Hi!

I got a new (damaged) X61s that won't boot, since I'm too lazy to type in all the errors I'll just add a picture:



The 2100 error is not because of the hard drive, since it's working in other Thinkpads, I noted that the SATA connector on the motherboard is very loose. Is that normal? Google says the errors that follow 2100 are due to failing USB chips or due to faulty USB connectors, (depending on the site results).

I tried deactivating the USB ports in the BIOS, but then it will just show the Thinkpad splash screen, then it will turn black, then it will return to the Thinkpad splash screen and this will be repeating until I unplug the powercord.

I guess that I can kiss this motherboard goodbye, but if Google is wrong or there is a kind of magic solution that fixes it please let me know

Thanks a lot in advance!!

I assume that loading defaults in BIOS didn't help, right...? : )

Cheers.

Correct, was one of the first things I tried... I've also used the trick to press 10 times the power button for 1 second and then press it for 30 seconds. Still the same results...

Check all your USB ports very carefully with a magnifier and bright light.
Maybe there is dirt in there, or a bent contact?
If you can, try and resolder the SATA connector.

I remember a long time ago handling a machine which didn't boot, turned out that the the ground plate of the (low quality) USB socket was bent and touched the voltage pin, or something like that.

Hope you find a solution. : )

Cheers.

I did a general visual check only. I will then check the ports more carefully and may even use my new can of compressed air
Unfortunately I can't solder, should do a crash training one of these days
When checking the mainboard yesterday it didn't look very dirty or optically damaged. But the TP came with two cracks in the palmrest, near the fingerprint sensor and one on the back, close to the vent holes. Maybe it fell down or took a hit that damaged some internal components. Luckily the screen is ok (lid is also ok, no signs of cracks or damages), modem and Wlan card seem ok as well.

Thank guys or the hints!

Short update: I've blast some compressed air in the USB connectors (although they didn't looked dirty) and checked them carefully. They don't look broken or burnt. The Thinkpad is bringing the same error message as in the first post. I think the motherboard went south

What happens if you remove the HDD and boot...?

Cheers.

The boot problems remains the same with or without HDD.