Thinkpads Forum

Hi!

I'm installing Windows 7 on a T510 that I intend on using as a media streaming PC along with my flat screen TV. I took the screen off the T510 as it was broken. Along with this I also removed wireless and bluetooth cards as they weren't necessary.

Now I am trying to install windows, but the screen just goes completely black (T510 is still on though) after it's finished the initial "Windows is loading files..." screen. Only thing it responds to is a restart where it will do the exact same thing.

What should I try?
- Cola

If you remove the screen, you should check in the BIOS: Config\Display\Boot Display Device.
Pick another option (not Thinkpad LCD).

Thanks! I just tried that but I still get the same problem. The loading screen shows up fine on my TV, but then still goes black afterwards. It's very odd because it's as if the Thinkpad restarts itself or something, because if I press the power button on the Thinkpad, it just instantly shuts off which it wouldn't do (If I recall correctly) if it had gone past POST screen.

Well, I don't have any issues around booting my T410 without LCD in, connected to external monitor via DisplayPort or VGA, but that's Linux not Windows.

Is your T510 screen sufficiently working that you can put it back in and see if the install gets further (i.e. screen partially smashed or something)?
What Windows install media are you using: MS install disk or Lenovo recovery?
Is the machine new to you or are you sure it generally works otherwise e.g. could there be another hardware issue?
Have you tested RAM, used a linux live USB to do a full hardware test?