BIOS upgrade T21 1

[NiteMareBug]

I'm trying to upgrade the bios on a IBM Thinkpad T21.
It currently has version 1.02 on it and I would like to upgrade to 1.16. Every time I run the update (be it an IBM diskette or non-diskette version) I get the following error.

"The Diskette in the default drive will not run on this system. Your system is now locked. Press Ctrl-Alt-Del to reboot."

The laptop is fully functional with a working copy of windows 2000 on it. There are no settings within the BIOS enabled to suggest it is protected. I was thinking maybe a switch setting on the mother board? I have also tryed updating to BIOS versions 1.15, 1.14, 1.13, 1.11 with no success.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[wolluf]

Is this where you got update from -

http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?rs=0&uid=psg1MIGR-4Q2KM5&loc=en_US

Have you tried the non-diskette version on there?

 

[NiteMareBug]

Yep tryed that. Strangly when the system reboots to run the update I get the same message.

 

[wolluf]

There's not a bios setting which prevents the bios upgrade (that you could unset to allow it?)

 

[rclarke250]

HMMM! I own a t21 and was able to upgrade just fine using that file. Make sure your battery is fully charged,ac power supply is attached,and not in a dock. Also has the system board ever been replaced? If so,there is a utility that has to be run,to set the uuid,serial number. The latest is called maint172.exe. I have maint169.exe,and can send it to you. Rich

 

[NiteMareBug]

Yes it's possible that the system board has been changed.
Maybe with a different model. Doh!!

That utility sounds quite useful thanks. Where's it from? Who wrote it? Do you know where I can download the latest version?

Cheers!!!

 

[mctspr]

First - Read on your BIOS settings the machine or model type and use that one to find the BIOS Update on

http://www.pc.ibm.com/support.

Second - Try to escalade the Firmware Versions one at a time. You have to enter on BIOS and do a default settings and Date/Time Settings before you proceed to next version level of the update Firmware. Press ESC key when you turn on your notebook and see IBM Logo If you fail to do this on some IBM Notebooks the BIOS is Write Protected and this is the way to disable it. Every time the notebook is turned on the BIOS is already in Protected Mode. So you dont have to worry to do something to keep it unwritable but to disable it temporary you have to use the ESC key while turn it on and see IBM Logo.

Second - Be sure you have a GOOD BATTERY and not a fail one or one that is going to drain faster and its FULL CHARGED before the update. You have to do the update while the notebook is FULL CHARGED and connected on AC.

Third - If the Board is installed on your notebook does not have yet a Model Type or Serial Number indentified on the BIOS you need first to do this with the IBM Maintenance Diskette not lower than Version 1.62. To use it when you Turn ON your Notebook press ESC key sometimes to remove BIOS Write Protection when you turn on the notebook and see IBM Logo.

Fourth - If you still having problems try to Turn ON notebook and press ESC to remove BIOS Write Protection and use Windows or DOS Firmware update.

Regards,

Luis Daniel Aguilar
IBM Partner World Certified Technician

 

[rwdavis77]

I would like to receive a copy of maint172, maint169, or what ever version someone has available. I have the same problem indicated in this thread - a replaced motherboard and no valid info.

 

[mctspr]

Try to contact me via msn messenger at cobraeagle@hotmail.com or yahoo messenger at mctspr@yahoo.com.

Regards,

Luis Daniel Aguilar,
IBM Partner World Certified Technician