IBM T21 power switch / boot problems

[skipper]

I bought a used T21 that I really like. But occasionally when I try to boot it with the main power switch I see the power light flash quickly, hear a click from somewhere within, and nothing. If I press the button a number of times (sometimes lots of times - my neighbor on the plane was looking at my like I was doing something "funny" to my computer) it will finally power up. Same thing happens on AC adaptor and battery (I have two).

If anyone has any idea of the probem, I sure would appreciate it. If not, it is off to repair.

Thank you

[skipper]

I did find some information that the problem may be due to an overcharged capacitor - and that some have refrigerated their T21's to fix the problem! (after removing the battery and discharging the capacitor).

Wacky problem - but I am new to all this. Please let me know if you have any information.

Thank you

[ychandrani]

Take a look at the HW maintenance manual for the T2x series:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... IGR-4UYM3F and read up on instructions how to add/remove hardware devices from your machine.
First, try the step described here:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 38#fullych; which is for T2x systems that do not power up even with a fully charged battery. IBm claims that there is a surge protector in the battery that needs discharging, so follow their instructions by turning off the computer for one minute to discharge the surge protector and then try powering up.

If the problem still persists, then you might want to try the step outlined in the power-up troubleshooting document from IBM in order to isolate the source of your problem:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... IGR-4YQJZX.

even though this document is about troubleshooting systems which don't power up at all, you should try the steps out.

Then post results here if you feel up to it and someone will point you to possible solutions.

I haven't found posts about refrigerating the computer, but then there are all sorts of things and facts on the web that I am unaware of.......

[kchung]

I wouldn't refrigerate a laptop - if it got cold enough, when you took it out you run the risk of condensation and then might end up with a short!

I HAVE refrigerated hard drives in the past to try to resolve the rapid ticking/clacking problem (it works sometimes), but I would't put an entire laptop in the fridge.

-Kevin