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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 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 execute. 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 or CD-ROM
This section describes how to update (flash) the BIOS using a diskette or CD-ROM.
System program updates are available at http://www.lenovo.com/support on the
World Wide Web.
1. To update (flash) the BIOS:
v From a diskette, make sure the computer is turned off and insert a system
program update (flash diskette). Then turn the computer on. The update
begins.
v From a CD-ROM, make sure the computer is turned on. Insert the CD-ROM
into the optical drive.
2.
Turn on the computer. If it is on already, you must turn it off and back on again.
The update begins.
3. If prompted to change the serial number, press Y.
a. Type the seven character serial number of your computer.
b. Press Enter.
4.
If prompted to change the machine type/model, press Y.
a. Type the seven character machine type/model of your computer.
b. Press Enter.
© Lenovo 2005, 2008. Portions © IBM Corp. 2005. 21