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Troubleshooting intermittent issues, lock-ups, and hangs - ThinkPad
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Note: Intermittent problems, including system lock-ups and hangs, cannot be consistently repeated and are therefore some of the most difficult problems to diagnose. Solving intermittent problems requires a patient, systematic process of elimination approach to troubleshooting. These intermittent problems can be caused by hardware or software, so it is very important to note any newly added options, applications, or updates.
Some of these steps may not apply to your computer. Test the system after performing each step.
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Test the system for errors
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Run the test in Easy Setup for ThinkPad 600, 600E, 770, 770E/ED, 770X, and 770Z systems.
- Press and hold the F1 key, then turn on the computer. Hold the F1 key until the Easy-Setup menu appears. If a password prompt appears, type the correct password.
- Select Test.
- Click the Loop test symbol to run the standard tests on all hardware. The results will be displayed as blue OK or red error codes.
- Run the PC Doctor diagnostics for all other current ThinkPad systems. PC Doctor for DOS is available by pressing the F11 key or the Access IBM button during startup to access the predesktop menu area. If these methods are not available for your system, then PC Doctor for DOS may be downloaded. This DOS version requires two or more floppy diskettes depending on the ThinkPad system.
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Remove and reseat all hardware (power supply, battery, cables, adapters, memory, etc.).
Note: Remove all of the hardware from the system first, and then wait for 30 seconds before reconnecting any of the hardware.
- Disconnect the AC adapter.
- Remove the battery pack.
- Remove the system memory.
- Remove the Mini PCI and Communications Daughter Cards that are customer replaceable. Click here to view general instructions for properly removing and installing Mini PCI cards in your ThinkPad system.
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Remove the system hard drive.
Notes:
- Although the hard drive can be upgraded, it is not designed to be removed and reinserted on a regular basis. Repeated and frequent removal, for purposes other than to upgrade for greater capacity or problem determination, can cause damage to the system. The Ultrabay 2000 hard drive adapter is designed to provide this flexibility with a second hard drive in the Ultrabay 2000.
- Shut down, remove the power cord, and remove the battery from the ThinkPad system before removing the hard drive.
- Remove any other external hardware.
- Remove unnecessary hardware devices for testing purposes.
Remove hardware (and associated drivers) that is not required for normal system operation. This includes added memory.
- If you suspect a particular hardware device is causing the problem, swap the suspect device with an identical, known good, device, if available.
- Remove all surge protectors, cable extensions, switch boxes, etc. and use direct connections to power and phone lines.
- Verify that the latest BIOS for the ThinkPad system has been installed.
Click here to compare your ThinkPad system BIOS level with the latest BIOS files for all ThinkPad systems.
- Install the latest Software and device drivers for the ThinkPad system devices.
- Install the latest firmware updates for the ThinkPad system and options.
- Apply critical Microsoft Windows updates and patches.
Visit the Microsoft Web site: http://www.microsoft.com.
- Scan all the files on the system with AntiVirus software using the vendor's latest virus definitions.
- Scan the system for spyware using the anti-spyware software's latest definitions. Perform a Web search for spyware software for more information.
- Record all error messages, including memory addresses, reported when the problem occurs.
The exact text is required. Investigate possible causes of the error messages by searching at the Microsoft Knowledge Base Web site (http://support.microsoft.com/), by searching the support Web sites of any suspect hardware or software, or by checking the Hints and tips on the Support & downloads Web site by clicking the following link.
- For all non-ThinkAccessories hardware, install the latest firmware, device drivers, and software updates from the vendors' Web sites.
- Ensure the machine meets the hardware and operating system requirements of all installed software and hardware.
- If these steps have not solved your problem:
Refer to "Need more help?"
Please select one of the following options for further assistance:
Note: Do not use this form to submit a technical question. We cannot respond to technical questions submitted through this feedback form.
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| Applicable countries and regions |
| Worldwide |
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| Document id: MIGR-4YQNTQ |
| Last modified: 2009-09-29 |
| Copyright © 2009 IBM Corporation |
| Copyright © Lenovo 2009, all rights reserved |
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