Note: Intermittent problems including system lock-ups and hangs cannot be consistently repeated and are therefore some of the most difficult problems to diagnose. Solving intermittent problems requires a patient systematic process of elimination approach to troubleshooting. These intermittent problems can be caused by hardware or software so it is very important to note any newly added options applications or updates.

Some of these steps may not apply to your computer. Test the system after performing each step.

1. Use the following automated solution to attempt to fix your problem automatically (learn more about automated solutions):
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Diagnose and fix intermittent issues lockups and hangs

   
   
   
   
2. Test the system for errors
   
   
   
   
   
   1. Run the test in Easy Setup for ThinkPad 600 600E770 770E/ED 770X and 770Z systems.
      
      
      
      
      
      1. Press and hold the F1 key then turn on the computer. Hold the F1 key until the Easy-Setup menu appears. If a password prompt appears type the correct password.
         
         
      2. Select Test.
         
         
      3. Click the Loop test symbol to run the standard tests on all hardware. The results will be displayed as blue OK or red error codes.
      
      
      
   2. Run the PC Doctor diagnostics for all other current ThinkPad systems. PC Doctor for DOS is available by pressing the F11 key or the Access IBM button during startup to access the predesktop menu area. If these methods are not available for your system then PC Doctor for DOS may be downloaded. This DOS version requires two or more floppy diskettes depending on the ThinkPad system.
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      

      Go to download page for PC Doctor

   
   
   
   
3. Remove and reseat all hardware (power supply battery cables adapters memory etc.).
   Note: Remove all of the hardware from the system first and then wait for 30 seconds before reconnecting any of the hardware.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   1. Disconnect the AC adapter.
      
      
   2. Remove the battery pack.
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      

      Go to removal and installation instructions for the battery pack

      
      
      
   3. Remove the system memory.
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      

      Go to removal and installation instructions for the memory

      
      
      
   4. Remove the Mini PCI and Communications Daughter Cards that are customer replaceable. Click here to view general instructions for properly removing and installing Mini PCI cards in your ThinkPad system.
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      

      Go to hardware removal and installation instructions

      
      
      
   5. Remove the system hard drive.
      Notes:
      
      
      
      
      
      • Although the hard drive can be upgraded it is not designed to be removed and reinserted on a regular basis. Repeated and frequent removal for purposes other than to upgrade for greater capacity or problem determination can cause damage to the system. The Ultrabay 2000 hard drive adapter is designed to provide this flexibility with a second hard drive in the Ultrabay 2000.
        
        
      • Shut down remove the power cord and remove the battery from the ThinkPad system before removing the hard drive.
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        

        Go to removal and installation instructions for the hard drive

      
      
      
   6. Remove any other external hardware.
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      

      Go to removal and installation instructions for customer removable unit (CRU) parts

      
      
   
   
   
4. Remove unnecessary hardware devices for testing purposes.
   Remove hardware (and associated drivers) that is not required for normal system operation. This includes added memory.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Go to removal and installation instructions for the memory

   
   
   
   
5. If you suspect a particular hardware device is causing the problem swap the suspect device with an identical known good device if available.
   
   
   
   
6. Remove all surge protectors cable extensions switch boxes etc. and use direct connections to power and phone lines.
   
   
   
   
7. Verify that the latest BIOS for the ThinkPad system has been installed.
    
   Click here to compare your ThinkPad system BIOS level with the latest BIOS files for all ThinkPad systems.
   
   
   
   
8. Install the latest Software and device drivers for the ThinkPad system devices.
   
   
   
   
9. Install the latest firmware updates for the ThinkPad system and options.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Go to hard drive firmware updates

   
   
   
   
10. Apply critical Microsoft Windows updates and patches.
    Visit the Microsoft Web site: https://www.microsoft.com.
    
    
    
    
11. Scan all the files on the system with AntiVirus software using the vendor's latest virus definitions.
    
    
    
    
12. Scan the system for spyware using the anti-spyware software's latest definitions. Perform a Web search for spyware software for more information.
    
    
    
    
13. Record all error messages including memory addresses reported when the problem occurs.
    The exact text is required. Investigate possible causes of the error messages by searching at the Microsoft Knowledge Base Web site (https://support.microsoft.com/) by searching the support Web sites of any suspect hardware or software or by checking the Hints and tips on the Support & downloads Web site by clicking the following link.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    Go to error message related tips

    
    
    
    
14. For all non-ThinkAccessories hardware install the latest firmware device drivers and software updates from the vendors' Web sites.
    
    
    
    
15. Ensure the machine meets the hardware and operating system requirements of all installed software and hardware.
    
    
    
    
16. Monitor your system's memory use.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    Get the memory monitor

    
    
    
    
17. If these steps have not solved your problem:
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    Browse for other Lock-up/hang tips for your system

    Or refer to "Need more help?"