T43 NSC TPM device driver locks up system

[kimr]

I moved my Windows XP SP2 disk image from my old T40 to my new T43. I was able to install all of the T43 drivers except for the driver for the "NSC TPM Device" (National Semiconductor security chip). Whenever this driver (NscTpmDD.sys v. 1.18.0.6) loaded the system locked up and I had to power cycle it to regain control. It also loaded and locked up the system in safe mode, requiring the use of the recovery console to delete the driver to regain control.

The lockup occurred regardless of whether the security chip was enabled in the bios. I do not have the Client Security Software package installed. I ended up disabling the device in the Device Manager.

I'm posting for two reasons, (1) to see if anyone has any ideas about how to fix this (other than using the T43 preload) and (2) to warn other T43 owners of this potential problem.

Thanks,
Kim

[kimr]

I turned on the power-on password and "require password on return from standby" and everything went to heck - blue screen in ndis.sys entering standby, and then blue screen during XP boot. I've decided to go back to the preload and bite the bullet of reinstalling everything.

Kim

[s0larian]

hmm, sounds strange. Did you install the Intel chipset driver? Do you use an older Hitachi 7k60 hdd? There was a problem with early Firmware versions caused by the IBM hdd protection tool.

[kimr]

Yes, I installed the T43 915 chipset drivers before cloning the disk image off the T40. The T43 device manager was showing everything working OK except the security chip, which I had disabled. The "60U" (7200rpm) hard drive in the T43 is brand new (2/05).

I've reinstalled the preload and my apps and everything is now working properly, including the security chip. I really like the fingerprint reader.

Thanks,
Kim

[s0larian]

If you find the reason why preload is working and a fresh installation not, please let us know. This could help future T43 owners.

Btw: you said you didn't install IBM CSS. What about the preload? Does it come with CSS or is the fingerprint reader indipendent from CSS?

[MobileGuru]

There were soooo many changes to the base image between T40 and T43 that you really made the right choice in going with a fresh image. You were almost guaranteed to never get everything in that older image working properly on the new box without the occasional BSOD at minimum.

G.

[kimr]

With respect to CSS (Client Security Software) being installed in the preload, the answer is no, it isn't. There is a selection on the Program menu, but it's to install CSS. This may be because the security chip is disabled by default in the BIOS.