T400 Screen turns Black/Gray and System Freezes.

[divzero]

Hi,

I am sure now, that the problems deal with the wireless lan.

The T400 has an Intel Wifi Link 5100 agn installed which seem to cause the problem. The problem is not only restricted to Lenovo.

For example here http://communities.intel.com/thread/10055?start=75&tstart=0

If anybody as fixed the problem please report here.

Thanks

[RLatND]

divzero (or anyone else),

Has anyone ever found a resolution to this problem?  My T400 began experiencing this same problem with freezing and going to a grey/black screen.  For me it only happens when playing Windows games, like Hearts or Mahjong.  Sometimes I can play a couple rounds before it freezes, other times it freezes after minutes.

[ColonelONeill]

Which graphics adapter and OS do you have?

[RLatND]

It has Windows 7 and the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3400 switchable graphics.  Please let me know if any other information would be helpful.

p.s.  I tried completely wiping and performing a fresh install of Windows 7 Ultimate from an original Microsoft disc and installed the latest drivers, but that did not resolve the problem. 

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

@RLatND how about switching to intel gpu? does the same problem occur?

[RLatND]

lead_org,

Per your suggestion, I've been using the Intel GPU for a couple days and it has yet to freeze.  Assuming this continues to be the case, what do you think is causing the problem?

Is it most likely a hardware problem with the ATI GPU?...a driver problem?

Like I said, this is a fresh Win 7 install using the most recent drivers.

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

i have seen a few cases where the ATI GPU is the problem. Do you have warranty still?

[RLatND]

Unfortunately the warranty expired in June 2010. I wonder if I can order an aftermarket or replacement ATI GPU and pay for it. I'm comfortable with dissembling the T61/T400 chassis, so that's not a problem. I just can't remember if the ATI is removable or if it's built on the motherboard.

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

the CPU is soldered to the motherboard, so you can't replace it as such (without taking it to some specialist repair centers). Also the problem may lie down the line and not with the GPU itself.

I have seen a few ATI equipped T400 and T500 having problems with the LCD when it is in ATI mode. Not sure what the problem is.