T30 Barebones project--Where do I start?

[autres]

I'm hoping someone can help me through the steps to rebuild a stripped down T30. I've got pieces coming in from all over North America. Here's what I've ordered so far. The Hard Drive I ordered is from a Toshiba and has Vista pre-installed. I still need a HD Caddy. Do I need anything else (hardware or software)? What should I do first? And then what? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have an OEM version of XP that came with a desktop if you think VISTA won't run on this machine.

Here's what I've ordered:

IBM ThinkPad T30 Type 2366 Laptop Notebook P4/2GHz NR
--no memory; no drives; no adapter; bad memory slot

--2 IBM 512MB chips
--IBM THINKPAD T30 MEMORY SLOT REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS (John Mara)
--CD-RW/DVD FRU P/N 08K9868
--HDD= 80 GB WD Scorpio, model number WD800VERTLloaded with Vista, includes 2 Vista OS DVDs
--Ac Adapter 16V FRU: 02K6753, PN: 02K6746

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

Sounds like an interesting project. I've done similar re-builds to T23s. If you don't already have a copy of the Hardware Maintenance manual, you can get it here:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-42308

I'd say the first thing to do is to verify that the system is 100%. Grab a copy of PC Doctor for DOS for the T30 from here:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-54659 (diskettes)
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-56222 (CD image)

It requires at least one stick of memory to run so once you have that, execute the CPU/Coprocessor, Systemboard, Video Adapter and Memory tests as a minimum. Run the other tests as you add components (i.e., disk drive, optical drive, etc.). Be sure to execute a couple of the Other Devices tests (at least the Thermal Sensors and Fan options), as well as the Interactive Keyboard and Mouse diagnostics. For the tests on the system board components, you can use the F2 key to bring up the Test Options menu, then select and change the Set Pass Count number. This will make the tests loop the number of times you specify. Very helpful to "burn in" the system.

[Six_Shooter]

I'd be interested in these repair instructions, as I have discovered that my front slot has the dreaded issue.

[Hornnumb2]

I have quite a few parts for it, shoot me a email and let me know what you need...Michael