Thinkpad X230T - need help reflashing bios to install X220 keyboard

So, I have replaced the keyboard of my X230T with one from the X220T. Unfortunately, some of the keys do not work, but this can be solved with a bios flash.

This would involve patching the official Lenovo bios update ISO. The problem that I'm facing is that I have no idea how to patch the ISO. It involves using tools from git repository, which I have never done and really have not found any helpful tutorials for a noob like me.

If possible I am looking for someone to help me patch the iso for the X230T and make it available for me to download - or if anyone can point me towards a tutorial to patch the ISO on my own.

Here is the link to the files: http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Insta...inkPads#Re-Flashing_the_Embedded_Controller_2

Thank you in advance!

 

I'd like to use X230 keyboard on my X220T, and could really use some help too, being a complete noob in modifying BIOS files. (=

 

Yeah, still have had no luck on getting a reply, even on the Thinkpads forum. I am currently using the classic keyboard in my X230T, everything works except the FN keys, and the top row of special keys such as Print Screen, etc (The volume and ThinkVantage keys work fine though). So for typing this setup, for now, is superior, and I can never go back to the modern keyboard, even if I am lacking the use of special keys for now. If I do not end up getting help with the Bios patch, then I'll probably end up using Sharpkeys to remap the special keys - which would be a semi-permanent solution as long as I do not re-install Windows.

And I am currently using a Russian keyboard with UK English layout, and typing is not an issue. To install this you would need to replace both the palmrest and the top bezel trim for the keyboard with that from the X220 for the keyboard to fit properly.

Spoiler

 

Ahh totally mis-read your post, thought you were wanting to downgrade to a classic keyboard on an X230. Well, before this X230T I had an X220T, and I did end up changing the keyboard to a modern keyboard. From my experience, The only key that I found not working was the "Print Screen" key - which is mapped as "Right Mouse Click" by default. There is not a Bios mod out there for switching to a modern keyboard, but this issue can be resolved using Sharpkeys. It would be easy since it is only 1 key needing to be re-mapped.

Just a heads up, if you plan on getting a backlit keyboard, it is such a finger-oil magnet. That's one of the reasons I switched back.

Also, If you need the palmrest, keyboard bezel, and a backlit keyboard for the X230T I still have them. The palmrest has a small crack on the right edge, and the keyboard is Russian with US English layout (The dominant keys are English, RU is secondary). The Keyboard is in good condition with no shiny keys.

 

@Akimitsui I had an X230 keyboard on my X220 tablet when I bought it, but replaced it with brand new X220 keyboard. It was a bit damaged, so I sold it eventually. Still, I liked the feel better, and the layout - namely, PgUp-PgDn key locations - if only it worked as on X230 without BIOS mod. Remapping in Windows didn't work well for me, I was unable to remap the previous/next buttons to PgUp/PgDn respectively. I rely on TPM, so I didn't use modified BIOS at the time because it would result in five beeps every boot - but now some modder claims to circumvent the issue with latest 1.42 modded BIOS, and I'm annoyed enough with Lenovo's bluetooth and whitelisted WWAN module with ancient drivers resulting in occasional fasboot problems to give it a try - so I'm thinking of further modding it, to match X230 keyboard layout.

 

Ahh I didn't know that those keys did not work as well as I never use them. Have you thought of simply replacing the X220T with the X230T? You can pick them up pretty cheap for the most basic config, swap out the components currently in your with the X230T, and then sell the X220T with the basic config. That way you will have a slightly more powerful and battery efficient machine with the keyboard you want, without having to deal with the Bios mod. The price difference would be around the same price as purchasing the parts for a keyboard swap as well.

 

@Akimitsui I like X230 tablet less because it has problems with aftermarket batteries, making it much more expensive to maintain. I currently have 2x 72Wh aftermarket 9-cells, and I believe my X220 tablet battery life exceeds that of X230 tablet with original batteries - at a fraction of price. Also, X230 tablet is even harder to flash modified BIOS to, to finally replace WLAN and WWAN.