Lenovo TC A51-8424 manual Appendix A. Updating POST/BIOS, Updating flashing Bios from a diskette

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Appendix A. Updating POST/BIOS

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

POST/BIOS

POST and BIOS 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 IBM 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 IBM 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 IBM Setup Utility program by starting your computer using a flash update diskette or by running a special update program from your operating system.

IBM might make changes and enhancements to the POST/BIOS. When updates are released, they are available as downloadable files on the World Wide Web (see the Quick Reference). 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.ibm.com/pc/support to support systems without a diskette drive.

Updating (flashing) BIOS from a diskette

1.Insert a POST/BIOS update (flash) diskette into the diskette drive (drive A) in your computer. POST/BIOS updates are available at http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/ on the World Wide Web.

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

Updating (flashing) BIOS from your operating system

Note: Due to constant improvements being made to the IBM Web site, Web page content (including the links referenced in the following procedure) is subject to change.

1.From your browser, type http://www.pc.ibm.com/support in the address field and press Enter.

2.Locate Downloadable files for your type of computer.

3.Under Select your product, choose your machine type and click Go.

4.In Downloadable file by category, click BIOS.

5.Under Download files - BIOS by date, click your machine type.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2004

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Contents User Guide Types 8424, 8425 Types 8171, 8172 Page User Guide Types 8424, 8425 Types 8171, 8172 Page Contents Iv User Guide Conditions that require immediate action Important safety informationService General safety guidelinesPower cords and power adapters Plugs and outlets Extension cords and related devicesBatteries Additional safety information CD and DVD drive safetyHeat and product ventilation To connect To disconnect Modem safety information Lithium battery noticeConnexion Déconnexion Consignes de sécurité relatives au modem Laser compliance statementXii User Guide Information resources OverviewFeatures Expansion Input/output featuresPower Security featuresIBM preinstalled software Available options Operating systems preinstalled varies by modelSpecifications Supported operating positions User Guide Installing external options Installing optionsHandling static-sensitive devices Cover keylock some models Obtaining device drivers Locating connectors on the rear of your computerOpening the cover Locating components Accessing system board components and drives Identifying parts on the system board Installing memory Installing PCI adapters What to do next Removing and replacing the batteryRemoving and replacing an optical drive Removing and replacing a diskette drive Installing security featuresIntegrated security cable Identifying security locksUser Guide Cover lock Password protectionTo install a rope clip Rope clipClosing the cover and connecting the cables Erasing a lost or forgotten password clearing CmosExiting from the IBM Setup Utility program Using the IBM Setup UtilityStarting the IBM Setup Utility program Viewing and changing settingsIDE Drive User Password Password considerationsUser Password Administrator PasswordSelect Security Profile by Device IDE Drive Master PasswordSetting, changing, and deleting a password Using Security Profile by DeviceChanging the startup device sequence Advanced settingsSelecting a startup device Selecting a temporary startup deviceUpdating flashing Bios from a diskette Appendix A. Updating POST/BIOSUpdating flashing Bios from your operating system Recovering from a POST/BIOS update failure Cleaning an optical mouse Appendix B. Cleaning the mouseCleaning a mouse with a ball User Guide Basic AT commands Appendix C. 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 C. Manual modem commands User Guide Appendix D. Notices IBM TrademarksIndex Special characters Page Page Part Number 19R0474
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