Member Avatar for ndunne

HI, My sons T40 freezes when in use and then takes 5/6 times to boot in safe mode. I've tried without the battery as this was suggested elsewhere. Could it be a RAM problem? Thanks.

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Brief summary tied to the thread: describes a ThinkPad T40 that freezes under load and only eventually boots into Safe Mode; suggested heat, battery/CMOS, or RAM as possibilities. The following concise, prioritized checklist expands those suggestions with concrete, low-risk diagnostics (in order) to separate software/driver problems from failing hardware and to protect data.

Start with a backup and software checks — non-destructive, quick, and often revealing. Safe Mode boots with a minimal driver set, so repeated successful Safe-Mode starts point toward a driver, startup service, or file-system problem rather than an immediate hardware fault. Check Windows Event Viewer for errors at the freeze times, then run System File Checker and a disk surface check from an elevated command prompt or Recovery Environment:

sfc /scannow
chkdsk /r C:

(If Windows won’t boot normally, run these from Safe Mode or the Windows recovery command prompt.) (support.microsoft.com)

Memory and basic hardware isolation — focused, reliable tests. A bad RAM stick or slot commonly causes freezes under load; run a bootable memory tester (use the build appropriate for legacy BIOS on a T40) and let it run multiple full passes (overnight for intermittent faults). If errors appear, test one DIMM at a time and try alternate slots to isolate module versus slot failure. The T40 manual also documents POST RAM error handling and recommends vendor diagnostics for RAM faults. (memtest.org)

Hard-disk health — another common cause of slow/failed boots and freezes. Check SMART attributes with a GUI tool (CrystalDiskInfo) or with smartctl from a Linux/live environment; run a short and then a long SMART self-test and review reallocated/pending sectors. If SMART or chkdsk shows bad sectors or many reallocations, image the drive and replace it. Example smartctl commands (run from a Linux shell or Live USB):

smartctl -a /dev/sda
smartctl -t long /dev/sda

(cristaldisk.com)

Reset/firmware notes specific to the T40 and next steps. The official T40 guide says a stuck resume/standby condition is cleared by holding the power button (4+ seconds) and, if that fails, removing AC and the main battery; the machine also uses a small internal coin-style RTC battery for BIOS settings (replace if date/time resets). If RAM and disk test clean but freezes persist under load, run the vendor/PC-Doctor diagnostics from bootable media or consider professional motherboard/EC diagnostics or repair. (manuals.plus)

Priority summary (practical): back up data → run SMART/chkdsk → run memtest (multiple passes) → check Event Viewer / run SFC → try the manual reset steps in the T40 guide → vendor diagnostics or repair if hardware faults remain.

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Member Avatar for mjdodd

could be a few trhings!
overheating in portables is or can be a problem. Does the vent feel as though the exiting air is warm? (if so how much a little warmth OK a lot not good). Try putting it in a cooler place and ensure all vents are free of dust and the machine has a clear airflow all round and under it.

If not heating it could be an electrical fault, failing memory or mother board. memory can be tested or swapped with another batch to see if that solves it. If it is motherboard or other electronic components on the Moboardthen you need expert electrical diagnostic help.
M

Member Avatar for ndunne

Thanks. It doesn't feel too warm.When it's booted up and idle it seems ok, its when you start to do something the problems occur. I cant do anything like check the task manager to see where the problem is. It was sat unused for a couple of months, which is why I thought it was the battery.

Member Avatar for mjdodd

there is another small battery on the motherboard that keeps the cmos, and date and other things alive even when the main battery is removed. it is possible this battery has died (if so it will revert to some default settings that may give the symptoms your are having..... leaving it on charge should top up this battery but you may have to reset the cmos settings (or provide a new small battery)
Also there is usually a small hole in most portbles to do a factory reset. it is worth trying inserting an end of a paper clip or similiar and trying that to see if it works.
M

Member Avatar for ndunne

Sounds like a plan! The time/ date settings seem ok, any idea where the reset is located?

Member Avatar for mjdodd

depands on the manufacturer, usually underneath but it can be on the side, back or under etc! a small arrow saying reset pointing to a hole
m

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