Random BSOD at random moments on Toshiba L500 laptop; graphics card?

Slartybart · 26 Feb 2014

L500-1eu BIOS [direct download]:
http://support1.toshiba-tro.de/tedd-...0629135948.zip
06/29/2010 2.10-WIN

L500 Driver Downloads
This search is for 32 -bit Windows7 but BIOS is OS independent

This search shows both BIOS updates. I suggest the earliest one since that is what is shown on the product page. If that doesn't resolve the BSOD, then you might consider the other BIOS update. I read both descriptions and can't make a determination of the difference other than the L500 Pro is listed 1st on the 05/30/2011 2.10-WIN version.

The how-to update BIOS page is ok: How to update the BIOS on Toshiba notebooks

luciflash · 27 Feb 2014

Thanks for the suggestion, but unfortunately it does not work.
The Winphlash exe gives 144 error (battery below 10%). This happens on both files that you suggested (the second one looks different, but still complains about the battery).

Is there any other way to flash the bios? Can I use another program? (i have the bios.rom file) Can I change some settings on Whinphlash so that it ignores the battery?

Thank you

Slartybart · 27 Feb 2014

I gave you every thing I could re: Toshiba BIOS update. I do apologize, I forgot about the update complaining about the low battery.

I would try removing the battery and run on AC only first. Then try the normal BIOS update.

If you can't run on AC (odd) or the update utility still complains (also odd), then you could try the following.

There's no guarantee that this method won't complain about low battery either.

Be careful, a failed or incomplete BIOS update can 'brick' your system
>> brick = make it unusable until a good BIOS is on the machine.

The low battery condition prevented any updating, so that's a different story.

Since you're going outside 'normal' procedures, follow these instructions knowing the risks.

See if your current BIOS has an update mode
Restart the machine, enter setup
Poke around for the BIOS update option (not all have this feature)

If yours does, run it and select 'update from file'
When prompted - provide the location and name of the .rom file

i.e. C:\Toshiba2-10.rom

After this, I've exhausted what I can offer, other than get a new battery.

luciflash · 27 Feb 2014

Already tried the just AC method...and unfortunately it didn't work. I tried anything I could find online, but no luck.
I looked into the bios, and it doesn't have the update from file setting.

I made some calls and I found a distant relative who has a Toshiba L655 and the internet says that it has the same battery.
So after my next family visit I'll come back with an update and let you know if it solved anything.

It's safe to say that I won't recommend Toshiba laptops any time soon. They use antique parts, antique materials, and antique software :)

Thank you for all your help.

Slartybart · 27 Feb 2014

Ok, good you found a battery to try - make sure they match though (case and rating)

Too bad about the BIOS not having a 'program' mode to update BIOS - some do, some do not.

I thought I saw that you tried AC only mode, but missed it when I looked back - thanks for the refresher.

If the battery isn't charging, it might be the power brick, not the battery. See if the jack is loose... lightly jiggle the jack and see if a better connection is made to the machine.

Some shops will test your battery for free, others might charge (pardon the pun) you a small fee. Try a few places, who knows... a nice shop might even fully charge the battery if it can hold a charge.

You could also look at the wire contacts on the battery and battery compartment to see if any are bent - carefully straighten them out with a plastic 'spreader' (Bic pen cap with pocket clip or similar object).

Do NOT use anything metal

If the contacts are misaligned, and you straightened them - see if the battery will take a charge.

Other than that, we'll wait until you meet with your relative.

Good luck,

Bill
.