T60 Memory Parity Error & Questions on Lenovo Support

[ipsadixit]

Okay, a search of this forum has told me that my problem is not necessarily an uncommon one. I got my computer in April.

I get a blue screen that says hardware malfunction, memory parity error. I only get this if I run off the battery.

One of the solutions I read on this site suggested running the battery on maximum power and that worked for the user, but it will not work for me because I need to preserve battery life.

Lenovo has told me on the following occasions:

(1) I need to reload windows or install new memory, which they would send to me. I said I would prefer to reload windows since I don't know anything about putting parts in a computer. But later, I reconsidered and did not want to lose my data so figured I would watch the video on how to put in the memory and do that.

(2) My second call to Lenovo results in the tech refusing to send the memory and saying that this is a software problem, not a hardware problem and I have to reload Windows (I have Vista)

So I buy an external hard drive, back up my data, reload Windows and VOILA, problem completely NOT solved.

(3) My third call to Lenovo gets me talking to a guy who says he has seen this before and that I need to update my drivers, but absolutely not to do it by clicking on "Update Driver" in the device manager, but to go to the Lenovo site and download them. I did not have internet where I was so he directed me to go to the site and find and install the drivers for my model for: Video, Bios, Chipset, and Power Manager.

When I later get an internet connection, I do all this except for the one called "Chipset" because that was not a category on the site.

Problem not resolved. Error continues.

(4) I call Lenovo again and relay the above info and the tech says it surely must be the chipset driver I need and he gives me search terms for it.

When I am next on the internet, the terms he gave me to search for on IBM's site do not give me what he said it would.

(5) I call again and this time am on the internet during the call. I am given a new search term and yay, it is found. The guy did not want to wait with me on the phone to install it and make sure it works.

Whatever, I install the driver and then 10 mins later, I get my blue screen of death with memory parity error.

(6) My current status is as of my 6th call... it is definitely a hardware problem! I need a new motherboard. They want me to ship it to them or take it to a local service center, both of which will take up to 2 weeks to turnaround. The tech guaranteed that this would fix the problem and that with this solution, I will never have the problem again.

So I arranged to take it to a local service center, but I REALLY need my computer for school right now.

- If I hold off until the end of the semester, will they still fix it per the warranty? Or will Lenovo not honor the warranty because I did not go have the work done at the time they said to go have it done?

- At this point, I have very little confidence in Lenovo's assessment of the problem and their suggested solution . I feel like they are just throwing things randomly and hoping something sticks. I do not want to take any actions that would void the warranty, but is there anything else I can try on my end before giving up and taking it to the service center?

[GomJabbar]

If I hold off until the end of the semester, will they still fix it per the warranty? Or will Lenovo not honor the warranty because I did not go have the work done at the time they said to go have it done?

I am sorry to hear of your problems. I do not have any specific advice to help you try and fix your T60. However, I am confident that Lenovo will honor the warranty at the end of the semester as long as you are still in the warranty period. If the end of the semester comes after your warranty expires, then things get a little more dicey.

Edited typo.

[ryengineer]

Actually it`s the IBM warranty services giving you a hard time and not lenovo. Please keep in mind you can always take your notebook to a IBM authorized warranty service provider in your area instead of dealing directly with EasyServ (a.k.a Solectron).

Two weeks is a bit long for repairs, it is very possible depending on time of the year, availability of parts and ofcourse if you live in a rural area which I doubt is the case scenario in your situation. The repairs would take no more than 5 days and I am very positive the 2 week time given to you is just an approximation.

As GomJabbar suggested, IBM won`t have any problem servicing your machine later on as long as your machine stays in the warranty period. But I would suggest you go ahead with repairs right now rather than putting it on a hold for later as (atleast) in my times the beginning of school semester was always less busier than the end of term and without a fully functional pc throughout the school term would be a further headache for you.

Good luck!

[wackydan]

Is this only happening with the wireless card turned on? Does it happen if the card is off?

If it only happens when the card is on, and wireless in use, does it happen at only home? or does it happen regardless of where you connect from? ie; home, starbucks, etc?

lastly, did you update the wireless drivers?

Some people were getting this when using wireless only. If it is happening at only home, while on wireless - update your drivers. 2nd, update the firmware of your access point/router and/or power cycle it.

We saw it happen when our AP's hadn't been power cycled in 4 months. Very odd... once powered down and back up, the memory parity error blue screen went away.

[TPadUser]

Had same type of problem....See my new post.
Lenovo T60P Support Nightmare: BSOD - NMI Parity Check Error
Maybe it give you some ideas