All kinds of problems with my T43

[arjunrc]

Hello, I am facing several problems with my T43. Let me describe the situation as best I can:

a) A few weeks ago, I decided to 're-install' XP on my T43. But instead of doing a factory re-install, I decided to follow the instructions in this forum on how to create a 'clean XP' CD and install that version on my laptop (so I could get rid of the IBM extra stuff I don't need). All of that went fine, I extracted a clean XP version, installed it. After installation, I realized that I needed the t43 network and audio drivers and some other critical stuff, which I did - no issues.

The problems started a few weeks later - let me explain what is happening

a) Pretty often, when I start the PC, it gets 'stuck' on the thinkpad splash screen (before XP loading starts). The hard-disk does not start. I need to shake the laptop hard, and then the HD light comes on and it works ok. Note that this is NOT everytime, but regularly.

b) RANDOMLY, sometimes, after boot, if I put down the lid of my laptop, a loud 'screeching' noise emanates - and it is a 'generated' noise ! If I shut off audio (mute audio), the sound disappears

c) My headset connection stopped working. If I play music using the loudspeaker of the laptop it works fine, but if I plug a headset in, no music is heard (yes, I've tried multiple headsets, and I am putting it into the right place). Again, this started happening only after I re-installed.

Note that I re-installed the thinkpad power management drivers, the HD shock protection system thinking that maybe this is happening due to incorrect power handling (just a thought), but that did not matter.

Any ideas ? It looks like my laptop is progressively falling apart

[SHoTTa35]

a) Sounds like the HD just became loose, open the bay and push it in further and tighten up the screws.

b) That is your internal speaker making that sound and it sounds as if your speaker is dying. The high pitched beep is normal when the system goes to sleep (think you can turn that off in the BIOS or power manager) but it shouldn't squeal like that.

c) Headset issue is weird, once again probably a soundcard/motherboard issue (could be the same as above too) The soundcard is on the motherboard and if it's dying then yeah you'd need a replacement. If you have warranty left i'd get it pronto!

[arjunrc]

a) Sounds like the HD just became loose, open the bay and push it in further and tighten up the screws.

Thanks. What/where is the bay ? (sorry!)

b) That is your internal speaker making that sound and it sounds as if your speaker is dying. The high pitched beep is normal when the system goes to sleep (think you can turn that off in the BIOS or power manager) but it shouldn't squeal like that.

Yes, this is not the normal modest sounding beep. It sounds like the thinkpad is being molested and it is shreiking for help - and it doesn't stop. Funnily, it only happens when the lid is being put down and that too, not every time. Other sound apps work fine.

c) Headset issue is weird, once again probably a soundcard/motherboard issue (could be the same as above too) The soundcard is on the motherboard and if it's dying then yeah you'd need a replacement. If you have warranty left i'd get it pronto!

So it sounds like none of this is my new XP install related. That is a relief.

Thanks!

[SHoTTa35]

the HD is located under your right palm. You know that area that always gets warm and you wonder why? You'd have to flip the system upside down and remove one screen then grab by gripper and then remove it and push it back in.

[wearetheborg]

I need to shake the laptop hard, and then the HD light comes on and it works ok. t

HDD is a delicate thing. Shkaing the laptop will damage the HDD.