T43 Questions

[mixelogj]

Hello everyone!
I recently received my T43. Wonderful machine in almost all aspects! I do have a few questions/small problems though i'd like to ask if anyone has ideas to share.

1). I updated my bios to 1.08. The problem i am having ever since i updated my video card driver to the one installed by ATI Catalyst Mobility 5.6 (with the mod), which i don't know if it was the cause, is that when i boot up the bios screen which is performing self checks is displayed in higher resolution, and thus the text is small in the center of the screen covering only half of it. The problem is fixed if i enable "stretch display" (or something like that) in the bios under config->display but for some reason in the next cold boot this setting is set again to off, and the problem persists. Any ideas why this setting keeps reseting itself? All other configuration is fine.

2). I am having problems with IBM folder and file protection. After logging it to it, if i protect a folder (all the files in it) and use any of the files everything is ok. However, if i reboot and thus close and restart folder and file protection and log in again, some protected files are seen as corrupt. I haven't managed to find a pattern, but some (a few) text files are corrupt (their contents are garbage, like encrypted) and so are some non binary files. If i unprotect the folder, the files are still corrupt. Any ideas? Also, do you know what encryption algorithm this utility (and the one which creates encrypted virtual disks) use?

3). It's not uncommon for cpu temperature to rise to 60 degrees if the computer is busy for some time. It has even reached 66. Is this normal? I've installed centrino hardware control and haven't disabled centrino speed stepping technology which was enabled by default, so i thought i was not going to have any problems.

That's all! It's a great machine guys. I'm quite impressed with many of it's features. I haven't had any fan noise trouble. The screen is great, and the speakers are good enough. It was a bit pricey, but it's worth it.

Thank you everyone!

[kaplanfx]

1) The video driver is not loaded until windows starts and as such should not effect the bios stuff (i.e. self checks). There is an option in the ati driver panel as well as the bios, try setting that as well just in case. (its in advanced settings under display properties). Try changing some other bios settings and see if they stick. Non-sticky bios settings could indicate a defective CMOS battery (no need to panic this is typically easliy replaceable).

3) That is well within operating temp for the sonoma platform as far as I can tell. I have seen my T42 get up to 68 degrees when playing games or running a stress test with prime95. The cpu should be able to run quite a bit hotter without any problems, however its good to reduce heat as much as possbile. Clock down to the minimum speed for the cpu and put the machine on battery power, you should be able to achive temps in the mid to low 40's if not lower in some cases.

Glad to hear you like your machine.

-kaplanfx

[mixelogj]

Thanks for your replies! On a side question, is there a T43 manual available for download somewhere? I tried looking (quickly) on IBM's site but didn't find anything apart from software/drivers etc. There are a few stuff i'm curious about such as what happens in i fail to enter a correct password (or swipe the right finger) during boot up three times.

Thanks again!

[JaneL]

On a side question, is there a T43 manual available for download somewhere?

Items #1 and #8 in the FAQ.

[Scorpiontico]

Thanks for your replies! On a side question, is there a T43 manual available for download somewhere? I tried looking (quickly) on IBM's site but didn't find anything apart from software/drivers etc. There are a few stuff i'm curious about such as what happens in i fail to enter a correct password (or swipe the right finger) during boot up three times.

Thanks again!

nothing happens... you will be ask to enter password manually (type it).

[mixelogj]

Hello!
I was under the impression that if you fail to enter the correct power-on password in the first three attempts, that the computer locks or something. Is that true, and if so what happens then?

Also, given the number of utilities which find bios passwords, i was wondering how safe if the power-on password and bios supervisor password. I know the HDD password is very good but if the BIOS password can be found, maybe it's best not to use the same password for both.

Lastly, do you have any link for the theft protectin software? The one whichcould enable me to locate the computer if it's stolen and is online?

Thank you again!

btw, my first question on my original post was fixed by a setting in ATI catalyst. Thank you !!

[Scorpiontico]

Hello!
I was under the impression that if you fail to enter the correct power-on password in the first three attempts, that the computer locks or something. Is that true, and if so what happens then?

Also, given the number of utilities which find bios passwords, i was wondering how safe if the power-on password and bios supervisor password. I know the HDD password is very good but if the BIOS password can be found, maybe it's best not to use the same password for both.

Lastly, do you have any link for the theft protectin software? The one whichcould enable me to locate the computer if it's stolen and is online?

Thank you again!

btw, my first question on my original post was fixed by a setting in ATI catalyst. Thank you !!

again, nothing happens but you're promted to enter your password manually instead of using the fingerprint reader device... its not like the system locks downd but what it does is not let you continue until password/fingerprint is entered and recognized.

how did you fix your first problem about the ati settings?

thanks.

[mixelogj]

Hello,
In the catalyst control center (v5.6) under the "Notebook Panel Properties" found in the list under "Graphics Settings", The default setting was "Use centered timings" under "panel settings". By setting this option to "Scale image - full panel size" the problem was fixed. I don't know if and how ATI drivers set the corresponding bios option to off, but this did the trick.