Ibm THINKPAD R50, THINKPAD R50E, THINKPAD R50P User Manual

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ThinkPad Service and Troubleshooting Guide

R50 Series

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ThinkPad Service and Troubleshooting Guide

R50 Series

Note

Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under Appendix A, “Important safety instructions”, on page 43, Appendix B, “Wireless related information”, on page 49, Appendix C, “Warranty information”, on page 53, and Appendix D, “Notices”, on page 75.

DANGER

v To avoid electric shock hazard, connect and disconnect cables appropriately when installing, moving or opening

the covers of this product or attached devices. Use the power cord with a properly grounded outlet.

v Do not leave the base of your computer in contact with your lap or any part of your body for an extended

period when the computer is functioning or when the battery is charging. Your computer dissipates some heat during normal operation. This heat is a function of the level of system activity and battery charge level. Extended contact with your body, even through clothing, could cause discomfort or, eventually, a skin burn.

v To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not use your computer in or near water.

v To avoid electric shock, do not use your computer with the telephone cable connection during an electrical

storm. Do not connect the cable to or disconnect it from the telephone outlet on the wall during an electrical storm.

v Store packing materials safely out of the reach of children to prevent the risk of suffocation from plastic bags.

v The battery pack contains a small amount of harmful substances. There is danger of an explosion if the battery

pack is incorrectly replaced, exposed to fire or water, short-circuited or disassembled. Keep the battery pack away from children and do not put it in trash that is disposed of in landfills.

v To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or thicker telephone cable.

v The fluorescent lamp in the LCD contains mercury. Do not put it in trash that is disposed of in landfills. Rough

handling or dropping the computer can cause the LCD to break and the internal fluid to get into your eyes or on your hands. Immediately wash the affected areas with water. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

v Do not disassemble the optical storage drive unit, as this might result in hazardous radiation exposure.

v Avoid direct eye exposure with the laser beam contained in some drives.

First Edition (September 2003)

The following paragraph does not apply to the United Kingdom or any country where such provisions are inconsistent with local law:

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION ″AS IS″ WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow disclaimer of express or implied warranties in certain transactions, therefore, this statement may not apply to you.

This information could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. IBM may make improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this publication at any time without notice.

IBM may use or distribute any of the information you supply in any way it believes appropriate without incurring any obligation to you.

US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract with IBM Corp.

Important notice for users

Important regulatory notice for users

The ThinkPad®R50 Series computer complies with the radio frequency and safety standards of any country or region in which it has been approved for wireless use. You are requested to install and use your ThinkPad computer in strict accordance with the local RF regulations. Before you use the ThinkPad R50 Series computer, please find and read Regulatory Notice for ThinkPad R50 Series, the notice that supplements this Service and Troubleshooting Guide. The notice is included in the package with this publication.

Information about hard disk capacity

Instead of providing a recovery CD or a Windows methods of accomplishing the tasks typically associated with these CDs. The files and programs for these alternative methods are on your hard disk, which eliminates having to locate misplaced CDs and problems associated with using an incorrect CD version.

The complete backup of all the files and programs that IBM preinstalled on your computer resides in a hidden section, or partition, of the hard disk. Although hidden, the backups in the partition consume hard disk space. Therefore, when checking the capacity of your hard disk according to Windows, you might note that the total capacity of the disk appears to be smaller than anticipated. This discrepancy is explained by the contents of the hidden partition. (See “Recovering pre-installed software” on page 31.)

For more information about recovering your hard disk to the original preinstalled contents, refer to your on-system help source, Access IBM. Press the blue Access IBM button or click the Access IBM icon on your desktop, and then browse the Learn section for various topics that cover backing up and recovering.

CD with your computer, IBM®provides simpler

iv ThinkPad

R50 Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Finding information with Access IBM

The blue Access IBM button can help you in many situations when your computer is working normally; and even when it is not. At your desktop, press the Access IBM button to open Access IBM. Access IBM is your on-board computer help center that brings you informative illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions for getting started and staying productive. You can also use the Access IBM button to interrupt the startup sequence of your computer and start the Access IBM Predesktop Area. If Windows does not start correctly, press the Access IBM button during the startup sequence of your computer and start the Access IBM Predesktop Area. Use this area to run diagnostics, restore your backups (assuming you have made backups using IBM Rapid Restore when you received your computer), start a utility that enables you to change your startup sequence, and get essential system information, and start the IBM BIOS Setup Utility where you can check and change BIOS settings.

™

Ultra), restore to factory contents (ie, what was there

Press the Access IBM button to open the application that brings all of IBM’s resources to you. On the next page, you will see the Welcome page of Access IBM that explains what each part of Access IBM holds to help you.

Some of the topics in your help system contain brief video clips that show you how to perform certain tasks, such as replacing your battery, inserting a PC Card, or upgrading your memory. Use the controls shown to play, pause, and rewind the video clip.

vi ThinkPad

R50 Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Important notice for users .......iii

Important regulatory notice for users ....iii

Information about hard disk capacity....iii

Finding information with Access IBM . . . v

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad

computer .............1

Your ThinkPad at a glance .......2

Features..............3

Specifications ............5

Caring for your ThinkPad computer ....6

Chapter 2. Solving computer problems . . 11

Diagnosing problems .........12

Troubleshooting...........12

Error messages ..........12

Errors without messages .......17

A password problem ........18

A power switch problem .......19

Keyboard problems ........19

UltraNav problems.........20

Standby or hibernation problems ....21

Computer screen problems ......23

Battery problems .........24

Hard disk drive problems ......25

A startup problem .........26

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer

Your ThinkPad at a glance .......2

Features..............3

Specifications ............5

Caring for your ThinkPad computer ....6

Your ThinkPad at a glance

Front view

Rear view

ThinkPad®R50 Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Features

Processor

v Intel®Pentium®M Processor

Memory

v Double data rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random access memory

(DRAM) Memory Speed Support: Your computer may not be able to operate at all memory speeds (MHz). A system designed for a slower memory speed may be able to utilize faster memory, but will only operate at the slower speed.

Storage device

v 2.5-inch hard disk drive

Display

The color display uses TFT technology:

v Size: 14.1 inch or 15.0 inch, depending on the model v Resolution:

– LCD: Up to 2048-by-1536, depending on the model – External monitor: Up to 2048-by-1536

v Brightness control

Keyboard

v 87-key, 88-key, or 92-key v UltraNav

™

(TrackPoint®and touch pad)

v Fn key function v Access IBM button v Volume control buttons v ThinkLight

™

External interface

v Parallel connector (IEEE 1284A) v External-monitor connector v PC Card slot (Type II PC Card (one or two slots, depending on the model),

or Type III PC Card)

v Stereo headphone jack v Microphone jack v Video-out connector (S-Video) v 2 Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors v IEEE 1394 connector (on some models) v Infrared port v RJ11 telephone connector v RJ45 Ethernet connector v Ultrabay

™

Enhanced

v Docking connector

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer 3

Features

v Integrated wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11a/b/g) feature (on some models) v Integrated wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b) feature (on some models) v Integrated Bluetooth feature (on some models)

ThinkPad®R50 Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Specifications

Size 14-inch model

v Width: 314 mm (12.4 in.) v Depth: 260 mm (10.2 in.) v Height: front 34 mm (1.35 in.), rear 37 mm (1.46 in.)

15-inch model

v Width: 332 mm (13.1 in.) v Depth: 269 mm (10.6 in.) v Height: front 37 mm (1.46 in.), rear 40 mm (1.58 in.)

Environment

v Maximum altitude without pressurization: 3048 m (10,000 ft) v Temperature

– At altitudes up to 2438 m (8000 ft)

- Operating with no diskette: 5° to 35°C (41° to 95°F)

- Operating with a diskette: 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)

- Not operating: 5° to 43°C (41° to 110°F)

– At altitudes above 2438 m (8000 ft)

- Maximum operating temperature, 31.3°C (88° F)

Note: When you charge the battery pack, its temperature must be at least

10°C (50°F).

v Relative humidity:

– Operating with no diskette in the drive: 8% to 95% – Operating with a diskette in the drive: 8% to 80%

Heat output

v 72 W (246 Btu/hr) maximum

Power source (ac adapter)

v Sine-wave input at 50 to 60 Hz v Input rating of the ac adapter: 100-240 V ac, 50 to 60 Hz

Battery pack

v Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery pack

– Nominal voltage: 10.8 V dc – Capacity: 4.4 AH/6.6 AH (on some models)

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer 5

Caring for your ThinkPad computer

Though your computer is designed to function reliably in normal work environments, you need to use common sense in handling it. By following these important tips, you will get the most use and enjoyment out of your computer.

Important tips:

Be careful about where and how you work

v Do not leave the base of your computer in contact with your lap or any

part of your body for an extended period when the computer is functioning or when the battery is charging. Your computer dissipates some heat during normal operation. This heat is a function of the level of system activity and battery charge level. Extended contact with your body, even through clothing, could cause discomfort or, eventually, a skin burn.

v Place liquids away from your computer to avoid spills, and keep your

computer away from water (to avoid the danger of electrical shock).

v Store packing materials safely out of the reach of children to prevent the

risk of suffocation from plastic bags.

v Keep your computer away from magnets, activated cellular phones,

electrical appliances, or speakers (within 13 cm/5 in).

v Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme temperatures (below 5°C/41°F

or above 35°C/95°F).

Be gentle with your computer

v Avoid placing any objects (including paper) between the display and the

keyboard or under the keyboard.

v Do not drop, bump, scratch, twist, hit, vibrate, push or place heavy objects

on your computer, display, or external devices.

v Your computer display is designed to be opened and used at an angle

slightly greater than 90 degrees. Do not open the display beyond 180 degrees, as this might damage the computer hinge.

Carry your computer properly

v Before moving your computer, be sure to remove any media, turn off

attached devices, and disconnect cords and cables.

v Be sure your computer is in standby or hibernation mode, or turned off,

before moving it. This will prevent damage to the hard disk drive and data loss.

v When picking up your open computer, hold it by the bottom. Do not pick

up or hold your computer by the display.

ThinkPad®R50 Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Caring for your ThinkPad computer

v Use a quality carrying case that provides adequate cushion and protection.

Do not pack your computer in a tightly packed suitcase or bag.

Handle storage media and drives properly

v Avoid inserting diskettes at an angle and attaching multiple or loose

diskette labels, as these can lodge in the drive.

v If your computer comes with an optical drive such as CD, DVD, or

CD-RW/DVD drive, do not touch the surface of a disc or the lens on the tray.

v Wait until you hear the CD or DVD click into the center pivot of an optical

drive such as CD, DVD, or CD-RW/DVD drive before closing the tray.

v When installing your hard disk, diskette, CD, DVD, or CD-RW/DVD drive,

follow the instructions shipped with your hardware, and apply pressure only where needed on the device. See Access IBM, your on-board help system, for information on replacing your hard disk drive (open Access IBM by pressing the Access IBM button).

Take care in setting passwords

v Remember your passwords. If you forget a supervisor or hard disk

password, IBM will not reset it, and you might have to replace your system board or hard disk drive.

Other important tips

v Your computer modem might use only an analog telephone network, or

public-switched telephone network (PSTN). Do not connect the modem to a PBX (private branch exchange) or any other digital telephone extension line because this could damage your modem. Analog phone lines are often used in homes, while digital phone lines are often used in hotels or office buildings. If you are not sure which kind of phone line you are using, contact your telephone company.

v Your computer might have both an Ethernet connector and a modem

connector. If so, be sure to connect your communication cable to the correct one, so your connector is not damaged. See Access IBM, your on-board help system, for information on the location of these connectors (press the Access IBM button to open Access IBM).

v Register your ThinkPad products with IBM (refer to the Web page:

www.ibm.com/pc/register). This can help authorities return your computer to you if it is lost or stolen. Registering your computer also enables IBM to notify you about possible technical information and upgrades.

v Only an authorized IBM ThinkPad repair technician should disassemble

and repair your computer.

v Do not modify or tape the latches to keep the display open or closed.

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer 7

Caring for your ThinkPad computer

v Take care not to turn your computer over while the ac adapter is plugged

in. This could break the adapter plug.

v Turn off your computer if you are replacing a device in a device bay, or else

verify that the device is warm-or hot-swappable.

v If you exchange drives in your computer, reinstall the plastic bezel faces (if

supplied).

v Store your external and removable hard disk, diskette, CD, DVD, and

CD-RW/DVD drives in the appropriate containers or packaging when they are not being used.

Cleaning the cover of your computer

Occasionally clean your computer as follows:

1. Prepare a mixture of a gentle kitchen-use detergent (one that does not

contain abrasive powder or strong chemicals such as acid or alkaline). Use 5 parts water to 1 part detergent.

2. Absorb the diluted detergent into a sponge.

3. Squeeze excess liquid from the sponge.

4. Wipe the cover with the sponge, using a circular motion and taking care

not to let any excess liquid drip.

5. Wipe the surface to remove the detergent.

6. Rinse the sponge with clean running water.

7. Wipe the cover with the clean sponge.

8. Wipe the surface again with a dry, soft lint-free cloth.

9. Wait for the surface to dry completely and remove any fibers from the

cloth.

Cleaning your computer keyboard

1. Absorb some isopropyl rubbing alcohol on a soft, dust-free cloth.

2. Wipe the keytop surface with the cloth, ensuring no liquid drips on or

between the keys.

3. Allow to dry.

4. You can use compressed air to remove any crumbs and dust from beneath

the keys.

Note: Avoid spraying cleaner directly on the display or the keyboard.

Cleaning your computer display

1. Gently wipe the display with a dry, soft lint-free cloth. If you see a

scratchlike mark on your display, it might be a stain transferred from the keyboard or the TrackPoint pointing stick when the cover was pressed from the outside.

ThinkPad®R50 Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Caring for your ThinkPad computer

2. Wipe or dust the stain gently with a soft, dry cloth.

3. If the stain remains, moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with water or a 50-50

mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water that does not contain impurities.

4. Wring out as much of the liquid as you can.

5. Wipe the display again; do not let any liquid drip into the computer.

6. Be sure to dry the display before closing it.

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer 9

Caring for your ThinkPad computer

ThinkPad®R50 Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Chapter 2. Solving computer problems

Diagnosing problems .........12

Troubleshooting...........12

Error messages ..........12

Errors without messages .......17

A password problem ........18

A power switch problem .......19

Keyboard problems ........19

UltraNav problems.........20

Standby or hibernation problems ....21

Computer screen problems ......23

Battery problems .........24

Hard disk drive problems ......25

A startup problem .........26

Diagnosing problems

If you have a problem with your computer, you can test it by using PC-Doctor®for Windows. To run PC-Doctor for Windows, do as follows:

1. Click Start.

2. Move the pointer to All Programs (in Windows other than Windows XP,

Programs) and then to PC-Doctor for Windows.

3. Click PC-Doctor.

4. Choose one of the tests, from either Device Categories or Test Scripts.

Attention

Running any tests may take up to several minutes or longer. Make sure you have time to run the entire test; do not interrupt the test while it is running.

The System Test of the Test Scripts runs some tests of critical hardware components, but it does not run all of the diagnostic tests in PC-Doctor for Windows. If PC-Doctor for Windows reports that all of the tests in the System Test have been run and that it has found no problems, consider running more of the tests in PC-Doctor for Windows.

If you are preparing to contact IBM for support, be sure to print the test log so that you can rapidly provide information to the help technician.

Troubleshooting

If you do not find your problem here, refer to Access IBM, your on-board help system. Open Access IBM by pressing the Access IBM button. The following section only describes problems that might prevent you from accessing this help system.

Error messages

Notes:

1. In the charts, x can be any character.

2. The version of PC-Doctor referred to here is PC-Doctor for Windows.

Message Solution

0175: Bad CRC1, stop POST task

0176: System Security The System has been tampered with.

ThinkPad®R50 Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

The EEPROM checksum is not correct (block #6). Have the computer serviced.

This message is displayed if you remove the Security Chip and reinstall it, or install a new one. To clear the error, enter the IBM BIOS Setup Utility. If this does not solve the problem, have the computer serviced.

Message Solution

0177: Bad SVP data, stop POST task.

0182: Bad CRC2. Enter BIOS Setup and load Setup defaults.

0185: Bad startup sequence settings. Enter BIOS Setup and load Setup defaults.

0187: EAIA data access error

0188: Invalid RFID serialization information area

0189: Invalid RFID configuration information area

0190: Critical low-battery error

0191: System Security Invalid remote change requested.

0192: System Security IBM Embedded Security hardware tamper detected.

0199: System Security IBM Security password retry count exceeded.

01C8: More than one modem devices are found. Remove one of them. Press <Esc> to continue.

01C9: More than one Ethernet devices are found. Remove one of them. Press <Esc> to continue.

Checksum of the supervisor password in the EEPROM is not correct. The system board should be replaced. Have the computer serviced.

Checksum of the CRC2 setting in the EEPROM is not correct. Go to IBM BIOS Setup Utility. Press F9 and then Enter to load the default setting. Press F10 and then Enter to restart the system.

Checksum of the startup sequence setting in the EEPROM is not correct. Go to IBM BIOS Setup Utility. Press F9 and then Enter to load the default setting. Press F10 and then Enter to restart the system.

The access to EEPROM has failed. Have the computer serviced.

The EEPROM checksum is not correct (block # 0 and 1). The system board should be replaced, and the box serial number needs to be reinstalled. Have the computer serviced.

The EEPROM checksum is not correct (block # 4 and 5). The system board should be replaced, and the UUID needs to be reinstalled. Have the computer serviced.

The computer turned off because the battery is low. Connect the ac adapter to the computer and charge the battery, or replace the battery with a fully charged one.

The system configuration change has failed. Confirm the operation and try again. To clear the error, enter the IBM BIOS Setup Utility.

The Security Chip has been replaced with a different one. Have the computer serviced.

This message is displayed if you enter a wrong supervisor password more than three times. Confirm the supervisor password and try again. To clear the error, enter the IBM BIOS Setup Utility.

Remove a Modem Mini-PCI Card. Otherwise, press Esc to ignore the warning message. If it does not solve this problem, have the computer serviced.

Your ThinkPad computer has a built-in Ethernet feature, and you cannot add another such feature by installing an Ethernet device. If this error message is displayed, remove the Ethernet device that you installed. Otherwise, press Esc to ignore the warning message. If this does not solve the problem, have the computer serviced.

Solving computer problems

Chapter 2. Solving computer problems 13

Solving computer problems

Message Solution

0200: Hard disk error The hard disk is not working. Make sure that the hard disk drive is attached

firmly. Run the IBM BIOS Setup Utility; then make sure the hard disk drive is not disabled in the Startup menu.

021x: Keyboard error Make sure that there are no objects placed on the keyboard, or if you have

one, the external keyboard. Turn off the computer, and turn off all attached devices. Turn on the computer first; then turn on the attached devices.

If you still see the same error code, do the following:

If an external keyboard is connected, do the following:

v Turn off the computer and disconnect the external keyboard; then turn on

the computer. Make sure that the built-in keyboard operates correctly. If it does, have the external keyboard serviced.

v Make sure that the external keyboard is connected to the correct

connector.

Test the computer by using PC-Doctor.

v If the computer stops during the test, have the computer serviced.

0230: Shadow RAM error The shadow RAM failed. Test your computer’s memory with PC-Doctor. If

you added a memory module just before turning the computer on, reinstall it. Then test the memory with PC-Doctor.

0231: System RAM error The system RAM failed. Test your computer’s memory with PC-Doctor. If

you added a memory module just before turning the computer on, reinstall it. Then test the memory with PC-Doctor.

0232: Extended RAM error

0250: System battery error

0251: System CMOS checksum bad

0260: System timer error Have the computer serviced.

0270: Real time clock error

0271: Date and time error Neither the date nor the time is set in the computer. Set the date and time,

The extended RAM failed. Test your computer’s memory with PC-Doctor. If you have increased memory just before turning the computer on, reinstall it. Then test the memory with PC-Doctor.

The backup battery, which is used to preserve the configuration information, such as the date and time, while the computer is turned off, is depleted. Replace the battery and run IBM BIOS Setup Utility to verify the configuration. If you still have a problem, have the computer serviced.

The system CMOS might have been corrupted by an application program. The computer uses the default settings. Run IBM BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure the settings. If you still see the same error code, have the computer serviced.

Have the computer serviced.

using the IBM BIOS Setup Utility.

ThinkPad®R50 Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Solving computer problems

Message Solution

0280: Previous boot incomplete

02D0: System cache error The cache is disabled. Have the computer serviced.

02F4: EISA CMOS not writable

02F5: DMA test failed Have the computer serviced.

02F6: Software NMI failed

02F7: Fail-safe timer NMI failed

1802: Unauthorized network card is plugged in - Power off and remove the miniPCI network card.

1803: Unauthorized daughter card is plugged in - Power off and remove the daughter card.

Your computer was previously unable to complete the boot process.

Turn the computer off; then turn it on to start the IBM BIOS Setup Utility. Verify the configuration and then restart the computer either by choosing the Exit Saving Changes option under the Restart item or by pressing F10. If you still see the same error code, have the computer serviced.

Have the computer serviced.

The Mini-PCI network card is not supported on this computer. Remove it.

The daughter card is not supported on this computer. Remove it.

Chapter 2. Solving computer problems 15

Solving computer problems

Message Solution

1810: Hard disk partition layout error

The power-on password prompt

The hard disk password prompt

A problem in recognizing the layout of the partition on the hard disk has halted computer startup. Either the IBM Predesktop Area has been deleted, or the hard disk contains corrupt data. To try to restart your computer, complete one of the following:

v If the IBM Predesktop Area has been deleted

1. Press F1 to open the IBM BIOS Setup Utility.

2. Select Security->IBM Predesktop Area-> Access IBM Predesktop

3. Set this item to Disabled.

4. Save and exit.

If the above fails

1. Press Enter.

2. Double-click RECOVER TO FACTORY CONTENTS and follow

on-screen instructions. Note: This will permanently erase the entire contents of the hard disk, and then restore software preinstalled by IBM.

v Press F1 to open IBM BIOS Setup Utility, or Enter to start the IBM

Predesktop Area.

If the computer still does not start, call the IBM HelpCenter numbers are listed in “Calling IBM” on page 38.

A power-on password or a supervisor password is set. Type the password and press Enter to use the computer. If the power-on password is not accepted, a supervisor password might have been set. Type the supervisor password and press Enter. If you still see the same error message, have the computer serviced.

A hard disk password is set. Type the password and press Enter to use the computer.

Area.

. Telephone

If you still see the same error message, have the computer serviced.

Hibernation error The system configuration changed between the time your computer entered

hibernation mode and the time it left this mode, and your computer cannot resume normal operation.

v Restore the system configuration to what it was before your computer

entered hibernation mode.

v If the memory size has been changed, re-create the hibernation file.

Operating system not found.

Verify the following:

v The hard disk drive is correctly installed.

v A startable diskette is in the diskette drive

If you still see the same error message, check the boot sequence, using the IBM BIOS Setup Utility.

Fan error The cooling fan has failed. Have the computer serviced.

ThinkPad®R50 Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Solving computer problems

Message Solution

EMM386 Not Installed — Unable to Set Page Frame Base Address.

CardBus Configuration Error —Device Disabled

Thermal sensing error The thermal sensor is not functioning correctly. Have the computer serviced.

Authentification of system services failed. Press <Esc> to resume.

Edit C:\CONFIG.SYS and change a line from

device=C:\WINDOWS\EMM386.EXE RAM

device=C:\WINDOWS\EMM386.EXE NOEMS

and save this file.

Go to IBM BIOS Setup Utility. Press F9 and then Enter to load the default setting. Press F10 and then Enter to restart the system.

The IBM Predesktop Area in the HDD is broken. To use the IBM Predesktop Area, get a Recovery CD, and recover the IBM Predesktop Area.

Errors without messages

Problem:

When I turn on the machine, nothing appears on the screen and the machine does not beep while starting up.

Note: If you are not sure whether you heard any beeps, turn off the

computer; then turn it on again, and listen again. If you are using an external monitor, refer to “Computer screen problems” on page 23.

Solution:

If a power-on password is set, press any key to display the power-on password prompt, and then type the correct password and press Enter.

If the power-on password prompt does not appear, the brightness level might be set to minimum brightness. Adjust the brightness level by pressing Fn+Home.

If the screen still remains blank, make sure that:

v The battery is installed correctly.

v The ac adapter is connected to the computer and the power cord is

plugged into a working electrical outlet.

v The computer power is on. (Turn on the power switch again for

confirmation.)

If these items are properly set, and the screen remains blank, have the computer serviced.

Chapter 2. Solving computer problems 17

Solving computer problems

Problem:

When I turn on the machine, nothing appears on the screen, but I hear two or more beeps.

Solution:

Make sure that the memory card is installed correctly. If it is, but the screen is still blank, and you hear five beeps, have the computer serviced.

If you hear 4 cycles of 4 beeps each, the Security Chip has a problem. Have the computer serviced.

Problem:

When I turn on the machine, only a white pointer appears on a blank screen.

Solution:

Reinstall your operating system, and turn on the computer. If you still see only the pointer on the screen, have the computer serviced.

Problem:

My screen goes blank while the computer is on.

Solution

Your screen saver or power management may be enabled. Do one of the following to exit from the screen saver or to resume from standby or hibernation mode:

v Touch the TrackPoint or the touch pad.

v Press a key.

v Press the power switch

Problem:

The DOS full-screen looks smaller.

Solution:

If you use a DOS application that supports only 640×480 resolution (VGA mode), the screen image might look slightly distorted or appear smaller than the display size. This is to maintain compatibility with other DOS applications. To expand the screen image to the same size as the actual screen, start the ThinkPad Configuration Program and click LCD; then select the Screen expansion function. (The image might still look slightly distorted.)

A password problem

Problem:

I forgot my password.

Solution:

If you forgot your power-on password, you must take your computer to an IBM authorized servicer or marketing representative to have the password canceled.

ThinkPad®R50 Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

If you forgot your hard disk password, IBM will not reset your password or recover data from the hard disk. You must take your computer to an IBM authorized servicer or an IBM marketing representative to have the hard disk drive replaced. Proof of purchase is required, and a fee will be charged for parts and service.

If you forgot your supervisor password, IBM will not reset your password. You must take your computer to an IBM authorized servicer or IBM marketing representative to have the system board replaced. Proof of purchase is required, and a fee will be charged for parts and service.

A power switch problem

Problem:

The system does not respond, and you cannot turn off the computer.

Solution:

Turn off the computer by pressing and holding the power switch for 4 seconds or more. If the computer is still not reset, remove the ac adapter and the battery.

Keyboard problems

Problem:

All or some of the keys on the keyboard do not work.

Solving computer problems

Solution:

If the problem occurred immediately after the computer returned from standby mode, enter the power-on password if one has been set.

If an external keyboard is connected, the numeric keypad on your computer does not work. Use the numeric keypad on the external keyboard.

If an external numeric keypad or a mouse is connected:

1. Turn off the computer.

2. Remove the external numeric keypad or the mouse.

3. Turn on the computer and try using the keyboard again.

If the keyboard problem is resolved, carefully reconnect the external numeric keypad, external keyboard, or mouse, making sure that you have seated the connectors properly.

If keys on the keyboard still do not work, have the computer serviced.

Problem:

A number appears when you type a letter.

Solution

The numeric lock function is on. To disable it, press and hold Shift; then press NumLk.

Chapter 2. Solving computer problems 19

Solving computer problems

Problem:

All or some of the keys on the external numeric keypad do not work.

Solution:

Make sure that the external numeric keypad is correctly connected to the computer.

Problem

Some or all of the keys on the external keyboard do not work.

Solution

If you are using the ThinkPad Dock II, the ThinkPad Mini Dock, or the ThinkPad Port Replicator II, make sure that the keyboard cable is correctly connected to the keyboard connector.

If the connection is correct, disconnect the cable and make sure that the built-in keyboard operates properly. If the built-in keyboard works, there is a problem with the external keyboard. Try using a different external keyboard.

UltraNav problems

Problem:

The pointer drifts when the computer is turned on or after it resumes normal operation.

Solution:

The pointer might drift when you are not using the TrackPoint during normal operation. This is a normal characteristic of the TrackPoint and is not a defect. Pointer drifting might occur for several seconds under the following conditions:

v When the computer is turned on. v When the computer resumes normal operation. v When the TrackPoint is pressed for a long time. v When the temperature changes.

Problem:

The mouse or the pointing device does not work.

Solution:

Make sure that the TrackPoint is enabled in the ThinkPad Configuration Program, and then try using the TrackPoint. If the TrackPoint works, the error might be due to the mouse.

Make sure that the mouse or pointing-device cable is securely connected to the ThinkPad Dock II, the ThinkPad Mini Dock, or the ThinkPad Port Replicator II.

If your mouse is incompatible with the IBM PS/2 mouse, disable the TrackPoint, using the ThinkPad Configuration Program.

ThinkPad®R50 Series Service and Troubleshooting Guide

+ 76 hidden pages

Ibm THINKPAD R50, THINKPAD R50E, THINKPAD R50P User Manual

Important notice for users

Important regulatory notice for users

Information about hard disk capacity

Finding information with Access IBM

Contents

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer

Your ThinkPad at a glance

Features

Specifications

Caring for your ThinkPad computer

Chapter 2. Solving computer problems

Diagnosing problems

Troubleshooting

Error messages

Errors without messages

A password problem

A power switch problem

Keyboard problems

UltraNav problems