T21 Freezes - Could it be Temperature?

[BoomerM3]

I am trying to 're-activate' my old T21 (2647-4BU). From a cold start, it gets to the Win XP logo screen, screen turns black, system freezes (I must hold the power button to turn it off).

If I then start the system in the safe mode, everything seems fine. I have disabled nearly device. All is well. I restart the system (now warmed up) and can run normally - not safe mode.

If the system is then off for an hour, it will fail (freeze) again. I have checked everything and can't determine a next step.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

From the sounds of it, it's possible that a cold temperature problem exists with either your memory module(s) or the motherboard. You could try downloading a copy of memtest86+ and see if that reports any memory failures. The diagnostic boots into a DOS environment and therefore does not need any hard drive or functioning Windows installation. You can find the program here:

http://memtest.org/#downiso

[BoomerM3]

I'm now guessing it's the MB. It will not complete a boot - rarely completes POST. It starts, then freezes. I removed and swapped memory; tried to boot from a CD. Everything fails.

Time for the trash?

[rkawakami]

Last ditch effort would be to remove the motherboard and closely inspect each component for any visible bad solder joint. I once had a T23 that would randomly freeze that I tracked down to a cracked solder joint on a crystal. Re-soldering that one connection restored it to perfect operating condition. However, based upon a cost-vs-benefit viewpoint, I wouldn't spend much money on getting your T21 running again. If yours has an SXGA+ (1400x1050) display, you might get a few $$ if it's well-lit and doesn't have any signs of red/pink at turn-on.

It's also possible that there's a component on the motherboard that's temperature sensitive. You could verify that by heating up the motherboard with a hair dryer (remove the keyboard, apply low heat for a little bit), pop the keyboard back on and try booting). That would confirm the diagnosis but realistically, you're going to have a difficult time isolating which part is causing the problem and replacing it. Almost all of the components are surface mounted and are very hard to remove/replace unless you have the proper equipment.

[cadillacmike68]

Welcome to the forum neighbor! I'm just up the road from you (when i'm home). Good luck getting the T-21 running. I have an old T21 that i haven't used in a long time. It has a W98 build though.