Thinkpad r-52 electrical problem? (pencil under hd)

[40_rock]

Hello,thank you for taking the time to read this..

I have an r-52 that obviously has a lot of mileage with a dual boot of ubuntu 9.10 and windows xp and all drivers are updated (not bios) which is 1.01.
My issue is that the laptop will not work unless i have a pencil under the hard drive on the right side with three other corners touching desk surface and my fear is that i need a new motherboard.
Could this be a simple fix or am i and my machine in for major changes?

Also usb ports get overcharge warnings (linux) or have to be reset in windows..

[RealBlackStuff]

Your mobo is suffering from a loose Southbridge chip.
That's the big Intel chip under the wifi card.
To fix that, you need to get the Southbridge reballed or get another motherboard.
What's the 7-character TYPE on the bottom-sticker?
Looks like e.g. TYPE: 1849-4WU S/N 99-12345
Also, open the bottom RAM door, remove the RAM and tell us the P/N or FRU you find there on a white sticker.

[40_rock]

Thank you very much for your response..

To answer your questions..model type :1846-w15 s/n lv-n4441 board #:39t0006

Also i am now going to check the links you left here.