Cannot do clean OS install on T61p

[sktn77a]

I recently tried to do a clean install of Windows Vista business from authentic Lenovo recovery DVDs. The recovery goes fine until I use either Windows Update or Thinkvantage Update. When either update has completed, the computer locks up during bootup. I can do nothing after that!

If I go into safe mode (most hardware drivers not installed) and restore the system to a date prior to update, that works. Sounds like a critical hardware driver is being installed that causes the system to lock up. Aside from blocking all updates (which shouldn't be necessary!) any ideas?

Same happens with my downgrade Win XP recovery disks and a set of Win 7 recovery disks. Hardware appears fine.

Edit: I also installed a retail version of Windows 7 and exactly the same thing happens as with the Lenovo recovery DVDs.

HELP!!!

[ajkula66]

Test RAM with memtest86 thoroughly, one stick at the time, swap slots, finally test both.

Remove the wireless card while you're installing the OS and see whether that yields a change.

Good luck.

[sktn77a]

Thanks George. Unfortunately, I don't have my other T6x here with me (it's with daughter #1, 600 miles away). As I can't get my T61p working, I can't run memtest on it to test the memory. I can remove the wireless card but not sure why that would be an issue vs any of the other hardware in the system(?). Also, everything works fine on Vista and XP until I run windows update (with Win 7, I guess the offending driver is already in the OS as it fails to boot from the first windows setup splash screen).

[ajkula66]

You should run a memtest from a bootable CD...no OS required.

As for the wireless card...to quote an old movie: "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe..."

Good luck.

[sktn77a]

Well, I think I've figured it out - overheating. Turns out that the time it takes to load the OS and install the service packs or updates is long enough for it to start getting real hot and then locking up. The fan is working but I guess it ain't cutting it :smileyfrustrated:

I'll mess with it some more and see if I can't find a workable solution.

[ac12]

Check the fan, and clean out any dust in the fan and heat sinks.
The heatsink won't cool if the fins are clogged with dust.

You may also have bad heat conductivity to the heat sink.
You may have to remove the heatsink from the CPU, clean off the old thermal paste, put new thermal past on, and reinstall the heatsink.

[Cigarguy]

Yeah it's time to take everything apart, clean and apply fresh thermal paste. When you are back up and running use Prime95 to stress test the CPU, CPUZ to see the CPU speed, and HWMonitor to monitor temps. Once CPU temps are above 90 deg C most system can be expected to become unstable.

[sktn77a]

Well, started taking the old girl apart and noticed there were 2 screws missing on the microprocessor heatsink assembly. Got a couple of screws and secured that down and everything is A-OK now!

The motherboard was replaced about 18 months ago just before the 5 years warranty expired and I'm guessing the tech didn't replace them.