Random Freeze 600X

[jimzim66]

Hey everyone...

I have a 600X, model 2645-5GU, running Windows Server 2003 R2 with 576MB RAM, and a Linksys 802.11g wireless card, and a 30GB Travelstar HDD. Otherwise, the unit is stock.

I've been having an intermittent problem with freezing. The unit will start then freeze at random points and times. Sometimes before the logon prompt, sometimes right when I'm casually surfing. The system could be cool, or warm enough to make the fan come on, and the vents are not blocked, so I cross off overheating. The only major changes I made were the HDD (from the original 12GB) and the RAM. After having the same problems with the original RAM, i narrowed it down to the HDD, but dont have a spare around to swap.

Any ideas?

[rkawakami]

My suggestion: Test the CPU, systemboard and memory before assuming the disk drive is the problem (i.e. save money before you decided to buy another drive).

1) Download a copy of PC Doctor for the 600X from here:

Floppy-based PC Doctor from IBM site

or

CD ISO image of PC Doctor (hosted on my site)

2) Follow the instructions to create the bootable floppy or burn my ISO image onto a CD.

3) Boot the PC Doctor floppy or CD. Select Thinkpad 600X from the menu (this version of PC Doctor can also be used on other systems).

4) When finally loaded, using the Trackpoint/mouse, click the Diagnostics menu and select the CPU/Coprocessor test. Before running the tests on the screen, hit the F2 key to bring up the Test Options menu. Select Set Pass Count option and enter a large number, say 50 and press the Enter key. This will force PC Doctor to repeat the selected test that many times before stopping. This way you can "burn-in" the system for a long time. After you press the Enter key, you should return to the Test Option submenu. Hit the Escape key to dismiss that window. All of the tests in the CPU category should be highlighted with a ">>", indicating those tests are to be executed. Press CTRL-Enter to run all of those tests.

5) Assuming the CPU/Coprocessor test passes, hit the Escape key to return back to the main menu. Execute the Systemboard tests next. The Set Pass Count option should remain at whatever number you previously specified. Again, press CTRL-Enter to execute all of the selected tests.

6) If the Systemboard tests pass, then try Memory Test - Full, but you may want to change the Set Pass Count. The full memory test can take quite awhile to execute a single pass.

7) If the memory checks out good, you can try running the Fixed Disks diagnostics. These tests are non-destructive in that they do not write any information to your disk, they simply check to see if the heads can position themselves properly.

Report back on the outcome of these tests.

[jimzim66]

CPU, System board, memory, and fixed disk tests all come back normal.

I'm stumped!

[tfflivemb2]

Maybe it is a problem with the install of the OS. Do you have the ability to reinstall the OS?

[cmarti]

CPU, System board, memory, and fixed disk tests all come back normal.

I'm stumped!

Can you monitor the cpu load to see the % of usage at the moment it freezes? Also check the temperature.

[jimzim66]

The CPU load isnt a factor. It can be sitting idle (sysmon running) with no proceses and stil freeze. As it does when the exhaust if blowing cool air (it sometimes isnt even on long enough to get the CPU warm! ) but I think I'm going to try and Ghost the disk over to an identical 30GB Travelstar and see what happens.