[b. cripps]

I bought a used ThinkPad X270 that I have to restart several times an hour. I seems to have something to do with me moving while its on my lap. Battery in or out makes no difference. I have had the back off and wiggled the ram card and the SSD. Then everything else including the wiring to see if I could isolate the cause. I changed the operating system. All to no avail. When I shift the laptop or lift it by the open lid, it usually dies, but not all the time, and I have to hit the power key to reboot. Is there something I've missed? Anything else I can try before throwing this thing against the wall.

Bry

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I bought a used ThinkPad X270 that I have to restart several times an hour.

 

 

Was it purchased knowing that it had this problem.

 

 When I shift the laptop or lift it by the open lid, it usually dies,

 

 

Would you be happy if someone were to pick you up by your ear, I know that I wouldn't 

 

Notebooks should always be picked up from the base and especially the newer and thinner type that flex and can break heaven knows what, this includes the solder on the PCB which is quite possibly what has happened here.

[phillpower2]

I bought a used ThinkPad X270 that I have to restart several times an hour.

 

 

Was it purchased knowing that it had this problem.

 

 When I shift the laptop or lift it by the open lid, it usually dies,

 

 

Would you be happy if someone were to pick you up by your ear, I know that I wouldn't 

 

Notebooks should always be picked up from the base and especially the newer and thinner type that flex and can break heaven knows what, this includes the solder on the PCB which is quite possibly what has happened here.

[b. cripps]

 Hi PhillPower... good to hear from you again. You seem to be my main “go to guy.”

 

I bought the ThinkPad as “Refurbished” from Amazon. The problem appeared the first time I used it. I would have sent it back but because of the export duties here, it will cost more to return it than it is worth. This is the second piece of used junk I've bought as refurbished. The first ThinkPad arrived in pieces. I was able to repair that one but this latest purchase has me stumped.

Bry

[b. cripps]

The ThinkPad is built to Military Specs which seems to indicate it can stand up to being moved about. This thing dies if I take a breath, and not a deep one.

Anyway, from what you are saying, it is probably a mechanical issue rather than software related. With the back off, I wiggled every damned wire I could find. There wasn't a hiccup. But with the back replaced, the ThinkPad crashed moments after I started using it. Taking it ashore and using it on a table is better as long as I don't pull it closer, or slide it aside to set my beer down :-) I'm not sure I understand about the PCB. Is there a way I can test the soldered connections?

 

I know you stopped playing football, but are you still active in the sport?

 

Thanks for the support, Phill

Bry

[phillpower2]

Hi Bry,

 

The only pitfalls of purchasing refurbished and even worse for you with living almost off grid.

 

It does sound to me like there is a break in a soldered circuit and when the notebook gets moved it is flexing and breaking the continuity.

 

When the issue happens is there any signs of life from any of the Status indicator LEDs.

 

If you leave the notebook powered up overnight does it remain on by being undisturbed.

 

In case not already aware the bezel of the screen contains the camera, microphone and wireless cables that could be affected by you picking the computer up by the lid.

[b. cripps]

Ha... I should not have told you I lifted it by the lid! Yes, I've done it a few times, though I don't make a habit of it. But having said that, brushing the lid with my hand does seem to cause a crash. Living on a boat, I usually write propped up on cushions with my legs up and with the laptop on my stomach. I've noticed if the lid brushes against my knee, it powers off instantly. Everything shuts down with no indications coming from the LEDs. Kaput!

I don't use the camera or microphone. Wireless cables??? Is there a way of disconnecting the stuff I don't use?

I'll plug in the laptop, set it on a level surface and see if it runs overnight. The power-saver features are turned off. I'll get back to you with the results.

Again, much thanks,

Bry