HOWTO - Brick a W540 in easy steps

[renatomaia]

Bios says 2.05 also. But I think Lenovo update utility had a 2.05.1... Not 100% sure though.

Fact is that the option is gone - Config-Power - has no intel Rapid start option now.

Could you verify on you Lenovo update if it has an optional Bios update listed ?

Thanks

[renatomaia]

And I am stuck now... I can not upgrade to SSD because I do not know if the option is disabled(as per my configuration) or enabled (by default after the BIOS update).

[mwcarlyle]

My BIOS that still has Intel Rapid Start option is GNET57WW (2.05), BIOS Date 2013-12-27 when you look at the MAIN screen in Bios Setup if that helps.

[Mark_Lenovo Former Administrator]

All,

Someotherguy has probably covered it, but the new BIOS is on the way - perhaps available on the web sometime next week.  There should be versions for the various systems already identified.

Mark

[lucks]

That's fantastic news! I really hope my board will be replaced soon...

You mentioned that it will be available at web next week - can we expect it to be available via Lenovo update software sooner?

[renatomaia]

mwcarlyle,

same thing on my system. Exactly the same. 

Probably does not make a difference but I have Embedded Controller Version = GMHT25WW (1.10) and ME Firmware Model 9.0.22.1467.

and the Rapid Start settings disappeared !

Renato

[someotherguy · Accepted solution]

[edit 2/19/2014 to point to official Lenovo support website instead of my private dropbox]

Here is the BIOS fix for W540.  It is version 2.09.  With this BIOS, the problem should not happen.

W540 BIOS 2.09 WinFlash package (flash from Windows):

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?&DocID=DS039077

W540 BIOS 2.09 ISO package (flash from CDROM):

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?DocID=DS039078

T540p BIOS 2.07 WinFlash package (flash from Windows):

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?&DocID=DS038147

T540p BIOS 2.07 ISO package (flash from CDROM):

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?DocID=DS038148

BIOS updates for other affected systems will come later.

To be clear, if you encounter this problem where the system cannot get past POST, your system board needs to be replaced under warranty.  After the system board is replaced, but before re-installing the SSD, the BIOS must be updated to the above version.

I'm marking this thread as solved.  Any questions, please post them here.

[andix]

Hello someotherguy

How's the status on the BIOS for the T440s? I just bricked my 3rd mainboard now and I'm going mad. Actually I bought this notebook to get my work done, and not for getting it repaired once a week.

I installed the dependency package for the windows 8 settings app from lenovo and after the next boot the laptop was dead.

Please tell me there is will be a fix soon. Im f*** around with this issue now since mid-november and I really need a notebook I can rely on!

[LocalStorage0]

Just did a flash with the new BIOS and cloned my stock Win 6 over to a non-samsung SSD. 

Working for about two hours now.

[stefaroi]

I had my system board replaced this week, after the laptop (E440) was bricked (black screen, only the red led on). I had picked it up from service today. What should I do?

I also have a problem with the touchpad: the text/objects selection is not stable, or the touchpad is making selections by itself. What should I do?

Thanks.