Wrong Machine Type After System Board Replacement on T41p

[S2kDriver]

I have a T41p ThinkPad, machine type 2373GGU. I had my system board replaced since I was getting one long beep followed by two short beeps on boot up (indicating system board failure). I got the computer back and the computer was EXTREMELY slow. I decided to reload XP using my recovery disks and start from a clean slate. This seemed to do the trick. I suppose the constant locking up from the system board failure might have corrupted files and did other damage to the file system. System runs well now after a fresh install of XP.

Now, here is the issue. I just downloaded ThinkVantage System Update 3.1 and was about to search for updates but the application informed me that my machine type is now "183222U", when it should be "2373GGU"!!

I did a google search and it seems like that machine type is for an R50p, and NOT for a T41p. Do you think those clowns installed the wrong system board? Or perhaps this is a compatible replacement part (maybe they are out of stock?). I mean, as of now, the computer seems to be running OK, but still.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Thanks in advance.

[jdhurst]

The servicer who replaced the motherboard forgot to update the model and serial number to the correct one. Ask the servicer to update these values. ... JDH

[Brad]

I believe the parts are the same.

All you need is the Hardware Maintenance Diskette and a USB floppy to fix it yourself.

If IBM made the change I would call them and explain what has happened. They should apologize and offer to fix the problem posthaste.

Brad

[S2kDriver]

Thanks guys, for the quick replies. How do I get my hands on this maintenance diskette?

But here's the thing..... when I go into my BIOS, here are some stats of note -

System serial number - 183222Uxxxxxxx

Would this simple hardware maintenance diskette fix something that's hardcoded into the board? And if the serial numbers are modifiable - how do you know what to set it to?

And lastly, since some of the ThinkPad updates relied on the R50p machine type, does this mean I should redo all the updates once the machine type is corrected?

Thanks, I appreciate the help.

[Brad]

Yes the HMD will offer the option to change this information.

I don't have the direct link but if you PM your email address I can email it to you. You will need a USB floppy drive and a diskette.

Brad

[Harryc]

And if the serial numbers are modifiable - how do you know what to set it to?

Set it to match the machine type/model and serial number as listed on the sticker on the bottom of your machine.

[sojourner]

Now, here is the issue. I just downloaded ThinkVantage System Update 3.1 and was about to search for updates but the application informed me that my machine type is now "183222U", when it should be "2373GGU"!!

Brad, the advise thus far will work however, if you are interested, there is an easier way to change the TYPE (you did not say there is a S/N problem, but a TYPE designation problem).

If you have a copy of IBM's BIOS updater, use that (e.g. 1ruj35us.exe). One of its prompts asks if you'd simply like to change the TYPE. Changing the TYPE is pretty simple to do really and the updater runs without need of floppy etc., it runs right within XP and can be done in minutes!

[Brad]

Thanks for the info.

I have seen that program but didn't think I had any use for it. I will think again, thanks.

Brad

[S2kDriver]

Thanks everyone for your inputs. I followed Brad's advice since he was first to PM me and got it resolved.

Happy New Year!