T400 won't boot - need help

[isantos_03]

Hi! I'm a user of T400 but I'm currently having a problem with my machine.

My machine's batteries were completely depleted a couple of days ago. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to charge it for the following days. Just today when I needed to start my machine, it just won't boot. I thought that it was just because of the batteries so I plugged it into AC. I tried to turn it on again but the only response that I get are the green lights turning on under the screen and a completely blank screen. The fans won't even start nor do I feel any vibrations coming from the movement of the hard drive.

I'm running out of options at the moment and I'm starting to panic. Is there anyone out here that could help me address the situation?

[Vince69]

Hello  mate,

Remove the RAM and boot without it. If you don't hear beep at startup, your motherboard is dead.

[isantos_03]

Thanks, Vince69. Well, I'd love to do that but my machine is still under warranty. I'll be sending it over tomorrow to a service center to have it checked. Just in case my motherboard died, do you have any ideas if the warranty covers for it?

[jacarandas]

Just thought I'll help out here. The warranty does cover the motherboard. The motherboard on my T400 died recently, and was exchanged within a few days.

[Vince69]

What's the problem to remove the RAM ?

[Kicker774]

Yes removing the RAM is quite easy if your handy with a screwdriver and per Lenovo it is a CRU (Customer Removable Unit) You can go here: http://www.lenovoservicetraining.com/ion/R61_T61/index.html To see the video on how to get to it. (Basically only 4 screws to take off the palmrest) But before you do that try one thing first if you havn't: - Remove A/C and Battery power from the unit - Hold down the power button for a few seconds - Insert A/C and battery and attempt to power up again In a nutshell this will completely dishcharge the unit from any stray electrons or neutrons that may be trapped in limbo and screwing up the works. After that and after you've removed the RAM and your not getting any beeps then yes it sounds like the system board went south on you.

[JDay]

Try pulling the battery out and unplugging the laptop, hold the power button down for 60 seconds. This will hard reset the laptop, if that doesn't work you probably have a dead motherboard.

[isantos_03]

I tried this solution before I posted yesterday but it didn't work (probably my motherboard's dead since there were no beeps T__T).  Though, I've read something about trying to remove the cmos battery in another post and putting it back. Has anyone tried this solution?

[isantos_03]

Thanks for the info. At least if the motherboard died, I'll just have it replaced.