Lenovo 3000 J Series manual Updating system programs, Using system programs

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Chapter 6. Updating system programs

This chapter contains information about updating POST/BIOS and how to recover from a POST/BIOS update failure.

Using system programs

System programs are the basic layer of software that is built into your computer. They include the power-on self-test (POST), the basic input/output system (BIOS) code, and the Setup Utility program. POST is a set of tests and procedures that is performed each time you turn on your computer. BIOS is a layer of software that translates instructions from other layers of software into electrical signals that the computer hardware can understand. You can use the Setup Utility program to view and change the configuration and setup of your computer.

Your computer system board has a module called electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM, also referred to as flash memory). You can easily update POST, BIOS, and the Setup Utility program by starting your computer using a flash update diskette or by running a special update program from your operating system.

Lenovo might make changes and enhancements to the POST/BIOS. When updates are released, they are available as downloadable files on the Lenovo Web site at http://www.lenovo.com. Instructions for using the POST/BIOS updates are available in a .txt file that is included with the update files. For most models, you can download either an update program to create a system-program-update (flash) diskette or an update program that can be run from the operating system.

Note: You can download a self starting bootable CD image (known as an .iso image) of the diagnostics program from http://www.lenovo.com to support systems without a diskette drive.

Updating (flashing) BIOS from a diskette

To update (flash) the BIOS from a diskette, do the following:

1.Insert a system program update (flash) diskette into the diskette drive. System program updates are available at http://www.lenovo.com/support on the World Wide Web.

2.Turn on the computer. If the computer is on already, you must turn it off and back on again. The update begins.

3.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the update.

© Lenovo 2005, 2007. Portions © IBM Corp. 2005.

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Contents User Guide Lenovo 3000 J Series Page Lenovo 3000 J Series Page Contents Getting information, help Conditions that require immediate action Important safety informationService and upgrades General safety guidelinesStatic electricity prevention Power cords and power adaptersViii User Guide Voltage-selection switch Extension cords and related devicesPlugs and outlets External devices BatteriesHeat and product ventilation Operating environment Electrical current safety information Lithium battery noticeTo connect To disconnect Laser compliance statement Modem safety informationData safety Power supply statementCleaning and maintenance Additional safety informationIntroduction Xvi User Guide Arranging your workspace ComfortGlare and lighting Electrical outlets and cable lengths Air circulationConnecting your computer Setting up your computerUser Guide Setting up your computer User Guide 1394 User Guide Turning on power Finishing the software installationCompleting important tasks Updating your operating system Installing other operating systemsUpdating your antivirus software Shutting down the computerFeatures Installing optionsMemory Input/output features Available options Specifications Tools requiredHandling static-sensitive devices Installing external options Locating the connectors on the front of your computer Locating the connectors on the rear of your computer Connector Description Obtaining device drivers Removing the cover Identifying parts on the system board Locating componentsUser Guide Installing options What to do next Installing memoryInstalling adapters Secure the adapter with the screw as shown Drive specifications Installing internal drivesUser Guide Installing a drive User Guide Installing options Connecting the first CD drive or DVD drive Connecting a serial ATA hard disk drive Installing security featuresPassword protection Changing the batteryPadlock loop Installing options Erasing a lost or forgotten password clearing Cmos Replacing the cover and connecting the cables User Guide Creating and using the Product Recovery disc Recovering softwarePerforming backup and recovery operations Using the Rescue and Recovery workspace Creating and using rescue media To create rescue media, do the following Creating and using a Recovery Repair disketteRecovering or installing device drivers Solving recovery problems Setting a rescue device in the startup sequenceUser Guide Starting the Setup Utility program Using the Setup UtilityViewing and changing settings Using passwordsUser Password Password considerationsAdministrator Password Setting, changing, and deleting a passwordUsing Security Profile by Device Selecting a startup deviceSelecting a temporary startup device Advanced settings Exiting from the Setup Utility programChanging the startup device sequence Using system programs Updating flashing Bios from a disketteUpdating system programs User Guide Troubleshooting and diagnostics Basic troubleshootingSymptom Action Diagnostic programs PC-Doctor for DOS PC-Doctor for WindowsCreating diagnostic diskettes Cleaning the mouse PC-Doctor for Windows PEOptical mouse Non-optical mouse Troubleshooting and diagnostics User Guide Information resources Getting information, help, and serviceOnline Books folder Lenovo CareWarranty and safety Access HelpHelp and service Using the documentation and diagnostic programsCalling for service Purchasing additional services Using other servicesBasic AT commands Appendix A. Manual modem commandsSet Pulse dial as default Low speaker volumeSet Tone Dial as default Internal speaker on until carrier detectedExtended AT commands MNP/V.42/V.42bis/V.44 commands Fax Class 2 commands Fax Class 1 commandsVoice commands Appendix A. Manual modem commands User Guide Appendix B. Notices Trademarks Television output noticeIndex 14, 22, 23 Page Part Number