Thinkpads Forum

Well.... I have a 2645-5BU that test all ok in pc doctor, but when I try to load windows xp pro it BSOD.

This is the setup when it BSOD. 10gb hdd, 64mb+64mb+32mb onboard, lcd and cd-rom, no cmos, and no main battery, only power adapter.

This is what I have tried and replaced:
I have memtest the memory overnight on both 64mb sticks, both no errors.
Disabled onboard memory with both 64mb.
Replaced hdd with another 10gb 4200rpm, 40gb 4200rpm, and 60gb 5400.
Unconnected lcd and tried external monitor.
Swapped out cpu's then fans.
Swapped out keyboards.

Conclusion is when xp pro installs all the files and components, the bottom of the screen shows starting windows. Then I get the laughing BSOD.

This 600e is my first troublesome yet. Any suggestions???


Edit: Bios is latest INET36WW

No CMOS battery? Seems a bit unusual to do an installation without a CMOS battery. The tests don't detect a hardware problem so why not put in a CMOS battery, set the date and time, and try again?

I have gone to the local Batteries +Plus, but none in stock now. I ordered 5, but won't be in for a few days. I have also loaded 2 other 600e with no cmos, no problems there. Thats the only reason for no cmos.

Edit: The BSOD reads PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA.

Vic, it's been awhile since I've worked on a 600, but don't they have a mPCI modem? Pull it out and try it again.

The modem card has been pulled. The only thing I haven't swapped is the subcard. I don't have any spares, but I disconnected the lcd and tried external. The keyboard still connects to the subcard but works completely, all letters and trackpoint are working properly. Could this be ruled out or still maybe culprit??

Well, it sounds to me like you've eliminated everything besides the system board and the subcard. Try both.

I have 2 boards left. 1 has the cmos connector missing and the other has no power issues. I was trying to make one last 600e from the parts I already have. I don't have steady hands nor experience to remove and replace the cmos connector. I do have patience and time though .

I think if you hunt around locally you can find a shop that would solder a CMOS connector on a board for you...

Some other things you can try to help isolate the cause of the problem:

- using the same disk drive(s) that you've already tried, put it/them into one of your other 600Es and try installing XP there. If it loads fine, transfer hard drive back to your 5BU and see if it boots.
- if you already have XP running on a 600E somewhere, clone the drive and see if it boots in the 5BU
- increase the amount of memory to at least 256MB; minimum is supposed to be 128MB for WinXPP (I think) but that's pushing it
- verify that PC Doctor passes all tests in CPU, Systemboard and Video sections

Ray to the rescue again!!! Swapped the drives from the another 600e and booted up fine. I know it is taking a long time because of the amount of ram, but all I have at the moment. Any guesses to what the problem still might be??

I'd say that since you've tried multiple disk drives and ran memtest without any errors, and you still get the same BSOD, then the problem lies with your 5BU (motherboard) or the XP install disk. Try to install the OS on the same hard drive(s) but in a different 600E and see what happens. If it works, then that would say your 5BU has a problem. If it doesn't then carefully inspect the XP install CD and see if you see any dirt or scratches.

Vic, I just read through this thread again and I don't see where/if you swapped out the CDROM drive?

I did switch out cd-rom, but forgot to mention it. The disk is good also as I just completed the donor 600e hdd install. Now I am re-installing the planned original hdd on the donor 600e. I will report back after the install as its LUNCH TIME!!!

Sorry for the long lunch delay, but the results are XPP loaded perfectly. So disk and drive are working good.

I am also testing a new (to me) windows 98 disk on the same cd-rom and another 10 gb hdd that I found in a box of old computer crap given to me by friend.