T43 Shuts down/freezes with USB VZW modem

[imref]

Hi, I have a T43 running Windows XP. I recently tried to connect it to my BB8830 via USB to use the BB as a wireless modem to Verizon's data network.

I run Verizon's VZ Access Manager to initiate the connection. About 2-3 minutes after I connect, my entire system either freezes or shuts itself off. No blue screen or anything, just a hard freeze or a complete power off.

Has anyone seen anything like this before? If so, any help is appreciated.

[dcalvert]

I've had something similar happen. Also running Windows XP Pro o a T42

Sometimes, when i forget to plug the aircard in before powering up, the whole system will shut down or reboot when I plug the aircard in.

To be honest, i suspect the USB card is causing another problem as well....I used the PCMCIA card from Verizon with no problem.

Ever since i got the new USB card, my computer has been flaky. I'll be using it, and suddenly the screen goes black. when I try to reboot - it powers on, but the hard drive will not engage, i hear the DVD running, and the other lights go on...but no hard drive.

Generally, if i can, I will just power it off, and let is sit for a while...it will then power up fine the next time.

I had the motherboard replaced, but the problem continues intermittently.

I suspect it's a heat problem...i've actually thrown it in the refrigerator a couple of times,which seems to shorten the wait period (it fires back up with less of a wait).

Anyone having similar problems? solutions?

I've had it in for service to a place in Chicago, Proton computers, a number of times...but I think they've given up.

Thanks in advance

Dean Calvert

[Brad]

I am sure this suggestion is a long shot but I have had trouble occasionally using USB when I used a A/C adapter that was for the A series with a 3.36a output.

If you are using this adapter (and most likely you are not because two users with the same problem would be extremly unlikely) try the 4.5a adapter to see if it helps.

Brad

[dcalvert]

Thanks Brad.

what about the rest of this problem...does this sound like the dreaded GPU issue?

thanks in advance.

Dean

[Brad]

Dean,

It does not sound like the dreaded GPU problem. Which model have you?

Brad

[dcalvert]

Brad,

I've got a T42 with 1 meg RAM - the complete list of equipment and software specs are below.

Just so you know the whole story, i was getting the "black screen" a couple months ago, so i had a local guy swap out the motherboard, put a new one in.

He was supposed to clone the drive onto the new 80 meg drive, but was unable to. Proton Computers in Lombard was able to do that for me, since they deal with a lot of Thinkpads.

When i got the machine back, the screen started turning blue/green/red and then shutting down after it got warmed up. So Proton replaced the screen.

Got it back, screen business stopped, but it started simply shutting down after a couple hours of use...would not boot back up until it cooled (would start up, lights would go on, but no hard drive).

Took it back in - they replaced a memory card, and were trying to swap me into anohter T43, but I said no, I wanted this one back (with the 80 gig drive).

Taking it home, it seemed to work fine...was thinking that the chip/strip they had replaced may have been fried. To be honest, I had gotten into the habit of putting the machine in standby, and throwing it in my bag (for ease of startup). didn't realize this was creating heat...Proton told me not to do that...no longer do...I realize this may have caused problems which will continue to plague this machine.

In any case, the thing seemed to work for a few weeks, no problems at all.

Couple of nights ago, started getting the blank screen again...seems like the whole problem is starting all over again.

I'd really like to keep this computer...i tie into a lot of networks etc and it's a real pain to switch to a new one...but getting real nervous.

any thoughts?

thanks again in advance.

Dean

Item Value
Motherboard
Manufacturer IBM
Model 237314U
Version Not Available
Serial Number J1TZA3AR2H6
BIOS
Vendor IBM
Version 1RETDRWW (3.23 )
Release Date 18-Jun-2007
CPU
Name Intel(R) Pentium(R) M processor 1.70GHz
Family P6, P2, P3, PM
Manufacturer Intel
Calculated Core Speed 1,695 MHz
CPU Socket None
Graphics Card
Adapter Name ATI MOBILITY RADEON 7500
Video RAM 32 MB
Driver Version 6.14.10.6546
Adapter Name LogMeIn Mirror Driver
Video RAM 32 MB
Driver Version 2.50.596
Adapter Name Mirage Driver
Driver Version 1.1 (build 68)
Network Adapters
Ethernet Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport
Administrative Status Enabled
Ethernet Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport
Administrative Status Enabled
Loopback Internal loopback interface for 127.0.0 network
Administrative Status Enabled
Operating System
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Service Pack 2.0
Build 2600

DirectX Version DirectX 9.0c
Memory
Total Memory (RAM) installed in this PC 1,023 MB
Memory Used 53 %
Total Page File Memory 2,463 MB
Available Page File Memory 2,066 MB
Total Virtual Memory 2,048 MB
Available Virtual Memory 1,834 MB
Hard Disks Info (IDE and Serial-ATA)
IDE 0 Manufacturer Model Number WDC WD800BEVE-00UYT0
IDE 0 Manufacturer Revision Number 01.04A01
IDE 0 Manufacturer HDD Serial Number WD-WXE208E19770
IDE 0 Buffer Size 8 MB
IDE 0 Cylinders 16,383
IDE 0 Heads 16
IDE 0 Sectors Per Track 63
IDE 0 Capactiy 74.53 GB
Drives (as showing in Windows)
Fixed Drive: C Total Capacity: 70.24 GB Used: 26.04 GB Free: 44.2 GB
DVD Reader: D MATSHITA UJDA765 DVD/CDRW 1.02
Antivirus
Vendor Symantec Corporation
Product Norton AntiVirus
Version 2005
Up To Date Yes
Realtime File Scanning On Yes
FireWall
Product Norton Internet Worm Protection
Version 2005
Enabled Yes

[Brad]

I think now that it could be the GPU. I would run PC Doctor to check out the system.

Changing ThinkPads would be painless if you wanted a T42. Changing to a newer model would be much more of a pain.

Brad

[dcalvert]

Brad,

Just ran all the PC Doctor tests available for the motherboard and system. Everything says PASSED.

Is there a particular test I should be running that might identify the problem? which one? should i be looking at the detailed results, looking for something?

By the way, wouldn't a motherboard replacement eliminate the GPU problem?

Thanks again,
dean

[Brad]

Dean,

I am glad everything passed.

I was hoping for something to show up for a more definitive answer.

Since the GPU problem can happen with the replacement board too then I would say that a motherboard replacement does not eliminate the possibility of a problem.

Brad