Thinkpad troubles

[yfs]

My IBM R51 TP has been acting up. Twice in last month I inserted a device into a usb hub and the computer just died. Once it came back on in sleep mode the next day. The next time it would not restart at all until I removed the battery. It seems to work fine now without the battery, (using the ac adapter).

 

The usb hub is missing the plastic slot divider and maybe there was a short. Wondering if I should spend 50 -80 bucks on a new battery or maybe it's something else.

 

Any ideas?

[shygye]

Does it die when you insert the battery?

 

Does the USB hub have its own power supply or is it using the TP USB port power?

[yfs]

I'm using the TP usb port.

 

I have not put the battery back in yet. I need a functioning computer until Tuesday. I will experiment after Tues. then and let you know.

[acockasian]

I had a similar problem with a laptop that had the plastic insert broken as well- assuming that you are talking about the little part that divides the top and bottom slot of a USB port on a laptop. Toshiba though- not a Thinkpad.

 

Bet it would not cost more than a few hundred baht to get that fixed but they have to open up the machine to do it.

 

Keep backing up EVERYTHING just in case it is something more serious.

[yfs]

The computer boots up now with the battery (in) and without the battery. The usb port is built in. With the battery inserted, I get occasional screen flashing, (ever so quickly).