Hi all,
While I was not able to reproduce the errors found by schmolch and tarlipe exactly (since I already have BIOS 2.14 running), I did poke around with downgrading to a previous BIOS version, following the Linux instructions exactly.
There is some problem with the Linux portion of the instructions. Until I figure it out, I've removed those instructions from the tutorial.
Mike
Updated a Thinkpad x61 bios successfully from version 1.11 to 2.16. Many thanks.
Might be worth noting, however, after step 1 that you should NOT copy up the remaining files from win98boot.zip -- the 3 system files that are copied up by the formatter are all you need in step 1.
I (stupidly) copied up all the files from win98boot.zip (and then the files from the CD) and got stuck in an endless win98 boot screen. I tried again and only copied up files form the CD and it worked fine.
Pengo.
it didn't work for me here. i got a blank screen with a blinking cursor, when i tried to type command.com grub appeared and booted into ubuntu. any help?
Last edited by openmoho; November 4th, 2008 at 01:55 PM.
Thank you
Last edited by beneficity; February 4th, 2009 at 12:47 AM.
Do you know if I can also rollback/downgrade that way ? The new Embedded Controller is blocking my non-IBM battery (new battery "management" I guess) and I'd like to be able to use my battery once again.
I should add the following information to my previous interrogation:
"Notes
If you update to the BIOS version 2.06-1.03 or later, you are not able to get back to the older BIOS versions."
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/si...cid=MIGR-67982
Do you still think it's doable even if I have version 1.11 ?
That might change things... thanks for bringing it to my attention. But I don't think so. I assume you have an x61/x61s, you have a BIOS installed which is after 2.06/1.03, and you want to roll back to 1.11/1.02?I should add the following information to my previous interrogation:
"Notes
If you update to the BIOS version 2.06-1.03 or later, you are not able to get back to the older BIOS versions."
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/si...cid=MIGR-67982
Do you still think it's doable even if I have version 1.11 ?
The way I interpret their message, I'm guessing that will be impossible. I'm not sure what would happen if you tried... It could be anything. Given the new developments, I guess I would err on the side of caution if I were you.
The only BIOSes I went back and forth between were 2.14 and 2.07. I never went as far back as 1.11, though, so I can't lend any personal experience.
Mike
**UPDATE**
I just updated the tutorial with information from the most recent BIOS, and included a new method which works without a Windows machine.
I used the new procedure to successfully flash from 2.14 to 2.20 on an x61.
The update fixed an issue that had crept up with recent kernels, where bootup would freeze after the message:
With the new firmware, I no longer need my previous workaround of the noapic and nolapic kernel options.Code:ACPI: Checking initramfs for custom DSDT
I would appreciate feedback from anybody who flashes to a new BIOS, especially if you try the new Linux-based procedure.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Mike
Bookmarks