[SOLVED] Mint will not Boot today, did yesterday on a old Thinkpad A21m.

lupgaru · 03-21-2012, 02:56 PM

I have Linux Mint 9 on an Old A21m Thinkpad that I use as a back up. Worked fine yesterday but tried to Boot today and nothing. BIOS works fine and then it goes to just a flashing - in upper left corner. Switch hard drive to another Thinkpad and it worked fine ( I have several ). If its not the BIOS, Hard Drive or Memory ( did a test with a Live CD ) would it be the CPU? If so is there a way to test it? Doesn't seem to be a problem with Mint.
Thanks for any help anyone can provide!
( I'm not new to Linux, just not a Pro. )

frankbell · 03-21-2012, 09:48 PM

It certainly sounds like hardware. It could be the CPU or some other component on the motherboard. You might try booting to a Live CD.

If it boots, it might be something like the hard drive controller or the connectors. I would not be optimistic, but it's worth a shot.

cgtueno · 03-27-2012, 10:03 AM

Hi
I recommend that you jump over to www.lenovo.com ;
under "Support" select your model and download
the "Hardware maintenance manual" (06p8883.pdf);
page 27 and following details the procedures for
running the BIOS based tests for each of the system
components.

This would be the most logical place to start.

Chris

lupgaru · 03-28-2012, 01:33 AM

I would like to thank everyone for the help. After many trials and errors I discovered that due to the overheating and even after putting in a new fan, the CPU had given up. I'm looking at the manual now and also looking for a replacement, I think I can find one at a low cost due to the units age.
Thanks Again!

frankbell · 03-28-2012, 09:25 PM

Actually, this is good news. The first step to fixing a problem is identifying the cause.