BIOS vs CMOS confusion!

[Nikos1974]

Hi.  I am long time computer user but somewhat superficial too.  Never really dug deep into computer hardware architecture.  Before downloading and updating my drivers on my recent lenovo thinkpad r61, I remember accessing cmos setup utility rather than bios setup utility.  There were many more settings to adjust than what I have now.   Was the original bios provided by microsoft or lenovo?  I am trying to go back to cmos setup utility rather than bios setup utility.  Is that even possible?

Basically what I had was legacy bios rather than uefi, or what?  I use microsoft windows vista home basic 32 bit operating system.

[fische]

Hi.
I don't quite understand the difference betwwen "CMOS setup" and "BIOS setup" as you call them.

First of all, your operating system should have nothing to do with the BIOS. It could be that you had it upgraded or changed somehow during the driver update process.

As I understand it the so called "CMOS memory" is a very small memory (up to 1 kByte) where BIOS parameters are stored. For example, time and date, boot sequence, etc I always thought there is only one setup program.

I have a Lenovo computer too but I never updated the BIOS or the drivers. But I wouldn't let my OS touch the BIOS. I think it's none of its business. That's why I don't like Windows. Too much happening behind your back.

[Nikos1974]

Hi.
I don't quite understand the difference betwwen "CMOS setup" and "BIOS setup" as you call them.

First of all, your operating system should have nothing to do with the BIOS. It could be that you had it upgraded or changed somehow during the driver update process.

As I understand it the so called "CMOS memory" is a very small memory (up to 1 kByte) where BIOS parameters are stored. For example, time and date, boot sequence, etc I always thought there is only one setup program.

I have a Lenovo computer too but I never updated the BIOS or the drivers. But I wouldn't let my OS touch the BIOS. I think it's none of its business. That's why I don't like Windows. Too much happening behind your back.

It is not necessary to update your drivers.  The system simply uses the generic drivers that are installed with the operating system.  I went to lenovo support to do all my updating with a tool called "system update" that automatically determines what you need.  It is perfectly safe and suggested.  Stay away from third party software that is filled with bugs and you have to pay money.

As for my bios, I remember it was called cmos setup utility and I think it was award software.  It was about a year ago so my memory isnt perfect.  But there were tons of adjustable features I would mess around with after doing some research first.  Then, apparently, I must have installed an efi bios without realising it.  What I have now looks CHEAP and non-practical.  The firmware interface does not say phoenix or award software, just some basic choices to make.  Upon examining my bios manufacturer and version number,  I determined it is lenovo 2.29-1.08.  There is no lenovo logo at the bios interface.

[fische]

Mine is (I think) a ThinkCentre M55e. It's a desktop computer. When booting it shows the ThinkCentre logo, intel logo and Phoenix logo. The BIOS version is 20KT45AFR. All the messages are in French (hence the FR part). But since they are very different computers I don't think BIOS have much in common.

I found a BIOS update (20KT48A) but since I have no reason I won't use it.

The main menu is like:
Main - Drives - Boot - Advanced - Security - Power - Exit

[Nikos1974]

Mine is (I think) a ThinkCentre M55e. It's a desktop computer. When booting it shows the ThinkCentre logo, intel logo and Phoenix logo. The BIOS version is 20KT45AFR. All the messages are in French (hence the FR part). But since they are very different computers I don't think BIOS have much in common.

I found a BIOS update (20KT48A) but since I have no reason I won't use it.

The main menu is like:
Main - Drives - Boot - Advanced - Security - Power - Exit

It seems to be a legacy bios.  Normally there is no "advanced" after performing an efi update.  If only I know this before updating everything.  I want most of my drivers to be top notch but not the bios.  Damm.  Now I don't think there is any way of undoing this without trying a hack and potentially bricking the system.  I am not even sure I want to do it for one or two settings.  Not worth the risk!

[fische]

Damm.  Now I don't think there is any way of undoing this without trying a hack and potentially bricking the system.  I am not even sure I want to do it for one or two settings.  Not worth the risk!

Yeah, it would be nice to have an "undo" button  Please, BIOS manufacturers, take note.