Garbled screen and system freezes. Help!

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rxntech · #1 Post by **rxntech** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 11:10 pm

I purchased a ThinkPad T60 in June 2006 and it had been working fine until late November 2006, when I've been experiencing random system freezes and garbled screens (see http://www.rxntechnologies.com/garbled_screen1.JPG and http://www.rxntechnologies.com/garbled_screen2.JPG).

I use this laptop for my Web development business, so I installed quite a bit of software (VS.Net 2003, Studio MX, SQL Server 2000 Dev, ColdFusion MX, Quickbooks, etc.). Thus, I'm unable to determine whether this problem is due to a hardware issue, software issue, driver conflict, or a combination, especially when the system freezes/garbled screens occur so randomly. I also use a 7-port DLink USB hub to connect all my various devices (printers, keyboard, mouse, etc.).

Since my ThinkPad T60 is still under warranty, I called IBM/Lenovo technical support for help. I showed them the screenshots, and even they are at a loss as to the cause.

Has anyone experienced a similar problem? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

#2 Post by **GomJabbar** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 11:20 pm

Try turning display Hardware Acceleration down or off and see if the problem remains. If I am not mistaken, a failing or overheated graphics accelerator chip can cause this problem.

miri · #3 Post by **miri** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 2:54 am

Probably you are having a display adapter problems. I had the same issue like yours and I had to replace the whole motherboard as the graphic chip is soldered in there.

My system was a T60p with ATI FireGL v5200.

Try to solve it with Lenovo if you are still on warranty, if you are out of warranty a motherboard replace at your own cost will probably kill you

gotconsultants · #4 Post by **gotconsultants** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 10:32 pm

I had similar problems with the Z-Series... I am in a wonderful battle with Lenovo / IBM right now over my Z-Series...

When I had the Z60, it had at least 4 motherboard swap outs before everyone gave up. There was a bad batch of graphics chips that were put on the board...

What is the model of you ATI graphics card?

rxntech · #5 Post by **rxntech** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 1:17 am

I believe the graphics card is Intel 950.

Well, I just shipped the ThinkPad T60 out to Lenovo to get it serviced. Thankfully, it's still under warranty. The technician mentioned that they'll be swapping the motherboard.

I'll post an update as soon as I get it back.

rxntech · #6 Post by **rxntech** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 5:27 pm

I received my serviced ThinkPad T60. The cause of all the headaches was simply bad RAM! With new memory modules in place, my ThinkPad T60 is running smoothly.

kartak.mahino · #7 Post by **kartak.mahino** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 2:38 pm

Having similar problem on my A31. But it started after almost 4 years. Mine has ATI Graphics card.

I pretty much gave up on that. Just ordered a new Z61m. Hope I do not see this. LOL

Garbled screen and system freezes. Help!

Garbled screen and system freezes. Help!

Graphics Problem

It was bad RAM!

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