600 and 600e modem problem, and BIOS update

Question

I hope I can find the answers to my 600 and 600e problems here. I've looked over the whole community and can't find the answer to my problems.
BIOS Problem:  For some reason I can't update the bios on either machine. I am upgrading from 98 to 2000. I believe I need spsdib54 as a BIOS update. I find IBM laptops rather difficult to update. I have worked on a few computers in my day, but never IBM until now, and the learning curve is hell. I have a floppy drive but can't get the laptop to allow the spsdib54 file to open. I get a remove media message and then hit any key to continue. I'm lost here.and theIBM instructions are no help
MODEM Problem. I am trying to use AOL dialup. I install 2000, and can test my modem on both machines. I install AOL with no problems. Both laptops will dial out and get the correct Phone numbers. When I let AOL use smart connect and try to proceed, I loose all modem activity, and can't get it back even with the Modem upgrade which I have done. ....help 

Answer 1

Thomasrwahl wrote:
I hope I can find the answers to my 600 and 600e problems here. I've looked over the whole community and can't find the answer to my problems.
BIOS Problem:  For some reason I can't update the bios on either machine. I am upgrading from 98 to 2000. I believe I need spsdib54 as a BIOS update. I find IBM laptops rather difficult to update. I have worked on a few computers in my day, but never IBM until now, and the learning curve is hell. I have a floppy drive but can't get the laptop to allow the spsdib54 file to open. I get a remove media message and then hit any key to continue. I'm lost here.and theIBM instructions are no help
I. Create a System Program Service Diskette:
Download spsdib54.exe (TP 600E: spsdih47.exe or spsdin36.exe - find out here) to your desktop.
Insert a high density floppy disk into the diskette drive.
Double-click the downloaded exe and follow the instructions on the screen.
II. Follow the "Installation Instructions" in spsdib54.txt to update the BIOS:
Installation Instructions
Notes: - You need an AC adapter and a charged battery pack to update
              the system program.
            - If your computer is attached to any kinds of Docking station
              or port replicator, turn off the computer and detach it
              before proceeding.
            - Make sure the SPSD diskette is write protected.
1.  Print these instructions or display on another computer.
2.  Firmly connect the AC adapter to the computer.
3.  Insert the System Program Service Diskette into the diskette drive
     and turn on the computer.
4.  Select Read this first from the menu and carefully read the
     information that appears.
5.  Press the Esc key to return to the menu.
6.  Select Update system program and follow the instruction on
     the screen.
    Warning: Do not turn off or suspend the computer until the update
                    has been completed. IF YOU TURN OFF OR SUSPEND THE
                    COMPUTER WHILE THE UPDATE IS STILL IN PROGRESS, THE
                    SYSTEM BOARD MAY HAVE TO BE REPLACED.
After the update has been completed, do the following to make the
changes effective.
7.   Make sure the System Program Service Diskette is removed from
      the diskette drive, then turn off the computer.
8.   Press and hold the F1 key, then turn on the computer. Hold the F1
      key until the Easy-Setup menu appears.
9.   If a password prompt appears, type the correct password.
10. Select Config, then select Initialize.
11. Select OK to initialize the system.
Run the diagnostics to make sure that the computer runs with no
errors:
12. Turn off the computer, press and hold the F1 key, then turn on
       the computer. Hold the F1 key until the Easy-Setup menu appears.
13. Select Test, then select Start to run all the basic tests.
      Various test patterns will appear on the screen.
      An OK will appear for each device that passes the test.
14. Verify that OK appears for all of the devices tested.
15. Press the Esc key to exit Test and turn off the computer.