Should i update bios before installing windows 7?

or is it unnecessary?

also, if i'm going from 32-bit to 64-bit, which version of bios should i update to?

 

I’d say yes—supposedly the latest BIOS is designed to support Windows 7. As for x86 or x64 from the perspective of the BIOS, there is only one BIOS, so this is a non-concern.

 

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-70347

so, i update with 32-bit now on vista with the link above. and when i switch to 64-bit windows, it'll still be fine?

 

If you are on 32-bit now run that version, if your on 64 bit then run that version. The bios contained in both is the same, but to install it you must run it on whatever platform is currently installed. It doesn't matter which version of 7 you will install just what you have now.

 

many thanks!

 

I've run Windows 7 on my ThinkPad since Beta 2, without issues, regardless of BIOS version.

I had to use the .ISO upgrade method (I'm running x64) until the secondmost-recent version, but the past two revisions have installed just fine from Windows.

 

I am interested in updating my T61 BIO as well, can anyone provide a brief explanation as to how to do this?

Currently running win7 pro 64

 

THINKPOD: Just download the bootable ISO file from Lenovo, burn it to a CD or DVD, boot from it and follow the on-screen instructions. It can take 2-3 minutes for it to overwrite the flash memory, so be patient and don't restart your laptop in the middle of the process

For 32-bit systems only, Lenovo has a tool that you can run within Windows without having to reboot from the CD. But since you're running win7 64-bit, you don't have that option.

Again, like the others said, both tools from Lenovo contain the exact same BIOS file. The only thing that differs is the method used to upgrade.

 

Thanks Faruk!! I will try that out! If you dont see me in the forum, than I probably fxxk up my T61... LoL

 

Not true, they have released a new BIOS updater for windows for both 32bit and 64bit platforms.

 

I did the update and now I can use virtualbox and install 64bit OS!

 

yeah, the link i gave is for straightup upgrdae. you can also do cd bootable upgrade too.

 

from your advices I went to see what to do to update the bios for my T400.


BIOS update utility - ThinkPad R400, T400
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-70350.html

in the notes section it says i need to install "Windows Vista KB 937500" update first before updating bios. i checked my installed updates in control panel and this update is missing.

so I go to the update page here
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-68845.html
and in this notes section it says I need to install this update http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-69105
before I can install KB 937500.

I followed the instructions, and tried to execute the 32 bit (941137-x86.msu)
and I get a pop up saying this update does not apply to my system.

Does this mean I don't need to do all this and just install the bios?

I have Vista home basic service pack 2.

 

To go to Windows 7, you have to do Wind7 installation. Under no condition does it mean that you don't have to install windows7.
Renee

 

Nice! I just checked and you're right, it was about time that they released a 64-bit version