Dead T30 ? Help please

[diskace]

Hi guys, here is my story. I would be very happy if someone can give me some tips. Someone that went through the same nightmare before. Any help is greatly appreciated too !

My Laptop is a T30 model 2366-8U7 that had no single problems until 1 week ago. I noticed the laptop was slower than before while using Vmware and i saw that the kernel memory was only using 512 MB out of the previously working 1024 MB installed.

My memory is:

1X 512 MB OEM PC2100 DDR
1X 512 MB CRUCIAL PC2700 DDR (upgrade)

After entering the bios i saw that even there, the only available memory was 512MB. First i was thinking it might be a dead memory stick so i removed the PC2700 and tried to reboot the laptop. The laptop booted with only 512MB from the OEM memory stick.

My second test was to verify if it was a slot problem so i tried to do a series of test by swapping the memory stick with all different combinations. The laptop never booted again. I hit the PC shop to buy a 512 MB PC3200 memory stick to test if it might be both of my memory stick that died. Unfortunately even with a brand new DDR PC3200 memory stick the T30 never booted.

So... what it might be ? A dead MotherBoard ? Memory compatibility problems ?

According to: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 46018.html

Considering that the diagnostic Beep when trying to boot the T30 without memory start screaming this sequence: One short beep, pause, three short beeps, pause, three more short beeps, and one short beep.

1. DIMM
2. System board

I assume the MotherBoard might not be faulty ? Or i might be wrong ?

Thanks for your help ! That was my work laptop so i would really love to have it back.

BTW i called IBM about the program to replace the T30 with broken memory slot and this program is discontinued. I don't think it might be my case anyway if you read carefully my message.

[RealBlackStuff]

Welcome to our forums.

Start by reading about your (rather common for a T30) memory problem here: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=13262

It would also be advisable to do a Search in this forum for any T30 memory related problems. Type in: t30 memory, click on Search all terms and limit it to the T2x/T30 forum.
Lots of discussions and solutions.

Straight out I would say you have a problem on one slot only.
If you find a repair too costly (either replace the mobo, or have the slot repaired (or do a DIY if you are able)), the T30 can take 1GB PC2100/PC2700 memory sticks in both slots or just the one that's working. That should be enough for most people.

[diskace]

Hi RealBlackStuff, thanks for this great forum and your help. Before posting i did some research on this forum but english is not my primary language so i probably forgot something. I already read the post your put in link quoting the MIGR-4477 document. I found out that LENOVO doesn't have this document anymore in their database after giving them a call.

I found out after reading the tips on putting folded paper over the memory stick and it worked. Thanks for all the help !

[RealBlackStuff]

You're welcome.