T41p IBM (before lenovo) Freeze [no freeze on pc-doc]

[linkeg]

First, I would like to say thanks for reading this and I'm glad I found this forum.

Next:

My T41p freezes after about a couple minutes. I decide to shut it down and when I start it up it will show lights but not all lights and wont start running until I turn off and on or unplug and turn on the computer.

The weird part is that when I'm running PC-doc it runs fine!

Would PC-doc not matter if overheating because it does seem awfully hot and I could have already damaged fan when dusting with high compressor through side fan!

I've already reset the computer to factory settings and it didn't help.

I'm thinking about taking it apart since no warranty and dusting/tighting all connections.

What I would like to know mainly is could I erase entire hard drive from PC-doc which deletes everything including access IBM (I believe) and install windows xp sp3 from disk and be OK? [my comp comes with xp]

I feel it might be a software issue since it works on pc-doc perfectly. I'm currently running a diagnostic test!

NOTE: I have been reading threw many reviews similar to mine and cant find solution. I don't feel mine is that bad because it works on PC-doc, also screen just freezes not showing anything weird. It has been working wonderful awhile now and feel it might just be fan overheating or software issue which i can hopefully resolve!

I would like to thank you again since you took the time to read my post and hope you can help me get my T41p working again!

-Linkeg

[Neil]

First, welcome to the forum, Linkeg. We're glad to have you here.

Looks like you've already done a fair amount of trouble shooting, and correcting any heat related problems is usually the first thing to do. Probably a good idea to remove the keyboard and bezel to get at the CPU fan. It will likely need to be removed to clean it well, and apply fresh thermal paste between it and the CPU.

However, since you don't have any overheating problems while running PC-DOC, which can stress the CPU quite a bit, that makes me think you are seeing the early signs of GPU BGA breakdown. Since PC-DOC doesn't load any full feature graphics driver, it may not be accessing the part of the GPU that is failing. This is just a guess, of course, but as you've probably already read on the forum, a lot of these machines are having this kind of think happen to them. Some long before now.

Keep us informed on how your repairs go.

[Orclas]

Would PC-doc not matter if overheating because it does seem awfully hot and I could have already damaged fan when dusting with high compressor through side fan!

Just a detail (but good to know): Dusting off a fan with compressed air may make it spin at speeds far above intended ones and potentially damage it, so always block your fan from spinning when using compressed air.

As for your actual problem, Neils hypothesis is a good one. I had very similar symptoms on my T40 and it was indeed a GPU solder problem (+ probably southbridge as well, since I had already lost one USB port).

[linkeg]

Your reply's are great!

I decided to start my process with a full hard drive erase and now enter a start up interrupt menu when I start up access IBM then get media test failure and exiting Intel boot agent following by operating system no found. This all seems normal and now will make a DVD with Windows xp SP3. This was done this morning previous from reading your comments!

The fan might be causing some problems because the compressor did make the fan go much faster then its intended judging from sound!

As far as removing fan I should be able to accomplish this, though applying thermal paste is something I will have to learn. If you know any good guides to this please tell me and maybe which thermal paste to purchase if possible!

Once I am able to do this quick repair/clean I will then see if my USB connection works (you have me a little worried) then install the new windows through DVD boot and see if anything changes. I will then start to look towards GPU BGA breakdown if I don't see improvements!

Any comments about paste or fan replacement/repair if necessary will be appreciated!

Thanks again!

-Linkeg

[Neil]

As far as fan removal and thermal paste application, I can't say it any better than member RBS recently wrote:

Take it apart enough so you can remove the CPU cooler.
Clean the old gunk off CPU and cooler with Isopropyl Alcohol.
Then blow out the dust bunnies of the fan with e.g. a can of compressed air, holding the fan blades so they can't spin.
Then apply fresh thermal paste (AS5 = Arctic Silver 5) on top of the small square of the CPU only.
The amount of a rice corn is enough.
Spread that out evenly (with e.g. a credit card).
Remount the fan assembly.
Enjoy a cool(er) CPU.

Good luck with your project!