Member Avatar for krishna sahai

Toshiba Laptop Tecra 8100, made in USA

Pressing the system power-switch (mains power supply and battery indicator lights being already on), results in the following:-
(a) Screen-indicator light turns on.
(b) Hard disc indicator-light comes on for about 2 seconds and then goes off.
(c) The dark screen has a message: Remove incompatible Memory module in bay A. When the same memory module is transferred to bay B, the message mentions bay B.
2. When the said memory module is removed, no message is shown on pressing the power switch thereafter.
3. On operating the re-set switch(by inserting a pin in the hole adjacent to volume control wheel), the disc indicator light comes on for about 2 seconds and then goes off.
4. When system power switch is pressed to turn off the computer, after exactly 30 beeps, the screen-indicator light goes off, leaving the mains supply and battery indicator lights on.
5. Pressing Escape, F1 or F2 or in combinations after pressing the power switch does not show set-up. The screen stays dark.
6. Pressing power switch, after removing said memory module, battery, DVD drive and hard disc, does not present any message. Pressing switches as in para 5 above does not show set-up and the screen remains dark. Pressing system power switch to turn-off the computer gives 30 beeps as before.
Could somebody advise fix and oblige?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Patrick1428

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As described, the Tecra 8100 is stopping very early in POST with the on-screen prompt about an “incompatible memory module” and then never showing TSETUP (external monitor/keyboard didn’t help). That on-screen text is not a generic Windows message — it’s the BIOS detecting a memory module the machine won’t accept, and the machine will halt rather than continue. (opweb.de)

Model-specific cause and first fix to try: the 8100 uses 144‑pin SO‑DIMM SDRAM (PC‑100) and was supplied with 64MB or 128MB modules only. Toshiba lists specific part numbers for supported modules; modules from other models (or larger single sticks such as many 256MB SO‑DIMMs) can be physically fitted but will cause the one‑second warning beep and the “Please remove the incompatible memory module in Slot X” hang. The 8100 also requires a module in Slot A to boot (it will not boot with a module only in Slot B). Test with a known‑good 64MB or 128MB PC‑100 SO‑DIMM in Slot A only. (opweb.de)

Targeted checklist (safe order to follow): power off, disconnect AC and main/secondary batteries, ground yourself, open the memory cover and confirm only a supported module is in Slot A (remove anything in Slot B). Inspect the slot and module edges for damage or debris; carefully reseat the DIMM and ensure the latches click. Use the reset pinhole to clear Resume/instant‑security states before power‑on if the system seems hung. If the machine still refuses POST after a supported module in Slot A, follow the manual’s memory‑troubleshoot flow (remove expansion module, reconnect power, then power up). (opweb.de)

If none of the above restores POST (blank screen, repeated or unusual beep patterns, no TSETUP), the fault often lies with the system board/video chipset and will need service or a replacement board. Note: the Tecra’s RTC (CMOS) backup cell is a NiMH unit and the manual recommends dealer/service replacement rather than DIY; a dead RTC produces checksum/RTC errors but won’t fix an incompatible‑memory POST hang. If the memory checks out and POST still fails, consider authorized service or sourcing a known‑good motherboard/donor unit. (opweb.de)

Recommended Answers

All 8 Replies

Member Avatar for TT4Titans

Sounds almost as if the monitor may be bad.Try hooking a a PC monitor to it.

Member Avatar for cguan_77

hi krishna,

try to use other memory module, and check also your CMOS batt it maybe faulty

Member Avatar for krishna sahai

Thanks. I am going to do it.

Member Avatar for krishna sahai

I hooked PC monitor simutaneously. No difference.

Member Avatar for krishna sahai

There is only one module. I am going to open the computer and check CMOS battery.
I replaced the defective memory stick by a good PC 100 RAM 256MB. No change except that the error message asking removal of the incompatible memory did not appear again.
It did not even enter set-up when Esc pressed immediately after pressing system power switch and waiting for instructions to pres F1. Hence, could not select "boot from CD drive" though I have installation software CD. It does not have internal floppy drive. I did not inherit the external.

Member Avatar for cguan_77

hi krishna,

so you cannot go inside the cmos set-up? and upon pressing any key combination your system doesn't respond, try to hook up an external keyboard...

Member Avatar for krishna sahai

No difference with external keyboard.

Member Avatar for Patrick1428

I am hoping it is just a dead battery. The battery suppliers say don't get caught with a dead one. I have an 8100 also. Same problem as yours. My thinkpad had the same problem I replaced the battery. Instead of putting it on standby, I also turn it off now when I don't use it. Batteries are over rated.

Please, respond with any questions or results.

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