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600e Newbie

I am having a series of issues with my laptop. Hopefully, I can get some help.

System info:

model: 600E type 2645
GenuineIntel: Pentium II Processor
Memory: 128.0MB RAM
os: win98se (i know... going to install linux soon)

1. 161, 163 error messages (CMOS related?)
2. Turning on the computer results in a screen that says " off>on"?
(After reading some threads is this issue is related CMOS dead battery.)
3. How to resolve a failed usb port?

This is what happens exactly:
1. turn on 600e
2. The orange light begins to blink
3. 161 163 on black screen (Beeping Sounds)
4. then a white/blue prompt error screen appears 161 163
5. click ok
6. enter todays date
7.thinkpad bkdg on>off screen
8. Turn power off then on again
9. delayed black screen
10. win98se loads eventually

What can be done? ( IF CMOS replacement only, can you give me a tutorial link for doing this?)

Yes those codes are related to the cmos battery but to resolve the usb issue if it is harware related you will need to replace the mobo.


There are plenty of those on ebay.

This sounds like a CMOS battery issue to me. There may be other issues with your laptop as well, but I don't think you will be able to accurately identify any other problems until you replace the CMOS battery.

Instructions on how to do that should be available in the Hardware Maintenance Manual (June 1999) - ThinkPad 600.

Phil.

Phil is correct start with the cmos battery. The cost for it is around $6 usd.

it's one of the easiest things to replace. take off the memory cover, pop out where the battery wires connect- replace battery, reconnect wire. oh and there's probably a screw holding it down too.

Here is a link


For a cheap one.

Thanks for the help. I am going to get the cmos battery.

Firstly, Thanks for the CMOS help.

1. I want to upgrade my memory for the thinkpad 600e. Currently, I have 128mb installed.

What is the max ram i can add? (ibm specs says little over 256)
is it better to have a single 256mb sdram or 2 x 128mb sdram.
Where do I find Ram to buy? on the reliable and cheap?
How to install it?

I also want to add an open source operating system. After looking at all the distros and options, it is slightly overwhelming. Can you recommend a distro that is compatible with this hardware?


How do I dual boot Os's?

I want to use my laptop to access a old desktop. I do not have a monitor for the old desktop can I link the laptop with the desktop.

The battery does not hold a charge is it spent. What can I do? Where can I buy a replacement? or is it because of another reason.

1. Ram - Depending on your model, you can actually add two 256MB PC100 Low Density modules to the current 32mb on board for a total of 544mb ram (32+256+256=544). Ebay or the Marketplace here are probably your cheapest options. They are about $40-50 each, for the 256mb modules. There isn't really a difference between using (1) 256, or (2) 128mb sticks. They are easy to replace, by flipping the 600E upside down and removing the screw that hold the ram cover down.

2. Distro - You can use just about any opensource that you might like. I tried, and liked, Red Hat 9.0. There is a small fix that you have to do for the audio, but it is very easy.

3. Dual Boot - this can generally be done as you install the Linux OS of your choice. I believe that there are instructions on how to do it, as you load whatever flavor of linux.

4. Monitor - There are some ways to be able to connect the 600E to a desktop, but they are pretty involved. You might do better to get a A-B switcher box that will allow you to use one monitor with two different systems.

5. Battery - It sounds like the battery has run its course. You can get a battery either on eBay or here in the Marketplace. I believe the AlphaKilo470 had one for sale recently.

Whew....I think that i answered everything for you.

EDIT: Here is the Hardware Maintenance Manual, which will show you how to remove each and every part of your system.

I want to use my laptop to access a old desktop. I do not have a monitor for the old desktop can I link the laptop with the desktop.

Forget that idea. I don't know where you're located, but in my area there are plenty of used monitors for sale at the "thrift" stores for cheap--10 or 15 bucks

Actually you COULD connect the two with some sort of remot desktop software, like PC anywhere, but you would still need a local monitor for the desktop in order to configure the unit.

Forget it.

I wouldn't even go that way. Black Friday is upon us and I expect to see some free LCDs. I got a 19" lcd for $140 earlier this year.

I use MaxiVista multi monitor software from http://www.maxivista.com/ between my desktop PC and my 600E.

It allows me to use my 600E monitor as a 'virtual' secondary monitor on my desktop.

That's with Windows XP so no good for you if you intend to move away from Windows.
But no doubt similar utilities exist for other OS's.

warwound.

specs
model: 600E type 2645
GenuineIntel: Pentium II Processor
Memory: 128.0MB RAM
os: win98se


can this run xgl opengl, and open source cad apps well?

thanks all for the insight.

Back in high school we ran Autocad 14 on 386's, older versions of AutoCAD would work fine, but as I recall, AutoCAD 2000 and newer required a lot more memory to run smoothly, especially with 3D stuff. Not sure what xgl is?

Thank for the comments.
xgl = server architecture for graphical effects.

Regarding upgrades for the ram which model can i use for the 600E model? What is the max memory I can add for this model? Does banking matter?

A replace monitor is a good solution. Thanks.

I am cleaning up the system. I ran Disk defragment, and Scandisk and they could not complete.

disk defrag - told me to use scandisk.
when i used scandisk - it told me that other things are writing to hard drive. What should i do? I need to clean-up the system to make room and improve performance. BTW i ran a system check gor hdd-1 with f1 button held down at turn on. It said hdd-1 is ok.

Is there a LAMP package that you can recommend? how's XAMPP?

How do I identify the problem with my USB port? I need to repair it. Could it be driver update issue? Does that apply to Hard drive too?
_____________________________________________________
model: 600E type 2645
GenuineIntel: Pentium II Processor
Memory: 128.0MB RAM

fr0zenmon wrote:Regarding upgrades for the ram which model can i use for the 600E model? What is the max memory I can add for this model? Does banking matter?

My preferences are the 2645-4BU and 2645-8BU model 600Es. They will both take a max of 544mb, as I described earlier in this thread. What is your FULL model number?

thanks. I just read the sticky 556mb, yeah.

fr0zenmon wrote:thanks. I just read the sticky 556mb, yeah.

What is your FULL model number? (ie. 2645-4BU) It should be posted on the bottom of your 600E. It the label is missing, you can find it in the EZ-Setup.

2645-55u

OK, just so that you know, I had problems with some of the upgrades on the 55U model. Read this thread to see what you have to do different as far as upgrading goes.

I will keep that in mind.

meanwhile, can someone help me with these issues.

NEW ISSUES
1. Which Linux distro works well on TP 600E? Do you have any personal experience? I would like to install a distro with a 3-d enviroment on this machine, is that possible? How is performance?

2. I am trying to clean up my hard drive. However when I run disk defragmenter in win98se it does not complete. I have also ran scandisk. What should i do?

3. How do I troubleshoot my USB issues? It fails to detect anything plugged into it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
tp 600e- 2645-55u
pII
128.mb
[/b]

fr0zenmon wrote:I am cleaning up the system. I ran Disk defragment, and Scandisk and they could not complete.

disk defrag - told me to use scandisk.
when i used scandisk - it told me that other things are writing to hard drive. What should i do?

and

fr0zenmon wrote:2. I am trying to clean up my hard drive. However when I run disk defragmenter in win98se it does not complete. I have also ran scandisk. What should i do?

First, backup all your user data. It is possible for Windows 98SE scandisk to get a little confused after multiple sessions and, when combined with minor disk failures, can result in complete data loss.

Second, try to run scandisk after "Safe" booting. To "Safe" boot, press F8 during the startup, and you should be given a list of options of how to boot. Select "Safe boot". Then run scandisk there. The usual culprit in such cases is that you have a disk protection or virus scanner interfering with the proper completion of scandisk. When you safe boot, those are usually disabled.

Phil.

I want to add memory to my 600E.

Currently installed 128.mb and I would like to add another 128.mb at least.

Can you recommend a ebay seller? And can you tell me which ram model to install?

____________________________________________________
600E
128mb
P2
2645-55u model

You may try to get working USB on your Thinkpad by using a dockingstation.
My 570 has a dead USB port, but the USB port on its Ultrabase works, although not on Ubuntu Linux: but on one of the two BeOS versions I replaced it with
Perhaps a PCMCIA card with USBs will work, too.

fr0zenmon wrote: Can you recommend a ebay seller? And can you tell me which ram model to install?

Pm sent.

Summary of issues
1. USB problem
2. Memory Mess
3. Must have software
4.

The defrag and scandisk worked on your advice. And I freed up some space. Thanks very much.

1. My other issue was the USB dead port. So I was wondering if downloading the new bios driver might resolve the issue.
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... SHY-43DNQ5

I found this driver. I downloaded it, and now apprehensive about installing it. Do you think this will resolve the issue? Do you think a new problem will result from the updated bios?

Can someone walk me through how to install it?

2. Now to the Memory. After reading the sticky's and the Ibm manual for the 600e 2645-55u model regarding maximum ram was
256+32. Is this true? I feel like some people have been able to install 512mb on these models and works. Which is the fact?

And can you help me with finding the right ram? Currently, 128mb installed. I would like to max out the usable ram. I need advice on Considerations like low/high density, 4 or 8 chips on board, pins and factors that i need. This is really confusing to me. And I do not want to buy the wrong one.

3. Must have software. I want to know what you think is the must-
have software for a laptop. I want to make laptop more productive.
I am looking for a free/open source accounting software, CAD design software, a notebook program, LAMP,

Is there a software that you could not live without. General or specific are welcome. Sectors that I am looking at is law, banking and finance, engineering, patent.

Can you recommend a site that I can ask these software focused questions to aswell?

RfromR wrote:You may try to get working USB on your Thinkpad by using a dockingstation. My 570 has a dead USB port, but the USB port on its Ultrabase works..

This is very possible. I believe that both the built-in USB port and the one available through the docking port are protected by fuses. It's entirely likely that if you can "see" USB devices with the docking station/port replicator, but not with the laptop's own USB port, then that particular fuse has blown.

Yeah, thanks.

How can I be sure that the usb fuse has failed?

fr0zenmon wrote: How can I be sure that the usb fuse has failed?

With a voltimeter you can do a continuity test. But the thing is which one is the fuse you need to test.

I ty to plug in usb device into the port and nothing happens. I need to get my usb activiated.