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Old 08-27-2005, 08:14 PM   #1
garyozzy
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how to upgrade bios


i need to upgrade my BIOS on my IBM Thinkpad 380ED laptop. I downloaded the update from the IBM site, and I don't really know what to do with it. I know you have to put in on a diskette or something like that. IBM's instructions are really confusing and some links don't work. Not nearly as helpful as you guys.
so far i've gotten to
BIOS Update (Diskette) - ThinkPad 380/D/E/ED, 385D/ED
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/si...id=EMON-3MGGW8

and downloaded the file. the readme didn't tell me how to put it on a floppy or anything

any help greatly appreciated


thanks
 
Old 08-27-2005, 08:46 PM   #2
Moloko
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You'll most likely need a Windows machine to create a bootable diskette with the file you downloaded. Even with a rom file you would need a bootable windows diskette to perform the update. I used FreeDOS onces, but it's not the easy way.

Make sure you know what to do if the update goes wrong.
 
Old 08-28-2005, 04:18 PM   #3
ironwalker
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Does your bios have an option for upgradeing on the very first screen at boot time?
My dell has....its at very bottom similar to asus motherboards.You tap like F2 or something and load the floppy with the bios file on it and point to it.done!.

This allows for upgradeing of bios even if theres no OS installed.
 
Old 08-28-2005, 05:50 PM   #4
michaelk
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The instructions are a bit vague...

I can not tell if the file is a self extracting zip file or just an executable. I would first try copying the file to a DOS bootable floppy disk and then when you see the DOS prompt type in the file name.

edit:
After rereading the web page I did find some instructions on creating the disk. It appears the downloaded executable file creates the floppy disk. You will need some version of windows.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/si...id=DSHY-3TEPF6

Last edited by michaelk; 08-28-2005 at 06:09 PM.
 
Old 08-28-2005, 06:13 PM   #5
Electro
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If the notebook computer is under warrenty, it is best to take it to IBM qualify technician and have them do it for you. If the notebook is not under warrenty, download freedos. Windows is not needed.
 
Old 08-28-2005, 09:17 PM   #6
garyozzy
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i figured out what to do and it worked. you download the .exe file and run it wih a blank floppy in the drive and it does everything

thanks for your help anyway
 
  


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