T400 Shuts Off Suddenly and Won't Turn Back On Right Away

Hi everyone, I have a T400 (specs in signature) and running Vista 32 bit. Increasingly, when it is docked it will just suddenly switch off - looks like it goes dead or something, all indicator lights off, etc. Usually, it won't turn back on unless I remove the battery, then turn on using AC adapter, and then I can replace the battery while it's already up and running. Sometimes I can just remove and replace the battery and it will turn on after a few seconds.

So far, this has only happened when docked on the advanced mini dock. Attached to the dock I have a dvi cable out to a 24" monitor, an external hard drive, and a laser printer. The external hard drive can run pretty hot so I tried disconnecting that, but the computer still did the sudden switch off.

Sometimes when the computer does this it feels like it's running really hot, other times just warm.

Anyone familiar with this problem or have any ideas how to get to the bottom of it? Thanks so much!

 

That sounds like a serious issue - I would suggest calling Lenovo support to get it fixed or a replacement.

 

Sounds like it's overheating. How is the fan?

 

yeah probably an overheating issue. I had borred my bro's laptop for a few days a while ago, and it kept doing this on me. Even with the battery removed, it kept turning off. ... was told it could've been an overheating problem

 

Thanks all. When I called Lenovo the rep seemed a little perplexed. But he had me try removing the battery and unplugging AC and "discharge" by pressing the power button ten times and then holding it down for 20 seconds on the eleventh time. So far this seems to have helped.

What's the best way to check the fan and/ or check for overheating? Thanks again!