switching from a DUU to M3U using existing HD?

[joseph]

My T42 2378-DUU developed the graphics chip failure but before repairing I came across a T42 2373-M3U with a broken LCD. Will the M3U boot up and run with my hard drive as-is from the DUU? I'm trying to figure out how much trouble it would be before taking both units apart to swap the LCD's and not loose any HD data.

Thanks,
Joseph

[rkawakami]

Here's the configuration of the two systems:

Product: ThinkPad T42 2378-DUU [change]
Original description: P M 1.5GHz, 256MB RAM, 40GB 5400rpm HDD, 14.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, 32MB ATI Radeon 7500, 24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD, Intel 802.11b/g wireless(MPCI), Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), UltraNav, Secure Chip, 6 cell Li-Ion battery, WinXP Pro

Product: ThinkPad T42 2373-M3U [change]
Original description: P M 745, 512MB RAM, 60GB 5400rpm HDD, 14.1 SXGA+(1400x1050) TFT LCD, 64MB ATI Radeon 9600, 24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD, Intel 802.11b/g wireless(MPCI), Bluetooth/Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), UltraNav, Secure Chip, Fingerprint Reader, 6c Li-Ion, WinXP Pro

My answer would be, "probably". The major difference has to do with the video system so there could be some issues with the initial boot. The video driver download appears to be for any Radeon chip so that's a good sign. You should also be able to download the Bluetooth driver (if needed) or simply swap over the modem card from the DUU unit.

ref: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-55386 (T42 drivers and software)

[virge]

I think the video card issue will be fine. I have both an XGA and SXGA T40 (both are running but have other issues). One is permanently hooked up to the TV, the other is hooked up to external drives and printers so they can be shared over the network. I occasionally swap the HDDs for one reason or another. No problems at all with the video. Can't speak for the modem/bluetooth though.

[joseph]

the hard drive swapped seemd to work, the 2373-M3U seems to boot ok as far as I can tell-the screen is physically damaged but I can make out the boot screens doing their thing.

So I started the LCD swap from my 2378-DUU onto the 2373-M3U. I did just the LCD panel, not the entire lid. Now the M3U won't boot up. The indicator LED's on the inverter board light up briefly, the fan starts up, but the screen doesn't light and then everthing quickly turns off. If I plug in the original M3U screen then it boots ok again. I've tried also swapping the invertor board.

Is there something else I need to change to get the DUU screen to work on the M3U? Since the M3U seems to have a better processor I wanted to try to get that unit going but would I just be better off re-assembling the DUU and shipping it off for the gpu reflow instead?

Here's the part#'s from the back of the two LCD panels if it helps:
2378-DUU: FRU 92P6726(ibm#92P6725)
2373-M3U: FRU 92P6737(ibm#92P6736)