Thinkpads Forum

This may be a stupid question, but sometimes (like once every 1-2 months), by 600 will boot and give a 301 error. Does anyone know what it means. It doesn't affect it at all. I just turn it off and turn it back on and its fine. Anyone know why it is doing this. Model is a 600E 2646-4BU. Thanks in advance.

Stargate199 wrote:This may be a stupid question, but sometimes (like once every 1-2 months), by 600 will boot and give a 301 error. Does anyone know what it means. It doesn't affect it at all. I just turn it off and turn it back on and its fine. Anyone know why it is doing this. Model is a 600E 2646-4BU. Thanks in advance.

My IBM Manual says the following:

301, 303, 304, 305, 3XX
(301: Keyboard error.)

1. Go to “Keyboard or
Auxiliary Input
Device Checkout” on
page 32.
2. Keyboard
3. External numeric
keypad
4. External keyboard
5. Keyboard/mouse cable
6. System board

I would suggest reseating the KeyBoard connector.

Also, try here:

http://www.rkawakami.net/ibm_600x/301errors/

Maybe I should clean my keyboard more often. I'm not sure which key it is, but it does go into the Easy Setup afterward and asks to be restarted. I will clean it out and see how much dust come out. Thanks.

Is there a key code before the "301" on the error screen? If so, then my site should have the corresponding key that is stuck.

I do not think there was a number before the 301 error, but I'm not sure.

Hmm... then maybe you are experiencing a more general problem with the keyboard. Maybe the ribbon cable is not fully plugged into the Sub Card? Anyway, if it happens again, make note if there is a numeric code before the "301" then check my page. If there is no code, then remove the keyboard and inspect the ribbon cable. The way that the 600 systems fold the cable at the back of the laptop, I'm surprised that they work at all! If it looks okay, plug it back in and continue to monitor it. If it keeps throwing 301 errors, then I'd say buy another keyboard.

There is a page somewhere on the internet that I found once, but have yet to find since....

One small suggestion, aside from blowing out the keyboard, would be to run your finger across the keyboards, sliding across one key at a time, one row at a time.

Steve,

Check my page (referenced above). The picture came from one of my 600X systems. I suppose that the 600E and 600 systems listed the actual key code in a different location. Maybe it's even dependant upon the BIOS revision.

My 600E came up with "E0 301" every time I turned it on for a while. Turned out the ribbon cable was loose. Of course, I broke the speaker connector while I was in there -- if you decide to open it up, be careful not to follow my example.

The speaker ribbon cable on the 600 series is super delicate, I’ve ruined several. I’ve since had success by lifting up the keyboard from the front and reaching under to prying up the main ribbon cable which is quite substantial and will take some rough handling. After the main ribbon cable is removed the keyboard can be GENTLY moved toward the front of the unit which exposes the speaker ribbon cable. With the speaker ribbon cable “in the clear” it can be GENTLY, VERY GENTLY, pried upwards if you carefully grasp both sides and pull straight up. DO NOT wiggle or move sideways; you’re sure to dislodge the contacts from the ribbon cable.