T23 Random hangs

[bobgarty]

Have a T23 with 1.2Ghz processor that is having problems.

Booting into Windows it hangs randomly
Running Mem686 memory tester it hangs randomly
After it hangs it then takes 5 or 6 attemps to get post to run again.

Running PcDoctor from CD it is passing all tests for the items installed(on 5th pass of 10 on full tests).

I have removed the Lan and modem modules and swapped memory out with known good memory from another T23.
There is no battery in the laptop and i have upgraded to the latest controller firmware and bios versions.
I have swapped the disk out to another T23 and that runs just fine.
When it has booted into windows mobmonitor shows the cpu running at around 39 degrees at idle.

Any advice appreciated ...

Another thing - it has an SXGA screen, but the ultraport looks totally different to the one on a standard XGA - there is like a metal mounting plate surrounding the slot where the port is - why is that

[bobgarty]

Spoke too soon - hung again on cycle 6 of pcdoctor test .......

[rkawakami]

By "hanging", do you mean the system just grinds to a halt without displaying any kind of error message(s)? And it does this for both the memory diagnostic and PC Doctor?

If so, then I would assume that you have a problem with the motherboard. Try re-seating the CPU in its socket. You will have to remove the keyboard (and possibly the keyboard bezel) in order to remove the heatsink/fan assembly. Next to the CPU is a locking screw. Twist the screw to release the CPU and then re-tighten. See if that fixes the intermittent hangs. If not, then there may be a loose part on the motherboard or one that is temperature sensitive.

[bobgarty]

Thanks Ray - pretty much what I thought. Hangs are total freeze ups in all cases - no errors or beeps.
The whole t23 only cost me about £30 (1.2Ghz, 320Mb Ram, SXGA Screen with antenae, 40Gb Hdd - was only missing the keyboard bezel and wireless card) so a motherboard replacement is not too bitter a pill to swallow .

[think.t23]

my t23 had the same symptoms as you are describing.
I did spent some hours trying to find a crack or bad joint/solder on the motherboard because I noticed that it was much more likely
to hang when it was moved. but with no luck.

But after a motherboard replacment it was running fine.

[bobgarty]

Yes, I just need to track down a reasonably priced, good motherboard now (well 2 as I have another T23 with a boot problem). I do have a retail source of 2nd user boards that come with a 3 month RTB warranty - but will monitor Ebay for a while to see if anything comes up. I have a T42 and another T23 the wife uses ... so it isn't a pressing concern.