IBM THINKPAD T30 memory slot problem

Video memory error. The BIOS cannot write to the frame buffer memory on the video card. Since the frame buffer memory is on the video board's memory chips then you will have to replace the entire board.

IBM/Lenovo should replace the motherboard without charge, since the memory slot issue is known, even if you are out of warranty.

But, you can fix that front slot by resoldering the pins on the board, using a fine-tipped soldering iron and some flux. Quite often it is sufficient to do only the 10 outer pins in each side, but it's better to do all of them. Shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.

Hope that helps.

Unfortunately, it would be difficult to detect 'why' your memory slot stopped responding. It could have been a short somewhere on the motherboard, which could be found by searching for a small discolored area (darkened) somewhere between the power inputs and the memory slot itself. If this is the case, fixing it yourself would be excrutiatingly difficult, because while you bypass the short, you could very well create another. The memory slot may just be filled with dust, thereby cancelling out one of the dozens of contact points. It could also be one of those contact points within the connection. In my opinion it would be far less time consuming for you to simply replace the motherboard, as the cause is likely unrepairable.

This is a common problem, see this link for guidence. http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_with_failing_memory_slot

The only effective solutions are to replace the motherboard with one that has been modified by IBM to correct the issue or re-solder the cracked solder joints. If you choose to try the re-solder route yourself and have little or no experence with solders I recommend searching for additional links that explain more about the process. It does work if done right, but sometimes it takes more then one attempt when you're being careful not to get the motherboard too hot.

I just read a thread on this. Try pulling the mini pci network card. Or maybe one of your memory slots is bad so you could pull a memory card out and try swapping things there. Help for these issues can be found on the Lenovo site. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_states_and_blue_states

there are also user manuals and hardware replacement manuals there.

Be careful wth the mother board. It could also be your problem but hopefully it's something easier. mother boards have been known to fail when the computers are handled in such a way as to flex them.

take to the service center that will solve the problem completely

Bad news.

Read this thread

IBM's may need a bios update to read the 2nd slot do that first, and then check your setup for both slot availabilty. IBM always has, and always will make your life interesting.

got backup for your IBM Thinkpad?

This is a common problem with all thinkpads. The issue is caused by a blue case bumper pushing down on the reverse side of the memory slots and the memory door/cover. The memory cards will put uneven pressure on the solder joints causing cracks. There was a engineering fix offered to t30 owners under warentee. This fix was a motherboard swap out and a new memory cover with the proper distance needed. Since thinkpad is now owned by another company (lenovo) You may have issues getting the laptop fixed.

I had to purchase a new motherboard to fix mine. You can also send your machine in to a repair shop to have it reworked by hand but it usually costs about the same. (200$USD was how much I had to pay.)

Hi,
It's your memory, or more to the point, the memory slots. take all memory out, install 1 piece in the slot closest to the back of the laptop, push down on the memory as if pushing it into the motherboard, and hold pressure while booting.
Bet that works. if not, let me know.
I've got the same machine.
Good luck