ThinkVantage System Update Discontinued

Before there are a lot of messages about servers being down:

Changes to System Update and related tools

 

TVSU is dead, Long live TVSU!

 

This makes me incredibly sad. TVSU was the first application I installed on any ThinkPad and it greatly helped with the installation of a new operating system and keeping the system up to day. With the vast amount of drivers and software needed to get a Thinkpad up and running it made a 3-4 hour process into something that could be handled in about 15 minutes with a fast internet connection. What a bummer to lose such a valuable tool.

 

This really doesn't really bother me at all. I never update unless there's a need like something's not working, other than the latest service pack. I'm probably on the minority on this one, but I think updating is a waste of time. It rarely fixes anything and I've often seen it cause problems. It's a psychological thing. People like to feel like they've got the latest software. It's not like you can't update if you prefer. You'll just have to do it manually for the time being. This only covers the Lenovo updates. You still have Windows Update.

 

This is sad, very sad. Obviously ZaZ has never done a clean install, or has a lot of extra time on his hands... And it can be a nightmare just to get things installed in the correct order, which Lenovo does not document properly. Could be a deal-breaker for me.

 

Your logic is completely flawed. I've seen many times where updating has caused network cards to stop working, card readers stop reading, a piece of to stop working, etc., but when was the last time updating fixed anything? More likely when something fails you'll go looking for a solution at that point, not wait for an update. If you're system is working, why mess with it?

As for the clean installs, I do one on every machine, after making the recovery discs of course. I then like to make an image of the drive, which is easily put back. It's why I don't use virus software either, which I personally find more annoying than helpful.

As for the order or things, is there a correct one? I've never heard of one.

 

It's about time they killed it. The program barely worked as it is. I always download the drivers manually to install them.

 

The TVSU was a nice program for installing an OS quick. When I installed operating systems on thinkpads fairly frequently, I would just install the NIC driver and then run the update. It would download drivers.

The only problem I had was it would download a funky video driver that would crash T60s while playing Age of Empires II.

 

It will be back in May. They are going from downloading and then installing to just installing, or something like that. I just got another X200 today and had support on the line. I think it is stupid they can not leave what they have up and going until the new is finished, but oh well. I am sure it will be very nice........in May.

 

So true. I did a clean install and once I had everything set up properly I made a drive image with Acronis. Totally hassle free way to have a backup with your drivers already installed and definitely gives you the freedom of never needing antivirus.

 

is this an April fools joke. i thought this was working yesterday.

My bad, i just checked it today, it got updated and then died. the download and drivers page works fine

 

Are they going to discontinue also the "downloads and drivers" support page?

 

Eh, doesn't bother me. But I can see how it would stink for other, more novice users.

 

I doubt that. If they did, they would have a lot of angry users.

 

More than they already have, I guess you mean.

 

I think that would be their death knell.

 

As with any hardware/software, each user has his/her own needs. If you find something useful, you will use it; if you don't, you won't use it - as simple as that. You don't have the need for ThinkVantage System Update, that's perfectly fine - and you won't use it or miss it. But the fact is that many users, including me, find it a very convenient feature.

You obviously have your own philosophy for updating system - and that's fine also. But for me, I prefer an updated system to prevent running into problems that known bugs may create. Just like Windows Update or browser update to fix security holes. Obviously, most users' systems have not been exploited or compromised, it does not mean that they should wait until they develop problems.

The same applies for anti-virus software. If you don't download files, you can do without one. But I have to deal with a lot of files forwarded to me, and anti-virus software is essential for my needs.

 

it will be back in May?

 

Or others who appreciate the convenience of getting drivers updated without having to manually install each after a fresh OS for hours.

 

Driver install takes all about 20 minutes for me really.

 

Bummer! My new computer hasn't even arrived yet, and that will be my first Thinkpad I can call my own and will, with time do a clean install on

Bad timing, huh?

 

Persnickedety,
As much as the two events look connected, they aren't. You've puchased a new machine and thats event 1. A machine has been cancelled event #2. What's the actual relationship?

-Renee

 

No, the event is that I'm a newcomer to windows (from Macs), and was hoping to take advantage of the Thinkvantage System Update. Now (event number 2) when it arrives I will have to do it manually - and, I feel, somewhat stumbling.


Edit:

He, he, cute :yes:

 

I've installed some Lenovo Desktops recently. Used PC that I puchased from ebay. I got that message also with the last PC.

The problem isn't installing the drivers, but finding and choosing them. That takes longer than that, eventhough Lenovo makes it rather easy if you use the model number to locate drivers.

Anyhow, it sucks. I hope it comes back soon, worked fine for me several times.

 

Discovered that when Lenovo discontinued System Update they left Update Retriever still running, just stopped updating the download database with new drivers effective March 31.

So for anybody wanting to do a clean install before Lenovo has a System Update replacement in place it is feasible to do a System Update type bulk driver download/install using Update Retriever and Thin Installer with the exception of new drivers made available after March 31.

Doesn't make Lenovo's inexcusable treatment of System Update any better and still means extra work, but does save some time for those of us now needing to do a clean install compared to handling each download separately.

For details see here.

 

Things have collapsed in the laptop/ PC market to the point that Lenovo only cares what Dell and HP do for competitive markets. All the others are just niche players. If Dell and HP do not offer an expensive and high-class service such as System Update, then there is no competitive reason for Lenovo to do so. Margins have fallen so low on laptops, that it just isn't worth it anymore. System update was one of the relics from IBM (remember, IBM is a service company, primarily - that was their value-added premium), and the commodity market that is now laptops simply will not support such luxuries. But remember, also, that this is one less competitive advantage for Lenovo. HP has moved slightly ahead in technology, and now Lenovo will have to do the catching-up...

 

As stated on their website, Lenovo is just changing from TVSU, not discontinuing the whole idea of automatic update. Hopefully they are coming up with a new - preferably better - automatic update program soon.

 

Ah, good. I somehow managed to NOT get that part of the story

Have they said or hinted at when they think another update-app will be launched?

 

http://forum.lenovo.com/lnv/board/message?board.id=Special_Interest_Utilities&message.id=4514#M4514

 

So part of it will be back ("critical updates"), other parts are a "perhaps at some point in the future" –did I read that correct?

 

I can't say I'm on either side of the fence with an opinion on this change to TVSU, it personally doesn't bother me, what is strange is that their method of communication is mostly coming through forums and it's a confused message at that. For people that have to manage a small fleet of ThinkPads and relied on TVSU for their users and now don't know exactly what the heck will happen, it could be a good reason not to buy ThinkPads in the future. Businesses IT shops crave slow changes and predictability, not some system you relied on getting yanked with little notice or much of a future solution.

 

I noticed recently that you can subscribe to a RSS feed for patches and updates on your specific model - I wonder if they somehow intend to use that in some way?

 

it really doesnt bother me as well, i hardly ever use this function also..

 

Just caught this thread. This has been on my mind off and on since I first noticed this about 3 weeks ago.

1. Terrible decision.
2. I used the service and found it very useful.
3. Why wait till May??? All I can come up with is to avoid the "Conficker" worm to preserve their new support system.
4. I hope they get a new system like it running soon and continue to support their hardware with the latest drivers in easy download and update format.
5. This will surely lower customer service ratings for Lenovo.

 

This is exactly how I feel. For some reason, I am OCD about having the latest drivers/software updates. TVSU was an amazing application for me. Hopefully they do come with something that is just as good or better.

 

Hi, can anyone point out to me where I can find this "selective restore" option at? basically I just want to be able to choose which programs to be installed over the factory settings. Thanks in advanced.
also after I reformat it can i use TVSU still? or will the lenovo website the only place left to find updates?

 

I don't know if it will be as good or better but you could try the new " Message Center Plus which alerts you when conditions arise on your computer that require your attention."

 

It's my understanding and I don't use it so I could be wrong here, but the custom install option for Rescue and Recovery is no longer available. System update is no longer available. You'll have to download any updates from Lenovo's site. There's supposed to be some sort of new system update coming from Lenovo. They haven't been very forthcoming about what it is or when it'll be available. It remains to be seen if it will be as good system update. Due to the way system update was haphazardly taken down, it wouldn't seem like they've got a real good plan at the moment, but that's only my outsider prospective.

 

Yes, for the newer Thinkpad Vista preinstalls (those with S and Q partitions) the custom install option is gone from R&R.

BUT downloading BSA from here you can still modify the process of doing a factory reset to only include the software you want.

Edit: Also BSA stopped working for new S and Q version of Vista RnR.

 

Really?! Why would they remove the "custom" install option from R&R?! That is awful news

The custom factory restore option was a huge time and hassle saver as an alternative to doing a so-called "clean" install. I'm very disappointed to hear this.

 

Sorry, should have been customization not custom. The factory settings restore is very much there, what's gone is the customization option for it. I discover also BSA stopped working for new Vista RnR with Q and S partitions so now there is no possibility left to install less than everything in the factory reset process.

 

I for one will miss System Update as it existed. I found it a great tool because it basically 'recommened' software and then you could read the text files to decide if it was worth downloading. Otherwise just don't check the box and your fine.

My guess is that any 'new' product will be more like Windows update which installs everything by default without your approval. Windows update is a pain to avoid updates because you have to 'hide' them to prevent automattic install, even after you force it to require approval before installing (and boy does it annoy you untill you do).

To me, it is a bad idea to only provide what Dell and HP do because when I price out laptops from time to time, Lenovo models still cost more. They should then be providing more and their services are one of the ways I expect them to do that.

 

Yeah, this is what I thought you were saying. The "customized" factory restore option which allowed selective installation of items from the factory image (trial software, specific thinkvantage utilities, etc) will be sorely missed

 

up to now, i can't use thinkvantage system update

it's so bad!

 

now, how can i use this feature (system update), please tell me!!

 

You don't This sucks...hope whatever they come up with works even better.

 

Lenovo is informing their corporate customers that they are continuing with the Update Retriever package distrbution allowing them to continue to use System Update against their own databases.

I for one have now installed Update Retriever and am running system updates as before. See here.

 

I am a chinese living in asia and it has been my honest experience that asian companies place little emphasis on customer satisfaction. From small shops to big businesses the customer reps often snub questions from customers. Often the reply is to call somebody else and sometimes they even become impatient and express anger. That is why these companies although they do make large profits in the short term, seldom survive in the long term.

When Lenovo took over the ThinkPad line I knew it would only be a matter of time before the iconic brand would go to the dogs. However, I assumed this would be some time off and bought a new T61 in November of 2008.

Yet the ruin of the ThinkPad line has already begun with this sudden withdrawal of TVSU. I have also noticed a drop in quality control of ThinkPad parts. Lenovo service is nowhere near as good as IBMs was. Technical reps have no clue.

I hope that we customers spread the word about Lenovo's refusal to deal with us transparently and honestly and prevent prospective buyers from making a mistake.

 

awww how could they?

i'm really dissapointed. i would not want to go to lenovo site to check for update, i'm not a novice user, but i dont have the time, and its not convenient.

i'll miss em, i would certainly like to have the system update back online/updated, or integrated to windows update.

if i ever want to clean install or install new OS, what should i do? its not convenient. i can see no reason why they are discontinuing the system update, other than trying to the users off.

 

From what I understand, they would have some replacement - or whatever they want to call it - in May. Do we have any indication of what this is, or whether such a replacement actually exists? Not to mention when it will actually ship.