Travelmate P645 - Don't update to BIOS 2.14!

Siriuslux
Siriuslux Member Posts: 5 New User

Dear Forum Members,

 

don't update to the BIOS version 2.14.

 

I unfortunately did so and now I can't make full use of my 24" external screen anymore.

The resolution is now limited to 1600x1200 vs. 1920x1200 before the upgrade, using the DVI-Output of the Docking-station.

Unfortunately the description in the BIOS changelog does not say that.

The friendly hotline technician confirmed that I was not the only one having this issue offering me a BIOS downgrade, however I would have to send my PC.

Not having one week to send the PC to the Acer Service Center back in Germany, it seems I have no other option than waiting for a new BIOS-version since Acer does not permit a downgrade of the BIOS. :-(

 

Hoping that helps some fellow users.

 

Regards Siriuslux

 

Answers

  • IronFly
    IronFly ACE Posts: 18,413 Trailblazer

    Travelmate P645-?

    need the final part of model. Smiley Happy

    I'm not an Acer employee.
  • Siriuslux
    Siriuslux Member Posts: 5 New User

    It is a TMP645-M Model.

     

    Regards

  • IronFly
    IronFly ACE Posts: 18,413 Trailblazer

    Check your private messages.

    I'm not an Acer employee.
  • frox
    frox Member Posts: 6 New User

    Could you please send me a PM as well if it solves the problem please? My laptop model is TravelMate P645-MG

    THANKS!!

  • Siriuslux
    Siriuslux Member Posts: 5 New User

    Hello frox,

     

    unfortunately there's no solution (yet) that worked for me.

    I think I'll have to wait for Acer to make a new release of the BIOS, hopefully that'll happen soon as the crippled screen is not really good for working efficiently.

     

    Regards

  • dinosaurSupervi
    dinosaurSupervi Member Posts: 4 New User

    Same Problem here! (P645-MG)

    Is this an issue that will be resolved by a new bios version soon?

    If not, is it possible to provide an old bios version?

     

    best regards

  • frox
    frox Member Posts: 6 New User
    Hi! I got in touch with acer level 2 support and I should get a response from Taiwan based bios development team at the end of this week. I will update you with any news I get.

    Frox
  • Siriuslux
    Siriuslux Member Posts: 5 New User
    Hope, we'll get a solutions soon.
  • frox
    frox Member Posts: 6 New User

    Hey guys, I received an email from Acer support with this zip file

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/g71lrsugsgvik2j/acer_bios_downgrade.zip?dl=0

    it contains pdf with instructions how to downgrade the bios to v2.0. I am thinking about buying 27" screen in few weeks so I have not tried it yet, however, it seems like a solution. Let us know if it works for any of you!

     

    PS. I understand this seems "suspicious" coming from an ordinar user and not official Acer member, yet, this is all I can do now.

  • dinosaurSupervi
    dinosaurSupervi Member Posts: 4 New User

    There is also a workaround for ubuntu lovers available. I installed ubuntu alongside windows, and with ubuntu you can get the native resolution of 1900x1200 on your external screen. You can test it with a linux live cd/usb. There is one important thing, however, if you want to install ubuntu permanently: Before you install ubuntu you have to switch the boot mode from "legacy" to "uefi" in the bios boot menu.

     

    It is kind of funny that a bios update specifically affects windows and not linux (ubuntu).

  • Siriuslux
    Siriuslux Member Posts: 5 New User

    Unfortunately Acer has still not issued a BIOS Update available beyond version 2.14.

    It's a pitty.

     

  • dinosaurSupervi
    dinosaurSupervi Member Posts: 4 New User

    I just found out that you can easily add a custom resolution on Windows 10:

     

    - go to intel hd graphics control (Ctrl + Alt + F12)

    - click display

    - goto custom resolution on the left

    - choose your external monitor on the left

    - add 1920 x 1200, 60 HZ, timing: CVT-RB

    - click add

    - goto general settings and select the newly added resolution and apply

     

    This gives me the native resolution with bios 2.14!

    Note that I have the german version so you might have different labels of the menu items.

  • frox
    frox Member Posts: 6 New User

    Great, it works! Thanks a lot!!