TP A31P, random (?) freezes and trackpoint (or) keyboard

[friedrich-eugen]

Hello,

while rebuilding several thinkpads I happend to trod on one, that seems to freeze at random, operating system (WinXP latest plus IBM & Lenovo Software and/or drivers) beeing up to date. I wonder which part could be the reason (CPU, Memory, Systemboard, PC-doctor did not tell me, passed all tests). Any idea or hint as for that?

I noticed, that several times the system froze while moving the trackpoint. Therefore I changed the keyboard and - at least up to now - freezing of the system had stopped. No - have been mistaken, freezing reoccurs at random (?)

Any similar experience and/or any explanation ?

Thanks in advance for any comment

[sjthinkpader]

Start with memory. Run Memtest86 for several passes.

[basketb]

Do you have the latest BIOS installed? I remember when I got a new A31p in 2003 there was some problem with these machines (random freezes, BSOD). Over time, it went away, but by that time I had installed different memory, different HD, and different BIOS - so not sure what cured it but my guess would be the BIOS.

[friedrich-eugen]

Thanks to both of You,

I ran Memtest: no errors. What bothers me is that I do not see a clue, as PC-doctor tests have been passed (running of a Dos-CD and windows) and everest does not find anything.

Bios and controller: latest on Lenovo's site

I'll cheeck all software (ATI, Trackpoint, etc etc) once again. When restarting, I find curious news from the OS: Problems with WLAN (USB-Stick, AVM, N-Version). ... I'm even not sure,whether it is hardware or software, as I have not yet installed all Software and Tools for my children.

Thanks for all hints You may think make sense

[Harryc]

Pull out the modem, bluetooth, and wireless cards. Still freeze?

[olex126]

Would suggest possible ACPI problem somewhere with the motherboard. Best way to test is to boot the A31 (AC & battery both plugged in) and let it finish powering up the operating system. Make sure you can move the mouse and that the cursor responds normally.

Next remove the battery and then re-insert while moving the mouse around. If it's an ACPI-related problem, you will encounter an immediate hard freeze, requiring removal of AC and battery before you can reboot.

I've also had it happen to several boards while inserting a USB device or DVD drive... anything that requires the computer and/or O/S (in my case XP w/SP3) to react to a new input. Am getting ready to try some Linux versions and see if I can replicate the problem. Also going to experiment with a Win95 version since it used APM as opposed to ACPI.

Regards.

Dave

[friedrich-eugen]

Thanks to You all,

I did an update on the graphics driver, which I had not done, it seems. May that it was the culprit, but it takes time to be sure.

Fact is, that a dos-pc-doctor full test of the board after finishing the first part of rebuilding (body) ran several times successfully, without any errors. Fact is, that I noted these freezing effects later, after having started installing OS and drivers successivly. Therefore it may well be a driver/software/matching-updates-problem.

If it should be a USB/adding devices problem, it also looks like an driver/update problem rather than defective hardware problem. As I have not noticed any problem (but not yet tested specially) regarding power or acpi, I doubt that effect.

I'll keep You "on track" and thanks again for Your ideas!!

[sjthinkpader]

The A31/A31p is a very stable platform, hardware and drivers. May be install NHC, use the machine and monitor the temperature for a while.

[friedrich-eugen]

Hello sjthinkpadder,

What is NHC ment to say, spelled out? Thanks in advance for interpretation ...

[sjthinkpader]

NHC=Notebook Hardware Control, it is a monitoring program.

[friedrich-eugen]

Hello All,

everest ultimate should do the trick, too.

The system now freezes while shuting down, at least it did the last two times. I have no hint where to look now.

Any hints and/or advice still very welcome