T30 won't boot: HELP!

Message

doitright · #1 Post by **doitright** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 6:50 pm

Hello everybody, I'm new to this forum which I recently discovered. I think someobody here will be able to solve this booting problem that I'm facing. I took it to some repair place in Berkeley yesterday and they couldn'd do anything.

Initially when it used to have this problem, I would switch the RAM (512 MB) from one slot to the other and then back and then it would work again. Once it booted, it would run perfectly. For many weeks, I kept it on standby and didn't switch it off since i feared it wouldn't boot when I switched it on. Unfortunately, it shut down to install an automatic update the other day while I was away from the room. And now it just refuses to boot. No amount of switching the RAM around, a new RAM, nothing helps. The fan turns on, all lights turn on initially, and the 1-3-3-1 beep sounds, and the fan keeps running.

What could be the matter ? Any help much appreciated.

#2 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:22 pm

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

It sounds like your system has the known memory slot problem. The 1-3-3-1 beep error code indicates a memory problem. When you have swapped the memory module around it may have (temporarily) moved some of the loose pins. The general "fix" has been to swap out the motherboard but this was posted here this morning:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 886#264886

I don't know if this will solve your particular problem or not. Re-soldering some of the memory connector pins may help or if not done properly, can cause some more damage. The other things you can try is to clean the edge of the memory module with isopropyl alcohol or rub the contacts with a rubber (pencil, not pen) eraser.

#3 Post by **BillMorrow** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:54 pm

also, for out of warranty repairs, there will be a new advert appearing for the laptop guy who can probably do the repair..
whether this would be better than just buying a used T40 will depend on the repair charge..

Todd@LaptopGuy.com

this is not an endorsement, only information..
good luck..

doitright · #4 Post by **doitright** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:09 pm

thanks ray and bill. i already tried out the pencil eraser cleanup and that hasnt worked. since it used to function perfectly whenever switched on from standby mode, it makes me feel that the motherboard is probably ok otherwise i'm sure some things wouldnt have worked. i'll try and find somebody who can take a look at the slot and fix it. another piece of info i forgot to give is that the 1-3-3-1 beep sounds only when the RAM is placed in one of the slots (the one in which it was placed when it worked); when i swap it to the other slot and switch it on, the fan runs, but there's no beep.

#5 Post by **rkawakami** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:28 pm

doitright wrote:since it used to function perfectly whenever switched on from standby mode, it makes me feel that the motherboard is probably ok otherwise i'm sure some things wouldnt have worked.

Actually, from my standpoint, if your system worked when switching on from standby but not from a full power down situation, then, to me, that's says "motherboard". The reason is that there's a certain power up sequence that needs to take place when starting from a completely "off" state. There should be power monitoring chips inside the T30 just like there are in my T23s. If they do not see the correct signals/voltages when told to turn on, it won't (turn on).

doitright · #6 Post by **doitright** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:42 pm

ok, i see your point. that could very well be it then. so what's the solution : how can one detect what on the motherboard's not working ?

#7 Post by **rkawakami** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:50 pm

The "solution" usually just means replacing the system board. Your initial description of the problem led me to believe that you might have the memory slot issue. That could have been an error. There may be a power issue on the motherboard. Or it may be something completely different. Such is the nature of computers. Here's something else you may want to try before spending some money:

- remove ALL of the 'extra' hardware (memory, hard drive, MiniPCI card, ethernet, etc.) then try turning the system on. It should give you the 1-3-3-1 beep (missing memory). If it doesn't, the motherboard is dead. If it does beep the memory error code...
- install just one memory module and power up again. Repeat using the same module in the other memory slot. Do both work? Does one slot not work? Do BOTH slots not work?
- repeat the above with a different memory module.
- after those tests, you should get an idea if the problem is with a particular memory slot or module.
- if it seems like at least one of the modules is working, download and run memtest86+ (a memory diagnostic program) to verify that it's okay. If you find that you can reliably power up the machine with that module in a certain slot...
- re-install ONE piece of 'extra' hardware at a time and repeat the power-on. Start with the MiniPCI modem (if you have one). I've seen some weird things happen with those cards in the T23 when they go bad.
- continue to re-install one piece at a time until you either find one that causes the system to not power on or until ALL of the pieces are back in the system and it's still working.
- if that happens, you've got a real intermittent problem!

Regarding the memory slot issue... people have suggested that if you wedge a piece of paper or cardboard between the module and the memory cover, that can help.

If none if this helps and the laptop still does not power up more than the fan and a couple of LEDs, then my conclusion is that your motherboard is the problem. If you have a keen eye (and a fair amount of good luck), you can remove the motherboard and see if you can find something that is obviously out-of-order. By that I mean a part that's burnt or partially/completely fallen off the board.

Also, if you can get the system turned on, you can download PC Doctor for DOS (scroll down to the Diagnostics section) and use that program to test various systems inside the laptop. However, that will not tell you much if there's a general power problem in the system.

doitright · #8 Post by **doitright** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 7:17 pm

cant thank you enough for the suggestions. i've had no time to implement them, but will as soon as i can. i've never opened up a computer before; can you recommend somebody in sf who can do it and not overcharge ? thanks.

#9 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 2:23 am

After you download the Hardware Maintenance Manual from here:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-42308
you'll find that all you need is a small Phillips screwdriver to take your laptop apart yourself. It is a lot less daunting than it looks, believe me.

T30 won't boot: HELP!

T30 won't boot: HELP!

Who is online