Dropped laptop

[pixfella]

My wife has an IBM T23 Thinkpad, PIII 1.13, 512 MB RAM, that she dropped. There seems to be no physical damage to the exterior of the unit but when it's turned on all we get are beeps (1 short beep, pause, 3 short beeps, pause, 1 short beep). I checked IBM's support site and their beep code chart indicates a problem with the memory or the system board. I pulled the RAM, reconfigured it, replaced it with a known good stick and get the same thing. Before I replace the system board is there something else I can check such as loose connections, etc. on the unit? Thanks.

 

[wahnula]

pixfella,

their beep code chart indicates a problem with the memory or the system board

Unless you have or can get a service manual with pictures for the dropped laptop you should take it in for proper diagnosis. If you have excellent manual skills working with small objects and screws along with a well-lit, static-pad work area and the above manual proceed to remove whatever parts are needed to expose the bottom of the motherboard. Scan it closely for cracks. The visible exterior screws never do what you think they do so the manual is a MUST.

I would suspect a broken PCB somewhere. Many times dropping a laptop won't kill it...my motto is if it can't take it- I don't want it! It sounds like that laptop has led a fine life, but it's time to move on. For 1/4th of what she paid for the ThinkPad she can get a brand-new Core 2 Duo laptop loaded with RAM and huge harddrive. Better hurry because it won't be long before all laptops will come with the not-ready-for-prime-time Vista OS, which might not be compatible with older peripherals.

You can put her old HDD in an external USB case to get at the files, hopefully the HDD did not bite the dust as well.

Tony

 

[kestrel1]

If you need a service manual, you may be able to find it here:

http://www.eserviceinfo.com/browse.php?id=43

I am inclined to agree with wahnula that the PCB could have a crack in it. Might be worth checking, but hairline cracks may not be visible with the naked eye. A magnifying glass may help. also a very good light source will be required.