40R: Takes numerous power cycle on and off to load windows

[Tretra]

I purchased a used Thinkpad 40R last April and it has worked well until a few weeks ago. It is used solely for viewing the internet with the only downloads being automatic updates.

In the last few weeks when the power button is pressed on, it stops at the IBM thinkpad welcome window (message, "To interrupt normal start, press IBM Access button"). It is only until the power button is turned on and off numerous times (at least 20 times sometimes) that eventually it goes past the welcome window and windows will open. Once it does get past the welcome window it is fine and has no more problems. But sure enough, the next time the computer is powered up, the same thing happens.

I've seen postings on this forum about the tvt scheduler, but put I haven't been able to find that process on the 40R so don't know if it's relevant.

After this problem first started, I brought it into repair and the OS was download from a backup disk but that didn't take care of the problem. They've suggested a $65 diagnostic but I thought I'd post here to see if anyone can give me an idea what it might be and some things to try.

I've tried using the FI button (I believe that is for setup) and sometimes it will go on the screen but if it does it takes a few minutes to do so. Same with the F12 (Bios?) button.

The battery charges without a problem so I don't think it's the power adapter.

Any insights will be appreciated. THANKS!

[ajkula66]

first of all, welcome to the forum!

Before making any assumptions, you should download PC-Doctor from Lenovo's website, and run it on every component imaginable.

If that doesn't show anything, you may want to remove:

a) mini PCI card
b) media drive
c) main battery

and see whether that makes any difference. If yes on several attempts, start putting the stuff back, and see what triggers the issue.

You should also try removing/swapping RAM chips and see what the machine does.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Tretra]

Thank you for the welcome to the forum and also especially for the advice.

I did download the PC-Doctor as suggested and ran the tests. Everything passed except the CD-Rom Drive. I wasn't sure that would be relevant to what was going on as the CD-Rom Drive was working when the OS system was downloaded at the computer shop. Maybe there was still a bit of life in it at that time.

I did remove the media drive as you suggested and since then (last night) the computer has been powering on normally!

In case the media drive wasn't the problem, I had looked at how to remove the mini PC card and RAM chips on the Lenovo's web site. The movies on the site are particularly helpful.

I feel much more confident that if there is a problem with the Thinkpad in the future I now know there is this forum to ask for assistance and also information on the Lenovo's web site.

THANK YOU AGAIN. The laptop is my husband's but he doesn't have much patience or interest in trying to figure out how to solve problems on it when things start acting up. I told him I've saved him a lot of money in the past on computer repairs etc

[ajkula66]

You're very welcome. That's what this forum is about-helping others, and sharing what you happen to know...

Media drives are cheap these days, and if that was the only problem you can thank your lucky stars...

FYI, CD-ROM drives run <$15, DVD-ROMs<$25 and CD-RW/DVD combo drives about $35...not a big investment, really.

Enjoy your ThinkPad.