Updating system programs, Using system programs

Chapter 7. 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 built into your computer. System programs include the POST, the BIOS, and the Setup Utility program. The POST is a set of tests and procedures that are performed each time you turn on your computer. The BIOS is a layer of software that translates instructions from other layers of software into electrical signals that the computer hardware can execute. You can use the Setup Utility program to view or change the configuration settings of your computer. See Chapter 5 “Using the Setup Utility” on page 17 for detailed information.

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 the POST, the BIOS, and the Setup Utility program by starting your computer with a system-program-update disc or running a special update program from your operating system.

Lenovo might make changes and enhancements to the POST and 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) disc or an update program that can be run from the operating system.

Note: You can download a self-starting bootable CD/DVD image (known as an ISO image) of the diagnostics program to support computers without a diskette drive. Go to:

http://www.lenovo.com

Updating (flashing) the BIOS from a disc

This section provides instructions on how to update (flash) the BIOS from a disc. System program updates are available at:

http://support.lenovo.com

To update (flash) the BIOS from a disc:

1.Make sure the optical drive you want to use is set as the first boot device in the startup device sequence. See “Selecting or changing the startup device sequence” on page 19.

2.Make sure the computer is turned on. Insert the disc into the optical drive.

3.Turn off the computer and back on again. The update begins.

4.When prompted to change the serial number, press N.

Note: If you want to change the serial number, press Y when prompted. Type in the serial number and then press Enter.

5.When prompted to change the machine type/model, press N.

Note: If you want to change the machine type/model, press Y when prompted. Type in the machine type/model and then press Enter.

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