Member Avatar for stevehoff424

hello

i have a t22 IBM Thinkpad Laptop

1st thing:
for some reason, whenever i start my Laptop, i have to press on the RAM and hold it like that to get my computer to start starting up. if i don't hold the RAM right, it beeps once (pause) twice (pause) three times (pause) and then once again and doesn't start up at all. i've tried taking the RAM out and putting it back in again but i doesn't help.

2nd thing:
my dial-up modem (not external) used to work but now it doesn't. my laptop reads it as "not present"

does anyone know how to fix either problem?
thanks

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by JANINE1

Dani AI

Generated

Building on the replies from , and , the most useful next step is a short, methodical diagnostic plan that isolates whether the problem is a memory module, a socket/solder fault, or a board-level failure — and a separate checklist for the onboard modem. Do everything listed below only after removing AC power and the battery and working on an anti-static surface.

For the RAM

  • Test one module at a time: remove all SODIMMs, insert a single known module in one slot and try to boot. Repeat with the same module in the other slot, then repeat with the other module(s). This clearly separates “bad module” from “bad socket/trace.”
  • If the machine boots inconsistently, run a dedicated memory tester (bootable memtest utility) to catch intermittent bit errors. Multiple failures in one physical slot with different known-good modules points at the slot/board, not the memory stick.
  • Inspect the socket area with a magnifier for lifted pads, hairline solder cracks, or mechanical damage. Intermittent contact and the need to press the module down are classic signs of cracked solder joints or a worn connector.

If the fault is in the socket or board

  • Board-level repair (reflow, re-solder or connector replacement) is the reliable fix. This is a micro-soldering job; it is best done by a shop that specializes in laptop motherboard repair. DIY reflow attempts carry a substantial risk of permanent damage.
  • As a temporary workaround, use the single working module in the good slot and avoid moving the machine until repaired.

For the modem

  • Check the BIOS/Setup to confirm the onboard modem is enabled. In the OS, look for unknown devices or error codes in Device Manager; that helps distinguish a driver/soft-detection issue from a hardware failure.
  • The physical modem on that generation is usually a small daughterboard or ribbon-mounted module. If connectors look intact but the device is not enumerated, the modem IC or traces may have failed.
  • Low-cost solutions that avoid board work: an external USB 56k modem or a PC Card modem (if the T22 has a PC Card slot) will restore dial-up without internal repairs.

Final notes
Document every step with photos during disassembly, back up data before tests, and get a repair quote before committing — sometimes board repair costs approach the value of an older laptop.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for Sparkplug188

RAM:
You might want to clean the contacts on the ram and the motherboard. See if that helps. If not, you might need new ram.

Modem:
If you can, remove the modem then uninstall the modem software/drivers. Reboot then reinstall and connect modem.

Member Avatar for jbennet

i got a PIII R30 Thinkpad and notice the pins that hold the sodimm ram in and the modem port are a bit bent, seemingly they cant take much force e.g plugging ethernet into teh modem port

Member Avatar for JANINE1

you shouldn't have to hold the RAM in to encourage the machine to boot. This sounds like there might have been some damage done to the machine in the past and the RAM slots as well as the modem have broken away from the main board.

The RAM should click in quite easily. I also have a Thinkpad (mines a P2 like yours). My modem also doesn't work but i got around that by getting an Ethernet Card and doing things that way.

Member Avatar for stevehoff424

I'm pretty sure that the modem is an onboard modem and the problem might be that the cable attatching it and all the other things on the back of my laptop (ports and stuff) may have come loose.
I'm pretty sure its a loose connection for the RAM as well. I've gotten both the RAM and the modem to work before but they keep going back to not working. like, yesterday my RAM was working but then today it wasn't again. Also, i don't have ethernet service and the only thing i con get is dial up. does anyone know how to get to the modem and/or the cable and how to more permanently fix the RAM? some instructions for taking it apart would be helpful as well.

thanks for the help so far :-)

Member Avatar for jbennet

thinkpads are easy to take aPART - DO NOT DISMANTLE THE SCREEN UNLESS YOU HQAVE TO - you cant get them back again easialy - if you cant find the final screws there under the rubber feet and possibly the fn key

Member Avatar for JANINE1

thinkpads are easy to take aPART - DO NOT DISMANTLE THE SCREEN UNLESS YOU HQAVE TO - you cant get them back again easialy - if you cant find the final screws there under the rubber feet and possibly the fn key

Gosh!!! You are so dead right there jbennet:)

I have spoken to another technician who deals more in laptop repairs and we are both on the same agreement that you have some pretty serious problem with loose connections on your motherboard.

Being that the machine is quite old you will be lucky to find a new motherboard for it. You can pick up a good basic laptop now for under £400 so that is what i would do.

If you can live with the Memory dropping out randomly its up to you.

Get yourself an external modem card rather then going to all the trouble of trying to fix the internal one.. You don't need anything special other then software and drivers to make a plug in card work.

Install the drivers/software, plug in the card, plug in the phone cables and you're there.:-|

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