second try, IBM A21 and Compaq Presario 1800T

Dear friends, could you possibly help me to solve the two problems I
have with my Thinkpad A21m:

1. I've installed Windows XP on this machine and it's become really
slow, so I decided to buy an extra 128 MB SDRAM SODIMM. There is one
64 MB SODIMM currently installed in slot 1, another slot is empty.
Can I expand the memory up to 192 MB, i.e. having 64 in slot 1+128 in
slot 2, or it always has to be the equal amount in each slot (like
64+64, 128+128, etc.)?

2. The computer became suspiciously quiet in last couple of days. It
seems like the fan is not working. Is there any way of fixing it or
getting a new one and replacing it on this particular model without
sending it to the repair centre?

I have anoter problem with my Compaq Presario 1800T, I have also
installed Windows XP on this machine, and now I can not watch DVD
properly, as it crashes every 15 minutes. Does anybody have similar
problems?

Many thanks for your suggestions,

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Hi,

1. Yes, you can have just baout any combo of RAM in there. I currently
have 256 + 64 in my a20m, so I can't imagine your situation wouldn't
work.

2. If you're sure the fan has died, you can replace it yourself.
However, it will require that you open it up pretty far. IBM is really
good about instructions on the web. Try searching for "FRU guide" or
"FRU list" or "field service manual" or something along those line
plus your model of thinkpad. Keep looking around for a PDF document.
I've used the one for a20m (which should be pretty similar to the
a21m) to replace the LCD screen and CPU. I was a little nervous, but
it went swimmingly.

I have no idea why your HP doesn't play DVDs. It sounds like some kind
of driver problem, I guess. Sorry!

-G

 

Hi,

1. Yes, you can have just baout any combo of RAM in there. I currently
have 256 + 64 in my a20m, so I can't imagine your situation wouldn't
work.

2. If you're sure the fan has died, you can replace it yourself.
However, it will require that you open it up pretty far. IBM is really
good about instructions on the web. Try searching for "FRU guide" or
"FRU list" or "field service manual" or something along those line
plus your model of thinkpad. Keep looking around for a PDF document.
I've used the one for a20m (which should be pretty similar to the
a21m) to replace the LCD screen and CPU. I was a little nervous, but
it went swimmingly.

I have no idea why your HP doesn't play DVDs. It sounds like some kind
of driver problem, I guess. Sorry!

-G

 

The Compaq sounds like it is overheating. A seemingly common problem with
some models of Compaqs. Before you ask, Compaq themselves will not be too
helpful in resolving problems with their laptops that overheat. There
attitude with me was. Tough S*!t

With them being ever so helpful, I now use a different brand of laptop.

JD

troubleshooting newsgroups.

 

Thank you so much. IBM FRU manual is really helpful.

==============
Posted through www.HowToFixComputers.com/bb - free access to hardware troubleshooting newsgroups.

 

I have had an overheating problem with my compaq presario 1800T.
Fortunately there's this one company that happens to sell the notebook
cooler and I was able to solve my overheating problem. I hear that
the compaq are very nictorious for overheating.

Here is the link to HardwareCooling's line of notebook coolers
http://www.hardwarecooling.com/default.php/cPath/33

Have a great 4th of July weekend.

Kimmy

 

I don't know, I think the nictorious cooling problems of the 1800T are
highly exagerbated. I own one and it's not happened to me.