Service Forum

[Paperweight]

After removing the password on a Thinkpad T23 using the dongle method, I am having a 4 beep problem.

Whenever I do something the computer doesn't like (trying to boot windows, plugging in CMOS battery, etc.) the next time I turn the computer on I get 4 beeps and no display.

If I remove the RAM for 1 minute or so the problem will go away... only to come back.

DOS programs work - I was even able to update the BIOS successfully - but anything high-level like booting windows causes memory errors.

The RAM is fine as I have 3 sticks and can test them in my second T23.

Perhaps I broke something when I was fucking around with the 24RF08? Tomorrow I'm going to go over all the surrounding solder joints in the memory area that the iron might have accidentally touched. I'll report back.

I'm also going to try switching the 24RF08 from that other laptop...

[victor]

That could be the Southbridge chip if SMBUS got shorted accidentally. Or better, some other component/sub-board like modem, wifi is not doing it anymore.

BTW, by dongle method you mean reading the eeprom with R24RF08, or am I wrong?.
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Victor Voinea
ALLservice HQ, Romania.

[Paperweight]

4 beeps = short circuit

I bet there's a solder bridge somewhere.

[Paperweight]

Yup, after cleaning up some excess solder with a wick...

PROBLEM SOLVED

Thanks for the point in the right direction, Victor!

[victor]

Alright
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Victor Voinea
ALLservice HQ, Romania.

[Paperweight]

It was booting faster. I successfully started and shut down windows a few times. Ran some windows updates... it froze again.

PROBLEM CAME BACK I'm ready to throw these two T23s out the window or onto ebay for parts!

[harryroy]

Hey Paperweight
I think your window is corrupt , you should change the window or update it