ThinkPad keeps crashing

[xerxes]

I have an IBM 600E (yes, it's old). It's now crashing five or six times a day.

Usually, the screen freezes, and I often notice a flicker across it just as it stops.

At other times it begins to reboot, but doesn't get beyond the memory check, when it stops.

I'm wondering if it could be a fault in the video output, or perhaps a RAM fault.

Any ideas? Are there some simple things I can try, such as reseating components?

 

[Softus]

Things to try:

1. Cleaning out all fluff from fan vents and heat sinks.
2. Reseating RAM.
3. Testing RAM.
4. Renewing thermal paste between CPU and heat sink.

 

[2scoops0406]

Things to try:

1. Cleaning out all fluff from fan vents and heat sinks.
2. Reseating RAM.
3. Testing RAM.
4. Renewing thermal paste between CPU and heat sink.

If that fails, buy a new laptop, practically giving 'em away these days.

 

[xerxes]

Thanks for these points; I'll try the practical steps; not sure I've seen anyone actually giving them away, though.