thinkpad T21

[haazim]

I have a used Thinkpad T21 and when I power up, the monitor is blank - no picture is registering. What may my problem be? Also how can I obtain instructions for this Thinkpad T21?

[ian]

Go and read the FAQ at the start of this forum

here -> http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewforum.ph ... f3a4522bcf

and all will be revealed...

(OK Nonny? Did I do it right this time?)

[kchung]

I'm going to sound like IBM support here but...

Do you see ANYTHING at all on the screen (try looking at it at different angles - it's possible the backlight has died)

DISCLAIMER: If you do any of this, you're doing so at your OWN RISK - I take no responsibility for any mishaps!

1) If you connect the laptop svga to an external monitor, does it display properly? You may have to hit Fn+F7 a couple times. If so, that's sort of good news... At least the video card/mother board isn't broken

2) Shut down the system and remove the keyboard. I'm not sure on the T21, but there should be a wide ribbon cable, possibly held down by a clamp, hear the edge of the keyboard enclosure closest to the display. If necessary, remove the clamp, then gently but firmly lift up the video ribbon cable and then re-insert it. Re-connect the keyboard [but do not put the screws in) and power on. Is it working? IF so, shutdown and put the keyboard screws back in.

3) Check the "lid closed" switch on the palm rest, next to the right hand hinge. Try blowing out the area with compressed air (sometimes some bits of that pizza or something get caught in there). Look at the switch carefully. Does it look like it's stuck in the down position? Turn on the system and GENTLY try to lift it flush -if you force it you could break it!. Do NOT use a knife blade or something like that. A tooth pick might work. Does the display come on?

If it doesn't work at this point, you're probably screwed. The problem might be the video cable, the video inverter, or the display itself, in which case I can't provide any further advice short of maybe getting another panel and see if works or punting the whole thing.

-Kevin

[JaneL]

>(OK Nonny? Did I do it right this time?)
>

You did very well, grasshopper! <g>

[MadeInJapan]

Could be something very simple...Try depresing the Fn key (blue one on the left corder of the keyboard) and F7 repeatedly...maybe you just have the display turned off.