) and I get good speed on downloads. I routinely uncheck (disable) the "Use Download Director" function. I think that takes more time and I don't need it - I just save the file.

By the way, it really would help to post the model number and type. I find that to be a fairly bullet-proof way of getting to the correct and latest drivers. ... JD Hurst

Guest · #19 Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 11:44 pm

<<
I'm not sure where all the problems are coming from. I use IE6 (I bothered to secure it and disable or prompt the Active X functions) and I get good speed on downloads.
>>

Anyone using IE these days is asking to have their system hosed. See:

Internet Explorer Is Too Dangerous to Keep Using
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,16 ... X1K0100440

There are many other sites and discussions by tech-savvy experts who now warn everyone to use a better browser...and this includes those who are usually very pro-Micro$uck.

IE inevitably screws up on me, making it inoperable. Typical Windoze product: shoddy and buggy. So even if I wanted to use IE, I'm stuck...it's just too much time-waste fussing with a browser! You can find any newsgroup or board discussing IE for a length of time...that many suffer the same nuisance of IE flaking out, as I do.

Of course, there are always the "wanna-bes" who really know nothing, yet pretend their Windoze system, including IE, is just absolutely grand, with not a single hitch in their life, ever. This flies in the face of all the reviews and criticism by those analyzing M$ products. Even a 3-yr. old could find a plethora of sites warning about IE, and M$ in general, just be doing a simple search.

<<
I routinely uncheck (disable) the "Use Download Director" function. I think that takes more time and I don't need it - I just save the file.
>>

Routinely? IBM gives me NO choice but to use the Download Director. And I tried it in Opera, Firefox, Mozilla and Netscape. Then, it loads a javascript routine which then slows down my system to a crawl. This is very typical of poorly written scripts.

You are very luck you have no problem with IBM downloads. I think you're the exception, though, as in looking this up on Usenet, I was overwhelmed with complaints about IBM's downloading. It's been pretty miserable for years. I remember now, when I last had to download drivers from them two years ago...again, I just had to give up, and find the CD.

<<
By the way, it really would help to post the model number and type. I find that to be a fairly bullet-proof way of getting to the correct and latest drivers. ... JD Hurst
>>

Sorry, thought I had just given you my specs in a previous thread. Here it is again:

ThinkPad T21 P-III 2647-4AU

I stopped the downloading, in order to read and post here, w/o it taking a half hour to view and respond to just a single message.

dfumento · #20 Post by **dfumento** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:30 am

IBM Download director wouldn't work from school. I have to do the driver updates at home.

#21 Post by **JaneL** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:40 am

>Which opens a pop-up window stating "Terms and conditions". You have the option of using IBM's own downloader utility, or proceed with your own method. Either option, however, does nothing. If I try IBM's download, I get the following error:

"Download Director failed to load or Java scripting is disabled. Try again?"

But both Java and Javascript are turned ON...in my Opera browser. If I deselect their downloader, then proceed, the page just stays there, nothing happens.
>

Interesting. With IE6 and Download Director deselected, it works fine here. I didn't try it with Download Director selected.

Tan Mann · #22 Post by **Tan Mann** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:49 am

Ouch!

Tea21...easy does it...take breather!

Personally, I have a strong preference for Mozilla1.7x or Firefox 1.x over IE.

At work, I simply cannot use Moz/Fire with 3 vendors I log into, simply because of the Java VM apps they load on my box!
I have to use IE in those 3 cases!

I would suggest that yes, IE rocks for the most part, especially with Java VMs, but Moz/Fire is sublime for the usual cruising.

Juts 1 hr ago I tried adding Macromedia Shock to Firefox(latest cut) but the inline install flaked out. I DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH IE!

The fix? Download Shock and install separately. No biggie.

That thing with IBM Donload manager, yeah, you can bypass it in IE but not Opera, as far as I can remember from 4 months ago when I last used Opera.

As a rule though, do yourself a favour:

Clean off the Opera crap from your Thinkpad(It deserves better ) until Opera is ready for primetime and install IE and Firefox.

You will have 2 choices now, one or both of which would be excellent choice(s) for anything you might want to do with a browser.

By the way, beating up on Microsoft is so "boringly yesterday"... For all the hassles there are with Microsoft products, can you imagine a world without their tools/OSs/Languages...

Guest · #23 Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 3:51 am

<<
Ouch!

Tea21...easy does it...take breather!
>>

I got to. This is just terrible to have this wall up, when suddenly I can't complete the setup for two T21's!

<<
Personally, I have a strong preference for Mozilla1.7x or Firefox 1.x over IE.
>>

Peraonally, I shun everything M$ that I possibly can. They set an ugly precedence of stealth capitalism...they're a huge monopoly that has STIFLED computer advances...because B. Gates bought out most of the creative competition...so now we must make do with a shoddy, buggy OS that costs us endless expense in wasted man hours.

I use those other browsers you mentioned.

<<
At work, I simply cannot use Moz/Fire with 3 vendors I log into, simply because of the Java VM apps they load on my box!
I have to use IE in those 3 cases!
>>

I understand. And I can't run IE even if I wanted...because after a few weeks or months it stops loading, refuses to reinstall or repair. Forcing me to reformat/reinstall EVERYTHING. Well, that's M$ for you.

<<
I would suggest that yes, IE rocks for the most part, especially with Java VMs, but Moz/Fire is sublime for the usual cruising.
>>

IE doesn't "rock", it's bulky, prone to viruses, and a headache many times. What planet are you from? Don't you read any of the trade and tech news?

<<
Juts 1 hr ago I tried adding Macromedia Shock to Firefox(latest cut) but the inline install flaked out. I DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH IE!
>>

Whaddya know...your problem is opposite from mine.

<<
That thing with IBM Donload manager, yeah, you can bypass it in IE but not Opera, as far as I can remember from 4 months ago when I last used Opera.
>>

Not just Opera: Firefox and Mozilla too! Know what that means, don't you? Another example of M$ invasion of Java, to create scripts that ONLY run okay with IE. Oh, yeah, tell me how much IE "rocks".

<<
Clean off the Opera crap from your Thinkpad(It deserves better ) until Opera is ready for primetime and install IE and Firefox.
>>

I have plenty of space for them all. Opera is not crap...it's superior to IE in many ways, ESPECIALLY security. Use IE long enough, you're system will get hosed. Don't you read all the latest reports advising everyone to stop using IE? Do you think I'm making this up?

What I can't get over, are those people who PERSIST in using IE, oblivious to the damage this will do to their systems...and to others because of their lazy acceptance of inferior goods. I can't believe you're other than a zombie, for so blindly encouraging ANYONE to use IE browser! It doesn't rock, at all.

<<
By the way, beating up on Microsoft is so "boringly yesterday"... For all the hassles there are with Microsoft products, can you imagine a world without their tools/OSs/Languages...
>>

Hasten Jason, get the bucket.
Whoops too late, get the mop!

Oh, you're one of those, eh? Good god, no wonder the world's in such a mess. Windows is a great product, and Nazism was a great movement. That's all she wrote.

You need a reality check re. M$, IE, and IBM. My complaints come from an educated, computer literate person...these are not unusual occurrances...I've found newsgroups with plenty of folks who also are disgusted with IBM's site.

Of course, I also run into those boards and groups that think B. Gates is god, M$ is the Universal Law, and that spending ten times what you ought, and wasting so much of your valuable time over monopoly shill games, is a good thing.

I'm tempted to post here, various links to the evils of M$, the vulgar history of Windows shoving aside better options.

So yes, I CAN imagine a world w/o Micro$lush...and is one reason I'm so upset. The unfortunate failure of IBM, etc. to let you set up an older system, reflects a selfish and sadistic business. The sometimes endless frustration w/computers is a result of too much competition, not enough cooperation...with the big bully M$ destroying, delaying, or making up its own standards to fit its whims.

So, yes, I hate being reminded of this, whenever this does occur. Adding salt to the wound, are pinheads like you, who think IE "rocks".

I really got no help on this board...broken links, and encouragement to open my wallet for IBM. No one had any real knowledge of working DVD freeware (the ones I downloaded wouldn't install properly) or shareware, no links to ALTERNATIVE websites providing the necessary drivers/etc. It's all IBM, IBM, IBM. Who needs a laxative?

I'm signing off...the only answers I got were "spend more money". I KNOW I don't have to do that. Bye!

#24 Post by **jdhurst** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 6:06 am

Tea21 - I don't know if you are coming back. If you do, please lighten up on those of us trying to assist. I secured IE, I use it, and I have no problems. Not saying you don't, just that I don't.

If you go to:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... country=us
and key in 2647-4AU, you will get all the available drivers for your laptop. Your post of March 10 said you could not find these drivers.
... JD Hurst

Why does one IBM support link have more recent drivers ???

Why does one IBM support link have more recent drivers ???

How can you download ANYTHING from IBM's drivers page?

ThinkPad T Series

Problem Solved - thanks

I TAKE THAT BACK!

Re: I TAKE THAT BACK!

Re: I TAKE THAT BACK!

Re: Problem Solved - thanks

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