My Thinkpad T42 doesn't boot anymore (no IBM logo on boot!)

[TheVelho]

Hello everybody,


I just turned my computer on a few hours ago, after not using it for a few days. Right after that windows starts and my desktop shows, a blue-ugly error message shows and says something like ``your computer is going to turn off to prevent damage''. After this I reboot: it works, I surf a bit on the web for 10 minutes and then again : same blue message, but that time it freezed the computer.

Since then, when I turn the computer on, I don't event see the IBM logo that shows before everything at startup and the computer doesn't boot. It stays on, but there is a black screen and it does nothing. I tried to boot with a Ubuntu Linux CD (that usally boots in any case), it spins a little and stops, and nothing happens. I've tried to unplug/replug the hard drive and the ram but it doesnt come from that.

So I am quite like , and ... Has anyone had anything similar ? Any help would be incredibly appreciated. I think I'll call IBM service tomorrow because it is very unusual, I'm quite used to fix computers and all but this case leaves me totally clueless.


Thank you very much in advance,

Timo.

[Thinkpaddict]

Since you can't even boot a Linux LiveCD, the three immediate possibilities I can think of are: RAM, CPU, or motherboard.

Try to reseat the RAM and the CPU. If that doesn't do the trick, arrange for it to be serviced if you are within your warranty period.

Good luck with it.

[TheVelho]

That's quite what I though...

I did try to move the RAM already.

I don't dare to touch th CPU in case it voids the warranty or something. I have 1 year left so it's OK. I'll call them tomorrow.

Thank you for your reply.

[TheVelho]

Hello again,


I unplugged-replugged the RAM and now it works fine. (I had an additional Crucial 512 Mo.) Everything is fine now!

[carbon_unit]

If it does it again I would send it in.

[TheVelho]

Sent the computer or the RAM in?

And what would I tell them if they tell me ``we just replugged the RAM and it works fine'' after I send it back if it happens again?

[carbon_unit]

The computer.

[Thinkpaddict]

I unplugged-replugged the RAM and now it works fine. (I had an additional Crucial 512 Mo.) Everything is fine now!

Awesome. If you don't move your computer around a lot and you have that problem again, like CarbonUnit said, I would consider sending the computer.

[MobileGuru]

If it does happen again, take the memory out and test the unit without it. Another good idea would be to move the factory chip (assuming you left it under the keyboard where it came) into the second slot without the Crucial memory you added.

If the memory you added is deemed to be the root cause of your problem when you send it in, you risk a service charge for looking at the problem if you send it into Solectron. Most partners would likely charge you labour for that kind of problem as well.

MG.