How much longer do you think my ailing R32 will last?

[jason_ca]

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to say this forum is a wonderful resource, and I have learned much useful specific info for my thinkpad here, thanks everyone!

That said, I have a 5 year old Thinkpad R32-2658-CSU (14" screen, P4 1.8ghz, 512mb ram, just upgraded HD to 60gb). A number of issues have popped up over the years. Most recently (last week), the original 40gb Travelstar HD 4200rpm died. Yesterday I installed a new 60gb Western Digital Scorpio (5400rpm, 8mb) HD which cost me $60. Sources were correct here, this Thinkpad doesn't recognize a blank un-partitioned HD. So I used one of those new fancy USB 2.0 -> IDE cables to partition it with Partition Magic. It didn't like this partition/format though, and had to reformat/repartition with the WinXP disc; was annoying.....Anyway, this new HD is definately zippier, quieter, more capacious, and has breathed new life into an aging R32.....One question I have is, there was a thin aluminum-like "caddy" attached with a white sticker to the old HD, should I put it on the new HD? I haven't because it is all sticky and gummy and I would need to clean it....This is another concern I have, is that I now know how the HD is just kind of "floating" inside my R32 just under the left palmrest, it doesn't feel stable, even if I do attach the aluminum caddy to it, but ah well, the old HD lasted 5 years that way.

My R32 also has two other issues:

(1) About 3 years ago, system standy stopped functioning correctly. You can put it in standy mode for up to 6-7 hours, but say, if you keep it in standby for a longer period (like, overnight), when you power it on, it will just reset and reboot.

(2) About a year ago, the CD/DVD Drive stopped being recognized, which I know is a common problem noted in these forums. With the drive installed, I get the black screen with blinking cursor for 5 minutes before it starts booting properly. I tried a new drive in there, but it had the same problem. So it is definately a problem with the connector on the board inside.

So my question is, your opinion on how much longer my R32 will last? I'm considering upgrading the ram with a 1gb stick, but that costs $60-70, and the resale value of my Thinkpad as is (with a bum optical drive) is pretty low (less than $200 i gather).

Any opinions would be appreciated, thanks.

[phool@round]

Welcome to the Forum!


Next to hard drive failure, backlights. Backlight replacement cost is really dependant on your ability to repair your own laptop. You can go bulb, screen or complete lid.

Someone with more understanding can better answer your question about the stanby issue. I power mine off or use hibernation. Might be the OS, might be the BIOS settings.

I have yet to read any literature on what purpose the disk drive tray is needed for. Doesn't appear to be Faraday cage. My personal opinion is that it traps more heat inside the drive, isn't needed for support. I prefer more airflow, heat is destructive.

If you look at my sig you'll several older series models, many are entirely original. I don't think R32's are less dependable.

[tfflivemb2]

One question I have is, there was a thin aluminum-like "caddy" attached with a white sticker to the old HD, should I put it on the new HD? I haven't because it is all sticky and gummy and I would need to clean it....

My R32 also has two other issues:

(1) About 3 years ago, system standy stopped functioning correctly. You can put it in standy mode for up to 6-7 hours, but say, if you keep it in standby for a longer period (like, overnight), when you power it on, it will just reset and reboot.

(2) About a year ago, the CD/DVD Drive stopped being recognized, which I know is a common problem noted in these forums. With the drive installed, I get the black screen with blinking cursor for 5 minutes before it starts booting properly. I tried a new drive in there, but it had the same problem. So it is definately a problem with the connector on the board inside.

First question, re: Hard Drive caddy. That sticky stuff keeps the drive attached to the tray, while screwing in the screws. Don't remove it.

Second 1st question, re: standby. No idea about the standby issue.

Third (2nd) question, re: DVD drive. I would check your boot order in the BIOS, to see if there is something besides the CD drive and the HD in your boot order. Something else could be delaying the startup.