How to figure out my screen's FRU?

[albo]

Hi All,

Just had my machine serviced at a authorized warranty center in Panama. I'm concerned they switched my screen on me, since I had 1440 resolution before, but my max is now 1280. Any way I can find my current screen's FRU, or other info, via software (i.e. not taking my computer apart)? I know why my previous FRU was.

Thanks,
Alex

T400 2764-CTO
Win 7 Pro x64

[Neil]

Does your current machine have the same serial number as it did before the service? I don't know much about how service centers work, but I would guess they would be looking to do the least amount of actual work possible. So I doubt they would swap screens without good reason. But, they might have swapped the complete computer for another of the same model. Don't know, just a thought, but that's why I asked about serial numbers.

You could also try parts look up on Lenovo's site:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... sLookup.vm

[Colonel O'Neill]

I know EVEREST can pull hardware monitor info out. It won't tell you the FRU exactly, but it will give you the Monitor ID, manufacturer, and monitor type. If it is a 1440 panel (like mine), it should read 14.1" LCD (WXGA+).

I think some other programs like Monitor Asset Manager will do the same.

It would suck to get your WXGA+ screen swapped out for a WXGA like that.

[albo]

thanks colonel - those programs did it. Confirmed - GBM in Panama switched screens on me. Now to deal with this continuing nightmare by lodging a complaint. Let's see where that gets me.

[Colonel O'Neill]

Oh dear. Good luck with getting your screen back!

[Toshe]

I recently had to replace my LED LCD on my Thinkpad - the exact same 2764-CTO.
Here's a list of all the FRUs, models and makes:

http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/TFT_display

With programs like PC Wizard you can find the display manufacturer model and check the table for the matching FRU.
The FRU is written on the back of the display and it would be too much of a hassle to check it.

However if you had a LED 1440x900 display, that means that they didn't only strip your display; they also took the LCD inverter.

Use the original receipt with the configuration from Lenovo that came with your laptop and explain to the service that they have made a serious mistake.
I don't want to sound negative but it looks like someone in Panama is using your beautiful LED screen

[albo]

Thanks Toshe. So, I spoke with a special contact I have in Lenovo customer care, and he's getting a hold of the original screen FRU for me and will be sending it to me directly. However - will that not be enough? Do I need to ask him to send the LCD inverter as well?

thanks,
alex

[Navck]

Its fairly easy to remove the screen on a T410:
Get a tool to peel those two plastic stickers on the front off (Like a soft, mini spatula tool used by techs)
That'll expose the four screws, remove those and SLOWLY pop the latches for the bezel (Use the mini spatula tool so you can slip your fingernails under there)
The LCD will be on two rails, remove the screws (...2-4? Two of them attach to the four you remove at the start I believe)
Remove the LCD cable (Tape/sticker holds cable for extra escurity)
Remove the rails (2 screws each, 2 rails.)

Reverse the order here to reassemble your LCD, make sure all the plastic bezel latches are nice and secure.

BTW, there is no LCD inverter, these LED LCDs get the proper voltage already from the cable.

[albo]

The manufacturer model is LP141WX3-TLR1. Indeed, they pulled a switcharoo (unless they installed a faulty cable which would make the screen read as a different part number - I HIGHLY doubt that's possible). The tech did it while I was there waiting. I know his name, who he is, etc. The head of GBM in Panama will be hearing from me (for whatever good that will do). But first things first, and that's getting my screen put back together.

So, any consensus as to whether I'll need to ask for the inverter as well?

[Toshe]

navck you're right, what I meant was the LED sub card.
CCFL screens need an inverted card (DC->AC) and LED backlight displays need a sub card - as navck said they already run on dc.

The point is, if they stripped a LED Display and replaced it with a CCFL one, they also had to replace the sub card with a cheap inverter.
Use the table to figure out if what kind of backlight your previous display had (LED or CCFL) and what's the situation now.

Also, if you are able to choose a new WXGA+ display, choose the one from LG Philips (P/N 42T0498); there have been many complaints with the Samsung displays having washed-out colors.

[Toshe]

Ouch. LP141WX3 - this model has a CCFL backlight, which means that you'll need a LED sub card, which is around $60-100 (depends on whether you buy it from Lenovo or from eBay). If your original display had a LED backlight, they must have stripped the sub card too.

Now I see that there are also WXGA+(1440x900) CCFL displays for T400, so this might be an option as well - check your original FRU.

Btw just out of curiosity how do you not notice someone switching your display?

You should demand a real compensation from Lenovo, at least some coupons.. Why did you have to bring in your laptop in the first place? If there wasn't a problem with the screen, the camera, or the antennas, then he had no business detaching the LCD assembly - this doesn't look like an honest mistake.

[albo]

thanks a bunch for the info. The part number associated with my computer in the warranty lookup on lenovo's website is 42T0504, which is an LED backlight. In my original email receipt, the part# is 44C1347 (SBB 14.1"WXGA+LEDB/L BTCAMWWAN). So, my previous screen was an LED backlight. The one currently in my machine has a "200" brightness - no "LED" associated with it, so I assume that means it's a CCFL.

So - does that mean I have to order a sub card as well?

Crazy that I have to do this myself, but I no longer trust anyone in Panama. I'll have them replace it while I'm watching them (don't want to void the warranty), and will get the parts sent to me directly. Regardless, I won't be paying a cent out of my own pocket for all this.

This was all done at an authorized Lenovo warranty center - that's the craziness of it. Not some little corner shop, but a big reputable-looking place (with crooks working in it).

I noticed the screen looked different when they handed it back to me, but I had just run system update before handing the computer over, so I thought it was possible the driver got tweaked somehow. Since I wasn't sure, I didn't press the point then.

[albo]

i originally brought this in for a microphone and screen hinge replacement. yeah, i'll push for some coupons. this is totally insane. not to mention the same idiots put a virus on my machine when originally diagnosing it.

[Toshe]

Yes, you'll also need:
LED LCD Display - you had the Samsung one, I suggest you get the one from LG Phillips - P/N 42T0498
LED sub card - now you have an inverter, you need a LED sub card
LCD Cable LED - the cable is different
and maybe the LCD bezel for LED screens... I'm not really sure about the last one; I don't know if they just switched the displays or the whole LCD assembly ...

There are many different parts and numbers, you should get the ones for the models with Bluetooth and camera. Just look the up here http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... sLookup.vm

[albo]

thanks again Toshe - I'll post back with the outcome of all this mess.

[GrandMasterKhan]

Older versions of PC Doctor will also get the FRU I think.

BTW, its likely they switched the entire lid on you for ease. This is assuming they did not do the downgrade intentionally. Either way, let us know the outcome of your attempt to get them to make good on it.

Are your sure they didn't swap out your CPU or other cards ie WIFI, video, etc?

Are you the only gringo in town? Can happen sometimes like that. Reminds me of the beef burrito I almost ate elsewhere until I discovered there was dog food substituted into it.

[albo]

GrandMaster - I just came here to post about the continuing nightmare, and as it happens, your post prefigures exactly what happened!

They swapped out my intel 5300 wifi for an intel 5100!! Holy crap. My video remains the same (thank god). I still have bluetooth (I don't think there are different versions of the bluetooth card, are there?). CPU remains the same. Anything else I should check on?

Amazing, no?

I don't think they swapped the entire screen assembly, but who knows - it's possible.

And, no, I'm definitely not the only gringo here - Panama is loaded with them. I also speak spanish, etc - been living here for years. Nothing like this has ever happened before, and I've had my machines serviced by these guys before.

[GrandMasterKhan]

Well I'm sure they will give some sort of excuse. But I wouldn't accept it. I would be worried about if and how to get your original back so at least you can have it fixed elsewhere. Would not go another round with them. Have you called the police? Might think about it. No different than swapping out your TV or leaving your home with a piece of furniture.

SiSoftSandra also has a good hardware ID utility. And as I said the older version of PC Doctor (stand alone) which came with Thinkpads.

Did they swap your HDD out too? More importantly what happened to the contents? Copied or comprimised? RAM all there? What about the serial number on the bottom? Seems maybe they moved your HDD to a different Thinkpad. I mean what was the guys reaction and body language when you went to pick it up.

This is all shocking to us too.

[albo]

I took the hdd out when I gave them the comp. The RAM is all there.

The police is a great idea - I hadn't thought of it. If I can't get some satisfaction from the company itself that this guy has been dealt with, that will be the second line of defense.

I can't remember what my serial number was before, but it all comes up properly in the warranty locator, so i think it's probably ok. The case itself has some similar markings that it had before (wear marks where the monitor closes and stuff like that), so i don't think they swapped the entire thing.

I had an issue with my thinkpad when i first ordered it, and i had put in a BBB complaint back then. Hence, I have contact info for an Executive Complaints office at Lenovo in North Carolina. He's getting a hold of the parts for me and will be shipping them directly to my location in Panama. He was good to me in the past, so I believe he'll come through this time too. His responses to my issue, however, have been very curt - I makes me think that he's been dealing with alot of issues like this. That's pure speculation on my part, however.

[Toshe]

albo, sorry to hear it turned out like that! Try talking to the tech guy's supervisor before going to the police.
Good that you have removed the HDD beforehand, very thoughtful! I'd never trust a stranger with my data!
Good luck and I hope it all turns out for the best.

[albo]

for sure - i'll talk with them first. thanks for your help, and i'll update the thread when there's new news.

[GrandMasterKhan]

for sure - i'll talk with them first. thanks for your help, and i'll update the thread when there's new news.

I think if you find they are jeerking you around then you should call 5-0 braddah. But you already know they have. So its a balance of having Noriega's people after you or justice. BTW, time to leave the bannana republic?

[albo]

Latest update from my executive customer complaint advocate:

"I ordered the 5300 wireless card, LED sub card , LCD bezel and LCD cable."

I think that's in addition to the screen itself. Did he get everything?

[GrandMasterKhan]

Latest update from my executive customer complaint advocate:

"I ordered the 5300 wireless card, LED sub card , LCD bezel and LCD cable."

I think that's in addition to the screen itself. Did he get everything?

you can download the manual from the Support site and it will show disassembly and relevant parts. so you will reinstall the new LCD? BTW its not a FRU, maybe the WIFI is. maybe ask them to send an onsite repair person from a different authorized repair place?

what did the shop say when you cornered them? curious what their excuse is.

[albo]

only spoke with the higher ups at the place that "repaired" it, and they're doing an internal investigation. they were very apologetic, and once the parts arrive, they'll send over a different technician to install them while i'm there watching over everything.

and then i'll try to get a coupon or something from lenovo for this nightmare.

[albo]

update: the idiots at lenovo are sending me the 0504 FRU - the old screen, despite the fact that i requested the newer model. It seems that, even with an executive customer complaints rep on your side, lenovo still sucks.

I'm demanding serious compensation for this. The only way I've ever been able to get anything out of Lenovo has been via complaints to the BBB. But when theft is involved, it seems like there should be even more recourse. Anyone have any other suggestions?

[albo]

update: the tech came over today to install the replacement screen & wifi card, only to find that lenovo failed to ship me the sub-card for the lcd backlit screen (even though they had assured me that they were sending it).

Now I'm leaving the country for two months, and will have to live with a system that was hijacked by lenovo warranty service. I'm considering asking for a new T410 in compensation for this nightmare that won't die.

[Navck]

Keep the screen, order the subcard overseas and ask for compensation. You can install it yourself, it isn't hard and if you watch the videos in my Ultra T410 Guide you might as well be able to service the screen within minutes.

[GrandMasterKhan]

I think you are being unreasonable:
1) you get the screen you had. that is fair.
2) a T410? outragous request. should not even be considered
3) the only thing they failed to do was to get you the board. but you asked them to send to you rather than have the tech bring it. probably would have waited the same amount of time but he would have known an additional part was missing.
not sure there is any policy on quick repairs etc. recourse on that might be fair given your downtime.

[Navck]

I would recommend albo to take care of it him/herself and ask Lenovo for some compensation later. It would settle the problem for albo faster, if not be better at this point.