Re: [tlug] ThinkCentre hardware debugging.

[CL <az.4tlug@example.com>]

Edward Middleton wrote:

> I am replying to this email because it is somewhat related.  Thanks to
> Lyles email I decided to try my luck on a Otto untested ThinkCentre A51
> 8425 11j 

8>< schnitt

> The machine posts but crashes soon after (all devices power down,
> keyboard goes dead, but fans run).  According to the manual the green
> light on the power supply and the green light on the front panel
> indicate that the motherboard and power supply is working.

Do the fans just run in the low position or do they go full on?  If the 
latter, it's usually a sign of a hardware conflict or setup / driver 
problem ... not necessarily fatal, usually easily fixable, but something 
in need of correction if you want to still have the use of your machine 
in 36 hours.

> I have cleaned the memory and gave the slot a brush with an air brush. 
> I have tried with other known working memory to no avail.

ThinkCentres are extremely heat sensitive after a certain amount of dust 
enters.  They are also notorious for hiding dust in places where you 
don't see it unless you go looking for it.  Have you had at the fan 
blades with a Q-tip, the power supply vents with a vac, and have you 
removed the fascia plate from the front and vacuumed the grille in the 
metal stamped front plate?

> I am currently thinking it might be the result of a failed BIOS flash
> and will try the floppy based flash recovery procedure (first time I
> have had a machine that will do this).

That works ... if you follow all of the instructions ...

> Does anyone have experience with this sort of machine or debugging this
> sort of problem?   Does anyone have suggestions on how to debug this?

Not sure you need debugging.  Sounds more like you need to disassemble 
the box and go at it with a large, powerful vac for about five minutes. 
 Don't ask how I know ...

--
CL