T43 - XP constantly reboots, but can't boot from CD

[Virgi44]

Hi,

I got a T43P with a special problem. 3 days ago XP SP3 started to reboot constantly.
In normal startup after the desktop loads, after 1 minute the pc reboots without any error message.
I checked event viewer, but there are no useful information.

If I start it in "safe mode" or is "safe mode with network", the pc runs well for hours without any problem...

I tried to boot from cd to test memory, but during the bootup from cd the notebook reboots too. I cannot boot anything from CD, I tried Acronys and IBM PC Doctor, noone of them worked.
I changed memory modul from a working t43, the result is the same.
I reset bios, nothing.

I'm afraid the MOBO is faulty. Do you have any idea?

Waiting your reply.
Virgi44

[RealBlackStuff]

Go to Settings/Control Panel/System, Advanced tab, Startup & Recovery Settings.
Is "Automatically restart" ticked? If so, un-tick it.

[Virgi44]

Hi,

I unticked it previously, and nothing changed.
5 minutes ago, I made a complete backup from the partition.
Put the harddrive from the T43P to a working T43.

I started the windows in normal mode, of course some driver installed, but the system did not reboot.

It seems there is a hardware error in the T43P...

[sjthinkpader]

Remove the CD drive, WiFi card and modem card and see if the reboot problem goes away. Other than that, the MB is toast.

[SMA]

Correct me if im am wrong but i believe that it will have to be so, that
the restarts mentioned, are restarts to the IBM logo - not just a windows restart
and you do not have a charged battery installed.

The most likely course is that you are using a weak AC Adapter. The AC Adapter must be capable of delivering 4.5A at 16V.
See if you can borrow another AC Adapter to try with.

Also removing the CD from the drive - or the entire drive - may bring up some unexpected results.
My guess is that if you remove the optical drive, then you will be able to start windows in normal mode from the harddrive.

[SMA]

Just to clearify.

The R40 I am currently (still) work on can also do the restarting loop, when it is setup to boot from a PC Doctor CD.
But it only does so when it is attached to an AC Adapter that isn't strong enough.
When it is attached to an IBM 16V 4.5A AC Adapter it can boot from CD just fine.

[Virgi44]

Hello,

I have changed both the battery and the charger from a working T43, the result is the same.
I did not have time to remove the WIFI card and modem card, I just hide them in the bios, but I removed the CD-ROM.
The result is the same...

Finally I gave it back to my friend, he has to work with it, but fortunately he still trust in Thinkpad and asked me to get a new model, probably T400 or X300.
Until that he uses the T43P in safe mode with network....

Thank you very much for your ideas and suggestions!

[mr.motoring]

I have a T43 that does the same thing. The Southbridge chip comes loose, similar to the loose graphics chips, and causes all kinds of I/O errors that make the system unstable.

[Virgi44]

I have a T43 that does the same thing. The Southbridge chip comes loose, similar to the loose graphics chips, and causes all kinds of I/O errors that make the system unstable.

Dear mr.motoring,

I tried to bootup the machine while pushing the south bridge, and it WORKS!
I'm going to find someone here, who can reflow it!

Thank you very much, I hope it will solve the problem, I will inform you asap.

regards.

[killer]

See here: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=73945

Nick runs a service in the UK which might be of use to you. He has received glowing reports from UK and mainland European clients.

[poshgeordie]

Thanks killer (he says blushing!)

@Virgi44 - I've sent you a PM.

Looks like it's yet another symptom of a faulty Southbridge chip.

[killer]

No need for blushes, matey. If you are running a brilliant service then you deserve the benefit of word-of-mouth recommendations.
Good luck.