T61 Stopped booting.

[newyorkpaulie]

This morning I noticed some faint herringbone pattern all over the screen so I tried a reboot.
I got the initial beeps at startup (which I had customize in grub) so I know it is reading the HDD, but the screen never shows any activity, remaining black.
Any thoughts? I saw a post here suggesting booting without any drive inserted as a test of the ram. Does this sound like something I should try? Any help here would be appreciated. Thankfully I have a backup PC!

[Added Later] - I tried removing the HDD and starting again this time holding down the blue ThinkVantage button.
After a few seconds I get 2 beeps and then zilch. Is this a sign that I have a RAM problem? I'll try taking out all but one chip, etc. and see what I get.

[kfzhu1229]

This morning I noticed some faint herringbone pattern all over the screen so I tried a reboot.
I got the initial beeps at startup (which I had customize in grub) so I know it is reading the HDD, but the screen never shows any activity, remaining black.

That in my experience is most certainly failed nvidia graphics. If you have a failed nvidia graphics chip, and your screen is one of the dual LVDS channel resolutions (WXGA+, SXGA+ and higher), this is one of the failure symptoms. While my T61 didn't fail this way, a Dell and HP laptop with nvidia graphics and at least WXGA+ resolution did.
Chances are if you connect a WXGA or XGA display, or hook up to a low res external VGA monitor, the screen will display more readable information, but corrupted text.

[newyorkpaulie]

I have another T61 that I saved for parts when I spilled something onto the keyboard. Is swapping out an Nvidia card a pain?

[axur-delmeria]

I have another T61 that I saved for parts when I spilled something onto the keyboard. Is swapping out an Nvidia card a pain?

You should grab a copy of the T61's Hardware Maintenance Manual (HMM) -- the "HMM" link is just below the website's banner on top, open it in a new tab, then search for "T61". The HMM contains the disassembly instructions, so reading it will give you an idea how much work is needed. I recommend to free up an afternoon, work at a slow, deliberate pace to reduce the chance of committing a mistake, and try not to apply excessive force. Also keep note of where each screw goes to which hole.

Do note that the T61 has three primary variants, each with their own HMM:

[*] 14.1" standard (non-widescreen)
[*] 14.1" widescreen
[*] 15.4" widescreen

Determine which variant you have, and download the appropriate HMM.

[newyorkpaulie]

Thanks for the HMM tip. Looks like the graphics chip is under the motherboard, so if I can successfully remove the motherboard from my saved-for-parts unit I might take on the whole job. Looks more than a bit daunting for me, but thanks again for your help.

[RealBlackStuff]

Check with Forum member Brad, he's on Long Island and may be able to help you.
I'm in Ireland now, bit far, otherwise I'd offer my assistance.

[newyorkpaulie]

Hello Dominic! Great to hear from you again. How's the new (3 years now?) house?
I thought about you when my graphics card quit, at least that's what "kfzhu1229" thinks, but I remembered you had gone back to Ireland. Maybe Brad can also give me advice on the T61 that I spilled coffee onto.
Take care my friend and thanks again.
Paul

[Cigarguy]

Replacing the GPU chip is not an easy thing. For the cost of a used, working, T61 it would be cheaper to buy a used. Then either swap motherboard or use the new old one.