Thinkpads Forum

Hey guys,

Bad stuff... the IBM 600E that I purchased from eBay to fool around with is giving me issues.
It is throwing error code 188 at me at POST, I know this is a bad EEPROM checksum but is there any possible way to correct this WITHOUT replacing the main board?
Anyone have experience with this? I just replaced the CMOS battery because I thought that it was the problem because it wouldn't turn on and POST, now that the new battery is in it is giving this.
Anyone have suggestions for what I should do?

If you have a bad checksum, there is very little you can do. The EEPROM needs to be re-programmed, and that is difficult or expensive. Some places will do it for ~US$90. It cannot be done without an EEPROM programmer device and very specific knowledge, which hasn't been made public. A few people have reverse-engineered the process.

A replacement system board should be less than that. You might also find a good board in a whole machine with a busted screen.

Hey Jess.

On my manuel it says to replace the main-board.
I think RsR_electronics has the Stuff to do that, but the tools are $1000.00
of dollars, I just bought an awsome 600E motherboard off ebay for $50
with shipping.
also, I have problems turning on a 600E that I have, i have to play with it hitting the power switch over and over again untill it comes on.
Do I just kneed a new CMOS?

P.s. do you want 600/600e/600X manuels. email me at Joelmc@outdrs.net
if you want any.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

Did you re-set the BIOS after replacing the CMOS battery?