T400s Random Instant Shutdown Problem Appears

[mpcook]

My T400s (9 months old) has been perfect until yesterday. Just got Windows 7 installed using Lenovo disk set (was using XP up until now). Yesterday I left and came back; the machine was shut off. When I started it, it said it had an unexpected shut down. This morning, it happened twice while I was working on spreadsheets. Instant power loss, no lights, no sound, no activity of any kind. Booted up fine after (but gave the "unexpected" message). At all times, the battery was at some level of charge, and it was on AC.

I called Lenovo, the machine has next day onsite warranty. I was told it could be a bad battery, to remove the battery and use it all day, see what happens on AC only, and call back end of day, they will send me a replacement battery if all was well without it. Well at around 3 pm I called again - no problems since removing battery. This tech had me press power button 10 times, and hold for 10 seconds. He had me put the battery back in to see if it would die again. Of course, as I explained, this is an intermittent problem, so it could be fine for a while. It was. I referenced the MB replacement program on this model. He could find no record of that and asked me for the MIGR. Well of course I did not have the MIGR at my fingertips. He warned me about "rumors" on websites. I told him this was from the Lenovo site. He had me check the battery status (it shows as good of course). He had me run diagnostics. It passed of course.

So now I await the next sudden failure, MIGR in hand. I am off to Athens in a few days, so I will likely bring my X60s instead, just in case. I suppose I could leave the T400s running for a week, and see if it's still up when I get back.

Sad story, everything else about this machine I really like - light, fast, has everything I need. I suppose there is a possibility it could be Windpows 7, but have not heard of this type of problem from software. The second tech said it could be the battery needed to be reseated, that doesn't sound likely either, but more likely than a Win 7 install I think.

Mike

[oliversl]

Do you have all windows updates and lenovo updates installed?
Also, I read about problems with Zone Alarm Firewall. Can you test with WiFi switch in the off position?
Do you have Mcafee Endpoint installed?

[mpcook]

All updates are installed, current through today. No Zonealarm or McAfee. I have not tested with wireless off. But so far now it has not crashed again, since reseating the battery and pressing power button 10 times, holding it for 10 seconds, and dancing in a circle around my desk. We'll see how it reacts when I arrive in Greece.

Mike

[vinuneuro]

This is a very obvious motherboard problem acknowledged by a Lenovo representative in the Lenovo forums.

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/T400-T500-a ... d-p/144056

There's an updated motherboard, but it hasn't fixed the issue for everyone it seems.

[mpcook]

This is a very obvious motherboard problem acknowledged by a Lenovo representative in the Lenovo forums.

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/T400-T500-a ... d-p/144056

There's an updated motherboard, but it hasn't fixed the issue for everyone it seems.

I am aware of this discussion, the techs were not. I will reference the MIGR # when I call next. I have a newer MB so it's less likely (but still possible).

[mpcook]

The local IBM guy is scheduled for onsite service to replace my motherboard. Wish me luck!

Mike

[mpcook]

Just an update, IBM arrived today to replace the system board. This was done, and the machine would not start up. The tech has ordered another new system board and will be back tomorrow.

[Harryc]

I did repairs for IBM back in the day. Occasionally I would be called to repair a product in someone's home. That was the worst when I had to return more than once due to part defects or some other reason...I cringed every time it happened. As a repair person you do not want to have to go back on-site more than once ...

[mpcook]

I did repairs for IBM back in the day. Occasionally I would be called to repair a product in someone's home. That was the worst when I had to return more than once due to part defects or some other reason...I cringed every time it happened. As a repair person you do not want to have to go back on-site more than once ...

I can understand that but in this case it likely is not his fault. In any case, he's been here about 4 -5 times over the past few years, so we always have a good chat about Thinkpads, reliability, etc. He probably isn't thrilled that I hang around while he works, but these are my precious possessions so I want to watch.

Mike