IBM admits DTLAxxxx/ICxxxx problems...

[NRG = mc²]

http://web6.scan.co.uk/OLQ/LogQuery.ASP

Go to the bottom where is says "Click here to get HDD test utility".

Link to the IBM DFT utility... and that form was a generic support form.

But hey, whats that further down? Firmware update for 60GXP and 75GXPs (DTLA) for "failures due to prolonged usage".

I looked for this patch on the IBM site and didn't find it. Anyone heard of this before? Is IBM admitting to retailers that theres a problem?

 

[Mercutio]

2.2MB for a firmware update!?!

What the heck is this?

The direct link is http://www.scan.co.uk/software/ibm/DFT_GENERIC_DTLA_A59A_A69A.EXE BTW.

Looking at this, I don't even know if the update came from IBM. Was it reverse-engineered or official? If it's official why isn't on IBM's site? If it's a beta or leaked code or something, is it meant for widespread distribution.

Anyone tried it yet?

 

[time]

It's a version of DFT that applies a firmware update if needed.

Here's an even more recent version of the firmware, with a more streamlined method of operation:

http://www.support.vectra.hp.com/vectrasupport/level4/33vtd065en/33vtd065en.html

And here's an independent site with some interesting links:

http://www.geocities.com/dtla_update/

It's a good question why it's not on IBM's storage site, but their PC division seems to think it's worth publishing:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/qtechinfo/MIGR-39082.html

 

[NRG = mc²]

I have no idea why they haven't got it available on their main site. What happened with that lawsuit? Wouldn't the release of this patch be considered evidence that IBM recognises problems with the drive?

I doubt anyone will be able to tell us if it works, most people have thrown out their IBMs last year...

 

[Cliptin]

I still have a 75GXP that I use on occasion. I could install it but what could I tell you. It still hasn't failed yet. To be fair this is a "return replacement" but there is no method I know of to reproduce the problem except time and maybe chance.

We need someone that had their drive supposedly fixed by DFT to update the bios and then compute with reckless abandon.

 

[LiamC]

Overclockers Australia have opened up a 20.5GB 75GXP to see what made it die...

http://www.overclockers.com.au/techstuff/a_hdd_anatomy/

Interesting

 

[Bozo]

What's really scary is I ran the HP detect tool, and it said my WD hard drive was okay! Same technology, same problems???

Bozo

 

[Stereodude]

I have no idea why they haven't got it available on their main site. What happened with that lawsuit? Wouldn't the release of this patch be considered evidence that IBM recognises problems with the drive?

I doubt anyone will be able to tell us if it works, most people have thrown out their IBMs last year...

I have one and it says I need to do the firmware update. I'm not sure if I'm going to do it though.

Stereodude

 

[Will Rickards]

Okay so I downloaded the A5BA/A6BA one and it made the floppy disk.
I ran it and it checked my disk and said update complete at the end.
But I looked through the logs on the disk and they are just for the DFT.
There is no mention of updating the firmware, which seems to be
correct since the logs were updated before the last step which I assume
was the firmware upgrade.

How do I tell what firmware the drive has?

 

[Will Rickards]

Okay, I found the firmware revision through the IBM Feature Tool.
I think it also comes up in my bios screen.

Model: IBM-DTLA-307030
Serial: ********
Capacity: 30.74 GB
Cache: 1916KB
Firmware: TX4OA50C

So I don't think it updated it.
So should I try one of the older ones?
A59A/A69A, A5AA/A6AA
Anybody know where I can get the generic A5BA/A6BA?

 

[Stereodude]

Anybody know where I can get the generic A5BA/A6BA?

Try the links from the geocities page?

Stereodude

 

[Will Rickards]

So I took the IBM site one... and it now says A5AA.
So at least I'm more up to date if not to A5BA.
Enough for tonight.

You need a different update depending on the 4th letter of your firmware.
I is one and O is another.
My guess - IBM vs OEM.

Oh and while I'm at it... the HD is at 32 degrees C

 

[Bozo]

Just upgraded a 30GB 75GXP with the HP tools. Says the fireware was upgraded. Computer booted back up so I guess everything is okay.

Bozo

 

[Will Rickards]

Mine booted back too after the HP upgrade, but it didn't upgrade my firmware. Make sure to check the version using the IBM Drive Feature Tool (or your bios post screen).

 

[Stereodude]

The update on the HP site did not upgrade my drive. I have a A50C.

I'd presume that unless I'm running a A6XX I have a problem correct?

Stereodude

 

[Pradeep]

The HP firmware update won't work on anything but HP machines. You need the IBM provided updater, I've lost the link.

 

[Pradeep]

Go here:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/qtechinfo/MIGR-39082.html

Time provided the link previously. Scroll to the bottom, you can download the tool there. Depending on what your firmware version is you need a different upgrade.

 

[Stereodude]

Go here:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/qtechinfo/MIGR-39082.html

Time provided the link previously. Scroll to the bottom, you can download the tool there. Depending on what your firmware version is you need a different upgrade.

This worked. I upgraded my A50C to a A5AA now. Maybe this will prolong the life of the deathstar.

Stereodude