Need T42 Help - BADLY!

[1885]

I'm having lots of problems with my new T42. It has Windows startup problems, bluescreen system crashes, won't let me into Safe Mode. System Restore crashes when I try Access IBM button. When it finally boots, everything is extremely slow. Also, zillions of popups and IE auto starts.

Can anyone give me the steps to take to completely format the installed software and then run the initial setup again to clean this mess up? Sure would appreciate the help.

[eLinux]

I'm having lots of problems with my new T42. It has Windows startup problems, bluescreen system crashes, won't let me into Safe Mode. System Restore crashes when I try Access IBM button. When it finally boots, everything is extremely slow. Also, zillions of popups and IE auto starts.

Can anyone give me the steps to take to completely format the installed software and then run the initial setup again to clean this mess up? Sure would appreciate the help.

I would imagine if you have the IBM restore partition in tact, or if you have the restore CDs, you should be able to put everything back the way it was the day you got it.

However, BSOD (blue screen of death) is sometimes caused by hardware problems. If it is, indeed, a hardware problem, it might become difficult for you to determine what part is causing the issues.

Good luck.

[jdhurst]

The T42 has a PreDesktop Area. Press F11 on cold start, follow the prompts and reload the system to factory fresh.

Now, if you have broadband internet, get a router and put it in front of your cable or DSL modem. Do not fail this step. A computer connected to broadband without a proper firewall can be compromised within twenty minutes. Do not fail this step. Patch Windows totally, install your apps and then get an AntiVirus / Firewall suite plus Ad-Aware and install these.

While you are doing this work, don't go to any site with excessive pop-ups or other crap. Part of reliable computing is to avoid bad places.

If it blue screens after you reload, and while you are only reloading proven applications, then call IBM and get it serviced.
... JD Hurst

[JHEM]

I'm having lots of problems with my new T42. It has Windows startup problems, bluescreen system crashes, won't let me into Safe Mode. System Restore crashes when I try Access IBM button. When it finally boots, everything is extremely slow. Also, zillions of popups and IE auto starts.

Can anyone give me the steps to take to completely format the installed software and then run the initial setup again to clean this mess up? Sure would appreciate the help.

Well, bad T42 help is right up my alley!

While I would normally think that BSODs are a sure sign of a hardware problem, in this instance it sounds like you've got about a half a gajillion SpyBots, malware and ads installed that have corrupted the registry.

Next time you BOOT the machine, hit the Access IBM button and do a complete recovery of the XP install (Restore Factory contents). Then read the threads about installing SpyBot Search and Destroy, AdAware, etc. to prevent this happening again in future.

Regards,

James

[1885]

Thanks for the attention, guys. I do have the preload partition in place. Do I need to format the existing drive before trying to do a restore? If so, what is the procedure so I won't wipe the Recovery partition?

Also, when I push the AccessIBM button during startup, it tries to take me to the Recovery program but then it crashes (showing the error bluescreen described below) and resets itself back to the startup screen again.

The bluescreen is not the normal BSOD. It is a full bluescreen with some type of error message on it indicating there is a Windows startup error. But, it closes fairly fast and I don't get to read the full error message.

[1885]

I used the F11 at cold boot to get into Restore and Recovery. But, when it runs, I get a blue screen that says "STOP: c000021a {Fatal System Error} The Session Manager Initialization system process terminated unexpectedly with a status of 0xc000003a (0x00000000 0x00000000). The system has been shut down".

Does that mean a trip to IBM? Or, is there a workaround?

[daeojkim]

I would also check if the memories are seated properly. If the memory is not seating properly it can cause such error.

If the problem persists even after reinstalling XP and doig all the patches, and if you are using 2 RAMs, take one of them out and try to boot with only one and see if it works.And repeat the process with the other RAM.

It could be bad RAM or not seated correctly.

[jdhurst]

If you reseat the memory and cannot reload with F11, call IBM. F11 runs basic processes that are not part of Windows in any way. It will restore your ThinkPad to new condition including formatting the main partition.
... JD Hurst

[livevil]

As I posted two days ago, I also have some trouble with my T42p. The laptop suddently began to crash for nothing, and not even undet windows, but also with linux or at the boot (BSOD sometimes).

On friday evening, I wanted to check the DIMM (the one under the keybiard) so I started removing the screws. But I didn't had the good stuff to do thaht so I just loosen them and then screw tem back. THe computer didn't crash anymore, at least not at the start or under 'normal' use. I don't really know if there is a link...

However, I played some game this afternoon and it crashed again, but had no pb to boot after...