Z61m Problems! Need Help!

[vnirmalkumar]

Hi,

I made a fresh install of English WinXP Prof Retail version (Genuine) by removing the German WinXP Prof OEM Version on my Z61m Thinpad. I reinstalled all the drivers and softwares for the thinkpad and it finally resulted in 2 major problems.

1. When I try to shut down the laptop, WinXP shuts down. But the system still remains on with the monitor still showing a black screen with the mouse pointer (I cannot move the pointer). I could only switch off the system completely by pressing and holding the POWER button.

When I installed the drivers using the Thinkvantage Software Installer, the BIOS was automatically updated. Is this problem related to Windows or BIOS? How could I correct it?

2. I cannot access the ATI Catalyst Center. When I try to open it, there is an error message stating that '' CLI.EXE has failed to initiate''. I get the same message everytime I boot into windows. I guess the Graphic accelerator works fine, but I could not access the settings for the same.

I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the driver again and again, but in vain.

Kindly suggest me a way to correct these errors.

3. If I have WinXP Prof OEM version in English, can I install it using the product code provided for me with the GERMAN Version of WinXP Prof OEM? If it is possible, I can try reinstalling everything. Should this OEM version be only from IBM or can I also use the OEM provided with other laptops like DELL? (Of course, I have paid for my own Product key)

[GomJabbar]

My suggestions.....

Make sure you have installed the Windows Install Supplements (both packages). Make sure you are using the video driver from IBM/Lenovo. Make sure you have both power management drivers installed. Make sure your embedded controller is up-to-date, as well as your BIOS (I see you updated the BIOS already). Follow the installation instructions provided to install all of the above.

Software and Device Drivers - ThinkPad Z60m, Z60t

[vnirmalkumar]

Hi Gomjabber,

Thanks for your reply.

I just need a little clarification. My system is Z61m and the link you have mentioned is for Z60m. I can get all the softwares you have told me to check for from the Z61m drivers page, except the Windows Install Supplements (both packages).

Is it possible to use the windows supplement for Z60m on an Z61m machine? thanks.

[GomJabbar]

My system is Z61m and the link you have mentioned is for Z60m.

Sorry.
Just install what is available on the link below.

Here is the correct link for your Z61m: Software and Device Drivers - ThinkPad Z61e, Z61m, Z61p, Z61t

[tania vanderstraeten]

Hello,

did you ever find a solution for the shutdown problem ?
I'm having the same problem here, and i would like to fix it.

thx

[Jezek]

Hi, try this, disallow power management on USB Root Hub or others USB devices: Device Manager -> USB Root Hub -> Power Management Tab -> uncheck "Alow the computer to turn off this devices to save power".

[Galaxer]

3. If I have WinXP Prof OEM version in English, can I install it using the product code provided for me with the GERMAN Version of WinXP Prof OEM? If it is possible, I can try reinstalling everything. Should this OEM version be only from IBM or can I also use the OEM provided with other laptops like DELL? (Of course, I have paid for my own Product key)

Sure you can, but the EULA-Violation is still here. No problems at all, the human rights defenders are on your side.

[rockstar1971]

Did you ever find a solution for this problem? I've tried the suggestions in this thread and still have the same lock-up issues. Here's the problems I'm having, which I believe are all related to Power Management somehow.

NOTE: I completly wiped the drive and reinstalled XP sp2.

1) Sometimes when I shutdown windows, it shuts down but right at the end the screen locks up and there is a whiney electrical sound coming out from the mobo. I have to take the battery off to restart.

2) Sometimes the machine just locks-up in Windows, complete freeze while I'm working! ...and I have to take the battery off to restart (and lose my work!)

3) Sometimes when I'm running on battery and I plug in the power, it locks up ...and I have to take the battery off to restart.

4) When I place it in the dock, it shuts down instantly. Is this normal?

I have all drivers installed from the Z series driver matrix page and I tried the USB Root Hub thing via device manager. No change.

These are very annoying to say the least. Do I just have a lemon? Anyone have any other suggestions? I'm at my wits end.

-Scott

[vnirmalkumar]

Hello rockstar1971,

I found solutions to the problems that I have mentioned in this thread.

1. The monitor still on even after shut down.

I did the same power management adjustment suggested by JEZEK and it worked fine (Thanks man!!)

Device Manager -> USB Root Hub -> Power Management Tab -> uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this devices to save power".

2. ''CLI.EXE has failed to initiate''

I got this message during every system startup and this was related to the ATI RADEON driver. I installed the latest version of Microsoft .NET environment and I get that message no more. I could even access my ATI CATALYST CENTRE. I found this information in the ATI RADEON driver download page of Lenovo.

[rockstar1971]

Thanks for the reply, vnirmalkumar. I did the USBRootHub thing, and I have all of the latest .Net installed on my machine. I'm still having the same problems that I outlined in my previous post.

I don't like this machine. I would return it and get a Dell, if I could, but it was issued to me by my employer, so I'm stuck. I just have to get used to always shutting down before I plug/unplug the power or dock it.

The company I work for is contacting Lenovo to see if they can take care of it, but based on what I’ve read in other threads on this forum, it sounds like a design problem with the hardware. I’m interested to see what they say.

[vnirmalkumar]

Please do update with the tech replies you get from lenovo. thanks.

[gotconsultants]

What is the model of your notebook?