Thinkpads Forum

Good morning from Canada!

This is my first post! I have a Thinkpad T30 with an old 2002 v.2.01 bios that won't update because of a lost password. I found out from Lenovo website that I need to download and initialize the 2006 v.2.10 bios update after giving a supervisor password, but I bought this second-hand from eBay with a lost supervisor password (dumb idea at the time, but it was cheap). I didn't think I would get into this kind of problem, but to upgrade to 2GB RAM (1GB in each slot) the bios and embedded controller will first need to be updated, so I could not run the laptop with 2GB RAM installed as I will get the beeps 1-3-3-1. It will run normal again when I re-inserted the old 256MB RAM module in only one slot.

So I am stuck with the old 2002 v.2.01 bios update and I need to know what is the maximum RAM upgrade this T30 can take with this old 2002 bios update? Any expert advice in this matter will be greatly appreciated, thanks.

I am not asking for any kind of hacking advice, so forget that and please only give the Max. RAM advice...and thanks.

truffy

Welcome to the Forum.
Without a newer BIOS, the laptop should run with 2x 512MB = 1GB total.
With an actual BIOS, it will run with 2x 1GB = 2GB total.
Check that both slots work, T30s are prone to have the RAM slot nearest the front conking out.
To test that, put only 1 RAM module in the front slot and try to boot.
If it beeps 1-3-3-1 you have only 1 slot working.
If it boots, see above (2x 512 or 2x 1GB).
You could try if the T30 as it is works with a 1GB module (200-pin Sodimm PC2100 or PC2700).
Any brand should work.

PS: also check your PM

Thanks...both slots seem to work well with the one 256 RAM module I have. I hope to get my money back for those two modules I bought from eBay and start up all over again shopping for the right seller with the right price on 2 X 512MB RAM modules.

truffy