T40 all kinds of problems.

[carsalesman]

I bought a refurb T40 about a year ago. For various reasons, it stayed in the box for several months. When I finally got around to opening it up, I began having problems immediately. The unit would boot up, but within a few minutes of operation, it locks up. Just stops dead in whatever program or operation is running. Not a blue screen, just freezes.

At the time, I tried a reformat and new XP install. I also tried replacing the memory. I gave up on it, just been sitting there. Unit looks like new, but that doesn't do much good.

Today I tried another crack at it. I downloaded all the current drivers, using another machine, and installed them. The machine locked up at least 6 times just in the time it took to install the drivers. Still the same thing. I tried turning off the wifi, thought that might be the issue. I also tried running in safe mode, which ran longer, but still locked up.

I suspect there is a problem with either the display, or the display drivers. I've been reinstalling drivers, and the ATI Radeon install process won't complete. I get an error message that some options are wrong. When that happened, I decided to start with yet another fresh XP installation. Put the CD in, started the process, but got about half way through the process of copying files from the CD to the hard drive (blue screen stuff), and it locked up there. At this moment, I can't get it to do anything.

Before starting the reinstall, I was able to completely run the PC Doctor diagnostics. Everything checked out ok. That makes me even more confused.

I don't now if this is a display problem, a mother board problem, or what. I don't mind buying a part, but don't want to spend more money on it, just trying things.

Suggestions?

[sktn77a]

Sounds like a hardware problem but to be absolutely sure, try to get hold of some T40 recovery CDs. That will eliminate incorrect hardware drivers as the problem.

[aldtech]

Sounds to me like an over heating problem. Have you noticed the cooling fan continuously running or maybe not even running at all? I would try the PC Doctor Diags again and just test the cooling fan to see if it comes on. Keep in mind that the overheating is not isolated to the CPU alone, the video chipset getting hot will freeze the system as well. I have a Toshiba Tecra with this problem for which I am looking to replace the system board. And in regards to the video, have you tried an external monitor to see if functionality continues after the screen freezes?

Good luck and keep us posted.

Al D.

[carsalesman]

Thanks for the suggestions. Please keep scratching your head, I don't think we've got it yet.

The drivers are the latest, downloaded today from the lenovo web site. Temperature doesn't seem to be an issue, does the same thing stone cold.

[ajkula66]

Have you run PC-Doctor from bootable CD or from within Windows?

Personally, I'd try removing the wireless card and hard drive, then booting a "live" Linux CD to see what happens...

[Beaver]

Temperature doesn't seem to be an issue, does the same thing stone cold.

Remove the kyboard, but let it on the cable. Power on the laptop. Check temp. near the CPU as there is some chance that there is some bad heat transfer to the cooler.

And maybe also try to run the laptop w/o the battery, just to be sure that it's not causing any trouble.

[yak]

From what I know, it could also be the dreaded T4x GPU issue. Anyone can confirm?

[Harryc]

Yak, I don't recall the GPU issue ever causing a freeze with video on condition. Usually it blanks out the screen or shuts down power or causes video corruption. I suppose it is possible. The OP should try applying pressure to the GPU (look for the big chip on the systemboard with ATI on it. It may be under a heatsink attached to the fan depending on model fan) while running the installation/s that fail. If no hard freezes occur while applying pressure, then it is indeed a loose GPU issue.

[Beaver]

And if even this will not help, your last chance is to change the fuel and air filter

[underclocker]

I'd say better than 95% chance it's the GPU. The GPU problem is like getting a computer virus, at first you think it's everything but what it really is. The GPU problem presents itself many, many ways.

If you press on the GPU before and after power up and it runs normally until you release and shake or flex or twist the machine, you've got the GPU issue.

Luckily, there are several options for repair or replacement.

[carsalesman]

I'd say better than 95% chance it's the GPU. The GPU problem is like getting a computer virus, at first you think it's everything but what it really is. The GPU problem presents itself many, many ways.

If you press on the GPU before and after power up and it runs normally until you release and shake or flex or twist the machine, you've got the GPU issue.

Luckily, there are several options for repair or replacement.

NOOB here. Please explain 'several options'. I don't mind opening up the unit myself. I assume it will need a new motherboard? Can they be obtained cheap enough to make it worthwhile?

[underclocker]

Please review these threads on the loose GPU topic;

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=33952
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=57021
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=65505
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=72974

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