IBM issues fix for ThinkPad hard disks (Presumably 7K60)

You need only update this firmware if you are experiencing stability issues with the drive. Most of the 7k60's are unaffected.

stu

If this not a required upgrade, then why does IBM state on their web page, "This is a Mandatory hard disk drive (HDD) firmware update. This update will fix early reliability issues in some drives." ?

Note: "In some Drives". If you are not having issues, there is no point risking a bad flash.

stu

Plus, if it was critical for all drives and not specifically the ones in the Thinkpads, then it would be posted at HGST.

stu

There is an utility on the page to check your firmware version. If it needs a patch, it would recommend it. My hd suffers several blue screen with ntfs.sys error. Still undecided if I would flash the firmware..

well my drive was working ok but I still updated the firmware and didn't have any problems after. done it about 6 weeks ago.

Has anyone tried this update?  Please let me know if it works for non-thinkpad systems.

Thanks,

John

I have also applied this update.  I used the floppy disk version and it worked for me.  I can not comment on the Windows version of the update.

 

I tried to apply this to my 7K60 HD in my Inspiron 8600, but I was told that it did not require a firmware update. I used the floppy version. I bought this computer in February so the drive might of already had the the fix.

applied the h.d. patch and it helped the problems i had with my screen fading etc. w/o powersupply.

the patch w/o the diskette tells you which bios you have and what you will get ( i presume a newer one) if you update.

if you are nervous don't upgrade if you don't have a problem.

w.

 

I applied the patch using the non diskette version and it didn't update the firmware. Will try the diskette version when I figure out how to make a bootable CD.

The newer packaged firmware on IBM's site is not the right firmware anymore so I looked for an older version and I found it here:

http://www-900.ibm.com/cn/support/download/attachment/JWAG-5WF4JP/fw5ba6ba_diskette.exe

I matched up release 8 with release 7 and it is the same exact bin files, (down to the date) all release 8 change was I guess a lock in the actual flashing *.exe program so people with non-IBM systems can't flash...

Hope it helps...

Also, I would always recommend you do a floppy disk version of a flash

John

 

Message Edited by Kamika007z on 01-06-2005 03:11 AM

Seeing as how data may be at risk, it would be nice if Dell would make some kind of statement.

Has anyone spoken to them about it?

If it tells you that you do not need the update, then you have the latest firmware.