Possible restore of A31

[volunteer]

Apologies for the long post: I was referred to this site and was more than happy to find it. Hopefully, the information we need to make choices is here. None of our volunteers are experts in computers, and no real techs are able to offer their services. Desktops and laptops are refurbed, given a new legal OS, and passed onto students. All equipment comes from donations and you know the kind of equipment people will donate. That said we received an A31 with no AC adapter. We ordered an AC adapter just in case it was worth saving. First time it was plugged in, it booted up I'm not familiar with all the indicator lights but the battery symbol was orange. I assumed this meant dead battery but the AC adapter I thought would be enough. First question, can the A31 operate only with the AC adapter? I shut the laptop down as the mouse control wasn't working well I wanted to install a PS2 mouse but realized there is no PS2 connection on this laptop. I installed a USB mouse. From then on the laptop would not boot up to allow me to get into the BIOS. I need to make sure BIOS allows it to use the CDROM as the first boot device in order to install a new, legal OS. I removed the USB mouse. Still no boot. With several blind trys, one time it tried to boot up? but all I saw was flashing colored lines on the screen. I left the AC adapter plugged in and about an hour later, the battery symbol turned green. So I tried booting it up again. Still no boot. What do I need to know before assuming this is only usable as a parts machine for someone else or can we get it up and running?

[ajkula66]

Welcome to the forum!

Flashing lines on the screen that you've described likely mean a defective graphic card on an A31. You're looking at motherboard replacement.

Good luck.

[volunteer]

Your answer wasn't unexpected. It's rare for someone to donate a fully useful desktop or laptop. The indicator light is always green. Would this indicate the battery would be of some use to someone? Are there parts that are easily removed for sale? I noticed the CMOS battery appears to be "wired in". I didn't try removing it. Are all older thinkpads constructed this way?