[mlgrier3]

I have an IBM ThinkPad 770ED running Microsoft 2000 professional. Turned it on yesterday and can't get to any screen. I am receiving one long beep then it ask me to enter the date and time. Then I get 2 short beeps. The error codes I am getting are 00173, 00163, and 00161. I've tried to go into safe mode and had no luck getting into that either.

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If you can open the case, change the little battery that's about the size of a nckel and shiny stainless steel. Laptops are left in hot places (cars) a lot and their CMOS batteries go dead quickly. Make sure you observe the polarity and write down the part number. Radio Shack or any computer, likely camera store will have them. It's about a three dollar item. You may need to go into setup and change some settings, or change to default settings, if so post a reply if you need help.

[Tyger]

If you can open the case, change the little battery that's about the size of a nckel and shiny stainless steel. Laptops are left in hot places (cars) a lot and their CMOS batteries go dead quickly. Make sure you observe the polarity and write down the part number. Radio Shack or any computer, likely camera store will have them. It's about a three dollar item. You may need to go into setup and change some settings, or change to default settings, if so post a reply if you need help.

[mlgrier3]

Tried replacing the battery this afternoon and am still having the same problem. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[mlgrier3]

When I start the computer in the top left hand corner I get 130496 KB OK. Then that will stay on for about 2 seconds. Then it goes not quite black for a few seconds, and then totally black for 12 seconds, almost as if it is restarting itself.

[Tyger]

When I start the computer in the top left hand corner I get 130496 KB OK.  Then that will stay on for about 2 seconds. Then it goes not quite black for a few seconds, and then totally black for 12 seconds, almost as if it is restarting itself.

The 130 number is the memory being checked.

After you replaced the battery did you enter the correct date and time? It should have prompted you again. There may also be a date and time in Setup which your enter by pressing the correct key at boot up. It will usually tell you which one, but esc, F1 and F2 are common ones.