Comments on: How to replace or upgrade memory in IBM ThinkPad T40, T41, T42 laptops

By: Question

Question — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:45:20 +0000

I have the same problem. I have two 1gb ram and it works fine when used single. However, if I use the two at same time computer crashes. Anybody know solution to this?

I was under impression that T41 max is 2gb. Maybe not?

By: Martin

Martin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:29:06 +0000

I have the same problem as mentioned in post# 57
“My T42 does the same – Pulled both 512 modules. Tried booting with (2) 1GB PC2700 333 modules, no go. Each 1Gb Module works in each slot. Each 1GB module works along with one of the old 512’s (for a total of 1.5GB)…. but can’t get the (2) 1Gb to work together!! UGGGHH
(Laptop turns on, fan spins, battery light eventually turns amber, no video)”

i have another T42, both where bought at the same time. the other one has no problem booing with both modules installed using BIOS 3.16! I tried all versions from 3.16 to 3.23…nothing worked. Anyone any idea?

By: Debbie

Debbie — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:35:22 +0000

Great directions! I have a T42 and I’m having trouble removing the screws. I have tried all different sizes of the Phillips Screwdriver, but upon a closer look, the screw seems to need a screwdriver with a square-ish tip. Do you know what screwdriver I need? I googled, but it seemed to tell me to get a flat tip screwdriver which I don’t think would work. Also, it seems like there are only 3 screws that need to be removed for the T42. Is that right? Thanks in advance for your help!

By: Laptop Tech

Laptop Tech — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:34:32 +0000

Jeff,

I tried to upgrade the back cover RAM, but the card I have is a tiny bit too big. When I put the original RAM back in, I went to start the laprop up and nothing is happening. No lights, no beeps, nothing. Tried taking RAM out and starting, nothing.

Any ideas?

Make sure the old memory module is connected correctly and seated all the way down into the slot. Try reconnecting the memory module.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:31:28 +0000

Great instructions, thanks. I tried to upgrade the back cover RAM, but the card I have is a tiny bit too big. When I put the original RAM back in, I went to start the laprop up and nothing is happening. No lights, no beeps, nothing. Tried taking RAM out and starting, nothing.

Any ideas?

Thanks

By: Erik

Erik — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:20:19 +0000

Hi Laptop Tech, thanks for the great tutorial! Excellent step by step instructions!

I have a T40, model 2373 with 512MB RAM installed under the keyboard. I have purchased 2 x 1GB DDR333 SO-DIMM PC2700. I have replace the 512MB with a 1GB and also installed the other 1GB from the bottom of the laptop. When trying to start the laptop the screen is only black and the laptop does not boot.

I have tried to swich the 1GB’s with same result. I have also checked each 1GB’s individually and both are working properly. When I replace one of th 1GB’s with the old 512MB it works fine. I was under the impression that I could install 2 x 1GB on my T40…?

Any idea what could be wrong?!

Thanks,
Erik

By: Laptop Tech

Laptop Tech — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:20:00 +0000

franky,

I have IBM T40 and it’s always hanging and to hard for startup too.. I’ve already replaced the hard disk and the memory but always same problem. I assumed that it’s motherboard problem. I need somebody to help me to teach me how to remove the motherboard

Here's the link for IBM/Lenovo hardware maintenance manuals. Download HMM for your laptop. You'll find instructions for replacing the motherboard in there.

By: franky

franky — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:31:11 +0000

Hi… All,
I have IBM T40 and it’s always hanging and to hard for startup too.. I’ve already replaced the hard disk and the memory but always same problem. I assumed that it’s motherboard problem.
I need somebody to help me to teach me how to remove the motherboard with another one…

hopefully, somebody can answer and help me..

Thanks,
Franky

By: Laptop Tech

Laptop Tech — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:51:12 +0000

Tom,

I have a IBM T42. has a total of 768MB mem. I picked up 2X1GB mem, installed it properly and the machine locks up while XP is loading usually right after the “welcome” comes on the screen. The bio is showing 2gb installed. Any idea why it is locking. My bios is the up to date.

Not sure what’s going on. I guess one of the new memory modules could be defective. Try installing new memory modules one by one in different slots. Try starting the laptop with each module installed separately. Can you start the laptop with only one 1GB module installed?

Run Memtest86+ and test both modules.

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:38:57 +0000

I have a IBM T42. has a total of 768MB mem. I picked up 2X1GB mem, installed it properly and the machine locks up while XP is loading usually right after the “welcome” comes on the screen. The bio is showing 2gb installed. Any idea why it is locking. My bios is the up to date.