Important BIOS Update Notification for Satellite 16xx Portables



Document ID: 98060123

 

Posted Date: 2000-11-20

 

Last Updated: 1956-06-10

 

Distribution: View Public Website

 

Applicable Models
Satellite 1605CDS
Satellite 1625CDT
Satellite 1675CDS
Satellite 1695CDT

 

Issue
A BIOS update is available to address thermal control issues in the Satellite 16xx Portables.
Procedure
Toshiba has released a BIOS update for the Satellite 16xx series of notebook computers. The update will help improve thermal management and control the temperature generated by the Satellite notebook computer under certain operating conditions. The BIOS update provides enhanced cooling management function and protection.

Toshiba recommends that you immediately update the BIOS in your Satellite 16xx notebook computer.

*NOTE Some customers may have received a damaged BIOS update diskette from Toshiba. If you have received a damaged BIOS installation diskette, the quickest course of action to get your BIOS updated is to download the BIOS update from the Website by following the appropriate link to your specific model below.

A list of specific model numbers and BIOS Version are identified below.


Answers to some common questions.

  1. What exactly is the problem?
    On the Satellite 1600 Series of laptops, the embedded controller (which controls the heat generated by the processor) may be prevented from accurately recognizing a high temperature condition and, in turn, fail to apply the appropriate cooling measures when two conditions exist. The problem may occur in situations where a system is operating in an extremely warm environment and where the air flow around the unit is completely restricted (e.g. briefcase). The temperatures may result in visible damage to the unit's plastic case components.


  2. What is Toshiba doing to fix the problem?
    Toshiba has released an update to the BIOS codes for the Satellite 1600 Series of notebook computers. The update will help improve thermal management and control the temperature generated by the laptop under certain operating conditions. The BIOS update provides enhanced cooling management function and protection.


  3. Is this a "new" problem?
    Yes. Toshiba is a leader in the mobile computing industry and has not experienced an issue of this kind in the past. Toshiba is taking these actions to reassure our customers of our commitment to them through quality, reliability and customer satisfaction.


  4. Does this affect all Toshiba notebooks?
    No, this problem only affects Toshiba's Satellite 1600 Series notebooks manufactured from Feb. 2000 - Sept. 2000.


  5. Exactly what models are affected and how many are there?
    The Toshiba laptop models affected are the Satellite 1605CDS, 1625CDT, 1675CDS and 1695CDT models. There are 147,900 units sold in the U.S.


  6. Were the models sold only in the U.S. or is this a worldwide issue? If so, what other countries are these products found in?
    The laptops affected were sold in the U.S., Europe and Japan.


  7. How do you upgrade the BIOS and where can I find details?
    The upgrade is simply downloaded via the web. Just click on the appropriate link below and follow the directions provided. If you have any questions during the process, please call Toshiba's InTouch Center at 800-457-7777 in the United States (customers outside the United States should call their local HelpCenter).


  8. What is the likelihood of this problem occurring?
    Toshiba has conducted testing to evaluate the statistical likelihood of the overheating to occur. Those tests indicate that the chance is extremely low.


  9. If you're not aware of any problems with your notebook should you still upgrade the BIOS?
    Yes. Toshiba highly recommends a BIOS upgrade even if you don't suspect your unit is experiencing the problem. In order to preserve the long-term health of your system, a BIOS upgrade is advisable.

Affected Models:

  1. Satellite Notebook Computer Model Numbers:
    1605CDS, 1625CDT, 1675CDS and 1695CDT for US market
    1620CDS, 1640CDT, 1670CDS and 1690CDT for European market

  2. BIOS Version
    BIOS V1.11A (s1605_1625_v111.exe) for Satellite 1605CDS and 1625CDT
    BIOS V1.06 (s1620_1640_v106.exe) for Satellite 1620CDS and 1640CDT
    BIOS V1.04A (s167x_169x_v104.exe) for Satellite 1670CDS/1675CDS and 1690CDT/1695CDT

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