Need help with my Thinkpad A31 (LCD and now Bootup issues)

[RyanHall85]

I started having problems when I furst got my thinkpad. SOmetime it wouldn't boot up or atleast the screen wouldn't come on. SO I took it apart aqnd played with the LCD cable and then it didn't fix the problem but only got worse then started to flicker as if it was loose. So I got a new LCD cable and brought it to a friend who has worked doing It stuff for almost 20 yrs. After messing with it the screen would come up every time but it was dark. I could faintly see letters in the backround. We hooked it up to an external and things came up just fine. SO I assumed it was either a backlight, fuse, or inverter. SO I ordered these parts, and then my friend said, "hey let me take one more look at it". He then called me and said now (on the external monitor) it goes to the boot screen and then says "An error". then makes two beeps and shuts down. Now I'm worse than where I left off. I'm good with computers myself and gave it to him because I assumed he was familiar with repairing laptops (something that I don't find fun). Can someone please help me with this.

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

From the description of your original problem (intermittent backlight), I'd have to agree with your assessment of the problem area (backlight, fuse and/or inverter). However, based upon your latest problem (boot error and then automatic shutdown), I'd take a look at this:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 95#p296295

If the incorrect screw (i.e., a longer one) is used to attach the Y-shaped brace, then damage to the motherboard is certainly possible. And double-check that error message; is it "an error" or "fan error".

[RyanHall85]

The only thing that was taken apart was the LCD screen. The error I'm getting is "an error" not "fan error" but this is on an external monitor that it doesn't have the proper drivers for and very well may be trying to say fan error. The things that were switched was the fan/heat sync, and the LCD cable. There was no weird error until the LCD screen was taken apart the last time.

[BillMorrow]

just a thought..

have you downloaded the hardware maintenance manual..?

if not, you should do so..