Error Beep Code

[oldbob]

My T-21 Thinkpad is running Win98SE. When I booted it up this afternoon, [loading very slowly] I started to get an Error Code of -- Three short beeps.

What is this indicating ???

I bought this notebook online and do not have a manual.

[Stargate199]

Error beeps usually refer to something wrong with the RAM. Find the RAM cover, re move it and take out and reseat the RAM and power it back up. If it still beeps, try using one stick at a time (if you have two sticks of RAM in the system). If still beeping, try to see if you can find different RAM sticks and see it that works. If the problem persists, then I would assume your motherboard has gone the way of the dinosaurs.

[truk]

I don't think that code is RAM on the t21, ram has it's own specific code (1-3-3-1 I think). Try removing your wi-fi card, HD, CD-rom, and all other removable cards and test for the code. Keep putting stuff back in until you get the code, that way you can know what the code might be. It also could be mobo or processor. I'm looking for the sheet of error codes right now and I'll get back if I find something.

[Stargate199]

1-3-3-1 error codes always mean RAM problems, but any other beep codes may be caused by the ram also. My dad's T43 gave a 1-3-3-1 code and another error code it turned out to be a RAM issue.

[oldbob]

Hey guys, thanks for responses:

The "three beeps" were almost continuous, I said were because when I "un-muted" the sound the beeps had stopped.

I have been going to the local library to try and setup Linux on their wifi setup. I suspect the RAM was knocked loose from riding on the floor of the car. Even though the notebook was in a carrying case.

Tomorrow morning, I plan to open and "eyeball" [and reseat] the RAM. I decided I should buy some more [512]. Because 256 is barely enough run Win98SE.

Thanks again for your help. I'll get back to you on getting Linux/wifi to work.

[Robbyrobot]

@oldbob:

"I decided I should buy some more [512]. Because 256 is barely enough run Win98SE. "

This comment caught my attention, since 256 MB of RAM should be _more_ than enough to run Win98SE and should even make the system quite fast. In comparison, I can can run even WinXP on a slower TP 765 with 104 MB of RAM (the maximum for this model) at - for me - quite acceptable speed.

You might try checking what programs are loaded at boot and running automatically if you're not getting satisfactory performance even with 256 MB of RAM. If a lot of unused things are running all the time, that could slow down your computer and eat up RAM without providing any perceptible benefit.

One other option would be to run Memtest 86+ (http://www.memtest.org/) to check the RAM you've got and make sure it's not giving problems.

Naturally there's no substitute for RAM, but you might save yourself some money by checking the above before you buy.