Lenovo 9646, 6490, 9635, 9637, 9277, 9269, 9631, 9283 Updating system programs, Using system programs

Page 71

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 2006, 2007. Portions © IBM Corp. 2005.

51

Image 71

Contents User Guide Page User Guide Page Contents Troubleshooting Conditions that require immediate action Important safety informationService and upgrades General safety guidelinesStatic electricity prevention Power cords and power adaptersVoltage-selection switch Batteries Extension cords and related devicesPlugs and outlets External devicesHeat and product ventilation Operating environment Electrical current safety informationTo connect To disconnect Lithium battery noticeModem safety information Laser compliance statement Power supply statementProducts with television tuner options installed Proper grounding for the cable Example of antenna groundingUsing headphones or earphones Data safetyCleaning and maintenance Additional safety information Introduction Xviii User Guide Comfort Arranging your workspaceElectrical outlets and cable lengths Glare and lightingAir circulation Connecting your computer Setting up your computerUser Guide Setting up your computer User Guide 1394 Finishing the software installation Turning on powerUpdating your antivirus software Installing other operating systemsCompleting important tasks Updating your operating systemUser Guide Features Installing optionsVideo subsystem Operating systems preinstalled varies by model type Environment SpecificationsDimensions WeightTools required Available optionsHandling static-sensitive devices Installing external optionsLocating the connectors on the front of your computer Locating the connectors on the rear of your computer Obtaining device drivers Connector DescriptionRemoving the cover Locating components Identifying parts on the system board Installing options User Guide What to do next Installing memoryInstalling adapters What to do next Drive specifications Installing internal drivesInstalling options Installing a drive in bay 1 or bay Installing options Connecting the first optical drive Connecting drivesInstalling security features Connecting a serial ATA hard disk driveIntegrated cable lock Padlock Password protectionChanging the battery 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 Using passwords Using the Setup UtilityStarting the Setup Utility program Viewing and changing settingsUsing Security Profile by Device User PasswordAdministrator Password Setting, changing, and deleting a passwordChanging the startup device sequence Selecting a startup deviceSelecting a temporary startup device Exiting from the Setup Utility program Advanced settingsUpdating system programs Using system programsUpdating flashing Bios from a diskette User Guide Symptom Action Troubleshooting and diagnosticsBasic troubleshooting Diagnostic programs PC-Doctor for DOS PC-Doctor for WindowsRunning diagnostics from the CD or diskettes Non-optical mouse Cleaning the mousePC-Doctor for Windows PE Optical mouse1 Retainer ring 2 Ball 3 Plastic rollers 4 Ball cage ThinkVantage Productivity Center Getting information, help, and serviceInformation resources Online Books folderHelp and service Access HelpSafety and warranty Calling for service Using the documentation and diagnostic programsPurchasing additional services Using other servicesBasic AT commands Appendix A. Manual modem commandsInternal speaker on until carrier detected Low speaker volumeSet Pulse dial as default Set Tone Dial as defaultExtended 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 Page Page Part Number