Service Forum

[greenford]

Thanks in advance for all the help you provide.
Have been reading many threads where you helped but am not sure which one provides the solution to unlock my R51.

4 beeps Blank screen - manual says motherboard ( security chip).

The laptop powers up with the flashing symbols under the screen then beeps 4 times blank screen - only the mains power and battery symbols light.

[victor]

Hi and welcome to our forums!

4 beeps. let's see:

1. Bad memory or some sub-board like WIFI/WAN/etc, is not mounted correctly. Check the memory type as well, the original must be at least DDR333, 333MHz, PC2700. (DDR1)
2. Bad contact at video chip (needs reballing) or bad video.
3. Bad power - some fried fuse, etc
4. Bad or missing TCPA chip. ATMEL AT97SC3201.

Or the board must be repaired/replaced.
_________________
Victor Voinea
ALLservice HQ, Romania.

[greenford]

What happened before the system locked me out.

Laptop connected to mains but I forgot to flick the switch
Left emails downloading and planned to be back within the hour but ended up being 5.
Battery drained and locked the computer.
Plugging in the mains recharged the battery but system remains locked.
Quick search gave me the system board security chip problem.

Laptop has BIOS password and windows password - neither works to get the system working.

This laptop has a security chip and a password has been set but I have forgotten it.

Good news is data on harddrive is fine as it works on a friends IBM R51 with my login password and configs my setup.

Now all the treads I have seen needs the laptop to be booted and BIOS entered before connecting the hacking hardware.

However I have noted you comment about memory and will remore the added memory and see if that cures the problem

[greenford]

Checked memory.
problem still remains.

[victor]

4. Check the AT97SC3201 and see if there's any damage to the chip or PCB traces.

2. Video chip. This is a common issue for R51 and T4X series.
A quick test: Press the video chip towards the board and turn on the laptop while you keep it pressed - if you see the video starting up then it needs reballing. If not, you have to reball it anyway . Video chip should be the one with ATI logo on it.

BTW, did you test with all sub-boards removed? Just to eliminate the outer possible causes...
_________________
Victor Voinea
ALLservice HQ, Romania.

[greenford]

Hi Victor,
I am a novice but can handle a screwdriver.
This website is excellent and provides alot of info - I feel confident enough to take the laptop apart and check the items you have mentioned.

I have downloaded the pdf hardware service manual which lists the problem as I mention before - system board security chip but doesn't tell you how to fix this problem.

I think during researching this fault, I came across a solution where you have to read the info on a chip or rewrite the info but can't seem to find that solution again - any input is welcome