Video problem

[mchaudron]

I have searched the forums and did not see this specific problem. I have a T42 2378FZU.

Recently, it has begun to shut down without warning and then will not start back until I hold the start button down. When it does restart, the error message from Windows is either a problem with the ATI driver, or a loop problem with the video driver.

I called IBM and they said to go to the IBM website and install the updated ATI driver.

I have done that but the problem is still there. Another call to IBM tech support was no help, but the language barrier was a problem.

Anyone have any ideas on how to solve this problem?

Thanks in advance.

Mike

[aamsel]

How much stuff do you have on this system that can not be easily re-installed?

I ask because you are at the point in this diagnosis, where you need to determine if it is a hardware or a software problem.

To do that, you need a "clean" re-install of the OS, either from an XP CD followed by driver installation, or from restore CD's.

Once you do that...if the problem persists, it is hardware.

Until you do that, it is a crapshoot as to whether the problem is software or hardware based.

Also, does this system just have the memory that came with it, or have you added additional memory? If so, and you try the clean install, you would then want to remove any added memory.

Hope this helps get you started and let me know how it goes.

Andrew
Austin, TX

[mchaudron]

How much stuff do you have on this system that can not be easily re-installed?

Also, does this system just have the memory that came with it, or have you added additional memory? If so, and you try the clean install, you would then want to remove any added memory.

Hope this helps get you started and let me know how it goes.

Andrew
Austin, TX

Andrew,

Thank you for your reply. I have most of the stuff on my computer backed up, so basically everything can be easily reinstalled. I have the disks from IBM that will allow me to do a clean install.

Is there anything I can do prior to doing this to confirm it is either hardware or software?

Thanks,

Mike

[aamsel]

In my opinion...not really.

However, you may want to call IBM. If you have onsite coverage, maybe someone would like to come out and try to troubleshoot it, don't know, I think still it would be pointless.

Here is why:
The system is shutting down, and you have been told it is a driver issue. You replaced the driver, and the problem is still there.

However, there is possible registry corruption or "confusion" also.

HAVE YOU TRIED THIS:
Doing a system restore on XP to a prior date, when the problem did not exist?

If you have done this, then I think it is time for a clean install or reinstall.
If it fixes everything, you are good to go.
If not, you place a hardware service call.

Either way, you would be within a few days of resolution, instead of living with this problem on and on.

Let me know about the XP System Restore, and if it works.

Andrew
Austin, TX

[mchaudron]

HAVE YOU TRIED THIS:
Doing a system restore on XP to a prior date, when the problem did not exist?

If you have done this, then I think it is time for a clean install or reinstall.
If it fixes everything, you are good to go.
If not, you place a hardware service call.

Either way, you would be within a few days of resolution, instead of living with this problem on and on.

Let me know about the XP System Restore, and if it works.

Yeah I tried a system restore to a date when it was working fine. What is funny is that this morning I did a complete thinkpad software install from the IBM website and that seems to have solved the problem. I guess since all the drivers were upgraded it solved the problem.....we'll see.....if this doesn't work then I'll spend tomorrow doing a clean install.

I appreciate your help. If I was in Austin I'd buy you a green chile burger at the Shady Grove......

Mike

[aamsel]

No problem.
Let me know if it is really fixed.

Andrew
Austin, TX