T42 only boots sometimes

[D3c]

Hi,

I have a major problem with my Thinkpad T42 2373-K1A.

It only boots sometimes and when it does, it freezes randomly when using Windows XP SP2. It recently started doing this after I came home from a vacation (including long flights). The laptop is fully updated and I have tried removing the ram (as well as the extended ram) from the computer but it doesn't help.

When the laptop doesn't boot up, it just gives me a black screen and the fan starts blowing (and doesn't stop doing this). The problem is on AC power and battery.

I really need your help...

Thanks in advance,
Christian

[PhilS]

Press "Access IBM" during bootup at the appropriate time and try running diagnostics.

Get a bootable Linux CD and try running the system from that. These CDs usually don't mount your HD so you can't alter anything on it. If it works ok using the bootable CD, then you've a problem with your Windows software. Use a USB storage device with the Linux OS to save any of your critical files before trying to fix Windows.

Phil Sherman

[D3c]

Press "Access IBM" during bootup at the appropriate time and try running diagnostics.

Get a bootable Linux CD and try running the system from that. These CDs usually don't mount your HD so you can't alter anything on it. If it works ok using the bootable CD, then you've a problem with your Windows software. Use a USB storage device with the Linux OS to save any of your critical files before trying to fix Windows.

Phil Sherman

It doesn't even get to boot-screen (or the diagnostics thing). As soon as I press the power-on button, I get a black screen and a blowing fan. However, sometimes the laptop can startup and it works fine for some time; then it freezes.

[mitchellst]

Sounds like your main board is failing.