Starting Windows in Minimal Mode Lead to System Reinstall...

[Stefan Bruckel]

Maybe this is a unique "feature" of my system, but as some of you are aware, I have had some driver issues that prevented the system from going into hibernation. After all else failed, I thought, well, why don't I load Windows in minimal mode (e.g. without drivers etc.) and see if I can get it to Hibernate then.

Well, the computer came back up, but it got hung with the notification message "Checking status of the Security Chip". Several reboots did not resolve this issue. Called Lenovo. Nothing worked, not disabling or inactivating the chip, modifying BIOS, absolutely nothing worked.

Talked with several engineers at Lenovo and they all concluded that I needed to reinstall the system. So I am doing this now.

I've had about 5 laptops in the past 10 years... I thought I'd go for the cream of the crop this time, so I can get out of the upgrade cycle and have something solid for 5 years or so. Well, so far, it's been a nightmare.

Once the system is reinstalled, I will give it one more try... first thing I am going to do is get rid of all the security stuff. Hopefully that will make it boot faster and make it work like a regular machine... we'll see. So far, I am impressed by build and keyboard, but little else... maybe I should have gone for another $1K consumer laoptop!

[Charles Mann]

Stefan, The security software was a problem for me also. Symantec's Client Security application added another firewall that kept me out of my local network. But it is GONE now.

Charles

[Stefan Bruckel]

Yes, first thing to go upon reinstall was the use of the Security Chip. When promoted to set it up, said no thanks, and please don't ever ask again, thank you.

Then also uninstalled all of the Symantec software. Over the years, that's been nothing but trouble, so it's gone.

I am in the middle of installing all my other softare again... checking to see if hibernation works after each... so far no problem... knock on wood (i.e. my head)... we'll se where we go tomorrow.