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by Neil
Sat Jul 15, 2023 5:49 pm
Forum: Linux Questions
Topic: ThinkPad Linux Failure
Replies: 2
Views: 6857

Re: ThinkPad Linux Failure

I would at the very least run MemTest for a while and see what it reports. It wouldn't be the first time a new computer shipped with faulty RAM. That may not be the issue, but it's something easy to test and rule out.
by Neil
Fri Jan 20, 2023 8:46 am
Forum: ThinkPad Legacy Hardware
Topic: Legacy Checkin! Post using your old Thinkpad!
Replies: 6
Views: 4563

Re: Legacy Checkin! Post using your old Thinkpad!

I don't have any legacy ThinkPads in use right now, but just happen to be using the machine shown below most mornings during breakfast. It's an R52 mobo in a T43 chassis. Basically a ThinkPad assembled from spare parts a while back. System: Kernel: 4.19.0-6-686-pae i686 bits Desktop: Xfce 4.14.2 tk:...
by Neil
Sat Oct 08, 2022 7:18 am
Forum: ThinkPad X230-X280 / X390 Series
Topic: X230T and Windows 11
Replies: 10
Views: 7159

Re: X230T and Windows 11

E350 wrote:
Thu Oct 06, 2022 3:05 pm
It seems to get easier to use with every version.
Is this quote with reference to Windows or Rufus?
by Neil
Fri Sep 16, 2022 3:25 pm
Forum: ThinkPad Legacy Hardware
Topic: 701cs Repair lcd lid, broken by hinge.
Replies: 5
Views: 1962

Re: 701cs Repair lcd lid, broken by hinge.

My opinion is ABS Plastic Cement makes about the strongest bond possible. Still don't think it's as strong as the original part though. Best to replace the broken part, but I understand they are hard to impossible to find for units as old as this.
by Neil
Fri Sep 02, 2022 7:04 am
Forum: ThinkPad T40/T41/T42/T43 Series
Topic: T42 refuses to work after club Med...
Replies: 9
Views: 4486

Re: T42 refuses to work after club Med...

It could be that a heavy build up of crud and fuzz is preventing contact. A good blast of compressed air might just do the trick.
by Neil
Wed Aug 24, 2022 6:01 pm
Forum: ThinkPad T40/T41/T42/T43 Series
Topic: T42 refuses to work after club Med...
Replies: 9
Views: 4486

Re: T42 refuses to work after club Med...

Let's see... the power button is on the keyboard, so maybe try remove the keyboard and re-seat the connector. If you have a dock, see if the T42 will power up using the dock power button. Just guessing here, but maybe something else to try.
by Neil
Wed Aug 24, 2022 7:09 am
Forum: ThinkPad T40/T41/T42/T43 Series
Topic: T42 refuses to work after club Med...
Replies: 9
Views: 4486

Re: T42 refuses to work after club Med...

Hmm... there is something really weird going on there. I've never known of a ThinkPad lighting up the green battery indicator when powered off. "Dead as a door nail" would not display any indicator lights. We may have to look in a different direction to trouble shoot this one. Have you tried booting...
by Neil
Tue Aug 23, 2022 5:15 pm
Forum: ThinkPad T40/T41/T42/T43 Series
Topic: T42 refuses to work after club Med...
Replies: 9
Views: 4486

Re: T42 refuses to work after club Med...

It's not clear to me whether it was you or the T42 that was on vacation for a few months. :mrgreen: Anyway... what does refuses to boot really mean? Does the T42 power up? ThinkPad splash so up? Or... if no signs of life at all, I would try pull battery out, disconnect A/C power and press power butt...
by Neil
Fri Aug 19, 2022 7:37 am
Forum: ThinkPad T40/T41/T42/T43 Series
Topic: Decent Browser for T4x
Replies: 4
Views: 3348

Re: Decent Browser for T4x

I use Firefox on my T43, but to answer your question, yes, there are other light web browsers. There are plenty of sites listing what the authors consider the best web browsers... https://www.alphr.com/lightest-web-browsers/ However, just keep in mind, that it's not so much the browser that makes th...
by Neil
Wed Aug 03, 2022 4:23 pm
Forum: ThinkPad T60/T61 Series
Topic: Relationship between CCFL and Inverter
Replies: 5
Views: 2600

Re: Relationship between CCFL and Inverter

Not necessarily. While the high voltage output from the inverter to the lamp is delivered over two wires, the input cable coming into the inverter board connects with something like a 30 pin connector. So there is much more than just simple low voltage power coming in.
by Neil
Wed Aug 03, 2022 6:59 am
Forum: ThinkPad T60/T61 Series
Topic: Relationship between CCFL and Inverter
Replies: 5
Views: 2600

Re: Relationship between CCFL and Inverter

If the CCFL lights up the display, replacing a functioning lamp is pointless. If the lights on the inverter are the issue, and the inverter board is not faulty, then the fault must lie upstream from the inverter with the ribbon cable that connects the inverter to the main system board or some circui...
by Neil
Sat Jul 30, 2022 7:31 am
Forum: ThinkPad T60/T61 Series
Topic: Win XP Ubuntu and cloning
Replies: 10
Views: 2959

Re: Win XP Ubuntu and cloning

If you want free and intuitive cloning software, give https://foxclone.com a try.
by Neil
Fri Jul 15, 2022 7:19 am
Forum: ThinkPad T40/T41/T42/T43 Series
Topic: BIOS File Archive
Replies: 4
Views: 2945

Re: BIOS File Archive

Congrats on getting the job done without help from the forum. I now see from your other thread that the BIOS refresh didn't solve the CPU problem though.
by Neil
Fri Jul 01, 2022 7:18 am
Forum: ThinkPad T40/T41/T42/T43 Series
Topic: T42 key replacement
Replies: 2
Views: 2743

Re: T42 key replacement

A small dab of rubber cement should hold it in place. In the past, I've put those rubber springs in without any adhesive, just the pressure of the key and hinges will hold them in place.
by Neil
Fri Jun 10, 2022 4:00 pm
Forum: ThinkPad Legacy Hardware
Topic: Install linux on a Thinkpad 240; how and which distro?
Replies: 9
Views: 3291

Re: Install linux on a Thinkpad 240; how and which distro?

All drivers are present in the Linux kernel, so installing on one system and running on another won't be a problem, unless proprietary drivers are needed for i.e. nVidia graphics. Don't think that will come into play with a 240. Now for installing Win98, I've put a hard drive in a T40, for example, ...
by Neil
Fri Jun 10, 2022 7:21 am
Forum: ThinkPad Legacy Hardware
Topic: Install linux on a Thinkpad 240; how and which distro?
Replies: 9
Views: 3291

Re: Install linux on a Thinkpad 240; how and which distro?

Pull the hard drive from the 240 and attach it to another computer and install the distro of your choice, then put the drive back into the 240. Easiest way for old machines that don't boot USB or have CD drive.
by Neil
Sat Apr 30, 2022 5:32 pm
Forum: Off-Topic Stuff
Topic: Installing Linux on an Android phone
Replies: 4
Views: 4478

Re: Installing Linux on an Android phone

Yeah, I began receiving those notifications back in 2020 and finally replaced my old phone with one that supports VoLTE last year. So I'm all set for when they eventually shut the old system down.
by Neil
Sat Apr 30, 2022 7:33 am
Forum: Off-Topic Stuff
Topic: Installing Linux on an Android phone
Replies: 4
Views: 4478

Re: Installing Linux on an Android phone

I have no personal experience in this area, but here is my search of DistroWatch for mobile Linux operating systems: https://distrowatch.com/search.php?ostype=Linux&category=Mobile&origin=All&basedon=All¬basedon=None&desktop=All&architecture=All&package=All&rolling=All&isosize=All&netinstall=All&...
by Neil
Thu Mar 03, 2022 8:11 am
Forum: ThinkPad X20/X30/X40 Series incl. Tablets
Topic: X31 last 'unknown device'
Replies: 3
Views: 5209

Re: X31 last 'unknown device'

Open Device Manager and right click on the "Unknown Device" and select Properties. Select the Details tab. In the drop-down box under property, select Hardware Ids. The top line should list something like: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1916 The numbers in RED are the Vendor ID, and the numbers in Green is the De...
by Neil
Fri Feb 04, 2022 1:50 pm
Forum: ThinkPad SL and L Series until L420/L520
Topic: SL500 Ram Change
Replies: 3
Views: 5077

Re: SL500 Ram Change

You can install up to 4GB PC2-5300 memory.
by Neil
Wed Feb 02, 2022 8:01 am
Forum: ThinkPad T40/T41/T42/T43 Series
Topic: T41 Lids/LCDs cross-compatible with?
Replies: 3
Views: 3422

Re: T41 Lids/LCDs cross-compatible with?

Yes, they are a physical fit for all T4x models of the same size, but models with Intel graphics cannot drive some of the high rez displays, as I recall. It's been a while since I've worked with these ThinkPads.
by Neil
Mon Jan 24, 2022 8:05 am
Forum: Linux Questions
Topic: X41: Linux distro / DE recommendations
Replies: 9
Views: 10139

Re: X41: Linux distro / DE recommendations

Believe it or not, there are still plenty of options for old machines like these. My X40 is currently operating on MX-Fluxbox, and while not snappy by any means, it's certainly useable. In fact, I use it as a media player at least a couple of times a week. AntiX is a distro that is designed specific...
by Neil
Wed Jan 19, 2022 9:53 pm
Forum: ThinkPad L430/L530 and later Series
Topic: L460 - Not Powering On ... i think !!
Replies: 3
Views: 6676

Re: L460 - Not Powering On ... i think !!

Check the USB ports for broken or damaged pins. Could be a short in there somewhere.
by Neil
Sat Jan 01, 2022 8:22 am
Forum: ThinkPad T60/T61 Series
Topic: T60p UXGA screen as 2nd/external monitor
Replies: 3
Views: 3857

Re: T60p UXGA screen as 2nd/external monitor

It's possible, but not a simple connection. You will need a LCD driver of some sort. Maybe something like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/234233333030?h ... SwJSJfQH~T
If you decide to go that route, make sure to select a board that is compatible with your particular LCD panel.
by Neil
Thu Dec 30, 2021 8:57 am
Forum: ThinkPad R, A, G and Z Series
Topic: New A20m
Replies: 8
Views: 9405

Re: New A20m

Hey there NyLan , welcome! Years ago, when I played around with Pentium II and III ThinkPads, I never used Win98 recovery media. Only installed from an OEM Win98SE CD, but whew!, there were a lot of drivers to search out and install. Anyway, I would think the A21M recovery disks will install just fi...
by Neil
Mon Dec 06, 2021 7:33 pm
Forum: Marketplace - Forum Members only
Topic: Found - WTB - T20/T21/T22/T23 hard disk caddy/cover
Replies: 15
Views: 4158

Re: Found - WTB - T20/T21/T22/T23 hard disk caddy/cover

KylesDigitalLab just sent you a private message with pictures of the parts I have. Sorry, I don't have any hard drive covers, but do have some of the other parts.
by Neil
Sun Dec 05, 2021 7:45 pm
Forum: Marketplace - Forum Members only
Topic: Found - WTB - T20/T21/T22/T23 hard disk caddy/cover
Replies: 15
Views: 4158

Re: Found - WTB - T20/T21/T22/T23 hard disk caddy/cover

Maybe... I'll dig out the parts box in the next few days and have a look.
"LCD Cover"? The outside lid, or the bezel that surrounds the LCD panel? Or both?
by Neil
Thu Nov 25, 2021 1:15 pm
Forum: ThinkPad X1 / X1-Carbon / X1-Extreme and later Series
Topic: ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th Gen (20KH) does not turn on anymore
Replies: 6
Views: 8606

Re: ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th Gen (20KH) does not turn on anymore

npcap9000 wrote:
Thu Nov 25, 2021 5:03 am
[*]The BIOS chip has power and clock.
How did you determine the above to be the case if the screen stays black?
by Neil
Mon Nov 22, 2021 7:56 am
Forum: ThinkPad T400/T410/T420 and T500/T510/T520 Series
Topic: Water spill and T420 doesn't boot
Replies: 5
Views: 4515

Re: Water spill and T420 doesn't boot

Give it several days, a week even, to fully dry out, then try again. It takes much longer than you think for the tiny amount of moisture to dry up, that can cause a short circuit. If it still doesn't work then, I would try a replacement keyboard first, then the system board.
by Neil
Sun Sep 26, 2021 8:21 am
Forum: Linux Questions
Topic: Upgrade from Windows 7 to Linux Mint or Zorin
Replies: 5
Views: 9694

Re: Upgrade from Windows 7 to Linux Mint or Zorin

Yes, VirtualBox is a good option. Better, in my opinion that WINE. At least for the Windows software I need want to use. But it may not be the best solution for gaming, depending on the type of games one plays. Graphics acceleration doesn't work very well in VirtualBox.

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