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    T400 Starting problem after trying to upgrade RAM memory

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Chanchin, Jan 21, 2011.

  1. Chanchin

    Chanchin Notebook Geek

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    Dear all,
    After trying to upgrade my RAM memory from 3 GB to 8 GB on my T400 Windows 7 64-bit I have now some troubles with my computer. After checking various combinations on my RAM slots with 2x 4GB Corsair modules, only one module of 4 GB works (any of the modules works; 2x 4GB does not work and beeps say RAM memory problem). Ok. I can survive with only 4GB RAM. However, my problem now is that the laptop stays in the first step of starting up (just before the BIOS or THINKPAD screen) for around 10 minutes. Does somebody know what is happening here and how I can solve this problem? After the 10 minutes of waiting on a black screen without apparently any activity, the computer starts as nothing happened. Thanks for your advice and/or recommendations.
     
    Chanchin, Jan 21, 2011
    #1
  2. PatchySan

    PatchySan Om Noms Kit Kat

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    First make sure the modules are snapped securely in place of the memory bay. It's easy to misalign them and cause problems with the system.

    If they're in place then do an integrity check on each module to identify the bad RAM. Place only one module in the system at a time and use Memtest to check the RAM modules, it does various tests to ensure the memory is 100% otherwise it flag up the bad sectors indicating faulty RAM.

    If the Corsair RAM is faulty then just do a RMA procedure with them and they should be able to replace the RAM as they have a lifetime warranty on their memory modules.
     
    PatchySan, Jan 21, 2011
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  3. Chanchin

    Chanchin Notebook Geek

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    Thank you. However the problem I have know is that even with the old good RAM, the computer takes at least 10 minutes to startup(see previous message). Any idea what can I do now? Thanks.
     
    Chanchin, Jan 21, 2011
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  4. PatchySan

    PatchySan Om Noms Kit Kat

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    With the slow boot up, is that using the original 3GB RAM configuration or with the single 4GB RAM module as mentioned in the first post?

    Also can you access the ThinkPad BIOS by pressing the F1 key or does it lock up completely?
     
    PatchySan, Jan 21, 2011
    #4
  5. vinuneuro

    vinuneuro Notebook Virtuoso

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    I had a similar problem not long ago; one of the ram slots failed. Does your known good stick work in both slots?
     
    vinuneuro, Jan 21, 2011
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  6. Chanchin

    Chanchin Notebook Geek

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    Yes, both sticks are ok when used alone. And yes, even with the previous 3 RAM the computer remained inscribe for a while before the ThinkPad BIOS that is accessible, yes.
     
    Chanchin, Jan 21, 2011
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  7. vinuneuro

    vinuneuro Notebook Virtuoso

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    No, have you tested each of the ram slots in the motherboard individually (one filled, one empty).
     
    vinuneuro, Jan 21, 2011
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  8. halobox

    halobox Notebook Deity

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    I'm not sure I understand this statement but it sounds like you are saying when using one stick, the machine boots properly and timely. It that correct?
     
    halobox, Jan 21, 2011
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  9. Chanchin

    Chanchin Notebook Geek

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    When using one stick machine boots properly but not timely.
     
    Chanchin, Jan 22, 2011
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  10. Chanchin

    Chanchin Notebook Geek

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    Yes, this I tested too.
     
    Chanchin, Jan 22, 2011
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  11. halobox

    halobox Notebook Deity

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    You had no issues before pulling out the 3GB and inserting the 8GB?
     
    halobox, Jan 22, 2011
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  12. Alex

    Alex Super Moderator

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    Reset bios to the default values
     
    Alex, Jan 22, 2011
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  13. Chanchin

    Chanchin Notebook Geek

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    No, no issues at all.
     
    Chanchin, Jan 22, 2011
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  14. Chanchin

    Chanchin Notebook Geek

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    Did not work.
     
    Chanchin, Jan 22, 2011
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  15. halobox

    halobox Notebook Deity

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    Last question I think. If you insert the orginal 3GB, it's now not working properly and taking 10 minutes to boot?
     
    halobox, Jan 22, 2011
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  16. Chanchin

    Chanchin Notebook Geek

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    Yes, right. Even with the original or previous RAM, the machine is not working properly now. It is not that boot last 10 minutes. It is that the computer remains freeze in black screen for around ten minutes before the ThinkPad logo or BIOS option and the indicators of Bluetooth and power stay on for this long ten minutes.
     
    Chanchin, Jan 22, 2011
    #16
  17. halobox

    halobox Notebook Deity

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    Sounds like a static electricity zap to a component on the motherboard or a damaged SoDIMM slot. Or possible damage and corruption to the hard drive.

    Doesn't sound good either way.
     
    halobox, Jan 22, 2011
    #17