ThinkPad

ThinkPad 390E Online User's Guide

Troubleshooting Charts

If your computer has an error, it often displays a message or an error code, or a beep sounds when you power it on. Go through the charts and look for your problem. If you find the problem, go to the page indicated and do the specified action.
Troubleshooting Chart Page
Error codes or screen messages "Error Codes or Messages"
No error codes or screen messages "No Error Codes or Messages"
Input problems "Input Problems"
Suspend or hibernation problems "Suspend or Hibernation Problems"
LCD problems "LCD Problems"
Indicator problems "Indicator Problems"
Battery problems "Battery Problems"
CD-ROM drive problems "CD-ROM Problems"
Infrared communication problems "Infrared Communication Problems"
Audio or telephony problems "Audio Problems"
Universal serial bus (USB) problems "Universal Serial Bus (USB) Problems"
Modem problems "Modem Problems"
PC Card problems "PC Card Problems"
Printer problems "Printer Problems"
External display problems "External Monitor Problems"
Port replicator problems "Port Replicator Problems"
Other option problems "Other Option Problems"
Software problems "Software Problems"
Other problems "Other Problems"

Error Codes or Messages

Note:In the charts, x can be any character.

Problem Action
0200 (Failure Fixed Disk) Do the following:.

  1. Turn off the computer.

  2. Remove, then re-install the hard disk drive securely. See the User's Reference.

  3. Turn on the computer.
021x (Keyboard error) Make sure no object is placed on the keyboard or on the external keyboard, if you have one; also check for stuck keys. Power off the computer and power off all attached devices. Power on the computer first; then power on the attached devices.

If you still have a problem, do the following:

  • If an external keyboard is connected, do the following:

    • Turn off the computer and disconnect the external keyboard; then turn on the computer. Make sure that your keyboard operation is correct. If it is, have the external keyboard serviced. Otherwise, have the computer serviced.

    • Make sure that the external keyboard is connected to the correct connector if connected to computer using the keyboard/mouse cable.
0250, 0260, 0270 (System battery or timer error) Have the computer serviced.
0280 (Previous boot incomplete -- Default configuration used) Your computer was previously unable to complete the boot process. Turn off the computer and turn it on again.

If the same error message appears, have the computer serviced.

02Bx (Diskette drive error) Do as follows:

  1. Restart the computer.

  2. While the IBM ThinkPad logo is being displayed, press F1 to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

  3. Use the cursor up/down keys to select Config and press Enter.

  4. Select Advanced Setup and press Enter.

  5. Select Others and press Enter.

  6. Select FDD and verify that it is set to Internal.

  7. Press F10 to save and exit the BIOS Setup Utility.
02D0 (System cache error - Cache disabled) Have the computer serviced.
023x (Memory error) Verify that the DIMM option is correctly installed; otherwise, contact your IBM reseller or IBM marketing representative for a replacement. The computer may also need to be serviced.
0251 (System CMOS checksum bad - Default configuration used) The CMOS may have been corrupted or modified incorrectly. Enter the BIOS Setup Utility and load the default settings; then restart the computer. If you still have a problem, have the computer serviced.
02Fx Have the computer serviced.
The power-on password prompt ( Figure ppasswd not displayed.) A power-on password is set. Type the correct password and press Enter to use the computer (see the User's Reference).

If you still have a problem, have the computer serviced.

The hard disk drive password prompt ( Figure hpasswd not displayed.) A hard disk drive password is set. Type the correct password and press Enter to use the computer (see the User's Reference).

If you still have a problem, have the computer serviced.

The DOS full-screen looks smaller.
Figure s640480 not displayed.
 		When you use a DOS application that supports only the 640x480 resolution (VGA mode), the screen image might look slightly distorted or might 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 on LCD ( Figure butlcd not displayed.); then select the Screen expansion function. (The image might look slightly distorted.)

No Error Codes or Messages


Problem Action
The screen is blank and you don't hear any beeps.
Note:If you are not sure whether you hear any beeps, turn the computer off; then turn it on again, and listen again.
If you are using an external monitor, go to External Monitor Problems. 		Make sure that:

  • The battery pack is installed correctly.

  • The AC Adapter is connected to the computer and the power cord is plugged into a working electrical outlet.

  • The computer power is on. (Turn on the power switch again for confirmation.)

If a power-on password is set but does not appear, the brightness control might be set to minimum brightness. Adjust the brightness.

If the screen still remains blank, have the computer serviced.

The screen is blank and you hear a continuous beep, or two or more beeps. Have the computer serviced.

Input Problems


Problem Action
The cursor does not move after the comptuer awakens from one of the power management modes. Make sure you followed the instructions in the Installing Microsoft Windows Version 3.11 section correctly when you installed Windows with the Advanced Power Management (APM) option.
All or some keys on the keyboard do not work.

  • If the problem occurred immediately after the computer returned from suspend mode, enter the power-on password if it set.

  • If an external keyboard is connected, the numeric keypad on your computer will not work. This is not a defect.

  • 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 solved, check the connection of the external numeric keypad, external keyboard, or mouse.

If you still have a problem, have the computer serviced.

The cursor drifts when the computer is turned on or after it resumes normal operation. The cursor 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. Cursor drifting might occur for several seconds under the following conditions:

  • When the computer is turned on.

  • When the computer resumes normal operation.

  • When the TrackPoint is pressed for a long time.

  • When the temperature changes.
The mouse or pointing device does not work.

  • Make sure that the pointing device is enabled in the ThinkPad Configuration program.

  • Make sure that the mouse or pointing-device cable is securely connected to the computer.

  • Try using the TrackPoint. If the TrackPoint works, the error might be due to the mouse.

  • Disable the TrackPoint using the ThinkPad Configuration program if you use an external mouse.
Note:See the manual supplied with the mouse for more information.
The mouse buttons do not work. Reinstall the Standard PS/2 Port Mouse driver; then reinstall the PS/2 TrackPoint driver. See the online user's guide for instructions on how to install the driver.
The scrolling or Magnifying Glass function does not work. See the General tab page in "Mouse Properties", and make sure that the PS/2 TrackPoint driver is loaded.
A number appears when you type a letter. The numeric lock function is on. To disable it, press and hold Shift; then press NumLk.
All or some keys on the external numeric keypad do not work. Make sure that the external numeric keypad is correctly connected to the computer.
All or some keys on the external keyboard do not work. To use an external keyboard, you can attach it to the computer either directly or through the keyboard/mouse cable. Make sure that:

  • The keyboard cable is correctly connected to the computer (if the keyboard is connected directly to the computer).

  • The keyboard/mouse cable is correctly connected to the computer.

  • The keyboard cable is connected to the correct side of the keyboard/mouse cable.

If these items are correct, disconnect the keyboard/mouse cable from the computer and make sure that the operation of the system keyboard is correct. If the system keyboard works, have the keyboard/mouse cable or the external keyboard serviced.

Suspend or Hibernation Problems


Problem Action
The computer enters suspend mode automatically. The computer enters suspend mode automatically when the processor temperature reaches a certain level. This is not a defect.
Performance degrade when the computer gets hot during use. The processor speed might decrease under the following conditions:

  • Use in a hot environment.

  • High-powered processing that requires high-power consumption.
The computer enters suspend mode immediately after POST (the suspend indicator is on). Make sure that:

  • The battery pack is charged.

  • The operating temperature is within the acceptable range. Refer to the User's Reference.
The computer turns on and immediately turns off. The battery pack power is getting low. Connect the AC Adapter to the computer, or replace the battery pack with a fully charged one.
The computer does not return from suspend mode, or the suspend lamp stays on and the computer does not work. The computer automatically enters suspend or hibernation mode when the battery power is exhausted. Do one of the following:

  1. Connect the AC Adapter to the computer.

  2. Replace the battery pack with a fully charged one; then press Fn.
The LCD is blank after resuming. Check if an external monitor was connected before the computer entered suspend mode. Do not disconnect the external monitor while the computer is in suspend mode or hibernation mode. If no external monitor is attached when the computer resumes, the LCD remains blank and output is not displayed. This restriction does not depend on the resolution value.
Your computer does not enter suspend or hibernation mode. Check if the suspend or hibernation options are set.

Make sure the hibernation function is enabled. (See Enabling Hibernation Mode.)

The computer does not enter suspend mode as set by the timer under Windows 98, Windows 95 or Windows NT. For Windows 98 and Windows 95:

The Windows 98 and Windows 95 generic CD-ROM driver accesses the internal CD-ROM drive every 3 seconds to see if a CD-ROM is inserted in the CD-ROM drive. This prevents your computer from entering suspend mode even after a timeout.

To prevent this from occurring, do the following:

  1. Double-click on My Computer, Control Panel, and System.

  2. Click on the Device Manager tab.

  3. Click on the + mark of CDROM.

  4. Double-click on the CD-ROM drive name.

  5. Click on Settings tab.

  6. Remove the check mark from the Auto insert notification check box.

  7. Click on OK, and restart the computer.

Windows 98 and Windows 95 no longer detects the CD-ROM insertion automatically.

For Windows NT:

The computer does not enter suspend mode by the timer if you enable the CD-ROM AutoRun feature. To enable the Suspend Timer function in the registry, do the following: 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Cdrom\
Autorun: x1 Autorun:
The computer does not enter hibernation mode with the Fn+F12 key combination. Make sure the hibernation function is enabled. (See Enabling Hibernation Mode.)

If the computer enters hibernation mode, all application programs stop. Communication also stops for communication PC Cards. Power to PC Cards also turn off.

LCD Problems


Problem Action
The screen is unreadable or distorted. Make sure that:

  • The ThinkPad display driver is installed correctly.

    1. Click on Start and move the cursor to Settings; then click on Control Panel.

    2. Double-click on Display.

    3. Select the Settings tab in the "Display Properties" window.

    4. (For Windows 98) Click on Advanced...; then click on the Adapter tab.

      (For Windows 95) Click on Advanced Properties. The "Adapter/Driver Information" window appears.Make sure that the display driver information is correct.

  • The refresh rate setting is set to your display resolution and color depth by doing the following:

    1. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.

    2. Click on LCD ( Figure butlcd not displayed.).

    3. Click on Properties.

    4. Make sure the settings in the "Display Properties" window are correct.

    5. Click on OK to close the window.
Incorrect characters appear on the screen. Did you install the operating ssytem or application program with the correct procedure?

If they are installed and configured correctly, have the computer serviced.

The screen stays on even after you power off the computer. Push and hold the power switch for about five seconds; then release it to turn off your computer. Turn it on again.
Missing, discolored, or bright dots appear on the screen everytime you power on your computer. This is a characteristic of TFT technology. Your computer display contains multiple thin-film transistors (TFTs). A small number of missing, discolored, or bright dots on the screen might exist all the time.

Indicator Problems


Problem Action
The battery status indicator does not go on even though a battery pack is installed in the computer. The over-current protection device inside the battery pack has been activated. Wait several hours and try again. If the indicator still does not go on, replace the battery pack or have the computer serviced.

Battery Problems


Problem Action
The battery pack cannot be fully charged in 3.5 hours by the power-off charging method. The battery pack might be over-discharged. Do the following:

  1. Turn off the computer.

  2. Make sure that the over-discharged battery pack is in the computer.

  3. Connect the AC Adapter to the comptuer and let it charge.

If the battery pack cannot be fully charged in 24 hours, use a new battery pack.

Your computer shuts down before the battery status indicator shows empty.

-or-

Your computer operates after the battery status indicator shows empty.

Repeat discharging and charging the battery pack at least three times.
The computer does not operate with a fully charged battery pack. The over-current protective function in the battery pack might be activated. Turn off the computer for 1 minute to reset this function; then turn it back on again.

CD-ROM Problems


Problem Action
The CD-ROM does not work. Make sure that:

  • The computer power is turned on and a compact disc is in the CD-ROM drive.

  • The CD-ROM drive tray is firmly closed.

  • The device drivers are correctly installed.
You hear a noise from the CD-ROM drive when the CD-ROM is spinning. The CD-ROM drive cover might be bent. Have the computer serviced.
The CD-ROM tray does not open even if you press the CD-ROM eject button. Insert a pin into the CD-ROM emergency eject hole and eject the CD-ROM tray.
The compact disc cannot be read. Make sure that:

  • The compact disc is not dirty. If it is, clean it with a CD-ROM cleaner kit.

  • The compact disc is not defective. If it is, try another compact disc.

  • The compact disc is placed in the tray with the label side up.

  • The compact disc format conforms with one of the following:

    • Music CD

    • CD-ROM or CD-ROM XA

    • Multisession photo CD

    • Video CD

Infrared Communication Problems


Problem Action
You computer cannot communicate with other devices using the infrared port. Make sure that:

  • The communication speeds are the same.

  • The infrared ports are clean.

  • No objects are between the computer and the communicating device.

  • The distance and angle between your computer and the device is within the set range.

  • The other computer's infrared port complies to the same standard as yours.

  • You are not operating under direct sunlight.

  • The infrared ports are directly facing each other.

Communication can be affected by the light from the display on the computer. To avoid this, open the display to a wide angle.

The same communications application has to be running on your computer and the other computer. Refer to the application manuals for more information.

Incorrect data is sent between your computer and a communicating device. Make sure that:

  • The distance and angle between your computer and the device is within the set range.

  • The communication speeds are the same.

  • There are no other devices that radiate infrared rays, such as remote-controlled devices or wireless headphones, near your computer or the communicating device.

  • You are not operating under direct sunlight.

  • No fluorescent lamps are near your computer or the communicating device.

Audio Problems


Problem Action
General problems. Problems may be due to such factors as:

  • The audio cable configuration is not correct for your application.

  • The audio cable is defective.

  • The audio equipment is defective.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Problems


Problem Action
A device connected to the USB connector does not work.

  1. Make sure that the USB device is connected correctly.

  2. Open the "Device Manager" window, and make sure that the USB device setup is correct, and that computer resource assignment and device driver installation are correct.
    Note:To open the "Device Manager" window, click on Start and move the cursor to Settings and click on Control Panel. Double-click on System; then click on the Device Manager tab in the "System Properties" window.

Modem Problems


Problem Action
Your modem application does not work with the ThinkPad modem. Make sure that the internal modem port is enabled by opening the "Device Manager" window and running the Modem Wizard or by opening the ThinkPad Configuration program and doing as follows:

  1. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.

  2. Click on Internal Modem ( Figure butmodem not displayed.).

  3. Select Enable.

  4. Click on OK.
For Windows 98 and Windows 95:

If the modem does not work correctly, see Resolving System Resource Conflicts and correct the resource conflict. If the modem works correctly, set the following modem settings by doing the following:

  1. Double-click on My Computer, Control Panel, and Modem. The LT Win Modem is highlighted.

  2. Click on Properties, not Dialing Properties.

  3. Click on the Connection tab.

  4. If there is a check mark (&check. ) in the Wait for dial tone before dialing box, click and remove it.

  5. Click on Advanced.

  6. If there is a check mark (&check. ) in the Use error control box, click and remove it.

  7. Add a check mark (&check. ) to the Use flow control box by clicking on the box and make sure that Hardware (RTS/CTS) is selected.

  8. Click on OK to close the window.

  9. Click on OK and return to the "Modem Properties" window.

  10. Click on Dialing Properties and fill in all boxes and click on either Tone dialing or Pulse dialing.
    Note:Most telephones today use tone dialing, where each button produces a different tone, instead of pulse dialing.

  11. Click on OK.

  12. Click on Close to close the window.

  13. Close all active windows.

Run your modem application again.

PC Card Problems


Problem Action
The PC Card shows "Ready", but it does not work correctly. Make sure that:

  • The system resources reserved for the PC Card do not conflict with other system devices.

  • Refer to Resolving System Resource Conflicts.

  • The resources reserved for the PC Card match the settings in the application program.

  • If you are using a network card, check the I/O port address, IRQ level, and memory window address.
A system resource conflict occurred when a PC Card was used. See Resolving System Resource Conflicts.
The system cannot start from the PC Card. Make sure that the correct system resources are being used for the PC Card. Refer to Resolving System Resource Conflicts.
You cannot use PC Cards other than IBM ones in the OS/2 Warp environment. If you do not have the PC Card device driver for OS/2 but you have one for DOS, your PC Card may run in the VDM (Virtual DOS machine) environment. Refer to the *** for setting the VDM and the sample configuration files on the PCMCIA Installation Diskette for OS/2.

If the PCMCIA Installation Diskette for OS/2 did not come with the computer, create it using the Diskette Factory program. Refer to the User's Reference.

PC Card support software does not recognize your PC Card. Make sure that:

  • If the PC Card is not a modem, an ATA, a Flash, or an SRAM card, you have the proper client device driver for the card. In Windows 98 and Windows 95, the PC Card must have an INF file associated with it.

  • Your PC Card supports PCMCIA Release 2.0, 2.01, and 2.10. Refer to the manual that came with your PC Card. If your PC Card does not support those releases of PCMCIA, you cannot use the PC Card support software. Contact your PC Card supplier.

  • Your PC Card is working by following the diagnostic instructions for your PC Card, if any.
The PC Card is recognized by PC Card support software, but the "Not Ready" or "Not Configured" message is shown. Make sure that:

  • If the PC Card is not a modem, an ATA, a Flash, or an SRAM card, you have the proper client device driver for the card. In Windows 98 and Windows 95, the PC Card must have an INF file associated with it.

  • The resources for the PC Card are correctly reserved. Refer to Resolving System Resource Conflicts..

Printer Problems


Problem Action
The printer does not work. Make sure that:

  • The parallel port is enabled.

    1. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.

    2. Click on Parallel Port ( Figure butpar not displayed.).

    3. Select Enable.

    4. Click on OK.

  • The printer is turned on and ready to print.

  • The printer signal cable is connected to the correct connector of your computer.

If these items are correct and the printer still does not work, run the tests described in the printer manual. If the tests show that the printer is OK, have the computer serviced.

External Monitor Problems


Problem Action
The external monitor is blank. Do the following:

  1. Connect the external monitor to another computer and make sure it works.

  2. Reconnect the external monitor to your computer.

  3. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.

  4. Click on External Display ( Figure sbutxd not displayed.) or LCD + External Display ( Figure sbutboth not displayed. ) on the toolbar in the ThinkPad Configuration program.

If nothing appears on the external monitor, have the computer serviced.

You cannot set a higher resolution than the present one on your external monitor. Make sure that:

  • The ThinkPad display driver is installed correctly.

    1. Click on Start and move the cursor to Settings; then click on Control Panel.

    2. Double-click on Display.

    3. Select the Settings tab in the "Display Properties" window.

    4. (For Windows 98) Click on Advanced...; then click on the Adapter tab.

      (For Windows 95) Click on Advanced Properties. The "Adapter/Driver Information" window appears.

      Make sure that the ThinkPad display driver is installed.

    If you are not sure that the ThinkPad display driver is installed correctly, reinstall it.

  • An appropriate display type or refresh rate is selected.

    1. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.

    2. Click on LCD ( Figure butlcd not displayed.).

    3. Click on Properties.

    4. Make sure the settings in the "Display Properties" window are correct.

    5. Click on OK to close the window.
The screen is unreadable or distorted. Make sure that:

  • The ThinkPad display driver is installed correctly.

    1. Click on Start and move the cursor to Settings; then click on Control Panel.

    2. Double-click on Display.

    3. Select the Settings tab in the "Display Properties" window.

    4. (For Windows 98) Click on Advanced...; then click on the Adapter tab.

      (For Windows 95) Click on Advanced Properties. The "Adapter/Driver Information" window appears.

      Make sure that the ThinkPad display driver is installed.

    If you are not sure that the ThinkPad display driver is installed correctly, reinstall it.

  • The display is set correctly.

    1. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.

    2. Click on LCD ( Figure butlcd not displayed.).

    3. Click on Properties.

    4. Make sure the settings in the "Display Properties" window are correct.

    5. Click on OK to close the window.

If the settings are correct, run the tests described in the manual supplied with the external monitor. If the tests show that the external monitor is OK, have the computer serviced.

Wrong characters appear on the screen. Did you install the operating ssytem or application program with the correct procedure?

If you did, have the external monitor serviced.

Port Replicator Problems


Problem Action
The computer hangs when you power on or resume operation. Make sure that the computer is securely attached to the port replicator.

If there is still a problem, have the port replicator serviced.

The MIDI port of the port replicator does not work. To enable the MIDI port of the port replicator, use the ThinkPad Configuration program. Make sure that the MIDI port is enabled by doing the following:

  1. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.

  2. Click on MIDI Port ( Figure butmidi not displayed.).

  3. Select Enable.

  4. Click on OK.

  5. Close the ThinkPad Configuration program and restart the computer.
Note:When you restart the computer, you might need to install the MIDI driver. Follow the instructions on the screen and install the device driver for your computer's operating system.

Other Option Problems


Problem Action
An IBM option that you just installed does not work. Make sure that:

  • The option is designed for your computer.

  • The option was installed following the instructions supplied with the option or this book.

  • Other installed options or cables are not loose.

  • There is no I/O address or interrupt level (IRQ) DMA channel conflict. To see the system resource status, start the ThinkPad Configuration program and click on the respective device buttons.

If the test program for the option did not find the problem, have the computer and option serviced.

An IBM option that used to work no longer works. Make sure that:

  • The option is securely connected to your computer.

  • If the option came with its own test instructions, use those instructions to test the option.

  • There is no system resource conflict (see Resolving System Resource Conflicts).

If these items are correct and the test program did not find the problem, have the computer and the option serviced.

The serial port does not work. Make sure that the serial port is enabled by doing the following:

For Windows 98 and Windows 95:

  1. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.

  2. Click on Serial Port ( Figure butser not displayed.).

  3. Select Enable.

  4. Click on Device Manager.

  5. Set up the port in the "Device Manager" window.

  6. Click on OK.

Software Problems


Problem Action
An application does not run correctly. Check the following to make sure that the problem is not being caused by the application:

  • Your computer has the minimum required memory to run the application. Refer to the manuals supplied with the application.

  • The application is designed to operate with your operating system.

  • Other applications run correctly on your computer.

  • The necessary device drivers are installed. Figure arrow not displayed. Installing Software.

  • The application works OK when it is run on some other computer.

If an error message appears when you are using the application program, refer to the manuals supplied with the application.If these items are correct and you still have a problem, contact your place of purchase or the service representative for help.

You cannot install OS/2 Warp See Installing Software for OS/2 Warp.

Other Problems


Problem Action
The computer locks or does not accept any input.

  • Your computer might lock when it enters suspend mode during a communication operation. Disable the Suspend Timer when you are working on the network.

  • When you turn on the comptuer with OS/2 Warp installed, make sure no compact disc (CD) is in the CD-ROM drive. If there is, remove the CD, turn off the computer, and turn it on again.

  • To turn off the computer, push and hold the power switch for about five seconds, then release it.

The computer does not turn off with the power switch. If the suspend indicator is on and you are working under battery power, change the battery to a fully charged one or change your power source to ac power.

If you still have a problem, push and hold the power switch for about five seconds, then release it to turn off the computer. Restart the computer.

The computer does not start from a diskette. Make sure that the startup sequence in the BIOS Setup Utility is set so that the comptuer starts up from the diskette drive (see the User's Reference).
Performance degrades when the computer gets hot during use. The processor speed might decrease under the following conditions:

  • Use in a hot environment

  • High-powered processing that requires high-power consumption
A memory shortage or memory error occurs.

  • If you are using DOS:

    1. Use the DOS command MEM /C to review your DOS memory usage occasionally.

    2. Unload any unnecessary drivers from the CONFIG.SYS file. (For example, unload printer drivers if you do not use a printer.)

    3. Reconfigure the UMB (upper memory block) using the DEVICEHIGH statement.

    4. Use the multiple configuration setup for DOS (refer to the documents supplied with DOS).

  • If you are using Windows 3.11:

    1. Try the same actions as described for DOS.

    2. Unload any unnecessary programs from the WIN.INI file.

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