Thinkpad T42 scrambled screen

[mfam]

The screen on my IBM T42 just recently started to displayed scrambled/distorted as I was surfing the web. I tried shutting it down to allow it to cool off but no luck. The scrambled screen starts as soon as the laptop turns on, i.e on the windows/IBM startup screen where mostly vertical lines appear on the screen and continue to multiply as I move the mouse around. I read on a few help sites that it could be a problem with the graphics/video card or possibly a virus. The problem I have with scanning for viruses is that I can't see anything on the screen. Has anyone come across this problem? and is it possible to replace the graphic card on the T42? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!

[Neil]

Welcome aboard! Sorry, it's with what is actually a faily common problem with the T4x series. The GPU solder balls have most likely started to break loose. Search the forum for GPU re-flow and re-ball threads, and you will find lots of info on the problem and solutions.

[mfam]

Hi Neil! Thanks for the quick response! Is the scrambled screen problem
I described a sure sign of a GPU flow issue and is it safe to rule out a possible virus on my laptop? Thanks for your help!

[ajkula66]

No virus gives out these symptoms.

You have a very sick ThinkPad on your hands.

Good luck.

[mfam]

Hi Neil and George!

Thanks again for your replies. I read through some posts on the forum regarding this issue I'm having and it looks like the graphis card might be loose and needs soldering.
Is it possible to completely replace the graphics card on the IBM laptops or is soldering my only possible option to fixing my laptop?

Thanks again!

[Neil]

You can either replace the entire motherboard, or have the graphics card re-balled. The graphics card is soldered to the motherboard with hundreds of tiny solder balls. It's not something you can replace yourself, like with a desktop computer where the card plugs into a socket. There is no socket for a Thinkpad graphics adapter, it's truly a part of the motherboard.