IBM Thinkpad T-40 isn't working.

GEEK WANNABE · Apr 27, 2008

When I turn on my laptop it won't boot up and just the fan goes on. I tried running it with out the battery and plugging it in and no difference. I think it's the hard drive and if thats the case, if I purchase a new hard drive how do I XP to install if I don't have a copy? I shouldn't have to purchase it if it was already installed on the laptop. Help please! It's my daughters school laptop.

GEEK WANNABE · Apr 28, 2008

Somebody must have a suggestion. Was this a stupid question? Is that why I don't get any responses?

joelsz · Apr 28, 2008

Do you get anything at all on the screen when you turn the laptop on?
Does the screen even go from black to dark grey?
I'm trying to determine if you screen is working.

plodr · Apr 28, 2008

First to be sure that it is not the backlight that has died, attach an external monitor to the laptop then boot up. Do you get windows loading on that screen? If not, then it might be the hard drive.
Unfortunately, manufacturers include the recovery for the hd on the hd. If it dies, you are indeed out of luck. Did you get any disks with the notebook?
Do you have a sticker anywhere that gives you the serial number of XP (it is usually on the bottom of a notebook) installed in your computer? If you don't have a sticker on the bottom, look through all the manuals and papers that came with the computer; you might have one there. Once you have your serial number, you can borrow an XP CD from anyone, provided it is the same version (Home or Pro). You can install it on your new hard drive and when it asks for the serial number, put in the one that came with your notebook.

GEEK WANNABE · Apr 29, 2008

Yes the screen does go on. All I get is a flashing dash (black screen) in the upper left corner and I can here the fan running but it won't boot up.

GEEK WANNABE · Apr 30, 2008

There is a serial number on the laptop but I don't know anyone who has a copy of XP. Isn't there a way to get one from Microsoft since I did have have on this laptop?

Fred_G · Apr 30, 2008

I have been working on several older IBM T21, 23, and T30 something laptops recently. A couple of things to check, remove the RAM and turn the 'puter on. It should beep like crazy (which is a good thing). Then try the RAM in different slots. Seems some of the older ones have some RAM or MOBO isssues with the RAM slots.

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plodr · Apr 30, 2008

Isn't there a way to get one from Microsoft since I did have have on this laptop?
Click to expand...

No. The only way to get XP is to purchase it.

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IBM Thinkpad T-40 isn't working.

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