Finally a new Intel Turbo driver for the T61 concerning BSOD

Has anyone reinstalled a fresh copy of Vista and are still having the crashes?

 

yeah I installed a fresh one and had bsod.

I had the 100gb 7200 hd too.....

I did notice that vista thinks its an hybrid hard.

 

I would just like to chime in and say I'm also having these problems and don't really have any advice. It seems completely random to me. I was in class on Monday night and it locked up every 15-20 minutes, but then I was in class Tuesday and it never locked up (on battery both times).

I really am not sure what is going on, but I use battery almost exclusively, so I'll post back here tonight after my class to give feedback on whether or not the driver update did anything...

Also, I presume other people are having the problem where one thing stops responding... then another... and then all of them stop responding and the only way it can be turned off is by the power button? I'm not having BSODs as much as I am having these 'lockup' problems.

 

a10waveracer, I'm having those exact problems. I have yet to have any BSOD's but I'm having these lockups all the time when on battery power. We should all call and complain. Make sure you tell them you did a search on the interent and found that this is a widespread problem. I'm not convinced that this will be cured by turning off the turbo memory. I just turned it off for the first time so we'll have to give it a few days to see if it cures the lockups.

They wanted me to send in my laptop. I told them that this is somekind of driver problem or somehting wrong with the version of vista they're copying onto these systems and that after waiting for two months to get my computer I don't want to send it in after a week.

This is some of the worst customer support I've ever received. Dell blew these guys out of the water. Dell would help you with whatever problem you had and would call back themselved if they wanted you to run a test that took a long time. Lenovo just tells you to call back so you end up talking with someone else and explaining to them your whole problem again. My experience from the start with lenovo has been just about the worst with any larger company I've ever had. They are headed towards being worse than HP and dell, if they aren't already.

 

The bad news is I'm having the same problem. The good news is now I know it's not unique to this machine. I can confirm the instances have been when on battery power. In my case both times it happened I was using a Remote Desktop Connection (Terminal Services) window and thought that might be related. Perhaps not, based on what others are reporting.

The closest I've seen to this before was several years ago with a new Toshiba Tecra 8000 that would freeze. The issue there was the video driver. An updated driver solved the problem. I have the dedicated video on this machine. Is that the same for the others with the problem?

 

I don't believe the video driver is having much to do with it. I have the Intel Integrated. I think the common link between everyone having these problems is the Turbo Memory. I have 2 friends who bought almost identical machines, and only the one with Turbo Memory is having this problem.

 

Good confirmation on the source of the problem.

 

It seems we are all having identical problems. It seems to have little to do with the hardware (other than perhaps turbo memory).

Here are parts suggested as the problem:

Seagate 7200 rpm drive: not me, I have the 5400 rpm 80GB

dedicated video: not me, I have the integrated X3100

remote terminal software: not me, never used that

memory modules: I have the same problems with 1GB or 2GB, whether it's the one that came with the computer, or the one I purchased aftermarket, or both at the same time

battery power: This seems to be a key element, I have the 7-cell but there have been reports of the same problems with the 6-cell

turbo memory: I get crashes either way, but can go for a few hours with turbo memory disabled, while only 15 minutes or less with it enabled. This is a factor, but it's not the only problem.

Vista/drivers: I don't think I've seen reports of similar problems with XP. Anyone? I think Vista is definitely a factor.

So, I believe it comes down to the battery, the turbo memory or a poor installation of Vista/drivers, or some combination of the 3. I have a call into Tony, the executive relations person they assigned to me when my order was delayed for 6 weeks. He hasn't called me back yet.

Lenovo tech support's solution was to have me return the computer; of course I'd lose the compensation they promised for making me wait 6 weeks to get my computer ($50 discount & battery). They promised to email a return label immediately when I spoke with them on Monday, but I haven't received anything yet. I told them I'd be willing to try a replacement, configured exactly the same way except no turbo memory and XP instead of Vista Business, but they told me they would have to wait for the system to come back and put in a new order. It takes about 10 days for them to check out a computer and issue a refund once its returned, at which point I'd have to wait another 3-4 weeks for a new T61 to be built and sent to me. I don't have that kind of time, I need a working computer in the next 2-3 weeks.

When (if) Tony calls me back, I will demand that they send out a working replacement computer right away, or take back this computer and issue a refund right away so I can purchase another computer. If I do return it, I'll demand the compensation originally promised (my $50 and the value of the battery they promised). Alternatively, I would accept a new battery (in addition to the extra one they promised), a copy of XP Pro I can install myself and a guide for how to bust open my computer and rip out the turbo memory (it's on a PCI card right?) The last option requires the most work on my part, but might be the only choice given my time frame of 2-3 weeks (that would be 3 months total since ordering it).

BTW, I posted extensively on the Lenovo Blog about delayed shipments under the name Rudy. My dealings with Lenovo have been a nightmare from the start - absolutely worse anyone could have possibly imagined.

 

This has been one major disaster from the beginning for me as well. If turning off the turbo memory solves the problem for me I'd be more than satisfied, but I just don't think the problem is that simple.

 

It does make me feel better to know that my lockups are not unique to me. Exact same problem here and still no solution. I really like the computer other than this one problem.

 

when I turned off the turbo memory.... I stopped getting bsod.....

but... I retured the laptop like 2 days after so no long term eval.

 

In the Intel Turbo Memory Console both the ReadyBoost and ReadyDrive options are checked. ReadyDrive is for the hybrid drives. We don't have hybrid drives. Has there been any success in just unchecking that option (in case the system is trying to use non-existent memory)?

 

ReadyDrive is for hybrid drives, but it also works for the Turbo Memory. It turns out that the Turbo Memory was sort of built as a way around having to get the special hybrid drives -- it works the same way, afaik.

 

it should do both..... according to intel.



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I just got off the phone with Tony at Lenovo (senior customer service rep). He ran the problem my their senior techs, and reported back that they were unaware of this problem. I'm forwarding him the links to this and other related thread. It's really terrible that so many people are having the exact same problem, so many have talked to tech & customer service reps, the problem has not made it up the chain to anyone that can do something about it.

Unfortunately, since they aren't even aware of the issue, they weren't able to offer a solution. Even worse, I'm out of time. It's closing in on two months since I originally placed my order, and I need a stable working computer in the next 2-3 weeks. My computer is going back today, and I'm not sure whether I can take a chance with another T61, or even another Lenovo for that matter. The sad thing is, like others here, I really like the computer...except for this one issue. For my current needs, stability and reliability are the most important things, and I just don't have confidence in this generation of Thinkpads. Maybe I'll go with an X60 or T60.

 

Did anyone notice that Lenovo pulled the driver at the top of this thread? Originally, one of the "fixes" included:

Summary of changes
Version 1.0.1.1004-7.0.3.1001
(Fix) Intermittent blue screen system failure while the machine is carried.

Of course, this fix didn't work. I'm also pretty sure that they didn't want a driver that specifically states it is intended to fix blue screen issues. The driver version (which happens to be loaded on my computer) no longer seems to be available. I'm not sure what to make of this. Do they now realize there is a problem? Does it mean there will be a real fix coming soon? Dang it.

 

Perhaps everyone should post specs who use turbo mem and see who has crashes and who doesnt? To narrow down hardware issues

 

Well, I officially jumped off the Lenovo T61 wagon today. It's sad really. Like the rest of you, I thought the T61 was a winner after doing extensive research. Safe to say that we all purchased the thing because we were impressed.

But, as others have pointed out, there is absolutely no reason why a brand new computer should have these types of problems - especially one where the main selling point is durability and reliability. I like how the T61 looks, but let's face it, nobody buys thinkpads for the looks; thinkpads are purchased because they are reliable business machines, just not in this case.

So, I've already put in my order for a Sony SZ480. Pretty nice set-up with the carbon fiber casing. Definitely a looker. I guess I'll find out down the road whether I'll pay a price in durability or reliability. Honestly, it couldn't possibly be any worse than myT61. As a refreshing change from the 6 weeks I waited to receive my T61, this Sony is expected to ship within the week.

I'm a bit melancholy I guess. If Lenovo could have lived up to their reputation for reliability, the T61 was the perfect computer for my needs; I was really excited. The Sony is a compromise for me. I'll get great looks, which just aren't that important to me right now, and I'll give up some durability which is really important. Still, I'd trade all that for a computer that doesn't freeze up and crash constantly.

Good luck everyone. I hope that Lenovo finds a solution to this problem right away. Those of us that purchased the T61 soon after release have really be made to suffer.

 

The new driver did nothing. 20 minutes into class and I crash. I'm going to disable it and see what happens.

 

It just crashed while I was typing a reply to this topic.

I only had 4 characters typed : freeze, death

So I just disabled it. New driver didn't work apparently.

My specs:

T7300
2*1 GB RAM (One from Lenovo and one Kingston added myself)
120 GB 5400 rpm (no, it's not only the 7200 rpm T61's)
Quadro NVS 140m
Vista Business.
Turbo Memory (Should be called "'Freeze it!'-Memory")

It's a shame they still haven't fixed this. It looks just as bad as the patch history of BF2....

And indeed, it's only when on battery. It ran fine since I installed that driver 24 hours ago. I used it untill the battery was empty.
Tomorrow I did put it on my desk, put in the AC Adapter, started BF2, did alt-tab, closed the lid (only screen off) and went off to school. It ran fine this night, I did BF2 on my desktop and did put my laptop in the other team in the same server and used it as a UAV. No problem at all, the T61 was running without problems.

I went to bed, detached the powersupply and did put it on the floor next to my bed. I washed my tooth, got up into bed, opened the lid, and it was frozen.....

 

I woke up this morning, t61 froze within 20 minutes while on battery power. I called up lenovo they ran me through pc doctor which obviously found no hardware failures. While all this was going on my battery charged to 100%. I decided to turn off the turbo memory and see what would happen. I used up the battery till it reached 5% and shut itself off. I would move it and try to reproduce the situations in which it had frozen in the past. Not one lockup or freeze *knock on wood.* Hopefully this works because I'm about fed up with this and if I'm still dealing with these problems next week I will send this back and buy the dell xps1330. I would make sure they don't charge me any restocking fee either.

 

Quick followup: After disabling the Turbo Memory while in the middle of class (and performing a quick reboot) I've had 100% uptime since then (a bit over 2 hours and 30 minutes).

 

Ever since i installed this, my comps gotten worse... :'(... Wont even let me start windows... BSOD's rite after restart....

 

I dropped off my T61 with UPS to return it to Lenovo today...and tonight I got an email letting me know that my free gift is now on its way to me! Yippee! I have a mind to tell Lenovo where they can stick their free battery. I guess if they send it out to me it will be on Ebay shortly.

 

How does the return policy work? How long do you have to not be charged?

 

Has anyone tried this experiment as yet: Disable the internal TurboCache, then use a ReadyBoost capable USB flash drive as cache. Does the computer behave the same way? If not, then we have another pointer to something odd in the internal TurboCache card or its drivers.

One problem is the seeming randomness of the freeze ups. I have been running a T61 now yesterday and today for many hours (no, not all on one charge -- though after several charge/discharge cyles I am now getting 3+ hours of battery life) and no freezing.

 

I'm not sure how long you have, but the first thing you need to do is go through tech support and get a case number. In my case, tech support concluded that they didn't know what the problem was and couldn't fix it. They then told me to call sales to arrange for an exchange or return.

I believe the key statement from the sales person was "as long as you have a case number, there is no restocking fee."

So, I actually don't know how long you have, but first you need to convince them that the problem cannot be fixed.

 

My computer has yet to crash since I disable the turbo memory yesterday morning. Something that is weird though is that I disable my turbo memory through the start menu. When I go to msconfig and check the services running, I see readyboost checked. When I check the startup programs in msconfig I still see the intel flash cache logic chip as checked. Are these both associated with the intel turbo memory? If they are, why are they still showing up when I supposedly disable them?

 

hmm cause I am guessing that is what the guy gave me then right after he arranged a new battery for me. I guess I should find that huh Cause I am thinking if this does not work I am just going to go back to apple. Although I am very curious if the battery is the issue.

 

I still have yet to have 1 crash or BSOD with my Turbo Memory running and Im using the original driver (Knock on Wood!) I also did a clean install of Windows Ultimate 32bit the second I got my T61.

 

I just got off the phone with lenovo and have decided to return my T61, get a refund and then choose another computer, probably a dell inspiron 1520 or a 1420. Keep in mind this is in Canada and procedures might chance in the US or elsewhere but people might find this info useful:

You have about 20 days to get a replacement through the service/technical support side of things but they can only send you back another computer and it has to be the same model and everything. I got angry at the guy as he told me I just needed to send it in for a motherboard replacement (and this is after the memory replacement, multiple reformats, and the hard drive replacement). He said that the only way I could get a refund would be through talking to the sales office. I called the sales office and they said that they allow a 30 day return policy. I happened to call them on day 30 since I got my laptop (lucky day to give up on it I guess?). The sales guy was really helpful and useful and they are going to provide a full refund so that I can get another computer later. One thing I found really useful was to have a list of the previous case numbers from tech support if you have been through them before.

So in short, have your case numbers and just start jumping through the hoops if you can't take the T61 anymore.

 

Lenovo has a big problem, there's a total disconnect between the support (ibm) and the sales (lenovo)

Frankly it seems like support doesn't give a shixx and the sales doesn't either.

If i find a good deal on a 1520 i will probably get that instead.



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I noticed someone said this isn't related to the active disk protection but has anyone tried disabling it to see if it stops the BSOD's?

 

Aren't you guys too fast to switch notebook computers, Lenovo has pulled out the driver basically to find a solution ASAP. The T61 works perfectly with XP (obviously without the Turbo memory). In the worst scenario, if the problem is hardware related, the unit is warrantied, I will give Lenovo a chance and I will stick with my T61.


Regards
Neil

 

A good warranty is fine, but what I really need is a problem free computer. Seriously, my cheap POS Acer has never had a single blue screen - in fact the few times it has locked up have clearly been software related (Madden locks up sometimes). Actually, I don't know of another computer line that actually still gets BSODs.

So the fact that Lenovo is wiling to fix the computer is fine, but the fact that all these new computers have so many problems is ridiculous. Let's be clear on this, ONE BSOD is too many. The fact that so many computers exhibit identical issues means, to me at least, that Lenovo released the computer before it was fully tested. I can't afford to waste time beta-testing a system for Lenovo the next two years.

Reliability is my key concern for the next two years. I'd love a computer that's fast, good looking and light, but I can deal with a computer that is slow, ugly and a little heavy. I cannot deal with a computer that is freezes all the time, forces me to lose work, corrupts my operating system necessitating a complete reinstall (yes this happened to me) or has a bunch of unknown reliability issues. I bought a thinkpad because I thought it would be the most reliable - that was a huge letdown.

 

I hope you guys are calling and insisting to talk to an upper level tech support person. You should all be calling them everyday until the problem is taken seriously and fixed. Are they even admitting there is a problem? It seems like most people report that they are unaware a problem even exists.

 

Yeah, with unlimited phonecalls for a fixed price only...

Got an BSOD with Turbo Memory fully disabled this moring. I picked it up while it had a black screen (startup?), So I touched the trackpoint, *poef* > BSOD.

:s

If it gives me one more BSOD / freeze I im gonna trash the APS software.

 

I just got off the phone with them and he said "this is the first call I have had about this kind of problem". I told them about all the issues on the forums that are exactly like mine and he said "and what's the solution?", I said "we're waiting on you to give us one".

He then said "all you can do is send it into the depot".

 

pretty lame that they act clueless. this is the exact type of concern i had when moving from dell service to lenovo. maybe you can only get help when you b!tch on their Lenovo blogs

 

That's just what I thought. You guys need to make a pest of yourselves. I'd join in but I don't have mine yet.

 

the lenovo page with the driver is giving me some strange error, is there anywhere else I can get the Lenovo updated driver?

 

apparently there was a problem with the driver and it was pulled. If you need a turbo memory driver go to intel.com it's there turbo memory and driver anyway.

 

i guess that explains why the t61 driver page lists no driver for turbo memory

 

Me and a large number of other X61 (tablet) users are having the exact same problems you guys are having with the T61.

You can see the thread here:
http://forum.tabletpcreview.com/showthread.php?t=8359

I am going to disable turbo memory and see what happens . . . I should not have these problems on a 2200$ machine.

 

And lenovo haven't heard about this problem ? i find it hard to believe. lies lies lies.

Frankly you shouldn't get BSOD on a $300 machine. how much it cost should only affect quality, longevity, durability, size, weight etc.. of the laptop.


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I have been having similar problems with my X61 Tablet. I haven't gotten any BSOD, but my laptop will lockup and freeze when running on battery and the only way to get out would be to hold the power button and completely shut off the machine. I have sent it back to Lenovo for repairs, but no word yet.

 

I disabled the ReadyBoost and ReadyDrive features in the Turbo Memory console and I was actually able to boot up my machine on battery. I'll see what happens in the long term.

Good to see you over here Dolvich.

 

For those who are having problems, did you do a CLEAN install (not a factory/recovery install)? I realize you shouldn't have to do this to get it working properly, but it seems to be working for a lot of people.

 

Unfortunately, Lenovo doesn't make it easy to do a clean install. The X61t doesn't come with an optical drive or install discs.

 

You don't need "install disks", but you do need an optical drive. An external will do just fine.

All you need is the "anytime upgrade" DVD to do a clean install. Lenovo should have sent you one. If they didn't call and request it. If you still don't have any luck you can buy one from compusa.com for $5 (use coupon code shipitfree for free shipping).

Then follow this guide to a "T" :

This guy (orev)... http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228 ...wrote the best guide for a clean install. He wrote it for the HP thread, but it works for every brand. The only thing is when you are done you will need to install the drivers from here and in this order:

Chipset Driver - http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Prod...=2529&lang=eng

Intel® Matrix Storage Manager - http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Product_Filter.aspx?ProductID=2101

Intel Wifi Driver -
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Prod...=2753&lang=eng

Turbo Memory -
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Prod...=2813&lang=eng

Video Driver and ThinkVantage System Update and Bluetooth and Fingerprint Reader (ALL found here)-
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/s...wnloadsDriversLandingPage.vm&sitestyle=lenovo

I would install these drivers in that order. Especially the chipset driver should be installed first and ASAP.

You will want to download these drivers before the clean install and put them on a disk or USB drive so they are available to install as soon as possible.

I would also try to find a way to get rid of that hidden partition I've been reading about from Johnny_1987. I don't really know about that though.