Technical Support Lenovo ThinkPad Type 20GJ - 20GJCTO1WW

[byt2l]

Model Number: ThinkPad Type 20GJ - 20GJCTO1WW
Serial Number: LR-0738BEM 16/12

Story: Customer received a message from Lenovo Vantage Software about a BIOS/Firmware Update. They went to install the update, restarted the computer (Windows 10 they believe) and got a black screen saying "Flashing in Progress - Don't turn off computer". They got scared and thought it was a virus so they unplugged the computer and shut it down with the Power Button. Now the computer turns on, after 60 seconds all you can hear is the sound of the fan running. The red Thinkpad Light blinks two times when it first receives power and then stays solid red while the device is on. No POST Error Beeps or Blinking Lights are visible on the keyboard or where the power cord connects to the DC Jack. I have opened the laptop and removed the Lithium-Ion Battery and CMOS Battery and the symptoms are still the same when connected to AC Power. Device sat for 1 hour with fan spin with no change. I suspect the BIOS is faulty and will require reprogramming.

Support Page: laptops and netbooks :: thinkpad 13 series laptop :: thinkpad 13 :: 20gj :: 20gjcto1ww - Lenovo Support PE

Obtained BIN File from: Bios - lenovo thinkpad 13 (type 20gj 20gk) da0ps8mb8g0 bios

This YouTube Video Showed a method of doing a BIOS Recovery

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and I have attempted to copy the BIN File to a USB Flash Drive with partition type of FAT32. Renamed the BIN File (obtained by Dr-BIOS.com from the previously mentioned URL) as specified in the video, including all three file names. However, the laptop doesn't seem to respond to reading the USB Flash Drive using WinKey+B, WinKey+R, FN+B or FN+R. This model may have a different keyboard shortcut that I can't seem to find information on.
I have ordered a SOP8 SOIC8 Test Clip for EEPROM 25CXX /24CXX with CH341A 24 25 Series Programmer (SOP8 SOIC8 Test Clip for EEPROM 25CXX /24CXX with CH341A 24 25 Series Programmer 4894822313990 | eBay) in hopes that the chip can be re-programmed but want to check the group on proper process. I have no performed a BIOS Update or performed chipped program at our shop before.

The BIOS Chip (image attached) appears to be labeled as "WinBond 25Q128FVSQ 1646"

 

[Ahmad Safari]

Hello
Considering that the system is turned off during the BIOS update, you must program IC 25Q128.
If you still don't get results after the BIOS program, you should also program EC.

In general, this problem can be solved by reprogramming.

In addition, you cannot update the BIOS via USB, and you must program the IC with a ZIF and programmer.

 

[byt2l]

Ah

Hello
Considering that the system is turned off during the BIOS update, you must program IC 25Q128.
If you still don't get results after the BIOS program, you should also program EC.

In general, this problem can be solved by reprogramming.

In addition, you cannot update the BIOS via USB, and you must program the IC with a ZIF and programmer.

Ahmad, thank you for this information. Are there any guides you can recommend for reprogramming the BIOS and the EC to follow. This will be a first time for us at our shop.

 

[Ahmad Safari]

The BIOS program is very simple.
You find the IC BIOS first and remove it with a heater and put it on the programmer.
The most important point: back up the internal IC file and save it in your system
According to the exact model of the board and device model, register the BIOS file request so that the website support will give you the correct file.
Format the IC and program the new file on the IC.
Now it is enough to solder the IC on the board correctly.
IC pin number 1 is marked with a mark and be careful not to misplace it.
Pin number 4 is also ground. I said it only for guidance.

 

[byt2l]

Okay, update on this BIOS Reprogramming. I have successfully performed a full read and save of the BIOS as a BIN File using AsProgrammer 2.0.3a.

The BIOS is all "F's" so I assume the client shut the machine done after the erase was complete.
Now that is comes time to write the BIOS from the .bin file provided I get an error of Write Protection (see attachment)

I have looked up the Datasheet (25Q128FVSQ datasheet) and am at a loss on next steps

 

[byt2l]

Update apparently switching to NEO Programmer (NeoProgrammer New Update V2.2.0.10 - Satellite Database Information) may have resolved the issue with "Possible Protection is enabled. Press "Unprotected" and check datasheet error"

 

[byt2l]

Ahmad, we have success!

Thank you to this forum, support and guides.
Between dr-bios.com and winraid.level1techs.com I was able to obtain the right BIOS .bin file and get some guidance on our shops first BIOS Re-Program.

Curious what other shops charge customers for this type of repair? Pricing in USD (we're in North Carolina)

 

[Ahmad Safari]

you're welcome.
I am glad that you succeeded.
I am in another country and I don't know how much they charge in dollars.

 

[byt2l]

you're welcome.
I am glad that you succeeded.
I am in another country and I don't know how much they charge in dollars.

What do you charge and what is the currency used? I can lookup the conversion.

 

[Ahmad Safari]

What do you charge and what is the currency used? I can lookup the conversion.

I am in Iran and we will receive 7,000,000 Rials for this repair, which is 15 US Dollars.
In my opinion, in your area, they should receive at least 100 dollars.

 

[byt2l]

According to conversion 7,000,000 Iranian Rials is $165 United States Dollars.
Thanks again for your help and information Ahmad.

 

[Ahmad Safari]

1 DOLLAR USA IS 540000 RIAL IRAN.
7000000/540000=12.9


Your exchange rate is old and it was for 5 years ago.