T400 Crashes suddenly on Windows XP

[Anirudh]

I have a Windows XP -  on T400 - Product: 2764CTO

I am using Windows Live OneCare - as my antivirus + Firewall.

I am online using Wi-fi.

I don't use - too many apps - asides few IM's, Browser (Chrome/FF) and Outlook - and my machine suddenly spasmodically crashes.

The machine - is like 3 months old. I have took it to the Service Center - they have replaced the motherboard. But the issue has yet not been resolved !!!

Any ideas - how can I debug this ... Any place to look for the dump ...

.

PC Doctor - also does not pick up anything ...

PLEASE HELP !!! 

[Anirudh]

Anyone - ANY HELP / Updates Please - any where - where I can check the logs or do something - so that I can undestand the issue.

[gan Guru]

Rightclick "My Computer", select "Properties", select the "Advanced" tab and click the "Settings" button under "Startup and Recovery". Then remove the check for "Automatically restart". Then you should be able to read the bluescreen before the computer automatically restart. Also you could check the Windows event log after a crash and look for any errors under "System" right before the crash. More information about the error messages and codes you see will make it easier to find out what cause the crash.

Do the crash occur while using, starting the same application or is there any specific time when the restart occur? If you are using the pre-installed OS from Lenovo did you make sure the antivirus that came with the computer (Norton i think) is properly uninstalled? When did the crash start to occur (the day you got the computer, some weeks after you got the computer etc)? Did you install anything new right before the crash started? Did you upgrade any driver, use system update, upgrade the BIOS? Do you have SP1, SP2 og SP3 installed on the computer?

When they replaced the motherboard did they also replace the CPU? If there is a hardware error i guess except from the motherboard and CPU it could very likely be the memory as well (even if PC doctor say everything is ok), but it could be a software problem so try to find any error, info from the bluescreen or something that could pinpoint what is causing the crash. With the current info it's impossible to say.

You could try to upgrade the BIOS and driver, but i would suggest trying to find the reason before you start upgrading anything.

Message Edited by gan on 07-13-2009 10:59 PM

[Anirudh]

Hello Gan,

Thank you so much for your reply.

The beauty of my crashes - is that I have been trying to figure out a reason or a specific software for which the notebook is freezing - but haven't been able to find any. I do not get BSOD (blue screen) == my comp - just freezes and nothing responds - not the mouse / the caps lock ... nothing.

I do not have Norton Installed. Also - I don't think - the CPU was changed - when the motherboard was changed. Yes - I have upgraded the Windows - to the latest version of Windows - with Automatic Updates and the drivers - using Thinkpad - System Update Utility - and have the latest version of the BIOS and drivers on the machine.

I am running SP3 - with Windows XP.

The only thing - which I have been able to notice - is the WiFi LED - at times - stop flickering - and at times - doesn't.

Their is no specific software - which when I run - causes the machine to freeze. The machine randomly at random instances freezes - without any info / updates. I ain't quite sure - when it freezes - but suddenly - while simply typing on notepad - also - at times - it just freezes.

I am myself trying to wonder ... the reason for the crash !!! ... This issue has been ever persisting since the time - I bought the machine.

 Regards,

Anirudh 

[fmyhr]

Hi Anirudh,

Sorry to hear you're having so much trouble with your T400.

I agree with gan, it could be a RAM problem. To thoroughly test your RAM you can boot the Memtest86+ CD and let the tests run through at least one complete pass, better several passes or even overnight.

Also it would be a good idea to run a thorough check of your hard drive. First back up your files.  Then you can boot the Ultimate Boot CD and run the "extended tests" of the SeaTools / Hitachi Drive Fitness / Western Digital DLG Diagnostic programs (pick one).

It would be good to rule out RAM and hard drive problems by using the above tests before looking for other possible causes.

Good luck!

-Frank