Windows 10: Windows bug blocks BIOS updates for Lenovo ThinkPad laptops

Lenovo ThinkPad owners are facing a headache with BIOS updates due to a recent change made by Microsoft in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Reports indicate that the latest Windows updates have altered the way certain executable files are treated, blocking them for security reasons.

This includes called WinFlash64.exe, which is to update the BIOS. The result has been chaotic, as users attempting to apply BIOS updates may encounter error messages indicating that the update process has failed. The bug affects Windows 11 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2, along with Windows 10 22H2.

This issue arises from Microsoft’s security blocklist, which has led the operating system to label the BIOS update as a ‘vulnerable driver.’ Consequently, Windows declines to execute the firmware update. This affects users with various ThinkPad models trying to utilize Lenovo's BIOS Update Utility or the Lenovo Vantage app. This situation marks an unusual turn of events, BIOS updates inherently carry some risks, but it is rare for them to be directly flagged in this manner by the operating system. BIOS updates may sometimes be necessary to ensure the smooth operation of a computer.

Lenovo is currently advising users to use Windows Update as an alternative method for applying BIOS updates to bypass this issue. This workaround relies on the operating system's ability to find the appropriate patches and deliver them through Windows Update. If no updates appear, users are left periodically checking for new patches, hoping to resolve the matter.

Fortunately, Lenovo is actively addressing the situation. A new BIOS version, v1.61, has been released and should be compatible with the company’s BIOS Update Utility. If successful, this update will stabilize the installation process for affected ThinkPad models.

Source: Techradar

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Lenovo Unveils the ThinkPad S431 Laptop

Lenovo is putting TrackPoint into their IdeaPad laptops and call them ThinkPad.

 

Lenovo Unveils the ThinkPad S431 Laptop

Lenovo today announced its new ThinkPad S431, a premium laptop PC featuring an elegant floating design and touchscreen display. Optimized for Windows 8, the ThinkPad S431 offers enhanced performance and 15 percent faster processor speed than previous generations. The laptop is ideal for professionals who want a combination of style and substance. It is also a fit for small businesses that need a laptop to do it all – great performance for work tasks and an excellent experience for personal computing.

"The progressive design of our ThinkPad S431 will help small businesses impress their customers. We pack a punch behind that style, however, as we are committed to delivering genuine substance," said Jerry Paradise, executive director, Think Business Group. "The ThinkPad S431 offers an intuitive Windows 8 experience with the power needed to accelerate productivity."







The S431 is one of the first ThinkPads to feature Lenovo OneLink technology, which allows users to connect to the ThinkPad OneLink Dock with a single cable for dedicated video, additional USB 3.0 ports and gigabit Ethernet, all while powering the system.

Chic, stylish design

Featuring an ultra-thin bezel, the ThinkPad S431 is able to fit a 14-inch LCD screen in a 13-inch frame. The aesthetic exterior includes bevelled edges on the front and side, giving the illusion that the PC is floating and making the 20.5 mm frame look even thinner. A real aluminum LCD cover, available in fashion-forward silver or graphite black, is sand blasted and anodized, making it smooth to the touch for a premium feel.

The ThinkPad S431 also boasts a simplified interior with a five-button clickpad with glass surface to eliminate clutter, adding to the overall clean look of the laptop.

Easy, interactive experience

The ThinkPad S431 comes with a multi-finger touchscreen that makes swiping, selecting apps and resizing images a breeze – allowing Windows 8 to be used as intended. The display features 180-degree open angle that lets users interact with the laptop in a number of usage modes and improves the overall touch experience.

The ThinkPad S431 has a six-row backlit keyboard that includes Windows 8 optimized shortcut keys. Additionally, the large, responsive touchpad supports Windows 8 gestures, providing users with a powerful and intuitive way to be more productive and interactive with their laptop.

Power for performance

The ThinkPad S431 is powered by Intel 3rd generation Core processors, making it 15 percent faster than its predecessor with up to nine hours of battery life. With up to 8 GB of memory and 500 GB of storage, users don't have to sacrifice responsiveness for performance. The S431 can store up to 150,000 MP3s or 250 full-length feature films. The laptop features two USB 3.0 ports for fast data transfer.

Mainstream laptops designed for performance

First announced at CES, the mainstream ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531 are now available for purchase. For small businesses on a budget, the E431 and E531 laptops also include Lenovo OneLink technology for new docking capabilities. In addition to touch functionality, the slim ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531 laptops feature improved graphics options for more vivid content on their displays, up to full HD, and a five-button touchpad lets users control Windows 8 features from the keyboard.

Pricing and availability

The ThinkPad S431 is available beginning June 2013 from business partners and on www.lenovo.com. Pricing for the ThinkPad S431 starts at $699. The ThinkPad OneLink Dock is available beginning May 21.

The ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531 are available beginning April 30 from business partners and on www.lenovo.com. Pricing for the ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531 starts at $509.

 

Lenovo Recalls 208,000 ThinkPad Batteries

On March 1, 2007, Lenovo voluntarily recalled certain 208,000 9-cell lithium-ion batteries. These batteries were manufactured for use with ThinkPad notebook computers that shipped worldwide between November 2005 and February 2007. All ThinkPad R60, R60e Series, ThinkPad T60, T60p Series and ThinkPad Z60m, Z61e, Z61m, and Z61p Series with 9-cell 10.8V, 5.2 Ah batteries with part number FRU P/N 92P1131 are being recalled. All affected batteries will be replaced free of charge. Lenovo suggests those computers with defective units remove the battery and use the AC adaptor until a replacement has arrived.

Source: Lenovo