How to update the firmware of my Lenovo Thinkpad T480

SOLUSfiddler

I'm asking because I'd like to update the fw to its latest version (1.33/27. May 2020 as opposed to my current version 1.28/17. Oct. 2019).
Lenovo's instructions are made for .deb/.rpm systems, and the terminal way using the command fwupdate doesn't work, Solus doesn't recognise it.
The T480 comes without an optical drive, so updateing "the old way" via an available .iso file burnt onto a CD doesn't work either. I also tried burning that .iso file onto a USB pen drive and boot that via a changed boot order in the laptop's BIOS as you would with the file on a CD - no success.

Of course I could just scrap the plan altogether but I'm sure there must be a way to update your laptop's fw under Solus.

Any ideas?

laky

SOLUSfiddler Did you perhaps tried using 2.0 usb port rather than the newer 3.0-3.1 ? When trying to boot from the usb try to use the 2.0 port maybe it will work.

brent Updating the bios was a scary experience for me too, but if you do everything right and follow the instructions given for your motherboard you should be just fine, only thing you need to predict is that you will not have any power losses while the bios is doing an update you must not power off during the process that is the most important part.

brent

I have a thinkcentre which is long overdue for a bios update, so you are a far braver person than I...

I see opinions on 'flashing bios' split in half in my reading: don't do it unless you have to and there are people that do it religiously and say there is nothing to fear.. Another thing that discourages me from updating is something see a lot in regards to flashing: "Do it at your own risk. No guarantees."

Can't explain the non-mounting .iso. But I see a tool in the repo called 'flashrom' that is supposed to help you do this. But like I say, I'm not brave enough to figure it out yet.
Hope you get more replies. Would like to know if my own fear of flashing my bios is irrational or not.

brent

laky thank you--good to know.

Axios

Bios updates are not hard but only use from manufacture website! Now not sure if I would trust a bios update in linux unless the program was written for solus to many things to go wrong! Might try burning with etcher its in repo. But it always good to keep current you never have a problem being current it usually solves problems not creates them.

laky

Axios Exactly, I would suggest doing this only if necessary.
For example I did it because my motherboard had weird bug with ram voltage and updating bios fixed it. Also one of the updates unlocked the possibilities to install newer gen of CPU's that are on the market. ETC..

Also I mentioned trying 2.0usb port because for me when I did the updates using the newer 3.0 usb port It didn't work only thing I did was to change it in my only 2.0usb port I had and it worked. Maybe it was just my case I am not sure, good to try tho.

Axios

laky Ya I have noticed with computers some funky things sometimes on usb3.0 I think its more the usb stick and compatability Dunno never looked into it much reason I know because my dell has 2 usb3 and 2 usb2 on front and sometimes just switching port solves issue. But like anything it doesnt hurt to try it. But etcher has been really reliable for me seems to burn everything properly.

laky

Axios As long as it works i'd say ! 🙂

Don't know what program I used, back then I was still on windows so not much help from me here.
Edit: Honestly I had to check, and then I remembered I didn't even use a program, just extracted the file I downloaded from the official page for my motherboard and that worked.

elfprince

The old axiom still true so often! If it ain't broken, don't meddle with it! 😀

SOLUSfiddler

elfprince
That's why I decided to NOT update.
Thanks, folks!