Got a X31, few questions: slow, no list in tawbook

[bigtiger]

I just got a X31 to upgrade for my wife. Got it today, but got few questions here.

1, the model is 2673-pu2. It is not listed in tabook or tawbook. Is there anything wrong? I check the warranty, drivers stuff. It is listed in IBM site and still in warranty.

2, the computer is pretty slow. I do not know why. Way too slow. When I open firefox, then I try to open task manager, it takes more than 10 seconds to open. My X41 is very fast. I would say near as fast as my t43.

3, windows xp sticker is shown in the back. When I check online, it shows it comes with windows xp, but I try to restore to factory status from HPA, it shows it will restore to windows 2000. is this normal?

This unit comes with P M 1.4G, 512M onboard memory, 16M ATI video card, 40G HD, it should run very fast, I think.

I am running PC doctor (dos version with CD) to test possible hardward problem. Any other proram that I can use?

This unit is still under onsite warranty. I just would like to know if there is wrong. Any x31 users, please share your experience. Thanks.

Edit: testing now. It says "digital signature chip test" failed.

[tfflivemb2]

If you have a system that isn't listed in the tabook.pdf, you can manually look it up, and it will tell you what the specs are, and what system it is based on. You can look them up here.

I used the link to find out the specs on your system:

Product: ThinkPad X31 2673-PU2 [change]

Operating system: All [change]

Original description: Based on 2673-CXU: P M 1.4GHz, 512MB RAM, 40GB HDD, 12.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem(CDC), Ethernet(LOM), Cisco 802.11b wireless(MPCI), Secure Chip(TCPA), Li-Ion battery, WinXP Pro

[bigtiger]

Thanks.

I did that too to update drivers. But I am just wondering why it is not list in any tabook.pdf or tawbook. I thought it should be inclusive of all models.

[christopher_wolf]

Thanks.

I did that too to update drivers. But I am just wondering why it is not list in any tabook.pdf or tawbook. I thought it should be inclusive of all models.

Not exactly *all* models. Certain CTO builds as well as model numbers get created for special purposes. Say a corporation wants to buy a large shipment of Thinkpads with a particular configuration, CTO would be too much of a hassle; they contact IBM and work out a configuration they like, then IBM would make it and would sometimes assign it a newer model number to keep track of it.

[bigtiger]

Hey, Christopher_wolf, you are too knowledgeable to be true. Geez.

I know now. So most likely this laptop comes from a big company. No wonder it has onsite warranty.

[_erazor_]

I have a X31 and it`s very fast and responsive. Opening Task Manager takes about 1 second, opening Firefox takes 3 seconds at max.

I think your Windows-Installation is seriously borked... I can`t imagine any other problem.

About the security chip failure you reported: I am sure the chip is just disabled in BIOS on your X31 Try and check the corresponding BIOS setting.

[ullogu1]

I'd consider starting all over with the Access IBM button- if that is, the hidden partition is still there.

[BobA]

If the restore partition is loaded with Win2000 (as you imply), then someone has been messing with that partition. The solution is to use the X31 recovery CDs (a number of folks on these forums could give you a copy of them including myself). If you delete ALL partitions on the drive before you start recovering with the CDs, it will ask if you want to put a restore partition on the drive. If you say yes, you will then have an XP restore to recover to in the future. Other people on the forums might have better answers .. those are just my thoughts.

[bigtiger]

Thank you, guys. I guess maybe somebody has messed with the partition with w2000.

Anyway, I am not sure if we want to keep the x31. For now, I will leave it as is.

[mpcook]

I would agree, it sounds like someone restored at some point with a Win2000 install. Best to obtain the correct restore disks, and start from scratch. First delete all partitions. Once restored, update all of the drivers. This will likely speed things up as well, it may be your Windows is in need of a cleanup.

[Gustavo]

So clean install as the others suggest must be some conflicts or Win issues that are slowing the system. My X31 is very fast just as fast as my T43 which is an much more powerful system.
I am very happy with my X31 and I bought after considering the pros and flaws off X41 and X31.
The desiding factor was that the X31 uses regular 2,5" drives so I could and did update too an faster drive and it also uses standard SO-Dimm modules so upgrading Ram is cheaper than on the X41.
Well all things you know already since you now have both types.

I would personally keep the X31 after an clean install you will see what a fast machine it is.