Did I damage my T42?

T4x series specific matters only
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GLE3
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Did I damage my T42?

#1 Post by GLE3 » Thu Jul 12, 2012 3:55 pm

Was walking around with it outside holding it with one hand (wouldn't recommend that to anyone else) and of course it slipped out and hit the ground right on the back corner by the hinge. Quickly booted it up after that and it looked like I escaped danger as it booted fine. Used it several hours after that and again all was well. Wife used it later that night and she said it shut down right in the middle of browsing. Now I have no lights (even when attempting to charge) and she won't boot up at all. At work right now but was planning to try some things when I get home. If the take out the battery/push power 11 times thing doesn't work, any ideas on what I could try next? Thanks in advance for any help!

richk
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Re: Did I damage my T42?

#2 Post by richk » Thu Jul 12, 2012 4:48 pm

A common problem on this model is the graphics chip solder connections breaking. The most likely causes are a shock or flexing the base, most commonly caused by carrying with one hand. (you have both) The chip in question is right in the middle of the board. If you search this forum for reflow, you can see threads, but you are probably looking at a new motherboard or a new machine. Sorry.

ajkula66
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Re: Did I damage my T42?

#3 Post by ajkula66 » Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:23 pm

Another thing to check: given your description of the incident, the machine might have landed on the charging portion of the board. I'd verify that the voltage is actually present at the inlet when the adapter is plugged in...

Good luck.
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Re: Did I damage my T42?

#4 Post by poshgeordie » Fri Jul 13, 2012 4:12 am

Which country are you from? I ask this because we're based in UK and repair Thinkpads. I'd be happy to have a look at it for you if that helps.

If interested could you PM me with your email address and I'll get back to you.

GLE3
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Re: Did I damage my T42?

#5 Post by GLE3 » Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:42 am

Thanks for all the time spent with the responses! Turns out the power button 'dance' worked! I figured since it shut down in the middle of browsing that doing the power button thing wouldn't work. I only thought that was in play when you shut down and try to boot back up again. Thanks again!

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